Lower Island NEWS An Independent Democratic Socialist Newspaper Serving the Lower Island Area for 26 Years Volume 27 Issue #6 December2010/January 2011 Victoria, BC Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Dave Barrett honoured recall campaign set to go By Mike Hayes Ida Chong suggests that this is an NDP at 80th birthday party As if the resounding success of the Fight initiative about refighting the last election. HST initiative petition wasn’t enough political She says my NDP membership is evidence history making for one province! Now we of this nefarious plot. Nothing could be are writing Chapter 2 in a tumultuous year further from the truth. Of the 15 members in which the people of BC are taking control on the Campaign Steering Committee, only of political accountability. three are members of the NDP. Each vol- The campaign to recall Oak Bay-Gordon unteer, whether on the Steering Committee Head MLA, Ida Chong, should be well under- or knocking on doors, is acting as a private way. The November 20 rally on the steps of citizen with the democratic right to participate the Legislature had 100 brave souls defying in the Recall process. bitterly cold weather to tell the government The issue, obviously, is not how I voted that the HST fight was not going away. in the last election; it is about how Ida Chong You may already know that I have agreed has voted since then! to act as the “proponent” for the Recall. My Rules for recall are interesting. Any job is to propose to the Oak Bay-Gordon registered voter in BC may be an accred- Head electorate that Ms. Chong be recalled ited canvasser, whether or not they live in as our MLA. On November 22, the peti- that constituency – so any BC voter can tion application was filed, but, three days choose to register as a canvasser in Oak later, rejected by the Chief Electoral Officer Bay-Gordon Head. However, ONLY people over a word count violation. I refiled the on the voters’ list in OBGH for the May 2009 application on November 25 and, barring election may sign the recall petition. unforeseen government or other difficul- It may seem a little confusing, but it ties, door-knocking will begin in the second makes sense. ONLY those eligible to elect Photos by Michele Murphy week of December. The C.E.O. also refused Ms Chong in 2009 may sign the petition to Former BC Premier Dave Barrett (R) chats with BC Federation of Labour President to validate the 150 canvasser applications have her “un-elected” in 2010. Of course, Jim Sinclair, at a recent celebration of his 80th birthday. submitted on November 22, so we are hav- since then some people have moved from ing to approach all our volunteers to submit OBGH and others have arrived. New resi- Barrett’s view: “a new society built on new forms. This is very frustrating and, we dents are not eligible to sign, but those here believe, unnecessary. in 2009, wherever they now live, are eligible. love, trust and understanding” The decision by the Recall Ida Chong The OBGH Recall Team is committed to Steering Committee to go first was not being transparent in our actions and nonpar- By Geoff Meggs Mair went further, although not before mock- taken lightly. This interesting, eclectic group tisan throughout the campaign. Canvassers The careers of some political leaders ing the New Democrats as “the only party I of Fight HST veterans weighed the matter will receive training to ensure that all Elec- seem to diminish with the passage of time, know that elects their leaders, then has the carefully. We all know that, being first out of tions BC rules are very strictly followed. others grow in significance. leadership campaign”. the gate, we must not fail. Our success will The Elections BC Guide explains this Former NDP Premier Dave Barrett Turning to Barrett, whose government be critical to that of the recall campaigns clearly. “Canvassers have unique responsi- seems to be joining the latter category, at he had worked tirelessly to defeat, Mair that follow. Challenges were discussed bilities. They are the proponent’s front line least to judge by the tributes paid to him said that “looking back on the accomplish- openly and honestly among people of representatives by collecting signatures by a former opponent and several hundred ments — the ALR, ICBC, the changes in the widely-differing political perspectives and and interacting with the public. They also New Democrats November 20. They were Legislature and so on — I would say they experiences. Ultimately, the passion, strong represent, through their actions, how the gathered at a Langford hotel to celebrate his stamp you as one of the greatest premiers and varied abilities of the team, and commit- recall process is perceived by the public. 80th birthday and the crowd included most BC has ever had.” ment to 60+ days of hard work gave us the Canvassers have a duty to act with integrity of those who had gone into political combat W i t h confidence to go. and to learn, understand and follow the rules earlier that day at an NDP Provincial Council that the This campaign is about holding govern- laid out within the Recall and Initiative Act meeting, as well as scores of former MLAs t w o o l d ment -- this and future governments -- ac- and its Regulations.” and constituency activists. p o l i t i - countable to those who elect them. It has Anyone wanting to help with the cam- The evening was highlighted by aston- cal war- been described as populist democracy in paign is invited to visit the Campaign Office ishing archival video from Barrett’s extraordi- riors em- action: fine words, but there is the bottom at Suite 216 - 1595 McKenzie Avenue nary career in provincial and federal politics, b r a c e d line. The campaign will succeed on the en- (McKenzie and Shelbourne) in the profes- including his declaration to a large crowd in and the ergy and commitment of citizens committed sional building on the southwest corner. 1970 that “we want to build a new society, c r o w d to making it work – meaning you. You may drive onto the upper parking level built on love, trust and understanding”.It erupted in We need volunteers. Remember: you from either McKenzie Avenue or from Gar- is hard to imagine a political leader of any a stand- don’t need to live in OBGH to canvas for net Road. Contact us through our website stripe making such a direct and emotional ing ova- signatures but you MUST be registered with www.recallidachong.ca, or call the office at: appeal today. Two years later, Barrett swept tion. Elections BC to receive canvasser creden- 250-590-5355. to power. He was 41. T h e tials. You may download the application Welcome…and join us in making BC His hectic three-year administration form from the Elections BC website (www. political history! passed 357 bills, a record unsurpassed to provincial government honoured Barrett elections.bc.ca). Select “Recall” from the this day. They included enduring reforms the previous day with the announcement menu on the left and follow links to “Recall Mike Hayes is the Oak Bay-Gordon Head Recall to every aspect of BC society: creation that the viewpoint below Cypress Park, - Application for Canvasser Guide and Appli- Proponent of the Agricultural Land Reserve, an end which Barrett saved from the chainsaw in cation“. Complete and print the pdf form then to mining in parks, a massive overhaul of the 1960s, will be renamed Barrett’s View. mail, fax or drop it off at the Campaign Office. Also on Vancouver Island energy policy, creation of ICBC, formation As Carole James said at that ceremony, the As the “proponent” for the recall, I am Saanich North and the Islands MLA of a province-wide ambulance service, the name has a double meaning, reflecting both very proud to be working with this campaign. Murray Coell, and Comox Valley MLA Don launch of the province’s college system the view itself, which Barrett helped to save, It truly is “nonpartisan”. From Steering McRae are both slated to face recall cam- and fundamental democratic reforms of the and his political philosophy, which continues Committee to volunteer door-knockers, paigns in 2011. Legislature. That’s a partial list. to have an impact on the life of the province. something has moved each of us to give Proponent for the Recall Murray Coell It is fair to say, argued former Premier It was a government that said “yes we time, money and energy to this grassroots, campaign is Ryan Winsor, who can be Dan Miller, that Barrett’s government brought can” — and then did. democratic process. It could be as simple reached at 250-885-8539 or by email at about changes as profound as those ush- as “enough is enough”. The HST remains [email protected], while the proponent ered in by the Quiet Revolution of Jean Geoff Meggs was elected to Vancouver City Coun- cil in November 2008 on the Vision Vancouver the catalytic event, but it is honesty and ac- for the McRae campaign is Kathryn Askew, Lesage’s government in Quebec. team led by Gregor Robertson. countability from those we elect that is the who can be reached at 250-339-9828 or by But long time Barrett opponent and common thread. I am confident we will col- email at [email protected] former Social Credit cabinet minister Rafe lect the 15,366 signatures we need.

Inside this issue Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement # 40008124 Return to: The Lower Island News A Vision for Vision 2 Box 311-2750 Quadra Street Mining commission needed 11 Victoria, BC V8T 4E8 Health Centre’s first year 3 Teardown of school system 12 Editorial and op/ed 4 Victoria’s posh fashion store 13 Letters to the editor 5 Fortin on the Bridge 14 A family values guy speaks 6 Changing the power balance 15 Have a just Christmas 7 A fight for justice 16 Food for thought 8 Book and other views 18 A more equal community 9 Coming events caledar 19 Poverty plan is needed 10 Directory 20 Page 2 December 2010/January 2011 The Lower Island NEWS Peninsula Co-op puts rural land up for sale Saanichton -- Peninsula Co- new store location inside urban contain- op Board and management an - ment will better meet our needs and nounced November 29 the decision the needs of the community.” Fafard add- to sell Co-op’s rural agricultural prop- ed, “By following the OCP, we’re working erty at 6800 West Saanich Road to seek towards a win-win.” a more appropriate location for their new The Peninsula Coop Board reiterated 41,200 square foot mall. its earlier apology for defamatory email and Following feedback from a signifi- election irregularities that Arbitrator Jakob cant number of their members in Cen- de Villiers, QC, deemed illegal. tral Saanich and consultation with Gordon Denford, Peninsula Co-op board Co-op’s legal advisor, the Board decided member, says he hopes the decision to sell not to develop outside of the CRD’s Urban the land will “mend fences” in the commu- Containment Boundaries (UCB’s). nity. “The Arbitrator’s ruling was a real wake- Peninsula Co-op said it is very proud up call for us,” Denford said, explaining that to respond to the needs and concerns of the Co-op board regularly assesses risk and its members and customers, and makes is mindful of the professional positions and every effort to contribute positively to the legal and ethical requirements of the two communities where they do business. The board members associated with the police landmark decision to sell the property is a force. “We hope this decision will send a clear demonstration of their commitment to message to the greater community that we Presenting a $25,000 cheque to the Vancouver Eye Care centre are (L-R) Sister the community. acknowledge the arbitrators ruling, and we Marion, Rebekah Assembly; Dr. Fred Mikelberg; Brother Pasquale Giordano, IOOF; Peninsula Co-op had planned to co- will continue to strive to be a model, ethical Brother Gordon Moffat, IOOF; Sister Carol, Rebekah Assembly; Sister Darlene, Re- locate the mall near the existing gas station. co-operative,” added Denford. bekah Assembly; Sister Marleen Powell, Rebekah Assembly. However, Central Saanich’s Official Com- Peninsula Co-op expects the land to munity Plan and the CRD Regional Growth sell quickly, due to the very limited supply Strategy do not allow development on this of prime agricultural land remaining on the A Vision for Vision rural land outside of urban containment. Saanich Peninsula. The executive will nego- Legal advice received by Peninsula Co-op tiate with interested parties and community Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekah indicated that a more prudent investment members who have expressed interest in Assembly of British Columbia present cheque of member funds is to seek alternative farming the land, which is zoned rural. The locations and avoid a potentially costly parcel has ALR class 2 soil, which is excel- By Diane Walsh legal challenge to regional and local laws lent for farming as defined by the provincial On November 22, a small ceremony occurred in the Eye Care Centre, part of the governing land use. Agricultural Land Commission. Class 2 soil Vancouver General Hospital complex, which supports the restoration of vision for many in The Peninsula Co-op board appreci- is “deep, holds moisture well and can be British Columbia. The Eye Care centre is also formally affiliated with the University of BC. ates member support of ethical business managed and cropped with little difficulty”. Dr.Fred Mikelberg, professor and head of the Department of Ophthalmology, UBC and practices, and has adopted a policy to fol- The Peninsula Co-op Board believes VGH, received a cheque for $25,000 on behalf of the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation, low Official Community Plans (OCP) in our this land sale will strengthen community, from Brother Gordon Moffat, Grand Master, representing the Independent Order of Odd communities. and provide a significant contribution to- Fellows (IOOF), and an attending member of Victoria Lodge No.1. Co-op manager Pat Fafard stated, wards local food security and sustainability This significant donation is the result of the vision and generosity of both the IOOF “We are happy with this decision. We in the Capital Regional District. Peninsula and Rebekah Assembly of British Columbia, and Rebekah and Odd Fellow officers were hope to create partnerships and work Co-op is moving forward by giving back. present to equally pass on the gift to Dr. Mikelberg. with the community to make the land They are asking for support in this impor- Numbered among those present were Vice-President Marleen Powell, of Rebekah a viable agricultural operation, and we tant decision, which they hope will inspire Assembly and five member Sisters, along with (past) Grand Master Brother Pasquale are committed to increasing our sales other positive cooperative initiatives across Giordano of the Jurisdiction of British Columbia, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. of local produce. I’m also confident a Canada. Oblivious of the biting Arctic-level cold, all gathered for a warm reception, with refresh- ments, from the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation. “Funding for the Eye Care Centre doesn’t rest on government,” explained Dr. Mikelberg. “It’s donors like you who make the difference.” He added, “Cornea transplant depends on donors.” Vancouver General Hospital has the only eye bank in BC, and counts on receiving donated corneas which are then carefully screened and, once ensured healthy, are dis- tributed to eye doctors throughout the province. The Centre for Macular Research, depending largely on endowments, and located at the same premises, concentrates on research into the degeneration of the eye, a disease of aging. Said to be one of the finest centres for macular disease, there are renovations occurring on the 3rd floor and IOOF donations will be used toward new labs and other vital projects. Despite today’s difficult times, the IOOF and Rebekah Assembly have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to optical research over time and see this as a significant part of the organizations’ contribution to a civil society. This presentation is a reminder of how positive things can be achieved by people ready to combine to fill some of the medical gaps not sufficiently supported by government- funded health services. The Odd Fellows Lodges 1 and 2 in Victoria also support and donate to various proj- ects and causes in the city to the benefit of people harshly affected by today’s difficult times. The Odd Fellows organization reports, with no surprise, that membership has been increasing in the past couple of years as a better understanding of the Order and its goals filters into the media. For further information about Odd Fellows visit: www.IOOF.org and for further infor- mation about the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, visit: www.worldclasshealthcare.ca. Fair Vote Canada intervenes in challenge to Quebec Elections Act MONTREAL – Fair Vote Canada won they live, some Canadians may live an entire permission from the Quebec Court of Appeal lifetime without ever being able to elect a November 8 to intervene in a challenge to representative they want.” the Quebec Elections Act. The traditional voting system is “a Brit- A group of Quebec voters, l’Association ish relic from a pre-democratic age”, he pour la Revendication des Droits Democra- said. Fair Vote Canada will ask the court tiques, has been seeking to have Quebec’s to order the national assembly to replace winner-take-all election system declared it with a system designed to provide every unconstitutional because it is unfair to the Quebec voter equal representation of his Carole invites you to attend her annual supporters of small political parties. or her choice. Carole James MLA Community Office “We salute ARDD for bringing this case He noted that winner-take-all elections forward and we are being allowed to pres- in single-member districts make it very dif- ent additional information and arguments to ficult to elect women and representatives of the court,” said John Deverell of Fair Vote minorities. “There are ways to create a much Canada. The hearings are scheduled to fairer, more responsive and more represen- begin on February 8. tative assembly. That is what the Charter of The court has recognized that every Rights calls for – equal treatment in law for HolidayThursday, Season December Open 9 House Canadian has a stake in the outcome of the everyone in relation to the state.” from 4:00-6:00 pm Quebec case, Deverell said. For decades federal and provincial “The winner-take-all voting system is political parties have acknowledged the at 1084 Fort Street, near Fort and Cook utterly unfair to every citizen who can’t elect democratic deficit, promised to address it, a representative, and that’s usually about and then done nothing to fix it. Light snacks and refreshment provided half the voters,” Deverell said. “After every “The absence of democracy in this soci- Telephone 250-952-4211 for more information election half of us are subjected to taxation ety is a continuing affront to the Charter and without representation. Depending on where the people,” Deverell said. The Lower Island NEWS December 2010/January 2011 Page 3 Access Health Centre celebrates Cool Aid opens Rock Bay its first year of service Landing and Queens Manor Victoria – After a full year of service at their new location at 713 Johnson Street in the Rock Bay Landing- Access Health Centre, partners Victoria Cool Aid Society and AIDS Vancouver (AVI) have The Victoria Cool Aid Society, with support from BC Housing, moved services from the much to celebrate. Together, well over 1,500 more persons are receiving respectful and Streetlink emergency shelter at 1634 Store Street to the new Rock Bay Landing facility at effective health care and social services than could be served at the old locations. As well, 525 Ellice Street on Wednesday, November 3. No residents lost their bed during the transi- a range of improved services, from group medicine to 8,000 nutritious meals for Victoria’s tion – they slept at Streetlink November 2 and at Rock Bay November 3. To enable staff to most marginalized citizens, have been possible with the new space and equipment. complete the move, drop-in services were not available from November 1-3. “We knew that Access would mean an improvement in people’s lives,” said Irene Haigh- The new, purpose-built Rock Bay Landing facility offers many improvements including: Gidora, manager of community health services for Cool Aid. “But we underestimated the • 84 permanent shelter beds; up from 80 at Streetlink. additional number of people we would be able to serve and are pleased with the positive synergies of several agencies providing complementary services under one roof.” • 23 new units of transitional housing will be available starting in mid-November. Here are a few facts from the first year of operation at the Access Health Centre: • Two units of family shelter are available – the first in the Capital Region. • 510 new patients welcomed at the Cool Aid Community Health Centre • There is expanded space for 20 shelter mats during extreme weather conditions. • 76 new volunteers helping deliver AIDS Vancouver Island programs • A card lock system and lockers for each resident will allow almost 24-hour access • 5,301 dental encounters at the Cool Aid Dental Clinic (up 1,570 over last year) to their rooms. At Streetlink, room access was restricted to overnight hours only. • 20 AVI support groups and workshops monthly; focussed on prevention and • A large exterior courtyard, accessed through the building, is available for residents health programming and drop-in visitors. No courtyard was available at Streetlink. • 34,677 medical and dental encounters in the first year of operation (up 5,638) • There is a day storage service available for non-residents and carts can be ac- • 8,000 nutritious meals served at the AVI café commodated on site. • Washrooms, showers, laundry, training workshops, computer access, kitchen and Today, Access Health Centre services include: dining facilities are greatly improved. • AIDS Vancouver Island’s harm reduction, prevention, education and support • Additional rooms allow more opportunities for group work, counselling and client services, including management for services in Nanaimo, Campbell River and meetings and services. Port Hardy • A community policing office is located in the shelter. • Cool Aid’s Community Health Centre, Dental Clinic and pharmacy (delivering • Rock Bay Landing is built to the highest green standards (LEED GOLD) includ- comprehensive primary health care) ing solar panels on the roof, heat recovery, superior insulation and much more. • Housing and addictions counsellors with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre • Pets are welcomed at Rock Bay Landing. • VIHA’s home support services for persons with mental illness and addictions • There will be many more volunteer opportunities for community members. • GV Coalition to End Homelessness’ Streets to Homes programs, helping people

