Photo by Diane Knaus Toxic Baby Bottles TorontoFebruary 10, 2008A
harmful chemical found in some 90 per cent of plastic baby bottles sold
in Canada leaches into the infant formula, milk or other liquids being
drunk by babies, according to a new study released today by Environmental
Defence. The chemical, bisphenol A, is a known hormone disruptor
and is associated with adverse health effects, including breast and
prostate cancer, early puberty in girls, attention deficit and hyperactivity
disorder, and obesity. As parents, learning
about which products are unsafe and choosing healthy and safe alternatives
is the first step towards protecting our children and families from
toxic chemicals like bisphenol A. Ultimately, we need our provincial
and federal government to step up because these toxic products shouldnt
even be on store shelves for an unsuspecting parent to pick up and give
to their children, said Monique Fabregas, a mother and founder
of GreenMom. Tests were also conducted
on baby bottles bought in the U.S. Avent, Dr. Brown, Evenflo
and Disney. The results were similar as those of bottles bought in Canada,
with Dr. Brown bottles showing the highest concentration of bisphenol
A after the bottles were heated. Health Canada warns Canadians
not to use the sexual enhancer Vigorect Oral Gel Shooter due
to potential health risks OTTAWA -- Health Canada is
warning consumers not to use the unauthorized product Vigorect Oral
Gel Shooter, because it contains an undeclared drug substance tadalafil,
which should only be available by prescription. The use of Vigorect
Oral Gel Shooter could pose serious health risks, especially for patients
with existing medical conditions such as heart problems, those taking
heart medication, or those at risk of stroke. Vigorect Oral Gel Shooter
is advertised as a natural sex enhancer and is not authorized for sale
in Canada. The Canadian importer has been contacted and is recalling
the product. Consumers who have purchased Vigorect Oral Gel Shooter
are warned not to use it and to consult with a medical professional
if they have used the product or have concerns about their health. Products containing tadalafil
should be available only with a prescription written by a medical practitioner
licensed in Canada. The use of such a product may require a physical
check-up, individualized directions for use, and on-going monitoring
by a physician. Drugs and natural health products
that are authorized for sale in Canada will have either an eight-digit
Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or
a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label. These numbers indicate
that the products have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness
and quality. Consumers requiring more information about this warning can contact Health Canada's public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709. FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 In 2007, Canada will host the Worlds
youth soccer players. The biennial event is second
only to the FIFA World CupTM in size and scope and will showcase the
most talented under-20 soccer players in the world. The tournament has
been the coming-out party for some of the games top players -
Maradona, Saviola, Raúl, Marco Van Basten, Luis Figo, Rui Costa,
Thierry Henry, Adriano, Roberto Carlos, Bebeto and Dunga as well as
Canadas Craig Forrest and many members of the current Mens
World Cup Team including Julian de Guzman, Paul Stalteri, Atiba Hutchinson
and Iain Hume. Last held in CONCACAF in 1983
in Mexico, Canadas most recent participation in this event occurred
last June in the Netherlands from June 10 - July 2, 2005. Canada enjoyed its its
best ever finish in a World Championship in December 2003, losing to
eventual silver medalist Spain on a golden goal in the quarter finals
in the United Arab Emirates. The FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada
2007 will take place in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver,
and Victoria with the tentative dates for the tournament set for July
1-22, 2007. http://www.FIFA.com Energy-Efficient Housing: Project DebutsAir-Handling System HAMILTON Funding from
the Government of Canada is helping homeowners in Hamilton to conserve
energy and reduce peak power consumption during summer heat waves. Today,
a new air-handling system makes its debut at a new Hamilton townhouse
development. Developed by Ecologix Heating
Technologies Inc. of Cambridge , with $400,000 in support from Natural
Resources Canada and the National Research Council, the Zone Comfort
System is a simple, inexpensive technology available to all residents.
It allows combination-heating systems to operate with greatly improved
efficiency year-round. With its sophisticated compact
boiler and forced air handler, there is less energy consumption in both
winter and summer, with heating and cooling distributed to different
parts of the house when and where needed. The Government of Canada
is proud to be part of projects like this, said Gary Goodyear,
Member of Parliament for Cambridge , on behalf of the Honourable Gary
Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. We are working with industry
to bring clean energy technologies to market and lay the groundwork
for further innovation in the energy use and comfort of Canadian homes
while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In terms of cooling
performance, the Zone Comfort System excels, said Ecologix president
Steve Davies. Its airtight, pre-engineered duct system and floor-by-floor
airflow control ensures that the cool air produced by the air conditioner
gets to where it is needed. A built-in dehumidification cycle delivers
superior air-conditioned comfort. Together, these features lead to lower
electricity consumption and ultimately savings for the homeowner. A boon for the individual
householder and the entire province, the Zone Comfort System will provide
an estimated savings of 3,300 kilowatt-hours a year, per unit. Duran Park Towers is a unique complex of six three-level vertical townhouses developed by Passport Homes of Burlington . With this type of townhouse comprising a growing portion of residential new construction in major urban centres, the Zone Comfort System can be an environmentally friendly, affordable way to provide excellent residential comfort, while still adhering to the principles of energy conservation. Gasoline Prices by Diane Knaus If you think gasoline prices are high in the United States, then you need to visit Canada. Last night the price for gasoline was $.88 for a liter of gasoline when you make the conversion that equals to roughly $3.62 per gallon of gasoline. Five months ago there were gasoline lines, and people getting aggressive by pulling in front of each other to get their gasoline, and yelling at each other as well. What is their mind set? Don't people in Canada get their own oil and gasoline from Alberta and B.C.? Site Index 1. Health News 5. Hotlines 9. Advertisers 10. The Ozone 11. FEMA 16. NASA info 17. Politico 18. The U.S. Declaration of Ind 19. Marriage 20. This Page 21. U.N. Info 23. Pet Gallery 24. Natural Portraits New Photos 25. Pride Gallery A 28. Other News 29. Hurricane Katrina Help url's 30. Help 31. See James 32. Int'l Car Show Auto & News New Photos 34. Pride Gallery B 36. Travel Photos Diane Knaus New Photos 37. Windsor International Rainbow Golf Tournament 38. CAN AM International Antique Car Show Spare the Air Actions Travel tips - all year round: leave your car at home
