NDP Answers PCT Question

I do have to say that the NDP quite honestly "knocked my socks off" with their response. Bravo! I take this as a very encouraging sign that behind closed doors at least our political process is coming to grips with the enormity of the challenge that peak energy poses. They are also to be commended for having convened the first Parliamentary Committee on Fossil Fuel Depletion. (feb.7,2008) If you are interested in reading a transcript of these proceedings I can provide you with one.

Ton confrere,
J.F. Berg

OUR QUESTION:
Surprisingly, even though Canada is a net oil exporter, Canada imports almost half our daily oil needs from Iraq, Algeria and other far away countries. In addition, the design of our pipeline and refinery system means that millions of Eastern Canadians cannot access Canadian oil no matter what the circumstances. This leaves millions of Canadians exposed to disruptions on the world oil market.

What would your party do to erase these infrastructure deficits and ensure Canadian energy security?

NDP Answer:
We need to unite the country behind a strategy for Canada’s long-term energy security. A crucial part of reducing pollution and fighting global warming must be substantial new investments in renewable energy solutions. Jack Layton’s New Democrats will implement a comprehensive New Energy Economy Strategy, developed through consultation and a cooperative effort of all stakeholders from coast to coast to coast.

We must plan now for a future where our energy consumption is drastically reduced and where all our energy comes from renewable sources. We need to make sure that our energy policies put the needs of Canadians first.As Prime Minister, Jack Layton will make Canadian energy security and environmental standards priorities in trade negotiations, including putting energy front and centre in any new trade negotiations with the United States. A New Democrat Government will renegotiate NAFTA’s Chapter 6, which unreasonably limits Canadian sovereignty over its energy resources and may prevent Canadian energy security.

We will introduce new financial incentives for clean power, including from solar, wind, water, biomass and other renewable sources for electricity production and from manufacturing here in Canada. This will keep the economic benefits and jobs in Canada and temper the unchecked exploitation of our resources. Canada’s New Democrats will remove bureaucratic barriers to the development, manufacture, and licensing of zero emission vehicles in Canada and increase support for rail transport – including developing high-speed trains in urban corridors such as Edmonton-Calgary and Windsor-Quebec City.

Finally, we will begin a discussion with the provinces and territories for an East-West Renewable Energy Grid. This nation-building and climate action exercise needs federal financial support and leadership to assist provinces in building the renewable energy infrastructure that will transition Canada away from high pollution and nonrenewable energy.
We encourage you to find out more by consulting Canada’s New Democrats’ plan for energy and the environment that will really work at:www.ndp.ca/platform/environment