Hadrian
@hadrianmk.bsky.social
Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood (he/him) 🇨🇦 • Senior Researcher @policyalternatives.bsky.social • Climate/labour/industrial/AI policy 🌎✊⚙️
In case it wasn't clear to folks, the #Budget2025 "Climate Competitiveness Strategy" is not about building a competitive clean economy. It is about making sure oil and gas remains competitive in the context of a global economy that is moving away from fossil fuels.
November 6, 2025 at 2:58 PM
In case it wasn't clear to folks, the #Budget2025 "Climate Competitiveness Strategy" is not about building a competitive clean economy. It is about making sure oil and gas remains competitive in the context of a global economy that is moving away from fossil fuels.
Reposted by Hadrian
Oil and gas trumps climate action in brutal federal budget.
Excellent climate analysis of today's federal budget from @hadrianmk.bsky.social...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/04/o...
Excellent climate analysis of today's federal budget from @hadrianmk.bsky.social...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/04/o...
Oil and gas trumps climate action in brutal federal budget
The budget makes clear that fossil fuel production for export is a central pillar of this government’s economic strategy — and that it won’t let climate measures get in the way.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Oil and gas trumps climate action in brutal federal budget.
Excellent climate analysis of today's federal budget from @hadrianmk.bsky.social...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/04/o...
Excellent climate analysis of today's federal budget from @hadrianmk.bsky.social...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/04/o...
Reposted by Hadrian
This is the most harmful budget from a climate perspective since the Harper era. It's a complete abdication of climate responsibilities, and while at least $3 billion in climate funding gets cut, taxpayer supports for oil and gas are set to grow.
Great breakdown @hadrianmk.bsky.social
Great breakdown @hadrianmk.bsky.social
Oil and gas trumps climate action in brutal federal budget
The budget makes clear that fossil fuel production for export is a central pillar of this government’s economic strategy — and that it won’t let climate measures get in the way.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:50 PM
This is the most harmful budget from a climate perspective since the Harper era. It's a complete abdication of climate responsibilities, and while at least $3 billion in climate funding gets cut, taxpayer supports for oil and gas are set to grow.
Great breakdown @hadrianmk.bsky.social
Great breakdown @hadrianmk.bsky.social
The budget makes clear that fossil fuel production for export is a central pillar of this government’s economic strategy — and that it won’t let climate measures get in the way.
My take in @nationalobserver.com: www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/04/o...
My take in @nationalobserver.com: www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/04/o...
Oil and gas trumps climate action in brutal federal budget
The budget makes clear that fossil fuel production for export is a central pillar of this government’s economic strategy — and that it won’t let climate measures get in the way.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:16 PM
The budget makes clear that fossil fuel production for export is a central pillar of this government’s economic strategy — and that it won’t let climate measures get in the way.
My take in @nationalobserver.com: www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/04/o...
My take in @nationalobserver.com: www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/04/o...
Reposted by Hadrian
Senior @policyalternatives.ca researcher @hadrianmk.bsky.social said Carney came to power with a reputation for understanding climate change but is burning through goodwill with environmentalists.
“He has been actively undermining that reputation..." #cdnpoli www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/22/n...
“He has been actively undermining that reputation..." #cdnpoli www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/22/n...
Major Projects Office can’t back up its boss’ claim Trans Mountain helps fight climate change
After Dawn Farrell told a House of Commons committee she believes the Trans Mountain pipeline helps fight climate change, Canada’s National Observer asked if the Major Projects Office she leads could ...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Senior @policyalternatives.ca researcher @hadrianmk.bsky.social said Carney came to power with a reputation for understanding climate change but is burning through goodwill with environmentalists.
“He has been actively undermining that reputation..." #cdnpoli www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/22/n...
“He has been actively undermining that reputation..." #cdnpoli www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/22/n...
Reposted by Hadrian
The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is Canada’s leading progressive think tank. Let’s make a difference, together: Join us at policyalternatives.ca/Makeadifference
October 2, 2025 at 8:36 PM
The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is Canada’s leading progressive think tank. Let’s make a difference, together: Join us at policyalternatives.ca/Makeadifference
Such a vital point. Max doesn't focus on it here, but this is also essentially the reason why the consumer carbon price failed. There is no political constituency for broad-based regulations that have no tangible local benefits. It doesn't matter if a policy is "efficient" if it's not durable.
October 2, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Such a vital point. Max doesn't focus on it here, but this is also essentially the reason why the consumer carbon price failed. There is no political constituency for broad-based regulations that have no tangible local benefits. It doesn't matter if a policy is "efficient" if it's not durable.
