Canada's National Observer
@nationalobserver.com
Canada's National Observer (CNO) delivers vital reporting on the defining crisis of our time: climate change. Through rigorous investigation and compelling storytelling, we expose the forces shaping Canada's climate future.
Reposted by Canada's National Observer
My final freelance story of 2025: I heard from the coast guard & industry critics about ongoing work to get a grounded container ship off the shores of Newfoundland - as well as gaps this exposes in Canada’s coastal response capacity 🚢 @nationalobserver.com
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/23/n...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/23/n...
Ship grounding off Newfoundland exposes marine response gaps
In 2024, the federal government increased maximum penalties by tenfold to $250,000 for violations under the Canada Shipping Act, but consequences for marine pollution remain “relatively limited,” said...
www.nationalobserver.com
December 24, 2025 at 8:59 PM
My final freelance story of 2025: I heard from the coast guard & industry critics about ongoing work to get a grounded container ship off the shores of Newfoundland - as well as gaps this exposes in Canada’s coastal response capacity 🚢 @nationalobserver.com
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/23/n...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/23/n...
A year ago, U of T’s Laura Tozer was adding climate policies to her lecture slides. This year, she’s deleting them, and asking Prime Minister Mark Carney to explain the rollbacks directly to her students. @cloelogan.bsky.social reports.
This University of Toronto Professor wants Carney to answer to her students
Each year, University of Toronto professor Laura Tozer updates a slide deck that she presents to her graduate students on the state of climate policy in Canada. This year, she is deleting everything.
www.nationalobserver.com
December 24, 2025 at 3:32 PM
A year ago, U of T’s Laura Tozer was adding climate policies to her lecture slides. This year, she’s deleting them, and asking Prime Minister Mark Carney to explain the rollbacks directly to her students. @cloelogan.bsky.social reports.
We're at 78% of our $250,000 goal with only TWO more days left! Every donation to the Climate Solutions Reporting Project helps us fund the next investigations. Please give what you can. www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124263
www.canadahelps.org
December 23, 2025 at 8:50 PM
We're at 78% of our $250,000 goal with only TWO more days left! Every donation to the Climate Solutions Reporting Project helps us fund the next investigations. Please give what you can. www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124263
The climate lab the Trump administration is closing "is very much the infrastructure for the field as a whole," said Paul Kushner, a professor at the @utoronto.ca. Closing it "will weaken atmospheric science as a whole [and] certainly will weaken Canadian science as collateral damage."
Canadian scientist at world-leading climate lab learns Trump plans to 'dismantle' it
The Trump administration is planning to "dismantle" the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado. The lab is among the world's most important research hubs on climate, weather, oc...
www.nationalobserver.com
December 20, 2025 at 1:42 AM
The climate lab the Trump administration is closing "is very much the infrastructure for the field as a whole," said Paul Kushner, a professor at the @utoronto.ca. Closing it "will weaken atmospheric science as a whole [and] certainly will weaken Canadian science as collateral damage."
Reposted by Canada's National Observer
NEW FROM ME:“We have a federal [industrial pricing] backstop that we should be willing to enforce if provinces aren't willing to do what they're supposed to,” said @stevenguilbeault.bsky.social “It's in federal law. I don't understand why we're not doing it." www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/18/n...
Enough deals with provinces, just enforce the law: Guilbeault
To make progress on the targets, the federal government should keep federal regulations to clean up Canada’s electricity grid, make good on repeated (and so far unfulfilled) promises to strengthen ind...
www.nationalobserver.com
December 19, 2025 at 12:57 AM
NEW FROM ME:“We have a federal [industrial pricing] backstop that we should be willing to enforce if provinces aren't willing to do what they're supposed to,” said @stevenguilbeault.bsky.social “It's in federal law. I don't understand why we're not doing it." www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/18/n...
Canada has the authority to enforce environmental laws, yet is choosing not to as climate targets fade into the distance.
Former environment minister Steven Guilbeault says it's time for the federal government to tell provinces: "Actually, you can't break the law."
Former environment minister Steven Guilbeault says it's time for the federal government to tell provinces: "Actually, you can't break the law."
Enough deals with provinces, just enforce the law: Guilbeault
To make progress on the targets, the federal government should keep federal regulations to clean up Canada’s electricity grid, make good on repeated (and so far unfulfilled) promises to strengthen ind...
www.nationalobserver.com
December 19, 2025 at 12:57 AM
Canada has the authority to enforce environmental laws, yet is choosing not to as climate targets fade into the distance.
