Lower Island NEWS An independent democratic socialist newspaper serving the Lower Vancouver Island area for 28 years

Volume 30 Issue #1 January, 2013 Victoria, BC

Victoria’s new Member of Parliament, (centre), is joined by NDP federal leader and House of Commons Clerk as Rankin is sworn in.

An exclusive interview with Victoria’s newly elected MP, Murray Rankin, LLM, QC, MP A bright star for Victoria, and By Jonathan Lee the few months leading to the election, and impoverishment for countless , federal government is very much absent in during the candidates’ meetings. He’d won and enrichment of very few. joining to imagine and enact useful, long The new Member of Parliament for the election. Now he could reasonably be As Rankin pointed out, in the recent term policy solutions. Victoria, BC, Murray Rankin, is a rising star allowed a little R & R. election the Conservative candidate polled “You can’t change things by doing in today’s political galaxy. And yet here he was again, ready less than 15% of the total vote. the same thing over and over. That’s a If energy and intellect can change and to explain and persuade. Entirely It’s the “growing inequality” in society, definition of insanity,” says Rankin. sustain, for the better, Rankin’s recent understanding the nature of the task that as Rankin stated as he began to tick off his He praises the work of voluntary election can only be a good thing. he’s been elected to perform. concerns and priorities, that drive his desire and non profit organizations such as, for In this first in-depth interview since his It was clear from the outset that Rankin to be a constructive force for change. example, Victoria Cool Aid Society, The election, he has provided for Lower Island means business in improving the lives of his For Rankin and the NDP it is Coalition to End Homelessness, Our Place, News readers a clear roadmap of where he Victoria constituents, and in the work that unacceptable, in a country as wealthy as Mustard Seed and many more. hopes and intends to assist Her Majesty’s he intends to undertake to make the NDP Canada, that people are to be found living But this is not enough for Rankin. Loyal Opposition, and the federal New the next party of government in Canada. on the streets. He wants to see a restoration of federal Democratic Party, in improving the lives of LIN readers will appreciate only But it’s not only the homeless population assistance. Loans and grants to fund long Victorians and Canadians. too clearly how grim are these current to be found on the streets that Rankin term solutions providing economic equality And further, he begins to outline Conservative economic and political times. recognizes. We need to look at the “couch of opportunity. For example Rankin cites many of the policies and philosophies For so many of Victoria’s residents, young surfers and people sleeping in their cars”, the promotion of housing co-ops as a that the NDP will bring to the country, as and elderly, life is a daily struggle, with he says. “Those who can’t get a foot on the proven powerful resource in challenging the next governing party, after the current every tomorrow bringing another 24 hours social and financial ladder.” affordable housing shortages. Conservative government is defeated at of uncertainty. “This Conservative government’s In Rankin’s view not enough is done the next general election. It’s this understanding that Murray policies have exacerbated the difficulties to support younger generations. Even for Rankin is a bundle of energy and Rankin seeks to address in taking his seat that people face, and have encouraged a those with the opportunity for advanced passion. We met on a bleak, pre-Christmas in Canada’s House of Commons. culture of growing inequality.” education, student loan debts of $30,000 morning, at one of Victoria’s landmark The recent federal by-election came Rankin acknowledges that at provincial - $50,000 are unsustainable for individuals buildings on Douglas Street. at a time when even the most stubborn and local levels, useful work has been done starting a career and seeking a place to live Murray Rankin could have been of Conservative voters are having trouble to alleviate distress, and he praises the and raise a family. excused for looking to abbreviate this imagining that Prime Minister Harper’s work of Mayor Dean Fortin in Victoria for Rankin believes that the federal interview. He’d explained party policies ideas and governance can lead to his continued efforts. government must do more to support a faithfully, patiently and passionately over anything better than a continuing slide into At the same time, Rankin notes that the Please turn to A bright star, page 2

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #40008124 Return to: Inside this issue Lower Island News in Victoria 3 As American as applie pie 14 Box 311-2750 Quadra Street Editorial and opt/ed 4 Corporate responsibility 15 Victoria, BC V8T 4E8 Letters to the editor 5 “Bloody January again!” 16 The BC disadvantage for women 6 Pirates of the Mediterranean 17 Caring about inequality 7 Brain-health plan 18-19 Federal news 8 New Year’s Levees 20 Queen Elizabeth awards 10 FGM update report 21 MLA James reports 11 Books of interes t 22 Working outside the box 12 Coming events calendar 23 Education on the agenda 13 Directory 24 Page 2 January 2013 Lower Island NEWS

A bright star, Murray Rankin, from page 1 attend to a dialogue with First Nations long and creative association. leaders as another example of the failure of The NDP is now a government in national education policy. The present An NDP government will promote this Conservative government to address waiting. Conservative government selectively cites sustainable environmental policies, yet another example of economic inequality, It’s a party not only committed to the Canadian constitution to justify its view recognizing the expertise, experience and which an NDP government will correct. protecting the environment and preserving that education policy and delivery is entirely rights of First Nations interests. Underlying Rankin’s positions are the and redirecting resources, but it is also a a provincial responsibility. At the same time Rankin is passionate in his admiration beliefs that the economic and budgetary party that understands that credible policies Rankin notes that a similar model and and expectations of First Nations priorities of any government quickly explain are required of government at every level, rationale is not followed in the provision of communities. how that government sees its task. to serve countless needs. Canadian health care. The Harper government has done An NDP government will radically He welcomes the support of Green Rankin believes that a properly funded nothing to engage First Nations communities change Conservative spending priorities party voters, in due course, understanding and sustainable federal education policy is beyond more of the “paternalistic” to better serve and enable provincial their invaluable work in speaking to the entirely constitutional and is as important approaches of the past, Rankin says. There governments to distribute federal funds topics of environmental dangers and the as a properly funded national health care is a “culture of dependency” that must be more effectively and fairly. solutions that can work to preserve and policy. An NDP government will move to ended. First Nations communities have a To the charge that NDP policies might be protect the planet. correct this inequity, attaching provincial constitutional right to self government and more “tax & spend”, Rankin is dismissive. As an environmentalist Rankin also educational spending mandates to federal the Canadian federal government needs NDP policies are designed to distribute understands that a government must social transfers. to join in partnership with the Assembly of existing resources more effectively and promulgate realistic policies on multiple Rankin points out that we live in a First Nations to find solutions to the crisis in fairly. An NDP government, for example, issues and as such the NDP values the “knowledge based economy and not an First Nation communities. will not replicate the cost overruns that can input of all progressive thinkers, in a spirit extractive economy”. This has not happened under Stephen be seen with the current order for F35 jets of partnership and consultation. Without sustainable education policies Harper’s government and will happen rising to $46 billion from the $9 billion initial The NDP holds the largest number we are unable to make the intelligent under the leadership of Tom Mulcair, says estimate. of parliamentary seats of any opposition strategic decisions necessary to manage Rankin. Rankin cites other examples of gross party in the past 30 years. It has taken its our energy industries for the long-term. Murray Rankin speaks with authority in cost overruns and compares those costs responsibilities as the official opposition Rankin moves neatly to a discussion these matters. As a he has acted as with the opportunities for cost effective very seriously and will displace the Harper of the NDP positions on pipeline issues, a negotiator, advocate and representative, savings and redistribution presented by government at the next election. Enbridge, et al and notes that NDP leader, looking at many perspectives of First encouraging lower carbon producing Rankin mentions that a recent study by Tom Mulcair, has consistently been a Nations policies. industries, for example. the Canadian Department of Finance, no fighter against environmentally dangerous He deplores the lack of federal Rankin sees the necessary redirection less, credits NDP governments across the extraction and transportation systems consultation with the AFN and mentions in spending priorities as an investment. Not nation with the best track record of public throughout his political career. He reminds the ‘Idle No More” campaign, current at a cost. fiscal management. that Mulcair resigned his cabinet position the time of the interview. His expertise and He returns to discussion of housing Management of the federal budgets will in , in the government of Jean longstanding concern is well known to the policy and says that an NDP government be handled with equal efficiency, Rankin Charest, rather than compromise his Friendship Centre in Victoria. will engage closely with a BC provincial says. strongly held environmental beliefs. Rankin sees the failure to respect and government, headed by Adrian Dix, to Murray Rankin seems to have hit the find ways to combat homelessness, using ground, running. Victoria has chosen well. ’ Bill C400 as a model for the For Rankin, personally, as a 36-year- creation of more affordable housing. resident of Victoria, it means many changes For Rankin, this is not a partisan issue. in routine. He has closed his law practice, End the exploitation of the mind in the waters. It’s an issue of concern to all, regardless of wishing to be entirely free of any suggestion Don’t buy a ticket! party affiliation, and he seems genuinely of conflicts of interest. at a loss to understand why any Canadian He’ll be mostly a weekend visitor for government would not seek to engage his spouse, Linda Hannah. He expressed Orca Network (Whidbey Island) constructively to solve these social his gratitude to her for enabling him to http://www.orcanetwork.org/ problems and inequalities. accept the opportunity to serve as Victoria’s The Orca Project (Florida) He mentioned that he has consulted MP and noted that she intends remain in personally and extensively with developers her career as Regional VP of the Nature http://theorcaproject.wordpress.com/ and property owners, seeking their ideas Conservancy of Canada, based in Victoria. and requirements so that the housing His sons are now grown and happily MarineLand Animal Defense (Niagara) needs of Victoria communities can be engaged with their own careers. The http://marinelandanimaldefense.com/ better served. youngest recently graduated from Harvard, Given his extensive experience and and is now job hunting, Rankin says. Bring L-pod orca Lolita Tokitae home to the Salish Sea background, Murray Rankin presents as the Rankin’s clear message now is that most unpretentious of people. A persuasive in holding Denise Savoie’s NDP seat in negotiator and litigator he certainly is, and this recent by-election, he was provided a there is no question that he has earned his chance to listen closely to the concerns and credentials in public service and as a QC. expectations of Victoria voters. the Published Weekly 381 Spruce Ave r But fundamentally his record shows that The next election will be a general Your Island Your Pape Gabriola, BC Flying V0R 1X1 he is a man of the people and will be a election and will change the government. The Voice of Gabriola since 1972 sincere and able representative of Victoria To be sure that we are able to address Shingle Contact: [email protected] residents, in Ottawa. Tom Mulcair as Prime Minister after the He is at pains to express his admiration next election it’s critical to understand that for the work of his predecessor, Denise the preference for a progressive new NDP The Flying Shingle’s commitment to Savoie, and promises that he will continue government is expressed at the ballot box our advertisers on Gabriola Island: her tradition to make himself regularly and and not just at political rallies. readily available to meet with constituents. It means getting out and voting. Murray • Your ad will stand out to potential customers because we limit He recalls the leadership of the late Rankin and Tom Mulcair understand advertising to 40 per cent of the newspaper’s total space. (Fifty . “A remarkable human being that low voter turn-out is the friend of the per cent is usually regarded as an acceptable rate.) and the antithesis of the ‘phony politician’.” Conservative party and the Conservative • A sassy, intelligent, well-written paper committed to For Murray Rankin, Tom Mulcair is a party is no friend of an equal opportunity journalistic integrity that attracts a strong and loyal worthy successor. “A warm and impressive Canada. readership. leader, doing a brilliant job”. Tom Mulcair Victoria has a sincere, exceptionally experienced representative, now, in • Classified ads focussed on local advertisers and Gabriola has shown himself to be more than a match for , says Rankin. Ottawa. customers. Rankin had no news to give when He’s an MP who will listen. He’s an MP Many of our readers tell us they read the Flying Shingle from cover asked if he had been offered or accepted who learns and he’s an MP who will not to cover, which means every page is a “good” advertising page in a critics position. tolerate the mismanagement of Canada’s resources while its citizens struggle for The Shingle. He observed that the NDP caucus was now rich with talent and as a “new boy” food and shelter. With a total winter distribution of 2,400 The Shingle is mailed out to every he would happily await any instruction and Murray Rankin expressed clearly that mailbox (1,850) on Gabriola, and distributed to newsstands around the preference of Mr. Mulcair. he is an optimist. With his energy and island. For Victoria voters and Murray Rankin, intellect we all can have cause, now, to be this is the beginning of what must be a optimists. Advertise in The Shingle. We deliver Gabriola.

Victoria’s new MP Murray Rankin takes the opportunity to meet with Mila Puharich, Canada’s first female apprentice Residential & Commercial • Service & Renos steel fitter. A locally owned & operated family business pic.twitter.com/jBQNConP Reliable • Priced Fair • Quality workmanship

250-727-3888 | [email protected] | www.fraserplumbing.ca Lower Island NEWS January 2013 Page 3

Idle No More in Victoria: Photo-story by Heather Tufts (See also Paul Manly on page 15) “The omnibus bills allow the Harper Government to continue its attack on our collective and inherent Title, Rights and Treaty Rights. The government has amended the Indian Act to allow for the leasing of reserve lands and imposed funding cuts to tribal councils, regional and national representative organiza- tions”-- Grand Chief Stewart Phillip.

My name is David Su- melth Dick of the Song- hees Nation. I’m silently protest- ing for Idle No More

Chief Theresa Spence launched her hunger strike on December 11 to bring atten- tion to First Nations› issues. She requested a meeting between Prime Minister Ste- phen Harper and First Nations leaders to discuss the state of treaties.

Idle No More was started in October by four women: Nina Wilson, Sylvia McAdam, Jessica Gordon and Sheelah Mclean to protest legislative changes, especially Bill C-45. Bill C-45 introduces changes to the Indian Act without consultation, as well as releasing protections from many navigable waters. The duty to consult is disap- The Harper Government intends to violate treaties and assimilate First Nations pearing. echoing the Liberal White Paper of 1969. The time for resistance is NOW and a new awareness is sweeping the nation.

ESQUIMALT-JUAN DE FUCA NEW DEMOCRATS! NOTICE OF DELEGATE SELECTION MEETING

A Delegate Selection meeting to choose delegates to the 2013 NDP Federal Convention will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013, at 2 p.m.

Meeting place: The parish hall of former All Saints Church, corner of Stewart and Pallisier Avenues, View Royal. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

The meeting will also discuss and vote on resolutions to be submitted to the Convention.

The Convention will take place in , April 12-14.

For more information on the meeting, phone Jock Bates (President) at 250-478-9735. For information on the Convention, visit montreal2013.ndp.ca/

The beating of drums, singing of traditional songs and flashmob-style round danc- ing signals solidarity with a movement that exploded with rapid momentum. Victoria Federal NDP Convention 2013 Delegates/Resolutions Meeting Guest Speaker: Murray Rankin, MP (Victoria)

On April 12-14, 2013, the next federal NDP Convention will be held in Montreal, Quebec. Visit http://montreal2013.ndp.ca/ for more information on Convention 2013.

All Victoria NDP members and supporters are invited to the Convention 2013 resolutions and delegate selection meeting. Only Victoria NDP members in good standing can vote for resolutions and stand for election as delegates.

Limited travel subsidies will be available to eligible Victoria Convention delegates.

Date: Saturday February 9, 2013 Time: 1:30pm-3:30 pm Location: James Bay New Horizons, 234 Menzies Street

We hope to see you on February 9 at this important meeting.

Idle No More is a grassroots movement committed to non-violent revolution to end Erik Kaye, President exploitation and has received international support from indigenous peoples world- Victoria federal NDP wide. 250-382-4370 or [email protected] www.victoriandp.ca Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous rights and Idle No More speaks out for justice, reparation of violations and the protection of Mother Earth. Page 4 January 2013 Lower Island NEWS

“Change is not made without inconvenience, even from worse to better”. The Lower Island NEWS --Samuel Johnson 1709-84 The Lower Island NEWS, in its 30th year of publication, is an independent newsfea- ture tabloid newspaper, published as often as financially possible, by the Lower Island Our view: News Society, Box 311, 2750 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4E8.

Time for real change Signed articles are the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Lower Island NEWS or the Lower Island News Society. Articles submitted Farewell 2012 - Hello Election Year 2013. Opinion polls tell us that a majoity of for publication are subjejct to editing at the discretion of the Editor. voters in B.C. hope it also means farewell B.C. Liberals and hello NDP. Even Les Leyne in his New Year column in the Times Colonist, said it is time for a Editorial Committee Chair: Sharon Hazelwood change. Editor: Dale Young Editorial Writer: David Olsen In politics, the problem is the word “change”, bandied about without any thought Book review and travel writer: Ron MacIsaac of what it might actually mean. One of the most hackneyed election slogans, Distribution: Jocelyn Floyer and others used by those who aspire to forming government is “Time for a Change!” Advertising: Marianne Alto, Starla Anderson, Elizabeth Brice, Allan Rarely are sound reasons advanced for this statement, just the inference that Contributors to this issue: Collier, Jean Crowder, Shannon Daub, Jack Etkins, Art Farquharson, Bo Filter, Randy change will make everything better, like a new car or new clothes. Glawan, , Marjorie Griffin Cohen, Jim Hackler, Eden Haythornth- waite, Hildegard Horie, Bev Horsman, Carole James, Seth Klein, Jonathan Lee, Jim To his credit, B.C. NDP Leader Adrian Dix has rejected the meaningless “time Manly, Paul Manly, George Mortimore, Ken Orchrd, Tim Pheotist, Carol Pickup, Peg for a change” rhetoric, stating that, “We have to take what we inherit and make Orcherton, Murray Rankin, Dermod Travis, Heather Tufts, Diane Walsh, Theresa it better,” recognizing that, like it or not, the BC ship of state is what the Liberals Wolfwood, and others. have built over the last 12 years and it is virtually impossible to build a new ship in time to avoid hitting some of the rocks ahead. Printed at the Nanaimo Daily News, Nanaimo, BC Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #40008124 Nevertheless, some fundamental changes are needed, not by tinkering with individual policies, but by changing the way that we and our governments think Lower Island NEWS Privacy Statement about the kind of province and country we want to be. The Lower Island NEWS is owned by the Lower Island News Society, a non-profit society registered under the BC Societies Act. The Lower Island NEWS collects and uses your personal information for the puroposes of mailing the paper to you, and may write to you from time to time to solicit donations. The Lower Island NEWS will not share this information with any other group. Much has been made of the Bhutanese measure of Gross National Happiness – measuring human happiness and well-being to determine national success, As others see it instead of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Bhutan approach is being ad- opted by governments at many levels worldwide and the NDP could well seize A challenge for the democratic left the initiative here. The hard bit is to get the message across in an environment of neo-liberal profit-at-any-price capitalism, without appearing wimpish or head Dale Perkins or “within our means”. That means less government, fewer regulations intending to in the clouds. We are continuously asked (some might spread the resources more evenly among characterize it as harassed) by nonprofits the whole population. The truth is that if a country has a healthy, well-educated population, decently and even my political party to “shell out” as housed and fed with a compassionate sense of community to protect itself much money as possible prior to the end For the politically Left, there is the chal- against natural and personal catastrophes or setbacks, then that country is of the past calendar year. Of course the lenge to hold onto the notions of a progres- going to score pretty well on all social and economic fronts. The difficulty is incentive is to get us to make our donation sive tax system (based on one’s ability to that in politics, the truth can be boring, and difficult to explain. It is much easier credited at Income Tax time as a charitable pay – the principle of the social democratic to trumpet that thousands of jobs are going to be created, than to explain who donation. or democratic socialist folks of the past), While I understand and appreciate this and to narrow the gap between the rich and these jobs are for (temporary migrant workers?), how society will cope with urgency, I am also overwhelmed as more poor. And with that lessening of the vision the resultant problems that may ensue (e.g. not enough doctors, overcrowded and more good causes come “on stream” and values of the democratic Left, we have schools, traffic gridlock, environmental degradation etc.). and each day my inbox was filled with last allowed the cheerleaders of the Corporate minute requests to increase my donations Elite to set the political and economic agen- But change we must – away from the corporate-driven obsession with endless, before the “end times” of another year. das. unsustainable growth for the enrichment of the few and towards a sustainable I am, however, noticing a change in my A second observation is we have al- system of human well-being. attitude towards all of these noble causes lowed the distinction between justice works soliciting my financial support. They make and charity to become blurred. Most of the me feel as though I’m a slacker for the level moral outrage gets focused on issues other If the NDP can win the provincial election in May, then the first change it should of financial support I’ve given throughout than disparity and injustice between people. make is to re-invent the provincial legislature. It is doubtful if the name could the year, and with that comes guilt – not Again, we have allowed the agenda-setters be changed, but the very definition of a legislature as “the state body em- a pleasant feeling on which to base readi- to dull over sensibilities around gross dis- powered to make laws” has created the ludicrous situation in B.C. where the ness to share my meager resources. parity and injustice here in this country – of- convening of the people’s representatives for discussion of matters affecting Two realities come to mind: first, the ten by comparisons to the way things hap- the people is a rare event. current mantra coming from all govern- pen somewhere else in the world. ments is we cannot afford our current level I don’t wish to trivialize the troubles The legislature presently sits at the whim of the Premier, with the sole objective of social services we’ve evolved over the experienced by people in the so-called past several decades in this country. “underdeveloped” world. I have seen and of passing laws that the Premier wants to have passed – and that’s it! Govern- Watching the political machinations witnessed atrocities happening to people ment of the people, by the people, for the people – not a chance!! The current south of our border simply reinforces this in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, South legislature sits for a few weeks a year, the Liberal house leader rams through notion that taxes must not be increased, America and other places. These are real new politically or corporate inspired legislation, the views of opposition MLAs and public spending must be dramatically people with lives that are being cast aside and the people they represent are ignored -- and that’s democracy B.C. style. reduced. (Just witness the current debate as of little importance (the words of Dick- For the rest of the year, the political journalists have nothing substantive to around sewage treatment in these munici- ens’s Scrooge come knocking on my con- palities). science) and therefore considered expend- report other than the musings (or ravings, depending on one’s point of view) of This has become widespread and isn’t able. Premier Christy Clark, who governs by diktat or order-in-council. confined to just one political party. In a very There cannot be peace on our planet real sense it is becoming the common wis- until those of us with more than we need The U.S. is no paragon of virtue but at least they have a “Congress” – a place dom of more and more people, as we allow willingly agree to share our resources re- where representatives of the people can engage in discussion. In the U.S. our governments locally, provincially and sponsibly and compassionately with those case, this discussion is often to no avail, but the concept that the meeting place nationally, to cut back on previously man- without. And that won’t be charity stuff, but of the people’s representatives is nothing more than a place to make laws (with dated public services. justice principles at work. And with that trend comes a wave of the attendant aberration of the representatives always being called “Lawmak- It is time for those who see themselves well-intentioned charitable agencies who on the democratic Left to step up to the ers”) is an affront to our modern sense of democracy. must rely on “user-pay” schemes to cover plate and demand a return to progressive the services along with bludgeoning us principles we are quickly losing in our cur- The transformation of the people’s representatives from members of an often well-intentioned people to dig deeper into rent social and political malaise that has rowdy, but spirited and independent assembly, to “Lawmakers” has increased our treasury and hand over more of it to our country by the throat. the attitude of arrogance displayed by many right-wing politicians, contributing these worthy causes. There isn’t much time (in the words of to the remoteness and insensitivity of government and probably caused the What doesn’t get exposed is that the ) “to make a better world”. alienation of many young people from politics. Just as we have fixed election powers that be are orchestrating this trans- fer of resources to match their own agenda, Dale Perkins is a retired United Church minister, dates, the legislature should have fixed sitting dates, spread throughout the which has everything to do with widening living in Victoria. year, when the Premier and ministers are required to be present to answer the gap between the well-off and the “have to concerns and needs of the people – from all political viewpoints. In other a little and want just a bit more” crowd. words, true accountability – about which we hear so much, but get so little. For the 1%, massaging this mantra serves their purposes very well, and they Once we get that sorted out, Adrian Dix and the NDP will be able to move on can keep their “hard earned” money and to many of the real problems that afflict our society, in both social and eco- the rest of us can learn to live with less, nomic fields. During the forthcoming campaign the NDP has to come across with some real hard truths – while avoiding being boring! Point one can be the Liberal obsession with taxes, taxpayers and tax cuts. Everyone is a “taxpayer” We welcome your letters to the editor, as well as articles and reviews, photos, -- even children pay the HST and other taxes. Tax cuts have got to be exposed and anything else you think would be of ii Star Columnist Bob Hepburn recently for what they often are – cuts to the services that they provide. reported that in findings that should disturb every politician across the country, a series of new national surveys suggest record numbers of Canadians are fed up If you are on a low income, old, partly deaf, can’t afford hearing aids or new with the state of our democracy spectacles to help you feel included in society, then think of the Gordon Camp- I would like to respond bell instant income tax cut when he came to power in 2001 – it has helped to keep you that way. So yes – we do need change, real change. --DJO Our “democracy is broken”. It was designedt’his way! The fault is party discipline

