Time for our Port Authority to do its job.

May 21 2013

Do you agree that our federaly appointed Port Authority must do a better job of listening to our concerns? Join us at 1 pm Thursday May 23 at Canada Place to let them know.

For six months the public has been challenging the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority over its plans to export US coal out of Surrey BC. (See below for details.)

In all this time we've had one consistent request: postpone any decision until you fully consult the public. This proposal has huge implications for our region and the planet, and the public deserves a say.

Last week the Port Authority held a press conference to make an announcement: it had asked Fraser Surrey Docks -- the very company that will profit from building and operating this coal port -- to hold two open houses in Surrey on the project.

Is this the best our public regulator thinks it can offer? We disagree, and sent them a letter today telling them so.

It's time to tell our Port Authority to start acting in the public interest. Help us send the message this Thursday.

Say NO! to coal export expansion

May 1 2013

A new proposal to export US thermal coal out of Metro Vancouver make absolutely no sense.

If approved, our region would be the largest coal exporter in North America. Yearly, these exports would release more global warming pollution than all the oil flowing through the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline.

Coal train traffic in our region -- up to ten trains per day after expansion, back and forth through White Rock alone -- would expose our neighbourhoods, schools and daycares to more noise, traffic delays, diesel exhaust and coal dust. Up to four loaded coal barges would travel down the endangered Fraser River each day.

Who gets to decide if it's worth putting our future at risk to export US thermal coal? Right now, not us -- just the Ottawa-appointed board and unaccountable staff at Port Metro Vancouver. That needs to change.

Here is the first step in stopping these dangerous plans:

Click here to send a message to PMV's board of directors.

Tell them what you think about their plans to export US coal out of Metro Vancouver and the impacts this will bring to your community and the climate. Please ask them to delay any decision on the Fraser Surrey Docks coal export proposal until it has undergone full public hearings in all regional communities.

If you live in White Rock, Delta, Surrey or New Westminster, your Mayor and Council need to hear your concerns. Ask them to stand up to the Port Authority and say "No!" to this proposal.

Recently, Metro Vancouver Regional District passed a draft resolution opposing expanded coal exports in the Fraser Delta. This resolution will now go before the entire board for a vote. They need to know they have your support!

Click on the links below to send your council & Metro Vancouver a message on this issue.

City of White Rock

City of Surrey

Corporation of Delta

City of New Westminster

Metro Vancouver Board of Directors

Please send us a copy of your letter!

Please send us a copy of your letters so that we know how many comments the Port receives on this issue and what people are saying about it. We'll display them here to keep a public record of our concerns.

The Port Authority's mandate is to "operate with broad public support in the best interests of Canadians." Let's make sure they live up to it.

To learn more about the coal export proposals, click here.

Port Authority misrepresents public concern over coal exports: here.

Port Authority Decision on Neptune Terminals expansion, and our response.

In January 2013 the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority approved a doubling of coal exports out of Neptune Terminals.

In its rationale, the Port Authority does not mention climate change once. It shrugs off calls for broad regional consultation. It ignores concerns about potential regional health impacts.

It says, in essence, that its only job is to keep the trains and ships running on time. Read our response here.

Port Authority Reply to November 27 letter from Climate Leaders, and our response: here.

Open letter from health leaders to Port Authority here.

Archive of public letters sent to the Port Authority here.

Letter from City of Vancouver to Port Authority here.

Open letter from climate leaders to Port Authority here.

Read why we should all be concerned about the effects of toxic coal dust on our health, our farms and wild salmon here.

To read coverage of the ongoing coal export controversy in the media, go here.

For answers to the excuses commonly used to justify coal mining and export in BC, go here.

December 18: Citizens send a message to the Port Authority -- You must consult us over coal export expansion. Robert Semeniuk Photo.

___________________________________________________

Join our #OpenPortAuthority campaign!

February 15 2013

It's time our Port Authority reflected who we are as a region. Help us send a message that we want the Port to be more transparent, accountable and engaged. Please endorse our Director, Kevin Washbrook, for nomination to the Port Authority Board of Directors.

