Five challenges for bending the health care cost curve in Canada

 By Greg Marchildon and Livio Di Matteo Why health reform remains a challenge Canadian economists received a pleasant surprise this year: expenditure growth on public healthcare in Canada finally appears to be slowing down. However, it is unclear if this slowdown is the result of explicit success in sustainably bending the cost-curve

Improving safety—the mainstay of the pipeline industry

 Pipelines are a safe and efficient means of transporting large quantities of energy sources and fuels. These liquids and gases need to be kept in controlled conditions to ensure they do not pose any risk to the public and the environment. That’s why safety is the top priority for the

Curtain Call

 Enriching lives through the magic of theatre, Phoenix Players is a registered charity dedicated to bringing high-quality, affordable entertainment to Ottawa communities. It has been a long journey to success for Phoenix Players. In 2001, the initial founders were motivated by their passion for theatre and wanted to improve the

Where are the Accessible Toilets Ottawa? GottaGo!

 Nowadays, the most vulnerable members of our population—children, seniors and persons with disabilities—are in search for clean and safe public washrooms in Ottawa. But Rachel Canham, a Carleton University researcher, is steering the pursuit for public toilets in a whole new direction. “I feel like while the need for public

When it Comes to Pipeline Safety, Collaboration Matters

 When it comes to protecting the environment, people and communities, pipeline companies are choosing to work together. The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) established the Integrity First® program. Members actively work together to not only define and implement best practices, but to also challenge each other to improve overall operations.

The city’s kindest chauffeurs

 Photos courtesy of Wheels for the Wise If you or a loved one struggle with mobility issues, take a word from the wise and contact Ottawa’s driver-companion service. Launched in 2011 by 27-year-old entrepreneur Jana Mitchell, Wheels for the Wise Inc. is a form of safe transportation for senior citizens

The Art of Russell Noganosh

 “Finding himself through art and using it to heal” Russell Noganosh set off for Plains Indian Cultural Survival School in his early twenties—but the skills he learned didn’t come from his studies. Noganosh’s life lessons came from friendship and art. Noganosh enrolled in school after fleeing from a foster home

Back to the Ballot Box

 What you need to know about the Mayoral Candidates for Ottawa’s 2014 Civic Election Do you know who you will be voting for on Monday, October 27? With the civic election approaching, OLM took a look into what each candidate envisions for the city, should they be elected to office.

Pipeline Construction – The Federal Stance

 Energy exports, particularly oil and gas, are a key pillar of the Canadian economy, support hundreds of thousands of jobs in Canada and provide great wealth to the nation. With the 2015 Federal election just around the corner, Canadians are focused now more than ever on the three major federal

Choosing a Career in the Trades

 J?urneyman is a program that encourages and supports female involvement in the trades. To be a journeyman in the trade industry is something individuals strive for, signifying that they are completely qualified in their chosen field. As members of the “JOurneyman” program, women give new meaning to the title and

Wanderlust: Keeping It Green

 Photo Courtesy of Ali Kaukas An important part of Wanderlust’s mission is to practice environmental stewardship. Being a good steward of the earth goes hand-in-hand with the mindful, grounding practice of yoga. That is why Wanderlust festivals are committed to numerous sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction, recycling, composting, the utilization

Putting the “Science” in “Science Fiction” — Bug Zappers

 Whether it is the Tyranids of Warhammer 40,000 or the Arachnids that menace humanity in Starship Troopers, a large number of science fiction series place humanity at odds with an insectoid menace eager to feed on innocent humans. While space faring insect invaders are pure science fiction we do not

Using Wine for a Good Cause

 Sommeliers rejoice! In this unique way of giving back, each bottle of Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio bought in April went to a good cause. Last Thursday, Tree Canada was presented with $30,000 by Lifford Wines & Spirits, on behalf of Santa Margherita Wineries during an event at the Canadian Museum

Over the Hedge: Community Gardens are Sprouting in Ottawa

 “The greatest fine art of the future will be the making of a comfortable living from a small piece of land.” -- Abraham Lincoln The sun is shining, the weather is sweet, and Julia Lipinska can’t wait to get her hands dirty. She is ready to dig, to weed and

EarthTalk: Why Are Wetlands So Important to Preserve?

 By Doug Moss Wetlands serve a variety of important ecological functions including feeding downstream waters, trapping floodwaters, recharging groundwater supplies, removing pollution and providing fish and wildlife habitat. Credit: Bo Eide Contrary to popular myth that most ocean pollution is oil spilled from ships, most of it is land-based litter.

Ottawa Life Earth Talk

 A recent report by the National Wildlife Federation found that the three-year-old BP spill is still having a serious negative effect on the ecology of the Gulf of Mexico and its wildlife populations. Smoke billows over a controlled oil fire off the coast of Venice, Louisiana, on May 5, 2010. Photo Credit: Petty

Are you ready for Canada’s largest independent literary celebration?

 By Clayton Andres When his father Neil first came up with the idea of a writing festival in Ottawa, Sean Wilson thought his dad was insane. “At the time, I had been noticing that just about everyone I knew in the creative community had the sense that they had to

I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas…

 Many people dream of a white Christmas – but what about a “green” Christmas? While the holidays are notorious for being an environmentalist’s worst nightmare (think tonnes of extra waste, overconsumption, and chopped down trees, just to name a few)! This holiday season Ottawa Life magazine offers ten suggestions to

Canadian Innovation and 21st Century Challenges

 Like other countries, Canada faces profound challenges in the decades ahead. An aging population, the need to mitigate and adjust to climate change, the transition to a low greenhouse gas emissions economy and pressures from rising economic superpowers are issues we all confront. Science, technology and innovation will be crucial

Holding Mining Accountable for Actions Abroad

 The core argument of the mining industry is that C-300 (The Responsible Mining Bill) would cause reputational damage to mining companies. This is nonsense. C-300 didn’t cause reputational damage in the case of the allegations of murder against Blackfire in Mexico. It’s not even clear that C-300 would apply to

The Kyoto Protocol in Canada: Legacy or lunacy?

 By Hank Reardon Prime Minister Jean Chrétien says he will put the Kyoto Protocol on climate change before Parliament for a ratification vote before year-end 2002. The announcement of the Kyoto Protocol ratification vote comes before an implementation plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) has been finalized and before