- walk, cycle, carpool or take public transit - tele-conference instead
of driving to meetings - limit car trips by doing all your errands at
once, and do not let your engine idle - keep your car well tuned, check
your tire pressure and drive at moderate speeds
Canada Health "This year, every
day almost 1,000 Canadian baby boomers will turn 60, and cardiologists
say it's a prime age for heart disease and stroke"
Canadians using M1T (methyl-1-testosterone) Andro Technologies or any other supplements containing this steroid are advised to: stop taking these products immediately and consult with a health
care professional if they have health concerns. Health Canada has notified
the Canada Border Services Agency to detain any shipment of M1T (methyl-1-testosterone)
Andro Technologies or any other products containing methyl-1-testosterone
at the border. Canadians are advised to
contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at 1-800-267-9675
if they find M1T (methyl-1-testosterone) Andro Technologies or any
other products containing methyl-1-testosterone on the Canadian market. Consumers and health care professionals are encouraged to report any adverse reaction suspected as being associated with methyl-1-testosterone use by contacting the Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP) of Health Canada by one of the following methods: Toll-free telephone at 1-866-234-2345 or by toll-free fax at 1-866-678-6789. CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
IN CANADA Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, account for the death of more than 70,000 Canadians per year. Pfizer Canada, a leader in cardiovascular research and development, is dedicated to partnering with, and supporting Canadian research. The Pfizer CardioVascular Research Awards program is the most recent initiative in the companys ongoing commitment to cardiovascular care in Canada. Pfizer Canada is proud to
introduce the Pfizer CardioVascular Research Awards program to promote
partnerships for better cardiovascular care in Canada. The Awards
program, announced today at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress,
will support a variety of initiatives, from traditional clinical trials,
to smaller, often under-represented projects in Canadian research.
All proposals will be reviewed by an independent expert review committee
which has been established to evaluate and grant the Awards.
This committee will be chaired by Dr. Jean-Claude Tardif, Director,
Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Associate Professor of
Medicine, Université de Montréal, and recipient of the
Pfizer-Canadian Institutes of Health Research Chair of Atherosclerosis. As Chair of the independent review committee, Dr. Tardifs responsibilities include, development of the criteria for grant selection; chairing the committees activities to review and award the grants; participation in developing opportunities to share the results of the research grants; and facilitation of the overall process. Canada has a long history and commitment to cardiovascular research. It is an honour to be part of such a prestigious and valuable program. In order to advance our understanding of the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, it is important for new researchers, as well as established experts, to have support for research projects and initiatives. And, ultimately, it is the Canadian public that will benefit from this partnership for research and knowledge. I look forward to working with Pfizer Canada on this innovative project, says Dr. Tardif. |
Calgary and Toronto were listed last year in the Economist magazine as among the Top 10 cities in the world in which to live. Vancouver was No. 1. Group calls for rules for
development to protect ecologically sensitive ecosystems Toronto CPAWS Wildlands
League, a conservation group, is calling on the province to 'We're here for what we
believe in,'' said Chief Donny Morris to a rally of more than 400 While the KI Six are in
prison, Platinex announced it has staked more claims covering over Our leaders, including
a grandmother, are in jail because they peacefully fought to protect our CPAWS Wildlands League is deeply
troubled that the province has not yet implemented Canadas Carbon Footprint, but no $ for Poorest in Ontario The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister
of Natural Resources, recently announced several initiatives that will
advance clean energy technology in Canada, during his tour at the Institute
for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy at the University of Calgary. Industry can submit proposals
under two new funds: While it is a great thing to take care of the carbon problems in Canada, the governmetn has ignored the plight oof its poorest and renigged on their promise to feed their hungry. Canadian Journalists for
Free 4-9-2008 ZIMBABWE: Mugabe Resorts to
Violence, Intimidation Foreign journalists and rights activists were detained last week and offices of Zimbabwe's main opposition party were ransacked, ominous signs that President Robert Mugabe will engage in a post-election crackdown in trying to avert threats to his 28-year rule, say the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) and other IFEX members.Heavily armed riot police surrounded and entered the York Lodge, a Harare hotel popular with foreign correspondents, and arrested five people on 3 April. "The New York Times" correspondent
Barry Bearak, winner of a 2002 Pulitze Prize, and a freelance journalist
from the U.K. were arrested and charged with practising journalism without
accreditation, report MISA, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
and other IFEX members. The three others, who were not identified, were
later released. Bearak and the British journalist were released on 300
million Zimbabwean Dollars bail (US$10,000) after spending five days in
detention, says CPJ. Bearak is due to appear in court on 10 April. According to the Associated Press, Adrienne
Arsenault, a reporter for Canada's CBC Newsworld, said she was standing
in the driveway of a different hotel earlier on 3 April and was grabbed
by riot police. She was taken to a Harare police station but eventually
released. The hotel had warned her that police were ordered to be on the
lookout for journalists, she said. The police raids came a day after official
results showed Mugabe's party had lost control of parliament's 210-member
lower house. "We fear this is the prelude to a government
crackdown on the political opposition and civil society in the wake of
hotly contested elections," says Human Rights Watch. "Government
harassment of the opposition and journalists only serve to inflame the
political environment in Zimbabwe." Only a handful of foreign journalists received
accreditation despite 300 requests, says CPJ, and despite the act being
amended earlier this year to remove restrictions, says MISA. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has yet to release results of the presidential election despite increasing international pressure. MDC already asserted its leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, won the presidency outright, but said it was prepared to compete in any runoff. First Nation Communities Bring Case to Ottawa 2-15-2008 Touted as "The Most Destructive
Project on Earth" Ottawa The federal government
is failing to uphold its duty to clean up the Tar Sands, according to
a new report by Environmental Defence released today on Parliament Hill.
