SCC Green Gazette
August 2005
Sierra Club of Canada's monthly news update from the National Office,
Chapters and Groups
National Office
Atlantic Canada Chapter
Prairie Chapter
BC Chapter
Sierra Youth Coalition
Support SCC
Support Sierra Club of Canada online
You can make a donation to the Sierra Club of Canada through our secure website. You can target your donation to our national work, to a specific chapter or to the Sierra Youth Coalition. http://www.sierraclub.ca/join
NATIONAL OFFICE
BACK
3rd Annual Membership Drive - MUCHMEMBERS 2005
Our third annual membership drive - MUCHMEMBERS 2005 - began on June 1 and will run through to October 31 2005 (all entries must be postmarked no later than the 31st October 2005 to qualify).
Memberships received between these dates may benefit your Local Group and/or Chapter with cash prizes totalling $3,500. The prizes will be distributed as follows: $1,500 for the winning group and $1,000 for the winning group's Chapter; and $500 for the largest % group growth with $500 going to the % growth winning Chapter.
Winners are based on total new members joining, and percentage of membership growth (an incentive for smaller and rural groups). Winners will be announced in mid-November. Please feel free to call us at 1-888-810-4204 if you wish any further information.
http://www.sierraclub.ca/national/getinvolved/membership-drive-2005.html
MUCHMEMBERS 2005 STANDINGS
Here are the Local Groups standings for new members joined since the 1st of June 2005:
Ottawa Group: 11, Victoria Group: 9, Lower Mainland: 8, Ron Burchell: 6, Quebec Group: 5, Chinook Group: 4, Quadra Group: 3, Peel Group: 2, Mud Creek: 1, Malaspina: 1
Here are the Local Groups standings based on perentage of membership growth since the 1st of June 2005:
Quadra Group: 7.14%, Ottawa Group: 4.49%, Peel Group: 4.35%, Malaspina: 3.44%, Lower Mainland: 3.33%, Victoria Group: 2.87%, Quebec Group: 2.55%, Chinook Group: 2.11%, Mud Creek: 1.69%, Ron Burchell: 1.67%
Congratulations on your efforts so far! Theres still lots of time to increase your membership numbers. Every new membership brought in between the 1st of June to the 31st of October 2005 will qualify your Local Group and Chapter in a chance to win fabulous cash prizes. For more information please visit our website at http://www.sierraclub.ca and click on the Membership Drive icon or call us at 1-888-810-4204.
SCC Membership Fact
Over 90% of Sierra Club of Canada members believe that they are kept "well-informed" about SCC and environmental issues. While Green Gazette plays a strong role in this, SCAN(Sierra Club Activist News) is cited by members as our 'most-read' publication.
Goodbye to good friends
Sadly, SCC is saying "Goodbye" in July to four staff members and interns. They are:
Kate Charuk, who has served as the National Director of the Sierra Youth Coalition for the past year.
Interns Kate Lane and Jeevan Mykoo. And SCC's Communications Coordinator, Andrew Dumbrille.
We wish all of you the best. Please stay in touch!
Special meeting with US Club
Over 100 representatives of the Canadian and US Sierra Clubs met recently in Nova Scotia. This was a rare opportunity to discuss progress on various campaigns, share strategies and discuss environmental issues of mutual concern. One of the highlights of the meeting was a visit to Digby Neck Quarry, where delegates met with and were entertained by a special grassroots group of activists fighting the development of the Digby Neck
basalt quarry.
Annual General Meeting
While in Nova Scotia, the SCC Board conducted its Annual General Meeting and reported on a successful year of campaigns. The Board of Directors said goodbye and extended sincere thanks to three outgoing Board members: Clotilda Yakimchuck, Barb Kinnie and Rosa Kouri. Awards were also presented to key volunteers and staff. There will be details of these awards in the next issue of Green Gazette.
Sign up for Action Alerts!
The purpose of the list is to broadcast Sierra Club of Canada national environmental campaign information, such as campaign updates, alerts and press releases to members and friends of the Sierra Club of Canada.
Anyone may subscribe to this list and receive messages, but only the editors of this list may post messages.
