Environment

Canada is not the only Arctic coastal state to become more engaged in Arctic policy over the past few years.

Scientists are raising the alarm that warming and rising acidity of oceans is spelling ecological upheaval for marine ecosystems.

'The auditor general’s findings are entirely consistent with what our members have been saying for years.' - Byron Goerz, BCGEU.

Years of cuts have put Canada's federal national weather agency 'on the road to junior partner status.'

Organized by union and environmental groups from across British Columbia.

But all governments need to do more, says an analysis by the David Suzuki Foundation and Climate Action Network Canada.

"We didn't release our analysis immediately because, frankly, we were a little bit shocked by the conclusions," Matthew Bramley of the Pembina Institute commented.

"The creation of this institutional capacity is a prerequisite to the kind of provincial collaboration and leadership that Canadians need," Climate Action Network executive director Graham Saul said in a statement.

Praise for initiative by three major provinces masks lack of action by Conservatives at the national level.

Citizens are being urged to sign an open letter to Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner.

'These types of changes are very stressful for workers but fortunately this isn't the end of the road for affected members.' - Darryl Walker.

By working together, Ontario and Quebec can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of their electricity systems while also keeping rates in check for businesses and consumers.

July 17th marks the Climate Change Impacts Day for both Taiwan and Ukraine.

'CPP's investment in the tar sands involves pensioners in a toxic legacy when they should be able to rely on an ethical, sustainable retirement plan.'

It takes only 181 days for the average Canadian to produce as much greenhouse gases as the average Singaporean will produce over the course of the entire year.

Prime Minister Harper hearing from the wrong advisors on fossil fuel subsidies and financial taxes

NUPGE president James Clancy and OPSEU president Warren (Smokey) Thomas lead large contingent in peaceful protest through downtown Toronto.

On June 24th, 2010 Unions from all over the world adopted an ambitious resolution on climate change.

“We can rebalance society and limit markets. Organizations around the world are finding new and exciting ways to describe the world’s worth.”

'We need a real hands-on approach to banking supervision and to excessive bankers' pay, and to shielding commercial and retail banking from irresponsible shadow banking and speculation.' - ITUC.

Twenty-two Canadians died as a result of the listeriosis crisis caused by Maple Leaf Foods in Toronto.

Britain's David Cameron tells Harper that the UK and 'many other countries' will oppose Canada's decision to support big banks and international financial institutions.

'At a minimum, we ask that no exemptions from regulations be awarded to BP or any oil and gas company.' - James Clancy.'

Thousands expected to raise their voices for a Financial Transactions Tax both in the streets and online.

Liberal Senator Grant Mitchell sponsors MP Bruce Hyer’s landmark Bill C-311

The Climate Change Accountability Act requires that the Canadian government implement regulations and policies to attain a long-term target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.

A truly grassroots movement, where local actions move global solutions forward.

NUPGE president James Clancy says Canada should support and advance the idea of a global tax on financial institutions at G8 and G20 meetings at Huntsville in June.

Passage of Liberal motion crushes Conservative obstruction and clears the way for a third reading vote on Bill C-311.

'We urge [Michael Ignatieff] and all the Liberal MPs to vote for this bill and pressure the Conservatives to make real plans that make Canada an environmental leader once again.' - James Clancy.

Enthusiasm from Europe spreads to Canada in advance of G20 meetings planned for Toronto in June.

The announcement does not apply to freight trucks — a significant omission when freight emissions have nearly doubled since 1990.

Decision follows massive 'people power' protest by citizens across New Brunswick. Updated.

NUPGE is endorsing Earth Hour for the third consecutive year. Last year, in Canada alone, more than 10 million people, in more than 288 cities, turned off their lights!

2010 theme recognizes that population and industrial growth are adding new sources of pollution and increased demand for clean water around the world.

New report details government actions that undermine research into the science of climate change

By far the largest demonstration yet against the sale of NB Power assets to Hydro Quebec.

The National Union of Public and General Employees joins the Polaris Institute, the Canadian Federation of Students and the Sierra Youth Coalition in drawing attention to the environmental and social justice impact of corporate water.

