We want to realize Canada’s full potential
OTTAWA—It has become apparent in recent years that long-term economic competitiveness depends, as never before, on ideas and inventiveness. Innovation is key to our future economic success. In determining the right mix of elements to promote a thriving knowledge economy, however, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed. Innovation is […]
Goodyear says Canada must turn its lacklustre innovation record around
Gary Goodyear, minister of state for Science and Technology, says in this fragile world economic recovery, the federal government is focusing on creating jobs, promoting economic growth, and he is urging Canadian businesses to invest more in research and development. “The future standard of living of Canadian families is directly connected to how productive […]
The Oil Sands
Time to shift focus of government’s initiatives from big oil to renewable and conservation technologies.
HALIFAX, N.S.—The principle of intergenerational equality was brought to the forefront of Canadian politics with the election this past May of dozens of MPs in their 20s and 30s, each of whom have a vested interest in the long-term future of Canada, particularly with respect to the environment. They are joined in action by youth […]
NRCan minister says new energy markets key to Canada’s economic future
Canada’s federal Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver has actively promoted Canada as an energy superpower since he was brought into Cabinet in May. Mr. Oliver (Eglinton-Lawrence, Ont.) co-chaired the annual Energy and Mining Ministers Conference with Alberta Energy Minister Ron Liepart in Kananaskis, Alta., in July, before meeting with U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu at […]
What role should Canadian oil sands play in world energy mix?
CALGARY, ALTA.—One of the key questions of our time is this: “what role should the Canadian oil sands play in the world energy mix?” Whenever thoughtful observers begin to answer such a seemingly straightforward question, they are instantaneously ensnared in such a spider web of issues that it is nearly impossible for them to frame […]
Wood Buffalo aims to become Canada’s most sustainable municipality
WOOD BUFFALO, ALTA.—The last few years have not been easy for my community. Comprised of 10 hamlets in Northern Alberta, Wood Buffalo is Canada’s largest municipality, at approximately 68,000 square/km In the past decade our population tripled to over 100,000, and we’ve taken quite a beating in the national press. Our largest community—Fort McMurray—is widely […]
NRCan Minister says feds, provinces taking ‘collaborative approach’ to national energy strategy
Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver recently announced that the federal government and provinces would take a collaborative approach to the development of Canada’s energy resources, but it’s clear that Alberta’s oil sands industry will play a leading role in any national energy strategy. As Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Oliver (Eglinton-Lawrence, Ont.) is responsible for […]
Money talks: the business side of the oil sands
Canada’s oil sands are some of the most contentious oil-extraction sites in the world. Over the past decade, amidst furious development and rising oil prices, they have become a cornerstone of the country’s economic strategy. While environmental groups are calling foul, government and industry leaders continue to emphasize their importance. The majority of the sand-laden […]
Fed steps up efforts to monitor environmental impact of oil sands
Environment Minister Peter Kent recently announced that the federal government wants to establish “a world-class monitoring system” to guide the future development of the oil sands, but environmental experts say the government needs to come up with a system of enforceable regulations. Last month Mr. Kent (Thornhill, Ont.) unveiled the second phase of the federal […]
