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National Office
Cheviot Mine Ordered to Pay
Some Appeal Costs
When the Alberta Environmental Appeals Board (EAB)
hearing opened last January to hear Ben Gadd’s appeal of the provincial
approvals for the first part of the Cheviot open-pit mine, Cardinal River
Coals (now Elk Valley Coal held by Teck Cominco and Fording Canadian Coal
Trust) asked the EAB to bill Ben Gadd with the company’s costs for the
hearing. This of course put a chill through the community, aimed at
anyone who would use legitimate processes to question a government
approval of resource development. Eleven months later, the EAB has
issued its decision regarding costs. It dismissed the company’s
request as “punitive” and awarded Gadd $10,165 for his legal costs and
$3,838.96 for expert witnesses that appeared on his behalf.
The company has 60 days within which to pay those
costs.
In Alberta, only those with some form of legal
property right are allowed to appeal government approvals issued for
developments, including developments on public lands, such as the Cheviot
coal mine. Public lands total 70% of Alberta. Natural history
guide, Ben Gadd, used to guide trips in the wildlands where the mine is
underway.
Support from Notable
Canadians Rises for Andy-Russell – I’tai sah kp Park
Four more notable Canadians have added their voices
to the rapidly growing chorus encouraging the Alberta Government to
proceed with the establishment of the Andy Russell - I'tai sah kp Park
in memory of Andy Russell and his wife Kay, and in recognition of the
Piikani (Peigan) First Nation. Mike Robinson, President and
CEO of the Glenbow Alberta Institute and award winning songwriters Connie
Kaldor, James Keelaghan and Ian Tyson sent an open letter along with a
stunning poster to each of the 83 Members of the Alberta Legislature,
including Premier Klein.
During the 11-day fall sitting of the Legislature,
with the end of the Centennial Year rapidly approaching, the parks
Minister responded to opposition questions by saying the park will take
time.
The four join Canada’s 16th Prime Minister, the
Right Honourable Joe Clark; premier wildlife artist, Robert Bateman;
internationally acclaimed writers Sid Marty and Farley Mowat; and
internationally respected scientist, Dr. David Schindler, who jointly
wrote Alberta Premier Ralph Klein in October with their support for the
tribute. Five of these nine notable Canadians, like Andy Russell,
are recipients of the Order of Canada.
Alberta Centennial Wilds
Have a look at www.centennialwilds.ab.ca
This is an interdisciplinary project, the goal of which is to work with
Alberta’s conservation and history communities (First Nations and
non-native) and be the catalyst for a public vision linking in situ
history and wilderness preservation, resulting in the designation and
protection of Alberta’s wilderness as a lasting way to experience our
shared histories, commemoŠrate Alberta’s cenŠtennial as a province in
2005, and provide a centennial legacy of natural and cultural heritage
for the future. The concept of the project will continue in
2006 with the Andy Russell – I’tai sah kp Park initiative and an
expanded initiative focused on Bighorn Country and the international
David Thompson Bicentennial in 2007.
Forests and Biodiversity
Decked out in caribou antlers, staff from the
National Sierra Club of Canada office brought the plight of Canada’s
caribou to shoppers in December by singing alternative ecological carols
at the Rideau Shopping Centre. For pictures, visit: www.caribounation.org.
ELIZABETH MAY SPEAKS
Paths Less Travelled,
Queen's University, Kingston, January 20th, 2006
Elizabeth will be speaking
on a panel entitled, "Education and Advocacy for Group Rights"
at 2 p.m.
withinsight 2006, Ottawa,
January 25-28, 2006
withinsight 2006 seeks to
open up channels of communication between the current leaders of Canada
and the next generation of leaders who are active in their communities
and academic institutions. It will be centered on the theme
"Leadership in Motion." On January 26th at 1:30
p.m., Elizabeth will present under the sub-theme: "Energy and
Environment." For more information visit: www.withinsight.ca
Crude Awakening: Preparing
Ottawa-Gatineau for Peak Oil, January 28, 2006
Elizabeth is the first
speaker at this the one-day forum being held at Ottawa City Hall, Main
Floor from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. For registration and more information
visit: www.crudeawakening.net,
or contact Ann Coffey at harbour@magma.ca,
613-746-8668.
