Here we are, back at the Edge of the Wedge #18 Experiential Travel Training progam in Rocky Harbour Newfoundland. This time around we have a large groups from Labrador, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Here is their response to this question!
- Government should help operators use energy more efficient or rennovate business for heat recovery, geothermal, energy efficient windows, water regulators
- Tour operator subsidy as an incentive to make changes to their business
- Make it easier for business to engage, it is complicated and time consuming
- LED light subsidies
- Tax rebates and incentive programs and credits
- Recycling programs in all small communities must be supported by government. We recycle in Nain, Labrador — how come everyone can’t? There is no excuse.
- Waste treatment programs across Canada – we want to do it, but we can’t as it is not an option in our community
- Water management and recycling grey water
- Promote alternative energy by stopping discouraging it. Invest in the grid, we don’t have a great capability for using alternative power
- Stop discouraging people to get off the grid
- More education
- Make a concerted effort to engage municipalities and community members on a path — walk down the path together
- Target specific actions
- We get penalized for efficiency improvements – improve windows, then the city taxes you higher. If a hotel/B&B improves their property they should get a credit not be taxed! Why not tax people who are doing nothing. We are backwards and work with ‘disincentive taxation’
- Government buldings should be geothermal and energy friendly
- Recylcing compost programs that really work
- Assistance with local food production, promote community gardens
- Government should lead by example
We need government to take positive action to educate Canadians, improve the health of our communities, and lead on the world stage. Alas, we have a long way to go, if the most exciting thing the press can report from the G20 is Stephen Harper missing the photo op. That isn’t the message Canadians should be remembering about this important event — perhaps better promotion of the one or two key initiatives Canada will lead with others! What is ‘jo public’ remembering?
