Sustainability in Canada: A Path Toward Meaningful Change

Welcome to the first of a series of articles from Ray Little, your Green Party candidate for Simcoe North. In this piece, we delve into the concept of sustainability—often seen as just a buzzword when discussing the environment. But is there more to it than that?

Sustainability has, unfortunately, become a term that’s often overused, misused, and misunderstood, especially in business and politics. Too frequently, it’s wielded to make unpopular policies seem more palatable or to obscure the more challenging aspects of certain issues. This article aims to provide you with the tools to critically evaluate whether a policy, statement, or initiative truly embodies sustainability.

My personal journey with sustainability began about 20 years ago and has evolved ever since. At its core, sustainability can be understood through three interconnected pillars that work together to create a lasting and equitable outcome. From a business standpoint, I embrace the "Triple Bottom Line" framework, which focuses on Profit, People, and Planet. I find this simple and effective for understanding sustainability, especially in a business context.

When we zoom out to the national or political level, the same principles apply but are framed slightly differently—Prosperity, People, and Planet. These three pillars have been at the heart of the Green Party's approach to governance since its founding in 1987. I must admit that only recently did I take the time to deeply study the Green Party's policies, platforms, and vision. As I continue to learn, I am proud to now be in the position to represent the Green Party here in Simcoe North. This is the beginning of my journey to elevate important conversations about sustainability at a local and national level.

My path to the Green Party has not been an easy one. I became disillusioned with the same empty promises, partisan squabbles, and unfulfilled agendas from the dominant political parties. At the same time, many Canadians expressed frustration over being ignored during the trucker convoy protests. Meanwhile, south of the border, divisiveness and controversial figures were gaining prominence. These patterns were starting to take root in Canada as well.

After exploring various alternative parties, I found my way to the Green Party, and I was struck by how I had overlooked it in the past. In a moment of clarity, I decided to engage more directly with politics, becoming the Green Party candidate for Simcoe North, driven by a desire to shape the conversation and contribute to a better future for all Canadians.

Now, let's return to the topic of sustainability. Yes, the Green Party and I are staunch advocates for the environment, but sustainability is much more than just environmental protection. Over the course of this series, we’ll explore how Prosperity and People intersect with the Planet, showing how these three pillars must work together to create a truly sustainable future.

As we look at the current state of affairs in Canada, now is the critical time to embrace a sustainable approach to solving the issues that matter most. We’ll use real-world examples to demonstrate why sustainable governance is essential for ensuring a better future for you, your neighbors, and all Canadians.

Simcoe North is one of the most beautiful and bountiful ridings in Canada—perhaps even the world. Recently, I came across an article that named Georgian Bay as the "sixth Great Lake" and highlighted Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching as major aquatic hubs right here in our riding. We’ve seen firsthand how smog can settle over our lakes, and we’re proud that Simcoe North was one of the first regions to implement comprehensive recycling programs, setting a standard for the rest of the country.

So, when evaluating whether a policy, initiative, or promise is truly sustainable, ask yourself: How does it affect you, your neighbors, and everyday Canadians? How does it impact the land beneath our feet, the air we breathe, and the water we rely on? And most importantly, how does it improve our quality of life?

Together, let’s work toward a sustainable future—one that respects both the environment and the people who call Simcoe North home, all while fostering prosperity for every resident. By doing so, we can make Simcoe North a shining example for others to follow.

Are you ready to join the conversation? Will you stand with us as advocates for sustainability?

Prosperity, People, Planet.

Ray Little
Green Party Candidate, Simcoe North