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 The weekend kicks off Friday, June 9th
with keynote speaker Maude Barlow, comedian Greg Malone and a
not to be missed performance by East Coast singer-songwriter
Mary Jane Lamond!
Registration has opened! Act now and
take advantage of the "Early Bird" discount that ends May 1st.
Accomodation is available, but space is limited. Click the
green button to now.
Visit www.peopleandtheplanet.ca
for more information on speakers, workshops, EcoFair, Kids and
the Planet and how you can join the
fun!
SYC 10th Anniversary
Celebration
Join the Sierra Youth Coalition in celebrating its 10th
Anniversary. The celebration takes place Saturday June
10th, in the evening It will be a time
for current volunteers, members and staff, as well as alumni,
to share, enjoy and
celebrate! Please RSVP to
Mélanie Broguet at info@syc-cjs.org if
you would like to attend.
NATIONAL
National Board of Sierra
Club of Canada - Call for Nominations
National Board candidates include
two categories — National-at-large members and those under 25
years old. For the SCC Election 2006, we are seeking to fill
National-at-large members. Youth positions on the Board are
currently filled.
You can nominate a member (or
yourself!). You may also run as a petition candidate. Petition
candidates are included on the ballot, as long as they are
supported by the signature of one percent of the membership.
Contact the National office for details about becoming a
petition candidate.
Send the nominations for all
nominations by April 28, 2006 to:
Sierra Club of
Canada
Attn: Nominations Committee
Suite 412-1
Nicholas Street
Ottawa, ON K1N 7B7
Or by email to debrae@sierraclub.ca,or
by fax (613)241-2292, attention Debra Eindiguer.
Candidates must be current
members in good standing of Sierra Club of Canada (for at
least the previous year). Please note that you must be a
current member to receive a ballot for the election.
If you are unsure of your status,
please call 1-888-810-4204 or email membership@sierraclub.ca.
Elizabeth May's departure
Most of you may have heard by now that Elizabeth May is
stepping down as Executive Director of Sierra Club of Canada.
For those of you who would like more information, please read
our press
release.
Mackenzie Gas Project Hearings
Continue
Public hearings of the Joint Review Panel examining the
environmental effects of the Mackenzie Gas Project continued
in March in Inuvik. Astonishingly, Sierra Club of Canada
was the only environment group that intervened in these
Inuvik hearings, which addressed environmental impacts
relating to the MGP’s pipeline routing and design and the
gathering system. SCC Conservation Director Stephen
Hazell participated in the first week of hearings, and Paul
Falvo, project counsel with Sierra Legal Defence Fund
(representing SCC), participated in the second week of
hearings. Key issues were raised such as the impacts of
climate change on the operations of the pipeline and anchor
fields as permafrost melts, sea level rises, Arctic summer sea
ice disappears and Arctic coastlines degrade with more summer
storms.
The Joint Review Panel is holding hearings in various
Mackenzie Valley communities in April, and the National Energy
Board continues its hearings on pipeline design and materials
and engineering of facilities in Norman Wells from April 24 to
28.
For more information about the Mackenzie Gas Project or to
sign the Mackenzie Wild Declaration, visit www.mackenziewild.ca
For the "Hearing BLOG" prepared by Stephen Hazell and Paul
Falvo see www.mackenziewild.ca/postings
In Memoriam: Joe
Lotzkar
 It was very sad news for the
Sierra Club of Canada family when we were notified of Joe
Lotzkar’s passing a few weeks ago. Joe has been intimately
involved with us for over a decade: as a committed activist,
loyal donor and active volunteer, both with the BC Chapter and
the National Office.
Joe was involved in environmental
issues most of his life. He took every opportunity to
contribute to the betterment of our Earth. He ran a successful
recycling business, Pacific Metals Recycling International,
and was active at the City Hall of Surrey, BC, as a member of
the Environmental Advisory Committee.
