Fighting climate change together takes action on all fronts
As we enter this new decade, the stark realities of the climate crisis continue to take centre stage. Australia’s wildfires—supercharged by climate change, according to experts—have captured the world’s attention. They have burned more than 12.4 million acres and 2,000 homes, killing at least 24 people and more than one billion animals. Gravely, these numbers […]
Canada may be facing its biggest test in a generation
OTTAWA—This month will likely be remembered as the defining moment of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s tenure. It’s hardly worth mentioning the irony of the fact the national crisis over the Coastal GasLink pipeline blew up while the prime minister was in Africa and Europe trying to enhance his and Canada’s leadership globally. Or that, as […]
Canada must gear up action for nature and climate
The growing interest in nature-based climate solutions gives the federal government an opportunity to create transformative change. Governments at all levels are focusing on the climate emergency, and nature plays a major role in resolving the crisis. Implementing nature-based solutions can help rectify imbalances that lead to both climate change and biodiversity loss. The key […]
Agricultural innovation critical for industry and government to address climate change
In the global discussion on climate change, agricultural innovation is a vital part of the solution. But in the public discourse to date, agriculture is often portrayed as a major cause, as opposed to part of the solution, when it comes to addressing the challenges posed by climate change. To be sure, agriculture and its […]
Canadians need to come together to meet net-zero carbon emissions targets
OTTAWA—On Feb. 4, I rose in the Senate and presented the following challenge to not only my colleagues, but also to all Canadians: “I rise today, in a spirit of openness, and a sense of urgency, to launch a Senate inquiry into finding the right pathways and actions for Canada and Canadians to meet our […]
Court challenges, opposition to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion remain after feds’ Appeal Court win
Despite the Federal Court of Appeal’s recent dismissal of an Indigenous-led challenge, the pushback against the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project, now estimated to cost $12.6-billion to complete, continues on multiple fronts. All the while, construction on the project—which will see 987 kilometres of new pipeline added, and 193 kilometres reactivated, to twin Trans Mountain’s […]
Can the Conservatives make themselves relevant again?
OTTAWA—Here’s Peter MacKay’s take on Canada’s responsibility to help address the global climate change emergency: “We could throw all our car keys in Halifax Harbour, turn down the heat, turn off the lights, walk around naked in the dark eating organic beets, and it won’t make a difference,” the former Harper-era cabinet minister said on […]
Leaning in by leading the way: Canada’s forest sector embraces UN sustainable development goals
Dire warnings from the latest UN report on the environment in November 2019 say that as the world warms, we will see more frequent and intense climate impacts such as the catastrophic heatwaves and storms we are witnessing. The report calls on global business leaders, investors, and citizens to “lean in” and engage in a […]
When it comes to climate policies, Conservative leadership contenders need to move beyond criticism
OTTAWA—It was disappointing, but not surprising, that the leading candidates for the leadership of the Conservative Party came out with the predictable language about tearing up “Justin Trudeau’s carbon tax.” Both Peter MacKay and Erin O’Toole were quick to make this point. Clearly, they are taking the view that in order to win the current […]
Wooden mace used in House to mark 104 years since Parliament fire
A mace that was used after the original one was destroyed in a devastating 1916 Parliament Hill fire was again spotted in the House of Commons. Since 1977, a wooden mace has been used every year on Feb. 3 to mark the anniversary of the fire. Although the Senate mace was saved from the fire […]
