If you haven’t heard yet, the Blue Dot Tour is taking Canada by storm. Not only is it a tour that’s visiting cities across the nation, but it’s also a movement, one that aims to change our country and planet for generations to come. With lauded environmentalist David Suzuki at the helm, the tour is spreading awareness about environmental issues and campaigning for one ultimate goal: amending our Constitution. What does the Constitution have to do with the environment? Well, Suzuki et al. believe the right to clean air, fresh water and healthy food should be enshrined in our Charter. Here are some of the reasons why the Charter should guarantee these rights:

• Seven out of 10 provinces have recognized Canadians’ right to a healthy environment.
• More than 110 nations globally have guaranteed their citizens’ right to a healthy environment.
• There have been 11 amendments to the Charter since its inception in 1982.
• In terms of environmental performance, Canada ranks 24th out of 25 countries.
• More than 20,000 Canadians die prematurely every year as a result of air, water and food deficiencies.
• More than 44,000 Canadians have joined the Blue Dot movement.

  Part of the Suzuki Foundation’s Right to a Healthy Environment campaign, the Blue Dot Tour has already touched down in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, P.E.I., New Brunswick and Ontario. It’s slated to visit the remaining provinces between now and the tour’s Nov. 4 close. Visit bluedot.ca for more information. Photo courtesy the David Suzuki Foundation