Les S Avec ans-C
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campus • community • CUL TURE
September/October 2013 Birthing Levellers since 2009 vol. 6, no. 1
Picket Casts Spotlight on Service Sector Worker Woes “Unjustly fired” Shoppers drug mart worker fights for reinstatement, due process Sam Heaton nate them…You can’t just dismiss somebody because Activists held pickets at the you feel like it.” Ryan added Shoppers Drug Mart at 455 that he is “not aware of any Gladstone Avenue from Sept. allegations that led them to 6 to 8 in support of “Ryan,” decide to terminate me.” a member of the Industrial Ahmed Hertani, a del- Workers of the World (IWW) egate with the Ottawa-Out- union who claims he was un- aouais branch of the IWW, justly fired from the store. (Ry- says the union had to contact an’s real name is being with- Service Canada to be told held to protect his identity.) that the provided reason for The picketers held signs Ryan’s dismissal was “unsuit- and distributed leaflets to the ability.” No specific incidents public calling attention to or details were cited. what they describe as an un- Hertani believes that Ryan Industrial Workers of the World picket outside Shoppers Drug mart at 455 Gladstone Ave. Photo: Darryl Reid just firing, and calling for Ry- was fired after “trying to open all about good teamwork.” ing eroded every day, on a union has experienced suc- an’s reinstatement at the store. a dialogue with his co-work- According to Ryan, his pay local, national and global cess with previous pickets A former merchandiser at ers to improve workplace at Shoppers Drug Mart was level,” said Hertani. targeting instances of wage the store, Ryan alleges that he conditions.” The response of slightly above the minimum “Constant fightingtheft, and that other workers was fired suddenly on July 16 Shoppers Drug Mart manag- wage, which he says still falls against the upper echelon of in Ottawa have reached out following a reduction in his ers, says Hertani, “was to start below the poverty line. society is the only way we, as to the chapter. weekly hours over the pre- cutting hours” and “eventual- Poverty Free Ontario es- workers, are going to main- “After our last victory ceding months. Though he ly fire him abruptly one day.” timates the poverty line at tain our rights in society.” over at another store, we had been at the store since Ryan says that there are a an annual wage of $19,719 The Leveller contacted had people call us afterward it opened, Ryan says he was number of issues in the work- as of 2011. Ben Gunter, the owner of and say ‘I read on your web- provided with no explana- place that need remedying, Activists at the picket the Gladstone Ave. store, site that you won against tion for his termination. and that his way of approach- connected Ryan’s efforts of whose only comment was this employer. I had the FEATURE “The employer has a ing these problems was to restitution to the overall is- that Ryan’s firing is “an in- same thing happen to me at Building duty to fairness, to a fair emphasize that employees sues faced by workers today. ternal matter” which he this employer. How could hearing, a duty to warn an “need to work together to re- “We’re living in a world right could not discuss. you have possibly won? citizenship employee before they termi- solve issues,” adding that “it’s now where our rights are be- Hertani said that the That’s amazing!’” blocks
PAGE 3 Bargaining with ghosts Riddell Me TAs and CIs begin negotiating new collective agreements This Samantha Ponting Partridge, co-chief steward and The union is tasked with gaining table.” sary administrative and leg- Page 5 bargaining committee mem- raising this and other issues As public sector employ- islative measures.” Green Contract instructors and ber of CUPE 4600 Unit 1, rep- with the administration, ees, workers at Carleton face With Bill 115 legislated teaching assistants at Car- resenting teaching assistants. while confronting a provin- the difficult task of negotiat- in 2012, removing the rights Explosion! leton University are bargain- Partridge says a major of public sector unions rep- ing new contracts, with their concern facing Carleton’s resenting teachers to col- Page 7 collective agreements having teaching assistants is equity lectively bargain contracts, Les Sans- expired Aug. 31, 2013. The in the workplace. “Equity is Chris Hurl, CUPE Unit 1 vice- the provincial government Culottes two bargaining units of the a major issue for TAs, espe- president external and bargaining has demonstrated its will- Canadian Union of Public cially concerning interna- committee member, said the provincial ingness to suspend the col- Employees (CUPE) Local tional students who would government “has tended to be a bit lective bargaining rights of Page 10 4600 seem eager to expand like to TA but are not al- public sector workers within Political their horizons beyond bread- lowed to.” He said domestic of a ghost at the bargaining table.” a coercive legal framework. and-butter monetary issues. students often receive prior- In light of this political bacon However, the union must ity when awarded TAships. climate, the union must contend with a ghost sitting “The overall theme is “look at the members Page 11 on the university administra- that international students cial policy mandate to de- ing with management that who are treated the worst, Conspiracy! tion’s side of the bargaining are seen as a way for uni- crease the real wages of pub- can easily “pass the buck” and try to do the most for Ants! table: the increasingly inter- versities to make money, lic sector workers and limit to the provincial govern- them,” said Partridge. ventionist Ontario Liberal to cover the province’s eco- public spending. ment, said Hurl. “These ac- According to Partridge, government. nomic downloading on the Chris Hurl, CUPE Unit tors [government] have no “international students are Page 12 “We always have to re- university. They want to 1 vice-president external accountability at the table.” a growing vocal component Humanitarian spond to what the employers bring in more international and bargaining committee In 2012, Duncan Watt, of our union, and we are hypocrisy and political bosses are do- students and charge them member, said the provincial vice-president of finance paying attention to that.” ing. But that doesn’t mean more money and use that government “has tended to and administration at Car- “They are treated worse. PagE 13 our aims differ,” said Kevin to pay for its costs.” be a bit of a ghost at the bar- leton, shared a letter from A principle of equity is that Ontario Finance Minister we want our members to be Electric Dwight Duncan with the treated equally well.” barracuda campus’s unions. The letter Partridge said that during informs the university that this round of negotiations, Page 14 “the fiscal plan provides the union intends to re-ex- The Shanghai no funding for incremental amine and strengthen article compensation increases for 4, the anti-discrimination special new collective agreements.” clause within the collective It reads, “for two years, agreement, as mandated by Page 15 collective agreements the general membership. Horoscopes should not allow for in- The union is seeking creases in compensation. to add “the issue of gen- This includes wages, perfor- der identity to the non- mance pay, and benefits.” It discrimination clause, so continues, “as the 2012 Bud- people can choose how get states, where agreements they present and identify cannot be reached that are in terms of gender with- consistent with the govern- out being discriminated ment’s plan to eliminate the against,” said Partridge. deficit, the government is prepared to propose neces- Continued on page 3 CUPE on the move. Photo: CUPE 4600 www.leveller.ca Lev•el•ler noun I’m a 1 Historical: During the English Civil War (c. Leveller! 1649), one who favoured the abolition of all rank and privilege. Originally an insult, but later embraced by radical anti-Royalists. 2 One who tells the truth, as in “I’m going to level with you.” 3 An instrument that knocks down things that are standing up or digs up things that are buried or hidden.
The Leveller is a publication covering campus and off-campus news, current events, and culture in Ottawa and elsewhere. It is intended to provide readers with a lively portrait of their university and community and of the events that give it meaning. It is also intended to be a forum for provocative editorializing and lively debate on issues of concern to students, staff, and faculty as well as Ottawa residents. The Leveller leans left, meaning that it challenges power and privilege and sides with people over private property. It is also democratic, meaning that it favours open discussion over silencing and secrecy. Within these very general boundaries, The Leveller is primarily interested in being interesting, in saying something worth saying and worth reading about. It doesn’t mind getting a few things wrong if it gets that part right. The Leveller has a very small staff, and is mainly the work of a small group of volunteers. To become a more permanent enterprise and a more truly democratic and representative paper, it will require more volunteers to write, edit, and produce it, to take pictures, and to dig up stories. The Leveller needs you. It needs you to read it, talk about it, discuss it with your friends, agree with it, disagree with it, write a letter, write a story (or send in a story idea), join in the producing of it, or just denounce it. Ultimately it needs you—or someone like you—to edit it, to guide it towards maturity, to give it financial security and someplace warm and safe to live. The Leveller is an ambitious little rag. It wants to be simultaneously irreverent and important, to demand responsibility from others while it shakes it off itself, to be a fun-house mirror we can laugh NOT A WRITER? at ourselves in and a map we can use to find ourselves and our city. It wants to be your coolest, most in-the-know friend and your social NOT A PROBLEM. conscience at the same time. It has its work cut out for it. THERE ARE MANY The Leveller is published every month or so. It is free. WAYS YOU CAN BE The Leveller and its editors have no phone or office, A PART OF LOCAL, Read. but can be contacted with letters of love or hate at INDEPENDENT MEDIA! [email protected] CALL FOR LEVELLERS The Levellers Editorial Board Crystel Hajjar Behind the scenes, we need people to Francella Fiallos Adam Kostrich help with proofreading, copy editing, Ajay Parasram photography, design/layout, website/ Alana Roscoe social media, business, and especially Guest Editor Leslie Muñoz distribution. Help us expand the Production Adam Ashby Gibbard Leveller by distributing newspapers to Listings Coordinator Jim Montgomery local businesses and organizations in Copyeditors Francella Fiallos your neighbourhood. Proofreaders Joseph Hutt Fazeela Jiwa Build your skills as you contribute to Contributors Kelly Black strengthening independent media in Kelti Cameron your community. Adam Carroll Andy Crosby Sam Heaton Fazeela Jiwa Level the Playing Field: A Call for Sustainers Jennifer Meya Leslie Muñoz The Leveller is a creature of the community: it’s written, edited, and distributed right here at home. Community-based media needs Usman Mushtaq community-funded support. Help sustain the Leveller with as little as $5 per month or make a one-time contribution. Samantha Ponting Darryl Reid Contact [email protected] for options on how to help level the playing field, one issue at a time. Michael Spacek Tamara Starblanket Photography CUPE 4600 & Illustration Khalil Benbib BIRSA Mines Monitoring Centre Chris Bisson The Leveller acknowledges that Ottawa is on unceded Algonquin territory. Andy Crosby Francella Fiallos Leslie Muñoz Darryl Reid Alana Roscoe Michael Spacek Contact us Governing Board Rohini Bhalla Kelti Cameron submissions/inquiries [email protected] Ajay Parasram Daniel Tubb advertising/volunteering [email protected] Operations Manager Andy Crosby Distribution Guillaume Beaulieu-Blais Join us Coordinators Jen Duford facebook The Leveller: Campus • Community • Culture Coordinating Editor Ajay Parasram twitter twitter.com/leveller_ottawa Les Sans-Culottes web www.leveller.ca Auteurs Jael Duarte Daniel Tubb
2 The Leveller vol 6, no 1, September/October 2013 www.leveller.ca news
