SEN Info Bulletin

New Executive Director at Saskatchewan Eco-network

The Saskatchewan Eco-Network welcomes Lynn Hainsworth, who has been hired as the new Executive Director.

Lynn brings a wealth of experience in volunteer management, fundraising and organizing skills from working at national to local community boards including Oxfam Canada, the Saskatchewan Science Centre, the Saskatoon Community Clinic Foundation, Saskatoon Inner City Preschool Foundation, the Broadway Theatre, Kelsey Foundation and in her own neighbourhood.

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Saskatoon School Wins Kaleidoscope Video Challenge

Saskatoon's St. Angela School took top honours with their entry, We Still Have a Dream, the first-place winner in the eight to 12 age category at the Kaleidoscope Real World Video Challenge national awards gala in Ottawa last weekend. The video explores the issue of racism as related to the global issues of war, poverty, hunger, gender equality, disease and illiteracy, says a news release issued by the Saskatchewan Council for International Co-operation.

A second Saskatchewan entry, Love to Love You Landfills, by Joel Entwistle and Maxim Gertler-Jaffe, was crowned people's choice runner-up. Their four-minute satirical "rap-jam" uses Saskatoon's landfill as the backdrop for urging Canada to take responsibility on pollution and become a role model on the world stage.

Youths between the ages of eight and 18 from across the country submitted nearly 100 videos in the competition. All videos can all be viewed at http://videochallenge.ca.

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International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

This is the third year that people around the world will mark the International Day for Eradication of Poverty (October 17th) by participating in the Stand Up campaign - the world's largest coordinated movement of people. Last year 43 million people around the world stood up.

This year organizers have extended the eligible period from October 17 to October 19 so that people in all kinds of gatherings will have the chance to participate. Please consider making a "stand up" event part of your regular activities at work, play, school or church. For more information or to register your Standup event, visit http://www.standagainstpoverty.org.

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Food Safety First Website

A new website sponsored by Canada's food safety inspectors has been launched, urging Canadians to make food safety a priority in the election campaign. See the site at http://www.foodsafetyfirst.ca .

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Vote for Nature

Conservation group Nature Canada has launched a web site called VoteForNature.ca as a public service to help voters become informed about the issues that affect them – clean water, renewable energy, healthy biodiversity and action on global warming. You can send a letter to your local candidates and ask them where they stand on nature-related issues; sign up for weekly election news bulletins; check out the 10 questions you should ask your local candidates this election. http://www.naturecanada.ca/votefornature_questions.asp. Contact Chris Sutton, Communications Manager, Nature Canada, (613) 562-3447 ext. 248.

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Take the Turkey Challenge

Where is your turkey coming from this Thanksgiving? Would you like to serve your family healthier, humanely-raised, and environmentally friendly food but don’t know where to start? Would you like to support local farmers, the environment, and your local economy?

Visit the Beyond Factory Farming website http://www.beyondfactoryfarming.org/turkey-challenge/index.html to discover how you and your family can celebrate with a locally-grown, sustainably-raised turkey this Thanksgiving.

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Co-operative Merit Awards Banquet

The Saskatchewan Co-operative Order of Merit honours individuals and organizations that have made an outstanding contribution to co-operatives and credit unions in Saskatchewan. Join us in honouring these recipients by attending the Co-operative Merit Awards Banquet. 5:30 reception, 6:30 dinner, 8:00 awards ceremony.

Tickets are $40 per person, including GST: contact Maxine Dick/Kim Vindeg Small, Saskatchewan Co-operative Association, phone (306) 244-3702 or email sca@sask.coop. Order deadline is October 10, 2008.

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Luncheon: Fighting Rural Poverty in Northern Uganda

Welcome to an SCIC Development issues luncheon in honour of the International Day for Eradication of Poverty, and Co-ops Week! The guest speaker will be Tom Tibamwenda of the Uganda Cooperative Alliance, speaking about fighting rural poverty in northern Uganda. We will also count audience members for the "Stand Up Against Poverty" campaign. RSVP to 757-4669 by October 15th!

