Prime Minister Brian Mulroney: Canada’s Greenest Environmental Prime Minister

In the history of Canadian politics, few leaders have left as lasting an impact on the environmental movement as Brian Mulroney (March 20, 1939 – February 29, 2024). As Canada’s 18th Prime Minister, Mulroney’s tenure from 1984 to 1993 was marked by a series of groundbreaking environmental agreements and bills that continue to shape the country’s environmental policies today.

Mulroney’s environmental legacy began early in his political career. In 1987, he signed the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty aimed at phasing out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances. This landmark agreement was a testament to Mulroney’s commitment to tackling global environmental challenges.

One of Mulroney’s most significant achievements was the Acid Rain Accord of 1991, a bilateral agreement with the United States to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which cause acid rain. This agreement was a groundbreaking step towards addressing transboundary environmental issues and remains a model for international cooperation on environmental matters. This agreement also made Canada the first industrialized country to ratify the Convention on Biological Diversity.

In addition to these international agreements, Mulroney’s government introduced several key environmental bills. The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) of 1988, for example, provided a framework for regulating toxic substances and pollutants. The Environmental Assessment Act of 1992 established a process for evaluating the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects. These legislative measures were instrumental in shaping Canada’s modern environmental regulatory framework.

Mulroney’s environmental legacy extends beyond his time in office. In 2007, he co-chaired the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a leading scientific body tasked with assessing the risks of climate change. His continued advocacy for climate action and environmental protection underscores his enduring commitment to sustainability.

Today, Mulroney’s contributions to environmental policy are widely recognized. In 2024, he was posthumously awarded the Canadian Environmental Leadership Award by the Canadian Environment Foundation for his outstanding contributions to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Mulroney’s environmental record is a testament to his vision for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of political leadership in addressing global environmental challenges and underscores the need for continued action to protect our planet.

Bibliography

• “Blue Tory” Mulroney was Canada’s greenest prime minister. (2010, October 26). Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-blue-tory-mulroney-was-canadas-greenest-prime-minister/
• Brian Mulroney. (2013, April 29). Retrieved from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/brian-mulroney
• Freeman, R. (2013). The Mulroney Years and the Politics of Environment. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/26789116
• Mulroney honoured for environmental record. (2006, September 21). Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/mulroney-honoured-for-environmental-record-1.616580
• Grady, P. (2007, February 1). An Environmentalist Misses Brian Mulroney, All Over Again. Retrieved from https://www.policymagazine.ca/an-environmentalist-misses-brian-mulroney-all-over-again/
• Jensen, T., & Sandell, R. (2010). The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney: The Politics of Environmentalism. Retrieved from https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9780773575707-019/html
• Remembering Brian Mulroney: Canada’s greenest prime minister and environmental legacy. (2024, March 1). Retrieved from https://bnnbreaking.com/world/canada/remembering-brian-mulroney-canadas-greenest-prime-minister-and-environmental-legacy
• Statement on the passing of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. (2024, March 1). Retrieved from https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/03/01/statement-passing-former-prime-minister-brian-mulroney
• When the environment was not a partisan issue. (2019, September 29). Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/radio/sunday/the-sunday-edition-for-september-29-2019-1.5299577/when-the-environment-was-not-a-partisan-issue-1.5299597
• Canada, B. M. (2024, March 1). Canada: Brian Mulroney, Canada (obit react). Retrieved from https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2024/03/01/canada-brian-mulroney-canada-obit-react/3161709314614/
• Statement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the passing of the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney. (2024, February 29). Retrieved from https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2024/02/29/statement-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-passing-right-honourable-brian-mulroney

Celebrating Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Practices

Black History Month: Celebrating Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Practices

February is Black Histories and Futures Month, a time to reflect on the contributions of Black people to society. In Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and the surrounding area, this month provides an opportunity to explore the intersection of Black history with sustainability, the UN SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, Life on Land, and climate action. The story of Richard St. Barbe Baker, known as the “Man of the Trees,” is an example of this intersectionality.

Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker
Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan,
University Archives & Special Collections,
Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71

Richard St. Barbe Baker, originally from England, was a pioneer in the field of forestry and environmental conservation. He dedicated his life to planting trees and advocating for sustainable land management practices. In the 1920s, he founded The Men of the Trees Foundation, now known as the International Tree Foundation. In this intersectionality there have been 100s of billions of trees worldwide.

In 1920, St. Barbe Baker traveled to Kenya, Africa, where he worked closely with Chief Josiah Njonjo to promote tree planting and sustainable land management practices. Together, they established hundreds of Forest Scouts, known as Watu wa miti, or “People of the Trees.” These Forest Scouts were responsible for planting and caring for trees in their communities, and they played a vital role in the reforestation efforts in Kenya.

The story of Richard St. Barbe Baker and the Forest Scouts of Kenya is a powerful example of how individuals and communities can come together to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability. It underscores the importance of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. As we celebrate Black Histories and Futures Month, let us remember the contributions of Black leaders like Richard St. Barbe Baker and Chief Josiah Njonjo and continue to work towards a more just and sustainable future for all.

Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker in Kenya Africa Planting a tree
Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan,
University Archives & Special Collections,
Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South WFor more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
YouTube
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
Make it your own
Spread the word about the UN Decade
Let’s Bring Back Forests
Let’s Green Our Cities
“Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker!For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps This greenspace is located in the South West area of Saskatoon

Black Histories and Futures Month

Elevating Black Voices in Saskatoon: The Intersection of Black History and Climate Action

February is Black Histories and Futures Month, a time to celebrate and reflect on the contributions of Black people to society. In Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and the surrounding area, this month presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of Black history with sustainability, the UN SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, Life on Land, and climate action.

Black voices and leaders within the climate movement have been speaking out about environmental racism and the disproportionate impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on Black and equity-deserving communities. Saskatoon, with its diverse population, is no exception. Organizations like Black Lives Matter YXE are advocating for environmental justice and addressing the impacts of climate change on Black communities.

Black entrepreneurs and innovators have also been pioneers in developing solutions to combat climate change and promote greater equity and resilience. In Saskatoon, there are many Black-owned businesses and organizations that are working towards sustainability and climate action. For example, Black-owned urban farms are addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

Saskatoon’s Black Histories and Futures Month is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the contributions of Black people to sustainability and climate action. By recognizing the intersectionality of these issues, we can work towards a more just and equitable future for all.

Bibliography:

Resources for Black History Month

Black Lives Matter YXE [Online]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://blacklivesmattersaskatoon.com/

United Nations. (n.d.). Reduced Inequalities. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal10

United Nations. (n.d.). Life on Land. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal15

United Nations. (n.d.). Climate Action. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal13

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South WFor more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
YouTube
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
Make it your own
Spread the word about the UN Decade
Let’s Bring Back Forests
Let’s Green Our Cities
“Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker!For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps This greenspace is located in the South West area of Saskatoon