Here are some of the most notable quotes from the world of Canadian politics in 2015, listed chronologically.
'Fundamental Justice'
"The prohibition on physician-assisted dying infringes on the right to life, liberty and security of the person in a manner that is not in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.'' — Text from the unanimous Supreme Court ruling handed down in February legalizing physician-assisted suicide in some cases.
'They Have No Strategy'
"Military planners will tell us that for a mission to succeed, it must have two things. It must have a well-defined objective and a well-defined exit strategy. This mission has neither. The Conservatives simply have no plan. They have no strategy, other than the obvious political one, and that is putting our troops in danger.'' — NDP Leader Tom Mulcair voicing opposition to the Conservative government's plan to launch a military mission against ISIL.
'Your Grief Is Our Grief'
"Your grief is our grief. We can only hope that, in time, we will find common purpose towards diminishing the causes of such violent crimes. For now, we just want to be there for Marc, our incredibly caring son who loved his brother very much, and to say goodbye, ever so tenderly and quietly to Jean, our love." — Canadian diplomat Roxanne Dube issuing a statement after the March death of her eldest son Jean Wabafiyebazu. Her younger son Marc is accused in the death of his brother in a drug deal gone wrong.
'Our Legislature Belongs To You'
"Whether you are a business leader, a union leader, a municipal leader, someone who leads in our civil society or whether you are a plain-old just great, wonderful Albertan, let me say this to you: Our legislature belongs to you.'' — Alberta Premier Rachel Notley addressing NDP supporters after her May 5 election win, which put an end to more than four decades of Conservative rule in the province.
'Quebec Must Become A Country'
"I have met, seen, heard and listened to men and women who believe, more than ever, that Quebec must become a country. And that is great, because I think the same thing." — Former media mogul Pierre-Karl Peladeau after being elected leader of the Parti Quebecois in May.
'One Of The Darkest, Most Troubling Chapters In Our... History'
"The residential school experience is clearly one of the darkest, most troubling chapters in our collective history. The survivors showed great courage, great conviction and trust to us in sharing their stories. These were heartbreaking, tragic and shocking accounts of discrimination, deprivation and all manner of physical, sexual, emotional and mental abuse." — Justice Murray Sinclair speaking at the June release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report, which documented the devastating impact that Canada's residential school system had on its First Nations population.
'Rid Yourself Of Those Things'
"Rid yourself of those racial stereotypes of Indians and indigenous people being dumb and lazy and drunk on welfare. Rid yourself of those things, so new things can come in." — Assembly of First Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde reacting to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's report and exhorting Canadians to take its findings to heart.
'Matthew:6'
"This is sort of Matthew:6, right? You should do those things quietly, and not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." — Nigel Wright, former chief of staff to Stephen Harper, testifying on Aug. 13 at the fraud trial for former senator Mike Duffy. Wright was citing scripture to explain his decision to cut Duffy a cheque for $90,000 to cover some of his questionable expenses.
'Tears To Your Eye'
"The first thing that crossed our mind was remembering our own son, Ben, at that age running around. It brings tears to your eye." — Then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Surrey, B.C., on Sept. 3, recalling his and Laureen Harper's thoughts upon seeing the photo of a dead Syrian boy on a beach after his overcrowded boat capsized and sparked global outrage at the plight of Syrian refugees.
'I Blame Myself'
"I am the one who should be at blame. I blame myself because my brother does not have money. I sent him the money to pay the smuggler. If I didn't send him the money, those people still (would be) alive."— Tima Kurdi, speaking on Sept. 5 in B.C. and taking the blame for the death of her three-year-old nephew, Alan.
'Old-Stock Canadians'
"We do not offer them a better health plan than the ordinary Canadian can receive. That's something that most new and existing and old-stock Canadians agree with."— Harper, speaking at an election debate on Sept. 17 about a plan to strip some health-care benefits from refugees. The remark drew criticism that Harper and the Conservatives believed in two classes of Canadian citizens.
'They Are Being Misguided'
"(The public) is not informed. They are being misguided by the government on this particular issue. They were of the view that Muslim women who are wearing the niqab objected to show their identity for security purposes, but that's not the case .... The image of Muslim women, and as a whole the Muslim community, has been damaged by this.'' — Zunera Ishaq, the woman whose fight to wear her niqab while swearing an oath of Canadian citizenship sparked a lengthy court battle and became a hot-button issue on the campaign trail. The quote above came during an Oct. 8 interview with The Canadian Press.
'Sunny Ways'
"Sunny ways, my friends, sunny ways." Justin Trudeau to a jubilant crowd on Oct. 19 in his Montreal riding of Papineau, invoking the philosophy of former prime minister Wilfrid Laurier, after he led the federal Liberals to a majority win.
'When The Prime Minister... Calls You...'
"When the prime minister of Canada calls you, you say: 'OK, I'll do the favour for you.' So whoever is going to be the next prime minister, if they call me for the favour, I'd reach out again." —Hockey icon Wayne Gretzky, 54, explaining on Oct. 22 why he appeared at a campaign event with former prime minister Stephen Harper.
'Because It's 2015'
"Because it's 2015." — Trudeau, speaking on Nov. 4, responding to a question as to why he made gender parity a priority when naming his cabinet. Trudeau's hand-picked group of 30 ministers features 15 men and 15 women.
