Stop Uranium Mining and exploration in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
 As the price of uranium increases, so does the pressure to open up areas to uranium exploration. The New Brunswick and Nova Scotia governments are considering permitting uranium mining.
In Nova Scotia, a moratorium on uranium mining and exploration has existed for over two decades. However, public statements by the David Morse, NS Minister of Natural Resources indicates that the government is considering lifting the ban:
"The moratorium was put in on the whim of the government and it can be taken out on a whim. It comes down to what the people of Nova Scotia want." (The Hants Journal, January 29th, 2008)
The so-called "whim" was actually a commission headed up by Judge Robert McCleave, who held 44 public meetings and reviewed everything that was known about the effects of uranium mining on people and the environment. Unfortunately, the moratorium is not legislated, which means that the moratorium may be lifted by an order of Cabinet, with no public debate.
In New Brunswick, no such ban exists, leaving people and the environment vulnerable.
Uranium mining represents a real threat to human health, water resources, and wildlife. Please tell the Nova Scotia government to maintain the moratorium on uranium exploration and mining and to make the ban law. Ask the New Brunswick government to follow Nova Scotia's lead!
Managing the Tar Sands Boom - It’s Time to Stop and Think!
On January 31, Sierra Club Canada and over fifty-five organizations launched a campaign calling on the Alberta government to halt new approvals for oil sands developments.
The rapid pace of tar sands development and its effects on land, air, economy, and health in Alberta are the focus of these groups including First Nations, the health care and labour sectors, environmental, faith and academic communities, social justice and landowner groups. They believe that the first step to resolving tar sands problems is to stop approving new developments until a plan is developed that adequately addresses the social, economic, cultural and environmental concerns.
The environmental, social and economic impacts of the tar sands include habitat destruction, the accumulation of toxins in water, greenhouse gas emissions to acid deposition down wind from developments, the impacts on the Aboriginal way of life, and the pressure of rapid development on society.
No new tar sands approvals is only the first step but a necessary one. Organizations and individuals can join the Stop and Think campaign at www.nonewapprovals.ca.
New National Coalition Against the Rabaska Liquid Natural Gas Project in Rabaska, Quebec
The Stop the Methane Project Collective was officially launched on January 29. This national coalition made public its intentions to halt the Liquid Natural Gas Project in Rabaska, Quebec. Its action list is already quite full – the first of which is to gather signatures on its manifesto via its site (in french only).
Sierra Club Canada and its partners invite all the lifeblood of Québec, individuals, socio-economic groups, political parties, to join us and to make possible the opening of a real public debate. Let’s make sure that the Québec government and the Town of Lévis reconsider the actions they have taken up to now in this case and take the necessary means to force the partners of the Rabaska consortium to withdraw their project.
The first imperative action to undertake must be to give a mandate to the Régie de l’énergie du Québec to evaluate the real needs for natural gas in Québec and the justification to import huge quantities from abroad.
Please visit http://stopaumethanier.acio.qc.ca/ and sign our declaration.
Cool Books, Movies and Book marks
Here is where you can share interesting books, movies and websites. We would love to hear from you. Send your neat finds of inspiration, education, encouragement, and sheer pleasure to cendrineh@sierraclub.ca.
Remember Clayoquot?
In light of the fact that Sierra Club’s Grassroots Summit will be on BC’s Gabriola Island, how about a song from Bob Bossin’s album "Gabriola V0R 1X0"? This award-winning video was a stirring look back at the fight for Clayoquot Sound, which is now a World Biosphere Reserve.
Everything's Cool: the incredible story of a handful of global warming messengers speaking out in a time of disinformation, by Daniel B. Gold and Judith Helfand, 2007
This US-made documentary sheds some light on why climate change is a non-revelation for so many. Introducing some of the main voices that tried to sound the warning over the last 20 years or so, it explains some of the politics behind those scientists, researchers and journalists getting the public and the decision makers to deal with the problem.
It covers how those profiting from ignoring the problem created a "debate" and enlisted naysayers as their spokespersons. It examines the views of a few well-respected long-time players on what has become a communications battle.
Our obsession with stuff
The Story of Stuff is a nifty little primer on the production and consumption of stuff, stuff in general, stuff that consumers use. Simple and powerful, it might help you rethink what and how much you buy.
Global Dimming
Is the planet becoming less sunny? |
You are invited to the Sierra Club Canada Grassroots Summit
Sierra Club Canada is planning a very special event for August which will provide the opportunity for many of us—volunteers and staff—to gather as a family and talk. Sierra Club needs one-club dialogue, training and planning so that we can strengthen our grassroots as much as possible. The event’s objectives are to:
- Share successes and develop effective campaigns
- Benefit from mentoring opportunities
- Evaluate best practices, and plan strategically together
- Capitalize on regional and national opportunities such as our “Cool Cities” program
- Get some much-needed training
- Have some fun
Sunday August 31 - Wednesday September 3, 2008
Location: The Haven Institute for Professional Training, Seminar and Conference Centre, Gabriola Island, BC
Type of accommodation: Combination of indoor rooms, student rooms, suites and semi-private suites, with camping facilities available (about 50% indoor, and 50% camping).
Capacity: Up to 150 people
If you are an active volunteer with Sierra Club Canada – or would like to be – this event is for you! Join us, and learn what makes Sierra Club the effective organization that it is, and how you can help. This offer is open only to members in good standing, and there are limited spaces available.
Please contact Martha Beckett at marthab@sierraclub.ca or 613 241 4611 ex. 236 for further information.
How would you like to double the value of your gift?
More and more, corporations are realizing the value of investing in the communities where their employees live and work. That’s why many companies encourage their employees to contribute to charities by offering a "matching gift" program.
A matching gift is a donation made by an employer that matches the amount of an employee’s gift. This effectively increases the value of your gift at no extra cost to you. By taking advantage of your company's matching gift program, you can generate an additional contribution to Sierra Club Canada that may double or triple your own donation.
Best of all, it’s easy! Simply contact your employer's Personnel or Human Resources office to determine if they participate in a matching gift program. If they participate, ask for a matching gift form and donation guidelines.
Some companies do not have a matching gift program, but will still match your donation if you ask. Better yet, speak with your Personnel or Human Resources department to find out how you can work together with your organization to build a matching gift program so that more employees can benefit!
Sierra in the News
Budget far from green, environmentalists say - February 26, 2008
$1 billion over 4 years to fight climate change - February 20, 2008 - BC's Carbon Tax
B.C. groups push Ottawa to do more about our oceans - February 14, 2008
Meetings and Special Days
Outings organized by the Quebec Chapter
Sunday March 16: South Meadow/Marcy Dam/Indian Falls/ Mt. Marcy
Sunday March 30: Cascade & Porter Mountains, Keene, N.Y.
For more information, see the Quebec Chapter calendar of outings, prepared by George Karpat.
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