Please send submissions of Election articles, photos Edition and/or ideas to THE WHISTLE [email protected] Newsletter of the Teachers’ Association

Special Edition Election Issue October 2019

Dear Colleagues: -supporting Burnaby’s community schools Healy, Jennifer Heighton, Tarnjit Hemer, Jodi Hill, Mary Hotomanie, In several past Federal elections, we have sent in their pursuit of summer program funding Sarah Howard, Patti Jukes, Renee Kerluke, letters by “snail mail” to all BCTF members Cora Kinoshita, Sara LaBrash, Karen who lived in our riding. Because of the -working with multicultural groups to lobby the Burnaby School Board in a Macartney, Jonathan MacDonald, Katie privacy laws that exist, we are no longer able Marsh, Donna Morgan, Alex Peters, Kevin to identify those members. So, please forgive time when it was cutting funding to many services for students Potvin, Shanee Prasad, Arnold Sanderson, us for sending this general email so that the James Sanyshyn, Krishna Sharma, Shelley members who live in Burnaby -supporting a student at Moscrop when they were attempting to start the first Sherwood, Tracy Simmons, Leanne Sjodin, North – Seymour all get this message. Heather Skuse, Richard Storch, Yasmin Wherever you live, we hope that you will be GSA at that school long before we had a SOGI curriculum Tayob, Robyn Temple, Shelagh Temple, voting on October 21. Daniel Tetrault, Paul Thola, Andrej Vlasil -attending many BCTF Annual General Patti Jukes (BTA Treasurer) and Sharon Meetings and sitting with Burnaby Freeman (Retired) teachers –including the 1997 debate on an anti-homophobia resolution Federal English Debate TO THE TEACHERS OF Svend was a Burnaby student, graduating BURNABY-NORTH SEYMOUR A Personal Opinion Piece from Burnaby North. When M.P.’s gave By Morgan McKee PA/PR Committee

themselves a salary increase during the Dear Colleague: time of restraint, Svend put his raise into a Watching the Federal English debate in a

scholarship fund for Burnaby secondary room full of other campaign volunteers, We are a group of Burnaby teachers who school graduates. He continues to instead of home alone in my fuzzy slippers, support the election of as provide those scholarships today. was an experience! With so many people the Member of Parliament for Burnaby dedicated to understanding electoral issues, North – Seymour. Some of us have been In short, Svend has always been accessible, candidate platforms, and current political fortunate to have been represented by Svend interested, and in touch with all members dynamics- it was both informative as well as for more than twenty years. We are very of his community! refreshing to be reminded of enthusiastic civic excited about the opportunity to have Svend engagement. The inclusive space of the represent us again. We know that he has Though many of us do not live in Svend’s campaign office also attracted four legged always been hard-working and an advocate riding, his support of issues concerning furry “Muck”, the golden retriever, in his for the rights of all of his constituents. the environment, multiculturalism, human support of the debate. rights, and education has been so You probably know that, on the Federal outstanding that we feel compelled to level, Svend has always championed human support his election as Member of rights, multiculturalism, and the environ- Parliament for Burnaby North – Seymour. ment. You may not know of some of the You are fortunate to live in this riding and work he has done in the past to directly sup- have Svend as your candidate. port teachers and students. As an M.P., We ask for your support for Svend on Svend attended many school events as a guest October 21. speaker, made numerous classroom visits to discuss the role of the M.P. and student un- Your vote could make the difference! derstanding of their role in government, and participated in many school functions. Sincerely,

His excellent record on educational issues Kiran Abrahan, Rachel-Lynn Baird, Nabil includes: Blaeser, Frank Bonvino, Marjean Brown, - supporting the initiation of an elementary Terry Callender, Gwen Chute, Derek Aboriginal Studies program in Burnaby in Cockram, Ditta Cross, Donna Doerksen, the mid 1980’s Joan Ezra, Rae Figursky, Sharon Freeman, -standing with Burnaby teachers in protest Antonella Garcia, Karen Gillespie, Tracy over provincial labour legislation

President: LEANNE SJODIN, [email protected] 1st Vice-President: DANIEL TÉTRAULT, [email protected] 2nd Vice-President: HEATHER SKUSE, [email protected] Burnaby Teachers’ Association #115-3993 Henning Drive Burnaby, B.C. V5C 6P7 604 294 8141

