Today is the International Day of Peace

Posted on September 21, 2011 by plugouttunein

Information from www.internationaldayofpeace.org

The International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. It was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly. The first Peace Day was celebrated in September 1982.

In 2002 the General Assembly officially declared September 21 as the permanent date for the International Day of Peace.

By creating the International Day of Peace, the UN devoted itself to worldwide peace and encouraged all of mankind to work in cooperation for this goal. During the discussion of the U.N. Resolution that established the International Day of Peace, it was suggested that:

“Peace Day should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples…This day will serve as a reminder to all peoples that our organization, with all its limitations, is a living instrument in the service of peace and should serve all of us here within the organization as a constantly pealing bell reminding us that our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences of any kind, is to peace.”

Since its inception, Peace Day has marked our personal and planetary progress toward peace. It has grown to include millions of people in all parts of the world, and each year events are organized to commemorate and celebrate this day. Events range in scale from private gatherings to public concerts and forums where hundreds of thousands of people participate.

Anyone, anywhere can celebrate Peace Day. It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon, or just sitting in silent meditation. Or it can involve getting your co-workers, organization, community or government engaged in a large event. The impact if millions of people in all parts of the world, coming together for one day of peace, is immense.

International Day of Peace is also a Day of Ceasefire – personal or political. Take this opportunity to make peace in your own relationships as well as impact the larger conflicts of our time. Imagine what a whole Day of Ceasefire would mean to humankind.

Filed under: Plug Out Tune In | Leave a Comment »

Students to tackle proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline at ISES 2011.

Posted on June 9, 2011 by plugouttunein

On Friday June 10, 1:45 pm at the UBC Vancouver campus, select delegates of the International Student Energy Summit (ISES), will participate in a live stakeholder negotiation simulation on the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline Project. This controversial development has garnered both criticism and support from its many stakeholders, and ISES delegates will tackle these views head on from a student perspective.
Global Energy Dynamics Program Lead Jennifer Matchett explains: “This is a unique opportunity for a global group of students to debate about a pressing sustainable energy development issue that encompasses international energy policy, the question of Canadian oil sands expansion, and ultimately how we should approach these development issues into the future.”
With the local and global impacts the pipeline could have, ISES will directly allow students to engage in difficult questions from how British Columbia’s image as energy leaders could be influenced by the construction of the pipeline, to the debate format which will illuminate the difficulty in making decisions about how the people in developing energy markets can access energy in a democratic way. The objective of the exercise is for teams to understand the need for constructive participation in policy development and how major decisions about our energy future are made.
According to UBC Professor of environmental policy Dr. George Hoberg: “This debate gives participants an opportunity to grapple with a challenging real world issue that embodies the complex trade-offs among economic, environmental, and social values that are reflected in so many of our choices about building a more sustainable global energy system”

Map: http://bit.ly/agG0s8

To cover this story, email amitchell@studentenergy.org

Filed under: Plug Out Tune In | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Investment in the Environment = Investment in Economy

Posted on May 24, 2011 by plugouttunein

Alicia Drover, post secondary student at SFU and past president of the Kiwanis Educating Youth Club at Abbotsford Collegiate is an involved youth leader and environmentalist. This is her first contribution to Plug Out Tune In

Recently, I have heard a few people voice the opinion that protecting the environment is important, but that right now the economy should take precedence. On one hand, this opinion is an argument of values, of one version of prosperity over another. On the other hand, it appears to involve an assumption that investing in the natural environment does not contribute to economic growth or even that it hinders it. However, the economy represents the material wealth of a country or the management of that country’s resources. Perhaps the most important kind of resource is natural resources, for it is from these that every item of economic value is made. Natural resources, or the environment, are at the core of a nation’s wealth and therefore essential to any economy. Furthermore, they are essential for our prosperity as they provide our basic needs. The economy and the environment are not as opposed as they may seem.

