Official Opposition statement on Earth Hour

Official Opposition Environment Critic Megan Leslie (Halifax) made the following statement on Earth Hour:

“On Saturday night (8:30-9:30 PM local time), New Democrats will join millions of people and businesses around the world in turning off our lights to raise awareness about the need to tackle climate change.

The science is overwhelming. The leading cause of climate change is greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activity, primarily related to our reliance on fossil fuels.

However Earth Hour does not mean unplugging and sitting idly in the dark. This is a great time to reflect on the changes we can make—as individuals and a country—to reduce our energy consumption and dependence on fossil fuels.

The Conservatives’ ‘stay-the-course’ attitude will not cut it. Denying the reality of climate change and promoting unchecked oil sands expansion will not help Canada transition to renewable energies.

What we need is bold planning and smart investment. What we need is a government that’s willing to look past its own time in office—and commit to leaving a livable country and planet for future generations to enjoy.

New Democrats are ready. Our plan starts with long-overdue steps to jumpstart Canada’s clean energy sector. At the same time, we’ll need to develop our natural resources more sustainably as we expand renewable alternatives.

With strong leadership, we can build a modern, thriving economy that relies progressively less on fossil fuels. We will be creating permanent, well-paying jobs for future generations—in high-tech, manufacturing, construction and beyond. And we’ll finally be doing our part to reduce our climate-changing emissions.

Like so many Canadians, New Democrats understand that the future of our planet is at stake. But if we work together now, we believe there’s still time to build a brighter, greener future.

This Earth Hour, let’s commit to taking those next steps.”