DAN ALBAS -- From your own views on the environment -- and climate change -- what are your top concerns?
This week
the new Official Opposition leader, the Honourable Erin O’Toole, announced his
appointments to serve as his shadow cabinet critics ...
I have been honoured to be named as the Shadow Minister for Environment &
Climate Change.
This new role is of great interest to me as it relates well to our region in
Central Okanagan - Similkameen - Nicola. As we all know, living in the Okanagan
region over the past decade, we have all witnessed firsthand the devastating
impacts of flooding as our climate changes.
The “once in 200 year” flood has come and gone twice in recent years. It is not
uncommon to see temperature records being broken on any given day. The added
heat and tinder dry forests can create wildfires of a size and scope rarely
before seen.
These conditions, as we are again experiencing this week, can become so severe
that air quality is seriously compromised.
However we also have other important challenges to be aware of. We know that in
many regions of Canada there are vulnerable species are at risk. Here in BC,
the Mountain Caribou is a prime example of this.
We are also very aware of the ongoing threat of aquatic invasive species to our
freshwater lakes, particularly here in the Okanagan, remains a serious problem,
from freshwater Zebra and Quagga mussels.
All of these challenges require federal leadership as well as partnerships with
provincial and local governments including First Nation communities.
I am looking forward to working with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change,
the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, who is also from British Columbia.
My intent is to focus more on areas where we can agree, and to spend less time
debating areas of disagreement.
I believe that Canadians expect us to get to work to produce results. All to
often results in this area get lost in endless debate and lofty promises.
I look forward to this new challenge and working with our great team of
talented and hardworking MP's in Ottawa.
My question this week:
“From your own views on the environment and climate change, what are
your top concerns?”
I can be reached at:
Email: Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca
Toll Free: 1 (800) 665-8711
Okanagan floods of recent years have been caused, at least partly, by the sacrifice of natural streams and wetlands in favour of suburban development.
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