A Better World Is Possible
A Toxic Waste Incinerator in Kamloops? It’s Not Over Yet History: The Aboriginal Cogeneration Corporation received a BC Ministry of Environment air emissions permit for its incinerator pilot project to burn CP Rail’s creosote ties in Kamloops, a city of 85,000 people situated beside an important salmon river. It made no sense to allow a company with no track record to pilot-test a toxic waste burning facility in our community, so Ruth Madsen of the Thompson Institute for Environmental Studies appealed the permit. Update:
The Environmental Appeal Board has granted her motion for an indefinite adjournment. This means that the appeal will only go ahead if ACC went ahead with its plans to build the incinerator. Meanwhile: Ruth has incurred significant personal costs in engaging the services of a lawyer and has been fundraising on her own to recoup these costs.
Peace, Environment & Social Justice - can there be on without the others? At left, winner of a CoC Book Award 2009.
The citizens of Kamloops came together to prevent the construction of this incinerator and now need to come together again for two important reasons: First, of course, we need to help Ruth retire her debt and there are a few ways we can do that: • by calling Ruth Madsen at 250-828-1984 or deposit your donation directly: HSBC #460-265-806-080. • Drop off your donation at the Smorgasbord Deli 225-7th Ave. • Come to the Burn the Permit, Not the Ties Dance on November 27th at St. John Vianney Parish Hall- 2826 Bank Rd. in Westside Secondly, we still do not have an air/watershed advisory committee in Kamloops and this is something we should be pressuring City Hall, the TNRD, KIB and all the communities in our air and watersheds to implement. We were informed last year by Dr. Paul Connett that the City of Vancouver had one in place in the space of 3 months, so why the delay here? The reason that ACC was able to get a permit without anyone being aware that it was even in the works was that we do not have such a watchdog organization in our city. We have no way of assessing the cumulative effects of the pollution burden in our air so each additional industry and its output is judged merely on its own merits. As anyone can see, this is not an acceptable way of managing our air quality.
Ruth Madsen raising funds and awareness at the Kamloops Farmers’ Market.
We do not want to wait until there is another crisis and then hope that someone like Ruth will be there to lead the charge, so we need to demand to have systems in place prevent these crises from happening in the first place.
Active in our Community The Council of Canadians is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year-25 years of working for a better environment, stronger democracy, by promoting progressive policies on fair trade, clean water, energy security, public health care, and other issues of social and economic concern to Canadians. The Council of Canadians is Canada’s largest citizens’ organization, with members and chapters across the country. Over 70 volunteer chapters network to organize speaking tours, days of action, conferences and demonstrations. They also produce research reports, create popular materials, and work with individuals and organizations across the country and around the world. All of this is done to ensure that governments know the kind of Canada that Canadians want. The Council does not accept money from corporations or governments, and is sustained entirely by the volunteer energy and financial assistance of its members. Our local chapter is, of course, a group of these volunteers and has worked hard since our inception to further this same agenda. Our first job was to tackle the MAI which along with like-minded groups around the world, we succeeded in doing. We joined with other groups in working against Bank mergers and for our public water treatment plant - Kamloops’ pride.
Anti Creosote-burning rally, 2010.
Yearly events we plan, coordinate or take part in include the annual Peace Walk, World Water Day, 10,000 Villages Fair Trade Craft Sale and Canada Day festivities at the Farmers’ Market. We arrange for film screenings and speakers on a variety of current topics as well as hosting the monthly Philosophers’ Café . We provide an annual bursary to a TRU Canadian Studies student and at election times we host all-candidates fora. We would like all progressive-thinking people to get involved and support whatever social group you feel comfortable in. We would, of course love for you to join us - we meet at the Smorgasbord Deli - 225-7th Ave on the second Wednesday of every month. No previous rabble-rousing experience necessary. For more information about the Council’s activities or to get involved, check out the following websites: canadians.org kamloopscanadians.ca lookkamloops.ca alternativegifts.ca
Peace Walk News Conference, 2010.
We can all work together to make the World a safer place!
Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre Phone: 250-372-0179 Website: www.ksacc.ca The Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre is committed to providing effective, efficient, and confidential support services to all persons who have experienced sexualized violence, battering, or criminal harassment. These services are provided to clients and their significant others in a manner which respects individual rights, safety and human dignity regardless of economic status, gender, age, race, political or spiritual beliefs, cultural or ethnic origins, physical or mental ability, or sexual orientation. The Centre is dedicated to promoting the safety and social well-being of our community through the creation of services and actions that address social, historical, political, psychological, and cultural oppression and violence. Our services are confidential. We encourage “Acts of Resistance” by victims of violence! We honour the strength it takes to survive violent situations and remember the women and children who were killed through violence in Kamloops and around the world.
We provide: Community Victim Services Counselling Services Children & Youth Groups Information and Resources
Did you know? Violence Against Women costs the tax payers of B.C. approximately $385 million dollars each year not including emergency medical care costs, housing and legal costs. Education, prevention, and early intervention offer the best hope of reducing these costs! KSACC provides counselling and support services to victims of violence and abuse (girls, boys, teens, and adults between the ages of 2 and 82 years of age). Each year, we see approximately 1000 kids and adults for counselling and offer prevention and information programs for about 3000 more! “In Canada, nearly 53,400 children and youth were the victims of a police-reported assault in 2007, with about 3 in 10 incidents of assaults against children and youth perpetrated by a family member. Also, nearly 40,200 incidents of spousal violence (i.e., violence against legally married, common-law, separated and divorced partners) were reported to police.” (Department of Justice)
Internationally, rape against women continues to be used as tactics of war virtually by ALL NATIONS!
Farmers’ Markets Help Make a Better World your table? For some it will be gardening, but many will not yet have the skills or time to garden or access to suitable landscape. The next most direct route is to purchase the ingredients from someone else growing them in your area: a local farmer. But how do you find local farmers? Farmers’ markets are an excellent way for people to get to know the farmers in an area and to find local foods to incorporate into their daily meals.
From fresh apples to a winning pie.
Food – everyone needs it: but in our society how many of us are truly food secure? A food secure society is defined as “when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food which meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life” (Food for Thought, Aug 2010). Sharon Astyk, author of Independence Days, recommends that we should all have minimum three months food storage. Given these criteria how many of us can raise our hands and say that we are food secure? For most of us, we buy our food at the supermarket or sometimes the big box stores, which rely greatly on imports. “Approximately 45 percent of BC’s food is imported from other regions of Canada or from other nations,” (Food for Thought, Aug 2010). By relying on food produced at distance from us, we have less control over our food and therefore our food security. “It weakens the local agricultural economy, reduces support for the local food production and distribution sectors and potentially exposes British Columbians to disruptions in the global food system,” (Food for Thought, Aug 2010). In contrast, by decreasing the distance which food travels from earth to table, it “benefits local landscapes, farmers and rural regions of BC. Short and local food chains, as opposed to long and import-based chains, would reduce dependence on foreign sources and increase control over food safety and production standards,” (Food for Thought, Aug 2010). So what are the alternatives for getting food to
But buying your food at farmers' markets does more than just help farmers and consumers. It changes the way we look at food. One thing that becomes apparent at farmers’ markets is that food is seasonal. For example when the markets open in April you will not find corn, as it is a late summer or fall crop. Thinking of seasonal aspect of foods leads to thinking about food preservation and storage, and back to Sharon Astyk’s recommendation. If I want to eat locally grown potatoes through the winter and into spring I need to ask myself: How many pounds of potatoes do I need? And how can I store them? By engaging with farmers at the market we ensure that we, as a society, will have the capacity to produce the food we need to survive, and be food secure. Participating in our local farmers’ market also strengthens our communities in another way. There are many community groups who come to the market to share their issues and ideas with market patrons. By being a place for discussion and democracy, it makes our community a stronger and more vibrant one. The Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Market Society thanks all of it vendors (agricultural, prepared food, crafters and home based businesses), partnership agencies, like the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association, Kamloops Heritage Society, and the many community groups, for joining us in creating a more vibrant community. The markets occur on both Wednesdays and Saturdays, and run from middle of April until the last Saturday in October each year. To find out more about what is happening at the Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Markets check out www.kamloopsfarmersmarket.com. Join us in making the world a better place.
Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society Kamloops Elizabeth Fry Housing When you need a helping hand The world has changed since a woman named Elizabeth Fry advocated for reform in British prisons in the early 1800s. But today, a network of Canadian organizations bearing her name carries on in the spirit of her tradition. In Kamloops, the Elizabeth Fry Society provides a wide range of services providing pragmatic aid, advocacy, education and support to individuals who are, have been, or are at risk of being in conflict with the law. This includes legal aid intake services, legal advocacy, information, referral and assistance with legal aid applications and legal research. They also offer group and one-on-one support for women living in poverty or facing a time of crisis. The Sky Program gives youth involved with the youth court system a place to live, schooling, recreation and life skills, as well as drug and alcohol treatment based on their needs. The society also operates three affordable housing buildings subsidized by B.C. Housing, and offers assistance and referrals for people seeking low-cost housing. Other programs, such as community kitchens, offer options for people living in poverty.
Executive director Louise Richards checks out the Community Closet, which provides free clothing for low income women. One of the organization’s new initiatives is a drive to develop some type of transitional housing in Kamloops, says executive director Louise Richards. While Kamloops has emergency shelters and is developing more low-cost housing, the city lacks what they call second stage housing — accommodation with built-in support and programming to help people transition into independent living. “We would like to provide people with options so they don’t go through the justice system, or if they have been, give them an opportunity to move past it. It would be an open, non-judgmental place — not condoning people’s past actions, but not judging them because they have made a bad decision or just did what they had to do to survive at a certain time.” Working with a devoted network of volunteers and staff, Elizabeth Fry supports their operations with a combination of government contracts, grants, and individual and corporate donations. For more information, contact the Kamloops & District Elizabeth Fry & Elizabeth Fry Housing Society website: kamloopsefry.com, call 250-374-2119 or visit the office at 827 Seymour Street, Kamloops B.C. V2C 2H6.
Louise Richards at Peace Walk, 2009.
presents
The 14th Annual 10,000 Villages Fair Trade Craft Sale at the Kamloops United Church 421 St. Paul Street
Friday Nov. 19 Noon- 6 p.m.
Saturday Nov. 20 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Huge selection of fairly traded giftware, edible treats, musical instruments, Christmas decorations, etc.
Why Fair Trade? Men and women around the world have a simple dream – to earn an honest living, to provide for their children and to be gainfully employed in a job that brings dignity and joy. Ten Thousand Villages partners with thousands of talented artisans in healthy business relationships. Often referred to as 'Fair Trade,' our philosophy of helping to build a sustainable future is based on the principle that trade should have a conscience. Through Fair Trade Artisans receive the respect, dignity and hope that comes from working hard and earning fair value for their work.
Over three billion of our global neighbours live on less than $2.50 a day. At least 80% of humanity lives on less than $10 a day. The poorest 40 percent of the world’s population accounts for 5 percent of global income, the richest 20 percent accounts for three-quarters of world income. Often one feels powerless when faced with these startling numbers and is left questioning what they can do to make a difference. The reality is that buy supporting Fair Trade you are supporting a system which creates positive change in individual lives. Be the change you wish to see in your world and support Fair Trade in your community!
PolicyNote.ca is a current affairs blog by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, delivering timely and lively commentary on issues that affect British Columbians
Disappointing Premier’s announcement won’t help the BC economy By Iglika Ivanova British Columbians who expected to see any meaningful action on the economy were greatly disappointed by Premier Campbell’s recent televised address. He attempted to set the record straight on HST and claimed to be concerned about the economy and families struggling to get ahead, but had little to show on all three counts. The new tax cut he announced is bad news for BC. Not only is it inequitable, it won’t do much to stimulate our stalling economy nor will it help the families who are working harder and harder but still living paycheck to paycheck. Here is why. …Read
the rest of this article at www.PolicyNote.ca…
Perverse outcomes of the Basi-Virk case By Shannon Daub I — along with a whole lot of other British Columbians — have been stewing away about the abrupt end to the BC Rail trial, and the decision to let David Basi and Bob Virk completely off the hook for $6 million in legal fees. Politics aside, what really gets me is the appalling contrast between this largess and the government’s denial of access to justice to so many other British Columbians. Take for example the single-mindedness with which the province pursues welfare “overpayments.” The Ministry of Housing and Social Development routinely takes welfare recipients to court in an attempt to recover benefits paid in error or through alleged fraud. …Read
the rest of this article at www.PolicyNote.ca…
The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is an independent, non-partisan research institute. We produce original, hard-hitting research about key economic, social and environmental issues, and we offer solutions that build on Canadians’ core values. We invite you to check out our work – published free on our website – at: www.policyalternatives.ca
The UU team helps fill hampers at the Kamloops Food Bank.