BARGAINING Continued from page 1 News Briefs Hurl said adequate com- Representation within quality of education for ev- with post-secondary institu- Campeau files HR St. Mary’s frosh leaders pensation, benefits, rep- the university’s decision- eryone,” said Hurl. tions to reduce bargained complaint against promote raping minors resentation, and quality making bodies is another “With the Drummond compensation increases.” Nepean Redskins in public chant education are some of the point of interest on the Report, there has been a lot “At the same time, they An Ojibway hip-hop artist has Frosh leaders, including mem- major issues facing contract unit’s radar. of talk of reconfiguring post- [the province] have no for- filed a human rights complaint bers of the student union of St. instructors at Carleton. “CIs are one of the only secondary education in the mal position at the bargain- against the Nepean Redskins Mary’s University in Halifax, “We are paid eight per cent groups on campus that don’t province,” said Hurl. ing table. A lot of responsi- football club, arguing that the have instagrammed a short vid- under the average for contract have any representation on As part of the provincial bility is deferred onto them name is as racist as the “N” word. eo of misogynist messaging via instructors (CIs) in Ontario,” campus decision-making government’s austerity agen- by negotiators, but we aren’t After a year of angrily denying school-spirit chants. The chant stated Hurl. He said sessional bodies. We are not repre- da, the province provisioned able to speak to them di- that the name “Redskins” is offen- is too offensive to be repeated instructors at the University sented on the Senate or any TD Bank Chief Economist rectly about these kinds of sive, white settler and president of here, but among the violent the football team Steve Dean told messages were, “Y is for your of Ottawa get paid nearly kind of organizing body. We Don Drummond to explore issues,” said Hurl. the CBC on Sept. 4, “Certainly sister...U is for underage...N is “In the past, employ- $1000 more for three-month aren’t represented at a de- avenues for expansive pub- the fact that the club presents for no-consent. St. Mary’s boys, teaching contracts. partmental level either. That lic sector cutbacks and the ers have said ‘we can’t give such a positive influence in the we like them young.” The chant Despite finally winning is something we are trying to privatization of public servic- you any wage concessions community – and the name is has been recited for years, but health and dental benefits put on the agenda.” es. The Drummond Report’s because of the provincial synonymous with that – brings was largely ignored before the for CIs in the unit’s most This relates to concerns findings summarize the work government’s policy.’ The a positive light to the name.” Be- recent video drew attention recent collective agreement, surrounding the deteriora- of the Commission on the question becomes, are we cause one Aboriginal group told to the words. While rape and Hurl said CIs have yet to see tion of quality education. Reform of Ontario’s Public negotiating with the pub- Dean the name was okay after be- sexual violence is an epidemic the administration move to “We are concerned about Services. It recommends lic government, or with the ing approached by Campeau last everywhere, Haligonians have provide these benefits. class sizes, which affects the that the government “work Carleton administration?” fall with a request to change the the recent memory of Rehtaeh name, he feels as though “the” Parsons, the 15 year old girl Aboriginal community has been who was raped by a gang of old- consulted. Campeau, of A Tribe er teenagers and subsequently Called Red, argued in a recent committed suicide. At least two news-release, “The players call student union executive mem- each other ‘redskins’ on the field. bers have resigned amidst the Join the Leveller editors on Monday, How are they going to differen- controversy, and other orienta- Independent tiate the playing field from the tion leaders and organizers face September 17th for a practical schoolyard? What’s going to stop disciplinary action and sensitiv- skills-building workshop designed them from calling my daughter a ity training. The fact that this Journalism redskin in the schoolyard? That’s has been a recurring chant over to teach you the basics of writing as offensive as using the N-word.” the years draws attention to the LEVELLER The Leveller’s Volume 5.1 in Sept. normalization of misogyny in clear, concise news articles while 2012 covered and analyzed the is- university campus culture. Stu- 101 Workshop sue of naming extensively, and is dent frosh leaders at the Sauder gaining a fuller understanding of available online at
4 The Leveller vol 6, no 1, September/October 2013 www.leveller.ca CAMPUS An Explosion of Green GSA bears its first abundant harvest Leslie Muñoz A separate plot is reserved cause and take direction specifically for Aboriginal from Indigenous peoples,” The space beside parking community use. The garden he added. lot 6 at Carleton University has been dubbed Kitigànen- The plot will hopefully is experiencing an explosion sag by the Algonquin elders serve as a space where the of green as the Graduate consulted by the garden’s or- “community can bring in Students’ Association (GSA) ganizers. Kitigànensag is Al- elders to give teachings on community garden con- gonquin for “little garden.” traditional medicinal herbs cludes its founding year and “Food security, food sov- and traditional methods of enters into its first harvest. growing crops. There’s such “Growing season began a rich tradition that needs at the end of May around the to be taught.” traditional May, 24 starting The garden has “The community garden date for most gardeners, and been dubbed had been an interest amongst we’re approaching the close Kitigànensag by students wishing to address of our first gardening season. the Algonquin matters of food insecurity on There’s a lot of good pro- elders consulted campus…it checks off a lot duce. There were many first of boxes for social justice, es- time gardeners and clearly by the garden’s pecially the food sovereignty they learnt things really organizers. angle of food justice on cam- well,” said Community Gar- Kitigànensag is puses,” he said. den Project Manager Chris Algonquin for “Companies like Coca- Bisson. “There are tomatoes “little garden.” Cola are the prime cause right now ripening on the of the egregious food in- plants.” security that we have on Work towards the garden campus. They make it so began in 2012 using permac- ereignty, food justice – all that in our vending ma- ulture techniques, organized these things are inextrica- chines we only have access broadly around the themes bly linked with aspects of to completely unhealthy of care for the earth, people, Indigenous sovereignty in food which is priced out of and returning surplus to na- the sense that production the [affordable] range for ture. “It began with doing of food is a very intimate most students. These cor- thoughtful observation of connection with the land porations with monopolies the space […] to design and and it’s unavoidable to talk are the prime drivers of why create a system that is very about our connection to the students are so hungry on intricately linked with the land without engaging with campus and why students local ecosystem,” said Bis- the process of decoloniza- lack nutritious, culturally son. The goal being to work tion” said Bisson. appropriate food.” “as sustainably as possible.” He added that garden- “[The Kitigànensag It currently features 20 ers hope the space can be Community Garden] defi- 4’x6’ raised bed allotment utilized by the campus’ Ab- nitely satisfies aspects of plots that members of the original student population food sovereignty,” Bisson Carleton community can and beyond to teach and said. “Food sovereignty be- apply to look after as well share agricultural practices. ing that people ought to as five 6’x10’ perennial plots “It is the responsibility of determine their own source that can be used on a longer- settlers interested in decolo- and food chain and means term scale. nizing to work in common of producing food.”
Kitigànensag Community Garden greenifying lots. Photo: Chris Bisson [email protected]
www.leveller.ca vol 6, no 1, September/October 2013 T he Leveller 5 News Walking Against Patriarchy 3rd annual SlutWalk challenges public sexual oppression Francella Fiallos that’s different for every- “If anyone violates that, if body,” organizer Fateema anyone violates your safety, Around 200 people Ghani said. “Some people that’s not okay.” stormed the streets of down- reclaim the word ‘slut,’ some Still, SlutWalk has met its town Ottawa streets on Sept. people think it doesn’t exist.” fair share of criticism, even 7 as part of the third annual Despite the event’s pro- in progressive circles. SlutWalk. gressive approach to the According to Rabble.ca, The event kicked off with word “slut,” organizer Kayla the entire premise of Slut- speakers from Planned Par- Spagnoli admits that it can Walk “disproportionately enthood and the Ottawa be problematic. impacts women of colour Rape Crisis Centre at the “What are you exactly and poor women to rein- Human Rights Monument force their status as inher- on Elgin Street. ently dirty and second-class, Most notably, the Raging “Once people wrap and hence more rapeable.” Grannies led the rapt and ea- their head around Both Ghani and Spagnoli ger crowd in song, with lyrics the title, I think acknowledge this problem deploring “slut-shaming” and they’re behind and have made deliberate ef- rampant misogyny and sex- the message we’re forts to include more racial- ism in society. Slut-shaming is trying to send.” ized women in the march by the act of policing an individ- That message, partnering up with Families ual’s chosen sexual expression according to the of Sisters in Spirits and Immi- using patriarchal norms. grant Women Services Ottawa. official website, Slutwalkers march through downtown Ottawa. Photo: Francella Fiallos “Slut-shaming always leads is to challenge “You face a lot of issues to victim-blaming and victim- female oppression because you’re a woman, blaming isn’t something that and to ultimately and on top of that, you’re a should happen because it’s end sexual assault Trans woman or an Indig- never the victim’s fault,” said victim-shaming. enous woman,” Ghani said. Sidney Labbe, a Carleton Uni- “We do realize that that has versity student and volunteer been a criticism and we’ve with SlutWalk Ottawa. been really trying to get on The first SlutWalk took going to call [the march]? the inclusive train.” place in April 2011 in To- Once people wrap their Organizing for the 2013 ronto after a city police head around the title, I think SlutWalk began in June and officer told students at Os- they’re behind the message has extensively relied on do- goode Law School to avoid we’re trying to send.” nations for financial support. “dressing like sluts in order That message, according to As for Ghani and Spag- not to be victimized.” the official website, is to chal- noli, they have no plans to Since then, SlutWalk has lenge women’s oppression stop until their job is done. been a major proponent in and to ultimately end sexual “I would like to see the changing attitudes on rape assault victim-shaming. abolishment of slut-sham- culture and the language sur- “The reason I think ev- ing and I hope that one day rounding it. It asserts wom- eryone should know about that becomes a real thing,” en’s right to walk the streets SlutWalk is because the Spagnoli said. free from sexual harassment. right to consent is a human “SlutWalk really does “SlutWalk is something right,” Ghani explained. make that happen.”
6 The Leveller vol 6, no 1, September/October 2013 www.leveller.ca Chronique d’un accord de libre-échange et ses conséquences annoncées
