#1. DOMESTIC STRENGTH CONTINUES, EXTERNAL OUTLOOK WEAKENS
British Columbia's finances and domestic economy remain strong, but exports and manufacturing shipments have declined in the face of weakening external conditions, Finance Minister Carole Taylor announced on Friday with the release of the second Quarterly Report for 2007/08.
"The second quarter report is somewhat a tale of two economies," said Taylor. "B.C.'s domestic economy continues to show robust growth, with employment gains, and strong retail sales and housing starts. But the performance of B.C.'s export sector is a different matter. I'm certain that the high Canadian dollar and economic conditions in the U.S. will be key topics of discussion when I meet with the Province's Economic Forecast Council next week."
Exports and manufacturing shipments have declined throughout 2007, a result of the high Canadian dollar, combined with falling demand and prices for lumber and natural gas. Further deterioration in the U.S. economy, volatile commodity prices, the high Canadian dollar, and continued instability in global financial markets remain key risks to B.C.'s economic outlook.
"Weaker external conditions have a real impact," said Taylor. "Natural resource revenues are now down $754 million from budget. Fortunately, continued strength on the domestic side, along with our prudent approach to budgeting, is working to keep B.C.'s finances in a healthy position."
Despite the decline in natural resource revenue, the 2007/08 revenue forecast is up $635 million from the first Quarterly Report, mainly due to prior year income tax adjustments and a resulting higher estimate of the 2007 tax base. Other revenue increases reflect improvements in property transfer tax, federal transfers, and commercial Crown corporation net income.
The 2007/08 forecast surplus has improved to $2.1 billion, $525 million higher than the surplus forecast in the first Quarterly Report.
Compared to the first Quarterly Report, the 2007/08 forecast for spending is up $110 million, taxpayer-supported capital spending is largely unchanged, and taxpayer-supported debt is up $136 million. The taxpayer-supported debt-to-GDP ratio, a key measure of debt affordability, is projected to decline to 13.9 per cent.
In preparation for Budget 2008, the Minister of Finance will consult with the independent
Economic Forecast Council on December 7 to obtain their views on the North American and B.C. economic outlook.
#2. VANCOUVER BOOK AWARD: ANITA RAU BADAMI A FINALIST
Four titles have been selected as finalists for the 2007 City of Vancouver Book Award. Two evocative works of fiction, a photography exhibition beautifully adapted to book form, and an illustrated history of Vancouver's evolving neighbourhoods comprise this year's historically themed short list.
"Sometimes a theme naturally emerges with our finalist titles," said Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan. "These four books are bound together with an historical theme that adds layers of richness to our understanding of Vancouver's diverse culture and neighbourhoods in the 20th century. I congratulate the finalists and their publishers for creating such works of excellence."
This year's finalists are:
* Grant Arnold and Michael Turner for Fred Herzog: Vancouver Photographs (Douglas and McIntyre and the Vancouver Art Gallery), an invaluable record of the intersection of people and place in Vancouver's 1950s urban landscape. The book is based on the exhibition of Herzog's body of work mounted at the Vancouver Art Gallery in 2007.
* Anita Rau Badami for Can You Hear the Nightbird Call? (Knopf Canada), a sweeping novel that deftly traverses time and place from India's Punjab region to the Delhi Junction Café at 49th and Main in a story about Vancouver's South Asian immigrant families coping with generations of homeland politics culminating in the impact of the Air India bombing.
* Brett Josef Grubisic for The Age of Cities (Arsenal Pulp Press), an urbane, playful and gently satirical first novel which portrays and reframes, in meticulous detail, the gay subculture of mid-century Vancouver.
* Michael Kluckner for Vancouver Remembered (Whitecap Books), a gentle masterpiece which reveals layers of changing colour and light on Vancouver's evolving neighbourhoods using the author's own precise research and beautifully illustrated watercolours.
The four shortlisted titles were chosen by an independent jury that included University of B.C. English professor Glenn Deer, bookseller Marc Fournier, and novelist and screenwriter Karen X. Tulchinsky. This jury will also select the winning entry.
Sullivan will present the award and the $2,000 cash prize to the winning author on January 29. The City of Vancouver Book Award has been presented annually since 1989.
#3. RALLY TO SUPPORT PARALYZED SIKH REFUGEE LAIBAR SINGH
Paralyzed Sikh refugee claimant Laibar Singh will be delivered a deportation order for December 10 - his supporters say that is ironically International Human Rights Day - on December 6. And they plan to hold a rally on Sunday, December 2 at 2 p.m. at the
Surrey Immigration office at 13450 102 Avenue.
Supporters plan to continue their campaign to allow Singh to remain in Canada where he has received unprecedented support from the local community. "Mr. Singh is still under a great deal of anxiety," sais Swarn Singh Gill, President of the Abbortsford Sahib Kalgidhar Darbar Gurudwara. Singh continues to remain at the Kalgidhar Darbar Gurudwara since two deportation orders have been stayed due to mounting public concern.
Harsha Walia of No One is Illegal said: "The deportation of Mr. Singh is profoundly inhumane and we continue to demand that the government of Canada allow Mr. Singh to remain in Canada. It is astonishing that the appeal of millions of people continues to fall on deaf ears."
His supporters are also pressuring the federal government and the House of Commons for a response to the official 25,000 petitions that were sent to Parliament. Harpal Singh Nagra of the South Asian Human Rights Group said: "There continues to be increasing support for Mr. Singh. In total, we have collected approximately 40,000 signed petitions and the government of Canada needs to respond to this. We absolutely will continue with our public campaign to secure justice for Mr. Singh."
On October 9, a group of health care professionals issued a letter to Immigration Minister Diane Finley, stating, "As health professionals, we are outraged at the fact that the Canadian government would consider deporting a paraplegic man, whose health condition is extremely fragile. … For the sake of his safety, health and well being, we fully support him and demand that (the Minister) grant him permanent residency status on the basis of humanitarian and compassionate grounds immediately."
A wide variety of organizations have also expressed their support for Singh, including the Canadian Labour Congress, BC Coalition of People with Disabilities, B.C Hospital Employees Union, the Multifaith Action Committee, and a long list of South Asian community groups and gurudwaras. Singh has also received support from politicians from all political parties.
Laibar Singh took sanctuary on July 7 in the Abbotsford Sahib Kalgidhar Darbar Gurudwara. While in sanctuary, Singh's health deteriorated and he had to be hospitalized. On August 13, while in the hospital, Abbottsford police and Canadian Border Services Agency officers detained Laibar Singh. Due to immense community and political pressure, Singh was granted a 60-day stay first on August 20 and then on October 20, pending a decision on his humanitarian and compassionate claim.
However, there is the other side of the story, as The VOICE pointed out back in June: "There are too many people from countries all around the globe who make false claims of persecution and even torture just to stay in Canada - and that is totally unacceptable. The latest case that has hit the headlines is that of Laibar Singh, 48, who was paralyzed by an aneurysm last year and is about to be deported. He entered the country on a fake passport back in 2003. Too much of the taxpayers' money goes down the drain as such people take full advantage of the generous system and fight against their deportation. I do empathize with him, but it is not Canada's fault - and nobody needs to make us feel guilty about sending him back to India. If some charitable societies want to take care of him in India, that is praiseworthy, but please don't use that an argument to encourage people to jump the queue. Deporting him is expected to cost tens of thousands of dollars - but the government has already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on his care."
The fact is that Singh was going to be sent back in an aircraft with all the necessary medical equipment and staff and was to be taken to the famous Apollo Hospital in New Delhi where the expenses would also be paid for with taxpayers' money.
Also, all his family is back in India.
