Lower Island NEWS An Independent Democratic Socialist Newspaper Serving the Lower Island Area for 27 Years Volume 28 Issue #5-6 November/December, 2011 Victoria, BC Eight candidates in race for NDP leadership

Robert Chisholm Paul Dewar Thomas Mulcair

Peggy Nash Martin Singh

The New Demcratic Party of will hold a Leadership Convention on Friday, Martin Singh, businessman and pharmacist, ; March 23, and Saturday, March 24, at the Allstream Centre in ,Onatario. The Brian Topp, executive director of ACTRA Toronto (the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, leadership convention was made necessary by the death earlier this year of former NDP Television and Radio Artists), . leader . The rules at a glance include: To date, eight candidates have registerd for the campaign, including: • One member, one vote Robert Chisholm, MP for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia; • Spending limit: $500,000 Nathan Cullen, MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley, BC; • Registration Fee for candidates: $15,000 Paul Dewar, MP for Cntre, Ontario; The campaign started officially September 15, and all candidates must be registered Thomas Mulcair, MP for Outremont, ; by January 24, 2012, while February 15, 2012 is the cut off date for membership signups , MP for Parkdale-High Park, Ontario; eligible to vote. Romeo Saganash, MP for Abitibi-Baie-James-Nunavic-Eeyou, Quebec; Interested readers can find the regulations governing the 2012 leadership campaign at http//xfer.ndp.ca/leadership2012.

The Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria (otherwise known as Occupy Victoria) is taking place in Centennial Square, Municipal and school board elections beside Victoria City Hall. For more photos by Heather Tufts, turn to page 23. will be held on Saturday, November 19. DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!

Wishing all our readers The Best of the Holiday Season and A Happy and Peaceful New Year

InsideMore this letteIs issue Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement # 40008124 2011 Right Livelihood Awards 2 HST just one example 14 Return to: The Lower Island News Occupy the NDP 3 Keep the momentum going 15 Box 311-2750 Quadra Street Editorial and op/ed 4 Victoria, BC V8T 4E8 Scary clowns, trick or treat? 16 Letters to the editor 5 Say no to smart meters 17 More letters and op/eds 6 $177,000 investment 18 CETA is the wrong deal 7 Hempcrete paves the way 19 Federal news 8-9 Is something happening? 20 Provincial news 9-10 Books of interest 22 Speaking out for teachers 12 Coming events calendar 23 What are school trustees? 13 Directory 24 Page 2 November/December 2011 The Lower Island NEWS 2011 Right Livelihood Awards announced

The Right Livelihood Award for outstand- and Peace), the Right Livelihood Award has ing vision and work on behalf of our planet no categories. It recognizes that, in striving and its people was established in 1980 to to meet the human challenges of today’s honour and support those “offering practical world, the most inspiring and remarkable and exemplary answers to the most urgent work often defies any standard classifica- challenges facing us today”. tion. For example, people who start out It has become widely known as the with an environmental goal frequently find “Alternative Nobel Prize” and there are now themselves drawn into issues of health, hu- 145 Laureates from 61 countries. man rights and/or social justice. Their work Presented annually in Stockholm at a becomes a holistic response to community ceremony in the Swedish Parliament, the needs, so that sectoral categories lose their Right Livelihood Award is usually shared by meaning. four recipients, but not all Laureates receive a cash award. Often an Honorary Award is given to a person or group whose work the Jury wishes to recognize but who is not primarily in need of monetary support. The prize money in 2011 was 150,000 €. The prize money is for ongoing successful work, never for personal use.

The Prize’s impact The Right Livelihood Award is widely recognized as the world’s premier award for personal courage and social transformation. Jacqueline Moudeina (Chad) was award- The Jury recognized Ina May Gaskin (USA) Besides the financial support, it enables its ed “for her tireless efforts at great personal “for her whole-life’s work teaching and recipients to reach out to an international risk to win justice for the victims of the advocating safe, woman-centred childbirth audience that otherwise might not have former dictatorship in Chad and to increase methods that best promote the physical and heard of them. Often, the Award also gives awareness and observance of human rights mental health of mother and child“. crucial protection against repression. For in Africa”. the Laureates, the Award has opened many For more information about the Right Livelihood doors, including prison doors. Awards, visit http://www.rightlivelihood.org/ In 2008, Monika Hauser received the home.html Right Livelihood Award for her work with women who have experienced sexualised violence. In the six months that followed the Irresponsible BC Jobs Plan Award’s announcement, Hauser’s organi- would be a climate disaster zation medica mondiale received twice as -- “The new jobs plan for much in donations than in the same time BC that Premier Clark announced yesterday period the year before. The public attention is fundamentally irresponsible; it reads like was also enormous. a blueprint on how BC can produce the Hauser said, “The Prize certainly played 2011 Right Livelihood Awards include: most carbon emissions possible,” said Ben a major role in this jump in donations. So West, climate campaigner for the Wilderness the Award’s value is not only about the prize Huang Ming (China) received the 2011 The Jury awarded GRAIN (International) Committee. money itself, it goes far beyond that.” Honorary Award “for his outstanding suc- “for their worldwide work to protect the live- The announced plan calls for doubling cess in the development and mass-de- lihoods and rights of farming communities natural gas production, through dangerous From Peace to Spirituality and Agricul- ployment of cutting-edge technologies for and to expose the massive purchases of practices such as fracking, and opening up ture harnessing solar energy, thereby showing farmland in developing countries by foreign eight new mines by 2015, many of which Unlike the Nobel Prizes (for Physics, how dynamic emerging economies can financial interests”. will be coal mines. In addition there will be Physiology/Medicine, Chemistry, Literature, contribute to resolving the global crisis of heavy investment in export facilities, and anthropogenic climate change“. a streamlining of “red tape” regulating the mining industry. “For years we have been saying that we Chief Marilyn Baptiste wins award for her need to move away from exporting raw logs and other raw materials and move towards value added manufacturing. Well now BC spirited defence of the environment seems to have a plan for a made in BC VANCOUVER – The Wilderness Com- the province on behalf of the Tsilhqot’in Na- Baptiste remained a clear and passionate product -- unfortunately that product is global mittee announced October 22 that Chief tion to explain the importance of Teztan Biny voice for the protection of Teztan Biny (Fish warming,” said West. Marilyn Baptiste, of Xeni Gwet’in, was (Fish Lake) to the Tsilhqot’in people and to Lake) and the surrounding environment it “This plan has one clear statement: given the 2011 Eugene Rogers Environ- call for the cancellation of plans to destroy sustains,” said Joe Foy, national campaign in BC it’s open season for extractive in- mental Award for her work on behalf of the the lake in order to put in a huge open-pit director of the Wilderness Committee. “We dustries, regardless of the impacts on the Tsilhqot’in Nation to protect Teztan Biny copper and gold mine. are proud to give this award to such a strong environment, and regardless of our commit- (Fish Lake) from being destroyed by the The proposed mine was named “Pros- voice for the protection of the environment,” ments to reducing climate change causing proposed Prosperity Mine. perity” by the mining company Taseko Ltd said Foy. greenhouse gasses,” said Tria Donaldson, The Eugene Rogers Award has been that holds the claim. Taseko Mines Ltd. is now proposing to Pacific Coast campaigner for the Wilderness given out once a year since 1992 by the Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) is home to an turn neighbouring Little Fish Lake into a toxic Committee. Wilderness Committee at its Annual Gen- estimated 80,000 rainbow trout and would tailings pond and is asking the federal gov- The jobs plan claims that BC “is, and will eral Meeting to a person who has made an have been used as a toxic tailings pond ernment of Canada to reconsider their mine remain, a climate change leader”. “Perhaps outstanding contribution to environmental had the mine gone ahead. In November of proposal. Chief Baptiste and the Tsilhqot’in they meant we would be a leader in causing protection. The award comes with a $1,000 2010, the federal government of Canada Nation remain opposed to the company’s climate change, because presenting this prize. turned down the project, citing unacceptable mine plans. plan and then calling it climate leadership Chief Baptiste is the elected leader of environmental impacts, even though the BC Eleven environmental groups, including is insulting to the intelligence of the people Xeni Gwet’in, one of the communities of the government had earlier green-lighted the the Wilderness Committee, have recently of BC,” said Donaldson. Tsilhqot’in Nation, whose territory largely lies proposed mine. said that a gold and copper mine at Little “This jobs plan relies on doubling down to the west of the Fraser River and Williams “Through all the drama of the BC govern- Fish Lake would be even more of an en- on the oldest, dirtiest sectors of the econo- Lake, BC. ment approval of the mine, and then the fed- vironmental disaster than the company’s my, while what we need is a new approach Throughout 2010 Chief Baptiste became eral government rejection of the mine, Chief original proposal and must be turned down that is responsible and creates real green known as a spirited speaker who travelled for federal public review. jobs not just more spin and pollution,” said West. The Lower Island NEWS November/December 2011 Page 3 Occupy the NDP

By Murray Dobbin and despite Mulcair’s naïve declaration, on a regular basis every since she started and it cannot be based on political opportun- There’s nothing quite like a global social the virtual end to any new environmental her position. She could single-handedly end ism. Nash is quite simply the only leadership movement to knock other stuff off the front legislation by the federal government (after the generations-old framing of the NDP as candidate capable of building an equal pages and the Occupy movement has done it lost two NAFTA challenges). not to be trusted on the economy. And the relationship with the social movements that just that. After ignoring it for weeks while it Add to this right-wing economic stance economy will be the issue of the day for a will be the key to defeating Harper and chal- was being born in New York, the media has Mulcair’s widely reported bullying, bad long time to come. lenging the corporate state. NDP members been all over it. I half expect this is because temper and terrible judgment (as when he But more than that, what distinguishes will hopefully put their imaginations on maxi- they assume it will fail and they are the ea- exposed the party to humiliation by publicly Nash from the other candidates is her long mum and pay attention to her candidacy. ger vultures hovering over it. But in the spirit attacking for her support of history of working with social movements of hopefulness that imbues the movement, Palestinians) and one thing becomes ob- and labour. If the NDP thinks it can win the This article first appeared on Murray Dobbin’s perhaps even the reporters and their gate- vious: If the NDP chooses Mulcair he will next election on its own it is dreaming. The Blog at http://murraydobbin.ca/ on October 24, keepers are moved to pay genuine attention destroy what is left of its social democracy media and Harper will target the NDP and and is reprinted with permission. (they are, after all, part of the 99 percent). — something he has already implied he whoever wins the leadership in a way they One of the things bumped from the would do by moving the party closer to the never have before because the NDP is now [Editor’s Note: For another view on the NDP fed- headlines is the NDP leadership race. It is centre. With free-marketeers in charge of the most serious immediate threat to corpo- eral leadership campaign, see Barry Weisleder’s not just because the Occupy movement is both the Liberals and the Harperites, the rate domination of the country. article, NDP leader race crowded, on the right, unique and unprecedented in the past 20 NDP is already in the centre. Mulcair would A relationship with the occupy move- on page 6.] years and more. It is because the themes move them to the right — straight into the ment and whatever it becomes (in addition that drive Occupy make the leadership race liberalism he spent so many years endorsing to traditional movements) will be mandatory look puny and mundane by comparison. and promoting. This movement is, whether stated or not, Brian Topp is worrisome, too, for dif- an anti-capitalist outburst that is demand- ferent reasons. There is no doubt that ing real social justice, real democracy and Topp is a very smart guy and knows his it is utterly independent of every political way around both government and running agency, institution and traditional organiza- elections. But his leadership campaign is tion that exists. reminiscent of ’s — though for Part of the message is thus crystal clear: sheer viciousness and overkill no one could the occupiers are telling us — and the power match Martin, whose take-no-enemies style elite — that whatever we and they are doing, helped cripple his party. But Topp has been it has no meaning for them. Labour politics, accused of trying to get so far out in front so social movement culture, political parties, fast that potential good candidates give up RE-ELECT including the NDP, have all been declared, before they’ve even had a chance to decide implicitly if not explicitly, defunct, irrelevant whether to run. A former NDP heavy weight, and for their purposes — social justice writ Doug MacArthur, quotes a Topp campaigner large — pretty much useless. as saying “let’s get this leadership campaign It will take a long time for this to sink over before it even starts.” MAYOR in and it seemed unlikely that the NDP Topp was ’s closest advi- would get it any time soon with the existing sor. But Romanow was essentially a small ‘l’ batch of leadership candidates. Until this liberal and his administration slashed educa- week that is, when supporters of Peggy tion and health budgets almost as much as Nash revealed she would announce her the previous regime. I once interviewed candidacy soon. But more on Ms. Nash in Romanow just before he became party a minute. If the party chooses one of the leader and asked him about the role of social frontrunners, Brian Topp or Thomas Mulcair, movements and he replied they were “com- it will cement the party’s rightward drift and pletely useless”. His government reflected pre-occupation with tactical manoeuvring that attitude. Maybe Topp disagreed with at a time when world events will make drift him — but if he did, he had little influence. of any kind a sideshow. As Chris Hedges One of the weaknesses of the party wrote recently in a brilliant reflection on under Jack Layton was its preoccupation the meaning of Occupy: “Tinkering with with tactical manoeuvring at the expense of the corporate state will not work. We will policy development. The party had almost either be plunged into neo-feudalism and no policy people but a lot of communications environmental catastrophe or we will wrest flaks. Topp had enormous influence with power from corporate hands.” Layton and we can assume he was one of Where is the NDP leadership contest the architects of this approach — one that on this spectrum of possibilities? Are any moved the party to the centre. At the same of the male candidates even aware of the time, the party was accused of putting its choices so starkly described by Hedges? interests ahead of the country’s — with We can quickly dispose of Thomas Mul- some going so far as to blame it for allowing cair as a possibility. He is an unrepentant Harper to gain his first minority. capitalist and big “L” Liberal at heart who is Yet to give Topp credit, he seems de- barely out of synch with the 1 percent the termined to stake out new ground. He has Occupiers have targeted. In 2007, Kady come out forcefully in favour of increasing in- O’Malley interviewed Mulcair and asked come taxes on the wealthy and corporations DEANFORTIN.CA him to describe himself as a politician. He — the first candidate to do so. It is a stance replied: “Above and beyond anything else, his competitors must emulate if the party is I’m a public administrator and a manager. I to remain a viable social democratic force. chaired Quebec’s largest regulatory agency Topp is also unapologetic about his union and reduced staff there and brought in connections, telling the Canadian Press: “If RE-ELECT CITY management schemes to make things it wasn’t for the labour movement, we’d all more effective. … When I was minister of still be going to work at [the age of] seven.” the environment, I reduced by 15 percent But we are facing possibly monumental the budget of the ministry.” Wow. I wish I social and economic change in the next few COUNCILLORS could vote for Tom. years. The leadership race is being judged When Mulcair was NDP finance critic he by trying to imagine who can defeat Stephen rarely said anything critical of the govern- Harper in four years — but just what are ment’s economic policies and virtually never people thinking the world and Canada will had any progressive proposals that would look like in four years? Will Harper, the so- Lynn HUNTER counter the Harper “get out of the way of called strategic genius, still be as formidable business” ideology. He rarely talked about or will the global Depression and increasing economic policy in the House or, reportedly, climate change disasters have left him in in caucus. the ideological dust? Will the NDP need Marianne ALTO But he has been musing lately about, a manager and tactical genius or will they amazingly, how he supports NAFTA. He need a visionary with the courage to take declared this support in a recent interview risks and mobilize the 99 percent? Do we and boasted of having helped draft the need someone who will choke on the word John LUTON agreement, stating: “To some people, the capitalism for fear of frightening people or do NAFTA is an anathema. The NAFTA is we need someone who can connect with the the first international agreement that had only new movement in 40 years that targets provisions dealing with the environment. capitalism explicitly? Pam MADOFF You can’t throw out the baby with the bath The potential candidacy of Peggy Nash water.” will inject a very interesting choice into The FTA and NAFTA were the single this mix. Just the fact that she isn’t a white most damaging political acts the country male is refreshing enough. And she is vir- Email: [email protected] has ever had to endure — unleashing two tually the first finance critic of the NDP in decades of suppression of wages, the my memory who actually understands the rapid depletion of natural resources, falling economy and has the intellectual chops to O ce: 250-590-7020 productivity, the loss of several hundred take on a finance minister. She has been thousand of the best jobs in the country, eagerly challenging Flaherty successfully Page 4 November/December 2011 The Lower Island NEWS

