Denise Savoie

SAVOIE CONDEMNS CONSERVATIVES’ HOT AIR PLAN

OTTAWA – Today, with the tabling of the Conservative government’s Clean Air Act, Canadians’ worst fears were confirmed. The Conservatives’ made-in-Washington green plan means it will be years before any action will be taken to reduce pollution and halt climate change.

“Under Harper’s plan pollution will go up, not down. Canadians have already waited long enough for a clean environment, they shouldn’t have to wait any longer,” said M.P. Denise Savoie (Victoria), who is also the NDP Caucus Environment Committee co-chair.

The proposed act outlines no clear targets or timelines for reducing greenhouse gases, and instead offers more delays and consultations.

“Canadians want to be able to breathe clean air but Harper is saying: ‘hold your breath Canada.’ His plan means we’re going to wait 5 more years before anything gets done,” said the NDP’s Environment critic Nathan Cullen (Skeena-Bulkley Valley).
“The Conservatives are continuing to let big industrial polluters off the hook and are taking a pass on introducing stronger auto emission standards. Canadians want a government that is on their side but Harper is clearly on the side of the big polluters,” declared Savoie.

New Democrats have already set out minimum guidelines necessary to halt climate change:

o Get tough on smog and greenhouse gas producing pollutants. Set a target to reduce greenhouse gas pollution by 80% by 2050
o End subsidies to the oil and gas industry
o Consider a moratorium on oil sands development until environmental concerns about the production of massive amounts of carbon emissions are addressed
o Support for an East-West power grid, as part of a Canada wide energy strategy
o Ban the worst toxic chemicals
o Encourage green investment, including urban transit and retrofits for all types of buildings, including low-income housing