nationalobserver--2020-10-19--B.C. politicians, show us your blueprint to protect our coast

At the end of August , the provincial government announced a new fund to support shoreline cleanup along B.C .
's central coast .
The funding will help local communities , Indigenous nations and others remove marine debris from a coastline that includes the Great Bear Rainforest .
The announcement was made from a wharf on the Victoria waterfront , a few feet above the waters of the Inner Harbour .
The location is noteworthy because it highlights another marine issue that threatens our coast — sea level rise .
Experts tell us that , due to climate change , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by half a metre by the year 2050 and will continue to rise for decades after that .
In the future , politicians may need to hold their news conferences on higher ground .
But marine debris and sea level rise are just two issues facing the coast .
A changing climate will also bring stronger , more frequent storms .
Storms that used to be once-a-century cataclysms are rapidly becoming annual disasters .
Ocean acidification , the result of rising carbon dioxide concentrations in our atmosphere , is expected to significantly impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shellfish industry .
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Add to that the local impacts on coastal waters .
There are about 1,400 derelict vessels along the coast decomposing into debris that fouls our shorelines .
Then consider the marine pollution and noise impacting the endangered southern resident orcas that call the Salish Sea home .
Against the backdrop of 2020 , it all seems apocalyptic .
But this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of the only coastal jurisdictions in North America without a strategic , united plan to protect it .
We ’ ve inherited a jumble of regulations and laws overseen by different ministries and departments .
The current system was not designed to deal with today 's and tomorrow 's pressures of coastal development , climate change and growing demands by everyone who uses the coast .
That means right now , B.C .
has an opportunity to develop with Indigenous governments a comprehensive plan to address these issues and protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it most .
We call this `` a blueprint for the coast . ''
First Nations and municipalities have a key role to play in developing this blueprint .
If we look south of the border , we can take lessons from Washington state .
Its coastal strategy and laws empower local governments to develop and co-ordinate marine plans .
The state now uses marine spatial planning — a process to see the `` big picture '' for managing ocean waters — that covers essentially all of its coastal areas and a legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ B.C .
government has an opportunity to become a leader in coastal management by creating a blueprint for the coast that will : `` B.C .
has an opportunity to develop with Indigenous governments a comprehensive plan to address these issues and protect the coast at a time when we need it most , '' writes @ kmacmil .
• Establish a home for coastal issues within the provincial government • Create governance structures that support Indigenous rights and title and further reconciliation • Co-ordinate efficiently and effectively with municipal and federal governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the ocean and coastlines It 's a cliché of science education , but “ everything is connected.
” Experts confirm that connections between ocean health and human prosperity are real .
We need policies and regulations that can address the complexity of the issues and opportunities along this beloved coast .
During this current provincial election , we have seen all three major B.C .
parties make commitments to the coast in their platforms .
No matter the election outcome , we need provincial leadership to give the coast the future it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government will seize this opportunity — in partnership with First Nations — to make sure marine life and coastal communities get the futures they deserve .

At the end of August, the provincial government announced a new fund to support shoreline cleanup along B.C.'s central coast. The funding will help local communities, Indigenous nations and others remove marine debris from a coastline that includes the Great Bear Rainforest. The announcement was made from a wharf on the Victoria waterfront, a few feet above the waters of the Inner Harbour. The location is noteworthy because it highlights another marine issue that threatens our coast — sea level rise. Experts tell us that, due to climate change, the oceans will rise along the coast by half a metre by the year 2050 and will continue to rise for decades after that. In the future, politicians may need to hold their news conferences on higher ground. But marine debris and sea level rise are just two issues facing the coast. A changing climate will also bring stronger, more frequent storms. Storms that used to be once-a-century cataclysms are rapidly becoming annual disasters. Ocean acidification, the result of rising carbon dioxide concentrations in our atmosphere, is expected to significantly impact marine life and threaten B.C.'s shellfish industry.
Add to that the local impacts on coastal waters. There are about 1,400 derelict vessels along the coast decomposing into debris that fouls our shorelines. Then consider the marine pollution and noise impacting the endangered southern resident orcas that call the Salish Sea home. Against the backdrop of 2020, it all seems apocalyptic. But this is a good news story. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions British Columbia is one of the only coastal jurisdictions in North America without a strategic, united plan to protect it. We’ve inherited a jumble of regulations and laws overseen by different ministries and departments. The current system was not designed to deal with today's and tomorrow's pressures of coastal development, climate change and growing demands by everyone who uses the coast.
That means right now, B.C. has an opportunity to develop with Indigenous governments a comprehensive plan to address these issues and protect the coast at a time when we need it most. We call this "a blueprint for the coast." "B.C. has an opportunity to develop with Indigenous governments a comprehensive plan to address these issues and protect the coast at a time when we need it most," writes @kmacmil. First Nations and municipalities have a key role to play in developing this blueprint. If we look south of the border, we can take lessons from Washington state. Its coastal strategy and laws empower local governments to develop and co-ordinate marine plans. The state now uses marine spatial planning — a process to see the "big picture" for managing ocean waters — that covers essentially all of its coastal areas and a legal structure that helps protect them. The B.C. government has an opportunity to become a leader in coastal management by creating a blueprint for the coast that will: Establish a home for coastal issues within the provincial government
Create governance structures that support Indigenous rights and title and further reconciliation
Co-ordinate efficiently and effectively with municipal and federal governments
Support sustainable and vibrant coastal communities
Signal to the world the importance of the ocean and coastlines It's a cliché of science education, but “everything is connected.” Experts confirm that connections between ocean health and human prosperity are real. We need policies and regulations that can address the complexity of the issues and opportunities along this beloved coast.


nationalobserver--2020-10-19--RCMP have 'let down' Mi'kmaq fishers facing violence in N.S.: Indigenous services minister

OTTAWA — The RCMP in Nova Scotia have failed to properly protect Indigenous people embroiled in an ugly dispute over lobster fishing , Canada ’ s Indigenous services minister said Monday .
Marc Miller was one of four federal cabinet ministers who took part in a news conference that followed a turbulent weekend in the southwestern corner of the province , where a lobster pound was burned to the ground and the Mounties accused one person of assaulting a Mi ’ kmaq leader and another of setting fire to a van owned by an Indigenous fisherman .
`` Indigenous people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , those who are sworn to protect them , '' Miller said as he opened the news conference in Ottawa .
`` The protection of people on both sides has to prevail , and clearly that has not been the case up until now . ''
Miller said even though Indigenous people have experienced discrimination throughout Canada ’ s history , the Indigenous fishers in Nova Scotia have stood up for their rights without resorting to violence .
`` It is a testament to who they are that they do so peacefully , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he fears the violence could lead to loss of life , adding : `` We must reach a resolution . ''
• This Canadian 's cartoons are helping the Lincoln Project unnerve and unseat Donald Trump • Will there be someone to fix the electric vehicle you just bought ?
• In Waterloo they 're looking for nature 's deepest and weirdest secrets Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said additional RCMP officers have been deployed to respond to the increasingly violent dispute , which started on Sept. 17 when the Sipekne ’ katik @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside of the federally designated fishing season .
Blair said Nova Scotia RCMP are now able to draw on RCMP resources from other provinces within the Atlantic region .
`` The RCMP reports that they have deployed ground resources , resources on the water , liaison teams and investigative resources required to maintain the peace and uphold the law at that location , '' Blair said .
He said there is a need for significant reform to how police work in Indigenous communities .
`` I do acknowledge that there are concerns within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We ’ re working hard to resolve them . ''
The decision to dispatch more officers to Nova Scotia follows complaints from Indigenous leaders who have pointed to images on social media that appear to show Mounties standing by while protesters vandalized property and allegedly assaulted Sipekne ’ katik Chief Mike Sack last week .
Miller made it clear that Ottawa will be taking action to ensure the Mi ’ kmaq can exercise their constitutionally protected treaty right to earn a moderate livelihood from fishing .
Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to the increasing violence , which started on Sept. 17 .
`` The acts of violence we have seen in the past days and weeks are disgusting , unacceptable and racist in nature , '' he said .
`` It is a disgrace to see these threats and acts of intimidation and violence take place in this country . ''
Some non-Indigenous fishers in Nova Scotia have staged a series of protests to highlight the fact that even though the Supreme Court of Canada has affirmed the Indigenous treaty right to fish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ livelihood , the court also said Ottawa retains the right to regulate the fisheries .
They say Indigenous fishers should not be allowed to fish outside the federally regulated season because that could harm lobster stocks .
Meanwhile , Blair confirmed that the suspect accused of assaulting Sack on Oct. 14 had been released from custody with conditions .
Sack has criticized the RCMP for being `` useless '' in the face of violence .
And on the weekend , he called on Ottawa to send in the military to keep the peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying the incidents in Nova Scotia require a police response , not a military operation .
`` It is a peacekeeping operation and it is the responsibility of the police , '' he said .
`` We have taken steps necessary to ensure that ( the RCMP ) have adequate resources to do the job . ''

