In this time of global economic crisis, Canadians from all walks of life are worried about their jobs, their homes and their futures. In a time of protracted climate crisis, we are worried about the future of our planet. In its upcoming budget, the Canadian Government has the opportunity to launch a hopeful response to these crises by making a "Green New Deal" for Canada.

As Finance Minister Jim Flaherty prepares to deliver his budget on January 27, all eyes seem fixed on the global economic crisis. An international consensus has emerged that free markets alone cannot resolve it, and that financial stimulus packages are a necessity, even if they result in budget deficits.