COVID-19 containment, economic recovery expected to drive fall lobbying
A return to Parliament means renewed lobbying efforts, and this fall session will likely see those efforts focused on trying to shape the Liberal government’s plans to contain COVID-19, push plans for economic recovery and the social programs that underpin them, and get progress on the Liberal climate change agenda. Sheamus Murphy, vice-president of federal […]
Canada needs to step up support for international tropical conservation
Canada is a global cheapskate when it comes to supporting the world’s most threatened and biologically rich tropical ecosystems—despite the risks to food, water, climate, and health when these ecosystems are destroyed. This week, our organization, the International Conservation Fund of Canada (ICFC), published a ground-breaking report on Canadian support for tropical conservation. We […]
Feds’ priorities should include ‘green’ stimulus for small businesses
As we head into the fall, now more than six months into this pandemic, owners and operators of small businesses are anxious for some certainty, in this uncertain time. While government measures have helped to keep the lights on, and our economy has started to slowly find its footing, the future of Canada’s Main Street […]
A green and just recovery would benefit all Canadians
Earlier this month, Prime Minister JustinTrudeau indicated that he would unveil an ambitious green spending plan in the Speech from the Throne on Sept. 23. But by mid-month, the Liberals had started backtracking on this messaging. A $100-billion proposal was reportedly shelved out of concern that the government might be viewed as “hijacking” or “taking […]
Will there ever be a right time for concerted action on climate?
CHELSEA, QUE.—“If not now, when? If not us, who?” That was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, not too long ago, defending his government’s decision to proceed with a national carbon tax. The urgency of the climate crisis, the requirement for strong regulation, promises of targeted federal support for green technologies—not to mention the jobs and prosperity that […]
Why is the NDP failing to push the Liberals for climate action?
Recently, I joined other concerned citizens in sending a letter to NDP MPs expressing shock and disappointment at the New Democratic Party’s understating, and sometimes ignoring, of the climate crisis—even when given a chance to address a national radio audience. This was made clear on CBC Radio’s The House on both Aug. 22 and Sept. 5. In […]
New investments needed to build a healthy society, post-pandemic
With Canada continuing to battle COVID-19 and its profound impacts on our economy, the timing is less than ideal to appoint a new finance minister. However, Chrystia Freeland’s new role provides a key opportunity to make her mark and set Canada on a course toward recovery post-COVID-19. To achieve this, Canada will have to make […]
Canada could have added leverage in trade talks with U.K. as activists push for stronger environmental protections
With the United Kingdom pushing for a multitude of free trade deals as the Brexit transition period nears its end, Canada could be in a position of increasing leverage in trade talks with Britain, say analysts, while activists hope for increased environmental protections in a new pact. When the transition period expires in four months, […]
Wealth tax is key to a green, just recovery—and long overdue
The cost of COVID-19 has been tremendous—in human lives, socially, culturally and, of course, economically. This pandemic has also thrown the realities of inequality right in our faces. Everybody is talking about recovery now, and many (fortunately) are talking about a green and just recovery. I’ve seen these concepts used in all kinds of ways, […]
The most important climate change policy that no one’s talking about
On March 25, a few weeks into the COVID-19 crisis, the government made an announcement that left most analysts wondering if it had bitten off more than it could chew. Within 10 days, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the government would have a new system up and running to issue direct payments to millions […]
