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Should Canada Emulate the UK’s Net-Zero Pathway?
I am picking up some chatter within certain circles in Alberta and Canada that the UK’s net-zero framework is a plan to emulate. This position is ostensibly informed by an invitation-only whirlwind tour of handpicked UK net-zero projects and initiatives attended by a group of Canadians. My fellow Canadians were duly impressed by what they were shown and came away, after a few days, with the idea that the people and industries are united in a “Team UK” approach. There were several key “takeaways” from the tour but the top three included: an aggressive net-zero timeline that “everybody appears to be on board with”; the UK has a new type of increased decarbonized industrial production guided and driven by government industrial planning; and a serious concern with energy security.
I am picking up some chatter within certain circles in Alberta and Canada that the UK’s net-zero framework is a plan to emulate. This position is ostensibly informed by an invitation-only whirlwind tour of handpicked UK net-zero projects and initiatives attended by a group of Canadians. My fellow Canadians were duly impressed by what they were shown and came away, after a few days, with the idea that the people and industries are united in a “Team UK” approach. There were several key “takeaways” from the tour but the top three included: an aggressive net-zero timeline that “everybody appears to be on board with”; the UK has a new type of increased decarbonized industrial production guided and driven by government industrial planning; and a serious concern with energy security.
Rebrand Calgary? Why?
The push to rebrand Calgary is on the table again. Is the reason to appear more cosmopolitan, or is re-branding the same as changing the curtains in the office when new occupants move in? It was said that some feel the city is dominated by corporate and cowboy culture, and it is difficult to fit in if you do not identify with either of those segments. It is also difficult to have a vibrant city without corporate dollars invested. And when did 'cowboy culture' become shameful? I was under the impression people choose a city for more opportunity or a more desirable lifestyle, not to change it to something they left - otherwise why move? Being a lifetime Calgarian myself, I admit this did set my nerves a bit on edge.
The push to rebrand Calgary is on the table again. Is the reason to appear more cosmopolitan, or is re-branding the same as changing the curtains in the office when new occupants move in? It was said that some feel the city is dominated by corporate and cowboy culture, and it is difficult to fit in if you do not identify with either of those segments. It is also difficult to have a vibrant city without corporate dollars invested. And when did 'cowboy culture' become shameful? I was under the impression people choose a city for more opportunity or a more desirable lifestyle, not to change it to something they left - otherwise why move? Being a lifetime Calgarian myself, I admit this did set my nerves a bit on edge.