who are homeless to obtain and stay in apartments Queens Manor Housing On November 1, Victoria Cool Aid Society, with assistance from the City of Victoria, BC A series of short Fact Sheets and articles is available online outlining the enhanced Housing and Vancouver Island Health Authority, opened “Queens Manor” – a building with services and the state of the fundraising campaign: 36 units of supportive housing for adults currently without a home. The building, a former • Services at the Access Health Centre Travellers Inn which was purchased by the City of Victoria, is located at 710 Queens Street (corner of Douglas). Sixteen or more adults moved in on November 1, and the rest of the • Cool Aid Community Health Centre’s First Year at Access units were settled during the remainder of November. Single adults, couples and tenants • AIDS Vancouver Island’s First Year in the Access Health Centre with pets will be accommodated at Queens Manor. The building will be operated with two Cool Aid housing staff on site 24/7 until the end • Access Campaign Update – October 2010 of January 2011. At that time, renovation work will begin to make the motel rooms better • Peter’s Story – Coming out of the HIV closet (client story) suited for permanent housing. With the assistance of Cool Aid’s many partners in the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness, we are confident that alternate accommodations $4.4 million of the $5.3 million cost to provide these enhanced services has been pro- will be found for our Queens Manor tenants while the renovation is underway. vided through contributions by government, the project partners, foundations, business and Together with the 23 transitional housing units at the new Rock Bay Landing building individuals ($880,000 remains to complete the fundraising campaign). on Ellice Street, Cool Aid is now operating 315 modest apartments with 24/7 staffing – The Access Health Centre is a one-stop health and social services building downtown saving taxpayers millions of dollars annually. (These savings occur because people who serving over 6,000 people struggling with homelessness, addictions and mental health is- are homeless require significantly more expensive emergency health and justice services, sues. Access is a joint project of the Victoria Cool Aid Society and AIDS Vancouver Island, such as hospital beds and emergency room visits, police calls and court appearances.) and cost $5.3 million to reconstruct the heritage building at 713 Johnson Street. Services Early in 2011, Cool Aid will open, in Saanich, 36 apartments for low-income seniors at the Access Health Centre include counselling, education and harm reduction; mental who might otherwise be without housing, at the new Olympic Vista building. Later in the health, dental, pharmaceutical year, an additional 23 modest apartments will be opened at Swift House, in the renovated and primary health care for people who are homeless, poor and vulnerable; and assistance space vacated by the old Streetlink emergency shelter. for people to obtain and stay in housing. This year marks a significant step forward for many people without homes in the Capital For more information please visit www.AccessHealthCentre.ca. Region and for the whole community. Cool Aid thanks its partners without whom none of this would be possible, including: BC Housing and the Province of British Columbia, Van- First Nations rejoice in federal rejection of Taseko couver Island Health Authority, City of Victoria, CRHD – all partners in the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness – as well as VANOC and many generous individuals, Mines proposed Prosperity Mine foundations and businesses. Williams Lake, BC -- The Tsilhqot’in velop and promote this Prosperity project, The Victoria Cool Aid Society has been building hope, lives and community in the Capital National Government and its community despite the clear and legitimate First Nations Region for over 42 years, since 1968, through a wide range of programs including supported members are rejoicing in the November 2 along with DFO’s objections, demonstrates housing, emergency shelter, community health and dental services, employment services, decision by federal Environment Minister the need to reform BC’s free-entry, on-line mental health support and recreation and exercise programs for adults who are homeless Jim Prentice against issuing permits for the staking system, commented Baptiste. “This or in need of help. For more information visit www.CoolAid.org or call 250-383-1977. proposed Prosperity mine in central BC. proposal could not have been more guaran- This ruling will serve as a catalyst for reform teed to alienate First Nations.” and a new relationship between govern- Chief Percy Guichon said, “It is in no ments, the mining industry and First Nations. one’s interest to continue with a system that My genuine thanks to all who “The federal government has honoured encourages the development of proposals its constitutional duty to protect First Nations that should never be pursued, instead of supported me in my recent rights and its responsibility to protect the focussing on projects that have reasonable environment. The government should be prospects. Companies waste exploration Victoria City Council campaign. I commended for recognizing that this project and development dollars, government waste did not represent the best way to create tax dollars and First Nations are forced to am thrilled and humbled by the jobs and economic growth,” said TNG Tribal use up scarce financial resources to defend Chief Joe Alphonse. against bad or unfair proposals.” trust placed in me by Victoria “The Tsilhqot’in Nation understands the “One of the main reasons there has need for jobs in the region and believes been no major new metals mine open in voters. I will do everything I can it can work with municipalities and others BC since the mid 1990s can in large part to build on the environmentally friendly be attributed to a system that allows anyone to warrant that trust. economic activities that are sustained by with a computer and a few dollars to access Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) and its environs anywhere it wants on First Nations unceded and already contribute so much to the area.” lands and develop whatever proposal they Xeni Gwet’in Chief Baptiste said, “Per- want – no matter how environmentally unvi- Marianne Alto haps there are other projects that can be able, and not matter how unacceptable to considered. As we have always stated, we our people,” said Chief Joe Alphonse. are not against resource development of any Alphonse added: “Another reason is a kind, just extraction at any price that leads provincial environmental review system that to the destruction of our ecosystem for our does not allow our people to fully participate Volunteer urgently needed to join the LIN team future generations.” He added, “However, and does not address the issues that we we hope the decision will demonstrate the as first nations need to address. However, If you enjoy talking to people as you move around town, need to find a way forward for industry and there are examples of companies working we need you to visit potential and current advertisers. governments to work with First Nations from with other First Nations to address these the outset.” concerns and to develop projects and agree- If interested, or for further details, please contact editor Dale Young The fact that a company would spend ments that can stand the test of time.” by phone at 250-384-7621 or by email to [email protected] so many years and so much money to de- Page 4 December 2010/January 2011 The Lower Island NEWS “Politics is the art of governing mankind by deceiving them.” The Lower Island NEWS --Isaac D’Israeli, father of former UK Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli The Lower Island NEWS, celebrating its 27th year of publication, is an independent Our view: newsfeature tabloid newpaper, not affiliated with any political party, and published as often as financially possible by the Lower Island News Society, Box 311-2750 “The Elective Dictatorship” Quadra Street, Victoria BC V8T 4E8. (from Lord Hailsham, British Conservative Politician 1907-2001) Signed articles are the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Lower Island NEWS or the Lower Island News Society. Articles submit- As 2010 comes to a close, one is compelled to look back both in anger and sor- ted for publication are subject to editing at the discretion of the Editor. row at the first decade of the 21st Century. Anger that democracy is grievously wounded and sorrow for all those whom it has failed. The continuing system- Editorial Committee Chair: Sharon Hazelwood atic attack on democracy by ideologues, oligarchs, enormous corporations and Editor: Dale Young an assortment of lunatic fringe dictators has probably made the world a worse Editorial writer: David Olsen place now than it was in 2000. Book review and travel writer: Ron MacIsaac Distribution: Jocelyn Floyer; Richard Mills Advertising: Democracy desperately needs to be revitalized and Canada could and should Contributors to this issue: Jeremy Arney, Jean Crowder, ShannonDaub, Bo Filter, be leading the way, but we are failing. Worse yet, we are acquiescent in this Dean Fortin, Doreen Marion Gee, Cairine Green, Jim Hackler, Mike Hayes, Eden Hay- failure. By January we will have had five years of being governed -- or rather thornthwaite, Carole James, Ron MacIsaac, Gerry Masuda, Geoff Meggs, George ruled -- by a minority right-wing party for which only about 23% of Canadians Mortimore, David Murray, Dale Perkins, Tim Pheotist, Richard Priestman, Denise voted. The rest voted for someone else or did not vote at all (about 40%). Savoie, Dee Shoolingin, Diane Walsh, Barry Weisleder, Teresa Wolfwood, and others. Democracy has failed on two counts -- the government truly represents only a minority faction and about 40% of the population are not engaged with the Printed at the Nanaimo Daily News, Nanaimo, BC democratic process at all. Canadian Publications Mail Agreement # 40008124 Lower Island News Privacy Statement The Lower Island News is owned by the Lower Island News Society, a non-profit society registered under the BCSociety Act. The Lower At the provincial and municipal level, things get worse. The BC provincial 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 government situation is that of a banana republic rather than a diverse, edu- time to solicit donations.The Lower Island News will not share this information with any other group. cated, thinking and engaged citizenry. Four million people are ruled by a gang As others see it of sycophantic cronies from a back-room somewhere in Vancouver. Occasion- ally, the gang leader emerges and speaks to taxpayers on commercial TV (for The best organizations work from which taxpayers pay the cost), making promises which are soon broken. The gang leader has resigned but little will change -- the first candidate to replace congruence, not coercion him was, of all people, a doctor! How does the doctor square her conscience By Dale Perkins pack I then had to stay alert both to the with voting for the steady erosion of the public healthcare system by the BC “All of the great leaders have had one roadbed in front of us, and far ahead notice Liberals over the last nine years? Meanwhile, the silent chamber of the Legisla- characteristic in common: it was the willing- any wild animals nearby or rock slides that ture stands as mute testament to the demise of the democratic principles that it ness to confront unequivocally the major crossed the path. I also had to stay aware should represent. Unused for eight or nine months of the year, the BC Liberals anxiety of their people in their time. This, of my companions to make sure they were show up for a few weeks each spring to ram through the legislation they cannot and not much else, is the essence of leader- still with me and weren’t having any break- ship.” John Kenneth Galbraith. downs or injuries. do from the backroom in Vancouver and then disappear again. “Leadership should be more partici- Quoting a wise sage (Margaret Wheat- pative than directive, more enabling than ley), “The main task of being a leader is Locally, things got even worse in November. In the North Saanich by-election, performing.” Mary D. Poole. to make sure that the organization knows a well organized clique consisting largely of wealthy waterfront property owners We are confronted with the issue of itself. So the leader’s task is to call people got their two candidates elected by 15% of the electorate on the single issue of political leadership in our province. Gordon together often, so that everyone gains clar- junking current bylaws that prevent them from doing whatever they like to the Campbell’s recent decision to “throw in the ity about what they’re doing, who they’ve detriment of everyone else. towel”, has set the BC Liberals into a tizzy become and how they’re changing as they and revealed the extent the party and the do their work. The best organizations work Given that the federal Liberal Opposition has shown no appetite to risk an elec- province were held hostage by a leader from congruence, not coercion. and his cabal who controlled completely it’s How does this apply to the NDP? What I tion, they have acquiesced in the federal situation, which could easily continue destiny and daily administration. find curious and troubling is how some peo- for another two years. After all, Stephen Harper has power, he likes power and Almost 4 million of us were becoming ple in the NDP have decided that now is the his own party faithful MPs follow him like sheep, baaing approval of every deci- blasé about having a dictator run the show, time to evaluate and critique the leadership sion he makes. This presidential -- or even dictatorial -- style is becoming en- and many activists thought they could only of Carole James. On all counts I have found trenched, with Harper using the term “the Executive” to describe himself when “mark time” until the next provincial elec- her leadership to be exemplary, and I find he decided unilaterally to extend the Canadian military involvement in Afghani- tion when public engagement in decision- it remarkable that she continues to exhibit stan. The democratic vacuum is clouding our whole approach to military and making would again be possible. But now a willingness to wear the mantle of leader foreign policy. We were told everything would be okay in Afghanistan by 2011 that the longest-serving premier with a in a party that wishes to present itself as -- then suddenly, under NATO pressure, “the Executive” decided it would be criminal record has stepped down, the issue being ready to govern. There is absolutely of political leadership can again be taken up no doubt that her approach to leadership 2014, after the Canadian army spends three years “training” the Afghan army. and considered. is light years ahead of Campbell’s, and But, in the absence of debate and scrutiny, does anyone really understand the I recently returned from a long bicycle how that would translate into governing the big picture in Afghanistan and have an effective policy to match the reality? trip from Naramata, BC, to Victoria. I rode province we can only imagine. Certainly she with my 20-year-old daughter and a grand- possesses the qualities described by Mary The reality is that with the 21st Century, the world entered a completely new son, just two years younger than she is. Poole – “more participative than directive era. Conditioned to instant everything and virtual reality, we have forgotten his- While I like cycling, I have never undertaken and more enabling than performing”. tory. Many of the great religious, social and demographic events or eras of the such a long trip before. I was the senior, I can only surmise that in-house party past, lasted for hundreds of years -- for example, the Roman Empire, the Dark to be sure, and an observer might have critics have an agenda that is more ego- Ages, the Islamic expansion and associated spread of learning after 650 AD, decided I should have been the leader of driven than communitarian in purpose and the trio. However, she was the leader and I intention. I would suggest that party faithful the Renaissance, the British Empire, and so on. was a follower. In our situation the leader’s dwell on ways to contribute to animating the responsibility is clear – get the followers to body politic. With Carole James we have a We have now entered an age of radical jihadism, born of diverse grievances their destination without any accidents. A leader who is willing to confront the major and sustained by perceived or actual humiliations of Islamic societies at the follower’s responsibility is equally clear – anxieties of the people and lead the way. As hands of western capitalist nations -- including the US with its own version of follow the leader. Followers who break rank Galbraith suggests, that is the true essence religious fundamentalism. The new jihadist era could conceivably last from and pick their own paths, or wander off the of leadership needed for our time. 30 to 100 years unless we stop “executive” short term measures and get deep trail and sometimes lead others astray are below the surface and address the root causes through genuine dialogue and not helpful to the wellbeing of our team. Dale Perkins is a community activist, or- positive action. Nor is leadership simply about being in front, or pushing people along from behind. Leadership consists of finding routes that What has been done in the way of real policy? If Canadians are going to train others can follow. In my journeying I simply Ron reviews: the Afghan army, how many of the trainers are competent in Pushtu or Farsi followed the person ahead of me and I only THE ARMAGEDDON FACTOR, the Rise and have studied Afghan history and social systems in depth? How will Afghan paid attention to sharp rocks and narrow of Christian Nationalism in Canada, by soldiers react to being shouted at in English by foreign soldiers during training, paths near dangerous precipices. Some- M. McDonald, RANDOM HOUSE without feeling humiliated instead of instructed? What will happen in 2014 if we times I was shocked to hear my leader- The surprising news in this book is that have not succeeded in the training mission? How will success be measured? daughter point out beautiful birds circling our minority prime minister, Steven Harper is of the Christian Right, and that this US, Does Stephen Harper know? And what about strategy so far? Day after day, overhead, or flowers by the side of the trail George Bush, Jr., supportive group, is part year after year from the base in Kandahar or neighbouring towns, Canadian that needed photographing and smelling. I stopped paying attention and only followed of the reason that the Conservatives are soldiers have been sent out on foot or vehicle patrols and been blown up by dutifully. That wasn’t helpful either. When- back in power. landmines. We have the war graves and amputees as a result. Did no one ever I became the occasional leader of the --Ron MacIsaac stop and say “hold on -- this doesn’t seem to work -- all that happens is we have more amputees”? Those wounded soldiers will carry their burden for a lifetime but no new strategy seems to have been developed. The real issue is We welcome your letters to the editor, as well as articles and reviews, photos, what causes people to lay the landmines in the first place. Once our leaders and anything else you think would be of interest to our progressive readers. have figured that out, then maybe we can move forward without the background noise of guns, rockets and landmines. --DJO Please mail them to the Editor, at Box 311-2750 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC, V8T 4E8, email them to [email protected], or phone 250-384-7621. As the year ends and we look forward to 2011, we extend our sincere thanks to our contributors, advertisers and Friends of the Lower Island News whose The DEADLINE to submit material for the next issue is financial support keeps this independent newspaper alive. A happy Christmas tentatively Friday, January 28 to you all and good wishes for a new year of hope and justice. The Lower Island OUR READERS WRITE December 2010/January 2011 Page 5 Thoughts on Remembrance Day Proroguing of Parliament and war crimes I no longer go to a cenotaph unless with my “pen” I will battle evil just as those On December 30, 2009, Prime Minister between April 2009 and October 2007, there are veterans from a local Vet’s hospital soldiers over the centuries believed they Stephen Harper prorogued Parliament for senior diplomat Richard Colvin repeat- who wish to be pushed there in a wheelchair, were doing, little realizing that the same evil the second time to prevent himself and other edly warned Canada’s political and military and in the last few years there are very few people were bankrolling both sets of armies government officials from possibly being leadership that prisoners being handed who wish to do that as their new hospital has for their own benefit and financial gain. charged with war crimes. Remember? over…to Afghan authorities faced brutal a warm chapel and a large overflow area. That evil, based not so much on reli- To refresh your memory, I quote from torture”. The United Nations Convention… A few years ago I realized that the gious beliefs but on monetary gain, is what the August 1-September 1, 2010, issue of not only makes the alleged action of these ceremony was not so much a memorial we have to face today, more so than at any The Bridge on page 7, published in Victoria top Canadian leaders illegal, IT REQUIRES as a celebration of the act of war and dy- time in our present civilization. The face- by Jack Etkin. The headline reads “PRIME AS A SIGNATORY TO APPREHEND AND ing performed by those who sent the men less ones who control governments, who MINISTER MAY BE LINKED TO WAR PROSECUTE THEM’. and women to die. The military chaplain create hatred based on colour, sex and CRIMES. Corporate Media Keeping Harper/ My question is why this issue of pos- compared those at Vimy Ridge with those religion, who care not for human life at all. Torture Story Secret”. sible war crimes was not raised immediately in Afghanistan doing their duty to support a Regretfully those we elect in all supposedly The only mention I’ve seen of this story after Parliament reconvened? Why didn’t commercial war being waged by some cor- democratic countries are subdued by these was a column by Thomas Walkom in the the Opposition raise this important issue porate entities who were not invited to come faceless entities, and forced to obey their Toronto Star (the star.com) on November 21. and continue the process terminated by or to help with a problem the locals did not will, not the will of those who elect and pay Here is some of what he said: “Technically, the proroguing of Parliament? Are Richard consider they had, and that comparison did them. Such evil people threaten not the there seems to be grounds for charging Colvin’s courageous actions to be in vain? not and does not sit well with me. warrior but the warrior’s children simply to Prime Minister Stephen Harper…Defence What can We the People do now to get Terrorism is created by reaction to ter- have a bigger bottom line. Minister Peter MacKay, former chief of our elected representatives to once again roristic attacks by another in the name of This is not news to you as you are a wise staff Rick Hillier and various others under continue to investigate the question of pos- greed or aggrandizement usually disguised man with years of experience in many fields. Canada’s Crimes Against Humanity and sible war crimes by our leaders? The world as trade protection or resources theft. I grieve not only for those whose noble War Crimes Act...” is watching. What I do instead is go to a high place sacrifices were in vain, but also for those “We are now told,” says Walkom, “that Gerry Masuda, Duncan in Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, BC, where young people growing up tomorrow who will there is a huge Canadian flag flying at half not know freedom, who will not know how Campbell will be remembered as the most mast on November 11. There are benches incredible the world was just a few short there in the open or under trees, and I can years ago; the next generation of young who destructive, corporate minded premier hear the guns performing their salute. There may never see a whale, an eagle or a polar Re: Campbell a fine economic steward, given away or destroyed those commons in I think of my two uncles who died in WW2, bear or maybe even a blue sky, a sunset, by Jon Kesselman on November 5, 2010. favour of his corporate friends and masters. and those of my friends who were killed in or a sunrise; tomorrow’s young who will be I am just a simple man not educated in Where are our saw mills or pulp mills Korea, Malaya, or even Ireland. I think of so toxified by pharmaceutical drugs and economics or even politics for that matter to service what used to be our greatest as- those on the “other side” who believed that fake food that they will not be able to give but when I first saw this title I wondered who set? How many are there left? Here on the they too were fighting to defend their country me great grandchildren. had been smoking what and for how long. Island we ship our logs overseas because and way of life. I grieve for them all under This is where we are going now and After I had read the article I realized we have no means of processing them into the Beacon Hill Park trees and hate the how did we forget the unselfish deeds of that it came not from someone thousands lumber any more. Our three pulp mills are waste of human beings, both military and those men and women we sacrificed and of miles away in Ontario, but from our local surviving by the skin of their teeth so to civilians, who died for a cause not of their then said we would never forget? We forgot right wing think tank and supporter of our speak. Our timber in the interior attacked making and not for their benefit nor for the because there are now Remembrance Day local dictator. by the pine beetle is left there to rot whilst benefit of their loved ones. sales in stores open on what is supposed Anyone who has been actually living we buy presto logs from Washington State As young men at school in England, we to be a Day of Remembrance, not a day of the increasing nightmare of BC for the last or Saskatchewan. Our rivers are being at- were taught to fight so we would be ready for commercial profit sales. nine and a half years would recognize most tacked by multinational energy companies the armed forces, and little time was given “Lest we forget” is a catchy phrase of this article as pure double-speak thinking, with a huge Campbell orchestrated net loss to the concept of talking to and trying to un- which means less and less each year, and propaganda or nonsense. of revenue to the province, our pristine lakes derstand our fellow human beings. I am an I mourn for those so betrayed by that. “...sound budgetary and taxation poli- and watersheds are being unmercifully at- old man warrior, brother to a real soldier, and Jeremy Arney, Victoria cies that have served the BC economy and tacked by the foreign owned oil and gas and public well...” mining companies from who knows where, “...the Campbell administration cut BC with little or no thought of the mess that will Populist campaign elects two new personal income tax by 25%, followed by be left behind. The site “C” dam is designed more tax cuts and announced just over a to power these mines with the resulting councillors in North Saanich week ago another 15% in 2011. Additionally thousands of kilometres of transmission In my view, the two slate candidates, Association for providing a great service to the Campbell administration has followed lines. Fish farms owned by foreign based Craig Mearns and Dunstan Browne, won our community by hosting two important All federal precedents in abolishing corporate companies are attacking our wild fish and the November 20 North Saanich byelection Candidates’ Meetings. capital taxes and reducing corporate income hurting our local ocean with toxic pollution; by tapping into what they argued was voter Mr. Mearns and Mr. Browne will indeed tax rates...” that same ocean is under the threat of attack anger and fear by mounting a well funded, bring two new voices to the Council table. Well Mr. Kesselman, I am not an expert by giant oil tankers owned by oil companies populist campaign that reminded me of the My hope is that they will also bring a more like you, but I would have thought that if you who are indifferent to oil spills. Tea Party movement in the United States. positive tone to their rhetoric and get on were going to slash your income by such A passing mention to the ferries pur- Added to that was the inclement weather with the important job of working with the huge amounts you would have to replace it chased from Germany, which vibrate so and unusually low voter turn-out for North rest of their Council colleagues on behalf with something or go broke. The replace- badly that basements and walls of houses Saanich, at only 27%. of the community and all its citizens we ment, if it could be called that, was to slash near the ports are cracking and it feels as if Nevertheless, it appears that Mr. Mearns serve, ordinary North Saanich residents, funds to the poor, sick, the old, out of work, there is an earthquake every time one enters and Mr. Browne were able to pull the same who worry about the future of one of the handicapped and the yet to be educated. the Swartz Bay Terminal. core support that elected their two predeces- most beautiful places in Canada and truly We have the highest rate of child poverty, So to sum up, Mr Kesselman, I think you sors, Shaw and Fea, in the 2008 municipal the gateway to the Saanich Peninsula and homeless people, struggling and sick old would be well advised to remove your rose election. Vancouver Island. folk and the lowest minimum wage. This is coloured glasses and actually talk to the real My thanks go out to Jan Fellenius, Which begs the question: Surrounded by a healthy, wealthy, well managed province? and ordinary people of BC, not the scholarly, Heather Goulet, Robin Herlinveaux and so much natural beauty, a pristine environ- When you add to this the sale of BC theoretical, corporate purchased group who Wally du Temple for having the courage to ment and a lifestyle that many Canadians Rail, attempted sale of BC Hydro (now being live in a separate world of probability, not step into the political arena and run. Cam- can only dream about, why so angry? carefully managed into bankruptcy by your actuality. The real people are now trying to paigning is a tough challenge at any time. That’s my view from here. hero because he was caught in his attempts survive in this province run by a financially Thanks too to the North Saanich Residents’ Cairine Green, North Saanich to sell it), contracting out hospital food, and ethically crippled government created cleaning and management with the result by your hero. that the food is almost unpalatable having “…Campbell’s legacy of strong stew- Friends of the Lower Island News been shipped from Edmonton, the hospitals ardship of BC’s economy will stand the test of time and set the standard for those who The Friends of the Lower Island News have risen to new heights in their donations themselves are dirty and full of staph infec- follow...” to the paper in 2010, giving a total of $1,215, and we can’t thank you all enough for tions. Typical result of out sourcing to bot- I cannot think of a more incorrect and your ongoing generosity. tom line experts. Our highways and bridges are being turned into toll roads for overseas damning thing to say about the future of BC and I totally disagree with you because I However, these donors total just nine individuals plus the five members of the Red corporate owners which give nothing back think Campbell will go down in history as the Hens, out of the more than 2,200 people who receive and read the LIN. to BC because they are not taxed. You mention the “visionary” carbon tax most destructive, corporate minded premier who cared not one whit for the people of This means there are at least 2,000 people around Victoria and Vancouver Island of 2008, and I remember well how I wrote to BC, whom he treated with an unsurpassed who have not yet or recently donated to the paper. So I am hopeful that when all the mainstream media at the time asking for and unforgiveable arrogance and contempt. these readers learn that the LIN is in considerable financial trouble at the moment, any explanation of how a tax which would When he finally goes maybe, just may- they will reach into their pockets or purses and send us a donation, no matter how collect $183 million in the first year could be be, we can recover the province of BC for small. Every dollar you send will be appreciated and will be well spent in the coming so equally balanced by incentives to the oil our children and grandchildren, and turn it year. And just imagine how great it would be if all 2,200 readers sent us just $5 each! and gas companies of $183 million to help in the exploration for their non-green products back again into Beautiful BC from the “Worst Place on Earth”. Just so you know, everyone who writes or works for the LIN is a volunteer, and re- in northern BC. At the time I got no response Victoria ceives no pay. Our two major expenses are for printing and mailing the paper to you. at all and I still wonder at anyone who ever Jeremy Arney, called that “green”. The people of the interior Donors during the past two months include: were not so much angry at that carbon tax Ron reviews: Anonymous (Victoria) $ 200 as they were with the resulting destruction THE ASTROLOGY OF MIDLIFE AND AG- O.D. Young $ 200 by the energy companies of their ranches, ING, by ERIN SULLIVAN, PENGUIN Red Hens (one meeting) $ 35 farms, homes, watersheds and the beautiful This book represents an opportunity pristine country in which they lived. to learn a bit about astrology and possibly Donations may be sent to the Lower Island News Society at Box 311-2750 Quadra Previous governments in last century solve your mid life crisis. It also introduces Street, Victoria, BC, V8T 4E8, and will be acknowledged in the paper. Please indi- spent years building up BC, making sure you to a worldwide recognized expert in cate if you prefer to be “anonymous”. Unfortuately we can’t give tax receipts. that the major assets of the province be- this field. And thank you again and all the best of the holiday seaaon. longed to the province and would be here, Certainly Doubting Thomases will find they thought, forever to benefit the people the evidence to weigh the phenomena of --Dale Young, Editor, for the Editorial Board of BC. Your hero, Mr. Kesselman, has sold, astrology in perusal of her several books. --Ron MacIsaac Page 6 December 2010/January 2011 OUR READERS WRITE OP/EDS The Lower Island NEWS Family values guy deplores Conservative Writer dismisses BC Press Council as government’s lack of values toothless, partisan, ineffective By David Murray Conservative Party, somehow managed to By Doreen Marion Gee knowledge of the details of my complaint I’ve always considered myself a “family successfully take on the mantle of “family The hallmark of a democratic society and her presence on that Board were in values” kind of guy. I have made sure my values” in this country. This is not the “old” is a non-partisan media that reports news serious conflict. I never stood a chance with children have grown up in the world know- Progressive Conservative party that had objectively, gives the public a critical voice these guys and my very legitimate concerns ing about “God”. My son even chose to go strong leaders like John Diefenbaker who and has processes in place to hold itself with the Times Colonist were completely to a Christian university in Portland Oregon was skilful in working with other members accountable to the citizens it serves. Sadly, dismissed by the BC Press Council. (Concordia College). of parliament regardless of political stripe. very few media sources these days even It is interesting that the first thing the After a hard day at work I would come With Tommy Douglas, many pieces of pro- come close to meeting these criteria. The BC Press Council executive director, Rollie home and make sure everyone was at the gressive legislation were passed in Diefen- Times Colonist is the worst offender. Rose, told me was that Lucinda Chodan was practice, game, dance or karate lesson they baker’s tenure as prime minister. As everyone knows, the Times Colonist on their Board. Was that meant to intimidate were supposed to be at. Like many people in This is a party and a government that is run by corporate moguls back east with a me and deter me from complaining? Cer- the Fraser Valley, I take my cue from some has declared war on crime, even though definite neo-conservative agenda. But the tainly that would be enough to scare most of the old Mennonite teachings. statistically crime has been on a sub- problems with the Times Colonist go much people away! Love thy neighbour; take care of the stantial decline for decades (see www. deeper than that. There is literally no public The BC Press Council is a toothless, poor; beware your success blind you to cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/07/20/crime- accountability at that newspaper and no ef- partisan and ineffective organization. Their those less fortunate; take care of your statistics020.html). It is the party that at- fective process or avenue of complaint for funding comes from member newspa- community. These values aren’t the sole tempts to restrict and punish refugees in people who have been negatively treated pers so they are not going to bite the hand property of the Mennonite community, they the guise of punishing human traffickers. by that newspaper. Times Colonist staff can that feeds them. Lamentably, the BC Press belong to all the regions of the world in It is also the party that has cut back social literally treat any citizen with appalling dis- Council is not a viable route for those seek- one way or another, and they belong to all spending on “moral” causes with which it respect and totally get away with it. Believe ing justice and a voice in the Times Colonist. healthy communities the world over. doesn’t agree. me -- I know! I have been trying to hold that Unchecked and unregulated power is a As we have become more of an urban Attacking Libby Davies and her Bill paper accountable for years and had every very dangerous thing. It is very unfortunate nation (Abbotsford is a great example of C-304 to ensure secure, adequate, acces- cement wall put up in my path. and a very sad state of affairs that there is this) over the last generation and moved sible and affordable housing for Canadians Many times, I have raised very valid no recourse or avenue for citizens to com- away from our small town, rural lifestyles, is a clear example of a broken government. concerns with the editorial page editor plain about the Times Colonist and there governments have tried to express these It has gutted the Canadian census, making and the editor in chief, only to have them is no body or agency that holds the Times basic values through legislation and give a it almost impossible for social agencies and dismissed with disdain. They do not have Colonist accountable. This means that the caring, loving and forward-looking sense to provinces to make any meaningful decisions to care because I have absolutely no av- people who run that newspaper can misuse the country. about helping the marginalized and the enue of complaint. The people who run the their power to make unfair decisions against Tommy Douglas, a hero to a new gen- disadvantaged. Times Colonist here in Victoria have very citizens with abandon. And they can ignore eration of Canadians, took his prairie values, These are not family values. These are successfully stacked the deck and put all them and blow them off with a smile on as head of the old CCF (precursor to today’s not the beliefs I grew up with. These are not the aces in their own hands. They have their face. NDP) and brought us universal Medicare. In the small town values that helped us survive made darn sure that there is absolutely Just contemplate the following scenario: his simple, down home way of thinking, the as a country through over a hundred years no recourse for people to complain or hold A local citizen is seriously slandered in a amount of money in a man’s bank account of hardships. them accountable. Times Colonist Letter to the Editor and their shouldn’t determine whether he, his family, How did the Stephen Harper and Ed When I tried to talk to the editor in chief, reputation in the community is impugned his children should receive medical care. Fast and other conservatives manage to I was told to “stand down” and she brushed where they suffer personal damage and The CCF and later under NDP’s David wrap themselves in the blanket of family val- away my concerns back under the carpet. financial loss. When they try to complain to Lewis and Ed Broadbent, used their position ues – values against which they seem to be The Times Colonist publisher refused my the Times Colonist editors, their complaints as a strong third party in the House of Com- battling with every new piece of legislation requests to intervene regarding my con- are dismissed. Then they find out that there mons to advance labour laws and social they introduce as though rolling back the last cerns. When I called their corporate office is absolutely no recourse for their complaint justice to provide protection for workers at 100 years of Canadian political evolution to back east, they refused to return my calls with the corporation that owns the Times the expense of corporate profits. a harsher, harder and meaner time? and completely ignored me. The TC brass Colonist. So - they decide to go to the BC David Lewis’ son Stephen has played an got to them first. Press Council and find out that first of all, the important role at the United Nations, fight- David Murray is the Federal NDP candidate for The Times Colonist dictators even call Council does not deal with Letters to the Edi- ing to make the world a more caring place, Abbotsford. He writes an occasional column for the shots at the BC Press Council where tor (which is a fact) and that the very person both in the fight against AIDS and against Abbotsford|Today. He can be reached at tiger- they have very effectively made sure that they are complaining about is on the Board. [email protected]. His website can be found at www. poverty and the many social plagues from If they can’t afford a lawyer, their have to live DavidMurrayndp.ca. they always have the winning hand. The which Africa suffers. I have listened to him editor in chief, Lucinda Chodan, is one of with the damage in their lives. This should speak many times and he is an empower- the “Professional Directors” on the Board of never happen to anyone. (By the way, this ing speaker. Directors at the BC Press Council. The BC is a totally hypothetical situation.) It sometimes baffles me that the right Press Council even advertises this stacked Democracy depends on a fair and ob- wings of the old Progressive Conservative deck on its website: jective media. When that media source is an Party, which merged with the right wing of “The Professional Directors are in- oligarchy, democracy is diminished accord- the old Reform Party to become today’s dividuals with experience working in the ingly. There is always hope however. People newspaper industry, currently holding posi- need to stand up and demand accountable tions in our member newspapers.” This is a media where people have access to a non- flagrant conflict of interest! When citizens partisan and objective complaint process. bring their concerns about Times Colonist With the Times Colonist, we desperately Dave Connell Tutoring coverage to the BC Press Council, how can need an outside independent body where Former Resource Teacher can teach most subjects they be assured of a fair and just process people can take their complaints about any from grade 1-12, carpentry theory and when the editor in chief is on the Board mistreatment by the Times Colonist. And we college/university essay writing. overseeing public complaints ? Even if need a reformed and totally independent BC Lucinda Chodan is not directly involved Press Council that is funded by local citizens Tutoring in my home or yours in the Victoria area. in the adjudication, just the possibility of and by government. This new Council would Phone 250-381-5997 or email [email protected] her undue influence makes this process a not have anybody with connections to media mockery of justice. on its Board of Directors -- the only people Citizens who go to the BC Press Coun- designated as directors would be members cil have a right to know that nobody at the of the community. And it would definitely top has any stake in the outcome of their deal with Letters to the Editor which are a adjudication decision. Anything else leads major part of any newspaper. Safety and Human Factors Consultant to a corrupt and partisan process. This article is a call to action. I challenge Call David Olsen Imagine my shock and surprise when any member of the NDP party -- leaders, I was instructed to send a copy of my Times MLAs, concerned citizens alike -- to push 250-655-6218 Colonist complaint to Lucinda Chodan as for the above changes at the Times Colonist part of the BC Press Council adjudication and the BC Press Council. If they do, they or email him at process -- when I had previously been can count me in as part of their team! Please [email protected] informed that she was on the Board. Her feel free to contact me at my email address:

