Canadian Environment Week: More than just a photo-op

In honour of Canadian Environment Week, June 3-9, Co-op La Maison Verte was asked if we would like to host a Radio Canada interview with the Honourable Canadian Environment Minister John Baird. As a local hub for all things environmental, we weren't surprised to be on the list of potential locales for the interview, but we also weren't sure if it would be a good idea.

We aren't going to lie. The reaction of Co-op staff could be summed up in one word, "Ewwwww!"

You could say the Federal Conservatives aren't #1 in our good books. After coming into power in 2006, they quickly stated that Kyoto Protocol targets were unachievable for Canada. Then they axed 80 per cent of Environment Canada programs aimed at curbing global warming, including the effective EnerGuide for Homes retrofit program, the Wind Power Production Incentive and even the popular One Tonne Challenge.

Neither of the two programs they have put in place since, the promotion of Ethanol fuel and tax credits for transit passes, offer significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Their Clean Air Act has also been critiqued by environmental groups including Greenpeace, who called it "nothing more than smog and mirrors," and their "Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gases and Air Pollution" (http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/turning-virage/index-eng.cfm ) launched in April sets minimal targets that are lower and later than those established by the Kyoto Protocol.

In the past year, with concerns over Climate Change finally taking root in the mainstream media and the polls, we are witnessing a Conservative about face. The government is left scrambling to appear green, without scaring away profitable industry and investors.

In our industry, we call this a green wash.

If we were to allow the interview with Mr. Baird to take place in our store, would it give viewers the impression that the Conservatives are supportive of the grassroots environmental movement, or worse, that Co-op La Maison Verte is supportive of them?

"Ewwwww!"

Of course the interviewer could ask tough questions and point out how little the government has actually done, but could we risk it? Or would Mr. Baird win the spin and get his photo op?

We discussed under what conditions Mr. Baird's visit would be acceptable. Would he agree to a town hall-style meeting where environmental experts and Montreal citizens could debate key issues with the Minister post-interview? Live?

In the end we politely declined. We are looking forward to hearing the Radio Canada interview. We are also wondering what you think of our decision, and our opinions. Let us know yours, and while you're at it, share them with the Environment Minister too.

http://www.johnbaird.com/
http://www.ec.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=DA294545-1