The difference between a plan and a wish list
I represent an unusually engaged electoral district. Voters in Saanich-Gulf Islands, B.C., are well-informed and active. Among my constituents is an impressive group of retired scientists, judges, and Parliamentarians, including former cabinet minister Pat Carney. Firmly committed to stopping the Kinder Morgan expansion, she has pointed out that the Liberals do not have an Oceans […]
Reduce plastic use to bolster environment, and economy
Last week was Canadian Environment Week, a time to reflect on humanity’s impact on the natural world and what individuals can do to preserve the planet for future generations. Unfortunately, reflection is often as far as we go, once day-to-day concerns return to dominate our thoughts. This is a mistake. Not just because it ignores […]
We need to do more conservation, and we need to do it faster
Canada has been losing and saving species for a long time. Since European settlement, more than 100 species have been lost here. These include plants and animals that are extinct and extirpated, and species that are considered historic, which means no one has seen them in Canada for a long time. The number of lost […]
Buying Kinder Morgan pipeline is a guaranteed loss for Canada, government
We vote people in to govern our country, not to make investments in the private sector. Building and maintaining pipelines is not an area of expertise for our government. As has been proven over and over in the past, the taxpayer will end up losing money, in this case billions. If it is not good […]
Trans Mountain deal could polish Morneau’s tarnished reputation, say observers, politicos
Observers say Finance Minister Bill Morneau has an opportunity to “benefit” from the government’s decision to buy the Trans Mountain pipeline, fixing a reputation sullied by several blunders as a rookie finance minister if he can prove his Bay Street background pays off in securing a good deal for Canada. The controversial purchase was made […]
Trans Mountain buy adds to Liberals’ betrayal of Indigenous voters, say activists, NDP
The backlash to the federal government’s decision to purchase Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline project could cost the Liberals in 2019, as some Indigenous, environmental, and youth activists gear up to respond to what they see as a broken attempt at reconciliation, say activists, opposition MPs, and observers. On May 29, Finance Minister Bill Morneau […]
Kinder Morgan deal reminds us we’re still hewers of wood, drawers of water
OTTAWA—I remember well the afternoon in 2010 at what used to be called the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade when our policy team was invited to listen to one of the so-called “geniuses” in the Asia division. He detailed a plan to export unprocessed bitumen to China and Japan for refining. The rationale […]
Pipeline purchase financially, environmentally bad for Canada: McNamara
Re: “Trudeau gambles his promise, his progress, our planet,” (The Hill Times, June 4, p. 12). Thank you to Susan Riley for contesting claims that the federal government’s pipeline purchase is good for the nation, financially and environmentally. James Hansen, a former NASA scientist and leading voice on climate change, visited Toronto for a public […]
A chance at relevance for the Bloc
To the surprise of no one except herself, Bloc Québécois leader Martine Ouellet has lost her bid to remain at the helm of the federal sovereigntist party. On the weekend, two-thirds of the remaining BQ members showed her the door. The verdict could not have been clearer. Still, it took Ms. Ouellet almost 24 hours […]
Liberals drawing up gun bill amendments, cannabis bill enters home stretch
At least one Liberal MP on the House Public Safety Committee is working with Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale’s (Regina-Wascana, Ont.) office to bring forward amendments to the gun safety bill, C-71. ”I think there have been some discussions … between the minister, minister’s staff, and Liberal members, about amendments,” said Liberal MP John McKay […]