Of her friendship with Joe
Lotzkar, Elizabeth May, Sierra Club of Canada Executive
Director says:
“Words cannot capture the spirit
and energy of Joe Lotzkar. He was irrepressible,
spontaneous, dedicated, politically shrewd and progressive,
generous to a fault, a wonderful friend and devoted
husband. Joe brought such intensity to everything he
did. I enjoyed being his friend for the last decade or
so, and know that no one can ever replace him. Let us
rededicate ourselves in his memory to make this a better
world.”
Forests and
Biodiversity
Rachel Plotkin, the national
Forests and Biodiversity Director, gave a presentation on the
National Forest Strategy database at the Forest Leadership
Conference in Toronto in February.
Is the Easter Bunny good
to your kids?
Why not thank her by making a
donation to Sierra Club of Canada Foundation in the name of
your kids?
A donation of any size will help
protect the habitats, homes and ecosystems of the Easter
Bunny, many other bunnies, and other species such as
humans.
To make an online tax receiptable
donation to Sierra Club of Canada Foundation click
here. Or call 1-888-810-4204.
Thanks for your
support!
ELIZABETH MAY
SPEAKS
 How to Save the World in Your Spare Time
Elizabeth May's
latest book will be released in the next few weeks, and there
are a few chances to hear her read from this essential
guide to activism.
2006 Ottawa International Writers
Festival
DATE: Saturday, April 22, 2006
TIME:
8:00pm
LOCATION: Library and
Archives of Canada, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa,
ON
For more
information visit: www.writersfest.com
Sustainability Network - Book
Launch and Discussion
DATE: Thursday, May 11,
2006
TIME: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION: 215 Spadina
Avenue (between Dundas and Queen), Toronto,
ON
If you would like to attend,
please pre-register by providing your name and affiliation to
Saul at info@sustain.web.ca.
Won't be in Ottawa or Toronto for the events? -
Order
a copy today!
100th Monkey
EcoSummit
DATE:
Friday, April 21, 2006
TIME: 9:20am -
10:00am
LOCATION: RA Centre,
Riverside Drive, Ottawa,
ON
Sierra Club of Canada
Celebrates Earth Day 2006 in Ottawa
DATE:
Friday, April 21, 2006
TIME: 11:00am -
2:00pm
LOCATION: Sparks St. Mall
(between O'Connor and Bank Streets), Ottawa,
ON
Elizabeth will speak at the
annual Earth Day festivities in Ottawa hosted by Sierra Club
of Canada. Stick around and visit the tables from local
environmental companies and organizations, listen to the music
of local musical talent (including The Raging Grannies), and
celebrate, "Living
Local!"
Water Policy in Canada National
Workshop Series
DATE: Wednesday,
April 26, 2006
TIME:
tba
LOCATION: Wolfville, NS
This is the third
workshop in the series hosted by Pollution Probe. It's
theme is: "What are the Policy Gaps and Barriers to
Action?" Visit: www.pollutionprobe.org
for more
information.
Queen's School of Policy
Studies MPA Weekend
DATE: Friday, April
28, 2006
TIME: 2:00pm
LOCATION: Queen's
University, Kingston, ON
The topic of the
weekend is: Efficacy and Adaptability of Government: The Post
Gomery Reality. For more information on the event visit: www.queensu.ca/sps/
Social Justice Now Conference
DATE:
Friday, May 12, 2006
TIME: 11:00am
LOCATION:
London, ON
Come hear Elizabeth talk about "How to
be an Activist". More details to come.
Natural City Conference May 31 - June 2, 2006
DATE:
Friday, June 1, 2006
TIME: tba
LOCATION:
Toronto, ON
Elizabeth will be delivering the
closing keynote. For more information visit: www.naturalcity.ca
GRASSROOT GROUPS:
FOCUS ON MALASPINA
The
following article appeared in The Powell River Peak on March
29th, 2006
Members of
the Sierra Club of Canada's Malaspina Group recently
celebrated being the fastest growing Sierra Club in the
country in 2005.
The
Malaspina group won in two separate categories. One award was
for the highest percentage increase in memberships, and a
second award was for the greatest number of new members. The
club's membership increased from 29 to 69.
The
membership drive was a Canada-wide
initiative.
