Steve Lorteau

(he/him)
Workers assemble temporary seating for the FIFA World Cup at BMO Field (temporarily renamed Toronto Stadium) on March 12, 2026. To meet FIFA’s requirements, North American cities have spent hundreds of millions and suspended bylaws. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Municipal governments are often slow to act, except when FIFA comes to town

Host cities’ agility in preparing for FIFA stands in sharp contrast to the usual rhetoric that municipalities cannot accomplish other civic needs with urgency.
A sign advocating for support for the homeless is seen through a fenced-in homeless encampment in Victoria Park in Halifax’s downtown in March 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Using the notwithstanding clause to evict the homeless shows the limits of municipal politics

The proposed use of the notwithstanding clause to clear homeless encampments would add unhoused people to a growing list of those whose human rights have been recently curbed by the clause.
The sun sets over electric pylons along a solar farm near Weifang in eastern China’s Shandong province in March 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Emotions may matter more than facts in shaping individual support for renewable energy, new study shows

Emotions help shape opinion on energy sources. Understanding this can allow us to design better zero-carbon policies.
Anti-carbon tax protesters wave signs and chant slogans as they block a westbound lane of the Trans Canada highway near Cochrane, Alta., on April 1, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Fossil fuel subsidies cost Canadians a lot more money than the carbon tax

Never mind the carbon tax. Tax breaks and public spending for fossil fuel companies cost taxpayers billions every year and hurt the environment.
A flare stack lights the sky from the Imperial Oil refinery in Edmonton in December 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

How Canadian courts are taking on climate change

A recent Federal Court of Appeal decision opens the door for more climate cases to be brought before the courts. Will they answer the call?
Parents, caregivers and educators must encourage their children to talk about and understand climate change before participating in climate action. (Shutterstock)

Engage, Educate and Empower: The 3 Es to discuss climate change with children

Discussing climate change with children is important, and the three Es can help facilitate these discussions.

Contact Steve for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration
  • Research supervision