Jael Duarte et Daniel Tubb semelles nationales. Mais, elle est le fait d’entreprises sèdent 41 % du territoire aucune remise en question locales de taille modeste. Le colombien, chacun possé- Une grève des agri- des accords de libre-échange 31 aout, un accord a été con- dant en moyenne plus de culteurs à l’échelle du avec les pays du Nord, ni au- clu entre le gouvernement et 200 hectares. Seulement 18 pays secoue la Colombie. cune décision de fond con- les mineurs. % sont de petits exploitants Depuis le 19 août, le pays cernant l’importation des de moins de 20 hectares. s’est figé. La circulation des semences. Une grève aussi appuyée par Alors, la production rurale personnes et des biens, y des intérêts différents ne vient pas exactement compris la nourriture, a Depuis plusieurs mois, des du petit producteur. Cette cessé. Paysans, travailleurs, manifestations Les manifesta- classe sociale, au moment Les Sans-culottes étaient les révolutionnaires enseignants, étudiants et tions des dernières semaines de la signature des accords radicaux pendant la Révolution française (vers classes urbaines march- En février, les cultiva- ont connu quelques situa- de libre-échange n’a pas vu 1789). Leur nom émanait des pantalons qu’ils ent dans les rues et sur les teurs de café avaient com- tions confuses. Des actes de un problème, maintenant portaient au lieu de la culotte courte et des routes du tout le pays pour mencé une grève dans les vandalisme ont été commis c’est ce secteur qui souffre bas, portés par les nobles et les bourgeois. dénoncer les conséquences montagnes occidentales. dans les quartiers périphéri- de pertes économiques. néfastes des traités de libre- La Colombie a depuis plus ques (quartiers habités par échange sur la production d’un siècle une longue tra- les classes démunies). Plu- En conclusion? agricole nationale. dition de production de sieurs jeunes auraient reçu Le gouvernement a café. Aujourd’hui, le prix de l’argent pour les exécuter. D’une part, nous avons répondu aux manifestations de vente ne compense plus En outre, dans le sud du un secteur agricole affecté par la violence. Les 30 et 31 les coûts de production. pays et dans le départe- par les accords de libre- août, les militaires ont occu- La concurrence des autres ment d’Antioquia, quelques échange et d’autre part, un pé la ville de Bogotá. Jusque- pays et l’absence de poli- manifestants ont été con- conflit politique entre ceux là, la télévision et les médias tique publique ont eu un traints de poser des actes de qui ont toujours possédé étaient restés muets sur les fort impact négatif. Après vandalisme par des groupes les moyens de production. manifestations et le Prési- un mois de protestations, d’extrême droite. Résultat : des manifestations dent Juan Manuel Santos le gouvernement a accepté Cela est peut-être à rat- massives, auxquelles répond lui-même déclarait que le d’augmenter les subven- tacher au contexte politique le déni du gouvernement. pays était calme, que la grève tions à la production et et à l’élection présidenti- Tandis que les blessés et les n’existait pas; et ce, malgré la les possibilités de crédit, elle de l’année prochaine. détentions illégales ne se répression exercée contre les et d’autres politiques pub- L’actuel président de droite comptent plus du fait de la manifestants. Depuis plus- liques en faveur du café co- a la possibilité d’être à nou- répression, le gouvernement ieurs années, en Colombie, lombien ont été annoncées. veau candidat et pourrait se félicite du traitement L e Leveller étend ses branches! la répression violente des En mai, les producteurs appuyer sa campagne sur démocratique du conflit. manifestations par l’État est de pommes de terre ont le processus de paix avec la Pendant que les journaux chose habituelle. manifesté à leur tour, pour guérilla des forces armées officiels colombiens annon- À Bogota, deux jeunes les mêmes raisons : les coûts révolutionnaires de la Co- cent chaque jour la conclu- ont été tués par balles, al- de production excédent les lombie, les FARC. Face à lui, sion d’accords avec les grév- Nous acceptons actuellement des articles en ors que seuls les militaires revenus. Mais, dans leur cas, l’ancien président d’extrême istes, dans la principale ville français pour la prochaine édition du Leveller. et la police sont autorisés aucun accord n’est survenu. droite, a l’intention de reve- du département du Cauca, Envoyez vos articles à editors.the.leveller@ à porter des armes à feu. En juin, les paysans du nir dans l’arène politique. une manifestation des au- gmail.com, et aidez-nous à diversifier notre Depuis le début de la guerre Catatumbo, dans la zone On peut alors se demander si tochtones regroupe plus de contenu! de guérilla il y a cinq dé- frontalière avec le Venezu- l’extrême droite n’alimente 15 000 personnes. Mais là cennies, les manifestants ela, ont eux aussi entamé pas la violence pendant les encore, comme toujours, les Si vous avez de l’expérience dans la révision de textes dénonçant une action du une grève après des années grèves et les manifestations, autorités nient l’existence en français, contactez-nous! gouvernement sont accusés de demande pour la recon- afin d’amener les électeurs d’un conflit. d’être liés à un groupe de la naissance de cette région à choisir comme seule solu- guérilla. L’accusation est gé- en tant que «Réserve Pay- tion réaliste : l’élimination néralement sans fondement, sanne». La réserve paysanne par la force de la guérilla. mais elle a pour résultat la est une entité juridique en Les médias colombiens criminalisation de la dissi- Colombie qui permet la taisent le rôle qu’a joué dence et elle désigne les op- possession collective du l’ex-président Uribe dans la posants comme cible pour territoire afin d’en proté- promotion des accords de les groupes armés illégaux ger la production agricole. libre-échange avec les États- d’extrême droite. En réponse aux manifesta- Unis, le Canada et l’Union C’est à la fin août seule- tions, l’armée colombienne européenne, au moment ment, après plus d’une se- a tué quatre paysans et bles- même où il accusait pub- maine, que le président San- sé plus d’une cinquantaine liquement les syndicalistes tos a reconnu qu’il y avait de personnes, dont des d’avoir des « liens avec le ter- des manifestations. Les mé- journalistes. Aucun accord rorisme et la guérilla ». À ce dias ont alors régulièrement n’a été conclu. moment-là, les syndicats co- annoncé la fin imminente En juillet, les mineurs tra- lombiens s’opposaient à la de la grève. vaillant dans les mines d’or signature de ces accords. Ils Début septembre, un ac- se sont plaints des bénéfices dénonçaient ces traités avec cord est intervenu sur les accordés aux compagnies des États du nord, politique- importations de poudre extractives transnationales ment et économiquement de lait et de pommes de par le gouvernement, au plus puissants que la Co- terre précuites, en promet- détriment des petites en- lombie, comme une source tant une compensation aux treprises locales dont les d’inégalités croissantes dans producteurs nationaux, des activités sont considérées les pays du sud eux-mêmes. restrictions aux produits illégales. Bien que la Co- Par ailleurs, moins de soumis à l’accord MERCO- lombie ne soit pas le plus 100 000 propriétaires pos- Des manifestants par milliers sur les routes. SUR (accord commercial grand producteur d’or de entre la Colombie, le Brésil, la région, la production an- l’Argentine, l’Uruguay et le nuelle officielle atteint une Paraguay), et une réflexion valeur de deux milliards de quant aux privilèges des se- dollars. Près de 85 % de la mences transgéniques sur les production est informelle,
En appui à la grève nationale des agriculteurs. Photo: Prensa Rural www.leveller.ca vol 6, no 1, September/October 2013 T he Leveller 7 Citizenship Foundations Ajay Parasram and Adam Kostrich The concept of citizenship is fluid. What it gained full autonomy over its citizenship policy means to be a citizen changes over time and in 1947. Before then, the Canadian government 1917 place. In Canada, an ongoing colonial state that paired existing British policies with new legisla- The Wartime Elections Act unless they were serving in the was under formal British colonial rule until 1867, tion to influence the racial, gendered and class gave women across Canada the army. we can observe how the tensions of citizenship composition of its fledgling state. right to vote – but only if they This year also saw the creation, demand a statement of who is an “insider” and This article shows the bumpy road to the first had family members serving in by order-in-council, of the Office who is an “outsider.” Citizenship Act, highlighting important legis- the war. It also disenfranchised of Immigration and Coloniza- Founded on stolen Indigenous territories and lation from 1885-1947 to show how tenuous the so-called “enemy-alien” citizens tion. This federal department be- overtop vibrant Indigenous nations, Canada only idea of citizenship is on these occupied lands. who were naturalized after 1902, came the Department of Mines
1885–1923: The Chinese Head Tax 1919 Immigration Act Amendment During this period, Chinese immi- fares ($10), revenue and road taxes ($5), While the 1906 and 1910 terites, and Mennonites for grants were not only subject to life-threat- religious fees ($5), doctors and drugs ($3), Immigration Acts empha- religious reasons. In the ening and dangerous labour, but were oil, light, water, and tobacco ($5). Work- sized attracting British men wake of Russia’s Bolshevik also taxed upon entry into Canada. When ers also had to pay back their debt-fare to Canada (sometimes with Revolution two years prior, created in 1885, the tax was set at $50. By for the steamship that brought them to the use of paid recruit- Ottawa targeted socialists 1900, it had increased to $100. Three years Canada, at a rate of $40 dollars a head, ers on commission), the and anarchists, outlawing later, it stood at $500. leaving the worker with approximately 1919 Amendment sought 13 leftist groups (includ- According to the Report of the Royal $3 for a year’s work. in part to establish a legal ing the Industrial Workers Commission on Chinese Immigration The Canadian Council for Refugees basis on which to formally of the World) and issuing (1885), the expenses laid on the average notes that Ottawa collected $18-20 million exclude undesirable races orders-in-council against Chinese railway worker meant that he (approximately $300 million in 2013 dol- and nationalities. Section Finnish, Hungarian, Ger- was left with only $43 for a full year’s lars) from Chinese immigrants between 38 was added to block en- man, and Russian publica- labour based on his $25 per month sal- 1901 and 1918. In the same time span, the try into Canada of people tions in light of the Bolshe- ary. Aside from food, yearly expenses in- government spent $10 million actively from Eastern Europe, tar- vik Revolution and the 1919 cluded clothes ($130), rent ($24), tools and promoting British immigration. geting Doukhobors, Hut- Winnipeg General Strike.
1906 and 1910 Immigration Acts: White British men only, please July 1st, 1923: Humiliation Day Building off policies from 1869 that or an epileptic, or who is insane…” It unfit, 6,900 people for committing a On this day, Ottawa attempted to redress the outlined undesirable national origins continues to note that if an immigrant criminal offense, and 2,580 people be- issues surrounding head taxes by unveiling the of immigrants, as well as legal mea- becomes a “charge upon the public cause it was feared that they might Chinese Immigration Act (a.k.a. the Chinese Ex- sures adopted in 1889 to deport mi- funds” within two years of arrival, they commit a crime. Ever a stickler for de- clusionary Act). This Act banned all Chinese peo- grants already in Canada, the 1906 can be deported. These acts provided a tails, section 43 of the 1906 Immigration ple from immigrating to Canada unless they were Immigration Act formally defined legal basis from which Canada could Act even forbids sexual intercourse be- diplomats, clergy, students, children of Canadians, an “immigrant,” broadened the scope deny entry to restricted groups (such tween seamen and immigrant women. or investors. While white-settler Canadians were of “undesirable” immigrants, and of- as Asian people) and also deport im- Women, not defined as citizens until busy celebrating Canada Day, Chinese-Canadians ficially sanctioned the deportation migrants on the basis of their mental the 1947 Act, were tied to men in this were left to ponder what they called “Humiliation of migrants. Immigration rules laid health, criminal record, or other racial- phase of citizenship. Under section 72 Day.” Additionally, in January of 1923, an order-in- out in clauses 26-34 include, “No im- ly motivated moral “characteristics.” of the Act, if the male head of a house- council excluded “any immigrant of any Asiatic migrant shall be permitted to land in Between 1902 and 1912, Canada de- hold were deported, his wife and chil- race,” understood to encompass people from Japan Canada who is feeble-minded, an idiot, ported 890 people for being mentally dren could be deported as well. to Turkey to India.
