Although the new Liberal government is dealing with a severe drop in oil prices that is hammering the economy, it is an opportunity for the government to create a diversified economy that leaves fossil fuel in the 20th century. Canada can seize this opportunity to be bold and have a say on Canada’s long term future. The choices made now will affect our children, and our grandchildren’s future.
We can act now to support new technology that is more responsive and efficient. For example, new technology associated with renewable energy uses less energy, and is more sustainable. It is exciting what is out there, but often the cost is more than existing products because of higher research costs, and the economy of scales is not yet available.
Canada also has an opportunity to continue showing its leadership at the Paris Accord on Climate Change by having an action plan that can be a model for other countries. This can be available in time for the signing of the Paris Accord on April 22, 2016 at the United Nations in New York. Canadians have a history of being resourceful, and having the know-how.
Yes, there is a need for the government to spend on infrastructure, but not on car
infrastructure! Previous governments have built plenty already, and the maintenance is costing billions of dollars.
Instead, the government can invest on transportation and energy infrastructures designed for the 21st century that conserve energy, and are cheaper to maintain, more efficient, more responsive, and decentralized. They have climate resilience. Applying corporate social responsibility criteria in the selection of suppliers (that consider the economic, social, and environmental costs) are particularly important as the government is the one stuck with the bill!
Here are 8 suggestions that will make an immediate difference, and are easy to implement, too.
1. Implement an immediate carbon tax at the gas pump. Canada should follow British Colombia and reduce income tax with the tax collected.
2. Implement carbon trading system between provinces, and internationally that will also protect our forests as lungs for the planet. For example, the US Environmental Protection Agency reported that Fiat Chrysler paid Tesla, Toyota, and Honda for their emissions credits. There are rewards for being green!
3. Remove all subsidies for the oil, and mining industries. Most of the companies have recently closed due to the drop in oil prices, or the lower Canadian dollar. There are now fewer players. Older companies will likely survive the downturn, but they should no longer need subsidies since they have already benefited from the government’s largess for almost a century!
4. Provide transportation infrastructure funding to large municipalities where it can make the biggest impact. Cities have crumbling infrastructure, but the investment should be for other-than-car transportation like putting in new bike lanes, which cost around$100,000/km compared to around $3,000,000/km for car lanes! Maintenance is also cheaper. Also include public transit (Subway, LRT, rapid buses, and pedestrian).
The government will save money in health care costs, too! These transportation initiatives will significantly help Canada meet its Paris Climate Accord commitment.
5. Provide electrification infrastructure investment for a decentralized system that is more modern (our electrification infrastructure is more than 100 years old!) and efficient (about 75% of energy that is generated is lost!).
6. Adoption of conservation measures for electricity, water, natural gas, and other forms of energy should be encouraged. Imagine if street lights were replaced with LED!
7. Product life cycle from cradle to grave should be encouraged to conserve our natural wealth, and reduce garbage, which is a huge problem on our planet. It is disgusting to go swimming at the beach and the water is full of bits of plastic!
8. Restore natural shorelines and forests to mitigate extreme weather events.
Canada has a rare opportunity to chart a new course for the 21st right here and now in 2016!
Let’s have the courage to go forward and lead the way.
Sharolyn Mathieu Vettese
President
SMV Energy Solutions
www.smvholdings.ca