Psst…Do you know what a UU is? Why are they organizing rallies in support of reducing greenhouse gas emissions? Why did they convince their members to make reductions in their home water consumption to the tune of half a million litres annually? And why on earth is a religious community celebrating the legacy of Charles Darwin, the father of the theory of evolution? Unitarian Universalists (UU’s) are a diverse fellowship of progressive, liberal-minded free-thinkers who are united by common principles rather than common beliefs. In this congregation, questions are as welcome as answers and deeds are valued over creeds. Here you’ll find an open, justice-seeking community which truly welcomes diversity. The search for social and environmental justice are interwoven into the fabric of Unitarian Universalism life. Our mission statement says that we care for each other and the world at large. We believe in the inherent worth of each person, we celebrate the interconnected web of life all around us, and we strive to help create a world in which each person has the opportunity to flourish. Unitarian Universalism is deeply rooted in social justice actions as a direct expression of our faith.
So what do these translate to in the real world? UUs work to: • • • • •
improve the circumstances of less fortunate people raise awareness of societal issues in the community foster a deep respect for the environment teach our children the importance of helping others. remind the congregation of the importance of getting involved.
Are you looking for a way to get involved in improving your community without having to adhere to a strict set of religious beliefs? Are you looking for like-minded people who are committed to action on social justice? Are you looking for a new spiritual home, but want to follow your own path? Perhaps you should The water fairy visits the fellowship to get to know us! extol the virtues of water conservation.
So, what’s a UU? Come find out by dropping by one of our weekly gatherings, held every Sunday at 10 am in the Valleyview Community Hall. Or check out our website at www.uukam.bc.ca . Maybe you’re already a UU, and you just don’t know it yet!
The Kamloops Health Coalition is committed to a strong, public health care system. We listen to the concerns of citizens, seniors, health care workers, and professionals, and respond to the actions of government and administration on matters that affect the delivery of good, quality public health care in Kamloops and area. We believe that the best model for delivery of good quality health care is the not-for-profit public health care system. We began organizing more than two years ago when the Premier began his Conversation on Health Care in Kamloops. We hosted our own public forum to allow concerned citizens, doctors, nurses, and other health care workers, many of whom had not been invited to attend the Conversation, to express their point of view publicly on matters of health care.
Rick Turner with Health Coalition at Peace Walk 2010.
Since that time we have either put together or participated in many forums, rallies, and symposiums, circulated petitions, printed leaflets, bookmarks and other literature, and demonstrated our interest on a wide range of public health care issues. These include the privatizing of security at RIH, the dirty surgical instruments scandal, the freezing to death of a senior at Pine Grove in Kamloops, the closing of long term care at Ponderosa Lodge, the privatizing of long term care in Kamloops, the proposal to burn creosote soaked railway ties in our town, the Ombudsman‘s report, the charging of convalescent fees in hospitals and many others.
deeply concerned that their needs are often not met, even neglected. Our long term priorities include a publicly funded independent seniors’ advocate, improving staffing ratios, and providing at least five thousand new publicly owned beds.
Amidst so many issues we have chosen to maintain our focus on seniors’ care in particular. Seniors make up about one sixth of our population and we are
For more info contact Rick Turner at 250-579-8541 or email riturner@shaw.ca.
Chronic and continual underfunding of much of health care and an ideology favoring privatization are often the root causes of many health care problems in BC. Many innovations that have worked elsewhere could be employed to provide public health care in a timelier, efficient manner that is satisfactory to us all. Our system is sustainable.
225-7th Avenue, Kamloops Ph: 250-377-0055 Fax: 250-377-0058
Enjoy the abundance of healthy local food, made from scratch at the Smorgasbord Deli
Since its official incorporation in 1975, Western Canada Theatre has been producing excellence in professional live theatre for the Kamloops region. WCT has an average attendance of approximately 5% of the community with over 10% percent of the audience coming from the region. They serve a unique role within the province as the largest professional theatre company outside of the lower mainland. They are known for fostering artistic excellence, strengthening community engagement, supporting the unique role of Aboriginal artists and communities, and enhancing financial and other services. These objectives are reflected in their mandate, the heart of which is to “…entertain, educate, enrich, and interact with the cultural mosaic of its community.” Their season, running from September to April, includes a five-play mainstage series and a two-play second stage series. They have a broad-based approach to programming with a strong commitment to the production and development of new Canadian work. Western Canada Theatre manages and maintains both the Pavilion and Sagebrush Theatres; and manages and operates The Kamloops Live Box Office. They were instrumental in the construction of both theatres, including the installation of new seats in the Sagebrush in 2003, undertook the restoration of the heritage Sheep
Cast in WCTC’s production of Seussical.