Dispatches from an Ethnic Cleansing Indigenous people’s struggles against displacement in India Michael Spacek The small Indigenous village of Pagar lies in the heart of the working as construction workers eastern Indian state of Jharkhand’s coal belt. Its once expansive and domestics. For some, they forests have given way to the belching stacks of thermal power face an even worse fate. plants, the dense smoke of which occasionally obscures the sun Gopinath Ghosh is tired. hundreds of miles away in the state capital Ranchi. An Adivasi activist with the Bin- The National Thermal Corporation, a government coal com- drai Institute for Study and Ac- pany, has plans for expansion. The villagers have had enough. tion (BIRSA), Ghosh has spent On July 23, a local contractor working for the company cracked the past decade tracking the open a villager’s skull with a scythe during a confrontation. displaced. “They are going to When the police arrived, allegedly drunk, they began firing metropolitan cities, especially their weapons indiscriminately, wounding six people. Kesar Mah- Mumbai and Delhi. Trafficking to, 50, was shot while sitting in front of his house and died before is a major problem here. There reaching the hospital. are so many missing girls.” Mahto’s death is only one of the most recent in a brutal war India’s laws on Indigenous being waged in the name of development deep in the dense for- people are progressive, however. ests and hills of India’s so-called tribal belt. Populated by the Adi- The country is a signatory to the vasi, a broad term for the Indigenous people of the country, the UN Declaration on the Rights region is rich in natural resources. of Indigenous People. Recent India’s economic liberalization, which began in 1991 and ac- legislation has granted substan- Adivasis rally against displacement with Communist Party (India) Photo: Michael Spacek celerated with the opening up of the mining industry in 2000, has tial authority to village assemblies, or Gram Sabhas. On paper, the bother. They know that there is coal. We have to dig coal.” created a bonanza. Large Indian companies, such as Tata and Gram Sabha has the final say on all important community issues The result is that hundreds of thousands of Indigenous peo- Vedanta, as well as multinationals such as South Korea’s Posco such as land use and access. ple have been pushed off their land with minimal or no compen- want a piece of the action. Local contractors, government offi- The devil, however, is in the details. Ghosh has seen how time sation. Occasionally, the displaced are given temporary, menial cials and corporations have banded together in one of the biggest and again the laws of the country have been flouted. “Before any work in the new factories and mines. The permanent positions land grabs in the country’s history. The result has been the mass clearance the Gram Sabha should be given community rights. That are filled by outsiders who stream into the area. displacement of the region’s Indigenous people. village is the owner of the forest. What companies are doing, with For those who insist on defending their rights, the price can Since 1990, at least hundreds of thousands of Adivasi have been government officials and the help of local goons, is giving an order be high. In neighbouring Chhattisgarh state, thousands of Adivasi pushed off their land. Many of them migrate to India’s large cities, to the village to organize a Gram Sabha, which is unconstitutional. are behind bars, booked on false charges filed by local police and The Gram Sabha is an autonomous body. What will be the agenda businessmen as punishment for resisting displacement. of that meeting? The companies decide. And make them pass it.” The wheels of Indian justice are slow. It can be decades until In many cases, even such legal niceties are ignored. Perversely, a case reaches the courts. In the meantime, those charged lan- in the eyes of the government, people only exist after they have guish in pretrial custody, unable to raise the funds for bail. And if been surveyed. If they have not been surveyed, they do not exist. they do make it to court, their chances are not good. In Chhat- As Ghosh said, “they’re not doing any baseline survey. Noth- tisgarh, nearly 20 per cent of the population speaks Indigenous ing. They just want a project. Neither the government nor the languages. Yet none of them have been made official languages. company has visited that area. Someone said these are all in the Sudha Bharadwaj is visibly frustrated. As the Chhattisgarh coal belt. Make a project there. How many people are there, how state president of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties and a many villages, how many acres of jungle will go? They don’t prominent human rights lawyer, she has defended hundreds of Lalan Mahato, injured by a bullet. Photo: BIRSA Mines Monitoring Centre
8 The Leveller vol 6, no 1, September/October 2013 www.leveller.ca 1931-1935: Attack the Left! Ottawa outlaws the Communist Party persons and would have continued were under the criminal code. Citizens who are it not for public outrage in the midst of or were members were liable to have their the Great Depression. An order-in-council status revoked and be subject to deporta- is passed stating that any Asiatic seeking tion. Ottawa targeted leftist leaders across citizenship must first renounce their pre- the country and rounded them up in Hali- vious citizenship – this in full knowledge fax for summary deportations. From 1930– that Japan lacked the mechanism for their 1917 1935, Ottawa deported 28,097 unemployed citizens to renounce citizenship. unless they were serving in the and Resources in 1946, and was army. renamed the Department of This year also saw the creation, Citizenship and Immigration in by order-in-council, of the Office 1950. As such, this department’s of Immigration and Coloniza- existence exposes the linkages tion. This federal department be- between colonization, immigra- Epilogue came the Department of Mines tion, and resource exploitation. With these building blocks forming the foun- dation of Canada’s first Citizenship Act, it should come as no surprise that nation-building via citi- 1939-1945: No refugees or “enemy races” zenship has been largely a project of accepting The St. Louis sails from Germany with 930 Citizens of Japanese origin and Japanese white, anglophone males. Socialists, anarchists, Jewish refugees on board. No western country non-citizens living within 100 miles of the Pa- Doukhobors, women, eastern Europeans, Asians, grants them status, including Canada (despite cific Ocean were sent to detention camps until and Jews – essentially anyone who has not been the urgent advocacy of a group of Toronto- the end of the war, at which time they were what the settler government of the day believed nians). Upon return to Germany, two-thirds urged to return to nuclear-devastated Japan. a Canadian ought to be - have been discriminat- of them are killed in what we today call the 4,000 left the country; half of those were Ca- ed against through citizenship and immigration Holocaust. nadian-born. policy. Under the current Citizenship Act (2009), and associated legisla- 1946/1947: Canadian Citizenship Act tion under the criminal code, we Under the first formal Canadian Citizenship live in an era where Ottawa no Act, married women were granted full autonomy longer believes that being born as citizens and all citizens were granted the right and raised in Canada makes you to enter Canada without exception. The Chinese Canadian, which is why looking Immigration Act is formally renounced. Prefer- at the building blocks of citizen- ence for British immigrants was retained, and ship policy is important. The case until 1977, Canadian passports noted, “a Cana- of Deepan Budlakoti (see page 10) July 1st, 1923: Humiliation Day dian citizen is a British subject.” British people highlights the fragility and arbi- were able to fast-track into citizenship. trary nature of the contemporary On this day, Ottawa attempted to redress the Prime Minister Mackenzie King, the first per- idea of citizenship, and speaks to issues surrounding head taxes by unveiling the son to be granted Canadian citizenship under the need to understand the vari- Chinese Immigration Act (a.k.a. the Chinese Ex- the first formal act, stated that Canada was “per- ous forms and experiences of op- clusionary Act). This Act banned all Chinese peo- fectly within her rights in selecting the persons pression that have ultimately led ple from immigrating to Canada unless they were whom we regard as desirable future citizens.” to Canada’s stance on citizenship. diplomats, clergy, students, children of Canadians, With a shout-out to Asians, the P.M. also noted, or investors. While white-settler Canadians were “the people of Canada do not wish, as a result of busy celebrating Canada Day, Chinese-Canadians mass immigration, to make a fundamental alter- were left to ponder what they called “Humiliation ation in the character of our population. Large- Day.” Additionally, in January of 1923, an order-in- scale immigration from the Orient would change council excluded “any immigrant of any Asiatic the fundamental composition of the Canadian race,” understood to encompass people from Japan population.” to Turkey to India.
Indigenous people’s struggles against displacement in India Indigenous people who have been falsely accused of crimes. are fools,” said Ashok Chowdhury as he took another long drag outskirts. They have no say. In those days it was different. In the “This state, after 50 years, has not bothered to bring in Gondi,” on his cigarette. evening, you would hear the dancing, singing, beating of drums.” the state’s largest Adivasi language. “You don’t have interpreters A trade unionist working with the militant Indigenous land And perhaps this is the vision for today’s India. A former in the court. You only rule over them and you don’t want to talk movement, the National Forum for Forest People and Forest chief of police of Chhattisgarh expresses an idea that one often to them. You don’t want to listen to them.” Workers, Chowdhury is under no illusion about the costs of re- hears from the country’s elites. Reclining in his study, he said, And the consequences of resistance can be even more severe. sistance. But he believes that the struggle must continue. “We lost “Many Indias are there. You have modern India, highly civilized. many important comrades. Killed. By the mafia or the police. You have a tribal India. Every problem you have is different In- We have to say if you kill our women we will kill you. Then they dias responding differently to problems. But what I see is that the were shaking because we had a mass base. The only thing they’re modern India is gradually engulfing most of the other Indias. It For those who insist on defending scared of is organized people.” will do so. It has to do so because you can’t have two time zones their rights, the price can be high. And some popular struggles for Indigenous rights have succeeded. living simultaneously.” In neighbouring Chhattisgarh state, Alex Ekka, a Jesuit Adivasi activist from what he calls “the This is the choice India’s Adivasi face. Be engulfed or fight parallel church,” explains the 40-year struggle against the Koel- back. In spite of all the laws and constitutional protections, the thousands of Adivasi are behind Karo hydro power project. In the early 1970s, the government Indigenous people of the country have been squeezed into a cor- bars, booked on false charges filed had decided to build a hydroelectric plant 80 kilometres south of ner. As Malick said, “that’s the reason why Maoism is alive. Be- by local police and businessmen as the state capital Ranchi. The project would have displaced tens cause people have no other way. This or that way. Get displaced of thousands of Adivasi households. or take up arms.” punishment for resisting displacement. The local villagers began a militant struggle that lasted for In Pagar village, the people are all too familiar with this choice. over 30 years, blockading the village, preventing government of- ficials from entering the area, and refusing to be displaced. In Michael Spacek is a PhD candidate at Carleton University. He returned from In Jharkhand, displacement has turned particularly violent. 2001, on the pretext of hunting Maoists, the police destroyed the India this summer where he spent seven months doing interviews for his thesis, The state is a stronghold of the Communist Party of India (Mao- barricades and occupied the village. A protest was held and the Mao in the Land of Nehru: State and Insurgent Space in India’s Eastern ist), an insurgent group fighting a war against the government police fired into the crowd. Eight people were killed. and Central Hinterlands. that stretches across much of the tribal belt. The natural resource Nine more years would pass. Finally in 2010, after decades bonanza and the lure of money that has followed in its wake has of struggle, the project was cancelled. The villagers of Koel- led the disciplined rebel group to fray at the edges. Karo remain. Splinter groups, supported by elements of the police, bu- In spite of these small victories, the outlook for India’s Indig- reaucracy and business, have since emerged. Although Maoist enous people is not bright. They are vanishing, one project and in name, in reality they are little more than local warlord gangs one bullet at a time. Gladson Dungdung, an Adivasi activist whose working as mercenaries. Rahul Pandita, a journalist who has parents were killed by local goons in a dispute over land, narrates worked extensively in the region, said, “It’s almost a brand. They a long list of villages that have been displaced. In one area, now use the Maoist flag and then they do their own bloody business.” the site of a steel plant owned by the Indian company Tata, he And the business is bloody. The number of civilian casualties said, “18 villages were there. That was a Adivasi majority area. in Jharkhand’s conflict has continued to rise during the previous Nearly 95 per cent. But today you find five per cent. This hap- decade. Many of the dead are executed by the splinter groups for pened in a hundred years. Imagine what will happen in the next resisting land displacement. hundred years.” In spite of these tremendous risks posed to ordinary Indig- Sanjay Basu Mallick, an activist with the anti-mining group enous people and activists, the government and industry have Bindrai Institute for Research Study & Action (BIRSA), moved to been unable to crush resistance. Jharkhand’s state capital Ranchi in the 1970s. I asked him what “One thing India learned from the U.S: until the 19th cen- has changed since then. The Adivasi, he said, have become com- tury the U.S. was killing Indigenous people. So that they have pletely isolated. “They’re sidelined by the influx of huge migration learned. That’s the best way to contain them. The government from outside. Outsiders are dominating. Tribal people are on the Villagers in Chhattisgarh. Photo: Michael Spacek
www.leveller.ca vol 6, no 1, September/October 2013 T he Leveller 9 magazine Elected officials with a side of bacon Filipino politicians roasted for having their snouts in public funds Kelti Cameron Pork Barrel Scandal and Alana Roscoe Protests were sparked by “Filipinos, including On July 22, 2013, a del- revelations of the Aquino egation of Canadian trade government’s widespread those overseas, have been unionists and human rights graft and corruption. Up outraged by the extent of advocates found themselves to 100,000 protesters from the corruption involving among an estimated 20,000 diverse class backgrounds Filipinos rallying on the and occupations took to the legislators and bureaucrats streets of Manila. streets of Manila and other as well as the magnitude According to organizers, cities around the world on of the plunder of public the rally was set opposite Aug. 26, 2013 to protest, Filipino President Benigno condemn and expose Fili- funds that has allegedly Aquino III’s annual State of pino politicians’ common taken place. Their outrage the Nation Address (SONA) practice of funneling mil- to draw attention to the real lions of dollars’ worth of is such that they have state of the nation. Millions public funds into their own been moved to action.” of Filipino people are impact- personal bank accounts. ed by the everyday violence of Through the Priority De- poverty, landlessness, land- velopment Assistance Fund An effigy of Philippines President Benigno S. Aquino III at the 2013 SONA rally Phtoto: Alana Roscoe grabbing by foreign corpora- (PDAF), Senators and House outrage seems justified. around the world, Filipino one of many issues that con- toring these violations. The tions, plunder of resources by Representatives in Congress Overseas Filipino Workers migrant and solidarity orga- tinue to undermine the rights moral and material assis- extraction industries (includ- are allocated discretionary (OFWs) brought in over $21 nizations demonstrated in of Filipino people, and one tance cannot be negated with ing Canadian mining compa- funds to spend on projects billion in remittances last front of the Philippine em- that cannot be separated the international solidarity.” nies), unemployment, sub- in their constituencies. This year – about nine per cent of bassies and consulates. from the nation’s growing standard working conditions, practice, known as pork bar- the Philippines’ GDP. Tinio After initially defending poverty, inequality, and the The delegation of activists from environmental destruction rel politics, has the potential added that “interestingly, it the PDAF, Aquino, who was political, economic, and mili- the Canadian Union of Pub- and degradation. to benefit local communities. was an overseas Filipino in elected on anti-corruption tary influence of the United lic Employees (CUPE) and Rising up against ex- Instead, large sums of money the U.S. who first floated the promises, proposed a re- States on the country. The re- the Ontario Committee