Michael Ignatieff, who has been effective leader of the Canadian Liberal party since December 10 2008, and Leader of the Official Opposition, has withdrawn support for the Conservative minority government headed by Stephen Harper. This has naturally led people to question what Ignatieff stands for which is different from Stephen Harper, and commentators such as Rick Mercer and Rex Murphy believe he isn't clear on this.
But why doesn't Ignatieff make more of a stand on climate change?
As we posted in our September 22 press release, Canadians 'are particularly disapproving of oil companies for their stance and actions on climate change. This level of concern reflects the tension between Canadians’ relatively high level of concern about climate change, and Canada’s actual poor climate change performance, much of which is related to the development of the tar sands.'
It seems as though Ignatieff is concerned about the failure of Stephane Dion's Green Shift plan from last October's election, and doesn't want to repeat that mistake. Yet climate change policy can be addressed in many ways, with a 'carbon tax' approach being the least politically popular (see our press releases of October 9, 2008 and April 2, 2009 for further discussions). In a country where emissions growth is clearly highly related to industry, and the tar sands in particular, a policy which appears to focus on consumer behaviour is not going to be credible. A much more integrated approach is required.
And business is also calling out for strong political climate change policies! Also on September 22, 2009, at the United Nations Leadership Forum on Climate Change, 'Business Leaders, Investors & Civil Society' said 'governments must take collection action now to address climate change ... a global agreement on climate and a sufficient price for carbon will help ensure the continuation of a global marketplace based on openness and competition ... Climate Change is the test of leadership in the 21st Century'. Read the statement - the language is very strong!
This statement is signed by some oil companies - such as BP and Shell. This should be an open invitation for Ignatieff to follow-up with these companies in developing a compelling strategy. It would contrast with Harper's unwillingness to lead on this issue. To avoid the tactical mistakes of Dion's Green Shift, he ought to consider possible outcomes by using war gaming techniques.
Earlier this month, Ignatieff released some Liberal adverts - and it is interesting that one of the adverts in French, aimed at Quebec, focused on climate change. He should consider producing an English version!
