vol. 30:2 summer 2012

BETWEEN THE BETWEEN THE COVERS: Two-Eyed Seeing i s s u e s Ignorance is Strength?

an ecology action centre publication www.ecologyaction.ca

P M 4 0 0 5 0 2 0 4 Features BETWEEN THE

Two-Eyed Seeing / 16 ian ecology s action s centre u publication e s VOL. 30 NO. 2 table of contents

4 Action is Our Middle Name Ignorance is Strength? 5 Eco Briefs By Mike Ruxton / 18 8 Lives Lived: The National Round Table on Environment and Economy 1988-2013 By Mark Parent 10 Pain in the Drain By Heather Hunter 12 Destination 2012 By Ryan O’Quinn 14 Connecting Cyclists to their City By Tim Roberts 16 Two-Eyed Seeing By Sam Fraser 17 Action in Verse By Nanci Lee 18 Ignorance is Strength? By Erin Burbidge 20 Being Green: Green Parenting By Jonathan Rotsztain CONTRIBUTORS: EAC staff, Emma Boardman, Erin Burbidge, Sam Fraser, Louise Hanavan, 21 La Vie en Vert Heather Hunter, Nanci Lee, Mark Parent, 22 Ask Ecohead Ryan O’Quinn, Tim Roberts, Katrina Ross, Jonathan Rotsztain, Mike Ruxton 23 Seasonal Gourmet By Katrina Ross CONTENT EDITORS: Emma Boardman, Erin Burbidge, Sam Fraser, Louise Hanavan, Heather Hunter, Tim Roberts, Jonathan Rotsztain, Mike Ruxton COPY EDITORS: Louise Hanavan, Tiffany MacDonald, Tim Roberts, Mike Ruxton

ADVERTISING: Susan Johnstone EVENTS ILLUSTRATIONS: Sarah Burwash, Dylan Benautio, Sylvia Dove For more information, visit www.ecologyaction.ca

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Carlos Garduño, Louise Hanavan, Ryan O’Quinn, Brad MacInnis, Tim Roberts, Katrina Ross, Ashley Sprague, Carla Vandenberg EAC Annual General Meeting July 4, 2012, 7-9pm DESIGN AND PRODUCTION: Aaron Harpell, Bloomfield Centre’s Multipurpose Room Hammerhead Design Kejimkujik National Park 2nd Annual Dark Sky Weekend DISTRIBUTION: EAC staff, members and volunteers August 10, 2012 to August 12, 2012 COVER: Aaron Harpell EAC Annual Staff and Board Retreat To advertise in BTI, please contact [email protected]. Please contact Louise at [email protected] We support businesses working towards social and environmental for more information justice. October 21, 2012 Printed at Halcraft Printers on Chorus Art Paper, 50 percent recycled fibre, 25 percent post-consumer with vegetable based inks.

Between the Issues is published three times a year by the Ecology Action Centre, a charitable organization (PM Registration # 40050204). hot off the modem The Ecology Action Centre’s vision is of a society in NS which respects and protects nature and provides environmentally and economically sustainable solutions for its citizens. The EAC is a founding member of the EAC’s latest publications are available online at Canadian and Nova Scotia Environmental Networks. Views expressed in BTI are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent EAC or http://www.ecologyaction.ca/content/publications-resources its supporters. Ecology Action Centre 2705 Fern Lane Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 4L3 Active Transportation 101: p. (902) 429-2202 f. (902) 405-3716 www.ecologyaction.ca Bringing AT to Your Community and Developing an AT Plan Become a fan on Facebook ~ www.facebook.com/EcologyActionCentre Subscribe to our Twitter feed: EcologyAction pagethree letter from the centre

Renewed Vision in Blinding Times

The recent introduction of federal government since 1988. NRTEE will no Bill C-38 ushers in an era of scant fund- longer be funded as of April 2013. ing and lax environmental regulation, On a more hopeful note, Sam as federal policy seems to turn a blind Fraser offers a renewed vision for how eye to the environment. The hostile science is approached, as he gives light to Going to see a climate towards environmental NGOs a research methodology that integrates “ has grown so extreme that Canadian traditional and scientific knowledge Zuppa show is like environmental icon David Suzuki re- in “Two-Eyed Seeing.” In an interview being a child playing signed from the Board of Directors at with Mi’kmaq elder Albert Marshall, the David Suzuki Foundation in order Fraser finds an eye for both the spiritual make-believe: to speak out freely without jeopardizing and the physical in the environment. anything is possible the Foundation’s charitable status. This Nobody has a brighter vision for and profound June, the EAC joined over 500 other our environmental future than parents. groups across Canada in darkening its As Jonathan Rotsztain discovers in this observations arrive website “in defence of nature and de- issue’s “Being Green” column, parenting like fireflies in mocracy,” and will continue to stand in brings a new sense of purpose to pro- solidarity with the wider environmental tecting the environment. He interviews the dark.” community in Canada. three families who strive for sustain- - Laura Simpson, ability in their everyday lives in order The Chronicle Herald to reshape a society in which “children don’t need to be ‘environmentalists’ at zuppatheatre.com all.” Another parent brings environmen- talism home in this issue’s “La Vie en Vert,” where readers meet Janya Freer, a local mom who is at the cutting edge of a green birthday parties movement. Parents and citizens across Nova Sco- tia are stepping up to the plate in support of the environment. As Membership Coordinator Ryan O’Quinn reports in “Destination 2012,” the EAC’s growing number of members (soon to be 2,012!) bring the EAC to life, and demonstrate that the environment is a strong priority The BTI Team. for citizens even when federal policies In “Ignorance is Strength”, Erin make it seem otherwise. Burbridge explores one aspect of the Tim Roberts and Heather Hunter political climate in the environmental report on important issues-based work sector—the Orwellian control of fed- made possible by EAC members. Rob- eral research. Burbridge reports on the erts’ “Connecting Cyclists to their City” censorship of federal scientists, and the investigates the politics of creating impacts on Canadian science when cycling infrastructure in the Halifax knowledge sharing and free flow of in- area, while Hunter encourages citizens formation aren’t allowed to happen. Also and municipalities to be creative in their in this issue, Mark Parent, Vice-Chair of approaches to stormwater management. the National Roundtable on the Envi- As always, we hope that this issue of ronment and Economy (NRTEE), gives BTI will shed light on the issues, open a first-hand account of the challenges your eyes to new perspectives, and offer faced by a group that has been promot- renewed visions for a sustainable future! ing a sustainability agenda in the federal ~ BTI Editors action is our middle name farm focus (Food Action Committee) Heliotrust is establish- ing new field trials for selecting more disease-resistant potatoes and wheat. Raymond Loo of Springwillow Farm in P.E.I. is helping us Nova Scotia can inspire federal fossils out with the potato end of things. His family developed a blight-re- (Energy Issues Committee) In recent months, we completed Phase sistant potato called Island Sunshine. A group of farmers have been I of the Atlantic Canada Sustainable Energy Coalition project. Over collaborating with us to develop a less expensive hoop house that a six year period, collaboration between the EAC and like-minded is now easier to install and move. This hoop house will extend the groups throughout the region contributed to huge advancements production season. We worked with the Villeneuve Family Farm to in sustainable energy policy and practice in Atlantic Canada. Thanks build a low-cost carrot washer and Chestnut Acres Farm to build a in large part to that work, Nova Scotia is now home to Canada’s new kind of flame weeder based on work at the University of Wash- first independent energy efficiency agency, has some of the most ington. It is action all the time on the farm, especially with such an aggressive renewable energy targets in the country, and is one of early spring! the few jurisdictions in North America to have hard caps on emis- sions from its electricity sector. Phase II of the Atlantic Canada safe and sustainable communities (Transpor- Sustainable Energy Coalition project is gearing up now. The EIC will tation Issues Committee) Our new publication, Active Transportation be working with its partners to make Nova Scotia and the other 101: Bringing AT to Your Community and Developing an AT Plan, helps Atlantic provinces champions for sustainable energy policy at the guide you and your community or municipality through laying the national level, so the rest of Canada can learn and benefit from our groundwork for an AT-friendly environment. It was developed through achievements. a partnership between the Ecology Action Centre and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness. We also advocated strong safety, sustainable transportation and land-use elements in the Road Safety beaches and sheep (Coastal Issues Committee) We Action Plan, the Sustainable Transportation Strategy and the Child- are excited to participate in a five-year international partnership hood Obesity Prevention Strategy. project based on community conservation called the Partnership for Canadian Caribbean Community Climate Change Adaptation. Study sites are being set up in Jamaica, Tobago, Nova Scotia and brick by brick (Built Environment Committee) The Morris PEI and the project focuses on tourism and fisheries. Part of the House project is launching its website, morrishouse.ca, and it is project will include a Community Based Vulnerability As- looking for creative ways to sell bricks from historic prop- sessment to assess current and future community erties and to raise money to support its placement and vulnerabilities to climate change. Our Coastal and an addition to the building. We continue to develop a Restoration Coordinators were whisked to sunny standard survey to use with businesses and service Tobago this month to meet with project stake- providers located on the fringe, to examine hous- holders and discuss general project goals. In ing locations and transportation habits. The Our other news, Groundswell is gaining momen- HRM Alliance—now with a membership of 39 or- tum with two new wells, including one at Ross ganizations—continues to provide input to HRM Farm. The groundwater team enjoyed a tour of on the RP+5 process and Centre Plan. The EAC is the farm, and several sheep are now trained in cognizant of the balance it must strike between groundwater monitoring. density, height, and community consultation. The HRM has expressed reserved support for density bo- nusing, which allows developers to add two more stories hooks, longlines and sinkers to the height of a building if they provide some sort of pre- (Marine Issues Committee) We’re busier than ever with authorized community good, but asserts that more complete public proposed changes to the federal Fisheries Act, presentations to consultation is necessary before the plan proceeds. the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Devel- opment, and contemplation of the many cuts to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. In May, we held the final meeting of the bill should live up to its “good” name Eastern Scotian Shelf Integrated Management Advisory Commit- (Wilderness Issues Committee) We were shocked to see the tee, an initiative we worked on with others for over a decade to contents, or lack thereof, of the recently passed and dubiously implement the Oceans Act and achieve better management of titled Good Forestry Management on Crown Lands Act. The bill our ocean environment. Suffice it to say that we are disappointed. was intended to change the way forest companies access wood Luckily, our work on sustainable seafood is starting to pay off. The from crown land, from seemingly endless lease agreements to Chedabucto Bay Trap-Caught Shrimp winter fishery was successful. short-term license agreements, with provisions for sub-licensing Off the Hook delivered sustainably harvested, directly traceable fish with value-added hardwood producers—progressive steps for- to restaurants, retailers and wholesalers in Halifax and Toronto in ward that the EAC supports. But the name of the bill was inap- March and April, and it is gearing up for a long season of fresh, fair propriate and problematic. Any bill with such a lofty title needs fish. The fight against open-net pen fish farming continues to heat more substance than just minor tweaks to be credible, such as up in Nova Scotia—native Atlantic salmon, the lobster fishery and mechanisms for public engagement in how our crown lands are basic democratic processes are at stake. After a lengthy battle, the managed and rules to reduce clearcutting and improve forest Canadian longline swordfish was certified by the Marine Steward- harvesting practices. The EAC fought for the inclusion of such ship Council. The fishery kills 35,000 sharks and up to 500 sea turtles provisions in the Law Amendments Committee, but we were each year. Our fight led to some strict conditions on the fishery to ultimately rejected. As with many forest policy initiatives prom- improve, and a growing awareness from retailers that not all “green” ised by this government, we are left waiting for the progressive labels can be trusted. A small victory, but we’ll take it! changes they keep saying are coming... eventually… down the road… soon… pagefive eco briefs