Click here to send an endorsement to the Port Nominating Committee and the Federal Minister of Transportation.

Read Kevin's platform and see a list of current endorsements here.

On Facebook: Endorse Kevin for the Port Authority.

Defend our Climate!

Oct 18 2012

As a follow up to the Defend our Coast action at the legislature, UBCC350 is organizing Defend our Climate on Wednesday, Oct 24.

This will be an opportunity for Vancouver to say NO! to pipelines and tankers, and the huge risks they pose to our climate.

Wednesday's action is part of a province-wide effort to bring BC's "unbroken wall of opposition" to pipelines and tankers right to our MLA's offices.

Together, we'll drive home the point that we're not going to let massive fossil fuel exports destroy our climate and our future.

Wednesday's details:

1. Bike Convoy from UBC (McInnes Field) @ 10:30.
2. March starts at Almond Park (12th and Alma) @ 11:00.
3. Rally at Christy Clark’s office (4th Ave, between Dunbar and Alma) @ noon.

For more information, check out the event on Facebook.

See you there!

Ps -- if you missed out on joining us at last summer's Point Grey Day's parade, next Wednesday's march will be a great chance for some follow up street theatre:

Beau Doherty photos

Civil Disobedience in a Changing Climate

Sept 14 2012

Friday September 21st, 7:30 pm, Alice McKay Room, Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library. Free.

We need to start cutting emissions now to avoid runaway climate change. At the same time, our governments encourage increased exports of fossil fuels, making the problem worse.

What are good citizens to do?

Join in an open discussion on why peaceful civil disobedience is an ethical course of action for those concerned about climate change.

Moderated by James MacKinnon (co-author of The 100-Mile Diet). Citizens arrested last May for stopping a coal train in White Rock will share their experiences. Hear the practical, legal and financial implications of taking a stand for our future.

Further Details:on Facebook

It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what is required. -- Winston Churchill

Rob Baxter photo.

請要求省長拒絕讓油輪穿過卑詩省沿岸水域及在本省各地興建輸油管！

2012年7月12日

如果您想卑詩省長保衛本省豐盛的海產資源，免受石油洩漏所污染，您可以發電郵到下列郵址，要求她拒絕讓油輪穿過本省沿岸水域：發電郵給簡蕙芝省長 (Christy Clark)。

Premier Clark: please stand up for BC!

June 23 2012

An oilspill would devastate our coast, pipelines are leaking everywhere, climate change is getting worse... and natural gas is not a "clean" fuel just because you declare it so!

It's time our Premier stood up to Stephen Harper and the corporate interests that want to turn BC into a major point of export for tar sands oil and liquified natural gas. If you agree, why not take a minute to send her a message right now?

Send an email to the Honorable Christy Clark.

Read more on why we need to act now.

What an awesome moment!

June 3 2012

One crisp hour expressing our desire to keep tankers off of BC's coast and pipelines out of our mountains.

Here is one of the shots from Apo Hekimhan, our new hero at Berson Photography. We estimate + 1500 people took part!

To see a high resolution version of the photo, go here.

Thanks to Solidarity Notes Labour Choir, Kids for Climate Action and Public Outreach for their support. Special thank you to Chief Ian Campbell, Squamish First Nation, for his welcome and statement of solidarity.

We hope to have the Sun and Province newspaper ads ready in 2 to 3 weeks.

Our next goal: place the ad in Sing Tao, Vancouver's highest circulation Chinese language daily, and First Nations Drum, Canada's National Native Newspaper. The longer we keep these ads in the public eye, and the harder it is for Christy Clark to ignore our concerns! If you would like to help make that happen, there are two ways to donate:

1. By cheque: Payable to VTACC, PO Box 74504, Kitsilano RPO, Vancouver BC, V6K 4P4.

2. By Paypal:

For first out of the gate news coverage and a great photo from 24 Hrs, go here. Note that we counted 1500 people, not 300 as they say in the article -- judge for yourself!

