News & Reports
Articles
British Columbia’s pulp and paper industry is facing tough times despite its hefty impact on the economy
The problem is a provincial tax structure that hands an advantage to competitors in other parts of the country and elsewhere in the world.
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Humanity's dependency on energy from the sun is sure to increase, though experts differ on how quick solar can be scaled up
Harvesting the power of the sun has been a human endeavour since the beginning of civilization. This infographic from SolarTech and Visual Capitalist details the history of solar energy starting in 4,000 BC.
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Mining returns: Roundup 2017 conference opens in Vancouver
It's that time of January when thousands of mining people descend on Vancouver for a rite of their industry: the Association for Mineral Exploration's annual Roundup conference.
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INDIGENOUS MISSION: Finding partnerships in BC's mining sector
At the recent Nation2Nation conference in Terrace, Lana Eagle spoke about taking personal responsibility on the path to building reconciliation relationships with indigenous partners.
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LNG & flying pigs: In BC's case liquefied natural gas is already here
Transportation and industrial uses like mining continue to spur investment in a clean energy supply that British Columbia has in abundance.
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Getting past polarization
Our homepage at Resource Works says it all: “We have a problem. British Columbia is polarized”. Well, it’s not just British Columbia. We are seeing polarization over many natural resources in many jurisdictions.
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Articles
5 Conditions: Slacker's Guide
What were those 5 conditions the British Columbia government placed on approving the Trans Mountain Expansion Project? Here they are again.
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A new way of seeing one Canadian oil pipeline
We need a fresh way of understanding what oil pipeline propositions mean for Canada if we are ever to get to the values that connect people.
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OUTLOOK 2017: Experts convene to predict path of world's greenest resource export region
British Columbia is the planet’s leader in using the best technologies and standards to get our resources to the world while protecting the environment. Our recent symposium drew together recognized experts to look at how this balancing act will continue into 2017.
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New Advisory Council member: Winston Stothert
A living legend of western Canadian industry and public service steps aboard our community group as we tell the story of British Columbia's green resource brand.
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Stewart Muir provides fresh perspective, seeks middle ground at UBC pipeline panel discussion
They packed the room in C.K. Choi Building at UBC on a snowy Friday afternoon looking for insights into energy policy and climate change. And Resource Works Executive Director Stewart Muir delivered a fresh perspective on Canada's sometimes-puzzling public policy on pipelines.
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Letter from a resource town mayor
"I am a mum and a grandma and I have lived in the north all my life. I am also the Mayor of Fort St. John, BC – right smack in the middle of one of the world’s largest supplies of oil and gas."
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Why oppose responsible natural resource activities that pay for costly social programs?
The contribution of the B.C. resource sector is large enough to be the financial backbone of infrastructure projects like transit tunnels or of public-education improvements.
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When we start with shared values, progress is possible
Community Conversations by Resource Works is designed to foster better, more inclusive discussions about important issues.
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TRUMP HEAVY, TRUMP LITE: Anticipating the new U.S. administration’s impact on BC resource sectors
"When trying to answer a big question without much information, it is tempting to assign great significance to the few facts that can be found. So it is with Donald Trump and the Republican Congress that will be sworn in next year." – The Economist, November 19, 2016.
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These six 2017 trends prove Canada's future lies in more natural resources (not less)
That's the takeaway from this selection of charts from some of the country's leading economic minds.
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Resource Works adds its research findings to a vital national process
Ottawa's expert panel on environmental processes hears about values-based principles developed by our made-on-the-west-coast initiative.
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Meet the man behind a remarkable renaissance in North East BC mining
Low demand for metallurgical coal led to shuttered coal mines and lost jobs. And then this happened...
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An inherited human facility causes us to be fearful, despite the evidence
We are so conditioned by fear that it takes only one situation or event to establish a long-term aversion to the prospect of it happening again.
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The 7 myths of BC's resource economy
It can be difficult to grasp just how important the resource sector is to the province's economy. But a research report produced by economist Philip Cross for Resource Works gives us a useful picture
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REACTION: Businesses big and small applaud Trans Mountain decision
But industry players and analysts caution the $6.8-billion project approved Nov. 29 still has a lot of hurdles to jump before it gets the final green light, reports Don Hauka for Resource Works.
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Leader in engineering, academia named Resource Works chair
As John Turner, P.Ag, takes the reins of the Resource Works Board of Directors, our little organization is at a critical juncture with important decisions ahead on supporting a vibrant society that needs responsible resources.
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Vancouver residents are facing soaring costs for home heating and cooking because of a radical city policy
The province of Ontario also toyed with a ban on natural gas until seeing the $200-billion price tag. The City of Vancouver, meanwhile, is undeterred by impacts on consumers and the environment as it presses forward with its own ban.
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REALITY CHECK: What comes after coal?
