Skeena – Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen spoke to local media today, firstly recognizing Northern efforts to bring refugees to the area.
He refers to the situation overseas as the “worst humanitarian crisis since the second World War,” but says the local response has been both “incredible and hopeful.”
“It’s just the best of us coming forward when communities open our doors to those in need,” he says.
Cullen attended Saturday’s “Get to Know Syria Night” in Smithers, and says he’s seen help come from every all over to get Syrian families to the area.
“It’s just beautiful, it’s really reflecting the best of us as Canadians and as people living in the North that we see this generosity come forward and ultimately we know we’ll be the beneficiaries of it.”
From Smithers to Ottawa, and soon onwards to France, Cullen is Paris-bound this weekend for the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Cullen says this is the world’s “last best chance” to fix the global environment.
As the NDP’s Environment Critic, he says his role is to ensure Prime Minister Justin Trudeau keeps true on his promises.
“We want to work with this government,” he says, “I’ve had several conversations with the new minister [and I’m] feeling good about where those conversations go but we need a lot more than ‘Wait and see. Canada will get back to you in six months.'”
He hopes the Federal government can create a concrete goal for everyone to work towards.
“The new government has said it will use science as its guide and science is very helpful in explaining what Canada’s contribution should be. The meeting with the Provinces is a good first step but leadership requires, well… leadership.”
Cullen, Trudeau, and other Canadian politicians will be in attendance for the conference’s start on Monday.
He says he is not concerned about any security or safety issues despite recent events.