OTTAWA — The RCMP in Nova Scotia have failed to properly protect Indigenous people embroiled in an ugly dispute over lobster fishing, Canada’s Indigenous services minister said Monday. Marc Miller was one of four federal cabinet ministers who took part in a news conference that followed a turbulent weekend in the southwestern corner of the province, where a lobster pound was burned to the ground and the Mounties accused one person of assaulting a Mi’kmaq leader and another of setting fire to a van owned by an Indigenous fisherman. "Indigenous people have been let down by the police, those who are sworn to protect them," Miller said as he opened the news conference in Ottawa. "The protection of people on both sides has to prevail, and clearly that has not been the case up until now." Miller said even though Indigenous people have experienced discrimination throughout Canada’s history, the Indigenous fishers in Nova Scotia have stood up for their rights without resorting to violence. "It is a testament to who they are that they do so peacefully," Miller said. But he said he fears the violence could lead to loss of life, adding: "We must reach a resolution."
Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said additional RCMP officers have been deployed to respond to the increasingly violent dispute, which started on Sept. 17 when the Sipekne’katik First Nation launched a self-regulated commercial fishery outside of the federally designated fishing season. Blair said Nova Scotia RCMP are now able to draw on RCMP resources from other provinces within the Atlantic region. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions "The RCMP reports that they have deployed ground resources, resources on the water, liaison teams and investigative resources required to maintain the peace and uphold the law at that location," Blair said.
He said there is a need for significant reform to how police work in Indigenous communities. "I do acknowledge that there are concerns within Indigenous communities," Blair said. "We’re working hard to resolve them." Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said additional RCMP officers have been deployed to respond to the increasing violence, which started on Sept. 17. The decision to dispatch more officers to Nova Scotia follows complaints from Indigenous leaders who have pointed to images on social media that appear to show Mounties standing by while protesters vandalized property and allegedly assaulted Sipekne’katik Chief Mike Sack last week. Miller made it clear that Ottawa will be taking action to ensure the Mi’kmaq can exercise their constitutionally protected treaty right to earn a moderate livelihood from fishing. "The acts of violence we have seen in the past days and weeks are disgusting, unacceptable and racist in nature," he said. "It is a disgrace to see these threats and acts of intimidation and violence take place in this country." Some non-Indigenous fishers in Nova Scotia have staged a series of protests to highlight the fact that even though the Supreme Court of Canada has affirmed the Indigenous treaty right to fish, hunt and gather for a moderate livelihood, the court also said Ottawa retains the right to regulate the fisheries.
They say Indigenous fishers should not be allowed to fish outside the federally regulated season because that could harm lobster stocks. Meanwhile, Blair confirmed that the suspect accused of assaulting Sack on Oct. 14 had been released from custody with conditions. Sack has criticized the RCMP for being "useless" in the face of violence. And on the weekend, he called on Ottawa to send in the military to keep the peace.


nationalobserver--2020-10-19--Travel restrictions at Canada-U.S. border to remain in place until at least Nov. 21

Limits on travel between Canada and the United States will persist for at least four more weeks , the federal government confirmed Monday despite signs of growing impatience south of the border .
`` We are extending non-essential travel restrictions with the United States until Nov. 21 , 2020 , '' Public Safety Minister Bill Blair declared on Twitter .
We are extending non-essential travel restrictions with the United States until November 21st , 2020 .
Our decisions will continue to be based on the best public health advice available to keep Canadians safe .
More info : https : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) October 19 , 2020 '' Our decisions will continue to be based on the best public health advice available to keep Canadians safe . ''
Incidental visits like vacations , day trips and cross-border shopping excursions have been forbidden since March in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 .
• This Canadian 's cartoons are helping the Lincoln Project unnerve and unseat Donald Trump • Will there be someone to fix the electric vehicle you just bought ?
• In Waterloo they 're looking for nature 's deepest and weirdest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who must cross to ensure the continued flow of goods and essential services , including truckers and health workers who live in one country but work in the other .
Canada has also added certain exemptions to reunite extended family members .
But despite alarming signs of the pandemic making a comeback on the cusp of colder weather and flu season , U.S. President Donald Trump and his officials have persisted in playing down the dangers , and speak straight-faced about lifting the ban sooner rather than later .
In an interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo echoed Trump 's claim last month that Canada is keen to resume travel — a sentiment that 's at odds with both public opinion and the official position north of the border .
`` We ’ ve got to get America back going again .
And the Canadians want this , too , '' Pompeo told WJR Detroit .
`` We ’ re working to create a set of international protocols so that we can do the right thing , make sure people stay safe and healthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can do the things they need to do to take care of their families and their businesses . ''
An online poll released last week by Leger and the Association for Canadian Studies suggested two out of three Canadians would not be comfortable travelling to the U.S. even once the restrictions are lifted .
Limits on travel between Canada and the United States will persist for at least four more weeks , the federal government confirmed on Monday despite signs of growing impatience south of the border .
The strongest reservations were expressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent said they would not travel .
Quebec and Atlantic Canada were somewhat less concerned at 63 per cent and 65 per cent , respectively .
Online surveys can not be assigned a margin of error because they do not generate a random sample of the population .
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said the travel ban wo n't be eased until there 's clear evidence the pandemic is slowing in the United States .
`` We keep extending the border closures because the United States is not in a place where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Trudeau told the Global News podcast The Start last week .
`` We see the cases in the United States and elsewhere around the world , and we need to continue to keep these border controls in place . ''
Trump , however , seems to see it differently , raising eyebrows last month when he suggested the border would reopen by the end of the year .

Limits on travel between Canada and the United States will persist for at least four more weeks, the federal government confirmed Monday despite signs of growing impatience south of the border. "We are extending non-essential travel restrictions with the United States until Nov. 21, 2020," Public Safety Minister Bill Blair declared on Twitter. We are extending non-essential travel restrictions with the United States until November 21st, 2020. Our decisions will continue to be based on the best public health advice available to keep Canadians safe. More info:https://t.co/EZ3pi3asJr — Bill Blair (@BillBlair) October 19, 2020 "Our decisions will continue to be based on the best public health advice available to keep Canadians safe." Incidental visits like vacations, day trips and cross-border shopping excursions have been forbidden since March in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The restrictions do not apply to those who must cross to ensure the continued flow of goods and essential services, including truckers and health workers who live in one country but work in the other. Canada has also added certain exemptions to reunite extended family members. But despite alarming signs of the pandemic making a comeback on the cusp of colder weather and flu season, U.S. President Donald Trump and his officials have persisted in playing down the dangers, and speak straight-faced about lifting the ban sooner rather than later. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions In an interview last week with a Detroit radio station, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo echoed Trump's claim last month that Canada is keen to resume travel — a sentiment that's at odds with both public opinion and the official position north of the border.
"We’ve got to get America back going again. And the Canadians want this, too," Pompeo told WJR Detroit. Limits on travel between Canada and the United States will persist for at least four more weeks, the federal government confirmed on Monday despite signs of growing impatience south of the border. "We’re working to create a set of international protocols so that we can do the right thing, make sure people stay safe and healthy, but make sure also that people can do the things they need to do to take care of their families and their businesses." An online poll released last week by Leger and the Association for Canadian Studies suggested two out of three Canadians would not be comfortable travelling to the U.S. even once the restrictions are lifted. The strongest reservations were expressed in Ontario and B.C., where 77 per cent said they would not travel. Quebec and Atlantic Canada were somewhat less concerned at 63 per cent and 65 per cent, respectively. Online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of error because they do not generate a random sample of the population.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said the travel ban won't be eased until there's clear evidence the pandemic is slowing in the United States. "We keep extending the border closures because the United States is not in a place where we would feel comfortable reopening those borders," Trudeau told the Global News podcast The Start last week. "We see the cases in the United States and elsewhere around the world, and we need to continue to keep these border controls in place."


nationalobserver--2020-10-19--Canada inches toward to 200,000 COVID-19 case mark

Canada 's COVID-19 caseload edged closer to the 200,000 mark on Sunday after a weekend in which Quebec had the majority of new infections and public health officials urged Canadians to remain united in their efforts to combat the pandemic .
The country reported 1,827 new cases Sunday , for a total of 198,151 infections .
Quebec accounted for 1,094 of those new cases , marking the third day in a row the province has had more than 1,000 infections .
Quebec Health Minister Christian Dube tweeted that the number of hospitalizations in the province continues to rise and urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slow this down '' and `` protect the most vulnerable . ''
Ontario reported the second-highest number of new cases Sunday at 658 , while Manitoba had 44 , Saskatchewan logged 24 , New Brunswick posted five and Nova Scotia had two .
Health authorities said the new cases in the Atlantic provinces were related to travel outside the region • This Canadian 's cartoons are helping the Lincoln Project unnerve and unseat Donald Trump • Will there be someone to fix the electric vehicle you just bought ?
• In Waterloo they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weirdest secrets Ontario has taken steps to curb the spike in cases in four hot spots by reverting them to a modified Stage 2 of pandemic recovery , which includes the closure of gyms and movie theatres , and a ban on indoor dining in restaurants or bars .
Toronto , Peel Region and Ottawa moved to the modified Stage 2 on Oct. 10 and York Region will join them on Monday .
`` Our challenge now and going forward is to remain united in our efforts to get all of Canada back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Theresa Tam , Canada 's chief public health officer , said Sunday in a statement .
`` Our goal is to reduce cases of COVID-19 infection to manageable levels .
But public health can not do this alone .
Everyone is needed on the frontlines , from essential workers to volunteers to businesses , workplaces , and everyday citizens across Canada . ''
Tam added individuals `` can go the extra mile '' by downloading the COVID Alert contact tracing app or `` sharing credible information '' on COVID-19 risks and prevention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ echoed those in a statement on Saturday , when she stressed the importance of a `` collective effort , '' even though the pandemic is affecting each part of the country differently .
COVID-19 cases surge in Quebec , pushing Canada 's total number to the 200,000 mark .
# COVID-19 # quebec As of Sunday , there have been 9,760 COVID-19-related deaths in Canada .
The federal Conservatives on Sunday called for the House of Commons ’ health committee to investigate Ottawa ’ s preparations for a second wave of COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusing the Liberal government of being caught flatfooted despite expectations that there would be a resurgence in the number of cases in the fall and winter .
`` As businesses are closed in another series of COVID related economic shutdowns , we are looking for answers as to why the federal government left Canadians unprepared to deal with this second wave , ” Rempel Garner said during a news conference as MPs prepared for the resumption of Parliament on Monday .
“ We need these answers so that we can move forward and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open.
” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18 , 2020 .

