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AUTUMN 2015

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A Better Canada Is Possible: Envisioning Our Future

ALSO INSIDE: FAIR VOTE: THE PUSH FOR PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION | A COMMUNITY FIGHTS FOR THEIR “FREEDOM ROAD” | PRESCRIPTION FOR PHARMACARE MUST BE FILLED | YOUR GO VOTE! WINDOW SIGN Cover image: Stewards of the land young and old: Lawrence Norbert with granddaughter, Meegwun (Little Feather) Makletzoff-Cazon, near Fort Simpson on the Deh cho. Please see the section “A Vision for the North” in our feature “A Better Canada is Possible: Envisioning our Future”on page 8.

EDITOR Jan Malek COPY EDITOR Janet Shorten pg. 8 DESIGN Amy Thompson COVER PHOTO Lawrence Norbert PRINTING Plantagenet Printing pg. 7 Past issues of Canadian Perspectives are available at www.canadians.org. ISSN 1188-6897 Publications Mail Agreement No. 40065620

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The Council of Canadians believes that political literacy is crucial to regaining control of our communities pg. 23 and our country. We encourage you to copy articles from Canadian Perspectives – most conveniently fit on one or two pages. If you would like to reprint articles, or if you would like to distribute Canadian Contents Perspectives in your community, please contact us at 1-800-387-7177. 3 Letters to the Editor 4 On the Road with Maude Barlow 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Maude Barlow, Leticia Adair, Pam Beattie, Roy Brady, Leo Broderick, 5-9 A Better Canada Is Possible: Envisioning our future John Cartwright, Robert Chernomas, Alice de Wolff, Lois Frank, Andrea Furlong, Lorraine Hewlett, Garry 10-11 Fair Vote: The push for proportional representation John, Ken Kavanagh, Tracey Mitchell, Moira Peters, 12 Why I Am a Council of Canadians Supporter Abdul Pirani, Rick Sawa, Steven Shrybman, Heather Smith, Fred Wilson 13-14 A Community Fights for Their “Freedom Road” ADVISORY BOARD Duncan Cameron, John Gray, 15 Chapter Activist Profiles Eric Peterson, Abraham Rotstein, Mel Watkins, Suzy Coulter and Wendy Major – Chilliwack, B.C. Lois Wilson

16 Chapter Action Updates EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Garry Neil Prescription for Pharmacare Must Be Filled 17 STAFF Meena Agarwal, Mohamed Amano, Tori Ball, 18-19 “Do You Hear the People Sing?” Stopping CETA in Europe Dave Bergeron, Elizabeth Berman, Hélène Bertrand, Michael Butler, Mark Calzavara, Daniella Carpio, Dana 20 In Memoriam – Vi Morgan Chapeskie, Philippe Charbonneau, Kathie Cloutier, High and Dry: Corporate water takings permitted Diane Connors, Brigette DePape, Mark D’Arcy, Roger 21-22 Desjardins, Sujata Dey, Angela Giles, Harjap Grewal, during droughts Andrea Harden-Donahue, Amyn Hyder Ali, Donna Artist Donates Work to Raise Awareness about James, Karen Jordon, Meera Karunananthan, AJ Klein, 23-24 Jamian Logue, Emma Lui, Jan Malek, Leila Marshy, Fracking Water Withdrawals Jeannette Muhongayire, Ailish Morgan-Welden, Brent 25 Five Years Later: Continuing the fight for the Patterson, Dylan Penner, Matthew Ramsden, Carl Stewart, Pamela Woolridge Human Right to Water and Sanitation at the UN 26 Go Vote! window sign Authorized by the Council of Canadians. 27 Chapter Contacts

The Council of Canadians believes that political literacy is crucial to regaining control of our communities and our country. We encourage you to copy articles from Canadian Perspectives – most conveniently fit on one or two pages. If you would like to reprint articles, or if you would like to distribute Canadian Perspectives in your community, please contact us at 1-800-387-7177. Letters to the Editor

Toilet paper ballot at least the time it takes to make it. Could the Council of Canadians please lobby to change the electoral system? Nicolaas and Maki Hilferink North Augusta, Ontario We are in our sixties and really value our right to vote. We moved to the U.S. from Our “Turtle Pond” (pictured 1989 to 2005 and, being unable to vote, above) Send us your letters! survived two Bushes and a Clinton. As We are long-standing members of the If you have something to say we looked forward to coming home to Council of Canadians. We noticed and about an article you have read the Ottawa area, the ability to vote was admired the photography on the front in Canadian Perspectives, or an very much anticipated. Unfortunately, we cover of the last issue of Canadian issue you think would interest our did not consider this when we decided Perspectives. readers, please write to us. We to buy our 208-acre farm in the riding of reserve the right to edit your letter Leeds Grenville, an hour south of Ottawa. My husband’s hobby is photography for clarity and length. Letters must Being voters in this Conservative bastion and I write poetry and over the last few include your full name, address is absolutely futile. One could use our bal- years we have combined our talents and phone number. lot as toilet paper and it would be more and produced some rather nice pieces useful in today’s electoral system. of artwork. Send your letter to: Canadian Perspectives We will continue to vote, but this could There is one we have named “Turtle The Council of Canadians be a good reason for others to decide Pond” and it speaks to protecting our 300-251 Bank Street not to bother wasting their time. wetlands. We would be honoured if you Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1X3 would share it with your readers. Email: [email protected] Mandatory voting is not going to help Attention: Editor, until this futile electoral system is Ferelith and Rainer Hoffmann-Taylor Canadian Perspectives changed so that our vote will be worth Tobermory, Ontario www.canadians.org Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 3 On the Road with Maude Barlow

Maude Barlow speaks at the “Time For Change” public forum in London, Ontario in June. The Council of Canadians co-hosted forums across the country with Unifor aimed at encouraging people to vote in the federal election October 19.

Dear friends, a new one based on the principles of We have had many successes over the equality and justice for all and reverence years. When I hear Stephen Harper and We celebrate our thirtieth anniversary this for – and fierce protection of – the planet. Jean Chrétien take credit for not allowing year. Thirty years! I can hardly believe it. the deregulation of the banks, I remember This vision is present in all of our cam- the fight we led to stop the Chrétien gov- I remember the founding of the Council of paigns. We fight not just to stop the ernment from doing just that! Canadians well. I met so many wonderful continued erosion of our public health people I had only known and admired care system, but for an expansion of it to And with our civil society allies – unions, from afar: Mel Hurtig, Marion Dewar, Bob include home care, long-term care, and a environmentalists, First Nations, human White, Pierre Burton, Margaret Atwood, national pharmacare plan. rights activists, students, women, and David Suzuki, Grace Hartman, Walter many others – we have kept alive the Gordon, Ed Broadbent and many more. We don’t oppose bad trade agreements dream of a better Canada and a better because we oppose trade – this is a false world in the face of constant threat. We came together to fight Brian Mulroney accusation. We oppose them because they and Ronald Reagan’s free trade agree- are not really about trade at all, but about I often wonder what Canada would look like ment – the one that would launch NAFTA, challenging the right of governments to without the Council of Canadians and the the WTO and the MAI – and to fight for a protect their people and natural resources. incredible energy and commitment of our different vision for our country and our con- Deals like the Canada-EU Comprehensive many supporters, staff and board members, tinent. So was founded a movement that is Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and chapter activists. I want to thank each and still going strong and growing, and that has and the Trans-Pacific Partnership represent every one of you for the commitment and faith tackled so much more over the years. a model of corporate power that pro- in our organization and movement. I surely foundly undermines democracy. could not do my work without all of you. It was our vision then, and remains so now, that the policies of economic globalization – When we fight fracking or massive pipe- As we pass through this historic federal elec- unlimited growth, corporate-friendly “free” lines, it is because we want to preserve our tion, we face an incredibly busy year, and trade, privatization of essential services, water heritage for future generations, and the rebuilding of our country. In December, deregulation of financial markets, and the we work for sound environmental law that I will proudly represent the Council in Paris gutting of environmental protections to pro- will stand the test of time. for the UN climate summit, perhaps one of mote a free market – would create deeper the most important global gatherings ever. social inequality inside and between nations When we oppose water privatization here You can be sure our vision and values will and devastate the environment. in Canada and around the world, we do be put forward in your name. so by working with local grassroots and Indeed, in the year 2000, there were 111 Indigenous communities to assert their local So thank you for 30 wonderful years – and billionaires in the world; this year there authority and promote their human rights here’s to the next 30! are 1,826. The income gap is widening to clean safe water and sanitation for all. everywhere and the UN warns about the With hope and resolve, rise of “the Precariat” – the three-quarters When we fight voter fraud and bad elec- of the world without a secure job. And we tion laws, it is because we know our all know the dire warnings about climate democracy is precious, but also fragile, change, destruction of forests and wet- and we want to build a society in which lands, and disappearing watersheds. This everyone is welcome to participate in the Maude Barlow is the National Chairperson of the is a failed model and it is time to assert democratic process. Council of Canadians.

