Environmental issues not on the radar this election

Sustainable energy has yet to be discussed in these elections. Photo by Josee St-Onge.

by Josee St-Onge

Campaigns for Saskatchewan’s upcoming provincial election are in full swing, but environmental issues are largely being ignored, according to environmental advocates.

The Green Party of Saskatchewan’s entire platform is based on sustainable living, which includes the environment and energy. However their message is receiving little attention, party leaders complain.“We’re disappointed with the public broadcaster who has denied us the opportunity to be at the leaders’ debate,” said Green Party leader Victor Lau.

Lau feels that his party’s platform has a lot to offer, and the party is a viable option for voters who do not agree with the politics of the main parties.

The Green Party is not being taken seriously in the Saskatchewan political scene because they have not connected with grass roots movements in the province, according to Jim Harding, a retired professor from the University of Regina and environmentalist.

“They would have to be much more active in the environmental movements, but they don’t do that, so they are being marginalized,” he said.

He is also worried that NDP leader Dwain Lingenfelter is purposely avoiding environmental issues in this election. “The NDP is competing for Sask. Party votes and is sending an ambiguous message, but that’s not going to get them into power,” he said.

No one from the NDP was available to comment on the questions raised by Harding. Peter Prebble, the NDP candidate for Saskatoon-Greystone, did say in a prepared statement that the party is committed to “a responsible, ambitious approach to develop renewable energy production and to boost recycling in Saskatchewan.”

That approach includes developing cleaner, sustainable energy sources for Saskatchewan and investing in community-based recycling initiatives, Prebble said in the statement that appeared on the NDP website.

But for Harding, the real problem is the disconnect between political leaders and the grassroots movements that oppose nuclear development, tar sands developments and other controversial environmental issues.

“These movements are percolating, and these issues are right under the surface. While it might not translate into change in this election, it is the direction that should be articulated,” he said.

No one from the Sask. Party was available to comment on this topic.