Former environment minister Steven Guilbeault says it's time for the federal government to tell provinces: "Actually, you can't break the law."
Former environment minister Steven Guilbeault says it's time for the federal government to tell provinces: "Actually, you can't break the law."
Our 2025 wrapped:
4M readers (10% of Canadians)
Built Civic Searchlight—every major outlet now uses it to search municipal meetings
Coverage in NYT, CBC, Mother Jones
100 FOI-based stories published
What would you like to see more of in 2026?
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/17/o...
4M readers (10% of Canadians)
Built Civic Searchlight—every major outlet now uses it to search municipal meetings
Coverage in NYT, CBC, Mother Jones
100 FOI-based stories published
What would you like to see more of in 2026?
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/17/o...
A letter from Jimmy Thomson on impact
As editor-in-chief, I believe you have a right to know how we’ve spent your dollars. But how to quantify impact when so much of what we do happens inside the minds of the people we reach?
www.nationalobserver.com
December 19, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Our 2025 wrapped:
4M readers (10% of Canadians)
Built Civic Searchlight—every major outlet now uses it to search municipal meetings
Coverage in NYT, CBC, Mother Jones
100 FOI-based stories published
What would you like to see more of in 2026?
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/17/o...
4M readers (10% of Canadians)
Built Civic Searchlight—every major outlet now uses it to search municipal meetings
Coverage in NYT, CBC, Mother Jones
100 FOI-based stories published
What would you like to see more of in 2026?
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/17/o...
Reposted by Canada's National Observer
It has been so gratifying to work with the incredible staff at @nationalobserver.com as EIC this year. I published this letter to our readers and supporters to document some of the impact we had this year and plans for 2026.
Some highlights:
Some highlights:
A letter from Jimmy Thomson on impact
As editor-in-chief, I believe you have a right to know how we’ve spent your dollars. But how to quantify impact when so much of what we do happens inside the minds of the people we reach?
www.nationalobserver.com
December 18, 2025 at 8:28 PM
It has been so gratifying to work with the incredible staff at @nationalobserver.com as EIC this year. I published this letter to our readers and supporters to document some of the impact we had this year and plans for 2026.
Some highlights:
Some highlights:
Ford has given his minister broad authority to decide what areas, projects and proponents should be designated for fast-tracking, @matinsarfraz.bsky.social reports
Ford sets criteria for ‘special economic zones’ that fast-track projects
Months after being introduced under Bill 5, the Ford government has finally released the rules for the “special economic zones” that designate where projects deemed “strategically important to Ontario...
www.nationalobserver.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Ford has given his minister broad authority to decide what areas, projects and proponents should be designated for fast-tracking, @matinsarfraz.bsky.social reports
Reposted by Canada's National Observer
Ford sets criteria for ‘special economic zones’ that fast-track projects. @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/18/n...
Ford sets criteria for ‘special economic zones’ that fast-track projects
Months after being introduced under Bill 5, the Ford government has finally released the rules for the “special economic zones” that designate where projects deemed “strategically important to Ontario...
www.nationalobserver.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Ford sets criteria for ‘special economic zones’ that fast-track projects. @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/18/n...
The Pathways megaproject is a linchpin of the “grand bargain” energy deal signed by Ottawa and Alberta. Many questions hang over the project though, including how much water Pathways — or any next generation carbon capture initiative — will actually consume.
World's biggest carbon capture project could 'essentially drain Alberta', experts warn
Government-commissioned modelling of water use by the planned $16.5 billion Pathways CCS project, a linchpin of the energy deal signed by Ottawa and Alberta last month, concluded its use of the region...
www.nationalobserver.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:47 PM
The Pathways megaproject is a linchpin of the “grand bargain” energy deal signed by Ottawa and Alberta. Many questions hang over the project though, including how much water Pathways — or any next generation carbon capture initiative — will actually consume.
Reposted by Canada's National Observer
The world's largest carbon capture and storage complex planned for northern Alberta could use most of the surplus water in the giant Cold Lake-Beaver River basin, potentially forcing water rationing in the province. Read @nationalobserver.com’s exclusive: www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/18/a...
World's biggest carbon capture project could 'essentially drain Alberta', experts warn
Government-commissioned modelling of water use by the planned $16.5 billion Pathways CCS project, a linchpin of the energy deal signed by Ottawa and Alberta last month, concluded its use of the region...
www.nationalobserver.com
December 18, 2025 at 1:40 PM
The world's largest carbon capture and storage complex planned for northern Alberta could use most of the surplus water in the giant Cold Lake-Beaver River basin, potentially forcing water rationing in the province. Read @nationalobserver.com’s exclusive: www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/18/a...
