MP Alistair MacGregor (Cowichan-Malahat-Langford) hosted three public meetings to discuss the future of clean energy in Canada, as energy systems in Canada are currently responsible for 80% of our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and Canada is not on course to meet its emission reductions target under the Paris Agreement.
Cowichan Clean Energy Town Hall Panelists, March 16th
Right to left – Robert Conibear, Guy Dauncey, MP Alistair MacGregor, Don Skerik, Tom Hackney, Brian Roberts
Meetings were hosted in Langford, Shawnigan Lake, and Duncan over the last two weeks with local guest panelists. The feedback was overwhelmingly clear; constituents who attended these meetings strongly support the development of a National Clean Energy Plan and strong federal leadership to ensure a just transition to a clean energy future.
“We need the federal government to step up and be leaders in this, to work the provinces and municipalities to change policies so our country can make the changes we need,” stated MacGregor. “There are many things we can do as individuals and communities to help with this important transition. The federal government can develop a plan to make it easier for individuals to start the transition in transportation, heating, farming, construction and other industries.”
Student lead climate strikes have spread worldwide as the world’s youth calls for urgent government action on climate change. Just on Friday, March 15th it was reported that more than 1.4 million young people around the world took part in school strikes for climate action, with thousands of students participating here is BC. It is clear our youth are worried about our future. The next strike is planned for April 15th.
Panelist quotes:
“There is an urgency to the climate crisis that calls for rapid action, in keeping with the Climate Emergency declarations being made by hundreds of cities and towns around the world including London (UK), Los Angeles, Vancouver and the Capital Region District. A National Clean Energy Plan needs to embrace the need for a very rapid transition from fossil fuels to renewable forms of energy.” — Guy Dauncey, Author Journey to the Future: A better world is possible
“As Greta Thunberg asked “What are we going to do about solving climate change?” It’s time for Canada to take action and complete a green energy plan to lessen our dependence on fossil fuels.” — Don Skerik, Viridian Energy Co-Operative
“The BC Sustainable Energy Association strongly supports a National Clean Energy Plan for Canada. People all over the world are saying yes to a clean energy transition. We need this to address the challenge of climate change.” — Tom Hackney, Co-Chair, BCSEA, Victoria Chapter.
“Cowichan Energy Alternatives supports the creation of a national, clean energy plan that addresses the need for a transition to renewable options and utilizes the diversity of potential renewable energy solutions available throughout Canada. In doing so, we support a move to renewable energies that help grow local, low carbon economies, resulting in resilient Canadian communities and a healthy planet. We applaud our MP Alistair McGregor’s initiative to move forward with the creation of a National Clean Energy Plan with such vision.” — Brian Roberts, Executive Director, Cowichan Energy Alternatives Society & the Community Carbon Marketplace
–Top image: Langford Clean Energy Town Hall
