NDP leadership hopeful Avi Lewis emphasized the need to break away from increasing fossil fuel production in Canada, likening it to an “addiction.” During a panel discussion alongside competitors Rob Ashton and Heather McPherson, Lewis stood out by advocating against further expansion of natural gas, oil, or coal in the country. He stressed the importance of clear policies that set the federal NDP apart from the Liberals, stating, “We cannot keep ramping up fossil fuel production in this nation.”
Highlighting the necessity for the federal NDP to be able to disagree with provincial counterparts, Lewis also pointed out the existence of “safe forms” of energy generation that align with modern standards. He compared society’s reliance on fossil fuels to an addiction driven by both the desire for revenue and the substance itself.
Lewis referenced scientific findings that confirm the acceleration of global warming due to burning fossil fuels, with coal, oil, and gas contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Although McPherson, an MP from an oil-producing province, did not challenge Lewis on stage, she later downplayed his statements as nothing new, citing the NDP’s longstanding policy stance.
While the NDP’s official policy book does not explicitly mention restricting fossil fuel production expansion, it does pledge to end federal support for fossil fuel subsidies, as previously humorously advocated by Jack Layton in 2003. Past NDP leaders, including Thomas Mulcair and Jagmeet Singh, faced challenges in effectively communicating this stance, especially in provinces reliant on fossil fuel industries.
The federal NDP’s position on limiting fossil fuel expansion creates tensions with its provincial counterparts in regions like Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. McPherson outlined her focus on creating employment opportunities for youth in various sectors, including green jobs through initiatives like the Youth Climate Corps.
Ashton emphasized the importance of expanding renewable energy sources like wind power, emphasizing the need to manufacture wind turbines domestically with union labor. When asked about his views on expanding fossil fuel production, Ashton emphasized the need for thorough project assessments, including consultation with Indigenous communities, and stressed the importance of transitioning to a green economy that offers comparable job opportunities to traditional industries.
The candidates participated in a panel discussion at the Mouseland Gala in Ottawa, moderated by Jordan Leichnitz from CBC’s Power and Politics. The event also featured video remarks from candidates Tanille Johnston and Tony McQuail.