Halifax Citadel-Sable Island's candidates' promises on Climate Change & the Environment

Carbon price

Karen Beazley

Carbon pricing is an important tool for reducing emissions. I will support initiatives in which the highest producers pay the highest fees.

Liberal

Work with other provinces to create a cap and trade programme to replace the federal carbon price

"A Nova Scotia Liberal government will get rid of the carbon tax. To ensure we are still doing our part to lower pollution, we will work with other Atlantic Provinces to establish a Cap and Trade program that will reduce large industrial pollution without punishing consumers at the gas pumps." — Better Deal for Nova Scotians, retrieved 2024-11-09

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We don't have any PC policies on Carbon price.

We don't have any NDP policies on Carbon price.

Climate adaptation

Karen Beazley

Green candidate in your district

This is a core goal of my platform. I will forward initiatives to support nature-based solutions and restrict inappropriate developments.

Natural forests and wetlands are crucial to carbon storage and sequestration. They are needed to offset historical carbon emissions, and to reduce current and future emissions that would occur with their disturbance, conversion, or use as fuel.

Retention and restoration of natural areas are core aspects of enabling wildlife and ecosystems to adapt to climate changes, such as by providing avenues for them to shift to cooler places as the climate warms.

Nature-based solutions are key to addressing both climate and biodiversity emergencies, as well as supporting human well-being, ecosystem services, and our ecological life-supporting system.

Adaptation responses need to be done in ways that are socially equitable and do not further disadvantage those groups that are often excluded from decision making or bear a disproportionate share of the burden of environmental disasters.

The provincial government needs to take a lead role and provide the necessary legal and policy framework to take on this complex task in a highly coordinated manner.
I will work to bring back the Coastal Protection Act. It is crucial to protect and manage the coast, both for ecosystems and communities.

Climate and associated changes (e.g., sea-level rise, storm surges, erosion, flooding, increasing storm intensity and frequency) require that we undertake a coordinated province-wide strategy to adapt to and mitigate these changes in ways that are effective and equitable.

Roads and other built developments will need to be relocated further inland or otherwise raised up. These relocations and adjustments will need to be made in ways that do not further jeopardize key ecosystems, such as those that support endangered species and habitats, and those that provide key ecosystem services.

Key natural areas that buffer the coast from storm surges and erosion, reduce runoff and flooding, and store and sequester carbon need to be protected .

Liberal

Proclaim the Coastal Protection Act and implement the required regulations across the province

"A Nova Scotia Liberal government would respect the will of Nova Scotians, proclaim the Coastal Protection Act, and implement the required regulations across the province. We will work with municipalities to transition any existing coastal protection action plans to one unified set of rules for coastal protection across the province." — Better Deal for Nova Scotians, retrieved 2024-11-09
Create a fund to build emergency access and connector roads in areas deemed high-risk

"A Nova Scotia Liberal government will create a fund to build emergency access and connector roads in areas deemed high-risk by municipalities, emergency management officials, and other experts. We will make funding available to any community that completes the FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program so they can implement safety improvements that will protect lives and property in cases of wildfires." — Better Deal for Nova Scotians, retrieved 2024-11-09
Create a province-wide registry of vulnerable persons to help keep people safe during emergencies and provide proactive support

"A Nova Scotia Liberal government will implement a province-wide vulnerable persons registry to ensure that at-risk Nova Scotians can stay safe during emergencies. This will also be a tool to help proactively provide support to Nova Scotians as we ensure that we are prepared for emergencies." — Better Deal for Nova Scotians, retrieved 2024-11-09

We don't have any PC policies on Climate adaptation.

NDP

Pass and enforce the Coastal Protection Act

"We will bring back the Coastal Protection Act, pass and enforce that Act to better protect our coastline from climate change and private development impacts." — Leadership You Can Believe In, retrieved 2024-11-16

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Conservation and environmental protection

Karen Beazley

Green candidate in your district

Conservation of nature and resources and protection of the environment are crucial to addressing climate, biodiversity and health crises.
I will strive to enact the "Bill of Environmental Rights and Responsibilities" that is proposed by East Coast Environmental Law and others.
I will push for additional protected areas and conservation of natural corridors between them to maintain and restore connected habitats.

We don't have any Liberal policies on Conservation and environmental protection.

We don't have any PC policies on Conservation and environmental protection.

We don't have any NDP policies on Conservation and environmental protection.

Electric vehicles

Karen Beazley

Green candidate in your district

Better incentives and infrastructure for electric vehicles are needed. I will push for these province wide as well as in my riding.
I will forward the Ecology Action Centre’s call to electrify school buses to reduce emissions and support better health outcomes.

We don't have any Liberal policies on Electric vehicles.