Lower Island NEWS OUR READERS WRITE January 2013 Page 5 Human trafficking in the Sinai Desert A bridge project in Life is busy, sometimes too busy. There are family issues, problems at Victoria shows how work, or local politics that keep our minds occupied. bad things are... In addition, through the media we are connected to the bigger world and hear Here in Victoria, our “leaders” are plan- news from faraway countries, where ning to spend ONE BILLION DOLLARS of there is war and human suffering. public money to make Wal-Mart “Our New Sure, we have to cope with our own City Centre”. challenges here at home; but does this The story is this: A $10 million bridge mean we can ignore what is going on in repair has been turned into a $92 Million other parts of this world? NEW Bridge that we shouldn’t have had Let’s take a brief look at Eritrea, Africa. to build for another 50 years. Also, this Eritrea has a population of about 3.5 mil- project has removed a much-needed rail lion people. According to the UN’s refugee bridge. Removing the rail bridge has elimi- agency about 3,000 refugees are cross- nated a $70 million «rail solution» to the ing the border to the eastern Sudan every city›s biggest traffic problem. They are month. proposing instead a $950 Million LRT to Human Rights Watch classifies Er- Wal-Mart solution that will probably finish itrea as one of the world’s most repres- off our downtown and make a Wal-Mart sive countries. To escape the pressure, Mall the new centre of the city. It is amaz- desperate, mostly young people entrust ing to watch them pull this off, with the truth themselves to guides to bring them to going almost completely unmentioned. safety; however, they often end up in And who are “they”? From what I can the wrong hands. Many children leave see, “they” are Big Business and the Cor- the country without their parents. If they porations that run this city. Also involved reach a refugee camp they are lucky -- Eritrea must cooperate in human rights dialogue, urges UN independent expert are the city’s Corporate-Media. The media many are sold by Bedouins into slavery are being brutally tortured and raped, then napped. They are selling everything they or hidden torture chambers. forced to phone home begging their fami- have; but often this is not enough. At the makes sure we citizens are told the right Like many others each month, Habtu lies to send money. end their child is killed and they lose not stories -- so we will think as we are sup- Zere Maram paid Bedouin people-smug- Ransom money can range from a cou- only their child but also all their belongings. posed to think, and do what they want us glers a high amount of money to take him ple of thousands to more than $40,000 for “Many, many, many times I have talked to do. Some senior city staff also played and his family on the risky journey to the one person. If they can’t come up with the with the Egyptian ambassador here in Ita- major roles, as did provincial and federal Egypt-Israel border. “I dreamt of leaving, money, they will be sold to other smugglers. ly,” said Father Mussie Zerai, who heads a politicians. And Our City Council. To put it because I want to live free. Most of the Er- When the women become pregnant after Rome-based refugee charity. “Sometimes politely, they seem to have been convinced itrean people think the same thing,” he said. having been raped repeatedly, additional they are passed from one gang of smug- that this expensive and unnecessary New These smugglers ask $2,500 - $3,000 money is demanded for the baby. glers to another,” he said. Bridge Plan was the way to go, and they to guide them through the vast land, of- “We have heard of mass graves of hun- The UNHCR estimates there are cur- manipulated us into doing what THEY ten leaving them in the night in the desert dreds of people,” says Shahar Shoham, rently more than 66,000 in the camps, and wanted done. They did not tell us the hon- or handing them over to other Bedouins, who heads Physicians for Human Rights maybe another 40,000 in urban areas. est facts, and the correct numbers, so we who then take them to hidden places, de- (PHR). In the open clinic run by Physicians could decide for ourselves. When forced manding additional money. Shoham adds: “We know the names of for Human Rights-Israel, thousands of - by law - into a Referendum, City Hall used If refugees look healthy enough, doc- the smugglers and their locations. We have migrants, who survived captivity and tor- our own money to mislead us. tors from Cairo come with their mobile briefed the Egyptian embassy in Israel but ture in the Sinai desert, were treated. Many people voted for their plan, believ- clinics to take kidneys, livers, and cor- so far the Egyptian authorities are not doing Shahar Shoham, director of the or- ing that a $92 Million NEW BRIDGE was neas from those captured while still alive anything...instead the ransoms are getting ganization’s refugees and status-less CHEAPER than a $10 Million REPAIR ... and leave them in the desert to die. Such higher and the stories of torture are getting persons department, said: “Out of 284 and the way the politicians and media pre- worse.” interviewed, 59 percent report being held organ “harvesting” brings an additional sented the numbers, it did look cheaper. amount of money, which is more lucra- Desperate parents at home are going captive in chains; 52 percent reported How crazy is THAT? And the destruction tive than drug smuggling. from house to house begging for ransom that they were subjected to serious vio- of the rail bridge is leading us into spend- Other captives are kept in chains and money for their children, who were kid- lence, including punching, slapping, kick- ing and whipping...” ing an extra $880 Million to move people Human trafficking is estimated to be AWAY from our downtown and TO a Wal- the third largest international crime indus- Mart Mall. This project is creating the future try, according to the United Nations Office of our city, and the public is simply never on Drugs and Crime. The mastermind told what is happening. behind the smuggling is General Teklai At least, that is MY opinion. I may be Kifle, commander of Eritrea’s Western wrong but I don›t think I am. I certainly feel military zone. His headquarter is near the let down and betrayed by this whole un- UN airbase in Sinai. Even though all this democratic process. is known, nobody is able or willing to stop BUT THE REAL PROBLEM IS THAT such cruelties and take those responsible THIS KIND OF STUPID THING is happen- to justice. ing at every level of our government and There should be international pres- in every part of our economy and society. sure on the United Nations and the Egyp- The corporations and their politicians and tian government demanding to free those their media are turning us into a 3rd world held hostage in the Sinai and prosecute corporate dictatorship. We can›t afford to the smugglers and those that assist them, put up with this anymore, because we are to bring an immediate end to the torture already on the edge of economic, environ- camps and the network of human traffick- mental, and social disaster, in case you ing, and to provide care for the torture sur- haven›t noticed. vivors. BUT THERE ARE SOLUTIONS: Clear- Letters can be written to: ly we need a media that will tell us the truth * John Baird, Minister of Foreign Af- about what is going on. And clearly we fairs, [email protected] * Ambassador Guillermo Rish- need a more democratic system of govern- chynski, representative of Canada ment -- where an informed citizenry has a © 2008 Natan Dvir (www.natandvir. to the United Nations in Ottawa, voice in what is happening. A free press will A girl’s dress caught on the Sinai border fence separating Egypt and Israel. [email protected] give us the information we need to make in- * David Drake, Ambassador telligent decisions, and more democracy of Canada to Egypt, cairo@dfait- will give us the power to make those intel- Friends of the Lower Island News maeci.gc.ca ligent decisions. After a lapse of four months, we are glad to be back! The temptation is great to remain silent, I will trust an informed public to take this A combination of various events, including lack of funds, forced the Editorial Board but as Edmund Burke once said, “The only country in the directions we want it to go to publish only three issues last year. However we hope to do better this year, with thing necessary for the triumph of evil is in, and to build a sustainable future. But your continuing moral and financial support. And we gratefuly acknowledge the that good men do nothing”. I am very tired of the corporate lies and financial help that the Friends of the Lower Island News were last year in For more information see CNN report- manipulation and corruption that seem to generously donating a total of $636 to help keep the paper coming. age Death in the Desert at www.youtube. be running Canada today. It is simply too com/watch?v=Uc1z2hswH9E and www. dangerous to allow that to continue, and we Final donors for 2012 were: youtube.com/watch?v=WWxaYq49_sg have got to fix things up. Jean MacIntyre, North Vancouver $35 Jack Etkin Forest Nelson, Victoria $75 Victoria Anonymous, Victoria $50 Canada’s shame If you like this issue of the LIN , want it to continue to be published and can afford to Mostly these people [Conservatives] give something, please consider becoming a supporting donor and send us a cheque, On December 15th, Canada’s with- make me really sick with their lies, con- whatever amount you can afford. All donations, large and small, will be appreciated. drawal from the will take tempt and complete disregard to the people If you would like to advertise in the LIN or know a business that might, please let legal effect. Canada will be the only na- of Canada. us know, as we as we always welcome new advertisers. You can reach me at dale_ tion out of more than 180 to legally exit the Perhaps we really deserve this for al- [email protected]. protocol. It is the first treaty in the history lowing them to be elected, but what can we New donations may be sent tothe Lower Island News Society at Box 311-2750 of Canada that we have ever ratified and do when only 25% of Canadians wanted Quadra street, Victoria, BC, V8T 4E8, and will be acknowledged in the paper. Please then repudiated and quit. This decision them anyway? indicate if you prefer to be “anonymous”. Unfortunately we cannot take credit card threatens Canada’s standing in the world Jeremy Arney donations, nor give tax receipts. Thank you again. and, more importantly, our children’s future. Victoria Dale Young, Editor, for the Editorial Board Don Bentley Victoria Page 6 January 2013 OUR READERS WRITE AND OP/EDS Lower Island NEWS Choosing between good government and party success By Jim Hackler tion in the future. Will the NDP resist field- much more information available to them the middle, probably a realistic long term ing a candidate in a riding where the Green than most voters. strategy. An NDP government in B.C. will As an NDP supporter for 50 years, I as- Party has a chance? It is more likely they Progressive MPs will and should dis- be pushed toward the middle. Satisfying a sumed that supporting the NDP would be will repeat the Calgary experience and help agree. Healthy debate and occasional majority and maintaining integrity can be the same as supporting good government. a conservative win. disagreement is part of good government. challenging. It will face choices between Recently, NDP leaders at the federal level It would help the country, as well as the The point is that the NDP should welcome job protection and the environment. have placed individual and party success NDP, to have another Green Party mem- Green Party members and genuine Liber- Some Green Party members in the leg- above good government. At the provincial ber in Parliament. Unfortunately, both the als (not our provincial pseudo-liberals) as islature could easily produce disagreement level, the NDP could fall into the same pat- Greens and the NDP are placing personal colleagues in government at appropriate on some issues, but could also yield intel- tern, seeking short term gain while doing a and party interests ahead of those of the times. ligent debate, as well as support for social disservice to the people of the province in public. They are also making both of their When I hear noises from the federal issues. the long run. parties less effective. NDP campaigners that they expect to form How could the provincial NDP give pri- The recent federal by-elections illus- Some thinkers among the Federal NDP the next government, I am dismayed. Jack ority to good government in the long term? trated the failure of leadership by both the and Liberal parties point out ways for pro- Layton’s success is commendable, but By providing genuine support for propor- NDP and the Green Party. Such short- gressives to stop shooting themselves in many new NDP members of Parliament are tional representation. True, many MLAs sightedness increased the Harper majority the foot, but the drive for party and personal the product of an opposition in disarray. We give lip-service to PR, but quibble over the in Parliament. success, at the expense of good govern- do not know what will happen if and when type, knowing that such quibbling will guar- I have received many calls for money ment, seems to take precedence. the Liberals get organized. But we do know antee no action, which happened the last from both the NDP and the Green Party. To In Calgary the political incompetence that many Canadians are leery of NDP fi- time the NDP was in power. what end? These pleas for more funds re- of the leaders of the progressive parties nancial policies. They may be quite wrong, Instead of wasting resources trying to flect a narrow minded push for the success added to the Harper majority. Maintaining as some Saskatchewan governments have undermine the Greens, the NDP could take of individuals. Little effort is being made loyalty to a party can be a virtue, but being shown, but the Federal NDP represents a the longer view: encouraging progressive toward cooperation to increase representa- stupid does not lead to good government. minority of Canadians—a progressive mi- thinkers to become involved in our Legisla- tion of progressive thinking. I am less concerned about a candi- nority, but a minority nonetheless. They tive Assembly, even when they disagree on Both NDP and Green Party leaders date’s stand on specific issues, although I contribute when they play that minority role some issues. In the long run, the country, have lost credibility. In the last federal elec- find it bizarre that on the issue of sewage, well. and even the NDP, would profit. tion in the Saanich-Gulf Island riding, the the NDP candidate was the only one to dis- The provincial NDP also needs to think NDP ran a candidate who had no chance miss sound science and instead is guided beyond the next election. Socialist victo- Jim Hackler is an adjunct professor in the sociol- of winning but, in a close race, could have by a man who dresses like a turd and does ries in usually led to a shift toward ogy .department at the University of Victoria. given the seat to Gary Lunn instead of Eliz- not understand biology. abeth May. In addition, a lawyer should be aware Fortunately, now rep- that large corporations are eager to control resents the riding and has done more for sewage treatment and water supply at the progressive efforts in Parliament than most municipal level. The vast expenditures in- The B.C. disadvantage for women MPs. It would be difficult to find an issue volved in the proposed treatment plant will By Marjorie Griffin Cohen wage workers either at or near the minimum where her stand differs to any appreciable certainly attract corporations. The impor- wage, keeping the minimum wage at $8.00 degree from the NDP. tant functions of sewage and water supply Women in B.C. may well decide who an hour for 10 years affected them. So too Recently, however, Ms. May lost cred- are at risk of being removed from public becomes the next premier. According to a did the $6.00 “training wage”, for the first ibility as a coalition builder by pushing control and given to for-profit companies. recent Ipsos Reid poll, most are not inclined 500 hours of work. While designed for teen- a Green candidate in the Victoria riding But being critical of each MP on specif- to support Christie Clark, and this could agers, it also affected female immigrants. where the NDP was strong. She has low- ics often ignores the reality that MPs must make all of the difference in the election. Christie Clark did change this in 2011 ered the likelihood of constructive coopera- deal with complex issues and usually have There is much speculation about why and the minimum wage is now $10.25, Clark is having such trouble with female but it is still far below a living wage, and voters. These explanations sometimes re- there is no plan for future increases. late to the economy (women do not rate Direct government action negatively af- economic performance as highly as men), fected the wages of public sector workers, Martinez or to women’s “quirks” (women are less who are predominately women. Early in the forgiving about Clark’s mistakes), or to mandate the government rescinded a col- their disapproval of her style of leadership. lective agreement and privatized many hos- Hardwood Floors These are simply guesses and while pital jobs, an action that affected more than some may have a ring of plausibility, 8,000 workers, most of whom were women. Specializing in New Installations & there is a more obvious explanation. In The wages of these workers dropped dra- Dustless Sanding and Refinishing general women have fared poorly un- matically and many lost their jobs altogether. der the governments of Gordon Camp- Other unprecedented legislation Phone: 250-590-6683 bell and Christie Clark, and many would made the work of teachers an essential Email: [email protected] have noticed this in their paycheques. service, which affected their right to bar- Web: www.martinezfloors.com The problem is evident when comparing gain on issues like wages and class size. the earnings of B.C. women with women in The majority of teachers are women. the rest of Canada. The average earnings In 2009 a two-year wage freeze was for all women in B.C. in 2010 (last avail- instituted for all public sector workers. able data) were $2,700 below the national Also, the reduction in labour standards Dave Connell Tutoring average for women in Canada. In both affected many women’s ability to work. B.C. and Canada wages (adjusted for in- One of the most difficult chang- Former Resource Teacher can teach most subjects flation) have improved slowly over the past es was the elimination of the require- from grade 1-12, carpentry theory and two decades and the income gap between ment for 24-hour notice of shift change, college/university essay writing. women and men has been reduced a little. but also significant was the reduction But throughout the 21st century’s in minimum work shift times from four Tutoring in my home or yours in the Victoria area. first decade B.C. women’s average earn- to two hours. These changes are hard- Phone 250-381-5997 or email [email protected] ings have remained substantially below est on women with childcare to organize. the national average, whereas women in Many programs and institutions that B.C. used to track the national average supported women were either eliminated for most of the 1990s. Women’s earnings or dramatically underfunded. Included also lag far behind men’s. On average they in this was any capacity the government earn only 65% of male earnings, while the had for dealing with women’s issues by Safety and Human Factors Consultant figure for all women in Canada is 68%. eliminating the Ministry for Women’s Equal- Call David Olsen For women working full-time, full-year ity and the Human Rights Commission. the picture is somewhat better than the Christie Clark has initiated both a 250-655-6218 average for all women (including part-time “families first” policy and policies to in- or email him at workers), although for all but three years in crease employment in the province. the decade this group of working women in Until these kinds of programs are de- [email protected] B.C. received less than the national average. signed to recognize the needs of work- The low earnings of women in B.C. ing women, and have specific goals to may be partially explained by economic improve women’s wages, women in B.C. recessions that have different effects on will continue to trail the nation in earnings. provinces, but in B.C., economy recov- Women are unlikely to support any gov- ery did not improve women’s earnings ernment that continues the restrictive wage Bill Hartley Insurance Services relative to the Canadian average, as could policies that so dramatically affects them. “Providing peace of mind since 1950” have been expected. This is probably be- cause of significant public policy chang- Marjorie Griffin Cohen is an economist who es that have restrained wages in B.C. is a Professor of Political Science and Gen- • Special Hobby Farm Packages When the current government was der, Sexuality and Women’s Studies at Si- mon Fraser University. The Canadian Centre elected in 2001 it began concerted ef- • Home • Auto • Commercial for Policy Alternatives has published her pa- forts to make labour more “flexible” and per BC Disadvantage for Women: Earnings • Travel • Marine • RRSPs responsive to employers’ needs. It also Compared with Other Women in Canada. It • Life • Mortgage Cancellation instituted measures to reduce what it con- can be found at www.policyalternatives.ca/ sidered to be a high wage economy. The publications/reports/bc-disadvantage-women effect on labour was direct and brutal and it often had the effect of targeting women. Bill Hartley Insurance Services These changes mostly related to the mini- mum wage, contracting-out, changes in 2420 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4L7 www.hartleyinsurance.com labour legislation to favour employers, and Phone 250-388-5014 • Fax 250-388-4277 Email [email protected] changes to other programs for women. Since women predominate among low- Lower Island NEWS OP/EDS January 2013 Page 7 “Caring about inequality: Faith leaders call for a poverty reduction strategy for B.C.”

As leaders in communities of spirit and faith, we are concerned about the new normal These choices flow from a belief system that holds economic growth as the ultimate in our society. Sights that should shock us to our core are hardly noticed anymore: a tiny, value and believes a prosperous business community produces growth that trickles down elderly woman rummaging through the garbage; a man sleeping on the sidewalk, shud- through society. Unfortunately, as the OECD secretary-general points out, the trickle dering from the cold; a young woman begging with a toddler clinging to her leg. At some down of wealth to the rest of society is just not happening. The theories behind the poli- point, as a people, we stopped noticing and caring. Now is the time to notice and care cies are “not working”. In fact, according to reports from the International Monetary Fund again. and the Conference Board of Canada, inequality can diminish economic growth. B.C. has the highest poverty rate in Canada and, before this year, had the highest rate Still, governments continue to invest public resources in efforts to entice business ac- of child poverty for eight years in a row. Poverty here largely affects the working poor. tivity to come or stay here. They provide corporations with infrastructure, tax concessions, Single mothers, Indigenous people, recent immigrants, refugees, and people with disabili- subsidies, favourable labour policies, and access to the natural resources of the com- ties are especially vulnerable. More than half a million British Columbians lived in poverty mons. As corporate incentives expand, funds for targeted benefits and essential services in 2010, the most recent year for which we have statistics. shrink. The resulting re-allocation of public wealth into private wealth has measurable The gap between the rich and the poor is also growing. A report by the Organization negative effects on equality, wellbeing, natural habitat and economic stability for all of for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) confirmed that the income gap in society, and means poverty for those on the lower tiers. Canada is at a record high, which places Canada 26th out of 34 countries. Within Canada, The OECD suggests remedies that echo the proposals of the BC Poverty Reduction B.C. has the largest gap between rich and poor. Coalition. Both recommend increased investment in integrated approaches to education, The poverty and inequality that such statistics represent is altering and distorting our starting with quality childcare and early learning and continuing into adult years; well- society. In 2009, British epidemiologists Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett found that vir- conceived income support policies and government benefits for low-income groups; and tually every marker of wellbeing in wealthy societies – from wellness, academic achieve- freely accessible and high quality public services in health and family care. ment and life expectancy to illiteracy, violence and mental illness – is affected not by how To have the most impact, these changes should be part of a comprehensive poverty rich the society is, but rather by how equal it is. Wellbeing for everyone improves with reduction strategy with legislated targets and timelines. B.C. is one of the last provinces equality, whereas societies with a bigger gap between the rich and poor experience more without one. Other places are saving lives and benefiting their economies by tackling social ills, affecting everyone, including the well-off. poverty directly, and are simultaneously improving the long-term health and wellbeing of The lack of comprehensive action from our provincial and federal governments sug- whole societies. As leaders and participants in communities of spirit, we believe it’s time gests they have not heeded these findings. The OECD report confirms that poverty and our province did too. inequality in Canada reflect intentional choices by governments. Prior to the mid-1990s, Instead of focusing on economic growth at any cost, we need to focus on the health our system of taxation and social spending was as effective as in Nordic countries, stabi- and sustainability of our society by bolstering the caring sector and upholding the strengths lizing 70 percent of the rise in inequality. Since then, the positive effects of redistribution we need to face the social and environmental challenges ahead. We seek leaders with the have declined by 30 percent. Current strategies are intensifying inequality instead of vision and courage to share with citizens the work of crafting an effective caring culture. easing it. The work of caring for one another is the work of healing persons, communities and our natural world. This is the kind of richness we really need. The holiday season is a time of year when our hearts are strongly moved by generos- Victoria designates Dec. 21 as National ity. We give because we care about those who would otherwise go without. In fact, B.C. is one of the most generous provinces in Canada if we compare charitable donations across Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day the country. But, now the holidays are over, consider how much more powerful and long- The US National Coalition for the Home- Nations has affirmed that housing is a hu- lasting the gifts of justice and equality would be. Making sure that everyone can have an less has for some years now designated man right. It also notes that December 21 adequate standard of living is the kind of gift that truly keeps on giving. December 21 as National Homeless Per- falls within seasons where generosity and We can give this gift together. Let’s make it happen. sons’ Memorial Day. A resolution brought sharing are more “top of mind” than usual, January, 2013 forward by Victoria Councillor Marianne when Victoria residents are more likely to Alto asked the City of Victoria to join com- commit themselves to acting with com- Signed by: munities around the world in making a lo- passion and concern for all our residents, Louise Mangan, President, InterSpiritual Centre of Vancouver Society cal proclamation recognizing this important especially those who are homeless. It re- Erik Bjorgan, Pastor, Deo Lutheran Church, Salmon Arm “remembrance day” for local homeless citi- marks with hope that the spirit of these Christine Boyle, Spirited Social Change, Vancouver zens who have lost their lives on the street. traditional holiday seasons will encourage Pastor Carol J. Dennison, Faith Lutheran Church, Powell River December 21 has significance in a extraordinary charitable giving and urge ev- Dave Diewert, Streams of Justice, Vancouver number of ways. As the first day of winter eryone to renew their commitment to end Susan Grace Draper, Faith in Action, Victoria and the longest night of the year, it starts a homelessness. Steven Epperson, Minister, Vancouver Unitarian Church time of severe hardship for homeless, un- By remembering those who have died Steven Faraher-Amidon, South Fraser Unitarian Church sheltered and inadequately housed low-in- on the streets, the cause of ending home- Gary Gaudin, Ordained Minister, South Arm United Church, Richmond come women, men and children in Victoria. lessness is kept urgent, as is Victoria’s col- Reverend Doctor Murray Groom, Minister, Sylvan United Church, Vancouver Island Marking a memorial day helps remind lective pledge to prevent any such deaths Jonquil Hallgate, Surrey Urban Mission everyone that stigma towards people who in the future. By formally remembering are homeless in our community continues our friends and neighbours who have died Joyce Harris, Sisters of St. Ann, Victoria to undermine homeless persons’ efforts to homeless in and around Victoria, Victoria Marianna Harris, Chair, Faithful Public Witness Community, Vancouver Burrard Presby- fully participate in our community, and that City Council became one of just a handful tery, United Church of Canada reducing homelessness contributes to a of Canadian cities to proclaim December Reverend Doctor Sarah L. Harris, Director, Compassion Globally, Vancouver better quality of life and a safer community 21 National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Laura Holland, a founding member of the Aboriginal Women’s Action Network (AWAN), for everyone. Day. Vancouver Local, regional and national research In so doing it challenged all residents to Hans Kratz, Chair, KAIROS Parksville/Qualicum has shown that adequate housing and a first pause and take a moment of silence in Hereditary Chief Phil Lane Jr., Four Worlds International Institute variety of support services are integral to remembrance on December 21, and then to Margaret Marquardt, Co-Chair of Eco-Justice Unit, Anglican Diocese of New Westmin- successful health promotion, and the well- act! And do all they can to eliminate home- ster being of individuals, families and the com- lessness in our community, to save lives Ric Matthews, Executive Minister, New Way Community, Vancouver munity, and that people who experience and make this a memorial that never need Rev. Dr. Gregory Mohr, Bishop, BC Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada homelessness have poorer health and of- happen again. Barry Morris, Longhouse Council of Native Ministry ten lack access to health service. The full text of the proclamation can be Reverend Doctor Harold Munn, Anglican Mentor-in-Residence, Vancouver School of The City of Victoria’s proclamation found at www.victoria.ca, under City Coun- Theology states that in Article 25(1) of its Universal cil Minutes for December 13, 2012, or at Barry Nelson, Cathedral of Mary Immaculate, Development & Peace Committee, Nelson Declaration of Human Rights the United www.facebook.com/Marianne.Alto. Sergio Petrucci, Prince George Diocesan Council for the Canadian Catholic Organiza- tion of Development and Peace Sandra Severs, Deputy Executive Minister, New Way Community, Vancouver You’re invited! Mary Murray Shelton, Minister, Centre for Spiritual Living, Vancouver Keith Simmonds, United Church Minister, Trail Social Justice Committee, Pilgrim United Church, Colwood Dinner with Adrian Dix Social Responsibility Committee, First Unitarian Church of Victoria and Saanich North and the Islands Eleanor Stebner, J.S. Woodsworth Chair in the Humanities, SFU Rebecca Tobias, Global Trustee, United Religions Initiative, Vancouver BC NDP candidate Gary Holman Peggy Wilmot, Faith in Action, Victoria

Juan de Fuca New Democrats will host their annual

Valentine’s Sweetheart of an Evening Dinner, Dance and Auction

on Friday, February 15

at the Olympic View Golf Club, 643 Latoria Road. Monday February 25, 6 pm Glen Meadows Golf & Country Club Cocktails at 6 pm Dinner at 7 pm 1050 McTavish Road. Tickets: $125,available through Jennifer Burgis at 250-881-8280