Dictators ride to and fro upon tigers which they dare not dismount. The Lower Island NEWS And the tigers are getting hungry. The Lower Island NEWS, celebrating its 27th year of publication, is an independ- --Winston Churchill. British statesman. 11 November 1937 ent newsfeature tabloid newpaper, published as often as financially possible by the Lower Island News Society, Box 311-2750 Quadra Street, Victoria BC V8T 4E8. Our view: Signed articles are the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the Two milestones this fall: 10 years of war views of the Lower Island NEWS or the Lower Island News Society. Articles submit- ted for publication are subject to editing at the discretion of the Editor. in Afghanistan; 7 billion people on Earth Editorial Committee Chair: Sharon Hazelwood Democracy is on everyone’s mind at the moment, from those who think there is Editor: Dale Young not enough, to those who think there is too much. The Arab Spring and Occupy Editorial writer: David Olsen movements have focused minds; both driven by the desire for empowerment of Book review and travel writer: Ron MacIsaac Distribution: Jocelyn Floyer people and removal of a privileged and overbearing elite -- which in the case of Advertising: Syria borders on tyranny. Contributors to this issue: Starla Anderson, Jeremy Arney, Lester R. Brown, Jean Crowder, Bo Filter, Rob Fleming, Doreen Marion Gee, Eden Haythornthwaite, The response of “the West” to the Arab Spring has predictably been less than Stephen Henighan, Hildegard Horie, Iglika Ivanova, , Seth Klein, Mark even-handed, verging on duplicity and self-interest. Is it right to support the Lee, Ron MacIsaac, Jim Manly, Brian Mason, Gerry Masuda, George Mortimore, aspirations of oppressed people for freedom and justice? Of course -- but Ben Parfitt, Dale Perkins, Tim Pheotist, Denise Savoie, Heather Tufts, Diane Wa;sh, we are very selective about that support. The rebels in Libya received mas- Barry Weisleder, Teresa Wolfwood, and others. sive military support from NATO, without which they probably could not have overthrown Moammar Gaddafi, whereas people in Syria, Bahrain and else- Printed at the Nanaimo Daily News, Nanaimo, BC Canadian Publications Mail Agreement # 40008124 where – including Zimbabwe and Burma -- get the benefit of copious esternW Lower Island News Privacy Statement hand-wringing and not much else. In Bahrain, doctors and nurses were even The Lower Island News is owned by the Lower Island News Society, a non-profit society registered under the BCSociety Act. The Lower sentenced to draconian jail terms for treating wounded protesters. But then, we Island News collects and uses your personal information for the purpose of mailing the paper to you, and may write to you from time to time to solicit donations.The Lower Island News will not share this information with any other group. would not want to upset the Gulf States and Saudi Arabia, would we!! As others see it It was depressing to hear Conservative politicians in Canada publicly specu- lating about the benefits that Canadian companies should receive from Libya in return for Canadian military involvement. Is that what the destruction and Why should we care about bloodshed was all about? Our trust in the Libyan transitional council got off to a bad start, with Gaddafi’s corpse turned into a public spectacle for several municipal politics? days and interim leader Mustafa Abdel-Jalil announcing the introduction of We have for too long put up with an economic system designed to make money Sharia law even before the guns fell silent. There is a long way to go for the for rich people and maintain them in a condition of obscene excess, to confine billions new Libya and meanwhile, Tunisia may well have the best chance of early suc- to desperation, and to reduce Earth to a toxic waste dump. We can do better. And cess. Not a single foreign gunshot was heard in Tunisia and already the country it’s about time we do so. We’ve put up with this kind of nonsense for five thousand has had a generally fair election. Some worry that an Islamic party was the years. Finally, we have the means to choose a different way. -- David Korten most successful but, as a woman member of the party said to German TV, “We don’t worry that in your government, you have the Christian Democrats, so why By Dale Perkins status quo and current trends are not only should you worry about us?” We are nearing the end of another mu- wrong; they’re unsustainable. With the nicipal election campaign. Where I live in meltdown of many national economies it’s The Occupy movement should cause us a huge sigh of (democratic) relief. As School District 61, the race for trustees is becoming painfully obvious that corporate long as such movements can sweep democracies around the world, we know hot, with 16 candidates vying for nine posi- capitalism doesn’t work and cannot con- that what politicians call “ordinary people”, still have the courage and determi- tions. And similarly for the Victoria Council tinue indefinitely in its current form. seats – 20 candidates competing for eight With public education in this region, we nation to stand up against the abuse of power and privilege in our corporate positions, with the full spectrum of attitudes need trustees who will uphold the essential dominated societies -- despite the sneering condescension of the CBC’s “At and ideologies represented. Should we care value of ensuring that the common good is Issue” panel! The underlying message of citizen demonstrations in Greece and about who gets elected? And can politicians pre-imminent. Public education costs less, Spain and the Occupy movements in Canada and elsewhere is that people are of any stripe make a difference or begin to offers a superior standard of educational fed-up and frustrated, because those with political and economic power care address the social pathologies devastating services, and is more accountable to all nothing about them and their needs and aspirations. our community today? of us – parents, students, grandparents, There are, I contend, two principle val- neighbours, and staff personnel. Who are As we went to press, a perfect example of the problem erupted in Australia. ues that are fighting for dominance right the trustee candidates who have the moral The CEO of national airline Qantas shut it down at three hours’ notice, citing now and require close attention: the most fortitude to embrace the “bottom line” of obvious is the issue of economic health service? We must identify them and vote the unions (pilots, engineers, etc.) as the problem; but why were the unions inside our communities, and whether or them into office – anything less would be taking action? Because the management of Qantas, one of the world’s most not we can afford the services we have put to abdicate our responsibility as citizens. profitable airlines, plans to set up an Asian carrier, transferring business, and in place as far as education and municipal Similarly for councillors in municipal throwing at least 1,000 Australians out of work. Qantas’ success was built up programs and projects are concerned. government -- which ones are prepared to over 90 years, by the dedication, hard work and commitment of thousands of Obviously, we operate inside a capital- confront special interests in the develop- Australians – not just today’s CEO. Those employees have a right to say that istic system, but the terms and conditions ment industry and require that housing is Qantas is as much their airline as anyone’s. of the same system are now called into affordable, and that land use decisions are question. We see local manifestations of made with the common good in mind? This scenario is being repeated worldwide, and people have had enough. The resistance and revolt taking place – from The other important value that needs Wall Street to Centennial Square. Apolo- upholding is seeing our interconnectedness financial shambles has been going on for three years with no end in sight. The gists for our economic system are calling as community. The late Martin Luther Kind IMF, governments and corporate moguls call endlessly for more tax cuts, more us to maintain the course and hunker down Jr. once said, “I can never be what I ought to privatization, wholesale firing of employees, slashing of public services and, of and accept the limitations of public services be until you are what you ought to be. This course, the mantra of “growth”. Meanwhile, the same people, who urged banks imposed by our economic system. These is the way our world is made. No individual to “lend, lend, lend”, and citizens and governments to “borrow, borrow, borrow”, same cheer-leaders demonize the so-called or nation can stand out boasting of being in pursuit of “growth”, now blame the ordinary citizens for having too much “naysayers” who are demanding signifi- independent. We are interdependent.” debt! In the US, President Obama, hounded by Republicans and echoed by cant changes. At the root of this dispute And another social activist and wise other national leaders, announced that cutting taxes would increase jobs. Just is disagreement over what constitutes the person, Margaret Wheatley, says much how? The millions of unemployed have no income anyway, and those that do, essential “bottom line”, which governs all the same thing, “We are our only hope for social and economic enterprises in this creating a future worth working for. We will either keep the money or spend it on imported Asian goods, creating jobs in country. The current provincial government can’t go it alone, we can’t get there without Asia – not in North America or Europe. is all about making a business out of each each other, and we can’t create it without and every public enterprise – witness the relying anew on our fundamental and pre- Here in BC, amid euphoria over federal shipbuilding contracts, it is conveniently confession of BC Hydro CEO Charles Reid cious human goodness.” forgotten that every job created will be paid for by taxation – not much scope for when he admits that Hydro cannot lose We need politicians who can function tax reductions! And where will the money go? First, to the US-owned company money in a given year because then it easily and readily in a social context that building the ships, then to buy many materials and systems overseas - because couldn’t return anything to the shareholder recognizes the importance of community. we no longer manufacture them in Canada. Much of the wages of the new and “they (the government) expect a return Rank individualism may be the norm for jobs will be spent on imported consumer goods. All thanks to the Canadian from their investment in BC Hydro”. So he/ most consumer-fixated folks, but that they defer the 100s of millions of dollars too must be jettisoned if we are hoping taxpayer! And will those revitalized shipyards win contracts to build Canadian deficit each year to some distant future for to survive in our planet of seven billion flagged and crewed merchant ships to carry our raw materials to China, or build payment while paying out exorbitant annual people. We need municipal politicians who ships for other countries? Our experience with BC Ferries suggests otherwise. bonuses to upper echelon managers, in understand that, and are prepared to make Eventually the boom will end and we will be back to bust! order to deliver up a bogus surplus to the that their normative means of functioning. government. I believe the late Jack Layton gave us all Finally - the Municipal Elections on November 19. They may seem a far cry As Korten and other commentators a standard for political life that we all can from the events and issues described here, but the underlying stresses and state, we can chose a different path. Can emulate, and I trust many of the current issues are present at every level of government and society. If democratic soci- our politicians be a part of that movement? crop of municipal candidates will devote ety is to be revitalized, it has to start right here, in our neighbourhoods. There must be another “bottom line” taken themselves to embody that as they occupy into consideration. And that could be cap- their seats in chamber and offices at the tured by the word “service”. Why can’t we municipal level. So get out and vote on 19 November and tell your neighbours, friends and claim the bottom line of service over and family to do the same! A local council elected by a minority of citizens is not a against profit? I believe it’s critically impor- Dale Perkins is a social activist and retired UCC democratic institution – it may be a small self-interest group with no more legiti- tant that we install people in office who are minister. macy than the Libyan regime that Canadian taxpayers spent at least $60 million prepared to choose that “bottom line”. The to help overthrow. --DJO The Lower Island NEWS OUR READERS WRITE November/Decemberr 2011 Page 5 The kids are counting on us; Apologists for capitalism do not impress vote thoughtfully for schol trustees this writer School Board elections can often be a trustees are willing to put into listening and “Without profits, our society just won’t work” by the drive for unbridled profits demanded second thought when people consider their consultation processes. It comes down to (T/C, October 29/11) by capitalism nor its total obsession with votes in municipal elections. Yet trustees which trustees are willing to respectfully Apologists for capitalism have been gross consumption, growth at all costs, are responsible for the fate of tens of thou- question and challenge both provincial and relatively silent until recently, when they and bottom-line fixation on corporate earn- sands of children in each district. district administrators to do better, to be finally realized the dominant economic ings. He says nothing about the resulting On November 19 we must elect trustees more accountable and to dig deep to make orthodoxies cannot deliver the promised degradation of our environment and bio- with a record of advocacy for public educa- every child’s experience in school as posi- rewards but nevertheless need defending. sphere brought about by deregulated and tion – a record that goes beyond writing a tive as possible. Up to the plate strides McGill econom- unchecked capitalism -- all he offers is the letter to the Ministry once in a while. We In the midst of all the municipal excite- ics professor William Watson. With smug panacea of competition need trustees who are willing to overcome ment, please give some thought to your vote pleasure he dissects the entrails of the If Professor Watson expects us lesser discomfort and engage in civil public discus- for school trustee. The kids are counting recent “Occupy Wall Street” movement mortals to show him admiration and respect, sion on our children’s behalf. on us. and ridicules both its stated and implied he must go deeper than repeating the jingo- It comes down to the motions trustees Jessica Van der Veen principles and tactics. ism of corporate capitalism. bring to the Board and their voting records. LANDS! (Let’s Agree Not to Dispose of One would hope for greater intellectual As it stands we are not impressed and It comes down to the time and energy Schools!) rigor from a tenured professor in one of our he might be encouraged to confine his publicly funded educational institutions. musings to a few classrooms and learned But no, Wilson’s purpose is to score journals. Fully funded public education, properly points for capitalism. Nowhere in his article Dale Perkins does he consider the huge costs imposed Victoria managed advocated by candidate My name is Deborah Nohr and I ask for K-12 would be improved dramatically. What do the occupiers want? your vote on November 19, 2011. I will use my expertise and dedication I am so concerned about the conditions to improve student supports and classroom This is a frequently asked question. The fundamental understanding of the changes in the classroom that I have foregone my conditions. I will work for public consulta- answer, at this time I suggest, is “We the required. As fundamental chords are struck career as a special education teacher to tion processes and board protocols that are People” don’t know yet. they will resonate nationally and advance run for trustee. I am also concerned about inclusive and create a more transparent It is a question too early to ask because our understanding. weak budgeting and public consultation and accountable SD 61. I will respectfully what “We the People”, the “Occupiers”, the Out of this process, we 99%ers will processes. I am determined to help improve urge my fellow board members and admin- 99%ers want is not yet clear to us. It will only gradually understand what fundamental governance and accountability in SD 61. istration to tighten budget allocations and become known when a national consensus changes will be required, then move to My priorities are advocacy for proper demand more accuracy in order to dedi- develops over time. make them. funding and proper management of the ap- cate every penny to the classroom where Of all the things that require change, How long will it take? As long as proximately $165 million in Victoria District’s it belongs. which are the critical ones? What are the key required. budget. $335 million was cut out of the pro- I look forward to discussing your con- understandings that would make everything As consensus converges it might focus vincial education system in 2001/2002, and cerns. Thank you for your support on Sat- clear to everyone? on governance -- perhaps government of, with those cuts, larger classes and less sup- urday, November 19, 2011. Our understanding will grow as ideas for and by We the People. port for special needs has become the norm. Thank you, percolate up to the national level and Gerry Masuda Restoring those funds and managing them Deborah Nohr interact and transform into our more Duncan properly means the most pressing issues in Victoria How do you identify candidates running for election? Friends of the Lower Island News I have noticed a problem of identifying identify them as candidates. Different We asked for help and you gave it! candidates running for municipal elections. colours could be used for councillors and I have spoken to several candidates and for school trustees and different colours for had others pointed out to me. different electoral districts. This could add In our September issue, we made an appeal to all our readers for financial help When I attend community functions some colour to the elections! due to the huge increase in mailing costs stemming from the increase in our mail- such as the Occupy Duncan, shopping at I suggest that some very visible means is ing list. And how you responded! the market on Saturday or during The Walk required to help voters to indentify candidates The LIN Board and I were overwhelmed by the generousity of donors, many of of Nations, I recognized these candidates running in municipal elections. Perhaps, as whom have never given to the Lower Island News previously. Thank you to every but realized that those who did not know a start, candidates could take the initiative one of you, new and old donors--your names are listed below--for making sure that them could not identify them as candidates. and start wearing colourful scarfs to test out this issue will be mailed. I have not met all candidates although they this suggestion. probably were at these public gatherings. Responding to our appeals were: Gerry Masuda What is needed is some symbol such Duncan In May: as a brightly coloured scarf or sash which Arthur David Price $ 50 candidates wear at public functions to help Red Hens $ 5 In August: Anonymous $ 40 Open letter to Parliament James P. Ahara $ 5 Bill C-20 is a totally ridiculous waste of a) a form of government in which the Roger Desrosiers $ 50 time until you all start to actually represent power resides in the people and is exercised Annie R. Wilkinson $100 your constituents. It simply increases by 30 by them either directly or by the means of In September: the puppet voices for political parties. elected representatives. Anonymous $100 It matters not who represents how many b) a classless and tolerant society Thomas Chatham $ 50 if that representation does not reflect the In Canada the power lies in the PMO; George H.Kelly $300 actual needs and wishes of the Canadian and in the House of Commons alone you Anonymous $ 50 people.� are neither classless nor tolerant. Question Anonymous $ 25 That means actually listening to them period clearly shows that every day. Trudy Thorgeirson $ 50 and acting on THEIR wishes, NOT those of Thirty more MPs at a cost of $18+ million Anonymous $ 35 the leaders of the various political parties per year, without the pensions taken into Elizabeth Woods $ 15 with their various ideologies. When a leader consideration, in a time of high unemploy- John P. Bates $100 of a major party refuses to listen to anyone ment, bankruptcies and cutting of social Wanda Hop Woo $ 25 who is not�a member of his party during services to those to whom you are not In October: an entire election, and the media buys that even listening, is absolutely unacceptable Saanich North and the Islands NDP $500 and broadcasts the lies those supporters are to anyone with any intelligence. DAD $ 30 willing to accept without revealing the bias, Ladies and gentlemen, the ball is in your Stanley Creelman $100 this is not listening to all the people. Then court now, because the country is slowly Saanich-Gulf Islands NDP $500 to claim that he listens to makes waking up to what is being done for the sake

a further mockery of the truth. of an ideology that is not a one-size-fits-all. The LIN will be doing its best to find additional advertisers for the next issue You all keep talking about Canada being As was so passionately spoken by David that we hope will come out before the NDP federal leadership election, but we also a democracy and that is absolutely not true. Christopherson, “This is about Canada,” so will continue to need your good will and most importantly your donations. Please Canada is not a democracy and the sooner let’s build democracy in Canada and see keep them coming. you all realize that, then the sooner we can where we go from there. As I said before, if you like the LIN, want it to continue to be published and can do something about it. A check of the defini- Jeremy Arney afford to give something, please consider becoming a supporting donor and send tion of democracy in the Canadian Oxford Victoria us a cheque, whatever amount you can afford. All donations, large or small, will be Dictionary shows that a democracy is: appreciated. If you would like to advertise in the LIN or know a business that might, please let us know, as we want to find a mininum of 20 more new advertisers. You can always reach me at [email protected]. We welcome your letters to the editor, as well as articles and reviews, photos, New donations may be sent to the Lower Island News Society at Box 311-2750 and anything else you think would be of interest to our progressive readers. Quadra Street, Victoria, BC, V8T 4E8, and will be acknowledged in the paper. Please indicate if you prefer to be “anonymous”. Unfortunately we can’t take credit Please mail them to the Editor, at Box 311-2750 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC, card donations, nor give tax receipts. V8T 4E8, email them to [email protected], or phone 250-384-7621. Thank you again. We extend to all of you our best wishes for a happy holiday season and a more peaceful new year. The DEADLINE to submit material for the next issue is --Dale Young, Editor, for the Editorial Board Not yet determined Page 6 November/December 2011 OUR READERS WRITE OP/EDS The Lower Island NEWS NDP leader race crowded, on the right

By Barry Weisleder to unite anti-Conservative votes in the next the Canadian Boat to Gaza, and rejects he moved to refer back to the executive MP Thomas Mulcair, a former federal election, such a move, welcomed boycott, sanctions and divestment aimed its proposal to delete the word “socialist” Quebec Liberal cabinet minister who takes by the pro-Liberal media as a step towards at the Zionist apartheid state. from the party constitution preamble. Post- pride in his role in early “free trade” negotia- merger, would destroy the NDP as a party Northern Quebec MP Romeo Saganash, convention, the preamble disappeared from tions, brings a decidedly pro-capitalist, anti- independent of the business class. It would a lawyer and regional leader, has yet the federal party web site – a devious move Quebec self-determination perspective to drown generations of working class social to detail his policy positions since joining the typical of the backroom politics associated the leadership race. gains. leadership race in September. Nova Scotia with Topp and company When Mulcair announced his candidacy, he Ottawa MP Paul Dewar promises that MP Robert Chisholm has now tossed his Sadly, leftist BC MPs Libby Davies and had the backing of 15 MPs, soon likely 30, as NDP leader he would give city govern- hat into the ring. Fellow Nova Scotian Mar- opted out of the race. Bizarrely, but few supporters outside of the ranks of ments more say – even a seat at federal- tin Singh, a pharmacist and businessman, Davies later endorsed Topp, the man who strongly pro-federalist Quebecers. provincial ministers’ meetings. Dewar, extols the virtues of entrepreneurship. as federal campaign director presided over MP Nathan Cullen, until recently the NDP foreign affairs critic On October 28, Toronto MP and former the party’s steady shift to the right. another leadership contender, advocates a in Parliament, defended the bombing of Union negotiator The dearth of meaningful choices for “non-compete agreement” with the Liberal Libya by Canadian Forces. He supports the Peggy Nash declared her candidacy. Her NDP leader poses a serious challenge and Green parties. While the stated aim is Canada-UN occupation of Haiti, opposed platform, in the words of colum- to the NDP and to the anti-capitalist left: nist Thomas Walkom, “is straight-up NDP either raise the tens of thousands of dol- orthodoxy”; “address social inequality... lars needed to run a socialist candidate for and boost corporate taxes to pay for it.” leader, or find other ways to fight for a Work- The only positive point of differentiation is ers’ Agenda in the only mass, labour-based  Nash’s praise for the Occupy movement. political party in North America. That brings us to the never-elected-to- The global “Occupy” movement, and  public-office Brian Topp -- touted as the a whole generation of concerned environ- front-runner. He enjoys the backing of the mentalists, plus millions of victims of war  Steelworkers’ Union and party icons Ed and capitalist economic crisis cry out for a Broadbent and Roy Romanow. Lately, Topp socialist alternative. It must be generated  called for higher taxes on corporate profits inside the mainstream of the workers’ move-  and big income earners. ment, where it matters most.  But Topp is a very unlikely candidate of  the left. He rescued the party establishment Barry Weisleder chairs the NDP’s federal social-  from an embarrassing defeat at the federal ist caucus. NDP convention in Vancouver in June when   The Revolution of 2011? By Jerry West the income of the bulk of the population. The year 1848 is noted for the revolu- The result is that many people feel power- tions that swept across much of Europe. less today, whether they be rank and file Historians in the future may write of the Reform Party types, Tea Partiers or the revolutions of 2011. What started as a popu- Occupy groups that are now threatening to lar revolt in Tunisia in late 2010 and spread eclipse all others. throughout the Arab world has now gone The numbers tell a story that explains world wide as people gather everywhere to why such dissatisfaction can arise and go protest the current order. viral. Using the United States as an example In the United States the protest on Wall we see that in 1922, before the Great De- Street in New York City has been continu- pression, the richest 1% of the population ous for over a month, and gives no sign of held almost 37% of the wealth. By 1976 it ending soon. The past weekend protests had shrunk to about 20%. Then, policies were staged in 80 or more countries around changed and by 2007 it was up to almost the world including Canada. A protest in 35%. Canada has a similar tale of growing Vancouver is estimated to have drawn 4,000 wealth disparity. people and some say that they plan to stay Most people born in the past 40 years, if and protest till the new year. In Nanaimo they are not in the top percentile of wealthy, about 500 people gathered to protest, and have had a life of falling behind as the rich the list goes on with local protest groups get progressively richer in comparison. springing up everywhere. And, the wealth increase of the rich is built The underlying reasons for the revolu- on reduced public protection and services, tions of 1848 were in some ways much like including education, and reduced employ- the ones driving the protests of 2011. De- ment opportunities as jobs are sent off shore Dave Connell Tutoring mands for greater political participation and to cheaper labour pools. Former Resource Teacher can teach most subjects a fairer share of the economy are threads What we see today with the protests from grade 1-12, carpentry theory and that run through both. now happening around the globe is a clash college/university essay writing. One might question why in such an af- between populist, progressive values, and fluent society as the one in North America the regressive, elitist values of the corporate Tutoring in my home or yours in the Victoria area. above the Mexican border, or some of those class and their flunkies. The economist Phone 250-381-5997 or email [email protected] in Europe and Asia, people would protest. Robert Reich hit the nail on the head re- The answer lies in the economic numbers, cently when he wrote: and in the decline of the system built to “Progressives believe in openness, repair the damage of the Great Depression equal opportunity, and tolerance. Progres- and World War II. sives assume we’re all in it together: We all Out of that depression came social benefit from public investments in schools Safety and Human Factors Consultant programs to strengthen society and temper and health care and infrastructure. And Call David Olsen the effects of a predatory economic system. we all do better with strong safety nets, Public responsibility for the welfare of all citi- reasonable constraints on Wall Street and 250-655-6218 zens was acknowledged and taxes raised to big business, and a truly progressive tax or email him at meet that responsibility. The business com- system. Progressives worry when the rich munity was better regulated to prevent some and privileged become powerful enough to [email protected] of its socially destructive excesses. Historic undermine democracy. civil rights wrongs were addressed, or in “Regressives take the opposite posi- some cases a least acknowledged. Then tions.” came the ‘80s and the regressive backlash. Although some good came from the Over the last 30 years many govern- revolutions of 1848, mostly they were ments have caved in to the regressive crushed, often brutally. What will happen Bill Hartley Insurance Services elements in society, the corporate class, here, now, remains to be seen. and proceeded to unravel as much of the “Providing peace of mind since 1950” progressive policy of the mid 20th century Jerry West is owner/editor of the Gold River as they could, reducing both the power and Record. Copyright © 2011, West’s International • Special Hobby Farm Packages • Home • Auto • Commercial It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking • Travel • Marine • RRSPs and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution be- • Life • Mortgage Cancellation fore tomorrow morning. -- Henry Ford

Power is not a means, it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in Bill Hartley Insurance Services order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship. -- George Orwell, English novelist, in the book “1984”. 2420 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4L7 www.hartleyinsurance.com Phone 250-388-5014 • Fax 250-388-4277 Email [email protected] The Lower Island NEWS OP/EDs November/December 2011 Page 7 CETA is the wrong deal for municipalities

The following is an excerpt from remarks agreements in the last 30 years that have al- hospitals, airports, transit authorities and I applaud the FCM’s spirit of coopera- given by Victoria City Councillor Marianne lowed buy-local and buy- Canadian policies. other provincial agencies. tion and its efforts to balance the interests Alto, at a recent “Canada’s Communities But some draft documents suggest that the As stewards of the municipal purse, in- of municipalities with those of the federal Are Not for Sale” forum co-sponsored by EU believes the proposed deal means local cluding decision making about how to spend government, but I am concerned that the CUPE and the Council of Canadians. governments may no longer give preference that purse, UBCM members acknowledged FCM position is less measurable, more By Marianne Alto to local or Canadian suppliers, or restrict that an agreement like this could signifi- interpretive, than that taken by the UBCM. Let’s talk about the Comprehensive tender calls or bidders to local or Canadian cantly reduce or even eliminate the right of a And I wonder if it is realistic to rely upon Economic and Trade Agreement – CETA – companies. city to specify local priorities, publicly funded the federal government to advocate for as it may affect municipalities. This is a serious limitation on the ability priorities, for investments in goods, services municipalities. The federal government has completed of local governments to choose local suppli- or capital projects. In the end, municipalities should con- eight rounds of negotiations on CETA, ers and workers, which then limits our ability UBCM suggested that cities could lose sider the larger issues that permeate any making “significant progress in key areas, to support and foster our own locally driven the right to make their own spending deci- discussion of international trade, and should including goods, services, investment, gov- social or economic development strategies. sions, and that the federal government was resist a blind adherence to protectionism. ernment procurement and many others.” Let’s look at another concern. not listening to local governments express But within that consideration municipali- says his government CETA could increase costs and create their concerns with trade agreements and ties should not overlook or relinquish their is “resisting protectionist pressures in legal hurdles for local governments. their potential impacts on local government responsibility to hold fast to their right, and challenging economic times”, and “seeking It looks like CETA may allow multination- programs, services and local autonomy. obligation, to ensure that local decisions can ambitious outcome across all negotiating al corporations to pressure municipalities to And UBCM expressed concern that be made by local decision-makers, for the areas”, and has instructed negotiators to choose large companies. Under the pro- negotiations were taking place in private, good of their local communities. move forward quickly. posed agreement, unsuccessful corporate without the participation or input from local I think this CETA is the wrong deal for Apparently, the text of the agreement is bidders may have the right to challenge a governments. So UBCM called for the BC municipalities. Overall, it exposes local nearly done. Canada’s goal is to have the municipality’s decision in awarding a con- government to negotiate a clear, perma- decision-making autonomy to far more risk, agreement concluded in 2012. tract. This could mean significant litigation nent exemption for local governments from opens it up to far more interpretation, than I suggest that this is not Canada’s goal. risks and increased administrative costs, CETA. makes me comfortable. It too easily fosters I think it is Stephen Harper’s goal. as local governments are forced to report Last summer the Federation of Cana- debate about who makes decisions on Municipalities – and their professional on and defend procurement choices, and dian Municipalities passed a resolution at important municipal issues like water own- associations – have expressed their dis- respond to legal or administrative appeals its board meeting, calling on the federal ership, procurement policies, administrative comfort with the proposed CETA, and with of those choices. There is the suggestion government to respect municipal autonomy expenses and resource allocation. the process that has led to this point in the that local governments would have to com- in its free trade negotiations with the Euro- Our civic governments deserve to be negotiations. UBCM – and FCM – have said pensate unsuccessful bidders if a court finds pean Union. heard and respected, and this CETA has that CETA raises concerns about intrusion that CETA procedures and rules were not FCM said the latest generation of trade done neither. into local governance. strictly observed. agreements is trying to include municipal And I have yet to have anyone explain What are those concerns? While concerns like these are troubling, activities like purchasing of supplies, the why a municipal exemption from CETA First, there is the issue of water. as a facilitator I find a particularly galling contracting of infrastructure projects and would negatively affect the intent or opera- CETA negotiators may be opening the aspect of these negotiations to be their lack the delivery of municipal services like solid tion of CETA. How could taking cities out of door to privatization of municipal water of transparency or inclusion of the municipal waste and water distribution. FCM did not the deal make the deal worse for Canada? services. or citizen voice. demand exemption for municipalities, but The UBCM resolution says it best. While the Canadian government has Interference with control of water re- chose to ask the federal government to Municipalities need a briefing from the previously tried to preserve its sovereign sources, procurement policies, greater include some principles of fair engagement province of BC on the scope and content of control over water when negotiating in- administrative and legal costs… CETA in the CETA agreement as it was refined. trade negotiations with the European Union. ternational trade agreements, the EU has may pass all these potential burdens on Apparently, the federal government We need a sector-by-sector analysis of the requested that drinking water services be to municipal governments already lurching agreed, and after meeting with the Minister, potential impacts on municipal functions included in CETA. This could open the under the weight of federal and provincial FCM said it supports the federal govern- and powers of the procurement regime that door to private ownership and operation of off-loading. And do so without having a ment’s commitment to work with FCM the European Union is seeking. We need municipal water infrastructure. strategic conversation with the people who and include its principles, as negotiations our provincial government to work with its Proposed CETA rules could allow a will be left dealing with many of the day to proceed. federal counterparts, be pro-active, and water conglomerate to bid whenever a day effects of CETA. FCM also said it endorses free and fair negotiate a clear, permanent exemption for Canadian municipality, or its water utility, In the face of this enormous shift of trade, and welcomes the federal govern- local governments from CETA. tenders for goods or services relating to responsibility and limitations on local gov- ment’s commitment to a CETA deal that I plan to present a similar motion to Vic- water supply systems, like water treatment ernment’s democratic capacity, the federal works to create new jobs and opportunities toria city council, and urge other municipal technology, or engineering, design, con- government has failed to adequately engage while protecting local decision-making. leaders to do the same. struction, or operational services. municipal governments in the conversation Just last June, Victoria City Council about CETA. unanimously endorsed my initiative to The federal government is negotiating protect the public ownership of water and CETA behind closed doors without an open, water services in our city. As the proponent thorough and effective consultation with of these “Blue Community” policies, any municipalities or the Canadian public. potential risk to publicly controlled water I believe that the federal government has resources is troubling to me. an obligation to provide objective informa- Privatized municipal water systems tion about the costs and benefits for munici- operated by European companies have palities. To give municipalities a meaningful already led to poor or unreliable service and place at the negotiating table, or at least higher water prices. French municipalities provide an opportunity for broad national have begun returning their water systems input from municipal governments. And slow to public control in the last decade, after down the federal government agenda to give private water companies failed to meet municipalities time to talk with their residents their needs. about their thoughts on the potential impacts The idea that this CETA agreement of these changes. removes our local right to make decisions Are there potential benefits to munici- about public ownership of water is just one palities and their residents from CETA? aspect of the intrusions CETA may make Perhaps – but we haven’t been engaged into local governance. sufficiently to be able to make an informed What are some other areas of concern analysis. to municipalities? Within this vacuum of consultation, both CETA may affect the ability of local the UBCM and FCM have taken positions Marianne Alto (second from right) and James Bay residents at Irving Park. governments to include local and Canadian on the CETA. content requirements in our procurement The Union of British Columbia Munici- processes. This could undermine our city’s palities recognized the risks associated with Marianne Alto economic development strategies. CETA last year, when UBCM delegates Re-Elect Victoria City Council Victoria’s ability to “buy local” or “buy endorsed a resolution that specifically Canadian” can be an important tool for addressed the negotiations then ongoing Elect CRD Director stimulating the local economy and fostering between the government of Canada and November 19, 2011 innovation. A policy that prefers local sup- the European Union. www.MarianneAlto.ca pliers can have a positive impact on local UBCM was concerned that the Euro- production, local jobs and local consump- pean Union and European corporations Since being elected in November 2010, Marianne Alto has: tion. This local advantage has long been were insisting on full access to procure- • Proposed short-term incentives for rental housing. recognized as significant, and desirable. ment by sub-national governments, like • Pushed for open government at Victoria City Hall by Canada has signed international trade municipalities, school boards, universities, supporting open data disclosure, recorded Council votes, and live broadcast of Council meetings • Supported efforts to create a regional transportation authority Victoria Labour Council 219-2750 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4E8 In the next 3 years, Marianne Alto will: Ph: 250-384-8331 FAX: 250-384-8381 Email: [email protected] • Work to integrate health services needed to support vulnerable The VLC, representing affiliated unions in the Greater Victoria area, people holds its regular monthly meeting the third Wednesday of each month at 7 pm • Facilitate regional planning for affordable transportation, emer- at the BCGEU Auditorium, 2994 Douglas Street. gency preparedness and policing services All delegates are invited to come out and meet the Executive: • Work with local businesses to create jobs, limit tax increases and Mike Eso, President; Stan Dzbik, Treasurer; Kim Manton, Secretary secure new revenue streams to fund services Page 8 November/December 2011 FEDERAL NEWS AND VIEWS The Lower Island NEWS NDP asks government to let farmers decide future of Canadian Wheat Board

