Sometimes at the doors I hear “I have voted NDP all my life, but I can’t get behind the attacks on Oil & Gas - my entire family works in the industry.” I hear you, the messaging is aggressive, but let me be clear, the NDP is a people-first party - it’s not about taking away good paying union jobs, it’s about making corporations pay their fair share of taxes.
The energy industry is an indispensable part of our community, so many of our families have worked in Chemical Valley generation after generation. These jobs also bring new faces to our community, offering so many people the opportunity at a better life for their family. But much like the makeup of our riding, the industry is changing. Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong must be ready to adapt to this energy transition to stay competitive and relevant, to keep good union jobs locally, and to continue to attract new and diverse talent.
The total demand for energy in North America is expected to remain steady for several decades; make no mistake, Oil & Gas is a critical part of our energy mix, but other sources of energy, like solar and other renewables, are projected to take on a greater share of the market as we aim to create a cleaner, sustainable future for our children.
Canadian legislation and international agreements give us a path to a cleaner future, where our energy needs are met through more than just fossil fuels. The Clean Fuel Standard set out by the government of Canada requires that 10-15% of fuels come from renewable sources by 2030. The goal is to reduce our greenhouse gas emission by 45% before 2030, and by 50% from 2030 onwards.
This means less reliance on fossil fuels (like gasoline and diesel), which will help reduce net carbon intensity. It also means less pipelines being built through Indigenous lands and designated green spaces without proper consultation and compensation. But wait - we can still have good paying, steady jobs that utilize the skills our Chemical Valley workers already have.
In recent years, local petrochemical companies have already successfully demonstrated that agriculture-derived oils can be used as feed for their processes. This opens an additional market for our Lambton farmers to sell their crops. We’ve also had several companies looking into Advanced Recycling Programs that would break down waste plastics, diverting plastic waste from landfills. The industry knows that alternative energy processing is possible - what we need now is to invest in this industry diversification.
We have everything we need to attract new businesses and workers: vibrant and friendly communities, dedicated and effective post-secondary education, and world-class tradespeople. We can navigate the challenges of the Energy Transition if we put the people of our community first. It is possible to have good paying jobs in creating low carbon fuels and clean technology without losing existing industries that are vital to our local economy.
The NDP’s plan is to ensure a steady supply of Canadian jobs while holding corporations accountable. Our unions won’t need to fear being out of work due to slow downs or closures when we’ve diversified local industry and invested in infrastructure and affordable housing. A pan-Canadian energy corridor connecting the east and west will ensure prosperity not just here in our community, but for all Canadians. Investing in co-processing infrastructure for renewable sources for energy like ethanol, nitrogen and biofuels, means that farmers across Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong are able to expand their market. The NDP believes it is a top priority to invest in people and the opportunities they need to succeed.
I believe this community deserves representation for everyone, not just for those with money and influence. Regardless of who you are, where you work, or where you’re from, you deserve a representative that will listen to your needs. As your MP, I’ll fight for our future and put people first, without sacrificing what makes Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong a fantastic place to live.