Some interesting points were made, and the On October 1st, 2017, he became leader of Jay moved to Canada with his family at an fast pace with so many candidates kept me as Canada’s NDP – guided by values rooted early age where Jay worked for his family’s a viewer on the edge of my seat. One question in his experiences growing up, Jagmeet is grocery store, similar to the story of a lot of that was asked came from UBC, a pleasant building a fairer, more just Canada where immigrant families that have worked hard to surprise. While comments ranged from everyone can realize their dreams. build better lives for themselves in Canada. passive to direct exchanges, laughs from Singh Jay grew up in Burnaby during his teen years, in the confusion of his name kept the tension where his parents still live today. After at bay. While this list is by no means completing his studies Jay was called to the Bar in 1997 and has been practicing business law exhaustive, some coverage that may interest Neelam Brar educators included multiculturalism, ever since. Liberal Party of structural violence of Indigenous peoples, Canada Jay specializes in providing strategic legal environmentalism concerns, household debt advice to domestic and international entities and fiscal responsibility. While education is involved in commercial transactions across a under a provincial jurisdiction, the federal number of sectors, including real estate, government is responsible for funding that in banking, mining, energy, oil & gas, and turn affects the provincial budget. To those technology. He has also been active on the interested in supporting your local candidates, boards of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and the please reach out to your representative for Canada-Korea Business Association, as a campaign help on Sunday October 20th, the member of the Hong Kong Canada Business day before the election! This is a big day for Association, Treasurer for the BC Branch of ensuring that voters are ready and reminded Neelam Brar is a dedicated community leader the Canadian Bar Association Banking Law to vote the next day. Happy Campaigning! with deep roots in Burnaby South, where she Section. lived for over 20 years. As an entrepreneur with a track record of building large communities, she is ready to be a strong Get To Know Your advocate for the residents. Neelam has a

unique understanding of Burnaby Souths’ Candidates for Burnaby vibrant character and diversity. As a daughter Brennan Wauters South of humble immigrants, she knows what it Green Party takes to strengthen our middle class, create

well-paying new jobs, and offer real help to New Democratic families right here in our community.

Party Following her graduation from the Richard Ivey School of Business from the University of Western , she has worked in international business in Canada, the , Singapore, Hong Kong and India. Neelam’s background and career experience

provides her a deep understanding of our local Brennan Wauters is an independent electrical & global economies, and the importance of contractor and Project Manager for a growing sustainable growth and innovation in the wake electrical company in . of community and environmental Brennan has been a federal Green candidate Jagmeet is a lawyer, a human rights activist responsibility. and the Leader of Canada’s New Democratic twice, and has also ran once provincially in the Party. riding of -Hastings. Within the next few months, Brennan will gain Project Jagmeet Singh grew up in Scarborough, Jay Shin Management Certification from UBC and St. John’s, and Windsor, and served as an Conservative Party achieve designation as a Certified Energy Ontario MPP from 2011 until 2017. of Canada Manager with the Association of Energy Jagmeet used his platform as an MPP and Engineers . Deputy Leader of Ontario’s NDP to fight Brennan's focus has always been on energy for a fairer society. He took on the policy as it relates to economic and ecological discriminatory practice of arbitrary police health, and he has worked directly in critical checks known as carding. He spoke up roles on large and small scale alternative repeatedly on the need for good jobs and an energy projects in both wind and solar power end to precarious work. And he fought for generation. Brennan holds a master's degree in the protection and expansion of public communications from McGill University and ownership over our utilities and public Jay Shin is running for Member of a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the infrastructure. Parliament to advocate policies that will University of Lethbridge. promote prosperity and make Burnaby safer.

Advanced voting in Burnaby: October 11-14 General election October 21, 2019

“White Swan.” Svend continues this author of “The In-Credibility Factor,” Get To Know Your which highlights his desire for Canada to work in solidarity with the become a global leader in innovation and Candidates for Burnaby Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish nations’ entrepreneurship. He founded and was opposition to the Trans Mountain North-Seymour both CEO and Chairman of Pipeline Expansion, and the NDP’s HiretheWorld.com, and is a co-founder commitment to implement UNDRIP of Twinbro, a non-profit organization into federal law. Svend Robinson that has helped over 25,000 students to New Democratic  In the 1990s, Svend was a leader in the obtain millions of dollars in scholarships Party movement for the right to and financial aid. He is a past board physician-assisted dying, supporting his member of Lift Philanthropy and close friend ALS patient currently works with entrepreneurs to in her advocacy for the right to die with launch and grow businesses at Beech dignity. He continues to fight for Partners. strengthening the current MAID law to allow for advance decision-making for example in cases of dementia, and full

