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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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.
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