Latest Policy Bytes

Sept 19, 2018 - This column first appeared in Northern Ontario Business.

September 17, 2018 - In waste management, diversion refers to redirecting waste from the landfill to alternatives such as blue box and composting programs. Waste diversion is important because we have limited space for landfills and they contribute approximately 6 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in Ontario. So how are we doing at diverting our waste in the North?

September 10, 2018 - Beyond practicing snapping in a synchronized fashion, six Northern Policy Institute summer placements had the opportunity to stretch their research muscles and explore key policy issues in Northern Ontario this past summer. Located in Fort Frances, North Bay, and Timmins, this group provided valuable insight into issues such as research capacity in Ontario’s North, the reporting relationship between funders and First Nations, and Francophone tourism. Through their research, our summer placements have contributed to a sustainable and self-sufficient Northern Ontario.

September 6, 2018 - When it comes to animal wellness services, many barriers exist in remote Northern Ontario communities. Resources and access to animal wellness services, such as veterinarians and spay/neuter services, are often limited. Getting supplies to many of these communities comes with obstacles, as many can only be accessed by air. Extreme winter weather also complicates the delivery of supplies and services.

September 4, 2018 - No one cares about taxes. Given the Trumpian headlines and the carbon tax wars this may come as a surprise to you, but it is true. What people do care about is how much things cost. If the total cost is cheap, and taxes make up 90 per cent of that price, no one cares. If something is expensive, or more expensive than it was yesterday, and taxes make up 1 per cent of the total cost, get out the torches and pitchforks!

August 27, 2018 - The North is facing some serious housing challenges, however, three remote Northern Ontario First Nation communities are setting a positive example and have received national recognition at the First Nations Housing Conference (FNHC) for their innovation and achievements in housing. Recipients of the 2018 Community Housing Recognition Awards include Wunnumin Lake First Nation, Rainy River First Nations, and Nibinamik First Nation.

August 20, 2018 - Housing in Northern Ontario needs major repairs. Nearly one in ten Northern Ontario dwellings have inadequate structure, wiring and/or plumbing, a rate far higher than the rest of the province. On top of that, housing supply is stretched thin, and that will presumably get worse if the North attracts the 6,000 newcomers a year it needs.

August 13, 2018 - There is no question that the new government of Ontario is very different from the old one. Whether different means better or worse is an argument for those still fighting the last election, or preparing to fight the next. For those of us looking to get things done in Ontario’s northern regions over the next four years, that debate is a luxury we cannot afford.

July 30, 2018 - An internationally known LGBTQ2+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, 2-Spirited) Summer Camp is changing lives … and it is located in a small Northern Ontario town, just 40 minutes north east of Sault Ste. Marie.

July 16, 2018 - Northern Ontario needs more people. Forecasts show that the North will be short 150,000 people by 2041, even with natural growth rates. Such a coming demographic crisis is drawing the attention it deserves. Many are lobbying for an immigration pilot project for the North, but solving the population problem could cause a whole new headache.