Canadas Toxic Tar Sands: The Most Destructive Project on Earth shows
how failure to enforce federal laws is allowing the Tar Sands to become
Canadas most serious environmental liability. Ottawa is letting the
Tar Sands hold Canadians hostage on global warming, said Matt Price,
Program Manager with Environmental Defence. The federal government
is not using laws already on the books to require companies to reduce
emissions and clean up their toxic mess. First Nations living downriver
of the Tar Sands are also bringing their concerns to Ottawa today. The
community of Fort Chipewyan made headlines last year when Health Canada
launched a complaint against the town doctor for speaking out about abnormal
disease rates in the community. Nobody lives closer to
the land and water than we do, and weve seen bad changes over the
past dozen years, said Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan
First Nation. As goes the water so go we, and we are seeing strange
diseases now. Key report findings include: Canadian Online Study on Social Bullying Behaviour Catholic School Board Says No 2-9-2008 Egale executive director Helen Kennedy says " It is not about sexual behaviour, it is about social behaviour. It about bullying, harassment and taunting in our schools. Homophobia is as prevalent in the Catholic system as it is in the public system," Ms. Kennedy said. Egale Canada is a national organization that advances equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-identified people and their families across Canada. The Catholic trustees from Toronto, Guelph, Ont., and Alberta have all said no to the survey. In December the organization
produced a survey to address just that, social behavior which results
in bullying and harassment of students. They sent the form out to all
school districts."We are working with School Boards, Gay Straight
Alliances, agencies and service providers to make sure as many youth as
possible across the country have access to the survey," said Helen
Kennedy, Executive Director of Egale Canada. "It's available online
at www.climatesurvey.ca and is easy to navigate." "This project will document
the school climate for straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
Two Spirit, intersex, queer and questioning (LGBTTIQ) students in Canada,"
says Dr. Catherine Taylor, Faculty of Education, University of Winnipeg,
and the project's principal investigator. "It's the first comprehensive
study of its kind in Canada and the results will provide us with the information
needed to make schools safer and more respectful." LGBTTIQ teens are more likely
to be threatened with weapons, drop out of school because of harassment
and are forced to leave home because of conflicts with parents. One such
teen, Jen Blaser, tells a story that is all too familiar in our school
environment. "As an out queer youth, I received death threats and
suffered several physical assaults," says Blaser, "eventually
I left school because I had no sense of security or safety." British Columbia educator and Chair of Egale Canada's Education Committee Noble Kelly explains that the survey is long overdue, "it will give us the statistics necessary to help develop the kinds of supports kids need while coming to terms with who they are." Protect Yourself From Cancer
/ Tips From Health Canada 1. Be a non-smoker and avoid
second-hand smoke. Clean Coal Technology Exists CALGARY Canada's New Government and the Province of Alberta will partner with EPCOR Utilities Incorporated and the Canadian Clean Power Coalition (CCPC) in a $33 million research and development project that promises to make Canada a world leader in clean coal technology. The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, joined Alana Delong, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary Bow, and Dr. David Lewin, EPCOR's Senior Vice-President, IGCC Development, for today's announcement. "This is the very first
project to be supported by our ecoENERGY Technology Initiative, and it
is a perfect example of the clean technology partnerships that will keep
our economy growing and protect our environment," said Minister Lunn.
