We should require that carbon footprint ratings are extended and applied on more products, especially those that have large carbon footprints when created. These items should then be labelled when sold.
Power generation will be a major issue facing Canada in the coming decade. The next government will have to get an effective and environmentally sound policy to deal with increasing generation capacity. We believe that the focus should be on renewable energy (such as offshore wind and tidal power generation) as well as investigating and developing new technologies, including nuclear, and continuing to improve the effectiveness of existing ones (e.g. Improving solar cells efficiency, nuclear waste minimization technology, improved energy storage technology, etc).
We will need energy for the shift to electric vehicle use and the move away from reliance on fossil fuels. We will encourage all provinces to invest in alternative energy, including encouraging Alberta to use it’s oil revenue for research and infrastructure in this field. Alberta’s investment in clean energy will not harm its economy but will instead provide contingency for the next oil bust and fall in demand. This will position Alberta and the rest of Canada to lead the world on the new energy front.
Provide tax break for purchase of electric vehicle that are approved for highway use and have minimum of 100 km mileage under average outdoor temperature. By making electric vehicle affordable, we would increase sales and drive down production cost. To mitigate for lost of income from fuel tax, we will organize national brainstorming for alternative revenue sources for infrastructure. This could include infrastructure bonds or other innovative and new funding ideas.
We will offer incentives or tax breaks for homes that are energy self-sufficient.
We believe that if you damage the environment, it is your responsibility to pay for that damage to be reversed. The air around us, our waterways, and our landscapes are all common property. If they are damaged though an accident or through activity that pollutes, then that damage should be fixed. The government has a duty to ensure that those who cause such damage pay to do so. In the event that damage is global, as with climate change, it is doubly important to ensure that damaging activities are kept to a minimum and that funds are raised to deal with the consequences. It is also vitally important that we invest in research and technology to reduce the amount of damage that we do to our environment in the first place.
A company going bankrupt from fine is not a reason to lower the fines but a deterrent for all companies not to act irresponsibly and carelessly.
We will trial a program where 16-year-olds are encouraged to set up a small business as part of a work experience program during or at the end of their final year of school. The program would aim to actually establish viable businesses and provide the skills and experience required to run a small business.
Some provinces are not providing adequate mental health solutions to their residents, as such the federal government should establish a system which will give incentives to support mental health and addiction programs. Improving the treatment of addicts and mentally ill citizens will reduce the rate of poverty, homelessness, and drug abuse on our streets.