Fact Check on Kyoto Distortions 2

When I wrote “Fact Check on Kyoto Distortions” on November 28, 2011 for my blog, I covered the most frequently cited, misleading/dishonest bits of spin on the subject. That blog covered the top 5, but now there are more. It’s time for “Fact Check on Kyoto Distortions—The Sequel.” Distortion number six:  If Canada does not ...

Durban and the road ahead

I have been home on Canadian soil for the last few weeks, happy to enjoy Christmas in Sidney, but having trouble shaking the residual depression from Prime Minister Harper’s decision to legally withdraw from Kyoto.  Naturally, most Canadian media coverage focussed on Canada’s role in Durban, not on the results. To give you a sense ...

An Open Letter to Joe Oliver

“Unfortunately, there are environmental and other radical groups that would seek to block this opportunity to diversify our trade. Their goal is to stop any major project no matter what the cost to Canadian families in lost jobs and economic growth. “No forestry. No mining. No oil. No gas. No more hydro-electric dams. “These groups ...

The Biggest Story of 2011 for Me? Weather Gone Wild

It is proving more difficult than I had expected to pick one event worthy of the superlative “Biggest Story of 2011.” The May election brought many changes to the face of Parliament. Each party was historically transformed — to their joy or despair. The two parties that suffered the most, the Bloc and the Liberals, ...

What I gave to every Member of Parliament

I had not been planning to give every Member of Parliament a present for Christmas/Hanukkah/holiday break, but the story of what I gave and why is, in its own right, a way of sharing the best of this season with you. On November 26, I was home in the riding and on Salt Spring Island. ...

Last thoughts on the Durban package

Alright, probably not last thoughts.  Analysis and review will continue for months if not years. By some lights it was a breakthrough to have China and India and Brazil talking about targets — even though they have only agreed to start getting there.  It is an enormous relief to have a second commitment period under ...