How then, might it appear that efforts to conserve these essential basic resources are detrimental to human wealth? Economic growth is most often measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The GDP is increased by consumer and government spending, investment by businesses, and the export of goods. Imports, on the other hand, decrease the GDP. While the GDP may be a useful indicator of economic activity, it gives an incomplete picture. The GDP does not specify whether the goods or services consumers and the government are buying are positive or negative for the nation; it only specifies that money is changing hands. For example, in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake or flood, the GDP will actually increase as the government throws money into disaster relief. A high GDP is supposed to indicate a good economy. However, no one would say that the disaster had caused the afflicted region had become more wealthy. Many resources are lost due to damage or consumed in the post-disaster response. People lose their farms, infrastructure and jobs, and therefore more material wealth is lost as the affected people are unable to go to work to produce their goods. The quality of life is poor and yet, because money is changing hands, the GDP is high. Perhaps the first mistake in estimating the cost of environmental protection is the use of an economic measurement that does not consider the quantity and quality of resources available.

The calculation for the GDP does not take natural resources, or natural capital, into account. However, just as capital is important to any business, natural capital is important for a country. Without the natural resources that provide for our basic needs, we would be in a precarious position. We’d be entirely dependent on other countries for essentials such as food and shelter. But it is not enough to think of resources only on a national scale. We must also consider what would happen if every country dismissed its environmental problems in favour of boosting the GDP. The world’s supply of natural resources is limited. If we were to lose them, we would lose the ability to survive. Another wonderful thing about natural capital is that, like money sitting in a savings account, it grows if you let it be for a while. If not over-harvested, a run of salmon will increase in numbers to a population that can sustain more people. A new forest, if given time and room to grow, will mature and expand, providing not only more raw materials for products but also trees to provide essential services such as oxygen production and nitrogen cycling in the soil, and a habitat for other wildlife.

Investing in the environment does not have to come at the cost of our economy. It is, in fact, essential to the economy. It simply is not recognized as such by the current measurement. Although resources not currently being used do not contribute to the GDP, our economic well-being depends on them. Smart economics should mean an effective allocation of resources, not just an increase in spending.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5YVXnnfS28

Filed under: Plug Out Tune In | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

International Student Energy Summit 2011

Posted on May 23, 2011 by plugouttunein

Negotiating the needs and interests of energy stakeholders is difficult business, especially in a world where resources are in high demand and the politics of governments and corporations tend to get in the way of the needs of the people. From June 9 to 11, 2011 on UBC’s Vancouver campus, 400 student leaders with come from around the world to have a conversation.

It’s called the International Student Energy Summit.
So what could you do in 3 days?
At ISES 2011, it looks as if delegates can do a lot, from listening to Nobel Prize winning Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Dr Rajendra Pachauri, to watching a live debate on the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline Project.

The theme of ISES 2011 is “The Evolving Energy Ecosystem” which as ISES Chair explains: “Is a critical reflection on how the roles and responsibilities of different energy stakeholders are shifting.” By encouraging students to become actively involved in global energy issues they can have a tangible impact on our collective energy future, making ISES an important 3 days.

ISES has 3 main pillars: Markets and Regulation, Global Energy Dynamics, and Technology and Innovation. The first inaugural ISES began in 2009 at the University of Calgary campus featuring Vicente Fox, past president of Mexico, Jeremy Rifkin, President of the Foundation of Economic Trends. ISES a global forum that will bring together 400 international, multidisciplinary postsecondary students in undergraduate and graduate studies to discuss their role in the transition to a sustainable energy future. The event is being officially hosted and sponsored by the UBC Sustainability Initiative.

The corporate and academic communities, as well as the provincial government, are all rallying to support the event. BC Hydro, Terasen Gas, the British Columbia Institute of Technology and the Province of BC have all confirmed as sponsors. The event is also backed by an advisory committee that boasts Vice-Presidents, Managing Directors, and CEOs from such globally-recognized outfits as Chrysalix Energy Venture Capital, Nexen and the GLOBE Foundation. Advisory Board Chair and Past CEO of BC Hydro, Bob Elton states: “When we shape our energy future we shape the world. ISES is an important event because young people have the largest stake in that future, and the sooner they are equipped to help build it, the better for all of us. The Advisory Board is inspired by the efforts that the student team is putting into ISES 2011, and look forward to an exciting and important dialogue in June.