"The clean-coal technology we are developing is going to help Canada
and countries around the globe in reducing greenhouse gases and pollution." Doug Horner, Minister of Alberta
Advanced Education and Technology and Minister Responsible for the Alberta
Energy Research Institute (AERI) said this study could be a historic step
in energy development. "When we decided to support EPCOR through
this study in 2006, Alberta recognized the importance of producing power
from our vast coal reserves with reduced environmental impact. We're very
pleased to see the federal government join us in this project, which is
designed to realize the benefits of clean coal technology." This front-end engineering design
project is an important step before construction of a full-scale coal
gasification power plant that will demonstrate this advanced clean coal
technology to Canadians and the world. The Government of Canada is investing
$11 million in the project through ecoENERGY Technology, and both EPCOR
and AERI will contribute equal amounts. In addition to further reducing
emissions of air pollutants associated with coal-fired electricity generation,
the technology is designed to take advantage of opportunities for carbon
capture and storage, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to almost
zero. The project will be located
at EPCOR's Genesee Generating Station west of Edmonton. The Genesee plant
is already the most technologically advanced and cleanest coal-fired generating
station in Canada. Researchers will conduct front-end engineering design
work for a power plant that would turn sub-bituminous coal into synthesis
gas and hydrogen. This gasification process could virtually eliminate
smog-related air emissions. The work is scheduled for completion in 2009, and if subsequent investment and construction decisions go as planned, a 500-megawatt generating station using the new technology could be in operation in Alberta as early as 2015. Montreal Canada Proposal From
the US to Accelerate the Phase Out of Ozone Depleting Chemicals Today, More Than 190
Countries Participate In The Montreal Protocol To Phase Out Ozone-Depleting
Substances. With leadership from the United States, the Montreal Protocol
was ratified in 1987 by 27 nations. Twenty years later, we have the opportunity
to assess the progress that has been made under the Protocol as well as
what remains to be done. The U.S. Continues Its Strong
Leadership In Ozone Layer Protection. Since the Montreal Protocol was
signed in 1987, the U.S. has achieved a 90 percent reduction in the production
and consumption of ozone-depleting substances ending the production and
import of over 1.7 billion pounds per year of these chemicals. Faster
healing of the ozone layer will help prevent human health damages caused
by excess UV radiation, including skin cancer. U.S. Actions Under The Current
Montreal Protocol And Clean Air Act Requirements Have Also Helped Protect
Against Climate Change. Ozone-depleting substances particularly chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs) are damaging to the Earth's climate system. In 2005, the U.S. reduced
annual emissions of ozone-depleting substances by 1,500 million CO2-equivalent
metric tons per year. U.S. actions achieved a cumulative emissions reduction
of about 13,000 million CO2-equivalent metric tons from 1987-2005 (not
accounting for some offset from the influence of ozone depletion on the
climate). Worldwide, The Montreal Protocol Has Cut In Half The Amount Of Global Warming Caused By Ozone-Destroying Chemicals That Would Have Occurred By 2010 Had These Chemicals Not Been Controlled. Manitoba joins with Canada's
New Government to announce Patient Wait Times Guarantee March 30,2007 WINNIPEG - The
Honourable Tony Clement, Federal Minister of Health, and the Honourable
Theresa Oswald, Minister of Health for Manitoba today announced that Manitoba
will establish a Patient Wait Times Guarantee for radiation therapy by
spring 2008, to be supported by $27.9 million in federal funding. Manitoba
will also be eligible to benefit from the $400 million in new funding
for Canada Health Infoway, and the $30 million for pilot projects as announced
in Budget 2007. "We congratulate Manitoba
for joining the growing list of provinces that are working with Canada's
New Government in making this important commitment for the health of Canadians,"
said Minister Clement. "Today's announcement shows that Canada's
New Government is getting things done to reduce wait times and improve
timely access for people in Manitoba." The radiation therapy guarantee
will offer Manitobans alternate options of care should the common medically
recommended benchmark timeframe for the service be exceeded. The current
benchmark timeframe for radiation therapy is four weeks. "Today, Manitoba is recognized
as a leader in radiation therapy. When we took office in 1999, waits for
cancer radiation therapy were dangerously long. Through the hard work
and dedication of our health care professionals, we have reduced the median
wait time for radiation therapy to one week," said the Honourable
Theresa Oswald, Manitoba Minister of Health. "This partnership between
Manitoba and Canada's New Government will help to further our progression
in reducing wait times for all Manitobans." Canada's New Government intends
to provide up to $612 million in a Patient Wait Times Guarantee Trust,
$400 million for health information technology through Infoway, an organization
which is making significant progress in working with provinces and territories
to implement electronic health records, and $30 million over three years
to provinces and territories for pilot projects related to establishing
guarantees. "We commend Manitoba for
joining the other provinces and territories that are working with Canada's
New Government to deliver a patient wait times guarantee," said the
Honourable Vic Toews, Regional Minister Responsible for Manitoba and President
of the Treasury Board. This announcement complements a number of previously launched pilot projects toward achieving timely access to better care. These include three which are designed to test guarantees for prenatal and diabetes care in selected First Nations communities, while a fourth is a national paediatric pilot project to address wait times for children in need of surgery. Toxic Chemicals Are Out 12-9-2006 Prime Minister Stephen Harper, along with the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment, and the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, today unveiled Canada's new Chemicals Management Plan. The plan takes immediate action to regulate chemicals that are harmful to human health or the environment. Prime Minister Harper said the
plan is part of the government's comprehensive environmental agenda, which
includes the Clean Air Act, support for public transit and action on renewable
fuels. "The Chemicals Management Plan we are unveiling today will
make Canada a world leader in assessing and regulating chemicals that
are used in thousands of industrial and consumer products," said
the Prime Minister. "It includes realistic and enforceable measures
that will improve our environment and protect the health and safety of
Canadians." "Since 1994, new chemicals
have not been manufactured in Canada or imported here without undergoing
a scientific risk assessment," Minister Ambrose explained. "Now
that same rigorous assessment will be applied to 'legacy chemicals' that
were introduced between January 1, 1984, and December 31, 1986." "Moving forward, we will
improve product labelling programs as well as deal with imported products
which use chemical substances that are prohibited here in Canada,"
Minister Clement indicated. Canada's New Government intends to commit $300 million over four years to implement the Chemicals Management Plan. To provide Canadians with the latest information about hazardous chemicals, the Government is also launching a new Web portal that can be found at http://www.chemicalsubstances.gc.ca. Letter to the Editor 12-7-2006 Thank you for your past email
in support of same-sex marriage.I am proud to say that the federal NDP
Caucus stands united in support of equal marriage for gay and lesbian
couples. That is why on Thursday December 7th, we voted unanimously against
the Harper government's motion "to introduce legislation to restore
the traditional definition of marriage". We believe that the Conservative
government's attempt to exclude same-sex relationships from the institution
of marriage conveys the wrong message in our society - that these relationships
are less worthy of recognition than opposite-sex relationships. Over 12,000
gay and lesbian couples have chosen to marry since the passing of the
Civil Marriage Act in 2005. Both our communities and our Canada Launches Drug Impared
Driving Laws Our Government recognizes
the need to target drug-impaired driving. We are prepared to take action
to prevent future drug-impaired incidents, said the Prime Minister.
