October 2016 - Page 3 of 4

Featured October 12, 2016

Are you fearful of a Trump presidency? You should be.

Note: offensive language to follow.

I can’t wait for the American elections to be over, but at the same time, I fear it. I fear the very real possibility that Republican candidate Donald Trump could be the next President of the United States.

The man is a racist, a bigot, a misogynist, and just plain stupid. He has no real policy other than “kill ISIS” and can’t frame a sentence with any sort of grammatical structure.

Despite his lack of policy, ideas, or genuine political experience, what really bothers me is his attitude. He doesn’t give a shit about the job of president. He just wants the power that comes with it (and probably the money).

Trump’s actions speak louder than the words he constantly spits out in front of the camera. “No one respects women more than I do,” he says into the microphone just days after a video was released showing him saying he likes to kiss women without their permission and “grab (women) by the pussy.” He retorted in a non-apology by saying this was “locker room talk.”

This, my fellow readers, is the definition of rape culture: thinking it’s okay to talk about violence against women (which by the way inspires real violence against women) and then not acknowledging anything is wrong.

But, Donald Trump doesn’t care about rape culture; just like he doesn’t care about women, immigrants, the poor, and, well, anyone who isn’t white and wealthy. It’s obvious to anyone with a heart beat that all he wants is the position — so that he can prosecute who ever he wants and do whatever he wants. For a man who is probably on the verge of bankruptcy, despite the $14 million loan his father gave him, the office of the presidency is a jackpot; it’s nothing more than a chair and a paycheque.

Sadly, here’s the rub: it doesn’t matter what the media says or how ridiculous an answer Trump gives people during the public debates. It doesn’t matter that Hillary Clinton is much more qualified and has to demonstrate these qualifications with Trump looming over her in an intimidating manner. The people who support Trump will vote for him no matter what, and that is where my fear comes from.

The way he talks makes people afraid of the world, and therefore people are willing to throw away common sense for someone who says they will protect them from those evils. These evils could be immigrants, terrorists, and yes, even women.

If Trump is elected President come Nov. 8 (Not the 28^th as he has claimed), the United States will de-evolve — it will no longer be known as a country with freedoms for everyone. It will no longer be a country others respect. In fact, it will be a country everyone (even Canada) fears.

What did you think of Sunday night’s debate? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter!

What's Hot October 12, 2016

Woman of the Week: Anita Krajnc

Tragedy struck in Burlington last week when a truck carrying pigs to slaughter overturned on the highway. Forty pigs were killed in the accident. Fearman’s Slaughterhouse then walked the 100 remaining pigs to be killed in their facility. Animal rights protesters were on the scene to witness a terrible lack of mercy on the part of the slaughterhouse workers. Anita Krajnc of Toronto Pig Save tried desperately to save any of the traumatized pigs from being murdered. She was arrested for crossing police lines and trying to see the pigs that were being hidden from sight behind cardboard barriers. Krajnc was charged with obstructing a peace officer and breach of recognizance. This is the second time she has been arrested for her humane acts towards these animals.

Krajnc is a renowned animal activist in Toronto and the founder of Toronto Pig Save, an animal rights group that leads three weekly vigils for pigs, cows and chickens at three slaughterhouses in the local area. She is a passionate advocate for farm animals and an important figurehead in animal rights in Canada.“Toronto Pig Save began by calling vegan potlucks, and organizing meetings. In July 2011, we started doing three vigils a week,” she said. As of late, Krajnc has been appearing in the news because of a charge of criminal mischief for giving pigs water at Fearman’s slaughterhouse on June 22, 2015. The case is still being fought in court.

Krajnc was inspired to start Toronto Pig Save in 2010 during one of her walks with her dog, Mr. Bean. As she walked along Lakeshore that morning, she saw a number of trucks driving into Quality Meatpackers to slaughter pigs.