Single tickets $150 or table of 8 $1000 A fundraising event for Juan de Fuca NDP, Contact Allan Collier [email protected] or 250-656-6063 the dinner, dance and auction are always fun! Page 8 January 2013 FEDERAL NEWS AND VIEWS Lower Islands NEWS Getting my feet on the ground NDP questions government By Murray Rankin, MP normally be held in her Halifax riding. She By Jean Crowder, MP We said that it was not in the best interests answered that perhaps one or two would of Canada. There was no net benefit to Ca- This is my first opportunity to write in be held. Yet here in Victoria, we had eleven One of the issues New Democrat MPs nadians. We do not believe that this take- the Lower Island News in my new capac- all-candidates’ meetings! heard about the most from our supporters over should have been rubber-stamped by ity as Member of Parliament for Victoria. I knocked on thousands of doors and this fall was the sale of Nexen to China Na- the government and we profoundly believe I’m very grateful to the LIN’s editorial team one of the real joys of the campaign that tional Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC), a that Canadians deserve better than what for making this opportunity available to me I had not anticipated was the pleasure of state-owned enterprise of China. the government has been doing over the and I hope this is the first of many articles meeting very interesting neighbours and Early in December, the federal govern- past few years. that I will be able to contribute in the years working with people from so many walks ment agreed to the sale without explaining “New Democrats have always done ahead. of life, ages and neighbourhoods in this di- how it would benefit Canada – one of the the heavy lifting on the Investment Cana- What a remarkable few months this verse and caring community. requirements for allowing foreign corpora- da Act. We are the ones who raised con- has been! In some ways, the Labour Day People have asked me for my impres- tions of any kind to acquire Canadian com- cerns about the sellout of the Canadarm. weekend seems like a lifetime ago. I was sions since I arrived in Ottawa. It is remark- panies and control of Canadian resources. We were the ones who raised concerns in hiking in Valhalla Provincial Park when I de- able that the NDP now forms the largest of- In one of our last opposition days – our the House around potash. We are the ones cided to seek the NDP nomination for Vic- ficial opposition in a generation – 101 MPs, opportunity to raise issues for debate in the who fought in minority parliaments because toria in an effort to succeed our superb MP, with over half from Quebec. I have been House – New Democrats asked the federal we saw that those takeovers were not in Denise Savoie. made to feel very welcome in the caucus government exactly what is a net benefit to Canada’s interest. We were able, success- I had never sought political office be- and am very proud to be a member of Tom Canada. fully, with the support of millions of Canadi- fore, but I grew up in a family with a deep Mulcair’s team. It is a disciplined team, The motion we debated was: “That this ans across the country, to stop what would commitment to helping others. My mother with remarkable depth and energy. House agrees with the Calgary Chamber of have been egregious sellouts,” Julian said. often used to quote J.S. Woodsworth to us: From coast to coast to coast, the NDP’s Commerce, that is asking the government, He went on to point out that New Demo- “What we desire for ourselves, we wish for popularity continues to grow - we have with respect to the Investment Canada crats have been raising concerns about the all.” never been closer to electing Canada’s first Act, to: (a) clarify the net benefit test; (b) net benefit test for years. I continue to believe that those words NDP government. include parameters concerning reciprocity; “In 2010 under Jack Layton’s leader- capture our shared values as a party and a One thing is for certain: it is a very excit- (c) improve the transparency of decisions; ship, we brought forward a motion that community here in Victoria; what unites us ing time to be in Ottawa. and (d) set specific criteria for state-owned said we needed a clearer net benefit test is our desire to build a caring society. As I I was sworn in on December 12 and companies to meet regarding net benefit and a more transparent investment review watched these values come under increas- had the chance to pose my first question requirements for foreign company takeover process. We called for mandatory public ing threat in the last few years, the desire in the House of Commons during Question bids in order to protect the Canadian econ- hearings with affected communities, public for public service got louder and louder. Period that day. As someone later told me, omy from potential foreign government in- disclosure of all conditions attached to the The NDP nomination campaign started however, it is called Question Period, not terference.” approval of a takeover, along with enforce- with family and friends but quickly grew in Answer Period: the Government’s answer I would like to share with you some of able penalties for non-compliance. I will size and energy. A nucleus of friends, old was far from responsive. The following day what New Democrats said in the House come back to this in a moment. and more recent, took shape. Our team I had the opportunity to vote on several that day, starting with , the New “It is absolutely essential to have a func- faced some superb candidates who also measures before the House rose for the Democrat critic for Energy and Natural Re- tioning investment Canada process and re- sought the nomination in October: Charley holiday recess. sources. Here is some of his speech from gime, and to have it clarify that the goal of Beresford, Elizabeth Cull, and Ben Isitt. I spent the break with my family in the December 10 debate, taken from Han- the act is to encourage foreign investment On nomination day, we had record Victoria looking for office space and por- sard. that brings new capital and technology and crowds in attendance and I think our con- ing over résumés. Denise was very well “The Prime Minister had a few tough creates jobs rather than simply seeking test energized the party – both with new known for her constituency work. My goal words, basically saying that next time they control of strategic Canadian resources. ideas, new members and new supporters. is for Victoria to continue to have the best will have some kind of excuse to approve “We brought that forward because we It is fair to say that the by-election itself constituency representation in the country! these kinds of takeovers, but what the believe that foreign investment can be turned out to be more dramatic than many I am now headed East for caucus meet- Prime Minister signalled on Friday was that welcomed when it adds to technology and of us had anticipated. We certainly expect- ings in the lead up to January 28 when the Canada is for sale. When we look at the research and development and jobs in our ed the Conservatives, who had run a strong House of Commons resumes sitting. evolution of the government over the last country. However, we simply should not second in the previous two elections, to Let me close by once again thanking the six years, when we see that two-thirds of oil be rubber-stamping every single takeover have fared much better than they did. hundreds of people who worked so hard to sands production is by foreign companies, without a serious examination, and most But by-elections are notoriously difficult help me become a Member of Parliament. whether they are state-owned or not, what Canadians side with us on that. Canadians to predict. The Green Party ran a strong It is hard to imagine a more dedicated and we see is the very clear intent of the gov- believe that prudent public policy demands campaign with an excellent candidate in thoughtful group of people than those who ernment to sell off Canada, regardless of there be a transparent process and a clear Donald Galloway and a large number of made this happen. the consequences. definition of net benefit,” Julian said. dedicated supporters. To their credit, a While there’s no doubt that I am on a “We can say on this side of the House My colleague from Burnaby-Douglas, number of people who had not voted pre- steep learning curve, my goal is to live up to that the , the official Kennedy Stewart went on to raise concerns viously were motivated to vote in the by- the confidence that has been placed in me. opposition, consulted with Calgarians. I about the Foreign Investment Promotion election. I truly believe that together we can create a went out, as well as my colleagues from La- and Protection Agreement. Between the Green Party candidate more caring, just, and sustainable Canada. Salle-Émard, Scarborough and Vaudreuil- “Looking at the FIPA the government and me, we received over 71% of the entire Soulanges, and we talked with Canadians. signed with China, once takeovers by vote cast in the by-election, which is truly Murray Rankin is the newly elected Member of Chinese state-owned companies are ap- remarkable. I ran on a strong environmen- Parliament for Victoria. proved, these companies will be treated tal platform and have a long record of en- like Canadian companies. For example, vironmental activism. Of course our party CNOOC will gain powerful new rights to is also very committed to sustainability expand its control of the oil sands, such as and our new leader, Tom Mulcair, is a very buying new oil leases. This will undermine strong environmental advocate. Therefore, our ability to control the actions of foreign a combined NDP and Green vote of 71% is investors in our critical resource sector, strong evidence of the concern that people and it is a very good reason that we need in Victoria have for the environment. to clarify the investment act before, not af- But there is also a deep vein of compas- ter, approving these massive deals,” said sion in our community and a commitment to Stewart. social justice that has always been a core He went on to question the Conserva- feature of the NDP. tive’s own promise on preventing exports of Concern for the homeless and the lack raw bitumen. of affordable housing; the lack of affordable “On the second point I am going to refer childcare; the erosion of Medicare and the to a passage out of the 2008 Conservative Old Age Security regime under the govern- election platform entitled, “The True North ment of Stephen Harper; these were all key Strong and Free”. In ratifying the CNOOC issues in the by-election and issues that we takeover of Nexen, the Conservatives have must continue to work hard to address. broken their 2008 election promise to ban During the by-election campaign, I had the export of raw bitumen. There is a head- the chance to meet so many remarkable ing in their platform entitled, “Prohibiting the people. Victoria is such an engaged com- Export of Raw Bitumen to Higher Polluting munity! By way of comparison, I asked my Tony Sprackett photo Jurisdictions”, followed by text that reads, counterpart from Halifax, MP , A large and enthusiasti crowd of NDPers attended the nomintion meeting at which “A re-elected Conservative Government how many all-candidates’ meetings would Murray Rankin was chosen over Charley Beresford, Elizabeth Cull and Ben Isitt. led by Stephen Harper will prevent any company from exporting raw bitumen (un- processed oil from the oil sands) outside of Ron reports: Canada for upgrading in order to take ad- MURRAY RANKIN vantage of lower pollution or greenhouse Member of Parliament for Victoria A great day or two trip is to take the ferry gas emissions standards elsewhere”,” said to Port Angeles. That city has statues on Stewart. Constituency Office opening soon every corner plus a museum of outdoor for- At the end of a day of debate, the Con- est statues. servatives still refused to consider a clear The trip East to Port Townsend takes definition of the net benefit test for foreign Phone: 250-363-3600 you through the little city of Squim with its investment. Email: [email protected] outdoor wild animal park. New Democrats will continue to raise Web: murrayrankin.ndp.ca Townsend is unusual in that huge brick the questions Canadians are asking about buildings were built in anticipation of its be- these deals. coming the rail terminus for the great North- Your new representative ern Railroad. It never came about but the Jean Crowder is Member of Parliament for city is full of castles converted into hotels! Nanaimo-Cowichan and Aboriginal Affairs critic for the NDP. in Ottawa --Ron MacIsaac Lower Island NEWS FEDERAL NEWS AND VIEWS January 2013 Page 9 Cowichan MP and MLA present Queen Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca MP Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals On February 6, 2012, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II marked the 60th anniversary of report for year-end 2012 her accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada – an occasion marked only once before By Randall Garrison, MP decision, defeated it anyway. Another ex- by her great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, in 1897. 2012 was a busy year! In Ottawa, ample: a private members motion to insti- In celebration of this event, a commemorative medal was created as a visible and Thomas Mulcair continued to show Cana- tute a national anti-bullying campaign that tangible way of recognizing outstanding Canadians who have helped build and continue dians that the NDP is ready to replace the was also defeated by the Conservatives, to build this caring country through their service, contributions and achievements. Conservatives with a progressive govern- thereby missing an opportunity to really re- In a joint ceremony, Jean Crowder, MP for Nanaimo-Cowichan, and Bill Routley, MLA ment that respects democracy, promotes duce bullying. for Cowichan Valley, presented recipients with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee our economy, protects our environment As the NDP’s Public Safety critic, I Medal. and much needed federal services, and re- continued to show how the Conservative’s “My riding of Nanaimo-Cowichan has some outstanding constituents who have de- stores our standing internationally. supposed “tough on crime” agenda actually voted much of their time to their community,” Crowder said. “Our office received many The Conservatives continue to ram damages public safety while imposing high nominations and 30 constituents were chosen, by a selection committee of community through legislation that cuts services and costs on taxpayers. In the area of Correc- members to be awarded with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for their ef- puts Canadians at risk: cuts to EI recipi- tions the situation is becoming a crisis with forts and service.” ents, forcing people to work till 67, reduced over crowding and inadequate services “All B.C. Constituencies have been given the opportunity to nominate four recipients health transfers, destruction of habitat and for prisoners with mental illness leading to of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for their efforts and community service,” navigable waters protection....the list goes increasingly unsafe institutions for Correc- said Routley. “Our selection committee had the challenge of narrowing down the long list on and on. tions workers and inmates alike. of potential nominees; the chosen recipients have all contributed so much to our Cowichan And the list of Conservative decisions Ultimately this makes all of us less safe Valley in very many special ways.” that are contrary to our Canadian values as an increasing number of offenders are Crowder and Routley invited the recipients and their guests to an awards presenta- continues. Two examples: recently the completing their sentences without getting tion ceremony held December 17, 2012 from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Island Savings Center Conservatives defeated private members access to the rehabilitation programs that Mesachie Room, Duncan. Bill C-398 – the so call Grandmother’s Bill would help keep them from re-offending. that would have allowed significantly more Conservatives have also put national Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Recipients drugs to be sent to developing countries to security at risk with cutbacks to the budget Cowichan-Chemainus Recipients Catherine Marion Schmidt, Duncan, has combat disease and help prevent deaths. for border security. Joan Gillatt, Duncan, whose community volunteered in the arts and education fields C-398 was widely supported by internation- In my other critic portfolio on LGBTQ service includes Children and Youth Leadership for the past 17 years, working with the Special al health agencies, and even in the phar- issues, I have continued to work to make with Cubs and Brownies, 10 years as a Cowichan Olympics, Parent Advisory Councils and theatre. maceutical research industry, but the Con- sure all Canadians enjoy the same rights. School Board Trustee, four years as School Her contributions to these fields of endeavour servatives, in a mean-spirited, ideological My Private Members bill that would give District Board Chair. Joan spent nine years on are outstanding and she continues to give her transgendered Canadians equal protection Duncan City Council and she was awarded the time to the community. under the law continues to make its way highest honour the City of Duncan can bestow Steven Gergel, Duncan, is a legendary in- to the Royal Canadian Legion and her commu- “Freeman” also she has years of volunteer work structor in the Cowichan Valley. Through his nity is commendable. through the House of Commons. with the ,Cowichan Lodge Senior Care Facil- unselfish commitment and desire to see his Roy Hesser, Nanaimo, is a Nanaimo busi- During the past year I was proud to ity, Cowichan District Hospital Board, Cowichan students succeed, he has encouraged and sup- ness owner and a supporter of local organiza- award 30 Diamond Jubilee Awards to de- United Way, Community Futures, Duncan United ported thousands of students. These students tions and cultural events. Besides acting as a serving constituents in Esquimalt-Juan de Church and many other volunteer roles. continue to use the gifts and passion that were board member for the Nanaimo Bathtub Society Fuca who each helped make our commu- Betty-Anne Devitt, Crofton, who for nearly nurtured under his mentoring. and Masonic Lodge in Nanaimo, he is member of nity a better place. 25 years, six days a week, provided food ham- D.R. (Dan) Little, Duncan, is a prominent the Nanaimo Scottish Pipes and Drums. Locally, though unemployment remains pers and meals to the most vulnerable people in and respected member of the business commu- Linda Burwood, Ladysmith, is truly a com- too high and full time family supporting jobs our community as a volunteer leader and mem- nity and has committed much of his time to vol- munity volunteer having been active with the ber of the board of the Cowichan Valley Basket untary and community service in areas of busi- Brownie’s, the Ladysmith Fall Fair, and the Miss too rare, there has been some good news Society. ness and finance, education, hockey, and more. Ladysmith Pageant. Linda is an active member on the job front in this riding. I am pleased Chuck McCandless, Duncan, is a warm Laura Finch, Mill Bay, brings creative en- of the Legion Auxiliary and has played in the Pipe that the jetties at Esquimalt Naval Base soul and is a very special Canadian Mental ergy to solving social and environmental issues. and Drum band. will be undergoing extensive upgrades and Health Association Outreach worker in the Co- As a bridge-builder, she brings people together Emil A. (“Bud”) Septon, Nanaimo, as a that the federal government has adopted a wichan Valley. Chuck works tirelessly,ften behind across boundaries of race, language, political member of the Nanaimo Scottish Pipes and shipbuilding strategy that will result in long the scenes as he advocates for homeless people party and ideology. Her friendships with Co- Drums, can be seen taking a part in ceremonies, term skilled jobs at Dockyards. and he helps those who are in need wichan elders have nurtured a community of parades, and many other events. Bud also volun- Looking forward to 2013, I know my Michael Coleman, Duncan, a lawyer and “one heart, one mind”. teers with the Central Vancouver Island Multicul- community leader for 40 years, spent 22 years William Somerville, Lt. Cdr., Duncan, be- tural Society to welcome new Canadians.. constituency office staff will continue to as City of Duncan Mayor. He was instrumental in gan his career by joining the Sea Cadets and has Andrew Farrow, Nanaimo, in his short time provide top notch service for the residents the creation of the such agencies as the Hiiye Yu since spent much of his time giving back, acting as member and president of the Royal Canadian of Esquimalt – Juan de Fuca and my Otta- Lelum (House of Friendship, Cowichan United as Commanding Officer of the Pat Bay Training Legion Branch 10, took leadership to revive the wa staff will continue to support our efforts Way, Family Life, Big Brothers, Community Fu- Centre. In 2006, the new branch Navy League Legion’s activities. He assists and advocates for to oppose the Conservatives’ destructive tures, Legal Aid, Cowichan Valley Bar Associa- Cadet Corps was named in his honour. veterans and engages in efforts towards better- agenda in the House of Commons. tion , Cowichan District Hospital Foundation and Arnold Hepton, Duncan, has been an active ing the community through outstanding leader- I will continue to fight for E&N railway in 2010 he was awarded Awarded the honourary Rotary Club member since his time in the Royal ship. funding for southern Vancouver Island and designation of Queen`s Counsel. Navy. He has been active with many organiza- Robert M. Chow, Nanaimo, for the past 11n Hazura Sangha, Duncan, has been a board tions in the Cowichan region including the Salva- years has held the position of Service Officer continue to fight to preserve our precious member of Volunteer Cowichan for 10 years. He tion Army kettle campaign, Cowichan Sportsplex, with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 256. He West Coast environment; in particular I will is committed to literacy, multiculturalism, health, and Providence Farm, among others. has worked tirelessly assisting and advocating work to block increased tanker traffic and to and supporting students in his home village of Jim Harnden, Duncan, has been active in for veterans. Bob has also volunteered with nu- reverse the dismantling of federal fish habi- Langeri, Punjab, India. Hazura is committed to his community for many years. He has volun- merous organizations and campaigns. tat protection and enhancement. his community and is a model volunteer. teered with food drives, hockey events, parking William Brayshaw, Nanaimo, served in the Of course the most important job for the Leslie Sjoberg, Duncan, has been the presi- events such as the Carol Trains and Special Canadian Forces for 21 years and now serves first part of 2013 is for all of us to work as dent of the Cowichan Music Festival for 30 years. Woodstock, book sales, and visitations to ambu- his community as president of the Nanaimo Em- hard as we can to help elect a BC NDP gov- Besides her commitment to the arts community, latory Lions Club members. A community leader. pire Days Society, member of the Royal Cana- she was also a tireless volunteer for the Parent/ John Ryan, Malahat, has enjoyed a diversi- dian Legion, and president of the Queen’s Own ernment! Please commit to working hard Teacher Associations of her children’s schools, fied career that includes international experience Rifles of Canada Association. so we can elect a New Democrats in all the and for the Heart and Stroke Association. as corporate director, senior manager, public Mike Oliver, Nanaimo, is a volunteer at the Victoria constituencies. Samuel A. Beldessi, Lake Cowichan, was servant and entrepreneur. He has worked with Brechin Church Food Bank, serves on a Citizen Finally, congratulations and welcome to recognized by the Town of Lake Cowichan for his youth as a volunteer for mucht of his life and a Advisory Committee for Corrections Canada, Murray Rankin, our new Victoria Member of work and dedication in planning, fundraising and volunteer with many not-for-profit organizations. and is past chair for the CIBC Breast Cancer Parliament. Murray is an excellent person, overseeing the building of the affordable housing Foundation Run for the Cure. In , he was has decades of legal work and commitment complex for seniors, Evergreen Place. He is an Ladysmith-Nanaimo Recipients also involved with his union and Labour Council. to a sustainable future and is a well known active member of the Lake Cowichan Lions Club. Albert (Bob) Uden, Nanaimo, a retired Pastor Ernest Gray (ret), Nanaimo, served Lynn Morrison, Chemainus. Her volun- physiotherapist, has for over 30 years taken with the Christian & Missionary Alliance of Can- Victoria community activist. teerism began at an early age and continues leadership by volunteering his time to provide a ada for 41 years and was committed to serving I look forward to working with Murray today. It was her key initiative to found and main- free exercise program to seniors who have had as a chaplain for veterans. He is respected for here in the lower Island and in Ottawa. tain the Chemainus Harvest House Food Bank. major heart problems. At 84 years of age, Bob his leadership abilities and communication skills She has served on many boards and committees has no plans to terminate this valued program. and continues to serve his community as a re- Randall Garrison is Member of Parliament for spanning the arts, youth, environment, athletics Hugh O. Nisbet, Ladysmith, served on tired pastor. Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca. and many other sectors. the executive of the Royal Canadian Legion for J.S. (Woody) Hayes, Duncan, is a well re- many years. He was also involved with the Lady- spected community member and dedicated con- smith Historical Society, the Town of Ladysmith tributor to the accounting profession. His com- Revitalization Committee, the Old Age Pension- munity service includes founding the Duncan CA ers group, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Randall Garrison, MP Club and acting as Governor for VIHA. Woody Margaret Saam, Nanaimo, has volunteered supports the BC Cancer Agency with initiatives with the Nanaimo Community Hospice Society ESQUIMALT–JUAN DE FUCA such as the Lee Hayes Golf Tournament. for 30 years, which she also helped found. She Roy Large, Duncan, has been a volunteer also volunteers with the Nanaimo Hospital Pallia- We’re here to help constituents with Federal with St. John Ambulance for 48 years. In this role tive Care Unit and teaches new volunteers. he has been dedicated to fundraising, attending Gail Adrienne, Nanaimo, is a community government programs and services. various events to provide first aid services, and builder who has dedicated her life to creating enabling cadets to further their first aid knowl- self-sustaining communities. She has been in- address: A2–100 Aldersmith Place edge. A tireless volunteer for his community. volved in the development of a wide range of Victoria V9A 7M8 Violet George, Duncan, a Cowichan Tribes community programs for over 40 years, ranging elder, was a 30-year volunteer for the Tiny Tot from issues of health, environment, First Nations hours: 10am–4pm, Monday–Thursday Nursery in the 1960s, while raising her 12 chil- leadership and many others. or by appointment dren. She offers her home to visitors and for vari- Vicki Suddaby, Cedar, is very involved with ous community events. Violet voluntarily teaches the youth in her community and has committed phone: 250-405-6550 the Hul’qumi’num language and culture weekly. much of her time to ensuring they have a safe email: [email protected] Sandra Heydon, Chemainus, has been a place to spend time by raising community sup- fax: 250-405-6554 pillar of the Chemainus community since her port and funding for a skate park in Cedar. arrival in 1955. Her community involvement in- Kay Platt, Ladysmith, has been a member follow us on facebook! cludes the Festival of Murals, Chemainus Health of the Ladysmith Legion Auxiliary for 60 years. Care Auxiliary, and the Chemainus Seniors Cen- During this time she has held many executive tre. She also plays piano for local seniors. positions and is still on the job. Kay’s dedication www.randallgarrison.ndp.ca Page 10 January 2013 PROVINCIAL NEWS AND VIEWS Lower Island NEWS Enbridge Northern Gateway Project hearings Oral presentation made to the Joint Review Panel January 4 As hearings resume, Liberals prove they’re ready to By Carol Pickup resources to create jobs elsewhere. We sell out B.C. for Enbridge pipeline should also be giving more attention to de- I would first like to thank the panel for this veloping alternate sources of clean energy VICTORIA -- As the National Energy deadline to provide evidence to the opportunity to address you today to take us into the future and reduce our car- Board hearings into the proposed Enbridge review panel and fought to keep their I would also like to acknowledge that bon footprint in the world. Northern Gateway Pipeline resumed the own internal assessment of the project this meeting is being held on Coast Salish We should be doing this to create a more first week of January in Victoria, the B.C. a secret. traditional lands. sustainable and healthy future for our chil- Liberals continue to demonstrate they are • While both Alberta and the federal I am very interested in this project as a Ca- dren, our grandchildren and future genera- willing to sell out British Columbia for the government have been full participants nadian senior, born in Victoria, B.C. and a third tions to come. right price. in the review process, the B.C. Liberals generation member of my family to be born here. A question I would raise for the people After the premier failed to cut a deal refused to allow their own government Because of my experience as an elected munici- and government of Alberta is what will the with Alberta for a share of that province’s experts to act as witnesses. pal councillor in the municipality of Saanich for 18 future of Alberta look like after the rapid ex- royalties, Environment Minister Terry Lake • The Liberals made the untenable years, I have continued to have a keen interest in traction of fossil fuels from the Tar Sands? I said January 2 that the Liberal government claim that they could stop the pipeline political decisions affecting not only my commu- see this rapid extraction as an environmen- would be open to receiving federal infra- after it gets approval by denying provin- nity, but communities across B.C. and Canada. tal and social disaster with wasted water re- structure money for B.C. to satisfy one of cial permits or withholding electricity. My experience from 1987-2005, as a policy sources, contaminated lakes and lands, and their “five conditions”. In fact, Lake said Unlike the premier’s constantly evolving maker and the chair of our Healthy Communities having negative impacts on First Nations that building the pipeline “certainly can be position on Enbridge, Adrian Dix and B.C.’s project in Saanich, has led me to support open, lands and culture in particular. a possibility”. New Democrats have stood with business- transparent and consultative decision making at We do not want a repeat of this in B.C. as Although British Columbians have es, First Nations, communities and ordinary all levels of government. As we often reminded a result of the building of the Gateway Proj- made it clear the B.C. coastline is not for citizens in taking a principled, consistent ourselves in Saanich,”Process is as important, if ect pipeline across sensitive natural areas, sale, the Liberals have failed to stand up for stance against the pipeline and increased not more important than product.” impacting humans and wildlife, and then the the province’s best interests from the start: tanker traffic on the North Coast. In my opinion, with all due respect to the dangerous shipping by super tankers along • The B.C. Liberal government Adrian Dix has said that if elected, B.C. panel, the process that has been established to our ecologically sensitive west coast. handed over decision-making power New Democrats would take practical steps examine this very important issue is inadequate, The record of Enbridge has been well to Ottawa when they signed the 2010 to protect our province, including exercis- lacking in transparency and openness and ap- documented and is one fraught with prob- Equivalency Agreement. ing the right to opt out of the federal gov- pears to be biased in favour of Enbridge, the only lems, with no reassuring corporate initia- • Premier Clark and the Liberal gov- ernment’s review process and setting up applicant recognized by the federal government. tives to improve this record by using sus- ernment wasted months avoiding taking a rigorous “made in B.C.” environmental After examining as much information as tainable principles and clear remediation a stance on the project. assessment that ensures the voices of all possible about this Enbridge Northern Gate- planning to address the very real negative • The government missed the British Columbians are heard. way Project, including the very expensive ad- consequences of oil leaks or spills to the vertising we have been inundated with by the environment in B.C. and indeed to our B.C. proponents, I have concluded that this project economy. Victoria hearings demonstrate B.C. is not a positive one for B.C. or Canada. I would also like to support and com- I believe strongly in triple bottom line think- mend to the Panel the comments placed on government surrendered jurisdiction ing when major decisions like this one are the written record by the following interve- being made. By triple bottom line, I mean ex- nors; over Enbridge pipeline process amining the environmental, social, cultural and 1.Elizabeth May--my M.P. for Saanich- economic impacts and looking at these poten- Gulf Islands 2.The B.C. New Democrat Of- VICTORIA – The decision to keep the are allowed to observe the proceedings tial impacts in an integrated fashion and not just ficial Opposition public out of the Victoria Enbridge hearings first-hand.” looking at one of these impacts in isolation. 3.The submission by the Union of B.C. is yet another example of the B.C. Liberal Observers are not permitted inside the To date my observation is that the federal Municipalities 4.Opposition to this project by government having no jurisdiction over hearings in Victoria and Vancouver, and are government, the Alberta government and to a 130 First Nations in B.C. a process that will affect the future of our asked to watch the proceedings on a televi- large extent the B.C. government, have only In summary, I strongly believe with the province, says New Democrat environment sion at a location several kilometres away. focused on the narrow, short term economic majority of my fellow British Columbia resi- critic Rob Fleming. Fleming was able to attend a portion of benefits of this project, while largely ignoring dents, that this Enbridge Northern Gate- “Since the B.C. Liberals handed over the hearings the night of January 9 only as the big picture. way Project is not in the public interest and decision-making power to Ottawa in the a guest of a constituent who was registered I also believe that the economic arguments will have far reaching negative environmental, 2010 Equivalency Agreement, it’s been to present to the panel. for this project are seriously flawed. social, cultural and economic impacts on B.C. clear that the Enbridge pipeline project has “I was impressed by the presenters who Canada needs a national energy plan and Canada and should not be approved. It is a been a federal process without a govern- all spoke articulately and passionately on and policies which promote Canadian in- disgrace that our B.C. provincial government did ment to stand up for B.C.’s interests,” said the risks the Enbridge pipeline poses to terests first, including using our energy re- not seek participant status and has failed to ex- Fleming. our environment, jobs and economy,” said sources to promote jobs and manufacturing ercise its intervenor status to fully represent the “It speaks volumes that the Liberals Fleming. “These people are standing up for in Canada, instead of shipping out our raw interests of the people of B.C. can’t even step in and ensure the public B.C. because their government is not, and they know it’s time for change for the bet- ter.” Fleming noted that New Democrats BC Government approves Upper Lillooet have taken a principled stand against the Enbridge pipeline, and have actively sought to participate in the process every step of 121-megawatt independent hydro project the way. The environment critic has regis- tered to present to the panel in Vancouver. VANCOUVER – Despite wide-ranging The 121-megawatt independent power “If Minister Lake has his feet on the “The Liberals, by contrast, have not only opposition from local residents and envi- project (IPP) consists of three run-of-river ground, he should be aware of govern- avoided taking a position, but are prepared ronmental groups including the Wilderness hydro facilities located on the Upper Lillooet ment documents showing ‘considerable to sell out our pristine land and coastline for Committee, the BC Environmental Assess- River, North Creek and Boulder Creek, and non-compliance’ at operating IPPs, partic- the right price.” ment Office has announced its “conditional” is located in fish habitat including Coho ularly in the Sea-to-Sky district. Given that Adrian Dix has said that, if elected, approval of the Upper Lillooet Hydro Proj- salmon and trout habitat. The project would knowledge, I’m asking the minister why he B.C. New Democrats would take practical ect. dramatically reduce the flow of iconic Key- has approved this project,” Barlee said. steps to protect our province, including hole Falls. The approval of this project also draws exercising the right to opt out of the federal The conditional Environ- attention to the completely inadequate government’s review process and setting mental Assessment Certifi- oversight on IPPs by both federal and up a rigorous “made in B.C.” environmen- Proudly cate – granted on Thursday, provincial bodies, particularly considering tal assessment that ensures the voices of Representing Esquimalt January 10 – includes 37 con- recent budget cuts and changes to the all British Columbians are heard. ditions to be monitored by the Maurine Karagianis, owners, Ledcor and Innergex MLA Renewable Energy Inc. How- ever, the majority of these Esquimalt-Royal Roads conditions are weak and un- Relying on the kindness of members likely to result in meaningful By Allan Collier Our members did not disappoint. Three 250 479 8326 mitigation of environmental major fundraising events alone brought in more than $15,000. Pre-authorized contri- [email protected] impacts. What a new year we have entered! A statement from the En- Change of government. Change of atti- butions (PACs) provided a monthly income www.maurinekaragianis.ca vironmental Assessment Of- tude toward the people of British Columbia. of $900. NDP booths at the Saanich and fice said that “the project is Change of priorities so health of communi- Salt Spring Island fairs were only possible not expected to result in any ties matters as much as health of corpora- because of members who engaged the significant adverse effects, tions, public services trump privatization public as Irene Wright offered tasty “politi- cally correct” vegetables. based on the mitigation and principle replaces rhetoric. Our members, young and old, new and measures and conditions Saanich North and the Islands NDP longtime, march, write, phone and meet to of the Environmental As- members have been working hard this past year to ensure history is made in their di- advocate for the principles and priorities sessment Certificate.” verse riding – to elect Gary Holman their that define them as New Democrats. “To say that this project first NDP MLA since this riding was formed. As a constituency, Saanich North and will not have ‘significant Success depends on many things – a the Islands enters the new year organized, adverse effects’ disregards commmitted executive, eager election committed and prepared to make history. a mountain of evidence planning committee, a seasoned candi- They know their strength lies in their mem- that has emerged about date, remarkable fundraising and volun- bers. the environmental impacts teers, volunteers, volunteers. They have relied on their kindness, of private run-of-river proj- Throughout 2012 the call went out to spirit and generosity in the past. They will ects,” said Gwen Barlee, members – attend this, contribute to that, again this year as they ask for their time, policy director with the Wil- sign up, renew, spread the word, be here, talents and money to reach their goal to derness Committee. be there, donate and be aware. elect Gary Holman. Lower Island NEWS PROVINCIAL NEWS AND VIEWS January 2013 Page 11 Imagine a city where nobody is homeless By Carole James tal health services, law enforcement, shel- For the Greater Victoria Coalition to End ters and food banks for homeless people. Homelessness Society, it’s not a dream. It Providing adequate support and housing to is a mission to end homelessness by 2018. homeless people can save taxpayers more And it’s a vision of a place where all people than 50 cents on the dollar over the current facing homelessness have access to safe, approach. affordable, appropriate, permanent hous- Yet governments have been slow to rec- ing, and the support services they need. ognize the benefits, and implement policies The Coalition is one of the tremendous to encourage more affordable housing and organizations in our community working help ensure individuals and families make diligently to address this serious issue. a wage they can live on. Our community All across Canada, homelessness has in- needs resources for subsidized housing, creased with changes in the supply and rent supplements, and programs to assist availability of low-cost and affordable hous- groups at particular risk including First Na- ing. tions and youth. Greater Victoria has one of the greatest While decision-makers have been drag- gaps between average income and hous- ging their feet, community leaders have Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA Carole James (second from right) spent time over the ing costs of anywhere in Canada. Although stepped up to make a difference. I recently Christmas season with some of the many volunteers at Our Place, which offers a vacancy rates across the region have in- met with four members of KPMG’s Victoria sense of belonging to Greater Victoria’s most vulnerable citizens. Our Place pro- creased, so have rents, meaning that many team who are committed to giving back. vides a home, nourishment and hope through living, sharing, learning. people still cannot afford current market KPMG shows exceptional commitment rental rates. by supporting its employees in their com- The Coalition knows that the solutions munity endeavours. Gordon Gunn is trea- to end homelessness are diverse, and we surer of the Greater Victoria Coalition to all have a role to play. That means all levels End Homelessness; Sang-Kiet Ly is trea- BC Forestry Iidustry lobby boasts of government, community agencies, busi- surer of Pacifica Housing; Robert Ashwin is nesses, the faith community, post-second- treasurer of Habitat for Humanity; and Scot about spotted owl protection ary schools and private citizens working to- Hooker is treasurer for Our Place. Reality check: 12 spotted owls remain in wild in BC – logging primary cause of decline gether to identify and implement solutions. Their respective housing-focused or- By building partnerships, the Coalition ganizations are working hard to make safe VANCOUVER – In a recent newsletter “Saying that the spotted owl is an exam- is making a difference. For instance, eight and affordable housing a priority issue in from B.C.’s Coast Forest Products Asso- ple of good forest stewardship is like saying organizations have come together in its our community. It’s vital that the province ciation, the timber lobby group claims the a heart attack is an example of a healthy Streets to Homes initiative that has moved and the federal governments join with these industry has had a decade of “success” in diet,” said Gwen Barlee, policy director with more than 100 people directly from cyclical amazing partnerships to build on the prog- protecting species at risk, such as the criti- the Wilderness Committee. homelessness to private market housing. ress made so far. That’s the surest way we cally endangered Northern spotted owl. “Scientists acknowledge that the spot- The Coalition and 10 partners have joined can all reach towards a Victoria in 2018 “Our success in B.C. in protecting spe- ted owl is hovering on the brink of extinction together in the Homelessness Prevention where nobody is homeless. cies like marbled murrelets, spotted owls, in Canada because of poor forestry practic- Fund (HPF) to provide emergency assis- Vancouver Island marmots, northern gos- es. It is a well-known fact that forestry com- tance to individuals and families in financial Carole James is MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. hawks, tailed frogs, Grizzly bears and oth- panies target the same old-growth forests threat of losing their housing. ers is evidence that populations of species these owls need to survive.” These approaches not only help those at risk can be managed well without dis- British Columbia is one of two prov- in need and address a crisis in our commu- abling huge tracts of land,” read the news- inces with no endangered species legis- nity; they also make a lot of sense. After all, letter. lation, and it is home to 1,900 species at it’s much cheaper to provide a The statements were included in the risk. B.C. has been heavily criticized by the homeless person with a place Fall 2012 publication distributed by the environmental community for having no en- to live than to deliver a patch- lobby group, which recommended “im- dangered species legislation, instead rely- work of emergency services. provements” to the federal Species at Risk ing on a patchwork of weak regulations and That’s one of the conclusions Act. The Association suggested that the voluntary measures. of a new study by the Canadi- federal government follow the example of Scientists estimate there are just 12 an Homelessness Research B.C. in protecting species at risk by cham- spotted owls left in the wild in B.C. – the Network, which looked at data pioning voluntary measures and best man- only place they are found in Canada. His- from across Canada and the agement practices instead of a prescriptive torically, B.C. was home to about 500 . law. breeding pairs of spotted owls. The research revealed that governments spend more than $4.5 billion a year on www.billroutley.com Councils and boards need to stop emergency health care, men- questioning Question Periods