4 Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 The Council of Canadians Jennie and Greg Humbert are part of the Council’s #Pledge2Protect effort, helping to build awareness about changes to federal environmental legislation that have left 99 per cent of Canada’s lakes and rivers unprotected. They are pledging to A Better Canada Is Possible: protect Tomiko Lake in Ontario. Envisioning our future

A vision for water tions. Millions of dollars were slashed in Canada and the traditional territories by Emma Lui from water protection programs. More of Indigenous peoples were delisted from than 3,000 environmental assessments the Navigable Waters Protection Act. The Fisheries Act, originally legislated to pro- The year is 2045. Like our neigh- tect fish, no longer did so. bours down south in California and in While it is important to While we are still seeing the effects on our regions around the world, we experi- celebrate the past, it is enced worsening drought year after lakes and rivers, in 2045 we, thankfully, year in the west, Ontario and Quebec, just as important to look have reached a time where a critical mass and saw it spread to other provinces. forward to the future. of people truly understand the sacredness The droughts further impacted the of water. And most importantly, they take hunting, fishing and food gathering of action to protect it. Indigenous communities. were cancelled because of changes to the The gutting of our environmental legisla- In 2015, we had a federal government Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. tion and the onslaught of tar sands expan- that gutted most of our water protec- Ninety-nine per cent of lakes and rivers sion, pipelines, fracking and privatization www.canadians.org Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 5 Board members Andrea Furlong and Ken Kavanagh were in the streets of St. John’s, Newfoundland when provincial premiers were in town, reminding politicians of the importance of health care.

projects represented a turning point for Every decision about water is now discussed where everyone has a voice, not only in many people. Building on the advocacy within communities and everyone partic- elections, but every day. Many places are work of generations before them, new ipates because we know the central role already taking preliminary steps in this and older generations worked togeth- water plays in our lives. Governments now direction, such as New York City, which er educating people, marching, organiz- truly serve the people and they manage is exploring legislation to extend voting ing creative actions, and participating in water as a public trust – it is not appropri- rights to permanent residents. direct actions. ated or subordinated for private gain. And governments take direction from the com- What if we didn’t just vote for the lead- In 2014, the Supreme Court of Canada munity because they know people outnum- ership of governments, but also democ- unanimously recognized Aboriginal title ber governments and corporations. ratized corporations and the economy? to 1,700 square kilometres of land to the Given the huge role large corpora- Tsilhqot’in Nation, giving them the right In 2045, people have come to know their tions play in shaping society, imagine if to determine how their lands were used. individual power as well as their collective they were accountable not just to their This decision later spurred the public and power. With knowledge, they lead the shareholders, but to the communities governments to recognize and respect tra- way to water justice. they operate in and the people who ditional territories of Indigenous peoples. work for them. Indigenous communities now decide how A vision for democracy the land and waters will be used, managed by Dylan Penner There are baby steps in this direction being and protected. taken through rights-based organizing, In the 2015 federal election, up to 1.9 which, as Global Exchange in the U.S. puts Water literacy has grown exponentially. At million citizens could be deprived of it, aims to “place the rights of people and a very early age, children are taught where their right to vote due to voter sup- nature over the interests of corporations.” their drinking water comes from, what can pression (including Canadians living If communities everywhere were to define harm it, and how to protect it. Children abroad and people who relied on Voter acceptable corporate behaviour, this pow- learn that there are some things – like tar Information Cards or vouching in the erful expression of democracy could out- sands bitumen and other fossil fuels – that past). In this election, too, 2.6 million weigh corporate power. must just stay in the ground. non-citizens who currently live and work in Canada will not be allowed to We need to transform decision making In 2045 we no longer pit creating jobs vote (including migrant workers, ref- through an evolution of representative against the environment. It is hard for ugee claimants, permanent residents, democracy into one that’s more par- most of us to imagine creating jobs that and undocumented immigrants). ticipatory and includes much deeper would risk our drinking water, or to under- engagement beyond elections. We need stand that people once believed it had to Between now and 2045 we can change to empower communities with great- be one or the other. course to build an inclusive democracy er self-determination in tangible ways,

6 Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 The Council of Canadians People of all ages joined to form a literal line in the sand against the Energy East pipeline in Red Head, located just outside of Saint John, New Brunswick. Communities across Canada are trying to stop this massive pipeline project.

such as general public votes on key provincial election, he had long-term For-profit schemes and public-private part- issues and legislation, and participatory aspirations for building a better nerships have been abandoned in favour budgeting. tomorrow. His dream that health care of a properly funded public system. should be based on need, not ability to One model is liquid democracy (also pay, was truly visionary in scope and Medicare has been expanded to include known as delegative democracy) where groundbreaking in its effects. pharmacare. All Canadians now have people can vote directly on issues or access to the medications they need. choose to delegate their vote to some- Perhaps most important though, Tommy The federal government leads a bulk pur- one they trust to vote in their best Douglas saw medicare as something chasing program that produces significant interest. We need to respect the rights greater; it was about the values and savings on the cost of medications. People of Indigenous peoples to free, prior, principles we aspire to and choose to no longer have to choose between being informed consent and build a nation-to- defend. Medicare was meant to inspire able to pay for food and housing or pay nation treaty relationship. We need to us to build a more just Canada where for their medications. recognize that much of our society exists we make choices that are grounded and operates on the traditional territories in community, kindness and decency. In 2045, Canadians continue to show of Indigenous peoples and enshrine the Looking forward to the future of our overwhelming support for our universal findings of the Truth and Reconciliation public health system, it is these values public health care system. Despite neo- Commission in the make-up of our dem- that need to guide us as we imagine liberal profiteers’ earlier attempts to pri- ocratic institutions. how to build a healthier nation. vatize the health care system, Canadians recognize that health care is better left in If we want a future where we have If we were to imagine a future for health public hands. Medicare continues to be more control over the realities that care in 2045, we would see that Canadians our most cherished social program and a impact our daily lives and hopes and have been successful in their demand that part of our national identity. dreams, and where corporations have medicare be protected, strengthened and less control, we need people who will expanded. Tommy Douglas showed us that anything stand up and speak out for truly repre- is possible if Canadians come together and sentative democracy. In 2045 governments recognize and demand an equitable and caring nation. prioritize public health care, ensuring it A vision for health care is available to everyone without cost. A vision for the North by Michael Butler Provincial and territorial governments by the Northwest Territories Council work with the federal government to of Canadians chapter When Tommy Douglas first cam- provide accountability on health care paigned to introduce universal public spending, foster innovation, and share It is the year 2045. Longstanding health care in the 1960 Saskatchewan best practices. discussions between Indigenous and www.canadians.org Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 7 Climate change brings catastrophic fires to the northern boreal forest, decimating wildlife pop- ulations and traditional subsistence economies. Photo by Craig Yeo.

non-Indigenous peoples have finally led Water shortages and erratic, dangerous old days under the government of the to the establishment of Denendeh, for- climatic conditions are urgent issues in Northwest Territories, there was a huge merly known as the Northwest Territories. Denendeh. Residents knew these days gap in the socio-economic well-being of were coming three decades ago when Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Denendeh is governed by a coalition of sub-Arctic and Arctic communities forced Today, the gap has closed. There is equal indigenous and public governments. It governments to prohibit fracking and any priority given to meeting the needs and is the envy of citizens throughout the more hydrocarbon development. finding a meaningful place for every res- country. Its structure and decisions are ident in Denendeh. The Elders say that significantly influenced by the voices of Denendeh communities completed a communities today are egalitarian places, Elders and Youth and a commitment to decade of intensive renewable energy just as they were centuries ago. gender parity. development in 2025, the same year that all public and private use of fossil fuels Civil society groups continue to thrive in The Denendeh government truly follows became illegal, except as an occasional Denendeh. They are no longer silenced consensus decision-making traditions, hav- back-up to a renewable energy source. or marginalized by government but are ing eliminated the colonial form used by Relocations of Denendeh communities actively sought as partners in support of the now disbanded government of the due to droughts, forest fires and erosion local communities and the coalition gov- Northwest Territories. provided the opportunity for citizens to ernment. Most often, civil society groups reclaim traditional territories and to recon- provide valuable research and analyti- All individuals elected to the Denendeh, stitute communities on the basis of dis- cal skills to these parties. The Denendeh Inuvialuit, and Nunavut government tributed renewable energy systems. Today, Chapter of the Council of Canadians – for- assemblies are required to speak the solar and biomass are Denendeh’s main merly the Northwest Territories Chapter – Indigenous language most common energy sources. continues to be active mainly through the among the Indigenous people they rep- leadership of young people from commu- resent even if these people make up a Keepers of the land and water are active nities throughout Denendeh. minority of the population. Broad use in every community. They are guided of Indigenous languages has spurred all by the Elders and manage and monitor A vision for trade Denendeh residents to decolonize and the natural environment. They have the by Sujata Dey reconceptualize relationships between authority and support to intervene in Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, ways that keep all elements of the eco- Today, in 2015, with a new era of glo- and with the natural environment. As in system in balance. balization, and the communications and the rest of Canada, mandatory voting has technological revolution that spawned it, greatly increased the activism and engage- Partnerships and coalitions have reshaped trade could unite us rather than broaden ment of the electorate. social dynamics in Denendeh. In the our divides. With Twitter and Facebook,