We don't have any PC policies on Electric vehicles.

We don't have any NDP policies on Electric vehicles.

Forests and forest conservation

Karen Beazley

Green candidate in your district

I will collaborate with other MLAs and citizens to implement the recommendations of the 2018 Lahey forestry report, for ecological forestry.
I will support measures that contribute to carbon sequestration and climate resilience, such as conserving mature and intact forests.
I will urge legislation preventing the use of forest biomass for the purpose of electricity generation both domestically and abroad.
I will call for full implementation of the Endangered Species Act on public and private land, including monitoring and enforcement.

Collaborate with researchers and the forestry industry to develop more sustainable forestry practices.
Support measures to ensure the legislated elimination of clearcutting forestry practices.
Support facilitation of best practices silviculture on public and private land forestry and for old-forest restoration.
Urge legislation preventing toxic agents, such as glyphosate, from being applied to fields and forests.
Urge legislation preventing the use of forest biomass for the purpose of electricity generation both domestically and abroad.
Require both survey-based and molecular-based assessments of forest health and monitoring of invasive or destructive species.

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We don't have any Liberal policies on Forests and forest conservation.

We don't have any PC policies on Forests and forest conservation.

We don't have any NDP policies on Forests and forest conservation.

Green construction and retrofits

Karen Beazley

Green candidate in your district

I will push for well-planned developments that provide livable healthy environments and nature-based solutions to the climate crisis.
I support initiatives that provide equitable access to nature for mental and physical well-being, air quality, and carbon sequestration.
I support development that is planned in ways that maintain and restore a network of connected green spaces, for people and nature.
I will work towards policies that encourage new developments to retain and restore natural land cover (parks, trails, urban forests).

Liberal

Remove the fee for the Home Energy Assessment

"Eliminate the fee for the Home Energy Assessment for all Nova Scotians" — Better Deal for Nova Scotians, retrieved 2024-11-09
Increase rebates for heat efficiency programmes

"Increase rebates for heat efficiency programs such as the heat system rebates" — Better Deal for Nova Scotians, retrieved 2024-11-09

We don't have any PC policies on Green construction and retrofits.

NDP

Remove the tax from the purchase and installation of heat pumps
Offer rebates for moving off coal and fossil fuels for home heating

Oil and gas development

Karen Beazley

Green candidate in your district

I will make every effort to discourage and limit oil and gas development and transition to clean, renewable and sustainable energy sources.

Liberal

Examine all resource extraction royalties

"A Nova Scotia Liberal government will examine all resource extraction royalties to build wealth for Nova Scotians by maximizing the true value of our natural resources." — Better Deal for Nova Scotians, retrieved 2024-11-09

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PC

Encourage production of hydrogen and aviation fuel

"Focus on the smart development of our energy and natural resources sectors through Nova Scotia's Clean Energy Plan, which will in turn provide more opportunities for families and result in fewer of our children going 'out west' for work. It will make Nova Scotia a world class energy producer in hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel.

The construction of these two industries will provide a decade of new construction jobs, along with new high paying long-term jobs that will benefit the entire economy and Province."

— Make It Happen, retrieved 2024-11-10

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We don't have any NDP policies on Oil and gas development.

Pollution

Karen Beazley

Green candidate in your district

I will fully support and forward the Bill of Environmental Rights and Responsibilities proposed by East Coast Environmental Law and others.
A bill of rights would provide a way for communities to hold government to account for exposure to pollutants that endanger their health.
I would work to strengthen the Environment Act and its application to better limit the cumulative impacts of multiple sources of pollution.
The Bill would enshrine the rights of all people to a healthy environment and make the provincial government legally responsible for it.

We don't have any Liberal policies on Pollution.

We don't have any PC policies on Pollution.

We don't have any NDP policies on Pollution.

Power generation

Liberal

Expand the ability of renewable energy companies to provide power directly to residents
Require all renewable energy projects to put electricity into the provincial grid or pay into a fund for lowering consumer rates

"Further, all renewable energy projects would be required to either put electricity into our grid or pay into a fund that will be used to lower power rates for consumers." — Better Deal for Nova Scotians, retrieved 2024-11-09
Regulate land leasing, water access, and generation capacity for power generation projects

"We’ll strongly regulate land leasing, water access, and generation capacity to ensure that all Nova Scotians are benefitting from our natural resources." — Better Deal for Nova Scotians, retrieved 2024-11-09
Invest substantially in renewable power generation
1. "Investing substantially in renewable generation with in-province wind, solar, and battery farms, and
2. Ensure that the sites in Nova Scotia with the best wind power generating potential are being used for projects to get our province off coal power and lower power bills."
— Better Deal for Nova Scotians, retrieved 2024-11-09

We don't have any PC policies on Power generation.