for ploitation, Filipinos face are siphoned off by public idea on Facebook for what formed funding program silience of the Filipino people Human Rights in the Philip- violence and intimidation officials into fake NGOs for was to become the Million- in response to the people’s to rise up against corruption pines (OCHRP) were led by at the hands of their gov- corporate and personal gain. Person March for the aboli- disgust. However, as Tinio and to demand justice, and the Confederation for Unity, ernment. According to the Congressman Antonio L. tion of the pork barrel sys- notes, “These changes will the solidarity of Canadian Recognition, and Advance- respected human rights or- Tinio, a vocal opponent of tem last August 26. OFWs, not in any way address the trade unions and community ment of Government Employees ganization Karapatan, the the pork barrel system, told through their remittances, main concerns regarding organizations, is increasing (COURAGE) in the Philip- Philippines has seen over the Leveller in an email that have long made significant the PDAF: that it allows in- international pressure to hold pines. COURAGE is the larg- 120 extrajudicial killings, “Filipinos, including those contributions to the Philip- dividual discretion over the the Aquino administration est labour confederation in the 12 enforced disappearances, overseas, have been outraged pine economy. Now, with use of public funds with no accountable for their actions. Philippines with over 200,000 and 447 illegal arrests since by the extent of the corrup- the help of social networks, oversight, making it a source Ferdinand Gaite, presi- members, and they are at the Aquino’s election in June tion involving legislators they are making themselves of massive corruption, and dent of the Confederation forefront of the Philippine pub- 2010. Victims are primarily and bureaucrats, as well as felt in political life as well.” it perpetuates the patronage for Unity Recognition and lic sector workers’ struggle for peasant and farmer organiz- the magnitude of the plun- With OFWs deployed politics that sustains politi- Advancement of Govern- decent wages, humane working ers, human and trade union der of public funds that has worldwide, social media cal dynasties at the local level ment Employees (COUR- conditions and full union rights. rights activists, church lead- allegedly taken place. Their fuelled calls for mass pro- and provides the president AGE), the host organization They are currently campaigning ers, and Indigenous activists. outrage is such that they have tests against the pork bar- with the carrot-and-stick to for the delegation, stressed to expose and oppose corruption The SONA rally fore- been moved to action.” rel scheme in Manila and influence Congress and un- in an email to the Leveller, and fight against privatization, shadowed the potential In a country where 4,000 other cities internationally dermine its independence.” “The government realizes to push for genuine public ser- power of the people to have workers are forced to leave after news of the fraud came As the human and trade that there are not only local vices and for the release of sev- their voices heard and to re- the country every day to to light earlier in August. In union rights delegation wit- campaigns but international eral political prisoners. alize genuine social change. work abroad just to survive, Ottawa and in many cities nessed, corruption is only campaigns which are moni- Living in Limbo Ottawa’s laws render Canadian-born man stateless and jobless
Fazeela Jiwa ready had it – after all, he understanding, but there has been denied. had been born here and is more at play here. Dee- In the meantime, Deep- Most people born and issued Canadian docu- pan’s case highlights the an’s life meanders on pre- raised in this city don’t ments that confirmed his connections between It seems like a simple cariously, without the citi- have to apply for a work citizenship, such as a pass- criminalization and im- zenship rights he thought permit to be allowed to port and birth certificate migration/refugee policies case of bureaucratic he was born with. If he is support themselves. But (which the state now says within the Canadian po- misunderstanding, but ill or injured, he will have if you live in a stateless were issued in error). litical system. to pay for his medical limbo despite your Cana- Mr. and Mrs. Budlokati Deepan has served a there is more at play here. treatment. His permit sta- dian birth certificate, as 23 also argue that their em- sentence for transfer of tus and his ineligibility for year-old Deepan Budlo- ployment at the High Com- firearms and breaking and Deepan’s case highlights social assistance prevent kati does, you might have mission of India in Ottawa entering. Upon his release him from making any in- to work your way through ceased on June 12, 1989, earlier this year, he was im- the connections between come, forcing him to rely the bureaucracy just to while Deepan was born in mediately arrested by the on his community. perform some menial paid October of that year. CBSA and held in an im- criminalization and If he is not at his par- labour. And when Citi- Deepan plans to appeal migration detention cen- ents’ home by 9 p.m., he zenship and Immigration his deportation order to the tre in Toronto for over five immigration/refugee may be arrested and face Canada (CIC) puts your federal court using well- months, under threat of indefinite detention by the work permit application documented evidence that deportation. Deepan says policies within the CBSA and held in a pro- on hold, you, like Deepan, his parents were not em- he had little to do with vincial jail. Even Deepan’s might be incensed. ployed by the Indian High the crimes, but more im- Canadian political system. MP, Pierre Poilievre for In 2011, the Immigra- Commission at the time of portantly, that he is being Nepean-Carleton, denied tion and Refugee Board his birth. Under citizenship punished over and over a meeting with him when of Canada ordered Dee- law at that time, Deepan’s again for the same youth- he and his supporters went pan deported to India, birth on Canadian soil ful misdeeds. a press release, “I’ve lived volution in his twisting to Poilievre’s constituency where he has never lived makes him a Canadian citi- “I am suffering double, here my whole life and tale: Deepan’s work per- office to follow up on a and knows no one. This is zen, regardless of his par- if not triple, punishment. all of a sudden I’m not al- mit application, which written request to discuss due to a technicality of the ents’ status in Canada. I already completed three lowed to work, I can’t see a was granted in May, has his case. Citizenship Act that says a India has since told the years in jail because of doctor – even volunteering been stalled by the CIC as And at any moment, child born to parents who Canadian Border Services criminal convictions,” said is almost impossible.” of July. Yavar Hameed, a the CBSA could deport are foreign diplomats, or Agency (CBSA) that Deep- Deepan in his personal Even if Deepan man- member of Deepan’s legal Deepan – but to where? foreigners working for a an is not an Indian citizen, statement. “Now I face aged to find work during counsel, has reacted to the If you want to support diplomat, is not a Cana- formally rejecting his en- deportation for the very the hours he is allowed news by filing a Manda- Deepan, you can sign his dian citizen. try into their borders and same convictions.” outside, being stateless mus application in federal online petition at justic- Deepan’s parents, now leaving him, presently, He lives under strict im- bars him from having le- court, which gives the gov- efordeepan.org, donate to Canadian citizens, never stateless. migration bail conditions, gal employment without a ernment 20 days to either his legal fund, or contact applied for his citizenship It seems like a simple such as a 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. state-issued work permit. issue the work permit or him at justicefordeepan@ because they figured he al- case of bureaucratic mis- curfew. Deepan stated in This is the latest con- give reasons as to why it gmail.com.
10 The Leveller vol 6, no 1, September/October 2013 www.leveller.ca magazine Elected officials with a side of bacon Fear the Conspiracy The Riddle of the Pharaoh Ant Darryl Reid ants as a common prob- ants are the only ant species Parking, Profits, and Punts lem in the last three years in Canada that have an ag- or so. Though they are a gravated response to chemi- Kelly Black tainty to the Ottawa Sports with Carleton since 2010. One day you’re going and Entertainment Group’s Carleton may get some rev- about your business, just “tramp species,” trans- cal pesticides. When the ants “Fear the conspiracy” is (OSEG) investment. enue from renting the facil- doing whatever it is you ported to Canada, I knew disappear, what’s actually the new catchphrase for the The OSEG are the inves- ity, but it’s a pretty great deal do, when you spot some- they weren’t introduced happening is the ants are re- Carleton Ravens football tors and masterminds of for those involved in Lansd- thing moving across the in the last three years. So alizing that they are under at- team. In this context, a “con- the Lansdowne redevelop- owne Park’s redevelopment floor. It’s tiny, almost min- I asked our exterminator tack and have retreated back spiracy” is a historical term ment. John Ruddy is among since the private project in a iscule, you have to lean in what’s up with this sudden into their colony where they used to describe a collective the five men who make up public park can benefit from close to see it. Upon close invasion of tiny ants. The are hiding and breeding. of ravens; in the context of the OSEG, and he sits on a public university’s $22.5 inspection you realize it is exterminator informed Like crazy. football’s return to Ottawa the BoG and its building million investment. a tiny ant, red-brown in co- me that the sudden rise in Remember how I said and Carleton, it’s also rel- committee. Ruddy is also This could, of course, all lour. Then, as if by magic, pharaoh ant cases is due to the colonies have multiple evant advice. the president of Old Crows be a matter of coincidence the doors of perception are plain old ignorance. queens? When attacked the Over the past year, I sat Football Inc., a group of and timing. The parking fa- thrown open and you start Unlike bed bugs, which ant colony will divide up. as a graduate student repre- wealthy Carleton alumni cility design and approval seeing little ants crawling are tenacious because moth- Queens and workers will sentative on Carleton Uni- who organised and fund- were rushed because the everywhere. er nature effectively made leave and start a new colo- versity’s Board of Governors raised for the return of var- O-Train service was sus- (BoG). On the 32 member sity football to Carleton. pended for upgrades this board, a majority of the seats But wait, there’s more. summer and there was (18) are reserved for repre- Barry Hobin, board mem- only a short time frame in Unlike bed bugs, which are tenacious because mother sentatives from the “com- ber and chair of the building which to construct some- nature effectively made them immortal, pharaoh ants are munity at large.” Commu- committee, is the lead archi- thing over the train line. nity members are recruited tect for the Lansdowne rede- Perhaps Ruddy just hap- tenacious because of the unique structure of their colonies. for board service based on velopment. Condominiums pens to sit on Carleton’s socio-political connections designed by Hobin are be- board, Lansdowne just and deference to the uni- ing developed by the Minto happens to have a parking versity administration. As a Group. Robert Werner is the problem, and the parking Congratulations! You are them immortal – they can ny elsewhere, so where you whole, they are a self-repli- chief financial officer of The structure now being built now part of Ottawa’s newest go up to 16 months with- once had one colony hid- cating clique of the powerful Minto Group and a mem- was a completely necessary pest problem: your home out feeding, plus you can set ing in your walls you now and wealthy. While this quid ber of the Carleton’s BoG. It expenditure. has just been invaded by off a neutron bomb in your have two or more colonies pro quo may be the norm in turns out Ottawa is a smaller It is certainly a story of pharaoh ants. bedroom and they’ll survive breeding like crazy to boost corporate governance, Car- city than it appears. opportunity. There arose Pharaoh ants are an ex- – pharaoh ants are tena- their numbers. These colo- leton University is supposed Given the numerous city opportunities to sit on vari- tremely tiny species of ant. cious because of the unique nies can further divide and to be a public institution – reports and news stories ous boards, and those with Workers are no more than structure of their colonies. you can figure out the rest. albeit one that derives over on the matter, the OSEG the right connections were 2 mm long, and queens are Unlike most other ant spe- While you sit comfortably 50 per cent of its funding knows that parking and appointed. The opportunity not much larger. They have cies in Canada which have in the belief that your su- from tuition fees. transportation are key fac- arose to build a parking fa- a reddish-brown tint and one queen and thousands perior technology has won As a cog in the board’s tors in the redevelopment cility in time for the launch a darker brown hind sec- of workers, pharaoh ant you the war, your enemies wheel, I was also a member of Lansdowne Park. When of the 2014 football season tion. Due to their small size colonies can have dozens are regrouping and plotting of the building commit- major events occur at Lans- and certain people seized it. they can get into almost any of queens and thousands against you. tee. At this committee, the downe, there will not be With the right connections food container. of workers. They also lack So how do you stop the biggest project for review enough on-site parking. and financial contributions, The good news is that “nest-mate recognition”, problem? The only effective was the new $22.5 million The only time I ever saw particular individuals are this ant species is harmless. meaning that separate colo- option is bait. Lay out poi- parking structure over the Ruddy at a building commit- allowed the opportunity to Pharaoh ants don’t bite, nies are not hostile to each son bait and let the worker O-Train line. Over 600 park- tee meeting was one where profit off of higher educa- aren’t aggressive and don’t other, resulting in a trait ants bring it back to the col- ing spaces which, according the parking structure was tion - it’s just one of the transmit disease. known as unicoloniality. ony. You will need multiple to senior Carleton officials, the sole agenda item. Just symptoms of an underfund- The bad news is that pha- Colonies can exist in close treatments and be careful to the university currently has before the meeting began, ed and broken system. raoh ants are masters of sur- quarters giving the appear- leave the bait as close to the no need for. Ruddy entered the board- If all of this surprises vival. Like any good house ance of one massive colony. colony as possible as pha- You’d be hard pressed to room alongside Carleton’s you, it shouldn’t. University pest, pharaoh ants are te- Usually, when a resident raoh ants don’t travel far find a member of the Car- Vice President Finance Dun- boards across Canada are nacious and almost impos- finds hundreds of tiny ants afield and you don’t want leton community who lists can Watt and the university’s comprised of the power-elite sible to get rid of. Ants may in their house, s/he takes the to attract them to other increased parking as a top Assistant Vice-President of – those who are politically not be as sexy a pest as bed sensible, cost-effective route parts of the house. priority. Nevertheless, Car- Facilities Management and connected and can make bugs, which took all the and buys a can of Raid. Our That is about all you can leton has elected to build Planning Darryl Boyce. It large donations. Every year headlines of the “Great Bug hero then goes wild and do. Be patient and hope the a cement box for cars. It’s was quite clear that the three their decisions facilitate the Panic” of the last decade. sprays every visible ant. The bait works. If not you’ll just a head-scratcher given the of them were having a pre- corporatization and priva- Yet while bed bugs hogged effect is almost immediate: have to accept that we hu- university’s newfound love meeting. Watt, who oversees tization of post-secondary all the glory, this tiny ant the ants disappear and life mans are mere visitors and for sustainability. Carleton’s finances, also sits education. Their commu- quietly built its reputation returns to normal. this planet has always be- A few kilometres down on the Old Crows’ board nity bears little resemblance as the newest plague to ir- Do not do this. longed to the ants. the canal from Carleton is with Ruddy. to the one built by students, ritate humankind. I can’t stress this enough. Lansdowne Park – a public When the CFL Red Blacks staff, and faculty. As a superintendent I’ve Do not use chemicals on park that is being redevel- (note the Carleton colour Despite any allegations started to notice pharaoh these guys! Pharaoh oped into a shopping mall, scheme) launch their sea- against Ottawa’s old boy park, and Canadian Foot- son at Lansdowne in 2014, network, the university is ball League (CFL) stadium. many sports fans will be betting that parking and Ottawa has already had two parking at Carleton Univer- football will appease any failed CFL franchises, but sity. According to the Ottawa angry members of the Car- using public institutions Citizen, the City of Ottawa leton community. to subsidise the Red Blacks has been negotiating a Lans- Enjoy the football – but likely adds a degree of cer- downe parking agreement fear the conspiracy.
