Why the poorest Americans (and Canadians) aren't voting for Climate Action

Roy L Hales/ Cortes Currents - Saru Jayaraman, the President of One Fair Wage, is one of those people who it is easy to overlook, until she starts talking. Suddeny this outwardly quiet little woman is transformed into a torrential stream of passion. Everyone in the recent Activate program, at Hollyhock, was transfixed when she screamed 'F_____ Democrats!' on behalf of the 14 million restaurant workers in the United States. The Democrats have made promises, but have failed to deliver ANYTHING to increase wages for the poorest working sector in America. That was the moment I realized her message was applicable to Canada. Why are so many poor Canadians voting for parties whose policies are causing extreme weather events, like this year’s wildfires, while essentially enriching American shareholders? Yes, I’m talking about the oil sands — which not only increase our emissions, in turn contributing to extreme weather events like wildfires, but  over 70% of the profit goes outside the country and mostly to the USA. I wish I had recorded Saru's address, but my audio from meetings is usually mediocre. She agreed to be interviewed in the lawnchairs outside the lodge.