In his September 14 letter “May Serves up Meat” Mike Grieco asks whether the Green Party is willing to address the serious issues of climate change, habitat and pollution?
The answer is, yes.
We believe people, economy and environment are all interwoven and that we need policies which balance these three pillars.
When Green Party Leader Elizabeth May visited the Yukon in August, she attended several public events and spoke to many Yukoners and local media (unlike Prime Minister Stephen Harper who was here at the same time). One of those events was a family picnic.
To address Grieco’s concerns, the smokies and burgers May flipped at the BBQ were local caribou, local buffalo and veggie.
The Green Party is well aware of the complex relationship between industrial meat production and the creation of a sustainable world. In fact, while here, May spoke briefly with one of our organic farmers, discussing sustainable local meat production.
As a political party we believe that all industries (including the meat industry) should be responsible for problems they create for human health, the environment and on any other front.
In most cases this means creating a level playing field, removing subsidies, putting a cost on pollution, like greenhouse gases, and regulating to ensure enforcement.
The Green Party believes in principles such as sustainability. It is the government’s job to create the framework for sustainability, while business and industry use their creativity to achieve this goal within that framework.
We also believe in diversity. This includes opinions and lifestyles. And the Yukon has a great diversity of both.
As leaders and role models it is important for us to set positive examples. It is also important for us to be inclusive and respectful.
Thanks to Grieco for his letter. We appreciate all questions, concerns and the opportunity to clarify our policies and vision.
Yukoners are always welcome to Green Party events.
John Streicker, Green Party Candidate for the Yukon
Whitehorse