Idle No More’s Assessment of 2015 Federal Election Party Platforms – Idle No More

Idle No More’s intention in the release of this document is to make the information available to those who understand that voting is simply one tool in our toolbox, and a method of harm reduction to stand against the policies of a colonial government that directly affect our lives.

Idle No More will continue to support the work of communities across these lands facing colonial environmental violence.

In solidarity with Indigenous nations, communities, and grassroots resistance: first and foremost, our allegiance is to these lands, these waters, and the future of our planet.

 

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Pipelines, Tar Sands, Oil and Gas Mining

Conservative: Supports Enbridge Northern Gateway, supports TransCanada Energy East. (source 1, 2, 3)

“Expanding our pipeline network is critical for Canada to access global markets for its oil and gas. Canada’s biggest customer, the United States, has increased its own domestic production of crude oil, and the International Energy Agency projects it will be the world’s biggest oil producer by 2020. At the same time, Asian markets and other emerging economies are increasing their demand. Canadian crude has recently been selling at a significant discount due to insufficient access to global markets. Building the infrastructure to move our energy products to global markets will help us overcome these challenges.”

Source: Enhancing Pipeline Safety

Green: opposes any and all pipeline developments

“The Green Party is the only party opposing any and all current pipeline plans. We will oppose any and all pipeline proposals committed to shipping raw bitumen out of Canada. We must move to a national energy policy with a strong climate plan.”

Source: Pipeline Politics

Liberal: Supports the Keystone XL pipeline, but has also said the current federal pipeline review process is not strict enough. (source 1, 2, 3)

“Pipelines are an important part of the infrastructure necessary to move Canada’s energy resources to domestic and global market. When planned and executed with appropriate expert, environmental and community consultation, they are safer for the environment and communities than other delivery methods such as rail. Canada does not need to make a choice between protecting the environment and growing our economy. “

Source: Liberal Party statement to Vote Compass

NDP: opposes the Keystone XL pipeline. He has also said other pipeline projects such as Energy East should be approved only if they are “consistent” with Canada’s emissions-reduction targets. (source 1, 2, 3)

[NDP Leader Tom Mulcair:] “What we especially said in the case of Northern Gateway — and I got a chance to visit the Douglas Channel — was there was no safe way to bring those large super tankers into that narrow channel. That just doesn’t make any sense. What I have said in the case of Keystone XL — you just heard me repeat it — part of sustainable development is creating those value-added jobs in your own country. You don’t export them to another country. […] With regard to Energy East, it could be a win-win-win: better price for the producers, more royalties for the producing province. It could also help create those jobs in Canada. And of course it could help with Canada’s own energy security.

Source: Maclean’s National Leaders Debate 2015