Authorities in Canada have shown through inappropriate behaviour that we're nowhere near ready for warrantless electronic surveillance. Meanwhile, another report shows that our cell phone market is still closed and anticompetitive, and that we must continue the fight.

This week's update is the first of the new year. It describes OpenMedia.ca's newest campaign, Stop The Cell Phone Squeeze, in which Canadians take a stand against the cell phone market's high prices, tight contracts, and disrespectful customer service.

Maybe it’s time for environmentalists to prioritize do-it-yourself climate fixes instead of looking to politicians. There are all sorts of options, including, for those dedicated enough, switching to an insect-based diet, as Change.org reports.

But in the private sector, inventors, corporations and small businesses -- farmers in particular -- are finding more palatable ways to scale down their environmental impact. In short, politicians aren’t the only ones with the power to make high-profile statements and strong choices on climate change.