An open letter to Mark Strahl, MP and Peter Kent, Environment Minister
I read today that $547,000 of funding through Environment Canada to the Canadian Environmental Network (CEN) is not being renewed. The CEN is a network that facilitates interaction between the government of Canada and over 600 environmental groups, helping the government to leverage the expertise and volunteer resources of those many groups.
Also today, I read news that the Harper government plans to spend $28 million commemorating the War of 1812. A war that occurred before Canada existed as a country.
Given that we all rely on healthy air, water and soil, and that volunteering can provide as much as 800 per cent return on investment (National Council on Aging “The Boomer Solution: Skilled Talent to Meet Nonprofit Needs”), I have to question the government’s priorities.
Canadians who fought in the War of 1812 – 0 Commemorative funding – $28,000,000
Canadians who benefit from CEN – 34,615,860 Funds to support CEN – $0
(Stats Can Population Clock at time of writing)
We should respect our history. However I think we would be better served to perhaps spend $27,453,000 commemorating the War of 1812 and $547,000 supporting the Canadian Environmental Network. I imagine that our pre-Canadian ancestors would agree that investing in our future is more important than investing in our past.
Ian Stephen,
Chilliwack, BC