Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
Re: “Rio Summit Seems Like a Waste of Time For Canada” (Brandon Sun, June 23)
Yes, readers, I have to agree. From the impressions that I have formed, this most recent United Nations Conference in Brazil and attended by those in Canada’s government who represent and wear the badge of environment was a total vacuum — meaning nothing!
Environment Minister Peter Kent says he recognizes and appreciates the narrow focus that environmentalists want to achieve but adds that jobs are at stake and economy and society must be considered.
He chastises their efforts, stating “there is a fine balance between sustainability and prosperity.”
Little does he realize or want to accept that without the dedicated protection and sustainability of our environment there will be no jobs, no economy and no prosperity. And definitely no need for any environment ministers.
Twenty years ago at the Earth Summit meeting in Rio, a 13-year-old girl stood up, faced an audience and spoke for all Canadians. She acted as a conscience for the grown-ups.
She had no hidden agenda. She was fighting for her future and speaking for all future generations yet to come. Losing my future is not like losing an election or a few points on the stock market, she said. I am only a child, and I don’t have all the solutions, but I want you to realize, neither do you.
There were standing ovations and people wept openly after her emphatic message.
She didn’t have a name tag as “The Environment Minister of Canada.”
Her name tag read “Severn Cullis-Suzuki.”
Let us hope it doesn’t take an environmental apocalypse before we listen to our children.
Most children can see with clarity and innocence and tell it, like it is.
Together, we all have a role to play.
John Fefchak
Virden
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition June 26, 2012
We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.
You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.
Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.
The Brandon Sun does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Re: “Rio Summit Seems Like a Waste of Time For Canada” (Brandon Sun, June 23)
Yes, readers, I have to agree. From the impressions that I have formed, this most recent United Nations Conference in Brazil and attended by those in Canada’s government who represent and wear the badge of environment was a total vacuum — meaning nothing!
Already subscribed? Login to view full article.
Not yet a subscriber? Click Here to Signup
Re: “Rio Summit Seems Like a Waste of Time For Canada” (Brandon Sun, June 23)
Yes, readers, I have to agree. From the impressions that I have formed, this most recent United Nations Conference in Brazil and attended by those in Canada’s government who represent and wear the badge of environment was a total vacuum — meaning nothing!
A subscription to the Brandon Sun Newspaper is required to view this article. Please update your user information if you are already a newspaper subscriber.
Most Popular
Sort by: Newest to Oldest | Oldest to Newest | Most Popular 0 Comments
You can comment on most stories on brandonsun.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.