8 Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 The Council of Canadians we can exchange viewpoints with activ- there is economic growth; but that this mamas, papas, grandmas, and grandpas ists all over the world. We can follow economic growth should be distributed in the movement and choose a world that the revolution in real time. Social media evenly among all people in society. The isn’t made of oil and plastic, but instead has the power to bring masses of people agreement should protect public services, plant the seeds and grow a wonderful, together instantly. encourage food sustainability, promote healthy world. alternative energy, and work towards a However, globalization, or corporate-led global fossil-free economy. Here are some of my hopes for the next globalization, has come at the price of 30 years: mass injustices. Companies seek to make Can we get there? In our fast-changing ▼ Good, healthy nutritious food that is the most profits by pressuring states technology-driven world, we have the local and affordable is the norm. to lower environmental, labour and ability to come up with solutions that we ▼ We have a Council of Canadians chap- social standards. As globalization goes have never been able to produce previous- ter in every city. on, many, including the Organisation for ly. With our collective brainpower of 7.3 ▼ Canada is 100 per cent powered by Economic Co-operation and Development billion people worldwide, we can share renewable energy, as envisioned by (OECD), Oxfam and the International ideas of how to save our planet and make Melina Laboucan-Massimo’s vision in Monetary Fund, have warned against this imagined future a reality. the speech she gave at the Jobs, Justice, rising inequality between people. Thomas and the Climate rally in July. “We have Piketty says that we are entering historic A vision for youth a huge opportunity to transition even in levels of inequality – where the 1 per cent by Brigette DePape places like Alberta, which has the high- have reached a point never seen since the est solar potential in this country. We’ve French revolution. 1989 is the year I was born. In This been looking down for far too long, Changes Everything, Naomi Klein and we’ve been digging the bottom of Trade agreements could be used to fight explains how it was just around that the barrel, and we must now turn our corporate power, balancing it out globally. time that the world had a choice: to gaze towards the sun.” choose a path of sustainable develop- ▼ Everyone living in Canada can vote. Instead, current trade agreements are the ment (1988 having been a year when Right now, newcomers to Canada can- opposite. They are shielded from public climate became part of the public not vote. How is this possible? I have scrutiny, negotiated in idyllic resorts between consciousness), or to plough forward friends who have been here for eight corporate lobbies and a select group of law- with capitalism. years who are not allowed to vote. makers. Instead of granting more power ▼ Farmers’ markets are the new shopping to people, they enshrine corporate rights. In the battle of worldviews, capitalist malls and fair trade is the new free trade. The investor-state dispute settlement pro- globalization won in many ways, with ▼ Happiness and health are the measures visions, which allow corporations to sue the “Western consumerist lifestyle not of a country’s well-being. All people feel governments, are a prime example of that. only surviving,” but, according to Klein, a sense of community, health, belong- Corporations and their investments have growing “significantly more lavish.” This ing, and purpose. been protected and elevated in trade agree- came at the expense of the Earth, and ▼ We have good-quality, accessible public ments. A corporation can sue a government of thousands of cultures, languages, and health care. to protect their profits and can overturn leg- even people’s lives. ▼ The right to water is respected. We see islation meant to protect our environment, the end of water plundering for corpo- labour and social programs. So in 1995, when I was in grade one rate interests, and instead a protection and NAFTA was being signed, a group of of water and the respect of the human So what would a people-friendly trade people stood and held up an American right to water. agreement look like? What can we strive for flag behind then-Prime Minister Brian ▼ Indigenous rights are respected. All of 30 years from now, in 2045? The primary Mulroney to make the invisible visible – the Truth and Reconciliation recommen- criteria would have to be that governments to show we were all becoming like the dations are implemented. would preserve their right to regulate. As United States. This is just one story of ▼ Progressive policies promised by progres- well, trade agreements would be linked to many of the anti-globalization movement. sive parties in our 2015 Youth Voter’s democratic bodies or court systems that Guide, including those to address youth would protect human, democratic, environ- I am grateful to those who came before employment, student debt, the climate mental, social and labour rights. me who were critical of NAFTA, who crisis, Indigenous rights and democracy, resisted and pointed to more sane and are implemented. The process of creating a trade agreement healthy ways of being. They carry the would have to be transparent and inclu- seeds of another way. With the federal election now just days sive. It wouldn’t be enough to analyze the away, I do believe we are at the beginning economic bottom line through question- I see the world at a turning point, much of a new wave of change. We will see a able models, but the effects trade would like the choice the world had in 1988 record number of youth vote for change have on human rights, on the environment when climate first came to mass public this election. And no matter what the and on social programs should be consid- consciousness. My hope for the next 30 outcome is on October 19, the people’s ered. It wouldn’t be enough to show that years is that we will carry the seeds of our movements will be stronger than ever. www.canadians.org Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 9 by Brent Patterson

Fair Vote: The push for proportional representation

The Council of Canadians has long our ally Fair Vote Canada stated, “The supported electoral reform, specifically Conservatives have won 54.22 per cent proportional representation. of the seats with only 39.62 per cent of the votes…. If the seats were won in Proportional representation is more proportion to the votes that were cast, democratic than the current first-past- the numbers would look like this: Con- the-post electoral system. It ensures a servatives 122 (45 fewer seats than they fairer representation of votes cast and won under our current electoral system prevents a governing party from hold- and less than the 155 seats required ing total power after gaining only a for a majority government), NDP 95 (7 small percentage of the popular vote. fewer seats), Liberals 59 (25 more than what they now hold), Bloc Québécois The day after the 2011 federal election, 19 (15 more), Greens 13 (12 more).”

