Here’s what MP Cathy McLeod ought to know about carbon pricing
Re: “Northerners deserve a government that has their back,” (The Hill Times, May 16, p. 17). Let’s have all the facts. In decrying Justin Trudeau’s “carbon tax,” Conservative MP Cathy McLeod fails to mention that under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, each province and territory is free to choose their preferred […]
Feds assembling Indigenous advisory team ahead of Indian Act reform
The federal government is putting together an Indigenous advisory panel to help it navigate what are sure to be complicated discussions over how to remove gender discrimination from—and make broader changes to—the Indian Act. After the government compromised on Senate-led amendments, Bill S-3 passed in December allowing all women to pass Indian status down to […]
Indigenous services minister says plan to eliminate water advisories is on track
Since November 2015, 62 long-term drinking water advisories for public systems on reserves have been lifted, says Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott. And despite adding 32 to the list in that time, she said the government is on track to meet its commitment of eliminating them all by March 2021. “It’s continuing in a very […]
Northern corridor research has ‘merit,’ say Tory politicians who want to see Liberal support
A dedicated trade corridor for the North and its closest neighbours would spur economic development for the country’s most remote regions, say Tory politicians who are frustrated with the government’s refusal to support a proposal that already has the endorsement of a Senate committee. But Transport Canada says money is already directed towards improving northern […]
Oil and gas companies in limbo await decision on Arctic offshore drilling licences
Energy companies with active licences to explore Arctic waters for oil and gas expect an announcement from Ottawa by July that could spell the fate of their future in the North, after a year of consultations with licence holders were held following a December 2016 decision to freeze drilling in Arctic waters for five years […]
Trudeau policies well-meaning but costly to Nunavut, says Independent MP Tootoo
The Trudeau government has taken several steps to ensure an economically prosperous and sustainable Canadian Arctic into the future, including agreeing to the United States-Canada Joint Arctic Leaders’ Statement; receiving Mary Simon’s report, A New Shared Arctic Leadership Model; and putting together a new Arctic Policy Framework. But what does a sustainable and economically prosperous […]
What kind of Arctic do we need for the world to remain liveable?
The evolution of human beings as a species has depended on a frozen Arctic. But the North Pole as a frozen ice cap on the top of the world is now in doubt. The rapidly melting Arctic—measured in loss of sea ice, melting permafrost, and temperature surges in mid-winter—is a threat to climate stability globally. […]
Plan to scrap TB in North will need Inuit trust, collaboration, says Philpott
Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott says that treating Inuit tuberculosis patients within their own communities with an Indigenous-led plan will help to rebuild trust in the health-care system and allow the government to eradicate the disease in the North by 2030, but opposition critics say the plan is unrealistic based on the government’s timeline and […]
Northerners deserve a government that has their back
Last time I had the opportunity to write for the Hill Times, I spoke of the fortitude and resilience of Canadian northerners. The pristine land and waters north of the 60th parallel are full of stunning beauty, but also unique challenges. The Conservative Party, led by Andrew Scheer, believes that the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the […]
New Senate Arctic committee to support Canada’s North
Canada needs a clear plan to develop and strengthen our Arctic. Senators are helping to provide one. Canada is one of just eight countries with Arctic territory, which is greatly increasing in strategic importance as melting sea ice opens up new commercial shipping opportunities. Despite this, Parliament has never had a committee dedicated to studying […]
