nationalobserver--2020-09-02--The climate impact of stimulus spending

The climate impact of stimulus spending

As the COVID-19 virus stealthily migrated around the world , the inevitable impact upon economic activity arrived in the form of lockdowns .
The stock market tumbled , and citizens of the most polluted cities were awed as the skies cleared and the stars twinkled .
The incessant rumble of air transportation faded , and contrails vanished from the sky .
The urban dawn chorus evoked joy in many who had not heard it for so long .
As governments took stock , grappling with public health and safety issues , they developed and delivered economic stimulus packages .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promised to catalyze transition .
Using public domain publications and press reports , our research group analyzed these packages to quantify how positive they were with respect to climate change .
• The biblical flood that will drown California • 'Nothing we can do : ' High water threatens lakeside homes The global map below illustrates the regions where sufficient detail of stimulus spending allowed us to make an assessment .
The traffic light system is used to quickly convey a climate friend or foe to regional stimulus .
Jurisdictions that invoked climate-friendly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yellow lights illuminate regions where the status quo would be maintained , while a red light indicates responses that would likely exacerbate climate change .
• Yellow : Likely to maintain the status quo : Canada – France – U.K. – South Africa – India • Red : Likely to increase GHG emissions post COVID-19 : Russia – U.S. – China – Nigeria – Egypt – Brazil Germany ’ s green light is earned with an economic rescue package worth up to €130 billion ( US $ 147.5 billion ) to stimulate businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will go to addressing climate change by targeting initiatives such as public transport , electric vehicles and renewable energy and €9 billion is earmarked to fund the hydrogen industry .
In all , around 40 per cent of Germany ’ s stimulus spending is focussed on a lower GHG emission future , with the remaining 60 per cent being neutral .
A red light is awarded to Russia which has unveiled measures worth US $ 72 billion aimed at reviving the economy , including significant investments in oil companies , with no specific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Countries like Canada that have opted to support the status quo and failed to embrace the economic promise of a renewable energy third industrial revolution will ultimately be economically disadvantaged and falter . ''
Here at home , Canada gets a yellow light for putting most of its stimulus into neutral job support for the economy .
A few measures are aimed at environmental issues , including $ 1.72 billion for cleaning up abandoned oil and gas wells , and $ 750 million for reducing GHG emissions from conventional oil and gas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going exclusively to the oil and gas industry , not renewable energy .
The majority of Canada 's $ 150 billion stimulus is climate neutral economic support .
Twice as many countries get a red light compared to those that get a green light Countries that have selected policies that place them in the red category means that their leaders have not embraced the potential for change , but have invested in sunset industries at the expense of the climate and future economic well-being .
This is a tragic failing .
Countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support the status quo and failed to embrace the economic promise of a renewable energy third industrial revolution will ultimately be economically disadvantaged and falter .
Oil and gas industries employ millions of people ; therefore , governments and politicians tend to neglect future growth opportunities in favour of short-term , vote-garnering decisions .
We hope that more countries and leaders follow in Germany ’ s footsteps and consciously choose long-term , climate-friendly policies over short-term , vote-friendly solutions .
For a more technical description of our work , please visit our academic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research group .

As the COVID-19 virus stealthily migrated around the world, the inevitable impact upon economic activity arrived in the form of lockdowns. The stock market tumbled, and citizens of the most polluted cities were awed as the skies cleared and the stars twinkled. The incessant rumble of air transportation faded, and contrails vanished from the sky. The urban dawn chorus evoked joy in many who had not heard it for so long. This global collective human experience fostered renewed calls for job-creating, green stimulus packages. As governments took stock, grappling with public health and safety issues, they developed and delivered economic stimulus packages. Many of them were characterized as climate-friendly and promised to catalyze transition. Using public domain publications and press reports, our research group analyzed these packages to quantify how positive they were with respect to climate change.
The global map below illustrates the regions where sufficient detail of stimulus spending allowed us to make an assessment. The traffic light system is used to quickly convey a climate friend or foe to regional stimulus. Jurisdictions that invoked climate-friendly stimulus were given a green light. Yellow lights illuminate regions where the status quo would be maintained, while a red light indicates responses that would likely exacerbate climate change. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions
Green: Likely to reduce GHG emissions post COVD-19: Germany – South Korea – Australia Yellow: Likely to maintain the status quo: Canada – France – U.K. – South Africa – India Red: Likely to increase GHG emissions post COVID-19: Russia – U.S. – China – Nigeria – Egypt – Brazil Germany’s green light is earned with an economic rescue package worth up to €130 billion (US$147.5 billion) to stimulate businesses and support workers. About €50 billion will go to addressing climate change by targeting initiatives such as public transport, electric vehicles and renewable energy and €9 billion is earmarked to fund the hydrogen industry. In all, around 40 per cent of Germany’s stimulus spending is focussed on a lower GHG emission future, with the remaining 60 per cent being neutral. "Countries like Canada that have opted to support the status quo and failed to embrace the economic promise of a renewable energy third industrial revolution will ultimately be economically disadvantaged and falter." A red light is awarded to Russia which has unveiled measures worth US$72 billion aimed at reviving the economy, including significant investments in oil companies, with no specific plans to address environmental sustainability. Here at home, Canada gets a yellow light for putting most of its stimulus into neutral job support for the economy. A few measures are aimed at environmental issues, including $1.72 billion for cleaning up abandoned oil and gas wells, and $750 million for reducing GHG emissions from conventional oil and gas. Significantly, funds for the energy sector are going exclusively to the oil and gas industry, not renewable energy. The majority of Canada's $150 billion stimulus is climate neutral economic support.
Twice as many countries get a red light compared to those that get a green light


nationalobserver--2020-09-03--Town approves long-term COVID-19 test site

La Ronge town council approved a motion for a new COVID-19 test site in its industrial area on Wednesday at a special meeting .
The move means the Saskatchewan Health Authority can continue testing in the community for the long term .
On Aug. 4 , Dr. Theresa Tam , Canada ’ s chief public health officer , said whether or not a vaccine is developed , health officials are preparing for a long-term approach to the pandemic that could last years .
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam is reflected in a television during a news conference in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 .
Photo by The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld “ We 're planning , as a public health community , that we 're going to have to manage this pandemic certainly over the next year , but certainly it may be planning for the longer term on the next two to three years during which the vaccine may play a role .
But we do n't know yet , ” Tam said in August .
“ We did not realize in the beginning that ( COVID-19 ) would be here for this long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
Realistically , we ’ re looking at a minimum of five or six months , no matter what , ” La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich told Canada ’ s National Observer on Wednesday .
• The biblical flood that will drown California • New Indigenous advisory committee has no power over Canada ’ s energy projects The testing site is now at the Kikinahk Friendship Centre , which houses a headstart pre-kindergarten program , a prenatal program , and a youth program .
“ We have 60 children in ( pre-kindergarten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until June .
I ’ m still not sure how we ’ re going to have the children enter , but we didn ’ t really want them going through the ( COVID-19 ) testing site , ” Woytowich said .
La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich in his facility as who is executive director at Kikinahk Friendship Centre as staff prepare hampers with donations for distribution to prenatal women and elders in the La Ronge community during the hight of the pandemic .
Photo my Michael Bramadat-Willcock .
The move will have positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in La Ronge .
“ The industrial area should not be where any of this stuff is , but we had no choice .
For example , say I don ’ t have a driver ’ s licence right now .
So how would I get there if somebody didn ’ t drive me ?
And if I had COVID , then I ’ m putting somebody else at risk , ” Woytowich said .
On the other hand , the new location will reduce the risk for vulnerable or immunocompromised people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We think we ’ re safe , but you never know what ’ s around the corner , '' Ron Woytowich .
“ You ’ ve got to remember there ’ s also up to 60 pregnant women in our prenatal programs .
We ’ re trying to be safe , ” Woytowich said .
The mayor said as a central location for health services in northeast Saskatchewan , long-term access to testing in La Ronge is essential for keeping cases down even though there have been no confirmed cases in the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re safe , but you never know what ’ s around the corner .
Being La Ronge , we ’ re lucky that we got this testing site , ” Woytowich said .
The La Ronge test site has been at the Kikinahk Friendship Centre since it opened in March .
Photo by Michael Bramadat-Willcock .
Saskatchewan reported two new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday , bringing the total to 1,624 reported cases .
The new cases are in the northwest and south central zones .
Testing is now available to anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms or not .

