Respect for science at the core of Mulcair climate agenda

NDP’s fact-based approach and key investments will strengthen economy and benefit northerners

Speaking today in Iqaluit, where the impact of the changing climate is readily apparent, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair announced his plan to reverse the damage Stephen Harper has done to Canada’s scientific community and to put science at the core of the NDP’s plan to tackle climate change.

“In the face of overwhelming evidence of climate change, Stephen Harper made it his priority to muzzle scientists and to stop leading experts from sharing important scientific information whenever it didn’t suit Conservative ideologies and objectives,” said Mulcair. “An NDP government will reverse this alarming trend and promote the voice of Canada’s scientists, as they are key to the health and safety of Canadians.”

The NDP plan to restore science-based decision making includes an end to the Conservatives’ policy of muzzling scientists. Mulcair will also establish the Office of the Parliamentary Science Officer to support parliamentarians with factual, science-based analysis.

Mulcair also committed $100 million to the initiative to allow 25 northern and remote communities to reduce their impact on climate, through investments in wind, small-scale hydro and other clean energy to replace diesel generation.

“Support for the north, starts in the north,” said Mulcair. “Our northern clean energy initiatives will save northern communities from excessive fuel costs, improve community health, and greatly reduce local impacts on climate change.”

Only Tom Mulcair and the NDP have the plan and the leadership to defeat Stephen Harper and to improve Canada’s environment for future generations.