'Bigger Than Any One Project'
"The Canada-U.S. relationship is much bigger than any one project and I look forward to a fresh start with President Obama to strengthen our remarkable ties in a spirit of friendship and co-operation." — Trudeau in expressing his disappointment to U.S. President Barack Obama's Nov. 6 decision to reject TransCanada's controversial Keystone XL Pipeline.
'We Muslims Do Not Consider Them Muslims'
"Regardless what the attackers were shouting at the time of attacks and whatever their names may be, we Muslims do not consider them Muslims. The attacks in Paris are in fact attacks on Islam and Muslims too." — Statement from the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada and Muslims Against Terrorism reacting to the deadly terrorist attack in Paris on Nov. 13.
'A Defining Moment'
"This is a defining moment for Canada, a defining moment for all of us. And it's even more than that — it's an opportunity. An opportunity to mobilize our communities . . . to reimagine how we take care of the most marginalized and vulnerable among us." —Gov. Gen. David Johnston on Canada's decision to accept 25,000 Syrian refugees into the country in the coming months.
'You Are Home'
"You are home. Welcome home." — Trudeau to a family of Syrian refugees arriving in Toronto on Dec. 10.
'Throwing Me To The Lions'
"I was pleading with them to show some kind of decency; all of these born-again Christians were throwing me to the lions." —Sen. Mike Duffy in testimony at his Senate expenses trial on Dec. 15, describing his alleged treatment by the Prime Minister's Office under Stephen Harper.
Wednesday, 30 December 2015
5 Important Lessons From The Biggest E-Cigarette Study
Just mention the phrase "electronic cigarettes" and politicians at every level seem to go berserk. "Holy non-smokes!" they cry. "We can't allow something new and unregulated to exist in the marketplace! People might just solve their own problems without us!"
Some youth have their first taste of nicotine via e-cigarettes.
Twenty percent of middle schoolers and 7.2 percent of high schooler e-cigarette users in the U.S. report never smoking cigarettes.
Nicotine absorption varies too much between brands.
Early 2010 studies found that users got much lower levels of nicotine from e-cigarettes than from conventional cigarettes, but more recent studies show that experienced e-cigarette users can draw levels of nicotine from an e-cigarette that are similar to conventional cigarettes. Yet another study noted that the chosen e-cigarettes for the research malfunctioned for a third of participants. UCSF researchers say this indicates the need for stronger product standards and regulations.
Just because particulate matter from e-cigarettes isn't well studied, doesn't mean it's safe.
To deliver nicotine, e-cigarettes create a spray of very fine particles that have yet to be studied in depth. "It is not clear whether the ultra-fine particles delivered by e-cigarettes have health effects and toxicity similar to the ambient fine particles generated by conventional cigarette smoke or secondhand smoke," wrote the researchers. But we do know that fine particulate matter from cigarettes and from air pollution are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease. And some research has found that the size and spray of fine particulate matter from e-cigarettes is just as great or greater than conventional cigarettes.
Major tobacco companies have acquired or produced their own e-cigarette products.
They're promoting the products as "harm reduction" for smokers, which allows them to protect their cigarette market while promoting a new product. Companies also using "grassroots" tactics to form seemingly independent smokers' rights groups, just like they did for cigarettes in the 1980s.
So far, e-cigarette use is not associated with the successful quitting of conventional cigarettes.
One clinical trial found that e-cigarettes was no more effective than the nicotine patch at helping people quit, and both cessation methods "produced very modest quit rates without counseling."
From its infancy in 2003, the market for e-cigarettes has skyrocketed. It is now estimated to be a $3.5-billion business worldwide.
A pleasant surprise is that e-cigarettes are actually cheaper than tobacco for vapers to get the same nicotine dose. This may be because governments impose heavy taxes on tobacco products (about $7.3 billion per year in Canada), but haven't yet geared up to extract similar amounts from the nicotine addicts who have migrated to vaporizers.
Canadians pay taxes to support the huge medical expenses caused by tobacco-related cancers and chronic diseases -- some $14 billion in Canada in 2012.
Some youth have their first taste of nicotine via e-cigarettes.
Twenty percent of middle schoolers and 7.2 percent of high schooler e-cigarette users in the U.S. report never smoking cigarettes.
Nicotine absorption varies too much between brands.
Early 2010 studies found that users got much lower levels of nicotine from e-cigarettes than from conventional cigarettes, but more recent studies show that experienced e-cigarette users can draw levels of nicotine from an e-cigarette that are similar to conventional cigarettes. Yet another study noted that the chosen e-cigarettes for the research malfunctioned for a third of participants. UCSF researchers say this indicates the need for stronger product standards and regulations.
Just because particulate matter from e-cigarettes isn't well studied, doesn't mean it's safe.
To deliver nicotine, e-cigarettes create a spray of very fine particles that have yet to be studied in depth. "It is not clear whether the ultra-fine particles delivered by e-cigarettes have health effects and toxicity similar to the ambient fine particles generated by conventional cigarette smoke or secondhand smoke," wrote the researchers. But we do know that fine particulate matter from cigarettes and from air pollution are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease. And some research has found that the size and spray of fine particulate matter from e-cigarettes is just as great or greater than conventional cigarettes.
Major tobacco companies have acquired or produced their own e-cigarette products.
They're promoting the products as "harm reduction" for smokers, which allows them to protect their cigarette market while promoting a new product. Companies also using "grassroots" tactics to form seemingly independent smokers' rights groups, just like they did for cigarettes in the 1980s.