Given Vancouver’s developing reputation as a hub for clean energy research and investment, ISES 2011 will bring a holistic view of what a sustainable community can look like. The event is also aligned with the Province of BC’s goals in the area of climate change, with renewable energy being a cornerstone of the plan for lowering greenhouse gas emissions and generating economic activity internationally. This backdrop of Vancouver and the location of UBC, recently tied for number one in Canada on the College Sustainability Report, will add to the sense of action and empowerment that ISES looks to inspire.

Check it out and register today: www.studentenergy.org

ISES 2011 Promo from VoVo Productions on Vimeo.

Filed under: Plug Out Tune In | Leave a Comment »

Upcoming Event: Environmental Responsibility

Posted on May 22, 2011 by plugouttunein

A wonderful friend of mine Reverend Dorothy Jeffery of Gladwin United Church is coordinating another interfaith dialogue in Abbotsford. Last year, members of many faith communities came together to ask Abbotsford MP Fast questions relating to the major subheadings of the UN Millenium Development Goals. This year’s event is themed around environmental responsibility and inclusion.  An event well worth participating in regardless of your faith! Interfaith & Environment Dialogue June 18

Filed under: Plug Out Tune In | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Red Tents: Campaign for a National Housing Strategy

Posted on May 11, 2011 by plugouttunein

Guest Contributor, Tamara and I met as co-organizers of the UBC Vote Mob. Enjoy her article on the Red Tents Project. (Not an endorsement)

Credit: Brent Granby

Red Tents: Campaign for a National Housing Strategy

by Tamara Mackay-Temesy
Homelessness in Canada costs about $2 billion every year, based on health care, social service and criminal justice costs. If that seems high, you may be surprised to learn that this is actually a low estimate; $6 billion a year is more accurate, based on a 2009 study which estimates 300 000 homeless persons at a cost of $20 000 each. 1 It is $10 000 cheaper per person to provide appropriate housing and social services rather than leave them on the street. The financial reasons for addressing Canada’s homelessness problem alone make it worthwhile, but it is also a serious human rights issue.
Since 2007, the UN Special Rapporteur on adequate housing has urged Canada to “adopt a comprehensive and coordinated national housing policy based on indivisibility of human rights and the protection of the most vulnerable.” 2 While little has been done at a federal level, on December 9th, 2009, the BC Court of Appeal upheld a BC Supreme Court ruling that extended Section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Right to Life, Liberty and Security of Person). The Victoria (City) v. Adams case established the constitutional right of persons to erect temporary overnight shelters to “protect themselves from the elements and sleep on public property free from harassment by police, municipal officials and security guards.” 3 However, this does not establish a positive obligation for the Government of Canada to provide housing. The Red Tent Campaign seeks to change this by pressuring the federal government to create a national housing strategy.

The Red Tent Campaign, spearheaded by Vancouver’s Pivot Legal Society and over twenty partners, is a national campaign to guarantee adequate, accessible, affordable and secure housing for all persons living in Canada. The campaign’s bright red tents are distributed primarily to homeless people, and serve to increase visibility of the housing crisis in Canada.
The Red Tent campaign has so far held two Days of Action, where over 100 red tents were brought to Parliament Hill in Ottawa to raise awareness of homelessness and housing issues in Canada. The Parties were asked if they supported (1) the adoption of a fully-funded national housing strategy in cooperation with provinces, (2) the maintenance of existing federal subsidies for social housing units, in order to ensure accessibility for low-income households and (3) continued federal investment in housing. While the Conservative party declined to comment, the very supportive responses of the NDP, Green and Liberal Parties can be read here. The current goal is to pass Bill C-304, a private member’s bill introduced in 2009 by Libby Davies, MP for Vancouver East. 4 The Bill would allow Canada to create an effective national housing strategy to end homelessness, and thus ensure the human rights of over 300 000 persons are met. Bill C-304 is currently in its second reading in parliament, and is supported by the NDP, Liberals and Greens.
The most recent developments are local, as the City of Vancouver proposed amendments to Section 71 of a by-law concerning “Structures for Public Expression on City Streets” with only two days notice to the public. 5 As Pivot lawyer Scott Bernstein has noted, this amendment fails to address the Victoria (City) v. Adams decision in the B.C. Court of Appeal. 6 The City of Vancouver seeks to differentiate between erecting shelter in a park, which is allowed in Victoria, from a shelter in a street or sidewalk, including out of the way areas. 7 These amendments are thus clearly leaning towards an unconstitutional bylaw that would violate human rights, as established in Victoria v. Adams through the Charter, and supported by the UN. The Red Tent campaign is trying to work with the City of Vancouver to create acceptable, effective legislation to properly address Vancouver’s housing problem, which is the most desperate in the country and has asked the City for clarification on the amendments and offered legal suggestions.
For more information or to find out how you can get involved, please contact housingnow@redtents.org

