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#1. HINDU AND SIKH SOCIETIES UNITE TO CELEBRATE INDIA'S INDEPENDENCE DAY
India Day, the 60th anniversary of India's Independence, was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Surrey's Lakshmi Narayan Mandir by the newly formed Hindu-Sikh Unity Committee last Sunday. The committee is a group of Hindu and Sikh societies of the Fraser Valley with Balwant Singh Gill as chairperson and Parshotam Goel as secretary.
The celebrations kicked off with a march past. Young scouts carried the Indian and Canadian flags followed by officers from the RCMP, ex-servicemen and various organizations representing different provinces of India. Consul General of India Ashok Kumar hoisted the India flag and addressed the gathering.
It was a day full of joy. Stalls served free ethnic and western food. Children holding Canadian and India flags in their hands added color to the occasion. Sponsors gave out toys and candies to children who also enjoyed various rides.
Among those present were Attorney General Wally Oppal, MPs Ujjal Dosanjh, Sukh Dhaliwal and Penny Priddy, Opposition Leader Carole James, MLAs Dave Hayer, Jagrup Brar, Harry Bains, Sue Hammell and Guy Gentner, Bruce Ralston, Surrey Councillor Tom Gill and many other politicians and prominent members of society.
The main attraction of this day was the cultural program presented by the participants with Vinay Sharma as the program coordinator and stage secretary. The audience enjoyed a drama on India's independence choreographed by Mohan Baggan.
According to Joginder Kang, the event manager of India Day, this is the first time in the history of British Colombia that the anniversary of India's independence was celebrated on such a grand scale.
#2. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SIKH YOUTHS
Khalsa Credit Union this week announced that it has extended the deadline for applications to August 31 to give scholarships and bursaries to the Sikh youths who are pursuing post secondary education. The applicants are required to have completed grade 12 in 2007. There are six academic ($1,500 each) and six religious ($1,500 each) scholarships, and six bursaries ($750 each). The deadline for submission of applications is 5 p.m. on Friday, August 31. Application forms are available in their branches and can also be printed from their web page @www.khalsacreditunion.ca.
If you need more information, contact Jagjit Kaur at 604-507-6404.
#3. SURREY AND DELTA NDP MLA'S HOLD PICNIC
New Democrat Leader Carole James attended a community picnic at Surrey's Bear Creek Park on Sunday, August 19, hosted by Surrey and Delta MLAs Harry Bains, Jagrup Brar, Guy Gentner, Sue Hammell and Bruce Ralston.
Families and constituents turned out to meet with their MLAs, enjoy snacks and drinks and have fun along with their friends and children.
A food donation was made to Trilogy Recovery House in Surrey and there was a booth set up to promote the campaign to raise B.C.'s minimum wage to $10.
#4. DION, IGNATIEFF ATTEND INDO-CANADIAN EVENTS
Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion celebrated Canada's rich cultural diversity last weekend by taking part in the Unity Day Parade organized by the India Canada Organization in Papineau, Quebec, illustrating the commitment of all multicultural Canadians to building a strong pluralistic Canada.
"I am honoured to participate in this year's Unity Day Parade, which is focused on the unity and intercultural cooperation of Canada's multicultural communities," said Dion. "This colourful celebration attracts thousands of Canadians every year and aims to unite people of all ethnicities and cultures."
Dion noted that the Unity Day Parade was first led by Paul Martin in 2003 and since then has grown to include many political and community leaders from across Canada.
"This parade is a perfect occasion to celebrate the unique traditions and history that Canadians of different backgrounds bring to Canada and that enhance the vibrancy of our society," said Dion. "I am honoured to be here today and to celebrate with you."
Meanwhile, in Toronto, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Michael Ignatieff, brought greetings from Dion, stressing the importance of Canada's close relationship with India and the contributions the "large and vibrant" Indo-Canadian community has made to Canada.
"Our large and growing Indo-Canadian community not only enriches Canada, but provides a special link between Canada and India," said Ignatieff. "Our close cultural and trade ties with India not only benefit Canada, but are instrumental in our desire to play a constructive global role."
The "India @ 60" festivities were organized by Panorama India. The event, held on Sunday at Yonge-Dundas Square, began with the raising of the Indian national flag, followed by speeches and a parade in downtown Toronto. Ignatieff presented the Indian Consul General with framed greetings on behalf of Dion and was greeted with great enthusiasm by the crowd.
"Canadians of Indian descent are a valuable part of the rich cultural mosaic of our great country and have a proud history in Canada," said Ignatieff. "The unique traditions and history that Indo-Canadians bring to Canada enhance the vibrancy of our Canadian society."
#5. VANCOUVER MAYOR SAM SULLIVAN INSPIRES SIKH YOUTH AT CAMP
(Contributed)
"I am very pleased to learn that with the creation of Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave the message of love and equality to the whole human race and he also ordained Khalsa to use Kaur (princess) and Singh (lion) with their names. I am quite happy to see here several hundred little Kaur and Singh children," Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan said this Thursday in perfect Punjabi while addressing a houseful gathering of more than 250 boys and girls attending the annual Sikh Youth Camp. He wore a saffron colored turban on his head.
Sulivan started his speech in Punjabi as usual with Sikh greetings and thanked the Gurdwara Akali Singh Sikh Society, Vancouver, for inviting him to address the young students at the camp organized to impart knowledge of Punjabi and Sikh religion.
"I convey my heartiest love and blessings to all the children and urge all of you to gain full benefit from this camp," the mayor said. "I pray to Waheguru to bless these children with higher education and high spiritedness, so that they may glorify the name of their parents, Vancouver city and Canada. I am learning a little bit of Punjabi. If there is any error please excuse me. Gian Singh Kotli is my teacher."
Several slogans of Bole So Nihal were raised expressing appreciation of the mayor's inspiring speech. Appreciating Sullivan's interest in learning Punjabi and Gurmat, the secretary was quick to remark from the stage, "That is a good example, if a 'gora' (white) mayor can learn Punjabi, why can't we learn."
Earlier, Sullivan was welcomed at the entrance by gurdwara management and five young students presented him flowers. Replying to a question about tying a turban from the media, the mayor said: "I like to wear a turban while visiting a gurdwara and Gian Singh Kotli is there to adorn it on my head." The management honored all the participants and teachers and S. Piara Singh, secretary, thanked everyone for making the camp, held August 13 to 17, a grand success.
Highly experienced persons like S. Pritam Singh Aulakh, Mohan Singh Matharoo, Gian Singh Kotli, Darshan Singh Khaira, Bibi Balbir Kaur Aulakh, Surinder Kaur, Barjinder Kaur, Ram Kaur, Pritam Kaur, and others devoted their time daily and Giani Harkirat Singh, Dr. Raghbir Singh Bains and Dr Pargat Singh Bhurji rendered service in the camp as guest speakers.
#6. START THIS SCHOOL YEAR WITH A LESSON IN TRAFFIC SAFETY
Start this school year off with a very important lesson: learn the rules of the road. School zones are one of the most dangerous places for children. The BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation notes that the well being of school-aged children and volunteer school safety patrollers is a serious traffic safety issue.
"The shocking thing is that parents are the worst violators," said Allan Lamb, executive director of the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation. "Almost half of the children in B.C. are driven to school and many parents don't follow the rules in school zones."
Parents continue to do U-turns, stop in no-stopping zones, back up into crosswalks, roll through stop signs, let their children out from the driver's side and into oncoming traffic, and speed.
Many schools in BC have implemented traffic reduction programs and other strategies that reduce congestion, pollution, risk of injury, and encourage a more active lifestyle. Signage, patrolled intersections and 30 km/h school zone speed limits (in effect weekdays between 8 AM and 5PM) are all part of this strategy.
The BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation also reminds drivers to look for patrollers at curbside rather than expecting them to walk into the middle of the street. The curbside approach is in keeping with the safest school patrol practices and is safer for the patrollers.
"Trained student patrollers are a committed group of students who take their traffic safety responsibilities seriously. Their important work is not only appreciated by fellow students but by teachers, parents and the community," says Linda Lawlor, School Safety Patrol Program Coordinator for the Foundation.
In 2005, 13.8% of all people killed or injured in vehicle-pedestrian collisions were under the age of 16 (ICBC Traffic Collision Statistics 2005 and most recent data available).
Penalties for speeding in a school zone are:
31-50 km/h: $173 - 3 points
51-70 km/h: $230 - 3 points
71-90 km/h: $345 - 3 points
over 90 km/h: $460 - 3 points
For more information about school safety or the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation visit www.SchoolSafetyPatrol.ca or call 604-298-5107.
Safety Tips:
For Drivers:
Stop and Slow Down - In or near school and residential areas, and always be prepared to stop at marked crosswalks.
Look for Clues - Such as School Zone signs, BCAA School Safety patrollers, bicycles, and playgrounds, which indicate children could be in the area.
Parked Cars - Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs that Weather - Practice extra caution in adverse weather conditions.
Commute Times - Pay particular attention near schools during the morning and afternoon hours. Reduce speed to 30 km/h in school zones on weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
School Buses - Always stop for school buses when their red lights are flashing for loading and unloading students.
For Families:
Walking - Walking car pools/school buses and buddies are great ways to get to school. Parents can take shifts and walk along a prescribed route picking up and dropping off children at designated stops along the way. Friends can meet up the same way and walk to school together, and older students take on the responsibility of walking with younger students on their way to or from school.
Safe Routes - It is important that children travel along the safest routes possible to and from school. Children should walk on sidewalks if possible, cross at light-controlled or patrolled crosswalks, and avoid wooded areas or places where there is very little activity on the streets.
Bike Riding - Helmets must be worn by law. Bright clothing with reflective strips and equipping bikes with front and rear lights adds to rider safety. All riders should be properly trained to ride a bicycle and understand the rules of the road.
Public transportation - The above strategies can also be modified with students using transit instead of walking or riding to school.
Visibility - Make sure children are visible to other road users - wearing light coloured or reflective clothing if they will be out in low light. Make sure that small children understand that they are sometimes impossible for a driver to see.
#7. A HEART-WARMING HEART-TO-HEART WORKSHOP WITH DYA SINGH
Dya Singh of Australia, along with his World Music Group performed at Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar in New Westminster on the evening of August 20 to an overflowing sangat. The response to this one-day event, which started off in the afternoon with a youth workshop, followed by Kiran in the evening, was so overwhelming that both halls of the Gurdwara Sahib had to be used to accommodate the vast sangat.
This is the first time in about five years that Dya Singh has performed at a Gurdwara Sahib in B.C. and the sangat, especially the Sikh youth, came from all over the Lower Mainland to listen to and experience the uniqueness of Dya Singh's group and method of spreading the Guru's message in western musical style.
Prior to the evening Kirtan program, Dya Singh undertook a special workshop named "Heart-to-Heart with Dya Singh". This three-hour workshop had over 130 participants and was by far the largest crowd of youth that Dya Singh has spoken to at a Gurdwara Sahib in North America in a long time. The topics covered ranged from Sikh philosophy to Sikh history, and explanations were both deep yet simple to understand. The unique method of delivery and explanation that Dya Singh employed during the workshop, along with personal examples from his travels and experiences, made the afternoon fun, amusing at times, yet educational and got across the message of Sikhism and the importance of Naam Simran to the youth.
This workshop follows on the heels of a summer full of youth camps, sports activities, homeless food drives and community awareness programs held at Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar and continues on with the objectives of the Khalsa Diwan Society, New Westminster, in providing educational and community programs for the youth.
The Gurdwara Sahib Sevadar's on behalf of the Sangat, presented Dya Singh and his group a plaque of recognition to their service to the Sikh youth and the community at large for spreading the message of Sikhism.
#8. LIBERALS LASH OUT AT RACISM IN CANADA
Recent racially-motivated death threats and physical attacks in St. John, New Brunswick, reinforce the need for the federal government to educate Canadians about the benefits of diversity and promote cultural understanding, said Colleen Beaumier, Liberal Multiculturalism Critic.
She said: "We need to move Canada beyond the concept of a tolerant society to one of true equality. If Canada is to maintain its population growth, its economic prosperity and its place in the world we need to continue to attract new Canadians from around the globe and truly welcome them as full participants in Canadian society."
A number of recent incidents of racially-motivated crimes have been reported in St. John, New Brunswick. Two incidents of racially motivated death threats were reported to police on August 15, including one targeting city councillor Jay-Young Chang, who is of Korean descent and holds the city's immigration portfolio.
There have also been a number of recent racially-motivated assaults in St. John including the recent arrest of three suspects in the assaults on two Chinese students who were returning to their apartment around midnight on July 28 as well as an ongoing investigation of another late-night attack against two other Chinese students on August 4.
"Unfortunately, racism is still very real in Canadian society and the best way to fight racism is to educate Canadians about our differences and show that Canada is more than the sum of its parts," said Beaumier. "It is unfortunate that the Conservative government appears to be in the process of cutting funding for programs targeting intercultural understanding."
Canadian Heritage 2006-2007 planning documents show that planned spending for programs intended to promote intercultural understanding dropped by 20% in 2006-07 and for the following two years. According to the same documents, planned spending for programs to increase participation in community and civic life will also decline over the next two years.
"It is not enough to tolerate immigration and multiculturalism, we as a society must truly embrace those concepts and understand the necessity of both for the future prosperity of Canada," said Beaumier.
#9. WSO RAISES SIKH SHRINE ISSUE WITH PAKISTAN PRESIDENT
The World Sikh Organization says it has learned of the occupation of Gurdwara Bhai Taru Singh at Naulakha Bazaar, Lahore, Pakistan, by "hooligans". These individuals have also denied Sikh visitors access to the Gurdwara Sahib and have apparently defaced the shrine as well.
The situation is of great concern to the Sikh community worldwide.
Pakistan is home to many historical Sikh shrines such as the birthplace of Guru Nanak Sahib at Nankana Sahib, Punja Sahib at Hassan Abdal and many others. Thousands of Sikhs come every year to worship at these shrines.
The Evacuee Trust Property Board has been looking after Sikh Shrines in Pakistan for 60 years now. It is of great importance to the Sikh community worldwide that Sikh shrines continue to be protected and access is ensured for all those who come to pay their respects.
The WSO has written to President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan asking him to intervene and ensure that Gurdwara Bhai Taru Singh be restored to the Sikhs and the "hooligans" be prevented from re-entering. The WSO trusts that the government of Pakistan will move quickly to resolve the situation and thus help to build an even stronger relationship with the Sikh community worldwide
WSO International President Ram Raghbir Singh Chahal said: "Sikhs accord respect to all religions, and in turn expect that their religion be respected and the Sikh Shrines be protected."
Meanwhile, later this week, an Indian newspaper reported that the Pakistan Evacuee Trust Property Board (PETPB) chairman Lt.-Gen (retired) Zulfiqar Ali Khan visited the gurdwara and consulted with Sikh representatives to resolve the issue that also figured in the Indian Parliament.
Khan directed officials to take steps for demolishing 18 shops adjacent to the gurdwara in order to make a separate entry to Pir Kaku Shah shrine. Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee chief Bishan Singh and a few Sikhs from Pakistan also visited the gurdwara.
#10. FOUNDATION STONE OF 25TH AKAL ACADEMY LAID IN PUNJAB
The foundation stone of the 25th Akal Academy was laid by Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, President of the Kalgidhar Trust, at Uddat Saidewala village in Mansa district, Punjab, on August 17.
