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The Jagged Little Pills: Tribute to Alanis Morissette Friday, August 2, 2024

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Side Launch Brewing Company Inc. • Collingwood ON 

Friday, August 2nd, 2024 @ 7pm.

Get ready to rock out to all of Alanis Morissette’s greatest hits with The Jagged Little Pills!

And don’t miss special opening act: Not That I Care.

It will be a night filled with nostalgia and great music. Grab a beer, sing along, and relive the 90s with us! Don’t miss out on this epic tribute event!

Details:

Doors: 7pm

Showtime: 8pm

Tickets: $25 Get my tickets

Please note that a ticket does not guarantee you a table. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early to get your spot!

We hope to see you there!

Ally Vitally | Staying Safe from Internet and Phone Scams

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In today’s digital age, internet and phone scams are on the rise, posing significant threats to personal information and financial security. It’s crucial to be vigilant and informed to protect yourself from these scams. This guide will provide practical tips and strategies to safeguard your online and phone activities specifically for Canadians.


1. Recognize Common Scams

a. Phishing Scams: Phishing scams often involve fraudulent emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate sources. They attempt to trick you into providing personal information such as login credentials, social insurance numbers, or credit card details.

b. Phone Scams: Phone scams include robocalls, telemarketing scams, and vishing (voice phishing). Scammers may pose as government officials, tech support, or representatives from reputable companies to extract personal information or money.

2. Protect Your Information

a. Strong Passwords: Use unique, complex passwords for each of your online accounts. Consider employing a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords.

b. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message code or authentication app.

c. Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing your personal information online and over the phone. Only provide sensitive information on secure, trusted websites and to verified individuals.

3. Stay Informed

a. Education: Continually educate yourself and your family about the latest scams. Awareness is the first line of defense.

b. Updates: Keep your software, applications, and operating systems updated to protect against security vulnerabilities.

4. Verify and Report

a. Verify Before Action: If you receive an unexpected email, call, or message asking for personal information, verify the source independently. Contact the company or individual directly using verified contact details.

b. Report Scams: Report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. This includes your financial institution, local law enforcement, and online platforms where the scam occurred.

5. Use Security Tools

a. Anti-Virus Software: Install and regularly update anti-virus and anti-malware software on your devices to prevent malicious attacks.

b. Firewalls: Activate firewalls on your network to block unauthorized access.

c. Secure Connections: Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for a secure and encrypted connection, especially when accessing public Wi-Fi.

6. Regular Checks

a. Monitor Accounts: Regularly review your financial statements and account activities for any suspicious transactions.

b. Credit Reports: Check your credit reports periodically for any unusual activity or unauthorized accounts.


Helpful Resources for Canadians

By staying informed and vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to internet and phone scams. Always trust your instincts – if something feels off, it probably is.

Georgian Bay News welcomes Dr. Bridget McMaster, ND

“focus on yourself”

Hi Georgian Bay News! 

I am Dr. Bridget, your local Naturopathic doctor practicing at StoneTree clinic in beautiful downtown Collingwood. I am thrilled, and honored to be a new contributor to Georgian Bay News. I’m born and raised in Collingwood and in 2023, after completing 8 years of post secondary school I started my naturopathic medical practice here. Practicing in my home town has always been a dream of mine, I am very grateful to serve and support this thriving community. 

As a Naturopathic doctor it is my job to help you navigate the challenges of your health, get to the bottom of ailments, and create a path to healing that you can feel confident in. My approach is to build a foundation that is sustainable, evidence-based, and uses a range of natural therapies to keep you functioning at your best. 

My goal is to use this platform to connect with you, my community! Follow along as I share relevant health information, education, and everyday nutrition and lifestyle strategies you can apply to your life, and more.

Stay tuned for my first article; “Swing into Health: How to enhance your golf game from the inside out” 

Read more about me and my interests here:

You can find me sharing my everyday life in Collingwood, recipes, health tips, and clinical practice pearls on my instagram daily at dr.bridgetmcmaster.nd

Book an Appointment with Dr. Bridget McMaster

Special thanks to our friend Bruce Brigham for creative.

