Rankin Government Says Nova Scotia Will Be First Carbon-Neutral Province
HALIFAX – In the first throne speech since Iain Rankin became premier, Lieutenant Governor Arthur LeBlanc echoed many of Rankin’s key campaign themes, saying the Nova Scotia government will put a big focus on climate change, sustainable forestry practices and the green economy.
“Nova Scotians will not be able to socially isolate from the effects of climate change,” said LeBlanc in the throne speech on Tuesday. “Climate change is the challenge of our generation. And my government has already decided to take decisive action to address this issue.”
LeBlanc mentioned the government’s aim to phase out coal-power by 2030, and the recently announced $19-million rebate program designed to help lower-income people achieve a low-carbon lifestyle. LeBlanc also made a bold prediction on how Nova Scotia will be a climate leader for the rest of Canada.
“Nova Scotia will be the first province in Canada to achieve carbon neutrality,” he claimed. “We will lead the way by ensuring all of our government offices use renewable electricity by 2025.”
LeBlanc said the “jobs of the future” are in greener products and renewable energy, indicating that taking climate change action will help strengthen the economy, rather than harm it.
“As we tackle climate change and work towards our economic recovery, new job opportunities will be created across the province in renewable energy…and innovative technology related to our ocean or blue economy,” said LeBlanc.
“This is about creating the jobs of the future across the province in both rural and urban communities.”
Leblanc mentioned that RBC, one of the biggest banks in Canada, has added $500-billion to a sustainable financing fund, which could help investment in Nova Scotia as the province aims to combat climate change.
“This is investment we can attract in Nova Scotia as these institutions invest in low-carbon future-in Nova Scotia we are building one.”
LeBlanc said the province will create an economic growth council that will work with municipalities through these changing landscapes.
For years, environmental advocates have criticized the Liberal government for not implementing the recommendations of the Lahey report, which suggests Nova Scotia should drastically curb clear-cutting practices in the forestry industry.
LeBlanc promised that the Lahey report will be implemented. This echoes comments made by Premier Iain Rankin in a recent interview with Huddle, where he pledges to have the recommendations in place in 2021.
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“In the forestry sector, our government will accelerate the implementation of the recommendations of the report of Professor William Lahey, to adopt ecological forestry principles-placing protection of the ecosystem and biodiversity to the forefront of forest management practices,” said the LeBlanc.
LeBlanc also briefly recognized some of the industries hit hardest by Covid-19. He mentioned the restaurant and service businesses and said the government recently set up a $7-million relief package. The Lieutenant governor also said the province wants to help the tourism industry recover from the pandemic, but didn’t mention any recent or upcoming financial help from the government.
Leblanc also recognized the difficulties a lot of women have in the workplace, especially around the issue of finding affordable childcare. Leblanc said the government is willing to work with the federal government on a national solution.
“The pandemic has highlighted difficulties faced by women in the workforce, especially around issues of childcare. My government is committed to working with the federal government on a national childcare strategy. Childcare is critical to a thriving economy.”