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2020- 2022 Policy Process | Green Party of Canada
Where GPC membership collaborates to develop our policies
G21-P028 Advocate for a National Internet Access Strategy that Prioritizes Environmental and Human Health
Submitter Name
Lori Curran
Ratification Vote Results: Adopted
Proposal
The GPC advocates for a Canada-wide, comprehensive, coordinated, high speed, broadband internet access strategy that uses fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) technologies whenever possible, instead of wireless technologies, including 5G; and adopts the ALARA (As Low as Reasonably Achievable) principle for wireless radiation exposures.
Objective
To apply the Precautionary Principle regarding ubiquitous non-natural electromagnetic radiation (nnEMR) such as radiofrequency radiation from cell tower network antennas, microcells (including 5G small antennas), smart meters, WiFi, and satellites by using wired technologies whenever possible. Science demonstrates that nnEMR below current safety guidelines can harm human health and wildlife.
Benefit
Minimizing wireless radiation would reduce risk to human and environmental health. Wired fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) connections are more safe, resilient, reliable, and secure than wireless technologies. Fibre is more energy efficient and long-lasting and does not interfere with weather forecasting or astronomy research.
Supporting Comments from Submitter
The Green Party of California recently called for their government representatives to move forward with safer alternatives to 5G and reduce exposures as per the ALARA principle. http://cagreens.org/green-party-california-statement-5g-wireless-technology-environmental-oversight
European green parties are speaking out about implications of excessive wireless technology for climate change and other concerns.
Green party members of the European Parliament recently outlined conflicts of interest in two organizations that Health Canada considers authorities for setting its radiofrequency exposure guidelines.
https://klaus-buchner.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ICNIRP-report-FINAL-19-JUNE-2020.pdf
“Replace wireless networks with wired connections where possible and promote future technologies and techniques that are biocompatible and sustainable from an environmental and human health point of view.”
https://ehtrust.org/major-environmental-group-of-spain-issues-statement-on-5g/
Urgent Appeal to the Government of Canada to Suspend the 5G Rollout and to Choose Safe and Reliable Fiber Connections – supported by 24 Canadian grassroots organizations, signed by more than 20,000 Canadians, and substantiated with high quality scientific studies.
Green Value(s)
Ecological Wisdom, Sustainability, Participatory Democracy, Social Justice, Respect for Diversity, Non-Violence.
Relation to Existing Policy
Rescind and replace G12-P01, Universal Broadband Internet Access.
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9 comments
Non-natural electromagnetic radiation has become our latest, greatest man-made pollutant. Fibre-to-the-Premises is a solution that provides the internet access we need without harming our own health and that of that of our environment. The Telecom Industry is trying to paint 5G as "green" and a solution to climate change. It is anything but. Wireless technology uses 10 times more energy than wired, requires extensive mining which in turn exacerbates the human rights issues related to it, along with creating tremendous amounts of electronic trash. With the 5G satellites, there are also concerns from astronomers and regarding weather forecasting, and space garbage. FTTP technology does not emit harmful radiofrequency radiation. It is also faster, more resilient, more cyber-secure, and in the long term, more economical. Community or publicly owned fibre-optic networks are also an excellent "Green Concept", resulting in less influence from the international telecommunications corporations. "The people" vs. the corporations, would have control over this vital service, allowing communities to make their own decisions regarding internet services, including keeping the cost to their citizens as low as possible.
Conversation with Laurence Hudson Montgomery
I won't bother with an amendment, but why are these proposals always worded as "The GOC supports ..." or "The GPC advocates..."?
Surely these are
1) demands being made of the Government and
2) policies that the GPC would create as Government
To my ears, 'advocate for' is by far too passive. Anyone can advocate for anything. A Political Party promises action if elected and demands action in opposition.
I can see your point Laurence, perhaps stronger wording would be better!
Conversation with Aidan Randall
This is an essential proposal to define the Green Party's commitment to environmental safety and human health. The rapidly increasing level of radiation needs more investigation for the harms it can cause, especially when fast, wired alternatives are available. It is time to stop the installation of 5G.
Totally agree Aidan! I hope the GPC members will have the integrity to stick to their principles and prioritize the people and the environment over corporate profit and look at the independent scientific research, not just the corporate propaganda.
I support this proposal 100% but when the federal gov. can make billions of dollars selling off the broadband wavelengths it explains why they are in no rush to update the Safety Code 6 guidelines to take in to account biological affects. At present it only takes into account the heating aspect of the radiation & that is for a healthy 200 pound man! We are endangering all living things, humans included, with this untested technology!
It is vital that the Green Party support this proposal. Life on earth depends on reduction of non-thermal radiation and the wireless devices that emit it. Our safety, security, health are all threatened by 5G. Better, more efficient options that use far less energy are available. This should become a significant part of the Green Party's platform.
I fully support this proposal. This proposal supports the flora and fauna which can be negatively impacted by microwave signals which can impact migratory animals. Fiber optics is more sustainable (uses less power), shows respect for diversity (electrosensitive disabled residents), protects data privacy and is more consistent during climate change weather conditions. Your skin is the largest organ on your body. The science shows that microwave signals can have a negative impact on our functional biology; impacting hormones, etc. and which can lead to an impact on larger body systems. Independent science not tied to the industry shows increased cancer risks. Fiber optics to the premises is superior to wireless signals because it offers 100% safe (for children, animals, plants), consistent and sustainable (greener) connections. It doesn't impact the public right of way and prevent electrosensitive disabled people from accessing essential services in their communities. There are a growing number of children and adults who are becoming electrosensitive because of the cumulative effects of wireless (microwave) radiation. Residents with concussions, chemical workplace exposures, Lyme disease, immune deficiencies, or neurodegenerative disabilities can become electrosensitive. Some children are experiencing heart arrhythmias which can lead to heart failure as these signals can interfere with the signals of the heart. Fiber optics to the premises is superior. It will boost internet signals for Zoom calls, and business connections and is 100% safe for children and sensitive people. Once the fiber optics is wired to the premises, people have the option to connect it to their wireless routers. FTTP does not negatively impact the public right of way and prevent disabled people from enjoying a walk down their street. This should be a significant part of the Green Party's platform.
Fiber to the home in place of 5G okay but coax to the home is also faster than we need so go for either. Should use, in fact must use fiber once the streams merge, town to city to city to netflix etc. I think a few greens are getting too heated up with the low LOW level RF stuff. We are not on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier launching an attack against xxxx. I've spent ages next to bombers ready for a practice retaliatory strike. As far as I know no one was ever affected On the other hand someone is bound to find a report to show I'm wrong. Vax/Antivax again!
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