15 minute read
TREES ARE THE REAL HEROES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT
In the audit, DeMarco said, “It is unlikely that the 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program will meet its objectives, unless significant changes are made.”
This program was initially a huge success, with Canada meeting its goal for the first year, but growing that many trees is a complex endeavour with nurseries requiring years to prepare, and planting projects need to be planned in coordination with governments, First Nations and stakeholders. This may appear to be another government project with good intentions but lacking the means for success, but is it the best way to reduce carbon and protect ecosystems?
Back in 2019, trees were front and center, again, as the hero of the environmental movement, when the Trudeau government joined countries around the world to combat climate change by planting trees. Governments looked to trees as a panacea for their continued challenge to reduce their carbon footprints, based on the results of a research paper that would later be heavily criticized. In that research, the authors claimed that the Earth had space to plant an extra-trillion trees on land “not currently used” and that those new forests could trap two-thirds of emissions from all human activities. Politically, planting trees is a home run. I have yet to meet an anti-tree advocate. Even Donald Trump ceremonially planted a “straight trunk AAA tree” while promoting his government’s entrance to a global tree-planting initiative.
What many people remember from school is the notion that plants breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen during photosynthesis. Although this is partially true, this simplification of how plants metabolize leads to the assumption that more trees equals less carbon dioxide. Although plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into sugars, during photosynthesis, they have a second process called respiration where they consume some of those sugars for energy and release some of that carbon back to the atmosphere. It is true that a mature tree can store about 22 kilograms of carbon dioxide over a year, but when that tree dies, fungi and bacteria consume them during the decay process and release much of that stored carbon to the atmosphere. Furthermore, natural processes of renewal, such as fire, also release vast quanti- ties of carbon, as well. For large volumes of carbon to be stored, a forest requires the complex interactions and roles of many species sustained over a very long time. Simply put, all forests are not created equal.
It is key that we consider overall ecosystem health when trying to store carbon through reforestation. For example, the type of tree planting we are most familiar with, relating to timber production, plants the same tree species, at the same time, making a consistent and scalable crop of trees for harvest. But in terms of carbon storage, these forests store at a fraction of the carbon compared to natural forests. Furthermore, monoculture forests have been linked to disease and pest outbreaks and the exacerbation of forest fires.
Thankfully, in contrast to many countries’ planting regimes, Canada’s 2 Billion Trees commitment has critical stipulations about what types of planting projects are acceptable. The program excludes organizations with a legal commitment to replace trees after harvesting in the timber industry. It also prevents tree planting from displacing other unique habitats. Furthermore, by acting as a funding party to other organizations, such as non-profits and First Nations, the projects are community driven.
The level of funding and the program’s aims are certainly positive, but the 2 Billion Trees goal can be ecologically misleading because it cannot clearly account for where our effort and investment is best spent. It is more efficient to protect and manage the forests that are currently standing, rather than cutting them down to regrow forests that may store less carbon. By focusing on planting trees, the necessity of management of our ecosystems can be obscured. Land-use planning and protections for existing trees is more effect- ive but is also controversial and requires political will, but pledging to plant trees does not cause any political repercussions. For example, in Saskatchewan the provincial government aims to double their forestry harvest, by 2030, in many locations that have never been logged before, causing untold damage to both the ecology and to the climate.
If we are to achieve our climatechange and ecosystem-protection goals, we need to implement policies that will be both challenging and controversial. We cannot hope to shift to a sustainable future by continuing to uphold the same approaches to energy and extraction, regardless of how many trees are planted. Although I hope to see this program fund communitybased reforestation projects that I support, I fear that this type of program may distract from making the critical changes that are required to address the most-critical challenge of our time. n goals.
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Active And Wellness Events
ACTIVE LISTINGS
Wed May 10 Zumba 6:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. Register online
Wed May 10 Insanity Live –Beginner 6:00 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre 8 week series, drop-in or register online https://bit.ly/3SyoqAL
Wed May 10 Kids BJJ 4:45 & 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Children’s classes are focused on self defense Jiu Jitsu. A typical class starts with a warm up game, stretching, technique/ drilling, and ends with more fun games! For kids 4 - 12 years old.
