Browsing by Author "Winter, Jennifer"
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- ItemOpen AccessAlberta in the Age of Renewable Power: Policy Lessons from Germany and Sweden(2019-09-03) Anderson, ALyssa; Winter, JenniferIn an increasingly carbon-constrained society, governments across the world have designed policies to support the development of renewable electricity. In particular, Germany and Sweden are world leaders in the development of renewable electricity. In contrast, the province of Alberta has limited experience creating a policy environment that encourages renewable electricity generation. This capstone project explores the policy lessons that Alberta can take from Germany and Sweden to foster the development of renewable electricity. By incorporating lessons learned from Germany and Sweden, the Alberta government could adopt new policies that increase the proportion of electricity derived from renewable sources. This paper is arranged into four chapters. The first chapter provides an overview of Alberta, Sweden, and Germany’s past and present renewable electricity policies. The second chapter analyzes each jurisdiction’s current policy according to four criteria: 1) effectiveness, as quantified through the compound annual growth rate in renewable electricity capacity or generation; 2) diversity of actors, as evaluated through any special provisions that promote the participation of companies of varying sizes; 3) diversity of technologies, through an analysis of the number of renewable technologies able to secure support under each program; and 4) each program’s impact on household electricity costs, as measured by the compound annual growth rate in the size of the electricity surcharge as a share of household electricity costs/kWh. The third chapter compares public acceptance of renewable energy in each region through an analysis of public opinion polls. Finally, the fourth chapter summarizes the policy lessons Alberta can take from Germany and Sweden to foster the development of renewable electricity. There are four lessons Alberta can take from Germany and Sweden. First, as seen in Germany, the government's ability to anticipate changes required to integrate renewables into the electricity grid may limit the effectiveness of Alberta's future renewable policy. Second, the Alberta government could improve future policy by making special provisions to promote a diversity of actors; however, Alberta can learn from the overwhelming participation of small actors in Germany’s auctions by limiting their future provisions to those that provide a level playing field for all actors. Third, for Alberta to encourage a diverse range of technologies while still promoting the most cost-effective electricity production, the province could implement a technology-neutral policy first (as seen in Sweden), followed by a transition to a technology-specific policy (as seen in Germany). Lastly, if Alberta strives to become a large-scale producer of renewable electricity, it may have to impose an electricity surcharge on consumers; however, it is likely the surcharge will stabilize as Alberta’s renewable sector matures, as seen in Germany and Sweden. In brief, this capstone provides the foundational knowledge required to understand renewable electricity policy in Alberta, Sweden, and Germany. This paper also offers specific policy lessons that Alberta may apply to keep pace with the global push towards a clean and renewable power sector.
- ItemOpen AccessDistributional Effects of Changes in BC's Carbon Tax Revenue-Use(2022) Geier, Lindsey; Winter, JenniferCarbon taxes can impose a disproportionate burden on low-income households, who often spend a greater share of their income on carbon-intensive goods. Policymakers can improve the fairness of a carbon tax through revenue recycling. British Columbia has deviated from its "textbook" 2008 revenue-neutral carbon tax that returned all revenue to taxpayers through income tax cuts and a means-tested tax credit (the climate action tax credit, or CATC). Using Statistic Canada's Social Policy Simulation Database and Model, I estimate the distributional effects of BC's carbon tax and revenue recycling choices on households. I simulate two revenue-recycling schemes in 2022: (1) replicating BC's 2008 policy, directing 35% of revenue toward each of the CATC and personal income tax cuts; and (2) BC's current policy, with 15.7% and 24.3% of revenue funding the CATC and personal income tax cuts, respectively. BC's current carbon tax is regressive, with and without revenue recycling, where regressivity is measured by the carbon tax paid as a share of household disposable income across deciles. The CATC on its own is progressive, and personal income tax cuts are regressive. By increasing the generosity of the CATC, BC's carbon pricing policy becomes progressive and households in the bottom three income deciles receive net benefits (rebates that exceed carbon taxes). British Columbia can meet the goal of achieving a fair carbon tax regime by amending the way it uses its revenue.
