AI, climate crises converging
LONDON, U.K.—Maybe we can get through the climate crisis without a global catastrophe, although that door is closing fast. Maybe we can cope with the huge loss of jobs caused by the revolution in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) without a social and political calamity. But can we do both at the same time? We […]
PSAC head says avoiding Conservative government ‘No. 1’ election issue
The head of Canada’s largest federal public service union says the number one issue for the Public Service Alliance of Canada is “not to end up with another Conservative government” and to “get the NDP elected wherever we can.” “There’s no way we can have more of Stephen Harper, and that’s exactly what Andrew Scheer will […]
Federal government must do more to advance innovation
TORONTO—The Trudeau government likes to portray Canada as a world leader in innovation. But where do we actually stand? Locating a country’s ranking in innovation is no easy task. But one of the more serious attempts comes each year from the World Intellectual Property Organization, and it ranks Canada 17th in the world in its […]
Last chance to lobby MPs sees June numbers shrink, with influencers eyeing the campaign season
The waning days of the House’s busy legislative calendar were coupled with an unsurprising dip in lobbying, but some were making the most of the last month with MPs in Ottawa before an extended break for the campaign ahead of an October election. With party platforms still being written, June was a good time for […]
MPs should be asking better questions about innovation and technology; this is huge
TORONTO—There are many reasons to worry about the state of our democracy. But one reason is the decline in the role of MPs and their self-imposed failure in exercising their constitutional authority in holding government to account. The House of Commons is no longer a Chamber of representatives engaged in debating the big issues facing […]
On fuel-efficient cars, where do Canada’s federal parties stand?
When it comes to regulations, there are few things that automakers have wanted more than certainty and harmonization across borders. Flash back to 2012, when prime minister Harper’s government decided to harmonize vehicle emission regulations with president Obama’s Environmental Protection Agency, laying out a schedule of improved performance to 2025. Looking out to 2025, cars, […]
Feds, Irving need to clean up their act and find a better PR move than threatening reporters
OTTAWA—Last week the Globe and Mail broke the story about Irving Shipbuilding being allowed to claim a $40-million industrial benefit for a french fry factory as part of a contract to build navy ships. As odd as this might sound, that was not the bizarre part of this news story. Shortly after the Globe and […]
Politicians will be talking a lot about jobs and prosperity as they seek our votes
TORONTO—As we head into the upcoming federal election, we will hear a great deal from competing politicians on jobs and prosperity as they seek our votes. Canadians will need to decide who would be best at building a successful economy—and society—for the future. This is critical for good jobs and the wealth creation needed to […]
Canadians should be able to pay less to connect
Canadians differ in their views on many topics; that’s what makes our democracy function. But one statement that all Canadians can get behind is that we pay way too much to stay connected. With Digital Access Day here, it’s time to reassess our system and take action. Internet access is not a luxury. Canadians view […]
Former Swedish Speaker switches gears to become ambassador
Working as Speaker of the Swedish Parliament from 2014 to 2018 helped prepare Urban Ahlin for his new career in diplomacy, and his first posting as the country’s new ambassador to Canada. “It was interesting—it was really being a diplomat,” he said with a smile, especially juggling the interests of eight different political parties and […]