By Jean Crowder Over the past few weeks, I’ve had many families have benefited. As the Wheat Board people calling my office about the proposed has maximized the returns to farmers, rural changes to the Canadian Wheat Board. communities and urban centres across On October 25, the NDP put forward western Canada have seen results. an opposition day motion that read: “That, Today that reality and that vision are at in the opinion of the House, farmers have risk of disappearing. What has taken farm- a democratic right to determine the future ers decades to develop is at risk of being of their own supply management tools and destroyed in a few short weeks, not by big marketing boards; and recognizing this corporations, not by another country, but by right, the House calls on the government our very own government. to set aside its legislation abolishing the A government that has claimed to stand Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) single desk for rural and western Canada threatens to and to conduct a full and free vote by all bring it down. current members of the CWB to determine The government’s agenda on the Wheat their wishes, and calls on the government Board is profoundly undemocratic. It is ig- to agree to honour the outcome of that noring farmers’ voices every step of the way. democratic process.” Where is the respect toward the direc- Here is an edited version of the open- tors of the Wheat Board, those who were ing speech. elected by farmers, eight out of 10 of whom were elected on a pro single desk position? Nanaimo-Cowichan MP Jean Crowder (centre) has started a Nanaimo-Cowichan Many decades ago the Canadian Wheat Where is the respect for the plebiscite Youth Council that is currently working on developing its mandate. Jean’s vision Board was developed at the wish of farmers. which indicated that a majority of farmers for the group is very flexible. To learn more about the youth council or to join,- con Farmers saw the way in which private support the single desk marketing of wheat companies, often not based in western and barley? Canada, profited from their hard work and Finally, where is the duty of the govern- left them little in return. ment to follow section 47.1 of the Canadian Farmers knew that during times of Wheat Board Act, which states that any Is our government respecting economic downturn survival meant pulling proposed changes to the Wheat Board’s together. Moving forward meant working marketing structure ought to be put to farm- Canada’s democratic principles? together. Together they developed one of ers for a vote? By Denise Savoie our troops are returning from Afghanistan the most successful marketing entities in Many have said that those who stand to It has now been six months since the with sometimes serious physical and post our country. gain the most are the corporations, players May election that brought the NDP into traumatic stress injuries. The Conservatives’ The Wheat Board developed into far such as Cargill, Viterra, Bunge and others its official opposition status and the Con- assertion that a huge cut to the Veterans Af- more than a marketing board. It became part that have been involved with agriculture servatives to their majority. The NDP is fairs budget won’t further erode the quality of developing and selling the best wheat in all along. pressing ahead by holding the government and timeliness of services for veterans is the world, Canadian wheat. Profit is the bottom line of these corpo- to account for its policies, and pushing the clearly absurd. For decades the Canadian Wheat Board rations, not maximizing the return to farm- Conservatives to implement a job creation Last but not least, the government has has worked with farmers and entities such ers, the well-being of rural communities strategy. curtailed the debate on the crime omnibus as the Canadian Grain Commission to or ensuring that transportation networks Unfortunately, Conservatives don’t bill. If passed, Bill C-10 would mark a signifi- develop a top Canadian brand for export. across the Prairies are used in the most understand or don’t care to understand cant change to our criminal justice system. That brand has belonged not to the cost-effective way for farmers and the the difference between government and Many Canadians and crime experts are Canadian Wheat Board; it has belonged overall economy. Parliament. They are using their majority very concerned about the direction the bill to Canadian farmers. It has belonged to The National Farmers Union stated: to ram through legislation with procedural is taking, and are not convinced its cost (in all of us. “Ending the single desk authority of the tricks that silence debate of the important the billions) will do much to improve public The Wheat Board though is more than a CWB…would transfer wealth created by issues before Parliament, eroding the safety or help victims. But the government single desk. It represents the idea that those Canadian farmers to big private, often democratic principles that we as Canadians continues to see Parliament as a minor who produce the final product ought to have foreign-owned grain companies instead of rely on to ensure that all sides of an issue procedural inconvenience, rather than the a say in the production. They ought to have being returned to farmers and spent in their are heard. They are treating Parliament as forum in which such legislation deserves full a say in the future of their livelihoods. communities.” a pesky procedural obstacle. and open debate. While the running of the Wheat Board Some might dismiss this as “politics as The Conservatives must stop treating has been shaped essentially by farmers, The motion failed to pass the House usual”, but these developments go beyond Parliament as a procedural inconvenience, since 1998, 10 out of the 15 directors on of Commons with all of the Conserva- the usual parliamentary jockeying to a and recognize it as the voice of Canadians the board have been elected by farmers tives in attendance voting against it. level that breaks with the spirit of an open – a forum where policies should be debated. themselves. democracy. The legislation this government is proposing Farmers have been in the driver’s seat Jean Crowder is MP for Nanaimo-Cowichan. Take the government’s decision to will have significant and direct impacts on of an institution that works on their behalf. dismantle the Canadian Wheat Board single our everyday lives in Victoria. Many of these We have all benefited as a result of farmers desk. The Conservatives claim that the projects, such as the crime bill, would mark guiding the Wheat Board. move will provide freedom to farmers, but a significant departure from the way we cur- As farmers have sought to create a what would farmers freely choose if they rently deal with crime, and treat offenders system whereby stability is sought in an could make the decision? A strong majority and victims in Canada. economy of increased uncertainty, farming of farmers would keep the wheat board that As Opposition MPs, we need the back provides security by getting them a fair price up of thousands of Canadian voices to for their grain. speak out with us. We depend on you to Please join me for my annual An issue like this should be debated in tell Prime Minister Harper that Canadians Parliament. The farmers that will be affected deserve better from the government and Holiday Open House by this move deserve no less, especially to openly engage the public and opposition since so many disagree with the govern- parties on these important issues, and dis- ment’s position. But instead, the govern- cuss what the implications of all proposed Monday December 12, 4-6 p.m. ment has been using every procedural trick changes. in the book to fast-track the bill through Transparency and openness is what At my community office – parliament, bypassing meaningful debate. Canadians expect from government, and 970 Blanshard Street Those who are most affected will not be able it’s what they deserve. 250-363-3600 to appear and give their side of the story. What is the result of these actions? Denise Savoie is the MP for Victoria and Deputy Speaker of the Housse. We will be collecting donations of non- In short, it erodes one of the fundamental perishable food items for local food banks mechanisms of accountability we have: transparency. It becomes more difficult for Ron reviews: the public and the opposition to engage or challenge the government on its policies. IN THE EMBRACE OF THE ALLIGA- Denise Savoie The CWB fiasco is not the only instance TOR, by A. Hale, THISTLEDOWN Member of Parliament for Victoria where the government is silencing debate PRESS and dissenting opinions through egregious Cuba will soon not be the wonderful Your Voice in Ottawa procedural tactics. We are seeing similar place to visit that it is now. The US is soon tactics in the government’s handling of cuts to open the door to its tourists. Author to Veterans Affairs. Hale, with her stories has caught the pres- In a closed door meeting that was not ent wonders of that irresistible discovery of open to the public or the media, the Conser- Christopher Columbus. vatives used their majority on the Veterans Affairs committee to cancel a planned study NOBODY CHEATS AT BINGO, by D. Du- of the $226 million in proposed cuts to the mont, THISTLEDOWN PRESS department. This will prevent the committee This book has great descriptions of life from hearing from important stakeholders on the Reservation. The author, with roots who could have shed some light on the real in the Cree and raised on Okanee First Na- impact of these cuts on Canadian veterans, tions in Saskatchewan, is an actress and including the Veterans’ Ombudsman, who comedienne. She bridges in her book the has serious concerns about the cuts’ effects gulf between the Native Peoples and those on veterans. in the outside world. These cuts are coming at a time when --Ron MacIsaac The Lower Island NEWS FEDERAL NEWS AND VIEWS November/December 2011 Page 9 Why NDP voted against Bill 13, and asked government to shift to policies that will provide actual job creation and begin to reverse growning inequality in Canada

By money left to spend locally and to help keep the and unemployment, we not only risk falling back into a recession but Economic warning signs are all around us. We economy moving. we are also mortgaging our future. In voting against Bill C-13, New have instability in the international financial markets, I believe a major contributor to our long term Democrats were asking the government to abandon its wrong-headed the sovereign debt crisis in the Eurozone, stagnant economic problems is inequality. This is a con- approach and shift to policies that will provide actual job creation and growth projections for Canada, all-time high levels of cern not just among New Democrats, but also of that will begin to reverse the growing inequality in this country. That’s household debt, an increasing balance of payment business leaders in this country. In September, the way to get Canada moving forward. deficits for this country, and low levels of private the Conference Board of Canada which is not a investment here at home. noted left-wing organization put out a report that Randall Garrison is MP for Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca. So what do we hear from the government? We discussed the increase in poverty rates in Canada. hear a very familiar message: “Continue with corpo- After 10 years of some modest progress, these rate tax cuts. Continue to slash public expenditures.” rates began to increase once again in 2009, and These are the themes of the Conservatives’ Bill C-13, that gap continues to grow. Our new Constituency Office is hosting the awkwardly titled Keeping Canada’s Economy and The Conference Board of Canada pointed Jobs Growing Act. out that the gap between the rich and the poor Conservatives like to trumpet their record on job in Canada is now growing at a much faster rate a Festive Open House creation. However, when we take into account labour than it is in the United States and that very soon force growth, we are still 250,000 jobs short of what we will catch up to them as among the developed Please drop in to meet and talk we would need just to keep employment levels steady countries with the largest gaps between the rich with Randall Garrison, in this country. When we look at unemployed workers and the poor in the entire world. MP for Esquimalt – Juan de Fuca. and discouraged workers, they amount to nearly two Why are we experiencing this rapid increase million Canadians. When we look at youth unemploy- in inequality? The Conference Board said it is a date: December 19 ment rates, we reached a high this summer of more result of globalization and other market forces. time: 4pm to 7pm than 17% of youth unemployed. When the government says market forces will fix The Conservative response: “Well, let’s continue the recession, it is also saying that market forces address: A2 – 100 Aldersmith Place, Victoria to cut those corporate taxes.” The evidence is clear will fix inequality, and we have seen that simply (just off Admirals Road) that these corporate tax cuts do nothing to create jobs. is not true. Despite a 43% tax cut for big corporations, business The Conference Board of Canada also points Light refreshments will be available. investment levels as a share of the GDP have not to dwindling unionization of the Canadian work- We will be accepting Food Bank donations of non-perishable items. increased one iota. force and the stagnation of minimum wages as The significant spending cuts that we are facing in two key contributors, yet we have seen a constant the upcoming budget bill will only make the situation attack from the government on trade unions as Randall Garrison, MP worse. On top of the direct hits these cuts will cause the representatives of workers in the attempt to for public services, the cuts will also mean a decline get a living wage, a family-supporting wage and a ESQUIMALT–JUAN DE FUCA in jobs in our economy as economic growth is slowed wage that will actually promote economic growth Constituency office is now open by the cutting of public sector spending. and development in this country. We know that the key to an economic recovery I see nothing in Bill-C13 that would move us in to serve constituents: is demand. In order to have sufficient demand in our that direction of more fundamental equality. There address: A2–100 Aldersmith Place economy, employees need to earn a living wage. is nothing here to promote retirement security. Victoria V9A 7M8 When they go to work every day, work hard, come There is no action to help the most vulnerable. to the end of the month, there has to be a little bit Instead the Conservatives want to continue cutting hours: 10am–4pm, Mon–Thurs left over. What we are finding increasingly is that for corporate taxes which produces no jobs and at or by appointment families this is not the case. When families get to the same time throw away revenue the govern- the end of the month, they have to choose between ment could use for essential social services or to phone: 250-405-6550 putting away a little for retirement, putting away a little lift seniors out of poverty. email: [email protected] for their children’s education, and actually paying the If the Conservative government’s inaction fax: 250-405-6554 bills that are coming due. Families have little or no continues on the question of inequality, low wages We are here to assist constituents with New Democrats salute federal government programs and services. 75 years of excellence at CBC OTTAWA – New Democrats marked the they’ve made to expand local news ser- 75th Anniversary of the CBC November 21 vice, drive domestic production of original by joining with citizens from coast to coast Canadian programming, protect minority to coast in celebrating the proud history and language communities and digitize content reaffirming the bright future of a distinctly while remaining fiscally transparency and Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca Canadian public broadcaster. accountable to taxpayers,” continued Mr. On behalf of all New Democrats, Official Benskin. Federal New DeMocrats Opposition Heritage Critic Tyrone Benskin However, he cautioned vigilance in re- (Jeanne-Le Ber) congratulated the Corpo- sponse to a concerted campaign to defund ration’s management, staff, supporters and the national institution. “We have a govern- all the talented creators and artists who ment circulating defunding petitions and Stay in touch! have helped contribute to this impressive irresponsible calls for CBC’s complete or milestone. partial elimination,” explained Mr. Benskin. “Since its inception in 1936, CBC has New Democrats have pressed the gov- You can reach your executive at represented the vision and the voice that ernment for stable investments in arts and PO Box 622, 105-1497 Admirals Road, is Canada. Their achievement in unifying culture, including CBC. Canadian cultural Victoria, BC V9A 2p8 the diversity of people and the vastness of industries add about 85 billion dollars an- this nation as well as bringing together the nually into the Canadian economy. 250-381-2166 linguistic dualism and cultural plurality which “Unlike the present government,” Ben- or your president at [email protected] define us is nothing short of incredible,” said skin concluded, “New Democrats will stand Mr. Benskin. by our commitment to support Canada’s vital “As recently as last week, CBC reported arts and cultural sector, including seeing the to Parliament on the impressive progress CBC through its next 75 years.” The Victoria federal NDP extends best Conservative pensions loophole wishes for the Holiday Season to all leaves vulnerable seniors behind Lower Island News Readers. If wealthy Canadians could take money to drain GIS funds by doubling the amounts from a fund meant to help low-income se- they can shelter in tax-free accounts. niors, everyone would agree that’s wrong. Remember, this is the prime minister See you in 2012! Everyone except Stephen Harper’s who says he can’t afford to increase the GIS Conservatives. itself to lift every senior out of poverty. He A serious loophole in the Conservative’s could have done that for $700-million in his Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) program last budget. But his loophole for wealthier Victoria Federal NDP lets wealthy Canadians shelter money in a Canadians will cost far more than that — Box 5380, LCD #9 special account—and then qualify for the $4.2-billion per year by 2050 — without Victoria, BC V8R 6S4 Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). helping vulnerable seniors at all. In other words, they can shield their own New Democrats have a better idea: savings to qualify for payments set aside Close the TFSA loophole now. Save those for our most vulnerable seniors. billions. Then use a fraction of the savings to Erik Kaye, President: 250-382-4370 Now Stephen Harper wants to make increase the GIS so every Canadian senior [email protected] things worse. Without closing this loophole, can live in dignity. http://victoriandp.ca/ he wants to make it even easier for people Page 10 November/December 2011 PROVINCIAL NEWS AND VIEWS The Lower Island NEWS Songs for Jack, a special evening to remember NDP leader

Appreciative applause greets music and songs by the Rabblebeerries.

Saanich-Gulf Islands president Gary Holman (l) introduces gust speaker John Horgan.

MLA John Horgan and MP Randall Garrison (2nd and 3rd from left) listen closely to the auctioneer’s patter. Photos by Michele Murphy Auctioneer extraordinaire Mike Hayes goes to work on selling the desserts.

Songs for Jack, a special evening of music, hearty appetites and dessert auction was held September 24 at St. Andrew’s Hall insidney,by Saanich North and the Islands New Democrats. Hosted by president Gary Holman, the evening featured guest speaker John Horgan, MLA for Juan de Fuca, catering by Kilimanjaro House, an auction under the direction of auctiolneer Mike Hayes, and the music and songs of the Rabbleberries.

Van der Veen selected as candidate for It is easy enough to tell the poor to accept Oak Bay-Gordon Head NDP their poverty as God’s will when you yourself Over 100 New Democrats gathered at province. Not even half done! An economy have warm clothes and the Windsor Park Pavilion September 1 to is only as strong as the society it is rooted plenty of food and acclaim Jessica Van der Veen as the NDP in. A society is only as stable as we make medical care and a roof candidate for Oak Bay-Gordon Head. it. Healthcare, education, and strong stew- over your head and no Amongst those in attendance were Adri- ardship – these are the true foundations of worry about the rent. an Dix, leader of the BC NDP; Victoria-Swan British Columbia.” But if you want them Lake MLA Rob Fleming; Saanich South MLA OBGH president Keith Todd said, “This to believe you -- try to Lana Popham; former New Democrat MLA day has been long in coming. The day after share some of their for OBGH Elizabeth Cull; and former school the narrow defeat in 2009, we got up, dusted poverty and see if you board trustee, Charley Beresford. ourselves off and got back to the business can accept it as God›s The evening began with a tribute to Jack at hand, electing a New Democrat to the will yourself! Layton. Jamie Dopp led a heartfelt version legislature from Oak Bay-Gordon Head.” -- Thomas Merton of “The Mary Ellen Carter” and many sang Delegates also recognized Mike Hayes along. This created a very special atmo- for the countless hours and hard work he sphere for the whole meeting. has done for the riding. Marnie Hamagami nominated Van der Hayes then did what he always does, Veen, explaining why Van der Veen would fundraised, guitar in hand, in that enjoyable, be the candidate to defeat Liberal Ida Chong lighthearted way which characterizes so in the next election in OBGH. many of his contributions to the community. «Jessica›s core values centre around Dix spoke of what a British Columbia community, and fostering a strong sense would look like with a New Democrat gov- A personal thank you to those who of community is key to ensuring the social ernment in place and delighted the crowd have supported me, worked for the and environmental fabric of our community with his humour and fresh ideas. He em- party and championed our shared val- is not only sustained, but improved,” said phasized his determination to support public ues. Hamagami. “Jessica understands that in a education and post-secondary students, be fundamental way. She is the kind of person they in trades, colleges or universities. in whom I trust not only my future, but the Dix also stressed the BCNDP’s Sustain- Your encouragement and future of my children.» able BC platform and went on to emphasize dedication to our movement, to our Van der Veen thanked her nominator the party’s position on the Enbridge Pipeline children’s children and to a better world and those in attendance for acclaiming her and opposition to tankers in the Straight. makes it all worthwhile. You have ener- as the candidate for OBGH. The meeting closed with great cama- gized and inspired me. In her speech she declared, “The key raderie as friends lingered, enjoying the word for me is ‘stewardship’ and to be spirit and atmosphere of such a positive Many thanks and best wishes, more specific, protecting, restoring and event. Special thanks were given to Presi- building rather than tearing down and dent Keith Todd and his wife Jennifer for the Jessica Van der Veen destroying. We are not done building this outstanding flowers! The Lower Island NEWS PROVINCIAL NEWS AND VIEWS November/December 2011 Page 11

James nominated for Victoria-Beacon Hill

Carole James has been nominated by James said that she wants to put a the members of the Victoria-Beacon Hill priority on issues like supporting BC’s NDP constituency association to run for public health care and education systems, a third term as MLA in the next provincial improving care for seniors, protecting the election. environment, and taking action to support James was nominated at a well-attended the most vulnerable members of our society. meeting August 28 at the James Bay James was elected as MLA for the Community School Centre, and the meeting constituency in the 2005 and 2009 provincial was followed by a barbecue. elections. She served as leader of the BC “Victoria-Beacon Hill has been my NDP from 2003 to 2010. home for most of my life. I grew up in Victoria-Beacon Hill New Democrats this community, raised my children in this assembled again October 4 to select community, and I’m honoured to have delegates and pass resolutions for the represented this community since 2005 as December NDP convention, and at that the MLA,” James told the meeting. meeting they were addressed by James and “I am in politics to make a difference for Vancouver-Hastings MLA Shane Simpson. my community, to improve the lives of all our Simpson, the critic for Housing and citizens, and I am running again because Social Development, spoke about the plans there is still a great deal of work to do. the BC NDP is developing to deal with a “Many important problems have been decade of BC Liberal neglect, which has Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA Carole James (left) chats with Gretchen Brewin at the neglected or made worse during the time caused BC to reach the highest poverty barbecue held after her nominatioln meeting at the James Bay Community School the BC Liberals have been in government,” rates in Canada. The NDP is holding Centre. Brewing was a former MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill and mayor of Victoria. James said. “ has shown that discussions with community advocates as her agenda does not put the people of this it develops new programs to create new province first.” housing and fight poverty. Premier’s jobs plan disappointing, isn’t different at all

