For immediate release:May 8, 2015 CLEARWATER, BC: “My special interest in climate change began several years ago when the child of a family member cried himself to sleep after watching a television documentary on the subject. Will you sign my petition to help fight climate change in Canada?” That’s how an online petition starts out that has been posted on Care2 by Keith McNeill, the editor of the award-winning Clearwater-North Thompson Times in Clearwater, British Columbia. The petition calls for a Canada-wide referendum on carbon fee-and-dividend. From May 23 to June 2, McNeill plans to bicycle from Toronto to Ottawa to publicize his petition with Mrs. Chatelaine 1970, Jean Nelson. The ride will start in Toronto on May 23 to coincide with Canadian Community Newspaper Association’s annual convention. The Clearwater Times won first place for best editorial page in its circulation class from CCNA this year. Other CCNA awards the Times has won while McNeill has been editor include best all round newspaper in its circulation class in 2014 and 2011. McNeill has also helped the Times win first place in general excellence from BC and Yukon Community Newspaper Association three times. The ride will end in Ottawa at Parliament Hill on June 2 during a lobbying blitz to be done by Citizens’ Climate Lobby – Canada to promote carbon fee-and-dividend. The route will follow the Waterfront Trail along the shore of Lake Ontario as far as Kingston, then head inland and follow part of the Cataraqui Trail towards Ottawa. Along the way, McNeill hopes to do interviews with as many small town newspapers as possible to promote the benefits of carbon fee-and-dividend. “Carbon fee-and-dividend is a way to control human-caused global warming that is advocated by James Hansen, one of the world’s leading climate scientists,” McNeill explains. “A fee would be charged on all fossil fuels, in a manner similar to a carbon tax. Unlike a carbon tax, however, the money would not go into general government revenue but would be distributed to every adult as equal and repeating dividends.” Cathy Orlando, the National Manager of Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada adds, “Canada is a climate laggard. The solutions are all at hand. All we lack is political will. There is a federal election expected October 19, 2015 and the United Nations climate negotiations in Paris in December. Keith McNeil’s petition and his climate ride with Jean Nelson, are helping create the political will for a liveable world.” McNeill’s petition is at: www.thepetitionsite.com/850/161/365/petition-for-a-referendum-on-carbonfee-and-dividend-for-canada/. Over 28,000 people have signed the petition since January 1, 2015 when it went live.
Contact: Keith McNeil, keith.mcneill65@gmail.com, 250-674-3252
