Latest news with #JonathanWilkinson
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Canada Warms Up to Fossil Fuels With New LNG Export Terminal
In March 2024, Canada's then resource minister, Jonathan Wilkinson, declared, 'We are not interested in investing in LNG facilities.' This month, LNG Canada, the country's first operating export terminal for the fuel, shipped its first cargo. Many believe this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship between Canada's energy resources and world markets. The last couple of Canadian federal governments have been vocal opponents of the oil and gas industry in the country that is home to some of the world's most abundant hydrocarbon resources. For two terms, the Justin Trudeau-led administration worked hard to make life as hard as possible for the companies that exploit those resources by increasing red tape for expansion and tightening emission-related requirements as far as they would go. This was the context in which Jonathan Wilkinson made his declaration, adding to it the claim that 'The government is opposed to using government money to fund inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.' Instead, said government chose to bet on carbon taxes and supposedly efficient subsidies for things such as EV batteries and EVs themselves—a field where one major Canadian subsidy beneficiary declared bankruptcy earlier this year and others are reconsidering their Canadian growth plans. While the Canadian government was doing this, the private sector, as advised by Wilkinson, by the way, assessed the business case and made the investments. A group of energy majors led by Shell and also including Malaysia's Petrobas, Japan's Mitsubishi, Korea's Kogas, and PetroChina, got together and built LNG Canada—the country's first ever LNG export facility that targets specifically the Asian energy market. There are two big reasons for this choice of market. First and simplest, Canada's west coast is close to Asia. Geographical proximity means lower transportation costs, leading to a lower end-price. Second, Canadian natural gas is trading more cheaply than U.S. gas right now, which adds to the cost advantage, regardless of earlier claims that Canadian gas was too expensive for exports to make any sense. Mitsubishi Corporation 'strongly believes that further development of LNG Canada is an optimal option to explore,' one senior executive at the company told the Financial Times following the news of the first LNG shipment from Kitimat. The FT included the quote in a report describing Prime Minister Mark Carney's stated aim of turning Canada into an energy superpower—a marked departure from the Trudeau administration, whose first, second, and third priority was reducing emissions of carbon dioxide, whatever the cost. Carney has publicly embraced all forms of energy and packaged his own departure from his earlier fixation on emissions as a response to U.S. President Trump's tariff offensive, which now offers Canada a chance to develop its energy resources. As stated by Carney's energy minister, 'President Trump's tariffs are disrupting trade, threatening Canadian jobs and industries, and rewriting the rules of the game.' Also, 'These [LNG] projects are part of our broader strategy to protect Canada's energy security, diversify our trade, and enhance our long-term competitiveness, all while building the most reliable, low-carbon energy possible,' Tim Hodgson said, as quoted by the FT. This does seem like a marked departure from past positions for the man who set up as many net-zero financial alliances as he managed to have time for, and who, for all intents and purposes, built a reputation as a most active net-zero champion not only in Canada but globally. And yet, Carney has paused the carbon tax that many Canadians blame for the drop in living standards, he has embraced gas, and he even appears not to be against new pipelines. That said, not everyone believes that Carney means what he says. The carbon tax, for instance, has only been paused for households but not for companies. Canada is still very much on board with net-zero. But the shift in federal government narrative at the very least might be an indication that some in that government are acknowledging the realities of energy and the fact that oil and gas continue to be very much in demand, despite Mark Carney's own claim in a 2021 book that 'To meet the 1.5C [global warming] target, more than 80 per cent of current fossil fuel reserves (including three-quarters of coal, half of gas, one-third of oil) would need to stay in the ground, stranding these assets.' Naturally, net-zero advocates claim demand for LNG does not justify more LNG capacity anywhere in the world, with a glut coming due to overcapacity. Serious analysts, meanwhile, point to things like a lack of infrastructure as a challenge for further LNG growth in Canada because it increases costs for new projects. Yet, as usual, it will be the market that will have the final word. If there is enough demand to motivate all these costs—LNG plants are never cheap, anywhere in the world—there will be more LNG export facilities in Canada. Net-zero advocates would just have to swallow that. By Irina Slav for More Top Reads From this article on
USA Today
04-06-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Canadian wildfire smoke is fouling U.S. air quality. We show where.