Reposted by Hadrian
For more than a decade, the economists have led the design of Canadian climate policies. It's time for the political scientists to take over -- and the debate over rooftop solar offers a perfect example of why. #cdnpoli
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/02/o...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/02/o...
The political case for rooftop solar
If there’s one lesson progressive politicians should take to heart from the last decade, it’s that the durability of their climate policies is more important — way, way more important — than their eco...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 2, 2025 at 2:44 PM
For more than a decade, the economists have led the design of Canadian climate policies. It's time for the political scientists to take over -- and the debate over rooftop solar offers a perfect example of why. #cdnpoli
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/02/o...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/02/o...
The new AI task force includes 26 people who will ask how Canada can develop, commercialize and adopt artificial intelligence. Will a single person ask whether we ought to?
www.canada.ca/en/innovatio...
www.canada.ca/en/innovatio...
Government of Canada launches AI Strategy Task Force and public engagement on the development of the next AI strategy - Canada.ca
Public feedback and stakeholder engagement will inform strategy for Canada to be an AI leader
www.canada.ca
September 29, 2025 at 1:58 PM
The new AI task force includes 26 people who will ask how Canada can develop, commercialize and adopt artificial intelligence. Will a single person ask whether we ought to?
www.canada.ca/en/innovatio...
www.canada.ca/en/innovatio...
What happens if projects of vital national importance have no private sector backers? What happens if the only projects brought forward seek to double down on the very industries that created our present economic vulnerabilities?
You get a list like this.
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
You get a list like this.
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Carney’s initial “major projects” list disappoints. Where’s the industrial strategy? - CCPA
The initial tranche of nation-building projects selected by the Carney government is as disappointing as it is predictable—but it is a failure more for what it leaves out than what it includes.
www.policyalternatives.ca
September 12, 2025 at 1:40 PM
What happens if projects of vital national importance have no private sector backers? What happens if the only projects brought forward seek to double down on the very industries that created our present economic vulnerabilities?
You get a list like this.
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
You get a list like this.
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Reposted by Hadrian
Once again Carney shows that he gives zero f*cks about the climate crisis or preparing Canada to thrive in a decarbonized world
All he has done since coming to power is turn back climate progress and cater to his corporate cronies
All he has done since coming to power is turn back climate progress and cater to his corporate cronies
NEW: Canada’s government will delay its EV sales mandate as it launches a review to make sure it won’t burden automakers. The federal mandate was set to begin in 2026 but that’s on hold, at least temporarily.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Canada to Stall Electric Vehicle Rules as Carney Seeks to Boost Auto Sector
Canada is delaying a plan to force automakers to hit minimum sales levels for electric vehicles by 2026, a concession to manufacturers in a sector that has been upended by tariffs.
www.bloomberg.com
September 5, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Once again Carney shows that he gives zero f*cks about the climate crisis or preparing Canada to thrive in a decarbonized world
All he has done since coming to power is turn back climate progress and cater to his corporate cronies
All he has done since coming to power is turn back climate progress and cater to his corporate cronies
Reposted by Hadrian
This summer will be one of the coolest any of us will ever experience for the rest of our lives.
We can't tackle wildfires without tackling the climate crisis.
@cape-acme.bsky.social
www.cbc.ca/news/climate...
We can't tackle wildfires without tackling the climate crisis.
@cape-acme.bsky.social
www.cbc.ca/news/climate...
This is our second-worst wildfire season on record — and could be the new normal | CBC News
This year's wildfire season is already the second-worst on record in Canada, and experts are warning that this might be the new normal.
www.cbc.ca
August 18, 2025 at 11:02 AM
This summer will be one of the coolest any of us will ever experience for the rest of our lives.
We can't tackle wildfires without tackling the climate crisis.
@cape-acme.bsky.social
www.cbc.ca/news/climate...
We can't tackle wildfires without tackling the climate crisis.
@cape-acme.bsky.social
www.cbc.ca/news/climate...
Reposted by Hadrian
📣 100+ groups are urging PM Mark Carney to build an electricity grid powered by #renewables, not fossil fuels.
Updating Canada's grid can:
✅ Bring cheaper, more secure power
✅ Bring good jobs, better health
✅ Uphold Indigenous & workers’ rights
Full release: dsfdn.org/PressRelease...
Updating Canada's grid can:
✅ Bring cheaper, more secure power
✅ Bring good jobs, better health
✅ Uphold Indigenous & workers’ rights
Full release: dsfdn.org/PressRelease...
July 3, 2025 at 11:29 AM
📣 100+ groups are urging PM Mark Carney to build an electricity grid powered by #renewables, not fossil fuels.
