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conference

Thursday April 25, 2024

April 25, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Amid ambitious global pledges to combat plastic pollution, skepticism persists over the disparity between rhetoric and tangible action, highlighting the urgent need for transformative solutions beyond traditional recycling methods.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday April 25, 2024

Moving Beyond Rhetoric – Time for Real Solutions to Plastic Pollution

January 18, 2022

In the wake of recent international conferences and negotiations aimed at addressing plastic pollution, one can’t help but feel a sense of skepticism lingering in the air. The promises of global treaties and domestic initiatives to combat plastic waste often sound promising on paper, yet the reality on the ground tells a different story.

Consider the latest discussions in Ottawa, where delegates from 175 countries convened to develop a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution. Ambitious goals were set to mobilize the entire world and create a future free of plastic pollution by 2040. While these aspirations are admirable, they must be met with tangible actions and transformative strategies to truly make a difference.

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault rightly pointed out the shortcomings of our current recycling practices, acknowledging that they simply “won’t cut it” in the fight against plastic pollution. He emphasized the need for a shift towards a circular economy, focusing on reuse rather than mere recycling. This sentiment resonates with many who have grown weary of the recycling mantra that seems to have yielded little progress over the years.

News: Poverty. Sovereignty. The war in Ukraine. As countries try to agree on fixing plastic, here’s what’s in their way

As Canada's Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault attends COP28 alongside Prairie premiers Danielle Smith and Scott Moe, the delicate dance of diplomacy unfolds, highlighting the clash between genuine environmental concerns and the unabashed promotion of fossil fuels by the provincial leaders.

November 30, 2023

Furthermore, the allocation of funds to support Canadian businesses in developing technologies to address plastic waste is a step in the right direction. However, these investments must be part of a larger, concerted effort to revolutionize how we produce, consume, and dispose of plastics.

Dimple Roy, from the International Institute for Sustainable Development, highlighted the urgency of addressing microplastic pollution in freshwater systems. This underscores the interconnectedness of our ecosystems and the need for comprehensive solutions that encompass all aspects of the plastic lifecycle.

April 24, 2018

Yet, amidst these discussions and initiatives, the public remains skeptical. We meticulously sort our recyclables, only to discover that much of it ends up in landfills or incinerators. We witness the proliferation of biodegradable alternatives that fail to gain widespread acceptance due to their own set of environmental trade-offs.

It’s time to move beyond the rhetoric of “reduce, reuse, recycle” and embrace a paradigm shift in our approach to plastic pollution. We need bold policies that incentivize sustainable practices, innovative technologies that offer viable alternatives to plastics, and a cultural shift towards conscious consumption.

News: Ottawa looking for Canadian-made solutions for plastic pollution

March 6, 2015

Let us not be swayed by empty promises or symbolic gestures. The time for action is now. We must hold our leaders and policymakers accountable for delivering on their commitments to protect our planet from the scourge of plastic pollution.

As negotiations continue and initiatives are rolled out, let’s demand more than just words on paper. Let’s demand real, meaningful change that leaves a lasting impact on our environment and future generations.

In the battle against plastic pollution, we cannot afford to settle for anything less.


The packaging industry is worth more than a trillion dollars per year globally, and with e-commerce extending the supply chain from the extraction of raw materials to the hands of the consumer, it has never been more important to the functioning of the global economy.

But in sustainability terms, packaging is a problem. Continued: Packaging a problem, January 23, 2023

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2024-08, Canada, conference, plastics, pollution, recycling, Steven Guilbeaut, summit, United Nations

Wednesday August 21, 2019

August 28, 2019 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday August 21, 2019

Ford government unveils revised cuts to funding for municipalities

May 23, 2019

Local taxpayers will feel the pinch of higher costs for new daycare spaces and public health programs under funding changes from Premier Doug Ford’s government, critics say, with Mayor John Tory warning of “significant” impacts on Toronto’s finances.

The province unveiled its revised plan Monday, just three months after backing down on retroactive and controversial cuts to public health, daycare and ambulance services in the face of stiff criticism from Tory and other leaders after municipal budgets were set for the year.

“We recognize our government moved quickly when we came into office,” Ford told about 2,000 delegates at the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa. “But we’ve listened to you.”

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath suggested Ford’s listening skills have not improved.

“This morning, Doug Ford confirmed that the countdown to devastating cuts is on,” she said in a statement. “He’s slashing things like public health and child care, things that keep families safe and healthy, and throwing the problems his cuts will create at the feet of municipal councils.”

The changes take effect in January, including a move first announced in the provincial government’s spring budget to make municipalities pay 20 per cent of the cost of new daycare spaces — which had been fully funded by the province.

Carolyn Ferns with the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care said the change will be challenging for municipalities that agreed to expand child care in their communities on the understanding that Queen’s Park would pick up the full cost.

