On July 30, I participated in a forum on the climate crisis sponsored by the local chapter of Extinction Rebellion. The forum was held at the Windsor Community Centre. While it was for all candidates running for federal office in Kings-Hants, only myself and the Green Party candidate were in attendance. Thanks to everyone who came to the meeting (on a very sweltering summer evening) and who peppered both candidates with questions for almost two hours! The candidates were also given the opportunity to lay out their party's platform on combating the most serious issue facing Canada and the world. I discussed the NDP's plan to combat climate change - entitled Power to Change: A New Deal for Climate Action and Green Jobs - which begins by declaring a climate emergency & then pledges to implement specific measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
Our goal is a 38% reduction in GHG emissions below 2005 levels by 2030 and to reach this target an NDP government will:
Our goal is a 38% reduction in GHG emissions below 2005 levels by 2030 and to reach this target an NDP government will:
- achieve net carbon-free electricity by 2030 and 100% non-emitting electricity by 2050
- retrofit existing housing stock & ensure every new building is net-zero energy ready
- ensure 100% of new vehicle sales are zero emission vehicles by 2040
- electrify our public transit fleets & other municipal government vehicles
- eliminate fossil fuel subsidies to oil companies & redirect these funds to low carbon initiatives
- halt all fracking & stop building more pipelines
- encourage heavy polluters to reduce emissions through a premium carbon price
- implement a Low Carbon Industrial Strategy to help industries adapt
- promote a green economy through the Canadian Climate Bank & the Clean Communities Fund
- invest in economic sectors and jobs with a low carbon footprint
- create at least 300,000 new green jobs & provide support for workers impacted by the shift to a green economy
- promote agricultural techniques that reduce GHG emissions
- implement a national reforestation program
- enact an Environmental Bill of Rights
- support Indigenous rights and environmental protection efforts
Me speaking at the XR Forum next to the moderator, David Mangle
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