GulfGulf Islands’Islands’

Giving The Coast A Community Voice For 27 Years Volume 29 Number 4 March 2 - March 15, 2017 Online Voluntary Annual Subscription: $30

Photo: John Cameron Gulf Islands Secondary School students could choose among 40+ workshops at GISS’s first Mental Wellness Summit. The event was organized by students, (see story below). Highschool holds first Charter challenge over ‘discriminatory’ voting system mental wellness summit Fair Voting BC is mounting a challenge under the Voting BC President Tony Hodgson says. Catelyn Creswick Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms’ ‘Our goals in launching a Canadian Charter of guarantee of effective representation. Fair Voting Rights & Freedoms challenge are to have the court Gulf islands Secondary School held a Mental BC says refusing to overhaul the outdated first-past- rule that our current voting system contravenes the Wellness Summit on February 16. GiSS’s first the-post voting system amounts to discrimination, Charter and order the government to adopt a voting wellness summit served as a fantastic initiative to since the Charter guarantees citizens’ right to vote system that complies with the Charter. open up the discussion about mental health and and right to equal treatment. Before launching its challenge Fair Vote BC wellness by providing an abundance of information Among other rulings, Fair Voting BC bases its needs to have pledges to cover $260,000 for the and resources. challenge on the 1991 Saskatchewan Electoral hearings, plus a guarantee of $100,000 to As a student who feels the everyday pressures of Boundaries Reference case. Justice Beverley indemnify our plaintiffs ($360,000 total). achieving academic success, along with the McLachlin ruled: ‘Each citizen is entitled to be The group have initiated a pledge drive. By constant nagging thoughts of post-secondary represented in government. Representation March 1, Fair Vote BC already had pledges for education and balancing a personal life, it is easy to comprehends the idea of having a voice in the $110,000, CLiCk HERE, or visit charterchallenge.ca. feel lost, hopeless, and to let your mental wellness deliberations of government.’ The organization is encouraging other groups to sit on the back-burner. Fair Voting BC states, ‘That’s each of us, not just join with it in this challenge. Attending three of the 40+ workshops provided, some of us. The court has also said that voters Meanwhile, a government e-petition asking for i have been able to gain a better understanding of should be treated equally, but when only half of us reform has over 130,000 signatures at closing. what i and others experience in conditions such as have an MP we support, the system is Non-profit Fair Voting BC served as the official anxiety, depression, and body image. i especially discriminatory and excludes our voices.’ proponents in the 2009 BC-STV referendum enjoyed the keynote address by Andrea Paquette, ‘Constitutional lawyers have advised us that we campaign. Antony Hodgson is a UBC mechanical and spoken word presentations by Taryn Muldoon have a worthwhile case to make that our current engineering professor and has served with Fair and Jeremy Loveday. voting system violates our Charter rights,’ Fair Voting BC since the 2005 BC-STV referendum. 0 As a student organizing this school-wide event, i am proud to say that i participated in orchestrating this inspiring, informative day. March is distracted driving month Though there were long nights and bouts of panic iCBC reports that drivers are five times more likely ‘Drivers found using a hand-held electronic device in the days leading up to the event, our Leadership to crash when distracted, and that 27% of all fatal while driving face a $368 fine, and four penalty Team remained positive, productive, and crashes in BC involve distracted driving. points on their license.’ ‘N’ and ‘L’ drivers are not communicative with the immense support of ‘Local officers will be focussed on drivers who permitted to use any electronic devices while Leadership Teacher Ms Pardiwala, and GiSS’s choose to ignore BC’s tough distracted driving laws, driving, including a hands-free cell phone. enthusiastic administration. and put other motorists and pedestrians at risk,’ To learn more about the dangers of distracted The summit precedes a regional forum being states Cpl Darren Lagan of the Salt Spring RCMP. driving, visit: icbc.com. 0 planned for early May. www.islandtides.com Page 2, island Tides, March 2, 2017

Photo: Mike Yip Most sandhill cranes migrate to the southern US for the winter, but an intrepid pair has been roughing it in Cedar for this winter—mistake? Shawnigan Lake toxic soil dump permit cancelled After years of community members fighting the BC a leader in the struggle to stop the toxic soil deserve and can expect from BC Greens.’ Furstenau government over the safety of their drinking water, dumping in a watershed commented, ‘While i’m is currently BC Greens candidate for Cowichan BC Minister of Environment Mary Polak cancelled thrilled that the Minister has done the right thing Valley and is Deputy Leader of the BC Green Party. Cobble Hill Holdings Ltd’s waste discharge permit and cancelled the permit, i remain committed to Weaver continued, ‘The situation that has for its facility near Shawnigan Lake. holding the government to account to ensure the unfolded in Shawnigan shows why the On February 23, the Minister issued the contaminated soil is cleaned-up safely. The government’s professional reliance model is following statement: ‘Effective immediately, i am residents of Shawnigan should be proud of what we completely inadequate for environmental cancelling the waste discharge permit for Cobble accomplished today, but they deserved to see action protection and community safety. Hill Holdings because the company has failed to from their government much sooner.’ ‘instead of drawing on the technical expertise of meet the requirements outlined in my January 27 Andrew Weaver Leader of the BC Green Party the civil service who serve the public interest, the letter. said, ‘i’m glad the Minister has finally pulled the government cut these experts and now relies ‘The company was given 15 business days to permit, but it is completely unacceptable that it took instead on the judgement of experts hired by provide three required documents and submitted this long. it is egregious that the people of corporations with vested interests.’ only two prior to the deadline given. Specifically, the Shawnigan had to take their government to court Last Ditch Legal Action company failed to provide the Province with simply to receive representation. Friday, February 24, the day following the adjusted financial security in the form of an ‘The Minister does not have a plan for how, or cancelling of the permit, Cobble Hill Holdings Ltd irrevocable letter of credit. even if, the contaminated soil will be removed. Who filed a notice of appeal to the British Columbia Court ‘Cobble Hill Holdings has been provided multiple is going to deal with the contaminated soils now? of Appeal, requesting that Justice Sewell’s January opportunities to respond to outstanding non- Where is it going to go?’ he added. 24 judgement be set aside. compliances and has repeatedly missed deadlines Weaver first visited the site with Furstenau and Justice Sewell’s judgement set aside a decision of with respect to its permit requirements. community members on April 2, 2015. During that the Environmental Appeal Board and reinstated the ‘Ministry staff are taking actions to ensure time Weaver collected water samples which were Stay of Cobble Hill Holdings Ltd’s permit (Island material on the property is managed in a way that tested for contamination at the University of Tides February 2, 2017, page 2). does not present a risk to human health or the Victoria. He commented, ‘Sonia Furstenau has How this relates to the subsequent Ministry of environment. shown outstanding leadership on holding the Environment cancellation of permit is not clear. it ‘My decision to cancel the waste discharge permit government to account over their dereliction of duty may be that Shawigan Lake and its water are not is based on information and advice from staff who on this file. i’m incredibly proud to have her on the out of the mire yet.0 are technical experts in their field.’ BC Greens team. This is the kind of principled Shawnigan Lake Area Director Sonia Furstenau, representation is what communities across BC The Simple High-Perfoormance Septic Systeme Eljenlj GSF…YYouro A orddable ble Solution foro Today’s Wasta ewater Challenges!

