SCC/ SLDF Media Release

A review of environmental commitments contained in election platforms of the major political parties reveals that two parties are clear winners. The Progressive Conservative Party and the New Democratic Party, traditionally considered at opposite ends of the political spectrum, scored the highest marks in the review of election platforms undertaken by a national coalition of environmental groups, including Sierra Legal Defence Fund, Sierra Club of Canada, Wildcanada.net, Canadian Environmental Law Association, IFAW Canada and Greenpeace Canada.

The worst marks and a barrage of F’s for “Failed to Address” go to the Canadian Alliance. The Liberal Party was in the middle. The Bloc Québecois received high marks on some issues, from genetically modified foods to nuclear power, but received “Failed to Address” on others.

The review was undertaken using criteria developed by ‘GreenElection.org’, a coalition of 27 of Canada’s most prominent environmental groups. The GreenElection.org platform was released last week touching on many critical areas of environmental priorities.

Commenting on review of the party platforms, Stewart Elgie of Sierra Legal Defence Fund stated, “This report card gives the public a snapshot of where the parties stand on environmental issues such as clean water, endangered species and parks — and there are real differences between the parties on these issues.”

“We hope that the environment will be recognized as a significant issue in the federal election,” said Elizabeth May of the Sierra Club of Canada, “especially in light of the fact that this past government has been a disaster for the environment.”

“Canadians who want to vote for the health of their children, for clean air and water, and for the wild creatures and wild places we hold dear should consider these grades very carefully,” said Stephen Legault of Wildcanada.net.