Ron reviews: A WALK WITH THE RAINY SISTERS, in Praise of British Columbia’s Places, by Stephen Bill Hartley Hume, HARBOUR PUBLISHERS Enviro Journalist Hume has turned out yet another great book. He takes us on a varied journey of great little off beat places and makes visits with fascinating people. Insurance Highlights are his commentaries on such subjects as oil spill fallout, tsunami devastation. This is a great book by a great writer. Services Ltd. COLD LAND, WARM HEARTS, More Memories of an Arctic Medical Outpost, by K. Billington, LOST MOOSE PUBLISHERS • All types of insurance • Canadian authors like K. Billington cater to readers’ continued fascination with the Auto, Home, Business, Boat, Life, Mortgage Cancellation “frozen North”. The adventures of this medical worker and his wife with the emergencies of the Gwich’in & Financial Planning people are revisited 25 years after their Northern sojourn, where they and their readers can see the end of many stories that started when they first went North. Office: 250-388-5014 FAX: 250-388-4277 A great adventure book. 2420 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4L7 (at Douglas and Bay) --Ron MacIsaac

The Lower Island NEWS OP/EDs December 2010/January 2011 Page 7 Have a “Just Christmas” By Theresa Wolfwood Buy peaceful and creative gifts for chil- Make donations to social change or- Every Christmas, most of us swear we dren – don’t buy violent games or war toys. ganizations in friends’ names – from local won’t get caught up in the spending frenzy Art supplies, books by local authors, an environmental groups to peace and justice that this celebration of the birth of the son afternoon of outdoor activity are great gifts worldwide. Local organizations like Sandy of a poor peasant has become. Many call for children of all ages. Merriman House and Food not Bombs need him the “Prince of Peace”. Subscriptions to magazines like Cana- support. Buy a gift certificate for an olive We try to show our love for family and dian Dimension, Watershed Sentinel, New tree to be planted in Palestine: contact: friends without too much thought of how our Internationalist and a donation to Lower [email protected] purchases affect other families. There is a Island News all help strengthen the grow- More important than anything is to be growing awareness of this dichotomy in our ing independent media we need to give thoughtful and helpful – holiday season can lives. Many people now shop less and shop us information and analysis. Recycle a be stressful and for many a lonely and sad locally, buying gifts at community fairs by favourite book – we rarely read books more time. Be a good friend. local artisans or by making everything from than once. jam to soap to knitwear to candles. and hundreds of food and craft items that Those who don’t feel handy or lack support cooperatives and self-help groups the time can seek out Fair Trade gifts that worldwide – as does The Global Village support their producers live a dignified life. Store. The Victoria Central America Support Com- Support the local arts and culture scene mittee sells wonderful organic, fair trade with tickets to shows and memberships in coffee from Nicaragua. Contact casc.cof- the many galleries and museums we have. [email protected] for 1 or ½ pound gift bags Give gifts of yourself – take a home cooked of freshly roasted beans. Ten Thousand meal or treat or offer to shop for a shut-in or Villages shops carries Palestinian Olive Oil clean house, garden or child care for friends. George Galloway speaks to 1,000-strong audience

Photos by Diane Walsh George Galloway, former UK MP Bethnal Green and Bow, (1987-2010), vice-presi- Keep in touch with dent of the Stop The War Coalition and human-rights activist/supporter of the Ca- nadian Boat to Gaza opposes the War in Afghanistan and the illegal blockade of Gaza. Like Ken O’Keefe of the Road to Hope Convoy (which was covered in the last edition of the Lower Island News), Galloway favours a one-state solution to the Beacon Hill New Democrats Israel-Palestinian conflict. Above, he chastises the Harper government for its sup- port of the pro-Zionist Israeli government position, to the crowd’s delight! Join us for our last pub night of 2010!

Drop in after 6:00 pm Tuesday, December 28, at the the James Bay Inn

To contact VBH, write to PO Box 8523, Victoria, BC V8W 3S1 or phone 250-386-8497

Juan de Fuca New Democrats wish all More than 1,000 people attended Galloway’s talk on November 22 at the United Churst, at Nelson and Burrard in Vancouver, which was part of a country-wide speaking tour. The deeply receptive crowd in the church at one point chanted, A Merry Christmas! “Free Palestine!”

Ron reviews: A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLACK, by Arthur Black, HARBOUR PUBLISHING In the spirit of the season, please consider You can open this book anywhere and start a delightful short story. The essays jump all over the planet. Wonderful short stories to read in front of the fire or anywhere. making a donation to your local food bank. --Ron MacIsaac Page 8 December 2010/January 2011 FEDERAL NEWS AND VIEWS The Lower Island NEWS Food for thought By Jean Crowder illness or simply as a preventative measure, New Democrats introduced an Act to the link between our health and what we eat Eliminate Poverty in Canada in June 2010. becomes much more noticeable. Our poverty critic, Tony Martin the MP for When you combine this with the chal- Sault Ste. Marie, had canvassed Canadians lenge of a fixed income it can be very difficult to collect the best strategies to eliminate for seniors to get the nutrition they need. Poor poverty and presented them to the House nutrition can increase a senior’s use of the of Commons. health care system both for physical and He found that eliminating poverty de- mental health needs. pends on the core priorities of income se- New Democrats have identified five ac- curity, housing and social inclusion. Those tion items that must be put in place if we are priorities should be supported by a strong to turn the tide against poverty and reduce human rights framework, picking a poverty food bank use: measurement that • implement a federal plan to elimi- everyone agrees to and uses and not nate poverty; enforcing a one-size • commit to increase the Canada MP Jean Crowder lays a wreath on Remembrance Day, November 11. Duncan Le- fits all solution. gion President Allan Waddy, and cadets, are in the background. Child Tax Benefit; The need for a poverty elimination • engage in a comprehensive EI strategy was high- reform; lighted in November by the release by • develop housing and child care Food Banks Canada strategies that work for Canadi- of their annual report. ans; and, Take a moment to consider your daily morning routine: Wake up, shower, brush • take real actions to lift seniors your teeth and head off to work or to school. out of poverty like increasing the This probably sounds familiar to many British Columbians. But there’s a problem… Guaranteed Income Supplement. something’s missing; something tens of It is past time that Canada had a national thousands of BC residents miss out on each poverty elimination strategy. Three prov- and every day: a healthy breakfast. inces already have laws; six have started Difficult economic times have made their own poverty reduction strategies. Ot- making ends meet a daily struggle for fami- tawa needs to be part of the solution, or I’m lies and individuals in British Columbia and concerned we will continue to see increase across Canada. Many are forced to seek in food bank usage. help from the local food bank just so they are Jean Crowder is Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Cowichan. Crowder speaks at a Vancouver Island University course on community leadership. able to feed themselves and their families. Many of the students were already taking active leadership roles in the community In the past year BC food banks saw the and had questions for Jean regarding the difficulties of being a leader and a wom- number of people in need of assistance New Democrats launch an, and some of the successes Jean has had as a community leader. balloon to nearly 95,000. This is the highest “Shannen’s Dream” campaign rate ever recorded, and sadly, the numbers OTTAWA – Shannen Koostachin had a continue to grow. dream – that all First Nation children should Children, seniors and aboriginal peoples be able to get an education in clean, “comfy” collectively represent well over half of all the schools just as non-Native children. Sadly BC residents seeking help from food banks. the 15-year-old Cree youth died this past For most of us, we know that proper May in a car accident before seeing her nutrition is crucial to success at work or in dream become a reality. Despite her loss, class. Unfortunately, children and youth Shannen’s Dream is inspiring others to carry account for nearly one third of all food bank on the fight. users in our province. We simply cannot In Ottawa, national First Nation, educa- expect our children to perform well in school tion, labour and children’s rights leaders without the proper tools to succeed – includ- came together November 17 to launch the ing healthy meals. Shannen’s Dream campaign to call on the The effects of poverty and limited access government to end the double-standard that to nutritious food are equally as troubling for exists between First Nation schools and those in the aboriginal communities. provincially-funded schools. Rates of diabetes, kidney failure and “Shannen was tireless in her fight for heart disease are growing at an alarming equitable school rights for First Nation rate within the aboriginal community; is- children,” said New Democrat Charlie sues which not only affect quality of life but Angus (MP for Timmins-James Bay) who The Nanaimo-Duncan Member of Parliament chats with a constituent at the Sep- also put immense pressures on the already introduced a motion in the House of Com- tember Labour Day Picnic held at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith. limited health services available to this seg- mons to push the Conservatives to finally ment of Canadian society. act on this national disgrace. “She became It is well known that our needs change as the face of a generation of forgotten First we grow older, and nutrition is no exception. Nation school children. We are carrying on New Democrat bill ensures Whether it’s dietary restrictions due to an the work she started so that other children will not be left behind.” fiscal transparency to PBO Parliamentary Budget Officer will have power and independence OTTAWA – A New Democrat bill to of Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, in re- strengthen accountability had having its sponse to a request by Dewar. Prior to the first hour of debate in the House of Com- PBO’s report, Parliament had been asked mons November 22. The bill gives the to extend Canada’s military role in the war Parliamentary Budget Officer the power twice without being offered any costing. and independence necessary to deliver “The Conservatives made a commit- fiscal transparency to Canadians and their ment to accountability, but their conduct in representatives in Parliament. government has disappointed Canadians,” “This is about basic accountability to said Dewar. “This bill is a chance to regain Canadians,” said New Democrat MP Paul public confidence in fiscal transparency by Dewar (Ottawa Centre) who introduced Bill giving you and your Parliament the ability to C-572. “When the government comes to the hold the government to account.” House of Commons, asking for changes in legislation or permission for expenditure, Parliament should be fully aware of the fiscal “The economic crisis is accompanied implications of the choices before it.” by a worldwide process of militarization, The Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) a ‘war without borders’ led by the United was created in 2006 in the wake of the States of America and its NATO allies... Sponsorship Scandal. Despite promising We are not dealing with a narrowly de- to establish an independent Parliamentary fined economic crisis or recession. The Budget Authority, the Conservatives refused global financial architecture sustains to give it the same independence and pow- strategic and national security objec- ers as other officers of Parliament. tives. In turn, the US-NATO military C-572 strengthens the PBO to operate agenda serves to endorse a powerful independently with a budget to fulfill its man- business elite which relentlessly over- date. It ensures the power to hire and fire shadows and undermines the functions the PBO is moved from the Prime Minister’s of civilian government.” hands to the Parliament. It also gives a set --Michel Chossudovsky and Andrew of qualifications for the appointment of any Gavin Marshall, from page xv of THE future PBO. GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS, 2010 The PBO’s first report was on the costs The Lower Island NEWS FEDERAL NEWS AND VIEWS December 2010/January 2011 Page 9 A more equal community is a stronger community By Denise Savoie they really need a two-year, $1.4 Billion tax When visiting University of Victoria give-away? $1.4 B for bank bonuses, $10 grad students in an education leadership B for new prisons, $16 B for fighter jets... program, I learned of an interesting book these are not the spending priorities I heard they were reading entitled, The Spirit Level: from Victorians at my pre-budget town hall! Why More Equal Societies Almost Always What I heard was a community demand- Do Better. I picked up the book and quickly ing a new, fairer economy – not a single-bot- found myself asking: Is Canada a fair soci- tom-line economy solely geared to corporate ety? Fair for whom? profits – but an economy connected to a According to society that exists within definite environ- the World Eco- mental constraints. I think of innovative local nomic Forum, our green energy companies like Island Energy country now ranks that attended a green building forum I held, a dismal 20th in and who already operate responsibly while terms of gender creating jobs in our communities. I think of equality. Canadian community groups like TAPS, Silver Threads women account for or BC’s LAND Conservancy and community 60% of minimum- associations in Oak Bay, Vic West, Oaklands wage workers, with and others, where active citizens produce child care costs social goods that make us stronger. Let’s Denise Savoie, Member of Parliament for Victoria) with the family of Cpl. Stuart in Victoria running celebrate and support such models that Langridge on Remembrance Day in Victoria. Sheila Fynes, Stuart’s mother, was at or above $900/ work in our community, as I try to extend the Silver Cross mother for Victoria this year. She has been working with Denise child. The reality is that the gap between the their example nation-wide in Ottawa. Savoie’s office to resolve outstanding issues with the Department of Defence and richest and the rest of us is widening – a gap I believe we must shift to a more collab- Veterans Affairs following her son’s death. that weakens our community as a whole. orative economic model that puts forward This gap is also clearly visible in our local triple-bottom-line solutions to the challenges housing market. I noted that in the Victoria we face. It is a model that creates good Foundation’s most recent Vital Signs report, jobs here that can’t be ‘off-shored’. It’s time Victorians rated lack of affordable housing for leadership that genuinely cares about as their highest concern. people and the environment and puts the Canada’s overall prosperity gap is be- autonomy and fair-functioning of our com- ing driven by a Conservative government munity first. intensifying its Liberal predecessor’s policy of cutting taxes at the top and wrongly as- Please join me for these upcoming suming benefits somehow “trickle down”. events at my constituency office at 970 When Liberal Paul Martin took office, the Blanshard Street, Victoria: federal tax rate for large corporations stood Art from Our Place Art Show – Saturday, at roughly 30%; it will soon stand at half that. December 11, 3-5pm Stephen Harper has been especially gen- Holiday Open House – Monday, Decem- erous to Martin’s friends at the big banks, ber 20, 4-6pm whose profits surpassed $16 Billion last year alone. When those bankers have already Denise Savoie is Member of Parliament for set aside $5 Billion this year for bonuses, do Victoria. Stop billion dollar giveaways to

