Read the Vancouver Sun article on Pat Carney – a former Conservative senator from BC and a former Minister of Energy with the federal government – and her views on why the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline that will send oil tankers through the spirit bear’s habitat doesn’t make sense.

The Conservative Party of Canada has been re-elected with a majority government after Canada’s 41st general election.

Together with a large NDP opposition, a heavily reduced caucus of federal Liberals and Bloc Quebecois, and the first elected Green Party member, the Conservatives will govern Canada for at least the next four years, providing certainty and opportunity to take action on saving the spirit bear.

Though the Conservatives are viewed as weak on the environment, when it comes to protecting the Kermode subspecies, the Youth Coalition has enjoyed a productive and positive working relationship with the governing party.

Many view this issue as one of provincial jurisdiction, but strong leadership from past environment ministers such as John Baird and Jim Prentice have helped make this issue a national priority. After all, endangered species, fisheries, aboriginal relations, nationally-important ecological regions, and sustaining carbon sinks (climate change) are all national portfolios.

With bold support from all opposition parties – especially Green MP Elizabeth May, NDP MP Nathan Cullen, and Liberal MP Joyce Murray – the Conservatives will have the opportunity to create an all-party coalition to address this issue.

However, any progress will be dependent upon all Canadians voicing their support to not only the prime minister and the minister of environment, but also to their locally elected official. It is critical that decision makers know that creating a national sanctuary for the spirit bear is of paramount importance to citizens coast to coast to coast.

Please take a moment to write Prime Minister Harper and your Member of Parliament and ask them to represent you by saving Canada’s spirit bear by protecting the final unprotected third of their last intact habitat and ensuring that it is a true sanctuary, free from the coastal bear trophy hunt.