By Mike Ruxton

Bumbling Honeys • Exposure to thiamethoxam severely Clothianidin-treated corn seed is cur- compromises homing abilities in forag- rently banned in Germany. The pesticide industry produces ing honey bees. Pettis et al, Naturwissenschaften, chemicals that supposedly protect plants • Exposing bumble bees to imidaclo- 2012 Feb; 99(2):153-8 Henry et al, Science, from pests. The pests are the enemy. prid greatly compromises hive colony v. 336, 20 Apr 2012, pp. 348-350 Systemic pesticides mimic the defense growth rates and queen bee produc- Goulson et al, Science, mechanism of many organisms by mak- tion. v. 336, 20 Apr 2012, pp. 351-352 ing the treated plant poisonous to the • The method used to plant neonic- Tapparo et al, Environ. Sci. Technol., pest. The plant is infused with the pes- treated seed produces dust clouds that 2012, 46 (5), pp. 2592–2599 ticide, and any pest that feeds on the are highly toxic to foraging honeybees. plant ingests the pesticide. For this ap- The research points to flaws in the Blood Sucking proach to be effective, the poison must approval process for pesticides. Honey act quickly to minimize damage the pest bees aren’t necessarily killed outright by In the 1990s, several mammals pre- viously unknown to science were dis- covered in the Annamite Mountains on the border between Vietnam and Laos. These included the saola, the Truong Son muntjac deer, and the Annamite striped rabbit. Scientists have been us- ing camera traps to photograph the local wildlife. Leeches are a recent addition to their monitoring repertoire. The idea evolved from a Copenhagen Zoo expedition monitoring and tracking tapirs in Malaysia; a team member was at-

Sarah Burwash tacked by leeches, a very common expe- rience. Veterinarian Mads Bertelsen and the team discussed the leech attack and elaborated on the possibilities. Bertelsen contacted Thomas Gilbert of the Cen- might inflict. Bees, however, aren’t pests; exposure to neonicotinoids, but their tre for GeoGenetics at the University of they provide a service to the plants. But abilities to forage, reproduce, and fight Copenhagen with the idea, and a proof- what is poisonous to pests is also typi- infections are potentially highly com- of-concept experiment with medicinal cally poisonous to bees. The nature of promised. leeches showed that goat DNA survived systemic pesticides means the pesticide Many groups have called for the ban- in the leeches for at least four months. also ends up in the nectar and pollen of ning of neonics. In March, commercial Gilbert e-mailed Nicholas Wilkin- the plants. Pesticide regulation is sup- beekeepers and environmental organiza- son, a Vietnam-based wildlife ecologist posed to mitigate the harm to bees by tions (represented by the Center for Food with the University of Cambridge, U.K. ensuring the pesticide does not kill bees. Safety) petitioned the U.S. Environmen- and asked for some leeches. Wilkinson The most common systemic pesti- tal Protection Agency to ban clothiani- collected twenty-five leeches from the cides are known as neonicotinoids, or din, another neonic, immediately. Quang Nam Saola Nature Reserve in the neonics, because they have nicotine-like properties. Neonics are bad for bees, no question, but the pesticide manufactur- ers argue that the exposure levels that bees encounter are not harmful. Numer- ous recent studies call that claim into question. Here are a few examples. • Exposure to imidacloprid weakens honey bees resistance to the fungal para- site Nosema. Sarah Burwash Annamite Range and sent them to Co- penhagen. Gilbert’s team found mam- mal DNA in 21 of the 25 leeches; four had fed on the Annamite striped rabbit, one on the Truong Son muntjac deer, six on the small-toothed ferret-badger, and three on the serow. This was the first evi- dence that the ferret-badger lived within the reserve. The Annamite striped rabbit and Truong Soc muntjac deer are so rare they are listed as Data Deficient by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. The leech method is not specific enough to provide information on an Florida naturalists started to find range of biodiversity. All subjects had animal’s population size, but it will help Burmese pythons in the wild in the early participated seven years earlier in a com- delineate population range. The Wild- 1980s. By 2000, the Burmese python prehensive childhood allergy study and life Conservation Society in New York was an established species. It breeds in had lived their whole lives in one home. intends to include leeches in its upcom- the early spring, the female typically Hanski’s team looked at four ques- ing surveys on the Laos side of the An- laying a clutch of 12 to 36 eggs. Now, tions: the relationship between environ- namite Range. each year ENP staff are removing more mental biodiversity and the community Nature, v. 484, issue 7395, 23 April 2012, than 200 Burmese pythons from the of microbes living on participants; the Ewen Callaway Centre for GeoGenetics, wild. In June 2006, Florida applied to relationship between allergic hypersensi- University of Copenhagen, get the Burmese python included in tivity and environmental biodiversity in 24 April 2012 press release the vicinity of the subjects’ homes; the Current Biology, Volume 22, Issue 8, the injurious wildlife regulations under relationship between atopy and subject R262-R263, 24 April 2012 the Lacey Act. This would prohibit the importation and interstate transporta- microbiota; and the relationship be- tween skin microbiota and the health of Bone Crushing tion of live snakes or viable eggs. Public hearings and environmental assessments participants’ immune systems. followed in due course, and in January The study found several interesting The wildlife in the Florida Everglades of this year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife correlations. Allergies were related to the has been transmogrified; evidence is Service finalized the listing for the Bur- neighbourhood biodiversity; the greater much stronger than circumstantial. In mese python, the yellow anaconda and proximity to forests and farms and na- the 1990s, raccoons, opossums and rab- the northern and southern African py- tive flowering plants, the lower the prev- bits were the most common road kill in thons. All four species have been found alence of allergies. On the other hand, the Everglades National Park (ENP). in the ENP. those living in urban environments or Raccoons, the bandits of thousands of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service press release, near bodies of water had significantly campsites across the continent, are not January 17, 2012 Andy Coghlan, New Scientist, higher levels of allergies. One striking a nuisance in the ENP today. Naturalists January 31, 2012 result was the strong negative correlation haven’t seen a rabbit in years; opossums Dorcas et al, PNAS, January 30, 2012 between diversity of gammaproteobac- are scarce; bobcat and deer populations Gade & Puckett, USGS blog, February 6, 2012 teria on the skin and allergic hypersen- have been decimated. sitivity. The presence of one particular The agent of this transmogrification Skin Crawling gammaproteobacteria, Acinetobacter, is the Burmese python. In 2005, you was a particularly strong predictor of al- could purchase one as a pet for $20. As Remember the hygiene hypothesis, lergic sensitivity. a young pet, they are apparently easygo- that a lack of early childhood exposure Hanski conjectures that the diversity ing, but they consume large amounts of to common environmental microbes of microbes sharing our lives also influ- food, and they quickly become difficult is strongly correlated with allergies? A ences other diseases such as asthma and to handle and house. An adult Burmese team of Finnish researchers led by Ilkka even depression. The study was specific python, at almost 4 metres in length, Hanski has now proposed the biodiver- to Finland, and Hanski encourages re- is difficult for a lone human adult to sity hypothesis, which states that contact searchers around the world to replicate handle. Do not leave a Burmese python with a biodiverse environment is impor- his study in their local environments to alone with a child—they are opportu- tant for the development of a healthy determine how general his results are. nistic feeders. Owners of Burmese py- immune system. Hanski and his col- Rachel Nuwer, Science, 7 May 2012 thons often resolve their inconvenience leagues chose their subjects at random Hanski et al, PNAS, May 7, 2012 by releasing the snake into the wild. from a region of Finland with a wide Mark Kinver, BBC News online, May 8, 2012 pageseven