The objective of the proposed legislation is to avoid reckless deaths
and injuries of innocent people. The Prime Minister made this commitment while attending the 19th Annual Project Red Ribbon Campaign sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). In fact, we hope to make drug-impaired driving as socially unacceptable as drunk driving has become amongst adults and teens alike, said the Prime Minister. "This is a very important
and timely announcement, said Senator Marjory LeBreton. For
many years Mothers Against Drunk Driving has been working to raise awareness
and to crack down on impaired drivers. Over the past year we have significantly
stepped up our campaign to target both alcohol and drug impairment. It
is particularly gratifying to be part of a government that will work with
MADD to take meaningful steps to save the lives of innocent Canadians." Under the proposed legislation
Canadas new government will: # Provide police with more tools
to detect drug-impaired drivers; These include legislation to: # Impose stricter conditions
on dangerous offenders; ACTION ALERT: DECEMBER
MARRIAGE VOTE!! After almost a year of waiting,
its now virtually certain that a vote on Mr. Harpers motion
to re-open the divisive equal marriage debate will take place in December,
likely the week of December 4. Meanwhile, on November 9, over
40 religious leaders signed the Declaration on Marriage and
sent it to all MPs and Senators (see it at http://www.evangelicalfellowship.ca/social/marriage.asp).
They have been mobilizing their congregations, especially focusing on
50 MPs who are most likely to change their votes. Were hearing from
some MPs that in the last few weeks theyve seen a huge increase
in correspondence from equal marriage opponents and are not hearing from
those of us who are against re-opening. Its important that they
hear from us too!! Our task now is to shore up
our support and ensure that Mr. Harpers regressive motion is defeated
by the widest possible margin. Thats because following the defeat
of his motion we want Mr. Harper to publicly state that the issue is settled.
The wider the margin, the greater the chance of getting him to admit that
this issue is settled, not just in this Parliament, but for good! If he
doesnt admit that its settled, then its an election
issue. AGAIN!! Its time to take re-opening
off the political agenda, so that equality opponents will lose any ability
to de-legitimize our marriages. Its simply unfair for this to continue,
and for LGBT people to have to go on defending our marriages, our families
and our sexual orientation and gender identity. We know a strong majority of
MPs currently intend to vote against re-opening, but if all they
hear in the lead-up to the vote are calls to restore traditional
marriage some of them may get scared and change their mind. Memories
are short, so even if youve already contacted your MP, its
important to contact them again, and to do so immediately. Please visit www.equal-marriage.ca/election.php
today to contact your MP. Of course, please dont stop there. Please
take all four of our action steps, including making a donation to Canadians
for Equal Marriage. Our strength depends on you, and every donation counts! Canada and the Environment The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment, today outlined Canadas achievements at the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Nairobi, Kenya. We believe that a review of the protocol is very important and timely work. All Parties have gained considerable experience since it was developed, some nine years ago, the Minister added. It is time we engage in a thorough process, covering all aspects of the protocol, in order to assess what has worked well and what can be improved. In addition to participating
in the formal conference program, Minister Ambrose held numerous bilateral
discussions with countries including China, Kenya, the United States,
the United Kingdom, India and South Korea as well as the European Union.
Those meetings provided a forum for candid discussion and an opportunity
to share with her colleagues Canadas first ever comprehensive plan
to combat air pollution and climate change jointly. Minister Ambrose noted that
it was necessary to be honest and forthright about the results of Canadas
previous efforts and be realistic on the progress we could make by 2012. Our government understands that success lies in an open, honest and constructive assessment of where we stand today, and a determined effort to identify how we can collectively move forward to find a truly global solution to combat climate change, Minister Ambrose said. In Nairobi, we have engaged our international colleagues, we have put forward strong solutions and we have proven that Canada is well-positioned to lead. Democracy Watch Files Ethics Complaints Against Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Finance Minister Jim Flaherty We have committed
to Canadians that accountability and ethics will be at the centre of our
governing agenda. First and foremost, accountable government means
leading by example. Our government must uphold the public trust
to the highest possible standard . . . Democracy Watch filed an open complaint letter with federal Ethics Commissioner Bernard Shapiro concerning the promises made not to tax income trusts by the Conservative Party and then-Opposition Leader Stephen Harper during the last election, and the Conservative governments recent proposal to tax income trusts. The letters raise questions about whether federal ethics rules requiring that all federal politicians act with honesty were violated by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Finance Minister Jim Flaherty by taxing income trusts, and also claiming that they have not broken the Conservatives election promise. The Conservatives and
Prime Minister Harper made clear promises in the last election not to
tax income trusts, but then recently Finance Minister Jim Flaherty proposed
to tax income trusts -- as a result the Ethics Commissioner should have
no difficulty finding the Prime Minister and Finance Minister guilty of
being dishonest in violation of federal ethics rules, said Duff
Conacher, Coordinator of Democracy Watch. In its complaint letter, Democracy Watch
calls on the Ethics Commissioner to delegate his decision-making authority
to review the complaint to a provincial ethics commissioner or similar
ethics expert because Democracy Watch does not believe, based upon his
record since he was appointed in May 2004, that the Commissioner can fairly,
impartially or competently investigate and rule on ethics issues.
