Don't show up at Earth Summit 2012!

Dear Member of Parliament,                                                                                 

Remember a time when Canada was a world leader on social and environmental issues? Remember how we valued the interests of future generations by protecting our natural habitats and ecosystems? Take a moment to recall how being one of the first countries to sign the Kyoto Protocol made us an example of environmental stewardship for the international community. Do you remember that era when Canadians felt proud of their country? Unfortunately, those memories no longer ring true. 

I write this letter as a disappointed Canadian, as someone who feels ashamed when the international community considers my country a laggard at environmental conferences. Winning the “Fossil of the Year Award” numerous years in a row for obstructing negotiations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is more than just a national scandal: it is the utmost betrayal to future generations. If our Canadian delegates are sent to international conferences only to embarrass us, then please,

Don’t show up.

The upcoming United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) is the most significant meeting on this topic and a crucial opportunity for Canada to make lasting commitments to develop a sustainable economy. We should be a world leader in energy conservation, alternative energies, and clean transportation. We can create thousands of long-term jobs, shrink our massive ecological footprint and lay the foundation for a sound, resilient and diversified economy, one that leads to healthy and fulfilling lifestyles. However, if you are not ready or unwilling to step up to today’s environmental and social challenges, I strongly ask you again:

Don’t show up.

This is a no-brainer! The world needs leaders for the urgent transition to a sustainable future, and the world needs Canada! I urge you to champion the three pillars that We Canada proposes as our country’s strategy at Rio+20: Measuring What Matters (going beyond GDP), Getting the Prices Right (eliminating fossil fuel subsidies and pricing carbon), and Making Trade Fair (public procurement policy). Or propose your own forward-thinking initiatives. These policies will set our country back on track towards creating a sustainable economy. Again, if you are incapable of leading us on this path and only intend to play an obstructionist role, then you should not speak for us, so please,

Don’t show up. Don’t go to Rio...unless you are willing to lead us towards sustainability.

Open your eyes and help me feel proud of Canada again.