Collingwood Pride Festival: Star-Studded Lineup and Exciting Events THIS July 12-13!

Emma Nichol Photography

Hello and Happy Friday from Pride Collingwood & The Rainbow Club of South Georgian Bay!

The Rainbow Club of South Georgian Bay invites you to the Collingwood Pride Festival! Join us July 12th and 13th for a free, 2-day outdoor festival that includes a star-studded drag show with Canada’s Drag Race alumni, Jada Shada Hudson, Kimmy Couture, BOA, and season one winner, and star of HBO’s “We’re Here”, Queen Priyanka! Festivities begin Friday, July 12th with the official flag-raising ceremony at 4pm outside of the Collingwood Public Library. Then Saturday, July 13th we are shutting down Simcoe Street with fully licensed festival grounds! You can enjoy local performances in the afternoon, show your pride during the Pride Parade, or bring the kids to the family zone. Love wins in Collingwood!

“Our focus is connecting people within our community – both our LGBT+ community and our straight allies – making this a community where people feel safe to love who they love,”
— Michelle Kemper, Rainbow Club President. 

Credit: Collingwood Today

This year’s festival will include:

  • FREE admission to the festival grounds
  • An all-star drag show on July 13th at 7pm, featuring dazzling performances by Queen Priyanka, BOA, Kimmy Couture, Jada Shada Hudson, Makayla Couture, Katinka Kature, Baby Bel Bel, Destiny Doll, and Gender Slay Quoi.
  • The Collingwood Pride VARIETY SHOW on July 13th at 2pm featuring local drag queens, kings, spoken word poets, and more!
  • Official Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at Collingwood Public Library on July 12th at 4pm
  • Downtown Collingwood Pride Parade on July 13th at 5pm
  • The Family Zone: A dedicated area with free activities for families, proudly sponsored by the Optimist Club! 
  • Fully licensed festival grounds
  • FOOD TRUCK vendors
  • Lea Delaria: A Night of Comedy & Music presented by Gayety Theatre on July 12th at 8pm
  • Low Down Electric Circus on July 12th at 8pm

…and so much more! Visit pridecollingwood.com/festival-schedule for a full list of Pride Collingwood & partner events.

“After the huge success of last year, excitement is brewing and I know that we are going to see that this year’s Pride Festival will be one of Ontario’s premier events, something that I and the community of Collingwood will be very proud of,”
— says Collingwood Pride Executive Producer Dr. John Miller.

The Rainbow Club of South Georgian Bay would like to sincerely thank and acknowledge our growing number of sponsors whose funding and expertise will ensure Collingwood Pride’s success and impact. A complete list of sponsors & contributors is available here.

About The Rainbow Club of South Georgian Bay
Founded in 2017, The Rainbow Club is a grassroots community-based organization serving the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning individuals and all our collective friends, families, and allies (LGBTQ+) across the South Georgian Bay Region. Our mandate is “Connecting our Community” and we do so through social events, fundraising, educational programming, and much more. For more information visit @TheRainbowClubSGB on Facebook and Instagram.

For festival media passes, media requests, interviews, or images, please contact:

Pride Collingwood
[email protected]

Please help us by sharing our poster! Make sure to tag @pridecollingwood – Thank you! www.pridecollingwood.com

King Trump – Episode I | The Mike Malloy Youtube Channel

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Mike Malloy came to talk radio by serendipity. Writing for CNN in 1987, a friend at an Atlanta radio station told him there was an opening for a weekend talk show host, if working for no pay was acceptable. But, that was a long time ago. He is the only radio talk show host in America to have received the A.I.R (Achievement in Radio) Award in both Chicago and New York City, the number three and number one radio markets in the country.

WATCH EPISODE II HERE:    • King Trump – Episode II  

WATCH EPISODE III HERE:    • King Trump – Episode III  

Is the president a king? The US supreme court thinks so.

