The PQ’s Pauline Marois and Pierre Karl Péladeau (Photo: Graham Hughes/CP) It is not unusual to hear and read about Québécois saying they don’t like any of the four options offered in this election. What is often referred to as mudslinging/insults – between Philippe Couillard of the Liberals (PLQ); Pauline
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The Common Sense Canadian: Justin Trudeau: Just another “Con” man?
Justin Trudeau addresses a progressive think tank in Washington, DC (photo: Chip Somodevllla/Getty) Justin Trudeau wants to project a young, fresh face, representing all the good things that Canadians want – a man who would do politics differently. But the gap between reality and fairytale is extraordinary. If one looks
Continue readingThe Common Sense Canadian: Europe leads the way on building a green economy
The European Union has fast become the global leader on migrating to a green economy, with its Emissions Trading System (cap and trade scheme) in place since 2005. Canada has much to learn from the current and future EU debates on establishing new targets for 2030 – particularly how to
Continue readingThe Common Sense Canadian: Motorized boats stir up problems for BC’s salmon rivers
by Will Dubitsky and Jean Clark Two distinct pieces of federal legislation govern activities in and on our rivers, lakes and coastal waters: 1) The Canada Shipping Act, concerning the waterway surface and the protection navigation rights; 2) The Fisheries Act, pertaining to protection of the marine habitat, below the
Continue readingThe Common Sense Canadian: Germany shows a thriving green economy is possible
When Prime Minister Harper is challenged on his environmental record, one of his standard replies is that between economic development and sustainable development, he must give priority to the economy. While it suits Harper’s ideological agenda to imply that economic and environmental objectives are opposing forces, the facts suggest otherwise.
Continue readingThe Common Sense Canadian: Pauline Marois, La Charte des Valeurs explained…in plain English
Quebec Premier Pauline Marois (Francis Vachon/CP) On November 7, the Parti Québécois government at long last introduced a Bill on the La Charte des valeurs (Charter of values) to the National Assembly, but under a new, very long name: La Charte affirmant les valeurs de laïcité et de neutralité religieuse
Continue readingThe Common Sense Canadian: China’s chaotic leap forward to a green economy
When most people talk of China and its environmental and energy challenges, they tend to paint a very bleak picture. While this view is historically justified, things are changing fast in today’s China. Criticism of China’s environmental record has been traditionally well-justified. After all, China: 1) displaced the US as the world’s largest energy consumer as
Continue readingThe Common Sense Canadian: New coalition revved up about wake boats on public waterways
Not your grandfather’s lake boat: powerful, modern “wake boats” kick up waves and protest All across Canada, Canadian communities, mostly small, face great difficulties in trying to establish regulations regarding the protection of navigable waters environments – that is, waters which fall under federal regulatory jurisdiction, The Canadian Shipping Act,
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