NDP leadership hopeful Avi Lewis emphasized the need for Canada to break its dependency on fossil fuel production, likening it to an “addiction.” Speaking at a panel event alongside competitors Rob Ashton and Heather McPherson, Lewis stood out by advocating against further expansion of natural gas, oil, and coal in the country. He stressed the importance of distinct policies from the federal Liberals and highlighted the necessity for the federal NDP to be able to disagree with provincial counterparts.
Lewis pointed out the urgency of transitioning to “safe forms” of energy generation that align with modern standards. He characterized society’s reliance on fossil fuels as an addiction driven not only by the substances themselves but also by the revenues they generate for governments.
Citing scientific evidence, Lewis reiterated that burning fossil fuels accelerates global warming, with coal, oil, and gas contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, McPherson, an MP from an oil-producing region, acknowledged Lewis’ stance but dismissed it as not presenting anything new, noting that similar policies had been part of the NDP’s approach since Jack Layton’s tenure.
The discussion also touched on the party’s historical struggle to effectively communicate its stance on fossil fuel production, particularly evident during the leadership terms of Thomas Mulcair and Jagmeet Singh. This position has created tensions within the party, especially with wings in provinces that heavily rely on fossil fuel industries.
The candidates further outlined their visions for the future, with McPherson emphasizing an employment strategy focused on green jobs, high-speed rail, and retrofitting buildings. Ashton advocated for expanding renewable energy like wind power while emphasizing the importance of creating unionized jobs within the green economy.
Addressing concerns about the impact on families dependent on fossil fuel-related jobs, Ashton emphasized the need for environmentally conscious project assessments and emphasized the importance of transitioning to a green economy without compromising job opportunities. The panel discussion took place at the Mouseland Gala in Ottawa, with Tanille Johnston and Tony McQuail submitting video remarks as the other official candidates in the race.