The event will be held at the College Building, Room 108, at the University of Regina Old Campus. Admission $5.00 (includes African lunch).

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Daughters of Africa 11th Annual Banquet

Join us on Saturday October 18th at 6pm for an evening of African food, entertainment and discussion. This year's theme entitled "Building Stronger Communities" will explore issues central to the development and successful integration of African women in Canadian society.

Tickets: adults $35, students $20, children (6-12yrs) $15, corporate table of 8 - $400 (with tax receipt of $100). All proceeds will go towards purchasing a Daughters of Africa building. For banquet and ticket inquiries contact Nicole Osayande 596-6642 or Busi Mabhena 757-6533.

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Nuclear Energy Forum

Sponsored by Sask Council for International Cooperation (SCIC) and Canadian Nuclear Society. Admission is free.

Guest speakers:

Gordon Edwards: Dr. Gordon Edwards is the president of the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility and one of the foremost experts on nuclear energy in Canada. For over thirty years, he has brought transparency and accountability to every aspect of Canada's nuclear industry. He has acted as a consultant to many government organizations, such as the Auditor General of Canada, the Ontario Royal Commission on Electric Power Planning, the Select Committee on Ontario Hydro Affairs, and Sitting Task Force for Radioactive Waste.

Jeremy Whitlock: Dr. Jeremy Whitlock is an engineer with extensive experience in the nuclear industry, and he is past president of the Canadian Nuclear Society. The CNS is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the exchange of information in the field of applied nuclear science and technology.

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Save Mayfair Pool Community Meeting

An online group called Join the Fight for Mayfair Pool, which boasts some 1,200 Facebook members, says the city is "once again targeting the shutdown of Mayfair Pool." Built in 1959, the pool has long been in a state of disrepair and despite an ongoing maintenance program, the city believes the facility may be on its last legs. The city has made no firm decision on the fate of the pool.

Following the community meeting, the first official consultation with the city will take place on October 28th at Caswell Community School from 7 to 9 pm. A second consultation is tentatively scheduled for November 1st.

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Sisters in Spirit (National Vigil)

Participants to gather in Park at 10:30, followed by a Prayer (11 am), and a walk to Egadz (301 – 1st Ave North). Here there will be Speakers (11:30 - 12:15 pm), including Senator Lillian Dyck, Professor Dr. Patricia Monture, FSIN Vice Chief Glen Pratt, Police Chief Clive Weighill, and families of the missing persons (Myrna LaPlante, Pauline Muskego, & others) followed by a panel, and lunch provided by the office of Senator Lillian Dyck.

Committee: Amnesty International, NWAC, Iskwewuk Ewichiwitochik. For More Information contact Amnesty International 653-2212 or 717-5110.

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3rd Annual Sustainable Gourmet

In support of the Saskatchewan Environmental Society. This event is sold out!

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Green Body Products

Ever look at a lotion or shampoo bottle and wonder how environmentally friendly they are? Join us for a presentation by Donna Rusnell who has 15 years experience researching this area. Event co-sponsored by the Saskatchewan Environmental Society and J.S. Wood Library.

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Book Launch and Dinner: Candace Savage

Calories presents “Sweet bounty, a celebration of bees” with author Candace Savage. Reservations required. Dinner menu & wine flights $53/pp + gst + service. Signed book, dinner menu & wine flight $81/pp + gst + service. Contact: Janis and Rémi Cousyn, 665-7991.

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Green Life TV Series Launch

The Sask Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Network is pleased to invite you to the official launch of an incredible new tv series, Green Life: Learning to Live with the World. As you may know, the Sask ESD Network was the advisory board for the series created by Larry J. Bauman, Sandhya Padmanabh, and acclaimed natural history film-maker Robert J. Long. Green Life showcases the lifestyles of the modern ecological pioneers of Saskatchewan, offering an informative glimpse into some of the innovative ways people are working to minimize their ecological footprints and truly live with the world. Please consider joining us in this celebration. Coffee and refreshments will be available.