On Monday, in its very last ruling of the term, the chief justice, John Roberts, writing for the court’s six conservatives, held in Trump v United States that Donald Trump has “absolute immunity” from criminal prosecution for all acts that can be interpreted as part of the official course of his “core” duties, and “presumptive” immunity for all other official acts.

Full story: https://www.theguardian.com/global/co…

Illustration: Guardian Design/Getty Images.

This is an excerpt from the full hour show.

To access full audio and video podcasts Mon/Fri plus a bonus weekend show, go to https://www.mikemalloy.com/ and subscribe!!!

We need you!!!!! Support the Mike Malloy Show!!!!

SPONSOR A SHOW AND SEND A MESSAGE FOR MIKE TO READ LIVE

https://www.mikemalloy.com/sponsor-an…

MIKE MALLOY PATREON PAGE   / mikemalloy  

BUY MIKE´S BOOK “”COLORED ICE CREAM AND OTHER STORIES” AT AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Colored-Ice-Cr…

Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @mikemalloyyoutube  

Explore the podcast 374 episodes

Meaford Harbour 5K Run in Support of Meaford Hospital

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Join Us!

Saturday July 13, 2024 – 9am sharp!

ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES AT

6:00 P.M. ON THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2024

ADVANCE REGISTRATION / RACE KIT PICK UP

at the Meaford Harbour Farmer’s Market on

Friday, July 12th, 2024 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm

LATE REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE IN PERSON @ $60 FEE on

Saturday, July 13th, 2024 from 7:30am to 8:30am

First 400 Adult Registrants receive a

Meaford Harbour 5K Run / Walk T-Shirt!

meaford-5k-run


Encourage your friends and relatives to pledge their support.
All donations are appreciated.

Click DONATE now!

Pledge Form 2024

Help raise $75,000 to support equipment for Brightshores Meaford Hospital!

SIGN UP TODAY!

Registration is NOW OPEN!

Early Bird Pricing starts now for Adults (12+): $45.00

Children’s Fun Run (under 12): Free

PLEDGE ENVELOPES ARE AVAILABLE BY EMAILING:

[email protected]

Ask your family, friends and neighbours to sponsor you!

DON’T MISS OUT!

*Walker Award Prize Draw*


Male Walker Prize Draw – $100 Gift Certificates

Female Walker Prize Draw – $100 Gift Certificates

The Life and Legacy of Mr. Frank McNulty: A Journey Through Music and Culture

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Mr. Frank McNulty – December 27, 1939 – June 29, 2024 

Frank-McNulty

“Sleep in peace when day is done” ~ Nina Simone 

Born in the final days of 1939 at St Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto, Frank loved to tell people about how many decades he had lived. While the 1930’s had little impact on his life, he did his best to wring the life out of the decades that followed. 

Born to immigrant parents (May (nee Pettigrew) & Tom McNulty) and raised in Parkdale in the 1940’s & 1950’s gave Frank a unique perspective on life and culture. Those early experiences surrounded by Black culture and music became a fundamental part of who he was. From playing basketball at St. Christopher’s House, attending Parkdale Collegiate and working in record stores around Toronto; music, especially Jazz, Blues, Soul and R&B became the soundtrack of his life. It was ingrained in every fiber of his being. 

After a stint in the United States and a tenure working at Motown Records, Frank returned to Canada and eventually found his way to Collingwood where he settled in 1968. He truly embraced all that makes Collingwood special. Working at the Collingwood Shipyards; as the first paid Ski Patroller at Blue Mountain Resorts; as a ski instructor for Ernie McCullough and a ski coach at the Collingwood Ski Club before finally opening McNulty Printing in 1971.  

Frank’s impact on the community he loved is hard to quantify. He served as president of the Collingwood Chamber of Commerce; president of the Toronto Ski Club & Blue Mountain 1940 Inc; served on the Collingwood Library Board; founded the Collingwood Bluegrass Festival; founded the Collingwood Jazz & Blues Society & Festival as well as the much beloved Jazz at the Station. 

