Matin Sarfraz
@matinsarfraz.bsky.social
Reporter @NatObserver | Alumni @HKuniversity| @JMSCHKU| Previously for @NYTIMES @DPA @Reuters & @Pajhwok
The government’s fall economic outlook shows some major trouble ahead, projecting another $13.5 billion increase in debt this year, bringing Ontario’s total debt to about $470 billion. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/11/a...
Critics say Ontario's financial plan forgets workers
Ontario's fall economic statement fails to tackle the province's biggest challenges — auto industry struggles, rising unemployment and affordability — as US tariffs threaten the economy, critics say.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:40 PM
The government’s fall economic outlook shows some major trouble ahead, projecting another $13.5 billion increase in debt this year, bringing Ontario’s total debt to about $470 billion. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/11/a...
Canada's biggest battery storage project underway in Eastern Ontario www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/13/n...
Canada's biggest battery storage project underway in Eastern Ontario
Ontario is building Canada’s largest battery storage facility in the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal — a project that will be able to power about 400,000 homes once completed.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Canada's biggest battery storage project underway in Eastern Ontario www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/13/n...
Ontario nickel mine lands on major projects list despite major environmental and market red flags www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/14/n...
Ontario nickel mine lands on major projects list despite major environmental and market red flags
The federal government’s decision to place Ontario’s Crawford Nickel Project on its new list of “nation-building” projects is raising concerns from experts who say Ottawa is moving ahead while serious...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Ontario nickel mine lands on major projects list despite major environmental and market red flags www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/14/n...
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
Alberta and Saskatchewan cited their ongoing conversations with the feds when asked to comment on aspects of the federal budget that suggest the provinces will have to fall in line with the federal industrial carbon price. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/06/n...
Alberta and Saskatchewan play nice with federal budget, for now
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe did not lambaste the federal government's recent budget despite its language suggesting the provinces must fall in line with federal i...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Alberta and Saskatchewan cited their ongoing conversations with the feds when asked to comment on aspects of the federal budget that suggest the provinces will have to fall in line with the federal industrial carbon price. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/06/n...
Ford climate rule rollback won't stop youth court challenge: lawyer @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/07/n...
Ford climate rule rollback won't stop youth court challenge: lawyer
Lawyers representing youth in Ontario’s landmark climate lawsuit say the Ford government’s plan to repeal the province’s legal requirement to set and update greenhouse gas targets will not affect the ...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Ford climate rule rollback won't stop youth court challenge: lawyer @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/07/n...
Welcome to Toronto! @cloelogan.bsky.social and great start! @nationalobserver.com sthttps:// www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/07/news/toronto-climate-federal-funding-budget
Toronto battles Ford — and now feds, too — on climate
Some experts say Ottawa’s budget leaves climate action in cities like Toronto hanging, with no new money for retrofits, EV adoption or green infrastructure.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Welcome to Toronto! @cloelogan.bsky.social and great start! @nationalobserver.com sthttps:// www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/07/news/toronto-climate-federal-funding-budget
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first budget did not deliver new investments on climate or clean tech. In fact, some experts say it takes a step backwards.
‘Climate negative’: Canada’s energy transition progress stalls in first Carney budget
From its underwhelming climate competitiveness strategy through near-static clean economy tax credits, the Liberal government’s 2025 spending plan is declared a fiscal and regulatory failure by indust...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first budget did not deliver new investments on climate or clean tech. In fact, some experts say it takes a step backwards.
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
Tuesday's federal budget proposes to weaken the truthfulness standard companies must meet to back environmental claims and prevent third-parties greenwashing complaints to the Competition Bureau.
Carney scraps anti-greenwashing law, even as research shows Canadians want fewer climate lies online
Most Canadians want the federal government to do more about climate disinformation, especially during extreme weather, new research shows, even as the Carney government scraps Canada's laws against gr...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Tuesday's federal budget proposes to weaken the truthfulness standard companies must meet to back environmental claims and prevent third-parties greenwashing complaints to the Competition Bureau.
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
Even after Ontario's disastrous experience with Trump, BC Premier David Eby will run his own anti-tariff ads in the US. His office said the prime minister has not been consulted on the ads, @natashabulowski.bsky.social reports.
Eby sidesteps Carney with anti-tariff ads after Ontario blowup
BC Premier David Eby plans to press ahead with an anti-tariff ad campaign despite US President Donald Trump's swift reprisal following Ontario's anti-tariff ad ran during the baseball World Series. To...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Even after Ontario's disastrous experience with Trump, BC Premier David Eby will run his own anti-tariff ads in the US. His office said the prime minister has not been consulted on the ads, @natashabulowski.bsky.social reports.
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
While acknowledging wildfires “have become a cross-border issue,” EPA administrator Lee Zeldin blamed Canada’s forest practices instead of climate-driven extreme heat and drought.
