The Green New Deal sweeping across North America combines President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s economic approach with modern ideas such as renewable energy and resource efficiency. Such a plan would tackle the twin crises of inequality and climate change, and help us swiftly transition from an economy built on exploitation and fossil fuels to one driven by dignified work and clean energy.

We are experiencing a worldwide climate emergency, including fires, floods, a receding ice cap, hurricanes, rising sea levels, toxic air and water pollution. A Green New Deal would help provide climate resilience in every community in Canada.

In this federal election, we have a critical opportunity to make sure that real solutions to the climate crisis, like a Green New Deal, are at the centre of every party’s platform.

I note that NDP Members of Parliament Wayne Stetski and Peter Julian (finance, energy and natural resources critic) are hosting a Green New Deal town hall in Nelson on Wednesday, Aug. 21.

How about an all-candidates Green New Deal debate in Nelson in the fall? I can’t imagine a debate more compelling.

Sandra Hartline

Nelson