Canada's COVID-19 caseload edged closer to the 200,000 mark on Sunday after a weekend in which Quebec had the majority of new infections and public health officials urged Canadians to remain united in their efforts to combat the pandemic. The country reported 1,827 new cases Sunday, for a total of 198,151 infections. Quebec accounted for 1,094 of those new cases, marking the third day in a row the province has had more than 1,000 infections. Quebec Health Minister Christian Dube tweeted that the number of hospitalizations in the province continues to rise and urged residents to "break the wave to slow this down" and "protect the most vulnerable." Ontario reported the second-highest number of new cases Sunday at 658, while Manitoba had 44, Saskatchewan logged 24, New Brunswick posted five and Nova Scotia had two. Health authorities said the new cases in the Atlantic provinces were related to travel outside the region
Ontario has taken steps to curb the spike in cases in four hot spots by reverting them to a modified Stage 2 of pandemic recovery, which includes the closure of gyms and movie theatres, and a ban on indoor dining in restaurants or bars. Toronto, Peel Region and Ottawa moved to the modified Stage 2 on Oct. 10 and York Region will join them on Monday. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions "Our challenge now and going forward is to remain united in our efforts to get all of Canada back on a 'slow burn,'" Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, said Sunday in a statement.
"Our goal is to reduce cases of COVID-19 infection to manageable levels. But public health cannot do this alone. Everyone is needed on the frontlines, from essential workers to volunteers to businesses, workplaces, and everyday citizens across Canada." COVID-19 cases surge in Quebec, pushing Canada's total number to the 200,000 mark. #COVID-19 #quebec Tam added individuals "can go the extra mile" by downloading the COVID Alert contact tracing app or "sharing credible information" on COVID-19 risks and prevention measures via social media. Her sentiments echoed those in a statement on Saturday, when she stressed the importance of a "collective effort," even though the pandemic is affecting each part of the country differently. As of Sunday, there have been 9,760 COVID-19-related deaths in Canada. The federal Conservatives on Sunday called for the House of Commons’ health committee to investigate Ottawa’s preparations for a second wave of COVID-19, with Tory health critic Michelle Rempel Garner accusing the Liberal government of being caught flatfooted despite expectations that there would be a resurgence in the number of cases in the fall and winter.
"As businesses are closed in another series of COVID related economic shutdowns, we are looking for answers as to why the federal government left Canadians unprepared to deal with this second wave,” Rempel Garner said during a news conference as MPs prepared for the resumption of Parliament on Monday. “We need these answers so that we can move forward and keep Canadians safe while also keeping things open.” -- With files from Lee Berthiaume


nationalobserver--2020-10-19--As lobster fishery dispute boils over, N.S. calls on feds to define a 'moderate livelihood'

Calls for Ottawa to define a `` moderate livelihood '' fishery mounted on Sunday , as hundreds gathered in support of Indigenous lobster fishers after a heated dispute over treaty rights boiled over .
Following fierce clashes outside fish plants in southwestern Nova Scotia last week , a lobster pound that stored the catch of Mi ’ kmaq fishers was burned to the ground early Saturday .
The attacks prompted widespread condemnation , with the NDP 's fisheries critic calling for an emergency debate in the House of Commons on Monday .
The escalating violence also prompted a show of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of people gathered at Grand Parade Square to show support for Mi ’ kmaq fishers .
In front of a large sign that read “ Respect the treaties , protect the sacred , ” multiple speakers addressed the crowd and spoke out about the violence directed at Indigenous fishers .
Protesters held placards carrying slogans such as “ We are all treaty people.
” • This Canadian 's cartoons are helping the Lincoln Project unnerve and unseat Donald Trump • Will there be someone to fix the electric vehicle you just bought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for nature 's deepest and weirdest secrets Eleanor Michael of Sipekne'katik First Nation said she is frightened by the attacks against her community .
`` I ’ m full of fear , '' she said in an interview after addressing the large crowd in front of Halifax City Hall .
`` I 'm terrified . ''
Michael added : `` I think the moderate livelihood fishermen should be able to do what our treaty said . ''
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil took to social media to urge Ottawa to define what constitutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' fishery .
McNeil tweeted that the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans needs to answer the question of what a moderate livelihood looks like before the province can examine its own rules for fish buyers .
He said Nova Scotia ’ s regulations rely on the federal department 's `` authority and responsibility to manage the fishery and identify what are legal , licensed fisheries . ''
N.S .
asks feds for help as N.S .
Lobster fishery dispute boils over .
# cdnpoli # novascotia McNeil added that the province is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` bring the sides together . ''
`` The way to resolve the issue is through respectful dialogue , '' he said .
`` I ‘ m deeply concerned about the acts of intimidation and violence . ''
The Mounties have made two arrests in relation to the incidents , with one man charged with assault against a local Indigenous chief and another man charged with arson for allegedly burning a vehicle .
A man considered a person of interest in the lobster pound fire remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` appalled by the acts of violence , intimidation , and destruction taking place in Nova Scotia . ''
`` The perpetrators will be held accountable , '' he said Saturday on Twitter , noting that Ottawa has approved the request to provide more policing support .
`` We ’ re focused on keeping people safe . ''
In response to the recent violence , Public Safety Minister Bill Blair approved a request by Nova Scotia 's Attorney General to step up the RCMP presence in the region .
Chief Mike Sack of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grateful for the added policing and law enforcement resources .
But he said some of the `` damage , destruction , racist behaviour , harassment and intimidation '' could have been avoided had repeated requests for a greater police presence been addressed more promptly .
Still , Sack said he appreciates the efforts of local RCMP and is pleased they 'll get the back up needed during an `` extremely overwhelming time for all of us . ''
The Supreme Court of Canada issued a landmark decision in 1999 that said the Mi'qmaq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Gaspe region of Quebec have a right to earn a `` moderate livelihood '' from fishing .
The ruling upheld the Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1752 , which promised Indigenous Peoples the right to hunt and fish their lands and establish trade .
Many non-Indigenous critics , however , cite a clarification issued by the court , stating the treaty rights would be subject to federal regulations .
Commercial fishermen have also expressed concern with the conservation of fish and lobster stocks .
Yet others have argued that commercial fishing seasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the scale of the small Indigenous fishery does n't impact conservation .
The dispute has become so heated that the head of a Maritime Fishermen 's Union local resigned , citing harassment and intimidation against him and his family .
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18 , 2020 .

Calls for Ottawa to define a "moderate livelihood" fishery mounted on Sunday, as hundreds gathered in support of Indigenous lobster fishers after a heated dispute over treaty rights boiled over. Following fierce clashes outside fish plants in southwestern Nova Scotia last week, a lobster pound that stored the catch of Mi’kmaq fishers was burned to the ground early Saturday. The attacks prompted widespread condemnation, with the NDP's fisheries critic calling for an emergency debate in the House of Commons on Monday. The escalating violence also prompted a show of solidarity in Halifax on Sunday, where hundreds of people gathered at Grand Parade Square to show support for Mi’kmaq fishers. In front of a large sign that read “Respect the treaties, protect the sacred,” multiple speakers addressed the crowd and spoke out about the violence directed at Indigenous fishers. Protesters held placards carrying slogans such as “We are all treaty people.”
Eleanor Michael of Sipekne'katik First Nation said she is frightened by the attacks against her community. "I’m full of fear," she said in an interview after addressing the large crowd in front of Halifax City Hall. "I'm terrified." Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Michael added: "I think the moderate livelihood fishermen should be able to do what our treaty said."
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil took to social media to urge Ottawa to define what constitutes legal harvesting in a "moderate livelihood" fishery. N.S. asks feds for help as N.S. Lobster fishery dispute boils over. #cdnpoli #novascotia McNeil tweeted that the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans needs to answer the question of what a moderate livelihood looks like before the province can examine its own rules for fish buyers. He said Nova Scotia’s regulations rely on the federal department's "authority and responsibility to manage the fishery and identify what are legal, licensed fisheries." McNeil added that the province is working with Ottawa to find a facilitator to "bring the sides together." "The way to resolve the issue is through respectful dialogue," he said. "I‘m deeply concerned about the acts of intimidation and violence."
The Mounties have made two arrests in relation to the incidents, with one man charged with assault against a local Indigenous chief and another man charged with arson for allegedly burning a vehicle. A man considered a person of interest in the lobster pound fire remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is "appalled by the acts of violence, intimidation, and destruction taking place in Nova Scotia."


