7,000 Canadians have had their say about the Green New Deal

Image Credit: FREEIMAGES

July 05, 2019 - 9:00 AM

The initial results are in from the 150-plus Green New Deal town halls that took place June 18 to 28. Roughly 7,000 people across Canada participated and shared their insights.

In summary, Canadians want six things from the GND. And they’re not small asks.

100 per cent renewable energy by 2040. This means phasing out fossil fuels by 2040, stopping all new fossil fuel development and essentially building clean energy industries.

One million green jobs. Canadians want a plan that creates jobs that support both their families and the environment. This also means ensuring that any oil and gas worker doesn’t end up unemployed.

Cut plastics. This is a call to ban all unnecessary single-use plastic items and create legislature against excessive plastic packaging.

Climate justice. Canadians are asking for an increased effort in supporting the rights of marginalized and indigenous communities by implementing proportional representation.

Protect coastal life. This means creating an environmental bill of rights to protect at least 30 per cent of land, freshwater and ocean by 2030.

A better life for all. This includes providing safe, affordable and energy-efficient buildings; free tuition and universal Pharma, dental and childcare; building free sustainable networks of free public transportation and producing sustainable organic foods.

This feedback is "initial" because many GND town halls are still underway. The final report from all town halls will be finalized in fall 2019.

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