Jeff Jones argues that on issues of economic development and climate, the microphones are being dominated by those at the extreme ends of the political spectrum. Instead, he'd like to see the masses in the middle wrest the discussion back.
CBC Radio ·
Protestors march from City Hall to downtown Vancouver on November 19, 2016 in opposition of Kinder Morgan's proposed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, which was approved by Federal cabinet on Nov. 29. (Paul Haavardsrud/CBC)
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In debates over the environment and the energy industry, the media often depicts a divided public, holding competing rallies.
For example, after the federal government's approval of Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, news viewers were treated to images, like the one above, of protest from Vancouver, BC.
In Alberta, anti-carbon tax protesters have taken up a lot of screen time as well.
This protester drove to Edmonton from Rochfort Bridge to protest carbon taxes. (Emily Fitzpatrick/CBC)
But Jeff Jones, reporter and columnist with the Globe and Mail, wants to hear from the middle-ground: the compromisers, the give-and-takers, the careful deliberators.
Jones is calling for a groundswell of moderates.
A new militant middle has to confront the mobs and tell them that they will fight them. Fight them hard with informed discussion and courtesy until they cry "uncle!"- Jeff Jones, Globe and Mail
He argues that what Canada really needs is a vocal middle-ground movement, ready to rationally debate the issues, to keep the absolute 'yes' or 'no' sides from dominating the news.
