FVictoria’s monthlyOCO magazineC of people, ideasU and cultureSApril 2012
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2 April 2012 • FOCUS contents April 2012 VOL. 24 NO. 6 STERLING & GASCOIGNE Certified General Accountants
20 40 42
4 RICHARD’S JOURNEY TO THE EDGES editor’s letter 4 Alison Gascoigne, CGA Ruby Popp The dream of a therapeutic community at Woodwynn Farm still burns bright. Ashley Stanford, CGA Kim Sterling, FCGA Leslie Campbell readers’ views 6 Experienced • Knowledgeable • Approachable 8 THE BRIDGE MONEY HOLE GETS DEEPER talk of the town 8 Massive design changes to the new Johnson Street Bridge were withheld from City councillors prior to a critical vote. palette 20 Accounting and Income Tax David Broadland for Individuals and Small Businesses arts in april 24 10 A CRISIS OF YOUTHFUL POVERTY Why are there hundreds of young people living on the streets of the CRD? coastlines 38 1560 Fort Street Stadacona Centre Simon Nattrass island interview 40 250-480-0558 ROBOCALLS AND THE PETROSTATE www.sg-cga.ca 12 the survivors 42 Links between election fraud and oil interests are so thick, it appears bitumen itself is lubricating the connections. urbanities 44 Briony Penn finding balance 46 18 FORCED DRUGGING OF SENIORS STILL INCREASING Ombudsperson, BCCLA and Greens criticize BC’s draconian laws. Rob Wipond
20 ART THAT’S ASTONISHING Samuel Jan says it’s all about moving people with beauty. Christine Clark
38 WORLDS BEAUTIFUL AND DANGEROUS Yasuko Thanh writes stories about normal people in extreme situations. Amy Reiswig ON THE FRONT COVER 40 ALL TOGETHER NOW Photograph of Yasuko Thanh by Tony Shellie Gudgeon’s first concern is how we shift Bounsall. See story on page 38. from “us and them” to “we”—and why we have to. Aaren Madden • Aromatic flavourful teas • High quality essential oils 42 MAYOR PETER The right of public access to the waterfront has been • Top quality herbs and tinctures for a hallmark of Peter Pollen’s long service to the community. your health & well being Leslie Campbell • Books, incense and other gift items
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April 2012 • www.focusonline.ca 3 editor’s letter
Richard’s journey to the edges LESLIE CAMPBELL The dream of a therapeutic community at Woodwynn Farm still burns bright.
doubt I’ve ever met anyone more persistent and It takes hours in the morning to stop shivering. committed than Richard LeBlanc, founder of He can’t warm up through the night by starting Ithe Creating Homefulness Society and Woodwynn the engine—he simply can’t afford the gas. But Farm, the therapeutic community for homeless it’s not just the cold. He says, “I hear every foot- people. When I think of all the roadblocks the step and car passing.” And then there are the Woodwynn project has faced, it’s hard to believe security guards or police pounding on his door that he just keeps on chugging and that he’s so when he picks the wrong spot. good-natured and philosophical about it. And by Day Three, Richard was noticing people Right now, two big things are happening in his didn’t treat him the same: “I already have had life. First, Woodwynn’s application to the Agricultural friends walk by me and not recognize me. Just a Land Commission to house more homeless people few days’ beard growth, different body language on the property is under active consideration. and grubby clothes apparently will do it,” he And second, Richard has been living on the streets reported on his facebook diary. for over a month. Meanwhile, out at the farm, Ed has lost his Let’s start with that. Richard had been musing greyish complexion and some of his frailty, and about trying life on the streets when “Ed” showed is working through a lengthy list of chores. Besides up on the farm, escorted by the police. Ed had fixing door hinges and fences, he’s been a big help
never been charged with anything, but complaints PHOTO: LESLIE CAMPBELL with the ducks and pigs. had been made about his living in a van in the Richard LeBlanc Richard has committed to the trade with Ed Brentwood Bay area over the past two years. He’s for as long as it takes to raise the equivalent of neither an addict, nor mentally ill, merely the victim of a work acci- 2012 people donating 99¢ a day for a year to Woodwynn. Even in dent that severely injured his feet so that he could no longer do his these tight times, people are finding creative ways to donate, whether work as a tradesperson. His money quickly ran out and he was evicted. it’s $5 a month on their credit card or getting together with friends to He took to his van—with a big old Lab and all his tools (he slept on his make some sort of commitment. The Raymond James Foundation huge tool chest). just donated $6000. Meeting Ed, who’s in his late 50s, helped Richard make his deci- So Richard knows he can return home at some point. He shakes his sion. By trading places with Ed, Richard could get a firsthand experience head thinking of those homeless citizens who have no end in sight. of homelessness that he could use to boost community awareness and On Day 30 in his diary, he wrote: “Really really feeling for people for funds for Woodwynn’s operations, while Ed could enjoy the comforts whom homelessness is for a truly indefinite period of time. I sense from of a home and regain some strength and dignity. the folks I talk to that they just get tired of wondering how many Ed has mentored Richard, advising him on how to keep warm and more days/weeks/months...egad ... years, it will be. [They] Just live in where to park—there’s an art to being unobtrusive, which is essen- the moment: “Try not to give up.” “Where do I sleep tonight?” “Try tial given the bylaws around camping and parking. But he also made to pick myself up for one more day.” “Where do I eat?” “Try not to feel.” Richard promise to live by his rule: “Don’t ask for help,” though Richard “How much money do I have left?” ‘Try not to notice the looks of disap- could take help if offered. Ed accepts $320 monthly from Social proval on people’s faces all day long.” “How do I stay warm? Dry?” Assistance. So that’s the budget Richard allows himself. Richard, unlike the “real” homeless, has been getting a lot of encour- Richard is learning a lot, quickly. Mostly how to be incredibly frugal agement for his dreams. He keeps busy talking with school kids, and how hard it is to keep warm. When we meet for lunch at Green church groups and service clubs. And trying to keep warm. That’s Cuisine, he looks a bit frayed around the edges, certainly his hair is become an obsession. longer, and he’s bundled up warmly. Though I can’t really tell, he says he’s lost a half-dozen pounds. ON MARCH 19, Richard got cleaned up and headed to Vancouver to It’s been a huge adjustment on many fronts. Probably the most diffi- make a presentation to the Agricultural Land Commission on Woodwynn’s cult has been around losing the privacy and comforts of an accessible request to be able to house worker/residents on the farm’s 193 acres home bathroom. Especially late at night. Since many homeless people have a friend or agency (like Our Place) where they take a shower and Editor: Leslie Campbell Publisher: David Broadland Sales: Bonnie Light launder clothes, Richard does allow himself a weekly trip to Woodwynn ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Phone 250-388-7231 Email [email protected] for those purposes. EDITORIAL INQUIRIES and letters to the editor: [email protected] But the cold—will it never end?! (As I write on the first day of spring, it’s hailed, rained and snowed today.) He sleeps with his hat on. Some WEBSITE: www.focusonline.ca MAIL: Box 5310, Victoria, V8R 6S4 nights there’s been frost on the inside of the van’s windows. The fero- Copyright © 2012. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publishers. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publishers of Focus Magazine. cious winds of late cut right through him and rattle the van. He tells Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 40051145. me he hasn’t had a decent night’s sleep since he began this experiment.
4 April 2012 • FOCUS RICHARD LEBLANC has hit the streets, literally, in order to raise awareness and funds for Woodwynn Farm.
(which would remain within the ALR). Afterwards, he says he feels hopeful but that it will be four to eight weeks before he gets an answer. The plan is to build a dormitory to house up to 96 people. Richard worked with architect Alan Roy, who donated his services, to design a cluster of eight small dorm buildings (housing up to 15 each) and a communal dining room that will sit on 1.5 acres—less than one percent of Woodwynn’s 193 acres. “We are aiming for 96 apprentices in order to successfully farm this large an acreage in a high-labour, non-mechanized fashion,” says Richard. Ninety-six people is also an optimal number for a therapeutic commu- nity program to function well, according to the research. Despite the Society’s commitment to farming, there are still people and politicians firmly opposed to Woodwynn. Central Saanich council has refused to amend bylaws to permit the on-site facilities necessary to house the labour force needed to grow more produce, and to expand a small sales area. The council did forward Woodwynn’s request to the ALR—albeit with a letter saying they weren’t in favour of it. Councillors have variously said they object to Woodwynn’s plans as too commercial/institutional/not “farm-first”/too large scale/too much of a tourist attraction/profit-oriented. Profit oriented? Are they being penalized because they don’t want to rely on government funding, but be self-supporting like the San Patrignano therapeutic community in Italy? Not farm-first? Richard notes that for the first time in 150 years, there is produce coming off Woodwynn’s acres—only five acres at this point but many more could be productive with more resident farmers. Their market over the summer was a great success. In a municipality that approved a 57-home development on 32 acres of farmland (Vantreight’s), it’s crazy-making to see Woodwynn denied the right to house homeless folks to farm the land and regain a foothold on a decent life. Many wonder if the real reason Central Saanich council is opposed to the plan doesn’t have more to do with pressures from those fearful about property values decreasing with proximity to a farm employing (and training and counselling) homeless people. It’s important to remember that the majority in Central Saanich (according to Ipsos Reid polling) wants to see a therapeutic commu- nity for homeless people at Woodwynn; and that the farm has attracted an impressively talented and large crew of volunteers from all over the city, plus thousands of donors—individuals, businesses, service clubs, school groups, as well as the generous backers who bought the farm. And like I said at the outset, Richard is persistent. He is not going to go away.
Leslie Campbell hopes the Agriculture Land Commission pleasantly surprises us. The Woodwynn plan and link to Richard’s “Journey to the Edges” facebook page is at www.woodwynnfarms.org.
www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 5 readers’ views
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6 April 2012 • FOCUS ADVERTISEMENT Focus presents:Victoria Hospice
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Then there was the startling revelation that the seabed was irregular. Apparently, it started high and went down. Guess no previous bridge ore than 75 different Victoria Hospice walking groups have been formed, builder here had discovered that. of which many continue to self-organize and meet regularly, not so All this was in the report, but none of the sheep said “Get on with Mmuch for the exercise, but rather for the unique opportunity to connect it. We know your smoke and mirrors: Why has the bill gone up?” with someone who truly understands what it is like to lose someone important Great blather was made of the fact the whole project had been to them. Suzanne Hudon, a member of a recently formed walking group, says the peer reviewed. Who were these peers—the Smurfs? walkers have two things in common:“We have all lost someone significant to us No one suggested the staff overseeing this should be fired. No one and we have all been supported by Hospice. suggested the engineers be fired and it was time to cut losses and re- Victoria Hospice not only evaluate with someone who knew what they were doing. provides quality palliative care No, it was the old saw of “We have spent this much already, so we for patients,but it also offers might as well carry on.” support for friends and family So when a new bridge does open—maybe—in 12 years, the cost will members for up to a year after be closer to $200 million. Who would have thought the province a death.While this support was so wise in keeping out of this farce? can take various forms,walking Patrick Murphy groups have proven to be very popular since 1986. Re Privacy Commissioner slams provincial surveillance program Suzanne speaks for many Police Chief Jamie Graham says he wants as much information as he when she says she knows that can get his hands on, even if he doesn’t know what he’s going to do friends and family just want with it. you to feel better,and believe Besides the concerns the Privacy Commissioner has about the ille- that talking about your loss gality of such intelligence gathering—which Rob Wipond so ably is hurtful, but,“in the walking dug up from underneath all the bullshit news stories that covered it groups it’s different. Everyone over—we should all be concerned about Graham’s tendency toward feels free—but not oblig- hoarding. It could cost us an arm and a leg. ated—to talk about the Soon Graham will be asking for more money so he can hire more person they have lost.” people to sort through and file the information he doesn’t know what Suzanne describes a kind of to do with. Then he’ll be looking for off-site storage facilities for all the acceptance within the groups. cardboard boxes he’s filling up with all our suspicious meanderings “Somebody gets it. Somebody around the city. really understands.”Another
My recently-departed mother had this tendency and let me tell you, important part of the group Photo:Tony Bounsall it can become quite acute as the afflicted person ages. to Suzanne is that,“we share Suzanne Hudon The second-in-command down at VicPD needs to keep a sharp our milestones.Whether that eye out for other stuff building up in Graham’s office. This is classic is acknowledging the one-year anniversary of the death of the loved one, or hoarding behaviour. Soon we’ll hear that Graham can’t find things in celebrating the first time someone does something on their own.” his cardboard-box-filled office and that his patrol car is crammed full Tom Arnold, Major Gifts Officer at Hospice, says that the bonds in these groups of missing service pistols and stale doughnuts. grow so strong that not only do they meet for potlucks and parties, but some- William Johnston times widows and widowers remarry within the group.Many say things like,“I wish I’d never met these people, but I’m so glad I did!” Re The parachute problem This spring,Victoria Hospice will host its Hike for Hospice event,joining hospices Gene Miller is a frail pensioner? Geez, it seems like just yesterday he across the country to raise funds for end-of-life care.Because of the success of their was pounding them back at the Churchill Hotel. Where did all the years walking program, there is great excitement about this hospice fundraising event. go Gene? On Sunday,May 6,participants will gather at the Delta Ocean Pointe Hotel to walk Look, I think the Colliers guys are a tad too hopeful and Nicole Foss along the Songhees Westsong Walkway to Bernard Park and back. is a bit on the gloomy side. But the folks trying to build a more local Hospice Corporate and Community Relations Coordinator Tamara Dean hopes economy where people living here invest in their neighbours? Good that 50 teams of ten will enter the inaugural Victoria event, and she is encour- on them. Sign me up. aging the teams to come up with creative ways to fundraise their $1500 suggested And Gene, when they get your last can of tuna—the bastards—come donation/entry fee ($150 per team member).“Victoria Hospice cares for patients over to my place and I’ll show you how to grow potatoes and carrots. and families of all ages and all walks of life. Hike for Hospice is an event for Molly Henkel everyone. Get your friends, family, or co-workers together on May 6 to take in one of Victoria’s most scenic walkways, and help raise funds and awareness for end- LETTERS of-life care in our community.You’ll be glad you did.” Entries and pledge forms are online at Victoria Hospice’s website. Send letters to: [email protected] Letters that directly address articles Victoria Hospice • 250-952-5720 published in Focus will be given preference. Give online at www.VictoriaHospice.org www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 7 talk of the town David Broadland 8 Simon Nattrass 10 Briony Penn 12 Rob Wipond 18 The bridge money hole gets deeper DAVID BROADLAND Massive design changes to the new Johnson Street Bridge were withheld from City councillors prior to a critical vote.
t a critical moment in the special council meeting held March 15 to consider whether to keep digging the Johnson Street ABridge money hole, City of Victoria councillor Marianne Alto said, in effect, “Let’s keep digging.” Along with other councillors, Alto had just watched a PowerPoint presentation by the City’s prime consultant, Joost Meyboom, the motor drive bridge’s architect, Sebastien Ricard, and the City’s Mike Lai. Considered to be a swing vote on the question of whether to keep ring digging or get out and look around for what else might be possible, Alto declared she could now “understand” why the price had risen to $92 million. She told her fellow councillors she felt “grief” when she first heard the new price and earlier that day had decided “$77 million and not a penny more.” Although I asked Alto for an explanation of exactly what changed her mind, by press time I’d received no response. Could it have been the dozens of images of beautiful, dramatically-lit swooping cable- stayed pedestrian bridges that Ricard’s employer, Wilkinson Eyre Architects, has designed? Or might it have been the confidence-instilling statements by Meyboom that every step so far in this “complex” project had been executed with such amazing ingenuity that buckets of the Slide 24 showing details of a new lifting mechanism for the new bridge City’s money had been saved already. Well, we don’t know. that bears no resemblance to the original design. But one thing that didn’t contribute to Alto’s decision was the content of slide 24 in the Meyboom-Ricard show. An image was flashed on the centre of rotation.) With the new design, that long tail will swing 15 overhead screen for about 6 seconds. No explanation was given other metres down into what’s called a counterweight pit, and would knock than Ricard’s brief statement that “This is some of the mechanics of the out any walkway that floated between the rings. So in the new mechanism for the wheel to rotate” (see image to right). After blasting design the walkway hangs from the underside of the bridge deck and past slide 24, Ricard lingered at length on slide 25, extolling the virtues would rotate when the bridge is raised. of the design of the new bridge’s railings. The rotating walkway will create concerns about safety and liability. The implications of what was on slide 24 are perplexing. It shows How will the engineers ensure no one is ever trapped on that walkway the new bridge’s mechanical system—the arrangement of gears and as the bridge is raised? Will they soon be arguing that it would be best motors used to lift the bridge for passing marine traffic. And it’s to elminate the rotating walkway altogether? Moves in that direc- completely different than what the engineers had been saying would tion have already been taken. City council was told recently the lift the bridge’s bascule leaf (see image page 9). For you railing freaks walkway would not be connected until some “future date.” Is that this probably doesn’t sound very exciting. But what’s important here another way of saying “never”? is that a major design change had taken place, and at the very moment Another issue is reliability. In the initial design, the rings had circular councillors needed full disclosure to be able to make the best deci- gear racks driven by motorized spur gears located directly beneath the sion for taxpayers, this vital piece of information was withheld. rings. This compact arrangement of machinery would not have been Why did Meyboom and Ricard avoid telling councillors about the exposed to whatever debris fell from the bridge deck. But the new change? What was wrong with the previous design they had confi- design has an exposed gear rack that sweeps in an arc six storeys down dently claimed was tried and true? Are they any surer about the latest to the bottom of the pier building. Anything that comes off the bridge design than they were about the first? Has its cost been fully figured deck as it is raised—sand, gravel, nails, car-body screws, ice, chunks of into the latest cost estimate? What other implications are there? the roadway itself—is going to fall toward the gear rack. Eventually, I explored with a bridge engineer the ramifications of this change something will land or bounce onto that rack. When a stone or a spike in terms of functionality, long term reliability, and cost. finally lodges between the teeth of the gear rack, the gears will be First off, the geometry of the new mechanical arrangement elimi- damaged when the bridge is lowered, possibly putting the bridge out nates the very feature that convinced many people this bridge would of operation for an extended period. be “iconic” and “cool”—the ability to walk through the rolling bascule Bridge engineer Frank Nelson noted that with the new design, the rings while the bridge was being lifted or lowered. Slide 24 shows driving mechanism is located a relatively great distance away from the bridge deck has been extended about 15 metres to the east of the where the two big rings of the bridge rotate on rollers. For this design bridge’s centre of rotation. (In the initial design it ended west of the to work, he notes, the rings would need to be machined to exceed-
8 April 2012 • FOCUS FIRST OFF, THE GEOMETRY OF THE NEW MECHANICAL ARRANGEMENT eliminates the very feature that convinced many people this bridge would be “iconic” and “cool”—the ability to walk through the rolling bascule rings while the bridge was being lifted or lowered.