A special samagam (congregation) was organized by the Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, on the occasion. This is the third in the new plan of opening 150 academies in the next five years announced by the trust. Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, Dr. Khem Singh, vice president of the trust, Gurjit Singh Romana, superintendent of police, Ludhiana, and a large number of eminent personalities and residents of surrounding villages graced the occasion.
The land for the academy was donated by S. Kartar Singh Chehal. The ceremony began with Shabad Kirtan by the students of Akal Academy, Baru Sahib. Rendering the Dhaadi Varan, International Dhadi Jatha, Baru Sahib, greatly moved the audience, reminding the congregation of the great sacrifices made by the Gurus and true Gurusikhs. The students of Akal Academy, Baru Sahib, also enthralled the gathering by Kirtan on Tanti Saaz.
Dr. Khem Singh, former vice chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, presented a review of the activities of the trust, its mission and the road ahead. He recalled the past when beginning with just five children, the vision of Sant Atar Singh Ji and Sant Teja Singh Ji had taken shape with now over 23,000 students on the rolls of 23 Akal Academies receiving high class English medium 10+2 CBSE education, making a deep social impact on the under-privileged rural population of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. He said that The Kalgidhar Trust would strive to establish Akal academies in each block of Punjab. For this project, several village panchayats are approaching the trust and coming forward to participate in this noble cause by offering land for the establishment of Akal academies in their respective areas.
Chehal, who donated the land for the academy, said, "It's a dream come true for me. With the Almighty's blessings and with the endeavor of the Kalgidhar Trust, my dream of doing something for the society has been realized, which I always longed for. This Akal Academy will help the children of this backward rural area to avail modern scientific education and work in the direction of establishing permanent peace and universal brotherhood in the world."
Addressing the gathering, S. Balwant Singh Nandgarh, Jathedar, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, said, "Sant Attar Singh Ji was a great visionary who worked for the upliftment of the rural poor by establishing schools and colleges a century ago. And then, Sant Teja Singh Ji worked throughout his life for the welfare of rural poor."
Blessing the gathering, Baba Iqbal Singh Ji emphasized that the main purpose of Akal academies is to nurture and groom young children to become good human beings and successful professionals. He told the gathering that spiritual value-based education alone could save Punjab and urged all to join hands with the Kalgidhar Trust to spread Guru Nanak's Mission.
Thereafter, the foundation stone of Akal Academy was laid in the presence of the 'five beloved ones'. This was followed by Ardas and Guru Ka Langar with hundreds of residents of surrounding villages participating in the event.
#11. HARRY LALI IS BACK AS CRITIC IN NEW SHADOW CABINET
Yale-Lillooet MLA Harry Lali has been appointed the Opposition Critic for B.C. Lotteries, Gaming Policy, and ICBC in the latest shuffle of the shadow cabinet by NDP Leader Carole James.
Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds, is the Critic for Human Rights, Multiculturalism and Immigration.
Jagrup Brar, MLA for Surrey-Panorama Ridge, remains the Critic for Employment and Income Assistance, and Harry Bains, the Critic for Olympics.
Chouhan previously served as Opposition Critic for Human Rights in 2005. He has also served as Critic for Mental Health.
"I am honoured to once again serve as the Opposition Critic for Human Rights," said Chouhan. "It is an issue that I am very passionate about, and I am committed to holding the Campbell government to account for its dismal record on human rights.
"The Campbell government eliminated the Human Rights Commission, and voted down New Democrat legislation to re-establish it. In the spring session of the Legislature, B.C. Liberal MLAs voted down New Democrat amendments to legislation that would have brought school codes of conduct into line with provisions of the Human Rights Code. And the government continues to divert funding for immigrant settlement programs into general revenue.
"I look forward to addressing each of these issues in my role as Critic for Human Rights, Multiculturalism and Immigration on behalf of the New Democrat Official Opposition."
Menwahile, James said the changes signaled an increased focus on key areas of interest to British Columbians - issues that matter to average families and Gordon Campbell continues to ignore.
"It's clear to British Columbians that the Campbell government has neglected many communities and left too many people behind," said James. "With these assignments, I'm asking specific MLAs to take a lead role in responding to the needs that this neglect has created."
Skeena MLA Robin Austin will continue his duties as Fisheries Critic in addition to a new role as lead critic for Rural Communities.
"Rural British Columbians are facing significant threats to their way of life and their economic vitality," said James. "Rural British Columbians are not getting their fair share as they face an increased concentration of public services and infrastructure investment in urban centres. Mr. Austin will work with our Caucus and communities to find integrated solutions based upon common sense."
In addition to her current role as Housing Critic, Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA Diane Thorne will take on a new role as lead critic for Consumer Affairs.
"Consumers throughout B.C. are being squeezed by government fees, insurance rates and other essential purchases," said James. "Average families need a strong advocate for affordability and homebuyers want their investment dollars fairly protected. Ms. Thorne will concentrate on how to bring those issues forward in the coming legislative sessions."
Vancouver-Kensington MLA David Chudnovsky takes on the expanded role of critic for Homelessness and Mental Health.
"Homelessness is no longer an issue just impacting urban centres, it's a reality in most of our communities," said James. "The solutions are complex, but they are achievable, and for this government to have presided over the largest expansion of homelessness in our history is deplorable. Mr. Chudnovsky will work with British Columbians who are demanding a respectful and sustainable solution."
Vancouver-Fairview MLA Gregor Robertson will continue in his role as Small Business Critic, but will assume additional responsibilities as co-chair of the NDP Caucus climate change working group alongside Environment Critic Shane Simpson.
"Climate change is an environmental disaster of our own making, and one which we must respond to with the greatest sense of urgency," said James. "Part of the response must be local ingenuity and local solutions. As a successful businessman with a long history of approaching the market in a modern and sustainable way, Mr. Robertson is perfectly positioned to advocate for and promote B.C.'s green economy."
Other changes in the NDP Caucus Critic responsibilities include Nicholas Simons moving to Children and Family Development, Maurine Karagianis moving to Transportation, Guy Gentner taking on Seniors' Health and Katrine Conroy taking responsibility for Citizen Services.
"These assignments will sharpen our focus on the fundamental issues facing British Columbia, particularly the growing divides that put our economic well-being and sustainability at risk," said James.