La Ronge town council approved a motion for a new COVID-19 test site in its industrial area on Wednesday at a special meeting. The move means the Saskatchewan Health Authority can continue testing in the community for the long term. On Aug. 4, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, said whether or not a vaccine is developed, health officials are preparing for a long-term approach to the pandemic that could last years. Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam is reflected in a television during a news conference in Ottawa, on Friday, Aug. 14, 2020. Photo by The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld “We're planning, as a public health community, that we're going to have to manage this pandemic certainly over the next year, but certainly it may be planning for the longer term on the next two to three years during which the vaccine may play a role. But we don't know yet,” Tam said in August. “We did not realize in the beginning that (COVID-19) would be here for this long and it could be for another two years. Realistically, we’re looking at a minimum of five or six months, no matter what,” La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich told Canada’s National Observer on Wednesday.
The testing site is now at the Kikinahk Friendship Centre, which houses a headstart pre-kindergarten program, a prenatal program, and a youth program. “We have 60 children in (pre-kindergarten), and it runs from September until June. I’m still not sure how we’re going to have the children enter, but we didn’t really want them going through the (COVID-19) testing site,” Woytowich said. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich in his facility as who is executive director at Kikinahk Friendship Centre as staff prepare hampers with donations for distribution to prenatal women and elders in the La Ronge community during the hight of the pandemic. Photo my Michael Bramadat-Willcock.
The move will have positive and negative implications for access to testing in La Ronge. “We think we’re safe, but you never know what’s around the corner," La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich “The industrial area should not be where any of this stuff is, but we had no choice. For example, say I don’t have a driver’s licence right now. So how would I get there if somebody didn’t drive me? And if I had COVID, then I’m putting somebody else at risk,” Woytowich said. On the other hand, the new location will reduce the risk for vulnerable or immunocompromised people who use the Kikinahk Friendship Centre. “You’ve got to remember there’s also up to 60 pregnant women in our prenatal programs. We’re trying to be safe,” Woytowich said. The mayor said as a central location for health services in northeast Saskatchewan, long-term access to testing in La Ronge is essential for keeping cases down even though there have been no confirmed cases in the community so far.
“We think we’re safe, but you never know what’s around the corner. Being La Ronge, we’re lucky that we got this testing site,” Woytowich said. The La Ronge test site has been at the Kikinahk Friendship Centre since it opened in March. Photo by Michael Bramadat-Willcock. Saskatchewan reported two new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the total to 1,624 reported cases. The new cases are in the northwest and south central zones.


nationalobserver--2020-09-03--B.C. kayaking operators navigating rough water after COVID-19 sinks summer season

This summer season was short , and perhaps sweet enough so some of B.C.
’ s tourism operators were able to weather the pandemic 's negative impacts .
Campgrounds , parks , restaurants and a range of tourism services reaped some measure of reward from B.C .
residents exploring their backyards and following the government ’ s staycation directive .
But kayaking expedition operators certainly weren ’ t buoyed by a wave of local vacationers , said Rick Snowdon , owner of Spirit of the West Adventures based on Quadra Island .
“ When you look at the numbers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , adding no one involved in tourism was surprised by COVID-19 's ripple effects .
“ But I think those of us who are guided tour operators felt the impacts more than others.
” • The biblical flood that will drown California • New Indigenous advisory committee has no power over Canada ’ s energy projects But the marine adventure tourism sector — so critical to the economy of many small coastal communities in B.C .
— took a big hit as international visitors vanished this year .
Snowdon , who typically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only one this summer and his revenues dropped by 85 per cent .
A rough count suggests there are at least 57 kayaking expedition companies operating along the B.C .
coast that might be facing similar circumstances , Snowdon said .
Typically , Snowdon 's Quadra Island kayaking company employs 45 people and hosts 1,300 guests who usually spend some of their time and money locally before or after their tours .
This year , however , he was only able to hire a third of his staff , and that number was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wage Subsidy ( CEWS ) program .
And the company toured a meagre 100 guests , with only a handful of them setting foot on Quadra , Snowdon said .
“ When you look at the numbers , they are pretty dire , but I think those of us who are guided tour operators felt the impacts more than others ” Kayaking expedition operator Rick Snowdon on an 85 per cent loss in revenue due to Covid-19 .
Rick Snowdon , owner of Spirit of the West Adventures on Quadra Island , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business but that he hopes next year will be better .
Photo : Chris Bulowski The tour that was offered was substantially modified to meet pandemic protocols .
That meant only accepting smaller groups that were already in social bubbles together , providing masks to guests , installing barriers as necessary and adding hand-washing stations or setups .
It was gratifying to make the tours a reality , but the loss of visitors , the late season start , added costs and low community support for tourism radically drove down income , Snowdon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent are being reported not only by marine tourism operators , but also by the adventure tourism sector as a whole , said Walt Judas , CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of B.C .
( TIABC ) .
Operators running more sophisticated expeditions were the hardest hit , because locals simply didn ’ t replace missing international tourists , Judas said .
“ Locals have their own kayaks .
They ’ re familiar with their area and just won ’ t pay for that sort of thing because it ’ s in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ But when people come from other areas of the world , these tours are bucket-list items they ’ ll gladly pay for , and that ’ s where the revenue is generated.
” Walt Judas , CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of B.C .
( TIABC ) , believes low or no interest loans are going to be necessary to see adventure tourism operators survive the off season .
Photo supplied by TIABC .
Though adventure tourism operators have been able to take advantage of some of the federal and provincial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra help to survive the winter , Judas added .
“ What ’ s really needed is working capital grants , or low- or no-interest loans to help these businesses over the hump , ” he said “ Because otherwise , a lot of these operators run the risk of going out of business during the low season .
“ And , if you do n't have a tourism supply chain in place , you really do n't have reasons for people to visit and spend their money in the province.
” Hits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities , like the Discovery Islands , Snowdon said .
Revenue from kayaking expeditions , fishing charters , or whale-watching provides economic benefits to small coastal communities , whether it be at hotels and restaurants , or indirectly at the grocery and hardware stores , he added .
“ There ’ s sort of a classic line that most people who work in tourism do n't know they work in tourism , ” Snowdon said .
Kayaking expeditions and other eco-tourism operators drive the province 's “ Super , Natural British Columbia branding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remote communities .
Photo Dave Hartman .
Eco-tourism operators are the driving force behind the province ’ s “ Super , Natural British Columbia branding '' — which promotes outdoor exploration of sensational wilderness , seas , forests and mountain landscapes , he said .
The sector represents approximately $ 2 billion in direct spending by tourists , not including the supply services the industry supports , according to the Wilderness Tourism Association of B.C .
Additionally , adventure tourism supports 26,000 direct full-time jobs and some 40,000 jobs overall .
Beyond bridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sector is sustainable is to smooth the way for the safe return of international tourists , Judas said .
“ The real focus for us now is to see if and how we can begin to welcome those visitors again , ” he said .
But Snowdon doesn ’ t anticipate international visitors will be returning by next summer .
He has modest expectations for 2021 .
By applying the adaptations and lessons learned by safely operating under the new pandemic protocols this summer , he hopes to earn perhaps 50 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coming year .
He also expects the kayaking tourism sector will contract and some operators will be lost , but overall it will survive .
“ I don ’ t think there ’ s a switch that will be flipped and things will go back to normal , ” Snowdon said .
“ You 'd be overly optimistic to think that things are just going to come roaring back .
“ If it does , that would be great .
But if it does n't , we 'll be ready to work @ @ @ @