nationalobserver--2020-10-18--COVID-19 restrictions ramp up in Canada

COVID-19 restrictions ramp up in Canada

Several provinces are looking to ramp up COVID-19 restrictions as new hot spots crop up across the map , pushing Canada 's caseload closer to the 200,000 mark .
Canada 's chief public health officer says the national count has climbed by an average of 2,300 cases per day over the past seven days , while an average of 20 people per day die from the illness .
As of Friday afternoon , there were 193,622 confirmed cases in Canada , and 9,721 deaths .
Ontario tightened restrictions on long-term care homes in three hot spots Friday , as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reinstate stricter rules on a fourth region north of Toronto .
Premier Doug Ford said the York Region will revert back to a modified stage 2 of the province 's pandemic plan in an effort to curb an `` alarming '' surge in COVID-19 cases .
• This Canadian 's cartoons are helping the Lincoln Project unnerve and unseat Donald Trump • Will there be someone to fix the electric vehicle you just bought ?
• In Waterloo they 're looking for nature 's deepest and weirdest secrets `` We 're seeing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the positivity rate of 2.77 per cent , above the high-alert threshold of 2.5 per cent , '' Ford said of York .
`` Most concerning of all , critical care admissions are reaching alarming levels . ''
The move is set to take effect Monday and will remain in place for the region for 28 days .
New strictures include a ban on indoor service at restaurants , the closure of gyms and movie theatres , and caps on public gatherings of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is assessing the situation in the Halton Region to see if similar measures are merited .
Ontario reported 712 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday , as well as nine new deaths related to the virus .
The majority of the province 's cases are concentrated in Toronto , Peel Region and Ottawa .
As of Friday , residents of long-term care homes in those regions are not allowed to leave for social or personal reasons .
Several provinces are looking to ramp up COVID-19 restrictions as new hot spots crop up across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closer to the 200,000 mark .
The Manitoba government is also scaling up its restrictions on the Winnipeg area amid growing concern about community spread .
The two-week mandate , which comes into force Monday , prohibits gatherings of more than five people , shuts down beverage rooms and casinos , and restricts restaurants , lounges and retail stores to half-capacity .
Manitoba health authorities reported 75 new COVID-19 cases on Friday — a fraction of Thursday 's record increase of 173 new cases in 24 hours .
Meanwhile , Quebec 's public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social circles even further as the province reported another 1,055 new COVID-19 cases and one new virus-related death .
A report released Friday found that Quebec may have dodged a public health disaster by rolling out lockdown measures across much of the province earlier this month .
But the institute 's forecasts suggest the regulations in these `` red-zone '' regions , which include Montreal and Quebec City , can only go so far to stem the spread of the virus .
Quebecers will also have to reduce their contacts with others by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in cases under control , according to the report .
The Listuguj First Nation , which is near the province 's New Brunswick border , also announced it was shutting down most government operations after reporting its first COVID-19 case .
Nova Scotia is reporting one new case of COVID-19 , while the Northwest Territories says three people have received presumptive positive test results for the virus .
Newfoundland and Labrador is reporting three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 , all related to travel .
As hospitals admit a weekly average of 870 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged Canadians to do their part to reduce the burden on the health-care system by getting their flu shot as the seasonal virus converges with the second wave of the pandemic .
While the flu shot does n't protect against the virus that causes COVID-19 , Tam said getting vaccinated reduces one 's risk of back-to-back or simultaneous infections that can lead to more severe health outcomes .
`` Our best bet to keep everyone safer is to layer on all the protections we have available , '' Tam said at a news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told reporters that the federal government is prepared to step in to ensure provincial authorities are protecting older Canadians from the outbreaks that ravaged long-term homes in several regions last spring .
While some provinces handled the crisis better than others , Trudeau said the pandemic has laid bare chronic gaps in the long-term care system , and all levels of government share a responsibility to fix them .
`` We 've seen that those institutions have n't done a good enough job in this pandemic , '' he said .
`` To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reflect on how we can improve outcomes for everyone would be completely irresponsible . ''
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16 , 2020 .

Several provinces are looking to ramp up COVID-19 restrictions as new hot spots crop up across the map, pushing Canada's caseload closer to the 200,000 mark. Canada's chief public health officer says the national count has climbed by an average of 2,300 cases per day over the past seven days, while an average of 20 people per day die from the illness. As of Friday afternoon, there were 193,622 confirmed cases in Canada, and 9,721 deaths. Ontario tightened restrictions on long-term care homes in three hot spots Friday, as the premier also made the reluctant decision to reinstate stricter rules on a fourth region north of Toronto. Premier Doug Ford said the York Region will revert back to a modified stage 2 of the province's pandemic plan in an effort to curb an "alarming" surge in COVID-19 cases.
"We're seeing a rapid increase in the rate of infection, with the positivity rate of 2.77 per cent, above the high-alert threshold of 2.5 per cent," Ford said of York. "Most concerning of all, critical care admissions are reaching alarming levels." Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions The move is set to take effect Monday and will remain in place for the region for 28 days. New strictures include a ban on indoor service at restaurants, the closure of gyms and movie theatres, and caps on public gatherings of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
Health Minister Christine Elliott said the province is assessing the situation in the Halton Region to see if similar measures are merited. Several provinces are looking to ramp up COVID-19 restrictions as new hot spots crop up across the map, pushing Canada's caseload closer to the 200,000 mark. Ontario reported 712 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, as well as nine new deaths related to the virus. The majority of the province's cases are concentrated in Toronto, Peel Region and Ottawa. As of Friday, residents of long-term care homes in those regions are not allowed to leave for social or personal reasons. The Manitoba government is also scaling up its restrictions on the Winnipeg area amid growing concern about community spread. The two-week mandate, which comes into force Monday, prohibits gatherings of more than five people, shuts down beverage rooms and casinos, and restricts restaurants, lounges and retail stores to half-capacity.
Manitoba health authorities reported 75 new COVID-19 cases on Friday — a fraction of Thursday's record increase of 173 new cases in 24 hours. Meanwhile, Quebec's public health institute urged Quebecers to shrink their social circles even further as the province reported another 1,055 new COVID-19 cases and one new virus-related death. A report released Friday found that Quebec may have dodged a public health disaster by rolling out lockdown measures across much of the province earlier this month.


nationalobserver--2020-10-20--New building codes under review not tough enough on energy efficiency, report warns

New Canadian building codes under review by a National Research Council committee would allow for designs that are not as energy-efficient as they could be and are prone to “ manipulation , '' according to one university study .
The provinces and territories are responsible for regulating the design and construction of buildings , and historically , they have adopted Canada 's national building codes or amended them as they see fit .
This has led to a patchwork of different rules across the country .
But under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement , which governs interprovincial trade , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ reduce or eliminate ” any variations between the national codes and their own construction codes by 2025 .
That approach is “ open to manipulation , ” the researchers wrote in the report , “ either through misrepresentation , such as submitting an energy model for a similar but different building , or through loopholes that increase the modelled energy performance versus the actual energy performance.
” NRC says building codes 'still under consideration ' Buildings and the electricity use associated with them collectively represent about 15 per cent of Canada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-quarter of Canada 's total energy consumption .
New Canadian building codes under review by a National Research Council committee would allow for designs that are not as energy-efficient as they could be and are prone to “ manipulation , '' according to one university study .
The report points the finger at Innovation , Science and Industry Minister Navdeep Bains , the minister responsible for the NRC , for not capitalizing on his authority to make sure that the codes are developed with the most energy-efficient rules in mind .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ code , ready for helping Canada reach its climate objectives , and if it had that ministerial direction , then those ( stringency requirements ) were things that would have been kicked back to the minister ” — who would have made sure it got done , lead author Kevin Lockhart said in an interview .
NRC spokesman Nic Defalco said changes to the codes are `` still under consideration '' by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes , the independent committee set up by the NRC to oversee the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efficiency was a `` priority '' for the 2020 codes , and noted that the commission was composed of `` construction expert volunteers '' and involves hundreds of members in codes development , including provincial and territorial authorities , the construction industry and other stakeholders .
Committees operate on a `` consensus-based process , '' he said , and submit their proposed changes for public review .
The codes development system works in `` an impartial , consensus , and evidence-based manner , '' said Defalco .
Bains ' spokesman , John Power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government made it clear in the throne speech that it is committed to investing in “ all types of infrastructure , including energy-efficient retrofits , particularly for Indigenous Peoples and northern communities .
”