New Democrat Official Opposition Critic Appointments:
Leader, Official Opposition - Carole James, MLA Victoria - Beacon Hill
Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation - Scott Fraser, MLA Alberni - Qualicum
Advanced Education - Rob Fleming, MLA Victoria - Hillside
Agriculture and Lands - Corky Evans, MLA Nelson - Creston
Apprenticeship and Training - Doug Routley, MLA Cowichan - Ladysmith
Attorney General - Leonard Krog, MLA Nanaimo
Children and Family Development - Nicholas Simons, MLA Powell River - Sunshine Coast
Childcare, Early Childhood Development and Women's Issues - Claire Trevena, MLA North Island
Citizens' Services - Katrine Conroy, MLA West Kootenay - Boundary
BC Lotteries, Gaming Policy, and ICBC - Harry Lali, MLA Yale - Lillooet
Economic Development - Jenny Kwan, MLA Vancouver - Mount Pleasant
Education - David Cubberley, MLA Saanich South
Employment and Income Assistance - Jagrup Brar, MLA Surrey - Panorama Ridge
Energy and Mines - John Horgan, MLA Malahat - Juan de Fuca
Environment - Shane Simpson, MLA Vancouver - Hastings
Ferries and Ports - Gary Coons, MLA North Coast
Finance - Bruce Ralston, MLA Surrey - Whalley
Fisheries and Lead Critic for Rural Communities - Robin Austin, MLA Skeena
Forests and Range - Bob Simpson, MLA Cariboo North
Health - Adrian Dix, MLA Vancouver - Kingsway
Homelessness and Mental Health - David Chudnovsky, MLA Vancouver - Kensington
Housing and Lead Critic for Consumer Affairs - Diane Thorne, MLA Coquitlam - Maillardville
Human Rights, Multiculturalism and Immigration - Raj Chouhan, MLA Burnaby - Edmonds
Intergovernmental Relations - Michael Sather, MLA Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows
Labour - Chuck Puchmayr, MLA New Westminster
Local Government - Charlie Wyse, MLA Cariboo South
Olympics - Harry Bains, MLA Surrey - Newton
Public Safety and Solicitor General - Mike Farnworth, MLA Port Coquitlam - Burke Mountain
Seniors' Health - Guy Gentner, MLA Delta North
Small Business, Revenue and Deregulation - Gregor Robertson, MLA Vancouver - Fairview
Tourism, Sport and the Arts - Norm Macdonald, MLA Columbia River - Revelstoke
Transportation - Maurine Karagianis, MLA Esquimalt - Metchosin
Assistant Deputy Speaker - Sue Hammell, MLA Surrey - Green Timbers
#12. LALI: NEW BCLC AUDIT ANOTHER B.C. LIBERAL WHITEWASH
This week's announcement by Premier Gordon Campbell's hand-picked B.C. Lotteries Corporation (BCLC) interim CEO Dana Hayden is more about damage control and BCLC's profits than actually getting to the bottom of B.C.'s retail lottery scandal, said Harry Lali, NDP's new Critic for B.C. Lotteries.
Lali was referring to a narrowly-focused internal review made public by Hayden, which pre-empts a comprehensive, independent audit into BCLC and the Campbell government's gaming enforcement branch scheduled to be released in late October. The audit also comes out on a day that the BCLC quietly released details of the severance package payout to the fired BCLC CEO Vic Poleschuk.
"The severance package payout to former CEO Vic Poleschuk proves that Poleschuk was the government's fall guy for the lottery scandal and subsequent cover-up," said Lali, the MLA for Yale-Lillooet. "Since taking office in 2001, the Campbell Liberals have perfected the art of deception and have a pattern of covering up their mistakes instead of actually solving the problem."
When Ombudsman Kim Carter issued her damning report on lottery retailing on May 29, she specifically stated that the responsibility for oversight of BCLC rests with the minister. Yet Solicitor-General Les refused to take responsibility for the lottery fiasco, instead letting the B.C. Liberal-appointed Lottery Corporation board fire CEO Vic Poleschuk later that week.
"Ms. Hayden, the Premier's own former Deputy Minister, was sent in to replace Poleschuk as the Premier's fixer on this file," said Lali. "(The) audit release is yet another PR exercise designed to deceive the public and protect BCLC's public image and bottom line. The truth remains that after breaking their 2001 promise not to expand gaming, the Campbell government has turned BCLC into a cash cow while sacrificing oversight."
"Solicitor-General Les has consistently failed to show leadership on this file. Last December, he emphatically claimed that the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch had found nothing wrong with lottery retailing in B.C., but he was later forced by the Ombudsman's report to admit that there were serious deficiencies. Now after ordering a comprehensive independent audit to be delivered to him in October, Les has been upstaged by an internal BCLC audit that attempts yet another PR whitewash.
"Clearly, John Les no longer has the moral authority to remain the minister in charge of B.C. Lotteries - and it is time for Premier Campbell to fire the Solicitor-General," said Lali.
Lali also stated that the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch, which is the oversight body responsible for keeping BC Lotteries on the 'straight and narrow,' should not be under the purview of the same minister who is also responsible for BCLC and revenue generation. "Clearly, there is a conflict of competing interests to have both functions under one Minister. The premier must immediately shift the oversight function to another ministry," said Lali.
Lali said that this week's review only looks at 190 files on prizes over $10,000 and fails to answer the bigger questions surrounding B.C. Lotteries. "Once again another internal review fails to address the fundamental concerns about the mismanagement and oversight of B.C. Lotteries by the Campbell Liberals - and provides no basis to reassure British Columbians about the lottery system in this province," said Lali.
#13. PREMIER ANNOUNCES REGIONAL GHG EMISSION REDUCTION GOAL
B.C. is among eight western provinces and states that have established a regional goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 15 per cent below 2005 levels by 2020, a target that will lay the foundation for a common cap and trade system, Premier Gordon Campbell announced this week.
"I want to commend all Western Climate Initiative partners for establishing this common goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and for their commitment to develop a multi-sector mechanism to help meet this regional target as well as individual targets," said Campbell. "British Columbia committed in February to creating a single, common standard for measuring greenhouse gas emissions and for registering and trading carbon offsets that reflects true market value. This continental approach will reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the region and stimulate innovation and job creation."
Western Climate Initiative (WCI) members - British Columbia, Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Utah and Manitoba - agreed to the target after a meeting in Vancouver earlier this month. The WCI will use its new regional goal in designing a regional, market-based, multi-sector mechanism, such as a load-based cap and trade program, by August 2008.
Campbell noted the regional goal reflects the combined impact of emission-related targets B.C. and other members have set, and does not supersede those individual targets. Members will use the regional goal in assessing requests from other jurisdictions to join the WCI.
"Membership in the WCI means having an aggressive GHG target for your jurisdiction, adopting California tailpipe standards, participating in a cross-border GHG registry, and working together on a regional cap and trade system to help meet our targets," said Campbell. "The more partners we unite now in meeting these objectives, the better off our countries and world will be in decades to come. I am urging other Canadian provinces to participate in this initiative to create a single, continental market for carbon trading."
At the recent Council of Federation meeting in New Brunswick, the leaders of 12 of 13 provinces and territories agreed to work toward the objective of implementing California tailpipe emissions standards. B.C., Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba also committed to a cap and trade system.
Currently, four other U.S. states (Colorado, Kansas, Nevada and Wyoming), three other Canadian provinces (Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan) and one Mexican state (Sonora) are participating as observers of the WCI's deliberations. Some of these entities, as well as others, may seek to join the WCI as full members in the future.
B.C. announced its GHG reduction target of 33 per cent below current levels by 2020, which will place emissions 10 per cent below 1990 levels, in February. Since then, the Province has signed memorandums of understanding with California and Washington State on climate change and Pacific Ocean conservation and joined the Climate Registry, a cross-border GHG registry launched in June with 34 states, and two provincial and three tribal members. The registry - North America's largest co-operative effort on climate change, representing over 70 per cent of the U.S. population - is seen as a critical first step in developing robust programs to reduce emissions across the U.S. and North America.
#14. CTF: AUTO INSURANCE RATES IN COMPETITIVE MARKETS FALL
While auto insurance premiums have gone up in B.C. over the past three years, those in Ontario, Alberta, and the Atlantic provinces, provinces enjoying competitive insurance markets, have gone down. Monopoly provision of insurance in B.C. has led to rising costs for consumers. It is time for ICBC's auto insurance monopoly to end, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation said this week.
"The evidence clearly shows that the government's monopolization of the auto insurance market is a bad deal for BC consumers," said Maureen Bader, B.C. Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. "If we want average premiums to fall in BC as they have in other provinces, drivers must have a choice not just for optional, but basic insurance as well."
According to data from the General Insurance Statistical Agency, between 2003 and 2007, average auto insurance premiums fell by almost 16% in Ontario, 14% in Alberta, 24% in Nova Scotia, 37% in New Brunswick, 15.5% in Prince Edward Island, and 21% in Newfoundland. Meanwhile in BC, average premiums rose 5.1% between 2003 and 2006. BC's 2007 premium data is not yet available but given the recent announcement of a 3.3% increase in basic rates coupled with a 3.8% decrease in optional rates, average premiums will likely increase, as about 56% of ICBC's insurance business is basic insurance.