Bake Sales VS PR Millions

June 2 2012

Join us Sunday June 3rd 4pm at Kits Beach in Standing UP for BC!

We're taking out full page ads in the Sun and Province calling on Christy Clark to Say NO! to tankers on our coast and pipelines across BC. The centrepiece of these ads will be a huge group photo of British Columbians who care about this issue.

We want you in the picture!

Enbridge has $5 million to spend on promoting a pipeline that is bad for BC and the planet. We hold bake sales and dance parties to raise money to buy our ads. Guess who's going to win? The people who want a healthy future.

Details

Donate

Facebook

Twitter: @ClimateVoters #NoTankers

No Tankers Dance Party!

May 28 2012

Thanks to everyone who came out to our dance party in support of the "No Tankers!" ad campaign. Together, we raised $3,000 towards the cost of the ads. We're looking forward to gathering together on June 3rd, 4 pm at Kits Beach on the shore of the Salish Sea for the group photo for the ad.

Want to help make it happen? Go here to donate and learn more.

Here was the view from Kits Yacht Club on Saturday night -- what we're all working to protect.

Vancouver Point Grey stands up for BC!

April 15 2012

Are you concerned about oil spills and climate change?

Do you want Premier Clark to say NO! to supertankers on our coast, and pipelines cutting across BC?

If your answer is yes, then we want you in the picture!

Residents of Vancouver Point Grey are taking out this full page ad in the Vancouver Sun & Province. We want you to join us June 3rd for the photo shoot.

We were inspired by community members in the North who have made similar efforts. We want to show that people in the Premier's own riding share their concerns.

This ad will be seen by hundreds of thousands of people across the province! It's our chance to send a message to the Premier: time to stand up for BC. continue

Sustainable Transportation Funding for Metro Vancouver: Lessons from Seattle

April 5 2012

Transportation is a significant source of GHG emissions in urban areas, which is why it is crucial we develop efficient and effective transit systems that provide alternatives to private cars.

Unfortunately, Translink, Metro Vancouver's transportation authority, has been hobbled by insufficient funding since its inception. It has a good long term transit plan -- Transport 2040 -- but not enough revenue to fund it.

VTACC is part of the Sustainable Transportation Coalition, which advocates for smart funding solutions that provide adequate revenue for the transit system while also helping to reduce demand for the single occupant vehicle.

Come out to SFU Downtown on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 at 7:00 PM to learn more about Seattle's experience with road pricing as a tool for demand management and revenue generation, and how these lessons can be applied here. Reserve a seat here.

Moblilizing for Climate Action

March 19 2012

Thanks to everyone who attended, and shared their inspiration and insights! A special thanks to our keynote speakers, panelists and celebrity judges.

M4CA Keynote Panel with Tom Crompton & Susanne Moser from Shirlene Cote on Vimeo.

We face some big challenges in the years ahead, and it will take our combined, collaborative efforts to surmount them. It was inspiring to spend the day with such a diverse and motivated group of people.

To view the presentation of our other keynote speaker, Susanne Moser, and to stay involved in the discussion, visit our online forum at Climate Acess here.

Moblilizing for Climate Action

March 13 2012

A one-day summit on best practices for public engagement on global warming.

It's never been more important that our efforts at public mobilization are focused and effective. How do we build strong face to face relationships for the work that lies ahead? How do we inspire the public to take action? This event brings together a passionate group of individuals from a range of backgrounds to share experiences and insights. March 13: 6 spaces left!.

See the conference program and register here.

Here's to citizen activism!

February 27 2012

Last week we were surprised to find ourselves the target of outlandish allegations, when a reporter/blogger who came across the FOI response to our coal billboard campaign (see below) stated that we are an astro-turf front group for the US Sierra Club. We were accused of using US corporate funding to take advantage of naive urban voters.

