New government has yet to recognize LNG’s potential and advantage
PARLIAMENT HILL—How often have I read that Canada has one of the worst records for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per capita in the world? Environmentalists are always happy to remind us of this. The 2011 data from the World Bank puts Canada in 16th place with 14.1 metric tons (Mt) of GHGs emitted per Canadian […]
Canada should restrict access to northern water corridors
The Canadian government should consider placing restrictions on the number of corridors allowed for access to the Arctic waters in order to reduce two important risks: loss of life and environmental impact. The risk of a marine accident in the Arctic is not a theoretical exercise. In August 1996, the Hanseatic cruise ship ran aground […]
Clinton or Trump, U.S. relations will not be easy
TORONTO—While Canadian politics are on holiday, most of the attention of our leaders turns south. It is not just professional curiosity. The outcome of the U.S. election is going to have an impact on our lives. And no matter who wins, Canada will not have an easy ride. We went from the Shamrock summits in the 1980s between Brian Mulroney […]
Trudeau’s summer just got a lot more complicated after Federal Court decision on Northern Gateway
OTTAWA—On the eve of Canada Day, June 30, the law firm acting for the seven First Nations contesting the Harper cabinet’s approval of the Northern Gateway Pipeline released the Federal Court of Appeal decision made on June 23, 2016, which effectively quashed that approval. The court in a 2-1 decision held that the federal government […]
Canada should talk trade, climate change, Venezuela at Three Amigos summit
The North American Leaders’ Summit that Canada will host at the end of June comes at a critical moment in the North American relationship. As we are nearing the end of United States President Barack Obama’s second term, some have suggested that expectations for the summit are low. I disagree. The trilateral relationship is tremendously […]
Trudeau needs to assure the U.S. we’re serious about security
Later this month, when Canada hosts the North American Leaders’ Summit, United States President Barack Obama and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto will travel to Ottawa to discuss matters of mutual interest. For Canada, our key interests in this relationship are trade related. Be it softwood lumber, agriculture or manufactured goods, we want our exporters […]
New fund for indigenous energy projects in B.C. might need tweaking
A new fund aimed at helping indigenous people in British Columbia establish a foothold in the business of pipelines and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals is not the right fit, according to some. One suggestion is to redirect the money toward renewable energy projects as well instead of limiting the loans from the West Coast Energy Fund […]
Indigenous pipeline project controversial but promising
While an indigenous energy and resource development project may face significant barriers and challenges in pursing an alternative to the proposed and controversial Northern Gateway pipeline in northern B.C., some say this model of developing Canadian resources may become more popular. The proposed pipeline by Eagle Spirit Energy Holdings is controversial in itself. It has some significant […]
To live up to its obligations, Canada must reject Energy East
The Vancouver Declaration on Clean Growth and Climate Change begins by stating that “Canada stands at the threshold of building our clean-growth economy. This transition will create a strong and diverse economy, create new jobs, and improve our quality of life.” We agree with this. However, to make this happen, the government needs the courage […]
Nunavut needs responsible economic development
As Canada’s youngest territory, Nunavut faces a unique set of economic and social development challenges. Nunavut is one of the largest political subdivisions in the world, roughly the size of Mexico, and yet it is also the least populous, with just over 30,000 residents. With a land rich in natural resources, and a resourceful, young […]
