The next frontier of conflict minerals: South America
In the last decade, columbite-tantalite (coltan) has been a source of global controversy as a strategic resource illegally exported from conflict-ridden Democratic Republic of Congo to neighbouring countries, relabelled, and sold to major high-tech manufacturers around the world. A similar trend is now happening with Venezuela’s coltan, reportedly smuggled to Brazil, the second-largest exporter of […]
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 […]
National strategy, focus on youth will spark innovation: experts
With a federal government committed to positioning Canada as a global hub for innovation, the “stars are aligned” to establish a national strategy with strong partnerships to meet that goal, Kenneth Knox, chair of federal Science, Technology and Innovation Council, told an audience today at a Hill Times’ panel discussion on “sparking innovation” moderated by veteran […]
Grits must assert ambition with climate change, say experts
The Liberal government made big election promises on climate change and the environment, and stakeholders and environmental experts aren’t going to let them forget about it anytime soon. Six months in with no national climate change strategy is just not good enough, say industry observers. Others are concerned that the prime minister’s promises to oil and […]
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 […]
What a Three Amigos clean energy deal could look like
“We will…work in partnership with United States and Mexico to develop an ambitious North American clean energy and environment agreement.” It was one sentence in an elaborate Liberal Party election platform. And today, it is on the verge of charting our continent on a path of clean growth and renewed prosperity. On June 29, the […]
Canada is not a true innovation nation, merchandise exports data show
TORONTO—Canada, we have a problem. The latest data on merchandise exports reinforces the point that Canada is not a true innovation nation. We have great innovators and entrepreneurs, but this is not translating into great companies that can be great exporters. This is the national challenge facing the Trudeau government: how do we create innovative […]
The good news stories in the PBO report on climate change
There is a relatively good news message in the report of the Parliamentary Budget Officer on climate change: there’s not a huge cost to the economy in meeting Canada’s climate change targets, and much of the needed slashing at greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved with existing technology or technology currently under development, and at […]
Feds’ approach to B.C. dam approvals ‘like the Saudi Arms deal’: Opponents
The federal government is coming up on what will be a litmus test of its commitment to nation-to-nation relations with First Nations and to the environment, say those advocating for the shutdown of the massive BC Hydro development known as Site C in northeastern British Columbia. Ken Boon, president of the Peace Valley Landowner Association, […]
What Canada can learn from the EU’s climate policy
Outside our borders, Canada is perhaps best known for its spectacular wilderness: its lakes, rivers, mountains, and coastlines draw visitors from all over the globe. Canada’s new prime minister, Justin Trudeau, pointed to that same “rugged, natural beauty” when he campaigned on making environmental and clean energy leadership a priority. And with his new government […]
