GulfGulf Islands’Islands’ Every Day Is

Giving The Coast A Community Voice For 27 Years Earth Day! Volume 29 Number 7 April 13 - April 26, 2017 Online Voluntary Annual Subscription: $30

Rally to end the grizzly bear trophy hunt gathered at the Legislature in Victoria on April 1. Photo: Jim Hebert There’sThere’s tonstons ofof water—isn’twater—isn’t there?there? n April, Maude Barlow gave talks in five BC advisories, and the effects of deforestation and Trans Mountain pipeline, the Site C dam, Nestlé cities on the water crisis and the upcoming climate change. This will be the defining issue of the and other bottled water takings, like in the Elora provincial election. Courtenay, Nanaimo, coming decade, and most of us have no idea that it community, the Water Sustainability Act, fracking IVictoria, Williams Lake and Kamloops got to hear is on our very own doorstep.’ and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals, the passionate and well-informed ‘My book is a cry from mining projects like the Ajax Mine, trade Barlow speak. the heart,’ she says, ‘It is agreements like NAFTA, drinking water advisories One of the world’s foremost time to abandon our in First Nations, and the impacts of gutted federal water activists, Maude Barlow has erroneous beliefs that water legislation on waterways in BC.’ been on the front lines of the Canada has unlimited ‘Maude Barlow is one of our planet’s greatest planet’s water crises for the past 20 supplies of water, that water defenders,’ says Naomi Klein, author of This years. An expert on the subject, she Canadians have taken care Changes Everythingand The Shock Doctrine. ‘This has worked with governments and of this water heritage or book has all the facts, forceful analysis, and moral organizations around the world to that we still have lots of clarity that Canadians will need to wake up and join protect this most precious resource. time to do so. this most urgent of struggles.’ Last September Barlow’s ‘We need a strong, Barlow is the national chairperson of the Council eighteenth book, Boiling Point: national plan of action of Canadians and Washington-based Food and Government Neglect, Corporate based on a new water ethic Water Watch, a councillor for the World Future Abuse, and Canada’s Water Crisis, that puts water protection Council, a board member for a number of was published. Last November, she and water justice at the influential organizations and has previously acted gave an enlightening and inspiring heart of all our policies and as Senior Advisor on Water to the 63rd President talk at the Shoal Centre in Sidney. laws. The path forward is of the UN General Assembly. Her work has earned Barlow says, ‘In this book I lay clear, if not simple. her an impressive 14 honorary doctorates and bare the issues facing Canada’s water reserves, ‘Water is one of the most important issues of our numerous awards and recognitions. including long-outdated water laws, unmapped time and should be front and centre in BC’s May 9 To read Boiling Point: Government Neglect, and unprotected groundwater reserves, agricultural election. Corporate Abuse, and Canada’s Water Crisis, pollution, industrial-waste dumping, boil-water ‘Pressing water topics include Kinder Morgan’s Maude Barlow, ECW Press, CLICK HErE. 0

www.islandtides.com Page 2, Island Tides, April 13, 2017 MusicMusic ofof thethe SpheresSpheres Sara de Rose ver the course of many years, things (the International Council of I’ve created a music theory Near Eastern Archaeomusicology: teaching wheel that teaches ICONEA, CLICK HERE). scales,O chords and composition using The director of ICONEA simple patterns, allowing music responded, saying that my work theory to be understood rather than provides ‘the missing link between learned by rote. linear and circular concepts, and also Several months ago, I came across the link between Mesopotamian and an image of a 3,000-year-old Greek constructions during the Orientalising period (800-600 BC)’, and inviting me to present a paper at the University of London, England. With generous fundraising support from my home islands of Lasqueti and Hornby, I accepted the invitation and have recently returned. My paper shows how the star on the tablet is derived from the study of Babylonian cuneiform tablet that simple musical ratios and also how it shows a non-symmetrical 7-pointed relates to the structure of the major star that archaeologists are certain is scale. Moreover, my paper shows that related to Babylonian music theory. the 7-day week is also based on the When I saw the star, I recognized it as same pattern: it is for this reason that something that I, myself, had drawn the 3rd century roman historian 15-years-ago, in an attempt to Cassius Dio described the days of the understand the origin of the patterns week as being ‘in a kind of musical on my music wheel. connection with the arrangement of the heavens’. In fact, the star lies at the heart of the ancient tradition of the music of Photo: Priscilla Ewbank the spheres, a tradition that gave the Shades of winter gold. Odonata Pond as the weather slowly warms up. numbers of music the highest importance and applied these numbers, metaphorically, to describe questions: What is the origin of the The workshop is designed for the entire cosmos. major scale? What is the origin of the people who have no previous musical I have designed a two-hour week? Why is the octave divided into experience, but it is also engaging for So, I wrote a description of where, workshop in which participants create twelve notes? Why are some notes the accomplished musician. The according to me, the star originates their own models of the star on the named using sharps and flats? What workshop is not only stimulating but and what it can be used for and sent it tablet, developing an understanding is the ancient tradition of the music of fun. to some of the people who study these that sheds light on the following the spheres? For more info, CLICK HERE. 0 Lifelong learning billion in 2020/21, to allow schools and school schools with the greatest need and increasing local districts to invest in every child and prepare autonomy regarding funding priorities and The new idea that people will be continually students for the emerging economy, and to invest distribution. changing their roles in the world of work, and that in innovation and technology. • Alleviating the burden of student debt: therefore, education and training will need a major • $10 million per year for free adult basic • Implement needs-based grants for post- overhaul, is much talked about these days. education. secondary students. BC Greens have made it a plank in their platform. • Investing $35 million in nutrition and physical • Offer tax forgiveness of up to $2,000 a year for The strategy includes early childhood education, activity programs to promote learning readiness, up to five years to assist qualifying graduates to child care, public education, postsecondary and improve student health. repay outstanding debt incurred for tuition fees. education and adult learning. • Funding for professional development for • Set up a task force on post-secondary education Key components of the BC Greens’ strategy public school teachers: funding with a mandate to identify ways to make include: • Invest $140 million over three years to train post-secondary education more relevant, accessible • Investing in early childhood education: teachers to deliver the new curriculum. and affordable. The task force will present its report • Up to 25 hours free early childhood education • Work with indigenous leaders, teachers, by July 2018. per week for three- and four-year-olds; universities and colleges to develop policies and • Investing $65 million over four years to • Free daycare for working parents with children strategies to attract highly qualified teachers to the support co-op and work experience under three; profession, and support recruitment and retention. programs for high school and • Up to $500 per month for families with Special attention will be paid to increasing the undergraduate students. children under three and a stay at home parent. number of indigenous teachers. • Allocating up to $10 million per year for • Investing in public education to prepare • Reviewing the funding model for the K-12 in-service skills training for workers in British Columbians for the emerging public education system with a view to small and medium-sized enterprises; and, economy: ensuring equitable access for students: retraining for those displaced by • Increase funding for public schools, beginning This will address targeting funding to public automation or changing markets. 0 in 2017/18 at $220 million and rising to $1.46 Butler Gravel & BRING YOUR RECYCLABLES TO US… Concrete…Better We’ll take anything with a from the ground up! deposit for a full refund. 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Photo: Priscilla Ewbank Happy Easter! Those Haggis farm eggs come in all sizes—some chickens try harder, says Priscilla.

ReportReport fromfrom thethe world’sworld’s largest-everlargest-ever gatheringgathering ofof Greens!Greens! - Elizabeth May, MP try to avoid any partisan tinge to my columns in Greens serving in coalition governments had a wrongly claimed that proportional representation Island Tides, but I hope you will forgive me this harder time getting away, but six Green ministers will allow extremist parties to gain power. But the one time for sharing the inspiring experience of from the Swedish government participated, opposite is true. Without the pressure created by theI recent Global Greens Congress in Liverpool, UK. including Deputy Prime Minister Isabella Lövin. First Past the Post—to unite the right—extremist Not surprisingly, Green members from around The Minister of Environment from Luxembourg, parties like Wilders are kept out of power. If Canada the world are keen to avoid excess flights and the Green MP Carole Dieschbourg, presented on our had had proportional representation, the Alliance GHG emitted to gather from around the world. So chances of reaching the Paris target of 1.5ºC. Party and the Progressive Conservative Party could the Global Green Congress only takes place every But missing were the co-leaders of the Greens of have co-existed. The hostile take-over of the PC five years. The only one I had previously attended the Netherlands. Fresh from their fantastic election Party by Alliance essentially moved our whole was in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2007. The 2012 result, in which the alt-right and racist policies of political spectrum to the right. And with the congress in Senegal conflicted with my work in Geert Wilders’s Dutch Freedom Party were rejected perversity of FPTP and false majority rule, Stephen Parliament. and the Greens leapt from four seats to fourteen, Harper, who never had the support of more than Since that time, I took on the position of co-chair the Left-Greens of the Netherlands were back at 24% of Canadians, ruled with a majority. (24% of the Global Greens Parliamentarians Association, home, negotiating whether they will have a role in being the actual population represented by the so this was an invitation I couldn’t refuse. a coalition government. (Shades of ‘Borgen’—highly Conservatives’ 39% popular vote in 2011 with only It was the largest gathering in Green history— recommended Danish drama, if you haven’t seen it!) 60% of Canadians voting.). 2,000 Greens from every continent. Over 100 Dutch Left-Green leader Jesse Klavers, 30-years- In contrast, the Dutch election had a turn-out of countries were represented. Our Global Greens old, with a mixed heritage—Moroccan, Indonesian 81.9%. Even if Wilders’ party had come in first, it Parliamentarians Association benefitted from and Dutch—has proclaimed that the Greens are the would have had no chance of gaining more than 35 having more Green national-level MPs all in the antidote to right-wing populism. ‘What I would say seats—40 short of being able to form government. same room than we have ever had before. There was to all my left-wing friends in Europe: don’t try to And none of the other parties in the Netherlands a total of just under 400 Green MPs from around fake the populace,’ he said. ‘Stand for your were willing to touch his brand of alt-right the world; though not all of them were able to attend. principles. Be straight. Be pro-refugee. Be pro- populism. It is a shame that, coming in fourth, We had MP participation from Congo, Senegal, European. We’re gaining momentum in the polls. Wilders won 19 seats, but with Greens in fifth place Cote d’Ivoire, Spain, Chad, Colombia, Mexico, New You can stop populism.’ having 14 seats and mainstream and left parties Zealand (with charismatic co-leader, young Maori Fair Voting carrying the majority, it is a sure thing that the new woman, Metiria Turei), Australia’s elected Green The topic of electoral reform was very much on the coalition will stand firm against his anti- Senators, Sweden, Ireland, Finland, Latvia, Iceland, Liverpool agenda. We had a panel discussion on the immigration ‘Dutch-first’ policies. Scotland, France, Belgium, UK and Wales, the lone state of play in gaining fair voting, with those who The themes of global solidarity for a Green MP Yael Cohen Paran in the Israeli Knesset, lack it—former UK Green leader Natalie Bennett, compassionate agenda, respecting human rights, and many Green Members of the European Jill Stein of the US Greens and me—learning from moving aggressively to phase-out fossil fuels, Parliament. With my European Green colleagues, Metiria Turei how proportional representation has ending poverty, eliminating all nuclear weapons, we strategized about how to stop CETA. They are changed the culture of New Zealand politics. I was and empowering real grassroots democracy were the only ones who can. surprised how many Greens from around the world shared themes of the Global Greens. We are a global Our hosts, the Greens of England and Wales, are knew about Justin Trudeau’s broken promise for movement. struggling with the aftermath of Brexit. Still, the only fair voting. They, like so many Canadians, were Caroline Lucas spoke for us all ‘We stand against Green MP in Westminster, co-leader Caroline angry and disappointed. everything the Trump agenda stands for….’ And Lucas, MP for Brighton-Pavilion, gave a brilliant In that light, the results in the Netherlands are former Australian Green leader, Christine Milne, 0 speech, finding hope ‘amid the rubble’. worth sharing widely in Canada. Trudeau has ‘The future will be Green, or it will not be at all.’ www.islandtides.com Page 4, Island Tides, April 13, 2017 Readers’ Letters