This blog was linked to from over 90 local papers across BC. As you can imagine, this was extremely distressing to us. We are a volunteer, grassroots group with a minimal budget. Our greatest asset is the goodwill and genuine concern of the people we interact with. Our biggest in-house resource is our reputation as an earnest and committed group of citizens who want to work with others to build a better future. If these two things are lost through this kind of attack then we are finished.

There is something more important at stake here than our reputation, however. What's really at risk is direct citizen engagement in the effort to make the world a better place. Attacks like the one we faced just invite the public to become even more cynical and despairing about the potential for people to join together to call for positive change. If it wasn't VTACC, it would be some other grassroots group.

We were delighted to see so many of you come to our defense on short notice. As a result of all our efforts, the original offending blog post was removed and the mistake was acknowledged in a subsequent blog post. We'll need to be vigilant in the future, but this whole episode has reassured us that people who care about climate action are ready to mobilize when the time is right. We hope that we can now all stay focused on advocating for the changes needed to deal with global warming.

There was one other positive outcome of this event. We were motivated to set up a twitter account to defend ourselves: @ClimateVoters Please follow us!

Coal Billboard Campaign: we're up!

November 14, 2011

Update Feb 22 2012: BC Ferries responds to FOI request on reasons for refusal to post billboards at Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. Details at bottom of this post.

Thanks to all your donations, we've rented a billboard near Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to challenge the BC government's status as a leader on climate action:

It's never been more important to challenge Premier Clark's plan for an economic boom driven on an expansion of fossil fuel exports.

Just last week the International Energy Agency - a legitimate, mainstream organization - announce that we have just 5 years to radically reduce fossil fuel use in energy and industry if we wish to avoid runaway and potentially catastrophic global warming.

Given this urgent need for action, Premier Clark's drive to expand the export of polluting fossil fuels can only be described as reckless. Her plans put our children's futures at risk.

Please take a moment to tell the BC government what you think about coal exports:

Premier Clark
premier@gov.bc.ca

Minister of Energy and Mines Rich Coleman
EMH.Minister@gov.bc.ca

Minister of Environment Terry Lake
ENV.Minister@gov.bc.ca

Learn more about how BC's coal exports contribute to climate change here.

UPDATE: BC Ferries responds to our FOI request for correspondence on refusal to post billboard at Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. Unfortunately, the correspondence doesn't provide a clear reason why BCF has refused our ads, and offers no explanation for their infringement of our right to political expression.

Read the full FOI exchange here.

Metro Vancouver Transportation Funding:

Show your support for action!

August 2, 2011

We have a key opportunity to help ensure a healthy, sustainable future for our region. Unprecedented collaboration between the province and Metro Vancouver's mayors has led to agreement on new, long term funding for our region's transportation system.

Your show of support now can help ensure that our political leaders continue to make the right investments in a sustainable transportation system.

Translink, Metro Vancouver's transportation authority, has been inadequately funded since it's inception. As a result, the region has been unable to afford needed investments in rapid transit routes, new buses, bike lanes and other sustainable infrastructure.

It's crucial we solve this problem now: transportation accounts for 40 percent of our region's GHG emissions, and, with a million more people expected to live here by 2050, we simply can't continue to rely on cars and freeways to get around.

The province and mayors agreement on a 2 cent per litre regional gas tax isn't a complete solution to our transportation funding shortfall, but it represents a bold move in our current political climate.

We encourage you to express your support to the Premier and the Mayor's Council, and to urge them to commit to further long term funding for our transit system. You can see our letter to the Premier below.

Here is their contact information:

The Honourable Christy Clark
Premier of British Columbia
premier@gov.bc.ca

Mayors� Council Corporate Secretariat
Shirley Shankar
shirley.shankar@translink.ca

VTACC is part of the Sustainable Transportation Coalition (STC), which aims to secure long term funding for Metro Vancouver's transportation system. The STC recently convened a meeting of social, environmental and business interests to discuss options for regional transportation funding, and were encouraged to see strong support for three key funding sources: a dedicated share of future regional carbon tax revenue, a graduated, annual vehicle registration fee, and smart road pricing. Together, these three funding sources could meet our region's transportation needs. It's up to us to encourage our political leaders to make this happen. Read more about the region's transportation funding situation and the STC here.