Grants of $500 per school are available from Agriculture’s school Nova Scotia now has a community garden project to build and maintain a garden. For more information, feed-in tariff (COMFIT) for locally call us or visit www.gov.ns.ca/agri/agaware based renewable electricity projects. To be eligible, the projects must be community For more information on new protected wilderness areas, a list of owned and connected to the distribution grid. additions, and our goal of protecting 12 per cent of Nova Scotia’s land This unique Nova Scotian program will promote by 2015, visit www.gov.ns.ca/nse/12percent community power in our province. Call us for more info or download the PDF: www.gov.ns.ca/econ/cedif/docs/introduction_ to_the_comfit_program.pdf

We made roads safer for cyclists through bike safety legislation, including the one-metre rule. The legislation includes specific requirements for both drivers and cyclists. You can download a PDF of the one-metre rule information card: www.gov.ns.ca/tran/roadsafety/ onemetre.asp

Leonard Maureen Howard Preyra, MLA MacDonald Epstein, MLA A strong voice for sustainability Halifax Citadel MLA, Halifax Needham Halifax Chebucto - Sable Island maureenmacdonald.ca howardepstein.ca and the environment. preyra.ca 444-3238 455-2926 425-8521

Action on renewable energy, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, pesticides, wilderness protection, bike safety, energy efficiency and buying local. Lives Lived: The National Round Table on Environment and Economy 1988-2013 By Mark Parent

dation of the Roundtable, began to creep in. However, the challenge of en- vironmental and economic sustainabil- ity proved to be too important for the work of the NRTEE to be sidetracked by political considerations. Under the leadership of Dr. Robert Page and David McLaughlin, the organization began an ambitious publication schedule, focus- The Birth and Mandate sustainable operation of governments ing on the challenges of climate change. and businesses. With the vision of sus- This multi-year series of publications Founded in 1988, the National tainability becoming more entrenched examined issues such as carbon pricing Roundtable on the Environment and within the Canadian social fabric, the policies, the impact of climate change the Economy (NRTEE) was Canada’s Roundtable moved on to examine issues on Northern Canada, and ways to tran- response to a call by the United Nations of water quality and availability, as well sition to a low carbon future. It also for all countries to re-examine the en- as to publish several reports on the im- provided suggestions on how businesses vironmental challenges facing the planet portance of preserving our biodiversity. could build resilience in the face of the and to formulate creative solutions. In In 1993, the work of the Round- challenges brought by climate change. his comments at the creation of this new table materialized in a legislative bill A joint project with the Canadian Geo- advisory board, Prime Minister Brian announced by the Honourable Jean graphic Society exposed thousands of Mulroney stated that the “Round Table Charest. In the NRTEE Act, the unique school children to accessible and impor- will be providing leadership in the new leadership role of the Roundtable was tant information regarding the changes way we must think about the relation- underscored, as the Act noted that “the that Canadians from coast to coast may ship between the environment and the purpose of the Round Table is to play experience from climate change. economy and the new way which we the role of catalyst in identifying, ex- must act.” plaining and promoting, in all sectors Different Directions For twenty-four years, the NRTEE of Canadian society and in all regions of has responded to this mandate with in- Canada, principles and practices of sus- This new burst of energy was well novative research, the assembly of orga- tainable development.” received by the business community nizations and individuals in the fields of across Canada but somewhat skeptically the environment and the economy, and The Environmental Costing by the funding body for the NRTEE— the provision of top-quality advice to of Economic Activities the federal government. The position governments and businesses. of the NRTEE was changed, and many The fact that this independent, In 2003, the NRTEE set out to assign would say downgraded, when the board but federally financed, board report- economic indicators to Canada’s natural stopped reporting directly to the Prime ed directly to the Prime Minister of resources. The goal of this project was to Minister and began reporting to the Canada demonstrated its prominence ascertain whether current economic ac- Minister of the Environment. and importance, particularly within tivities were threatening long term envi- Increasingly, it seemed that the the Canadian government.As such, it ronmental sustainability. At the heart of Roundtable and the federal government counted high-ranking business people, this project was the question of whether were going in different directions. While academics and political leaders among the GDP was the proper measurement the federal government condemned any its members. for economic progress or whether some sort of carbon pricing and opted for sec- other, more inclusive, yardstick could do tor-by-sector regulation, the Roundtable Sustainable Governance a better job of supporting economic ac- touted the benefits of a national carbon and Development tivity and environmental protection. pricing system. While the Roundtable As the NRTEE moved into its ado- preached the benefits of sustainabil- In its early years, the publications lescence, it began to experience some ity, the Federal government increasingly of the Roundtable focused on envi- growing pains. Political partisanship, came to see sustainability as a hobbling ronmental governance and attaining which had been absent during the foun- of economic productivity. While the pagenine NRTEE trumpeted the importance of Granted, the recognition that eco- biodiversity and protection of water, the nomic prosperity and environmental government increasingly seemed to be care must go hand in hand has grown. turning a deaf ear to environmental con- Even political leaders such as Wildrose cerns. Federal political support for the leader Danielle Smith have had to admit Roundtable began to wane. Appoint- that climate change is a reality and that nice moves ments to the board were not made and economic progress can only be sustained its membership was reduced. when this is taken into account. Unfor- However, the NRTEE continued its tunately, there are still many whose vi- work. Accordingly, when Minister Peter sion is attenuated and who see concern Kent asked the NRTEE to look at pro- for the environment and concern for the vincial contributions to climate change economy as mutually exclusive. They along with the value of using the life cy- may mouth the words when they have cle approach (LCA) within government, to, but in their hearts, they do not sup- staff and members responded with en- port the vision of sustainability. thusiasm by working hard to provide these additional reports to the govern- Life After Death ment by the April 2012 deadline. When the final eulogy is written, Preparing for Death therefore, the conclusion regarding the twenty-five year life of the NRTEE will Sadly, right before these reports were be that a lot was accomplished, but more juleschamberlain due to be released to Minister Kent, still needed to be done. If the NRTEE agentimmobilier/realtor® the 2012 Federal budget disclosed that were an individual rather than an orga- 902 817 6007 legislation to cut the NRTEE would be nization, the obituary heading would [email protected] brought to the Canadian Parliament as include these words—“the untimely www.juleschamberlain.ca of April 2013. The death of the NRTEE death.” was announced as one of several cost The positive note in all this, though, saving measures, although many indi- is that the NRTEE did not invent the viduals pointed out that for a five mil- idea of sustainability. In spite of naysay- lion dollar budget, the government re- ers, it remains true that economic prog- ceived value for money. ress cannot exist apart from strong en- The media noted the demise of the vironment stewardship. Sooner or later, NRTEE, but other issues such as the even the die-hard obscurantists will have cutting of the civil service overshadowed to figure this out. When they do, and its untimely death. Moreover, because perhaps even before, the NRTEE may the NRTEE is a legislated body with be brought back to life and continue its its own Act, the organization could not important national mission. be terminated as quickly as other orga- Mark Parent has a long history of in- nizations and boards. It is possible that volvement in issues related to the environ- when the NRTEE is finally put to rest ment and the economy. He served in the in 2013, there will be a lot of discus- House of Assembly in Nova Scotia between sion across the country on what a short- 1999 and 2009. As provincial Minister of sighted decision this has been. Environment and Labour, he was instru- In the meantime, the staff and board mental in bringing forward an innova- are working hard to finish reports and to tive bill on economic and environmental preserve the unique and important in- sustainability. While he served as Minis- tellectual property that has been built up ter of Agriculture, he championed local over twenty-four years. It would be nice agriculture and encouraged the industry to say that we had done our work and to move towards long term sustainability. were no longer needed (the rationale The Nature Trust Society of Nova Scotia given by the Minister of Finance when recognized Mr. Parent’s leadership in land he announced that the NRTEE would conservation by awarding him their Con- no longer be funded), but unfortunately servation Award for 2009. He is currently this is not the case. Vice-Chair of the NRTEE. Pain in the Drain By Heather Hunter