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eljen.com www.islandtides.com Hecate Strait glass sponge reefs are protected island Tides, March 2, 2017, Page 3 Lighter mornings but stopping for school buses is mandatory in one week in late February, three separate complaints were received from Gulf islands School District schoolbus drivers, reporting vehicles failing to stop for them when they were offloading children, with the schoolbus ‘stop’ sign and flashing lights activated. ‘This is an ongoing issue for local schoolbus operators, and one which places our children’s safety at risk’, states Cpl Darren Lagan of the Salt Spring RCMP. ‘Local buses are equipped with high-quality video recording equipment, which provides our officers with strong evidence to support issuing violation tickets to drivers who fail to stop.’ The violation amount is $368, and carries a 3 point penalty on the driver’s license. Based on investigations into the three complaints, charges against two of the three drivers were supported by the evidence, Lagan reports. 0

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n February 15, protection for ancient glass the mouth of the Fraser, and in the middle of the sponge reefs in Hecate Strait near Haida Strait of Georgia and up into Howe Sound, says BULLETIN Gwaii was announced by Fisheries and Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society (CPAWS). BOARD OOceans Canada. The four reefs in the new Marine The Strait of Georgia glass sponge reefs were first Protected Area are thought to be over 9,000 years discovered during seafloor mapping in 2001. WANTED TO old. Composed of Northern, Central, and Southern BC Fishermen Also Support & Reefs, together they cover approximately 2,410 Marine Protected Area 0 0 RENT square kilometers. ‘BC fishermen were among the first to call for and Small house or cottage needed on Salt Spring$ for approx. $900/month Sixteen years ago, these reefs were the first act on protecting the Hecate Strait Glass Sponge !"#$%& sometime $ before May. Good '(()*+, references, non-smoker ,no pets, discovered living glass sponge reefs, thought to be Reefs,’ claims Christina Burridge, Executive plus I try to be a good neighbour. extinct worldwide since the Jurassic period. Live “Quality Workmanship) Ex-handyman/caretaker.))) Garden Director, BC Seafood Alliance, ‘So we support their Reliable Service” area appreciated plus wood heat. glass sponge reefs—animals not formal designation as an MPA.’ Residential & Commercial [email protected] or 250-598- Vince Smythe 4579. plants—are unique to Pacific in Year 2000, she explained, the 250-213-6316 coastal waters. These ancient groundfish trawl fishery [email protected] free estimates reefs can grow as tall as four implemented voluntary closures storeys, provide habitat for and worked proactively with marine life and clean ocean Fisheries and Oceans Canada to Hy-Geo waters. Done Right - Safely Photo: Dr Manfred Krautter establish legislated closures that Consulting • Foreshore Applications Protection offers scientists the were implemented on July 19, Technical services for • Docks • Moorings opportunity to learn much more 2002. Member groups have • Durable dock systems for Water Wells exposed locations about these awe-inspiring participated in more than six years Aquifers Ross Walker & Corey Johnson animals, says the David Suzuki Glass sponge of multi-stakeholder consultations Groundwater 250-537-9710 Foundation, adding that momentum is growing to to protect the reefs as an MPA. ‘Fishermen (250) 658-1701 www.islandmarine.ca protect 10% of Canada’s marine area by 2020. With understand instinctively that a healthy ocean is [email protected] 98% of Canadians supporting marine protection, essential for healthy, sustainable fisheries. Practical www.hy-geo.com the government should feel encouraged to act protection brings benefits to families and swiftly to meet its protection targets, it says. communities up and down the coast and provides Strait of Georgia Glass Sponge food for our country and the world,’ Burridge said. IS YOUR Reefs The BC Seafood Alliance is an umbrella There are also glass sponge reefs located near organization whose 17 members represent about Galiano island, Hornby island, Parksville, Gabriola 90% of wild harvested seafood from Canada’s West WELLSAFE TO WATER DRINK? 0 island, the Sunshine Coast, West Vancouver, near Coast, worth about $850 million annually. Contamination can occur without changes in colour or SHORELINE • Specializing in water Noelle Bellomi, PFP, FMA, FCSI taste. Be safe, test annually. Investment Advisor & Financial Planner DESIGN access over steep & rugged RBC Dominion Securities Inc. 250-656-1334 terrain 250-729-3207 #101-5050 Uplands Drive • Fully insured ANALYTICAL & TESTING SERVICES Nanaimo, BC V9T 6N1 • Excellent RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are fax: 250-656-0443 Website: www.mblabs.com references a liated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered Email: [email protected] trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. ©2016 RBC Dominion Securities Inc. All Peter Christenson • 250-858-9575 rights reserved. 16_90855_WB3_007 2062 Unit 4 Henry Ave. West, Sidney, B.C. V8L 5Y1 www.shorelinedesign.ca www.islandtides.com Page 4, island Tides, March 2, 2017 Readers’ Letters Hidden BC Hydro Debt protection to communities around the south coast. The following letter was sent to analyst Michael These are strong women with a clear message, Yake of Moody’s credit rating agency. beautifully presented. Dave Ages, Galiano 24/7 Online •Coast to Coast to Coast Dear Mr Yake: Canadian Armaments Advice 20,000 Readers Each Month i wish to thank your agency for having the courage An open letter from former air force commanders to identify some of the shortcomings of BC Hydro’s Linking coastal business case. to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The $76 billion—and counting‚—liability Dear Prime Minister: communities for 27 Years backstopped by the ratepayers and taxpayers of BC As former commanders of Canada’s air force, we has no supporting repayment plan? respectfully but urgently ask that your government Your agency is a way ahead of both Dominion and not proceed with the plan to purchase a fleet of Standard & Poor’s. These last two agencies have not Super Hornet aircraft as an interim measure identified the poor management and financial pending the eventual replacement of our venerable strategies of our public utility. CF-18 fighters. i have attached this news article showing that California is awash in electrical energy generation it is our firm belief that the interim strategy is ill- and they are now closing down generation plants. advised, costly and unnecessary. Most important, it This market was one of the eight purposes that BC would significantly impair the Royal Canadian Air Force for years to come and ultimately damage the Owner, Publisher & Editor: Hydro identified as potential users for Site C and other surplus energy. All of these proposed purposes nation’s defence posture. The situation is complex, Christa Grace-Warrick have proven to be nonstarters. Contributors: but our call for dropping the Super Hornet buy is Ron Woodall, John Cameron, Priscilla Ewbank, Elizabeth May, This is a consequence of not applying due based on some compelling facts, which we offer for Manfred Krautter, Barry Cotton, Mike Yip, Onni Milne, Allan diligence and passing this project past our public your consideration. Evans, Andrew Loveridge regulator, the BC Public Utilities Commission. As a First, we have serious misgivings about the use of note aside, the demand for electricity in BC has Island Tides Publishing Ltd a ‘capability gap’ as the basis for your interim plan. flatlined for the past 8 years. Your government’s newly created policy calling for Box 55, Pender Island, BC V0N 2M0 This negligence will further obligate the BC the Royal Canadian Air Force to meet its NATO and Tel: 250.216.2267• News: [email protected] ratepayers to more financial liability. NORAD treaty obligations concurrently does not Advertising: [email protected] Why are your agencies not taking the deferred public accounts sleight of hand to task? reflect a real and sudden change in the strategic Advertising Deadline After all, the world knows that deferred accounts situation. in our experience, it has been decades Wednesday Between Publications destroyed Enron. since Canada had sufficient fighter aircraft to meet Online Readers’ Suggested Voluntary Please try to be more effective in your analysis of all our commitments simultaneously. Over the years Subscription is $30/year BC’s financial status. the air force, by judiciously balancing strategic risks www.islandtides.com Arthur A Hadland, Baldonnel and available resources, has managed its operational Twitter: @islandtides Spring At Unist’ot’en Camp contributions reasonably well. We certainly welcome YouTube: Island Tides TV Dear Editor: any initiative that promises to close the longstanding islandtideschrista.wordpress.com The Unist’ot’en Territory in Northern BC is covered capability gap, but purchasing eighteen Super in a deep blanket of snow. But, despite the Hornet aircraft would in fact exacerbate the gap in apparent serenity, early rumblings of trouble ahead the near to mid-term by imposing a heavy burden on can already be discerned. the RCAF’s existing resources without producing a The Unist’ot’en Territory lies about half way Derelict Boat Removal meaningful increase in fighter availability. between Prince George and Prince Rupert and their Although the Super Hornet does have some Dear Editor: Checkpoint Camp has now been in place for over commonality with our current CF-18s, it is a The Veins of Life Watershed Society is back doing eight years. This Checkpoint was established in the different airplane, requiring its own training system what we do best, cleaning up people’s discards and face of numerous fossil fuel pipeline proposals. The for pilots and technicians, as well as new flight empowering the community. Unist’ot’en declaration is straightforward—only they simulators, logistic support and maintenance Island Tides i am hoping you can help, as has have the right to decide what will happen on their organizations specific to the Super Hornet. The air been a huge supporter from day one many years land and no fossil fuel pipelines will be allowed. force would have to draw personnel from the ago. i am compiling an inventory of derelict and The provincial election is in little more than two existing CF-18 fighter fleet (usually its most abandoned boats on land in the CRD and Gulf months. The provincial government is desperate to experienced people) to help bring into service a new islands. show progress on their promise of creating a huge and more complex fleet of fighter aircraft. But that The federal government is releasing some funds LNG industry from the fracked gas fields of the would not be enough. it would be necessary to for disposal, and it’s first-come-first-served. i have Peace River area. While there is no economic recruit, train and qualify several hundred new partnered up again with our friends at Ralmax rationale for such an industry, the pipeline technicians and dozens of pilots. Recent experience Contracting Ltd to put the resources together to get companies—principally Chevron’s Pacific Trails and indicates that the RCAF would face difficulty in rid of these derelicts once and for all. Transcanada’s Coastal Gas Link—are pushing ahead achieving this; it can take four to five years from i need an inventory a soon as possible and am as well. Perhaps they hope for a rise in LNG prices or recruitment to produce fully trained, operationally looking for community members to help inventory. perhaps they hope to convert their pipelines to ready pilots and specialists for advanced fighter No promises made or given, but if we don’t get our transporting tarsands bitumen (which they can do aircraft. We foresee that bringing in an interim fleet act together here in the islands Trust and the CRD, after five years). would create serious practical problems of this kind. this problem will continue to grow. Petronas controlled Pacific NorthWest LNG has Quite apart from such technical issues, we are 1) pictures complete inside and out if possible made no final investment decision to proceed with a aware that buying, operating and supporting an 2) Pictures of damage that make the boat hard to gas compression plant. But they too continue to do interim fleet of Super Hornets would be an float; their preparations. expensive proposition, with cost estimates ranging 3) length, width, depth; Recently, as representatives of the provincial from $5-$7 billion. We therefore ask that your 4) GPS location as exact as possible, Android or government looked on, they announced benefits government seek a better way of keeping the RCAF iPhone will do this automatically if location is on; agreements with the Metlakatla First Nation and the operationally effective until its fleet of CF-18s is 5) identification of any sort is very important: Lax kw’alaams Band. This is another attempt by the replaced with a modern fighter. engine serial numbers, hull serial number (generally government and companies to give the impression To this end, we respectfully recommend that right rear), painted-over name and or 14k number; of social license. What is notable here, though, is that three important initiatives be undertaken. 6) inside condition and garbage, sometimes i find these are agreements with Band Councils First, the RCAF should be given the necessary old mail with a name; and constituted pursuant to the Indian Act. The resources to conduct an aggressive recruiting and 7) anything that sticks out as a hazard, paints, oils, Supreme Court of Canada has been very clear that training process to eliminate existing personnel you can knock on fuel tanks to hear if they contains indigenous consent comes only through the shortfalls and to provide for the interim period fluids. Hereditary Chief System—not the Indian Act. leading to CF-18 replacement. Be safe, have someone is along to bear witness The Unist’ot’en Clan is preparing for the stepped Second, if your government feels compelled to and be careful of other débris in the area. up pressure in various ways. in the coming weeks acquire additional fighters for the interim, it should Email and information to [email protected]. training sessions will be conducted on the south seriously examine the prospect of purchasing so- At this time we are not inventorying floating coast for volunteers who will be heading up to the called legacy Hornets (i.e. basically the same as our boats, if these owner step forward and wish to camp. As soon as the snow clears, construction of current CF-18s) that are increasingly becoming release in writing, i can make other arrangements. the Healing Lodge and other camp structures will available as Canada’s partner nations replace their John R Roe, Victoria and Salt Spring resume. older Hornet fleets with the F-35. For example, both And, the Chiefs of the Unist’ot’en Clan will be on the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Air the ‘Stop the Pipelines; Start the Music’ tour in Force will have surplus F-18s that are very close in Follow March. Three Chiefs, all women elders, along with configuration to our own. These would require very Freda Huson, Spokesperson for the Camp, will bring on Twitter: @islandtides. their message of peace, sovereignty and land LETTERS, please scroll to next page www.islandtides.com island Tides, March 2, 2017, Page 5