VICTORIA – IntegrityBC is calling on a Question Period at board meetings. the B.C. government to amend the applica- Last May, IntegrityBC made a presen- ble legislation to make public Question Pe- tation at the board meeting advocating in Carole James, MLA riods mandatory at local council and school favour of a Question Period. board meetings governed with a common When more and more district and city Victoria-Beacon Hill set of rules. councils and school boards are finding “The patchwork quilt regarding Ques- ways to get closer to the citizens that they tion Periods across the province is effec- serve, it almost seems medieval for some tively making some citizens less equal than to leap back to the past by designing new 1084 Fort Street others,” said IntegrityBC executive director techniques at restricting citizen involve- Victoria, BC V8V 3K4 Dermod Travis. “What isn’t rocket science ment. Phone: 250.952.4211 is effectively being made into it by a few lo- cal councils and school boards who seem Dermod Travis is executive director of Integri- Fax: 250.952.4586 more afraid of local citizens than democ- tyBC, and can be reached at 250-590-5126. For Email: [email protected] racy.” www.carolejamesmla.ca After cancelling its oral Question Period in January, the District of Lillooet is now moving to a hybrid form of Question Period Ron reviews: Here to serve you at my Community Office where citizens will only be able to ask ques- THE ART OF THE IMPOSSIBLE, by tions if they pertain to items on the council G. Meggs and R. Mickleburgh, HAR- agenda and if they have been submitted in BOUR PUBLISHING writing on the Wednesday immediately be- MLA Juan de Fuca fore the meeting. This long overdue book sets out “It’s difficult to imagine NDP leader Adri- the establishment of the famed and an Dix agreeing to similar rules if the B.C. unique B.C. Agricultural Land Reserve Our Office is Open Liberal government tried such a stunt,” said by Dave Barrett’s short lived govern- Travis. ment and which was defeated, some to Serve You In response to growing demands for believe, via the efforts of the powerful a Question Period at the Victoria School Fraser Institute. 800 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, V9B 2X7 Board, a majority of trustees have once Barrett also set up the B.C. ambu- 250 391 2801 again shuffled the proposal off to another lance service and was big one college group to study even after the first study creator. [email protected] showed that Victoria was only one of two --Ron MacIsaac www.johnhorgan.ca boards out of 21 surveyed that did not have

JH-LIN-1212.indd 1 12/17/12 2:11:53 PM Page 12 January 2013 EDUCATION NEWS AND VIEWS Lower Island NEWS Working “outside the box” to educate voters so the majority of school trustees welcome the public’s input By Starla Anderson jority of trustees said, “No more cuts to pro- change in government, with the hope that they voted to write to then Minister George grams, no more arguments about school there will be the return to a co-governance Abbott arguing that the three-student limit When I first moved to Victoria, I knew closures.” model and then I will be able to act on be- of special needs students in a classroom it would take a lot of effort to make this city Their requests to meet with then Edu- half of our community. Every district has was discriminatory. feel like home. As a teacher and consultant cation Minister George Abbott to discuss unique needs and local decision-making is Abbott agreed and within weeks, the for more than 30 years with, a Doctorate of shortfalls received no response and, as most effective.” limits were erased with Bill 22. Many par- Education in Language and Literacy from warned, they were fired for not submitting Trustee McNally: “The British Columbia ents of children with special needs tearfully UBC, I believed I had much to offer as a a balanced budget. Surrey Superintendent School Trustees Association (BCSTA) tells protested at Board meetings with the argu- school trustee and it would be a way to Mike McKay was then appointed to over- us at every turn to stay out of the day-to- ments that these children needed adapted learn about my new home. see budgetary decisions. day business and politics and just deal with instructional approaches and would not be I ran for that office in November, 2005, By the end of the summer, Minister how to parcel out the money. A keynote successful in mainstream classrooms if ad- only two months after I moved here, and Abbott announced that he would not seek speaker at a recent conference advised equate support was not in place. not surprisingly, I was not elected, but my reelection, and Don McRae was appointed trustees to “stay in the helicopter and don’t This fall was the first time in more than interest in public education did not wane. A Minister of Education. McRae has attempt- get down on the ground with the firefight- a decade that class size and composition friend asked me three years later if I might ed to appease the people of Cowichan, ers. You need to have the overview, the big numbers were not required to be presented run again with the support of a coalition of who are understandably upset about not picture to send out resources.” I comment- at the Board’s September meeting. With teachers, parents, and business people liv- having elected trustees to represent them ed that the helicopter is running out of gas their successful appeal to Minister Abbott to ing in the region—the Victoria Public Edu- in current district policy discussions, and he and we’re going to crash. How will I know eliminate class-size-and-composition legis- cation Coalition (VPEC). has set a November, 2013, date for a new anything about the realities of need if I don’t lation, these trustees have left children— Jessica Van der Veen, the BCNDP can- school board election in the district—a year get down there?” not just in this school district but across the didate for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, was one before the next province-wide municipal province—without the supports they need. of the founding members of VPEC. She elections. In the meantime, Trustee Mike My second question to trustees came Opposition Leader and NDP party writes, “I got involved with VPEC in the McKay is overseeing district meetings to out of the recent Supreme Court decision leader Adrian Dix has said on many occa- course of working to protect public school determine cuts in the budget for the next that the North Vancouver School Board ne- sions that if the NDP forms the next gov- lands across BC. Fairburn School (which school year. glected to provide adequate learning sup- ernment, the class-composition issue will was sold) and Richmond School (which Eden Haythornthwaite, the fired chair port for grade-three student Jeffrey Moore, be resolved. Dix has forthrightly told the was saved) introduced me to the dilemma of the Cowichan School Board, comments, who had been identified as having dyslexia. business community that corporate taxes that trustees were facing. I hoped to unite “Sadly, the appointment of Mr. McKay—a The Supreme Court’s unanimous deci- will be raised, and this is a signal that our the community (trustees, citizens and par- vocal proponent of the privatization of edu- sion argued that “Adequate special edu- public-school crisis will be turned around. ents) to protect school lands. VPEC readily cation and the highest paid educator in the cation … is not a dispensable luxury. For We do not want to be known as the embraced the urgency of protecting public public system in B.C.—has served to em- those with severe learning disabilities, it is province with the lowest taxes, as the Lib- school lands and worked diligently on the phasize the deep dysfunction of previous the ramp that provides access to the statu- erals so proudly advertise; we want to be issue. We learned a great deal and I was elected boards who simply did as they were tory commitment to education made to all known as the province with thriving public able to communicate strategies to activists directed by managers who had no account- children in British Columbia.” Judges stated institutions. across BC. Liquidating assets to create the ability to the community through the ballot that spending cuts “were disproportionately But in addition to improved funding, illusion of a balanced budget is one of the box. The very minute a board stood up as made to special-needs programs, without meaningful channels of communication B.C. Liberals’ most shameful legacies, and Cowichan did and attempted to change the any assessment of the impact on students.” must be established between elected I am proud that we slowed them down and path of funding and governance in the dis- The district was criticized for closing the Di- school-board trustees and the Minister of that many schools were saved.” trict they were removed, but there is almost agnostic Centre when it had other options, Education. If this change is not implement- As well as keeping public school as- no difference between this appointed per- and they must now pay compensation to ed, trustee decisions will continue to be sets and their management public, VPEC son and all boards which sat at the table both Jeffrey Moore and his father, Rick based on expediency and the balancing of also works for fully funded public educa- prior to our progressive board majority. Moore, who launched the case (Vancouver budgets and not on the true mandate of the tion, including more individualized instruc- What does this tell us about our fundamen- Sun, November 10, 2012). School Act, which is to provide quality edu- tion for special-needs students, and more tal democracy? Who decides for us all?” cation to all students in our public schools. transparency on the school board so that In the Greater Victoria School District, How might the Supreme Court of Can- This article outlines what I have learned the public might be more motivated to help elected trustees face another year of ap- ada’s ruling in the Rick Moore case impact about what it means to be a school board sustain quality public education. proving cuts in programs and resources. SD61 trustees’ thinking about class size trustee during an era of budgetary con- My 2008 decision to be a trustee candi- The Associate Secretary-Treasurer’s Re- and composition when budget decisions straints. I now attend Board meetings date again, with the support of like-minded port presented by Debra Laser at the Sep- are made for the 2013-2014 school year? only occasionally, but when I do I watch people, was a life-changer for me. It was tember 17 meeting projected a seven-mil- and listen as the four trustees I helped get shocking to witness the lengths that some lion dollar deficit for the 2013-2014 school Trustee Nohr: “The Supreme Court elected try to advance reforms such as of the incumbents would go to hold on to year, and that estimate may be low in light decision is a victory for all the bright stu- having trustees’ votes recorded and im- their seats. (See award-winning investiga- of Minister McRae’s announcement that dents who have been neglected in every proving public access by setting time aside tive reporter Rob Wipond’s blog: “What districts must also find savings by mid-Jan- school district throughout the province be- at Board meetings for question-and-answer the Kids Don’t Know,” Focus, September, uary to finance a 1.5 percent wage hike for cause this Liberal government, in 2002, sessions. 2009.) support staff (Times Colonist, December passed Bill 28, Public Education Flexibility Trustee McNally moved to have votes Despite my second defeat, I continued 18, 2012). and Choice. By doing this, approximately recorded at a standing committee where to attend School Board meetings, gave To their credit, trustees have unani- $300,000,000 (2012 dollars) was removed the motion was defeated 5 to 4. A week presentations during budget deliberations, mously protested this latest downloading of from targeted funding for these students. later, after Times Colonist education re- kept up on the decision-making of the trust- costs to the district, but in the end they will Research clearly indicates that one-to-one porter Lindsay Kines publicized this issue, ees, and wrote letters to the editors of lo- almost certainly comply with the require- or very-small-group instruction is what is and Mike Eso, Victoria Labour Council cal papers. I believe in the value of local ment to balance their budget. necessary for academic growth for stu- president wrote an OpEd piece question- decision-making by public school boards, I sent two questions to all of the Greater dents with significant learning disabilities ing why any trustees would object to having but it has been disillusioning to learn that Victoria school trustees in preparation for such as Jeffrey Moore (dyslexia). It is very their votes recorded, the motion was unani- underfunding and the School Act mandate writing this article, hoping to be able to of- unfortunate that the majority of Victoria’s mously passed at a full Board meeting. to balance the budget severely constrains fer a range of views that would broaden trustees do not see the need for a budget Trustee Loring-Kuhanga’s motion to the trustee’s decision-making power. my analysis of the present role of elected committee. To analyze our resources and have a public Question/Answer time set It has also been disillusioning to consid- school board trustees. Only Trustees Deb- thoroughly review our support of students aside at full Board meetings is still in limbo er that administrators, not trustees, seem to orah Nohr and Diane McNally responded. with learning disability designations, a bud- as administrators were asked to research make most of the budget decisions. Public get committee is necessary. Therefore, I practices in other districts, and an appoint- input can have some minimal influence but Since it is so challenging for elected will ask many probing and relevant ques- ed committee is presently considering the the majority of trustees in our school district trustees to fulfill their campaign promises tions at the Operation and Policy Planning value of setting aside this time for the pub- (as well as most others) appear to rely on within government constraints, should Committee (OPPS) and Board meetings.” lic. A Times Colonist editorial said, “Just do administrators’ recommendations to arrive School Boards be replaced by school dis- Trustee McNally: “We need to provide it.” but resistance to change persists. at balanced budgets. trict managers hired directly by the Ministry more teachers in special education. Stu- This was not the case in the Cowichan of Education? dents with individual education plans may I watch the five long-time trustees block School District in June 2012, when the ma- Trustee Nohr: “I impatiently wait for a soon be ‘delisted’ in a move to end ‘dis- reforms promoted by recently elected trust- crimination’—justified by saying ‘all stu- ees, and I think to myself, “It’s just as well dents have unique learning needs’. The that I’m working “outside the box”! There’s real reason will be that presently targeted a lot of educating to be done with voters so funding for Ministry funding categories will that eventually Greater Victoria will have a Defending Universal Public Education stop, and those targeted amounts will be School Board where the majority of trustees Accountability and Transparency ‘rolled over into the per-pupil amount’, as welcome the input of the public and aren’t was the case for students formerly desig- fearful of what the public might learn about First year notable accomplishment: nated and funded as ‘severely learning dis- how decisions are made at the Board table. Achieved recording of votes abled’. That funding is gone, and, in effect, There will also eventually be a major- so are those students, at least in the eyes ity of trustees who give the most vulnerable of bureaucrats, but certainly not in the daily students priority in budget decisions. experience of teachers. In this scenario My activism has taught me that the even more agony would be downloaded more energy I put into these goals the more Diane McNally to school teams who have to decide where I feel invested in this School District and the School Trustee, Board of Education to put the inadequate funding the Ministry more I feel at home in Greater Victoria. SD 61 Greater Victoria of Education provides. Their objective is to claw back funding consistently while in- Starla Anderson is a retired educator and past creasing demands on the system, on trust- presient of the Saanich Gulf Islands federal NDP Website /Blog: Lined Paper Riding Association. She also serves on the ex- http://lined-paper.com/ ees, and on individual teachers until public education collapses from stress.” ecutive of VPEC. Twitter: DianeMcN Five long-time Greater Victoria school district trustees have reason not to an- Facebook: Diane McNally swer this question. Last spring, along with Victoria Confederation of Parent Advisory [email protected] Councils (VCPAC) president John Bird, Lower Island NEWS EDUCATION NEWS AND VIEWS January 2013 Page 13 Put public education on the agenda for every candidate from every party in the coming provincial election By Peg Orcherton and Bev Horsman Supreme Court decision on the “Moore’s” rates and we are working directly with the as those stands may be for us all – these case. public and our stakeholders to enhance are not the solutions that achieve positive Without question much of the last year It is our view, in a democratic society, and improve public engagement with the change in public education. in education has been an extraordinarily that it is still very important and relevant, Board of Trustees in an effort to bring our Changing law and government priorities challenging one. And, without a doubt, to elect public representatives (trustees) for Board into the 21st century in terms of com- requires real discussion and a determina- these challenges will continue. Trustees local Boards of Education. While elected munication, input and outreach in public tion to work within a democratic system to have worked hard to meet those challeng- trustees are legally required to follow the education. bring forward change. It is not an easy task, es and irrespective of differing opinions, we School Act and wrestle with the ongoing fi- This coming year, as we prepare for and we cannot achieve success in a day. It always strive to keep students needs first nancial challenges it is also the responsibil- public budget discussions and delibera- is hard work and requires a determination and foremost in our decision making for ity of Boards of Education to strongly advo- tions we are facing an unanticipated $ 1.2 and steadfastness. public education. cate for the emerging needs of all students million dollar expense to fund shortfalls in We need to commit to working together There are many diverse needs in public in a world that is changing so rapidly. the Teachers Pension plan. In addition, as a Board along with other Boards of Edu- education. Ensuring students with special On behalf of the public, trustees work on December 6, 2012 we heard from the cation and the BCSTA to develop collabora- needs have the necessary supports to be diligently towards these goals. Trustees in Ministry of Education that they want to tive strategies for the betterment of public successful in school is one of the utmost our district work with educators and all of claw back from our student funding 1.5% education. importance to the Board of Education. This those who support a student’s educational of compensation for our support staff, in the We are optimists, and predict that, be- is achieved by: developing Individual Edu- requirements, and therefore are in posi- current budget but, and only advised ver- cause of our continued hard work and com- cation Plans (IEP) based on recommenda- tion to know what those overall needs are. bally, an additional 1.5% from our 2013 -14 mitment to democracy and advocacy for tions made by school psychologists, sound That is why publically elected trustees are budget as well. public education, there is the possibility, in decisions made by the school based team, so necessary in a democratic society. The Ministry characterizes this as a this New Year, and a real opportunity that about how to use school personnel and re- While we often hear about the “bad” “savings plan” that all districts must submit we will see a B.C. public education system sources to support each student and in col- in public education, we forget to celebrate by January 16, 2013 without negative im- with better funding and better supports. laboration with the principal, teachers and the “good”. Our district has had a steadily pact to the delivery of educational program- In the upcoming election, it is about pri- educational assistants. increasing growth in student graduation, ming for students. Who do they think they orities and it is about which politicians and There has been some controversy over most notably in Aboriginal Education. We are? which political party holds public education the Board’s decision to respect the privacy offer many diverse programs within our All of our funding is allocated to stu- as their priority. Let us each commit today of special needs students by not publish- district such as in skills training, academ- dent’s educational programming and to to put public education on the agenda for ing their presence in a class. Counting and ics, music and sports. Students all learn dif- suggest that we can simply find savings every candidate from every party in the up- publicly displaying the number of designat- ferently and it is our educational challenge without cutting education services is ludi- coming provincial election. That is how we ed students in each classroom in no way to find the right “hook” to engage them in crous. can make our great public education sys- adds to the educational program for the learning and instill a love of learning. These are just two of many new issues tem in British Columbia an even better one. student with the IEP. Instead, it singles out Good News—our Board has initiated that will make this coming year another Our children require it and we must de- the students with special needs and treats an anti-bullying committee (Culture and challenging budget year for public educa- mand it. them as a number. Community Committee), no school clo- tion in our district. Our job in public education is to provide sures since 2007, growth in band, strings However, School Board Trustees can- Peg Orcherton is trustee and chairperson and quality education for all students, regard- and choral programs in the face of funding not change government policies and direc- Bev Horsman is trustee and vice-chairperson of less of their unique needs. This role and re- cuts, supported Professional Development tions simply by disagreeing with legisla- the Board of Education, School District 61. sponsibility was recently confirmed by the for teachers, steadily improving graduation tion, or by ignoring the law. As compelling “Conceived and ordered (moved, seconded, carried and minuted)” By Eden Haythornthwaite ings--December 8, 2012, and January 12, This problem may not necessarily be in any disaster the ministry inflicts on our 2013. It is safe to say the main event at solved by blaming the Aboriginal commu- schools. And our well thought out policies Though it is unlikely – if you were grant- these things will be to manipulate the com- nity for the impasse as Mr McKay chose to are suspended for the convenience of the ed the dubious joy of observing shit pass munity into happily agreeing to shutting do at this meeting. And since the Minister admin so their agenda can be implemented through the intestine of a goose you would down their valued schools as well as de- is insisting the HMEC has no choice but with a minimum of fuss. be forgiven if you found it somewhat simi- ciding which of the elements of our schools to engage with an unelected official in this The next meeting of the appointee is lar to watching the [school] board meetings still left to us can be eliminated. matter it will be intriguing to see how this all planned for December 5 and at that meet- now – yes smooth as shit through a goose plays out. ing, we shall hear the outcome of the first goes the saying and this is not just a meta- The real treat of the evening came Advisory Committee meeting now sched- phor – it is metaphor in action. when Mr McKay--our appointee--placed uled for November 28. The level of high Tonight the stage is set for budget de- before us his philosophy which included handedness being offered to our communi- velopment, school closure and property dis- his private views on the definition of a di- ties masquerading as consultation should posal without the inconvenience of policies lemma. A dilemma in his opinion is having alarm people or at least create some indig- to guide the process and make unreason- to decide which of two ``right`` things you nation. able demands on the time and patience of cannot continue to have as you can only As one of my favourite writers puts it: senior staff. I don’t know how the managers have one. “I live in the Managerial Age, in a world ever put up with all the agro the community So there it is – the grownup is telling of `Admin`. The greatest evil is not now heaps on their narrow shoulders – espe- all the children we must hunker down and done in those sordid `dens of crime` that cially since without us none of this would be choose which of our kids’ requirements will Dickens loved to paint. It is not done even necessary and the managers would have be met knowing they are all crucial; know- in concentration camps and labour camps. nothing and no one to manage – mighty ing the shortfalls will never end; knowing In those we see its final result. But it is con- bleak for the old pay packet I would think. Interestingly, there was some hesitancy there will never be a final cut or closure. ceived and ordered (moved, seconded, We macheted our weary way through in passing a motion which would simply Mr McKay is a man of considerable in- carried, and minuted) in clean, carpeted, the agenda – one man solicitously agree- roll over the 2012-2013 1-31 (Aboriginal fluence in the education community. If he warmed and well-lighted offices, by quiet ing with himself can be a fatiguing thing to Education) Budget – our only truly targeted were to stand up publicly and unreservedly men with white collars and cut fingernails behold but we are tough enough. funding requiring full consultation with and tell the Ministry he believes all the “right“ and smooth-shaven cheeks who do not There was some discussion about the agreement from the recognized Aboriginal things are vital to the kids and our commu- need to raise their voices. Hence, naturally new and very much crappier committee organization in any community. The recom- nities; if he were to demand our budgets enough, my symbol for Hell is something structure which will now replace the long mendation has been stalled for now. reflect the importance of our schools rather like the bureaucracy of a police state or the time honourable tradition of actually seek- As our board unanimously recognized than subjecting those schools and every- office of a thoroughly nasty business con- ing both voice and vote from our partner the Hwulmuhw Mustimuhw Education one in them to a fiscal stranglehold, I be- cern.” groups. Council as the representative organization lieve things might start to change. --From the Preface to C.S. Lewis`s, The Our four standing committees--Educa- way back in 2009, we have a problem or at But of course, this work is left to those Screwtape Letters. tion, Finance, Operations and Policy--are least Mr McKay does. On September 17, of us who do not have such glamorous now history as the Policy which directs their 2012, the Hwulmuhw Mustimuhw Educa- opportunities and are far less likely to be Your Trustee in Exile work is suspended (#1100) so our appoin- tion Council sent a letter to Education Min- heard above the black ops. Eden Haythornthwaite was chairwoman of the tee does not have to strain himself attend- ister McRae and below is an excerpt: For now, we are being subjected to this Cowichan Board of Education. The entire Board ing to the regular duties district governance Jurassic version of democracy. The partner was removed in Septmeber 2012 by the Minister requires. Dear Minister McRae: groups can dutifully provide their views on of Education, for presenting a deficit budget for A single so called Advisory Committee We are writing to inform you that we -the district decisions with no real impact except 2013. Haythornthwaite is now watching the ap- (which is no doubt everything it seems and -with elected representatives from seven of course to be exploited as collaborators pointed dministrator in action. less) minimizes his workload yet does not nations within School District 79’s bound- actually oblige him to attend – still it seems aries expect to have all further interaction to me there is nothing to be gained by any with you. This is our position in light of the partner group sitting at this phony baloney fact you have removed the elected body table – it only bestows undeserved recogni- in School District #79 from their positions. tion on a disreputable endeavour. Therefore, we will deal with the next dem- The Annual Budget Development Policy ocratically elected individual which – Mr. (#1040) is also suspended, as it danger- McRae – is you. Nox Gyes TrusTee | sD 61 ously requires recommendations from the We anticipate a respectful response now defunct committees for building the from you Minister McRae assuring the expenditures in the district. Hwulmuhw Mustimuhw Education Coun- Fighting For transparency, All with the wave of a hand and quite a cil you will directly engage with us in good bit of unnecessary chatter from the single faith to further the educational needs of accountability, openness, board member seldom seen at board ta- Aboriginal children in School District # 79. and Free public education For all bles with mere mortal elected people trying If you cannot meet with us we fully ex- to get some work done. pect you to call a by-election so we can We are now informed there will be two meet with democratically elected repre- 250.213.8761 | [email protected] days of so called public consultation meet- sentatives of School District #79. Page 14 January 2013 COMMENTARY Lower Island NEWS Newtown Connecticut school slaughter as American as apple pie By Bo Filter These militarized laws run parallel to consti- military works. The end justifies the means. With all this killing and maiming of chil- tutional law and are being evoked increas- Should we not be too shocked to see dren in other lands, mass killings at home Each time there is a new shooting in ingly at the expense of civil rights, inch- crazed killing in a country that trains profes- seem more like a common feature of a bru- the U.S., the same cause is trotted out ing us closer to martial law. SWAT teams sional soldiers to do the same thing? Is not tal culture, a feature as American as apple before the public by the tightly controlled in Darth Vader uniforms now bust into the the government, military and religion con- pie. mass media. The 20 children and seven homes of peace protest organizers, armed nected to all of this? We need to be ask- We North Americans see ourselves as adults who died at Sandy Hook Elementary with a vast array of weapons, like the .223 ing ourselves if chopping up women and good people, always intervening in other School on December 14, 2012 were killed Bushmaster semiautomatic assault rifle machine-gunning children are features of countries’ affairs for strictly humanitarian because of an unexplainable senseless wielded by Adam Lanza in Newtown, ready an insane military culture. purposes, never as pirates of international act, we are told. to use them under the slightest provoca- Militarism is nothing new. Europeans resources. Tragically, we have blinded our- Since the act was senseless, no need tion. Cultural threads of violence connect brought it with them to the new world. selves, encased ourselves in criminal neg- to worry. Nothing can be done. Go back to these events in a gun-loving society. Slaughter of the natives throughout the ligence. We hide in our churches and talk of whatever you were doing and forget about A majority of the mass killers like Lanza Americas began almost immediately. Colo- our great noble cause. We busy ourselves it. have been described as being mentally ill. nial wars of aggression followed, continu- with small community gossip but with dead- The faith-based masses believe in the Part of their illness is a profound sense of ing to this day. ly consequences. Militarism is our way in media as an authoritative voice and conse- disconnection with fellow humans, of losing Slaughter in other countries has not the world. quently go back to work believing they are sight of compassion and empathy for oth- spared the children. In Viet Nam, for in- To stop mass random mass killings like not part of a bigger problem. Faith-based ers. They become lost souls in a culture stance, the U.S. dropped more bombs than in Newtown, we will have to first convert our people read very little. The predominant of violence who stand out but are part of they did during World War II. According to militaristic culture to a genuine democracy share of their picture of reality is formed a broader mass psychosis that permeates the Pepper Report, 250,000 children were where people like Adam Lanza cannot eas- from corporate media messaging. Expec- all levels of an aggression-oriented govern- killed, and another 750,000 were wounded ily slip through the cracks of society but in- tantly, they feel relieved when the television ment that cannot contain itself. and maimed for life. stead feel they are a vital part of a healthy news anchor tells them that such shootings Spreading aggression around the world The U.S. sprayed 80 million litres of de- community. are rather freak incidents requiring no need begins with boot camp instructions, which foliants like Agent Orange across the coun- For now, the current trend of mass kill- for in-depth public scrutiny. dehumanize people in the countries to be tryside. Out of 4.8 million exposed, 3 million ings will only continue to grow. However, what if public complacency is invaded as in the example of rape. All wom- are estimated to be victims.4 Reported birth not warranted? What if public shootings are en are considered fair game, Suzy Qs who defects are as high as 400,000. Some of Bo Filter is an independent social scientist, lec- part of something bigger, part of society at just want to get laid. So taking them without the stillborn appeared as jelly babies, and turer, and author of The Cause of Wars and Ag- large? Scholars who look at the big picture permission is acceptable military behav- deformed children are still being born now gression, available at Global Justice Publishing. see many connections that society should iour. The word “rape” is not used but clearly over 50 years later, a feature of perpetu- Endnotes: not be avoiding. implied, part of the booty of war. al war against Viet Nam. You can see for 1. What’s Behind America’s Gun Violence, Jack Smith writing for Global Research Adam Lanza might well have gone to yourself rows and rows of freak stillborn ba- Global Research, December 18, 2012, says government “must assume responsi- boot camp with Josh Stieber, veteran of the bies in jars, housed in a separate wing at a http://www.globalresearch.ca/whats-behind- bility for creating a national culture of guns company in which Wikileaks showed a he- Saigon hospital.5 americas-gun-violence/5316097 and violence that leads to continuing mass licopter machine-gunning civilians in Iraq. Starvation is another way to kill children 2. A Guide to Mass Shootings in America, murders and individual killings”.1 Steiber recalls boot camp marching ca- in foreign lands. The U.S. and its NATO al- December 15, 2012 Mother Jones magazine has chronicled dence chants in 2006: “I went down to the lies like Canada dish out economic sanc- http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/07/ mass-shootings-map 62 mass shootings in the U.S. in the last 30 market where all the women shop. I pulled tions to a growing list of countries, which . h 2 3. ttp://www.brasschecktv.com/page/21316. years. Key to mass killings as part of a cul- out my machete, and I began to chop. I necessarily create starvation conditions. html ture of violence is the process of dehuman- went down to the park where all the chil- Now they have added depleted urani- 4.. http://www.slideshare.net/capelladoc/viet- izing our fellow citizens, especially when dren play. I pulled out my machine gun, and um (DU) tipped shells to their weapons of nam-agent-orangedioxin-tourbernie-meyer governments seek to oppress their citizens. I began to spray.”3 mass destruction. DU causes extreme birth 5. http://www.brasschecktv.com/videos/war- With the passing of the Patriot Acts in Disgusted, Josh wrote home to reli- defects. Freak babies are being born at crimes-1/agent-orange-still-inflicting-pain-on- the U.S. and the anti-terrorist legislation gious leaders to complain. He was told to alarming rates in Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, vietnam.html (go to 16:30) in Canada, police brutality has increased. have more faith in God, that this is how the and Iraq.6 6. Web search: “Bo Filter DU” or go to http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW_iSU-jGRQ

