SCHOLAR: ENVIORNMENT AND CANADA A POLICY ISSUE

PURPOSE:  This briefing note is a recommendation for environmental policy changes.

ISSUE:  Better environmental action could be implemented for a more sustainable Canada.

Background:

Canada is a country that keeps their environment clean.  It strives to meet environmental objectives set out in the Paris Agreement however, they have fallen short on their initial goal.  The CO2 emissions target set out by the agreement is to limit temperature increase to under two degrees.   This means that Canadians have a lot of improvement that could be implemented.  Canada being an industrial nation, can easily implement environmental action with cooperation from its government, the people and business.  This relationship if fostered, can transform Canada to a leader in environmental action.  Canada being a frontrunner in oil production and a carbon economy, has a lot of issues before it can transition into a future of renewable clean energy.  Its economy is tied to carbon and it needs to ensure a healthy economy before it can invest in environmental initiatives.    

Options:

Option 1:  Label genetically modified foods.

Food is necessary to human survival.  Genetically engineered foods are new to the industry and it is uncertain as to what the effects of these foods are on the health of Canadians.  This option is really feasible and can easily be implemented with a time span or deadline.  Ensuring the safety of Canadians is a top priority of the government.  Allowing people to be able to access food that are labelled ensures an informed Canada.  The negative however, is the fact that this could upset food manufacturers and cause them to halt sales of goods. 

Option 2:  Subsidize renewable energy.

Although Canada is a leader in the production of oil, it is necessary to prepare for a future when oil becomes less of a desired commodity.   This option is really expensive therefore is not feasible.  However from a sustainability stand point this option works for the future of clean Canada.  I suspect that there would be high public interest in this option as proposed tax breaks could stimulate their interest in switching to clean energies. 

Option 3:  Plastic product ban.

Plastic is very damaging to the environment.  Animals are ingesting plastic and are causing them many ills.  It takes a very long time for plastic to biodegrade.  When in discussion about sustainability, this option ensures that the Canadian environment would have reduced unsightly pollution.  There is high public interest in such policy as people become more environmentally conscious.  From a feasibility perspective, it could be easy to implement however, business could be impacted.  Thus it may implicate the economy as suppliers would need to resource materials for replacements. 

Recommendation:

Option three is recommended.