1 "Homelessness - Causes and Effects, Volume 3: The Costs of Homelessness in British Columbia. Ministry of Social Development and Economic Security," Eberle, Margaret et al., Government of British Columbia, 2001. www.housing.gov.bc.ca/housing/docs/Vol3.pdf
National Housing and Homeless Network, 2007. www.cmha.ca/citizens/housingENG.pdf
2 "In From The Margins: A Call To Action On Poverty, Housing, and Homelessness," The Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology: Report of the Subcommittee on Cities (December 2009). www.parl.gc.ca/40/2/parlbus/commbus/senate/com-e/citi-e/subsite-dec09-e/reports-e.htm
3 “Promotion And Protection Of All Human Rights, Civil, Political, Economic, Social And Cultural Rights, Including The Right To Development : Report of the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context, Miloon Kothari” MISSION TO CANADA* (9 to 22 October 2007). Section X (90) http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/10session/A.HRC.10.7.Add.3.pdf
4 “Housing is a Right.” Red Tents. http://www.redtents.org/learn/housing-is-a-right
5 “Private Member’s Bill.” 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. January 26, 2009 - December 30, 2009. http://www.parl.gc.ca/LegisInfo/BillDetails.aspx?billId=3630084&Language=E&Mode=1
6 “Structures for Public Expression on City Streets.” Standing Committee on Planning and Environment. http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20110407/documents/penv1StructuresforPublicExpressiononCityStreets.pdf
“City rushes in by-law amendments that threaten expression and homeless.” Red Cedar Law Blog. http://redcedarlaw.com/2011/04/07/city-by-laws/
7 Ibid.

Filed under: Plug Out Tune In | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

UBC VOTE MOB

Posted on April 21, 2011 by plugouttunein

Vote Mob Coordinators

On April 20th, 2011, I had the pleasure of working alongside five peers at UBC to co-organize the UBC Vote Mob. You may have heard of other votes mobs in the news. The vote mob movement has been spreading across Canada and is facilitated by a new organization called LeadNow.

Today’s event saw approximately 250 students take part in the VoteMob.
They were energetic, engaged, and proud Canadians who came out to send a message to young Canadians and the political parties that youth will show up this time. Whether the VoteMobs will translate into greater numbers at the polls is yet to be seen, but the outlook looks better and better.

Thanks to everyone who participated and made the VOTEMOB a success!

Filed under: Plug Out Tune In | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

This Isn’t Your Grandmother’s Election

Posted on April 19, 2011 by plugouttunein

University of Guelph Vote Mob. Credit: Yvonne Su

No disrespect to your grandmothers and grandfathers (they do their civic duty every few years), but this election, the narrative isn’t about them. It’s 2011 and the election that started with the typical back and forth political spin between major parties and Elizabeth May shouting from the sidelines has taken a new direction. Suddenly, it’s energetic, engaged, and including a whole demographic of voters of whom in recent elections have usually been withdrawn from the political process. While the Tories claimed this was an election that no one wanted, it’s being turned on its head by the growing movement of “Vote Mobs” across the country. At 35 universities and counting, hundreds of youth are taking to their campuses and producing videos to share with the rest of their country. The message is simple: Youth are voting.

