Lower Island NEWS An Independent Democratic Socialist Newspaper Serving the Lower Island Area for 27 Years Volume 28 Issue #1 February/March 2011 Victoria, BC NDP federal leader speaks in Victoria NDP Leader Jack Layton was met by a full house and a standing ovation from over 200 New Democrats and supporters when he arrived at Victoria’s Ambrosia Conference and Event Centre Sunday, January 23, to attend a fund- raising luncheon sponsored by all the lower Island NDP riding associations. Following a buffet luncheon, Victoria MP Denise Savoie took the microphone to explain that Layton had been delayed by the morning fog, and instead of flying over from Vancouver, was taking the ferry to Nanaimo and would arrive shortly. She introduced all the politicians present, including Jean Crowder, MP for Cowichan- Nanaimo; Edith Loring-Kuhanga, NDP can- didate for election in Saanich-Gulf Islands; and Randall Garrison, who was acclaimed as NDP candidate for Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca at a separate meeting Sunday evening, also attended by Layton. Savoie talked briefly about her work and successes in Parliament, and mentioned that January was the fifth anniversary of her elec- tion as a Member of Parliament. “I have challenged the government to act on a range of issues,” she said, “and have worked hard for the people of Victoria.” Asked to speak, Loring-Kuhanga first recognized the Songees Nation, on whose sacred territory the meeting was being held. Photo by Heather Tufts She then explained why she had got involved NDP leader Jack Layton speaks at a nomination meeting held by Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca New Democrats the evening of in politics, and spoke of the values she was Janury 23. Randall Garrison was acclaimed. Earlier, Layton addressed a crowd of more than 200 members and supporters at a raised with fundraising luncheon held at the Ambrosia Conference and Event Centre in Victoria. “I am looking forward to joining the NDP caucus in Ottawa after the next election, as they are the hardest working. Garrison then spoke about the need for a living wage policy, and told the audience that as a City of Equimalt councillor, he had brought the concept forward. As a result, a living wage is now a principle for that com- munity. He also mentioned the diversity of candidates being nominated by the NDP in Greater Victoria, pointing out that one is a francophone woman, one a First Nations woman, and one a gay man. On his arrival, Layton immediately took the microphone to laud Savoie for her work in Parliament, and for her constituency work, including leading opposition to the mega marina in Victoria harbour. He also recognized former MP, now BC MLA, Dawn Black for stepping forward to fill the position of interim Opposition Leader in BC, and for helping to bring the party together again. Talking about federal politics, he com- mented that attack ads are offensive. “We are ready for the election,” he said, pointing out that people feel that Ottawa is broke, and out of touch. “Millions of people are living in poverty,” he said. “We could lift them out of poverty for the cost of the tax cut to the corporations.” His comments brought the audience to their feet several times, with prolonged

Photo by Heather Tufts applause. Also speaking at the event were (l-r) Randall Garrison, NDP candidate for MP Esqimalt-Juan de Fuca; Jean Crowder, MP for At the end, Layton was asked to act as Cowichan-Nanaimo; Edith Loring-Kuhanga, candidate for MP for MP in Saanich-Gulf Islands; and Denise Savoie, MP for Vic- auctioneer for a number of donated goods, toria. Savoie, Crowder and Loring-Kuhanga were also at the evening meeting at which Garrison was nominated. including a night at a bed and breakfast on Salt Spring Island. A lively bidding session For more photos, see page 2 then took place under his direction 23 Inside this issue Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement # 40008124 Return to: The Lower Island News Another way to choose 3 Box 311-2750 Quadra Street Truth and reconciliation 14 Victoria, BC V8T 4E8 Editorial and op/ed 4 The curse of the yellow dust 15 Letters to the editor 5 The Kestral 16 The BC “Water Muddle” 6 Vietnam revisted 17 Why tax cuts make us weak 7 Leadership contestants 18-19 Federal news 8-9 Say no to FGM 20 Provincial news 10-11 Book and other views 21-23 If schools are keystones... 12 Coming events caledar 23 Healing road paralysis 13 Directory 24 Page 2 February/March 2011 The Lower Island NEWS More photos from NDP leader Layton’s visit NDP leadership debate tour to Left, Randall Garrison makes his acceptance speech. take place in March and April Photo by Heather Tufts BURNABY -- BC NDP leadership candi- • Qualicum - March 28 dates will head out on an eight-stop leader- • Prince George - April 4 ship debate tour in March and April as part • Terrace - April 6 of the BC NDP leadership election. Events in Victoria and Metro Vancouver, as well as the issue theme for each event, “We’re very excited to be heading out will be announced in the coming days. One on the road with the candidates for leader of the leadership debates will also be broad- of our party,” said Jan O’Brien, BC NDP cast via internet video to allow members Provincial Secretary. “We’ll be stopping in who are unable to attend to participate. major centres across BC so that every New The BC New Democratic Party will be Democrat, and every British Columbia voter electing their next leader through a province- will have a chance to meet our candidates.” wide, one-member one-vote election on The tour stops include: April 17. A leadership assembly will take • Kelowna - March 21 Above, Layton place at the Vancouver Convention Centre • Kamloops - March 22 chats with Saanich- on that day. Gulf Islands candi- • Nelson - March 24 date Edith Loring- Kuhanga. Photo by Doreen Marion Gee Leadership election date set by BC NDP for April 17 BURNABY -- The BC NDP Provincial “Setting the date and location for the Council has voted to hold a leadership leadership election is a key step in the election on April 17, 2011. A leadership leadership election process,” said O’Brien. Left, NDP members assembly will take place at the Vancouver “Over the coming weeks we will continue anxiously await Convention Centre. to develop a comprehensive set of rules Layton’s arrival. “British Columbians are ready for a to govern the election, and we will ensure Photo by Doreen Marion Gee change from the reckless policies of the BC that this leadership election is run in a fair, Liberals, and New Democrats are moving transparent, and accessible manner.” forward with our leadership election,” said The Provincial Council ratified the ap- Jan O’Brien, provincial secretary of the pointment of a five-member leadership rules BC NDP. “It’s an exciting time to be a New committee. The committee is comprised of: Democrat in British Columbia, and we’re Brian Gardiner, former BC NDP pro- looking forward to a competitive leadership vincial secretary and former Member of election.” Parliament The leadership election will take place Colin Gabelmann, former BC Attorney through a one-member, one-vote election General process where each member of the NDP will Lorraine Shore, BC NDP vice president have an opportunity to vote. Members of the and lawyer BC NDP will be able to vote via telephone Marianne Alto, BC NDP vice president or internet during the leadership assembly, and Victoria City councillor (ex-officio) or via advance voting. Jan O’Brien, provincial secretary (ex- Individuals must be members of the BC officio) NDP for 90 days prior to the Election Day MLA Dawn Black was ratified as interim in order to be eligible to vote in the leader- leader by the BC NDP Provincial Council on ship race. the recommendation of the BC NDP caucus in early 2011.

Leadership nomination rules will ensure fair, transparent election BURNABY -- The BC NDP Provincial Adrian Dix Executive approved January 13 rules for leadership nominations that will help ensure a fair, modern, and competitive leadership election. Leadership. Energy. Results. “The Leadership Rules Committee produced a set of thoughtful, fair, and transparent Candidate Nominations Rules that will help set the stage for an exciting • A leader with a Leadership Election,” said Jan O’Brien, BC NDP Provincial Secretary. proven track record The Leadership Election rules set a number of financial rules for leadership since the 2005 election: candidates, including a $175,000 spending limit, a $2,500 donation limit, and a require- working in constituencies ment that a list of campaign donors be made public prior to voting on April 17. all over BC and giving Candidates will be required to collect 250 nominating signatures from party mem- the NDP a high profile on bers throughout BC, and to remit a $15,000 entrance fee. the key issues. “New Democrats have long fought for electoral fairness in British Columbia, and our ideals are reflected in our candidate nomination rules,” said O’Brien. • A leader with values The deadline for candidates to submit their nomination to the party is February 28. and vision: presenting All candidates will be subject to the same ap- proval process as MLAs, which requires final solid NDP alternatives signoff by the party’s Provincial Executive. A committee of five senior party mem- on jobs and the economy, bers, including a former BC Attorney Gener- al and former BC NDP Provincial Secretary, on the environment, and developed the candidate nomination rules. The leadership election will take place on equality. on April 17 using a modern one-member one-vote election system that will take place online and by telephone. Detailed voting rules will be developed in the coming weeks. To see the leadership campaign rules, adriandixforbc.ca 1.866.523.4886 go to www.bcndp.com, and click on Leader- Authorized by Lila Wing, Financial Agent [email protected] ship 2011, then Nomination Rules. The Lower Island NEWS February/March 2011 Page 3

My questions to Another way to choose leadership hopefuls a leader for the NDP By Claire Trevana BC’s two principal political parties are in the throws of selecting new leaders. Both The leadership elections in both of our leading political parties are gearing up campaigns are launched and we have two months of witnessing the interminable jockey- with the BC Liberals voting in February and the BC NDP on April 17. It will be a brave ing for advantage and approval. These personality contests don’t serve us well, and we New Year with the distinct prospect of change and renewal to the political landscape. desperately need another way to select a leader. Leadership contenders, past and present, say that one of the joys of running is We believe the NDP can do politics differently in BC. We could expect a ground swell of that it enables a politician to say what they really believe in, and to have it widely approval from regular types who want to escape the scourge of cynicism that is so pervasive. heard. As a member of a political party, you subscribe to overarching common values. Into this challenge steps the Lower Island News. In the NDP, a fundamental basic value is equity – traditionally in terms of social and Here is one way to begin a process of renewal – vote on the desired characteristics you economic issues but increasingly this has been embracing environmental values too. want to see in a NDP leader and future premier of the province. Simple, but it could influ- I will be challenging those running for leader on their interpretation of this funda- ence the process between now and April 17, the date when a new leader will be chosen. mental principle. I am a firm believer that equity is achieved through redistribution. We are providing you with a survey, which we ask you to send back to the paper by March I believe in a progressive tax system in which those who earn more, pay more. 15, in time to get it into our next edition. We promise to publish the results as well as send Equity can be achieved through social tools: through a strong social safety them to each candidate prior to the vote. Not only will this offer each candidate a candid net through which no one is allowed to slip. I will ask candidates whether they are appraisal of the leadership qualities we expect in a new leader and potential premier, but it willing to ensure our welfare system works in the realities of the 21st century, that also will establish another way to select a leader which could appeal to the general public, benefits reflect the cost of living and are not designed, as now, to force people into and a vivid example of how the NDP is different than the BC Liberals. poverty. And I will challenge them to assess a massive investment in public and Please fill out the survey below which we’ve prepared. Once completed, please: co-op housing across the province which would provide an economic boost and 1) Mail it to us at Box 311, 2750 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC, V8T 4E8, address a dire social need. 2) Fax it to us at 250-360-1970 Public education is a great way of assisting people in all societies. BC has a 3) Scan it and email it to us at [email protected] great school system, but I would ask candidates whether they are prepared to look Whatever way you send it to us, we will do the work of tabulating and reporting the at three key factors: a comprehensive early learning and care program for families results in the April issue, which will be mailed to readers before the leadership election with children too young for school; changing the funding formula to ensure rural takes place. Simple but effective. – Dale Perkins schools can provide equality in education; and, that post secondary education be provided free to BC residents on the proviso that a graduate commits to working in SURVEY the province for five years. Chose the characteristics needed by a NDP leader and future premier: Healthcare is always the bogeyman when it comes to public costs and I will ask Respondents can check ‘Yes’, ‘No’ or ‘Undecided’, then rate the item from – how the candidates will address the cost issue logically to ensure the integrity of 1 (not important) 2 (less important) 3 (important) 4 (very important) our public system is maintained and that it benefits everyone in the province. That may mean looking at the introduction of more health centres with all medical staff 1. Someone who is a good speaker. Yes ___ No ___ Undecided ____ on salary; it could mean using new technologies to reduce people’s need to travel Rating (1 - 4) _____ for care; and, it could mean expanding the use of nurse practitioners. BC is a resource rich province – we traditionally have made money from the 2 Someone whose social/democratic principles ‘trump’ political expediency. wealth of our environment. But I would hope that everyone is aware that we cannot Yes ____, No ____, Undecided ____ treat our environment simply as a commodity. Without securing and safeguarding Rating (1 - 4) ______our environment we have no future. I will challenge the candidates on how they intend to address climate change, food security and environmental practices. I will 3. Someone who is egalitarian in their values. Yes ____ No ____ Undecided ____ ask them how they will work with communities to make the necessary shift to new Rating (1 - 4) _____ ways of living and doing business which makes a smaller carbon footprint. Likewise I will want to hear whether the candidates agree that public resources 4. Someone who is a good manager. Yes ____ No ____ Undecided ____ should be held in public hands and used for the public good. For me that means Rating (1 - 4) ____ our forests, our ferries, our rivers, our hydro production and distribution. It means assessing what we hold in crown lands and what those crown lands contain both 5. Someone who can unite the Party. Yes ____ No ____ Undecided ____ above and below ground. It means acknowledging that benefits from the exploitation Rating (1 - 4) ____ of our resources accrue to the people of BC not just to the shareholders of large corporations and income trusts. 6. Someone who will take responsibility for their actions. There are many problems facing our communities, worker’ rights have been Yes ____ No ____ Undecided ____ eroded, seniors are struggling, families daily face difficulties, businesses are dealing Rating (1 - 4) ____ with a myriad of concerns. A leader of a political party who may become premier needs to have ideas on how to rectify these issues. But a leader also needs a vision 7. Someone who is physically attractive. Yes ____ No ____ Undecided ____ and the courage to act on that vision. It is a huge responsibility – but an exciting time. Rating (1 - 4) ____

Claire Trevana is MLA for North Island. 8. Someone who is a good listener. Yes ____ No ____ Undecided ____ Rating (1 - 4) ____ Dawn Black named as interim leader 9. Someone who has a long history with the NDP. Yes ____ No ____ Undecided ____ Rating (1 - 4) ____ The New Democrat caucus unanimously Black also served three terms as recommended January 19 that New West- a Member of Parliament, where she 10. Someone who will respect the policy initiatives of the Party minster MLA Dawn Black as their candidate advocated on behalf of her constituents and implement them as expeditiously as possible. for the position of interim Leader of BC’s for federal funding for seismic upgrades Yes ____ No ____ Undecided ____ Official Opposition. in BC schools, flood assistance for Rating (1 - 4) ____ And in an electron vote the same night, residents living near the Fraser River the Provincial Council of the BC NDP voted and improvements to Employment unanimously to ratify Black as interim leader. Insurance. “Dawn is a respected leader in our party, Black lives with her husband Peter Layton meets with Aboriginal and and brings her tenacity and experience to in New Westminster. They have three everything she does,” said Moe Sihota, sons and seven grandchildren. environmental community president of the BC NDP. “With Dawn’s SAANICH – While on his way to attend the morningmeetingin person due to fog- record of service as an elected official and a fundraising luncheon in Victoria Sunday, reltedflight complicatiolns, he was ble to her deep roots within the party, she’s the January 23, NDP leader Jack Layton had a joinin on the discussioln via his cell phone. right choice to lead the party and the caucus Why they want to be coffee meeting with local leaders from the “I am very encouraged that there is a before the new leader takes on.” Aboriginal and environmental community of willingness for all of us to work together on Black was elected as MLA for New leader of the NDP... the Saanich Peninsula. this important issue,” said Loring-Kuhnga. Westminster on May 12, 2009. Since her The Lower Island News asked The meeting, hosted by Saanich-Gulf “I believe that our collelctive efforts will help election she has served as opposition critic all the candidates why they want Islands NDP MP candidate Edith Loring- protect our waters and our coastal communi- for Advanced Education and Labour Market to be elected leader of the BC New Kuhanga,focused on the importance of ties from an aggressive industry.” Development, fighting for affordable, ac- Democratic Party. Five replied. strong collaborative effort to protect the BC The local leaders were pleased with cessible education and quality skills and Turn to pages 18-19 to see their coast from oil-related disasters. the inaugural meeting, and said that they apprenticeship opportunities for British answers. While Layton was unable to attend are looking forward to meeting as a group Columbians. again. – Michele Murphy Page 4 February/March 2011 The Lower Island NEWS

“Despots themselves do not deny that freedom is excellent; only they desire it for The Lower Island NEWS themselves alone, and they maintain that everybody else is altogether unworthy of it.” The Lower Island NEWS, in its 28th year of publication, is an independent newsfea- --Alexis de Tocqueville - French historian and politician 1805-59 ture tabloid newpaper, not affiliated with any political party, and published as often as financially possible by the Lower Island News Society, Box 311-2750 Quadra Our view: Street, Victoria BC V8T 4E8.

As we go to press, it is impossible to forecast the outcome of events in Egypt but they Signed articles are the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the promise the most momentous change in Middle East politics for 60 years. The views of the Lower Island NEWS or the Lower Island News Society. Articles submit- outstanding feature of the protests and demands for change in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen ted for publication are subject to editing at the discretion of the Editor. and Jordan, is that they are home-grown grass roots movements driven by courageous people. Editorial Committee Chair: Sharon Hazelwood Editor: Dale Young Although, sadly, there has been loss of life, it is so far small, compared to the outcome of Editorial writer: David Olsen imposed regime change in Iraq and Afghanistan. As one Egyptian protestor said to the Book review and travel writer: Ron MacIsaac BBC, “We don’t care what America wants – it’s what we want.” The US, having propped Distribution: Jocelyn Floyer; Richard Mills up Mubarak for years, supplying him with billions of dollars’ worth of armaments, is now Advertising: in the bizarre position of publicly admitting that they backed the wrong man. Contributors to this issue: Jeremy Arney, Jean Crowder, Adrien Dix, Murray Dobbin, Mike Farnworth, James Fletcher, Doreen Marion Gee, Helmut Godau, Jim Who did successive US Presidents think the armaments supplied to Egypt would, or Hackler, Eden Haythornthwaite, John Hogan, Dana Larsen, Gerry Masuda, Doug should be used against? Egypt’s neighbour Israel is also armed to the teeth with US McArthur, George Mortimore, Kelly Newhook, Dale Perkins, Tim Pheotist, Richard weaponry and, as we noted recently, the US plans to sell $60 billion of armaments to Priestman, Denise Savoie, Nicholas simons, Sue Stroud, Claire TrevanaHeather Saudi Arabia. The billions pumped into the Mubarak regime to support US interests, Tufts, Diane Walsh, Barry Weisleder, Teresa Wolfwood, Eileen Wttewaalle and others. were used to suppress Egyptian freedom and democracy. Printed at the Nanaimo Daily News, Nanaimo, BC

The US and its allies must stop meddling in other peoples’ affairs and supporting dicta- Lower Island News Privacy Statement tors as an instrument of foreign policy and provide real help to people, such as poverty The Lower Island News is owned by the Lower Island News Society, a non-profit society registered under the BCSociety Act. The Lower Island News collects and uses your personal information for the purpose of mailing the paper to you, and may write to you from time to elimination, health, education and agriculture. A healthy, well educated population is the time to solicit donations.The Lower Island News will not share this information with any other group. best defence against extremism in any country. As others see it On January 31, Stephen Harper said that in Egypt, “Canada is seeking a transition to- wards the basic values of freedom, democracy and human rights.” His pontifications will be largely ignored by Egyptians who have been seeking that for the last 50 years with no Why it is necessary to take back help from Canada or anyone else and, like the protesters said, they don’t care what we want, it’s what they want that counts! control over money creation –

Not to be outdone, Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon said, “It’s not Canada’s job to and why you should care! meddle in internal politics.” Really? Then what precisely are we doing in Afghanistan Lack of sufficient funds is the fundamental problem facing all community and what was his colleague, Conservative MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands Gary Lunn efforts to reduce poverty and, in general, raise living standards for all thinking of, when he called for Canada to join the US and UK in the invasion of Iraq a few years ago? By Richard Priestman In 2009 Canadians paid $160 million a day on public debt interest – every day, all year Unfortunately it comes back to unrestrained capitalism and Dwight D. Eisenhower’s long, which amounts to about $5 per day for every man, woman and child, or $20 a day for warning of the “military-industrial complex”. War is very good business for big a family of four. Some people find it hard to believe these numbers. They can’t see where corporations and in its absence, the cultivation of dictators is the next best thing, espe- we are spending $160 million a day, but the figures are correct and easily verified through cially if they control strategic resources such as oil. If the dictator has no money, that’s the Canadian Economic Observer: Historical Statistical Supplement (1). It means that this no problem – the US, British, French or Chinese taxpayer will foot the bill in the guise of money is not available for other uses. It means that our taxes are higher than necessary. “military aid”. Even if the donor state doesn’t have the money (like the US with its trillion Our governments use these huge costs to justify cutbacks and wage freezes. Prime dollar deficit), it can be borrowed, and the donor nation goes (further) into debt. The Minister Harper wants to reduce the federal deficit, but doing that would make the recession winners are still the arms manufacturers and associated financial “fixers” and this has a worse according to Jim Stanford. (2) We need to increase the deficit, NOT with private parallel in Canada. interest-bearing dollars but dollars borrowed from our public bank, the Bank of Canada, at zero cost to the federal government. This money would be injected into the economy through The issue of why the Lockheed F-35 fighter is actually needed, for what role, and how investments in infrastructure, hospitals, schools, universities, recreation facilities, social effective it will be compared to other aircraft, has long since been forgotten -- if it was support programs, the environment, industrial research and more. The wages received ever seriously considered. It is now all about what the F-35 can do for the Aerospace by those working in these areas would be spent in the community; local businesses and Industries Association of Canada. farmers would be strengthened; but most importantly, the influence of large corporations, banks and other wealthy financiers on government policy decisions would be reduced. For totally different reasons, Canada was also front page news here and abroad -- on The knee-jerk reaction to the suggestion that government borrow from its own Bank the issue of cruelty to animals, for which Canada in general and BC in particular, have is that it would cause run-away inflation. Since for over 30 years our government has not a dismal record compared to other developed nations. The brutal slaughter of 100 sled borrowed significantly from its own bank, but primarily from private sources at interest, we dogs, no longer considered useful after Gordon Campbell’s Winter Olympics circus, might assume that there has been little inflation. We know, of course, that is not true. Just shocked people here and worldwide -- BBC World carried the story globally. think for a moment what a house cost 30 years ago and what a similar one costs today. “While borrowing too much money can lead to inflation, once the decision to borrow It highlights the deeper issue -- that many people and politicians don’t care about other has been made it is no more inflationary for the government to borrow from the Bank of sentient creatures and our ambivalent attitude to animal cruelty. Slaughtering 100 dogs Canada than it is for it to borrow from private financial markets.In fact, it is less inflationary is (rightly) greeted with horror and revulsion, yet bludgeoning thousands of seal pups to by exactly the amount of the interest that the government saves by using its own bank.” (3) death each year is presented by government as a part of traditional “Canadian culture” Could government borrowing from the Bank of Canada to finance public debt be done? and the legitimate “harvesting of the resource” – albeit one that feels pain and suffering. Yes, but only by electing people to parliament who support the concept of financing public

