Three of four candidates attend screening of documentary
BY JOANNE SAUNDERS, SPECIAL   February 22, 2010 15:02
COLLINGWOOD - Local candidates for the next federal election, speaking in Collingwood on Feb. 17, shared their ideas about how the environment can be improved.
Liberal Andrea Matrosovs, NDP candidate Katy Austin and the Green Party's Stuart Starbuck fielded questions from environmentally concerned citizens following a documentary film on global pollution at the Gayety Theatre.
It was suggested by a member of the audience that the empty fourth seat on the stage represented the government's position on climate change. It was announced that Conservative incumbent Helena Guergis had declined to attend, citing a previous commitment.
The movie, entitled the Age of Stupid, showed possible dire consequences in 2055 if better care is not taken of the environment now. It predicted that a backward glance would conclude that we, in the early 2000's, knew how to profit from the earth's resources but not how to protect them.
The evening's event was one of a series on environmental issues organized by the Blue Mountain Watershed Trust and Elephant Thoughts.
The three opposition parties have similar plans to move the country toward an economy based on renewable energy, noted NDP candidate Katy Austin.
Andrea Matrosovs agreed that one of the Liberal intentions is to increase renewable energy sources. Another goal is a national water strategy which would, among other things, protect the arctic. She said the cap and trade system should be binding and equitable.
The Green Party's vision is the best in the world today, said Stuart Starbuck, adding that, "the Green Party will make the planet a better place."
We have a choice, said Starbuck, but there is really only one choice. Change has to take place and we have to stand up (for the environment).
Austin recommended support for rail transport to reduce the number of trucks, an increase in electric or hybrid cars and wider bike paths bordering roadways. She said that developing renewable energy will lead to more green collar jobs.
Austin said she has been very impressed with various grass roots movements such as the Site 41 protestors and Zero Waste Simcoe group.
The Liberal intention is to quadruple renewable energy sources, Matrosovs indicated. She recommended smaller scale wind operations to mitigate opposition.
Asked what they would do about the tar sands, Austin said the NDP would stop subsidies, put a price on the mess they've made and halt any new tar sands development.
"We are now the dirtiest country in the world in many ways," she said.
Starbuck said the Green Party is totally against the tar sands.
There should be no exceptions to cap and trade for any industries, said Matrosovs.
"Let's be bold and form a coalition," Austin suggested.
"Thirty-seven percent of the people should not run this country," Starbuck said, indicating that the three opposition parties together represent about 60 percent of the electorate.