Photo: Mike Yip Sunrise at Schooner Cove, Nanoose Bay. It’s getting earlier and earlier—have you noticed? March Islands Trust Council meeting on Gabriola slands Trust Council’s next quarterly meeting is request in writing at least three weeks before the Act and discuss relevant issues. March 14–16, on Gabriola island. Trust Council meeting, CLiCk HERE. The islands Trust is a federation of special- iTrust Council encourages members of the public Trust Council Sessions will also include: purpose local government bodies representing to attend an hour-long townhall session starting at • Trustee Roundtable: This session is an 25,000 people living within the islands Trust Area 2pm on Wednesday, March 15. The session is a opportunity for trustees to exchange ideas about and another 10,000 non-resident property-owners. regular forum to promote dialogue between common island topics. The area covers the islands and waters between the islanders and trustees. it is an opportunity for the • Archaeological Site Protection: Trust Council British Columbia mainland and southern public to ask questions, make suggestion, and voice will review the context of archaeology in the Trust Vancouver island. it includes 13 major islands and federation-wide concerns about the work of Trust Area and discuss archaeological site protection tools more than 450 smaller islands covering 5200 Council. and options. square kilometres. 0 Persons or organizations wishing to make a • Water Sustainability Act: Trust Council will formal delegation to Trust Council must send their receive presentations on the Water Sustainability