- ItemOpen AccessDrilling into Policy Effectiveness: An Evaluation of Carbon Pricing Policies in Oil and Gas Jurisdictions(2018-09-10) Mathurin, Neuczki; Winter, JenniferGovernments around the world are intensifying their efforts to address climate change. Since carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases build-up in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change, climate change requires collective action. Jurisdictions with large oil and gas sectors face a two-fold challenge. They must promote emissions reductions in a high-emitting sector and ensure the sector maintains its economic prosperity to support the local economy. Failure to strike this balance can result in carbon leakage, which will shift emissions and economic activity to jurisdictions with less stringent policies. If more carbon pricing instruments are shown to effectively decouple emission reductions and economic growth, more responsible resource development can be achieved. Alberta faces this particular challenge. The oil and gas sector is Alberta’s largest emitting sector and the cornerstone of the province’s economy. On January 1, 2018, the provincial government replaced the Specified Gas Emitters Regulation with the Carbon Competitiveness Incentive Regulation (CCIR). As part of its Climate Leadership Plan, the provincial government designed the CCIR to meaningfully reduce emissions while allowing the province’s high-emitting sectors to remain globally competitive. Among the world’s climate leaders, Norway and California are also important global oil and gas producers. This paper compares Alberta’s CCIR with Norway and California’s oil and gas-specific policies to measure the CCIR’s performance at reducing the sector’s emissions and maintaining the sector’s competitiveness. Carbon pricing is widely accepted as the most economically efficient means to reduce GHG emissions. It increases the price emitters pay to release or produce emissions by an amount meant to reflect the environmental cost of climate change. Carbon leakage becomes a concern when the increased cost of production with the carbon price puts emitters at a disadvantage relative to foreign competitors. Emissions-intensive, tradeexposed (EITE) sectors are particularly vulnerable to carbon leakage. The oil and gas sector is often included among EITE sectors and requires specific policy considerations. The relative importance of Norway, California and Alberta’s oil and gas economies provide a common benchmark for comparing their carbon pricing policies. Carbon taxation and emissions trading systems are the primary carbon pricing instruments. While Norway and California’s approaches use one or both of these instruments, Alberta’s CCIR uses a variation of direct emission pricing and permit trading. Despite different policy designs, all three approaches are effective policies based on their administrative costs and economic efficiency. The ultimate objective of carbon pricing policies is to mitigate GHG emissions; however, emissions reductions are challenging to compare across jurisdictions. Since their respective policies were implemented, Norway and Alberta’s oil and gas emissions have increased, while California’s sector-specific emissions have stabilized. Economic growth, complementary policies and emissions-intensive extraction methods exert a greater influence on emissions trends than carbon pricing. The effects of carbon pricing policies may be better observed though changes in emissions intensities, but these are also influenced by other factors. In addition to different emissions influences, each jurisdiction has unique needs and considerations that influence policy features. Despite strong similarities between Norway and Alberta’s oil and gas sectors, Norway excludes the oil and gas sector from competitiveness assistance. This position limits comparison between the two jurisdiction’s carbon pricing policies. Alberta’s CCIR is more similar to California’s emission trading system, particularly through its EITE classification and competitiveness assistance measures. Overall, the CCIR provides more compliance flexibility. This added flexibility further enhances Alberta’s competitiveness assistance. The CCIR is designed to promote cost-effective abatement and builds off a predecessor that allowed the oil and gas sector to continue to grow. Its short-term provisions that affect even coverage of facilities and minimize stringency escalation should not hinder the policy’s longer-term performance. As the world shifts towards a low-carbon economy, jurisdictions that want to continue to benefit from the demands for fossil fuels must demonstrate responsible resource development. Alberta’s CCIR is well positioned to achieve emission reductions and maintain competitiveness. It offers other oil and gas jurisdictions one more carbon pricing solution to address climate change.
