Canada's Next Great Prime Minister - Mike Sornberger

[ChannelTracker]

Say hello to a new Green party Mp...

[RulerSupreme1988]

How about we not worry about the environment. Canada is the least hurt country in the world if "global warming" happened...

[vancitypsuedo]

like a cheap rick mercer walking knockoff (WEAK!)

[Mattyew]

it wasn't done well, the camera was shaking like mad!

[rememberFX]

ur just a rich loser who thinks their better and smarter then everyone else, just liiiikkkee evverrry other prime ministers and wannabes

[cmslothouber]

Isn't this pretty much Dion's environment platform? A novel idea indeed. Canada thirsts for a leader who has the vision and intelligence to make this happen.

I think Dion *is* a leader that could achieve that... but don't take my word for it, research it for yourself. Google is your friend.

[chelsealich]

you should have been in the final 4!

[bodymassage]

Heh this guys parents live on my street. As much as I would agree with helping the environment by using new "green" technology it's a little farfetched to assume that families can afford such things. Fossil fuels are the cheapest and most efficient way to heat a home in the suburbs. Aswell, economically friendly cars such as the SmartCar aren't very convenient for families. My question is how do you expect citizens to switch to green technology when they simply can't afford/effectivly use it?

[fcirc]

lol, first thing i thought

[themaskedpatriot]

yes, by the time our children are born, the blackberry will be managing our solid waste, our liquid waste, our water infrastructure, our oil infrastructure, and whatever else flows through our unmentionables.

maskedpatriot(dot)wordpress(do­t)com

[markdj431]

Canadian ministers are a criminal and greedy gang of warmongers and spineless bush minions. They are responsible for massive environmental destruction. Canada's so called "ministers" decimated the cod population, once numbering in the millions. Unbelievably they then used the arctic seals as a propaganda tool to justify the fisheries criminal greed. Ignoring a global outcry Canadian subsidized fisheries descended on arctic seals, slaughtering hundreds of thousands with barbaric cruelty.

[pigmalian123]

Ive done cost analysis for residential and commercial buildings to determine whether its worth while to implement some of the fairly new technologies hitting the market like Photovoltaics, Windturbines, GSHP & Water turbines etc.. From what we have concluded a payback on incorporating such a system is not worth while for a homeowner. Im asking you how you plan on implementing more affordable systems for residential application. Since you seem to be leaning more to commercial application.

[notphoebad]

good job.

watch rick mercer much?

[amanbrar7]

Mike Sornberger,

By imposing financial penalties those companies or industries will take their business elsewhere (i.e. United States, Mexico, China, India) and result in a loss of high paying jobs. The loss of jobs will be highly greater than those created by your approach of implementing a green policy. Your approach is highly imbalanced

Aman Brar

CNGP Candidate

[1984mjs]

Aman Brar, (Part 1)

Thanks for your comment, Aman. competitiveness is definitely a key issue here, but I would not say that my plan is imbalanced. I've addressed this issue in my video response called "Mike has an Answer for...well Mike (DiPasquale)".

They key here is competitiveness and cost recovery.

[1984mjs]

Aman Brar Part 2:

When I speak of imposing financial penalties, I don't mean an arbitrary, too-high amount. The fee would make it more costly to be a carbon emitter in Canada, but would not be so high as to make Canada an unattractive place for business. You're right in that it is a question of balance, but wrong to automatically assume that balance is not achievable here.

[1984mjs]

Aman Brar Part 3:

The second key is cost recovery. The fees collected would go into an industrial green development fund, and companies would be able to make their money back, provided that they do meet set environmental benchmarks.

I urge you to check out that video I made, responding to Mike DiPasquale - I outline this whole plan in greater detail there. Thanks for watching, though - and for your comments!

[MCTeacup]

The exact same concern Canadians had when Brain Mulroney introduced the North American Free Trade Agreement. Everyone thought people would take their businesses to Mexico and take advantage of the low wages and less strict pollution laws. Never happened though.

[cmslothouber]

No, our jobs went to China instead.

[antikrysto]

you can be my environment minister

[vanessars13]

Hi Mike!

Well, let me first start off by saying I would have most certainly run out of breath if I did all of that walking, so KUDOS! A job well-done, I must say. It's true-the environment is a hot-button topic but I think Canada needs to start from scratch and adress basic issues: getting politically informed and getting voters out to the polls!

Again, great work.

[1984mjs]

Hi Vanessa - thanks for the compliment, I appreciate it!

