Honourable senators, I rise today in recognition of Nature Canada’s Women for Nature program because it brings together the collaborative voices of Canadian women with vision — women of influence who choose to demonstrate their care, passion and love for nature and to pass their values on to others, inspiring the next generation to drive change. It is an exceptional initiative, and I am deeply honoured to serve as its honorary chair.

This program builds bridges between women leaders, scientists, community champions and policy-makers, all united in their commitment to protect and restore Canada’s wildlife and habitats. More than ever, we must protect our land, water and soil, the very foundations of life and prosperity. Let us remember that two thirds of global GDP depends directly on nature. Without thriving ecosystems, there is no lasting economy.

Last month, I had the privilege of representing the United Nations’ Global Changemaker Academy for Parliamentarians at the Society for Ecological Restoration World Conference in Denver, Colorado. I was heartened to see the determination of scientists, Indigenous leaders and communities working tirelessly to restore degraded lands, even as some governments retreat from environmental responsibility. The message was clear: Restoration is hope in action, a reminder that every hectare healed and every species protected bring us closer to balance.

Last week, the International Union for Conservation of Nature gathered 10,000 experts and leaders at its World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, all united in purpose to replace the rhetoric of delay with the courage of solutions. Their call echoed the spirit of Dr. Jane Goodall, whose lifelong work reminds us that “what you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Her legacy continues to inspire generations of women and men who choose compassion, science and courage to defend the living world.

Honourable colleagues, it may sometimes seem that nature and climate have taken a back seat to short-term economic anxieties. Yet, across the globe, countless people are devoting their lives to protect the planet we all depend upon. Let us not be bystanders in their struggle.

Later this month, I encourage you to take part in Nature on the Hill events; there will be so many. Attend the parliamentary breakfast, meet with delegations and learn more about the extraordinary work happening across Canada. These conversations remind us that our health, our economy and our future are inseparable from the health of our environment.

Finally, I warmly invite you to join Nature Canada and me this evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in the senators’ lounge for a Women for Nature reception. As always, we’ll have a special animal guest, one that I’m sure will, quite literally, ruffle feathers.

Thank you. Meegwetch.