Fiction: Russia to foil U.S. plans to ignite World War III By Bo Filter You talk about psychological chutzpah. see how impossible it is to take down steel will interview witnesses. Think about it this way. They are about to buildings with airliners and fires, you would An incredible media circus will be un- A Russian computer repairman working make the greatest chess move that has reveal perhaps the biggest lie ever perpe- der way, and you will get to see the whole at the Kremlin accidentally leaked a top se- ever been played in all of history’s games trated on a nation’s collective desire to trust thing. How simple can the plan be, how in- cret plan that reveals the most amazing war of war. The author of the plan is yet to be their government. geniously clear. exercise they are about to deploy. Clearly, it revealed but the discovery of the plan, it- The buildings could only have been de- When people around the world see will stop the U.S. dead in its tracks. And get self, is going to make the world stand up molished. Islamic terrorists would not have live on the global internet that they were this—not a single shot will be fired. and watch on the Internet in bone chilling had any of the means to pull this off, so who scammed on 9/11, the game will be up for amazement psychological warfare at its ul- did it? the warmongers in Washington. No amount timate peak. What if… just what if you decided to re- of damage control will save their sorry ass- To understand the plan we have to enact the scene of the crime? You decided es. Jim Jaarsma set the stage. First we have to recall an to fly an airliner into a steel skyscraper. You World War III will be derailed. Until important fact. Remember back on Sep- know the building won’t collapse. In fact, then, notice that people are not afraid to tember 11, 2001 when three World Trade steel-framed skyscrapers are so strong go into steel-framed skyscrapers. Ask your- Contracting Center skyscrapers fell almost perfectly in you can fly as many planes into them as self why. It’s because they are safe unless their tracks. The two twin towers were hit you want. You can have as big a fire as you setup well in advance for demolition. Over 250-360-1905 by two airliners and we were told that both want. You can, in effect, create the most 2000 people died, offered up like sacrificial buildings collapsed due to fires initiated by incredible fireworks show that has never lambs to the altar of war on terrorism. burning jet fuel. Building 7 collapsed also, been seen. Stay tuned for an announcement from Quality Carpentry supposedly because of fires, but no plane One amazing fact would remain. The Russia. The grand chess game is about to General Contracting hit building 7. This is your first big clue. This building will not collapse. unfold. should make you at least a bit suspicious. Now let’s get up closer to the plan. An Next, on 9/11 a fact eluded the vast ma- unnamed skyscraper has been designated. Of this article, author Bo Filter says, “This is my jority of the public which was critical to their The building will be vacated. The time is set first fiction writing. We are so desperate to elude understanding what really happened. If but undisclosed. The world will be alerted WWIII. If we could stir the imagination of coun- you don’t already know it by now, here it is. just prior to engagement. tries who could technically pull off this article scenario, the resultant embarrassment for the Murray J. Ellis No steel-framed skyscraper has ever col- Six retired airliners are being re-com- perpetrators of 9/11 would force them into dam- Chartered Accountant lapsed due to fire. That’s right. Jet fuel and missioned and fitted with remote control, age control, a place from which they may never building contents burn at temperatures far modern drone technology. Full of jet fuel, recover. This could end their endgame of global below what it takes to melt steel. This fact one of these planes will strike the tower domination. We have so much work before us...” Services to Small Businesses was not lost on anyone who understands every 17 minutes, matching the time be- basic physics, including the Russians. tween the twin tower strikes on 9/11. This Filter worked well over two years in a top secret Bookkeepers available This is where the plan starts to take will continue until all six planes have hit the war room. He is an independent social science shape. Now let’s put you into the author’s tower. Fireballs and smoke like you have researcher and author of The Cause of Wars and Aggression, available at Global Justice chair for a minute and imagine what you never seen. Publishing. 250-385-1011 could do with this fact. What could you To add more insult to injury, the building 1325 Tolmie Avenue make happen that would reveal what a tre- will be loaded with wood, so it will burn like mendous hoax this is? If the world could a torch for well over a day, far beyond what Victoria’s Annual was even imagined in the movie, Towering Inferno. In fact, perhaps the biggest give away Seedy Saturday on 9/11 is the picture of the second plane Saturday February 16 Victoria Labour Council strike and fireball. You see this moment 10 am - 4 pm so often on the covers of newspapers and Victoria Conference Centre 219-2750 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4E8 magazines. What is so meaningful about Ph: 250-384-8331 FAX: 250-384-8381 Email: [email protected] this picture is the fact that the fire in the first Open-pollinated, non-GMO vegetable tower struck is already going out. It is starv- and flower seeds, plants, fruit trees, ing of oxygen, which is why it is bellowing The VLC, representing affiliated unions in the Greater Victoria area, garden and food products, holds its regular monthly meetings the third Wednesday of each month black smoke. Hardly any fire is visible. At the scene, Russian news staff will cooking demos, kids’ activities, at 7 pm, at the BCGEU Auditoriam, 2994 Douglas Street. be revealing the model of the planes, their speakers and more. impact thrust, including the schedules Admission $7, under 12 free. All delegates are invited to come out and meet the Executive: they once flew in the airline industry. The Hosted by the James Bay Market Society. strength of the steel will be revealed. They Info 250.381.5323, Mike Eso, President; Stan Dzbik, Treasurer; Kim Manton, Secretary www.jamesbaymarket.com/seedysaturday Lower Island NEWS COMMENTARY January 2013 Page 15 The thin veneer of corporate social responsibility By Heather Tufts role in the country’s overseas development strategy. In essence these two universities “We urge you continue your acts of just now help promote Canadian mining over- resistance to defend Nature, our Mother seas in this precedent setting funding move Earth and Humanity, despite the ambition which diminishes the independence of both of governments and corporations to place universities. their interests above the rights of the indig- Paradoxically highly-profitable corpora- enous peoples.”—message from Mayans tions don’t need CIDA and the Canadian in Guatemala to Idle No More. taxpayer to fund programs that are de- signed to mitigate the damage they cause! The role of the Canadian International When foreign aid is used as a promotional Development Agency (CIDA) has under- tool for Canadian interests this morphs into gone a seismic shift in the last few months. a fragile veneer for unregulated corporate The Harper regime mapped out a murky behaviours. path of promoting Canada’s interests Nor will this politically-convenient merg- abroad through an alliance forged between er between CIDA, NGOs and corporations CIDA and the private sector. begin to address the rights of indigenous International Cooperation Minister Ju- peoples, peasants and farmers who are of- lian Fantino outlined this vision for the ten displaced by corporate interests. NGOs agency’s future in November 2012 when he were not intended to perform as political announced that CIDA now funds humani- tarian aid and long-term development proj- operatives. ects in concert with corporate enterprise. Photo courtesy of Enrique Castro-Mendivil / Reuters, file This alignment, most apparent in the min- Anti-mining campesinos protest a gold mine in Cajamarca, Peru. ing sector, blurs the mission of non-govern- Ron reviews: mental organizations (NGOs) by blending their goals with those of unregulated cor- complainants of corporate abuses to have based institute will “help developing coun- FALSE WITNESS, by Eric Nelson, WEST porations in the name of poverty reduction. their cases heard in Canadian courts. tries benefit from their natural resources in HOUSE PUBLISHING “CIDA can help develop the capacity to In November 2012, a parliamentary environmentally and socially responsible This novel describes a famous Sas- negotiate with other countries, implement committee examined the role of the private ways,” according to the University of British katachewan murder. A compelling crime international commercial agreements with sector in achieving Canada’s international Columbia (UBC). story, it reminds the reader of the infamous Canada and other trading partners, and development interests. The resulting re- Simon Fraser University and UBC will political Thatcher murder case. Journalist help firms benefit from these agreements,” port recommended that “CIDA consider jointly operate this new institute aimed at Nelson has produced what will probably be Fantino told the Economic Club of Canada offering loans and utilizing other financial furthering the Canadian mining industry’s a best seller. A great read. in Toronto last fall. instruments to enable private sector land, --Ron MacIsaac One of Canada’s largest mining com- sustainable economic growth in developing panies Goldcorp has already invested enor- nations.” mous sums on a public relations campaign But colonial strategies such as as- SIHOTA & STARKEY to improve its corporate image. The compa- similation, intrusion and coercive negotia- & NOTARIES ny has partnerships with high-profile non- tion need to be replaced by open dialogue profits, like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), within the international principles of “free, and has won (dubious) safety awards from informed and prior consent”, to include in- PERSONAL INJURY * ICBC CLAIMS the governments of Canada digenous rights. Family * Real Estate * Wills * Estates According to WWF: “We partner with Mining Watch interpreted this “whole- specific corporations on efforts to promote sale handover of CIDA to the private sec- a conservation culture, raise funds for criti- FREE 1st Consultation * Standard Fees for Many Services tor” as blatantly unjustifiable. “This commit- cal work, and encourage a wider public to make more sustainable choices.” tee report doesn’t just tie Canadian aid to 250-381-5111 Notwithstanding this revamped image, mining interests, it would actually restruc- 1248 Esquimalt Road, Victoria last year this Vancouver-based giant was ture CIDA to better serve the interests linked to several accusations of human of the corporate sector,” said Catherine rights abuses and environmental contami- Coumans, who added that the purpose of nation at some of its Latin American gold foreign aid was not to subsidize the obliga- mines. Goldcorp is the second largest min- tions of lucrative mining companies to act ing company in the world and forged sev- responsibly. John Heaney eral lucrative mergers with companies like Since September 2011, there have Placer Dome and Glamis Gold. But hiding been at least three CIDA-sponsored pilot Heenan Blaikie LLP behind its parent company status and slick projects with NGOs and Canadian trans- 514-737 Yates Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1L6 public relations campaigns the company national mining companies. The three Phone: 250-381-9599 has faced relentless opposition from min- partnerships are World University Service Toll Free Fax: 1-866-615-8276 ing-impacted communities. of Canada (WUSC) and Rio Tinto Alcan Email: [email protected] Goldcorp’s damaged reputation stems in Ghana; Plan Canada and IAMGOLD in primarily (but not exclusively) from one of Burkina Faso; and World Vision Canada its largest holdings, the Marlin Mine in Gua- Civil and Commercial Litigation with Barrick Gold in Peru. Labour and Employment law temala. Community-based Mayan lead- Although some NGOs have good inten- ers have accused the company of serious Administrative and Constitutionl Law tions, critics complain that CIDA is subsi- Employment Litigation environmental and human rights abuses, dizing projects on behalf of highly profitable Human Rights including violations of international labour corporations helping an unregulated extrac- Collective Agreements, Privacy regulations and the rights of indigenous tive industry put a positive spin on environ- peoples. In 2011, Vancouver-based Goldcorp mental and human-rights violations. How was removed from the Dow Jones because many schools or health centres can com- of its increasingly poor operations record pensate for expropriated indigenous lands, but in September 2012, the company was forced removals or contaminated waters reinstated under its freshly minted image of and land? Evaluating the outcomes without Robert G.Milne “corporate social responsibility”. bias is not deliverable in this system. Meanwhile in July 2012, an Internation- Meanwhile the selected NGO part- al Peoples’ Health Tribunal heard testimony ners have their own organizational bag- Jawl & Bundon FOURTH FLOOR from farmers affected by Goldcorp mines gage since the CEOs of both Plan Canada Lawyers 1007 FORT STREET in Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. The and World Vision each earn in excess of VICTORIA, BC panel of international judges also reviewed $300,000. This raises the question about V8V 3K5 scientific evidence about community im- how much of Plan Canada and World Vi- TELEPHONE 250-385-5787 pacts from mining. In an historic ruling sion contributions are cash expenditures FAX 250-385-4364 Goldcorp was found guilty of contaminating for community projects versus generous the environment and creating conditions salaries for their own staff. EMAIL [email protected] that impacted community health and safety. In partnership with Rio Tinto in Ghana, In late September, a controversial trip WUSC implemented a pilot project at the by five parliamentarians to Guatemala on Kanaso School, which was its first private- a Goldcorp-sponsored junket evoked many sector partnership with a mining company. questions about lobbying regulations and Later WUSC and Rio Tinto expanded the bias. “Flying in on the company jet, hav- MacIsaac and MacIsaac program by engaging CIDA as a funding ing closed-door meetings with government Dan MacIsaac* Deanna Lane partner. officials and having select meetings with However Dr. Samantha Nutt (executive Ron MacIsaac* Laura Pringle certain community actors positions them in Certificate in Arbitration & a conflict that makes them look very one- director of War Child Canada) questions “whether these NGOs are serving as bag- Mediation, University of Windsor sided,” said Jen Moore from Mining Watch, *Denotes Professional Corporation Canada’s respected watch-dog group. men, advancing Canadian mining interests The need for a best-practices frame- with taxpayer funding by appeasing local Personal Injury ICBC Claims work and corporate regulation is urgent communities with gifts of health care and Family Law Child Protection amidst increasing global resistance to an education.” Wills & Estates unregulated industry that acts with impu- Last year the federal government also nity. A private members bill, proposed by announced a new funding initiative for the Free First Consultation Burnaby-New Westminster NDP MP Pe- Canadian International Institute for Extrac- ter Julian, Bill C-323 would help address tive Industries and Development, with a 250-478-1131 overseas accountability by allowing foreign $25-million CIDA grant. This university- 2227 Sooke Road, Victoria Page 16 January 2013 COMMENTARY Lower Island NEWS “Bloody January Again”

