Greenpeace: Arctic issues missing from federal election talk

Greenpeace and officials from the Nunavut hamlet of Clyde River say that Arctic issues are missing from the federal election agenda, but real solutions to address climate change are not hard to find.

Clyde River has been outspoken on the negative impacts of seismic testing on their community, taking the issue all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada.

It's an issue being ignored by federal leaders, according to mayor Jerry Natanine.

"They haven't said anything regarding what we've been trying to do. In my opinion that should be forefront," says Natanine. "Everyone in the territory is concerned about it and they've expressed their concern regarding seismic testing and the leaders don't even mention it.

"What I'd like to see them debating is environmental issues, and mining, and oil and gas."

This summer, the hamlet lost its bid to block seismic testing off its shores when the Federal Court of Appeal denied its request for a judicial review of a testing permit issued by the National Energy Board. The community is now appealing the decision to the Supreme Court.

"Harper's legacy was supposed to be about Arctic issues. But the truth is that his Arctic strategy has been a complete failure," says Farrah Khan, a Greenpeace Canada Arctic campaigner who was in Clyde River last week.  

"He's ignoring climate change, and pushing forward with oil and gas development even when climate scientists are saying that we really need to keep fossil fuels in the ground."

Solar panels to send a message

Greenpeace and the Vancouver Renewable Energy Cooperative have been working in Clyde River to explore solar energy potential for the community.

"Even in communities in the Far North that don't have sun all year round, solar panels can play a huge role in drastically reducing the cost of expensive and dirty fuels like diesel," says Jessica Wilson, the head of Greenpeace Canada's Arctic campaign.

She says the initiative also helps to "send a signal to government and industry that solutions of alternatives do exist."

The project is expected to be completed sometime next summer. Greenpeace will be sending an electrician to oversee the installation with the help of locals who will be trained on the system during the installation. Installers and building managers will also receive training to maintain the system and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.  

Greenpeace says Clyde River is an example of a community working to find real solutions to fossil fuel consumption.

"This is an opportunity for Trudeau and Mulcair to distinguish themselves from Harper's failed strategy," says Khan who adds that she is looking for a more vigorous debate about environmental issues such as seismic blasting and Arctic drilling in the last few weeks of the election campaign.