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Environment becomes major issue

By JIM FOX
Published November 19, 2006

Canadians are giving the new Conservative government top grades for the economy and taxes but failing ones for environment measures.

With opinion polls showing the environment a big concern, the socialist New Democrats could face a serious threat from the up-and-coming Green Party.

A new poll by Decima Research found the key issues were the environment, followed by the economy, taxes and Canada's role in the Afghanistan conflict.

The results suggest the fledgling minority government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper would be best to defuse the environment issue that heated up after the government moved away from the Kyoto treaty on global warming.

There is no indication that a federal election is looming but with a minority government, the opposition parties can combine their votes to defeat a major bill and, therefore, the government at any time.

Bruce Anderson of Decima said other factors affecting the governing Conservatives in the eyes of voters will be who becomes leader of the federal Liberals next month.

CARE questions role in Afghanistan

CARE Canada says the country has made a mistake in Afghanistan by confusing its military and humanitarian roles.

CEO John Watson said this has made it difficult for nongovernmental organizations to help those in need in the war-torn country.

Canada's role should have been its familiar one, that of an international peacekeeper, while leaving the fighting to American forces, he said.

Blurring its responsibilities by trying to be both a military force and humanitarian resource is something the Afghan people view with suspicion, he said.

CARE Canada is the country's leading nonsectarian international relief and development organization.

News in brief

- Garth Turner, maverick Toronto-area member of Parliament who was ousted by the Conservatives for breaching confidentiality on his Internet blog, says back-room political strategists are running and ruining the government. Turner is on a speaking tour across the country urging people to reject these "unaccountable political machines."

- Security at Canadian ports has been tightened, with background checks of all workers in the fight against terrorism. Criminal and security checks are being made of marine pilots, wharf operators, security personnel and seafarers. Those with access to restricted areas and performing sensitive duties must have security clearance.

- A Quebec political party wants to hear the pitter-patter of more little Francophone feet. Mario Dumont, leader of the l'Action democratique du Quebec, wants to encourage a baby boom by giving $5,000 to women who give birth to three or more children. A similar program of bonus payments for parents was started by former Liberal Premier Robert Bourassa.

Facts and figures

The value of Canada's dollar has drifted lower to 87.35 cents U.S. while the U.S. dollar returns $1.1448 in Canadian funds before bank exchange fees.

The Bank of Canada's key interest rate remains at 4.25 percent while the prime lending rate is 6 percent.

Stock markets are mixed, with the Toronto exchange index up at 12,381 points and the Canadian Venture Exchange lower at 2,597 points.

Lotto 6-49: Wednesday 5, 8, 34, 37, 44 and 47; bonus 24. (Nov. 11) 3, 5, 6, 7, 26 and 40; bonus 16.

Regional briefs

- Heavy rains have caused a drinking water crisis in Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Storms caused landslides that have "increased turbidity levels in watersheds," health officials said. This has resulted in a boil-water advisory affecting 2-million people in the Vancouver area, 100,000 in Nanaimo and 1,500 in nearby Chemainus. Power was also cut to 200,000 houses and businesses from Vancouver Island to Chilliwack on the mainland.

- Quebec companies with a "social conscience" will share in $10-million from the provincial government. Premier Jean Charest said the money is part of $58-million from the federal government and province to aid cooperatives and nonprofit agencies that often need financial help.

- Ed Byrne, who resigned from the Newfoundland Cabinet over a spending scandal, says he will be vindicated. Police are investigating after an audit showed $3.9-million in questionable spending by Byrne, a former Conservative leader, and three others. Also being investigated are former Liberal Cabinet minister Jim Walsh, Liberal Wally Andersen and New Democrat Randy Collins.

Jim Fox can be reached at canada report@hotmail.com.

[Last modified November 19, 2006, 02:11:04]