Tim Pheotist continuum, this time around human activity funding and broad social requirements The present Canadian government is playing a larger part in disturbing natural needed to meet the challenges. is hell-bent on burying its head deeper The arrival of another January always balances than ever before. At this stage only national governments and deeper into the tar sands. While Mr. reminds me of the brilliant British song writ- There is a price to pay for destroying with full access to current research, inter- Harper tolerates increasing inequities in ing team, Flanders & Swann. rain forests, pumping noxious gases into national negotiating facilities, and proper wealth distribution, sending more people Their A Song of the Weather’, rattles the atmosphere, over-fishing the oceans control of tax revenues, can possibly intro- from every strata of society to lives whose through the characteristics of the year’s and destructively distributing the worst of duce the massive infrastructure changes only certainty is the certainty of poverty, weather, month by month, beginning: the products and by-products that human- that are required to support future genera- his funders claim their reward and plan to ‘January brings the snow, kind can create, to the most vulnerable of tions in civilized societies. plunder as much of Canada’s resources as Makes your feet and fingers glow...’ the planet’s peoples. Profiteering from global warming and they can move through a pipeline or tip into Each month, reduced to two lines of Discussion of these issues has for too climate change simply slows or denies the a tanker. ironically described miserable weather pat- long been the preserve of a scientific elite, opportunity to make the macro changes And while Mr. Harper warms himself, terns, is sung to a simple, jaunty tune, en- engaged with sceptical corporate/capital in- that must be addressed. burning the proceeds of the labours of tirely betraying the resigned frustration that terests, which have straddled naive denial Consumers need to look very carefully working Canadians, his government, far Brits share toward their weather. with a lurking opportunism. “Maybe there’s at products labelled “Green”. At “Recycling” from providing protections from both cli- If there is a public holiday, rain is certain a buck to be made from hijacking some of schemes that seem to do little but inflate mate driven winds and storms as well as etc... the goofball ideas coming out of the world prices. At “Organic” foods that seem to economic storms, actually steals the rain- After describing each month of the year of climate wimps,” more than a few global carry price tags unrelated to actual cost. At coats and umbrellas from already soaked in increasingly gloomy terms, Michael Flan- capital interests have thought. transportation, infrastructure and sewage Canadians. ders cries in frustration “Bloody January The prospect of continued climate systems that seem to provide nothing more The first stage in bringing an effective Again!” The song was written in the 1950s change is too large a topic to be left to nar- than a private opportunity to grab public national plan to combat and survive cli- and certainly the only change in the weath- row special interests, be they academic ex- money. mate change is to change the Canadian er since then has been for the worse. perts, shielding their research while nego- To misquote Shakespeare’s Portia, “All federal government. Flanders & Swann sought to raise a tiating the best publication deal, or capital that glisters is not green.” To replace it with a government that will laugh at the expense of the bedraggled groupings who can’t decide whether or not It’s important to be sure that the “green” allocate proper funding that will meet the Brits and their gloomy climate, but six de- electric cars can be a profit centre. in any product or service is not simply the reasonable needs of all Canadians, and cades later the weather is really no laugh- Planning for our societies, all of which colour appearing in a profiteer’s wallet. that will have the guts to confiscate the ing matter – anywhere. are now seriously affected by harsh and Climate change is inevitable. The re- oversize and overfilled wallets of the few Climate change is responsible for dev- changing weather patterns, can only be sponses need to be particularly intelligent who have made careers from robbing the astating damage to the structures and soci- coordinated by intelligent national govern- and can only be coordinated at national people of this country. eties that humans have built on this planet. ment agencies. levels. The incentives and resources must Each time an opportunity arises to While we know that natural climate Piecemeal planning from private enter- come from national governments. elect new representatives, for local, pro- cycles have always been part of earth’s prise cannot possibly deliver the long-term Private interests that plunder under the vincial or federal office, vote for candidates guise of protecting the environment are who promise intelligent distribution of the guilty of a theft from our societies, just as taxes they receive. are those who destroy rain forests or build Vote for those candidates who mea- the means to export national natural re- sure the success of their policies by the sources. protections they afford all citizens – not by Saanich South A sustainable response to climate the tax breaks they offer those who see the change requires massive changes in the streets only from the inside of their limou- distribution of the resources of any nation. sines. New Democrats National economies must now be recali- Maybe, with some progressive election brated to ensure that where protection from results throughout 2013 we will not have to natural disasters is possible, every effective cry “Bloody January again!” resource is made available. You can contact your executive We can no longer accept simple capital- Credits to Flanders & Swann whose works can ist business as usual. be readily found online and through any search by writing to us engine. See one version at www.youtube.com/ at PO Box 30041 Saanich Postal Outlet, Victortia, BC V8X 5E1 Idle No More started as a reaction to or by phoning us at 250-479-1100. Harper government’s Omnibus bills By Paul Manly cratic nature in which they were imposed on Canadians (Conservative Members of Idle No More was initially created in re- Parliament who were opposed to various sponse to the Harper Conservative govern- measures could not vote against the bills ment’s two omnibus budget implementation because they were budget bills). These bills, Bill C-38 and Bill C-45. The movement changes to environmental regulations had “Restoring fair and democratic process is crucial to started a full month before Chief Theresa nothing to do with the budget. The Council Spence began her hunger strike but it of Canadians recognizes Aboriginal rights our future in BC. Whether we are nominating a candidate, spread widely after her call to action. and title and supports the Idle No More restoring a made-in-BC environmental assessment Bill C-38 is a 450-page Bill which movement and the Mid Island chapter was process, or working more days in the house, it is about changed more than 70 federal Acts with- actively involved in the January 12 rally at out proper Parliamentary debate. This Bill Maffeo Sutton park. respect -- respect for citizens, volunteers and members dramatically changes Canada’s federal from every party. We need to be doing the practical, environmental legislation, removing many Audits have you questioning the move- detailed, dedicated work that leads to change for the protections for water, fish, and the envi- ment? ronment. The changes were made without All this news coverage of audits which better in government.” - Jessica Van der Veen consulting First Nations. show no corruption or criminality leave Bill C-45 also exceeds 450 pages, and many questions which can all be answered

changed 44 federal laws, again without by looking at the June 2011 Auditor Gen- proper Parliamentary debate. eral’s report. First Nations are required to Happy New Year This bill removes many fish habitat pro- provide a myriad of reports that no other tections and fails to recognize Aboriginal organizations are required to file. Most from the Oak Bay-Gordon Head New Democrats commercial fisheries. First Nations do not have the infrastructure Changes to the Navigable Waters Pro- or the finances to pay for all of this report- tection Act reduce the number of lakes and ing. The media should be looking back at rivers where navigation and federal en- Sheila Fraser’s report in June 2011 and re- vironmental assessment is required from porting on that. This situation was predicted 32,000 to just 97 lakes, and from 2.25 mil- and it’s the government’s fault. lion to just 62 rivers. Rivers and lakes on Vancouver Island are no longer protected Snuneymuxw Treaty of 1854--Important info Victoria-Swan Lake by this act, not one of them! for all people living in the territory This means a shocking 99% of Cana- This is a treaty that all people living within da’s waterways lost their protection for nav- the Snuneymuxw territory should have an under- New Democrats standing of. We are all treaty people. igation and federal environmental assess- For more information go to www.youtube. ment purposes. These changes were made com/watch?v=XB7Zubvbmpg&list=PLJbuRfi without consulting First Nations. ycpSn2itPO5qTNZ7LM5-trO2S7&index=4 to Stay in touch! These omnibus bills and changes do watch the keynote speech by Tom Berger at the not respect Aboriginal rights and title or ex- Snuneymuxw treaty conference at Vancouver Is- isting treaties. land University last May. You can reach your executive Berger was the lawyer for the White and All Canadians should be Idle No More Bob case which affirmed the treaty of 1854 and by emailing President Darcy Lindberg became a landmark decision which is cited in These regulatory changes affect all Ca- Aboriginal rights, title and treaty cases across at darcy.lindberg at gmail.com nadians and across Canada non-natives Canada. This is a fascinating piece of local and are actively participating in the Idle No More Canadian history and worth listening to. or by writing to Box 282 movement with their Aboriginal neighbours. For further information and photos, see 1681 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC V8T 2C1 The Council of Canadians has voiced www.facebook.com/MidIslandCouncilOfCa- its opposition to both Bill C-38 and Bill nadians and www.youtube.com/user/Cana- C-45, their provisions and the anti-demo- diansNanaimo Lower Island NEWS COMMENTARY January 2013 Page 17 Pirates of the Mediteranean By Jim Manly rorism” by some Palestinians must be un- derstood as a reaction of despair. In spite of On Saturday, October 20, Israeli gun- the Israeli blockade and other elaborate se- boats surrounded, boarded and seized the curity measures, material for rockets con- sailing vessel, Estelle, in international wa- tinues to be smuggled into Gaza through ters off the coast of Egypt. This was a clear an elaborate system of tunnels from Egypt. act of piracy. When the Estelle was towed The only answer to Israel’s natural desire into the Israeli port of Ashdod, I and other for peace and security is to cease its op- members of the crew were taken prisoner, pression of the Palestinian people, to end subjected to long interrogation and con- the blockade of Gaza, to withdraw from its fined in Giv’on Detention Centre; this was a illegal occupation of the West Bank and, if clear act of kidnapping. All members of the it insists upon a “Security Wall”, to build it Israeli Defense Force who conducted the entirely within its own territory. The more raid wore black balaclava masks so they the people of Gaza see hope for a peace- could not be identified. In an act that must ful life with social dignity, decent education cause shame for justice-oriented Israelis for their children, proper medical care, ad- and around the world, the pirates took equate food and water, and opportunity to down the Finnish flag and raised the Israeli travel and trade with the outside world, the flag, thus replacing the skull and cross- less tolerant they will be of terrorism. bones as the recognized symbol of piracy. I am proud of the people on board The Estelle was an unarmed sailing the Estelle and their commitment to the ship, flying the Finnish flag, with a load of ongoing non-violent struggle against the humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people blockade of Gaza. I am also proud of the of Gaza. Built in 1923 in Germany as a committed work for the same objective by fishing vessel, she had been enlarged to 53 members of the Canadian Boat to Gaza metres and converted into a three masted Committee as well as by my life partner, sailing ship which, in addition to hauling Eva, and son, Paul; while I was on the Es- cargo, was used for training and also for Nine peace activists were killed, dozens crease from the present 51%; at present telle they worked night and day to break Greenpeace projects. A group from Swe- more injured, all the people on board im- Gaza has the 2nd highest percentage in the the blockade against speaking out publicly den had outfitted her for the present voy- prisoned and non-Israelis deported. world of children aged 0 to 14. Two-thirds the truth about Israel’s continuing aggres- age; her basic crew came from Sweden, The prison conditions they experienced of the present population are refugees. At sion against the Palestinian people of Gaza Norway and Finland. In addition to some were degrading and inhumane. As Ken present Gaza runs double shifts in 85% of and the West Bank. medical supplies and some toys, the Es- O’Keefe reports, “Women and the elderly its schools with an average of 36 students I am pleased that I was asked to go on telle carried 40,000 lbs. of cement, badly were physically and mentally assaulted. per class. An additional 250 schools are the Estelle and that I am able to be a part needed for rebuilding a wide variety of Access to food and water and toilets was needed immediately and a further 190 by of the continuing work. A major disappoint- structures that had been destroyed by Is- denied. Dogs were used against us and the year 2020. ment has been the failure of New Demo- rael in Operation Cast Lead of 2008-09. we ourselves were treated as dogs. We The coastal aquifer on which the grow- cratic Members of Parliament to speak out Sailing from Sweden and Finland, the were exposed to direct sun in stress posi- ing population depends for drinking water clearly, not only against Israeli piracy and Estelle had made stops in France, Spain tions while handcuffed to the point of los- is being destroyed because of seepage kidnapping but against its continuing illegal and Italy; in all ports of call she had been ing circulation of blood in our hands.”1 This from the ocean and unprocessed sewage. occupation of Palestine and the blockade welcomed and sent on her way by large contrasts sharply with the relatively mild At present only 10% of the aquifer is safe of Gaza. enthusiastic crowds. Additional members prison experience that I shared with other for drinking. Depending on the season, the Rank and file New Democrats, along of the crew, who signed on as “trainees”, crew members from the Estelle. Palestinian people of Gaza can use only 70 with all justice minded Canadians, must joined in Spain, Italy and off the coast of Kevin Neish of Victoria was on board to 90 litres per day—below the WHO stan- speak out, write letters and demand that Greece. After flying from Vancouver to the Mavi Marmara and in numerous presen- dard of 100 litres per day. Unless expensive our MPs take a bold unequivocal stand on Rome, I had signed on at Naples on Oc- tations has given vivid firsthand accounts of water desalination and sewage treatment this fundamental human rights issue. The tober 6. Everyone on board was commit- the assault and subsequent imprisonment. plants are built the aquifer could be unus- struggle continues. ted to non-violence in this latest attempt to This past fall he was in Turkey along with able by 2016 and irreversibly dam- break the illegal Israeli blockade of Gaza. hundreds of other survivors to testify at a aged by 2020. There had been strict security measures, trial addressing the Israeli attack. This im- Forty-four percent of the people equivalent to those in an airport, to ensure portant trial continues in the New Year. The are food insecure and a further 16% that no weapons or munitions had been Turkish trial is important not only to keep are vulnerable to food insecurity, in brought on board. raising the issue of Israeli piracy and kid- spite of UN food distribution to 1.1 We hoped that, as a sailing vessel napping but in order to get a legal decision million people; 39% live below the with an international crew committed to against these illegal acts. Israel must be poverty line. The “no-go” area be- non-violence, the Estelle would present brought to account. tween Gaza and Israel occupies 35% no threat to Israeli security and in this way The murderous attack on unarmed civil- of the best agricultural land and arbi- would be able to break the blockade which ians had disastrous consequences not only trary restrictions on the area permit- Israel has imposed upon Gaza for the past for the volunteers on the Freedom Flotilla ted for fishing severely impact both several years. By imposing the blockade but also for Israeli public relations. Since the quality and the quantity of the in the name of security, Israel has denied Operation “Cast Lead” of December 2008 fish that can be caught. Because of Gaza access to the outer world in a way and January 2009, more and more people the dense population in a small area, that chokes its economy and prevents the around the world have awakened to the Gaza cannot be self-sustaining in rebuilding of essential infrastructure such fact that Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, food production; it must depend on as water purification or sewage treatment both in the West Bank and in Gaza, is inhu- international trade which the block- after their destruction by Israeli bombing in man, contrary to International law and a to- ade makes impossible. Jim Manly 2008-09. The blockade has created a hu- tal betrayal of Jewish standards of justice. The result of the blockade, compound- manitarian crisis for the Palestinian people. The attack on the Mavi Marmara and the ed by Operation Cast Lead, as well as the Endnotes In spite of the fact that we were an un- murder of volunteers only added to Israel’s recent Israeli attack mean that Gaza is be- 1. Jim Manly is a former Member of Parliament armed sailing ship, committed to non-vio- disgrace. ing slowly choked to death and is becoming and retired United Church minister. lence, the Israeli government regarded us During our voyage on the Estelle we increasingly unlivable. Ken O’Keefe, “Defenders of the Mavi Mar- with fear equivalent to that experienced by knew that, while there was a high probabil- While Israeli propaganda attempts to mara,” Moustafa Bayoumi, ed., Midnight on the Mavi Marmara, (Chicago: Haymarket Books, Elizabethan England when it heard news of ity that Israel would once again commit acts use security as justification for its deadly 2010,) p. 38. the Spanish Armada. The Netanyahu gov- of piracy and kidnapping, there was a low blockade and its acts of piracy and kid- 2. Maxwell Gaylard, “Gaza in 2020: A Live- ernment attempted to have Spanish and probability that there would be a repetition napping, intelligent Israelis must know that able Place?” A Report by the United Nations Italian authorities prevent the Estelle from of the violence used against the Mavi Mar- these are counter-productive. Acts of “ter- Country Team in Occupied Palestinian Terory, leaving their ports. A year earlier Greek mara . We prepared ourselves to resist in August 2012. authorities had bowed to similar pressure a totally non-violent manner. In spite of this and prevented other Freedom Flotilla boats 11 members of the crew, in- from leaving Greece. For this reason, we cluding two senior citizens, avoided Greek waters and picked up addi- were tasered. tional trainee crew members outside Greek While piracy and kid- jurisdiction. In addition to the basic crew, napping can get some TV the participants included citizens of Spain, and newspaper coverage, Real Estate Services Italy, Greece and Israel -- three former it is much more important members of the Israeli Defence Forces. to keep the major focus on Among the trainees were a doctor, two what the Israeli blockade Since 1990 journalists, a professor of comparative re- is doing to the Palestinian ligions, an engineer and five parliamentar- people of Gaza. In August PROFESSIONAL -- EXPERIENCED -- COMMITTED ians – one each from Norway, Sweden and 2012 the UN Country Team Spain and two from Greece. in the Occupied Palestinian As the Estelle sailed on her way to Gaza Territories published a sum- -- with this “dangerous crew”-- the Israelis mary of studies indicating Call any time for a market evaluation! even appealed to the United Nations, ask- what Gaza would be like in ing that it stop us -- how ironic since the UN 2020 if present trends con- Part of every commission, has repeatedly condemned the blockade! tinue.2 Following are some We had hoped to be able to sail into of the findings: with New democratic clients, Gaza with our load of supplies; however, By the year 2020 the will be donated to a party candidate the piracy and the kidnapping were not population of Gaza will in- entirely unexpected. Israeli interception of crease to around 2.1 mil- or a sitting Member. foreign vessels in international waters had lion, from an estimated 1.6 happened before with far more disastrous million people today in a Fred Hiigli results. On May 31, 2010 Israeli comman- living area of 365 km2. Of Fred Hiigli -- Newport Realty does attacked the Mavi Marmara and five these 48% will be aged other vessels in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. 17 or younger, a slight de- 250-385-2033 Page 18 January 2013 COMMENTARY Lower Island NEWS Now is the time for a national brain-health plan: prevention, By G.E. Mortimore

America limps behind the rest of the money-rich world in delivering healthcare, but Uncle Sam is a pathfinder in one sector. Congress passed a measure that declares America’s intention to build a national de- mentia strategy. Canada has no equivalent. Let’s call it a brain strategy. Dementia is a misleading word. It implies that thoughts and feelings black out immediately. In real life this does not happen, as I came to know while reviewing my limited experience with D-victims and travelling through the brain- reports on the Internet, a journey driven by shame at my neglectful failure to help my mother and my oldest friends, and mild anxiety about my own future. The typical D-patient remains alert and aware for some time. Friends, relations and professional caregivers may be able to keep him/her at home. If this doesn’t work, he/she goes into a “care facility”, where the patient benefits from somewhat narrowly and rigidly targeted entertainment and from the company of fellow-humans – and cats and dogs if the rules allow them in. At the same time or later he/she fades into odd quirky behaviour or into the dark- ness caused by one of the several kinds of Scientists are looking into treating Alzheimer’s disease by applying tiny shocks to the brain, via an implantable device. (Image: Ben Coxworth in Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine brain disorder -– dimly reachable only by strenuous effort. All this adds up to a tough sicians playing old songs together at the put my friend Joan (not her real name) in a by age 85 (those rough figures deserve job for the overworked staff. piano – an 80s-age woman guest in a care care home after she had hiked a long dis- statistical analysis) but some people never I felt the stay-aware phase of that home, and her 50-plus son. tance with a wad of cash in her purse, to make even a distant approach to the A or tangled sequence when I watched two mu- I felt it again when health-watchers escape from an imaginary burglar. D label, like Marie MacIsaac, the mother of On the day before they took her away, lawyer and environmental activist Ron Ma- Joan was still beating me and other people cIsaac, who is my neighbour in Langford. more than half the time at games of Scrab- Ron remembers that she continued cross- ble; yet she kept losing her keys, and when country skiing and playing the piano up to I gave her a key-cord to sling around her age 108, and remained mentally sharp until Keep in touch neck, she lost both the keys and the cord. she died at age 112. She has a strong, warm and true singing Scientists have already discovered voice; she sang and listened to classical genetic combinations that make some with music with enthusiasm; but she couldn’t people highly susceptible to brain disor- work the machine that played the music. ders. At the other end of the scale, what Music connects to an awareness kind of genetic package keeps the Marie deeper than words and numbers, within the MacIsaacs of the world going comfortably Victoria-Beacon Hill New Democrats emotionally sensitive regions of the brain. and efficiently for so long? What would it So I have been told. I was heartened when take to endow less gifted people with their I heard that care-staffers in Joan’s present qualities? Science may answer these ques- Find us at http://vbhndp.bc.ca/ home had promised to turn on the music in tions, if we solve the political puzzle of pay- Friend our Victoria-Beacon Hill NDP Facebook Page her room at regular intervals. ing for a high enough level of coordinated But when I visited her, the CD player research. (By levying a “Tobin plus” tax on Follow us on Twitter: @BeaconHillNDP had been stowed at the back of a middle financial transactions, and closing the over- Call us at 250-386-8497 drawer and the Scrabble pieces were scat- seas tax havens that rich corporations use tered randomly in a bottom drawer. Atten- to avoid paying taxes, maybe?) dants don’t have time to keep their prom- Brain scientists Pat and Edith McGeer ises. They routinely lie to patients to distract of UBC have declared their belief that Al- them. They conjure up imaginary visits by zheimer’s and other kinds of D-disease will spouses or sons and daughters, for ex- be mastered quite soon. I believe them. ample, to lure them away from attempts to If a political miracle pushes a brain- escape and other troublesome mischief. health program ahead to success in the On my next visit, luckily, the music U.S.A., it could take a big bite out of the machine had been restored to its place, $600 billion a year (ballpark estimate) that Cowichan Valley ready to play at the touch of the top-right is spent world-wide on looking after victims button. Nearby was a newspaper open at of the D-disorder. An American brain-health the puzzle page. Joan had solved the ana- program could safeguard endangered New Democrats gram cartoon. minds, reduce the sorrow of care giving Ten percent of North Americans devel- relatives, and set an example to the world. op Alzheimer’s by age 65, and 50 percent Canada’s public healthcare story sug- Keep in touch with your executive

Write to PO Box 102, Duncan, BC V9L 1P0 Or email President Ellen Oxman at [email protected]

Esquimalt-Royal Roads New Democrats Stay in touch! You can reach your executive by mail at Box 231 110-174 Wilson Street, Victoria, BC V9A 7N7 or by email Japanese care-giving robots created by Panasonic include a hair-washing robot, a drug delivery robot, a robotic bed, and HOSPI-Rimo, a robot with a touchscreen to [email protected] that helps hospital patients communicate with doctors and family. Picture is a poster for movie Robot and Frank. Lower Island NEWS COMMENTARY January 2013 Page 19 co-ordinated care, and advanced brain-healing research gests that national brain-strengthening has continuing task within a three-part brain- a better chance here than in the U.S.A. The health strategy that now begins to take awakening seems unlikely on Prime Minis- shape: Prevention, co-ordinated care and ter Stephen Harper’s watch, however. As advanced brain-healing research. Arguably his opponents argue, he shies away from we need to act in all three areas at once. nationally coordinated action for anything 1. Prevention: Former U.S. Surgeon- beyond the armed services, the “put more General David Satcher said it for the re- people in jail” campaign and tarsands pipe- duction of tobacco-smoking: Do everything lines to the B.C. coast. But the Harper mind- from alarm-labels on cigarette-packages to set could change under political stress. anti-tobacco lawsuits to new crops for to- On the problem-solving side of the bacco farmers. The preventive brain-health political fence, Claude Gravelle, NDP MP campaign may include inspired showbiz: for Nickel Belt, Ontario, introduced a pri- animated cartoons and film-stories with vate member’s bill in 2011 for a national compelling emotional power. brain strategy. He was supported by NDP 2. Coordinated care. The drudgery of health critic Libby Davies (Vancouver East), care-home staff becomes less frantic when and NDP seniors’ critic money is invested in more staff, higher pay, (London-Fanshawe, Ontario). more efficient architectural layout of care After searching through the record of homes, increased recruiting of useful vol- pills and potions (the best ones seem to de- unteer help, friendly and compelling infor- lay Alzheimer’s for months or years), and mation exchange online, and care robots, after sampling leading-edge literature while which are becoming more sensitive and striving to avoid false hopes, I believe part- capable. success can be achieved now -- not soon 3. Advanced research, supported by enough to prevent or cure the D-condition, money aimed to yield an increase in well- but in time to help some of its victims feel being first of all, and a commercial profit for more comfortable and improve mental per- some stakeholders as a secondary goal. formance.