New Canadian building codes under review by a National Research Council committee would allow for designs that are not as energy-efficient as they could be, according to one university study. The provinces and territories are responsible for regulating the design and construction of buildings, and historically, they have adopted Canada's national building codes or amended them as they see fit. This has led to a patchwork of different rules across the country. But under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, which governs interprovincial trade, the different jurisdictions tentatively agreed in December 2019 to “reduce or eliminate” any variations between the national codes and their own construction codes by 2025. As the NRC publishes updated construction codes every five years, this means that the latest National Building Code and National Energy Code for Buildings are expected to set the bar for energy-efficiency requirements across the country in the years to come. This bar is not being set as high as it could be, according to an Oct. 16 report from a Carleton University research group, based on confidential interviews with government and other representatives.
According to the report from Efficiency Canada, the energy components of the new codes are now "largely finalized" and expected to be published in December 2021. So far, they are missing some significant requirements like mandatory air leak tests, the report states. Air leakage is the "largest source of heat loss in buildings" and a big factor in a building’s energy use for heating or cooling, the researchers noted. Mandating these tests would go a long way towards reducing a building's energy consumption. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions Nor do the new codes, as they currently stand, mandate specific energy consumption targets, the report found. Instead, they allow for a percentage-based measuring tool.
That approach can be “open to manipulation,” the researchers wrote in the report, “either through misrepresentation, such as submitting an energy model for a similar but different building, or through loopholes that increase the modelled energy performance versus the actual energy performance.” New Canadian building codes under review by a National Research Council committee would allow for designs that are not as energy-efficient as they could be, according to one university study. NRC says building codes 'still under consideration' Buildings and the electricity use associated with them collectively represent about 15 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions and about one-quarter of Canada's total energy consumption. The report suggests Innovation, Science and Industry Minister Navdeep Bains, the minister responsible for the NRC, has not capitalized on his authority to make sure that the codes are developed with the most energy-efficient rules in mind. “If this were truly an ambitious building energy code, ready for helping Canada reach its climate objectives, and if it had that ministerial direction, then those (stringency requirements) were things that would have been kicked back to the minister” — who would have made sure it got done, lead author Kevin Lockhart said in an interview.
NRC spokesman Nic Defalco said changes to the codes are "still under consideration" by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, the independent committee set up by the NRC to oversee the national code development process. Defalco said energy efficiency was a "priority" for the 2020 codes, and noted that the commission was composed of "construction expert volunteers" and involves hundreds of members in codes development, including provincial and territorial authorities, the construction industry and other stakeholders. Committees operate on a "consensus-based process," he said, and submit their proposed changes for public review. The codes development system works in "an impartial, consensus, and evidence-based manner," said Defalco.


nationalobserver--2020-10-20--Moss Park residents hear from NDP candidate, new Green leader hoping to fill Morneau's seat

Darcy Higgins doesn ’ t recall former finance minister Bill Morneau ever visiting Moss Park while representing Toronto Centre , which includes the east side of bank-lined Bay Street but also has one of Canada ’ s lowest average incomes — in its most expensive city .
The riding has elected Liberals for decades , although its lowest-income residents have been less likely to vote than wealthier residents in the rowhouses of Cabbagetown or more recent condo developments .
Toronto Centre will vote in a byelection to replace Morneau on Oct. 26 .
The outcome could be pivotal , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground , the Greens pushing to get their new leader into Parliament and the NDP waiting in the wings with solid support .
Higgins , who helped arrange Monday 's online candidates debate for residents of the neighbourhood ’ s highrises and other social housing , is pushing to get Morneau 's replacement to take seriously their needs , which include some of the sharpest challenges facing the country .
“ Homelessness is significant across the country , but because it 's so high and the opioid epidemic is centred in Toronto Centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gives the ability for those issues to have a higher national profile , ” the young community organizer said by phone .
• A national school lunch program would solve more than hunger , advocates say • Travel restrictions at Canada-U.S. border to remain in place until at least Nov. 21 • ‘ Love , not fear , had motivated me ’ to preserve the environment : Leah Davidson The park that gives the Moss Park neighbourhood its name has housed a tent encampment during the COVID-19 pandemic that has laid bare the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most vulnerable .
Higgins and others from Building Roots have been hustling to engage low-income residents in the byelection campaign by telling them how and where to vote during the community group ’ s regular Moss Park Market events .
“ They really want to see a community champion in this role , ” he said of residents he ’ s spoken with recently , noting that “ getting people to talk about what they care about has helped to grow the awareness and to think about what it is possible to change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a volunteer for Building Roots who moderated Monday 's event , provides youth in Moss Park with reading materials and colouring activities on Aug. 22 , 2020 .
Photo by Inna Krochek Unfortunately , only two of the candidates from the major parties logged on to make their case to fill the role : Annamie Paul , the newly minted Green party leader , and Brian Chang , the NDP candidate who came in second to Morneau with 22 per cent of the vote in 2019 .
The campaign team of the Liberal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she was unable to attend due to prior commitments , including a virtual conversation with the prime minister ’ s wife , Sophie Grégoire Trudeau , and people across the riding .
Residents of Toronto Centre 's Moss Park held a virtual debate on Monday for candidates running in the Oct. 26 byelection .
Of the four major parties , only the Green and NDP candidates showed up .
# cdnpoli In a statement , the team said as a broadcaster , Ien had “ always strived to give a voice to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and that she would work with the prime minister “ to ensure that everyone in our community has a real and fair chance at success.
” The campaign of the Conservative candidate , Benjamin Sharma , did not respond when asked why he declined to take part .
Sal Sabina is one of the young participants who sent in questions , and she worries that those with the greatest needs are finding it most difficult to take part in the byelection .
“ People have so many other needs , people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ byelection is a pretty new concept to a lot of people ” in the neighbourhood , she said .
Tooba Nasir , the manager of Moss Park Market , a community initiative that kicked into overdrive to keep vulnerable folks fed throughout the pandemic , hands out fresh food on May 16 , 2020 .
Photo by Spencer Wynn She was specifically interested in what candidates had to say about “ jobs and schools ” — how they ’ ll help people get training for post-pandemic jobs , what will happen to pandemic-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help struggling small businesses and why post-secondary students are still paying tuition fees while missing out on many services .
“ Some of the things that I really want to hear from the candidates is what is their plan after COVID , what does the post-pandemic world look like to them , ” said Sabila , a first-year mathematics student at the University of Toronto .
It was a question the NDP ’ s Chang returned to in his closing remarks for the hour-long event , saying : “ That is what makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about what it looks like when my friends with MS ( multiple sclerosis ) don ’ t have to worry about losing their jobs and then losing their access to medication , ” he continued , focusing on the NDP ’ s push for universal pharmacare .
“ What does it look like for someone like me who is LGBTQ2S+-identified when I do n't have to pay out of pocket for things like Gardasil ( a brand of vaccine for HPV , a common STI with worse outcomes for gay men ) ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a month for a common brand of medication to protect against HIV , he said .
For the Greens ’ Paul , the absence of the Liberal and Conservative candidates spoke volumes .
“ This is how real representation starts , ” Paul said in closing .
“ It does n't start after you 're elected , it starts now , and I ca n't think of any justifiable reason other candidates seeking to represent this community can explain why they 're not here for this important event.
” She made a direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park , Moss Park , St. Jamestown and all of the pockets of our community that have just been left behind , forgotten and neglected , you have got to say : 'Enough . '
” “ My family is an immigrant family and my family voted Liberal my entire life , ” she said .
“ I understand they brought us here , but they brought us here and then they 're not taking care of us , so you 've got to say : 'Enough . '
”

Darcy Higgins doesn’t recall former finance minister Bill Morneau ever visiting Moss Park while representing Toronto Centre, which includes the east side of bank-lined Bay Street but also has one of Canada’s lowest average incomes — in its most expensive city. The federal riding has elected Liberals for decades, although its lowest-income residents have been less likely to vote than wealthier residents in the rowhouses of Cabbagetown or more recent condo developments. Toronto Centre will vote in a byelection to replace Morneau on Oct. 26. The outcome could be pivotal, with the minority Liberal government eager to hold ground, the Greens pushing to get their new leader into Parliament and the NDP waiting in the wings with solid support. Higgins, who helped arrange Monday's online candidates debate for residents of the neighbourhood’s highrises and other social housing, is pushing to get Morneau's replacement to take seriously their needs, which include some of the sharpest challenges facing the country. “Homelessness is significant across the country, but because it's so high and the opioid epidemic is centred in Toronto Centre, I think (the debate) gives the ability for those issues to have a higher national profile,” the young community organizer said by phone.
The park that gives the Moss Park neighbourhood its name has housed a tent encampment during the COVID-19 pandemic that has laid bare the lack of government action to help the most vulnerable. Higgins and others from Building Roots have been hustling to engage low-income residents in the byelection campaign by telling them how and where to vote during the community group’s regular Moss Park Market events. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions “They really want to see a community champion in this role,” he said of residents he’s spoken with recently, noting that “getting people to talk about what they care about has helped to grow the awareness and to think about what it is possible to change for the community.”
Irena Stankovic, a volunteer for Building Roots who moderated Monday's event, provides youth in Moss Park with reading materials and colouring activities on Aug. 22, 2020. Photo by Inna Krochek Unfortunately, only two of the candidates from the major parties logged on to make their case to fill the role: Annamie Paul, the newly minted Green party leader, and Brian Chang, the NDP candidate who came in second to Morneau with 22 per cent of the vote in 2019. Residents of Toronto Centre's Moss Park held a virtual debate on Monday for candidates running in the Oct. 26 byelection. Of the four major parties, only the Green and NDP candidates showed up. #cdnpoli The campaign team of the Liberal candidate, television presenter Marci Ien, said she was unable to attend due to prior commitments, including a virtual conversation with the prime minister’s wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, and people across the riding. In a statement, the team said as a broadcaster, Ien had “always strived to give a voice to those who haven’t been heard” and that she would work with the prime minister “to ensure that everyone in our community has a real and fair chance at success.” The campaign of the Conservative candidate, Benjamin Sharma, did not respond when asked why he declined to take part.
Jobs and schools after COVID-19 Sal Sabila is one of the young participants who sent in questions, and she worries that those with the greatest needs are finding it most difficult to take part in the byelection. “People have so many other needs, people have to run to two jobs and the byelection is a pretty new concept to a lot of people” in the neighbourhood, she said.


nationalobserver--2020-10-20--'Unprecedented' new data tool aims to bolster B.C. salmon conservation

