MP Monique Pauzé referenced details from our investigation into oil and gas lobbying at a parliamentary committee. To her, some asks were “nauseating.”
Photo: Jeff McIntosh / The Narwhal
In this week’s newsletter, we bring you an update on our membership drive — and how our investigations on the oil and gas industry are drawing attention from lobbyists and MPs alike
Before getting into our goings-on in Narlandia, I’d love to share a membership update with you all. So far, 133 readers have stepped up to join — which means we’re nearly halfway toward our push to add 300 new members in June. Here’s what some of our newest Narwhals have to say:
“I understand the need for independent, ethical journalism in times like ours when fiction persuades more people than fact.”
“With traditional print media and investigative journalism on the wane we need The Narwhal to keep poking and prodding so that we can all stay informed.”
“Your investigative journalism is exactly what this country needs.”
Pathways Alliance, a coalition of six fossil fuel giants, lobbied the government to fast-track a major carbon capture and storage project — seeking assurance that it wouldn’t require a federal impact assessment. The alliance also asked for massive public subsidies, according to internal documents Carl got his hands on.
“This request is shocking to me when there’s a climate crisis, and I think it’s shameless,” Pauzé said as she and a host of MPs grilled oil and gas executives on their plans to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint.
“In order to make such a demand, the alliance must have an unwavering and unshakeable confidence and certainty that the industry has a stronghold over the political system.”
There’s more to the story: the feds signed a non-disclosure agreement with the alliance a few months after the group’s request materialized.
“It was hugely validating as a long term Parliament Hill reporter. My work has been referenced in Parliament before, but this felt different: an MP specifically taking time to say my name, my outlet, describing the story and weighing in on its importance.”
As The Narwhal’s climate investigations reporter, Carl is able to spend months in back-and-forth battles for documents — thanks to more than 6,000 readers who regularly donate what they can. The recurring monthly or annual contributions from our members means we can support star journalists like Carl who uncover the kinds of environment and climate stories you won’t find anywhere else.
And as The Narwhal grows its reach and impact, both industry lobbyists and MPs are taking notice.
Did you know you’re reading an award-winning newsletter — about award-winning journalism?!
The Narwhal added to a wheelbarrow of trophies last week at the 2024 Digital Publishing Awards: Nourish, a series on First Nations food sovereignty, won gold in best editorial package, reporter Emma McIntosh’s reporting in collaboration with the Toronto Star took home gold in best news coverage, and Emma’s explainer on Ontario’s highways also snagged gold for best service feature! In the best photojournalism category, we won both gold and a silver: for Amber Bracken’s work on a feature detailing a tailings ponds leak in northern Alberta, and Jesse Winter’s photo essay from the frontlines of B.C.’s wildfires.
And this newsletter? Our audience team also took home gold — you should forward it to your friends and tell them to sign up, so they know you have good taste. 🤩
This week in The Narwhal
The government didn’t formally inspect a crucial pipeline for years. Then came the safety concerns By Julia-Simone Rutgers
Documents show that though inspectors visited Winnipeg’s main fuel line a handful of times, there were no formal reports. Experts are concerned about transparency — and environmental risks.
Canada just pledged to tackle environmental racism. What does that mean? By Denise Balkissoon READ MORE
Operation spotted turtle: how Ontario biologists fight wildlife traffickers By Celia Milne READ MORE
Future in drought: how long can Calgarians go without a shower? By Drew Anderson READ MORE
Environment Minister Guilbeault broke the law in stalling potential spotted owl emergency order: court By Ainslie Cruickshank READ MORE
Are B.C.’s open-net pen salmon farms closing — or not? By Shalu Mehta READ MORE
What we’re reading
In Europe, the far-right is making big gains — calling the shots on environmental policy. The echoes are felt in North America, Arno Kopecky writes in The Walrus.
Does the recycling symbol mean anything anymore? Grist’s Kate Yoder chronicles how corporations sold Americans on the chasing arrows — while stripping the logo of its worth.