#4. SFU: NEW PARTNERSHIPS TO ADVANCE PUBLIC HEALTH IN INDIA
Simon Fraser University will soon become the first Canadian university to sign an agreement that will help India produce research pioneers and professionals in public health.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is one of three agreements that SFU President Michael Stevenson will sign with Indian institutions during a trip to India with Premier Gordon Campbell and 60 B.C. post-secondary representatives December 1-7.
The landmark MOU involving SFU is with the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), a publicly and privately funded organization that is developing seven Indian Institutes of Public Health (IIPHs). With $50 million from the Bill Gates Foundation, the PHFI is partnering with universities worldwide to train future faculty for the IIPHs.
SFU pioneers international health collaboration:
As the first Canadian university to partner with India in the Future Faculty Program, SFU joins the ranks of several prestigious international partners that have signed similar MOUs. They include John Hopkins University, Emory University, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
"It's an opportunity for SFU to participate in an international partnership that will see our Master's of Public Health students get practical training and our faculty develop collaborative research programs in India," says Stevenson. He will sign the MOU between PHFI and SFU's Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) in Delhi on December 4.
The mission will allow SFU to expand its own India Strategy, established in 2006, to include other institutions and community partners, says Mario Pinto, Vice-President, Research. "The planned programs range from biomedical sciences and population and public health to issues of social conscience, such as sustainable villages and HIV transmission patterns in sex workers," he explains.
SFU and Premier visit Indian health project:
The Premier's Mission to India will promote investment opportunities in B.C. and highlight the significance of cultural, social and health-related links between India and B.C. and its growing Indo-Canadian population.
President Stevenson, Dr. Pinto, and Faculty of Health Sciences Dean John O'Neil, together with the Premier, will visit one of more than 100 sites for an HIV/AIDS prevention program in south India's Karnataka state. O'Neil, formerly from the University of Manitoba, is a co-principal investigator on the project, a joint initiative between the university and India's Karnataka Health Promotion Trust.
"The increasing devastation of HIV infection and AIDS in India, where up to four percent of the population's four billion people is affected, has motivated the country to reach out for help," says O'Neil.
"This disease is out of control when it hits five percent of the population. SFU is helping India prevent HIV and AIDS from reaching epidemic proportions."
More agreements to improve India's public health:
Stevenson will also participate in formalizing an agreement between SFU, the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology's Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, to develop collaborations in the area of bioinformatics and infectious diseases, beginning with malaria and tuberculosis.
The DBT will match SFU funding of $100,000 per year on a project related to infectious diseases. Fiona Brinkman, an associate professor of molecular biology and biochemistry at SFU and Cenk Sahinalp, an associate professor in the School of Computing Science, hope to collaborate with researchers in India to improve the computational identification of anti-malarial and anti-tuberculosis drug targets, and further characterize the structure of selected drug targets.
A third MOU involves the establishment of a village life improvement project - the product of a partnership between SFU and the Indo-Canadian Friendship Society of B.C., together with the Village Life Improvement Foundation in Chandigarh. The arrangement would provide SFU students with service learning, cooperative education and volunteer service opportunities, beginning with a two-year pilot project in Brahampur, focusing on the use of computers in learning, and health promotion and education.
#5. PETITION TO END HIGHER FEE FOR CANADIAN OCI AND PIO APPLICATIONS
Canadians of Indian origin are being charged a much higher fee for the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI ) and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) applications than that stipulated by the government of India. Journalists as well as other individuals have repeatedly brought this to the attention of the Consulate General of India and the Indian High Commission but no satisfactory answer has been given so far and there has been no definite indication that they are willing to follow the Indian government's directives as they are expected to.
Now two individuals - Kokila Jacob and Arvind Menon - have started a campaign to get justice. You can click at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/fees-for-overseas-citizenship-of-india-application-in-canada for details.
Here is their message:
There seems to be a discrepancy between the fees charged in the US and that charged in Canada for the Overseas Citizenship of India application.
The application fees cited on the Consulate General of India (Toronto) website is C$421. However, when the application form is downloaded, it clearly mentions that the application fee is US$ 275 for each applicant or equivalent in local currency. This does not amount to C$ 421.00 as per the current exchange rates, nor has it amounted to as much for a long time.
Why is CGI Toronto charging C$ 421 almost double of what is specified by the Government of India? Does that mean US citizens of Indian origin get to pay almost half of what their counterparts in Canada have to?
No satisfactory response has been received from CGI Toronto till date.
The CGI should follow the government of India rules which clearly states in its form that the fee is US$275 OR EQUIVALENT IN LOCAL CURRENCY.
Once the target number of signatures is reached, the petition would be forwarded to the Indian High Commission in Ottawa and to the relevant government department in Delhi.
P.S. Pease avoid signing in as Anonymous
#6. IPPN PEACE AND GOODWILL MISSION POSTPONED
For last few months the Diaspora of concerned non-resident Indians and non-resident Pakistanis and their coordinators in India and Pakistan were in the process of arranging International India-Pakistan Peace Network (IPPN) 2nd Peace and Goodwill Mission to both countries. The mission was set forDecember 27-January 7. The itinerary included Karachi, Muzaffarabad, Islamabad and Lahore in Pakistan, and Amritsar, Jammu, New Delhi, Bombay and Gujarat in India. Travel bookings, hotel reservations and a number of important meetings with government officials and grass-root organizations in all these cities were almost in place when a state of emergency was imposed in Pakistan.
IPPN thereore postponed the mission. But it is fully supporting the initiative being taken by its main Pakistani-origin (NRP) coordinators to visit only Pakistan from mid-December to mid-January: Tariq Cheema (Vice Chair IPPN, USA Chapter), Faizullah Khan (Vice Chair IPPN, UK Chapter), Capt. Muhammad S. Mahtab (Vice Chair IPPN, Canada Chapter) and Sam Mall (Vice Chair, IPPN Norway Chapter).
They will hold brief meetings with government officials, leaders of religious and political parties, students and educationists, lawyers and judges, journalists, peace and civil rights activists and act as independent observers on the overall situation and on the upcoming general elections in Pakistan.
#7. MLA BRAR OFFERS REWARD TO HELP FIND SIDHU
Surrey-Panorama Ridge MLA Jagrup Brar has offered a $1,500 reward to help find a missing Surrey man.
Jagjit Singh Sidhu, 55, has not been seen since November 13. Brar said Sidhu's family are hopeful he can be reunited with his wife, his children and his grandchildren.
Brar's personal reward offer is on top of the $5,000 reward already offered for information leading to his safe return.
"This is a wonderful family, and they just want their father home," said Brar. "I hope that this reward will encourage anyone who has any information to help find Mr. Sidhu to come forward."
Sidhu was walking to meet a friend when he was last seen. He is 5'11", 190 pounds, has black hair and brown eyes and a scar above his right eye.
People with information about the missing man can call the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
#8. PENNY PRIDDY CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY OF GURU NANAK DEV JI
Penny Priddy, MP for Surrey-North joined the congregation of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey this past Sunday morning to celebrate the birth of Siri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and first Guru.
Penny Priddy, MP said "It gives me great pleasure to bring greetings here today on behalf of myself, my family and the federal NDP as we celebrate the birth of Siri Guru Nanak Dev Ji."
"The fundamental beliefs of Siri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the Sikh religion should be embraced and practiced by the community at large," said MP Priddy.
"Siri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was committed to eliminating oppression, ignorance and intolerance in society and had unrelenting faith in humanity," said Priddy. "These are important values and beliefs shared by the Sikh community that make Canada a better place to live and raise families."
