MacKay Ignores Nova Scotians’ interests in climate negotiations

07 December 2009

Halifax – The Ecology Action Centre (EAC) and the Sierra Club are sending Nova Scotia MP, Peter MacKay, a message about the need to put the interests of all Canadians, including Nova Scotians, above those of the oil industry. On Monday, December 7, volunteers rolled an almost 5 metre high oil barrel to the front door of the building which houses MacKay’s Halifax office. The barrel was emblazoned with the slogans: “It’s Time for an Oil Change” and “March to a New Drum”.

“Canada does not have a climate plan and our federal government is more concerned about protecting the pollution from the oil industry than our climate,” says Cheryl Ratchford, EAC’s Energy Coordinator. “Leaders like MacKay need to recognize how fighting climate change will benefit Nova Scotians and help our province reach its targets for renewables and energy efficiency.”

As a result of Nova Scotia’s energy mix the provincial government has set GHG reduction targets of 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 and an ambitious target of 25% renewable electricity by 2020. In contrast the federal government has set a GHG reduction target of 3% below 1990 levels by 2020 and is cutting support for the renewable energy sector.

“Under science-based targets for pollution, the tar sands could use up all of Canada's allowable emissions by 2050, leaving no room for the rest of the country. The flip side of this equation is that Nova Scotians stand to gain from investing in renewables, creating green jobs and healthier air quality,” states Gretchen Fitzgerald, Director of Sierra Club Canada’s  Atlantic Chapter, “It is reprehensible that these leaders, elected by Nova Scotians, are not representing our regional interests the only way they can: committing to a global deal to fight climate change."

EAC Policy Director Mark Butler reminds MacKay that by supporting the oil industry and allowing untrammeled expansion of the tar sands and other fossil fuel projects his government is also damaging other sectors of Nova Scotia’s economy. “Our federal government’s addiction to oil is driving up our dollar – which hurts exports from the fishing and forest industry,” Butler states, “So not only are we losing new green jobs we are losing jobs in traditional industries as well.”

With the 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-15) beginning today in Copenhagen, the need for immediate federal government action is critical. Canada has a history of blocking progress on action against climate change, having been “honoured” with innumerable “Fossil of the Day” awards, presented by the Climate Action Network (CAN) to the countries most impeding progress in climate talks. In 2007, at Bali, Canada received the greatest number of Fossils. In 2008, at Poznan, Canada again repeated this “feat”, earning the “Colossal Fossil” award at the close of the conference.

The giant oil drum, possibly the world’s largest, is also visiting the Spring Garden Road Memorial Public Library and the intersection at Robie and Quinpool. Accompanying the barrel is a contingent that is dismayed at government’s lack of action.