He was often to be found on the sidelines of his children’s sporting events either as a coach or official and found immense pleasure watching his children succeed at the things they loved. 

Through the printing business he supported many of the charitable endeavors in the community over the 60 years he lived in Collingwood. The G&M hospital foundation, The YMCA, the National Ski Academy, Sheffield Park Black History Museum, and so many other school and community events. Frank received the order of Collingwood in 2009 for his volunteerism and commitment to community service. 

Well known for his signature hairstyle which he adopted long before it was cool, Frank loved to terrify any nearby child with the story that he had lost his hair because he wouldn’t eat his vegetables. Always quick with a story (or maybe a tall tale) about his time in the music industry; the history of Collingwood & the Shipyards; the early days of Blue Mountain and chasing Jozo Weider around the mountain on skis; the history of Jazz & Blues; and his time in the city that captivated him, New Orleans; Frank’s ability as a storyteller and a historian will be greatly missed. 

Frank was predeceased by his brother in spirit Jay Jackson and is survived by his children Stephanie (Denis) Parsons, Sarah McNulty, Josh (Bre) McNulty & Dr. Kate (Jeremy) Shield; his ex-wife Jane; his grandchildren Oliver, Elsley, Milo & Elliott; as well as the Jackson family Shawne, Janice, Marlon & Nathaniel.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Collingwood General & Marine Hospital; Drs. Basinski, Fraser, Kolenda and Smith; as well as the staff at Campbell House.

In lieu of flowers the family would like to suggest a donation to the charity of your choosing.  A Celebration of Life will be held on the 15th of September at the Toronto Ski Club. To be updated on the details, share photos or a story or if you’d be interested in being part of the entertainment, please email: [email protected]

While he will be missed immensely by his family and friends, we know the music plays on.  

Collingwood Conducting Speed Limit Review: Share Your Input!

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Collingwood, ON [3 July 2024] –  The Town of Collingwood is conducting a Speed Limit Review, to ensure all multi-modal road users can provide input on how they feel the Town can enhance their road travel experience.  

The Master Mobility and Transportation Plan (MMTP) includes an expert-conducted safety screening of all roads within the Town of Collingwood which will include a review of any collision history, road design, and road hazards. The Speed Limit Review will gather traffic data from various locations around the community including most residential streets and all collector roads within the Town’s boundaries. Together, the data will inform the decision process related to setting speed limits within the Town. This review will consider both the benefits and disadvantages of speed limits for local and collector roads, either Town-wide or in select locations.

Community input and engagement is critical to ensure an informed and successful outcome. Residents are invited to complete a short Speed Limit Review survey by July 26 at engage.collingwood.ca/speed-limit-review. In addition to the survey, community members can fill out a ‘Traffic Speeds – Locations of Opportunity’ form, on the project page. Hard copies of both are available at Town Hall, 97 Hurontario Street.

Chat with members of Council and staff at the Farmer’s Market booth on Saturday, July 6, about the Speed Limit Review. An open house/ virtual session will also be scheduled later this summer. Subscribe to project updates on the Engage Page to be notified by email.

The estimated time of review completion is set to be late 2024. Based on results and recommendations, the impact on other municipal projects, the implementation plan, and funding will be discussed in early 2025. 

Please visit the project page at engage.collingwood.ca/speed-limit-review to view project information, take the survey, and subscribe to be notified of upcoming engagement opportunities and other project updates.

Music in the Park is back | Sunday, July 7th – ​The British Invasion

Presented by the Blue Mountain Legacy Fund

SUNDAYS, JULY 7TH – AUGUST 25TH, 2024, 6-8pm

BAYVIEW PARK, 106 BAY STREET EAST, THORNBURY ONTARIO

There is no fee for these concerts thanks to our sponsors and donations from those attending.

For non-residents there is a parking fee for certain areas near the park. Residents will need their Town Parking Pass.

Free parking is available at the Town Hall parking lots and the Medical Centre at 78 King Street with a trail at the back for a shortcut to the park.

