News in Review Resource Guide

November 2010 Credits Resource Guide Writers: Sean Dolan, Peter Flaherty, Jim L’Abbé, Jennifer Watt Copy Editor and Desktop Publisher: Susan Rosenthal Resource Guide Graphics: Laraine Bone Production Assistant: Carolyn McCarthy Resource Guide Editor: Jill Colyer Supervising Manager: Karen Bower Host: Michael Serapio Senior Producer: Nigel Gibson Producer: Lou Kovacs Video Writers: Nigel Gibson Director: Douglas Syrota Graphic Artist: Mark W. Harvey Editor: Stanley Iwanski

Visit us at our Web site at our Web site at http://newsinreview.cbclearning.ca, where you will find News in Review indexes and an electronic version of this resource guide. As a companion resource, we recommend that students and teachers access CBC News Online, a multimedia current news source that is found on the CBC’s home page at www.cbc.ca/news/.

Close-captioning News in Review programs are close-captioned. Subscribers may wish to obtain decoders and “open” these captions for the hearing impaired, for English as a Second Language students, or for situations in which the additional on-screen print component will enhance learning.

CBC Learning authorizes the reproduction of material contained in this resource guide for educational purposes. Please identify the source.

News in Review is distributed by CBC Learning, P.O. Box 500, Station A, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5W 1E6 Tel: (416) 205-6384 • Fax: (416) 205-2376 • E-mail: [email protected]

Copyright © 2010 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

News in Review, November 2010 1. Hurricane Igor Hits Newfoundland (Length: 14:32) 2. Canada’s New Governor General (Length: 13:29) 3. Afghanistan: A Frontline Report (Length: 14:30) 4. BPA: The Chemical Inside Us (Length: 15:36) Contents In This Issue ...... 4

HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLAND ...... 6 Introduction ...... 6 Video Review ...... 7 The Scope of the Storm ...... 9 Taking a Closer Look ...... 11 When Disaster Strikes at Home ...... 13 Getting to Know Newfoundland ...... 15 Activity: Getting the Story Out ...... 18

CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL ...... 19 Introduction ...... 19 Video Review ...... 20 Who is David Johnston? ...... 22 What does the governor general do? ...... 24 Do we need a governor general? ...... 25 New Challenges of the Job ...... 26 The Legacy of Michaëlle Jean ...... 28 Activity: Responding Directly to His Vision ...... 29

AFGHANISTAN: A FRONTLINE REPORT ...... 34 Introduction ...... 34 Video Review ...... 35 Why are we fighting in Afghanistan? ...... 38 The Hard Realities of the War ...... 42 A Day in the Life ...... 45 Activity: Exit Strategy for Afghanistan ...... 47

BPA: THE CHEMICAL INSIDE US ...... 48 Introduction ...... 48 Video Review ...... 49 What is BPA? ...... 51 “The dose makes the poison” ...... 53 Chemicals to Watch Out For ...... 55 Activity: Live Toxin-free for a Day! ...... 57

News in Review Index ...... 59

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 3 In This Issue . . .

HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLAND (Length: 14:32) NiR Study In late September, Hurricane Igor swept across Newfoundland. Powerful winds and Modules Using print and video heavy rains damaged hundreds of homes, swept away roads and bridges, and cut off material from archival some communities from the rest of the province. In this News in Review story we’ll issues of News in look at the storm, the damage, and the long road to recovery. Review, teachers and students can create NiR Study Modules Related CBC Videos thematic modules Coming Home to Newfoundland, April 2008 Extreme Weather for independent Nfld Open House: Americans Say Thanks assignments, and small February 2002 group study. Newfoundland: A New Economy February 2001 Related CBC Videos Other videos available from CBC Learning; see the back cover for contact details.

CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL (Length: 13:29) On October 1, 2010, David Johnston was sworn in as the 28th Governor General of Canada. In this News in Review story we’ll look at his installation and at his long and accomplished career. We’ll also examine some of the challenges facing the new Governor General, and ask him how he plans to deal with them.

NiR Study Modules The Conservatives and the Coalition February 2009 Michaëlle Jean: Our Governor General November 2006

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 4 AFGHANISTAN: A FRONTLINE REPORT (Length: 14:30) Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan is scheduled to end in July 2011. Some Canadians want that mission to continue—but how successful has it been? In this News in Review story we’ll go on a six-day patrol with the soldiers of Delta Company and show what kind of challenges and dangers they must confront.

NiR Study Modules Related CBC Videos Afghanistan’s Troubled Election Afghanada (Audio drama, Volumes 1-5) October 2009 Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear Afghanistan and the Rights of Women Back to School in Afghanistan May 2009 Broken Heroes Afghanistan: A Soldier’s Story, March 2009 Flora’s Afghan Mission Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan Life + Death in Kandahar December 2008 The Manley Report on Afghanistan March 2008 The Hidden Wounds of War, February 2008 Selling Canada’s Military to Canadians November 2007 The Van Doos Head for Afghanistan October 2007

BPA: THE CHEMICAL INSIDE US (Length: 15:36 ) Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a controversial chemical that is found in everything from plastic water bottles to tin cans. According to a recent study it’s also in the bodies of nine out of 10 Canadians. In this News in Review story we’ll look at how it gets into our bodies and examine the debate over whether or not it’s a health risk.

Related CBC Videos Battle of the Bag Disappearing Male Forever Plastic Severe Allergies Toxic Brew: Harmful Household Cleaners

Sections marked with this symbol contain content suitable for younger viewers. Exercises marked with this symbol indicate that a worksheet to aid in the exploration of the topic is available online.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 5 HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLAND Introduction Newfoundlanders are used to storms. were washed away and homes were Focus Tropical storms and hurricanes flooded. In some cases, houses were In September 2010, Hurricane Igor became have regularly brushed or passed over lifted right off their foundations. Along the most damaging Newfoundland. In fact, the earliest the coast, wharves were destroyed and hurricane to strike recorded Canadian hurricane hit boats were lost. When the roads were Newfoundland in at Newfoundland in 1775. It was also the washed away many smaller communities least a century. This deadliest in Canada’s history. It struck were completely cut off from the rest of News in Review story the island on September 9 and killed the island. More than 30 towns declared looks at Igor and the more than 4 000 people. a state of emergency. The provincial damage it caused to the island. Included Since that time other major tropical government has estimated the cost of the in our overview storms have also pummelled “The storm at $100-million. is the response of Rock.” Residents of the Avalon With assistance from the Canadian both islanders and Peninsula still remember the flooding armed forces, all of the isolated other Canadians— caused by Hurricane Luis in 1995. But communities were supplied with individuals, no one was really ready for Hurricane basic goods and reconnected within organizations and Igor. about two weeks. In many cases, governments—to the emergency. Igor was expected to arrive in however, the repairs to roads and Newfoundland as a tropical storm rather bridges are temporary and await next than a hurricane. Hurricanes usually year’s construction season to be made Did you know . . . drop in intensity as they travel over permanent. For many of the residents, The U.S. National the cooler waters of the North Atlantic. it will be some time before their lives Hurricane Center began naming tropical Igor surprised observers by doing the return to normal. Many lost their homes. storms and hurricanes reverse—it actually grew in strength. Many lost their jobs. in 1950. When Igor hit on September 26 it Newfoundlanders pride themselves on brought winds of 120 kilometres per their toughness. Islanders have faced a hour and dumped 250 millimetres of rain number of setbacks in the past, and they on the southern part of the island. have always risen to the occasion. Igor The rain was the biggest problem posed one more major challenge—and because the island’s infrastructure was another opportunity to prove that they unable to cope with the downpour. Roads are resilient Canadians.

To Consider Environment Canada has described Hurricane Igor as the kind of weather event that only occurs every 50 to 100 years. But many geographers and environmentalists warn that Atlantic Canada should expect more of these intense storms as global warming continues.

1. What steps might the Eastern provinces take to prepare for these storms?

2. Should the Canadian Forces be used to help out after a disaster, even if that is not what they are specifically trained for?

3. If severe weather is linked to global warming, should we be doing more to curb greenhouse-gas production?

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 6 HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLAND Video Review

Did you know . . . Pre-viewing Discussion In late summer and With a partner, discuss the following questions. Then join with two other pairs early fall all of the for a larger discussion. Atlantic provinces are People love to talk about the weather, and especially major weather events that hit by tropical storms. they have survived. What is the worst weather event you have experienced? Did In 2003, Nova Scotia it have a dramatic effect on your family and your community? Was it an event took a real beating you were able to prepare for, and did that help mitigate its effects? from Hurricane Juan. In 2010, Hurricane Earl hit Nova Scotia. Viewing Questions It caused considerable Answer the following questions as you watch the video. damage—power 1. How wide a storm was Hurricane Igor when it became a Category 4 outages, downed hurricane? trees, and road closures—before moving on to 2. How much rain fell in parts of Newfoundland during the storm? Newfoundland as a tropical storm. 3. How many people were killed by the storm?

4. How strong were Hurricane Igor’s winds as they passed over the island?

5. How many Newfoundland towns declared a state of emergency?

6. Why was it especially difficult to get help to the people who needed it most?

7. What major assistance did Prime Minister Harper offer the people of Newfoundland?

8. How many troops were sent to Newfoundland?

9. Describe the impact of the storm on the people of Port Union.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 7 Post-viewing Activity Do you know the weather risks in your part of Canada? Do you know how to best prepare to face a serious weather event?

The government of Canada maintains an excellent Web site to help Canadians prepare for disaster, at GetPrepared.ca. There you can download two brochures, “Severe Storms: What to do?” and “72 Hours: Your Emergency Preparedness Guide.” You can also review the government’s three-step plan “Know the risks – Make a plan – Get a kit.”

In groups of four, use the Web site to prepare an emergency plan for your family:

1. Know the risks. Determine the weather risks that are particular to your province or territory. Identify the ones most likely to pose problems in your part of the province.

2. Make a plan. The site provides a video describing the creation of a plan, and a template you can use to create your own plan. You may not be able to fill out all the information in the template; discuss any of the information you’re lacking with family members.

3. Design a kit. What goes into a proper 72-hour emergency kit? Do you already have one at home? Is it kept up-to-date?

Notes:

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 8 HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLAND The Scope of the Storm

Did you know . . . As You Read Newfoundland and Newfoundland is no stranger to major storms, but Hurricane Igor was much Labrador is one of bigger than any storm to hit the island in recent memory. As you read this Canada’s four Atlantic section on the scope of Hurricane Igor, make a list of some of the features that provinces. The others made it what many Newfoundland residents have called “the storm of the are New Brunswick, century.” Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Hurricane Igor began as a group of heavy rain to the island of Newfoundland Island. These latter thunderstorms off the coast of West in particular. Oil rigs in the White Rose three make up the Africa. As the storm system became oilfield off the southeast coast were Maritime provinces, more organized, it quickly grew in evacuated. and they are often area and developed high winds. By The storm’s intensity was expected to simply referred to as the Maritimes. September 12 those winds were at 240 subside as it moved north. Environment Although Quebec does kilometres per hour. Igor had become a Canada, however, recognized that have some Atlantic Category 4 hurricane. the storm still posed a major threat coastline, it is not Almost perfect weather conditions to Newfoundland. It issued a tropical included in either existed for the storm to develop into a storm watch for the Avalon and Burin group. hurricane. Surface temperatures in the peninsulas on Newfoundland’s south Atlantic were at record high levels in coast. But it stressed that this warning Further Research late summer, and this helped to raise the was a downgrade in classification, not in Hurricanes are rated energy level of the storm. Combined intensity. While the storm might not have on a scale from 1 to 5 with low vertical shear—meaning no hurricane-force winds, it could still cause according to the Saffir- significant changes in wind speed or hurricane-force damage. Simpson Hurricane direction as the storm rose into the upper Wind Scale. An atmosphere—a major weather event was excellent summary of The Storm Hits this scale is available guaranteed. Igor swept in on September 2—and the on the U.S. National Hurricane Igor first came ashore on storm was even worse than anticipated. Weather Service Web Bermuda. When it hit the island it was Early CBC reports summarized the site at www.nhc. rated a Category 1 storm, with winds situation: “Hurricane Igor swept into noaa.gov/sshws_table. predicted to be up to 150 kilometres per southern and eastern Newfoundland shtml?large. hour. Much of its punch, however, came Tuesday with enough force to close from the rains that accompanied it. Up roads, shut down highway traffic, and to 230 millimetres fell in many areas, put some coastal communities at risk. causing significant flooding. Igor collapsed roads, brought down bridges, destroyed culverts, knocked Atlantic Canada Braces for Impact out power, and even sparked a couple Environment Canada—our national of house fires as it pushed aggressively weather service—was quick to note the through Newfoundland, dropping more rainfall levels generated by Hurricane than 200 millimetres of rain” (Broadcast Igor and warned the Atlantic provinces transcript, CBC, Sept 21, 2010). to prepare for a major storm. While As the storm subsided and people Igor was not expected to make landfall began to clean up, the enormity of the in Canada, it was anticipated that the damage began to emerge. Over 30 hurricane, combined with a separate different communities declared states trough of low pressure, would bring of emergency because of flooding.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 9 Sam Synard, the mayor of Marystown, The federal government was quick Further Research described the situation in many of these to offer military assistance in dealing Become an “instant expert” on hurricanes communities: “We’ve never seen such with a variety of activities, ranging from and other kinds of a violent storm before. Very few, if any, infrastructure repairs to food and supply extreme weather. communities in the country could deal deliveries. Supplies and equipment were Consult Jeff Masters’ with that amount of rainfall. We’ve lost brought in to remote communities by Sea “Instant Expert 4: sections of our main roads, completely King helicopters and, where docks had Extreme Weather” washed out to sea” (Toronto Star, survived the storm, naval vessels. guide included in September 22, 2010). The military operation ended, and the the October 2, 2010, issue of New Scientist Several communities were completely Newfoundland and Labrador government magazine. Previous unreachable by land because sections of announced on October 2 that all isolated “Instant Expert” road, including parts of the Trans Canada communities had been reconnected by modules have included Highway, had disappeared in the floods. road. The transportation minister did general relativity, Bridges were also washed away. point out that many of the repairs made cloning, and the Over 60 000 homes lost electrical were temporary, done in haste before the unseen universe. power during the storm. In some cases, end of the 2010 construction season. restoring that power was destined to For the thousands of individual take days rather than hours; damaged residents whose property was damaged roads made it next to impossible to get and whose livelihood was lost in the equipment to the areas affected. storm, the clean-up would continue for a long time to come. The Clean-up The final word on the scope of While Premier Danny Williams felt it Hurricane Igor goes to Environment unnecessary to declare a province-wide Canada. In a statement released to the state of emergency, the government did CBC on September 24, 2010, they acknowledge that the clean-up would stated: “There are no hurricanes/post- be a massive task—taking weeks and tropical events of this magnitude striking months. The first tasks would be to get Newfoundland in the modern era. In relief supplies to cut-off communities statistical terms, this was effectively a and to repair the roads and bridges 50- to 100-year event, depending on how necessary to reconnect them. The cost one chooses to define it.” of the damage was estimated to be about $100-million.