respect for the Supreme Court Carter Amita Kuttner decision. Green Party

Svend Robinson graduated from Burnaby North Secondary School in 1969. He studied science and law at UBC and received the highest honor, the Sherwood Lett Memorial Liberal Party of Scholarship, in 1972. He went on to study at Canada the London School of Economics, and was called to the BC Bar as a lawyer. Svend was elected in 1979 as an NDP Member of Parliament, serving for over 25 years. He had a legendary reputation of service to his constituents, as well as being Amita Kuttner is a scientist. She obtained her one of the most outstanding and effective PhD in astrophysics this past June. The backbench MPs. Svend was particularly active Green Party Critic for Science and Innovation on justice, human rights, environment and Policy, she plans to implement international issues, and was the first openly evidence-based policy aimed at solving the gay MP in Canada. unique problems our communities, country and planet face. Amita has personally Svend was often far ahead on important Terry Beech is the current Member of experienced the impacts of extreme weather. issues: Parliament for Burnaby North-Seymour and Soon after she turned fourteen years old, her mother was killed when their family home in  He worked in 1982 to amend the the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of North Vancouver was destroyed by a mud- Charter of Rights to include the right to a Transportation. He previously served as slide. Her sense of duty to serve was greatly healthy environment. The 2019 NDP Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of informed by her mother, a beloved college election platform includes this in a strong Science Fisheries and the Minister of Oceans instructor who was dedicated to diversity and Environmental Bill of Rights. and the Canadian Coast Guard. empowerment. Amita has tried to follow in  In 2004 Svend successfully added “sexual her footsteps by leading the Women in orientation” to federal hate crimes Terry Beech is an experienced entrepreneur, educator, and advocate. Terry entered public Physics and Astronomy group at her legislation. This fight for dignity and university and co-founding a chapter of 314 equality for the LGBTQ+ community service 15 years ago when he was elected as a city councillor. While serving as a city Action, an advocacy group that works to get continues with his opposition to the scientists into elected positions to enact discriminatory blood donation ban, and councillor, Terry began his studies in Public Administration at Capilano University. He is evidence-based policy. She is deeply “conversion” therapy. concerned about the environment, the effects  An outspoken advocate of indigenous the recipient of a degree with a joint major in Business and Economics from Simon Fraser of job automation, and the rapid people, Svend stood with the Haida first advancements in artificial intelligence and nation in 1985, and with the Nuu University, as well as an MBA from the . other emerging technologies. Chalnuth in 1993 in Clayoquot Sound, Amita looks forward to working on behalf of to defend old growth forest ecosystems, An Adjunct Professor at Simon Fraser and the all her constituents to shape a future that is and was adopted into the Haida nation equitable and just. with David Suzuki and given the name University of British Columbia, Terry is the

Vote and Win! After voting, take a picture of yourself at the poll and tweet #BTAVotes to enter our draw to win A GIFT CERTIFICATE TO SHADBOLT CENTRE FOR THE ARTS . Submissions: Features (300 words maximum) and photos should be sent to [email protected]

Community Debates Where: Maywood Community School gym (4567 Imperial St.) Website Links: and When: Thursday, Oct. 17. Meet and greet, 6:30 to 7 p.m. Debate, 7 to 8 p.m. For more information on the Town Halls Who: Organizers have invited candidates upcoming election, check out the in all three ridings from the following links: Community Town Hall Conservative, Green, Liberal, NDP and People’s parties. What: Candidates will "discuss the environment, job creation, housing and how they will help a safer, more sustainable and prosperous community in Burnaby," organizers say. Sachi Kurl, executive director VOTE and WIN of the Angus Reid Institute, will moderate. When: Tuesday, Oct. 15. Doors open at Once again, the BTA is having a contest 8:15 p.m. and the debate starts at 8:30 p.m. to encourage you to get out and vote. We Where: Ismaili Centre, 4010 Canada Way will be giving away two $50 gift certifi- Who: Conservative Jay Shin, Liberal Neelam cates to the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. Brar, New Democrat Peter All you have to do is take a picture of Julian (representing Burnaby South yourself at a poll proving you voted and incumbent and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh), post it to social media (twitter, facebook Vote Compass - Canada Votes 2019 - Green Brennan Wauters and the People's ect.) with the #btavotes hashtag. We will CBC News Party's Al Rawdah. be drawing one name after advanced voting and another one after the general election. https://votecompass.cbc.ca/canada/ This is to encourage you to get out and Burnaby Heights Debate vote early.

What: The Heights Neighbourhood Asso- Advanced voting occurs October 11, 12, ciation is hosting an all-candidates meeting. 13 and 14. Check out the website below to Lawyer and local resident Sandy Banister see where to vote. will moderate. When: Wednesday, Oct. 16. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., followed by debate from 7 to https://www.elections.ca/home.aspx 8:30 p.m. Where: Gilmore Community School, 50

Gilmore Ave Who: Green Amita Kuttner, Liberal Terry Beech and New Democrat Svend Robinson have confirmed their attendance, organizers say. As with other debates, organizers have been unable to contact Conservative Heather Leung.

Community Debate Student Vote:

Thank you to all the teachers engaging What: Candidates from Burnaby three Elections Canada - Home Page for the youth in the democratic process through ridings (Burnaby North-Seymour, Burnaby 2019 Federal Election South and -Burnaby) student vote campaigns at their schools. will strive to answer this question: "How Authentic learning experiences are a part of www.elections.ca can we make Burnaby a community for all what makes education meaningful. As one residents, including those who are most parent has commented, "good questions are vulnerable?" The debate is being organized being put to us at the dinner table". For by the Burnaby Interagency Council. For more information on student votes, check more information and (optional) out: registration, click here. studentvote.ca/canada

Any opinions expressed in “The Whistle” are those of the authors alone

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