Updating Canada's grid can:
✅ Bring cheaper, more secure power
✅ Bring good jobs, better health
✅ Uphold Indigenous & workers’ rights
Full release: dsfdn.org/PressRelease...
Updating Canada's grid can:
✅ Bring cheaper, more secure power
✅ Bring good jobs, better health
✅ Uphold Indigenous & workers’ rights
Full release: dsfdn.org/PressRelease...
Reposted by Hadrian
National unity – as conceived by Big Oil – isn’t what we need. As climate fires rage on, national unity is no excuse for more pipeline insanity. #climate #cdnpoli www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Linda McQuaig: As climate induced hell-fires rage across the country, Canada looks to build pipelines — in the name of national unity
Even as the hell-fires rage, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes, the media barely mentions climate change, presumably due to fear of being accused of destroying the new-found
www.thestar.com
June 12, 2025 at 3:52 PM
National unity – as conceived by Big Oil – isn’t what we need. As climate fires rage on, national unity is no excuse for more pipeline insanity. #climate #cdnpoli www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Reposted by Hadrian
Here’s the issue. There was once an implicit deal AB would get TMX for accepting O&G GHG constraints. Once TMX was in the ground AB destroyed confidence in provincial renewables investment & tore up the deal accepting Fed govt O&G GHG constraints. How can 🇨🇦 trust AB with another pipeline for X deal?
If a compromise is being made, wherein a new oil pipeline from Alberta will be approved under certain conditions, namely that the Pathways carbon capture project is built... this should be one of the conditions.
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/9858ffb...
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/9858ffb...
Free the market for renewable energy in Alberta
The sector is in retreat, weighed down by provincial red tape and uncertainty created by the government
www.theglobeandmail.com
June 4, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Here’s the issue. There was once an implicit deal AB would get TMX for accepting O&G GHG constraints. Once TMX was in the ground AB destroyed confidence in provincial renewables investment & tore up the deal accepting Fed govt O&G GHG constraints. How can 🇨🇦 trust AB with another pipeline for X deal?
Reposted by Hadrian
Canada is abuzz with "building big" and "east-west" transmission
But previous big infrastructure pushes, in reaction to crises, failed to spur complementary technologies and industries.
My article discusses how to make a national grid truly transformative
policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/ma...
But previous big infrastructure pushes, in reaction to crises, failed to spur complementary technologies and industries.
My article discusses how to make a national grid truly transformative
policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/ma...
A national grid should accelerate – not stifle – the energy transition
Plugging into local, energy-efficient “microgrids” is a national project that can start right now, helping to develop and diversify innovations.
policyoptions.irpp.org
May 30, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Canada is abuzz with "building big" and "east-west" transmission
But previous big infrastructure pushes, in reaction to crises, failed to spur complementary technologies and industries.
My article discusses how to make a national grid truly transformative
policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/ma...
But previous big infrastructure pushes, in reaction to crises, failed to spur complementary technologies and industries.
My article discusses how to make a national grid truly transformative
policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/ma...
The trillions of dollars in climate damages looming over the economy cannot be ignored forever.
Last month's Shift Storm newsletter is available now: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Sign up ASAP to get this month's edition this week! mailchi.mp/policyaltern...
Last month's Shift Storm newsletter is available now: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Sign up ASAP to get this month's edition this week! mailchi.mp/policyaltern...
Canada’s most expensive election promise was climate inaction - CCPA
The following is a re-print of the April 2025 edition of Shift Storm, the CCPA’s monthly newsletter which focuses on the intersection of work and climate change. Click here to subscribe to Shift Storm...
www.policyalternatives.ca
May 28, 2025 at 7:07 PM
The trillions of dollars in climate damages looming over the economy cannot be ignored forever.
Last month's Shift Storm newsletter is available now: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Sign up ASAP to get this month's edition this week! mailchi.mp/policyaltern...
Last month's Shift Storm newsletter is available now: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Sign up ASAP to get this month's edition this week! mailchi.mp/policyaltern...
Where did the “climate king” go?
My take on the throne speech with the @policyalternatives.ca research team: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
My take on the throne speech with the @policyalternatives.ca research team: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
King Charles’ speech from the throne is a harbinger of a rightward shift - CCPA
For the first time since 1977, and the third time ever, the monarch of the British empire appeared before Canada’s parliament to read the speech from the throne to open a parliamentary session.
www.policyalternatives.ca
May 28, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Where did the “climate king” go?
