Group proposes Nova Scotia environmental bill of rights

A group of environmental protection advocates is proposing an environmental bill of rights for Nova Scotia.

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“We’re looking at having a substantive right to a healthy environment,” Lisa Mitchell, executive director of East Coast Environmental Law Association, said on Friday.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We're looking at having a substantive right to a healthy environment," Lisa Mitchell, executive director of East Coast Environmental Law Association, said on Friday.

That bill includes a right to clean water, unpolluted air, and uncontaminated land where food is grown.

Mitchell said the bill is not a new a idea – Quebec, the Yukon, and North West Territories have similar legislation.

Mitchell went on to say that the bill would require these issues be factors in decision-making by the government.

The association is part of the Environmental Rights Working Group. Members held a launch event, which included speakers, at a downtown Halifax restaurant on Friday.

Mitchell said she wants the bill to be passed into law.

“I understand we may be having an election soon so, certainly, this is something that we would like to hear candidates talking about,” said Mitchell.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I understand we may be having an election soon so, certainly, this is something that we would like to hear candidates talking about," said Mitchell.

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Nova Scotia NDP leader Gary Burrill told Global News at the event that the bill reflects legislative proposals the party made in the past two years.

“We’re very supportive of this proposal, and these are matters which, if we’re able to form the next government, are going to be brought front and center,” he said.

A statement from Nova Scotia Environment reads, in part: “The department makes it decisions based on science and evidence so we can ensure our processes are equitable for all Nova Scotians. We consult regularly with Nova Scotian’s (sic) on environmental issues and programs.”