Saskatchewan

Thursday November 30, 2023

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.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday November 30, 2023

Navigating Diplomacy at COP28: Guilbeault’s Uphill Battle

Canada's Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault, faces internal conflict within the Liberal government due to a sudden policy reversal on climate change, particularly the exemption for home-heating oil in Atlantic Canada, sparking criticism and raising concerns about the coherence and consistency of the government's climate policies.

November 4, 2023

As the world anticipates the United Nations summit on climate change, the focus broadens beyond the global initiatives to combat environmental challenges, delving into the intricate dynamics of diplomacy within the conference halls. Canada’s Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault, once a fervent advocate for climate action, now faces a unique challenge as he steps into the complex tapestry of COP28.

Guilbeault’s journey through COP28 takes an unexpected turn with the presence of Premier Danielle Smith and Premier Scott Moe of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Their approach to the conference diverges from the global narrative of reducing reliance on fossil fuels, appearing more inclined towards sustaining the fossil fuel industry in their provinces.

Analysis: Alberta could lead the energy transition. But Danielle Smith’s approach and Ottawa’s subsidies are a toxic combination 

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

Premier Smith ardently champions Alberta’s “clean” fossil fuel industry, particularly emphasizing carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a solution to cut emissions. However, recent reports from the International Energy Agency cast doubt on the global efficacy of CCS, challenging its status as a transformative solution.

As Premier Smith confidently strides into COP28, accompanied by over a hundred Alberta delegates, the inherent conflict of interest becomes apparent. The conference, hosted by Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of the UAE’s national oil company, ADNOC, and the UAE’s climate envoy, raises suspicions of a conflict of interest, especially with leaked documents indicating Al Jaber’s intention to broker oil and gas deals during the conference.

This sets the stage for an uncomfortable encounter between Smith and Guilbeault. Smith’s dismissal of Guilbeault as a “maverick” who “doesn’t seem to care about the Constitution” adds a layer of tension. While the federal government’s alignment with Alberta on promoting carbon capture and storage might offer a semblance of common ground, Smith’s move to invoke the sovereignty act against federal Clean Electricity Regulations hints at a deeper divide.

News: COP28: UAE planned to use climate talks to make oil deals 

November 18, 2022

Guilbeault, tasked with advancing Canada’s commitment to fighting climate change, finds himself navigating a complex diplomatic landscape. As Premier Smith revels in her pro-oil-and-gas message, Guilbeault stands at the forefront, grappling with the clash between provincial and federal interests. It’s a delicate dance where finding common ground may prove elusive, especially considering the apparent disparity between the goals of the Prairie premiers and the broader global agenda for sustainability.

In this complex diplomatic ballet at COP28, Guilbeault represents the struggle to reconcile conflicting interests for the greater environmental good, a task that becomes even more challenging in the face of the unabashed promotion of fossil fuels under the guise of environmental responsibility by Prairie premiers.

The challenges at COP28 are not just about the global fight against climate change but also the nuanced struggles within the delegation halls. Steven Guilbeault finds himself at the heart of this intricate dance, striving to balance conflicting interests while championing the broader environmental agenda. (AI)

 

Friday November 15, 2019

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday November 15, 2019

As western tensions rise, BQ’s Blanchet says West shouldn’t look to him for help

October 3, 2019

As economic tensions rise in Western Canada over the slump in the oil sector, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet is warning the region that it should expect no help from him — and saying that he still wants Quebec to be its own country.

Speaking after a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa Wednesday morning, Blanchet was asked about the push for independence in the West and whether he would consider setting a more collaborative example in Ottawa.

“I doubt it, because I still believe that Quebec will do better when it becomes a country,” he said. “So I’m not the one that will fight to have a nice, beautiful and united Canada.”

Trudeau’s meeting with Blanchet is the latest in a series of meetings between the PM and opposition leaders as the Liberal minority government prepares for a new session of Parliament.

Blanchet was also asked if he has any advice to offer those pushing for western independence.

December 13, 2018

“If they were attempting to create a green state in western Canada, I might be tempted to help them. If they are trying to create an oil state in Western Canada, they cannot expect any help from us,” he said.

Blanchet said he will continue to fight, through national and international channels, the idea of “obsessively” extracting oil.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney shot back at Blanchet’s comments, saying Quebec should not reap the financial benefits of Alberta’s oil sector if Quebecers are so opposed to its existence.

“If you are so opposed to the energy that we produced in Alberta, then why are you so keen on taking the money generated by the oilfield workers in this province and across western Canada?” he said. “You cannot have your cake and eat it too. Pick a lane.”

October 22, 2019

Blanchet did not say much about Quebec separation during the campaign. He did say that, in Parliament, he would continue defending Quebec’s interests.