My take on the throne speech with the @policyalternatives.ca research team: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
My take on the throne speech with the @policyalternatives.ca research team: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
"Every barrel of responsibly produced Canadian oil... can displace less clean, riskier energy elsewhere in the world."
Huge red flags from the new energy minister.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Huge red flags from the new energy minister.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
'Energy is Canada's power': New federal energy minister touts past Alberta oilpatch ties | CBC News
The new federal energy minister delivered a boisterous speech in support of the country's energy sector on Friday morning, while highlighting his past involvement in the sector and the urgent need to ...
www.cbc.ca
May 23, 2025 at 6:42 PM
"Every barrel of responsibly produced Canadian oil... can displace less clean, riskier energy elsewhere in the world."
Huge red flags from the new energy minister.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Huge red flags from the new energy minister.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Hadrian
The real threat to Canadian national unity is the oil and gas industry and the tiny handful of super elites who hoard all its cash while working to undermine democratic decision-making for their own benefit.
nationalpost.com/opinion/a-na...
nationalpost.com/opinion/a-na...
Tasha Kheiriddin: A national unity crisis is brewing
All three potential allies of a minority Liberal government lean hard left, crushing the possibility of projects like pipelines
nationalpost.com
May 7, 2025 at 12:26 PM
The real threat to Canadian national unity is the oil and gas industry and the tiny handful of super elites who hoard all its cash while working to undermine democratic decision-making for their own benefit.
nationalpost.com/opinion/a-na...
nationalpost.com/opinion/a-na...
Whether we can keep the good from the Liberal plan (an ambitious green industrial strategy) without conceding the bad (a fossil-friendly corporate agenda) will likely come down to the Liberals’ junior partners in parliament.
Read more: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Read more: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Beyond “elbows up”—Our election post-mortem - CCPA
It’s been an absolutely wild election. Polling predictions were a roller coaster, from a historic Conservative majority, to a Liberal majority, and everything in between. When we got off the roller co...
www.policyalternatives.ca
April 30, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Whether we can keep the good from the Liberal plan (an ambitious green industrial strategy) without conceding the bad (a fossil-friendly corporate agenda) will likely come down to the Liberals’ junior partners in parliament.
Read more: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Read more: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
It is not too late for nation-building, but we must rediscover our political imagination. Canada must remember what it means to put sovereignty and the public interest above the short-term concerns of the corporate sector.
From my latest @thestar.com op-ed:
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
From my latest @thestar.com op-ed:
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Canada needs to embrace a new era of nation-building
Public projects including an east-west electricity grid, housing, clean manufacturing, and a truly public bank are important examples of government-led initiatives key to our sovereignty.
www.thestar.com
April 29, 2025 at 2:21 PM
It is not too late for nation-building, but we must rediscover our political imagination. Canada must remember what it means to put sovereignty and the public interest above the short-term concerns of the corporate sector.
From my latest @thestar.com op-ed:
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
From my latest @thestar.com op-ed:
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Reposted by Hadrian
The typical Canadian lives better (and 3 yrs longer!) than the typical American. Higher per capita GDP there means nothing to most Americans. The weaponization of this statistic is an attempt to undermine the policy interventions Canada takes to enhance genuine living standards.
April 22, 2025 at 2:12 AM
The typical Canadian lives better (and 3 yrs longer!) than the typical American. Higher per capita GDP there means nothing to most Americans. The weaponization of this statistic is an attempt to undermine the policy interventions Canada takes to enhance genuine living standards.
Reposted by Hadrian
New piece: Elbows up? Here’s how some of the major projects we’re fast-tracking will help Trump’s inner circle.
The solution is not to copy Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” approach and backstop these U.S. billionaires, but to build a clean, resilient future. @shirip.bsky.social
tinyurl.com/5y3eb33m
The solution is not to copy Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” approach and backstop these U.S. billionaires, but to build a clean, resilient future. @shirip.bsky.social
tinyurl.com/5y3eb33m
Elbows up? Here’s how some of the major projects we’re fast-tracking will end up helping Trump’s inner circle
Canada’s oil and gas industry is, to a large extent, owned by American companies, including oil majors, asset managers, and other financial players.
www.thestar.com
April 4, 2025 at 1:31 PM
New piece: Elbows up? Here’s how some of the major projects we’re fast-tracking will help Trump’s inner circle.
The solution is not to copy Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” approach and backstop these U.S. billionaires, but to build a clean, resilient future. @shirip.bsky.social
tinyurl.com/5y3eb33m
The solution is not to copy Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” approach and backstop these U.S. billionaires, but to build a clean, resilient future. @shirip.bsky.social
tinyurl.com/5y3eb33m