Boosting infrastructure in Canada’s North is critical for the health and wealth of the region, say advocates
While the infrastructure needs of southern Canada are often seen as the focal point of shovel-ready projects, there is a critical need to boost infrastructure in the North. Ryan Greer, director of transportation and infrastructure policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said the North is becoming “increasingly important” strategically because of the opening of […]
Canada needs to invest in northern peoples
There are priceless resource riches in the Arctic. These are unique, precious, and awaiting us. These are the “people” of the Arctic, who have survived for generations in the harshest conditions in the world. What innovation that must have taken. Canada needs more Inuit. Can all of us not learn lessons from these kind, peaceful, […]
Gray’s Bay port and road project would give the North a boost
At the Civic Auditorium in Winnipeg on Feb. 12, 1958, my hero, then-prime minister John Diefenbaker spoke of his vision for Canada’s Arctic. “We intend to carry out the legislative program of Arctic research, to develop Arctic routes, to develop those vast hidden resources the last few years have revealed…Plans to increase self-government in the […]
Critics question Ottawa’s push to investigate oil and gas exploration in the Arctic
The Liberal government’s proposal to explore the impacts of oil and gas exploration in the Arctic raises eyebrows amongst critics who point to the high cost and sensitive ecosystem as barriers to developing natural resources in the region. “Any development of any fossil fuel infrastructure in the current climate makes no sense. But if they […]
The way forward in indigenous consultation and consent
Planning for seven generations is a phrase used by all sorts of people and corporations; however, the teaching is a complex critical engagement with long-term planning that not everyone truly understands. Ultimately, the concept refers to what Cindy Blackstock explains as an “understanding that you will be forgotten, but that you have a part in […]
Territorial Development
Bernier’s frank talk on supply management starts Tory leadership race on right foot
TORONTO—During my previous political job, I had the opportunity to talk and privately meet many people in Ottawa, including then ministers of the former government of Stephen Harper. I learned a lot during those meetings and I had a chance to know good people and politicians. One of those who impressed me the most was […]
Cabinet documents should be under the scope of the ATIA
OTTAWA—Access to government information is a key component of a vibrant democracy as it enables citizens to meaningfully participate in the democratic process and ensures that public officials remain accountable. While Canada was among the first states to enact access to information legislation in 1982, the Access to Information Act (ATIA) is now outdated. The […]
Justin Trudeau’s moment of truth coming in December
GATINEAU, QUE.—An issue that will be the first real test of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s credibility was elbowed aside recently by a trivial dust-up on the Commons floor. Some day Trudeau may look back on “elbow-gate” with fond nostalgia. That’s because a far more serious crisis looms. In the midst of the Commons melodrama, the […]
Diplomatic Circles: EU, Norway counsellors settled in
Security, trade and climate change are among the top priorities for a pair of diplomats who arrived in Canada during the federal election campaign. Else Kveinen, minister counsellor and deputy head of mission at the Norwegian Embassy, and Stefano Fantaroni, first counsellor at the European Union delegation, both arrived in Canada late last summer: Ms. […]