In her work as MP for Victoria, Denise Savoie attends many civic events. Here she is oil and gas: Layton at the grand opening of Oaklands Neighbourhood House November 6. OTTAWA –With UN climate change to the oil industry, worth $36 billion. talks beginning in Cancun, New Democrat New Democrat Energy and Natural Re- Leader Jack Layton said the Conservative sources critic Nathan Cullen says Canada Reality check: Who killed government needs to finally get serious desperately needs to shift to a green en- about fighting climate change. To start, the ergy economy, but the fossil fuel subsidies government can honour their G20 promise keep greener alternatives at a competitive climate change legislation? to stop subsidizing profitable oil and gas disadvantage. For the first time, on November 16, Claude Carignan , Andrée Champagne, companies. “This government’s irresponsible sup- Prime Minister Stephen Harper used his Ethel Cochrane, Gerald Comeau , Anne Layton released new research from the port for the fossil fuel industry is leaving unelected and unaccountable majority in Cools , Consiglio Di Nino, Fred Dickson, NDP November 25, which pegs oil and gas Canada behind – and costing us billions,” the Senate to kill a bill from the House of Mike Duffy, Nicole Eaton, Suzanne Fortin- subsidies at over $2.5 billion a year. said Cullen. “There are a lot of Canadians Commons. Harper’s appointees stopped Duplessis, Linda Frum, Irving Gerstein, “Canada is walking into the Cancun still hurting from this recession, and given landmark climate change legislation which Stephen Greene, Leo Housakos, Janis climate change meetings empty-handed, the choice, I really don’t think they would was approved by the elected House of Johnson, Noël Kinsella, Vim Kochhar, Dan- now that unelected Conservative senators agree to donate to the world’s most profit- Commons. iel Lang, Marjory LeBreton, Fabian Manning, have killed the NDP’s climate change bill,” able oil and gas companies – a gift that How did Stephen Harper feel in the past Elizabeth Marshall, Yonah Martin, Michael said Layton. “By ending federal subsidies works out to $75 a piece from every single about the Senate? Meighen, Nancy Ruth, Richard Neufeld, to oil and gas industries, we can save Ca- Canadian.” “An appointed Senate is a relic of the Kelvin Kenneth Ogilvie, Donald Oliver, nadians $2.5 billion per year and show the “From an economic perspective, elimi- 19th Century.” Stephen Harper, December Dennis Glen Patterson, Donald Neil Plett, world that we’re serious about developing nating oil and gas subsidies just makes 14, 2005 Rose-May Poirier, Bob Runciman, Hugh a clean energy economy.” sense,” added New Democrat Finance Critic “I will not name appointed people to the Segal, Judith Seidman, Gerry St. Germain, While Canada promised to eliminate Thomas Mulcair. “Since 2004, Canada’s Senate. Anyone who sits in the Parliament of Carolyn Stewart Olsen, David Tkachuk, these inefficient fossil fuel subsidies at the fossil fuel industry has nearly doubled its Canada must be elected by the people they John Wallace and Pamela Wallin 2009 Pittsburgh G20 meeting, the govern- revenues – it simply doesn’t need tax-payer represent.” Stephen Harper, March 14, 2004 Absent Liberals: ment has refused to honour this commit- funded handouts. And even worse, those More broken promises from an arrogant George Baker, Larry Campbell, Sharon ment. While the Harper Conservatives insist subsidies only drive up our Loonie, over- and out of touch Prime Minister. Carstairs, Jane Cordy, Romeo Dallaire, Joe their climate change plan will mirror the price our exports, and discourage develop- So who voted to kill Canada’s climate Day, Lillian Dyck, Art Eggleton, Joyce Fair- American plan, the Obama administration ment of the green energy sector.” change bill? bairn, Joan Fraser, Elizabeth Hubley, Colin has already moved on eliminating tax breaks David Angus, Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu , Kenney, Jean Lapointe, Sandra Lovelace David Braley , Patrick Brazeau , Bert Brown, Nicholas, Vivienne Poy and Bill Rompkey. NDP demands action on growing number of food bank users OTTAWA – As the 2010 Hunger Count snapshot of food bank users in March. This Wishing you a peaceful and happy holiday season reveals a record 870,000 individuals using year’s report shows food bank use grew in food banks, New Democrats Poverty Critic, every province of the country, with almost Please attend one in 10 being first time users and 38 Tony Martin (MP for Sault Ste. Marie) is , percent children or youth under 18. Art from Our Place demanding an urgent action plan to address an art show opening of the creative work this crisis and its underlying causes. The Hunger Count report also lists of the inner-city community of Our Place, “Over the past two years, food bank use several recommendations supported by has risen sharply -- by more than a 25%. New Democrats, including: a federal plan Victoria’s downtown drop-in centre, Many lose jobs, exhaust EI, and fall back to eliminate poverty; increasing the Canada Saturday, December 11, from 3-5 pm on inadequate social assistance,” explained Child Tax Benefit,;comprehensive EI re- at my community office, 970 Blanshard Street. Martin. “The food banks are a mirror for a form; housing and child care strategies; On display throughout the winter. long-standing problem just made worse by and, measures to lift seniors out of poverty. the recession. And will get even worse with “This snapshot from thousands of hun- Drop in for my annual stimulus programs ending, new spending gry Canadians, and from hundreds of food cuts starting and the government’s refusal banks across the country, is telling Stephen Holiday Open House to draft a plan for addressing poverty in our Harper to stop writing off so many people Monday, December 20, from 4-6 pm communities.” with his laissez-faire approach,” concluded Denise Savoie Food Banks Canada takes a yearly Martin. MP for Victoria Call 250-363-3600 for more information Page 10 December 2010/January 2011 PROVINCIAL NEWS AND VIEWS The Lower Island NEWS Juan de Fuca New Democrats New child poverty report card reinforces need for poverty plan, says James hold their AGM and elections VICTORIA -- A new child poverty report continue to face the social and economic John Horgan and the Juan de Fucans card which shows BC once again has the costs for generations to come,” said James. (affectionately referred to as the “John de shameful record of having the worst child The First Call report notes that it is likely Fucans”) held their Annual General Meeting poverty rate in the country reinforces the that child poverty rates have increased since in October. need for the province to commit to a poverty 2008 due to the economic downturn. The Though the crowd was small, a good reduction plan, says New Democrat leader report, for example, notes there was a 29 discussion was had. After the formalities of Carole James. percent increase in the number of children in adopting the various reports and executive “In a province as wealthy as British families on welfare between 2008 and 2010. elections, Horgan gave a fiery speech on Columbia, it’s shameful that we would The report makes a number of recom- the state of the Party and the province. He have such a high rate of child poverty. New mendations, including raising the minimum touched on a number of topics, including Democrats have committed to implement- wage, lowering barriers to post-secondary those he deals with as MLA and as Energy ing a poverty reduction plan with legislated education, and investing in child care. Critic. targets and timelines, to lift children and their “A key step the BC government can Replacing Belmont Secondary School families out of poverty,” said James. take toward addressing child poverty is to is high on the list of priorities for this MLA, “I’m calling on all BC Liberal leader- raise the minimum wage. Even the govern- and one member, Grant McLachan, was ship candidates to commit to, should they ment’s own MLAs have agreed that it’s high particularly supportive of this work. McLach- become premier, working with the official time our lowest-paid workers had a raise,” lan, who is the Young New Democrat rep- Opposition to develop a poverty reduction said New Democrat social development resentative on the Juan de Fuca executive plan. If they don’t do so, New Democrats critic Shane Simpson, noting that the Liberal and also a grade 11 student at Belmont will introduce enabling legislation when the members of the Finance Committee have Secondary, is tired of buckets collecting house returns in the spring.” questioned their own party’s refusal since rain water and duct tape covering up rips New Democrats have committed to a 2001 to raise the minimum wage. in the flooring. poverty reduction plan with targets and Although seven provincial and territorial On the energy critic side of things, timelines that builds on their initiatives to governments across Canada have commit- Horgan continues to raise issues in the raise the minimum wage, support jobs and ted to poverty reduction plans, and a variety Legislature and throughout the province. He skills training, increase affordable housing, of groups including the Union of BC Mu- wants to make sure people aren’t fooled by Juan de Fuca MLA John Horgan gave improve child protection, and strengthen nicipalities has called on the province to get the so-called Clean Energy Act -- an Act the a fiery speech on the state of the New income assistance. on board, the BC Liberal government has Liberals passed during the spring session Democratic Party and the province. “As we all know, children don’t live alone continued to refuse to commit to a poverty that allows $10 billion in spending without in poverty. Those are families living in pov- reduction plan. appropriate public oversight, removes hydro rate hikes and shifts more of British erty. And it’s only through addressing the “We know that high child poverty rates consumer protection from unnecessary Columbians’ money into the hands of private root causes of poverty that we’ll be able to lead to negative health outcomes, rising power companies. The act also prohibits the meaningfully address this shameful record. crime rates, and poor educational and job BC Utilities Commission from evaluating the That’s why New Democrats are calling for prospects. The cost, both social and eco- merits of independent power projects (IPPs) concrete steps like an immediate increase nomic, is steep,” said children and youth under BC Hydro’s clean power call, and to the minimum wage and additional invest- critic Maurine Karagianis. “Reducing poverty directs BC Hydro to use public dams to firm ments in K-12 education,” said James. will take investments in affordable housing, and shape the intermittent power IPPs gen- The 2010 Child Poverty Report Card early childhood learning and care, and edu- erate to make it more attractive for export. released November 24 by First Call found cation, both at the K-12 and post-secondary Outgoing executive members, Gwyneth that in 2008, 14.5 percent, or 121,000, of level. These investments will benefit chil- Jones, Darren Miller, Mark Freeman and BC children lived in poverty, using Statistics dren, families and society as a whole.” Jennifer Burgis, were thanked for their time Canada’s low income before-tax cut-off. The The Carole James New Democrats’ and energy. after-tax child poverty rate in BC was the vision of a dynamic economy that benefits Elected or reelected to the constitu- highest in Canada. all British Columbians includes a compre- ency association exeutive were: president, “Lifting a generation of children and hensive poverty reduction plan, raising the Heather Gropp; vice-president, John families out of poverty is one of the key minimum wage and indexing it to inflation, Lewinski; secretary, Ian Case; member- social issues of this generation that has to and lowering the financial barriers to post- ship secretary, Michele Murphy; treasurer, be addressed. As a society, we must band secondary education. Kathy Palmer; Provincial Council delegate, together and tackle this challenge, or we’ll Charles Horn; and Young New Democrat, Grant McLachlan. Mwmbers at large are Gord McLachlan, Sandi McLean, Shannon Russell, Sandy Perverse outcomes of the Carmichael, Dixon Nuber, Kim Manton, Al Ratcliffe. Basi-Virk case discussed Members were asked to look for upcom- ing events and to join the Juan de Fuca By Shannon Daub that’s been cut. Access to family law legal Constituency Association’s facebook page: I -- along with a whole lot of other Brit- aid has also been severely restricted, to Young New Democrat Grant McLachan Juan de Fuca NDP. ish Columbians -- have been stewing away the point of systematically denying women listens while MLA John Horgan talked about the abrupt end to the BC Rail trial, who can’t afford a lawyer access to justice. about about replacing Belmont Second- and the decision to let David Basi and Bob According to West Coast LEAF Executive arySchool. Virk completely off the hook for $6 million in Director Alison Brewin, the results have legal fees. Politics of the matter aside, what been “devastating”. In an article published really gets me is the appalling contrast be- by LEAF and the Canadian Centre for Policy tween this largess on the part of the Special Alternatives, she said: Prosecutor and the government’s denial of “Without adequate legal representa- Cowichan Valley New Democrats wish access to justice to so many other British tion, women are losing custody of their Columbians. children, giving up valid legal rights to sup- Take for example the single-mindedness port, and being victimized through litigation with which the province pursues welfare harassment. They are spending endless Happy Holidays “overpayments”. As the BC Public Interest days navigating a complex legal system Advocacy Centre (BCPIAC) has extensively — researching and preparing legal docu- documented, the Ministry of Housing and ments, appearing without a lawyer for highly for everyone in our Constituency Social Development has tried to take hun- charged divorce and custody cases, and dreds of welfare recipients to court in recent agreeing to settlements that are not in their and please stay in touch years in an attempt to recover benefits paid own or their children’s interests.” in error or through alleged fraud. She wrote that article in 2004 — before by mail to PO Box 102, Duncan, BC V9L 1P0 Setting aside the fact that most of these the latest rounds of cuts. Things have got- or by phone: 250-466-0303 cases don’t stand up to scrutiny, and the ten so bad that six of the province’s most All members are welcome at our meetings. fact that our government is spending money prominent legal organizations (including the chasing after people whose incomes range Law Foundation of BC, the Law Society of between about $600 and $1,300 per month, BC and the Canadian Bar Association’s BC what’s ironic in relation to the BC Rail trial Branch) launched a Public Commission on is that these very welfare recipients are not Legal Aid this fall, in a bid to draw atten- Join eligible for legal aid. That’s because the tion to the inadequacies of BC’s legal aid provincial government eliminated poverty system and develop recommendations on Oak Bay-Gordon Head New Democrats law legal aid during its slashing of civil legal how to fix it. aid funding in 2002-04. (Poverty law legal To put the $6 million cost of the Basi-Virk aid used to be available to low-income Brit- legal fees in context: it is equivalent to nearly Monday, December 13, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. ish Columbians for help with legal problems nine percent of the 2009/10 provincial gov- at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre for our related to housing, welfare benefits, debts, ernment grant to the Legal Services Society disability pensions, etc.) (which provides legal aid in BC). Or about So unlike the Basi-Virk duo, these wel- 3,666 funded legal aid cases. fare recipients have to make do without the There is something very wrong here. If Christmas Social help of a publicly-funded lawyer, despite the only the thousands of people who need but fact that, according to BC PIAC, many “have can’t access legal aid could just send their Celebrate with fellow members and past candidates barriers to comprehending and effectively lawyers’ bills to a special prosecutor. as we prepare for a possible spring byelection. responding to legal proceedings, including poverty, disabilities, literacy, and language Shannon Daub works with the Canadian Centre RSVP by email to [email protected] barriers”. for Policy Alternatives, www.policyalternatives.ca And it’s not just poverty law legal aid The Lower Island NEWS PROVINCIAL NEWS AND VIEWS December 2010/January 2011 Page 11

Ron reviews:

THE BEST OF CHIEF DAN GEORGE, drawings by H. Hirnschall, HANCOCK HOUSE PUBLISHERS This is a delightful, must have book. Dan George is a foremost Canadian philosopher, whose works should and will be studied for future generations of scholars. He puts the position of our Natives and their invaders in a way that calls out for understand- ing and immediate rectification.

MORE AH MO...INDIAN LEGENDS FROM THE NORTHWEST, compiled by Judge A. Griffin, T.J. Griffin editor, HANCOCK HOUSE PUBLISHERS. This unique collection of little stories drawn from the legends of our North West tribes of aborigine peoples will be of great interest to the reader. A highlight is the information in the appendix. Like Aesop’s Fables and other collections of Eu- ropean fairy stories, these will be loved and enjoyed by all North American children. --Ron MacIsaac

Maurine Karagianis, MLA Esquimalt–Royal Roads

NDP Leader Carole James enjoys a visit with Eileen Dailly at her office at the Legislature. Dailly was former Minister of Education in the Dave Barrett government, from 1972-1975. She was responsible for banishing the strap from schools! She resides in Victoria-Beacon Hill. James: BC needs a mining commission Annual Holiday By Carole James ample, Randy Hawes, junior mines minister, ties and First Nations do not go As leader of the Official Opposition, I’ve dismissed the Tsilhqot’in’s legitimate con- through what those involved in this Open House spent much of the past year talking to people cerns over Fish Lake, saying “I don’t happen proposed project have. Wednesday, Dec 15, 2010 from all sectors and regions about how to to agree that this is a very important lake.” And, before the federal cabinet 4:00 – 6:00 pm create good jobs, raise the revenues needed acts, it should heed the advice of A5 – 100 Aldersmith Place for health and education and transition BC’s Uncertainty hurts our economy its own review panel and ensure Please bring a non-perishable economy to become more dynamic, sustain- BC’s economic growth cannot be built local issues are addressed in the able and diversified. on a foundation of conflict and division. It interest of aboriginal title, environ- food item for the Esquimalt Two of the central messages I have creates uncertainty for investors, industry, mental protection and economic Neighbourhood House. heard back are that sound economic deci- people and communities, and undermines development. sion making must focus on the future as the possibility for long-term economic plan- well as the present and that the impact on ning and job growth. Opposition Leader Carole James wrote (250) 479 8326 www.maurinekaragianis.ca community health and the environment must This is not a new concept. Treaty tables this article in October. The federal gov- be key considerations. The pending decision were created in the 1990s with First Nations ernment has subsequently decided not to allow the mine to go ahead. by the federal cabinet on whether or not communities in respect of government’s to approve the proposed Taseko Prosper- duty to respect constitutional rights and MK-HolOpenHouse1011.indd 1 11/24/10 3:40:24 PM ity Mine project near Williams Lake brings aboriginal desires to share the benefits of these issues to the forefront. economic activity. During the same period, In July, the Federal Review Panel found environmental consideration was strength- Members are welcome to attend the that the proposed project would have sig- ened and given legitimacy with greater nificant adverse environmental effects, independence from government through including the destruction of Fish Lake the creation of entities such as the Environ- Annual General Meeting which is home to 90,000 rainbow trout. The mental Assessment Office and the Oil and of independent panel also found it would have Gas Commission. significant adverse effects to the Tsilhqot’in We need to build on these examples Saanich North and the Islands First Nations for whom Teztan Biny (Fish and find better ways to promote economic Lake) has cultural significance and has been activity like mining, which creates jobs and NDP Association fished for generations. contributes to provincial revenues. One The Tsilhqot’in First Nations, with sup- solution is the creation of a mining commis- on Saturday, December 11, from 1-4 pm port from the Assembly of First Nations and sion to work with mining companies, First at St. Andrew’s Church, Sidney the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, are opposing Nations and local communities to find places the proposed mine. At the same time, they where mining makes sense. It would create have made it clear this does not mean they dialogue, mutual benefit and certainty. are opposed to economic development. Special Guest: Michael Byers But, as Shawn Atleo, national chief of the Establish a mining commission UBC Professor of Political Science and co-chair of the Climate Justice Project, AFN wrote recently, it must be done in an Over the coming months, the BC New a research partnership between UBC and environmentally balanced way and involve Democrat opposition will consult with First the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) real dialogue with local First Nations. Nations, the mining sector and communities In contrast, the BC Liberals have de- and when the legislature resumes sitting in For further information, email President Gary Holman at [email protected] liberately ignored legitimate environmental the new year, will introduce a private mem- and First Nations concerns, sowing seeds of ber’s bill to establish a mining Commission division and economic uncertainty. For ex- so future projects, companies, communi- Ron reviews: WALK MYSELF HOME, an anthology to end violence against women, A. Routley, editor Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca In poetry, factual and fiction, in interviews, 50 women have contributed to this work which should contribute to a reduction in violence toward women. Noteworthy is the fact that one in two women is murdered per week in Canada by their male friend. One in two Federal New DeMocrats women has experienced a physical or sexual attack. This book should be in every home.