Days into the campaign, youth-related stories began to take hold in the media. From the student who was refused entry into a Harper rally because of her Facebook profile, the surprise welcome by University of Guelph students at Harper and Ignatieff campaign events, and the numerous Vote Mobs being planned through social media, students have started to take over the direction of the campaign. Groups like LeadNow, a new organization run by Canadians of all ages, have facilitated these vote mobs, many of which were inspired by Rick Mercer’s Rant. Mercer stated: “If you’re between the ages of 18 and 24, and you want to scare the hell out of the people who run the country, do the unexpected, take 20 minutes out of your day and do what young people the world over are dying to do, Vote!”

It now looks as if young Canadians are going to show up this time. This election seems to be everywhere, and especially dominating social media – which accounts for growing youth participation. After all, if you want to get young people involved you have to go where they are.

Knowing that youth are far more likely to vote Liberal, NDP, or Green, Canadian youth might effectively be accomplishing what Mercer suggested. “Scare (ing) the hell out of the people who run this country.” Federal Conservative candidate John Baird’s recent comment about “flash” and “mobs” being “disconcerting” may therefore be appropriate. No one really knows what the vote mob movement will result in this election. Consider this: most youth aren’t registered to vote, don’t have a landline to be tracked by elections Canada, and haven’t given their cell phone number to a political party in order to be targeted through that medium. People can guess whatever they would like about how effective the youth vote will be in changing this election, but the reality is that no one can really know until all ballots are cast. Considering so little attention has been paid to the demographic in the past, parties may now have to scramble to try and sway what could potentially be large numbers of available votes that they haven’t garnered before.

Such ambiguity has to leave politicians apprehensive about how to now grasp the “youth vote”. This, however, is easier said than done because not only is it unclear how many of the 3 million youth in Canada will cast a ballot this election, but also because this demographic doesn’t have just one priority they are allocating their vote towards. The youth vote won’t be captured by tossing out a bone like reduced tuition. Although such policy is relevant and important to youth, it isn’t good enough. Youth care about a variety of issues. A glance at the Vote Mob videos from across the country show that issues of environmental protection, women’s rights, aboriginal rights, income inequality, climate change, Canada’s international reputation, and education are all issues that youth want addressed. That being said, in an election that has focussed on few of those issues, the parties have much catching up to do to capture the support of a newly engaged, informed, and diverse generation. As a first time voter, my advice to each party would be to watch this movement carefully. If youth actually show up this time, this election could leave everyone surprised – without anyone having seen it coming.

Come out to the UBC VOTE MOB I’m co-organizing:
April 20th, at UBC. 12-2pm. Visit: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=117463898334533 for more information; Contact: ubcvotemob AT gmail.com

Read the article on The Commonsense Canadian
Read the Article on Abbotsford Today

Filed under: Plug Out Tune In | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Dialogue on Democracy

Posted on April 16, 2011 by plugouttunein

Make sure to visit the Dialogue on Democracy Sunday, April 17 · 4:00pm – 6:00pm at The Reach – 32388 Veterans Way

Organizer Aaina Grover has teamed up with Abbotsford Youth to promote the “Dialogue on Demcracy”
Here is what she has to say about the project:
This dialogue is the first of a series of dialogues where we will work to foster discussion, dialogue and debate. In light of the upcoming election we thought it would be fitting to call in our candidates and talk about democracy around the world. Furthermore, one of the most popular topics among our youth focus group, which we conducted a month ago, was the curiosity about the diruption in the Middle East. Therefore we decided this dialogue would be about democracy and the fight for democracy around the world. At this event, we want to ask our candidates about the institution of democracy, the situation of democracy around the world, and the situation of our own Canadian democratic system. Hopefully we can get something good out of them. In essense, my friend Gurbir and I began this dialogue because we were fed up with youth apathy. We wanted to give the youth an outlet to channel their contribution, politicaly and socially. Hopefully this New Agora” takes off in Abbotsford, and if nothing inspires youth to be interested in their ever changing world. And as our world globalizes and gets smaller every year, all I can hope for is that the coming Canadian generation meets the challenge.

Way to go Aaina!  Click here for more details

Filed under: Plug Out Tune In | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

A Tale Of Two Transit Systems: Daan van der Kroon

Posted on February 25, 2011 by plugouttunein

Daan van der Kroon, one of the Valley’s most persistent transit advocates writes a guest blog:

From two suburban cities, differing stories in relation to public transit.
From Coquitlam, despite talk about achieving a total of 30% of trips taken on modalities other than the personal vehicle, a necessity for transit cuts emerges.