Penny added "I have personally always fought for the principles of social justice, human dignity and equality, values I know shared by and adhered to by the Sikh community.
#9. DISTRICT HOSHIARPUR ASSOCIATION'S IMPRESSIVE ANNUAL FUNCTION
The annual family get-together and grand party organized by the District Hoshiarpur Association on Guru Nanak's birthday on November 24 in Vancouver was well attended by a large number of families.
Arun Kumar Suri, Gopal Lohia and Daljit Singh welcomed all for their participation and specially thanked Ashok Kumar, Consul General of India in Vancouver, and community activist Gian Singh Kotli of Hoshiarpur for attending the function.
Ashok Kumar highlighted the achievements of district Hoshiarpur in various fields with special reference to sports, the freedom movement and industry. He said, "Punjabis have achieved great success wherever they have gone. It is a matter of pride that our community has made commendable progress in Canada in all walks of life. The Indo-Canadian community has done well over one hundred years. They came mostly from different regions of Punjab at different times. My only message is to keep it up. You have done well. You have made India proud."
He said, "The celebration coincides with the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji who gave the universal message of love, service, oneness of God and oneness of human race. Guru Nanak brought us together, gave us equality. His message is unity in diversity. We should remember his teachings and serve the mankind."
Gian Singh Kotli presented his two books of Punjabi poems named after Guru Nanak, "Nanak Duniya Kaisi Hoee" and "Nanak Saair iv Kahyaa" to Ashok Kumar.
Kotli explained that the name of district Hoshiarpur has been used only for the sake of creating a sense of closeness and mutual understanding among the families of the region and not for creating any comparison or zonal demarcation. He said, "We all are one as Punjabis and Indians. Guru Nanak's first sermon was, 'There is neither a Hindu nor a Muslim, only man.' The need of the hour, particularly for the leaders, is to leave hypocrisy and follow Guru's teachings of love and service in true earnest to present a true model of Sikh principles before the new generation."
Kotli appreciated that Kumar has openly declared that he is directly available for any help to all and this has earned him respect and popularity in the Indo-Canadian community. He said it was a matter of pride that Kumar, too, belongs to Hoshiarpur.
There were performances by a host of singers and dancers.
#10. BOOK RELEASE: SAMAY KE SAYE
The launching ceremony of Hardev Sodhi Askh's collection of ghazals - Samay Ke Saye - took place on November 24 at Kwantlen College in Surrey. Pushplata Sharma, President, Hindi Literary Society of Canada, who welcomed the guests, said: "As his first book was very much admired for its poetic excellence, so this book will be equally appreciated, I'm sure, by the literary pundits."
Acharya S.P.Dwivedi conducted the function. The book was formally released by chief guest A.K. Goswami, Consul of India. He said: "I'm happy and proud to know that our people who adopted this wonderful country are not only trying to preserve their cultural heritage but are also making serious efforts to popularize it through their literary works." Narinder Bhagi and Kanti Dwivedi recited Ashk's chosen ghazals. Dwivedi, while reviewing the book, said: "Ashk is a prolific writer. He is fabulous in expressing tender emotions and inner sensibilities. He appears to be unsympathetic towards stereotyped themes and prefers contemporary events for his poetic compositions. He outrightly condemns the hypocrisy of political leaders and writes, in great length, in favor of peace and universal brotherhood. His writing is marked for simplicity of language and freshness of symbols. No doubt, his book is aesthetically gratifying."
A Kavi Darbar was then held. Two of the participants, Abhinav Shukla and Rahul Upadhayay, came rom Seattle, while others were from Greater Vancouver - Pushplata Sharma, G.S.'Badal', Gill Moranwali, Dr.Shams Jilani, M. Rafiq. Jeevan Rampuri, Archana Harit, Amarjit, Suman Sharma, Madhu Varshney, G.S. Kotli, Vinod Kanwal, Surinder Sahota, Capt. Mahtab, Pyara Dardi.
#11. TAMANAWIS SECONDARY HOSTS CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY DINNER AGAIN
For the 10th year, the PE 10 Leadership class of Tamanawis Secondary in Surrey is hosting its annual Christmas Community Dinner. This event gives families in the community the opportunity to enjoy an amazing evening celebrating the joys of Christmas that they may not otherwise be able to.
Through fundraising efforts, which involve the entire community, the school provides a traditional Christmas dinner to over 300 people, as well as entertainment, arts and crafts for the children. To add to the Christmas spirit, they have their own Santa Claus come and hand out toys donated and bought by the generous community. The smiles on the children's faces are priceless.
This is their tenth year, and they would love to make it the best one ever - and they cannot do this without the help from the rest of the giving community. Donations may include: unwrapped, unused toys (for ages 0-18), cash donations, food, decorations, gift certificates, baby items (diapers, etc.), or items for door prizes. Contact Catherine Moennick or Debbie MacKenzie by email at moennick_c@sd36.bc.ca or mackenzie_deb@sd36. bc.ca for further information.
#12. KILLARNEY SECONDARY STUDENTS REACH OUT TO HOMELESS
Community-minded youth from Killarney Secondary's Student Street Squad group will be in the Downtown Eastside the morning of Tuesday, December 4 to hand out care packages for 700 homeless people.
Killarney students have trained in leadership skills at the Student Street Squad youth leadership conferences for Lower Mainland high school students presented by Metropolis at Metrotown. Participants are taught advanced leadership and community development skills. They then work to create a strategic action plan for a comprehensive project benefiting their school and community, such as this outreach program undertaken by Killarney.
This is the fourth year Killarney's Student Street Squad has brought care packages to the Downtown Eastside, but the care packages have been greatly expanding each year. This year is no different and Telus Community Pioneers have partnered with the students by contributing about half of the contents to 500 of the care packages. Direct Fundraising has also contributed 840 cookies to hand out to the homeless at the same time.
"Our Student Street Squad is composed of dedicated, compassionate and community oriented individuals," says Kevin Low, Chair of Killlarney's Student Street Squad. "After seeing the devastation the less fortunate live in everyday, we want to help these people. They were without warm clothes, shelter, food and toiletries. We raised funds to create care packages containing food items and toiletries. " Killarney's Student Street Squad is made up of about 80 students in Grades 8-12.
Any donation of food, funds, toiletries, etc. would be greatly appreciated. For more information or to contribute please contact J. Windsor (club sponsor) at the school at 604-713-8950 or jwindsor@vsb.bc.ca.
#13. ICBC SAYS HIGH-RISK DRIVERS COULD PAY THOUSANDS MORE
ICBC is putting BC's high-risk drivers on notice to clean up their driving or pay more.
The warning comes after the BC Utilities Commission's (BCUC) recent approval of ICBC's proposal to target high-risk drivers, charging them hundreds and in some cases thousands of dollars more each year.
"High-risk drivers are currently not paying enough given the risk they pose on the roads. Charging bad drivers more is one way that ICBC is working to keep rates low and stable for safer drivers," said Paul Taylor, ICBC's president and CEO.
The new Driver Risk Premium will apply to offences that occur on or after January 1, 2008. Beginning in January, 2009, drivers who have motor vehicle convictions, roadside suspensions, and/or a Criminal Code driving-related conviction will pay a Driver Risk Premium. Bad drivers have to pay the additional annual premium for up to three years.
High-risk drivers - those who engage in activities like excessive speed, drinking and driving, running red lights and other forms of dangerous driving - have a crash rate of more than twice that of other BC drivers.
Approximately 120,000 drivers - about five percent of the province's licensed drivers - will soon receive warning letters from ICBC. The letters are being sent to drivers whose past driving experience would result in an additional Driver Risk Premium if their bad driving habits continue into the future.