because this is the first time it’s been done— that’s exactly what is worrying me. I don’t want to be in the forefront of bridge design and at the same time [be] assuring people that ring we’re going to be able to bring it in at the budget we’ve set out.” Councillors went on to ratify the motion they passed a week earlier, moving forward on what is, for now, a $93 million bridge. Councillors Young, Lisa Helps and Ben Isitt motor drive voted against. Councillor Gudgeon was absent. Some members of this council—Mayor Fortin and councillors Coleman, Madoff and Thornton-Joe—seem to have lost all perspec- tive about the costs and benefits of this project. They seem able only to say “yes” to the City engineers, who have in turn been captured by the Meyboom-Ricard corporate show. A concept drawing of the bridge’s original mechanical drive system presented before the referendum Even in the face of a massive and expen- sive design change, the City’s engineer says ingly high tolerances. Nelson said, “This is new lifting mechanism will require those rings “there has been no material change.” Mayor not a typical fabrication technique.” It will to be machined to such extremely high toler- Fortin nods his head and says there has been require “a major part of the truss to be fabri- ances that they will be exceedingly expensive, no material change. Each time there is “no cated to microns as opposed to millimeters. and that’s probably the real reason the cost esti- material change,” the functionality of the This is closer to aerospace tolerances.” Could mate has ballooned. But the only reason for bridge goes down and the price goes up. Each such work be done in this country? “Canada including these exceedingly expensive rings in time the price goes up, the only winner seems has aerospace shops that could do this,” the design is so that people can walk through to be Meyboom’s MMM Group. Nelson said, “But then there is the matter of them when the bridge is in motion. Bit by bit, the original design parameters joining those fabrications to the rest of the The design rationale has become illogical are disappearing: First rail was removed. Then truss and not introducing weld or fit-up stress and that fact was hidden from Marianne Alto design life for the approach bridges was dropped in the truss.” Can it be done? “I am sure it and other councillors when they voted on to 75 years and the navigational channel width can be done,” Nelson said, “but for a contractor March 15 to keep digging. shrunk from 47 to 41 metres. Now the walkway to figure this all out in the period they have through the wheels is going to be eliminated. to prepare a bid will introduce significant AT A MARCH 22 CITY OF VICTORIA council What’s next? The safety space on the outside risk pricing, which may not yet be figured meeting, councillor Geoff Young questioned of the bicycle lanes? Whoops, that’s been elim- into the estimate.” City staff about changes to the bridge’s mechan- inated too. Ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching. Would a mechanical system that required ical design. Project director Mike Lai told In April 2009, Fortin, Coleman, Madoff such exacting tolerances survive a magnitude Young, “There has been no material change and Thornton-Joe voted to replace the bridge 8.5 earthquake? Nelson said “I am not aware in the design,” even while admitting it would when they were told the cost of a “signature” of a moveable bridge with this two-rings-in- no longer be possible to walk through the rings bridge would be $40 million. Including a roller-cradles design in existence in a high when the bridge was in motion. few of the councillors’ “must haves”drove seismic zone.” He reckoned that with this Engineering department director Dwayne that price to $63 million. Once the Wilkinson mechanical system the cost of the bridge “will Kalynchuk told Young, “It’s a complicated Eyre concept had been cost-estimated, the likely exceed $100 million by the time it process in designing this bridge...there’s not price grew to $89 million. When rail was goes to construction.” another bridge we can go and look at and say taken off it dropped to $77 million. Now Let’s summarize: The bridge has lost the one ‘Yep that’s how it’s gonna look and that’s how the price has grown to $93 million. Will that unique quality which people agreed would it’s gonna operate.’” be the end of the money-hole digging? Only qualify it as iconic—the walk through the rings Young expressed reservation about being a if Marianne Alto puts down her shovel. while the bridge is in motion, a feature promised bridge design pioneer: “All the discussion about in a referendum. And now the geometry of the the design evolving because it’s unique and David Broadland is the publisher of Focus Magazine. www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 9 talk of the town
A crisis of youthful poverty SIMON NATTRASS Why are there hundreds of young people living on the streets of the CRD?
ince leaving home at 13, Dianne* has agreed: “[when I’m in a shelter] I’m constantly divided her life between shelters, care making sure that I’m aware of my surround- Shomes, and the street. She’s 20 now, ings and not inviting people to take advantage and has just left Holly House—a girl’s home of me.” (There is a shelter—Out of the Rain— run by Threshold Housing Society—for a devoted to youth only. From November detox facility. Dianne’s life will be unstable through April 15, it opens each night in a while her case worker looks for another different facility at 10 pm.) supportive living space, but she says things After being kicked out of his parents’ house have been worse—for a long time, her life at 15, another Threshold resident, Adam, spent revolved around her addiction. “I spent most close to a year on the streets, sleeping mostly of my time trying to score, most of my time in Beacon Hill Park with a few short stints in using. Everything revolved around using and supportive housing. He comments: “Sometimes getting dope, using dope, being dopesick and it’s pretty alright, mainly because we have a trying to get un-dopesick and getting clean, nice climate and we have a separation between relapsing and getting clean again. That was sort of sketchy services like Our Place and less my life for a long time.” Seventeen-year-old Stella, a resident of sketchy services like church programs that will Since moving into Mitchell House—the Holly House, took years to gather up the put on food and stuff for youth. Sometimes it boys’ counterpart to Holly House—Jason has courage to leave an unsafe home situation. was pretty messed up, but it kinda depends had to deal with what has become an unoffi- Citing pure luck, after two weeks in a youth where you’re sleeping. Occasionally I would cial rite of passage for youth in state care: the shelter, Stella found her place at Threshold. stay at people’s houses, but I was kind of uncom- process, or lack thereof, of “ageing out” once Her eyes light up when she talks about how fortable with that because it’s putting unfair he hit 18. Jason was lucky—his social worker she’s used her experience as a chance to grow. pressure on people. I mainly slept in Beacon managed to cobble together enough money “You force yourself to look back and you Hill Park, which sometimes isn’t so bad.” to secure a place at Mitchell House and cover become mature. You have to worry about Even though life on the street is different for his first month’s rent before he could receive money and jobs—you look back on yourself every young person, their struggles have common income assistance. Most youth who have been and now you have to improve. It forces you themes. Everyone I spoke to had a story about wards of the state (i.e living in foster or group to think about who you are.” the hostility of busy shelters, the prejudice and homes or a number of other related programs) Outside of sparse housing opportunities mistrust of potential landlords, the scarcity of simply see their support—financial and other- like Threshold (whose two homes house only resources for youth, and the cold bureaucracy wise—evaporate. The result is that half of all eight youths at a time), there are still an esti- of the Ministry—obstacles that would wear such BC youth spend some time on the street. mated 620 youth dealing with the reality of out the strongest of us. But no matter where Most other young people end up there homelessness in the region according to the these stories go, they all start with the same because they’ve been kicked out or are trying CRD’s 2008 analysis—the most recent compre- basic reality—for these youth, home is simply to escape an abusive situation. hensive look at Victoria’s homeless youth not an option, a fact that the Ministry of Children Threshold specializes in serving youth aged population. There are only 16 transition housing and Family Development often fails to grasp. 16-21, young people like Jason who are just beds dedicated for youth in the whole CRD. Encounters like Adam’s are all too common beginning to fall through the cracks. The goal The entire range of youth-specific services among homeless youth: “The Ministry liter- of the organization is to encourage indepen- in our region only addresses around seven ally wouldn’t look at me because my parents dence—youth staying at one of the organization’s percent of this population, with the remainder said they wanted me back. I feel it’s safer for two houses have to make rent, buy groceries, sleeping rough or staying at shelters with their me to be living on the street than to be living and deal with all of the day-to-day responsi- many limitations, lack of safety, and exposure in my house, and that says something.” bilities of life, albeit with the support of one to drug use. Where once young people could approach of Threshold’s resident youth workers. “From Without exception, every youth I spoke the Ministry for a “youth agreement”—essen- our point of view, the pillar of getting your to who had spent time in a shelter had a horror tially welfare for independent youth—the life back together is stable housing,” says Mark story to relate. Dianne had the most experi- process has become too onerous for youth Muldoon, executive director at Threshold ence: “It’s mainly just safety stuff, your stuff already burdened with the day-to-day ordeals Housing Society. “We see so many kids coming is always getting stolen or you might get hurt.” of street life. Like Adam, many youth don’t in here carrying a trauma load, anxious about Stella, the young girl from Holly House, bother pressing the Ministry for assistance, where they’re going to be, how long they can opting instead for the streets, or if very lucky, stay here. How do you expect these kids to * The young people are real but we’ve changed organizations like Threshold Housing. Mark get their life together?” their names to respect their privacy. Muldoon says, “The threshold for getting a
10 April 2012 • FOCUS THE ENTIRE RANGE of youth-specific services in our region only addresses around seven percent of the CRD’s estimated 650 homeless youth. youth agreement now is quite high, so the number of kids that qualify has dropped dramat- ically.” He notes that whereas in the past, a lot of Threshold’s residents came through the Ministry—“which meant they came with money for food and rent—now we’ve found that a lot of kids who knock on our door are self-referrals, they just need a place to stay.” Both service providers and youth them- selves seem to agree on their needs. Victoria Foundation’s 2011 Youth Vital Signs report found that youth housing and homelessness tied with poverty as the top areas of concern for youth. Minimum wage jobs, low welfare rates (assuming they can get a job or welfare), and high rents conspire to challenge all youth who lack parental support. Homeless kids don’t want to be on the street, but they do want freedom and independence. Theirs is not a crisis of direction or maturity or lack of discipline, but rather a crisis of maturing under an unsupportive, inflexible Core & Cellular and impersonal system. They need the resources Transformational to feed, clothe and shelter themselves while Healing Events establishing their independence. While the broader homeless community suffers with with chronic drug abuse and mental illness, the Ger Lyons coherent, responsible, intelligent youth who call the streets home see these problems as Global Spiritual Healer merely the natural result of being denied a Teacher, Metaphysician chance at a normal life. & Seer from Ireland If the real crisis homeless youth face—the crisis of poverty—could be dealt with directly, chances are they can have that normal life and avoid the chronic problems of life on the street. Victoria's ORIGINAL As my interviews with both youth and people Health & Wellness Centre Intro Evening like Mark Muldoon suggest, they are respon- for Your DOG & CAT Thursday April 19, 7-10pm, $20 sible and—if given a chance—able to do what • Canine Nutritionist 3 Day Workshop they want: take care of themselves and their April 20 - 22 community, just like the rest of us. • Certified Herbalist • Highest quality food & treats 6 Day Workshop On April 20-22, Belonging: A Victoria Youth • Toys, leashes, collars & more April 27 - May 2 Homelessness Summit will be held at Victoria’s We specialize in homeopathic For more information: Odd Fellows Hall. See www.belongingvictoria.com. remedies, herbs, and a full range [email protected] Further info on Threshold Housing Society is of nutritional supplements 250-382-0724 • www.gerlyons.net at http://thresholdhousing.ca. Venue: Henderson Hall, 1632 Yale St. #4 - 100 Aldersmith Place Come home to the self-realization and Simon Nattrass is a freelance writer living and (off Admirals between Thrifty's and Canadian Tire) manifestation of your full expression of working in Victoria BC. 250-360-1322 • www.yourpetpals.com power, passion and health! www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 11 talk of the town
Robocalls and the petrostate BRIONY PENN Links between election fraud and oil interests are so thick, it appears bitumen itself is lubricating the connections.
ver two days in January, 2010, the Manning Centre for Following the media exposure, both Fryer and the Observer Building Democracy held a campaign school at Delta Ocean received libel threats. Fryer was asked by a Campaign Research OPointe Resort in Victoria in preparation for the 2011 elec- lawyer to publish a letter saying his comments were not intended tion. Revelations of what went on during those two days has to suggest that “Mr Couvalis, Mr Ciano or Campaign yielded intriguing insight into what might lie Research provided, discussed or made sugges- behind the current robocall scandal. tions to participants regarding The Manning Centre is a any illegal or unethical Conservative think-tank operating campaign or election out of Calgary, headed by Preston tactics,” which he did. The Manning, and board members Observer was asked to print include Gwyn Morgan, ex-CEO disclaimers throughout its of EnCana Corp and other lumi- article, which they did. Fryer naries of the oil and gas industry. declined to speak with me. Organizers of the campaign When Manning Centre for school had sent invitations to Building Democracy was asked various Conservative and former for its response to Fryer’s Reform party members and comments, Director of Com- campaign teams, encouraging them munications Olivier Ballou stated to attend. One such invitation that Fryer’s retraction letter went to John Fryer, a former spoke to the issue. But Pullman member of the Reform Party but says, “Focusing on Fryer’s now a Green Party federal council apology letter to the instructors member and campaign manager for misses the point. As I wrote in Elizabeth May. Fryer is not the kind of the article, it was the attendees politico you might expect to be attending a who discussed using the methods Manning Centre event, having won the Order that were being taught to make of Canada for his work on international labour policy. misleading phone calls.” The Manning Fryer’s experiences at the two-day event were described Centre’s Ballou countered that no other attendees in a letter to the Globe and Mail on March 3, 2012, as the elec- seemed to be corroborating Fryer’s story. According to a list tion fraud scandal unfolded. of those who attended obtained by Pullman, most attendees were from Fryer wrote, “Topics covered included voter identification. Discussion federal conservative campaign teams in local ridings, such as those for ensued about suppression techniques. Instructors explained voter Troy de Souza and Patrick Hunt of Juan de Fuca and Victoria. In an suppression tactics were borrowed from those used by the US Republican interview, Hunt denied there was any reference to voter suppression Party. Many kinds of suppression calls were canvassed. Another instructor during the course. Preston Manning, in a recent speech, stated: “Any gave detailed explanations of how robocalls worked, techniques for political strategy, tactic, or technology which deliberately employs a recording messages, plus costs involved. He distributed his business lie to misdirect or mislead a voter is deplorable ethically and for the card upon request. Instructors made it clear that robocalling and voter damage it does to the democratic process and public confidence in all suppression were an acceptable and normal part of winning political parties and politicians.” campaigns. With election ethics like this, a more compelling case for But Hugh Kruzel, an independent municipal candidate from Victoria changing to a system of proportional representation where each and who attended the Delta Ocean Pointe campaign school says, “By and every vote counts is hard to imagine.” large I swallowed some of the kool aid about what the potential lessons Vancouver Observer reporter Emma Pullman had also interviewed learned from the US were, but it didn’t have any sticking power for Fryer. Pullman works for DeSmogBlog, investigating the climate denial me. If I heard something that I would never be involved in, I got up industry and its financial backers in the oil industry. In her article, and had a coffee. Ethically, I would rather get out the vote than details of the workshop were elaborated upon, including the names work to ensure other voices are snuffed. Can I remember exactly of the instructors: Dimitri Pantazopoulos, a former pollster for the discussions about voter suppression? I believe some of that was discussed, federal Conservatives, now the Principal Secretary to Premier Christy even at the round table level.” Clark; Richard Ciano and Nick Kouvalis of Campaign Research, both long-term Conservative party operatives; and Kory Teneycke, Prime The Manning Centre and oil Minister Harper’s former director of communications, and the So what is the Manning Centre for Building Democracy and who main booster for Fox North TV. funds it? Started in 2005 by Preston Manning, its website says it’s “a
12 April 2012 • FOCUS THERE ARE NO INSTITUTIONAL watchdogs in “petrostates, they only appoint puppies.” —Andrew Nikiforuk
national not-for-profit organization supporting research, educational, and communications initiatives designed to achieve a more democratic society in Canada guided by conservative principles.” Manning’s Ballou says “private donations” fund the organization. However, Preston Manning’s own speeches on the website identify some of these “private donors” including Canadian Natural Resources, Shell Canada, Spectra Energy, and TransCanada among others—large publicly-traded oil sector companies. One private donor identified is Gwyn Morgan. Morgan, in addition to his long affiliation with EnCana, is a colleague of and former fundraiser for Harper and the Conservative Party, advisor to Premier Christy Clark, and chair of the board of SNC Lavalin. SNC Lavalin is currently negotiating the purchase of the nationally-owned Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) who make Candu reactors. Nuclear energy has long been proposed as a key future power source for the bitumen extraction process. The Harper Record (published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives) notes that AECL is working with Shell to explore nuclear potential in the tar sands. Other directors of the Manning Centre include Chairman Cliff Fryers (no relation to John Fryer) a tax litigator, general counsel for Mobil Oil Canada Ltd, governor of the Canadian Tax Foundation and a director of the Canadian Petroleum Tax Society; and secretary and treasurer Blair Nixon, tax counsel to a number of natural resources companies. The connection between the interests of oil companies and the Manning Centre is clear. The connection between the Manning Centre and activ- ities which would lead to electoral fraud are becoming clear. The result of such connections to, and funding from, oil companies for the Manning Centre—and other such organizations—is a skewed democracy in which petrodollars help elect politicians, usually Conservative, that are oil-patch-friendly. This can happen directly or indirectly, with oil revenue funding politicians or institutions that work to create an oil-friendly culture. The power of big oil to influence public policy in the area of climate change has been well documented by such watchdog groups as DeSmogBlog, who have been tracking the financing of fake science institutes that deny climate change and obfuscate policy. And Morgan himself gave Harper’s old advocacy group, the National Citizen’s Coalition, $20,000 for fighting Stephane Dion’s carbon tax plan prior to the 2008 election. The aim is to get and keep Conservatives in power, preferably with a majority.
The Alberta experience Andrew Nikiforuk, an award-winning journalist and author of Tar Sands: Dirty Oil and the Future of a Continent and a long-standing critic of Albertan petrostate politics (where the Conservative party has been in power for over 40 years) says, “A government that has access to the enormous stores of hydrocarbons can use the money to manip- ulate the process and keep themselves in power, and that means subverting the election process and undermining the electoral institutions.” He goes on to describe the various ways in which oil revenue lubricates the subversion process. “First there is the ability of a government running
www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 13 on oil revenue with no savings plan to cover up mistakes, bribe citizens Get your feet and institutions, lower taxes and fund expensive infrastructure programs to win votes.” beach-ready He also suggests: “There are no institutional watchdogs in petrostates, they only appoint puppies.” The non-puppies tend to get fired, Nikiforuk says, recounting the case of Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer Lorne Gibson. In 2007, Winnipeg-born Gibson made his first mistake by recommending charges in nine cases of illegal electoral funding where schools and municipalities had funded the Conservative Party, all of which were curiously dropped. In 2008, Gibson followed up after the provincial election with a scathing report documenting election irregularities. These included a NEW laser therapy lack of impartiality by the governing Conservative Party in appointing effectively treats toenail fungus large numbers of electoral returning officers having ties to the Conservatives. Gibson’s report described tactics used to appoint electoral officers, Toenail fungus affects 10% of the population and is very which were sometimes delayed until the day before the election, thus hard to get rid of, even using potentially harmful drugs. preventing a quarter of Alberta’s voters from getting pre-registered. The ensuing delays, confusion, jammed websites and other voter suppres- Now a new laser treatment designed especially for sion tactics were well documented in Gibson’s report. eradicating it is fast, safe, painless and 80% curative. He made extensive recommendations for electoral reform and then was promptly fired for his efforts by a legislative committee Dr Gregg Congdon & Dr Bill Mirchoff stacked with Conservatives. 350 - 1641 Hillside Ave Subsequent to Gibson’s firing, Paula Simons, a columnist with the 250-592-0224 Edmonton Journal, wrote: “The sequence of events sends a terrible message to other independent legislative officers, such as the auditor Learn more at general, the information and privacy commissioner, the ethics commis- www.drgreggcongdon.com/apps/blog sioner and the ombudsman. Are they to understand that they too might lose their appointments if they criticize and embarrass the government?” Gibson is currently in court appealing wrongful dismissal. Nikiforuk notes, “That culture of bending the rules has expanded beyond the borders of Alberta now into the rest of Canada with the petrostate party winning its federal majority.”
