This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below.
Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Bill C-248 proposes to amend the Canada National Parks Act to establish the Ojibway National Urban Park in Windsor, Ontario. The park would connect existing publicly owned green spaces to protect endangered species and provide recreational opportunities. While there is broad support for the park's creation, some concerns have been raised regarding the lack of consultation with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders, the potential impact on existing roadways, and the process for transferring land to the federal government.
NDP
Supports Bill C-248: The NDP strongly supports Bill C-248 to create the Ojibway National Urban Park, viewing it as a unique opportunity to protect endangered species, connect communities with nature, and promote culture, wellness, and economic benefits. They emphasized the importance of this initiative for Windsor, Essex County, Ontario, and Canada as a whole.
Endangered ecosystems protection: The NDP is committed to preserving endangered ecosystems like the tall grass prairie and Carolinian forest within the proposed park. The park would bring together properties and provide connectivity that would ensure the protection of species and habitats in the area.
Community support is vital: The NDP highlighted the strong community support for the park, including First Nations, local municipalities, environmental groups, and residents. They emphasized the importance of grassroots movements and the need to allow these voices to be heard in the legislative process.
Freshwater protection: The NDP connects the bill to freshwater protection, noting the importance of preserving fresh water sources in Canada. They believe Bill C-248 complements efforts to modernize Canada's freshwater strategy and protect environmentally significant areas.
Conservative
Support for Bill C-248: The Conservative Party supports Bill C-248, which aims to create the Ojibway National Urban Park by combining existing parks in the Windsor-Essex region. Members highlight the party's history of supporting national parks and see potential benefits for the community and environment.
Committee review is needed: While supportive, Conservatives express concerns about the separation of the park sections by roadways and other obstacles, emphasizing the need for further study in committee to address potential unintended consequences, particularly regarding commuter routes.
Bipartisan support: The creation of the park has been in the works for over a decade and has had support from both Conservative and NDP MPs. Members emphasize collaboration with local leaders, indigenous people, and the importance of preserving green spaces for mental health and tourism.
Bloc
Supports Bill C-248: The Bloc Québécois supports Bill C-248 in principle, applauding the member for Windsor West's initiative and commitment to conserving the Ojibway site, citing its ecological value and alignment with the government's goal to protect 25% of the country's lands and waters.
Prefers provincial control: The Bloc Québécois questions the need for federal ownership and management of urban spaces, suggesting that unconditional funding to Ontario would be a better approach to support the preservation of the Ojibway site.
Critiques federal overreach: The Bloc Québécois views the bill as an example of centralist federalism, arguing that it is not the federal government's responsibility to manage urban parks and that similar proposals in Quebec would be strongly opposed in favor of provincial or municipal ownership.
Liberal
Oppose Bill C-248: The Liberal speakers opposed Bill C-248, arguing that it introduces a flawed process that is not based on public consultation and that it would harm the authentic and organic relationships and engagement required in the successful creation of a new urban park.
Support national urban parks: While opposing the specific bill, speakers emphasized the Liberal party's commitment to establishing national urban parks. They highlighted the government's investment of $130 million to support the creation of national urban parks and the ongoing work with Parks Canada.
Parks Canada's process preferred: The members of Parliament emphasized that Parks Canada is already actively working to establish an Ojibway national urban park and that the process they are following is better because it centres on public consultations, explores various governance models, and engages in thorough consultation with indigenous partners.
Indigenous consultation needed: The speakers stated the failure to consult with Indigenous peoples on whose traditional lands the proposed park will occur violates the spirit of reconciliation. Creating a national urban park without proper engagement with Indigenous partners from the start would be an unfortunate setback.
Green
Strong support for C-248: The Green Party supports Bill C-248, which aims to create a national urban park, specifically the Ojibway urban park, by connecting existing publicly owned lands without involving private property. They are in favour of the bill because of the importance of protecting biodiversity across the country, as well as the community support that this bill has garnered.
Importance of urban parks: National urban parks offer various benefits, including providing habitats for endangered species, mitigating flood risks associated with climate change, and offering natural spaces for communities to enjoy, promoting healthy living and ecotourism. Morrice also raised the notion of "nature deficit disorder" and how that may be affecting decision making in Parliament.
Alignment with conservation goals: The proposed national urban park aligns with Parks Canada's objectives to establish a new national park in every province and territory, as well as the government's commitments to protect 25% of land by 2025 and 30% by 2030, representing an opportunity to accelerate biodiversity protection efforts.
Democracy in action: The member commended the member for Windsor West for introducing the bill, highlighting the importance of listening to community interests, collaborating to find consensus, and advocating for those interests in Parliament. He specifically pointed to the support of the Caldwell First Nation and unanimous support from the Windsor City Council.
