News
2008 Native Prairie Appreciation Week Proclaimed
Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud and Environment Minister Nancy Heppner have jointly proclaimed June 22 to 28 as Saskatchewan's 10th annual Native Prairie Appreciation Week, an opportunity for Saskatchewan people, especially ranchers, naturalists, hunters and educators, to recognize and celebrate the value of native prairie. It is organized annually by Saskatchewan's Prairie Conservation Action Plan (PCAP) and is the only week in North America that is devoted to raising awareness of native grasslands.
The annual highlight of the week, the Society for Range Management Workshop and Field Tour, will be a great event again this year." The workshop will be held June 25 and 26 and will be based out of Esterhazy. Entitled Discovering the Eastern Qu'Appelle, the workshop features speakers and ranch tours, the annual native plant identification challenge and a number of hands-on natural history interpretive stations. For information, visit PCAP's website at http://www.pcap-sk.org or phone PCAP at 306-352-0472.
Read the article: http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=cab2fb2c-127e-4f01-999d-2000f94128dd.
Lakes Across Canada Face Being Turned into Mine Dump Sites
June 16, 2008 - CBC News has learned that 16 Canadian lakes are slated to be officially but quietly "reclassified" as toxic dump sites for mines. The lakes include prime wilderness fishing lakes from B.C. to Newfoundland.
Environmentalists say the process amounts to a "hidden subsidy" to mining companies, allowing them to get around laws against the destruction of fish habitat. Under the Fisheries Act, it's illegal to put harmful substances into fish-bearing waters. But, under a little-known subsection known as Schedule Two of the mining effluent regulations, federal bureaucrats can redefine lakes as "tailings impoundment areas."
Full article: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/06/16/condemned-lakes.html.
To sign a petition opposing this action, go to http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/no-lake-dumps-canada.
We are Many Festival Receives Grant
Hunt Alternatives Fund is pleased to announce a $40,000 grant to We Are Many (WAM) to support their festival in Saskatoon from August 22nd through 24th, 2008. The grant was made at the request of the Fund's "next generation" of young philanthropists.
"We were impressed by WAM's ambitious use of the arts and education to build an active local community around the local environment," said Sarah Gauger, executive director of Hunt Alternatives Fund. "As a funder, it's exciting to find a group of young activists developing a pilot program that could possibly be replicated in communities across North America. Their strategy of combining popular education, practical skills, and relevant local information seems like an innovative approach to achieving environmental sustainability."
The grant will be used to sponsor 50 environmental action workshops at the festival that will teach individuals day-to-day skills, such as composting while living in an apartment.
More at: http://www.wearemanyfestival.com.
Honda Rolls Out Petroleum-free Fuel Cell Car
TOCHIGI, Japan, June 16, 2008 (ENS) - Honda's first hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle other than concept cars rolled off the assembly line today in Tochigi Prefecture at the world's first dedicated fuel cell vehicle manufacturing facility. Nineteen years in development, the FCX Clarity was designed from scratch as a fuel cell vehicle. Only water is emitted from the tailpipe - no greenhouse gases, no smog or soot or other by-products of burning gasoline.
Full story: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2008/2008-06-16-02.asp.
Spruce Budworm Aerial Spraying Begins
REGINA - Aerial spraying to control spruce budworm infestations in selected areas of the provincial forest has begun. The Ministry of Environment will treat approximately 10,000 hectares of northern Saskatchewan forest land in areas near Delaronde, Anglin, Smoothstone and Green Lakes. The biological pesticide Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), a naturally occurring soil bacterium deadly to certain types of caterpillars, is being used.
Ongoing monitoring helps identify potential threats, assess the associated risks and assists in developing effective science-based plans to address them, as well as to determine the effectiveness of treatments. The spruce budworm management program, in operation since 1992, is well-established in Saskatchewan. For mountain pine beetle, the focus so far has been on prevention, with a ban on bringing pine wood with bark into the province since 2002. The mountain pine beetle has not yet arrived in Saskatchewan's northern forests.
