e t Vo d! l i W
O
ntario has vast expanses of nature, from pristine old forests with rare species to extensive lake and river systems. But wilderness and waterways – which also provide ecosystem services like clean air and climate regulation – need your attention during the upcoming election. Currently Ontario has one of the most Photo: Installing solar panel (Gordon Howell). comprehensive climate plans in the country and anyone seeking election needs to further strengthen this plan. As you consider who’ll best represent Ontario’s interests, be sure to ask your candidates about the following issues. And remember to Vote Wild.
Protect our nature by 2020 Protecting nature and wilderness is critical for our future wellbeing. Ontario has signed on to a United Nations initiative to protect 17 per cent of lands and waters by 2020. But the government is lagging in action. There’s already a long list of lands right across the province that, with the consent of First Nations, can be formally and permanently protected from industrial activity. A major piece of the protected area puzzle should be Algonquin Provincial Park, as two-thirds of the provincial park is available for logging right now. Permanently protecting Algonquin Park from logging is the right and necessary thing to do. The Ontario government must commit more resources and more political will to reach the 17 per cent protected area goal.
Water Woes
Photo cover: Pine marten, above: Algonquin Provincial Park (Megan Lorenz).
Fresh water is an abundant treasure in Ontario. Lakes and rivers provide us with recreation and solace, yet the health of Ontario waterways is declining. A serious threat to our province’s water is disturbing and destructive algae blooms caused by excess phosphorus in the water.
While some phosphorus comes from municipal wastewater treatment, the major source of phosphorus getting into Lake Erie is from agricultural runoff, and other lakes are suffering from the same cause. We need a reduction in phosphorus loading from agricultural lands through better Photo: Lake Erie shore (Mike Grandmaison). management, monitoring and enforcement, and a commitment to long-term reduction of phosphorus from municipal wastewater facilities. When talking to your candidate, tell them that water matters and you want action.
Boreal Woodland Caribou The vast boreal region which stretches across Ontario’s north plays a vital role in keeping the province and the planet healthy as it stores an incredible amount of carbon, cleans the air and is a major source of freshwater. Boreal woodland caribou are an indicator species in this forest, which means that a healthy population indicates a healthy boreal forest. For decades, scientists have been warning that the intact forests boreal caribou need are disappearing due to logging and mining operations and the caribou are disappearing too. While boreal caribou are protected under both federal and provincial endangered species legislation, these laws are not being enforced. In January, the provincial government proposed an audacious plan exempting boreal caribou from endangered species protection so logging can expand. This election, remind the candidates that boreal caribou and their forest home need protection, not more logging. Photo: Boreal woodland caribou (Wayne Lynch).
Give Bees a Chance Ontario bees are struggling to survive in an environment that’s contaminated by toxic neonicotinoid pesticides (neonics). Over the 2014 winter more than half of the province’s bee colonies died. The provincial government has taken a small step to save the bees by reducing the use of some neonic-treated corn and soybean seeds. But that’s not good enough. Many crops and plants are still being treated with neonics. DDT is an infamously destructive pesticide banned worldwide in the 1970s because of its toxicity, but we’re now realizing that neonics are 5,000 to 10,000 times more toxic to bees. The Wilderness Committee is calling for a complete
ban on neonics in Canada. We must use our vote to elect parties committed to banning all uses of neonics. Photo: Rusty-patched bumble bee (Christy M. Stewart).
h Educate!
Share this flyer with friends, neighbours, family and colleagues. Talk to them about these critical environmental issues. Together we can defend our province’s wild places.
h Engage!
e k a T
Attend forums where candidates are present prior to
the election and ask them where they stand on these key environmental issues. Write, call or email them. Engage them on social media using the hashtag #NeedsMoreNature and #VoteWild . Find out who your candidates are at: WildernessCommittee.org/Ontario/Elections
h Vote!
The environment and the climate matter. Get out and vote June 7, take your
family and friends with you or volunteer to help others get to the polling station. Check out the Ontario Elections page at elections.on.ca if you have questions or need to register to vote.
Remember this election to Vote Wild! ONTARIO OFFICE #207 – 425 Queen Street W., Toronto, ON M5V 2A5 (416) 849-6520 ontario@wildernesscommittee.org
WildernessCommittee.org/Ontario WildernessCommitteeOntario