This summer season was short, and perhaps sweet enough so some of B.C.’s tourism operators were able to weather the pandemic's negative impacts. Campgrounds, parks, restaurants and a range of tourism services reaped some measure of reward from B.C. residents exploring their backyards and following the government’s staycation directive. But kayaking expedition operators certainly weren’t buoyed by a wave of local vacationers, said Rick Snowdon, owner of Spirit of the West Adventures based on Quadra Island. “When you look at the numbers, they are pretty dire,” Snowdon said, adding no one involved in tourism was surprised by COVID-19's ripple effects. “But I think those of us who are guided tour operators felt the impacts more than others.”
The marine adventure tourism sector — so critical to the economy of many small coastal communities in B.C. — took a big hit as international visitors vanished this year. Snowdon, who typically offers eight different multi-day tours, offered only one this summer and his revenues dropped by 85 per cent. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions A rough count suggests there are at least 57 kayaking expedition companies operating along the B.C. coast that might be facing similar circumstances, Snowdon said.
Typically, Snowdon's Quadra Island kayaking company employs 45 people and hosts 1,300 guests who usually spend some of their time and money locally before or after their tours. “When you look at the numbers, they are pretty dire, but I think those of us who are guided tour operators felt the impacts more than others” Kayaking expedition operator Rick Snowdon on an 85 per cent loss in revenue due to Covid-19. This year, however, he was only able to hire a third of his staff, and that number was only possible because of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program. And the company toured a meagre 100 guests, with only a handful of them setting foot on Quadra, Snowdon said. Rick Snowdon, owner of Spirit of the West Adventures on Quadra Island, says the pandemic had a dire effect on his business but that he hopes next year will be better. Photo: Chris Bulowski The tour that was offered was substantially modified to meet pandemic protocols.
That meant only accepting smaller groups that were already in social bubbles together, providing masks to guests, installing barriers as necessary and adding hand-washing stations or setups. It was gratifying to make the tours a reality, but the loss of visitors, the late season start, added costs and low community support for tourism radically drove down income, Snowdon said. Revenue drops of 85 per cent are being reported not only by marine tourism operators, but also by the adventure tourism sector as a whole, said Walt Judas, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of B.C. (TIABC).


nationalobserver--2020-09-03--Trudeau talks economic and environmental recovery on virtual tour of B.C.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held his first virtual tour of British Columbia on Wednesday , in lieu of his usual in-person visit to the region , given the restrictions around travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Trudeau took part in online discussions with B.C .
Premier John Horgan and federal Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson about new green infrastructure projects and economic recovery .
Today , I ’ ll be meeting with business leaders and partners from across BC , doing a few interviews , and meeting with Premier @ JJHorgan - virtually .
I ’ ll keep you posted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
pic.twitter.com/mzFDNV62E7 — Justin Trudeau ( @ JustinTrudeau ) September 2 , 2020 Analysis from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives found that the forced shutdown of businesses in March saw pollution levels in the country ’ s five largest cities fall by 15 per cent .
But the environmental gains were tainted by a historically low drop in Canada 's gross domestic product , which for the months of April , May and June slumped by 11.5 per cent , according to Statistics Canada 's latest numbers .
Trudeau ’ s virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resume in three weeks , when his government could fall on a non-confidence motion .
While Trudeau said he prorogued Parliament to give his government time to figure out a COVID-19 recovery plan , it came on the heels of an ethics probe into his dealings with WE Charity .
If the Liberal government fails the confidence vote , Canadians would go to the polls this fall .
With 42 seats in the House of Commons , B.C .
could play an important role in who is elected prime minister .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NDP won 11 seats each in the province , while the Conservatives got 17 .
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did his first virtual tour of B.C .
in lieu of his usual in-person tour of the province .
Premier John Horgan said his discussion with the Prime Minister and his minister of environment focused on keeping British Columbians safe during the pandemic .

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held his first virtual tour of British Columbia on Wednesday, in lieu of his usual in-person visit to the region, given the restrictions around travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trudeau took part in online discussions with B.C. Premier John Horgan and federal Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson about new green infrastructure projects and economic recovery.
Today, I’ll be meeting with business leaders and partners from across BC, doing a few interviews, and meeting with Premier @JJHorgan - virtually. I’ll keep you posted on how it all goes, stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/mzFDNV62E7 — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 2, 2020
The federal government announced a $28.5-million green infrastructure project with the province on Tuesday. The funding will be divided among 11 projects across B.C., from expanding electric vehicle charging stations in Nanaimo to experimenting with using heat from Vancouver's sewage to create low-carbon forms of energy.
As Canada tries to recuperate from economic losses incurred during COVID-19, environmental advocates have urged the federal government to remember and keep its climate change and conservation promises. Approaching its Paris climate agreement 2030 deadline, Canada has vowed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 30 per cent below what they were in 2005. Trudeau’s government also pledged to increase the amount of land, freshwater and marine conservation areas to 25 per cent and reach net-zero carbon pollution by 2025.


nationalobserver--2020-09-03--Feds extend deadline, eligibility for COVID-19 business credit. That's good for farmers, advocates s

Feds extend deadline, eligibility for COVID-19 business credit. That's good for farmers, advocates say

Even in a pandemic , seeds germinate , livestock grow — and farmers keep working .
That rhythm , vital to Canada ’ s food supply and rural economies , belies the uncertainty farmers face from bad weather , markets — and now , COVID-19 .
It ’ s an uncertainty advocates hope will ease with changes to the Canada Emergency Business Account ( CEBA ) announced Monday .
Those changes include an extension for the application window from Aug. 31 to Oct. 31 and allowing businesses without a business banking account to apply .
✴NEW✴ The # CEBA loan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Over 730,000 businesses have received this support , and now more businesses will be able to access the liquidity they need while times are still tough .
Learn more : https : //t.co/ZKWy7Zi3iQ pic.twitter.com/9qsD8qdImq — Mary Ng ( @ mary_ng ) August 31 , 2020 “ Until we know for sure how ( the pandemic ) is going to play out , a lot of farmers will be just playing a waiting game and continuing to farm their butts off and hopefully make it through the season , ” Abra Brynne , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CityFolk based in Nelson , B.C.
, said .
• The biblical flood that will drown California • New Indigenous advisory committee has no power over Canada ’ s energy projects Over 55 per cent of businesses with between one and 19 employees saw their revenues drop at least 20 per cent between April and June .
They also relied heavily on credit to survive , with 40 per cent of these businesses requesting credit in the same period .
In response , the federal government announced CEBA on April 9 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to $ 40,000 to small businesses and non-profits to help cover non-deferrable expenses , and is delivered through banks , credit unions , and other financial institutions .
As of Aug. 27 , more than 750,000 loans had been disbursed totalling more than $ 29 billion in credit .
“ For Canada to truly lead in a post-COVID world , supporting small businesses is critical , ” Small Business Minister Mary Ng said in a statement .
Photo by Alex Tétreault When CEBA was first rolled out , those non-deferrable expenses included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — but not some farmers ’ key expenses .
# COVID-19 hit # farms hard .
“ Until we know for sure how ( the # pandemic ) is going to play out , a lot of # farmers will be just playing a waiting game and continuing to farm their butts off , and hopefully make it through the season , ” @ AbraBrynne said .
“ Farming is a very different business than other small business , ” Mara Shaw , the executive director of the National Farmers Union , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in expenses , but their needs are different from most businesses .
“ They have things like buying seed and buying inputs , and the costs they ’ re going to incur buying the products they need to produce their products.
” Shaw also said that the application window ’ s timing — the deadline was initially Aug. 31 , farmers ’ busiest time of year — and eligibility limits excluded many farmers .
The federal government heeded these concerns , modifying the rules in late June to include owner-operated businesses without a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiving income directly from their work .
The list of eligible expenses was also expanded to include seeds , fertilizers , and other things farmers must buy to do their job .
“ We are taking the necessary steps to ensure that small businesses will be able to access the liquidity they need to keep operating while times are still tough , so they will be able to rebuild on the road to economic recovery , ” Mary Ng , minister of small business , export promotion and international trade , said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ devil is in the details.
” “ This change is certainly heartening in terms of ( being ) more supportive of farmers , ” Brynne said .
“ But it ’ s just plain fuzzy in terms of how they ’ re going to interpret the eligibility.
” Those details include the thresholds used to decide of the expenses incurred in January and February , which ones are non-deferrable .
For instance , many small family farms don ’ t have a “ payroll ” and operating expenses are rolled into their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farm expenses as pre- or post-pandemic .
And accounting for these anomalies is critical .
Many small farmers struggle with high land and productions costs in “ normal ” years .
Eligibility for an emergency loan to cover expenses during COVID-19 might be what keeps them afloat .
“ Part of the reason we don ’ t have droves of people graduating agricultural colleges and running off to become farmers is that most people understand how difficult it is to make a living as a farmer , ” Brynne said .
Farmers aren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Brynne said , and carry lots of debt : Nationwide , farm debt has almost doubled since 2000 , while overall , net farm incomes have stagnated .
Farm debt has skyrocketed in the past 20 years , putting farmers in an increasingly unsustainable financial pinch .
Graph by the National Farmers Union .
Solving this problem is larger than the pandemic , Brynne explained , but the crisis could offer opportunities to make farming a financially viable livelihood .
Those include everything from helping farms affordably access land to eliminating unnecessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I would love to see a huge amount of reinvestment in local infrastructure up and down the supply chain .
All that infrastructure that enables people to take their farm product and get it to the consumer — that intermediary ste .
We ’ ve lost a lot of that in B.C.
, ” Brynne said .
Those losses have increased B.C .
farmers ’ reliance on international markets ( and B.C .
eaters ’ dependence on imported food ) — supply chains disrupted by pandemic-related flight cancellations and border restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Business Account ’ s scope — they ’ ll take long-term federal and provincial investments — but Brynne hopes the pandemic will help initiate these changes .
“ If we can really build the domestic market , that ’ s going to remove so much uncertainty .
Not just for the farmers , but for us as eaters because we will have food closer to home .
”