- ItemOpen AccessEvaluating For-Profit Ridesharing Regulations in Canada(2017-09-12) Thompson, Austin; Winter, JenniferThe proliferation of smart phones with access to mobile data has revolutionized the for-hire transportation industry. New for-profit ridesharing firms offer taxi-style services by connecting paying passengers to a network of casually employed drivers via a mobile application. Unlike taxi companies, for-profit ridesharing firms can change their fares in real time to adjust to market conditions. The variable fare system encourages more drivers to work when the demand for rides is high, and it discourages drivers from working when they are not needed.1 This business model benefits consumers by providing an alternative transportation option that tends to cost less and arrive more quickly than comparable taxi services.2 Further, for-profit ridesharing's responsiveness to market conditions could help regulators achieve the elusive goal of matching supply and demand in the for-hire transportation market. Despite these benefits, legalizing and regulating for-profit ridesharing is ongoing struggle in many Canadian cities. For-profit ridesharing is a unique transportation service that demands unique regulatory treatment. A survey of the economic literature suggests that for-profit ridesharing suffers from only one major market failure: asymmetric information regarding safety. Passengers are not as well informed as their driver about the safety of their ride, and therefore might benefit from regulations that impose minimum safety standards. A regulatory regime that is focused on improving safety will improve market outcomes according to economic theory. Other common for-hire transportation regulations, such as fixed fares and entry restrictions, cannot be justifiably imposed on for-profit ridesharing and will worsen market outcomes if they are. The for-profit ridesharing regulations chosen by Canada's provincial and municipal governments are not always aligned with economic theory. An examination of four Canadian cities' regulations exemplifies a range of responses. Vancouver's ongoing ban on for-profit ridesharing is typical of many cities' reluctance to engage with the issue in timely manner. Vancouver and cities like it are missing out on the benefits that for-profit ridesharing offers. In Montreal, for-profit ridesharing services will be subject to the same regulations as taxis, including price and entry controls. This decision is misguided because price controls and entry restrictions on for-profit ridesharing do not rectify a market failure, and these policies come with an efficiency cost. The cities of Calgary and Ottawa have each adopted a regulatory regime that reflects economic rationale by focusing on safety and abstaining from entry restrictions and fixed fares. Other Canadian cities could benefit by following the model adopted by Calgary and Ottawa. That said, Calgary and Ottawa differ on how best to achieve safety for drivers and passengers. To make the most for-profit ridesharing, cities will need to be forthcoming with data that can help determine which safety regulations offer the greatest protection at the lowest cost.
- ItemOpen AccessExamining the Role of Electoral Systems in the Policy Influence of Aboriginal Populations: A Comaprative Analysis of the Canadian, Austrailian, and New Zealand Cases(2016-09) MacDonald, Beth; Winter, JenniferIn the 2015 federal election, a surprising emphasis was placed on Canada’s electoral system. In fact, Justin Trudeau committed to making 2015 the last federal election decided under the Single-Member-Plurality (SMP) system. While much of the criticism around SMP in Canada has been centered on the fact that the winner-take-all system leads to many votes being inconsequential, less attention has been devoted to how this system often fails to represent minority peoples and communities. However, despite this disconnect in motivations to change the SMP system, both shortfalls could potentially be rectified under more proportionate voting rules. This paper examines the Aboriginal populations of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in order to determine what effect more proportional electoral systems have on the well-being of these populations as well as the resulting policy influence they enjoy. Available data on education, health, housing, and income are analyzed in order to compare the well-being of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations, as well as identify any gaps in positive outcomes. This data is then compared to levels of political engagement and voter turnout under each nation’s electoral system. Australia currently uses the Full Preferential Vote and Single Transferable Voting systems while New Zealand uses a Mixed Member Proportional (MPP) system to determine election results. Although data regarding Aboriginal voter participation in Canada and Australia is limited, data shows that Māori participation in New Zealand’s federal electoral system is fairly high. However, Aboriginal voter turnout has fallen since the introduction of MPP to New Zealand in 1993, which calls into question the real effect on minority representation under more proportional systems. Despite this, analysis of newspaper coverage and government agency news releases show that the Māori appear to be the most influential of the three Aboriginal populations as it relates to influencing specific Aboriginal policies. The Canadian Aboriginal population also enjoys substantial influence, although much of this appears to stem from the legal obligations that the Canadian federal government has to Canadian Aboriginal peoples. The lack of Constitutional recognition of the Australian Aboriginal people appears to have stifled the policy influence held by the population, despite using electoral systems that often allow for a greater degree of minority representation and influence. I conclude that a combination of proportionate voting rules as well as legal recognition of Aboriginal communities is needed to create the optimal conditions of policy influence.