debt with public money for investment in public infrastructure and public services. Similarly, it is wrong to shoot dogs or domestic cats but it is acceptable for trophy hunt- Unfortunately, none of the parties in parliament will discuss these ideas publicly. None ers on Vancouver Island to chase cougars up trees with packs of dogs and shoot them has shown a willingness to provide leadership on this issue. out of the trees. It is time for us and politicians to be consistent and stop putting things So, how do we elect these people? out of mind because they are not convenient. We ask every candidate if he or she will make a public commitment to support and promote use of the Bank of Canada to finance public debt for investment in public infra- Although Gordon Campbell immediately set up a task force to look at cruelty to dogs, structure and services, making it very clear to the candidates that we will only vote for those underprivileged children continue to get short shrift. Despite another damning report who do make this commitment. from Children’s Representative, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, Children’s Minister Mary Polak If none of the party representatives agree to make such a commitment then we find responded with the bizarre statement that “BC doesn’t need a plan to reduce poverty” !! someone to run as an independent candidate, and rally the community to support that person. Some will argue that an independent candidate has no power. But what good is Meanwhile, given the Liberal Party contenders for the premier’s job, we cannot expect it to have party representatives in Parliament who do not use their position to change the things to improve any time soon. George Abbott prattles on about helping seniors, yet fundamental flaw in our financial system? failed miserably to do anything while he was Health Minister. Christy Clark’s only real policy is “to stop the NDP getting power”. In other words, to ensure the minimum wage is not REFERENCES increased, continue privatizing health care and do nothing about unaffordable education (1) Canadian Economic Observer: Historical Statistical Supplement 2009/2010 National Accounts and child poverty. Table 1.3-1 Government revenue and expenditure - Total government Table 1.3-1 shows that interest on the public debt in 2009 amounted to $58,669 millions or $160.7 Finally we have the astonishing news that despite the $349 million price tag for the new millions per day. Jubilee Hospital Patient Care Centre (now incessantly referred to by VIHA as a “facility”) (2) Jim Stanford: “Economic ‘recovery’ fuelled by household debt is shaky”, CCPA Monitor, July/ the government and VIHA appear to have forgotten (deliberately?) that they need things August 2010, p.20/21: “...the efforts by Canadian governments to slash their deficits in coming years like beds for the patients! The announcement of the imminent opening was accompanied would make a bad situation far worse, if in fact private debt slows, stops or (God help us) reverses.” by a campaign to raise $25 million in donations to equip the building so that it can actually (3) Don Findlay: “There Is a Way to Reduce Taxes Without Increasing the Deficit, Causing Inflation, be used for patient care!! The failure of VIHA and the Health Ministry to budget for this, or Destroying Canada’s Social Programs!” 1997. is unforgivable and a dereliction of duty. --DJO Richard Priestman is a member of the Kingston Chapter, Committee on Monetary and Economic Reform (COMER), which can be reached at 604 Aylmer Crescent, Kingston, K7M 6H1, phone 613- 634-0237. We welcome your letters to the editor, as well as articles and reviews, photos, and anything else you think would be of interest to our progressive readers. Ron reviews: Please mail them to the Editor, at Box 311-2750 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC, EVERYTHING WAS GOOD-BYE, by G. Basran, MOTHER TONGUE PUBLISHERS V8T 4E8, email them to [email protected], or phone 250-384-7621. I can’t get over how good the current crop of Indo-Canadian writers are. This novel is an engrossing diary of a young Indo-Canadian girl recounting her steps to The DEADLINE to submit material for the next issue is acceptance by her Indian families and her Anglo school friends. It’s a love and marriage Friday, March 25. story with some unique twists. --Ron MacIsaac The Lower Island OUR READERS WRITE February/March 2011 Page 5 Shameful behaviour by BC Open letter about coalitions politician cannot be allowed to all Canadian MPs Kevin Krueger cannot be allowed to Krueger has mouthed off one too many I find it extraordinarily annoying to hear position. If you doubt what I am saying, talk remain in politics in Canada after suggest- times. Add to this the fact that he did it the the constant use of the word “coalition” be- to Mr David Orchard who is still trying to get ing that Adrian Dix keep his head down lest week after the appalling assassination at- ing used so derogatorily by the Conservative restitution for the deliberate breaking of the someone take a potshot at him. tack in Tuscon, Arizona, and you’ve got to members of the House of Commons. agreement made when he stood down from We do not allow this kind of shameful believe he knew exactly what he was doing The House of Commons is made up at the leadership of the Conservative party, behaviour in Canadian politics and we need and intended harm to Dix. this time by four parties. There are two sides, for the good of that party -- he thought. The to stand up and say so: there have to be Anyone who could cast a vote for the government and the opposition and, by agreement was that the name would not consequences. Apologies are nice, but the Krueger after this should be as ashamed the very nature of that, the opposition is an be given or sold to Harper or the Reform / damage has already been done. Something as Krueger himself should be. amalgamation of three parties. IF they were Alliance “coalition”. stronger is now required. Sue Stroud, Brentwood Bay a coalition the government would have been As you on the government side cannot defeated -- long ago. Even though we are respect the fact that you are supposed to stuck with this dysfunctional party system represent the Canadian people, which you Getting a discussion going on of government, we do not have to be stuck do not, please, at least maintain an element with dysfunctional speech in Parliament. of truth in your derogatory remarks. The Op- On the other hand the present govern- position is the opposition, not at this time a restoring democracy ment is a coalition of the Reform and Alli- coalition. You are the coalition. There is something fundamentally wrong parties have been compromised and thus ance parties masquerading under the name Consider your hands slapped by an old in our democratic society when something controlled by the Elites Behind the Throne. I of Conservatives, thanks to the treachery of man, and smarten up, eh? as important as the Basi-Virk scandal can be am interested in putting some controls over Peter Mackay who sold the ”Conservative” Jeremy Arney swept under the rug and “forgotten”. governments to counter this. name to Harper in exchange for a cabinet Victoria There is a need for some process which, I am interested in restoring democracy. I if serious enough, ensures that a public sense that there is a lot of support within the inquiry is held. public to do this but no one seems to have NDP is leaning too much to The evidence of government corruption any method of doing so. is so evident (due to the work of BC Mary, I keep reminding myself about how the Liberal side, says writer Robin Mathews and others) that not taking citizens took over the governments of Ven- I am p--d off with the NDP. Coming from Your Lower Island News is a brave at- action to expose and correct this situation is ezuela, Bolivia, and Ecuador. In BC, workers a Social Democratic background, I find the tempt to steer the right course; however, I totally unacceptable. The importance of the make up an overwhelmingly percentage of party is leaning too much towards the Lib- am now reading Truth Out, The Tyee and Basi-Virk case is the degree of corruption voters. We the People can also take over the eral side, and the Liberals right bang on the other left leaning bits of information [on the involved which, if exposed, would lead on government of BC. We cannot rely on the Fascist version of politics. Internet]. It keeps me up to date, though to other instances -- the evidence available opposition parties to look after our interests. We are having a problem in this country when I view callous population streaming to in the Basi-Virk case to force out the facts We must do so directly. because the voters are no longer interested Walmart, screaming like animals and ignor- of government corruption. Gerry Masuda, Duncan in what is on the plate. When my father came ing their civil duty, I want to cry. In our democratic society in BC, in the out of the concentration camp in Germany, Five years, five lost years and many absence of a formal process, we have to Readers interested in joining in the discussion he made my brother and myself swear never wounds made up my mind to come to this have the official opposition ensure that an can reach Gerry Masuda at gerry.masuda@ to stop voting and to work hard to convince peaceful country. I am now wondering...how gmail.com inquiry be appointed. Each NDP leadership fellow citizens to do the same, this should peaceful is it really? hopeful should publically announce that keep the Fascists off the door steps. Helmut Godau, Nanaimo they will ensure that a public inquiry is held should they become leader. In the meantime, does anyone have any The evils of unchecked power ideas on how new procedure (or old estab- In December I wrote about my dismal ing of derogatory comments towards me in sional staff who have been like angels in lished procedures) could be developed to experience at the Times Colonist and the the Times Colonist by another letter writer. my life, keeping me going in a hellish job ensure that situations such as the Basi-Virk indignity of dealing with their not-so-pro- No intelligent rational person could con- search. Their incredible support has helped scandal cannot be covered up? fessional staff. The problems persist. I have clude that this was anything but a deliberate me stay in the game -- and finally things are I am interested in getting a discussion now been black-listed from our venerable manoeuvre by TC brass to silence me and turning around for me. going of how We the People can counter and daily. After 20 years of my Letters to the to make me go away. Dave Obee refused to publish my let- effectively reverse government legislation, Editor always being published in the Times This is what happens when the mon- ter. When I tried to contact him, he ignored and other actions such as the government’s Colonist, my five monthly submissions have strous corporate power of this media source me. Even when I contacted the publisher influence over the judiciary branch in the not graced their pages since last June. This goes unchecked by anyone and there is and Postmedia, nobody would give me any Basi-Virk case. happened right after I legitimately com- never any accountability. My phone calls reasons as to why my letter never got in It appears that all our leaders of political plained to the publisher and the BC Press and emails are still dismissed and my letters their paper. The result is that a wonderful Council Board president about the publish- ignored. Now the management of the Times local company that actually helps people Colonist has punished me for speaking out never got the recognition that it deserves. by banning me from their corporate rag. The only way that things will change There are no adequate words to describe is if the Times Colonist gets enough public Friends of the Lower Island News the utter inhumanity and callousness of complaints that they can no longer afford their actions. to dismiss people. I strongly encourage Thank you! Thank you! Thank You!... The problem with this scenario is anyone with a legitimate beef with the that other innocent people get burned Times Colonist to contact Mr. Paul V. ...To the Friends of the Lower Island News who responded to our plea for a special as well. Les Leyne wrote a column recently Godfrey, president and CEO of Postmedia donation at the end of 2010. that unfairly skewered an exceptional com- at his address: Postmedia Network Inc., pany called WCG International, who run 1450 Don Mills Road, Don Mills, Ontario, As you’ll see below, over 19 people responded with donations, large and small, and Triumph Vocational Services here in Victoria Canada, M3B 3R5. Also you can email the all equally appreciated, and they saved the day for us. But we hope that more of our for people with disabilities. I wrote a Letter to Postmedia editor-in-chief, Scott Anderson 3,000+ readers around Victoria and Vancouver Island will also respond and donate the Editor to the Times Colonist defending at [email protected]. to help keep the paper comng and to expand our servce by going online as well. the fantastic staff and services at Triumph. Good luck ! Every dollar you send will be appreciated and will be well spent in the coming year. In my letter I praised the high quality profes- Doreen Marion Gee,Victoria

Just so you know, everyone who writes or works for the LIN is a volunteer, and re- ceives no pay. Our two major expenses are for printing and mailing the paper to you. His immune system just fine Donors during the past two months include: John Heaney $100 after years of sun tan beds Anonymous (Victoria) $ 35 According to the entire alarmist, dog- you, as Vitamin D and sun tan beds are my Anonymous (Central Saanich) $ 25 matic and misleading statements I heard winter friends. Bill Doherty $100 Wednesday, January 12, in Victoria at the I noticed that Stanwick announced after Malcolm Crockett $ 50 CRD tanning bed ban hearing, from both the meeting that he could now move on to Anonymous (Duncan) $100 Dr. Stanwick and his supporters including other things, to the consternation of real Kenneth Lapham $ 50 the Cancer Society and young people from practicing doctors perhaps. GVWWC $ 50 Oak Bay High school, I am a freak who He has successfully removed an excel- David Olsen $ 20 should be dead. lent doctor controlled option to treat such Eden Haythornthwaite $150 When I was a young boy I had red hair, skin conditions as psoriasis, eczema or Irita G. Schaufele $ 15 blue eyes, freckles, a mole or two on fair skin maybe even rosacea in people under 18, Norman Levi $ 50 and a birthmark. I tended to burn in the early so maybe he has found another treatment Anonymous (Victoria) $100 summer sun. I never have shied away from he wants to ban. Elizabeth Woods $ 15 the sun and for the last 30 years or so I have Maybe he should consider the Gardasil Nina Sakamoto $ 50 been a regular user of the tanning beds to or H1N1 vaccinations or shots for tiny new Mark Stanley $100 help with SADS and to give myself an ample born babies which do cause side effects Anonymous (Victoria) $ 50 supply of Vitamin D, a very powerful immune and death without any provable benefits… Red Hens (one meeting) $ 30 system builder. ooops, no of course not, they make his

Result: sponsors money. Donations may be sent to the Lower Island News Society at Box 311-2750 Quadra Far from being dead from melanoma As a result of this ban of his we can Street, Victoria, BC, V8T 4E8, and will be acknowledged in the paper. Please indi- or looking like a prune or crocodile -- an expect home sun beds to become very cate if you prefer to be “anonymous”. Unfortuately we can’t give tax receipts. unavoidable result, I learned on Wednes- popular with unregulated and uncontrolled day – I do not get coughs, colds, flu or such use a real result. And thank you again. viruses, and I am told often that I do not So to those all over Canada with similar --Dale Young, Editor, for the Editorial Board look 70 years ancient and my eyes are still political doctors on health boards – beware. blue. My immune system is just fine, thank Jeremy Arney, Victoria Page 6 February/March 2011 WHAT’S HAPPENING? The Lower Island NEWS “BC Water Muddle” result of lack of effective, enforceable regulations -- Brandes Brandes emphasized that we need to By Eileen Wttewaalle 3) Governance: the process of societal rules enforceable. First Nation communi- Oliver Brandes, associate director of decision-making is the “who, what and how”, ties must be involved in the governance, recognize that politics matters; see water the University of Victoria’s Polis Project relating to accountability. Current power is with time and resources shared through for human use as only a fraction of the on Ecological Governance, was guest focused in management and doing the per- collaboration. Decisions need to be made ecological needs; encourage the current speaker at the annual general meeting ceived economic thing. Governance focuses on the basis of recognizing that the water slow movement of going beyond water as of the Salt Spring Island Water Preser- on doing the right thing. cycle is one integrated global system with a resource and commodity; recognize that vation Society in Ganges January 21. 4) Governance matters in order to pro- what might be pictured as three concentric the West’s historical approach of the human Brandes, who has a degree in eco- mote societal resilience to adapt to change, circles, with human needs as a small centre as “over” nature and instead, we/the West nomics from Queens University and a including more innovation, accountability, circle, surrounded by a large “sustainable must accept the biophysical limits of water. law degree from the University of Victo- and increase of public participation. Poor buffer” circle, with the largest outer circle Brandes ended his presentation by ria, spoke on the topic of “Water law and governance prevents effective manage- indicating the needs of the total ecosystem. pointing out that in a healthy society, econ- governance reform: Think like a water- ment of: watersheds, catchments, basins, This entails whole system thinking; water omy always follows ecology and education shed”, using a power point presentation. etc. It also tends to ignore the complexity is not free, but a public trust, now and into precedes them both. We need to engage all He started by explaining that “polis” and “whole system thinking” which are the the future. There needs to be a new wa- in governance and ecology for we are just is the Greek word meaning a collective foundations of functioning ecosystems, with ter Infrastructure based on conservation, beginning to understand both. Beyond the gathering together for better decision- enforceable regulations out of collaborative stewardship and reuse, with accountability 3 R’s, schools needs to teach and experi- making, and that the Polis Project on engagement focused on watersheds. through independent oversight. ence ecology.” Ecological Governance works on policy 5) This requires a new conception of through UVic (and other universities), infrastructure – beyond pipes and dams to 200,000 helped out of homelessness developing directions for practice as it increase supply, to the increase of knowl- intersects with sustainability -- a two-way edge and expertise through conservation dialogue between policy theory and practice. programs which engage people, eg. rainwa- by global street paper network Governance is different from govern- ter harvesting, low flush toilets, etc. The organization behind a network of But providing an income is only the first ment, he pointed out. The core governance Many of these five trends are happening over 100 street papers and magazines has tool street papers use to tackle homeless- belief is that there are biophysical limits and in various places, globally. But where are we revealed new figures which show more than ness and exclusion. As Maclean explains: the economy is a subset of the ecosystem. in BC? Do we have a model? 200,000 people have been helped out of “Being a vendor means they can also ac- The ecosystem has no waste, as nature Brandes calls it the “BC Water Muddle” homelessness by selling the titles. cess a range of other services provided and recycles. We must take its complexity seri- because BC lacks effective, enforceable The figures show: arranged by INSP street papers, such as • ously by cultivating its feedback processes regulations. Decisions are highly discretion- Over 200,000 vendors earned a sales training, drug and alcohol counselling with decentralized power and institutions, ary and uncoordinated and not related to living through street paper sales and housing support.” developing societal resilience and compre- their ecological function. He calls those who since 1994 Several street paper projects also run • hension as we help reconnect humans with make the decisions “the lords of yesterday”, 71 percent of papers helped savings programs and art and literacy class- nature and our place within it. from about 100 years ago when the Water vendors get out of homelessness es or organize rehabilitative sports activities. • Brandes said that there is a fresh water Act was written. 84 percent say selling the papers Maclean says that INSP’s role is to crisis through the growing, concentrated So how can we get past the muddle? improved vendors’ wellbeing “unite and support” street papers in some of • demands of urbanization, energy needs What are the province’s constitutional A quarter of papers are involved in the world’s biggest cities like London, Cape and agriculture. There is persistent pollu- responsibilities? What are the limits of its creating policy change on housing Town, Chicago and Tokyo. tion and over-allocation resulting in crucial power? What are the public’s property and and homelessness in their home In addition, the organization just shortages such as “fish in the mud”. Dis- civil rights and what are the actual practic- city or region launched its Street News Service (SNS) to • rupting natural flows has often resulted in es? The BC government’s recent initiative, 114 street papers and magazines the public. A multilingual online news agen- unforeseen consequences, especially with called Living Water Smart (booklet, website, now spread across 40 countries cy, the SNS (www.streetnewsservice.org) the changing climate. etc.) has a lot of potential, but its words can The findings were released by the brings together content from titles around Brandes listed five fulcrums for change: only be effectively activated when there are Glasgow-based International Network of the world. Some 75 volunteer translators 1) The assumption that water is “free” in enough resources given to carry through, Street Papers (INSP) to coincide with the help translate articles in any of the network’s the environment, it is a “commodity” by eco- Brandes commented. UN’s annual International Day for the Eradi- 24 languages. nomic systems, and is also seen as more He pointed out that water law is a cation of Poverty (17 October), when people SNS editor Danielle Batist says that important than the social value of water’s process (see www.polisproject.org ). The around the globe were asked to remind by republishing articles from one another necessity for a healthy quality of life; as well UVic Polis study has made reform recom- themselves of the need to promote aware- free of charge, street papers -- “a unique as being crucial to our spiritual life. mendations, and the government has been ness of poverty and destitution, particularly voice on the street in so many cities” -- will 2) The “climate chaos danger” is now involved in some discussions. But BC needs in developing countries. strengthen each other’s content. The service becoming more focused. We are beginning to develop “hydro-citizenship”. “The street papers have been such a also produces in-house content. to realize that water is about adaptation and Brandes suggested that a modern vital route to a more positive existence for It’s hoped the site’s content will appeal mitigation and that we must move beyond Water Act needs to protect water as a pri- so many of those 200,000 sellers, and we to a diverse readership, including main- “decarbonizing”. ority, make watershed protection and other will continue to build on that progress,” says stream media, NGOs and government. To Lisa Maclean, INSN executive director. help it achieve that, SNS is backed by two INSP’s research shows that up to last global news heavyweights in the shape of year, 71 percent of street papers helped Reuters and the Rome-based development their vendors get off the streets. news service, Inter Press Service (IPS). Dave Connell Tutoring Some 84 percent of those polled said Channel 4’s anchor man Jon Snow serves Former Resource Teacher can teach most subjects selling the papers improved their wellbeing; as a Patron of the SNS. Managing editor of from grade 1-12, carpentry theory and and almost 90 percent said they increased the Herald & Times Group Tom Thomson is college/university essay writing. their confidence. And a quarter of the its Honorary Editor. papers are now being credited with be- “Through our huge network of street Tutoring in my home or yours in the Victoria area. ing involved in creating policy change on papers, we can provide an international Phone 250-381-5997 or email [email protected] housing and homelessness in their home audience with an on-the-ground perspec- city or region. tive on a variety of global and local issues. Maclean says the findings underline We give a voice to the voiceless through what an impact the street paper network has actual vendor stories and first-hand ac- had on homeless communities involved, de- counts of people affected by poverty and Safety and Human Factors Consultant scribing hitting the 200,000 mark as “a huge social injustice. milestone” for the organization launched in “At the same time we recognize the Call David Olsen 1994 with just a handful of papers sold by need for ‘lighter’ stories, like inspirational 250-655-6218 a few hundred vendors. interviews with celebrities,” says Batist. “But There are now 114 street papers spread at all times, we aim to trigger something in- or email him at across 40 countries, and expansion plans side our readers, making them question the [email protected] will continue, she says, especially in Africa, world around them and change their mindset where there has been a particular growth in towards poverty and homelessness.” vendors and titles. Steven Robert is a vendor in Cape “The street papers have been such a Town, South Africa, and he says that like vital route to a more positive existence for so many people who now sell one of the so many of those 200,000 sellers, and we many street titles, he moved to the city as will continue to build on that progress,” says a teenager with big dreams. Maclean. “But without money or a job, I roamed Bill Hartley The concept behind the INSP street the streets, struggling to meet my basic paper movement is a simple one. Vendors needs. It was through the street paper that buy a paper at cost price and sell it for the I brought back purpose in my life. Insurance cover price, keeping the proceeds. “My dream is to have place of my own. “The street paper concept is a hand-up, I’d like to set up a small home-based busi- Services Ltd. not a hand-out,” says Maclean. “Vendors ness as I am now a good salesman. I tell work hard for their money. Every day, they other vendors to keep pushing forward hit the streets with the latest edition of their with the skills that they have and to never • All types of insurance • paper or magazine. give up.” Auto, Home, Business, Boat, Life, Mortgage Cancellation “Vendors sell from their designated pitch For more information, contact International Net- work of Street Papers (INSP), Floor 3, Centrum & Financial Planning in busy shopping streets, outside malls or in front of office buildings, hospitals, universi- Building, 38 Queen Street, Glasgow, G1 3DX, SCOTLAND, Tel: +44 (0)141 225 8036, Skype: ties, sports grounds or train stations. They’re maree.aldam, Web: www.street-papers.org, Twit- Office: 250-388-5014 FAX: 250-388-4277 there, come rain or shine, working to earn ter: twitter.com/streetpapers, Facebook: www. 2420 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4L7 (at Douglas and Bay) their own living in an increasingly challeng- facebook.com/inspstreetpapers ing media climate.” The Lower Island NEWS OP/EDs February/March 2011 Page 7 Why tax cuts make us weak By Murray Dobbin process of diminishing the country -- a on these things is hardly a left-wing fantasy. Truly “competitive” nations I don’t think I have ever re-cycled a conscious plan implemented by three prime It is business which depends on these things Will yet more tax cuts make us more column before but the whole question of ministers from both the Liberal and Conser- at least as much as ordinary citizens and “competitive” as Finance Minister Flaherty tax cuts and all the issues it involves never vative parties. Between 1984 and 2006 the communities. said in his economic update? If the figures really changes. In November, 2007, I wrote federal government, which is supposed to We hear ad nauseam about Canada of the World Economic Forum -- the most a column for the Tyee and rabble focusing be looking after the interests of the country, having to be globally “competitive”, but elitist international forum on the planet -- are on Conservative Finance Minister Jim Fla- has voluntarily given up over $250 billion how on earth can we be competitive if our to be believed, more tax cuts will actually herty’s five year tax cut plan. This up-coming in revenue -- an amount that would have bridges are actually falling down, as they have the reverse effect. In 1999, the year cut to corporate taxes (by 1.5%, binging the made a huge difference in the quality of are in Quebec? Does the corporate elite in before Paul Martin introduced his huge tax level to 15%, the lowest in the G7)) is the life of Canada. We can now add $60 billion this country really believe that the only thing cuts, Canada was 5th in the competitive- final outrageous installment. Here’s what I more. Provincial governments are equally governments need to do to remain competi- ness sweepstakes. After seven years of said then. Nothing has changed – except culpable. tive with other jurisdictions is to cut taxes? tax cuts we are in 16th place. Who beats now we have a huge deficit to deal with, It’s not hard to list the things we could We have been cutting taxes on corporations us? Amongst others, the Nordic countries, and the corporate tax cuts are even more now be enjoying as a country had those for 15 years to the point where we now tax which collect half their GDP in taxes each irresponsible. cuts not been made, especially taking into them considerably less than they do in the year. Nine of the 15 countries ahead of us account the annual revenue we would have: US. But still we aren’t “competitive”. have higher taxes. Why Tax Cuts Make Us Weak a national child care program, a national The role of corporate tax cuts in spurring This draconian slashing has nothing to Taxes are the price of a civilized society. pharmacare program, a home care program, investment has always been exaggerated do with competitiveness. It is ideology run Support them. social housing, radical cuts in tuition fees, by big business. Surveys of CEOs over amok. It is no secret that Stephen Harper So here we go again, another round and the elimination of this country’s stag- many years have shown that the income has a visceral contempt for what Canada of huge tax cuts as the country continues gering infrastructure deficit, estimated to be tax rate usually plays a secondary role in became after the Second World War. But down the road to a neo-con dystopia. Over between $60 billion and $120 billion. investment decisions. The more important he can’t get rid of government directly so his the next five years the revenue that pays for issues include the cost of borrowing, avail- plan is to gradually starve it to death. The the things Canadians say they want will drop Why business needs taxes ability of trained workers, energy costs, the relentless attack on the tax base creates by $60 billion. There are cuts to the GST, Of course, the conservative voter would reliability of transportation infrastructure, the useful crisis corporate governments to personal income taxes and corporate say, this is a mostly a left-wing wish list. But access to markets, and land costs. The need to justify cutting social programs, taxes — with the latter dropping by 2012 look more closely at what could be done issue of income tax is only important if you environmental protection and other social to 15 percent (from 21 percent today), an with these surpluses and with a return to actually make an income. roles of government. Keep cutting taxes outrageous corporate giveaway, giving us tax levels of the fairly recent past. Take the And what about child care, another and revenue and eventually you get deficits. third world status in the “attract investment” infrastructure deficit: the crumbling of our purely left wing demand? Hardly, if you take The continuing savaging of govern- race to the bottom. municipal services like sewer and water, our seriously all the corporate hand-wringing ment revenue is the throwing down of the It is the continuation of a 20-years roads and bridges, and our ports. Spending about the worsening labour shortage. What gauntlet by the right to all those who support do the tax-cutters think will solve the labour activist, social democratic government. The shortage? Tens of thousands of Canadians problem is that no one in the constellation have long since given up even looking for of Canadian progressive groups, including Poorly designed third party advertising work because child care is so expensive it national unions, seems willing to take up that would absorb most of their take home pay. gauntlet. While these groups are making rules chilled election debate, reduced A major Health Canada study revealed that admirable efforts to keep Medicare public, deteriorating conditions in work/life balance to lower tuition fees, to establish universal voter access to information: Study was the key factor in Canada’s plummeting child care, to create social housing and VANCOUVER -- A recent study finds ing the 2009 provincial election revealed birth rate. No wonder there’s a labour short- increase foreign aid, none of them have yet that BC’s third party advertising rules that more than half (59%) spent less age -- we aren’t making workers any more. taken on the critical, national task of fighting caused extensive problems for “small than $500 during the campaign period. What about a pharmacare program? The tax cuts. Yet all of these things depend on spenders” such as non-profits and charities More than three quarters spent well lack of such a universal program costs large government revenue. Without that revenue during the 2009 provincial election. The below even the $3,000 limit for a single companies hundreds of millions each year any political victories on these issues will rules – brought in through the controversial constituency. -- in terms of the cost of the health plans be pyrrhic ones. Bill 42 in 2008 – led to widespread confu- “The chill effect these rules created they provide their employees. Tuition fees? It is long past time that civil society orga- sion, wasted resources, anxiety and self- went well beyond activities that we would How is it good for competitiveness if fewer nizations, especially national unions, take up censorship among organizations that spent normally think of as advertising, and cast a and fewer young people can actually go to the challenge presented by massive reduc- little or nothing at all on election advertising. shadow on quintessential forms of demo- university -- and those that do are saddled tions in government revenue. Let’s mobilize The study was released October 6, cratic participation and free speech,” says with $30-80,000 in debt? Social housing? Canadians around the conviction that taxes 2010, by the Canadian Centre for Policy study co-author, Heather Whiteside. Ask the Vancouver Olympic Organizing are the price we pay for a civilized society. Alternatives, BC’s Freedom of Information “The citizens of British Columbia were Committee if they think having thousands and Privacy Association and the BC Civil deprived of the full range of voices that of people living on the streets makes us This article appeared in Murray Dobbin’s Blog Liberties Association . “When the provincial would normally be heard during an election internationally competitive -- they are panic January 27, 2011, which can be found at http:// murraydobbin.ca/, and previously in the Tyee government introduced these new rules, its as a result of these rules,” says Micheal stricken about Vancouver’s image. and rabble. rationale was to limit election advertising by Vonn, Policy Director with the BC Civil Liber- ‘big spenders’,” says Shannon Daub, lead ties Association. “Speech rights are one of author of the study. “But major flaws in the our most precious freedoms, and are never legislation mean that in practice, the rules more vital than during elections.” extensively regulated small spenders and “The Supreme Court of Canada has said cast a chill on the democratic process.” that carefully designed limits on third party The study examined the experiences of advertising are acceptable, given the objec- 60 charities, non-profits, coalitions, labour tive of electoral fairness – of making sure unions and citizens’ groups – most of which that those who can afford to spend big bucks have annual budgets under $500,000. on advertising don’t drown out others,” says Carole James Among the key findings: Vincent Gogolek, Director of Policy and MLA • Because most non-profits are Communications with the BC Freedom of careful to remain non-partisan, the Information and Privacy Association. “These prospect of being publicly labelled rules infringe the speech rights of small as a “third party advertising sponsor” groups and individuals, who are the least Honoured to serve created anxiety for many of the study able to challenge these infringements in the participants, with some simply choosing courts. We need the legislature to change to opt-out of public engagement during the law, and soon.” the community of the election entirely. “Many of the non-profits and charities • More than one in four participant that took part in this research represent the Victoria-Beacon Hill groups self-censored as a result of interests of society’s most vulnerable citi- the rules. Six groups censored public zens,” says Whiteside. “For these groups to communication activities specifically to be self-censoring during an election, when [email protected] avoid having to register as advertising their perspectives and voices are most 250-952-4211 sponsors. Others self-censored due to needed, is disturbing.” confusion and/or concerns about the The study came the week before the BC risks of inadvertently breaking the rules. Court of Appeal was to hear the province’s • Most of the activities groups cen- appeal of March 2009 BC Supreme Court sored had little to do with commercial ad- decision that upheld limits on third party vertising. For example, nine groups did spending, but rejected the government’s not post new material on their websites; extension of limits to an additional 60-day Keep in touch with four removed existing material from their “pre-campaign period.” websites; and four refrained from issu- The study’s authors recommend a series ing or endorsing a call for changes to of changes to the rules that would make Beacon Hill New Democrats government policy. them more effective, including: • Particularly troubling is the revela- • Establish minimum spending tion that five groups avoided comment- thresholds of $1,000 in a single constitu- Join us for our February pub night! ing in mainstream media stories due to ency and $5,000 province-wide before confusion about the rules or a desire to the requirement to register as an adver- keep a low profile during the campaign tising sponsor kicks in. Currently, groups Drop in between 5:30 and 8:30 pm, Tuesday, February 22, and avoid coming to the attention of and individuals are required to register at Brown’s Social House, 809 Douglas Street Elections BC. even if they engage only in free or very We will not have a pub night in March • An analysis of the disclosure low-cost activities. reports filed by the 232 organizations • Revise the definition of election To contact VBH, write to PO Box 8523, Victoria, BC V8W 3S1 or phone 250-386-8497 registered as third party sponsors dur- Please turn to Poorly designed, page 20 Page 8 February/March 2011 FEDERAL NEWS AND VIEWS The Lower Island NEWS It’s time to bring our Canadian troops home now By Jean Crowder very insurgents who attack Canadian troops. Conservatives are extending Canada’s They also detail a level of “patronage military mission in Afghanistan until 2014 and control” that reaches the highest levels -- without one minute of public consultation of government -- including the president’s or debate. own half-brother, who is allegedly involved New Democrats have been clear: our in racketeering, drug trafficking and assas- troops have done their part and it’s time to sinations. bring them home now. After all, a majority of It’s no wonder Canada’s ambassador Canadians say they want the troops brought to Afghanistan has said that the Afghan home -- as promised. government makes his “blood boil”. Our soldiers have served with honour in This is the back- Afghanistan. To date, more than 150 have drop of our newly ex- died there, and hundreds more are coming tended Afghan mis- back wounded and traumatized. sion, which the Con- After nine years, it’s time for a new direc- servatives and Liber- tion. It’s time for that civilian deployment to als secretly agreed to support Afghan institution-building. behind closed doors. Next year was supposed to mark the What’s needed start of a major civilian deployment to sup- now is civilian insti- port Afghan institution-building. We have tution-building and MP Jean Crowder speaks with Wally Misura, general manager of Holdfast Metal- an opportunity here to play a leadership support for democ- works Ltd., in Nanaimo, January 25. Misura determined there was a need for spe- role in building a safer and more stable racy—what Afghani- Jean Crowder cialized metalwork in Nanaimo and has hired a lot of younger employees for his Afghanistan. Canadians excel at this kind stan clearly lacks 18-month-old operation. of work, and it’s what we should be doing -- not more military boots on the ground. going forward—but that’s in jeopardy now. And for the returning veterans, we need tiple deployments will have on our modern Our armed forces have been planning Newly released reports show the depths to live up to the promises made. vets who may have spent, cumulatively, the withdrawal from Afghanistan for the of corruption in Afghanistan and are further Modern vets’ needs are different than many years away from Canada. Or what last two years. And many of those soldiers proof that it’s time to bring our troops home. the traditional vets. Most retire after 20 years health complications exposure to the chemi- looked forward to a break from deployments. Documents released by Wikileaks detail of service with no injuries but need help cals and materials used in modern warfare The Conservative government has an elaborate cash transfer system used for finding a job in the mainstream work world. may cause. made the wrong decision and Canadians bribery, drug trafficking and support for the Others have suffered incredible injuries Here in Cowichan, I’ve heard many sto- and our soldiers deserve better. while on active duty and want rehabilitation ries from Afghan vets of troubles accessing to remain an active and valued member of long-term care, lack of job re-training to stay Jean Crowder is Member of Parliament for the service. in the military and problems with compensa- Nanaimo-Cowichan. Saanich Gulf-Islands NDP It is unknown what kind of impact mul- tion for major injuries. AGM with Libby Davies Potential virus may be killing Fraser sockeye Join us for a New Democrat Sointula, BC -- A study published the number of Fraser sockeye dying just published a leaked memo to the Minister in the prestigious journal, SCIENCE, by before spawning began increasing, called of Fisheries that suggested disease as Afternoon lead author Dr. Kristina Miller of Fisheries “prespawn mortality”. In 2006, Dr. Miller featuring a leading possibility for the 2009 Fraser and Oceans Canada reports on genetic found the genomic signature of these dying sockeye decline, but DFO did not make MP Libby Davies evidence that a virus may be killing up sockeye had a distinctive “unhealthy” profile this information public. Morton’s attempt & SGI Candidate to 95% of some Fraser sockeye stocks that may be a form of leukemia. Salmon to cross-examine on that document at the for MP, Edith Loring-Kuhanga just before spawning. Leukemia is a retrovirus. Retroviruses are Cohen Commission was refused at the time. “Our hypothesis is that the genomic known to exhibit a high mutation rate. “We hope that Commissioner Cohen will Sunday March 13th, 2011 signal associated with elevated mortal- “Did this virus start in the wild, become now look into what else DFO knows about 12:30 pm SGI registration ity is in response to a virus infecting fish amplified in the farm Chinook and mutate this situation and the possibility that DFO before river entry and that persists to the to infect the millions of nearby introduced 1:00 pm SGI AGM starts has been protecting the salmon farming spawning areas.” Atlantic salmon altering it to become industry, at the expense of the $1 billion 2:00 pm Edith Dr. Alexandra Morton of Raincoast unidentifiable?” asks Morton. “DFO has 2:15 pm Libby Fraser sockeye fishery,” says Morton. Research says, “It is evident from this significantly delayed this critical research “I will also raise questions at the Cohen 3:00 pm Refreshments paper that DFO has known about this by keeping this secret.” Commission whether DFO has fully sup- potential virus since 2006, but after four There is one stock of Fraser sockeye ported Dr. Miller in her pursuit of this critical Arbutus Queenswood Room in the years they are still not certain what it is. that has not been on the rollercoaster of work and whether Miller has been given Cadboro Commons at UVic. The evolution of new viral strains is often decline and boom. The Harrison sockeye, full access to the farm salmon populations associated with abnormal concentrations which have been steadily increasing over for testing?” Last month Morton’s lawyers [email protected] of animals or birds, like avian flu. We the past 18 years, are not found migrating to asked for the Cohen Commission to hold a need to know if this is indeed a virus, if sea through the salmon feedlots of eastern special portion of the hearing to look into Saanich Gulf-Islands it is related to the farm salmon disease, Vancouver Island. Researchers believe they whether this potential virus is impacting wild salmon leukemia and if there is some- go to sea via southern Vancouver Island. sockeye and whether this is a mutated form thing we can do about it.” In a Vancouver Sun article one of the of salmon leukemia. DFO studies in the 1990s document- co-authors, Dr. Scott Hinch of the University Morton has started a petition to urge ed salmon leukemia in Chinook salmon of BC, notes there have been insufficient Minister Shea to allow Dr. Miller to test the farms and found it could infect Atlantic funds to tackle this issue. salmon feedlots for this disease: and sockeye salmon. At the same time In November, the Globe and Mail CAFE SIMPATICO: A space for activism For 25 years, volunteers of the Cen- wide. Speakers will be Peter Golden, human Admission is by donation and refresh- tral America Support Committee (CASC) rights lawyer; Larry Hannant, academic ments are available. have been presenting a monthly coffee and author; Deirdre Kelly, Central America For more information contact bbcf@ house (the last Friday of the month) to activist; Kevin Neish, Colombia political bbcf.ca and see www.victoriacasc.org If the public of Victoria. prisoner activist; Theresa Wolfwood, activ- there is anywhere in the world we can look to CASC offers guest speakers, films, ist and writer. for inspiration for political and social change, panels, art shows, live music, refresh- There will be information, analysis, dis- it is Latin America! ments, discussion and social events. cussion and action. – Theresa Wolfwood Although the main emphasis is on Cen- tral America, in solidarity CASC also hosts events about other Latin America countries and international issues such as the World Social Forum, Fair Trade, and election and peace monitoring. Cafe Simpatico is a friendly space for people to get involved, to network and share information. CASC sells Fair Trade organic coffee from an island community of Lake Omotepe, Nicaragua, and books and crafts from Latin America. New volunteers are always welcome to help out at Cafe and other CASC activities. All are welcome at the next CAFE: Friday, February 25, at 8 pm, at Fern- wood Community Association, 1923 Fernwood Road. The topic is POLITI- CAL PRISONERS: WEAPONS of WAR, a forum on detention, imprisonment, In November, 2010 Cafe Simpatic hosted a successful Central American dinner and torture used as weapons of war – world- dance to benefit mud slide victims in Guatemala. The Lower Island NEWS FEDERAL NEWS AND VIEWS February/March 2011 Page 9 Five years as MP, still working for a better Victoria and Canada

