Liberals must put people first in the fight against climate change

Instead of Liberals working for the interest of rich CEOs, Canadians need support from their government in the fight against the climate crisis that endangers their lives and communities

THOMPSON — Today, NDP MP Niki Ashton (Churchill–Keewatinook Aski) introduced a private member’s bill that will put public interest ahead of the profits of the ultra-rich by allowing Canada to leverage public investment and public ownership in the fight against climate change. If passed, the bill would change the mandate of the Canada Infrastructure Bank by making the fight against the climate crisis its priority. The bank’s mandate would be to deliver support and resources to help the most marginalized communities hardest hit by the impacts of climate change, such as Indigenous and Northern communities, instead of putting more money in the pockets of rich CEOs.

“While the Liberals drag their feet, Canadians have to endure the deadly and catastrophic impacts of the climate emergency. We also know that Indigenous and Northern communities are some of the hardest hit by the effects of climate change and this Liberal government has been leaving them to fend for themselves,” said Ashton. “This bill will ensure that the federal government provides communities at the forefront of the fight against climate change the tools they need to face this crisis. I invite all parliamentarians who value the right of Canadians to live in a healthy and clean environment to support this bill.”

Specifically, this bill removes the part of the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s mandate that allows it to seek out private investment in the interest of rich CEOs and encourages the federal government to fund public projects that foster climate change mitigation and adaptation. Furthermore, the bill will ensure Indigenous and Northern communities participate on the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s Board while requiring greater transparency by the provision of regular reports on how it is fulfilling this mandate.

“Over the course of last year, people across the country struggled with record heat waves, droughts, flooding and other extreme weather conditions. Lives have been lost, homes have been destroyed, and livelihoods endangered by the climate emergency,” said Ashton. “The fight against climate change requires many tools including the use of public ownership and investment in support of communities that are already hurting. This is an opportunity to tackle climate change while investing in the health and well-being of our communities across the country.”

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Quote from Validator:

Bea Bruske - President of the Canadian Labour Congress: "Canada's Infrastructure Bank, in it's current form, is not doing the job it promised. It’s been used to privatize infrastructure through private-public partnerships that do not work for workers or communities. The Bank should focus on eliminating private, for-profit investment and focus on climate mitigation. As CLC President, I welcome MP Ashton's efforts to push public ownership in the fight against climate change and in support of communities that are already paying the price."