Krajnc admits that the protest last week was deeply upsetting to her.“I saw office workers holding up cardboard to hide the victims. As soon as I saw this, I walked passed them and I went over the line right away. I was in a trance. They pushed me back and I got arrested,” Krajnc says. “I’m having a difficulty coping mentally. It is such violence, such injustice. They are holding cardboard sheets to hide what is going on. It really is a tragedy that happens every day and these pigs face unimaginable horrors. It is the extra trauma of the truck crash, but what happens behind closed doors is the systemic abuse.”

Krajnc first became involved in animal rights in the 1990s at university. She previously taught human social strategy at Queen’s university and has a PhD in political science. In the last six months though, Krajnc confessed she has been struggling emotionally to cope with the continued murder of pigs, chickens and cows. “I’ve been doing five years of vigils and I’ve been stepping back lately,” Krajnc says. “I’m taking more photos of the activists. I’m burned out. I find it so traumatizing.”

Krajnc is trying to find ways to cope with the stress and trauma of seeing the animals she loves murdered weekly. “I’ve been on a healing mission since May and I’ve changed my behaviour a bit,” Krajnc confesses. “For four years, I’ve been grounded. Then I started to dread going to the cow vigils. It is cumulative. There were more and more slaughterhouse workers mocking us.”

Even though Krajnc has been personally impacted by Toronto Pig Save, she is quick to bring focus back to the pigs, who she cites as the true victims. She emphasizes that her arrest should not be the media’s focus, but instead reporters should target the way pigs are treated. Protesters caught a video of workers shooting a pig in the head at the site of the accident last week. Over 100 pigs were walked to slaughter after waiting hours trapped in the truck, and pigs that were injured were left on their side, on the road, without water for the better part of the day.

Krajnc points out that it is positive the media is interested in her court case and two charges, but she has an idea why news outlets haven’t taken an interest previously. “The media feels comfortable in reporting truck accidents, that is considered legitimate. It is easier to report on that than animal cruelty alone,” Krajnc says. “Why does my trial get so much attention? I’ve been doing vigils for five years.”

Krajnc does not give up hope though and doesn’t believe it is the people who are at fault — but instead the system itself. “I read a lot of Tolstoy. He helps me a lot in building loved-based community organizing and bearing witness,” Krajnc says. “When you are in a violent place, it is easy to the hate the injustice— and the people too. But it is the system I hate, not the people.”

“When the suffering of another creature causes you to feel pain, do not submit to the initial desire to flee from the suffering one, but on the contrary, come closer, as close as you can to him who suffers, and try to help him.” – from Leo Tolstoy’s A Calendar of Wisdom

Regardless of the legal action against Anita Krajnc, she and the rest of the heroes at Toronto Pig Save will continue their work to show pigs, cows, and chickens that someone cares about them and is willing to stand up for their rights.

“I’m giving water to thirsty pigs. It hasn’t changed. We are following the golden rule. No regrets. I tell the truth. Do with it what you will.”

Feminism October 11, 2016

What I want to tell my child on International Day of the Girl

Yesterday I watched my five-year-old daughter trek through a field of long grass almost as tall as her, marching valiantly with her walking stick and determined to forge her own path. It hit me how strong women really are, even when we are small girls. She may be mini, but she is mighty and I will protect her with everything I have to give.

Unfortunately there are some girls in the world today that don’t have the opportunities that my daughter has in this world. Imagine a small girl with no healthcare, education, or parents to protect her. This nightmare exists and isn’t just the stuff of some grim horror movie. Looking at my daughter, I am confounded that things such as child marriage or female mutilation are realities. It is a good first step that International Day of the Girl was launched in 2011 to recognize the importance of advocating on behalf of girls everywhere. It is a day that has made me realize how lucky my daughter is that she was born into a country where she has opportunities. Why would any little girl deserve less than another simply because of her nationality? Her ethnicity? Her gender?