By Denise Savoie • encourage and reward Election fever is heating up the frigid green commuters; Ottawa winter, with the games of political brinkmanship in full display for a weary • to improve the Canada Canadian electorate. Pension Plan; Every party says they don’t want to • to restore the eco-retrofit force an election, but right now as I write program that lowers energy bills this, it seems as though it’s a distinct pos- and creates good, green, local sibility. The answer jobs; will be in the fed- • to implement a federal eral budget com- housing strategy; ing in March – will • to remove the unfair cap the Conservative on postsecondary education fund- government finally ing for First Nations students; compromise and • and above all to work listen to the major- with my colleagues in Ottawa to ity opposition? Or develop a political climate under will they push forth which these issues can be debated stubbornly with more thoughtfully their plans to ex- I recently marked the fifth anniversary of Victoria MP Denise Savoie meets with municipal politicians, environmental groups pand their record Denise Savoie my election to the House of Commons as and policy experts who were holding an event at University of Victoria. She was deficit with more Victoria’s MP by meeting with leaders from campaigning on behalf of Bill C-466, her “Commuter Choices” private member’s corporate tax cuts and more prisons, without First Nations communities and the environ- bill that would allow Canadian employers to offer green commuter benefits to their any new investment in health care, seniors, mental movement, as well as New Demo- employees, free of tax at the federal level. It has garnered support from Canadian children or education? crat leader Jack Layton, our candidates in mayors, municipalities, transit authorities and transportation experts from Halifax In the New Democrat caucus, our goal is Saanich-Gulf Islands Edith Loring Kuhang to Vancouver. to convince the government to adopt some and in Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca Randall of our proposals that would reduce growing Garrison, and our aboriginal affairs critic inequality in Canada – addressing seniors’ Jean Crowder. It was an inspiring meeting of leaders who work hard every day to make EI – may not have received the support they poverty, affordable housing, and access to strong voices united in the goal of protecting Victoria such a great place to live. needed. Without New Democrats standing postsecondary education, for example. Any our waters and our coastal communities, I think we’ve shown that it’s a good idea up in the House of Commons in defence of minority government sincere about taking but the frustration over unsettled issues that to elect a New Democrat. When you elect our natural resources facing foreign take- the interests of all Canadians into account the government continues to ignore was a New Democrat, you get a constructive, over, the people of Saskatchewan would would work with the opposition parties clear. We resolved to step up the collabora- meaningful, principled voice for your com- have had no voice in Ottawa during the instead of posturing and wedging. But if tion between these communities and New munity. You get someone who vigorously latest attempt to turn over control of their that’s all we get from the Conservatives in Democrats to advocate workable solutions. opposes the government when it’s neces- potash reserves. this year’s budget, I’m afraid an election is I have thoroughly enjoyed my five years sary, and works collaboratively with govern- Of course, we are just some of many our only option. as the NDP MP for Victoria. I’m proud of my ment ministers when it’s possible. You get partners involved in the larger coalitions Meanwhile, I am hard at work, moving team -- my staff, my riding association, and an office that challenges the government within our communities who fought these forward proposals to: the larger team of community groups and to act instead of make excuses for why it battles successfully and continue to fight. does not. But I do believe that these coalitions are For example, in Victoria if we didn’t best off with an NDP MP who is a voice for have a New Democrat we might have a our community to the government, and not Stock market pension plan is a mega-yacht marina in our treasured har- for the government to our community. bour already. We might already have oil I am proud to remain a part of this team tankers trucking gas out of Kitimat through and this community, and I thank all of you Tory scam to rip off workers our fragile coastal waters. A lot of people who are a part of it, too. By Barry Weisleder generated during the so-called boom having problems with the government – on The latest brutal assault on the social years (according to Linda McQuaig and immigration, veterans’ benefits, student loan Denise Savoie is Member of Parliament for wage is Ottawa’s reversal on the Canada Neil Brook’s recent book The Trouble with problems, seniors or disability benefits, or Victoria. Pension Plan. Instead of enhancing the Billionaires), should pay for this and other CPP, which federal Finance Minister Jim pressing social needs. Flaherty promised to do when he met with Naturally, any increase in CPP benefits his provincial counterparts in Prince Edward is opposed by the banks, financial institu- Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca NDP Island last summer, the Tories are pushing tions and insurance companies which have a private sector scheme. profited enormously by selling RRSPs. is proud to announce the nomination of Leaning heavily on the capitalist eco- Enter the Conservative federal govern- nomic crisis as a convenient crutch, Prime ment, and their political cousins in the prov- Minister Stephen Harper said “Now is not ince of Alberta. They propose a new Pooled Randall Garrison the time for CPP premium increases.” Does Registered Pension Plan – a voluntary Harper appreciate the cruel irony of asking scheme to be administered by the financial as our candidate for MP impecunious pensioners to invest in the industry. Small and large firms could use this stock market which had three meltdowns in to offer private pensions to their employees, 15 years (1997, 2002 and 2008)? who would pay into it, but get a pension The CPP, which provides a guaranteed based only on market performance. It would Watch for a notice of our benefit to all seniors, should be increased spread the growing disease, the focus of a Delegate Selection and Resolutions meeting immediately. Why? Because... bitter labour struggle at Vale Inco, and now 1) It is impossible to live on a basic pen- at Stelco, in which management seeks to for the 2011 federal convention sion of $11,200 a year. replace “defined benefits” with “defined -con (Vancouver, June 17-19) 2) Sixty per cent of workers have no tributions” that embody the possibility of little workplace pension. or no pension for the entrapped workers. 3) One-third of Canadians between the Ontario Federation of Labour president ages of 24 and 64 have no personal retire- Sid Ryan, who was among two dozen ment savings. protesters who occupied Finance Minis- 4) Only one in four taxpayers put any ter Flaherty’s office in Whitby, Ontario on money into a Registered Retirement Sav- December 19, was all too kind to call the ings Plan in 2008. After 25 years of stagnant Tory scheme “a gimmick to get the issue of or declining wages, it is hardly surprising pensions off the front pages”. how difficult it is for people to save on their Actually, it is a wretched scam designed own. to rip off the working class and further subsi- 5) 1.6 million Canadian seniors today dize financial Capital. It is a case of kicking live in poverty, with incomes below $16,000 workers while we’re down. a year. The appropriate answer to the conniving Denise Savoie Presently, the Canadian Labour Con- Tories, and to the more subtle but equally Member of Parliament for Victoria gress is campaigning for a doubling of venal Liberals, is for workers to stand up and Canada and Quebec Pension Plan benefits, fight back. General strikes from Portugal  : to be phased in by small premium increases to Greece, powerful and unifying actions 970 Blanshard Street over seven years. The resulting $22,400 scarcely reported in the North American annual pension income would be an im- media, show the way to defend pensions Victoria, BC V8W 2H3 provement, but still woefully inadequate, es- and other threatened social gains. pecially seven years from now, and beyond. telephone: 363-3600 The CPP, which hasn’t been expanded Barry Weisleder is chair of the NDP Socialist e-mail: [email protected] since its inception 45 years ago, should be Caucus. tripled, and the main burden of the con- on the web: www.denisesavoie.ca tribution increase should be borne by big business and the rich. Yes, the class that has gained the most from two decades of corporate tax cuts, and that appropriated Your voice in Ottawa more than 30 percent of the extra income Page 10 February/March 2011 PROVINCIAL NEWS AND VIEWS The Lower Island NEWS District of Central Saanich concedes Remembering Eileen Dailly, 1927-2011 in court battle over water line The best Minister of Education District of Central Saanich repeals bylaw, pays court costs for neighbourhood group

CENTRAL SAANICH -- The Mount New- the MNNA. ” BC has ever seen ton Neighbourhood Association (MNNA) The District of Central Saanich in en- By Carol Pickup has won its battle against a water main acting the bylaw had ignored the advice of The province and the NDP have lost a which would have extended water service municipal staff and the municipal solicitor, very special lady and stateswoman with the unnecessarily to the Northwest of Central who had earlier stated that there was a high death of Eileen Dailly in January. Saanich which is outside the Urban Contain- risk of a judicial review court challenging As Minister of Education, between 1972- ment boundary. the bylaw. 1975, Dailly provided leadership in all areas In response to a court challenge brought The MNNA is pleased with this victory of progressive education policy, including by the MNNA, the District of Central Saanich but dismayed over the District’s waste of the banning of corporal punishment from has initiated a repeal of the bylaw that would tax dollars on an unnecessary court case. the classrooms of BC. have enabled the controversial water line to MNNA board member Bob Bocking notes, Banning the use of the strap was a very proceed and the parties to the case have “It shouldn’t be necessary for citizens to courageous move in the 70s which was not agreed to halt the case, with the District take their municipality to court in order to welcomed by some including members of paying MNNA’s court costs. ensure that laws are followed, and citizens the teaching community. As a parent repre- MNNA’s case sought to quash a District are treated fairly.” sentative, I strongly supported this move to Local Service Area Bylaw to install a munici- The environmental organization West redefine the form of discipline that was both pal water distribution system along Mount Coast Environmental Law provided some effective and humane. An effective teacher Newton Crossroad to Senanus Drive. MN- of the funding for MNNA’s legal challenge. does not need to use physical punishment NA’s suit alleged a number of legal problems Andrew Gage, West Coast’s acting to handle discipline problems. Because of with how the bylaw was enacted, including executive director, explained: “Decisions her encouragement, I decided to run for the use of false and misleading information about municipal infrastructure have a huge the Greater Victoria School Board and was in collecting signatures for a petition calling impact on how communities develop. To elected and served from 1977-1985, serving for the Bylaw. A pressing need for the urban avoid legal challenges, local governments three years as chair. Eileen Dailly servicing was never proven by the District. need to make these important decisions in Eliminating the use of the strap was only “The Mount Newton neighbourhood is ways that follow the law and are transparent one issue that Dailly addressed. She was a poor way to evaluate students progress). rural and outside the Urban Containment and accountable.” a strong supporter of parent involvement, All members of the Legislature, regard- Boundary,” says MNNA board member, The case brought by the Mount Newton community schools and community colleges less of political stripe, respected and liked Chris Paynter. “Water issues in this com- Neighbourhood Association was made pos- . She collaborated with people like David Dailly. She was a lady in every respect and munity should and can be resolved without sible by MNNA’s lawyer, Irene Faulkner, and Suzuki to strengthen the science curriculum could disagree with her opponents without piping in water where the Official Community the numerous individuals and organizations in BC schools. being disagreeable. Plan discourages extension of such servic- that provided support, including West Coast As a member of the Dave Barrett govern- More than any other attribute, Dailly was es. The preservation of the rural character Environmental Law and the Environmental ment, she supported the concept of integrat- a great friend and mentor to many including of Mt Newton valley is of vital concern to Law Centre at the University of Victoria. ing health, education and social services by myself and she shared the social democratic establishing Community Resource Boards values that I cherish and she lived those (James Bay being the local initiative). She values. She held a strong belief in serving Co-op concedes to award also introduced legislation that made kin- as an MLA to promote the common good. dergarten mandatory which helped many Eileen Dailly will most certainly be EDITOR’S NOTE: In the last issue of the Lower Island News we reported the Peninsula children get a better start to their education missed by many, but her outstanding record Co-op had a 360 degree shift in thinking and had decided not to build a big box store on experience. And it is interesting to note that of public service will long be remembered. Central Saanich farmland. she halted provincial exams (something the In my opinion, she was indeed the best Well, it was too good to be true. The press release sent to all local media outlets was Liberal government has reintroduced in spite Minister of Education that BC has ever seen. a spoof to draw attention to the Co-op’s wrong-headed development plans. of all research that show these exams are Here is the real latest news on Peninsula Co-op issues: More than seven months after arbitra- will be held at various business locations of tor Jakop de Villers, QC, handed down his the Co-op over a reasonable period of time. “No condos until there’s no award nullifying the Peninsula Co-op’s June The replacement election for the three 2009 elections, the Co-op’s board of direc- director positions and the annual election tors has finally conceded to the decision. of directors will coincide at a time set by homelessness” De Villers’ May 26, 2010 award found the Co-op this coming spring, not later than several serious election irregularities and mid June. Downtown Eastside residents and their groups reject the City’s heights “bad faith”, attributed [rather than contrib- As a trade-off for election improve- review citing the threat of increased homelessness and gentrification uted?] to the board of directors and General ments, Pearson agreed to allow the three VANCOUVER -- An ad-hoc coalition of would endanger the lives of women in the Manager Pat Fafard. directors removed by the arbitration award Downtown Eastside residents and organiza- Downtown Eastside, especially Indigenous In June, 2010, the Co-op filed two ap- to hold office until the replacement election tions held a press conference January 17 women, because they would destabilize the plications in court to challenge the arbitra- is held. opposing what they call the city’s Condo limited housing resources low-income wom- tor’s decision. In July, Randy Pearson Pearson says, “The agreement pro- Towers Plan for the DTES. en currently access. Stacy Bonefant, a DTES (the complainant) and the Co-op agreed vides a basis for greater convenience and A statement signed by more than a resident and mother explained that women to a stay of proceedings until November member participation in the democratic dozen DTES organizations calls on Vancou- and families could feel the ripple effects of 1. Just prior to the November 1 deadline, process, however the onus is on the Co- ver city council to “vote against adding any condo towers even in the stability of their the Co-op verbally indicated they wouldn’t op board and management to ensure new density for condos within the Downtown families. She explained that gentrification proceed with the challenge, but indicated it every effort is made to bring the ballot Eastside until the assets and tenure of low- separates children from their parents be- was their view that Pearson couldn’t enforce box to each and every community in the income residents are secured” by buying “10 cause, “families are threatened with losing the award in court. The three 3 individuals, south Island area, from Duncan to Sid- sites for low income resident-controlled so- their children if they don’t have housing”. Gaudet, Ounsted and Fecteau, removed ney. cial housing within the Downtown Eastside Speakers also pointed out the cultural from the director positions, were returned “It’s been a frustrating and sometimes before the next municipal election” this fall. impact of the city’s condo tower plan. Karen to the board. tedious process,” states Pearson. “However Jean Swanson, the coordinator of Ward from Gallery Gachet said, “We can’t After more than two months of nego- I feel this is a partial victory, bringing better the Carnegie Community Action Project have art within a condo monoculture.” Jim tiations, a Consent Order agreement was governance to the Peninsula Co-op, but (CCAP), explained that the Heights Review Baxter from the St. James Anglican Church recently registered with the BC Supreme there is still lots to do, including changing is will allow 15 story condo buildings on at warned, “The rich are determining what is Court between Randy Pearson and the the Co-op’s plans to build a very large least seven sites in the Downtown Eastside. happening in the city;” and Paul Martin, the Peninsula Co-op. grocery store on prime farmland in Central She said, “Condo towers have very bad vice-president of the Vancouver Area Net- Pearson says, “The agreement reached Saanich.” ripple effects on the low income community. work of Drug Users said that the priorities will prevent the Co-op from using the re- The Friends of Peninsula Co-op believe They cause property values, hotel rents, and of the city are backwards. “Once we end sources of the Co-op, including paid staff, there is lots of commercial property in the store rents to escalate.” Swanson explained homelessness,” he said, “then we can think to influence and help elect incumbents over Keating X Road area to accommodate a that this means condo towers will increase of condos.” challengers as they did in 2009 and again at new or renovated grocery store. They in- homelessness because the hotels that will The Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood the June, 2010 election of directors.” dicte there is no good reason to build a big be hit with rent increase ripple effects are Council (DNC), who initiated the ad hoc An independent auditing firm will man- box grocery store on farmland. “the last stop before homelessness”. coalition, equates community opposition to age the next election of directors and pro- Peninsula Co-op members can join the Friends Some speakers spoke about the differ- City Hall’s Condo Tower Plan to the com- vide election security. Voting for directors as a supporter for democratic change by emailing ence between the importance of City Hall munity movement against the City’s inner- [email protected] working to safeguard the community assets of city freeway plan of the late-1960s. Tami the low-income community. Sid Tan from the Starlight, a representative of the DNC said ACCESS Association of Chinese Canadians that the community has learned the posi- accused Chinatown business owners of tive lessons of the 1960s and 70s freeways “maliciously misleading people because fight; that the low-income community has to Oak Bay-Gordon Head New Democrats the city has no comprehensive plan for the fight to defend its assets. She said, “If City Downtown Eastside”. Council will not listen to us with our letters Caitlin Williams from Spartacus Books, and resolutions and statements at City Hall a local small business, challenged the city’s this Thursday, we will see their bulldozers Stay in touch! story that the heights review has the unani- in our streets and we will stop them in our mous support of local businesses. She said, streets.” “The Downtown Eastside needs shops that Find us online: www.obghnewdemocrats.ca serve the low-income community, it does not need more cheese shops and boutiques.” “You can either be complicit in your own or by email: [email protected] Speakers from the Power of Women enslavement or you can lead a life that Group of the Downtown Eastside Women’s has some kind of integrity and meaning.” Contact us to sign up for our monthly newsletter Centre, Western Aboriginal Harm Reduction -- Chris Hedges, author Society, and the sex worker support orga- nization PACE explained that more condos The Lower Island NEWS PROVINCIAL NEWS AND VIEWS February/March 2011 Page 11 Cowichan Green Community bike raffle winner is thrilled! Spring feels one pedal closer for Ken- 2011 would see decent replacements for dra Stiwich, winner of the Cowichan Green them.” She can’t wait to hook her new bike Community’s Norco LRT 1 bike raffle. up to a chariot and cruise around town with In December, in order to raise funds for her kids getting groceries, checking out the food security programs such as FruitSave, market or going to the park. Farm to School, and the Alexander El- CGC appreciates the support of the ementary School Community Garden, CGC community and the interest in the bike. raffled off a brand new Norco LRT 1 bicycle “Having a valuable prize like a new bike cer- with a retail value of over $500. The sleek tainly helps to sell tickets,” explains Amanda black bike, a 24-speed city and path bike Reimer, manager of the CGC’s Sustainable which is part of Norco’s Urban Commuting Living Centre. “We are grateful for the gen- Series, was generously donated by CGC erous support of the community and would members Bob and Helen Nation. like to thank all those who bought tickets.” In return, a portion of the proceeds are Stiwich has already been putting her being sent to the Nation’s Kikombwe Water new wheels to good use. “My long term Project that they are currently working on in vision is me on the bike with the trailer bike Tanzania. The rest of the proceeds will go and the chariot. Yup, that’ll be me: the very directly back into sustainability and food se- lucky, super grateful, biking mama! Thanks curity projects CGC is working on for 2011. so much to CGC and all the awesome folks Drawn just before Christmas, Stiwich who are doing so many fantastic things in was thrilled to find out she had won. “I was our community.” so excited when I got home and heard that I had won the bike raffle. I mean, ‘who For more information on upcoming events or actually wins these things?’” said Stiwich, ongoing sustainability initiatives, contact Heather adding, “My husband and I both recently at the Cowichan Green Community 250-748-8506 or [email protected]. had our bikes stolen and were hoping that Fresh from the Cowichan! New food map coming The ground may be frozen outside but ing those new to the agricultural community Cowichan Green Community is already here in the Valley. busy warming up for the April launch of its Evelyn Pereira of Terra Nossa Family second edition of the Buy Local! Buy Fresh! Farm, who is listing her certified organic Cowichan food map, to the delight of the poultry, pork and berry operation on the map Vancouve Island Health Authority’s new $349 million Patient Care Centre at Jubilee Valley’s food producers and those searching for the second year, says the Buy Local! Buy Hospital in Victoria will open in March. for healthier, more environmentally sound Fresh! Cowichan food map has enabled her groceries. to reach new customers. She also feels the Building on the success of the 2010 map is an excellent resource for referrals. Follow the money map, which saw close to 10,000 copies “Many of my customers are looking for other By David Olsen from Belgian bank Dexia and the German distributed Valley wide, this year’s edition locally grown products and I found that, with The new state-of-the art, Patient Care owned, ex-Irish-based Depfa bank. Depfa will continue to represent the most compre- the map, I was able to send them on to dif- Centre at the Jubilee Hospital will start was taken over in 2007 by Munich-based hensive directory available for local food in ferent farms.” receiving patients in March. Hypo AG which crashed spectacularly in the Cowichan Valley to date. The map is With the Buy Local! Buy Fresh! Co- However, despite the cost of $349 2008 and was nationalized by the German also one of many signature initiatives of the wichan food map, local consumers and million, the planners appear to have for- government in 2009. Green Community that helps promote their tourists can find produce, meat, seafood and gotten to include what the Times Colonist Dexia, a large lender to municipalities in broader sustainability mandate. wine, all grown and raised in the Cowichan described on January 20 as “everything France and Belgium, received a 6.4 billion “Promoting locally produced food is just Valley or caught off its shores. The map also from high-tech beds to vital signs monitors, euro bailout from France, Belgium, Luxem- one way in which we can help strengthen our directs people to interesting agri-tourism patient lifts, slings and even comfy chairs bourg and key shareholders in September region’s community food system,” explains events and unique value-added food prod- for the sunroom”. 2008 and later won state guarantees for its Judy Stafford, executive director at CGC. “A ucts not found anywhere else. In other words, you may get into the new borrowing. In return for state aid, the regional diet is a healthier, more sustainable If you are a local food producer and hospital but you may not have a bed or a European Commission said Dexia must cut way to eat and helps secure the livelihood would like to be listed on the map, or a busi- vital signs monitor to confirm you are still its balance sheet by 35 percent by 2014 of our Valley’s food producers.” ness interested in advertising opportunities, alive! Apparently these costs are to be met -- much of it by selling its bond portfolio CGC is currently accepting registration contact the Cowichan Green Community at by a public fund-raising drive rather than the -- and divest activities in Italy, Slovakia and for its 78 coveted food producer listings. 250-748-8506 or visit their website www. Ministry of Health or VIHA. Spain, and its insurance business in Turkey. Many of last year’s farms are signing up cowichangreencommunity.org for more The Patient Care Centre nominally Reuters reported on February 4 that the again as are farms new to the map includ- information. belongs to VIHA but was financed, con- Slovakian business had been sold. structed, and will be maintained and man- So, despite the protestations of Partner- aged by Accionara Infrastructure, as a ships BC, it may be anyone’s guess as to concession. Accionara is a large Spanish who will really own the patient care centre company and much of the financing came in a few years’ time Juan de Fuca New Democrats BC Bus Pass Program should be extended to recipients of CPP-D By Kelly Newhook for a discounted provincial bus pass to in- Keep in touch! In the province of British Columbia a clude people receiving CPP-D. For those person with a disability who is receiving who say it’s a federal responsibility, it is provincial benefits (PWD), is eligible to simply not true. Eligibility for the bus pass You can reach President Heather Gropp receive a bus pass for the discounted price program is tied to seniors’ federal pensions, of $45 per calendar year or portion thereof. so there is no reason why it can’t be tied to by email at [email protected] This is a much valued program offered by CPP-D as well. the province of British Columbia. Remember, a person with disabilities However, if you are receiving federal has no choice regarding which level of benefits, Canada Pension Plan Disability government they receive benefits from; in (CPP-D), you are not eligible to receive the fact the provincial government requires all discounted bus pass. potential PWD recipients to apply for CPP- Both groups are living on extremely low D first. This makes it even more imperative incomes, both are living with disabilities, but that the bus pass program be delivered only one is eligible for this vital assistance equally to all persons with disabilities. Saanich North and the Islands that increases their mobility and potential for Kelly Newhook is executive director of Together community engagement. For many of us, Against Poverty Society, which is located at New Democrats $2.50--the cost of a single bus ticket--is an 302-895 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1H7; amount we wouldn’t give a second thought phone: 250-361-3521, fax: 250-361-3541. to, it’s a simple cup of coffee in the morn- ing. But for those on a fixed income, who Ron reviews: are visiting food banks and stretching every Stay in touch! last dollar, it is very significant. And let’s not Victoria BENCH BY BENCH, by Rebecca forget…$2.50 is only a one-way ticket. Kennel This policy must change. So, as our two Creating this book was a clever idea. You can reach your president Gary Holman main provincial parties engage in a leader- It is a pleasure to read her commentaries ship race, now is the perfect time to ask on the many marked benches that are so by phone at 250-653-2042 or those leadership candidates if they would well located for the weary walker in the fair by email at [email protected] support changing the eligibility requirements city of Victoria. -- Ron MacIsaac Page 12 February/March 2011 EDUCATION NEWS AND VIEWS The Lower Island If public education is a keystone to a democratic society, this implies publicly funded schools are a critical element of that structure

