Dewar eyes growth for Green Party in York-Simcoe

Dewar eyes growth for Green Party in York-Simcoe

News

John Dewar has high hopes of increasing the vote for his Green Party Oct. 14.
In his first attempt in York-Simcoe, during the Jan. 23, 2006 federal election, he increased his party’s support at the ballot box by more than 1,000 votes, compared to the 2004 federal election, when Bob Burrows carried the Green banner.

While he doesn’t have the finances and campaign soldiers his Conservative and Liberal opponents have, he does have commitment to his cause.

“Financially, we’re in pretty good shape. I’ll be campaigning when I can, taking vacation days and so on,” Mr. Dewar said.

His campaign office is in his Keswick home.

Mr. Dewar, 52, is an environmental lead auditor and management systems co-ordinator, so when it comes to environmental issues and the often confusing green policies of his and the other parties, he knows what he’s talking about.
However, he concedes many members of the public are confused.

“Unfortunately, it’s really difficult explaining it to the average person,” he said.

Mr. Dewar blamed the Liberals for doing a poor job of defining their Green Shift policy and contributing to the problem.

“The Liberal Green Shift is similar to the Green Party in that they copied some of it, which is OK,” he said. “The problem with the Liberal plan is they’re not doing a very good job in making it clear this isn’t about a carbon tax; it’s about a shift in taxes. Unfortunately, it’s seen by many as a tax grab, which it is not.”

He said the Greenenvironmental policy “is quite a bit more comprehensive” and based on a cap and trade system, similar to what is being done in the European Union.

The governments there set a limit on the amount of emissions released.

Companies are issued emission permits and receive credits, which represent the right to emit a specific amount.

The total amount of allowances and credits can’t exceed the cap. Companies that need to increase their emissions must buy credits from those who pollute less.

The buyer is paying for polluting, while the seller is being rewarded for having reduced emissions by more than was needed.

“You use the tax system to encourage developing renewable energy technologies,” Mr. Dewar said. “We would transition away from a fossil fuel-based economy. The Liberal plan doesn’t go far enough.”

That’s important for future generations of Canadians, including his own children and grandchildren, he said.

“As a father and grandfather, I’m really concerned about the legacy our children will inherit.”

With his work in the paper recycling industry, Mr. Dewar said he developed and implemented management systems for environmental quality, safety, research and development.

“Governments have to be guardians of our collective health, safety, environment within a balanced economy,” he said, adding the Green Party under Elizabeth May is the best to deliver that.

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