There is lots of chatter going on about the appointment of Larry Campbell to the Senate. A lot of that chatter comes from three positions.
Those who did not like Larry, tending to be Conservatives living outside Vancouver, consider accepting a senate post as proof positive Larry Campbell is the scondrel they knew him to be. Ironic too is the response from some that cannot COPE with such an appointment. COPE, Vancouver's left wing civic party (not NDP) can feel all smug in coming to the same assessment that the conservatives have.
The other response has been, "don't like the senate, but if we have to have it, Larry is a good choice."
That is pretty much where I am on the matter. I have admired Larry Campbell, for one thing he does not beat around the bush, he has been straight forward and a solid voice for progressive issues.
The split with COPE took longer than I thought it would. I have always felt uncomfortable with COPE to the point that I joined now and again to support people like Larry. The party at times have had some people that were not interested in getting along with others that had a different view.
COPE succeeded in the 2002 municipal election because it had taken on Larry Campbell. People of all political stripes voted for Campbell which is amazing when you think about it. His base of support was strong enough I suspect he could have taken the NPA's nomination for Mayor or run as an independent and won.
It was a hopeful sign that COPE had succeeded here and we could move on to holding office for a few terms. Nothing destroys that kind of planning quicker than the far left however. People in a hurry to right every wrong out there, not next year, or next month, but this afternoon.
The same thing happened to the provincial NDP when they formed a majority government. The government moved to make changes and in nine plus years succeeded in doing some great stuff. Not fast enough for many of our left friends however. If we announced a new park, the response was, you haven't made the other area we want into a park. If we added dental care for children on assistance, we got heck for not including pony rides.
It was frustrating to have so many people we shared common values with continually slam us. The same happens in COPE. With each success we have to turn the world upside down or we're not doing our job.
Governing in a democracy requires that you consult. It does not make you dictator for three or four years. You can do that (The system lets you) and impose your views on others but then what have you done other than exactly what the other guys did.
The act of governing is not one where you should impose your policy on the whole population. If the general concensus is not accepted by the population you can not expect they will be happy come the next election. Significant change in policy must be done over time and with consultation.
In Vancouver Campbell did have a mandate to govern that Vancouver has not seen in a long time. He was elected to address the drug problem, to implement the four pillars strategy. And he has been successful. This is due in large part because the people of Vancouver wanted it to succeed. Progress has been made on other fronts as well. New green initiatives, the Woodwards building, ethical purchasing policy and more.
Some in COPE will not forgive Campbell and the COPE Lites for their approval of gambling at the race tracks. Their opposition is well founded here. We all know what the problems are with gambling, yet we all know that gambling would eventually show up at Hastings Park. If not now then in a few years when the NPA took over council again.
We have seen NDP dominated councils in the lower mainland accept gambling and the revenues that flow from it. What was Vancouver to do? Allow these places to reap the dollars while Vancouver dealt with the problems? Better to take the dollars, save the jobs at Hastings Park and promote and support programs for those with gambling addictions. Here I come out of the closet, supporting gaming, I don't mind it, though I know we must have programs and systems to protect those with addictions.
Campbell saw this and acted. He didn't suffer fools either and that I liked. Public meetings on a variety of issues degenerated into nothing more than a shouting match and a media opportunity for those with an axe to grind. Campbell's approach was refreshing and again, the reason so many in Vancouver appreciated his leadership.
Within COPE many continue to support Campbell and his approach, many who support Jim Green. It appears some egos in the current leadership, the likes of Bass and Louis are too fragile to accept compromise or gradual change. It appears that unwillingness or the George W. Bush attitude, "your with us or your against us" prevails. It doesn't look good on Bush and it doesn't look good on COPE.
I did not like the RAV line decision. Still it was more a decision forced on the council and regional district by Ottawa and Victoria. I think that many businesses are going to be hurt severely by the decision, so will many residents be affected. That said its done, now do we throw out the chance to continue governing Vancouver because we don't like the decisions on Gambling and the Rav line?
Vision Vancouver was born out a need to elect people from the left and centre, people that did not feel they would have the support of COPE. It is shame it has come to this. The voices of Jenny Kwan, Harry Rankin and Libby Davies are missed in COPE. Now Campbell and Jim Green are missed as well.
The final indignity to the left will be the decision COPE is still to make. Will they run a full slate for council, including the Mayor's chair? I cannot believe they may run someone against Jim Green for Mayor. Do they seriously want to assist the NPA to elect Sam Sullivan, nice guy, but no vision or Peter Ladner, Mr. Right Wing who gave Gordon Campbell tons of free advertising in the guise of "news stories".
Jim Green has been in the trenches, he has been there for the downtown eastside, he has done much to make life better for all of Vancouver and now is his time. COPE needs to endorse Green and run its five candidates for council.
Finally, I want the senate abolished but I am pragmatic on this. To change it or eliminate it will take agreement from all the provinces. Now you tell me, how we can do that anytime soon. If we have the Senate, I have to admit, one guy that will shake it up, will be vocal, will support progressive issues there, will be Larry Campbell. Senator Nolan showed me the place can do some good.
The Gazetteer has a great take on the Vancouver race to City hall here.
See: No Vision for COPE, COPE Classics face a grim future with Green, “VANCOUVER CAN BE A MODEL FOR THE WORLD”, New Downtown Stadium On Vancouver Waterfront On Its Way, Mayor Jim Green?, Envisioning Vancouver , Babble on COPE etc
For more on Jim Green, Larry Campbell, Vision Vancouver, COPE, NPA and Vancouver use the Technorati search box here and at Queer Thoughts.
Tags: Vancouver, BC, BC Liberals, Politics, Jim Green, NDP
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Business and Liberals set to deal with Labour
It didn't take long ...
The BC Business Council has raised the issue of allowing replacement workers (scabs) during labour disputes on its website. The Council wants the BC Liberal government to revamp labour
laws to permit the use of scabs during a strike or lock out.
Fraser Institute made public a list of changes a re-elected Liberal government needed to make with respect to labour relations in our province. Politics in BC commented on these possible changes on April 15, and that seems to be the end of the discussion as far as the provincial election went.
Yesterday, August 2, the BC Business Council added to its website a paper on industrial relates calling for an end to the ban on scabs. The paper entitled, "The Replacement Worker Ban in BC: It's origin and Impact." Research Assistant Aruna Ranganathan prepared the paper for the BC Business Council, relies heavily on the work of Peter Crampton.
Crampton published a report in September 1999 titled "Impacts of Strike Replacement Bans in Canada". The Crampton et al paper concludes,
Not surprisingly, employer groups have fought almost as hard against a ban on replacement workers as they do with certification of unions. One of the few bargaining leverages a union has is the withdrawal of labour. Without that tool an employer can prepare for a strike or lockout and have scabs ready to work. The incentive for an employer to reach an agreement will be removed as they will be able to with good planning continue to operate while the regular workforce in on strike or lockout pay.
The paper argues further that there is no incentive for a union to reach an agreement under the current rules. That would be the case if the union were able to replace the wages of its members for the time they were on strike. That is not the case. A union defense (strike) fund is built up over time and is not something it can readily replenish. The myth around rich unions is just that, a fabrication perpetrated by business interests in the ongoing effort to demonize unions.
Unions were created to protect workers interests much like insurance policies protect us in the event of loss, they are there to assist workers with the administration and an employer's compliance to the rules both have agreed to live by. It really is not unlike many agreements made in business, where one company or individual makes an agreement to do something for someone else.
Big oil companies have franchise agreements with many operators of their service stations. These agreements require the person operating the store to comply with a set of conditions. Those conditions can require an operator to buy a certain product from a specific supplier even when the cost maybe higher than where you can buy it elsewhere or to provide a standard level of service.