Ground Zero: Saanich–Gulf Islands Locally, Saanich–Gulf Islands’ residents have experienced at least two elections in which irregularities occurred. Viewed as a swing riding in both the 2008 and 2011 federal elections, it was targeted by robocalls apparently trying to suppress the vote for non- Conservative candidates. As the Liberal candidate in the 2008 election, I have personal expe- rience with questionable third-party funding and robocalls. Gary Lunn, Harper’s then-Minister of Natural Resources, was the incumbent. The riding’s strategic location at the edge of the Pacific put it at the heart of the national debate on whether bitumen could be safely distributed from our shores via pipelines and tankers. Lunn’s campaign was well supported by the oil patch gang, including Gwyn Morgan, who chose to retire in the area and whose wife headed a third-party advertiser (she also sits on the Council of Advisors for the Manning Centre). There were five such third-party organizations registered to support Lunn in that election, four of whom had the same address—a law office under the name of lawyer Bruce Hallsor. Hallsor is a prominent Conservative operative. A former member of the BC Chief Electoral Officer’s Advisory Committee, vice-president of the Conservatives’ Saanich–Gulf Islands Electoral District Association, and former director of Fair Voting BC, he was also named in Election Canada’s investiga- tion of a so-called “in-and-out scheme” in his capacity as co-chair of the Conservative campaigns in BC in 2006.
14 April 2012 • FOCUS ADVERTISEMENT Focus presents: Coast Mountain Expeditions
The Octopus Islands: a kayaker’s journal
e’re paddling from Coast Mountain Lodge on Read Island to the Octopus Islands Marine WPark.It’s a three-day journey by kayak.The sea is smooth and we’re feeling lucky,though our guides tell us easy conditions are normal: these channels of the Discovery Islands are protected from weather that buffets other places.There’s calm rhythm in the paddling and we glide along islands with deep forest shores and rocky coves dotted with candy-coloured seastars in shades of purple, bright orange, pinks and red.There are seals too,piled out of the water and looking uncom- fortable perched on seaweed and intertidal rocks.They eye us warily as we paddle past.A few slide into the water and follow, curious little faces that bob in the water,then disappear. This morning we had to watch the clock and “time” our paddle through Surge Narrows Marine Park,where tidal rapids flood and ebb,and where it’s safe and easy Paddling through Whiterock Pass only at slack tide. It was easy with the clock! In the afternoon of day two, our lead guide sets tree at water’s edge. Earlier, we spied several mink On our final day,we are expert at “no-tracing”the sight on a distant islet that will be our campsite. He foraging along the shore, and a pair of river otters camp and fitting everything into the kayak’s small explains it’s one of eight islands belonging to the swimming across the channel.All these critters hatches.We’ve come more than 30 km from Coast appropriately named Octopus group—and that many seem unconcerned by our quiet presence—most espe- Mountain Lodge, too far to paddle back, so Coast years ago Jacques Cousteau visited and proclaimed cially the enormous Stellar’s sea lion heading businesslike Mountain Expeditions’ boat Chico Mendes will give these islands one of the world’s most biologically to some distant place.The guides tell us sea lion numbers us a ride, kayaks and all. diverse intertidal environments.Meandering the islands’ have decreased because they are viewed as a nuisance But before we “retire” to the lodge, we have one maze of passages, we appreciate crystal clear water at fish farms and get drowned or shot in predator nets more great paddle scheduled: through the famous and the abundance of colour and creatures below.We when they try to get at the salmon pens.The guides tidal passage called Hole-In-The-Wall. It’s one of the also notice rows of rocks organized parallel to shore don’t have much good to say about fish farms, espe- world’s most powerful tidal rapids,but we’re reassured and we learn these are native clam gardens, cultural cially the ones situated here in the migratory path by the guide’s easy explanation of the tide and current relics just recently identified. called Wild Salmon Narrows. tables that we’re going at “slack”tide,when it’s safe. Setting up camp is easy the second time.The tents Next morning we stretch our legs.Waiatt Bay is a Steep hills rise on both sides of the deep channel go together quickly and before we’re done there’s short paddle from camp,and we’re excited about hiking and we marvel at the opening where snow-capped something bubbling on the stove and the guides are to the little lake hidden away in this Quadra Island coast mountains tower in the distance. busy peeling and chopping.Judging by the smell,I’m park.The trail is through lush rainforest,the air is fresh And then there’s Chico.With all aboard, we relax, betting this will be just as delicious as the fresh clam and cool, and it feels good to move.When we pass heading towards lodge comforts—including the wood- linguine we had last night. the pretty little waterfall, they say we’re close and fired sauna and hot solar showers. Dinner is Coast After dinner some people paddle and drift in the then—the lake! Plunging in,we’re delighted to discover Mountain’s famous everything-pizza,amazing garden waning light, while others of us choose to wander it’s warm.And it’s beautiful: we appreciate the blues salad and Ralph’s excellent beer—along with tall tales around the islet.I’m thrilled with my photo of a mama and greens as we picnic on the shore, ahead of our and camaraderie.We’ve seen and learned so much, racoon with three little ones perched along a leaning trek back to the kayaks. made new friends, and we don’t want to say good- bye. City life beckons, but we`ll come back: Coast Francis and Beth examine a giant red sea urchin Mountain Expeditions offers many different trips— including to Bute Inlet, Desolation Sound, Okisollo Channel,and a Grizzly bear kayak tour to the ancient Papknach village site in the traditional territory of the Xwemalhkwu (Homalco) First Nation (see the website for tour schedules).Fortunately,the Discovery Islands are an easy getaway! Coast Mountain Expeditions & Discovery Islands Lodge Surge Narrows, BC 250-285-2823 www.CoastMountainExpeditions.com
15 The in-and-out scheme was an illegal mechanism whereby the Conservative their vote because of the purported telephone call. Nor was he able to Party shifted national advertising money in and out of local riding campaign identify the source of the person or persons who actually made the accounts in order to claim it as local spending. On March 12, 2012 the calls. As a result of the foregoing, our investigation has now been Conservatives lost their federal court appeal and were found guilty of concluded.” With regard to the third-party advertisers, they wrote illegal election financing during the 2006 election. They were fined “it is within the discretion of the Political Financing and Audit Directorate $52,000 although they exceeded spending limits by $1.3 million. to refer the matter to the Commissioner for his consideration.” As In the 2008 election, third-party advertisers—each allowed to spend far as I know, no follow-up ever took place. $3666—flooded the Saanich–Gulf Islands riding with pro-Conservative After the 2008 experience, it was clear where all this would lead. ads. Under the Canada Elections Act such advertising could only come Duff Conacher of Democracy Watch saw evidence of collusion between from third- party groups that were at “arm’s length” from campaign third-party groups. He said, “If they are allowed to get away with workers. But at a meeting convened by Elections Canada officials prior this [in Saanich–Gulf Islands] what happens if there’s a case where the to the election for all candidates, their managers, agents and riding candidate is still there? Someone could do bulk calling on behalf of association presidents, Hallsor was sitting next to his Conservative whichever candidate you think will split your candidate’s vote.” candidate. It’s also illegal to split one third-party group into multiple Conacher had completed an analysis of Election Canada’s enforce- organizations to increase funding, yet four third-party advertisers shared ment since 2004 “revealing that the main problem is no one can tell Halsor’s law office address. whether Elections Canada has been enforcing the law fairly and prop- Besides the ad expenditures, on the eve of the election a robocall erly because it has failed to report details of how it has investigated and went out to thousands of NDP supporters, purporting to be from ruled on 2284 complaints in the past years.” Progressive Voters Association of Saanich–Gulf Islands, urging them In 2009, Will Horter of the Dogwood Initiative, a public-interest to vote for the NDP candidate. No mention was made in the call that non-profit that has been lobbying against oil tankers on the coast, wrote the candidate had stepped down, or that his withdrawal had been “If someone with subpoena powers doesn’t step up with some inves- too late to have his name removed from the ballot. In effect, it split the tigative muscle, I predict many more Karl-Rove-like black-op operations progressive vote enough for Lunn to win the seat. in future elections.” Fast forward to the 2011 election. Saanich–Gulf Islands was again Given the Saanich experience, and Alberta’s record before that, is viewed as a close race and complaints of robocalls aiming to suppress there any reason to be confident Stephen Harper’s Conservative govern- the vote were again heard. The Green Party’s leader Elizabeth May, ment will not interfere with Elections Canada as they try to investigate who defeated Lunn, has called the robocall scandal “a genuine emer- the robocall scandal? Will the details be made available? Will the scandal gency with regard to the essential integrity of our democratic institutions,” be contained by making “Pierre Poutine” the fall guy? Where is the and called (unsuccessfully) for an emergency debate on the matter. deeper analysis in the corporate media of the structural erosion of Local political support for a pipeline from Alberta’s tar sands to the the country’s democratic processes? And who is tracking the oil money coast, and for tankers to transport bitumen through hazardous narrow lubricating the decline? passages along BC’s coast, has come solely from the Conservatives. These are all question that need to be answered, and soon. Andrew In both recent Saanich–Gulf Islands’ elections, the Northern Gateway Nikiforuk considers this a political emergency for the country. pipeline had been a central campaign issue. The very first public demon- “Once petrostates seize power, the bar is lowered on everything and it stration—ever—in Sidney was held to protest the northern Gateway is very difficult to raise it back up.” He cites eroding labour health and pipeline. It was supported by Liberals, Greens and the NDP—as was safety standards like that which led to two Chinese temporary workers the moratorium on tanker traffic on the northern coast. With a being crushed to death at the Canadian Natural Resources Horizon Conservative minority government, there was no way the pipeline project. Chinese company Sinopec is appealing to the Supreme was ever going to fly. But a majority government would be a game Court of Canada to overturn a ruling that would force CNRH to stand changer. The oil could flow. trial for the deaths and face 53 safety charges. Jim Harris, writing for Huffington Post, claims, “Harper won his This November— if Harper doesn’t stop the process prematurely— ‘majority’ with 6848 votes. That’s the difference between a Conservative the Joint Review Panel for the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project will candidate getting elected and the second-place candidate in the 14 be in Victoria to hear appellants’ comments on the pipeline. Two of the closest races that the Conservatives ‘won.’” panel are from Calgary and the third is a manager of a mineral explo- ration company out of Ontario. Given the money at stake and the way Can Elections Canada be trusted? petrodollars are subverting democracy, it’s hard to have much confi- Elections Canada is now combing through at least 700 individual dence that the panel will be free of political interference. Andrew complaints (31,000 counting those sent through internet forms orga- Nikiforuk warns, “Petrostates won’t tolerate any kind of democratic nized by advocacy groups) in dozens of ridings stemming from the intervention, as they see it as a threat to their power.” current robocall scandal. But as citizens, we have to try, don’t we? The experience in Saanich–Gulf Islands does not inspire confi- dence that Elections Canada will get to the bottom (or top) of who Briony Penn, PhD, is a fifth-generation Vancouver misled citizens about polling stations in an effort to suppress non- Islander, artist, journalist, environmental educator and Conservative votes. mother who believes the rising petrostate is an emer- After the 2008 election, both Liberal and NDP Saanich–Gulf Islands gency for both democracy and the planet. riding associations sent a complaint package to Elections Canada about the irregularities. On March 2, 2009, Elections Canada responded: “Our investigator found no one who had actually been influenced in
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www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 17 talk of the town
Forced drugging of seniors still increasing ROB WIPOND Ombudsperson, BCCLA and Greens criticize BC’s draconian laws.
was reading the coroner’s report on Kathleen involuntary committal laws in ways for which the Mental Palamarek and something didn’t seem right. I’d been Health Act (the Act) was never designed. Carter uncov- Ifollowing her story since 2006. This was a diminu- ered that this, too, is being done in an improvised, tive, timid, 88-year-old nursing home resident with autocratic manner, commenting that “we expected that dementia and a heart condition, who’d been some- the Ministry of Health and the health authorities would what controversially diagnosed with dementia-related have created procedures to guide directors of mental psychosis. She’d died of a heart attack. The coroner health facilities in their use of section 22 of the Act. We had found the antipsychotic olanzapine in her body. found that this is not the case.” Astonishingly, Carter Palamarek hadn’t been taking olanzapine willingly; also found, in all 100 cases she examined, that these she’d frequently complained about feeling woozy and incarcerated seniors were actually being profited from— “drugged up.” She couldn’t refuse the drug, though, charged up to 80 per cent of their after-tax income because her doctors had declared her incapable and, monthly. “In my view,” wrote Carter, “it is unfair for when she’d protested, they’d certified her under BC’s a government to involuntarily detain seniors, subject Mental Health Act (MHA). Antipsychotics are being Kim Carter them to treatment and then charge them fees for that used increasingly in seniors’ homes as chemical restraints detention. This is especially true when there is no clear to pacify and control people. But Health Canada has issued the highest legislative authority for doing so.” possible warnings to doctors that antipsychotics are “not approved for In January, the BC Civil Liberties Association issued a position paper the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis” and that cogently encapsulating the Act’s extraordinary powers. The paper these powerful tranquillizers have been linked to a near-doubling of states that BC’s Mental Health Act “abrogates fundamental patient death rates in the elderly, mostly from heart attacks. rights” more than any similar legislation in Canada. The BCCLA notes Yet here’s what coroner Stan Lajoie wrote about Kathleen Palamarek’s that in BC a doctor can certify someone “without… even personally heart attack: “Death was clearly and unequivocally due to natural examining or observing the person.” And, the paper describes, the Act causes.” There was not so much as a hint anywhere in his seven- trumps many other laws. If you’re still legally competent to make deci- page report that her heart attack might have been linked to a drug sions, or you’ve appointed a substitute decision maker—too bad. If known to dramatically increase heart attacks in the heart-weakened you want to appeal, you’ll have to wait a month while you’re forcibly elderly. Why? treated first. And you’ll be on your own at your appeal, because While I investigated that, new reports revealed in sharper detail the legal aid “is limited and the number of advocates is insufficient.” If close relationships between BC’s staggering levels of antipsychotics you decide to sue? The Act includes a broad “immunity from liability” use, and our province’s lack of legal protections for seniors’ basic that, according to the BCCLA, protects even “substandard” care human rights. and “disastrous” treatments. Focus last year uncovered that 47.3 percent of BC seniors’ home How did our Mental Health Act get this way? The answer is instruc- residents were being given antipsychotics, above the US and Canadian tive, because it exposes the same attitudes steering BC seniors’ care. average of 26 percent, and four times the rate in Hong Kong. A December, Basically, politicians have been lobbied by doctors, pharmaceutical 2011 BC Health Ministry report showed rates still climbing: 50.3 companies and pharma-backed non-profits, and people like Susan percent are now being given antipsychotics. Vancouver Island is highest Inman, past president of the BC Schizophrenia Society, mother of a at 51.5 percent. daughter diagnosed with schizophrenia, and dogged campaigner against In February, BC Ombudsperson Kim Carter released a report showing civil rights. They’ve influenced public opinion in BC so effectively that that much of this is occurring with perilous disregard for safety and even the otherwise human rights-defending Tyee.ca has published arti- without residents’ consent. Carter found that antipsychotics are routinely cles by Inman in which she has, for example, called it a “major problem” doled out by facilities’ staff on an ad hoc “PRN” (“as needed”) basis, that the Canadian Mental Health Commission might provide “funds with no policy guidelines or controls. “Having procedural safeguards for court challenges to human rights abuses.” This would be terrible, in place is especially important where the PRN medication is an antipsy- Inman claims, because “40 to 50 percent of psychotic people don’t chotic, because of the potential risks associated with the use of these understand that they are ill” and that they need antipsychotics, and medications,” Carter wrote. Further, it’s often done without the consent, therefore none of them deserve or would benefit from having choices. or even the knowledge, of residents or family members. “[T]here is The impacts on seniors of these paternalistic attitudes have been far- currently no legal requirement to document that a person in care’s reaching. For example, since new legislation in September, BC citizens capacity to give consent has been considered or assessed, or that informed can now write legally binding “advance directives” to guide decisions consent has been obtained from a person in care or a substitute deci- about our care when we’re old and infirm, or fall into a coma. Hypothetically, sion-maker,” Carter wrote. this could end forced treatment of seniors with antipsychotics. Except Meanwhile, when seniors or families resist, care home staff and there’s one situation where your advance directive can be ignored: psychiatric hospital directors sometimes override their wishes by using When you get certified under BC’s Mental Health Act.
