Mr. Harper, please check your map – I think we’re headed in the wrong direction!
In an article by Bruce Cheadle of The Canadian Press, it was noted that Canada was to have submitted its targets for reduction of greenhouse gases by March 31, 2015. This date was a follow-up to agreements made in Copenhagen in 2009 and the Lima conference in December 2014. That submission has not been made.
Writing for Bloomberg Business, Josh Wingrove commented on Canada’s premiers nearing a deal with the federal government that would clear the path for pipeline projects in exchange for new environmental commitments from the federal government that would include the reduction of greenhouse gases.
In January 2015, in the House of Commons, the government of Canada was asked if it would be ready to fulfill the terms to which it agreed to in Lima 2014. Again, that statement of intent was due March 31.
There is something terribly wrong with this picture. If the Government of Canada is working on the establishment of pipelines which, in turn, help promote the expansion of operations such as the Alberta oil sands which, in turn, contribute additional CO2 in to the atmosphere – how can that scenario possibly lead to an economic future that includes lowering CO2 emissions?
This is not a case of either/or: environment or the economy; it is a case of needing leaders who will help us move toward a sustainable economy that does indeed require an environment in which to operate.
Our ‘ship of state’ is in serious need of a new captain and a crew who understand we are heading for the rocks – it’s time to change course now.
Ron Robinson
Nelson, B.C.