[mobglob-discuss] Q&A with Vancouver Center Green Party

[Bella]

Hi folks,

I put a couple questions to Rob Mattu (Vancouver Center Green Party
Candidate) and thought I'd share his replies. Please feel free to
circulate, especially to voters in this riding.
Bella



Hi Bella,

Here are my answers to your questions.

1. what's your stance on missile defense ?

The Green Party is clearly against joining the US in missile defense.  We
feel it is too costly and the money is better spent here in Canada on
Canadians.

2. what are your thoughts on the slow yet obvious merge with the usa ?

I do not support the use of a common currency.  I believe we should never
merge with the US.  I think we should reduce our dependance on the US as a
trading partner to less than 50%.  At present, I believe it is at 60%. 
Canada needs to develop more trade with the European Union and Asia.  The
European Union would be able to provide more money for our goods as long
as the lumber is eco-certified, the food is organic, etc.

3. where do you stand on the 2010 olympics ?

The Green Party was against the 2010 olympics because of its potential
adverse effects on the poor.  If the money is wasted in expensive
mega-projects that will mean higher taxes for everyone.

However, as it stands the Olympics are coming.  It is still a concern.  The
transportation infrastructure necessary needs to be cost-effective, good for
Vancouverites in the long-term with minimal impacts on the environment. 
Some of the ways I propose to deal with is through passenger-only ferries
from Downtown Vancouver to divert traffic from the Sea to Sky highway,
ground level rail transportation using existing Rail corridors (Arbutus)
and more buses.

4. do you support BC offshore drilling ?

No.  It would be prudent to wait for years until more efficient extraction
technologies come into the marketplace and the price of oil increases as
current wells run dry.

The Green Party would like to switch to Green Power.  Renewable sources
such as wind, ethanol, biofuels, tidal, etc. are much less damaging to the
environment, can be harvested year after year and creates more jobs in new
industries.

5. where do you stand on same-sex marriages ?

I am for the rights of gays and lesbians to have same-sex marriages.  So
is the Supreme Court of Canada!

6. will we ever be able to remove the word "god" from our national anthem ?

Only if we change the national anthem!!  We would get rid of the
allegience to the Queen as well!

Thanks for your questions.  I hope you do vote green.  For the first time
in federal elections, the Greens are in a position to win a few seats in
BC.  I sincerely hope this is one of them!  If you have any more
questions, please let me know.

Thanks,

Robbie Mattu