Looking Out On Tankers? There’s more, much more, but I’m seventy-one Dear Editor: years old and that’s about all the excitement I can 24/7 Online •Coast to Coast to Coast take in a single dose. I live on Salt Spring Island, and spend some of my 20,000 Readers Each Month most cherished moments here hiking up Mount Murray Reiss, Salt Spring Island Linking coastal Erskine, in the centre of the island. Once at the Prosperity Mine summit, I look out in awe and wonder at the The following letter was sent to Premier Christy communities for 27 Years expansive beauty of the Salish Sea, the Gulf Islands, Clark, Environment Minister Mary Polak and and Vancouver Island and feel grateful for the Associate Deputy Minister Kevin Jardine. refuge of this place. Dear Premier Clark, Minister Polak and Associate However, in recent weeks, my trips to the summit Deputy Minister Jardine: have been filling me with despair and anxiety for We are writing with respect to Union of BC Indian what might happen to the animals and plants of the Chiefs (UBCIC) Resolution 2016-49, ‘Support for Salish Sea if the Kinder Morgan pipeline gets built, the Tsilhqot’in Nation and Condemning the and the increase in supertankers results in an oil Provincial Amendment Process for the ‘Prosperity spill. Mine’,’ which was presented, affirmed and As I prepare to vote in the coming election in BC, I Owner, Publisher & Editor: endorsed by consensus at the UBCIC Annual am looking for the candidate who will be a champion General Assembly on September 23, 2016. Christa Grace-Warrick for the coast in the Legislature, someone who is On November 16, 2010, the federal government Contributors: committed to protecting the coast from the Kinder rejected the Prosperity Mine. On February 26, 2014, Mike Yip, Priscilla Ewbank, Elizabeth May, Your BC Morgan pipeline. This is of the highest priority to the federal government rejected the New Prosperity Election Candidates, Jim Hebert, Sara de Rose, Ron me, as I believe it should be for all of us living in BC. Mine. Woodall, Peter Nix, John Cameron, Charlotte Friend, Heeding the powerful words of First Nations In contrast, on January 14, 2010, before the first Barry Cotton, Ann McLean, David Suzuki, Joanne Green leaders ( CoastProtectors.ca ), I am convinced this federal panel had even started its public hearings, is the most important choice for all of us in BC. We Island Tides Publishing Ltd British Columbia approved the Prosperity Mine, on all must vote for the coast. Box 55, Pender Island, B C V0N 2M0 the basis of a report from the Environmental Tel: 250.216.2267 • News: news@islandtide s. com Ahava Shira, Salt Spring Island Assessment Office (EAO) that dismissed the impacts Advertising: islandtides@islandtide s.com Tankers Are An Election Issue of the mine on the Tsilhqot’in people as insignificant. Advertising Deadline Dear Editor: The Tsilhqot’in Nation and its communities Wednesday Between Publications As we enter into the new election, citizens on the endured two separate federal environmental Online Readers’ Suggested Voluntary southern coast are concerned about escalating assessment processes for the Prosperity and New Subscription is $30/year tanker traffic, and facing further safety risks in Prosperity Mine proposals. In each review, an www.islandtides.com Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) tankers. independent federal panel emphasized the profound Twitter: @islandtides Aside from issues of wave and sound disruption cultural and spiritual importance of Teztan Biny and YouTube: Island Tides TV and leaked fuel, LNG tankers are unregulated in Nabas to the Tsilqhot’in people, as a gathering place, islandtideschrista.wordpress.com Canadian waters. Tanker accidents, while rare, as a cultural school for youth, as a place of spiritual would be catastrophic. The Steelhead LNG proposal power and healing, as sacred burial and cremation in the Saanich Inlet includes tankers travelling grounds, and as critical hunting, trapping and VoteMate Might Help through WASANÉC territory, past dense gathering areas. The federal panel for New Dear Editor: communities and the Victoria Airport, and across Prosperity Mine warned that the mine would I’m a high school student in Coquitlam with a BC’s busiest ferry routes. ‘endanger [the Tsilhqot’in Nation’s] ability to sustain passion for politics and programming, and I’m Citizen-led groups are launching an interactive their way of life and cultural identity’. working on a project for this election called website ( CLICK HERE ) that offers comprehensive The EAO has rejected the Tsilhqot’in Nation’s VoteMate.org. It’s a free app and website that LNG tanker safety and security information, a map position that it is egregious and absurd to both collects information about the election in one, easy- to spot where homes and critical neighbourhood consider further provincial approvals at this time to-use place. This includes candidate bios, pictures, infrastructure falls within tanker hazard zones, and a and to subject the Tsilhqot’in people to yet another and contact info, policies and issues for candidates campaign urging BC and federal governments to put approval process. The EAO has said it has no choice and parties, and events, such as all-candidates- a pause on LNG tankers until adequate regulations but to consider Taskeo Mines Limited’s (TML) meetings, held in each riding. We also have a are in place. application after a letter from TML to the Premier feature so that any voter can ask questions of any Hilary Strang, Saanich Inlet Network demanding the amendment, and threatening the and all candidates in their riding. Exciting Government Province with litigation. I believe that a project like VoteMate will help Dear Editor: The federal panel for Prosperity Mine expressly voters make an informed choice at the ballot box, a Your editorial of March 16 indicated you were noted that the EAO had reached its decision without crucial element in our democracy. Citizens often looking for an exciting government, one that could the benefit of the substantial information it received don’t have the time to research the different options, offer British Coumbians new, innovative, important directly from First Nations members in community and don’t vote because of this. proposals. Me too. One with outstanding hearings, and without the submissions of federal VoteMate streamlines the process as much as candidates. Me too. Fortunately, I don’t have to departments, which raised serious concerns with the possible, putting all the information in one place. I look all that far. My MLA, Gary Holman, has had project. think this is something that is relevant to readers of an outstanding career in public service, both as Salt For the Province to advance an amendment Island Tides , and I want to spread it to voters across Spring’s Regional Director and as Saanich North process for the Prosperity Mine despite the findings the province. I invite you try out the app at and the Island’s NDP MLA. I can’t wait to see what of the federal environmental assessment process and www.votemate.org . he’ll accomplish as a member of government. the profound impact such a project would have on Laef Kucheran,Coquitlam the Tsilhqot’in Nation, is in direct contravention of No Better Than Our Enemies And for innovative proposals, I don’t have to look any further than the NDP’s platform. the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Dear Editor: Changing our first past the post voting system? As Indigenous Peoples, which states: Horrific, barbaric, a senseless act of terrorism; it happens, Gary is the official opposition Article 26 (1): Indigenous peoples have the right these are but a sampling of the words being used to spokesperson for democratic reform. He’s been to the lands, territories and resources which they describe the killings in London on March 22. visiting communities across BC, talking to citizens have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise Yet, as truthful as they may be, they raise a about just that. If elected, the NDP will give British used or acquired. troubling question: how do we describe the deaths of Columbians a vote on election reform so we can Article 27: States shall establish and implement, more than one million Iraqis in a war now decide if we want a proportional representation in conjunction with indigenous peoples concerned, a commonly acknowledged to have been based on a system in place for the 2021 provincial election. The fair, independent, impartial, open and transparent deliberate lie? Killing is no less awful simply because New Democrats would campaign in favour of the process, giving due recognition to indigenous it has been sanctioned by our state; fear and terror change that is put before the people. peoples’ laws, traditions, customs and land tenure no less odious when they are generated to advance Social services and economic fairness? The NDP systems, to recognize and adjudicate the right of our corporate interests. would bring in $10 a day childcare, phase in a $15 an indigenous peoples pertaining to their lands, The wars we launch for geopolitical advantage are hour minimum wage, and implement a poverty territories and resources, including those which were as horrifying, barbaric, incomprehensible and reduction plan with legislated objectives and traditionally owned or otherwise occupied or used. terrifying to the people who suffer them as was the timelines. Indigenous peoples shall have the right to participate dreadful attack which shook Westminster. The environment? The NDP has pledged to do all in the process. Only by utterly rejecting a calculus which judges in their power to stop Site C and Kinder Morgan and Article 29: Indigenous peoples have the right to the lives of others to be of lesser value than our own; fix BC’s broken environmental review process. the conservation and protection of the environment only by recognizing that our appetite for human Climate action? The NDP will increase the carbon and productive capacity of their lands or territories rights, for freedom and peace and prosperity, is tax, make it fair through income-based rebates, and and resources; mirrored in the lives of people in every nation, can invest the net revenue directly into greenhouse gas Article 32: there be any real hope of peace on earth. reduction programs like public transit, energy (1): Indigenous peoples have the right to Sadly, we are no better than our enemies, and to conservation, and smaller-scale renewable energy determine and develop priorities and strategies for change the world, we must first change ourselves. sources. the development or use of their lands or territories READERS’ LETTERS, please scroll to next page Mike Ward, Duncan www.islandtides.com Island Tides , April 13, 2017 , Page 5 BBuutttteerrffllyy TTiimmee - Mike Yip