"ICBC's 30% increase in executive bonuses in 2006, while costs continue to rise and customer satisfaction levels fall, show the distorted priorities this monopoly operates under," continued Bader. "Competition in the marketplace for insurance keeps management on its toes because consumers have the choice to take their business elsewhere."
#15. DOCTORS SAY NO TO USER FEES
The Canadian Medical Association has voted down a controversial motion calling for user fees in our public health system.
At the CMA annual meeting in Vancouver, physicians defeated an effort to introduce American-style co-payments and health savings accounts.
This vote is a sharp warning to Dr. Brian Day, the new president of the CMA, who has called for Medicare to be privatized. NDP Health Critic Penny Priddy noted Dr. Day is only one of more than 60,000 Canadian physicians, and pointed to the positive leadership of individual doctors and groups like Canadian Doctors for Medicare who advocate for a publicly funded health care system.
Earlier in the week, Priddy warned that Dr. Day was prescribing bad medicine for Canadians.
Priddy reacted to statements made by Dr. Day. Calling him "a notorious advocate for American-style medicine." She pointed out that Dr. Day owns a private clinic in Vancouver, and wants to increase for-profit health care delivery across Canada.
"Increasing privatization is the wrong way to go," said Priddy. "Canadians cherish our universal public health system, where nobody has to go broke to get healthy."
Priddy pointed out the evidence that shows for-profit medicine is bad for your health. "It costs more than public health care and it hurts the public system we rely on. Public health care is still the best way to take care of the most people for the least amount of money," said Priddy.
Priddy noted Dr. Day is only one of more than 60,000 Canadian physicians, and pointed to the positive leadership of individual doctors and groups like Canadian Doctors for Medicare who advocates a publicly funded health care system.
#16. HSABC: DON'T ERODE OUR UNIVERSAL MEDICARE SYSTEM
(By REID JOHNSON, President, Health Sciences Association of B.C.)
The incoming president of the Canadian Medical Association, Dr. Brian Day, has used media interest in his controversial support for increased private delivery of health care to forcefully advance his agenda of two-tiered health care and continued growth of private health care in Canada. But in defeating a resolution calling on the CMA to lobby for changes to the Canada Health Act to make room for patients to pay for service, the majority of doctors at the CMA meeting rejected the notion that access to health care should be more equal for those with the means to pay.
While I applaud the CMA for rejecting the user-fees scheme, I urge doctors to reject similar schemes that would serve to erode our universal medicare system.
Last month, the CMA released a report that recommended Canadians be allowed to use private insurance to pay for medical services, and Dr. Day is also a proponent of 'payment-by-results,' a system that rewards doctors and hospitals for fast service. The consequence of such schemes is that those who can afford to pay buy their way into service, and hospitals and doctors take the easy, profitable cases, leaving the more complex, time-consuming and expensive procedures to others, who won't receive incentive payments.
Instead of developing schemes to reward individual doctors, hospitals, or shareholders, we should all be working to champion proven and effective solutions - like multidisciplinary community health centres and streamlined public surgical clinics.
Additionally, we should follow the advice of outgoing CMA president Dr. Colin McMillan who says one of the most significant crises in the health care system is the lack of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals.
Instead of experimenting with profit-hungry private care, we should be investing in the education and recruitment of the health care professionals we need to deliver the level of care Canadians deserve.
#17. CTF: SCARE TACTICS WON'T IMPROVE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
(By MAUREEN BADER, Canadian Taxpayers Federation)
One of the many claims in Michael Moore's film Sicko is that 45 million Americans are unable to get health insurance. The defenders of status quo medicine in Canada say that many Canadians would be left uninsured if Canadian governments opened the door to more private health care. This is not true.
Let's consider at the claim of 45 million uninsured Americans.
According to the United States Census Bureau, 18 million of the uninsured in America are between the ages of 18 and 34. About 16 million of the uninsured earn more than US $50,000 per year. Do people not buy health insurance because it is too expensive or because they freely decide not to? Health insurance would cost a young, healthy person as low as about US $100 per month and for a family of four about US $250 per month.
If young, healthy, well-off people choose to remain uninsured in the US that's one thing. What about the poor? Well, another 14 million are eligible for government-funded insurance in the US but choose not to apply. But why would people who could get insurance for free or afford to pay for insurance choose to remain uninsured? The answer is U.S. law requires that anyone within 250 yards of an emergency room receives care, regardless of their ability to pay. If people know they can show up at an emergency room and receive health care for free, many will do so. The claim of 45 million uninsured Americans is a myth and scaremonger Moore is not being truthful, but that's nothing new for him..
This is all moot anyhow because advocates for health care reform in Canada have never claimed Ottawa should adopt the US system. Canada's health care system is a Soviet-style centrally planned system, just like the ones in North Korea and Cuba. We can do better. There are other systems out there that would give us better health care outcomes and unburden taxpayers from the weight of an unsustainable system.
Sweden, a country widely viewed as a bastion of socialist medicine, has privately managed health care facilities, private health care insurance and user fees. Sweden now spends less of its national income on health care than Canada and wait times have been reduced. Other countries, including France, Germany and New Zealand, also deliver better medical outcomes than Canada does.
In fact, Canada is the only OECD country where it is illegal for you to pay for core medical services out of your own pocket for yourself and your family. The result: health care rationing and long wait times for care. This won't continue. The Supreme Court of Canada has already ruled that forcing people to suffer and die on waiting lists is a violation of the rights of Quebecers. It's now time to extend that decision to the rest of Canada.
The Canadian health care system is failing many patients - we must open the dialogue for change now, not be duped by Hollywood.
#18. SOUTH ASIAN FLOODS: CARE APPEALS TO DONORS
CARE Canada is reaching out to donors across Canada in an effort to raise the $5 million needed internationally to respond to some of the most destructive floods in recent history.
More than 48 million people in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Vietnam have been affected by the devastating floods. Whether it is through lost jobs, ruined farmlands, destroyed homes or lost family members, the number of people touched by this environmental disaster outnumbers the entire population of Canada by almost 150%.
Making matters worse, millions have no access to food or to clean drinking water and approximately 4 million hectares of land in four countries have been destroyed.
CARE's response is well underway, but the USD $5 million campaign has only reached a small portion of its target. Although much of the international focus has been moved away from the plight of the survivors, the need for funding continues as the effects of the disaster continue.
"The waters are receding in some areas, but some people are still living in houses that are partially underwater and, in many places, roads are still cut by bridges that are washed away," said CARE International's Bill Dowell, who is undertaking Bangladeshi response. "People are still at risk."
CARE aims to reach more than 400,000 survivors in total. For information on how to donate, please visit care.ca or call 1-800-267-5232.
CARE Canada has already provided $50,000 to fund Emergency Response CARE packages for survivors of the devastating floods. These CARE packages included water purification tablets, tarps, medicines, soap and other essential items.
#19. SOUTH ASIAN FLOODS: MOST VULNERABLE HIT THE HARDEST
"CBM urgently needs help for the most vulnerable people affected by the recent flooding in Bangladesh, India and Nepal," says Dave McComiskey, Executive Director of Christian Blind Mission." Blind and disabled people in the affected area desperately need our assistance."
Of CBM's 63 projects in India, two are located in the hardest hit area of Assam. Other CBM projects are in the flood-impacted Districts of Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Bihar.
Not only did the ravaging flood waters destroy millions of homes, crops and livestock, people with disabilities were especially at risk. In addition to having their lives threatened by the flood, many had their wheelchairs, canes and artificial limbs swept away.