The meeting comes on the heels of an American letter — which also ignored climate — attacking Canada over smoke.
The meeting comes on the heels of an American letter — which also ignored climate — attacking Canada over smoke.
US officials praise Canada on wildfires but ignore climate at Toronto G7 meeting
Senior members of the Trump administration praised Canada for wildfire coordination on Friday at the G7 meeting in Toronto, while downplaying climate science and pushing forest management as the main ...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:04 PM
While acknowledging wildfires “have become a cross-border issue,” EPA administrator Lee Zeldin blamed Canada’s forest practices instead of climate-driven extreme heat and drought.
The meeting comes on the heels of an American letter — which also ignored climate — attacking Canada over smoke.
The meeting comes on the heels of an American letter — which also ignored climate — attacking Canada over smoke.
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
While acknowledging wildfires “have become a cross border issue,” EPA administrator Lee Zeldin echoed a familiar talking point from Trump allies: blaming Canada’s forest practices instead of climate-driven extreme heat and drought. via @matinsarfraz.bsky.social
US officials praise Canada on wildfires but ignore climate at Toronto G7 meeting
Senior members of the Trump administration praised Canada for wildfire coordination on Friday at the G7 meeting in Toronto, while downplaying climate science and pushing forest management as the main ...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:07 PM
While acknowledging wildfires “have become a cross border issue,” EPA administrator Lee Zeldin echoed a familiar talking point from Trump allies: blaming Canada’s forest practices instead of climate-driven extreme heat and drought. via @matinsarfraz.bsky.social
Despite acknowledging the project “may cause adverse effects” to areas under federal responsibility such as fisheries, migratory birds and species at risk, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada refused to designate it for review. @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/30/n...
Controversial Ontario landfill will move ahead without federal assessment
The federal government has rejected an impact assessment for Ford’s first Bill 5 project — a controversial “town killer” landfill proposal in the small southwestern Ontario community of Dresden.
www.nationalobserver.com
October 30, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Despite acknowledging the project “may cause adverse effects” to areas under federal responsibility such as fisheries, migratory birds and species at risk, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada refused to designate it for review. @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/30/n...
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
Automaker @volkswagen.bsky.social has started building NAm’s biggest #EV #battery plant, in St Thomas, Ont., as the Canadian auto sector reels from plans by Stellantis and GM to halt production of key models in the province. Read on at @nationalobserver.com: www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/29/n...
Volkswagen starts building Canada's biggest EV battery plant amid tariff turmoil
The German automaker's PowerCo has completed concrete foundations for a trio of gigafactories, even as the Ontario auto industry reels from the trade war and other automakers' exits.
www.nationalobserver.com
October 29, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Automaker @volkswagen.bsky.social has started building NAm’s biggest #EV #battery plant, in St Thomas, Ont., as the Canadian auto sector reels from plans by Stellantis and GM to halt production of key models in the province. Read on at @nationalobserver.com: www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/29/n...
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
In lawsuit filed Monday, four young Canadians allege the Canada Pension Plan is mismanaging their retirement savings by underestimating climate-related financial risks — the first legal challenge of its kind. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/27/n...
Young Canadians accuse the Canada Pension Plan of mismanaging climate risks
In lawsuit filed Monday, four young Canadians allege the Canada Pension Plan is mismanaging their retirement savings by underestimating climate-related financial risks — the first legal challenge of i...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 27, 2025 at 9:19 PM
In lawsuit filed Monday, four young Canadians allege the Canada Pension Plan is mismanaging their retirement savings by underestimating climate-related financial risks — the first legal challenge of its kind. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/27/n...
Climate and energy could become wedge issue in NDP leadership contest by @natashabulowski.bsky.social @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/24/n...
Climate and energy could become wedge issue in NDP leadership contest
At a forum hosted by the Canadian Labour Congress, the official leadership candidates spoke about putting workers first, how to rebuild the party and took shots at corporate Canada. But the moderated ...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 27, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Climate and energy could become wedge issue in NDP leadership contest by @natashabulowski.bsky.social @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/24/n...
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
If he wants to beat the Daffy Duck allegations, Poilievre would be well advised to avoid calling anyone "despicable."
With his ‘despicable’ RCMP rant, Pierre Poilievre is cementing his Daffy Duck status
The next test of the Bugs-Daffy dichotomy in Canada will be whether Carney can outwit Poilievre to pass his budget and remain in power. Heading up a minority government, he’ll need every tool at his d...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 25, 2025 at 11:46 AM
If he wants to beat the Daffy Duck allegations, Poilievre would be well advised to avoid calling anyone "despicable."
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
October 24, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
British Columbians face a trifecta of liability. They own the fossil carbon beneath their province. They license the extraction of it. And they also provide subsidies. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/22/a...
