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.

More staking in the Boreal Forest as conflict reigns April 30, 2008

Group calls for rules for development to protect ecologically sensitive ecosystems

Toronto – CPAWS Wildlands League, a conservation group, is calling on the province to
halt mineral exploration in the Boreal Forest so that the government can design and implement
rules for development. The group issued the statement after learning about new staking being
conducted by the same mineral exploration company that sued Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug
for $10 Billion. The company sought and won jail time for community leaders that opposed
drilling. The KI Six, as the community leaders are known, have already served 7 weeks of their 6
months jail terms for refusing to allow a drilling project to proceed on their lands.

“'We're here for what we believe in,'' said Chief Donny Morris to a rally of more than 400
supporters in Toronto. Chief Morris spoke from a payphone in the Thunder Bay Correctional
Centre.

“While the KI Six are in prison, Platinex announced it has staked more claims covering over
29,000 ha (or 72,000 acres) in the Boreal Forest,” says Anna Baggio, Director of Conservation
Land Use Planning, CPAWS Wildlands League. “It’s like rubbing salt in the wound of the KI
community,” Ms. Baggio adds. The group supports the right of a First Nation community to say
NO to mineral exploration and mining projects and calls on Premier McGuinty to reform the
Mining Act.

“Our leaders, including a grandmother, are in jail because they peacefully fought to protect our
waters and lands,” says Jacob Ostaman, acting spokesperson for Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug
Through a referendum, the community issued a resounding NO to the Platinex drilling project.
“We call on the province to respect our right to say NO to this drilling project. Our leaders have
made it clear that they will come home only when the underlying drilling issue has been
resolved,” Mr. Ostaman added.

CPAWS Wildlands League is deeply troubled that the province has not yet implemented
comprehensive land use planning prior to development in the Boreal Forest as it promised to do
in 2003. “This whole conflict could have been avoided had they done so,” Ms. Baggio said.

For further information please contact:
CPAWS Wildlands League
Anna Baggio, Director Conservation Land Use Planning, 416-971-9453 ext 47 cell 416-453-3285
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug
Jacob Ostaman, Acting Spokesperson, (807) 537-2263
Chris Reid, Lawyer, (416) 666-2914

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.
"Our Government is ensuring that Canada is at the leading edge of clean technologies to reduce emissions and adapt to environmental change. That is why in Budget 2008, we announced $5 million for this Institute to complete important work: to collaborate with stakeholders and address outstanding issues in the deployment of carbon capture and storage technologies," said Minister Lunn. "I would also like to announce a Call for Proposals under our two new funds that will accelerate the development of clean energy technologies in Canada."

Industry can submit proposals under two new funds:
• A $125 million fund to advance carbon capture and storage technologies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the oil sands and coal-fired electricity plants;
• A $15 million fund to advance the development of technologies that will reduce the environmental impacts of oil sands production, such as tailings ponds.
"This federal support will enable us to advance carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions that help Alberta and Canada reduce greenhouse gas emissions," says Dr. David Keith, Univeristy of Calgary's Canada Research Chair in Energy and the Environment. "Implementing CCS is one of the best options we have for achieving large cuts in emissions within reasonable costs and timeframes."
The $5 million commitment in Budget 2008 is intended to ensure the Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy can collaborate with stakeholders on outstanding regulatory, economic and technological issues in response to the Canada–Alberta ecoENERGY Carbon Capture and Storage Task Force Report
For more information on the two calls for proposals and the ecoENERGY Technology initiative, visit www.ecoaction.gc.ca.

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
Expression (CJFE) International Press Freedom

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 International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) says the arrest of journalists is an attempt to sabotage media coverage of the current political crisis and a possible runoff election.
On the same evening police raided offices of the opposition party Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in another Harare hotel. MDC secretary general Tendai Biti told the Associated Press, "Mugabe has started a crackdown. It is quite clear he has unleashed a war."

