Environmental stewardship, Trans-Canada East pipeline topics at candidates discussion
By Joey Krackle
NIPISSING FIRST NATION – Anishinabek citizens and Nipissing-Timiskaming candidates discussed the importance of environmental stewardship and their positions on the proposed Trans-Canada East pipeline at Nbisiing Secondary School on Oct. 5. Nicole Peletier, Green Party; Kathleen Jodouin, NDP and Anthony Rota, Liberal candidate. Jay Aspin the Conservative candidate was unable to attend.
Moderator Maurice Switzer asked candidates what they would do to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels so we don’t deplete our environment.
Jodouin said that the NDP would reduce our use of fossil fuels, bring in a cap and trade system and bring in a carbon tax. They would reduce green house gas emissions, and eliminate government subsidies for using fossil fuels and get after corporations who pollute. She said that the NDP leader Tom Mulcair has committed to attending the international debate on fossil fuels to be held in Paris this fall. She emphasized the importance the governments implementing the duty to consult in a meaningful way when dealing with First Nations on resource development projects.
Peletier commended Nipissing First Nation citizen efforts on building an environmental energy house. She committed to bringing in a green tax fund and promoting innovation in the reduction in the use of fossil fuels. Peletier said the Green Party is committed to working to enshrine an environmental Bill of Rights in Canada.
Rota promised that the Liberal Leader, Justin Trudeau, would attend the international climate conference in Paris and invite the Premiers to accompany him.
“He would create environmental leadership in Canada by working with the provinces to set uniform environmental targets,” said Rota. The Liberals would invest in environmental technology innovation and then export it around the world.
” We will set up a Clean Jobs and Investment Fund to get our young people into training in technology,” said Rota. “We are committed to re-building the environmental assessment programs that Stephen Harper gutted and ensure that they are based in science so that we could use the best technology to reduce carbon emissions.”
Each candidate was also asked to state their position on the proposed Trans-Canada East pipeline.
Jodouin stated that she was in favour of the proposed pipeline as long as it was done using the highest standards of energy efficiency. She emphasized “the need for meaningful consultation with First Nations involved and re-iterated the need for a credible thorough process to decrease the impact on our environment.”
Peletier stressed that she was against the proposed TC East pipeline as there was no proper assessment process. She pointed out that Aamjiwnaang First Nation is known as “chemical valley” and people there are sick from the emissions. “We don`t need our people getting sicker from chemical emissions,” said Peletier.
Rota stated that he was concerned about the proposed crude bitumen project going under Trout Lake – North Bay’s water supply – and committed to setting new rules in place for all development projects based on science.
“There is the need for First Nation prior, informed consent,” said Rota.