McComiskey said, "Can you imagine the fear of a blind person as they felt the waters continue to rise steadily to their waist, separating them from their loved ones?"
According to officials, the torrential monsoon rains has caused the worst flood in this area in the past three decades.
CBM's local partners have been immediately able to assess the needs of the affected people with special needs. CBM has developed a three-fold plan to meet the immediate and long-term needs of these people who are precious in God's sight.
First and foremost, emergency funds are urgently required for basic survival - clean water, food, clothing, and temporary shelter.
CBM's rehabilitation plan includes replacing vitally needed canes, crutches, wheelchairs and artificial limbs. The organization plans to provide seeds, poultry and livestock to help establish small sustainable businesses.
"We are committed to helping these people get back on their feet," says McComiskey. "These desperate people will need new homes, adapted to their special needs; wells and latrines will need to be built for safe water and sanitation."
CBM is an expert at assisting people with disabilities throughout the developing world. CBM urgently needs help to meet the dire needs of those who are too challenged to fend for themselves.
CBM has over 11,000 national workers in 100 countries with people in place. CBM is a credible force world-wide that is there for the long term.
#20. 130 DOCTORS CALL ON HARPER TO SUPPORT INSITE
The executive directors of PHS Community Services Society (PHS), one of the operators of Canada's only supervised injection site, have responded to comments by Minister of Health Tony Clement by pointing to a commentary published this week, supported by 130 doctors and scientists, that states the treatment of substance abuse is being judged by "entirely different standard than the treatment of other common conditions".
The commentary by respected University of Toronto research scientist, Stephen Hwang, was published today in Open Medicine and says that the current uncertainty over InSite's future is "an alarming example of a recent trend towards the increased politicization of science".
"In a series of peer-reviewed research articles, the supervised injection facility in Vancouver has been shown to provide a number of benefits, including reduced needle sharing, decreased public drug use, fewer publicly discarded syringes, and more rapid entry into detoxification services by persons using the facility," the commentary reads.
The commentary can be viewed Science and Ideology: A Call for Action, can be read in full here:
http://www.communityinsite.ca/Commentary%20-%20Science%20and%20Ideology_CMAJ-1.htm
"This commentary reflects our view that any judgment on InSite should be a health issue, not a political issue," said Liz Evans, executive director of PHS. "This latest academic commentary, and its high-level of support from the scientific community, adds to the overwhelming consensus that InSite saves lives and improves public safety in our communities."
A total of 24 peer-reviewed papers have been published over the last few years in prestigious medical journals including the Lancet, the New England Journal Medicine, and the British Medical Journal, stating that InSite has reduced public injections, overdose fatalities, and the transmission of blood-borne infections, like HIV and Hepatitis C.
On Friday last week, PHS and two addicted people who use InSite issued a statement of claim in the BC Supreme Court that questions the need for its current exemption from the Federal Government of Canada to continue to operate
"We would rather not be in court on this issue, but we see this as an opportunity to get some much-needed clarification on the future of InSite," said Mark Townsend, executive director of PHS. "We need to be able to operate on a long-term basis, so that we can move past this recurring debate and focus on continuing to save lives."
#21. MURDER SCENE: LONG ARMS OF THE LAW GET LONGER!
Torching a car with a homicide victim in the trunk should dash hopes of solving the crime - so a murderer might think. But SFU criminologist Gail Anderson is gaining more evidence that not everything goes up in flames.
Anderson and criminology graduate student Stacey McCann put a match to the test to see how insects on bodies burned in car trunks might help reveal the actual time of death.
The researchers set fire to three compact cars with trunks containing pig carcasses (obtained from a local butcher shop). The carcasses had already decomposed in the cars for several weeks so that researchers could see what effect confinement in a vehicle had on insect colonization.
After the fire, little was left of the carcasses in the first two cars. "But there was still enough insect evidence from what we can see so far to be able to say that there was a body in there - and enough insect evidence left behind to still estimate elapsed time since death," says Anderson.
The carcass in the third car was badly charred but intact, due to a partition between the trunk and the back seat.
The fires were carried out by the Justice Institute of B.C.'s fire and safety division.
Anderson says cars are sometimes torched after murderers get ansy about better disposal of the body. "They think with the fire the body will vanish, but that's not the case," she says.
Anderson has previously studied pig carcasses burned in a house fire and has carried out several studies on carcasses in a variety of scenarios that mimic human homicides.
She is continuing research that involves submerging carcasses in the ocean to see the effects of marine creatures. That research, underway in connection with the University of Victoria's VENUS project, carries on with her next drop in mid-September.
Anderson's previous research has typically shown that despite attempts by criminals to hide evidence, insects always have a story to tell.
#22. HARPER RAISES CANADIAN CONCERNS ON TRILATERIAL AGENDA
Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his satisfaction this week with the outcome of the North American Leaders' Summit in Montebello, Quebec, where he met with U.S. President George W. Bush and Mexican President Felipe Calderón.
"Canada, the United States and Mexico are good neighbours and also good friends. As sovereign countries in the modern world we are both independent and interdependent," said Harper. "This week's Summit has provided an opportunity to share individual perspectives and take stock of challenges we face together."
The discussions covered a wide range of issues the three countries face, including:
* Working together on consumer protection to ensure the safety of imported foods and products entering North America;
* Developing practical solutions to our mutual environmental challenges; and
* Assuring both efficient and secure borders, while respecting the bonds of friendship and commerce between the three countries.
The discussions focussed as well on international and hemispheric matters from climate change to the upcoming APEC meetings. Also discussed were the Middle East and Haiti, where all three countries are working to advance freedom, democracy and development.
Since last year's Summit, agreements on regulatory cooperation, pandemics, intellectual property and energy research have been achieved.
"Our three countries share peaceful and productive relations," said Harper. "These relations are rooted in our common commitment to democracy, free and open markets through NAFTA, and equal opportunity for all our citizens."
Harper met in separate bilateral meetings with Bush and Calderón. Harper and Bush discussed a range of bilateral issues including the countries' joint commitment to a secure border open to the exchange of goods and services and the interaction of peoples.
Harper and Calderón discussed the growing breadth and depth of the Canada-Mexico relationship such as labour mobility, the environment, security and defence cooperation, and a range of hemispheric issues.
#23. LIBERALS SAY HARPER FAILED CANADIANS AT SUMMIT
Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion this week announced the Liberal Opposition will table a resolution when Parliament resumes to ensure full scrutiny of the Security and Prosperity Partnership Summit, because of the failure of Prime Minister Stephen Harper to raise key issues during the two-day event that took place behind closed doors.
"It is clear that Prime Minister Harper has ignored the issues that are of utmost importance to Canadians when he had an important opportunity to raise them during his meetings in Montebello," said Dion.
"In our Strong and Free document released last week, we outlined six areas the prime minister should have addressed. None of these topics were fully addressed and Canadians deserve to know why. Instead they got nothing but empty rhetoric."
On Friday, Dion called on the prime minister to address the following issues during the SPP Summit:
* The transparency of the SPP process: The SPP process is no more transparent today than it was on Friday, when the Liberal Blueprint was released. The final communiqué and backgrounder issued following the Summit shed no light on the substance of conversations, and contained no "next steps" or deliverables, as has been the practise at previous SPP meetings.
* Cross-Border Travel: Discussions did not lead to any specific agreement or strategy to facilitate the free movement of people or goods across our shared border with the U.S.
* War in Afghanistan: The prime minister continued to leave the door open for Canada's combat mission in southern Afghanistan to be extended beyond the February, 2009, date voted upon by Parliament. He blamed the Opposition for a lack of Parliamentary consensus, but implied that if he were to secure a majority government, Canada's combat mission would be extended beyond February, 2009.
