We can do better, Saskatchewan and Alberta

As we have seen in the recent federal election, it is clear Canada is divided in its priorities. The problem is, the divide is not as proportional as it seems and a vast majority of Canadians (at least 63%) voted for parties who want major action on climate change. There is really only two provinces, representing only 15% of Canada's population, who refuse to accept that in this country, the effects of climate change are higher than almost anywhere else in the world and that as a leader in the world (and as a signatory of the Paris Agreement), we must start making major changes to our behavior to bring down our carbon emissions, which on a per capita basis, is near the top of all countries. We have the unfortunate distinction of having the highest emissions per capita amongst the world's top 20 economies.

Unironically and as this piece from spring 2019 explains, without Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada would be well on its way to meeting these obligations. If you are from or live in these two provinces, I hope you are with me in sharing the shame and embarrassment for the complete lack concern for the consequences our actions, immediate and long term, from our supposed leaders and their ardent supporters. It is hard to make a difference individually when so many are working against the hard work of those of us who do care. To the rest of Canada, Saskatchewan and Alberta are being seen as holding the country back, and they are right to think that.

It is obvious that we need major change and it can only happen if it is either dictated from the top, or shouted out from the ground level. If you live in Saskatchewan, make your voice heard when voting in the provincial election coming in 2020 by supporting candidates who put our future generations ahead of their and their friend's short term financial interests. You can also make sure those who do represent us know that we want major action taken on climate change by sending them a short email or making a quick phone call (MLA and MP email addresses and phone numbers are a Google away), calling for ambitious goals and meaningful action. The power for societal change is in our hands if we choose to use it together. I welcome you to join me.