Greenpeace puts up giant inflatable owl at Rideau Hall, wants new law passed

A 20-foot tall inflated owl was put up in front of Rideau Hall on Wednesday by Greenpeace Canada to remind the government on their promise to pass a nature law, according to the environmental organization.

“The giant inflatable of the wild spotted owl, whose population has dwindled to one single female, serves as a symbol of the current nature crisis and a poignant reminder of the urgent need for new biodiversity legislation,” wrote the organization in a media release.

Greenpeace Canada, along with its allies, said it has been calling for a new biodiversity law for the past two years. In November, NDP MP Richard Cannings sponsored a parliamentary petition calling on the government to pass new nature legislation.

“This legislation must ensure the government’s accountability and transparency, center the rights of Indigenous Peoples and restore access to nature for all,” wrote Greenpeace.

So far, 712 people have signed it.

In December, the federal government formalized its commitment to a new nature law in 2024 at the UN climate summit in Dubai.

Greenpeace Canada said over 60,000 Canadians have already signed their petition asking for the law to be passed.

“If Justin Trudeau is serious about his nature commitments, he must pass this law before the Nature COP in October,” said Shane Moffatt, head of Greenpeace Canada’s Food and Nature campaign.

“Our message to Prime Minister Trudeau today is clear – there is no more time to waste.”

The next biodiversity conference is set to begin on Oct. 1.