Jeffery Simpson, in a Globe and Mail article, noted that the liberal party appears to lack an independent vision for a Canadian government. I see government/public partnership as providing economic and social gain. I can’t understand why political leaders fail to listen to the voice of the Canadian people. Polls are constantly emphasizing the need for government to listen to people. This is not an issue between the liberals and conservatives but political vs. people power

One poll indicates that 63% of Canadians are opposed to government action in proroguing parliament. Readers are reminded that in a parliamentary democracy people vote for representatives to parliament not government. Proroguing of parliament should be a responsibility of elected representatives as in the British House of Commons, not of the prime minister. A simple resolution of parliament would require that the prime minister have the approval of our elected representatives before he/she can recommend that the governor general take such action. Only our M.P.s should decide when parliament should be prorogued.

An earlier poll at the time of the Copenhagen conference has shown that Canadians are discontented with the failure of our government to take a leading and independent role in the climate change debate. At least eight climate change programs by the last three Canadian prime ministers have failed to make any positive change in combating this crucial global problem. In fact Canada has the worst record of any industrial nation for addressing the issue.

The need is not so much that of government policy but social revolution. Dr. Elinor Ostrom, an American political scientist was awarded a Nobel Prize for her work supporting grassroots action in achieving social goals. The successful political leader will be one with policies supporting people’s organizations towards solving such problems as climate change. This can be done through tax incentives or grants for individuals and institutions to invest in reduced energy consumption and particularly the use of fossil fuels.

One of the strongest arguments of opposition parties is the fact that the present government inherited a 12 billion dollar surplus, turning this into a deficit situation even before the global downturn in the economy. Will our government tackle our current massive deficit by placing greater emphasis on program cutbacks than on job creation? Increasing revenues would appear to be more effective through creation of new employment (hence taxation revenue) which `would undoubtedly occur with development of alternative energy production. Policies supporting conservation activity to reduce consumption in home heating and cooling are the least costly direction to take along with grassroots environmental efforts such as increasing forest cover. These are leas disruptive to commerce without significant requirement for increased taxation.

Anti-carbon investment measures appeal to Canadians more than carbon taxes. The emphasis must be on tax incentives for, and investment in, alternative energy such as research measures in cellulosic biodiesel production. We are a forested nation with vast wood resources. Utilization of waste wood such as sawdust piles and home heating with firewood are well worth supporting. While this is in the private sector, incentive policies such as promoting energy plantations would certainly encourage the use of such alternative energy sources and help bolster the economy.

Internationally, goals of poverty alleviation, creating local employment and land reclamation should be a priority aid development policy while at the same time benefiting Canada’s energy requirements. Canada imports vast quantities of oil. Support for planting of such species as Jatorpha curcas, an oil-nut producing tree helps meet social goals while addressing our need for energy. The tree has considerable potential both for cooking and home lighting as well as a source of renewable transportation biofuel. At home, support for developing biodiesel production from waste wood would help accelerate our independence from imported fuel in the transportation industry. Enhanced policies to encourage local food production will reduce long range transportation, hence reducing emissions from fossil fuel utilization

Many such measures will help to meet citizens’ goals in a relatively economical fashion while enhancing local employment. They will also contribute to cooperative governance with action in the field by grassroots institutions supported by government grants and tax incentives. Working together to develop a more promising future economy.