“We are people who are convinced that one day Quebec will take on the attributes of sovereignty,” Blanchet said on the final day of the campaign.

“But that’s not the mandate of this election. We’ve been saying it for five weeks.”

The Bloc surged during the campaign, going from 10 seats prior to the election to 32 afterward. (CBC) 

 

Friday July 20, 2018

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday July 20, 2018

Premier Doug Ford says he’ll join Saskatchewan’s lawsuit challenging carbon tax

July 18, 2014

Ontario will join Saskatchewan’s court case challenging the federal government’s right to impose a carbon tax on provinces.

Premier Doug Ford made the announcement Thursday alongside Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe at the Council of the Federation meeting of all 13 provincial and territorial leaders.

After a one-on-one meeting with Moe Wednesday night, Ford said the two premiers are on “exactly the same page.” He said Ontario will use “every tool at our disposal” to support Saskatchewan in its appeal of Ottawa’s carbon plan.

“Our provinces are strongest when we stand together and this will show unity and will send a clear message to the federal government,” said Ford, whose Progressive Conservative government has budgeted $30 million for the legal fight.

Amid growing discontent with the federal government’s plan to impose a carbon tax on provinces that do not come up with a carbon-pricing system it approves of, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet the premiers later this year to discuss the issue, sources told the Star.

On Thursday, a spokesperson for federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna said Ontario is “willing to spend $30 million of taxpayer money on fighting climate leadership.

“The minister is disappointed to see the new government in Ontario has no plan to help families, schools and businesses reduce emissions, save money and create good jobs. Climate change doesn’t stop with a change in government,” said Caroline Thériault. (Source: Toronto Star) 

 

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Saturday, November 23, 2013

Saturday, November 23, 2013By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday, November 23, 2013

In the Grey Cup, the going gets rough for Saskatchewan

For SaleIf this were the Banjo Bowl, you’d have to like the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ chances.

But, traditionally, this team comes up small in Grey Cup games.
There, somebody had to say it.

Nothing against the fans, they’re among the best in any sport, and they’ll have Mosaic Stadium rocking on Sunday in the 101st Grey Cup game in Regina against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

As for the previous 100 Grey Cup games, the Roughies were there 18 times.

They won three. That’s it.

The Roughriders did win the Cup as recently as 2007, but the competition was only  the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, their rivals from the Banjo Bowl, so named since 2004 when Bombers kicker Troy Westwood said people from Regina were “a bunch of banjo-pickin’ inbreds.”

Roughriders fans have taken the insult in good humour — besides, they know Tiger-Cats fans have been called far worse.

For the record:

The Roughriders organization, formed in 1910, originally was known as the Regina Rugby Club. The RRC lost its only Grey Cup appearance, 54-0 to Queen’s University in 1923.

In 1924, they were renamed the Regina Roughriders, losers of six Grey Cups including five in a row from 1928 through 1932, among them three losses to the Hamilton Tigers.

In 1946, they became the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who are 3-8 in Grey Cup games, including losing two of three to the Tiger-Cats.
The Roughriders have won the Cup in 1966, 1989 and 2007.

The Tiger-Cats were founded in 1950 with the merger of the Hamilton Tigers and Hamilton Wildcats.

The Ticats are 8-10 since in Grey Cup appearances. Some fans also claim the seven earlier Cup wins by the Tigers (5-2), Flying Wildcats (1-1) and Hamilton Alerts (1-0), but purists say no way, claiming those were different organizations.

The Tiger-Cats have won the Cup in 1953, 1957, 1963, 1965, 1967, 1972, 1986 and 1999.

 Head to head:

In the 1967 Grey Cup, Hamilton defeated Saskatchewan 24-1 in Ottawa. The Roughriders’ lone point came on an 87-yard punt on a quick kick by Alan Ford.

In 1972,  Ian Sunter kicked a 34-yard field goal as time ran out, giving Hamilton a 13-10 home-field win over Saskatchewan.

In 1989, Saskatchewan returned the favour as Dave Ridgway’s field goal was the difference in a 43-40 win over Hamilton, capping a thrilling game.

Three heartbreakers:

In 1962, kicker Don Sutherin missed two converts and a 30-yard field goal in the Fog Bowl as Hamilton lost 28-27 to Winnipeg. It was the Ticats’ fourth Grey Cup loss in five years to the Blue Bombers.

In 1976, Ottawa’s Tony Gabriel caught a 24-yard touchdown pass with 20 seconds left for a 23-20 win over Saskatchewan.

In 2009, Montreal’s Damon Duval missed a last-second field-goal attempt that appeared to give Saskatchewan the win, but a too-many-men penalty led to a re-kick and Duval made it this time, giving Montreal a 28-27 win. (Source: Postmedia News)