Follow-up 1. Hurricane Igor struck Newfoundland as a Category 1 hurricane. Go to the U.S. National Weather Service Web address—given in the margin item on the previous page—and review the description of likely damage from such a storm described in the summary table. How well does it describe the damage caused by Igor in Newfoundland?

2. Most of Igor’s damage was caused by flooding due to the huge amount of rain the storm dumped. How useful is the Saffir-Simpson wind scale in describing the potential for that kind of damage?

3. What are the differences in the ways one would prepare for high winds versus heavy rainfalls?

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 10 HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLAND Taking a Closer Look

In this section, we take a closer look at in the town, along with the town dock, Did you know . . . some of the communities hardest hit by and washed away the roads leading in Flood insurance is rarely included on Hurricane Igor. and out. home insurance Reporter Stephanie Power spoke with policies. Random Island Gerald Spurrell, a resident of Trouty, Random Island is in Trinity Bay off four days after the storm hit. The town the east coast of Newfoundland. It was still without power and without is connected to the main island by a roads. “Where the road once was, on the causeway. It has the distinction of having north and south sides of the river, there’s the only Newfoundland fatality directly only a pile of rocks. There’s a big hole attributable to Hurricane Igor. where a culvert washed right away” (The At the height of the storm, an 80- Globe and Mail, September 25, 2010). year-old man went to check on a Spurrell, whose home suffered only friend’s summer home. Weakened by a flooded basement, had taken in a floodwaters, the road underneath him neighbor whose house was lost in the collapsed, and he was swept into a storm. He was grateful that Trouty’s swollen brook and then out to sea. residents had escaped unharmed, but The devastation on Random Island worried that the flooding meant no was especially noteworthy. Much of the insurance compensation. “First, we’re island was only accessible by boat; four fortunate there wasn’t more injuries or major roads were washed away. The deaths. Houses can be replaced. But then only two gas stations on the island were we run into this: We’ve been paying inaccessible to most people. insurance on our homes our whole lives Many of the homes on the island draw and here we finally need it and it’s no their water from wells, and several of good to us, because this was a flood.” these collapsed during the storm. Those whose wells survived found themselves Port Union advised that it was necessary to boil their Port Union has a special place on the water to ensure its safety. Runoff from Bonavista Peninsula. It is the home of the storm had contaminated many of Ocean Choice International Fish Plant, them. which employs more than 200 people Food was also a problem. The from the area. Or rather, it did employ residents were without power and, within 200 people until the plant was virtually a day, lost most of their perishable food. destroyed by Hurricane Igor. With the roads washed out, deliveries of A pond across the road flooded and fresh food were next to impossible until sent torrents of water right through the boat or air access could be arranged. plant. The St. John’s Telegram described the Trouty results: “The roof was partly torn off, a Trouty is a small community on massive hole was punched in the side the Bonavista Peninsula, which is of the building and . . . attempts to get also located on the east coast of in the building show that there is a large Newfoundland, north of Random Island. quantity of rock in the engine room. Hurricane Igor destroyed several homes The loading dock and road around the

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 11 plant is nothing but crumpled asphalt. story of Carrie Ricketts, a 90-year-old Downwind from the building, a rank resident who was stranded in the village stench of rotting shrimp fills the air. Up when the road was washed out. Rickets until last Tuesday when the storm hit, was leaving the morning of the storm to the plant was in full production, and was fly to Toronto where she usually winters expected to keep operating for another with members of her family. She and the month or two” (September 29, 2010). driver, her niece’s husband, never made In its broadcast report the CBC spoke it out of town. with Jim Dalton of the Fish, Food and Ricketts described her situation to Allied Workers Union. the St. John’s Telegram. “My niece’s “There’s hundreds of thousands, husband came out to drive my car back probably millions, of dollars of damage and they were going to drive her back to there. The road to the loading dock is the mainland for me and I was flying out. gone completely. Even in the lunchroom We left yesterday morning and got five there was probably three to four feet of car lengths and couldn’t get no farther. water. Our plant is finished for this year.’ The road was completely washed out. “At least one worker had to be helped I’m supposed to be flying to Toronto out of the building, wading through now. I had my reservation to leave at rushing water up to his waist last 2 o’clock. On account of me leaving to Tuesday. . . . Two fishermen helped go to Toronto for the winter, I had no him get out of it. There was just a food. There’s nothing here. That puts me river running right through the plant” in a hard bind” (September 27, 2010). (September 27, 2010). Ricketts was down to half a loaf of bread, some fish, and three potatoes Knight’s Cove when she learned that a provincial Our final story comes from Knights helicopter would pick her up on Friday, Cove, a tiny community also near the four days after the storm. She flew out to tip of the Bonavista Peninsula. It’s the Toronto the next day.

For Discussion One of the stories that came out of almost every small community cut off by the storm was how neighbours pulled together to get through the period before assistance arrived—sharing food, water, and fuel. If a similar disaster were to strike your community, do you think you could count on your neighbourhood to come together the same way? Why or why not?

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 12 HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLAND When Disaster Strikes at Home

Further Research Focus for Reading Read all about the Victims of Hurricane Igor in Newfoundland were assisted by the help of many: Canadian military’s governments, charitable organizations, corporations, and private individuals. As role in the clean-up, you read about the various ways in which individuals, groups, and organizations Operation LAMA, at have tried to help, make a list of those whose assistance would seem a “given” www.canadacom. and make a second list of those whose assistance might have come as a surprise. forces.gc.ca/spec/lama- eng.asp. A description We have grown accustomed to the be ongoing for some time. While roads of the federal tax- massive campaigns to raise charitable and bridges would be repaired, their relief measures is contribution when disaster occurs complete reconstruction would have to at www.cra-arc. abroad. The two most recent ones have wait until the 2011 construction season. gc.ca/nwsrm/rlss/2010/ m09/nr100923-eng. been to support earthquake victims in To assist the provincial government, html?rss. Haiti and flood victims in Pakistan. But the federal government provided over when the disaster is on Canadian soil 1 000 members of the military. Three where can Canadians turn for help? naval vessels and several Sea King helicopters were dispatched. The role Governments of the military, as reported by the Municipal, provincial, and federal CBC on September 24, 2010, would governments all have a role to play in be a big one: “delivery of emergency disaster relief, and all were at work in supplies; delivery of generators and fuel; Newfoundland. Local governments were repair of bridges and roads; provide the first to declare a state of emergency medical assistance and evacuations; after assessing their local situation. repair downed power lines; transport Recognizing that repairing much of the emergency crews to isolated areas.” damage was beyond their means, they The federal government also offered requested assistance from the provincial special tax-relief measures to those government. At the same time, they individuals and businesses affected served as co-ordinators for community by Igor, allowing them to postpone relief efforts and the ultimate source of payments without penalty. information on any assistance that might be forthcoming. Charitable Organizations Although Premier Danny Williams Always in the forefront at any major did not call a province-wide state of Canadian disaster is the Canadian Red emergency, he did draw resources Cross. The Red Cross responds to from throughout Newfoundland and disasters by providing emergency shelter Labrador to provide disaster relief and and supplies to disaster victims and is deal with infrastructure damage, which usually one of the first organizations to may amount to $100-million. The reach an affected area. It is also a major government’s immediate priorities were fundraiser for relief efforts and helps to to ensure that necessary supplies reached ensure that donations reach their targets. stranded communities; that power was Smaller organizations also play a part. restored as quickly as possible; and that For example, St. John’s Community communities were reconnected by road Food Sharing Association, a co- as quickly as possible. Much of the ordinating agency for the city’s food provincial government’s work would banks, collected large amounts of non-

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 13 perishable food for the most severely efforts and those of thousands of other Further Research affected areas of the province. Newfoundlanders. Read about the Red Cross’s efforts Faith-based charities also were quick “For over 500 years, residents on this on behalf of the to offer their assistance. Largest of ‘rock’ have lived by the sea, helping one Hurricane Igor these is the Salvation Army, offering another to survive this harsh climate. victims and/or make food, water, and emergency shelter. Lending a helping hand, offering a share a donation at www. Samaritan’s Purse, a charity usually of the last morsel of food or stitch of redcross.ca/article. involved in international aid, provided clothing has been a way in life for five asp?id=36324& members who came in and ripped out centuries. Should anyone have doubted tid=001. floorboards and drywall in flooded the response of Newfoundlanders to homes to prevent the growth of mould this tragedy? A caring, sharing heart and mildew. has always been the core of individuals in this province, and this was just Corporations another example of why others look The corporate response ranged from large upon Newfoundlanders with untold donations of cash to promises to assist admiration.” customers in need. Examples include Those efforts included students at BMO Financial Group, which donated Memorial University in St. John’s who $50 000 to the Red Cross. Scotiabank collected donations of all kinds—from donated $30 000 and committed to work canned goods to spare change—to with its customers to help rebuild their make the point that individuals working lives and communities. Such help might together can make a difference. They include delaying existing loan repayments included noted musicians in St. John’s as well as offering new, lower-interest organizing a concert that raised more loans to customers. On October 6, 2010, than $400 000 for the Red Cross. North Atlantic Refining donated $0.05 And they included the help of people from every litre of fuel it sold. U-Haul like Kevin Jacobs. Jacobs is the manager offered 30 days of free storage to anyone of Clarenville Co-op. He asked a local affected by the flooding. boat owner to take milk and bread to Hickman’s Harbour, one of the Individuals communities left isolated and without The efforts of individual supplies after the Hurricane struck. But Newfoundlanders helping each other when word about Jacobs’ help spread, after Hurricane Igor struck became within 24 hours he received “more than one of the biggest stories of this $30,000 in cash donations, as well as a event. Marystown is a community donated truck and countless volunteer on the Burin Peninsula that suffered speedboat and longliner trips. Thanks considerable damage during the storm. to his efforts, several communities In the aftermath, the community pulled were stocked with fresh food and other together to deal with the damage. desperately needed supplies” (The Globe The town’s newspaper, The Southern and Mail, September 25, 2010). Gazette, published an editorial on Little wonder that Newfoundlanders October 13, 2010, that summed up their are so proud of their province.

For Discussion Unlike occasions when disasters strike developing countries, no massive, nation-wide fundraising campaign was launched to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Igor. Is there ever a need for that kind of campaign in Canada? Can we always count on all the organizations, groups, and individuals listed above to do their part?