ATLANTIC CANADA CHAPTER
Workplace One-Tonne
Challenge
The Atlantic Chapter of the
Sierra Club of Canada is encouraging busniesses to take the
"Workplace One-Tonne Challenge".
What: Encourage employees to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions
How: A presentation, outline and speakers will be
provided to kick-off the event
Why: Demonstrate corporate responsibility that the
environment matters to you. For further information on this challenge
please contact Selene Cole at selenec@sierraclub.ca
or at 902 444-3113 or visit: www.sierraclub.ca/atlantic/otc/workplace.htm
Teachers' Climate Change
Workshops
The Sierra Club Atlantic
Canada Chapter will soon be offering climate change workshops for
teachers. Stay tuned to www.sierraclub.ca/atlantic
or contact Myriam Hammami (myriamh@sierraclub.ca
or 902-444-3113) for details.
Newfoundland Forestry
From an ecological
perspective there is yet no publicly committed land-use plan for
Newfoundland and this is leading to an increasing number of conflicts
between interest groups on the forested and non-forested landbase. The
lack of commitment by government to enter into land-use negotiations with
stakeholders is resulting in fragmentation over large areas of
ecologically sensitive sites (ie The Humber Valley and the corridor
leading into Gros Morne National Park). The pulp and paper industry
is looking to log in the recently undisturbed visual corridors along
highways in the Humber Valley and the Great Northern
Peninsula. It is time for some form of more regional
control over resources. For more information on the Newfoundland Forestry
campaign email: jasonb@sierraclub.ca.
BC CHAPTER
A
Sustainable Energy Future is Within Reach
By Kathryn Molloy, Executive
Director, Sierra Club of Canada, BC Chapter
Just as we were hanging up
our Christmas lights and getting ready for the holiday season,
electricity planning in BC has been hit by a blizzard of media attention.
Hours before BC Hydro was to go public with its Integrated Electricity
Plan, the government ordered Hydro to postpone it. Cranking up the
suspense in this way may be a good way to boost box office receipts, but
doesn’t work so well for difficult real-world issues where a transparent
public process is called for.
There is no doubt that BC is
at a major crossroads for its electricity supply. We have been a net
importer of electricity since 2000, and the BC Progress Board, a group
established by Premier Gordon Campbell, has strongly recommended a
government policy of self-sufficient electricity generation.
It is equally clear that the
choices we make now will affect more than just our electricity bill. The
climate change conference Canada hosted in Montreal has been a strong
reminder that we have a window of opportunity to reverse the trend. Ensuring
prosperity for future generations is still possible - if we act
responsibly now.
To receive the entire
article email ana@sierraclub.bc.ca,
Communications Coordinator, Sierra Club of Canada BC Chapter.
ONTARIO CHAPTER
Sierra Education Team
monthly meeting
Sunday, January 15, 2006
- 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Location: 1 Nicholas Ave, Suite 412, boardroom,
Ottawa
Contact: Terry Newcombe Phone:
613-523-6524
Email: terrynew@rogers.com
Join our school workshop
facilitators and researchers for a brief update on progress and
successes.
6th Annual
Bon Kanah of the Algonquin - Winter Outing
Thursday, January 26, 2006
- Long weekend trip
Location: Algonquin Park
Contact: Loretta Allen Phone: 416-960-9606
Email: loretta.allen@2workwell.com
Web:ontario.sierraclub.ca/outdoor_trips/
While Algonquin Park is Canada's
most popular canoe trip destination, few people have experienced the
stunning beauty of the park in winter. Frozen lakes, waist-deep snow,
wildlife tracks, the howl of a wolf and the crisp clear air are just a
few of the delights of a winter experience. The 'Bon Kanah' - or special
winter trails over land - offer fantastic opportunities for backcountry
snowshoeing and skiing.
For full details of the
trip, please see: ontario.sierraclub.ca/outdoor_trips/
PRAIRIE CHAPTER
Green
Gazette – Prairie Chapter
Welcome everyone to a new
year, and if January is a sign of what’s to come in 2006 for the Prairie
Chapter then a busy one it will be!
Enviro 911
There are times when anyone feels helpless in the
face of the environmental damage we see every day. The issues are
complex, there are many people involved, and its difficult to know where
to start. That’s where Environmental 911 comes in. If you see, or hear of, an
environmental issue that concerns you, dial the Enviro 911 hotline
(780-439-1160) to start finding answers to your questions.