Unions are in fact a result of the free market, rather than a hindrance, they are an evolution of that market. No market of course is ever really free, if it were so, we could terminate business contracts whenever we wanted. If someone came along with a better deal, or we just did not like the look of the person supplying the service or product. We also curb the market from complete monopoly in many cases unless there can be demonstrated public benefit from doing so.
Public benefit was the reason for public auto insurance. It was possible to create the conditions for cheaper insurance for people with one entity. We do it in transportation, where we restrict operations on some routes to only certain companies. This is done largely to ensure a needed service can be provided.
Business efforts to end the ban on scabs have more to do with building an advantage for the employer. Both parties in a strike or lockout have financial pressures applied to them. The employer cannot provide the same level of service or product if they have only management and or ownership working and employees lose their income and face a decreased financial resources despite what the Business council wants us to believe, unions can not replace wages to striking or locked-out members.
The change being requested by the BC Business Council is only the beginning of
changes the business community wants implemented. On April 13th the Fraser Institute ran an editorial calling for further changes to the Labour Code in BC. The changes reported here at Politics in BC were not raised during the election other than one question to then Minister of Labour;
This is where the situation has the potential to get ugly. The BC Liberals have run over union rights in BC, making changes to the Labour code, tearing up contracts and preventing unions and employers from signing contracts that prohibit contracting out of services. Where are we headed in BC? I suggest the changes being put up now by the business council are being done to create some semblance of public support for the changes it wants government to make.
The Fraser Institute has a significant list of changes they state are required. From their editorial ...
That is a pretty drastic overhaul of the labour code in BC. Such a change would see further decline of workers salaries, benefits and join BC in the race to the bottom. The changes may entice people to invest in BC but is it required to do this? I suggest it isn't given BC and Canada rate comparably with many of our western trading partners.
The BC Government is facing a large and potentially damaging couple of years ahead of them. Large sectors of workers in BC will be looking for new contracts as old ones expire. After four years of fewer strikes and lockouts, the government will likely not get away so lucky this term.
Government workers have seen lost jobs, reduced job security and wage freezes for the last four years. Health workers saw their wages slashed by 15%, jobs contracted out and job security eliminated. Teachers has their last contract imposed last time out, nurses and doctors want big increases and the lowest paid, those in community services had a 4% cut to wages that were already low and a delayed implementation of a pension plan until 2006.
Today Cominco and Telus workers are on strike, independent truckers in construction stopped working in order to get funds to pay for their increased fuel costs and we have just gone through a lengthy dispute at the Vancouver Port over fuel costs. Despite rising fuel costs companies were not willing to provide independent truckers with a fuel increase.
What will 2005 and the next year bring? I expect the labour climate will heat up a lot. The Liberals can look at this in one of a couple of ways. They can say the heated labour climate is a result of unbalanced labour law or they can legislate workers back to work. These efforts will only serve to heighten tensions in BC and the mood among workers will become angrier.
Could we face a general strike that was so close to happening during the Hospital Employees Union strike? The Liberals have a chance to move back to the centre and prevent this. Do the Liberals want labour peace heading into the Olympics? That is something they cannot count on if they embark on wholesale changes to the labour law or turn to legislating workers back to work.
A clue to the BC Liberals thinking came early this year when the head of the Vancouver Olympic committee mentioned they would be seeking a six-year contract with the union trades that would prevent any strikes or lockouts. A government minister and the non-union trades responded that it wasn't needed. We will see.
Tags: Victoria, BC, Health, Politics, BC Liberals, NDP, Gordon Campbell,Labour, Unions, Right wing, Big Business
The BC Business Council has raised the issue of allowing replacement workers (scabs) during labour disputes on its website. The Council wants the BC Liberal government to revamp labour
laws to permit the use of scabs during a strike or lock out.
Fraser Institute made public a list of changes a re-elected Liberal government needed to make with respect to labour relations in our province. Politics in BC commented on these possible changes on April 15, and that seems to be the end of the discussion as far as the provincial election went.Yesterday, August 2, the BC Business Council added to its website a paper on industrial relates calling for an end to the ban on scabs. The paper entitled, "The Replacement Worker Ban in BC: It's origin and Impact." Research Assistant Aruna Ranganathan prepared the paper for the BC Business Council, relies heavily on the work of Peter Crampton.
Crampton published a report in September 1999 titled "Impacts of Strike Replacement Bans in Canada". The Crampton et al paper concludes,
"In essence, in a typical contract renegotiation in large bargaining units the union stands to gain almost $3 million and the firm stands to lose almost $5 million over the life of the contract if a legislative ban on replacement workers is in place.
The fact that the gain to the union is less than the loss to employers reflects the fact that approximately $2 million of lost wages and output is a real resource cost -- lost from the system as a result of the higher strike incidence and duration.
With such large losses and redistributive effects from one party to the other, associated with almost $8 million being "on the table" in each bargaining round with respect to this issue, it is not surprising that the legislative ban on replacement workers generates such intense controversy."
Not surprisingly, employer groups have fought almost as hard against a ban on replacement workers as they do with certification of unions. One of the few bargaining leverages a union has is the withdrawal of labour. Without that tool an employer can prepare for a strike or lockout and have scabs ready to work. The incentive for an employer to reach an agreement will be removed as they will be able to with good planning continue to operate while the regular workforce in on strike or lockout pay.
The paper argues further that there is no incentive for a union to reach an agreement under the current rules. That would be the case if the union were able to replace the wages of its members for the time they were on strike. That is not the case. A union defense (strike) fund is built up over time and is not something it can readily replenish. The myth around rich unions is just that, a fabrication perpetrated by business interests in the ongoing effort to demonize unions.
Unions were created to protect workers interests much like insurance policies protect us in the event of loss, they are there to assist workers with the administration and an employer's compliance to the rules both have agreed to live by. It really is not unlike many agreements made in business, where one company or individual makes an agreement to do something for someone else.
Big oil companies have franchise agreements with many operators of their service stations. These agreements require the person operating the store to comply with a set of conditions. Those conditions can require an operator to buy a certain product from a specific supplier even when the cost maybe higher than where you can buy it elsewhere or to provide a standard level of service.
Unions are in fact a result of the free market, rather than a hindrance, they are an evolution of that market. No market of course is ever really free, if it were so, we could terminate business contracts whenever we wanted. If someone came along with a better deal, or we just did not like the look of the person supplying the service or product. We also curb the market from complete monopoly in many cases unless there can be demonstrated public benefit from doing so.
Public benefit was the reason for public auto insurance. It was possible to create the conditions for cheaper insurance for people with one entity. We do it in transportation, where we restrict operations on some routes to only certain companies. This is done largely to ensure a needed service can be provided.
Business efforts to end the ban on scabs have more to do with building an advantage for the employer. Both parties in a strike or lockout have financial pressures applied to them. The employer cannot provide the same level of service or product if they have only management and or ownership working and employees lose their income and face a decreased financial resources despite what the Business council wants us to believe, unions can not replace wages to striking or locked-out members.
The change being requested by the BC Business Council is only the beginning of
changes the business community wants implemented. On April 13th the Fraser Institute ran an editorial calling for further changes to the Labour Code in BC. The changes reported here at Politics in BC were not raised during the election other than one question to then Minister of Labour;Graham Bruce from a reporter on the possibility a re-elected Liberal government would end the ban on replacement workers. Bruce waved it off and said the government had no plans to do that. This morning new Labour Minister, Mike De Jong has stated that the government is not planning any changes, it will however listen to those being brought forward by anyone.
