Topic Environmental
Minister seeking ways to end benzene exposure from chemical plant
April 26, 2024 by Mia Rabson – The Canadian PressEnvironment Minister Steven Guilbeault is looking for options to protect a southern Ontario First Nation from repeated exposure to benzene from a nearby chemical plant, as the plant issues a new warning about air pollution. Leaders from Aamjiwnaang First Nation…
Is Fort McMurray still insurable?
April 26, 2024 by Jason ContantEditor’s note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire cost nearly $6 billion in insured damage, citing 2016 loss totals for that year from Insurance Bureau of Canada. However, the $6 billion total…
Fire bans announced in B.C. and Alberta as more than 170 wildfires burn
April 25, 2024 by The Canadian PressTactical evacuations have started in northeastern British Columbia as wildfires tear through the area. An update from the B.C. Wildfire Service Wednesday night said efforts are focused on protecting public life and safety in the Peace River Regional District and…
‘Trees going up like Roman candles’ as fire season starts early in B.C., Alberta
April 23, 2024 by The Canadian PressSusanne Langan first noticed the Burgess Creek wildfire from her home in British Columbia’s Cariboo region on Saturday afternoon as a distant, thin column of smoke. But as winds picked up that night, the flames became more aggressive. “I could…
Flood and fire preparedness measures underway in N.W.T. town
April 22, 2024 by The Canadian PressThe Town of Hay River has been through a lot over the last couple of years, having first contended with serious flooding in 2022 and then devastating wildfires in 2023. With the memories of those crises still fresh in the…
Report suggests little progress in first year of Alberta’s emissions reduction plan
April 19, 2024 by The Canadian PressA survey from a clean energy think-tank says Alberta has done little to implement its plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The Pembina Institute has examined the measures included in the province’s plan released one year ago. It says…
Wildfire clean-up continues in Enterprise, NWT
April 17, 2024 by Tom Taylor, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWT News/North – The Canadian PressEnterprise’s 2024 spring carnival was a sorely needed opportunity for celebration in a community that has been through more than most over the last few months. “It was just great fun,” said Sandra McMaster, who became the community’s new mayor…
Coroner’s inquest opens into Quebec firefighter flood deaths in May 2023
April 15, 2024 by The Canadian PressA coroner’s inquest is underway into the deaths of two volunteer Quebec firefighters who perished during a flood rescue last May in the Charlevoix region. Coroner Andrée Kronström is hearing from witnesses at the courthouse in La Malbaie, Que., during…
Carbon insurance: Bigger than cyber?
April 10, 2024 by Jason ContantThe global voluntary carbon market (VCM) is expected to show “hockey stick growth” over the next few decades, representing a dramatic opportunity for the insurance industry. “Look at the cyber market now in insurance — it’s the new big thing,”…
Drought, heat raise risk of repeat of last summer’s record-breaking wildfires
April 10, 2024 by The Canadian PressPersistent drought and months of above-average temperatures have raised the risk of a repeat of last year’s record-breaking wildfires. Federal officials say conditions are already ripe for an early and above-normal fire risk from Quebec all the way to British…
Why this MGA is betting on carbon insurance
April 9, 2024 by Jason ContantSpecialist insurance provider CFC has entered the voluntary carbon market (VCM) with the launch of a carbon delivery insurance product that safeguards the purchase of carbon credits. VCMs are decentralized markets in which individuals or organizations buy credits to voluntarily…
Heavy rain causes flooding, damage in Newfoundland
April 9, 2024 by Sanuda Ranawake, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Telegram – The Canadian PressHeavy rain over the weekend brought a mix of localized flooding, washouts, and slides to much of the west coast of Newfoundland. In Lark Harbour, there were no washouts, but damage to houses, trails, and some roadways. For some residents…