Why I Decided to Run as a Green Party Candidate

Since the beginning of the campaign, it has been my intention to bring the issue of long-term sustainability to the forefront of the debate. As the new century has unfolded it has become clear to increasing numbers of us that we are at a very critical time in the evolution of humanity on our precious planet. We see the strains of the earth reaching and surpassing its ecological limits all around us. Whether it is our collapsed cod fishery, pine beetle infestation, disappearing polar ice sheets, rising carbon emissions or reduction in biodiversity, the evidence of our impact is overwhelming.

We know that if every person on the planet consumed resources at the rate that the average Ontarian does, we would need at least four planets to support them. This is unsustainable and must be corrected if we are to continue to exist as a species.

I challenge my political opponents to recognize that the long-term consequences of our policy decisions must be accounted for. In the 1950’s the prevailing view was that energy resources were limitless, and that there was no down side to harnessing the power of carbon. My, how times have changed. We are now being confronted with the consequences of such short-term thinking. We now know that if we design our cities for cars, and invest more in highways to move those cars instead of transit to move people, what we get is, no surprise, more cars, congestion, sprawl, fouled air and climate change.

In spite of this, our present political leaders suggest that we need only change a few light bulbs, and perhaps drive a different car. Otherwise, we can continue to expand and consume as before.

The Green Party of Ontario sees things very differently. We believe that we are approaching a tipping point over which we must not fall. We believe that we must begin now to discuss, develop and implement ways of living on this planet that truly is sustainable.

We recognize that any growth must be balanced with the imperative of finite resources. We believe that social, economic and environmental policy should:

1. create a green and sustainable living for the people of Ontario

2. contribute to the planet’s greater good

3. establish the foundation for a green and sustainable future.

Our platform seeks to do so not by spending more money, but by shifting priorities to achieve sustainable results.

It is my sincerest desire that my colleagues of all political stripes will accept the challenge to debate how their proposals move us to sustainability. The decisions we make today will have an impact for generations to come. Politicians must be challenged to explain not only what they will do for us today and for the next four years. They must also explain how their proposals will benefit our children and grand children.

We must remember that ultimately, we do not own this precious planet. We borrow it from future generations.