* Environment: The prime minister failed to put an end to speculation within the business community that bulk water exports are being negotiated behind closed doors. He also failed to secure a commitment that environmental standards, including those for pesticide safety, would be harmonized using the highest standard and not the lowest as the common denominator.
* Guantanamo: Despite widespread condemnation of the detention centre, the Prime Minister remains the only Western leader not to have intervened to ensure due process for one of their citizens and Omar Khadr remains the only Western citizen still detained at Guantanamo.
* Gun Crime: The prime minister did not seize the opportunity to pressure the Bush administration to stop gun smuggling from the U.S.
"Mr. Harper did not commit to anything concrete as a result of his meetings. All Canadians got was a vague update on previous initiatives established at earlier SPP meetings," said Dion.
"Mr. Harper has dismissed critics of the secrecy of the SPP process, refusing to offer any substantive response to criticism from the business community, NGO's and the Opposition that the secrecy of the talks is unacceptable and erodes the public's trust that their governments are acting in their best interests."
Dion said that the original spirit of the SPP was to strengthen Canada's national interest on security, trade, competitiveness, health, safety and the environment by working closely with our neighbours.
He added: "Mr. Harper has caved in to a much narrower agenda, which fits with the Bush administration's views but not with the views of Canadians, and we intend to use all the Parliamentary tools at our disposal to hold the government to account so Canadians will know what was discussed and what it will mean for their economic and security interests."
#24. NDP SLAMS SUMMIT SECRECY
The NDP this week criticized the Harper Conservatives' handling of the North American leaders' Montebello summit for being dogged by 'secrecy, missed opportunities and insults' by the prime minister.
Documents obtained by the NDP through access-to-information reveal the so-called "wide-ranging" and "dense" agenda of the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) contained discussions of energy integration and the harmonization of standards. Much of the document was censored by the government, including information on energy security and smart and secure borders.
"Clearly, this document shows that the SPP agenda is not about security and prosperity," said NDP International Trade critic, Peter Julian (Burnaby-New Westminster). "The SPP's agenda goes way beyond facilitating transportation across the border, or developing an effective pandemic protection strategy. The 30 CEOs who joined the leaders in closed-door meetings are driving their big business priorities through the SPP agenda. Their recommendations call for nothing less than the steady erosion of Canada's sovereignty and the quality of life for Canadians."
NDP MP Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre) added, "Mr. Harper has also failed to assert Canadian sovereignty and there is a real threat our Arctic will be claimed by other countries. The prime minister should have used this Leader's Summit to show real leadership and put Canada back on top."
NDP House Leader Libby Davies (Vancouver East) joined the thousands of protesters in Montebello and was extremely disappointed by the prime minister's dismissal of the dissenting voices.
"The prime minister disgraced his office and insulted ordinary Canadians. He should apologize to the peaceful activists that attended protests at the summit, in Ottawa and nationwide, and he must realize that those Canadians who are raising their voices with concern should not be belittled or ignored."
The NDP is the only caucus in the House of Commons opposing the Liberal-Conservative SPP agenda.
#25. B.C. HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAM HELPS LOW-INCOME FAMILIES
(By CLAUDE RICHMOND, Minister of Employment and Income Assistance)
Summer, with its special delights, will soon be over. However the excitement of the school year lays just ahead - new friends, new projects and the joy of learning.
School focuses on educating the mind and training the body. Yet there is another very important component to education, which is to promote and teach our children about the absolute importance of good health.
Studies consistently prove that children are more likely to succeed in school, indeed throughout their lives, if they are encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle - and, among the many contributing factors, are adequate levels of medical support.
While many families in British Columbia use employer sponsored or federal insurance plans, there are those who do not have access to these extended medical benefits. Often families without work-related plans have limited financial means to pay for medical services, such as those offered by dentists and optometrists.
This is where the 'BC Healthy Kids' program plays an important role - helping low and moderate-income working families, who are not on income assistance, with the costs of basic dental care and prescription eyewear for their children.
The program covers $700 worth of basic dental services, per child, each year including exams, X-rays, fillings and cleanings. Emergency treatments may also be available for children in exceptional circumstances. Basic prescription eyeglasses are covered up to $118 for every twelve-month period.
'BC Healthy Kids' is only available to children in families who are eligible for the Medical Service Plan's (MSP) Premium Assistance. Children in these families are automatically signed-up for the 'BC Healthy Kids' program, with no special enrolment required.
If you would like to find more information about the BC Healthy Kids program, I invite you to visit http://www.eia.gov.bc.ca/publicat/bcea/HealthyKids.htm or phone the Ministry's toll-free number at 1-866-866-0800 and press 4 and then 2.
#26. TOO MANY CANADIANS STILL PHYSICALLY INACTIVE
A rising percentage of Canadians have become at least moderately active in their leisure time during the past decade.
Even so, a new study shows that almost one-half (48%) of the population aged 12 or older, some 12.7 million people, were classified as "inactive" during their leisure time in 2005, meaning that they did the equivalent of less than half an hour of walking each day, according to Statistics Canada.
As well, 25% of Canadians, or 6.6 million, reported that they usually sat most of the day. And during a typical week, 41% of Canadians, or 10.8 million, spent less than one hour walking to get to school or work or to do errands.
The study, published this week in Health Reports, found that 52% of Canadians aged 12 or older reported that they were at least moderately active in 2005, up from 43% in 1996.
Activity levels outside of leisure time also increased. For example, the proportion of people who spent at least six hours a week walking or bicycling as a means of daily transportation climbed to 24% in 2005 from 19% in 1996.
The study, which analyzed data from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey, found that age, sex and level of income were among the factors that influenced an individual's level of physical activity.
For instance, in 2005, a higher percentage of men than women reported at least moderately active leisure time (the equivalent of walking 30 to 60 minutes a day, or taking an hour-long exercise class three times a week).
In 2005, young people were the most active, with 58% of males and 44% of females aged 12 to 17 reporting levels of leisure-time activity comparable to walking an hour a day or jogging 20 minutes a day. By comparison, 24% of men and 23% of women aged 35 to 44 reported similar levels of activity.
Individuals in higher income groups were more likely to engage in physical activity in their leisure time. Immigrants, regardless of how long they had been in Canada, were less likely to be at least moderately active in their leisure time than were Canadians overall.
Canadians who were active in their leisure time were more likely to rate their health excellent or very good. They also reported lower levels of stress, were less likely to report high blood pressure, and were less likely to be overweight or obese than those reporting lower levels of activity.
At a provincial and territorial level, residents of British Columbia were the most active, with 59% being at least moderately active in their leisure time, followed by Yukon (58%) and Alberta (54%).
Residents of Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador had the lowest proportions of this level of activity, at 44% and 46% respectively.
Residents of Canada's largest cities-those with populations of 2 million or more-generally reported lower levels of physical activity than those in smaller cities and less populated areas.
#27. SMOKING BANS HAVE A GOOD EFFECT
Smoke-free homes and workplaces are associated with smokers' quitting or cutting their cigarette consumption, a new study has found.
The study, titled "Smoking bans: Influence on smoking prevalence," published this week in Health Reports, found that in the past decade, smokers living in newly smoke-free homes or workplaces were more likely to quit over the next two years than smokers with no restrictions at home or at work, according to Statistics Canada.
Using data from the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey and the National Population Health Survey, the study examined links between smoking restrictions and rates of smoking cessation and cigarette consumption.
Among smokers living in homes that became "smoke-free" during the survey period, 20% had quit two years later. This compares with 13% of smokers living in homes that were not smoke-free.
Similarly, 27% of smokers who initially reported no restrictions at work, but who two years later reported a complete ban, had quit. This is more than double the 13% among those who continued to face no restrictions at work.
Findings suggest that for smokers wanting to quit, restrictions may tip the balance towards action.