LETTERS from previous page little modification to make them essentially identical to the CF-18, having the same ECONOMY? operational effectiveness and excellent safety record as today’s fleet. Economy, what’s economy? A word that’s bandied round The capability exists in the Canadian aerospace industry to do the necessary modifications. The acquisition cost would be a fraction of a Super Hornet buy. Of critical in every piece of printed prose where politics is found. importance, all the training, logistics and infrastructure needed to support the additional it’s what statistics say it is—employment, GDP, CF18s are already in place, and the larger CF-18 fleet would fill the operational capability gap With industry that’s healthy to a reasonable degree. in the interim. All of this would be achieved without the cost, delay and disruption of And that is all it really is—the health of the whole nation— burdening the RCAF with a second fleet of fighters. Not an ideological end-result of political persuasion. Finally, and emphatically, we urge the government to proceed without further delay to implement the open and fair competition that you promised for replacement of our CF-18s. But politicians use this word to back their points of view; Completing this within the next few years is entirely feasible, and it would allow for a faster, And just how much they influence it, i wish we really knew. more effective and much less costly transition to full operational service by the CF-18’s For corporate business interests are far too prejudicial eventual replacement. And government too ready then to make it sound official. We offer these recommendations based on our collective experience of many years of in processing those oil-sands we’re remarkably obtuse - serving Canada’s air force, with the sole purpose of bringing to your attention some We simply load and export it, keep none for local use. important realities regarding the future of the RCAF and the nation’s defence. We look to you for wisdom in resolving the matters that we have placed before you. So where are the refineries, the jobs that should result?- Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Larry Ashley, Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Yvan Blondin Well, none, you see, we import that oil, much less difficult. Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Lloyd Campbell, Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Bill Carr, But since our raw materials are available always, Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) André Deschamps, Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Dave Huddleston There should at least be some resulting industry that pays? Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Dave kinsman, Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Steve Lucas Well no, with sawmills closing down, a problem that’s widespread, General (Ret’d) Paul Manson, Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Don McNaughton We simply say that that’s Ok, and ship raw logs instead. Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) ken Pennie, Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Fred Sutherland Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Angus Watt 0 So tax-payers pay subsidies of $600bn to corporations— A fatuous economy —make no exaggerations! If you wish you had been reading Island Tides for So—dealings with this kinder Morgan lead to an affray, years—you can! And big-oil courts disaster, while the people say ‘No way!’ And though Trudeau has sanctioned it, it’s a battle he has lost - Read our back issues in the archive section at For we’ll protect our Salish sea, no matter what the cost! www.islandtides.com. —H.Barry Cotton www.islandtides.com Page 6, island Tides, March 2, 2016 BC ELECTION - What Your Candidates Say - BC ELECTION SAANICH2017 SOUTH: SAANICH NORTH AND THE ISLANDS: provinces, the USA, and abroad2017 seek to find a better Mark Neufeld, BC Greens Gary Holman, BC NDP home while climate change turns many regions less in my opinion, the most important ‘industry’ is people. Tourism is the most important private sector source of hospitable. We need to prepare for growth. if we, legitimately, invest in a 21st century transition to a income in the gulf islands. Value-added manufacturing MID ISLAND PACIFIC RIM renewable energy-based economy, we will see a trades in the Sidney and keating industrial areas is the Scott Fraser, BC NDP boom, increased tourism and continue a ‘screen’ industry backbone of the Peninsula economy. These are both Our renewable resource industries should continue to be revolution. Let’s make sure our education system and our growing, environmentally sustainable industries. vital if we take the right steps to protect the environment young people are ready. Agriculture and distributed renewable energy could and add value to our raw resources. We can attract VICTORIA-SWAN LAKE: create more jobs, reduce our carbon footprint, and investment in advanced technologies such as aviation Chris Maxwell, BC Greens diversify our local economy. and information technology with the right public BC’s largest industry group is wholesale and retail trade A BC NDP government will stop erosion of services investments in infrastructure. For Vancouver island, (StatsCan), while BC stats highlight less sustainable supporting such industries by investing in affordable tourism will continue to play a growing role as long as resource-extraction industries, such as LNG, which will ferry and transit services; climate action; energy ferry travel is made affordable. Renewable energy has be over-supplied well into the next decade (Moody’s transition; education and training; affordable housing; great potential here and is essential to meeting climate investor) costing BC taxpayers for years to come. and buy local programs. We’ll ban MSP premiums and change goals. BC Hydro should be allowed to invest in For two decades, BC has led Canada in growth of renewables—wind, solar, wave and tidal—rather than below-average wage jobs as quality jobs Island Tides asks: guaranteeing profits to private power in BC steadily disappear (CiBC producers. Our region can Economics) leading many of ‘What are the most important industries in capitalize on our climate to us to feel disadvantaged. But, grow the local economy in in May, we will change this. The BC today? In the next five years? Ten agriculture and the retirement Green party will move towards a new industry. We should also work to sustainable energy economy. We will protect our years? Why?’ attract more film and television productions. wildlife and environment, and protect the high-paying Strong partnerships between provincial, local and First jobs and industries related to the beauty of natural BC. establish affordable childcare, allowing families to spend Nations governments will ensure a prosperous future for We will invest in education and training programs to and participate more in the local economy. Vancouver island. Tourists, retirees, skilled workers, and investment move more of us into a well-paying workplace today. We COURTENAY- COMOX capital are attracted by our rural landscapes and natural will invest today in a more educated and more Ronna-Rae Leonard , BC NDP competitive young generation to drive innovation for the beauty. That’s why i support the islands Trust mandate industries in BC that are looking forward and working next 5-10 years. We will make that change. and the establishment of a National Marine Conservation SAANICH NORTH AND THE ISLANDS: Area co-managed by First Nations, while opposing on sustainable business practices will be the industries that will be the most successful and most valuable Stephen Roberts, BCLiberal destructive industrial projects and urban sprawl. industries in BC. The most important industries in BC today are those that COWICHAN VALLEY: Sonia Furstenau, BCGreens Sustainable industries that focus on the economy, the are sustainable and have made us the economic leader environment, and adding value to local communities will in Canada, with the highest level of job growth and lowest Our task is to look forward and create policies that will expand BC's reputation on the international stage and unemployment. ensure the best possible future for BC. in the past, BC was honor the unique culture of our province. Advanced manufacturing will be key to ensuring BC’s a resource-based economy, but this is no longer true A great example is Power BC: it will create jobs with a global competitiveness and provide highly skilled jobs for today. Construction, real estate, services, education, bold new program of energy efficiency retrofits to public British Columbians. health all constitute far greater segments of the economy buildings such as schools and hospitals. Energy efficiency Agrifoods employ more than 62,900 people. Exports than the resource and extraction sectors. retrofits create twice as many jobs as building a new dam, of agrifood and seafood reached an all-time high in 2015. To create a future for this province in which and the jobs are long-lasting, good-paying, and close to Technology is a key player in BC’s economy. 9905 communities thrive, we need local food security, a home in every community across British Columbia. companies are employing over 100,000 people in BC’s diversified and renewable energy sector, and we need to Today, 5 years or 10 years, the answer will always be tech sector. protect the ecosystems we rely on for our health and the same; initiatives that maximize local employment Tourism is one of BC’s largest economic sectors and a economy. opportunities and investment in communities,—not ‘get major employer. There is employment in this sector for BC Greens are looking forward, and are excited to be in, get out’ companies—will help BC prosper. those wanting long-term careers, short-term jobs, indoor building a future in which all citizens of BC can thrive. NORTH ISLAND or outdoor jobs, highly-skilled occupations or entry-level Supporting sustainable agriculture; encouraging positions. investment in clean energy; and supporting tourism, hi- Claire Trevena, BC NDP SAANICH NORTH AND THE ISLANDS: tech, education, and manufacturing: these are key drivers Our economy is evolving. While forestry remains a Adam Olsen, BC Greens for a bright future. We also believe a basic income will foundation, particularly in the North island, we are encourage innovation and creativity across the province. seeing the evolution of other sectors. The most important industry is the tech industry. Despite We must encourage investment in value-added the BCLiberals fracked gas fantasy, tech employs more PARKSVILLE–QUALICUM Glen Sollitt, BC Greens industries so we can all benefit from the bounty of our people in our province than the mining, oil, gas, and natural resources. We should be milling and BC is transitioning from our historical strengths of forestry sectors combined. manufacturing our lumber rather than shipping raw logs extraction and export, to a more diverse economy lead Tech is shaping all aspects of our lives and has the offshore. But we must achieve a healthy balance between by services and construction. Despite the current potential to transform our entire economy, making our resource development and rapidly expanding outdoor government’s weighted focus on LNG and resources, extractive industries cleaner, more efficient and less tourism. other industries manage to grow substantially and are destructive. And as we shift to a 21st century economy we need to the largest employers in our province by far. As new applications and solutions are created for the promote growth in businesses and industries that are Over the next five years, BC needs to embrace this shift 21st-century sharing and creative economy, our climate friendly. That means not only developing and and govern in such a way as to encourage further growth government must be proactive, preparing British using alternative energy but also retrofitting public in industries such as high-tech, tourism, clean energy, Columbians for the coming changes and ensuring we buildings and helping people do the same to their homes. healthcare services, advanced education and local food have a smart, forward-looking regulatory framework that This will create thousands of jobs in BC. production. protects our interests, while allowing British Columbians it is also essential to invest in broadband internet for Our strengths as a province include abundant natural to enjoy the benefits of these new opportunities. BC has our rural and remote communities so everyone has equal beauty and resources, skilled workers and a being a all the ingredients to lead the world, but the BCLiberals opportunity to participate in business development and wonderful place to live. and BCNDP have failed to prioritize the development of educational growth. this industry. As a result, our province is falling behind As we project decades into the future, we can expect other regions which have embraced the future. extraordinary immigration into BC as people from other

Island Tides emailed the above question to all contactable, declared candidates running in: Powell–River Sunshine Coast, North Island, Courtenay-Comox, Parksville–Qualicum, Mid Island-Pacific Rim, Nanaimo, Nanaimo–North Cowichan, Cowichan Valley, Langford–Juan de Fuca, Saanich North & The Islands, Oak Bay-Gordon Head, Esquimalt-Metchosin, Saanich South, Victoria-Beacon Hill, Victoria-Swan Lake. All received responses of the correct length are above, and may have been edited for relevance to the question. All candidates are invited to answer upcoming questions. Jim Benninger, David Calder, Alana DeLong, Barb Desjardins, Kim Darwin, Alex Dutton, Rob Fleming, Scott Fraser, Sonia Furstenau, Paris Gaudet, Kalen Harris, Gary Holman, John Horgan, Steve Housser, Carole James, Leonard Krog, Alicia La Rue, Chris Maxwell, Mark Neufeld, Cathy Noel, Adam Olsen, Lana Popham, Stephen Roberts, Doug Routley, Ernie Sellentin, Nic Simons, Dallas Smith, Glenn Sollitt, Michelle Stilwell, Claire Trevena, Lia Versaevel, Andrew Weaver, Matthew Wilson Island Tides’ Next Question: ‘Would you support the provision of a basic income to all British Columbians? Why?’ www.islandtides.com island Tides, March 2, 2016, Page 7

Photo: Andrew Loveridge Salish Orca pays a visit to Sturdies Bay, Galiano Island for a docking test; probably the only visit as the vessel is slated for the Powell River–Comox route.