Wed May 10 Spirit Bear
Karate The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre 6:30 PM & 7:30 PM Traditional Okinawan Shorin-ryu Seibukan Karate Do. Adult Class (16 y/o and up) http:// spiritbearkaratekobudo.ca
Wed May 10 Badminton Adult
Drop-in Takhini Elementary 7:30
PM Open to everyone 18 years old and older and all skill levels
Wed May 10 NO-GI JIU JITSU
Eight Days Martial Arts 7:30 PM This class is very similar to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, only the students typically practice in shorts and a rash guard t-shirt, rather than a Gi. There is also typically a little more wrestling and leg locks due to the rules in tournaments being less restrictive.
Thu May 11 Lunchtime Fitness
Classes 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy Tuesdays classes are more resistance and strength focused and Thursday classes more HIIT cardio. Drop in & passes are available. https:// bit.ly/3oiTBVz
Thu May 11 Zumba 6:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. Register online
Thu May 11 Tahitian Dance Class 6:15 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre Dance and explore the Tahitian culture with Maeva Esteva. learn the basic step and gestural of this dance, on the beautiful rhythm of the Polynesian music. https://bit.ly/3Z1vPLi
Thu May 11 Women’s Brazilian JIU JITSU Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 AM a grappling based art that utilizes takedowns, sweeps, joint locks and strangle holds to subdue your opponent or attacker. BJJ emphasizes a lot of drilling and live sparring also know as “rolling”
Fri May 12 Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days Martial Arts 12:00 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.
Fri May 12 Insanity Live –Beginner 6:00 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre 8 week series, drop-in or register online https://bit.ly/3SyoqAL
Fri May 12 Badminton Adult
Drop-in Takhini Elementary 7:30 PM Open to everyone 18 years old and older and all skill levels
Fri May 12 Lunchtime Mat Class – Drop in 12:00 PM Velvet Antlers Productions This class will take you through a flowing series stretches intended to increase length and mobility, along with some light core conditioning. A great way to transition from work time to YOU time. https://bit.ly/3jPb9pX
Sat May 13 2023 Bird & Bat
Building Day 11:00 AM Canada
Games Centre Yukon Kids can build their own bird or bat house or even a bird feeder. Pre-cut materials are provided free of charge; just bring your favorite hammer. https://bit.ly/3ntCnUT
Sat May 13 Spring Scramble
Mon May 15 KIDS MUAY THAI
Eight Days Martial Arts 4:45 PM a dynamic and engaging martial art that can be traced to the middle of the 18th century. The sport is also referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs” because it utilizes punching, kicking, elbowing and knee strikes. Muay Thai teaches combat skills that are good for self-defense along with positive holistic effects like respect, discipline, focus, and confidence. Open to ages 8 - 12.
Mon May 15 Muay Thai Kickboxing Eight Days Martial Arts 12:00 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.
Bouldering Competition
3:00 PM Porter Creek Secondary School An all levels bouldering competition, Scramble Format, youth, open & Rec categories. CY Membership required to register. https://bit.ly/3nKkhOH
Sun May 14 Run for Mom 2023
12:00 PM S.S. Klondike National Historic Site Run, walk, cheer, volunteer and donate – as Yukon comes together on Mother’s Day in support of breast health right here at home! Register online or on the day of the event. http:// www.runformom.com/
Sun May 14 Kids Muay Thai
4:45 PM Eight Days Martial Arts
Muay Thai teaches combat skills that are good for self-defense along with positive holistic effects like respect, discipline, focus, and confidence. Open to ages 8 - 12.
Sun May 14 Insanity Live –Beginner 6:00 PM The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre 8 week series, drop-in or register online https://bit.ly/3SyoqAL
Sun May 14 Midnight Sun
Fencing Club: Open Fencing
7:00 PM Grey Mountain Primary School Learn fencing fundamentals and provides an opportunity to get some exercise.. For Ages 18-100
Mon May 15 BRAZILIAN JIU
JITSU Eight Days Martial Arts
7:30 PM a grappling based art that utilizes takedowns, sweeps, joint locks and strangle holds to subdue your opponent or attacker. BJJ emphasizes a lot of drilling and live sparring also know as “rolling”
Mon May 15 Women’s Muay
Thai Kickboxing Eight Days Martial Arts 6:00 PM The art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing has proven itself to be the go to striking style of many martial arts champions.
