To be or not to be

Submitted by John Bennett on Mon, 2011-03-28 23:32

Well, the election that nobody wants is upon us.

We're not partisan, so we don't back a particular party. But we are not disinterested - Sierra Club Canada has a purpose and it has been thoroughly thwarted for the last five years.

So what should our role be in an election? 

Some advise a long-term approach of getting along with all parties, believing the logic of our arguments and truth of our facts will eventually win them all over. This approach prevents you from saying anything too critical during an election as to not alienate the winner. 

Some suggest targeted intervention, drawing attention to party positions and promises. Done in a fair and open way, and treating all parties the same, report cards and other comparisons at least give voters a sense of how the environment might fair after an election.

Some say speak out loudly and advocate for the party with the best platform and the candidates offering the best solutions. And stand with them. 

What do you think?

This is my first election at the helm of Sierra Club Canada and I’d like to know your opinion.

John Bennett, Executive Director
Sierra Club Canada
jb@sierraclub.ca

613.291.6888                            

Comments

Which party....?

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 2011-04-24 12:58.
In the first place, I do wish Canadians would remember that we do NOT have an American two-party system. In my opinion, the days of large majorities are over, and high time. In this campaign, proportional representation has even been raised as a substitute for our ridiculous first-past-the-post system, without attracting the usual chorus of hoots of laughter. So things ARE changing. For the Sierra Club, continuing to inform the public on the issues, and giving strong support to political initiatives that truly advance the "green" agenda -- whichever party puts them forward -- is the best tactic. Oh -- and educating the public on greenwashing...that's REALLY important. The Greens are already where you want them, so push the NDP. As for the Lib and the Cons -- their commitment to a global market economy is going to make many noises they make about environmental protection and climate change mitigation mere sound and fury, signifying nothing. Like our current Minister of the Environment who is a shill for the Alberta Tar Sands...

A tough question.

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2011-04-05 14:57.
Hi John, Difficult choice. I think the Conservatives are so apathetic to environmental issues I have a hard time with the first option. A combination of the latter two may be a good route. I am interested in getting involved if I can be of help. I'd really like to see more attention to the environment in this election. Thanks. Sincerely, Kyle Menzies

The survey

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2011-03-29 21:40.
I just did the survey. For the second question ('What party do you think will do the best job protecting the environment?'), I answered 'Liberal' instead of the usual 'Green' or 'NDP' because only the Liberals or Conservatives stand a chance of forming the government. If I'd been asked 'which party *would* do the best...' my answer would have been different. I'm not sure if it was a trick question or a poorly-worded one, though my suspicion hints at the latter. Jesse Corbeil, Montréal

            

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