The Powell
River Sierra Club won a prize for the BC chapter as well. Jill
Thompson, BC grassroots coordinator, presented members with a
cake when she came to Powell River to teach a workshop on
Forest Watch.
The Sierra
Club of Canada's Malaspina Group was incorporated in the
spring of 2004 and encompasses the area from Saltery Bay to
Lund, including Texada Island.
"We work
with all of these issues, protecting critical old growth
ecosystems, rare and endangered species and building
sustainable communities by endorsing the concepts of Smart
Growth," said Betty Zaikow, a director of the Malaspina Group.
"We believe in bringing the jobs back to Powell River by
sustainable use of the earth's resources through value-added
forest products and eco-tourism."
In a short
time as an organized group, members have hosted a coffee
house, raising money for Save the Strait, raised $1,500 for
the Millennium Park fund, and protected the Willingdon Creek
Trail from highway development. "We have participated in beach
and trail cleanups, education films, outings to wild salmon
streams and threatened forests, as well as participating in
Earth Day. Our motto is 'One Earth One Chance' and we believe
in the wise use of the earth's
resources."
ATLANTIC CANADA
CHAPTER
Sackville, NB
Passes Pesticide Bylaw
On March 13, 2006, the
town of Sackville, New Brunswick passed a bylaw banning
cosmetic pesticide use. After more than two years of
debate, this is a victory for residents who have been
expressing their concerns about the environmental and health
risks associated with the use of pesticides. The SCC-ACC also
played a vital role in the process, giving a presentation at a
public meeting in Sackville and providing
literature.
New SCC-ACC Group
Formed in Northeast Avalon
The Northeast Avalon
Group of Sierra Club of Canada held its first executive
meeting on March 6th 2006, in downtown St. John’s.
Members of the Northeast Avalon Sierra Club have been working
toward becoming a group for several years. During that
time, members of the group formed conservation, legislative,
student and membership committees, and focused on pesticides,
urban sprawl, solid waste, and enforcement of environmental
laws. The group is hoping to expand its current
membership and is looking forward to a host of discussions and
events throughout the coming year.
New Brunswick
Endangered Species Act
Are you interested in
attending a consultation meeting to discuss and comment on the
new amendments to the NB Endangered Species Act? On
April 13, the provincial government is organizing a meeting to
be held in Fredericton from 10:00AM to 1:00PM.
If you are interested in
participating in these consultations, please contact the
Chapter office at (902)
444-3113.
Tobeatic
Wilderness Management Plan - Letters
needed!
The Tobeatic Wilderness
Management plan has been delayed until October 31, 2006.
Campsite owners in the area have been given that long to
accept an offer of $20,000 each for their campsite leases and
the plan will wait in limbo during that period. The 2004 draft
plan said the leases could not be reasonably sustained while
respecting the guiding principles and management goals
outlined in the plan. The problem is less with the
presence of these campsites and more about the continued use
of all terrain vehicles to reach these camps.
We desperately need
additional support letters requesting that the 2004 Draft
Management Plan become the Final Plan and be released by
Government prior to the October date, preferably April, as
previously promised. Letters should appear in the Herald,
Daily News, and also some articles and letters are needed to
appear in the Bridgewater Bulletin, the newspaper which is
published in the constituency riding of the current Minister
of Environment, Carolyn Bolivar-Getson. All should be copied
to the Premier - Premier Rodney MacDonald at: Premier@gov.ns.ca
ONTARIO
CHAPTER
Calling all
Sierra Club of Canada Liberals ... We Know You're Out
There!
The Ontario Chapter is
actively participating in the planning for our province's
electricity future. We are asking all Club members to speak up
in favour of a clean and green energy future that is lead by
smart, electricity conservation, improved energy efficiency,
better building code standards, and substantial growth in
renewable power for Ontario.
We are especially looking
for Liberal members to encourage the anti-nuclear voices
within the Ontario Liberal Party to speak up. Whether it be at
the riding association level, at party fundraisers, or during
meet and greets with MPPs, please help prevent Premier
McGuinty from repeating the nuclear mistakes of the
past.