But then from rapidly expanding Abbotsford, without any such grandiose plans (if 30% really is “grandiose”) comes a plan to increase public transit service by an overall 10% as of July, with 11 700 additional service hours at an annual cost of nearly half a million dollars:

Which of these, if any, is the intelligent move? Coquitlam and Abbotsford are actually almost identical in population size according to Wikipedia, though according to the same source, Abbotsford has a density less than half that of Coquitlam. That number is misleading however, as Abbotsford has a significant percentage of its area locked inside the Agricultural Land Reserve – three quarters, in fact, meaning it has a higher effective density than the city of Coquitlam.

As is generally well understood, density is the forerunner of cost-effective public transit, so compared to Coquitlam, Abbotsford well-positioned from a density perspective to have effective public transit. Many more factors affect the argument for providing public transit or not, however. For one, the people have to be willing to use public transit, and on this count, Abbotsford’s people may lag a little bit. There is definitely a perception of public transit as the “poor man’s” transportation. That has to change.

For another, the public transit has to connect different types of land use. It has to get people from their homes to their workplaces to their shopping and back – and considering that again according to Wikipedia, 62% of Abbotsford’s workforce stays within City limits to travel to work, Abbotsford seems well-suited for high levels of ridership if the service develops. Other important factors include the aesthetic attractiveness of the service, its reliability, and its affordability. I can’t say how Coquitlam fares on these fronts, but I know that in Abbotsford, the fleet has been transitioned to a modern, efficient, smart-looking one, and is definitely much more affordable than driving a personal vehicle – with the large caveat that it can only get you to a select number of locations at a select number of times. That last is major deterrent to anybody wanting to rely solely on public transit. You often just can’t do it, and so you’re forced to have car insurance and car payments as well as using public transit, and now that you have a car insured, almost all the incentive to ever use public transit is simply gone.

READ THE REST HERE

Filed under: Plug Out Tune In | Leave a Comment »

Inspiring Story: Team Green

Posted on December 28, 2010 by plugouttunein

Introducing youth leader Armin!  He is energetic, modest, and making change every day; now joining Plug Out Tune In with a piece on his environmental initiative: Team Green.

Written by Armin Rezaiean-Asel:

Student government, music council, humanitarian clubs, leadership clubs, and various other venues for student involvement were certainly not scarce at my school, Dr. Charles Best Secondary. It seemed the only thing missing was an opportunity for environment-loving students to meet and take action. That’s where it all began.
Having heard of a local trail cleanup project, Adopt-a-trail, being run by the city of Coquitlam, I wanted to get myself involved. One small obstacle presented itself; I would not be able to cover the few kilometres of trail myself to meet the expected requirements. Luckily, an easy solution was available. I go to a school full of overly-involved students; therefore, there must be enough people willing to, once again, get involved and volunteer their time with this program.
As I waited for September and with it, the opportunity to get students involved environmentally, to come along, more and more ideas started flowing in. The possibility of shore line cleanups, presentations encouraging environmentalism to younger students, school-wide awareness campaigns, and much more started presenting itself and as such, a list of these ideas was made. When the summer was finally over, I wrote everything up into a new club proposal. Upon receiving the proposal, my principal was, as usual, very supportive of even more student involvement and approved the new club.
Since then, dozens of students have gotten involved with Dr. Charles Best’s Team Green, and with our team effort, we have started working in the Adopt-a-trail program, raising school awareness through board decorations and quick speeches in assemblies, and initiating school-wide paper, candy wrapper, and cell phone recycling programs. Organizing these activities as well as others has lead to an increase of environmental awareness within our school, and it’s safe to say there has also been an increase in passion for some of our members.
Throughout the next several years, many things will definitely change within Dr. Charles Best Secondary. One thing that’s certain, however, is that those environment-loving kids will have a time and place to meet and take action.