NUPGE supports Earth Hour, this March 27th, 2010, in an effort to raise awareness around climate change and energy consumption.

BCGEU working to ensure placement for impacted members.

“Nowhere is a commitment to principled policy, backed by action, needed more than in addressing climate change” ... a quote taken from yesterday’s Throne speech, yet climate change is mentioned 3 times in the 450-page budget document. This speaks volumes.

After over four years in power, Stephen Harper’s government has yet to produce a comprehensive climate change plan of any kind.

British-based campaign says a charge of just 1/20th of 1% on financial transactions not involving the public would raise an estimated £250 billion ($400 billion Cdn) a year.

With 2010 being the International Year of Biodiversity, maintaining and expanding protected areas needs to be recognized as a powerful tool against climate change and should be a component of national and sub-national climate change strategies.

Report estimate that if only 10 per cent of the permafrost melted, this could lead to the release of an additional 80 parts per million of carbon dioxide equivalent into the atmosphere. This would equate to about 0.7 degrees Celsius of global warming.

Coalition fighting proposed $3.2 billion sale will bring together an array of experts at Options Summit Feb. 22 in Fredericton. - Updated

York professor, Carla Lipsig-Mummé receives $1 million from SSHRC, to study work in a warming world.

Negative record on the environment and climate change has damaged Canada's image on the global stage.

Editorial by Dale Marshall, David Suzuki Foundation (Wednesday, Feb.3, 2010)

Canada, a top ten global polluter, already with the weakest target in the industrialized world, weakened its target even further.

Controversial deal would dump assets for far less than they are worth while giving up control of future energy policy.

'The people of New Brunswick are looking for a ruling on the ownership of NB Power and whether the premier of the province of New Brunswick has exceeded his jurisdiction.'

“The Canadian government has been consistently out of step with the majority in parliament, the Canadian public and provincial governments.'

Irving-owned newspapers blasted for failing to inform citizens adequately about the sale which will mean huge benefits for the Irving family.

Coalition of New Brunswickers - NB Power Not for Sale will hold a news conference today.

'Public health professionals undertake important work, including disease prevention, health promotion and community protection.' - Elisabeth Ballermann, HSAA president.

Settlement achieved after one day of conciliation assistance.

Ordinary citizens gathered in the cold at the New Brunswick legislature this week to deliver a blunt message against the planned sale of the province's power utility to Quebec.

'The gradual elimination of jobs means proper resource management will not occur.' - Darryl Walker.

More than 540 animal and plant species are at risk in Canada.

This short video explores the "devil in the details" when it comes to the tool of cap-and-trade to combat climate change.

'Our image and reputation have taken a beating thanks to the Harper government's foot-dragging and stubborn refusal to change its weak emission-reduction targets.' - James Clancy.  

Leaked cabinet documents show government plan for massive increase in oil and gas emissions by 2020

Canada has come under significant international criticism on climate change. The Canadian government’s primary and most persuasive reply is that the country will “match U.S. efforts.”

Over three hundred events have been registered in cities and towns across Canada with large national rallies planned in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Montreal.

“It’s extremely disappointing that Canada and other developed countries, including the members of the European Union, New Zealand and Australia, are cheating on their targets and proposing to sweep increased emissions from logging under the rug so they don’t have to account for them,” says Chris Henschel, a CPAWS senior conservation manager and international expert on the UN negotiations on Land Use and Forestry.

Paper from Alberta’s Parkland Institute and the CCPA see a business model based on maximizing profit and share value creates significant environmental, social, economic, and political problems for Canada.

Canada wins for an unwillingness to negotiate at negotiations

"We're seeing no movement on the part of our politicians and yet pretty well all of the science that's come out since about 2007 has indicated that climate change is moving faster than we thought," said David Schindler, a professor of ecology at the University of Alberta.

NBUPPE says urgent action is needed to stop the controversial deal before it is finalized in March 2010. Updated

Put global health at the centre of UN climate summit

'This country's government is now behaving with all the sophistication of a chimpanzee's tea party.... the astonishing spectacle of a beautiful, cultured nation turning itself into a corrupt petro-state.'

