Canada’s new child benefit has lifted almost 300,000 children out of poverty
New Statistics Canada figures show 278,000 fewer children living below the poverty line in 2017, the first full year of the benefit, compared to 2015.
Canada
This archive collects solutions-journalism stories and progress milestones from Canada — covering health, environment, policy, community resilience, and more. Each entry highlights real developments worth knowing about.
Canada sets aside 56,000 square kilometres of Yukon boreal forest for conservation after decade-long legal battle
Located in northwest Canada, Yukon’s Peel watershed covers 67,431 square kilometres of wilderness that is rich in biodiversity. Eighty-three percent will now be preserved as Conservation Areas.
Canadians can now apply for free, no-wait pardons for cannabis possession charges
The new law allows people who were only convicted of a crime of simple possession, which is possession of under 30 grams, to have their record suspended, free of charge (the normal fee is $631).
Canada passes legislation ending the import and export of shark fins
“The overhauled Fisheries Act has the potential to be one of the most transformative things that has happened for our oceans in many years,” says Josh Laughren, Executive Director, Oceana Canada.
Canada to ban single-use plastic as early as 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government will ban single-use plastics, which could include bags, straws and cutlery, in Canada in 2021.
Canada bans the captivity and breeding of orcas, dolphins and other whales
The Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act, first introduced in 2015, outlaws the practice, as well as the trade, possession, capture and breeding of cetaceans.
Canada bans deep-sea mining, oil and gas drilling in marine protected areas
The decision, which also prevents waste dumping and bottom trawling, helps inch Canada closer to its international commitment to protect 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas by 2020.
Canada iZEV electric car incentive program begins May 1
Canada will provide a $5,000 rebate to electric and plug-in hybrid car buyers called iZEV and goes into effect on May 1.
Cost of carbon capture plummets thanks to two new techniques
A new study says the latest technology is 67% less expensive that it was just a few years ago and can remove 97% of carbon dioxide emissions at one third the cost of similar technology in 2014.
B.C. government to provide transgender surgery
The British Columbia government announced Friday it will provide reconstructive lower surgery for transgender people.