- ItemEmbargoThe feasibility of reducing Nunavut's diesel reliance with a transition to renewable energy technologies, primarily solar and wind energy.(2017-09-13) Gurm, Kiran; Winter, JenniferResidents in Nunavut have developed a complete reliance on fossil fuels for their energy needs; 100 percent of the territory's generated electricity is from diesel. Nunavut does not have a centralized grid system as all 25 communities are remote and separated by vast distances, making interconnection infeasible. Electricity needs are met with the use of diesel fuel purchased, shipped and stored in bulk. This dependency has high logistical and financial costs resulting in expensive energy that is heavily subsidized by the territorial government. There is clear motivation from an economic, technical, social and environmental standpoint to investigate the viability of alternative energy sources and decrease the widespread use of diesel in Nunavut. This study evaluates whether solar and wind energy can be part of the solution to begin transitioning Nunavut away from a complete diesel reliance. Furthermore, this study assesses the ability for renewables to reduce Nunavut's energy costs and provide social and environmental benefits for the territory. Feasibility is assessed via a social cost-benefit analysis, whereby the costs and benefits of a renewable energy project are evaluated in comparison to the costs incurred by remaining solely on diesel. By quantifying the cost saved through decreased diesel consumption, this study determines if the initial capital cost of renewable technology can be recovered in a 20-year time frame and potentially result in a cost savings for five communities. Prior to performing the costbenefit analysis the number of communities was narrowed down to the five through a community selection process. This was based on comparing key characteristics of communities already using renewable energy in Arctic communities, as well as data on the availability of renewable resources for each community in Nunavut. The results from the community selection process found that Arviat, Baker Lake, Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet and Sanikiluaq were the most promising communities. The cost-benefit analysis indicated that for all five communities, solar energy was not an economically viable option. Wind energy was found to be feasible as the net present value for all communities was positive. The wind project was able to breakeven and generated further savings the community due to decreased diesel purchases, lower diesel generator operation and maintenance costs and avoided carbon emissions. The wind-diesel system outperformed the solar-diesel systems because it was able to produce a higher level of annual renewable energy generation resulting in a greater reduction of diesel consumption. Although many barriers still exist due to the unpredictable and intermittent nature of renewables as well as the high initial capital costs, the results from this preliminary study indicate that wind energy has the potential to be economically viable in Nunavut.
- ItemOpen AccessFour Easy Ways to Reduce Canada's GHG Emissions(2017-09-14) Spencer, Karen; Winter, JenniferIn 2015, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were 722 Mt CO2e (million tonnes CO2 equivalent) in Canada.1 Canada's GHG emissions goals from the Paris Agreement include reducing emissions to 523 Mt CO2e/year by 2030 and 149 Mt CO2e/year by 2050.2 This paper considers four areas of potential emissions reductions, based on known technology and methods that are currently in use globally. Essentially, what can we do easily? Road transportation, sour gas plants, residential buildings, and commercial and institutional buildings are studied to determine recommendations for GHG emissions reductions. A series of quantitative metrics are laid out to test key aspects of each type of emissions reduction considered, including the economic, environmental and social feasibility in Canada, offering comparative analysis and recommendations. Based on this analysis, with known technology in the four areas noted above, an estimated reduction of 68 Mt CO2e/year or a 9% reduction relative to the 2015 baseline can be achieved. Of the areas considered, the most significant potential GHG reductions are in 2 |passenger and freight vehicles. The retrofitting of existing sour gas plants offers a concentrated CO2 stream and therefore an efficient location in which to capture CO2 with known technology. However, the total volume is relatively small and the costs are concentrated on a small stakeholder group. Strong economic incentives may be required in order to proceed with this measure. In addition to GHG emissions reductions, the vehicle and residential retrofits considered here have a modest operating cost savings incentive for consumers due to the associated reduction in energy usage. The proposed emissions abatement projects outlined here can potentially help Canada reduce emissions by 9%, not huge but a start toward Canada's Paris Agreement goals. However, achievement of these reductions will take time. Policy choices are key to accelerating timing and level of uptake of these abatement methods. In addition, policies must consider Canadian preferences and performance over the last twenty-five years. Lower GHG emissions measures have been in the marketplace for years, but consumer preferences do not always follow even when there are economic incentives. This paper also explores the quandary of why Canadians demonstrate two behaviours: they support carbon reduction initiatives in the forms of carbon tax and participation in the Paris Agreement, while at the same time steadfastly owning larger vehicles and living in larger homes. Evidence suggests Canadians embrace current policies and financial incentives to lower their emissions, but in general do not search out how they can reduce emissions further. In fact, their personal preferences align with economic success and growth, rather than policy ideals.