One of the saddest lessons of history is this: If we’ve been their children to school or bus stops because of these changes. Walk bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of routes in many areas are deemed hazardous for children, even if ac- the bamboozle. The bamboozle has captured us. Once you companied by an adult.” give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back But it is all about the kids. Never forget that. Now we just have to . - Carl Sagan figure out who the kids are because years of experience has convinced me they can’t be those diminutive, vulnerable creatures who seem to By Eden Haythornthwaite inhabit our schools. Something wonderful happened at last night’s board meeting – really, it just made me feel proud and glad to be alive. Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons. First – a clear motion on the agenda requesting the Transpor- - Woody Allen tation Safety Review Committee continue working to further the The board has chosen a woolly headed project to replace the efforts recommendations it has constructed and address the results of a of the committee meant to work for increased public funding. To meet DPAC survey regarding walk route safety was honoured due to the some of our funding shortfalls which we are told will total at least $1.2 merit of the request. million, we will crusade to empty community pockets for using their own As follows: school facilities. We are also to enter the creepy world of begging from Due to the extremely short time allotted for the work of this private sources to advance our government’s bid to dodge its express committee. responsibilities to fund our schools. How can this be a worthy activity Due to the tight timeline for the completion, return and analysis for our board or any other? It has to be admitted – there was much of the DPAC walk route safety survey Eden Haythornthwaite more enthusiasm for this undertaking than there ever was for the work Due to the confusion over the mandate of the committee in of the committee which sought increased public funding. So there!! attempting to deal with efficiency and cost issues instead of focusing on the safety of the We are the white mice in Victoria’s little social experiment to see who will fold and students, their families and our employees start poking around for other revenue. We blinked and now some trustees who talk of “not It is moved: saying no to money” think we can tap into some rich vein of cash if only we approach the The work of the Ad Hoc Transportation Safety Review is extended to: right people and make the right supplications. Formulate suggestions for fulfilling the recommendations made in the interim report; What were we thinking? How could any of us assume the work of a trustee involved Continue to collect and analyse responses to the survey through the district website; turning over every stone on behalf of our communities to compel the government to do its Allow further recommendations addressing the safety of students on walk routes and duty by them -- shoulder to shoulder with our partners – who have by the way been rock at pick up and drop off points which will originate from the findings of the survey. solid in their will to do just that? Why bother when you can start crisscrossing the valley Build a final report. looking for alms like a refugee trying to round up cardboard boxes to move? Whatever effort is involved in striving together to seek what we deserve from the min- Further -- a poorly thought out, “dropped from the sky at the last minute” motion to istry, fighting collectively with creativity and tenacity for the revenue our kids deserve--that embroil the board in crying off to the community for more rental fees for school facilities effort has to be far more rewarding. A few dollars doled out here and there from the well as well as cultivating private funding sources was torn to shreds and voted down, as it so heeled will not provide the consistent, reliable resources we need and this quick fix which richly deserved. is neither quick nor much of fix will distract the board as well as the community from what I feel completely secure in making this report – colossally inaccurate as it is – because it must really do to support public services equally for all of us. Revenue through taxation reality will truck into view in no time and the fantasy will be over. is intended to ensure equal learning opportunities for every child. But I can dream, can’t I? If public education is keystone to a democratic society, this implies publicly funded schools are a critical element of this implies publicly funded schools are a critical element Even asking for a safety review of the new bussing model was fraught with danger be- of that structure. Private ventures will never guarantee our system -- they will only provide cause it was entirely probable it would simply allow the appearance of due diligence even self interested, fly by night support as well as an “out” for a provincial government which if diligence -- due or otherwise -- was unlikely. Obviously most of the committee members, has consistently underfunded our schools. bus drivers, transportation managers, parents, really wished to have the intended discus- It is reasonable to observe, if businesses and other powerful interest groups want to sion: “How has the 20% cut in transportation funding with the attendant changes to service genuinely support our public schools they should pay their fair whack in taxes and withdraw delivery impacted our kids’ safety?” their agenda for destroying government involvement in our lives. Then our children will not However, for the most part, we were guided towards papering over the concerns and need their tawdry handouts. debating the inevitable and ongoing reductions to the bussing service. After all, as some Private ventures, just like school closures and public land sales, are a short sighted observed, perhaps we can no longer provide this service in light of our fiscal dilemma. response which can only damage the prospects for fully funded public services. This path Our little venture in placing our new bussing model under the safety microscope came may provide a few individuals with a cosy chance to hobnob with the highborn or cultivate into the world by unanimous board motion on June 2, 2010, but spent the first five months a bit of profile wheedling dosh out of businesses. It will intensify the crushing burden of of its life in a stasis chamber. The committee was marched headlong through three perfunc- fundraising among our parent volunteers while establishing the rubric private individuals tory meetings over the space of a month, produced recommendations few of which actually must carry the weight of paying for our kids’ education while we continue to fork over vast had anything to do with safety and was then concluded on the rather peculiar basis two sums of taxation to the province for god knows what. of the participants had no further wish to attend any more meetings regarding this matter. The real solution for school trustees is to demand full, stable funding by submitting The final recommendations do not include any provision for actually doing anything needs budgets to the province. Our families and employees will stand with us if we do. to fulfill them in a timely way and, based on the stalling already demonstrated towards Not so long ago our board in Cowichan made newspapers all over the country for convening any meetings of this committee, I am less than hopeful. taking a position against public funding for private schools. Now we have succumbed to After all, we are much more concerned with the glamorous possibility of gun play in resignation, to a sorry sense we can’t buck the trajectory of the funding protocols. This now the schools than whether our kids are actually struggling down dark shoulderless roads to translates into surrendering to private solutions to shape our classrooms. This sad futile a bus stop as cars whiz by every single flaming day right now. tactic provides the highest guarantee that more and more of our families will migrate to the In the words of the Qualitative Breakdown derived from the DPAC Transportation private schools. And even more public revenue will travel with them. Survey issued November 30, 2010: Of course, the jape may really be on us. According to a detailed article in the US on “The Cowichan Valley School District encompasses a largely rural area where roads the topic of private incursions into funding public schools, published last year in the Wall are not built for pedestrians and vehicles travel at fast speeds on single lane windy roads Street Journal: with poor visibility. Changes to the District Bus Transportation System have enforced “Some educators and parents worry that schools in affluent areas have an advantage many of the walk limits and have sometimes necessitated longer walks to get to and from in finding private donors, exacerbating inequities in the classroom. They also fret that if bus stops. Feedback from survey respondents indicates many more families are driving schools are too successful at raising donations, lawmakers will cut their public funding even more deeply.” “Legislators will begin to factor in outside donations when setting school budgets,” says Arnold Fege of the Public Education Network, which represents school-advocacy groups.” SIHOTA & STARKEY I suppose our board is not being offered a very good example by our overseers in Vic- LAWYERS & NOTARIES toria – we have a provincial government which evidently does not believe in government. Further, we are the victims of a gargantuan hoax, the one which maintains we cannot actually pay for our kids’ education out of the public treasury because we can’t afford it. PERSONAL INJURY • ICBC CLAIMS But I expect my colleagues to see through all this and lead with principle rather than Family • Real Estate • Wills • Estates submit to what can only be described as a classic fiddle

FREE 1st Consultation • Standard Fees for Many Services “Those who profess to favour freedom and yet depreciate agitation are people who want crops without ploughing the ground; they want rain without thunder and lightning; they want 250-381-5111 the ocean without the roar of its many waters. The struggle may be a moral one, or it may 1248 Esquimalt Road, Victoria be a physical one, or it may be both. But it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand; it never has and it never will.” -- Frederick Douglass

Eden Haythornthwaite is a member of the Cowichan Board of Education. John Heaney Heenan Blaikie LLP 514-737 Yates Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1L6 Phone: 250-381-9599 Robert G. Milne Toll Free Fax: 1-866-615-8276 Email: [email protected] Jawl & Bundon FOURTH FLOOR Lawyers 1007 FORT Civil and Commercial Litigation, STREET Labour and Employment Law VICTORIA, BC Administrative and Constitutional Law V8V 3K5 Employment Litigation Human Rights TELEPHONE 250-385-5787 Collective Agreements, Privacyi FAX 250-385-4364 EMAIL [email protected] The Lower Island NEWS MUNICIPAL NEWS AND VIEWS February/March 2011 Page 13 Healing road paralysis by rail By G.E. Mortimore and chop big money off road costs as some -- each device being integrated with the oth- be a useful component of a strategy for What can you do for fun when you are drivers switched to rail. ers and testable by action research. switching drivers to transit, but it needs to stuck in clogged traffic? After I had threaded my way through A real-world plan will use dedicated be accompanied by other mutually reinforc- Losing yourself in thought is one option. that obstacle course, I stayed awake part rights-of-way, free from traffic signals and ing measures. During 30 minutes trapped in a stationary of the night wondering what an intelligent clutter. Toronto dug tunnels for its urban rail Gridlock continues despite gasoline automobile, I tried to make sense of the and caring future government might do to system and linked rail with secondary and taxes, which already put a price per kilo- politicians’ travel-improvement brainwaves modify the prevailing public mindset and feeder bus lines. metre on driving. Immediate imposition in while staring at the back of a flagperson’s build a serviceable people-moving system. We already have two clear rights-of-way, BC of per-kilometre pricing through ICBC safety vest. The task is to focus creative leadership the Island railway and part of the Gallop- would be political poison for the govern- A mixed lot of projects were hastily on the traffic-congestion and air-pollution ing Goose, the former Canadian National ment that did it. Road-pricing would need contrived to qualify for federal “stimulus” problem. It arises from the automobile Railway track. to be tested in a crafty way – say on a Gulf money. I remember them for the frustration culture and from the natural wish of young Because the inept BC Liberals starved Island where it actually lowered the cost of and mess they caused. parents to buy cheap land at a distance from Transit of money and the coordinative driving per year. Stimulus-widened roads quickly fill and the workplace, so as to have ample space brainpower that only senior governments Later it could be introduced as an option overfill as municipal councils encourage for their children to grow and play safely. can provide, Transit’s “rapid-transit” plan province-wide, and, later still, built into the more and more traffic jams through the What would persuade Duncan-Victoria is excessively road-entangled. Arguably its vehicle-insurance system, with differentia- construction of condos with large parking and Langford-downtown automobile com- journeys would be too slow to convert car- tion between urban and rural areas, and lots and houses with three-car garages. muters to ride transit? drivers into transit-riders. the proceeds conspicuously earmarked for Stimulus projects aim to put people and Smooth, fast, reliable low-fare rail ser- Liberals are a lame-duck regime. Transit transport improvement. money to work. Wouldn’t it be more effective vice would be a good start. Then we must can begin shaking off their influence and Pay-per-kilometre (PPK) could be use- to hire people for the traditional make-work bridge the gaps between mainline transit preparing for a new government. ful when it is added to the two other acro- task of digging holes and filling them in and home, workplace, stores, theatres and An intelligent Vancouver Island people- nyms, transit-oriented development (TOD) again? We would save millions in gasoline, sports arenas. moving structure will have two main sinews: and demand responsive transit (DRT) plus tailpipe fumes and time wasted. The smart political leaders of Portland, diversion of part of the road budget to rail tax and zoning measures that encourage I pondered such fantasies while I waited Oregon, showed us the way when they (which Portland achieved) and strengthen- and reward transit travel. in a lineup half-a-mile from the Four-Mile Hill placed the city’s convention centre and ing of the Island railway to make freight If you want to solve a complicated on the Island Highway in View Royal. I had the arena home of Portland Trail-Blazers profitable for the operating company. social/technical problem, you must take rashly decided to try that route once again. basketball team on the Max rail line, with Revitalized rail can carry Island lumber several actions at the same time, and As cars coming from the opposite direc- reduced car-parking space. That’s Transit- to be shipped through Port Alberni to China. weave them together. tion trickled through two or three at a time, Oriented Development (TOD). The proposed Raven mine at Buckley Bay, it occurred to me that the waste that arises Boulder, Colorado invented another which would export steelmaking coal to Chi- G.E. Mortimore, PhD, is a writer and social from the “shovel-ready” road projects prob- part of a practicable people-moving strat- na, is likely to be blocked by environmental anthropologist based in Victoria. ably exceeds their benefits. egy. The city fathers of that university town opposition. But it might squeak through if the A bus squeezed along. It had traversed researched travel patterns and citizens’ Compliance Coal Co. decides to go green an underpass below a railway which could wishes by enquiry in depth -- not flimsy and send the coal by rail to Port Alberni, carry passengers to Langford comfortably pretend-consultations. instead of by truck on an already-congested in 15 minutes. They offered communities and large road, as Compliance now proposes. As I continued to stare at the flagperson, employers a low-priced package pass and That competent future government Jim Jaarsma I reflected on three traffic-clearing, shovel- more frequent service with buses that ran might offer rewards for clean mining and ready projects: strengthen the railway track full instead of half-empty. The scheme shipping technology that would make met- Contracting Langford-Victoria, Langford-Duncan and worked quite well. But it did not receive the allurgical coal -- not heating coal -- more 250-360-1905 Parksville-Port Alberni. investment of time and money it needed. environmentally acceptable. I remembered from the Internet that Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) is The remedy for road gridlock suggested more than a century ago, a crew working in a process that, when sharpened to high by Andrew Coyne in the January 17 Ma- Quality Carpentry Utah laid 10 miles of Central Pacific Railroad efficiency, can bring taxi-buses to almost clean’s – charging drivers a fee determined General Contracting track in 12 hours. That’s about the distance every door, track their progress on home by the number of kilometres driven -- could from downtown to Langford. screens and on electronic boards at transit Our track is already laid; it needs only exchanges, and enable a dial-a-bus system. to be beefed up for commuter service; and This is another enterprise that a prob- the record-breaking Central Pacific per- lem-solving government (when B.C. elects formance scores low on job creation, but one) can encourage and reward in its rail- Cowichan Valley New Democrats the Island rail update could create many side research-industrial parks. long-term jobs. DRT is already established in sketchy As our line of automobiles crawled form in Italy and Scotland. But it needs forward about 36 inches, after a disgusted more work. please stay in touch waiting driver had retreated into a side Those modest success stories can be by mail to PO Box 102, Duncan, BC V9L 1P0 street, I remembered how Siemens, Inc. widened and strengthened by a competent had offered to lend a modern rail vehicle for future BC government. Telecommuting -- or by phone: 250-466-0303 a trial Langford-Victoria service, until a few working for an employer from a home office fusspots in Esquimalt opposed and derailed -- another part-success that needs further the project. work, can also be added to the mix. All members are welcome at our meetings The manufacture of rail vehicles, wind One failure story points the way to and tidal turbines from Kitimat, BC, alu- change. minum for export to Asia and Australasia In the mid-1990s a social-campaign through Port Alberni would be a neat fit committee offered a bus at giveaway token for one of the trackside light-industrial and fare to relieve Cowichan-to-Victoria com- research parks that could be set up on the muters of the dangerous job of driving the Island railway. whole distance. Railway-meshed industry or Transit- So I hear from an informant who watched MacIsaac and MacIsaac Oriented Development (TOD) was the factor the enterprise. Dan MacIsaac* Deanna Lane missing from the current BC government’s The commuters rode the bus from Lake Cowichan for a short time, then went back Ron MacIsaac* Laura Pringle muddle-headed decision not to invest in the Certificate in Arbitration & Island railway. A competent new administra- to their cars. Mediation, University of Windsor tion will make development happen, rather The rejection of cheap bus transport *Denotes Professional Corporation than waiting for it to happen by accident was predictable. Experience in the Lower Personal Injury ICBC Claims Mainland shows that cost has a only a minor and good luck. Family Law Child Protection Governments developed airplanes and effect on most automobile-versus-transit Wills and Estates nuclear power to win wars. Smartened- decisions. up peacetime governments might go one It does have some effect, so it is worth Free First Consultation better, it seemed to me as I scanned the including in the package. Some people see 250-478-1131 unchanging roadside scene. cost as important (you can save $10,000 2227 Sooke Road, Victoria Freight is the traditional lifeblood of the a year by not owning a car) but most driv- railway; it pays for the losses incurred by ers feel that cars are necessary freedom passenger service. But as I nudged the machines. car forward another 30 inches, I noted that The key incentives are speed, comfort, roads also cost taxpayers a bundle; and convenience and reliability. Maurine Karagianis, MLA rail as a people-moving system gives them Without these factors, nothing happens. better value for money. Experience also shows that automobile Esquimalt-Royal Roads Pulling expandable trains on an unob- commuters are more likely to switch to rail structed route with gentle grades, railways than to buses. are far more energy-efficient than roads. In light of these facts, BC Transit’s Standing Up for Our Community Today’s BC government, being unin- planners arguably should return to their spired and unable to invent and coordinate, computers and draw up a practicable Constituency Office: puts railway and road budgets in separate people-moving design to replace their cur- boxes, and says we can’t afford rail. rent capital-region “rapid-transit” plan, which A5 – 100 Aldersmith Place But road and rail together are one looks like a guaranteed failure. View Royal, BC V9A 7M8 people-moving system. Rerouting the A commonsense plan will coordinate crowded, dangerous Malahat and Alberni people-moving systems within the true plan- E-mail: [email protected] roads might cost $3 billion plus destruction ning region, which is Victoria plus Cowichan. of forest. For 10 percent of that sum, we The design will include devices for Web site: www.maurinekaragianis.ca could revitalize the whole Island railway encouraging car-drivers to switch to transit Phone: 250-479-8326 Page 14 February/March 2011 COMMENTARY The Lower Island A witness at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission By Eileen Wttewaalle for five years. He has degrees in Physical I couldn’t sleep last night. I had returned Education as well as Law from the Univer- to my home on Salt Spring Island after the sity of Alberta. He has won many athletic December 3-5 weekend at the University of championships, provincially, nationally and Victoria and the Canadian Truth and Rec- internationally. He was one of the Torchbear- onciliation Commission (TRC) gathering, in ers for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. the architecturally fascinating First Peoples Justice Sinclair’s parents and Marie Wil- House at the centre of the campus. son’s husband attended residential schools We were reminded that there were over but Littlechild attended for 14 years. His was 130 Indian Residential schools operating in Indian Residential School (IRS) # 64. Learn- Canada over the period between 1867 and ing did not come as easily for him as some 1996 when the last one closed. The TRC of his classmates and he told how when the was a requirement of the 2007 Indian Resi- days were long in Alberta, he’d get up at 4 dential School (IRS) Settlement Agreement; am. and study until just before the morn- the largest Canadian class action settlement ing bell at 7, when he’d arise from his bed, of its kind, negotiated on behalf of former yawning and stretching as if he’d just woken students, churches, the Government of up. He also studied under his blankets with a Canada, the Assembly of First Nations, and flashlight. He was one of only five Aboriginal other Aboriginal organizations. Its purpose students to enter law school in the early 70s, was to educate Canadians about the his- acquiring his degree in 1976. Photo by Lynne Phillips tory and the impact of the schools, and to Littlechild related some stories with Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner Chief Wilton (Willy) Littlechild relates some guide a process of reconciliation between happy endings. In one, an unnamed Calgary of the stories, sad and happy, he and fellow commissioners, Justice Murray Sinclair and within all those involved, including the church, situated near a reserve, with its and Marie Wilson, have been told during their hearings around Canada. wider society. 500 members had determined to apologize Speakers included Chief Robert Joseph, to their Aboriginal neighbours. The church embarrassed to speak to Canadians about My inability to sleep was connected to affectionately called “Bobby Joe”, and Alvin now has a “Book of Apology”, signed by the reconciliation when Canada had refused remembering Barney’s seven years, unable Dixon, both residential school survivors, members of the congregation and many to sign the UN Declaration on the Rights to go home as a growing child. But the sad- who were the senior advisors to this event. others. of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP); when dest stories told were by former students “Aboriginal Neighbours”, an ecumenical Littlechild told of the “Back to Batoche” all but the US, Australia, New Zealand and who, in their 50s and 60s were only recently group involving the Anglican diocese of event, when the descendents of the North Canada, had signed in 2007. Littlechild able to tell of their experiences to their own Vancouver Island, the Victoria Presbytery West Mounted Police who fought at Bato- had worked on the Declaration since 1977. children and grandchildren. They said there of the United Church, and the Vancouver che, and the Métis families who resisted, This Declaration took well over 25 years were many who still could not. Island Monthly Meeting of the Religious So- including descendents of Louis Riel, came to fruition -- the longest of any Declaration They were unable for a number of ciety of Friends (Quakers), with chairperson, together. A song of reconciliation was sung at the UN. So November 12, 2010, was reasons: the profound sense of shame Lynne Crashaw, along with her team which by a 10-year-old boy. a very important day when the Canadian connected with those experiences of being included First Nations representatives, did He described a recent graduation cer- government finally signed. Willy was at a treated as less than human; the still raw pain the competent organizing. Leadership at the emony held near Wetaskiwin, Alberta. When world conference in Berlin at the time. On of emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse event was by residential school survivors. the residential school was closed in 1980, November 13, he said at the conference: “I which no amount of compensation money There were three MCs: Alex Nelson, Ev- the Aboriginal community decided to support want to be the first to thank the Canadian could erase. Also, the feeling of total isola- elyn Voyageur and Frazer Smith; great story their young people, not only through public government for changing its position.” Be- tion on the return to their home reserve. After tellers, informative, sad and funny. Each school but also through post secondary cause of the eight-hour time difference, he the long absences, they now had only hazy part of the program from Friday at 7 pm., to education, but without government money probably was. remembrances of a language and culture, the closing on Sunday at 4 pm. began and that had so many strings attached. At this Many of the subsequent speakers re- drilled into them as shameful. As many of ended with drumming, songs and prayers. graduation they learned that in the past 30 iterated the title given to our conference: them had been separated for years from We heard many languages including Haida, years a total of 1800 of their students have “Open Hearts and Clear Minds: a Road to their siblings within the same school or hav- Nisga’a, Cree, Mohawk and Hul’qumi’num. graduated from a post secondary institution. Reconciliation.” An Aboriginal saying is: “Go ing been sent to different schools, they felt All acknowledged and thanked the Coast He noted that at the 1967 Montreal Sum- where there is no path and leave a trail for like complete failures with their inability to Salish for being on their sacred land. mer Olympics, some people were painted someone else.” reconnect with them. For them, healing from Of all three federal commissioners for brown for the opening parade in the Cana- The TRC conferences are seen as trail that profound alienation would mean being the TRC, the chair, Justice Murray Sinclair, dian line-up as no First Nations people were blazing events, with the TRC officially re- able to phone and say, “Hi, sis, or brother, Manitoba’s first Aboriginal judge, had to be allowed to participate. In the 2010 Winter cording those survivors who have felt able how are you?” with his wife who had taken ill, and Commis- Olympics, the opening ceremony was led to speak the truth of their experiences, and Sometimes one or more of the grand- sioner Marie Wilson, who has worked for 40 by many First Nations peoples with their concurrently to bring hope and some recon- parents were able to help them, but many years with Aboriginal, church and political beautiful dancing. He acknowledged one ciliation. Acknowledging the complex kinds parents, being unable to prevent the loss of organizations, had to return to her ill mother of the young women, who was with us at of cooperation and change required on this their children, had turned to alcohol to dull in Montreal; so only Commissioner Chief this event. journey makes us all trail blazers. the pain. Occasionally the returning student Wilton (Willy) Littlechild was able to attend. When Justice Sinclair and Commis- In one open session, Barney Williams would join them in the stupor of alcohol In 1988 Littlechild was the first Treaty sioners Littlechild and Wilson began their told of being taken, at the age of six, from and/or drugs, especially when the parents Indian elected to Parliament and was there cross-country work on the TRC, they felt his home in Tofino to the residential school who also had been to residential school still in Kamloops where he spent seven years, could not talk about it. Neither could they ask “for 365 days a year” as he never managed forgiveness for their poor parenting of this, to get home. He remembered at the age now teenage son or daughter, so the sense of six, how scared he was, how hungry for of abandonment affected them all. west coast food, and of feeling very hurt Girl survivors remarked that while they Saanich South and angry as he and all the children were had peeled potatoes and worked in the huge treated, in his words, as “useless people”. laundries, they were not taught to cook or They were told that when they spoke in care for themselves beyond the institutional New Democrats their own language, those were the “devil’s requirements of regimented control. How- words”; with a continual shaming of anything ever, sports were one area where they could relating to their traditional culture. excel if they had some ability. One man said You can contact your executive Barney said he and many others only he was a good basketball player because he survived their homesickness because there could go to the gym where he would forget, by writing to us was someone who helped them in those first by spending hours shooting baskets. few weeks. Sometimes it was a sympathetic But many Aboriginal people continued at teacher. For him it was another boy his age to ask “What is reconciliation?” They un- PO Box 30041, who knew English and helped him learn the derstood truth, as that has always been a new language. He remembers those years major teaching in all Aboriginal societies. Saanich Postal Outlet, Victoria, BC V8X 5E1 of losing many he had made friends with, to It is so ingrained in their culture that many or by phoning us at 250-479-1100. disease, death and suicide. Running away non-Aboriginals take advantage of them. from a school was often a type of suicide. They know, but do not really understand why However, there was a story told by a girl truth is not a high value in non-Aboriginal student, who had been sent to the Kamloops societies. They signed treaties believing a residential school with a number of other treaty is to be honoured in good faith; not girls from several places on Vancouver made to be broken at will. Island. As they grew, they were often in Four church leaders had been invited trouble as they resisted harsh treatment to speak: Bishop James Cowan, Anglican; from unjust rules. (Government money to Rev. Dr. Ian Victor, Presbyterian; Rev. Dr. Victoria-Swan Lake New Democrats run the schools was always very limited and Murray Groom, United Church, and Bishop students were required during afternoons, Richard Gagnon, Roman Catholic. Each to labour at maintenance jobs both inside offered their apologies and asked for for- and outside.) When these girls could get giveness. Stay in touch! together, maybe cleaning toilets or scrub- Murray Groom, chair of Victoria Presby- bing floors – one punishment was to scrub tery of the United Church, offered apologies a long hallway with a toothbrush -- they similar to the others: for the churches’ naive- You can reach your executive plotted how they might escape. They tried té, arrogance, and lack of being clear-eyed once, were caught and severely punished. about justice. Also, their need to recognize by emailing President Edward May at [email protected] That only confirmed their determination. the legacy of imperialism and colonialism They planned well, escaped into Kamloops that aligned the western churches with or by writing to Box 282 city and got back to the coast. She told us those in power. 1681 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC V8T 2C1 the school then made the decision they Retired Anglican Bishop John Hannon would no longer accept any students from was there for the whole conference. He was Vancouver Island. Continued on page 15 The Lower Island NEWS COMMENTARY February/March 2011 Page 15 Truth and Reconciliation, from page 14 The Grand Canyon; curse of the yellow dust raised in the Nass Valley, being adopted by By Heather Tufts the uncle of Frank Calder, and speaks the An old Navajo legend tells of their Nisga’a language. He believes the balance peoples’ origin in this world, as they passed between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal must from the spirit world onto earth: be restored, not through punishment, but by They are told to choose between two restorative justice, where responsibility is yellow powders. One is yellow dust from the owned, and there is a willingness to repent rocks and the other is corn pollen. The Diné and change so that the roots of racism are (Navajo) choose corn pollen and the gods broken. nod in assent. They also issue a warning. As individuals, these church leaders Having chosen the yellow pollen they are to were welcomed by the survivors, but there leave the yellow dust in the ground. If it is was an obvious disconnect with the insti- ever removed it will bring evil. tutional churches and their turning a blind Some people believe that this ominous eye to the plight of children. Children were warning refers to yellowcake which is a kind not believed, when they had the courage of uranium concentrate powder obtained to speak; nor was the occasional teacher from leach solutions, during the processing who questioned -- even writing to church of uranium ores. headquarters to protest some of the extreme Decades of unabated uranium mining discipline of children and youth. Some brought an elevated risk of mortality to parents and community people questioned hundreds of Navajo miners due to uranium- the poor conditions of schools and the lack linked diseases such as lung cancer, pneu- of an adequate diet as well as crowded moconiosis, and other respiratory diseases conditions leading to the easy spread of as well as irreparable damage to land and Photo courtesy of Indigenous Action Media disease, especially TB. Many unmarked water. The legacy of uranium mining in the Canyon Mine near Red Butte, Arizona, is owned by Canadian mining company, Den- graves are being currently researched. regions has been so harmful that the Diné ison Mines Corporation, which wants to open it as a uranium mine. Both government and church leaders were (Navajo), Hualapai and Havasupai Nations not unaware, but as Prime Minister Harper have all banned uranium mining on their which is incidentally three times what Bush there is estimated to be more than 8,000 ap- said in his apology on behalf of Canada in lands. had promised in 2005. Currently there are plications for uranium mining operations in 2008, the IRS students were there in order Enter...Denison Mines Corporation, a 104 nuclear reactors in the United States the Grand Canyon region and many of these to “kill the Indian in the child”. Canadian corporation which has submitted which supply 20% of the country’s electricity. involve unregulated Canadian companies. One non-Aboriginal woman said she water and air quality permit applications to But at what cost? was born and brought up in England. When the Arizona Department of Environmental “We have celebrated every victory, but she came to Canada in the 1970s she Quality (ADEQ) in an attempt to open with the renewed interest in nuclear power If we don’t believe in freedom of couldn’t believe the amount of racism she three more uranium mines near the Grand and the price of uranium rising, we may be expression for people we despise, we witnessed here. But she acknowledged that Canyon. running out of time for our community,” said don’t believe in it at all. coming from a former colonizing country she These mines include the currently op- Rita Capitan, Navajo elder. -- Noam Chomsky had to work on her own sense of privilege erating Arizona 1 Mine and the proposed Nuclear power as a clean, green energy that she learned from childhood, with its Pinenut and EZ mines north of the Grand solution remains controversial advantages to which she was entitled as a Canyon and the proposed Canyon Mine especially with the egregious white person. on the south rim near Red Butte, a historic legacy of uranium mining, but For this she had to ask forgiveness, and sacred site of the Havasupai Nation. Canadian mining companies are as do I, as a daughter of immigrant set- Not only do these mines directly threaten the unstoppable vanguard as tlers who came many years ago to occupy the eco-region of the Grand Canyon, they soaring uranium prices increase “stolen” land. advance corporate attacks on community profitability. Profits inevitably One speaker said he was criticized by health, environment and cultural practices. trump community-based con- both Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals for Although environmental groups have cerns about health and safety, calling himself an Indian. He said he always successfully lobbied the US Secretary of eco-justice and the preservation replied: “I’m an ordinary Indian and I will Interior to suspend new uranium claims in of sacred places. always be an Indian so long as there is an a five-mile buffer zone near the Grand Can- “Leave the yellow dust in www.billroutley.com Indian Act.” yon, the suspension does not include pre- the ground!” is Navajo legend, Some First Nations people fear getting existing claims such as those of Canada’s yet ominous warning! Today rid of the current Indian Act and some of its Denison Corporation. Some claims guarantees which would be even further date back to the 1980s. eroded by government if there was a re- The US Environmental Protec- writing of the Act without it being done in the tion Agency (EPA) has documented spirit of truth, reconciliation and healing on well water as undrinkable in at least all sides. Actually we do have a very good 22 communities on the Diné Nation. re-working of the Indian Act – completed The EPA states that, “Approximately after 10 years of careful study, in the 1996 30 percent of the Navajo population Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples does not have access to a public (RCAP), with its analysis of the 150 years of drinking water system and may be relations between governments at all levels, using unregulated water sources and the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. with uranium contamination.” The Successive governments have tinkered Colorado river, which flows through with the Commission’s reports but its cen- the Grand Canyon, supplies water for tral recommendations have mostly sat, drinking and agricultural use for up to gathering dust. Will that be the fate of the 27 million people. UNDRIP? If all the permits are allowed, up to This group of Aboriginals and non- 12 trucks per day would haul uranium Aboriginals, survivors and resisters, having ore from each of the mines to a process- listened and heard some of the truths, asked ing mill in Blanding, Utah. The haul routes VICTORIA FEDERAL NDP for forgiveness as it relates to their situation, would take uranium ore from the various and are resolved to work on reconciliation, mines through the communities of Fredonia, believing the small changes that have oc- Kanab, Williams, Flagstaff, Cameron, Tuba curred will grow as more events like this City, and Kayenta. CONVENTION 2011 are being planned in various communities. “Uranium has already seriously harmed Several spoke of a dream they had of our communities, and you’re considering al- RESOLUTIONS MEETING a very large black book. It was opened to lowing three more mines to open,” protested a page, tightly packed with the names of Klee Benally, Navajo activist with Indigenous the 150,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit Action. Environmentalists, local residents Saturday, March 12, 2pm-4pm children who were taken from their homes and indigenous community members and forced to attend residential schools. In gathered to tell the Arizona Department of Burnside Gorge Community Centre, the dream the person tries to turn the page, Environmental Quality (ADEQ) not to issue but can’t even raise one corner. The many the mining permits at a crowded town-hall 471 Cecilia Road, Victoria, BC ancestors stand waiting in the shadows, meeting in early January. also looking for the release of their children. The ADEQ air quality permits and But there is no freedom from the grief and Department of Transportation regulations All Victoria federal NDP members are invited to debate and vote heartache. As the dreamer begins to waken, would merely require Denison to “cover the on resolutions for the 50th Anniversary NDP Convention in s/he invites the live people who have been haul truck loads with a tarp and maintain standing by, to listen and learn, to forgive, to the truck beds to ensure that ore does not Vancouver on June 17-19, 2011. For more information on repent and to seek reconciliation; giving and fall out.” Convention 2011, visit http://www.vancon2011.com/ accepting healing as a mutual responsibility. A 2010 US Geological Survey damaging Then all, working together, are able to lift the report on mines north of the Grand Canyon Send resolutions in advance to: [email protected] page and turn it over. found that “elevated radioactivity is evident Or to use another analogy that was at all sites, dust had contaminated soils or bring hard copies on March 12. given, we must build bridges between our everywhere mining occurred, and, in some cultures, one respectful dialogue plank at locations, flood-scattered uranium ore lay in A delegate selection meeting for Convention will take place a time; for strong bridges, not fences, will washes and streams.” in April. Contact us at [email protected] keep our children and all of us safe and able In January 2010 the Obama administra- to sleep well. tion approved a $54 billion dollar taxpayer or at 250-382-4370 if you would like to run for loan for new nuclear reactor construction a delegate position or for more information. Page 16 February/March 2011 COMMENTARY The Lower Island NEWS The Kestrel paves the way for sustainable personal transportation by using hemp as a construction material