Taylor’s checkerspot Bremner’s fritillary

ow that the weather is starting to warm, it’s Butterflies survive best in natural habitats, and Canada, and Denman is home to the last remaining time to start enjoying butterflies—some of it’s not surprising that both Denman and Salt population of Taylor’s checkerspots in Canada. the most beautiful, charismatic, and Spring Islands are great locations for Seventy butterfly species have been recorded on Nfascinating creatures in the world. butterflies. Both have large tracts of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, but they Although they have been present all ‘Salt Spring is suitable protected conservation have suffered from habitat destruction by human winter hibernating as eggs, larvae, the home of the last areas and both have concerned activities and developments, pesticide and herbicide pupae, or adults, they don’t emerge remaining population of conservancies active in spraying, and the spread of invasive plants. from their dormant stage until they Bremner’s Fritillary in protecting and improving Some species haven’t been seen for many years, Canada, and Denman is home are enticed by the warmth and the to the last remaining butterfly habitat, educating the many have been locally extirpated, many are in growth of their essential food plants. population of Taylor’s public, and working with serious decline, and several are provincially When the conditions are right they Checkerspots in landowners to establish endangered. develop into mature adults and take Canada. ’ covenants for sensitive However, there are still many species to enjoy flight like flowers on wings searching for ecosystems. and with a little effort, thirty to forty species can mates to continue their cycle of life. Depending Coincidentally, each island is also host easily be found over the spring and summer. on the species some adults live and fly for only a to its own beautiful, charismatic, and endangered Vancouver Island Butterflies by Yip and Miskelly week or two while others can live for several butterfly. Salt Spring is the home of the last is available in most libraries and bookstores. 0 months. remaining population of Bremner’s fritillary in Pender excels at Victoria schools Regionaall SScciieennccee FFaaiirr ollowing a day-long science fair in a crowded AMVIC Insulated Concrete Pender School gym on March 8, a number Forms (ICF) of projects went on to participate in the Bill McCance, Agent for regional event in Victoria on April 10. F Gulf Islands & Vancouver Island It was a great day for Pender students, as 12 students won 13 different awards, the most awarded 604-690-1321 • bill@pacificicf.com public school participating. The Pender cheering www. amvicsystem.com section at the award ceremony also received special recognition as our people enthusiastically cheered each other on in the best spirit of our community, BULLETIN including Pender event judges Carol and Jackie who came over for the event. BOARD P h

Pender organizer and teacher Steve Dunsmuir o t o :

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n April 12, at the Pender Islands highest evaluations at the regionals. Lauren Ohnona’s Grade 7 project !"#$%& School. M$ eeting commencing '(()*+, at 1pm. Public Welcome! This was the second year for the Pender Science Agenda: Fair and it is going from strength to strength; there is talk of expanding it to a curriculum fair. “Quality Workm) anship ) )http://sd6)4.bc.ca/district/scho Reliable Service” ol-board-meetings/ . Residential & Commercial Readers’ Letters cont. Vince Smythe 250-213-6316 Moon Dates: and other resources. (EAO) or British Columbia. [email protected] (2): States shall consult and cooperate in good The UBCIC Chiefs-in-Assembly condemn the free estimates New: April 26 faith with indigenous peoples concerned through EAO’s decision to consider an amendment that Full: May 10 their own representative insertions in order to obtain would approve New Prosperity, in the face of the Hy-Geo their free and informed consent prior to the approval federal government’s firm rejection of this proposal, of any project affecting their lands or territories and and under the cloud of political pressure and threats Consulting other resources, particularly in connection with the of litigation from TML against the Province. Technical services for development, utilization or exploitation of mineral, The UBCIC advises the EAO and British Columbia Water Wells water or other resources. that First Nations across the province are bearing Aquifers Done Right - Safely The UBCIC Chiefs-in-Assembly fully support the witness to the New Prosperity amendment process Groundwater • Foreshore Applications efforts of the Tsilhqot’in Nation to protect their lands and are alarmed and deeply concerned by the EAO’s • Docks • Moorings 250-744-7859 • Durable dock systems for of profound cultural and spiritual value from the apparent lack of integrity, and its disregard for the exposed locations [email protected] proposed New Prosperity Mine, and will stand interests of First Nations in this province. www.hy-geo.com Ross Walker & Corey Johnson behind the Tsilhqot’in Nation in defense of these On behalf of the Union Of Bc Indian Chiefs, 250-537-9710 lands regardless of any amendment process or Grand Chief Stewart Phillip 0 www.islandmarine.ca decision by the Environmental Assessment Office www.islandtides.com Page 6, Island Tides, April 13, 2016 BC ELECTION - What Your Candidates Say - BC ELECTION 2017 2017 VICTORIA—SWAN LAKE Island Tides asks: COWICHAN VALLEY Chris Maxwell, BC ‘How would you regulate the aquaculture industry? Sonia Furstenau, BC Greens Greens The logging and wood products industry?' Poor regulation of industry in BC As role models, I was lucky to have has become one of the most significant Anne Pask-Wilkinson (my great-aunt, a raging threats to our environment. We need to ensure that Granny) and Merve Wilkinson (my great-uncle, a maintain public access to backcountry. we are not allowing permanent damage to sustainable forester in Nanaimo and recipient of the NORTH ISLAND ecosystems while government turns a blind eye. Orders of BC and Canada for his lifelong forestry Sue Moen, BC Greens Professional reliance has created a ‘foxes guarding work). In their 70s, Anne and Merve were arrested A land-based aquaculture industry could be a strong the hens’ situation in BC. protesting the clear-cutting of Clayoquot Sound. The and thriving industry in BC with well-paying, local BC Greens have been clear: open pen fish farms judge observed they were ‘magnificently jobs. We will protect our wild salmon by removing are harming wild pacific salmon and the province unrepentant’. Merve was also the embodiment of pens from migratory routes and put a moratorium can use its licensing authority to stop them. The the BC Green’s vision for the management and on new licences. The precautionary principle must safer approach to aquaculture is land-based, which utilization of BC’s natural resources. A BC Green be applied to this industry to ensure the health of prevents the spread of pathogens to wild salmon— government will build a resource economy that is our wild salmon and our marine eco-systems. We Greens would incentivize this shift. strong today and sustainable for tomorrow. will incentivize the transfer to land to preserve the The logging industry needs to be geared towards While aquaculture often falls under federal current jobs. long-term sustainable jobs and forests—Greens jurisdiction, a BC Green government will use We believe in sustainable, healthy forests that would ensure that our forestry industry would licensing authority to prevent damage to wild fish work for everyone. I will work to reform the Forest include value-added manufacturing, creating more stocks and incentivize land-based aquaculture. Management Tenure System to allow more local jobs in BC. Greens would also ensure protection of In forestry, we will prioritize maximal returns for control of this resource. We will include forest the last old-growth forests on Vancouver Island. our natural assets and enact protections that ensure health, planting, sustainable harvesting, eco-system SAANICH NORTH & THE ISLANDS our resource utilization industries are successful, repair through to local processing and value added Adam Olsen, BC Greens safe, sustainable and environmentally sound. in our action plan. This will create significant and I think it’s important to highlight that there’s cause NANAIMO well-paying local jobs in our coastal and First for concern with respect to the approach this Kathleen Harris, BC Greens Nations communities. We will end old-growth government has taken to resource industry Depleted industry regulations have allowed multi- logging on Vancouver Island. regulation in general. Their massive cuts to fold damage in BC’s forests and oceans. Aquaculture PARKSVILLE–QUALICUM ministries and irresponsible hands-off approach, must be regulated to ensure native species have Glenn Sollitt, BC Greens based on their professional reliance model, has clean oceans for survival and safe consumption. I support the initiative to create a federal created a lack of oversight and led to a ton of issues Land-based salmon farms are a better option than Aquaculture Act so that regulations are in many industries including the aquaculture and spreading disease to wild species. consolidated, clear and put the health of wild salmon forestry sectors. Oil/bitumen spills are poisonous with as the primary concern. We believe there is a responsibility for the devastating, multiple levels of harm. No regulation The 2015 Senate report recommends doubling of province to regulate aquaculture through licensing can ensure pipeline and bitumen tanker spills do not the industry, however, current research is spotty and in a way that ensures wild salmon stocks are not happen. Since it is impossible to guarantee safe disjointed so no expansion should occur until negatively affected. While a Green government transportation of these products, expansion cannot government-accepted data verifies the safety of our would ensure this, we would also incentivize land- happen. ecosystems and social licence endorses the industry. based aquaculture as there are far fewer harmful Careless logging practices need stronger industry With regards to forestry legislation, it is environmental consequences. regulations that ensure protection of water imperative that we cease the logging of coastal old- On forestry, we would ensure that we prioritize resources, wildlife, and sustainable jobs. Old-growth growth forests and focus on increasing the value of value-added manufacturing so that the long-term trees are more valuable living than as lumber. the remaining timber that is harvested. benefits flow back to British Columbians. We are Forestry deregulation is removing all measurable BC employs fewer jobs per cubic metre of wood also the only party that will ban the logging of and enforceable environmental standards and the than many other western countries and less than remaining old growth on Vancouver Island. requirement for licencees to operate wood our own past delivered. Automation pushes job MID ISLAND–PACIFIC RIM processing mills. Controls need to mandate raw logs creation down, however, minimally processed logs Alicia La Rue, BC Greens to manufacturers in BC for processing into finished hurt our industry and province. The BC government It is important that we elect officials that have our products, reversing the sell-out of this lucrative needs to incentify value add into forestry industry. future needs in mind, as we make decisions for sector to foreign companies. NANAIMO-NORTH COWICHAN today. Our agriculture industry has not met its MID ISLAND–PACIFIC RIM Lia Versaevel, BC Greens challenge in problem solving pathogens in farmed Scott Fraser, BC NDP regulation of the aquaculture industry is the fish. The long-term impact is at the cost of our wild John Horgan and the BC NDP would ensure that responsibility of the federal government through the salmon population. Most of the regulations of the aquaculture tenures are sited appropriately and in Department of Fisheries and Oceans, but BC could aquaculture industry are under federal jurisdiction, accordance with the Cohen Commission do much more to open up lines of communication but the Province has the licensing authority. BC recommendations, and do not negatively impact the and increase oversight. The province can and should Green Party would put a stop to open-water fish marine environment. We would also ensure that oversee transport and processing, and prevent oil farms. It is our goal to create ingenuity of engineers competing uses (raven Coal Mine proposal) do not spills and pollution on our coast. BC should also in creating a sustainable fish farming industry that put the marine environment at risk from heavy encourage academic research into salmon farming, meets the needs of consumers, but also has no metals which could negatively impact the sale and so that the best evidence-based practices can be used negative impact on natural ecosystems. Watching marketing of products. in this vital industry. raw long exports being shipped off is like watching regarding forestry, we would maximize the value Forestry will continue to support local economies the potential for jobs in both the milling and the (jobs) from trees harvested—BC has the worst ratio for centuries if managed properly. This renewable manufacturing. We need to bring value back to our of jobs per cubic metre. A BC NDP government resource can be managed more effectively and resources, so they can provide for today but also be would reduce raw log export and maximize efficiently by limiting old-growth logging, and by part of our growth in the future. investment/encouragement of innovation and value- regulating thinning of second-growth forests and SAANICH SOUTH: added to ensure that BC workers and communities the impacts of transportation of heavy loads on our Mark Neufeld, BC Greens benefit—not just multinational corporations. We roads and highways. raw log exports should be The BC Greens would incentivize land-based would ensure that forest practices are sustainable and banned and the emphasis put on developing an aquaculture. Our priority is the protection of BC’s do not put sensitive ecosystems and watersheds at integrated wood processing industry to provide legendary wild salmon population; unless the risk, and that companies respect their obligations to lumber for affordable housing construction, furniture, and other value-added products. Continued on next page www.islandtides.com Island Tides, April 13, 2016, Page 7 BC ELECTION - What Your Candidates Say - BC ELECTION 2017 2017 Island Tides asks: ‘‘How would you regulate the aquaculture industry? The logging and wood products industry?' Clark’s Liberals have neglected. BC NDP will focus on innovation in collaboration Continued from previous page NANAIMO-NORTH COWICHAN with post-secondary institutions and industry, to open-pen fish farms can begin to prove there is no Doug Routley, BC NDP develop manufactured wood products, and create markets at home and for export. After Christy Clark negative impact, we will not grant them licences. Aquaculture is a complex industry in BC combining has undermined the future of the forestry industry, Although much of the regulation of aquaculture is shellfish and finfish aquaculture. In 2009 the BC we will expand investment in reforestation. BC federal, we grant licences provincially. Supreme Court ruled the federal government has deserves our commitment to sustainable forestry. As already noted in our climate platform, we will exclusive jurisdiction over the management of invest in the management of forestry carbon sinks. aquaculture, so this limits what an NDP SAANICH NORTH & THE ISLANDS We will take action to maximize value added government can do. BC still controls tenuring (of Gary Holman, BC NDP manufacturing from each piece of wood. We need land) as well as property and civil rights regarding BC does not regulate the aquaculture industry but to invest in BC jobs and this happens best when BC fisheries, which includes processing, labour controls where projects are sited. The BC NDP will gets to decide what happens to our wood from forest relations and the sale or disposition of fish once implement the Cohen Commission to final product. The opportunity for innovation and caught, so we can look at improvements in those recommendations to ensure that salmon farms are small and medium size enterprises is remarkable. areas of the industry. not located or operating near salmon migration The argument has been made so powerfully by the We are excited about the possibilities for BC’s routes. We also have a long-standing commitment Ancient Forest Alliance and others, that our old- forest industry. A John Horgan government to support transition of the industry to closed growth trees are worth far more standing for will create jobs by ensuring more of the logs containment technology. generations to come. harvested in BC are processed here. We will create The BC NDP will ensure that logs needed by local NORTH ISLAND and protect jobs by fighting hard for a fair softwood mills are not exported and will provide incentives Claire Trevena, BC NDP deal and by increasing investment in reforestation. for local processing and value-added manufacturing Aquaculture has existed on the BC coast for many And finally we will reduce carbon pollution by such as engineered wood products. We will years and it creates jobs, particularly in processing. increasing the use of wood during construction in aggressively re-invest in tree planting, on-the- To protect the marine environment, the BC NDP BC and around the world. ground monitoring and enforcement of timber would incentivize a transition to closed containment PARKSVILLE-QUALICUM harvesting regulations, particularly for farming. Most of the regulatory jurisdiction around Sue Powell, BC NDP environmental treasures such as old-growth, streams and wetlands. aquaculture is federal, although BC has The health of wild salmon populations is a critical As a result of talking with groups such as the BC responsibility for lease renewal and therefore the factor in the economic, social and cultural well-being Wildlife Federation, we have proposed legislation siting of farms. The regulations around that have to of our coast and our province as a whole. I support that would protect and establish enforceable be tightened and we will work with the Department the findings of the Cohen Commission and am management objectives for species-at-risk and of Fisheries and Oceans to act on the disappointed that the Christy Clark government has biodiversity in our forests. We will ban grizzly bear recommendations of the Cohen Commission. not worked with the federal government on trophy hunting in BC. Our forest industry is generational and should be implementing those recommendations. LANGFORD-JUAN DE FUCA one of the truly sustainable sectors of our economy. The BC Liberals have killed 30,000 direct forestry Brendan Ralfs, BC Greens That will only happen if we stop the race to the jobs and many more indirect jobs. They continue to The Greens will set the annual allowable timber bottom. We have to restrict raw log exports and allow the exportation of raw logs at a massive rate harvest at sustainable levels; invest in sustainable assist in the development of secondary industries to while BC mills struggle to find enough wood to management of forestry sink; take action to use the logs harvested. We also have to invest in create jobs in BC. As a proud member of John maximize value-added manufacturing of BC forest health, from silviculture to land management, Horgan’s team, I am committed to a plan that lumber; and, support the management, harvesting which has been neglected for years. provides incentives to builders using engineered and processing of resources in a way that achieves COWICHAN VALLEY wood products; that works with industry, local maximum long-term benefits to British Lori Iannidinardo, BC NDP governments and First Nations to expand wood Columbians. Our viable wild salmon fishery on Vancouver Island manufacturing; and that maximizes the use of In addition, the BCGP won’t allow logging to needs protection. John Horgan and the BC NDP innovative BC wood products in infrastructure continue in remaining old-growth forest stands on respect the 2012 Cohen Commission’s 75 projects like schools, hospitals and affordable Vancouver Island. recommendations for protecting wild salmon, housing construction. The Greens will also ensure that sockeye salmon including revising farm-siting criteria to prohibit COURTENAY–COMOX migration is not affected by aquaculture; take action net-pen aquaculture on salmon migration routes, Ronna-Rae Leonard, BC NDP to protect and prevent damage to our wild salmon ensuring First Nations consultation, and freezing For years, communities throughout Vancouver stocks from aquaculture practices; review licences farm expansion until 2020, all of which the BC Island have been calling for better watershed for aquaculture industrial sites that are on sockeye Liberals have ignored. We’ll continue to work with protection over their drinking water sources. The salmon migration routes; grant licences to industry the federal government to implement the research Christy Clark Liberals have removed nearly all the stakeholders only if they can prove that there will be and regulations Cohen recommended. ‘boots on the ground’, with major cuts to forestry staff no negative impacts to wild fish; and, incentivize In the forestry sector we’re committed to working in enforcement—once again pandering to land-based aquaculture to become a thriving ensuring sustainable and safe logging practices, her corporate donors, rather than taking care of industry in BC. while revitalizing lumber mills and wood-product British Columbia and British Columbians. She In these, as in all industries, the BC Greens are manufacturing to restore lost forestry jobs and make would prefer to create conflict, rather than make sure committed to ensuring adequate regulation and sure the only raw logs leaving BC are those we can’t our working forests provide jobs at the same time as enforcement of environmental compliance to turn into lumber or value-added products. The BC protecting our water supplies. ensure sustainability for future generations. NDP will also ensure the sector is replanting diverse, rather than seeing the rapid de-nuding of our climate-resilient forests, something that Christy watersheds for export of raw logs, I am proud the Island Tides emailed the above question to all contactable, declared candidates running in: Powell–River Sunshine Coast, North Island, Courtenay-Comox, Parksville–Qualicum, Mid Island-Pacific Rim, Nanaimo, Nanaimo–North Cowichan, Cowichan Valley, Langford–Juan de Fuca, Saanich North & The Islands, Oak Bay-Gordon Head, Esquimalt-Metchosin, Saanich South, Victoria-Beacon Hill, Victoria-Swan Lake. All received responses of the correct length are above, and may have been edited for relevance to the question. All candidates are invited to answer upcoming questions. Jim Benninger, David Calder, Alana DeLong, Barb Desjardins, Kim Darwin, Alex Dutton, Rob Fleming, Scott Fraser, Sonia Furstenau, Paris Gaudet, Kalen Harris, Kathleen Harris, Gary Holman, John Horgan, Steve Housser, Lori Iannidinardo, Croale James, Leonard Krog, Alicia La Rue, Chris Maxwell, Andy MacKinnon, Mark Neufeld, Sue Moen, Cathy Noel, Adam Olsen, Lana Popham, Sue Powell, Stephen Roberts, Doug Routley, Ernie Sellentin, Nic Simons, Dallas Smith, Glenn Sollitt, Michelle Stilwell, Claire Trevena, Lia Versaevel, Andrew Weaver, Matthew Wilson