10 Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 The Council of Canadians Council of Canadians National Chair- “We’ve been clear for a long time on In Ontario, it is widely believed that person Maude Barlow echoed that the importance of bringing in pro- a major factor in the outcome of that analysis later that year when she said, portional representation in our coun- October 2007 referendum was a lack “Now Stephen Harper and his Conser- try – we believe in it. We think that it’s of adequate information about the pro- vatives – the most right wing govern- more fair, and that’s why we are going posal itself and the Citizens’ Assembly ment we have ever had in this coun- to fight hard for it.” In 2014, the New that had recommended it. Elections try – have a so-called majority. I say Democrats tabled a motion in Parlia- Ontario didn’t formally launch its pub- so-called because if we add the num- ment calling on the House to introduce lic campaign on it until August and ber of people who did not vote for him a proportional representation system spent about half of what had been rec- and combine it with the number who after the next election. ommended by Fair Vote to raise public did not vote at all, he has the support awareness. An Environics poll found of less than one-quarter of Canadians.” While Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau that 70 per cent of Ontarians were not She has also commented, “We have to has previously stated, “Too many peo- familiar with the proposal. find a way, either through proportion- ple don’t understand the polarization al representation or an alliance of pro- and the micro issues that come through And in British Columbia, the outcome of gressive forces, to form a government proportional representation,” this past the May 2005 vote was in fact 57.7 per that truly represents the views of the June he pledged this election would be cent in favour of reform, including a ma- majority of Canadians.” the last held under the first-past-the- jority of voters in 77 ridings out of 79. It fell just short of the 60 per cent thresh- Since our current electoral system pro- old set for implementing the reform. In duces an unfair reflection of the over- Pundits have speculated the subsequent May 2009 referendum, all vote, many people feel their vote support dropped to just under 40 per doesn’t count and opt not to vote. Pun- that a low voter turnout will cent. The reasons for that are complex, dits have speculated that a low voter likely mean another Harper but it may be partly attributed to Liber- turnout will likely mean another Harp- majority government. al voters wanting majority governments er majority government. under the current system. Otherwise, it has been argued that the more voters Elections Canada says there were 23.9 post system and that his government learned about proportional representa- million eligible voters in 2011 and that would convene an all-party parliamen- tion, the more they liked it. 14.7 million – or 61.4 per cent – of tary committee to examine proportion- them voted in that federal election. The al representation and other alternatives, After those referendums, the Council of Harper Conservatives received their and then introduce legislation based on Canadians commissioned an Environics “majority” with just 5.8 million of those the committee’s recommendations. poll in April 2010 which found that 62 votes, or about 24.2 per cent of all eli- per cent of Canadians support “moving gible voters. More than 9 million Cana- And Green Party leader Elizabeth May towards a system of proportional repre- dians did not vote at all and 8.8 million has commented, “[Democratic renew- sentation in Canadian elections.” voted for other parties. al] may mean forging ahead with proportional representation and taking The Council of Canadians encourages Writer and educator Duncan Cameron lessons learned by other countries who its supporters to state their support for has stated, “The 25/60 rule says when have done the same to come up with an proportional representation when can- only 60 per cent of Canadian citizens electoral process that is truly meaning- didates knock on your door for your go out to vote, 25 per cent of the voters ful and engages all Canadian voters.” vote. As noted in our Voter’s Guide, you can deliver a majority government. In can ask them, “Will you commit to in- 2011, the Conservatives received 39 per Of all the federal leaders, only Stephen troducing electoral reform to ensure cent of the vote, and won 53 per cent Harper opposes proportional repre- every vote counts in future elections?” of the seats because only 61 per cent sentation. of Canadians made the effort to vote.... We are also supporting Fair Vote Cana- The disengagement from the electoral In June, The Globe and Mail reported, da’s Declaration of Voters’ Rights. The process is the key to the success of the “The Conservative Party said it would Declaration calls on federal parties and Conservatives in Canada and of right- fight to keep the current system, stat- candidates to commit to conducting a wing politics elsewhere.” ing voters have already laid out their citizen-led consultation process imme- opposition to different forms of pro- diately following the next federal elec- With the October 19 federal election portional representation, including in tion and implementing a suitable form just days away it’s instructive to know referendums in Ontario and British of proportional representation in time where the parties stand on the issue of Columbia.” for the following election. proportional representation. But it’s not quite as simple as Mr. Harp- Brent Patterson is the Political Director of the Council NDP leader Thomas Mulcair has stated, er would have us believe. of Canadians. www.canadians.org Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 11 Council of Canadians National Chairperson Maude Barlow and Energy and Climate Justice Campaigner Andrea Harden-Donahue were invited to visit Shoal Lake 40 and learn more about the community’s quest for “Freedom Road.” The isolated community has had a boil water advisory for more than 17 years.

A Community Fights for Their “Freedom Road” by Jan Malek

This spring, Council of Canadians Chairperson Maude Barlow and Council campaigner Andrea Harden-Donahue walked with others across Shoal Lake’s thinning ice to reach the isolated community of Shoal Lake 40. The people who live there rely on a rickety barge to leave their community and cross the waters in summer, they walk over the ice in winter, and take their chances on thinning ice in spring and fall – all so the people in Winnipeg can have clean drinking water.

“This body of water is like a time cap- has no all-weather road connecting it enous burial grounds between 1914 sule,” explains Stewart Redsky, a local to the mainland. and 1919. resident. “Shoal Lake 40 is many years behind in our development, yet we are Building a permanent, all-weather road – The peninsula became a human-made 20 kilometres from the TransCanada dubbed “Freedom Road” by the people island with the construction of a canal Highway. [You can] see the results of who live in Shoal Lake 40 – would cost an that was part of the water diversion what was done by humans to supply estimated $30 million. While the Winnipeg works. More than 3,000 acres of reserve Winnipeg’s drinking water…on the bet- and Manitoba governments have pledged lands and burial grounds were stolen ter side of the aqueduct.” $10 million each to build it, the federal gov- and made City of Winnipeg property. ernment has refused to pitch in. The reserve was split into three sepa- Shoal Lake 40 First Nation sits close to rate parcels. the Manitoba-Ontario border. It was cut At a recent meeting with community off from the mainland a century ago residents, Natural Resources Minister Since then, the community has strug- when an aqueduct was built to supply Greg Rickford refused to commit fed- gled with isolation and the lack of Winnipeg with fresh water. eral funds for the construction project. clean water. Several community residents were re- While clean water flows through the duced to tears, frustrated by the history In the 1990s, simple running water aqueduct, murky, polluted water is di- that continues to isolate them. systems were installed in the homes in verted to the community. Shoal Lake 40, but the treatment is not Building Winnipeg’s aqueduct adequate to make the surface water Shoal Lake 40 has been under a boil In 1914, the original Anishinaabe vil- safe to drink. Low-grade Falcon River water advisory for 17 years and relies lage at the mouth of the Falcon Riv- water reaches the unprotected Shoal on massive quantities of bottled water er was forced to relocate to a nearby Lake 40 taps first. Since a 1997 out- for their needs. But bringing the water peninsula when workers began con- break of Cryptosporidiosis, the com- into the community – and accessing struction on the aqueduct that would munity has been on a boil water ad- jobs, food, health care, and more – is carry fresh water to Winnipeg. The visory. It is one of the longest-lasting extremely difficult as the community aqueduct was built on sacred Indig- advisories in Canada. 12 Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 The Council of Canadians Stewart Redsky describes how people pipeline. If approved, it will run above The road will also improve safety. Nine put washcloths over their taps before Falcon Lake and High Lake, which people have died in recent years after bathing to catch debris – how the wa- drain into the area. A pipeline spill falling through the ice while trying to ter has led to skin conditions and oth- would risk contaminating Falcon River cross the lake. er health problems. People experience and Shoal Lake. digestive issues occasionally, which is “My family calls me a broken record,” likely a result of not rinsing their plates Preston Redsky, a single father from says Stewart. “Until we see a firm com- with bottled water before eating. Shoal Lake 40, described an elder of the mitment from the governments for this community who used to visit him every money, it is hard to believe this will But Shoal Lake 40’s troubles don’t end morning for coffee. “He told me: ‘You change. People here are lacking hope.” with water. youth, you have to stop this. You have to stop this pipeline.’” Preston, along The Council of Canadians is working As a result of their isolation, residents with others in the community, pledged with the people of Shoal Lake 40 to don’t have adequate garbage dispos- to do just that. help draw attention to the issues and al. They are left to dig and rotate pits secure funding for Freedom Road. overflowing with garbage. When Stew- There have been two designs com- art explained this situation, and why pleted for a water treatment plant in The tour of Shoal Lake 40 ended in the old and full septic tanks are now being past years. At the tender stage, the recreational room built off of the com- dumped on land – chosen as the loca- federal government decided in both munity centre. It has two pool tables and tion to have the least negative impact – cases that it was simply too expen- rows and rows of large bottles of water. it was clear that this is a desperate situ- sive and too complicated to build on ation for the community. the island. “Imagine your family, your elder, pick- ing up one of these to make their tea The people of Shoal Lake do not choose That is why Freedom Road is so im- every morning, to make their food,” to live this way; they are forced to. portant. said Stewart. “When you leave to the better side of the aqueduct I want you The leaking of this sewage into ground- “Having a road means a water treat- to know that I am not asking for your water and into the surrounding lakes is ment plant. It means an economy, it sympathy, I am asking for your knowl- a major concern to the community. means survival as a community,” said edge, for your awareness, for justice.” Cuyler Cotton, a policy analyst with Adding to the risks the community faces the First Nation in a recent Globe and With files from Andrea-Harden Donahue. Jan Malek is is TransCanada’s proposed Energy East Mail article. the Publications Officer for the Council of Canadians. www.canadians.org Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 13 Why I Am a Council of Canadians Supporter by Maurice Colbourne

The Council of Canadians takes action in communities across Canada for clean water, public health care, fair trade and climate justice.

