Lower Island NEWS An independent democratic socialist newspaper serving the Lower Vancouver Island area for 29 years

Volume 30 Issue #2 April, 2013 Victoria, BC BC General Sketches of a new view: Election called NDP will transform BC government Carole James, MLA, describes how her party will fight: for May 14 * To restore fairness The NDP candidates nominated in eight Lower Island ridings are: * To support and expand the Middle Class * To promote equality of opportunity * To improve quality of life for all British Columbians.

Rob Fleming, By Jonathan Lee A tax will be imposed on “large financial sustainable “green” initiatives. No longer Victoria-Swan institutions” to fund the grant process. will the BC carbon tax simply be dumped Lake With broad and clear brushstrokes, James notes that it is very much in the into the general revenue pot. A more Carole James, Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA, interest of business to assist in encouraging careful allocation of carbon tax funds today painted a picture of governmental and funding the education of future workers. will be administered, directed toward renewal of purpose and direction that Here’s a policy to achieve that purpose. environmentally positive purposes. the NDP will bring to British Columbians, Further, James says that an NDP There will be an increase in the should the party win a majority of seats in government will work to restore apprentice corporate contribution to carbon tax Carole James, the upcoming provincial election. and training programs, reiterating that an revenues, again explicitly directed to pay Victoria- Just prior to the opening of her NDP government believes in inclusive for “green” initiatives, for example in “transit Beacon Hill downtown Victoria campaign office, discussion with all interested representative and retrofit projects”. It seems that the cost James, co-chair of the province-wide 2013 entities – business, labour, education, etc. of corporate environmental impacts and NDP Platform Development Process, No longer will labour interests be excluded pollutions will now be measured and paid agreed to foreshadow leader ’s from policy planning, as has happened in for, increasingly, from corporate revenues. official election platform announcements. Liberal years. “Good Government” appears in James has never been one to hide her James takes the opportunity to stress James’ list for early NDP attention. Adrian passions and she’s not about to change that NDP policies are intended to be “fully Dix will quickly seek to ban the use of public her style this time around, either. costed and funded”. That changes will be funds and tax dollars for partisan campaign Gary Holman, Without pre-empting her party leader financially achievable and practical. advertising. His government will begin to Saanich North she outlined the vision that the NDP has Nationwide, provincial NDP look closely at the impact of corporate and and the Islands for the future of . governments have enacted economic union donations in the electoral process. She insists that British Columbians are policies that are more sustainable, fairer Returning to the theme of poverty ready for a change in the direction of their and more balanced than other partisan reduction James points to the government . political alternatives. A BC NDP government disproportionate impact that these “tough “Change for the better. One practical intends to follow that prudent record of economic times” has had on First Nation step at a time.” fiscal responsibility. communities. , This is the election message that NDP policy rejects unfettered “tax and She expresses deep concern with the Juan de Fuca Adrian Dix and the NDP will be delivering spend” initiatives and insists that program disproportionate numbers of aboriginal throughout their campaign. And the term spending is properly targeted and carefully children in provincial care. This needs rapid “practical” was very much a theme of funded. correction and NDP government poverty James’ message. To further demonstrate the NDP reduction programs will target low income James’ party are taking nothing purpose in supporting business, both small families so that scarce tax dollars will be for granted. They expect a tight and and large, James explains the example directed to maximum effect. She cites aggressive race despite polling numbers of “buy local” pilot schemes that will the proposed education grants as being Maurine that place the NDP many points ahead. encourage the marketing of local product. especially valuable in beginning to improve Karagianis, Carole James is clear that NDP voters “Locally grown apples, for example, are just the lot of low income and Esquimalt-Royal will need to make a determined trip to the as tasty as Washington apples – providing communities. Roads polling station if Dix’s NDP message is to local employment opportunity as well as It is the objective of an NDP government become reality. After more than a decade many other cost effective savings!” to urgently enhance First Nations economic of Liberal government in BC a critical Next on her checklist is the issue of development programs, including policies choice must be made to eliminate Liberal social “Inequality”. James is derisive of to provide affordable housing and renewed decline and begin to make the changes Liberal policies that for eight years have infrastructures. necessary to again restore quality of life for marked BC as having the highest rate James noted that she was raised in the , Saanich South growing numbers of British Columbians. of child poverty in Canada. The NDP will James Bay district of Victoria at a time when James highlighted the key elements of instigate measurement of province-wide co-op housing programs were in place. policy upon which her party are focussed. poverty rates, and will introduce plans, with James believes that the co-op housing She began with “Jobs and the clear targets, to significantly reduce poverty