Action Alerts
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FEBRUARY 10th, 2021 - A group of food-focused nonprofit organizations and networks from across Atlantic Canada has developed a shared vision of how our region’s recovery from COVID-19 could strengthen our food systems.
The vision statement is built around ten priorities that address both our region’s pervasive challenge with household food insecurity and the many opportunities for food systems to play a leading role in economic development, community development, and reconciliation. The full statement and the current list of signatories is now available at www.atlanticfoodvision.ca
This vision statement grew from a series of online conversations between food organizations in the region, facilitated by Inspiring Communities’ “WeavEast” initiative. Through these conversations, it became clear that there are many shared priorities across Atlantic Canada.
“We see a huge potential for our food systems to emerge stronger on the other side of the pandemic,” says Joshua Smee, CEO of Food First NL, a provincial nonprofit organization working on food security issues in Newfoundland and Labrador. “The past year has shown us how quickly change can happen, and we hope to see that flexibility continue.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic showed us that actions to build food sovereignty are within our reach”, says Ann Wheatley of Cooper Institute in Prince Edward Island. “Over the past year, we have seen clearly the benefits of localized supply chains as smaller-scale producers found new ways to get food to people. As governments reacted quickly to compensate people who suddenly lost their jobs, they demonstrated both the benefit and feasibility of providing a Basic Income Guarantee. This Food Vision for Atlantic Canada provides a framework for a food system that puts the wellbeing of people and the environment ahead of corporate profits.”
“COVID-19 has exposed the fragility of the globalized food system like never before”, says Justin Cantafio, Executive Director of Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia, a non-profit cooperative of over 35 farmers’ markets. “We have a massive opportunity to build vibrant local economies and promote economic recirculation throughout Atlantic Canada, and our local food systems can and should play a critical role in a just recovery”.
“Heading into the COVID-19 crisis, Atlantic Canada held the highest household food insecurity rates among Canadian provinces. We are now forced to deal with both problems at the same time,” says Laura Reinsborough, Network Director with Food For All NB | Aliments pour tous NB. “What lessons can we learn right now? How can we come out of this with a more resilient social system that doesn’t leave so many Atlantic Canadians in a state of constant vulnerability? The Atlantic Food Vision represents a shared understanding and alignment on the issues we're facing, and I'm thrilled to see food organizations across Atlantic Canada putting their heads together to offer solutions.”
Now that the vision statement is posted, other organizations from the region are welcome to add themselves as signatories to it. A form is posted on the website to allow that, and signatories will be added to an informal group that will continue to share ideas in the months ahead.
For more information or to schedule interviews, contact:
Laura Reinsborough
Network Director
Food For All NB
laura@foodforallnb.ca
(506) 459-7773 ext. 207
Justin Cantafio
Executive Director
Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia
fmns@farmersmarketsnovascotia.ca
902-932-7282
Ann Wheatley
Cooper Institute
ann@cooperinstitute.ca
902-894-4573
Joshua Smee
CEO
Food First NL
josh@foodfirstnl.ca
709-725-3049
- Posted by Coalition for Responsible Energy Development in NB
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To sign, click this link:
Endorsement for Statement against federal funding for new nuclear SMR reactors / Soutien à la déclaration contre le financement fédéral pour de nouveaux réacteurs nucléaires (PRM - petits réacteurs modulaires) (google.com)
To date, more than 100 groups from BC to New Brunswick have signed on, claiming that these technologies are dirty, dangerous distractions from tackling the climate crisis. Click this link for the list of groups:
https://cela.ca/statement-on-small-modular-reactors/
The groups also challenge the government to release the evidence that supports its strategy, and charge that the federal government is trying to save the nuclear industry rather than protecting human health and the environment.
Endorsement for Statement against federal funding for new nuclear SMR reactors / Soutien à la déclaration contre le financement fédéral pour de nouveaux réacteurs nucléaires (PRM - petits réacteurs modulaires) (google.com)
An announcement is expected soon regarding federal funding for developing two small modular nuclear reactors and a plutonium-extracting facility destined for Point Lepreau. Please join over 100 other citizens’ groups in saying “no” to these dirty, dangerous, costly distractions by signing the statement.
