Last week, Stephen McNeil told the Halifax Chamber of Commerce that he is willing to consider lifting the ban on hydraulic fracturing if a community builds local support for it. His comments are strategic political manoeuvring. The Liberal party, which introduced the ban on fracking, now wants to make it clear to everyone that maintaining the public will to support the ban is everyone’s responsibility, except perhaps its own. Justin Trudeau used this approach to justify abandoning electoral reform: blaming the population for not miraculously developing a unified voice. McNeil wants to weaken the ban without taking responsibility. Let’s not...
On the Promise of Wealth and Selling our Environmental Riches
By Thomas Trappenberg, PhD, Leader, Green Party of Nova Scotia I listened to Premier Rachel Notley’s strong words yesterday on the radio, and I agree with her that we need a strong leadership. I also understand that the oil industry is currently a strong component of Alberta’s (and hence Canada’s) industry. Where I don’t agree is that this should be the status quo. I do believe it is now time to turn to our future industry in which our kids will thrive; I do believe we should stop making a quick buck on the future of our planet; I do...
Green Party Leader Says “No Fracking Way!”
Green Party leader Thomas Trappenberg commends the government’s ongoing commitment to the moratorium on fracking. Trappenberg adds that he will fight any future decision to allow fracking in the province: “I have three words for anyone who would gamble Nova Scotia’s groundwater on such a pipeline dream: no fracking way.” With fracking put to bed, Trappenberg would like to see the province focus on building alternative industries to boost the number of green jobs. “Our carbon economy is dying. It is time to move forward. Nova Scotia should not be left behind.”
Two Big Misses in Cannabis Announcement, Says Green Leader
For Immediate Release – December 11, 2017 “There were two big misses in the provincial government’s announcement of cannabis regulations last week,” says Green Party of Nova Scotia Leader Thomas Trappenberg. Firstly, “Nova Scotians we have heard from are frustrated that a monopoly was given, and to a government corporation. This was an ideal opportunity to support entrepreneurship, and they blew it.” Social media reaction on Thursday and Friday indicated there are already many local entrepreneurs who have been developing business models based on the coming legalisation. BC, PEI, and other jurisdictions are working to provide opportunities for private retail...
Statement on the passing of Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy
Dr. Thomas Trappenberg, leader of the Green Party of Nova Scotia, would like to share this statement on the passing of Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy: — The Green Party of Nova Scotia would like to express our deepest condolences to family, friends and the Mi’kmaq nation on the passing of Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy. This is a loss for all Nova Scotians. As we heal from this loss, together, both indigenous and non-indigenous citizens must move forward with reconciliation and develop, with mutual goodwill, a value system that deeply respects our mother earth.