18 April 2012 • FOCUS ADVERTISEMENT Focus presents: Sarah Sowelu
Heal what hurts, creates what matters IN MY VIEW it is unfair for a government to involuntarily “detain seniors, subject them to treatment and then charge t chose me,” says Sarah Sowelu of how she came to discover her life’s calling as a shiatsu practitioner and creativity coach. She credits mysterious but wise them fees for that detention. This is especially true when Iforces for leading her to sign up for an 8-week shiatsu course at the Victoria Y there is no clear legislative authority for doing so.” back in 1983 when she didn’t really know what shiatsu was.Soon afterward,however, she was training in Tokyo under Takeo Suzuki, the direct successor to Shizuto —BC Ombudsperson Kim Carter Masunaga,Master of Oriental Medicine,creator of Meridian Shiatsu,and author of Zen Shiatsu.Certified as a Meridian Shiatsu Practitioner,she practised for nine years Rights activists used to point out that a convicted serial killer has in Christchurch, New Zealand where she more control over his life than a person who’s been certified under also taught professional diploma courses BC’s Mental Health Act. Now, even a person in a coma has more control in shiatsu before returning to Canada over his life. (Thunder Bay to be exact). And of course, all other factors remaining the same, we’ll expect Now,full circle,Sarah has come back to use of the Act by doctors to simply increase in proportion to the Victoria and established her practice here. use of advance directives by seniors. We’re already seeing Mental Shiatsu,a 1000-year-old treatment inte- Health Act use increase as media coverage has made the public more gral to Oriental Medicine, means “finger aware of dangers with antipsychotics. BC Ministry of Health statis- pressure.” It recognizes the centrality of tics show that, from 2002 to 2011, there’s been a 50 percent increase meridians,the channels along which energy
in involuntary committals of British Columbians aged 65 or older. flows to maintain healthy organs.In a typical Photo:Tony Bounsall On Vancouver Island, it’s doubled, from 129 to 267 people. But these hour-long session (shiatsu is done fully Sarah Sowelu, Certified Meridian numbers merely hint at how extensively the Act is actually being used. clothed), Sarah determines which merid- Shiatsu Practitioner This is because the Act is like carrying a loaded gun; it’s so easy for ians have the deepest blockages or & Certified Creativity Coach doctors to fill out the one-page form to certify someone, they usually deficiencies.Through gentle pressure and need only wave it around, not actually shoot it, to win compliance. stretching, she returns flow to that area, so that health improves naturally. And we shouldn’t dismiss the dangers. While Inman points to a minis- Shiatsu has proven to relieve chronic pain from arthritis, migraines, tendonitis, cule percentage of people with schizophrenia who have violent tendencies, and back pain;it also helps with fatigue,the immune and digestive systems,insomnia, BC laws allowing doctors to circumvent consent are killing more people anxiety and depression. Cherie Coppin reports,“I now enjoy days free of the pain than an army of serial murderers, psychotic or otherwise, could ever do. and stiffness of fibromylagia,and can do many activities I couldn’t before.”George For example, extrapolating from research statistics, hundreds of thou- Cook credits Sarah’s treatments with helping relieve both his arthritis and chronic sands of seniors across Canada are being forcibly drugged with antipsychotics, symptoms of diabetes. and thousands are dying from reactions to them. Even Health Canada’s Well read and thoughtful, Sarah has also trained as a Certified Creativity Coach Adverse Drug Reaction database, still largely a voluntary effort, identi- with Eric Maisel,author of Coaching the Artist Within and widely regarded as America’s fies 3200 deaths of seniors since 2006 linked to four antipsychotics. foremost creativity coach.She finds it blends perfectly with shiatsu’s healing powers: Meanwhile, Kathleen Palamarek was “clearly” and “unequivocally” “Healing and being creative evolve from abiding presence, the state of wholeness. not one of them? I contacted the coroner’s office, and they punted Often people come for shiatsu and release blocked creative expression;or,they come general responsibilities for identifying adverse drug reactions back to for creativity coaching and release habits harming their health, like smoking.” treating physicians. But doctors obviously have a stake in absolving Historically,“coaching” has always been an innate part of Oriental Medicine, themselves and their treatments. So how many more seniors are dying says Sarah,offering personalized teaching for people to understand and help them- from antipsychotics than we know of? selves:“It comes naturally.You can’t go into this deep space of healing and then Recently, I worked with several academics, activists and people who’ve back into the world without some tools.” experienced forced psychiatric treatment, to draw up proposals for Laurie Leslie, a pilates instructor, experienced the double blessings of Sarah’s change. Our document garnered the support of Jane Sterk and, this shiatsu treatments:“Doing shiatsu with Sarah not only significantly improved my February, became the official “Mental Health and Social Justice Policy” hip problems,it also increased my energy and gave me peace and clarity about what of the BC Green Party. The platform could be especially transforma- I want and the confidence to create it. Sarah’s work is life-changing.” tive for seniors’ care. So I want to thank the BC Green Party for taking “We are, in essence, creative beings already whole/healed,” explains Sarah. a strong stand, unprecedented amongst BC political parties, in defence “When our energy flows through shiatsu, we naturally create what matters, what of the human rights of our elderly. Why don’t you thank them, too? gives us joy. Likewise, creativity coaching articulates the blocks to creative expres- You may need those rights someday. sion and, with a daily creative practice, releases energetic flow to heal what hurts. Creativity is healing, healing is creative; either one brings about the other. Done Rob Wipond has been researching and writing together,meridian shiatsu and creativity coaching are a powerful process to create on mental health issues since 1998. He’s posted what matters, heal what hurts.” links to references at www.robwipond.com. Call Sarah for a shiatsu or creativity coaching session or about her workshops: The Art of Interpreting Intuition (Apr 15, 22 or 29); Create What Matters (Apr 21, May 5 or 12); Meridian Yoga (every Thurs+); The Art of Forgiving (May 13). Sarah Sowelu 778-440-0871 • [email protected]
www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 19 Creative Coast palette 20 the arts in april 24 coastlines 38
Art that’s astonishing CHRISTINE CLARK Samuel Jan says it’s all about moving people with beauty.
“Stark” 10 x 10 inches, mixed media
Cleveland, Ohio, before arriving in Ottawa in mid-February back in 2006 (a very cold and difficult arrival). His mother stayed behind in Taiwan. It was thought a good opportunity to send him here to North America, an opportunity for the future. Although he sends many of his sketches and drawings back to her “as a way to be in the lives” of his family, many of whom he has never met, he states that Taiwan is now a distant memory, a dream, his childhood. He says that his art includes a lot of images of mothers—it is a recur- ring theme. He sees his mother only every three years or so when she travels westward. He has not returned to Taiwan since leaving. He says
“Sisters” 16 x 20 inches, charcoal PHOTO: TONY BOUNSALL Samuel Jan
amuel Jan says he’s basically a loner, and that helps explain the comfort he gets from art. “[It relieves] the distance I have from Smy friends and my family. I moved a lot as a child. Art is some- thing I can always rely on. My drawings and my imagination will never leave me, no matter where I move to. My mother raised me by herself. She had so many jobs. We lived inside a hair salon. We lived with two nuns at one point. People were constantly taking us in. Wherever she worked, we lived. I didn’t have too many childhood friends.” A child of Taipei until his early teens, Samuel Jan came to Canada via the United States, where he lived for 10 years with an aunt in
20 April 2012 • FOCUS In pursuit of essential beauty
To holistic dentist Dr Deanna Geddo DDS, aesthetic dentistry is a healing art, allowing each of us to discover our inner or essential beauty
“Tree in Winter” 16 x 20 inches, charcoal softly, “I’ve accepted the situation. Many good things have come out of it. All these years of coping with independence. I’ve had to rely on myself and on things other than human interaction.” He is a spare man, 31 years old. A graduate of the Algonquin College culinary program, he earns his living as a sushi chef at Shiki Sushi here in Victoria, an occupation he enjoys because “it’s fun and kind of artsy.” Wearing dark-rimmed glasses and a shock of black hair soft on his neck and his forehead, he is gentle-seeming and precise, but as he tells his story one realizes that this is a person sophisticated, experienced, and deeply thoughtful. Pleasantly so. He makes a nice pot of coffee and politely offers me a comfortable seat on the sofa after showing me the various pieces of his artwork hanging on the walls of his very tiny apartment. Located down- TRUE BEAUTY, says Dr. Geddo, is not about vanity. “It’s town, the space is approximately 350 square feet, looking something an important part of our healing journey.” like the interior of an offshore sailing boat, with huge windows and a gas fire place. Samuel lives here with his girlfriend, the only real sign She offers her skillful hand, artistic eye,and bio- of whom is a rather pretty collection of shoes arranged near the front door. This little home is also the studio where he makes his stunningly compatible esthetic materials to help patients create beautiful drawings. a freer, more fabulous version of themselves—often Samuel Jan is a self-taught artist, propelled along through the in as little as one or two hours! years by something other than the ambition to earn a degree or receive grant monies. He explains that “art is very personal. I’m disappointed Call today to learn more. in art without feeling. I don’t believe in art…[needing to be] weird and quirky. It’s about making something beautiful and that of course is about interpretation, but if you have that in mind it will affect your art. Dr. Deanna Geddo, DDS • 250-389-0669 I believe it is the responsibility of the artist to create something that HOLISTIC DENTAL OFFICE AND HEALING CENTRE will move people.” 404 - 645 Fort St (across from Bay Centre) He generally works with charcoal, although he also makes charming watercolour and collage pieces, as well as shadow boxes, all on a [email protected] relatively small scale in accordance with the space available to him. He www.integrateddentalstudio.ca strives to create images with a “dark, eerie kind of feeling. Something www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 21 Victoria Visionaries Pat Martin Bates,Walter Dexter, Herbert Seibner, Jack Wise & contemporaries April 9 - May 12 Reception:Tuesday April 10, 7 - 9pm Herbert Siebner, 11 x 12 inches, casein, on board oil and wax Lecture Series with Robert Amos April 12 - Herbert Seibner: Modernism Comes to Victoria April 17 - Jack Wise: Cosmic Calligraphy April 19 - Pat Martin Bates & Walter Dexter: Living Limners 7-9pm Advance Registration $20 per event Above: “Owl” 25 x 20 inches, mixed media Below: “Mia” 20 x 16 inches, charcoal
www.eclecticgallery.ca • 2170 Oak Bay Avenue • 250.590.8095
April 2012 • FOCUS 22 mysterious but something you can relate to.” He adds that “no matter what materials I use, it’s all very detail-oriented. I tend to gravitate towards the the finicky work.” His drawings of trees and women and animals, and sometimes of animals and humans morphed into new creatures, are gorgeously rendered and starkly dimensional against the flatness of the creamy paper he uses. They are dreams. So beautiful. He began using char- coal several years ago when he was “asked to do a bird for a charity auction. A cormorant. I wanted to convey that black without paint. I tried charcoal.” From there he moved onto a series of land animals: moose, caribou, bighorn sheep, buffalo and musk ox; highly realized, even formal, portraits of the wild in sharp velvet blacks and soft and even softer shades of delicate gray. He elaborates on his practice, explaining that charcoal is “very difficult to control. Sometimes I want to tear my hair out! I’m left handed. I draw right to left. Seventy percent of my drawing time is spent shaping pencil tips to make them very fine. The rest of the time is spent drawing.” He is equally partic- ular about the paper he uses. He says, “My favourite paper is Strathmore Drawing paper. It’s so smooth you don’t feel any of the grain, and it’s got this creamy colour. It takes char- coal so well and makes the drawing very fine. Usually with charcoal you want a rough grain to catch the charcoal, but with a smooth paper the image pops out at you.” He goes on to say, “As far as charcoal goes, I know exactly what I want.” As a participant (and finalist) at the first annual Victoria Emerging Art Awards in August 2010, Samuel Jan found a supportive relation- ship and continuing representation under the mentorship of Victoria Emerging Art Gallery’s Ellen Manning. This is vital to the develop- SACRED CIRCLE DANCING ment of an artist’s career. And Samuel Jan is WITH THE UNIVERSE an artist; self-taught, independent, astonishing. POWER OF CATACLYSM Look for his work during a group show called With Bernice Vetter, SC, MA Field Notes, at the VEAG, April 6-25. You’ll In the Universe, cataclysm is necessary for see what I mean. creativity. So how can we enable this breakdown more consciously? One way is to DANCE! See more of Samuel Jan’s work at www.samueljanart.blogspot.com/ and at 9:30am – 3:30pm Sat April 21 www.victoriaemergingart.com. $65 Sleeping Dog Farm, 1506 Burnside Rd West Christine Clark is a Victoria- Please bring your lunch; refreshments provided based artist who writes Register early and don’t be disappointed about artists in Victoria and beyond. See her blog at [email protected] http://artinvictoria.com. 250-220-4601 www.earthliteracies.org www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 23 Celebrating Local Artists
Fine Art, Jewelry, Gifts & Crafts Featuring Kristi Bridgeman’s award-winning illustrations from PK Page’s Uirapurú Gemstones & Findings 2000 Fernwood Road 250.361.3372 • www.shesaidgallery.ca
Ceramic sculpture by Walter Dexter “Spiral Gate” Jack Wise, 8 x 8 inches, mixed media
April 9-May 12 sure in doing the work...to free my mind from VICTORIA VISIONARIES extraneous interruptions and thoughts.” Eclectic Art Gallery Throughout his career, Herbert Siebner VICTORIA HAS BEEN and continues to be (1925-2003) demonstrated a keen interest in home to some of Canada’s most brilliant artists. abstract expressionism through his prints and In 1971, the “Limners” incorporated as a paintings. These works feature bold gesture society of 19 artists of diverse styles and media and rich colour as integral components. Mythology, bridging the gamut of subjects from figurative dreams, poetry and sensuality are all key elements to pure abstraction. For 40 years, the Limners of how Siebner created art and manipulated and associates have proven to be a powerhouse the surface of his paintings and works on paper. of inspiration and exceptional art enriching Seibner said: “Why should I care about style? the cultural scene in Victoria, and bridging When I start painting, I never know what will this community to the global art world. come out. I start as innocent as a child.” This month, Eclectic Art Gallery is hosting Jack Wise (1938-1996), artist, poet, teacher, a lecture series by Robert Amos focused on and long-time British Columbia resident, found four of the Limners. great solace in the painting process. A deeply Pat Martin Bates pioneered the whole idea spiritual man, he believed in the importance of the monoprint, creating single-edition, and meaning of individual brushstrokes, imparting individually-crafted perforated prints with to his students a zen-like approach to making back lighting. In recognition of her contri- art one’s own way. He was extremely well read bution to international printmaking, she in many subjects including physics, world reli- won the prestigious Gold Medal at the gions, and Asian art. In 1974, Jack Wise helped Norwegian International Biennale of found the Victoria College of Art, and at the Printmaking in 1986 and the esteemed Global invitation of Flemming Jorgensen, taught at Graphics Award from Holland in 1993. Pat the Metchosin International Summer School Martin Bates continues to live her life fully of the Arts. “Whenever I’m totally lost in a as an artist and ambassador for the arts: painting through 100 percent attention, I don’t “There is a thin silver thread between where exist. I’m just simply not there,” said Wise. the real world leaves off and the unreal world Robert Amos, a full-time artist himself, begins. I try to balance on that thread...to whose monthly newspaper column on the dance on that point.” local art scene has run since 1986, will fill in Calgary-born Walter Dexter received his attendees more about the work of these inter- Diploma in Ceramics from the Alberta College esting and influential artists. of Art in 1954, and furthered his studies at the Swedish School of Art in Stockholm. Known A reception will be held Apr 10, 7-9pm. primarily for his innovative work with raku Lectures: Apr 12—Herbert Seibner: Modernism techniques and high-fired stoneware, in 1962 Comes to Victoria. Apr 17—Jack Wise: Cosmic he was awarded a silver medal at the International Calligraphy. Apr 19—Pat Martin Bates & Walter Ceramics Exhibition in Prague. His works are Dexter: Living Limners. All 7-9pm. Advance a statement of pure imagination. Walter Dexter registration $20 per event. Eclectic Gallery continues to produce extraordinary ceramics is at 2170 Oak Bay Ave, 250-590-8095, in his Oak Bay studio: “I find my greatest plea- www.eclecticgallery.ca.
24 April 2012 • FOCUS the arts in april
Continuing to April 7 April 1 DERYK HOUSTON BROADWAY SPECTACULAR Eclectic Gallery Royal Theatre Deryk Houston’s paintings. 2170 Oak Bay Students from the Canadian College of Discover the On Communities and Nations: Ave. 250-590-8095, www.eclecticgallery.ca. Performing Arts collaborate with Vic Symphony April 5 to June 9, 2012 on Broadway classics. 2pm at 805 Broughton Continuing to April 15 St, $11-$66. www.victoriasymphony.ca, Legacy Art Gallery (in the small gallery) JEFFREY J.BORON & LINNY D. VINE 250-386-6121. Art Gallery of Greater Victoria En plein air works from their travels April 1 around the province. At 1040 Moss St, 250- VICTORIA BAROQUE PLAYERS 384-4101, www.linnydvine.com. St John the Divine This early music ensemble joins forces with Continuing to April 17 the St John’s Chamber Singers to perform GIJALORDI works by Bach. 7:30pm at 1611 Quadra St, Alcheringa Gallery $5/$20. 250-386-7760, www.victoria- Gijalordi is a suite of 18 works developed baroque.com. to provide practical support to Aboriginal artists after many suffered devastating losses April 1 in the wake of Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi in PHILOMELA WOMEN’S CHOIR February 2011. 665 Fort St, 250-383-8224, Philip T. Young Recital Hall, UVic www.alcheringa-gallery.com. This tasty concert is titled “Food Glorious Food,” and features compositions such as Continuing to April 17 Bartok’s “Bread Baking,” jazz standards like BILL GOERS “Java Jive” and “Chili Con Carne,” and a perfor- Unctuous by Sean Nattrass Fernwood Gallery & Theatre mance by Louise Rose. Proceeds go to Our Featuring paintings and drawings from Place. 2:30pm, $12 adv/$15 door, plus a non- 2007-2012, highly influenced by Goers’ study perishable food. www.auditorium.uvic.ca/tickets, of Buddhist philosophy and meditation. Opens 250-721-8480. 630 Yates St. | 250-381-7645 | Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wed to Sat | uvac.uvic.ca Mar 30, 5-9pm, 1923 Fernwood Rd, www.pandoraarts.ca. April 1 HMS PINAFORE Continuing to April 19 Oak Bay High DONNA EICHEL The Victoria Gilbert and Sullivan Society Polychrome Fine Arts join with the Civic Orchestra. 2pm at 2151 Abstract paintings that employ oils, tar, Cranmore Rd, $25/$27. www.gilbertand- graphite and other materials on a wide range sullivanvictoria.ca. of surfaces such as aluminum, plexiglass and boards. At 1115 Fort St, 250-382-2787, April 2-30 www.polychromefinearts.com. ILLUSTRATED ALPHABET Centennial Branch Library Continuing to April 26 An exhibition of letters illustrated by members WATERMARK PRINTMAKERS Martin Batchelor Gallery of the Island Illustrators Society plus two events: a watercolour and ink demo by Joanne Thomson See works by Wendy Pierrot, Avis Rasmussen, at 1pm April 7, and a scratch board demo with Marti Mussell and others. At 712 Cormorant Marcia Semenoff at 1pm April 21. All at 3110 St, 250-385-7919. Tillicum Rd. 250-477-9030, www.gvpl.ca. Continuing to April 28 April 3 KRISTI BRIDGEMAN She Said Gallery TUESDAYMUSIC Phillip T. Young Recital Hall The show will feature art from children’s book “Uirapuru,” written by P.K. Page and illus- School of Music students. 12:30pm. By trated by Bridgeman, which was shortlisted donation. www.finearts.uvic.ca/music/events. for the Governor Generals Award for book illustration and won the 2011 Bolen Book April 3 Children’s Book Prize. Also originals and prints MUS 562 NEW MUSIC CONCERT from “There Once Was a Camel” and other Phillip T. Young Recital Hall children’s books. 2000 Fernwood Rd, 250- New pieces by UVic composition students plus 361-3372, www.shesaidgallery.ca. important works from the 20th/21st century. 8pm, free. www.finearts.uvic.ca/music/events. Continuing to April 28 TRIMPIN’S (CANONX+4:33=100) April 3-7 Open Space SAVE ME A SEAT Seattle-based sculptor/composer/inventor Red Art Gallery Trimpin, known for his stunning, functional Participants in the Trent Street Studio of the sound-art pieces, unveils his interactive instal- BC School of Art Therapy display their works lation at Open Space, which celebrates composers around the theme of the chair. Paintings, mixed John Cage and Conlon Nancarrow and was media and clay creations. Opening April 4, 6- constructed with help from Dr Andrew Schloss 8pm. Phyllis Serota will speak about her and UVic students. Closing concert by MISTIC experiences in the art therapy program. At at 8pm, April 27. 510 Fort St. 250-383-8833, 2033 Oak Bay Ave. www.redartgallery.ca, www.openspace.ca. 250-881-0462.
www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 25 “PLEASANTVILLE TOO” MARION EVAMY, 30 X 40 INCHES, ACRYLIC ON CANVAS “OPAL ICE” BILL ZUK April 10-28 Continuing to April 14 IT’S ME! DIVERGENCE: INSIGHTS INTO STUDIO PRACTICES Red Art Gallery Legacy Art Gallery New works by artist Marion Evamy. Acrylic paintings full of bold brushstrokes, jewel-toned From the studios of 19 UVic art education instructors comes a rich and diverse exhibition colours and mystery. Figurative and abstract works for art lovers who like their art to “speak” that ranges through traditional and newer media. Working independently in their studios, these to them. The gallery is also part of the Spring Oak Bay Artists Studio Tour, Apr 14 & 15, noon- artist/educators collaborate and exchange ideas on a daily basis while working with students, 4:30pm. Marion is a favourite artist on this popular self-guided tour, now in its 13th year. View engaging them in creative problem solving, and assisting in the preparation of exhibitions. works on-line at www.redartgallery.ca. 2033 Oak Bay Ave. 250-881-0462. Open Tues-Sat, Experience how teaching informs studio practice and studio informs teaching practice. 630 noon-4pm or by appointment. Yates St, 250-381-7645, uvac.uvic.ca.