International Day of the Girl was declared on December 19 2011 by the United Nations General Assembly. The UN adopted Resolution 66/170 to make October 11 a day that recognizes girls’ rights and the importance of advocating on their behalf. International Day of the Girl also focuses on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a series of objectives on behalf of the UN to make the world a better place.

Sustainable Development Goal 5 focuses on achieving gender equality and empowerment for all girls and women. A few of the Goal 5 targets include ending all forms of discrimination for woman and girls, ending violence, eliminating harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage, giving equal access to government roles, and providing universal access to sexual and reproductive health.

The percentage of women between the ages of 20 and 24 who were married before 18 years old dropped from 32 per cent in 1990 to 26 per cent in 2015. Marriage of girls who were younger than 15 also dropped from 12 per cent in 1990 to seven per cent in 2015. Female genital mutilation has dropped slightly, but it still continues to be a relevant problem in certain countries — there is unfortunately limited data. In 30 countries that had data available, one in three girls have undergone the practice as compared to 1 in 2 girls in the 1980s. More information is needed on this issue to truly understand the scope of female genital mutilation though.

Another statistic: globally, women speakers in national parliament accounts for 18 per cent of all speakers as of January 2016, with 49 out of 273 posts globally.

There is clearly a lot of work that needs to be done to create a safe world for girls everywhere. International Day of the Girl is a step towards highlighting the importance of these issues, but world leaders need to take more than one day to recognize the challenges, obstacles, and atrocities these young girls deal with every day. I can only hope that I will one day be able to tell my daughter that child marriage, female genital mutilation, child marriage and unequal representation in parliament are things of the past, and that we can finally live in a world of equality for girls around the world.

Living October 10, 2016

What are you thankful for?

Thanksgiving isn’t just an opportunity to eat lots of food and meet up with family you see two or three times a year — it’s also about taking time to be grateful for what you have.

Every year, I sit down at my dining room table with my family, and while we enjoy the feast we’ve worked so hard to make, we go around the table and say what we are thankful for.

Each holiday has a certain significance, but Thanksgiving is by far the most rejuvenating. Think about it. New Years is a time where we think back on the last year and realize all of the terrible things we’ve done (and eaten). We then make a long list of goals that are difficult to accomplish like “loss weight” or “be kinder”, essentially acknowledging all of our own flaws. Christmas and Easter are all holidays in which we think of others (at least those who celebrate the commercial meaning of the holidays). We present gifts, make food, and purchase chocolate for family and friends. The only thing we think about that’s personal is whether or not to reach for a tums.

Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to reflect on all of the good in our lives — something people don’t take enough time to do on a regular basis. And it’s actually really hard. If you take a look at my list below, you can see they are relatively generic. Maybe one of my New Year’s resolutions will be to take part in daily gratitude exercises, which force you to think of something positive that happened to you over the last 24 hours.

Thinking of the good instead of narrowing in on the negative aspects of your life will give you confidence and a sense of calm in a ever-chaotic world.

Saying that, here is a list of the things I’m grateful for:

I will be forever grateful to my support network of friends and family — no matter my mood, they are always there for me. I wouldn’t be here without that support. Lately, I’ve been feeling a bit down and my family has been there to cheer me up and tell me it’s okay. That type of support is invaluable and irreplaceable.

I have a roof over my head and a bed to sleep in. No explanation is needed with this one.

My work ethic, which has helped me land a job after completing a Master’s program despite the heavy competition.

My health — so many people I know are struggling with illness. I am grateful that I am alive and able to live my life to the fullest.

And finally, I am grateful for all of the staff at Women’s Post for working so hard to put out amazing content each week.

Make a list yourself! What are you grateful for? Let us know in the comments below!

Home & Garden October 9, 2016

Fun fall activities to enjoy with your kids

The weather will soon be changing (sadly) — this weekend may be your last chance to play outdoors without freezing, so get outside with your kids and enjoy!