Democracy Watch filed an application in court in September 2005 challenging
the federal Ethics Commissioner for bias, and will continue to pursue
legal actions to ensure a fair, impartial ruling on its complaint, and
to ensure effective enforcement of federal ethics rules (September 29,
2005 news release about court application). In Bill C-2 (the proposed, so-called Federal Accountability Act), the Conservatives are proposing to eliminate the act with honesty rule from the Public Office Holders Code -- the rule is the only rule in federal law that requires Cabinet ministers to be truthful with the public. Beyond this government-accountability-undermining proposal by the federal Conservatives, it is currently a violation of federal law and the laws in every province to lie about an election candidate, while it is legal in every jurisdiction except B.C. for elections candidates to lie to voters. United Church of Canada
Speaks Out 10-24-2006 Diane Knaus The Right Reverend David Guiliano
delivered the message today, that Parliamentarians should vote against
reopening the debate on same-sex marriage. He delivered his message by
letter to all members. Guiliano says that the current
Civil Marriage Act strikes a good balance by protecting the rights of
gays and lesbian persons., while not interfering with the rights of religious
groups to practice their faith as they choose. To reopen the debate and
deny rights to equal marriage would be a violation of the religious freedom
of faith communities, such as ours, who wish to recognize same-sex marriage
as a part of their religious practice, wrote the Moderator. He added that as Canada's largest
Protestant denomination, we are speaking against reopening of Bill
C-38 in affirmation of our support for same-sex marriage and religious
rights and freedom. Furthermore we speak as a religious institution that
has successfully implemented religious rights and same-sex marriage.
According to Guiliano, Bill
C-38 extends same -sex marriage across Canada, recognizes the protection
of religious freedom that the Charter provides, and harmonizes the laws
that now exist across the country with respect to equal civil marriage
for same-sex couples. He also says Bill C-38 reflects the theological
values in keeping with the United Churchs understanding that all
people are created in the image of God. It is our understanding that Gods intention for al relationships is that they be faithful, responsible, just, loving, health-giving, healing, and sustaining of community and self. These standards apply to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples, said Guiliano. The United Church recognizes that gay and lesbian members of our faith communities want to make lifelong commitments and have those rights recognized in their faith communities. They seek to make their solemn vows with communities of faith who will support them in their commitments. RCMP eliminate 10,000,000 Marihuana Cigarettes in Operation Sabot, Fredericton,
N.B. 10-03-2006 The RCMPs annual marihuana
eradication program, Operation Sabot has resulted in the elimination
of 10 million marihuana cigarettes.Between August 22, 2006 and September
19, 2006, the RCMP Coordinated Marihuana Enforcement Team with the assistance
of the Department of National Defense, the RCMP Atlantic Region Air Services
and members of Districts 2, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10 seized more than 20,000
marihuana plants. Construction Start Of New
Toyota Plant Means 2,000 Direct Jobs WOODSTOCK, ON, Sept. 21 /CNW/ - Economic Development and Trade Minister Sandra Pupatello joined Toyota Motor Company officials today to celebrate the start of construction of Toyota's new state-of-the-art assembly facility in Woodstock. The event coincides with Toyota's 20th anniversary of operations in Ontario. "Toyota's investment and
this new construction symbolized by inserting the first steel beam, is
a tremendous vote of confidence in Ontario as a destination of choice
for the next generation of auto manufacturing," Pupatello said. "It demonstrates
that our government has created the right conditions to attract investment,
so we can support workers who rely on a vibrant auto sector." "The auto industry drives
our prosperity and our quality of life,"
Edmonton...Mel Knight, MLA for
Grande Prairie-Smoky will represent Alberta at the 2006 Energy Council
Annual Meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas, September 21 to 24. "Alberta is proud to be
playing a key part in the future of resource development throughout North
America and the world," says Knight. "I look forward to bringing
the Alberta perspective to this year's annual meeting where we will be
discussing topics relevant to the global energy situation." The Energy Council is a legislative organization of ten energy-producing states, along with international affiliates including Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Venezuela. Alberta became the first international affiliate of the Energy Council in 1991. Knight has been Alberta's representative on the Council since 2001. Canada Announces Funding
for the Upper Great Lakes Study PARRY SOUND, Ontario, September
8, 2006 The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment;
the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister
of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; and the Honourable Tony Clement,
Minister of Health, announced today $500,000 for the first phase of a
major study of the Upper Great Lakes. This funding is toward first-year
costs for the International Joint Commission (IJC) to commence a study
to determine whether the regulation of Lake Superior water outflows can
be improved to address the evolving needs of the users of the Upper Great
Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie) and their interconnecting channels. "Water levels and outflow
changes can have significant impacts on all those who depend on the Great
Lakes. This study will help ensure that the best science is used to make
long-term decisions affecting their management," said Minister Ambrose.
