Mr. Speaker, if Vancouver Island old growth were a banquet table, there would only be crumbs remaining.
The first nations have only recently been invited to share in some of the small economic benefits from logging the last of these ancient ecosystems. We cannot expect first nations that are struggling with the legacy of colonization to engage in the lengthy administrative processes necessary to protect endangered ecosystems without serious government support.
Canada is a climate laggard. We have the worst record of the G7 countries for emissions increases. People are fed up with government inaction. On Vancouver Island, land defenders are taking direct action and gearing up for another war in the woods, much like the campaign to save Clayoquot Sound, which became an international movement in 1993.
The Liberal government could avoid an international black eye by stepping up to protect endangered old growth ecosystems now. I hope it will do so.