By Carole James they have child care. Yet there’s nothing in the jobs Both the Throne Speech opening the fall sitting plan that addresses the lack of quality, affordable of the Legislature and the premier’s jobs plan show a and accessible child care for families. government that seems to be incapable of delivering The plan lacks clear job targets, and fails to substantial measures to alleviate the real challenges provide vital investments in people. Instead it facing the citizens of Victoria-Beacon Hill. The premier offers a bunch of boards, councils and panels, and promised a jobs plan that would be “different from many of them are just new names for bodies that anything British Columbia has seen”, but when she already existed. unveiled it in September, it was disappointing to see The Throne Speech offered up more slogans that it wasn’t different at all. and photo ops over serious policy proposals. The We’ve seen most of this before. This plan puts self- use of the words “families first” rang hollow when promotion ahead of substance and is mostly an exercise the speech contained nothing to address child in repackaging existing plans and programs. Sadly, poverty, adults with developmental disabilities, there’s not much for Victoria-Beacon Hill, or even for more care for seniors, the pressures families are communities on Vancouver Island. It’s almost like we facing today, higher ferry fares, MSP premiums – don’t even exist. and the list goes on. An effective jobs strategy should begin by investing While the HST has been defeated, we’re still in our province’s greatest resource – our people. One of paying it, and we will be for months and months to its first priorities should be ensuring British Columbians come. The Throne Speech also failed to address have access to post secondary education, skills training, the need to speed up a return to the PST/GST and apprenticeships. system. The new home construction industry is Instead, the government has dismantled trades and hit particularly hard with the uncertainty created apprenticeship training, frozen funding, dramatically by the HST mess, yet the speech had nothing to increased tuition and cut needs-based grant support offer for a quick and smooth transition. for students. Instead, the government says it will take until This jobs plan should have addressed the outrageous early 2013 for the HST to be gone. That’s not nearly interest on student loans, and should have included fast enough, and government needs to do better. investments in student grant programs, as a start. These are tense and confusing times both at This plan committed precisely zero dollars to Greater home and around the globe. It’s time for pragmatic, Victoria’s arts and culture, tourism, and construction common sense government to sectors, and little for local businesses – all feeling the get us through. By that measure, impacts of the HST. There is nothing to encourage both the Throne Speech and the more environmentally-friendly initiatives, or create jobs jobs plan fall far short of the goal. Carole James, MLA, invites you to attend her annual from the green economy. Nothing to encourage local The premier needs to purchasing which would create growth and jobs right show that she is prepared to here at home. govern on behalf of all British This government fails to understand that a jobs plan Columbians, and help those Holiday Open House will only do the job if it invests and prepares the province facing unemployment, widening for the green jobs of the future. Some of the revenue inequality and a lack of good Wednesday, December 7th, from 4-6 pm from BC’s carbon tax could have been allocated for opportunities. Hope needs more green infrastructure and green jobs. It just makes sense. than slogans; it demands real 1084 Fort Street There’s no new money to help our K-to-12 school action and real commitment. system and strengthen public education, a critical Non-perishable food items gratefully component of a strong economy. Parents can only work if Carole James is MLA for Victoria- Beacon Hill. accepted for Anawim House

NDP calls for answers on salmon virus Light refreshments No RSVP required VICTORIA— New Democrats are calling they had of this threat to BC’s wild and on the Liberal government to release any farmed salmon. Call 250-952-4211 for more information and all information and reports they have The virus, which was detected by received about a virus that is threatening Canada’s ISA reference lab, is the European wild and farmed salmon in British Colum- strain of ISA, the same virus that devastated bian waters. the Chilean fish farming industry, causing John Horgan MLA Juan de Fuca “If the Liberal government received infor- $2 billion in losses, and ending more than Looking forward to seeing you at my mation describing classic infectious salmon 25,000 jobs. anaemia (ISA) like lesions on salmon “If we do have an outbreak of infectious samples gathered in our waters, the public salmon anaemia here in British Columbia deserves to know what steps were taken we need to act quickly to assess the spread Annual Christmas to investigate this grave threat to our wild of this disease and come up with strategies p salmon and the ecosystems that depend to contain it,” said Popham. “Anything less O en House on them,” said New Democrat environment than decisive action could spell disaster for Thursday, December 15th, 4:00 – 7:00 pm critic, Rob Fleming. wild Pacific salmon.” 800 Goldstream Ave. (corner Goldstream & Peatt) Fleming and New Democrat agriculture Fleming said that and the Light snacks & refreshments will be served. critic Lana Popham have written to the New Democrats will hold the government to Info: 250-391-2801. No RSVP required. Liberal minister of Agriculture, asking for account on its stewardship of the environ- the government to come clean with British ment and protection of wild salmon. We will gratefully accept donations for the food bank. Columbians about any previous knowledge [email protected] | www.johnhorgan.com Page 12 November/December 2011 EDUCATION NEWS AND VIEWS The Lower Island NEWS We have a duty to the people who speak out for the kids “What matters most is for the school, the no mistake – Bill 33 is the flagship of this The right to be consulted is more than at that, instead of applying a veneer of open district, and the state to be able to say that government’s public education take down. being given mere notice. It includes an ex- review and consultation. Let’s enjoy a bit of more students have reached ‘proficiency’. The information in these organization change of information between the parties authentic totalitarianism and call it what it This sort of fraud ignores the students’ inter- reports brought by the superintendents is in which each has an active role to discuss, is. At least then, the precious resources we ests while promoting the interests of adults slight and does not even add a breath of express opinions, make their views known, waste while forcing educators to apply their who take credit for nonexistent improve- discovery to what we as trustees and you and have a say. It means teachers must be efforts to this complex exercise in comb- ments.” --Diane Ravitch as community need to know about what is provided with all relevant information regard- ing over the big bald spot created by the going on in our schools. ing the class and students involved. The remorseless budget cuts could be directed By Eden Haythornthwaite Bill 33 established the protocol whereby principal must remain open to suggestions to teaching. This is a black comedy at its I have often thought information we are class size and composition in Grades 4 and input before the final decision is made. farciest (again not necessarily a word). We given freely is useless to us or we would through 12 can deviate from conditions Imagine the discomfort teachers compel teachers and principals to evaluate not be getting it in the first place. I think this set in the School Act through a process experience if they endeavour to stand firm their classroom situations in detail very every time I review the monthly Organization of consent (grades 4-7) or in the case of on these flimsy guidelines. The principal is a month though we have no means to improve of Classes report. grades 8-12 through consultation between work colleague and someone most teachers those circumstances at all, no matter what At first when the whole mad process the teacher and the school principal. Though do not wish to trouble further. Teachers insights they may have. Every month we began back in 2006 with the passage of it fell to the principal at first to arrange also know those principals who speak watch the Ministry chew up a big chunk of Bill 33, our Board of Education was asked consultation meetings with the teachers out will bear the brunt of administration the meagre funds they have allocated for to accept the flaming report; later we were in the event their classrooms violated the disappointment at the district level. And our schools and crap it off a cliff. asked only to receive it; now we are asked to benchmarks, a change in legislation back in believe me there is a significant price to be In December 2005, BC Human Rights accept it once a year. The remainder of the 2008 placed the burden for seeking these paid by anyone who fails to fall into line. We Tribunal ruled the BC Ministry of Educa- time it is an uncelebrated document which meetings on the teacher. have been specifically told principals are not tion and School Districts discriminate barely gets a moment’s notice on a board In October of each year, the district permitted to “disagree”. against children with learning disabilities meeting agenda. This is curious when you parent association (DPAC) must also sign off In our district this month out of approxi- by making cutbacks which dispropor- reflect on the time and effort which goes into on this outrage and I have yet to hear a peep mately 1200 classes, we have 259 classes tionately impact children with learning procuring it. Because the School Act seeks out of them. Their leadership in this would which are either in violation of the size and\ disabilities and by failing to provide them only a minimal reporting out, the fashion in be exceedingly valuable. I remain hopeful. or composition limitations. Most of the criti- with necessary programs and services which our reports are provided vary from See below for the whole enchilada. cal composition issues appear in our middle and stated: district to district depending on the diligence Individual CLASSES cannot exceed and secondary schools. But some of the “Failure to provide appropriate sup- and sheer bloody-mindedness of trustees. these limits: most tragic conditions occur in the elemen- port and accommodations to a vulner- As time has gone by and the conditions Kindergarten: 22 (not altered by Bill 33, tary classes and go relatively unreported. able group could not be justified on the have clearly deteriorated, the focus has previously in the School Act) basis of cost. Public schools are required carefully been drawn away. Grades 1–3: 24 (not altered by Bill 33, But there is more… by law to provide an education for all I understand… previously in the School Act) Under the provisions of Bill 33, districts students to the point of undue hardship.” Remember the period prior to January Grades 4–7: 30 (cannot be exceeded are not obligated to recognize the need Bill 33 is a WalMart standard for learning 2002, when the provisions governing non- unless the superintendent and principal for non enrolling teachers--a detail once – one stop; lowest quality for the least cost; enrolling teachers, class size and composi- agree that the organization of the class is acknowledged in the contracts. Therefore, mediocre benchmarks because this is all tion, as well as the inclusion of students with appropriate for student learning and the over the last decade it has been possible to we deserve and all we are willing to pay for. special needs resided within the collective teacher consents within 15 school days whittle away at resource time, learning as- While most teachers are seeking the agreement between the employer and the after school opening day.) sistance, teacher librarians and counselling very best circumstances for their students, BCTF? These features were dealt with as a Grades 8–12: 30 (cannot be exceeded without having it register in the mandated this protocol merely provides for the bare matter of working conditions within the con- unless the superintendent and principal reports. Of course we can’t provide the minimum, if that. Boards have unthinkingly tract. Much more rational and much more agree that the organization of the class is classroom teaching time either which is accepted as routine and normal, classrooms effective. Who better to be the arbiters of appropriate for student learning and the why our class sizes and challenges have which cry out for better resourcing. Bill 33 school based services than our teachers? principal has consulted the teacher within proliferated but most teachers realize the is not interested in non enrolling teachers In the wake of Bills 27 and 28 which 15 school days after school opening day) presence of these other services can make because those positions were placed in expunged those details without negotiation What is the class-composition provi- all the difference when dealing with a de- jeopardy the minute the language regarding from the teachers’ contract, trustees should sion in Bill 33? manding classroom. their merit was stripped from the contract – have cried out in indignation. Bill 33 There can be no more than three stu- A few more details would add to our the only acknowledged format is to display was spawned exclusively to whitewash dents for whom IEPs must be designed in understanding. But remember, having the classrooms as separate little kingdoms. the exponential dismantlement of our any class, K–12, unless the superintendent trustees and community understand does This is a totally batshit concept right up there learning conditions by replacing the contract and the principal agree that the organiza- not feed the cat. with the thinking which leads us to diminish language with a clumsy, despotic process tion of the class is appropriate for student We should receive samples of com- our cleaning and maintenance regimes and pretending to examine classroom function. learning and the principal has consulted the ments made by teachers on the consulta- our bussing service. The role of trustees has been to anoint the teacher within 15 school days after school tion forms including information regarding The environment for learning is col- reports arising from this activity with little or opening day. whether they have or have not agreed lective and complex -- each component no question. What does it mean to give consent or their classroom is “appropriate for student secures the success of the rest of the world Perhaps if we had rejected these class to be consulted? learning”. Despite having a professional and our kids and employees inhabit. When we organization reports from the get go and Consent is straightforward. It requires collegial concern for other staff members in cannibalize one area for another, the pro- refused to bestow credibility on them with the actual, unforced agreement of the light of a dearth of resources to modify the cess of disfigurement is completed. That is our raised hands, the government would not individual Grade 4–7 teacher faced with a situation, teachers do make cogent and one of the many reasons Bill 33 is a crock – it have been able to hobble our kids while sav- request by a principal to put more than 30 insightful remarks in the paperwork which atomizes the conditions class by class and ing over $3 billion dollars since 2002. Boards students in her or his class. If the teacher should be added to the public discourse forgets the people and the umbrella under passed the budgets; trustees accepted as does not consent, the principal may not add about our schools when the monthly report which they struggle together. futile any resistance to this agenda. Now the 31st student. As the Minister of Labour is made. It is far past time to be sitting in board we sit grimly and hope it is not as bad as stated during the debate on Bill 33, “Consent We find out how many violations there rooms making pious comments or asking it seems. It is worse but you will only know implies that it could be withheld and, in that are but we do not receive any informa- pointless questions and I have been as this if you visit schools and talk to teachers circumstance, there would be, obviously, tion about the supports in place for any guilty of this activity as anyone has. and principals. Of course, our employees financial implications that flow from having classes. Truly, even if there were only one It is time boards demanded the right live and breathe this reality daily. But make to reconfigure classes.” child with a designation in a class, trustees to opt out of the Bill 33 provisos so we can must know if the teacher has the necessary redirect our energies to dealing with our support. kids and stop pretending the provincial Proven Leadership “I have a record of standing up Every teacher I have spoken with tells government gives a rat’s ass about the and speaking out on behalf of our us there are many children who have conditions under which they are learning. This process comes to us courtesy of children, their families and the behaviour or learning needs which are not formally recognized but must be ac- ill-concealed contempt for public educa- neighbourhoods where we live. commodated in the classroom. There are no tion and its promise. Many hangers on supports for these kids except, of course, and apologists are doing very well thank “Our children’s and our commun- the classroom teacher. A senior administra- you because of this race to the bottom. ity’s future depends on having tor told us it is not possible to calculate these Wholesale rejection by trustees of these first class public education. numbers because the situation is “fluid”. I reports is our minimum program now. Then bet every teacher in every class knows the we can start looking up and out – instead “I will fight to ensure a healthy answer – so let’s not ask and let’s not tell. of colluding shamefully with this “end of and a safe learning environment In our elementary schools there are public education” vision we are assured is classes with , our only course. for our children, and that neces- 9 or 7 or 5 designated kids 3-way splits and so on. Just accepting the Teachers in this province are fighting sary classroom resources, sup- description “classes with 3 or more students hammer and claw for the kids in these di- ports and funding are in place in with Special Ed. Codes” fails on so many lapidated classrooms. Their job action is as all of our public schools. levels to outline the problems teachers and much about that as it is about wages and kids face as they try to function in the inter- benefits. We have a duty to the people who “Every child has the right to ac- ests of learning. We are not told how much speak out for the kids despite the personal Re-elect cess the maximum in education EA support time exists in classes. Nor do and professional cost. X Peg Orcherton opportunity, regardless of their or we get any info about resource, learning No trustee and no board will suffer any their families’ economic or social assistance, counselling or librarian time. real world penalty for supporting our bravest You may well ask what might happen educators. As for our senior administrators Trustee circumstance.” -- Peg Orcherton Board of Education if a teacher or principal or superintendent – can anyone think of a better mountain to were to disagree with the conditions in a die on? School District 61 Victoria For more information and to help: classroom or a school or the district. Logi- Please proceed to this link and view this cally, if no one can usefully disagree, why report as a salute to the voice you will hear. Vote November 19 Please call 250-382-1603 endure this expensive and time consum- www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/ e-mail [email protected] ing process? Why ask if the answer must story/2011/11/17/bc-teacherspeaks.hmtl Standing up for Children, Families or visit www.pegorcherton.ca always be “YES SIR!”? and Quality Public Education Just impose the conditions and leave it Eden Haythorthwaite is a school trustee in the Cowichan Valley. The Lower Island NEWS EDUCATION NEWS AND VIEWS November/December 2011 Page 13 School trustee? What’s that, and why should I vote for them? By Diane McNally erased provincial lifelong data base (that will is the foundation of our society, yet services my candidacy for School Trustee in SD61 “Can I vote in this? I live in [Esquimalt].” be found to violate privacy laws or become to students and public schools are stretched Greater Victoria on November 19. We need Many people have asked that question an obsolete boondoggle like BCeSIS), put to the breaking point. How could funding changes at the Board. when I’m in neighborhoods in municipali- whole school surveillance in place, and education, yes, lavishly, be detrimental to ties other than the City of Victoria. School then put students down in front of computer the children of British Columbia? How could District 61 Greater Victoria includes five screens where they can learn “flexibly”. This that hurt this province’s future? Taxes are municipalities. The Board of Education/ is innovation? how we cooperate to build a better more trustee election voting boundary is not the Follow the IT money in the IT push in caring and supportive society. The money same as a municipal boundary. If you live our public schools to see who really will is out there, only in the City of Victoria, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, benefit. Apart from the dubious instructional it’s held by the View Royal, or parts of Saanich, you can benefit from this major expenditure, the 1% who could vote for SD61 School trustees. The School research on the negative health effects of pay a lot more in District 61 website has a map but you have wireless technology, particularly on young taxes, in order to look for it and then you have to click on children, is available on many websites (for to make it avail- “print” to see the District boundary. example Una St Clair’s “Citizens for Safe able to the citi- “School trustee? What’s that?” Technology”). I will do all I can to block zens who could Others don’t know what trustees do, or further installation of wireless technology put it to use for even that they exist. Some people ask why and its associated radiation in (at least) the public good. they should vote for school trustees when elementary schools. School Dis- their children are grown up, or they don’t The Ministry of Education has played trict 61 Greater have kids. games with funding and has offloaded the Victoria needs These questions point to the invisibility of distress of trying to do it all without enough trustees who the current Board of Education. Some of the funding to Boards and schools by using will refuse to do incumbents have been on the Board for 15 the Ministry’s favourite F word: “flexibility”, this Friedman- years, but do you even know their names? meaning “Choose what to cut”. We don’t esque Ministry Staying out of the public eye can be very need big IT companies taking out huge of Education’s comfortable and safe. You pay trustees profits while students, especially those with dirty work. $19,000 each annually. You deserve more special needs, go wanting. Please support accountability and transparency. You de- We are at a crisis point in public edu- serve to know who moved and seconded cation. By underfunding public schools, motions, and how each trustee voted. Board then blaming schools for struggling; by and committee meetings need to be on giving away public education tax dollars video for public access, to subsidize private schools, and smugly Robert’s Rules should actually be fol- telling struggling public schools they have lowed, minutes need to be published for “flexibility and choice” with inadequate bud- public scrutiny within a week of the meeting, geting, and by attacking teachers and sys- citizens need easier access to the Board, tematically undermining citizen confidence and deserve at least an interim on-the-spot in BC public education, the “privateers” substantive reply to queries. It seems half set the scene for our children’s education the business of School District 61 is con- to be thrown to “the market”. The market ducted “in camera”. Secret meetings should cares about profit, not about each child’s be an exceptional event, not part of the future – unless that future is fitting in as an regular agenda. The current SD61 website expendable widget in the race to the bottom seems like an exercise in stonewalling user workplaces. friendly and needs a complete redesign. The Ministry of Education refuses to take Asking hard questions is not in the in- fast action to restore class size and compo- visibility comfort zone. The current Board’s sition language it ripped out of Collective smooth approval of the sports “Academy” Agreements when the BC Supreme Court model for high schools indicates that this has said that action was wrong. Because the Board has not seen the implications of this Ministry was given a year to fix this, should competitive retail model for public schools, it take a year to fix it? The Ministry is stall- and have not gone beyond a surface look ing. Don’t we teach children that if you hurt at the government’s “choice” agenda. When someone, you make amends as quickly as school catchment area boundaries were you can? Why doesn’t the Ministry of Educa- eased to serve the government mantra of tion understand that? “choice”, schools were forced into a retail competition model that is clearly a precursor It is not the “teachers’ labour relations to privatization. Secondary school “brand- system” that is broken, as some self-styled ing” in SD61 now includes a baseball acad- pundits say. What is broken is the fantasy emy, a hockey academy, a curling academy, that market forces work for public good. a soccer academy. When did we agree that Market forces work for private profit. Teach- students go to high school to learn how to ers would not be taking the mild job action be better curlers? that they are allowed under the astonishing Even elementary schools have branded 2001 inclusion of education in “essential themselves in the competition for custom- services”, if the province and BCPSEA were ers and in desperate efforts to avoid being not presenting teachers and (supposedly closed. One is a “traditional” school, the responsive to local needs) Boards of Educa- most “traditional” aspect being lining up tion with the phony “net zero mandate” and at the door before entering the school, a its refusal to bargain in good faith. real game changer, there. Every small Successive repressive Bills, Acts, illegal neighbourhood school tries aggressively contract stripping, convenient changes to to surpass the magic number of 300 “cus- law, purposeful disintegration of school tomers”, the CEO reward point that gets a catchment areas leading to a retail model of significant increase in administration time schools competing for “customers”, unwill- from the District. ingness on the part of the province to restore The Ministry of Education is spending the conditions illegally stripped form the a lot of money and time promoting “21st Collective Agreement the province signed Century Learning”, and “personalized learn- off on as one of the parties, and more, is ing”. Translation: pay big IT companies the problem. Like the Occupy movement huge amounts to put wireless technology some accuse of lacking “focus”, the focus in every school, make sure all the marks is: Everything. and “incidents” are to be entered in a never A free public school education for all truly

Vote November 19 Diane McNally for School Trustee SD 61 Greater Victoria (Victoria, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, View Royal, portions of Saanich, Highlands and Juan de Fuca Electoral Area)