So far, e-cigarette use is not associated with the successful quitting of conventional cigarettes.
One clinical trial found that e-cigarettes was no more effective than the nicotine patch at helping people quit, and both cessation methods "produced very modest quit rates without counseling."
From its infancy in 2003, the market for e-cigarettes has skyrocketed. It is now estimated to be a $3.5-billion business worldwide.
A pleasant surprise is that e-cigarettes are actually cheaper than tobacco for vapers to get the same nicotine dose. This may be because governments impose heavy taxes on tobacco products (about $7.3 billion per year in Canada), but haven't yet geared up to extract similar amounts from the nicotine addicts who have migrated to vaporizers.
Canadians pay taxes to support the huge medical expenses caused by tobacco-related cancers and chronic diseases -- some $14 billion in Canada in 2012.
Friday, 25 December 2015
Canadian Banks - Fractional Reserve Banking
Switzerland To Vote On Ending Fractional Reserve Banking
According to the World Economic Forum, Canada is ranked #1 in the world for “the most sound banking system in the world”
>> Canadian banks received a bailout in 2009 from the Fed, BoC, and CMHC;
>> The key reason underlying this bailout was that Canadian banks are actually under-capitized;
>> Canadian banks operate under a fractional reserve system, with 0% reserve requirement;
>> The Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation does not hold enough cash on hand;
>> Canadian banks hold the majority of their balance sheets on non-productive assets;
>> The Bank of Canada has virtually no gold left to back their monetary system
Thursday, 24 December 2015
Everything George Carlin said is still true
Back in the day, people used to laugh at George Carlin’s diatribes and treatise on the fraud of the US political system and the military-government-media corporate welfare complex.
Many of the clips in the piece below were recorded in the late 1980’s and 1990’s. Twenty years later, no one is laughing anymore, because everything Carlin said is still true, and still nothing has changed. In fact, it has gotten worse.
Many of the clips in the piece below were recorded in the late 1980’s and 1990’s. Twenty years later, no one is laughing anymore, because everything Carlin said is still true, and still nothing has changed. In fact, it has gotten worse.
George Carlin - Political Correctness is fascism pretending to be Manners
Canada Climate Policy
Remember when NDP candidate Linda McQuaig said, "some of Alberta's oil wealth would have to stay in the ground in order to meet Canada's climate change targets"?
The remark was treated as a scandalous revelation by her political opponents.
Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, cited estimates by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that only between a fifth and a third of proven oil reserves can be burned if humanity is to avoid catastrophic climate impacts
"If that estimate is even approximately correct it would render the vast majority of reserves 'stranded' — oil, gas and coal that will be literally unburnable without expensive carbon capture technology, which itself alters fossil fuel economics," he said
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said : "We know, and with Paris it's very clear, where the world is going"
"We're going towards a zero carbon economy. The question is, does Canada want to drag its feet on it or do we want to be part of it?"
The remark was treated as a scandalous revelation by her political opponents.
Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, cited estimates by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that only between a fifth and a third of proven oil reserves can be burned if humanity is to avoid catastrophic climate impacts
"If that estimate is even approximately correct it would render the vast majority of reserves 'stranded' — oil, gas and coal that will be literally unburnable without expensive carbon capture technology, which itself alters fossil fuel economics," he said
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said : "We know, and with Paris it's very clear, where the world is going"
"We're going towards a zero carbon economy. The question is, does Canada want to drag its feet on it or do we want to be part of it?"
But Trudeau also maintains new oil pipelines to spur oil sands development are compatible with this low-carbon future. He argues the transition requires investment and innovation, which is dependent on a robust economy.
Why is it compatible?
It sounds a bit like having your cake and eating it too; not so different from the Conservative government's mantra of balancing the environment and the economy.
Sunday, 20 December 2015
Bill C-51 ---- Labor groups
Labour groups continue to urge the federal government to take action on Bill C-51, which was passed in June and remains in place. The law vastly expands government surveillance, provides new powers to the police and CSIS and may criminalize ordinary political activity.
The Liberals initially supported the legislation, but have promised to repeal unspecified "problematic elements" and undertake public consultations. However, any mention of Bill C-51 was notably absent from the Justin Trudeau's Throne Speech on Dec. 4.
Daniel Therrien, the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, expressed grave concern about the bill in March, particularly its information sharing provisions.
"The scale of information sharing being proposed is unprecedented, the scope of the new powers conferred by the Act is excessive, particularly as these powers affect ordinary Canadians, and the safeguards protecting against unreasonable loss of privacy are seriously deficient," he said in a submission to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.
https://www.priv.gc.ca/parl/2015/parl_sub_150305_e.asp
On Thursday Dec. 10, Therrien expressed hope that the new Liberal government would follow-through on its commitments and engage in an open debate.
The Liberals initially supported the legislation, but have promised to repeal unspecified "problematic elements" and undertake public consultations. However, any mention of Bill C-51 was notably absent from the Justin Trudeau's Throne Speech on Dec. 4.
Daniel Therrien, the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, expressed grave concern about the bill in March, particularly its information sharing provisions.