News Digest Car Rentals Near Sidney, Saanich, Restoring Fisheries Act Victoria, Ferries & Airport cumulative effects of multiple activities. approving the kinder Morgan pipeline Long & Short Term Recommendations made on February 24 World Wildlife Fund’s 2016 Living expansion and resultant exponential Seniors’ Specials Fisheries Act Planet Report, CLiCk HERE, showed that westcoast tanker traffic increase, and Mention ad for discount! for changes to the by the 250.655.5038 House of Commons Standing Committee freshwater populations have declined 81% deciding not to proceed with electoral 1.800.809.0788 over the past four decades. Habitat loss is reform. on Fisheries and Oceans have the potential Cross-border Meeting In gsaautorentals.com to create a robust framework of the number one reason for the decline. Washington environmental legislation, says World Protecting fish is impossible without Wildlife Fund-Canada. protecting habitat. Leaders from Washington State Tribes Moon Dates: and British Columbia First Nations were in the fall, WWF-Canada testified to the WWF-Canada reports that some of the Full: March 12 committee that the Act should be recommendations in WWF-Canada’s joined by representatives from Canadian modernized, and that key protections, testimony are not included in the province and Washington state New: March 27 removed in 2012, should be restored in committee’s recommendations. government agencies on February 27 and in particular, WWF-Canada 28 at the 8th Annual Coast Salish order to protect habitats and species in Roasting Fancy Coffee freshwater and oceanic habitats. recommended the restoration of Section Gathering in Washington State. for mail orders since 1982 The three most important 32—removed in 2012—killing Fish By The Coast Salish Gathering is an recommendations made on February 24 Means Other Than Fishing. Since the 2012 opportunity for tribal and non-tribal are: removal, fish haven’t been protected from governing bodies to engage in a policy • Restoration of habitat protection harm due to industrial activities. WWF- dialogue on environmental issues facing from Thetis Island to you provisions that were deleted in 2012. Prior Canada also recommended adding the Salish Sea. www.potofgoldcoffee.com to 2012, this was Canada’s strongest protections against harm that injures or ‘Our traditional homelands and environmental law. Reinstating the reduces the fitness of fish populations but resources continue to be threatened,’ provisions in the Act restores legal does not kill them. Melvin Sheldon, chairman of the Tulalip protection to ocean and freshwater WWF-Canada says that it works in Tribes, said, ‘in this new political climate, habitats. places that are unique and ecologically it is critical for us to engage in constructive, • Adopting the ecosystem approach for important, so that nature, wildlife and future-building conversations with other the protection of fish habitats. This people thrive together—because we are all tribes and policy makers so we can approach protects marine biodiversity as wildlife. For more information, visit: continue to address these issues.’ wwf.ca. Leaders discussed threats to treaty a whole, not just commercially valuable Government - Good Gracious! species—an important shift in fisheries rights, tribal resources and the management which brings Canada in line Some decisions of the Canada’s Trudeau environment, and other topics. Regional with best international practices. administration to date—approving the issues on the agenda included rail traffic, Ecosystem-based fisheries management Woodfibre LNG plant in Howe Sound, the health of salmon and the recently- helps safeguard marine species like whales maintaining the anti-environmental laws approved kinder Morgan Trans Mountain and seabirds by taking into account their of Omnibus Bill C38, selling military Pipeline. need for healthy populations of forage fish vehicles to Saudi Arabia, issuing permits The groups aimed to set an even if there is no commercial fishery. for the destruction of the Peace River environmental policy platform that all of • Protecting fish habitat from key Valley in northern BC, approving the LNG the governing bodies can use to ensure the plant on Lelu island BC, deciding to keep health of the Salish Sea. info: activities that can damage habitat, such as 0 destructive fishing practices and the Harper government’s climate target, www.coastsalishgathering.com. www.islandtides.com Page 8, Island Tides, March 2, 2016 Saturna Notes Priscilla Ewbank ll the snow and wind-filled flurries of December, January and February, give the word ‘tomato’ juicy meaning! Despite more Asnowfall, March 1 means spring has sprung in many hearts: bird calls, green grass, lambs, new greens— stinging nettles, tight leafbuds, daffodils and what about violets! And we Saturna Islanders have two new babies on the way, one at the end of March and one at the end of April! Two lovely families awaiting new lives to love and nurture and you know ‘it takes a village’, so we will all get to our chances to love, hold and kibbitz. Local Trust Committee Meeting The first Local Islands Trust Committee meeting of the year took place in the second week of February. As you know, the Islands Trust is concerned with landuse and each trust island has its own Official Community Plan. As we have evolved in this very islander-led jurisdiction, we have become concerned with applications and landuse planning. Directly related to landuse is the consideration of First Nations claims and concerns. More and more, First Nations have come into their own to take a fresh look at treaties (or no treaties) and how that impinges on their lives. The Islands Trust has decided to take a leading role working with First Nations in the area of landuse. Our LTC members and the trust in its entirety have endorsed development of a First Nations development principles policy and a corresponding relationship building project charter. Australia and New Zealand have proceeded with charters and have had good success. Fiddlers Cove After the LTC meeting considered an application This historic interplay and travel between little aware of urban life on the Saanich Reserves. for rezoning, Islands Trust Senior different communities and cultures has resulted in This Islands Trust initiative is really interesting, Intergovernmental Policy Advisor, Fiona MacRaild 13 First Nations having associations with Saturna and holds strong promise. took the floor. She presented a lively and Island. Thirty-seven different First Nations having Fiddlers Cove Logging—More informative view of Islands Trust efforts, and a interests within the larger Trust Area. future direction for Saturna and the Islands Trust Discussion? As well, land claims so far have been seen as Area as a whole. Right now we are working, on a community-to- competing for smaller and smaller pieces of pie, as On the Saturna Island level, Fiona was able to community basis, regarding the current IR#7 First Nations have had to fit their more fluid suggest a host of pragmatic and creative examples logging proposal. boundaries, as defined by their cultures, into settler of what individual Saturna Islanders and Residents who were able to attend the legal entities. community groups can do to further relationship Community Information session that was On Saturna, W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, our Tsawout and building. First Nations and settler communities organized and co-chaired by our Community Club Tseycum neighbors, are the peoples we have had have been isolated from each other for so long, or and SIRRA executive last November 26 will recall the most interaction with through their ownership maybe always. that a number of concerns and related of Fiddler’s Cove or IR#7 at East Point. There are As Tsawout Elder Belinda Claxton said, in our opportunities were identified that merit more in- also other claims on Saturna with Hul’quimi’num- first exchange about worldviews in a meeting on depth discussion between Tsawout First Nation speakers that have visited recently and been a part Saturna last November, ‘Something I have learned representatives and Saturna residents (Island of the Saturna Lamb BBQ and the July Parks Day is that you guys aren’t going away—and I’m not Tides, December 8, 2017, page 9). and Saturna Parks Commission. We have already either!’ At the meeting, Islanders identified roads safety started to share and work together. There are I think that on Saturna, as we have had such and general public safety concerns along with novel opportunities to jointly celebrate and honour both stable, steady development we know and appreciate approaches to logging. These suggestions would be of our cultures. our settler development. And have also been well served by further community-to-community MacRaild had many suggestions for bringing curious about and appreciative of the information dialogue prior to the projected start date in April. First Nations and Islanders closer. Promoting and the tools and artifacts that have turned up at at Here we are, two communities, navigating a real- connections could involve those traditional least eight beaches with streams and middens, not life situation with important repercussions and celebrations and some more recent activities; we including close by Tumbo and Anniversary Islands. doing our best. We will benefit by the efforts, time have a fierce pickleball team and Tsawout are floor- Fiona explained that Saturna was a hub for and energy of both communities and this new hockey and lacrosse players. marine trade and traditional travel routes for First initiative of the Islands Trust. Our community page that could begin to include Nations. Saturna is a centre for SENĆOŦEN- In summary, I think Islanders are looking for content and information on events of shared speaking peoples who lived in villiage communities creative and constructive direct communication interest: http://saturnacan.net/#. Our school found in modern-day BC and Washington State. In and engagement activity to achieve longer term systems could brainstorm opportunities for shared addition, Saturna was regularly transited and relationship building. We have so much in common fieldtrips and projects that could bring us closer visited for harvesting sites by members of several in our tight-knit communities. Saturna is used to together. Perhaps we could set up a section in our Hul’quimi’num-speaking groups, all observing charting its own course to meet many of its needs library for local-themed First Nations’ reading. diplomatic protocols. in a respectful and inspired manner. I look forward The Islands Trust is setting up a growing SENĆOŦEN-speakers are saltwater people. For to discovery and the slow-building of trust. collection of resource materials that can be assessed SENĆOŦENpeoples, the big salmon harvests were The Island Trust has made a significant on the Islands Trust website. targeted in the Salish Sea with an intricate reef net commitment to empowering settler and First I have lived here for 45 years and know very little technology to intercept migrating runs. Sencoten Nation communities to work together to a common about the First Nations who own Fiddlers Cove and 0 people had no access to river fishing which the benefit. hunted and harvested on their Reserve. Also, I am Hul’quimi’num people practiced. www.islandtides.com island Tides, March 2, 2016, Page 9 Legislature in session: a flurry of bills proposed

