Canada's Path to Sustainable Resource Development

Canada's vast natural resources, including its extensive landmass, freshwater reserves, and iconic wildlife, are integral to its economic strength. However, calls for faster resource development across the country raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of such growth. While many politicians advocate for quicker resource exploitation to ensure economic stability, experts argue that this must be done responsibly to avoid devastating impacts on the environment, health, and future generations. The present drive for rapid resource development, such as British Columbia's Infrastructure Projects Act proposals and possible legislation in Ontario, threatens to compromise long-term sustainability by avoiding critical environmental regulations. 

Environmental regulations are not mere bureaucratic obstacles but are necessary to prevent development projects from adversely affecting human health or the Earth's ecosystems. Without firm environmental assessments, resource exploitation could result in irreversible damage. Previous experiences, including the failure of the Atlantic cod fishery or the acid rain debacle, show the risks involved in putting short-term profit above long-term environmental and economic well-being. For Canada's resource extraction sector, it is imperative that progress is assessed seriously in order not to repeat previous blunders.

Canada's resources are not limitless. Notwithstanding the nation's rich natural resources, including the world's largest intact boreal forest and 20% of the Earth's freshwater, the effects of resource extraction are extensive. Sustainable development should involve the rights of Indigenous peoples, whose care of the land is critical to maintaining Canada's natural heritage. Indigenous sovereignty and rights, codified in Canadian law and international agreements, should be upheld in all decisions regarding resource development. This respect is also essential to assuring the good use of resources and the sustainable health of land and people.

The argument of resource extraction raises the issue also of the importance of moving to a circular economy. Canada's "innovation problem," and that is underperforming growth in productivity, indicates that pure extraction and raw material sale won't be taking us to sustained prosperity. Rather, Canada needs to make its resources more effective by concentrating on value-added sectors with a higher return and lower environmental degradation. A circular economy focuses on recycling materials, reducing waste, and producing goods that support long-term economic development without degrading the environment.

Moreover, global markets are increasingly focusing on sustainability in their supply chains. The European Union, for instance, now mandates that all household and agricultural products demonstrate that they have not led to deforestation. By conforming to such global requirements and guaranteeing sustainable extraction methods, Canada can gain a competitive advantage, offering sustainable products while safeguarding its natural environment. This can be advantageous to both the Canadian economy and the global market.

Surveys regularly indicate that Canadians favor a healthy environment, suggesting widespread public support for policies prioritizing sustainability. Sustainable management of resources provides long-term economic gains, not only for some but for society at large. Pursuing short-term profit at the expense of the environment has had disastrous results in the past, and there is a compelling argument for not going down that route in the future.

Politicians need to get past the simplistic preoccupation with the short-term economic gains from extracting resources. They need to advance long-term sustainability through careful decisions informed by sound evidence and broad, transparent, inclusive policy. Resource development has to factor not just growth into account, but also its implications for the environment and the people, delivering equitable benefits for all Canadians, but especially for Indigenous peoples.

For assuring sustainability of resource development, four major principles must be complied with: Firstly, Indigenous rights-holders should be directly involved in the development planning, management, and leadership. Secondly, robust environmental safeguards must be assured while avoiding excessive regulatory obstacles. Thirdly, development must not harm people, species, or landscapes. Last but not least, decisions should be evidence-based processes that are inclusive and open.

Canada stands at the crossroads. While other international neighbours might take short-term measures to lower environmental controls and speed up resource development, Canada can seize the chance to follow a different path—one that harmonizes economic development with environmental preservation and social justice. By embracing a more sustainable strategy, Canada can establish a competitive edge that guarantees long-term wealth with protection of the environment for future generations.

Source
Steven J Cooke, Christina M. Davy, Dalal Hanna, Joseph Bennett, The Conversation