The Driver Risk Premium is tied to the driver's licence and will have to be paid regardless of whether the driver owns or insures a vehicle. The additional premium will be paid on top of the yearly cost of auto insurance, with those with Criminal Code convictions paying the most.
"The Driver Risk Premium targets those drivers who are most likely to get into crashes which have a direct impact on claims costs," said Taylor. "The new premium holds drivers more accountable for their actions on our roads and the revenue generated will be used to offset premiums for good drivers."
Drivers who receive a Criminal Code conviction, like impaired driving or dangerous driving, will be the hardest hit with an annual Driver Risk Premium of $905, adding up to $2,715 over three years. Drivers with multiple convictions will pay even more.
The new program will also identify and penalize those drivers who show a history of high-risk driving habits. An example of this would be a driver who receives three speeding tickets over a three-year period. That driver would have to pay an additional premium of $350 annually.
The Driver Risk Premium will be phased in over three years so that eventually the annual scan will include three full years of a driving record. The Driver Penalty Point program will be phased out over the same three-year period and replaced with the Driver Risk Premium. The two programs will run parallel during that time and drivers with penalty points will pay the higher of the two premiums.
#14. TASER TRAGEDY: IMMIGRANT NEWCOMERS NEED TO BE WELCOMED AT AIRPORT
Statement issued by the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies:
The BC Immigrant Integration Coordinating Committee, the provincial network of community based immigrant serving agencies, welcomes the provincial government's public review of immigrant reception systems and services at the airport. Settlement agency board members and staff are prepared to contribute to a review that focuses on ensuring that immigrant experiences at our airport are positive and supportive.
Immigrants to our country arrive after years of difficult preparation, and before they can start benefitting from Canada's opportunities they face very challenging stages of settlement and integration that begin when they are landed by our border officials. For most immigrants to BC, their connection to their new home starts at the Vancouver International Airport. The Canadian Border Services Agency's recent statements indicate that insufficient access to information and interpretation services led at least in part to the unfortunate case of Mr. Robert Dziekanski.
The Immigrant Integration Coordinating Committee recommends that the review focus on better developing and integrating services to meet the information and language needs of immigrants as they move through each stage of the airport process. BC immigrant serving agencies, through the Community Airport Newcomers Network, already provide general information and referral services at the airport for newcomers during peak hours. To assist the upcoming review, they are offering their inter-cultural communication expertise, their interpretation and translation services, and their broad knowledge of immigrant settlement processes and services.
"Although this could be an isolated incident, there is a lot of international attention being paid to what happened on October 14, when a newly landed immigrant fell through the cracks," said Lynn Moran, Executive Director of the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies. "Canada wants prospective immigrants, as well as temporary workers and students, to see our country as a place they will be welcomed and respected from day one. It is very important that our response to this high profile case reinforce that we welcome and facilitate newcomer involvement in our communities."
The public review will in coming months scrutinize all aspects of our airport reception services.
BC immigrant serving agencies emphasize that all parties must recognize and take responsibility for their respective roles. In addition to better airport service coordination to meet newcomer needs, immigrant serving agencies suggest more timely access to airport interpretation services, increased training to airport staff about the immigrant experience and inter-cultural communication, and enhanced systems to ensure newly arrived immigrants are quickly connected with their awaiting families and friends.
#15. PICS: NEW IMMIGRANTS DESERVE SPECIAL ATTENTION
Statement by PICS:
The Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) is saddened and troubled by the recent incident at the Vancouver International Airport which resulted in the death of a new immigrant to Canada.
PICS which provides immigrant services such as English language training, job placement, settlement services, etc., was shocked to learn that the Vancouver International Airport has very limited language assistance or translation services for visitors or immigrants.
Robert Dziekanski, a new immigrant from Poland who spoke very limited English, died due to the utter insensitivity of the Canadian Border Services Agency and the RCMP on October 14 after wandering around at the airport for more than 10 hours without help or assistance.
"We are shocked that in an international airport of a country which is known worldwide for its multiculturalism, a new immigrant was treated with utter disregard and insensitivity," said Charan Gill, Chief Executive Officer of PICS. "It is truly shameful that an airport which receives visitors from all over the world does not provide any language or translation services to those who speak little or no English."
Gill called upon all concerned authorities to provide all possible help to visitors and immigrants who arrive here with limited English skills. "It indeed reflects very poorly on Canada if a visitor's or an immigrant's first interface with border guards at the airport is frightening and terrifying," said Gill.
He also said that considering the fact that Vancouver will be hosting the Winter Olympic games in 2010, it is all the more important that our airports truly reflect our multiculturalism and provide all possible help to thousands who will be visiting our city. It seems prudent to establish a Diversity Advisory Committee to advise VANOC.
#16. BURNABY'S VANOC RESOLUTION FOR MULTICULTURAL REPRESENTATION
Burnaby City Council unanimously endorsed a resolution that requests Jack Poole, chair of VANOC, to make certain that persons serving on VANOC committees and boards appropriately reflect and represent Canada's rich multicultural diversity.
At its recent meeting, Burnaby's Social Issues Committee discussed comments broadcasted by Bruce Allen on September 13, 2007, on CKNW "Reality Check" segment and concluded that comments were contrary to the spirit of a multicultural society and hurtful to ethnic minorities.
The Social Issues Committee recommended that Burnaby Council be requested to urge VANOC that individuals appointed to its committees are supportive of Canada's vision of strong multicultural diversity.
Allen is an appointed member of the committee responsible for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games.
Burnaby councillor Sav Dhaliwal, chair of the Social Issues Committee, speaking in support of the resolution, stated that the opening and closing ceremonies should hold true to the commitment outlined in the Bid Book, that is: "… Our most creative minds will bring together the many cultures of Canada, as well as First Nations, to produce a show that will inspire the world."
Dhaliwal said, "Clearly, Mr. Allen's comments show a deep disregard for key elements of VANOC's vision. A person who makes such comments should not be involved in the planning of high profile cultural events, such as, the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Games."
As recommended by the Social Issue Committee, Burnaby Council endorsed the following resolution:
"That the Mayor, on behalf of Council, write a letter to Jack Poole, Chair of the VANOC Board of Directors, to request that persons appointed to VANOC committees and boards reflect and consistently represent the vision of strong multicultural diversity that will inspire and deliver an extraordinary 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games."
#17. CHILD POVERTY REPORT DEMANDS ACTION, SAYS JAMES
A new report showing B.C.'s child poverty rate is the worst in Canada for four years in a row demands action from Campbell government, NDP Leader Carole James said this week.
"Gordon Campbell doesn't care about children living in poverty," she said. "He's spending hundreds of millions in Convention Centre cost overruns, but doing nothing to help children and their families escape poverty. (This) report is an indictment of his record."
This week, Campaign 2000 released its annual report into child poverty. Among its findings, the report concluded that:
* The proportion of children living in poverty in 2005 was 20.9 per cent, well above the national child poverty rate of 16.8 per cent.
* There were an estimated 174,000 poor children in B.C. in 2005. That is more than the combined populations Victoria, Nanaimo and Comox.
* 85 per cent of poor children live in families where at least one person was working, and over half of poor children lived in families where at least one person had full-time employment.
"Children and families in B.C. need a government that cares," said James. "But Gordon Campbell still won't raise the minimum wage, he's cutting child care, and he refuses to increase the earnings exception for parents on income assistance.
"His actions are leaving more and more children and families stuck in poverty with little hope for escape. With a growing economy and a record surplus it's clear the B.C. Liberals have the wrong priorities."