The best part about the fall is that there are so many ways to celebrate it. Harvest, Halloween, there are so many activities to take part in. Here are a few ideas that will have you putting away the computer and phone, and spend quality time with the little stinkers.

Door Decorating

Decorating the door for Halloween or plastering it with fall colours is an easy and fun way to celebrate the month of October. It is also considerably cheaper than buying Halloween decorations that will only be used for a few days before being stuffed in a box. Simply purchase coloured paper and black or white electric tape and go to town. You can make a ghost, a mummy, a skeleton or a monster easily on the door. The rectangular frame of the door lends itself to making a face on the door quite easily. The kids will love designing it and can then enjoy the decoration going in and out of the house every day.

Painting using acorns

Instead of using store-bought painting supplies, why not collect a few acorns and use them instead. Find acorns and chop them in half to create elaborate stamps that can be dipped into the paint. You can also glue the acorns onto the page, and paint and decorate them if you want to make a fun fall craft. Grab a few leaves while looking for the acorns as well to use as stamps and decorations. The designs these fall nature items will create on paper will astound kids, and the scavenger hunt for supplies gets the little ones out in the backyard breathing that fresh fall air. That is a win-win in my books.

Bake Apple Chips

Apple picking is one of my favourite childhood memories. It is so enjoyable to fill a basket, and to see how big the apples can grow on the trees. The taste of locally grown apples can’t be compared to any other as well, they are delicious! If you collect too many apples, there are many fun recipes that include this delectable fruit. Baked apple chips are a healthy chip and are easy to make. Simply slice the apples into thin strips and bake them on low heat for about 45 minutes. They can be seasoned with a variety of tastes, but are still sweet if left untouched. Between crunching down on a fresh apple and munching on apple chips, you simply can’t go wrong.

Nature Walk

Taking fall nature walks is almost more relaxing than hiking in the summer. The weather is much cooler, which makes for a more enjoyable walking experience in comparison to a trucking through the woods on a blazing hot day. Collecting leaves and enjoying the beautiful fall colours is an experience within itself as well. Bring along a bag to collect fall nature items that the kids find along the way to make a collage later. This helps kids understand and absorb the transitions between seasons and gives a fun objective to a meander in the woods. Bring a thermos of apple cider to make your fall walk run perfectly.

Leaf Wars

If you want a more interactive fall experience with the kids, launch yourself into the well-known leaf war. The leaf war is the little brother of the snowball fight, and hurts a lot less. It involves throwing leaves at each other and basically ganging up on dad and knocking him over. It is also fun to pile leaves into competing camps and to play-wrestle each other into them. A little bit of pretend playtime with mom and dad is a kid’s dream, so dig in and enjoy. Disclaimer: take a moment to explain it is all in good fun, and shouldn’t make kids think violence is okay. We are all very kind to each other when we engage in leaf wars.

The popular saying, ‘winter is coming’, from TV show Game of Thrones, really sums it up. Before the cold winds and snowy days hits the city, enjoy the last rays of sunshine and tolerable outdoor weather. Get outside with the kids and dig into some enjoyable fall activities. Engaging in fall crafts teaches kids the importance of the changing seasons and most importantly, you are spending quality time with the little people who matter most in this ever-changing world.

What are your favourite fall activities with the kids? Let Women’s Post know in the comments below.

Health & Fitness October 8, 2016

How to survive Thanksgiving as a vegan

Thanksgiving is hell for vegans.

It is essentially a meat-driven holiday revolving around the ritual slaughter of turkeys — a celebration of cultural and animal domination. But, sometimes boycotting isn’t an option, especially when your family celebrates in style. Instead, why not try to subtly manipulate your family and friends into eating delicious vegan food and enjoying a turkey-free feast.