Even in a pandemic, seeds germinate, livestock grow — and farmers keep working. That rhythm, vital to Canada’s food supply and rural economies, belies the uncertainty farmers face from bad weather, markets — and now, COVID-19. It’s an uncertainty advocates hope will ease with changes to the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) announced Monday. Those changes include an extension for the application window from Aug. 31 to Oct. 31 and allowing businesses without a business banking account to apply. ✴NEW✴
The #CEBA loan application deadline is extended to October 31! Over 730,000 businesses have received this support, and now more businesses will be able to access the liquidity they need while times are still tough.
Learn more: https://t.co/ZKWy7Zi3iQ pic.twitter.com/9qsD8qdImq — Mary Ng (@mary_ng) August 31, 2020 “Until we know for sure how (the pandemic) is going to play out, a lot of farmers will be just playing a waiting game and continuing to farm their butts off and hopefully make it through the season,” Abra Brynne, a food systems policy adviser at FarmFolk CityFolk based in Nelson, B.C., said.
COVID-19 hit small businesses, including farms, hard. Over 55 per cent of businesses with between one and 19 employees saw their revenues drop at least 20 per cent between April and June. They also relied heavily on credit to survive, with 40 per cent of these businesses requesting credit in the same period. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions In response, the federal government announced CEBA on April 9. The federally funded program extends interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and non-profits to help cover non-deferrable expenses, and is delivered through banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions.
As of Aug. 27, more than 750,000 loans had been disbursed totalling more than $29 billion in credit. #COVID-19 hit #farms hard. “Until we know for sure how (the #pandemic) is going to play out, a lot of #farmers will be just playing a waiting game and continuing to farm their butts off, and hopefully make it through the season,” @AbraBrynne said. “For Canada to truly lead in a post-COVID world, supporting small businesses is critical,” Small Business Minister Mary Ng said in a statement. Photo by Alex Tétreault When CEBA was first rolled out, those non-deferrable expenses included rent, utility bills, and wages — but not some farmers’ key expenses. “Farming is a very different business than other small business,” Mara Shaw, the executive director of the National Farmers Union, said. Many small farmers have $40,000 in expenses, but their needs are different from most businesses. “They have things like buying seed and buying inputs, and the costs they’re going to incur buying the products they need to produce their products.” Shaw also said that the application window’s timing — the deadline was initially Aug. 31, farmers’ busiest time of year — and eligibility limits excluded many farmers.
The federal government heeded these concerns, modifying the rules in late June to include owner-operated businesses without a payroll or those with a single owner receiving income directly from their work. The list of eligible expenses was also expanded to include seeds, fertilizers, and other things farmers must buy to do their job. “We are taking the necessary steps to ensure that small businesses will be able to access the liquidity they need to keep operating while times are still tough, so they will be able to rebuild on the road to economic recovery,” Mary Ng, minister of small business, export promotion and international trade, said. Still, Shaw and Brynne agreed the “devil is in the details.”


nationalobserver--2020-09-03--New grads face tough job search this fall thanks to the pandemic

As the labour market heads into a potential “ wild card ” period this fall , recent graduates are feeling the pressure .
The seasonal shift into the winter may affect certain sectors of the economy , such as the service industry .
“ Canadian society and the labour market is heading into a big unknown , ” which plays into lagging job postings compared to last fall , said Brandon Bernard , an economist at Indeed Canada .
Earlier in the pandemic , overall employment dropped due to layoffs and major job losses , he said , but some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and accounting , did not have to cut jobs .
Now , they are also not adding new ones .
“ It makes it tougher to break into these fields , finding new jobs in one of these white-collar , usually well-paying , areas , ” Bernard said .
“ Recent grads are going to be a segment of the population that ’ s really impacted by that.
” • The biblical flood that will drown California • New Indigenous advisory committee has no power over Canada ’ s energy projects A Reddit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had applied for 70 to 100 jobs since February and not received an interview , despite holding a bachelor 's of commerce management degree and having relevant summer experience .
The user did not respond to the National Observer ’ s request for an interview .
The post also appears in a York University Reddit thread , and has generated more than 350 comments across both forums , with other users reporting their frustrating job-search experiences .
Joe Sismondo wrapped up his undergraduate degree in industrial engineering this spring , earning research experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that lend themselves to better job prospects , he said .
But while he looks for a full-time job , Sismondo is working as a part-time delivery person with DoorDash in Toronto .
“ I ’ m really enjoying that in general , but it 's obviously not a long-term solution and does n't ( provide ) enough money to pay the bills long term and would be difficult in the winter , ” Sismondo said .
The University of Toronto grad said he has been applying for two jobs a day since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is “ intimidating ” to see just how many applicants are vying for the same positions on the job portals , even in the service industry .
“ I ca n't really imagine what a hiring manager would be doing to get through all those applications , ” he said .
Uncertain job market will create tough job hunt conditions for youth .
“ New grads and people struggling in the labor market are n't alone .
It 's not their fault that they graduated in a pandemic , '' says Indeed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernard encourages grads to use their professional networks through school to help land interviews .
“ There 's going to be some luck involved , ” he said of the period ahead .
“ New grads and people struggling in the labour market are n't alone .
It 's not their fault that they graduated in a pandemic .
”

As the labour market heads into a potential “wild card” period this fall, recent graduates are feeling the pressure. The seasonal shift into the winter may affect certain sectors of the economy, such as the service industry. “Canadian society and the labour market is heading into a big unknown,” which plays into lagging job postings compared to last fall, said Brandon Bernard, an economist at Indeed Canada. Earlier in the pandemic, overall employment dropped due to layoffs and major job losses, he said, but some sectors, including legal services, engineering and accounting, did not have to cut jobs. Now, they are also not adding new ones. “It makes it tougher to break into these fields, finding new jobs in one of these white-collar, usually well-paying, areas,” Bernard said. “Recent grads are going to be a segment of the population that’s really impacted by that.”
A Reddit user in the r/PersonalFinanceCanada group said they had applied for 70 to 100 jobs since February and not received an interview, despite holding a bachelor's of commerce management degree and having relevant summer experience. The user did not respond to the National Observer’s request for an interview. The post also appears in a York University Reddit thread, and has generated more than 350 comments across both forums, with other users reporting their frustrating job-search experiences. Joe Sismondo wrapped up his undergraduate degree in industrial engineering this spring, earning research experience in data analytics and statistics — skills that lend themselves to better job prospects, he said. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions But while he looks for a full-time job, Sismondo is working as a part-time delivery person with DoorDash in Toronto.
“I’m really enjoying that in general, but it's obviously not a long-term solution and doesn't (provide) enough money to pay the bills long term and would be difficult in the winter,” Sismondo said. Uncertain job market will create tough job hunt conditions for youth. “New grads and people struggling in the labor market aren't alone. It's not their fault that they graduated in a pandemic," says Indeed Canada Economist @BrendonBernard_ The University of Toronto grad said he has been applying for two jobs a day since the beginning of August, and feels it is “intimidating” to see just how many applicants are vying for the same positions on the job portals, even in the service industry. “I can't really imagine what a hiring manager would be doing to get through all those applications,” he said. Indeed Canada economist Bernard encourages grads to use their professional networks through school to help land interviews. “There's going to be some luck involved,” he said of the period ahead. “New grads and people struggling in the labour market aren't alone. It's not their fault that they graduated in a pandemic.”