WILD HORSES, by R. Mclennan, UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA PRESS Stay in touch! Some years ago I joined the Wild Horse Society and canoed up the Spirit River, north of Jasper, and viewed the wild bands. Later I visited the roundup results of the Nevada You can reach your executive at roundup. They took in 5,000, put 50 in each corral, put up a mound for the stallions. They PO Box 622, 105-1497 Admirals Road, dutifully took turns to stand on it. With this back ground I welcome the chance to review WILD HORSES. It’s a lively bit Victoria, BC V9A 2p8 of romance, savoury but sans equines! or your president at [email protected] --Ron MacIsaac Page 12 December 2010/January 2011 EDUCATION NEWS AND VIEWS The Lower Island Bill 33 has normalized the teardown of the public school system By Eden Haythornthwaite inadequate stan- gaggle of tightasses with • A Compulsory Daily Draw to deter- I used to wonder why the government dards set by Bill 33. clipboards and Blackber- mine which car in the parking lot decided to enact Bill 33 – after all, it was So out of about 1200 ries from Victoria or doomed to be a spectacular failure for our classes in our district 8,000 kids not receiv- will be sold for the revenue kids and teachers; it would also confirm the (December 2009 it ing the education they irresponsible nature of Victoria’s approach was 1202) over 20% deserve? • Turn off the heat to classroom learning conditions. fail to meet these For the record - However, as the years have passed, section 76.2 (b) in the timid benchmarks. It • Close down the schools during any the real accomplishment of this legislation would be bad enough School Act requires now becomes clear. Bill 33 has certainly if most educators as principals to consult month which does not have an “L” done its job – finding irrelevant work for well as trustees were with their School Plan- in the name educators who now spend countless hours not completely aware ning Council before each month -- which would otherwise be many students are submitting their report • Offer selected school sites for stor- devoted to our students -- cataloguing the functioning in a grey to the superintendent inevitable distress found in our classrooms. zone – not designated indicating their organi- ing depleted uranium If the government had simply made a rude for an IEP, not likely zation of classes are gesture and told everyone they had no to qualify even if as- appropriate for stu- • Charge a healthy fee to any del- plans to accommodate the needs of kids sessed but in need dent learning. Section that would have at least been honest and just the same. Wheth- 76.3(6) requires the egation a real time saver. But in their zeal to look er a teacher has for- superintendent to send like a Ministry of Education as opposed to mal documents es- the October report not • Have the Grade 12 Graphics class Eden Haythornthwaite a Ministry of Feudal Superstition, they have tablishing some of only to the board but take up currency design and re- imposed a structure which not only with- their kids require par- to the DPAC as well; holds resources, but demands that what ticular attention for parents can and must production as part of their portfolio little resources we have must be scooped learning issues, they are painfully aware play their part by demanding all educators requirements for paper documentation of crimes against many of their students require an individual and elected representatives stand up to this kids. If you need a really depressing/bewil- education plan to provide the learning op- bureaucratic nightmare. A good start would • Grow something more lucrative dering read, try section 76.1 through 76.8 of portunities all kids deserve. be to question and protest the conditions the BC School Act to savour the language Though the Organization of Classes Re- outlined in the reports placed in front of than lettuce in the Alternate Ed which addresses this matter – written by port must be presented and submitted to the them. Those reports speak to the day-to-day greenhouse someone I never want to meet in low light ministry by every district each month during experience our kids are having in school. without bear spray. the school year, once a year -- in October Of course we could have a wee glance Dial back to the period prior to January -- trustees are asked to “accept” this docu- Next up – the amazing, tiny yet disap- at some of the suggestions the partner 27, 2002, when the provisions concerning ment just to highlight our unperturbed loyalty pearing budget surplus! groups made during the last spaghetti west- non-enrolling teachers, class size and com- to the Ministry. Apparently, superintendents It was like Xmas – the agenda foretold ern – cuts to BCeSIS, cell phone expenses, position, as well as the language governing and principals cannot reject the conditions we would sit together and splash out with travel and event costs, admin professional the inclusion of students with special needs they observe no matter what the teachers the $36,000 we had left to spread around development not to mention the culling of resided within the collective agreement be- may declare during consultation – they must the district. Not a princely sum but we could senior staff – the only ones left among our tween the employer and the BCTF. uphold whatever heinous environment ex- no doubt spring for a mittful of lottery tick- employees who have not had to double The public saw little of the expert ists in their schools and districts. I am not ets and a slurpy. I was in favour of buying down to accommodate the loss of positions. process our districts followed because the sure what dreadful penalty would follow it genitalia-shaped ice cube moulds for our Mmmm…I wonder how many senior teachers, their union and management dealt they did complain and frankly, any educator more formal events. staff we had when there were more kids with these standards within the confines of worth their salt should be able to find the But tragically, Xmas quickly turned into in the schools, since apparently all we are their labour /management relations. Howev- courage to speak up regardless. Black Tuesday when we discovered we meant to care about are the kids who are er, the government removed all references At the very least, you would think were in fact $127,000 in the hole. Nothing not there. to learning conditions from the contract and they would grumble publicly about the like a bleak portrayal of our finances to began to design legislation which would unending and inane ritual now played out backdrop the roll up to budget time. I guess In conclusion, a self indulgent reflection. regulate class size and composition outside in our schools because of Bill 33. All that all those judicious surgical moves in the last Life is tough and there are no end of reasons that format. paperwork, all those meetings meant not to budget round were not as helpful as we we can find to retreat alone into resignation. In May 2006, Bill 33, the Education assess and improve but to accentuate the might have hoped – after all, if we make the No one is immune to this. You cannot (Learning Enhancement – no shit that is power of the Ministry to enforce deteriorating correct cuts, the appropriate closures we live through the demands of existence with- what they actually call it) Statutes Amend- standards. However, as trustees, we could should achieve perfect harmony between out falling into disillusionment and cynicism ment Act, passed into law. Among other take this precious opportunity to emphasise revenue and expenditure. Trustees will just unless you are open to inspiration – the one things, Bill 33 sets out specific instructions our outrage, our tiresome letter and our have to keep guessing until they get it right. I great thing which raises you above personal for the integration of students with special grief over the cruel inadequacies for which think after all the grinding panic and alarm of misery, above self, above all kinds of ex- needs into classrooms from Kindergarten we are liable with an actual gesture of our last spring we should have had some quiet cuses for acquiescence. to Grade 12. Suddenly the structure of our own. Without fear of any physical harm or time and we still could. No matter how inconvenient it may be classes became a matter of wider com- discomfort to our invisible careers, trustees The senior staff has generously offered to share common cause, it is much more ment. Since that time, the reality of enforced could support our students, teachers, princi- to come up with their suggestions for some inconvenient to live with the consequences scarcity and persistent degradation of our pals and superintendents by rejecting these cuts which will bring us back into the black. of not doing so. classrooms has been driven home. This class sizes and compositions. The cost to In the absence of their advice, I have a few Ask anyone who has wished they were has normalized the enduring tear down of us is nothing; the message is priceless. This thoughts of my own. granted a second chance to make that our public system – a toxic overlay of defeat night yet again, we did not do this – but 4 out To cover off the shortfall I suggest the choice. and futility has been seemingly set in stone. of the 9 voted to say what everyone in the following: Mission accomplished… district already knows - this cannot stand. • Co-ed bathrooms and plastic on all Eden Haythornthwaite is a Cowichan Board of What could possibly justify this feeble Education trustee. In Cowichan in November we have fully decision? Fear of a flying squad from the the furniture to save custodial time 227 classes which contravene the sadly ministry? What would scare you more – a

SIHOTA & STARKEY LAWYERS & NOTARIES MacIsaac and MacIsaac Dan MacIsaac* Deanna Lane Ron MacIsaac* Laura Pringle PERSONAL INJURY • ICBC CLAIMS Certificate in Arbitration & Family • Real Estate • Wills • Estates Mediation, University of Windsor *Denotes Professional Corporation FREE 1st Consultation • Standard Fees for Many Services Personal Injury ICBC Claims Family Law Child Protection 250-381-5111 Wills and Estates 1248 Esquimalt Road, Victoria Free First Consultation 250-478-1131 2227 Sooke Road, Victoria John Heaney Heenan Blaikie LLP 514-737 Yates Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1L6 Phone: 250-381-9599 Robert G. Milne Toll Free Fax: 1-866-615-8276 Email: [email protected] Jawl & Bundon FOURTH FLOOR Lawyers 1007 FORT Civil and Commercial Litigation, STREET Labour and Employment Law VICTORIA, BC Administrative and Constitutional Law V8V 3K5 Employment Litigation Human Rights TELEPHONE 250-385-5787 Collective Agreements, Privacyi FAX 250-385-4364 EMAIL [email protected] The Lower Island NEWS MUNICIPAL NEWS AND VIEWS December 2010/January 2011 Page 13 Hemp & Company: Victoria’s posh fashion store By Diane Walsh Hemp is a textile. Anything can, and is, consumer was systematically lured with “co-opetition”. We have a website and a HEMP & COMPANY is a posh Canadian made from the textile. The limitation is only cheap goods from a burgeoning Chinese brochure with a map to the other shops. fashion store—featuring all ecologically in the design stage. The majority of cloth- manufacturing capacity. As the demand Hemp and Company also belongs to friendly items and located in Victoria, on the ing in North America is casual, so therefore for these goods and consumer spending 1% For the Planet, an international group of popular tourist-stroll known as Government most of what is in our shop is casual. That habits increased, financed by the increasing businesses which pledge one percent of its Street. The store’s proprietors Bill and Lorna is a limitation of the marketplace only. availability of consumer credit, prices gradu- gross sales to environmental groups. Last Finley—now proud to announce their own More formal hemp apparel has been ally increased as Western competition was year we donated to The Land Conservancy line--are leading the way to hemp manufac- consistently available from Eastern Euro- eliminated. Simultaneously an increase in to protect Madrona Farm, a Victoria area ture for clothing right in Vancouver. It is part pean hemp clothing manufacturers (See demand for alternative products like hemp organic farm. This year we will continue of H&C’s mandate: to promote innovative Ecolution). We have many requests for has kept their pricing somewhat stable even with donations to TLC and add Raincoast North American designers and manufactur- men’s hemp wedding attire. People who though there has been a quantum shift in Conservation Foundation. ers and give them a market-outlet for their devote themselves to the cause of sus- quality, fit and design. creations. So along with the signature label tainability see their wedding day as a very Are you already involved or is there a Hemp & Company, the Finley’s enjoy offer- important one to stand for their values. Over Where is hemp clothing manufac- possibility for cross-border liaison, e.g. ing a diverse array of organic items from at the years we have sold many metres of tured for the most part? Is hemp grown in linking up with similar green collectives least 50 small entrepreneurs, who specialize hemp-silk blend fabric for custom wedding regions far from manufacturing locales— in the US to educate people about the in eclectic clothing line designs, and also gowns presumably because of its inherent and if so, why is this the case? merits of eco-friendly clothing? hand-made jewellery, soaps and creams, beauty and its earth-friendliness. Hemp farmers in Canada have no textile Always! If they approach us, yes. A foodwraps, oil—and beyond. Where hemp textile makes a very easy manufacturing plant to sell their raw mate- similar group started in Brisbane, Australia rial to. They produce mostly seed (for food based on our model. We do link with some and body care products). We sew and dye green groups through website links. our clothing in Canada from hemp textiles imported from China, the only major source Why do you think you won the Busi- of textiles in the world. ness Examiner’s contest, ‘”Retailer of the year”? Clearly you are being noticed. Sometimes I see that a piece of cloth- What do you think is doing the trick? ing is made with a combination of fabrics We were taken by surprise by this (say only 50% is hemp and the rest is great honour, I must say. Our more visible something else). Is this because hemp location on Government Street makes us clothing is best made that way to give it more noticeable in Victoria. Our staff is not its softest feel? only friendly and helpful in sales but also Yes, the addition of cotton gives it soft- educated in the many aspects of discussing ness. The addition of silk gives it special the uniqueness of the textile. Green or envi- sheen. Some have lycra or spandex for ronmental issues are much more prominent stretch. Generally the hemp percentage is in consumers’ consciousness than twelve 55% or 60%. When H&C uses hemp/cotton years ago. blends we now mainly use organic cotton. This is an environmental issue since regular Can you comment on the recent ar- cotton uses about 50% of all agricultural ticle, “High Hope for Hemp Industries”, chemicals in the farming of it. published in Canada’s The Epoch Times? I was very impressed with the article A little insight into the “Politics of because it shows interest in this very impor- Hemp”: fashionable and earth-aware… tant topic. Growing hemp and other fibres Tell us about your links in the commu- for food, clothing and shelter are the only nity (such as The Green Collective) and weapons we have to combat global climatic explain some of the sorts of initiatives changes. As shown in the article another you are involved in at this time? prime use is in paper manufacturing. Again The Green Collective is a body of retail monetary investment is required to build the friends who all have the environment as an appropriate mills so that farmers can sup- integral component of our “bottom lines”. ply the raw materials to make the finished Photos provided courtesy of Hemp & Company, featuring clothing designs from Some of us are competitors in that we sell products. Nomads Hemp wear and Urgo Ethical Apparel. hemp and other natural fibre clothing. However, as environmentalists we would Does the US allow hemp clothing Diane Walsh: The big question is of transition in the upscale market is in the rather the customer search out other like stores? I have seen hemp clothing for course, why should people be motivated crossover of 100% hemp fabric which is minded stores than resort to purchasing to wear hemp? very comparable in texture and summer suit- non-environmental clothing. We call this Please turn to Hemp & Company, p. 14 Bill Finley: Hemp is natural. It is not ability to linen. Where linen creases sharply made from petroleum, and it is grown basi- to create the recognizable look of summer, cally without agricultural chemicals. The tex- hemp’s folds are softer with the added tiles are very strong which makes them long benefit of easy laundering. Both are very lasting (about 3 or 4 times more durable than cool choices for hot weather. There’s also cotton). There is a natural UV protection in Bamboo Rayon and Soy for the fancy-pants. this fabric. It breathes extremely well so feels cool on the skin in hot muggy weather. Can you say a little of pricing—that of the clothing—and, also, economics driving What got you into running a store that the industry? not only sells hemp but also features In my 12 years in this business, I have various fibre-from-nature clothing? seen the prices of our goods stable. The My son started Hemp & Company in economic laws of supply and demand are 1999 to sell hemp clothing. It excited me at work. Originally there were very few and I joined him and opened a store in our products made and so prices seemed high. home town of New Denver, BC. Our Nelson As more producers created items and more store had a similar product line suited to the purchasers bought, volumes increased and Kootenay consciousness. unit prices dropped. Think organic foods that We chose to consolidate our efforts in are now more competitive price wise with Victoria last year and closed the Nelson chemical foods than they were 10 years ago. store. Nelson residents still have a wide The costs of doing business have increased variety of local options. In 1999, hemp was dramatically (rent, staff, taxes, advertising, making a comeback from the years of ne- etc) but the prices of our t-shirts have stayed glect due to the American influence. Young the same. We are now more competitive folks were seeing the advantages of using with cheap goods, but are proud to maintain this natural plant for food and clothing and quality, made in Canada clothing. other uses. My son saw this opportunity and It’s important to categorize hemp goods started the company. as specialty items that have intrinsic value There were no regulatory issues then or not found in other market goods. To com- now. Hemp is not marijuana, although they pare them with mass produced items that are related plant species. turn on pennies of cost to realize millions in profit is to not acknowledge the amount of How many stores do you have operat- specialization involved in their production. ing in Victoria at this time? A more comparable sector is the high end Our main location on Government fashion houses that add invisible value to Street is corporate and we have franchised their products through intensive advertising. our VicWest location and also franchised Hemp goods have an invisible value en- our store with a younger vibe called Shift demic in their gentle use of earth’s resources Natural Fashion. and their incomparable durability. I hesitate to use the word “status”, but I think that there Are hemp fashions mostly casual is a certain unity of understanding in people wear? Can it satisfy the fancy-pants sort who choose hemp. of person or it is mostly T-shirts and I think that there has been a greed factor track pants--e.g. hemp worn for work in in the profit driven marketplace that is not a relatively up-scale job where fashion reflected in products in the sustainability sense is an issue? sector. In the early ‘90s the North American Page 14 December 2010/January 2011 MUNICIPAL NEWS AND VIEWS The Lower Island