On November 10, 2009 the Municipal Council of London Ontario signed an emergency resolution urging the federal government of Canada to take action on climate change. Citizens in municipalities across Canada have been mobilizing for urgent action on the climate change crisis.

Members of Parliament vote in favor of more ambitious action at the United Nations Climate Summit

'Let's not stand on the sidelines while the few who will benefit greatly from this deal give away our crown jewel.' - Susie Proulx Daigle.

Environment Minister Jim Prentice issues the challenge

The elements of a strong deal are still on the table. But, Canada must change its tune if a fair, ambitious, and legally binding agreement can be reached at the UN climate summit in Copenhagen in December.

 What do the November UN climate meetings bode for the Copenhagen summit?

Plug-ins and battery-powered vehicles will get special carpool, parking and recharging perks.

Federal Environment Minister Jim Prentice no longer plans to unveil an outline for regulations for Canada’s greenhouse gas pollution before December’s UN climate summit in Copenhagen.

On October 21, Conservative and Liberal MPs joined forces to delay passage of Bill C-311, the Copenhagen Climate Bill.

Among developed nations, Canada will now stand alone in Copenhagen blocking global progress.

'It means that they're not really interested in the perspectives of Canadian environmental groups and faith-based groups and labour unions and indigenous organizations and youth groups on this issue.'

At the UN climate negotiations in Bangkok Canada wins the first place Fossil of the Day award

'To matter, Canada has to actually punch above its weight, not just say it does. The U.S. can just show up and be listened to. So can China. Canada has to do much more.'

Environment Minister Jim Prentice represents Canada while Harper skips out to pay a courtesy call on New York Mayor Bloomberg

KYOTOplus is a mere 13 MP endorsements away from a majority in parliament

Harper government gives Canada an international black eye by refusing to name a Canadian representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Ben Powless, a Mohawk youth and a student at Carleton University, has just returned from Panama and the International Indian Treaty Council. His brief report for NUPGE is included below.

  Nova Scotia is one of the first provinces to impose regulated caps on greenhouse gas and air pollutant  emissions from power generation facilities.

Comprehensive new report outlines risks of poorly managed oil sands development and proposes a new approach

Meetings this week in Regina are critical leading into global UN climate conference at Copenhagen in December.

A week for provincial climate action during the Council of the Federation as Canada's Premiers discuss climate, energy, and trade.

Recognizing climate threshold one thing - action is quite another.

A new report states the lack of a clear leader among the ranked nations and while Germany has slightly improved, countries such as Canada and Russia have completely failed the test.

The best way to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is not to put them there in the first place.

Tri-national Statement Responds to Industry Pledge to Commercialize GE Wheat

40% cut to park ranger staff shows lack of environmental commitment.

'I'm concerned about what this may foreshadow for other parts of the public service after the election. - BCGEU president Darryl Walker.'

The latest emissions calculations are now in for 2007 and Canada has exceed their Kyoto target by 34.2%. By 2012 Canada has committed to meet a Kyoto target of 556.5 Mt of greenhouse gas emissions, but since 1990 has risen steadily topping 747 Mt in 2007.

To draw attention to the Bonn meetings in June, the Climate Action Network - Canada is turning up the heat on the KYOTOPlus campaign.

Green jobs are good jobs. Green jobs benefit the environment. Green jobs will prepare Canada for a strong economic future.

Cool Comforts: Bargaining for our survival is available through the National Union office.

'Three of four parties paid attention to all the recent science, the growing international consensus and the clear call by Canadians for bold action on climate change.'

The Climate Change Accountability Act (C-311), a private member's bill tabled by NDP MP Bruce Hyer, will be voted on at second reading in House of Commons this afternoon. This groundbreaking bill would set national climate targets that allow Canada to play a responsible part in the global effort to tackle climate change.

Earth Hour is quickly approaching - on Saturday, March 28th at 8:30 pm, millions of Canadians will turn out their lights to support the largest global public demonstration on climate change! What are you doing that night?

Scientists weren't pulling any punches as they outlined their findings before the release of their full synthesis in June 2009.