A groundbreaking online tool that illustrates the state of Pacific salmon across B.C .
aims to help protect endangered populations and drive future conservation efforts .
The Pacific Salmon Explorer is a public data-visualization site that people can use to see what types of salmon are returning to a given area and find available data on the health of the population and the cumulative habitat pressures the fish may be facing .
“ Absolutely , it is unprecedented , ” Katrina Connors , director of Pacific Salmon Foundation watersheds program , said of the online tool .
“ Then you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns we need to start paying attention to , and more importantly , what actions we can take to better support the recovery and long-term persistence ( of ) those populations or species.
” Katrina Connors of the Pacific Salmon Foundation says the new online data tool will assist with strategic conservation measures .
Photo : Pacific Salmon Foundation .
The Pacific Salmon Explorer started out by looking at parts of the north and central coasts of B.C.
, but the most recent updates include data for southern B.C.
, and the tool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent of salmon across the province , Connors said .
“ It 's unprecedented .
This is the first time that you 've got data for salmon all in one place online in a map .
It really has n't been done before , ” Katrina Connors said of the @ PSF 's public online conservation tool .
# BCsalmon It details salmon species and important watersheds such as the Nass , Skeena and Fraser rivers , as well as the Central Coast , Vancouver Island and Mainland Inlets .
The site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biologically , ecologically and genetically unique groups of salmon populations , known as conservation units ( CUs ) , across the province .
The online tool has already been used to help assess and identify strategies to assist in the recovery of southern B.C .
Chinook salmon , also critical to the survival of endangered southern resident killer whales .
The Pacific Salmon Explorer also assisted a First Nations coalition and its partners in developing a management plan for salmon on B.C .
's Central Coast , Connors said .
Digging into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Salmon Foundation vice-president , says some salmon populations are on the decline while others are healthy .
Photo supplied by Jason Hwang .
The Pacific Salmon Explorer maps highlight areas where certain salmon are doing well , or poorly , and outline gaps in data on certain types of fish .
This can work either to spur positive change or identify what ’ s working when it comes to salmon habitat , said Jason Hwang , vice-president of the Pacific Salmon Foundation .
“ When the public becomes aware that a salmon population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a call for action to try and make things better , ” Hwang said , noting that could include starting a hatchery program or working to restore a fish habitat .
“ Or , if you have a healthy population and the habitat is good , then what you want to know is how to keep it that way.
” Generally , the broader picture shows an overall decline in the health of some Pacific salmon populations , Hwang said .
For example , the Fraser River sockeye salmon runs are predicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number since records began in 1983 .
However , the health of each salmon run and its habitat needs to be examined individually , he said , adding there are hundreds of genetically unique populations spread across thousands of streams .
And it ’ s important that diversity is protected for the overall resiliency of salmon , Hwang added .
Some salmon populations seem to be healthy , and fluctuations in returns are not unusual , he said .
“ For example , some sockeye populations are doing reasonably well off the west @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Connors agreed , saying there are bright spots for returns of sockeye in the Sprout , Central and Nimpkish lake systems .
But Connors also noted salmon returns are individual and variable , even in the same watershed .
For example , the Nimpkish Lake sockeye on northern Vancouver Island are seeing an upward trend in their numbers , while chum salmon returns along the river aren ’ t doing as well , she said .
“ So , it is important to be able to kind of tease apart how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Connors said , “ and maybe make investments in resources for the recovery and restoration of those that maybe are n't doing so well.
” Lauren Miller , a director with the Quadra Island Salmon Enhancement Society ( QISE ) , said she was looking forward to checking out the Pacific Salmon Explorer .
“ It certainly seems relevant to QISE and other types of stream-keeper organizations , ” Miller said .
The Quadra conservation group has a lot of knowledge of what ’ s going on locally at the stream level , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what ’ s happening with fish across the region , she said .
“ It ’ s also a great opportunity to see if they are using the data we provide to DFO , and compare ( the site ’ s ) data to our own , ” she added .
The value of data gaps Some data gaps prevent the Pacific Salmon Explorer from assigning some of the salmon populations a red , yellow or green biological status on the website , Connors said .
Those data gaps may arise because there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said , or the information available can ’ t be adapted for use in the comparative model .
In some cases , the data simply hasn ’ t been collected by Fisheries and Oceans Canada ( DFO ) , or other organizations , in watersheds that don ’ t historically support large commercial fisheries , she said .
“ I think there ’ s no question that in some places there has been some kind of declining investments in monitoring , so the scope of coverage has declined , ” Connors said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to new priorities about which systems need better monitoring , she said .
And the Pacific Salmon Explorer is a living tool , with the data and analyses updated on an ongoing basis as new information becomes available , Connors said .
“ In an ideal world , addressing all the data gaps would be wonderful , ” she said .
However , conservation planning simply doesn ’ t have the resources to monitor all salmon populations and their habitats equally well , she added .
“ So I think what 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we acquire data ... to help us better understand how salmon are doing and those long-term trends that ultimately can help us make better decisions for salmon .
”

We're excited to announce the release of new features added to @PSF ’s Pacific Salmon Explorer. 2020 marks our 6th year of working with @PSF & we look forward to making continuous contributions to this important biological and #environmental #conservation tool. pic.twitter.com/b1M9lqhFdR
“I would say that this is the first time that you've got data for salmon all in one place online in a map. It really hasn't been done before.”
“Absolutely, it is unprecedented,” Katrina Connors, director of Pacific Salmon Foundation watersheds program, said of the online tool.
The Pacific Salmon Explorer is a public data-visualization site that people can use to see what types of salmon are returning to a given area and find available data on the health of the population and the cumulative habitat pressures the fish may be facing.
A groundbreaking online tool that illustrates the state of Pacific salmon across B.C. aims to help protect endangered populations and drive future conservation efforts.
“Now, for example, we can easily look at the Skeena River watershed and compare that to salmon on Vancouver Island,” Connors said.
The user-friendly tool has compiled, synthesized and standardized data from a large number of sources, so people can easily compare how salmon are doing in different areas.
The Pacific Salmon Explorer provides valuable insights into the current health of salmon both across the board and at very local levels, she said.
The site outlines available data around 411 biologically, ecologically and genetically unique groups of salmon populations, known as conservation units (CUs), across the province.
It details salmon species and important watersheds such as the Nass, Skeena and Fraser rivers, as well as the Central Coast, Vancouver Island and Mainland Inlets.
The Pacific Salmon Explorer started out by looking at parts of the north and central coasts of B.C., but the most recent updates include data for southern B.C., and the tool now has information about more than 80 per cent of salmon across the province, Connors said.
“Then you can start to see any potential conservation concerns we need to start paying attention to, and more importantly, what actions we can take to better support the recovery and long-term persistence (of) those populations or species.”
The Pacific Salmon Explorer also assisted a First Nations coalition and its partners in developing a conservation plan for salmon on B.C.'s Central Coast, Connors said.
The online tool has already been used to help assess and identify strategies to assist in the recovery of southern B.C. Chinook salmon, also critical to the survival of endangered southern resident killer whales.
Digging into the status of salmon
Jason Hwang, Pacific Salmon Foundation vice-president, says some salmon populations are on the decline while others are healthy. Photo supplied by Jason Hwang.
The Pacific Salmon Explorer maps highlight areas where certain salmon are doing well, or poorly, and outline gaps in data on certain types of fish.
This can work either to spur positive change or identify what’s working when it comes to salmon habitat, said Jason Hwang, vice-president of the Pacific Salmon Foundation.
“When the public becomes aware that a salmon population is in trouble, there tends to be a call for action to try and make things better,” Hwang said, noting that could include starting a hatchery program or working to restore a fish habitat.
“Or, if you have a healthy population and the habitat is good, then what you want to know is how to keep it that way.”
Generally, the broader picture shows an overall decline in the health of some Pacific salmon populations, Hwang said.
For example, the Fraser River sockeye salmon runs are predicted to be 293,000 fish, the lowest number since records began in 1983.
However, the health of each salmon run and its habitat needs to be examined individually, he said, adding there are hundreds of genetically unique populations spread across thousands of streams. And it’s important that diversity is protected for the overall resiliency of salmon, Hwang added.
Some salmon populations seem to be healthy, and fluctuations in returns are not unusual, he said.
“For example, some sockeye populations are doing reasonably well off the west coast of Vancouver Island,” Hwang said.
Connors agreed, saying there are bright spots for returns of sockeye in the Sprout, Central and Nimpkish lake systems.
But Connors also noted salmon returns are individual and variable, even in the same watershed.
For example, the Nimpkish Lake sockeye on northern Vancouver Island are seeing an upward trend in their numbers, while chum salmon returns along the river aren’t doing as well, she said.
“So, it is important to be able to kind of tease apart how these different populations are doing,” Connors said, “and maybe make investments in resources for the recovery and restoration of those that maybe aren't doing so well.”
Lauren Miller, a director with the Quadra Island Salmon Enhancement Society (QISE), said she was looking forward to checking out the Pacific Salmon Explorer.
“It certainly seems relevant to QISE and other types of stream-keeper organizations,” Miller said.
The Quadra conservation group has a lot of knowledge of what’s going on locally at the stream level, but the site synthesizes useful data about what’s happening with fish across the region, she said.
“It’s also a great opportunity to see if they are using the data we provide to DFO, and compare (the site’s) data to our own,” she added.
The value of data gaps
Some data gaps prevent the Pacific Salmon Explorer from assigning some of the salmon populations a red, yellow or green biological status on the website, Connors said.
Those data gaps may arise because there is insufficient or irregular data available, she said, or the information available can’t be adapted for use in the comparative model.
In some cases, the data simply hasn’t been collected by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), or other organizations, in watersheds that don’t historically support large commercial fisheries, she said.
“I think there’s no question that in some places there has been some kind of declining investments in monitoring, so the scope of coverage has declined,” Connors said.
However, examining information gaps can lead to new priorities about which systems need better monitoring, she said.
And the Pacific Salmon Explorer is a living tool, with the data and analyses updated on an ongoing basis as new information becomes available, Connors said.
“In an ideal world, addressing all the data gaps would be wonderful,” she said.
However, conservation planning simply doesn’t have the resources to monitor all salmon populations and their habitats equally well, she added.
“So I think what's really needed is making strategic investments where we acquire data ... to help us better understand how salmon are doing and those long-term trends that ultimately can help us make better decisions for salmon.”
Rochelle Baker / Local Journalism Initiative / Canada's National Observer
[Editor's Note: This story was updated Tuesday morning to correct an error in this story that stated there were 150 salmon conservation units in B.C. There are in fact 411.]


