Politics & Policy

The Ecology Action Centre is deeply concerned about the ecological and democratic implications of restructuring the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in order to “drive economic development.” As part of these changes to DNR, the Houston government abruptly fired seven people and completely eliminated the Wildlife Division at DNR. Managers of biodiversity, managers of ecosystems and habitats and the head of the Wildlife Division all lost their jobs, and Nova Scotia’s wildlife lost its dedicated voice within government. 

This week, the Houston government finally released the long-awaited Regional Transportation Plan (RPT) along with their own Action Plan in response.

Ultimately, much of the RTP recommends investigating or exploring ideas further, so the real test of the plan will be determined by where the province chooses to invest and who is at the table. The EAC is concerned that the province’s Action Plan includes actions that directly contradict the RTP’s evidence-based recommendations.  

Let’s pretend for a moment that the Morris Street bike lane controversy is actually about traffic.

Everyone hates traffic.  

It would be great if we were having mature and nuanced conversations about solutions to traffic congestion based on evidence and best practices.

Moving people and goods in a finite space is complex. Our population is increasing. We need evidence-based decision making and real leadership to help us create a more efficient and affordable city.