www.islandtides.com Page 8, Island Tides, April 13, 2016 AROUND THE ISLANDS Heritage Farm Day public transit rebate, Nanaimo- May’s ruckle Heritage Farm Day on Ladysmith MP Sheila Malcolmson south Salt Spring has proven to bring demanded that the government out a large crowd to experience the restore an important rebate which beauty of ruckle Park, made makes life more affordable for ferry particularily unique and special with commuters. the oldest operating family farm in BC She said, ‘The Liberal budget tucked right into the middle. The 2016 removed an important transit rebate. event was cancelled so it is high time In my riding of Nanaimo–Ladysmith, to visit the farm. coastal ferry users were greatly aided Educational booths are located in by this tax credit. Given BCLiberals the Heritage Farm area hiked coastal ferry fares at over 10 demonstrating crafts such as times the rate of inflation, the federal spinning, weaving, basket-making, rebate cut the cost of daily ferry travel, and quilting. The blacksmithing and helped make ends meet. For a group is alongside the old forge government who talks a lot about how building, and ice cream and butter are it supports the middle class, this move being churned fresh at the Milk House doesn’t make any sense. Will the with the Brown Swiss cow nearby. Liberals reconsider, and restore this Folks can walk all over the grounds important rebate?’ and take a peek into the past at the The government waived an answer white heritage house. The 4-H Club with a general statement about displays information and animals, as making life affordable. CLICK HERE well as selling baked goods. The Lions Pull Together Fundraiser Club are making BBQ’d burgers and A Pull Together fundraiser is being hotdogs while the kids are getting hosted at the ArtSpring theatre on their faces painted or trying their hand Good Friday. Baba Brinkman’s Rap at log sawing, nail hammering, the Guide to Climate Change will raise fish pond, or the tug-of-war! Local money to finance First Nations legal musicians entertain. campaigns against the Kinder Alongside the old heritage barn are Morgan Pipeline project. The event displays of farm products, from wool will include refreshments and a silent and hide, antique tools, and quilters auction with art items and services. busy on a project. Inside the barn, Brinkman is the world’s only ‘peer view old farm equipment and a film, reviewed science rap artist’. Through ‘The Making of ruckle Park’, featuring poignant visuals, rap, music and Chocolate buyers will also have the music, visual and litrary arts, as well as interviews with Lotus ruckle and spoken-word poetry, Brinkman leads chance to win a trip aboard festivals in film, music, dance, visual other local farmers. a smart, funny and compelling raincoast’s research vessel, the arts and the arts of diverse cultures. The farm manager will run his mashup of climate change research, Achiever, to look for and study grizzly For more information, CLICK HERE. border collies through their sheep pop culture, and call-to-arms. bears along BC’s coast. To learn more, Water Treatment Funds herding paces. Also on hand are the Brinkman has wowed crowds from CLICK HERE. Money will be going towards water farm’s turkeys and bottle-fed lambs. New York City to Edinburgh and his New SD Nº69 Scholarship and wastewater treatment facilities in Anyone wishing to volunteer may performance at the 2015 Paris the Sea to Sky Corridor. The BC and contact Marjorie Lane at 250-653- Climate Conference was widely Together with the Pieter de reuver federal governments are collaborating 4071 or [email protected]. acknowledged as a milestone in Foundation, Qualicum’s school to provide four new projects with Books, Prizes & Awards science communications. His shows district has created of a new appeal to a wide spectrum of scholarship for graduating high school funds through the Government of Mother Tongue Publishing Ltd has audiences and have been described as students who will be going directly to Canada’s Clean Water and Waste been short-listed for the Ethel Wilson ‘raucous rap entertainment, for those an accredited Canadian post- Water Fund. Fiction Prize (BC Book Prizes) for who may not like rap’. secondary institution. The fund will The Lions Bay Water Storage Joan Haggerty’s The Dancehall To learn more about Pull Together, grant one student per year $5,000 to Facilities, Squamish Water System Years,set on Bowen Island just before CLICK HERE. For information on Baba put towards a post-secondary Improvements, The Squamish- Pearl Harbour. The winner will be Brinkman’s work, CLICK HERE. education. Lillooet regional District’s Pinecrest announced April 29. Salt Spring’s Summer Schedules Kick-in The fund is for those who Estates Wastewater Treatment Plant Mother Tongue is the smallest (Sewer) replacement project, and BC Ferries switched to their summer contribute to the culture and fabric of publisher to be nominated. Whistler’s Emerald Water System schedule on April 1. Salt Spring’s school through ‘active participation in Each year, Mother Tongue Disinfection Upgrade will be funded. transit system will switch to their arts, athletics, leardership, or services’ principle, Mona Fertig, embarks on a The projects will receive a total of summer schedule at the beginning of and who demonstrate excellenece as quest for the great BC Novel through more than $4.2 million in federal May with an addition of five bus trips a learner and a commitment to a contest, see next page. Some notable funding and $2.8 million in provincial between Ganges and Fulford Harbour community service and volunteer writers have begun their careers funding. The money will go towards on Saturdays. work. through the contest. For her services upgrading, replacing and improving BC’s Grizzly Bear Bars Applications closed this year on to literature, Vancouver Library made April 7. The winner will be announced facilities. Fertig a ‘Literary Landmark’ with a The grizzly bear trophy hunt season and presented with their award in Bowen Island is also receiving plaque at 131 Water Street. has opened. Several campaigns are June. money for its Cove Bay Water On April 15, to celebrate National being launched to ‘save BC’s grizzly CRD Arts Development Grant Treatment Plant. The BC and Poetry Month, Fertig and Penn bears’. raincoast Conservation Canadian governments will be Grants totalling $102,500 will be Kemp, Inaugural Poet Laureate of Foundation and Denman Island providing Bowen Island with a joint given by the CrD Arts Commission to London, Ontario, will be reading at Chocolate launched a ‘Grizzly Bar’ to sum of over $5.8 million—over $1.9 twenty-five organizations in the Salt Spring Public Library at 3pm. raise funds to help protect these million from the federal government Capital regional District this year. Commuter Tax Credit animals. Proceeds go directly to efforts and $3.8 million from the province. The Project Grants will go towards by raincoast and the Coastal First This money is being provided through In the House of Commons on April 3, groups that support the production of Nation’s Bear Working Group to stop the Small Communities Fund. 0 in response to the cancellation of the a wide range of events in theatre, trophy hunting. www.islandtides.com Island Tides, April 13, 2016, Page 9 StrugglingStruggling CarbonCarbon BusterBuster EncountersEncounters DyingDying CoralCoral ReefReef - Peter Nix amn! Even on vacation, I can’t escape my ongoing—and imperfect—struggle as a carbon buster. DAfter working in Greek refugee camps—a crisis fueled in part by climate change droughts in Syria— I had to leave and wait for a new Greek visa. Partly to avoid the high carbon emissions caused by flying back and forth from Canada, I decided to go snorkeling in the South China Sea. Looking at promotional posters’ images, I wanted to swirl in ocean swells among garden-like towers of coral, accompanied by personable and colourful fish. And so, expectantly, I gaze downwards onto the ocean floor, anticipating beauty. But reality intrudes. Instead of magnificant coral towers, I see decaying coral pillars. White skeletons stagger on the ocean floor like bankrupt corporate buildings, routinely rationalizes contradictory behaviours—so Are carbon credits a rationalization for doing bleached bits of coral peeling from once brilliant we can feel good about ourselves. In this case, it what I want to do anyway? You decide. But for sure, biological structures. justifies the act of flying to coral reefs even though two choices now confront every thoughtful The destruction of coral reefs worldwide has carbon emissions from airplanes are destroying traveller: pollute more, or pollute less? those same reefs. That bundle of rationalizing brain neurons might say ‘No need to do anything about coral reefs or climate change, someone else will do it.’ But another bundle of neurons, more thoughtful, could ask: ‘really, how are refugees living in miserable camps in Greece doing with that do- nothing plan?’ or maybe ‘How will children play when it’s 50ºC outside?’ A famous writer, Walt Kelly, said regarding the need to take meaningful been in the news. But do people understand that action about our environment ‘we have met the Before flying to my volunteer job in Greece, I the death of a major ecosystem predicts our own enemy, and it is us’. loaned my electric car (a great investment) to one human future if we fail to quickly lower our carbon A recent academic study concluded that it takes son to compensate for my use of aviation fuel by emissions? only 3.5% of a population to create social change. decreasing his consumption of gas. And renewable So I sit on the beach in Cambodia, conflicted by After all, fossil fuel companies can sell oil only if ‘we’ energy from solar panels makes my house carbon two opposing realities: the need to limit my use of buy gas; politicians stop oil pipelines only if ‘we’ neutral for my adult kids while I am travelling. fossil fuels... and my desire to travel. protest. You too can be an agent of change in your society Here’s the environmental problem. Fossil fuels And since about 70% of produced oil is used for by choosing your personal carbon busting travel allow vacationers to swim, happily, among faraway transportation, lowering your travelling carbon strategy. coral reefs. But burning fuel to fly there warms the footprint would make you an agent of change. You can help save coral reefs, and your kid’s oceans, unhappily killing tiny creatures that build I was once an environmental consultant to tar future. Australia’s magnificent barrier reef is dying, the reef. sands companies—Canada’s biggest oil producers and it is spending $2 billion for restoration. But this Here’s the human problem. Part of our brain and greenhouse gas emitters. But eventually, is just a public relations trick by politicians that deny neurons in the logical, non rationalizing, reality. part of my brain said ‘You are Any climate change restoration money will be supporting the unsustainable.’ So I quit. wasted unless they, and ‘we’, have the brains to To lower my carbon footprint, I rarely phase out the main cause of climate change—fossil fly because airplanes are huge carbon fuels. 0 gas emitters. Whenever possible, I use When not volunteering with refugees in Greece, less polluting buses or trains. And to Peter Nix usually lives in the Cowichan Valley. compensate for any travel carbon Read his previous account of work with refugees emissions, I buy carbon credits to in Island Tides, ‘What do refugees have to do with decrease wood burning in Africa—yes, climate change?’ CLICK HERE wood is a carbon fuel.

