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The Force of Nature

  • 2 days ago
  • 4 min read

On March 31st, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, and Secretary of State for Nature Nathalie Provost announced A Force of Nature: Canada's Strategy to Protect Nature with an investment of 3.8 billion to conserve the forest, mountains, prairies, oceans, lakes and other natural features that define Canada. I am late posting about this amazing announcement because, ironically, I needed to get out into nature. Thoughts about global instability, climate change, and my kids future in these tumultuous times were swirling in my head and I needed to clear my mind. So headed to the mountains.


Nestled in the Vancouver Island mountains of North Island Powell River lies a small community ski hill called Mount Cain. It only has two T-bars, but it is surrounded by majestic peaks, alpine forests, and (in a good season) lots of light fluffy snow. It is where I go to find a community of like minded people, breathe in the mountain air, and tend to my physical and mental health. .


We are lucky to have a myriad of similarity inspiring places in this riding - from the North Coast Trail to Strathcona Provincial Park, to the qathet Canoe route and every place in between. But not everyone in Canada has nature at their fingertips. That’s why I was particularly happy to see the Force of Nature Strategy include a commitment to establish 15 new urban parks, which will ensure green spaces in urban areas are protected in perpetuity and give city residents free easy access to nature. Research shows that, in addition to helping with physical and mental health, being in nature can relax your mind after a day of working inside and improve thinking and reasoning capabilities. In other words, a walk in the park is more than a walk in the park.



Three decades ago, my love of the ocean, fishing, and coastal communities led me to be a proponent of marine protected areas (MPAs). MPAs are areas of the ocean where the habitat and many sea creatures and fish are protected in an effort to care for the ocean ecosystem. So it is no surprise that I fully support the announcement that Canada will establish 14 marine protected areas across Canada’s three oceans. 


While it is unclear how many will be in BC, there are already rumours on the dock and in the pub that marine protected areas will shut down fisheries. This is simply not true. Canada is striving to protect 30% of our oceans but both commercial and recreational fisheries are allowed in parts of these protected areas. In fact, when designed in partnership with commercial and recreational fishermen, Indigenous and municipal governments, as well as the tourism industry and other stakeholders, we can ensure a healthy ocean that helps build, not hinder, fisheries. This is not just my opinion - research from Canada and around the world shows that marine protected areas are beneficial to fisheries. 


To reap the benefits of marine protected areas, however, we need to get to the table and talk, not sit on the dock and be angry. It is through collaboration that we find solutions that benefit fishermen and the health of the ocean. I hope that, with this new investment, the government will commit to fully engaging with fishermen, listening to what they have to say, respecting their opinions, and finding solutions that ensures everyone benefits from this announcement.


While we are on the topic of fishing, I would be remiss if I did not talk specifically about salmon. They are culturally significant, economically vital, and a scientific wonder. I love catching, eating, smoking, and canning them. My kids fished salmon commercially for many years and I have friends who are active in the industry today. My community exists because of the hard work of commercial fishermen and while it is now much smaller, this industry continues to define who we are today. I, like many others in this riding, want an abundance of salmon today and forever but we know that salmon face pressures from habitat loss, poor management, and other threats (although there was a surprisingly high return of sockeye in 2025!) so the announcement of  412.9million over 5 years to help restore vulnerable Pacific Salmon populations is very welcome.  I will watch with interest as these funds are dispersed and hopefully some will come to this riding.



There are many other parts of the Force of Nature announcement and I encourage everyone to read the full document. But in case you don't have the time, here are some other highlights: 


  • In addition to the 15 urban parks and 14 marine protected areas, Canada will also establish up to 10 new national parks,

  • $15 million over three years is allocated to modernize the location, retrieval and disposal of Ghost Gear that kills fish and marine life as they float through the ocean. 

  • Canada will join the Ocean Panel, a coalition of world leaders working to protect, manage, and use the ocean in ways that support both people and the planet.

    • $326.6 million over five years and $65.3 million on-going is allocated to ensure fish and fish habitat are protected when development projects, such as critical minerals, forestry, and energy, are being reviewed. 

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This past weekend I was Montreal for the Liberal Convention where I celebrated the Force of Nature Strategy  and discussed how we turn this commitment into real action in partnership with Indigenous communities, fishermen, and others. I look forward to finding ways for the communities of NIPR to benefit from this announcement,


I hope you are able to get outside to explore your corner of this riding and let nature be your respite from this uncertain world. I have returned to Sointula just in time to change out of my city clothes, throw on jeans and a sweater, pull on my gumboots and head down to the boat. There is an inlet waiting to be explored and we need to make the tides.


 And I need another dose of nature.


Jen



 
 
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