When Dennis King became premier, I was pleased with the actions of his environmental appointee, Brad Trivers. It was clear Mr. Trivers was passionate about the environment, especially for a person in the PC party, and that he was willing to see P.E.I. take real steps toward improving the environment.
Now Mr. Trivers is gone and we have Natalie Jameson, former recruiter in the oil and gas sector. Not only is her background sending the wrong message, but the new emphasis is to make sure “the environment and the economy are merged and in lockstep,” which has traditionally been conservative-speak for “business interests come first.” What was not said was, “The environment and the future of the planet are of utmost importance and we are confident that green measures will also be good for the economy.”
Quotes from Ms. Jameson herself also do not inspire confidence. While she articulates she has “extremely professional experience where I gained a lot of skills and experience,” she doesn't specify the skills and experience she has and how it will aid the environment. And, while she notes she is a mother, she doesn't say she is passionate about assuring that her children have a livable world in their future.
I hope to again be pleasantly surprised that the PC party will work to improve the environment, but it would appear from this appointment that, at best, the environment has been put on the back burner or, at worst, we are likely to see back peddling, if not outright harm, to environmental interests. In that case, “the honeymoon is over.”
Premier King, please clarify and demonstrate through your actions that this isn't so.
Jane Thomas,
Bonshaw