This is where the situation has the potential to get ugly. The BC Liberals have run over union rights in BC, making changes to the Labour code, tearing up contracts and preventing unions and employers from signing contracts that prohibit contracting out of services. Where are we headed in BC? I suggest the changes being put up now by the business council are being done to create some semblance of public support for the changes it wants government to make.
The Fraser Institute has a significant list of changes they state are required. From their editorial ...
"Some changes that would improve flexibility and balance include allowing workers a choice as to whether to join and financially support a union; removing the ability of unions to impede investments in new machinery, equipment and technologies; allowing the renegotiation of collective agreements when companies are sold, and permitting the use of replacement workers during strikes."
That is a pretty drastic overhaul of the labour code in BC. Such a change would see further decline of workers salaries, benefits and join BC in the race to the bottom. The changes may entice people to invest in BC but is it required to do this? I suggest it isn't given BC and Canada rate comparably with many of our western trading partners.
The BC Government is facing a large and potentially damaging couple of years ahead of them. Large sectors of workers in BC will be looking for new contracts as old ones expire. After four years of fewer strikes and lockouts, the government will likely not get away so lucky this term.
Government workers have seen lost jobs, reduced job security and wage freezes for the last four years. Health workers saw their wages slashed by 15%, jobs contracted out and job security eliminated. Teachers has their last contract imposed last time out, nurses and doctors want big increases and the lowest paid, those in community services had a 4% cut to wages that were already low and a delayed implementation of a pension plan until 2006.
Today Cominco and Telus workers are on strike, independent truckers in construction stopped working in order to get funds to pay for their increased fuel costs and we have just gone through a lengthy dispute at the Vancouver Port over fuel costs. Despite rising fuel costs companies were not willing to provide independent truckers with a fuel increase.
What will 2005 and the next year bring? I expect the labour climate will heat up a lot. The Liberals can look at this in one of a couple of ways. They can say the heated labour climate is a result of unbalanced labour law or they can legislate workers back to work. These efforts will only serve to heighten tensions in BC and the mood among workers will become angrier.
Could we face a general strike that was so close to happening during the Hospital Employees Union strike? The Liberals have a chance to move back to the centre and prevent this. Do the Liberals want labour peace heading into the Olympics? That is something they cannot count on if they embark on wholesale changes to the labour law or turn to legislating workers back to work.
A clue to the BC Liberals thinking came early this year when the head of the Vancouver Olympic committee mentioned they would be seeking a six-year contract with the union trades that would prevent any strikes or lockouts. A government minister and the non-union trades responded that it wasn't needed. We will see.
Tags: Victoria, BC, Health, Politics, BC Liberals, NDP, Gordon Campbell,Labour, Unions, Right wing, Big Business
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
NOBODY GOT OUT OF JAIL
Update: 4pm August 3, 2005.
A spokesperson for the Marijuna Party states that both Marc and Greg remain in jail at this time. Efforts to secure bail in the complicated fashion required by the courts and outlined in the note below are still being arranged. It appears they have what they need for Marc and are waiting on one more condition to meet that required for Greg.
If you would like to help, contact Kirk Tousaw if you have property in BC, don't have a criminal record and want to be part of the bail. Kirk's email: bcmp2005@yahoo.ca
-----------------
I found this on the web tonight at cannabisculture.com/forums
Marc and Greg remain behind bars. The judge has stated five different property holders have to put up a bond for Greg and Marc requires four. Read this report from someone that was there to help today and left pretty frustrated.
NOBODY GOT OUT OF JAIL
BAIL CONDITIONS BECAME A JOKE
my son and i spent the day at the court house ,emptied our pockets twice to go through the detectores ,80 people separated by half inch glass ,3 plasmas give spectators the veiw but there was marc,greg and later michele in front of us 5 feet away, looking very brave but also very vulnerable
it sounded ok,,,the american counsel says the undercover cop asks marc can i buy 10 pounds of pot ,then tells the judge marc says he doesnt do that ,,,we all got a chuckle out of it .
they gave greg 25,000 bail but had to be 5 guys saying they would sign for 5 grand
marc they ,,gez not they the yawny pudgy bully at the alter decreed that he was to have 4 property bonds at 10 grand each and 10 grand cash
at least it was bail and everyone was relieved ,,,it was short lived,,, after myself and 4 other comrades did the
forms and waited for the process through 2 different justice of the piece it got stupid,,,
now greg needed 5 property owners himself,,,,my son and i left defeated and angry ,gregs woman was devastated,, to be getting him out and then,,, forget it,,,
so there you have it they told me bring in the title to your property what you owe on it and an assessment
they are going to make it as hard as possible ,,
WITH OUT A DOUBT i think the 5 of us stepped up to fast ,,the judge said what he said ,,then changed it. i was there ,,,,,,they knew we would be able to scrap cash,,they were smart with this angle i hope it blows up in their face and people care that they are stuck there for seeds,,whats next bakers that put poppyseed on their buns,,,
so now we are going to find property owners ,,,most in our culture dont own anything or in my case it was stripped away and im doing what i can but,
how about it? is there anyone here that can help we need to get them out so that we all can be safer or we all better stop smoking pot,,,turn off mommy and daddy s computer and forget about really fighting for your rights unless its you they are coming for,,BAD BOY BAD BOY WHATCHAGONA DO WHEN THEY ARE AFTER YOU ,,,,,it seems from reading since my last post that either no one knows what to do or you love seeing your name in print i wont be here until i raise some help or money or get a letter printed in the paper for the hypnotized sheep,,i wish for one big cattle prod oh well im exhausted put off my own problems and im sorry to ramble i just thought you should all know......i think i can find some stock for the store,pipes and grinders that the store can sell this will be my goal now
i sure hope everyone that said they were going to sell an ounce and give it to them or mail money does because it would have broken your heart to see these people today as it did mine.....
Tags: Marijuana, Drugs, Politics, News, Current Affairs, Culture, Weed, POT, Hemp, Canada, USA, Marc Emery, legalize it
A spokesperson for the Marijuna Party states that both Marc and Greg remain in jail at this time. Efforts to secure bail in the complicated fashion required by the courts and outlined in the note below are still being arranged. It appears they have what they need for Marc and are waiting on one more condition to meet that required for Greg.
If you would like to help, contact Kirk Tousaw if you have property in BC, don't have a criminal record and want to be part of the bail. Kirk's email: bcmp2005@yahoo.ca
-----------------
I found this on the web tonight at cannabisculture.com/forums
Marc and Greg remain behind bars. The judge has stated five different property holders have to put up a bond for Greg and Marc requires four. Read this report from someone that was there to help today and left pretty frustrated.
