LETTER

 

--- What/who to vote for?

 

       The federal election is only 20-some days away.  The climate crisis is again the top issue in Canada this year.  The Conservatives, Liberals  and NDP have released platforms. Here’s what they’ve promised so far:

       The Greens, Liberals, and NDP will increase the price on carbon over time;  the Conservatives will  scrap federal carbon pricing.

       The Liberals will fund 1,000 more firefighters for next year’s fire season, though when in office they continued to subsidize fossil fuel corporations and bought a pipeline. The Liberal party is also committed to their Net-Zero Carbon Accountability Act, with its weak accountability measures.

       The NDP is promising  a “Climate Accountability Office” to ensure that targets are set and met, as well as an “Office of Environmental Justice” to address the disproportionate impact of the crisis on low-income, and racialized  communities.

       The Green Party will cancel all new pipeline projects and oil exploration, add a total ban on fracking,  end fossil fuel subsidies and create a "Just Transition" for fossil fuel workers -- no details yet. 

       The Conservatives would increase subsidies to the fossil fuel industry. Their plan relies on false solutions like carbon capture and storage, natural gas, and small modular nuclear reactors.  They promise a law to prevent protestors at “critical infrastructure.”

        Each party supports electric vehicles, but none have committed to federal capital and operational funding for electrified public transit.

        Election promises are easily forgotten.  We need to elect MPs who can turn these promises into reality.  We encourage you to ask these questions to local candidates to determine who will really act for climate justice:

• Will you end fossil fuel subsidies and all new fossil fuel development permits?

• Will you support Just Transition legislation that winds down the fossil fuel industry, supports affected workers, and leaves no one behind?

• How will you ensure that Indigenous peoples, lands, and knowledges are included in climate action  and planning?

• Do you support a Green New Deal that transforms high emissions sectors like energy, transportation, food, and housing into zero-carbon public services? 

Dylan Penner, Council of Canadians 

Ottawa