Reposted by Canada's National Observer
Even if Lewis and his Green New Deal is not the first choice for New Democrats seeking a way to rebuild their party’s dismal fortunes, it’s nice to see someone aiming high for the climate www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/17/o...
NDP's Avi Lewis wants to put climate back on the table
Even if Lewis and his Green New Deal is not the first choice for New Democrats seeking a way to rebuild their party’s dismal fortune, it’s nice to see someone aiming high. Lewis’ climate plan is a rem...
www.nationalobserver.com
December 18, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Even if Lewis and his Green New Deal is not the first choice for New Democrats seeking a way to rebuild their party’s dismal fortunes, it’s nice to see someone aiming high for the climate www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/17/o...
“2026 can be the year we build more shared infrastructure that makes municipal governance searchable, comparable, and trackable at national scale.”
CNO publisher @lindasolomonwood.bsky.social's 2026 prediction in @niemanlab.org
CNO publisher @lindasolomonwood.bsky.social's 2026 prediction in @niemanlab.org
How to slay a Trojan Horse
"2026 can be the year we build more shared infrastructure that makes municipal governance searchable, comparable, and trackable at national scale."
www.niemanlab.org
December 18, 2025 at 1:13 AM
“2026 can be the year we build more shared infrastructure that makes municipal governance searchable, comparable, and trackable at national scale.”
CNO publisher @lindasolomonwood.bsky.social's 2026 prediction in @niemanlab.org
CNO publisher @lindasolomonwood.bsky.social's 2026 prediction in @niemanlab.org
Reposted by Canada's National Observer
NEW for @nationalobserver.com. Despite efforts from the Ford government to limit bike lanes, Toronto council has approved over 20km of new cycling routes. City staff says because the plans don't requite the removal of vehicle lanes, they are legal under Bill 60.
Toronto finds path forward for bike lanes without breaking Ford government rules
City council has approved 20 kilometres of new bike lanes, which will be built without the removal of vehicle lanes, making them legal under the Ford government's Bill 60.
www.nationalobserver.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:53 PM
NEW for @nationalobserver.com. Despite efforts from the Ford government to limit bike lanes, Toronto council has approved over 20km of new cycling routes. City staff says because the plans don't requite the removal of vehicle lanes, they are legal under Bill 60.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and city council have done an end-run around Premier Doug Ford's anti-bike lane law. A new bylaw passed today allows the city to build a suite of new bike lanes that won't run afoul of the provincial rules.
Toronto finds path forward for bike lanes without breaking Ford government rules
City council has approved 20 kilometres of new bike lanes, which will be built without the removal of vehicle lanes, making them legal under the Ford government's Bill 60.
www.nationalobserver.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and city council have done an end-run around Premier Doug Ford's anti-bike lane law. A new bylaw passed today allows the city to build a suite of new bike lanes that won't run afoul of the provincial rules.
Civic Searchlight just got more useful. We've added the ability to watch council videos in the tool so that you can see and search the transcript while watching the video, to make sure you don't miss a beat.
Let us know how it works for you! civicsearchlight.nationalobserver.com
Let us know how it works for you! civicsearchlight.nationalobserver.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Civic Searchlight just got more useful. We've added the ability to watch council videos in the tool so that you can see and search the transcript while watching the video, to make sure you don't miss a beat.
Let us know how it works for you! civicsearchlight.nationalobserver.com
Let us know how it works for you! civicsearchlight.nationalobserver.com
ICYMI: @natashabulowski.bsky.social took a deep dive into how municipalities across Alberta are approaching data centres.
Some see dollar signs: "It's like the second coming of the oilpatch," one councillor said. Others are wary of the facilities' impacts on land and water.
Some see dollar signs: "It's like the second coming of the oilpatch," one councillor said. Others are wary of the facilities' impacts on land and water.
Alberta towns see AI data centres as 'second coming of oil' — but some worry at what cost
Municipalities across Alberta are trying to figure out whether they can — or should — try to cash in on the influx of AI data centre developers looking to set up shop in the province. For some council...
www.nationalobserver.com
December 17, 2025 at 8:26 PM
ICYMI: @natashabulowski.bsky.social took a deep dive into how municipalities across Alberta are approaching data centres.
Some see dollar signs: "It's like the second coming of the oilpatch," one councillor said. Others are wary of the facilities' impacts on land and water.
