Clean-tech innovation: why are there still barriers?
The government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been positioning itself as promoting clean growth and innovation. The “superclusters” may prove to be very effective enablers of innovative technologies. At this stage, they remain experimental. But the easy things to promote innovation and clean-tech are still untouched. It is hard to know why. It is […]
Stakeholders divided on need for renewable targets in new clean fuel standard
Some stakeholders say the current rules around renewable fuel have a place in Canada’s anticipated clean fuel standard, while others say that the government should stick to mandating reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, but allow producers to reach those targets their own way. “[The government] should not in any way, shape or form dictate how […]
Use biotech to spur a real energy transition
While federal action on climate change has been slow and stilted, many provinces understand that we need to turn towards renewable energy sources. They are taking bold steps to create ways of life that better respect the environment and are fairer for future generations. This August, our party’s leader, Jagmeet Singh, toured Quebec to meet […]
“The House is back for the last fall sitting before the October 2019 election. What will be your party’s No. 1 focus this fall?”
Cameron Ahmad Liberal strategist “Members of the Liberal caucus held their annual summer retreat just a few weeks ago in Saskatoon. Their discussions focused squarely on how this government will continue finding solutions to real problems, and make life better for all Canadians. “That is exactly what we will do over the next few months, […]
Environmental law reform is precisely what industry needs now
In the wake of the Federal Court of Appeal’s Aug. 30 decision overturning the approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, one fact is clear: Canada’s system for reviewing new industrial projects is not working for anyone. Regardless of what you think of the Trans Mountain project, no one wins when projects spend years in […]
Environmental assessments, national security among hot topics on Senate agenda this fall
With the country’s environmental assessment process recently knocked by the courts, the government’s legislation to overhaul how impacts of major resource development projects are measured will be subject to intense scrutiny this fall as it makes its way through the Upper Chamber. Bill C-69, the Liberals’ wide-ranging environment legislation that would put in place a […]
Conservatives ‘keen’ to make 2019 election about the economy, say observers
As parties square their sights on the 2019 election, expect Conservatives to spotlight the economy and related issues, like NAFTA renegotiations and the federal carbon-pricing plan, and to do so with “sharper” rhetoric and “a little bit more feistiness,” say observers. “The last year of Andrew Scheer’s leadership the focus has really been on trying […]
Three years in, a government can’t blame the last guys for its problems
Every politician likes to use humour to warm up a crowd; most like to use it to skewer their opponents. One of my former bosses used to flout convention by telling stories that were self-deprecating or provided insights into the ironic side of politics. One such story we referred to as the “three envelopes joke.” […]
Sens. Doug Black, David Wells, Marilou McPhedran top Senate spring spending
Ninety-four Senators spent $1.37-million on living and office expenses, travel, contracts, and hospitality during three months this spring, according to newly released figures from the Senate. That’s about 3.2 per cent more than the amount posted the same period a year prior, although there are now 10 fewer Senators. The quarterly expense disclosures published at […]
Federal Court ruling forces Trudeau to do Trans Mountain right
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government has put reconciliation with Indigenous peoples front-and-centre in his government. Among other things, he has promised to enact the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, launched the Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, split up the old department of Indigenous Affairs, and recently established a new cabinet […]