"The scale of information sharing being proposed is unprecedented, the scope of the new powers conferred by the Act is excessive, particularly as these powers affect ordinary Canadians, and the safeguards protecting against unreasonable loss of privacy are seriously deficient," he said in a submission to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.
https://www.priv.gc.ca/parl/2015/parl_sub_150305_e.asp
On Thursday Dec. 10, Therrien expressed hope that the new Liberal government would follow-through on its commitments and engage in an open debate.
Thursday, 17 December 2015
At issues #1
Most positive political story of the year?
Most ignored political issue during the campaign?
2015 Campaign: The main lesson?
Worst political gaffe?
Best MP who lost in the election?
Hardest election promise to keep?
New MP to watch?
Most ridiculous moment during the campaign?
Stunts and phoney issues?
Most ignored political issue during the campaign?
2015 Campaign: The main lesson?
Worst political gaffe?
Best MP who lost in the election?
Hardest election promise to keep?
New MP to watch?
Most ridiculous moment during the campaign?
Stunts and phoney issues?
Uruguay Runs Off 95% Clean Energy
In the last ten years, Uruguay has eased off its dependence on oil to reach an impressive landmark statistic: almost 95% of its energy now comes from green sources.
Read More: http://www.trueactivist.com/uruguay-runs-off-95-clean-energy-so-why-dont-we/
Lower Austria is now sourcing 100% of its electricity for its population of 1.65-million from renewable energy.
http://www.trueactivist.com/austrias-largest-state-is-running-on-100-renewable-energy/
15-year-old Hannah Herbst wants to bring renewable energy to developing countries, and is very close to doing just that.
Read more
Read More: http://www.trueactivist.com/uruguay-runs-off-95-clean-energy-so-why-dont-we/
Lower Austria is now sourcing 100% of its electricity for its population of 1.65-million from renewable energy.
http://www.trueactivist.com/austrias-largest-state-is-running-on-100-renewable-energy/
15-year-old Hannah Herbst wants to bring renewable energy to developing countries, and is very close to doing just that.
Read more
LOL! Justin Trudeau's favorite Baltic nation
The Baltic response to Canadian PM Justin Trudeau
He was asked to state his favorite Baltic nation.
"That's not a thing" he said.
And with those four words, the prime minister has sparked perhaps his strangest controversy since taking office last month.
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Smart Meters - articles
It appears that not only do smart meters pose a privacy risk from power companies and the federal government, hackers have also proven that many smart meters are vulnerable.
In 2012, researchers in Germany analyzed several smart meters and discovered that the devices transmitted unencrypted data, allowing the researchers to know whether or not anyone was home. The data even revealed what movie was being watched on TV.
The U.S. Department of Energy even warned that information collected by smart meters could be shared with third parties such as insurance companies, creditors and businesses that could use the information to learn about a homeowner’s habits.
An investigation by WSUA 9 News also found that a power company in Washington DC was lying to the public about how often their smart meters emitted radiation. The company stated that the meters emitted radiation once every 4 to 6 hours despite the investigation finding the number to be 4 to 6 times every minute.
While some have been able to opt-out of the smart meter program, others have had meters installed on their property against their will. Two mothers in Illinois were arrested earlier this year for legally filming police and trying to block city utility workers from installing the new meters.
In 2012, researchers in Germany analyzed several smart meters and discovered that the devices transmitted unencrypted data, allowing the researchers to know whether or not anyone was home. The data even revealed what movie was being watched on TV.
The U.S. Department of Energy even warned that information collected by smart meters could be shared with third parties such as insurance companies, creditors and businesses that could use the information to learn about a homeowner’s habits.
Former CIA Director James Woolsey even called the entire smart grid “stupid” while noting how easily smart meters could be hacked.
Smart meters have also raised massive health concerns regarding the amount of electromagnetic radiation being emitted. Several doctors, including physician and epidemiologist Sam Milham, say the meters give off as much as 100 times the amount of radiation as a cell phone and have been linked to several health issues.
Daniel Hirsch, a senior lecturer on nuclear policy at UCSC, says the federal government purposely misleads the public on smart meter safety by conducting biased studies backed by power companies.
An investigation by WSUA 9 News also found that a power company in Washington DC was lying to the public about how often their smart meters emitted radiation. The company stated that the meters emitted radiation once every 4 to 6 hours despite the investigation finding the number to be 4 to 6 times every minute.
While some have been able to opt-out of the smart meter program, others have had meters installed on their property against their will. Two mothers in Illinois were arrested earlier this year for legally filming police and trying to block city utility workers from installing the new meters.
Power & Politics' Ballot Box question
Do you think the senate can be non-partisan?
Should Canada reconsider ending its ISIS bombing mission?
Is today's $100M contribution to Syrian refugee aid too much or too little?
Where should federal money to fight climate change go?
Should taxpayers pay for the Prime Minister's child care?
Should international emissions targets be legally binding?
How should the government address increased costs for navy ships?
Sunday, 13 December 2015
Paris Climate Agreement ---- Alberta
How did an NDP premier convince big oil that charging a fee for everyone’s carbon emissions is a good idea?
How did she do it?
Won’t that lower demand for their products?
And how did she sell them on the notion that capping tarsands emissions is something to smile about?
Notley’s speech about the new policies provides a clue. She used the world “capital” — financial investment — almost as many times as she used the world “climate.”
For as groundbreaking as the new climate change policies are, they also recognize that without the oil industry and continued investment in that sector of the provincial economy, Alberta would not have much of a future.
