Updates

BP shareholders just overwhelmingly voted to adopt the climate emissions targets of the Paris Agreement, throwing the corporation’s Nova Scotia offshore drilling operations into question. The resolution passed decisively with 99.14 per cent support.

Ottawa – Earlier today, the United States agreed to remove its unilateral steel and aluminum tariffs against Canada and Mexico. Many now feel that the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) can now be ratified. Remember: Canada and Mexico have said that they would not ratify the agreement with these tariffs in place.

Urgent climate action must cut emissions in half within 11 years

May 6, 2019 (Montreal) — On the same day the UN released its dire report on the state of the planet’s biodiversity, a growing movement of youth, artists, workers, Indigenous peoples, scientists and faith leaders, including more than 60 organizations, unions and associations, launched a Pact for a Green New Deal in three cities across the country.

Ottawa – Today, after a request from the Belgian government, the European Court of Justice ruled that the investor court system (ICS) in the Canada-European Union Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) was compatible with European Union law. In response, the Council of Canadians is reminding the public that the debate is far from over and is urging the Canadian government to pull the plug on the ICS system in CETA.

The Campaign to Protect Offshore Nova Scotia (CPONS) and the Council of Canadians are pleased with the federal government announcement today that it is banning offshore drilling in marine protected areas (MPAs). However, the groups are raising questions about whether the ban actually applies to current offshore drilling projects.

Newly released information further calls Industrial Approval into question

[Sipekne’katik District] – In recently released documents accessed through Access to Information and Freedom of Information legislation, Water Protectors have learned that Alton Gas’ current plan to release high concentration brine into the Sipekne’katik/ Shubenacadie River would be out of compliance with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC’s) general prohibition on the release of deleterious substances into waterways where fish frequent.

Our planet is choking on plastic waste! During Earth Week, learn more about the degradation of the planet caused by plastics and what we can all do about it at ‘Getting Beyond Single Use Plastic’ on April 27^th from 1 to 4pm at the Campbell River Regional Library, 1240 Shoppers Row.

There will be interesting and informative displays, films, prizes and more at this event.

Ottawa – Today, the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) revealed that new intellectual property provisions in the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) would cost Canadians as much as $169 million more per year for pharmaceutical drugs in the first year alone after they come into effect. 

In officially becoming a Blue Community last week, the city has made important commitments.

Written by Maude Barlow and Alice-Anne Simard, Special to the Montreal Gazette, March 27, 2019