James said that New Democrats will take action to address child poverty in B.C. with improved child care, a higher minimum wage, affordable housing and more resources for at-risk children. She said that New Democrats will put children and families ahead of special deals and Convention Centre boondoggles.
#18. LIBERALS: CONSERVATIVES IGNORE CANADA'S CHILDREN
A new report confirms that the Conservative government of Stephen Harper is turning its back on the plight of hundreds of thousands of children living in poverty, Liberal Social Development Critic Ruby Dhalla said this week.
"The report highlights the fact that not all Canadian children benefit from the country's economic prosperity," said Dhalla. "The federal government could be taking a leadership role in the battle against child poverty, but we have heard nothing from this government. Dhalla was commenting on the release of the 2007 National Report Card on Child and Family Poverty in Canada which shows 788,000 children are living in poverty. The report also found that too many single-income families, as well as too many First Nations and immigrant families are living in poverty.
"This report confirms what we Liberals have been have been telling the government for months - Canada needs an anti-poverty strategy," Dhalla said. "In every major category - new Canadians, Aboriginals, and the working poor - the federal government has steps it could take to address the challenge of poverty."
This month, Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion proposed the Liberal 30-50 plan to cut child poverty in half and to lift 30 per cent of poor families out of poverty, all within five years. Campaign 2000 called the Liberal commitments "bold".
"This report card demands action," said Dhalla. "In fact, for First Nations, for new Canadians and for the working poor, the Liberals have a plan. All the government has to do is listen."
#19. LIBERALS: CONSERVATIVES SHOULD LISTEN TO POLICE, NOT GUN LOBBY
The government must take the advice of Canadian law enforcement on gun smuggling over that of the gun lobby when it comes to keeping guns off our streets, Liberal Public Safety Critic Ujjal Dosanjh said this week.
"Gun smuggling is a major problem in this country and continues to make it more difficult for police to combat gangs and violent gun crime," said Dosanjh.
"Planned regulations will require companies importing firearms into Canada to stamp the country of origin on the weapons - a rule that could help control gun smuggling."
Dosanjh was commenting on a joint letter from the heads of the Canadian Police Association, Canadian Association of Police Boards and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police calling on Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day not to delay the marking of all imported firearms.
"We understand that this is being considered at the urging of the firearms community, without the benefit of adequate consultation with law enforcement," the letter said.
Dosanjh urged the Harper government not to bow to pressures from the gun lobby.
"The Conservative government has stacked the Firearms Advisory Council almost entirely with people who have publicly called for less gun control in Canada, including some who have ties to the US-based National Rifle Association," he said. "One member of the Firearms Advisory Council even wrote a letter to the Ottawa Sun in the aftermath of the tragic shooting at Virginia Tech University claiming that if more students had been armed, the tragedy could have been prevented."
Dosanjh also pointed out that Gary Mauser, a former Simon Fraser University criminologist who currently sits on Day's firearms advisory committee, has spoken out against firearms-marking regulations.
Dosanjh called on the government to provide police with the support they need to keep Canadians safe.
"Canada's police boards, police chiefs and rank-and-file officers are calling on this government to put the new firearms-marking regulations into effect
now-without delay," said Dosanjh. "This government must listen to Canadian law enforcement to keep guns out of the hands of gangs and criminals."
#20. NDP: COPEMAN DECISION WILL LEAD TO MORE PRIVATIZED HEALTH CARE
This week's decision on the Copeman clinic opens the door to further privatization of health care, and New Democrats are calling on the Campbell government to make the findings of the Medical Services Commission audit public.
"This decision was made behind closed doors in the complete absence of public participation," said NDP leader Carole James. "It is very disturbing that such important public policy discussions are kept hidden from the public."
This week, Health Minister George Abbott revealed that the Commission has determined the Copeman clinic does not violate the Canada Health Act or the B.C. Medicare Protection Act. However, Abbott stopped short of releasing the actual decision and findings, saying he will leave that up to Copeman
The Copeman clinic charges patients thousands of dollars a year to access services that are covered under the Medical Services Plan, including a fee of $3,500 for the first year of enrolment in its "Elite Program" and $2,300 for subsequent years of enrolment.
Abbott also stated the B.C. Liberals are not prepared to rule out private care in B.C.
"The B.C. Liberals have moved forward with private health care initiatives on an ever increasing scale," said NDP Health Critic Adrian Dix. "The government is refusing to defend public health care and have created a system where people can buy their way to the front of the line.
"We believe that taxes and MSP premiums should entitle everyone access to the highest quality of health care, and we will continue to fight the for-profit health agenda of the Campbell government."
Recent figures released by the Canadian Institute for Health Information show British Columbia's share of private health spending has risen at a faster rate than the rest of Canada.
Meanwhile, the BC Nurses' Union President McPherson said it was a bad day for Medicare and demanded full disclosure. Since November 2005, the BC Nurses' Union (BCNU) has raised on-going concerns with the BC government about the Copeman Clinic's requirements for patients to pay large fees to see physicians whose services are covered under Medicare.
"(This) decision that the Copeman Clinic is not in violation of the Medicare Protection Act and the Canada Health Act is a fundamental attack on the principles of Medicare that the people of British Columbia hold dear. It opens up the floodgates for further violations and erosion of our publicly-funded, publicly-administered health care system. It is a very bad day for the future of Medicare," said Debra McPherson, BCNU President.
"The government review completed by the Medical Services Commission will apparently not be released by government to the public. This is not acceptable. Any trust people have in the current government's willingness to be open and accountable will be undermined. We have a fundamental right to full disclosure of information that impacts on our equal access to health care services."
Nurses are outraged that this review seems to be saying that any and all extra medical fees can be charged to an average person seeking care.
"This is exactly the reason that BCNU has stood up for Medicare by launching a legal challenge against extra billing practices," McPherson said.
That legal challenge was launched in December, 2006, against the Medical Services Commission for failing to enforce the laws of Medicare by allowing extra billing charges for medically necessary services by physicians across the province. This stands in the Supreme Court of BC, awaiting decision. This same Commission has now apparently concluded that the Copeman Clinic is operating within the law.
Meanwhile, McPherson is calling on the government to immediately fully disclose the contents of the government's review of Copeman's Club Medicare.
#21. LIBERALS RAM THROUGH TRANSLINK LEGISLATION
On Thursday, the Liberals cut off democratic debate and rammed through legislation that replaces TransLink's democratically elected board with handpicked B.C. Liberal appointees.
"By cutting off debate on this legislation, the Campbell government has shown that they don't care about being open and accountable," said Maurine Karagianis, New Democrat Transportation Critic and MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin.
"If they actually cared about the concerns that communities, local governments and the public have about this legislation, they would have pulled back this anti-democratic bill, which will see higher property taxes, higher fares, and lower levels of public accountability."
Karagianis noted that while the bill only currently affects the board of TransLink, which operates in Metro Vancouver, other regions of the province should be equally concerned that this type of legislation could be imposed on them by Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon.
"We have yet to see the full impact of the Campbell Liberals' decision to take power away from the public and put it into the hands of hand-picked B.C. Liberal appointees. But one can be sure they are eyeing a similar governance model on the South Island and in the Interior," said Karagianis.
Karagianis added that despite the bill's passage, New Democrats will continue to advocate on behalf of British Columbians for accountable governance of TransLink and affordable, accessible transit options.
#22. B.C. TO HAVE SECURITY-ENHANCED BIRTH CERTIFICATES
Effective January 2, British Columbia will introduce a new, more secure and durable format of birth certificate, Health Minister George Abbott announced this week.
"This new birth certificate will be one of the most hi-tech and durable documents in the world," said Abbott, speaking at a technical briefing on the security features of the new certificate. "Current B.C. birth certificates have not changed since 1983 and deploy 1950s-era security features. Creating a more secure version is an important way to assist British Columbians in protecting their identity."