he re-opening of the Legislature Services Collective Bargaining Actto has seen a flurry of proposed also include paramedics and Tlegislation from opposition parties. emergency dispatchers, giving them BC New Democrat Leader John the same collecting bargaining rights Horgan is bringing forward legislation as other first responders. The bill that would prohibit corporate and fulfills the changes called for in a union donations, restrict donations to petition issue by paramedics through individuals living in BC and make it Elections BC. illegal for the premier to take a second ‘Paramedics and emergency salary from outside sources such as dispatchers are an essential service, corporations and political donors. and should be treated as such,’ he ‘Between the massive donations the said, ‘As citizens, we owe first Liberal party gets and the $300,000 responders sincere gratitude for Christy Clark personally pocketed helping us in times of crisis. We are from BCLiberal donors, people don’t indebted to them as they’ve had to have confidence that government shoulder the additional weight of a decisions are made in the public horrific drug overdose epidemic. We interest. Enough is enough. We need allowed them to become overworked to fix that,’ he said. while under-supported. i hope that this bill will begin to repair that strain. Lower Voting Age to 16 ‘As it stands now, paramedics are block access altogether, others are decision-making. BCGreen Leader Andrew Weaver, not considered as an essential service. implementing strict schedules or Wilderness Committee MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, access fees. in extreme cases, British By including them in the collective Petition For introduced a bill to lower the voting bargaining act, we would eliminate Columbians are getting arrested for age in BC to 16. ‘There is a lot of labour disputes and the use of strikes trespassing while walking to public Endangered Species Act evidence that shows that if we engage or lockouts. instead, this bill would lakes they have been fishing for Weaver also tabled the Endangered our youth earlier in the political give them the ability to resolve generations.’ Species Act, 2017. The Wilderness process they are more likely to disputes through binding arbitration.’ Committee delivered 40,090 develop voting as a habit for the rest University Amendment signatures on a petition calling for of their life,’ said Weaver. ‘The Right To Roam Act Act To Protect Academic such an Act on the same day. decisions we make today as legislators Locked gates on back roads are Autonomy ‘British Columbia has the most will have a profound impact on the increasingly restricting access to wild Government intrusion in university biodiversity in Canada–yet we do so lives of our youth. i can’t think of a lands in the province, making it governance is compromising the little to protect it,’ said Torrance Coste, good reason why they shouldn’t have harder for outdoor people to go credibility of BC’s world-class Wilderness Committee’s Vancouver island Campaigner. ‘The BC a stake in those decisions. hunting, fishing or hiking. Another academic institutions, said MLA government talks the talk when it ‘it appears there is a trickle-up new bill tabled by MLA Weaver, Weaver when tabling this Act. ‘The comes to protecting endangered effect in civic participation. When would put a stop to that practice. purpose of this bill is to halt the species but unfortunately they don’t ‘British Columbians are creeping government interference in youth engage, conversations around walk the walk. Unless we take action increasingly being fenced out of the university governance,’ he added. the dinner table tend to focus on to protect our endangered wildlife, our province’s wild lands. The ability to politics and local issues, which results Protecting School Board children and grandchildren will live in access and experience nature is a in a positive impact on voter turnout Democracy a BC with no spotted owls or public right, and we must protect it,’ for the whole family.’ Weaver also introduced a bill to Vancouver island marmots in the said Weaver, ‘Free public access to the Many other jurisdictions, including require by-elections when a school wild.’ outdoors is vital to people’s health and Austria, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, board is fired and a trustee appointed. The Wilderness Committee says well-being, but it is also vital to the and parts of the Uk, have extended The School Amendment Act would that BC currently has over 1,900 health and well-being of our voting rights to 16-year-olds. Scotland requires that by-elections be held species at risk including the environment. People protect what experimented by lowering the voting within one year of school board being Vancouver island marmot, northern they know and love. age in their independence dismissed and an official trustee being spotted owl, American badger, yellow- ‘in many regions of the province, referendum. it was so successful that appointed. ‘This bill recognizes how breasted chat, and phantom orchid. the only way to access wild Crown The province has the most biological they subsequently permanently important it is that our school boards lands is via logging roads, public diversity in the country and is home to dropped the voting age to 16 in all are democratically elected. School backroads, or across privately owned 76% of Canada’s bird species, 70% of Scottish Parliament and local boards that reflect and understand the forests and uncultivated areas. While its freshwater fish species and 66% of government elections. unique nature of their district are casual public use of these accessways its butterfly species. better able to serve their First Responders As has not been an issue in the past, there BC and Alberta are currently the communities,’ said Weaver. ‘Elections Essential Services is a growing trend of neighbouring only provinces in Canada with no ensure that school boards are 0 Weaver also tabled a bill titled ‘First landowners and forestry companies endangered species law. accountable to their community, and Responders Act, 2017’. The bill locking people out. Some are building provide for local representation in amends the existing Fire and Police fences and installing locked gates to

Butler Gravel & BRING YOUR RECYCLABLES TO US… Concrete…Better We’ll take anything with a from the ground up! AMVIC Insulated Concrete deposit for a full refund. Reliable Service, Quality Products Forms (ICF) & Competitive Prices Bill McCance, Agent for Open daily 9am to 6pm Serving All The Gulf Islands Gulf Islands & Vancouver Island 250.539.2936 Phone 250-652-4484 604-690-1321 • bill@pacificicf.com SATURNA GENERAL STORE Fax 250-652-4486 www. amvicsystem.com 101 NARVAEZ BAY ROAD, SATURNA ISLAND 6700 Butler Crescent, Saanichton, B.C. www.islandtides.com Page 10, Island Tides, March 16, 2016 What’s On? Fake news, propaganda and Motion 103 VANCOUVER ISLAND & ALL THE GULF ISLANDS