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 14 HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLAND Getting to Know Newfoundland

Focus for Reading If you do not live on Canada’s East Coast you may not know much about the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Here is an FAQ with some basic information about the province. As you read through this information, think about what you already knew, what you learned, and what else you’d still like to know. This story is about Hurricane Igor What is the capital of Newfoundland hitting Newfoundland. Why are we and Labrador? suddenly talking about the province of St. John’s is the provincial capital, Newfoundland and Labrador? located on the eastern tip of the As you might expect from the name, Avalon Peninsula. Its population is the province is made up of two parts. nearly 100 000. If one includes the Hurricane Igor struck the island of surrounding communities that make up Newfoundland, which is in the Gulf of the metropolitan area, the population is St. Lawrence in the Atlantic Ocean. The over 180 000. In other words, well over other part of the province, Labrador, is one-third of the province lives in the actually larger than Newfoundland on the area in and around St. John’s. eastern part of mainland Canada. When discussing the province as a whole, the What are the province’s next largest name is always given as Newfoundland communities? and Labrador. On Newfoundland, Mount Pearl has a population of 25 000. Corner Brook How large is Newfoundland and Labrador? is a bit smaller, with just over 20 000. The island of Newfoundland covers The largest community on Labrador is an area of 111 390 square kilometres. Labrador City, with 7 700 people. Labrador has an area of 294 330 square kilometres. To put this in perspective, Does Newfoundland and Labrador the province is more than three times have a unique time zone? the combined size of the other Atlantic It does indeed. The island of provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Newfoundland is 3.5 hours west of Scotia, and Prince Edward Island). Greenwich, England. In 1935, before it became a part of Canada, the What is the population of government passed The Newfoundland Newfoundland and Labrador? Standard Time Act. The province has According to the 2006 census, the remained one-half hour ahead of the population is 509 677. Of that number, rest of Atlantic Canada ever since. 26 364 people live in Labrador. About 35 per cent of that population is Aboriginal.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 15 When did Newfoundland and Labrador Mineral resources are now central to become a Canadian province? the province’s economy, with iron and copper both mined in Newfoundland. In 1949 Newfoundlanders voted Even more important are the iron, to become Canada’s 10th province, nickel, copper and cobalt mines in making them the newest partners in Labrador. Confederation. Initially the province Of increasing importance to the was called Newfoundland. But in 1964 economy are the offshore petroleum the provincial government began to deposits that are now being located officially call itself the Government and developed off the island. Activity of Newfoundland and Labrador. In in the petroleum industry has 2001 an amendment to the Canadian recently expanded to the point where Constitution made the change in the Newfoundland is now considered to be province’s name official. a “have” province—a province capable of generating on its own the revenue How long have people inhabited necessary to pay for all its federally Newfoundland and Labrador? mandated programs without federal Evidence of human inhabitants has monetary assistance. been traced back at least 9 000 years, with the most recent Aboriginal What about electric power? cultures being the Innu and Inuit Churchill Falls in Labrador is one the of Labrador and the Beothuks of largest hydroelectric developments in Newfoundland. The latter were wiped the world. Most of the power generated out by European settlers. The first is sold to Quebec under a contract authenticated European attempt at that will be in effect until 2041. The settlement was over 1 000 years ago. price being paid to Newfoundland and For a brief period, Vikings settled at Labrador is considerably below the L’Anse aux Meadows, at the northern going price paid at similar projects. The tip of the island. province is planning to build another massive project on the Lower Churchill What are Newfoundland and River. Sales of power from that site Labrador’s main industries? will doubtless be far more favourable The Newfoundland and Labrador to the provincial government. economy has always been heavily resource-based. For years the fishery Fun FAQ: Does Newfoundland and was the principal industry, with cod Labrador really have its own breed of the most important variety taken. dog? Overfishing led to the collapse of Not only does it have one breed, it the industry, and a moratorium on has two. Both the Newfoundland cod fishing and strict quotas on other dog and the Labrador Retriever were species were put in place beginning in bred as working dogs on the island of 1992. Stocks have never recovered, and Newfoundland, and both are happy in the fishery now makes up only a small the water. The Newfoundland, with its portion of the gross domestic product. webbed feet, is an especially excellent Shellfish harvesting and aquaculture swimmer. have increased in importance in recent years.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 16 What are the most plentiful large animals What is Newfoundland and Labrador’s in Newfoundland and Labrador? official tree? On Newfoundland the clear winner The black spruce is the most common is the moose. Moose are not native to tree in the province. It is extremely hardy Newfoundland. The island’s moose are and a favourite tree in the pulp and paper all descended from four New Brunswick industry, which has played an important moose that were relocated in 1904. At role in the history of the province. It the time, wild game was a source of has supplied lumber and firewood to winter food for a majority of the island’s Newfoundlanders for centuries. inhabitants. It was believed that, if the moose bred successfully, they would What is Newfoundland and Labrador’s become an excellent food resource. official bird? They certainly did breed. There are now As a province with a long history tied about 150 000 moose on the island. They to the sea, Newfoundland and Labrador have helped turn Newfoundland into an chose the Atlantic puffin as its symbol. important hunting destination for tourists The puffin usually feeds by diving from all over the world. for fish. It was once hunted in large The woodland caribou is the most numbers, both as a source of meat and plentiful animal in Labrador, with over for its eggs. 750 000 animals in the George River The puffin spends its winters on herd. Caribou are an important part of the open ocean. About 95 per cent of the Aboriginal diet in Labrador. Caribou Atlantic puffins breed in colonies around hunting is also popular with tourists, the Newfoundland and Labrador coasts. partly because of the trophy: caribou The largest colony, estimated to have have the largest antler-to-body-size ratio about 260 000 pairs, is found at Witless of all the world’s big game. Bay Ecological Reserve, south of St. John’s. What is Newfoundland and Labrador’s official flower? It’s the pitcher plant, a plant that feeds on insects by drowning them in a pool of water at the base of its tubular leaves. A common bog and marsh plant, it was selected by Queen Victoria for engraving on the Newfoundland penny.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 17 HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLAND Activity: Getting the Story Out

In its impact on Newfoundland, Hurricane Igor was the worst storm in recent memory, the kind of storm that only strikes every 50 to 100 years. Few storms anywhere in Canada have been as devastating over such a wide area. Yet many Canadians seem unaware of the full extent of the damage done by the storm and its impact on the lives of thousands of Newfoundlanders.

Your task is to help get that story out. The method you use is up to you, and might be: • A newspaper or magazine article • A summary radio or television broadcast • A series of blog entries • A news report directly from the affected area

You may choose to tell the story in the first person (“Here I am watching this happen around me; or, to me.”) or in the third person (“The people of Newfoundland were overwhelmed by today’s events.”). You may choose to focus on one typical community or area or present a broader picture of the devastation across the southern parts of the island.

You may use material from the video and the guide to assemble your presentation. You may also want to consult the CBC’s Hurricane Igor News Archive at www.cbc.ca/nl/features/igor/ and the story and videos available from the CBC at www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2010/09/21/igor- hurricane-nl-921.html.

The following organizer may help you to get started on this activity.

Task selected: ______

Details of damage to be Elements of story Details to add authenticity (place included in report (opening, interviews, etc.) names, industries, etc.)

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 18 CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL Introduction The governor general is the Queen’s the governor general is that he or she Focus representative in Canada. The position remains impartial; that means that he or David Johnston was appointed the 28th exists because of Canada’s history as she cannot take sides with a particular Governor General of a British colony. Even though Canada political party when offering advice. Canada on October 1, is no longer a colony of Britain, a The process of selecting David 2010. While Johnston number of symbolic traditions, laws, and Johnston as Canada’s newest governor is widely regarded institutions established as a result of this general began when Prime Minister as a solid choice to former relationship still exist. Typically Stephen Harper established a non- act as the Queen’s every five years, the prime minister partisan panel composed of six people representative in Canada, he must nominates a new governor general. to provide a shortlist of candidates. follow in the footsteps The position of the governor general is They canvassed more than 200 people of Michaëlle Jean, largely a ceremonial one. The governor for suggestions. Those canvassed a well-admired and general doesn’t vote in Parliament included premiers, civic leaders, former gracious woman who or introduce bills. But he or she has prime ministers, and opposition leaders was thrust into a the power to “advise, encourage, and Michael Ignatieff and Jack Layton. It constitutional crisis to warn” the prime minister and the was from their shortlist that Harper during her tenure as Governor General. This government. The governor general can chose David Johnston, President of the News in Review story offer valuable counsel, depending on the University of Waterloo and a highly explores the issues person’s skills and career experience. respected lawyer and administrator. the new Governor An important criterion for choosing General will face and considers the place of To Consider the governor general 1. Think of as many symbols of Canada as you can. in Canadian politics. 2. Can you think of examples of people who act as a political, national, religious, or cultural symbol in Canada?

3. What attributes do you think would be important for someone to have for these symbolic or ceremonial roles?

4. How do you think people who act in a symbolic or ceremonial role should be chosen for their position?

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 19 CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL Video Review

Further Research Pre-viewing Activity The official Web Record your responses to the following questions. Then discuss your responses site of the governor with a classmate. general can be found 1. The swearing-in of a governor general is a very traditional ceremony. at www.gg.ca/index. Predict what type of symbols and behaviours you may see in the video. aspx.

Did you know . . . A Facebook page 2. What do you know about Michaëlle Jean’s time as governor general? Do you posted March 22, think she was an effective governor general or not? Explain your reasons. 2010, called for Canadian-born actor William Shatner of Star Trek fame to be named to the post of governor 3. If you were the prime minister what type of qualities do you think would general. Shatner, 79, be important in a governor general (a person from whom you may seek politely informed his advice)? disappointed fans that he had no interest in the position.

Viewing Questions As you watch the video, respond to the questions in the spaces provided. 1. How old is David Johnston?

2. Where was he born?

3. What sport did David Johnston play in university?

4. Who assisted the Prime Minister in selecting the new Governor General?

5. The previous two governors general were women with careers in journalism. What was David Johnston’s career?

6. List two ways in which David Johnston could be considered likeable and approachable.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 20 7. List two different opinions voiced by Canadians regarding David Johnston’s appointment.

8. List three things that you could hear or see in the swearing-in ceremony that demonstrates the fact that the governor general has a powerful position in Canada.

9. What items are on David Johnston’s personal coat of arms?

10. What issue did Michaëlle Jean have to resolve during the Coalition Crisis in 2008?

11. List two other notable actions of Michaëlle Jean.

12. What word does David Johnston wish to stress in his role as Governor General?

13. What word does he wish to downplay in his role as Governor General?

Post-viewing Activity 1. If you could have a personal coat of arms created, what 3-5 symbols would you request and why?

2. Predict two ways in which David Johnston’s approach to the role of governor general may differ from that of Michaëlle Jean.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 21 CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL Who is David Johnston?

Did you know . . . Focus for Reading Governor General As you read the following information on David Johnston, underline the Johnston stripped qualities, skills, and experiences that you think make him a good choice for Colonel Russell governor general. Circle any qualities, skills, and experiences that you think Williams of his rank on make him a questionable choice for governor general. the advice of General Walter Natynczyk, When Prime Minister Stephen Harper Brian Mulroney and German financier Canada’s chief of announced that David Johnston would Karlheinz Schreiber. Allegations had defence staff. This become the 28th Governor General been made by Schreiber that he had might be the first time of Canada, the consensus from the made two substantial cash payments in Canadian history a academic and political community totaling $225 000 to then-prime minister governor general has revoked someone’s was that he had made a wise choice. Mulroney in 1993 and 1994. This commission as an Following in the footsteps of Michaëlle information caused a national uproar, officer. Russell pleaded Jean will be a challenge for Johnston due and the Canadian public demanded an guilty to 88 criminal to Jean’s widespread public appeal, but official inquiry into these dealings. charges in October early indications point to the fact that In January 2008, David Johnston 2010, including two the newly appointed governor general is released his report in which he counts of murder. ready for this challenge. outlined the terms of reference on a David Johnston is 66 years old, public inquiry. Some opposition MPs married, with five daughters, and seven complained that the inquiry was too grandchildren. His wife, Sharon, has narrow in its focus on the cash payments a PhD in rehabilitation science and is between the two men and didn’t allow an accomplished equestrian. The entire for an examination of allegations about Johnston family is proud of the fact questionable business dealings that that they have been involved in public Mulroney and Schreiber and others service. The Johnston family has made had in connection with the 1988 sale of it their life’s work to contribute to the Airbus to Air Canada. The Airbus affair community. They have a special interest was a previous political scandal during in early education and the importance of the Mulroney time in office. effective parenting. When David Johnston was appointed Johnston was a student of history and governor general, some critics claimed it law. He completed his undergraduate was due to Johnston’s previous work for degree at Harvard, where he was the Prime Minister, work that prevented also was the captain of the university more scandal for the Conservative party. hockey team. He declined several offers Many other people, though, proclaimed to run for federal office by both the that the selection of Johnston was a wise Conservative and Liberal parties. choice. Johnston’s intelligence, his legal In 2007 he was appointed by Stephen background, his work with communities, Harper as a special advisor to make and his friendly personality would recommendations regarding a public allow for him to act in both ceremonial inquiry into “shady” dealings between capacities and as a genuine advisor in former Conservative prime minister difficult political times.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 22 Activity: David Johnston At a Glance Below are words, terms, and phrases that have been used to describe David Johnston.

1. Rank what you think would be the top three qualifications/attributes for a governor general from the point of view of the Canadian public.

2. Rank the top three qualifications/attributes for a governor general from the point of view of the prime minister.

3. Rank the top three qualifications/attributes for a governor general from the point of view of opposition parties.

4. Account for any differences in your three lists.

5. Rank the bottom three qualifications/attributes and explain your choices. • lawyer • professor and dean • middle age, white male • well-read and well-informed • author of two dozen books • swears infrequently and only in Latin • bilingual • remembers the name of everyone he’s ever met • ambitious • diplomatic • uncompromised integrity • not easily intimidated • hard working and demanding of those he works with • makes everyone he meets feel important • Order of Canada recipient • friendly • an analytical thinker • non-partisan

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 23 CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL What does the governor general do? Focus for Reading While in office, the governor general has a number of roles and responsibilities. As you read the following information, consider which of these roles and responsibilities you think are most important in building national unity, which of the roles could pose the most challenges for a governor general, and which roles allow the governor general to exercise his or her own autonomy.

Canada is both a parliamentary Representing Canadians and democracy and a constitutional Promoting our Sovereignty monarchy. This means that we have both • Travels to foreign countries, building a head of state and a head of government. bridges of friendship and understanding The Queen of England is Canada’s head between nations of state, but she is represented in Canada • Welcomes world leaders, ambassadors, by the governor general. However, it and others who represent their should be noted that real political power countries in Canada rests with the prime minster of Canada, who is the head of government. Celebrating Excellence • Helps Canada pay tribute to Representing the Crown in outstanding people by awarding a Canada variety of orders, decorations, and • Ensures that Canada always has a medals prime minister • Meets regularly with the prime minister Bringing Canadians Together • Signs bills passed by the House of • Promotes national identity and unity by Commons and the Senate—this is encouraging Canadians to be proud of called giving Royal Assent their country • Reads the Speech from the Throne in • Participates in national ceremonies Parliament, opens and ends sessions of such as Canada Day and Remembrance Parliament, and dissolves Parliament Day for an election • Presides over the swearing-in of the prime minister, the chief justice of Canada, and cabinet ministers • Is the commander-in-chief of Canada’s forces

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 24 CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL Do we need a governor general?

