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among the first states to enact access to information legislation in 1982, the Access to Information Act (ATIA) is now outdated.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. […]
Northern Tour return sign of an engaged government, say diplomats
A popular government-subsidized tour of northern Canada for diplomatic heads of missions is back this year after a hiatus of a few years. The group is set to depart on Sunday for a week-long trip that run to June 6. John Babcock, a spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada, wrote in an emailed response to questions on […]
Reports to UN show extent Canada could miss greenhouse gas targets
Recent reports Canada submitted to the United Nations show the extent by which Canada could miss targets on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. A Canadian report Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna (Ottawa Centre, Ont.) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change last February was the second in a series of biennial reports the UN agency […]
Liberals use consultation as cover for promise-breaking
When Public Services Minister Judy Foote appeared to be reneging recently on a Liberal campaign promise to restore home mail delivery services, it’s notable that she leaned on consultations as cover. “In light of the commitment that was made, we’ve heard from Canadians that maybe that’s not the way to go,” Foote told reporters. Now that […]
