University of Alberta

An economist explains: Textbook economics is badly flawed when it comes to climate change

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
University, McGill University, Climate change, University of Alberta, Tax, Letter, Growth, Nutrient, Climate, Policy, The Wealth of Nations, Textbook, Doughnut (economic model), Carbon, Keen, Harvard University, GDP, Water, Soil, Economics, Government, Wealth, Leach, Renewable energy

But economists are hardly infallible experts on the carbon tax and other fiscal measures implemented by governments.

Key Points: 
  • But economists are hardly infallible experts on the carbon tax and other fiscal measures implemented by governments.
  • While the carbon tax increase kicked in, the Alberta fuel tax was hiked by 13 cents the same day.
  • In other words, the carbon tax has been a blessing for Smith as she deflects attention away from her own government’s role in raising gas prices.

Double standards

  • For instance, some homeowners have blamed the carbon tax for higher electricity bills in Alberta, ignoring the fact that the carbon tax does not apply to the electricity sector.
  • Double standards abound on the carbon tax.
  • While protesters chant “Axe the tax,” they ignore that fossil fuel subsidies cost them more than the carbon tax.

Textbook economics backs carbon tax

  • As an economics instructor, a key lesson is that the carbon tax is the least costly method to address carbon emissions.
  • In my pedagogical paper on climate change, I refer to McGill University economist Chris Ragan, who states that the carbon tax is more efficient than regulation.
  • But the carbon tax incentivizes investment in new technologies to limit the tax payment.

The limits of textbook economics

  • The way textbook economics approaches climate change through externalities suggests it’s simply a minor aberration.
  • Energy and raw materials are ignored, which means that biophysical or ecological limits are disregarded in the pursuit of growth.
  • Keen argues that mainstream economics assumes 90 per cent of GDP will be unaffected by climate change.
  • In short, he argues, mainstream economics has been complicit in the existential crisis of climate change.

Radical solutions

  • But it may be too little too late, necessitating radical solutions beyond the carbon tax.
  • In this regard, Keen argues that carbon pricing is not enough, calling for carbon rationing.
  • This happens by going beyond textbook economics and technical jargon by highlighting the ecological and biophysical limits to growth.


I am not affiliated with any organization. Though, I have in the past done research assistance work for the Parkland Institute.

As Canadians struggle to make ends meet, Coast Capital introduces first-of-its-kind account that aims to help people earn more

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Microsoft, Organization, Motivation, University, University of Alberta, Partnership, Coffee, Education, McMaster University, Intuit, Identity theft, Omnibus, Bank

An Omnibus commissioned by Coast Capital further demonstrates the seemingly impossible financial situation many are facing.

Key Points: 
  • An Omnibus commissioned by Coast Capital further demonstrates the seemingly impossible financial situation many are facing.
  • The study found:
    72 per cent of Canadians do not believe that better budgeting or increased savings alone would improve their situation.
  • 48 per cent believe that obtaining additional education or skills training would help them increase their current income.
  • Maureen Young, Vice President, Social Purpose, Coast Capital, added, “There is a tremendous alignment in values between Coast Capital and Coursera, with our respective missions and purpose going hand-in-hand.

Google Canada announces new research grants to bolster Canada's AI ecosystem

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 18, 2024
Research, Automation, University of Alberta, Google.org, Organization, Climate change, Partnership, Education, Knowledge, Ethics, V&A Digital Futures, Public policy, Policy, Expert, Water purification, Life, Carbon, Biology, Carbon cycle, Biochemistry, Government, Chemistry, Water quality, International Center, Medical device

From its first-rate education system to world-class researchers, there's been a surge in AI knowledge and expertise over the last decade.