After September 11, 2001, the provincial and territorial ministers responsible for Vital Statistics requested a security review of current birth certificate documents. The Vital Statistics Council for Canada, in conjunction with Canadian Bank Note Company, and in consultation with federal and provincial document security stakeholders, worked on designing a new birth certificate with a focus on improving the security and durability of the document.
The new certificate is made of high-security plastic, making it extremely durable and enabling more than 20 security features. Some visible features include:
* When held to the light, irregular marks on the front and back of the certificate align to form a maple leaf;
* Two transparent windows - one with a colour shifting property and one with three floating maple leaves;
* Unique watermark/shadow features; and
* Larger size that makes it impractical to carry in a wallet or purse, reducing the chance of loss or theft.
"Identity theft and fraud are growing concerns for British Columbians," said John Les, Solicitor General and minister responsible for consumer protection. "The high-tech security features built into this new birth certificate will help to protect people from those who try to profit from stealing personal information."
The new certificate will be similar in format to a passport and British Columbians will be able to choose from two types of certificate - one with individual information only and one that includes parental information. Both certificates will be the same size and will replace the current large and small size of birth certificate.
Eight Canadian provinces - British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan - will introduce the certificate in late 2007 or early 2008. The remaining provinces and territories will follow at a later date. Once the adopted changes take effect, birth certificates in participating provinces will have a common look. Although certificates are of the same design, each will clearly indicate the issuing province or territory.
The introduction of the new certificate will not invalidate existing birth certificates for the foreseeable future; however, birth certificates issued after Jan. 2 will be in the new format only. The cost of a birth certificate in British Columbia will remain at $27.
People born in British Columbia can apply for a birth certificate at any Vital Statistics or Government Agent office or they can print an online application form and fax or mail the form along with the applicable fee to the Vital Statistics Agency. Additionally, in January, Vital Statistics plans to introduce a new online ordering system so that British Columbians will have the convenience of being able to order birth certificates online. All certificates are mailed or couriered to clients from the Victoria Vital Statistics office.
British Columbians interested in learning more about the process for ordering a birth certificate can visit the BC Vital Statistics Agency website at www.vs.gov.bc.ca.
#23. STEPS TO REDUCE EXPOSURE TO SECOND-HAND SMOKE
British Columbia is taking steps to reduce the health effects of tobacco use through new regulations that restrict the promotion and sale of tobacco products, as well as a ban on smoking in all indoor public spaces and workplaces, announced Health Minister George Abbott this week.
"We are working to reduce tobacco use across our province and ensuring that British Columbians are protected from the deadly effects of second-hand smoke," said Abbott. "Stricter regulations about public and workplace smoking are part of our strategy to reduce the impact of tobacco on our health system and prevent chronic diseases associated with tobacco use."
The new regulations fall under the Tobacco Control Act and will take effect on March 31, 2008. The new tobacco regulations will ban:
* Smoking in all indoor public spaces and work places, with exemptions made for the ceremonial use of tobacco by Aboriginal people;
* Smoking within three metres of public and workplace doorways, open windows or air intakes;
* Tobacco sales in public buildings including: hospitals and health facilities, universities and colleges, athletic and recreational facilities, and provincial government buildings;
* Display of tobacco products in all places where tobacco is sold that are accessible to youth under 19; and
* Tobacco ads that hang from the ceiling, countertop tobacco displays, self-serve tobacco displays and outdoor tobacco signs.
These new provincial regulations will establish a baseline of regulation that landlords, businesses, municipalities and health authorities can choose to exceed to fit the needs of their community, clients and population. Unless prohibited by municipal regulations, smoking will still be allowed on the outdoor patios of restaurants and bars.
The new regulations will take effect on March 31, 2008, allowing retailers and other businesses four months to ensure that their premises comply with the changes required by the Tobacco Control Act. In June 2007, the Province held a six-week public consultation to allow the general public and stakeholder groups, such as retailers, the hospitality sector and health advocacy groups, the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed tobacco regulation.
"Eliminating smoking in public spaces and all workplaces will have a positive impact on indoor air quality and the overall health of British Columbians," said provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall. "Most smokers start before the age of 18 and limiting youth access to advertising is also an important step in protecting the public health of this province."
Tobacco use kills over 6,000 British Columbians each year, and is estimated to cost the B.C. economy $2.3 billion every year. Cigarette smoking is the primary risk factor for diseases of the circulatory system, cancers and respiratory diseases, and exposure to second-hand smoke kills approximately 100 people in B.C. each year.
"Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of disease and death in British Columbia and, unfortunately, the number of new cancer cases is estimated to rise this year in the province," said Barbara Kaminsky, CEO of the BC and Yukon Division of the Canadian Cancer Society. "Exposure to second-hand smoke increases our risk of cancer and implementing regulations that restrict exposure to the harmful effects of tobacco use is a significant step in our fight against cancer."
In September, 2007, legislation took effect that banned tobacco use in schools and on school grounds and in October, 2008, implementation of smoke-free premise policies in all health authorities will be complete.
The Ministry of Health currently funds smoking cessation programs such as QuitNow.ca and QuitNow by Phone, which are available, with translation services in 130 languages, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to all British Columbians.
The new legislation supports the Province's larger tobacco control strategy and programs such as ActNow BC. This tobacco strategy aims to further reduce B.C.'s smoking rates and to improve the health of British Columbians. ActNow BC works with provincial government ministries, the health sector and a variety of health promotion partners to deliver programs designed to encourage healthy choices by all British Columbians.
The new tobacco control regulation will be available on-line at www.health.gov.bc.ca/tobacco/.
#24. B.C. LIBERALS FLIP FLOP ON SECOND HAND SMOKE ISSUE
NDP Opposition MLA Leonard Krog is appalled the B.C. Liberals are not interested in keeping the air children breathe in cars smoke free any time soon, saying that decision leaves B.C. even further behind other jurisdictions.
"B.C. was once a leader on smoke free initiatives but now we simply follow further and further behind, says Krog, MLA for Nanaimo. "B.C. would not be breaking new ground. Many jurisdictions around the world have already banned smoking in cars when children are present."
In addition to Wolfeville, Nova Scotia, jurisdictions that have implemented similar legislation now include Maine, New Jersey and New York, the states of Arkansas, California and Louisiana, as well as Puerto Rico and South Australia.
On Tuesday, Health Minister George Abbot announced a delay to the implementation of changes to the Tobacco Control Act. At the same time Abbot said British Columbian's aren't ready to protect children from having to breathe smoke in cars. Krog disagrees.
"Abbot is wrong to - there is tremendous support in B.C. for clean air initiatives," says Krog.
Earlier this year survey results released by BC Stats showed an overwhelming majority of British Columbians indicate strong public support for clean air initiatives. Of those surveyed, over 79 percent support or strongly support smoking bans in public places. Support ranged from 74 percent in the Northern Health Authority area to 87 percent in Vancouver Coastal Health. The survey was conducted for the Clean Air Coalition of B.C. which is comprised of the B.C. Lung Association and Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Krog said it's confusing for the Health Minister to be out warning youth about the dangers of second hand smoke in cars while denying youth the tools they need to protect themselves.
"We all know the harms that tobacco can bring," said Abbot during a 2006 speech to youth. "We also can't forget the dangers of second-hand smoke in cars. Simply opening the windows cannot prevent the dangers associated with second-hand smoke."