- ItemEmbargoHow Canadian Nuclear Regulation can be Informed by the Regulation of Small Modular Reactors in Russia and South Korea(2015-09) Johnson, Laura; Winter, JenniferNuclear power has the potential to play a role in replacing high-emission sources of electricity. Traditional nuclear power plants have historically been used to supply a large flow of electricity to a grid, with the size of these plants necessitating large commitments of capital and time for the licensing and construction process. Advancements in the nuclear industry have led to a new generation of reactors, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), designed to overcome these limitations. Canadian vendors are developing a number of SMR designs but they are currently not regulated in Canada. Russia and South Korea are two examples of countries who have licensed their SMR designs. This report looks at how Canadian regulation can be informed by the regulation currently employed in these countries. This report looks at three specific models of light water reactors and finds that these reactors have technical features that were not previously seen in traditional nuclear reactors. These features include autonomous operation, particularly in a shut-down scenario (termed ‘passive safety’), and can include the presence of liquid fuel. Any new technical approaches must be assessed for safety, which can cause issues in regulation.
- ItemOpen AccessHow to Protect Lower-Income Albertans from a Carbon Tax(2016-09) Biggs, Zachary; Winter, JenniferThe decision in fall 2015 to implement an economy-wide carbon tax is one of the most significant policy shifts ever made by Alberta. The provincial government’s attempt to become a global leader in climate change policy will be a major task made even more difficult as Alberta has both high greenhouse gas emissions and high emissions per capita. One of the biggest challenges facing policymakers will be addressing the impact that a carbon tax has on lowincome households. A vast body of research finds that pricing carbon unfairly targets lowincome households, potentially worsening inequality and forcing those with the lowest ability to pay to bear the tax’s greatest burden. This paper seeks to find the best solution to this problem. The Government of Alberta has chosen to address this issue by introducing a lump-sum transfer to lower-income Albertans alongside the carbon tax. The stated goal of these transfers is to repay the full costs of the carbon tax to the lowest-earning 60 per cent of households. This ‘carbon rebate’ is one approach to providing benefits to lower-income households. Some economists argue that the alternative policy approach of reducing personal income taxes on the lowest earners is superior. The goal of this paper is to evaluate these two policies in order to determine which is best able to achieve Alberta’s stated policy goal. This paper looks first at the potential impact of Alberta’s carbon tax on households. Distributional impacts are central to the analysis and the impacts of carbon pricing are examined by income quintile. An accurate estimate of the costs faced by households across the income distribution is performed using data on each quintile’s expenses on residential fuel, transportation fuel and electricity. The estimate is strengthened by a separation of fixed and variable costs based on electricity and residential fuel billing data. This paper finds that the carbon tax has an uneven impact, hitting the second and third quintiles hardest but leaving the lowest quintile the least impacted of the five income groups. The centerpiece of this paper is the evaluation of two test policies, each designed to represent one approach to providing benefits to lower-income households. The lump-sum transfer is designed to be as close as possible to the government’s carbon rebate. The PIT cuts are introduced using an alternative PIT system that offers tax cuts to the lowest tax bracket. Simulations using Statistics Canada’s SPSD/M program determine the effects of both policies. The evaluation finds that the lump-sum transfer is able to make the lowest and second quintiles better off and the third quintile almost no worse off under a carbon tax. The PIT cuts, on the other hand, fare poorly. PIT cuts provide the greatest benefits to Alberta’s highest-earners, while the lowest-three quintiles receive benefits far below the costs they incur under a carbon tax. This paper concludes that a lump-sum transfer system is the mechanism best suited to meeting the government’s policy goal. However, Alberta’s lump-sum transfer system is likely to fall short of making 60 per cent of Albertans no worse off under a carbon tax.
