No matter how bad the climate situation becomes, tackling it is still an uphill climb politically
OTTAWA—I used to say, “maybe people will start getting concerned about climate change when the polar bears start swimming up to their front steps.” But maybe not. Perhaps that’s just alarmist, as the climate change deniers like to say about those expressing urgent worries these days on the fate of the planet. I covered the […]
Three in four federal scientists say Canada isn’t doing enough to combat climate change
Only one in five federal scientists think Canada is doing enough to fight climate change, and PIPSC president Debi Daviau says the government needs to do more to equip these experts with the resources needed to properly combat the crisis. A recent survey conducted by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) […]
Realism, as well as idealism, will decide our climate future
OTTAWA—“Everybody complains about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” In the midst of a downpour, I am reminded of that quote, often attributed to Mark Twain, but actually the wit of Charles Dudley Warner. I was thinking of Warner’s phrase when several hundred thousand people marched with teenage #climatestrike phenomenon Greta Thunberg in […]
Unclear if Liberals would say no to new fossil fuel projects over time, says environmental group
A re-elected Liberal government would commit to legislating Canada’s targets to reduce emissions, along with a host of other climate measures, but it’s unclear if it would decline to approve new fossil fuel projects over time, according to a survey released on Tuesday by the Climate Action Network. The environmental coalition posed a series of […]
Science is transforming our world, and that makes it a fundamental election issue
Everyone, politicians included, should care about keeping Canada at the forefront of scientific research. Imagine a world without science and the fruits of science—one without electricity, antibiotics, vaccines, cell phones, the internet, MRI machines, precision medicine, the ability to see far into our universe, and so much more. Science has transformed every aspect of our […]
Blackface fun or climate tragedy? Trudeau wasted four years of precious, precious time
Putting on a blackface numerous times in his past doesn’t make Justin Trudeau a racist, but it does call into question his character and his brand. The PM really likes to dress up and play act; his judgment seems to fail him in such circumstances, but his actions were never intentionally hurtful. But the blackface […]
McKenna, Taman, and the fight for Ottawa Centre
OTTAWA CENTRE—Five candidates vying for the federal seat in Ottawa Centre, all women, sit across three holding tables in the Glebe Community Centre on Sept. 15. Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, 48, is in the centre, the hue of her bright red jacket accentuated by the intense TV lights. The all-candidates debate was broadcast on Rogers […]
‘It’s just not what climate leaders do’: protesters demand action at Ottawa climate rally
An estimated 5,000 people took to the streets in Ottawa on Friday to demand stronger climate action, shutting down streets in the city and joining millions more from around the world. The protest in Ottawa was part of a co-ordinated global movement inspired by Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old Swedish climate activist, who headlined the rally […]
In the world of summitry, the climate summit is special
The UN called leaders to New York City earlier this week to advance climate ambition, and if you care about the future of the planet and well-being of generations to come, you should pay attention. Unlike the G7 or the G20, this summit was focused solely on climate action and is open to all world […]
Trudeau to attend Montreal climate rally on Friday
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau is slated to make an appearance at Friday’s climate rally in Montreal that Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is headlining. Speaking to reporters this morning, Mr. Trudeau (Papineau, Que). confirmed at a policy announcement in Sudbury, Ont., that he would be attending. “I look forward to marching with thousands of Canadians […]