"We all agree the science is clear on second-hand smoke and it's the kids that are the most vulnerable to its effects," said Krog. "If Campbell's Liberals want to make B.C. the healthiest jurisdiction in Canada, we should be the first province to protect children from breathing this class 'A' carcinogen in vehicles."
On November 22, Krog introduced a Private Member's Bill, the Smoke Free Cars Act, to protect the health and safety of children by prohibiting smoking in a motor vehicle when persons under the age of 16 are present. The MLA introduced the Bill after working with youth from Nanaimo District Secondary School, who have lobbied for tougher smoking regulations on behalf of children.
#25. CALL THEM BEFORE YOU HIT THE ROAD: OPERATION RED NOSE
It is Operation Red Nose season again, as nine communities across B.C. are gearing up to provide a safe ride home to motorists who do not feel safe to drive their own vehicle during the upcoming holiday season.
Operation Red Nose is a free and confidential designated driving service, made up of volunteers who will provide a safe ride home to motorists who do not feel safe to drive. It is a creative and original program, as clients are driven home in their own vehicle. The only requirement is that the client has a motor vehicle at the time they request the service, as Operation Red Nose is not a taxi service.
Operation Red Nose will be available in nine regions across British Columbia during the month of December: Abbotsford / Mission, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Delta / Richmond, Kamloops, Langley / Surrey, North and West Vancouver, Nanaimo, and Prince George.
The service is only a phone call away, and will be available in Abbotsford / Mission, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Delta / Richmond, Langley / Surrey, and North and West Vancouver from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. on November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 and 31 (New Year's Eve). Kamloops, Nanaimo and Prince George will operate on November 30 and December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 and 31 (New Year's Eve).
Visit the BC page of the Operation Red Nose website (www.bccpa.org/rednose) for the number to call for service in your community, or try our new toll free number at 1-877-604-6673 (NOSE).
Operation Red Nose is provincially hosted by BC Crime Prevention Association, and sponsored by Autoplan Brokers of BC, ICBC and CTV. This year, CTV Weathercaster Tamara Taggart is again teaming up with Operation Red Nose to act as the Provincial Spokesperson for the program.
B.C. Operation Red Nose communities are also looking for volunteers to run the service. For more information on how to assist in the fight against impaired driving contact BC Crime Prevention Association, or visit the BC page of the Operation Red Nose website at www.operationrednose.com.
#26. CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES APPEAL FOR WINTER
Canadian Blood Services is asking Surrey residents to give the most precious gift of the Christmas season: the gift of life.
By donating blood during the month of December, Surrey residents can help British Columbia's hospital patients and their families by giving them a chance to enjoy the holiday season together. One in two Canadians has been touched by the need for blood or blood products.
"During the holiday shopping season, parties and to-do lists, we hope that people will take an hour out of their month to come in to donate blood for those in need," said Gary Dhillon, community development coordinator for the Surrey clinic. "The cost is free and the benefits are immeasurable."
This year, Canadian Blood Services is asking Surrey residents to help save twice as many lives by donating blood with a friend. As part of the "Brighten a Life" campaign, blood donors can visit the clinic from December 3 to January 4 and donate blood in someone's honour.
Surrey residents can fill out cards to give to those who have never donated blood before, encouraging them to make a life-saving donation over the holidays. Recent Ipsos-Reid research suggests that most first-time donors came in to give blood with a friend, family member, coach or colleagues who were already blood donors. Therefore, Canadian Blood Services is encouraging residents of Surrey to celebrate with family and friends by donating blood together.
"This time of year can be a difficult time to collect blood with many people busy getting ready for the holidays," said Ed Yee, regional director for Canadian Blood Services, BC and Yukon Region. "As a result, the holiday season represents a challenge for the blood system. Hospitals continue to need a stable supply of blood and blood products, while donors may be out-of-town or busy with other holiday activities. We encourage people to make donations before travelling during the holidays."
The need for blood never stops. Cancer patients, patients who need life-saving surgery, trauma victims and many others depend on a stable blood supply year-round. This year, Canadian Blood Services in British Columbia will need to collect 1,200 red blood cells or platelet donations between December 3 and January 4 to help meet hospital needs.
Local residents can donate from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays at the Surrey blood donor clinic, 6830 King George Highway.
Contact Canadian Blood Services at 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236-6283) for blood donor clinic information, eligibility information or to book an appointment.
#27. SURREY: JOIN THE 10 % HYDRO REDUCTION CHALLENGE
The City of Surrey is inviting Surrey residents to take part in the Team Power Smart hydro reduction challenge. The program is designed to build community awareness of household hydro usage and encourage residents to conserve electricity through simple lifestyle changes.
"This program is a great example of how government and residents can work together to achieve energy management targets," said Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts. "By making a few small changes in our everyday behaviours, we can make a huge difference in meeting the future energy needs of our growing City."
As part of the program, the City has set a 10% target to reduce hydro usage within Surrey households continuing through to December 15. By participating, residents will be helping Surrey become eligible for a $20,000 Power Smart makeover for a civic facility. Residents can join anytime online and it only takes minutes to sign up. To register, you simply source your account info from a recent hydro bill and visit: www.bchydro.com/powersmart. Team members who sign up on the website will be able to start their own household power reduction plan and get access tips and information from a personal energy coach. Once registered, an online monitoring tool is set up to enable effective and informative tracking of household power usage.
"Education and awareness is vital to energy conservation," said Councillor Linda Hepner, Chair of the Parks and Community Services Committee. "For instance, many people aren't aware that if every household in B.C. simply changed their five most-used incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs, the energy savings would light 235,000 households a year."
BC Hydro's Team Power Smart program is seeking to achieve two important goals: 1) make B.C. electricity self-sufficient by 2016, and 2) meet half of the province's 2020 electricity needs through improved conservation efforts. It is predicted that the province's electricity use will increase by as much as 45 per cent over the next 20 years. To meet the conservation target, each home in British Columbia will have to curb the trend of growing demand for electricity and consume 10 per cent less electricity than they do today.
Additional information is available on the City's website at www.surrey.ca.
#28. WILL ELECTION BOUNDARIES COMMISSION HAVE THE GUTS TO DEFY PREMIER?
By DAVID SCHRECK, political commentator and former NDP MLA
On the morning of November 28, Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer described what the Campbell government would do with Bill 39 (Electoral Boundaries Commission Amendment Act, 2007). Unlike what it was doing by invoking closure to force through the nuking of Translink with Bill 43, replacing local control of transit with unelected officials, Palmer wrote that the Campbell government would allow its attempt at interference with the independent Boundaries Commission to die on the order paper if the opposition refused to support it, and that it would not subsequently introduce legislation to implement the Commission's recommendations if those recommendations continued to contain provisions for the elimination of three Interior ridings.
As if acting out Palmer's column, government house leader Mike de Jong, rose to speak following question period and, after laying out the government's threat, moved that debate on second reading of Bill 39 be adjourned; government members voted to adjourn debate; opposition members voted against the motion.
If the Boundaries Commission doesn't bow to threats from the Campbell government, and sticks by its preliminary report, the next election might be held on the basis of constituency boundaries that are unconstitutional, in violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The legal and constitutional history of redrawing electoral boundaries is well documented in Part 4, legal framework, of the Commission's preliminary report. It is astounding that the Campbell government appears to believe that it can withstand a court challenge if it doesn't act on the Commission's recommendations, or if it attempts to significantly interfere with those recommendations. It might gamble that a court would not overturn the results of an election held on May 12, 2009, based on constituency boundaries that could eventually be held to violate the Charter, but it must know that it is highly likely that the courts would rule that boundaries would have to be changed in time for the 2013 election. British Columbians shouldn't have to resort to the courts to assure that fundamental rights are respected.
