Environment key political issue

(Letter to the Editor, Winnipeg Free Press)

Larry Powell's Dec. 29 letter to the editor expressed concern about the proliferation of polluting animal "mega-cities" in the province and the resulting demise of the family farm. Mr. Powell wrote that he had hopes that the situation would change when the NDP came to power, but that his hope was betrayed.

Mr. Powell is not alone. Manitobans interested in environmental protection have learned a bitter lesson. In Opposition, the NDP raised expectations that it would be less environmentally destructive than its PC predecessor. In office, the NDP has been identical. Citizens are disheartened to realize that left-wing environmental degradation is every bit as nasty as the right-wing variety.

Mr. Powell's letter ended with a question: "If ordinary citizens and family farmers can't turn to the NDP for help, just what party can they turn to?" There is one. The Green Party of Manitoba is the only party that unequivocally opposes the corporate hog industry. In our first provincial election campaign in 1999, our six candidates actively campaigned on the issue. We are the only party that places environment and economic sustainability above mere political ideology. (See our Web site: www.greenparty.mb.ca.)

I encourage Mr. Powell and all Manitobans concerned about the environment to get involved in politics. The environment is a political issue — the most important one of the new century.

ROBERT RIDGEN, Water Issues Critic, Green Party of Manitoba