NOBODY GOT OUT OF JAIL
BAIL CONDITIONS BECAME A JOKE
my son and i spent the day at the court house ,emptied our pockets twice to go through the detectores ,80 people separated by half inch glass ,3 plasmas give spectators the veiw but there was marc,greg and later michele in front of us 5 feet away, looking very brave but also very vulnerable
it sounded ok,,,the american counsel says the undercover cop asks marc can i buy 10 pounds of pot ,then tells the judge marc says he doesnt do that ,,,we all got a chuckle out of it .
they gave greg 25,000 bail but had to be 5 guys saying they would sign for 5 grand
marc they ,,gez not they the yawny pudgy bully at the alter decreed that he was to have 4 property bonds at 10 grand each and 10 grand cash
at least it was bail and everyone was relieved ,,,it was short lived,,, after myself and 4 other comrades did the
forms and waited for the process through 2 different justice of the piece it got stupid,,,
now greg needed 5 property owners himself,,,,my son and i left defeated and angry ,gregs woman was devastated,, to be getting him out and then,,, forget it,,,
so there you have it they told me bring in the title to your property what you owe on it and an assessment
they are going to make it as hard as possible ,,
WITH OUT A DOUBT i think the 5 of us stepped up to fast ,,the judge said what he said ,,then changed it. i was there ,,,,,,they knew we would be able to scrap cash,,they were smart with this angle i hope it blows up in their face and people care that they are stuck there for seeds,,whats next bakers that put poppyseed on their buns,,,
so now we are going to find property owners ,,,most in our culture dont own anything or in my case it was stripped away and im doing what i can but,
how about it? is there anyone here that can help we need to get them out so that we all can be safer or we all better stop smoking pot,,,turn off mommy and daddy s computer and forget about really fighting for your rights unless its you they are coming for,,BAD BOY BAD BOY WHATCHAGONA DO WHEN THEY ARE AFTER YOU ,,,,,it seems from reading since my last post that either no one knows what to do or you love seeing your name in print i wont be here until i raise some help or money or get a letter printed in the paper for the hypnotized sheep,,i wish for one big cattle prod oh well im exhausted put off my own problems and im sorry to ramble i just thought you should all know......i think i can find some stock for the store,pipes and grinders that the store can sell this will be my goal now
i sure hope everyone that said they were going to sell an ounce and give it to them or mail money does because it would have broken your heart to see these people today as it did mine.....
Tags: Marijuana, Drugs, Politics, News, Current Affairs, Culture, Weed, POT, Hemp, Canada, USA, Marc Emery, legalize it
Senator Campbell
Senator Campbell, my how far the boy from Saskatchewan has gone ...
Now I like the sound of that. Now before I get hit here, I am all for revamping the Senate. I want it cleaned out an elected Senate put in its place or eleiminated all together. Until then if it is going to be there and I can do little about it, Campbell couldn't be a better choice for the Senate!
I guess I am beginning to fall to thew American activist way of getting things done. The Senate in Canada has been very effective on addressing a number of issues of late. Senator Nolan led a committee on Illgeal Drug use in Canada that toured the country and made a very powerful public document that among other things, supported decriminalization of marijuana, support for safe injection sites and less emphasis on enforcement and more for "four pillars' work.
Senator Campbell said today that he will use his Senate appointment to advance the issues of drug policy he has worked on in Vancouver for several years now and to get a better deal for Canada's cities.
It is ironic or was it planned by those devious Liberals to make the announcement of senate appointments today, in the middle of the Marc Emery bail hearings in Vancouver. They look good in appointing outspoken "pot" critic Larry Campbell to the Senate on the same day the courts are deciding whether to release Emery on bail.
Now I like the sound of that. Now before I get hit here, I am all for revamping the Senate. I want it cleaned out an elected Senate put in its place or eleiminated all together. Until then if it is going to be there and I can do little about it, Campbell couldn't be a better choice for the Senate!
I guess I am beginning to fall to thew American activist way of getting things done. The Senate in Canada has been very effective on addressing a number of issues of late. Senator Nolan led a committee on Illgeal Drug use in Canada that toured the country and made a very powerful public document that among other things, supported decriminalization of marijuana, support for safe injection sites and less emphasis on enforcement and more for "four pillars' work.
Senator Campbell said today that he will use his Senate appointment to advance the issues of drug policy he has worked on in Vancouver for several years now and to get a better deal for Canada's cities.
It is ironic or was it planned by those devious Liberals to make the announcement of senate appointments today, in the middle of the Marc Emery bail hearings in Vancouver. They look good in appointing outspoken "pot" critic Larry Campbell to the Senate on the same day the courts are deciding whether to release Emery on bail.
Bail for Prince of Pot
Emery free on Bail.
BC Supreme court today released Marc Emery on $50,000 bail. The decision was not unexpected by many of us, though the provision of an arrest warrant by another BC Supreme Court justice that led to Emery's arrest was a surprise.
Today Emery is free on bail after being arrested in Halifax by Canadian authorities acting on an American request. Canada's justice system has prevailed in the short term. Emery should never have been arrested in the first place. Canada has long gone away from these arrests yet they acted on this case. The actions of Canadian law enforcement here are suspicious and leads to a potential conspiracy that they did so in order to get Marc Emery, long thought of as a thorn in the side of the same law enforcement bodies.
Fueling the conspiracy argument, "Vancouver Constable Howard Chow told CTV News that Canadian law enforcement was approached by the DEA to aid in the investigation.
See also:
'Prince of Pot' freed on bail
Tags: Marijuana, Drugs, Politics, News, Current Affairs, Culture, Weed, POT, Hemp, Canada, USA, Marc Emery, legalize it
BC Supreme court today released Marc Emery on $50,000 bail. The decision was not unexpected by many of us, though the provision of an arrest warrant by another BC Supreme Court justice that led to Emery's arrest was a surprise.
Today Emery is free on bail after being arrested in Halifax by Canadian authorities acting on an American request. Canada's justice system has prevailed in the short term. Emery should never have been arrested in the first place. Canada has long gone away from these arrests yet they acted on this case. The actions of Canadian law enforcement here are suspicious and leads to a potential conspiracy that they did so in order to get Marc Emery, long thought of as a thorn in the side of the same law enforcement bodies.
Fueling the conspiracy argument, "Vancouver Constable Howard Chow told CTV News that Canadian law enforcement was approached by the DEA to aid in the investigation.
"The DEA came to us about a year ago surrounding Marc Emery and asked for our assistance in the criminal investigation that had to do with trafficking a controlled substance," Chow told CTV.ca News. "It's an ongoing investigation. There may be further charges that come out of this.
Emery's site has been operating for more than five years with no action being taken until today. "It just comes in terms of resources and priority. We get information and we act on it and we deal with it at that time," Chow said. "You can expect that anybody who engages in criminal activity on a high profile, such as Marc Emery does -- you're not going to expect to do it forever before you have to account for your actions." (Thanks to VanRamblings for the link)
See also:
'Prince of Pot' freed on bail
Last updated Aug 2 2005 12:18 PM PDTCBC News
B.C. Marijuana Party president Marc Emery, who faces extradition to the U.S. on drug and money-laundering charges, has been granted bail.and Simon Pole asks, "Where's Cotler?"
"Justice Minister Irwin Cotler has yet to comment on what has become the most high profile national legal case in Canada since the debate around Same Sex Marriage. This time the issue is pot, and the legal status of the sale of marijuana seeds...
...At the present time, it is de facto lawful to sell marijuana seeds in Canada, though the actual written law on the matter is vague (seeds must be "non-viable"). However, the Government of Canada itself, in its actions, seems to have given the okay for the sale of marijuana seeds. Health Canada has apparently been directing medicinal marijuana users to seed-selling websites like the one Mr. Emery runs so they can grow the medicine that alleviates the symptoms of their illness..."
Tags: Marijuana, Drugs, Politics, News, Current Affairs, Culture, Weed, POT, Hemp, Canada, USA, Marc Emery, legalize it
Emery, The Political Prisoner
This is just it, Emery is the latest victim of the American War on Drugs.Fellow blogger, Jason Cherniak has an excellent article on this matter. Check it out. I will be working with others to lobby the Canadian Justice Minister and Members of Parliament in the days ahead. Any ideas you have will be greatly appreciated.
