Lawrence Cannon embarrassed Canadians on the global stage tonight by proclaiming under-realistic goals and positioning Canada as a laggard nation in the lead up to Copenhagen. Take action to show this is absolutely unacceptable.

ForestEthics : Protect Forests and Stop Global Warming : Take Action

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Lawrence Cannon embarrassed Canadians on the global stage tonight by proclaiming under-realistic goals and positioning Canada as a laggard nation in the lead up to Copenhagen. It’s time to take action to show this is absolutely unacceptable.

ForestEthics : Protect Forests and Stop Global Warming : Take Action

Shared via AddThis

What is a Steady State Economy?

Evidence suggests that the resources and natural systems of our planet cannot sustain unlimited economic expansion based on consumption. We should not use renewable resources faster than the ecosystem can replace them. Nonrenewable resources should be used no faster than renewable substitutes can be developed. Waste and pollution should not exceed a sustainable level of absorption.

A steady state economy does not depend on growth so it presents an economic model more consistent with sustainability. In a steady state economy, productivity per worker (outputs) and capital required per worker (inputs) remain equal over time.

Jobs in a Steady State Economy

Nothing about a steady state economy precludes economic development. Various sectors may come and go in a steady state economy. For example, organic farms may supplant factory farms, the proportion of bicycles to Humvees may increase, and professional soccer may attract more fans while NASCAR attracts fewer. As long as the physical size of the economy remains constant in the long run, a developing economy is a steady state economy. The emphasis is on quality of life, not constant growth (which on a finite planet- such as ours- cannot persist).

Economic development continues so that in the extractive sector, oilfield roughnecks may decrease in number while wind power facility attendants may increase. In the sciences, industrial chemists may be replaced by wildlife ecologists and stream restoration technicians.

Steady state economies foster creating value-added work and local and regional business and industry which become the engine of that job creation (green-collar jobs). This could also be considered a thriving economy. So,  instead of a tree clear-cutting industry for mass export, we would foster vertically integrated forest management, cutting and manufactured wood products industries for use in the local and regional economy (eliminating raw log exports would assist in this).

I thought readers of my blog would like to know the Green Party policy book (The Green Book ) has been released. I’m summarizing some of the key energy policies in the platform below. It’s clear that the Green Party has the most progressive and truly green energy policies of all the 3 major BC parties.

While I advocate for the BC Greens and am running for them (in a strong Liberal riding – Vancouver-Langara), I’m doing it because I care about the future of the province and I am passionate about sustainable energy.

I would like BC readers to consider the following this election:

1. The BC Greens know we will not form the next government, but a vote for us will send a strong signal that reform is needed to promote clean, green renewable energy in this province. Nothing short of Feed-in tariffs will promote geothermal, solar, ocean and wind to the level and speed that is required, given the conclusive science of climate change.
2. With the adoption of STV, we will become a stronger by the next provincial election and we are focusing on key ridings for a break-through this time. Getting behind Greens as a policy vehicle is much easier than changing the status quo in the other parties. The stronger Greens are, the more other parties will steal/borrow/collaborate around our policies. 

3. Our energy and climate change policies.
We clearly define clean, green energy: “Clean energy does not produce harmful bi-products such as SO2, carbon dioxide, radioactive waste, and other toxic or harmful substances. Green energy does minimal harm to the environment and its planning and development considers broader economic and social concerns.
In keeping with Green principles, green energy projects are smaller scale and managed regionally. “

Fueling the Economy with Clean Energy
BC Greens will allocate funding for the building of green
and clean renewable energy facilities with an emphasis on
cooperative and municipally-owned utilities. We will ensure
private producers and transmission operators are able to
participate in a mixed public/private energy system. We favour
the creation of regional energy production systems rather than
inefficient, large-scale projects. These systems allow for a built-in
resiliency in case of failure and create more long-term jobs than
large-scale projects.

A new ministry – combining environment, energy, and climate
change portfolios – will oversee a new BC Energy Authority
responsible for all aspects of energy regulation and planning for
the province. Elected Regional Resource Management Boards
will establish a diversified portfolio of projects to meet regional
requirements.

