Prime Minister Carney recently asked what Canadians ‘are for’

Recently, Canada’s federal government proposed sweeping changes to overhaul the laws that protect our lakes and streams, our wildlife, our oceans and the landscapes that are part of our Canadian identity.

While building a strong economy and strengthening Canada’s sovereignty is important, the laws that keep toxins out of our water, protect the places we love, and prevent species from disappearing are not barriers to prosperity—they are a measure of it.

While in British Columbia, Prime Minister Carney recently stated the federal government didn’t want to hear what people are against, but wanted to ‘hear what people are for.’ We are happy to respond to his request.

We are for clean rivers and lakes, safe drinking water and food, healthy forests, thriving wildlife, and wild salmon returning home. We’re for an economy that grows alongside nature – not at its expense.

We’re for a Canada where economic success and a healthy environment go hand in hand – and where iconic Canadian wildlife are part of our future, not our history.

We are asking you to do two things:

1. Give public comment on these proposals before July 22, 2026

Provide feedback on dismantling Canada’s laws that protect wildlife and the environment, especially the jeopardy clause in the Species at Risk Act.

Discussion paper links: Getting major projects built

Send your feedback to: engagement@pco-bcp.gc.ca

Here is some suggested feedback; but it’s more effective to make this your own. See links below for more information.

I am writing as a Canadian deeply concerned about the government’s proposed changes to overhaul the laws that protect our lakes and streams, our wildlife, our oceans, and the landscapes that are part of our Canadian identity.

I am especially concerned about the proposal to override section 73(3)(c) of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) Section 73(3)(c), often referred to as the “jeopardy clause,” is one of SARA’s most important safeguards. It ensures that federally authorized activities do not jeopardize the survival or recovery of endangered species. Weakening this provision would remove a fundamental protection for wildlife already on the brink of extinction.

The consequences would be particularly significant for Southern Resident killer whales, which the federal government has already determined face an imminent threat to their survival and recovery. Their recovery depends on reducing threats such as underwater noise and disturbance from shipping. Yet these threats continue to grow as shipping and industrial activity expand, further degrading the whales’ critical habitat.

I support efforts to strengthen Canada’s economy and sovereignty, but not by weakening the environmental laws that help recover endangered species, keep our food and water safe from toxins, and protect the places we love. These laws are not barriers to prosperity—they are a measure of it.

Removing this safeguard would make it easier to approve projects, such as Roberts Bank Terminal 2 and other developments that increase underwater noise and disturbance in critical habitat, despite their impacts on species already at risk.

Canadians should not be asked to accept the possible extinction of an iconic and endangered population as the price of economic development. I respectfully urge the government to retain section 73(3)(c) and ensure that Canada’s commitment to recovering endangered species remains intact.

Sincerely,

[Your name goes here]

2. Send your comments above to Minister Gregor Robertson, and CC your letter to other south coast MPs.

Honorable Gregor Robertson, Minister Pacific Economic Development Canada and Housing and Infrastructure
gregor.robertson@parl.gc.ca
House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0A6
Main office – Vancouver, 360 – 3150 54th Ave E, Vancouver, British Columbia V5S 1Z1

CC south coast MPs

cc: Honorable Randeep Sarai, Surrey Centre, Secretary of State (International Development), randeep.sarai@parl.gc.ca
cc: Honourable Stephanie McLean, Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke, Secretary of State (Seniors), stephanie.mclean@parl.gc.ca
cc: Honourable Hedy Fry, Vancouver Centre hedy.fry@parl.gc.ca
cc: Honourable Terry Beech, Burnaby North—Seymour terry.beech@parl.gc.ca
cc: Honourable Jill McKnight, Delta, Associate Minister of National Defence, jill.mcknight@parl.gc.ca
cc: MP Ernie Klassen, South Surrey—White Rock, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, ernie.klassen@parl.gc.ca
cc: MP Will Greaves, Victoria, will.greaves@parl.gc.ca