The position of governor general exists Should the role be more substantive and Fact because Canada was once a colony of less symbolic? Or should we be glad Canada’s governors general have Britain. While we continue to have close that the role is largely symbolic but established more ties with Britain, Canada has long been recognize that this does not make the than 60 awards an independent nation. The Canadian role unimportant? and trophies in the prime minister and his or her government If we accept that the governor general arts, social sciences, set policy and see that important is the public face of Canada, then the humanities, and legislation makes its way through the governor general should represent the sports. One of the House of Commons and the Senate. If diversity of Canada. If we also accept more prestigious awards is the Order the Office of the Governor General was that the governor general be informed to of Canada, which abolished, would Canada not be sending give good advice to the prime minister in recognizes lifetime a strong message that the country has political, legal, and community affairs, achievement that “come of age”? then the governor general should also brings credit to the Perhaps the question is not whether or have concrete skills or experience in country. not we need a governor general. Perhaps those areas. the question should be: What is the With the appointment of David proper role for the Canadian governor Johnston, with his legal background and general in the 21st century? proven political skills, it appears as if the The role of governor general is largely role of governor general may be moving symbolic. In many ways the governor toward a position with the potential for general is the public face of Canada. increased political influence. Follow-up Do you think Canada needs a governor general? Create a chart in which you list arguments opposed to the position of governor general and arguments in favour of the position before making your conclusion.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 25 CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL New Challenges of the Job

Quote Pre-reading Activity “The inherent 1. Review with a partner the role, responsibilities, and reserve powers of the instability of minority governor general. (Do this at the official Web site of the governor general government, along at www.gg.ca.) with Harper’s inclination to 2. Predict what may happen if a political party or the Canadian people prorogue government wanted the governor general to use reserve powers. often, will almost certainly mean Is the role of governor general emerging Parliament had only been in session for a Johnston can count from the traditional symbolic role to that few weeks before his request. on having some of one with more political influence? As well, the opposition parties had tough calls in the The governor general has the power to organized a potential coalition that months to come.” adjourn Parliament, without “dissolving” guaranteed a loss-of-confidence vote — Heather Scoffield (The Canadian Press, the legislative body (i.e., calling an that would defeat the Prime Minister’s October 2, 2010) election). Other reserve powers that government and lead to an election. are only to be used in a time of great Some constitutional experts felt this constitutional crisis and political impasse situation warranted the Governor Vocabulary include dismissing a prime minster General to use her reserve powers and When Parliament who may attempt to maintain power to deny the Prime Minister’s request to is prorogued, the unconstitutionally and to delay or refuse prorogue Parliament. current session of Parliament is halted royal assent to legislation. The governor Other experts argued that the Governor for a specific period of general must ensure that Canada has a General should not interfere in political time. All the members stable and well-functioning Parliament. matters at all. The end result was of Parliament remain That being said, no Canadian governor that Michaëlle Jean acceded to Prime in place, but any general has ever dismissed a prime Minister Harper’s request. Jean also unpassed bills or minister. agreed to a second prorogation request motions disappear by the Prime Minister in 2009. once the session is resumed. The 2008 Adjournment of Parliament: A Test of the Role of Conflicting Advice Governor General? Many Canadians wondered why In December 2008, Stephen Harper had a Michaëlle Jean decided not to use her two-and-a-half-hour face-to-face meeting reserve powers, when a significant with Michaëlle Jean at her residence number of Canadians felt that only she to ask her permission to prorogue could stop what they considered to be an Parliament. This is a very unusual abuse of prime ministerial authority. request and it forced Michaëlle Jean into Since constitutional conventions a test of her constitutional authority. are not written down, they involve a The prorogation of Parliament is lot of subjectivity on the part of the controversial because it effectively government and the governor general. allows a sitting government to avoid Michaëlle Jean did meet to gather advice difficult issues or issues that might result from constitutional experts. She faced in the fall of the government by putting conflicting advice and the following a halt to the legislative session. Prime choices: Minister Harper’s request for prorogation 1. Ask the Prime Minister to return was particularly unusual because to Parliament—deny his request to

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 26 prorogue—and make him demonstrate political tactics, while others feel that she Fact that he still had the confidence of the could not have interfered in a way that At the time of the prorogation decision, house by attempting to pass a bill. would have jeopardized her office and Prime Minister 2. Grant the Prime Minister’s request the democratic process. Stephen Harper was since Christmas parliamentary breaks leading a minority are routine and the governor general What does all this mean for government. If the always grants the prime minister’s David Johnston? opposition parties Constitutional experts have noted that voted together they requests. would have enough Critics of the first option argued that Prime Minister Harper has stretched the votes to defeat the if Jean had denied Harper’s request to prime minister’s power. David Johnston ruling government. prorogue that she could have been seen may be called to stand up to a leader as overstepping her authority. And her who oversteps the democratic processes. Johnston seems determined to consider Did you know . . . decision may have set a precedent that would have left the government poised to the serious power and responsibility In 1926 a Canadian that the office entails in addition to its Governor General lose any future parliamentary vote. refused to dissolve Supporters of the second option ceremonial functions. Parliament at the argued that allowing Harper to prorogue Unlike presidents in the United States, request of the Prime Parliament was not such a big deal even Canadian prime ministers can only hold Minister. Learn more if it allowed the government to avoid power as long as they have their party’s about the “King-Byng a defeat in the House. These observers consent and Parliament’s confidence. Affair” at http:// Stephen Harper’s use of prorogation as a archives.cbc.ca/politics/ noted that if the government really had way to avoid elections has been viewed federal_politics/ lost the confidence of the House then an clips/11688/. election would be bound to happen in the by some as a reckless abuse of his power. near future. Johnston may have to decide whether Michaëlle Jean’s final decision is still a coalition could form a government, if debated. Some people feel that she gave Harper were to lose the confidence of the in to the Prime Minister’s questionable House. Follow-up 1. Imagine that you were Michaëlle Jean facing the decision of whether to prorogue Parliament for Stephen Harper. a) What questions would you have asked the constitutional experts? b) What questions might you have asked the Canadian people? c) What decision do you think you would have made when the Prime Minister requested to prorogue Parliament and why?

2. Create a list of five questions that you would ask all future candidates of the office of governor general.

3. Monitor the activities of the Governor General’s office over a period of months. Create a chart that details his actions using five headings that define his role and responsibilities: “constitutional responsibilities,” “commander-in-chief,” “representing Canada,” “encouraging excellence,” and “bringing Canadians together.” Provide an assessment of his overall impact and effectiveness in fulfilling his roles and responsibilities after analyzing your chart.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 27 CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL The Legacy of Michaëlle Jean Focus for Reading As you read the following information, take point-form notes of cases in which the Canadian public was divided in their support of the actions of Michaëlle Jean.

In 2005, Queen Elizabeth II appointed support for the controversial seal hunt, Michaëlle Jean to be Canada’s governor while others thought the gesture was one general. She is the third woman to be of support for the culture and customs appointed as governor general. Jean was of the Inuit people. She championed the born in Haiti and moved to Quebec when military’s role in Afghanistan, which still a girl. She is fluent in five languages pleased the military and its supporters but and has spent most of her career as a irritated those who did not support this journalist. She is married to documentary Canadian mission. filmmaker Jean-Daniel Lafond and has a She and the Prime Minister did not daughter named Marie-Eden. always see eye to eye. When newly Jean has a mixed legacy as Governor elected U.S. President Barack Obama General. When she was appointed by came to visit Canada for the first time, the Queen, on the advice of former the friendly relationship that Obama and prime minister Paul Martin, there was Jean developed took centre stage in media some criticism about her dual French reports, detracting from Harper’s role in citizenship— which she acquired when the visit. She criticized the government she married Lafond. (She later renounced for ending a subsidy that supported groups her French citizenship.) There were also in language and equality legal cases. She those who questioned her previous ties to also referred to herself as Canada’s head Quebec’s separatist movement. She and of state—the Queen is Canada’s head of her husband denied these allegations. state—which angered monarchists and the She was a television journalist with office of the Prime Minister. a limited profile and few obvious However, her many accomplishments distinctions when she became Governor remain. Her generosity of spirit General. Although she gained popular and capacity to genuinely relate to appeal she never gained respect from people’s stories and circumstances powerful politicians. This fact might have was unwavering. Her dedication to impacted her effectiveness in handling the cause of her birthplace has led to difficult political situations, such as that of her appointment as United Nations December 2008, when she allowed Prime Educational, Scientific and Cultural Minister Harper to prorogue Parliament. Organization (UNESCO) special envoy Many concluded that she was a weak for Haiti in September 2011. Her mission leader due to her political inexperience. will be to fight poverty and illiteracy When she ate raw seal meat at Rankin rates in that nation—a role she will Inlet some interpreted this as a sign of undoubtedly take up with determination. Follow-up 1. Review the notes you took while reading and be prepared to discuss whether you think Michaëlle Jean was a great, good, fair, or poor governor general. Provide reasons for your decision. 2. Discuss what David Johnston could learn from Michaëlle Jean’s period as governor general.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 28 CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL Activity: Responding Directly to His Vision

David Johnston addressed the audience after being installed as Canada’s 28th Governor General during a ceremony in the Senate on Parliament Hill, Friday, October 1, 2010, in Ottawa.

Speech Analysis 1. Skim Johnston’s speech, which is reproduced below. What is the purpose and tone of this speech?

2. With a partner, or as a class, read the speech aloud. Discuss: What parts of the speech did you like? Why? What parts confused you or could you not relate to? Why? Overall, how would you rate his speech and why?

3. Highlight, using different colours, references to his five main roles and responsibilities: constitutional responsibilities, commander-in-chief, representing Canada, encouraging excellence, and bringing Canadians together. Are some roles and responsibilities alluded to more than others?

4. Summarize Johnston’s three “pillars.”

Culminating Activity Choose the pillar that you feel is the most important to Canada’s future. Write a letter to David Johnston—noting the protocol below—and comment on how you think you could support his efforts and how he could help Canadians support this pillar. According to the Governor General’s Web site, “The Governor General appreciates receiving comments, questions, and suggestions from all Canadians.”

Your letter or e-mail should be addressed to: His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston Governor General of Canada Rideau Hall 1 Sussex Drive Ottawa ON K1A 0A1 (no postage is necessary)

Your e-mail should be sent to [email protected].

The Speech Service, whether it is to family, community, or country, is the highest, most noble of callings.

I begin by saying thank you to Her Majesty the Queen, the Prime Minister, and the Canadian people for this call to service. My wife and I accept it with joy—as we contemplate the role of Canada in the years ahead—and with gratitude at the opportunity to serve as the Queen’s representative in Canada. Less than a month ago, Sharon and I visited Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh at Balmoral, Scotland, for an amazing visit. And we were treated—so warmly—like family.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 29 I would also like to pay tribute to my predecessors, including the remarkable women The Right Honourable Jeanne Sauvé and The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, who won the love and respect of all Canadians as they carried out their duties. On behalf of the Canadian population, allow me to warmly thank my immediate predecessor The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean for her remarkable work.

Finally, I salute the women and men in our Armed Forces. I am honoured to become your Commander-in-Chief. I would also like to recognize the efforts of those military women and men who are working so hard to help the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to rebuild their communities after the recent hurricane.

As we look forward to celebrating our 150th birthday seven short years from now, what will our nation look like and how will we get there?

Two Latin words capture our challenge succinctly: Contemplare Meliora—to envision a better world. They mirror the motto of the Order of Canada—“they desire a better country.”

To help us with our vision for 2017, turn back the clock 400 years to the first governor of what we now call Canada—Samuel de Champlain. David Fischer, the Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, has written a book called Champlain’s Dream. In it, he contends that Champlain was misunderstood. Champlain is remembered as a great explorer and a warrior. But Fischer portrays him as a man of peace, tolerance, inclusiveness, and innovation, and a builder of permanent societies. This was Champlain’s dream for a new order in a new world. So many of those characteristics are present in the Canada of 2010.

We are a Smart and Caring Nation.

A nation where all Canadians can grow their talents to the maximum.

A nation where all Canadians can succeed and contribute.

But there is much work to be done to fully achieve our vision of a Smart and Caring Nation. I believe it is essential • to support families and children, • to reinforce learning and innovation, and • to encourage philanthropy and volunteerism.

As many of you know, I have spent much of my career in the university world. As an educator and administrator, I have been privileged to spend much of my life around students, and I’ve often felt that I have learned from them. In my new role, I hope to work to serve as a bridge to the next generation.

My first pillar will be supporting families and children.

I would like to first tell you a bit about my own family.

I was Sharon’s first date when she was 13, in her first year at Sault Ste. Marie Collegiate Institute. Forty-six years of marriage later she is my best friend, my inspiration, and the wind beneath my wings.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 30 We have five daughters, Deb, Ali, Sharon Jr., Jen, and Sam, and all of them are in public service. And we have seven grandchildren, our miracles, who bring us great happiness.

All the important things in life I have learned from my children. And now I am following them into the public service.

Let me add that we lived in Montreal for two decades. We have come to love the French culture and language and we consider them a national treasure.