www.leveller.ca vol 6, no 1, September/October 2013 T he Leveller 11 COMMENT Humanitarianism for humans Relocate Syrian refugees in the West Ajay Parasram suffering – the more dovish putting a great deal of stress be done nearly immedi- without violating the prin- ening of states. The way analysts are talking about on these countries, why is it ately. There is precedent for ciples of state sovereignty. to strengthen states is too As the Leveller goes to how added diplomatic pres- that we in the West are not this, as seen in the evacua- The U.N. system and the often seen as compelling print, mainstream media sure to cut off the supply considering relocating these tion of South Asians from powerful nations that oper- governments to be friendly is abuzz with talk of hu- of fresh weapons to Assad’s refugees to our territories? Idi Amin’s Uganda, where ate within it are not centrally to “development,” which is manitarian intervention in military could avoid mili- The hawks and the doves they were persecuted in the concerned with the welfare double-speak for resource Syria. U.S. President Barack tary intervention. will hear the idea of relocat- 1970s. Faced with the immi- of human beings. Rather, exploitation and plugging Obama is humming and Humanitarianism isn’t ing Syrian refugees to camps nent threat of violence from they are concerned with the into the lowest rungs of the hawing about the situation – about hawks and doves in Canada, the United Kampala, Canada and other stability and longevity of the global economy to provide he tends to prefer this course though. States, and the United King- Western countries leapt into system of states. If you look cheap goods and services to of (in)action as it gives the It’s about humans. dom as impractical at best, action, relocating tens of carefully at press releases is- the West. centre and left of his country And using the very real stark-raving mad at worst. thousands of refugees with- sued by governments, inter- A true humanitarian ap- an opportunity to “hope” (After all, if they are here, out adequate paperwork in national NGOs, the office of proach would concern itself before he inevitably follows they might want to stay! less than 30 days. (And we the with the dignity of human the same course of action Heaven forbid…) didn’t even have computers!) United Nations High life and human beings’ in- his neo-conservative prede- If the core If innocent civilians are 3.) It would enable strong Commissioner for Refugees, alienable right to find safety cessors did on questions of problem facing being gassed by the govern- and decisive action that and the whole humanitar- and security. war and finance. the international ment and/or the rebels, and if would achieve the interna- ian policy machinery, you’ll Immediate humanitar- My concern here is less community at the for many long months before tional community’s objec- find a well oiled machine ian action is possible, so about whether Assad or the moment is concern this they were pawns sent to tives of weakening the cred- that equates quality of hu- long as we think beyond the rebels have used chemical slaughter between the many ibility of the Assad regime man life with the strength- limits of states. weapons. I understand the for the humans of factions of a civil war, their importance of maintaining Syria, the approach lives should be the central international treaties and bans ought to be one that concern of the international on these indiscriminate and puts the needs of community. Evacuating and nasty weapons. However, in Syrian-humans first. relocating Syrian refugees to a world where Western coun- the West would serve the fol- tries seem to have no problem lowing objectives: cooking up threats of weap- 1.) It depletes the quan- ons of mass destruction while suffering of humans as a way tity of innocent civilians more quietly breaking treaties of trumping up popular sup- caught in the crossfire and (for example, building small- port for a military invasion crosswinds between the scale nuclear weapons under is an awful form of insensi- warring groups in Syria. In the Bush regime), I think we tive, emotional manipula- so doing, it facilitates the need to devise a course of ac- tion that most mainstream movement of people out tion that actually puts humans media is complicit in. of harm’s way, while redis- first,sans imperialism. If the core problem facing tributing the economic and While hawkish analysts the international community social burden of caring for in Ottawa, Washington, and at the moment is concern for these refugees to wealthy London are suddenly con- the humans of Syria, the ap- countries like Canada, the cerned with the suffering of proach ought to be one that U.S., and the U.K. Syria’s children – so much puts the needs of Syrian-hu- 2.) It does not require any so that they are prepared to mans first. As tens of thou- complicated and bureau- drop smart bombs all over sands of people are flooding cratic U.N. Security Council their country to ease their into neighbouring states, jibber jabber, and it could copyright of Khalil Bendib, www.bendib.com, all rights reserved. GSA Boat Cruise fabulously fun and infinitely infamous
The GSA, RRRA, & House of Paint festival are proud to present the Gender in Hip-Hop Panel. Women have been part of Hip Hop since its inception, and increasingly female artists are taking centre stage. But there are branches of Hip Hop music and culture that support misogynistic views of gender roles. Where are we today? Where do we see Sat. Sept. 14 positive and negative stereotypes? Panelists will include hip-hop artists including House of Paint Executive Director 4:15-8:30pm Sabra Ripley, D’Bi Young, Eternia, and CKCU’s Jewne Johnson. $25 Tickets from GSA Office (6th floor UC)
4:15 PM Board Buses from Carleton 9:00 PM After Party at Broadway houseofpaint.ca • rrra.ca • ckcufm.com for details visit welcomeweeks.gsacarleton.ca welcomeweeks.gsacarleton.ca
12 The Leveller vol 6, no 1, September/October 2013 www.leveller.ca editorial News, booze, and barracudas Gather round friends! their scholarship funding to Come one, come all! And get the paper rolling.) we shall tell you a tale of Back in early Levellers! 2009, just after Longstanding Levellers the slanderously will recall that fateful first is- biased, though al- sue in the winter of 2009 that legedly objective, brought Ottawa’s favourite mainstream media left-leaning newspaper into reports on the OC existence. We’ve come a long Transpo transit workers’ fact- leton. As wages have “Wouldn’t it way since then, with the help strike in the fall and winter selec- not kept pace with tuition be cool if there of a small levy from Carleton bridging 2008 and 2009, the tive, encouraged by the well- inflation, this has meant a was an Arthur at their graduate students to sup- mood was set. Carleton’s financed public relations de facto wage decrease ev- Carleton?” union a port our continued coverage teaching assistants and machinery of the Carleton ery year for all TAs paying This little rag was thus huge strike of our campus and city, and contract instructors union, administration to persuade tuition. This has affected conceived. mandate, which a readership and volunteer CUPE 4600, was slated to student workers to vote some departments far more The Leveller busted into the union used to broker base that grows every month. negotiate new contracts. On against their collective inter- than others, as tuition fees the scene just after reading a fairer deal for Carleton’s We’ve made friends and ests and not give their union have increased in different week that year, produc- TAs. We like to think the enemies as we strive to a mandate to strike. areas by different amounts. ing four issues in the eight Leveller had something to bring you journalism with According to Leveller The results were disas- Distraught workers weeks before the end of do with this. a perspective (see page 2 of trous for then-current and and students retreated to lore, the idea for term and stirring up contro- Well, now you know every issue). We contest the future students. Even the campus grad student pub, a left-leaning, versy ever since as it allied it. The ancient tale of the idea that objective media most basic information Mike’s Place, and realized irreverent, critical itself with grassroots media Leveller is yours for the coverage is even possible, — such as the difference that they could never again and community organiza- sharing. The cat is out of let alone desirable. From newspaper came between a strike and strike let this happen. tions in Ottawa. Two years the proverbial bag, and it story selection and non- to the group in the mandate, wages in the con- According to Leveller lore, later, CUPE was back at the won’t ever go away. So read corporate advertising to the text of cost of living and the idea for a left-leaning, irrev- form of an electric negotiating table with the us, love us, hate us, write grassroots media process of tuition, etc. – was distorted erent, critical newspaper came barracuda carrying a Carleton administration. us letters and articles, and talking to people first and by the administration and to the group in the form of an newspaper between This time, workers gave enjoy Issue 6! only moving onto talking the mainstream media. electric barracuda carrying a heads when necessary, we its jowls and As a result, the union’s newspaper between its jowls try to stay true to the prin- swimming deftly membership did not au- and swimming deftly through ciples of radical journalism: through the thoughts thorize the union to strike. the thoughts and dreams of the presenting counter-nar- and dreams of the The Carleton administra- first generation of Leveller edi- ratives of history and the tion had a field day, slam- tors. “Tell the people the truth -- present, based in a dedica- first generation of ming student TAs against Leveller editors. their truths!” coaxed the barra- tion to uncovering facts and the wall, and rolling back cuda, before shaking its tail and telling untold, marginal- hard fought collective disappearing into the pages of ized stories. rights such as standardized legend. Not everyone will re- tuition indexation, which That dream, too much member when the paper the heels of an 85-day CUPE had resulted in de facto tu- time at Mike’s Place, and was founded, or how nec- 3903 strike at York Univer- ition freeze based on a 2005 a contingent of former essary the founding editors sity, there was a barrage of index year. Instead, index- contributors to Trent Uni- thought it was. (So neces- negative press about work- ation became tied to the versity’s Arthur newspaper sary, indeed, that they used ers’ rights. The reporting was year students started at Car- got the founders thinking: Whodunit? Match these words of wisdom to the public figure!
