Environmental Minister links Global Warming to strange Vancouver weather

It seems the Conservative government officially is connecting the effects of the weather in the lower mainland of British Columbia with global warming. Environmental Minister John Baird surveyed the damage done at Stanley Park today and stated that it is clear that climate change is affecting our environment. Once again, no actual policy to their much maligned Clean Air Act was announced. However, I didn't expect any official policy announcement today. Today was purely optics to show the government recognizes that Canadians care greatly about the changing environment and that they are "surveying the damage" to get a clearer picture of what to do.

Today indicated where the Conservatives could go with policy. If they see the link between global warming and our changing environment, there can be some optimism that policy that actually matters could be in store in the near future. By connecting the dots in terms of global warming, Stephen Harper and John Baird begin to look less aware and uninterested in finding ways to combat environmental problems.

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.