Resources
Listen: Canada's Toxic Tar Sands
Listen to this thirty minute program up on the Making the Links web radio site at http://www.makingthelinksradio.ca. In this program Making the Links Radio's Don Kossick discusses the environmental impact of the tar sands with Matt Price and Peter Dillon. Peter Dillon is a scientist looking at the impact of the acid rain from the tar sands. Matt Price works with Environmental Defence and was co-author of the report Canada's Toxic Tar Sands: The Most Destructive Project on Earth.
Action Alerts
Request for Sign-on to Joint Submission on Bisphenol-A
While ENGOs support the proposal to list bisphenol-A as a toxic substance under CEPA, there are several issues and concerns regarding both the draft assessment and most particularly, the very limited scope of the document. This submission is a consolidated summary of issues and recommendations identified by ENGOs on both the draft assessment and the scoping document. The ENGO members of the Chemicals Management Plan Working Group are therefore asking for your sign-on to this submission. Given the short time frame, sign-ons will be also be taken after the submission date of June 18th.
Go to the web page: http://www.cen-rce.org/eng/action_alerts/0806_cmp.html.
Public Consultation on the Requirement for Comprehensive Studies of Municipal Drinking Water Projects
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is launching a 45-day consultation on a proposal to amend the Comprehensive Study List Regulations (CSLR) to remove municipal/community drinking water (MDW) projects from the comprehensive study list. The outcome of this amendment would be that municipal/community drinking water projects that require a federal environmental assessment would be subject to a screening instead of a comprehensive study.
The Agency would like to invite you to review and provide comments on the proposal. A consultation document containing the details of this initiative is available on the Agency’s website at http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/013/pn080612_e.htm.
Please submit your comments, questions and/or suggestions in the official language of your choice by July 28, 2008, to John Smith Director, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, 160 Elgin Street, 22nd floor, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3. Tel.: 1-866-582-1884 Fax: 613-957-0897 E-mail: John.Smith@ceaa-acee.gc.ca.
Take Action Today on Biofuels Bill C-33
On June 17th, the Senate Committee on Energy, Environment and Natural Resources held one hearing on Bill C-33 on biofuels - the Senate was supposed to hear from the Minister of Agriculture and two other government employees. This may be the only hearing in the Senate on the issue unless we ask Senators to call for more witnesses and to discuss this urgent and important issue more in depth. The Committee is still discussing this Bill and no decision has been made yet.
Bill C-33, An Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act would allow the federal government to implement regulations requiring 5% average renewable content in gasoline by 2010. Subsequent regulations would also require 2% average renewable content in diesel and heating oil by 2012.
Please email Senators today and ask them to discuss Bill C-33 in-depth. Details at http://www.cen-rce.org/eng/action_alerts/0806_agrofuels.html.
Nasty Vinyl: Toxic Shower Curtains
New laboratory tests reveal that the “new shower curtain smell” may be toxic to our health. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic shower curtains purchased at five major retailers in the U.S. all contain avoidable toxic chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, organotins, and metals. Some of these chemicals are volatile, so they are released into the air inside our homes. Read the full report: Volatile Vinyl: The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell at http://www.toxicnation.ca/toxicnation-studies.
The new study reveals PVC, also known as vinyl, shower curtains can release as many as 108 VOCs. Some of these chemicals, such as ethylbenzene and cyclohexanone, are considered a human health concern under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and are associated with developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.
Send a message directly to the government to ban vinyl shower curtains: http://toxicnation.ca/.
Coming Events
Regina
The Fourth Annual EcoFair
June 21st, 9am to 5pm, Wascana Park (East of Royal Sask. Museum)This Event will be held in partnership with the 2008 National Aboriginal Day Celebrations Living in Harmony with the Environment, featuring information on composting, energy conservation, environmental protection and environmental justice, sustainable transportation and much more. Come out to this family friendly event to connect with people working for environmental sustainability – and see what you can do! Free Admission. The 2nd Annual Bike Parade will be joining the EcoFair at 2:30 with bicycle poems, bike demonstrations and prizes for best bike decorations. To join the bike parade meet at Eat Healthy Foods (3030 12th Ave.) at 1:30.