Facebook: Diane McNally for School Trustee Twitter: DianeMcN Website: http://lined-paper.com/ Page 14 November/December 2011 COMMENTARY The Lower Island NEWS HST just one example of economic management for corporate profit rather than for the public good By Gary Holman There is another disturbing trend under contaminate shellfish beds. projects has also been removed. Voters recently rejected the deceitful, the Liberals, and that is the management The bizarre proposal to drain Fish This has to change. The BC Utility unfair and bungled HST tax grab in a of public resources for private profit, rather Lake in the BC Interior to create a mining Commission’s authority over all power referendum that itself seemed to be than for the overall public good. tailings pond – approved by a provincial projects and programs such as smart designed to confuse and manipulate. The sale of BC Rail and a large chunk environmental assessment process that has meters, must be reinstated to protect the But the HST is only the latest in a trail of of BC Hydro, both profitable Crown become a rubber stamp. interests of ratepayers. broken election commitments, and a series corporations, and both of which were The contamination of groundwater and The integrity of the Environmental of tax and policy changes that continue concealed from the public during elections, use of water in hydro reservoirs for northeast Assessment Office must be restored. to erode important public services, shift were among the first examples of this oil and gas exploration and development. A moratorium must be placed on responsibility for funding government from ideologically driven agenda. The wholesale auctioning of rivers for new independent power projects, and a large corporations to families, and “manage” Allowing Western Forest Products purposes of private power production. watershed planning process implemented our natural resources for private profit rather (WFP) to sell off its private lands from The $900 million dollar investment in to ensure such projects are in the public than the public good. its Tree Farm Licence for real estate so-called “smart meters” with no oversight interest. This shift in taxation has been development on the southwest coast of by the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC). A review of our tax system should be achieved by reducing income taxes for Vancouver Island, was a more recent The sale of industrial power to new undertaken to ensure that it better reflects large corporations while increasing a case. This decision ignored WFP’s original mines in northwest BC at half the cost of ability to pay (i.e., fairness) in addition to number of regressive user fees such as commitment to place its private lands under new power production. efficiency and sustainability goals. MSP premiums, tuition fees, ferry fares, sustainable forest management in return for Probably the most egregious example of The management regime for private and seniors’ care. Over time, ability to permanent access to valuable Crown timber. public resource management for corporate forest lands has to be reviewed in order pay and respect for the social contract is The Capital Regional District has now been gain is the Liberals’ so-called Clean Energy to avoid complete loss of these lands to increasingly replaced by user pay as a left with the unenviable task of dealing with Act, which under the guise of self-sufficiency, urban sprawl. guiding philosophy of our tax system. development proposals arising from the requires BC Hydro to purchase power from The election of an NDP government Along with the shift in taxation from WPF sale, and has had to spend regional IPPs not required for domestic needs, and is the only way such measures will be large corporations to families, the important tax dollars protecting sensitive ecosystems at a price that is double what it is worth in considered and implemented. services that government provides, and key recreation features that should have export markets. particularly to rural areas and lower income been protected by the province. Dr. Marvin Shaffer, adjunct professor Gary Holman is an economist and has been families, has steadily been reduced. The There are many other examples of of public policy at Simon Fraser University, nominated as the NDP candidate for Saanich Liberals are now using the defeat of the HST resource mismanagement. has estimated that the provisions of the North and the Islands in the next provincial election. as an excuse to propose another round of Open pen salmon farms on salmon Clean Energy Act will cost BC ratepayers user fee hikes, destructive cuts to public migration routes, using sites that preclude billions of dollars, also without any oversight services, or both. marine recreation opportunities and from BCUC, whose authority to review IPP Fraught-Full By Brian Mason If you happen to be part of this camp yourself a Hummer, jet off to the Maldives But regardless of which camp you find A growing number of climate scientists, and believe that total collapse is imminent – for a little beach time. yourself in, is it just me, or does the propo- public intellectuals and social commentators whether due to climate change, the natural • Grow your own food, buy a pit- sition that human civilization has entered are coalescing around a profoundly disturb- end of capitalism, or some other anthropic bull, hunker down for the angry, grim days its end times have a dreamlike quality to ing observation: human civilization as we inducement – then you are left with perhaps ahead. it, an air of unreality? Bad as things seem, know it has entered its end times. Unlike five options when you get out of bed tomor- • Put your head in the sand regard- could it really be true? If it is, is there any the religious millenarianists, this emerging row morning (if you should still consider it less, board the bus of denial, and roll off way to respond to the situation short of the group of thinkers is dismally secular in its worthwhile to get out of bed): to work on Monday as usual, all the while futile, the extreme or the ridiculous? What, approach. It’s not the Second Coming of • Chuck everything and party like thinking Hey, Harper’s not so bad after all. I ask you, would make sense if it actually Christ they’re worried about: it’s us – the there’s only a few tomorrows left, which, ac- • Buy a Derrick Jensen book and is the case that all of humanity is bunched end of us, to be precise. cording to your worldview, is accurate! Buy hunt for the nearest cell phone tower. together on a precipice, above an abyss of • Go completely extreme and planetary doom, with no one to lead us back join the gathering parade of zealots who from the edge except ourselves? believe we can geo-engineer our way out Humans are not evolved to deal with SIHOTA & STARKEY of the mess we’ve mired ourselves in. This apocalyptic scenarios; no animal is. Read- LAWYERS & NOTARIES would be the David Deutsch path of infinite ing of past civilizations that have collapsed optimism (of whom, more below), otherwise won’t budge us; we steadfastly refuse to known as the Go-Big-or-Stay-Home school believe it can happen to us. And this time, PERSONAL INJURY • ICBC CLAIMS of thought. we are forewarned, is not going to be merely Family • Real Estate • Wills • Estates Deutsch is the quirky, brilliant, quantum the collapse of an empire or two. Nor is it physicist who likes to speak of the multiverse about a forlorn, isolated gaggle of Easter Is- FREE 1st Consultation • Standard Fees for Many Services (no, not a new form of poetry); that we, in landers cutting down its last tree, or a hand- other words, dwell within the grand cosmic ful of Vikings disappearing from Greenland haze of one among an infinite number of circa 1000 C.E. No, this is going to be the 250-381-5111 universes. And, yes, of course, I completely colossal planetary implosion of everything, 1248 Esquimalt Road, Victoria understand everything he’s talking about. us, the ecosystems, and whatever else is He and other geo-extremists have proposed out there. nearly every outlandish idea short of alter- When something is too horrible to be ing the tilt of Earth’s axis to cool things contemplated, it isn’t; instead, people try to down. Mundane multi-trillion-dollar projects carry on as they always have done. Berlin- like putting gigantic mirrors in orbit above ers were still trying to go to work as usual John Heaney Earth to deflect some of the Sun’s pho- only days before the Red Army entered Heenan Blaikie LLP tons. Sounds simple, and I’m sure they’ve the city: they could not bring themselves 514-737 Yates Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1L6 computed fail-safe work-arounds to the law to believe it was all over. But us? No way! Phone: 250-381-9599 of unforeseen consequences, still the great I’ll leave the final, sobering comments Toll Free Fax: 1-866-615-8276 bogeyman of universal constants. to archaeologist Joseph Tainter, from The Email: [email protected] In Deutsch’s view, the problems we Collapse of Complex Societies: “Collapse face are just that, they are problems. And is recurrent in human history; it is global in Civil and Commercial Litigation, all problems, in his view, are soluble given its occurrence; and it affects the spectrum of Labour and Employment Law the appropriate knowledge – as well as the societies from simple foragers to great em- Administrative and Constitutional Law proper circumstances and sufficient time pires....Collapse is fundamentally a sudden, Employment Litigation and wealth to acquire and apply said suf- pronounced loss of an established level of Human Rights ficient knowledge. A waltz through history sociopolitical complexity...Once a complex Collective Agreements, Privacyi – rather, Deutsch’s waltz through history society enters the stage of declining mar- – demonstrates this. Humans have continu- ginal returns [where getting anything done – ally solved problems that they had thought from replacing the Blue Bridge to improving were insoluble, especially so in the dynamic public transit to reducing carbon emissions civilizations of the West, ever since religious – requires a damaging, demoralizing and hegemony and superstition were overcome paralyzing expenditure of resources], col- by Enlightenment thinking. lapse becomes a mathematical likelihood, MacIsaac and MacIsaac Humans, Deutsch argues, are uniquely requiring little more than sufficient passage Dan MacIsaac* Deanna Lane successful problem-solving animals. His of time to make probable an insurmountable ambitious optimism – and unwavering belief calamity.” Ron MacIsaac* Laura Pringle in the indefinite sustainability of progress Sleep tight, though – you’ll want to get Certificate in Arbitration & Mediation, University of Windsor – is based on a heady admixture of phys- up in the morning. *Denotes Professional Corporation ics, mathematics, history, philosophy and Personal Injury ICBC Claims social theory. It’s like, Excuse me while A version of this essay appeared previously in Victoria Street Newz. Family Law Child Protection I poke around in another universe for the solutions to our problems back here on Wills and Estates Earth – but don’t wait up, I could be gone for Free First Consultation awhile. For most of us, time, infinite time, 250-478-1131 is the host of all problems, while humanity, 2227 Sooke Road, Victoria both collectively and individually, is confined to the blink of an eye. The Lower Island NEWS MUNICIPAL COMMENTARY November/December 2011 Page 15 Let’s keep the momentum going in Victoria By Dean Fortin of a strong public sector and thriving Task Force. We’ll improve street life with If you are able to volunteer, take a lawn Thanks to the people of Victoria entrepreneurial spirit. more street food vendors in the downtown sign, or make a donation, please contact and a strong team on city council we’ve I established a Mayor’s Technology core, continue to build police presence, our campaign. Visit www.deanfortin.ca or accomplished a lot over the last three Council that has helped to build our green, and work with the downtown business call 250.590.7020. years -- including more affordable housing, high-tech economy. community and residents on markets and And most importantly, if you live in better bus service, and revitalized parks. By We’ll keep strengthening our economy festivals that draw people into the core. Victoria, please make sure you vote: working together, we’ve made Victoria safer, and generate more jobs and investment Mayor: Dean Fortin greener and healthier. with our Economic Development Strategy. Green transportation City Council: Marianne Alto, Lynn But there is still much to do and we’ve We’ll move on key economic drivers, such We are very proud of our work to provide Hunter, John Luton, Pam Madoff. got to keep the momentum going. as redevelopment of Rock Bay District and late night buses, build new bike lanes, create Together, we can keep the momentum With your support, our city council team runway expansion at Victoria International specialized bike parking, and ensuring that going. will build on the important steps we’ve Airport. our biggest infrastructure project -- replacing taken over the past term. We will start with the Johnson Street Bridge -- is bicycle and Dean Fortin is runing for reelection as Mayor of a made-in-Victoria economic development Revitalization of our parks and public pedestrian friendly. Victoria on November 19. strategy that promotes good jobs, housing, spaces Our next steps include more pedestrian and a diversified, green economic future. We have already taken important paths, bike lanes and transportation Here are some of the priorities my steps by revitalizing parks and public alternatives. We will expand the late night council team and I have identified as crucial space throughout the city, including Cridge bus service. Please Vote! next steps for the next three years: Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cecelia Ravine Most importantly, we will move on and Centennial Square. We’ve restored building light rapid transit by working November 19th is election day for Affordable housing key streets and boulevards, enhanced with the regional, provincial and federal local governments and school boards. Housing has been our number one playgrounds, and invested in the award- governments. Expanding our public We encourage you to exercise your priority and we have made great strides winning restoration of the Beacon Hill transportation system is vital to ensuring franchise at the local level and make forward. With our partners, we have helped Bandstand. sustainable growth for the region and your progressive voice heard. create close to 800 new units, providing Our next goals include establishing a success of the downtown. options across the spectrum of need from Parks Zone to protect our green spaces and affordable family housing to emergency working with communities to identify new Open, inclusive government shelter beds. park opportunities. We have worked hard to ensure that But we’re determined to do more. decision-making at city hall is more effective This is the time to make sure that the We will remain focused on supporting A safe, vibrant downtown and transparent. I’m especially pleased with people that are making decisions about housing options in our city by working with Downtown is the heart of our city, and the success of the “on the road” Mayor’s our neighbourhoods, our culture, our the province to build more affordable and we’ve worked hard to ensure it is safe and Open Door, where I meet directly with farms, and our children’s education supportive housing. We’ll also provide vibrant. We’ve established late night buses, residents in their communities. share our common values of equity incentives for more rental housing with the added more police officers and worked In the next three years we’ll build on and fairness for all. Please vote. introduction of the Short Term Incentives for with bar owners to introduce the BarWatch this with our innovative “Open Government Rental (STIR) program. program to keep our establishments free of through Open Data Initiative”. We’ll build a Jack Greenwell, president. violence. And we won an international award searchable database for city hall information, 250-477-3549 | [email protected] Jobs and economic development for the permanent and safe public urinal at we’ll provide live-streaming of City Council Victoria is perfectly positioned to be the corner of Government and Pandora. meetings, and we’ll post searchable texts of Look for SGINDP on the web: an economic leader, especially in the new As a result of our efforts, public disorder city hall documents. green economy. We have a diverse and calls are down 26% over the last three years. We are proud of our accomplishments in We’ll keep on enhancing our downtown the past three years, and with your support skilled population, an incredible natural www.saanichgulfislandsndp.ca environment, and unique combination by building on the success of our Late Night we can do even more. Saanich Gulf-Islands Every vote matters! By Starla Anderson and Peter Brunette ees exhibit. Dave proposed budgetary shifts done so and received responses from a It’s a sad irony that the election that that saved programs for troubled youth, and number of Board members. most directly affects our daily lives is the Catherine brought community concerns into There are five new candidates that one that receives the least attention from decision-making, particularly the concern voters ought to consider: Deborah Nohr, “Bad officials are elected by good media and voters, even though most of us that if children with special needs aren’t Edith Loring-Kuhanga, Diane McNally, citizens who do not vote.” dutifully pay our property taxes every July! given every opportunity to develop their David Bratzer, and Rob Paynter. These Citizens complain when their favorite view social and cognitive abilities, they suffer and five candidates bring new perspectives -- George Jean Nathan of the sunset over the Sooke Hills is lost to society pays a high price. and energy to revitalize discussions around American journalist, critic, the Uptown development, but then shrug In September, of the nine SD 61 trust- the School Board table. They are already essayist and editor, 1882-1958 their shoulders in the belief that their one ees only Catherine voted against accepting asking, “How can we do that?” rather than vote wouldn’t have made any difference. the Superintendent’s report on class size passively saying, “We can’t do that.” Our But every vote DOES matter, and this is and composition without even having the children need this kind of thinking at the especially true in the case of municipal elec- numbers, knowing full well that there are table where decisions are made that affect tions, where voter turnout is historically low. hundreds of classrooms in the district with their lives now and into the future. To learn If citizens pay too little attention to who more special needs students than the Minis- more about those seeking to be elected as Jim Jaarsma will be making decisions at Municipal Hall, try has mandated in Bill 33. (Peg Orcherton Victoria SD61 trustees for the first time, they are even less attentive to School abstained.) Why didn’t the trustees have the check out their websites. Contracting Board governance. Some of the incumbent numbers? Why did they accept the report Be discriminating—some of the in- 250-360-1905 trustees have been reelected many times without the numbers? Why haven’t special cumbents deserve your vote, but you also over, not because they are making visionary needs students received the attention they have outstanding options to consider with Quality Carpentry decisions for our School District but simply deserve during the past three years of the those who have stepped up to help shape General Contracting because those who do vote recognize their present trustees’ tenure on the Board? a school district with a vision for the 21st names. This creates a status quo in which What ARE the priorities of this Board? century. Don’t mark an X beside a name trustees become managers for the Ministry These are only some of the questions we just because it’s one you’ve heard before. of Education rather than innovators who should put to our incumbent trustees. Vote for those you believe have the best offer direction to administrators as they By the time this edition of the Lower ideas for improving our children’s learning bring new knowledge and technology into Island News is distributed, public forums environment. Remember that you do not our public schools. As on any Board, new are likely to be over, so voters won’t have have to vote for nine candidates; vote for members have the potential to revitalize the opportunity to question the incumbent only those candidates you believe will make Murray J. Ellis the group. trustees before making important decisions a significantly positive difference. Chartered Accountant Three years ago, two new School Board about who they should entrust with their Most importantly, on your way to your trustees were elected in Greater Victoria’s children’s future. It is possible, though, to polling station on November 19th, keep in Services to Small Business School District 61; an incumbent was re- google Victoria SD61 and visit the “Meet mind that EVERY VOTE MATTERS! And placed and a space was made available the Board” page to get a sense of who has feel good when you learn the results and Bookkeepers available when Charley Beresford gave up her seat. been governing the school district for the know you’ve made a difference in our chil- Both Dave Petrie and Catherine Alpha past many years. You can also contact the dren’s futures. brought energy and ideas to the table. They trustees by sending an email to: Trustees@ 250-385-1011 pushed the Board beyond the “We can’t do SD61.bc.ca asking for the attention of a Starla Anderson and Peter Brunette are retired 1325 Tolmie Avenue that …” mentality that too many Board trust- particular trustee in the subject line. I have educators.

Esquimalt-Royal Roads New Democrats extend to all Best wishes for the coming Holiday Season! Robert G. Milne Jawl & Bundon FOURTH FLOOR At this time of year especially, please remember Lawyers 1007 FORT Esquimalt Neighbourhood House and STREET your local food bank VICTORIA, BC V8V 3K5 TELEPHONE 250-385-5787 You can reach your eecutive at FAX 250-385-4364 Suite 231, 110-174 Wilson Street, Victoria, BC V9A 7N7 EMAIL [email protected] Page 16 November/December 2011 COMMENTARY The Lower Island NEWS Scary Clowns – Trick or Treat By Tim Pheotist aren’t entirely right with our Vancouver suffering unnecessarily in BC and Canada, So, the trick is: any political candidate As this economist again considers the Island world but the sky hasn’t fallen on us and of course worldwide. who comes to you, smiling, is dripping with state of the Canadian state, our annual so how bad can it be? In the past decade economic and social venom and evil intent, and is most likely Halloween celebration approaches. Sure, there are people sleeping on the challenges have only got more difficult. representing failed, anti-social policies. And also a season of elections. Is there streets, begging for a quarter. Certainly And there has only been one political For today there is nothing to smile about. an uncanny connection? BC has the highest cost of living of all party in charge in the Province of BC – the Any candidate arriving with a smile is a fool. These days there seems to be no limit Canadian provinces. No question working Liberal party. For once we must seek to elect serious to our tolerance for visitors in disguise. Of people are being fired with little chance Every poll taken confirms Liberal voters people. No more political Houdinis who live course we should cope fearlessly with mini- of regaining a living wage. Schools are are entirely critical of the deterioration of life performing above the Gordon Campbell monsters seeking chocolaty treats – nothing closing. Clinics are ringing record profits life in BC, but it’s the Liberal party policies safety net. too scary there. by rejecting sick patients in favour of the that have enabled the social cruelties about *Elect candidates who support But there are also full size clowns ready rich and fit. which sane people complain. policies that provide a safety net for to pop up on your doorstep very soon -- and Nothing new here. Business as usual. So, if there is to be change it makes no citizens, young and old. these are real monsters. Keep laughing! sense to continue with the current clowns, *Elect candidates who understand This piece is written to help spot the evil Here in BC it’s a never ending circus however smiley their faces. The familiar that government revenues are for clowns performing under BC’s Big Top – our managed and performed by a party of cliché about perpetually walking into the redistribution to the needy and unlucky, famous Legislative buildings. clowns whose painted lips hide particularly same hole and expecting a different result, as well as a stimulus to constructive It’s no secret that clowns can be scary. venomous fangs especially designed to applies here. commercial growth. Horror stories of fact and fiction are replete poison the voting populace. Do not vote again for the present cast of *Elect candidates who reject the with clownish images hiding evil intent. Too many voters have trusted for too clowns and expect a different result. notion that BC is reserved for a wealthy There’s even a medical term for those long that there is no reason to worry about Of course, if you feel you are in “The elite. suffering from a fear of clowns. streets strewn with disabled and tortured 1%” of wealth consumers, naturally you’ll *Elect candidates who favour fair, It’s called Coulrophobia and can be citizens. Too many have trusted that our feel differently. secure, living wages and incomes. considered a disorder. governing clowns will tell us when the I’d invite you to speak out honestly and *Elect candidates who support trades But maybe it’s not a disorder. Maybe it’s joke is over. tell us “I’m rich!” unions and collective bargaining. the intelligent response. Maybe we should So, how do we spot the evil clown? It’s not a cry that we often hear. We *Elect candidates who reject be scared of those seeking our vote with a It’s really not so difficult. don’t hear it because those who know they individual greed as a legitimate cultural painted face.. Simply look at our present ringmaster are today’s robber barons are too cowardly motivator. Small children often run from the painted – Christy le Clown. As she leans forward to put themselves forward to argue in their You’ll find no evil clowns with these smile of the scary clown. and fills you with promises of holidays and defence. They live life backstage – paying agendas and thus have learned to spot the “What’s to fear?” we say. tax candies, her army of clowning fools are for the greasepaint of their hired clowns sneer behind the painted smile. “It’s only a kindly clown to make you sneaking behind to pour cold water on you, and paying for the leaflets and lies that their By the way, I’ve found no term in the laugh.” But instinct often beats intellect and to kick away the shaky bleachers on Liberal and Conservative goblins will soon DSM to describe a fear of economists. this time. which you sit. be again delivering to your doorstep. Perhaps there deserves to be one. Here in comfortable Victoria we watch What fun! What a joke! For her next “The 99%” around the world griping that trick… “The !%” are selfishly absorbing the wealth But understand -- this is their joke on of the planet. you, and your ringmasters will not tell you The case for lawful, We watch, somehow imagining that when the joke is over. Our governing party this is a global show, staged for our is laughing “at” you – not “with” you. entertainment. Certainly we know that things The truth is that millions of people are controlled pot

G.E. Mortimore tobacco’s fatal effects. Victoria-Swan Lake Big Tobacco would love to grab the By the logic of the “free market”, this is billions of dollars that will flow from marijuana a virtue, not a crime. Commercial corporate when its sale is made general and lawful executives are pledged to boost sales and New Democrats across Canada. profits. It’s their duty to the shareholders. But public health and the public treasury The leaders of a publicly owned tobacco extend early Season’s Greetings to all will arguably be in better shape if corporate operation have no such duty. They may be industry is shut out and marijuana is enjoined to reduce sales and thereby stretch and hope that you will remember carefully legalized, step by step, and made lifespans longer, while companion govern- a government monopoly in Canada, as ment offices raise compensatory revenues the urgent need of the food banks tobacco used to be in France and Spain. by taxing other chemicals and activities that I say “arguably” because there are hot- are damaging yet popular. Such activities at this time of year. gospellers both for and against legalization, as stock-market and currency gambling, and wise decisions do seem more likely to for example. You can reach the Victoria-Swan Lake executive by emailing occur if emotionally-based beliefs, and their “Altadis was formed via a 1999 merger supporting bundles of evidence, are held between Tabacalera, the former Spanish President Darcy Lindberg at [email protected] up to daylight. tobacco monopoly and SEITA, the former When the shouting and banging of French tobacco monopoly,” the online ency- gavels quiets down, I believe the benefits of clopedia Wikipedia reported. “The company separating marijuana from nastier chemicals was acquired by the British tobacco giant which are battlegrounds within the failed Imperial Tobacco in 2008.” “War on drugs”, and placing pot under open Hopefully there won’t be any takeover of public supply and control, far outweigh the legalized marijuana by an Imperial Tobacco advantages of any other possible policy and Marijuana Corporation. An enlightened Saanich South choice. government in Ottawa – when we defeat In answer to objections from the the current regime – might find ways to opponents of reform, campaigners for the encourage tobacco corporations to switch New Democrats legalization of marijuana and for peaceful their operations into useful products. That re-engineering of drug policy in general, enlightened government could take over one can only say: Listen to everyone, take both tobacco and marijuana as publicly You can contact your executive on the role of pathfinder for the world, build owned industries and sources of revenue a consensus network, give the changes a – perhaps purchasing marijuana from small by writing to us sufficiently long trial, don’t surrender to drug growers who also sell other varieties of the at hysteria, blend drug policy with humane, hemp plant for food and fibre. generous social policy, watch for unintended Marijuana is a socially popular, low- PO Box 30041, consequences, and be ready to fine-tune hazard, sometimes medically helpful drug Saanich Postal Outlet, Victoria, BC V8X 5E1 the action. that lacks the extreme dangers of alcohol. Few Canadians have heard of Altadis, Is it a gateway to hard drugs, a major cause or by phoning us at 250-479-1100. a name that sounds like a distant star. For of road crashes, or a cause of lung cancer? those who know about it, however, the name A fast look at the evidence suggests that the raises thoughts of lung cancer. Altadis is answer to all three questions is “No”. a multinational manufacturer and seller of The aroma of pot wafts up from millions cigarettes, tobacco and cigars. of homes and parties. Forbidding its use, My wife died of lung cancer. For this and filling jails with its growers and sellers, and other reasons, I have strong feelings seems just as quirky, hazardous and self- about the subject. I found out from friends defeating as the brief prohibition of alcohol that Peggy was still taking secret puffs long was in the US long ago, when convivial after she said she had quit. Altadis played a drinkers gathered in speakeasies owned part in causing her death, and the premature by gangsters, and referred to the forbidden deaths of millions of other nicotine-addicted beverage by such coy, joking terms as people. “panther sweat.” Before 1971, France and Spain – inspired by the doctrine of the “free market” - had reached the final stage in the privatization of what used to be their nationally operated tobacco industries. Privatization meant a strong though subtle drive to increase the sales of this death-drug and get new addicts hooked while denying or concealing The Lower Island NEWS COMMENTARY November/December 2011 Page 17 Zapped! Saying NO to smart meters By Heather Tufts in Canada for many years and the original Embedded in the 2010 Clean Energy Code Six issued by Health Canada was Act is the mandate for BC Hydro to replace never intended to protect from the cumula- every meter in British Columbia with an tive exposure to wireless radiation. Manda- unwired smart meter by 2012 “without the tory installations vilify the concerns of the consent of the owner”. elderly (especially those with pace-makers), The legislation denies the public the pregnant women, children and those who right to choose and disallows any public have self-identified as overly sensitive to input process in spite of an important debate radiofrequency waves (EHS: electro hy- about the potential health, safety and eco- persensitivity). nomic impacts. Smart meters transmit the Neither has the issue of banked meter signal by using hazardous electromagnetic hubs been acknowledged in any way. There radiation. are many apartment complexes and mobile The World Health Organization states home parks where meters are clustered in that these radio frequency electromagnetic groups of a dozen or more. This circum- fields are possibly carcinogenic. Although stance has not been addressed and is giving more research is needed to underline the di- the residents in close proximity much cause rect links to cancer, a moratorium is needed for concern. in the spirit of the internationally declared Hydro claims that the daily exposure precautionary principle. Smart meters have only amounts to one or two minutes a day already been linked to thousands of health but the meter will actually transmit several issues in other jurisdictions. thousand micro-bursts a day with amplified There have been no conclusive studies impacts from meter banks. Does govern- Photos by Heather Tufts about the cumulative effects over decades. ment or Hydro have the right to decide your First Nations hold a well attended protest against the installation of smart meters Recent health advisories however suggest personal tolerance level? on th grounds of the BC Legislature in Victoria. that cell phones “warrant further study” and However BC Hydro has graciously usage should be limited and cautionary for offered you the option to have your meter where signs are prominent. Placing a sign www.citizensforsafetechnology.org youth under the age of 18 years. distanced from your home at your own ex- is an easy action with a strong message. Let’s occupy the space where decisions “The voluntary exposure of the brain to pense which would be in the $10,000 range! It is important also to communicate are made in order to bring citizens’ engage- microwaves from hand-held mobile phones Obviously this choice is cost prohibitive and any concerns to the Liberal Government ment back into our fragile democracy and is the largest human biological experiment offensive. about their regressive Clean Energy Act. restore some semblance of human rights. ever”--Professor Leif Salford, Head of Re- Many opponents to smart meters are Demand a provincial moratorium on smart search at Lund University, Sweden. more concerned about the invasion of meter installations by signing the petition at For more information refer to citizensforsaf- While the health impacts of cell phones privacy and security that is inherent in wire- etechnoly.org or stopsmartmetersbc.ca remain under medical scrutiny why would less technology. There is already evidence you place smart meters where children in the United States that companies have play? It is imperative that we look to the been able to purchase information and that future to see the consequences of expos- police and insurers have deemed records ing our children to this harmful radiation to be proprietary information. Juan de Fuca New Democrats before it’s too late. Common sense tells us Hackers can also access private in- that developing minds and bodies are more formation with the capacity to determine vulnerable to all environmental hazards. from hydro usage reports when homes are suggest... BC Hydro has been authorized to install unoccupied. The implications of this are smart meters without consent under the far reaching and profoundly argue for free At this time of year, guise of providing an essential service and choice. without independent review. The BC Utilities The Clean Energy Act of 2010 implies Commission has been stripped of its over- that smart meters will result in energy please consider making a donation to sight authority by unprecedented provincial conservation. Naturally we all aspire to legislation and this should be enough to at greening our lives and reducing our footprint least raise an eyebrow. on Mother Earth. But there are countless a food bank, women’s transition house However many municipalities picked progressive initiatives that could promote up the torch and chose to represent their energy conservation that the argument lacks or homeless shelter. residents by asking for moratoriums or al- conviction. ternatives like wired meters or the provision Home retrofit programs with energy ef- of opt-out programs. The intention of a par- ficient appliances and a fair and just transi- ticipatory democracy is rooted in inclusive tion to a genuinely green economy would and solution-based dialogue and progres- contribute significantly more than the instal- sive municipal councillors are guided by lation of hazardous smart meters. Invest in this principle. green jobs, safe and efficient technology Cowichan Valley New Democrats A provincial moratorium voted on at the and environmentally conscious education UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities) was instead and create a participatory, collabora- arrogantly vetoed by Minister Rich Cole- tive society that understands the urgency for man. Nonetheless this vote adds significant energy conservation. please stay in touch weight to the growing numbers of citizens Instead we will be offered the opportu- by mail to PO Box 102, Duncan, BC V9L 1P0 who have concerns about an ubiquitous nity to micro-chip our appliances to “chat” smart metered world. The UBCM has served with the smart meter, time of use billing or by phone: 250-701-4980 to represent local, public interests since with skyrocketing rates and provincial-wide 1905 and is a key player in the democratic radiation emissions without exemptions. process. Minister Rich Coleman assures us that we All members are welcome at our meetings The “smart” meters have had no testing have the option to “go off the grid”. Therein for safety as the frequencies used are not lays the government’s lack of commitment licensed. Notwithstanding, the standards to public participation by which our country is assessing safety and “Families First” in are comparatively lax. Salzburg, Austria’s times of austerity! precautionary limits are the best we have. At the very least Switzerland and Germany have much there needs to be stricter guidelines and there is an urgent some California- need for higher testing standards in Canada. esque smart meter Real Estate Services Virtually no research has been done free zones in place of this unilateral in- stallation policy. But Since 1990 ultimately this billion dollar boondoggle program (with no Professional -- Experienced -- Committed cost-benefit analysis) needs to be stopped Call anytime for a market evaluation! in its defective tracks. Part of every commission, Many people have written or phoned with New Democrat clients, BC Hydro but the will be donated to a party candidate responses received or sitting Member. have been dismis- sive and patronizing. Significant numbers Fred Hiigli continue to place NO SMART METER Fred Hiigli ~ Newport Realty signs on their meters 250-385-2033 in protest to this reck- less program and me- ter installations have At Newport Realty we sell special homes...yours! been at least delayed Page 18 November/December 2011 COMMENTARY The Lower Island NEWS $177,000 community investment launches Bosa Properties Foundation

