Ill-defined ‘green economy’ remains a distant target, imprecise and uncertain and with no clear path or guidelines
Only a few years ago, discussions of the green economy were genteel and very Canadian. Discussions focused on recycling, urban transit, downstream plans for carbon reduction and, in the 2015 federal election, a quasi-serious conversation about a carbon tax and the largely marginalized proposals outlined in the Leap Manifesto. Discussions about the 2015 Paris Agreement […]
A burning issue: as greenhouse gas emissions from forest fires grow, Ottawa has role to play in restoration
As one of the largest and the most extensively forested countries in the world, Canada faces unique challenges in tackling climate change. Wildfires are burning more forests than ever as temperature and precipitation patterns change. In the process, millions of tonnes of carbon are released, pushing global greenhouse gas emissions higher. As a signatory to […]
It’s not a matter of if we move to a green economy, it’s a matter of how fast can we get there
I have been reading and writing articles about the green economy for decades. We have all the positive good news buzz of more jobs in the green economy, great clean tech in the green economy, and so on—but still the old fossil fuel economy maintains its death grip on our future. As Greta Thunberg said […]
Plea to heal the planet
The task is upon us, while we’re still alive, To give humans a chance to hope and survive, We must look in the mirror and clearly admit, Our lifestyles are causing much CO2 to emit. It is we, the boomers, who have taken the most, With our houses and cars, our travels we boast. But […]
Green Economy Policy Briefing
Trudeau team’s legacy on agriculture will be market access gains, says Minister Bibeau
After four years in government, the Trudeau Liberals’ biggest enduring legacy on Canada’s agricultural sector will be increased market access abroad, says newly appointed Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s (Papineau, Que.) government has ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which will open market access in 11 countries. It […]
Senate Ag Committee to weigh in on how to boost competitiveness of value-added food sector
When I was summoned to the Senate just over a year ago, I brought with me many years of experience in the agriculture and rural sectors. I have been fortunate to be able to use that experience to contribute to the work of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (AGFO). Our committee has […]
Fight climate change with organic farming and agroecological principles
The ever-growing threat and impacts of climate change are all around us, with many populations in poorer countries already bearing the brunt of shifting global weather patterns and catastrophic weather events. Thinking about solutions for tackling these issues can be daunting and disheartening—it requires a paradigm shift in the way we live and in reflecting […]
It’s time for a green new deal down on the farm
The agriculture policy of the 21st century must focus on producing healthy food, providing fair incomes for farm families and creating thriving rural communities while protecting natural ecosystems. It is possible to promote resilience in agriculture so that it addresses climate change and is capable of adapting to the economic and environmental shocks of an […]
Canada must commit to action for caribou, or risk losing them
Here we are well into the new year, but for caribou in Canada, the question is an old one: will it bring any new land-management strategies? Will provinces and territories finally do what it takes to protect the boreal forest, their home? By the federal government’s own accounts, Canada is not doing enough to protect […]
