Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About "Building Canada Well"

As more news here in the US talks about even new steps the current massively corrupt occupant of the white house is taking to undermine and weaken our National Parks, this "Lost Canadian" is even more impressed to learn more about how our dear neighbors, friends, and family in Canada are doing the opposite - you are taking steps to strengthen and protect Nature. Today I want to share with you Pillar Two - Building Canada Well . . .

"Nature underpins much of our economic prosperity and climate action. It is essential to Canada's growth, security, and nation-building. When conservation and economic activities are seen as competing priorities this risks weaker conservation outcomes and project delays. However, these goals need not be at odds.

As part of our second pillar, Canada will integrate its nature and economic agendas to support timely development decisions while protecting nature. This work will be informed by science and proven tools like the mitigation hierarchy, which is a structured approach to avoiding, minimizing, mitigating, and then offsetting the environmental impacts of development. Nature-based solutions are one tool which can help us meet our goals, by protecting and restoring nature in ways which also strengthen climate adaptation and mitigation.

By mapping nature in Canada we will enable integrated conservation, carbon accounting, and project planning. Harnessing data, mapping, and artificial intelligence (AI) will help us to identify Key Biodiversity Areas and will accelerate permitting, by giving investors and project proponents better data to strengthen decision-making. Programs like the Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program at Fisheries and Oceans Canada will continue working with industry to ensure bridges, ports, and highways have smaller footprints and better environmental outcomes.

Protecting high-biodiversity areas helps maintain ecosystem services, which in turn protect investments. When permitting is guided by sound science, regulators can help proponents adjust project designs to avoid or minimize environmental impacts—leading to fewer delays, better results, and responsible development. The Government will encourage work by project proponents on nature positive outcomes and will clarify how nature positive investments by proponents will be recognized."

Canada says, "Nature keeps us safe and secure. It is one of Canada's most effective flood-protection systems. Forests and wetlands protect 3.7 million people in 358 Canadian cities and towns and another 20.1 million people and businesses indirectly benefit, from nature-based flood protection. Mapping and understanding the power of nature ensures sound decision-making."

Canada clearly values science and because of this they are able to make sound decisions which protect Nature and still allow them to develop and grow with "sound decision-making". Canada is strong and their Second Pillar - Building Canada Well is just one more way we are able to see this strength! You will find more information about Pillar Two at this link and this link.