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Positive Energy

Positive Energy

By ISSP uOttawa

How can we tackle polarization over energy and environmental issues in Canada? Discussions with energy leaders, academic researchers and senior decision-makers from industry, government, Indigenous communities, local communities and environmental organizations.

Host: Brendan Frank
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Mike Cleland and Monica Gattinger on Regulatory Design

Positive EnergyNov 10, 2021

00:00
20:10
Mike Cleland and Monica Gattinger on Regulatory Design
Nov 10, 202120:10
Andrew Pickford on Final Investment Decisions

Andrew Pickford on Final Investment Decisions

Over the last forty years, proposals for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects have appeared around the globe, with mixed success. Most never obtain adequate funding or permits, but some proceed to a final investment decision and then commissioning. In Canada there are very few academic or public policy studies on LNG investment or which factors influence final investment decisions.

Andrew Pickford's latest research for Positive Energy aims to fill that gap by addressing part of the larger question of “who decides and how?” when it comes to energy projects. He joins the podcast to discuss his new study, which compares the experiences of British Columbia and Western Australia in achieving positive final investment decisions in the LNG sector. Pickford discusses the implications for the future of LNG, renewable megaprojects, and the pathway to net-zero emissions.

Please visit our website for more on the University of Ottawa Positive Energy program.

Oct 06, 202118:46
Ian T.D. Thomson on Regulatory Independence

Ian T.D. Thomson on Regulatory Independence

Energy regulators have been vital to public policy for over a century, both as hubs of technical expertise and as deliberative bodies capable of looking beyond electoral cycles. Under this paradigm, Canadian regulators have emerged as reputable decision-makers and enforcers of the public interest. The concept of “regulatory independence” is central to this arrangement: independent, arm’s-length, trusted.

But the dynamics inside and outside of the sector are changing. New environmental imperatives, greater calls for public participation, broader consideration of Indigenous rights, and greater political fragmentation and polarization are all reshaping the roles and responsibilities of regulators and testing the concept of independence in new ways. How did we get here?

Positive Energy Research Associate Ian T.D. Thomson joins the podcast to share his findings on the concept of regulatory independence based on historical case studies of five Canadian energy regulators and what his research means for Canada's energy future in an age of climate change.

Sep 01, 202117:04
Patricia Larkin on Regulatory Innovation
Jul 22, 202119:14
Polling Canada: Nik Nanos on climate action and public confidence
Apr 16, 202114:28
Duane Bratt on the past, present and future of energy federalism

Duane Bratt on the past, present and future of energy federalism

Energy and environmental policy cover both provincial and federal jurisdiction, which makes it fertile ground for conflict. In particular, the onset of climate change has intensified disagreements around energy and environmental policy between the provinces and the federal government. Dr. Duane Bratt joins us to discuss the history of energy federalism, the complexities that can arise, and charting a productive path forward.

Mar 15, 202119:13
Monica Gattinger on the roles and responsibilities of energy decision-makers
Feb 08, 202115:49
The Australian Energy and Climate Experience: A Discussion with Andrew Pickford
May 13, 202040:02
What is "Transition"? Dr. Marisa Beck on the Two Realities of Energy and Environmental Leaders
Apr 22, 202030:11
Polling Canada: Stephen Bird and Erick Lachapelle on Polarization over Energy and Environment in Canada (Part 2)
Mar 03, 202027:39
Polling Canada: Stephen Bird and Erick Lachapelle on Polarization over Energy and Environment in Canada (Part 1)
Mar 02, 202021:58
Addressing Polarization over Energy and Climate: Duane Bratt on Alberta's Climate Leadership Plan (Part 2)

Addressing Polarization over Energy and Climate: Duane Bratt on Alberta's Climate Leadership Plan (Part 2)

Ian T. D. Thomson continues his interview with Positive Energy Research Team member Duane Bratt, Professor and Chair of the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University. Dr. Bratt discusses the legacy of Alberta's Climate Leadership Plan (CLP), including its ongoing influence on federal climate policies. Positive Energy will publish Dr. Bratt’s case study in the coming weeks as part of its ‘What Works’ case study series exploring various efforts to address polarization over energy and climate.

Feb 11, 202023:30
Addressing Polarization over Energy and Climate: Duane Bratt on Alberta's Climate Leadership Plan (Part 1)

Addressing Polarization over Energy and Climate: Duane Bratt on Alberta's Climate Leadership Plan (Part 1)

Ian T. D. Thomson interviews Positive Energy Research Team member Duane Bratt, Professor and Chair of the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University. Dr. Bratt discusses the history of the Alberta Climate Leadership Plan (CLP): an ambitious policy program developed by the previous NDP government to address climate change in the oil and gas-rich province. Positive Energy will publish Dr. Bratt’s case study in the coming weeks as part of its ‘What Works’ case study series exploring various efforts to address polarization over energy and climate.

Feb 10, 202027:54
Polling Canada: Nik Nanos talks Public and Expert Opinion on Energy and Climate
Jan 23, 202042:03
Go Big or Go Home: The Future of Canadian Energy—with Monica Gattinger, Mike Cleland, Chris Henderson, Shannon Joseph, Tonja Leach and Shawn McCarthy.
Dec 13, 201901:25:28
Polling Canada: Nik Nanos Presents Canadians’ Opinions on Energy and Environment
Dec 03, 201942:33
What's in a word? Michael Cleland on Canada's energy vocabulary
Oct 31, 201930:58
Monica Gattinger on polarization in an age of climate change
Sep 24, 201934:56