www.islandtides.com Page 10, Island Tides, April 13, 2016 SchoolSchool NewsNews What’s On? John Cameron he first networked VANCOUVER ISLAND & ALL THE GULF ISLANDS elementary computer lab in British Columbia was located Easter Sunday, April 16 at Fernwood School in the late 1980s South Pender Easter Art Walk—Tour the T studios of 14 South Pender where students were fully engaged Island artists and artisans; an programming with Logo and Easter family tradition; you'll Hypercard in problem-solving leave inspired! H Noon to 5pm H situations. Students worked in small Find us on FB South Pender groups with advanced concepts like Island Easter Art Walk, 250.629.6661 H SOUTH recursion—which most adults would PENDER find challenging. Mayne Island school had a similar computer lab Wednesday, April 19 Photo: Charlotte Friend All Candidates Meeting—sponsored by which was open to the community Brentwood Bay Community Association H 7pm H too. students constructed a track for a Sphero robot to Stelly's Secondary School H BRENTWOOD BAY Skip to 2017 and we still see computer follow, made a weather report using the Do Ink app Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 21-23 engagement, problem-solving, and technology and green screen, created a target and programmed Active Pass Nature and Arts Festival 2017— challenges thriving in Andrew McPhee’s Fernwood the drone to launch and shoot at it. 3-day celebration on Earth Day weekend; over 30 classroom. ‘Andrew emboldens their creativity, eager to activities: guided hikes, garden SET-BC Service Coordinator for SDs Nº61, tours, boat trips, nature talks, answer their questions but challenging them to seek Nº62, Nº63, Nº 64, and Nº79 Charlotte Friend their own answers and explore options. Students art displays, musical says: ‘Students confidently explore how things performances, islands can be heard to happily exclaim: ‘Hey, I read the pavilions, family activities, work, plan experiments and pursue new ideas, manual and found out…’, ‘That was a cool idea to locavore dining, live thinking and re-thinking when things don’t go as make a weather report.’ ‘Hey, look what I did!’ and entertainment, and more H $10 planned. In their own version of ‘genius hour’ 0 Festival Pass for many free ‘Just a sec, I’m going to do it again!’ events, special activities $30 to $75, more at www.festivalactivepass.com click here H MAYNE News Digest Sunday, April 23 Revelstoke Dam Expansion $120 to $240 for one way ‘luxury’ transport. Clipper Salt Spring Earth Day Celebration—Fresh air The revelstoke dam may increase in capacity with has not yet released its prices. event with live bands and a sixth generating unit. BCHydro has applied to the Helping Out At The Unist’ot’ten Camp performances, speakers, info BC Environmental Assessment Office for an ‘Every year we welcome the spring by shaking off booths (still time to call for a Environmental Assessment Certificate. The new booth), yoga, nature-based those winter cobwebs, picking up a hammer, a saw play for kids, morning yoga at the gazebo, and proposed unit would add 500 megawatts of or a shovel and getting to work,’ says Unist’ot’en many other activities; learn, connect, sing, dance, capacity to BCHydro’s electricity system, and would Solidarity Brigade. The group helps build and create change, have fun, respect the planet H ‘help meet peak demand periods and continue to support the Unist’ot’ten Camp, the pipeline Centennial Park, Ganges • Noon–5pm, H Free provide reliable power on the coldest, darkest days resistance centre inland from the Great Bear event, everyone welcome H Info: Alex Lyons of the year’, according to a BCHydro statement. 250.538.7573 H SALT SPRING rainforest on a tributary of Skeena and Bulkley The project costs are estimated at $582 million, river. The camp is built on Unist'ot'en Territory at Monday, April 24 based on the earliest in-service date of 2021. A new Talbits Kwah, where two pipelines are proposed, All Candidates Meeting—Sponsored by BC generating unit would be added to an existing, Northern Gateway, and Pacific Trails. Sustainable Energy Association and Rolling empty bay in the revelstoke powerhouse, and a Justice Bus H 6:30pm H Mary Winspear Centre, Each spring, working visitors are encouraged. Sidney H SIDNEY new capacitor station would be built 19 kilometres The work camp this year is May 8–26. Over the last west of Summerland. The revelstoke dam was Sunday, May 7 few years the Unist’ot’ten Camp has been originally designed for six units, but only four were 10th Annual River Never Sleeps Festival— transformed with the construction of the pit house, Celebrate salmon and their ecosystems; fish, constructed in the beginning of its lifetime. the bunkhouse and the first two stages of the family fun, BBQ and booths A decision by the BC Environmental Assessment healing centre. ‘If you have carpentry skills, or want H Rosewall Creek Hatchery, Office is expect sometime this year. to learn some, come on up, buckle on a tool belt, and 8425 Berray Rd, off Hwy Victoria-Vancouver Ferry Service join the construction crew,’ says the Solidarity 19A, north of the Cook Creek Rd turnoff in Fanny Clipper, a vaction and transportation company, has Brigade. Helpers are also encouraged in the Bay H 10am–3pm H Info: announced that it will be establishing a route permaculture garden which needs a lot of ready Fanny Bay Salmonid Enhancement Society, between downtown Vancouver and downtown hands for preparation and sowing at this time of www.fbses.ca H FANNY BAY Victoria in the Spring of 2018. The ferry is a 52- year. Sunday, May 7 metre high-speed catamaran called Halunder Jet, And there is always work in the kitchen, the Ruckle Heritage Farm Day—Geared toward which has a capacity of 579 passengers and can woodpile or wherever your skills and interests may children and educational farm related themes; move at speeds of up to 36 knots. lie. Whether you are an Unist'ot'en Camp veteran heritage farming and crafts; animals, orchard, This announcement came just after a luxury or this will be your first time up, you will enjoy the farm products displays, classic machines, vacation company, V2V Vacations, released details challenges and the friendships made. To register demonstrations, exhibits, of their planned route between the two cities, which and make travel arrangements, go to the Unist'ot'en activities, food H Beautiful would begin this spring. However, V2V will charge Solidarity Brigade registration page CLICK HERE. 0 Ruckle Farm H 10am–3pm H Volunteers still needed, contact Marjorie Lane 250-653- 4071 or The Simple [email protected] H SALT SPRING High-Perfoormance Wednesday, May 24 Septic Systeme 22nd Annual Bob Dylan Birthday Eljenlj GSF…YYouro A orddable bl Party—An evening listening to or Solution foro Today’s performing your favourite Bob Dylan Wasta ewater Challenges! tunes and celebrating Bob’s Nobel Prize in Literature ‘for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song Ideal for New or tradition’ H Galiano Community Hall H Show at Replacement Systems 7pm, Bob’s cake at 8:30pm H Admission: donation to Galiano Community Land & Housing Trust H Performers or general info please call Tom Innovative Products and Solutions Since 1970 250.539.2960 H GALIANO

