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November 29, 2005 For Immediate Release Party Leaders Invited to Environmental Debate OTTAWA – The Green Budget Coalition today invited the leaders of Canada’s five largest political parties to an election debate on environmental issues. “A committed approach to environmental sustainability is critical to long-term economic, social, and environmental health for Canadians, and yet these benefits will not be achieved without strong political leadership,” said Julie Gelfand, Coalition chair. “This debate would provide an opportunity for the party leaders to personally highlight how environmental values are integrated throughout their policies, and to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability. Canadians are deeply concerned about our environment, and are looking for politicians to lead the way.” The Coalition is proposing the debate be held between December 12 and 16, 2005, or between January 2 and 8, 2006. CPAC has already asked to broadcast it. A similar debate amongst party representatives in 2004 was broadcast repeatedly on CPAC. The Green Budget Coalition focuses on ecological fiscal reform and the development of priority recommendations for the annual federal budget. It includes 21 of Canada’s leading environmental and conservation organizations, including Bird Studies Canada, Canadian Arctic Resources Committee, Canadian Environmental Law Association, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Centre for Integral Economics, David Suzuki Foundation, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Environmental Defence, Équiterre, Friends of the Earth Canada, Greenpeace Canada, International Institute for Sustainable Development, MiningWatch Canada, Nature Canada, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Pembina Institute, Pollution Probe, Sierra Club of Canada, Sierra Legal Defence Fund, Social Investment Organization, and World Wildlife Fund Canada. Debate invitations were faxed and mailed this morning to the leaders of the Bloc Québécois, Conservative Party, Green Party, Liberal Party, and New Democratic Party. - 30 - For further information, please contact: Julie Gelfand Andrew Van Iterson
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