nationalobserver--2020-09-03--Local arts mentorship program empowering Black youth to leave their mark

Public art is hard to miss in the wake of anti-Black racism protests , and a Toronto mentorship program is @ @ @ @ @ as a canvas to advocate for change .
The Nia Centre for the Arts wants @ @ @ @ @ each other and provide spaces to collaborate and showcase their work .
It was created @ @ @ @ @ of provincial funding .
“ We try to create opportunities through our programming where ( @ @ @ @ @ more established artists to hone their artistic skills … and put your fingerprint on your @ @ @ @ @ Centre executive director Alica Hall .
In mid-August , the centre unveiled an art installation @ @ @ @ @ Enough ” by Antique Jordan , which Hall said was “ very much reflective of @ @ @ @ @ ’ of the young people it is working with .
“ Folks are amped up @ @ @ @ @ tired .
”

Streets emblazoned with ‘Black Lives Matter’ in neon colours. Murals memorializing Black victims of police brutality. Graffiti tributes. Public art has been hard to miss in the wake of anti-Black racism protests this year. This shared art has long played a part in civic discourse. But that's not its only role. Sometime it is a community conversation-starter. And other times it is there just to beautify a space. A Toronto mentorship program is helping emerging Black artists and youth learn how to create murals and leave their mark in their communities.
“As a community arts organization, we're always trying to support and present work that fosters conversation, particularly around the Black experience,” said Alica Hall, executive director of the Nia Centre for the Arts. It was created in 2008 with the support of provincial funding to help connect Black artists with each other and provide spaces to collaborate and showcase their work. “We try to create opportunities through our programming where (youth) can learn from more established artists to hone their artistic skills … and put your fingerprint on your city,” Hall said. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions A class from the Etobicoke School of the Arts checks out the "Ears, Eyes, Voice" exhibition. Photo by Sanique Walters
In mid-August, the centre unveiled an art installation called “We Have Done Enough” by Anique Jordan, which Hall said was “very much reflective of the sort of ‘temperature’ of the young people it is working with. “Folks are amped up, and we're also tired.” "We have protested, we have rallied, we have cried, we have grieved, we have made art and have offered you model." Quote from artist Anique Jordan's installation @NiaCentre, where a new mural art program is kicking off later this month The centre’s on-site public art mentorship program is accepting registrations until Sept. 6. Visual artist Dan Bergeron is leading the six-session workshop in the Oakwood-Vaughan neighbourhood, and will use exterior acrylics and spray paint to transform two concrete bench blocks into works of art, inspired loosely by Caribbean quilting patterns. Bergeron, who is white, will focus on teaching the mentees how to sell artwork and win contracts. “I want to empower them so that they can apply for projects,” he said. Students from the Etobicoke School of the Arts take in the "Ears, Eyes, Voice" exhibition. Photo by Sanique Walters
As art commissions have been deferred or dried up from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, some of Bergeron’s projects are also in limbo. The industry is even tougher on young people trying to break in, he said. And racism presents other obstacles.


nationalobserver--2020-09-03--Canada is way behind on pledge to cut methane emissions, analysis shows

Canada will be significantly short of its goal to reduce oil and gas methane emissions by 40 to 45 per cent below 2012 levels by its 2025 deadline , and advocates want stronger federal regulation to help bridge the gap .
Five environmental organizations released an analysis of the government ’ s recent emissions modelling , which shows that under current federal regulations , Canada will only reduce methane emissions by 29 per cent by 2025 .
In 2016 , the Liberal government set its 2025 deadline to reduce its methane emissions .
The analysis comes after the federal government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceeds to finalize equivalency agreements with the provinces .
B.C .
reached an equivalency agreement with Ottawa that came into effect at the start of the year , but was criticized for having regulations weaker than federal standards .
• The biblical flood that will drown California • After MP ’ s offensive tweet , O ’ Toole says Tories will counter anti-Semitism Equivalency agreements are deals made between the federal government and provinces that allow a province to set its own regulation around emissions , as long as they meet the standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ B.C.
’ s proposed equivalency agreement was on track to getting approved , an independent scientific review on hydraulic fracking commissioned by the provincial government in 2019 found that under new regulations , B.C .
would allow a leaking well to emit methane far above federal standards .
Alberta and Saskatchewan haven ’ t finalized their equivalency deals with the federal government , and environmental organizations are concerned that weak provincial agreements could further widen the gap between Canada ’ s goal and its current level of emissions .
“ The federal government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provinces without a clear , concrete plan to close this gap , ” said Pembina Institute , a clean energy think-tank , in a statement that accompanied its analysis .
“ There are significant gaps , but there are ways to close the gap , ” said Jan Gorksi , a methane analyst at Pembina .
Gorski said there ’ s an opportunity , as the federal government tries to recuperate from economic losses incurred during the pandemic , to create jobs that will both “ reduce emissions , but also set companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say Canada need stronger emissions regulations now to meet their goal .
“ Not closing this methane gap means giving up on the cheapest , most effective greenhouse gas reductions in the oil and gas sector , ” said Dale Marshall from Environmental Defence Canada , another environmental organization that contributed to the analysis .
The federal government announced $ 750 million for a proposed emissions reduction fund in April directed at reducing methane emissions in the country ’ s oil and gas sector .
“ We still need to go beyond current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gorski .
As part of their analysis , the five organizations proposed immediate action the government could take to close the gap , starting with tightening federal regulations and negotiating stricter emissions targets for the provinces .
They also recommended that the proposed emissions reduction fund be focused on helping projects that exceed the regulatory minimum , instead of those that just comply with the standards .
The analysis also said that Canada could raise its emissions targets , adding that a 75 per cent reduction by 2030 is “ technically and economically @ @ @

Canada will be significantly short of its goal to reduce oil and gas methane emissions by 40 to 45 per cent below 2012 levels by its 2025 deadline, and advocates want stronger federal regulation to help bridge the gap. Five environmental organizations released an analysis of the government’s recent emissions modelling, which shows that under current federal regulations, Canada will only reduce methane emissions by 29 per cent by 2025. In 2016, the Liberal government set its 2025 deadline to reduce its methane emissions. The analysis comes after the federal government released updated emissions modelling results as it proceeds to finalize equivalency agreements with the provinces. B.C. reached an equivalency agreement with Ottawa that came into effect at the start of the year, but was criticized for having regulations weaker than federal standards.
Equivalency agreements are deals made between the federal government and provinces that allow a province to set its own regulation around emissions, as long as they meet the standard set by the federal government. While B.C.’s proposed equivalency agreement was on track to getting approved, an independent scientific review on hydraulic fracking commissioned by the provincial government in 2019 found that under new regulations, B.C. would allow a leaking well to emit methane far above federal standards. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Alberta and Saskatchewan haven’t finalized their equivalency deals with the federal government, and environmental organizations are concerned that weak provincial agreements could further widen the gap between Canada’s goal and its current level of emissions.
“The federal government is proceeding with equivalency agreements with the provinces without a clear, concrete plan to close this gap,” said Pembina Institute, a clean energy think-tank, in a statement that accompanied its analysis. Environmental advocates say Canada need stronger emissions regulations now to meet their goal. “There are significant gaps, but there are ways to close the gap,” said Jan Gorksi, a methane analyst at Pembina. Gorski said there’s an opportunity, as the federal government tries to recuperate from economic losses incurred during the pandemic, to create jobs that will both “reduce emissions, but also set companies up for long-term success.” “Not closing this methane gap means giving up on the cheapest, most effective greenhouse gas reductions in the oil and gas sector,” said Dale Marshall from Environmental Defence Canada, another environmental organization that contributed to the analysis. The federal government announced $750 million for a proposed emissions reduction fund in April directed at reducing methane emissions in the country’s oil and gas sector.
“We still need to go beyond current targets and do more,” said Gorski. As part of their analysis, the five organizations proposed immediate action the government could take to close the gap, starting with tightening federal regulations and negotiating stricter emissions targets for the provinces. They also recommended that the proposed emissions reduction fund be focused on helping projects that exceed the regulatory minimum, instead of those that just comply with the standards.


