Candidates

Environmental protection is a big topic among local voters these days. With increased mining claims being staked in our region, continued development near Gatineau Park and the Gatineau River and threatened species in the Gatineau Hills, what will your party to do conserve more green space, protect wetlands, and save threatened flora and fauna in our region?

Gilbert Whiteduck, New Democratic Party 

The rivers, land and all species should be sacred to everyone. To protect our environment, the Gatineau River needs legal protection and personhood, which is why I co-founded the Tenàgàdino Alliance: to achieve legal rights for the Gatineau River. I’m not opposed to development, but it must be responsible. Building a nuclear waste dump beside the Ottawa River is not responsible: Conservative and Liberal governments should never have allowed it to proceed. I’m also concerned about the recent explosion of mining claims in our region, which could lead to a destructive legacy.  The NDP was the first party – 20 years ago – to introduce a bill to protect Gatineau Park as an actual national park and prevent it from shrinking further, but the Liberals defeated it. As traditional guardians of this land, the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community should become stewards of the park. This needs to be a collaborative effort. 

Todd Hoffman, People’s Party of Canada

My response might be surprising to some. On the environment, while the PPC is strongly opposed to the globalist approach to climate change, when it comes to local concerns we weigh towards the will of the community. Our principals have always been based on fairness, respect and responsibility. As to the questions raised, civic responsibility and respect for nature are areas we hold in high regard. The PPC belief is that citizens and municipal and regional governments are the best to work on finding the right fit to find the balance between those that are concerned and those who wish to develop. In human agency, just as in nature, a balance can be found for everything. We believe in the will of the people. If the people on the ground want it, good. If they do not, forget it. But never, no outside lobbyist to influence the outcome.

Sophie Chatel, Liberal party (Incumbent)

Protecting the natural heritage of Pontiac-Kitigan Zibi is a top priority for me. I led a conservation project with Kitigan Zibi that made our region the first in Canada with a roadmap to meet our international nature protection goals. This is the Kidjimaninan initiative, which brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to protect our region’s biodiversity. I co-led a bill to give Gatineau Park the legal protections it deserves, and I am committed to reintroducing it in the next session. This is part of my vision for a green and prosperous Outaouais, where conservation and economic opportunity go hand in hand. Under Mark Carney’s leadership, a Liberal government will go further by creating 10 new national parks, expanding Indigenous-led conservation, investing $100 million in freshwater protection and funding nature-based climate solutions that preserve wetlands, biodiversity and critical habitats. This is how we build a greener future for Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi.

Claude Bertrand, Green party

Protecting the environment has been the GPC’s raison d’être for the past 41 years. It has a very substantial popular support amongst Canadians of all stripes, but thanks to Canada’s dramatically flawed first-past-the-post electoral system, the GPC currently only has two MPs in the House of Commons.  Mining activities carried out within or even near populated areas severely undermine the citizen’s quality of life and the environment. In the same way, housing developments within park boundaries are very enticing for those who can afford them but are detrimental to the enjoyment of users who seek a connection with nature. Quebec may be the most environmentally responsible province, and many volunteer organizations struggle to protect the local environment. The GPC carries out targeted actions by fostering a network of like-minded organizations and citizens who aim to shape local environmental laws and programming by province and municipalities.

Brian Nolan, Conservative party

Environmental protection is a priority for the Conservative Party of Canada, especially in regions like ours, where natural beauty and biodiversity are at risk. We recognize the importance of preserving green space, protecting wetlands and conserving threatened species in the Gatineau Hills, Gatineau Park and along the Gatineau River. Our approach is practical and science-based. We will work collaboratively with local communities, First Nations and provincial governments to protect ecologically sensitive areas, while supporting responsible development. We are committed to strengthening environmental assessments, promoting habitat restoration and empowering community-led conservation initiatives. Our goal is to ensure future generations can enjoy the same natural treasures we value today. Conservatives believe environmental protection and economic growth can go hand-in-hand through smart, sustainable decision-making. By respecting nature and empowering those closest to it, we can build a greener, more prosperous future for Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi and all Canadians.