This January, the Sierra
Club of Canada – Prairie Chapter is launching a new Enviro 911 program,
to help those in our communities find the answers to their environmental
questions. It is funded by the Edmonton Community Foundation and TD
Friends of the Environment. Check it out. www.sierraclub.ca/prairie/Environmental911
Invest in Alberta
Vast stores of natural
resources, high oil and gas prices and hard-working Albertans, have made
Alberta Canada's richest province.
By investing your
“Prosperity Bonus” in Alberta’s clean energy sector you can help turn the
provincial surplus from non-renewable energy into a clean, healthy and
vital future for all Albertans.
We at the Sierra Club of
Canada - Prairie Chapter , have launched "Invest
in Alberta"
so that our hard-earned dollars can be directed towards creating
sustainability, longevity and healthy solutions for our communities.
Funds raised by “Invest in Alberta” will be directly contributing to the
production of clean energy alternatives made by Albertan’s for Albertan’s.
Pledge your support today…
visit www.investinAB.ca
SchoolPool
Transportation accounts for
1/3 of Canada's total green house gases, and much of this is accounted
for by short trips taken within city boundaries. In partnership with
Transport Canada, The Alberta Motor Association, Sierra Club of Canada
(Prairie Chapter), Commuter Connections and Sustainable Alberta, SchoolPool.ca will offer Alberta
teachers, parents and students a new low-emission and hassle-free
transportation alternative.
SchoolPool.ca is an online
ride-matching system and resource tool designed to assist in the creation
of carpools. Modeled after the success of Carpool.ca, SchoolPool.ca will
connect parents with other families in order to share commuting needs.
Not only will time be saved in the morning rush but participants will be
reducing greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing trips to and from school,
as well as reducing school-based traffic congestion (a solution that will
ease both stress both from parents driving to school as well as
neighbours bothered by school congestion).
Alberta shelves Oilsands
Strategy
Immediately before breaking
for the Winter Holidays, the Alberta Government announced its plans to shelve
a controversial Oilsands Strategy. Many thanks to all those who
played a role in achieving this critical decision, now our attention
turns to ensuring that the Mineable Oilsands Strategy remains shelved, or
better yet, sent to the shredder!
South Saskatchewan Group to
host Non-Nuclear Conference
"Exploring
Saskatchewan's Sustainable Non-Nuclear Future"
2:00 - 5 p.m., Sunday, January 15, 2006
Cathedral Area Community Centre 2900 13th Avenue,
Regina
Speakers Include:
• “The Untold Story of Saskatchewan's Nuclear
Legacy,” Jim Harding, Ph.D. Past Professor of Environmental and of
Justice Studies. Author of forthcoming book Nuclear Politics in
Saskatchewan: The Struggle at the Front-End of the Global System;
• “Repealing the Nuclear Liability Act:
Why the Industry’s Regulatory Framework Needs an Overhaul,” Dan Parrott,
B.A., LL.B. Sierra Club of Canada Member
• “Renewables: The Potential to
Deliver,” Ken Kelln, P. Eng. Solar Engineer with a specialty in
renewables. Owner of Kelln Solar Water Pumping;
• “Managing The Transformation,” Rick A.
Patrick, B.Sc.(Mech.Eng.)
Sask Power Vice-president, Planning, Environment
and Regulatory Affairs; and
• “Sustainability and Nuclear Waste: Can
Renewable Energy Sources Brighten the Future For Our Youth?” Emily
Norton, High School Student, Sierra Youth Coalition.
The Chinook Group presents
the Lake Louise Winter Weekend
Friday, January 20 - Sunday,
January 22, 2006 at the Lake Louise Hostel
This is a fun winter weekend
in the mountains. Last year we had an awesome cross-country skiing
afternoon (with Dave along on his snow shoes) despite the -20 degree
weather! The group can decide what they want to do (ski, snowshoe, or
skate on the lake). The ice sculpture competition is on at Lake Louise
that weekend, so you can check out the amazing sculptures as well.
You can rent snowshoes or
skis in Lake Louise if needed, or in Calgary at a variety of locations
(ask Janice for more details).
Cost: $30 per person per night
Register: Please contact Janice MacPherson.
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