Declaration of the Right to a Healthy Environment

Whereas the David Suzuki Foundation Blue Dot Tour has inspired many Canadians to request hat the right to a healthy environment be enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms through support of the following motion; And whereas the District of North Saanich understands that people are part of the environment and that a healthy environment is inextricably linked to the well-being of our community; And whereas the North Saanich Official Community Plan provides a strong policy foundation to pursue actions and initiatives that contribute toward a healthy environment; And whereas North Saanich has the opportunity to endorse the Declaration of the Right to a Healthy Environment, joining other Canadian cities in re-affirming our commitment to social, environmental and economic sustainability; Therefore be it resolved that UBCM endorse the following declaration: That all people have the right to live in a healthy environment, including: - the right to breathe clean air; - the right to drink clean water; - the right to consume safe food; - the right to access nature; - the right to know about pollutants and contaminants released into the local environment; and - the right to participate in decision-making that will affect the environment.