I don't recall how I first heard of the I always try to remain politically aware and worldwide, and by our role in in- Council of Canadians, but I do remem- and base my voting choices on an in- forming Canadians and Americans of ber how refreshing it was to know formed opinion. Under the current gov- the real risks of pipelines criss-cross- that there was a group of people out ernment, I came to realize that fairness, ing the continent, with far more to lose there with whom I shared values. For truth, and freedom of choice were rap- than to gain. most of my adult life – I am 63 years idly disappearing. Even representatives old now – I feel I have been at odds in Opposition, who were supposed to The Council of Canadians, with a mix with mainstream society, including provide the sober second thought, be- of young and “seasoned” supporters, friends, family and co-workers, in came impotent because of the closed has a great opportunity to let our youth terms of my views on the need to be nature of the current majority govern- know the benefits of working together politically aware in order to maintain ment. This impotence affected Conser- with elders to re-establish a higher Ca- truly representative democracy. vative representatives in Ottawa who nadian and worldwide standard. I am were no longer free to represent us, but encouraged that the Council is actively For the most part other people instead were toeing the party line, more encouraging the youth vote. Hopefully, seemed indifferent to political is- than I have ever seen in Canada. that is a sign that the Council is attract- sues, and to our part in the deterio- ing the next generation, and the Coun- rating natural environment and the Through the Council of Canadians, an cil’s future will be in good hands. negative impact of capitalism – free organization that, in my view, “walks enterprise – on the natural world. the talk,” I felt I had an opportunity to I am heartened that the Council offers Throughout the 20th century things reverse this trend, and an opportunity optimism beyond the acceptance of the seemed to be deteriorating at an ac- to spend the remainder of my active perceived negative inevitable. Without celerated rate, and I felt this indiffer- years improving the prospects for com- the belief that we, individual citizens, ence was a main reason. ing generations. can make a positive difference, lethar- gy will grow as more and more people Under the current Canadian Conserva- The Council of Canadians seems more adopt the attitude that one person's ef- tive government (and most capitalistic, needed today than ever as a forum for fort is insignificant. democratic governments worldwide) critical analysis about the momentum the natural environment is rapidly be- of the current political, economic, envi- The Council is a collective voice, with ing destroyed due to an over-focus on ronment and social trends. proven clout. That is why I joined, the economic bottom line. I believed and that is why I hope others will do this was, at least in part, in order to I am buoyed by our part in the reversal the same. maintain political power, with little re- and blockage of efforts to turn pristine gard for the broader ripple effect na- waters into tailings ponds, by our part in Become a part of the Council of tionally and worldwide. This became helping municipal and provincial gov- Canadians collective voice by joining more and more frustrating as I began ernments think twice about allowing today. Make a donation by calling toll- to realize that I no longer had a voice in fracking, by our support for the rights free 1-800-387-7177, or by emailing Canadian Parliament. of Indigenous peoples of this continent [email protected].

14 Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 The Council of Canadians Chapter Activist Profile Suzy Coulter and Wendy Major, Chilliwack, B.C.

Wendy Major and Suzy Coulter are two of the founding members of British Columbia’s Chilli- wack chapter.

Suzy Coulter and Wendy Major are ing the Fraser River. As settlers and occu- my dogs, goats and chickens, and grow- founding members of the Council of piers, we are learning how to better be ing healthy food. Canadians’ Chilliwack chapter. Chilliwack allies to the Sto:lo people whose territory is a city located in the Fraser Valley about we live on. We want to comprehend the Wendy: I first arrived in Chilliwack in 100 kilometres outside of Vancouver in truth stated in the Truth and Reconciliation 1967 and raised my family on a hobby British Columbia. The two women were Commission recommendations and help farm. We appreciate what a fascinating working together on local issues even push for the adoption of these recommen- region and rich history this part of Canada before the chapter formed. In the same dations at our community level. holds. Over the years my friends and fam- spirit in which they do their work, we’ll ily have come to understand how good be highlighting them both this issue. How do you connect with others? neighbours need to collaborate together Wendy: This spring we connected with to protect this special environment. What do you see as WaterWealth, a local NGO working on upcoming chapter priorities? B.C.’s proposed Water Sustainability Act. What else do you do outside of Wendy: Concerns were raised in 2011 The Chilliwack Naturalists and Sto:lo tribal your activism that’s important around tar sands and heavy product council were also part of the Water Week to you? transportation through an old Kinder event in March. We organized a pro- Suzy: I am working on building and regen- Morgan pipeline, which was proposed test march against the proposed Aevitas erating an off-grid self-sufficient (hopeful- to be twinned and carry triple its present Hazardous Waste plant. We want it relo- ly!) homestead with my partner and other amount. The proposed route is planned cated – we don’t agree with the plans to family members. through very urban neighbourhoods, build it on floodplain 500 metres away public schoolyards and pristine water- from the banks of the Fraser River. We also Wendy: I am an oil pastel artist who ways. Compounding this is a diminish- joined the Protect the Fraser Coalition. enjoys depicting the amazing environ- ing protection of the Agricultural Lands mental landscapes of this province. This Reserve (ALR) and its ability to protect Suzy: We are presently working hard summer’s drought has been shocking – farms from being sold for non-food use. to reach out with Council of Canadians seeing the water levels decline rapidly and The ALR was established in 1973 to blogs and publications and events temperatures rise. encourage local food production. around research and analysis to encourage voters in the “Go Vote” campaign For more information about how to join Suzy: We may have a Blue Communities for the October 19 federal election. We a chapter in your area, visit our website push and, of course, the federal election are glad to see our group’s numbers at www.canadians.org/chapters or call us and getting out the vote in this long-time increasing at each monthly meeting as toll-free at 1-800-387-7177. Conservative stronghold. We will also be the community becomes more familiar raising awareness about the B.C. Water with who we are. Sustainability Act. What keeps you committed What ongoing issues does the to social justice work in your Fraser Valley have? community? Suzy: The folks we connect with around Suzy: We feel as though there is no here are concerned a lot about protecting choice – social justice work is pretty water, revitalizing democracy, protecting much the only thing that makes sense wild salmon, preserving farmland, stopping in this upside down world, other than bitumen pipeline expansion, and protect- hanging out with loved ones, including Chilliwack, B.C. www.canadians.org Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 15 Members of the Council of Canadians’ Fredericton chapter shared “Go Vote” information with people during the city’s annual Labour Day picnic. Council chapters have been very active in communities across Canada encouraging people to cast their ballot on October 19.

Chapter Action Updates by Philippe-A Charbonneau

Council of Canadians chapters are in the national day of action. On July 5, door, and organizing all-candidates meet- active in communities across Canada there was a march in Toronto to coincide ings to encourage people to “Go Vote!” on protecting water and public health with a Climate Summit of the Americas October 19. More than 9 million people care, challenging unfair trade deals, and a Pan-American Economic Sum- did not vote in the last federal election. calling for “system change not cli- mit. The Toronto, York University, Ham- Council of Canadians chapters have been mate change,” and standing up for ilton, London, Niagara South, Guelph actively trying to change that by sharing democracy. Here are a few examples and Peterborough-Kawarthas chapters Voter’s Guides and information about of their work in recent months. were present at that march. Chapters how to register to vote. joined the call for an economy that is Protecting drinking water more fair and equal and provides good Interested in getting involved? Join a Many chapters are defending drinking green jobs and a better future for peo- Council chapter near you! Find a full list of water. In June, the Victoria chapter par- ple and the planet. chapters at www.canadians.org/chapters, ticipated in a blockade of the entrance or call us toll-free at 1-800-387-7177 for to a South Island Aggregates site at Marching for health care in Ontario more information. Shawnigan Lake. Chapter members want The London, Hamilton and South Niag- to stop a company from dumping con- ara chapters all participated in regional taminated soil at the gravel pit there be- days of action to call attention to health cause it would put the drinking water for care cuts and privatization. They joined 12,000 people at risk. Shawnigan Lake with the Ontario Health Coalition to is located about 48 kilometres north of send a message to all provincial political Victoria in the Cowichan Valley Region- parties that our health is not for sale and al District. The Sudbury chapter spoke that access to quality health care in their out against the building of the Keast community is a right, not a privilege. Drive subdivision near Ramsey Lake in the city's downtown area. The proposed Community in New Brunswick subdivision would mean the construc- seeing red tion of 54 single-family homes and 93 Several chapters joined the Red Head condominiums near the lake. Due to Anthony’s Cove Preservation Associa- In memoriam smelter emissions from mining in the tion’s protest against the proposed En- Members of the Inverness County area, the lake was considered dead for ergy East pipeline. Red Head is a com- chapter are saddened to lose David many years. In the 1970s a major envi- munity in Saint John, New Brunswick, Martin, who passed away in August ronmental project was launched to clean adjacent to the Bay of Fundy. The com- at the age of 73. David’s work to up the lake and reintroduce aquatic life. munity does not want a massive oil stor- secure a municipal ban on fracking age “tank farm” built for 7.8 million bar- in Inverness County, Nova Scotia, Jobs, justice and the climate rels of bitumen across the street from was a poignant reminder that the Nineteen Council of Canadians chap- their homes. They also do not want a most effective grassroots activism is ters marched for jobs, justice and the new deepwater marine terminal capable work of gentle determination and climate in early July. The Vancou- of loading about 115 supertankers a year respectful engagement. The Council ver, Delta-Richmond, Kelowna, Nel- in the Bay of Fundy. of Canadians extends condolences to son, Nanaimo, Edmonton, Prince David’s partner, Johanna Padelt, his Encouraging people to “Go Vote!” Albert, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Peterbor- children, family, friends and fellow ough-Kawarthas, Montreal, Fredericton Council chapters across the country have chapter activists. and St. John's chapters all participated been holding events, canvassing door-to-