Next Deadline: Wednesday, April 21 eljen.com

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For information, contact the Freedom of contact the Freedom of contact the Freedom of contact the Freedom of contact the Freedom of Information Advisor at the Information Advisor at the Information Advisor at the Information Advisor at the Information Advisor at the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Ministry of Forests, Lands and Ministry of Forests, Lands and Ministry of Forests, Lands and Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operation’s Natural Resource Operation’s Natural Resource Operation’s Natural Resource Operation’s Natural Resource Operation’s office in Nanaimo. office in Nanaimo. office in Nanaimo. office in Nanaimo. office in Nanaimo. www.islandtides.com Page 12, Island Tides, April 13, 2017 Promises We heard this old story four years ago, Christy promised that BC would prosper and grow. LNG was the thing that would make us all rich And Christy’s still using that same old pitch. It’s election time so your vote she’s pursuing She will boast and brag of how well we are doing. Photo: Mike Yip Some would agree… that statement’s a joke, The final chapter (for us) of the herring spawn is the massive influx of ducks and gulls Her axing and taxing has left us all broke. that feast on the herring roe to bulk up their energy reserves for their migration north. She gives with one hand then takes it back double Huge rafts numbering tens of thousands of Surf Scoters, Greater Scaup, and many other She’s aware of no trouble outside of her bubble. With a surplus of millions and a prosperity fund diving ducks and gulls are a common sight offshore after the herring have spawned. It’s Perhaps she could spare us a little refund. difficult to capture the magnitude of the event, but I have fun trying. Now she promises, next year medicare will be halved Does she think the electorate are all half daft. Four years down the road, does she think we’ll forget MarineMarine protectedprotected areasareas areare oneone On the odd’s of that happening I would not make a bet. piecepiece ofof aa complexcomplex puzzlepuzzle - David Suzuki So it sounds like she knows she has nothing to fear he federal government recently created two than ever. With all these uncertainties and When it’s time to deliver she’ll be nowhere near marine protected areas in the Pacific region complexities, how can we know if marine protected Promises, promises, we’ve heard them before and has committed to increase ocean areas are effective? Perhaps it is time to show Christy the door. protectionT from 1% to 10% by 2020. Will this be To understand how creating a refuge works, let’s —Ann McLean enough? go back to a simple 1936 study of an ‘ecosystem’. It Canada has the longest coastline of any nation, was a test tube with two microscopic single cell but our country doesn’t end at its ocean shores. species, prey and predator. In that oversimplified SHORELINE • Specializing in water With a 200-nautical-mile economic zone and ecosystem, the predatory species ate the prey, and DESIGN access over steep international obligations, Canada is responsible for then died because, without prey, they could not & rugged almost three million square kilometres of ocean, an survive. terrain area roughly the size of British Columbia, Alberta, Putting material in the test tube so the prey could • Fully insured Saskatchewan and Manitoba combined. hide and multiply changed everything, creating a • Excellent Although that’s a big area, thinking of the ocean variety of unpredictable outcomes. However, one references in square kilometres is just skimming the surface. pattern emerged: It was far more likely that both Peter Christenson • 250-858-9575 The ocean isn’t just a cold, wet seascape blanketed prey and predator would survive. www.shorelinedesign.ca by howling winds. Below the surface, life thrives Expanding the concept to marine protected throughout the water column, top to bottom, warm areas, this simple experiment bodes well for one top or cold, winter or summer. predator (humans) and prey (fish). Even though Northern aquatic food webs are rich with science can’t predict whether protected areas will creatures of all shapes and sizes, from tiny plankton, help specific stocks increase, evidence suggests they urchins and sea stars to fish, orcas and sea lions. show promise as ‘nurseries’ for fish and other ocean That the world’s largest living creature ever, the blue wildlife and can provide a buffer against our lack of whale, feeds on some of the smallest, plankton, is understanding. astonishing in itself. The plankton thread in the Canada’s two new Pacific marine protected areas foodweb doesn’t end in the whale’s stomach; whale shield magnificent, fragile glass sponge reefs near poop is also a critical part of the marine food web, Haida Gwaii and important seabird nesting sites on cycling surface nutrients to creatures at the bottom. the Scott Islands. Safeguards are in place to protect The way otters keep kelp forests healthy by eating the glass sponge reefs and the countless species that sea urchins is one of myriad interconnected use them for refuge. However, current protections  relationships in Canadian coastal waters. Although for the area surrounding the Scott Islands are too  barnacles and clams live in a single location, some vague to reduce threats to the millions of seabirds whales and fish travel thousands of kilometres that depend on the forage area to breed and feed. within a single season. Salmon don’t even have the The federal government deserves credit for ocean as a boundary, swimming far inland to beginning to develop a network of marine protected spawn. areas. They’re an essential part of keeping ocean How can we understand and manage such ecosystems healthy, but they must have meaningful complex systems? Natural cycles in Canada’s safeguards. Protected areas are just one aspect of coastal waters include currents, tides, upwellings, keeping coastal ecosystems healthy. responsible migrations and seasons. Trying to predict how stewardship also requires effective fisheries multiple factors like pollution, industrial fishing, management, strong penalties for polluters and a climate change, ocean acidification, glass sponge global carbon emissions reduction. IS YOUR reefs, ships, rights and title claims, kayakers, With pollution, climate change and increased recreational fishing lodges and renewable energy shipping and development along Canada’s coast, sites will interact with these cycles is becoming it’s more important than ever to reduce the risks to WELLSAFE TO WATER DRINK? increasingly more complicated, and important, ecosystems that provide us with the fish we eat, the Contamination can occur air we breathe and the bounty of nature we love. without changes in colour or Doug Routley, MLA Nanaimo~North Cowichan Marine protected areas on their own won’t be taste. Be safe, test annually. enough to do all that, but with strong regulations Unit 112 50 Tenth Street Nanaimo BC V9R 6L1 and safeguards, they’re one piece of the intricate, 250-656-1334 T 250.716.5221 | F 250.716.5222 multidimensional puzzle.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author ANALYTICAL & TESTING SERVICES Box 269 | #1 – 16 High Street Ladysmith BC V9G 1A2 and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. T 250.245.9375 | F 250.245.8164 Written with contributions from David Suzuki fax: 250-656-0443 Website: www.mblabs.com Email: [email protected] Web: www.dougroutley.ca Foundation Communications Specialist Panos 2062 Unit 4 Henry Ave. West, Sidney, B.C. V8L 5Y1 Email: [email protected] Grames. 0 www.islandtides.com 

 Island Tides, April 13, 2017, Page 13 New Feature! - The Long Read Reforming the Standing Orders of the House of - Elizabeth May, MP OnCommons April 3rd, 2017, Elizabeth – held a press Green conference and releasedapproach a report detailing a number of changes which could be made to the rules and procedures governing the House of Commons in order to improve the democratic legitimacy, sustainability and functionality of Canada’s Parliament. Video footage of the press conference can be viewed, click here. Meanwhile, a pdf copy of the report can be viewed, click here.