Tue May 16 Lunchtime Fitness Classes 12:00 PM Northern Strength Academy Tuesdays classes are more resistance and strength focused and Thursday classes more HIIT cardio. Drop in & passes are available. https:// bit.ly/3oiTBVz
Tue May 16 Tennis Lesson 1 Court 1 2:00 PM Mt McIntyre Recreation Centre Tennis anyone? Learn from a certified instructor. https://bit.ly/3VA0kH9
Tue May 16 Kids BJJ 4:45 & 6:00 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Children’s classes are focused on self defense Jiu Jitsu. A typical class starts with a warm up game, stretching, technique/ drilling, then ends with more fun games! These classes are appropriate for kids 4 - 12 years old..
Tue May 16 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 6:00, 12:05 & 7:30 PM Eight Days Martial Arts Often referred to as the game of human chess, BJJ is a grappling based art that utilizes takedowns, sweeps, joint locks and strangle holds to subdue your opponent or attacker. BJJ emphasizes a lot of drilling and live sparring also known as “rolling”.
Tue May 16 Salsa and Bachata – Beginner and Intermediate Classes 7:30 PM Heart of Riverdale Community Centre A fun and person-centered class, including switching partners will be encouraged to promote communication & further learning open to couples or singles. Email salsayukon@gmail.com to register and for info
Wellness Listings
Elder and Counselor available
Emotional and Spiritual support, free to Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirited in Yukon, Northern BC: Phone, video appointments or in person. Call Toll Free 866 667 6162 or visit www.yawc.ca for info.
Monday, Tuesdays & Thursdays
Sally and Sisters 11:30 AM Whitehorse United Church A welcoming environment where women and their children can enjoy a hot meal.
Wed May 10 TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) 8:00 AM 100 Lambert St. Common Room Want to improve or maintain a healthy weight? Join us! Every Wednesday morning. Call or text 867-334-1725 for more details
Wed May 10 Yoga Classes at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs 10:00 AM Yoga mats are provided. Booking options that include yoga classes alone and yoga with discounted entrance to Eclipse are available. eclipsenordichotsprings.ca/yogaclasses
May 9-11 Bee Blitz 5:00 PM Super A Prepare for the bees arrival. Wear work clothes and create a buzz-worthy environment! For more info email Kristine.macnaughton@yukon.ca or phone 332-6735
Wed May 10 Community Kitchen 11:30 AM Victoria https://yukon.ca/healthiertomorrow#programs-and-services
Faulkner Women’s Centre Hot nutritious meals to-go, a free, low-barrier, program for women identifying individuals and children. Call 667-2693 for more info.
Wed May 10 Living Well With Heart Failure 1:00 PM Chronic Conditions Support Program (CCSP) Join a registered nurse, dietitian and pharmacist for this group education session on heart failure management. To register, call 667-8733 or email ccsp@ yukon.ca.
Wed May 10 Dads Matter Group 5:30 PM NVD Place A group for dads, grandfathers, stepdads, uncles, foster fathers, all male caregivers are welcome. Join us to talk about parenting and meet other male caregivers. For more info contact 336-0795 or email ante.tokic@yukon.ca
Wed May 10 Arka Brotherhood
Circle: Porcupine Squad 6:30 PM Whitehorse For men eager to identify and move past selflimiting beliefs, stretch beyond their comfort zone and embody the best version of himself. To register email or call mjvernon@ gmail.com 332-4722.
Wed May 10 Overeaters Anonymous Meeting 7:30 PM
Overeaters Anonymous For more information contact oayukon@ gmail.com for more information
Wed May 10 No Puffin Group (CM) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral
Wed May 10 Beginner w/ Experience – Level 1 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Sun Salutation A+B, foundational standing poses. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com
Wed May 10 Move with Life w/Phillipe – All Levels 7:30
PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs A condition practice for movers of all types seeking agility, mobility, stamina and strength. PreRegister by email wallymaltz@ mac.com
Thu May 11 Hatha Yoga 12:00 PM Grace Space Find alignment mental and physical during this hour of inspiring hatha yoga,. Register online. https://bit. ly/3kFowWQ
Thu May 11 Inyengar Yoga 12:00 PM Church of Northern Apostles Join the Elder Active along with instructor Richard Mueller, register online. https:// bit.ly/3Zl6J9H
Thu May 11 Mantra and Relaxation 4:15 PM White Swan Sanctuary This class is about developing awareness of your inner Light through the practices of chanting mantra and deepening relaxation
Thu May 11 KDCC Walking with Our Sisters Sewing Group 5:00
PM Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre.
