NDP asks the federal government to protect the green space of the Montreal Technoparc – Montreal | The Canadian News

The NDP is asking the federal government to protect a vast green space north of Trudeau Airport.

With the prime minister pledging to preserve 30 percent of Canadian land by 2030, advocates say the wildlife oasis in the center of the city is the perfect place to start.

Joanne Boismenu regularly visits this extensive green space next to the Technoparc in Saint Laurent.

She is one of many people who bring their cameras, take a walk, and try to spot one of the hundreds of species of birds and animals there.

“It’s a beautiful place,” said Joanne Boismenu, a bird watcher who was walking through the area with her camera.

Since its neighbors are an airport and an industrial park, development is a constant threat. Just a few months ago, the construction of the REM was responsible for draining an entire swamp.

Boismenu says he saw the birds fight.

“They were on the branch, with no water at their feet, with nothing to eat. It was very sad to see him, ”he said.

Events like that are why Montreal PND MP Alexandre Boulerice is calling on the federal government to protect green space.

He wrote a letter to the new Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault and Transport Minister Omar Alghabra demanding that they take action.

“Liberals promise they will commit to 30 by 30, which means protecting 30 percent of land and territories by 2030. Why not start here? Why not start on the island? Boulerice told Global News in an interview.

Most of the green land is under federal control and Boulerice wants the government to turn it into a park or protected territory. The airport may allow the construction of a new mask manufacturing plant in part of the green space.

Why destroy a natural habitat of more than 200 birds and an important site for the monarch butterfly? If we are consistent in our will to protect nature and species, we must act. Companies can go elsewhere, ”said Boulerice.

Advocate Katherine Collin appreciates the NDP gesture

“It is very gratifying to see this continued interest in protecting the site,” said Collin, organizer for Technoparc Oiseaux.

Just last week a rare scissor-tailed flycatcher appeared in Technoparc’s green space, captivating dozens of avid bird watchers.

“We just want to make sure this is a space that is conserved in perpetuity and not in parcels,” Collin said. He is concerned about the gradual destruction of biodiversity in the area.

The federal Environment Ministry was unable to answer questions about Boulerice’s letter before the deadline.