Petronas prepares final report to regulator, as debate about liquefied natural gas project intensifies
Malaysia’s state-owned energy giant Petronas is putting the final touches on its submission to Ottawa addressing concerns about the environmental impact of a proposed $11.4-billion terminal to export liquefied natural gas from northwestern British Columbia. “We plan to finalize and submit the final information response late next week,” Michael Culbert, president and chief executive officer of Progress […]
Canada could be the world’s champion of smart conservation
As the Canadian government continues its work on a national climate change plan, it would do well to note what the United Nations has identified as one of the most promising tools to address greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs): the conservation of our natural habitats. Canada possesses some of the largest intact forests, waterways, grasslands, wetlands, […]
Catherine McKenna and the ‘greatest challenge of our generation’
Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna had her work cut out for her after taking over for a government that was routinely criticized for ignoring climate change altogether. Even the addition of the words “climate change” to her ministry indicated to Canadians that a change, at least in tone, was upon them. Now, eight […]
Environment
To remove fossil fuel subsidies in ten years, a plan is needed now
For a decade now, the G20 club of major economies has promised to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. Progress has mainly been in the right direction, yet hundreds of billions of dollars are still spent each year to prop up prices for consumers or lend a hand to companies extracting fossil fuels. Encouragingly, a much-needed […]
Parsing what the UN indigenous rights declaration could mean for Canada
With Canada recently becoming a full supporter of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, experts say the guidelines the document lays out regarding free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) are critical for ensuring that indigenous peoples’ title rights are respected before resource projects are developed in their backyards. But how Canada […]
Northern development must respect traditional way of life
Canada is a Northern nation. The North is a fundamental part of our heritage and our national identity. Now more than ever, the Liberal government must recognize the tremendous opportunities – as well as the many challenges – that exist in the North today. The North is central to the Canadian national identity; and our […]
North needs partner in Ottawa to spur development
The Northwest Territories has long been recognized for the unparalleled economic potential of its natural resources, including hydroelectric potential on par with James Bay, world class oil and gas reserves and mineral deposits like diamonds, gold, tungsten, lead, zinc and rare earths. Responsible development of these resources could fuel economic growth for not just the […]
Putting the pieces in place for development
The Northwest Territories’ potential to contribute to the national economy is huge. While vast reserves of gas and oil have been identified, only small pockets have been exploited. Territorial mines have, for more than 80 years, produced gold, diamonds, tungsten, lead, and other minerals, and are the largest contributor to the territorial GDP. Much of […]
The right blend of realism and vision
Yukoners have always taken great pride in self-reliance. That was true centuries ago when Yukon First Nations subsisted in a pre-contact world. It was true of the first men and women who dragged themselves and everything they owned over the Chilkoot Trail in search of gold. And it remains true today. As Yukoners, we want […]