"Our new government is committed to delivering real action on Canada's
environment, protecting the health of Canadians and growing our economy
in the process. Working together, we can safeguard our Great Lakes." "The funding announced
today clearly demonstrates that Canada is committed, along with the United
States, to addressing water levels and flows in the Upper Great Lakes,"
said Minister Mackay. "The Great Lakes are a
source of drinking water, employment and enjoyment for millions of Canadians
and it is vital that they remain in good health. Health Canada continues
to work with its federal, provincial and U.S. partners to further improve
the conditions in the Great Lakes to protect the health of Canadians,"
said Minister Clement, the MP for the local riding of Parry Sound-Muskoka. The U.S. has also provided $500,000
as its contribution to this study to be carried out by the IJC. Canadian Steve MacLean is one of the Atlantis Astronauts due to launch this Sunday from Kennedy Space Center 8-26-2006 From Ottawa, Steve MacLean can
hardly contain his enthusiasm for the flight. MacLean was the Chief Science
Advisor for the International Space Station from 1993 until 1994, when
he was appointed Director General of the Canadian Astronaut Program for
two years. In August 1996 MacLean began
mission specialist training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
After successfully completing basic training in 1998, he continued with
advanced training while fulfilling technical duties in the NASA Astronaut
Office Robotics Branch. More recently MacLean served as CAPCOM (Capsule
Communicator) for both the International Space Station (ISS) Program and
the Shuttle Program, at the Johnson Space Center. In February 2002 Steve MacLean was assigned to his second space flight. He will visit the ISS as a crewmember of Mission STS-115. MacLean will become the first Canadian to operate Canadarm2 when the crew adds trusses to the Station and deploys solar array panels. Steve MacLean will be the second Canadian to walk in space. New Canadian Travel Security Information 8-11-2006
In light of these events
in the UK, the Government of Canada
has implemented aviation security measures to help ensure the ongoing
security of the travelling public said Minister Cannon. The following security measures
are in place until further notice: Effective immediately
and for all flights to and from the UK and the US, liquids or gels in
containers of any size are not permitted to be brought onboard by passengers;
this includes liquids or gels in carry-on baggage; and Effective 12 p.m. EST
and for all other flights, including Canadian domestic flights, liquids
or gels in containers of any size are not permitted to be brought onboard
by passengers; this includes liquids or gels in carry-on baggage. Passengers may bring aboard
baby formula, breast milk, or juice if a baby or small child is travelling.
Prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket,
insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines are allowed. Passengers should pack liquids
or gels in checked baggage. Canadians traveling in the UK, North America and Europe can expect some delay related to increased security measures in all airports. Lower Fort Garry Gas Emissions On behalf of the Honourable
Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environmentand
Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament
for Winnipeg South, recently cut the ribbon to officially open a new solar
patio and launch other renovated facilities, which are part of a $1.13
million project to make the historic site more energy efficient. The Government
of Canadas Federal House in Order initiative provided $965,000 to
this clean-energy project. The installation of this advanced
energy technology at Lower Fort Garry is an example of a made in Canada
solution for global change, said Minister Ambrose. Using a
combination of unique and practical energy-efficient systems will result
in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 66 tonnes
per year at this national treasure what a great way to celebrate
Canadian Environment Week. As part of the project, a geothermal
heat pump system has been installed in the Museum Building to provide
heating and cooling to the building by taking advantage of the natural
temperature of water in underground wells, which is warmer than winter
air and cooler than summer air. Because natural gas is no longer used
to control temperature within the building, greenhouse gas emissions are
greatly reduced. Solar wall technology has been
installed in the Visitor Reception Centre to preheat the outside air before
it enters the building, reducing the demand for natural gas heating which
is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, vertical
light tubes are being used to bring natural light into the Visitor Reception
Centres multi-purpose room, almost eliminating the need for electric
light during the daytime. The multi-purpose room also features a patio
with a solar panel roof. This innovative integration of green technology
into the architectural design has resulted in an attractive, functional
and energy producing addition to the Visitor Reception Centre. I am sure this project
will be of interest to all Canadians, as lowering energy consumption and
energy bills is in everyones interest, added Mr. Bruinooge.
Working with experts from federal and provincial departments and
agencies including Manitoba Conservation, Manitoba Hydro and the University
of Manitoba has been invaluable to the success of this project.
The Federal House in Order is
an initiative co-led by Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada and
Public Works and Government Services Canada that coordinates the Government
of Canada's plan for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within its
own operations. To show federal leadership in fostering leading-edge technologies
in energy efficiency and renewable energy, the initiative has provided
financial support to assist departments and agencies in reducing their
GHG emissions through implementing showcase demonstration projects in
their new, renovated or recommissioned buildings and housing projects.