16 Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 The Council of Canadians Prescription for Pharmacare Must Be Filled

by Michael Butler

The idea of universal public phar- citizens with a public drug plan other poorly structured system. Studies have macare in Canada has been around than the United States. Two-thirds of shown that a universal pharmacare since the beginning of Canadian medi- the countries in the OECD provide 100 program could save between $4 billion care, but the script remains unfilled. per cent drug coverage. and $11 billion a year depending on how the program is organized. Prescription drug coverage was recom- The result of our fragmented and mended as a “next step” by the 1964 patchwork system is that many Ca- During the Council of the Federation Royal Commission on Health Services. nadians have no drug coverage at all. meeting held in St. John’s, Newfound- That call was echoed by the 2002 Com- One in ten Canadians are not able to land and Labrador, in July, the Council mission on the Future of Health Care afford their prescriptions. This does of Canadians signed a document with (the Romanow Commission) and a Sen- not include people who ration or skip national labour leaders and four pro- ate report. Evidence-based studies con- taking their medication due to costs. A vincial premiers, calling on the feder- tinue to support the call for this need- new research study has estimated the al government to establish a national ed program. Canadians have now been number of people who ration or skip drug plan. At the same time, a Cana- waiting over 50 years for pharmacare, medication could actually be as high da-wide poll was released that found and despite the continued recommen- as 1 in 5. that more than 90 per cent of Canadi- dations, Canadians remain stuck with ans want pharmacare. an inefficient, unethical and fragment- Medications are needed to keep people ed group of drug plans. healthy and to save lives, yet every year It is clear there is a growing call for our more than 3 million Canadians don’t get politicians to show leadership and im- The World Health Organization has de- these necessary medications, which in- plement a long overdue universal phar- clared that all nations are obligated to clude everything from asthma inhalers macare plan that is public, affordable ensure equitable access to necessary to insulin, because they cannot afford and safe. But this means real action at medicines through pharmaceutical pol- them. Not only is this unsafe; it is fun- both provincial and federal levels of icies. Consequently, every developed damentally unethical that Canadians government. It is time for a universal, country that has a universal health are covered for their prescription drugs comprehensive pharmacare program insurance system provides universal based on their socio-economic status, that will meaningfully improve the coverage of prescription drugs – except their age, where they live, or work, rath- health of all Canadians. for Canada. Of the 33 countries in the er than on their medical needs. Organisation for Economic Co-opera- Michael Butler is the Health Care Campaigner for the tion and Development (OECD), Canada Drug prices in Canada are also among Council of Canadians.

Photo: Tom Varco Photo: Tom provides the smallest percentage of its the highest in the world due to our

www.canadians.org Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 17 Activists are speaking out in Europe about the threats trade deals pose, including the deal between Canada and the European Union.

“Do You Hear the People Sing?” Stopping CETA in Europe

It’s mid-July at 7:30 a.m. when I reach Brussels by train. Tired, I monitor my cell phone. The troika and Greece have just “agreed” to austerity measures to renew funds to the Greek government. It’s an impossible deal, but given the rumblings of those who want to kick Greece out of the Euro Zone, bittersweet nonetheless.

I am here in Brussels to campaign el for how economic integration can be by Sujata Dey against the Canada-European Union achieved with democratic oversight. But Comprehensive Economic and Trade on the other hand, as we see with the Agreement (CETA). The EU, like Canada, crisis in Greece, it is also a reminder of struggles to find a balance between pub- the limits that governments and the EU lic good and the power of big corpora- face when confronted with powerful tions. On the one hand, the EU is a mod- economic and corporate forces.

18 Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 The Council of Canadians From July 13 to 16 this summer, I took sels we plotted the various points gerous and unpopular mines. Garry part in a strategy session in Brussels where we can work to defeat CETA. Neil, the Council’s Executive Director, organized by the Seattle 2 Brussels First, the deal must obtain the consent will talk about cultural and other is- network on what to do about CETA. of national parliaments, then the con- sues in France and Spain. sent of the EU parliament. At both of While meeting like-minded Europeans, these stages, signatory nations such I met with European parliamentary as- I discovered people with different lan- as France, Austria, Germany, Belgium sistants to talk about CETA. Along with guages, cultures and political traditions, and Slovenia might have something Denise Gagnon from the Féderation who nevertheless hold a common be- to say. We agreed that while TTIP, the des travailleurs du Québec, we spoke lief: that another world is possible. For EU-U.S. trade agreement, seems more with representatives of the Socialists example, while most Germans are very threatening to Europeans, CETA is go- and Democrats, the New European harsh in their attitudes about Greece, ing to be the first hurdle. If activists Left, and the Greens. They were very German activists were very critical of are successful in defeating CETA in aware of ISDS issues and enthusiastic their government’s narrowness in deal- the European Union, they will have about exchanging perspectives and ing with the country. In Spain and the a better chance defeating TTIP. This ideas about what could be done. And United Kingdom, people often criticized could happen by the beginning of this of course, news about Greece was in the austerity of their governments, pre- year. It is imperative that legislatures the air and they were eager to share ferring another economic and political not sign the agreement before it goes their insights into what was happen- model. In central and eastern Europe, to the European Parliament. ing while CETA debates and strategies they face other barriers, including a continued, work was also being done lack of resources, and government We reflected on how trade is related to in response to TTIP. Washington ne- leaders who believe that the people are climate change and what we could do gotiators were in Brussels to negotiate secretly pro-Russian when they criti- at the upcoming Paris Climate talks. the EU-U.S. agreement. cize European trade policy. While most With ISDS clauses in place, it is often people were upset at the unnecessarily environmental regulation that suffers, Outside the negotiating site, a rally harsh conditions of the Greece bailout, as lawsuits against Canada on fracking was building. Activists danced, wore the general feeling was that there is still and mining demonstrate. costumes, and led chants. One person a soul in the EU, and many activists are reminded the crowd of the injustices willing to speak out. In September we held an Internation- people faced before they rose up in al Day of Action on the anniversary the French revolution. They sang the The Europeans are formidable cam- of the preliminary signing of CETA. rousing refrain from the musical Les paigners. They have amassed 2 million Activists from Canada and Europe de- Misérables: “Do you hear the people signatures against CETA and the Trans- manded that our legislators refrain sing? Singing the song of angry men. It atlantic Trade and Investment Partner- from ratifying CETA, pointing out that is the singing of a people who will not ship (TTIP) agreements. TTIP is a deal the necessary legal, human rights, en- be slaves again.” Then, adapting to our between the European Union and the vironmental, employment and demo- corporate-driven era, they added “Stop United States. Activists working to stop cratic analyses have not been done for TTIP, Stop CETA!” the deals have proven themselves a this trade deal. force to be reckoned with in the Euro- Brussels is one of a host of cities pean Parliament. In the national parlia- Maude Barlow, the Council of Cana- that have been declared “TTIP- ments, they have been getting states to dians’ National Chairperson, will be free.” Belgium, on the whole, has oppose investor-state dispute settlement going to Austria, Germany and the been cool to both TTIP and CETA. (ISDS) clauses that give corporations the United Kingdom in November to talk The rally organizers used both of power to sue governments if their poli- about Canada’s objections to CETA. these points to declare the TTIP ne- cies interfere with profits. Their coup de She will share Canada’s experience gotiations illegal. They used tape to grâce was having the largest EU consul- with the North American Free Trade cordon off the TTIP-free zones, or tation ever reject ISDS. In 2015, 97 per Agreement, and explain that we are “zone hors TAFTA.” cent of the respondents to the European the most sued nation in the developed Commission’s own consultation on ISDS world, and that Europeans have much Canadians have many allies in Eu- rejected special rights for investors. to learn from our experiences before rope, ready and willing to collaborate they adopt CETA. She will talk about with us. We are not alone in wanting Although our Canadian government how tar sands conglomerates are eye- to stop CETA. would have us believe that CETA is a ing CETA as an opportunity to export “done deal,” our European allies show crude oil at the expense of European Sujata Dey is the Trade Campaigner for the Council us that the fight is far from over. Nei- alternative energy industries, and how of Canadians. ther TTIP nor CETA has yet to pass any Canadian mining companies are al- significant ratification steps in the EU. ready taking advantage of ISDS abroad During our strategy sessions in Brus- to protect their environmentally dan- www.canadians.org Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 19 In Memoriam: Vi Morgan by Jamian Logue

Griff and Vi Morgan (left and right) are pictured with Council of Canadians National Chairperson Maude Barlow at a past Council of Canadians event.