The CO2 extractors: British Columbians are among world's most aggressive
They rocketed past the Americans decades ago. Now they are set to blow past even the Saudis with a massive new LNG industry – in charts.
www.nationalobserver.com
October 23, 2025 at 3:33 PM
British Columbians face a trifecta of liability. They own the fossil carbon beneath their province. They license the extraction of it. And they also provide subsidies. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/22/a...
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
Smith's testimony today was wild even by her standards.
Does she accept human activity like burning fossil fuels drives climate change? "I don't know, I'm not a scientist."
She also wants 2030 and 2035 emission targets scrapped, and said Trans Mountain is advising her on Northern Gateway 2.0
Does she accept human activity like burning fossil fuels drives climate change? "I don't know, I'm not a scientist."
She also wants 2030 and 2035 emission targets scrapped, and said Trans Mountain is advising her on Northern Gateway 2.0
Danielle Smith dodges climate science in parliament
Are human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, driving climate change? Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she doesn't know, as the province plans to double oil production and build pipelines in ...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 23, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Smith's testimony today was wild even by her standards.
Does she accept human activity like burning fossil fuels drives climate change? "I don't know, I'm not a scientist."
She also wants 2030 and 2035 emission targets scrapped, and said Trans Mountain is advising her on Northern Gateway 2.0
Does she accept human activity like burning fossil fuels drives climate change? "I don't know, I'm not a scientist."
She also wants 2030 and 2035 emission targets scrapped, and said Trans Mountain is advising her on Northern Gateway 2.0
Canada’s first major “nation-building” investment is going toward a small modular reactor project that depends heavily on US suppliers for key technology and components @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/23/n...
Canada's first 'nation-building' nuclear project relies on US suppliers
Canada’s first major “nation-building” investment is going toward a small modular reactor project that depends heavily on US suppliers for key technology and components.
www.nationalobserver.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Canada’s first major “nation-building” investment is going toward a small modular reactor project that depends heavily on US suppliers for key technology and components @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/23/n...
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
Ford threatening lawsuit as General Motors stops EV van production, adding to Ontario's vehicle manufacturing industry woes. @matinsarfraz.bsky.social reports. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/21/n...
Ford threatens to sue GM over Ingersoll plant shutdown
Premier Doug Ford is threatening to sue General Motors for breaking its contract with Ontario after the company announced it will end production of its BrightDrop electric delivery vans at the Ingerso...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 21, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Ford threatening lawsuit as General Motors stops EV van production, adding to Ontario's vehicle manufacturing industry woes. @matinsarfraz.bsky.social reports. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/21/n...
CNO's new tool showed me how Ontario is responding to Ford’s speed camera ban www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/16/o...
CNO's new tool showed me how Ontario is responding to Ford’s speed camera ban
Councillors from across Ontario are fretting about the speed camera ban and what it will mean for public safety and local funding. As a former local reporter I would have spent all day tracking this s...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 20, 2025 at 7:11 PM
CNO's new tool showed me how Ontario is responding to Ford’s speed camera ban www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/16/o...
Outdoor cats kill 60 million birds in Canada each year, study finds www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/18/n...
Outdoor cats kill 60 million birds in Canada each year, study finds
April Campbell has five rescue cats at home in Toronto and a bird feeder in her backyard. She loves watching the birds but also cares deeply for her foster cats. To protect both, she built a “catio” —...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Outdoor cats kill 60 million birds in Canada each year, study finds www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/18/n...
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
Introducing Canada's Business Observer—a weekly newsletter on climate action that actually makes business sense.
Low-carbon homes.
EV supply chains. Clean tech startups. Critical minerals. We're covering the companies building a cleaner economy. Sign up!
www.nationalobserver.com/newsletters/...
Low-carbon homes.
EV supply chains. Clean tech startups. Critical minerals. We're covering the companies building a cleaner economy. Sign up!
www.nationalobserver.com/newsletters/...
Canada's Business Observer newsletter | Canada's National Observer: Climate News
A weekly climate business newsletter.
www.nationalobserver.com
October 10, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Introducing Canada's Business Observer—a weekly newsletter on climate action that actually makes business sense.
Low-carbon homes.
EV supply chains. Clean tech startups. Critical minerals. We're covering the companies building a cleaner economy. Sign up!
www.nationalobserver.com/newsletters/...
Low-carbon homes.
EV supply chains. Clean tech startups. Critical minerals. We're covering the companies building a cleaner economy. Sign up!
www.nationalobserver.com/newsletters/...
Enbridge investors to get billions as gas giant expands into small-town Ontario. Analysis by @woodsideful.bsky.social www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/09/a...
Enbridge investors to get billions as gas giant expands into small-town Ontario
Enbridge executives know Ontario ratepayers are a cash cow for its gas business, and in recent calls with investors they said they plan to milk it for all its worth.
www.nationalobserver.com
October 9, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Enbridge investors to get billions as gas giant expands into small-town Ontario. Analysis by @woodsideful.bsky.social www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/09/a...