“DELIGHTFULLY UNAFFECTED” (DETAIL) LISA RIEHL, 30 X 24 INCHES, ACRYLIC ON CANVAS “WOMAN” DANNY EVERETT STEWART, 48 X 36 INCHES, ACRYLIC Throughout April April 21-May 5 LISA RIEHL DANNY EVERETT STEWART: NATURE, LIFE, ENERGY Morris Gallery Madrona Gallery Lisa Riehl has been seriously painting since 2004, when a move to Sooke gave her the space Victoria artist Danny Everett Stewart’s work is a passionate and vibrant expression of the she needed. Inspired by the dramatic landscapes around her, expresses her passion for artist’s inner self. This wonderfully diverse exhibition will feature his popular floral works, a new nature to canvas, capturing in bold colours the heart and soul of the West Coast. Lisa has body of figurative work, and his metropolis series. Regardless of subject matter, his iconic, ener- Associate status with the Federation of Canadian Artists. On Alpha St at 428 Burnside Rd E. getic and gestural style has attracted a great amount of attention over the last few years. Opening 250-388-6652, www.morrisgallery.ca. reception with artist on Apr 21, 7-10pm. 606 View St. 250-380-4660, www.madronagallery.com.
26 WEST END GALLERY
“ORANGE BOWL” CATHERINE MOFFAT, 8 X 10 INCHES, OIL ON CANVAS April 21-27 CATHERINE MOFFAT, DEBORAH TILBY, KATHRYN AMISSON The Avenue Gallery The second “Artistic Pairings” show features Kathryn Amisson with her paintings of explo- sive skies or the undulating and pounding surf; Deborah Tilby who focuses on the subtle light and beautiful colours found in our local landscape; and Catherine Moffat with her beautiful Chiaroscuro still life paintings. The public is invited to drop in to chat with the artists and ask ANNABELLE MARQUIS about their creative process on Sat, Apr 21, 1-4pm. 2184 Oak Bay Ave. 250-598-2184, Colourful Bloom “Bouquet de Jade”Annabelle Marquis, 40 x 36 inches, mixed media on canvas www.theavenuegallery.com. Premier Exhibition: April 14 - 26, 2012 “DZUNUKWA” RANDE COOK, 40 X 30 INCHES, 16-COLOUR SERIGRAPH, EDITION 80 Gallery Hours: Mon - Fri 10 - 5:30, Sat 10 - 5, Sun 11 - 4 March 31-April 30 / April 19-May 24 RANDE COOK: BENEATH THE CANOPY: FRIENDS OF THE FOREST 1203 Broad Street • 250-388-0009 • www.westendgalleryltd.com Alcheringa Gallery March 31, 2-4pm print signing by Rande Cook (K’alapa) of his new 16-colour serigraph release “Dzunukwa.” April 19: As one of the most bio-diverse regions on Earth, Papua New Guinea is home to tree kangaroos, possums, snakes and rare birds. View the lifelike 3-D renderings of these creatures by master carvers of the Sepik River. Alcheringa Gallery celebrates 25 years of working with artists in the South Pacific. 665 Fort St, 250-383-8224, www.alcheringa-gallery.com.
www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 27 the arts in april
handmade just for you April 19-21 JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Metro Studio Theatre REGULAR VICTORIA THEATREGOERS would be hard-pressed to find a familiar face in the cast of the of the upcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Metro Studio—although local music fans might be able to recognize one or two folks in the lineup. That’s because this production, spearheaded by local ladies Marita Manson and Caitlin Gallupe, is composed of people from their friend network. You’re more likely to see a member of local bands like Slam Dunk (which Gallupe performs in), Immaculate Machine, or Aquitania than you would a chorus member from Langham Court’s recent production of The Drowsy Chaperone. The world-famous Cape Cod Screwball Bracelet utilizes The idea to mount a production of Andrew a unique hidden clasp designed by John Carey. Though Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s epic rock musical simple and elegant, its production requires painstaking came in 2010, when Manson and Gallupe craftsmanship. Carey’s grandson Alex Carey carries on were hanging and working on art. Gallupe the family tradition of crafting artful jewellery, including asked Manson, who has a background in musical theatre, if she’d be interested in putting customized Screwball Bracelets, in his downtown shop. on a musical. They both agreed Jesus Christ Superstar was the obvious choice. They put out a few enquiries to friends on Facebook, and were flooded with so many potential cast members that they decided jewellery to hold auditions. After a couple of months of rehearsals, they staged 539 Pandora Ave • www.adorejewellery.ca • 250.383.7722 a small family-and-friends production over Easter of 2011. “It was so good and everyone was so surprised,” says Manson. “None of the cast got any recognition publicly aside from their family and friends, because not many people heard about it; there were less than 300 tickets and there were 40 people in the cast.” So this year, they decided to secure the rights and do a bigger, more public production. Many from last year’s cast are returning, including local musician Brooke Gallupe (formerly of Immaculate Machine) as Judas and Elizabeth Reed as Jesus. Most of the cast members, including the six-piece band, are in their 20s and 30s and are huge fans of the 1969 concept album and subsequent 1973 film. “I think it really started with our parents’ generation, because every- body who loves it from our generation learned about it from their parents,” Manson says of the youthful cast. “Everybody has that orig- inal recording and loves it, and then their kids grow up with it and they all love it too.” It isn’t just cast members who have come on board because of their love of the musical; Manson says Ride the Cyclone set designer James Insell approached them about doing the Jesus Christ Superstar set after hearing about the production. She’s even had strangers approach her about it when they notice the book of the musical score tucked under her arm. When she was mailing off the rights contract to Rodgers and Hammerstein, she recalls, “The girl at the post office was like, ‘Are you doing Jesus Christ Superstar?’ and I said yes and she said, ‘Oh my god, how can I hear about it?’” Manson says, “I was thinking, ‘I can’t keep carrying these books around.’”
Jesus Christ Superstar runs at 7:30pm April 19-21, with a 2pm matinee April 21, at 1411 Quadra Street. Tickets are $15 at 2% Jazz (2631 Douglas St) and Russell Books (734 Fort St). Call 250-507-1847 for more details. —Amanda Farrell-Low
28 April 2012 • FOCUS ADVERTISEMENT Focus presents: Red Art Gallery Colour it red and happy April 4 IAN MCDOUGALL CD RELEASE University of Victoria Order of Canada recipient and acclaimed trombonist Ian McDougall launches “The Very Thought of You” at this fundraiser for Faculty of Fine Arts students. 7:30pm at UVic’s University Club. Free, but $10 from each CD sale goes to the student fund. 250-721-6222, www.ianmcdougall.com.
April 5 in training” “Pegasus AFRICAN PERCUSSION CONCERT Phillip T. Young Recital Hall The 30-member percussion ensemble from MUS 208 African Hand Drumming perform a repertoire of rhythms on djembe, balafon and dundun. Noon, free. www.finearts.uvic.ca/music/events. April 5-May 1 THE FLOATING WORLD “Red lounger” Dales Gallery Photographer Matt Politano’s new photographic works here’s a definite vibe at Red Art Gallery.A bright, less “visible” talent.They recognized that there’s explore the everyday and the extraordinary, ephemeral struc- colourful, joyful vibe. Owner Marion Evamy and wonderful artwork that doesn’t generally make it tures and imaginary landscapes. 537 Fisgard St, 250-383-1552, director Bobb Hamilton obviously are having a into the public eye. In this regard they worked with www.dalesgallery.ca. T good time, and it’s contagious. the mentally and physically challenged artists of the April 5-June 9 After a successful first year,they can now joke about Garth Homer Society Artworks program.That collec- ON COMMUNITIES AND NATIONS the scepticism with which their idea for a small art tion of artwork sold out within a week! The gallery Legacy Art Gallery gallery was first greeted: “Are you crazy? Don’t you also collaborated with Glenlyon Norfolk School art For historian Benedict Anderson, nations are synthetic constructions that we come to imagine as communities through realize, we’re in the middle of a recession?” students, pairing them up with elders from an Oak various systems of exchange that include public meeting places Neighbours of the Oak Bay space they chose for Bay retirement home to complete a portrait show. and the reproduction of images and narratives. This exhibit the gallery, said: “Congratulations—we hope you The octogenarians were as excited as little children examines his concept of imagined communities in relation- can break the curse on this place.”Apparently the when they arrived at the gallery to see their portraits ship to the emergence of First Nations printmaking practices in the late 20th century. 630 Yates St, www.legacygallery.ca, 500-square-foot space had been home to more than on display, with the young artists standing proudly 250-381-7645. several businesses, from travel agent to tanning salon beside each likeness. to a used furniture store, all closing in short order. Another show involved four- to nine-year-old students April 6-7 But there was a lot of passion and a clear concept from 4Cats Arts Studio.And this month (April 3-7), LIGHT ON OUR FEET Metro Studio Theatre of what they wanted to do in the space:“Our vision Red will be showing works by artists from Trent Street This dance showcase features a sweet program on Apr was to have an unpretentious gallery that cele- Studio.Says Marion,“These talented people are enrolled 6 and a saucy adult-oriented cabaret Apr 7. 7:30pm both brated colour and creative Canadian talent. We in the Art Therapy services program and local artist nights at 1411 Quadra St. $15/$20 Apr 6; $20 April 7, in wanted to showcase the talents Phyllis Serota, who spent time support of the Metro. 250-590-6291, www.lightonourfeet.com. of not only Marion and her in the same program a couple April 6-20 range of style and paintings, of decades ago,will be lending FIELD NOTES but to offer a commercial venue her support to the show.” Victoria Emerging Art Gallery A dynamic show celebrating the natural landscape and the for other equally talented local This non-traditional combi- wild that inhabits it. New work by Jen Wright, Marilyn Peeters, artists to exhibit and sell their nation of professional and Dan Deschamps, Samuel Jan (story, page 20), Curt Bilson, work,” says Bobb. Marion community artists seems to be Caitlin Ambery, Logan Ford and Liam Hanna-Lloyd. Opens April points out that “Most of our working. By their eighth month 6, 7-9pm. 977 A Fort St, www.victoriaemergingart.com, 778-430-5585. artists are award winners at in business, Marion and Bobb major juried art shows both in had already hit their “first year April 7-21 BC and elsewhere in Canada.” target” of 100 works sold. MEGHAN HILDEBRAND In general, they aim for artists But most gratifying of all, Madrona Gallery “Flotsam, Jetsam, Lagan” features new oil and acrylic works whose work is contemporary, Marion Evamy and Bobb Hamilton many visitors and artists coming by this up-and-coming Canadian artist. Reception 1-4pm and unique and affordable, and into the gallery claimed it felt 7-10pm April 7 at 606 View St, www.madronagallery.com, “who really ‘shine’ in their particular style.” like they were in the living room of a home owner who 250-380-4660. Marion’s own contributions set the tone. Described loved sharing their art collection.“They say they come April 7-28 by Robert Amos as “a prolific and free-spirited painter in to ‘get their happy fix’”says Bobb proudly.Marion, LOOK SHOW whose near-abstract work is very attractive,” her work crediting artist Grant Leier,adds,“colour makes people Bay Centre is bold, saturated in her favourite hot colours, and happy,”and hopes others will discover how surrounding The Community Arts Council hosts this annual fine art exhi- bition. (Art intake, April 1, 11-6) www.cacgv.ca. often inspired by animals and archetypes from popular themselves with art can feed their soul. culture.There’s mystery, whimsy—and fire. Red Art Gallery April 10 Other gallery artists include Lorraine Thorarinson FLUTE CLASS RECITAL Betts, sculptor Leonard Butt, Carolyn Kowalyk, Elizabeth Tuesday - Saturday, 12 - 4 Phillip T. Young Recital Hall 2033 Oak Bay Ave • 250-881-0462 Students from the studio of Suzanne Snizek. 8pm, by dona- Litton, Glen Melville, Lucy Schappy, and Dennis Shields. tion. www.finearts.uvic.ca/music/events. It was also important to Bobb and Marion to include www.redartgallery.ca www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 29 “LAND AND SEA” (DETAIL) TED HARRISON, 16 X 24 INCHES, 1989 LIMITED EDITION SERIGRAPH Throughout April 2012 PRINT SALE Ted Harrison Studio “EMERALD BLUES” WENDY SKOG, 32 X 40 INCHES, ACRYLIC Nothing says spring like the arrival of the whales and Ted Harrison Studio’s print of the month April 28-May 24 is “Land and Sea.” Designed in 1989, this beautiful serigraph depicts a Killer Whale, inspired PARADE, ENERGY MOVING IN SPACE by those seen just outside Victoria’s Inner Harbour. To celebrate the arrival of spring, all 80 of Martin Bachelor Gallery the gallery’s silkscreen prints are 20 percent off. 2004 Oak Bay Ave, Mon-Fri 12-5 pm, Sat Wendy Skog writes of her new abstracts: “My work is a kind of wordless meditation trans- 11-5 pm. 250-592-0561, www.tedharrison.com. forming mind into matter and expressed as energy moving in space…Out of the raw elements of colour and line, I am challenged to impose a visual order that transcends the randomness and establishes emotional and intellectual depth. To be truly inspirational it means “HESTIA” (DETAIL) ANNABELLE MARQUIS, 30 X 48 INCHES, MIXED MEDIA ON CANVAS April 14-26 following ‘a divine impulse of delight.’ And so I look for this and follow.” Opening reception ANNABELLE MARQUIS: COLOURFUL BLOOM Apr 28, 7-9 pm. 712 Cormorant St, 250-516-1453, www.wendyskog.com. West End Gallery Combining her vibrant youth alongside her artistic maturity, Annabelle Marquis’ approach to painting is deeply tied to colour and composition. Working with both representational and abstract images, she blends rugged edges and torn paper motifs with painterly brushwork to create a dynamic interaction of colour, form and texture. Her modern approach to painting has delighted both new and experienced collectors who now follow her progress as she makes her mark on contemporary Canadian art. 1203 Broad St. 250-388-0009, www.westendgalleryltd.com.