Contact ontariochapter@sierraclub.ca
if you want to help! For more info: www.sierraclub.ca
The Toronto Group
of the Sierra Club of Canada presents: The Earth Day Spring
Festival
Saturday April 22, 2006, 10:30am -
4:00pm at Budapest Park in Parkdale Toronto
The Earth Day Spring
Festival is an event in celebration of Toronto Green Space,
specifically the Parkdale waterfront. Councillor Sylvia Watson
will kick off the event with a waterfront clean up of Budapest
Park and the day will continue with an tented eco-fair
featuring local green businesses and organizations, family
entertainment, refreshments, and workshops.
We currently need
volunteers to help promote the event and to help out on Earth
Day itself. Saturday, April 8th, 2006 we will be postering the
west side of Toronto and Saturday, April 22nd, 2006 we'll need
people to help at the waterfront clean up, set up and tear
down/clean up of site. If you are interested and available on
either of these days, please e-mail ontariochapter@sierraclub.ca,
attn: Sasha.
The Ottawa Group
will be at the Billings Bridge Plaza Wildlife Festival on
April 7th, 8th, and 9th. Come by to find out more
about the Club and the local activities it is involved in.
Volunteers are
required to staff tables as well.
For more: http://ontario.sierraclub.ca/ottawa/showevent.php?id=1079
Garbage, Garbage
Everywhere!
Requests for major
landfill expansions in Southwestern Ontario, near Belleville
and in Ottawa.
Talk of incineration
also in Ottawa, as well as Toronto, Durham Region, and in the
Hamilton, Niagara area.
400 truckloads a day
of waste to Michigan from Toronto, Peel, Durham and York
Regions, as well as recently, Owen Sound. Not to mention from
Institutions, Commercial operations and Industry from across
S.W. and Central Ontario.
It seems the issue of
"waste" and our seeming inability to divert more of it has
never been greater.
The Ontario Chapter is
extremely active in the promotion of waste diversion. To learn
more please visit www.wastediversion.ca
Read up on
the Sierra Club of Canada's Ontario Chapter by subscribing to
The O-Zone today. You'll receive one email per week
with Chapter news, opportunities, invitations to meetings,
outings, get-togethers and more. For more information: www.sierraclub.ca/mailman/listinfo/ont-news
WORLD URBAN FORUM 3
This June
19-23, more than 6,000 participants from 150 nations will
gather in Vancouver, Canada for the third session of the World
Urban Forum. This biennial UN-HABITAT event on urban
sustainability examines and identifies solutions to the
critical problems facing cities around the globe.
Information:
www.wuf3-fum3.ca
WEATHER MAKERS
TOUR
How We Are Changing the Climate and What
It Means for Life on Earth
 Tim Flannery is going on tour
with his new book, The Weather Makers. He will be
in:
Vancouver, April 17, Talk of the Town, Hal Wake,
moderator, John Oliver Secondary School, 530 41st Avenue East,
7:30 PM start, Free, www.ubc.ca/talkofthetown.
Winnipeg, April 18, Terry MacLeod, interviewer, McNally
Robinson bookstore sales, Manitoba Theatre for Young People,
#2 Forks Market Road, 7:30 (doors at 7:00 PM), Pick up your
free tickets at all Winnipeg
McNally Robinson locations
Burlington/Hamilton, April 19, Royal Botanical Gardens,
680 Plains Road West, 7:30 PM
$5.00, Tickets available at
Different Drummer Books, 905-639-0925
Toronto, April 20, Pages Books and Magazines, This Is
Not a Reading Series, Bob McDonald, interviewer
OISE
auditorium, 252 Boor Street West, 7:00 PM (doors at 6:30 PM),
$5, Tickets available at Pages Books and Magazines, www.pagesbooks.ca.
Ottawa, April 21, Chapters Indigo, 47 Rideau
Street, 4:00 PM, Free, More
Information
Ottawa, April 22, Library and Archives Canada, 395
Wellington Street, 12:00 PM, $10, www.writersfest.com/upcoming_e.htm or
call
613-562-1243 |
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