Sustainable Transportation Coalition letter to the Premier:

July 26, 2011

The Honourable Christy Clark
Premier of British Columbia
Box 9041 Station PROV GOVT, Victoria, BC V8W 9E1

RE: Support of Increased Gas Tax and Other Funding Measures for TransLink

Dear Premier Clark:

We are very pleased that the Province of British Columbia is considering a gas tax increase of 2 cents and other measures such as a vehicle registration fee and road and bridge pricing to help fund the construction of the Evergreen Line and badly needed transit and cycling improvements throughout the region.

The Sustainable Transportation Coalition is a non-partisan organization that brings together key constituents who support a range of funding sources to allow TransLink to complete the 2040 plan and create a truly sustainable transportation system for our region. We are working to create a positive vision for our region�s transportation future and to build public and political support for the bold transportation policies and secure transportation funding needed to achieve that vision.

Families across the region need affordable transportation choices. We envision an integrated network of mobility options that simultaneously supports responsible, personal transportation needs for all, urban livability and land-use densification, and economic growth. This network will help to mitigate high gas prices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve public health.

On May 18th we held an interactive transit funding workshop with over 50 key participants from transportation-related business and community organizations across the region, to envision potential funding sources for the 2040 plan. The consensus of the group was that decisive action by the province was necessary to move forward. The top three choices for funding options were: 1) Post-2012 Carbon Tax revenue, 2) A vehicle registration fee, and 3) Road and bridge pricing. Overwhelmingly, participants felt that using existing carbon tax revenue was �saleable� in the region, followed by strong support for a vehicle registration fee and for smart road and bridge pricing.

We thank you for taking the lead on this issue. We pledge to help mobilize public opinion in support of a diverse range of options for long-term, sustainable funding transit in the region.

Sincerely,

Sustainable Transportation Coalition

Peter Ladner Fellow, Centre for Dialogue, Simon Fraser University; Former board member, TransLink
Gordon Price Director, City Program, Simon Fraser University
Kevin Washbrook Director, Voters Taking Action on Climate Change
Tanya Paz Business Development Director, Modo The Car Co-op
Jack Becker President, Third Wave Cycling Group
Margaret Mahan Executive Director, BEST Better Environmentally Sound Transportation
Wayne De Angelis Regional Director, BC & the Yukon, Architecture Canada
Brent Elliott Chair, South Coast Chapter, Planning Institute of BC
John Calimente Transportation Planner; Columnist for Spacing Vancouver Magazine
Matt Horne Director, B.C. Energy Solutions, Pembina Institute
Richard Campbell Vice President, VeloWorks Cycling Society
Nathan Pachal Director, South Fraser OnTrax Transportation Advocacy Society

Student and Youth Groups call for Action from BC Government

Students and youth are doing their part to fight climate change, call on Premier to do the same.

May 10, 2011

Dear Premier Clark,

In a country that is failing to show leadership on climate change, B.C. stands out as a jurisdiction that is taking action to reduce carbon emissions and to build a low carbon economy. Students and young people of B.C. support this action and want our province to continue to take the next steps on climate action.

You ran on a platform of change; action on climate change, however, must remain front and centre on your government�s agenda. As our new Premier you have the opportunity, and responsibility, to build on the important climate change policies the province has already implemented. Doing so will allow us to work together with our partners like California and encourage other jurisdictions to do the same.

We know that the window of opportunity to prevent dangerous climate change is closing, and closing quickly; and as young people we are well aware of the impact that your decisions will have on our prospects for a livable future. Many of us have recently reached voting age, or soon will be. You can be confident that we will continue to speak out strongly about issues that affect our future, and we will hold leaders accountable for their actions.

Read More>>

BC Climate Policy: A Race to the Top?