30 April 2012 • FOCUS “The Silver Lining” (detail) Kathryn Amisson, 36 x 30 inches, acrylic on linen Meghan Hildebrand Flotsam,Jetsam,Lagan & Derelict April 7 – 21 Opening reception:April 7,1 - 4 pm, 7 - 10 pm Evening reception will feature live performance “Flock,Flounder,Bowline,Fugue”by Meghan Hildebrand,30 x 36 inches,oil and acrylic on canvas by KATHRYN CALDER 606 View Street • 250.380.4660 • www.madronagallery.com “Boats” Deborah Tilby, 12 x 16 inches, oil on linen “Boats” Deborah Tilby, “Bowl and Ball” (detail) Catherine Moffat, 12 x inches, oil on canvas
Artistic Pairings Catherine Moffat, Deborah Tilby & Kathryn Amisson April 21 - 27 Artists’ reception April 21, 1 - 4 pm 2184 OAK BAY AVENUE VICTORIA www.theavenuegallery.com 250-598-2184
www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 31 the arts in april
Consciously incorporating additional—or completely new—uses for these rooms opti- mizes liveability. What that might look like is greatly depen- dent on the users of the space, says the graduate of Vancouver Island University’s Interior Design Program. “The first step I always take with clients is asking many questions and understanding their lifestyle: how people live in the home, how they entertain; it could be they don’t even need a dining room.” Creating her own home office was a case in point: instead of relegating herself to a dreary spare bedroom, she set up in the bright, inviting living room space that she seldom used for its original purpose. Speaking of adapting to the times, she lives in an old Victorian home converted into five condos. Housing costs and economic uncer- Interior design by Inoui Design/Kyla Bidgood tainty beget smaller house sizes these days, Bidgood notes, but the constraints of size that April 19-21 force creative solutions can apply to any space. “LET’S TALK DESIGN” LECTURE SERIES Art Gallery of Greater Victoria As can the unexpected. Delightfully, one of her design projects incorporated touches CULTURAL HISTORIANS WILL TELL YOU of technological nostalgia. In an industry the way we use our domestic space has long where measurements are now done with been a mirror of the zeitgeist. During the lasers, reclaimed metre sticks marched up Victorian era, emphasis was on the home as the stair risers of the former design studio retreat from the perils of industrial city life. for which she and her Inoui partner Amber A rising middle class brought about segre- Kingsnorth won an Interior Designers Institute gation of servants’ spaces, front parlours and of BC award. dining rooms for public reception, and private Aside from such details, though, often it’s sleeping spaces for individual family members. when a space doesn’t function well that it gets It was an era of separation, specialization noticed. “Good design should just make the and classification. users’ life or experience easier,” Bidgood says. Fast-forward to the Cold War era, when With the smart phone as point of departure, homes were bunker-like structures with base- “form follows functions” could be the design ment rec-rooms and massive garage doors credo of our age. blocking social interaction with suburban neighbours. It’s interesting to note how, soon The Let’s Talk Design series runs April 19- after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the open- 21. “Back To The Future: Rethinking Our concept interior gained in popularity. The term Kyla Bidgood Traditional Use of Space” is on April 21, 2pm. glasnost, a major policy reform introduced by Other lecturers are: JC Scott and Anne Squires Gorbachev, literally means “openness.” “Our goal is to inspire people to look at Ferguson from JC Scott Design Associates It leads one to ponder how our living spaces spaces with a different approach,” Bidgood (“Living environments that support your will respond to this current era of constant, explains. Truly, she observes, we dwell in single- health,” April 19, 7pm); Ivan Meade and Echo rapid advances in technology and communi- function spatial concepts forged in the Victoria Eaton-Thorne from Meade Design Group cation. Kyla Bidgood, cofounder of Inoui Design era while we fiddle simultaneously with our (“What Luxury Means Today,” April 20, 7pm); Collective and principal of Kyla Bidgood Interior smart phones, a camera, GPS, web browser, and Linda Hutchinson and Carole Hutchinson Design, thinks a great deal about just that. calendar, gaming device, and satellite tracker, from Design One-Stevens Interiors (“Your She and architect Pamela Ubeda will present if you have the app for that. (Just don’t try Kitchen Takes Centre Stage,” April 21, 10am). a talk titled “Back to the Future: Rethinking to make a phone call on it, the cynics quip.) Sessions are two hours and include the talk our Traditional Use of Space” as part of “Why can’t the same principles be applied followed by questions and refreshments. the third annual Let’s Talk Design lecture to our interior spaces?” Bidgood asks. Consider Tickets are $20, and available at the gallery, series presented by the Associates of the Art the dining room. “Typically, that space is only online at www.aggv.ca, or call 250-384-4171. Gallery of Greater Victoria, April 19 to 21. used for special occasions,” she says. Conversely, Early-bird special to April 5: all 4 lectures for The theme of this year’s series is, fittingly, the fine table might be buried beneath projects, $60. All proceeds support the AGGV. “New Ways to Live.” laundry, whatever finds it way into the space. —Aaren Madden
32 April 2012 • FOCUS Fast-growing acacia hardwood is renowned Collapsible Insta Hanger. Visit our Custom Come and have a look at our extensive for its durability, strength and beauty. Closet Showroom and Organizing Store. selection of furniture, home décor Check out the Gardenia patio collection All Organized Storage Ltd and garden items. of quality outdoor furniture. 3370 Tennyson Avenue (near UpTown) Design Source Warehouse Best of Both Worlds Imports Showroom hours: Tues-Fri, 11-5; Sat 11-3 553 Hillside Ave • 250-721-5530 2713 Quadra Street • 250-386-8325 www.AllOrganizedStorage.ca • 250-590-6328 www.designsourcewarehouse.com great finds for your home
Everything you could want in a juicer and One-of-a-kind furniture, artistic kitchens and bkr (“beaker”) is an iconic, new glass more. It can handle wheatgrass, pasta and built-ins. Commissions welcome. water bottle with a silicone sleeve. baby foods...all without destructive heat. Old School Woodworks Reusable, recyclable, functional art. Triangle Healing Products 2031 Oak Bay Avenue The Good Planet Company 770 Spruce Avenue 250-896-8073 764 Fort Street • 250-590-3500 www.trianglehealing.com • 250-370-1818 www.oldschoolwoodworks.com www.goodplanet.com
33 Unique handcrafted gifts Pottery classes for all levels
Earth & Fire Pottery Studio 1820 Government Street 250-380-7227 www.earthandfirepotterystudio.ca Paul Horn and Ann Mortifee in concert to support local environmental charities
Hellerwork works! April 20-22 and Nature Alliance, Dogwood Initiative, CREATIVELY UNITED FOR THE PLANET Sierra Club, TLC (The Land Conservancy), St Matthias Church “My balance has improved dramatically and I am dancing Land Trust Alliance, Habitat for Humanity, again! Happy body equals happy life.”—Nadina Shaddelee THE CREATIVELY UNITED for the Planet Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team, RAVEN Earth Week Festival is a three-day, all-ages (Respecting Aboriginal Values and Environmental indoor/outdoor event featuring art, music, Needs), OASES (Organization Advocating Jane O’Keeffe dance, photography, displays, food, lectures, Sanctuary for Endangered Species), Trust for Certified CranioSacral & a fashion show and fun, all in aid of keeping Sustainable Forestry, Peace Valley Environment Hellerwork Practitioner our planet’s ecosystems strong and healthy. Association, Wild ARC (Animal Rehabilitation 250-661-6409 Founder and photographer Frances Litman’s Centre), Wilderness Committee, and YesBC love of the natural world and its beauty has (Youth for Environmental Stewardship). Jaw and neck problems, whiplash, sciatica, vertigo, headaches made her a strong supporter of charities that One-hundred percent volunteer-run, work to keep it free of oil spills, deforestation Creatively United will have both ticketed and and towards more sustainable options. free events ranging from a Disco-meets-Mardi When she found out she was considered a Gras all-ages dance party (costumes encour- top supporter of a number of these vital char- aged), to a fundraising art auction, lectures, a ities, she was shocked: “I thought how can it soul/funk dance band, and even a fashion show be that I would be considered a major donor of local designers’ creations. when I’m donating just $50-$100 a month on A highlight of the festival will be a concert a self-employed artist/photographer’s income?” featuring songstress Ann Mortifee and inter- She decided to do something that would involve nationally-acclaimed jazz flautist Paul Horn. others in directly supporting environmental Others taking part will include the Gettin’ charities: “They are the ones doing the hero Higher Choir, photographer Garth Lenz, Holly work in our communities,” Litman says. Arntzen and Kevin Wright. The festival’s finale “If we start supporting environmental char- tribute to John Lennon will showcase a dozen ities, which get less than four percent of local artists and is being produced by musician E ASY L ESSONS FOR E CSTATIC LIVING charitable giving, as well as we support disease Mike Demers. His band, The Politics of Dancing, www.aypsite.org charities like cancer, which get upwards of will back up a variety of singers performing 80 percent, things could really shift in our their favourite Beatles and Lennon hits. world in a very positive way,” she says. Litman Litman hopes the event will become an Gail Lane believes protecting ecosystems is a benefit to annual festival: “When the day comes that Registered Massage Therapist our own health: “We tend to forget we are environmental charities receive as much funding “I love Gail’s approach which is part of an ecosystem and not separate from as cancer agencies, we will all have a much uplifting and caring.I especially it. If one part of any system goes amiss, there healthier and happier planet. My goal is to love the deep tissue work.With is dysfunctionality, and with all the devasta- inspire environmental awareness and commu- her kind determination,she is tion being inflicted on our environment for nity through creativity, with the hope that this able to open up the free flow short-term corporate gain, we are starting to shift will happen sooner rather than later.” of energy in my body.” see that we are paying a hefty price with disease —Marina Caroulias now running rampant. The solution isn’t in The indoor/outdoor festival will be held at Pacific Pain Treatment Clinic finding cures but looking at the causes. And St Matthias Church, 600 Richmond Rd (wheel- Sutton Building • 617-1207 Douglas St it starts with our environment.” chair accessible). Advance concert tickets, 250.384.3511 The 15 organizations being supported by schedule, and information on the involved char- www.pacificpaintreatment.com this event are: Ancient Forest Alliance, Child ities are at www.creativelyunitedfortheplanet.com.
34 April 2012 • FOCUS the arts in april
April 12-22 April 15 MARIA STUARDA THE THREE MUSKETEERS Royal Theatre Metro Studio Noises Off This Italian opera, with a libretto by Guiseppe It’s all for one and one for all when the Bardari and music by Gaetano Donizetti, is audience gets on stage to perform Dufflebag an embellished tale of the life of Mary Stuart, Theatre’s interactive adaptation of this classic by Michael Frayn Queen of Scots. Featuring Tracy Dahl and tale. Presented by Kaleidoscope Theatre. Sally Dibblee. $25-$125. 250-386-6121, 2pm at 1411 Quadra St, $20.50/$28.50. in association with Western www.pov.bc.ca. 250-386-6121, www.kaleidoscope.bc.ca. Canada Theatre, Kamloops (Contains Strong Language) April 13-14 April 16 AMADEUS STORIES AT FERN McPherson Playhouse 1831 Fern Street Hear and tell stories with the Victoria This Kaleidoscope Theatre fundraiser features David Cooper Photography Peter Shaffer’s Tony-winning play about Salieri Storytellers Guild. 7:15pm, $3/$5. 250-477- X and Mozart. CTV’s Stephen Andrew directs 7044, www.victoriastorytellers.org. the 35-person cast. 8pm, $62. 250-386-6121, www.kaleidoscope.bc.ca. April 16
eaShine Design
PEN IN HAND READINGS S April 14 Cook Street Serious Coffee X APOLLO ENSEMBLE This month’s featured readings are by Chris Alix Goolden Hall Hutchinson and Teresa McWhirter. Open mic This four-piece ensemble from the Netherlands sign-up 7:15pm, readings 7:30pm-9pm at Michelle Lieffertz performs “The Italian Baroque in Germany.” 230 Cook St. $3. 250-590-8010. Presented by the Early Music Society of the Book Online! APRIL 27 TO JUNE 2 Islands. 8pm at 907 Pandora Ave, $24/$27. April 17-May 20 www.earlymusicsocietyoftheislands.ca, GOD OF CARNAGE FAST AND FURIOUS FARCE Belfry Theatre 250-386-6121. Getaway Packages 1.800.565.7738 This Tony-winning play shows us the theatre, accommodations, lives of two power-couple parents trying to chemainustheatre.ca April 14 dinner & breakfast from AN AFTERNOON IN RUSSIA resolve a schoolyard spat. Opens 8pm April St Mary the Virgin Church 19 at 1290 Gladstone Ave, $23-$38/ 250- $114 per person Pablo Diemecke and his quartet perform 385-6815, www.belfry.bc.ca. works by Russian composers. 2:30pm at 1701 Elgin Rd, $22.50/$25. 250-658-1167, April 18-May 12 www.diemahlerenterprises.com. VISUAL ARTS MFAS Legacy Art Gallery April 14 Graduate students in Fine Arts share their SHORT CIRCUIT FILM FESTIVAL recent works. 630 Yates St, 250-381-7645, Intrepid Theatre Club www.legacygallery.ca. WENDY SKOG See short films from the Pacific Northwest. April 19 Presented by the Cinevic Society of a visual CONCERT FOR YOUNG LIFE PARADE Independent Filmmakers. 7pm at 1609 Saanichton Bible Fellowship Blanshard St. 250-389-1590, www.cinevic.ca. Featuring pianist Walter Prossnitz and cellist April 14 Lawrence Skaggs. 7pm at 2159 Mount Newton QUOTE-ALONG PREDATOR X Rd, $15/$20. 250-652-6478. Vic Theatre April 19 Bust out your best Arnie quotes as the A COWHERD IN PARADISE Victoria Film Festival’s quote-along film screening BOOK LAUNCH series continues. 8pm (doors at 7pm) at 808 Silk Road Douglas St, $10. www.victoriafilmfestival.com, This new book by May Q. Wong docu- 250-389-0444. ments a couple’s struggle for love, family and forgiveness in China. 7pm at 1624 Government April 14-22 St. 250-360-0829, www.brindleandglass.com. CONSIDER THE LILIES St Mary’s Church April 20-21 This tenth annual show features fabric and VICTORIA, EMPRESS OF INDIA fibre art from members of Fibres & Beyond. McPherson Playhouse Point”“Vanishing 35 x 57 inches, acrylic 10am-4:40pm daily (except 12-4:30pm April This original piece, choreographed by 15 and 12-4pm April 22) at 4354 Metchosin Canadian Pacific Ballet’s Roberta Taylor, Opening Saturday April 28, 7 - 9pm Rd. 250-642-2058, www.fibresandbeyond.com. is the second of three ballet works docu- Continuing to May 24, 2012 menting Queen Victoria’s reign. 7:30pm. April 14-15 250-386-6121, www.canadianpacificballet.org. OAK BAY ARTISTS SPRING STUDIO TOUR April 21 Various venues VICTORIA PHILHARMONIC CHOIR Wander the streets of Oak Bay and get a First Metropolitan Church glimpse of where your favourite Oak Bay artists Performing a “From Pirates to Pilgrims” get their inspiration. Expect painting, pottery, program, including choral works by Puccini, fibre art, jewellery and more. 12-4:30pm. Wagner, and Handel. 8pm at 932 Balmoral www.recreation.oakbay.ca for a map. Rd, $10/$20/under 12 free. www.vpchoir.ca. www.wendyskog.com
www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 35 the arts in april
April 21 April 27-28 BLACKIE & THE RODEO KINGS FOOTLOOSE Alix Goolden Hall McPherson Playhouse This acclaimed trio bring their bluesy alt- The Canadian College of Performing country tunes back to town. 8pm at 907 Arts performs classic ’80s anthems. 2pm Pandora Ave, $32 adv/$35 at the door. 250- and 7:30pm, $18-$42. 250-386-6121, 388-4423, www.jazzvictoria.ca. www.ccpacanada.com.
April 23-29 April 27-29 STUDIO 30 SPRING SHOW A LONG AND WINDING ROAD Tillicum Mall Mary Winspear Centre New works and art cards from this local Peninsula Singers’ annual spring concert art club. www.studio30.ca. with violinist Philip Manning. 7:30pm April 27-28, 2pm April 29 at 2243 Beacon Ave April 25 (Sidney), $11/$22. 250-656-0275, SURVIVING PROGRESS www.peninsulasingers.ca. Victoria Event Centre Open Cinema’s season finale film and April 28 fundraiser—with guest speaker Ronald VCM FACULTY SPOTLIGHT Wright, author of “A Short History of Progress,” Alix Goolden Hall which influenced the film. Co-sponsored by The Aurora Trio, with organist Nicholas Sierra Club. Advance tickets $15 at Fairbank, flautist Kathryn Whitney and other www.opencinema.eventbrite.ca (limited conservatory faculty perform. 7pm at 907 tickets at door). 1415 Broad St. Pandora Ave, $15/$25/free for VCM students and faculty. 250-386-5311, www.vcm.bc.ca. April 25-May 12 1959 PINK THUNDERBIRD April 28 CONVERTIBLE MARTIN BONHAM Langham Court Theatre Lutheran Church of the Cross Two one-act plays by James McLure: “Lone One of Victoria’s leading chamber musi- Star” and “Laundry and Bourbon,” both about cians puts Bach’s cello suites in context. life in the American South. 905 Langham Ct. 8pm at 3787 Cedar Hill Rd, $15/$20. 250- Tickets $17/$19. www.langhamtheatre.ca, 477-6222, www.lutheranvictoria.ca. 250-384-2142. April 28-29 April 26 FAIRFIELD ARTISTS STUDIO TOUR VICTORIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Fairfield venues James Bay New Horizons 48 artists—painting, pottery, glass, jewellery, Centre textiles, photography. 11am-4pm both days. Joan Giles shares a few bars on the Free. See www.fairfieldartistsstudiotour.com history of the Victoria Conservatory of Music. for details and map. 7:30pm at 234 Menzies St. www.victoria- historicalsociety.bc.ca.
April 26 ELIZABETH SHEPHERD Hermann’s Jazz Club Presented by Vic Jazz Society: one of Canada’s most promising young vocalist/pianist/soul jazz innovators. 8pm, $19 advance from VJS office (250-388-4423), Lyle’s Place, Ditch Records or www.rmts.bc.ca; $22 at door. 753 View St. www.jazzvictoria.ca.
April 26 UNCORK YOUR PALATE Crystal Garden Enjoy music, wine and nibbles at this fundraiser for the Victoria Conservatory of Music. 6:30pm at 713 Douglas St, $95. 250- “Don Mee” by Jonathan Gleed, 30 x 30 386-5311, www.vcm.bc.ca. inches. Gleed is one of 48 artists on the April 26-28 Fairfield Artists Studio Tour April 28-29. ROYAL WINNIPEG BALLET Royal Theatre April 29 Svengali, a ballet, based on a concept by THE MUSIC OF HARRY POTTER Winnipeg filmmaker Guy Maddin and chore- Royal Theatre ographed by Mark Godden, tells the story With the wave of a wand (okay, baton), of a tumultuous relationship between a the conductor of the Vic Symphony will bring choreographer and dancer. 7:30pm at 805 the music of Harry Potter to life. Hogwarts Broughton St, $25-$86. 250-386-6121, costumes encouraged. 2:30pm, $11-$30. www.dancevictoria.com. 250-386-6121,www.victoriasymphony.ca.