- ItemOpen AccessKeeping the Lights On: Renewable Power in Alberta's Post-Coal Era(2016-09) Frank, Brendan; Winter, JenniferAlberta’s Climate Leadership Plan calls for the phase-out of coal-fired electricity in the province by 2030. Renewable power will replace two-thirds of this lost capacity, and 30 per cent of the province’s total installed and generating capacity will be provided by renewables – also by 2030. As of 2016, coal contributes 39 per cent of Alberta’s power by installed capacity and 39 by generation share, while renewables contribute 17 and 10, respectively. 1 To meet the government’s stated objectives, the province’s installed renewable capacity must grow by almost 150 per cent in just 14 years, while the generation share from renewables must grow by 400 per cent. Wind, solar, biomass (biopower), hydro, and geothermal are the candidates to replace this lost coal capacity. This paper lays out a series of quantitative metrics to test key aspects of each resource’s economic, environmental, and social feasibility in Alberta, offering comparative analysis and recommendations.
- ItemOpen AccessMethane Emissions from the Global Oil and Gas Industry: A Scoping Review to Characterize Research Trends, Knowledge Gaps, and Priorities(2022-09) Vollrath, Coleman; Hugenholtz, Chris; Blue, Gwendolyn; Winter, JenniferThis thesis presents a scoping review – following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) methodology – to document major research trends, knowledge gaps, and priorities involving methane (CH4) emissions measurements from the oil and gas (O&G) sector. The motivation for this thesis is the opportunity to organize and synthesize a rapidly growing body of literature to inform mitigation, policies, regulations, and guide future research directions. A total of 211 peer-reviewed journal articles were identified and reviewed using the PRISMA-ScR methodology to document four major research themes regarding CH4 emissions measurements from land-based O&G sources: geography, measurement scales and methods, emissions sources, and emissions profiles. The majority of articles (73%) focused on the U.S. O&G sector and the upstream supply chain segment, while other major O&G-producing countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and China were under-represented. The global knowledge base is therefore derived primarily from research focused on the U.S. Approximately 43% of the articles included in the review reported site-level measurements, mostly focusing on the upstream segment of the O&G supply chain, which precludes identification of equipment and component sources. Of the remaining articles that measured or identified equipment-level sources (16%), the highest emitters were tanks, flares, and compressors. The most common site-level measurement methods included vehicle systems and aircraft. A marked increase in the use of satellites was noted in articles published since 2019. Regardless of the measurement scales and methods used, emissions profiles reveal a consistent heavy-tail distribution, but profiles differ in that those derived with direct measurements are smaller than those derived with aircraft and satellites. This is related to the common finding that bottom-up (BU) estimates of emissions under-estimate measurements of emissions with top-down (TD) methods, suggesting a method-based bias on the size of emissions measured and the resulting emissions profiles. Based on the major research themes, the following research priorities are recommended: geography - more studies in other countries using diverse methods, reconciliation of multi-scale measurements, improve inventories with updated emissions factors (EF's) and statistical techniques, improve understanding of the root causes of emissions, more dedicated research on the temporal variability of CH4, more testing to document the accuracy of measurement-based emissions estimates and the limitations of each method, and clarify the link between measurements of CH4 and emissions mitigation through work practices. In addressing these priorities this thesis proposes that policy developers, regulators, and industry will make better informed decisions on how to cut emissions and improve reporting to track progress and demonstrate reductions.