nationalobserver--2020-09-03--‘I never expected to be this involved in the movement’ — a green COVID-19 awakening

Laura Hernández has never been to a climate protest , but now she is helping plan logistics for the Toronto version of the first global action of the COVID-19 era .
Hernández ’ s awakening has been accelerated by the pandemic , and by the relative freedom to stand up for the environment in Canada compared to her home country of Colombia , one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a green activist .
The United Nations counted more than 100 killings of human rights activists in Colombia in 2019 , mostly in rural areas where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left behind thriving black market economies in illicit drug production and illegal logging .
“ Unfortunately , the people who are fighting for a better future in terms of environmental protection have been murdered by criminal groups , ” said the 24-year-old from Bogotá , who came to Canada two years ago with her family , but is the only one to remain .
“ I never expected to be this involved in the movement , ” said Hernández , who was interested in joining the Toronto contribution to the last big global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , but didn ’ t .
• The biblical flood that will drown California • After MP ’ s offensive tweet , O ’ Toole says Tories will counter anti-Semitism That day last September , millions of people across the world marched to demand politicians and businesspeople take drastic action to address climate change , but the largely youth-run movement inspired by Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg has since been stymied by the pandemic and related public health measures .
“ This is my very first time being involved in a strike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have experience in a huge group like Fridays for Future Toronto , ” Hernández said in a phone interview with Canada ’ s National Observer about the upcoming strike and the work she has put into planning it .
Laura Hernández in Toronto in October 2018 .
Photo supplied by Laura Hernández The global movement recently put out a “ save the date ” notice for Sept. 25 , and for Hernández that has meant hustling for months to help plan a sit-in at the intersection of Bay and Wellesley streets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to COVID-19 , near both city hall and Queen ’ s Park as well as the city ’ s financial district , but also right across from a major women ’ s hospital to which they would need to ensure they are not blocking access .
The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed @ villalbalaura_ to dive into climate activism , with the uni student playing a key role planning logistics for the Toronto version of the Sept. 25 climate strike , the first she will attend “ We need to block that street because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we 're going to keep the attention of people who are trying to go to that street and to use that space , ” Hernández said .
“ The use of that space is our tool to tell all levels of government that we need a change , and we need it now.
” The climate strikers plan to funnel any overflow of people south toward city hall , and if enough people show up , they could look at occupying the plaza in front of it , Nathan Phillips Square @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has learned about Canada ’ s own troubled relationship with its Indigenous peoples and current policies that boost the oil and gas industry with taxpayers ' money .
One of the big points of contention for Hernández is the federal government 's decision to approve the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline , a project which she says does not align with the Paris Agreement targets Canada has set for emission reductions .
“ It will lead to millions of tons of extra climate pollution , not to mention how it has drastically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of life , ” she said .
So she was happy to get heavily involved with climate work when the pandemic upended life and presented an opportunity for society to rebuild more thoughtfully .
“ This idea of going back to normal can not affect the environment anymore , ” said Hernández , one of the founders of the University of Toronto offshoot of the core Fridays for Future Toronto group that since April has been working to get more university students involved when youth get back on the streets .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the tentative solution for months was to shift events online or even suspending them , ” Hernández said , adding that she is ready to take to the streets , but convincing others has been difficult .
Hernández says it ’ s hard to know how many people will attend Sept. 25 — hundreds of thousands of people have joined sustained protests against police brutality and racial injustice since the pandemic , especially in the United States , but those have been sparked by a volatile mix of specific acts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant COVID-19 hit communities of colour especially hard .
The climate protests on Sept. 25 , by comparison , will call for a just and green recovery from the pandemic , pushing for government and business to make green policy and investment choices that , for example , phase out petrochemicals and beef up renewable energy , sustainable food and the care sector .
The protests are related — the negative effects of climate change , like COVID-19 and police violence , disproportionately impact Black and Indigenous people and other people of colour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defund the Police ” sit-in outside the headquarters of the city ’ s police force in her personal capacity during lockdown , Hernández is wary of encouraging climate protesters to take part .
“ Our main focus group is youth , so we have to understand that people who follow what we do are high schoolers and even younger , so that 's why we really need to be careful , ” said the 24-year-old , who studied sustainable business management at the undergraduate level , and is now seeking a master ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of T. For the newly formed group , she is mostly reaching out “ on campus ” to other groups , delivering presentations explaining their goals and trying to motivate more of her peers to take part in the upcoming strike .
How to protest the destruction of the planet , safely For the main group , which is mostly run by high schoolers , Hernández is part of the team taking care of “ all the details and considerations ” of the Toronto event .
She said her team has been working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being around so many people since July , when the global day of action was first proposed .
“ We have been involved with police permits , things that we have to do as part of the logistics duties , to actually be allowed to do this event , ” she said .
“ We need to get in touch with the police , we need to consider things like having marshals , accessibility for people who can not be in these conditions.
” They also need to create a public safety plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will have to account for municipal and provincial guidelines on physical distancing and other measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus .
“ So , basically listing all the things that we have to get ready , like mandatory masks , hand sanitizer use , sanitation stations .
We 're going to have a plan to ensure people are keeping their distance , with crosses on the street to , as much as we could , try to reduce the spread of the virus , ” she said .
Hernández @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesdays , the core Fridays for Future Toronto group on Thursdays , and the U of T offshoot on Sundays .
She has been putting a lot of time and effort into the project this summer since she was unable to find work due to COVID-19 , and worries she wo n't have the same capacity to contribute once her program starts next week .
“ For that reason , I am trying right now to have everything done before my school starts getting crazy , ” she said .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of meetings and a lot of extra work outside those meetings as well.
” But it ’ s also been a way for Hernández to engage in something meaningful in a time of great uncertainty .
“ As much as I can keep busy doing stuff , that helps me a lot , ” she said , adding her involvement in the climate movement this year had given her “ a huge opportunity to learn , and to feel , especially , that I 'm doing something .
“ I 've gotten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want change , ” she said .
“ And doing this makes me feel that I 'm doing something , not just sitting waiting for others ’ actions , it 's me doing it .
”