36 April 2012 • FOCUS ADVERTISEMENT Focus presents: Oak Bay & Broadmead Hearing Skills and objectivity you can trust April 29 JAZZ AT THE GALLERY Art Gallery of Greater Victoria veryone’s so different,”emphasizes audiologist Gordon Clements and his quartet will close this concert Dr. Erin Wright when asked about the best series by revisiting a performance the saxophonist/bass clarinet player did 40 years ago in the same space. 2pm at Etype of hearing aids. Just because your friend 1040 Moss St, $30. 250-384-4171, www.aggv.ca has an aid that works well for her,doesn’t mean it will be the right choice for you. throughout April “There are many factors to consider,”says Dr.Wright, SPRING SALON View Art Gallery “including one’s ear shape, manual dexterity, one’s New works by gallery artists. 104-860 View St, 250-213- ability to process words,whether or not you have tinnitus, 1162, www.viewartgallery.ca. the need for controls on different ears, or for different throughout April programs for different situations.”As an instance of COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL SHOWS the latter, she mentions that musicians often find the Arts Centre at Cedar Hill usual settings for voices make music sound tinny, so Oak Bay Community Artists, to April 8. Western Photography they benefit from having two different settings. students, April 8-22 (reception 9pm April 16). Sharon Stone Hearing aid technology is changing very fast, solo show, April 22-29. United Way youth show, April 28- May 13. All at 3220 Cedar Hill Rd, 250-475-7123, www.cacgv.ca. with manufacturers “leapfrogging” over each other, as every advance in technology influences other manu- throughout April facturers to apply and build on it.Fortunately,Dr.Wright FIVE SHOWS Art Gallery of Greater Victoria loves keeping up with all the technical developments. “Throwdown” features five BC artists working in a wide And because Broadmead and Oak Bay Hearing Clinics variety of mediums in order to stimulate each other—and the are independently owned by her,rather than affiliated audience—into thinking critically, taking action, or just playing with a manufacturer (as many other clinics are), she around, to May 6. “Victoria Collects,” an exhibition of over 60 and her two fellow audiologists are free to make unbi- major pieces on loan from the private collections of Victorians, including the “Salish Weave Collection,” to May 6. “The Enduring ased recommendations that address each patient’s Arts of China,” decorative elements and motifs that have been particular situation. Dr Erin Wright,Au.D passed down by Chinese artists for centuries, to May 6. “Emily Statistics show that the average age of hearing loss Carr: On the Edge of Nowhere,” semi-permanent Emily Carr is 62—whereas the average age we obtain hearing Education is a big part of the service patients receive exhibit. All at 1040 Moss St. 250-384-4171, www.aggv.ca. aids is 68.That six-year gap can mean a lot of missed at Dr.Wright’s clinics.You’ll also get to “test-drive” connections and frustration for both the person losing the hearing aid that seems right for you for a few his or her hearing and their loved ones.As Dr.Wright’s months before making a final commitment. patient Joan Eales confessed,“It’s a whole new world. The proper fitting and adjusting of hearing aids Why I’ve resisted for so many years I have no idea.” goes beyond science to art,demanding considerable Sometimes the delay in seeking help is due to a lack education and experience to properly calibrate the of understanding about the audiology profession. over 20,000 possible adjustments in today’s computer- Audiologists are highly trained and regulated health- driven models.“Hearing aids are medical devices,” care professionals specializing in identifying,diagnosing, says Dr.Wright,“so it’s important to find an audiolo- treating and monitoring disorders of the auditory and gist whose skills and objectivity you trust.” Peter vestibular systems of the ear. People with ear prob- Burman says his search is over:“After finding Broadmead “Submission” by Megan Dickie. Dickie’s installation lems sometimes wait months to see an ENT physician—or Hearing Clinic and its professionally qualified and is being shown at the AGGV’s show “Throwdown.” spend months having other treatments—when they caring staff,my search for hearing clinics has come to Tuesdays in April could more readily get answers from an audiologist. a pleasant end.” SIN CITY LIVE IMPROVISED SOAP OPERA Dr.Wright recalls a patient who came to her after a Victoria Event Centre year of feeling her ears were plugged;meanwhile she You can learn more about addressing hearing loss This ongoing improvised serial tells the story of a travel- had spent many hours and dollars pursuing help from at the 3rd Annual Healthy Hearing Expo, April 10th, ling sideshow in the 1930s dustbowl. 8pm every Tuesday (except April 24) at 1415 Broad St, $12/$15. 250-480-3709, dentists (thinking it might be due to TMJ) and acupunc- 10 am-3 pm at the Victoria Conference Centre. Besides www.sincityimprov.com. turists. Dr.Wright’s examination revealed a particular information booths, there are speakers, including Dr. form of mild hearing loss that results in a feeling of Wright on “Invisible Hearing Aid Solutions” at 12:30; Sundays in April pluggedness.The patient was relieved to get a clear and Janet Holland from the non-profit Island Deaf FOLK MUSIC SOCIETY CONCERTS Norway House diagnosis so she could stop investing in things that and Hard of Hearing Centre on “Musicians and Hearing April 1: Bijoux du Bayou. April 8: Fraser Union. April 15: really couldn’t help. Loss” at 2 pm. Skellig. April 22: Rabbleberries. April 29: Well Strung Reunion Concert. All after Open Stage, 7:30pm, 1110 Hillside, $5. www.victoriafolkmusic.ca. Broadmead Hearing Clinic Oak Bay Hearing Clinic 4420 Chatterton Way, Suite 104 1932 Oak Bay Ave (near Foul Bay Rd) Send ARTS-RELATED listings to [email protected] 250-479-2969 778-430-5969 by April 10 for events in May. Placement cannot be guaranteed. www.broadmeadhearing.com www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 37 coastlines
Worlds beautiful and dangerous AMY REISWIG Yasuko Thanh writes stories about normal people in extreme situations.
the Journey Prize in 2009, and she’s been a finalist for the Future Generations Millennium Prize, the Hudson Prize, and the David Adams Richards Prize. Having interviewed Thanh before, for her personal essay in Walk Myself Home: an Anthology to end Violence Against Women (Harbour, December 2010), I know that underneath today’s buttoned-up poodle sweater are tattoos across her chest and down her upper arms. I also know she has led an unconventional life while growing up here in Victoria and then travelling and living in Mexico, Latin America and Germany. But this Sunday morning in the spacious, retro-decorated living room of the Cadboro Bay house she shares with her husband and two daughters, Thanh seems perfectly placed in what is outwardly a very conventional domestic dream. This comfort with contrast is part of what makes Thanh’s fiction so striking. While some writers rely on style to reflect subject, Thanh takes the opposite approach. “I had come to UVic’s writing program with a large portfolio,” the petite Thanh tells me, legs curled under her on the red rug, “but it was mostly episodic, fragmented narrative.” Admiring of writers like Michael Turner and William Burroughs and work like John Gould’s Kilter: 55 Fictions (“It’s like getting a sliver in your foot,” she says of Gould’s book: “It just stays in there”), it took one exercise to change everything. “[Writer and UVic instructor] Steven Price— who I can’t say enough good things about—gave each of us an assignment based on weaknesses or habits he saw in our work. My challenge,” Thanh laughs, “was to write a chronological, linear narrative.” It worked. The resulting story, now the title story of this collection, became the Journey Prize-winner. Thanh admits that “In a way, that story shaped everything that I’ve written after.” In these nine stories, each between 15 and 30 pages, structurally conventional and exceptionally controlled prose contains characters whose lives are anything but: a young man on death row for murder in the 1940s; a woman caught up in her lover’s border-town bank robbery and hostage-taking; a couple dealing drugs out of their resort in Mexico; a woman in Vietnam, married when barely older than a schoolgirl, betrayed by her husband; a gay Vancouver man watching his lover slowly die; the last Chinese lepers living out their exile on our own D’Arcy Island in the 1920s.
PHOTO: TONY BOUNSALL These are stories of fear, loss, identity and foreignness—foreignness Yasuko Thanh with other cultures, other people, your environment, your own self and your own choices. Thanh creates and considers normal people know how to make a poultice from the powdered marrow of tiger in situations of extremity, and she tells me about her interest in “how bones or the roughest part of a bear paw, how to pound it smooth circumstances create the people we are and wish we could become, a Iuntil the sinews are supple.” These Vietnamese healer-woman’s curiosity around issues of resiliency. It puzzles me,” she says. “I have words remarkably represent the powers and process executed by good a lot of friends who—not because they weren’t good or strong—went writers: making potent compounds from unexpected elements. In that under. I don’t think it’s a character thing, and I don’t think it’s a morally regard, it stands as an apt artist’s statement for the person who put superior or inferior thing either. In the book, everyone is at a different them to paper: Victoria writer Yasuko Thanh. stage in their ability to make those choices.” This month, Thanh celebrates the launch of her debut short-story The various settings and times allow her to examine existence from collection, Floating Like the Dead (April 2012, Emblem Editions, an many angles. What choice is there, for example, once confined to a imprint of McClelland & Stewart), and it is a blend of the supple and leper colony? She finds it, and places it like a small jewel within a lovely the sharp. Recently graduated with an MFA from UVic, Thanh won scene of loss—loss so simply, subtly delineated: “He shuffled past the
38 April 2012 • FOCUS ADVERTISEMENT Focus presents:Triangle Healing
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Healthy feet can make for my own neck and give him pain-free feet—and hips, knees and the chance to save me.” backs.“Healthy feet are really funda- “That was my experi- mental to all movement,”explains Regan. ence of love before I met Phiten is another name that is synony- Hank,” Thanh says quietly. mous with pain-free exercise.Choose “I didn’t even believe in it from a wide selection of Titanium neck- Radiant Health Sauna and Bellicon Rebounder as a concept, which is why it was so strange that it happened to me.” laces, bracelets, power sleeves, body Her shy smile erupts into unabashed joy when she talks about rocka- supports and socks.Your elbows, knees and ankles will thank you for the Aqua- billy musician husband, Hank Engel (Thanh herself plays in the all-girl Titanium micro spheres that help avoid and ease tension and joint pain. band Jukebox Jezebel). That good, true love “is what provides the “Warming up those muscles and joints before you put them to task is impera- undertone of hope in the book,” she acknowledges, what allows one tive in avoiding injuries,” warns Regan,“but the warm-up doesn’t have to be woman, not wanting to part from her lover going to war, to say: “I complicated—and it should be fun.”The Bellicon Rebounder is a fun way to warm- don’t want to wait. Look how goddamn beautiful everything is.” Thanh’s up every muscle in your body.You can get into shape indoors while the weather is work and the worlds she creates are beautiful—beautiful and dangerous, catching up to your desire to be outdoors.Another great indoor option is to shake the lake full of pirhanas. it up with the T-Zone Vibration system.Just 10 minutes with the T-Zone will give you And like the Vietnamese healer in her book, Thanh has the the same benefits as a one-hour workout. ability to manipulate and transform what might seem dangerous, to And, if you’ve pushed it too hard, it’s great to come home to a deep-tissue take individual raw elements and, through knowledge and skill, make therapeutic body massage.The amazing PowerFingers™ ProMassager home unit something more powerful. Thanh’s healer says, “I know how the enlists three sets of massage heads (soft medium and firm) and 10 digital speeds grafted branch of a peach tree tips its soul into the cut made by the to deliver 30 choices of percussion massage—and it weighs less than three pounds. gardener’s knife and spills its soul into the wound, driven by the At the end of the day,why not finish it off by slipping into a soothing hot sauna? simple yearning to become part of a greater life”—a greater life Radiant Health Saunas provide deep heat therapy through their infrared systems, that Thanh’s fiction also lets us enter. bringing relief and healing to muscle and soft tissue.The increased blood circula- tion delivers oxygen-rich blood to strained, and sore muscles, so they recover Writer and musician Amy Reiswig works by day (and faster—and get you back out there sooner.Happy trails! sometimes into the night) as an editor for the provin- cial government. Besides her monthly gig in Focus, her Triangle Healing Products writing has appeared in Quill & Quire, The Malahat 770 Spruce Avenue,Victoria, BC Review and The Walrus. 250-370-1818 • www.trianglehealing.com Triangle Healing Products, its owner,its employees do not provide medical advice or treatment.They provide information and products that you may choose after evaluating your health needs and in consultation with health professionals of your choosing.
www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 39 this place island interview 40 the survivors 42 urbanities 44 finding balance 46
All together now AAREN MADDEN Shellie Gudgeon’s first concern is how we shift from “us and them” to “we”—and why we have to.
ver since she was a youngster, Shellie Gudgeon’s 15-year-old daughter Isabella has got a kick out of Foul Bay Road. Whenever Ethey drive or walk across it, she says, “Oh! I’m in Oak Bay! Hey! I’m in Victoria! Oak Bay now! Oh! Victoria again!” From a child’s point of view, it does seem absurd that a mere street separates two different cities. But by Victoria city councillor Gudgeon’s observation, the 13 solitudes that make up our region signify a dysfunc- tion incised deeper than layers of asphalt and fill. In her bright, colourful office a plate’s toss from Il Terrazzo, the restaurant she co-owns and operates with her husband, Mike, Gudgeon points both her index fingers and arranges them into a “v”. It’s a symbol of perpetual stalemate and blame. “Someone once told me this should be the symbol for the City of Victoria,” she says. “We have this culture of division.” She got a whiff of it when she printed her election signs with the slogan, “a voice for your neighbourhood, a voice for business,” and was subsequently told she’d never get elected: the B-word would turn too many people off. “We tend to be ‘us’ versus ‘them,’” she observes. “But we have the most generous, philanthropic business community [here] that we have to tap into and embrace. We need each other!” She knows from experience that’s the case. Having built a thriving business over 20 years in the city she grew up in, Gudgeon has learned that typically in a restaurant there will be tension, if not outright hostility, between kitchen and floor staff: “Our success has been bringing sides together to realize it’s in our best interests to work together.” The same approach worked for the community-building work she has done in Quadra-Hillside. Amid calls to create a business improve- ment association and other community groups, Gudgeon figured, “that’s just more bodies we can point fingers at. Whereas if we can bring busi- ness and community and residents to the same table, which we have with our Quadra Village Day Committee model, we can hear what everyone has to say and provide a product that everyone buys into.” Generally, since taking office, she notices the opposite. At her second council meeting, a fellow stood up and introduced himself
as representing the “such-and-such” community association. “I PHOTO: TONY BOUNSALL chuckled, because I knew he had created it the day before! In our Shellie Gudgeon city, that tends to hold weight. That is ingrained in the region. If you don’t like what it is, start your own. And we allow it,” she says, talking silverware; she learns and applies best practices, notes the details stymied. Fernwood’s dual (and sometimes duelling) community that make a difference. It’s common sense. “Saanich has side yard organizations are but one example. pickup. Works for seniors, everyone’s fine. And we didn’t even talk Gudgeon says, “We are modelling fragmentation at the municipal about side yard pickup,” she says. At the February 16 vote, Gudgeon level.” The garbage pickup fiasco in February is a case in point. The proposed it, but wasn’t able to sway her fellow councillors. City asked for and received input into various pickup options. Then To add insult to injury, on the day we met, Gudgeon had just returned they dutifully ignored it, embittering citizens and appearing to bow to from the Local Government Leadership Academy in Vancouver, where CUPE in the process. All the while Victoria seems to have acted in a she heard speakers say “imagine if we didn’t have shared services with bubble. “Oak Bay did a huge pilot project two years ago with composting our garbage in Metro Vancouver!” She sighs, saying, “We’re doing and green binning and everything. I don’t even think we took their exactly what they wouldn’t even consider doing,” and then adds,“I am data. Why wouldn’t we talk to Oak Bay?” she marvels—it’s just good on the Water Commission, and thank God, at least the CRD is looking business. “I steal stuff from restaurants all the time!” She’s not after our water.”
40 April 2012 • FOCUS WE HAVE TO SHOW COLLABORATION; we have “to show strength for the provincial government to listen. Having said that, from my limited experience right now, I am not seeing a willingness to engage at all.”
Gudgeon says finding more ways to share was the original intent of the “Amalgamation Conversation,” an event she helped organize in February: “How we can finally reach out to each other and understand our commonalities and [find a] common approach.” Amalgamation was the label of choice in order to gain some media attention, but Gudgeon would not call herself pro-A. “I am pro-working together,” she clarifies. But when Gudgeon heard the notion repeated often during her campaigning last fall and noticed it on a Twitter feed, she proposed a lunch date where she, Mat Wright, Tamara Hernandez, Rod Phillips and Susan Jones planned the community forum. It brought about 200 people out to share ideas. Interestingly—and worryingly—Gudgeon noticed even further divi- sion amongst some attendees. When asked to write their home municipality along with their comments on post-it notes that were applied to a large comment board, people jotted, “Oak Bay North” or “Glanford.” She said the organizers were starting to joke about future municipalities to come. With six having incorporated in the last 28 years, anything is possible. But in truth, by Gudgeon’s thinking, much less is possible. We give up more than we know by refusing to collaborate. She wonders out loud about the possibility of getting Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Ida Chong to sit down with at least three mayors to work out a plan for a world-class Inner Harbour that would act as Transform Yourself a gateway to the region, not just Victoria. We would all benefit, but it Our medically-developed weight-loss won’t happen without a cohesive voice. “We have to show collabora- program is designed for you to tion; we have to show strength for the provincial government to listen. lose an average of 3 to 7 lbs Having said that, from my limited experience right now, I am not seeing of excess fat per week a willingness to engage at all,” she laments. ✔ Affordable & easy Little wonder, when time and again, division pervades. When, during the municipal election, Gudgeon saw ads promoting “The Dean Team,” ✔ Wide assortment of delicious she was flabbergasted. “I thought, Dean, your whole council’s your protein meals & snacks team!” Among councillors, she hopes for a greater sense of collabo- ✔ One-on-one support from ration while respecting different positions. “A healthy council is nine our coaches different voices. The more divergent the opinions, the better the deci- sion. It’s finding something everyone can live with that addresses their BONUS concerns,” she says. Earn a makeover at our salon & Within council, Gudgeon is guardedly confident the shift will come— med-spa when you successfully slowly. In the meantime, she’s certain that, whether or not her daughter complete the program can still play the Foul Bay Road game in the future, the municipalities on either side won’t reach their full potential until the region shifts from a culture of division to one of collaboration.