Thu May 11 Vitality Yoga w/ Nancy 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery
– Upstairs Kundalini yoga cleanses and detoxifies the body, neutralizes stress, rewires natural pathways. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com
Thu May 11 Pine Tree Quilters
Meeting 7:00 PM Whitehorse United Church A group quilters of all levels get together to talk, laugh, share, and learn!
Thu May 11 Family & Friends Support Group 7:00 PM Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) A dropin support group for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. Call 668-6429 or email programs@yukon.cmha.ca for more info.
Thu May 11 Breathe + Stretch w/Carrie 7:30 PM Alpine Bakery
– Upstairs A slow paced class to stretch the body. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com
Thu May 11 AA Polar Group - O/M 7:30 PM Christ Church Cathedral Join our support group in person or for our zoom room address email aapolargroup@ gmail.com
Thu May 11 Yoga wake up flow with Sheila 7:20 AM Online These classes are intended to help you build a consistent and comfortable yoga practice and build a community around that practice! https://www. rootedtreemassage.com/bookonline
Fri May 12 Morning Yoga
Stretch 9:00 AM 7th Ray Studio Easing into the day with gentling warming up and stretching. All levels are welcome Register online.
Fri May 12 AA Whitehorse Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral Looking for support with your relationship with alcohol? Join the AA Whitehorse Group..
Fri May 12 Men’s Support Group for Indigenous men 18 and over CYFN Council Of Yukon First Nations Family Preservation Services is hosting a Snaring & Trapping Workshop as part of its ongoing Support Group for Yukon First Nations and Indigenous men. Register now as space is limited!
Fri May 12 Slow Flow Resto
– All Levels 5:30 PM Stretch, flow + restore – a great way to end the week for a better weekend. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com
Fri May 12 Sacred Breathwork with Derek Endress Alpine Bakery & Upstairs 7:00 PM Rejuvenate body/mind/heart, reveal limiting views that exist in body, mind and improve capacity to release fear, anxiety, anger, sadness, grief and other charged or blocked emotions. Register by email wallymaltz@mac. com https://www.yogayukon.ca/ yogayukon/Schedule.html
Sat May 13 Restorative Yoga
– All Levels 10:30 AM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Restorative poses are long holds over supportive props relaxing variations of backbends. PreRegister by email wallymaltz@ mac.com
Sat May 13 AA Hospital
Meeting 7:00 PM Christ Church
Cathedral
Mon May 15 Live And Online
Kundalini Yoga 8:00 AM Online Kriya, mudra, and mantra awaken your body and focus the mind. We will follow one sequence until you are able to find yourself in the flow, before moving on
Mon May 15 Smart Recovery
Addictions Support 6:45 PM Sarah Steele Building.
Mon May 15 Absolute
Beginners – Intro 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery - Upstairs Introduction to yoga with Erica. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com
Mon May 15 CRUSH 2023! (or… what can a men’s circle do for me?) 7:00 PM Inclusion Yukon Meet the men involved and learn more about the two ARKA Brotherhood men’s circles changing lives in Whitehorse. http://www.arkabrotherhood.com
Mon May 15 Hips, Hams Core
– All Levels 7:30 PM Alpine Bakery - Upstairs Fairly vigorous classes with emphasis on breath and slower is stronger. PreRegister by email wallymaltz@ mac.com
Mon May 15 AA New Beginnings Group (OM, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral
Mon May 15 Arka Brotherhood Circle: Grizzly Squad 7:00 PM Whitehorse For men eager to identify and move past selflimiting beliefs, stretch beyond their comfort zone and embody the best version of himself. Register by email or phone bcdrisco@gmail.com/867-3320465.
Tue May 16 Yoga with Barbara – All Levels 10:00 AM Whitehorse United Church All welcome, or register: Call/text 335-1996 or email bfraingower@ gamil.com
Tue May 16 The Prenatal Lunch Network 12:00 PM NVD Place (Old Canadian Tire Building) A free prenatal lunch network. Each week will feature a different activity. https://bit. ly/42yV21Q
Tue May 16 Sewing Circle 1:00 PM Champagne and Aishihik First Nations CAFN Sewing Circle is every Tuesday. A gathering space available to work on your projects. Refreshments and snacks will be served.
Tue May 16 Men’s Community Group 5:30 PM Mountainview Church We start with a meal and fellowship, then work through a biblical study, and take time to pray for one another, and for shared requests.