Sunday, July 7th – ​British Invasion

British Invasion: In the mid-1960’s, North America was swept by a wave of rock and pop from the UK that would have an enormous impact on music and pop-culture for generations to come. Inspired by American rhythm-and-blues and rock-and-roll of previous decades, young British groups began to infuse these styles with up-tempo melodic pop and fiery guitar-based instrumentation; bands such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, The Yardbirds, and Herman’s Hermits took the world by storm in a phenomenon known as the “British Invasion”!

This four-piece act, based out of Toronto, Ontario, brings the sound, look, and energy of this watershed moment in music history to the stage wherever they perform. With ear-catching melodies, powerful vocal harmonies, vintage tones and attire, this group of highly trained, multi-instrumentalists has thrilled countless audiences, taking them on a trip back in time!

Performing music by:

The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Herman’s Hermits, The Animals, Cream, The Dave Clark Five, The Zombies, The Searchers, Moody Blues, Gerry and The Pacemakers, The Spencer Davis Group, The Tremeloes, The Troggs… And many more!

Sunday, July 14th – ​The Mike McCarthy Band

The Mike McCarthy Band is a Canadian musical ensemble celebrated for its dynamic fusion of alternative country, southern rock, and Canadiana influences. Led by the versatile singer-songwriter Mike McCarthy, the band delivers a captivating blend of heartfelt lyrics, gritty guitar riffs, and soulful melodies that resonate with audiences far and wide. Erica Prinn-McCarthy adds harmonies that infuse their sound with additional depth and richness, seamlessly blending with Mike McCarthy’s lead vocals to create captivating melodies that linger in the hearts of listeners. With a periodic rotating roster of seasoned and talented musicians, The Mike McCarthy Band consistently delivers dynamic and engaging performance that showcase their versatility and musicality. The line up: Jerome Tucker on bass guitar, Carl Harvey on lead guitar, Rob Gasidlo on keys and organ and Rich Greenspoon on drums! 

www.themikemccarthyband.com

Sunday, July 21st – ​Lulus Band

Lulu’s Roadhouse opened in 1984. It was the largest nightclub of it’s kind, holding over 4000 people and setting a record for the world’s longest bar. Some of the most famous entertainers of all time performed at Lulu’s…and one of Ontario’s most famous house bands opened for them (and sometimes backed them) – the Lulu’s Roadhouse Band.

The legendary Lulu’s Roadhouse closed its doors in April 2000, but the tradition of first-class entertainment continues as the core group, now known as the Lulu’s Band, performs at clubs, parties and events all over Southern Ontario. Since taking their show ‘on-the-road’, the group’s already huge following has grown to include new fans of all ages and they have become a popular attraction at corporate functions and fund-raising events as well as the annual Oktoberfest celebrations in Kitchener-Waterloo. The Lulu’s Band is a guaranteed ‘party’ everywhere they play, keeping the dance floor hopping with the best dance music from Classic Rock to Current Hits, Funk to Pop, and even a bit of kick-ass New Country.

Sunday, July 28th – ​Smokewagon Blues Band

Smokewagon Blues  Band featuring whiskey-stained soul vocals, funky blues harmonica, slick R&B/roots guitar, swinging piano work, soulful organ, riveting saxophone, with a racy, taut rhythm section, The Smoke Wagon Blues Band has been performing on festival stages for two decades. Formed in 1996, the band became crowd favorites. Eight independent releases, international radio play, and a large local fan base propelled the band to venues across the continent. The group’s last three albums were award winning international hits reaching the top of the roots and blues charts and garnering 5-star reviews in blues magazines and blogs around the globe. The bands live performances have become the talk of the town at festivals across the province including the 2016 IBC’s in Memphis Tennessee where they became fan favorites during a three-night stand at Club 152 on Beale St. 

www.smokewagonbluesband.com 

Sunday, August 4th – ​Toronto All Star Big Band

Toronto All Star Big Band – to provide an outstanding development opportunity for keen young musicians aged 15-22 to realize their artistic potential through education and performance, seeking the highest level of achievement within a challenging nurturing and collaborative environment

