Letters

Stephen Harper, June 2010 (re Environment Canada report)

We as taxpayers and environmentalists are very discouraged by the poor performance on climate change as reported recently by Environment Canada. The government's reduction goals were already far too low compared to those proposed by the world’s top climate scientists. Environment Canada now admits that we are unlikely to meet even these inadequate goals. We have to do far more than merely slow down the increases in greenhouse gas emissions.

Stephen Harper, June 2010 (re G20 agenda)

We join with the six Nobel Laureates in urging you to put climate change on the agenda for the G20 meetings.

Canada is both a major economy and a major per capita emitter of greenhouse gas emissions. We have the responsibility and the capacity to show leadership on this issue, as underlined by these distinguished Nobel Laureates.

Your excuse that the G20 meetings are to focus on the world economy misses the point. We cannot have a healthy world economy  with runaway climate change.

President Barack Obama, June 2010 (re Gulf oil spill)

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill is a matter that affects all inhabitants of planet Earth.

Safer exploitation and stricter regulations address only the short-term problem. There can never be full protection against “accidents.” As sources are sought in the oceans and the Arctic, the likelihood of such disasters is only increased. Nor are the tar sands an alternative, for that exploitation is highly polluting and wastes relatively clean energy in the process, points you well know.

Federal MPs and Ontario MPPs, July 2010

We wish you a good, refreshing summer holiday.

We also hope that you will take time this summer to do some reading on the greatest challenge we have to face: the climate crisis.

Some of the world’s leading scientists have been stressing the short period of time we have to act. Note that these experts are yet hopeful that humankind can do the necessary and change our harmful lifestyles. But we have to recognize the urgency of the situation and take serious action.

Stephen Harper, January, 2010

In response to your request for advice from Canadians on the budget, we urge you to consider our country’s most critical priority, survival, which indeed is the great issue for all humankind, and most of the world’s species who cannot speak for themselves.

Economic stimulation measures should have a significant environmental component, and greenhouse gas emission reductions must be the highest priority.

Stephen Harper, January, 2010

Like other citizens concerned about the climate crisis, we are appalled at your decision to seek prorogation (the second time!), thus depriving opposition MPs who want to raise this crucial issue of the opportunity to do so. Especially with the failure of the Copenhagen Conference to reach a binding agreement, and your government’s failure to give positive leadership, MPs have plenty to say and ask.

All MPs, December, 2009

The Copenhagen meetings are going on right now, and the federal government’s position continues to disgrace us. Polls indicate that a good majority of Canadians want strong action on climate change, do not want to wait for the Americans, and do not believe that the economy should be an excuse for inaction.

We applaud the MPs who voted for the Bloc Québécois motion on support for the KYOTOplus numbers of 25-40% reductions by 2020. Obviously we want Bill C-311 to be adopted at the earliest possible opportunity.

Conservative MPs, December, 2009

We note that your government has abandoned the “controversial” intensity targets on greenhouse gas emissions.

Yet we continue to be appalled that the Canadian negotiating team is going to the Copenhagen meetings with the shamefully low target of 3% reductions (based on 1990 levels).

You should realize that you do not speak for Canadians when you fail to advocate a serious approach to dealing with the climate crisis.

Michael Ignatieff, November, 2009

We were very pleased to see Liberal support, and your own, for the Bloc motion on absolute reduction targets in greenhouse gas emissions of 25% by 2020, based on 1990 levels. This would appear to be a new commitment on your part, as you never signed the KYOTOplus pledge.

We would appreciate your confirming this commitment, especially since your recent speech at Laval University omitted mention of numerical targets.

Stephen Harper, November, 2009

We were naturally pleased that you have finally announced that you would attend at least part of the Copenhagen meetings on climate change in December. We remained concerned, however, with your failure so far to announce a commitment to absolute as opposed to intensity-based reductions. We urge you to make a firm commitment to 25% reductions at least in greenhouse gas emissions, based on 1990 levels.

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