1. Basic Principles: and more cooperative. The ideal legislative seated alphabetically, and not by party? What if MPs The 21st Century Parliament must reflect the best achievements of a renewed and reformed parliament were seated according to province or region, regardless practice for Canadians, democracy, and the would be legislation that reflected a political consensus. of the banner under which they were elected? A. How can we reduce political partisan conflict sustainability of the working life of Members of What if we actually lived the fiction described by in Parliament? Parliament. former Speaker Scheer in his ruling on Mark Warawa’s Our Westminster parliamentary system has been One attractive option would be to eliminate political complaint that he had been silenced by his party whip? distorted over the decades as political parties gain more parties. The reality that it is impossible to do so is clear Scheer ruled, ‘The right to seek the floor at any time power. Our system looks increasingly presidential; but when one considers the entrenched interests of the is the right of each individual Member of Parliament and our system of government is not. Every ‘reform’ of the parties and the impossibility of any decision to end their is not dependent on any other Member of Parliament… Standing Orders has enhanced the powers of the own claim on power and the hope of power. If members want to be recognized, they will have to majority in the interests of ‘efficiency’. Political parties are not mentioned in our actively demonstrate that they wish to participate. They The role of Members of Parliament has been made Constitution. Westminster parliamentary democracy have to rise in their places and seek the floor.’ increasingly unequal and less democratic. In our initial Thus, no change in rules is needed to eliminate the parliamentary gatherings, MPs were seen ‘Procedure control of party whips and the recent and as equal, with even the prime may be boring to some, but it’s about the inane obsession with ‘QP prep.’ minister seen as ‘first among What if members rose in their equals’ (primus inter pares). distribution and exercise of power. It really matters.’ seat, attempted to catch the The growth in the power of —The Honourable Jack Straw, Last Man Standing: Memoirs of a Political Survivor, Speaker’s eye? What if political parties has steadily reduced (London: MacMillan) 2012. questions were, as our rules the scope of action of individual members of require, not being read in talking points, parliament. Some of this has been incremental and but actually posed in an effort to gain answers, accomplished through unwritten rules. Some has been could function very well without any political parties, but accountability, and information? the result of highly specific changes concretised in with a House of MPs, each elected based on their What if committees changed the decision making Standing Orders and legislation. The general drift has personal attributes and commitment to represent their process away from majority vote, and moved to a been toward increasingly centralizing the powers of the constituents, second only to their commitment to protect disciplined process based on seeking consensus? I still executive (prime minister and Privy Council) at the and defend the national interest. Such a House would believe that if the Special Committee on Electoral expense of the legislative. pick the Prime Minister and cabinet from among their reform had had a decision-making model that allowed In 2008, a report from the Centre for the Study of number. us to work for more hours, through weekends within a Democracy at Queen’s University concluded that Prof Hugo Cyr of University of Quebec at Montreal consensus model, we would have arrived at one proposal Canada’s Parliament is ‘executive-centred, party- has proposed that following an election, the House of supported by all, instead of a majority report reflecting dominated [and] adversarial.’ Even if the new Commons should vote to elect a prime minister. This support from all but the Liberal members. government continues efforts to democratise could take place between the election of the Speaker of What if chairs of committee rotated? What if no parliament, without legislated and rule-bound changes, the House and the Speech from the Throne. This is additional salary were given, but all members of the the characteristics of excessive party and PMO control neither radical nor undemocratic. We have a system of committee had a turn as chair and all worked to achieve remain a threat. government by which the election of members of the best possible bill based on the evidence they receive In the current discussion paper, the workings of the parliament determines which party will form from witnesses and policy experts within government? House are presented as a contest between parties as government. The party that forms government has 2. Parliamentary Calendar Must opposed to a place of deliberative democracy among already chosen its leader under its internal constitution, Consider Its Climate Impact members. This sentence from the March 2017 through big US-style conventions. Cyr believes it is Thus far, debates about the number of days we sit has discussion paper is a good example of the failure to see important to have such a vote, even if it is only symbolic, only related to convenience for MPs and comparison parliament in Westminster terms: in order to underscore our system of government. He with provincial sittings. But Canada is an enormous ‘The impetus of all major reforms has had a common cites the fact that in a recent poll over half of Canadians country and flying MPs on a weekly basis to and from theme: a recalibration of the rules to balance the desire think we directly elect a prime minister; which we do Ottawa has an enormous impact on greenhouse gas of the minority’s right to be heard with the majority’s not. emissions. It is also a very large financial cost for the duty to pass its legislative agenda.’ If our Parliament were based on non-aligned MPs, public purse. The cost of flights is not one felt personally This characterization sounds fair and reasonable, but, our voting system would not need reform. It is only due by any MP. All flights and business class tickets are paid in reality, it is appalling. to the overlaying of political parties and their top-down for by the public. Shortening the work week to four days What is being proposed is that Parliament is all about control over members that the First Past the Post System actually increases the likelihood that every MP, every the executive pressing through an agenda as long as the (FPTP) fails us so badly. The FPTP system invariably weekend, will be travelling. While some are close enough minority has its chance to squawk a bit. creates a mismatch between the popular vote and the to Ottawa to take the train, most are not. Ideally, the parliament we create should reflect what seat count for the political parties. Ironically, buying carbon off-sets is the only MP Canadians want. Thanks to the Government of Canada’s It is also only due to FPTP that striving for political expense not considered to be eligible for expensing. recent Vox Pop Labs exercise, we know that 70% of consensus is out of favour. The system of rewards and The large tension for many MPs is getting home to Canadians do not want one big party making all the punishments under FPTP creates incentives for ‘gotcha’ their families. This is also a particular challenge in decisions. Despite the fact that the question was politics, wedge issues and a targeted appeal to a party’s Canada—more than in the UK or any province. weighted to suggest a response in favour of such a ‘base.’ It mitigates against the call to higher purpose, a I do not know that there is a perfect solution, but I system, the Vox Pop respondents overwhelmingly said shared vision and a cooperative agenda. want to propose a work cycle similar to that of Atlantic they would prefer a system in which a number of smaller I urge the House Leaders and fellow MPs to consider Canada workers in Fort McMurray—a concentrated parties worked together, even if it takes longer. that the reason it is harder and harder to have a smoothly three to four weeks in Ottawa and then three to four This finding puts in doubt the underlining running parliament is not our rules; it is a worsening weeks in the riding. assumption of the government discussion paper that the political climate of constant electioneering. The toxic I propose we sit a six day week in Ottawa to get the Liberals have a mandate to ‘modernize’ parliament to drip on our democracy comes from our voting system. maximum value and productivity of concentrated make majority decisions faster. The best way to improve the level of discourse and sittings—Monday to Friday and a half day on Saturday. There is no evidence for this proposition. On the cooperation across party lines is to return to the promise It is clear that a well-intentioned proposal to eliminate contrary, the mandate in any reform should be to to replace FPTP with a system of fair voting in which the Friday sittings is seen by the public as an attempt to shirk promote processes and procedures leading to respectful, seat count and the popular vote are closely matched. our work. MPs and many journalists will know that is collaborative decision-making. B. How can we create a more respectful not true, but it is too easy a target in the age of ‘gotcha’ If we want to do what Canadians want, we will do parliament within the current perverse voting politics. No one will think MPs are shirking if we work a everything possible to reduce the climate of competitive system? six day parliamentary schedule. hyper-partisanship. If we want to build the kind of Anything we do to break down the ‘us versus them’ A six day work week over three weeks is more than parliament Canadians hope for, we must find ways to mentality of Parliament will be helpful. Can we consider make parliament more respectful, more collaborative changing seating within the House? What if MPs were REFORMING PARLIAMENT, please scroll to next page www.islandtides.com Page 14, Island Tides, April 13, 2016 New Feature! - The Long Read Reforming the Standing Orders of the House of Commons …continued from page 13 enough to get a great deal of work done. It will likely cut weight to members of Parliament.’ Parliament.’ the costs to the public of flights to the riding by more This approach was also supported by Prof Peter Professor Cyr recommended that we follow the than half, likely by two thirds. It will also slash the GHG russell of the University of Toronto. Professor russell example of the United Kingdom and New Zealand in emissions of our travel. is professor emeritus and one of Canada’s most developing a Cabinet manual, by consensus. Clearly, the biggest drawback will be to MPs with respected political scientists. Both Cyr and russell ‘The British experience showed us how effective and families living far from Ottawa. Consideration for more recommended the approach of the vote in order to useful such a manual can be when in 2010 none of the financial assistance for families to relocate to Ottawa is ensure that access to prorogation be restricted only to a parties won a majority of seats. That evening, there were worth considering. The cost in overtime to Prime Minister who can approach the Governor General no rushed media calls of the type, ‘If the trend holds, the Parliamentary staff will have to be considered as well. with the clear confidence of the House. Both also next government will be formed by…’ The political 3. Management of the House recommended that we change our standing rules to parties were given the time they needed to negotiate A. Ensuring that prorogation is never again allow motions for a ‘constructive non-confidence’ vote. among themselves who would form the next government, rather than allowing the media to decide used illegitimately: It was described by Professor russell’s written evidence: that very evening who would be the next prime minister. Shutting down the House of Commons to avoid a ‘Some parliaments—Germany, Spain and Sweden This is a step forward for democracy.’ vote the governing party and Prime Minister know will are examples—permit only constructive non-confidence C. Electronic voting: be lost is virtually unheard of in Westminster votes. A constructive non-confidence vote is one that parliaments of all Commonwealth nations. In fact, if not While the government discussion paper refers to names an alternative prime minister. When a for the Canadian experience, it would be totally without some aspects of modernization from the UK, electronic constructive non-confidence vote passes, it both defeats precedent. A prime minister in Sri Lanka tried it once, voting by MPs is not one of them. The most recent the incumbent government and indicates how a new, but the Governor General refused. edition of handbook on UK parliamentary procedures, viable minority government can be formed without How Parliament Works It has happened in Canada two times: once under Sir , (rogers and Walters), relates calling an election. This practice underlines the principle the current state of debate in the UK: John A Macdonald (the Pacific scandal) and once under that in a parliamentary democracy the people elect a ‘…for many people the idea of taking a quarter of an Stephen Harper in November 2008. Harper later hour of valuable parliamentary time on a vote is prorogued again by phoning the Governor General, but parliament (more precisely the confidence chamber of inexplicable. Why not vote electronically? There is a without the immediate threat of a vote he was about to parliament) not a government. In Canada, regulating good case for it, but also some powerful arguments lose. In Sir John A Macdonald’s case, when the house confidence votes is a matter that falls into the informal against…. resumed, it immediately dissolved and an election was part of our constitutional system under the control of the ‘…for many MPs a powerful argument for the present held. House of Commons. I urge your committee in its system is that it collects large numbers of members The government discussion paper states: ‘There have research and travel to look carefully at how parliaments together for a few minutes, often at a predictable time. been instances where Governments have prorogued function under a system that requires confidence votes This brings backbench and frontbench MPs together early in the session to avoid politically difficult situations. to be constructive.’ (and many backbenchers may not actually see very The Government committed to Canadians not to abuse As Prof Hugo Cyr pointed out, ‘This is a mechanism much of those in government) and is a valuable prorogation in such a manner.’ to prevent the opposition parties from joining forces to opportunity to buttonhole ministers, or to gather The fact that the government discussion paper overthrow a government and from taking advantage of support for some initiative… For most MPs, this adds a presents this outrageous abuse of power in bland terms an early election to increase their number of seats.’ great deal of value to the otherwise often mundane is somewhat unnerving. Stephen Harper’s violation of B. While fixing the risk of prorogation, let’s also business of voting.’ parliamentary norms made it clear how much of our set a maximum time between an election and For my part, as the leader of an unrecognized, but system depends on those with power choosing not to the first sitting of Parliament: nationally engaged parliamentary party, I find the exercise it illegitimately. We have been bound by Currently, there is no set requirement for an incoming current voting system valuable in many ways. I believe unwritten rules and invisible threads. The willingness of government to convene parliament within a fixed time. it is important that members be physically present. Stephen Harper to break those traditions brought to While this loophole has not yet been abused by a prime Voting from our home ridings is not an acceptable light how vulnerable we are to those who do not respect minister who finds it more convenient to rule by option. It is not ‘modernization’; it is dereliction of duty. traditions. Had he not sought prorogation in 2008, we executive fiat—without convening parliament—given I also think it can impact how we vote to see would not be discussing it now. It was unheard of; until the trend toward greater concentration of power in the prominent MPs vote in ways that may break from party it was not. executive, it is time to ensure parliament be opened discipline. It can encourage others to do the same. I Professor Hugo Cyr made a specific recommendation within a set time period following an election. know that I have actually changed the way I plan to vote on prorogation in the course of his testimony before the I cite again the written evidence to ErrE of Prof Peter on rare occasions when someone I respect casts a vote I Special Committee on Electoral reform (ErrE): russell: didn’t expect. ‘Therefore my … proposal is to amend the Standing ‘Canada is virtually alone among parliamentary However, there is no question that our current system Orders of the House of Commons so that asking for democracies in not having a rule requiring that after an could be improved with an electronic innovation. I Parliament to be prorogued or dissolved without first election only a short time can elapse before the newly propose that we vote as now, with the Speaker calling obtaining the approval of the House of Commons elected parliament meets. After an election, if no party for all those voting yay, and then nay. As we stand in has won a majority of seats, there must be time for party automatically results in a loss of confidence in the Prime sequence, each MP can simultaneously push a button, leaders to work out who has the best chance of forming Minister. Consequently, the Governor General would wired to our desks, to signal our vote and lock it in a government with majority support, for a new prime not be bound by a prime minister’s advice requesting the electronically. This will relieve the Table Officers of minister (if there is one) to be sworn in, and for the prime early dissolution or prorogation of Parliament without confusion as they call out our names. The totals of our minister to form a cabinet and prepare a throne speech, first obtaining the approval of the House of Commons.’ votes would be more quickly confirmed. before the Governor General summons the new The details of testing for parliamentary support were I also believe we should have the opportunity to drawn from UK experience by Prof Cyr: parliament. In Canada, other than the constitutional record an abstention. Our current system makes no ‘With regard to the possibility of a successor requirement that there be a sitting of Parliament every distinction between an absent member and one in the twelve months, there is no rule or established practice government should the House of Commons pass a non- chamber who wishes to abstain. confidence motion, I relied on the United Kingdom about the maximum time allowed before a new D. Routine Proceedings: legislation. The Fixed-term Parliaments Act provides Parliament hold its first meeting. This produces that where the government is defeated on a vote of unnecessary uncertainty and worry about implementing I can see no justification for changing our confidence, an election will not be called until 14 days the results of the election. When no party has a majority approach to routine Proceedings. The attempt to later, if there is no subsequent resolution to restore in the new House of Commons, it delays the test of do so in the government discussion paper is to confidence in that same government or in the successor whether a new government has the confidence of the remove one of the few remaining tools of opposition government that would have been formed in the House and therefore has the right to govern. parties to get the government’s attention. There are meantime. Third, I propose to amend section 56.1 of the ‘Australia has a rule that the Commonwealth a litany of procedures we used to have that have Canada Elections Act to allow for the early dissolution Parliament must meet 30 days after an election. New been removed by government parties that found of Parliament with the approval of two-thirds of the Zealand has what amounts to an eight week rule. That the opposition annoying. Any significant show of members of the House of Commons. This enhances the should be the outside limit. Most European parliaments defiance will get the process changed in the name role of members of Parliament. Once again, this have shorter periods. The rule should take the form of of streamlining. proposal is based on an example of the British Fixed- an amendment to section 38 of the Constitution Act, term Parliaments Act. This is intended to give more 1867. Such an amendment can be made by an Act of REFORMING PARLIAMENT, please scroll to next page www.islandtides.com Island Tides, April 13, 2017, Page 15 New Feature! - The Long Read Reforming the Standing Orders of the House of Commons …continued from page 14 remember the incident of the ringing of the can fit in the chamber at the same time. And the current financial resources. In all other respects, members of bells? In 1982, the bells rang for six days as plan in the UK is to redraw boundaries to reduce the smaller parties and independents had all the same rights Progressive Conservatives protested the Liberals’ number of MPs by 50. as MPs in larger parties. national energy programme. Or in 1999, when the None of those things are happening, or are allowed, Over time, with no further changes of the rules, it Alliance Party brought 700 amendments to the in our parliament. became practice to exclude MPs from parties with fewer Do we want to review all our rules and measure them than 12 seats from parliamentary standing committees, Nisga’a treaty at report stage? Those opportunities against Westminster? In the case of our Question Period, from time in question period and from use of various are gone. Government parties can keep changing we have a whole culture of a different approach. Do we parliamentary procedures, such as Supply Day motions. the rules to deprive opposition parties of making want to pull the aspects we like from the UK without Exceptions were made. Shortly after the new rules came their point, but new ways will be found. As noted regard to the broader differences in our current practice? in, when the railliement Creditiste split off from the above, it is far better to find ways to foster C. Omnibus bills Social Credit Party, the Social Credit Party dropped to 11 cooperation than hard-wire parliament for I support the proposal to clearly empower the members. Still they were allowed to be seated as a bulldozer passage of bills. Speaker to disallow attempts to place unrelated bills recognized party and had access to the procedures—if 4. Management of Debate under the same rubric, especially in the guise of budget not the money—they had once had. But the larger parties continued to undercut smaller parties. A. Time Allocation bills. This subterfuge was used in the Harper minority government to force through changes that the In 1990, the Bloc took a run at the argument. The Bloc The government discussion paper proposal for went up against the actual rule that parties with fewer programming is one of its most controversial. It could opposition parties were unwilling to defeat if they were not yet ready to go to an election. than 12 seats should not have access to additional funds. certainly never be accepted and could never work if the The Bloc asked the Speaker directly to rule it had a right change to that system was not approved unanimously The Speaker in the ruling in response to my point of order challenging 2012’s C-38 omnibus budget bill ruled to additional monies. The Speaker at the time, the Hon by parties in the House. The paper highlights the use of John Fraser denied their request, but did not suggest programing in the Westminster parliament in the UK that without the House providing clear guidance, the Speaker cannot rule an ‘omnibus bill’ out of order nor small parties had no rights: and notes it was brought in initially as an experiment. ‘…it is important to note that the decision does not But the government paper oversimplifies some aspects could he split the bill. Having all parties in the House agree to the criteria of a common theme to unify any mean that the members in this group are impeded from of the UK procedure. It does not apply to every bill, nor full participation in the work of the House or that they would it work at all in the UK without substantial attempted omnibus bill is guidance the Speaker needs. 5. Management of Committees: are being deprived of support necessary to represent consensus, each time, in advance. their constituents adequately.’ In 1997, the Modernization Committee of the UK This section significantly misrepresents the treatment ‘To date these efforts [to get research funds from the parliament suggested programming as a half-way of parliamentary parties with fewer than 12 elected MPs. BoIE] have proven unsuccessful, but it is a long and measure between informal agreement between House I am the leader of a federal political party that ran 336 dangerous leap to conclude from there that the basic leaders and guillotine. The approach in the UK is that candidates in the last election and has run full slates since rights and privileges of those Members are somehow when a bill is proposed for programming, discussions 2004. In 2015, Green candidates received over 605,000 being abrogated. A search of the Debates will show, on take place between all sides of the House, including votes, despite a strong tide for ‘strategic’ voting that cut the contrary, that the honourable Member for Shefford backbenchers. It is not exclusively a decision of House our support in half in the last few days of the campaign. and his colleagues have been extended every courtesy Leaders. The type of committee to study the bill is agreed My seat in parliament is as a named Green MP. I am not by this House and that the Chair has safeguarded their upon. The decision is made immediately after second an independent. participation in ways that are fully in keeping with our reading. There is no debate on the use of the measure, The motion drafted by the Harper PMO and pushed procedure and practices.’ (emphasis added) so consensus is key. through every committee, only to be pushed through the Despite Speaker Fraser’s defence of other ‘basic rights The UK parliament also makes use of draft bills. In newly constituted committees following the 2015 and privileges’ for MPs in smaller parties, by 1994, the the draft bill process MPs from all sides of the House election by the Trudeau PMO is not ‘expanding the role presumption that MPs in parties with fewer than 12 work to develop the best bill. At least in theory, the of independent MPs.’ members were to be relegated to rear corners in the back process is de-politicized because ‘ministers have invested It is eliminating a right that exists under our current of the House and be denied daily time in Question less political capital in it, and changes will not necessarily standing rules. It is coercive and represents the first time Period had become solidified. be seen as defeats.’ in the long history of parliament that a majority It is time to revisit the rigidity of what has no basis in It certainly could be considered in our parliament, but government, much less two in a row, have used their legislation. Without granting public funds to smaller much more work needs to be done. Nothing should be muscle to shut down the rights of a single MP. I have parties, the rights and privileges of MPs as equals must imposed without unanimity. Despite its broad never used this new ‘opportunity’ to present be restored. acceptance in the UK, it can still be ‘bitterly disputed’. amendments in committee without protesting to each Conclusion: B. Questions: and every committee that I did not want to be forced to I do not oppose changing our Standing Orders. Many The proposal to move to the UK style of Question bring amendments to committee. I want to exercise the needed improvements are critical. Ensuring that the Period is to adopt the practice of having the Prime right I already have to bring substantive amendments at legislative supremacy of Parliament is respected is Minister answer questions only one day a week. Of report Stage. crucial. We must never again have a Prime Minister course, the UK parliament has entirely different rules for As for offering that MPs representing parties with operate as a one-man, (or one-woman), top-down questions to government ministers and to the prime fewer than 12 MPs can be ex officio members of elected dictatorship. The need for a fair voting system minister. Most questions must be submitted days in committees is an improvement, but still a remains at the top of the list in protecting Parliament advance. Even the right to pose urgent questions must condescension. There are multiple examples of MPs in from hyper-partisanship. be put to the speaker the day of the question period. No parties with fewer than 12 MPs, and even of actual We need to protect our parliament from abusive questions are ever asked without notice to the independent MPs being full members of committees. prorogations and perverse, illegitimate omnibus bills. government. One need only reach back to the 35th Parliament to find There is much we can do together, but the timeline must Our parliament has gone a different way. that NDP members were associate members of a be reasonable. It must embrace a process that provides We should not pursue one modernization feature number of standing committees, despite the caucus adequate time and a fair process for full parliamentary from the City of Westminster without looking at the full being unrecognized with only 9 elected MPs. Even consensus. The current Liberal motion before PrOC ambit of approaches in the UK. While our parliaments independent members have been full voting members does not provide either. share common roots, the trees of our modern of standing committees as recently as 2007. Only My own view is that we need not read ill-intention parliament have grown in different directions. tradition blocks this decision. As all of us are equal and into the draft discussion paper and process. I take the MPs in parliamentary debate in the UK can rise all of our electoral districts are equal and all Canadians Government House Leader at her word. This was a trial during a colleague’s speech and if that member ‘gives are equal, full rights on committees are long overdue. balloon. It is now a burst balloon, but it got the discussion way’, the questioner may speak without being The misunderstanding about the status of MPs in going. Let’s move to the next steps, and with good will recognized by the speaker. There are no such things as parties with fewer than 12 MPs originated in the 1963 on all sides, let’s start down the road to significant ‘recognized parties’ in the UK parliament. Not all MPs legislation to give larger parties public funds. 0 Only recognized parties were entitled to additional reforms. If you wish you had been reading Island Tides for years—you can! Visit our online archive at www.islandtides.com

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