Why has Justin Trudeau Diverged his Tracks and (Kind of) Axed the Carbon Tax?
By Lisa Fuda
October 26, 2023
via Google Images
Perhaps the word “axed” is too forceful to employ to describe the changes Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made to the country’s carbon pricing policy in October. Nevertheless, Trudeau’s three-year carbon tax exemption on home heating oil, inherently in conflict with his previous hardline support for carbon pricing in Canada, is shocking yet welcome news to some voters - or perhaps those pragmatists by whom idealistic ends facilitated by exclusively rational and realistic means are desired.
When Trudeau announced this change on October 26, he stood with members of his Atlantic caucus. A coincidence this was not. Atlantic provincial systems for applying carbon pricing were deemed ineffective in July, and it was only then that home heating oil came to be included in carbon pricing in these provinces. Voters in Atlantic ridings, traditionally Liberal strongholds, were infuriated. The cost of living, for them, had simply been getting too high. Now the feds agree. They say taking the price off home heating oil will save the average homeowner $250.
Trudeau, however, insists that this move was not good politics, but rather good policy. The carbon tax’s purpose is to discourage the usage of dangerous and archaic fossil fuels as popular energy sources and instead facilitate a transition to more eco-friendly sources. Making the change from heating oil to heating pumps is costly and time-consuming. The tax would not be grossly higher than that of making the switch, so there would be no tangible reward of a carbon tax on home heating oil.
Despite this move, which many might consider a concession of sorts, Trudeau is unwilling to admit defeat to climate change. Incentives, as opposed to increased taxes and perceived pressure from governments, are often considered more effective means of shifting demographic trends and influencing change. Thus, the federal government is offering an upfront payment of $250 to low and median-income households that use a joint federal-provincial program to sign up for a heat pump. The government is also increasing, from a maximum of $10,000 to $15,000, a grant for switching to heat pumps.
Despite the varying motives many believe Prime Minister Trudeau had for announcing a three-year carbon tax exemption on home heating oil, the political and practical impacts of such cannot be overstated. On X, previously known as Twitter, Conservative Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre attacked Trudeau, saying, “After plummeting in the polls and minutes before my axe the tax rally, he [Trudeau]… panicked and promised to delay his home heating oil tax until after the election. I will keep the heat on and take the tax off.” The move also drew criticism in Alberta. Why, Albertans inevitably questioned, should the carbon tax on natural gas remain, but that on fuel oil be waived?
It is true that Trudeau responded to genuine concerns in Atlantic Canada and consequently appeased Atlantic voters by implementing this carbon tax exemption. However, he may have alienated more urban and cosmopolitan Ontario voters, those by whom the benefits of incentivization, as opposed to taxation, are unknown. In terms of policy, one must keep an eager eye on Canada’s transition to net-zero emissions and heat pumps’ role in such. In theory, they hold great promise, and the most attractive means of getting them into Canadian homes, also known as incentives, might be a crucial step toward achieving such a goal. Essentially, it will be a matter of time before one can fully grasp the political ramifications and determine the efficacy of Trudeau’s decision, whatever its underlying motive, to diverge from his tracks and partially axe his contentious carbon tax.
Citations: Canada's National Observer, CityNews Click to learn more!
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
By Nikol Liokumovich
The month of October
October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on a critical issue that often remains concealed behind closed doors. It is a time to honour those who were victims, now turned survivors of domestic violence. This time of year serves as a reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence and stresses how the issue can affect individuals of all backgrounds and demographics.
The unfortunate actuality is that 44% of Canadian women self-reported experiencing psychological, physical, or sexual abuse in the context of an intimate relationship in their lifetime. Contrary to popular belief, domestic violence is not confined to these issues and can also entail cyberviolence, stalking, and even financial abuse. While the extent of this issue shows how widespread domestic violence is, there is frequently a barrier of apprehension that discourages victims from speaking up and finding the help they need. Domestic Violence Awareness Month sends a clear message that there is always someone who will listen and be inclined to help. October is a time to honour survivors' resilience, familiarize the public with the signs of abuse, and collectively take a stand against this all-too-common crisis.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month sends a clear message that there is always someone who will listen and will be inclined to help. October is a time to honour survivors' resilience, familiarize the public with the signs of abuse, and collectively take a stand against this all-too-common crisis.
Eco Square: Nurturing Our Planet
By Amadeus Pelka
🌿 Did You Know?
Plastic Pandemic: Every year, a colossal 8 million metric tons of plastic infiltrate our oceans, creating a devastating environmental crisis. Plastic pollution poses a direct threat to marine life, entangling and suffocating countless creatures. Furthermore, it contaminates our food chain, potentially harming human health. Microplastics, tiny fragments formed as plastic breaks down, are now pervasive, found in everything from fish to table salt. To combat this crisis, it's essential to reduce single-use plastic consumption, promote recycling, and support innovations in biodegradable materials.