On Sunday, June 21, in her 100th year They also emerged as outspoken activists opposition. Later that year, at one of and with loving family at her side in in their hometown of Guelph. From chal- their final protests and alongside fellow Guelph, Ontario, Vi Morgan peaceful- lenging municipal, provincial and federal community activists young and old, Griff ly passed away. policies that harmed communities, to passed away. standing up to corporate abuse that put The measure of one’s life can be made in profits ahead of people and nature, Vi Vi said that it was her deep faith and any number of ways: by the love you’ve and Griff were an activist power couple eternal optimism that carried her given and received, by the difference to be reckoned with. through losing the love of her life. In the you’ve made in the lives around you, years that followed, she was embold- and by the actions you’ve taken to make It was the hotly debated NAFTA talks of ened to continue learning, teaching and your community and the world beyond a the mid-90s that brought Vi and Griff to fighting to make her community and the better place. the Council of Canadians – and it was the world beyond a better place, right up to start of a beautiful friendship. her final days. By these and every other measure, Vi’s was a life richly lived. The two travelled to Ottawa in the The Council of Canadians family across spring of 1998 to meet with Council of the country pauses to mourn the loss of She once said that the values of social Canadians National Chairperson Maude our dear friend. justice, education and equality were Barlow. They came to discuss how they instilled in her from a very young age could better help the Council’s efforts Vi, we thank you for your tireless work by her mother. She was taught to read to build a powerful cross-Canada civil and generous spirit. We will miss your voraciously, think critically, and challenge society movement to counter regres- fierce mind, courageous heart and sharp injustice – principles that would become sive governments and growing corporate wit. But we are heartened by the indeli- a driving force throughout her life. influence. ble stamp you have left on this organization and grateful for the enduring legacy Before the age of 30, Vi was already the They returned home and immediately you’re leaving. celebrated author of the novel A Better began forming the Guelph Chapter of Harvest. She went on to author numer- the Council of Canadians, which would One of Vi’s favourite expressions when ous short stories and poems, published grow to become one of the Council’s speaking of her relationship with Griff in Chatelaine and Toronto newspapers. strongest chapters, as it is today. was: “We were closer than two coats of paint.” It wasn’t until later in life that she met Dr. In 2004, Vi, Griff and fellow chapter Griff Morgan, a renowned psychologist members led a massive local campaign It makes me smile to think they are once with a specialty in child development. to stop Wal-Mart from bringing its “high again together. And it was love at first sight. Over the cost of low prices” to Guelph. The global next 30 years, Vi and Griff were loving retail giant was planning to purchase a Jamian Logue is the Director of Development for foster parents, then grandparents, and huge parcel of land adjacent to the local the Council of Canadians. then great-grandparents. Jesuit cemetery, against strong public

20 Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 The Council of Canadians In Memoriam: Vi Morgan

The Nestlé water bottling plant in Hope, British Columbia draws large amounts of water from the Coquihalla River, which connects to the Kawkawa watershed. The Coquihalla River also connects to the Fraser River. Both rivers are experiencing extremely low water levels this year. High and Dry: Corporate water takings permitted during droughts

The daily news is starting to read more All around the world, communities are like recent Hollywood sci-fi movies facing historic levels of drought. The Cal- that depict a world without water. ifornia government called for a mandatory 25 per cent reduction following NASA California’s drought is being increas- scientist Jay Famiglietti’s announcement ingly compared to Mad Max: Fury that the U.S. state has only enough water by Emma Lui Road, a film that takes place in a to last one year. Communities have been drought-stricken future where those outraged that Nestlé, as well as fracking who control water control the people. and big agricultural companies, continue And a look at what’s happening glob- to draw water at massive rates. People in ally shows the scenario is becoming Taiwan, whose water has been handed frighteningly real. over to the global electronics industry,

www.canadians.org Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 21 are being asked to reduce their water Despite the record levels of drought These droughts signal the need to re- use. At the beginning of August, 68 of the and drinking water advisories, govern- vamp the way water is managed, gov- 96 regional departments in France were ments are still allowing projects that erned and allocated. Both Alberta and under drought restrictions. Residents of threaten remaining water sources like British Columbia allocate water based Sao Paulo, Brazil, have been experienc- large-scale bottled water withdrawals, on a “first in time, first in right” (FITFIR) ing intermittent access to water despite fracking, industrial farming, mining system that prioritizes water permits being the capital of one of the most wa- and tar sands development. by the date they are issued. In other ter-rich countries in the world. The sit- words, if fracking, mining or bottled uation there has become increasingly Potential spills by tar sands pipelines water companies like Nestlé have old- distressing as news recently broke that like Northern Gateway and the Kinder er permits than municipalities, small- the Brazilian army is preparing for riots. Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline pose scale farmers or other community wa- a threat to the hundreds of lakes and ter users, we could see scenarios where Droughts affect not only the availability rivers along their routes. the companies’ permits are honoured of drinking water, but also energy gen- while community users are told they eration, food crops, and fisheries. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River cannot draw water. Basin are being threatened by extreme As wildfires rage, drought is spreading energy projects such as tar sands and The global water crisis is here and across British Columbia and in the tra- fracked gas pipelines and shipments. many communities are facing a new re- ditional territories of Indigenous com- ality – one that includes uncertainty in munities. Most of southern B.C. is be- water availability. Council of Canadians ing categorized under “Drought Level These droughts signal the need National Chairperson Maude Barlow, 4,” which indicates it is extremely dry to revamp the way water is who long has done extensive research and is experiencing the highest level and warned that the world was running of drought. In these regions, all com- managed, governed and allocated. out of water, has called for a new water mercial use of water and residential ethic and for water to be put at the cen- outdoor tap use is prohibited. Fishing tre of all policy. has been banned in most of the lakes Quebec is under a fracking moratori- in southern B.C. and farmers are being um, but the Ontario government has Governments are reluctant to make asked to restrict water-takings from promoted fracking in southern Ontar- hard decisions, like stopping frack- rivers and their tributaries throughout io. Despite much of eastern Canada being, tar sands expansion and bottled the summer. ing under fracking moratoria, western water withdrawals. Yet these are the and Prairie provinces are still moving kinds of choices governments must In Alberta, the drought is affecting forward with fracking projects that use make to ensure a clean water supply crops and the cattle industry. At least 17 massive amounts of water. not only for the coming years, but for counties have officially declared states future generations. of agricultural disaster. Farmers and landowners in Alberta have been raising concerns about water More importantly, individuals and There are 17,000 glaciers in British Co- sources and the impacts of drought on communities must become more lumbia and research by UNBC shows cattle and crops. knowledgeable about water. We must they are all melting. Melting glaciers in change our relationship with water both B.C. and Alberta will have an im- Nestlé, a company that owns 70 per and engage in decisions affecting wa- pact on all the communities in western cent of bottled water brands world- ter. We must understand that while we and Prairie provinces where the gla- wide, and other bottled water compa- have a right to water, we also have a ciers provide water. nies continue to draw water from com- responsibility to protect it. We live in munity water sources in Ontario and a time when governments are prior- Ontario and Quebec have also expe- British Columbia. Bottled water takings itizing corporate interests over the rienced record levels of drought, al- also occur in Quebec, the Prairies and protection of water. We are faced with though not as severe as the west. Still, the Atlantic. the challenge of protecting water our- there have been six major droughts in selves. To do this we must reach out southern Ontario since 1998 and the Droughts are occurring in communi- to neighbours, community residents, first six months of 2012 had been the ties where the local economies are and environmentalists, as well as our driest since 1958. agriculture-based and reliant on a union and indigenous allies, and take steady source of clean water. The ag- up this challenge. As of January 2015, there were 1,838 riculture industry generates $11 bil- drinking water advisories in Canada. At lion in revenue in British Columbia Our water will dry up if we don’t. any given time there are over 100 Indig- and $10 billion in Alberta, and creates enous communities under a drinking nearly 1 million jobs in the farming Emma Lui is the Water Campaigner for the Council water advisory. sector in Ontario. of Canadians.