News from Ottawa that coal is going to be phased out for Canadian electricity raises the question – what will replace this energy source?
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It's time for an open conversation on getting Canadian resources to market
Calgary's mayor Naheed Nenshi visited Vancouver to share his views on a wide range of topics, the most relevant of which for Resource Works involved access to markets for essential resource products.
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10 need-to-know facts about natural resources and jobs
Jobs are the most direct and significant way that natural resources benefit society. Here are 10 standout facts about this powerful relationship.
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Documentary shows there are no simple answers when it comes to development
Brody Rokstad interviews Koneline: Our Land Beautiful director Nettie Wild about the nuanced account she gives of the complexity surrounding resource projects in North West British Columbia.
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By sea or by air, we're in the era of safety
Concerned that a small increase in Vancouver's sea-based trade might be "not worth the risk"? Vancouver's mayor can rest easy: over the past half century, the clearest trend in global air and sea transportation has been the near elimination of accidents.
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Voices from the North
Residents of British Columbia's North West are looking for economic opportunities at a time when jobs are disappearing. Here are three authentic voices from the struggling region.
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Is this the future of clean power?
The Canadian oil sands are at a threshold moment, and British Columbia's vast reserves of clean electricity are seen by some to hold the key to that future. Here's a glimpse behind the headlines.
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One day of natural resources...
Canadian natural resources are 12.2% of the Canadian economy, resulting in deep impact in our daily lives – and here are some examples.
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OPINION: Why resources won't lose place in B.C. economy
What do you call a high-tech resource society driven by green innovation? Read what Resource Works commentator Stewart Muir had to say in this Vancouver Sun article for B.C. Day.
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Is there a "simple fix" in the battle over lumber?
An emerging viewpoint has it that restrictions on exporting logs are a "net loss" to the Canadian economy. Meantime, American critics are disputing the policy on different grounds...
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Building trust: A project for 2017
A common thing heard from resource people is: have we lost the battle for public trust? Positive signs on a number of fronts point to some useful emerging models for developing the economy-environment story.
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How to design a carbon policy that doesn't export Canadian jobs
Carbon pricing is not a bad idea, but there are bad ways to implement it. Sending our energy jobs to other countries is not a good way.
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Question to ask about controversy over Site C: Does the dam make sense?
Newspaper columnist Tom Fletcher muses on the intellectual gymnastics required to oppose a major clean energy project in British Columbia's North East.
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Roderick Haig-Brown: A legendary figure in conservation and resource education
Forty years ago, British Columbians lost a towering figure of resource wisdom with the passing of this author and educator. Could his example be helpful to those caught up in today's resource culture conflicts?
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Why do you get more attention calling for a ban than for better understanding?
At change.org, an online petition platform favoured by groups seeking to build grassroots support, a search on the word “ban” comes up with 5,772 hits.
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For millennials, transitioning to a low-carbon economy calls for time and tact
Many millennials are opposed to liquefied natural gas exports, but is this position informed and aligned to their principles? Writer Brody Rokstad observes that if there was just a little more FOMO ('fear of missing out'), the situation might be different.
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Municipal forestry ban attempt leaves First Nations frustrated
A Vancouver Island First Nation takes issue with civic politicians attempting to limit aboriginal forest activity
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Individual reflections on the $36 billion Pacific North West LNG project, which received its environmental seal of approval this week.
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Countdown to oil tanker moratorium: Have your say
Canadians have until Sept. 30 to share their views on a planned crude oil tanker moratorium on British Columbia's north coast. What are the issues?
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Why are natural resources like the "CPU" of the economy?
The central processing unit of a computer provides the basic logic and operations to run the machine. According to one eminent professor, it bears a striking similarity to the resource economy.
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Win-win approach on LNG unifies climate, jobs and energy security
As federal cabinet prepares to decide the future of the Pacific Northwest LNG project, it’s vital the project be judged fairly using information that is both current and complete.
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A moment to consider forests and forestry
National Forest Week is a reminder of Canada's long dependence on its forests. Keeping them healthy is the only path toward future sustainability.
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Founding chairman tapped for federal environment role
A lifetime in government, industry and environmental protection causes prepared Resource Works leader to join major review process.
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ENERGY EAST: Manufacturers of dissent know how to do photo-ops but they do not represent the majority
Carefully staged public displays of indignation have become an art form in the social-media age. When they are brought to a violent head, as in Montreal at oil pipeline hearings on Aug. 29, do they give up legitimacy? It all depends on whom you ask.
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Trudeau government begins to reveal its clean energy strategy
Natural resources not only account for one-fifth of the economy, they also produce the majority of greenhouse gas emissions. Instead of being seen as part of the problem, resource people must be (and be seen to be) the solution provider.
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From mill towns to metropolis, ports hold key to long-term prosperity
Latest news is a reminder that national prosperity is intricately linked to the west coast.
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