The Provincial NDP and the Environment

By Greg Hluska

A few days ago, I posted one of the motions passed at the 2008 Saskatchewan Party convention.  Though Stacey and I disagreed about the exact intent of the resolution, we both agree that finding alternatives to plastic bags is a needed first step in protection our province’s fragile environment.  In the interest of being fair and giving equal coverage to all major parties in Saskatchewan, I decided that today’s article would be about some of the work the Provincial N.D.P. has been doing for the environment.

The N.D.P.’s web site has a very interesting passage about protecting the environment:Saskatchewan is blessed with abundant natural resources, which provide us with jobs and with a strong economy. Those same natural resources can help power our future, and help us ensure that we leave a clean and healthy environment to the generations to come. Wind power, biomass, geothermal energy, solar power – these are just a few examples where Saskatchewan can and should be leading. Unfortunately, we are starting to fall behind.

I cannot agree with one paragraph any more.  Saskatchewan is blessed with a plethora of natural resources that provide ample opportunities to power our province (and the rest of the country).  However, that paragraph forgot to mention two energy sources that I believe will be key in powering Saskatchewan into the 22nd century.

Nuclear power is a contentious issue that the N.D.P. has spoken out against with great vigor.  However, I am not sure that I agree with being against nuclear.  The most damaging argument against nuclear power is the threat of a Chernobyl-esque meltdown.  Strong argument, but frankly, nuclear is still much, much better than the coal fired energy which is darkening our skies and polluting our environment.

I am also rather surprised that the N.D.P. failed to mention the possibility of hydro-electricity in Saskatchewan.  Not only is hydro completely renewable, it would also create jobs in Northern Saskatchewan – an area which has gone through hard times, but which seems poised to become a very powerful economic region of Canada.

Those two squabbles aside, I am impressed by the N.D.P. and their efforts to keep the environment firmly planted in our minds.  Fact is, we don’t have any place else to go so we have to protect this planet!