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Columnist trapped in ideological straightjacket |
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Written by -- Dick Harris
Cariboo-Prince George MP
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Friday, 18 July 2008 |
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DICK HARRISTODD WHITCOMBECARIBOO-PRINCE GEORGE
I was disappointed to read Todd Whitcombe's column, which was sadly misinformed and didn’t take into account any of the tough or meaningful action our government has taken on the environment.
Our government recognized the failed policies of the Liberal party, which led to Canada being almost 35 per cent above its Kyoto target by 2004.
That’s why we introduced our “Turning the Corner Plan” to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution. Our plan will cut greenhouse gas emissions an absolute 20 per cent by 2020. For the first time in Canadian history, our government is requiring big polluters to reduce their emissions. This plan also has additional, tougher measures for the oil sands, and will essentially ban dirty coal-fired power plants, one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
On the international stage, history was recently made when all G8 countries were able to agree on a 50-per-cent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050. Leadership means going first, and that’s why under this government, Canada has committed not only to our 20-per-cent reduction by 2020, but a 60 to 70-per-cent reduction by 2050.
Finally, our government has been clear that by 2050, the developed world, including Canada and the G8, will probably represent no more than 20 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. When our government says we need participation by developing countries, this is not a philosophical position. This is a mathematical certainty. The fact remains that you can't get a 50 per cent cut from 20 per cent of emissions.
Canada is doing its part on the world stage to deliver real and meaningful action on climate change, including major investments with the United Nations and with the Asia-Pacific Partnership. We can’t turn back the hands of time on 13 years of Liberal inaction, but we can take action not just for today’s generation, but for future generations as well.
Our children and grandchildren deserve nothing less.
In closing, let me suggest that while The Citizen identifies Todd Whitcombe as a “political activist”, it falls short of noting that Mr. Whitcombe is a well-known “NDP political activist”, which may better explain his views to your readers, and perhaps explain as well, why Mr. Whitcombe most times, appears trapped in his NDP ideological straightjacket with his columns.
-- Dick Harris
Cariboo-Prince George MP
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 07 September 2008 )
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