22 Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 The Council of Canadians Detail of Keep your hands of my fracking (Alberta) water, by artist Steve Mills.

Artist Donates Work to Raise Awareness about Fracking Water Withdrawals by Jan Malek

Steve Mills has been an artist for as we are all products of successful hunt- For the artwork, he printed the paint- long as he can remember. ers and fishers. My artwork is based on ing twice and then added a drill hole that. I live my paintings.” using felt pens and a more contempo- His grandmother taught him how rary style to show how water is being to paint and how to express himself It was his concern for water that led robbed from its natural source. through art. His work tends to focus on him to do a piece of art he calls “Keep the land and water. He hunts and fishes, your hands off my (fracking) Alberta He has seen the theft first-hand. so his thoughts are about preserving the water.” The limited edition print is resources for future generations. based on a larger work he’s done – a While fishing the eastern slopes huge 40” by 60” acrylic painting de- in Alberta last summer he noticed “All of my reference is to the land – the picting the clean river water he likes to pumps had been placed in the Kak- land is important; water is important,” fly-fish in. He has been fly-fishing for wa River, one of his favourite fishing explains Mills. “Hunting and fishing is more than 50 years and knows many spots, with kilometres of lines to car- a universal cultural activity. Basically, local waterways intimately. ry the water away. www.canadians.org Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 23 “I’m out there all the time and I see what is happening to the rivers. They are dis appearing, but when I call the government they either don’t care or say ‘it’s not our responsibility.’”

Steve Mills has been fly-fishing for more than 50 years and has seen major changes in local rivers. He is concerned with projects that drain Alberta’s waterways.

“Last year was a drought and this year is ygen levels and raises the tempera- ment they either don’t care or say ‘it’s even worse. I’ve fished that long enough – ture. Last summer it got worse and not our responsibility.’” I don’t know much about fracking, but I worse. They pumped water for six do know about fishing. It was not a good weeks,” added Mills. Mills vows to keep working for govern- time to be taking water out.” ment action, but in the meantime he “[The government] is just allowing would like his art to help raise aware- Hydraulic fracturing – or “fracking” millions and millions of gallons to be ness. He has generously donated a lim- as it is more commonly known – is taken out of the rivers in the worst ited edition of 10 original prints of his an extreme form of energy extraction. possible conditions every summer. artwork to the Council of Canadians. The technique uses and contaminates Right now everything is dead,” he add- millions of litres of water by mixing it ed. “I’ve fly-fished for 50 some-odd When asked why he picked the Council with thousands of litres of unidentified years and I’m good at it. The last trip of Canadians for his donation he said chemicals underground at very high we took some temperature readings he likes how the organization looks at pressure in order to create fractures in of the water and it was 22 degrees. “the whole picture.” the underlying shale rock formations We didn’t see a single fish move – and and extract the natural gas below the with those water temperatures, they “The Council looks at water issues surface. Fracking for unconventional are dead.” and protecting water and seems to gas is rapidly expanding in almost ev- have an overall approach to it – it’s ery province across Canada and frack- He also tried calling the federal govern- visionary. It just seemed like a logi- ing companies are rapidly draining wa- ment’s environmental department, but cal, thoughtful group of people that ter sources for their projects. was told the water pumping did not fall want to make things better now and under federal jurisdiction. for the future.” Mills doesn’t know the name of the particular company that was taking the “It’s ironic because there are signs post- As for the fracking, he would like to see water for fracking, and he hasn’t been ed warning fishermen that if we kill – some kind of compromise that doesn’t able to get much information from even accidentally – the bull trout we put clean water sources at risk. the government. He contacted the for- will get a $100,000 fine. But the [pro- mer Alberta government last summer. vincial] government is rubber stamping “I think there are creative solutions so “They told me it was fine and talked to the destruction of the entire environ- that both jobs and the environment can me like I was an idiot,” he said. ment. It’s allowing something that is exist,” he said. “Alberta is full of stink- killing all of the fish.” ing swamps, why not take water from He has written to the new Notley govern- there? There are so few clear rivers ment and sent in all of the information he He admits that the runaround is getting here – they should just be left alone.” has gathered, but at the time of publication tiresome. “It’s very frustrating. I feel he still had not heard back from anyone. like no one is listening,” he said. “I’m The Council of Canadians sincerely thanks out there all the time and I see what is Steve Mills for his generous donation. To “They have endangered bull trout there – happening to the rivers. They are dis- view more of his artwork please visit his lowering the water lowers the ox- appearing, but when I call the govern- website at www.stevemills.gallery.

24 Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 The Council of Canadians Five Years Later: Continuing the fight for the Human Right to Water and Sanitation at the UN by Meera Karunananthan by Meera Karunananthan

On July 28, 2010, a landmark United in September when the Millennium De- urging member states to honour their Nations resolution put to rest a global velopment Goals expired. commitments by explicitly naming the dispute about whether water and Human Right to Water and Sanitation in sanitation should be recognized as a The BPP was invited to participate in the Post-2015 Development Agenda. In human right. After blocking attempts the discussions by the NGO Mining the final hours of negotiations, despite a to have the right officially recognized Working Group, a coalition of primar- last-minute effort by the United States to for years, Canada and the United ily faith-based groups working at the block our campaign, we prevailed. States were caught by surprise when UN to promote environmental and hu- Bolivia introduced resolution 64/292, man rights as they relate to extractive While we continue to have strong con- affirming unequivocally that all peo- industries. When the Mining Working cerns and reservations regarding some ple everywhere have a right to clean, Group discovered that Business and components of the agenda, ensuring safe drinking water and sanitation, Industry were planning to position that the goals and targets relating to wa- and that this right is connected to the themselves as experts on water and ter and sanitation are rooted in the hu- realization of all other human rights. sanitation within consultation pro- man rights framework is a vital first step cesses set up for the Post-2015 De- in establishing people and local com- The states refusing to vote in favour velopment Agenda, group members munities as “rights holders” rather than of the resolution were outnumbered. asked the BPP to intervene. clients or aid recipients. Additionally, it Reluctant to make public their op- establishes the obligations of states as position, they simply abstained as Together with the Mining Working duty-bearers that cannot pass off their history unfolded in favour of the Group, we warned UN member states obligations to private corporations. activists and organizations that had that unless the agenda was rooted in a campaigned for more than a decade human rights–based framework, a wa- As we continue to press for stronger to achieve this victory. ter and sanitation goal would pave the mechanisms to hold corporations ben- way for greater commodification of efiting from the development agenda On the fifth anniversary of the United water and sanitation services and fresh- accountable, we hope the human right Nations resolution on the Human Right water supplies as the water scarcity to water and sanitation will serve as an to Water and Sanitation, the Blue Planet crisis deepens. The Millennium Devel- instrument to challenge and prevent Project (BPP) was once again at the Gen- opment Goals failed to meet the needs corporate abuses of freshwater resourc- eral Assembly, pleading with decision of the most marginalized communities es. Most importantly, we will use it to makers from around the world not to because, among other weaknesses, it insist that governments put people at forget the commitments they made five failed to hold states accountable to hu- the centre of decisions regarding wa- years ago. The human right to water and man rights obligations. Instead, it set up ter resource distribution. As the former sanitation had become a point of con- numerical quotas that allowed states to Special Rapporteur on the Human Right tention among member states negotiat- score easy points by improving the con- to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation ing the final documents of the Post-2015 ditions of those who already enjoyed has noted in relation to tensions arising Development Agenda. access rather than reaching those most from a call for increased energy produc- in need. The private sector, which sees tion within the development agenda, a The Post-2015 Development Agenda the SDGs as a channel for reaching new human rights–based approach requires will determine the shape of internation- markets, has little economic incentive to states to prioritize the water needs of al development for the next 15 years. serve poor communities. people over industrial consumption. The agenda includes 17 Sustainable De- velopment Goals (SDGs), including one In June 2015, a group of 624 organiza- Meera Karunananthan is the Blue Planet Project on water and sanitation. It was launched tions worldwide signed on to a petition Organizer.

www.canadians.org Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2015 25 GO GO OTE Tear here and place in your window OTE for the future you for the future you want. want.

#GoVote2015 #GoVote2015

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