By Diane Walsh not a finished vehicle. We are still in the Hemp is a fibre that has many advantag- competitive. Their advantage then will be Environmentalists speak often, and pro- manufacturing stage and hope to have a es over other materials. There are numerous low cost of entry and the ability to make phetically, about the need for more industry finished vehicle by March 2011.” merits to processing and then employing a advanced forms.” impetus for cars with low or -- even better yet But even in these early days there’s no hemp bio-composite. It’s interesting to know from, for ex- --zero emissions. What’s not centre-stage, question the Kestrel answers a number of “Compared to fibreglass, for the same ample, a business start-up standpoint, and should be, is the fact that hemp fibre needs. It is a major shift in thinking that will performance, it’s 10 percent lighter and 20 that Alberta Innovates Technology Futures can be used effectively as a construction add more green jobs, creative innovation, percent less expensive (in the current mar- (AITF), under licence from the Canadian material for a vehicle’s shell. Move over and most importantly the key use of our ket) which will swing further in the coming government, is behind this move in a more Hybrid. The Kestrel is now the trend setter. Canadian advantage -- the fact that by the year. It’s also nice and healthy to work with. forward-thinking direction. “The government (See picture) year 1998 the Feds declared the legal use “It comes in mat form (kind of like) stiff supports many programs that get a tech- Not only is this vehicle fully electric, an- of mature hemp stalks for manufacturing, cardboard. This is processed by the Alberta nology to a prototype phase. Any industry swering the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) de- group can access these technologies given mand, it sports the all green-to-manufacture maturity and cash.” hemp based body panels to boot! Most people don’t know this, but the Groundbreaking? Indeed it is. Motive hemp that is turned into a composite ma- Industries Inc., out of Calgary, Alberta, is terial is grown “all over Alberta, BC and changing the face of car manufacturing by Manitoba”, Armstrong explains. Motive In- simultaneously employing hemp and elec- dustries, however, chooses to source from tric for the vision for the industry’s future in Vegreville, Alberta (near Edmonton). Canada. According to Armstrong, the reason that The Kestrel was showcased for the hemp for auto manufacture hasn’t taken first time in Vancouver at last September’s off in a bigger way, considering it has been Electric Vehicle (EV) Conference and Trade legal since 1996, is “lack of industry interest show. We’ve caught up with Nathan Arm- and vision”. strong, president of Motive Industries, who The reason this innovation hasn’t formed says,: “It went very well. Huge response the baseline for next year’s electric car body and the internet visits went viral. We did get shells is because, as Armstrong puts it, the some flack internally for aligning with hemp, “supply chain isn’t really in place -- yet.” but they got over it.” That’s where we, the consumers, come That’s music to our ears. Clearly see- in. It’s up to the people to make the de- ing enthusiasm all around him, especially mand for the supply chain. It’s obvious that among fibre hemp promoters, Armstrong the Kestrel will be influencing the future wants to educate people about what we This prototype shows what the new all-electric Kestral will look like when the first of electric-car building, but are there still can hope to see developing into a mainstay 20 are released for sale in 2012. Its body panels willbe made using hemp. stumbling blocks and wrongly-placed stig- trend. Research Council using essentially a paper- mas operating (a resistance to hemp use) construction, textiles and products, etc. “We’re hoping it will demonstrate Can- making process. It is all very green and low preventing more companies from following Interestingly, the US is more backward, ada’s abilities in technology and vehicle energy.” suit? That stigma must be busted wide-open in not allowing the use of industrial hemp. development, something that hasn’t been It requires less heat and fewer chemicals through education. This lack of vision is good for Canada. The highlighted internationally -- ever. If suc- to produce the fibres, and uses the natural Motive Industries Inc. is still working Kestrel demonstrates a new message com- cessful it will generate a whole bunch of energy of the sun for what it does need, as with the original scientists from the project ing from the auto industry in Canada both jobs and general industry activity,” says opposed to, say, a furnace. Instead, with in the testing procedures, so there is a economically and environmentally. Armstrong. natural hydro the process is clearly more good degree of follow-through and safety “This project was largely started by a “We had the scale model there [at the environmentally friendly -- a key point Arm- consistency. The timeline for delivery of the group in Ottawa that was calling for the start trade show] with the first body panel, but strong and Motive Industries is making with 20 Kestrels is fast-approachin -- said to be of a Canadian OEM [original equipment the introduction of the Kestrel. Q2-3 next year. When asked which Calgary- manufacturer],” explains Armstrong. “They Armstrong adds that “The true cost of based energy distribution company is to were looking to go the traditional route and synthetic fibres isn’t known, as the whole be the lucky inventory holder, Armstrong were looking to raise $500MM to start the industry is subsidized and based on huge answered, “I can’t say directly, but they’re project. I came along and said, ‘If Canada economies of scale. To make fibreglass, a the only deregulated utility.” is going to do this, why not do something massive furnace is needed and to make The car will be available “in Canada Sue Stroud advanced to demonstrate our abilities?’ carbon fibre, all sorts of nasty chemicals and initially, then other countries. We’re working They all agreed, hence the direction this acids are used -- plus big furnaces. Natural on distribution models with a few groups.” program took.” fibres = seed+water+sunlight.” The burning question for many is: The Kestrel is part of Project Eve, cre- In the past, our auto industry’s steel Is it possible to be added to a wait-list? ated by MII and Toronto Electric, with the dependence existed largely because it was “Not yet,” says Armstrong. “We hope to put purpose of enhancing electric vehicle pro- thought to be the strongest material to use out a survey to generate public interest next duction across the country. With the first 20 in vehicle production. Hemp bio-composite’s year. You can fill out and help promote our Kestrels being built by polytechnic schools specific merits may well alter this traditional existing survey though.” You got it. in three provinces it’s clear the Kestrel is thinking. It has the impact resistance of For more information about the history switching it up -- moving the auto-industry fibreglass, but its bio-composite is cheaper of the industrial hemp campaign in Canada, in a new bold and creative direction. to produce and presents fewer health risks start with the creative online booklet pub- “We decided to use the schools for two Meet me at Spelt’s Coffee Shop in for workers. Armstrong confirms this. lished by the CAW (Canadian Auto Workers) reasons. They’ve been getting amazing Saanichton Fridays at 7 p.m. “It’s not stronger than steel -- not even in collaboration with the former leader of the investments from government to expand close. It is tougher though, and will not dent. Ontario Green Party at www.caw.ca/assets/ on applied research facilities, which are es- We use the material selectively to provide pdf/hemp.pdf. For Ontario sources, try www. sentially the best workshops we could ever strength where we need it and aluminum ontariohempalliance.org/home/index.html hope to find. We’re better off using them for the main chassis structure. Steel has Darren McKeage is the designer behind than anything else. The second reason is the stranglehold because of volume. Parts the car and you can read his vision for the student outreach and education. This is a Murray J. Ellis are quick to make. Composite parts are a bit car on the MII blog http://autodesign-blog. very important part for us and we hope to Chartered Accountant more of an art form and production is slow, com/?p=5. It carries four passengers in- inspire many students to go build their own at least by Detroit standards.” cluding driver, can speed up to 90 km/hr, stuff,” says Armstrong. For electric-car manufacture, steel’s not and boasts a range is 40 to 160 kilometres Services to Small Business But let’s get right into the facts about exactly light-weight. To make ultra-efficient before recharge is required. Depending on hemp as a structural material. It’s thought vehicles (obviously a desired feature) hemp the type of battery, the better the battery the Bookkeepers available to have more than twice the strength of bio-composite fits the need. Plastics are further the range. Battery technology hence other plant fibres. But in addition to not based on oil, and we know the challenges is key to EV technology. requiring much water, little pesticide, and faced there. Composite materials, such as 250-385-1011 the crop being high-yielding, is it not part This article was originally published in Canabis carbon fibre, present challenges both cost- 1325 Tolmie Avenue of the green economy by offering ideal Digest, Issue Number 27. wise and in terms of manufacturing and sustainability at its best? Armstrong gives repair. Hemp solves these problems. a resounding “Yes!” “First, you don’t want to get too light THE LACEY LAND SAGA...THE VINDICA- with a car. Two thousand lbs is a good TION OF REMI DE ROO, by P. Jamieson, spot which works well for bio-composites. SAMARHAMAR PRESS Through our research into very advanced This is a fascinating book that goes over materials (nano/crystalline/ceramics) we the struggles of the left vs the right in the hope to increase the strength of natural battle over land investment in the US by the fibres to the point at which they are truly Victoria bishop. Ron MacIsaaac

