Home » Posts tagged 'government of canada'
Tag Archives: government of canada
The problem with a carbon tax in Canada
The problem with a carbon tax in Canada
Last week, Environment Minister Catherine McKenna indicated the federal government has not yet determined the national minimum carbon price which is part of its climate strategy. McKenna rejects any assertions the current economic environment is not the time to impose carbon pricing.
Frédéric Bastiat (1850) forewarned of demagogues like McKenna who demand the use of force to substitute their own inclinations for those of the human race. To seek support for her position, Minister McKenna is appealing to popular desires and prejudices using the most benign language conceivable. Using economic principles to unpack her message reveals its manipulative and sinister nature.
For decades, buyers and sellers have been peacefully discovering mutually agreeable prices for pieces of pure, crystalized carbon, more commonly known as diamonds. If she chose, the Minister could walk in to any reputable jewelry store and survey the asking prices of diamonds which relate to the weight, shape, colour and clarity of the crystalized carbon. But this is not the carbon she has in mind that requires a national minimum price.
Instead the focus is carbon dioxide, a gas produced by all aerobic organisms when they metabolize carbohydrate and lipids to produce energy by respiration. It is also produced as organic materials decay, as sugars ferment in bread, beer and wine making and though the combustion of wood and fossil fuels such as coal, peat, petroleum and natural gas.
Carbon dioxide is a versatile industrial material. It is used as an inert gas in welding and fire extinguishers, as a pressurizing gas in air guns and oil recovery. It is added to drinking water and carbonated beverages including beer and champagne to add sparkle. As a liquid it is used a solvent in decaffeination of coffee and as dehydration agent. In solid form it is used as a refrigerant, a solvent and an abrasive.
…click on the above link to read the rest of the article…
‘Media Is Our Last Line of Defence’: Mohamed Fahmy
‘Media Is Our Last Line of Defence’: Mohamed Fahmy
Newly pardoned journalist Mohamed Fahmy has ”many thank yous” for fellow Canadians who stood by him through his 411-day imprisonment and two-year legal battle in Egypt.
But though he’s grateful for the efforts of Canada’s ambassador and foreign minister on his behalf, the former Al Jazeera bureau chief said the federal government needs to more aggressively advocate for citizens jailed abroad.
”There are things that could be done to improve how the government in Canada dealt with my situation,” he said in a phone interview from Cairo on Friday, adding how, on return, he hopes to start a constructive debate on what Canada can learn from his case.
The Conservative government welcomed Fahmy’s pardon this week by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, along with that of fellow Al Jazeera staffer Baher Mohamed. The two had been sentenced to seven years in prison — convicted of offences including fabricating news and undermining national security in a trial that was widely denounced by human rights groups. In late August, their sentences were reduced to three years following an appeal. A third Al Jazeera staffer, Peter Greste, was earlier deported to Australia.
”Canada has consistently called at the highest level for Mr. Fahmy’s release and return to Canada,” said Lynne Yelich, Canada’s foreign affairs and consular Minister of State in a Sept. 23 statement. ”The Government of Canada will continue to provide Mr. Fahmy with consular assistance and will assist in facilitating his departure from Egypt.”
With a University of British Columbia journalism school job waiting for him, Fahmy said he is looking forward to starting ”a whole new life” in Vancouver. He’s also launched the Fahmy Foundation for a Free Press to advocate for journalists and bloggers jailed or persecuted overseas.
…click on the above link to read the rest of the article…