Vanishing Forests: The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the "Lungs of the Earth," has been vanishing at an alarming rate. Over the past decade, an area equivalent to 8 million soccer fields has been lost annually. This deforestation not only threatens countless plant and animal species but also plays a significant role in accelerating climate change. Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and their destruction releases this stored carbon back into the air. By protecting and restoring forests, we can mitigate climate change, preserve biodiversity, and safeguard the Earth's ecosystems.
Food for Thought: A startling one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted. Meanwhile, approximately 9% of the world's population goes to bed hungry every night. The paradox of hunger amidst plenty is a glaring issue that needs urgent attention. Reducing food waste is not only a moral imperative but also a key strategy to ensure that everyone has enough to eat. By embracing practices like meal planning, composting, and supporting food rescue organizations, individuals can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable food system.
The Carbon Footprint: The transportation sector is a major contributor to carbon emissions, with the average car emitting about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. Shifting to sustainable transportation options is imperative for our planet's future. Electric vehicles, public transportation, biking, and walking are eco-friendly alternatives that can significantly reduce personal carbon footprints. Additionally, support for policies and infrastructure that encourage these choices is vital for a collective reduction in emissions and air pollution.
Endangered Wildlife Crisis: Approximately 25% of the world's known species are currently at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. These statistics underscore the urgent need to protect and restore natural habitats, combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade, and implement conservation measures. Biodiversity is essential for the stability and resilience of ecosystems, and our responsibility to preserve it is paramount.
🌱 Questions to Consider
Plastic Pollution Challenge: What are three easy ways to reduce plastic consumption in your daily life? How does reducing plastic waste benefit both the environment and human health?
Eco-Conscious Travel: What are the environmental benefits of biking, walking, or using public transportation over personal vehicles? Share an example of a memorable eco-friendly travel experience.
Food Saver Quiz: Explain the concept of food waste and its implications for both hunger and environmental sustainability. What are some practical steps you can take to minimize food waste in your household?
Wildlife Protection: Name three actions that individuals and communities can take to help protect endangered species and their habitats. Why is biodiversity crucial for the health of our planet?
Energy Efficiency: Describe the importance of energy efficiency in reducing carbon emissions. Share three practical ways to conserve energy at home and their impact on the environment.
Via Global Footprint Network
🌍Quotes
"The Earth is not a gift from our parents; it is a loan from our children." – Native American Proverb
"What we do today, right now, will have an accumulated effect on all of our tomorrows." – Alexandra Stoddard
"The ultimate test of man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard." – Gaylord Nelson
Via Sustainable Jungle
🌻 Tips for an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle
Support Sustainable Agriculture: Buy local and organic foods to reduce the environmental impact of your meals.
Community Gardening: Join or start a community garden to grow fresh produce and foster a sense of community.
Responsible Water Use: Install water-saving fixtures, collect rainwater for gardening, and be mindful of water usage.
Eco-Friendly Transportation: Consider biking, walking, carpooling, or using electric vehicles for your daily commute.
Conscious Consumerism: Seek out products with minimal packaging, choose quality over quantity, and support eco-conscious brands.
Educational Initiatives: Advocate for environmental education in schools and engage in local conservation projects.
Renewable Energy: If feasible, install solar panels and use green energy sources to power your home.
Zero-Waste Lifestyle: Learn about composting, reduce single-use items, and embrace a zero-waste lifestyle.
Advocate for Change: Join environmental organizations, participate in clean-up events, and urge policymakers to prioritize sustainability.
By incorporating these eco-friendly tips into your daily life and sharing this knowledge with others, you contribute to a sustainable future. Let's work together to protect our beautiful planet for current and future generations. 🌏💚
Citations: Sustainable Jungle, Greatist, The National Wildlife Federation, NRDC, OECD, Global Footprint Network, World's Largest Lesson Click to learn more!
University Fairs and Tours
By Diza Sidana
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are not only available upon entrance to university - you can earn so much money through scholarships from third-party sources that are happy to help high school students fund their university and college degrees. You can find third-party scholarships using free websites to search them up, such as the Scholartree website. You don’t necessarily need to get the best grades, have a million extracurriculars, or be in a low-income household; everyone can apply to scholarships! Using Scholartree, you can filter scholarships to find out which ones apply to you based on your skills and strengths.
Many scholarships are available in Grade 10 and 11, as well as Grade 12! It's a great idea to get a head-start to fund your post-secondary pathway. Your Grade 12 year will be very busy, and it is hard to find time in that year to write out scholarship essays, making you lose out on money you could potentially win.