nationalobserver--2020-10-20--California megafires rise exponentially as global heating takes the gloves off

California is on the burning edge of climate breakdown .
Record temperatures are teaming up with record droughts to turn the Golden State into a tinderbox .
The megafires have followed , erupting with stunning speed and ferocity across forests , grasslands , rural areas and city neighbourhoods .
These megafires , each burning more than 100,000 acres , are rising exponentially — both in frequency and size .
And all this is unfolding with just one degree of global heating , so far .
Unfortunately for all of us , the primary fuel for global warming — the CO2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also rising exponentially .
We 've already burned down our old , calmer and more stable climate .
It 's gone .
Sorry , kids .
And yet even now , instead of turning back towards safety , we continue to crank up the climate burner — cooking up an ever-more turbulent , hostile and extreme climate future .
To illustrate the scale , pace and climate connections of California 's megafire crisis , I ’ ve dug into years of wildfire reports and the latest climate science to chart what 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program would solve more than hunger , advocates say • Travel restrictions at Canada-U.S. border to remain in place until at least Nov. 21 • ‘ Love , not fear , had motivated me ’ to preserve the environment : Leah Davidson Let 's start by looking at California ’ s 35 largest wildfires since accurate , modern records started being kept around 1930 .
My chart below arranges them by year , and the height of each bar shows the number of acres burned .
Bars in red are fires from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35 largest wildfires , arranged by year .
Data from CalFire .
Chart by Barry Saxifrage .
As you can see , megafires used to be rare in our old , lower-energy , stable climate .
But in our new extreme climate , they are arriving with startling frequency .
In fact , eight of the state 's 35 largest wildfires on record — including five of the top six — burned this year .
Just as troubling , the size of the largest fires is also rising exponentially .
My next chart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing the exponential rise in the size of California 's largest wildfires , from 1932 to 2020 .
Data CalFire .
Chart by Barry Saxifrage .
Back in the early 1930s , the Matilija Fire ripped through the forests around Santa Barbara , burning nearly 220,000 acres .
It was the largest known fire in the state 's history .
There may have been one fire in the previous century that was larger , but it burned before accurate measurements were made .
`` Record temperatures are teaming up with record droughts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' writes @ bsaxifrage .
`` The megafires have followed , erupting with stunning speed and ferocity . ''
After the Matilija Fire , Californians enjoyed a 70-year stretch without another inferno of that scale .
That 's what living in the old , stable , lower-energy climate was like — record-breaking extremes were blessedly rare .
Do n't you wish you and your loved ones were still living with that climate ?
I sure do .
In 2003 , Matilija 's record finally fell when the Cedar Fire near San Diego @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area 24 per cent larger .
Sadly , this new megafire record would last for only 13 years .
In 2017 , the Thomas Fire rampaged through suburbs just north of Los Angeles , burning a record 282,000 acres .
This fire was a climate wake-up call for many .
For one thing , it broke the record despite an armada of firefighters , bulldozers , tankers and water bombers thrown at it to try to keep it out of neighborhoods and city centres .
Even more troubling , all this happened during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ rainy season ” fire to even break into the top 20 .
Only a year later , the sprawling Mendocino Complex fire jumped off the charts , burning nearly 460,000 acres .
This was an eye-popping 63 per cent leap in size from the old record set just the year before .
And two years after that , the still burning August Complex fire exploded to more than twice that size .
As I write , it 's already burned over a million acres and is only two-thirds contained .
The current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away .
And it 's not just the frequency and scale of megafires that 's skyrocketing .
The total area burned in the state is , too .
So far this year , wildfires have burned more than four million acres in California .
That 's more than double the previous record set only two years ago .
And a recent study found that the extent of the state 's summer forest fires has jumped eightfold since the 1970s .
“ The climate system is an angry beast and we are poking it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the late climate scientist Wallace S. Broecker Climate science has long warned that dumping ever more fossil fuel pollution into our atmosphere will lead to ever-more extreme fire conditions .
Here 's a chart showing cumulative global fossil fuel CO2 emissions since 1960 ; that 's the black line .
The red line below it is the amount that has remained in the atmosphere driving global heating .
As you can see , both are continuing to rise exponentially .
We are literally accelerating away from climate safety and towards an increasingly energized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cumulative global fossil fuel CO2 emissions since 1960 ( black line ) and atmospheric CO2 ( red line ) .
The 25 global climate conferences are listed in the year they happened .
The dashed lines show rate that CO2 was accumulating in the atmosphere in each decade .
Chart by Barry Saxifrage .
Climate science has documented many ways in which our human-caused global heating is turbocharging wildfires .
These include more extreme winds driving the flames faster , hotter nights that keep fires raging when they used to damp down and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have killed a `` staggering '' 129 million trees in California alone in just the last few years , creating super-fuelled fire cores that are hard to put out .
But the most powerful climate hammer of all is the rapid rise in the number of days that are both hotter and drier .
A new study led by researchers from McGill University is the latest in the long line of science reports linking climate change to rising wildfires .
It focuses on this convergence of heat waves and droughts — what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Their research shows these hot-dry events are becoming increasingly common and more extreme in western parts of the United States due to climate change .
And their study explains how these dual “ hot-dry extremes ” are the conditions that breed explosive , hard-to-contain megafires .
To illustrate this rising hot-dry trend , I 've charted NOAA data for the average temperature and precipitation in every California wildfire season since 1895 .
( h/t to @ RARohde ) Grey dots show the years from 1895 to 1999 .
Red and orange dots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every year since 2000 has been hotter than the “ old normal , ” with several in record hot territory .
And notice how most of these years were also drier than the “ old normal ” ( red dots ) .
I 've further labelled the extreme megafire years of 2017 and 2018 to highlight just how extreme the “ disastrous duo ” of hot-dry conditions were then .
This year , 2020 , doesn ’ t yet appear on this chart because October is n't over .
But it has already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California summer on record .
And , so far , it has been one of the driest as well .
The McGill researchers also found another troubling fact .
The trigger for these extreme hot-dry events has shifted dangerously .
In our old , lower-energy climate , these events were driven primarily by the lack of rain .
But now rising temperatures have reached the point where our new extreme heat waves are enough by themselves to cook the landscape into extreme dryness , even when the rains do n't fail .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change is that temperatures will continue rising until humans stop emitting fossil fuel pollution — and likely for a while longer after that .
There will always be sparks to start fires in California , from both nature ( lighting ) and humans .
But to turn a common small brush fire into a city-eating megafire requires a lot of kindling-dry fuel ( forests , brush , grassland ) that burns explosively fast .
That 's what extreme hot-dry conditions deliver .
As one example , the off-the-charts Mendocino Complex fire in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a metal stake into the ground .
A spark jumped off and ignited the bone-dry landscape faster and more furiously than even modern firefighting technology and crews could contain .
Driving metal stakes into the ground is n't new .
Extreme hot-dry fire conditions are .
These extreme hot-dry weather conditions are expected to keep rising exponentially .
As Park Williams , a climate scientist at Columbia University and an author of another recent California wildfire study , told the Atlantic : “ Each degree of warming causes way more fire than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s a really big deal.
” I remember vividly a winter day , back in 2009 , when the U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu , a Nobel Prize-winning physicist , voiced his deep concerns for what climate change could do his home state .
“ I do n't think the American public has gripped in its gut what could happen ... We 're looking at a scenario where there 's no more agriculture in California.
” And , he added : “ I do n't actually see how they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later , in 2018 , as yet another extreme fire year was shattering the records for both biggest fire and total area burned in a single year , then-Gov .
Jerry Brown held a press conference : “ This is not the new normal .
This is the new abnormal ...
Unfortunately , the best science is telling us that dryness , warmth , drought , all those things , they ’ re going to intensify ... We have a real challenge here threatening our whole way of life.
” Right on cue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both those records — more than doubling the worst that came before .
That 's what exponential change feels like .
What seems impossibly distant a few years ago suddenly arrives with bewildering speed .
As climate scientist Philip B. Duffy told the New York Times last month : “ People are always asking , ‘ Is this the new normal ?
’ I always say no .
It ’ s going to get worse.
” How much worse will depend upon how soon we all decide to stop emitting climate pollution .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we here in Canada are doing with our climate pollution .
Canada remains one of the world 's “ dirty dozen ” countries , both in terms of total climate pollution emitted and in emissions per capita .
Despite pledging new climate targets nine separate times over the last 30 years , we 've yet to come close to living up to any of them .
Cutting climate pollution and living up to climate promises is certainly possible .
Our economic and Commonwealth peer , the United Kingdom , has reduced its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 've increased ours by 21 per cent .
The U.K. long ago enacted an effective Carbon Budget law that legally binds their governments to meet targets that include all emissions in every year .
Our federal government , in contrast , has no such laws and has yet to even create a plan that would meet any of our climate targets .
Not even close .
So it is both deeply discouraging , and yet unsurprising , that our climate pollution emissions in Canada are still headed in the wrong direction , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
As we continue our foot-dragging in Canada , the climate beast is waking up .
When will we ?

