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
Politics this morning: Marc Mayrand, Chief Electoral Officer, to step down in December
It’s Tuesday, June 7. Here are a few political points to start your morning: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be holding a Cabinet meeting today at 9:30. Afterwards, there will be media availability in the foyer of the House of Commons at about 12 noon. Mr. Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau—who both stole the show at […]
NEB pipeline assessment process under fire after Trans Mountain decision
The National Energy Board’s recommendation for the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project has touched a nerve with environmentalists and economists alike, who say the process that led to the recommendation that the project be approved was unfair to the point of being scandalous. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May (Saanich-Gulf Islands, B.C.), who acted as […]
Politics this morning: Fisheries Minister Hunter Tootoo exits caucus to seek addiction treatment
Today is Wednesday, June 1. Here are the three things you should know before you start your day: Last night, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Fisheries, Oceans, and Canadian Coast Guard Minister Hunter Tootoo has resigned his position and has left caucus to seek addictions treatment. Dominic LeBlanc will be assuming the role on […]
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 […]
The Tories poisoned their own well in B.C.
The federal Conservatives are gathering in Vancouver this weekend to praise Stephen Harper and, if they are smart, to start burying some of his signature policies over the rest of their national convention. It will be the first time Harper addresses his party—and by the same token, Canadians—since his election-night defeat. It will also be […]
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 […]