I also agree that getting voters out to the polls is a huge issue - but since the contest is all about our "One Great Idea," I decided to focus on the environment.

Rest assured, I've got plenty of ideas on plenty of topics - I'm hoping I just get a chance to voice them in further steps of this contest! :)

[maxamigo888]

you scare me

[pbjt1]

you delivered your idea well, considering most people have talked about the enviornment as well.

[jonathaneder]

Good idea with the green tech stuff. However, we don't really have the educational training here in Canada for these types of positions. Encourage technical schools to train for these types of positions.

Do you also consider Nuclear Power a Green option? It would get rid of many coal power plants across the country, which are some of the main polluters.

Good video, I hope you get a chance to expand on your views.

[1984mjs]

Hi jonathaneder -

Thanks for your comment, your feedback and your question. I've posted a video response on the nuclear power question, check it out!

[hiladgery]

Good job! I think you have already received some comments on this, but they didn't seem to fully address the issue... You stated that green technologies in Canada will also be a source of job-creation. This seems a little problematic when our dollar is so strong and it may very well prove difficult to keep the jobs from going off-shore. How would you keep the work in Canada when it may be cheaper to pawn-off on another country?

[KPMorr]

Job creation doesn't mean strictly manufacturing jobs. When green tech takes off will a portion of the manufacturing be sent offshore? Absolutely. But real job creation comes from knowledge, creativity and innovation here in Canada.

[KPMorr]

North America needs to make a mind-shift from manufacturing to knowledge and, as Tom Peters would argue, "creation intensification".

With China, India and parts of Europe walking onto the world platform, there's no way we can compete on manufacturing - and absolutely no way we should.

[1984mjs]

Hi hiladgery -

It's a good question that you've asked, and thanks to KPMorr, who has added some really good points. I've posted a video response to your comment - have a look!

[crosskuIIed]

fake comments posted by casual CBC employees abound

[Aiursrage2k]

As long as the US and China dont do anything its a waste of time and money.

[SpecificOceans]

You had me until time flies;

that really made no sense....

but seriously u have my vote, wait, how do i vote for this?

[MorelT]

I liked your video. I too believe Canada needs to develop sustainable practices if we are going to excel in the future. A few concerns however with your idea. 1)Where will you get the research funding from? 2) How effective is Carbon Capturing and sequestration? What about leakage in the future? 3) Hybrids are not as environmentally friendly as once thought. How will you dispose of hydride batteries in today's hybrids?

[1984mjs]

Hi MorelT -

Thank you for your questions - all three are excellent questions. I'm working on a number of video responses right now, and I will get to your questions as soon as I can. For now, for question 1 at least, check out my Reply to Emrys where I talk about my ideas for research framework. Funding is covered in there, but I'll touch more on it when I reply to you in video form!

[1984mjs]

My video response has been posted - check it out! Sorry for the wait, I've been having some technical difficulties.

[fusser1980]

when he started talking and walking... the camera made me dizzy... stopped watching it! heh!

[wiklmcnugget]

wow.

As a politically minded Canadian, I've never seen this video format before.

If you're gonna rip off a comic genius do it well, you goof.

[67postal]

Ah yes, global warming. What happens when it doesn't???

[1984mjs]

(1/2)

To 67postal:

While I realize that some people don't believe in global warming, the fact is that my platform on green technology reaches far further than that one issue.

[1984mjs]

(2/2)

Green technology has applications in preventing water pollution (which hurts ecosystems as well as Canadians' health,) air pollution (causing many problems including smog, asthma, etc.,) improving forest management, agriculture... the list goes on. Even if you don't believe in global warming, the health and environmental (and as I mention in the video, even economic) benefits of green technology R&D are many and varied.

[67postal]

Great response. Thank you.

[67postal]

I simply worry that a future leader would sacrifice progress and our current standard of living for a cause that is simply based on emotion, such as the Kyoto hysteria. Kyoto, when really looked at, was not at all the grail to save humanity, but was simply a device to transfer wealth.

[akroyd]

oh shut the fuck up.

[daretoBreal]

(Part 1)

"framecut": It's interesting that your response is still here. That suggests that Mike respects your right to voice an opinion, when he could easily remove your inflammatory comments from his video. Here is an individual who is voicing his visions for Canada—a scary prospect, given that these entries are open to world scrutiny—and you are... sitting on your computer at home, throwing obscenities at strangers???

