(February 19 2010) by Joanne Summers

There is a growing consensus that environmental goals will drive future profits.

(The Mark News, January 20 2010) Even before the incredible build-up in expectation that surrounded the Copenhagen climate change summit, we knew a couple of things: first, the Canadian government has essentially abdicated its policy role on the issue to the U.S. Congress, and second, under Barack Obama, the U.S. is taking a much more active role in addressing climate change.

While the summit failed to yield any real breakthrough, this does not mean an end to American engagement on the issue. It does mean, however, that the U.S. is facing some new choices. For Canada, the lessons the U.S. take away from Copenhagen and how they proceed as a result will have long-term implications for our environmental and economic policy.

Sustainable Prosperity and The Empire Club of Canada are proud to present Paul Ekins, Director of the UK Green Commission and a world leading expert on environmental tax reform. On January 14th 2010, he will be speaking on the topic of "Smart Tax Reform: The Key to a Stronger, Greener Economy." The event will be taking place in Toronto at the King Edward Hotel, Thursday January 14, 2010, 12:00 pm. Tickets are $70/$60 members, tables of 10 are $700/$600 members. To buy tickets, click here or call 416.364.2878 (press 0).

(Policy Options Dec.2009 - January 2010) Putting a meaningful price on carbon is essential, not just to combat climate change, but to drive a transformation of Canada’s energy systems and position us to compete in the emerging low-carbon economy. Financing this transformation will be a challenge, particularly with rising deficits. If a cap-and-trade system is used, selling the permits, as most economists (and President Obama) advocate, could provide the revenues needed for this major public investment. It also could lay the foundation for a (much-needed) coordinated national approach to clean energy policy, as part of a federal-provincial agreement on sharing these carbon revenues.

Click here for the full article, or view it on the Institute for Research on Public Policy website.

(December 6 2009) On CPAC show "Goldhawk Live" with Dale Goldhawk, Alex Wood is asked the question "What would you do to create a greener, low carbon economy in Canada?" Along with David Sawyer and Dr. Ram Sahi, the trio discuss the possibilities. Click here to stream the video clip (best viewed with Internet Explorer).

(The Mark News, November 17 2009) All of the attention climate change and energy policy has recently received in the U.S. stands in stark relief to our more minimalist approach to the issue north of the border. Provincial actions apart, it is fair to say that the debate has never benefited from any “front burner” political consideration in our peaceable kingdom.

(November 2 2009) The dinner presentation at the November 2009 Public Policy Forum "Green Jobs: Is this the 'New Economy'?" featured an armchair discussion with Stewart Elgie and Jake Caldwell (Centre for American Progress), moderated by Jacques Shore (Gowlings LLP). The theme of this discussion was "Are Green Jobs the way of the future?" This session was recorded by CPAC, and can be streamed by clicking here (best viewed with Internet Explorer).

A group of 16 prominent Canada-based companies and environmental NGOs, including Sustainable Prosperity, have come together to discuss a Canadian cap-and-trade system and prepare recommendations for its design. All organizations agree that carbon pricing must be a critical component of a comprehensive framework for reducing Canada's GHG emissions, and that a cap-and-trade system is one means of acheiving carbon pricing. Click here to read the final summary statement.

(September 23 2009) Stewart Elgie, the chair of Sustainable Prosperity's Steering Committee, gives a talk entitled "The Wealth of Nature: how fixing the economy can save the planet" as part of the University of Ottawa's President's Lecture Series, explaining the need to make our markets tell the environmental truth. Click here to stream a video of the presentation, or here to read the notes from the presentation.

 (September 23 2009) Stewart Elgie is interviewed by Adrian Harewood of CBC Radio's program 'All in a Day' on the topic of environmental pricing reform. Click here to stream the CBC podcast.