WHERE THE PARTIES STAND: ENERGY AND RESOURCES

CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA

The Conservative Party under Stephen Harper has promised strong support for oil pipelines including the Alberta-B. C. Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline and the TransCanada Energy East project, which would stretch from Alberta to New Brunswick. Harper’s Conservatives also support the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, which if approved by the U.S., would stretch from Alberta to the Gulf Coast in Texas.

The Conservative Party has also pledged to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2030 and has joined other G7 countries in an agreement to create a lowcarbon economy by 2050 and eliminate fossil fuels entirely by the end of the century.

NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY

The NDP opposes the Northern Gateway and Keystone XL pipelines, and argues Energy East cannot be approved without a more comprehensive environmental review than what has been completed to date. Thomas Mulcair’s party also favours a cap-and-trade system for carbon emissions with revenue to be invested in renewable resource development. Mulcair and the NDP have also promised to invest $1 billion per year from fossil fuel subsidies into the clean energy sector.

The NDP has also committed to encouraging home and office refurbishment with the goal being emissions reduction and to invest in Sustainable Development Technology Canada, which works on hydro, wind, solar and geothermal technologies.

LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA

The Liberal Party under leader Justin Trudeau opposes the Northern Gateway pipeline for environmental reasons but supports Keystone XL and Energy East. Trudeau’s Liberals have also vowed to work with the provinces to create and meet targets for emission reduction, building outward from a first ministers’ meeting following the Paris UN Climate Change Conference this December.

Trudeau has also committed his party to beefing up environmental reviews, working with the U.S. and Mexico to create a North American clean energy and environmental agreement, and phasing out subsidies for the fossil fuel industry.

GREEN PARTY OF CANADA

The Green Party has promised to increase funding for green energy infrastructure, a pledge aimed at ensuring the majority of Canada’s energy comes from renewable resources by 2025. Elizabeth May’s party also plans to introduce carbon taxes using a fee-and-dividend system.

The Greens plan to cease development in the oilsands while creating job growth in the refining sector of the oil industry. May’s Greens also oppose increased tanker and pipeline traffic in British Columbia and from Alberta to the Maritimes. The Greens also pledge to introduce a strong environmental protection strategy and end development of coal-fired electricity.