Filed under: Plug Out Tune In | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

“I Wasn’t going to Be Miss America”

Posted on November 30, 2010 by plugouttunein

By Alexandria Mitchell
“I’m not that into firsts!” said a laughing Kim Campbell when it was suggested that she become the next Liberal Party leader, and Canada’s second female Prime Minister. All jokes aside, Ms Campbell has already made her mark and influenced the face of politics as Canada’s first female Prime Minister. I identify a lot with this lady, a graduate of my University; UBC, and a trailblazer who took over the helm of the nation just months after I was born. In as many ways as I disagree with some of her ideas, I admire and respect others.
This afternoon, the right Honourable Kim Campbell spoke to UBC students and alumni on topics ranging from the American Tea Party Movement, Gordon Campbell’s resignation, recent Wiki leaks Scandals, and of course-women in politics. The moderator Valerie Casselton of the Vancouver Sun triggered my realization that there really hasn’t been much progress towards another female federal leader since Kim. To this end Campbell explained her disappointment with that, explaining: “It does discourage me that there isn’t another woman on the horizon. Women can do it, they can and should do it….diversity is really the answer.”
On that statement, I can’t help but agree. Different perspectives on government and public policy can only make a nation stronger, more inclusive, and more democratically representative. We don’t need women in politics simply for the sake of checking off some affirmative action box, but because instilling in Canadian women the understanding that they have the capacity for public service will allow a sustained adherence to what a healthy democracy is supposed to be. It also seems that the issue is no longer the ‘old boys club’ that won’t let women participate, but the lack of belief women have in their abilities and levels of political experience. According to Campbell, the feeling of ‘lack of experience’ doesn’t seem to stop many male politicians in Canada and the US, so why the female self doubt? “It’s a product of our society, the visceral programming of being in society,” Campbell reveals. I’d like to see some progress in Canadian Politics that trevitalizes this thing we call democracy. As a young woman who has decided to eventually enter politics myself, I, similar to Campbell, also “didn’t want to be Miss America”.

As such, I respect the many women who struggle with what is often unfair media coverage and double standards, choosing through it all to be THERE; to work on pushing the envelopes of male dominated fields of work. In a country where, as Campbell recounts, “The Ottawa Press Gallery can make or break you, ” having strong women in the political landscape opens up the conception for Canadians young and old, that the faces in our house of commons, provincial legislatures, and municipal city halls don’t have to look typically homogenous.

Read the rest HERE

Filed under: Plug Out Tune In | 2 Comments »

Federal Inquiry into BC’s Sockeye Draws Criticism

Posted on October 25, 2010 by plugouttunein

As British Columbians were becoming increasingly aware of declining sockeye salmon stocks, 2010 ended the trend with the inundation of the Fraser River in what Mark Hume of The Globe and Mail described as “the biggest sockeye salmon run in nearly 100 years.”

The salmon issue, while having become highly political over the past few years, is essentially about fish farms and their relation to sockeye and the overall health and vitality of these Fraser River resources. Salmon farming and sea lice, in addition to climate change, are possible causes of the previously declining stocks. Prime Minister Harper last year described it as “a serious matter.”

After three consecutive years of closed fisheries in British Columbia, a federal inquiry into sockeye salmon stock declines was commissioned by the federal government in November of 2009. Under BC Supreme Court Justice Bruce Cohen, the Cohen Inquiry is meant to identify the reasons for the decline, make long term projections and determine the necessary policy direction to ensure salmon sustainability.

Then, approximately 34.5 million sockeye returned to their spawning ground for this year’s run. A significant advantage though this may be, there is frustration amongst a wide cross section of the fishery community, concerned with DFO’s (Department of Fisheries and Oceans) lack of capacity to accurately predict salmon returns. Pending the final report, a movement to protect natural resources in BC has begun. Alexandra Morton, a known voice on salmon issues, led the “Get Out Migration” from the Ahta River to Victoria in April, calling for Norwegian salmon farming companies to ‘get out’ of the region, or move to closed containment.

“Government is allowing Norwegian salmon farmers to continue denying even the most basic issues, like sea lice and ISA virus introduction,” said Morton. “If we let this play out, our wild fish simply will not survive.”