Laura Hernández has never been to a climate protest, but now she is helping plan logistics for the Toronto version of the first global action of the COVID-19 era. Hernández’s awakening has been accelerated by the pandemic, and by the relative freedom to stand up for the environment in Canada compared to her home country of Colombia, one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a green activist. The United Nations counted more than 100 killings of human rights activists in Colombia in 2019, mostly in rural areas where the end of a decades-long insurgency has left behind thriving black market economies in illicit drug production and illegal logging. “Unfortunately, the people who are fighting for a better future in terms of environmental protection have been murdered by criminal groups,” said the 24-year-old from Bogotá, who came to Canada two years ago with her family, but is the only one to remain. “I never expected to be this involved in the movement,” said Hernández, who was interested in joining the Toronto contribution to the last big global climate protest, on Sept. 27, 2019, but didn’t.
That day last September, millions of people across the world marched to demand politicians and businesspeople take drastic action to address climate change, but the largely youth-run movement inspired by Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg has since been stymied by the pandemic and related public health measures. “This is my very first time being involved in a strike and it's the first time that I have experience in a huge group like Fridays for Future Toronto,” Hernández said in a phone interview with Canada’s National Observer about the upcoming strike and the work she has put into planning it. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Laura Hernández in Toronto in October 2018. Photo supplied by Laura Hernández
Save the date: Sept. 25 The global movement recently put out a “save the date” notice for Sept. 25, and for Hernández that has meant hustling for months to help plan a sit-in at the intersection of Bay and Wellesley streets. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed @villalbalaura_ to dive into climate activism, with the uni student playing a key role planning logistics for the Toronto version of the Sept. 25 climate strike, the first she will attend The location is strategic and problematic due to COVID-19, near both city hall and Queen’s Park as well as the city’s financial district, but also right across from a major women’s hospital to which they would need to ensure they are not blocking access. “We need to block that street because it's a main street in Toronto, and we're going to keep the attention of people who are trying to go to that street and to use that space,” Hernández said. “The use of that space is our tool to tell all levels of government that we need a change, and we need it now.” The climate strikers plan to funnel any overflow of people south toward city hall, and if enough people show up, they could look at occupying the plaza in front of it, Nathan Phillips Square.
Since settling in Toronto, Hernández has learned about Canada’s own troubled relationship with its Indigenous peoples and current policies that boost the oil and gas industry with taxpayers' money. One of the big points of contention for Hernández is the federal government's decision to approve the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline, a project which she says does not align with the Paris Agreement targets Canada has set for emission reductions. “It will lead to millions of tons of extra climate pollution, not to mention how it has drastically affected Indigenous peoples’ land and way of life,” she said.


nationalobserver--2020-09-03--How a B.C. snow plow dispute made its way to the Supreme Court of Canada

The Supreme Court of Canada will review a case on whether or not the city of Nelson , B.C .
is responsible for a leg injury a woman sustained while climbing over a snow bank created by the city ’ s snowplows .
The dispute started in January 2015 , when Nelson resident Taryn Marchi parked her car in Nelson ’ s downtown core on a snowy day .
While exiting her car , Marchi found herself blocked in by a snowbank left over when the city had plowed the adjacent sidewalk .
Marchi decided to try to get to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in her running shoes .
What happened next was a severe leg injury that landed her in the hospital .
The courts did not initially favour Marchi , who decided immediately to sue the city of Nelson for negligence .
When the case was first taken to the B.C .
Supreme Court , it was dismissed by Justice Mark McEwan on Mar .
8 , 2019 .
In his decision , he said that Marchi was “ the author of her own misfortune ” citing her choice of footwear on a snowy day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nelson has followed their regular operations and held no liability in the case .
But it was the issue of liability that Marchi was specifically seeking out .
She had already settled damage costs with the city , after incurring a severe knee injury that had to see her transferred to a Kelowna hospital .
• The biblical flood that will drown California • After MP ’ s offensive tweet , O ’ Toole says Tories will counter anti-Semitism So she decided to appeal .
On Jan. 2 , the B.C .
Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision favoured the city and neglected Marchi ’ s claims that the city was responsible for creating pathways for pedestrians as part of their plowing operations .
The judge 's ruling was overturned and the court ordered a new trial .
In response , the City of Nelson sought leave to appeal from the Supreme Court of Canada , which the court granted on Aug. 20 .
The difference between the initial ruling and court of appeal ’ s view boils down to the difference between policy decisions and operational decisions made by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s view , the city was not liable because they were policy based — the city had specific policy-based plans on how roads were cleared .
They ’ re based on the availability of workers and prioritize getting roads cleared first , in a specific order , before dealing with snowbanks .
Policy-based decisions are immune from liability .
But the court of appeal said McEwan was wrong to assume that the circumstances that led to Marchi ’ s accident were because of policy .
They first pointed out that the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about snow banks left from plowing and whether passageways should be made through them for pedestrians .
So they ruled that McEwan ’ s ruling , which assumed that everything was policy-based , was subject to argument .
The Supreme Court of Canada will hear the case , but has yet to set a date .
A B.C .
woman injured her leg after stepping into a snow bank left by city plowers .
The Supreme Court of Canada will decide if the city of Nelson , B.C .
is at fault .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city could change the way future liability cases are handled in Canada .
In their appeal , B.C .
judges referenced a horrific case in 1989 , when a man named John Just sued the province after a boulder from a rocky slope besides a highway crashed down into his car , killing Just ’ s daughter and leaving him severely injured .
The court ruled that maintenance of rock slopes was outlined in the province ’ s policy , and so they were immune to liability .
The difference between “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as ambiguous back then as it is now .
In the Just ruling , the judge noted that it was an issue that was “ difficult to be fixed ” but “ essential that it be done.
” Marchi ’ s case will depend on how the court defines the city ’ s actions .
While at its core , this is a case between one woman and a city , the implications of the ruling could come to redefine liability laws when it comes to public authorities and push governments across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in public safety .
Editor 's note : This story has been clarified to make it clear that the City sought leave to appeal from the Supreme Court of Canada .

The Supreme Court of Canada will review a case on whether or not the city of Nelson, B.C. is responsible for a leg injury a woman sustained while climbing over a snow bank created by the city’s snowplows. The dispute started in January 2015, when Nelson resident Taryn Marchi parked her car in Nelson’s downtown core on a snowy day. While exiting her car, Marchi found herself blocked in by a snowbank left over when the city had plowed the adjacent sidewalk. Marchi decided to try to get to the sidewalk by walking over the snowbank in her running shoes. What happened next was a severe leg injury that landed her in the hospital. The courts did not initially favour Marchi, who decided immediately to sue the city of Nelson for negligence. When the case was first taken to the B.C. Supreme Court, it was dismissed by Justice Mark McEwan on Mar. 8, 2019. In his decision, he said that Marchi was “the author of her own misfortune” citing her choice of footwear on a snowy day. He ruled that the city of Nelson has followed their regular operations and held no liability in the case. But it was the issue of liability that Marchi was specifically seeking out. She had already settled damage costs with the city, after incurring a severe knee injury that had to see her transferred to a Kelowna hospital.
So she decided to appeal. On Jan. 2, the B.C. Court of Appeal found that McEwan’s decision favoured the city and neglected Marchi’s claims that the city was responsible for creating pathways for pedestrians as part of their plowing operations. The judge's ruling was overturned and the court ordered a new trial. In response, the City of Nelson sought leave to appeal from the Supreme Court of Canada, which the court granted on Aug. 20. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions The difference between the initial ruling and court of appeal’s view boils down to the difference between policy decisions and operational decisions made by the city of Nelson.
In McEwan’s view, the city was not liable because they were policy based — the city had specific policy-based plans on how roads were cleared. They’re based on the availability of workers and prioritize getting roads cleared first, in a specific order, before dealing with snowbanks. Policy-based decisions are immune from liability. A B.C. woman injured her leg after stepping into a snow bank left by city plowers. The Supreme Court of Canada will decide if the city of Nelson, B.C. is at fault. @SCC_eng But the court of appeal said McEwan was wrong to assume that the circumstances that led to Marchi’s accident were because of policy. They first pointed out that the city didn’t actually have any policy about snow banks left from plowing and whether passageways should be made through them for pedestrians. So they ruled that McEwan’s ruling, which assumed that everything was policy-based, was subject to argument. The Supreme Court of Canada will hear the case, but has yet to set a date. Marchi’s dispute with the city could change the way future liability cases are handled in Canada. In their appeal, B.C. judges referenced a horrific case in 1989, when a man named John Just sued the province after a boulder from a rocky slope besides a highway crashed down into his car, killing Just’s daughter and leaving him severely injured. The court ruled that maintenance of rock slopes was outlined in the province’s policy, and so they were immune to liability.
The difference between “policy” and “operational” was as ambiguous back then as it is now. In the Just ruling, the judge noted that it was an issue that was “difficult to be fixed” but “essential that it be done.” Marchi’s case will depend on how the court defines the city’s actions. While at its core, this is a case between one woman and a city, the implications of the ruling could come to redefine liability laws when it comes to public authorities and push governments across the country to reconsider the scope of their role in public safety. Premila D'Sa / Local Journalism Initiative / Canada’s National Observer


nationalobserver--2020-09-03--Trump weakens Obama-era rules on toxic wastewater from coal plants

Coal plants generate wastewater when they rinse the filters they use to catch pollutants from smokestacks .
That wastewater is discharged into rivers and lakes and often ends up in drinking water .
This article was originally posted by The Guardian and appears here as part of the Climate Desk Collaboration .
Obama administration regulations required coal plants to upgrade their wastewater systems to treat arsenic , mercury , and other heavy metals .
Electricity companies will now have more time and flexibility to meet those standards .
Plants shutting down or switching to natural gas by 2028 will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steam-based power plants , including coal plants , are the third biggest source of toxic wastewater in the country , according to the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) .
The pollutants they release into the water – either directly or from leaching from ponds where coal ash water is stored – are linked with cancer , heart disease , diabetes and developmental problems for children .
The EPA argues that even with laxer standards , coal plants will achieve the same pollution reductions .
The Obama administration estimated that its rule would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US waterways each year .
Trump ’ s EPA says its rule will cut pollution even more , an additional 1m lbs per year .
It says the changes will save companies $ 140m annually .
But Betsy Southerland , an Obama EPA water official , said the agency is counting the pollution reductions from some efforts it has made voluntary .
The EPA assumes that about 30 % of coal plants will use water treatment technologies that are more effective than those the agency has required , she said .

