On October 21st, 2019 Canada held a Federal election which resulted in the Liberal Party of Canada being able to form a minority government with 157 deputies. The balance of power is held by the Conservative Party of Canada at 121 deputies, the Bloc Québécois at 32 deputies, and the New Democratic Party at 24 deputies. A government in Canada requires at least 170 deputies to pass legislation, therefore the LPC will need at least one of the above-mentioned parties to pass environmental legislation. Based on the 2019 party platforms a few policy outcomes become possible. The LPC’s carbon tax has a chance of remaining since both the NDP and the BQ support a version of it. Meanwhile, a ban on single-use plastics, forming a plan for reforestation and formally protecting some of Canada’s land and oceans is supported by both the LPC and the NDP. Also, a promise to end fossil fuel subsidies is supported by the LPC, the NDP, and the BQ. While all parties have said that they were committed to the 2016 Paris Climate Agreement, pipeline plans remain because the LPC and the CPC both support some pipelines.
Environmental Landscape
The environmental landscape of Canada can be classified through its 15 terrestrial and 5 marine ecozones, 53 ecoprovinces, 194 ecoregions, and 1021 ecodistricts. Canada has a variety of forest regions, possessing 9% of the world’s total forest land and 24% of the world’s boreal forest land. There are eight forest regions in Canada: Acadian, Boreal, Carolinian, Coast, Columbia, Great Lakes-St Lawrence, Montane, and Subalpine. In terms of iconic wildlife, the beaver became Canada’s official emblem in 1975 for its historical significance in the fur trade. Other iconic wildlife include the Canada goose, the moose, and the polar bear.
Environmental Education
Education is a key factor in order to improve environmental situation. Therefore, in Canada is easy to find different centers and institutions in which people can learn more about the environment. For instance, the has developed a program that consists of teaching students to create a sustainable future, not only at school but also in their daily life. There are different associations in which those who are interested in the environment can learn and go more deeply in this area. The aim of this institution is to provide more information from different perspectives. Environmental careers center of Canada offers many different kinds of programs, from post-secondary Environmental Education in Canada to undergraduates students have also the possibility to study a bachelor degree in Environmental Practices from Royal Roads University and propose certificates for adults as well. The main purpose is to create environmental professionals. Another association is The Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication is a network for environmental learning
