LETTER

 

----    NDP-Green alliance on the climate crisis?

 

Letter-writer Suzanne Keeptwo (April 28)  believes that action on global warming is required for this emergency.  Given our first-past-the-post electoral system, she suggests an emergency alliance between the NDP and Greens to elect more candidates for bold actions on climate.

Her optimism underscores the problems of constructing such an alliance before an election is called, driving her to despair about the political stagnation of the two main political parties, a despair shared by so many people. And voters usually focus on daily-life issues when they vote; “climate” is not at the top of the list. Better communication on how our lives will be improved by addressing climate change might lead to better political outcomes. 

People are worried about jobs, salary, affordable housing, good seniors' care, more investment in education and health care and the need for a pharmacare program. A party promising action on climate change needs a strong platform on all the issues concerning Canadians.

Keeptwo is right. Would we rather endure the confusion of the Conservatives who declare climate change is a hoax, or the Liberals who dabble on the subject without conviction and fail to enact concerted action? Or can we “boldly” make a more decisive choice? The NDP has a wide platform that includes real action on climate change and these other important political questions. 

Carl Hager

Pontiac