Candidates support push for green jobs; Federal trio joins activists in Old Strathcona

Clara Ho, September 28, 2008, The Edmonton Journal -- A group of local federal candidates strutted their environmental platforms at a rally calling for the creation of more jobs in the renewable resources sector.

NDP's Linda Duncan, Liberal Claudette Roy and Green candidate Dr. Jane Thrall of the Edmonton-Strathcona riding joined activists at McIntyre Park just off Whyte Avenue on Saturday to encourage Edmontonians to think about a more environmentally friendly future by investing in green jobs.

The candidates sported Green Jobs' stickers and posed for pictures with a polar bear mascot while handing out pamphlets and mingling with supporters.

Duncan, an environmental lawyer, vowed to demand more green jobs -- jobs created by environmental initiatives -- if she wins a seat in the Oct. 14 election.

"I am running this time specifically to bring to the federal government what Albertans are demanding. We want our environment cleaned up and we want green jobs. We have a right to green jobs," she said.

Roy urged the public to consider the Liberals' vision of "a richer, greener, better Canada" while Thrall and fellow Green candidate Wendy Walker, of the Edmonton-Spruce Grove riding, reminded the crowd of their party's strong environmental focus.

Members of the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition, Council of Canadians, Greenpeace and the Sierra Club held signs, passed out pamphlets, and spoke with passersby about encouraging the government to turn away from oilsands activities and to start promoting jobs in alternative energy.

"There's a lot of potential for green jobs to really flourish in this country," said Sierra Club spokesman Jeh Custer, gesturing towards the bustling Old Strathcona farmers market as an example. More than 200,000 jobs could be created in the solar and wind energy sector alone, he added.

Representatives from green employers Manasc Isaac Architects and Bullfrog Power were on hand to promote their companies' commitment to energy efficiency and renewable resources.

Leanne Anderson, who came out to show her support, said it's a crucial time for people to be voicing their concerns about the environment.

"It's election time and everybody wants to get their idea heard for the officials to move on it," she said.

The environment is a non-partisan issue because it affects everyone and every party is talking about it, said Jesse Hahn, a University of Alberta environmental conservation sciences student.

That's why it's important for people to research the environmental platforms of candidates in their ridings before voting, he added.

About 100 people streamed past the park during the rally, but not everyone embraced the green message. One woman hissed at the crowd and another booed and shouted her disapproval.