Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA) Update - Individuals and Groups Mobilizing Across the Country PDF Print E-mail
Monday, 23 February 2009 15:28

Earthroots has been following the Federal government’s steps to make revisions to the 100+ year old Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA).  The Federal government has attempted to slide these changes into its budget without public consultation or bringing the proposed revisions to table in parliament.  This is an unprecedented move that has made allies out of former foes and has roused the concern of many, including environmentalists, recreational paddlers, northern communities, and anglers across the country.

“It’s absolutely unacceptable to propose such broad changes without consulting with the public,” says Earthroots campaigner Carly Armstrong.  “The changes could take away an important part of our cultural heritage; our navigation rights on waterways across the country,” Armstrong adds.  The changes also seek to sidestep essential regulative processes that safeguard the environment and ensure that development on waterways across the country do not inhibit the ability for fisheries productivity, public participation regarding development in their communities, or other environmental concerns.

Earthroots corresponded with members of Parliament last fall who assured us that there would be no changes without broad public consultation first.  Recent moves on behalf of the Federal government paint a drastically different picture.  “The behaviour of the Federal government is undemocratic and will provide little long-term benefit for Canadians,” Armstrong explains.

A meeting scheduled for this evening (Monday, February 23rd) will allow a small number of stakeholders to voice their opposition to the changes.  The Sierra Club of Canada has a page on their website for people to write letters to their members of Parliament – we strongly urge concerned members of the public to help protect their rights and ensure that the NWPA is tabled in a democratic fashion.

Please take some time today and speak out! Click here to send your letter and ensure that your voice is heard.

For more information please visit: www.ispeakforcanadianrivers.ca