(OTTAWA) – Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada, notes the Liberal announcement to invest $200 million per year in emerging and innovative technology and $100 million per year for industrial research. However, Ms. May expressed concern that the funding commitments do not go far enough.
“The Liberals’ plan to invest $200 million annually over three years in technology incubators and research facilities compliments the Green Party’s National Sustainable Jobs Plan. However, the Green Party commitment is for $1 billion annually for Green Technology Commercialization. I urge Justin Trudeau and all party leaders to take bolder action and transition Canada towards a 21st century, clean technology economy for the sake of our children and grandchildren.”
To create sustainable jobs and boost Canada’s economy, the Green Party will:
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Create a National Sustainable Jobs Plan, including a $6.4 billion annual investment in infrastructure, and unleashing an army of carpenters, electricians, and contractors to improve building energy efficiency;
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Work with Canada’s renewable energy sector to accelerate the construction of green infrastructure by providing $1 billion annually for an enhanced east-west electricity grid and deliver green and renewable energy when it is needed; and to ensure a majority of Canada’s energy needs come from renewable sources by 2025;
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Boost access to apprentice programs in key trades, including: electricity, plumbing, carpentry, pipefitting, and welding;
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Create an annual $1 billion Green Technology Commercialization Grant and require all federal legislation to consider its impacts on small businesses; and
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Create a Canadian Infrastructure Bank to provide more robust and innovative financing and investment partnerships to put Canadians to work in the 21st century economy.
The Green Party will capitalize these funds by: raising the corporate tax rate to 19%; eliminating tax havens and tax credits used by the extremely wealthy; taxing pollution and waste; increasing the efficiency of our tax system; and working with provinces to increase resource extraction royalties.
“The World Economic Forum now places Canada 22nd in its global ranking on innovation, down from 12th globally in 2009. The Green Party will enhance Canadian productivity and innovation,” Ms. May continued. “We look forward to working with Mr. Trudeau and other party leaders to implement the Green Party’s bold, visionary plan for a cleantech economy.”
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca
Or
Kirsten Strom
Executive Assistant to Director of Communications
t: 613.562.4916 (200)
Toll Free 1.866.868.3447
kirsten.strom@greenparty.ca