2022-18 UPDATE RACISM AND CLASSISM
Whereas #1 environmental racism is defined as the disproportionate proximity and greater exposure of Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities to polluting industries and environmentally hazardous activities as well as unequal access to environmental benefits; and
Whereas #2 environmental racism has a serious impact on human health such as increased rates of asthma, heart conditions and stroke, reproductive effects, learning disabilities, cancer, and mental health effects; and
Whereas #3 environmental racism includes exclusionary practices such as public hearings held in remote locations and at inconvenient times, and the use of English-only material when communicating and conducting hearings for a non-English-speaking public; and
Whereas #4 these communities lack political power to fight back against the placement of polluting industries in their communities; therefore be it
Resolved #1 that the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopt as policy that there be a national strategy to eliminate environmental racism and classism; and be it further
Resolved #2 that the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) urge the Government of Canada to develop and implement a national strategy to eliminate environmental racism and classism to include:
a. identifying and documenting environmental hazards in specific locations and the people affected
b. having meaningful, accessible, and inclusive consultations with all communities
c. involving community groups in environmental policy-making
d. compensating communities that have suffered from environmental racism.
and be it further
Resolved #3 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to institute a national campaign to increase awareness about environmental racism and environmental justice and provide the tools and training necessary to help address these issues.