Armed with brilliant programming, choreography and engaging cultural nostalgia, this vibrant cast of awesome young talent has earned its position at the top of list of presenters throughout Ontario and in the USA. At the heart of the musical matter, the TABB provides one of the most intense and stimulating youth music programs in Canada. Behind their extraordinary entertainment, they engage cream of the crop young musicians from across the GTA in a rigorous regime of rehearsals, workshops and fantastic skill-building performance experiences with such international stars as Clark Terry, Doc Severinsen, Cleo Laine and John Dankworth, Eddie Daniels and Larry Elgart. The band has also worked with wonderfully talented Canadians…Peter Appleyard, Oliver Jones, Ranee Lee, Tommy Ambrose, Phil Nimmons and the great Jackie Richardson. All of these wonderful performers are a part of TABB’s legend series and have graciously shared their talents with these young musicians.

https://www.torontoallstarbigband.com

Sunday, August 11th – ​Strange Potatoes

Strange Potatoes was Formed in 2000, John Eaton, Derek McLean and John Miller have been using music and humour to create good times and great parties throughout the region and across the province. With an emphasis on acoustic instruments and vocal harmonies they appear as a celtic folk band but once they launch into their massive repertoire of all bets are off as to what kind of band they are. 


Fans of every genre of popular music, Strange Potatoes focuses on audience interaction and high energy engagement as they strive to be best party band they can be! Feeding off the audience for musical direction, Strange Potatoes rarely prepare a set list but rather unleash an improvised attack on the songs that matter most at the time.   

The results are often astonishing and sometimes hysterical,  but always entertaining.

 
Get ready to tap your toes, clap your hands, singalong and bust a gut as these three perform some of the most memorable songs in popular music as well as some of those one hit wonders we might have wished were long forgotten.​

Sunday, August 18th – ​Boomerang  Band

Boomerang is a hard-working high energy band of seasoned musicians cooking up a stew of classic R&B tunes that stir your soul and ignites you off your butt. Our recipe consists of generous portions of timeless tunes from artists such as Stevie Wonder, Van Morrison, Sam & Dave, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Stevie Winwood, Blues Brothers and the like.
Throw in a dash of Doobie Brothers, Chicago and Maceo Parker and mix in some Joe Cocker, the Band and Huey Lewis. Blend vigorously and serve.


www.boomerangband.ca

8th Concert by Ticket Only $20 – Sunday August 25th

to be held at the Marsh Street Centre, 6-8pm

BBQ starting at 5:30 by Black Angus Meats and the Collingwood Ice Cream Truck

On the patio or in the auditorium in case of rain.

Call 519-599-3345 for ticket availability.

etransfer for tickets can be sent to  [email protected]

Music-in-the-Park

Holy Moley shares “Telling the Truth about Fossil Fuels”

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By David Suzuki

The fossil fuel industry has made a lot of false or misleading claims over the years: burning the fuels doesn’t cause climate change, there’s no viable replacement for them, “natural” gas is a climate solution, coal power can be “clean,” carbon capture and storage will make oilsands bitumen climate-friendly…

But a new rule requiring industry to substantiate its claims is creating a stir.

Although fracked methane gas companies and their supporters didn’t back down after Ad Standards Canada found an industry front group’s assertion that gas is a climate solution amounted to “greenwashing,” a recent Competition Act amendment requiring companies (not just fossil fuel) to back environmental claims with evidence is making the industry and its supporters nervous.

Reaction to the Ad Standards ruling was muted in part because the organization has no enforcement powers and doesn’t release its findings to the public. (In this case, the findings were leaked.)

The Competition Act amendment gives the Competition Bureau commissioner the power to investigate claims about a company’s environmental performance to ensure they’re factual.

The Pathways Alliance, which represents Canada’s largest oilsands companies, has now scrubbed all content from its website, social media and other communications platforms. It had been claiming its member companies would reach net-zero emissions by 2050 using carbon capture technology (which is expensive and still largely unproven). The Competition Bureau is already investigating the Pathways Alliance for misleading the public with net-zero claims, because those only apply to extraction and not to the 80 per cent of emissions from burning their products.