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."
Zimbabwe's restrictive journalist accreditation law, the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, has been used to block international and local reporters from covering the elections. Even two South African broadcast engineers - not journalists - were arrested and accused of practising journalism without accreditation, MISA reports.

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.
In the months leading up to the presidential, parliamentary,
senatorial, and local council elections on 29 March, the government cracked down on local and national journalists, shutting down newspapers and allowing members of Mugabe's political party to harass and attack journalists with impunity.

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. Canada’s Toxic Tar Sands: The Most Destructive Project on Earth shows how failure to enforce federal laws is allowing the Tar Sands to become Canada’s 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 we’ve 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.”
“Elders tell us water is the boss, and without clean water we wouldn’t exist. Now the boss is in trouble and needs our help,” said Councillor Willis Flett, Mikisew Cree First Nation.

Key report findings include:
• Weak federal “intensity” targets will allow Tar Sands greenhouse gas emissions to double by 2020, wiping out progress that other parts of Canada are making to combat climate change.
• Toxic tailings ponds, visible from space, are seeping into the region’s groundwater, and pollution is rising in the Athabasca River contrary to the federal Fisheries Act.
• New federal pollution measures will let Tar Sands Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions grow by 60% by 2015.
• Tar Sands pollution is causing acid rain in Saskatchewan and beyond.
• Tar Sands upgraders and refineries are creating health “sacrifice zones” in Alberta and Ontario.
• Supertankers as big as the West Edmonton Mall are planned for the coast of BC to take Tar Sands oil to Asia.
• Federal environmental assessments rubber stamp massive new Tar Sands mines by relying on industry-driven management bodies that are known to be broken.
 “When even former Alberta Premier Peter Lougheed, who started the Tar Sands ball rolling, is calling for change, you know this is a major disaster,” said Aaron Freeman, Policy Director, Environmental Defence “This is Canada’s problem – our federal elected leaders need to clean it up or shut it down.”
 
Canada’s Toxic Tar Sands: The Most Destructive Project on Earth is available to download for free on the Environmental Defence web site –http:// www.environmentaldefence.ca.
 

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.
2. Eat 5–10 servings of vegetables and fruit a day. Choose high fibre, lower fat foods. If you drink alcohol, limit your intake to 1–2 drinks a day.
3. Be physically active on a regular basis: this will also help you maintain a healthy body weight.
4. Protect yourself and your family from the sun.
This year tens of thousands of Canadians will develop skin cancer because of over exposure to UV (ultraviolet light). Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Canada.
 
Reduce sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade or create your own. Keep babies under one year old out of direct sun. Tanning parlours and sunlamps are not safe. When you are in the sun, always remember SLIP, SLAP, SLOP:
• SLIP on clothing to cover your arms and legs
• SLAP on a wide-brimmed hat
• SLOP on sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
5. Follow cancer screening guidelines.
6. Visit your doctor or dentist if you notice any change in your normal state of health.
7. Follow health and safety instructions at home and at work when using, storing and disposing of hazardous materials.

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.
"The application of this technology, on this scale, with this type of coal, has not been used anywhere else in the world," said Dr. Lewin, who is also Chair of the CCPC. "By converting coal into synthesis gas, and capturing and sequestering CO2, we can create electricity that's cleaner than the best natural gas facility operating today."

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.
• Under The Montreal Protocol's First Stage, Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) Were Phased Out In Developed Countries By 1996 And Replaced By Less Harmful HCFCs. We are now entering the Montreal Protocol's second stage, which aims to phase out HCFCs by 2030 for developed countries and 2040 for developing countries.
• The Administration's Proposal Would Speed Up The Phase-Out Of HCFCs Under The Montreal Protocol's Second Stage. While the Montreal Protocol has already made tremendous strides to heal the ozone shield, the United States believes more steps can be taken to reduce HCFC consumption further and achieve a total phaseout sooner than the scheduled dates. Based on analysis, experience, and more rapid technology development, the U.S. technical team believes we can move faster by as much as ten years.

