FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7 OCTOBER 2024

TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF WABANAKI PEOPLES/FREDERICTON, N.B.— Four prominent nature organizations in New Brunswick—the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - New Brunswick Chapter, Conservation Council of New Brunswick, Nature NB, and Nature Trust of New Brunswick—sent a survey to party leaders to learn more about their plans to champion conservation efforts if elected. To date, three of the party leaders have responded: David Coon (Green Party of New Brunswick), Susan Holt (New Brunswick Liberal Association), and Alex White (New Brunswick New Democratic Party). 

“Failing to act on nature protection and climate change is like burning the candle from both ends,” said Stephanie Merrill, CEO of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick. "We are getting hit by more intense storms like severe rainfall and floods, hurricane and tropical winds, record-breaking heat waves, and at the same time, we’re seeing a decline in the quality of our natural environment to protect us from these increasing threats." 

"We need reform on how we manage our public lands, forests and coasts, and we need political leaders to make this a priority—not just for the environment, but for a healthier and more affordable life in this province."

In the survey, party leaders were asked if they would match the federal commitment to protect 30 percent of lands and oceans by 2030, if they would modernize the Crown Lands and Forests Act and other outdated environmental legislation, and if they support the creation of new Indigenous-led protected and conserved areas. See answers to the survey to date here

“We know that voters have a lot of concerns going into this election,” said Vanessa Roy-McDougall, Executive Director of Nature NB. “There’s room for nature, too, because without a healthy and climate-resilient environment in New Brunswick, our health, economy, and cost of living all suffer. We hope that voters will remind candidates of just that, and that party leaders keep nature as a priority.” 

“Voting for nature has a positive effect on the other issues that are troubling voters,” said Roberta Clowater, Executive Director of Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - NB Chapter. “Increasing protections for land and oceans in New Brunswick is good for everyone. New tourism and recreation opportunities can boost economic activity, nature-based solutions can help us become more resilient in the face of extreme weather caused by climate change, and increased green space allows people to improve their mental and physical health.” 

New Brunswickers head to the polls on October 21, 2024 to elect New Brunswick’s 61st Legislative Assembly. Until that time, these four nature organizations continue to encourage voters, candidates, and party leaders to vote for nature. More information can be found on the websites of each of the organizations, as well as a pledge that citizens and candidates can take and distribute.  

Media contacts 

Roberta Clowater, Executive Director 

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - New Brunswick Chapter 

rclowater@cpaws.org  

Beverly Gingras, Executive Director 

Conservation Council of New Brunswick 

beverly.gingras@conservationcouncil.ca  

Vanessa Roy-McDougall, Executive Director 

Nature NB 

executive.director@naturenb.ca  

Stephanie Merrill, Executive Director 

Nature Trust of New Brunswick 

stephanie.merrill@ntnb.org