Ben Powless is Mohawk from Six Nations in Ontario. He is currently studying Human Rights, Indigenous and Environmental Studies at Carleton University in Ottawa. The National Union sponsored Ben to attend the 2009 World Social Forum in Belem, Brazil, January 24 to February 2.

NUPGE endorses an open letter to Parliament that challenges MPs to accept climate targets based on Science

Make existing 'side deals' part of treaty so they can be properly enforced, U.S. president says during visit to Ottawa.

(19 Feb. 2009) - Obama understands that the current recession presents national leaders with a unique opportunity to unleash ingenuity and develop green technologies that will renew economies and simultaneously confront climate change.

Stats Canada has just released a summary of 2007 data about households and the environment. Compared to last year the data shows an increase 'green' habits.

(Jan 23, 2009) -- 'The Harper government thinks we have to choose either a strong economy or a clean environment. This is a false choice that sells our country short. We can and must have both.'

Harper administration now ranks below Bush administration on global ridicule scale

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is calling on the federal and provincial governments to work together on a 5-point plan that would stimulate the economy and at the same time enhance Canada's social foundations and improve the environment.

Canadian arctic indigenous peoples and environmental groups launch a united call for action on climate change at United Nations negotiations.

Canadians unite to demand a real deal at UN climate negotiations in Poland. On December 7, 2008, thousands will gather in communities across Canada to call for action to stop climate chaos.

Members of Parliament must take a serious look at the sustainability of biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. Setting fuel targets before the creation of sustainable production criteria jeopardizes any emission reductions from these fuels.

Labour unions at the Poznan meetings are firmly committed to emission reductions based on the science from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports.

An international coalition of labour groups calls for human rights, economic justice and science-based targets at the December 2008 UN meetings in Poznan.

'Is it smart to put so much faith in biofuels?'

By voting day this past election the KYOTOplus campaign had obtained commitments from over half of all Liberal/NDP/Bloc/Green candidates – 493 in all. The lead-up to Poznan, is a second opportunity for politicians to commit to action. 

The Ontario Court of Appeal has told the Ontario government to drop its law that bans more than 100,000 agriculture workers from organizing a union and bargaining collectively because it violates labour rights that are protected by Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

'The findings of this study confirm what we've been saying all along.' - Darryl Walker

Canadian environment groups call on new parliament to cooperate and deliver. Once again Canada has a minority parliament, but it’s clear that the majority of Canadians voted for parties committed to taking stronger action on climate change.
 

Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, Paul Martin and John Turner put the heat on Stephen Harper

Vancouver conference promoting genetically engineered trees for fuel

Pembina Responds to Harper and Layton on Carbon Tax Comments

Media strategy will try to minimize reporting of harmful impact on the young, the elderly and aboriginals

This week provincial premiers met in Quebec City to discuss, among other things, climate change strategies.

Meetings in Japan fail to take global challenge seriously

State will try one-year experiment to cut costs of government and commuting

Impact on greenhouse gas emissions, global instability, food shortages and environmental damage must be studied, says James Clancy

As Brazilian sugar cane feeds the biofuel industry, it takes its toll on its labourers.

The Bonn session of the United Nations climate negotiations closed today with some new ideas on the table but only marginal progress towards a climate change deal,

208 fires as of June 11 – all caused by human error

Approved by Parliament over bitter opposition from the Harper government

This green social networking site develop by NBU's Peter Corbyn, is an opportunity for components to engage members with others from across Canada.

The Encyclopedia of Earth (EOE) adds a collection of reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, articles, FAQs, and links galore to their educational website.

Organized by the Ontario Power Authority, the goals of ECW include awareness raising and taking action to reduce energy consumption and pollution – particularly during electricity peak periods.

Dubious benefit in reducing greenhouse gases while exacerbating environmental and food problems

The United Nations is now investigating Canada for failing to set up a simple greenhouse gas accounting mechanism. Yesterday the United Nations announced that Canada will be formally investigated on non-compliance for failing to set up a greenhouse gas registry.

Happy Earth Day Ontario!

Media Release from the Canadian Environmental Law Association

Happy Earth Day Ontario!

