MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 1, 2011
Harper’s Priorities out of whack: Fighter Jets vs. Green Power
Canadian taxpayer dollars slated for fighter jets demonstrates Harper is “not” here for Canadian interests or the environment, says the Council of Canadians.
“For the cost of 10 fighter jets, the Canadian government could power a million homes on green electricity,” says Andrea Harden-Donahue, Energy and Climate Justice Campaigner with the Council of Canadians.
This comparison is based on estimates of fighter jet costs from the Pentagon contrasted to the money invested in the federal EcoENERGY Renewable Power program that had the objective of powering one million homes. Factoring in the estimated lifetime costs of maintaining a fighter jet, it only takes three to cover the costs of the program.
The Council of Canadians contends that this comparison is particularly pertinent given the failure of the federal government to extend funding for this critical program in the proposed 2011 budget.
“The Harper government’s spending on fighter jets is way out of line with the priorities of Canadians,” adds Harden-Donahue. “Invested in areas such as improving energy efficiency, renewable energy and public transit, emissions could be reduced and thousands of greens jobs created.”
According to a recent Environics research poll, over 70 per cent of Canadians agreed that money spent on wars and the military would all be better spent on efforts that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the impacts of climate change. The poll also found that over 80 percent of Canadians believe the Canadian government should invest in “green jobs” and transition programs for workers and communities negatively affected by a shift off of fossil fuels.
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For more information:
Dylan Penner, media officer, Council of Canadians: 613-795-8685, dpenner@canadians.org
Andrea Harden-Donahue, Energy and Climate Justice Campaigner, Council of Canadians 613-218-5800; aharden@canadians.org