That’s why there is no pledge to reduce carbon emissions by a specific amount by 2030 or even 2050. In fact, according to a detailed report prepared for the government after much expert and public consultation, even with the new policies Alberta’s carbon emissions will actually increase over the next 15 years and then level off.
Premier hopes to pitch to investors and explain her carbon reduction plan
Support a carbon tax in Alberta?
66% oppose
29% support
Plan to replace coal power with renewable energy?
50% oppose
44% support
Should government use money collected from the carbon tax to eliminate deficit and pay off debt?
43% said yes
37% said no
Alberta climate change plan – ‘War on coal’, ‘unfair hit’ or positive step forward?
Alberta’s climate change report released Sunday proposes a broad-based carbon tax of $30 a tonne by 2018 and the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030. While many politicians, environmental groups and oil producers are supporting the plan, one policy analyst called it a “declaration of war on coal.” The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) denounced the proposal as an “unfair hit” to families, businesses and rural communities.
“The big loser are consumers; they were hoping for a tax that would hit producers only,” Duane Bratt, chair of the department of economics, justice and policy studies at Mount Royal University, said. “A carbon tax is simple: you’re going to be paying at every gas pump, you’re going to be paying it on home electricity and home heating.”
Alberta’s climate change report released Sunday proposes a broad-based carbon tax of $30 a tonne by 2018 and the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030. While many politicians, environmental groups and oil producers are supporting the plan, one policy analyst called it a “declaration of war on coal.” The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) denounced the proposal as an “unfair hit” to families, businesses and rural communities.
“The big loser are consumers; they were hoping for a tax that would hit producers only,” Duane Bratt, chair of the department of economics, justice and policy studies at Mount Royal University, said. “A carbon tax is simple: you’re going to be paying at every gas pump, you’re going to be paying it on home electricity and home heating.”
Saturday, 12 December 2015
Friends of the Earth International ---- Paris Climate Agreement
PARIS, FRANCE, December 12, 2015 – The climate deal to be agreed today is a sham, according to Friends of the Earth International.
“Rich countries have moved the goal posts so far that we are left with a sham of a deal in Paris. Through piecemeal pledges and bullying tactics, rich countries have pushed through a very bad deal,” said Sara Shaw, Friends of the Earth International climate justice and energy coordinator.
A detailed policy analysis of the Paris Agreement will be available at
http://www.foei.org/what-we-do/paris
“Rich countries have moved the goal posts so far that we are left with a sham of a deal in Paris. Through piecemeal pledges and bullying tactics, rich countries have pushed through a very bad deal,” said Sara Shaw, Friends of the Earth International climate justice and energy coordinator.
A detailed policy analysis of the Paris Agreement will be available at
http://www.foei.org/what-we-do/paris
According to Friends of the Earth International three major problems stem from the Paris talks:
- The draft Paris deal states that 2 C is the maximum acceptable global temperature increase, and that countries should pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C. This is meaningless without requiring rich countries to cut their emissions drastically and provide finance in line with their fair share, and places the extra burden on developing countries. To avoid runaway climate we need to urgently and drastically cut emissions, not just put it off.
- Without compensation for irreparable damage, the most vulnerable countries will be left to pick up the pieces and foot the bill for a crisis they didn’t create.
- Without adequate finance, poor countries will now be expected to foot the bill for a crisis they didn’t cause. The finance exists. The political will does not.
Jagoda Munic, chairperson of Friends of the Earth International said:
“Instead of acting with ambition and urgency, our governments are acting in the interests of powerful lobbies and corporations, but people are taking back the power. History will not be made in the convention centre, but on the streets of Paris and round the globe. The climate justice movement is unstoppable and will continue to expand in 2016 and beyond. A handful of politicians will not stop the energy revolution.”
“Instead of acting with ambition and urgency, our governments are acting in the interests of powerful lobbies and corporations, but people are taking back the power. History will not be made in the convention centre, but on the streets of Paris and round the globe. The climate justice movement is unstoppable and will continue to expand in 2016 and beyond. A handful of politicians will not stop the energy revolution.”
Climate Deal - The "Paris agreement" (QUOTES)
"The 12th of December, 2015, will remain a great date for the planet ... In Paris, there have been many revolutions over the centuries. Today it is the most beautiful and the most peaceful revolution that has just been accomplished -- a revolution for climate change.''
French President Francois Hollande welcomed the world to a "low carbon age''
"It's a victory for all of the planet and for future generations ... the pact will prevent the worst most devastating consequences of climate change from ever happening.''
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry
"Today, we've proven that it's possible for every country to come together, hand in hand, to do its part to fight climate change.''
Brazilian Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira
"History will remember this day ... The Paris agreement on climate change is a monumental success for the planet and its people.''
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
"We've agreed to what we ought to be doing, but no one yet has agreed to go do it ... It's a whole lot of pomp, given the circumstances.''
Dennis Clare, a negotiator for the Federated States of Micronesia.
"The agreement does not go far enough to cut global warming and help the poor countries affected by it."
Paul Oquist --- Nicaragua envoy
"This puts the fossil fuel industry on the wrong side of history''
Kumi Naidoo, Greenpeace.
"Today the human race has joined in a common cause, but it's what happens after this conference that really matters ... This deal alone won't dig us out the hole we're in, but it makes the sides less steep.''
Kumi Naidoo, Greenpeace.
