Wonk Wednesday Archives - Page 6 of 15 - Canada's Ecofiscal Commission

Jan 18 2017

Seven things I learned while confronting Albertan scepticism

Over the holidays, I flew home to Calgary to visit friends and family, enjoy the mountains, and… talk about carbon pricing. I stepped out of my echo chamber and spoke to dozens of Albertans who are, to say the least, unhappy with the new provincial levy. I honestly underestimated just how deep-rooted the opposition is. […]

Dec 7 2016

Could Ontario and Quebec’s cap-and-trade get Trumped?

by Jason Dion

Climate and Energy Cap-and-trade Carbon tax Climate Change Ontario Quebec WCI Wonk Wednesday

The election of Donald Trump has provoked deep concern in climate policy circles. Reince Priebus, Trump’s White House chief of staff, recently stated that Trump’s ‘default’ position is that climate science is “a bunch of bunk.” This raises critical questions about the future of climate policy in the U.S. as well as internationally, due to […]

Nov 30 2016

In the Zone: Stockholm’s congestion pricing system holds important lessons for Canada’s cities

by Brendan Frank

Climate and Energy Livable Cities Pollution Air Pollution Congestion Pricing User Fees Wonk Wednesday

Congestion pricing is gaining traction in Canadian cities. Following Mayor John Tory’s recommendation for tolls on two of Toronto’s major roads, let’s take this opportunity to look at congestion policies from around the world, with lessons and takeaways for Canada (drawing from our report on congestion pricing from last year). First up: Stockholm’s zone-based pricing […]

Nov 23 2016

Refrigerators and spray cans: HFC policies are a perfect complement to carbon pricing

by Jonathan Arnold

Climate and Energy Pollution Carbon Coordination Carbon Pricing Climate Change Complementary Policies Wonk Wednesday

Part three of our blog series on complementary climate policies explores the recent global agreement to curb the use of hydrofluorocarbons—a potent greenhouse gas used in refrigerators, air conditioners, and spray cans. Specifically, we look at how a targeted policy that reduces HFCs under the global agreement is a complement to carbon pricing here in […]

Oct 26 2016

Carbon Pricing and Innovation

by Dale Beugin

Climate and Energy Technology and Innovation Carbon Pricing Carbon tax Complementary Policies Wonk Wednesday

“Innovation” is buzzy these days, with lots of smart people thinking and writing about the role of policy in driving innovation to improve productivity and economic growth. And yes, innovation is great. It lets us use inputs—like capital, labour, and resources—more efficiently. It’s especially important in our efforts to reduce GHG emissions: innovation around new […]

Oct 20 2016

Driving towards cleaner transportation: low-carbon fuel standards

by Jonathan Arnold

Climate and Energy Biofuels Carbon Pricing Carbon tax Wonk Wednesday

Canada is moving full-steam ahead on carbon pricing. But what other policies might best complement carbon pricing? We’re in the midst of exploring this question, but our most recent report on biofuel policies found that flexible performance standards, including low carbon fuel standards (LCFS) might be a better complement than existing biofuel policies. First things […]

An Open Letter from Economists on Canadian Carbon Pricing

Wonk Wednesday