Liberal

Background:

Predictions of oil and gas shortages by the middle of the 21st century, increasing economic and political instability associated with extreme and severe weather events, food shortages and infrastructure deficits governed by a fossil-fuel driven society underscore the need for alternatives to existing practices within a carbon-intensive economy.

Renewed recognition in the United States of the importance of clean energy in spurring innovation, research, and development, and thus competitiveness in the 21st century, highlights the need for Canada to implement green energy initiatives that will comply with trade requirements established by the United States and our other trading partners. Canada has the potential to become a leader in clean energy initiatives, through involvement by Canada in such organizations as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), as put forward in a motion by the Liberal Party in 2009, and through dedicated investment in green infrastructure programs and a national carbon pricing scheme that is essential to curbing our reliance on fossil fuels and in spurring innovation.

Action Required:

Canada’s participation in IRENA (the United States is signature to IRENA’s Statute) and the establishment of a renewable energy program under the auspices of an international organization would contribute to Canada’s self-sufficiency and economic opportunities especially in rural and northern communities. Equality amongst Canadians may be presented in the context of programs/models in northern communities founded on sustainable initiatives, as an alternative to a militaristic approach to sovereignty in the Arctic. Successful practices from provincial models such as Ontario’s Green Energy and Green Economy Act could be used to establish a national framework that meets international standards. Renewable energy models within the international community, such as those found in Sweden and Germany could be examined and adjusted to accommodate energy needs in Canada. Moreover, a de-centralized grid structure founded on alternative and renewable energy is essential to establishing self-sufficiency in rural and northern communities within a national and international framework.

Policy Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Liberal Party of Canada

• Promote Canada’s membership in IRENA and the signing and ratification of the IRENA Statute; and
• Establish a rural and northern community renewable energy strategy that would contribute to self-sufficiency and economic opportunities.

Reference:
www.irena.org

Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba)

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The National Policy and Electoral Platform (NPEP) Committee had initiated a review of the current policy process prior to the Spring 2011 federal elections.  Part of this review was a pilot exercise for a new resolution format.

The Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba) Association has piloted a new resolution format based on feedback from previous policy conventions.  Your comments on this new format will be greatly appreciated and should be sent to policy@liberal.ca with the subject line “new resolution format”.