Hemp & Company, continued from page 13 sale in the US. Why do these stores Absolutely! A rundown of the history of Building the Bridge differ from say, head shops, this plant is also important. The oldest piece which carry a degree of stigma? of fabric found by archaeologists is hemp. Yes [the US does allow and does have Two thousand years ago, the Chinese in- hemp clothing stores]. The only difference vented paper using hemp as the base. It was for the Future in US and Canadian government policy is widely used in the sailing industry as rope By Dean Fortin experience to the table. that our farmers can grow hemp (albeit with and canvas for sails and sailor uniforms (the On Saturday November 20 Victorians As for the referendum, I am very excited a licence) and theirs cannot. No special re- word “canvas” is derived from “cannabis”, went to the polls, electing a new city coun- to get moving on this important project. I quirements are needed to operate a hemp Latin for hemp). The first Levi jeans were cillor and voicing support to borrow $49.2 believe the YES result sends a strong mes- store as opposed to any other retail opera- made from hemp. Henry Ford invented a million to replace the aging Johnson Street sage we are a community that is prepared tion. As for “head shops”, they are retail hemp plastic in the 1920-30s. Bridge. to invest in what is important, whether it be stores selling paraphernalia for marijuana There are theories that when the US We had a very good turn-out – almost infrastructure, housing, or public transit. use. Hemp & Company is not a head shop. banned hemp growing in the 1930s through matching the voter turn-out for the last gen- Further, it tells others that this is a com- the Marijuana Tax Law, it was pushed by the eral election in 2008 with close to 17,000 munity ready to be invested in. The more Can you imagine a way to separate cotton industry and the chemical industry people taking the time to people who invest, large and small, in the image of hemp as somehow related which had recently invented nylon which is a cast a ballot. We saw a Victoria, the stronger our community will be. to the use of marijuana? Is there an petroleum-based fabric. It was a convenient marked voter increase of There are many reasons why I sup- imagined problem with hemp products— way to get rid of a competitor. I am not sure 20% over the last refer- ported the replacement of the Johnson somehow illicit? if those interests are in operation today. endum on the arena held Street Bridge. One of the main reasons The word “hemp”, especially in the US, is We are in the business of education as in 2002. We as a commu- was because keeping the door open to our often used to mean marijuana. Yes there is well as selling a product, which makes us nity need to build on this downtown is vital to our economic develop- an image, but we don’t see it as a problem, unique in the merchandising world. There momentum and continue ment and job protection. It is the economic but as an educational opportunity to tell are legal head shops in Victoria for those to strive for even higher engine of the city and the region – people people of the many advantages of hemp who looking for what we, by choice, do not turnout in future elections. from all over come to our downtown every as an environmental solution to many of our carry. We are proud to showcase hemp for In the end Victorians day to work, shop, eat, or be entertained. modern day problems. its wonderful attributes as clothing, food, and elected Marianne Alto as our new council And the Johnson Street Bridge is a key body care products member, and voted 61% in favour of bor- artery into the core. Would you agree that the public rowing for the bridge replacement project. To hinder the flow of people would have requires an education in the nature of Labels/clothing designers’s lines at H&C store I am pleased with both results. serious economic fallout. hemp—starting with inclusion in the include: Hemp&Company, Bamboo Organic, I am confident that Marianne will be a One benefit of replacement is that we Effort’s Hempwear, Horny Toad, Nomads, Salts, school curriculum when students are strong addition to Victoria Council, and I look will build the new bridge to the north of the Hemma, Arcadia, Green Spun,, to name a few. taught about crops at the elementary or forward to working with her over the next existing one – keeping Big Blue open for the duration of construction for the 30 thousand secondary level? This article first appeared in MF Mgazine. year. She is very familiar with the challenges facing Victoria and will bring new insight and vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian trips made across it each day. I am also pleased that we can move forward on a bridge that will meet the green Remembering the Campbell legacy transportation needs of the next century. The By Dee Shoolingin shackled warehousing. removed that cash grab from further earning new bridge will have dedicated on-road bike His party will list some of his ongoing, In our community even our community- power in the BC economy. lanes in both directions, and will seamlessly on-giving, and sustained gifts to the people paid-for facilities have been misappropri- All the foregoing had been done in con- connect the Galloping Goose and the E&N of British Columbia, but they are likely to ated, some premium hospital laundry cert and harmony with the federal econo- multipurpose paths to the downtown. It will forget a few important items. Lest we forget equipment and a lodge. The washing is mist, the prime minister of Canada. In the also have a separate pedestrian walkway on this Remembrance Day, it is appropriate done by a contractor to a revised standard depths of the global downturn, our leader that is wheelchair, scooter and stroller to list a reminder of those gifts that his clos- of promoting spread of contamination. The slid in the HST under the cover of election friendly that will be removed from the traffic est may overlook. tenants, sent to become inmates of a priva- promises never to do so. That was brilliant flow and offer wonderful views of both the Foremost is his dedication to Law and teer firm. That the disruption was anticipated as this will be an enduring legacy that further Upper and Inner harbours. Order by the precedent he leaves all pre- to cause stress and death among the relo- cripples our small firms with a further shrink- The City remains committed to rail in this miers following his footsteps as a political cated, well that’s just collateral points to his age of consumer’s and market cash flows. Region, but the fate of the rail connection is tool. That was the tearing up of a contract. legacy’s credits. There is a further legacy to the small still unknown. With the support of the CRD, He tore up an agreed contract with little Not forgetting the impoverished and business sectors of BC. More have been the City of Victoria is pursuing provincial/ consequences. It was only one with nurses the under housed, his legacy has put more preparing their exit strategies or toward ruin. federal gas tax dollars to assist with the and it was partly reversed in a lengthy court out on the street as social policy-- beating The financial picture for most is bleak. From multi-use path and to reinstate rail as part debate. It set a fine precedent to Law and Grace’s Social Credit record hands down. this we have the yet-to-hit-us municipal of the project. Order for the future dictators of BC. Those still on the dole are made to hoard tax losses from small firms that become From my perspective, rail is vital to our Not only are all contracts with the gov- as each cheque seems the last. In Victoria insolvent. The over mortgaged homes of future – but it is truly a regional expense, ernment of BC now and forever in doubt, but some small poor neighbourhood shops had entrepreneurs that will fall to tax defaults is not one the taxpayers of Victoria should by this example all contractors (any party to close due to the reduced trade. his legacy gifts to come. shoulder alone. We need the provincial to forming a contract) have this as a tool to Not to understate the legacy to small So effective have his tax break policies government to partner with us if commuter pry open agreements once thought sound, business, the backbone of BC’s economy, become. At a recent meeting of municipal of- rail is ever to come to life. among all businesses. that of the ever shrinking marketplace. Over ficials, the leaders of a Northern city begged However, the City will protect the rail His legacy to social justice is unmarred the past near decade the prosperity of the him for “no more cuts, we cannot afford right-of-way to ensure that in the future (near with the First Nations. He sought after and prior administration has been squandered. them”. With each tax break a further market or far) we can incorporate a rail crossing in won a referendum to deal unfairly with all of The public cost of government services has cash shrinkage was followed by program this location. BC’s first people. It was a minority turn out been privatized to reduce available cash cuts and layoffs and grants paid to industry As for next steps: but binding. Soon after, he was commanded flow from the public marketplace that walks to further bash communities. Borrowing will be secured to commit by the court to consult with the first people. to the cash registers of our many firms. His HST legacy will be an enduring the low interest rates, and the federal And he did as unfairly as he could, setting a Like the proverbial salesman that sold gift to all British Columbia consumers and government contribution agreement will be legacy precedent for later premiers to follow. ice to the Inuit, this leader sold BC our own shopkeepers for a long time. Even rescinded finalized. This gift to BC binds the province to goods and services at elevated prices. He or redefined, it will keep on squeezing all We will continue to have conversations ongoing uncertainty for all that would invest gave the Hydro and the ferries to privateers for past a generation or more. The original with the provincial government in an effort to in BC. The slow take up of the plunder of to provide us with costlier services and at Social Services Tax to provide free hospital have them become a partner in this project. the many Run of River mini Hydro projects the cost of our continued maintenance to care is probably mummified for good. Staff will start work to confirm procure- is evidence of his leadership success in further save the privateers from operating Also with rising unemployed despera- ment and project management options, this. An enduring one for our development expenses. That is a legacy example to all tion, a boon to Law and Order is the legacy which will include setting the ground work for and economy. third world dictators to top. of a multiplied prison population. The per competitive bidding process for the various His legacy to democracy is also worthy With the ferries there is a further feather capita convicted levels have surpassed the elements of the project. The added benefit of mention and memory. For civic, municipal in his cap. He sold for scrap the fast catama- Law and Order administration levels set of this bridge is that it is estimated to create and regional governments he crafted the rans that were serving traffic needs. These by the former Social Credit in BC. All this 900 jobs during construction. The faster we Alternative Process. Using this tool, a civic were sold to justify the order for foreign-built growth to help justify the federal call for more can get building, the faster we will see these government can fabricate public consent replacements for which the financing will be prison construction. jobs come on line. without the inconvenience and costs of a legacy mortgage on BC. On this day of Remembrance we honuor At this point, it is my expectation that asking for public participation in a decision. The legacy in resource industry is equal- the war dead that sacrificed to keep just visible construction at the site will occur It requires only the mention of secluded ly commendable. Forestry firms are allowed such corporatist legacies at bay. We have later in 2011, but a detailed a timeline will gatherings of mostly chosen and agreeable to estimate without government inspectors the legacy of seeing our foolishness in be developed and confirmed early in the friends to declare a public consensus arrived what stumpage they owe. Likewise to decide thinking we were safe. Our leader of BC New Year. at by a handful and if any in the community who is injured on the jobs and to self inspect has restored the legacy of the near forgot- You can continue to check the website cannot organize and collect 10% of the com- for safety. Mining has similar self policing ten highland memory of what the name www.johnsonstreetbridge.com for updates munity to petition against, then the deed is privileges. And these corporations can put Campbell stood for. and information on the project. done, sealed, and delivered. the spent real estate of crown lands up for The corporatist Mussolini whose iron In closing, I want to thank everyone In our Cowichan Valley, we had one sale as their own fist made Italian trains run on time would who, despite the cold, found their way to a community organized to actually oppose The encouragement of union busting be proud of his brother in ideology for how polling station. the under-published will of the board. But has been heaped on top of this to further tight this premier has squeezed all BC com- I hope you all have a wonderful holiday it shows that some care and homework is reduce the market place consumer cash munities and people of their few remaining required to conjure up public consent out of and credit. This was done by promoting pennies to make up the grants to corporate the unsuspecting community ether. large corporate employers to seek labour beneficiaries. A legacy of lasting economic His legacy to BC seniors is noteworthy. rates that leave little for workers to spend. decay. All the aged inmates of provincial elder And the cleverness of all the tax cuts With the rising of layoffs and further than before. This is the cherry on top of the care have been shifted to privateer oper- is part of this grand economic scheme. It under employment, there are more fami- Campbell Sundays of legacies. ated institutions, all with higher rents and justifies the cutting of jobs in social and busi- lies in desperate straits. Best of all the There will be more legacies to remem- service charges for items that were previ- ness programs. Bonuses were paid to civil legacies is the turnout of more daughters ber him by. But never forget them. Keep a ously provided in the government run plan. servants for cutting pennies that accrued to of our communities to seek earnings at our memory of the Campbell legacies with you Less qualified staff attention for costlier bed enormous grants to corporations that further darkened street corners and at lower rates all the way to the polls. The Lower Island NEWS COMMENTARY December 2010/January 2011 Page 15 Changing the balance of power by shooting back at them with shattering downward controlling cliques? By G.E. Mortimore Some people think a general election soft-nosed bullets that blend wisdom and Arguably their rejection arises from a Despite disgust with BC Liberal incom- is a sharp enough blade to chop through popular sentiment. mistaken George Dubya Bushian view of petence, the recall of Oak Bay-Gordon Head partisan doubletalk to decisions that are Recall of elected legislators is a return “democracy” as a ready-made “government- MLA Ida Chong will be a close-run thing. popular and smart. shot of this kind. The targets are within by-the-people” benefit package that may Campaigners will have hard work knock- They say recall should be a minor range, but difficult to hit. The numbers chart have faults, but excels all other systems and ing other Lib members off their perches process for removing individual wrongdoer- the difficulty. From one viewpoint, Ida Chong can be peddled across the world, sometimes in precariously-won ridings. I believe the MLAs; we should trust the ballot-box to won by 561 votes over Jessica Van der at gunpoint. all-party campaign organizers should rally determine management and policy. Veen, NDP, 11,877 to 11,316. Our flexible political system appears to canvassers in overwhelming numbers. This belief does not stand up to scru- But if the NDP and Green (Steven be entering a time of radical change, as it Six hundred have reportedly signed up tiny. Elections, viewed as solo events, are Johns, 2,330) totals are added together, has done before. The current transformation to canvas Oak Bay-Gordon Head. Twice that a failed instrument. They give us lopsided Chong was outnumbered by 1,769 votes. puts decision-making leverage in the hands number are needed, now. majorities that defy the popular vote. The The majority of ballots were cast against of a much larger number of people. Cold, snowy and rainy weather com- system empowers premiers and prime min- that MLA, So why will recall require so much But history shows us that western-style pounds the door-to-door challenge, but it isters to ride roughshod over the feelings of hard work? legislative systems are not instruments fixed increases the chance of success because voters and legislators. Because canvassers must gather, within in place to translate the people’s will into law. it encourages people to stay at home. Elections fail to correct these abuses – 60 days, signatures of 40 percent of the That’s a visionary dream. Canvassers can warm their spirits with except in times of strong public consensus. people on the 2009 election list. Of 38,206 English kings called together barons the knowledge that they are helping to An election today would wipe the BC Libs registered, 12,683 did not cast ballots. to find ways of raising money and military change the political landscape of the prov- out. But they have years to schmooze their Some have died or have moved leaving skill, muscle and weapons to fight the kings’ ince and the nation. way back to favour. no address. wars. Barons at Magna Carta-time chal- BC law makes recall hard to achieve. Few clues to government policy emerge Canvassers must find and sign up a lenged King John. Parliaments back then You can’t cast MLAs aside like dirty shirts. from election-campaign tournaments of larger percentage of eligible voters than were forums where the powerful and the That would make government wobbly and slogans and putdowns. Rival party strate- the official 40, including ballot-refusers. The less powerful haggled about the exchange uncertain. But Mike Harcourt and his NDP gists compete to discover the biases of successful anti-HST petitioners had only to of benefits. They still are. government erred on the side of caution various fractions of the electorate, and play sign up 10 per cent provincewide in 90 days. Recall is one of the devices that change when they passed the pioneering Initiatives the whole range of voters like a pipe-organ. Recall law needs to be modified to make the balance of power. Let’s use it. and Recall Act. Arguably, however, our political system it easier, but not too easy. Voters need a tool for prying dysfunc- is growing its own remedy. Spontaneous Why do many ordinary non-elite citi- G.E. Mortimore, Ph.D., is a writer and social tional, harmful governments loose from their social forces are engineering policy be- zens oppose the idea of recall, which can anthropologist based in Victoria. grip on power. Recall can be that tool – even yond election-day. Agents of those forces increase their political power against top- in its present experimental form. are fighting top-downward control freaks The Zombie economy and a pet owner’s reminder By Tim Pheotist Today we listen to and read information demanding of the economy. It’s our pet. We being sought, know that here’s just another Any practiced pet owner comes to that measures and discusses everything in must nurture it respectfully but must not domestic pet seeking more attention that understand quite soon that the “owned” the context of how the global or domestic imbue it with characteristics that make it an it deserves. You’ll respect its reasonable animal has significant and unavoidable zombie – sorry, I meant economy -- will be end in itself – an artificial creature which can needs but you won’t let it run your life. expectations. affected. fit us with a choke chain collar. It’s the economy, stupid – and it’s time to Today’s “owner” controls in title only. The Our every choice and action as individu- So now, every time the “economy”, pay less attention to it until it stops whining. domestic animal lover really has no more als must now be considered, not with the global, domestic or whatever is discussed, power over his/her pet than the average idea that we can use the “economy” as a know that the odds are that the speaker Canadian Senator or British Peer has over component tool to enhance individual and knows little about economics. If it’s a vote the decisions of the governing cabinet. The societal lives, but as a creature that must be business card looks good but these days served before all else. likely won’t even get the window seat in a This is a change too far. We, as “own- busy restaurant. ers” are becoming the ‘”owned” – ruled by Certainly our putative animal “owner” an inanimate “economy”. often and liberally shouts out commands – We have been persuaded that our indi- Season’s Greetings Sit – Stay – roll over – don’t scratch…etc. vidual and civic lives are necessarily sub- – and often actually believes there is a sign servient to the domestic and global zombie of respect and compliance in the eye of the – there I go again. dumb animal. How could this have happened? Our But the relationship is not what our even elected governments have always had a dumber owner believes it to be. grip of the economic control levers and One doesn’t have to rip and scratch the the citizens, through the vote (in a properly From Rob Fleming, MLA upholstery very much to find the true pad- designed and functioning electoral system) ding of this “ruled and ruler” arrangement. have had the means to break the grip if it and the Victoria Swan-Lake NDP Pussy didn’t like the bargain bag of fla- seems the levers of economic power were vourful nuggets. Refuses to swallow. Pussy being used contrary to the interests of the You can reach us by emailing President Edward May at [email protected] would rather starve and die than eat any- people that the economy is supposed to or by writing to Box 282, 1681 Hillside Avenue, Victoria,BC V8T 2C1 thing but the golden can of wet food that’s serve. never on sale. Naturally “owner” dumps Every citizen now, from the homeless the bargain and immediately complies with family member to the displaced worker, to Pussy’s preference. the mortgage burdened family, to the dis- Doggy, entirely unprepared to compro- abled veteran, to the retired and tired pen- mise on bladder function and equally deter- sioner, is fed “economic truths” by a never The Saanich South NDP Association mined to never experience the “discomfort” sleeping propaganda industry controlled by held a well-attended AGM on November 24. of a 10% full bladder, extorts walks and – your government – your humble servants!! A new Executive was elected and there was a unanimous motion passed strolls at times of maximum inconvenience We are all supposed to absorb and stating full confidence in, and support of, our MLA Lana Popham. to his “owner” – or else another damp patch understand the math of the credit card com- on the Persian rug. pany, the equations of the banker, the fears We have a lot of work to do to prepare for the next election and we want In the kingdom of domesticated animals of the broker, the international elements of your help! To get involved, please contact [email protected]. the ruling class of humanoids cannot take a real estate investment. vacation without providing an interregnum Somehow, believing that we’ve ab- for Polly Parrot – a proper parrot sitter. sorbed and understood the “economic Our responsible “owner” lies awake at theory” behind the terrible local, national night wondering how the budget can stretch and international deprivations which we all The MLA’s Community Office Open House will be held on December the 17, from 4-7 pm. to another injection-filled visit to the friendly now know at first hand are a reality, we feel vet. Certainly our responsible “owner” more comfortable about accepting the exist- knows that the animal’s welfare and comfort ing and next demands of the global zombie. The office is also doing double-duty as a Mustard Seed Food Bank eclipses any expectation of life quality for But we’ve understood nothing. The depot, from 8 am - 6 pm, Monday-Thursday, from December 1-17. the ruling class. economic “news” has little to do with eco- Please drop off non-perishables and warm clothing, So, without wishing to beat a dead horse nomic history, theory or practice. Little of this – and hopefully your horse died peacefully “theory” is recognizable to trained and ex- and content in a warm stable at a suitably perienced readers of the dismal science. ripe old age – this animal loving economist In fact we’ve allowed ourselves and will connect the dots – decimal points – and much of our government to become a dog try to explain which tail is wagging which that is wagged by its tail. dog. Now, we all know that really zombies Living memory reminds us of the cry “It’s don’t exist. But the concept can scare us the Economy, stupid!” if we allow them space in our collective This cry of the crowd created a new imagination. American president. In fact if we allow our imaginations What it also did was turn an already dan- to run away with us we’ll be rolling over, gerous but sleepy slave into something of sitting, staying, not scratching, etc. just a Frankenstein monster, turning inanimate because we believe that is what the concepts – economic theories -- into some- “economy” demands. thing quite zombie-like – a global zombie for But the “economy” shouldn’t be a global economy. demanding anything of us. We must be Page 16 December 2010/January 2011 COMMENTARY The Lower Island NEWS Linking successful gay activism with sex workers’ fight for justice By Diane Walsh outdoor workers to providing help to indoor incredible gains being made and people in as elsewhere, the men’s stroll is all tangled Wondering who’s at the helm of the sex workers. We have to do it all.” very important positions who are transgen- up in the gay recreational stroll for lack of a worker’s rights movement in British Colum- Diane Walsh: Would you agree that der—it’s not that quirky, little weird thing that better word…in the park. We can’t serve sex bia? Well, at least one of its effective movers on a fundamental level it tends to be “the- it used to be. It’s terrific to see it gaining this workers there [in the park]; we tried by hand- and shakers is, without a doubt, Jody Pater- queer-types” who’ve had a hand in the lead momentum and this power and people even ing out condoms and gay men were saying son. Long-time BC award winning journalist, development of successful protection soci- being able to discuss that issue. That’s been “Thanks!”, but they weren’t sex workers. We defender of street people, university lecturer eties and social-equality groups—PEERS so deep in the closet for so long that it’s re- couldn’t really ask, “Excuse me, are you a par excellence and now—a visible ally of the being one example of that? ally intriguing to see it starting to happen. sex worker or, are you just here for fun?” gay community. Jody Paterson: Whoa, Lesbians and But the coming out counselling, if that would It was a situation where we couldn’t really In assisting professional sex workers in gays! If you ever did a tally in this region work, we’d be happy to try it -- we’d be keen do our outreach in the same way we can in their fight for legal reform, for protection from of the groups who have lesbians and gays to connect more, especially to men; and if the female stroll where it’s nice and clear: murder and physical violence, from unfair either meeting them, or very actively in that were a piece of it then we’d be happy to “Everybody who’s standing here must be a prosecution and stigma, Paterson points their ranks--I would think it would be just do that. [The] women [lesbians], you know, sex worker, right?” Men are more likely to to the successful strategies and reforms stunning! they don’t really need to come out, they work out of gay bars; again more indoor ven- obtained by our QLGBT community, which DW: If we look at any of the human come out -- they’re out. They’re just not out ues. There are fewer outdoor men. They’re she sees as a model and illustration of a rights movements, just by way of example. to their customers but that doesn’t matter working indoor venues where they’re not as progressive society. there is much historical evidence to suggest you know, the rest of their lives, they carry obvious again. It’s very hard. We know we What follows is a never-before seen ex- QLGBTers are often the ones to actually go on but I do think there’s a lot more we could need to do a better job of serving men who clusive interview. And, while a few seasons out there and do something politically, that be doing with them. are in the trade, and right now I don’t think have come and gone since it was originally say, “Heck, we should be better protecting- DW: So, survivorship has to come, and we’re doing it. PEERS did attempt to do it, conducted, its content remains pertinent to sex workers as a whole society.” Is this a in fact does come, before activism. Seems but it never really worked out. the current issues facing sex-workers today. fair point? to be your message. Even if a sex worker DW: What’s the issue? As a woman who strikes at the heart to JP: In terms of the social movement and were capable of becoming an activist, she JP: It’s hard to get men in the door. I inspire forward change Paterson is some- my own meetings and the tables I sit at, I’m or he needs ally-ship. Do I have this right? think that’s an issue with men -- how they one who’s keen to tap into the broader really struck by the high number of gays and JP: Preserve the body. Like—I say take their services; how they come and say, I QLGBT community for ally-ship and for help lesbians who are doing the work. I think primarily. It could be gay rights issues and need help; and how they fit. Once they come working on the cause for social justice for in terms of the sex trade, that’s probably all sorts of things are probably an issue into PEERS they have all the female staff sex workers. Since what it takes to promote our hope. As well with the gay and lesbian among the people right now at PEERS; but staring back at them. How do they find their solid activism against sex-worker stigma is movement, because they (as we do) under- they are down here in the survival mode. fit? Most men don’t want to sit around talking not unlike the same energy it has taken to stand what it is to be completely shunned. All they [sex workers] are worrying about about their emotions. We’re the facilitators successfully battle homophobic stigma. Not too long ago [gays] had to rally against right now is food, housing, and safety. And and even our model is too female. They Paterson wants us to understand the perceptions that they had to be “fixed”; like, when they get that under control then they face in the sex trade perhaps more violence problems standing in the way of better pro- “rehabilitated”, which is a popular word; like can start thinking about those other things than women because of being beaten up tection of sex workers. In 2008, Paterson “rehabilitating sex workers”. In the gay and that are further up the pyramid. by men -- men beating up another man launched a groundbreaking course in advo- lesbian movement there are people who Not that there’s any comparison; but we as opposed to a woman whom they might cacy journalism at the University of Victoria, wanted to be who they are and faced de- had sexual assault centres saying to us: back off from, a little. They also have a lot basing some of her teaching perspectives cades of struggle just to get to that point. But “Why don’t your clients come in; why don’t more stigma coming forward. They [men] and models on a two-year stint she per- they did it in just the relatively short period of they come in for counselling?” We know that need a different kind of program. I hope formed as executive director of the Pros- time that I’ve seen the movement. When you sex workers would probably virtually all have that one day we can figure that out. What titutes Empowerment Education Resource think of the rights that have been achieved a rape in their background; but the fact is, we need is some men -- that’s how it works Society. Known as PEERS Victoria, it is a through the efforts of gays and lesbians it’s they’re just not ready to talk about it and that for a grassroots organization. We need at society that represents sex-workers, and been really powerful! is just not a priority yet. One of our staff said least a couple of them for us to develop the is where today she serves as a volunteer. DW: So would you say we could help a she’s been 10 years out, and she’s been program that would fit right. I mean gay men! Simple enough to understand…or is it? bit more in the sex-worker-rights-activism doing all sorts of other things and maybe It would be especially great if gay men were Paterson defends the cause vehemently aspect and not just focus on gay rights? now she’s ready to talk about some of the ever to talk about the services in general; but her advocacy hasn’t been easy. Sup- JP: Gays, in many ways have led the stuff—the gay rights movement. Develop- or if they had a background in the sex trade porting reform for improved working condi- way for change. To me that is the movement ment along that line will come when people they could come forward and talk about it – tions for sex-trade workers carries a major — that’s the track that I’d like to see the sex first get their absolute life needs met and re- say what would have helped them. We’ve social stigma. Nevertheless, as Paterson trade follow. And you know there are a lot ally are able to take the luxury to think about mostly been left to look for people who are will say herself, she’s committed to being of similarities around the issues of oppres- those kinds of things—because right now actively working in the sex trade, right now. a no-holds-barred labour activist. In her sion and the issues of community rejection they are just thinking about staying alive. For whatever reason, they don’t want to talk own words, “Because there’s no other sex- and stigma. That there’s something wrong DW: How would QLGBT sex-workers about that -- period. I know there used to be worker-specific agency in town, we go right with you and you’re a good person if we can become part of a focus group at PEERS? this whole other group of people who used from outreach on the street serving the make it right, but if you continue your path [Jody echoes the question back to me to be sex workers, who had the experience then you remain a bad person. That’s the as if calling on ‘”community” to become in and the knowledge; and had the distance piece I think gays and lesbians can under- engaged like, NOW in the fight!] from it to be to be able to help us develop stand. They can get behind that in terms of JP: Yah how can we make that happen? a program. Jim Jaarsma moving the sex worker issue forward. It’s a little harder to make things happen DW: If it were more out-there that DW: Can you say a little about the inher- when you don’t have the group, like you PEERS accepts men, is it more likely that Contracting ent contradiction in the reality of lesbians say; if one or two or more queer sex work- male escorts would come through the door? working as sex workers (idea of being ers would come in and tell us what we could JP: What we need is gay men who 250-360-1905 heterosexual only “on the job”), and juxta- do around that…We’d be very interested in would be willing to talk -- and straight men pose—this piece—against what-appears- talking to them. -- because there is this thing called, “gay Quality Carpentry to-be the visibly lesbian leaders in the DW: What about stigma? Let’s hone in for pay” in the sex trade. You’re a gay male General Contracting sex-worker’s-right-movement speaking out on this ugly stigma — what’s really standing escort and your customers are men but you, for hetero sex workers, in general, but never in the way of real change? yourself, are a heterosexual man. That’s a speaking to their own veil of secrecy. Com- JP: I’ve been surprised at the depth of whole other category. But if they would come plex! To be sure especially with everything the stigma in terms of getting other groups to forward and be interested in working with us, in between...queer…bi-sexuality...then the work with us. I don’t mean groups like AIDS on that program – yes! What would it look transgendered identities...strictly gay and Van Island, and Street Link, and COOLAID, like? What would we be doing? How would so forth…clearly the identity list goes on. and groups that are working on the streets. we even be finding people right now? What Murray J. Ellis JP: We know there are lots of lesbians No problem. We have no problem where we would we need at our end to meet them in a Chartered Accountant who are sex workers who serve men, right? can share some of our clients. It’s the bigger proper way when they come in? That would Like, that’s very common. Gay men—we movements. It’s the places where we might be right off the hop! I think I’m a dreamer don’t…I don’t [have]…couldn’t possibly give fit better where we can’t seem to find the on this one. But gay and straight men who Services to Small Business a guess at the ratio. There could even be interest. I mean I don’t get it. I really don’t. have bought sex workers would be very more male gay sex workers than there are So it’s very hard for me. fascinating to hear from to help the agency Bookkeepers available female gay sex workers. We see frequent DW: How bad is it? because they thought they would like to play transgender, mostly men-to-women working JP: I knew there was a stigma over the a role -- because -- they get it! They certainly on the female stroll. And that’s a whole other sex trade and people would be resistant to get it! They’re the customers – gay and/ 250-385-1011 [matter]… although I think transgender is the hearing about it; but I had no idea it was this or straight men. They get the industry but 1325 Tolmie Avenue “new gay”, to tell you the truth. I see some deep, this entrenched, this all encompassing there again – there’s a tremendous void. I -- because like I say I can’t even find one don’t think I’ve ever in my whole life heard group of people where they really get it. a guy say that he uses sex workers. It’s like DW: So it’s all coming down to agencies this giant secret around men. I know some like PEERS. When it should and could be of the men who use sex workers because involving representation from other social- I worked at PEERS, but everyone pretends equality societies as well, it sounds like? and keeps it really quiet and it’s an extremely JP: We have to do it all. discreet business; and so we could use their DW: I’ve been told that PEERS doesn’t support. This world is run by men. And, if have a formal queer mandate but there men of all sexual orientations would show was a PEERS men’s program, at one time. more support for PEERS more things would Is this true? start to happen. JP: Yes that’s right—the whole issue is with men in the sex trade…I’d say probably Diane Walsh, MA, is an investigative journalist the sex trade would be 90% female and 10% based in Victoria and the Pacific Northwest. She male. But that still means quite a lot of men contributes to new media outlets, newspapers which by some miracle haven’t gone under, and working in the sex trade and that’s only a magazines in the Canada, US and Europe. best guess, because I don’t think anybody This article first appeared in the Vancouver really knows. PEERS has, off-and-on, tried Observer. to do a better job at serving those men and boys. But the trouble is, in this city [Victoria], The Lower Island NEWS COMMENTARY December 2010/January 2011 Page 17 Full Steam Ahead By Brian Mason street dwellers of Calcutta, whose levels of way of human life has wound ever upward. Ridley foresees dire consequences Matt Ridley’s latest book, The Rational poverty lower the statistical mean for the Not unexpectedly, there are competing for any nation daring to withdraw from the Optimist, should have included a content rest of us. And therein lies the problem, views about the merits of progress, as the global exchange system: “Increasing self- warning for readers. Something like “Read- which Ridley smoothly skates over with his concept is commonly understood today. sufficiency is the very signature of a civiliza- ing this book will make you want to scream, abundance of averages. Like a uniform French scientist and theologian Pierre Teil- tion under stress, ... the definition of a falling pull out your hair, and cheer – all at the coat of new paint on a flawed structure, hard de Chardin, for one, found that “prog- standard of living.” He thus takes direct aim same time.” averages disguise many cracks. None of ress itself implies an unquenchable force at the local organic food-security movement. His theory is simple, as are most us leads our life perched on the crest of that insists on the destruction of everything Don’t grow your own! he wants to say. Let explanations from the libertarian right: an average or surfing forever ahead of the which has outlived its time.” Progress, in the specialists, the low-paid migrant workers everything, on average and over time, just wave. Averages are for the long haul and other words, can be a wrenchingly turbu- on huge monoculture farms in California, keeps getting better and better for humanity, distances; individual lives are short, right lent, even violent, intrusion for those living grow it for you and have it brought to your and this upward trajectory of progress has here, right now. through times when the pace – or the scale neighbourhood supermarket where you can been exponential over the past 200 years. Dr. Ridley (he has a Ph.D. in zoology), – of change is great. Many would argue we buy your food with a small percentage of the Complainers and pessimists have got it all until recently the non-executive chairman are living in such an era today, and have earnings from your higher paying specialist wrong, contends Ridley. Myopically, they of Northern Rock, one of the first banks in been since the beginning of the industrial job in the technology sector. That’s the haven’t bothered to check the facts. England to require a government bailout revolution. way the system works. Don’t mess with According to Ridley, by all measures – during the recent worldwide financial crisis, For Ridley, none of this represents a something that benefits (to varying degrees) wealth, literacy, education levels, sanitation, had a long association as a journalist with problem. On the contrary, problems and everybody along the supply chain. In Rid- cheap energy, technology, life expectancy, the pro-globalization, conservative British crises arise whenever anyone – usually a ley’s view, those migrant workers would infectious disease control, happiness, levels newsweekly The Economist. To be clear, nannying government or a complacently otherwise be wallowing in abject poverty in of consumption, material possessions – hu- he’s one of the privileged whose financial cir- huge corporation – tries to interfere with, the outbacks of Mexico. man beings, all 7 billion of them, are more cumstances and station in life serve to raise regulate or slow down the organic fusion of Very well, then. In closing, let me punt affluent and better off than at any other time the average wealth indicator for humanity mating ideas, the marketplace of exchange. a non-average statistic in Matt’s direction: in human history. In fact, the nostalgic past overall. Nevertheless, Ridley’s underlying “Let my people go” would seem to be his over the past five years, BC has added a net was miserable for the majority of people argument can seem persuasive, buttressed rallying cry. His answer to everything is grand total of only 280 social housing units. most of the time. “The rich have got richer,” as it is with an abundance of data. the same: “The human race has become a That’s not an average. It’s the grand total for declares Ridley, “but the poor have done Once humans seriously began to ex- collective problem-solving machine”, like a five years for the entire province. Would that even better.” And amazingly, this has taken change (which, for Ridley, is the operative group brain – or a marvellous orchestra that be progress – or just bad social policy? Or place during a time when world population word) goods and ideas, they discovered plays nothing but the finest of symphonies. try this one: the UN estimates that 36 million kept doubling at an alarming rate. specialization, and this in turn encouraged For those who still would desire the slow- people die of hunger and malnutrition every Things are wonderful, he insists, unless innovation. That’s when the churning be- ing of progress Ridley has but one question: year. People, not averages. Say when. you happen to live in North Korea or one of gan. As all the parts of this equation started When? Before or after the discovery of a the few other countries going backwards on to feed off one another – Ridley prefers the cure for cancer? Of a vaccine for AIDS? Or This article previously appeared in Victoria’s the measured socio-economic indicators. metaphor of sex, wherein “for culture to turn shall we wait until quantum mechanics has Street Newz. Or if you are amongst those unfortunate cumulative, ideas needed to meet and mate” been reconciled with general relativity and peoples, like the homeless in Victoria or the – progress was born. Since then, the path- the weak force of gravity? Pregnant question: Feed or starve? By G.E. Mortimore The splitting of the Bay-Wall opposition in return. That’s another reason to like the to the status of a government acting for the You can’t be just slightly pregnant. Bi- invites the NDP to serve the people’s inter- Tobin tax: It would reduce the size and trad- well-being of everyone, including investors. ology does not offer a graduated scale at est and make partisan mileage at the same ing speed of ‘fast-trading’ and the global This isn’t the time for gradual dithering that level. time, by pushing now for “Tobin-plus”. derivatives market, would raise revenue around. The main political question is an “Either-or” is a real thing in the political “Most affected by the Tobin tax would from this activity and reduce its volume, either-or, like pregnancy. realm too. Will we raise the money to give be the “high-speed trading” business,” says benefiting us all.” life to smart transportation and strong public Hutchinson, as he explains financial practice A motion urging Tobin, by Lorne Nys- G.E Mortimore. PhD, is a writer and social an- healthcare and human services? And save that comes close to off-track betting on a trom, then NDP MP for Regina-Qu’Appelle, thropologist based in Victoria. children worldwide from early death? horse-race after the race is over and you passed in Canada’s Parliament by an all- Or will we skin along on starvation bud- know the winner. party majority in 1999. Now is the time for gets and keep talking about an imagined “Investment banks set up powerful the NDP to put muscle into a new drive for “recovery”? computers in the same building as the Tobin-plus. Liberal-Conservative govern- Scanty budgets are the policy of re- stock exchange, This co-location and ments in Victoria and Ottawa won’t do it signed BC Premier Gordon Campbell and fast access to the ‘tape’ of trades, allows – unless they are pushed. colleagues, and prime ministers David the institution to take crucial advantage If they feel enough pressure, they might Cameron of Britain and Stephen Harper of of the finite speed of light and switching make a hollowed-out pretence of enacting Canada. They say they must rough-hack the systems to front-run the market.” Tiny Tobin-plus, by putting the levy on an insignif- numbers because of hard economic times. profits on many deals add up to billions. icant sector of the financial world, or keeping Must they? Not necessarily. Another “The margins are as little as a penny the rate so small that it doesn’t help. Pre- choice is within reach. or two a share on a $20-a-share trade. So tending to take vigorous action without really Sue Stroud Cracks are beginning to show in Bay- even a 0.01% tax rate, costing 0.2 cents doing it is a good partisan ploy. It holds the Wall Street resistance to the Tobin-plus tax per share, would reduce those margins support of the big-corporate-money spon- on stock-market gambling and international substantially.” sors while fooling some progressive voters currency trading. This nearly painless frac- Banks hate the Tobin tax because “it hits into believing that the Liberal-Conservatives tional levy can bring in a trillion or more them directly in the nexus of their oversized are doing something creative and useful. dollars a year to be divided 50/50 between trading activities. But few of these trading But strengthening human services while fattening the internal revenues of nations activities offer any benefit to the economy.” saving lives worldwide is an urgent and vital and saving the lives of poor and afflicted The same goes for traders in derivatives. requiirement. It transcends Lib-Con games. people worldwide. Hutchinson doesn’t explore the fact that It makes nonsense of the alleged Canadian Martin Hutchinson, contributing editor their paper pyramids collapsed, triggering virtue of “moderation”. The NDP now has the of the online investment-analysis service the current US depression. He’s a money- chance to follow the game-changing lead of Money Morning, advocates a Tobin tax on writer serving a conservative clientele. He such political stars as Tommy Douglas and Meet me at Spelt’s Coffee Shop in financial transactions. (Tobin-plus expands says nothing about channelling half of Tobin Dave Barrett, and use Lib-Con inaction or to- Saanichton Fridays at 7 p.m. the idea of the late Nobel-prize economist revenue to reduce world poverty. He sees ken action as a platform from which to climb for a discussion of current issues. James Tobin.) Tobin as an instrument Millions of modest-income people who for reducing the Ameri- play the stock-market, or invest their savings can $1 trillion public to build a retirement fund, will barely feel a debt. (Money Morning pin-prick in the wallet when we apply a frac- is based in Melbourne, tional Tobin-plus to their stock purchases. Australia, but Hutchin- Real Estate Services But two kinds of money-runner will feel son’s view is global). pain: The international bankers who trade “The major interna- currencies and shares, and the operators tional banks -- and Wall Since 1990 who bundle together risks, debts and hopes, Street in general -- are including wobbly mortgages, into “deriva- extracting profits out tives”, and sell these packets of intangibles of the global economy Professional -- Experienced -- Committed as trustworthy securities. while offering nothing Call anytime for a market evaluation! Part of every commission, Victoria Labour Council with New Democrat clients, 219-2750 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4E8 will be donated to a party candidate Ph: 250-384-8331 FAX: 250-384-8381 or sitting Member. Email: [email protected] The VLC, representing affiliated unions in the Greater Victoria area, Fred Hiigli holds its regular monthly meeting the third Wednesday of each month at 7 pm Fred Hiigli ~ Newport Realty at the BCGEU Auditorium, 2994 Douglas Street. 250-385-2033 All delegates are invited to come out and meet the Executive: Mike Eso, President; Stan Dzbik, Treasurer; Kim Manton, Secretary At Newport Realty we sell special homes...yours! Page 18 December 2010/January 2011 BOOKS, PLAYS AND ... The Lower Island NEWS WHY YOUR WORLD IS ABOUT TO GET A WHOLE LOT SMALLER: Oil and the end of globalization, by Jeff Rubin, Random House Canada, 2009 Review by Theresa Wolfwood sense or courage to stand up to our sell-out plastic and pineapples. Photos from Google Images governments. Rubin goes on to tell us of the “There is little we can do to prevent oil Rubin devotes the first part of the book to advantages of a smaller world. prices from recovering to ever new highs in explaining why oil – a diminishing resource “Going local” is in our future and the future...We have to change the basic whose reserves are becoming more difficult it has many benefits. We can equation that ties our oil consumption to and more expensive to extract – is linked to exchange the impersonality of our economy.” economic recessions and how economic global availability and same- A Toronto recovery is always reflected in prices. ness for community. Community economist for He also writes about agriculture, trans- rooted in local resources, local CIBC, Rubin portation of food and goods and many talent and community based on is hardly a services that are linked to the availability sustainability and social justice. flaming radi- and price of oil. We rely on imported food He writes, “One day soon, cal but he has that uses oil from the fer- you won’t be a clear un- tilizers, the tractors, the wearing the same thing has a decent life – social security at its best. derstanding transport and refrigeration. as your doppelganger in We will learn new skills, and save our work- and an origi- Our homes are full of goods Tokyo. And eventually your force – at the same time allowing exploited nal and op- from China, cheap because house won’t look the same workers elsewhere to have the right to cre- timistic view oil is still cheap. as every other house on the ate their own communities. on how we, Rubin faces us with continent. The things that ”We will soon become far more attentive the greedy the prospect of rethinking made your local environ- custodians of our own little worlds.” energy con- our consumption and our ment distinctive will come If we do that we will be disempowering s u m e r s o f lifestyle. Global warming back to the fore.” the forces of globalization from corpora- the world, will survive the shortage and and climate changing are Imagine that if travel tions to corporate controlled governments inevitable rising price of petroleum. Never “cooking the planet”. Our abroad becomes rare, we to militarization to the sex trade; we will be mind that we have enormous reserves of industrial economy is spew- will be living more closer taking on the control of our lives through par- oil and natural gas in Canada – we blithely ing out carbon emissions. to home, we will want and ticipatory democracy and an understanding signed away control of them to our neigh- Much of which we already work for clear air and water, of our inter-dependence. Indeed, a smaller bours, USA, and big corporations when we know -- even if we don’t act better public services – in- world may be better for us and the world. endorsed NAFTA. Unlike the Mayan peas- on this knowledge. It is time cluding transportation and a The alternative is still “cooking the planet” ants of Chiapas we did not have enough to end our love affair with community where everyone and it is getting hotter all the time.