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.
Manitoba will also undertake a pilot project to improve the referral system between family doctors and specialists to reduce the time patients wait to see a specialist in the areas of cataract, cardiac, cancer and orthopaedics.

"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."
This announcement marks another step forward by Canada's New Government as it continues to work towards ensuring that all Canadians receive essential medical treatment within clinically acceptable wait times.

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."
"Canada was the first country to complete categorization of 23,000 legacy chemicals last September," added Minister Clement. "It will be the first, now, to take action. We have established clear priorities and now we are taking action to protect the health of Canadians."

"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".
The NDP was the - only - party where the entire Caucus voted in defence of equal rights protection for same-sex couples.

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
country serve as a model for equal rights protection.
Again, I appreciate knowing that we stand together on this important human rights issue. All the best.
Sincerely,Jack Layton, MP (Toronto-Danforth)
Leader, Canada's New Democrats

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 Canada’s new government will:

# Provide police with more tools to detect drug-impaired drivers;
# Increase penalties for drug-impaired driving;
# Strengthen presumptions of breath and blood tests; and
# Promote awareness about drug-impaired driving with partners like MADD.
Since assuming office in January, Canada’s New Government has introduced a number of initiatives to tackle crime and protect the safety and security of Canadians.

These include legislation to:

# Impose stricter conditions on dangerous offenders;
# End conditional sentences for serious offences;
# Implement mandatory minimum sentences for crimes involving guns;
# Raise the age of consent for sexual activity from 14 to 16 years; and
# Crack down on street racing.

ACTION ALERT: DECEMBER MARRIAGE VOTE!!

After almost a year of waiting, it’s now virtually certain that a vote on Mr. Harper’s motion to re-open the divisive equal marriage debate will take place in December, likely the week of December 4.
Last week, following a CEM press conference urging the Prime Minister not to break his promise of a fall vote, Justice Minister Vic Toews told reporters the vote would take place before Parliament breaks for the holidays on December 15. He said “The prime minister has made a commitment and he will honour that commitment.”

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. We’re hearing from some MPs that in the last few weeks they’ve seen a huge increase in correspondence from equal marriage opponents and are not hearing from those of us who are against re-opening. It’s important that they hear from us too!!

Our task now is to shore up our support and ensure that Mr. Harper’s regressive motion is defeated by the widest possible margin. That’s 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 doesn’t admit that it’s settled, then it’s an election issue. AGAIN!!

It’s time to take re-opening off the political agenda, so that equality opponents will lose any ability to de-legitimize our marriages. It’s 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.
Please go to www.equal-marriage.ca/election.php and contact your MP. In these final days, the best way to do that is to call their constituency office, which is a local call. You can find your MP’s phone number on our website or at http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/about/people/house/PostalCode.asp?Language=E. Phone calls really get noticed, they take only a minute or two, and all you have to say is something like “I support equal marriage and urge [MP’s name] to vote against re-opening this divisive debate. Over 12,000 same-gender couples have been married in Canada and that hasn’t hurt anyone. It’s time to move on.”

We know a strong majority of MP’s 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 you’ve already contacted your MP, it’s 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 don’t 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!
Please take action today, so that we don’t lose any MPs to the huge mobilization now being put on by groups like the Evangelical Fellowship, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Defend Marriage and many others. We want this issue settled once and for all, and a decisive defeat of Mr. Harper’s motion to re-open will do just that. Let’s give it all we can!!

Canada and the Environment

The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment, today outlined Canada’s 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 Canada’s 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 Canada’s 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 . . .”
Excerpt, “Message from the Prime Minister” section
Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders
released February 6, 2006 by new Prime Minister Stephen Harper

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 government’s 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.
Democracy Watch’s complaint calls for an investigation of whether Harper and Flaherty violated the  rules that require all federal politicians to act “with honesty” and to increase the public’s “confidence and trust in the integrity” of the government, rules set out in both the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons (the MPs Code) which came into force in October 2004, and also in the 20-year-old Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders (the Public Office Holders Code).  Both codes are federal laws, and rulings on violations of the codes can be reviewed by courts.

