Public Banking Proposal

Response to Government of NB Innovation Week Questions, May 3-10, 2015 1. What is your big idea? Please describe the nature of the product, service or partnership that you believe can help us offer better, faster and more efficient public services. (Max. 500 words) Our idea is for the government of New Brunswick to establish … Continue reading “Public Banking Proposal”

Growing Local Prosperity: A Public Forum with Gregory Heming

Gregory Heming, a Municipal Councillor for Annapolis County, Nova Scotia made a presentation on growing local prosperity at the Transition Town Forum in Woodstock on April 28th. Heming’s presentation was titled “A Local Conversation on the Future of Rural Communities.” The Forum was held in teaching theatre on the second floor of Woodstock Community College. … Continue reading “Growing Local Prosperity: A Public Forum with Gregory Heming”

Property Assessed Payment for Energy Retrofits (PAPER) Proposal

Securing New Brunswick’s Electrical Energy Future and Establishing a New Platform of High Quality Employment Based on a presentation to the New Brunswick Energy Policy Commission by the Woodstock Sustainable Energy Group on February 15, 2011. Updated April 2015 for presentation to the Government’s Innovation Week project. Introduction The Woodstock Sustainable Energy Group prepared and … Continue reading “Property Assessed Payment for Energy Retrofits (PAPER) Proposal”

Public Engagement on the Future of Mactaquac Dam and the Saint John River

An event of historic significance is taking place in the Western Valley Region of New Brunswick, and the future of Mactaquac Dam and the Saint John River is at stake. All those who have become cynical about public agencies engaging citizens in matters of public policy should sit up and take notice. In the past, … Continue reading “Public Engagement on the Future of Mactaquac Dam and the Saint John River”

A 57-Year Warning on Climate Disruption

If you are 57 years old, or younger, you have lived your whole life in the era of climate disruption warnings. The article reprinted below appeared in the June 20, 1957 issue of the Woodstock Sentinel-Press under the headline, “Are We Tampering with Our Climate?” It is amazing to read how accurate the climate researchers … Continue reading “A 57-Year Warning on Climate Disruption”

New Crown Forest Plan Lacking in Conservation and Consultation

Opposition to the government’s new Crown forest strategy has been emphatic from academics, foresters, First Nations, private woodlot owners, ecologists, conservationists, and from those who consider the plan to be shortsighted and benefitting the forest industry. A survey conducted by the University of New Brunswick shows that a majority of New Brunswickers oppose the Crown … Continue reading “New Crown Forest Plan Lacking in Conservation and Consultation”

Our Energy Future Needs Moral Leadership

In all the media reports about the US becoming the world’s second largest producer of hydrocarbons thanks to fracking, an inescapable factor is being ignored: No matter how we calculate it, fossil fuels are a sunset industry. The same thing goes for the Alberta oil sands, which are touted as having the potential for making … Continue reading “Our Energy Future Needs Moral Leadership”

Saving Fuel and Money with Eco Driving

The cost of fuel is rising steadily and so are the warnings that burning fossil fuels contribute to climate change. Drivers may want to know how they can reduce fuel consumption, help their vehicle last longer, and help the environment. Eco Driving – How to Save Fuel and Drive More Efficiently The single, best thing … Continue reading “Saving Fuel and Money with Eco Driving”