So let's get started - first on our hit list for the year.
The Canadian Liberal government recently passed Bills C-68 and C-69 to change federal environmental impact assessments pursuant to the Canadian Energy Regulator Act and the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.
I remember when the Liberals in their run up to the previous federal election committed to evidence based policy. Apparently, they have abandoned that principle in a cynical power play to co-opt support from the near collapse of the federal NDP under Jagmeet Singh.
Gender-based analysis may very well have some merit in evaluating social programs and the effectiveness of social policy as it relates to minority social groups. Fair enough.
It is however is not science and does not use the scientific method. It is an ideology, and religion that has turned identity politics into god over all else including science. Not unlike Mao's Red guard during the Cultural Revolution.
Imposing gender based and intersectional analysis on government administration is the equivalent of imposing religious belief tests on government.
Now - as it relates to pipelines, nuclear reactors and mines - there is no tangible or measurable outcome that benefits Canadians by adding these highly subjective and non-evidence based requirements to enviromental impact assessments.
What this will do - is undermine the credibility of environmental assessments by making them political and subjective in nature and will drive investment away in major Canadian infrastructure projects.
Environmental assessments are worthwhile.
Unfortunately by making them ideology and not evidence based, the Liberals are playing into the hands of the alt-right populists who want to destroy the regulatory state.
Trudeau's legacy will be one of bringing the American culture wars up North.