VICTORIA--Bosa Properties Inc., a group resulted in Simpson obtaining a better all deeply moved by this unexpected kind- various topics such as correct running form, family owned development company that understanding of a special program, some ness, and heartfelt investment in our special healthy eating and tips and tricks. launched its first Victoria project last August new friendships and a $20,000.00 dona- family of runners and walkers. We know and -- Promontory at Bayview Place -- visited tion from the Bosa Properties Foundation we have now demonstrated without question Sandy Merriman House several local not-for-profit community - or to support Every Step Counts to launch a that this lean, simple program helps people The idea for Sandy Merriman House ganizations in late October in an effort to new woman’s only program out of the Sandy transform their lives. This investment means was first initiated in 1994, when some local learn more about the needs of the Victoria Merriman House woman’s shelter. that we can reach and help more people.” community members from downtown Vic- community. The Bosa Properties Foundation was Colin Bosa, CEO of Bosa Properties toria met to address the lack of appropriate Gillie Easdon, program coordinator for born of the appreciation that a new building and chair of Bosa Properties Foundation ex- services for homeless and inadequately Every Step Counts, was pleased to speak has a profound effect on its local community plains, “My family has been building quality housed women in this community. with Daryl Simpson, senior vice president of and that this community is defined by the homes for people for over 40 years, and we One aspect that is so special about the Bosa Properties, who arrived early to her 3 people who live there – all of the people grew with strong family values that included shelter is how it was built. The planners pm workout out session to learn more about who live there. The Bosa Properties Foun- the importance of showing gratitude and giv- found employment disadvantaged women the unique running and walking program for dation was created with the understanding ing back.” He joined the Every Step Counts who were interested in being trained in people experiencing challenges and barriers that there is a proud and important role to participants for their workout stretch at the construction skills to renovate a house in in their lives. be played in helping address the complex launch of the new Sandy Merriman program. downtown Victoria alongside professionals. Simpson joined her group for a 5K walk, human needs that exist in community. In addition to the gift to Every Step This shelter was built by women for women. a hands-on experience that allowed her the “Every Step Counts is entering its fourth Counts, the Bosa Properties Foundation The shelter and drop in space is named after chance to speak to several enthusiastic year and we have just released our final gave $20,000.00 gifts to both the Burnside one of the trainees involved in the project. participants as they took to the streets for 40 report for 2011 that shows clearly what can Gorge Community Association, and Com- Sandy Merriman died of an accidental drug minutes, winding through neighbourhoods happen when people with mental health, munity Micro Lending. overdose; in honour of her memory the that included a serendipitous journey past addiction, housing and other related chal- “The Promontory development at Bay- space now bears her name. the home of Simpson’s late grandmother. lenges are supported to adopt a healthy view Place is our first Victoria development,” Every Step Counts will offer its program The time spent with Easton and the lifestyle that includes exercise, nutrition, explained Bosa. “Our project has been for women only from Sandy Merriman and positive social- extremely well received and we are really House 10:00 – 11:30 every Tuesday and ization,” explains enjoying getting to know the people in the Friday. Easdon capital city. Investing at home – which in- “The donation cludes Victoria now – is important to all of us. Burnside Gorge Family Sufficiency Pro- Martinez from the Bosa Prop- We are proud to support the very good work gram (BGCA): erties Foundation is that takes place in these organizations and BGCA, operating since 1991, provides Hardwood Floors a gift that will en- in total will be investing $1,000 per home a continuum of programs and services that able us to expand we create here as our Victoria development respond to the needs of the residents of the Specializing in Dustless Sanding & Refinishing our program to assist progresses.” Burnside-Gorge area and children, youth women who are more Local investment by the Bosa Properties and families of Greater Victoria. comfortable in an all- Foundation will be directed by homeowners The Family Self Sufficiency Program is Tel. 250.590.6683 female environment, at Promontory. “We invite local charitable a three-year asset building program focused Email. [email protected] who are seeking to organizations from Victoria to tell us their on financial literacy and increasing employ- Web. www.martinezfloors.com reclaim healthy, safe, story – to tell us about the impact they make ment opportunities, primarily for those fami- stable lives. We are on our community and to tell us how we lies living in subsidized housing. The aim is to can help. Presently, we have an additional increase financial assets, employability $10,000 to invest by the end of the year and and move families to self-sufficiency with over $100,000 once the project is complete, less reliance on government supports. and we’re very much looking forward to meeting with other organizations such as Integrated Family Services those we’ve funded today,” said Bosa.. The Integrated Family Services as- The Bosa Properties Inc. family busi- sist youth and families to stabilize and ness grew out of humble hard working thrive in their communities and meet their beginnings. Core values include a com- basic needs such as food and shelter, mitment to helping people to live healthy with the overall goal of strengthened func- independent and sustainable lives. tioning and well-being. The successes “We are proud to have homes and fami- of youth and families in accomplishing Residential & Commercial • Service & Renos lies in Victoria. Investing in the fabric of this this is enhanced by IFS’s ability to pro- A locally owned & operated family business community is simply the right thing to do,” vide critical and practical supports such Reliable • Priced Fair • Quality workmanship Bosa concluded. as food, emergency shelter, hygiene products, clothing and rental assistance. Every Step Counts Call 250-727-3888 or e-mail [email protected] Every Step Counts is a unique running Community Micro Lending and walking program founded by the Vic- The mission of Community Micro Lend- toria Foundation and hosted at the Victoria ing is to build a vibrant local economy, re- Cool Aid Society’s REES Program. The duce poverty, foster sustainable businesses, innovative program is designed for people and empower people. The Society does experiencing barriers and challenges with this by making small loans and providing housing, mental health, addiction and other mentorship and support to people who are related issues. It is positive and unique, economically and otherwise marginalized. drawing on the wide-reaching and long- The staff and volunteer team of mentors lasting benefits of exercising and team work walk alongside people as they move out to foster self-esteem, confidence, energy of poverty and become entrepreneurs. Our and healthy lifestyle choices. unique peer-to-peer lending model allows lo- Recruits and community participants cal lenders to invest in the micro businesses meet twice a week. They run, enjoy yoga- of Community Micro Lending entrepreneurs, based stretches followed by delicious and get a small return on their investment, keep healthy snacks. Short talks are given on money local and support someone in their community. The New De-MO-Crats kick off Movember in style OTTAWA – New Democrat MPs and million participants. In 2010, nearly 110,000 staff celebrated the start of Movember Canadians participated, raising a total of on November 1 by shaving off Sackville- $22.3 million. Eastern Shore MP Peter Stoffer’s trademark Last year, the NDP Movember team moustache. raised around $16,000 for Prostate Cancer “Although Peter certainly looks lost Canada and the Movember Foundation. without his ‘Mo’, rules are rules,” said New However, with their newly enlarged Caucus, Keep in Touch De-MO-Crat Team Leader Glenn Thibeault Thibeault has set an ambitious target of (Sudbury). “Peter would have certainly had recruiting 100 participants in order to beat with an advantage over the rest of us who are last year’s total. To encourage participation, growing our Mos from scratch.” Thibeault will hold a mid-Movember ‘Chia Thibeault was cheered on by a large Pet’ award for the MP and staff member Victoria-Beacon Hill New Democrats group of NDP MPs and staffers who are who can grow the thickest and fastest mous- also taking part in Movember. tache, as well as an end of Movember party Movember is a world-wide prostate and awards event. cancer public awareness and fund-raising Prostate Cancer is the most common Find us at http://vbhndp.bc.ca/ campaign in which men, or Mo-Bros, grow form of cancer among Canadian men, af- moustaches during the month of November. fecting an estimated 1 in 7 men at some Join our Facebook Group Supported by Mo-Sistas, the participants point in their life time. Fortunately, when are sponsored for their efforts, raising vital it is diagnosed early, prostate cancer is Or contact President Chris Gainor funds in the name of men’s health. Since very treatable, with a cure rate of over 90 it began in 2003, Movember has raised percent. at 250-380-6358 or [email protected] $176 million dollars worldwide, from 1.1 The Lower Island NEWS COMMENTARY November/December 2011 Page 19 Paving the way with Hempcrete By Diane Walsh bind it together, then packed into timber However, this is not to say that the There have been instances of cracking and For enthusiasts, it’s all about cement- formwork and left to solidify like concrete. stigma shouldn’t be eradicated. Hemp softness, causes of which are not entirely ing the power of the industrial hemp Moreover, I’m told by a talented and homes do exist, in even more abundance, understood. It’s likely that strict ratios were movement right into people’s homes. You charming finish carpenter that when hemp in France, the UK, Germany, and now South not followed. Experimental projects are might ask, squinting one eye, and jutting hurds are mixed with a combination of lime Africa. therefore necessary, and will need fund- forward to re-read…Hempcrete? Say what! products, they can produce a lightweight Well known in the US is the Pine Ridge ing together with the help of politicians to When it comes to hemp, the ranges of uses insulating plaster which can be cast around Reservation, in South Dakota. There sits a spread the word. (including food, clothing, rope, paper, soap, a timber frame or sprayed against a wooden community hemp house built as a model Errors are simply a reflection of a new cosmetics, and even fuel) are well-known. or even stone form. He went on to say that for sustainable economic redevelopment. building product where we haven’t, so far, One not so readily understood usage, is in construction, a material has to have good It contains hemp insulation and stands as had the resources or demand to properly hemp as a building material, and the science working value and what’s being used must an experiment with hemp fibre reinforced research and develop. behind hemp composites. be durable, water-proof, fireproof, possess cement board. The person who is in charge of the Hemp used in major construction is an reliable insulating value, and it must be The gospel on hemp is that it can be hempcrete portion of the building must innovation that’s already with us. In our last strong—otherwise you wouldn’t want to live converted into a building material and have full construction training and must edition, we learned that here in BC there are in that house, right? processed in such a way for it to be us- not be new to natural building techniques plans for a manufacturing facility using indus- Such housing must retain heat in win- able to make window panes, sills, roofs, employing hemp and lime. trial hemp to produce construction material. ter and keep cool in summer, and have floors, wallboards, etc. In addition, it Without solid expertise one could The concept of industrial hemp in use as a breathable properties. In addition, it must can be used as plaster and caulking. easily imagine having the wrong ratios building material is not only altering how we be cheap to build in terms of the material Then there is hemp plywood, insulation of material components, improper curing build in practice, but also how we conceptu- itself and the labour hours it takes to build. made from hemp composite, and/or insula- methods, not enough soak time, etc., and alize a sustainable development and build An integrated processing factory and de- tion panels. Also pipes, bricks, and/or green needless to say this could lead to cracking a new economy in Canada and beyond. velopment is essential, which explains the bio-degradable plastic composites. or softness. It’s experimental. However, we Yes, there’s a ways to go, but indeed it’s en- incentive for a large-scale facility in 100 Mile But there are some cautionary tales. The can expect that a hemp building material, couraging “big news”. So, taking from that, House, intended to feed market demand. key here is how it’s done. One of the most produced through industry, will receive the we need to delve deeper into the research, Any credible industrial hemp publication interesting studies comes out of the Univer- R&D needed for it to be durable and viable. now, to find out why it’s taken so long for will describe how to use hemp as a building sity of Bath, in the UK, and the BRE Centre Final point. The US Green Building environmental modelling techniques for material. It usually goes something like this: for Innovative Construction materials, with Council contains the stat that [traditional] hemp construction to be validated. Much House foundations can be made out of Peter Walker and Dr. Mike Lawrence. It’s buildings account for roughly 38 percent design guidance is needed in an expanding hemp hurds. Here is a sample explanation called “Developing hemp-line low-carbon of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in “hemp-as-a-building-material” industry since of the use, for example. On the site, assume construction for mainstream uptake through the country alone (Source: Pew Climate. it is already in demand by contractors and a plywood frame is in place—needless to innovation and optimization”, and explores org). That alone dictates a need to make their carpenters. I can’t tell you how many say this could be hemp plywood. An expert spray applied hemp-lime, specifically, as a much greater and significant use of hemp builders have expressed the desire to work would fill with a mixture of hemp hurd, and place to focus research and experiments composites in our construction industry. with hempcrete! combine with lime, sand, plaster, some ce- in usage If more people are to get on board with ment, and enough water to dampen. The This study stresses the spray applica- For more information, go to: the industrial hemp movement there will be mixture has to set a day or more. Then, take tion of hemp-lime as a recent innovation. It www.Hemphasis.net -- A useful resource a growing need for hemp as building mate- the frame down but let the mixture continue is said to “increase the rate of application www.youtube.com/ rial 101 education courses. Here’s a quick to harden for approximately a week. The [of material] and has potential for wider watch?v=8AzbtWzwK8A -- Hemp building synopsis of the basic terms you might see lime and the hurds create a reaction which adoption by mainstream construction. It also materials video floating around the Internet, all legitimately binds the mixture together. offers opportunities for significant innovation www.hemptrade.ca/ --The Canadian Hemp presenting the low-carbon footprint poten- More about the hemp plant. It grows with both material formulations and forms of Trade Alliance, started in 2003, helps to tial. Hempcrete has an energy saving of voraciously and represents a fine form of a wall construction”. co-ordinate research. 67 percent over using traditional concrete. renewable resource. A crop can be grown However, there are barriers which are http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Marketed under names such without the use of herbicides or insecticides. interfering with its use, the study argues, Hemp#Building_material -- Background as “Hemcrete,” “Canobiote,” “Canos- It takes one hectare of land to grow, in ap- including “a lack of confidence in the use information mose,” and “Isochanvre,” these terms proximately four months, sufficient hemp and performance of a plant based material; http://hempnews.tv/2011/06/29/hemp- refer to a mixture of hemp hurds (a woody to build a three-bedroom house. This esti- lack of design guidance (including construc- house-becomes-south-africas-most-sus- chip-like substance) and lime, used mated production amounts to four tonnes tion details and specification); and limited tainable-building/ -- Story about a as material in a construction project. of material per acre per year. understanding of hygrothermal material hemp house in South Africa The hemp-lime combination material is Hemp is categorized as a bast fibre crop. behaviour.” www.pewclimate.org/technology/overview/ the lightweight composite material that It sports a stem made of an outer skin with There are other reports from the ground buildings combines the renewable plant-based strong lengthy fibres, and a core, or what’s and cautionary tales. Hempcrete can only aggregates, often referred to as the fast- called pith. Once processed, the stems turn be used if it holds up over the long-term This article first appeared inThe Cannabis growing hemp shiv, mixed in with a lime into in two things: hurds and fibres. It is the and is found to have excellent durabil- Digest, issue 30—fall 2011. based binder. Sound simple? Depending properties of these materials which make ity. That would be a normal expectation. on preference for building materials, hemp them so adaptable to building construction. herds may be mixed with lime and sand and/ What’s not so obvious, however, is why or cement, as well. such barriers exist to move the industry An experienced contractor once told forward. There are many experiments us- me that hempcrete is easier to work with ing hemp composite materials in building than traditional mixes, and it’s less dense development all over the world, but due than concrete. Is that good? There are to social stigma, there are not that many different things you can do with hemp, well publicized buildings about which we so it depends on need. For instance, Iso- can authoritatively speak in a workshop chanvre, out of France, is suited to their environment. historically stone-based edifices which It’s clear from journalistic probing, that have existed in the country for centuries. many carpenters enjoy working with hemp, It lends itself well and is known as “the but they may not want their businesses method of crystallizing the hemp sap”. It associated with the plant, for fear of being is mixed with hydraulic lime and water to pigeon-holed.