"Some scientists who had criticized earlier drafts as unrealistic praised the final pact for including language that essentially means the world will have to all but stop polluting with greenhouse gases by 2070 to reach the 2-degree goal, or by 2050 to reach the 1.5-degree goal.
That's because when emissions fall, nature compensates by absorbing less carbon dioxide -- and can even release old pollution once there's less of it in the air ...Forests, oceans and soil currently absorb about half the world's man-made carbon dioxide emissions."
Princeton University's Michael Oppenheimer
"It means that in the end, you have to phase out carbon dioxide ... In addition to the cuts in emissions, the goal could be reached in part by increasing how much carbon dioxide is sucked out of the air by planting forests or with futuristic technology ... such technology would be expensive."
John Schellnhuber, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany.
"merely approving the agreement isn't enough ... The Canadian government must act to reduce fossil fuel emissions."
NDP leader Tom Mulcair and World Wildlife Fund Canada
Indeed, the federal government should establish a climate change plan quickly. Provincial commitments won't be enough to reduce emissions, but the agreement "[underscores] a powerful global transition away from high-carbon fossil fuels.
This agreement sends a clear signal to governments, businesses, and investors everywhere: the transformation of our global economy from one fueled by dirty energy to one fueled by sustainable economic growth is now firmly and inevitably underway.
French President Francois Hollande welcomed the world to a "low carbon age''
"It's a victory for all of the planet and for future generations ... the pact will prevent the worst most devastating consequences of climate change from ever happening.''
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry
"Today, we've proven that it's possible for every country to come together, hand in hand, to do its part to fight climate change.''
Brazilian Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira
"History will remember this day ... The Paris agreement on climate change is a monumental success for the planet and its people.''
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
"We've agreed to what we ought to be doing, but no one yet has agreed to go do it ... It's a whole lot of pomp, given the circumstances.''
Dennis Clare, a negotiator for the Federated States of Micronesia.
"The agreement does not go far enough to cut global warming and help the poor countries affected by it."
Paul Oquist --- Nicaragua envoy
"This puts the fossil fuel industry on the wrong side of history''
Kumi Naidoo, Greenpeace.
"Today the human race has joined in a common cause, but it's what happens after this conference that really matters ... This deal alone won't dig us out the hole we're in, but it makes the sides less steep.''
Kumi Naidoo, Greenpeace.
"Some scientists who had criticized earlier drafts as unrealistic praised the final pact for including language that essentially means the world will have to all but stop polluting with greenhouse gases by 2070 to reach the 2-degree goal, or by 2050 to reach the 1.5-degree goal.
That's because when emissions fall, nature compensates by absorbing less carbon dioxide -- and can even release old pollution once there's less of it in the air ...Forests, oceans and soil currently absorb about half the world's man-made carbon dioxide emissions."
Princeton University's Michael Oppenheimer
"It means that in the end, you have to phase out carbon dioxide ... In addition to the cuts in emissions, the goal could be reached in part by increasing how much carbon dioxide is sucked out of the air by planting forests or with futuristic technology ... such technology would be expensive."
John Schellnhuber, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany.
"merely approving the agreement isn't enough ... The Canadian government must act to reduce fossil fuel emissions."
NDP leader Tom Mulcair and World Wildlife Fund Canada
Indeed, the federal government should establish a climate change plan quickly. Provincial commitments won't be enough to reduce emissions, but the agreement "[underscores] a powerful global transition away from high-carbon fossil fuels.
This agreement sends a clear signal to governments, businesses, and investors everywhere: the transformation of our global economy from one fueled by dirty energy to one fueled by sustainable economic growth is now firmly and inevitably underway.
Poverty ---- Canada
Income Inequality and Child Poverty in Canada: from Poor No More, a Canadian feature documentary
Why Canadian doctors should be on the front lines of the anti-poverty struggle
Why Canadian doctors should be on the front lines of the anti-poverty struggle
Nations That Gave The Most In Development Aid In 2014
Germany
Germany gave 0.41 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Belgium
Belgium gave 0.45 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Switzerland
Switzerland gave 0.49 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Finland
Finland gave 0.60 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Netherlands
The Netherlands gave 0.64 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom gave 0.71 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Denmark
Denmark gave 0.85 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Norway
Norway gave 0.99 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg gave 1.07 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Sweden
Sweden gave 1.10 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Germany gave 0.41 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Belgium
Belgium gave 0.45 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Switzerland
Switzerland gave 0.49 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Finland
Finland gave 0.60 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Netherlands
The Netherlands gave 0.64 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom gave 0.71 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Denmark
Denmark gave 0.85 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Norway
Norway gave 0.99 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg gave 1.07 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Sweden
Sweden gave 1.10 percent of its GNI to development assistance in 2014.
Worst Countries For Climate Change Policy
Source: Climate Action Network
10th Worst: Taiwan
Climate Action Network score: 49.4
9th: Singapore
Climate Action Network score: 49.13
8th: China
Climate Action Network score: 49.03
7th: Malaysia
Climate Action Network score: 47.53
6th: Russia
Climate Action Network score: 46.65
5th: Turkey
Climate Action Network score: 46.6
4th: Canada
Climate Action Network score: 45.16
3rd: Kazakhstan
Climate Action Network score: 39.96
2nd: Iran
Climate Action Network score: 35.81
Worst: Saudi Arabia
Climate Action Network score: 26.9
10th Worst: Taiwan
Climate Action Network score: 49.4
9th: Singapore
Climate Action Network score: 49.13
8th: China
Climate Action Network score: 49.03
7th: Malaysia
Climate Action Network score: 47.53
6th: Russia
Climate Action Network score: 46.65
5th: Turkey
Climate Action Network score: 46.6
4th: Canada
Climate Action Network score: 45.16
3rd: Kazakhstan
Climate Action Network score: 39.96
2nd: Iran
Climate Action Network score: 35.81
Worst: Saudi Arabia
Climate Action Network score: 26.9
Entering The Sustainable Energy Age
Affordable?