Canadian wildfire smoke is fouling U.S. air quality. We show where. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is engulfing much of the eastern and central United States and will last through the week. The wildfires are releasing large amounts of smoke into the atmosphere. Over the Great Plains, the high-level flow of winds has been pushing the smoke south, and shifting upper-level winds from the west will drag the smoke over the eastern states, according to The Weather Channel. Where Canadian smoke blankets the U.S. Unable to view our graphics? Click here to see them. Is climate change worsening Canadian wildfires? Some Canadian officials say climate change is playing a part in the blazes. 'It is a simple fact that Canada is experiencing the impacts of climate change, including more frequent and more extreme wildfires,' Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said in a CTV News report. Higher temperatures are leading to drier conditions, which makes it easier for forest fires to start. Erratic winds allow the fires to spread, CTV said. How wildfire smoke can travel thousands of miles Wildfire smoke worsens air quality Wildfire smoke has been fouling U.S. air quality for several days, starting in states bordering Canada, including the Dakotas, Minnesota and other Midwestern states. The smoke has drifted south and east, creating moderate air quality levels for a large swath of central and southeastern states, according to By the morning of June 3, air quality in Tallahassee, Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida, was at a moderate level. How wildfire smoke can endanger your health Inhaling smoke can result in a variety of ailments, from minor irritability to more serious problems like respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. According to the EPA, particulate matter, also known as PM 2.5, is a main component of wildfire smoke and is the air pollutant of greatest concern to public health. The fine particles are inhaled and enter your lungs and bloodstream where they can cause damage to other organs. Exposure has been linked to a higher risk of lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes and brain damage. If the air quality becomes unhealthy, avoid physical exertion, including indoors. While inside, keep windows and doors shut. Leave off any air conditioning or fan systems that pull air from outside, and use air filters or air purifiers. You can monitor air quality in your area at More: U.S and Canada wildfire and smoke tracker. See air quality warnings near you. More: Which states will see smoke from Canadian wildfires? EPA issues air quality warnings. CONTRIBUTING Jeanine Santucci and Chad Murphy, USA TODAY Network SOURCE The Air Quality Index, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NASA, NOAA This story was updated to add new information.
Cambrian News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Cambrian News
Former AM named Powys County Council Chair
Cllr William Powell (Liberal Democrat) was unanimously approved as the new chairman of the council at Powys County Council's annual general meeting on 15 May and takes over the chains of office from the incumbent, Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson.
Powys County Times
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Ex-MS William Powell named Powys County Council chairman
A FORMER Welsh Assembly member for Mid and West Wales has been elected as the chairman of Powys County Council for the next year. Cllr William Powell (Liberal Democrat) was unanimously approved as the new chairman of the council. He took over the chains of office from the incumbent, Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson (Conservative) at Powys County Council's annual general meeting on Thursday, May 15. Last year, Cllr Powell who represents Talgarth in Brecknockshire served as council vice-chairman and in 2023/2024 had been elected to the assistant vice-chairman's role. Cllr Powell said: 'We've had so many moving tributes and wise words this morning I think I will break the habit of a lifetime and keep my comments to a minimum. 'I'm immensely grateful to my colleagues for the faith you have expressed in me in today. RECOMMENDED READING: 'Thank you all very much indeed.' Earlier outgoing chairman, Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson (Conservative) said that one of his last public engagements on behalf of the authority he attended was the VE Day 80th anniversary service at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff on May 7. Cllr Wilkinson (Llangyniew and Meifod – Montgomeryshire) said: 'Llandaff Cathedral is quite a remarkable building in itself, heavily bombed during the war (Second World War) and then rebuilt. 'They have a wonderful organ there and the organ recital there was fantastic, the choir is known throughout the country and the band of the Royal Welsh (Regiment) played. 'That was a very memorable service of thanks during that week of commemorative events. 'We had our own here on May 8 with the raising of the flag at county hall and I had the privilege of reading that proclamation in recognition of the sacrifices made during the war to ensure our freedom.' 'There were members of the Royal British Legion and other organisations here and ex-servicemen and it was an absolute pleasure to meet those individuals.' He went on to thank Cllr Powell as vice-chairman and Cllr Geoff Morgan the assistant vice-chairman for the support they had given him in the role during the last year and wished them 'the best of luck' as they move forward. Cllr Wilkinson said: 'Also I would very much like to thank the behind the scenes team particularly Karen Southgate, Steve Boyd and Carol Johnson who have supported me and given me a nudge when I forget things and ensure the smooth running of things.' A vote confirmed that Cllr Geoff Morgan (Reform UK) who represents the Ithon Valley in Radnorshire moves up from assistant vice-chairman to vice-chairman. Liberal Democrat Cllr Danny Bebb who represents Churchstoke in Montgomeryshire was elected to take on the assistant vice-chairman's role. The roles rotate between councillors who represent wards in the historic shires of Brecknockshire, Montgomeryshire and Radnorshire which make up modern day Powys.
