The Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change, which formally came into effect on February 16, 2005, represents a significant political and environment international regime. This article provides an introduction to the Kyoto Protocol, with a particular focus on the history of its negotiation and implementation, its central elements as a regime of governance, and key opportunities and challenges faced by the Protocol.
[Read more…] about The Kyoto Protocol on Climate ChangeThe Canadian Dollar
The value of the Canadian dollar relative to other national currencies plays an important role in the political and economic life of the nation. However, it is not often clear exactly how the price of the dollar is determined, or what role governments and other financial actors play in this process. This article provides an introduction to the process of valuing the Canadian dollar relative to other nations’ currencies. Specific topics discussed include the modern system of currency exchange, market and government influences on the value of the dollar, as well as important economic, political, and social consequences caused by changes in the dollar.
[Read more…] about The Canadian DollarEthics in Government
In modern times, ethics in government have become not only something of great public interest, but also an important area of study in the academic fields of politics and government. This article introduces the basic concepts, issues, and debates surrounding government ethics. It also discusses the meaning and importance of government ethics, different types of unethical conduct in the context of government, and issues and debates surrounding the establishment of ethical codes in government.
[Read more…] about Ethics in GovernmentSame-Sex Marriage in Canada
In July 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world, after the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain, to legalize same-sex marriages nationwide. This new legal status for gays and lesbians has been a controversial issue in Canada, both in the public and in Parliament. This article provides a historical and legal overview of same-sex marriage in Canada. It outlines how gay and lesbian rights have evolved in Canada over time, important court cases that motivated the legalization of same-sex marriage, and key tenets of the federal legislation that officially recognized same-sex marriage.
[Read more…] about Same-Sex Marriage in Canada2006 Alberta Progressive Conservative Leadership Race
On December 2, 2006, Alberta Progressive Conservative Party members selected Ed Stelmach as their new party leader and as the new Premier of Alberta. Stelmach replaced the retiring Ralph Klein, who held those roles for 13 years. Premier Stelmach won the leadership after two rounds of voting, defeating frontrunners Jim Dinning and Ted Morton. This article provides an overview of the leadership selection process, events, and results.
[Read more…] about 2006 Alberta Progressive Conservative Leadership RaceSenate Reform in Canada
Canada has a long and diverse history of Senate reform proposals, dating back to 1874, when the House of Commons heard, and rejected, a proposal to allow each province to select its own Senators. This article provides an overview and analysis of this history of Senate reform. It focuses strictly on the period between 1970 and 2007, and describes and compares individual reform proposals, as well as general trends during this period.
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