Victoria Labour Council 219-2750 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4E8 Ph: 250-384-8331 FAX: 250-384-8381 Email: [email protected] The VLC, representing affiliated unions in the Greater Victoria area, holds its regular monthly meeting the third Wednesday of each month at 7 pm at the BCGEU Auditorium, 2994 Douglas Street. All delegates are invited to come out and meet the Executive: Mike Eso, President; Stan Dzbik, Treasurer; Kim Manton, Secretary The Lower Island NEWS COMMENTARY February/March 2011 Page 17 Vietnam at the crossroads: resistance and resilience Story and photos by Heather Tufts reasonably compatible. The more fortunate fishermen sell their extra catch to hotels and restaurants while providing their families with a nutritious meal. However this symbiotic “Tell the Vietnamese they’ve got to draw in their horns or we’re going to bomb them relationship is vulnerable to the threat of unsustainable over-fishing practices induced by back into the Stone Age.” -- Gen. Curtis Lemay, 1964 tourism. Although the government limits development by requiring international developers to partner with a Vietnamese company this policy has licensing variables. A constant stream of motorbikes with continuously honking horns and fuming vehicles In other regions of the county it is impossible to ignore the haunting ghosts from the move their way in disordered urgency through the streets of Saigon. Pedestrians chal- Vietnam War. American bunkers, forts and bullet holes remain visible reminders at the front lenge the roads by crossing at daring intervals in the relentless maze of traffic. Otherwise line regions of Hue and Danang where American bombers took off to initiate one of the worst known as Ho Chi Minh City, this bustling town in South Vietnam symbolizes the essence bombing campaigns in military history. During the war close to three million Vietnamese of post-war reunification while asserting a modicum of social defiance in itsanything goes, were killed including two million civilians. The Vietnam War cost the United States 58,139 big city attitude. More than a thousand miles away, in the highlands north of Hanoi, a cheerful fire crackles in the kitchen of a remote indigenous village while a solid meal of spring rolls, mixed vegetables and pork with plenty of rice is being prepared on a damp, cool evening. The trek through the hills is muddy and wet, but eager children sell solid bamboo walking sticks to offer stability on the slippery paths. The trekking is marked by a variety of cottage industries such as weaving and dying and each house stores enormous sacks of rice that are harvested from nearby terraced rice fields. The paths are bordered by community gardens with animals such as chickens, ducks, pigs and buffalo. Several groups of H’mong women appear as ardent vendors of their local crafts and many accompany their visitors for several miles along the winding trails. The sights and sounds of the villages are hauntingly beautiful in the misty hills where innova- tive land use practices provide local food security. The villagers are easily identifiable by their colourful traditional dress which differs in each village, and houses range from stilted wooden structures to more solid adobe homes where extended families live and work. The long journey through this fascinating land of contrasts is the backdrop to a haunt- ing legacy of brutal history. The spectacular beauty and the graciousness of its people are remarkable qualities given the punishing long war with the United States, as well as the subsequent 20-year embargo which lasted until 1995. While exploring scenic treasures like Halong Bay, absorbing the calming spirituality inside a decorative Buddhist temple or interacting with community at a vibrant market, the penetrating eyes of the elders reveal the vulnerable wisdom of wounded experience. “We forgive but we don’t forget,” is repeated often since many live with vivid memories of unspeakable atrocities. The history is kept alive by viscerally-emotive museum displays, H’mong villagers welcome trekkers into their home. complete with a replica US designed torture chamber and graphic photographs. Nearby the lives and 303,635 wounded plus a lifetime of post traumatic stress for returning veterans. claustrophobic Cu Chi tunnels encourage visitors to test their skill by shooting an AK47 and These days children born with birth defects caused by the spraying of Agent Orange end to slide through the deep and dark underground network that housed the Viet Cong for years. up in orphanages or special schools created by international NGOs. Some adults partici- A monument to victory evokes national pride at the reunification palace in Saigon and pate in government-sponsored artisan workshops where they produce stunning arts, crafts eco-tourism has revitalized the lush Mekong Delta where US troops were no match for the and sculptures. However no compensation by a US government has ever been offered to cunning Viet Cong freedom-fighters in the jungles of the south. Vietnam for the damage done to its land and people. In neighbouring Cambodia and Laos “It’s silly talking about how many years we will have to spend in the jungles of Viet- active American land mines remain embedded in the ground and kill and disfigure randomly. nam when we could pave the whole country, put parking strips on it and still be home for The Pentagon Papers were leaked to the press in 1971 by former Pentagon employee Christmas.” -- Ronald Reagan, October 1965. Daniel Ellsworth. They document years of US covert operations in Vietnam and prove that Lyndon Johnson lied about Vietnamese torpedo attacks on American marines in order to sell the war at home. Nixon sacrificed thousands of lives by escalating an unwinnable war to save face. The anti-war movement was strengthened and many American soldiers began to question the legitimacy of their military commanders. On August 30, 1975 Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese and American troops scrambled to leave before the Communist take-over. They left their southern allies on the ground to face punitive consequences or life-threatening exit attempts in leaky boats. Amerasian children became some of the most tragic victims of war as they were shunned by society and became statistics of infanticide, neglect or abandonment. Although orphanages made provisions to care for them, the children were isolated by national hos- tility. Vietnam adopted the spirit of perestroika in 1986, launching economic reforms and reaching out to the west. The US congress endorsed an agreement with Vietnam to have the children of American servicemen repatriated to the United States for adoption. Today the blue skies shine over spectacular Halong Bay where hundreds of rocky pinnacles form majestic islands creating a natural skyline of unparalleled beauty. Kayaks weave their way serenely through the rocky crevices in the hope of seeing a monkey or two on the nearby shores. The sunset reflects in the water where the cruising junk boats drop anchor for a peaceful night in the bay and softly illuminate the clear, dark night. This wonder of the world attracts thousands of visitors and is the pride of Vietnam. At the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi a long line of spectators forms to view the embalmed body of their national hero. Guards regaled in white military uniforms are posted at intervals and the visitors, who are mostly Vietnamese, show their respect for the man The changing of the guards outside the memorial tomb of Ho Chi Minh. known as the great liberator. Every year Ho’s embalmed body is transported to Russia for maintenance but in the style of Lenin and Mao the body is available for public viewing at The Vietnamese have been shaped by their long, difficult history of battles and conflict. all other times. Today China casts an ominous shadow over Vietnam which strives to maintain small na- Behind the mausoleum is a simple stilt house where Ho lived from 1958 to 1969, a tion self-determination while neighbouring a powerful giant. Within a 2000-year context tempting target for US bombers had they known of his whereabouts. Ho’s accomplishments that includes Chinese rule, French occupation, and unprecedented American bombing are taught in schools where his communist ideology and anti-colonialism are vehemently attacks, the fear of interference from China is now an enduring reality. But Vietnam is a reinforced. fiercely independent nation with a well-proven capacity to overcome hostile skirmishes Please turn to Vietnam at the crossroads, page 18 with super-powers. Traditional life in Vietnam revolves around family, faith and fields although during the war northern peasants were taken from the fields to participate in national defence. After the war all large-scale landowners of the pre-war south were expelled and peasants were herded on to government-sponsored agrarian cooperatives. Today Real Estate Services the land is efficiently tilled by families who resisted the cooperative ventures with a preference to tend smaller parcels of land. Village markets are vibrant and colourful where a variety of fruits, Since 1990 vegetables and meats are displayed next to squawking chickens and ducks with pulsating fresh fish kept alive in buckets. Don’t be sur- prised to see some jars of pickled snake or even living reptiles that Professional -- Experienced -- Committed are a popular delicacy in some regions! Meanwhile the fortune teller appears to predict success and abundance and local elders chew on Call anytime for a market evaluation! bitter nut to blacken their teeth in traditional beauty while achieving a pleasant high. Rural communities in Vietnam seem timeless and Part of every commission, distant from the rapidly developing market-economy that has been with New Democrat clients, fast tracked by tourism and other capitalist ventures. will be donated to a party candidate Nestled on the coast of the East China Sea is the bustling fish- ing village of Mui Ne, where the fishing folks work from dawn to dusk or sitting Member. netting and sorting fish of all shapes and sizes. Unwanted jelly fish are discarded on the beach and covered with thin lairs of sand, but Fred Hiigli without any size limit to fish everything else is kept. At sunset the beach transforms to silhouetted groups of men and women pulling Fred Hiigli ~ Newport Realty in large nets while small, round boats ride the waves to shore. A mo- 250-385-2033 torbike pulls along shore to assist with transportation while a small herd of cows ambles by. The pristine white sand beach is lined with small resorts and At Newport Realty we sell special homes...yours! guest houses but the relationship between locals and tourists seems Page 18 February/March 2011 COMMENTARY The Lower Island NEWS Why do they want to become the next NDP leader? Adrian Dix, MLA Vancouver-Kingsway Mike Farnworth, MLA Port Coquitlam Why do I want to be not just leader of the New Democratic Party Ready to lead, unite the BC NDP, and win the next election but premier of British Columbia after the next election? British Columbians want change and a real choice in the next elec- My most fundamental reason is very simple – I believe in equality. tion. They want BC’s New Democrats to show them that we, as a party, I believe inequality is not only morally wrong, it is expensive for are ready to govern. our society. I am running for leader to end the internal struggles that have dis- The polarization of wealth and power and the growth of poverty tracted the BC NDP from doing our job. My first priority is to reunite our have very significant financial and social costs for the entire commu- party and engage all New Democrats in a respectful and collaborative nity - not just the poor - but the rich too. manner. Together, we can move forward with a progressive vision for And BC Liberal leadership candidates Kevin Falcon or Christy BC and win, whenever the next election is called. Clark or George Abbott would fuel the growing divide in our society To be a viable alternative, the BC NDP needs to be just as comfort- that Gordon Campbell created. Just check their record. able talking about the economy and public safety as it is talking about social justice, health It’s my experiences and achievements as an opposition MLA under Carole James’ care, the environment, and education. Our challenge, as New Democrats, is not about leadership that convinced me to run. moving the party to the left or to the middle. Instead, we must focus on being relevant to As an MLA, I fought for the safety of women who use public transit and got real improve- people in every corner of this province. We must be grounded in the day-to-day reality of ments in security as a result. their lives and communities. I forced the BC Liberals to admit its heartless cuts were hurting our most vulnerable On Vancouver Island, that means looking at a range of investments in people to make children - kids in government care -- and to do something about it. our communities and our province stronger, and more equitable. It means finding ways to And I organized the fight to save schools from being closed due to provincial funding cuts. support families to better afford housing and be able to raise a family, utilizing and enhanc- I am also proud to have supported efforts to keep public health care public. ing our skills to pursue opportunities in the knowledge-based economy, and revitalizing What do these efforts have in common? They involved the whole community: women’s transportation infrastructure – including light rail, commuter and freight rail -- and improv- groups, parents, multicultural communities, social workers, foster parents, unions and ing our coastal highway link to the mainland by making BC Ferries more accountable and business groups. affordable for island residents and businesses. They led to real, tangible improvements in people’s lives. They involved listening and New Democrats must put forward a positive, progressive platform that promotes a strong learning, not just talking and opposing. economy, invests in green jobs, supports the province’s resource industries recover on a There are three compelling reasons that convinced me to run and make a difference more sustainable basis, and makes public safety a top priority. As a province, we need to for middle-income and working families. do more than pay lip service to the environment. We need to make sustainability a key lens First, the economy -- the BC Liberals have the worst economic record of any govern- for every public policy decision we make in government. That’s why I believe the carbon ment in this province since the Great Depression! tax should be used to improve transit infrastructure. Let me be clear: I will put the record of the BC NDP governments up against that of the We also need to do more to support the families in BC struggling to make ends meet. BC Liberals without a moment’s hesitation anywhere, anytime. The BC Liberals have failed to put forward a child poverty reduction strategy and as a result Here are the facts, not the spin -- the average economic growth under the NDP govern- we have the worst child poverty record in Canada. As leader, I will make fixing this problem ments of the 1990s was 3% -- significantly higher than the BC Liberals 2%. a priority. As part of my campaign, I have already outlined my comprehensive plan to ad- Economic growth in the Liberals’ 10 years has been much lower than it was in the 10 dress the growing inequality and poverty that is hurting BC families and children. My plan years of NDP government, which had both higher economic and job growth. will see a single cabinet minister champion this poverty reduction strategy with legislated Facts beat spin every time. targets and timelines. I want to lead a government that works respectfully with business and maintains the The rest of my poverty reduction plan includes: NDP’s historic relationship with unions and working people, while protecting the public • Raising the minimum wage to $10.00 an hour and index it to cost of living interest overall. increases and eliminating the $6 an hour training wage. But we are not going to be a government like the BC Liberals that cuts taxes for big • Expanding child care and early learning programs so all children get the banks while forcing ordinary British Columbians to pay hundreds of millions dollars more same advantages to succeed in school. in Medical Services Premiums to make up for it. • Reducing homelessness with firm action targets for new units of social And I will scrap the HST that has devastated restaurants, small businesses and new housing and better supports of short-term shelters, funded by the province’s home builders. housing trust. A second key reason -- social justice. • Reviewing categories of Income Assistance rates within the context of Why does British Columbia, with all its natural resources and obvious wealth, have the the poverty reduction plan and immediately linking current rates to inflation. worst record in Canada for child poverty for seven straight years? • Lowering barriers to post-secondary education, apprenticeships, It’s simple -- because the BC Liberal government just doesn’t care. and training programs for families living in poverty. BC doesn’t even have a poverty reduction plan. • Restoring supports to single parent families, increasing Income Assis- The BC Liberals have made life worse for people receiving social assistance and tance-to-Work supports and earning exemption allowances to help transition disability benefits. They cut child care and their Bill 29 led to the largest layoff of female people from welfare to work. workers in BC history. • Protecting children-at-risk through immediate investments in child protec- The BC Liberals have refused to give even one tiny raise in eight years to workers who tion services and enhancing support for the transition to First Nations’ aboriginal survive on the $8 minimum wage. child welfare. It’s a shameful record that must be stopped. • Reducing Community Living waitlists, to help some of BC’s most vulner- I want to build on the work of past New Democrat premiers, all of whom gave priority able adults and their families get adequate care. to public health care, social services and education to reduce inequality. British Columbia also needs a comprehensive approach to education, one that encom- A third major reason that I want to lead BC is our environment and natural resources. passes the entire system from early learning to high school. The K-12 education system I want real action on climate change that includes the investment of carbon tax revenues must be able to connect our young graduates to a broad range of university, apprenticeships, in ongoing transit expansion and in innovative green infrastructure, matched with tough and training programs. The world has changed since 1987 when BC last had a commission emissions standards. on education. Students, teachers, jobs, and technology have changed. We need a 21st I want to see natural resource use linked to economic justice and sustainable develop- century provincial commission on education for 21st century learners. ment through restrictions on raw log exports, and end the runaway privatization of our rivers. It’s time to heal the internal wounds in the BC NDP and refocus on what is important to I want to see a future for British Columbia where fairness triumphs over inequality, British Columbians. With you, I will work to ensure that each and every citizen, regardless where prosperity replaces poverty and where hope defeats fear. of where they live, can look forward to a prosperous, safe, and sustainable future for not We can build that brighter future – if we all pull together as a party and reach out to only them, but their children and grandchildren. British Columbians. Please join with me, Joy MacPhail, NDP MLAs and MPs, and many other New Demo- Website: www.mikefarnworth.ca crats in supporting my leadership campaign. Telephone: 778-823-7647 Information: email [email protected] Website: www.adriandixforbc.ca Telephone toll free: 1-866-523-4886 Information: email [email protected]

Vietnam at the crossroads, continued from page 17 “The Vietnamese people deeply love independence, freedom and peace. But in the face expected to double by 2050. The communist government paradoxically embraces socially- of United States aggression they have risen up, united as one man.” -- Ho Chi Minh,1965 responsible capitalism as a partial solution and joined the World Trade Organization in 2007. Vietnam has suffered a lot already but today this small nation is increasingly impacted Traveling in reunified Vietnam is an intricate labyrinth that spans history, weaves through by the relentless effects of climate change. Low lying areas are threatened by rising tides, diverse cultural communities, and explores alternative paths to an uncertain future. Industri- floods and hurricanes and it has been determined that a sea level rise of only one metre ous peasants till the land and fishermen harvest the seas as if time had stood still, while on would flood more than 6% of the country and displace 10 million people. the horizon indigenous voices and social movements are poised to be heard. Urban families At the same time the destructive eco-legacy of the war remains in 16% of South cluster precariously on motorbikes to roar down overcrowded streets towards modernity. Vietnam where the Vietnam, driven Americans sprayed into top speed by in- 72 million litres of ternational investors, herbicide (Agent Or- is at the crossroads ange) in an attempt of hope and recovery to destroy the cover but is bracing for dif- of the Viet Cong. The ficult times ahead. government estimates that 20,000 sq kms of Heather Tufts, an activ- forest and farmland ist during the Vietnam war, recently travelled were lost as a result to Vietnam of American atrocities during the war. Vietnam is one of the world’s fastest growing economies and the population of about 86 million is The fishing nets are pulled in Mui Ne in the early evening. Elder chews the culturally-treasured bitter nut in rural Vietnam. The Lower Island NEWS INTERNATIONAL NEWS AND VIEWS February/March 2011 Page 19 Five candidates answer the question for readers Dana Larsen, community organizer and activist Nicholas Simons, MLA Powell River-Sunshine Coast I am running for the leadership of the BC NDP because I offer a I am offering my service as leader of the New Democratic Party fresh vision for my party and our province. My campaign will engage of BC. those who feel disenfranchised and cynical about the state of politics For nine years, I administered the Health and Social Services De- in BC. partment of the Sechelt Nation. There I was responsible for over 20 I have been a community organizer and activist for all of my adult employees in program areas that included health, social assistance, life. Over my career I have worked as a journalist, editor, and small alcohol and drugs, justice, and child welfare. I successfully managed business owner. For the past two years I have served as director and a multi-million dollar annual budget. senior manager of the Vancouver Medicinal Cannabis Dispensary As the executive director, I oversaw the implementation of numer- Society, which serves over 2,500 patients across the Lower Mainland ous progressive programs. In Child and Family Services I instituted from two locations. I am honoured to assist so many suffering patients universal day-care for Band members, a nutritionist, the first sexual to access the benefits of this amazing medicinal herb. health program on reserve, and a food-garden program. I promoted My leadership campaign is based on four principles: Democracy, Sustainability, Social independence for elders, the first crack-pipe exchange program in the province, and kept Justice, and being Smart on Crime. families together through innovative family support programs. Under my direction, our In terms of Democracy, I believe that the people of BC should be able to vote directly Health and Social Services Centre was built to LEED standards, and included space for on the issues of the day, through referendums and ballot initiatives. art therapy, family conferencing, nurses consultation, and a community kitchen. At its heart The NDP brought in our current ballot initiative system in 1995, but since then the is the elders’ boardroom where the language of the shíshálh (Sechelt) people is recorded, only issue ever to come forward for a vote will be the HST. As premier I would halve the documented and passed on. Restorative justice, and wilderness alcohol and drug programs threshold from 10% to 5% to make it easier for a referendum item to be put on the ballot. for entire families were at the forefront of addictions treatment. In over a decade in Child A common complaint is that our political process is “bought and paid for” by the wealthy Welfare, I had only one contested court case. elite. I would change this by banning corporations and unions from making donations to My Master’s degree is in criminology. I’ve worked inside federal and provincial prisons, I political parties in British Columbia. was the crime prevention coordinator for the Northwest Territories, and I’ve worked for Arctic As party leader, I would bring more democracy back into the BC NDP. I’d empower our Public Legal Education and travelled around the Arctic. I have worked for the Northwest membership to get directly involved in policy, using the Internet and other tools to ensure that Territories government in the Departments of Justice and Child and Family Services, where we remain a truly grassroots party where every member has a real voice. (I have already I wrote a report on Customary Adoption, and designed a child abuse awareness campaign. begun this project with a website called www.OpenNDP.ca, which I encourage you to visit.) I have taught criminology at Simon Fraser University. An example of the bottom-up way I believe the BC NDP should be run, I strongly sup- I have also been a musician throughout my career, teaching, performing and recording port Sustainable BC which was passed unanimously at convention but sadly never made with various local and national artists. I served as the president of the Sunshine Coast it onto our election platform. We must recognize that a sustainable economy is one where Arts Council. growth is limited and maximum local benefit is derived from resource use. Most of my working life has been spent outside of politics. I joined the NDP in 2003 I also see sustainability as meaning we should preserve our public institutions for the after being asked to run in the federal riding of West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast. In that common good. As premier, I would stop and reverse the corporate giveaways, to ensure that election, the NDP vote went to 22% from the previous 6%. At the encouragement of former BC Ferries, BC Hydro, and BC Rail are maintained for the benefit of all British Columbians. Premier Dave Barrett and others, I put my hat in the ring for the provincial nomination. In Sustainable transportation means moving away from building more roads and towards 2005 running against the incumbent Liberals and the leader of the Green Party, the party rail-based transport wherever possible, including bringing light rail to the Fraser Valley. won with 43% of the vote. In the 2009 election my vote increased to 57%. For the sake of both sustainability and social justice, I am calling for the Skytrain to be My interest in seeking political office was prompted by my involvement in the investigation designated as part of our provincial highway system, and for fares to be eliminated. As into the death of a young toddler from a remote First Nations community, who, because of premier, I would also study the benefits of making the entire BC Transit system fare-free, turmoil, bad planning and confused practice, had been placed in her uncle’s home without so that poverty is never a barrier to public transit access. adequate oversight. My report, materially unchanged from a 2003 draft, was ultimately Social justice means ensuring that our poorest and most vulnerable citizens are not left released after the 2005 election. Issues surrounding the report including both its contents, behind. I advocate for a $10 minimum wage, indexed to inflation. I also support reforming the secrecy, and the timing of its release, led to hard questions in the Legislature and the our welfare system so that everyone is guaranteed an adequate minimum income. establishment of the Hughes Inquiry into the child welfare system. Finally, I call for BC to get smart on crime. We need to accept the overwhelming evi- Liberal bad management, combined with zeal to cut corners was typical of not just dence that more prisons and more police do not always lead to a safe and civil society. child welfare policy, but other sectors of the province’s jurisdiction as well. Environmental As premier I would implement current BC NDP policy to remove marijuana users from the protections were eliminated, local communities were disempowered, social programs were criminal justice system, so that we could tax and regulate adult use. This would free police slashed, and public assets were liquidated. The government subscribed to a philosophy resources to focus on actual criminals and not pot smokers. of short-term gain for long-term pain – which is illustrated regularly through reports on Taxed and regulated marijuana would also be a financial windfall that provided benefits infant deaths, the increase in poverty, the degradation of our environment and the sell-off to all British Columbians. This would allow us to pay down the Liberals’ debt and maintain of our resources. social programs without raising taxes. I bring my own approach to leadership. Restoring confidence in the political process Being smart on crime also entails recognizing that prison is not a solution for homeless- will be a priority. A good leader is one who surrounds themselves with intelligent people ness, drug addiction, or mental health issues. As premier, I would tell Stephen Harper that who have integrity. One who understands that their primary role is to make decisions based enough is enough, and that the people of British Columbia prefer to spend our tax dollars on meaningful consultation, good research and sound science. One who believes that on programs that help keep nonviolent and vulnerable people out of prison. BC should not even the most difficult decisions can be made in a transparent and open manner without foot the bill for Stephen Harper’s prison spending spree. needing to resort to stealth or spin, which have no place in public policy debate. A good If you support the principles of Democracy, Sustainability, Social Justice, and being leader is one who can make difficult decisions with a complete awareness of the benefits Smart on Crime, then please support my leadership bid. You can visit my campaign online and costs they will entail. at www.VoteDana.ca. Throughout my career I have made difficult decisions in hostile environments with confidence and sensitivity. This comes from being fully aware of the problem, cognizant of Website: www.voteDana.ca the challenges, but focused on a specific outcome. Telephone: 604-786-0721 All of the policies I propose (see www.nicholassimons2011.ca) reflect the principles of Information: email [email protected] Sustainable BC, a framework which requires that public policy be based on sound envi- ronmental stewardship, the importance of a diversified economy, equity in the sharing of our wealth, and the promotion of individual and community well-being.

Website: www.nicholassimons2011.ca Telephone: no number yet Information: email to [email protected]

John Horgan, MLA Juan de Fuca

For the past six years, I’ve spent my days meeting with people in They want government to develop a credible, workable strategy for ensuring that as my community, listening to their concerns, working to find solutions, BC prospers, our most vulnerable citizens are not left by the wayside. The want real solu- and speaking out on their behalf. It’s the best job I’ve ever had. tions to child poverty and homelessness and they want a minimum wage that reflects the Whether it’s my constituents or the people I meet from every corner costs of living in our province. of this province, they all tell me the same thing, they want political They want a government that listens to the people and engages its citizenry. They leaders who take their concerns seriously and tell them the truth. want politics to move beyond the backrooms and boardrooms to our community halls and The want leaders who tell them what issues they’re examining, kitchen tables. who they’re talking to and how they will reach the decisions that af- The past six years has taught me that MLAs can do more. We must stay connected fect British Columbian’s lives. They don’t want flashy gimmicks, fake with our communities and do our best to listen to their views—even when we disagree with slogans or high-priced ad campaigns. They want honest, hard-working them. I know that despite my initial disagreement, I often found myself brought around to government that puts people first. That’s not what they have today and I don’t expect it’s a new and better point of view simply because I was determined to listen. going to change when the BC Liberals choose a new leader. As New Democrats we have our differences to be sure. We debate policy, we argue It’s left to New Democrats to answer the call. That’s why I’m seeking the leadership of about issues and as we’ve seen in the past couple of months, sometimes we even punch the BC New Democratic Party. I believe that New Democrats want to revitalize a political the walls and break some furniture to make point. But we share the same important values. movement that not only elects a NDP government, but an NDP government with a purpose, We all believe that the public interest must prevail. with a mandate for change and a plan for delivering change. I want to be leader of the NDP because I know how to connect with British Columbians, British Columbians want a government that protects their natural resources and ensures how to work hard to find solutions to the problems facing our communities and how to they are used in a way that benefit the public interest and provides jobs for local people. speak out for those who can’t buy access to the back rooms of the BC Liberal Party. NDP They don’t want their natural heritage auctioned off to speculators or a handful of well- values are British Columbians’ values. Simply put, I believe that the job of leader of the connected private interests. NDP is to convince British Columbians that they’ve been new Democrats all their lives, They want real environmental protection that based on balanced, scientific principles. they just didn’t know it. To be sure, they want development and investment, but they want to ensure that projects are honestly examined and judged on their economic, environmental and social merits. Website: www.organforbc.ca They want a government that makes investments in our young people to ensure that Telephone: 250-812-8907 they have the skills needed to survive in our modern open economy and to help attract the Information: email to [email protected] kind of investment that will allow our economy to flourish. They want a government that is committed to providing viable, accessible quality health care for all its citizens. Page 20 February/March 2011 The Lower Island NEWS Island municipalities Update: Say ‘“No!” to Female Genital Mutilation need a fair share By Diane Walsh of Inter-African Committee on Traditional By James Fletcher and rapidly-growing burden of taxes and goods VICTORIA -- Female Genital Mutilation Practices, whose personnel then work with Doug McArthur and service charges on local taxpayers is a heinous crime still perpetrated against several NGOs on the ground in Africa e.g. Small towns and cities on Vancouver than the provincial government placed on girls. On February 6 throughout the day, New Vision and Reach. By no means is this Island are in trouble. provincial taxpayers – a burden that is 52 the entire world community was asked to above list exhaustive. The present model of local government percent higher. chant a resounding “No!” in unison with all Moreover, the commitment to eradicate financing simply doesn’t work, and indeed, The solution? BC’s municipalities need activists against female genital mutilation. FGM is exemplified by current initiatives it can’t work. access to a much broader range of revenue As this was the date marking the 8th In- taken place at a high-governmental level, Over the past 32 years, successive sources. ternational Day on Zero Tolerance to Female both nationally and internationally. These provincial governments have chipped In our report, we propose dozens of new Genital Mutilation, collectively, it was a time include a global Appeal to Ban FGM world- away at transfer payments, leaving local revenue generating ideas and promising when we could honour the global concerted wide, underscoring efforts to bring forth an governments with little choice but to cut economic development concepts. efforts which rarely get media attention, but actual UN Resolution into the UN General services and increase taxes. It also ended The Capital Regional District’s Hartland which represent both practical and existen- Assembly at some point in the near future. the provincial role of ensuring less well off Landfill gas utilization project is an example tial struggles against FGM tradition practice. This would seek a ban on the practice of communities can provide services compa- of how local government can upgrade its Since February 6 fell on a Sunday, the female genital mutilation world-wide and rable to the rest. existing infrastructure to generate new UN-sponsored meeting, backed by the would carry the weight of international law Compounding the problem is the mas- revenue. By capturing and burning the World Health Organization, took place in against torture behind it and along with it the sive economic transition underway in our methane gas generated by the landfill, the Geneva on Monday, February 7, at 9 am at lofty goal to make the UN Resolution— ulti- th— province – one marked by the decline of $2.8 million project generates 1.6 MW of “Le Centre International de Conférences” mately—the 9 of the 8 Millennium Goals. high-value industries such as forestry. Only electricity, enough to power 1,600 homes. (CICG). There is reason to have hope. 10 years ago forestry contributed directly This project also reduces greenhouse gas It has been a long wait, from many ac- A draft copy resolution is in the works, and indirectly to over 35 percent of the an- emissions and earns royalties for the CRD. tivists’ point of view. But it is encouraging spearheaded by the Inter-African Commit- nual income and wealth generation in BC. It Nanaimo’s sewage treatment plant has news as the proud two-pronged theme for tee, a giant in the anti-FGM movement. As is now well below 10 percent. Likewise, 10 also been recently upgraded. Instead of flar- 2011 has finally emerged: “Building Bridges currently endorsed by UN headquarters in years ago forestry contributed close to $3 ing excess methane gas the regional district between Europe and Africa”, with emphasis Geneva, Donor Working Group and Global billion in revenues to the province. Today, has installed a new cogeneration system on “engaging media” and “engaging govern- Alliance against FGM, a German-Canadian the figure is less than $500 million. that will be used to create electricity to be ments”, which is an indispensable factor to group now operational out of Geneva, we’re For many towns the result has been a sold to BC Hydro. being able to reach zero tolerance to FGM. seeing several federating efforts. shrinking tax base as businesses close and Elsewhere in the province, Revelstoke The Inter-African Committee, which was Using knowledge-sharing, a global workers leave. Small, resource-based towns provides a great example of how waste scheduled to take the floor at Monday’s portal is being developed with the aim to are hit especially hard. wood from the local mill can be used to Geneva meeting, issuing this statement, in centralize all FGM-based resources, in ad- The results have been predictable – fuel a district heating system and generate advance, from IAC Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: dition to providing a vehicle for monitoring large corporations and small businesses revenue for the city. In another example, “The objective of celebrating Febru- situations on the ground and immediate alike are demanding tax breaks, well aware Dawson Creek played an important role ary 6 is to call International, Regional, media-outreach. It will be a one-stop click to that their competitors benefit from more in helping to establish the Peace Energy National and Community attention to the enable readers to view all resources pooled favourable tax regimes elsewhere. Cooperative. This producer co-op helps efforts needed to free women and girls around FGM in one website. Residents in Port Alberni saw their tax small-scale electricity producers sell their from the adverse tradition of female genital In addition, with the ability to add to it, it bills jump by 23.6 percent last year when power to larger distributors. mutilation and to accelerate action towards will be possible to mobilize and communi- Catalyst Paper refused to pay its taxes. The Local procurement policies and import its total elimination. cate strategies between Europe, Africa [and story in Campbell River, Crofton and Powell substitution strategies can help to create “Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a the Middle East in due course] and allow River is similar with residents paying higher markets for locally produced goods and violation of basic human rights principles, as for new partnerships, evolving every day, taxes and receiving fewer services in order services and reduce the need for more stipulated in Article 24.3 of the Convention to be posted. to make up for the tax revenue withheld by expensive imports. on the Rights of the Child, the Convention There is neither danger, nor contradic- Catalyst Paper. But in order to take advantage of op- on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimi- tion, in the varying approaches to eradicat- Shifting the tax burden from business portunities for economic diversification, nation Against Women (CEDAW), other ing FGM which include legal, political and to residents and driving up user charges small towns need a fair share of the tax International and Regional instruments, the cultural. These can include but are not lim- increases the burden on residential property revenues that are already generated in their Protocol to the African Charter on Human ited to strategies helping communities with owners, takes money out of consumers’ communities. and People’s Rights Relating to the Rights unlearning harmful-to-girl cultural theory pockets, and ultimately, does not solve the This will require the provincial govern- of Women in Africa, (Article 5) and the Afri- methodologies; sensitization and educa- real problem. ment to increase transfers, as well as can Union Solemn Declaration on Gender tion; alternative employment measures The need for a new model of local gov- broaden the revenue tools available to local Equality in Africa, 2004.” for excisors—many different ways to fight ernment financing is becoming more urgent governments. The main actors on the anti-FGM front FGM—but always complementary. with each passing year. Change is needed if smaller communi- have traditionally been The Inter-African There are reports of successful law For the past year we have studied this ties on Vancouver Island are to continue Committee, UNFPA, The UN Refugee enforcement and arrest of exisors—mak- issue, and have recently released a paper to offer a high quality of life and economic Agency and UNICEF, and so it makes sense ing the criminalization of FGM an accepted titled Local Prosperity: Options for Municipal opportunities for the next generation. that these organizations/”branches” of the paradigm and an integral part of an overall Revenue Growth in British Columbia. To read our discussion paper visit: www. UN were designated hosts for the meet- sensitization strategy. In Geneva, ambas- We argue that local governments in BC thinkcity.ca/localprosperity ing. Formal media were represented as sadors from Burkina Faso, Egypt, Italy, The are far too dependent on property taxes and well, including Afromedianet. Equally, and Netherlands, Norway, Kenya, Ethiopia will property-related user charges. In the past 10 James Fletcher is a researcher with Think City. European Network-FGM. be heard speaking at session. years, municipalities have imposed a more Doug McArthur is a professor with the School of This signals to the whole world that Those African delegations to the UN who Public Policy at Simon Fraser University. concrete genuine steps are being taken to opposed this movement going forward at the solidify the resources for anti-FGM initiative, UN September 2010 New York conference within, government. have been successfully marginalized, in part Ron reviews: For far too long FGM has been pushed on account of the tremendous unification under the carpet. That’s been the sentiment of mobilization efforts agreed upon by the FROM VICTORIA TO VLADIVOSTOK, and their grave markers are in photos in of many activists who have struggled to aforementioned plethora of organizations Canada’s Siberian Expedition 1917-19, the book. working on the front-line. by Ben Isitt, UBC PRESS A piece of Canadian history that did raise awareness over more than 40 years. Importantly 2011 is a synchronization of This little known war was an invasion not make it into our Canadian schools’ cur- Things are different now. For the first time in strategies between Europe and Africa. It is by a dozen countries of Russia to stop the riculum!. history chief world actors alongside promi- only through world-wide awareness of the revolution against the Tsar and the war with nent activists have agreed to band together. The work of all anti-FGM organizations has ongoing existence of FGM that true eradica- Germany. Canadian soldiers revolted in PEOPLE OF THE LAKES, Translated Sto- also been emboldened by the enthusiasm of tion can begin to take place. Victoria against there being sent to Vladivo- ries of the Elders, Shirleen Smith, Editor, If you know something, get in touch. It stok, but the contingent went. They fought UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA PRESS. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon stating only takes a tweet or email or a FB post to This is a giant of a book. It encompass- unequivocally a UN-commitment to gender get involved. Know that excisors practis- es maps, photos, and stories of the peoples equality in September 2010 in New York. ing FGM or those condoning or lending who occupy Northern Yukon to the shores Coupled with that, we’ve seen the credence and supporting babies, little girls of the Beaufort Sea. It is indeed the land of emergence of UN Women on the scene, and women’s genitals being sliced amidst lakes (Canada has more lakes than the rest with its new website out in January 2011. Poorly designed third societies of fear, coercion, and confusion are of the planet’s countries). The sketches of Of course the work of impressive former under watchful eye. The future can and will party advertising tribal dress date back to 1848. president of Chile Michelle Bachelet, who be better. If you see FGM happening, speak continued from page 7 This book is a wonderful study of the Ban Ki-moon appointed Executive Director/ Under-Secretary General of UN Women, al- out. Don’t be a witness and do nothing. advertising so it is easier to interpret people who had to put up with the arrival of white migrants from Europe! lows for a different climate to flourish. This and adequately deals with the realities year’s International Day is significant in that Diane Walsh, MA, is an investigative journalist of online communication. the overall strategy is being upped in part as based in the Pacific Northwest. She contributes • Exempt volunteer labour from the to new media outlets, newspapers which by WILD HORSES, by R. Mclennan, UNIVER- a result of UN Women putting weight behind definition of an election advertising ex- some miracle haven’t gone under, and maga- SITY OF ALBERTA PRESS the anti-FGM cause. pense (as is the case for political party zines in the US, Canada and Europe. Some years ago I joined the Wild Horse The formidable contribution of The AHA and candidate expenses). Society and canoed up the Spirit River, north Foundation; No Peace without Justice, Ban • Exempt charities from the rules Ron reviews: of Jasper, and viewed the wild bands. Later FGM and FGM NETWORK are obvious cen- altogether, as they must already dem- I visited the roundup results of the Nevada tral keys as well to the current and overall INUVIALUIT NAUTCHIANGIT, Relation- onstrate they are non-partisan and roundup. They took in 5,000, put 50 in each political fervour galvanizing support behind ships between People and Plants, by make a contribution to the public good corral, put up a mound for the stallions. ending the practice around the world. R. Badringa & Inuit Elders, contact email in order to achieve and keep registered They dutifully took turns to stand on it. Furthermore, TOSTAN out of Senegal; [email protected] charity status. With this back ground I welcome the The Orchid Project [Davos winner] with on- This outstanding book (10 years in going endorsement from Nick Kristof of the the making) with its marvellous photos, The study Election Chill Effect is available at chance to review WILD HORSES. It’s a NYT; and The Waris Dirie Foundation are brings the Arctic into brilliant perspective. www.policyalternatives.ca. lively bit of romance, savoury but sans It displays how the resident Inuit lived, and CCPA BC Office is located at 1400-207 West equines! core developing partnerships with the same Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1H7; tele- --Ron MacIsaac common goal of eradication. Equally UNI- explodes the common perspectives of bar- phone: 604-801-5121, fax:604-801-5122. CEF operates in tandem with the mandate ren lands and inhospitable terrain. The Lower Island NEWS BOOKS, PLAYS AND... February/March 2011 Page 21 Wrongful Conviction in Canadian Law, by Dr. Gary Botting, Butterworths LexisNexis Wrongfully convicted, a cry from the heart from a victim of our Canadian Justice system, David Milgaard’s unique account of his years in prison is an essay giving voice to the nightmares that haunt so many innocent people in today’s Canadian prisons

