GreenPAC endorses two Okanagan candidates in 2021 election

GreenPAC, a non-partisan non-profit organization with goals of building environmental leadership and government action in Canada, is endorsing two candidates in Okanagan ridings.

GreenPAC has officially endorsed Dan Albas, the Conservative candidate for the Central Okanagan – Similkameen – Nicola riding, and Richard Cannings, the NDP candidate for South Okanagan – West Kootenay.

GreenPAC’s website said they chose to endorse Albas as he had served as Vice-Chair of the House of Commons’ Environment Standing Committee from 2020-21. During that time he worked collaboratively with members of other parties to produce all-party reports on a variety of topics, while also enforcing the Canadians Environmental Protection Act.

Albas also served as Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change, and GreenPAC said while serving in that role Albas shared information about environmental challenges and solutions within his caucus, and is recognized as a key driver for the party’s climate policies.

Albas has also written on how the tax code could support the rollout of cleaner technology, and has championed a green energy project in his community in partnership with local First Nations.

Meanwhile, Cannings, who was elected in 2015, has served as Deputy Critic for Natural Resources. Under that title he sponsored three bills, on that promoted use of wood in federal public works projects, another that adds various lakes and rivers to the Navigable Waters Protection Act , and one that would require the Environment Minister to respond to a Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada report.

Cannings has also advocated for a low-carbon economy, with more stringent carbon targets; low-carbon transportation infrastructure; and training for clean energy jobs.

GreenPAC, which unlike American PACS does not pool funds to support the candidates they endorse, have chosen to endorse 36 candidates in the 2021 Federal Election, down from the 37 endorsements given in 2019.

The Federal Election goes on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021