Canada needs a comprehensive energy strategy OTTAWA—Canada needs a compre- production to clean, renewable energy hensive national energy policy, says a study are exaggerated. New production in released October 25 by the Canadian Cen- renewable industries such as wind and solar tre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA). is more labour-intensive than in existing The study, by John Calvert and Marjorie electricity production, but these jobs tend Griffin Cohen, finds Canadian energy policy to be poorly paid and temporary, mainly is explicitly driven by private market-based because electricity generation is shifting to decisions, rather than careful planning by the private sector, rather than occurring in government to ensure good economic, public utilities. environmental and labour outcomes. “While the renewable energy sector is “Canada needs a comprehensive energy likely to grow considerably by 2020, its job Saanich North and the Islands strategy that would base its priorities on the creation potential is relatively small,” says urgent need to address global warming,” Calvert. “Since most permanent jobs related New Democrats says Griffin Cohen. “Trade unions, as well to ‘green’ energy are created through the as environmentalists and civil society, need manufacturing of green technology, the to be part of a strategy that does not simply absence of a national policy to increase rely on market-based decisions by the domestic use of this technology through KEEP IN TOUCH! corporate sector.” Canadian-based manufacturing means The study examines employment trends the loss of the employment potential of in Canada’s energy sector and finds public renewable energy expansion.” CONTACT PROVINCIAL CANDIDATE policy is reinforcing reliance on traditional Climate Change and the Canadian energy employment, rather than focusing Energy Sector: Implications for Labour and GARY HOLMAN at [email protected] on the planning for and training of a “green” Trade Unions is available on the CCPA workforce. website: www.policyalternatives.ca or 250-653-2042 According to the study, the claims The CCPA BC Office is located at 1400-207 West IF YOU WANT HIM TO ATTEND AN EVENT that many new jobs will be created as Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1H7; phone OR MEET TO DISCUSS LOCAL ISSUES the economy shifts from dirty energy them at 604-801-5121. Page 20 November/December 2011 COMMENTARY The Lower Island NEWS Is something happening here? Irresponsible BC Jobs Plan would be a climate disaster: CCPA By Murray Dobbin leader whose professional work, believe it Occupy Wall Street – and now Bay or not, was as an international human rights VANCOUVER -- “The new jobs plan for Pacific Coast campaigner for the Wilderness Street? The 99%? Conservatives losing lawyer. The impression has always been BC that Premier Clark announced recently Committee. elections all over the country? A Red Tory that most Conservatives don’t know is fundamentally irresponsible; it reads like The jobs plan claims that BC “is, and will elected head of the Alberta Conservatives? what human rights were. To be sure the new a blueprint on how BC can produce the remain, a climate change leader”. “Perhaps American billionaires demanding to be taxed leader is hardly a left-winger and is totally most carbon emissions possible,” said Ben they meant we would be a leader in causing at higher rates? committed to the tar sands. But she could West, climate campaigner for the Wilder- climate change, because presenting this Is something happening here? certainly be seen to be in the tradition, more ness Committee. plan and then calling it climate leadership Perhaps the first indication was the to- or less, of Peter Lougheed whose expansion The announced plan calls for doubling is insulting to the intelligence of the people tally unexpected reaction to Jack Layton’s of the state in that province – universities, in- natural gas production, through dangerous of BC,” said Donaldson. death. It may be that it was unexpected be- dustrial policies, child care – made him look practices such as fracking, and opening up “This jobs plan relies on doubling cause so many people had become numbed pretty good compared to today’s corporate eight new mines by 2015, many of which down on the oldest, dirtiest sectors of the by the state of the world. Not just the election flunkies and libertarians. will be coal mines. In addition there will be economy, while what we need is a new ap- of a majority Harper government and the Perhaps it’s true that Canadians are heavy investment in export facilities, and proach that is responsible and creates real terrible consequences it would bring. But slow to anger, or even to pay attention to a streamlining of “red tape” regulating the green jobs not just more spin and pollution,” famine and war and economic meltdown their own interests. But slow doesn’t mean mining industry. said West. and the pushing to the back burner of the life never and with Liberal and NDP incumbent “For years we have been saying that “We have been working with the Cana- and death issue of climate change. Wasn’t governments defying the odds and Alberta’s we need to move away from exporting raw dian Centre for Policy Alternatives on their everyone at home with the blanket pulled Conservative grass roots demanding more logs and other raw materials and move Climate Justice Project to help articulate over their heads? Would they even know than just a management committee for towards value added manufacturing. Well what a progressive green jobs plan in BC that Jack Layton died? capitalism, it is arguable that the long period now BC seems to have a plan for a made would look like. Premier Clark would be wise Apparently, yes. And in a response that of Canadian drift into disinterested cynicism in BC product -- unfortunately that product to rethink her approach, and take the advice was deeply ironic, that one last piece of ter- is ending. is global warming,” said West. of the academics, climate campaigners and rible news (how many signs do progressives And at the same time there may well be “This plan has one clear statement: economists who are showing how we can need) instead of driving people to greater a flowering of the social movement energy in BC it’s open season for extractive in- create better jobs and a BC we all can be despair, released a flood of both grief and that has been lacking for too long in this dustries, regardless of the impacts on the proud of,” said West. celebration of the best of Canadian values. country. The developments in Ontario, environment, and regardless of our commit- Cynics predicted Layton would soon be Manitoba and Alberta owed very little to ments to reducing climate change causing For more information visit http://PolicyAlterna- forgotten and that may yet be true. But the extra-parliamentary politics as this level of greenhouse gasses,” said Tria Donaldson, tives.com/greenjobs political landscape does seem to be chang- politics has been mostly moribund. But the ing and there does seem to be a connection. prospect of a Canadian version of Occupy Expanding BC coal industry nearly doubles The reasons are not clear and differ from Wall Street with its outpouring of anger at place to place. Conservatives were notably finance capital, might just herald a return province’s global warming pollution quieted by the Ontario election where they to the kind of energy and moral indignation VICTORIA — A report released by the coal mines, if burned, would produce 14.8 – and almost everybody else – were sure that are at the root of every successful social Dogwood Initiative September 27 reveals billion tonnes of heat-trapping pollution, that the Hudak Barbarian Party would join movement. the rapidly expanding global warming im- amounting to 6.35 percent of the total car- its civic and federal counterparts. Stephen The organizing meeting for the Occupy pacts of BC coal and criticizes the provincial bon emissions scientists believe humanity Harper mused at a barbeque for Toronto’s event in Vancouver had so many people government for allowing these emissions to can safely emit globally in the next 90 years. right-wing populist mayor Rob Ford that show up that the room could not accommo- grow unchecked. “Allowing the BC coal industry to pro- with three right-wing governments in place date everyone. The anger at the grotesque “It will be a surprise to many British duce almost 100 times our per-capita they could rapidly undo the “damage” the greed of the 1% (we might want to expand Columbians that our province is a major amount of carbon for the next 90 years is NDP (and other left-wing miscreants) had this to the 5%, at least), the spectre of the exporter of coal, the world’s most pollution- unacceptable,” Horter said. “The greatest done. And they would have made quite a banks making billions in profits, the brutal intensive form of energy,” said Will Horter, weakness of the BC government’s climate team – only three horsemen but apocalyptic and growing inequality – seems to have executive director of Dogwood Initiative and plan is not what it regulates but what it nonetheless. finally coalesced into a massive collective author of the report. “Instead of taking lead- omits.” But it seems that Harper, as he often expression. ership in the battle to reduce emissions from When the report was written, 18 new does, got ahead of himself in his fantasy Why now? Perhaps it is the international coal, the BC government is promoting the coal mines were at various stages of ap- world of “Conservative Canada”. He mused dimension of this spontaneous burst of politi- expansion of coal mining and coal exports.” proval in BC The province is also exporting after the election that Canada was, after all, cal action. The notion that Stephen Harper In 2008 (the last year for which produc- an ever-growing amount of US coal; in 2010, conservative, and Canada’s party was the would respond even to large demonstrations tion and pollution data is available), 54.2 these exports accounted for one-third of Conservative Party. And while the Ontario is given little credibility. But adding your million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent Westshore Terminals’ total volume. Wests- Conservatives did gain at the expense of the body and voice to international outrage were created when coal mined in BC was hore’s coal terminal at Roberts Bank, beside Liberals, so did the NDP engaging people is something else – solidarity with others burned elsewhere — equivalent to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, is the biggest successfully for the first time since Bob experiencing the same frustrated rage is ca- annual pollution from 14 coal-fired power exporter of coal in North America. Rae’s unfortunate reign. thartic. Do the masses gathering at the heart plants, more than are currently operating in “Big coal in the US is running out of But it was never true that Canada was of finance capital around the world identify all of Canada. domestic markets as regulations tighten up “conservative” and the Ontario election with the Greeks, Irish, Brits, French, Spanish While BC has set a target to reduce and power plants are shut down,” Horter wasn’t the only proof of that. Harper got and Italian workers who are demanding to emissions by 33 percent from 2007 levels said. “These companies are looking for elected with just under 40% of the vote know why they are being punished for the by 2020, this target does not include the export markets overseas, and they are turn- – and barely 60% actually cast ballots. bankers’ crimes? emissions from the burning of coal mined ing to BC to get their coal off the continent.” That does not add up to declaring Canada It could be seen as citizen globalization in BC and exported through our expanding Despite this growing role in the coal conservative. Harper should know – his in counterpoint to corporate globalization. coal ports. The total global warming pollu- trade, most of BC’s citizens have been kept voter suppression strategy worked and a It riffs off the Arab spring and for many tion created by burning BC coal elsewhere in the dark about their province’s growing huge number of non-Conservatives stayed perhaps even the shift to the left in many almost doubles the province’s contribution role in global warming. home. They were the very people who cared Latin American countries where citizens, to global warming. “British Columbians, especially Vancou- enough about democracy and the country after years of repression, are now being “BC can’t abdicate responsibility for verites working hard to make their city the that they found the vicious politics of the PM listened to. these emissions,” Horter said. “Imagine greenest city in the world, will be shocked to too much to bear. And of course everyone with hopes for the response if a Colombian cocaine cartel find out their ports are now the single largest Canada remains, in its values, much this new spontaneous revolt worries about claimed it had no responsibility because exporter of global warming pollution in North more social democratic than conservative, how it will last, who will inspire its direction, most of their addictive products are con- America,” Horter said if by that we mean they support government what sorts of “demands” will it make, what sumed in other countries.” intervention to ensure a level of fairness, organizational form it will take, how will it Burning coal has been singled out as the Readers can download the report at http:// equity and economic security. When Harper actually challenge power. And power, of largest cause of global warming. The coal dogwoodinitiative.org/publications/reports/ burbled on about undoing the NDP’s legacy course, is still at the heart of the question. reserves in BC’s proposed and operating coalreport/ he reminded a lot of people that he wasn’t They have it and we don’t. an ordinary politician. He is a politician with But perhaps these questions are pre- Canada needs comprehensive energy strategy: study an ideological (and un-Canadian) agenda. mature. This expression of anger (and of OTTAWA—Canada needs a compre- that many new jobs will be created as Toronto mayor Rob Ford’s Harperesque love and caring) is not primarily political. hensive national energy policy, says a study the economy shifts from dirty energy contempt for democracy and for anyone It is cultural. And if it manages to wake released October 25 by the Canadian Cen- production to clean, renewable energy with a differing view also served to remind people from their long acquiescence to the tre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA). are exaggerated. New production in Ontarians that they actually had stuff that exercise of corporate power and to govern- The study, by John Calvert and Marjorie renewable industries such as wind and solar needed protecting from the likes of Hudak. ment contempt for democracy it will have Griffin Cohen, finds Canadian energy policy is more labour-intensive than in existing This was especially true of Toronto which did accomplished what nothing else to date has is explicitly driven by private market-based electricity production, but these jobs tend not give a single seat to the Conservatives. done. It may not not enough. But without it decisions, rather than careful planning by to be poorly paid and temporary, mainly When you go zero for 23 in the big city, it’s we cannot begin to make a better world. government to ensure good economic, because electricity generation is shifting to hard to make it up in red neck country. environmental and labour outcomes. the private sector, rather than occurring in Manitoba’s giddy conservatives of two This article first appeared in Murray Dobbin’s Blog “Canada needs a comprehensive public utilities. months back are very likely hitting the on October 10, 2011. You can find Dobbin’s blog energy strategy that would base its priorities “While the renewable energy sector is bottle, too, after losing an election they were at www.murraydobbin.ca on the urgent need to address global likely to grow considerably by 2020, its job supposed to win handily over the NDP’s un- Ron reviews: warming,” says Griffin Cohen. “Trade creation potential is relatively small,” says charismatic Greg Selinger. It was incredibly unions, as well as environmentalists and Calvert. “Since most permanent jobs related close – the perverse past the post can also IN THE EMBRACE OF THE ALLIGA- civil society, need to be part of a strategy to ‘green’ energy are created through the benefit the NDP sometimes – as it had to TOR, by A. Hale, THISTLEDOWN that does not simply rely on market-based manufacturing of green technology, the be after three terms of NDP government. PRESS decisions by the corporate sector.” absence of a national policy to increase Nonetheless, Manitobans were not pre- Cuba will soon not be the wonderful The study examines employment trends domestic use of this technology through pared to jettison what was a very moderate place to visit that it is now. The US is soon in Canada’s energy sector and finds public Canadian-based manufacturing means regime and its public service approach to to open the door to its tourists. Author policy is reinforcing reliance on traditional the loss of the employment potential of governance for an ideological experiment Hale, with her stories has caught the pres- energy employment, rather than focusing renewable energy expansion.” with the Conservatives. ent wonders of that irresistible discovery of on the planning for and training of a ‘green’ Climate Change and the Canadian Energy Sec- tor: Implications for Labour and Trade Unions is And even Alberta surprised everyone Christopher Columbus. workforce. with the one party state choosing a new According to the study, the claims available on the CCPA website: www.policyal- --Ron MacIsaac ternatives.ca The Lower Island NEWS BOOKS and MORE COMMENTARY November/December 2011 Page 21 TAKING IT TO THE STREETS Challenging the robotic money monster

By G.E. Mortimore capacity to understand. reverse the process that created it? agement consulting company Accenture Smart machines are overwhelming the The people-power rebels who occupy If a sufficient number of us feel pain and were sold at a penny each, shares in Apple stock markets, as robot traders buy and sell Wall Street and other financial hotspots, anger long and deeply enough, and find at $100,000 each. Regulators had to cancel securities without human intervention. at the leading edge of a continuing social- inspired leaders who will raise the flag for a some of the trades and clean up the mess. In the January 2011 number of Wired justice campaign, are aware in a diffuse, practical new program, then system-change The breakdown sends a hopeful signal: magazine, Felix Salmon and Jon Stokes general way of devices that shut out low- will happen. If not, we must make do with If humans can repair a self-damaged robotic reported: “Today Wall Street is ruled by thou- level amateurs and keep political-economic tinkering that reinforces domination by the exchange network, they can switch it off sands of little algorithms, and they’ve cre- control in the hands of wealthy elite. Poor wealthy elite. We must wait for a bigger and build a people-friendly version. Beyond ated a new market – volatile, unpredictable students and minimum-wage workers don’t financial explosion, or some other disaster that remedial measure, they can unplug the and impossible for humans to comprehend.” play the stock market, but they contribute that stirs us to change how we feel and entire array of political and financial control Frankenstein-style investment engi- through taxes to reward the CEOs of bailed- think. (Nuclear war? A threatened hit by an machinery, suspend or weaken the power neers build the algorithms – lines of com- out faltering banks with fat bonuses. asteroid on earth?) of the privileged, and create a kinder, more puter code, powerful mini-programs. Then The poor and middle class come out My guesswork has nothing to do with efficient network. the algorithms take on a life of their own. losers because politicians (swayed by the Wired writers. They merely reported the Co-operatives – worker-owned, con- They trade millions of dollars worth of shares campaign contributions, outdated economic facts. As for me, I was knocked over by the sumer-owned stores, farms, oil refineries, in fractions of a second. doctrine and lobby-group blarney) decide mind-boggling news of the robotic market. banks and factories democratically run on There are two different models. A “Big- that the share of grocery, shelter and trans- I’m struggling back to my feet and looking the basis of one member, one vote, paying Picture” algorithm maps the whole market portation money that goes to 99 percent of for reasons to be cheerful. modest salaries to managers and investing like a robot meteorologist charting masses the people must be cut thin, so as to safe- Computer-driven high-frequency trad- some of their income to protect land, water of warm and cold air. A single-target model guard the wealth of the top one-per-cent. ing, which by some estimates is now 70 and life, and strengthen human services – checks the merits and likely movement of Meanwhile, robot trading is top-down- percent of trade volume, can go weirdly could be high on the agenda when the Wall shares in individual companies, and buys ward control technology running wild, like wrong, as Salmon and Stokes point out. Street campaigners move from anger to and sells chosen issues through split-sec- an escaped zoo tiger or a nuclear meltdown. On May 6, 2010, the Dow Jones industrial action. In Europe, co-ops employ 4.8 million ond deals with other programs, calculated at Can the rebels capture and tame this mon- average plunged 573 points in five minutes. people and are enduring well in tough times. a level of complexity that is beyond human ster of collective artificial intelligence, and In that “flash-crash”, shares of the man- Economic showdown: sackers versus fixers By G.E. Mortimore the other one wins….. And it isn’t just honest gambling that corrupt privatization deals, hiding money What happens when political leaders “The fact that they played with commodi- critical thinkers have in mind. It’s gambling offshore, then passing the bill to the people fumble and dither, as they are doing now in ties and currencies and houses gave them with loaded dice that favour privileged elite. with a brutal austerity package.” face of the world financial crisis? the illusion, for a time, that they really could The Rev. Peter Millar, former warden of Tory politicians call the recent UK riots Check the empty mumbo-jumbo about get a net gain out of this casino game. But it Iona Abbey in Scotland, drew attention to merely criminal, not political. But who were “recovery” that spills across the business is impossible and that has been shown now. the stunning hypocrisy displayed by Britain’s the worse crooks – the looters or the CEOs pages while stock markets continue their After all the speculative pyramids collapsed, Conservative-dominated government and of faltering banks who pocketed enormous decline. We must look beyond the orthodox we see there is no net gain left.” by an even more arrogant government in bonuses after the banks had received bail- money-gurus for smarter advice. Against the background of flimsy debts Argentina. out money from taxpayers? Economist Heinner Flassbeck sounds wrapped together as trustworthy securities, Quoting journalist Naomi Klein’s analy- Millar said: “The UK government contin- believable. He says nations must co-operate Flassbeck said: “We have a ‘shadow bank- sis, Peter Millar said: “In 2001, when the ues to force sacrifices on the most vulner- to shut down the “casino economy” that ran ing system’ of hedge funds and investment Argentinian economy was in free-fall, thou- able, while the elites continue to pursue out of control and landed us in this mess. bankers…‘off-balance-sheet vehicles’, sands of people living in poor neighbour- their insane lifestyles….In the UK we are Flassbeck is the chief economist of where banks engaged in gambling…. hoods stormed foreign-owned superstores. witnessing daily the firing of public servants, UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Regulators were overwhelmed by the huge They came out pushing shopping carts the scapegoating of teachers, the closing of Trade and Development). amount of new and sophisticated complex overflowing with the goods they could no libraries, the rolling back of union contracts, He said: “The real economy is produc- structured products on these markets, which longer afford – clothes, electronics, meat. the botched-up rush to privatize public as- ing goods…that people need. But on top were created…to disguise the character of The government called a ‘state of siege’ to sets, etc. of that…a huge casino was built, where gambling behind it.” retore order; the people didn’t like that and “The list is never-ending, and once again gambling was the most important activity. Flassbeck was talking to interviewer overthrew the government.” we are being lectured by the very people And people really expected (to) get a…net Riaz K. Taybob on Pambazuka News, an Naomi Klein’s remembered Argentin- who sacked the economy in the first place.” gain, a net income, out of this casino, but African social-justice site. A clear conclusion ian phrase, el saquero, the sacking, was Cameron, the target of those tough every reasonable person knows that that is emerges from his findings: We need public “the same word used to describe what words, recently showed up as Prime Min- not possible, casinos are what economists financial management in the public interest. Argentina’s elites had done by selling off ister Stephen Harper’s political pal and call ‘zero sum’ (games) – what one guy loses The “free market” failed us. the country’s national assets in flagrantly kindred spirit. What’s a trillion? Who cares? By G.E. Mortimore you,” the money-pundits say. Nile river, where smart observers of the revenues by up to $1,400 billion. Great idea. See if this number means anything. Should we? Fully alert people – including river and their descendants the Pharoahs, Add the proposed tax on stock-market Forty-two trillion dollars, increasing by thou- the Occupy Wall Street demonstrators - can by relative accuracy in estimating this year’s and currency gambling (an end to Wall sands per second. see a financial scene that is much differ- flood level, the deposit of fertile river mud Street’s free ride), strengthen and encour- That’s the debt owed by the world’s ent to the one the neoliberal dollar-gurus and the abundance of grain, transformed age the co-operative, economic-democracy governments. The Economist magazine want us to see. It is not a fixed landscape themselves into priest-kings and living gods. sector instead of punishing and corrupting tracks its rise online with a global debt clock. of mountains and valleys. It’s more like a Unlike the Nile, however, the “market” it, persuade governments to borrow from We are supposed to be scared by that movie set, which now must be dismantled turns out to be a system controlled by publicly owned banks at low interest instead long snake of digits, but it causes most and replaced. money-twisters and politicians for their of making private banks a gift of taxpayers’ people to yawn, or scratch their heads and What is this money that we owe col- own benefit. The chief money-twisters are money – and you have the makings of a plan turn to hockey or YouTube. lectively? Money used to be coins minted today’s Pharoahs. for paying off that $42 trillion, while doing the You couldn’t say the numbers boggle the from copper, nickel, silver and gold, plus Social-policy scholar Chuck Collins most possible for the moment to empower mind. They don’t enter the mind. Even one the bits of printed paper that certified the recently pointed out that 25 of the USA’s the majority and care for the world’s sick, trillion is an empty idea – the unit followed existence of specific quantities of treasure largest corporations paid more to their starving people. by 12 zeroes. The distance to the nearest held in vaults. CEOs and more to lobbyists than they paid galaxy would be more exciting, if I could Not any more. Coins are small change. in taxes. They dodged taxes on much of G.E. Mortimore, PhD, is a Victoria-based writer remember it. Serious money is just a mass of paper and their profit by hiding it in tax havens, from and social anthropologist. My late wife Peggy, who worked for electronics that the government and com- Bermuda to the Cayman Islands. a while as a secretary for the Canadian mercial banks and business corporations Environmental thinker Guy Dauncey in Law Commission, a useful think-tank killed conjure up together. Econews urges closing of tax havens and by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, once They order us to accept whatever share a tax on fat-making junk food, to diminish carried a visiting baby around the commis- of that alleged money we can squeeze healthcare costs and increase government sion’s library, telling the baby in a soothing out, and exchange the paper or computer tone about the commission’s work and the symbols for groceries and other stuff, and contents of the books. also, through tax entries, trade some of it The amount of the global public debt for human and environmental services and means as much to the average person as infrastructure – including big subsidies to Special Introductory Offer* the Law Commission’s work meant to the air-polluting oil corporations and automobile baby. Less, probably. Peggy’s account did roads, and meagre aid to air-saving buses 3 books for $30 plus shipping have the effect of a lullaby, assuring the and railways. *Limited to 100 sets; signed by the author. baby that everything was okay, or soon According to the official word from would be after some changes in policy and Ottawa, the flow of the “free market” has jurisprudence. swept us into economic trouble, but helpful Coyote—A Tale of Unexpected Consequences On the other hand, the Economist’s restraint by a wise government in Canada Beyond the Pale online debt clock is a faint, theoretical wake- has saved this country from the worst of it. up call – a call that most people ignore. We The implication is that Canadians will Woman Walking: Selected Poems sleep through the signal, and continue our prosper as long as we slash social and personal dreams, or nightmares. environmental programs. Order from: www.ekstasiseditions.com “Ah, but you should awaken to the dan- The “free market” is portrayed as a re- For a dedication, e-mail [email protected] ger of the debt, if you know what’s good for lentless force of nature resembling Egypt’s Page 22 November/December 2011 BOOKS, PLAYS AND ... The Lower Island NEWS The Anatomy of a Party: the National CCF 1932-61, by Walter D. Young, Toronto, The University of Toronto Press, 1969