Media Release from the Canadian Environmental Law Association

NUPGE urges everyone to mark the occasion by advocating action on climate change

Youth and climate change activists across the country are trying to stop the government from killing the Climate Change Accountability Act, Bill C-377. Endless hours of conservative filibustering have driven the committee meetings into the wee hours.

Three federal parties participate but Prime Minister Harper and Environment Minister John Baird decline

Harper standards are 'smoke and mirrors'

120 cities and towns taking part on March 29

Friends of the Earth Canada continues with litigation to hold the Canadian government accountable for inaction on the Kyoto Protocol.

The first comprehensive national study in a decade on where and how climate change will impact Canada provides dramatic evidence of the costs of climate change and the need for urgent action, say representatives of the Climate Action Network Canada- Réseau action climat Canada.

Revitalizing our manufacturing sector, driving green building, promoting safer chemicals and realizing the economic benefits of global warming are all pieces of the just transition puzzle.

'How can we take Stephen Harper seriously.'

'The Harper government is not serious about doing anything significant to ensure a clean and green future for Canadians.'

Join an international movement and raise awareness about global warming

The missing piece to confronting climate change

Preferential treatment for corporations, says BCGEU

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is pleased to support the 'Story of Stuff' project. It's message ties into NUPGE's long standing work on globalization and the environment.

Governments in Canada need to closely examine the growing number of scientific warnings about the benefits of biofuels.

The following is the text of Ian Angus’s keynote speech at 'Smells Like Green Spirit,' a conference sponsored by the University of British Columbia Student Environment Centre, on January 19, 2008.

Letter to first ministers outlines five key areas where crucial action is needed

NUPGE wants Ottawa to focus on five major areas

Lax environmental scrutiny for project that will spew three million tonnes of greenhouse gases every year

'Opportunity to get involved in the most important issue of our day'

National round table concludes that long-term economic costs will not be significant

The KYOTOplus pledge is part of a national global warming petition campaign launched on Parliament Hill by a broad collective of environmental and public interest organizations.

Global pressure forced Canada to join other nations in signing 'roadmap' at Bali

OPSEU says report echoes concerns it has expressed on many occasions

John Baird sides with the U.S., Japan and Russia to block progress at climate change talks

A Just Transition looks at the transition to a low-carbon economy

After years of lobbying, the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) has won full benefits for seasonal auxiliary workers employed by B.C.'s forest and range protection branch. The change takes effect with the 2008 fire season.

Further distancing itself from the Kyoto Protocol, Canada has joined the Asia-Pacific Partnership, an organization condemned by critics for its soft approach to the environmental crisis.

West Coast Environmental Law, assisted by the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union, has released a damning report on the provincial environment. It documents a dramatic reduction in enforcement and compliance under the Campbell Liberal government.

Friends of Earth Canada taking Harper government to Federal Court

Push for nuclear power could lead Canada to import massive amounts of waste.

CAW delegates, this August 2007, unanimously endorsed the policy paper 'Climate Change and Our Jobs: Finding the Right Balance'. This endorsement announces a full commitment from the CAW to the fight against climate change.

58% initial return rate reported but new initiative is not as green as many citizens think

Tropics and mid-tropics becoming dryer as precipitation increases in mid-latitude areas

The National Union endorses Friends of the Earth and Sierra Legal's court challenge of the Conservative government's inaction on climate change. With the real possibility of not meeting Kyoto targets, Canadians risk failure on the international stage and meeting our environmental responsibilities.

User fees make up greater percentage of the parks budget in Ontario than in any other province

Peter Corbyn urges NUPGE Components and members to take action

The G-8 club of industrialized countries comes to a general agreement to cut their emissions 50% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. The US insists China and India come on-board for the successor agreement to Kyoto.

'Pleased to take action on an issue which involves all of us.'

'There’s something seriously wrong with this picture.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas

'Calling this plan a strategy is actually giving it far too much credit. It's a sham, and a complete abdication of our international commitment.' - David Suzuki – April 27, 2007

Rallies in Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal

90% likelihood greenhouse gases are responsible for changes associated with global warming

Most provinces still failing on global warming - need for federal government to lead

40% decrease in enforcement targets for illegal hunters, anglers and netters