What to Watch for in Budget 2010
After over four years in power, Stephen Harper’s government has yet to produce a comprehensive climate change plan of any kind. The centrepiece of any credible climate change plan for Canada would be an ambitious and effective plan to put a price on greenhouse gas pollution.
As critical as they are, a climate plan and a carbon pricing system are not necessarily budgetary items: Prime Minister Harper or Environment Minister Jim Prentice could announce them at any time.
Thus, the Climate Action Network–Réseau action climat Canada will look to the Speech from the Throne and the 2010 budget for an overall sense of the government’s intentions on climate change. However, there are also several more specific and time-sensitive items that require funding as line items in the 2010 budget. This note outlines three of those priorities:
- “Our Fair Share” of Short-term Climate Finance
- Meaningful investment in renewable energy production
- Renewing and expanding the work of the Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences
Keep reading more about our budget demands here: Top Climate Change Funding Requirements in Budget 2010
Related: Green Budget Coalition's Recommendations for Budget 2010
Related: Getting the Job Done Right Alternative Federal Budget (See Section 2: Protecting our Climate, Nature, and Water)
We Can Phase-Out Coal Now!
 Ontario now has a significant surplus of coal-free electricity, making it possible for the province to complete the coal phase out ahead of the G20 Summit in Toronto this June.
According to an Ontario Clean Air Alliance (OCAA) report, Finishing the coal phase-out: An historic opportunity for climate leadership, Ontario’s coal-free generation capacity is now 23% greater than the province’s forecast peak day demand in the summer of 2010, and 27% greater than its forecast peak day demand in 2014. This means we no longer need our dirty coal plants to keep the lights on in Ontario or to ensure a reliable electricity supply!
The OCAA is recommending that the province immediately put the coal plants on standby reserve and operate them only in the event of a power emergency or to support grid stability until their permanent shutdown in 2014.
Let’s show the world that we do care about our health and our climate.
Please email Premier McGuinty and ask him to provide climate leadership for Canada and the world by phasing out our dirty coal plants before the G20 Summit.
CYCC is Hiring: G20 and Climate Campus Outreach Organizers
 CYCC will be hiring 1 full-time and 5-7 part-time G20 and Climate Campus Outreach Organizers.
Want to mobilize people on your campus around climate change, climate justice and green jobs?
Do you want to see these issues properly addressed by the Canadian government and at the Toronto G20?
Are you looking for part-time or full-time work for the next few months?
Then check out the job description, and send your cover letter and resume to cycc.organize@gmail.com.
Arctic Voices Fellowship Program  The Arctic Voices Fellowship program is up and running and needs your help in identifying Northern applicants.
 If you have lived in Alberta and worked on environmental issues as long as I have, you get pretty used to being asked, "Anthropogenic climate change is not real — how can you still believe in it?" Because that myth seems to be getting so much traction lately — and because of what's at stake if those who spread misinformation about climate change convince our governments that inaction and indifference are acceptable — I want to share how I approach such conversations. more
Member Profile Meet the Climate Change Lawyers Network The Climate Change Lawyers Network (CCLN) is grass-roots group of lawyers with an interest in climate change. Recognizing the urgency and seriousness of the climate crisis, and the unique position that lawyers have to advocate and educate, the CCLN aims to be at the centre of legal discussions about the risks and opportunities posed by climate change. We also aim to provide a resource and forum for Canadian lawyers to remain abreast of important issues and developments while becoming more engaged in the local and international climate change community.
The CCLN organizes monthly educational events for both lawyers and non-lawyers to explore various issues and hear from experts in the field. Multiple members of the CCLN attended the 2009 UN Negotiations in Copenhagen and provided support to a number of Pacific Small Island Developing States. The CCLN also has been consulting with the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) with respect to public companies and climate risk disclosure. Our submission on this topic was cited in the OSC’s recent report to the Ontario Government. More information about these and other initiatives can be found on our website at: www.climatechangelawyers.ca
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Action Alert:
All Out March 3rd – Tell RBC Shareholders: Stop bankrolling tar sands! On March 3rd, the Royal Bank of Canada will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders’ at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It’s the one time every year that the bank’s top executives, board and other decision makers gather in the same place to hear from shareholders. This year, Rainforest Action Network wants them to hear from you! When: morning actions, rally @ 2pm, March 3, 2010 Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
There are also solidarity actions happening in 12 other cities across Canada. Visit the event's Facebook group for more information |
Connect with us:
All Out March 3rd – Tell RBC Shareholders: Stop bankrolling tar sands!Action Alert:
On March 3rd, the Royal Bank of Canada will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders’ at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It’s the one time every year that the bank’s top executives, board and other decision makers gather in the same place to hear from shareholders. This year, Rainforest Action Network wants them to hear from you!
When: morning actions, rally @ 2pm, March 3, 2010
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
There are also solidarity actions happening in 12 other cities across Canada.
Visit the event's Facebook group for more information