hydrological cycle, including the pro- ground was put there several decades cesses of evaporation, transpiration, con- ago,” he says, “and maintenance and densation, precipitation, surface runoff replacement needs are ramping up.” He and percolation. This natural water cycle adds, “Climate change is also having an is disrupted by human intervention. In impact on the issue because our weather urban landscapes in particular, imper- patterns are changing, resulting in in- vious surfaces such as roofs, roads and creasing volumes of precipitation and parking lots render the land unable to increasing intensity of rainfall events. absorb water. Instead, stormwater runs Winters have been milder, resulting in over streets and sidewalks and along the less storage of precipitation as snow and way becomes polluted with oil, garbage, ice, making for shifting hydrological fertilizers, pesticides and other contami- patterns for which stormwater manage- nants. Stormwater transports hundreds ment systems were neither designed nor of pollutants, many of which may be constructed.” harmful to both humans and the en- vironment. Unlike sewage wastewater, Enhancing your individual Ashley Sprague stormwater is often not treated before it stormwater management enters our waterways. practices The last time you were caught in While good stormwater management a downpour, jumping over sidewalk has always been important, it is now be- Cameron offered these tips: rivulets and trying not to get splashed ing seen as more of a hot-button issue by passing cars, perhaps your thoughts as people gain a better understanding • Retain as much natural land cover didn’t automatically jump to where does of the impact on environments, includ- on your property as possible (that is, do all this water go? What contaminants ing erosion, removal or destruction of not cover the ground with asphalt or might be in it? But stormwater, the fish and wildlife habitat. Stormwater concrete unless necessary).Direct the rainwater and melted snow that runs pollution also causes direct damage to downspouts (eaves troughs, foundation off roads, lawns, roofs and other hard fish and other aquatic organisms. We drains, sump pumps, and so on) from surfaces, merits some real environmen- understand that stormwater needs to your house onto the surface of your tal action. Stormwater often contains be managed—efforts should be made property for drainage into the ground, motor oil, gasoline, sediment, fertilizer to reduce contaminants in street run- or at least ensure that they are not con- and other contaminants which damage off, and there should be some treatment nected to the wastewater sewer system. natural aquatic habitats. Without prop- before stormwater joins up with natural • Store and manage waste materials er stormwater management practices, waterways. In addition, we understand properly so that they do not flow into serious environmental and economic that we should avoid directing storm- storm sewers, swales, and so on during consequences,such as erosion and loss of water into wastewater systems (that is, a storm. This includes covering dirt piles habitat can result. sewers that handle wastewater from toi- and removing litter and pet waste. lets, tubs, laundry, and so forth) because • Landscape your property with Cameron Deacoff, an Environmental wastewater systems are not designed to plants and other materials that are na- Performance Officer with the Halifax treat stormwater flows. During heavy tive to where you live. These have fewer Regional Municipality, took some time rainfall events, treatment processes can needs for fertilizers and pesticides, which to explain why we should be giving this fail as throughput exceeds the capacity should be used sparingly if at all. issue some major consideration and of- of treatment facilities, resulting in un- • Support fees for stormwater man- fered some steps that we can take at in- treated overflows. Other risks associated agement. These services benefit you and dividual and municipal levels to improve with poor stormwater management in- the environment. our stormwater management practices. clude flooding, basement backups, and At a municipal policy level, there are Why you should care about associated property and financial losses. many steps that cities and towns in N.S. storm water management The importance of stormwater man- can take to improve stormwater man- agement is not going to decline. Cam- agement practices. Recommendations eron explains that aging infrastructure include: Water is a finite resource. Fortunate- is making the issue more serious to- • Having your town or city conduct ly, it is efficiently conserved through the day. “Much of the infrastructure in the a review of water-related issues within pageeleven

their jurisdictions and those jurisdic- tation Unit,” which is a generic term for a permanent part of our “environmental tions shared with neighbouring munici- any system designed to remove targeted consciousness.” palities. contaminants. In general, any system • Ensuring that municipal urban de- that removes solids such as gravel, sand Take Action sign and planning jointly consider water and silt, and floating materials like oils quality and water quantity along with and trash should be adequate. At con- Keep as much natural land cover land use and transportation. struction sites, regulations prevent con- on your property as possible • Devoting some attention to retro- struction waste water from being direct- Landscape with native plants fitting issues in older urban areas and ly joined to drainage systems or sewer and avoid using pesticides not focusing all attention towards im- systems. Hazardous wastes are tightly proving development practices in new controlled with spill plans in place, and Direct downspouts from your “greenfield” areas. after construction has finished, the site house so that stormwater drains Some municipalities such as the City must be cleaned up to prevent excess into your lawn and does not of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Vic- gravel, dirt and pollutants from entering connect to your wastewater sewer system toria, B.C., have begun implementing natural waterways. progressive by-laws to counter stormwa- Stormwater management practices Ask your city or town counselor ter pollution. In Cambridge, significant may vary across municipalities, and to make improving stormwater investments in catch-basin cleaning, depending on existing infrastructure, management a priority street sweeping and urban forestry pro- different levels of investment may be re- Check out the EAC’s blog at grams have been made. quired. However, the first step is to raise www.stormwatercentral.ca In Victoria, by-laws have been passed our level of awareness about the issue. To for more information on for businesses as well as construction reduce harm to our natural waterways innovative stormwater and development sites. Businesses must and our overall ecological footprint, management practices be fitted with a “Storm Water Rehabili- stormwater management must become and policies. Destination 2012 By Ryan O’Quinn

China!” “I hate composting because of the fruit flies!” “Ecology Action Cen- tre. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I get it. Birds bees trees. Whaddaya want?” The team have seen deer and fox burrows in our latest neighbourhood. One time in December, it was so cold—so very cold—that when speaking to a woman on her porch, I couldn’t see her. At all. She had her porch light on above and whenever I spoke, my breath was frozen fog distorting her face. Creating a rapport can prove to be challenging in such conditions! Susan, now a legend on our team, has been spending time at the both the

Ryan O’Quinn Historic and Seaport Farmers Market. Seasoned EAC canvasser, Scott Biggar, tells Carolyn Skerry (and Jetson the Every week, Susan enjoys interacting dog) all about the EAC. with our long time members, as well as our new members. Sometimes she bumps into members at the market that Any time the door opens, you never sure that our 2012 goal is just around she had met only nights before in their know who’s going to be there. Is it going the corner. neighbourhood. For one of the largest to be a mother in the middle of cooking “Bigger social change has his- municipalities in the world—equivalent dinner for her kids after a long day of torically been driven by groups to the size of P.E.I.—the HRM is sur- work? Or a couple just sitting down to of people who have the “strong prisingly small at times. One of Susan’s enjoy an after-dinner glass of wine while ties” that come from face-to-face favourite memories was being welcomed listening to classical music? Or will there contact and relationship building, be a giant stampede of dogs and cats try- since they are then willing to make ing to escape their home once the door the bigger personal investments is opened? These scenarios are everyday and risks necessary to force real occurences for our EAC membership change.” Meet Scott: canvassers. From Revenge of the Beaver: For the first time in EAC history, a Building Power in the Age of the Hobby: Plucking metal strings on wood and year-round membership support and Canadian Culture War sometimes people clap. awareness campaign is in full swing. by Matt Price Our dynamic team of committed and Favorite food: passionate EAC membership canvassers Being the EAC Membership Coor- Ryan O’Quinn’s pizza have now been to nearly every neigh- dinator is truly fantastic and satisfying. bourhood in the Halifax Regional Mu- With years of previous fundraising ex- Favorite Canvassing moment: nicipality. Team members have spent perience for campaigns with multiple Receiving a bag of chips at a door, hours knocking on doors, fumbling international non-profits, this is my first 5 days before Halloween. with numb hands and frozen pens in the opportunity to work directly for the depths of a -20 degree Celsius Canadian cause, in the centre of change where the Loves most about winter. They’ve hidden under trees in action happens. It is amazing to meet EAC/Environment: the rain, chased after escaped house pets, incredible new people every night, speak Bilbo the magic office dog, being able to cycle out of the city to camp walked hundreds of kilometres and spo- on behalf of the EAC and engage the cit- and how the EAC is making this more ken to thousands of people in the past izens of Nova Scotia with conversations accessible for everyone! eight months. Driving the team is a goal about our environment. of obtaining 2012 members in this year There is never a dull moment. Future goals: of 2012. We’ve now achieved a record We’ve heard hilarious comments at the More musical touring, helping 1700 members, and with the continued door. Some of our favourites include, the province meet its renewable support from our community, we are “I HATE when my garlic comes from energy targets pagethirteen

Take Action into a new member’s home for two cups directed towards environmental organi- Watch Ryan chat about EAC membership with Three Sheet of hot tea on a -15 degree Celsius eve- zations, the challenges we face are great http://bit.ly/LOx31V ning. Small gestures speak volumes! but not insurmountable. Our members One of the greatest pleasures of in- allow us to rise to this challenge. troducing the concept of supporting the As a membership-based organization, EAC through membership is hearing our members are a major source of our stories from people in their communi- inspiration. At one time in EAC his- ties and all the amazing things they do tory, it was only our members who kept to make a difference. One woman we the organization alive. Our members met had just raised enough money for a provide insight and feedback, and they lung transplant for her neighbour and is fuel our work to continue striving for a into their homes for tea and all our new heavily involved with three other com- more sustainable and environmentally members who have given us their atten- munity groups while being a mother conscious Nova Scotia. It’s amazing to tion and have chosen to become active and working part time. The amount of meet complete strangers who were un- with the EAC. Your stories, hospitality dedication and compassion that people familiar with the EAC, inform them of and kindness keep our spirits high and display in times of adversity is awe- our various committees’ efforts and then provide the fodder we need to seek out inspiring. And right now, in 2012, we see them volunteering less than a week our 2012th member. are experiencing times of environmental later, becoming engaged, active mem- Ryan O’Quinn has been EAC’s Mem- adversity. With massive cuts at Environ- bers. We’re excited to see who we meet bership Coordinator since August 2011 ment Canada, a weakening commit- next and how they will fit in our diverse, and recently discovered he likes fiddleheads. ment to protecting our environment at active environmental community. When he’s not at the EAC, he’s onstage per- the federal level, and only two percent Our membership team would like forming with local hip-hop “Quinn-tet” of donations accrued in Canada being to thank everyone who has invited us Three Sheet.

