The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Earth Day:
“On this year’s Earth Day, we celebrate the planet that gives us the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat – and we reaffirm our work to protect it.
“Canada is a country with natural wonders, from our coastlines – the longest in the world – to northern glaciers and breathtaking mountain ranges. But as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution increasingly threaten our ecosystems, we know that preserving these gifts has never been more important.
“This year’s Earth Day theme, ‘Planet vs. Plastics’, reminds us of the urgent need for transformative action to address plastic pollution head-on. Canada is helping build a world free of plastic pollution by championing the adoption of an international, legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution by 2040.
Here at home, we are introducing new requirements to ensure greater transparency and accountability from corporations during the full life cycle of plastics, so they stay out of our landfills and the environment.
And this week, Canada is once again bringing the world together, as the host of the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, to achieve an ambitious global agreement to end plastic pollution.
“Through our 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, we are on a solid path toward meeting our emissions reduction targets, including our 2026 target. This marks the first time that Canada is expected to achieve a climate target, ensuring clean air and safe communities for all Canadians.
Meanwhile, we are making historic investments in clean technology that are creating good, sustainable jobs for people across the country.
“Canada has taken significant steps to help protect our planet, and we are seeing real results. In 2022, Canada hosted COP15 – the largest international nature conference in a generation – in Montréal, where we played a leading role in the adoption of the historic Global Biodiversity Framework.
Here at home, we are committed to achieving our goal of protecting 30 per cent of our lands and oceans, by adding new protections to oceans, land, and National Parks every year.
“As stewards and caretakers of lands and waters in Canada for millennia, Indigenous Peoples are at the forefront of efforts to protect the environment. That’s why, on the margins of COP15, we announced an investment of up to $800 million to support Indigenous-led conservation initiatives.
Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge of traditional conservation practices, we continue to work together with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, as well as Indigenous Modern Treaty and Self-Governing partners, to help ensure the conservation of Canada’s most precious ecosystems for generations to come.
“On this Earth Day, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about the importance of the environment – and about our shared responsibility to protect it from pollution and the impacts of climate change.
Whether it’s by picking up litter in your community, avoiding the use of single-use plastics, or opting to bike to work or school, no act is too small. Today and every day, let us renew our commitment to protecting our planet for generations to come.”
End of the PMs statement…
Canada Leads the Charge on Earth Day
As Earth Day dawned across Canada,
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took a definitive stand in defense of our planet. Addressing the nation, he reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to preserving the diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes that define the country—from the sprawling coastlines to the stark beauty of northern glaciers.
His statement not only celebrated Earth’s natural gifts but underscored the urgency of collective action against environmental threats.
Battling Plastic Pollution
2024 marks a pivotal year as the theme ‘Planet vs. Plastics’ takes center stage, highlighting the scourge of plastic pollution. Trudeau proudly announced Canada’s leadership in fostering an international, legally binding treaty aimed at eliminating plastic pollution by 2040.
Domestically, the government is setting stringent new standards for corporate accountability in the life cycle of plastics, ensuring they are managed responsibly and sustainably.
Climate Goals On Track for 2030
Under Trudeau’s leadership, Canada is not just talking the talk but walking the walk towards significant climate milestones. The 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan is not just a roadmap but a beacon leading Canada towards its first achievable climate target.
Trudeau’s administration is making historic investments in clean technologies, which are not only nurturing the environment but also cultivating thousands of sustainable jobs nationwide.
Indigenous Leadership in Conservation
In a heartfelt recognition of Canada’s first stewards,
Trudeau underscored the invaluable role of Indigenous Peoples in environmental conservation.
In alignment with the COP15 agreements in Montréal, where Canada was instrumental in adopting the Global Biodiversity Framework, Trudeau announced a substantial $800 million investment in Indigenous-led conservation projects.
This initiative honors and integrates the deep-rooted knowledge and conservation practices of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities into national environmental strategies.
Mobilizing Community Action
Trudeau’s call to action resonated deeply as he encouraged every Canadian to partake in safeguarding our environment. He stressed that no action is too small, from reducing single-use plastics to choosing more sustainable modes of transportation.
This collective effort is crucial for protecting the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the natural beauty we cherish.
A Sustainable Legacy
As Earth Day celebrations wrapped up, Trudeau’s message was clear: the work to protect our planet is ongoing and needs everyone’s participation.
His government’s actions—from leading global treaties on plastic pollution to ambitious national conservation efforts—reflect a commitment to leaving a sustainable legacy for future generations.
In Conclusion
Trudeau’s Earth Day statement is a powerful reminder of the urgency and necessity of environmental stewardship. It calls on all Canadians to join in a national—and global—effort to protect our most precious resource: the Earth itself.
With a blend of policy-driven initiatives and community-level actions, Canada aims to lead by example in the fight against environmental degradation and climate change.
Sources: THX News & The Canadian Government.