Tue May 16 Intermediate –Level 2 5:30 PM Alpine Bakery –Upstairs Explore alignment and form in a wide range of familiar + new poses. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com
Tue May 16 Yoga by Amber 7:00 PM 7th Ray Studio A yoga class that is for all levels and abilities, register online.
Tue May 16 Better Backs Hips, Hams 7:30 PM Alpine Bakery – Upstairs Critical alignment therapy and therapeutic work for healing. Pre-Register by email wallymaltz@mac.com
Tue May 16 AA UglyDuckling Group (C/M, NS) 8:00 PM Christ Church Cathedral New members always welcome, this is a non smoking group.
Workplace Sexual Harassment :
There’s No Excuse
The Workplace Sexual Harassment Legal Clinic can provide you with free and confidential legal advice on workplace sexual harassment matters
If you are a victim, a bystander, someone who wants to make sure that their workplace is a sexual harassment free zone or someone that just wants some questions about workplace sexual harassment answered, the Workplace Sexual Harassment Legal Clinic can help you.
Contact us to speak to a lawyer:
Workplace Sexual Harassment Legal Clinic
#103 – 2131 Second Avenue, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 1C3 Phone : 867-393-6206 wsh@legalaid.yk.ca
Help Shape Yukon’s Future
Get on Board!
Consider serving on one of the following boards and committees:
■ Apprentice Advisory Board
Deadline: September 15, 2023
Contact: Kirsti.devries@yukon.ca or 867-667-5129
■ Student Financial Assistance Committee
Deadline: June 2, 2023
Contact: Kirsti.devries@yukon.ca or 867-667-5129
■ Mayo District Renewable Resources Council
■ North Yukon Renewable Resources Council
Deadline: Until flled
Contact: kelly.gruber@yukon.ca or 867-667-5336
■ Dawson District Renewable Resources Council
Deadline: May 15, 2023
Contact: kelly.gruber@yukon.ca or phone 867-667-5336
■ Concession and Compensation Review Board
Deadline: Until flled
Contact: kelly.gruber@yukon.ca or 867-667-5336
■ Physiotherapists Advisory Committee
■ LPN Advisory Committee
■ Licensed Practical Nurses Discipline Panel
■ Registered Psychiatric Nurses Advisory Committee
■ Midwifery Advisory Committee
■ Pharmacy Advisory Committee
■ Yukon Medical Council
■ Council of the Association of Professional Engineers of Yukon
Deadline: Until Filled
Contact: Boards.plra@yukon.ca
■ Building Standards Board
Deadline: Until flled
Contact: Hector.Lang@yukon.ca or 867-456-6596
■ Assessment Appeal Board
Deadline: Until flled
Contact: Kathryne.Janz@yukon.ca or 867- 667-5234
■ Employment Standards Board
Deadline: Until flled
Contact: Karyn.Leslie@yukon.ca or 867-667-5944
■ Municipal Board
Deadline: Until flled
Contact: Samantha.Crosby@yukon.ca or 867-336-0396
■ Whitehorse Public Library Board
Deadline: Until flled
Contact: Melissa.YuSchott@yukon.ca or 867-335-8600
■ Yukon Housing Corporation Board of Directors
Deadline: May, 2023
Contact: Beth.Fricke@yukon.ca
■ Law Foundation Board of Directors (Yukon)
Deadline: June 15, 2023
Contact: Carla.Braun@yukon.ca or 867-667-5959
■ Law Society of Yukon – Complaint Dismissal
Review Committee Deadline: until flled
Contact: Carla.Braun@yukon.ca or 867-667-5959
■ Law Society of Yukon – Discipline Committee
Deadline: until flled
Contact: Carla.Braun@yukon.ca or 867-667-5959
■ Yukon Energy Board of Directors
Deadline: August 11, 2023
Contact: megan.yakiwchuk@yec.yk.ca or 867-393-5337
■ Bid Challenge Committee
Deadline: Until flled
Contact: bccsecretariat@yukon.ca
■ Yukon Aviation Advisory Committee
Deadline: Until flled
Contact: Leah Stone leah.stone@yukon.ca / Myriam Gadault myriam.gadault@yukon.ca
For application forms and more information visit yukon.ca/en/find-board-committee or call toll-free 1-800-661-0408
Application packages can be emailed to boards.committees@yukon.ca
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