Key Goals
-Get the province off oil and gas•
-Power the province using only green and clean power (as defined above)•
-Provide incentives for citizens and businesses to generate their own power and get off the grid
-Encourage new clean and green energy generation projects•
-Promote local and district scale generation over remote projects

BC Greens Will
-Establish a Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change•
-Create a new BC Energy Authority (BCEA) to support the diversification of energy sources. BC Hydro would report to the new BCEA as would all new power producers
-Make BC Transmission Corp. a division of the BCEA
-Create a clear reporting relationship for the BCEA to the Ministry of Energy, Environment and Climate Change
-Mandate elected Regional Resource Management Boards that report to the BCEA for planning purposes, and approval of regional energy generation and distribution systems
-Require the new BCEA to eliminate the current calls for power, and to implement Feed-in-Tariffs
-Repeal Bill 30 – 2006 Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2006 which prevents local oversight of public resources and include local and regional government representation on the new elected Regional Resource Management Boards
-Halt all river-based energy generation projects pending stricter environmental assessment
-Require methane capture and power generation plants at all wastewater and landfill sites
-Restore public ownership of the Nechako/Kemano generation system
-Phase out all power imports from fossil fuels or other greenhouse gas emitting sources
-Require that BCs short- and long-term energy needs be fully met first, before foreign energy sales take place
-Prohibit the use of food products other than local food waste products for the production of fuels

J-M Toriel
Candidate for Vancouver-Langara
BC Green Party
www.bcgreens.ca
- “If we don’t do the impossible, we shall be faced with the unthinkable.” Petra Kelly

I had a lovely weekend with my family cross-country skiing in the Callaghan Valley Nordic Centre — site of the Whistler 2010 Olympics for all nordic events. This lovely venue is set in an incredibly beautiful area south of Whistler and will be a recreational winter paradise for snowshoers, skate-skiers, x-country and ski jumpers for years to come. $120 million tax payer money well spent, right? That all depends on the most important factor: snow.

It is daunting to return to news of the possibility that my 6 month old daughter may not have the same iconic Canadian winter experience when she is my age (roughly 30 yrs from now), given the impending threat of Climate Change. The latest study (Ian Bruce) from the David Suzuki Foundation indicates a number of important factors linking to the importance of preserving the value of winter recreation. In dollar terms, the report acknowledges that winter tourism in Canada generates an estimated $5 billion per year and supports more than 110,000 jobs.  

When I think of all the wonderful times I had on the ice (skating or playing hockey) and skiing (x-country or downhill)/snowboarding, I can’t help but feel guilty for the generations that may not share that joy when we had the power to reverse the trend. But, instead of feeling helpless and paralyzed, it is important to acknowledge the possible grim possibility by becoming motivated to act. 

In order to fully comprehend the importance of snow in BC, we need only to look to our abundant supply of mountainous terrain. The whitecaps of glaciers and snow are a crucial source of water for communities, agriculture and hydro-power and support important ecosystems of flora and fauna. Without the glaciers, our livelihood and that of the other species (from plankton to grizzly bears) would be altered to the brink of survival. 

According to the report, scientists estimate that B.C.’s glaciers are losing 22 cubic kilometres of ice per year. That’s as much water as all of Canada’s homes, farms, and factories use every year!

We pride ourselves as living in “the best place on Earth” (BC gov’t slogan), have some of the cheapest power around, some of the cleanest drinking water and an abundant supply for agricultural lands (not to mention wild salmon and other fish from creeks and rivers). All this exists because of our current supply of water from glaciers.

More than just a recreational splendour, it is our very lifeblood and essential for the well-being of the future.

The report gives 7 recommendations for government policy and I will compare it to the BC Green Party platform in green below:

Key recommendations for federal and provincial governments: 

1. Implement an action plan to meet Canada’s international commitments by reducing emissions to safe levels as supported by science (25 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020, and at least 80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050). The BC Greens share the targets of the Green Party of Canada which is 30% below 1990 levels by 2020 (47% below 2007) and 80% below 1990 levels by 2040 (85% below 2007). 
2. Introduce a price on carbon emissions through both a carbon tax system and cap-and-trade system to spur innovation and clean-energy solutions. We propose a $50/tonne carbon tax (exempting British Columbians living below low income cut-off established by Stats Can) AND a hard cap on large final emitters of GHGs.
3. Adopt stringent fuel-efficiency standards, such as the California standard or better, for personal vehicles as well as commercial and industrial trucks. The Environmental Management Act would include GHG reduction regulations and be equal or more stringent than California’s.
4. Implement ambitious targets and timelines to transform [BC] into a global leader in the manufacturing and use of renewable-energy systems including solar and wind power. See number 1. All money earned in revenues from carbon and environmental taxes go towards investments in Renewable Energy infrastructure.
5. Scale up funding for a sustainable transportation network across [BC] including investments in high-quality infrastructure for public transit, walking, biking, and a more efficient rail network for goods-movement. Cancel proposed Gateway project and provide tax breaks and funds to support transit, cycling, light rail, video conferencing and tele-working.
6. Phase out dirty and unsustainable power sources such as coal-fired and nuclear power. Decommission all natural gas and diesel power stations by 2015. Halt import from nuclear and fossil fuel-based generation systems by 2009. Ensure nuclear power is not an option in BC.  
7. Assist municipalities in putting into place growth-management strategies to prevent urban sprawl. There are too many policies that would encourage this to mention. Some examples include the expansion of rail service, distance-based auto insurance and stimulating local production of agriculture and greenroofs.

