Editorial & Commentary

HARPER TORIES NEED ENERGY PLAN

Editorial

Prime Minister Stephen Harper's response to rising gas prices last month wasn't his finest moment. "Get used to it," he said.

     There are two problems with this response. First: It was chillingly insensitive to the impact high gas prices are having on Canadians. Secondly: Harper failed to offer any comprehensive plan to deal with high gas prices (and more broadly with the environmental crisis itself).

     For starters, the Harper Tories could fashion an income-support program for low-income Canadians who have no alternative but to drive their vehicles to work. More importantly, they need to create an energy plan that would include more incentives to produce alternative fuels, and encourage industry to manufacture what The Nation magazine calls "high-mileage, hybrid and flex-fuel cars."

     Furthermore Ottawa needs to launch an inquiry into the pricing policies of the big oil companies. For years politicians at the provincial and federal level have railed against oil companies for raising gas prices on long weekends. But those voices of outrage never last for long. Canadians deserve some answers from oil companies --and it's critical politicians develop the backbone to hold big corporations accountable.

     Recently Environmental Minister Rona Ambrose said Canada is producing 35 percent more emissions than the Kyoto target level. Although Ambrose explained that Canada isn't going to meet their targets for the first phase of the Kyoto Accord (which ends in 2012), she indicated the government is willing to keep the country in the accord after 2012.

     This is one mildly positive step the government is taking. But the centrepiece of a new national energy plan must include much more aggressive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. Instead of lapsing into denial, a new plan would soberly confront the realities that have produced high-energy consumption (and be brave enough to offer alternatives).

     Since taking office earlier this year, the Harper Tories have behaved like control freaks when it comes to the news media. Managing perception has been taken to new and bizarre heights. A deep fixation on secrecy has taken hold of the government, and there's an oppressive air hanging over Parliament Hill. What's needed is a more bold, open, and imaginative approach to governing --and that should start with the environment.

     The Harper Tories have endlessly repeated how important it is for private industry to join them in dealing with greenhouse gas emissions and environmental issues. But it's up to the national government to provide the spark and leadership to invite more Canadians to put aside their narrow differences for the common good.

     Many will say Harper doesn't have the political strength in parliament to enact a bold energy plan. But with the right leadership the government could advance measures to provide for cleaner fuel and conservation that could have a wide appeal.

     Politicians have earned the mistrust of the public for a wide-ranging number of reasons. But Harper's response to rising gas prices last month ranks at the top of the list. He offered no empathy, plan, or hope. That's unacceptable --and the Prime Minister can (and must) do better.