This seems to be the place where Through those kinds of effort, I am op- science and the art of persuasion are timistic enough to guess that the McGeers joined together. Famed broadcast and on- are right, and we can achieve a high de- line medical consultant Dr. Gabe Mirkin, a gree of D-control before year 2030 – and retired Harvard professor of medicine, has save two dollars for every dollar invested in set forth research-based brain-health prin- the campaign. ciples of proven value. These coincide with Scientist Ruth Itzhaki of Manches- the rules for good physical health: Don’t ter University found cold-sore virus in the smoke, sleep well, take plenty of exercise brains of Alzheimer victims. She speculated within your physical limits, eat moderate that the virus might be important enough, amounts of food drawn mainly from a va- among multiple factors, to be the basis of a preventive vaccine. Toronto Western Hospital and Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore are calling for additional mild-dementia pa- tients between 55 and 80 years old to join the 20 who are undergoing a test program that sends electrical impulses through wires to the memory-making zone of the brain – a technique that has shown promising results in treating Parkinson’s disease, depression and Tourette syndrome. Researchers worldwide are looking for ways to revitalize the brain by implanting Senior woman 90 years old being fed by stem cells. a nurse Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have applied an anti-cancer drug riety of vegetables, leafy greens, whole to reverse Alzheimer’s symptoms in mice. grains, beans, seeds, nuts and deep-water Dr. Kaylene Young, Research Fellow, fish and only small amounts of meat, if any. Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, And go lightly on the eggs and dairy London, pointed out that the drug BDNF products, which nevertheless are nutritious (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) when – but wait a minute, we will need to look that infused into the brains of very old mice, up for ourselves individually, because in “has increased the animals’ performance this area Dr. Mirkin’s preventive advice gets in various behavioural and memory tests.” complicated. But his general drift is clear Those scientists may or may not be on enough: live and eat healthy and if you are the right track, but future science gives me a heart patient, take your prescribed medi- hope for myself and for others. Musician cines, provided they do their designed job. Mendelson Joe composed a guitar-accom- He says they have been shown to protect panied song entitled: “Think I’m losing my the brain as well as the heart. marbles. I tell you it’s a doggone shame.” Critics may object that each patient is Musician and painter Mendelson Joe is still singing his brainpower lament. You can an experiment, and the medicines are not One day I may sing that song, but I’m call it up on the Internet. Ask Google about “Mendelson Joe”. working for their individual cases. Straight- not ready to sing it yet. ening out such glitches appears to be a Page 20 January 2013 COMMENTARY Lower Island NEWS Shelter kitchen renovated to serve seniors meals in supportive housing

Until recently, the old Streetlink Emer- vices for seniors. gency Shelter kitchen at Cool Aid’s Swift “Preparing meals in the new kitchen House remained vacant after the move to is working very well,” said Chef Curran. Rock Bay Landing. In the last few months, “Our tenants are eating better and eating however, it has been completely refur- more with the improved food services. bished and is now being used to serve se- Our 30-day rotation of meals ensures a niors meals in Cool Aid supportive housing wide variety of homemade and nutritious buildings. ‘comfort’ foods that seniors enjoy. We buy The kitchen at Cool Aid’s Swift House and use just about all of our products fresh is located at the corner of Wharf at 467 and make almost everything from scratch, Swift Street. Cool Aid’s Red Seal Chef including desserts.” Ron Curran and food services staff are Ten thousand dollars was donated now bringing the second of three Cool by BFI Canada, who handle Cool Aid’s Aid seniors building on stream with more recycling and waste, to help with the kitchen nutritious, more delicious and more cost- equipment costs. “Everyone deserves good effective meals. food. BFI Canada wanted to help make life “When the Society vacated Street- better for people in our community who link Shelter, we decided to preserve the have been through a lot and need support,” The 16th Annual Levee Tour gets under way January 1, 2013 as tourers board the old shelter kitchen while converting the said Michael Tripp, BFI Canada’s district rented bus that will carry them around to three local levees. rest into 23 additional units of supportive manager. housing,” said John Crean, manager of The Victoria Cool Aid Society is helping New Year’s Day 2013 Levee Tour Report-- housing. “We’re thankful that BFI Canada to build homes and a better community helped out with a generous cash dona- through compassionate people who provide a good time was had by all tion.” a variety of services that improve people’s By Art Farquharson tion of the General Motors plant. Tune: “My “We got more than we bargained lives, including: housing, food services, Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean”). We met for,” said Chef Ron Curran. “The kitchen health care, support, and emergency This is our 16th year with the Poor Peo- Murray Rankin, the new MP for Victoria, needed an extensive overhaul and Cool shelter. Cool Aid focuses its services for ple’s Tour of New Year’s Day levees and and assorted municipal leaders and many Aid spent $45,000 on new and refurbished adults who are homeless or in need of help the travelling never repeats itself – the sto- citizens. While I’m not a huge fan of bag- equipment. But every penny will be and provides assistance to over 10,000 ries keep getting better. pipes the crowd was regaled with a full pipe recouped through cost savings over time.” individuals every year. This year the adventure really began band in the upper balcony. The kitchen renovation allows the Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. is with the spontaneous generosity of Cana- Next we carried on to Victoria City Hall. Society to centralize food services for one of ’s largest full-service, dian Auto Workers Local 114. They sent We were the first on the scene there, too. three Cool Aid seniors buildings. By March vertically integrated waste management me a donation even before I asked for it. I’d invited Mayor Dean Fortin along on the 2013, 165 daily meals will be prepared companies, providing non-hazardous In November I usually send letters to about tour on my Facebook page. His answer to- and delivered out of Swift House. Assisted solid waste collection and landfill disposal 15 possible donors asking for help to de- day to my call for suggestions for the tour living building Hillside Manor came on services to commercial, industrial, fray costs. Local 114, the local I’ve been song was Johnny Cash’s “Man in Black”. stream first on Thanksgiving and in De- municipal and residential customers in associated with as a worker, organizer and Victoria’s bill of fare was more than ade- cember Cool Aid added FairWay Woods in six Canadian provinces. Its major brands, Executive member on and off for over 20 quate. Sandwiches, juices, coffee, fruit and Langford. In 2013, Olympic Vista in Saan- IESI, BFI Canada and Waste Services, are years, sent a cheque which, to date is still vegetables. Our song was well received ich will also benefit from the new food ser- leaders in their markets. the most donated this year. and a number of the citizens joined in. It This donation joins another from CUPE was a short stay but our feeling was that Local 50 (Victoria City Workers), private do- we’d made our mark and had a good feed nations and some residual money from last to boot. Wilderness Committee launches new year to adequately cover the rental of the Our final stop was Esquimalt City Hall. bus, the payment of driver’s wages, snacks, We were surprised by the fairly sparce video on BC coal exports advertising, name tags and sundries. Re- number of citizens that were there. Be- VANCOUVER – In light of current pro- “World leaders are dragging their feet gardless of the amounts we sincerely thank sides Mayor Barb Desjardins and Esqui- posals to increase coal exports from ports on climate action and instead of leading our supporters for all their help. malt Council there was MLA Maurine Kara- in Greater Vancouver, the Wilderness Com- by example, British Columbia is becoming Things changed a little this year. Our gianis. Former Esquimalt Mayor Darwin mittee is launching a newly produced video an even bigger player in an industry that is first Levee was at Government House. We Robinson was there as well. addressing the global climate impacts of known to be a huge contributor to climate rendezvoused at Victoria City Hall because A labour celebrity in attendance was coal industry expansions in BC. change. Shipping more dirty coal out of it’s the most convenient for our travellers, Larry Tickner, carpenter, socialist and long- Controversial plans to increase coal ex- B.C. ports would be taking a giant step in many of whom live downtown. We boarded standing labour historian. It’s always a port capacity at the Fraser Surrey Docks the wrong direction,” he said. the bus, about 30 of us, and headed out to pleasure to see Larry and have one of his and North Vancouver’s Neptune Terminal Coal is one of the most significant con- Rockland. publications pressed into one’s hand. A would make the region the largest exporter tributors to global climate change, and re- We got there in good time and we only small but enthusiastic audience sang along of coal in all of North America. These expan- ducing worldwide greenhouse gas emis- had to wait about 20 minutes in the line to with our song including one fellow who fa- sions would be added to the existing capac- sions that result from burning coal is a major greet the new Lieutenant Governor Ju- vourably compared us to the Raging Gran- ity at the Westshore Terminal in Delta, BC, challenge. Though B.C. does not typically dith Guichon. Once in the grand hall we nies. We were flattered. which is now able to ship 33 million tonnes burn coal for electricity, it is mined in the sampled a delicious vegan vegetable soup, We wrapped it up, dropping everyone of coal per year—making it Canada’s top province and commonly shipped overseas assorted pastries and sausage rolls, punch off in Downtown Victoria just after 2 PM. All coal exporter. to Asia and other international markets. (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and fine who came off the bus reported they’d had “Raising awareness about coal exports To view the Wilderness Committee’s coffee and tea. a good time. is critical right now, while Port Metro Van- new video, visit: http://wildernesscommit- The band played and between a cou- Our thanks to CAW 114 not only for couver is considering these ill-conceived tee.org/video/block_coal_exports_bc ple of their numbers our merry entourage the money but also the lanyards and name plans to boost coal shipping capacity,” said The video was produced and edited by broke out in “The Soup Song” (lyrics by pouches. We’re grateful to Karen Gillmore Joe Foy, national campaign director with the Malcolm MacLean. Maurice Sugar in 1937 during the occupa- for the design of the name badges. Wilderness Committee. For more information contact: Joe Foy, at 604- 683-8220 [office]; 604-880-2580 [cell] or visit the

CUPW members ratify concessions deal By Elizabeth Byce Conservative government that imposed it. A serious blow against union solidarity “In the meantime, the union will ensure and general resistance to the austerity drive that we implement all of our rights under was delivered by members of the Canadi- the new contract. Notably, we have been an Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) who able to preserve the fully-indexed defined voted in December to ratify a new collective benefit pension plan and our job security agreement with Canada Post Corporation provisions.” (CPC). Fifty-seven per cent of voting mem- Given the high No vote, what impact bers in the urban operations bargaining unit will the outcome have on members, and on backed the deal. the union’s top leadership? In 2008 Debo- The tentative agreement generated op- rah Bourque was defeated in her bid to be position in many CUPW locals because it re-elected CUPW president, largely due to includes concessions that were rejected her support for a concessionary agreement by members in 2011 prior to the strike with CPC. Denis Lemelin won the post, and subsequent lockout. The deal puts and retained it in 2011. He will face over in place two-tier wages and pensions for 600 potentially angry delegates at the 2014 new hires, and rollbacks on other benefits. convention. CUPW National President Denis Lemelin For workers who used to count on issued the following statement: CUPW for its militant resistance to the “We all know that this agreement was bosses’ agenda, it should now be clear that reached under duress. The union remains a new fighting left wing is needed in virtu- The group entertained other visitors at Government House by breaking into a ver- committed to restoring truly free collec- ally every union. This won’t happen by ac- sion of The Soup Song, written by Maurice Sugar during the 1937 occupation of tive bargaining, which will involve a fight cident. Only a cross-union, class struggle the General Electric plant. against the unjust back-to-work legislation workers’ opposition can chart a new course and the anti-worker agenda of the Harper to stop and reverse concessions. Lower Island NEWS COMMENTARY January 2013 Page 21 Campaign launched to stand up for wild salmon and the marine environment

Days before the end of 2012, a cam- of salmon feedlots, since wild salmon go paign was launched that calls for Cana- into decline wherever open net-pen salmon dians to stop purchasing and consuming farms operate. There is also a boycott un- salmon that has been raised in open-net derway in Ireland. feedlots. Polling undertaken last month by SalmonFeedlotBoycott.com (SFB) is SalmonFeedlotBoycott.com indicated just hoping to make 2013 the year that Ca- over half of Canadians would support boy- nadians stand up to protect wild salmon, cotting farmed salmon. Support for a boy- lobster, the marine environment, and the cott is highest in the Maritimes, Quebec thousands of jobs that rely on them. In time and B.C. The most frequently cited reasons for the New Year, SFB is encouraging Ca- for supporting a boycott were: concerns re- nadians to join this campaign as their New lated to the products used to kill sea lice Year’s resolution. harming lobster; a diminished wild salmon There is growing concern on both the population will impact orcas, eagles and east and west coasts of Canada that wild grizzly bears; concerns about viruses in fisheries and marine environments are be- food; and the knowledge that wherever ing irreversibly harmed by industrial salmon salmon farms operate wild populations are feedlots. These feedlots are industrial live- in decline. stock operations in the ocean, with up to The campaign website at www.salmon- one million fish raised at a single site. feedlotboycott.com provides a series of Anissa Reed, coordinator of Salmon- easy-to-deploy actions designed to help FeedlotBoycott .com commented, “Many educate Canadians and pressure politi- years ago I used to manage an Atlantic cians and other regulators into taking ac- salmon ‘farm’ so I know the nature of the tion. beast. Today they still use open nets, they Canadians who want to demonstrate are still crowded feedlots, and the fish waste their concern and have their voice heard and excess feed fall to the sea floor. I have can: travelled all over British Columbia and, • Boycott the purchase and con- more recently, into communities through- sumption of farmed salmon out Nova Scotia and . The • Ask markets and restaurants not From left to right are delegates representing No Peace Without Justice, Inter-African faces of the people who know what is hap- to carry the product Committee, Burkina Faso chapter, IAC Ethiopia chapter, Global Alliance Against pening haunt me.” • Check the label on your pet’s food FGM (this picture was taken in New York City at NPWJ headquarters on September Reed added, “This boycott is a platform and avoid farmed salmon 23, 2010 during the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) where for stories to be told on our social media • Educate friends about the issue much pressure was placed to put forward a resolution. pages, and the public can then participate • Sign SFB’s petition and/or write a and choose what they want for themselves letter to federal members of parliament A United Nations - FGM news - update and this country. I see this industry as a Ongoing and informed conversation predator. They lobby the government for by Canadians with their supermarkets, pet access into our communities with promis- food manufacturers, fishmongers and gov- es of good jobs, and pit neighbour against ernment is an important starting point for UN eyes wide open neighbour. They spend millions on advertis- positive change. By Diane Walsh only after much of the bone scrapping work ing campaigns saying it is good for us, but I In addition to asking Canadians to em- had been done by journalists and activists have seen, and believe, otherwise.” brace their call for action as a New Year’s Female Genital Mutilation finally takes putting their lives in danger. But now some- Despite recent findings by the federal Resolution, a series of educational activi- centre stage. The UN stage by golly! thing has changed for the better. Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the ties to raise awareness of the impacts of In recent years, you may remember that Seen by virtually everyone in the grass- Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser salmon feedlots are planned over the next the Lower Island News brought you what roots-activist community as a major historic River, salmon farm leases continue to be several months. we deemed relevant news nuggets the de- development on the FGM front, No Peace granted by provincial governments for high- bated the subject of FGM. Sometimes even Without Justice (which is based in New risk locations and no actions have been SalmonFeedlotBoycott.com is a peo- exposing you – at some risk – to disgust at York City but is working diligently with ac- taken on the federal inquiry’s recommen- ple’s movement funded by individual Cana- even the mention of the subject matter. tivists around the globe), gives this truthful dations. dians in opposition of the clear and present We’ve presented the sometimes stom- press release, on a UN resolution against This campaign follows decades of at- threat salmon feedlots pose to wild salmon ach-wrenching and emotionally difficult-to- Female Genital Mutilation – which passed tempts to negotiate with the industry and and the broader environment. absorb “factoids” pointing out the physical December 20, 2012. have government honour their own numer- SalmonFeedlotBoycott.com is commit- effects of female genital mutilation on girls FGM – as a political issue – is finally on ous reviews that recommended getting ted to educating Canadians and our politi- and women – whilst wanting to stress jour- the map. The map that matters. salmon feedlots away from wild fisheries. cians at all levels of government about the nalistically – the very hard-core activist fight The actual text of the United Nations People have become more aware of the hazards associated with salmon feedlots. that’s taken place to try to eliminate this hei- draft resolution on FGM can be accessed potential severe consequences of the prac- For those with direct experience with the nous practice over the last 50 years in a here. If you have any difficulty with the tice of raising salmon in floating feedlots on negative effects of salmon feedlots we wel- virtual media blackout. URL, you may contact me directly for ad- Canada’s east and west coasts. come you to share your stories with poten- Ignoring FGM was general norm on the ditional instruction for access privilege to “While salmon feedlots have been con- tial consumers of farmed salmon. media landscape for many years. We did the resolution’s terminology (which, need- tentious on the west coast for a long time, SalmonFeedlotBoycott.com contends better. less to say, is of great interest to legal ju- this issue is rapidly becoming a hot topic that when consumers know the truth about At least we tried to. risprudence scholars) as the text is not le- on the east coast with the increased rates the full range of impacts intensive open- Our very own Dale Young, Editor of gally binding but rather a step in the “right of feedlot site lease applications and the net feedlots place on some of the richest LIN, helped get me through the UN media direction” and seen as a guiding light and/ growing awareness of the impacts these marine resource areas in Canada and the accreditation unit in New York city in Sep- or barometer of change in thinking. operations have on wild salmon, lobster, devastation caused by this industry they tember 2010, which led to me being able to Fundamentally it has been the direct and coastal habitat,” stated Inka Milewski, will not buy the products. Spokespeople cover the MDGs and meet with the agents lobbying work of groups and people such New Brunswick-based SalmonFeedlotBoy- are available to speak about the impacts of change, whom I’d been following for as No Peace Without Justice, the Ban FGM cott .com supporter and marine science ad- experienced on both Canada’s East and months. On the ground, these agents were campaign, the Inter-African Committee, visor to community groups. West Coasts. struggling to “out” the delegations refusing Euro-net, and the first lady of Burkina Faso SFB is interested in spreading the boy- Our hope is that Canadians will respond to allow a dialogue about FGM on the UN Hon. Chantal Compaoré to bring the issue cott message throughout Canada but is and take action where government and in- floor (such as the Nigerian delegation, I to the UN floor that has helped make this also conscious of the global implications dustry have failed. came to learn, in my time in NYC). groundbreaking historical event, a reality. You might remember the piece that But not without the indispensable and came of that. ever relentless public awareness work Our publication followed the activists of organizations such as Global Alliance who’ve pressured the United Nations to re- Against FGM, the Orchid Project, the Aha spond. Foundation, Tostan, just to name a few. To no surprise, other outlets like the It takes a village. A global united village Guardian (and more recently the New York to make this happen! Times) began to get on the band wagon but It also would not have happened with- out great activists. Hon. Emma Bonino, former MP in the European parliament and current member of the Italian Senate, was then (and still is) a tremendous political weight behind the Ban FGM campaign. The NYT was kind enough to accept an editorial written by her once they’d received news that resolution has Canadians have responded by taking part in demonstrations and boycots of farmed salmon across the country. UN has banned the horrifying practice of FGM seen here. Page 22 January 2013 BOOKS, PLAYS AND... Lower Island NEWS THE UGLY CANADIAN: Stephen Harper’s foreign policy, by Yves Engler, 2012, RED Publishing & Fernwood Publishing, Canada, ISBN978-1-55266-530-5

“We should be clear that foreign military inventions kill and that The author says Canada since 2006 “is offside from the world the Conservatives’ climate change policy is devastating many of the community on a host of issues.” world’s most vulnerable.” Losing his bid for a seat on the UN Security council was a humili- ation resulting from Harper’s “sabotaging international efforts to im- Review by Theresa Wolfwood prove health and environmental standards...aggressive lobbying on behalf of tar sands producers...unflinching support of Israeli aggres- Engler is rapidly becoming one of Canada’s major political re- sion...its tacit support for a military coup in Honduras and [Canada] searchers and analysts. This is his latest of six books on topics angered the Venezuelan government by meddling in that country’s ranging from Haiti to Palestine. His last book was an analysis of political affairs.” Lester Pearson’s political career and legacy. Our support of mining companies abroad has caused massive Harper is what we have now, even if, as Engler reminds us, he environmental damage and social degradation leading to commu- only received 39% of our votes. Since taking office in 2006, Harper nity conflict and violence. Community activists have been murdered has set Canada’s foreign policy to please and profit a tiny group of at major Canadian mine sites across the world. large corporations and right-wing ideologues. Engler urges us to be active in social movements that work for No surprise to most of us as Engler documents our militaris- justice, peace, equality and a healthy planet; more than that, he tic role in Haiti, Libya, Iran, and Lebanon making us on the world urges us to make the connections between issues so our social scene, “a warrior nation”. movements will work together to create stronger and more effec- Creating a culture of war includes not only our government’s tive actions and results. Many progressive Canadians focus much total disregard for human rights when it suits it, as in Libya and Haiti needed effort on domestic issues – healthcare, education, poverty, military intervention, but also includes generous support of arms unfair taxation to name a few; Engler makes a convincing case that industries with our tax money (and Canada Pension Plan invest- all domestic issues are linked to our less scrutinized foreign policy, ments) which sell not only to the USA, as ever, but also to other we have to make the connection and link our issues of concern and human rights abusers and countries at war, such as Israel, Morocco our actions. and Saudi Arabia. Many generous trade and investment deals ac- In this book and his talks across Canada, he reminds us of the company these sales. success of the Quebec student movements, calls on us to focus on Canada is also a global pariah because of Harper’s policy on climate change (no policy defeating the most vulnerable Conservative candidate in the next election, to organize at really, just business as usual) and his relentless support of the Tar Sands development every level and that, “Our goal should be to force open the narrow parameters of foreign and big oil companies. Engler documents in plain words his statement, “Harper’s actions policy debate...It’s time to turn... anger into action.” as prime minster suggest he doesn’t care if human activity is warming the planet.” Engler examines in lengthy detail Harper’s love for Israel’s occupation of and war on Theresa Wolfwood is director of the Barnard-Boecker Centre Foundation; for more articles & reports Palestine; we are “Israel’s best friend”. Unfortunately there has been little opposition from see www.bbcf.ca For more book reviews see: www.bookreviws.bbcf.ca other major parties in Canada since 1948 to this enduring policy.

Leila Khaled: Icon of Palestinian Liberation, by Sar- ROSALIE BERTELL: Scientist, Eco-Feminist, Vision- ah Irving, 2012, Pluto Press, UK, ISBN 978-0-7453-2951- ary, by Mary-Louise Engels, 2005, Women’s Press, Women Who Rock series, Toronto, CANADA. Review by Theresa Wolfwood

“I believe in my people and I believe that we have Review by Theresa Wolfwood people all around the world supporting us.” Rosalie Bertell died in 2012. This biography illustrates the life and work of this woman While most women in the late sixties worried about who dedicated her life to the health and security of all life on this planet. the length of their miniskirt, one of their contemporaries Bertell believed that the war never ended – that post-WW2, the USA and most of was worried about the occupation of her homeland and the world continue to arm and create a permanent war economy and mentality. Her the forced exile of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, concerns about the unleashing of atomic energy and weaponry on the world continued in including herself. She became famous for her airplane her research and teaching career, she did original and ground breaking work connecting hijacking; famous as a woman and as a Palestinian cancer to nuclear installations and low level radiation. woman. Her travels to the South Pacific, Ne- The author based this book on records of the past and vada, Kazakhstan and other nuclear Leila Khaled’s own stories told in a series of interviews. sites confirmed her research. She trav- Khaled was dedicated to the armed struggle to regain elled the world to see, study and alert her country; a militant in a society where women still had people to the dangerous effects of the traditional roles. nuclear industry and bomb testing. Her She talks about other women, the armed resistance work has always showed her support to Israel, the difficulties of being a woman in a guerrilla movement and the reaction of the for groups that were more vulnerable world to her daring. She underwent extensive plastic surgery to her beautiful face so she and threatened by radiation than others: could travel undetected. She married and had children; she talks candidly about her role women and children; aboriginal and ma- as an activist parent and the problems of refugees forced to move from one country to jority world peoples; workers in uranium another. Her story is the story of a a nation still occupied and with millions of exiles. mines and nuclear facilities. “...when there is occupation, there will always be resistance.” She authored several books and her Across the world she became an icon of resistance; years later, people still want to last; Planet Earth: The latest weapon meet and interview her; she is humbled by parents who name their daughters after her. She of war is the culmination of her experi- lives in Amman, Jordan and ence as a researcher and activist. She sees that our relentless blind militariza- is still active, committed to a tion is the greatest threat to the earth’s peaceful solution that calls environment and life. In Planet Earth Photo of Rosalie Bertell in Victoria was tak- for settling the core issues Bertell points out that our society has en by the reviewer of land and refugees – at changed its core values – also attitudes 68, she thinks it will happen, and legislation-- on many issues from women’s rights, children’s rights, animal welfare to maybe not in her lifetime but homosexual rights. for the next generations. She believes we can and will change our values about militarization. In Beijing at the UN Women’s Forum she called on us to be responsible gatherers and transmitters of in- formation and knowledge. “We Can Be Our Own Media”. Photo: Khaled on far right, in Bertell lived a fulfilled life as a scientist and an activist outside the mainstream estab- Jordan, 2008 lishment. The last words in this excellent book and this review are by Rosalie Bertell herself. “The continuity of life, the call for making things better for the next and the next gen- erations blots out all hesitation…We have to be part of something larger than ourselves, because our dreams are often bigger than our lifetimes.” , by Tricia Dower, Penguin Books. Stony River For a tribute to Rosalie Bertell see: www.bbcf.ca Reviewed by Ken Orchard like for three young women trying to grow up in that stifling environment. These Throughout the recent U.S. election are women you’ll recognize. Idle thoughts... campaign, candidates for all parties Dower grew up in that kind of town, claimed to represent the “real” America; and her characters’ stories ring true to When the white missionaries came to After the game, the King and the pawn go often harked back to small town life in the stories I heard from my sister about Africa they had the Bible and we had into the same box. the 50s as a golden age. Each candidate her efforts to mature in small town On- the land. They said “Let us pray.” We ~ Italian proverb claimed greater affinity than the others to tario. Behind closed doors. closed our eyes. When we opened them Men are like linoleum floors. Lay ‘em right the American Common Sense approach This story moves quickly, and takes we had the Bible and they had the land. and you can walk all over them for thirty years. to the days’ problems, with small town some breathtaking turns on its journey ~ Desmond Tutu ~ Betsy Salkind values motivating decision making. through the maze of religious dogma, America is the only country where a signifi- A new novel has been published by moral rights and wrongs, and norms cant proportion of the population believes The only reason they say ‹Women and chil- Penguin that shines a less than gold- that underlie the values of small town that professional wrestling is real but the dren first› is to test the strength of the lifeboats. en light on life and values in one of those America that are now romanticized by moon landing was faked. ~ Jean Kerr towns, Stony River. those who would see them rule again. ~ David Letterman It’s the second book by Victoria writer But after you spend an enthralling I’m not a paranoid, deranged millionaire. I›ve been married to a communist and a fas- Tricia Dower, and is a great read, while evening curled up with this novel, you’ll be God dammit, I’m a billionaire. cist, and neither would take out the garbage. exposing what life in those towns was more skeptical about letting that happen. ~ Howard Hughes ~ Zsa Zsa Gabor Lower Island N/ews January 2013 Page 23 Calendar of coming events CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT Board urday, January 26, at 2 pm, at the parish ITCHING TO PLANT THE GARDEN? ruary 25, at 6 m, at the Glen Meadows Golf meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday hall of the former All Saints Church, corner Victoria’s Annual Seedy Saturday, for all & countryClu, 1050 McTavish Road. Tick- of every month, at 1:30 pm at the CRD of Stewart and Pallister Avenues, in View gardening enthusiasts, takes place Satur- ets $150 or a table of 8 for $1000. Contact offices at 625 Fisgard Street in Victoria. Royal, to choose delegates for the 2013 day, February 16, from 10 am - 4 pm, at Allan Collier at [email protected] or phone NDP federal convention. Doors open at the Victoria Conference Centre. Open- 250-656-6063. CENTRAL SAANICH RESIDENTS ARE 1:30 pm. The meeting will also discuss and pollinated, non-GMO vegetable and flower invited to attend regular neighbourhood vote on resolutions to be submitted to the seeds, plants, fruit trees, garden and food iIMPERIAL CANADA INC. (Legal Haven gatherings, held every Friday night at 7 pm convention, which will be held in Montreal, products, cooking demos, kids’ activities, of Choice for the World’s Mining Industries) at Spelt’s Coffee Shop, 7586 East Saan- Quebec, April 12-14. For more informa- speakers and more. Admission $7, under with author Alain Denault, Tuesday, Febru- ich Road, in Saanichton. Share stories, tion on the meeting, phone president Jock 12 free. Hosted by the James Bay Market ary 26, at 7 pm, at the Central Library on books, talk politics and enjoy hot coffee. Bates t 250-478-9735. For information on Society. For more information, phone 250- Broughton Street, in Victoria. Books will be Nothing is taboo. No pretentiousness, no the convention, visit montreal2013.ndp.ca/. 381-5323, or go to www.jamesbaymarket. available for purchase. Sponsored by the meeting agenda...just a chance to chat com/seedysaturday. Mining Justice Action Committee (MJAC). with neighbours and build community. VICTORIA FEDERAL NDP CONVENTION For more information, contact: charlotte- Call 250-652-8228 for further information. 2013 Delegates/Resolutions Meeting will JUAN DE FUCA NEW DEMOCRATS [email protected]. take place on Saturday, February 9, from willl be hosting their annual Valentine’s THE VICTORIA LABOUR COUNCIL rep- 1:30 pm-3:30 pm, at the James Bay New Sweetheart of an Evening Dinner, Dance NEXT FEDERAL NDP CONVENTION will resenting affiliated unions in the Greater Horizons, 234 Menzies Street, in Victoria. and Auction on Friday, February 15, at be held in Montreal, Quebec, on April 12- Victoria area, holds its regular monthly Guest Speaker will be Murray Rankin, MP the Olympic View Golf Club, 643 Lato- 14. At Convention 2013 delegates from meetings at 7 pm on the 3rd Wednesday (Victoria). All Victoria NDP members and ria Road. Cocktails at 6 pm, dinner at 7 accross the country will gather to debate each month at the BCGEU Auditoriam, supporters are invited to attend. However, pm.Tickets will be $125 and available policy resolutions and help plan a winning 2994 Douglas Street, Victoria. All delgates only NDP members in good standing can through Jennifer Burgis at 250-881-8280. strategy for 2015 under the leadershiop of are welcome to come to meet their execu- vote for resolutions and stand for election The evening is a fundraising event for Juan Thomas Mulcair. Visit http://montreal2013. tive, president Mike Eso, treasurer, Stan as delegates. Limited travel subsidies will de Fuca NDP, and is always a lot of fun. ndp.ca/ for more information on Convention Dzbik, and secretary Kim Manton. be available to eligible Victoria Convention 2013. delegates. For further information visit: DINNER WITH ADRIAN DIX and Saanich ESQUIMALT-JUAN DE FUCA NDP will www.victoriandp.ca. North and the Islands BC ANDP candiate THE NEXT BC PROVINCIAL ELECTION hold a delegate selection meeting on Sat- Gry Holman will take place on Monday, feb- will be held on Tuesday, May 14.