There will be an open mic throughout the day. Come out and show off your talents!
Discussion on Sustainability and a Way Forward
June 23rd, 7:30 pm, Cathedral Neighborhood CentreMike Nickerson and his wife Donna Dillman are touring with Mike’s latest book, “Life, Money & Illusion: Living on Earth as if we want to stay.” The book details the differing views on how to be successful in our changing times. One, the “Life” perspective, says we need to preserve and enhance ecosystems and communities, the other, the “Money” perspective, says we need to continuously expand production and consumption. The event will be a talk and discussion about how these two approaches differ significantly on how to deal with today’s most serious problems.
Details at: http://boilingfrog.ca/?page_id=78. Admission free. Information: Denise "Regina EcoLiving" reginaecoliving@gmail.com or Roger Petry roger.petry@uregina.ca.
Book Launch: Creating a Failed State
June 25th, 7 pm, The Exchange, 2431 - 8th Ave.Creating a Failed State: The U.S. & Canada in Afghanistan by John Warnock (Fernwood Publishing) will be launched on Wednesday June 25th. If you are unable to attend, an autographed copy of the book can be pre-ordered and reserved at Rock the Boat Books, 306-525-2949 or rocktheboatbooks@gmail.com.
SCIC Summer Camps
July 20 - 23 Youth 11 to 14, July 24 - 27 Youth 15 to 18YID DIY Training builds skills of participating youth to produce their own creative media on global issues. The program involves a three-day training for youth on creating independent media staffed by professionals. After the training program, youth are encouraged to continue their work and are provided with ongoing opportunities for publication and promotion of their work.
Registration after June 15th is $75.00. More details at http://ebeat.sasktelwebhosting.com/youthbeat.
Rare Plant Identification Workshop
August 12th, Rm. LB 411.2, Dept. of Biology, U. of R.This is a workshop for anyone who wishes to be able to identify rare plants. The content of the course ranges from general botany for those not familiar with plant identification to basic surveying techniques and rare plant identification. The goal of these workshops is to get anyone interested in rare plants, regardless of skill level, to go out and look for them. The cost of this course is $25 which is fully refunded upon the completion of a rare plant survey form. Contact Chet at 668-3940 to register. Hosted by the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan.
Saskatoon
Discussion on Sustainability and a Way Forward
June 24th, 7 pm, Unitarian Centre, 213 - 2nd St. E.Mike Nickerson and his wife Donna Dillman are touring with Mike’s latest book, “Life, Money & Illusion: Living on Earth as if we want to stay.” The book details the differing views on how to be successful in our changing times. One, the “Life” perspective, says we need to preserve and enhance ecosystems and communities, the other, the “Money” perspective, says we need to continuously expand production and consumption. The event will be a talk and discussion about how these two approaches differ significantly on how to deal with today’s most serious problems.
Details at: http://boilingfrog.ca/?page_id=78.
Admission free. Information: Darrin Qualman qualman@nfu.ca.
Nuclear Myth-Busting
June 25th, 7:30 pm, Frances Morrison Library AuditoriumPresentation by Dr. Jim Harding retired Professor of Environmental & Justice Studies and author of Canada's Deadly Secret: Saskatchewan Uranium & the Global Nuclear System.
Free admission. Question and answer and discussion period to follow. Sponsored by The Coalition for a Clean Green Saskatchewan. For more information, contact cleangreensask@yahoo.ca.
YDC Open House and Tour
June 27, 10 am - 4 pm, 322 Ave. C SouthActivities include: Sun Dogs, Sun Buns (Youth Solar Oven), Youth Model Buffalo Farm, Green-Build display, Computers For Kids. Enter to win door prizes. Free finger food and beverages.