Powys County Times
12-05-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Powys Silver Kite awards for outstanding community service
A 93-year-old litter picker, a foster couple that has given babies a safe and secure home, and a motor club that has boosted a Powys town's economy by £2million are among the nine individuals and three organisations that have been recognised for going above and beyond for their communities. The Silver Kite awards were held at County Hall in Llandrindod Wells on April 29 which celebrate the outstanding commitment and exceptional achievements which some have spanned more than half a century. Chairman of Powys County Council, Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson, presented the civic awards, following nominations throughout the year by councillors. Cllr Wilkinson said: 'I would like to say thank you to those who took the time to submit these nominations. It's a great honour and privilege to present these members of the Powys community with their awards. 'All winners were deserving for a variety of different reasons, but all just as worthy as each other, and I hope this award shows some recognition for the work, achievement, and difference, they make to our communities. 'Each one of them have shown an exceptional performance, or have made a real impact in their communities, and are truly deserving of their award. Congratulations to them all.' Eric Edwards, from Newtown, is 93 years old and has been recognised for his efforts to help make Powys cleaner and greener. Eric is often seen walking with his dog through Newtown, using his shopping trolley as an improvised street cleansing cart for picking up litter. In the last year alone, it is estimated Eric must have spent at least 400 voluntary hours litter picking, covering over 500 miles on foot, and picking up almost 1,000 bags of litter in the process. Eric also regularly volunteers with a local charity, Cultivate, passing on his gardening knowledge to the younger generation and in so doing helps to inspire everyone to be healthier and greener. Ann Bufton has been the pianist and a key member of the Builth Wells Male Voice Choir for 40 years. Having recently decided to retire, this award recognises Ann's service to the choir, the young people who she has given music lessons to, and the many thousands of people who have listened to her playing for the choir in concerts, weddings and funerals. Lin and John Edwards, who are also from Newtown, have been great supporters of those in foster care. They have been recognised for their services to fostering children, in particular, their commitment to fostering babies in need of a safe and secure home. Rhayader motor and light car club have been recognised for their efforts in supporting the motorsport industry as well as the local community and tourism. In August 2024, the world enduro GP arrived at Cwmythig Hill; a three-day event which brought 160 competitors, manufacturers, team managers, support crews and sponsors, as well as around 12,000 spectators to the local area. The event is estimated to have brought £2 million into the local economy. This motor club is not only investing in the sport they love, but mid Wales as a whole. Ivor Jones, from Dolfor, played an instrumental part in the planning and building of the new Community Hall in Dolfor in 2006. Alongside this, the YFC has always been important to him, especially the opportunities it allows young people in rural communities. As a member, he held all roles within the club, before becoming a Club Leader for over 30 years, and then President of Montgomeryshire YFC. Ivor is a member of the William Buckley Pugh Committee, having held positions on the Show and Sports Committee for 50 years and is an active member of the Community Fund Committee. Today he serves as pulpit secretary for Dolfor Free Church, being involved in the re-build of the Chapel in 1981. Elizabeth Bowen has been a stalwart of the community, holding many roles, such as, running the then Cantal School playgroup, Llanbister C.P. School cleaner caretaker, as well as dinner lady and playground supervisor where she continues to be today. Elizabeth has also taken on roles in Cantal YFC, such as Club Leader and President, as well as hosting the Rally twice. Alongside hosting fundraisers, and being on the village hall committee, Elizabeth also runs a club for older members, hosting activities such as talks, haircuts, wreath making, pottery and exercises. Since Covid, she has taken on the role of Llanbister church warden. Laura Greatorex-Hares, from Welshpool, despite being wheelchair-bound herself, in 2022 launched Welshpool Community Haven. The group works with a range of organisations to provide services the community needs. Laura works tirelessly to keep the Community Haven open, seeking funding, grant aid, staff and volunteers, as well as organising a varied weekly programme of events. Chris Roberts, from Meifod, has been a very active member of the community for many years, however in a quiet and unassuming way. He was chairman of the recreation committee for many years, and for two of those years he oversaw the sale of the old village hall and the building of the new one. Chris has worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the Hall, which is a focal point of all village activities, and although no longer chairman, he is always on hand to help, for example, with the sound and lighting for the annual pantomime. Graham Buckley, from Tregynon, is a key member of the community who works hard in the background without expecting any thanks. Graham is a kind-hearted man, who is always there if people need help. In the past, he has created a tractor-mounted snow blower to help clear roads in his area. The team at Clyro Village Hall have worked tirelessly, and often under very trying circumstances, to enable the hall to move from a declining building to the busy village hub it is now. It has undergone refurbishments, where the furniture has been replaced, and it is emerging as a strong and cohesive force in the village community, with a range of activities taking place such as, music, drop-in cafes, quiz nights, theatre groups, New Year's Eve get together, and a pop-up pub, which also features pizza and Caribbean food. Over the last 25 years, the Brecknock Art Trust has supported the expansion and development of the regional art collection at the Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery in Brecon. In February, the Trust opened a four-month long exhibition celebrating this nationally significant collection, curated by David Moore. Exhibiting over a hundred pieces of art, illustrating the breadth of work inspired by Brecknockshire, however, this is only half of the total number of works supported by the Trust.