[daretoBreal]

(Part 2)

Allow me to explain the basic parameters of this contest, as you seem to be truly in the dark here:

This competition is based upon RESPECT, and regardless of if you are a contestant or not, the same rules of decorum apply. Not everyone will agree with all the opinions voiced in the contest entries, but the bottom line is that these individuals have a right to speak their vision, and should be treated with respect for doing so.

[daretoBreal]

(Part 3)

While you may not feel that Mike's platform represents your views on Canadian politics, throwing obscenities and disrespectful language at him DOES NOT aid in getting your own opinion across. Once again, respect comes into play. If you cannot voice your dissent in a polite, educated manner, then any "points" you may make therein are invalidated by your rudeness.

[daretoBreal]

(Part 4)

Shame on you. Didn't your elementary teachers tell you, "if you can't say something nice," (or in this case, at least polite) "then don't say anything at all"?

Go back to gradeschool, framecut.

[framecut]

Sorry, I don't understand your point.

[framecut]

Oh great.

Yet *another* douche that thinks he knows the answers for everything. (and is willing to flush taxpayers dollars down the toilet no prob)

Canada is on the "leading edge" of technology??!??!

So I guess GOOGLE is luck on the U.S. part? The CPU, the Internet, the car...Jesus-Titty-Fucking-Chri­st.

This guy is those know-it-all douches you see at parties who bore the fuck out of everyone with his bile.

Mike Sornberger, GO BACK TO COLLEGE.

[mikeforpm08]

Thanks for wasting my time with your comment Framecut. Now I don't necessarily agree with Mike Sornberger, but if you're going to disagree with him, at least be decent enough (and show even limited intelligence) by countering in an educated and respectful manner. It is people like yourself, hiding behind the anonymous nature of the internet, that makes this piece of "technology" a real pain to use. Thanks for coming out, but don't come back.

[CuteAsButtons84]

Mike doesn't deserve any of your abuse framecut. While his platform isn't exaclty perfect, this kind of comment is totally out of line.

[danhrvy]

you should have got some sleep before

this video you look like shit

[gracer45]

And what are you doing in your spare time? Sitting on youtube... sad sad sad. Mike is a hardworking student who does above and beyond what most other students do. Plus, what does how he look have to do with his campaign? Clearly, you need to get some sleep, "danhrvy" either that, or wake up!

[sinan810]

Well said, I like how you used the Rick Mercer Rant style without the graffiti.

[mooghammondb3]

Don't get me wrong, I agree with many of your ideas. Sustainable green technology, and more jobs for Candians. Brilliant Ideas.

[mooghammondb3]

Can you say "Mercer Rant"?

[Pach40]

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

[Pach40]

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

[westmanguy]

Liberal.......

I can't wait till I am old enough for this contest and maybe the CBC will take a break from it's liberal bias, and allow me - a conservative - to go on the show.

FYI: Environment is not even on Canadian's minds rate now.

Its Afghan, taxes, crime, and Canadians are starting to realize Kyoto is a failed attempt.

[1984mjs]

To westmanguy: (1/2)

According to an Angus Reid poll released last week, the environment is tied with Health Care as being the top concern for Canadians. This is consistent with findings from 2006 polls, which also placed those two topics as top of mind for Canadians.

[1984mjs]

To westmanguy: (2/2)

While Afghanistan, taxes and crime are important issues that must be dealt with, your assertion that the environment is not even on the minds of Canadians is baseless.

Also, regarding the so-called "Liberal bias" - last year's winner of the Next Great Prime Minister was a conservative by the name of Joseph Lavoie.

[adhenley]

I could just tell that your allusions to Harper's dearth of environmental visioning was restrained. Way to go on censorship, lol!

Your fellow anti-Harper contestant,

Adam

[1984mjs]

(1/3)

Hi Adam -

Thanks for your comment, but I wouldn't label myself as anti-Harper per se. (That said, I wouldn't call myself pro-Harper either.)

[1984mjs]

(2/3)

I do think, however, that Prime Minister Harper has no vision for the environment. His government has been given ample opportunity to come forward and take solid action on the environment, but the only real "action" we've seen so far is the flawed and failed Clean Air Act of 2006, followed by John Baird's followup in April 2007 that wasn't much better.

[1984mjs]

(3/3)

I'm hoping that one of the effects of this competition is that these ideas and debates are heard by the government. Some very important issues have been brought up in many contest entries and video responses -- let's hope the people on Parliament Hill are listening!

