Vancouver, BC -- The Wilderness Committee has reviewed the environmental platform of NDP leadership candidate Mike Farnworth which was released yesterday and are pleased with many of the outlined commitments.

"There are some bold commitments made in this platform," said Gwen Barlee, Policy Coordinator for the Wilderness Committee. "We are particularly happy with Mr. Farnworth's firm stance on endangered species protection, protection for sensitive ecosystems and his proposed moratorium on river diversion projects," said Barlee.

Farnworth's platform covers a wide range of areas from action on climate change and making zero waste a priority to stronger environmental assessments and whistle blower protection.

"We were happy to see the strong emphasis on climate action front and centre in Farnworth's platform" said Ben West, Healthy Communities Campaigner for the Wilderness Committee. "Also we were happy to see support for an oil tanker ban" said West.

Farnworth was the first candidate for either party to include comprehensive support for agricultural land in his platform, including the protection of the Southlands in south Delta, ensuring the independence of the agricultural land commission and ending regulated disincentives to farm-gate sales.

"Farnworth's plan to both protect agricultural land and fund public transit with the carbon tax would be a big step forward towards sustainable land use patterns instead of the sprawl we have been getting," said West. "We would like to see a stated commitment to shifting funding away from new highway construction to investment in expanding public transit and passenger rail, but this platform is a good place to start" said West.

"All of the candidates for both parties have a tough job on their hands" said Barlee. "Judging by this platform we are optimistic that Farnworth seems focused on finding workable solutions. We hope that all candidates are inspired to bring forward equally impressive environmental platforms and act upon their commitments," said Barlee.

Contact:

Gwen Barlee, Wilderness Committee, Policy Director, 604-202-0322 (c)

Ben West, Wilderness Committee, Healthy Communities Campaigner, 604-710-5340 (c)