Why the Trans Mountain ruling hurts Canada's climate change strategy

The court ruling Thursday that has halted plans to expand the Trans Mountain pipeline will have seismic implications on many fronts. Today in The Conversation Canada, David Tindall of the University of British Columbia says the court decision was a victory for environmentalists but, on the other hand, is also a setback for Canada’s strategy on climate change because Ottawa’s carbon pricing plan is now likely dead.

I grew up in Kent County in southern Ontario, which produces about 20 per cent of the province’s vegetables. Unfortunately, my diet didn’t include much locally grown produce. But there’s hope for today’s kids in Kent Country – and elsewhere. Amberley Ruetz and John Smithers from the University of Guelph tell us how 40,000 Ontario students ate local fruit and vegetables as part of a fascinating “farm-to-school” program.

A recent poll suggested Canadians had little awareness about the country’s military. David Bercuson of the University of Calgary explains the history of how Canadians have reacted to war and military campaigns over the last century.

Two other Guelph researchers, Louise Grogan and Tselmuun Tserenkhuu, examine whether development aid for sub-Saharan Africa would be better spent on a rural electrification program or clean drinking water and sanitation infrastructure.

And finally…do you know that Canada is the only G7 country that doesn’t tax wealthy family estates? Luc Theriault of the University of New Brunswick looks at a recent policy report which says it’s time Canada brought in an inheritance tax.

Regards,

Scott White

Editor

Today's Featured Articles

Coldwater Indian band Chief Lee Spahan raises an eagle feather after responding to a Federal Court of Appeal ruling that put the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion on hold.

Trans Mountain ruling: Victory for environmentalists, but a setback for action on climate change

David Tindall, University of British Columbia

Environmentalists claimed victory when a court ruling put the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion on hold. But delaying or cancelling the project would also impact Canada's climate change strategy.

Farm-to-school programs aim to bring healthy, local food into schools, foster food literacy and enhance community connectedness (Shutterstock)

‘Farm-to-school’ movement takes root in Canada

Amberley T. Ruetz, University of Guelph; John Smithers, University of Guelph

New research will examine how the emerging farm-to-school movement can support local food systems, as well as providing healthy lunches for children.

Members of the Canadian Forces march during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Vancouver, B.C., on Nov. 11, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Why Canadians pay little attention to their military

David J. Bercuson, University of Calgary

Canadians' indifference to their military isn't so surprising. Almost every military conflict has raised serious questions, and spurred divisive debate, about Canadian unity and independence.

Access to water – not electricity – can have larger gains for health and well-being. (Shutterstock)

Water access may be more important than electricity for sub-Saharan Africa

Louise Grogan, University of Guelph; Tselmuun Tserenkhuu, University of Guelph

Providing people with clean drinking water and sanitation is less expensive than grid electrification and it could improve more lives.

Should wealthy Canadians pay an inheritance tax? In this photo from 2002, David Thomson listens during the annual meeting of Thomson Corp. The Thomsons are considered Canada’s richest family. (CP PHOTO/Aaron Harris)

Should Canada have an inheritance tax?

Luc Theriault, University of New Brunswick

Canada is the only G7 country that doesn't have an inheritance tax. A new report says that should change. The idea of sharing the wealth from one generation to another is not new.

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