The study distinguished between earlier stages of quitting (including a desire to quit, but no action taken) and later stages (actually quitting and maintenance). In homes with no restrictions, 70% of smokers and former smokers either had no plans to quit or wished to do so but had taken no action. This was the case for just 44% of smokers and former smokers in smoke-free homes.
As well, in smoke-free homes, 42% had either quit recently or were former smokers who were maintaining that status. The comparable figure in homes with no restrictions was 15%.
Similarly, in workplaces where smoking was completely banned, 33% of the combined group of smokers and former smokers had quit, compared with 22% of those who reported no restrictions at work.
Between 2000 and 2006, the percentage of Canadians who smoked daily or occasionally declined from about 24% to 18%. During the same period, the proportion of smokers living in homes where smoking was totally banned rose from 27% to 43%. For smokers in households with children younger than 15, the increase was from 38% to 55%.
The rise in the percentage of smokers living in smoke-free homes coincides with the introduction of legislation to ban smoking in public places in many provinces and communities across the country.
In 2005, the vast majority of employed smokers faced at least some restrictions at work, with smoking completely banned (42%), allowed only in designated areas (37%), or restricted only in certain places (9%). Just 12% of employed smokers encountered no smoking restrictions in 2006, compared with 24% in 1998. Smokers in white-collar and sales and services jobs were more likely to report total bans than were workers in blue-collar occupations.
In 2005, smokers living in smoke-free homes averaged 9 cigarettes a day, compared with 15 a day for those facing partial restrictions, and 16 a day for those in homes with no restrictions.
The relationship was similar for workplace bans. Smokers in workplaces where smoking was totally banned averaged 12 cigarettes a day; those encountering partial bans, 14 a day; and those with no workplace restrictions, 17 a day.
Smokers who continued to smoke after their homes became smoke-free averaged 2.0 fewer cigarettes a day than they had two years earlier. This compared with 0.4 fewer cigarettes a day among smokers living in homes that were still not smoke-free.
Smokers whose workplaces went from no restrictions to total bans averaged 2.1 fewer cigarettes a day two years later, while the average daily cigarette consumption of smokers still facing no workplace restrictions did not change.
#28. NDP SLAMS LIBERALS ON TRANSLINK REVIEW PANEL
B.C. Liberal Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon has taken critical steps towards fulfilling his aggressive private agenda to restructure Translink without following the democratic process, New Democrat Transportation Critic Maurine Karagianis said this week.
Karagianis was reacting to the reports that a five-member Translink review panel has been appointed without legislative debate or ratification of Bill 36.
"Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon has gone ahead with these fundamental changes to Translink even though Bill 36 was never debated or passed into law by the legislative assembly," said Karagianis, the MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin. "Falcon is undermining democracy in two ways. He's proceeding to set up an unelected, unaccountable Translink structure and he's doing it without bothering to pass the required legislation in the House. Not only that, the minister is also contravening the very legislation he didn't get passed by cutting the so-called 'mayors' council' out of the process for setting up the review panel."
Bill 36, the result of the Translink Governance Review, was introduced in the legislature in April, but the government failed to bring the controversial bill forward for debate or passage before the closure of the spring sitting of the House.
"Many of the regional mayors and councils have spoken out against the changes to Translink, especially the creation of an unelected, unaccountable 'board of professionals' that will have decision making powers over all of the key transportation decisions in the region. But Falcon has chosen to push the local elected representatives out of the equation in favour of an unaccountable body of appointees," said Karagianis.
"Three of the five members of the review panel are tied to the Board of Trade. A fourth is a long time employer representative. How can this group represent the diverse needs of the Lower Mainland? Falcon is stripping our elected representatives of their responsibilities and handing them over to the corporate community," Karagianis added.
Karagianis said that Falcon's aggressive agenda to restructure Translink does nothing to address the real transportation challenges felt in the region. "What about the hundreds of buses needed in the South Fraser region? What about rapid transit to the Tri-cities? What about the transit extension needed on the Broadway corridor in Vancouver? While Falcon messes with the democratic process, the people of the GVRD are desperate for transit improvements.
"This latest move by Minister Falcon is further proof that under the B.C. Liberals, policy making is more about personal interests and politicking than about people," Karagianis said.
#29. SFU STUDY: EARLY DEVIANT BEHAVIOUR PLAYS ROLE IN SEX RE-OFFENDING
The early life histories of sexual offenders can shed light on whether they will become repeat offenders. They also raise new questions about prevention, according to a Simon Fraser University study.
The study found that the persistence of certain deviant behavioural characteristics and the earlier they manifested increase the tendency to sexually re-offend.
Led by SFU criminologist Patrick Lussier, the study tracks the behavioural indicators of sexual aggression in more than 500 convicted sexual offenders (all serving a minimum sentence of two-years).
Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews to compile information on maladaptive behaviour in the offenders from early childhood up to adulthood.
Aggressors follow two main pathways, including one of highly antisocial behaviour, where the aggression represents a general lack of control over their tendency to want immediate gratification in spite of long-term negative consequences.
"Early on, they tend to be oppositional, reckless, aggressive and deceitful," says Lussier. "These characteristics persist and escalate in seriousness over time."
Others adhere to a path of hypersexuality, lacking the ability to control their sex drives. The symptoms of hypersexuality appear to change over time - from early signs of sexualization in childhood to an impersonal sexual lifestyle in early adulthood.
"The earlier and more persistent these characteristics are, the more likely they are to sexually re-offend," says Lussier.
Lussier says most male children showing these early signs won't go on to become sexually coercive or aggressive - but some will. He says a better understanding of sexualization and its development over time could play an important role in the prevention of persistent sexual offending.
Lussier's research will be published in the journal Criminal Justice and Behaviour later this year.
#30. NDP CALLS FOR STUDENT LOANS OMBUDSPERSON
Canada's students need an advocate to deal with the flawed and rigid student loan system, said NDP Postsecondary Education Advocate Denise Savoie (Victoria).
"Instead of helping students find ways to repay their loans and begin contributing to society, this error-prone system throws borrowers into a spin cycle with no way out," said Savoie. "And instead of providing a reasonable mechanism to resolve students' problems, this Conservative government is contracting out to private collection pit bulls whose only incentive is profit."
Today, a national Decima poll commissioned by the Coalition for Student Loan Fairness shows very strong public support for a federal student loans ombudsperson, with support as high as 86% in Atlantic Canada, 76% in Ontario and 74% in B.C. The United States has had an Ombudsman for Federal Student Aid since 1998.
Savoie first asked Human Resources Minister Monte Solberg to consider establishing an independent ombudsperson back in May, after the Auditor General noted that Canada Student Loans is rated poorly in resolving problems to the satisfaction of all parties, and that the federal government does not ensure its private contractors comply with proper collection guidelines for student loans.
"By their own count, only one-third of student borrowers who encounter problems with the system are satisfied with how their problems are resolved," said Savoie, referring to a 2007 client satisfaction survey by the National Student Loan Service Centre (NSLSC).
Savoie said she frequently hears from students whose files are mishandled between government, service contractors and banks. The system is too inflexible to rectify its own errors and penalizes students unfairly. Students with extenuating circumstances are denied access to debt relief measures. Yet others report being verbally abused and bullied by private collection agencies hired by the federal government.
"The overwhelming debt burdens we ask students to bear are unconscionable," said Savoie. "They struggle just as they begin their careers, and they need some flexibility and understanding that this system does not provide. Some are forced into legal proceedings to reverse simple administrative errors that have snowballed out of control. An independent student loans ombudsperson is the best way to objectively resolve these issues and ensure that students are treated with fairness and respect."
Savoie re-iterated her insistence that the minister's current review of the student loan system be opened to wider public input, and expanded to address the multiple flaws that leave so many students behind.
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