Marc Emery is a political Prisoner
Canada is in the midst of a political debate regarding marijuana. The laws say it is illegal, but practice says that it is not and a majority of the population believe it should not be. We even have a marijuana party in Canada that garners some real sympathy from younger voters. Now, the leader of that party has been arrested. How can he be anything other than a political prisoner? - Jason Cherniak
In another development (put your tongue firmly in cheek)In a surprise announcement today, Canada's Justice Minister Irwin Cotler promised increased co-operation with American authorities to track down and bring to justice Canadian citizens who are, as Cotler described them, "blatantly flouting American law and cowardly hiding behind the technicality that they happen to be Canadian citizens living in Canada while they do it." - Canadian Cynic
Thanks to Noel at http://themcgrans.com/ for the tip in my comments section to Canadian Cynic's comments!
See also: RCMP, an extension of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration?
Can someone lucidly explain to me why the RCMP carried out the arrest of Marc Emery (and 2 others) for selling marijuana seeds? While this act is against the law in the United States, it is 100% LEGAL in Canada. Yes, Marc is one of the world’s biggest dealers of MJ seeds, and yes, he’s been dubbed the Prince of Pot, and yes, most of his internet sales are to the United States, but he isn’t breaking Canadian law. ~ Marmalade.ca
Tags: Marijuana, Drugs, Politics, News, Current Affairs, Culture, Weed, POT, Hemp, Canada, USA, Marc Emery, legalize it
Marc Emery, unlikely poster boy for sovereignty
It's clearly an invasion...
Canadians of many stripes are coming together in condemning the recent arrest of Marc Emery, Canada's self proclaimed "Prince of Pot" and others associated with him as a result of American issued warrants.
The case as we have all read in papers and blogs from coast to coast is one of the American drug war using the Canadian police to bring one of America's most feared individuals to an American court. Canada is a sovereign nation and Emery should therefore face his charges in a Canadian court if he is seen to be breaking laws. As far as I am aware, it is not illegal to sell marijuana seeds in Canada.
There lies the problem. Marc Emery is a tireless crusader for the legal use of pot. He is in our faces, sometimes he inspires the libertarian in us, other times he pisses us off. He has led national and provincial political actions to force the issue onto the political agenda in this country, dragging many along kicking and screaming.
The United States has been trying to influence Canadian drug policy and enforcement for years. That effort has been losing significant ground since the mid 1990's as Canadian groups have moved toward harm reduction models in treating addictions issues and acceptance of medicinal and recreational marijuana use grows.
Today's court hearing in Vancouver involving Marc Emery will set the stage for the next battle in the war on drugs. Will the BC Court hold Emery in custody while the American Drug Czar attempts to extradite Emery to face charges in the United States? I suspect they will release Emery today.
Oddly enough, Emery, who is charged with exporting marijuana seeds to the United States from Canada appears to have broken no Canadian law. One wonders if the Canadian law enforcement branches secretly supported the move by the Americans to do this, considering if the case went to a Canadian Court the results would be much less agreeable to those supporting the failed "War on Drugs".
Pot possession laws in Canada are virtually unenforceablele. I doubt very much that there is a Canadian alive that does not use or know someone that uses pot. The recent efforts to decriminalize popossession though a step in the right direction, actually don't go far enough. Courts in most parts of Canada are not willing to send someone to jail for having a few joints. They are not willing to fine you either.
Not long ago, June 11, Vancouver mayor Larry Campbell attended the annual meeting of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association and said among other things in support of legalization of marijuana ...
"Taxes levied on marijuana sales could add to the resources for treatment. Remember, the B.C. marijuana trade is estimated at $6 billion annually — larger than construction or forestry"
"The conclusion is pretty clear: legal, regulated sale of marijuana may actually produce less consumption..." ~ from Lameville blog.
Along with Emery, Michelle Rainey-Fenkarek and Greg Williams, face U.S. charges of conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, distribute seeds and engage in money laundering.
We hope to have more on this and the court bail hearing later today.
Helpful Links in BC ...
The Little Grow Shop
BC Marijuana Party
Marc Emery seed store
Cannibisculture.com
PotTV
Tags: Marijuana, Drugs, Politics, News, Current Affairs, Culture, Weed, POT, Hemp, Canada, USA, Marc Emery, legalize it
Canadians of many stripes are coming together in condemning the recent arrest of Marc Emery, Canada's self proclaimed "Prince of Pot" and others associated with him as a result of American issued warrants.
The case as we have all read in papers and blogs from coast to coast is one of the American drug war using the Canadian police to bring one of America's most feared individuals to an American court. Canada is a sovereign nation and Emery should therefore face his charges in a Canadian court if he is seen to be breaking laws. As far as I am aware, it is not illegal to sell marijuana seeds in Canada.
There lies the problem. Marc Emery is a tireless crusader for the legal use of pot. He is in our faces, sometimes he inspires the libertarian in us, other times he pisses us off. He has led national and provincial political actions to force the issue onto the political agenda in this country, dragging many along kicking and screaming.
The United States has been trying to influence Canadian drug policy and enforcement for years. That effort has been losing significant ground since the mid 1990's as Canadian groups have moved toward harm reduction models in treating addictions issues and acceptance of medicinal and recreational marijuana use grows.
Today's court hearing in Vancouver involving Marc Emery will set the stage for the next battle in the war on drugs. Will the BC Court hold Emery in custody while the American Drug Czar attempts to extradite Emery to face charges in the United States? I suspect they will release Emery today.
This will lead to a a two or three year legal battle in which Emery will spend a fortune to protect not only himself from extradition to the United States, but also Canadian sovereignty. To allow the Americans to reach out and grab a Canadian citizen in this fashion is an acceptance of American law in Canada.Drug Fact
In 2002, 45.3 percent of the 1,538,813 total arrests for drug abuse violations were for marijuana -- a total of 697,082. Of those, 613,986 people were arrested for marijuana possession alone. This is a slight decrease from 2000, when a total of 734,497 Americans were arrested for marijuana offenses, of which 646,042 were for possession alone. - Drug Sense.org
Apples - Why Emery's Extradition is Political
"Propose for a moment that apples were illegal in the United States. (Which, if Carrie Nation hadhadd her way they would have been - apples lead to cider which leads to apple jack.) Propose further that an evil doer in Canada shipped apple seeds to America. Now propose that the Americans wanted to extradite the evil doer to face 20 years to life in prison. Do you think it would be a good idea for the Canadian government to help?"
Oddly enough, Emery, who is charged with exporting marijuana seeds to the United States from Canada appears to have broken no Canadian law. One wonders if the Canadian law enforcement branches secretly supported the move by the Americans to do this, considering if the case went to a Canadian Court the results would be much less agreeable to those supporting the failed "War on Drugs".
Pot possession laws in Canada are virtually unenforceablele. I doubt very much that there is a Canadian alive that does not use or know someone that uses pot. The recent efforts to decriminalize popossession though a step in the right direction, actually don't go far enough. Courts in most parts of Canada are not willing to send someone to jail for having a few joints. They are not willing to fine you either.
Not long ago, June 11, Vancouver mayor Larry Campbell attended the annual meeting of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association and said among other things in support of legalization of marijuana ...
"Taxes levied on marijuana sales could add to the resources for treatment. Remember, the B.C. marijuana trade is estimated at $6 billion annually — larger than construction or forestry"
"The conclusion is pretty clear: legal, regulated sale of marijuana may actually produce less consumption..." ~ from Lameville blog.
Along with Emery, Michelle Rainey-Fenkarek and Greg Williams, face U.S. charges of conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, distribute seeds and engage in money laundering.
We hope to have more on this and the court bail hearing later today.
Helpful Links in BC ...
The Little Grow Shop
BC Marijuana Party
Marc Emery seed store
Cannibisculture.com
PotTV
Tags: Marijuana, Drugs, Politics, News, Current Affairs, Culture, Weed, POT, Hemp, Canada, USA, Marc Emery, legalize it
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Christian Right and it's "invasion from America".