Key Points: 
  • From its first-rate education system to world-class researchers, there's been a surge in AI knowledge and expertise over the last decade.
  • "We look forward to supporting these organizations to propel Canada's AI momentum and shape a brighter future that benefits all Canadians."
  • The funding will also support CIFAR's work to promote responsible AI research and development.
  • "Advancing Responsible AI is a core tenet of CIFAR's work through the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy," said Elissa Strome, Executive Director, Pan-Canadian AI Strategy at CIFAR.

Ceapro Provides Business Update on Progress of Ongoing Development Programs, Technology and Cosmeceutical Base Business

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 23, 2024
Litre, Arrangement, Health Canada, OBG, TSX, Data monitoring committee, LDL, MBA, Assay, Safety, Cheese, University, Food engineering, University of Alberta, CZO, Infant, NPN, Journal, Protein, Clinical trial, Whey, Canada Business Corporations Act, Tissue, Water, Dietary supplement

EDMONTON, Alberta, Feb. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ceapro Inc. (TSX-V: CZO; OTCQX: CRPOF) (“Ceapro” or the “Company”), today provided an update on its progress across its current business.

Key Points: 
  • EDMONTON, Alberta, Feb. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ceapro Inc. (TSX-V: CZO; OTCQX: CRPOF) (“Ceapro” or the “Company”), today provided an update on its progress across its current business.
  • In addition to the proposed Arrangement, the Company continues to execute on progress across its ongoing development projects, as detailed below.
  • “We continue to make promising progress across all areas of our business.
  • Given the recent developments, we anticipate that all key success factors will align to expand our business model.

AMGEN PRESENTS NEW RESEARCH ON OTEZLA® (APREMILAST) AT AAD 2024

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, March 9, 2024
Pustulosis palmaris et plantaris, Psoriasis, CPU socket, Aes, Headache, Diarrhea, Amgen, Pain, Pediatrics, DLQI, Skin, Nausea, Vomiting, Queen's University, AMGN, AAD, Safety, University, FRCPC, University of Alberta, PASI, Dermatology Life Quality Index, Patient, PST, Scalp, Ageing, Abdominal pain, Poster, American Academy, Pharmaceutical industry

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., March 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today announced new, 52-week results from the Phase 3 SPROUT study examining the use of Otezla® (apremilast) in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. These data, along with findings from a Phase 3 late-breaking study on Otezla in palmoplantar pustulosis, will be presented at the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, March 8-12 in San Diego.                                     

Key Points: 
  • These data, along with findings from a Phase 3 late-breaking study on Otezla in palmoplantar pustulosis, will be presented at the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, March 8-12 in San Diego.
  • "These data reflect Amgen's commitment to exploring new ways to treat inflammatory skin disease," said Ponda Motsepe-Ditshego, vice president, Global Medical, at Amgen.
  • Continued Otezla use resulted in sustained improvements in psoriasis severity and skin involvement in patients for up to one year.
  • Findings will be presented as a late-breaking oral presentation on Saturday, March 9 at 9:20 a.m. PST.

Op-Ed Submission: Alberta’s Alarming Rise in Dementia

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Business administration, NGO, Education, Hospital, General Hospital, Research, Division, University, University of Alberta, Non-governmental organization, Faculty, Caregiver, Hope, Colonialism, Diagnosis, Indigenous peoples, Poverty, Canada Dry, Risk, Tomorrow, NWT, Health, Royal Roads University

In January, we learned about the latest population trends of dementia in Alberta with the Alzheimer Society of Canada’s release of The Landmark Study – Report 2: The Many Faces of Dementia in Canada.

Key Points: 
  • In January, we learned about the latest population trends of dementia in Alberta with the Alzheimer Society of Canada’s release of The Landmark Study – Report 2: The Many Faces of Dementia in Canada.
  • By 2050, the number of Indigenous Peoples living with dementia in Alberta is expected to rise by 283 per cent, similar to the projected 286 per cent rise projected in the overall population in the province.
  • More importantly, they represent faces of people who are impacted differently by dementia, each in their unique ways.
  • Dementia can affect a person’s daily life in multiple ways, including the abilities to remember, understand, communicate, and complete tasks.