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www.hammerheaddesign.ca Connecting Cyclists to their City By Tim Roberts

Discussion leads to debate

One proposed Crosstown Connector route stands out when you look at a map of the Halifax Peninsula. The “Agricola route” is long, straight and central. It runs by hospitals and uni- versities. It offers access to downtown and Dartmouth. It skirts tourist attrac- tions from Point Pleasant Park through the Hydrostone Market. It is bus-free and relatively flat, which is saying some-

Tim Roberts thing in Nova Scotia. Beyond all that, Brent Halverson is trying to increase discussion between cyclists and potentially affected HRM’s bike counts affirmed the Agri- businesses to secure the best solution for all parties. cola route is already the most popular route among cyclists. This makes the final selection sound A certainty arising from discussions trend, and city planners foresee a more like an easy decision. The HCC has about the Crosstown Connector is that vertical downtown core. championed the Agricola route from the Halifax Regional Municipality won’t Increasing population density re- outset and hasn’t been alone in doing please everyone. Brent Halverson fears quires consideration of how people will so. Public consultations held this past HRM will try to do exactly that. get around. HRM’s Active Transporta- spring revealed the Agricola route was “Often when there are infrastructure tion Plan has long foreseen an increase the top choice of 60 percent of partici- discussions, you have two or more sides in cycling, but such an increase requires pants. and the city tries to meet the needs of improved cycling infrastructure. A number of Agricola Street busi- both sides,” Halverson says. “But you That’s largely why, when the Halifax nesses, however, voiced concerns. Chief can end up with a plan that doesn’t meet Cycling Coalition (“HCC”) had Coun- among them was the potential loss of on- the needs of either side and you’re stuck cillor Jennifer Watts present a petition to street parking. The Agricola route, in its with this infrastructure that you then HRM Council on July 6, 2010, a peti- current version, would eliminate street have to live with.” tion which favoured a north-south bike parking on one side of the street from The potential for such a non-solution corridor , the city was quick to approve Cunard Street through North Street and has led Halverson, a devoted cyclist and the idea in principle. would eliminate street parking on both an employee at a small business on Hali- As noted in a report for Council sides from North Street through Young fax’s Agricola Street, to facilitate dia- dated November 2, 2010, the HCC Street. logues between groups as the city’s final proposal “was very much in line with Business owners say a significant part decision approaches. Council-approved policy in the AT of their revenue comes from custom- But will increased discussion between Plan.” Further, HRM’s Traffic and Right ers driving to their businesses from off the most vocal groups on the topic result of Way Services had already viewed such the peninsula. Without a place to park, in the best outcome for cyclists, busi- a bike corridor (dubbed “the Crosstown the argument goes, such patrons might nesses and the city itself? Connector”) as a city priority. spend their money elsewhere. Following the November 2, 2010 The HCC says the business com- A good start, stalled report, which supported implementa- munity’s on-street parking argument tion of the corridor by the end of 2011, implies cyclists lack the spending power The Halifax Peninsula measures only the city went into data-collection mode. possessed by drivers. To counter this im- 7.5km in length and 3.3km at its widest HRM eventually suggested five poten- plication, the HCC organized a series of point but is home to more than 60,000 tial paths for the Crosstown Connector “cash mobs” whereby cyclists convened residents. The peninsular population to follow. on a shop with cash in hand as a sign swells with the daily influx of workers The ensuing discussion about the of support for businesses along the Agri- and annual influx of students, and this “best” Crosstown Connector route is cola route. It was a nice gesture in what density is only going to increase; HRM now threatening to delay implementa- has occasionally been a snippy debate. is following the national urbanization tion past the 2013 construction season. One may wonder, however, if the pagefifteen

Take Action

Participate in HRM’s summer discussions about where the city’s north-south motorized traffic or the Connector to of the city’s best intentions. The EAC’s corridor should run rely on calmer side streets running par- Janet Barlow sits on HRM’s Active and how it should look. allel with the peninsula’s busier streets. Transportation Advisory Board and feels “This proposed [Agricola] route seems Check out www.halifax.ca/ the delay regarding the final Crosstown cycling/index.html for updated to be for the existing commuter base,” Connector decision will be significantly information. Halverson says. “And they’re taxpayers reduced when the time comes to inte- promoting a healthier lifestyle, so it can grate more bike lanes on the peninsula. If you’re eligible to vote be justified. But most regular commut- “I think HRM is being careful to in HRM’s October 20, 2012 ers are already used to being in traffic.” determine the proper decision-making election, go to the voting booth “My opinion is now that it’s more informed about the process,” Barlow says. “If it was repeated candidates’ positions on important to create safe areas to bike for every time, we’d be in trouble, but hope- the Crosstown Connector. people who currently aren’t comfortable fully it will be more streamlined in the in traffic. Once we build up a greater future.” population of cyclists, then more infra- MacIsaac confirms the city’s delibera- structure will follow.” tion has been with an eye towards ensur- attention focused on Agricola Street ing the best choice. On that front, the businesses and the HCC positions has The silver lining issue is coming back to the public for reduced the Crosstown Connector dis- of a slow process further input. cussion to a public debate about street “We left the internal consultation parking. The ongoing debate explains how a component of the timeline intentionally devoted bike corridor originally intend- vague,” MacIsaac says. “The initial pub- Trying to see the forest ed for implementation in 2011 still hasn’t lic consultations revealed, among other for the trees come to fruition. Progress this summer things, that people are looking for more is vital if we want to see construction be- detail, so we’re looking at two or three Brent Halverson is a bike advocate gin next year. David MacIsaac, the city’s more opportunities for public engage- who works at an Agricola Street bike TDM Supervisor, confirms that tender- ment in June and July.” shop, a business likely to benefit from ing for 2013 construction requires ap- So if you see yourself (or people you a dedicated bike route travelling past its proval from Regional Council by the fall care about) cycling on the Halifax Pen- front door. But he isn’t convinced the of 2012. insula in the future, turn your mind to Agricola route should be the Crosstown This timeline could be tricky. HRM how you think it should work. Then let Connector-elect. staff have just considered the original HRM know how you feel. He’s spoken with nearby businesses public consultation sessions, and their How should the city connect Hali- who explain they’re already maximiz- recommendations need approval from fax’s North End to its South End for ing their on-street profit and who are the city’s Transportation Standing Com- cyclists? Connect to your city and have far more dependent on bulk delivery mittee and the Peninsula Community your say. of goods for their businesses. These are Council before they reach Regional Tim Roberts used to commute by bike often small businesses with little margin Council. on Edmonton’s straight wide streets. He for loss, concerned about the effect of The lengthy process, however, may currently finds Metro Transit’s door-to- bike lanes on delivery zones. simply have been an unintentional result door service too convenient to pass up. Knowing central Halifax is subject to potential development, Halverson is wary of change that could lead to busi- nesses moving elsewhere and potential alteration of Agricola Street’s character. Halverson also wonders if the debate about parking and deliveries overshad- ows what cyclists are agreeing to if the Agricola route goes through as planned: painted lines on both sides of the street. Tim Roberts Halverson would prefer either a two- Agricola Street: a cyclist’s haven at its northern tip with increased hazards closer way bike lane physically separated from to downtown. Two-Eyed Seeing By Sam Fraser

You know the feeling. It happens transcendent feeling of interconnected- Netukulimk teaches us that every liv- deep in the forest, atop hills and moun- ness with all life forms”? ing thing is both physical and spiritual. tains with wide vistas, in a canoe on a But there is a word, in use for count- If we can engage fully with the environ- river or a sailboat on the ocean. You less generations, that encapsulates this ment, we can learn from the spiritual could be standing next to running wa- complex emotion, as well as the need world. Each individual is given a special ter, noticing the green growth around for sustainability to ensure the survival knowledge and understanding from this you, insects dashing across your vision. of creation: Netukulimk. Netukulimk is spirituality. We then have a responsi- The smell of everything. You could be a Mi’kmaq word that is a guiding prin- bility to share this knowledge with our on your back outside at midnight, gaz- ciple of indigenous culture. Broadly, it community so that we can learn to re- ing up at the unfathomable heavens. means treating nature with respect and duce our impact on the world made by You sense the presence of mammals, reverence, acknowledging our responsi- the Creator and to care for those who are fish and birds, though they are hid- bility and committing to reciprocity. It incapacitated. den from your view. Everything moves, means being open to the spiritual un- Marshall says there is a need to spread ticks and hums in time with the rhythm derstanding that we can receive from this understanding into the dominant of the universe, and you are both par- creation. How can we move toward ben- mainstream culture. Our materialism ticipant and observer. You are aware of efiting from the principles of Netuku- has caused us to over-exploit our natu- the natural processes occurring around limk? Through Two-Eyed Seeing. ral resources. Our environment is being you that last years, centuries, millennia, decimated across the globe to extract re- minutes. You feel at home in this en- sources needed to fuel our species’ con- vironment, a natural participant in the tinued expansion. Netukulimk teaches life around you, in harmony with the us how to take only what is necessary for world’s music. our survival. We sustain ourselves, while If you are lucky, you’ll feel a sense of sustaining the natural world and species spiritual elevation, a transcendence that we depend on. We won’t take more than connects you with the organisms around we need and threaten the health of our you. You might feel a profound sense ecosystem. of belonging. The world might even But Two-Eyed Seeing does not tell us convey to you a new understanding of to abandon our lifestyle, or for every- yourself and your environment. Revela- one to quit their jobs and pursue spiri- tions and epiphanies come to you. This tual enlightenment in the middle of the special knowledge comes from within Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources woods. Our culture has achieved a lot you and from the spirit of the organisms Albert Marshall, Mi’kmaq elder that is good and that should be retained. above and around you and beneath your Two-Eyed Seeing is about respecting the feet. Your mind has been changed by strengths of both Western culture and this new understanding, and your spirit Netukulimk Indigenous culture. In particular, the elevated by this feeling. scientific community in Nova Scotia When you return to your own space Albert Marshall is an elder in the and elsewhere has used Two-Eyed See- and routine, how do you describe this Eskasoni First Nation in Cape Breton. ing to benefit from both perspectives. exuberant feeling to someone? What He coined the term Two-Eyed Seeing words can convey the rare feeling of joy- after sensing a need for it in main- Two-eyed seeing and ful connection with creation? It can be stream culture. the scientific community difficult to talk about this feeling with Our materialistic culture, says Mar- others, or explain it to someone who shall, teaches us that we don’t have to Two-Eyed Seeing has been adopted hasn’t shared in it. Poets like Thoreau worry about anything because there is into a program called Integrative Sci- and Mary Oliver are praised for their an answer for every problem. If we are ence at Cape Breton University, led by ability to wrangle the words necessary unhealthy, we can take a pill. If we are Dr. Cheryl Bartlett. This program in- to convey this transcendent emotion. unsatisfied with our lifestyle, we can buy corporated the philosophy as one of its When we say to our friends, “Let’s go something to improve it. The individual foundational principles. Students of the for a hike” or “Let’s go canoeing,” are we has the power to affect their own life, program learned to combine knowl- really saying, “Let’s immerse ourselves in without having to rely on anything or edge of the physical world with wisdom the natural environment and seek that anyone but ourselves. from the spiritual world. Although the pageseventeen

Take Action action in verse Contemplate the spiritual side of all living things Haikus Written During Poetry in the Bluff Hikes Spend more time in the woods on The Bluff Wilderness Trail.

