Climate change also a security threat

We deserve an energy plan, a climate plan, and the new industrial revolution of clean-tech and renewables. The first step is for Harper to get out of the way. By Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, Green MP Bruce Hyer What is an environmental issue? However you define it, Harper is against it. “Environment” means different ...

Incorporation by Reference in Regulations Act (Bill S-12)

Elizabeth May: Mr. Speaker, my colleague from Peace River eventually got around Bill S-12. However, I would like to ask him a question. I am thinking about small business as well in the context of this act. Some commentators have noted that will be difficult for people who are affected by regulations to stay on ...

Economic Action Plan 2013 (Bill C-60)

Elizabeth May: Mr. Speaker, the hon. member referred to the criticisms from this side of the House about what the current Conservative administration is doing to environmental laws. I want to put to him, as I did to the member for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, that he must bear in mind that both ...

Pipelines to the east?

As the pro-bitumen export crowd notices the gathering storm clouds over their Northern Gateway and Kinder-Morgan options, and, further south, sees long shadows falling over the Keystone XL pipeline to refineries on the shores of the Texas Gulf coast, support is mobilizing for pipelines running east. Debate has been about how best to export raw, ...

Reality check on Transport Canada’s claims for tanker safety

Harper’s public relations and spin team hit Vancouver in March claiming to have substantially revamped environmental protections for pipelines and tankers.   Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver and Minister of Transport Denis Lebel described their new regime for oil spill safety against the backdrop of the Port of Vancouver.  Minster Joe Oliver trotted out a ...

Canada Goes Rogue

I am frequently asked how I maintain a positive attitude when confronted by Stephen Harper’s destructive agenda—dismembering our environmental laws and policies. Honestly, I can respond that most days I am encouraged by the ability of one MP to make a difference. That was not the case last week as, sitting late in the House ...

New and Improved Oil Spills!

Harper’s public relations and spin team hit Vancouver last week to unveil their super-duper enviro-protection plan for pipelines and tankers. Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver and Minister of Transport Denis Lebel described their new regime for oil spill safety against the backdrop of the Port of Vancouver. On CTV Power Play, Oliver went so ...

Flaherty has changed – and more than just his footwear

There is a distinct change of tone in the 2013 budget. It is a matter of tone more than substance, but the jackboot style of Budget 2012 — the “we will build pipelines and the environment be damned” tone — has been replaced with a kinder, gentler message. This budget shows a sensitivity on issues ...

Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI)

This week the committee met twice to review the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Supplementary Estimates for 2012-2013, as well as the Main Estimates for 2013-2014. Both meetings were televised and saw the committee hear from departmental staff. During Tuesday’s meeting the committee heard from the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans regarding the estimates. Committee ...

What will 2013 hold for Canada?

I admit that I have failed in my number one goal for 2012—either convincing Stephen Harper to change his mind about Kyoto or to force him out of office in time to stop the withdrawal from Kyoto. On December 15, 2012, Harper’s letter of intent for legal withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol took effect. It ...