I dream of one day attending a Thanksgiving where everyone is vegan, but for most animal lovers, this is not a reality. Instead, I offer you a survivor’s guide on how to maintain (and possibly enforce) your vegan ways at Thanksgiving. First off, prepare yourself for countless jokes coming your way about your turkey-free values. People have a tendency to focus on veganism at holiday dinners for some reason. I choose to respond by cracking a meat-eating joke or ignoring it all together. Only if someone seems genuinely interested in my choice to be vegan, do I decide to talk about it.

The next step is to bring your own food with you. There is no need to sit there looking sad with an empty plate of salad come dinner time. This will also give people the opportunity to try good vegan food, proving that most vegans do eat in a godly fashion. It also allows you to enjoy your delightful meal and stick up your nose at meat eaters (one of my favourite pastimes).

However, I do not recommend making Tofurky. It is an odd moulded blend of soy protein and often doesn’t taste good. Instead, why not ditch imitation meat-filled turkey and make another meal entirely? For the last couple years, I’ve made an apple, fennel and sage lentil loaf, and it is mouth-watering. Another option is a vegan lentil shepherd’s pie, which combines your protein option with mashed potatoes. So yummy! Pair either option (or whichever protein option you opt for) with a vegan gravy to make everyone jealous.

It is very difficult to find pre-made vegan gravy in the store, which is a blessing in disguise. Store gravy is full of preservatives and fats. To make it at home, add vegetable stock with a variety of spices, olive oil, garlic and shallots, and that’s it! As for side dishes, try to coordinate with the host prior to the holiday to inquire whether they are willing to ditch butter for the mashed potatoes and instead use olive oil or coconut butter. If not, make your own and don’t let the host have any. Vegan green bean casserole is another easy side dish, with coconut milk in place of cream.

Finally, dessert! One of my favourite foods in the entire world happens to be pumpkin pie. I remember my first thanksgiving as a vegan before I figured out that I had to make my own food and I sat nearly in tears while everyone around me chomped down on their slice of pie. Thankfully, there is a vegan option you can make that is easy, healthy, and delicious. It uses pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and oats. If you want to opt out of making the crust, they have a vegan option at Whole Foods that is surprisingly affordable.

When I was younger, I dreaded holiday events. Now, I look at it as an opportunity to help other people realize that vegan food can taste delicious too. It also sparks a conversation about eating meat — a conversation people would otherwise not be having. The other day, I ended up talking with my boyfriend’s 11-year old cousin at a family event about being vegan and why. You never know the impact you could end up having, and it is important to eat with non-vegans for this very reason. Good luck, and remember you are saving a turkey’s life. That alone is enough to make me feel a little better on Thanksgiving.

What's Hot October 7, 2016

5 Thanksgiving outfits you can binge eat in

It’s that time of year again! The time when your summer body inflates back into its regular shape filled with carbs, sugar, and guilt-free saturated fat. And with the days getting shorter and the weather getting a little chiller, hiding in the dark under an over-sized sweater has never felt so satisfying. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. How do you wear those comfortable, over-sized clothes in a way that won’t inspire Aunty Jo to ask you when you’re due…again. Below are some tips on how to look fashionable in clothes you can actually eat in.

1. Peek-a-boo, I don’t see you

Turn heads in an off-the-shoulder top. Easy to dress up or down, this number will definitely be a tease at the dinner table. The best part about off-the-shoulder tops like these is that they drape over your body without looking frumpy. Pair with heels for that extra oomph.

2. Fit n’ Flared

A moment of the lips is a lifetime on the hips! Embrace it in a pair of palazzos. These flared pants were all the rage this summer, but can be easily transitioned into the fall. Pair with a fitted jacket and some dark lips for a more autumn look. Don’t worry ladies, there’s no need to unbutton anything in these pajama-like beauties.

3. Pretty in a pancho

This outfit screams sophisticated-city-girl. Not only is it a great way to layer up, this cape is versatile enough to wear in many different ways. Pair with a button up shirt, or wear with neutral colours for a sleek and elongated look.

