In April 2003, the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) launched Phase II of its Ecological Fiscal Reform (EFR) program. The objective of Phase II is to "develop and promote fiscal policy that consistently and systematically reduces energy-based carbon emissions in Canada, both in absolute terms and as a ratio of GDP, without increasing other pollutants". This report provides a qualitative analysis the possible macroeconomic impacts of fiscal policies arising out of three case studies prepared for the NRTEE seeking to promote long-term "decarbonisation" through increased use of hydrogen, energy efficiency and renewable power. The findings of this study will be incorporated into the NRTEE’s final State of the Debate report.
This paper is intended to assist the members of the NRTEE to determine whether there is a potential role for a Round Table program related to freshwater. This paper summarizes human interventions in the hydrological cycle and their impacts, identifies current and emerging issues related to freshwater quality and supply, describes current roles and responsibilities for water management in Canada, describes recent and/or ongoing freshwater initiatives in Canada, and identifies some possible areas where the NRTEE might play a role (in particular, areas where a multi-stakeholder assessment and approach could advance sustainable use of Canada’s freshwater resources).