We are looking forward to meeting Canadian families from all walks of life, all backgrounds and hearing their stories about what Canada means to them and how they see Canada in 2017 and beyond.

We are looking forward to meeting families with sons and daughters who have served in Afghanistan. And we join in the sorrow of those families whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country. Our veterans have paid heed to the call to service, and have made our country proud. And my wife and I intend to be with them every step of the way.

We are looking forward to meeting Aboriginal families and children and learning from them. We all have much to learn from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures. We are excited about being able to share in this vital part of our collective history.

And we are looking forward to meeting families who have chosen Canada as their home, determined to provide a brighter future for their children.

We know that Canada will be one of the most diverse countries in the world by 2017.

And I am firmly convinced that all of these families, no matter where they live or what their background is, will have more in common than not. Each family brings new patterns to the varied Canadian tapestry and enriches it by their presence.

My second pillar will be reinforcing learning and innovation.

We need to ensure that all Canadians have equal access to education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

These opportunities must be available in both of our official languages. Our linguistic duality is a precious asset and contributes to our strength as a nation. I salute the Francophone and Acadian communities who continue to innovate, and find ways to ensure that French continues to thrive across the country.

I look forward to learning from Canadians as I visit their communities.

Anyone who has achieved any degree of success and been placed in a leadership position can point to dozens of teachers, mentors, and coaches who have made them better persons along the way. In my case, they number in the hundreds.

During my term, we will find ways to properly recognize our teachers who are responsible for our intellectual development. If there is one trumpet call from my remarks today let it be “Cherish Our Teachers.”

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 31 I have always had great admiration for the teachers and educators of this country.

As we consider our vision for 2017, I ask “Can we have equality of opportunity and excellence too?” I believe that no nation in history has worked harder than Canada to ensure equality of opportunity. How do we square that with excellence as well? For me, the answer is through our public educational system, which is the most inclusive in the world.

How do we ensure accessible education for all so that all Canadians can realize their full potential? And how do we reconcile universal access with stellar achievement? And how do we continue to innovate in order to compete with the world’s best? Innovation at its simplest is crafting a new idea to do things better. Innovation embraces both technological and social innovation. We want the same continuing commitment to excellence in our learning and research institutions that we saw in our Canadian athletes who brought us a record 14 gold medals at the 2010 Winter Games, we need the kind of innovation that has made “BlackBerry” a household expression. We want to emulate our Olympic and Paralympic athletes by constantly striving for excellence in all that we do.

We want to be the Smart and Caring Nation; a society that innovates, embraces its talent, and uses the knowledge of each of its citizens to improve the human condition for all.

When we set our sights together, we can do better and inspire each other to achieve great things.

My third pillar will be encouraging philanthropy and volunteerism.

Canadians have a long history of coming together and helping one another. The importance of community can be seen across the country, in our rural communities, and in our cities and towns, such as the ones I grew up in, Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie.

I see examples of this “coming together” in the farming neighbourhood where we live. A Mennonite barn-raising with people gathering on the scaffold of a new barn bringing their diverse talents and energy to help a neighbour in need.

I think of Rick Hansen, who this past March marked the 25th anniversary of the day he began his Man in Motion World Tour, and he continues to inspire Canadians everywhere.

And just two weeks ago, millions of Canadians across the country came together to honour the spirit and the achievements of Terry Fox, and the 30th anniversary of his run underscores how Canadians have embraced his cause. In his introduction to his book Terry, Douglas Coupland recalls seeing the thousands upon thousands of names of everyday Canadians in the Fox archives and writes “Collectively, those names testify to something divine—our nation, our home, and our soul.”

Examples of generosity and charity abound across this great land.

We create our families and promise a better life for our children, we energetically develop our individual talents, collaborate to magnify them and

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 32 improve the health and prosperity of our families and communities across the land, and we care about our neighbours.

We will continue to foster and instil the importance of being a generous and caring nation, an idea cherished by Canadians of all backgrounds and all ages.

The 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017 will reinforce Canadians’ sense of pride and engage all citizens.

Service to country shaped us, service to family and community sustains us, and this tradition of service will carry us forward into the future.

I am looking forward to meeting and serving Canadians, coming to their communities. I am truly honoured by this call to service.

I recall the closing lines of my predecessor, General The Right Honourable Georges P. Vanier’s inaugural address: “In our march forward in material happiness, let us not neglect the spiritual threads in the weaving of our lives. If Canada is to attain the greatness worthy of it, each of us must say, ‘I ask only to serve.’”

In Canada where we work together, putting aside our differences and assisting those among us who needed a helping hand, we have built a society that is the envy of the world.

I see my role as a bridge in bringing people of all backgrounds and ages together to create a Smart and Caring Nation, a nation that will inspire not just Canadians but the entire world.

Let me end with a quote from George Bernard Shaw: “Some people see things as they are and wonder why. We dream of things that ought to be and ask why not.”

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 33 AFGHANISTAN: A FRONTLINE REPORT Introduction

Canadian troops have been fighting a achievement and satisfaction. One of Focus challenging and protracted war as part the most difficult aspects of the conflict This News in Review story takes us to the of the NATO mission in Afghanistan for for the troops is distinguishing between front line in Canada’s the past eight years. As the 2011 date for friend and foe. This is a war where the war in southern the withdrawal of our troops approaches, enemy does not engage NATO troops Afghanistan as we military and political leaders, soldiers on in full-scale battles but instead stages follow the soldiers the ground, and Canadians at home are ambushes and hit-and-run surprise of Delta Company taking stock of the conflict, evaluating the attacks. To conduct this kind of guerrilla in their difficult and progress made against the difficulties yet war effectively, the Taliban has to rely dangerous fight against Taliban to be overcome, and asking themselves if on the co-operation of the local civilian insurgents prior to the effort has been worth the cost. population, whether it gains it willingly or the scheduled 2011 Approximately 2 800 Canadian troops extracts it by threats and intimidation. For withdrawal date. were stationed in Afghanistan in the this reason, Canadian soldiers frequently autumn of 2010. The vast majority of face great problems in determining those troops were employed in frontline whether villagers working the fields are Definition duties around the city of Kandahar, in the really just innocent farmers or are in fact NATO stands for North Atlantic Treaty southern part of the country. This area, Taliban fighters in disguise. Organization. It is long a stronghold of Taliban insurgents, is In order to combat the Taliban a military alliance the most dangerous theatre of the war, and insurgency, which has grown stronger involving Canada and Canada has paid a high price in casualties over 2010, Canadian forces have adopted 27 other countries. Its for its involvement there. the strategy known as counter-insurgency, goal is to promote the As of October 2010, 152 Canadian or COIN for short. This involves “carrot” stability of the North soldiers had been killed and thousands and “stick” tactics in their dealings with Atlantic area. more had been wounded. Most of these the local Afghan population. On the deaths and injuries were the result of one hand, strong measures will be taken IEDs, or improvised explosive devices. against any village that is believed to be IEDs are bombs hidden in fields or along actively supporting the Taliban. But on roads that explode on contact with foot the other, Canadian troops continue to soldiers or military vehicles. Planting make great efforts to win the hearts and IEDs is a favourite tactic of Taliban minds of the Afghan people by helping to insurgents in their relentless struggle resolve local problems and bring much- against NATO forces. needed schools, health-care facilities, and For the soldiers on the ground in other social services to an impoverished Afghanistan, the war is a daily grind, country that has been beset by violence full of frustrations and dangers but for the past three decades. also sometimes providing moments of To Consider 1. How much do you know about Canada’s ongoing war in Afghanistan? Why did the Canadian military go there in the first place? 2. Do you agree with the government’s decision to withdraw Canadian troops from Afghanistan in 2011? Why or why not? 3. Do you think that the results that Canadian troops fighting in Afghanistan have achieved so far have been worth the cost in lives and money? Why or why not?

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 34 AFGHANISTAN: A FRONTLINE REPORT Video Review

Definition Pre-viewing Questions An insurgent is a With a partner, or in a small group, discuss and respond to the following person who engages questions. in armed resistance 1. From what you have seen in the media, how would you describe the against a government conditions Canadian soldiers are facing in their war in Afghanistan? or the execution of its laws. Insurgents are commonly referred to as rebels. 2. Has the war or reports of Canadian casualties in the war affected you personally in any way? If so, how? If not, why not?

3. Do you think the Canadian public is generally supportive of the war in Afghanistan? Explain your answer.

4. What do you think are the main goals the Canadian military is trying to achieve in the war in Afghanistan? How successful has it been so far in achieving them?

Viewing Questions As you watch the video, respond to these questions in the spaces provided. 1. For how long have Canadian forces been fighting the war in Afghanistan?

2. When are Canadian troops scheduled to be withdrawn from Afghanistan?

3. How many Canadian troops are currently stationed in Afghanistan?

4. In what part of the country are most of these soldiers based?

5. How many Canadian troops have been killed in Afghanistan as of October 2010?

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 35 6. What was the cause of most of these deaths?

7. What is the name of the insurgent force that is fighting against Canada and other NATO countries in Afghanistan?

8. Why is the line between friend and enemy insurgent frequently murky for Canadian troops on the ground in Afghanistan?

9. What measures do Canadian forces take in order to win the hearts and minds of the local Afghan population in the area?

10. What nickname do Canadian troops give for foot patrols through farmers’ fields? Why is it appropriate?

11. What information do Canadian troops try to extract from the local Afghan village elder during their meeting with him? Why is this important to them?

12. What evidence do Canadian troops point to in order to prove that they are making progress against the Taliban in the area?

13. What evidence is there that some Canadian soldiers are experiencing great frustrations and anger in their dealings with the local population?

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 36 Post-viewing Questions 1. Now that you have watched the video, revisit your responses to the Pre- viewing Questions. How has watching the video helped you respond to the questions in greater depth? Have your opinions changed in any way? Explain.

2. Are you persuaded by the claims of Canadian soldiers interviewed in the video that they are making progress in their fight against the Taliban? Why or why not?

3. How successful do you think COIN has been so far as a strategy to combat the Taliban insurgency in southern Afghanistan?

4. What do you think the situation on the ground in southern Afghanistan will look like when Canadian troops are finally withdrawn in 2011?

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 37 AFGHANISTAN: A FRONTLINE REPORT Why are we fighting in Afghanistan? Focus for Reading In your notebook create an organizer like the one below. As you read the following information on the background to Canada’s military mission to Afghanistan, write down key points in your organizer. You should be able to enter at least two or three points in each section of your chart. You will be using this information in the activities that follow the text material.

Why are we fighting in Afghanistan? The Origins of the War • Canada is part of a NATO force that invaded Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. • NATO forces succeeded in driving the Taliban from power but failed to capture Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. • Bin Laden has continued to threaten further terrorist attacks, but to date nothing as serious as September 11 has occurred. Canada’s Role in Afghanistan

The Decision to Extend the Mission

The Situation as of November 2010

The Origins of the War Less than a month after the invasion The NATO mission in Afghanistan is began, NATO forces and their Afghan the direct result of the September 11, allies, an anti-Taliban coalition of 2001, terrorist attacks on New York groups known as the Northern Alliance, City and Washington, D.C. Shortly after entered Kabul, the Afghan capital, in those world-shaking events, then-U.S. triumph. Ousted but not totally crushed, president George W. Bush declared a the Taliban retreated into the rugged, “war on international terrorism” and mountainous regions of the country identified the Taliban regime that had to regroup and resume their resistance ruled Afghanistan since 1996 as the first against the invaders, a fight that target of U.S. retribution. Bush accused continues to this day. The Taliban’s main the Taliban leaders of offering a base of stronghold lay in the southern part of operations for Al Qaeda, the extremist Afghanistan, especially the area around Islamic group that claimed responsibility the provincial capital of Kandahar, which for the September 11 attacks and of was the headquarters of the Taliban’s providing sanctuary for its elusive leader, mysterious and enigmatic leader, Mullah Osama bin Laden. When the Taliban Mohammed Omar. refused to hand bin Laden over, the In late 2001, NATO forces believed United States and other NATO countries, that they had cornered bin Laden and including Canada, launched an all-out other top Al Qaeda leaders in the remote military assault on Afghanistan. Its goals mountains of Tora Bora that form part were to drive the Taliban from power, of the rugged and inaccessible border destroy Al Qaeda, and capture bin Laden. between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 38 But despite relentless, round-the-clock Northern Alliance and remains in power bombing by U.S. and NATO warplanes to this day. using state-of-the-art explosives, neither But by early 2006, a renewed Taliban bin Laden nor Omar was apprehended, insurgency in Kandahar had led to and both leaders remain at large today. It a rapid deterioration of the military is widely believed that they have found situation in that region. To deal with hideouts in Pakistan’s Northwest Frontier this threat, Lieutenant-General David Province, a remote area that is rife with Richards, who was then the British Taliban supporters and is almost beyond commander of NATO forces in southern the control of the Pakistani government Afghanistan, called for the deployment and army. of 8 000 troops, including 2 200 In the years following the September Canadians, to fight alongside Afghan 11 attacks, bin Laden has released National Army (ANA) units and secure frequent video statements to the world. the region against the Taliban. By In these he has taunted his American September 2006, over 2 500 Canadian foes for their failure to capture him, soldiers were taking part in an effort denounced U.S. foreign policy in the code-named Operation Medusa, after the Middle East and elsewhere, and called on creature from Greek mythology whose Muslims worldwide to initiate a “global horrifying face was believed to turn her jihad,” or holy war, against the West. enemies into stone. At the beginning of Canada’s military Canada’s Role in Afghanistan mission in Afghanistan, the government Canada dispatched a naval task force of the day—then led by Liberal prime to the Persian Gulf in October 2001 to minister Jean Chrétien—had imposed assist the NATO invasion of Afghanistan. a deadline of February 2009 for the Canadian troops have been fighting in withdrawal of Canadian troops. But as Afghanistan since February 2002, when NATO’s struggle against the Taliban the first battle group from the Princess proved more difficult than expected, the Patricia’s Light Infantry arrived in the Conservative government of Stephen southern province of Kandahar. Eight Harper—which came to power after years later this war-torn region remains the January 2006 federal election— the main focus for Canada’s ongoing announced its intention to extend the military commitment to the struggle deadline. against Taliban insurgents. While Canada’s initial military The Decision to Extend the involvement was concentrated in the Mission southern part of Afghanistan, the focus In October 2007, Prime Minister Harper of its operations shifted from 2003 asked former Liberal cabinet minister to 2005 to the area near the capital, John Manley to conduct an investigation Kabul. Canadian troops were part of the into Canada’s military mission to International Security Assistance Force, Afghanistan. Manley’s report, tabled in whose role was to help the fledgling January 2008, recommended that the Afghan government establish some form mission’s life be extended beyond the of national security in the run-up to the original 2009 deadline. But Manley also country’s first free national elections. stated that Canada should only agree to This vote resulted in victory for anti- stay on longer in Afghanistan if other Taliban leader Hamid Karzai, who NATO nations committed more troops, defeated his main opponent from the especially in the war-ravaged southern

