Centre for Civic Governance

Whistler's BioBlitz Uncovers Several New Species

Whistler's annual BioBlitz invites local and non-local scientists to participate in a species treasure hunt. Scientists snap photos and collect samples of species found in the Whistler Resort area. This year's event resulted in a collection of over 700 plant and animal species and 100 of them are thought to be new. Read more here.

Portland's Pearl District Provides Affordable Housing to Local Residents

Gentrification of a neighbourhood usually results in displacement of low-income residents, but the revitalization of Portland's Pearl District avoided that outcome by building a substantial amount of affordable housing. The result is a vibrant, mixed income community. Read more here.

 

Decline in Phytoplankton Linked to Climate Change

Phytoplankton, the basis of the marine food chain, has been in decline for the past six decades with an overall reduction of 40% since 1950. The dramatic drop in phytoplankton levels has serious implications for the health of our oceans. Read article in Globe and Mail.

BC Targets Industry in Program to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

BC will be joining 10 other provinces and states in developing a cap and trade system that will reward companies who reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions while imposing financial penalties on companies who continue to exceed emission limits.

While cap and trade is viewed as an important strategy in ghg emssions reduction, critics argue the continued expansion of BC's oil and gas sector will contribute to an overall increase in GHG emissions.

Read "BC moves to hit industrial air polluters where it hurts," in Vancouver Sun

Read "BC's dishonesty on climate change" in Vancouver Sun

 

CCPA's Open Letter to Tony Clement Re: Changes to Census Collection

Statistics Canada's Senseless Census Decision

June 30, 2010

Open letter to the Honourable Tony Clement, Ministry of Industry and Minister Responsible for Statistics Canada and Munir Sheikh, Chief Statistician, Statistics Canada

Dear Sirs,

I am concerned by the Canwest report about the decision to restrict the upcoming Census, and the path the highly-regarded Statistics Canada and the Government of Canada seems to be headed down with regard to the type of information it is interested in collecting.

This latest decision scraps the Census long-form questionnaire in favour of a one-time survey which makes responses voluntary rather than mandatory. This move will weaken the quality and availability of data that tells us what is happening to employment, immigration, housing, incomes and education - the very issues that beg for the best policy decisions possible as we inch our way through recovery.

June Temperatures Set Another Record

Last month's June temperatures were the highest on record. As a result, sea ice is at its lowest level ever. In fact, sea ice levels have been steadily declining, with 19 consecutive years of below-average levels for the month of June.  Read more in the Globe and Mail.

Vancouver Considering Building Modular Housing to Address Affordable Housing Shortage

Vancouver City Council is looking into building modular housing as a short term solution to housing the homeless. Although construction is under way on several affordable housing projects across the city, completion of these units is still years away. Modular housing has the capacity to become permanent housing if need be. Read more in the Vancouver Sun.

Tyee Reports Uncomfortable Facts About the Tar Sands

The Tyee reports that the Federal Government has killed a report examing the environmental impacts of Alberta'sTar Sands. According to the evidence presented by several reputable scientists, the industry is rapidly poisoning and depleteing the Province's water supply. Read article here.

Toronto Makes Room for Bike Parking

Toronto recently converted two car parking spots to bicycle parking. The two spots are able to hold 16 bikes.  Read Globe and Mail article here.

Metro Vancouver Debates Waste Incineration

Metro Vancouver's proposed solid waste management plan is drawing fire over its waste incineration component. The region plans to increase recycling from 50% to 70% and burn the remaining 30%. While burning grabage could potentially provide energy and heat to nearby neighbourhoods, critics warn that incineration creates toxic air pollution, releasing "emissions of mercury, lead and cadmium into the atmosphere."

Several municiplaities are opposing the plan, while others are requesting more detailed information before proceeding.