- ItemOpen AccessOptimal Routing of Multi-Modal Wide Energy and Infrastructure Corridors(2021-12-17) Salamati, Mehdi; Wang, Xin; Zareipour, Hamidreza; Westwick, David; Winter, JenniferA multi-modal corridor is intended to accommodate multiple modes of energy and transportation infrastructure within the same right-of-way. The existing literature on corridor routing often focuses on one mode with no consideration to the width of a corridor. In particular, most of the existing routing methods assume that least-cost-paths are purely linear with zero widths. This is not a realistic assumption if multiple infrastructure modes are to co-exist within the same right-of-way. Even newer routing methods that consider the width of paths, can not take multi-modality of or mode arrangement within a corridor into account. Integrating multi-criteria analysis and GIS techniques is a well-known method for finding least-cost-paths. In this thesis, using the well-known multi-criteria analysis and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques, a multi-modal wide corridor routing method is proposed. In this method, a multi-directed graph is defined in which the weight of each of the edges is calculated using different layers of cost data based on the direction of that edge and the desired width of the corridor and the arrangement of its modes. In addition, an important factor in routing a corridor is consideration for future plans. In this thesis, the importance of considering the locations of renewable energy sites nearby a corridor in its routing process is investigated. Moreover, a method is proposed for aligning a multi-modal corridor and its powerline branches to renewable energy sites with the minimum cost. The numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed method compared to other applicable methods in routing of both multi-modal and single-modal, wide corridors. Furthermore, through a numerical experiment, it is shown how the proposed method can help find opportunities for cost reduction by considering the locations of renewable energy sites in the corridor routing process.
- ItemOpen AccessProtest and Partnership: Case Studies of Indigenous Peoples, Consultation and Engagement, and Resource Development in Canada(University of Calgary Press, 2024-04-30) Winter, Jennifer; Boyd, BrendanThe development of equitable relationships and outcomes among Indigenous communities, resource development companies, and governments in Canada is slow and uneven. Protest and Partnership brings together expert contributors to ask what works—and what doesn’t—in these relationships. It explores what processes lead to greater involvement and control in decision-making by Indigenous Peoples and the establishment of mutually beneficial partnerships. Protest and Partnership presents case studies on a range of resource development sectors including oil and gas, renewable energy, mining, and forestry, drawn from regions across Canada. It presents a fine-grained analysis of institutions and processes, demonstrating how Indigenous communities work within and outside frameworks and processes established by governments and industry. It recognizes the persistent failure of Canadian governments to honour treaty rights and provide meaningful consultation and demonstrates how Indigenous groups, communities, and governments have engaged in self-determined resource development despite these ongoing failures. Offering broad lessons in the importance of co-management and co-governance, the autonomy of Indigenous Peoples, transparency and accountability, Indigenous economic security, and meaningful collaboration and engagement, Protest and Partnership is a thorough and careful exploration of the current state of consultation and engagement on resource development with Indigenous communities in Canada.
- ItemOpen AccessPublic Perceptions of Pipeline Development in Canada(2018-09-11) McLean, Jade; Winter, JenniferIn the last decade, pipelines in Canada have received increasing political attention and decreasing public support. In fact, pipelines have emerged as one of the country’s most contentious political debates, with extensive political and media attention devoted to the Northern Gateway Pipeline, Keystone XL Pipeline, the Energy East Pipeline, and the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project, in recent years. Accordingly, this has resulted in considerable economic, social, and political consequences for all Canadians and an increasingly complex regulatory environment for pipeline developers in Canada. A number of factors can be attributed to these discrepancies in public support for pipelines, such as changing economic conditions following the 2014 fall in global oil prices. However, this study argues that the decline in public support for pipelines is largely due to the ways in which pipelines are framed to the public by dominant political actors in Canada. This study examines the ways in which political actors in Canada use political framing as a way to sway public opinion and the choices of policymakers regarding pipelines. Analyses of various political party debate in the House of Commons, electoral platforms, and public speeches were performed in order to analyze the use of both pro- and anti-pipeline framing by the Conservative Party, Liberal Party, New Democratic Party, and the Green Party of Canada. Three dominant frames were identified, including economic framing (jobs and economic prosperity), environmental framing (the contribution of oil sands development to climate change and other environmental risks), and social framing (impact of pipeline development on Indigenous