a.) “I own this town man!” 1) Kristen Schall, comedian b.) “Feminism is the radical notion that women are human beings.” 2) Noam Chomsky, author/professor c.) “Everybody’s worried about stopping terrorism. Well, there’s an easy way. Stop participating in it.” 3) Huey Newton, co-founder Black Panther Party d.) “I hate men who are afraid of women’s strength.” e.) “These assholes, they always get away. These people who 4) Cheris Kramarae, author/professor victimize the neighbourhood.” f.) “You’re looking good today Bret. Very hot…hotter than Jemaine. 5) Dennis Leary, comedian You have a refined bone structure, while Jemaine’s facial features are too deep set to be classically handsome.” 6) Hannah Arendt, philosopher/professor I’m a g.)“We have two evils to fight, capitalism and racism. We must Leveller! destroy both capitalism and racism.” 7) Roseann Runte, Carleton University president h.) “The sad truth is that most evil is done by people who never make up their minds to be good or evil.” 8) Rob Ford, Toronto mayor i.) “Racism isn’t born folks, it’s taught. I have a 2 year old, you know what he hates? Naps. End of list.” 9) George Zimmerman, acquitted shooter of Trayvon Martin j.) ”The savings can accrue rapidly if the course is massively enrolled and subsections are taught by less well-paid individuals.” 10) Anaïs Nin, author
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9 a.) Rob Ford ; b.) Cheris Kramarae ; c.) Noam Chomsky ; d.) Anaïs Nin ; e.) George Zimmerman ; f.) Kristen Schall ; g.) Huey Newton ; h.) Hannah Arendt ; i.) Dennis Leary ; j.) Roseann Runte Roseann j.) ; Leary Dennis i.) ; Arendt Hannah h.) ; Newton Huey g.) ; Schall Kristen f.) ; Zimmerman George e.) ; Nin Anaïs d.) ; Chomsky Noam c.) ; Kramarae Cheris b.) ; Ford Rob a.) www.leveller.ca vol 6, no 1, September/October 2013 T he Leveller 13 Culture HONOURING INDIGENOUS WOMEN: HEARTS OF NATIONS A review “Aboriginal day” Jennifer Meya these systems of malice to- despite such a loss to live itself to be a multicultural Celebration? wards Indigenous groups. through the happiness of native land, has dehuman- ONE DAY “Know whose land your feet The Canadian govern- generations to come. Other ized and homogenized the To showcase Remnants of the past walk upon. Name them. Hon- ment, for example, commit- poems such as What is your diversity of Indigenous na- Or display that we are prisoners our them.” –PJ Prudat ted organized crime under reality by Deanna Rae centre tions into the single term the guise of legal organized attention on love’s abun- “Aboriginal”? Starblanket “Aboriginal” – Homogenization of our cultures Settler governments, con- groups. Today, Indigenous dance and Rae’s purpose to rejects historicizing Indig- An appearance of oneness women are strong combat- release herself from fear. enous nations as “remnants Swallowed into a category trolled by rich and powerful That spits out their putrid leaders, create systems based ants, raising their voices However, not all poets of the past” and does not Bastardization of our ancient nationhood on solipsist thought. They and writing about their ex- would agree to brushing urge us to dwell on what fear Indigenous people who periences of challenging the away the suffering that most can’t change, but to cel- European invasion are scripted as being “oth- unjust systems. Indigenous women have endured dur- ebrate survival in defiance Torture Theft er.” Governments fear los- women’s writing is involv- ing the 60s Scoop. Angela of the state’s intent to colo- Decimation of our Mother ing their privileges earned ing others in their cultural Ashawasegai personifies co- nize and erase. First Nations Genocide through generations of colo- discussions, and exposing, lonialism in her poem and should not be pertained as nization to ever-strength- questing, and expelling the directs her verses to the Ca- outcasts or stigmatized as A condonement of lies ethical basis on which white- nadian government that has victims. Starblanket ma- Beliefs that are false ening Indigenous people. We celebrate There’s much evidence of settler society has legitimized animated and orchestrated turely explains the faulty by Their lies and this fear encoded in institu- its own existence on the that colonialism. “Colonial- demonstrating how such a Their moral repugnancy. tions and organizations such backs of the Indigenous. ism, can’t you see what you national day is wrapped up © 2012 Tamara Starblanket as the Indian Act, residential Honouring Indigenous have done to me? It’s a trag- in “moral repugnancy.” schools, treaty rights, or the Women: Hearts of Nations, edy. I can still see and I can Overall, Honouring In- “:(:5,7($%287$/0267%(,1*'(6752<(' 60s Scoop which officially Volume II is a publication still feel the many hurt spir- digenous Women is an en- named the Native Children filled with collections of po- its of my 60s Scoop broth- lightening artistic anthol- and the Child Welfare Sys- ems and art inspired by the ers and sisters,” she writes. ogy, graciously offering an tem that was intended to memoirs of grandmothers, Ashawasegai illustrates how opportunity for people to abduct children from their mothers, daughters and sis- colonialism has tainted educate themselves about a families and beat the “In- ters. The contributors have their spirits by disregarding significant part of Canadian dian” out of the child. These expressed their experiences their individuality and bur- history. It accentuates lega- measures of social engineer- of abdication, rebellion, glarizing their innocence. cies, tainted spirits, freedom, /(*$&,(6%,57+5,*+76+21285 love, and freedom. Some Similar to Ashawasegai, love, struggles and losses. It ing were intended to govern 3(56,67(1&($1'5(%(//,21 Whiskeyjack Lana ©2012 and mercy white culture and poems plead for the need of Tamara Starblanket ques- questions authority and re- &$7+(5,1(0&&$57<1,3,66,1*),5671$7,21 to colonize Indigenous cul- finding oneself and reclaim- tions Aboriginal Day in her claims native land. The pur- tures. Taken together, these ing one’s name. For instance, poem of the same name. pose is to acknowledge the HONOURING INDIGENOUS WOMEN: organizations have been Her name is Dolores by Dvo- Should people celebrate notoriety of names and cul- responsible for committing rah Coughlin explores life Aboriginal Day? Is it ethical tural differences but mostly Hearts of Nations – Volume 2 organized crime executed lessons, the loss of one’s to celebrate a day when the the importance of respect To buy this anthology of Indigenous writings and artwork, please visit by dictators who authorize identity, and the strength Canadian system, perceiving and solidarity. http://thesoundofmyheart.weebly.com/vol-2.html Treasures from Shanghai Reduce, reuse, cycle Leslie Muñoz larly understood by Canadi- ans to be a source of cheap The Leveller burnt rubber and disposable goods, this “I think the bicycle is probably the this summer by travelling is only due to the demand to the edges of Ottawa to for these goods in the West. best transportation method ever meet up with Adam Wang China, India, and other invented. There’s nothing wrong at his Shanghai-inspired countries in Asia have ex- with it! It’s good for your health, garage-based bicycle work- celled in waste reduction shop. Snooping through through reusing items and it’s good for the environment, it the workspace, the Level- parts that would surely end gets you places very easily, and ler found affordable bikes up in a dump in Canada. you don’t have to feed it.” and an enthusiastic recycler In Canada’s consump- armed with wrenches and a tion-driven society, people are encouraged to buy more critique of consumer society. Bike wizard Adam Wang turning junk into gold Photo: Leslie Munoz Wang had a lot to say rather than recycle and re- about recycling bicycles use. This emphasis on un- tawa friendlier for cyclists, functioning condition and and about the importance ending consumption is not and in the face of evidence benefit cyclists in the city of cyclists having basic sustainable in a world with that proves bicycles are bet- instead of ending up in land- CHUO - 89.1 FM tune-up skills. He uses spe- finite resources. Investing in ter for health as well as the fills. They exist as crucial al- cial tricks and techniques a used bicycle is a respon- environment, the feds have ternatives to owning a car or Jazz • Metal • Punk • • Caribbean • Hip-Hop • he learned growing up in sible way to commute as decided that bike prices are depending on OC Transpo’s Ska • Alternative • Latin • East European Hip-Hop • Shanghai to salvage bicy- well as an environmentally going up. excessive $98.75- $122.00 Spoken Word • Country • British • News • Psy-Trance • cles that even bike shops friendly way to access cheap- According to the Vancou- monthly pass fare price for Folk • Blues • Electronica • African • and much more! would prefer to scrap. er transportation. ver Courier, “all Canadians individuals older than 19. Oldies • Comedy • Acoustic “When I was kid I was “Everything is getting will be paying more for their The workshop Wang runs extremely interested in see- more expensive,” Wang told bikes due to the Conserva- out of his garage is filled ing people fixing bicycles. At the Leveller. tive government’s [… 2013] with extra parts and bicycles that time, there were bicycle “I think the bicycle is federal budget.” of all shapes and sizes. Chil- stands in almost every cor- probably the best transpor- “The regular eight per dren’s bicycles are sold for ner [in China]. This interest tation invention ever invent- cent duty on imported bicy- an average of around $30 go to CHUO.fm to stream the stayed with me,” he said. ed. Think about it! There’s cles is rising to 13 per cent,” and adult-sized bikes sell for station, see the schedule, “It’s amazing in Canada, nothing wrong with it! Its said Tom Babin of the Cal- around $60. Tune up prices and find out about volunteer [it’s] something I really can- good for your health, it’s gary Herald. “Because vir- and do-it-yourself lessons information. not get used to, people just good for the environment, tually every bike sold at are cheap and their price want more, they don’t bring it gets you places very easily, a retail level in Canada is is negotiable. To make his [bicycles] to the bicycle and you don’t have to feed imported, the price change work even more accessible shops to fix them. They just it. Everything is good. Why [will] strike widely.” to cyclists in the city, Wang get a new one.” charge people a lot to pre- Luckily for those in Ot- even delivers downtown. Wang continued, “in Chi- vent them from getting it?” tawa, individuals like Wang, “I think bicycles should na, everything is not wasted, The City of Ottawa more and various other used bi- be promoted more and you know. If you have a visibly began to work to- cycle outlets throughout more,” Wang said. “I encour- problem and you cannot wards increasing cycling the city, are there to provide age people to not turn away deal with it you find a way to in the city in 2011 when it quality products for cyclists from used [bicycles], they deal with it. That’s the men- opened the Laurier bike lane at cheaper rates. Instead of may have a few problems but tality there. […] What you downtown. The Ottawa Citi- spending on new and in- if I can help fix them, I’d be need to fit people’s needs is zen reported on city coun- creasingly expensive bicycles, more than happy to do that.” not necessarily the expensive cil’s decision to make the locals have the option of pur- To purchase a used bicy- new stuff and that’s why I try bike lane permanent in July chasing tax-free goods that cle or to donate to his work- to fix things for cheap.” of this year. Despite efforts have been recycled. These shop email Adam Wang at Though China is popu- in making the streets of Ot- used bicycles are sold in fully [email protected].
14 The Leveller vol 6, no 1, September/October 2013 www.leveller.ca Culture HorOscopes XL Petite CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Was that you in the market Taurus, I’m happy to an- VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) this Friday getting kicked nounce that you’ll likely be In celebration of your birth, around by the cops, Capri- sleeping safely under the the return of school, and the corn? You gotta watch out stars tonight! I can’t imagine return of the Leveller, I hereby for the OPD, they must be the kind of restless slumber offer to thee, Virgo, the inau- getting jealous of all the at- your nocturnal fear of cow- gural haikuroscope! (Keep in tention Toronto’s finest is tipping must have provoked. mind I’ve taken the summer getting. What with bashing Good thing the rural myth off, galavanting about as we up protesters to shooting has been deemed scientifical- astrologers tend to do.) teenagers, and now tasering ly implausible. In the interest resuscitating 80-year-old women...stay of critical analysis, I dare to is a five syllable word; off the streetcars, Capricorn. pose this question: Does sci- this poem really sucks... ence lie? AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) I’ve been keeping tabs on GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Sweet fancy Moses, Libra, did your long-running chess Hey Gemini, that loser Virgo you happen to catch the me- match with Death, Aquar- thinks that they’re the only teor shower at the end of of ius, and I’ve got some ad- one who gets a Haikuros- A seed bomb is a compressed bundle of soil containing seeds or live vegetation, often August? It was just past Cassi- vice: bishop to e6. Trust me. cope. What a chump, eh? contained inside a hollow ball of clay. Seed bombs can be launched at any target opeia, and one of them softly Trust me. In the meantime, I smuggled one in for you (save concrete), where the clay breaks and forms a bedrock for the soil, resulting in the whispered into my ear the fol- you two should move your when no one was looking: sprouting of new plants! lowing message for you: “Fear games somewhere a tad less As the leaves do fall Plant your question in Chrisanthemum’s garden (care of: editors.the.leveller@gmail. the conspiracy!” Ignore its last conspicuous. Or at least put the nightwatch fails to protect. com) and he’ll cultivate a response for you to harvest next edition! words at your peril, earthling. some clothes on. For the Bring back Game of Thrones!! children’s sake. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) CANCER (June 21-July 22) I’m not one for over-em- PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) So you thought you could phasizing the importance Your prodigious capacity for hide your baby from the pry- of dreams, Scorpio, espe- inserting semi-colons where ing lenses of the Leveller pa- cially when on mild hal- they don’t belong has finally parazzi, didn’t you Cancer? lucinogens. But I had one got you into trouble, Pisces. Hey, I just met you. And this Meet Chrisanthemum, a local gardener. Chrisanthemum’s Seed Bombs is the Leveller’s last night that you need to Perhaps a new muse can help is crazy. But here’s my Laby- new year-round garden column, where Chrisanthemum will be fielding your questions know about. It was about Ja- sate your craving for wordly rinth. I stole your baby. pleasures. Alliteration is al- relating to any aspect of gardening you might have. son Kenney. You remember him, the boorish man who ways alluring, to be sure, but LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Look it up: Dear Chrisanthemum, changed the Citizenship Act why not get radical? Restrict The city of Gatineau is threatening me with fines because my grass is too long and I have rag- back in 2009? Well, he was your self-expression to the
Dear Chrisanthemum, Is there any way for me to grow herbs inside over the fall naturally?! My tropical blood pines for local and sustainable herbs whilst enduring winter’s icy grasp! Yours in herb, Cilantro Secrets
Dear Cilantro Secrets, Indoor herbs are always hit or miss. Pots of parsley, chives, or basil are easily obtained in grocery stores but are invariably doomed to perish because they are so Educated Pleasure... poorly grown. Bulletin-board website Pinterest and furniture catalogs depict kitchen Bring your student card for herb gardens that somehow survive solely through good will, fashionable decorating, % and window light. This is pure fiction. 10 off toys and great discounts on workshops! For most herbs to survive long-term, they need direct sun and hot growing condi- tions. I would recommend picking up foot-deep plastic pots with a water collection plate attached underneath from a hardware or garden store. Fill the bottom of the pot with an inch or two of coarse gravel. Next, fill the rest of the pot with a mixture of topsoil, perlite (or vermiculite), sand, and a touch (only a few tablespoons) of compost. Plant one or two herbs in the pot. Sage, oregano, or basil are three very hardy herbs that I recommend starting from seed. For best results, keep the plants under a fluorescent or a compact fluorescent light for six to eight hours per day. If you cannot keep it under lights, find the sunniest window you have and keep the pot two feet away. Keep the plants away from any forced air vents as well. Make sure you keep the soil moist (not wet, yet not dry) by spraying the soil (avoiding the plant) with a water spritzer.
