In response to “Environment overtakes health as issue” by Neil McKinnon on Sept. 10, 2008 published in METRO CALGARY, I would like to point out that environment and health are two sides of the same coin. Human health is inextricably linked to the wellbeing of our land, water, air and soil. Environmental stewardship has become the new health care as the top political issue of the day as it rightfully should be in these trying times. We are faced with serious implications for human health and our entire way of life with climate change, water shortages and decline in quality, and many other environmental issues all compounded one on top of the other. And yet, in the era of the 30-second soundbite, where politics is reduced to empty mudslinging without a regard for good public policy, it is discouraging to hear Barry Cooper from the University of Calgary’s school of political science completely discount the environment when he says that “the environment is about as bogus an issue as health care” and “It’s certainly not practical.”

 

I have spent my entire career, as first a medical doctor, then public health consultant and now MLA fighting for strong health care and the environmental policies, and to have these recognized as fundamental human rights. If we don’t stand for these, what is our society built upon? Do we accept pollution and health risks without a fight? I will not, nor will the Alberta Liberal Party under my leadership.

 

Perhaps Barry Cooper might think differently if he faced the thousands of Albertans I respond to whose personal health has suffered greatly from environmental degradation: asthma aggravated by smog; chemical sensitivities, auto-immune disorders and cancers. There is much we can, and must do if we love this place and our children. Cooper’s comments are both disappointing and cynical.

 

It is true that some politicians and governments have failed Albertans but this is not a reflection on their importance. It is a reflection on their failure to do the careful, balanced work of good policy making. And in some cases we, as citizens have failed to hold our representatives accountable for their failure. The public is demanding action now, and as political leaders, academics, business leaders and citizens, we must act collectively to implement solutions quickly as possible.

 

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Dr. David Swann, MLA – Calgary Mountain View. Shadow Minister – Environment, sustainable resource development and aboriginal relations