Canada cabinet shakeup turfs environment minister - Reuters

Canada cabinet shakeup turfs environment minister
04 Jan 2007 17:22:35 GMT
Source: Reuters

OTTAWA, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Stung by public criticism of its environmental
policy and preparing for a likely early 2007 election, Canada's government
made sweeping changes to its cabinet on Thursday that pushed the
environment minister out of her job.

-snip-

Harper replaced embattled Environment Minister Rona Ambrose with John Baird,
a feisty young politician who previously headed the Treasury Board. Ambrose,
who has faced widespread criticism for what are considered weak plans to
control greenhouse gas emissions and for getting facts wrong, is now minister
of intergovernmental affairs, which involves promoting Canadian unity.

Baird is considered quick on his feet and is known for his fiery attacks on the
opposition during parliamentary debates. He takes credit for pushing through
legislation to clean up government after the previous Liberal administration fell
into disgrace over a corruption scandal.

As environment minister, his task will be to put the Conservatives back on the
offensive on environmental issues and he can be expected to finger the Liberals
for letting emissions fall far behind targets set by the Kyoto protocol.

-snip-

Goals for 2006/07:

1. NRSP’s first campaign is focused on dispelling the notion that Canada needs CO2 reduction plans. CO2 is very unlikely to be a substantial driver of climate change and is not a pollutant. Global climate change is primarily a natural phenomenon and so governments should focus on solving environmental problems over which we have influence (air, land and water pollution being obvious examples). NRSP will articulate a vision that also promotes assisting our most vulnerable citizens adapt to climate change while encouraging continued research in this exceptionally complex field.
   
   
2. Become recognized by media, government, industry and ordinary Canadians as the most reputable voice for the promotion of science-based climate change policy.
   
   
3. Identify and track the positions of MPs and MLAs across the country in order to identify, and assist, politicians willing to support developing climate and pollution policy based on the most up-to-date science, engineering and economics.
   
   
4. Have a measurable impact on the public's understanding of climate change, with a target of significantly lessening support for implementation of CO2 controls.

The Globe and Mail (GG: Canada's national newspaper)says that FOS has taken undisclosed sums from Alberta oil and gas interests. The money was funneled through the Calgary Foundation, to the University of Calgary and on to the FOS though something called the “Science Education Fund.”

All this appears to be orchestrated by Stephen Harper’s long-time political confidante and fishing buddy, U. Calgary Prof Dr. Barry Cooper. It seems the FOS has taken a page right out of the US climate change attack group’s playbook: funnel money through foundations and third party groups to “wipe the oil” off the dollars they receive.

This comes as no surprise considering the FOS has been linked to some of the most notorious oil money-backed scientists in the US, including Drs. S. Fred Singer, Sallie Baliunas, Sherwood Idso, Willie Soon, Robert C. Balling and Pat Michaels.