model was important and successful in Economy”. She insisted that NDP votes in BC. changing the lives of families, and can will enable more effective investment James says that the NDP supports and be again. “It’s a model that is proven and in the province’s most valuable asset – intends to strengthen the middle class. successful,” she says. “people”. Under the present government “Support of a strong middle class is good Carole James is clear that there is , the population has become “divided” and for the economy and is the right thing to much to be done in the wake of so many Cowichan Valley opportunity wasted. do.” years of Liberal government to restore the When asked for examples of specific BC economy and society. investment policy, without unwrapping the “Environment and Climate change”. It will not be possible to make these entire platform package, she did note that James is crystal clear. The NDP changes overnight. One practical step at a a new NDP government will “bring back government will immediately serve notice time sends the most accurate and honest non-refundable student grants in BC”. upon the federal government, upon taking message to voters. Students with low income will be able office, that British Columbia will not accept It’s a message of respect and clarity. Jessica to apply for grants meeting the full cost of the advancement of the Enbridge project in Carole James sincerely believes that the Van der Veen, annual tuition. The policy will restore some BC. She says that the party has established , led by Adrian Dix, Oak Bay- equality of opportunity for many of the most legal and social arguments that will support has listened carefully and respectfully to Gordon Head academically worthy but economically and sustain this position. BC’s electorate. Increasingly the economic disadvantaged students in BC. The NDP is committed to real and (Turn to NDP will transform, on page 2)

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #40008124 Return to: Inside this issue Lower Island News Is there a poverty reduction plan? 2 Africa’s last colony 14 Box 311-2750 Quadra Street Primary care centres 3 Saanich -Gulf Islands AGM 15 Victoria, BC V8T 4E8 Editorial and opt/ed 4 MJ and hemp distinguished 16 Letters to the editor 5 Drug policy reform 17 Media manipulation 6 Mrs. T. remembered 18 Time to reform taxes 7 Politics and music 19 Federal news 8-9 Carbon neutrality 20 Building safer communities 10 Books of interes t 21-22 Mayor’s mid- term update 11 Coming events calendar 23 21st Century learning 12-13 Directory 24 Page 2 April 2013 Lower Island NEWS NDP will transform BC government, from page 1 and social policies of the governing Liberal is public accountability in the creation and James can’t end her discourse without in BC will make its concerns clear to the party are diminishing the quality of life administration of P3 contracts. reference to health care policy. She sees federal government, upon election. for too many British Columbians and the It’s time for a thorough review of many opportunities for greater financial “This is a most critical election” message from voters reflects that concern. what has happened with BC Ferries efficiency combined with more effective according to Carole James. It will decide For James it is not an option to continue administration, says James. An NDP and humane treatment protocols. the direction of British Columbia for a long with policies that result in such wasted government will enable this process. She would look to see the time to come. potential, poverty and environmental James is equally clear that the authority encouragement of greater engagement of The broad message from the NDP destruction. of the BC Utilities Authority be quickly nurse practitioners, thus using MD services is that increasing societal poverty and Carole James’ list of concerns is much restored. “Maybe the current difficulties more effectively. She would encourage inequality, a shrinking middle class, longer than our interview time will allow but with the introduction of Smart Meters could greater homecare support for seniors and ineffective administration of scarce tax she’s not going to end her platform outline have been avoided,” she says. Certainly the creation of community health centres. dollars and risk laden and irreversible without briefly covering NDP thinking on a improvements can be made. For James, emphasis on methods of environmental policies have been, and are, further range of topics. James notes that the new federal disease and injury prevention will pay large the characteristics of the present Liberal An NDP government will rapidly ban the crime legislation costs bear heavily dividends in cost savings and improved government’s legacy in British Columbia. use of cosmetic pesticides in BC. on provincial budgets. BC expects to community health. For these reasons, and others too An NDP government will examine the see a disproportionate increase in the She is disappointed with the federal numerous for Carole James to cover in this case and viability for P3 contracts. She incarceration of First Nations citizens. This policies that will reduce federal healthcare interview, she repeats the NDP message: says that it is clear that the use of P3 should is disturbing and must be addressed. An transfers and make things so much “tougher “Change for the Better – One practical rest on convincing business rationales – NDP government will encourage the input at the provincial level”. An NDP government step at a time”. not catch-all ideological directives. NDP of all concerned entities, from prison guards proposals will open P3 contracts to scrutiny to social professionals and organizations, and look to see where P3 contracts can be in correcting the inequities that the federal best used for the benefit of BC residents. crime mandates will cause at provincial Where is BC’s Poverty Reduction Plan? The NDP government will insist that there levels. Join the election campaign!

