Bill S-5: A Step Forward for Intergenerational Equity
On the Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act.
This week (June 4-10) happens to be Canadian Environment Week 2023. Though, the 400+ wildfires currently raging across the country are a more stark reminder of the importance of our environmental commitments. To help offset the gloom that’s accompanying the wildfire smoke, we thought we’d highlight a positive environmental development.
The House of Commons recently passed a landmark piece of legislation, recognizing the right of every individual in Canada to a healthy environment. We at Gen Squeeze are thrilled that the bill also tasks the federal government with upholding the principle of intergenerational equity.
As stated in Bill S-5,
The Government of Canada recognizes that every individual in Canada has the right to a healthy environment… and acknowledges the need to protect this right… considering relevant factors including principles of environmental justice and intergenerational equity.
The costs of an increasingly unpredictable climate are the largest debt ever to be passed to future generations. That’s why we are heartened to see the federal government considering the impacts of decisions made today on future generations.
While “intergenerational equity” is most often used in reference to the environment, Gen Squeeze’s advocacy is rooted in the idea that this principle is equally relevant to other policy realms. Housing affordability, health care, and government budgets are all instances where a generational lens can help deepen our understanding of problems and guide us towards fairer solutions.
As we celebrate Bill S-5, we also know that this is a first step. The real test will be in the implementation of the bill and how effectively the principle of intergenerational equity is integrated into decision-making processes.
As the bill states, "The Minister [of Environment] must, within two years... develop an implementation framework that sets out how the right to a healthy environment is to be considered in the administration of this Act." We think it would be timely for the federal government to act on Gen Squeeze’s recommendation to appoint a point-person for generational fairness to help guide these critical implementation details.
Gen Squeeze will be watching closely to ensure that a robust implementation framework is created. And we’ll continue to push for more policies that ensure both a healthy environment and a fair society for present and future generations alike.
As we strategize, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the inclusion of “intergenerational equity” in Bill S-5. Is this a starting point from which we can begin to repair Canada’s broken generational system?
What are your thoughts on applying the principle of intergenerational equity to policy areas beyond the environment?