How did the environment fare in the federal leaders' debate?

Despite the noise and frenzy, the leaders' debate supported the idea that the environment and economy are inextricably linked. Jobs, energy and environment, infrastructure, immigration, housing and taxation -- these were the economic issues under discussion and driving Canadian voters this federal election. We tuned into the Globe and Mail debate to see where the leaders stand on carbon pricing, climate change, green infrastructure and clean technology. Were leaders pitting the environment against the economy, or did they understand that a strong economy relies on a healthy environment?

Climate change

How are the leaders responding to the most pressing issue of our generation, climate change? Leaders differentiated themselves in their approaches on how to reduce greenhouse gases. NDP leader Thomas Mulcair said his party supports a national cap-and-trade approach as the only way to guarantee GHG reductions. Liberal leader Justin Trudeau would work with the provinces as they prepare commitments for the December climate summit in Paris but would avoid a national strategy and direction. And Conservative Leader Stephen Harper said he would continue with the sector-by-sector regulatory approach, which he said had decreased Canada's emissions while growing the economy. While pipelines were mentioned, oil sands weren't a big focus of discussion and we heard little about how leaders would deal with fossil fuel subsidies.

Infrastructure and transit funding

Infrastructure deficits to municipalities were acknowledged as an important issue, yet green infrastructure didn't get mentioned much. Various commitments were made for infrastructure support but it remains to be seen whether municipalities believe it will be enough to fill the gap. All leaders acknowledged that municipalities need transit funding but whether their commitments would be enough to move cities forward is unclear. What we know is that every dollar invested in public transit brings $3 worth of economic growth.

Clean technology

In a debate like this, clean technology should be a major point of discussion. As the fastest-growing sector in Canada, it can't be ignored, yet we didn't hear details about a renewable path with solar, wind and hydro. In the month left in this campaign, leaders will have to tell Canadians how they plan to help a sector that generated nearly $12 billion for the national economy in 2013.

Healthy environment

For the second debate in a row, Mulcair talked about his work in Quebec to enact legislation for the right to a healthy environment. Most Canadians believe these rights should be enshrined in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms, something more than 110 countries already enjoy.

No matter where you live in Canada, you've likely encountered the effects of climate change: floods in Calgary and Toronto, dry summers on the West Coast, low snow packs in the mountains and wildfires in the western provinces, along with disappearing traditional practices in the midst of melting northern ice sheets.

We have a choice and this election is a critical time to exercise it. Now is the time to embrace clean energy and green infrastructure, increase funding for transit and transportation solutions and bring nature into our communities. We can support leadership at the federal level to lower carbon emissions, create green jobs and grow clean technology businesses, the fastest-growing sector of our economy.

After all, we can't have a strong economy without a healthy environment.

And if the debate inspired you, write a letter to the editor of your local paper, using the three easy steps in our online tool.

YES, I'm voting on October 19.

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