Silencing Environmental Voices: A Threat to Democracy and the Future of Canada

Strategic Insights -

As the federal election campaign progresses, Canadians are witnessing a concerning trend - the deliberate silencing of environmental spokespersons. The recent exclusion of university student Joanna MacDonald from a Conservative party campaign rally and the barring of Green Party Leader Elizabeth May from televised debates are stark examples of this phenomenon. These incidents highlight the government's disdain for environmental issues and its attempt to muzzle voices that advocate for a sustainable future.

Key Takeaways:

  • Joanna MacDonald, a fourth-year university student, was barred from attending a Conservative party campaign rally in Guelph, Ontario, due to an RCMP background check that deemed her "unfit" to attend.
  • MacDonald's experience has left her frustrated and worried about future repercussions, with questions about whether she will be barred from other events and what the consequences might be.
  • The exclusion of Green Party Leader Elizabeth May from televised debates is a prime example of the silencing of environmental voices, as she is the most articulate federal leader on environmental issues.
  • Canada's record on the environment under the Conservative government has been abysmal, with greenhouse gas emissions rising by 24% between 1990 and 2008, making it the eighth largest greenhouse gas polluter in the world on a per capita basis.
  • The government has used its unelected majority in the Senate to scuttle Bill C-311, The Climate Change Accountability Act, which demanded stronger action on climate change.

Statistics:

  • 24% increase in greenhouse gas emissions in Canada between 1990 and 2008.
  • Canada is the eighth largest greenhouse gas polluter in the world on a per capita basis.
  • The Kyoto Protocol targets set by Canada committed the country to 6% below the 1990 level by 2012, with promises for deeper cuts to ensue.
  • The Copenhagen summit awarded Canada the "Fossil of the Year" for being the most obstructive nation when it came to reaching a climate accord.

Sources:

  • Stephen Scharper, "Silencing environmental voices: A threat to democracy and the future of Canada," The Toronto Star, 2011.