Curated by Nanci Lee program has ended, during the period when Integrative Sci- Earth, roots, rocks carry me ence degrees were offered at the university, more indigenous Back into my sleeping self students graduated from the science program than at any time In peace and awake previously. In Halifax, Dr. Heather Castleden at Dalhousie Univer- Rich Campbell sity has integrated the approach into her study of the effects of pollution at Boat Harbour. Alongside standard practices of Landscapes in the East measuring levels of pollution and toxins in the environment Everything in proportion and population living near the site, Castleden is also facilitat- And a space for us ing traditional story circles and healing ceremonies. The results of the indigenous healing methods will be presented alongside Sue Sherwin standard scientific findings. For the members of the Mi’kmaq community there, this is a more complete way to measure and The air is so clear interpret the effects of pollution on Boat Harbour and to con- You can see right through the rocks tinue the healing process. Breathe the granite in Kejimkujik National Park is now an official Dark Sky Pre- serve, meaning there is no artificial light within its borders. Andy Wainwright To take advantage of the stargazing and research opportunities this creates, a Sky Circle has been built in the middle of the Specks of green bud park, equipped with comfortable chairs and a powerful tele- nub along branches circling scope. Within the Sky Circle, there are regular workshops that slim young tamaracks embody the philosophy of Two-Eyed Seeing. One workshop describes the stars in the night sky from a Western scientific Lichen leaves on rock perspective, covering topics like the life cycle of a star, while grey petals flower its curve another workshop comes from the native perspective and talks four seasons of art about what can be learned about our yearly cycle from native star lore. Gwen Davies

Personal Perspective Sunlight danced on The Bluff I felt the heartbeat of a birch For me, Two-Eyed Seeing is a reminder. With the double Nary a word passed between perspective, I am reminded that there is another way: a sepa- rate path, distinct from the mainstream rat race of production David Patriquin and consumption, which leads me into the ordered chaos of creation. I can pause and think about the decisions I am mak- ing, evaluate them, and determine for myself whether I am favouring the hustle-bustle world of human development and expansion, or the respectful, calm approach of Netukulimk. I don’t feel like I’m being coerced in one way or another; I am simply reminded that I have options, that the spiritual world of the creator is present around me and will welcome me. It exists and I am a part of it at all times.

When not running around in the woods, Sam Fraser sits on the EAC’s Board of Directors. Ignorance is Strength? By Erin Burbidge

I believe that a guarantee of came into power. Shortly after the Prime that, “Politicians should not get to de- public access to government Minister took office in January 2006, cide what information is released. This information is indispensable in members of the Prime Minister’s Office information belongs to Canadians, the the long run for any democratic tried to up-end a long-standing practice taxpayers who paid for its production. society... if officials make public whereby any reporter was free to ask Its release should be based on public in- only what they want citizens to questions of the Prime Minister at press terest, not political expediency.” know, then publicity becomes conferences. Instead, the Prime Minis- This critique was echoed several a sham and accountability ter’s staffers tried to start dictating which months later in an opinion piece by the meaningless. journalists would get to ask questions. President of the Canadian Science Writ- - Sissela Bok, This led to a dust-up with the Ottawa ers’ Association published in the inter- Swedish philosopher, 1982 press corps in May 2006, when a num- nationally-renowned journal Nature, ber of reporters walked out of a press which argued that “...openness is being For years, fisheries scientists had been conference after Prime Minister Harper held ransom to media messages that trying to crack the mystery of why the refused to answer their questions. Weeks serve the government’s political agenda.” wild salmon in British Columbia’s Fra- beforehand, then-Environment Min- ser River were disappearing. In January ister Rona Ambrose had intervened to 2011, Dr. Kristi Miller, a Department of stop a federal scientist from speaking Fisheries and Oceans research scientist, publicly about the science behind his published evidence of what may have novel, which was set in a future when been a key factor in the salmon popu- climate change had devastated many lation crash. In a study published in parts of the planet.Concerned about the Science, one of the world’s preeminent increased ‘politicization’ of science, in scientific journals, Dr. Miller and her October 2010, 85 Canadian scientists, co-authors reported the first evidence signed an open letter calling on politi- that the infectious salmon anemia (ISA) cians to end the subversion of scientific virus was circulating in wild and farmed information for partisan goals. Pacific salmon populations. While the Then in June 2010, the Canadian As- link between the virus and population sociation of Journalists wrote an open declines has yet to be established, this letter excoriating the federal govern- discovery was very significant—so much ment for its tight restrictions on sharing so that Science notified over 7,400 jour- information. The letter painted a stark nalists about the publication of the re- portrayal of a government struggling search. The notice told journalists that to control and spin communications they should feel free to contact Dr. Miller. to Canadians; one where reporters are Once upon a time, a journalist who regularly blackballed and denied the op- wanted to know more about the story portunity to ask questions of the Prime could have simply contacted Dr. Miller Minister at press conferences. Access Sylvia Dove directly. But not anymore. Journalists to public events is often restricted, and Sadly, the calls for openness went who wanted to speak with Dr. Miller independent footage by photographers unheeded. In October 2011, Nature were deflected by the Privy Council Of- and videographers has been replaced published a study which demonstrated fice, which also quashed a press release by hand-out photos and video footage the first evidence of an ozone hole above about the publication in Science and re- shot by the Prime Minister’s press office. the Arctic. One of the lead authors on fused to allow Dr. Miller to speak pub- Even more worrying is that instead of the study was Dr. David Tarasick, an at- licly about her discovery. speaking to scientists and policy-mak- mospheric researcher employed by En- ers—the ones best able to explain the vironment Canada. Unfortunately for Controlling the Message nature and impact of their work—jour- the Conservative government, the study nalists are now often directed to media was published at the same time that the What happened to Dr. Miller wasn’t officers with little knowledge of the sub- federal government had announced it unique; rather, it drew public attention ject matter. Spin is replacing substance. was considering cutting funding to Arc- to a phenomenon that journalists had In its letter, the Canadian Association tic atmospheric research stations. Given been facing ever since the Conservatives of Journalists reminded our leaders the huge import of the study, numer- pagenineteen

ous journalists attempted to contact Dr. As the Conservative government ray of technologies for its day-to-day Tarasick to speak with him, but their re- continues to dismantle the infrastruc- maintenance—technologies that greatly quests for interviews were refused. ture that supports publicly-funded envi- impact our social and environmental Once more, the refusal of access ronmental research, blunt the environ- well-being—it’s more critical than ever prompted a wealth of protests from Ca- mental assessment process and eliminate that governments make decisions based nadian media. In February of this year, key environmental protections set out in on sound science. The only way we, as the Canadian Science Writers’ Associa- the Fisheries Act, it seems that its media citizens, can decide whether the govern- tion, the World Federation of Science strategy is one prong in a larger cam- ment is making sound decisions is if we Journalists and other interested groups paign to silence its critics. are kept informed of new scientific de- sent an open letter to Prime Minister velopments and the policies and laws to Stephen Harper calling on him to once Threat to Democracy which they give rise. If we are to hold again allow open access to federally- our government responsible for its deci- funded researchers. And in an editorial Openness is crucial to the proper sions, we need to have access to the same published the following month, Nature functioning of the scientific enterprise. information that our elected officials criticized the Canadian government for The honest and non-partisan sharing of do—without the spin, the delays and muzzling its scientists and called on it experimental methodologies and results the roadblocks. As Canadians, we need to loosen the stranglehold over federal provides an opportunity for scientists to to remind the government that open ac- researchers, noting that, scrutinize each other’s work. Through cess to tax-funded research is a right, not “Policy directives and e-mails this scrutiny, flaws in the research can a privilege to be doled out only when obtained from the government be brought to light. But where scientific politically expedient. through freedom of information discoveries are suppressed and the free Erin is a recent graduate of Dalhousie’s reveal a confused and Byzantine flow of knowledge is stymied, opportu- Master of Resource and Environmental approach to the press, prioritiz- nities for reviewing and challenging the Management program and a regular vol- ing message control and showing results of others’ work can be severely unteer with BTI. She’s eagerly awaiting little understanding of the impor- limited. another Nova Scotia summer full of hik- tance of the free flow of scientific Similarly, a strong democracy is one ing, beaches, and BBQs. knowledge.” that encourages the open exchange of ideas between citizens and guards the Avoiding freedom to debate and challenge policies Take Action Unwanted Criticism and laws being put forward by the gov- ernment. The presumption should be Want to speak up for your right to know? The Conservative strategy of obfusca- one of openness, with citizens’ right of Here are some ideas: tion and avoidance seems to have paid access to timely and complete informa- some dividends for a government that tion assiduously protected. It is telling Contact your MP has frequently been criticized for its that non-democratic governments are and let them know that you think open and free failure to address the threat of climate characterized by strict controls on flow of information and severe restrictions communication about change. In the spring of 2010, journalist government-funded research Mike De Souza reported on a leaked En- on the dissemination of scientific infor- to the Canadian public is key, vironment Canada report that showed mation. In George Orwell’s dystopian and that you want the an 80 percent reduction in the level of novel 1984, he envisioned a society un- government to eliminate media coverage of climate change from der the rule of a totalitarian government the restrictions it has put on this communication. 2007. The report noted that federal sci- that had all but done away with science, entists had observed a marked decline in and which had supplanted free inquiry The national “Right to Know” Week requests for interviews from high-profile with blind adherence to the ‘truths’ es- is dedicated to increasing awareness media outlets, which often have same- poused by the government. One of the about the importance of day deadlines. It further stated that, slogans of the regime was “Ignorance is the public’s right to access government information as one “Our scientists are very frustrated with strength.” But it is knowledge that will help of the basic tenets of democracy the new process. They feel the intent and good governance. This year, of the policy is to prevent them from us to address the many social and en- it runs from September 24 – 28, 2012. speaking to media.” vironmental perils facing us. In a world Consider getting involved which depends on a bewildering ar- in organizing a local event. being green Green Parenting By Jonathan Rotsztain