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 39 part of the country where Canadian But the Afghan war remains a forces were beginning to sustain matter of great controversy at home significant losses. in Canada. People are very proud of In his report, Manley also the performance of our troops, and recommended that the Canadian especially of their efforts to promote government should equip its troops with much-needed reforms such as making it state-of-the-art equipment and weapons possible for more young girls to attend that would enable them to prosecute the school. But there are growing doubts war more effectively. As well, Manley about the wisdom and ultimate goals of felt that Canada’s role should shift from the mission. a strictly combat mission to an effort Opinion polls have consistently shown that would focus more on diplomacy, that a small majority of Canadians favour the training of an Afghan national police the withdrawal of our troops by 2011, force, and the provision of much-needed while some believe that the pull-out humanitarian and development aid to should occur even earlier. Opposition the country. This last measure would to the war appears to be strongest in involve the building of schools, health- Quebec, the province that ironically care clinics, and other facilities such as supplies most of the recruits for the sources of clean water and agricultural fighting in Afghanistan. Accusations development. by former diplomat Richard Colvin in the spring of 2010 that Canadian The Situation as of November troops had been indirectly involved in 2010 the mistreatment of captured Taliban In March 2008, Parliament voted to suspects, including some innocent extend Canada’s mission in Afghanistan Afghans, put political and military to December 2011. The minority leaders on the defensive and undermined Conservative government won the popular support for the mission. support of the opposition Liberals, but By late October 2010, the death toll both the Bloc Québécois and the NDP of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan opposed the decision. Despite the fact stood at 152, with many more wounded. that the war against the Taliban appears Processions of military funerals along far from won, and the situation on the Ontario’s Highway 401, renamed the ground, especially in the Kandahar “Highway of Heroes,” were becoming region, has actually deteriorated a solemn and frequent occasion. markedly over 2009 and 2010, Canada Many towns across the country were remains firmly committed to the 2011 mourning the loss of a valued young withdrawal deadline. local individual in uniform. Apart from U.S. President Barack Obama, who the human cost, it was estimated that the took office in January 2009 and made mission to Afghanistan would eventually the successful prosecution of the war add up to $18-billion by the time the in Afghanistan a major foreign-policy deadline for withdrawal finally arrived in objective of his administration, has December 2011, a figure that amounted quietly urged Canada to reconsider to approximately $1 500 for each its position. So have many top NATO Canadian household. leaders who have valued Canada’s commitment and sacrifices so far.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 40 Follow-up 1. With a partner, compare the information in your summary chart. Help each other to complete any missing information.

2. Do you think that Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda still pose a serious threat to the security of the world? Why or why not?

3. Do you think the Canadian government made the right decision when it decided to extend the deadline for the withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan from 2009 to 2011? Why or why not?

4. Why do you think the Taliban insurgency has become a more serious problem for Canadian and NATO forces fighting in Afghanistan over the period from 2009 to 2010?

5. Do you think the human and financial cost of the mission to Afghanistan for Canada has been worth the effort? Why or why not?

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 41 AFGHANISTAN: A FRONTLINE REPORT The Hard Realities of the War

Quote Reading Prompt “Once the effort As you read the information in this section, ask yourself what lessons history required gets so might be able to offer to those responsible for conducting the military mission huge that it is no in Afghanistan. Focus particularly on: a) the Vietnam War of the 1960s and early longer balanced 70s and b) the Soviet invasion and occupation of Afghanistan, 1979-88. by the value of the political purpose, it A Different Kind of War many eerie similarities, and appears must be abandoned.” Eight years after the onset of hostilities, at times almost as a case of history — General Karl von Western political leaders such as Prime repeating itself. As in Vietnam, foreign Clausewitz, On War Minister Stephen Harper, U.S. President forces are engaged in the military (1873). Barack Obama, and their respective occupation of a country that has a senior military officials continue to insist long and proud history of determined that that war is worth fighting and that resistance to outside invaders. In both considerable progress has been made. Vietnam and Afghanistan, military But public opinion in both Canada strategists believed that the best way and the United States is becoming to defeat the local insurgency was to increasingly skeptical about such claims, adopt a policy of counter-insurgency— and support for the war, which was nicknamed COIN in Afghanistan. One of never very strong to begin with, has been the main goals of this approach is to win markedly declining in both countries. the hearts and minds of the population One major problem in conducting a so it could be persuaded to abandon its military operation like the Afghan war is support for the insurgents and transfer determining just what would constitute its allegiance to the occupying forces “victory” against a nebulous and and the government they were seeking to shadowy opponent such as the Taliban. install. Afghanistan is not a conventional war But in both wars the governments like the Second World War, where backed by the foreign powers enjoyed the armed forces of enemy nation- little loyalty from the people they states squared off against each other claimed to have the right to govern. in epic theatres of combat on the land As was the case with many of the and sea and in the air—with the goal South Vietnamese regimes the U.S. of totally destroying their opponents. sought to support during the 1960s, Instead, it is more like the Vietnam the government of Hamid Karzai in War of the 1960s and early 70s. In Afghanistan is widely discredited both that conflict the United States found at home and abroad because of rampant itself mired in an unwinnable struggle corruption and flagrant attempts to rig against a well-organized and highly elections in its favour. In many parts motivated local insurgency that fought a of the country its political and military relentless guerrilla campaign, resulting authority is very tenuous, and frequently in the defeat of the world’s foremost the local population looks to the Taliban, superpower. not the pro-NATO government in Kabul, as the real authority on the ground. This Historical Parallels was also the case in Vietnam, where To those old enough to remember the the pro-U.S. government was able to Vietnam War, the Afghan conflict bears hold the major population centres while

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 42 commanding almost zero support in the under the repressive Taliban regime, Quote countryside where the insurgents held and that girls can finally attend school, “. . . the towns are held by the sway. something that was previously forbidden. government and In fact, the well-known humanitarian the villages by the A Difficult Country to Govern Greg Mortenson, whose books Three Taliban. By day, the Afghanistan has one national Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools state is visible, by government, but its people are divided have become world-wide best-sellers, night, the Taliban.” among a variety of ethnic groups, none has argued that efforts to promote — Mohammad of which constitutes a majority of the the education of girls in Afghanistan Mohaghegh, Afghan politician (The Globe population. The Pashtuns, who comprise may constitute the greatest weapon and Mail, June 9, 2010) just over 40 per cent of the Afghan NATO enjoys in its struggle against people, are largely concentrated in the the Taliban. But Afghanistan remains a southern part of the country and form very conservative, male-dominated, and the basis of support for the Taliban. On traditional society, where most women in the other hand, the Tajik and Uzbek rural areas still wear the burqa and may minorities, found mainly in the northern not even be aware of the freedoms their provinces bordering the former Soviet constitution grants them. republics of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, It is very difficult to determine popular gave their support to the warlords of the opinion in a country like Afghanistan, Northern Alliance in its battle against the but some outside observers think there is Taliban that led them into Kabul in 2001. evidence that most Afghans have mixed According to Thomas Barfield, feelings about the Taliban regime. On author of Afghanistan: A Cultural and the one hand, they resented its narrow- Political History, one of the biggest minded Islamic approach to government, failures of U.S. and NATO policy in its brutality, its suppression of the Shi’ite Afghanistan has been its inability to Hazara minority group, its support for establish a form of government that Osama bin Laden and his Al Qaeda would take these serious inter-ethnic terrorists, and its outright refusal to differences into account and establish a grant rights to women and girls. But on more decentralized form of government the other, most Afghans give grudging for the country. Instead, much like the credit to the Taliban as the only regime Soviet Union, one of Afghanistan’s to date that succeeded in stamping out previous occupying powers, the U.S. corruption and providing a degree of encouraged the setting up of a highly security and safety in a country that has centralized government in Kabul, with experienced widespread violence and Hamid Karzai and his cronies using their instability for decades. While they would authority to siphon off into their own most likely not welcome their return pockets many of the billions of dollars in to unchallenged power, many Afghans foreign humanitarian aid earmarked for believe that the Taliban are a force the “hearts and minds” campaign. to be reckoned with, are not going to disappear, and may eventually have to be Afghanistan after the War included in any post-war power-sharing One of the proudest boasts of the Karzai arrangement once the NATO military regime and its NATO backers is the fact mission in their country finally comes to that women are now freer than they were an end.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 43 Follow-up 1. With a partner or in a small group compare your responses from the Reading Prompt activity. What lessons can recent historical events like the Vietnam War or the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan offer to those responsible for conducting the military mission in Afghanistan today? How do you think they could apply these lessons to the current conflict?

2. Read the quote from von Clausewitz in the margin on page 42 and explain what you think it means in your own words. To what extent do you think its message could be applied to the military mission in Afghanistan?

3. In your opinion, what would signify “victory” for Canada and the other NATO powers fighting against the Taliban in Afghanistan? Do you think this is a realistic goal? Why or why not?

4. What do you think a possible post-war political settlement in Afghanistan might look like, following the eventual withdrawal of Canadian and other NATO troops?

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 44 AFGHANISTAN: A FRONTLINE REPORT A Day in the Life Reading Prompt As you read this section, ask yourself how you would experience being a member of the unit of Delta Company on patrol in a small Afghan village. What challenges would you have to handle as part of such a mission? In April 2010 a Canadian reporter injuries or death. Among the soldiers accompanies a group of soldiers are engineers and bomb specialists who from Delta Company of the Princess are experts in defusing IEDs, known as Patricia’s Light Infantry on a mission Explosive Ordnance Disposal, or EOD. to Khairo Kala, a small village just As the troops fan out into the nearby west of the Afghan city of Kandahar. fields, they are looking for evidence that The temperature is a blistering 35 the soil has been disturbed in any way. degrees Celsius the day this unit enters This could indicate the presence of an the village, really just a ramshackle IED, or it could equally just mean that a collection of dusty mud-walled, single- local farmer had been digging a hole in room homes dotting narrow winding the ground. pathways that serve as streets. Around The stress rises to almost unimaginable the village, fields of grapes, poppies, levels as the men of Delta Company and wheat stretch into the distance until engage in what Canadians in Afghanistan they meet the looming summits of the refer to as “IED hopscotch.” This mountains far away. macabre expression signifies the The soldiers of Delta Company have extreme risk they run while searching paid a high price for their mission in this for these potentially deadly explosives. dangerous part of Afghanistan, already The reporter carefully steps into the losing four members by the time Toronto footprints of the soldier immediately Star reporter Louie Palu joins them on ahead of him so as to minimize the patrol. Upon arrival in the village, an danger of inadvertently stepping on an elderly Afghan man steps forward to IED while breaking new ground. While greet them. He is the village malik, or doing so, the horrifying thought flashes headman, an influential authority who through his mind that he might die from serves as a conduit between Canadian loss of blood if his foot were to be blown troops and the local population. Such off by an IED. The search pays off when people frequently supply much-needed one IED is located and destroyed and the information about the operations of components of another one are identified. the Taliban in their area and the degree During their patrol, the soldiers talk of support they may enjoy or extort about the Oscar-winning film The among its residents. But in this case, the Hurt Locker, which depicts U.S. troops Canadians are taking no chances and conducting a similar search in Iraq. They frisk the elder before questioning him find it entertaining, but far from realistic about the possible location of IEDs, or when it portrays U.S. soldiers looking improvised explosive devices, in the for IEDs on their own and not as part of roads and fields around Khairo Kala. a unit. The orders of the day call for the unit After a long and demanding day, the to search the surroundings for IEDs exhausted members of Delta Company and remove them before they can cause return to their mud-baked bivouac to

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 45 bunk down for what is likely to be a in the blink of an eye. They meet with a hot and uncomfortable night. While group of villagers who assure them that Canadian soldiers can now catch some there are no Taliban insurgents operating much-needed rest, they are uneasy in in the area, information that is taken with the knowledge that the dark hours of more than a grain of salt since several of the night are the time when Taliban these informants are suspected of being insurgents are busy nearby, planting Taliban supporters themselves. The the next deadly crop of IEDs in the Canadians have learned that the local surrounding fields and along the roads Taliban have decreed that any villager that NATO military vehicles will known to have talked to the soldiers will have to travel the next day. But along pay with his or her life. This makes the with the Taliban, the sleeping soldiers task of extracting necessary information must also cope with more immediate about the location of IEDs even more annoyances such as scorpions, ants, difficult. spiders, and bloodsucking insects that The soldiers look nervously at any leave painful bloody welts all over their farmer in the field, who might in fact bodies. Occasionally an early morning be a Taliban “trigger man” waiting for rain shower arrives to cool off the the signal to detonate an IED. Women encampment, but most of the time the and even children are also viewed with heat barely dissipates during the hours suspicion as potential Taliban operatives. of darkness. Because of the stress they After five days of “IED hopscotch,” the must handle on a daily basis, and also unit has four IEDs and components to as a means of keeping the insects at bay, show for its efforts and returns to base almost every single member of Delta with the depressing conclusion that, at Company is a heavy smoker. least for now, the small Afghan village On patrol the next day, the unit of Khairo Kalo is firmly under Taliban discovers a huge IED powerful enough to control. kill everyone on the mission, 60 deadly Source: Palu, Louie. “Inside Canada’s kilograms of explosives and shrapnel ‘Hurt Locker.’” Toronto Star, May 2, 2010 that could cut half a dozen men to pieces Analysis 1. With a partner or in a small group, share your responses to the Reading Prompt above.