To subscribe and unsubscribe:
http://www.sierraclub.ca/mailman/listinfo/scc-issue-alerts/
Elizabeth May Speaks...
Soil and Water Conservation Society,
2005 Annual Conference, July 30-August 4,
Hyatt Regency and Riverside Convention Center, Rochester, NY
Plenary Session
Tuesday, August 2, 8:30 am - 10:00 am
A panel discussion of water uses in the Great Lakes. Recently, the eight states and two provinces, which border the lakes and the St. Lawrence River, have become concerned about the extent of consumptive uses and diversions. They negotiated a Great Lakes Charter and Annex and subsequent Agreements(2004). The panel of speakers will explore the complex bi-national issues involved.
More information can be found at:
http://www.swcs.org/en/swcs_international_conference/
Sierra Club of Canada Releases ŒA CITIZEN"S PRIMER TO PROTECT THE GREAT LAKES
DEADLINE for comments is AUGUST 29th.
Monday, July 11, 2005(Ottawa) The Sierra Club of Canada released ŒA Citizens Primer to Protect the Great Lakes. The goal of the primer is to assist the citizens of the Great Lakes Basin, in making their voices heard.
Please submit your concerns based on our Primer: http://www.sierraclub.ca/national/media/item.shtml?x=855
U.S. and Canadian Sierra Clubs to meet in Nova Scotia
Wednesday, July 13, 2005 (White Point Beach) The Sierra Club (U.S.) and the Sierra Club of Canada are meeting jointly for the first time this week on Nova Scotias South Shore.
http://www.sierraclub.ca/national/media/item.shtml?x=856
Fort vent de manifestants sur la plus grande riviè re vierge du Québec
MONTRÉAL, LE 21 JUILLET 2005- Citoyens, entreprises de plein air, groupes environnementaux et adolescents conscientisés joignent leurs forces pour dénoncer, pagaie en main, le projet de dérivation de la riviè re Rupert prévu pour 2006 par Hydro-Québec. Six descentes de protestation auront lieu de la mi-juillet à la mi-septembre sur cette immense riviè re vierge, accessible par la route, au sud de la Baie James.
http://www.sierraclub.ca/national/media/item.shtml?x=859
Winds of protest blow on Québecés largest untouched river system
MONTREAL, JULY 21st, 2005- Citizens, outdoor recreation companies, environmental groups and some highly aware teenagers are joining forces to denounce, paddle in hand, Hydro-Québecés project to divert the Rupert River planned for 2006. Six protest canoe trips will take place from mid-July to mid-September on this immense virgin river, accessible by road to the south of James Bay.
http://www.sierraclub.ca/national/media/item.shtml?x=858
Forest and Biodiversity
Make August Arctic action month
There are many things you can do this month (and into September) to raise your voice against drilling in Alaskas Arctic Refuge. Here are just a few:
1. E-mail PM Paul Martin and demand that the Government of Canada voice its position on protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and in particular, the Porcupine caribou herd>s calving grounds. (http://www.sierraclub.ca/national/programs/biodiversity/
wilderness/campaign.shtml?x=860#letter - sample letter)
2. Visit http://www.donotdrill.ca and check out the Public Service Announcements that will be shown on Canadian TV stations throughout the summer, and sign the petition (already exceeding 20,000 names!)
3. Hold a screening of the documentary Being Caribou (http://www.beingcaribou.com/).
4. Read more about the campaign on the Sierra Club of Canada website http://www.sierraclub.ca/national/programs/biodiversity/wilderness/
campaign.shtml?x=860 or visit Caribou Commons http://www.cariboucommons.com
5. Wear a Green Bracelet or Ribbon this summer to show your support for Americans working to protect of the Arctic Refuge. Visit: http://www.arcticribbon.org
6. Visiting the US this August? Check out the American http://www.ArcticRefugeAction.org campaign to see if you can attend any of their events. Also check out their back grounders, action alerts, and US media.
Atmosphere and Energy
Mackenzie Gas Project Hearings Loom
Public hearings for the Mackenzie Gas Project could commence as early as mid-October. On July 18, 2005, the Joint Review Panel determined that there is sufficient information to proceed to public hearings, so long as the proponents file certain additional information. Sierra Club of Canada, Nature Canada, Ecology North and other environmental groups participated in a conference in Yellowknife in late June argued that more information was needed from the proponents before hearings should be scheduled.