[Tiffa1122]

Just wondering what you're planning on basing this 'green technology' around. Solar? Wind? Hydrogren? Green technology sounds cool, but it's still very vague. There's alot of choices out there.

[1984mjs]

Hi Tiffa1122 - I've uploaded a video response to answer your question. You can find it above - it's the first, and currently only, one there.

Thanks for watching and for the great question. And if you have more questions - want me to get into anything in more detail, please: feel free to ask!

[ZaraWelch]

Exceptional- well spoken and a wonderful example of thoughtful comments on global concerns.

[djhomeslice]

Sorry, man, but you need to learn about economics before you talk about the economy. Paying people for labouring on make-work projects (producing green technologies) does NOT generate long-term growth. Don't forget that creating artificial government jobs takes them away from things they would do elsewhere in the economy.

[1984mjs]

djhomeslice:

True, there's more to the economy than just jobs, but I'm proposing the creation of a Canadian resource. Green technology is not a make-work project: we're not talking "artifical jobs", it's building a foundation to meet a rising global demand. And it does generate long-term growth -- most environmental plans look as far forward as 2050, meaning that this will be a top priority for decades, at the very least. I don't see how that's a short-term initiative.

(cont'd on channel page)

[1984mjs]

Also, to djhomeslice:

In terms of sustainability, I invite you to learn about the Ontario government's Next Generation Jobs Fund. It's a $650-million initiative that's working to create a long-term, sustainable infrastructure for green technology research and development here in Ontario.

[1984mjs]

And in Canada's economy, the export of energy resources is a huge factor. In 2006, our energy exports totaled $99 billion - or 22% of the total value of our exports.

[1984mjs]

What I'm proposing is the creation of an infrastructure that will expand this amount - allow us to far surpass the $100 billion mark, all while helping the environment. And on the other hand, if we fall behind other countries in terms of energy exports (which we will, if we don't make the shift to Green Tech,) we will be ignoring and losing over one fifth of our export revenues.

[karine2881]

I'm appreciating the idea, but the format is kind of unoriginal... very rick mercer.

[ZAmzallag]

Ok.... so you propose grants to encourage environmental and sustainability research?

Incentives and punishments for industry?

What's your big idea?

[1984mjs]

Thanks for your comment, ZAmzallag - three to five minutes isn't a lot of time to get into all of the specifics of the plan, just the general idea. I've written a response to your question, but it's too long for the comments page here. You can read it on my channel, which is where I've posted it.

Thanks again,

Mike

[pboud0]

Single best solution this country has ever come up with. What a great balance between the environment and the economy. Well done Mike, I wish you luck!

[infomouse66]

this is the best entry that i've seen, and i know it will remain the best. I wish you all the luck mike.

[dwansaic]

you look like pc from the mac commercials. thanks for comin' out, though.

[Skyefree]

wow Mike,

I think I'm going to forego applying thiw year simply because I want you to win!

Good luck, I'll be voting for you!

[1984mjs]

Thank you so much - I really appreciate that! I hope you do decide to apply anyway; it's a great way to express and debate your own opinions. If you do decide to apply, let me know - I'll check it out.

[grahamhcarey]

Thank you Mike, thank you, thank you, thank you, for finally saying what should have been said twenty years ago, for hitting the core of the most pressing international modern issue, and for showing all angles of this crisis perfectly. Amazing entry, you have my vote!

[1984mjs]

It's good that attention is starting to shift onto this issue - but you're absolutely right. These are things that should have been dealt with years ago. The best we can do right now is not make the same mistake - act now, not later.

[gracer45]

This is a great way to reach Canadian companies, Mike. I am a huge believer in improving our environment, and this even opened my eyes in a new way. Good Luck!

[1984mjs]

Thank you - and it's not just companies, too. Green technologies can work on the individual level. I didn't get much time to go into everything in great detail, but things like hybrid cars are important, too. Some companies, like Ikea, are offering their best parking spots to hybrid cars only.

There's still a lot of debate on this subject - google "green parking for hybrid cars" - but I think that motivation on the individual level is needed just as much as on the industrial level.

[Chonnawonga]

Finally, someone recognizes that the environmental crisis is also an opportunity! Doing something about the problem is win-win. Doing nothing is catastrophic. Way to go, Mike. Good luck!

[cxmacm]

Looks like a really well thought out argument and professional delivery! Sounds like a great candidate! Best of luck!

[emmaline85]

Mike, you are awesome! I really think this is a solid entry. I wish you all the best of luck!