Addressing environmental concerns
Some members of my Facebook group have expressed an interest in my position on various aspects of environmental stewardship, and I would like to expand on that here.
Whenever I am faced with a complex problem of any sort I like to do my research and consult with the experts. I make sure I have as much of the big picture as possible before I propose policy and make decisions. So, for me, environmental concerns are no different from any other type of issue, I want to gather information from environmental experts, and experts in any other relevant fields, and find a way to balance the concerns of everyone involved.
Protecting our environment is a huge, global issue and we in Newfoundland and Labrador must do our part, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of the planet. Yet, as a people with a history of dependence on our natural resources, our livelihoods are often tied to the natural areas we wish to protect. For instance, it is very difficult to explain to lifelong loggers why a rare lichen must be protected, even at the cost of their jobs because it is not fair to the loggers and their families yet, the lichen represents an important ecological niche and needs to be preserved.
That's why I am comfortable with the way the PC Party is approaching the issues of environmental stability and economic development. We are not willing to sacrifice the natural beauty of this province in the name of progress, instead we are seeking ways to preserve the environment while encouraging economic growth. We want to find a means to let people provide for their families without decimating natural resources.
This is reflected in the PC Energy Plan which was released two weeks ago, and it is evident throughout the PC Blueprint. We will enforce the Sustainable Development Act, establish a two-million dollar Green Fund to support environmental sustainability initiatives, promote the development and use of alternative energy sources, support environmentally focused research, and in general, we will work with environmental groups and various industries to understand and address the environmental issues this province is facing.
The solution to our environmental concerns lies in individuals taking continuous small steps towards reducing their environmental impact, and industry adopting a responsible approach to their use of natural resources, while government creates educated environmental policy and puts it into practice while supporting the work of environmental groups in this province.
Whenever I am faced with a complex problem of any sort I like to do my research and consult with the experts. I make sure I have as much of the big picture as possible before I propose policy and make decisions. So, for me, environmental concerns are no different from any other type of issue, I want to gather information from environmental experts, and experts in any other relevant fields, and find a way to balance the concerns of everyone involved.
Protecting our environment is a huge, global issue and we in Newfoundland and Labrador must do our part, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of the planet. Yet, as a people with a history of dependence on our natural resources, our livelihoods are often tied to the natural areas we wish to protect. For instance, it is very difficult to explain to lifelong loggers why a rare lichen must be protected, even at the cost of their jobs because it is not fair to the loggers and their families yet, the lichen represents an important ecological niche and needs to be preserved.
That's why I am comfortable with the way the PC Party is approaching the issues of environmental stability and economic development. We are not willing to sacrifice the natural beauty of this province in the name of progress, instead we are seeking ways to preserve the environment while encouraging economic growth. We want to find a means to let people provide for their families without decimating natural resources.
This is reflected in the PC Energy Plan which was released two weeks ago, and it is evident throughout the PC Blueprint. We will enforce the Sustainable Development Act, establish a two-million dollar Green Fund to support environmental sustainability initiatives, promote the development and use of alternative energy sources, support environmentally focused research, and in general, we will work with environmental groups and various industries to understand and address the environmental issues this province is facing.
The solution to our environmental concerns lies in individuals taking continuous small steps towards reducing their environmental impact, and industry adopting a responsible approach to their use of natural resources, while government creates educated environmental policy and puts it into practice while supporting the work of environmental groups in this province.