Hearings of the National Energy Board on the Mackenzie Gas Project could also commence by late autumn.
http://www.mackenziewild.ca
Feds make positive move to phase out nuclear power
Friday, July 15, 2005, Ottawa > Sierra Club of Canada congratulates Minister Andy Scott and Prime Minister Paul Martin for deciding to put Canada and New Brunswick on the road to phasing out nuclear power. By rejecting New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lords demand for a federal subsidy to support the 1.4 billion dollar refurbishment plan of the ailing Point Lepreau nuclear station, the federal government has set the tone for a Canadian energy future of efficiency and investment in renewable energy.
http://www.sierraclub.ca/national/media/item.shtml?x=857
New Brunswick takes Unsustainable Energy Path
Friday, July 29, 2005 (Ottawa) The province of New Brunswick, has squandered a historic opportunity to put itself on a path to sustainable energy and has insured the indebtedness of new Brunswickers for generations to come.
http://www.sierraclub.ca/national/media/item.shtml?x=862
Feedback requested on High-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization, a nuclear industry supported body, has released a set of draft recommendations on the disposition of high-level radioactive waste. Sierra Club of Canada and others have identified critical weaknesses in the draft report. The public has until August 31, 2005 to respond. Read our action alert and backgrounder to find out what you can do:
www.sierraclub.ca/national/programs/atmosphere-energy
/nuclear-free/reactors/high-level-waste.shtml
Sierra Club of Canada Foundation
Did you know?
Sierra Club of Canada Foundation formally adopted the Ethical Fundraising and Accountability Code of the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy (now Imagine Canada) as its policy in September 2004.
Find out more about what this means for you at ethical_fundraising_code_one
Why should you make a donation to Sierra Club of Canada Foundation?
Your donations will support the charitable work of the Sierra Club of Canada, the most effective environmental group in the country and you'll get a tax receipt. Find out more at http://www.sierraclub.ca/foundation/support/why/index.html
Make an online, tax receiptable donation through our secure, non-profit donation provider, canadahelps.org.
Click here http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=s28056
CHAPTERS
ATLANTIC CANADA CHAPTER
BACK
GOOD NEWS - NO FEDERAL FUNDING FOR LEPREAU
The federal government recently announced they will not provide funding for New Brunswick to refurbish the aging nuclear power plant, Point Lepreau. Please send thanks to the federal politicians who have made this good decision. Also please tell NB Premier Bernard Lord that Lepreau is not an option for energy production. It's not too late to change Premier Lord's decision to re-tube Point Lepreau!
Please send thanks to:
The Prime Minister's office : 613-992-4211, pm@pm.gc.ca. Email Andy Scott in Ottawa: 613.992-4210, Fax: 613.941-6900 or email: scotta@parl.gc.ca
Please voice concerns to:
Bernard Lord - Constituency office: 506.869-6776 and FAX: 869-6808, email: Bernard.Lord@gnb.ca
NEW BRUNSWICK CROWN LANDS
New Brunswick Minister of Natural Resources, Keith Ashfield, has been criticized by industry for his position on Crown Lands. Min. Ashfield>s position is largely based on feedback from public hearings of the Legislature's Select Committee on Wood Supply, where New Brunswickers made it clear they want a diverse, mixed forest that supports industry and outdoor recreational activities. Please let Min. Ashfield know he is going in the right direction:
Email: Keith.Ashfield@gnb.ca or write to : PO Box 6000, Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1
More information: http://www.acadianforest.ca
A Call for Photographs
The Atlantic Canada Chapter is sending a call for photographs of our beautiful landscapes! As part of an effort to revamp our website and display the wonder that our region has to offer, we would like to use a range of photos depicting the various natural marvels of the four Atlantic provinces. Please send your most exquisite pictures to volunteeratlantic@sierraclub.ca and be willing to see them displayed on our new website!