To illustrate the scale, pace and climate connections of California's megafire crisis, I’ve dug into years of wildfire reports and the latest climate science to chart what's happening.
And yet even now, instead of turning back towards safety, we continue to crank up the climate burner — cooking up an ever-more turbulent, hostile and extreme climate future.
And all this is unfolding with just one degree of global heating, so far. Unfortunately for all of us, the primary fuel for global warming — the CO2 humans are adding to our atmosphere — is also rising exponentially. We've already burned down our old, calmer and more stable climate. It's gone. Sorry, kids.
These megafires, each burning more than 100,000 acres, are rising exponentially — both in frequency and size.
California is on the burning edge of climate breakdown. Record temperatures are teaming up with record droughts to turn the Golden State into a tinderbox. The megafires have followed, erupting with stunning speed and ferocity across forests, grasslands, rural areas and city neighbourhoods.
Let's start by looking at California’s 35 largest wildfires since accurate, modern records started being kept around 1930. My chart below arranges them by year, and the height of each bar shows the number of acres burned. Bars in red are fires from the last three years.
After the Matilija Fire, Californians enjoyed a 70-year stretch without another inferno of that scale. That's what living in the old, stable, lower-energy climate was like — record-breaking extremes were blessedly rare. Don't you wish you and your loved ones were still living with that climate? I sure do.
Back in the early 1930s, the Matilija Fire ripped through the forests around Santa Barbara, burning nearly 220,000 acres. It was the largest known fire in the state's history. There may have been one fire in the previous century that was larger, but it burned before accurate measurements were made.
Just as troubling, the size of the largest fires is also rising exponentially. My next chart highlights this rise in yellow.
As you can see, megafires used to be rare in our old, lower-energy, stable climate. But in our new extreme climate, they are arriving with startling frequency. In fact, eight of the state's 35 largest wildfires on record — including five of the top six — burned this year.
Only a year later, the sprawling Mendocino Complex fire jumped off the charts , burning nearly 460,000 acres. This was an eye-popping 63 per cent leap in size from the old record set just the year before.
In 2017, the Thomas Fire rampaged through suburbs just north of Los Angeles, burning a record 282,000 acres. This fire was a climate wake-up call for many . For one thing, it broke the record despite an armada of firefighters, bulldozers, tankers and water bombers thrown at it to try to keep it out of neighborhoods and city centres. Even more troubling, all this happened during December, making it California's first “rainy season” fire to even break into the top 20.
In 2003, Matilija's record finally fell when the Cedar Fire near San Diego torched 273,000 acres. It burned an area 24 per cent larger. Sadly, this new megafire record would last for only 13 years.
And two years after that, the still burning August Complex fire exploded to more than twice that size. As I write, it's already burned over a million acres and is only two-thirds contained. The current estimated containment date is still a month away.
And it's not just the frequency and scale of megafires that's skyrocketing. The total area burned in the state is, too. So far this year, wildfires have burned more than four million acres in California. That's more than double the previous record set only two years ago. And a recent study found that the extent of the state's summer forest fires has jumped eightfold since the 1970s.
The climate beast
“The climate system is an angry beast and we are poking it with sticks.” — often-repeated warning by the late climate scientist Wallace S. Broecker
Climate science has long warned that dumping ever more fossil fuel pollution into our atmosphere will lead to ever-more extreme fire conditions.
Here's a chart showing cumulative global fossil fuel CO2 emissions since 1960; that's the black line. The red line below it is the amount that has remained in the atmosphere driving global heating. As you can see, both are continuing to rise exponentially. We are literally accelerating away from climate safety and towards an increasingly energized and dangerous climate system.
Chart shows cumulative global fossil fuel CO2 emissions since 1960 (black line) and atmospheric CO2 (red line). The 25 global climate conferences are listed in the year they happened. The dashed lines show rate that CO2 was accumulating in the atmosphere in each decade. Chart by Barry Saxifrage.
Climate science has documented many ways in which our human-caused global heating is turbocharging wildfires. These include more extreme winds driving the flames faster, hotter nights that keep fires raging when they used to damp down and the unleashing of hordes of tree-killing insects that have killed a "staggering" 129 million trees in California alone in just the last few years, creating super-fuelled fire cores that are hard to put out. But the most powerful climate hammer of all is the rapid rise in the number of days that are both hotter and drier.
A new study led by researchers from McGill University is the latest in the long line of science reports linking climate change to rising wildfires. It focuses on this convergence of heat waves and droughts — what they call the "disastrous duo." Their research shows these hot-dry events are becoming increasingly common and more extreme in western parts of the United States due to climate change. And their study explains how these dual “hot-dry extremes” are the conditions that breed explosive, hard-to-contain megafires.
To illustrate this rising hot-dry trend, I've charted NOAA data for the average temperature and precipitation in every California wildfire season since 1895. (h/t to @RARohde)
Grey dots show the years from 1895 to 1999. Red and orange dots show 2000 to 2019.
Notice how every year since 2000 has been hotter than the “old normal,” with several in record hot territory. And notice how most of these years were also drier than the “old normal” (red dots).
I've further labelled the extreme megafire years of 2017 and 2018 to highlight just how extreme the “disastrous duo” of hot-dry conditions were then.
This year, 2020, doesn’t yet appear on this chart because October isn't over. But it has already entered the record books as the hottest California summer on record. And, so far, it has been one of the driest as well.
The McGill researchers also found another troubling fact. The trigger for these extreme hot-dry events has shifted dangerously. In our old, lower-energy climate, these events were driven primarily by the lack of rain. But now rising temperatures have reached the point where our new extreme heat waves are enough by themselves to cook the landscape into extreme dryness, even when the rains don't fail. And the most certain prediction of future climate change is that temperatures will continue rising until humans stop emitting fossil fuel pollution — and likely for a while longer after that.
There will always be sparks to start fires in California, from both nature (lighting) and humans. But to turn a common small brush fire into a city-eating megafire requires a lot of kindling-dry fuel (forests, brush, grassland) that burns explosively fast. That's what extreme hot-dry conditions deliver.
As one example, the off-the-charts Mendocino Complex fire in 2018 was started when a rancher was driving a metal stake into the ground. A spark jumped off and ignited the bone-dry landscape faster and more furiously than even modern firefighting technology and crews could contain. Driving metal stakes into the ground isn't new. Extreme hot-dry fire conditions are.
These extreme hot-dry weather conditions are expected to keep rising exponentially. As Park Williams, a climate scientist at Columbia University and an author of another recent California wildfire study, told the Atlantic: “Each degree of warming causes way more fire than the previous degree of warming did. And that’s a really big deal.”
What next?
I remember vividly a winter day, back in 2009, when the U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, voiced his deep concerns for what climate change could do his home state. “I don't think the American public has gripped in its gut what could happen ... We're looking at a scenario where there's no more agriculture in California.” And, he added: “I don't actually see how they can keep their cities going.”
A decade later, in 2018, as yet another extreme fire year was shattering the records for both biggest fire and total area burned in a single year, then-Gov. Jerry Brown held a press conference: “This is not the new normal. This is the new abnormal ... Unfortunately, the best science is telling us that dryness, warmth, drought, all those things, they’re going to intensify ... We have a real challenge here threatening our whole way of life.”
Right on cue, the fires of 2020 have obliterated both those records — more than doubling the worst that came before. That's what exponential change feels like. What seems impossibly distant a few years ago suddenly arrives with bewildering speed.
As climate scientist Philip B. Duffy told the New York Times last month: “People are always asking, ‘Is this the new normal?’ I always say no. It’s going to get worse.”
How much worse will depend upon how soon we all decide to stop emitting climate pollution.
It is a good time to review what we here in Canada are doing with our climate pollution. Canada remains one of the world's “dirty dozen” countries, both in terms of total climate pollution emitted and in emissions per capita. Despite pledging new climate targets nine separate times over the last 30 years, we've yet to come close to living up to any of them.
Cutting climate pollution and living up to climate promises is certainly possible. Our economic and Commonwealth peer, the United Kingdom, has reduced its emissions 42 per cent since 1990. We've increased ours by 21 per cent. The U.K. long ago enacted an effective Carbon Budget law that legally binds their governments to meet targets that include all emissions in every year. Our federal government, in contrast, has no such laws and has yet to even create a plan that would meet any of our climate targets. Not even close. So it is both deeply discouraging, and yet unsurprising, that our climate pollution emissions in Canada are still headed in the wrong direction, rising, not falling, in recent years.
As we continue our foot-dragging in Canada, the climate beast is waking up. When will we?