Hundreds of dollars are left unclaimed due to a lack of applications. Spending hours upon hours may seem mundane, however it will provide numerous benefits for your future. A scholarship essay will be easier, and more rewarding, than working 6 hours at minimum wage to earn $100. If you feel like you might need to work a part-time (or even full-time) job in university, it might be a good idea to take 3-4 hours to apply to a some scholarships to help with the cost of your post-secondary education.
When approaching scholarships, it's a good idea to write down your skills, strengths, what you’ve have learned throughout the years, and your activities, hobbies, and accomplishments. Do some personal reflection (this doesn’t have to be boring!) through using an organizer, asking yourself questions, asking your long-term friends & family to describe how you have changed throughout the years, or looking at example essays for scholarships. Bigger scholarships, such as the TD Scholarship, Loran, and Terry Fox Humanitarian Award have many resources online on how to structure a good application and example essays, which can be used as a guideline for many other scholarships as well!
These skills can be used in university applications as well, which (other than grades) may be a make or break for your admission. Check if the program you are applying to requires a supplementary application, many competitive ones do, such as engineering and business.
UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS
As the weather gets colder, application deadlines approach. All Grade 12s apply to Ontario Universities through OUAC (Ontario Universities Application Centre). If you are interested in applying to a university in British Columbia, sign up for Education Planner BC to apply, a vital website for Grade 12s to actually apply to different programs. Make sure your information is accurate and as up to date as possible. The application deadline for OUAC is January 15, 2023. However, it is ideal to get your application in as soon as possible in order to have time to sort through potential issues and possibly to increase your chance of being admitted in a very competitive program.
When applying to your programs of choice, and even accepting offers, be sure to consider all aspects of the university. This includes its community, living arrangements, costs, scholarships, transportation, and quality of life you will have. Not sure which programs or field you’re interested in? Take some time to think about it thoroughly. Think about your priorities and goals for the future: what type of life are you hoping to live and what are you concerned about? Do you plan to move to another country? What salary do you need to support yourself and your future plans?
Do something you’re passionate about, good at, and that matches your priorities. Remember that you can often change your pathway later - don’t let one choice in your life be the end all be all for what you will be doing for the rest of it! Many people change their career paths later on in life once they find something they are truly passionate about. However, it may take more steps, work, and time if you decide to change your pathway. If you are in Grades 9-12, keep your courses open to many pathways if you are unsure about your career path!
One excellent choice if you have an idea of what you might want to do in the future is to do Co-op, which is a two-credit course you can take in either Grade 11 or 12. Co-op is a great opportunity to find out what you actually want to do- it gives you real life experience in the field and can help you figure out if a career choice is right for you. If you don’t end up liking that career, it gives you the skills to navigate the job market, build a resume, and get hired. I know I am very anxious about being able to get a job in the future, and co-op helped me alleviate some of the stress of both deciding my pathway and putting myself out in the job market. If you would like to learn more about Co-op, see this page.
Look for resources that can help you learn more about finances as well- you can apply for a credit card and start building your credit history at 18, so it is vital that you learn to be financially responsible with your money in university.
Finally, take advantage of the guidance resources that are available, such as university pamphlets, appointments, and resources on their website! Book an appointment with your guidance counsellor (you can determine this by using your grade and first letter of your last name) to resolve any questions you have about your application, transcripts, choosing the university that is right for you, and financial aid.
University Fairs and Tours
By Diza Sidana
Scary season may be done, but for Seniors it’s just begun! University open houses, application deadlines, scholarship deadlines, and fairs are in full bloom. If you did not get a chance to attend the university fair, there are many open houses and resources from the schools of your choice you can explore. If you want to receive useful information about Ontario universities, use the OUI Connect Form to connect via email. Additionally, it is a good idea to make an account with each university you are planning to apply to through their website. This allows you to receive information about open houses, deadlines, programs, scholarships, and much more.
Open House season is happening right across Ontario and much of Canada. Many universities and colleges are posting their open house schedules and it’s highly recommended you start to check it out. If you don’t, you’ll be missing out on networking opportunities, campus locations, and talking to others who have answers to your questions. Note that some require booking prior to the date, so check the university’s website for additional information! Some upcoming open houses are:
Saturday, November 25, 2023 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
If you would like to view more open house dates, check out this website.
Each school is known for something; just like you and me, they have their strengths. It is a good practice to research each one thoroughly to see if it’s your best fit. It is also a good idea to research the competitiveness of each university or college’s programs. Apply to a balance of competitive and non-competitive programs- be realistic to see if you fit the expectations of someone who will get in and apply to at least 2 safeties!