For more information, contact Ann McAllister at annmcallister72@gmail.com
Ann McAllister
72 Elizabeth Parkway
Rothesay, NB E2H 1E9
H: 506-847-4251
annmcallister72@gmail.com
- Posted by Sam McWilliams
- Hits: 1844
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for everyone and has made us look at doing things differently,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister Ernie Steeves. “As we launch the 2021-22 pre-budget consultation period, the public is invited to share their views on how we can build a lasting and sustainable recovery that will support a better future for all New Brunswickers.”
Members of the public have until Feb 11 to participate in an online survey or to send their comments and feedback by email to wwwfin@gnb.ca.
A pre-budget consultation document has been prepared which provides context on the challenges facing the province, contains current financial information, and lists the following questions related to the government’s top six priorities:
- In which areas should the government prioritize investments to make you healthier?
- What tools and resources are needed to support the advancement of our education system and the success of our students?
- How can private sector investment be stimulated such that it will support a stronger, more resilient economy?
- What should the government focus on to improve local governance and support the growth of vibrant and sustainable communities?
- Where should the government prioritize its efforts in protecting the environment and addressing the impact of climate change?
- What services can be moved online to reduce costs and increase flexibility for New Brunswickers?
“Our 2021-22 budget will reflect the time we live in,” said Steeves. “The decisions we make as a government and as a province must take into consideration the impact of the pandemic, the need to support an economic recovery and fiscal responsibility.”

- Posted by Sam McWilliams
- Hits: 2508
Since the Fall of 2019, a technical working group composed of local stakeholders and government agencies has been working on the development of a Shediac Bay Watershed Management Plan. First Nations have been engaged throughout the process and several stakeholder engagement programs have been undertaken. To date, a technical workshop and open house were held on October 17, 2019, draft documents were posted online for public view on August 14, 2020, and a virtual open house was held on October 22nd, 2020. The feedback gathered from these engagement activities has played an important part in the development of a draft Shediac Bay Watershed Management Plan.
The Department of Environment and Local Government (DELG) would like to invite you to take part in a third round of engagement related to the draft Shediac Bay Watershed Management Plan. During this round of engagement, you are invited to review and comment on the draft plan which is available here: http://www.gnb.ca/shediacbaywatershed
In consideration of the current pandemic, in-person engagement activities are not possible at this time, however a virtual open house will be held on Thursday February 18, 2021 from 10:00 am - 11:30 am where project leads will be available to answer questions about the project. To register, send an email to: wmpfeedback/pgbvcommentaires@GNB.ca.
We ask that all feedback be submitted on or before March 5th, 2021. This can be done one of three ways:
- By attending the virtual open house on February 18, 2021;
- By sending your written feedback via email to: wmpfeedback/pgbvcommentaires@GNB.ca, or
- By sending your written feedback by regular mail to:
Department of Environment and Local Government,
Attn: Nicole Duke,
PO Box 6000, Fredericton, NB, E3A 5T8.
All feedback will be taken into consideration when finalizing the Shediac Bay Watershed Management Plan.
Thank you for your continued participation in this project.
Sincerely,
Crystale Harty, B.Sc.
Project Manager
Department of Environment and Local Government
- Posted by Sam McWilliams
- Hits: 2669
The Canada Water Agency Discussion Paper, “Toward the Creation of a Canada Water Agency,” is now available in the Resources section of our consultation site: www.placespeak.com/CanadaWaterAgency. The Discussion Paper presents key issues for consideration in the Government of Canada's approach to creating a Canada Water Agency.
Have your say! The Discussion Paper contains a series of discussion issues accompanied by a set of questions. To provide your responses to these questions, use our online survey tool. Input on the discussion paper will be accepted until March 1, 2021. Feedback can also be sent directly by email to ec.water-eau.ec@canada.ca or by regular mail.
Feedback on this Discussion Paper will inform the Government’s next steps in implementing the commitment to create a Canada Water Agency. Broad input from stakeholders and the public is currently being sought through our PlaceSpeak site. Separate processes are underway to engage directly with Indigenous peoples and provinces and territories.
Visit the PlaceSpeak Events section! In addition to providing your feedback through the PlaceSpeak site, plan to join us at our National Freshwater Policy Forum on January 27 & 28, 2021, and Regional freshwater forums planned for February.
For any questions, you can contact us directly at ec.water-eau.ec@canada.ca.
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