2. a) Given the conditions the soldiers of Delta Company must cope with on patrol in Afghanistan, what would you expect their attitudes about the local population to be?

b) How might this interfere with one of the major goals of counter- insurgency: the winning of the hearts and minds of the people?

3. The Greek myth of Sisyphus depicts the ordeal of a hero who is condemned to roll a huge rock up a steep hill during the day, only to have it fall back down each night. The next day, he must complete his onerous task once again. How might this myth apply to the work of the soldiers of Delta Company in their search for IEDs in Afghanistan? What conclusions may be drawn from this analogy?

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 46 AFGHANISTAN: A FRONTLINE REPORT Activity: Exit Strategy for Afghanistan

The government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced that a full Watch withdrawal of Canadian troops from Afghanistan will occur by July 2011. This To learn more about decision was taken despite the objections of U.S. and NATO military leaders who Canada’s policy in believe the Canadian contribution to the military mission is still required—and Afghanistan watch also over the protests of the members of some military families who have lost a speech by Foreign loved ones in the conflict and believe Canada should carry on fighting. Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon at Here are the details of the government’s plan for withdrawal: www.international. gc.ca/ministers- • The bulk of Canadian troops will be fully withdrawn by July 2011. ministres/Cannon_ • The withdrawal will include both regular Canadian Forces troops and elite Video_Afghanistan. “Special Force” units. aspx?lang=eng. • Some Canadian military officials may remain behind in advisory roles to the Afghan National Army (ANA). • Canada will continue to offer humanitarian aid to Afghanistan for economic development. • Some Canadian security forces will remain in Afghanistan to protect Canadian diplomats, NGO officials, and other civilians working in the country.

Your Task Working in small groups, devise what you think would be a workable exit strategy for Canadian troops in Afghanistan. Decide when you think such a withdrawal should take place, and whether or not it should be all troops currently stationed in Afghanistan, or only some of them. Also indicate what presence, if any, you think Canada should continue to maintain in Afghanistan after the troops have been withdrawn.

Then discuss the likely consequences of such a withdrawal for the government and people of Afghanistan, and especially the area around Kandahar where Canadian troops have been active. Speculate on whether the Afghan government will be able to deal with the threat of the Taliban without outside assistance. What kind of government will have to be established in order to transform Afghanistan into a peaceful, secure, democratic, and more economically developed country? Is such a goal even possible in the immediate future?

Once you have completed your task, your teacher may ask you to present your plan to the class. Following this, the entire class may debrief the information presented in the reports and evaluate the arguments in favour of and against a Canadian withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2011.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 47 BPA: THE CHEMICAL INSIDE US Introduction

It’s in your can of pop and your plastic rate is so miniscule—in amounts of only Focus food wrapping. It’s on the receipt parts per billion—that some observers This News in Review story looks the cashier hands you when you buy believe humans don’t really consume at the controversy something, and in the fillings your enough BPA to have any ill effects. In surrounding bisphenol dentist puts in your mouth. It’s in your fact, every industry research initiative A (BPA), a plastic movie’s DVD packaging, and it’s in your has found BPA to be close to harmless found in many toilet paper. The culprit is bisphenol A because the exposure rates are so low. products like bottles (BPA). On the other hand, a growing number and tin cans. BPA may BPA is not found in nature. It is a of medical researchers disagree. Ninety pose a health risk to Canadians, and since human-engineered substance that is used per cent of independent research on recent studies have to make hard plastics and epoxy resins. animals into bisphenol A suggests that shown that nine out Common uses for BPA include plastic BPA could be contributing to an increase of 10 of us have BPA bottles and containers, food packaging, in breast and prostate cancer, malformed in our bodies, it is time and the lining inside aluminum cans. reproductive systems, the early onset of to figure out how it Almost three billion kilograms of BPA puberty, and attention deficit disorder. gets inside us. are produced globally each year. Scientists claim that because BPA A few years ago scientists became mimics estrogen—a hormone that is Did you know . . . alarmed when experiments involving dominant in females but is also present Health Canada gave plastic containers were producing bizarre in males—important natural processes the plastics industry results. The containers were made of are being disrupted. The problem of BPA until the end of 2010 BPA. This caused a few scientists to acting like estrogen is cause for the most to come up with an wonder if BPA was doing more than concern. alternative to BPA. skewing research results; they wondered The government of Canada did not if the chemical was making people wait for the research to definitively link sick. What followed was a plethora BPA to health problems. In 2008, Health of research and competing results Canada banned BPA in the production of that eventually led to the Canadian baby bottles. Then, in the fall of 2010, government’s decision to identify BPA as the government listed BPA as a toxic a toxic substance. substance. So what are the health risks? If you Whether BPA concerns are based talk to anyone in the plastics industry, on fact or fiction is unclear. What is they’ll tell you there’s nothing to worry clear is that BPA is on its way out, and about. They’ll tell you that BPA enters a Canada is the first country to show the person’s system and is excreted quickly, controversial chemical the door. often in less than a day. The exposure To Consider 1. Do you check plastic containers to see what they are made of? Do you check the ingredient labels on the food you buy and the personal care products—like shampoo and deodorant—you use?

2. Do you think it was good that Health Canada banned BPA before there was overwhelming proof that the chemical is linked to cancer and other human health problems?

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 48 BPA: THE CHEMICAL INSIDE US Video Review

Check it out! Pre-viewing Questions The plastics industry With a partner, or in a small group, discuss the following questions. labels its containers 1. Do you ever worry about the safety of canned food? with a triangle 2. Do you microwave food in plastic containers? Why or why not? consisting of three arrows with a number 3. Do you know that some plastics contain compounds that act like human in the middle. If you hormones? see the number 7 4. What potential problems can you see happening if you unknowingly ingest on the bottom of a something that mimics human hormones? container, it may be made with BPA. Viewing Questions As you watch the video respond to the questions in the spaces provided. Quote 1. What is bisphenol A (BPA)? “We have over 150 peer-reviewed studies illustrating toxic effects associated with BPA. This isn’t 2. Why did Canada list BPA as a toxic substance? something we should be putting in any products, let alone something that’s going in our mouths.” 3. Why did staff at the George Brown College daycare ask parents to buy new — Aaron Freeman, bottles for their children? policy director, Environmental Defence (The Globe and Mail, April 25, 2008) 4. Why do environmental groups oppose BPA?

5. How does the plastics industry react to the controversy surrounding BPA?

6. What did Health Canada do with respect to BPA in April 2008?

7. How have consumers and the plastics industry led the way in eliminating BPA from certain product lines?

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 49 8. Do you agree with Rick Smith’s belief that declaring BPA a toxic substance will mark the beginning of the end of this type of plastic? Why?

9. a) How did the government of Canada expand its warnings about BPA in November 2008?

b) What new research discoveries led to the government’s decision to expand their concerns regarding BPA?

10. a) What percentage of Canadians have BPA in their system? Why is this statistic a source of concern?

b) What age group tends to have the highest concentration of BPA in their system?

11. While the health effects on humans are still being sorted out, what has animal research into BPA told us?

12. a) Name some of the common items that can introduce BPA into our systems.

b) Which of these items surprise you? Why?

13. How is BPA making its way into our sewer system?

Post-viewing Questions After you have watched the video, discuss the following with a classmate, or in a small group. 1. Based on your viewing of the documentary, will you think twice before you drink from a water bottle or eat food out of can?

2. Has the government of Canada responded effectively to concerns over BPA? Explain.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 50 BPA: THE CHEMICAL INSIDE US What is BPA?

What if someone told you that the on monkeys. Almost all of them suggest Quote last time you drank a can of pop you serious health problems accompany BPA “Despite all the alarmist scares our life exposed yourself to a chemical that exposure. A handful of human studies expectancy gets longer mimics a human hormone? Would this have managed to link BPA to conditions every year, and heart concern you? What kinds of questions like heart disease and diabetes. The disease and cancer would you ask the person who shared research paints a pretty grim picture: rates are generally this information with you? Would this since BPA mimics the hormone estrogen, decreasing. It is information be enough for you to decide scientists are concerned that the chemical ludicrous to be talking not to drink pop out of a can anymore? compound is sending false signals to about BPA when we allow cigarettes to be estrogen receptors, creating a hormone sold. They kill millions What is BPA? imbalance in some people. of people per year— Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most not in theory, but in widely produced human-made chemicals Health Problems fact.” — Joe Schwarcz, in the world. It is used to make According to Frederick vom Saal, a McGill University (The polycarbonate containers—a plastic that biologist at the University of Missouri Globe and Mail, March 13, 2010) can be made to look like glass. BPA is and a leader in the campaign against valued for its strength and durability. BPA, research results into bisphenol BPA is also used to make epoxy resins, A have demonstrated potential harm which are used to line the inside of to human health in over 90 per cent of canned food and beverage containers independent academic studies to date. to keep the contents of the can from He claims that anything that mimics spoiling. BPA is also used to make CD estrogen is dangerous because the and DVD containers, hockey helmets, hormone is so important to human and dental fillings. More than 90 per cent development. The research ties BPA to of Canadians carry detectable traces of the following health problems: BPA in their system. • Breast cancer • Uterine cancer Marinating in BPA • Early onset of puberty Some analysts working on the • Prostate cancer BPA controversy claim that we are • Low sperm count “marinating in this chemical on a daily • Damage to eggs and ovaries basis” (The Globe and Mail, May • Infertility 29, 2008). With close to three billion • Miscarriages kilograms of BPA produced each year, it • Abnormal development of the penis is no surprise that people are becoming • Abnormal brain development more and more concerned about the • Autism health effects of this kind of plastic on • Hyperactivity the global population. • Obesity Studies into the dangers of BPA • Diabetes began surfacing in the early 1990s and • Cardiovascular disease have been gaining momentum with Given this list of frightening potential each passing year. Most of the studies health problems, it is likely that people have been on rats and mice, with a few would prefer to steer clear of BPA. studies looking into the effects of BPA

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 51 BPA and Baby Bottles STATS, a non-profit think tank that To give you an example of the concerns analyzes the use and abuse of scientific surrounding BPA, let’s look at Health data by the media. He claims that a Canada’s decision to ban the use of BPA small group of scientists are ringing in the production of baby bottles. Around the alarm bells and frightening people the time of the decision, research was unnecessarily. According to proponents suggesting that a greater amount of BPA of BPA, the human intestine produces is transferred into liquids when liquids a sugar that takes the estrogen power are heated up. Because babies do a lot out of BPA and allows the chemical of drinking in relation to their small to be rapidly excreted from the body. size, scientists worried that estrogen- According to Butterworth, “Letting your mimicking BPA could potentially disrupt child outside to breathe in exhaust fumes the hormonal development of infants. is more risky than letting them drink Based on this concern, Health Canada from plastic water bottles” (The Globe put out a warning to parents and banned and Mail, April 19, 2008). the manufacture of baby bottles with And then there is the issue of exposure BPA. to BPA. Calvin Willhite, a toxicologist for the California environmental BPA and Canned Food protection agency, claims that the Health Canada’s decision had many amount of BPA in our system is 500 to ramifications. In fact, the growing 1 000 times less than the level that could concern over plastic leaching chemicals affect us adversely (The Globe and Mail, into the contents of baby bottles April 19, 2008). In response to a report prompted The Globe and Mail and CTV that BPA was found in just about every to hire scientists to examine the presence canned drink on the market, particularly of BPA in epoxy resins in canned foods. energy drinks, beverage industry experts The scientists discovered that higher- claimed that a person would have to than-expected amounts of BPA were drink 7 400 cans of pop per day to leaching into the food. This discovery meet BPA levels set by Health Canada echoed conclusions drawn by a Health (Toronto Star, March 6, 2009). Industry Canada study and has been reiterated by insiders concede: if you inject a rat with many other studies since. 40 times the recommended daily intake of BPA, they are going to get sick. In The Plastics Industry Responds reality, humans aren’t rats, and no human The plastics industry believes arguments would ever come close to having that against BPA are out of line. Trevor much BPA in their system. Butterworth works with a group called

To Consider 1. Hormones play a pivotal role in the development of the things that make a person male or female. Of the health problems listed, how many of them deal with gender development and a person’s reproductive system? What does this tell you about the potential dangers of BPA?