mom, and it’s extremely convenient to of their parents making these kinds of have a ready supply of healthy, ecological decisions, my children will learn about comfort food on hand at all times!” green living.” However, she knows that Mom, dad and Miles are also a proud because environmental issues relate to car-free family. “We’ve adjusted to a cultural and collective choices, green par- rhythm of taking our time and expecting enting is also about larger system change. to do fewer things in a day, which is prob- “My green parenting is about envi- ably good for us anyway,” Arsenault says. sioning and working toward new and “Being car-free ensures that we get fresh different cultural norms,” Suokonautio Dylan Benautio air and exercise every day, while dramati- asserts. “After all, my hope is that my cally reducing our ecological footprint.” children don’t need to be ‘environmen- Drawing by Dylan Benautio of green Arsenault and Wilkinson also fol- talists’ at all.” She instead wishes that they living with his family. Dylan is pictured low a do-it-yourself lifestyle, especially grow up in a culture where environmen- holding a hockey stick. when it comes to entertainment. And talism is so commonplace and so taken Miles sets the tone. “Our little guy’s fa- for granted that to live otherwise would Raising young children is a great chal- vourite things to play with are things be inconceivable. lenge. But being environmentally con- around the house that he sees my hus- Some degree of consumption is in- scious doesn’t take any extra effort, say band and me using daily,” Arsenault evitable. Jolyn and Eric Swain, parents Nova Scotian moms and dads. Since new shares. “Pots, spatulas, a toothbrush, of six-year-old Samuel and newborn parents are already undertaking a huge and the watering can are more fun than Malcolm, are the owners of Nurtured commitment, it’s easy to limit consump- any toy we could buy!” Products for Parenting on Robie Street tion, choose alternatives and educate “We’re a TV-free family, because no in Halifax. For Jolyn Swain, “Being a the next generation about how to have TV show could ever compare to the fun green parent to me means accepting my a more sustainable relationship with the of playing outside or having a dance par- responsibility to reduce waste and say- increasingly limited resources we have ty in the living room,” she adds. “If Miles ing no to our culture’s disposable ‘con- available. grows up with the ability to be creative veniences’, but also implementing and Nicole Arsenault and her husband and make his own fun, he won’t need teaching my children how to positively Nick Wilkinson are the parents of one- gobs of stuff to entertain himself!” contribute to their environment.” year-old Miles. Arsenault says that, Miia Suokonautio and husband Chris Swain uses her business to help edu- “While I very much appreciate that Benjamin are the parents of three-year- cate parents and offers sustainable re- many baby products are now made of old Dylan and newborn Nelly. They use sources when a purchase is necessary. high-quality, natural materials and are education to instill values of gratitude “This extends to providing resources to produced in environmentally-sensitive and respect for the natural world in customers, especially when they are go- and ethical ways, it is still important bringing up their children. Suokonau- ing through a major change like growing to remember that most of the prod- tio knows sustainability begins at home. a family,” Swain says. “There’s an integral ucts marketed to parents are entirely “As my eldest child grows and begins to relationship between providing educa- unnecessary.” take on ever-increasing independence, I tion on the products and benefits that The family manages their consump- watch with marvel as he makes decisions may seem small but can be very powerful tion, trying to purchase as little as pos- for himself and for what he needs and to the environmental impact when par- sible. Food is their focal point. “Eating wants,” Suokonautio says. “Although I ents make that decision, like using cloth local, organic food that has been pro- know he is influenced by his preschool diapers over disposables.” duced by farmers who share our commit- and his care providers, the bulk of what Good parents strive to love and pro- ment to the earth is central to our think- informs his decisions is what he has expe- vide for their children, giving them re- ing about green living,” Arsenault says. rienced in our family, day in and day out, sources, experiences and opportunities to “Toddlers take a lot of time, so our meals for the past three and a half years.” grow into healthy adults. Green parents have certainly become less elaborate, but But Suokonautio knows this is only take that philosophy a step further by it is certainly possible, even easy, to eat half the battle. “It might feel easy to con- considering how their choices can posi- simple, wholesome, local and ecological- gratulate myself on being a green par- tively protect the environment and in- ly-produced food.” ent because I use cloth diapers, forego spire their children to do the same. For Arsenault, nourishment comes a car, do my best to eat local, stay close Jonathan is a childless writer and naturally. “Being a breastfeeding mother to home during vacations, keep a gar- graphic designer in North End, Halifax. is a part of this commitment to provid- den, buy used/fewer goods, etc.,” Suo- ing the best food,” Arsenault encourages. konautio reflects. “I do all these things “It’s a great source of joy to be a nursing and hope that through their witnessing pagetwentyone La Vie en Vert Welcome to our “green society page” where we provide you with an inspiring (and pleasantly green-tinged) view of recent happenings in the EAC community.

Happy Birthday, Maxwell Green Avengers

Six-year-old Maxwell Chapman asked his friends not to The EAC’s Green Avengers team hit the Bluenose Marathon give him any new toys for his birthday. Instead, he asked in full force this year. The team of 31 staff and volunteers his thirteen birthday party guests to bring donations to the engaged 296 supporters and finished 4th of 46 charities Ecology Action Centre. Maxwell loves nature, so he and registered, raising $10,890 for the EAC. Bulky team member his mom thought the Ecology Action Centre was a good fit Hector the Shark managed not only to complete the 5K in fins, for his interests. His favourite animals are sand dollars and but also finished at a respectable-by-landlubber-standards 45 whales, and he enjoys hiking, swimming and canoeing with minutes. his family. His school, École LeMarchant St. Thomas, also participates in the EAC’s Active and Safe Routes to School Top fundraisers on the team were Jocelyne Rankin, Hector the (ASRTS) program, which works to provide active transpor- Blue Shark and Pat Kipping. Many thanks to all those who tation options for Maxwell and his classmates. sponsored the Green Avengers! “Generosity is just another form of green energy,” says Pat. “There are a lot of dilemmas when you’re raising kids and thinking about the environment,” said Maxwell’s mother Janya Freer. “It’s hard for both kids and grown-ups to ap- preciate what we have.” Maxwell’s birthday was a “win-win situation,” according to Freer, because it gave the family and their guests a chance to talk about the environment, while reducing the family’s environmental footprint. “We try to buy our toys second-hand, so it didn’t make sense for us to get a bunch of new things.” Although Freer said she felt a Staff Snippets little mean at first, Maxwell ended up liking the idea, and Carlos Garduño proudly accompanied his mom to drop off the birthday do- We’re very pleased to be celebrating some anniversaries at nations at the EAC’s Fern Lane office. The experience gave the EAC this year. 2012 marks ten years of exceptional EAC Maxwell a chance to discover exciting new things about the work for Janet Barlow of the Transportation team and Ray- EAC’s work—now he’s excited to become a “friend” of Hec- mond Plourde of the Wilderness team. It’s so fine to be able tor the Shark! to acknowledge these long-term employees at this year’s AGM. Here’s to another ten years!

The Food Team said farewell to Libby Dean, who wrapped up her research, and the Our Food project is taking the summer off due to a funding gap. While we wish Marla MacLeod and Gar- ity Chapman all the best in their home gardens this summer, we’re already looking forward to their return in the fall. Until then, the Food Team will be in the capable hands of returning staffer Alison Froese-Stoddard and Mhari Lamarque.