Saturday's Vancouver Sun has four full pages on the Christian Right in Canada and it's "Invasion from America". I am at Jazz festival in Kaslo BC so can't comment until I return to Kelowna Tuesday. The paper coverage relays a great deal of information on the American movement's influence in Canada and ties to White Supremist groups like David Duke and the KKK.
Enjoy the long weekend folks, I am off to the Jazz festival grounds for another hot day by the Lake and Nelson Brew.
~~~~~~~~
Enter the evangelicals American evangelist Stephen Bennett declares he's willing to endure "persecution" in Canada to preach his message that homosexual...
Differences between Americans and Canadians on religion, politics and morality Percentage of countries' population who claim 'my religious faith is very important to me':
Page c03Warning: 'Radical homosexuals' WASHINGTON - Canada's decision to legalize gay marriage is a loud warning to Americans about the dangerous plans of radical homosexuals...
Page c04Religious right uses its clout Social conservative activist K-John Cheung warns that Canadians may soon be unable to speak out against people having sex with...
For more information on social conservatives, Stephen Harper, gay, same-sex or equal marriage, James Dobson, evangelicals, Focus on the Family, Bishop Henry, use the Technorati search box in the side bar here and at Queer Thoughts.
Tags: Catholic, Canada, Marriage equality, marriage, NDP, Gay, Gay Marriage, Christian, James Dobson, Stephen Harper, Conservative Party of Canada, Politics, Evangelical, hate
Enjoy the long weekend folks, I am off to the Jazz festival grounds for another hot day by the Lake and Nelson Brew.
~~~~~~~~
Enter the evangelicals American evangelist Stephen Bennett declares he's willing to endure "persecution" in Canada to preach his message that homosexual...
Differences between Americans and Canadians on religion, politics and morality Percentage of countries' population who claim 'my religious faith is very important to me':
Page c03Warning: 'Radical homosexuals' WASHINGTON - Canada's decision to legalize gay marriage is a loud warning to Americans about the dangerous plans of radical homosexuals...
Page c04Religious right uses its clout Social conservative activist K-John Cheung warns that Canadians may soon be unable to speak out against people having sex with...
For more information on social conservatives, Stephen Harper, gay, same-sex or equal marriage, James Dobson, evangelicals, Focus on the Family, Bishop Henry, use the Technorati search box in the side bar here and at Queer Thoughts.
Tags: Catholic, Canada, Marriage equality, marriage, NDP, Gay, Gay Marriage, Christian, James Dobson, Stephen Harper, Conservative Party of Canada, Politics, Evangelical, hate
Friday, July 29, 2005
Jack Layton on the rise
"New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jack Layton is the best-rated federal political leader. 57 per cent of respondents approve of Layton's performance, a five per cent increase in six months. Conservative leader Stephen Harper holds the lowest number at 33 per cent, a nine per cent drop since January." ~ Angus Reid Global Scan, July 29, 2005
Jack Layton is steadily making himself known to Canadians and the more people hear of him, see him, the higher his personal approval ratings go.
The dilemma for the NDP now appears to be translating that personal popularity and approval to candidates in the next federal election.
There is no question the NDP campaign will be run based on with Jack's face front and centre, especially given his personal credibility. When Layton won the leadership in 2003, he said the party needed to focus on three or four issues. To get a message out to Canadians that was understandable and achievable. He well on the way.
The federal NDP has managed to stay focused. The long held bugaboo of the NDP has been the last week of the campaign scare tactics of the Liberals where the liberals run more against Conservatives leaders like Preston Manning, Stockwell Day and Stephen Harper than for something.
The NDP's job next time out to push back on that message of fear and give Canadians a message of hope and a vision. Jack's on the right track. Imagine when you heard either Stephen Harper or Paul Martin say anything that lifted your spirits or planned for the future.
The NDP have been the one party that has listened to Canadians and made Parliament work despite all the games being played by the Liberals and Conservatives.
Don't take my word for this, here are some quotes from media on Jack ...
“NDP leader Jack Layton is the only leader to emerge unequivocally from the tumult with an enhanced reputation and improved electoral prospects. Layton made a conscious effort to rise above the mudslinging and demonstrate a more civil, constructive approach to minority government. In the process, he gave the party with the smallest numbers in the Commons new clout and relevance, forcing Martin to add $4.6 billion in social spending to his budget in return for support from the 19 NDP MPs.” Canadian Press, 19 May 2005
“While the Conservatives and Liberals disgrace the House with juvenile antics, Layton's team doggedly pushes to get work done. Layton is wisely shifting away from radical stunting to pragmatic solutions, most importantly within a balanced budget . . . For that pressure to continue, Layton's New Democrats need 98 seats and the official Opposition title. They've earned it.” Jim McNulty, The Vancouver Province, 12 June 2005
“The only A’s in this Parliament go to New Democratic Party Leader Jack Layton . . .” Hugh Windsor, Globe and Mail 27 June 2005
“The Jack Layton budget deal [was the best political move] . . . First of all, it put them very decidedly on the map politically. He’s gone up in the polls since then. He appears as a player because of it. He's got some -- he can keep some distance between himself and the Liberals at the same time with the scandal issue. He’s been able to walk a very interesting tightrope there. I think it's worked out very well for him and his party.” Andrew Coyne, CBC The National, 23 June 2005
Tags: NDP, Canada, Politics, Leadership, Jack Layton
Rick's Jazzed up Kaslo adventure
I will be gone for a few days. Off to the KASLO JAZZ ETC. SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL. This is one of the most beautiful and superb places to attend a Jazz festival. The floating stage sits just offshore on the shores of Kootenay Lake.
Kaslo is a great place in the west Kootenay's north and west of one of my favourite communities, Nelson. The perfect escape for a long weekend, though I will be missing the Vancouver Pride events. Next year perhaps Pride, unless Jonny Lang turns up at Kaslo!
The weather is expected to be sunny, warm and if we are lucky no clouds. I will post my own pictures of the event when I get back, I expect sometime on Monday provided I can tear myself away from this fabulous place and people. I hope to run into Corky Evans, the MLA for the area. We share the same passion for politics, and Corky is one heck of a nice guy.
This year the Main Stage Acts: Colin Linden Ernie Watts & New Stories Jesse Cook La Candela Laila Biali Paul Peress Trio Rabnett 5 Sekoya What It Is and then we have the Up Stage Acts: Coils of Gold Eh Trane Ellen McIlwaine Flora Ware Lazy Poker My Attorney Bernie Paul & Laura Landsberg Playmore Dixie
The Tuques
I am most excited about the acts I have highlighted here, though I will enjoy them all. I saw Jesse Cook last year in Victoria thanks to a dear friend I miss. I will be meeting up with good friends and staying within a short walk of the festival site, so life should be easy.
The Cuban bands La Candela and Rabnett 5 look to be fun. Now I won't be able to indulge in my Kokanee beer as the event is sponsored in part by Nelson Brewing. They have been around for a 100 years or more and make pretty good stuff. I will let you know how it went.
Colin Linden rounds out a pretty darn impressive group of performers. I am ready to be surprised by the rest.
So until Monday, unless I get something off before I leave, enjoy your long weekend, drive "like someone loves you!"
tags: Kaslo, Jazz, Festival, Nelson, BC, Blues
Thursday, July 28, 2005
CanWest takes Swerve at Gay Paper
A battle is brewing in the home town of Canwest and a small but venerable gay community paper in Winnipeg. Swerve has been serving the queer population of Manitoba and the prairies for many years. CanWest a Canadian owned media conglomerate has named its new free daily paper in Calgary Swerve.