While the news of climate change worsens, we must be hopeful that there is a political movement that is already pushing for meaningful response to the international scientific consensus calling for drastic emissions reductions and bold policy action. It is up to the voting citizens to make this a reality on May 12th by getting Greens elected, so the change can happen at a policy level from within government, and not just from outside pressure. Time is too precious.

I’m tired of waiting and being disappointed. I’m taking a stand. I’m running for office.

I decided to run last week for Langara — a diverse and vibrant part of Vancouver. With the departure of Carole Taylor there is a seemingly gaping void of representation for the area. While Dr. Moira Stillwell has replaced her Liberal candidacy spot, she is a much weaker candidate and there is still no NDP candidate!

I won’t dwell on the other 2 parties’ record or their candidates– I think that speaks for itself.

I will say that I was shocked at the remarks of Carole James speaking to the BC Business Council last Thursday. As a value-driven business person, myself, I was surprised to hear the pro-big business rhetoric supporting neo-liberal economics coming from her mouth. Her plan for a rebound in the economy is to “axe the gas tax” and further open trade to magically “create wealth and drive innovation”. Looking around at the economic situation today does not indicate this to be any solution. In fact, this could easily be a Liberal talking. So, “better leadership for everyone” (NDP campaign tagline) is what will drive the economy of the future? All signs point to no.

James is adamantly opposed to the most progressive carbon tax in North America. Cutting it would generate a mere $2 billion to the dwindling coffers of an already overflowing deficit during the worst economic situation any of us have faced in this province. Her solution is more infrastructure spending than the Liberals have proposed, which would further increase the debt and benefit big business contractors, who could emit at will (with no carbon tax and a flaky cap-and trade scheme without any clear indications as to how this would be done).

This is old-school thinking in short-term with absolutely NO vision for how to turn things around for the future. Where is the “new” in the “New Democratic Party”? And given the lack of support for the proposed BC STV, not too  ”democratic” either.

The BC Liberals, on the other hand, while bold in their implementation of the carbon tax, should be criticized for continuing to increase subsidies to the very industry that is creating the most amount of carbon emissions (oil and gas), and relying on revenues from natural resources and real estate too heavily.

The dreadfully over-budget Convention Centre and Gateway initiatives are short-sighted, and continue down a dangerous path of speculating  unceasing growth – which is what got us in this mess in the first place. With the current economic conditions as they are, there are virtually no industries that have been unaffected by the sharp downturn. Indications of a turn-around in any of these sectors relies more on Wall Street speculation and the finite supply of resources than Colin Hansen’s weak budget (read my earlier blog).

We have become too reliant on growth and exports of these finite resources to our detriment. Worst of all, the lack of leadership has shown a lack of understanding of the true nature of the problems we face. Namely, the connection to our reliance on unhealthy, unfettered economic growth to bring us greater prosperity, and the lack of connection to the planet as a whole. More stuff does not equal better livelihood.

The solutions are as complex as the problems, but there are many suggestions proposed in the BC Greens’ Green Book platform, that I hope my readers and constituents would agree are much more visionary and focus on the long term.

This is the reason I’m running: the future of my 6 month old daughter. I cannot bear to sit aside and watch mismanagement of the “best place on Earth” while partisan politics reigns supreme.

Our house is burning –

• Record high jobless rates without proper investment into arts, culture and innovative green stimulus;
• Collapse of the commodity markets affecting forestry, oil and gas, energy, mining, fishing, ports;
• Addiction and homelessness stemming from poverty related issues spinning out of control with increased violent gang violence and gun use, neglecting First Nations communities;
• Privatizing and lack of transparency of our crown corporations and lands which creates tension from regional and municipal representatives who are left powerless from centralized decision-making in Victoria or IPP (independent power producers) who lease public land without proper accountability and environmental assessments;
• Plummeting real estate prices and value;
• Huge public infrastructure spending on unGreen infrastructure projects like Gateway to nowhere, the unnecessary and over-budget Convention Centre 
• Lack of comprehensive Climate Change legislation with support for truly green technologies and incentives;
• Lack of food security– we need more protection of our agricultural lands and better incentives to localize our food distribution, and Olympic security spending beyond comprehension;
• Lack of laws protecting wildlife and public land.

– and this is “keeping BC strong”? (tagline for BC Liberals).