Our Internal Director, Maggy Burns, is away from the EAC on

Louise Hanavan a one-year leave. While she’s off gaining new knowledge and experience at Phoenix Youth Programs, Louise Hanavan has stepped down as Co-chair of the Board to keep her desk in good Brad MacInnis order for the year. Coastal and Water staffer Ashley Sprague will Well-wishes to Maggy Burns also be taking a leave of absence to work in Jamaica with the Robin Rigby Trust for a few months this fall. As Internal Director Maggy Burn headed out for a one- year leave of absence, she was celebrated in true EAC style. Cape Breton Coastal and Water staffer Scott Aucoin is off to Staff and the board all pitched in to host a french toast new adventures with Parks Canada, and the Cheticamp team breakfast, complete with maple syrup and mimosas. We is joined by the dynamic and energetic Glen Bourgeois. NSCC wish Maggy all the best in her new adventures as Director engineering student Katie Fleck spent the month of May as an of Labour Market Programs at Phoenix Youth Programs. intern on the Groundswell project with the Coastal Team, and Jade Atkins began her summer internship as Bird Conservation Intern in June. ask ecohead

Dear Ecohead Provide a safe place for bees to nest. For ground-nesting I love bees, but I hear they’re threatened. bees, like digger bees, that means leaving a clear, sunny What can I do to help them? spot where they can have direct access to well-drained soil. -Buzzed about Bees You can also build a bee nesting box. Learn how to make boxes to attract your favourite native bees here: http://bit. Bees are awesome. They’re cute (though decidedly not cud- ly/KlsvQs. dly), they make honey and they pollinate plants. Unfortu- nately, these amazing insects are in serious decline all over the So, there are a lot of cool things you can do for bees. world, with wild bees in worse shape than domesticated species But, sadly, all this is very small compared to the larger pic- like honeybees. Habitat loss and toxins like pesticides are big ture. Melathopoulos says, threats to bees, and all of it thanks to us humans. “The fate of bees is bound up with how we manage So what can we do to help them? the landscape, and the forces shaping the landscape are almost too large to conceive. How to change the Support local bee-keepers and honey producers, and if you direction of these forces is an even more complicated are really keen, consider becoming a bee keeper—the Halifax question. If you consider the rate of palm plantation Honeybee Society has some great resources to help out begin- expansion into the forests of Indonesia or Malaysia, ner bee keepers. to pick the starkest example I can, it becomes hard to consider how individual actions can even begin If you have a garden, you can make it into a little haven to engage this run-away development. Personally, I for wild bees. There are an estimated 4,000 species of bees in think the key thing is to recognize that we presently North America, with at least 60 species in Nova Scotia. Some do not have an answer to address this challenge. We are solitary, like leafcutter bees and mason bees, while some, need to be sober about this and commit ourselves like bumblebees, are social and live in colonies. They have dif- to finding an answer, not through traditional forms ferent nesting needs and have different preferred plants. Here is of lobbying, protest or individual initiative, because some information that will help you identify a few local, native they have largely have not worked, but through bees: http://bit.ly/K5h80q something entirely new.

Andony Melathopoulos, a honey pathology technician with I certainly would encourage people to buy honey the Canadian federal agricultural research department cur- from local producers and grow bee friendly gardens, rently working towards his PhD at Dalhousie University, rec- but to do it with no illusions - the honey is delicious ommends choosing plants that flower at different times from and following a bee from flower to flower is a simple spring to fall so that bees will have a food source for longer. pleasure without equal.”

“In a city there is a lot of food for bees to eat when, for example, the dandelions are blooming, but towards the late summer there may be a bit of a dearth. Bees will ap- preciate having flowers blooming at those times, so keep an eye out this summer for times when there is nothing really attracting bees. Look up, look sideways, look down and if you don’t see anything flowering, those are good guides as to where you might be able to fill a gap.” halcraft ad A good nursery should be able to help you find plants that bloom at different times. I’ve even heard of a smartphone app that will help you find native plants that attract bees, called BeeSmart.

A good bee garden needs a place for the bees to have access to water.

It should go without saying, but just in case it doesn’t, don’t use chemical pesticides on your plants. page twentythree seasonal gourmet EAC CONTACT LIST By Katrina Ross Core Staff Zucchini Chips Policy Director: Mark Butler 429-5287 [email protected] Internal Director: Louise Hanavan 429-5287 [email protected] Financial Director: Carla Vandenberg 442-0254 [email protected] What to do with all of those zucchinis in the garden that are Volunteer Coordinator: Laena Garrison 422-0198 growing at an alarming rate? In mid-summer, zucchinis are so [email protected] Events Coordinator: Stephanie Hughes 429-2202 abundant that August 8th is now a holiday called “slip some [email protected] zucchini onto your neighbour’s porch day.” I am very fortu- Office Coordinator: Julia Kemp 429-2202 [email protected] Web Manager: Emma Boardman 429-2202 [email protected] nate to have parents that are low maintenance gardeners and Membership Coordinator: Ryan O’Quinn 429-2202 [email protected] very often receive zucchinis that are the size of baseball bats. Street Outreach Supervisor: Sylvia Dove 429-2202 [email protected] The best thing to do with these monstrous “zukes” is to dehy- Membership Renewals: Jean Snow 429-2202 [email protected] drate them into crispy chips covered in crumpled dulse and Between the Issues: [email protected] sesame seeds. Advertising: Susan Johnstone [email protected] Committees / Project Staff What’s in Season? Built Environment Our HRM Coordinator: Jen Powley 429-0924 [email protected] Vegetables include beans, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, Coastal And Water Issues cucumber, eggplant, fennel, herbs, peas, peppers, tomatoes Coastal Coordinator: Jen Graham 442-5046 [email protected] and zucchini. Summer is the best season for many fruits like Water Coordinator: Jocelyne Rankin 442-5046 [email protected] melons, blueberries, cherries, plums, peaches, raspberries and Groundwater Coordinator: Jennifer West 442-5046 [email protected] strawberries. Try herring, mackerel and rock crab for summer Restoration Coordinator: Ashley Sprague 442-5046 seafood. [email protected] Coastal Adaptation Coordinator: Veronika Brzeski (902) 929-2757 [email protected] Coastal Adaptation Researcher: Zucchini Chips Glen Bourgeois (902) 302-0257 [email protected] Bird Conservation Coordinator: Mark Butler 429-5287 [email protected] 1 large zucchini (4 cups sliced) Bird Conservation Intern: Jade Atkins 442-1077 ¼ cup tamari or soya sauce Energy Issues 2 T apple cider vinegar ACSEC Coordinator: Catherine Abreu 422-0199 [email protected] 2 T olive oil Renewable Energy Coordinator: Wayne Groszko [email protected]

2 T honey Food Action 1 t cumin Heliotrust Coordinator: Jen Greenberg (902) 757-1640 [email protected] Farm Efficiency Project Technical Manager: David Greenberg 3 T dulse roasted and ground (902) 757-1640 [email protected] 3 T sesame seeds Our Food Coordinator: Marla MacLeod 442-1077 Katrina Ross [email protected] Our Food Summer Student: Alison Froese Stoddard 442-1077 Directions [email protected] Urban Garden Summer Student: Mhari Lamarque 442-1077 [email protected] 1. Thinly slice the zucchini with a mandolin 2. Mix liquid ingredients and cumin together Marine Issues Marine Conservation Coordinator: Susanna Fuller 446-4840 3. Drizzle the liquid mixture over the sliced zucchini [email protected] and let stand for at least an hour Off the Hook Coordinator: David Adler 442-0999 [email protected] 4. Drain liquid and lay marinated zucchini slices on the tray Communications Coordinator: Jordan Nikoloyuk 446-4840 [email protected] of a dehydrator and sprinkle with sesame seeds and finely Sustainable Fisheries Researcher: Stephanie Boudreau crumpled dulse [email protected] SeaChoice Atlantic Coordinator: Rob Johnson 446-4840 5. Dehydrate for 4 hours at 110F until crisp [email protected] Marine Intern: Heather Grant [email protected] 446-4840

If you do not have a dehydrator, cook in a conventional Transportation Issues oven at the lowest temperature possible, watching carefully to Active & Safe Routes to School Coordinator: Janet Barlow make sure they do not burn. 442-5055 [email protected] Making Tracks and School Travel Planning Coordinator: Check out the Food Action Committee’s blog for more Jennifer McGowan 442-5055 [email protected] mouth-watering zucchini recipes: School Travel Plan Facilitator: Stephanie Johnstone-Laurette (902) 562-5371 [email protected] http://adventuresinlocalfood.wordpress.com Bike Again: Jyelle Vogel 431-8215 [email protected] Katrina Ross is a volunteer with the Food Action Committee, Wilderness Issues the coordinator of “Eating by the Seasons” cookbook and an avid Forestry Program: Matt Miller 429-1335 [email protected] seasonal cook. Wilderness & Public Lands: Raymond Plourde 442-5008 [email protected] 45 = number of minutes it took Hector the Shark to run 5 kilometres on land in the Bluenose Marathon 108 = number of groups in the Atlantic Coalition for Aquaculture Reform, which is calling for a moratorium on further expansion of open-net pen salmon aquaculture 25,200 = number of kilometres that the frozen haddock available at Halifax grocery stores has travelled from wharf to processor to consumer 228 = number of kilometres haddock available through EAC’s Off the Hook program has travelled from wharf to processor to consumer 779 = number of commercial hand liners fishing in the Bay of Fundy in 1996 20 = number of commercial hand liners fishing in the Bay of Fundy in 2008 0 = number of commercial hand liners fishing in the Bay of Fundy in 2012 2170 = number of fish shares delivered to Off the Hook subscribers in 2011 2 = number of hours it took Fid Resto to sell out of traceable Off the Hook halibut in May

Recent EAC Successes: Please fill out this membership form TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP:

• The EAC worked in partnership and return to the EAC. Sustaining Monthly Membership with 108 groups in the Atlantic Any Amount $ Coalition for Aquaculture Reform CONTACT INFO: to host a successful rally and press Annual Membership: conference against open pen net Name: salmon aquaculture. $40 Regular $60 Contributing/Family Phone: $120 Supporting • Starting September 1st, 2012, the speed limit in school zones Address: $20 Student/Senior/Unwaged when children are present lowers to 30km/hr in areas where the Other $ speed is 50km/hr. PAYMENT METHOD

• On behalf of Nova Scotia’s Cash Cheque VISA Mastercard environmental community, the Email (for monthly e-newsletter) Name on the card: Nova Scotia Environmental Network (NSEN) recognized Our HRM Card #: Coordinator Jen Powley as Memberships and donations are tax deductible. Expiry Date: Environmentalist of the Year in Thank you for your support. their Eco-Hero Awards. Signature: Ecology Action Centre 2705 Fern Lane, Halifax Date: Nova Scotia, B3K 4L3 www.ecologyaction.ca If sending a void cheque please sign above.