New Community Youth Development Corporation (YDC) is a new non-profit that was formed from the leaders of the Core Neighbourhood Youth Coop (CNYC), Youth Works Restorative Justice Program, and Advantage Employment Co-operative. The focus of this new organization is the creation and management of social enterprises that act as training tools for youth and adults at risk.
Talk & Book Launch: Creating a Failed State
June 27th, 7 pm, Lydia's Pub (3rd Floor Loft)Join author John W. Warnock, Fernwood Publishing and Turning the Tide Bookstore to launch Creating a Failed State: The U.S. & Canada in Afghanistan. John Warnock will be introduced by renowned writer Murray Dobbin. All ages welcome. Free admission.
John W. Warnock has recently retired from teaching political economy and sociology at the University of Regina. He is the author of a number of books including The Politics of Hunger: The Global Food System, Free Trade and the New Right Agenda, and The Other Mexico: The North American Triangle Completed. He has a long history of political activism in environmental and social justice organizations.
Presented by: Turning the Tide Bookstore and Fernwood Publishing. Contact: (306)955-3070 Email: inquiry@turning.ca.
Rare Plant Identification Workshop
July 25th, Rm. 2C61, Dept. of Agriculture, U. of S.This is a workshop for anyone who wishes to be able to identify rare plants. The content of the course ranges from general botany for those not familiar with plant identification to basic surveying techniques and rare plant identification. The goal of these workshops is to get anyone interested in rare plants, regardless of skill level, to go out and look for them. The cost of this course is $25 which is fully refunded upon the completion of a rare plant survey form. Contact Chet at 668-3940 to register. Hosted by the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan.
We Are Many Festival
August 22 - 24, Diefenbaker ParkFrom August 22nd to 24th, Saskatoon will be the site of We Are Many: A Festival, which presents a model of sustainability for mid-sized cities throughout North America. We Are Many (WAM) will use the energy and community spirit of the arts—music, theatre, dance, literature, and visual art—in taking a dramatic step toward becoming an environmentally friendly community. The festival will feature arts exhibits and performances as well as hands-on workshops and symposia on the whats, hows, and whys of sustainability.
More information at http://www.wearemanyfestival.com.
Other
2nd Annual Solar Fair: Seminars, Workshops, Trade Show
June 21st & 22nd, Craik Eco-CentreJoin engineers, teachers, scientists, home builders, environmentalists and citizens from across the province in a two day Solar Fair. Hosted by the Craik Sustainable Living Project (CSLP) and taking place within the CSLP'S Eco-Centre, renowned for its green design.
Early registration is recommended as space is limited. $200 per person (2 days: includes three meals); $120 per person (1 day: includes meal for that day) or $15 per seminar. The agenda is posted at http://www.craikecovillage.ca/pdf/agenda.pdf. Registration forms available at: http://www.craikecovillage.ca
Discussion on Sustainability and a Way Forward
June 22nd, 3 pm, Crows Nest Ecology Preserve, 273 Rooke St., Qu'AppelleDirections: just before you reach PCTC going West on the Fort San Road across Echo lake from Fort Qu'Appelle. See below for details on the event.
Discussion on Sustainability and a Way Forward
June 24th, 1 pm, Craik Eco-Centre, Craik, SKMike Nickerson and his wife Donna Dillman are touring with Mike’s latest book, “Life, Money & Illusion: Living on Earth as if we want to stay.” The book details the differing views on how to be successful in our changing times. One, the “Life” perspective, says we need to preserve and enhance ecosystems and communities, the other, the “Money” perspective, says we need to continuously expand production and consumption. The event will be a talk and discussion about how these two approaches differ significantly on how to deal with today’s most serious problems.
Details at: http://boilingfrog.ca/?page_id=78. Contact: Kelly Reinhardt boilingfrog@boilingfrog.ca 306-734-5160.