Single-venue (50 words): $39.90 includes image • Elizabeth May, MP Multi-venue (70 words): $52.50 includes image Payment with order by Visa or MasterCard, please • e are in a ‘post-truth’ era. President or displays biases, it is not ‘fake.’ [email protected] or 250.216.2267 Trump denounces journalists as Reporters can make mistakes. Those mistakes ‘enemies of the people’ and any are usually corrected with retractions. Where there Saturday through Friday, March 11 to 17 inconvenient truths as ‘fake news.’ is room for debate, traditionally, different views of Stop the Pipelines, Start the Music, 2017—featuring music, W dancing and reports from the front lines of There is such a thing as ‘fake news’. I first the story are given a voice. The purpose of pipeline opposition in Northern BC; encountered it back in 2009 in the midst of the journalism is to inform an interested and engaged fundraiser for the Unist'ot'en Camp 5 disastrous climate talks in Copenhagen. I knew citizenry. It is an essential element of a healthy VANCOUVER: Sat, March 11; FRASER VALLEY: Mon, March 12; Bellingham: immediately that it was a hoax and I thought it was democracy. Tues, March 13; GALIANO ISLAND: Wed, brilliant. It was a meticulously designed sting What is happening in the US is dangerous, but it March 15; VICTORIA: Thurs, March 16; intended to expose Harper’s climate is also happening here. NANAIMO: Fri, March 17 5 Info: www.facebook.com/events/254490611652762 5 LOWER obstructionism. It came in several parts: first, a There is a growing number of websites that do COAST news release that perfectly mimicked Environment not fall into the ‘fake news’ category because they Wednesday, March 22 Canada committing Canada to deep reductions in do not pretend to be the homepages of real Saturna All Candidate's Meeting, BC Election 2017—community GHG; second, a further release carrying reaction newspapers. They do pretend to be news sources. potluck dinner at 6pm followed by meeting 5 Community Hall 5 SATURNA from other delegations to the ‘news’ from Canada, They create an echo chamber where those who are then, a link to what appeared to be Environment interested in a topic of concern and feel the Next Deadline: Wednesday, March 8 Canada’s website with more details, and lastly a link mainstream media is not giving them the ‘truth’. to a perfect replica of the Wall Street Journal’s Several of my constituents have sent me articles candidate Michael Chong and prominent columnist homepage, confirming the news. from US-based webpages that were new to me: ‘The Andrew Coyne (who wrote: ‘the notion that this Within hours, the ‘Yes Men,’ a self-described American Thinker’ and the ‘Gatestone Institute’. amounts to ‘singling out’ one religion for ‘special ‘culture jamming activist duo,’ claimed credit. While The content was disturbing. The focus was on privileges,’ as some have claimed, is specious’) are I was revelling in their strategies, I should have been creating fear, distrust and hatred of ‘other’ peoples, drowned out by those claiming that Motion 103 will quaking in my boots. What if such tactics were used, particularly Muslims. bring in Sharia law. Or that it will place Islam ‘above’ not as hoaxes to be unveiled by those seeking truth, Within Canada, Ezra Levant and his so-called other religions. but by those planning to cover the truth under ‘Rebel Media’ are doing the same. And they have For those whose agenda is to attack decency with mountains of lies? seized on an entirely innocuous, non-controversial every tool available to them, Motion 103 was a gift. ‘Fake news’ in our current context is conveyed motion in Parliament to create fear and division. Levant—who styles himself ‘Rebel Commander’— like a virus. It looks like the real thing and carries Motion 103 was put forward by Liberal MP, Iqra organized a rally in Toronto and trotted out the outrageous and untrue nonsense presented as fact. Khalid in December 2016. A motion is not a bill. It Conservative candidates willing to help him shovel In the US election campaign, the claims that does not create laws; it does not bind governments. his brand of filth. President Obama had banned the Pledge of Khalid’s motion recognizes a rising threat of I will vote for Motion 103, which, unfortunately, Allegiance in schools, that Hillary Clinton planned ‘Islamophobia’ and calls on the government to due to the hierarchy of private members motions, to limit Christian right to worship, and Pope Francis ‘recognize the need to quell the increasing public will not come to a vote for months. I voted for a had endorsed Donald Trump appeared on the climate of hate and fear.’ similar Conservative motion, decrying the rise in internet with the look of real news. Not a shred of It is clear, that whether caused by Trump’s extremism and discrimination more generally, as it truth to any of the claims. The appropriation of ascendency or merely a free-rider of newly is entirely sensible and does not contradict anything mastheads of real news outlets was used to convey empowered hate and racism, there is also a rise in in Motion 103. So, too, did the entire NDP caucus. credibility. Who knows how much that trickery anti-Semitism, with attacks even on the front doors Please, where you find a friend or neighbour impacted the election. of rabbis. But if anyone needed proof of an drawn in by the propaganda of the fear-mongers, Now in office, Trump is benefiting from the term increased level of threat to Muslims, the murder of respond helpfully. Direct them to reliable news ‘fake news’. He has appropriated it, quite wrongly, six men, killed while at prayer in their local mosque, sources and Conservative voices with integrity. Do to articles focussing on his administration’s ties to is more than enough reason to reach out and assure not denounce, for it only feeds the notion that free Russia. Are the claims inaccurate? He can dispute Muslim Canadians of their place in our hearts and speech is at risk. But equally do not let lies go that. But it is even more dangerous that he labels it our society. It was shattering to be at the Quebec unchallenged. ‘fake news’. City vigil, among the friends and families of those As Kai Nagata wrote on this very issue (in the By definition, ‘fake news’ is not what appears in who were killed and of the many more who still lay online National Observer) ‘Hate thrives when Love newspapers written by reporters working for those in hospital. and Honour fall asleep.’ 0 papers. That is real news, whether it contains errors Sensible conservative voices, such as leadership