Reliable?
Sustainable?
**************************************************
World's Biggest Energy Hogs
Number represents annual energy consumption per person, represented in kilograms of oil.
10: Finland (6,183 kg)
9: United States (6,793 kg)
8: Canada (7,333 kg)
7: United Arab Emirates (7,407 kg)
6: Luxembourg (7,684 kg)
5: Brunei (9,427 kg)
4: Kuwait (10,408 kg)
3: Trinidad and Tobago (15,691 kg)
2: Qatar (17,418 kg)
1: Iceland (18,774 kg)
Reliable?
Sustainable?
**************************************************
World's Biggest Energy Hogs
Number represents annual energy consumption per person, represented in kilograms of oil.
10: Finland (6,183 kg)
9: United States (6,793 kg)
8: Canada (7,333 kg)
7: United Arab Emirates (7,407 kg)
6: Luxembourg (7,684 kg)
5: Brunei (9,427 kg)
4: Kuwait (10,408 kg)
3: Trinidad and Tobago (15,691 kg)
2: Qatar (17,418 kg)
1: Iceland (18,774 kg)
Friday, 11 December 2015
Winners And Losers: Alberta Budget 2015
Alberta Budget 2015
EDMONTON — Alberta's NDP government tabled its first budget Tuesday. A look at some of the winners and losers:
Winners — Low-income families
Winners — Low-income families: New Alberta Child Benefit to assist families earning less than $41,220. Parents to get up to $1,100 for one child and as much as $550 each for three additional children. Family Tax Credit to be enhanced so more lower- and middle-class families can get access to it and draw from it for longer periods.
Winners — Employers and people looking for work
Winners — Employers and people looking for work: A two-year job incentive program is to give companies of all sizes, as well as non-profits, $5,000 for each new job they create. Meant to support 27,000 new jobs each year. New measures to improve access to capital for small- and medium-sized businesses.
Losers — Drinkers and smokers
Losers — Drinkers and smokers: The cost of cigarettes goes up by $5 a carton. A case of 12 beers goes up 24 cents and a bottle of wine is increased by 18 cents.
Losers — The insured
Losers — The insured: There is an insurance premium tax hike of one per cent.
Losers — Politicians
Losers — Politicians: Cabinet ministers, political staff and members of the legislature are to be under a salary freeze for the remainder of the current four-year legislature term.
Winners — The sick and those in need
Winners — The sick and those in need: More money for services to help children and families in need, including $15 million to support women's shelters. Operational funding for health is to increase to almost $21 billion by 2018.
Winners — Construction workers
Winners — Construction workers: The province plans to spend $34 billion over the next five years to ramp up construction for roads, schools, hospitals and other facilities.
Winners — Students
Winners — Students: There is a two-year tuition freeze for post-secondary students. An additional 380 teachers, plus 150 support staffers, to be hired for grade schools.
Losers — Future taxpayers
Losers — Future taxpayers: Starting next year, the province plans to begin borrowing for the first time in 20 years to manage its day-to-day spending. Debt for capital is expected to hit $36.6 billion by 2018.
EDMONTON — Alberta's NDP government tabled its first budget Tuesday. A look at some of the winners and losers:
Winners — Low-income families
Winners — Low-income families: New Alberta Child Benefit to assist families earning less than $41,220. Parents to get up to $1,100 for one child and as much as $550 each for three additional children. Family Tax Credit to be enhanced so more lower- and middle-class families can get access to it and draw from it for longer periods.
Winners — Employers and people looking for work
Winners — Employers and people looking for work: A two-year job incentive program is to give companies of all sizes, as well as non-profits, $5,000 for each new job they create. Meant to support 27,000 new jobs each year. New measures to improve access to capital for small- and medium-sized businesses.
Losers — Drinkers and smokers
Losers — Drinkers and smokers: The cost of cigarettes goes up by $5 a carton. A case of 12 beers goes up 24 cents and a bottle of wine is increased by 18 cents.
Losers — The insured
Losers — The insured: There is an insurance premium tax hike of one per cent.
Losers — Politicians
Losers — Politicians: Cabinet ministers, political staff and members of the legislature are to be under a salary freeze for the remainder of the current four-year legislature term.
Winners — The sick and those in need
Winners — The sick and those in need: More money for services to help children and families in need, including $15 million to support women's shelters. Operational funding for health is to increase to almost $21 billion by 2018.
Winners — Construction workers
Winners — Construction workers: The province plans to spend $34 billion over the next five years to ramp up construction for roads, schools, hospitals and other facilities.
Winners — Students
Winners — Students: There is a two-year tuition freeze for post-secondary students. An additional 380 teachers, plus 150 support staffers, to be hired for grade schools.
Losers — Future taxpayers
Losers — Future taxpayers: Starting next year, the province plans to begin borrowing for the first time in 20 years to manage its day-to-day spending. Debt for capital is expected to hit $36.6 billion by 2018.