PRAIRIE CHAPTER
BACK
Pesticide Committee Update
Local members have met and mapped out the current political leanings on the pesticide issue with our City Councillors. With the help of Gideon Foreman of CAPE (the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment) we have successfully lobbied four 'Yes' votes to present a bylaw that would phase out cosmetic uses of pesticides on public lands. Summer outreach will now focus on obtaining signatures on petitions and form letters to convince the final 3 votes needed. For more information on our Pesticide campaign please contact Geneva Rae (780-439-1160).
Building Capacity in our Community - An Advocates' Training Retreat
in conjunction with the 2005 Annual General Assembly of the Alberta Environmental Network
"Getting what you want takes planning."
What a fun, informative and insightful weekend retreat! Thanks to Sierra Clubbers Lindsay Telfer and Rachel Plotkin for developing and presenting a unique and essential capacity building training program. Coordinated by the Sierra Club of Canada - Prairie Chapter, over 45 people attended the two day event. Participants learned tools and strategies for effective planning, media communications, alternative forms of creative resistance, and means to dialogue effectively with the Alberta government. The Advocate website has been reformatted to provide all presentations and resources to attendees and the greater public.
Check it out! http://www.sierraclub.ca/prairie/advocate.html.
Outings Revitalized!
After a four year hiatus, the Prairie Chapter - Edmonton region Outings program has been revitalized. Thanks to George Pfaff, our new Outings Leader for dedicating his time, passion and energy to develop this program. Check out our Outings website for more information.
http://www.sierraclub.ca/prairie
Chinook Group
Beginner Backpack Trip
August 20, 21
Lake Minnewanka, Banff
Contact Dave at dave.keith@sierraclubchinook.org or call 266-3630
EcoTrust EcoTrek
September 10, 11
Bow Valley Provincial Park
See http://www.albertaecotrek.com for details or contact Dave at dave.keith@sierraclubchinook.org or call 266-3630
Annual High Trip
September 16-18
Shunda Creek Hostel, Nordegg
Cost: $20 per person per night
Contact Janice at janice.macpherson@sierraclubchinook.org or call 270-8398
BRITISH COLUMBIA CHAPTER
BACK
Parks Day 2005
Which is B.C.'s smallest provincial park? Oldest park? Park with the most lava cones?
Parks Day is July 16 and we're using the opportunity to test your knowledge of B.C.'s parks with our online Parks Day Quiz. The quiz has 12 multiple-choice questions on topics ranging from history and geology to park management. Click here to start the quiz.
Busking is for the birds...
According to one of Victoria's hardest working musicians, it's for the caribou, the grizzly bears, the owls and the salmon, too. You can see Ted Tanner in his usual spot in Bastion Square, where he plays music of Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Neil Young and the like. Ted donates 10 percent of all his gratuities to the BC Chapter's conservation work.
Next time you see Ted, throw something in his guitar box and thank him for helping protect B.C.'s natural legacy.
1,325 voices for the Great Bear!
An 8-million-hectare thank you to all of you who visited our Great Bear Rain forest action centre and sent a fax to Premier Gordon Campbell. His office received over 1,325 faxes from Sierra Club supporters alone!
If you haven't already, take a minute to visit our action centre and send the Premier an instant fax on this critical issue.
Sierra Clubbers lead battle to stop Duke Point power plant
Duke Point is dead. After six years, BC Hydro has shelved plans to build a gas-fired power plant at Duke Point near Nanaimo. With it goes the last vestige of a plan that would have seen 900 Megawatts of gas-fired power generation on Vancouver Island and a pipeline across the Strait of Georgia.
Want Larry>s Job?
Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbells job isn't the only one up for grabs this November 19. Every local government seat in B.C. will be voted on and if you have strong environmental values, you should consider running.
SIERRA YOUTH COALITION/COALITION JEUNESSE SIERRA
BACK
"Be Heard, Learn How"
The Sierra Youth Coalition invites you to attend a Youth Action Gathering (YAG). YAGs are weeklong camps for high school aged youth (14-19 yrs). Attend interactive workshops on issues such as sweatshops, factory farms, racism, homophobia, climate change and globalization. Enjoy good food, campfires, late night jams, funky art and crazy games. Meet youth from throughout your region and learn to organize within your respective community. Sound like your type of thing?
This year YAGs will take place in :