International Women’s Day, March 8, Still Going Strong - Onni Milne Why Is This Day Different From of Socialist Women in Copenhagen in 1910, workers who died jumped to their death to escape All Other Days? proposed that ‘Women’s Day’ become being burnt alive. There was no other way out as arch 8 is International Women’s Day international. A ‘Yes’ vote made it a reality. managers had locked all doors to keep employees from going to the bathroom. Although there was an when we celebrate the wisdom, courage The slogan, ‘Bread and Roses’ was first heard in investigation and charges were laid, the employer and strength of women around the world. 1908 during a demonstration to demand votes for When And Where Did It Begin? women, prohibition of child labour and equal pay was found not guilty. M International Women’s Day became a moment for women. Bread represented economic security, A breakthrough for labour change happened in roses represented a better life. to remember a tragedy that should never have 1909 with a general strike by workers in the New Inspired by a strike of textile workers in happened. York City garment industry. A time of political and Massachusetts, James Oppenheim wrote the poem Who Are Today’s Heroines? labour unrest in the US; revolution was in the air. ‘Bread and Roses’. Mimi Farina, Joan Baez’s sister, We honour heroines of the past—British suffragette Of 30,000 workers employed in the shirtwaist composed music for it in 1976. The song became a Emmeline Pankurst, American suffragette Susan B industry, 80% were women with 70% between the hymn for a new women’s movement. Anthony, American abolitionist Harriet Tubman, ages of 16 and 25. The majority of workers were and Canadian social activist Nellie McClung. Jewish, probably fleeing from massacres in Czarist Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire We cheer for heroines like Gloria Steinem, face Russia. (Today, we deal with refugees from Syria, After a 1910 contract was signed, employers and voice of the women’s movement during the Afghanistan and African nations escaping violence). continued to ignore health and safety regulations. 1960s/70s, and Judy Chicago, creator of the Others came from Italy, Poland, Germany and In the shirtwaist (blouse) industry, safety hazards outstanding ‘Dinner Party’ ceramic and needlework Ireland. included inadequate protection against fire, exhibition which, in 1979, wrote women back into An agreement was reached in 1910. Strikers overcrowding, and harmful effects due to the work. history through unique table settings. Who are our courage was remembered throughout the US by The disastrous fire happened on March 25, 1911. heroines now? Here are a few: celebrating a ‘Women’s Day’ in 1910. Clara Zetkin, The factory was on the top three floors of a ten- Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani advocate for US delegate to the Second International Conference storey building in New York City. Many of the 146 INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY, please scroll to next page www.islandtides.com island Tides, March 2, 2016, Page 11 AROUND THE ISLANDS Read Island Tides At The Library 8 is the symbol of our belief, backed up by years of West and Hornby island terminals will be installed Since Island Tides has stopped mailing out paper evidence that the sun will soon come out again, the later this year, due to current construction on the copies, some readers have lamented not being able flowers will bloom and the verdant earth will give waiting rooms. to hold the printed page while they read it. birth to new life. The ‘Fling’ will be a fabulous dinner Meanwhile BC Ferries announces that the in true islands-style solutions are being created. catered by ‘Dinners by Design’: ham with all the Denman island Cable Ferry, with the longest cable Gabriola Library staff asked if they could print out traditional trimmings, followed by dessert and coffee. span in the world, has now been in service for a year. copies to have at the library for patrons who had Members will exchange Mayne island Gossip, Salt Spring Forum to Discuss been asking. Hey-presto, it’s there! Printed on legal- 2017 edition. i shall produce a medley of folksongs Transgender Washrooms from the piano bench, ranging from ‘Greensleeves’ sized paper, double-sided, it sits handily in the Salt Spring’s discussion organization hosts which Henry Viii is supposed to have played, and publications rack—in full-colour, no less. University of Victoria’s Dr Aaron Devor, the world’s Any other libraries or individuals wishing to do even composed, for Anne Boleyn while he was still courting her (he subsequently married and beheaded only research chair in transgender studies who will the same are very welcome to do so. Let us know so her) up to Bob Dylan, recently awarded the 2016 lead discussion at ArtSpring’s Gallery on March 11. we can spread the word. A current topic in the news is transgender Hornby Herring Festival Nobel Prize for Literature. Members may sing along if they know the lyrics. washrooms. All-gender A new ‘fishy’ event is Hornby island’s Herring ‘Spring Fling’ will sell out, for the number of our and gender-neutral Festival. Put on by Hornby’s conservancy (CHi), as members exceeds the capacity of the venerable signs can be seen on well as taking a boat ride to view the fishing grounds Agricultural Hall. single-stall bathrooms you can go to ‘herring school’ and dance at a ‘herring Defibrillators at BC Ferries Terminals such as at ArtSpring, ball’. Barb’s Buns in Ganges BC Ferries has announced that the company has Herring School at the community hall will teach or the Salt Spring installed an additional 24 Automated External you all you need to know about these BC coast Middle School. Defibrillators (AEDs) at minor terminals for foundation fish. in the morning, Grant Scott will talk Aaron Devor has customers to use in the event of a medical about herring resources around Hornby. Next a been studying and teaching transgender topics for emergency. lunch is available and will (of course) include herring more than thirty years. He will lead the discussion Training is not required to use the AEDs as the delicacies. on questions such as: Why are battles happening devices are fully automated. The company has After lunch you will hear ‘Herring Aid: Can New over bathrooms? Why are protections important for registered the locations of all the devices with the Science Save the Herring?’ Tony Pitcher, professor gender variant people? What can we do to end BC Public Access to Defibrillation (PAD) registry so at the UBC institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, discrimination against trans- and other gender- that in the event of a 9-1-1 call from a site equipped will cover three herring science topics. diverse people? with an AED, the dispatcher will be able to direct Next topic: ‘Hard of Herring: is DFO Listening to Community Stewardship Nominations What Communities Are Saying?’ Mimi Lam will the caller to the location of the equipment. present the results of her work with the Haida First Now, 34 of BC Ferries’ 47 terminal locations are The islands Trust Community Stewardship Awards Nation people to resolve the herring fishery conflict. equipped with AEDs. Major terminals: recognizes individuals and groups for programs or Herring history will follow with Don Pepper, a Tsawwassen, Swartz Bay, Horseshoe Bay, actions that have made a significant contribution fisheries economist and retired commercial Departure Bay, Duke Point, and Langdale, as well towards the object of the islands Trust and relate to fisherman: the history of the herring fishery, as BC Ferries vessels have had AEDs available for the islands Trust Policy Statement. methods of fishing herring, new and more use by BC Ferries’ Occupational First Aid The islands Trust needs your help to nominate sustainable ways to manage herring and the herring Attendants for a number of years. BC Ferries was individuals, groups or businesses for their role in fishery. not able to install the equipment at some minor protecting the Trust Area ecosystem and enhancing if you are not too exhausted by all the herring puns terminals which do not have a secure waiting room. island communities. and jokes, you can attend the Herring Ball in the The additional defibrillators are at: Nanaimo The islands Trust asks, have you noticed: evening. Call Catherine Gray 250-335-9056 or email Harbour; Descanso Bay, Gabriola island; • A friend, neighbour or group of people who takes [email protected] to register. Chemainus; Long Harbour and Fulford Harbour, exceptional care of the land? Beat The Winter Blahs, Theatre Salt Spring island; Otter Bay, Pender island; Village • A teacher who inspires students to understand Going and Partying - Allan Evans Bay, Mayne island; Sturdies Bay, Galiano island; and care for the environment or a student who leads On February 10, a group of Silver Maynes members Lyall Harbour, Saturna island; Campbell River; peers in protecting the ecosystem? went to the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney to take Quathiaski Cove and Heriot Bay, Quadra island; • A business that actively supports the in a ‘Special Valentine’ concert by the Palm Court Whaletown, Cortes island; Buckley Bay; Little community? Light Orchestra, with soprano Shadan Saul and River; Westview and Saltery Bay, Powell River; if you know someone who deserves to be recognized, please submit your nomination by April tenor Sunny Shams, and we liked it so well that we Blubber Bay, Texada island; Earls Cove; Port 18. Nomination forms are available upon request shall repeat the experience on April 20, CLiCk HERE. Hardy, Prince Rupert; Skidegate; Bella Bella; Ocean from [email protected], CLiCkHERE, or call 250- Then, on May 7, we plan to attend a Sunday matinée Falls; klemtu; Port McNeill; Sointula; and Alert 405-5164. of Fawlty Towers. Bay. islands Trust Council will announce the award Meanwhile, Mayne Lions ‘Spring Fling’ on March AEDs for Denman island East, Denman island recipients this June. 0 International Women’s Day, con’t from previous page

education for women and the youngest Nobel Prize Leap Manifesto. This activist is a prominent Roberta Bondar is Canada’s first female laureate. She continues to speak out after surviving spokesperson for the growing global social justice astronaut and NASA’s former head of space an assassination attempt. movement. medicine for more than a decade. Eve Ensleris a feminist who wrote The Vagina Khadija Ismayilova is an Azerbajaini Why Is IWD Important Now? Monologues in 1996. She went on to found One journalist who spoke out about government This is 2017 but most women do not get equal pay Billion Rising/VDayto end violence against women corruption in spite of being threatened and for equal work, women continue to experience around the world. She is a founder of the City of Joy imprisoned. Her response to harassment by the violence in their home and on the street, women are in Bukavu, a community to deal with violence government was ‘if you don’t want me to expose considered inferior around the world. Why did over trauma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. your corruption, don’t be corrupt.’ 1,000 First Nations women in Canada disappear or Christine Schuler Deschryveris Director of Regional Women’s Lobby for Peace, were murdered without any investigations? How the City of Joy and made it clear to supporters that Security and Justice in South East Europe many women are murdered for ‘honour killings’? Congolese women were in charge of the project. includes political and civil society leaders from Women still don’t control their bodies. Since it was created five years ago, the healing centre Albania, Croatia, kosovo, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Small issues, big issues. We continue to honour helped 759 women transition from their rape and Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. This group countless heroines, often nameless, who speak out violence experiences into a strong movement for encourages women’s participation in decision- for women’s empowerment. We continue a economic and social change. making across the Balkans, showing that women tradition of courage and determination not to settle Naomi Kleinis an author and co-founder of the know how to make peace beyond barriers. for second best. That is worth celebrating. 0 www.islandtides.com