New research puts this winter’s wild weather in frightening context
when the numbers keep breaking the wrong records — 2023 was the hottest year on record — sometimes we just have to tally it up.
News
Published by Observer Media Group
Ford government cuts environmental assessment time for highways, infrastructure
The changes were announced Tuesday as part of the “Get It Done Act.” In a statement, the government emphasized the changes are crucial for accelerating infrastructure development and supporting the province’s population growth.
How to roll with the tide
The Nova Scotia community of Mahone Bay devised a creative way to combat climate challenges.
Wildfire season comes early in Alberta
The season traditionally has run from March 1 to Oct. 31, but Alberta Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen says it's now underway — 10 days earlier than usual.
Feds scale back carbon price rebates for small businesses
Dan Kelly, the president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, says businesses were already getting far less back from carbon pricing than they pay, and this will make that even worse.
'Safer supply' drug concerns rooted in 'stigma and fear': Federal addictions minister
Canada's mental health and addictions minister believes fear and stigma are driving criticism of the government's decision to support prescribing pharmaceuticals to drug users to combat the country's overdose crisis.
New Supreme Court justice proud of 'demystifying' top court processes
Trust in the Canadian justice system depends on clear communication to the public, Canada's newest Supreme Court justice said as she was officially welcomed to the country's highest court.
Renters in Toronto and Vancouver less satisfied with quality of life than homeowners
Renters across the country faced record low vacancy rates and record high rent increases in 2023, but Statistics Canada says Toronto and Vancouver residents who don't own their homes face the greatest financial pressures.
Trudeau in Vancouver for housing announcement
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Vancouver today, set to make a housing-related announcement alongside Premier David Eby and Mayor Ken Sim.
B.C. throne speech kicks off election year
British Columbia's New Democrat government is pledging more homes for first-time buyers and eviction protection for renters in a throne speech that promises affordability measures in this week's budget.
How do you stop a glacier from melting? Put up an underwater curtain
Scientists believe a 100-kilometre-long curtain moored to the bed of the Amundsen Sea in Antarctica could prevent catastrophic flooding elsewhere.
Rapid response needed to contain ‘zombie deer’ disease in B.C.
The dreaded arrival of chronic wasting disease in B.C. requires a big cash injection and rapid action by the province for any hope of stemming a widespread plague, say wildlife experts.
A firefighter’s wife and the nasty chemical secret no one wanted to hear
When Diane’s husband, Paul Cotter, was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 55, they were surprised and wondered if it was related to his job as a firefighter. Then, Paul began getting calls from firefighters at his station in Worcester, Mass. — all of them with prostate cancer.
Proposed Ontario carbon tax referendum a ploy, say critics
Last week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a proposed law requiring any future government to put a new provincial carbon pricing program to a referendum.
Feds tweak energy regulations for provincial flexibility
Most of the possible changes respond to concerns raised by provincial governments and industry during the six-month consultation period on the draft regulations published in August 2023.