4. A Maxi, Maybe?

Channel some serious boho-chic vibes in a maxi dress. Who says this head to toe ensemble is merely for hot, summer beach days? Opt for deeper hues and prepared to be showered in compliments as you float about at your mom’s house. It’s flowy, it’s airy — and allows you to hide your meat sweats.

5. Sweater Weather

You can never go wrong in a comfy sweater dress. It’s warm, it’s adaptable, and it’s effortless. Accessorize your sweater with a long necklace and some tall boots for the ultimate girl-next-door look.

That extra slice of pie has never tasted so good. Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving! Happy eating!

#TOpoli October 6, 2016

City approves $2.4 million Rail Deck Park study

A $2.4 million study for the Rail Deck Park was approved unanimously by city council Wednesday, despite complaints by the suburbs.

The proposal would cover the rail lines between Bathurst St. and Blue Jays Way with an urban park. Toronto Mayor John Tory compared this 21-acre project to that of Chicago’s millennium Park and New York’s Central Park — all big tourist attractions, with the added bonus of making the downtown core more liveable. The preliminary work is estimated to cost a bit over $1 billion.

Councillor’s unanimously approved the motion to study the feasibility of the park; however, they also took the opportunity to complain about the lack of funding in their wards to maintain park space and clean up their neighbourhoods. York West Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti told his colleagues he would only support the project if suburban parks were given the same consideration and investments.

Because of all the concerns from the suburb councillors, an amendment to the original motion was added to a study on the “deficiencies in parks in the suburbs” and a study on funding mechanisms for parks in other wards.

Both studies will be presented to City Council next year, and will include feasibility, costs of obtaining air rights to the site, and details of the platform used to suspend the park over the rails. Staff will also look at funding alternatives.

Toronto is always growing and expanding — and while building condominiums and malls is important, councillors also need to remember to embrace green spaces. The value of having community space available downtown, where most people work and live, is incredibly important. Toronto needs to have a long-term vision and ambitious planning goals to ensure future generations don’t suffer from intense gridlock and pollution. Building an amazing park overtop of a transit hub is exactly what this city needs.

Toronto October 6, 2016

A little Stars Hallow in Toronto – Pop-Up Luke’s Diner

I left my house at 6:30 in the morning excited and ready to experience something I’ve only ever dreamed of — getting coffee from Luke’s Diner, a staple set on the comedy-drama TV show, Gilmore Girls.

I’ve followed the escapades of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore for most of my life. I laughed when Rory stole a box of cornstarch after her first kiss; cringed whenever Taylor Doosey led a town meeting; swooned when Sookie and Jackson finally went on a date; and cried my eyes out when Lorelai broke up with Luke (both times), leading to a recovery Gilmore-esque feast of pop-tarts and marshmallows.

Not only was the show full of quick-witted dialogue and loveable characters, but it showed a side of teen drama that wasn’t boy-obsessed or filled with unnecessary dating triangles.

While Gilmore Girls did touch on relationships, it also showcased developed characters who cared more about their ambitions than who they were going out with at night. In fact, no Gilmore girl would ever settle or change their lifestyle for a guy, and that’s something I really respected and learned from as a young girl.

And then there was Rory Gilmore. She was a bookworm — smart, academically driven, and completely comfortable with who she was. As she struggled to figure out what it meant to be a teen, a university student, and then an adult, so did I. I watched as she pursued journalism in high school and university, struggling to befriend her nemesis Paris Geller, and fought for her perfect study tree. In the end, she succeeded in getting a job in journalism, something that gave me hope as I ventured out into a similar profession.

After years of watching this show over and over again (thanks Netflix), I was ecstatic to hear there would be four pop-up “Luke’s Diners” in Toronto. I knew I had to go, even if it would mean being slightly late for work. The line was already around the corner when I arrived around 7:15 a.m. and took my place among a sea of plaid, flannel, and backwards baseball hats. While I waited for my free coffee, I chatted with the group of women around me, discussing our favourite episodes and arguing about whether Rory should have married Logan, or stayed with Jesse or Dean.