This article was originally posted by The Guardian and appears here as part of the Climate Desk Collaboration. Coal plants generate wastewater when they rinse the filters they use to catch pollutants from smokestacks. That wastewater is discharged into rivers and lakes and often ends up in drinking water. Obama administration regulations required coal plants to upgrade their wastewater systems to treat arsenic, mercury, and other heavy metals. Electricity companies will now have more time and flexibility to meet those standards. Plants shutting down or switching to natural gas by 2028 will be exempt, according to Bloomberg News. Steam-based power plants, including coal plants, are the third biggest source of toxic wastewater in the country, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The pollutants they release into the water – either directly or from leaching from ponds where coal ash water is stored – are linked with cancer, heart disease, diabetes and developmental problems for children.
The EPA argues that even with laxer standards, coal plants will achieve the same pollution reductions. The Obama administration estimated that its rule would prevent 1.4bn lbs of pollutants from entering US waterways each year. Trump’s EPA says its rule will cut pollution even more, an additional 1m lbs per year. It says the changes will save companies $140m annually. But Betsy Southerland, an Obama EPA water official, said the agency is counting the pollution reductions from some efforts it has made voluntary. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions The EPA assumes that about 30% of coal plants will use water treatment technologies that are more effective than those the agency has required, she said.


nationalobserver--2020-09-04--Global heating motivated American mastodons to trek north

Genetic diversity could shrink as animals venture into new territories because of global heating leaving them vulnerable to extinction , scientists have warned after tracking the impact of climate change on the American mastodon .
This article is originally published by The Guardian and appears here thanks to the Climate Desk collaboration .
But their fortunes reversed with the climate .
“ As the climate changed , cooling again , they became restricted in the north and couldn ’ t ultimately handle the environmental change and went locally extinct , ” he said .
“ As the temperature warmed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they moved north , ” said Prof Hendrik Poinar , co-author of the research from McMaster University in Canada .
Now researchers say an analysis of ancient mitochondrial DNA has shed new light on the impact of global heating and cooling on the beasts .
But by 11,000 years ago they were extinct – probably , experts say , because of a combination of climate change and human hunting .
Huge , hairy and with a pair of fearsome tusks , mastodons resembled stocky , hirsute elephants .
The earliest fossils of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago with the creatures commonly found in wooded and swampy areas where they browsed on trees and shrubs .
Crucially , the team found genetic diversity was lower among the animals that moved north .
With species including moose and beavers moving northwards today as a result of global heating , the team says the finding is important as it suggests such species could become less resilient to further pressures .
.
“ While it might not have been too big a problem for American mastodons it might not bode well for extant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they trade their southern populations and ranges for new ones in the north , ” said Emil Karpinski , another author of the research from McMaster University .
Writing in the journal Nature Communications , Poinar and colleagues report how they analysed ancient mitochondrial DNA extracted from the remains of 35 American mastodons from across North America .
By comparing the mitochondrial genomes , the team discovered the animals fell into five main clusters , while one formed a sixth on its own .
Two of the five main clusters largely encompassed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from one of these clusters were dated to an interglacial period spanning 130,000 to 80,000 years ago .
However mastodons in the other cluster were far older , suggesting they were part of separate migrations during an earlier interglacial periods .
The team says the results suggest mastodons moved north in small numbers on multiple occasions as ice sheets retreated , but died out in the region when the climate cooled and the ice returned– a theory backed up by reduced genetic diversity in these two groups .
Such migrations , the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phenomenon , affecting other animals in North America at the time such as the western camel .
“ Similar processes presumably occurred in Eurasia , with warm-adapted species such as hippopotamuses and hyenas episodically expanding their ranges northward during earlier interglaciations into previously ice-dominated areas like the British Isles and Scandinavia , ” they write .
Prof Love Dalén , from the Centre for Palaeogenetics in Sweden who was not involved in the work , welcomed the research .
“ This is an amazing study that uses ancient DNA to travel back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earth was in a period of global warming , over a hundred thousand years ago , ” he said .
Dalén said the finding that the northern mastodons were unable to return south when the climate turned cold also holds a lesson .

This article is originally published by The Guardian and appears here thanks to the Climate Desk collaboration. Genetic diversity could shrink as animals venture into new territories because of global heating leaving them vulnerable to extinction, scientists have warned after tracking the impact of climate change on the American mastodon. Huge, hairy and with a pair of fearsome tusks, mastodons resembled stocky, hirsute elephants. The earliest fossils of American mastodons date to about 3.5-4m years ago with the creatures commonly found in wooded and swampy areas where they browsed on trees and shrubs. But by 11,000 years ago they were extinct – probably, experts say, because of a combination of climate change and human hunting.
Now researchers say an analysis of ancient mitochondrial DNA has shed new light on the impact of global heating and cooling on the beasts. “As the temperature warmed, they followed expanding forest and swampy niches as they moved north,” said Prof Hendrik Poinar, co-author of the research from McMaster University in Canada. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions But their fortunes reversed with the climate. “As the climate changed, cooling again, they became restricted in the north and couldn’t ultimately handle the environmental change and went locally extinct,” he said.
Crucially, the team found genetic diversity was lower among the animals that moved north. With species including moose and beavers moving northwards today as a result of global heating, the team says the finding is important as it suggests such species could become less resilient to further pressures. . “As the temperature warmed, they followed expanding forest and swampy niches as they moved north,” Prof Hendrik Poinar, McMaster University. “While it might not have been too big a problem for American mastodons it might not bode well for extant species if the same patterns are true and they trade their southern populations and ranges for new ones in the north,” said Emil Karpinski, another author of the research from McMaster University. Writing in the journal Nature Communications, Poinar and colleagues report how they analysed ancient mitochondrial DNA extracted from the remains of 35 American mastodons from across North America. By comparing the mitochondrial genomes, the team discovered the animals fell into five main clusters, while one formed a sixth on its own. Two of the five main clusters largely encompassed mastodons from Alaska and Yukon. Mastodons from one of these clusters were dated to an interglacial period spanning 130,000 to 80,000 years ago. However mastodons in the other cluster were far older, suggesting they were part of separate migrations during an earlier interglacial periods. The team says the results suggest mastodons moved north in small numbers on multiple occasions as ice sheets retreated, but died out in the region when the climate cooled and the ice returned– a theory backed up by reduced genetic diversity in these two groups.
Such migrations, the team adds, may have been a widespread phenomenon, affecting other animals in North America at the time such as the western camel. “Similar processes presumably occurred in Eurasia, with warm-adapted species such as hippopotamuses and hyenas episodically expanding their ranges northward during earlier interglaciations into previously ice-dominated areas like the British Isles and Scandinavia,” they write. Prof Love Dalén, from the Centre for Palaeogenetics in Sweden who was not involved in the work, welcomed the research. “This is an amazing study that uses ancient DNA to travel back in time to the last time that the Earth was in a period of global warming, over a hundred thousand years ago,” he said.