Established by the Hudsons Bay Company in 1830, Lower Fort Garry was designated as a national historic site of Canada in 1951. One of the finest collections of early stone buildings in Western Canada, the Fort served as an important Hudsons Bay Company post and is the location where Treaty Number One was made between First Nations and the Crown in 1871. First Nations Threaten to Blockade and Demonstrate Against Governments Failures to Address Poverty by Diane Knaus Citing Poverty, Chief Stewart Phillip says " we a feel deep need to do something and the first thing that comes to mind is demonstrating, so we put up blockades." Emotions are reigning over poverty and a lack of trust native peoples have in the Canadian government to do something about that poverty is ruling many hearts and minds. Protester's claim the government has not done enough to protect their environment from harm before granting highway expansions in Caledonia. The area in question is Eagleridge Bluffs, where natives say blasting through the bluffs, will harm their environment. This is a part of the Sea to Sky Highway which will be a main route for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Natives claim there are cheaper and more environmentally safer ways to achieve the same goal. Many native people have been arrested and taken away to police stations nearby as of Wednesday May 24,2006 because they were part of the road blockade. Last month the Lionsgate bridge was blocked because they were in sympathy with the Eagleridge Bluffs protesters.According to Chief Phillip "the bottom line is the appalling poverty levels which the government has let simmer." The Health Council of Canada has produced a new publication "Health Systems in Transistion: Canada" Canada is now mandated to monitor and report on the progress of health care renewal in Canada."The debate about how health care renewal should proceed in Canada is often the heated and sometimes misinformed. That has bee especially true in recent months, as some provinces turn to international models as a template for health care reform. Health Systems in Transition is a book that can help ground and guide as we decipher, discuss and hopefully deliver health care renewal in Canada," said Michael Decter. For a copy of it E-mail to
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Gun Reform In this city (Toronto) , police report that almost 1,000 crimes involving firearms or restricted weapons have been committed so far this year, Prime Minister Harper said. Nearly 40 per cent of them were committed by someone who was on bail, parole, temporary absence or probation. Gun crime is a menace to public safety, and protecting Canadians must be the first priority of our bail system. The reforms, e introduced last week in the House of Commons by the Honourable Vic Toews, Q.C., the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, will require those accused of serious crimes involving firearms to provide sufficient justification to be granted bail while awaiting trial. Currently, it is up to Crown prosecutors to prove that the accused should not be granted bail, either because they represent a threat to society, they may flee to avoid prosecution or to maintain the publics confidence in the administration of justice. Ontario Premier
Dalton McGuinty and Toronto Mayor David Miller both attended the announcement.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the support he has received from them
and many other municipal and provincial politicians from across the
country for bail reform and other anti-crime bills introduced by his
government since it assumed office. Meanwhile, at a press conference in Montreal, the Prime Ministers announcement was echoed by Conservative Senator Michael Fortier. Unfortunately, Montreal is not immune to violent crime, Senator Fortier said. Whether break-ins or crimes linked to street gangs, newscasts are reminding us daily that Montrealers too have to cope with the violence, which is all too often tied to firearms. Quebec Workers get Pay Equity Many women workers will get pay equity checks in the mail by Christmas. Workers who have been underpaid for years will now receive back payments in excess of 1.5 bilion dollars in Quebec. Stem
Cells in Adult Skin Transplanted and Function in Mouse Models of Disease TORONTO
Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and the University
of Calgary have found that stem cells derived from adult skin can create
neural cell types that can be transplanted into and function in mouse
models of disease. This research is reported in the June 14, 2006 issue
of The Journal of Neuroscience. SickKids researchers
previously discovered what type of cells can be made from these stem
cells (called skin-derived precursors, or SKPs) based on the role played
by neural-crest stem cells during embryogenesis. In addition to generating
the peripheral nervous system, neural crest stem cells generate other
tissues such as bone, cartilage, some types of muscle, and even part
of the heart. In The Journal
of Neuroscience paper, the research team found that SKPs can efficiently
generate a type of glial cell, called Schwann cells, that can myelinate
demyelinated axons (part of a neuron), and that have been shown to provide
a good growth environment for injured central nervous system axons.
These types of axons normally do not regenerate. Schwann
cells have been proposed as a cell type for treatment of nerve injuries,
demyelination disorders such as multiple sclerosis, and even spinal
cord injury, said Dr. Freda Miller, the studys principal
investigator, a senior scientist in Developmental Biology in the SickKids
Research Institute, a professor of Molecular and Medical Genetics, and
Physiology at the University of Toronto and Canada Research Chair in
Developmental Neurobiology. Our finding that we can efficiently
generate and isolate these Schwann cells from SKPs raises the possibility
that we could treat humans with Schwann cells derived from human skin
stem cells, and perhaps even use the patients own skin to generate
Schwann cells for treatment. The research showed that these SKP-derived Schwann cells can myelinate axons in culture, in the injured peripheral nerve, and even in the central nervous systems of mice that dont have myelin in their brains. While the research occurred in mouse models, some of their data indicate that human SKPs can do the same thing. Support for Those With Cancer A big part
of the equation can be summed up in one word: support. Many will tell
you that fighting this disease takes a team effort, a team that includes
family and friends. You are not
alone Learning how
to celebrate life, trying new things and reaching out to others are
some of the tools in the cancer survivor's 'kit'. Cancer and Canadian Health Dr. Alastair
Cunningham, director of The Healing Journey Program, knows first-hand
the emotional turmoil that cancer patients experience. A cancer survivor
himself, Dr. Cunningham has helped thousands learn self-healing techniques
over the past 20 years. Now, he and
a small group of therapists and others, operating their three-level
program out of the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, are making
the program accessible to many more cancer survivors, over the Internet.
"Belonging to a group of like-minded people, even if it has to
be via the Internet, can be immensely helpful," says Dr. Cunningham. Level
1 of The Healing Journey, teaches ways to cope with the stress of cancer
diagnosis and care People who
have been there are just a phone call away For more
information about what's available in your province, check with your
local Canadian Cancer Society office, call toll-free 1 888-939-3333
or ask your provincial cancer care agency. Violence in Toronto
Killed Over 52 People Last Year Due
to Gun Deaths While cities in Canada like Toronto in Ontario, experience more violent behavior from youths, new plans and laws will have the effect of making the criminals think twice. Government officials pledge to ban hand guns. People using guns in a crime will be denied bail by new judges. Three new judges will be assigned to handle criminal cases, and new facilities will be built to house a new police operations center. According to Premier Dalton McGuinty there was a 51 million dollar dedicated package which includes training for new police, possible new public survelillance cameras, and a new police operation centere. "The premier and the attorney general have recognized the profound effect that recent gang-related arrests made by the Toronto Police Service have had on the offices of the Crown attorney (in the Toronto area). The workload has become overwhelming." - James Chaffe, president of the Ontario Crown Attorneys' Association. "We will continue to work closely with (municipal) police services across the province . . . to get illegal guns off our streets." - Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Gwen Boniface. |
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