The Wisdom of Whores: Bureaucracy, Brothels, and the Business of Aids, by Elisabeth Pisani, W.W. Norton, 2008 Review by Jim Hackler from waria (male sex workers). He also hormones, petty power, smart uniforms, From American Retailers. Bush then ap- Elisabeth Pisani was a journalist and did has a girl friend with whom he has sex. He ready cash and easy access to the sex pointed the former head of pharmaceutical a PhD in epidemiology. Although focusing supplements his income giving blow jobs trade? Counterintuitive? giant Eli Lilly to head the initiative.) on AIDS, the situation she describes has and selling anal sex with men who cruise Knowledgeable people are not always Antiretroviral drugs were costing its parallel in a variety of applied research the parks. Fuad considers himself straight. rational. The importance of condom use is $10,439 for a year’s supply. Brazil resisted projects. Fuad’s girl friend works the streets as well known to most prostitutes. One prosti- these practices, making generic versions Governments do not like to spend mon- a prostitute. Here is a self-proclaimed het- tute used condoms with johns. That’s work. of the drugs at $2,767 per person per year. ey on sex workers, gay men or drug addicts. erosexual guy who has unpaid sex with a But with her pimp, that’s different. “He’s my Then India waded in at just $350 a year. There are no votes in being nice to addicts. woman who sells sex to other men, while man, that’s love. I ain’t going to use no rub- Despite the efforts of their lobbyists, Big Even after clear evidence is available on himself selling sex to other men and buy- ber with him.” She was infected with HIV by Pharma ended up producing a year’s supply meaningful strategies, those who hope ing it from transgendered sex workers. He her pimp. “Then I buried him.” of drugs for $727. to bring about positive change must find is clearly at risk for HIV, but on a survey he Help for putting programs in place But we should give Bush, and his con- themes that can be used to get the public would not fit 1) female sex worker, 2) client sometimes comes from surprising places. servative supporters, credit for getting the and politicians interested. Simply providing of female sex worker, 3) drug injector, or 4) After a coup in Thailand in 1991, gener- money for AIDS on the table. They shamed quality research and clear evidence is not gay man. Which box do you check on your als increased spending on HIV ten-fold. the world into taking action. enough. questionnaire? How does one do “hard The hyper-religious government in Iran is This book focuses on AIDS, but in fact Doing research in unique settings is science”? currently expanding needle programs for the information on funding, writing proposals challenging. Gathering information with Two groups not normally thought of injectors all over the country. and implementing programs would apply questionnaires requires developing cat- as high risk for AIDS are soldiers and By contrast, when Bush announced the to many attempts to “do good”. Those who egories. How do you classify people: sex policemen. A Harvard based researcher President’s Emergency Plan for AID’S Re- want to help others, and think they know worker? Male? Female? questioned this statement as being “coun- lief, all the drugs would come from the US, how to do it, would be well advised to look Twenty-one year old Fuad illustrates terintuitive”. Is it? Young men stationed far naturally. (Thus, PEPFAR became known as at this very readable book. the problem. He drives truck and buys sex from home in a macho culture with rampant the Purchasing Expensive Pharmaceuticals

The Spirit Level: Why Ron reviews: ist, and, of course, a miner. Readers are indebted to Ms. Keller for VICTORIA, by S. Mayse, photos by C. The tales coming out of the lust for bringing this history out of oblivion. Equality is Better for Cheadle, HARBOUR PUBLISHING wealth are fascinating in the extreme and Everyone, by Richard Even for Victoria natives, this book will make me want to again visit Dawson. SANCTUARY, THE STORY OF NATURAL- introduce you to spots you will have missed. IST MARY MAJKA, by D. Carr, GOOSE Wilkinson and Kate The book will enrich your ability to show A thoroughly WICKED WOMAN, by E. LANE BOOKS Pickett, Penguin, 2010 off the city to guests. Great coverage of a Keller, CAITLIN PRESS Ms. Majka survived the Nazi invasion wonderfull city! This book is a romp through courtroom of Poland to become a major environmental Review by Ron Faris trials arising out of perjurous evidence after protector in Canada. The Bay of Fundy, Many social democrats will find the BATTLEFRONT NURSES in WW1, by M. the murder of Thomas Jackson, who had so attractive to Maritime tourists, was of The Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better Duffus, TOWN & GOWN PRESS, Victoria just struck gold in Northern BC. His wife particular interest to her. for Everyone a profound source of in- This is a fascinating story of the experi- and his mother-in-law were suspects, as The author, as a child, followed the Ma- spiration, analysis, and solutions for a ences of two BC Nursing Sisters in the war- were others. The Vancouver newspapers jka television show and she has produced fairer and healthier society. It provides an time life of the English, French and Greek were in a circulation war that had the trial a very readable account of this environ- evidence-based approach (i.e. based on locations of battle. Highlights are the photos lawyers striving mightily. mentalist’s life. peer-reviewed research from an epidemio- that accompany the stories. logical perspective) to socio-economic and I could not put it down. political change. The introductory chapters explain the EDGE OF THE SOUND, MEMOIRS OF P method of analysis used and the paradox A WEST COAST LOG SALVAGER, by J. h of material success but social failure. It Hammond, CAITLIN PRESS o t then goes on to analyze the role of inequal- The author married salvager Dick Ham- o ity related to seemingly intractable issues mond and recounts her adventurous life b such as drug addiction, obesity, teenage pulling out lost logs in the wild waters of the y births, violence, and criminal behav- Sunshine Coast. M iour. Final chapters provide thought about, Readers will envy the adventures that i and directions for, a better (more equal and this couple had on their salvage boat, c h healthy) society. among the aquatic creatures, and helping e It is a book which challenges a re- boaters in distress. l e ductionist, silo approach to social and political economic issues. It provides a GOLD DIGGERS, STRIKING IT RICH IN M u positive method for a holistic analysis of the THE KLONDIKE, by C. Gray, HARPER r inter-related effects of inequality. COLLINS p h If you wish to learn more about the Thanks to poet Robert Service, there y book, its sound methodology, and the posi- is an enduring interest in the fabulous gold tive consequences of equality in more equal rush of 98. nations such as the Nordic countries, go to: This book is a highly readable story of www.equalitytrust.org.uk that gold rush as told via the lives of six very different people: a priest, a savvy business- On November 2, Saanich-Gulf Islands NDP sponsored the first SGI NDP Ron Faris is a learning-based community devel- woman, the well known writer Jack London, Left-Wing Pub Night at Phoenix Bar & Grill. They had a great turn out. Lots oper. http://members.shaw.ca/rfaris the Mountie Sam Steele, an English journal- of politics, laughter, and eats! They’ll be doing it again soon! The Lower Island NEWS December 2010/January 2011 Page 19 Calendar of coming events. CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT Board House on Thursday, December 9, from 4-6 ART FROM OUR PLACE, an art show on Friday, December 17, from .4-7 pm. Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday pm at 1084 Fort Street, near Fort and Cook opening of the creative work of the inner- The office is also doubling as a Mustard of every month, at 1:30 p.m., at the CRD Streets. Light snacks and refreshment pro- community at Our Place, Victoria’s down- Seed Food bank depot, from 8 am-6 pm, offices at 625 Fisgard street in Victoria. vided. Telephone 250-9522-4211 for more town drop-in centre, will be held on Sat- Monday-Thursday, from December 1-17. information. urday, December 11, from 3-5 pm, at MP Please drop off non-perishables and warm CENTRAL SAANICH RESIDENTS ARE Denise Savoie’s Community Office, 970 clothing. invited to attend regular neighbourhood FIVE BANDS--TWO CHARITIES BENEFIT Blanshard Street. The art will be on display gatherings, held every Friday night at 7 pm will take place on Thursday, December 9, at all winter. MP DENISE SAVOIE INVITES YOU to at- at Spelt’s Coffee Shop, 7586 East Saanich 7 pm, at the Victoria Events Centre, 1415 tend her annual Holiday Open House, on Road, in Saanichton. Share stories, books, Broad Street downtown. Join five bands JOHN HORGAN, MLA FOR JUAN DE Monday, December 20, from 4-6 pm, at her talk politics and enjoy hot coffee. Nothing including Children of Celebrities, Loose Fuca, invites you to attend his Annual community office, 970 Blanshard Street. is taboo… No pretentiousness, no meet- Change, Four on the Floor, Jim Moffatt and Christms Open House, on Monday, De- ing agenda… just a chance to chat with 99Buck, who all will be kicking it up for Cool cember13 from 4-7 pm, at 900 Goldstream BILL ROUTLEY, MLA FOR COWICHAN neighbours and build community. Call 250- Aid and Women In Need, Treat your ears Avenue, in Langford. Light snacks and re- Valley, invites you to an open house on 652-8228 for further information. Everyone and feet while doing a good deed. Tickets freshments will be served. Donations to the Tuesday, December 21, from 3:00-5:30 is welcome. are just $20 bucks for five bands. For more Food Bank ill be gratefully accepted. For pm, at his community office, 273 Trunk information,see www.CoolAid.org. further information call250-391-2801. Road, Duncan. Please bring a non-perish- THE VICTORIA LABOUR COUNCIL, able item for the Cowichan Valley Basket representing affiliated unions in the Greater SAANCH NORTH AND THE ISLANDS JOIN OAK BAY-GORDON HEAD NEW Society. For further information, phone Victoria Area, holds its regular monthly NDP Constitency Association will hold its Democrats on Monday, December 13, 250-715-0127. meeting at 7 pm, on the third Wednesday Annual General Meeting on Saturday, De- from 4:30-6:30 pm, at the Oak Bay Rec- each month, at the BCGEU Auditorium, cember 11, from 1-4 pm at St. Andrew’s reation Centre for their Christmas Social. VICTORIA-BEACON HILL NEW DEMO- 2994 Douglas Street, Victoria. All delegates Church, Sidney. Special guest will be Mi- Celebrate with fellow members and past crats will gather for their last pub night of are welcome to come to meet your execu- chael Byers, UBC Professor of Political candidates as they prepare for a possible 2010 on Tuesday, December 28, after 6 tive, president Mike Eso, treasurer Stan Science and co-chair of the Climate Jus- spring byelection. To reserve a ticket,email pm, at the James Bay Inn. Dzbik,and secretary Kim Manton. tice Project, a research partnership be- [email protected]. tween UBC and the Canadian Centre for NDP LEADER CAROLE JAMES INVITES Policy Alternatives (CCPA). For further in- LANA POPHAM, MLA FOR SAANICH you to attend her annual Carole James MLA formation, email President Gary Holman at South, invites you to an open house at her Constituency Office Holiday Season Open [email protected]. community office, 4085 Quadra Street, Can taxation abolish poverty? A commentary on the film Poor No More, and on the disintegration of the welfare state in Sweden