By Tim Pheotist system. Both sides can’t be true, so some- nobody would listen. Thirty-five years later, and over and over, year after year, like a David Milgaard, who spent 23 years one has to be lying. With wrongful convic- it became clear that he had an iron-clad parrot? Worse, how could it listen, and give in jail for a murder he did not commit, has tions, the judge and jury have picked the lies alibi all along, and was innocent of murder. his recycled opinions any stock?” written a compelling forward to a recently over the truth. As long as the lies stand, the More than half a century ago, when he The law needs to be changed, he said, published book detailing nightmare cases system feels good about itself. So Canada’s was 14, Steven Truscott received the death so that prosecutors can’t continue to pros- of wrongful conviction in Canada. system of justice does not let the wrongfully penalty for the rape and murder of 12-year- ecute their cases years after the trial with the “In prison, every horrible second seems convicted expose the lies.” old Lynn Harper. “You shall be hanged by same old wrong evidence. “Allowing that to to stretch forever,” he wrote. “A third of my He says the Minister of Justice never the neck until you are dead,” he was told in happen brings the whole system of justice expected life [has been] stolen from me of his own initiative applies the laws that 1959. Authorities commuted his death sen- into disrepute.” forever.” Parliament has passed – laws designed to tence to a life sentence, and let him out on Milgaard said that he wanted to impress The essay kicks off Dr. Gary Botting’s protect the innocent. “[The Minister’s] staff parole after 10 years, but as far is Milgaard upon readers these four central points, Wrongful Conviction in Canadian Law, is concerned only with setting up roadblocks is concerned, this was simply “a cheap way drawn from personal experience: published by Butterworths LexisNexis, for years and years in the hope that those to ease their guilt. As in Millgard’s case, 1. It is horrible to spend time in prison which reviews and cross-references every claiming that they were wrongfully convicted nobody would listen to him, not the Court for a crime you did not commit. Think of it: inquiry into wrongful conviction ever held in will get lost – in all senses of the word.” of Appeal, not even the Supreme Court of prison sentences are the worst punishment Canada. Botting’s legal practice, originally He said the Minister seems to think that Canada.” Canada has been able to come up with for founded in Victoria in 1991, is now based those who claim to be wrongfully convicted Told by a judge looking into the matter the worst criminals committing the worst in Vancouver. will give up their efforts to get exonerated in 2007 that Steven Truscott had likely suf- crimes. In the case of someone serving time Milgaard says he is only one of the many once their sentences end and they have fered a miscarriage of justice, the Minister in prison for something he or she did not do, voices of the wrongfully convicted. “Of the a chance to go home at last to what’s left of Justice referred the Truscott case back the “punishment” is torture. hundreds if not thousands of convicted Ca- of their “shattered and probably scattered to the Ontario Court of Appeal, who, while 2. Fighting the Canadian government nadians who have claimed to be innocent families.” not going so far as to finding him factually for compensation long after being released over the past half century, only eight of us The system is set up so that innocent innocent, left the Crown without enough from prison after exoneration feels like be- have ever had our cases reviewed by Com- people, once they are convicted, simply evidence to proceed to a new trial. ing in prison all over again. I was fighting missions of Inquiry,” he said. Six such inqui- cannot get a fair hearing, he said. Every “But justice delayed is justice denied,” for myself and for my family for years all ries have been held so far, all within the last day, inmates who have been wrongfully said Milgaard. “To my mind, it was wrong over again. How would you feel? It was a 20 years, in half of the 10 provinces: Nova convicted see “guilty” men and women get of the Ontario Court of Appeal to say they long, long struggle, and it was degrading. Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Newfoundland out of prison because they have admitted couldn’t find Steven ‘factually innocent’. Put I strongly recommend the government to and Saskatchewan. their crimes and come to grips with their it all together and do the math, with the blow- make monies available to any man or wom- “Do not believe for a minute that the criminogenic factors. Meanwhile, inmates fly and flesh fly evidence and everything, all an struggling to prove they are innocent. other five provinces lag far behind. For start- who have been wrongfully convicted cannot multiplied out with the help of someone who 3. Seeking justice in cases of wrongful ers, there’s Ivan Henry in British Columbia – even get parole, because before the Parole knows statistics, and the chances of Steve conviction and bringing cases such as mine 26 years in jail for multiple crimes he did not Board will let them out of jail they have to being guilty are way less than one tenth of to everyone’s attention is costly in terms of commit. His 55 appeals and protests that he “admit” to a crime they haven’t committed. one percent – not much different from DNA time and money, especially since Justice had been wrongfully convicted were ignored “Many innocent prisoners feel they are evidence. Canada, along with prosecutors and the by the BC Court of Appeal for 20-plus years forced to lie to bring the torment of prison “Seems to me the Ontario Court of Ap- police, drag their feet and dig in. until the Pickton investigation revealed that time to an end,” he said. Furthermore, peal didn’t do the math!” 4. Justice delayed is justice denied. the real rapist had gone on raping in the sometimes lawyers advise their wrongfully He said the government and the justice Canada’s system of investigating and same way for years after Henry was put convicted clients to lie and admit to the system never admit they are wrong even reviewing miscarriages of justice is way away. What went wrong there, where the crimes they have been charged with to avoid when they know they can’t be right. Only too slow. We need a system where an police deliberately sat on evidence prov- further torment. when the injustice becomes obvious do independent Board that is not part of the ing that the crimes were committed by a “Of course, the lawyers don’t ‘know’ commissions of inquiry get set up – in his criminal justice system or the government different person altogether? Surely British that their clients are innocent, even though case, 35 years after his conviction for a looks at all cases where anyone claims he Columbians will want to find out?” they may ‘believe’ it. Some lawyers may rape-murder that he had nothing at all to do has been wrongful convicted. When this Milgaard pointed to cases in the other characterize that kind of ‘white lie’ as ‘com- with. The DNA evidence eventually showed Board finds that the person is innocent, the provinces as well. “Alberta has its wrongful ing clean’. that the murder was committed by a serial government should quickly free them and prosecutions of Wilson Nepoose, Jason “What they forget is, a lie is never clean!” rapist, Larry Fisher. give them compensation. Dix and Daniel Wood, Quebec has Simon Keeping a person in prison until he is “Fisher sat on his hands for 23 years, David Milgaard concludes his essay by Marshal, New Brunswick has Felix Michaud, forced to tell a lie by incriminating himself nowing that I sat in prison all that time for singing the praises of Wrongful Conviction and Prince Edward Island has John Cooper. is a form of torture, said Milgaard. With no his crime.” in Canadian Law and its author. In the book, They all sued or negotiated settlements for end in sight, the torment goes on forever: In Canada, anyone charged with a crime Dr. Botting looks at the seven different com- wrongful conviction. But it was an uphill the person never knows when he can expect is innocent until proven guilty beyond a rea- missions of inquiry that have been held in battle. to be released. sonable doubt. But as David Milgaard soon Canada so far, to determine what they rec- “That about covers the whole country!” “But when the lie ‘Yes, I did it!’ has been found out, once a person is convicted, that’s ommended and whether their recommenda- Milgaard points out the limitations of the uttered, the whole system of justice, from the end of it: he is considered guilty, period. tions have been followed or ignored. One inquiries into wrongful conviction, which so police to judges, can give a big sigh of relief In order to get out of prison without lying to inquiry in Newfoundland heard three cases far have been limited to convictions for mur- and say, ‘We knew it!’ the Parole Board, as the system requires, he at once, and the Gouge Inquiry uncovered der. “All eight of us received life sentences. If “The reward held out to me if I chose to said, the person has to prove his innocence several more cases of wrongful conviction we had been wrongfully convicted of crimes lie? Freedom! The punishment for my be- beyond a reasonable doubt – which is next in Ontario. with shorter sentences, it would have been ing innocent and honest and sticking to my to impossible to do from prison. “For years Gary Botting has tirelessly much easier to do the time than to fight the principles and not lying? Almost 23 years “I was lucky enough to have a mother devoted his time and his personal resources system for years and years hoping to be of prison time!” who believed in me. She worked hard for to the cause of the wrongfully convicted,” exonerated. Some innocent prisoners cave in to the more than 20 years to convince people of Milgaard said. “Which makes me wonder how many system and say they did the crime so that the truth: that I was innocent. But it didn’t “Hopefully this book will allow the po- thousands of Canadians have been wrong- they can get out a few years earlier. But help that the Crown Counsel on my case lice and pathologists and prosecutors and fully convicted of crimes less serious than once they have admitted to doing the crime, was so blinded by his own tunnel vision lawyers and judges and governments to murder, but finished their sentences in sad- there’s no turning back “This situation is that he spent the first 10 of those years, at cross-reference the recommendations eas- ness and silence because they knew their very, very wrong,” he said. “But that’s the government expense, trying to undermine ily so they don’t repeat their mistakes of the cases would never be heard? How many kind of justice and penal system we have everything my mother did at her own ex- past. And maybe it will help other wrongfully are forced to lick their wounds in private, and in Canada.” pense. He told the Parole Board time and convicted people like me to see that they get on with their lives in shame, never again The cases to which Millgard alluded in again that I was dangerous, at risk to ‘reof- are not alone, and should continue fighting believing that justice exists in this country? the foreword to Botting’s book are now well fend’ – even though I had never offended to be heard.” Would they want to expose themselves to known. In Ontario, Romeo Phillion con- in the first place! scorn and prejudice for years and years, like fessed to a murder in 1972, then within 24 “If that isn’t offensive I don’t know what Ron reviews: the eight of us have had to?” hours tried to retract his false confession – is! Canada’s system of justice, says Mil- given because he wanted to show the police “How could the Parole Board let that 150 YEARS OF CATHOLIC HISTORY ON gaard, relies on lies. “That’s the advocacy that he was willing to be cooperative. But Crown counsel say the same old thing over VANCOUVER ISLAND, by P. Jamison, ICN PUBLISHING The ‘Vindication’ of Remi De Roo, the political sea change in the Catholic Aside from the religious aspects of by Patrick Jamieson, Samarhanor Press the book, it is most informative about the Church, situation between the Native and the White Reviewed by Rev. Dale Perkins the Catholic hierarchy, and the purported book that Jamieson uses to accuse par- people. Missionary activities had a profound It is very unusual that a religious figure scandal surrounding investment portfolios ticular people of underhanded scheming. effect on the Island and its tribes. within the Roman Catholic Church, not im- held by the diocese under De Roo’s tenure He is meticulous in his research and wades It is a unique way of assessing the plicated in a sexual scandal, would attract again were convenient but mostly fabricated through endless documents and official roles of the people who shaped much of national attention the way it has around props used to taint the legacy of the bishop’s statements to piece together a thorough the Island. retired bishop, Remi De Roo. He left office time in office. review. The end result is a testimonial to in 1999 after 37 years as a well-known Ca- Jamieson chronicles the many twists Bishop De Roo’s integrity and honour. RETURNING TO THE TEACHINGS, Ex- nadian Catholic theologian. His reputation and turns of prominent Catholic leaders For the non-Catholic reader this may ploring Aboriginal Justice, by R. Ross, was recognized beyond the RC Church, and and their understudies over the intervening be heavy reading requiring extraordinary PENGUIN BOOKS he was seen as a popular champion of hu- dozen years, and he shows no hesitation to attention to the particulars surrounding the Although published some time ago this man rights and a more progressive Catholic reveal the soiled laundry and soft “under- complicated affairs of Catholic Church life. book answers the question: “Can traditional Church. But his fall from Episcopal grace belly” of the Roman Catholic Church. The But for any who can appreciate a member justice heal native society?” It sets out was dramatic and swift, and the aftershocks evidence shows that even powerful, non of an important religious community leading the roots of the healing circle, the briging continue to this day. religious figures, such as the irrepressible, by word and action based on high-minded together of victim and wrongdoer. Patrick Jamieson is a life-long Catholic born-again Roman Catholic, Conrad Black, principles of social justice and human rights, The highlights are the demonstrations with impeccable journalistic credentials. He may have had a hand in the denigration of this is an important historical documentary. that aboriginal approaches to justice are came to realize that Remi De Roo’s descent Bishop De Roo. applicable to all society. was orchestrated by officials high up in Nevertheless, this is not a vindictive --Ron MacIsaac Page 22 February/March 2011 BOOKS, PLAYS AND ... The Lower Island NEWS Two books that offer very different but equally inspiring examples of the good that we can do, and be Reviewed by Caspar Davis Wilson and Mortenson offer very differ- in Seadrift. at a particularly loud fisherman. Donna Sue I have been reading two books by two ent but equally inspiring examples of the So Howdy was with somebody important yelled at him. “Can’t you see she’s on the great Americans whose books and lives are good that we can do, and be. and he knew it, and when he looked up from phone!” as different as you could imagine. However, Happily, both books are available at his shoes, he pranced like a preacher in a “Who’s she talkin’ to? Who is it?” each of them encountered a critical situation the Victoria Library, and presumably most tent, who had the only exit. “So,” he said. “It’s the plants, Walt. The plants!” about which nothing was being done, and others. “Are you inviting me to that meeting? You “The what? The plants? Tomato plants?” each felt an irresistible calling to take it on and your friends. Not thinking about mak- “No, no, no! Carbide, down there. You themselves. Excerpt from An Unreasonable Woman ing it a private little affair? Just a few select know...Alcoa. The chemical plants. Hell, One is a man who grew up in Africa, the by Diane Wilson (starting at page 83) people?” Walt, you’ve worked there before. You son of a missionary doctor, and became a Once during the fall after a fog had shut “What?” I said. “That meeting at city hail? oughta know what I’m talkin’ about. Good globetrotting mountain climber before find- down the bay and the salt grass and the Is that what you’re down here for?” Lord a’mighty!” ing his calling. The other is a down home horizon had become a single fluid thing, a “Just need to know, is all. On a need-to- “Hell! Chemical plants! I can tell you a Texas shrimper and mother of five whose lone goose sailed into the house through know basis. A banker’s prerogative. I just thing or two about them. Seen more stuff only apparent distinction was a love of read- the open second-story door. And that as need to go back and tell a few folks that you dumped...Ooh, she’s gonna get her tail in a ing, before she stumbled into hers. how me and the kids and Baby [Baby was aren’t fixing to have some little vindictive bind. Seen it happen for a lot less than that. The books are as different as the people Diane’s husband] came not to be strangers meeting to roast industry alive. Not some Better off just not askin’ questions.” who wrote them. One is a simple, straight- to the bay and salt grass, but strangers only renegade environmental group forming in Walt was a semi-Yankee that retired forward, at times almost statistical (but very to what lay outside and bordered our world. our midst? Hmm?” from one of the local chemical plants on his well written) account of the extraordinary I laughed, or think I laughed. I felt my own, but was forced into retirement from people and wild adventures the author en- [Start of new chapter] face stretch wide and my lips curl away the bay by his grown son, and wore nothing countered in trying to bring basic education I don’t know why I listened and watched. from my teeth. Then I glanced over his but an old pair of coveralls with long straps to girls in some of the most forgotten and He was suited and vested, his white finger well-padded shoulder and pretended I was and open sides, and on his feet a worn-Out inaccessible parts of the planet. crooked, and I said nothing and did nothing, counting boats or something. Something pair of thick rubber sandals he’d bought on The other is a wildly imaginative journey and a whole wasteland of words blew over else besides getting nervous. a Mexico vacation years ago. Walt claimed through the mind of a woman driven by me. Then he finished, and I watched him “So what am I to tell them?” He said. he hadn’t cooled off since he came to Texas things she barely comprehends to confront walk back to his silver car. I was thinking it “Well, tell them they’re invited. Just come 30 years ago. a major industry, the intransigent politicians was past noon when he first came through along. Heck, I don’t care. It’s just a meeting.” Walt was an irritable talker arid wasn’t who support it, and even her friends and the fish-house doors, but now I’m not so “A meeting,” he said. always right about things, but this time he family, in trying to stop the poisoning of the sure. He had worn a suit and his hand was Well, yeah. was, ‘cause while my rear end wasn’t ex- bays and bayous she loves, and the air her white against the dark material. “Well, good. That’s good. I’ll pass that actly in a bind the plant employee I called children breathe. He wanted to know what was going on. on, then.” was furious, and his words were like razor The books are Stones into Schools by With shrimpers? You want to see one He left in his silver car, and for the next blades coming down a cow chute. “No!” He Greg Mortenson, and An Unreasonable of my shrimpers, I said. No, no, no, he two days (there isn’t nothing like a banker yelled. “Call somebody else. We are not in Woman by Diane Wilson. You probably said. Just you. Wouldn’t be a real banker if to put a little fire underneath you) I talked the information business, lady. We make know about the former, you may even have I wasn’t checking on what’s going on down on the phone. The brownie shrimp run had chemicals. We build jobs and make better read it and its precursor, Three Cups of Tea. here at the bay, now, would I? So. Now. Did almost stopped, except for the shrimpers lives for people in this county!” But you have probably never heard of An or did you not send out that press release? who had taken their boats and nets and The third chemical plant I called said Unreasonable Woman. However, Diane Wil- And did or did you not set up a meeting at headed for the river, so nothing was going they were required by law to provide infor- son’s adventure on the Gulf Coast is at least city hall? on. I didn’t envy those river-bound shrimp- mation to local authorities, but not to every as gripping as Mortenson’s single-minded I said I had sent out a press release for ers. River shrimping was the worst kind of Tom, Dick, and Harry on the telephone. crusade to educate the girls buried in the sure. Didn’t know I needed one until I found shrimping, next to catching Hoppers. I figured local authorities might be more crevasses of the Earth’s highest mountains, out I needed one. Newspapers want press I sat at the fish house and made phone obliging, so I called the Calhoun County and further marginalized by endless wars releases. First time for everything. calls, and while I did that Donna Sue opened emergency coordinator in Port Lavaca, the and a profoundly misogynist culture. So I talked, and Howdy never looked the fish-house doors and made salty coffee next town over and the county seat where Diane Wilson’s story would be interest- up from his shiny black shoes. I could out of Seadrift’s nasty drinking water. Then Sanchez, my oldest brother, had been ing enough if she merely recounted events smell new leather from where I stood. I had we watched nothing happen. Old men that spending so much time. as Mortenson does, but her book is far more. never talked to Howdy Doody before and didn’t fish anymore because they were ei- “It’s lies!” The coordinator yelled. “That It is a remarkable literary adventure that would’ve been desperate if I had, because ther too sick or too cranky, or else their kids article’s nothing but a twisted pack of lies lays bare a passionate and intelligent -- and Howdy Doody wasn’t his real name, but it had sold their boats outright to keep them instigated by people wanting to make some- refreshingly disorganized -- mind. She often was what he was called by every shrimper off the bay and from drowning, came down thing out of nothing! It’s their job to rile up seems to be blown along by forces beyond who ever had to get a loan from him at the to the fish house and drank all our coffee. people. That’s how they make their money!” her ken to do something that defies every- bank, and worse by shrimpers who didn’t. They wouldn’t keep quiet even while I was “The Toxic Release Inventory is a na- thing that hems the rest of us in -- advice, Talking to Howdy for the first time wasn’t just on the phone, and they yelled at Donna Sue tional report,” I said. “A government report.” social pressure, even agreed-upon real- talking to Howdy. It was talking to someone the whole time. “Get your facts straight, lady. What do ity...You have almost certainly never read else who had more money than he did and “Who’s she talkin’ to? What’s she sayin’? you know about it anyhow? Do you know anything like it, and I think you will find it more power than he did, and it wasn’t just Does Froggie know she’s on that phone? what’s on a plant’s wastewater permit? irresistible. Rather than trying to describe the bank; it was some other allegiance more You seen Froggie lately? He quit shrimpin’, Know anything at all about a p e r m i t ? it, I include an almost randomly selected powerful than that, and Howdy was with that or what?” Noooh? Well, I didn’t think so. I don’t have passage below. allegiance even while he worked at the bank I didn’t say nothing, but shook my head time for this bunch of crap. I’ve got stuff to do. We do real work around here…” Too much sentiment, OATH BETRAYED: America’s Torture Doctors, by not enough story Review by Barry Weisleder Steven H.Miles, 2009, University of California Press, USA The surprise winner of the 2010 Giller Prize Reviewed by Theresa Wolfwood ing him for an act he or a third person has tacit acceptance by citizens in whose name for best English-Canadian fiction, The Senti- “Many people are only dimly aware of committed or is suspected of having com- this cruelty is inflicted. Politicians avoid the mentalists by Johanna Skibsrud (Douglas and the United States’ disastrous complicity with mitted, or intimidating or coercing him or a issue. Some countries have banned torture McIntyre, Vancouver/Toronto, 2010, 218 pages) torturing regimes in El Salvador, Batista’s third person, or for any reason based on – political power changes as in El Salvador is both an artistic and political disappointment. Cuba, Chile, Iran, South Vietnam, Guate- discrimination of any kind, when such pain and torture is no longer government policy. The judges went a little overboard with their mala, Argentina, Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation But many countries still practice this form laudable encouragement of the young poet- or Shah Reza Pahlavi’s Iran. of or with the consent or acquiescence of a of barbarism. turned-novelist. They are apparently willing to overlook tortuous sentence structure, a pain- Some people are so deeply estranged public official or other person acting in an Canada’s maybe next prime minister ful over-indulgence in bracketed subordinate from the reality of torture that they simply de- official capacity... openly favours it; our present prime minister clauses, and dense lyricism that suffocates an nied that any torture could have occurred in It is clear that the details and photo- refuses to be honest about Canada’s role interesting storyline. Frequent bursts of creative Iraq, in Afghanistan or at Guantanamo Bay.“ graphs in Oath Betrayed are of torture as in torture in Afghanistan. Canada supports metaphoric prose do not rescue Skibsrud’s stum- Denial that our citizens could be torturing defined by international agreement. They countries like Israel that routinely tortures bling transition to the novel form. others or abetting in torture is common in are horrific – this is not a pleasant book Palestinian prisoners. The Sentimentalists could easily channel Canada as well as the US. Medical involve- to read. Miles calls on medical societies to take the intense public interest in war crimes, post- ment in torture and cruelty is something we It is hard to comprehend how people action on torture and their professionals traumatic stress disorder and wikileaks. It is a tale told by the daughter of a Vietnam war veteran. think of as history – as in the Nazi Germany could do such terrible things to other people who are complicit in this betrayal of their Her dad, haunted by the horror of an actual mas- era. But Miles, a physician and professor at and hard to believe that those in the “healing Hippocratic Oath. sacre by US Marines of a village of Vietnamese the University of Minnesota, studied 60,000 professions” could condone torture. He also directs citizens to investigate peasants in 1967, leaves his North Dakota trailer pages of documents to make his case; But Miles’ intensive investigation shows, and act through the many respected inter- and moves to a small Ontario town. There the vet US doctors and other medical personnel as he said in a speech in Victoria in late national human rights organizations that lives with the father of his soldier buddy, who died are complicit and cooperative in torture by 2010, that the torture was not random or document torture. mysteriously, possibly the victim of an attempted the US government and military. The main just the initiative of a few workers in the -And we can all pressure our own gov- cover-up. The daughter has issues too – a failed evidence comes from Abu Ghraib, Guan- prisons but it is a policy and directive from ernments to end their part in perpetuating romantic relationship, estrangement from her frequently-absent, alcoholic father – but the more tanamo and Kandahar (where Canadian the highest levels of government, the US and supporting barbaric treatment that she learns about the horrors that contorted their personnel have been implicated). presidential cabinet. should be stopped everywhere it is commit- lives, the more she concludes that the past is ir- The Geneva Convention on Torture His research is carefully documented ted by anyone or any government. retrievably subjective and ultimately unknowable. states in Part I, Article 1: in appendices; as well he documents the If treatment of the helpless and pow- This novel is a missed opportunity. It could For the purposes of this Convention, official position of profession groups in the erless is the measure of a society, then have dramatized a compelling history that has torture means any act by which severe pain US and the Nuremburg Code for conduct of most, including our own, fail that measure contemporary resonance. It could have situated or suffering, whether physical or mental, is scientific procedures. miserably. it in today’s big picture of power, profit and the intentionally inflicted on a person for such Torture, he writes, is not a popular cause system’s multi-million victims. Connecting past and present wars of imperial intervention, linking purposes as obtaining from him or a third in civil society; perhaps the dehumanization the toxic fogs that they propagate, alas, is a job person information or a confession, punish- of the enemy, the “other”, helps to justify for another writer. The Lower Island NEWS February/March 2011 Page 23 Calendar of coming events CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT Board journalist and film maker John Pilger. The have been done differently? Pannelists toriandp.ca or at 250-382-4370 if you would Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday film contains shocking never-seen-before willtry to addresss questiolns such as what like to run for a delegate position. of every month, at 1:30 p.m., at the CRD footage from Iraq and Afghanistan and re- are the housing, planning and other policy offices at 625 Fisgard street in Victoria. vealing interviews with former BBC reporter lessons? SAANICH-GULF ISLANDS NDP will hold Rageh Omaar, former CBS anchor Dan its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, CENTRAL SAANICH RESIDENTS ARE Rather and the founder of Wikileaks, Julian PLANT KNOWLEDGE FOR ORGANIC March 13, at the Arbutus Queenswood invited to attend regular neighbourhood Assange. Sponsored by Friends of Cuba Gardeners--An Introductory Session--will Room in the Cadboro Commons, at the gatherings, held every Friday night at 7 pm and endorsed by the Peace Action Initiative be held on Thursday, February 24, from University of Victoria. Registration will com- at Spelt’s Coffee Shop, 7586 East Saanich and the Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid 6:30-7:30, at Royal Roads University, 3005 mence at 12:30 pm, with the meeting start- Road, in Saanichton. Share stories, books, (CAIA). Amission by donation. Sooke Road, in Lanford. Whether you ing at 1:00 pm. Guest speakers will be MP talk politics and enjoy hot coffee. Nothing are interested in pursuing the Diploma in Libby Davies and SGI candidate for MP Ed- is taboo… No pretentiousness, no meet- VICTORIA-BEACON HILL NEW DEMO- Organic Land Care, or simply want to gain ith Loring-Kuhanga. For furthe rinformation, ing agenda… just a chance to chat with crats invite you to join them at their February deeper knowledge about the plants you email [email protected]. neighbours and build community. Call 250- pub night on Tuesday, February 22, between see in our urban environment you will be 652-8228 for further information. Everyone 5:30 and 8:30 pm, at Brown’s Social House, intrigued by this course. Come and bring A LEADERSHIP ASSEMBLY will be held is welcome. 