After G7 gains on gender equality, environment, it’s time to focus on policy coherence
As we emerge from the G7 summit this past weekend in Charlevoix, Que., it is important to underline the progress that was made on several key issues, especially given the highly volatile and charged political context. As we look forward, we must seize the opportunity this progress presents, to infuse greater coherence in Canada’s policies […]
Reduce plastic use to bolster environment, and economy
Last week was Canadian Environment Week, a time to reflect on humanity’s impact on the natural world and what individuals can do to preserve the planet for future generations. Unfortunately, reflection is often as far as we go, once day-to-day concerns return to dominate our thoughts. This is a mistake. Not just because it ignores […]
Data is the next frontier for environmental entrepreneurs
More than 150 Canadian entrepreneurs and other senior leaders in business and government recently gathered in Ottawa at Sustainable Development Technology Canada’s annual summit to discuss the changing global competitive environment for clean technologies. Not so long ago, the discussion would have been dominated by talk about money—or the lack thereof—and the challenges of starting […]
If Ford’s strapped for cash, he might keep carbon tax, say NDP, Liberal strategists
Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Doug Ford’s majority win last week could spell trouble for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s carbon pricing regime, but some political strategists say Mr. Ford might be resigned to live with some form of carbon pricing once he realizes how much revenue it’ll provide. Mr. Ford campaigned on opposing the federal carbon […]
Environment
Trans Mountain buy adds to Liberals’ betrayal of Indigenous voters, say activists, NDP
The backlash to the federal government’s decision to purchase Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline project could cost the Liberals in 2019, as some Indigenous, environmental, and youth activists gear up to respond to what they see as a broken attempt at reconciliation, say activists, opposition MPs, and observers. On May 29, Finance Minister Bill Morneau […]
Recycling won’t cut it: a roadmap for a plastic-free Canada
Concerns over plastic pollution have never been more prevalent in public discourse. We have more evidence than ever about the abundance of plastics in our environment and their effects on communities and wildlife. Birds are getting trapped in plastic bags, straws are choking sea turtles, and coastal communities are seeing endless amounts of plastic waste […]
Pipeline purchase financially, environmentally bad for Canada: McNamara
Re: “Trudeau gambles his promise, his progress, our planet,” (The Hill Times, June 4, p. 12). Thank you to Susan Riley for contesting claims that the federal government’s pipeline purchase is good for the nation, financially and environmentally. James Hansen, a former NASA scientist and leading voice on climate change, visited Toronto for a public […]
Trans Mountain purchase to expose Liberals on multiple fronts, say pollsters: ‘they wear everybody’s mistakes’
Buying the $4.5-billion Trans Mountain pipeline has made the governing Liberals politically vulnerable on multiple fronts and will likely endanger seats in British Columbia and Quebec without providing a boost in Alberta, say pollsters. The controversial move, announced by Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr (Winnipeg South Centre, Man.) and Finance Minister Bill Morneau (Toronto Centre, […]
The brutal life of a meat chicken
Life can be harsh for Canadian chickens destined to be meat today. Most birds live just 32 to 34 days–the result of extreme genetics, which force them to quickly reach slaughter weight. The birds are so young they chirp like chicks and are not fully feathered, but have a huge breast muscle. Such rapid growth […]