“It’s going to create a chill for any municipality thinking about expanding child care,” Ferns said. “If suddenly they can be on the hook for more of the cost — and with all the other budget pressures they are facing under this government — they are just not going to do it.” (Toronto Star) 

 

Posted in: Ontario Tagged: 2019-29, AMO, conference, convention, cuts, Doug Ford, knives, municipalities, Ontario, salesman, vendor

Friday December 7, 2018

December 14, 2018 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday December 7, 2018

‘Expect a little dustup’: Trudeau, premiers brace for fractious first ministers meeting

Senior officials from multiple provinces are predicting a tense and difficult first ministers meeting when premiers gather to discuss the economy and trade with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Montreal on Friday.

August 5, 2010

“You can expect a little dustup. There’s no doubt about that,” said one provincial source who spoke to CBC News on condition they not be named.

The tensions became obvious during a conference call between the premiers on Tuesday afternoon. According to sources with knowledge of the call, several premiers voiced frustration with the draft federal agenda, which sets aside a significant amount of time to talk about issues important to the federal government and leaves only an hour for the provinces to raise their own priority issues.

“The agenda as presented had the prime minister fitting in a train of his cabinet ministers to lecture the premiers on the topics of his choosing,” said a second source from another provincial government, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity.

September 1, 2018

The main point of contention in the first ministers’ agenda is the plan to give three federal cabinet ministers — Finance Minister Bill Morneau, Environment Minister Catherine McKenna and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc — two hours and 45 minutes in the middle of the day to lead discussions on trade and competitiveness, climate change and interprovincial trade barriers. The premiers’ roundtable which follows is set to run only 60 minutes.

The PMO late Wednesday reached out to CBC News to say that the ministers will only be speaking for a few minutes at the beginning of their part of the meeting before premiers are invited to voice their concerns.

July 20, 2018

The provinces have been agitating to set aside time at the meeting to talk about the downturn in the oil sector and Bill C-69, which overhauls the process for major project approval in Canada. Critics say C-69 will make it harder to advance large scale energy projects for development.

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe sent a letter to Trudeau this week demanding that the “crisis facing the energy industry” be added to the agenda. Other premiers argue it’s impossible to have a first ministers meeting about the economy without carving out time to discuss the impact of C-69 .

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe sent a letter to Trudeau this week demanding that the “crisis facing the energy industry” be added to the agenda. Other premiers argue it’s impossible to have a first ministers meeting about the economy without carving out time to discuss the impact of C-69 . (Source: CBC) 

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: Canada, conference, First Ministers, France, GM, meeting, Premiers, protest, yellow jackets, yellow vests

Saturday November 28, 2015

November 27, 2015 by Graeme MacKay

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator - Saturday November 28, 2015 Paris climate talks: powerful business lobbies seek to undermine deal As the UNÕs climate talks in Paris begin, the lobbying and public relations push from some of the biggest corporations responsible for climate change has gone into overdrive. What are the messages theyÕre so keen to spread, and what will they mean for the COP21 conference Ð and for the climate? A recent report from the NGO Corporate Europe Observatory reveals that whatÕs on offer at COP21 is nothing short of a climate catastrophe, a guaranteed recipe to cook the planet. But rather than sending the dish back, political leaders have asked for seconds, bringing the very companies responsible for the problem ever closer into the UN fold. James Bacchus, a trade expert at the International Chamber of Commerce, says: ÒThis issue is important for governments to address but it is far too important to leave to governments alone.Ó Fortunately for Bacchus, the UN agrees. The problem, however, is that is has also succeeded in creating several platforms to ensure business-friendly proposals are at the heart of climate policy-making, rather than vice versa. New markets, experimental technologies, all endorsed so polluters donÕt have to change their business models. The UNÕs climate chief, Christiana Figueres Ð who before taking up her post was principal climate change advisor to Latin AmericaÕs leading energy utility, Endesa Ð has even told the world to Òstop demonising oil and gas companiesÓ. (Continued: The Guardian) http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/nov/27/paris-climate-talks-un-business-lobbying-deal-governments Climate Change, COP21, Paris, conference, environment, business, summit, machinery, talk, action

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday November 28, 2015

Paris climate talks: powerful business lobbies seek to undermine deal

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator - Tuesday November 24, 2015 Justin Trudeau, premiers seek to unify Canada's message on climate change With a first ministers meeting set to take place in Ottawa today just one week before the start of the Paris climate talks, a number of premiers are reminding Justin Trudeau he's not swooping in at the 11th hour to save the day. In fact, some are voicing concern the new prime minister may "fiddle around" with plans already in place. Environment Minister Catherine McKenna reiterated a key Liberal campaign pledge on Friday: "We promise to provide national leadership to take action on climate change, put a price on carbon and reduce carbon pollution," she told attendees of the Canada 2020 conference on Friday. Earlier in the day, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard reminded journalists at the same conference that the provinces have been showing leadership on this file for years. "I am very happy to be working with the federal government and colleagues around the table, but let's resist the temptation to start from scratch." Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall has been among those most resistant to putting a price on carbon for his province, expressing concern that the harm to the economy would outweigh environmental benefits. That said, he is expected to unveil a plan later on Monday to have his province get at least half of its electricity supplied by renewable resources. New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant says he also intends to make sure economic considerations remain front and centre at the meeting. "We are all very much focused on creating jobs and growing the economy so we have to have these subjects come up in the same conversation to make sure we are growing the economy in a sustainable way," he said Saturday.(Source: CBC News) http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-premiers-climate-change-meeting-1.3330284 Canada, Justin Trudeau, Kathleen Wynne, Rachel Notley, Philippe Couillard. Stephen McNe

As the UN’s climate talks in Paris begin, the lobbying and public relations push from some of the biggest corporations responsible for climate change has gone into overdrive. What are the messages they’re so keen to spread, and what will they mean for the COP21 conference – and for the climate?

