TORONTO, September 30 — Concerned that one day polar bears may only be found on Toonies, and that Canadian voters are wrongly being asked to choose between the economy and the environment on October 14th, Canadian artist Franke James has created a visual letter to Stephen Harper.
“Dear Prime Minister, You say a pollution tax would wreak havoc on our economy”
See the visual letter.
Weaving together expressive drawings with photos and hand drawn text, James asks the Prime Minister simple and thought-provoking questions including this pivotal one, “why are you making us choose between the economy and the environment”
James challenges Harper’s assertion that the other parties are “dangerous because they will tax polluters.” She asks, “But if we don’t tax polluters, who will pay to clean up the mess? Will my children — and yours — be paying?” She backs up her statements on the Alberta oil sands and China, with facts from the Pembina Institute, Sierra Club Canada, The Telegraph UK and other sources.
The “Dear Prime Minister” letter urges all Canadians to vote for the environment and the economy on October 14th. James says, “Canada has one of the worst records for emissions of any G8 nation. Pollution is a bullet we can’t dodge. If we don’t act now we are only fooling ourselves. Our children will pay the price in a damaged environment. The upcoming federal election is an opportunity for us to send a strong message that we must tax pollution now, rather than pass the mess (and expense) onto our children!” She asks, “Will our children inherit a Canada where polar bears can only be found on Toonies?”
What People Are Saying:
“With wit and flair, Franke shows the Harper government’s environmental policies are nonsense — and severely jeopardizing our children’s future.” Thomas Homer-Dixon, author of The Upside of Down: Catastrophe, Creativity, and the Renewal of Civilization
“Wowzers! This is FANTASTIC. Thanks so much for sharing it. Your visual essay clearly articulates the risks of NOT acting. Policy analysts struggle to convey what you have so clearly expressed.” Eli van der Giessen, David Suzuki Foundation
About the Artist:
Franke James is a Canadian artist and writer who blogs at MyGreenConscience.com (www.frankejames.com). She is also an entertaining and persuasive advocate for the environment. In 2007 James battled Toronto City Hall for the right to build a “green driveway” and won. She has a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from University of Victoria, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Mount Allison University. James’ environmental essays have been featured in newspapers, TV, radio, books and online.
Web links:
Dear Prime Minister visual letter
Franke James’ bio
Contact information:
Franke James, MFA
Email: franke@frankejames.com
Website: MyGreenConscience.com
(resolves to: https://www.frankejames.com)
Tel: (416) 256-9166