Monday, January 8, 2007

Environment #1 issue in Canada, Conservative government taking heat for inaction












Source: The Canadian

This article argues that the current Canadian government's strategy, under Prime Minister Stephen Harper and newly appointed Environmental Minister John Baird, is optics and inaction over meaningful policy on global warming. The Harper government has been unsuccessful in selling its Clean Air Act, a "Made in Canada" solution to the country's environmental woes. The plan has been panned by pundants and opposition that Harper sacked Rona Ambrose, then Environmental Minister, to try to convince Canadians that the government is serious about environmental conservation and sustainability. Harper is now taking heat for merely replacing a cabinet minister without forwarding any useful policies.

While I'm skeptical of the current government's urgency in addressing this critical issue, Harper has yet to unveil a revamped plan of action. Therefore, I will not judge until the government releases a policy statement. Judging by the government's lack of action in combatting climate change, Harper's libertarian stance on the issue and the government's strong connection with Alberta Oil, I'm not holding my breath for any drastic change from this administration.

I hope Stephen Harper and the Conservative government prove me wrong.

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