320 Lisgar Street, Ottawa To order: 877-370-9288 or www.venusenvy.ca www.leveller.ca vol 6, no 1, September/October 2013 T he Leveller 15 Listings tues Sept 10 SOCIAL & POTLUCK: No One Centre, Carleton. 1pm. wed Sept 18 PANEL: Pickling & Picketing FILM: Social Action Movie Is Illegal Ottawa - 2-303 Cam- - Carleton Food Collective - Night - “Do the Math” - First MUSIC: Organ Recitals. St. An- bridge St. 6:30pm. WORKSHOP: Tenants? Know OPIRG-OTTAWA ORIENTATION McNabb Community Centre. Unitarian Congregation of Ot- drew’s Church. 12am. Every Your Rights - Tory Bldg Rm 431, WEEK. www.opirg-gripo.ca. 6:30pm. tawa. 7pm. Tues. SHOWCASE: In/Words Maga- Carleton. 2:30pm. zine. Pressed Café. 7pm. SOCIAL JUSTICE: OPIRG-Car- PANEL: Connecting to Com- PLANTS: Master Gardeners Lec- PANEL: Honouring Missing and leton Working Groups Infor- munities of Resistance - 90 Uni- tues Sept 24 ture Series - Experimental Farm, PARTY: House of Paint - Mike’s Murdered Aboriginal Women mation Fair and Memory Proj- versity Lounge, UOttawa. 7pm. Bldg 72, Arboretum. 7-9pm. Place, Carleton. 10pm. and Girls. (food by Food Not ect Launch. Carleton Atrium. WORKSHOPS: Organic Gar- Bombs) - Paterson Bldg Rm 10am-4pm. THEATRE: Insight Theatre Sea- dening in the City - Heartwood MUSIC: Improvising Musicians 133, Carleton. 5:30pm. son Launch - Ottawa Public Li- House, 400 McArthur Ave. 7pm. of Ottawa/Outaouais - Pressed sat Sept 14 COLLOQUIUM: Champlain in brary Auditorium. 7pm. Café, 750 Gladstone Ave. 8pm. Ottawa Pinball & the Anishinabe Aki: History and GAMES: tues Sept 17 MEET & GREET: Permaculture wed sept 25 Gameroom Show. Aydelu Cen- Memory of an Encounter in Al- gonquin Lands - Fenn Lounge, Ottawa Meet and Greet. Mike’s WED Sept 11 tre, Gatineau. 12-6pm, Sat-Sun. OPIRG CARLETON ROOTS Place, Carleton. 7pm. TALK: This is your brain on ex- RADIO: CKCU 93.1 FM. 12pm. Carleton. 8:30am. Wed-Thurs. ercise - Sunnyside Branch Ot- BOAT CRUISE: Tickets at GSA ART FESTIVAL: House of PainT Every 2nd Tuesday. www.ck- tawa Public Library. 6:30pm. Carleton, 6th flr UniCentre. FESTIVAL: Ottawa Internation- - Urban Art Fest. Brewer Park. cufm.com. al Animation Festival - Museum fri Sept 20 Until Sunday. 4:30pm. PANCAKES: Union Power Pan- of Nature. 9am. Until Sunday. WORKSHOP: Hot Safer Sex for THURS Sept 26 ART CONNEXION: Local Art Cel- PANEL: Women in Hip-Hop cake Breakfast (CUPE 4600) Everyone by Venus Envy. Tory ebration - 78 Carruthers Ave. 7pm. WORKSHOP: Building Your National Tree Day - Residence Commons Confer- - Dunton Tower Rm 2017, Car- Bldg Rm 431, Carleton. 2:30pm. CELEBRATE: ToolBox! Making Research Ac- - Andrew Hayden Park. 11am. ence Rm, Carleton. 2:30pm. MASQUERADE: Tucker House leton. 9:30am. cessible to the Masses - UCU RADICAL CITY BIKE TOUR: Org Green Gala - Rockland. 7pm. MEETING: CUPE 4600 General MEETING: No One Is Ilegal - Ot- WORKSHOP: Independent 215, UOttawa. 2:30pm. by local PIRGs. Meet at 90 Univer- Members Meeting. - Dunton tawa - UniCentre Rm 206, UOt- Punk Rock Cover Night Journalism 101 by the Leveller sity Residence, UOttawa 3pm. PUNK: WORKSHOP: Food Preserva- Tower Rm 2017, Carleton. 5pm. tawa. 6pm. Every Wednesday. #9 - Mavericks, 221 Rideau St. 8pm newspaper - OPIRG Carleton, tion - Sandy Hill Community RAD FROSH SOCIAL: Spoken 326 UniCentre. 1:30am. Health Centre. 7pm. FILM FESTIVAL: 24th Annual READING: Twice Resurrected with Carleton Grad Night Word Poetry, Raffle, and Social PARTY: One World - Library and Ar- Ravel Wolfe. Venus Envy. 7:30pm. Out - Broadway Bar and Grill. LECTURE: The UN Security - Mike’s Place, Carleton. 8pm. WORKSHOP: Poetry Writing chives of Canada. 7pm. Sept. 9:30pm. Council: Challenges and Op- ZINES: Ottawa Zine Off. w/ Brandon Wint - UCU, UOt- 26-28. portunities - Social Sciences Pressed Café, 750 Gladstone tawa 7pm. Every Wednesday. Bldg Rm 4004, UOttawa. 12pm. sat Sept 21 Ave. 8pm. sun Sept 15 SOCIAL: Solidarity Social Wine FESTIVAL: Grape Fest Ottawa/ Ven- SAT Sept 28 WORKSHOP: Digging up Dirty & Cheese (CUPE 4600) - Dunton TRIVIA: Mike’s Place, Carleton. FOOD NOT BOMBS: Free hot demmia - Preston St. 10am-4pm. Data: Using Freedom of Infor- Tower Rm 2017, Carleton. 7pm. WORKSHOP: Preserving Your Every Wednesday. 8pm. meals. Rideau Underpass. 4pm. mation tools for research by WORKSHOP SERIES: Connect- Sound Recordings - City of Ot- Every Sunday. Access to Information Carleton FUN & GAMES: Activist Games ing to the Issues - Lamoureux tawa Archives. 9:30am. Night - CBY 104, UOttawa. 7pm. Thurs Sept 12 Great Canadian - OPIRG Carleton, 326 UniCen- Hall, UOttawa.11am-5pm. BURLESQUE: TOUR: Culture Days - National Tease Burlesque Brunch pres- tre. 2:30pm. ECO FAIR: Free Bike Tune-Ups POW WOW: 3rd Annual Arts Centre. 11:30am. and Permaculture Workshops ents “Too Hot for TV” - Max- MEETING: FAIR VOTE NCR - thurs Sept 19 Kikinàmàgan (Student) Pow - beside Carleton UniCentre. well’s Bistro and Nightclub. Sandy Hill Community Centre. SOCIAL JUSTICE ON CAM- Wow - Norm Fenn Gym, 10am-4pm. 12pm. 6:30pm. tues Oct 1 PUS: OPIRG-OTTAWA Social Carleton.12pm. Musica Divina - Na- MEET-UP: Green Drinks - Fox & CONCERT: PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Young Justice Fair. Between Simard and STREET PARTY: Imagine Eddy - OPIRG CARLETON ROOTS Feather Pub. 5:30pm. tional Gallery of Canada. 3pm & Giroux with Diana Nemiroff. Morisset, UOttawa. 10am-4pm. rue Eddy, Hull. 12pm. RADIO: CKCU 93.1 FM. 12pm. Earth*tones Drum and Carleton Art Gallery. 7pm. Maude Bar- OPEN HOUSE: Next Up Ot- MUSIC: WORKSHOP: Intro to Permac- RESISTANCE ART: Library and BOOK LAUNCH: tawa 251 Bank St., 2nd flr. Dance Circle. Every Sun. http:// FILM SCREENING: Do the ulture Design - GSA Lounge, 6th Showcase. Café Alternatif, Si- low “Blue Future: Protecting 6:30pm. earth-tones.ca/en/events Math by 350.org and Cinema flr UniCentre, Carleton. 10am. mard Hall, UOttawa. 6pm. Water and People Forever” - Politica Carleton - UniCentre Centretown United Church. FILM: a selection of shorts by Rm 280, Carleton. 7pm. ART: Nuit Blanche Ottawa & 7pm. fri Sept 13 MON Sept 16 First Nations, Métis and Inuit Gatineau 2013. 6pm. artists. - Arts Court Theatre. OPIRG-CARLETON RADICAL SHORT LIST SALON: The Re- CONCERT: . SFUO Fall Festival 11am. LIBRARY: Climate Fast for FRI oct 4 FROSH. www.opirgcarleton.org. cording Artists’ Collecting So- featuring A Tribe Called Red - ciety presents Ultimate Fighting Change - Parliament Hill. 7pm. GARDENING: GSA Community VIGIL: Families of Sisters in Tabaret Lawn, UOttawa. 5pm. TRANSPORTATION: Sustain- Critics - National Arts Centre. Garden Tour (Kitiganensag Gar- Spirit - Prime Minister’s Office. able Transport Week 2013. 7:30pm. BENEFIT: for Kevin Schofield - Vic- den). Meet at GSA Lounge, 6th sun Sept 22 toria Island (Ottawa River). 6pm. Stand Up for Science - flr UniCentre, Carleton. 2pm. RALLY: THEATRE: “Proud” brought to TOUR: Lifting the Curtain: A Bike thurs oct 10 Parliament Hill. 12pm. you by Carleton School of So- VERNISSAGE: 6th Annual A+ CELEBRATE: Ecology Ottawa’s Tour of Modern Curtain Wall Ar- cial Work - Great Canadian The- PIPELINE PROTEST: Energy Exhibition - Red Wall Gallery, Gender & Sexual- Community Network - Council- chitecture in Ottawa - Carleton TOWN HALL: atre Company, 1233 Wellington East Open House - 10 Warner- 168 Dalhousie St. 6pm. ity Resource Centre, 427 Uni- lor Lounge, City Hall. 6:30pm. University Art Gallery. 2pm. St. 7pm. Colpitts Lane, Stittsville. 4pm.