I may not be favoured to win on May 12th, but I do not want to tell the good people of Vancouver Langara what is right for them.  I wish to hear your concerns and represent us — the citizens of BC (families, small businesses, youth, immigrants and refugees, homeowners and renters alike). That’s the way the system is supposed to work, and it has shown to not to be working now. Instead of taking the traditional politician’s stance of promising, without the intention of fulfilling those promises, with a system that clearly needs fixing, I will listen intently to what and how the voters would like me to represent them in Victoria — if I get there. I will bring up the issues and solutions that our leader, Jane Sterk and the BC Greens have documented in our platform:GREEN BOOK

So many important issues that will affect our future well-being are being neglected by the status quo bickering parties (‘propose without input Liberals’ and ‘oppose without question NDP’). Luckily, there is another party that is ready to make a real difference in the Legislative Assembly and that is clearly and decisively GREEN.

My focus will be to boost our local economy through clean, green investments in innovation creating green collar jobs, small business and renewable energy that is determined regionally — not from Victoria. We want better education, quality homes for those with low income, safe and healthier living conditions and a better future. I also strongly encourage citizens to VOTE YES to STV for a more representative system that will deter the rhetoric and the bickering.

“It all comes down to one word: confidence.” — Finance Minister Colin Hansen (delivering 2009 Budget) If the BC Liberal government was hoping to stir up confidence in the latest budget, they failed miserably.

The global economy is broken and BC is not isolated from the severity of the downturn. The recent release of the BC 2009 Budget fails to acknowledge the importance of long-term vision. The result of a short-term mentality in band-aid fixes does not consider the next generation, let alone the seventh. All too often our leaders have considered the consequences no further out than the next election and this was made apparent in this year’s fiscal budget. Instead of bolstering confidence and stimulating growth in the green economy, it continues to throw money at sunset industries that are reliant on tax breaks and public infrastructure for short-term profits of finite resources to maintain dwindling revenues. This does not make sense.

Instead, we should focus on tomorrow’s consequences of actions that we take today. This long-term perspective is helpful in asking how we should address our most urgent priorities in a way that assures that we not only solve the current economic and ecological crises, but also prevent their recurrence. Conventional economics has shown to be flawed — creating massive disparities and social injustices, a growing gap between extreme wealth and extreme poverty and a looming environmental crisis.

The BC governments of past and present have been continuously wastefully spending public money to encourage unsustainable growth in unsustainable natural resource sectors through massive subsidies using public revenues without requiring proper long-term management. The result of significant corporate tax breaks and reducing royalty payments in large-scale agriculture, forestry, mining, the oil and gas sector, and open net fish farming have created negative impacts to the environment by accelerating finite resource depletion, creating more GHG emissions into the air, unhealthy toxins into our soil and water, decreased biodiversity and further endangered species at risk and placed greater financial burden onto our future generations.

Subsidies from the 2007 budget slated to 2010 to the oil and gas sector alone accounted for over $1 billion, and increased 40% from 2006. That money could and should be put towards new technologies and businesses of the future.

The only 2 Ministries that indicated positive spending (eg No cuts) were health and education and they’ve been battered so drastically over the past 10 years, we’re basically putting money back into already cut departments!

So, does this inspire confidence and provide stimulus?

Ah, NO…

Never in the history of economics has cutting government ministries improved the state of the economy — generally measured by employment levels. Our unemployment rose from low 4% last summer to well over 6 in January. As far as infrastructure, mega-projects like Gateway were already announced and will not create more jobs than anticipated.

In other words, this is a lose, lose budget and by no means boosts confidence.

Gifts for all to remain in power for a little while longer while neglecting Canada’s potential does not bode well for the future, But that is exactly what we were handed yesterday by Finance Minister Flaherty and PM Harper.

Canada lacks vision and innovation. While Bush was in power, Canada had an opportunity (that Europe took advantage of) to become world leaders in renewable energy and global leaders in innovative sectors of high-tech, green building and energy efficiency the Green Economy. Instead, we pooled it all to feed the archaic energy-intensive and polluting resource-based economy based on speculation in the commodity market and clunky traditional manufacturing…

In times of economic growth we cut taxes to the corporations and made government weaker by removing regulations and trade barriers.

Is anyone questioning the neo-liberal/conservative assumption that greater growth in GDP by exploiting resources at all costs has really benefitted Canadians as a whole?…

Well, there is an alternative Economic Stimulus put out by the Green Party of Canada that relates to this issue and would take it on: http://www.greenparty.ca/stimulus-package

This plan is solution-based and forward-looking and has an emphasis in kick-starting the economy. This is what Canada needs. Unfortunately, the Conservatives did not pay attention…

I am disappointed at the lack of incentives and spending that would really encourage long-term resilience to the negative consequences of our globalized economy. A shift towards a community, grass-roots level economy that focusses on a thriving Main Street with a healthier, more educated and brighter future.

Instead, we are handed an $85 billion deficit that will most likely become structural.

The ray of hope comes from the south where Obama leads with a compelling vision that will undoubtedly take root north of the border.

Shame on Harper and the cronies on Parliament Hill for not realizing our potential and creating an enormous shortfall for the future by remaining entrenched in the past.