Equalization, official languages policies need review
Many Canadian citizens find it difficult or impossible to understand the special status relationship Quebec has with Canada. Canadians are questioning the reasons, the benefits, and cost of some government policies and how they could make the relationship between Canada and Quebec beneficial for both citizens of Canada and Quebec. An elected government, must be […]
With sovereignty on the backburner, how relevant is the Parti Québécois?
MONTREAL—With sovereignty on the backburner in Quebec for the foreseeable future, is there life for the Parti Québécois as a defining political force? Or is the party that nearly secured a majority pro-secession vote in 1995 running on empty now that it has put off plans for a referendum until at least 2022? Both questions […]
Northerners at the front of climate change battle
When I helped get the Yukon Act through Parliament, and the Canada Yukon Devolution Transfer Agreement was signed, and the modern treaty, the Umbrella Final Agreement (UFA), and Self Government Agreements were signed, most of the last major steps were fulfilled in giving the Yukon responsible government. Now the Yukon, and subsequently the Northwest Territories, […]
Canada’s Arctic Energy Fund: a step in the right direction
Nunavut faces many unique challenges, and energy is certainly one of them. Our remote communities, small population, and challenging environment mean that we do not have access to the same energy solutions as other regions in Canada. In Nunavut, our reliance on energy is crucial for survival, every single day. We want to do our […]
Looking to the next 75 years of Norway-Canada ties
OTTAWA—This year marks the 75th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Norway and Canada, the same year Canada celebrates the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Of course, ties between Norwegians and Canadians run much longer than 75 years. My own family’s experience with my granduncle, who immigrated to Canada nearly 100 years ago, is but one […]
Ottawa urged to do more to help northern communities transition from diesel
The Trudeau government’s budget commitment to lessen northern communities’ dependency on diesel fuel is a “worthwhile initiative” but more must be done to blunt the harmful impact of the planned carbon price on the North, says the head of an engineering industry group. John Gamble, president and CEO of the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies, told […]
Northern economy needs support too
A new Shared Arctic Leadership Model, the recent report of ministerial special representative Mary Simon, outlined what those of us who call the North home have known for years: there are many challenges facing the Arctic and its people. These challenges are frequently complex and interconnected. Solving them will take more than just words; it […]
Too small, too slow: critics slam Ottawa for tiered northern housing plan
The Trudeau government says the $300-million it earmarked for housing in Canada’s North in this year’s budget will help to address the region’s severe housing crunch, though critics argue the allocation is too small and the planned rollout too slow to engender meaningful changes. “In the latest budget, they have acknowledged that there is…a housing crisis […]
Conservative projects will create real opportunities for northerners
Northern economic development poses unique challenges unlike those in any other region in Canada. The remoteness and the subsequently high cost of doing business demand carefully designed and well targeted investment. The Liberal government’s recently released budget claims to meet those demands, but the facts suggest otherwise. In reality, the financial arrangement and goals of […]
Liberals under pressure to provide more infrastructure dollars for the North
Critics, advocates, and political rivals are calling on the federal Liberal government to dedicate more resources to address the severe infrastructure deficit in Canada’s North, arguing they failed to set aside funds in the last budget specifically for northern communities. In the 2017 budget, the Liberal government earmarked $2-billion over 11 years for infrastructure projects in rural and […]