NDP

Transition to renewable energy, such as wind and solar

Public transit

Karen Beazley

Green candidate in your district

I will support urgently needed initiatives to increase the accessibility, efficacy, and affordability of public and active transit.
I will focus on increasing active transportation programs and infrastructure, to further enhance affordable and safe options.
I will work to forward improvements to public transit to make it feasible to live and get where you need to go without owning a vehicle.

Liberal

Increase public transit capacity and accessibility

"We will also invest to increase public transit capacity to account for the expected growth in ridership, ensure system efficiency, and support more accessible transit options." — Better Deal for Nova Scotians, retrieved 2024-11-09
Expand the Joint Regional Transportation Agency, and task it with determining where LRT would be most effective

"A Nova Scotia Liberal government will invest to improve and expand the Joint Regional Transportation Agency to continue planning a long-term vision for regional transportation in Nova Scotia, including determining where LRT would be most effective." — Better Deal for Nova Scotians, retrieved 2024-11-09
Make public transit free

"A Nova Scotia Liberal government will make public transit free across Nova Scotia, eliminating barriers to transportation and providing up to $5,000 per year in savings for those who switch from driving to commuting by public transit." — Better Deal for Nova Scotians, retrieved 2024-11-09
Create a joint task-force with the Halifax Regional Municipality to reduce congestion
Fund immediate solutions to congestion, like Halifax's plan for bus rapid transit
Make the largest ever investment in rural community transport

"We’ll make the largest investment in rural community transport in Nova Scotia’s history, ensuring that community transportation organizations can lower costs and increase services." — Better Deal for Nova Scotians, retrieved 2024-11-09

PC

Run a feasibility study to consider building light rail

"A feasibility study to build light rail for commuters that will give Nova Scotians more of the most precious asset: time. Less time in traffic, less time commuting means more time for what matters most: family and community. Rail routes to be explored will begin with Windsor to Mill Cove, Bedford and in CBRM." — Make It Happen, retrieved 2024-11-10

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NDP

Make the Halifax Harbour ferries free
Fast-track recommendations from the HRM Rapid Transit Strategy, including more rapid bus lines and ferry routes

"Lowering costs and improving public transit options for commuters by making the Halifax Harbour ferries free. We'll expand transit options in the HRM by fast-tracking the recommendations included in the HRM Rapid Transit Strategy, including more rapid bus lines, more ferry routes, and more options to get you home to your family faster." — Leadership You Can Believe In, retrieved 2024-11-16

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Karen Beazley

Green candidate in your district

Better incentives and infrastructure for electric vehicles are needed. I will push for these province wide as well as in my riding.
I will make every effort to discourage and limit oil and gas development and transition to clean, renewable and sustainable energy sources.
I will focus on increasing active transportation programs and infrastructure, to further enhance affordable and safe options.
Carbon pricing is an important tool for reducing emissions. I will support initiatives in which the highest producers pay the highest fees.

We don't have any Liberal policies on Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

We don't have any PC policies on Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

We don't have any NDP policies on Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Walkable, bikable communities

Karen Beazley

Green candidate in your district

I will push for well-planned developments that provide livable healthy environments and nature-based solutions to the climate crisis.
I will focus on increasing active transportation programs and infrastructure, to further enhance affordable and safe options.

We don't have any Liberal policies on Walkable, bikable communities.

We don't have any PC policies on Walkable, bikable communities.

We don't have any NDP policies on Walkable, bikable communities.

Water and watersheds

Karen Beazley

Green candidate in your district

Water is crucial to human and non-human life. I will make every effort to forward initiatives to conserve water and protect watersheds.
It is crucial to maintain and restore natural land cover (forests and wetlands) in large portions of key watersheds and along watercourses.

We don't have any Liberal policies on Water and watersheds.

We don't have any PC policies on Water and watersheds.

We don't have any NDP policies on Water and watersheds.

Wildfires

Karen Beazley

Green candidate in your district

I will push for programs and policies that address the underlying causes of wildfires, primarily human actions and climate change.

Education about human roles and responsibilities surrounding wildfire, its causes, and preventive measures is key. Development, monitoring, and enforcement of policies to address causes and support preventive measures are needed.

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Liberal

Create a fund to build emergency access and connector roads in areas deemed high-risk

"A Nova Scotia Liberal government will create a fund to build emergency access and connector roads in areas deemed high-risk by municipalities, emergency management officials, and other experts. We will make funding available to any community that completes the FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program so they can implement safety improvements that will protect lives and property in cases of wildfires." — Better Deal for Nova Scotians, retrieved 2024-11-09

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We don't have any PC policies on Wildfires.

We don't have any NDP policies on Wildfires.