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Free Press federal candidate profile: Nancy Urekar, Green Party




The Shelburne Free Press requested Federal Election Candidates share a little about themselves and their policies, as well as their thoughts on two discussion topics. All candidates were asked the same questions. The following is the response from Nancy Urekar the Green Party Candidate for Dufferin-Caledon.
Background:
“I came to this area as an adult in 1987 having lived in West Island Montreal, Prescott and Brockville before going to university. I studied Sociology at the University of Western Ontario and then Finance at McMaster University earning a Masters in Business Administration. Upon graduating I worked my way up to Vice-president at McLeod Young Weir in the Computer Research area and left as it became ScotiaMcLeod to stay home and raise my children. They are now both grown, happy and successful living in Toronto. I worked as a Financial Planner before launching ChicaBOOM Consignment - a large and successful recycling store in Caledon Village on Highway 10.”
Political Life:
“I had not participated in politics before this election – I am not a seasoned politician by any stretch – I just care! I feel strongly about what we are leaving to our children and their children's children. What can I say I've done when my future grandchildren ask me, “You knew this was coming and what did you do? The Green Party reflects what I believe in – a plan to move away from our dependency on fossil fuels, paying down our debt and social justice.”
Your biggest challenge in this election:
“My biggest challenge is to motivate people to get out and vote. Forty percent of our citizens do not vote – often from disgust or apathy and these are often the people who would like a plan for the future of our country and planet if they could see a way to do it. Many would vote Green if they realized what a viable option it is, especially in Dufferin-Caledon where we came 2nd in the last Federal Election.”
Policy:
1) Outline your views on energy and aggregate development on prime farmland
2) Outline your Party's record & policy for Canada's role in slowing climate change
3) Outline how your Party will protect and build Canada's social safety network Policy.
1) “The Green Party calls for negotiated agreements with the provinces to secure the preservation of prime agricultural land in Canada – we need to stop the loss of our precious farmland. We would reinstate the Canada Land Inventory program with adequate funding to update and keep current a comprehensive record of land capability and land use as a vital ongoing aid to local planning, and provide sufficient fiscal incentives to other levels of government, including municipalities, to preserve farmland under their jurisdictions. We oppose any trade deals that undermine supply management for Canada's dairy and poultry industries. We are the only party that opposes the Trans-Pacific treaty. The Conservatives want to conclude the Trans-Pacific deal before the election and then promote it as a win for consumers. It will seriously harm our dairy sector. The Green Party also provides policy so that alternative energy, aggregates and development are not allowed to dominate the use of our precious farmland but ensures that these uses are developed in appropriate places with community involvement, support and benefit.”
2) “The Green Party is serious about climate change. It the biggest issue facing Canadians and the planet. The Green Party proposes first to reduce carbon emissions by ending the more than $1 billion in annual subsidies given to the fossil fuel industry and instead invest in alternative energy, creating thousands of jobs along the way. Our climate plan includes a “Carbon Fee and Dividend” which places a fee on carbon emissions at the well-head, the mine-head, the borders and on large emitters. This is not a tax to raise money for the government. It is a dividend paid out to all Canadians 18 and over to offset their increased costs. We have plans for more efficient transportation and closing coal powered energy plants. We have a comprehensive plan. Look it up online – it's called “Vision Green”.”
3) “While Greens are on the right in the area of fiscal responsibility, we are on the left on social responsibility. We do not believe that any Canadian should live in poverty. Our platform includes a ‘Guaranteed Livable Income', a national affordable housing plan, Pharmacare – ensuring that Canadians can have the prescription drugs necessary for their health. We support a national Aging in Place Program. As well, we promote the enhancement of CPP to eventually pay 50% of average income rather than the current 25%.
At this stage, our strength is the influence of our common sense policies. It is very satisfying to see so many of them being adopted by other parties. However it happens, it needs to happen!”
Candidates responded to the two discussion issues both below:
Discussion 1
Canada is heading into a recession. Conservative leader Stephen Harper continues to stress a balanced budget in this election as most important to Canada's economy; as well, his government has focused strongly on a one-sector economy driven by the now faltering Oil Sands to steer Canada's economic growth. Please respond to this and the report below, including your Party's economic recovery policy.
In September 2015, the Globe and Mail ran a report by Economist Jim Stanford, based on statistics, stating the Harper government had the “weakest economic era in Canadian postwar history” casting “major doubt on its economic credibility;” Stanford wrote that “investing” and producing a “full portfolio of excellent goods and services” were “fundamental drivers” of economic progress.
Nancy Urekar's response:
“Six years of consecutive deficits under Mr. Harper. The much touted recent surplus won on the back of cuts to important services for Veterans and Indigenous Peoples. That's a steady hand on the tiller? The Conservative government has gambled and lost by putting all our eggs in one basket – the subsidy of fossil fuels. Since we do not control the price of oil, as demand diminishes the economic health of our nation continues to suffer. Yet we are presented with what is possibly the biggest economic catalyst of history – the conversion to alternative energy. This means jobs and a chance to lead the world rather than import the solutions this change requires. At the same time, 30% of carbon released into the atmosphere in Canada is from leaky buildings. By directing our efforts to literally plug the leaks, we will drive a huge investment in jobs and materials. Not only will the Green Party stand for sound fiscal management, deficit control, leadership in alternative energy innovation and manufacturing, but we have a plan to pay down the debt as well. We do not believe in burdening our children with an economic or environmental debt.”
Discussion 2
The Conservative Government's disproportionate response to the Syrian refugee crisis is a cause for deep concern for many Canadians. What will your Party do to restore Canada's reputation on the world stage as a principled and humanitarian nation?
Nancy Urekar's response:
“Elizabeth May said “We need to get back to the kind of country we were where we welcomed people and we didn't allow a humanitarian crisis to be wrapped up in red tape.” Canada has welcomed waves of refugees over the decades and benefited tremendously from the hard work and creativity of our adopted citizens and these people have become the hardworking people who have created the great land that is Canada.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development has been undermined and eroded by the current Harper Administration. The platform of the Green Party strongly supports re-establishment of Canada as a role model in peace building, peacekeeping and international diplomacy. We need to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada, by cutting red tape, and expediting their safe passage. Moreover, we need a plan for the future. Climate change means we face the relocation of at least 700 million environmental refugees by the middle of the century. This will create great suffering and strife in the world. Green plans include the realignment of our defence spending to increase the capacity and speed in delivering assistance globally, as well as increasing our contributions to UN peacekeeping forces. We want our Canada back, the Canada that distinguishes itself from the United States and makes us proud to wear a maple leaf when we travel.”

By Marni Walsh
Post date: 2015-10-01 21:25:00
Post date GMT: 2015-10-02 01:25:00
Post modified date: 2015-10-09 18:55:44
Post modified date GMT: 2015-10-09 22:55:44
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