No easy fixes for energy policy in Canada
As the federal government’s expert panels on environmental assessment and National Energy Board modernization wrap up their reviews, it’s tempting to think Canada’s energy challenges can be “fixed” by regulatory reform alone. If only it were that easy. Canada’s energy decision-making machinery—federal and provincial from policy through to regulation—was largely built between the 1950s and […]
It’s time to put end to fossil fuels
It’s time to put an end to fossil fuel subsidies once and for all. Canada is fortunate to have many sources of renewable power (wind, solar, geothermal, etc.) and has the tools, technology, ideas, innovation, and policies to accomplish the emission targets we’ve set to hold global temperature rise to a maximum of 2 C. We […]
Lobbying files show McKenna getting fill of energy companies, environmental groups
With some key decisions taken on pipelines, carbon taxes, a report last week about reforming Canada’s environmental assessment processes, and more, it’s logical that Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna would be among the most lobbied ministers in the Trudeau cabinet. As of last week, 134 communication reports had been filed for contact with […]
Trump talks big, but coal is dead
LONDON, U.K.—“My administration is putting an end to the war on coal,” said Donald Trump, surrounded by the usual gaggle of officials and (in this case) coal miners, as he put his super-size signature on the Energy Independence Executive Order. But coal is dying as a major energy source in the United States for reasons far beyond the reach […]
Time to fully cut fossil fuel subsidies
How can Canadians pretend to be addressing their responsibility around global warming (in other words, the destruction of our only planet) while the government continues to subsidize the fossil fuel industry? This is unacceptable. It’s time to put an end to fossil fuel subsidies completely. I understand that this industry now supports certain Canadian communities. […]
How to make NAFTA great again
MONTREAL—During the American election campaign, Donald Trump criticized the North American Free Trade Agreement on several occasions, going so far as to call it “a disaster,” and he clearly stated his intention to renegotiate it. Although the new president is wrong to target it as the source of the economic ills afflicting his country, it […]
Federal budget still allocates millions of dollars to fossil fuel industry
The federal budget presented on March 22 reduces some of the subsidies to the fossil fuel industry but still allocates hundreds of millions of dollars to them. Subsidizing the fossil fuel industry undermines actions being taken to fight climate change, including the many initiatives supported in this budget. The budget included some important steps to […]
R2P needs a champion in today’s global political scene
In his first three months in office, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has made clear his intention to pursue an activist and ambitious agenda for the world’s foremost multilateral institution. Guterres established a reputation for courageous leadership and skillful management during his decade as chief of the UN refugee agency, and demonstrated his political acumen while […]
How Canada can better its brand in the Philippines
Canadian mining companies are often the face of Canada in the Global South. For those affected by these companies, this face may be a far cry from how Canadians like to see themselves. This week a delegation from the Philippines will be in Ottawa and on Parliament Hill to help Canadians understand how human rights […]
If human rights ombudsman is created, learn from experience
OTTAWA—In a recent op-ed in this newspaper, several professors call for the creation of a mining ombudsman, but dismiss the Mining Association of Canada’s recommendation that it employ a joint fact-finding process. The authors wrongfully conclude that such a process would be ineffective on the basis that companies would not opt to participate, ignoring recent […]
