What can we expect from our new government?

By Selena Randall

 No matter who you voted for in the federal election, I am sure you are watching with interest the new way in which the Trudeau government is operating. In an unprecedented move, the Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau has published his Ministerial Mandate letters online. Take a look at Ministerial Mandate Letters.

 I read through the letter to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honorable Catherine Mckenna. Right upfront is an instruction to: “…in partnership with the provinces, develop a plan to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, consistent with our international obligations and our commitment to sustainable growth”.

 The detail included instructions for:

• Establishing national emissions reductions targets

• Support for provinces to establish carbon pricing policies

• Creating a Low Carbon Economy Trust to fund projects

• Increasing watershed protection and protection for the Lake Winnipeg Basin

• Investment in the best wastewater treatment technologies

• To phase out subsidies for the fossil fuel industry

• To establish a North American Clean Energy and Environmental Agreement

• To support the transition in communities towards sustainable economic growth through investments in green infrastructure

• To set stronger air quality standards and monitor emissions

• To review the environmental assessment process

• To support the best technologies to reduce environmental impacts

• To make decisions based on science and evidence

 I know what you are thinking – what has this got to do with me in Steinbach?

 Well, hopefully, it means opportunities.

 The “drive to reduce emission targets”, and “support for the transition in communities” is an opportunity for businesses involved in the development and installation of green infrastructure and should be of particular interest. A look at previous government funding shows mainly support for wastewater treatment facilities, but also schemes to reduce landfill gas, to divert organic waste, and more. It could include surface water management schemes, combined with green space management – something Steinbach needs as the past couple of summers have shown.

What would be on your list if you could apply to a federal fund? What would you like to see in Steinbach?

What if we could capture the methane from the landfill and heat homes or businesses with it?

What if all garden waste, kitchen waste and food waste for all homes in businesses was composted for use on city property or available for use in landscaping?

Or what about a fast commuter rail service to Winnipeg?

What if we could have schemes that capture rainfall and stop road and basement flooding (remember earlier this year)?

Do we have the imagination to think bold for our community? I think we do. I think we should be lobbying our councillors to sit up and take note of what’s on offer and we should be asking "How can Steinbach take advantage of the new government plans?"