Call on the Liberals & NDP to make strong commitments in the Vancouver-Point Grey by-election

May 06, 2011

Are we poised for a race to the top when it comes to climate policy in BC? Both the Liberals and the NDP have recently taken on new leaders, leading us to wonder how quickly they are prepared to move on the most urgent issue of our time. The current by-election in Vancouver- Point Grey gives us a great opportunity to check under the hood and kick the tires on both party's plans for climate action.

We've had a chance to meet with both the Liberal (Premier Christy Clark) and NDP (David Eby) candidates for Vancouver-Point Grey this week. We had good discussions with each about their party's climate policies.

Today both candidates provided us with written statements which summarize their positions on these issues. You can read them in full here:

David Eby Christy Clark

The short summary: both the Liberals and the NDP indicate that they support already scheduled increases in the carbon tax. Both parties indicate that they are open to the possibility of using revenue from future increases in the carbon tax to fund green initiatives like public transit. Both parties indicate that they want BC to participate in the Western Climate Initiative (WCI) and work with California and other jurisdictions to implement effective climate policy the regional level.

We are reassured by these statements, because they show that both parties are committed to continuing BC's leadership role on climate action. BC's carbon tax can be a powerful tool for fighting climate change, if it is kept in place and if it continues to increase on an annual basis. Also, in the absence of strong federal action, regional initiatives like WCI are our best bet for working cooperatively to reduce emissions.

It's a promising start to that race to the top, and between today and the by-election next Wednesday, it's up to us to urge both parties to make the strongest commitments possible. You can help make that happen by getting in touch with the candidates, asking questions and demanding commitments.

Here are some key points to raise:

1. Indicate if you support continued, regular increases of the carbon tax after 2012, the extension of the carbon tax to cover emitters that are currently exempt, and the use of carbon tax revenue for public transit, energy efficiency and other emission reduction initiatives. Call on both parties to make a solid commitment to the same.
2. Indicate if you support a ban on oil tankers on BC's north coast, and if you are opposed to Enbridge's proposed Northern Gateway pipeline.
3. Indicate if you support ending all subsidies to BC's oil and gas sector.

Contact information: David Eby Christy Clark

Political parties are never more interested in hearing what you have to say then they are at election time. Tell them what you think! Please contact both candidates today and call on their parties to make strong binding commitments to climate action.

Vancouver Peoples' Summit, June 20 2010

Take your place at the Table!

May 12, 2010

Join us on June 20^th 2010 at Vancouver's contribution to At The Table, the international campaign to ensure issues that matter are on the table at the G8/G20 Talks in Toronto.

The Vancouver Peoples' Summit will bring together activists and advocates to celebrate our common cause and send a message to leaders: we want bold action to end poverty, stop climate change, and make sure the global economy works for everyone.

We're partnering up with Main Street Car Free Day Festival to make this happen, and we're going to fill Main Street between 29th and 33rd Ave with music, children's performance, street theater, dialogue, debate and more. It's a party with a purpose, and we want you to be part of it!

Find out more here: Vancouver Peoples' Summit web site.

Find us on Facebook

Follow us on twitter: @VanPeopleSummit

Internationl Day of Action with Bridge to a Cool Planet

October 14, 2009

Coming up soon on Saturday October 24^th is the International Day of Climate Action. The event in Vancouver is being organized by Bridge to a Cool Planet.

http://www.BridgeCoolPlanet.ca   twitter: @b2cp  Find us on Facebook
Cambie Bridge, Vancouver, October 24th.  Bridge opens at 11, Banner Drop at Noon, Parade at 12:30  GetInvolved@bridgecoolplanet.ca

Higher! Faster! Stronger! Politics and Parades.

June 17, 2009

It's time once again for the Point Grey Fiesta Days Parade, Saturday June 20th. Our theme this year: Way to go with the Carbon Tax, BC, but what about off-shore oil exploration, a pipeline from Alberta, and oil tankers on our coast? How does that fit in? It's street theatre with a serious message, and you are welcome to join us, the Carnival Band and stilt walkers from The Public Dreams Society as we show that you can have fun while expressing your concerns. Contact us (above right) for details.

