Canada's Next Great Prime Minister Audition

Hello, my name is Thomas Morel and this is my audition for Canada's Next Great Prime Minister.
I believe we need a Leader who has the political will to scrap the current business as usual mindset that focuses on short term economic gain. Canada's next great prime minister will be the person who can effectively implement policies that will create a sustainable future which integrates both the environment and the economy. My one great idea for Canada that I would implement if I was Prime Minister is the elimination of perverse subsidies.

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[aroyle0707]

4/4

In fact, the highly popularized 'softwood lumber dispute' was all about US animosity over what they described as 'unfair, subsidized' stumpage rates, rendering BC wood in particular, several times 'cheaper' than equivalent US lumber. Since such subsidies are clearly affecting Canada's international trade it is becoming essential for the Federal government to somehow elevate these perverse subsidies.

[MorelT]

Thanks for you comments...An excellent example of how our tax dollars are being used to harm our environment

[DanRounding]

Hey Tom,

Government subsidies is such a huge issue. I completely agree they the government is funding many companies that should not be getting to much money from the tax payers. Don't forget, without Canada being on very good terms with the gas companies our economy would probably crash, but the environment should still come first.  I hope you take you take your ideas to the masses.

[MorelT]

Thanks for the comment Dan

Alberta and Canada's economy is being driven by the oil industry, however the environmental degradation that is taking place there is horrid. If Alberta and the Federal government do not start placing strictor regulations on the oil companies than Alberta will be without an economy or environment after the depletion of thier oil. The question is do you want short term economic gain or long term sustainability?

[amanbrar7]

Thomas Morel,

The environment is a factor which will determine our economic future. We need to develop more environmentally friendly energy methods and fund our municipalities more reasonably! This will only benefit Canadians in the long run!

Happy Holidays!

Aman Brar

CNGPM Candidate

[aroyle0707]

3

Both levels of government fund and/or conduct ecologically destructive practices such as pesticide spraying, fire suppression, and reforestation through monocultures. While the Federal government in particular supplies an additional 'free' source of research and development funds.

Such high levels of funding, largely through subsidy, are not being practiced in other G8 nations.

[aroyle0707]

2

Stumpage rates and leases are so low in Canada that industry never even pays close to the 'cash value' of the timber they are extracting, not to mention the forests greater value in terms of ecological services. Historically, such rates paid in provinces have not come close to the cost of running forest departments.

[aroyle0707]

I agree that one of the most important changes that could be made by Canadian government is the shift away from our currently outdated system to a redesigned tax and subsidy policy.

Focusing on forestry policy for my masters degree in environmental studies I am constantly learning how governments (both federal and provincial) have essentially 'given away the forest' -- a public resource.

[samuelfbaron]

Finally someone I see eye to eye with! Thanks for the quick response!

[MorelT]

Therefore I recommend the same strategy as proposed by many environmental groups which is a moratorium placed on any expansion of the tar sands until all outstanding social and environmental concerns have been fully studied, and the cumulative impacts of recent development have been established. The government can then use the time to develop a sensible, sustainable strategy for development.