Nenshi recently wrote an op-ed in the Calgary Herald, noting that:

Each of the major party platforms only superficially addresses the issues that cities face. The one exception is the Green party, which suggests creating a series of municipal “superfunds” focused on issues like transit, cycling promotion and community facilities. - Naheed Nenshi

Do you think Harper has deliberately set out to discourage people from voting?

Absolutely. People thought that Harper had become more popular between the 2006 and 2008 elections but not so: 170,000 fewer people voted for a Conservative candidate in 2008 than in 2006. His larger seat count is a tribute to his ability to discourage people from voting. The 700,000 fewer people voting for the Liberals did so on the basis of attack ads. None of what the attack ads do is to make people like the Conservatives more — it’s a question of framing, first Stephane Dion and now Michael Ignatieff in the worst possible terms based on the most sophisticated marketing genius of the Karl Rove variety.

All of these things add up. The next best option to proportional representation is to figure out how to — through whatever mobilization, viral, citizen grassroots campaign — to say not only am I going to vote, I am going to make sure that I talk to my friends and neighbours who I don’t usually talk to about politics and make sure they vote — not how they’re going to vote just that they vote.

One of the persistent features of progressive Canadian politics is the huge divide between party politics and extra-parliamentary politics. It’s almost unique to Canada that movement groups are so rigidly non-partisan when it comes to elections. How do we deal with that?

Well, one of the things that has to happen is that the Revenue Canada rules around charitable status have to change. Look at the David Suzuki Foundation for instance. David is acknowledged as one of the top 10 Canadians. He made a very strong comment about Harper on the CBC’s George Strombolopoulos show. Now his organization as a result of that is having its charitable tax status threatened. He cannot possibly support the Green Party.

But the fact is that you don’t have to tell people how to vote — you just have to tell people to get out and vote. The call is — “Hey people, look at the numbers. Do you think that all those people who stayed at home in 2008 would have voted for Harper if they’d gotten off their duff to vote?”

Elizabeth May, Deborah Yedlin (Calgary Herald columnist) and Murray Smith (Energy Minister 2001-2005) found some common ground lamenting Alberta’s dependence on coal fired plants and the lack of any clearly stated Canadian energy strategy.

Natalie Odd, a plethora of Green candidates, Green volunteers and oil patch executives enjoyed the evening immensely. We believe this recap would be of interest to every Calgarian wondering how “the other side” views the oil sands. (You might be surprised.)

A healthy tree stores about 13 pounds of carbon each year (forestmanagement.enr.gov.nt.ca). Also, the shade and wind protection provided by a conveniently placed tree will conserve energy use within the home.

All in all, planting a tree this month is a great reason to both socialize and improve the environment in our community. Check your local garden centres for discount prices on stock!

by Erin Kornichuk

“There are the diehard, environmentally conscious folks who do whatever they can, but most people are really busy with their daily lives and they have enough things to worry about, so information just becomes background noise. It’s really our challenge to compel people to take that action.” -Natalie

As the United States takes action, no corresponding steps appear to be forthcoming from the Canadian government.

Will Canada have to be dragged kicking and screaming into the new green energy future? We could regain our international reputation as a leader and benefit our Canadian autoworkers if we take immediate action. Otherwise, we will simply be swept along by the force of our southern neighbours. -Elizabeth May

Canadians may object to always being the follower, never the leader. Stricter emission regulations are an excellent place to start regaining our credibility by advancing a green economy to benefit Canadian workers.

- Michael Bernard, Communications Officer, Green Party of Canada

The city has finally introduced their “Blue Cart Recycling” program. After what has seemed like years of planning, April 2009 saw the launch of the new recycling program. More than 300,000 Calgarian homes have benefit from the program, which will be in full swing by July 09.

At a cost of $8 per month, added to your Enmax bill, the city hopes to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills by 50%.

For all the details about the program visit the City of Calgary Blue Cart Recycling website.

- Joel Brideau