Alberta's Bill 6 --- farm-safety legislation
Government ministers fanning out to personally clarify points about proposed new law
Alberta Legislature, Labour Minster Lori Sigurdson admitted the government "could have done a better job in communicating."
1. Will workers compensation be mandatory for all farm workers, including family members?
2. How much will WCB coverage cost?
3. How dangerous are farms?
4. What about occupational health and safety?
5. Will kids and neighbours still be able to help out on family farms?
Alberta farmers are fighting Bill 6, which makes the farm workplace safer. When did safety become a four-letter word? Bill 6 won't affect family farms. There will still be free child labour and no monetary compensation for injuries to any friends, neighbours, and relatives helping out on the family farm. Bill 6 will, however, protect seasonal workers, migrant workers, and paid employees by giving them the right to refuse unsafe work and be compensated in the event of injury or death. Alberta's Bill 6 is about having a safer workplace.
"Every other Canadian province and territory has workplace safety rules on farms. Four provinces -- Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia -- don't require WCB coverage on farms." (CBC, Dec.03, 2015)
Premier Rachel Notley's open letter to Albertans explains why Bill 6 is needed:
"The Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research shows that between 1990 and 2009, Alberta had a total of 355 agriculture-related deaths, an average of 18 per year. Estimates are that for each person who dies, 25 others are so severely injured, they are hospitalized. The number of additional injuries requiring medical attention in Alberta is anyone's guess as our legislation does not currently allow us to collect that information."
Bill 6
The outcry over Bill 6 is spearheaded by the Wildrose party. Leader Brian Jean is using part of Stephen Harper's playbook where fear, misunderstanding, and anger over an issue are used to score political points.
"The Wildrose has seized on this issue much like it did in 2009 when it helped stoke the fears of rural Albertans over Bill 50 introduced by the Progressive Conservative government to fast-track the construction of transmission lines. Although the Wildrose is often the first one to eagerly pour fuel onto political fires, party leader Brian Jean did offer advice on Monday that could help: 'Stop the bill...Don't pass it next week.'" (Edmonton Journal, 2015)
Food Banks ---- Largest donation in Alberta
Largest donation in Alberta food banks’ history supports community during downturn
CALGARY – Six Alberta charities, including three food banks, will receive an early Christmas present this year, after a private donation totaling $10 million.
Thursday, 10 December 2015
Wednesday, 9 December 2015
Basic Income
Finland plans to scrap welfare and give everyone the equivalent of $871 a month...from birth until death!
In an effort to end poverty and make society more equal, Finland is planning to gift each of its 5.4 million citizens a monthly payment of 800 euros (approximately $871). The government hopes that by implementing this progressive and ambitious initiative, it can stop the need for welfare altogether.
The payments will be life-long, and they will be paid to every single person in Finland (including babies), regardless of their financial situation. While skeptics claim this ‘basic income’ will deter many from working, that logic could easily be applied to the welfare state. At least this way, nobody can complain that some get more than others, or have reason to attack the most vulnerable for needing some help: wouldn’t it be nice to live in a society with no poor-shaming?
Would that work in other countries?
Many will argue that this simply wouldn’t work in other countries due to national debt and the ongoing global financial crisis. But Finland is hardly doing well: while unemployment stands relatively low at 10%, the country has been in a recession for three years, and like other European countries, public spending has been heavily affected by austerity cuts. Despite all this, the government is willing to take a big risk to eradicate poverty. Most Finnish people (around 60%) support the plans, which are expected to be implemented in 2017.
In an effort to end poverty and make society more equal, Finland is planning to gift each of its 5.4 million citizens a monthly payment of 800 euros (approximately $871). The government hopes that by implementing this progressive and ambitious initiative, it can stop the need for welfare altogether.
The payments will be life-long, and they will be paid to every single person in Finland (including babies), regardless of their financial situation. While skeptics claim this ‘basic income’ will deter many from working, that logic could easily be applied to the welfare state. At least this way, nobody can complain that some get more than others, or have reason to attack the most vulnerable for needing some help: wouldn’t it be nice to live in a society with no poor-shaming?
Would that work in other countries?
Many will argue that this simply wouldn’t work in other countries due to national debt and the ongoing global financial crisis. But Finland is hardly doing well: while unemployment stands relatively low at 10%, the country has been in a recession for three years, and like other European countries, public spending has been heavily affected by austerity cuts. Despite all this, the government is willing to take a big risk to eradicate poverty. Most Finnish people (around 60%) support the plans, which are expected to be implemented in 2017.
What are the obstacles to making it happen in Canada?
A Canadian City Once Eliminated Poverty
Between 1974 and 1979, residents of a small Manitoba city were selected to be subjects in a project that ensured basic annual incomes for everyone. For five years, monthly cheques were delivered to the poorest residents of Dauphin, Man. – no strings attached.
And for five years, poverty was completely eliminated.
The program was dubbed “Mincome” – a neologism of “minimum income”
The project’s original intent was to evaluate if giving cheques to the working poor, enough to top-up their incomes to a living wage, would kill people’s motivation to work. It didn’t.
But the Conservative government that took power provincially in 1977 – and federally in 1979 – had no interest in implementing the project more widely. Researchers were told to pack up the project’s records into 1,800 boxes and place them in storage.
A final report was never released.
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