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers also said it would remove information from its public communications. Some oil companies — including Imperial, Suncor, and ConocoPhillips — have put disclaimers on their websites.

Big Oil supporters in government and media are also upset. The Alberta government called it “authoritarian censorship,” and charged that it’s aimed at “phasing out the energy industry altogether.” (By “energy industry,” they mean fossil fuel energy, not cleaner, more affordable renewable energy.) Alberta has also shut down its controversial oil and gas “war room,” known as the “Canadian Energy Centre.”

It’s clearly overreaction to a rule that only requires companies to tell the truth. But the dirty energy industry is fighting for its survival and continued obscene profits in the face of a changing climate and a renewable energy boom.

That some governments would put this industry’s interests ahead of their constituents’ health and wellbeing is appalling.

The fact that it’s just the fossil fuel industry complaining is telling. “The provisions in the amendments are industry agnostic, so they apply across the board, and yet we don’t see every other sector tearing down websites,” University of Calgary law professor Martin Olszynski told the National Observer.

Those who recognize how serious the climate crisis is and how much worse it will get if we don’t stop using fossil fuels want to take things further, with a ban on all advertising for fossil fuels. Some are even calling for restrictions on advertising for products that facilitate use of dirty fuels, especially gas-powered cars, trucks and SUVs.

We saw with tobacco use how regulation works well and is often necessary, as most companies aren’t willing to give up profit-making regardless of the greater cost to society. It’s hard to imagine that, not long ago, people smoked in restaurants, hospitals, taxis, workplaces — almost everywhere!

The Competition Act amendment also shows how effective policy can be — especially considering gentle prodding from a toothless organization such as Ad Standards Canada appeared to have little or no effect on the industry.

“Canadians can expect that if you’re going to make claims in advertising that you actually have the evidence to back it up,” Catherine McKenna, chair of the UN’s expert group on net-zero commitments and Canada’s former environment and climate change minister, told the National Observer. “That’s not onerous.”

The climate crisis is accelerating. Promoting products that are fuelling it — especially using false or misleading information — will only make matters worse. Industry has shown over decades that it can’t be trusted to do the right thing on its own. We need to hold it to account and to shift quickly to cleaner energy sources.

It’s long past time to leave fossil fuels in the ground and to stop promoting them.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington.

Learn more at davidsuzuki.org.

REFERENCES:

Ad Standards Canada found:

https://davidsuzuki.org/story/gas-fuels-the-climate-problem-not-the-solution

Competition Act amendment:

https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/how-we-foster-competition/education-and-outreach/guide-june-2024-amendments-competition-act#sec04

Findings were leaked:

Competition Bureau is already investigating the Pathways Alliance:

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canadas-competition-bureau-investigates-oil-sands-group-over-advertising-2023-05-11

Alberta government called it:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/pathways-alliance-bill-c59-oilsands-1.7241078

Alberta has also shut down:

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/06/14/opinion/alberta-energy-war-room-waves-white-flag

Renewable energy boom:

https://www.iea.org/news/massive-expansion-of-renewable-power-opens-door-to-achieving-global-tripling-goal-set-at-cop28

Martin Olszynski told the National Observer:

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/06/26/analysis/unpacking-big-oils-fierce-pushback-against-new-truth-advertising-rules

Ban on all advertising for fossil fuels:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/climate/united-nations-guterres-fossil-fuel-advertising-ban-1.7226571

Cars, trucks and SUVs:

https://davidsuzuki.org/story/its-time-to-regulate-ads-for-suvs-trucks-and-gas-fuelled-cars

Tobacco use:

https://davidsuzuki.org/story/industries-in-denial-from-burning-cigarettes-to-a-burning-planet

False or misleading information:

https://thetyee.ca/News/2024/06/26/Pressure-Builds-Ban-Blatantly-False-Ads