End the exploitation of the mind in the waters. By Trish Garner doing it as effectively as they used to. Per- Don’t buy a ticket! sonal tax breaks have disproportionately The BC Poverty Reduction Coalition has favoured the rich whilst at the same time launched a challenge to all political parties affected the government’s ability to provide Orca Network (Whidbey Island) to meet its call for a poverty reduction plan the public services that, in general, the rest http://www.orcanetwork.org/ for BC. BC has the highest poverty rate in of us use more. Canada, but is one of the last provinces left In BC, the tax breaks that the top 1% of The Orca Project (Florida) without a poverty reduction plan. households received over the last 10 years http://theorcaproject.wordpress.com/ The call for a legislated poverty reduc- have put $41,000 per year back in their tion plan with targets and timelines is en- pockets, more than double the yearly in- MarineLand Animal Defense (Niagara) dorsed by over 375 organizations province- come of a full-time minimum wage worker. http://marinelandanimaldefense.com/ wide, representing over 300,000 British Those who are on social assistance are Columbians. working hard too – welfare and disability According to a recent poll commis- rates are so low that people are constantly Bring L-pod orca Lolita Tokitae home to the Salish Sea sioned by one of the Coaliton members, the struggling to meet their basic needs. BC Healthy Living Alliance, 78% of British Welfare rates are deeply inadequate at Columbians think it is important for politi- $610 for a single “employable” person and cal leaders in BC to address poverty with a $906 for a person with a disability. These provincial poverty reduction plan with clear rates have been frozen since 2007 so infla- Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca New Democrats! targets and timelines. Clearly, the public is tion eats away at what is already a subsis- ready for political leadership on this issue. tence income. We need a welfare system Mark your calendars for our Which political party will step up to ad- that helps people get back on their feet if dress the crisis of poverty we are facing in they are able to work and allows them to British Columbia? live a life of dignity, without having to resort Now is the time to get the attention of to charity, if they are not. Summer Solstice Dinner candidates in your riding. The Coalition has Low income is only half the story and Friday, June 21, lots of great election resources and links we see the challenges individuals and fam- at Olympic View Golf Club Golf Club, to help you prepare to talk to them about ilies are facing in relation to skyrocketing poverty in BC and what we can do about rents, unaffordable childcare, high tuition with our MP, Randall Garrison it. Please access them here: http://bcpover- fees and more. tyreduction.ca/join-the-election-campaign BC’s Hardest Working (http://bcshard- The fact is that the basic necessities of estworking.ca) is a collection of 100 per- and our housing and food are out of reach to too sonal stories from around the province that many in our province. Over half a million highlights these challenges and reveals a British Columbians live below the poverty fundamentally broken social safety net in Annual Summer Barbecue line and 87,000 of those are children. BC. This has long-term health implica- A comprehensive poverty reduction Saturday, July 27, in Metchosin tions. Lack of healthy food can lead to poor strategy for BC would address these is- growth and development in children, poor sues, for the health and wellbeing of all, not For more information, phone Fred Hiigli, 250-384-7374 school performance, and increased illness just a handful at the top. and susceptibility to disease for people of If you think we can’t afford it, consider all ages (Cost of Eating in BC 2011). that paying for the negative effects of pov- Most poor people in BC have a job in erty costs much more than dealing with it the paid labour force (sometimes more directly. than one). Poverty costs society $8-9 billion per According to the latest Child Poverty year in higher public health care costs, in- Victoria Federal NDP Report Card from First Call: BC Child and creased policing and crime costs, lost pro- Youth Advocacy Coalition, 43% of chil- ductivity, and foregone economic activity. dren living in poverty in BC, that is 41,300 In contrast, the estimated cost of a com- 2013 Annual General Meeting children, lived in families with at least one prehensive poverty reduction plan in BC is adult working full-time for the whole year, $3-4 billion per year. Let’s stop mopping up and the vast majority live in families with at the floor and fix the hole in the roof. least some paid work. HungerCount 2012 It’s time to ask “Where is BC’s Poverty Sunday June 9, 2013, 2 pm shows that 16% of households accessing Reduction Plan?” food banks in BC this year had income from current or recent employment. Trish Garner is the Community Organizer of the Oaklands Community Centre The sad reality is that a minimum wage BC Poverty Reduction Coalition: trish@bcpover- 2827 Belmont Avenue job does not lift a person above tyreduction.ca the poverty line. Even with the in- creased minimum wage of $10.25 Guest Speaker: , MP (Victoria) an hour, a full-time worker living on their own in a large city in BC will All Victoria NDP members and supporters are invited to still find themselves about $3000 below the poverty line. the Victoria federal NDP 2013 Annual General Meeting. In the last 10 years, the aver- We will hear from our new Victoria NDP MP Murray Rankin, age household income of the top get a report from the 2013 federal Convention, 1% in BC has increased by 36% and elect a new Executive team for 2013/2014. while, for the rest of us, real medi- an incomes have stagnated, even though we’re working harder. Please contact Erik Kaye at [email protected] or We have the highest house- at 250-382-4370 if you are interested in standing for hold debt in Canada and the high- est debt service burden, meaning a position on the Executive. we pay on average one dollar out of every 10 dollars in disposable Erik Kaye, President income to interest on credit cards Victoria Federal NDP and other personal debts. Part of the government’s role www.victoriandp.ca is redistribution and they are not