The executive director of the P.E.I. Watershed Alliance expressed surprise at the omission of “climate action” from a provincial department’s title during a recent cabinet shuffle. Premier Rob Lantz reshuffled his cabinet on Feb. 12, appointing Darlene Compton as the minister of land and environment. The department, previously known as environment, energy, and climate action, now lacks the mention of climate action.
Heather Laiskonis, the executive director of the P.E.I. Watershed Alliance, emphasized the necessity of dedicated leadership in addressing climate change. She highlighted the importance of having a minister leading efforts to combat climate change to ensure coordinated initiatives. Laiskonis pointed out the significant impact of climate change on various industries in the province, including fishing, aquaculture, forestry, tourism, and agriculture.
Laiskonis raised concerns about the government’s commitment to climate change mitigation following the removal of “climate action” from the department’s title without prior consultation. She noted that the shift indicates a regression in the government’s stance on climate change, especially considering P.E.I.’s pioneering work in initiatives like the living labs project.
Questioning how multiple departments can effectively address climate change without a dedicated minister overseeing climate action, Laiskonis challenged the notion that climate change is a shared responsibility across all portfolios. She urged for tangible actions and collaboration across departments to tackle the pressing issue.
Apart from climate action, other departmental titles were also altered in the cabinet shuffle. The former department of fisheries, tourism, sport, and culture was expanded to include rural development, but sport and culture were entirely removed from the portfolio.