The ball is now in the court of the Boundaries Commission. It suspended public hearings when the Premier announced that it would be working with new legislation. We'll soon see if like the Representative for Children and Youth, it has the guts to stand up to the Campbell government and publicly defend its preliminary report. The NDP caucus has shown that it has what it takes to stare down the Campbell government and call its bluff.
(http://www.StrategicThoughts.com)
#29. GOVERNMENT SAYS IT WILL PROTECT RURAL REPRESENTATION
The NDP's decision to not support legislation that would have protected rural representation in law will not shake the government's resolve to protect rural ridings.
"The NDP's failure to protect rural representation in law shows a shocking lack of respect for the people of B.C.'s right to fair representation," Government House Leader Mike de Jong said. "The NDP now needs to be clear; will they stand with government members and commit today to not supporting any proposal that recommends reducing rural representation?"
The NDP's decision not to support Bill 39 means that the commission will now have to go back to work under the existing legislation, which they have said does not give them the legal tools or direction from the legislature necessary to both protect rural representation and also allow for fair representation for growing regions.
The opposition had the opportunity to resolve this issue by supporting legislation which would have given the Commission the legal tools necessary to reflect the original intent of the legislature, to protect rural representation while ensuring proper representation for growing regions. Bill 39 achieved that by adding only two more seats (eight in total) to the Commission's mandate, which originally had up to six seats available to add, and which the Opposition endorsed unanimously.
"The NDP's decision to play politics with this bill has undermined all British Columbians right to fair representation," said de Jong.
Carole James and the NDP should apologize for failing to provide the commission with the tools necessary to protect rural representation while ensuring fair representation for growing regions."
The Commission will now submit a proposal this spring under the existing legislation. Government members will not support any proposal that reduces rural representation.
#30. KIDS' TOYS: USW URGES POLITICIANS TO END 'TOXIC TRADE'
Appearing in a Vancouver home with children and concerned parents on Thursday morning, representatives of the United Steelworkers (USW) conducted lead testing of the children's toys with kits that the union provides to the public.
In response to the recall of over two million unsafe toys the union is calling on both the federal and provincial governments to take actions to ensure Canadian kids are protected from lead and other toxic materials.
USW Staff Representative Lee Edwards said parents are becoming increasingly concerned about purchasing unsafe products for their children in the unregulated environment of globalized trade.
"We've seen over 2 million toys recently recalled with inadequate actions taken by our governments to force producers and importers to test and make sure products they sell for our children are safe," said Edwards. "That's why we encourage parents to be proactive and test for lead in toys themselves."
Despite a recent throne speech by the Stephen Harper Government, only a website on toxic substances has been posted by federal authorities.
Earlier this month the federal New Democratic Party and the USW called for a new Toxic Import Protection Act to make imports safer and protect manufacturing jobs at home.
USW Western Canada Director Steve Hunt says that the hidden cost of deregulated globalized trade means that compounds containing lead have resurfaced as toxic ingredients in children's toys and items, as well as antifreeze chemicals in toothpaste and pesticide ingredients in baby soothers.
"Parents want to provide a safe home with safe products for their kids," says Hunt. "This is a value that we all share. Now our elected officials have to act."
In BC, the USW also supports the provincial New Democrats' proposed "right to know" legislation which will ensure that manufacturers label ingredients in toys and household consumer products.
Also present during lead testing were representatives of the Labour and Environmental Alliance Society (LEAS). The LEAS has recently published the CancerSmart 3.0 Guide that includes information on toxic toys and consumer products.
The USW is Canada's most diverse union, representing more than 280,000 men and women working in every sector of Canada's economy.
For more information and to order your own lead testing kit(s), visit the Steelworkers' toxic trade website at www.stoptoxicimports.org.
#31. B. C. STUDENTS AMONG TOP IN THE WORLD FOR LITERACY
British Columbia students have one of the highest literacy levels in the world according to the latest international student assessment, Education Minister Shirley Bond announced this week.
"B.C. is a world leader in literacy and this international assessment proves that," said Bond. "This is the first year B.C. students have participated in this assessment and the results are outstanding. I'd like to thank our students, parents, educators, trustees and support staff for their efforts and commitment to improving literacy for all students in our province."
The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) was released today by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement, a global co-operative of national research institutes and governments. More than 215,000 Grade 4 students in 40 countries and five Canadian provinces participated, including over 4,100 students from British Columbia.
British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario were recognized by PIRLS as three of the highest achieving participants. B.C. was recognized as having one of the smallest differences between male and female student achievement of any jurisdiction in the world. Girls generally score higher on these tests than boys, and in many countries by a wide margin. The PIRLS survey questions also identified B.C. students as having a high level of reading for pleasure, a key indicator of success.
"Literacy is a top priority for this government and clearly for British Columbians," said Bond. "The results we see here show that our ReadNow BC literacy strategy is working to make our province the most literate jurisdiction, not only in North America, but in the world."
PIRLS measures overall reading achievement and looks at success factors both at home and at school. The study notes that major contributors to reading success in Grade 4 include:
* High levels of reading in the home and reading for pleasure,
* Early (pre-kindergarten) literacy, and
* Strong school safety and high school satisfaction levels for both teachers and parents.
PIRLS is conducted by the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study & PIRLS International Study Center at Boston College. The study assesses a range of reading comprehension strategies for two major reading purposes - literary and informational.
Since 2001, the government has invested over $125 million in literacy for British Columbians through the Province's literacy strategy, ReadNow BC. These programs have delivered approximately $32 million in literacy funding for schools, teachers, parents and others; $25 million for new textbooks; $30 million for early learning; $25 million for adult literacy; and $15 million for libraries.
#32. CONSULTATION REPORT - ABBOTSFORD YOUTH FORUM
A group of community youth called Speak Out, in collaboration with the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, hosted a youth forum at UCFV last March. They wanted to provide the students of Abbotsford high schools with a venue for dialogue and discussion. This forum was facilitated by various leaders from the local community. The aim of these discussions was to extract ideas from students and create recommendations which could be passed onto community organizations and government agencies. Eighteen students, 10 facilitators, 16 interveners spent a day together to discuss issues and concerns facing Indo-Canadian youth in the Canadian mosaic with a concerted goal to make recommendations that can be acted upon.
The full report is available at http://www.ucfv.ca/__shared/assets/Consultation_Report12382.pdf.
Some of the recommendations:
Profile careers:
*Bring exposure to different types of professions for parents to be aware of choices
*Provide information in different languages about careers, education, etc.
*Use local newspapers to reach the community with information
*Hold career fairs for parents in the languages they understand
Access to information and resources:
*Instead of focusing on the negative, media could highlight different resources
available
*Need to advertise or promote programs better
*Have more cultural programs in schools and provide resource information there
Youth involvement:
*Need more venues for discussion that is open to all students
*Get more involved in our parent's lives - find ways to express ourselves more
Education for parents:
*Promote involvement in schools and school events
*Explain the relevance of extra-curricular activities to future goals
*More interaction with other cultures
*Computer programs in other languages and access to computer education
Immigration integration:
*Assistance in integration:
Welcome newcomers in your neighbourhood
Help them adjust to the culture without showing authority
*Mentoring programs within high schools
*Take a leadership role yourself
Communication:
*Avenues for parent and child communication are needed.
*Drug education and awareness needs to be increased.
*If parents do not come to events -take the events to them where they meet
regularly (like the temples).
*Panels for youth discussion would be beneficial as well as facilitated designed
opportunities where parents can listen to what the youth have to say.
*Taboo subjects need to be broached: e.g., safe sex, STD, drug/alcohol use in a safe
and comfortable way.
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