While a federal inquiry has been indentified as long overdue and essential to BC’s salmon sustainability, thorough support for the process is distinctly sparse. In this battle over BC salmon, the very nature of the Cohen Inquiry is being challenged by the broader community. Rafe Mair, BC minister of environment from 1978-79, has suggested that the inquiries are politically motivated.

“….while the Commissioner Bruce Cohen may not be political, his boss, Stephen Harper—a man whose only demonstrated interest in the environment has been to let corporate friends destroy it—sure as hell is,” said Mair in a column last month.
READ THE REST ON THE UBYSSEY: HERE

Filed under: Plug Out Tune In | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Key to our Transportation Future Lies in the Past

Posted on October 19, 2010 by plugouttunein

The BC Electric Interurban Line serviced commuters from Vancouver to Chilliwack from 1910 until the early 1950's.

By John Vissers and Alexandria Mitchell

The BC provincial transportation plan is running out of political fuel, dollars and sense. How long can we continue to promote, finance and build 1970’s infrastructure, expecting it to meet the needs of our rapidly changing 21st century communities?

Extravagantly expensive and monolithic elevated rail systems like Skytrain can serve only Metro core areas, while heavily subsidised by taxpayers who can never benefit from them. FAIL

No urban region has ever successfully built its way out of traffic congestion by expanding freeway capacity. This only invites “induced traffic” and encourages car dependent sprawl . EPIC FAIL

Today, our needs and our cities are changing. Density and sustainable, walkable community plans are the norm. Traffic patterns and lifestyles are changing. Fuel costs climb inexorably year after year. Many would happily keep the thousands of dollars they spend each year on car travel. But for almost a million people south of the Fraser, this is not an option. The only viable way of getting to school, to work, or to socialize is by car.

Incredibly, a solution to long term affordable and efficient public transportation has been in place and ready to use for many years, but completely ignored by a BC provincial plan dedicated to road building and mega-project mentalities better suited to the previous century.

Turns out we own a railroad. A really long railroad. One hundred kilometres of track, connecting all the major urban areas south of the Fraser. It starts conveniently, at the Scott Road Skytrain Station. From there it travels through the heart of Surrey, to Cloverdale, then Langley City, on to Abbotsford, and finally Chilliwack. Not only does it connect all the downtown centers, it passes within walking distance of five university/college campuses and through several industrial parks. One hundred years ago an electric tram train travelled daily on this corridor, moving people, freight and farm produce efficiently across the region. It was called the BC Electric Interurban. Fifty years ago the service was abandoned as road systems improved and our North American car culture took hold… Read the rest on The Common Sense Canadian: HERE

Filed under: Plug Out Tune In | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

BC’s Transit Priorities:

Posted on October 8, 2010 by plugouttunein

The Evergreen Line: www.liveableregion.ca

Effective transportation development has been a longstanding issue within Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.  In September, transit re-entered the headlines with the signing of the Regional Transportation Agreement between the Province of British Columbia and the Mayor’s Council on Regional Transportation. According to the agreement, TransLink will develop capacity for revenue generation and sustainable transportation.

The Provincial Transit Plan pledges to invest $4.2 billion into transit in Metro Vancouver by 2020, including the $1.2 billion dollar Evergreen Line to connect people commuting to Vancouver from the tri-cities (Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, and Coquitlam). TransLink, with limited financial resources, will have to contribute $400,000 to pay for the Evergreen Line.

“What we have to do…is come up with some discussions on new funding mechanisms that can support the kind of expansion that’s going to be required in the region,” said TransLink spokesman Ken Hardie. “The Evergreen line is something that was committed to by the region, and the province, and the federal government some time ago.”

Construction for the Evergreen Line is planned to start in 2011, and it will be four years until before it is open for use.
In goal three of the Provincial Transit Plan, the government endeavours to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the transportation sector through investing in rapid transit infrastructure, public transit, transit priority measures, integrated cycling and walking networks, along with increased land use density around transit stations and corridors. As most transportation emissions come from vehicle traffic, public transportation is an efficient way to decrease usage of fossil fuels and allow for sustainable connections between communities across the lower mainland.

Commuters to and from…  Read the rest on today’s issue of The Ubyssey

Filed under: Plug Out Tune In | Leave a Comment »

Next Page »
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 30 other followers