A recent report from the NGO Corporate Europe Observatory reveals that what’s on offer at COP21 is nothing short of a climate catastrophe, a guaranteed recipe to cook the planet. But rather than sending the dish back, political leaders have asked for seconds, bringing the very companies responsible for the problem ever closer into the UN fold.

Wednesday June 10, 2015James Bacchus, a trade expert at the International Chamber of Commerce, says: “This issue is important for governments to address but it is far too important to leave to governments alone.”

Fortunately for Bacchus, the UN agrees. The problem, however, is that is has also succeeded in creating several platforms to ensure business-friendly proposals are at the heart of climate policy-making, rather than vice versa. New markets, experimental technologies, all endorsed so polluters don’t have to change their business models.

The UN’s climate chief, Christiana Figueres – who before taking up her post was principal climate change advisor to Latin America’s leading energy utility, Endesa – has even told the world to “stop demonising oil and gas companies”. (Continued: The Guardian)

 

Posted in: Canada, International Tagged: action, business, climate change, conference, COP21, environment, International, machinery, Paris, summit, talk

Tuesday November 24, 2015

November 23, 2015 by Graeme MacKay

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator - Tuesday November 24, 2015 Justin Trudeau, premiers seek to unify Canada's message on climate change With a first ministers meeting set to take place in Ottawa today just one week before the start of the Paris climate talks, a number of premiers are reminding Justin Trudeau he's not swooping in at the 11th hour to save the day. In fact, some are voicing concern the new prime minister may "fiddle around" with plans already in place. Environment Minister Catherine McKenna reiterated a key Liberal campaign pledge on Friday: "We promise to provide national leadership to take action on climate change, put a price on carbon and reduce carbon pollution," she told attendees of the Canada 2020 conference on Friday. Earlier in the day, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard reminded journalists at the same conference that the provinces have been showing leadership on this file for years. "I am very happy to be working with the federal government and colleagues around the table, but let's resist the temptation to start from scratch." Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall has been among those most resistant to putting a price on carbon for his province, expressing concern that the harm to the economy would outweigh environmental benefits. That said, he is expected to unveil a plan later on Monday to have his province get at least half of its electricity supplied by renewable resources. New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant says he also intends to make sure economic considerations remain front and centre at the meeting. "We are all very much focused on creating jobs and growing the economy so we have to have these subjects come up in the same conversation to make sure we are growing the economy in a sustainable way," he said Saturday.(Source: CBC News) http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-premiers-climate-change-meeting-1.3330284 Canada, Justin Trudeau, Kathleen Wynne, Rachel Notley, Philippe Couillard. Stephen McNe

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday November 24, 2015

Justin Trudeau, premiers seek to unify Canada’s message on climate change

With a first ministers meeting set to take place in Ottawa today just one week before the start of the Paris climate talks, a number of premiers are reminding Justin Trudeau he’s not swooping in at the 11th hour to save the day.

In fact, some are voicing concern the new prime minister may “fiddle around” with plans already in place.

Environment Minister Catherine McKenna reiterated a key Liberal campaign pledge on Friday: “We promise to provide national leadership to take action on climate change, put a price on carbon and reduce carbon pollution,” she told attendees of the Canada 2020 conference on Friday.

Throwback to 2014

Throwback to 2014

Earlier in the day, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard reminded journalists at the same conference that the provinces have been showing leadership on this file for years.

“I am very happy to be working with the federal government and colleagues around the table, but let’s resist the temptation to start from scratch.”

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall has been among those most resistant to putting a price on carbon for his province, expressing concern that the harm to the economy would outweigh environmental benefits.

That said, he is expected to unveil a plan later on Monday to have his province get at least half of its electricity supplied by renewable resources.

New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant says he also intends to make sure economic considerations remain front and centre at the meeting.

“We are all very much focused on creating jobs and growing the economy so we have to have these subjects come up in the same conversation to make sure we are growing the economy in a sustainable way,” he said Saturday.(Source: CBC News)


Published in the Regina Leader-Post, Wednesday November 25, 2015

Published in the Regina Leader-Post, Wednesday November 25, 2015

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: Brad Wall, Brian Gallant, Canada, choir, Christy Clark, climate change, conference, green transition, Greg Selliger, Justin Trudeau, Kathleen Wynne, ministers, Paris, Phillippe Couilliard, piano, premier, Rachel Notley, tearsheet
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