By Barry Weisleder and precarious working conditions. Precarity resistance to these cutbacks. But this is gressive tax on income, profits, and capital gains. Poor No More doesn’t present a tax Many thanks to David Langille for pro- is growing at an extreme pace. hardly surprising since the Social Democrats ducing this fine film. It puts a human face on “It was also necessary (for the rulers) to originated many of these same programs in model. But even if progressive taxes replace the reality of growing inequality and exploita- keep the welfare state as long as the USSR the 1990s. all the other taxes of today, they will not be a panacea. tion. It provides a very accessible narrative existed. Otherwise the Swedish capitalist- The Sweden Democrats played on the Taxation collects and potentially shares which has already generated widespread class feared for a revolution like the one 3 0fears of ordinary working Swedes upset at wealth. Today it is mostly working class and discussion. Most of all, it shows what is in 1917. (We had an uprising/revolution in - losing social benefits and worried about the changing for the worse. It shows how the Sweden that ended with full and equal voting effects of a global crisis that shows no signs small business wealth that is re-distributed to the state, business and the military. But post-WW2 social contract has been shred- rights and a social democratic government.) of improving. The party was helped by the ded. The reality of the neo-liberal agenda is “The Swedish welfare state was also attention it got from mainstream papers, even the best progressive tax system under revealed, even if it doesn’t apply the same heavily dependent on exports and Sweden which refused to name the Sweden Dems capitalism will never transfer power to the lens to other countries cited in the film. still is. What happens in Germany and the for the racists and fascists they are, but in- working class from the corporate elite. The However, to be frank, the premise of US (the biggest trading partners) is for stead treated them as simply another voice super-rich remain in power; the majority the film is faulty: namely, that taxation can that reason very important to the Swed- in the debate. remain powerless, notwithstanding the right abolish poverty; that only a lack of will power ish economy. The Swedish transnational The Green Party gained votes and to vote in our super-lotto dollar democracy. condemns Canada to abysmal, growing companies have always been known for seats in the Riksdag--a positive sign that Taxation does not alter the capitalist inequalities. The truth is that the root of the aggressiveness. The family that owns most a left-of-centre party new to the national boom-bust business cycle. problem is the economic system behind the of the Swedish transnational companies political scene could make gains. However, Taxation does not chart a course away tax man. It is the system of periodic crises, (such as ABB, Ericsson, Electrolux, Atlas- the Greens have proven willing to work with from environmental catastrophe. including the present and persisting global Copco, Stora Enso), the Wallenberg family, the Alliance at the municipal level. It does not respect aboriginal sover- recession, which is scuttling the remnants is one of the world’s most powerful capitalist What can we learn from all of this? The eignty, or the right to self determination of of the welfare state. Not just in Canada, but dynasties. They grew to this importance Swedish welfare state is not based on an any oppressed nation. in Sweden which is the poster child of 20th because of the class collaboration that enduring consensus, a neutral state or the It does not preclude the reversal of wel- century social democracy. Ireland had its existed between the end of the 1930s and virtues of modern efficiency. The welfare fare rights, the removal of social benefits, moment in the sun, a short-lived economic the beginning of 1980s. state was the product of intense class not even the mutation of progressive taxes boom built on speculation, and is now is on “The social democrats guaranteed wel- struggle, including the threat of revolution. into increasingly regressive ones. life-support, its recent reforms currently on fare for the people and profit for the rich. Major concessions by Capital were frozen Most of all, taxation will never end pov- the butcher’s block. The price was lowered class consciousness into generations of class collaboration erty. In the context of recession, it will not In preparation for this commentary I and a paternalistic society where the social -- until system-crisis caused the arrange- even reduce it, short of revolution. thought it would be wise to consult a Swed- democrats provided benefits as long as you ment to thaw. During the growth years But let me be clear. Progressive taxa- ish socialist, so I did. I wrote to a leader of voted for them. Real class struggle was in Capital continued to profit handsomely. But tion is worth fighting for. The demand for the Socialist Party, the section of the Fourth reality forbidden as strikes have been, and the political independence, organizational progressive taxation linked to transitional International in Sweden. are in fact, illegal since an agreement be- strength, and solidarity of the working class demands like full indexation of wages to This is what Anders Svensson wrote: tween the trade unions and the employers eroded steadily. That opened the door to the the cost of living, shorter hours without loss “The Swedish welfare state was (it in the 1930s. As a result class conscious- undermining of benefits, while Capital had of pay and benefits, and nationalization of does not exist any longer as we see it) a ness fell and the result is not much struggle a relatively free hand to accumulate profits the banks, auto, and big oil under workers’ very equal society, if you compare to other against the neoliberal policies imposed from both domestic and foreign exploitation control are even moreso worth the fight. All countries. And Sweden still maintains a by social democratic as well as right wing of labour and resources. of these demands culminate in the struggle better equality than most countries. But it’s governments.” Sweden is an advanced capitalist soci- for socialism, for a radical transformation eroding very fast because of the neoliberal On September 26 parliamentary elec- ety. It is an exporter of capital, which profits of our wasteful and inhumane society, and policies from social democratic and right tions took place in Sweden. Conservatives from the labour of others. In other words, for its replacement by a cooperative com- wing governments of the last 20 years. We won a plurality. The results for the Social Sweden is an imperialist state, albeit a small monwealth. I invite you to join in that effort. have seen one of the fastest and biggest Democratic Party were the lowest since one. Another lesson is that a welfare state It’s the best thing you can do with the rest waves of privatization of public property in the 1930s. The Moderate Party-Liberal- sustained by imperial profits is neither just of your life. Europe. We have a totally privatized pension Conservative Alliance won 172 seats. The nor sustainable. Welfare provisions at the At the same time, part of the system that is completely dependent on the Red-Green coalition of Social Democrats, expense of Third World poverty have many struggle for revolutionary change is the stock market. The school system has in ef- Left Party and Green Party got 157. The unintended effects, one of which is mass struggle to defend the past gains of the class fect been dismantled since the beginning of far-right party known as the Sweden Demo- immigration. Poor immigrants become an struggle. Poor No More helps to illustrate the 1990s. The quality of the public schools crats won 6% of the votes and 20 seats. It easy target for racists. North-South unequal what some of them are, and for that we have deteriorated as a result of financial has been able to gain a hearing because exchange is a feature of capitalism/impe- again thank the film’s producer. starving. Private schools (funded by tax- of the steady dismantling of the Swedish rialism. The system puts humanity on an money) is where most pupils and students social welfare state over the past decade. endless treadmill of suffering and conflict. Barry Weisleder is chair of the NDP Socialist from middle-class and upper-class families The conservative/liberal Alliance coalition The only way off the treadmill is to change Caucus. study nowadays. pushed through a neoliberal agenda, in the system. “The privatization of public health care spite of the international crisis. It lowered Taxation is a tool in the struggle against Ron reviews: is speeding up. taxes and slashed unemployment benefits, inequality – provided that it is progressive “The rise of the welfare state was due diverted more tax money to private health taxation. User fees, road tolls, gas taxes, RUMBLE SEAT, A VICTORIAN CHILD- to the class struggles in the 1920s and care companies and private schools, priva- sales taxes are all regressive. They penal- HOOD REMEMBERED, by H. Piddington, 1930s. Sweden had more strikes and mass tized publicly owned apartment buildings ize low income people much more than high HARBOUR PUBLISHING struggles than any other European country. and residences, and even instituted US- income people. While some NDP leaders, Victorians, particularly Esquimalters, This resulted in a high level of organization style workfare programs, where people with and even some of our friends in the Social- will love to read about what it was like when and a class consciousness that survived disabilities are forced to seek jobs in order ist Project call for road tolls and the like, or Victoria was small and people rode horses well into 1970s. But it is rapidly waning to retain their benefits. even defend the HST, revolutionary social- where the land is now paved and built on. and going away. There is no major struggle The traditional left parties--the Social ists oppose all regressive taxes. We call for This memoir makes the reader want to against cutbacks, privatization, the suffering Democrats and the Left Party--disappointed the abolition of property taxes on primary turn back the clock to the fun times so well of low-wage workers from other countries, voters by refusing to put forth any kind of residences, and advocate a steeply pro- recounted by Helen Piddington. Page 20 December2010/January 2011 L The Lower Island NEWS Directory of locations, organizations, publications of interest MLA COMMUNITY OFFICES V8W 2Z6, phone 250-361-9433, fax 250-361- ALTERNATIVE WEBSITES PROVINCIAL AND FEDERAL 1914, website www.vircs.bc.ca. Cowichan Valley Community Office,Bill Rout- NDP OFFICES www.alternet.org --A US website featuring alter- ley, MLA: 273 Trunk Road, Duncan, BC or PO Box Victoria Labour Council: 219-275 Quadra native articles on US and world politics, an online 599, Duncan, BC, V9L 3X9, phone 250-715-0127, BC New Democrats: 5367 Kingsway, Burnaby Street, Victoria, BC, V8T 4E8, phone 250-384- magazine and information source. toll free 1-877-715-0127, fax 250-715-0139, MLA BC, V5H 2G1, phone 604-430-8600, fax 604-432- 8331, fax: 250-384-8381, email [email protected]; email [email protected] 9517, toll free 1-888-868-3637. Mike Eso, president; Mary Ehl, secretary; Mike www.counterpunch.org--an American website Ferguson, treasurer. with a left-wing viewpoint. Esquimalt-Royal Roads Community Office, Canada’s New Democrats: 300 - 279 Laurier Maurine Karagianis, MLA: A5-100 Aldersmith West, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5J9, phone 613-236- Victoria Peace Centre: Box 8307, Victoria, BC, http//dominionpaper.ca--a Canadian ezine cov- Place, View Royal, BC V9A 7M8, phone 250-479- 3613, toll free: 1-866-525-2555, fax 613-230- V8W 3R9, phone/fax 250-592-8307, email cen- ering national and international stores that main- 8326, email [email protected] 9950, TTY: 1-866-776-7742. [email protected] or website www.vicpeace.ca. stream sources may not cover. Updated daily. or visit her website at www.maurinekaragianis.ca World Wildlife Federation: 410-245 Eglinton OTHER GROUPS www.globalproblematique.net/bcpolicyprobe Juan de Fuca Community Office,John Horgan, Avenue East, Toronto, ON, M4P 3J1, phone -- Run by BC Policy Probe, this website features MLA: 800 Goldstream Avenue, Victoria, BC, V9B YOU MAY WANT TO REACH 1-800-26-PANDA, fax 416-489-8055, website: information and research about suh things as 2X7, phone 250-391-2801, email john.horgan.- www.wwf.ca privatization of BC Hydro. [email protected] Amnesty International--Canadian Section: www.amnesty.org. United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC) www.avaaz.org/en/global --Global warming is Saanich South Community Office, Lana - Victoria Branch: 202-3293 Douglas Street, a global threat. By confronting it together, we BC Council of Senior Citizens Organization: Popham, MLA: 4085 Quadra Street, Victoria BC Victoria, BC, V8Z 3K9, phone 250-475-2868, fax can build a more just, tolerant, and vibrant world. phone 604-438-3221. V8X 1K5, email [email protected], 250-475-5898, email [email protected] or www.saanichsouth.ca website www.unac.org. www.indymedia.org -- A collective of independ- 4184 Brant BC Latin American Congress: ent media organizations and hundreds of journal- Street, Vancouver, BC, V5N 5B4, phone 604-879- Victoria-Beacon Hill Community Office,Carole ALTERNATIVE PUBLICATIONS ists offering grassroots, non-corporate coverage 3246, fax 604-872-6776, email [email protected]. James, MLA: 1084 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, V8V of events as they happen around the world. 3K4, phone 250-952-4211, fax 250-952-4586, Briarpatch Magazine: a progressive Canadian Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives: 410- email [email protected] magazine, published 10 times a year, subscrip- www.informationclearinghouse.info --World 75 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5E7, phone tions $24.61, 2138 McIntyre Street, Regina, news daily--news you won’t find on CNN or 613-563-1341, fax 613-233-1458, email ccpa@ Victoria-Swan Lake Community Office, Rob SK, S4P 2R7, email briarpatchmag@sasktel. Foxnews. policyalternatives.ca, website: www.policyalter- Fleming, MLA: 1020 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, com. natives.ca. BC, V8T 2A2, email [email protected] http://Newsdaily.ca--CanadaNewsdaily.ca is a Canadian Dimension Magazine: an independ- good (and bad) news service with a refreshingly --BC Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives ent socialist magazine, begun in 1963, and run by non-corporate view of the news, from local to MPs and COMMUNITY OFFICES Office: 1400-207 West Hastings Street, Vancou- a cooperative, published 6 times a year, subscrip- global stories, with features, opinion, analysis -- all ver, BC, V6B 1H7, phone 604-801-5121, fax 604- House of Commons, Room tion $24.50, students and unemployed $18.50, for free, including free classified ads. Newsdaily Denise Savoie, MP, 801-5122, website: www.policyalternatives.ca. 518, Confederation Building, Ottawa, ON, A1A 2B-91 Albert Street, Winnipeg, MN, R3B 1G5, covers Canadian and world news, plus a focused 0A6. subscription hotline 1-800-737-7051. look at British Columbia, Victoria and the Islands. Canadian Health Coalition: phone 613-233- 1018. Victoria Community Office, Denise Savoie, MP, COMER (Committee on Monetary and Eco- [email protected] Originally 970 Blanshard Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 2H3, nomic Reform): reform-minded focus on mon- set up to discuss the implications of the Multi- Canadian Labour Congress (Pacific Region): phone 250-363-8421, fax 250-363-8422, open etary issues and how they affect our society, email lateral Agreement on Investments, this website 201-5118 Joyce Street, Vancouver, BC, V5R Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; visit www.den- [email protected], website www.comer.org. and related email list now discuss world-wide 4H1, Regional Representative Iris Taylor, phone isesavoie.ca or email her at [email protected] developments of concern to left-wing readers. 604-430-6766, extension 267, fax 604-430-6762. Global Outlook: Ian Woods, editor; $25 Cana- Jean Crowder, MP, House of Commons, Con- dian, PO Box 222, Oro, ON L0L 2X0. http://ndp.4webs.ca -- A new NDP list serve and Council of Canadians, Victoria Chapter: PO federation Building, Ottawa, ON, A1A 0A6. Email bulletin board. Check it out. Box 5515, 1625 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, phone her at [email protected] The CCPA Monitor: published by the Canadian 250-360-8448, email victoriacouncilofcanadi- Centre for Policy Alternatives, 410-75 Albert www.pacificfreepress.com--with a mission to [email protected] or visit www.victoriacouncilofca- Jean Street, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5E7, $110 supporting dig out nuggets of truth from the slag-heap of Nanaimo-Cowichan Community Office: nadians.ca Crowder, MP: 101- 126 Ingram Street, Duncan, membership with $75 tax0 receipt, or $25 low in- lies, ignorance and witless diversion that has BC V9L 1P1, www.jeancrowder.ca or email her come membership receives the Monitor monthly. buried public discourse today. Pacific Free Press Canadian Wildlife Federation: 350 Michael at [email protected] provides a new venue for disseminating hard Cowpland Drive, Kanata, ON, K2M 2W1, phone The Democrat: published by the BC NDP, 3110 news and insightful, fact-based analysis of the 1-800-563-9453, or visit www.cwf-fcf.org. PROVINCIAL NDP Boundary Road, Burnaby, BC, V5M 4A2, sub- harsh realities too often ignored or distorted by scription $10 per year. the mainstream press. CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATIONS CubaTours: for information about nonprofit educational tours of Cuba and books, phone 604- The Straight: a weekly publication with features, http://pej.org--PEJ News, a free service, serves Cowichan Valley New Democrats: Write PO 874-9048 or go to www.cubatours.ca. Box 102, Duncan, BC V9L 1P0; or contact presi- articles, news and reviews from Vancouver, sub- up daily news, opinion and analysis of peace, scription $117/52 issues in Canada, 2nd floor, environment and justice issues. Stay informed dent Ellen Oxman at 250-466-0303 or email her at 214-131 Ecojustice (formerly Sierra Legal): 1770 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6J 3G7, with web and email stories often days, weeks [email protected]. Water Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4M3, phone phone 604-730-7000, email [email protected]. and months ahead of the mainstream media. The 1-800-926-7444 Peace, Earth & Justice News is produced entirely Esquimalt-Royal Roads New Democrats: Write New Internationalist: a communications co- by volunteers and is a probject of the non-profit Box 231 110-174 Wilson Street Victoria, BC V9A Government of Canada: www.gc.ca. 7N7 or email [email protected].. operative based in Oxford, it exists to report on Prometheus Institute based in Victoria, BC. issues of world poverty and inquality; to focus www.gov.bc.ca. Government of BC: attention on the unjust relationship between the -- The Canadian Juan de Fuca New Democrats: Email president www.policyalternatives.ca powerful and the powerless in both rich and poor Centre for Policy Alternatives’ web page offers Heather Gropp at [email protected]. visit Greater Victoria Water Watch Coalition: nations; to debate and campaign for the radical research reports, books and opinion pieces done www.greatervictoriawaterwatchcoalition.ca or changes necessary f the basic material and on issues of social and economic justice. Oak Bay-Gordon Head New Democrats: Write phone 250-595-1701 or 250- 380-1197. PO Box 5539, LCD 9, Victoria, BC, V8R 6S4,or spiritual needs of all are to be met, subscriptions, $38.50 including GST ,PO Box 706, Markham, www.rabble.ca -- A cheeky site offering original contact president Keith Todd at 250-598-8039 Human Rights Internet: www.hri.ca. or by email at [email protected] ON, L6B 1A7, phone 905-946-0407, fax: 905-946- stories, feature articles and columns from some 0410, email: [email protected]. of the progressive voices in Canada. Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria: Saanich North and the Islands New Demo- phone 250-388-4728, fax 250-386-4395. : Canada’s independent labour maga- --You’ll find David crats: Email president Gary Holman at ghol- Our Times www.strategicthoughts.ca [email protected] or phone him at 250-653- zine and read by mostl abour organizations and Schreck’s columns and more here. NAPO (National Anti-Poverty Organization) other supporters of working pwople. Check its 2042. News: advocates for the poor in communities, website at www.ourtimes.ca. www.straightgoods.com -- A watchdog working courts and political areas, www.napo-onap.ca. for Canadian consumers and citizens. Saanich South New Democrats: Write PO Box , The Left Coast Events listserve and webpage 30041, Saanich Centre Postal Outlet, Victoria, NDP Socialist Caucus: www.ndpsocialists.ca. provides a forum for sharing information about www.thetyee.ca--BC news and views from a BC, V8X 5E1, phone 250-479-1100, or email “Our aim and ongoing struggle as New Democrats upcoming events committed to uncovering the non-corporate perspective. [email protected]. must be to establish a Socialist Canada.” various dimensions of social and environmental justice. Anyone can add an event and doing so www.truthout.org--US website with Real news. Victoria-Beacon Hill New Democrats: Write lists all federal cabinet Parliamentary website is free for not-for-profit organizing and actions. PO Box 8523, Victoria, BC, V8W 3S1, phone ministers, parliamentary secretaries and opposi- Visit leftcoastevents.org to add an event, for more www.vancouverislandwaterwatchcoalition. 250-386-8497or email president Marianne Alto tion spokespersons. Visit www.parl.gc.ca/infor- information, or to subscribe. ca/ at [email protected]. mation/about/people/key/critic.asp?language=E The Dominion: a monthly paper published by www.victoriacarshare.ca--If you don’t want to Victoria-Swan Lake New Democrats: Contact , sponsored by the Seniors’ Advocacy Services an incipient network of independent journalists own a car but still need to drive one sometimes, president Edward May at edwardomay@gmail. Greater Victoria Seniors (OAPO) organization, in Canada since May 2003. It aims to provide this welbsite may be for you. com, or write to PO Box 282, 1681 Hillside Av- are available on Mondays and Thursdays from accurate, critical coverage that is accountable enue, Victoria, BC, V8T 2C1. 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m., at the Blanshard to its readers and the subjects it tackles. The www.vivelecanada.ca--website by noted activist Community Centre, 901 Kings Road (King and Dominion can be read online, or delivered to Mel Hurtig about the corporate threat to Canadian FEDERAL NDP RIDING ASSOCIATIONS Dowler Streets), close to the #4 and #6 buses on your doorstep as a print subscription. See www. sovereignty, includes a whole range of features Quadra Street. Service is free, and provided by dominionpaper.ca/ from online polls and petitions to editorials and Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca New Democrats: Con- trained volunteers. For further information phone information updates. tact president Jock Bates at wanzbates@shaw. 250-388-7696. The Republic: Vancouver-based socialist paper, caor write to PO Box 622, 105-1497 Admirals subscriptions, two issues per month, $25 per www.wsws.org --The World Socialist Web Site Road, Victoria, BC, V9A 2P8. 109-1022 Pandora Seniors Serving Seniors: year; free at local news stands, PO Bo 56072, is the Internet centre of the International Commit- Avenue, Victoria, BC V8V 3P5, phone 250-382- Vancouver, BC, V5L 5E2; email mag pie@lynx. tee of the Fourth International (ICFI). It provides Nanaimo-Cowichan New Democrats:Contact 4331. bc.ca. analysis of majorworld events, comments on president Sue Creba at 250-753-3371or email political, cultural, historical and philosophical is- her at [email protected]. South Island Health Coalition, an affiliate of the Victoria Street Newz: a montly independent sues, and valuable documents and studies from BC Health Coalition. If you’re concerned about ac- newspaper focussed on understanding the root the heritage of the socialistmovement. Saanich-Gulf Islands New Democrats: Con- cess, affordability and quality of health care in our causes and consequences of poverty. It’s sold tact president Starla Anderson by email at community, get involved by calling co-chairs Dale by vendors on Victoria’s streets, or by subscrip- starla­[email protected] orIrene Wright (Gulf Perkins at 250-592-5487 or Wendy Strong at 250- COMMUNITY RADIO tion. Archives and more information available at Commercial free commujnity radio, CFUV is Islands), by phone/fax 1-250-537-5347, or email 592-1222. relativenewz.ca. at [email protected]. located at 101.9 FM and 104.3 Cable, or visit http://www.cfuv.uvic.ca Together Against Poverty Society: 415-620 Victoria New Democrats: Contact president View Street, Victoria, BC, phone 250-361-3521. Marianne Alto at 250-370-9199, write to Box 5380, LCD9, Victoria, BC, V8R 6S4.or visit their Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Soci- website:www.victoriandp.ca. ety: Third floor, 535 Yates Street, Victoria, BC,