As the line unravelled and I got closer to the storefront, I saw the sign. Luke’s Diner, just like the show. I snapped a photo and moved inside the independent coffee shop The Rolling Pin, near Lawrence and Yonge. After a bit of a wait got a coffee with a sleeve that said Luke’s Diner. The cup itself had one of my favourite quotes on them (Coffee please and a shot of cynicism).

And then…I left. That was it. I stood in line for one and a half hours for a picture of a sign and a cup of coffee with a marketing sleeve.

I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I know it was more than that. I thought the music of Carol King, the singer of the infamous theme song “Where You Lead”, would be playing in the background. I thought there would be cut out of the characters and a list of Luke’s diner rules plastered in large print on the wall (it was there, but it was typed on regular printing paper and tapped messily on the wall). I also thought they would be selling some cool Gilmore Girl merchandise — which was honestly a lost opportunity because the group I was with would have purchased anything after that wait! Baseball hats, tshirts, even roasted coffee with the words “Luke’s Diner” would have sold like, well, Luke’s coffee!

I know these pop-ups are marketing ploys, but a little more effort could have been made to make the experience more complete. Netflix could have provided a lot more in terms of supplies. I don’t think the coffee shops had enough time to do any sort of re-decorating and some of them struggled with the mass amount of people waiting to enter their storefront.

Suffice to say, it was a great idea, but it was all poorly executed. With the Gilmore Girl revival coming to Netflix in November, you would think there would be more of a fanfare. You know, Lorelai Gilmore style?

But, I got my picture with a Luke’s Diner sign. So, I guess that’s okay.

Oy with the poodles already — am I right?

News October 5, 2016

Carbon tax angers provinces, but Prime Minister stands strong

Canada’s provinces are at an odds with the federal government after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a unilateral mandatory carbon tax that is set to be launched in 2018.

Anger has swept across the country as Trudeau takes decisive steps to enact a climate change plan that will meet Paris Conference targets to cut carbon emissions 30 per cent of levels from 2005. At the federal-provincial climate talks, the Prime Minister announced that Ottawa will impose a levy of a minimum of $10 per tonne of carbon emissions by 2018. That amount will go up $10 annually until 2022, where it will reach its maximum at $50 per tonne. Trudeau has also granted the provincial governments the opportunity to adopt their own cap and trade or carbon tax programs, as long as it meets the required targets. If the provinces don’t meet those standards, then the government will impose the minimum $10 carbon tax themselves.

But, not everyone is thrilled with the carbon tax. The provinces are irate, especially Saskatchewan and Alberta. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley reported she would only meet 2022 targets of $50 per tonne if the federal government allows the Kinder Morgan pipeline to be built. Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall has claimed the decision is a ‘betrayal’ on the part of the federal government to work openly with the provinces. Many westerners have claimed that Trudeau’s unilateral policy directly attacks Western Canada and is reminiscent of his late father, Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau’s National Energy Plan.

On the other hand, the plan is being widely criticized by environmentalists for not being strict enough. Many groups feel that $50 a tonne of carbon would not be able to meet the 2030 Paris Conference targets. I guess there is something to be said of finding the middle ground — if no one is happy, it’s probably a good policy.

Trudeau will convene a first minister’s meeting on Dec. 8 to define the details of the climate plan, which will include the carbon tax.

Climate change is a reality and invoking mandatory laws around it is a step in the right direction. The provinces need to be pushed to implement carbon tax incentives and it is necessary for the federal government to make that decision firmly. Hopefully the other changes that will be discussed in the first minister’s meeting will provide even more climate change incentives and Canada can become a leader in ‘green’ change on the international stage.

If only the provinces would jump on board — an environmentally focused and united country could become a reality.