Nicola Cavendish in WCTC’s production of Shirley Valentine
Breeders Building, and were responsible for the addition of the box office facility to the Pavilion Theatre, even upgrading their services with online sales software last season. In short, they provide and maintain the infrastructure and expertise for the majority of performing arts in this region. WCT provides mentorship in all aspects of production to the emerging artists involved in alternative theatre companies, including BC Living Arts Society, Saucy Fops and Project X Theatre Productions, as well as to other emerging artists who return to the community. They continue their connection to the local and regional education system through matinee performances, the Stage One Theatre School, guest lectures by both their staff and visiting artists, and reduced season passes for Thompson Rivers University students. Western Canada Theatre realizes that they are here at the will of this extraordinary Kamloops community. As such, they feel the responsibility to demonstrate their artistic excellence at every opportunity, engage with their community on a daily basis, and provide support to local performing arts groups. They have achieved all of these objectives by producing excellence on stage, showcasing a wide variety of British Columbian artists. Now that is something to be proud of.
Kamloops Food Policy Council
Leading food security in our Community By Laura Kalina, Co-chair, Kamloops Food Policy Council and community nutritionist, Interior Health
Food is a popular topic in the media these days. Movies such as Supersize Me and books such as Fast Food Nation and The 100 Mile Diet all speak to concerns about how our food is grown, processed, packaged, distributed and purchased. But how can we take the issues raised in these movies and books and address them in our own communities? The answer for many people is food councils. Food councils are “cropping up” – pun intended – and are beginning to make some impact. Kamloops Food Policy, established in 1995 was one of the first Food Policy Council in Canada. Members of food councils include farmers, gardeners, food suppliers, chefs, teachers, nutritionists, city staff and interested people in the community. They come from different backgrounds and areas of expertise but have one thing in common - they are dedicated to improving local food systems. A food system includes how our food is grown, processed, distributed, packaged, accessed and purchased and includes policies that affect these areas as well. Examples of projects that food councils may work on include, starting or helping to start community gardens and kitchens, building awareness in the community about food systems, teaching food skills and working with local government to create policies and bylaws that support local agriculture. In Kamloops, we have partnered with other organizations to create food action projects such as Community Gardens & Kitchens ( Interior Community Services), Gardengate Training Centre ( Open Door Group), Kamloops FoodShare ( Kamloops Food Bank) and the development of food policy within the City of Kamloops Sustainable Plan ( www.kamloops.ca) . We are excited about food policy because it supports a local food economy which it
Community Garden in Kamloops turn ensures a healthy food system. Healthy food leads to a healthier community. The KFPC is excited about the expansion of the Community Garden program. With the recent addition of the River Street Community Garden Kamloops has almost reached its goal of doubling individual gardening plots form 134 to 268 by 2011. A big focus is urban agriculture and fostering more edible landscape within the city. Our partnership with the Master Gardner program has been terrific! We hope to work with developers and strata councils to create more community gardens and edible landscape. Food councils are not exclusive! KFPC is always looking for people who are passionate about food, people and local food systems. They meet every couple months at the Kamloops Food Bank/Action Centre to network and support food action work in Kamloops. For more information about the Kamloops Food Policy Council email Laura Kalina laurakalina@interiorhealth.ca
Check out our Daily Made-From -Scratch Specials Eat in or Take Out Open Daily from 7:30-5:30 and Saturdays 7:30-5:00
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422 Victoria St. Kamloops, BC Ph: 250-372-5969
Retail and manufacturing that could mean the most to you
s t in o f e v In ons p w ea as s M tion r uc t s n I
When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace
Whatever you do may seem to be insignificant, but it is most important that you do it. Ghandi
Jimi Hendrix
Resistance is not futile
Ignore Your Rights & They’ll Go Away
The best things in life aren’t Things
#7
Why is there always Money for War But not for Education?
The art s are not a luxury
-Ghandi
Teach Peace
Well behaved Women Seldom Make History