Reviewed by Jim Manly As the New Democratic Party of Canada prepares to elect a new leader, party members resulted in a three minute time limit for speakers on resolutions. Provisions such as these, ask themselves, “Who can move the party forward to consolidate and build on the gains combined with leadership’s greater experience, knowledge on most issues and experience made under Jack Layton’s leadership?” We know that whoever succeeds will face in speaking, gave them the advantage; in spite of free and open elections at conventions, formidable challenges, both in keeping the caucus united and also in maintaining the trust there was little change in the leadership team. of Canadian voters. When first established, people could not join the CCF as such but only as members Basic to both of these is the question, “What kind of party do we want?” of one of the affiliated organizations or an affiliated club. Young describes the clubs as Side by side with the issue of party leadership, New Democrats wonder how our party “a thorn in the flesh” of the party because they tended to attract members, particularly in can and should relate to the mass protest movement sweeping around our world. We Ontario, who were more doctrinaire and who frequently undercut party unity with ideological have seen protests in the countries of the Middle East, Israel as well as Arab states; we disputes. (143) have seen them in European countries, particularly Greece, Italy and Spain where ordinary While Young sees tension within the CCF between its function as a popular movement people are bearing the brunt of austerity measures to deal with fiscal mismanagement. and its role as a disciplined party seeking electoral victory, he regards this tension as Last spring we admired the people of Wisconsin in the United States as they set an necessary and as the basis for whatever success the CCF had. inspiring example of solidarity in a sustained and massive protest against the right wing The greatest success that elected CCF members had was in the adoption of many government’s anti-union legislation. This fall the “Occupy Wall Street” protest has spread CCF proposals by the Liberal government in the latter stages of WW II and in the post- throughout the States and this past month it has come to Canada with strong protest war period. While much of the credit for this must go to the members of caucus, they had encampments in many of our cities. behind them the strength of an informed and committed movement. The MPs did not stand Some criticism has been made that these protests lack a clear focus. This simply alone but rather at the front of a popular movement that had strong roots in communities underlines the fact that average citizens know how their concerns have not been across the country. addressed in a wide range of issues: the concentration of wealth at the top, unemployment, At the same time without the hard-working and disciplined elected members the homelessness and government collusion with developers who pollute and destroy our movement would have had no organized voice in the “corridors of power”. Ironically, this environment. very success, by eliminating some of the worst social abuses and promoting greater income How can the New Democratic Party relate to this? equality (a trend that has been reversed in the last 40 years), served to reduce the CCF’s Obviously the protest movements do not want to be co-opted or taken over by any strength as a protest movement. political party. But all of us in the New Democratic Party need to listen and learn from Party discipline and the freedom of a movement make uneasy bedfellows but if a what these protests are trying to tell us. And as Murray Dobbin and others have told us movement wants to have a voice in Parliament a disciplined party is essential. The unhappy our party needs “to reinvent itself as a movement-party, an organization rooted daily in the history of the Progressive movement illustrates this. community and challenging the isolation of people that the current consumers’ society has In the 1921 election 64 Progressives were elected, enough to form the Official created.” (cf. CCPA Monitor, October 2011) Opposition; however, a shrewd Mackenzie King wooed some of them into the Liberal Party With this in mind, we can learn valuable lessons by taking a second look at Walter D. and the Progressives, who did not believe in party discipline, fell apart. A small group, known Young’s 1969 study, The Anatomy of a Party: the National CCF 1932-61. as the Ginger Group, worked with J.S. Woodsworth and later helped to found the CCF. As Young points out, the CCF began as a federation of movements, particularly agrarian On the other hand a political party that is run only by a small group of apparatchiks protest movements of the Prairies in the grip of depression; these combined with a number with no movement to support it or to provide direction, checks and balances will end up of small labour and socialist parties and with intellectuals, mostly based in the east, who like Stephen Harper’s Conservatives. formed the LSR, The League for Social Reconstruction. Young’s book provides an interesting look at the organization and operation of the J.S. Woodsworth played a central role in bringing the different movements together, CCF; as such it can give a helpful stimulus to our thinking about the New Democratic Party particularly on the prairies, through the force of his personality, his reputation for integrity today and tomorrow. and such parliamentary achievements as wrestling Old Age Pensions out of Mackenzie After the CCF’s history of disappointing election results, the New Democratic Party King’s minority Liberal government. was established in 1961 in partnership with the with the hope In the 1933 , its founding document, the CCF defined itself as “a of gaining government. Even though the NDP has been much more directed to election federation of organizations whose purpose is the establishment in Canada of a Co-operative victory and much less of a movement than the CCF ever was, the results have been equally Commonwealth in which the principle regulating production, distribution and exchange will disappointing, with the exception of our unexpected Quebec victory in this past election. be the supplying of human needs and not the making of profits.” From the beginning it Following that victory, we want to build on the foundation laid by the hard and dedicated recognized that this transformation would be brought about by the election of a government work of committed leaders, MPs and the thousands of committed members who have worked inspired by this ideal and supported by a majority of the people. in the CCF and the NDP for a society in which our principle goal will be meeting basic Winning elections, however, was not the primary purpose. J.S. Woodsworth, the human needs and not the making of profit. Even if we don’t think that profit is necessarily founding leader said, “We must get away from the old idea of winning at any cost and by immoral it must not be the basic motivation for all that we do. any method, and steadily build up a convinced and educated constituency.” (50) Ernie To accomplish this, whoever our new leader may be, we need a strong and active Winch, a pioneer socialist from BC was even more blunt; the primary purpose of the CCF movement that can give support, direction and a sense of urgency. was “the making of socialists”, not the election of candidates. All of the leaders, many of whom came from a background of teaching, preaching or journalism with a rather Quixotic belief in the rationality of Canadian voters, believed that the way forward was through education, study and discussion groups. Quality of life declining: study To nourish this process the members of the LSR did a great deal of valuable economic and social research which they made widely available through pamphlets, magazines and Workers in Canada are over-stressed actually decreased over the period mea- party newspapers. The early CCF had not learned the lesson later enunciated by Adlai and under-rewarded in the capitalist pres- sured – in the environment, leisure and Stevenson, the Democratic candidate who ran against Eisenhower. After a brilliant speech sure cooker we call everyday life. culture, and time use. In health, there have one supporter told him, “ Mr. Stevenson, that should get you the vote of every thinking There is greater productivity, but grow- been modest gains. American.” Stevenson replied, “Unfortunately that’s not enough; we need a majority.” ing inequality and less personal enjoyment, Roy Romanow, former NDP premier of As the party matured, it became more pragmatic, with greater emphasis on electing according to the Canadian Index of Wellbe- Saskatchewan and current chair of the CIW, members. This meant some softening of the stirring rhetoric in the Manifesto. For example, ing. The CIW, a 12-year study based at the said most Canadians are “running so fast, while the Manifesto had opposed the making of profits and David Lewis had said the very University of Waterloo in Ontario, measures and basically standing still, that we do not idea of profits was “immoral”, F.R. Scott, the national chairman, maintained that profit could how people, communities, the environment have the opportunity to enjoy things that be “a valuable incentive when kept in its proper place”. (63) and democracy are faring – not just the really matter in life.” In the same way rhetoric shifted from a simple attack on capitalism to an attack on economy. The GDP does not measure the wel- “monopoly capitalism”. (72) The report shows that while Canada’s fare of society. For instance, spending on Changing events during WW II pushed the party to drop some of its anti-war and anti- Gross Domestic Product increased by 31 tobacco, war, on cleaning up man-made di- conscription rhetoric and to support an all-out effort to defeat fascism. In ethical terms this percent from 1994-2008, the CIW rose just sasters, building prisons – hardly examples can be understood as acting with responsibility toward the present even though this meant 11 percent. The wealthiest 20 percent of of human progress – all cause GDP to rise. some watering down of original ideals. Opponents of this tendency, such as Carlyle King people received most of the benefits of that Meanwhile, caring for an ailing relative, un- of the Saskatchewan CCF, claimed that “socialist parties have gone a-whoring after the growth, while the gap separating the bottom paid housework, volunteer work – all social Bitch Goddess” of success and power”. (127) 20 percent grew larger. positives – don’t show up in GDP. Woodsworth opposed increased centralization, feeling that it was more important to The discrepancy between GDP and CIW It is important to add that growth without spend limited party resources in keeping organizers on the road. Centralization, however, growth “tells us emphatically that we have workers’ democratic control only adds to the proceeded apace, especially with the appointment of David Lewis as national secretary not been making the right investment in our super-abundance of alienation and waste. in 1936. Lewis, a tireless, dedicated worker and a committed socialist, had strong people and in our communities,” the report The solution to this supposed quandary is organizational skills that combined with equally strong ideas about how the party should says. “And we have not been doing it for a production designed to meet human needs, be organized. His desire to manage and control, not only the national party but also the long time. It is time public policy focused not private profit – an economic democracy, provincial parties, went so far as to advise who should be hired or fired in more on the quality of our lives”. otherwise known as socialism. – BW Saskatchewan’s newly elected CCF government. The report claims that the quality of life Others who worked closely with Lewis included M.J. Coldwell who became national leader after Woodsworth, F.R. Scott, Angus MacInnis, Stanley Knowles, Therese Casgrain and Grace MacInnis. Dippers enjoy impromptu backyard party Lewis had no feel for the agrarian protest movement, saying at one point that the An “Impromptu Dippers’ Beers farmer “never was in the core of the CCF”. (76) Instead he worked to develop closer ties & Burgers” was held in the back- with and support from labour unions; this was only partially successful largely because yard of Saanich-Gulf Island NDP many unions with headquarters in the United States had a strong tradition of “Gomperism” executive member, Michele Murphy which opposed direct affiliation with any political party, choosing rather to punish enemies September 15. and reward friends at each election. Strong Communist influence in several unions also Saanich-Gulf Islands, Saanich prevented closer ties with the CCF. South and Victoria-Swan Lake con- As the CCF became more centrally organized and directed, more oriented to winning stituency members were included elections, and more interested in urban workers, it lost some, but by no means all, of its in the last minute call-out for takers. strength as a movement. The weather held out, the beer was Although the executive and national council had a great deal of power, ultimate authority on tap and the burgers were flying remained with the conventions which had representation from each riding. Conventions on what may have been the last dealt with resolutions, some of which came from the membership, others from provincial of the warm nights in a very late Michele Murphy photo or national executives or councils. Even here the interest of a strong central organization summer. was of course the leadership race. came to dominate. After 1944, all resolutions went through a resolutions committee that The favoured topic for the eve- A good time seemed to be had by all that were had been appointed by the executive. Also increased membership and larger conventions ning, besides Phoenix or Blue Buck, able to attend on such short notice. The Lower Island NEWS November/December 2011 Page 23 Calendar of coming events CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT Board Conference theme is “New Voices, Growing between environmental sustainability and further informaiton call 250-479-8326. Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday Unions” and its purpose is to build activism reducing inequality. Through his work for of every month, at 1:30 p.m., at the CRD and engage visible minorities and aboriginal President Obama and Green for All, Van is JOHN HORGAN, MLA FOR JUAN DE offices at 625 Fisgard street in Victoria. workers. MP will be the keynote fighting to make sure that the new economy FUCA, invites you to the Annual Christmas speaker. Registration is $200. For more – a green economy – works for everyone, Open House at his office at 800 Goldstream CENTRAL SAANICH RESIDENTS ARE informaton and to register, visit http://act. not just the privileged few. This is a vision Road (corner of Goldstream and Peatt) on invited to attend regular neighbourhood bcfed.ca/union-renewal-conference/ that Van shares with BC NDP leader Adrian Thursday, December 15, from 4-7 pm. Light gatherings, held every Friday night at 7 pm Dix – the belief that equality has to be at the refreshments and snacks will be served. at Spelt’s Coffee Shop, 7586 East Saanich CAROLE JAMES, MLA FOR VICTORIA- centre of the new economy. Van will share No RRSP required. Donations for the food Road, in Saanichton. Share stories, books, Beacon Hill, invites you, to attend her an- his vision and talk about a political agenda bank will be gratefully received. For further talk politics and enjoy hot coffee. Nothing nual Holiday Open House on Wednesday, that speaks to people’s hopes and dreams. information, call 250-391-2801. is taboo… No pretentiousness, no meet- December 7, from 4-6 pm, at 1084 Fort For more information go to www.bcndp.ca/ ing agenda… just a chance to chat with Street. Light refresments will be served convention. COME ONE, COME ALL...to the Oak Bay- neighbours and build community. Call 250- and no RSVP is required. Non-perishable Gordon Head NDP Christmas Lunch, on 652-8228 for further information. Everyone food items for Anwin House will be grate- DENISE SAVOIE, MP FOR VICTORIA, Sunday, December 18, from 12:30-2:30 is welcome. fully accepted. Call 250-952-4211 for more invites you to join her at her annual Holiday pm, at the Sports View Lounge, Oak Bay information. Open House, on Monday, December 12, Recreation Centre, 1975 Bee Street. Tick- THE VICTORIA LABOUR COUNCIL, from 4-6 pm, at her Community Office, ets just $25. Please contact Jamie Dopp at representing affiliated unions in the Greater BC NEW DEMOCRATS will gather at the 970 Blanshard Street. Her office will be 250-598-1524 or [email protected] to reserve Victoria Area, holds its regular monthly Vancouver Convention Centre from Decem- collecting non-perishable food items for your seat. Look forward to seeing you there! meeting at 7 pm, on the third Wednesday ber 9-11 to celebrate the 50th anniversary local food banks. For more information call each month, at the BCGEU Auditorium, of their party, to look at past victories and 250-363-3600. RANDALL GARRISON, MP FOR ESQUI- 2994 Douglas Street, Victoria. All delegates to plan for new ones. They will be joined malt-Juan de Fuca will hold a festive Open are welcome to come to meet your execu- by keynote speakers and prominent New MAURINE KARAGIANIS, MLA FOR ESQ- House at his new Constituency Office at tive, president Mike Eso, treasurer Stan Democrats from across the country. Social uimalt-Royal Roads, will hold a Holiday A2-100 Aldersmith Place, just off Admirals Dzbik,and secretary Kim Manton. and environmental activist Van Jones will Open House at her Community Office at Road, on Monday, December 19, from 4-7 be the keynote speaker on Saturday, De- A5-100 Aldersmith Place, on Wednesday, pm. Light refreshments will be available. BC FEDERATION OF LABOUR will hold cember 10. As a founder of Green for All December 14, from 4-6 pm. Light snacks Food bank donations of non-perishale items its Union Renewal Conference on Novem- and former Special Advisor on Green Jobs and refreshments will be served. Please will be acepted.Please drop in and meet and ber 28-30, at the Westin Bayshore Hotel to President Barack Obama, Van worked to bring a donation of non-perishable food talk with Randall. For further information call and Conference Centre in Vancouver. The remind decision makers of the important link for Esquimalt Neighbourhood House. For 250-4405-6550.

Photographer Heather Tuft’s captures some of the colour and movement of the first day of the People’s Assembly in Victoria. Page 24 November/December 2011 L The Lower Island NEWS Directory of locations, organizations, publications of interest MLA COMMUNITY OFFICES her at [email protected]. Perkins at 250-592-5487 or Wendy Strong at 250- by vendors on Victoria’s streets, or by subscrip- 592-1222. tion. Archives and more information available at Cowichan Valley Community Office,Bill Rout- Saanich-Gulf Islands New Democrats: Contact relativenewz.ca. ley, MLA: 273 Trunk Road, Duncan, BC or PO Box president Jack Greenwell at 250-477-3549 or Together Against Poverty Society: 415-620 599, Duncan, BC, V9L 3X9, phone 250-715-0127, by email to [email protected]; or Irene View Street, Victoria, BC, phone 250-361-3521. ALTERNATIVE WEBSITES toll free 1-877-715-0127, fax 250-715-0139, MLA Wright (Gulf Islands), by phone/fax 1-250-537- email [email protected] 5347, or email to [email protected]. Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Soci- www.alternet.org --A US website featuring alter- ety: Third floor, 535 Yates Street, Victoria, BC, native articles on US and world politics, an online Esquimalt-Royal Roads Community Office, Victoria New Democrats: To contact president V8W 2Z6, phone 250-361-9433, fax 250-361- magazine and information source. Maurine Karagianis, MLA: A5-100 Aldersmith Erik Kaye, write to Box 5380, LCD9, Victoria, 1914, website www.vircs.bc.ca. Place, View Royal, BC V9A 7M8, phone 250-479- BC, V8R 6S4.or visit their website:www.victori- www.counterpunch.org--an American website 8326, email [email protected] andp.ca. Victoria Labour Council: 219-275 Quadra with a left-wing viewpoint. or visit her website at www.maurinekaragianis.ca Street, Victoria, BC, V8T 4E8, phone 250-384- PROVINCIAL AND FEDERAL 8331, fax: 250-384-8381, email [email protected]; http//dominionpaper.ca--a Canadian ezine cov- Juan de Fuca Community Office,John Horgan, NDP OFFICES Mike Eso, president; Mary Ehl, secretary; Mike ering national and international stores that main- MLA: 800 Goldstream Avenue, Victoria, BC, V9B Ferguson, treasurer. stream sources may not cover. Updated daily. 2X7, phone 250-391-2801, email john.horgan.- BC New Democrats: 5367 Kingsway, Burnaby [email protected] BC, V5H 2G1, phone 604-430-8600, fax 604-432- Victoria Peace Centre: Box 8307, Victoria, BC, www.globalproblematique.net/bcpolicyprobe 9517, toll free 1-888-868-3637. V8W 3R9, phone/fax 250-592-8307, email cen- -- Run by BC Policy Probe, this website features Saanich South Community Office, Lana [email protected] or website www.vicpeace.ca. information and research about suh things as Popham, MLA: 4085 Quadra Street, Victoria BC Canada’s New Democrats: 300 - 279 Laurier privatization of BC Hydro. V8X 1K5, email [email protected], West, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5J9, phone 613-236- World Wildlife Federation: 410-245 Eglinton www.saanichsouth.ca 3613, toll free: 1-866-525-2555, fax 613-230- Avenue East, Toronto, ON, M4P 3J1, phone www.avaaz.org/en/global --Global warming is 9950, TTY: 1-866-776-7742. 1-800-26-PANDA, fax 416-489-8055, website: a global threat. By confronting it together, we Victoria-Beacon Hill Community Office,Carole www.wwf.ca can build a more just, tolerant, and vibrant world. James, MLA: 1084 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, V8V OTHER GROUPS 3K4, phone 250-952-4211, fax 250-952-4586, United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC) www.indymedia.org -- A collective of independ- email [email protected] YOU MAY WANT TO REACH - Victoria Branch: 202-3293 Douglas Street, ent media organizations and hundreds of journal- Victoria, BC, V8Z 3K9, phone 250-475-2868, fax ists offering grassroots, non-corporate coverage Amnesty International--Canadian Section: Victoria-Swan Lake Community Office, Rob 250-475-5898, email [email protected] or of events as they happen around the world. www.amnesty.org. Fleming, MLA: 1020 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, website www.unac.org. BC, V8T 2A2, email [email protected] www.informationclearinghouse.info --World

BC Council of Senior Citizens Organization: ALTERNATIVE PUBLICATIONS news daily--news you won’t find on CNN or phone 604-438-3221. MPs and COMMUNITY OFFICES Foxnews. Briarpatch Magazine: a progressive Canadian BC Latin American Congress: 4184 Brant House of Commons, Room magazine, published 10 times a year, subscrip- http://Newsdaily.ca--CanadaNewsdaily.ca is a Denise Savoie, MP, Street, Vancouver, BC, V5N 5B4, phone 604-879- 518, Confederation Building, Ottawa, ON, A1A tions $24.61, 2138 McIntyre Street, Regina, good (and bad) news service with a refreshingly 3246, fax 604-872-6776, email [email protected]. 0A6. SK, S4P 2R7, email briarpatchmag@sasktel. non-corporate view of the news, from local to com. global stories, with features, opinion, analysis -- all Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives: 410- , Denise Savoie, MP, for free, including free classified ads. Newsdaily Victoria Community Office 75 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5E7, phone 970 Blanshard Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 2H3, Canadian Dimension Magazine: an independ- covers Canadian and world news, plus a focused 613-563-1341, fax 613-233-1458, email ccpa@ phone 250-363-8421, fax 250-363-8422, open ent socialist magazine, begun in 1963, and run by look at British Columbia, Victoria and the Islands. policyalternatives.ca, website: www.policyalter- Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; visit www. a cooperative, published 6 times a year, subscrip- natives.ca. denisesavoie.ca or email her at denise.savoie@ tion $24.50, students and unemployed $18.50, [email protected] Originally parl.gc.ca 2B-91 Albert Street, Winnipeg, MN, R3B 1G5, set up to discuss the implications of the Multi- --BC Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives subscription hotline 1-800-737-7051. lateral Agreement on Investments, this website Office: 1400-207 West Hastings Street, Vancou- , House of Commons, and related email list now discuss world-wide Randall Garrison, MP ver, BC, V6B 1H7, phone 604-801-5121, fax 604- Confederation Building, Ottawa, ON, A1A 0A6. COMER (Committee on Monetary and Eco- developments of concern to left-wing readers. 801-5122, website: www.policyalternatives.ca. nomic Reform): reform-minded focus on mon- Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca Community Office, etary issues and how they affect our society, email http://ndp.4webs.ca -- A new NDP list serve and Canadian Health Coalition: phone 613-233- Randall Garrison, MP, A2-1000 Aldersmith Place, [email protected], website www.comer.org. bulletin board. Check it out. 1018. Victoria, BC V9A 7M8, open 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday or by appointment. Phone Global Outlook: Ian Woods, editor; $25 Cana- www.pacificfreepress.com--with a mission to Canadian Labour Congress (Pacific Region): 250-405-4550; fax 250-405-4556. Email randall. dian, PO Box 222, Oro, ON L0L 2X0. dig out nuggets of truth from the slag-heap of 201-5118 Joyce Street, Vancouver, BC, V5R [email protected]. lies, ignorance and witless diversion that has 4H1, Regional Representative Iris Taylor, phone The CCPA Monitor: published by the Canadian buried public discourse today. Pacific Free Press 604-430-6766, extension 267, fax 604-430-6762. Jean Crowder, MP, House of Commons, Con- Centre for Policy Alternatives, 410-75 Albert provides a new venue for disseminating hard federation Building, Ottawa, ON, A1A 0A6. Email Street, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5E7, $110 supporting news and insightful, fact-based analysis of the Council of Canadians, Victoria Chapter: PO her at [email protected] membership with $75 tax0 receipt, or $25 low in- harsh realities too often ignored or distorted by Box 5515, 1625 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, phone come membership receives the Monitor monthly. the mainstream press. 250-360-8448, email victoriacouncilofcanadi- Jean Nanaimo-Cowichan Community Office: [email protected] or visit www.victoriacouncilofca- Crowder, MP: 101- 126 Ingram Street, Duncan, The Democrat: published by the BC NDP, 3110 http://pej.org--PEJ News, a free service, serves nadians.ca BC V9L 1P1, www.jeancrowder.ca or email her Boundary Road, Burnaby, BC, V5M 4A2, sub- up daily news, opinion and analysis of peace, at [email protected] scription $10 per year. environment and justice issues. Stay informed 350 Michael Canadian Wildlife Federation: with web and email stories often days, weeks Cowpland Drive, Kanata, ON, K2M 2W1, phone The Straight: a weekly publication with features, and months ahead of the mainstream media. The PROVINCIAL NDP 1-800-563-9453, or visit www.cwf-fcf.org. CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATIONS articles, news and reviews from Vancouver, sub- Peace, Earth & Justice News is produced entirely scription $117/52 issues in Canada, 2nd floor, by volunteers and is a probject of the non-profit 214-131 Ecojustice (formerly Sierra Legal): 1770 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6J 3G7, Prometheus Institute based in Victoria, BC. Cowichan Valley New Democrats: Write PO Water Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4M3, phone phone 604-730-7000, email [email protected]. Box 102, Duncan, BC V9L 1P0; or contact presi- 1-800-926-7444 dent Ellen Oxman at 250-250-701-4980 or email www.policyalternatives.ca -- The Canadian New Internationalist: a communications co- Centre for Policy Alternatives’ web page offers her at [email protected]. www.gc.ca. Government of Canada: operative based in Oxford, it exists to report on research reports, books and opinion pieces done issues of world poverty and inquality; to focus on issues of social and economic justice. Esquimalt-Royal Roads New Democrats: Write Government of BC: www.gov.bc.ca. Box 231 110-174 Wilson Street Victoria, BC V9A attention on the unjust relationship between the powerful and the powerless in both rich and poor www.rabble.ca -- A cheeky site offering original 7N7 or email [email protected].. visit Greater Victoria Water Watch Coalition: nations; to debate and campaign for the radical stories, feature articles and columns from some www.greatervictoriawaterwatchcoalition.ca or changes necessary f the basic material and of the progressive voices in Canada. Juan de Fuca New Democrats: Email president phone 250-595-1701 or 250- 380-1197. Heather Gropp at [email protected]. spiritual needs of all are to be met, subscriptions, $38.50 including GST ,PO Box 706, Markham, www.strategicthoughts.ca--You’ll find David www.hri.ca. Human Rights Internet: ON, L6B 1A7, phone 905-946-0407, fax: 905-946- Schreck’s columns and more here. Oak Bay-Gordon Head New Democrats: Write 0410, email: [email protected]. PO Box 5539, LCD 9, Victoria, BC, V8R 6S4,or Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria: www.straightgoods.com -- A watchdog working contact president Keith Todd at 250-598-8039 phone 250-388-4728, fax 250-386-4395. or by email at [email protected] Our Times: Canada’s independent labour maga- for Canadian consumers and citizens. zine and read by mostl abour organizations and NAPO (National Anti-Poverty Organization) other supporters of working pwople. Check its www.thetyee.ca--BC news and views from a Saanich North and the Islands New Demo- : advocates for the poor in communities, News website at www.ourtimes.ca. non-corporate perspective. crats: Email president Gary Holman at ghol- courts and political areas, www.napo-onap.ca. [email protected] or phone him at 250-653- , The Left Coast Events listserve and webpage www.truthout.org--US website with Real news. 2042. www.ndpsocialists.ca. NDP Socialist Caucus: provides a forum for sharing information about “Our aim and ongoing struggle as New Democrats upcoming events committed to uncovering the www.victoriacarshare.ca--If you don’t want to Saanich South New Democrats: Write PO Box must be to establish a Socialist Canada.” 30041, Saanich Centre Postal Outlet, Victoria, various dimensions of social and environmental own a car but still need to drive one sometimes, justice. Anyone can add an event and doing so this welbsite may be for you. BC, V8X 5E1, phone 250-479-1100, or email lists all federal cabinet Parliamentary website is free for not-for-profit organizing and actions. [email protected]. ministers, parliamentary secretaries and opposi- Visit leftcoastevents.org to add an event, for more www.vivelecanada.ca--website by noted activist tion spokespersons. Visit www.parl.gc.ca/infor- information, or to subscribe. Mel Hurtig about the corporate threat to Canadian Victoria-Beacon Hill New Democrats: Write PO mation/about/people/key/critic.asp?language=E Box 8523, Victoria, BC, V8W 3S1, phone 250- sovereignty, includes a whole range of features The Dominion: a monthly paper published by from online polls and petitions to editorials and 386-8497 or contact president Chris Gainor by , sponsored by the Seniors’ Advocacy Services an incipient network of independent journalists information updates. phone at 250-380-6358 or by email at cgainor@ Greater Victoria Seniors (OAPO) organization, in Canada since May 2003. It aims to provide shaw.ca. are available on Mondays and Thursdays from accurate, critical coverage that is accountable www.wsws.org --The World Socialist Web Site 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m., at the Blanshard to its readers and the subjects it tackles. The is the Internet centre of the International Commit- Victoria-Swan Lake New Democrats: Contact Community Centre, 901 Kings Road (King and Dominion can be read online, or delivered to tee of the Fourth International (ICFI). It provides president Darcy Lindberg at darcy.lindberg@ Dowler Streets), close to the #4 and #6 buses on your doorstep as a print subscription. See www. analysis of majorworld events, comments on gmail.com, or write to PO Box 282, 1681 Hill- Quadra Street. Service is free, and provided by dominionpaper.ca/ political, cultural, historical and philosophical is- side Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8T 2C1. trained volunteers. For further information phone sues, and valuable documents and studies from 250-388-7696. The Republic: Vancouver-based socialist paper, the heritage of the socialistmovement. FEDERAL NDP RIDING ASSOCIATIONS subscriptions, two issues per month, $25 per 109-1022 Pandora Seniors Serving Seniors: year; free at local news stands, PO Bo 56072, Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca New Democrats: Con- Avenue, Victoria, BC V8V 3P5, phone 250-382- COMMUNITY RADIO Vancouver, BC, V5L 5E2; email mag pie@lynx. Commercial free commujnity radio, CFUV is tact president Jock Bates at wanzbates@shaw. 4331. bc.ca. caor write to PO Box 622, 105-1497 Admirals located at 101.9 FM and 104.3 Cable, or visit http://www.cfuv.uvic.ca Road, Victoria, BC, V9A 2P8. South Island Health Coalition, an affiliate of the Victoria Street Newz: a montly independent BC Health Coalition. If you’re concerned about ac- newspaper focussed on understanding the root Nanaimo-Cowichan New Democrats:Contact cess, affordability and quality of health care in our causes and consequences of poverty. It’s sold president Sue Creba at 250-753-3371or email community, get involved by calling co-chairs Dale