peoples and local communities). Additionally, data was collected from 24 public opinion polls between 2007 and 2017 to allow for an in-depth understanding of evolving public attitudes towards pipelines in Canada. These polls assessed respondent’s views of pipeline and oil development, climate change, the environment, and attitudes towards former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The analysis reveals three key findings: first, over the last decade, discussion surrounding pipeline development among political parties in Canada has increased drastically. In 2007, the term ‘pipeline(s)’ was mentioned 58 times during debates in the House of Commons. In 2017, this number had jumped to 1,278 mentions. Second, pipelines were framed as a tradeoff between the economy and the environment throughout the decade. For example, the dominant approach of the Conservative Party was to discuss pipelines using economic frames. This was ultimately perceived by the public as policy lacking critical environmental considerations, such as action on climate change. On the contrary, the Liberal Party employed both environmental frames and economic frames in their discussion of pipelines. Though this elicited a more favourable response from Canadians, it also caused them to question the Party’s ability to effectively manage the nation’s economic interests. Third, political rhetoric is significant in its ability to sway public perceptions of policy decisions in Canada. The ability of government policy decisions to reflect the will of the public is critical for successful policy implementation. This is highlighted by the inability of the Conservative Party to garner significant political and pubic buy-in for pipeline development during their tenure (2006-2015). This is largely due to its inability to align their policies and rhetoric in accordance with dominant public desires at the time. As pipelines continue to be a dominant policy issue in Canada, this study aims to provide an understanding to the relationship between public opinion and policy development, and how they interact to shape public perceptions of energy development in Canada.
- ItemOpen AccessReducing Emissions, Not Cows: Regulatory Policies to Mitigate Methane(2022) Jachimozicz, Julia; Winter, JenniferEnteric fermentation is a process that occurs in ruminant animals, such as cattle, during the digestive process. Methane gas is a by-product of enteric fermentation, expelled when cattle exhale or belch. Methane gas is ~28-34 times more potent than carbon dioxide, and with its short lifespan, can provide an effective short-term way to prevent additional warming. Enteric fermentation causes 43% of Canada’s agricultural methane emissions; however, there are no policies in place to regulate these emissions. Here we show that market-based instruments can encourage farmers to uptake effective mitigation techniques. We conduct a rapid review, analyzing literature to inform mitigation techniques and a jurisdictional scan to examine agricultural policies in other countries. The review of literature reveals two effective mitigation techniques: adding Asparagopsis taxiformis (red seaweed) to feed and efficiency breeding/genetic selection. The jurisdictional scan reveals that market-based instruments, specifically subsidies and offset protocols, are a widely used tool to mitigate methane from enteric fermentation. Our results demonstrate that Canada has regulatory options available to reduce methane from enteric fermentation. This paper recommends Canada create offset protocols within its new offset system that incentivize the uptake of Asparagopsis taxiformis as a feed additive and efficiency breeding/genetic selection.
- ItemOpen AccessThe Impact of the Regulatory Environment on the Ease of Doing Business: How Calgary Measures Up(2020-09-04) Dizon, Emma; Winter, JenniferMunicipal governments have a key role in cultivating an environment where businesses can thrive, and are responsible for shaping the local regulatory environment in which that businesses operate in. The regulatory environment includes taxes, laws, and other regulations that governing businesses’ activities in starting and operating a business. The regulatory environment of a municipality influences how competitive the city is for businesses. The impetus for this research is to provide Calgary’s economic development agency, Calgary Economic Development, with an overview of Calgary’s business competitiveness. This report assess the competitiveness of Calgary’s regulatory environment and answers the question: how does Calgary’s regulatory environment compare to other Canadian municipalities? The ease of doing business (defined as the ease of starting and operating a business) is one consideration for headquarter and operation location choice. Businesses can choose to leave a municipality or not enter at all when the cost of starting and operating a business is high. In the wake of several businesses leaving Calgary, it is important to assess the impact of Calgary’s regulatory environment on the ease of doing business. To answer the research question, this report quantitatively assesses Calgary’s performance across seven indicators and associated metrics from the perspective of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Calgary’s performance is compared to other major Canadian municipalities (Edmonton, Halifax, London, Montreal, Regina, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg). Rather than present an overall score for each municipality, the municipalities’ performance on each metric is directly compared to identify areas where Calgary could improve.