FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. – The leader of the federal Liberals says Canada is losing the credibility needed to secure approval for projects such as the Keystone XL pipeline because of its environmental record.
Justin Trudeau says the idea that a government would have to choose between what’s good for the economy and what’s good for the environment is “an old way of thinking that no longer applies in the 21st century.”
He also slammed the Harper government for ignoring the environmental concerns surrounding industry development.
Trudeau was in Fort McMurray, Alta., on Thursday to drum up support for Liberal candidate Kyle Harrietha in a byelection to replace longtime Conservative MP Brian Jean, who resigned the seat in January saying he wanted to spend more time with his family.
A date for a byelection hasn’t been set.
Trudeau was critical of Jean, suggesting he couldn’t really represent the Fort McMurray-Athabasca constituency until he left caucus.
Trudeau said Fort McMurray has been left to suffer because of the Harper government’s attitude toward municipalities.
“What I wouldn’t do is cut by 87 per cent the federal government’s core infrastructure funding program at a time when municipalities are so constrained,” he said. “This government is slashing infrastructure funding.”
(CFVR)