Wind produced by leaders’ debate could have powered real discussion about energy future

Traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg People (OTTAWA) – Reacting to the federal leaders debate ahead of the election, Oceans campaigner with Stand.earth, Anna Barford, said:

“The climate crisis is now, so the debate should have been about how best to build a path to a renewable future instead of arguing about the various ways to increase fossil fuel production. The potential of renewable energy was bulldozed by fossil fuel talking points which included the false claim that more pipelines are going to save us from Trump.

The only way to achieve true independence is to stop subsidizing oil and gas – very little of which is owned by Canadians – and invest in renewable energy. This is how we create secure future-proof jobs. This is how we defeat Trump’s economic threats and become global leaders.

Facilities like LNG Canada have received massive fossil fuel subsidies because these projects are not strong enough to stand on their own two feet without taxpayers money. The global market for LNG is projected to plateau within a decade so counting on LNG exports to drive your economy is a bad bet.

The Canadian value of good governance means not sidestepping due process by fast-tracking projects. This includes respecting First Nations’ Title and Rights, and upholding the inherent right to self-determination for all Indigenous peoples in Canada.

It’s imperative that Canada’s next Parliament puts climate at the top of its agenda – making life affordable, building a more resilient society for all, and confronting the climate emergency are interconnected.” [1] [2][3]

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Notes for editors

[1] For more information about who owns “Canadian” LNG see here

[2] For more information about fossil fuel subsidies see here

[3] For more information about LNG’s plateau, see here

Contacts

Anna Barford, Oceans campaigner – Stand.earth  +1 604-757-7029

Anna@stand.earth (Pacific Time)

Sven Biggs, Canadian Oil and Gas Programs Director – Stand.earth +1 778-882-8354

sven@stand.earth (Pacific Time)

Kiki Wood, Senior Oil and Gas campaigner – Stand.earth +1 604-367-1865

kiki@stand.earth (Pacific Time)

Arin de Hoog, Communications, Oil, Gas and Shipping – Stand.earth. +1 613-978-7329

arin.dehoog@stand.earth (Eastern Time)