Talk and Book Launch: Canada's Deadly Secret
June 26th, 7:30 pm, John Cuelenaere Public Library, Prince AlbertJim Harding, author the recent book Canada's Deadly Secret: Saskatchewan Uranium and the Global Nuclear System will be at the Prince Albert Public Library, 125 - 12th Street East.
He will be bringing copies of his book for sale.
2008 Ness Creek Music Festival - Call for Eco-Village Participants
July 17th - 20th, near Big RiverThe Ness Creek Music Festival is celebrating its 18th year. It has grown into a major Canadian Festival drawing about 3,000 people per day, over four days. The Festival site is nestled in the boreal forest a few miles from Big River, Saskatchewan and adjacent to the Prince Albert National Park.
Ecological awareness and promotion of alternative ideas and services has always been an important part of the Ness Creek Festival. The Eco-Village provides opportunities for individuals and groups to display, promote, workshop, discuss and sell their ideas and services with Festival goers.
If you're interested in applying to be an Eco-Village participant, please contact Brenda Goldsworthy at 652-2485 bgoldsworthy@sasktel.net or Gary Smith at 664-2330 smithgroenen@sasktel.net.
The Ness Creek Cultural & Recreational Society is a not-for-profit organization that exists primarily to create an annual Festival to celebrate Music, Arts, Community and Ecology in the boreal forest.
Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan Annual Summer Field Tour
July 19 - 20th, South of Indian HeadThe Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan (NPSS) invites you to participate in their annual summer field tour on July 19-20, 2008. We will be spending the weekend exploring the native grasslands, riparian forest and wetlands of a lovely natural area 15 km south of Indian Head.
Please contact NPSS at 668-3940 or info@npss.sk.ca to register (free) or if you have any questions. Deadline is July 1, 2008.
Boreal Forest Ecotour
August 22, 23 and 24, 2008, Ness CreekCome along with the Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Education Association as they explore and experience this unique and beautiful ecosystem. They are working with the Boreal Forest Learning Centre to offer an exciting program including local culture, music, storytelling, history, wildlife viewing and ecology.
There will be camping at picturesque Ness Creek; tenting at the Ness Creek site and the use of a communal kitchen is included in the registration. (you may upgrade to cabin accommodations at your own expense). All ages welcome. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience a Northern Saskatchewan adventure!
Early Bird Prices (until June 30th): $50 SOEEA members ($65 non-members, which includes a one year membership). Family and student rates available. Details on the SOEEA website at http://www.soeea.sk.ca.
Straw Bale Building Workshop
August 4 - 8, 2008, Craik Eco CentreDuring this workshop you will have hands-on experience building a straw bale structure from the ground up. Instructor is Dave Dale, and cost is $250 per person. Registration is on a first come basis. Space is limited so if interested register early.
Sponsored by Craik Sustainable Living Project. For information or registration, phone 306-734-2605 or email: eade@sasktel.net.
Job Opportunities/Call for Delegates/Proposals
Pro Bono Students Canada Community Placement Program
Is your organization in need of assistance with a law-related topic? Could you use volunteers to help with law-related work? If so, your group might benefit from partnering with Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) Saskatchewan Branch.
PBSC is a network of law schools, community organizations and lawyers that matches law students with public interest and non-governmental organizations, agencies, tribunals, legal clinics, as well as lawyers who are working on a particular case on a pro bono volunteer basis.
If your organization is interested in participating in the program, please fill out the Organization Profile found online at http://www.usask.ca/law/probono or contact our office at 966-7757 before July 3rd, 2008. We can also be reached at probono.sask@usask.ca.
David Suzuki Digs My Garden Contest
Canadians love to get their hands dirty! Gardening is our # 2 favourite outdoor activity (after walking). Maybe that’s why so many of you entered last year’s pesticide-free garden photo contest, David Suzuki Digs My Garden. Sign up now at http://www.davidsuzuki.org/NatureChallenge/GardenContest/ and you could win a visit from Gnome Suzuki!