Dear Editor:
As a voting member of the Conservative Party of Canada,
I am shocked that all of the Conservative candidates for leader – except Michael Chong – do not consider climate change to be an important issue for winning the next election.
A recent report from Smart Prosperity, endorsed by over 60 sectors, including the oil and gas (Suncor, Shell, Syncrude), mining, cement, forestry, aluminum, manufacturing, banking and insurance, stated: “Putting a price on carbon, to reflect the real environmental costs, is the most cost-effective way to reduce emissions, stimulate innovation and drive energy efficiency. Coordinated Canada-wide carbon pricing, rising predictably over time, can do much of the heavy lifting towards meeting our climate targets.”
Progressive values and policies are now required if the Conservative Party hopes to win the next election.
Most Canadians want governments that are near the centre of the political spectrum, including fiscal responsibility. At the recent Manning Conference, we learned what millennials want – implementing a carbon tax to address climate change, support for minority rights, secure jobs, and a stable economy.
Is the federal Conservative Party listening?
Gord Cumming,
Georgetown
Gord Cumming