New RSC Policy Briefing: "Repair and Recovery in Long-Term Care: Restoring Trust in the Aftermath of COVID-19 (2020-2023)"

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Long-term care, Policy, COVID-19, Royal, Life, Task force, Royal Society, Fear, University of Alberta, World Health Organization, Trust, Working Group, RSC, Dignity, LTC, FRSC, University, Aftermath, Working group

In charting the policy and legislative evolution since the 2020 report, “Repair and Recovery in Long-Term Care” makes eight recommendations for urgent action.

Key Points: 
  • In charting the policy and legislative evolution since the 2020 report, “Repair and Recovery in Long-Term Care” makes eight recommendations for urgent action.
  • Repair and recovery, while they may take near Herculean effort and a grit akin to dust-bowl determination, is possible.
  • It is going to take consequential action,” says Chair of the Working Group, Dr. Carole Estabrooks, FRSC, University of Alberta.
  • The Task Force established a series of Working Groups to rapidly develop Policy Briefings, with the objective of supporting policy makers with evidence to inform their decisions.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Fourth Anniversary Commemoration of the Downing of Flight PS752

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 4, 2024
AB, PST, City, University, MAC, University of Alberta

The Association is hosting a ceremony to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the downing of Flight PS752.

Key Points: 
  • The Association is hosting a ceremony to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the downing of Flight PS752.
  • Media will be asked to present credentials upon entering the venue.
  • Badges are required for media personnel and will be issued upon showing credentials.
  • Media recording and photography activity will NOT be permitted inside the auditorium during the official ceremony.

Vortex Energy Intersects Salt On The Western Salt Structure At The Robinsons River Salt Project

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Anomaly, Cave, University, Hydrogen, Project, University of Alberta, VRTX, Natural gas

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vortex Energy Corp. (CSE: VRTX | OTC: VTECF | FRA: AA3) ("Vortex” or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Company has intersected salt rock at a depth of 581.5 meters at the Western Salt Structure located within the Robinsons River Salt Project (the “Project”).

Key Points: 
  • VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vortex Energy Corp. (CSE: VRTX | OTC: VTECF | FRA: AA3) ("Vortex” or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Company has intersected salt rock at a depth of 581.5 meters at the Western Salt Structure located within the Robinsons River Salt Project (the “Project”).
  • Prior work conducted by the Company concluded that the Western Salt Structure can potentially hold an estimated amount of 250,000 tonnes of hydrogen in more than 25 caverns, based on conservative estimates.
  • Using conservative estimates, the hydrogen storage capacity volume for the Western salt structure is estimated to be more than 50 million m3.
  • The inaugural exploratory well was drilled in the western gravity anomaly at the Project with the objective of confirming salt rock presence and obtaining samples for future testing.

New advisory committee to foster connection between technological innovation and securities regulation

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Knowledge, Associate, Canadian Securities Administrators, Alberta Securities Commission, Knowledge management, Chair, AB, ASC, Research, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, Computer science, Digital asset, Committee, University, Innovation, Medical device, Blockchain, Information security

CALGARY, AB, Dec. 7, 2023 /CNW/ - The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) today announced the establishment of a new advisory committee that aims to ensure securities regulation considers existing and emerging technologies.

Key Points: 
  • CALGARY, AB, Dec. 7, 2023 /CNW/ - The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) today announced the establishment of a new advisory committee that aims to ensure securities regulation considers existing and emerging technologies.
  • The Technology and Innovation Advisory Committee will bring together experts and ASC staff to facilitate a better understanding of new technology and its application to the Alberta capital market.
  • Concurrently, the committee will identify areas of securities regulation that create challenges for financial technology entrepreneurs and existing businesses, dealers, investors and advisors.
  • As a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the ASC works to improve, coordinate and harmonize the regulation of Canada's capital markets.