Philip Houde’s Post

A significant development in Canada's hydroelectric power generation has emerged with the U.S. sending more electricity to Canada than it received for the first time in years. U.S. electricity exports to Canada have reached their highest level since at least 2010. For Manitoba, this highlights the critical need to monitor inbound water flows from the US and western Canada to understand the impact of diminished flows on power generation due to increased upstream use or climate events. Emphasizing infrastructure that values and conserves water is crucial, especially in the face of weather pattern unpredictability, which could be linked to climate change and significantly impact hydroelectric operations. Long-term strategies and investments play a vital role in ensuring the stability and resilience of clean, green hydroelectricity generation in Manitoba and Canada. #water #sustainabledevelopment #watersustainability #hydroelectricity #renewableenergy #manitoba #canada #MBPoli #CdnPoli https://lnkd.in/gnhqJzek

China leads the global solar supply chain with over 80% control, producing affordable products from polysilicon to panels, thanks to government subsidies and economies of scale. And there should be concerns about the carbon footprint involved in this production. On the other hand, the US is striving to bolster its solar panel supply chain to meet its climate objectives. The establishment of competitive solar glass production in North America is pivotal for Canada and the US. The CPS (Glass) project in Manitoba, with the lowest carbon footprint of glass anywhere, can be a key player in this initiative. #Solar #SolarGlass #RenewableEnergy #Manitoba #Canada #China #MBPoli #CdnPoli https://lnkd.in/g-Y2w9hJ

Delighted to attend this wonderful event on behalf of the Kingdom of Morocco and as part of the Manitoba Consular Corps. It was a special reward to reconnect with dear friend Frances Wellink who is doing outstanding work for Tourism Winnipeg Sincere thanks to Marilyn Gayton and the US Consulate in Winnipeg for organizing this opportunity to celebrate 140 years of US diplomatic presence in our capital city. #Morocco #USConsul #Manitoba #Winnipeg #Canada

I took this photo on June 5, 2014 on Juno Beach. To all those amazing people who put others before themselves and in many cases paid the ultimate price. FOR US. We thank you. #Lestweforget2024 #DDay

When the federal government was looking to establish the Canada Water Agency, it was a priority for us who worked with the Province to get them to locate it in Manitoba. Thankfully, after much lobbying, the decision was made to make Winnipeg the location for this new entity. A logical decision not only because Winnipeg already has the International Institute for Sustainable Development, but also our unique geographical location as the basin for water that comes as far west as the Rocky Mtn foothills and far south into the US. as it makes the journey to the Hudson's Bay via our numerous rivers and lakes. Traditionally, much of this water was treated as excess, and infrastructure was designed to move it quickly off the land and into the rivers and lakes. However this thinking is changing as we realize the value of water for communities, agriculture and processing. It needs to be a priority to invest in infrastructure that conserves water, rather than flushing it as soon as possible. While we usually see an excess of water, upstream interests both in the south and west are also using more water. Therefore we cannot take it for granted we will always have the significant flows we have had historically. The establishment of the Canada Water Agency in Manitoba adds to the significant expertise we already have, and make this the centre of where important considerations of water management will be studied. The value of course will be in practical and applicable solutions. And the time for these is now...we've lost a lot of valuable time over the past decades investing in water flushing, not water conservation. Congratulations to the Government of Canada & the Province of Manitoba on getting this very valuable entity located here. #CanadaWaterAgency #Water #Conservation #Flooding #Canada #Manitoba #Agriculture #Communities #ValueAdded #MBPoli #CanPoli

A recent article in the Winnipeg Free Press really highlights the dynamic economy in Morocco. I saw the car manufacturing facilities during my trip in June of 2023 and it was very impressive. Much to unpack here but significant investments in free trade zones, infrastructure and education are paying off in Morocco. Strategically positioned to access both Europe and the rest of the continent of Africa, its a manufacturing location that companies need to pay attention to. #MoroccoNow #Morocco #Automotive #EV #Africa #Europe #Manufacturing

Something to be wary of in Canada. Excerpt from this recent Globe and Mail story: "In the shadow of escalating global conflicts and the pressing demand for military supplies, a critical component of national security is being overlooked: the strategic importance of pulp and paper. Traditionally seen as mundane commodities, these materials are in fact pivotal in the production of military-grade components such as nitrocellulose, a key ingredient in artillery ammunition. Canada, home to vast tracts of forest, has long been a powerhouse in pulp and paper production. Yet, recent developments raise concerns about national security. The March, 2023, acquisition of Resolute Forest Products by privately held Paper Excellence – among other purchases of Canadian producers by parties related to foreign corporations, notably from China – places these essential resources under the control of overseas interests." Canada needs to be paying attention to this. #pulpandpaper #Canada #Resources