This study argues that we need a fundamental rethinking of where Canada is going in its energy policy. The country needs a comprehensive strategy that would base its priorities on the urgent need to address global warming. The strategy should include a much stronger government role in shaping Canada’s energy future. It should also include a larger role for industrial policy and a comprehensive training and employment program. Trade unions, as well as environmentalists and civil society have much to contribute.
Environment and sustainability
OTTAWA—Canada needs a comprehensive national energy policy, says a study released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA).
The study, by John Calvert and Marjorie Griffin Cohen, finds Canadian energy policy is explicitly driven by private market-based decisions, rather than careful planning by government to ensure good economic, environmental and labour outcomes.
The 2010 Winter Olympics shone a light on one of the most fascinating experiments in transportation planning ever conducted in North America. Previously unthinkable measures were taken to keep downtown Vancouver and Olympics venues from being overwhelmed by gridlock.
In January, a deal was struck between the Pacific Carbon Trust (the provincial Crown corporation responsible for buying carbon “offsets”) and one of British Columbia’s biggest logging companies –– a deal that would allegedly result in hundreds of thousands of tonnes of additional carbon being stored in trees.
Ever since US house prices peaked in mid 2006 and the great economic slump began south of the border, BC’s government and forest industry alike have been understandably anxious.
Dependent as we have been on the US market for billions of dollars in forest product purchases, BC naturally yearned to open up new markets.
Given its spectacular economic growth, China became the focus, and before long BC’s marketing efforts yielded gains in both the volume and dollar value of forest products exported.
VANCOUVER – Despite having the richest forest resources in Canada, BC lags well behind other provinces in generating jobs making higher-value wood products, and is at increased risk of losing further ground as it exports more raw logs and low-value wood products to China.
However, a report released today says that, with targeted efforts, thousands of new forest industry jobs could be created while boosting the health of BC’s forests.
In British Columbia’s Peace River region, farming families and First Nations are witnessing an unprecedented rush on water resources, a rush driven by energy corporations that need copious amounts of water to produce natural gas.
It is spun in government press releases as a “first” for any jurisdiction in North America, an achievement that places British Columbia “on the leading edge” of efforts to combat climate change.
But scratch the surface just a little and questions arise about the legitimacy of Environment Minister Terry Lake’s recent claim that “from this point forward, every government building in our province will be carbon neutral.”
The Winnipeg Free Press editorial “Best use of Hydro’s millions” (July 4) obfuscates several straightforward matters on Bipole III. The editorial states that Manitoba Conservatives claim that Bipole III’s west route “wastes” $3.2 billion (actually $3.62 billion is the latest claim by Hugh McFadyen on June 28). The editorial says the Conservatives “appear to reach their number . . . by throwing in every conceivable expense, including the kitchen sink.”