Politics in the age of Global Warming: How do we move forward?

May 7, 2009

A full house was on hand last night for our environmental leaders election discussion at SFU downtown. Attendees heard Barry Penner, Shane Simpson and Damian Kettlewell discuss how their parties would address climate change and what principles should be used to guide climate policy development. We also heard their views on how best to develop and implement climate policy in our adversarial political system. You can view the highlights here:

Carbon Taxes:

Transportation:

Cap and Trade:

The event was sponsored by VTACC, UBC's Faculty of Arts, SFU's Graduate Program in Public Policy, and The Tyee.

We Need a New Approach to Climate Policy!

March 23, 2009

Almost every day we hear new reports that climate change is occurring faster than expected and that the impacts are coming on earlier than projected. Scientists are frustrated over delays in reducing in emissions, the public has accepted that the debate is over and is ready for strong action, but still governments dither, or, even worse, pursue policies that further increase emissions.

We think consensus is emerging around some key principles which should be used to guide our way forward in the fight against global warming:

1. We must cut emissions immediately -- in our homes and from our lifestyles, businesses, and industry.
2. Climate change is not a partisan issue. Governments must strive to make climate policy development and implementation as inclusive and collaborative as possible.
3. All solutions will involve costs, and we must ensure that those costs are spread out fairly, and that we minimize impacts on those least able to afford them.

We need to take effective and fair steps to reduce emissions as quickly as possible. We'll be working with other groups to highlight these principles during the coming BC election. Global warming is more important than politics!

We Need a New Way of Electing Governments!

February 15, 2009

Our winner take all electoral system gives political parties an incentive to avoid tough solutions to long term problems. Why would any government try to convince voters to accept short term pain for long term gain, when the other parties will always be tempted to offer easy answers in exchange for a chance at power? Solving complex problems like global warming -- which will require long term commitment, discipline and some fundamental lifestyle changes, long before the worst impacts are visible -- will be near impossible under our current system. Voters who want to support strong action are often disappointed on election day, because their votes are wasted and their voices aren't heard.

Fortunately, on May 12th 2009 British Columbians have an opportunity to make fundamental changes to how we elect governments. When we fill out our ballots in the general provincial election this May we will also be voting in a referendum on electoral reform. The referendum will ask you to choose between our existing first past the post system, and an alternative recommended by the BC Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform.

This assembly of 160 BC citizens examined electoral systems around the world and recommended that our province adopt a new voting system, the single transferable vote (STV). The assembly concluded that STV is our best option for electing governments that truly reflect the preferences of the voting public. We agree, and we think that if BC STV is approved, it will help ensure that in future we elect governments that represent a diversity of views and are willing to take strong action to fight climate change. We urge you to vote yes on STV on May 12th!

For more information on the referendum, how the single transferable voting system works, and how you can help make it happen, visit STV.CA

We Need a Green Revolution!

January 29, 2009

The global economic crisis demands action by governments. We need to ensure that our government's response to this crisis is proactive. Unfortunately, the recent federal budget is disappointing. Instead of directing billions of dollars towards road and bridge projects and providing tax breaks to Canadians who do things like re-sod their lawns, our government should be jump-starting our transition to a green, low carbon economy. We need significant investment in wind and solar power as well as public transit. We need an end to federal subsidies for motor vehicle infrastructure and the oil industry. We need to shift taxes away from income and payroll expenses and towards the pollution which causes climate change.

It is quite likely government will have to continue to intervene in our economy as the downtown deepens and widens. Please let our Prime Minister and his key cabinet ministers know that you expect a Green Revolution, not band-aid measures in support of the status quo. Send them a quick message today!

Prime Minister Stephen Harper:    HarpeS@parl.gc.ca
Environment Minister Jim Prentice:    PrentJ@parl.gc.ca
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty:    FlaheJ@parl.gc.ca
Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt:    Raitt.L@parl.gc.ca

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