The small local queer paper has a press run of 5,500 per month, an annual budget of $90,000 and finds it up against the biggest of the big in Canada. Swerve has stated on their website that they have been trying to get a hold of the Asper family (Winnipeg is their home), to discuss this but to no avail.
They have had contact with CanWest over the matter. A fax sent to Swerve by Canwest apparently offering a couple of possible solutions. One involves money and the other is to share the name. Swerve has used the name for years but never proceeded to get a trademark due to the cost. "
"We have used the name for 10 years in good faith and have established a history of goodwill. And we don't want to give that up," Richard Wood told the Winnipeg Sun. "We don't think because they have money and we don't that that should determine the outcome."
At issue is CanWest's Calgary paper, The Herald introducing their new paper as Swerve. This action is forcing the Winnipeg group to court to protect their use of the name Swerve and their identity. Swerve has until August 8, 2005 to file an opposition to CanWest's use of the name to protect themselves. The end result could be a long, expensive and nasty fight.
It is somewhat ironic that the Asper family, behind the creation of the brand new Canadian Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg, something that many of us support, is using its huge financial advantage and well-stocked law firm to take on the little guy.
The community should come together and support Swerve and there are some ways you can do that listed below. The Aspers and CanWest Global cannot be allowed to use their power and wealth to tramp on the rights of a small but important community service.
Read this great story by Elanor Brown of the blog, "Opinionated Lesbian" on this David and Goliath story.
See what Antonia Zerbisias, the media watcher from the the centre of the universe, Toronto Star says ... Swerve-on-Swerve.
Support Swerve: If you'd like to send a letter of support, email Swerve at swervemedia@mts.net. They will be posting some on their site over the coming days.
You can of course also send an email direct to CanWest's Calgary paper, and let them know what you think. Email that other magazine in Calgary and let them know you prefer the original Swerve magazine in Winnipeg. sending a copy of your email to Swerve will help.
Finally if you would like, you can send an email to the finance and chief financial officer of CanWest, John Maguire.
For more queer news check out my other blog, Queer Thoughts.Canwest, Gay, Media, Canada, Winnipeg, Calgary, Queer, GLBT, Human Rights,
Kelowna Council second rate
Kelowna
Most of you from outside this area likely have a picture of what our community looks like and what it is. I suspect you think of this being a beautiful warm oasis, great wine, expensive homes and beaches.
You would be partially right. We have a ton of millionaires here, developers by the score, and some of the most beautiful countryside there is.
We also have traffic nightmares, second rate transit, growing homeless numbers and housing that is pricing many who live here out of the hope of ever owning their own home.
The average home is about $300,000. What with Kelowna's commerce delivering jobs at $10.00 per hour, the sunshine tax (Many employers here feel that the bonus is living here so don't expect overtime), how is a young family to own a home. It won't be happening in our city unless we get the city council to start finding ways to develop housing that is affordable, in the $100,000 range.
We have two big problems with respect to housing in our city. One the growing number of homeless, some of whom are holding down one or two jobs, but can not afford a place, those unemployed and those dealing with drug addictions, many of whom have mental health issues as well.
Concurrent disorders (usually drug addiction with one or more mental health problems) present themselves with no solutions. The City has all but ignored social issues for years now. They have no effective means in place to address the issues nor do they seem to want to address these problems. The current Mayor in the past has been known to say the social issues are the responsibility of the provincial and federal governments and Kelowna city council should stick to the issues like water, sewer and allowing development.
The Kelowna Gospel Mission serves many of the homeless downtown. Their facility is old, outdated and too small for the needs they have to address. Just prior to the provincial election, the Province announced $5 million for a new facility. Now months after the election we are hearing that it could be up to two or more years before that money is spent on a facility. The City has no idea where it should be constructed, the Mission has no idea what should be built and the homeless continue to grow.
Aside from the major drug and homeless situation, we have traffic and transit nightmares created by the lack of planning. Highway 97 runs right through the centre of Kelowna. All traffic is funneled over the old three lane floating bridge into our city.
The plans for a new bridge will not really improve things. The new bridge will have
five lanes. These lanes will simply bring more cars into the centre of the city again. It does nothing to alleviate the traffic snarls downtown. It slows down those people just wanting to make their way through and ticks off those of us that have to deal with "rush hour".
The bridge should have become part of a bypass route, bring the traffic from the westside across the lake to the north of the city. This would have allowed those that want to come to our city easy access and and those just going through to go on by. It seems this option was not available due to the leaders in commerce belief that if we don't corral those on highway 97 into our city they won't come here.
If you ride a bicycle in this city you can count on several near accidents in the course of your journey. The current bicycle lanes are incomplete, fail to meet up with others and often ignored by motorists. To add an insult to this the new bridge will have only one lane for bicycles, which will have two way cycle traffic and pedestrians, and the odd service vehicle. Another example of poor planning and the creation of further aggravation and accidents.
Finally there is one more serious concern. Transit. We have not bad transit in some areas of the city and others it is a down right disgrace. Imagine allowing developers to build then we don't provide or plan for transit to service the area. Kelowna is looking more and more like the urban sprawl we associate with California. You need a car to get around in this city.
More soon on the City of Kelowna's Official Community plan in a future post. It may surprise people to know we have one, what won't surprise many is that developers get variances for nothing. (note: Not all developers are bad, after all they have the blessing of our City Council)
There will be an election this fall for city council. We need a council with a vision and people to work at the job. In 21 years we have only seen on incumbent defeated. This year we have three and maybe four vacancies to fill.
The chance to elect some people that have an ability to see into the future, that will address sustainable growth, address transportation with a long term planning, and find a way to house some 5000 homeless and underhoused families. I hope we some good people come forward of any political stripe, lets just get some reasonable folks that care about our city and are not held by the development business.
Most of you from outside this area likely have a picture of what our community looks like and what it is. I suspect you think of this being a beautiful warm oasis, great wine, expensive homes and beaches.
You would be partially right. We have a ton of millionaires here, developers by the score, and some of the most beautiful countryside there is.
We also have traffic nightmares, second rate transit, growing homeless numbers and housing that is pricing many who live here out of the hope of ever owning their own home.
The average home is about $300,000. What with Kelowna's commerce delivering jobs at $10.00 per hour, the sunshine tax (Many employers here feel that the bonus is living here so don't expect overtime), how is a young family to own a home. It won't be happening in our city unless we get the city council to start finding ways to develop housing that is affordable, in the $100,000 range.
We have two big problems with respect to housing in our city. One the growing number of homeless, some of whom are holding down one or two jobs, but can not afford a place, those unemployed and those dealing with drug addictions, many of whom have mental health issues as well.
Concurrent disorders (usually drug addiction with one or more mental health problems) present themselves with no solutions. The City has all but ignored social issues for years now. They have no effective means in place to address the issues nor do they seem to want to address these problems. The current Mayor in the past has been known to say the social issues are the responsibility of the provincial and federal governments and Kelowna city council should stick to the issues like water, sewer and allowing development.
The Kelowna Gospel Mission serves many of the homeless downtown. Their facility is old, outdated and too small for the needs they have to address. Just prior to the provincial election, the Province announced $5 million for a new facility. Now months after the election we are hearing that it could be up to two or more years before that money is spent on a facility. The City has no idea where it should be constructed, the Mission has no idea what should be built and the homeless continue to grow.
Aside from the major drug and homeless situation, we have traffic and transit nightmares created by the lack of planning. Highway 97 runs right through the centre of Kelowna. All traffic is funneled over the old three lane floating bridge into our city.