British Columbians are ready for a thoughtful conversation about taxes

By Shannon Daub, Seth Klein and Randy the income gap between the wealthy and Galawan others. many wrestle with. But, when taxes are know we need more revenues if we are What is surprising is the extent to which linked to concrete policies that can reduce going to deal with challenges like the af- Debates about taxes in B.C. can be as these responses cut across party lines. For inequality and improve our quality of life, fordability crisis squeezing so many fami- much a blood-sport as politics. But a major example, it’s not just those who would vote the story changes. lies (in housing and child care in particu- new opinion poll conducted by Environics NDP or Green in a provincial election who Respondents were asked if they would lar), inequality and climate change. The Research (commissioned by the Canadian think high-income individuals and corpora- consider paying a slightly higher share results reflect an understanding taxes are Centre for Policy Alternatives) offers some tions should pay more tax. A majority of Lib- of their own income to provincial income fundamentally about our quality of life, and surprising insights into what people of dif- eral and Conservative voters say the same. tax (for most people representing a few a preference to pay for needed goods and ferent political stripes think about taxes, in- Perhaps this widespread appetite for hundred dollars per year) in order to help services as citizens, through our taxes, equality and public services. tax fairness reflects the growing consen- bring about 11 different policy changes. rather than privately, as consumers. It turns out we aren’t nearly as divided sus, including among many business lead- The changes included things like provid- That said, this opinion research also tells on these issues as you might think. On the ers, that extreme inequality is as much an ing more access to home and community us that people aren’t interested in writing a whole, British Columbians appear ready to economic problem as it is a moral one. based health care for seniors, increasing blank cheque to government. They are pre- approach issues of tax reform – and even Or perhaps it reflects the reality that tax welfare benefit rates, creating a $10 per pared to entertain tax increases, but only tax increases – with more openness than cuts over the last decade have contributed day child care program, protecting BC’s for- under the right conditions. People want our political leaders give us credit for. to the growing gap by delivering the lion’s ests and endangered species, or reducing greater transparency and accountability The overwhelming majority of British share of benefits to the richest 10% and class sizes in K-12 education. from their governments. They want to know Columbians (90%) think there should be 1%. Meanwhile, higher consumption tax- The results are striking: 68% say they are the money will be well spent on needed income tax increases for those at the top. es, user fees and MSP premiums have hit willing to pay a higher share of their income programs. And most importantly, they want As to where those higher taxes should kick modest and middle-income earners hard- in order to help bring about 4 or more of the to have a say in how decisions are made. in, a clear majority (57%) says at $100,000 est. Indeed, the richest British Columbians 11 policies. And once again, this held true It’s time for a thoughtful, democratic con- per year of income. A majority (67%) also now pay a lower overall tax rate (all provin- for majorities regardless of which political versation about taxes. The idea that we think major corporations are asked to pay cial taxes combined) than everyone else. party people intended to vote for in the next should debate whether taxes are “good or less tax than they should. Of course it’s easy to say someone provincial election. ``bad is old. The questions we need to an- Those results aren’t terribly surprising else should pay more taxes. That’s why Equally surprising, when we tested to see if swer now are: what are the things we want given the high level of concern respondents it comes as a further surprise to discover the willingness to pay varied across a host to pay for together, and how can we raise have about inequality. British Columbians the openness British Columbians show of demographic differences, only one stood the money needed in a way that ensures want to see a significant redistribution of when it comes to potential tax increases for out – age. Younger respondents (aged 18 everyone pays a fair share. income — away from the richest 20%, to- themselves. When initially asked a general to 44) are significantly more willing to pay wards the middle and the bottom. Three question about their own level of taxation, more tax than their older counterparts. Shannon Daub is the Director of Communica- quarters of us also say we’d have greater most people feel they pay too much – no These results are hopeful. British Colum- tion for the BC Office of the Canadian Centre for confidence in a government that reduces surprise given the cost of living challenges bians know we face a budget crunch. We Policy Alternatives. Seth Klein in the CCPA’s BC Needed: Creative transport plans By G.E. Mortimore selling flimsy mortgage-based securities and inventive public enterprise can harmo- Mudge-Gabriola Islands?) for possible -- goes unpunished. No effective corporate nize the two domains. manufacture, development and export of Thoughts while crunched into a car crime-control strategy has been invented. Arguably, inspired problem-solving is engineering know-how, and a possible fu- seat at Swartz Bay: When will the next ferry A socially-smart business leader the skill we need to find in a 21st-century ture Island-Mainland link? Maybe. Such sail? Wish I had a laptop. might change the economic scene. New successor to the politicians who built in- multi-island nations as Indonesia and the One of the computer-TV-phone giants York mayor Michael Bloomberg, net worth dustrial muscle and social-sharing sinews Phillipines could benefit from the technol- promised us a free laptop, as a reward for $25 billion, gave $600 million to the anti- into B.C.’s political economy in the 1950s to ogy. switching our affiliation. Phone calls drew tobacco cause. Could he launch a new 1970s -- Social Credit premier W.A.C. Ben- Could the dial-a-bus system now under answers from a series of trouble-shooters, public-service career, mobilize colleagues nett and NDP premier Dave Barrett. They trial in Helsinki, Finland, plus folding rental after the “Press One, Press Two and wait” to swamp corporate boardrooms with de- both showed the leadership spark. mini-cars at transit stations, experimental routine. Each agent promised to send the mands for honesty, and strengthen the eco- Hopefully the NDP’s Adrian Dix will pay-by-the-kilometre automobile licensing, laptop immediately. It never arrived. nomic democracy of the co-op sector -- one match their achievements. The mobilizing smooth interlinking of road and rail, transit- Should I totter through the lines of person, one vote, the workers and the cus- power of electronic technology makes his friendly tax policy and coordinated munici- cars in the rain and darkness to coffee and tomers are the owners? task easier. pal oversight (lacking under Campbell’s a bathroom visit? No, the ferry might come The car in front is lighting up. An- Bennett, a hardware-dealer “private- and Harper’s management) plus rail side in and the cars could move. other false alarm. What benefit came from enterpriser”, created two public enterprises, Transit-Oriented Development, actually re- The car ahead starts and then shuts changing B.C. Ferries into a half-way busi- B.C. Hydro and B.C. Ferries, and strength- duce the number of cars on roads and fer- off its engine, a false signal. Another re- ness enterprise? Semi-private status does ened B.C.’s public railway, while preach- ries? Maybe. membered thought: Criminologist Laureen not prevent revenue falling when fares ing against dangerous socialism. Barrett Once the idea of driving only for plea- Snider of Queen’s University pointed out go up, or prevent transportation paralysis launched the Insurance Corporation of B.C. sure and by necessity, rather than by habit, that the world’s financial system gives dom- when storms hit the strait. and the Agricultural Land Reserve. became embedded in popular culture, and inant advantage to wealthy traders who use Former premier Gordon Campbell Technology may provide part-answers most people trusted transit and felt at home computer algorithms to make thousands of and colleagues botched the transportation- to the Island-Mainland transportation puz- on buses, trains and ferries, with electrical- trades per second. planning job, but it’s useless to blame them zle. Can improved ship-stabilization devic- ly-powered wheeled containers carrying As Snider noted, numerous studies for their faith in an imaginary “free market” es enable ferries to ride more comfortably their purchases and belongings, could new show that the unlawful acts of corporations and a fictional struggle between “free en- through storms? Can B.C. develop and ex- quiet passengers-only hovercraft ferries cause many times more injury, death and terprise” and “socialism”, (as in healthcare). port such devices? link city centres? Maybe, again. financial loss than the individual robberies, Commerce and social care are interwoven. Could the new submerged floating- The car in front of us is moving. We assaults, drug deals and murders that fill Yet socialism remains a useful guiding tunnel technology – calculated by engi- roll aboard the ferry at last. I have been the jails. Yet most corporate crime – from idea -- in the sense that everybody’s well- neers but never yet built -- be tested on spinning transportation dreams for three unlawful dumping of poisonous wastes to being is more important than private profit, a short Vancouver Island span (Nanaimo- hours. Page 24 January 2013 Lower Island NEWS Directory of locations, organizations, publications of interest MLA COMMUNITY OFFICES Saanich-Gulf Islands New Democrats: Con- South Island Health Coalition, an affiliate of colonial force, the Dominion examines politics, tact president Jack Greenwell at 250-477-3549 the BC Health Coalition. If you are concerned culture and daily life with a view to understand- Cowichan Valley Community Of- or by email to [email protected] or Irene about access affordability and quallity of health ing the exercise of power. It can be purchased at fice, Bill Routley: MLA, 273 Trunk Wright (Gulf Islands) by phone/fax at 250-537- care in our community, get ivolved by calling co- Bolen Books, Victoria, Camas Books & Infoshop, Road, Duncan, BC, or PO Box 599, Duncan, BC, 5347, or email to [email protected]. chairs Dale Perkins at 250-592-5487 or Wendy Victoria, Dark Horse Books, Victoria, and Mun- V9L 3X9, phone 250-715-0127, toll free 1-877- Strong at 250-592-1222. ro’s Bookstore Ltd, Victoria.Or suscribe and Re- 715-0127, fax 250-715-0139, email bill.routley. Victoria New Democrats: To contact president Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS): ceive an email notice when a new issue is online: [email protected]. Erik Kaye, write to Box 5380, LCD9, Victoria, 302-895 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1H7, Visit http://www.dominionpaper.ca/ to view the BC, V8R 6S4, or visit their website at www.vic- phone 250-361-3521; fax 250-361-3541. paper and to subscribe. Esquimalt-Royal Roads Community Office, toriandp.ca. Maurine Karagianis, MLA: A5-100 Ældersmith Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Soci- Victoria Street Newz: An independent media Place, View Royal, BC, V9A 7M8, phone 250- PROVINCIAL AND FEDERAL ety: Third floor, 535 Yates Street, Victoria, BC, Dproject, working to end poverty and home- 479-8326, email maurine.karagianis.mla@ NDP OFFICES V8W 2Z6 phone 250-361-9433, fax 250-361- lessness, sold by low income individuals on the leg.bc.ca or visit her website at www.maurinek- 1914 or see website www.virca.bc.ca. streets of Victoria BC Canada, unceded Coast Salish Indigenous territory. Street Newz offers a aragianis.ca. BC New Democrats: 5367 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC, V5H 2G1, phone 604-430-8600, fax 604- Victoria Labour Council: 219-2750 Quadra reliable alternative to corporate or government Juan de Fuca Community Office, John Hor- 432-9517, toll free 1-888-868-3637. street, Victoria, BC, V8T 4E8, phone 250-384- controlled media. It provides a dignified way for gan, MLA, 800 Goldstream Avenue, Victoria, BC 8331, fax 250-384-8381, email [email protected].; low and/or no income people to earn a few ex- Mike Eso, president, Stan Dzbik, treasurer, Kim tra bucks and participate in the local economy. It V9B 2X7, phone 250-391-2801, email john.hor- Canada’s New Democrats: 300-279 Laurie Manotn, secretary publishes research and opinions and photos and [email protected]. West, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5J9, phone 613-236- 3613, toll free, 1-866-525-2555, fax 613-230- art from you, the people. Victoria Peace Centre: Box 8307, Victoria, Saanich South Community Office, Lana Po- 9950, TTY: 1-866-776-7742. BC, V8W 3R9, hone/fax 250-592-8307, email pham, MLA: 4085 Quadr Street, Victoria, BC, v8 ALTERNATIVE WEBSITES [email protected] or visit website at www.vic- 1K5, email [email protected], or visit OTHER GROUPS peace.ca. www.alternet.org--A US website featuring alter- website at www.saanichsouth.ca. YOU MAY WANT TO REACH native articles on US and world politics, an online World Wildlife Federation: 410-245 Eglington Victoria-Beacon Hill Community Office, Car- magazine and information source. Amnesty International--Canadian Section: Avenue East, Toronto, ON, M4P 3J1, phone ole James, MLA: 1084 Forst Street, Victoria,BC, www.amnesty.org 1-800-26-PANDA, fax 416-489-8055, website V8V 3K4, phone 250-952-4211, fax 250-952- www.avaaz.org/en/global--By confronting such www.wwf.ca. threats as global warming together, Avaaz hopes 4586, email [email protected]. BC Council of Senior Citizens Organizations: to build a more just, tolelrant and vibrant world. phone 604-438-3221. United Nations Association of Canada Victoria-Swan Lake Community Office, Rob -Victoria Branch: 202-3293 Douglas Fleming, MLA: 1020 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, (UNAC)- www.counterpunch.org--An American website BC Latin American Congress: 4184 Brant Street, Victoria, BC, V8Z 3K9, phone 250-475- BC, V8T 2A2, email [email protected]. with a left-wing viewpoint. Street, Vancouver, BC, V5N 5B4, phone 604- 2868, fax 250-475-5898, email unavic@coast- 879-3246, fax 604-872-6776, email bclac@vcn. net.com or website www.unac.org. http://dominionpaper.ca--A Canadian ezine MPs and COMMUNITY OFFICES bc.ca. covering national and international stories that ALTERNATIVE PUBLICATIONS mainstream sources maynot cover. Murray Rankin, MP, House of Commons, Con- Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives: 410- federation Building,Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A6. 75 Albert Street, Ottawa ON, K1P 5E7, phone Canadian Dimension Magazine: An indepen- www.globalproblematique.net--is an invitation email [email protected]. 613-563-1341, fax 613-233-1458, email ccpa@ dent forum for Left-wing political thought and dis- to participate in a carefully conceived sustain- policyalternatives.ca, website www.policyalter- cussion — including just about the entire range of ability-oriented process. The story is organized Victoria Community Office not yet set up, but natives.ca. what passes for the Left in Canada. A few years as a linear flow. First it explains why and how we to phone call 250-363-3600. ago we adopted the banner “a magazine for peo- address the World Problematique in this fashion. Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives--BC ple who want to change the world”. That’s still Then, it branches out into four distinct, interactive Randall Garrison, MP, House of Commons, Office, 1400-207 West Hastings Street, Van- a good summary of who we are. Subscriptions threads. For more information go to the website. Confederation Building,Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A6, couver, BC, V6B 1H7, phone 604-801-5121, fax from $29.99. See http://canadiandimension.com email [email protected]. 604-801-5122, website: ww.pollicyalternatives. for more information.Or contact them by mail at www.lowerislandnews.wordpress.com/ ca. Canadian Dimension, 2E-91 Albert Street, Win- is a democratic socialist tabloid newspaper that Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca Community Office, nipeg, , R3B 1G5, or by phone at 204- appears as often as possible. Randall Garrison, MP., A2-1000 Aldersmith Canadian Health Coalition: phone 613-233- 957-1519 or oll-ree: 1-800-737-7051. Place, Victoria, BC, V9A 7M8, open 10 am-4 pm, 1018. ca is Monday-Thursday or by appointment. Phone http://newsdaily.ca--CanadaNewsdaily. COMER (Committee on Monetary and Eco- a good (and bad) news service with a refresh- 250-405-4550; fax 250-405-4568. Canadian Labour Congress (Pacific Region): nomic Reform): Reform-minded focus fcus on ingly non-corporate view of the news, from local 201-5118 Joyce Street, Vancouver, BC, V5R monetary issues and how they affect our society. to global stories, with features, opinion, analysis- Jean Crowder, MP, House of Commons, Con- 4H1; Regional Representative Iris Taylor, phone Membership: $50; journal only $30. Contact -all for free, including classfied ads. Newsdaily federation Building, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A6., 604-430-6766, ext 267, fax 604-430-6762. them at 27 Sherbourne Street North, Suite 1, covers Canadian and world news, plus a fo- email crowder1A@@parl.gc.ca. Toronto, ON M4W 2T3; tel: 416-924-3964; fax: cused look at British Columbia, Victoria, and the Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Mid- 416-466-5827; email: comerpub [at] comer.org. Islands. Nanaimo-Cowichan Community Office, Jean dle East, Victoria Chapter: Victoria, BC, phone Crowder, MP, 101-128 Ingram Street,. Duncan, 250-978-9325, email frances.everett@cjpme. CCPA Monitor: a monthly journal sent free to [email protected] BC, V9L 1P1, email [email protected] or org. Enquiries, new members, guests welcome. all members, and published by the Canadian set up to discuss the implications the Multilateral visit her website at www.jeancrowder.ca. CJPME’s website can be found at www.cjpme. Centre for Policy Alternatives, Canada’s leading Agreement on on Investments, this website and org. organization for articulating progressive, posi- related email list now discuss world-wide devel- PROVINCIAL NDP tive social policy reform. Ever constructive and opments of concern to left wing readers. Council of Canadians, Victoria Chapter: PO CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATIONS independent. Contact them at CCPA National Box 5515, 1625 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, phone Office, Suite 500, 251 Bank Street, Ottawa ON, www.pejnews.com--Peace, Earth & Justice 250-360-8448, email victoriacouncilofcanadi- Cowichan Valley New Democrats: Write PO K2P 1X3; tel: 613-563-1341; fax: 613-233-1458; News, a free email and web service, provides [email protected] or visit www.victoriacouncilofca- Box 102, Duncan, BC, V9L 1P0, or contact presi- email: [email protected]. news, opinion and analysis of peace, environ- nadians.ca. dent EllenOxman t 250-701-4980 or email her at ment (earth) and justice issues. Stay informed [email protected]. The Democrat: Published by the BC NDP, 5367 with postings often days, weeks and months Canadian Wildlife Federation: 350 Michael Kingsway, Burnaby, BC, V5H 2G1. Subscriptions ahead of the mainstream media, and often never Cowpland Drive, Kanata, ON, K2M 2W1, phone Esquimalt-Royal Roads New Democrats: $10 per year. covered in the mass market. PEJ News is pro- 1-800-563-9453, or visit www.cwf-fcf.org. Write Box 231, 110-174 Wilson Street, Victoria, duced entirely by volunteers, and is a project of BC, V9A 7N7 or email esquimaltroyalroads@ New Internationalist: A magazine from New the non-profit Prometheus Institute based in Vic- Ecojustice (formerly Sierra Legal): 214-131 gmail.com. Internationalist Publications, a co-operative- toria, Canada. Water Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4M3, phone run publisher based in Oxford, England. It has 1-800-926-7444. Juan de Fuca New Democrats: Phone presi- editorial and sales offices in Toronto, Canada; www.policyalternatives.ca--The Canadian dent John Lewiniski at 250-391-1686 or email Adelaide, Australia; Christchurch, New Zea- Centre for Policy Alternatives’ webpage offers Human Rights Internet: www.hri.ca. him at [email protected]. land; and New York, USA. It describes itself as research reports, books amd opinion pieces on “exist[ing] to report on the issues of world poverty isues of social and economic justice. Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria: Oak Bay-Gordon Head New Democrats: Write and inequality; to focus attention on the unjust phone 250-388-4728, fax 250-386-4395. PO Box 5539, LCD 9, Victoria, BC, V8R 6S4 or relationship between the powerful and powerless www.rabble.ca--A cheeky site offering original contact president Keith todd at 250-598-8039 or worldwide; to debate and campaign for the radi- stories, feature articles and columns from some Mining Justice Action Committee (MJAC): by email at [email protected]. cal changes necessary to meet the basic needs of the progresssive voices inCanada. contact Heather Tufts at [email protected] or of all; and to bring to life the people, the ideas Sharlene Ptterson at [email protected]. Saanich North and the Islands New Demo- and the action in the fight for global justice. Con- www.straightgoods.ca--A watchdog working crats: Email president Allan Collier at silcol@ tact them by phone, toll free at 1-800-661-8700. for Canadian consumers and citizens. NAPO (National Anti-Poverty Organization) telus.net. (Mon-Fri 9 AM to 5 PM, EST), or email them at: News: advocates for the poor in communities, [email protected]; or write to: New Interna- www.thetyee.ca--BC news and views from a courts and poliltical arenas, www.napo-onap.ca. Saanich South New Democrats: Write PO Box tionalist, PO Box 819, Markham, ON L3P 8A2. non-corporate perspective. 30041, Saanich Centre Postal Outlet, Victoria, New Internationalist is published 10 times a year. NDP Socialist Caucus: www.ndpsocialists.ca. BC, V8X 5E1, phone 250-479-1100, or email Regular subscription rates: Canada: $44 plus www.truthout.org--US website with Real news. “Our aim and ongoing struggle as New Demo- [email protected]. GST or HST (NL, NS, NB). crats must be to establish a Socialist Canada.” www.victoriacarshare.ca--If you don’t want to Victoria-Beacon Hill New Democrats: Write Our Times: Canada’s independent labour maga- own a car, but still need to drive one sometimes, Parliamentary website lists all federal cabinet PO Box 8523, Victoria, BC, V8W 3S1 attention zine and read by most labour organizations and then this website may be for you. ministers, parliamentary scretaries and opposi- P president Marilyn Callahan. other supporters of working people. Check its ton spokeseprsons. Visit www.parl.gc.ca/infor- website at www.ourtimes.ca. www.vivelecanada.ca--The mission of Vive mation/about/people/key/critic.asp?language=E Victoria-Swan Lake New Democrats: Contact le Canada is to protect and improve Canadian president Darcy Lindberg at darcy.lindberg@ The Left Coast Events listserve and webpage sovereignties and democracy through education, Seniors’ Advocacy Services, sponsored by gmail.com, or write PO Box 282, 1681 Hillside provides a forum for sharing information about dialogue, and advocacy, especially using exist- the Greater Victoria Seniors (OAPO) organiza- Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8T 2C1. upcoming events committed to uncovering vari- ing and emerging communications tools. We tion, are available on Mondays and Thursdays ous dimensions of social and environmental jus- believe that the direction of this country should from 9:00 am to noon and 1:00-4:00 pm at the FEDERAL NDP RIDING ASSOCIATIONS tice. Anyone can add an event and doing so is be set by its citizens, rather than by corporations Blanshard Community Centre, 901 Kings Road free for not-for-profit organizing and actions. Visit or corporate trade bodies/trade agreements, the (KIng and Dowler Streets), close to the #4 and Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca New Democrats: leftcoastevents.org to add an event, for more in- United States, or a small number of Canadian #6 buses on Quadra Street. Service is free, and Contact president Jock Bates at wanzbates@ formation or to subscribe. corporate elites. provided by trained volunteers. For further infor- shaw.ca or write to PO Box 622, 105-1497 Admi- mation phone 250-388-7696. rals Road, Victoria, BC, V9A 2P8. The Dominion: a monthly paper published by www.wsws.org--The World Socialist Web Site an incipient network of independent journalists is the Internet centre of the International Commit- Seniors Serving Seniors: 109-1022 Pandora Nanaimo-Cowichan New Democrats: Contact in Canada. It aims to provide accurate, critical tee of the Fourth International (ICFI). It provides Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8V 3P5, phone 250-382- president Sue Creba at 250-753-3371 or email coverage that is accountable to its readers and analysis of major world events, comments on 4331. her at [email protected]. the subjects it tackles. Taking its name from political, cultural, historical and philosophical is- Canada’s official status as both a colony and a