809 Douglas Street. [There will be no pub your questions! For more information about by the BC NDP at the Vancouver Conven- night in March.] For further information, the course please visit the Gaia College tion Centre, on Sunday, April 17. Election THE VICTORIA LABOUR COUNCIL, phone 250-386-9497. website at http://www. gaiacollege.ca. For of the new leader will take place through representing affiliated unions in the Greater more information: email: info@gaiacollege. a one-member, one-vote election process Victoria Area, holds its regular monthly LESSONS FROM THE OLYMPIC VILLAGE ca. Free. where each member of the NDP will have meeting at 7 pm, on the third Wednesday will be explored at a forum to be held at an opportunity to vote. Members of the BC each month, at the BCGEU Auditorium, Simon Fraser University’s Segal Graduate VICTORIA FEDERAL NEW DEMOCRATS NDP will be able to vote via telephone or 2994 Douglas Street, Victoria. All delegates School of Business, 500 Granvile Street, in will hold a resolutions meeting on Saturday, internet during the leadership assembly, or are welcome to come to meet your execu- Vancouver, on Tuesday, February 22, from March 12, from 2-4 pm, at the Burnside- via advance voting. tive, president Mike Eso, treasurer Stan 7-9:30 pm. Admission: $15 students; $25 Gorge Community Centre, 471 Cecilia Dzbik,and secretary Kim Manton. regular. Registration in advance is recom- Road, Victoria. All members are invited to NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF CANADA mended due to limited space. To rgister go to debate and vote on resolutions for the 50th will hold its 50th Anniversary convention SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM NIGHT is held on www.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary. Anniversary NDP Convention to be held in at 1055 Canada Place, in Vancouver, on the 3rd Thursday of every month, at 7:00 aspx?i=f39ff105-3c59-4962-9514-df6e5e- Vancouver June 17-19. Send resolutionsin June 17-19. “Everything you want in a pm, at the BCGEU Building, 2994 Douglas 9bc896. It’s been a year since Vancouver advance to [email protected] or birthday party. Balloons, appetizers, free Street. On February 17, the featured film hosted the Winter Games and the public bring hard copies on March 12. A delegate drinks, gifts, music, performers, cake. And will be “THE WAR YOU DON’T SEE”, from is still asking what went wrong (and right) selection meeting for Convention will take thousands of New Democrats.” For more the BAFTA and Emmy Award-Winning with the Olympic Village project? What could place in April. Contact us at president@vic- information on Convention 2011 visit www. vancon2011.com/ The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values, by Sam Harris, 2010, Free Press, NY Reviewed by Jim Hackler similar link between religious conviction and And there is the myth of the noble sav- meant they would forsake far deeper and Author Sam Harris argues that values societal insecurity. And related to societal age. Margaret Mead, Ruth Benedict, and more durable sources of satisfaction. It translate into facts that can be scientifically insecurity: religious commitment in the US Franz Boas systematically exaggerated would be better if they cooperated to get understood. The well-being of many people is highly correlated with racism. How can the harmony of folk societies and ignored food and build shelter. Scientists can pres- can be assessed and knowledge can lead one argue that religion is the most impor- their barbarism or attributed it to the malign ent facts that relate to “bad” and “good” to choices that influence that well being. tant guarantor of societal health? The good influence of colonies, traders, and mis- behaviour. For example, in 21 US states corporal life relates to facts about well being, which sionaries. This romantic image gave rise to If only one person held down a terrified, punishment is allowed in schools, almost depends on events in the real world. cultural relativism – all cultures are equally struggling little girl, cut off her genitals with exclusively in the South where the rationale There are disagreements about moral valuable. (We liberal thinkers all fear being a dull razor, and sewed her back up, leav- is religious. God said “spare the rod and truth. Those who draw their worldview from called ethnocentric.) ing only a tiny hole for urine and menstrual spoil the child” (Proverbs 13:24, 20:30. religion tend to believe that God has woven Some anthropologists assume that all flow, shouldn’t that person be punished? 23:13). However, if we were concerned moral truths into the very fabric of reality. human practices must be evolutionarily But when millions of people do this, instead about human well-being, we would question Those who lack such faith tend to believe adaptive: how else could they persist? Thus, of being a horrible crime magnified millions- the wisdom of beating little boys and girls to that “good” and “evil” are products of evolu- female genital excision, blood feuds, the fold, it suddenly becomes “culture”. increase their learning. We have evidence tion or cultural invention. torture of animals, foot binding, ceremonial As Jared Diamond argued in Collapse: that beating children leads to violent adults. Harris argues that both these arguments rape, slavery, etc. have been rationalized, How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed, (Incidentally, criminology text books are wrong. He believes there are objec- even idealized, in the “fire-lit scribblings of some cultures are “better” than others. Ruth point out that higher violent crime rates tive truths. If kindness is more conducive some dazzled anthropologis”. Benedict studied the Dobu islanders. Life exist in the US South. Many explanations to happiness than cruelty, science should The endurance of a custom does not there fosters extreme forms of animosity are offered, but I know of no textbook that show which behaviours are good, which suggest it is adaptive, much less wise. It and malignancy. Such behaviour has been suggests that religion might be the cause of promote happiness, and which ones should simply hasn’t led directly to the society’s minimized by most societies. The Dobuan violence and social pathology in the South. be abandoned. Harris also believes we collapse. (The Easter Islanders still exist, sees life as a cutthroat struggle against I suspect no publisher would publish such should abandon the notion of cultural and despite destroying their forests to leave deadly antagonists. The Dobu seem blind a book.) moral relativism. Some values are better large stone idols lying about.) to cooperation. They were preoccupied with In Albania, if there has been a murder, than others. Should all views count equally? Con- malicious sorcery, casting spells on others the victim’s family can kill any male relative Science could argue objectively that hu- sider the Catholic Church which advertises to sicken or kill them. in reprisal. If a boy is a son or brother of a manity will not be improved by demonizing itself as a great force for good. Even among If one man succeeded in growing more murderer, he spends days in hiding, forego- homosexuals, stoning adulterers, veiling non-Catholics it is associated with “moral- yams than his neighbour, his surplus crop ing education, health care, and a normal women, soliciting the murder of artists and ity”. However, the Vatican excommunicates must have been pilfered from others through life. Many males live as prisoners in their intellectuals, and celebrating the exploits of women for attempting to become priests but sorcery. A good harvest was tantamount to own home. Are Albanians morally wrong? suicide bombers. does not excommunicate priests for raping “a confession of theft”. Is the blood feud a form of evil? Are these The Danish cartoonist who drew an children. It excommunicates doctors who There are moral paradoxes. It is difficult values inferior to ours? If factual evidence objectionable cartoon survived an attack by perform abortions to save a mother’s life to determine if effects of an action will be bad shows that blood feuds diminish the quality a man with an axe because of a specially --- even if the mother is a nine-year old girl or good, the “Three Mile Island Effect”. Was of life, isn’t this evidence relevant to moral designed “safe room”. raped by her stepfather and pregnant with the meltdown good or bad? At first glance it choices? Should we respect a culture that has cre- twins. It did not excommunicate a single seems bad, but it might have led to greater Scientists study the evolution of moral- ated communities in almost every country member of the Third Reich for committing nuclear safety. Or it might have made us ity and its underlying neurobiology. (Harris on earth that grow so unhinged that they genocide. more dependent on fossil fuels. If we cannot is a neuroscientist.) They describe how regularly riot, burn embassies, and seek to Should this pattern question the “moral- determine the results of such events, how people think and behave. But there is the kill people over cartoons? ity” of such an organization? Is the Church can we judge the consequences of count- assumption by many scientists that science Some scientists have argued that our confused on moral issues? less decisions we must make? cannot provide guidelines on how we ought evolution as a violent ape, makes it difficult (Before someone gets upset with Har- How does one compare the mild head- to behave. for us to be “good”. But one shouldn’t con- ris or others for attacking sacred cows, ache of five million against the broken legs of Many scientists argue that science and fuse the evolution of the biological brain with we should not overlook “good” actions. two? Or the needs of one’s own two children religion are not in conflict because they its modern uses. The human mind is like a The Globe and Mail printed a letter from a with the needs of a hundred brain-damaged constitute different domains of expertise. ship that has been built and rebuilt, plank by woman who was on a bus in Turkey. The children in Serbia? Science is the best authority on the work- plank, on the open sea. Changes have been bus was delayed. People in a nearby vil- Would commitment to maximizing a ings of the physical universe. “Science is made to her sails, keel, and rudder even as lage fed them, took them to their houses, society’s welfare lead us to sacrifice the about facts, not norms; it might tell us how the waves battered her hull. No aspect of put mattresses on the floor, and fed them rights of the few wherever those losses are we are, but it couldn’t tell us what is wrong brain function evolved to hold democratic again in the morning when they returned to offset by the greater gains of the many? Why with how we are.” elections, to run financial institutions, or to their bus. If this characterizes the majority not have a society where a few slaves are These scientists might argue that teach our children to read. Evolution could of Moslems, then I am optimistic that they continually worked to death for the pleasure religion is the best authority on meaning, not have foreseen the wisdom of mitigat- will eventually come to the conclusion that of the rest? values, morality, and the good life. Harris ing climate change, saving other species many of the actions supported by Moslem These are some of the issues that are disagrees with both views. On almost every from extinction, or containing the spread of radicals are bad and should be abandoned.) raised in this thoughtful book. measure of social health, the least reli- nuclear weapons. Imagine two people on earth, Adam and gious are better off than the most religious. If the only goal of a species is reproduc- Eve. How could they maximize well-being. Jim Hackler is adjunct professor in the Depart- Scandinavians and Holland have the most tion, a man could just make daily contribu- Both of these people may be blind to the ment of Sociology, University of Victoria. atheists but rate high on social health, lower tions to a sperm bank. One could spawn possibilities of cooperation: each might at- crime, lack of corruption, political stability thousands of children and pass genes tempt to kill and eat the other. Would they be and charity to poorer nations. There is a without the bother of marriage, etc. “wrong” to behave this way? Yes, if “wrong” Page 24 February/March 2011 L The Lower Island NEWS Directory of locations, organizations, publications of interest MLA COMMUNITY OFFICES Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Soci- ALTERNATIVE WEBSITES PROVINCIAL AND FEDERAL ety: Third floor, 535 Yates Street, Victoria, BC, Cowichan Valley Community Office,Bill Rout- NDP OFFICES V8W 2Z6, phone 250-361-9433, fax 250-361- www.alternet.org --A US website featuring alter- ley, MLA: 273 Trunk Road, Duncan, BC or PO Box 1914, website www.vircs.bc.ca. native articles on US and world politics, an online 599, Duncan, BC, V9L 3X9, phone 250-715-0127, BC New Democrats: 5367 Kingsway, Burnaby magazine and information source. toll free 1-877-715-0127, fax 250-715-0139, MLA BC, V5H 2G1, phone 604-430-8600, fax 604-432- Victoria Labour Council: 219-275 Quadra email [email protected] 9517, toll free 1-888-868-3637. Street, Victoria, BC, V8T 4E8, phone 250-384- www.counterpunch.org--an American website 8331, fax: 250-384-8381, email [email protected]; with a left-wing viewpoint. Esquimalt-Royal Roads Community Office, Canada’s New Democrats: 300 - 279 Laurier Mike Eso, president; Mary Ehl, secretary; Mike Maurine Karagianis, MLA: A5-100 Aldersmith West, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5J9, phone 613-236- Ferguson, treasurer. http//dominionpaper.ca--a Canadian ezine cov- Place, View Royal, BC V9A 7M8, phone 250-479- 3613, toll free: 1-866-525-2555, fax 613-230- ering national and international stores that main- 8326, email [email protected] 9950, TTY: 1-866-776-7742. Victoria Peace Centre: Box 8307, Victoria, BC, stream sources may not cover. Updated daily. or visit her website at www.maurinekaragianis.ca V8W 3R9, phone/fax 250-592-8307, email cen- [email protected] or website www.vicpeace.ca. OTHER GROUPS www.globalproblematique.net/bcpolicyprobe Juan de Fuca Community Office,John Horgan, -- Run by BC Policy Probe, this website features MLA: 800 Goldstream Avenue, Victoria, BC, V9B YOU MAY WANT TO REACH World Wildlife Federation: 410-245 Eglinton information and research about suh things as 2X7, phone 250-391-2801, email john.horgan.- Avenue East, Toronto, ON, M4P 3J1, phone privatization of BC Hydro. [email protected] Amnesty International--Canadian Section: 1-800-26-PANDA, fax 416-489-8055, website: www.amnesty.org. www.wwf.ca www.avaaz.org/en/global --Global warming is Saanich South Community Office, Lana a global threat. By confronting it together, we BC Council of Senior Citizens Organization: Popham, MLA: 4085 Quadra Street, Victoria BC United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC) can build a more just, tolerant, and vibrant world. phone 604-438-3221. V8X 1K5, email [email protected], - Victoria Branch: 202-3293 Douglas Street, www.saanichsouth.ca Victoria, BC, V8Z 3K9, phone 250-475-2868, fax www.indymedia.org -- A collective of independ- 4184 Brant BC Latin American Congress: 250-475-5898, email [email protected] or ent media organizations and hundreds of journal- Street, Vancouver, BC, V5N 5B4, phone 604-879- Victoria-Beacon Hill Community Office,Carole website www.unac.org. ists offering grassroots, non-corporate coverage 3246, fax 604-872-6776, email [email protected]. James, MLA: 1084 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, V8V of events as they happen around the world. 3K4, phone 250-952-4211, fax 250-952-4586, ALTERNATIVE PUBLICATIONS Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives: 410- email [email protected] www.informationclearinghouse.info --World 75 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5E7, phone Briarpatch Magazine: a progressive Canadian news daily--news you won’t find on CNN or 613-563-1341, fax 613-233-1458, email ccpa@ Victoria-Swan Lake Community Office, Rob magazine, published 10 times a year, subscrip- Foxnews. policyalternatives.ca, website: www.policyalter- Fleming, MLA: 1020 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, tions $24.61, 2138 McIntyre Street, Regina, natives.ca. BC, V8T 2A2, email [email protected] SK, S4P 2R7, email briarpatchmag@sasktel. http://Newsdaily.ca--CanadaNewsdaily.ca is a com. good (and bad) news service with a refreshingly --BC Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives non-corporate view of the news, from local to MPs and COMMUNITY OFFICES Office: 1400-207 West Hastings Street, Vancou- Canadian Dimension Magazine: an independ- global stories, with features, opinion, analysis -- all ver, BC, V6B 1H7, phone 604-801-5121, fax 604- House of Commons, Room ent socialist magazine, begun in 1963, and run by for free, including free classified ads. Newsdaily Denise Savoie, MP, 801-5122, website: www.policyalternatives.ca. 518, Confederation Building, Ottawa, ON, A1A a cooperative, published 6 times a year, subscrip- covers Canadian and world news, plus a focused 0A6. tion $24.50, students and unemployed $18.50, look at British Columbia, Victoria and the Islands. Canadian Health Coalition: phone 613-233- 2B-91 Albert Street, Winnipeg, MN, R3B 1G5, 1018. Victoria Community Office, Denise Savoie, MP, subscription hotline 1-800-737-7051. [email protected] Originally 970 Blanshard Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 2H3, set up to discuss the implications of the Multi- Canadian Labour Congress (Pacific Region): phone 250-363-8421, fax 250-363-8422, open COMER (Committee on Monetary and Eco- lateral Agreement on Investments, this website 201-5118 Joyce Street, Vancouver, BC, V5R Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; visit www.den- nomic Reform): reform-minded focus on mon- and related email list now discuss world-wide 4H1, Regional Representative Iris Taylor, phone isesavoie.ca or email her at [email protected] etary issues and how they affect our society, email developments of concern to left-wing readers. 604-430-6766, extension 267, fax 604-430-6762. [email protected], website www.comer.org. Jean Crowder, MP, House of Commons, Con- http://ndp.4webs.ca -- A new NDP list serve and Council of Canadians, Victoria Chapter: PO federation Building, Ottawa, ON, A1A 0A6. Email Global Outlook: Ian Woods, editor; $25 Cana- bulletin board. Check it out. Box 5515, 1625 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, phone her at [email protected] dian, PO Box 222, Oro, ON L0L 2X0. 250-360-8448, email victoriacouncilofcanadi- www.pacificfreepress.com--with a mission to [email protected] or visit www.victoriacouncilofca- Jean The CCPA Monitor: published by the Canadian dig out nuggets of truth from the slag-heap of Nanaimo-Cowichan Community Office: nadians.ca Crowder, MP: 101- 126 Ingram Street, Duncan, Centre for Policy Alternatives, 410-75 Albert lies, ignorance and witless diversion that has BC V9L 1P1, www.jeancrowder.ca or email her Street, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5E7, $110 supporting buried public discourse today. Pacific Free Press Canadian Wildlife Federation: 350 Michael at [email protected] membership with $75 tax0 receipt, or $25 low in- provides a new venue for disseminating hard Cowpland Drive, Kanata, ON, K2M 2W1, phone come membership receives the Monitor monthly. news and insightful, fact-based analysis of the 1-800-563-9453, or visit www.cwf-fcf.org. PROVINCIAL NDP harsh realities too often ignored or distorted by The Straight: a weekly publication with features, the mainstream press. CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATIONS Canada Without Poverty (formerly National articles, news and reviews from Vancouver, sub- Anti-Poverty Organization) advocates for the scription $117/52 issues in Canada, 2nd floor, http://pej.org--PEJ News, a free service, serves Cowichan Valley New Democrats: Write PO poor in communities, courts and political areas, 1770 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6J 3G7, up daily news, opinion and analysis of peace, Box 102, Duncan, BC V9L 1P0; or contact presi- www.cwp-csp.ca. dent Ellen Oxman at 250-466-0303 or email her at phone 604-730-7000, email [email protected]. environment and justice issues. Stay informed with web and email stories often days, weeks [email protected]. CubaTours: for information about nonprofit New Internationalist: a communications co- and months ahead of the mainstream media. The educational tours of Cuba and books, phone 604- operative based in Oxford, it exists to report on Peace, Earth & Justice News is produced entirely Esquimalt-Royal Roads New Democrats: Write 874-9048 or go to www.cubatours.ca. Box 231 110-174 Wilson Street Victoria, BC V9A issues of world poverty and inquality; to focus by volunteers and is a probject of the non-profit attention on the unjust relationship between the Prometheus Institute based in Victoria, BC. 7N7 or email [email protected].. Ecojustice (formerly Sierra Legal): 214-131 powerful and the powerless in both rich and poor Water Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4M3, phone nations; to debate and campaign for the radical www.policyalternatives.ca -- The Canadian Juan de Fuca New Democrats: Email president 1-800-926-7444 Heather Gropp at [email protected]. changes necessary f the basic material and Centre for Policy Alternatives’ web page offers spiritual needs of all are to be met, subscriptions, research reports, books and opinion pieces done www.gc.ca. Government of Canada: on issues of social and economic justice. Oak Bay-Gordon Head New Democrats: Write $38.50 including GST ,PO Box 706, Markham, ON, L6B 1A7, phone 905-946-0407, fax: 905-946- PO Box 5539, LCD 9, Victoria, BC, V8R 6S4,or Government of BC: www.gov.bc.ca. contact president Keith Todd at 250-598-8039 0410, email: [email protected]. www.rabble.ca -- A cheeky site offering original stories, feature articles and columns from some or by email at [email protected] Greater Victoria Water Watch Coalition: visit Our Times: Canada’s independent labour maga- of the progressive voices in Canada. www.greatervictoriawaterwatchcoalition.ca or zine and read by mostl abour organizations and Saanich North and the Islands New Demo- phone 250-595-1701 or 250- 380-1197. --You’ll find David crats: Email president Gary Holman at ghol- other supporters of working pwople. Check its www.strategicthoughts.ca website at www.ourtimes.ca. Schreck’s columns and more here. [email protected] or phone him at 250-653- Human Rights Internet: www.hri.ca. 2042. The Left Coast Events listserve and webpage www.straightgoods.com -- A watchdog working Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria: provides a forum for sharing information about for Canadian consumers and citizens. Saanich South New Democrats: Write PO Box phone 250-388-4728, fax 250-386-4395. 30041, Saanich Centre Postal Outlet, Victoria, upcoming events committed to uncovering the various dimensions of social and environmental www.thetyee.ca--BC news and views from a BC, V8X 5E1, phone 250-479-1100, or email NDP Socialist Caucus: www.ndpsocialists.ca. justice. Anyone can add an event and doing so non-corporate perspective. [email protected]. “Our aim and ongoing struggle as New Democrats is free for not-for-profit organizing and actions. must be to establish a Socialist Canada.” --US website with Real news. Victoria-Beacon Hill New Democrats: Write Visit leftcoastevents.org to add an event, for more www.truthout.org information, or to subscribe. PO Box 8523, Victoria, BC, V8W 3S1, phone Parliamentary website lists all federal cabinet www.vancouverislandwaterwatchcoalition. 250-386-8497or email president Chris Gainor at ministers, parliamentary secretaries and opposi- The Dominion: a monthly paper published by ca/ [email protected] or at 250-380-6358 tion spokespersons. Visit www.parl.gc.ca/infor- an incipient network of independent journalists mation/about/people/key/critic.asp?language=E -If you don’t want to Victoria-Swan Lake New Democrats: Contact in Canada since May 2003. It aims to provide www.victoriacarshare.ca- accurate, critical coverage that is accountable own a car but still need to drive one sometimes, president Edward May at edwardomay@gmail. Seniors’ Advocacy Services, sponsored by the to its readers and the subjects it tackles. The this welbsite may be for you. com, or write to PO Box 282, 1681 Hillside Av- Greater Victoria Seniors (OAPO) organization, Dominion can be read online, or delivered to enue, Victoria, BC, V8T 2C1. are available on Mondays and Thursdays from your doorstep as a print subscription. See www. www.vivelecanada.ca--website by noted activist 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m., at the Blanshard dominionpaper.ca/ Mel Hurtig about the corporate threat to Canadian FEDERAL NDP RIDING ASSOCIATIONS Community Centre, 901 Kings Road (King and sovereignty, includes a whole range of features Dowler Streets), close to the #4 and #6 buses on The Republic: Vancouver-based socialist paper, from online polls and petitions to editorials and Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca New Democrats: Con- Quadra Street. Service is free, and provided by subscriptions, two issues per month, $25 per information updates. tact president Jock Bates at wanzbates@shaw. trained volunteers. For further information phone year; free at local news stands, PO Bo 56072, caor write to PO Box 622, 105-1497 Admirals 250-388-7696. Vancouver, BC, V5L 5E2; email mag pie@lynx. www.wsws.org --The World Socialist Web Site Road, Victoria, BC, V9A 2P8. bc.ca. is the Internet centre of the International Commit- 109-1022 Pandora Seniors Serving Seniors: tee of the Fourth International (ICFI). It provides Nanaimo-Cowichan New Democrats:Contact Avenue, Victoria, BC V8V 3P5, phone 250-382- Victoria Street Newz: a montly independent analysis of majorworld events, comments on president Sue Creba at 250-753-3371or email 4331. newspaper focussed on understanding the root political, cultural, historical and philosophical is- her at [email protected]. causes and consequences of poverty. It’s sold sues, and valuable documents and studies from South Island Health Coalition, an affiliate of the by vendors on Victoria’s streets, or by subscrip- the heritage of the socialistmovement. Saanich-Gulf Islands New Democrats: Con- BC Health Coalition. If you’re concerned about ac- tion. Archives and more information available at tact president Starla Anderson by email at cess, affordability and quality of health care in our relativenewz.ca. starla­[email protected] or Irene Wright (Gulf community, get involved by calling co-chairs Dale COMMUNITY RADIO Commercial free commujnity radio, CFUV is Islands), by phone/fax 1-250-537-5347, or email Perkins at 250-592-5487 or Wendy Strong at 250- located at 101.9 FM and 104.3 Cable, or visit at [email protected]. 592-1222. http://www.cfuv.uvic.ca Victoria New Democrats: Contact president Erik Together Against Poverty Society: 415-620 Kaye, at president@victoriandp or at 250-382- View Street, Victoria, BC, phone 250-361-3521. 4370, write to Box 5380, LCD9, Victoria, BC, V8R 6S4.or visit their website:www.victoriandp.ca.