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
by

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 Church’s understanding that all people are created in the image of God.

“It is our understanding that God’s 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 RCMP’s 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.
With the assistance of the public, numerous hidden marihuana plantations were discovered in private and crown woodlots throughout New Brunswick. The plants would have produced approximately 10,000,000 marihuana cigarettes. These drugs would have been sold in and outside the province. They would have also been sold to children and the profit used to finance other organized crime activities. There were enough plants seized to supply every high school student in New Brunswick with 250 marihuana cigarettes.
The RCMP has a youth strategy goal to prevent the harm done by substance abuse, as well as to communicate the reality of its causes and impacts. The RCMP balances enforcement efforts through operations such as Sabot with community-based harm reduction programs, such as Aboriginal Shield, D.A.R.E. and Drugs in the Workplace. The RCMP also work in close partnership with various health, educational and treatment professionals.
Anyone with any information regarding marihuana grow operations is asked to contact their local police or New Brunswick Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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."
Toyota is investing $1.1 billion to build the new plant with production expected to begin in 2008. The facility will create 2,000 direct jobs and has already spurred more jobs in the supplier, parts and aftermarket industries.

"The auto industry drives our prosperity and our quality of life,"
Premier Dalton McGuinty said. "Our government acted quickly to support a competitive, strong auto industry in Ontario. We're attracting major investments and more good jobs to the province." Ontario has invested $70 million to support skills training and infrastructure at the new Woodstock facility. Since Toyota announced its new plant, Ontario has welcomed three additional investments from the Toyota groupof companies including:

- Hino Motor Sales Canada Ltd., a manufacturer of diesel trucks, is investing more than $3 million to open a new commercial truck
assembly facility in Woodstock's Pattullo Ridge Business Park
- Toyotetsu Canada, an automotive components company, is investing $50 million in a new plant in Simcoe, creating 250 new jobs at startup.
The plant will supply Toyota operations across Ontario
- Toyota Boshoku, a parts-supply company, is investing $65 million to build a new manufacturing facility in Woodstock, creating 330 new jobs. Toyota Boshoku will supply seats, door trim and carpets for the Toyota plant in Woodstock
"A stronger automotive industry helps us to build a stronger and more prosperous province for all of us - and a quality of life that is truly second to none," Pupatello said.
Investing in the auto industry is just one example of how the McGuinty government is working on the side of businesses and families to strengthen Ontario's economy.

MLA Mel Knight represents Alberta at Energy Council Annual Meeting

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.
The 2006 annual meeting will cover many substantive issues facing the energy industry including the future of fossil fuels, improving oilfield efficiency with technology, China's energy interests, waste-to-energy dynamics and an update on the FutureGen clean coal initiative.

"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.
The IJC was established by the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty as an independent binational body to prevent and resolve transboundary disputes between Canada and the United States concerning water and environmental issues.

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.
"Walking out to the pad will be much like walking into an Olympic stadium," said MacLean. This will be his second in flight mission.From October 22 to November 1, 1992, Steve MacLean flew onboard Space Shuttle Columbia as a Payload Specialist for Mission STS-52. During this mission, he performed a set of seven experiments known as CANEX-2, which included the evaluation of the Space Vision System

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

OTTAWA , August 10, 2006 -- The Hon. Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety and the Hon. Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced increased security at all Canadian airports following a major counter-terrorism operation in the United Kingdom.

“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.
Liquids or gels in containers of any size include: all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency.

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.
The Government of Canada advises all air travellers to keep these measures in mind when preparing for a flight, and to contact their carrier regarding any possible delays.
The Government Operations Centre is coordinating the response of federal departments and agencies, and will be communicating with provinces and territories throughout the day as needed.

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 Canada’s 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 Centre’s 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 everyone’s 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 Hudson’s 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 Hudson’s 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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