The plans for a new bridge will not really improve things. The new bridge will have
five lanes. These lanes will simply bring more cars into the centre of the city again. It does nothing to alleviate the traffic snarls downtown. It slows down those people just wanting to make their way through and ticks off those of us that have to deal with "rush hour".The bridge should have become part of a bypass route, bring the traffic from the westside across the lake to the north of the city. This would have allowed those that want to come to our city easy access and and those just going through to go on by. It seems this option was not available due to the leaders in commerce belief that if we don't corral those on highway 97 into our city they won't come here.
If you ride a bicycle in this city you can count on several near accidents in the course of your journey. The current bicycle lanes are incomplete, fail to meet up with others and often ignored by motorists. To add an insult to this the new bridge will have only one lane for bicycles, which will have two way cycle traffic and pedestrians, and the odd service vehicle. Another example of poor planning and the creation of further aggravation and accidents.
Finally there is one more serious concern. Transit. We have not bad transit in some areas of the city and others it is a down right disgrace. Imagine allowing developers to build then we don't provide or plan for transit to service the area. Kelowna is looking more and more like the urban sprawl we associate with California. You need a car to get around in this city.
More soon on the City of Kelowna's Official Community plan in a future post. It may surprise people to know we have one, what won't surprise many is that developers get variances for nothing. (note: Not all developers are bad, after all they have the blessing of our City Council)
There will be an election this fall for city council. We need a council with a vision and people to work at the job. In 21 years we have only seen on incumbent defeated. This year we have three and maybe four vacancies to fill.
The chance to elect some people that have an ability to see into the future, that will address sustainable growth, address transportation with a long term planning, and find a way to house some 5000 homeless and underhoused families. I hope we some good people come forward of any political stripe, lets just get some reasonable folks that care about our city and are not held by the development business.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Blogger beats Victoria Media to Transformation
Victoria political columnist Russ Francis of Monday Magazine picked up a story today that Politics in BC did on July 25, Mayor's Transformation of Victoria. I am somewhat flattered in that we got it out before Victoria's premier print columnist. Blogging can be fun. You don't think he might read my blog? Now that would be awesome!
Here is Russ Francis' story in Monday Magazine... Politics in BC story is here.
Despite suggestions made previously in this space, mayor Alan Lowe is far from universally unpopular. Last month, in fact, he won a standing ovation…though surprisingly, it wasn’t for his arena success story. The event was a June 12 gathering at Quadra Street’s Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church, which, according to an account in Sunday Magazine (no relation), more than 800 people attended.
Pastors and others have been meeting weekly for the last seven years, says the report, “praying for Victoria.” (Not to much avail, apparently, even after more than 350 meetings.) However, based on the atmosphere at last month’s meeting, the expectancy for a “move of God” on Vancouver Island is “strong than ever.” When the move happens, expect a “transformation” of the Island. Reportedly, some 400 communities around the world are currently undergoing such a transformation. I’ll be the first to admit that we could use a transformation or two, not least at city hall. Bring it on!
It was precisely this gathering that awarded Lowe the standing ovation, says the report. Then, after Lowe greeted the multitudes, a number of pastors surrounded Lowe and his wife, and prayed for them. Not sure how the prayers went. It might have been: “Dear God, please let the arena be done by the time of the municipal election.” Or: “Yo. Please don’t let the business community run anyone against him this November.” But not all the prayers could have been welcomed by Lowe. For instance, one pastor prayed, apparently aloud, that “God would close doors of activity that are not consistent with His purpose…” That should mean the end of the city’s take from bars. And forget any chance of a casino. Also, would God be very happy about a city contractor who’s facing a baker’s dozen of liens, who’s missed deadline after deadline and who’s repeatedly broken his written promises to the city?
I very much suspect that the barn door of activity at Blanshard and Caledonia would be near the top of the “inconsistent” list for closing. However, the highlight of the event took place toward the end, when Lowe “committed and gave the city of Victoria to God.” He did? The whole thing? Without asking us? That raises some serious questions. Did God even want Victoria? Can we get it back? If He’s now the owner, is He going to pay our property taxes? And do we get a tax credit?
Even that wasn’t the last of the evening’s bombshells. Lowe also “asked God to be a permanent resident of Victoria.” Transformation expert Alistair Petrie told the crowd that in all the cities he has visited for his mission, Lowe was the first Canadian mayor to “consecrate and commit a city to the Lord.” Well, I suppose if He owns the place now. He might as well live here (I’m assuming He can get a visa.) With a little persuasion, He might be persuaded to fix the potholes. Of course, CUPE wouldn’t like that very much.
Here is Russ Francis' story in Monday Magazine... Politics in BC story is here.
Despite suggestions made previously in this space, mayor Alan Lowe is far from universally unpopular. Last month, in fact, he won a standing ovation…though surprisingly, it wasn’t for his arena success story. The event was a June 12 gathering at Quadra Street’s Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church, which, according to an account in Sunday Magazine (no relation), more than 800 people attended.
Pastors and others have been meeting weekly for the last seven years, says the report, “praying for Victoria.” (Not to much avail, apparently, even after more than 350 meetings.) However, based on the atmosphere at last month’s meeting, the expectancy for a “move of God” on Vancouver Island is “strong than ever.” When the move happens, expect a “transformation” of the Island. Reportedly, some 400 communities around the world are currently undergoing such a transformation. I’ll be the first to admit that we could use a transformation or two, not least at city hall. Bring it on!
It was precisely this gathering that awarded Lowe the standing ovation, says the report. Then, after Lowe greeted the multitudes, a number of pastors surrounded Lowe and his wife, and prayed for them. Not sure how the prayers went. It might have been: “Dear God, please let the arena be done by the time of the municipal election.” Or: “Yo. Please don’t let the business community run anyone against him this November.” But not all the prayers could have been welcomed by Lowe. For instance, one pastor prayed, apparently aloud, that “God would close doors of activity that are not consistent with His purpose…” That should mean the end of the city’s take from bars. And forget any chance of a casino. Also, would God be very happy about a city contractor who’s facing a baker’s dozen of liens, who’s missed deadline after deadline and who’s repeatedly broken his written promises to the city?
I very much suspect that the barn door of activity at Blanshard and Caledonia would be near the top of the “inconsistent” list for closing. However, the highlight of the event took place toward the end, when Lowe “committed and gave the city of Victoria to God.” He did? The whole thing? Without asking us? That raises some serious questions. Did God even want Victoria? Can we get it back? If He’s now the owner, is He going to pay our property taxes? And do we get a tax credit?
Even that wasn’t the last of the evening’s bombshells. Lowe also “asked God to be a permanent resident of Victoria.” Transformation expert Alistair Petrie told the crowd that in all the cities he has visited for his mission, Lowe was the first Canadian mayor to “consecrate and commit a city to the Lord.” Well, I suppose if He owns the place now. He might as well live here (I’m assuming He can get a visa.) With a little persuasion, He might be persuaded to fix the potholes. Of course, CUPE wouldn’t like that very much.
Re-enact Ferry Accident in Horseshoe Bay!
BC Ferries has never been so much fun
Try out this game...
Re:enact the Queen of Oak Bay crashing into other boats in Horseshoe Bay! Safer than the real thing! No one gets hurt and no animal died in the creation of this game, or so I have been told.
You can of course check out the real deal here Not all BC Ferries cruising the Straits.
Thanks to my buddy in Victoria for the link!
BC Ferries, Victoria, Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver,
Try out this game...
Re:enact the Queen of Oak Bay crashing into other boats in Horseshoe Bay! Safer than the real thing! No one gets hurt and no animal died in the creation of this game, or so I have been told.
You can of course check out the real deal here Not all BC Ferries cruising the Straits.
Thanks to my buddy in Victoria for the link!
BC Ferries, Victoria, Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver,
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