• A framework for energy-related interests

    Last month, the Canadian Energy Strategy Working Group, of which NB Premier Brian Gallant is one of the co-chairs, announced the Canadian Energy Strategy. The intent of this strategy is to provide a framework for provinces and territories to work together on common energy-related interests.

    While the strategy speaks to climate change quite a bit, it does so in a rather non-committal manner. For example, energy efficiency and conservation is an area of focus in the strategy, but so is “Develop and enhance a modern, reliable, environmentally safe and efficient series of transmission and transportation networks for domestic and export/import sources of energy”. Sounds like pipelines to me. The strategy also discusses transitioning to a lower-carbon economy (not a low-carbon economy). 

    What does all this really mean? To me, the strategy is so broad that it could mean anything to anyone. But, don’t take it from me. Check it out for yourself here.

  • Collaboration: "Canada Works Better When Canada Works Together"

    Last month, on June 27, Tides Canada launched a new campaign focusing on cooperation and collaboration amongst Canadians. The "Strange Bedfellows" campaign is just that- an unlikely alliance of companies, industry associations, labor unions, governments and citizen organizations, coming together to support the development of a Canadian energy strategy. Participants are now calling on Canada’s provincial premiers to work together to develop a strategy that will ensure energy security and jobs while addressing climate change and environmental protection. The premiers are meeting in Halifax in late July for the Council of the Federation summit, and are expected to address the development of an energy strategy.

    Tides Canada is hoping that participants from diverse backgrounds can put aside their differences and work together. After all, according to Sarah Goodman, Tide Canada's vice president of business development and services, "[…] successful partnerships are often built between people from different points of view or different walks of life." For more information, or to get involved, visit their webiste.

    Another recent result of people coming together is the online petition to save the Experimental Lakes Area. The petition was a global effort, with signatures from 58 different countries (one for every experimental lake), asking the Harper Government to reverse the decision to close the world-renowned research facility. The petition can be seen on this website,  along with comments from the signatories.

  • Richard Olmstead Sustainable Living Expo, Woodstock Saturday, October 13

    NBCC Woodstock will be the site of the 2nd Richard Olmstead Sustainable Living Expo (ROSLE) on Saturday, October 13, 2012, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.The Expo will feature speakers, workshops, displays and booths to showcase goods and services that relate to living locally in a sustainable lifestyle. (See Attached)

    The Expo is an opportunity for those who produce or provide goods and services that make the Woodstock Region more self-reliant and energy efficient to share their resources, knowledge, and expertise with the wider community. Exhibitors include individuals, businesses, and organizations that provide goods and services, including arts, recreational, and educational services, in the greater Woodstock region.

    From crafts people to passive solar homebuilding, from local food to energy efficiency experts, from healthy eating to products for sustainable living, the Expo showcases the many ways businesses and community organizations are working to build a stronger, more resilient region.

    Dr.Wayne Groszko (Ph.D.in Chemical Oceanography, Dalhousie University) is the Key note speaker. His topic is"Solar Energy: AWorldTour – Learn about exciting new developments in solar energy around the world, with connections to how you can use solarenergy here at home in New Brunswick."

    Speakers and work shops include:

    10:00 am  Dr. Donald Wood - Geothermalenergy

    11:00 am  Peter Steeves - Heatpumpsoptions

    12:00 pm  SimplyforLife-..Cookingdemonstration

    1:00 pm    Dr.Wayne Groszko - Keynote address

    2:00 pm    Sara Mudg - Efficiency New Brunswick Opportunities

    3:00 pm    Garth Hood – Passive solar Houses Web: thoughtfuldwellings.ca

    Breakfast with healthy local foods is being provided by Simply for Life for $7

    from8:00 to 9:30 am

    The local sponsor the Sustainable Energy Group will release its free new booklet at the Expo called ‘From Oil Dependency to Renewable Energy – An Energy Transition Guidebook, Assessment, Planning, and Resources’.

    The guide book demonstrates many practical ways how people can reduce their own environmental footprint while living healthier lives, with numerous examples of local

    people already doing this.

    Richard Olmstead (1954 - 2010), one of the founding members of SEG in 2004, was passionate about educating people to consume less and to be mindful of our impact on the environment. The Expo was Richard's idea, and is in his memory.

    Falls Brook Centre – Activities for all ages. Admission to the Expo is only $2, children under 12 free.

    (Submitted on behalf of the Sustainable Energy Group)
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