Business, Fishing, Nature, Streamkeeping, Sustainability

Canadian Govt Seeks Input on Strengthening Enviro/Regulatory Reviews

If you’re involved in environmental issues in Canada in any way, be it as a volunteer, consultant, NGO staff member, etc., you may be interested in contributing feedback to this discussion paper.

Environmental and Regulatory Reviews: Discussion Paper

Purpose

Our Government is committed to deliver environmental assessment and regulatory processes that regain public trust, protect the environment, introduce modern safeguards, advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, ensure good projects go ahead, and resources get to market.

We made this commitment because we share common concerns about the ability of Canada’s environmental assessment and regulatory processes to protect and sustain the natural environment while getting resources to market and creating good, middle class jobs for Canadians. In the current system:

  • There is a need for greater transparency around the science, data and evidence supporting decisions and to ensure Indigenous knowledge is sufficiently taken into account;
  • Protections to Canada’s fisheries and waterways are insufficient; and,
  • Indigenous peoples and the public should have more opportunities to meaningfully participate.

This discussion paper outlines the changes our Government is considering for Canada’s environmental assessment and regulatory processes that will:

  • Regain public trust;
  • Protect the environment;
  • Advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples; and,
  • Ensure good projects go ahead and resources get to market.

Government is seeking feedback on this discussion paper.

Business, Hiking, Society

Canada Day Weekend Depletes Canadian Stock of Kindness, Politeness

It’s back to work, grumpy people!

I wanted to buy some hiking socks. At the first sporting goods store I went to I was quietly regarding the racks, when a staff member came by, snorted, and said:

“Why would you want to buy those socks? These are the ones you should be looking at,” pointing to ones costing three times more per pair.

I said I’d been happy with a certain combo of layered liner and thick socks for over 40 years of hiking. That didn’t deter his disdain, or his prattle, so I walked out.

The next store I went to, it was clear sailing until the end. Nobody approached me, I had quiet time to myself to peruse the labels, checking the proportions of poly to wool to whatever. . . Bliss.

Then — accosted at the checkout. “Sir, if you sign up for Partner Credit Card today, I can give you 20% off your entire purchase.”

“I don’t want any more credit cards, and anyway, I have this 10% discount coupon which will do me just fine.”

“But sir, I can issue a paper credit card right now, which you can use to get 20% off. . .”

“What’s a paper credit card? How do I pay it off?”

“We’ll send you a bill in the mail, or you can go straight over to Partner Store, and pay it today.”

Right, sucked further into Database Nation. No thanks.

“But sir!”

“I said, no thanks.” Poor kid slumps away, and checkout clerk glares at me.

After these wee contretemps, I’m feeling hungry, and notice a Subway nearby. I walk in, and say “I’d like a footlong turkey on Italian.”

“What kind of bread?” Italian. “How large?” Footlong. “Was that turkey?” Yes. [Silently to myself — Earth to counter person??]

Another fellow walks in.

“Hi!” says the cashier cheerfully.

He says, “I’d like a. . .”

“Sorry, sir, you have to start your order from the other end of the counter.”

“So why did you say hi to me at this end?”

Oy. . .

Business, Editing

Goodbye to Cipko Consulting Ltd.

I filed my last corporate tax return for Cipko Consulting Ltd. today using TurboTax Biz. I had been shutting it down over the last year, so the return was not difficult.

It was a long ride — we incorporated in February 2000. It’s kinda sad, of course, but it was time. My heart hadn’t been in it for awhile.

Now I have to dissolve the company, but seeing as I’m the only shareholder left, that shouldn’t be too onerous.

I’ve transitioned back and forth from having my own business to working for others a few times over the years, so I may be back running my own show again some day, or maybe not. . .

Loss of any sort, and change of any sort, can be stressful, and I admit I’m feeling drained and a bit sad, but I’m seeing this as an opportunity to try new things, explore new career avenues.

I’ve still got at least a decade of work in me, if not longer. And I’m confident that I have the education and experience to make substantial contributions to an organization and to my community.

Let’s see what I can bring to tomorrow! 🙂

Nature, Photography

Sunburned Butterfly?

Came across this shriveled-up butterfly sitting on a hot asphalt path on my walk today. I carried it over to a water fountain, got some water into the palm of my hand, and wet it down a bit. It began crawling all over me. After it gave me a few  kisses on the cheek, I placed it on the shady side of a tree.

shriveled butterfly

UPDATE: A biologist friend notes it’s more likely it had recently emerged and the wings were not completely filled out yet. Oh, well, I still like my story. . . 😉

Streamkeeping, sustainability, community, business, photography, books, and animals, with occasional forays into social commentary. Text and Photos © Paul Cipywnyk