Trudeau flirts with betrayal and political backlash
GATINEAU, QUE.–Is the Northern Gateway pipeline dead, or isn’t it? The fact that people are asking raises serious doubts about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s honesty, not to mention his environmental cred. Trudeau was never against pipelines per se; indeed, he endorsed the since-rejected Keystone project. But he spoke unambiguously against the Northern Gateway, which would […]
“Does Canada need a national pipeline strategy? Why or why not?”
Kate Purchase Liberal strategist “One of the fundamental responsibilities of any Canadian government is to get Canadian resources to market. In the 21st century, getting our resources to market means doing it sustainably and responsibly, and in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and impacted communities. “Without the trust of Canadians’, none of these pipeline projects will […]
Canada needs an ‘Own the Podium’ strategy for clean energy
Last week’s signing of the Paris climate accord marks the start of a new age, with huge implications for Canada. The fossil fuels that power the global economy today are entering a permanent—if slow—decline. Gone are cozy assumptions of endless growth in oil exports. Winners in the high stakes global energy market of the 21st […]
Let courts, mediators decide on mining disputes abroad, says lobby group
While human rights groups are pushing for stronger government oversight of mining companies’ conduct abroad, executives from a national mining lobby group say Canadian courts and existing mediation bodies should be allowed to do their work. The court system is one of several tools already in place to deal with conflict or allegations of wrongdoing connected […]
We need Own The Podium for clean tech
TORONTO—Last week’s signing of the Paris climate accord marks the start of a new age, with huge implications for Canada. The fossil fuels that power the global economy today are entering a permanent (if slow) decline. Gone are cozy assumptions of endless growth in oil exports. Winners in the high-stakes global energy market of the […]
Politics this morning: Cabinet retreat, U.S. boosts Syrian presence and Alberta’s pipeline push
It’s Monday April 25. Here’s what’s happening in politics today: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is holding a Cabinet retreat in Kananaskis, Alta. today and tomorrow. It’s a chance for ministers to gather and take stock of what progress they’ve made over the past six months, and what their priorities must be going forward. Meanwhile, the House […]
Obtaining social license
There’s a shift to a more consultative governing style which presents numerous opportunities for natural resources firms to tout their strong track record, despite being seen as potentially the most impacted sector from the Liberals’ commitment to curbing greenhouse gas emissions, says Hill and Knowlton Strategies consultant Ryan Clarke. The Liberal government recognizes that policy […]
Feds show little interest in tougher oversight of mining firms’ actions abroad
The Liberal government is showing no sign it plans to change the way Canadian mining companies are held accountable when acts of violence, intimidation, or environmental degradation are linked to their overseas operations. A large proportion of the world’s mining companies are based in Canada, and over the years several of those companies and their […]
A modified ‘leap’ could vault the NDP back into contention
GATINEAU, QUE.—Far from dooming the federal NDP to the margins of political life, the Leap Manifesto—or, at least, its central idea—could save the social democratic party from irrelevance. (Not without work, luck and diplomacy—but all successful parties need that.) But first, someone has to take the pruning shears to the hysteria, half-truths and lazy stereotyping […]
Pre-approval of corridors recommended for northern infrastructure projects
As the Trudeau government begins divvying up infrastructure funds promised in the budget, some say there are better processes that can be applied for planning infrastructure projects in the North. When the three territorial finance ministers met with federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau, they put a priority on infrastructure needs, according to the CBC. A report by […]