As the mother of two young children with vastly diver- Salon & Spa 880 Esquimalt Road gent viewpoints, Aaren Madden is constantly learning the (at Head Street, free parking) importance of collaboration. And she, too, gets a kick out of Foul Bay Road. And Dominion Street. And… 250-383-5598 • [email protected] www.outshinesalonandspa.com
www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 41 the survivors
Mayor Peter LESLIE CAMPBELL The right of public access to the waterfront has been a hallmark of Peter Pollen’s long service to the community. PHOTO: JIM RYAN PHOTO: TONY BOUNSALL Then-Mayor Pollen with Queen Elizabeth II in 1983 Pollen on the Lower Causeway in 2012
eter Pollen has been officially retired from business and politics One theme of Pollen’s time as mayor—one that still runs in his for many years now, but he still likes to talk about them. During veins—is his love of Victoria’s downtown and Inner Harbour. In Pour wide-ranging conversation in his gracious Uplands home, I recent years, that’s translated into his vocal opposition to the marina had to work hard to keep the focus on his life—he often seemed to for mega-yachts. Though the City was able to reduce its overall be trying to interview me. size, it’s still going ahead. He complains that the province has leased The den we meet in looks out onto a Garry oak meadow, with feeders the water lot for only $40,000 per year (for 50 years), while the attracting many chattering birds. The room is full of art—including a developer is selling the 26 individual slips for $800,000 apiece. large Herbert Siebner—and family photos and books. Pollen is an avid Pollen and MaryAnn are active sailors and have no problem with reader, especially of Shakespeare and history. Today he has The Collected a smaller-scale marina, but find the idea of “billionaires parking Essays of George Orwell open. their boats there” distasteful. It’s Pollen’s view that the harbour His wife MaryAnn brings us tea, then joins the conversation and is and its walkways and vistas should be accessible by all citizens. He especially good at recalling specific dates and names as we drill down compares selling off that waterlot to the “filthy rich” to selling off through the decades. our resources to China. Pollen’s politics are hard to categorize. Though he once ran as a POLLEN GREW UP IN SASKATCHEWAN AND ONTARIO. He Conservative (unsuccessfully) in a provincial election, he tells me, credits his engagement in public service largely to his education at a “In a way I’m a bit of a socialist; one of my primary duties in life is to small boarding school which preached social responsibility, along with care for the people who need caring for.” He says he admired former teaching him table manners and ancient history. premier W.A.C. Bennett because he didn’t have a political bias: “If He initially came to Victoria when he was 34 and an employee of something needed to be nationalized—like the ferry system—he nation- the Ford Motor Company. It was supposed to be a two-week trip to alized it. If capitalism wasn’t delivering hydro power, he’d make damn help out the local dealer. But, in short order, the dealer convinced him sure somebody did and set up BC Hydro.” to leave his job and take over running the dealership. It was a rather Around heritage issues, too, he’s not a purist. He’s not opposed to daring move for the young family, but Peter thrived at business and highrises and he thinks the Northern Junk Building is, well, junk. But eventually owned both Ford and Honda dealerships. last year the Hallmark Society presented him with an Award of Honour It was a former mayor, R.B. Wilson, who came to Pollen one day “for long service to heritage in Victoria”—even amid a record building and urged him to run for city council. For Pollen, who equates luck boom which he supported in other ways. The Society cited his engi- with “preparation and opportunity,” it was good timing. neering of the purchase of the Esso Service Station that now functions After being an alderman for two years, he served four terms as mayor as the Visitor Information Centre, a ban on billboards, wrangling a free of the City of Victoria: 1971 to 1975 and 1981 to 1985. three-acre park at Laurel Point, saving the Malahat Building from demo- “I liked it and I didn’t like it,” muses Pollen, adding, “It’s not lition (he bought it and still owns it), a moratorium on building heights, where you make money, not where you get medals.” But it is, he acknowl- the creation of the Lower Causeway, saving the Royal Theatre, and edges, an opportunity to make a difference to one’s community. stopping “the Reid three-tower project,” a development proposal that
42 April 2012 • FOCUS Leading edge dentistry IN A WAY I’M A BIT OF A SOCIALIST; one of my Down to Earth dentists primary duties in life is to care for the people who “ • General & Cosmetic need caring for.” —Peter Pollen • Minimal exposure digital X-rays involved three highrises—19-23 storeys high—on the waterfront near & 3-D imaging the foot of Bastion Square. That’s quite a legacy. Regarding the causeway, Pollen says he had a • Invisalign orthodontics vision—and drawings from Arthur Erickson’s firm—to make a beau- • Implant placement tiful, terraced walkway by the sea. Knowing the City couldn’t afford the $600,000 price tag, he called up then-Premier Dave Barrett and • IV sedation gave him a pitch. The next day Barrett called back, saying, “Build it; • Non-invasive laser we’ll get you the money.” dentistry Preserving the Royal Theatre was another favourite accomplish- ment. “We were confronted by the fact that Famous Players were going • All ages welcome to sell the lot and tear down the theatre. So council said ‘to hell with that; we’re going to save it’—and we bought it for $265,000. And spent 250.384.8028 three times more fixing it up. It’s got lots of character; I love it!” www.myvictoriadentist.ca Pollen and his councils can also be credited with rejuvenating Government Street, broadening the sidewalks and planting trees, #220 - 1070 Douglas St with the idea that it would become a pedestrian mall with no car (TD Bank Bldg) traffic. But that was one battle he couldn’t win. The merchants then (as more recently) felt their business depended on cars being able to drive on Government. Dr. Benjamin Bell & Dr. SuAnn Ng Pollen’s philosophy of running the city was not unlike that for running a business: “Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.” And remember the taxpayer who has to pay for everything. He worries about businesses in Victoria who pay 3.5 times the general tax rate. “You’re going to kill them if you’re not careful,” he warns. In keeping with his focus on the Inner Harbour, heritage and taxes, Pollen is appalled at the decisions around the Johnson Street Bridge. He believes the replacement is too costly and unnecessary. He asks, “Why didn’t they service the bridge for six years?” and characterizes the lack of rail capacity on the new bridge as “absolute madness, outrageous.”
POLLEN IS THE FIRST TO ADMIT Victoria has been very good to him and his family—four children and 13 grandchildren all living within 10 blocks of him—and that’s one reason he went into politics in the first place. As mayor, he was able to make a difference and make many good friends. He and MaryAnn were able to go to China in 1982 when it was just opening up. Closer to home, but just as memorable, was a trip with his friend, naturalist Bristol Foster. They circumnavigated Haida Gwaii’s Moresby Island in “a tin boat, with a nine-horsepower motor” doing a pelagic bird survey (fuel was dropped off by plane). These days he admits he’s slowed down some. “In your 70s,” he says “you might as well be 45, but when you hit your 80s, you…can’t fight any more dragons because the armour is too heavy.” If something moves or riles him, he jokes “I think about it and then I sit down!” But he can and does still write letters to the editor and lobby various authorities on his causes. “The most important thing is to get the hell out of bed in the morning,” he concludes.
Leslie Campbell moved to Victoria in 1985, so has—up until now—taken for granted the many lasting improvements made by Peter Pollen and his councils.
www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 43 urbanities
World class? Not good enough. GENE MILLER Even with storm clouds on the horizon, Victoria continues to avoid direct action.
t a recent Urban Development Institute At the UDI luncheon, the mayor couldn’t luncheon, guest speaker Victoria Mayor say too often that the city needs developers to ADean Fortin, invited to profile the believe in Victoria and invest in local projects, City’s new economic development strategy, and that the City considers itself a stakeholder told this story: in successful outcomes (“We’re your partner.”). “I was giving a speech in James Bay and Given the flight of economic and shopper mentioned Victoria as a world-class city...and energy to the suburbs and the mounting weak- someone in the audience said “What if we ness and frangibility of the network of downtown don’t want to be a world-class city?” shopping and commerce, why would the City Now, this raises some interesting questions: adopt a downtown bonus density policy designed What does it mean to be a world-class city? (however unwittingly) to discourage devel- What does it mean if your city isn’t? And last, opers from creating more office, commercial who cares what some shrubby, unemployed, and residential space, and other policies and dope-smoking loser in James Bay thinks? Or, procedures that make the City notorious for why would the mayor throw that goad at a obstruction and micromanagement of the James Bay audience, any more than he would development approval process?
say: “Ya know, James Bay could really use a “SHIP OF FOOLS,” HIERONYMUS BOSCH Considering how the City maunders on bunch of 30-storey condo towers, four active about setting a high standard for architectural traffic lanes on Simcoe Street, and a nuclear sion to blurt troubling and ponderously framed design excellence, why is there a near-total reactor at Ogden Point?” questions like: “Mr. Miller, if you say you want absence of outstanding contemporary archi- Amongst the top gleanings on Google for creative and original expression from us, why tecture (though, God knows, a few developers “world class” are World Class Hockey Camp, do you give us specific topics to write about?” and their architects try, in spite of the obsta- World Class Luxury Vehicle Detailing, and Or, “We call it a two-by-four, but it isn’t. Why cles)? Could it have anything to do with the World Class Wreckin’ Cru (an electro rap don’t we call it a one-and-a-half by three-and- economic realities of development? Is it conceiv- group). a-half?” His queries—clearly, such matters able that good design costs more, and is Clearly, “world class” has about the same had been fare-jumping his mental gates for automatically elided from too-thinly-prof- definitional precision as “Awesome!” and “Like, hours—would be accompanied by eye-rolls itable development pro formas? totally!” I would say to the James Bay audi- and audible here-we-go-again groans from Why does much of the downtown public ence member: nothing to worry about. By the other students, but also a grudging fond- realm look like a back-up set for Blade Runner? Google’s standards, we’re world class whether ness for his zingers. It’s like he didn’t get it. What extended and continuing psychotic we like it or not. His view of the world was too logical, too episode has allowed two of the most signifi- As I listened to the mayor tick off Victoria’s literal. He got some other “it.” cant harbourfront properties along Wharf assets and, implicitly, his own administration’s Listening to the mayor, I felt a bit like Street to operate as surface parking lots? accomplishments, I developed a growing sense Christopher Stoney. Why has the city been incapable of completing of the void between political image-play and Now, if “world class” means “mostly crappy the Inner Harbour walkway? reality—that is, two different systems of thought but nice in places,” then the mayor and I are Why were ten of the 13 business and educa- or species of narrative akin to: “The glass is on the same page. But honestly, if you Google tion community members of the city’s half-full” versus “There is no glass.” Of course, for the “Ten Most Beautiful Harbours,” or Economic Development Advisory Panel people this is not unique to Victoria. I draw your atten- “Ten Most Beautiful Waterfront Cities,” or with no particular business, organizational tion to the profoundly diverging “Ten Most Beautiful Heritage Cities,” or “Ten or institutional mandate (or regionally compet- political/social/values/economic narratives Most Beautiful Urban Parks,” or “Ten Most itive passion) to make downtown Victoria fighting an epic war to the death or the next Architecturally Significant Cities,” or “Ten hyper-successful? presidential election, whichever comes first, Most Culturally Rich Cities,” or “Ten Most How does a couple thousand tech workers south of our border. Dynamic Downtowns,” you’ll be stunned (far less than one percent of the total regional Years ago, when I was teaching at the High by the global competition and shocked not to worker population) make us a Silicon Valley- Mowing School, a Waldorf high school in New see Victoria referenced on any such lists. It’s like hotbed of high-tech innovation? Hampshire, one of my students, Christopher a big, world-class world out there. Why is the city spending hundreds of thou- Stoney, a goggle-eyed, physically uncoordi- Such evidence delivers an inescapable message: sands annually on “message management,” nated dork with a fine mind but differently-wired “Get real!” when everybody knows it’s just “good news” circuitry (yes, he may have been a Venusian), Here, then, is a clutch of annotated varnish, hyperbole, turd-buffing, or old dither would often interrupt a lecture or class discus- Christopher Stoney-like questions: in a new wrapper?
44 April 2012 • FOCUS Purple Garden From the City’s Victoria’s Economic that vein, apart from its tendency toward the Chinese Restaurant Development Strategy comes the following aspirational, the report (available online at: strategy points concerning downtown: www.victoria.ca/assets/Business/Documents/econ Focused effort is required to retain and support omic-development-strategy.pdf) does harbour Voted for best “All You Can Eat” restaurant the region’s main urban centre. a suspect and risk-laden idea: it refers to down- in 2009 and 2010 Best in City Short-term: town as the regional “hub for specialty retail.” • implement the Downtown Core area plan This raises two issues. First, Frontrunners, the • create a comprehensive waterfront plan “specialty” running shoe store on Vancouver 138-1551 Cedar Hill X Rd for the entire core area waterfront from Ogden Street, also has a store in Langford. That is, (Behind McDonald’s on Shelbourne St) Point to Rock Bay the suburbs is not some benighted landscape 250-477-8866 www.purplegarden.ca • foster a lively downtown arts and culture littered with nothing but cruddy big box stores, scene but an increasingly sophisticated and diverse • with the development industry, improve the retail landscape. Second, if your wallet becomes public realm by enhancing sidewalks, lighting, thin in a prolonged economic downturn like landscaping, and street furniture [sic] improve the current one, are you going to buy milk and safety and security downtown hamburger meat at the Superstore, or violet- Long-term: infused elderberry all-butter shortbread at that • explore the feasibility of creating a new down- adorable little patisserie on Fort Street? town educational presence for the major I mean, simply, to highlight a form of insti- post-secondary institutions. tutional and cultural pathology in Victoria: a Let’s do a brief semiotic analysis of this tendency to abstract, to avoid direct, benefi- language and syntax (the entire strategy docu- cial action at all costs, even if the storm clouds ment is studded with similar examples). “Focused are visible on the horizon. Other places: “I effort is required” means: “Downtown’s circling need a hammer, right now. Please give me one.” the drain and somebody better do something. Victoria: “It would be helpful to have a hammer.” Not us, of course, but an abstracted somebody.” I have to believe that if an advisory committee “Create a comprehensive waterfront plan” submitted such a report to Stew Young, mayor means “Do what Victoria does best: create plans. of Langford, their skeletons would be exhumed Someday. When Planning Services manages to from the Hartland Road landfill in a decade Dispute resolution support scratch a few completed projects off its hundred- or two. Not really. It would be a century (Stew for your parenting, your item list...unless other priorities come along.” is a waste management professional). family and your workplace. “Foster a lively downtown arts and culture It’s not that the entire Economic Development scene” means “Do absolutely nothing, but for Strategy Report has this hallucinatory quality. God’s sake, call it fostering.” In places, it makes reasonable and sensible •MEDIATION “With the development industry, improve recommendations. The real tragedy is that the PATRICIA •DECISION LANE the public realm” means “Omigod, we don’t report underscores the disconnect between MAKING have a dime in the bucket after we tackle infra- the city’s economic hopes and the kind of liber- C. Med, LL.B structure and capital spending items, so make ating policies and implementation that could SUPPORT Lawyer*/Mediator the developers provide public space improve- make those ambitions come true. I know the PARENTING 250.598.3992 ments. Oh, memo to ourselves: capture 75 mayor wants the best for the city, but I worry • percent (the City’s favoured number, thank- that he and his council are stuck to their CO-ORDINATION *denotes Law Corporation fully modified at the last moment by the mayor) hips in a toxic fudge of wrong-thinking and of the lift in the land value if they want more counterproductive policy design. density and spend the money wherever and Like Christopher Stoney, I’m looking at an on whatever we please, because we’re near- economic development one-and-a-half by three- Salts broke, but then ask them to provide public and-a-half, and being told it’s a two-by-four. space improvements.” Guess I’m getting the wrong “it.” Made Here “Explore the feasibility of creating” means “Form an all-stakeholder study group to Gene Miller, founder of Open propose a methodology for optimizing strate- Space Cultural Centre and gies for exploring the feasibility of creating a Monday Magazine and is Eco Fashion and report outlining a framework of recommen- currently writing Massive Fitness clothing dations to review options for the creation Collaboration: Stories That Divide designed and of absolutely nothing.” Us, Stories That Bind Us and produced locally As I write, the downtown retail vacancy rate The Hundred-Mile Economy: 561 Johnson St, Unit 105 (Paperbox Arcade by Baggins) is creeping toward eight percent. And in Preparing For Local Life. www.SaltsClothing.com www.focusonline.ca • April 2012 45 finding balance
The re-colonization of Canada TRUDY DUIVENVOORDEN MITIC Government and business interests are selling our country and its resources to the Chinese.
ormally I’m quite an optimistic tant rung on its ladder. Not only has it person but this year it seems insinuated itself nicely beneath our topog- Nharder than usual to come out raphy, it’s also started buying farmland from under the winter. I can’t blame it in Ontario, a development that’s largely on the weather, though the marathons going under our radar. of dreary days did add a certain weight. We also remain unbothered by the No, the bigger bleakness comes from fact that most of what we own was made what feels like a steady stream of news in China. We’re not curious as to why that points to a country and society— they can make it and get it here for namely ours—on the downswing. less than we could produce it at home. First, there’s the whole Enbridge We’re not alarmed that a junket of politi- Northern Gateway issue, a pipeline cians including our prime minister recently project that the Harper government went to China looking for still more seems hell-bent on boring through British deals to keep foreign dollars coming in. Columbia despite the rising opposition We don’t see that our mute reliance on of the Canadian public including the such large-scale outsourcing—in tandem thousands who live up and down the with costly domestic bickering and proposed pipeline route. The issue is partisan pettiness—will inevitably under- complex enough all by itself, but throw mine our own economic, social and in the punitive way Ottawa relates to us political autonomy. these days and the disturbing revelation How far can this go and how will it that our oil industry belongs more to end? China than to us, and feel the claus- Chinese vice-president Xi Jinping trophobia begin to rise. dropped a clue when he addressed a High up in the Canadian Arctic another trade conference in Los Angeles last piece of us is being hollowed out. The February: “A prosperous and stable China Polar Environment Atmospheric Research will not be a threat to any country. It will Lab (PEARL) is one of only three stations only be a positive force for world peace in the world that monitor atmospheric and development.”
activities around the North Pole. Its data APRIL CAVERHILL ILLUSTRATION: Threat? An assurance out of nowhere are vital to the ongoing development of that we have nothing to fear carries in reliable climate models but the Harper government is closing it itself the whiff of a threat. Did Xi imply that we’ll be okay as long as down anyway. Seems we either don’t need that information anymore we keep China “prosperous and stable” by way of our milquetoast poli- or will add it to the many tasks we outsource. cies and acquiescence? That we’ll keep shipping our oil and logs and Meanwhile, the robocall scandal is ripping wide open as I write. chunks of ore while saying, “Make something of this and we’ll buy it In a sacrosanct democracy such as ours, which routinely sends people back,” even if we suddenly were to see our mountains and forests to other nations to scrutinize the fairness of their election proceed- and pristine waterways in an entirely new light? ings, you would think that we’d be one voice in demanding a thorough A few years ago a Kenyan told me that his country’s highways investigation into our own alleged voting irregularities. But that’s not were all being built by China. “We can’t seem to do anything for ourselves been the case. Instead, we—politicians and ordinary citizens alike— anymore,” he said sadly. Nor can we, I couldn’t help thinking. have rushed to entrench ourselves along partisan lines, to the point If the pipeline goes through and the tankers begin plying our coastal where parliament has become a lamentable fish market of carps waters, we’ll have come full circle in the history of us. We’ll be a colony and red herrings, and the bloggers among us write as if political stripe again, this time for the mighty and insatiable China. We’ll load up their is some God-given religion to be assessed from only the narrowest boats with whatever they want. Should they start fancying beaver pelts, of parameters. And so the real issues, the ones pertaining to honesty, I’m sure we can fetch those for them too. fairness and the running of the country, lie mired beneath the wheels of bellicose bias. Writer Trudy Duivenvoorden Mitic’s books include People Democracy can be cumbersome but the Chinese government does in Transition: Reflections on Becoming Canadian, Ernie not have this burden. As a result, it has accomplished much around the Coombs: Mr Dressup, and Pier 21: The Gateway that world in the last decade or so, cultivating the agriculture and energy Changed Canada. She cherishes and safeguards every resources it will need as the next top superpower. We’re an impor- Canadian-made article she owns.
46 April 2012 • FOCUS Dr. Jeannie Achuff, ND A Season of Renewal AT UNITY VICTORIA, the Easter season brings hope for positive change and spiritual growth. “We celebrate Easter Sunday, but with a different perspective,” explains Reverend Doris Trinh Lewis.“We focus on renewing the Spiritual consciousness and divinity within each person.” As Albert Einstein said, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” The Easter season is a time of transformation, not just in nature, but also in ourselves and our relationship DR. JEANNIE ACHUFF works with patients of all ages, to God. A transformed consciousness and is especially passionate about helping people heal from leads to new possibilities in life. Join chronic disease—including childhood illnesses, fertility us to celebrate our Divine heritage, issues, hypertension, and all auto-immune conditions. reconnect with Spirit, and experience Rev. Doris Trinh Lewis Please call for a “Meet the Doctor” session to have your an empowering spiritual community. questions answered and learn how Dr. Achuff can help you. SUNDAY SERVICES 10:30 AM at Alix Goolden Hall, 907 Pandora Ave. Children’s Program available. See our website for events, classes and meditation schedule.
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