E-newsletter (November 2017)
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Yearly Archives: 2017
UN climate discussions open in Bonn – Top climate actions for local government
(November 11, 2017) – From November 6 to 17, the world’s governments – now including Syria – are meeting in Bonn to continue work on the historic Paris Agreement. New reports tell us that the time for climate action is very short. According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), current global commitments are only READ MORE
E-newsletter (October 2017)
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Top Asks for Climate Action: 2017 Report Card and 2016 Report
2017 Top Asks for Climate Action – Report Card Enhancing the ability of local governments across Canada to act on greenhouse gas emissions is both a powerful opportunity and an absolute necessity for meeting Canada’s climate commitments says the first annual report card on Top Asks for Climate Action. Local government decisions impact over fifty percent of READ MORE
It’s time for a zero waste strategy in British Columbia
In British Columbia, regional districts and their member municipalities have made great advancements in the past decade on improving compost and recycling options. Diversion rates have also increased. Still, the province needs to do its part to reduce the amount of material moving through the system and mandate producer responsibility. In fact, BC is one READ MORE
E-newsletter (September 2017)
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Canada Infrastructure Bank and the Public’s Right to Know
Columbia Institute’s new report, Canada Infrastructure Bank and the Public’s Right to Know, examines the proposed Bank, and government legislation that prevents public access to information. The report also highlights concerns expressed by information commissioners and includes examples of how the Canadian government can do better. “The federal government is ready to invest $35 billion READ MORE
Jobs for Tomorrow – Canada’s Building Trades and Net Zero Emissions
Commissioned by Canada’s Building Trades Unions, Jobs for Tomorrow – Canada’s Building Trades and Net Zero Emissions explores the historic role of Canada’s construction industry and potential for low-carbon economy job growth. Meeting Canada’s climate goals could generate millions of jobs in the building trades by 2050. “Canada’s building trades’ professionals have a proud history of READ MORE
E-newsletter (August 2017)
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Staving off the coming global collapse
‘Overshoot’ is when a species uses resources faster than can be replenished. We’re already there. And show no signs of changing. Humans have a virtually unlimited capacity for self-delusion, even when self-preservation is at stake. The scariest example is the simplistic, growth-oriented, market-based economic thinking that is all but running the world today. Prevailing neoliberal READ MORE
E-newsletter (July 2017)
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2018 High Ground: Communities for all
Our work to ensure that our communities truly are “communities for all” has never been more important. One leader at a time. One citizen at a time. While global currents surge – climate change, moral leadership on equality, a global conversation on gender and power, international trade, a rising tide of newcomers amidst ecological disruption READ MORE
Public services need public scrutiny to protect public interest
The federal government’s new infrastructure bank has become increasingly controversial over the last few months. Studies have suggested the bank’s projects will be expensive and slow to advance. The high-priced developments will likely be out of range for all but the largest municipalities. However, little attention has been paid so far to what is perhaps READ MORE
The future of work in a low carbon economy
The Future of Work in a Low Carbon Economy The inevitable global transition to a low carbon economy presents an opportunity to address two pressing issues of our time – the climate crisis and income inequality. Eighteen to twenty-five-year-olds – who are about to become the largest demographic group in the work force – consistently READ MORE
E-newsletter (April 2017)
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Columbia Institute Reception at FCM in Ottawa
During FCM in Ottawa, on Thursday, June 1, we held our annual Columbia Institute reception at the South Block Whiskey Bar. The event featured a Report Card on Top Asks for Climate Action: Ramping-Up Low Carbon Communities.
E-newsletter (January 2017)
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“Back in House: Why Local Governments are Bringing Services Home” Webinar
A webinar on “Back in House: Why Local Governments are Bringing Services Home”