The NWT’s Liberal MP, Michael McLeod, says he will vote in support of the Green New Deal motion being proposed to the federal government by New Democrat MP Peter Julian.
Introduced by Julian in December, Motion M-1 calls on the Canadian government to create a Green New Deal – which would involve a range of legislation focusing on climate change, sustainability, and social justice.
Proponents say the legislation would achieve “prosperity and economic security” for Canada by creating millions of jobs while taking significant climate action. Critics doubt the plan’s feasibility and realism.
A Yellowknife pressure group supporting the Green New Deal, Our Time Yellowknife, said on Saturday McLeod had “acquiesced to community concerns on climate” and pledged to support Julian’s motion as it is currently presented.
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McLeod’s office, in an email to Cabin Radio, confirmed “Michael will be voting in favour of the motion.”
The motion has so far been seconded by a range of NDP and Green MPs. Our Time Yellowknife said McLeod was “the first Liberal in the country to pledge their support.”
In a statement, Our Time Yellowknife spokesperson Pretty Ngo – a Grade 10 student in Yellowknife – characterized McLeod’s support of the motion as a victory for the group.
“Initially, we received no response from McLeod, and then he wouldn’t take a public position on it,” said Ngo.
“We created so much public pressure that he gave in. I think this goes to show how we can make real change.”
Our Time Yellowknife, in the same statement, called on McLeod to go further and take public stances on both the Wet’suwet’en crisis and Teck Resources’ planned Frontier oilsands mine, which is awaiting approval or rejection from Ottawa. First Nations in and near the NWT have expressed concern about the Frontier mine’s environmental impact.
