Dalhousie professor asks public to support federal bill addressing environmental racism
Posted Nov 24, 2020 10:15:00 AM.
A Dalhousie professor is asking the public to support a federal bill aimed at addressing environmental racism.
Earlier this year, Lenore Zann, MP for Truro-Bible Hill, introduced the bill called the National Strategy to Redress Environmental Racism before the pandemic hit.
The bill is set to be put forward for second reading on Dec. 3.
Ingrid Waldron, a Dalhousie University professor and director of the ENRICH Project, says she wants the public to offer its support by contacting their local MPs and urging them to support the legislation.
She told NEWS 95.7's The Sheldon MacLeod Show Nova Scotia in particular is making good progress in addressing environmental racism.
“We have a much better awareness of the issues and empathy around the issues” said Waldron. “I think we're doing well here but this is an issue that still needs to be addressed.”
According to Waldron, environmental racism refers to the disproportionate location and greater exposure of Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities to polluting industries and other environmental hazards.
More information on the ENRICH Project and the bill can be found on its website.