2. Do you think the plastics industry has a point? Is BPA being unfairly singled out as a toxic chemical?

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 52 BPA: THE CHEMICAL INSIDE US “The dose makes the poison”

Did you know . . . Focus for Reading Health Canada Health Canada believes that the BPA exposure rate is relatively low for most hosted a meeting Canadians. Just because you eat a bowl of soup out of a can, you are not of the World Health necessarily going to be exposed to high levels of BPA. While some BPA can Organization to migrate into the soup from the lining on the can, the amount is so miniscule review toxicological that you would have to drink hundreds of cans of soup within a short period and health aspects to get sick. As you read the following information, consider what your own of bisphenol A, exposure rates to BPA might be like. November 2-5, 2010, in Ottawa. “The dose makes the poison” kilogram of body weight. To put things The physician who pioneered toxicology in perspective, one billion micrograms is a man named Paracelsus. (His real make a kilogram. Therefore, a person name is Theophrastus Philippus Aureolus weighing 68 kilograms could handle Bombastus von Hohenheim, so you can 1 700 micrograms of BPA a day without see why we prefer to go with the shorter putting their health at risk. Paracelsus.) He was a 16th century Health Canada received input from doctor who came up with the saying other government departments about “the dose makes the poison.” According BPA. The Ministry of the Environment, to Paracelsus, a chemical only becomes for example, has taken an active stance a poison when a large enough dose is against BPA. In an April 18, 2008, press administered to make a person sick. release, Environment Minister John In small amounts some chemicals are Baird said: “When it comes to Canada’s relatively harmless. environment, you can’t put a price on This insight allowed Paracelsus, safety. Not only are we finding out and the myriad scientists that came about the health impacts of bisphenol in the centuries after him, to lead the A, but the environmental impacts as medical establishment into the world of well. That’s why our Government will pharmaceuticals. Today, medicines are be moving forward and will work with filled with chemicals that provide relief the provinces and stakeholders to keep or a cure for ailments when administered bisphenol A out of our environment, and in the right dose. take the necessary measures to ensure its safe use and disposal” (www.hc-sc.gc. Health Canada and BPA ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2008/2008_59- While the Canadian government strictly eng.php). regulates pharmaceuticals and pesticides, industrial chemicals—such as plastics— The Shifting Line are not subject to stringent regulation. However, reproductive biologist This has inspired scientists to try to Frederick vom Saal, of the University of determine the threshold that separates Missouri, says that 40 studies have found an acceptable level of something like potential harm to humans at or below BPA from an unacceptable level. Health the level recognized by Health Canada. Canada has worked with the scientific vom Saal also says that 90 per cent of community to determine safe levels studies into BPA suggest harmful health of BPA exposure. Currently, the daily risks for humans. Therefore, the line is exposure limit is 25 micrograms per likely to shift in the BPA exposure debate

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 53 as scientists draw new conclusions manufacturing of baby bottles already regarding the potential harmful side outlawed in Canada, it is likely that, effects of bisphenol A. within the next few years, BPA will be a Health Canada decided not to thing of the past in Canada. wait for the scientific community to In the meantime, people will continue rule definitively on BPA. From their to eat food and drink beverages out perspective, the dose debate over BPA of cans lined with BPA. As long as will one day show that the chemical Canadians can keep their BPA exposure is causing health problems—probably rate low—at least until a substitute for because BPA mimics the hormone bisphenol A can be found—it is likely estrogen. In the fall of 2010, Health that the health effects of BPA will be Canada added bisphenol A to its toxic minimal. substance list. With the use of BPA in the To Consider 1. In 2008, Health Canada banned BPA in the production of baby bottles. This led to a shift in the marketplace to glass bottles away from plastics. What does this say about the importance of consumer pressure in the elimination of chemicals that might make us sick?

2. a) Is BPA on its way out because it is making people sick or because people think it might make them sick?

b) What role does the public’s perception play in the BPA debate?

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 54 BPA: THE CHEMICAL INSIDE US Chemicals to Watch Out For

Check it out! Reading Prompt Remember to check As you read the information below consider how you might be able to limit your the triangle with the exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals. number in the middle on the bottom of The danger of studying topics like the Phthalates may leach into the substances the plastic containers potential adverse affects of BPA on our that they are used to package. They are you use. Go with the health is that we may become paranoid also found in nail polish, perfumes, following saying to about being exposed to poisons. But and cosmetics. People should also pay help you stay safe: “4, it is important to talk about things we attention to a substance known as diethyl 5, 1, and 2—all the rest are bad for you.” unwittingly ingest—like BPA—and phthalate that is used in some lotions to If the number has a consider the damage we do to ourselves allow for deeper skin penetration and “7” on the container it when we don’t pay attention to what we longer-lasting fragrance. likely contains BPA. are eating or drinking. Cause for concern? Bishpenol A — a chemical used to Phthalates have been linked in animal make polycarbonate plastics and experiments to kidney and liver problems epoxy resins as well as birth defects. Some studies link phthalates to asthma. Phthalates may Where is BPA found? also cause disruption to the hormonal In plastic bottles, the lining inside balance of a person’s body chemistry. canned food and beverage containers, plastic plates and utensils, water-cooler Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) — jugs, CD and DVD packaging, and a substance used to create non-stick dental fillings. surfaces and stain repellants

Cause for concern? Where are PFCs found? Because BPA mimics estrogen, scientists In non-stick pots and pans, the linings worry that the chemical might be causing of pizza boxes, fast-food wrapping, hormone imbalances in people. Animal computers, cosmetics, as well as stain- research has linked BPA to breast, resistant clothes, carpets, rugs, and prostate, and ovarian cancer; attention upholstery. deficit disorder; deformities in the genital tract; heart disease; and diabetes. Cause for concern? Animal testing has linked PFCs to liver, Phthalates — a substance used to pancreatic, testicular, and breast cancer. keep plastic soft and rubbery; the PFCs have also been linked to liver and classic “rubber ducky” chemical kidney problems. It is also difficult to excrete PFCs once they have entered Where are phthalates found? your system. Some compounds actually In shower curtains, toys, vinyl flooring, take over eight years to leave the body. blood bags, lubricating oils, and raincoats. They can also be found in the packaging of personal-care products, particularly shampoos and body washes.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 55 Triclosan — a substance used to Polybrominated diphenyl ethers fight bacteria (PBDEs) — designed to promote fire resistance in products Where is triclosan found? In antibacterial liquid hand soap, Where are PBDEs found? toothpaste, mattresses, towels, and In upholstered furniture like couches and cosmetics. chairs, car interiors, clothes, televisions, insulation, curtains, and mattresses. Cause for concern? The concern over triclosan is not that it Cause for concern? causes illness but that its antibacterial PBDEs interfere with thyroid hormones properties block the human body from that play a key role in brain function combating bacteria on its own. This can and the development of a person’s lead to the emergence of superbugs— reproductive system. bacteria that becomes so powerful that Sources: “Chemical Hit List,” Toronto they are stronger than any anti-bacterial Star, May 9, 2009; “PM Unveils Chemical product or drug on the market. Crackdown,” The Globe and Mail, December 9, 2006; Pollution in People (http://pollutioninpeople.org/toxics/ phthalates)

Analysis 1. Do the benefits outweigh the harm with most of these products? For example, BPA protects food from spoiling and causing botulism. Flame retardants help keep furniture from becoming engulfed in flames too quickly. Are we better off with these types of chemicals than without?

2. How can you limit your exposure to the chemicals listed above? Be specific with regard to each of the chemicals. Join with two or three other students and make a group list.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 56 BPA: THE CHEMICAL INSIDE US Activity: Live Toxin-free for a Day!

Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie wrote a book called Slow Death by Rubber Duck: How the Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Life Affects Our Health (2009). In an effort to promote their concerns over the presence of toxic chemicals in our daily lives, Smith and Lourie decided to expose themselves to common household toxins to see what impact the chemicals might have on their systems. They ate canned food and re-heated leftovers in plastic microwave dishes. The used a shower curtain made of vinyl in their bathrooms. They had their couches and chairs sprayed with stain repellant. Doing all this led to noticeable increases in the level of toxins in their urine and blood.

Your Task Don’t worry, we’re not going to ask you to do what Smith and Lourie did. Instead, it will be your task to try and detoxify your life for one day. From the moment you wake up to the time you go to sleep, you are going to try to live toxin-free.

Before you begin, please keep the following thought in mind: most scientists, while acknowledging the dangers inherent in high doses of certain chemicals, recommend limiting exposure to certain chemicals, knowing it is impossible to eliminate exposure altogether. This will become abundantly clear as you try to live one day, toxin free.

Here’s a checklist of the things to watch out for:

Hygiene • Find out if your shower curtain is made of vinyl. If it is, you need to take a bath because the shower curtain may contain phthalates. • Check the labels of your shampoo, cosmetics, and skin creams for triclosan or diethyl phthalate—sometimes just referred to as “fragrance.” Do not use any products that list these ingredients. To check out the safety of the products you use, go to the Consumer Product Safety: Cosmetics and Personal Care page on Health Canada’s Web site (www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/person/cosmet/index-eng. php). • Avoid using anti-bacterial soaps. These products use triclosan, which won’t make you sick, but will limit your exposure to bacteria your immune system needs to learn to fend off.

Eating • No eating from cans. Cans are lined with bisphenol A (BPA). This means you have to eat fresh food, frozen food, or food out of a box. In terms of fresh food, you should be eating organic in an effort to avoid pesticides. In terms of food out of a box, you may need to avoid eating food that is bagged in plastic inside the box or food boxes that are lined with a clear plastic coating. It might not be BPA but you can’t be sure unless you call the manufacturer. • Sorry, no fast food. Pizza boxes are lined with a plastic compound called phthalates. Many fast-food sandwiches are packaged in paper containing perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). Unless you can confirm the composition of fast-foot packaging, these foods are off-limits for the day.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 57 • When cooking, do not use non-stick pots or pans. The non-stick surfaces contain PFCs. • Do not re-heat food in a plastic container in the microwave. • Do not drink out of plastic water bottles with a “7” surrounded by a triangle made of arrows on the bottom of it. These bottles contain BPA.

Dressing • Make sure you are not wearing clothes that were marked “stain resistant” when you bought them. These clothes contain PFCs.

Resting and Sleeping • Check your upholstered couches and chairs. Make sure they do not contain polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), usually identified as flame-retardants. Just to be on the safe side you should probably sit on a wooden, plastic, or leather chair. By the way, your TV and computer probably have PBDEs in them as well. • Check you mattress for PBDEs. If you decide not to sleep on your mattress because of the presence of PBDEs, don’t sleep on a carpeted floor. Carpets are also likely to contain PBDEs. Don’t sleep on a vinyl floor either, or you’ll be exposed to phthalates.

Going to the washroom • This one is difficult to monitor because you can’t just force yourself to stop going to the washroom. However, if you can, check the label of the packaging your toilet paper came in for “recycled paper.” It is likely that recycled paper contains traces of BPA. Give yourself enough time to find an alternative toilet paper if necessary.

Reflection Living a day toxin-free likely made you feel very concerned about your health. However, it is interesting to note that Canadians are living longer and healthier lives than at any other time in our history.

In a brief reflection paper (250-500 words) describe your thoughts and feelings during your toxin-free day. As well, explain whether or not you think that enough is being done to raise awareness about BPA and other chemicals in our daily lives.

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 58 News in Review Index A list of the stories covered last season and to date in the current season is provided below.

The complete chronological index for all 20 seasons of News in Review and a subject- oriented index listing News in Review stories appropriate for various subject areas can be accessed through our Web site at http://newsinreview.cbclearning.ca. Hard copies of these indexes can also be obtained by contacting CBC Learning. SEPTEMBER 2009 SEPTEMBER 2010 Two Canadians Meet in Space The Controversy Over the Census Canada and the Swine Flu The G20 Summit: Talks and Teargas Iran’s Summer of Discontent The Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico Asbestos: Canada’s Ugly Secret Residential Schools: Truth and Healing

OCTOBER 2009 OCTOBER 2010 Canada and the Stranded Canadians The Tamil Boat People Controversy Afghanistan’s Troubled Election Pakistan’s Catastrophic Floods Remembering Canada’s War Dead The Fate of the Long-Gun Registry Autism: Living with Difference Journey Back to Nagasaki NOVEMBER 2009 Parliament and the Election Question Keeping Up with the Swine Flu Adoption: Looking for a Baby Abroad Trying to Save the World’s Amphibians DECEMBER 2009 The Copenhagen Climate Change Summit Is the Recession Really Over? The Internet: Forty Years Later The Great U.S. Health-Care Debate FEBRUARY 2010 Richard Colvin and the Afghan Detainees The Road to the Winter Olympics The Plane Bomber and Airport Security Canada’s Amazing Neptune Project MARCH 2010 A Deadly Earthquake Devastates Haiti Young Adults and Heart Disease The Trials of the Toronto 18 Diving for Clues to Canadian History APRIL 2010 Earthquakes: The Horror and the Science Toyota Recalls Millions of Vehicles Taking the Violence Out of Hockey The Hidden Dangers of Nanoparticles

MAY 2010 CBC Learning Parliament and the Detainee Issue P.O. Box 500, Station A How Canadians Are Helping Haiti Toronto, Ontario, Canada How Tolerant Are Canadians? M5W 1E6 K’naan: A Canadian Sings for the World Tel: (416) 205-6384 Fax: (416) 205-2376 E-mail: [email protected]

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 59