Some see dollar signs: "It's like the second coming of the oilpatch," one councillor said. Others are wary of the facilities' impacts on land and water.
Experts are relieved that the methane regulations have landed, but a carve-out worked into the recent MOU between Ottawa and Alberta could undermine them, they warn.
Ottawa toughens methane regulations — but Alberta gets five extra years
The federal government's new and long-awaited methane regulation are here and climate experts are both relieved for the progress and concerned Alberta will be let off the hook, again.
www.nationalobserver.com
December 17, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Experts are relieved that the methane regulations have landed, but a carve-out worked into the recent MOU between Ottawa and Alberta could undermine them, they warn.
The Trump administration's new National Security Strategy revolves around an anti-diversity, anti-immigration worldview that's fundamentally at odds with our own. We'd better be prepared to start defending it, @maxfawcett.bsky.social writes.
The immigration debate has only just begun
Anti-immigration politics — and politicians — are riding high in most western democracies right now. Canada won't be safe from either for much longer.
www.nationalobserver.com
December 17, 2025 at 8:21 PM
The Trump administration's new National Security Strategy revolves around an anti-diversity, anti-immigration worldview that's fundamentally at odds with our own. We'd better be prepared to start defending it, @maxfawcett.bsky.social writes.
Will BC Conservatives double down on climate denial and all its related conspiracies? Or will they return to the middle ground their predecessors occupied for decades? By no coincidence, their federal counterparts are weighing the exact same question, @arnokopecky.bsky.social writes.
A tale of two climates
Politically and environmentally, tensions are rising across the country as Canadians drift apart. In BC, the race to replace John Rustad as BC Conservative leader is just the edge of a much larger sto...
www.nationalobserver.com
December 17, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Will BC Conservatives double down on climate denial and all its related conspiracies? Or will they return to the middle ground their predecessors occupied for decades? By no coincidence, their federal counterparts are weighing the exact same question, @arnokopecky.bsky.social writes.
Reposted by Canada's National Observer
Canada's premiers keep attacking the courts. It might be good short-term politics for them, but it's doing long-term damage to institutions our democracy and freedoms depend on. #cdnpoli
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/16/o...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/16/o...
Canada’s premiers need to stop attacking the courts
From Alberta and Ontario to Quebec and British Columbia, Canada's premiers have been ratcheting up their anti-judge rhetoric. It won't lead us anywhere good.
www.nationalobserver.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Canada's premiers keep attacking the courts. It might be good short-term politics for them, but it's doing long-term damage to institutions our democracy and freedoms depend on. #cdnpoli
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/16/o...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/16/o...
Reposted by Canada's National Observer
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's stance on AI data centres clear but municipalities & counties are a different, far more complicated story. @nationalobserver.com's Civic Searchlight tool allowed me to scan council meeting transcripts for data centre discourse: the pros, the cons and the questions
December 16, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's stance on AI data centres clear but municipalities & counties are a different, far more complicated story. @nationalobserver.com's Civic Searchlight tool allowed me to scan council meeting transcripts for data centre discourse: the pros, the cons and the questions
Reposted by Canada's National Observer
Across Alberta, municipalities are weighing the pros and cons of hosting AI data centres. I used @nationalobserver.com's Civic Searchlight tool to figure out which towns are looking at data centres and dig into how they are thinking about the costs & benefits www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/16/n...
Alberta towns see AI data centres as 'second coming of oil' — but some worry at what cost
Municipalities across Alberta are trying to figure out whether they can — or should — try to cash in on the influx of AI data centre developers looking to set up shop in the province. For some council...
www.nationalobserver.com
December 16, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Across Alberta, municipalities are weighing the pros and cons of hosting AI data centres. I used @nationalobserver.com's Civic Searchlight tool to figure out which towns are looking at data centres and dig into how they are thinking about the costs & benefits www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/16/n...
Reposted by Canada's National Observer
For @nationalobserver.com. One funding stream for free AC units in Toronto is failing the people it’s meant to protect. Just 25 recipients in 2 years. One case: an 85-year-old with multiple chronic illnesses denied for having $700 in his bank account.
A Toronto fund for air conditioners reached just 25 people over two years, despite rising heat risks
The city plans to improve access to the fund after the deputation of a family physician who has worked with several patients trying to access it flagged issues such as a grueling application process a...
www.nationalobserver.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:13 PM
For @nationalobserver.com. One funding stream for free AC units in Toronto is failing the people it’s meant to protect. Just 25 recipients in 2 years. One case: an 85-year-old with multiple chronic illnesses denied for having $700 in his bank account.