Sound Off: Post-election thoughts

October was a busy month with all the federal election activity. The Greens are now coming to terms with Elizabeth May stepping down as Leader of the Party after her valiant last 13 years of steering us to new heights with 3 elected MPs and over a million votes across the country. We must now all work together to address the climate crisis in this minority government situation. Canada brought in Medicare and the Pension plan with Minority governments so hopefully we can work together to do what is needed to address the serious climate issue.

I, for one, seriously object to the term Wexit for the concept of Western separation. BC does not embrace this idea and we should strongly make it clear that we want no part in it. Alberta and the Federal Conservative Party must come to terms with the fact that they are out of step with the rest of Canadians. We must phase out the fossil fuel industry and encourage innovation in renewable energy and energy conservation measures. The rest of the world is leaving us behind in the advances they are making in switching to energy efficiency and moving their economy towards a greener new deal.

In our travels through north east BC during the election period, we were struck by how groups of people are working together to make a better future. Peace Energy Co-op is a shining example of how they have helped Hudsons Hope install solar energy on all their municipal buildings including the curling rink. They also secured the Bear Mtn wind farm, which supplies all the energy needs for Dawson Creek.

A group of concerned citizens are researching the effects of fracking and have made detailed reports of the harmful effects on health and water supplies. The sad thing is that the companies have all the power and the politicians are more interested in appeasing the companies rather than addressing the adverse health and geological effects of fracking.