Let’s vote in favour of the planet
Environmental organizations want MPPs who help build communities that balance the needs of humans and the natural world
With the Ontario election only weeks away, voters are being courted with any number of promises and visions for the next four years.
But what do we look for in a politician? Depends who you ask.
For decades, Americans have been asked, “Who would you rather have a beer with?” as shorthand for the likeability and authenticity of candidates.
Environmental organizations in Waterloo Region want MPPs who help build communities that balance the needs of humans and the natural world.
For this election, a coalition of environmental organizations in the region has invited all the local candidates to one-on-one interviews. They will be asked the same six questions dealing with climate action and the TransformWR strategy, meeting our commitment to protect 30 per cent of land and water, housing and sustainable building practices, transportation, land use, and environmental justice. The interviews will be posted as they are completed on a newly created YouTube channel, Waterloo Region Elections.
Our environmental organizations offer different but complementary services to our community, including protecting natural areas, environmental education, tree planting, policy work and working with homeowners and businesses to improve their sustainability.
Here’s why these organizations say we need politicians who put environmental protection front and centre.
50 by 30
We have less than a decade remaining, and only two full election cycles, in which to avoid a runaway climate crisis. It is no longer acceptable for any government going forward to fail to address the environmental issues that threaten us all.
Grand River Environmental Network
“With intense growth pressures and radically different approaches to our climate crisis there has never been a more important election or need to learn about our local candidates, party positions, and then vote for the future that you want to see,” Kevin Thomason said.
“We encourage everyone to ask candidates about their plans for sustainability, protecting farmland, creating complete walkable communities, improving transit, and expanding the Greenbelt to ensure adequate future water supplies as well as local food.”
Nith Valley EcoBoosters
We believe in having strong provincial representatives that prioritize listening to community concerns and bringing them forward. Our future is greatly impacted by the environment around us and we hope when people vote they consider which candidates understand the link between the environment and issues around housing, health, food, water and sustainable development.
Nith Valley EcoBoosters is committed to Wilmot and Wellesley Townships and feels that it is important that members of our communities are not only educated about environmental issues but also engaged in the political processes at all levels of government.
Rare Charitable Research Reserve
The province is big, but the issues of this community are no less big, though it can get swamped in the provincial election. We need the local candidates to express themselves on the matters that make Waterloo Region such a good place to live, such as how they’d protect the natural spaces that are vital to the health of the environment and ourselves.
Reep Green Solutions
“Now is a crucial time for climate action,” executive director Mary Jane Patterson said. “With the provincial government responsible for so many of the key actions needed to reduce 50 per cent of our emissions by 2030, it is important to hear from the candidates about where they stand on the environment, and make an informed choice with our vote.”
Sustainable Waterloo Region
“We are proud to work with our partners to ensure that climate change and the environment is a key issue in the upcoming election,” executive director Tova Davidson said. “It is by working together that we will create a better community and future for all.”