If you would like more information about the series, please visit our website (http://www.saskesd.ca) and click on the Green Life banner. Special thanks to Sciematics 2008 for hosting this event.

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Nuclear Energy Forum

Sponsored by Unitarian Church Social Justice Committee, Saskatoon Public Library, Canadian Nuclear Society. Admission is free.

Guest speakers:

Gordon Edwards - Dr. Gordon Edwards is the president of the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility and one of the foremost experts on nuclear energy in Canada. For over thirty years, he has brought transparency and accountability to every aspect of Canada's nuclear industry. He has acted as a consultant to many government organizations, such as the Auditor General of Canada, the Ontario Royal Commission on Electric Power Planning, the Select Committee on Ontario Hydro Affairs, and Sitting Task Force for Radioactive Waste.

Jeremy Whitlock - Dr. Jeremy Whitlock is an engineer with extensive experience in the nuclear industry, and he is past president of the Canadian Nuclear Society. The CNS is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the exchange of information in the field of applied nuclear science and technology.

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Building Sask Green Conference

The Building Saskatchewan Green conference and sustainable living expo are painting Saskatchewan Green October 30th and 31st, 2008 at Saskatoon's TCU Place for an engaging and incredible event. The 5th annual Conference boasts Mike Holmes from HGTV’s Holmes on Homes, who will be spreading his green renovation message, along with an impressive tradeshow of local businesses in a festival-like atmosphere.

Do you have a green product or service that you want to position in front of a green consumer? We invite you to be one of the businesses or organizations we showcase to the public when offering them concrete solutions for implementing environmental lifestyle choices. Details at http://www.buildsaskgreen.ca/ or contact Tammy at 306-384-6044 or tammy.rsvp@sasktel.net.

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Free Energy Information Day

Visit Nexus Solar Corporation and find out more about and see their wind power generator, solar water heating, and solar air heating installations. Learn about applications and generous government rebates for independent, environment friendly renewable systems for homes, farms and businesses. Sponsored by Nexus Solar Corporation. For more information, contact 262-5960 or forinfo@nexussolar.com.

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Prairie Wilderness First Aid Course

The prairie wilderness encompasses rugged, wide-open vistas across rough and isolated terrain. Workshop participants will enhance their abilities to provide first aid in a remote setting removed from medical aid. Students will complete requirements for a Red Cross 'Wilderness First Aid' certificate and will become familiar with outdoor survival challenges on the native prairies. The course will be held in Val Marie, Saskatchewan – the Gateway to Grasslands National Park.

Registration deadline: October 6th. Registration Limits: Minimum 6, Maximum 12. Cost: $200 for basic (24 hour excursions), $400 for advanced (more than 24 hours in wilderness setting). Contact: Karen McIver, Program Manager, Prairie Learning Centre at 306-298-4495 or prairie@chinooksd.ca.

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Organic Commercial Greenhouse Management Workshop

Organic Commercial Greenhouse Management Workshop with Patricia Hanbidge. Learn how to create a commercial greenhouse business without the use of chemicals. Workshop cost is $50 and includes lunches for two days. For registration and more details please call Bridget & Crystal at 306-734-5160.

Brought to you by: Eco-Action Community Funding Program, Craik Sustainable Living Project, Palliser Regional Library Craik Branch, Town of Craik, Carlton Trail Regional College and boilingfrog.ca.

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NAAEE Conference (North American Association of Environmental Educators)

The conference offers a wealth of information to help people teach others about the importance of environmental sustainability. Hundreds of presentations in eight strands are offered over three days, along with five keynotes and an exhibit hall full of poster presenters and informative booths. Special sessions in the Exhibit Fair include an Artists' Corner and Authors' Corner to inspire us in our efforts to make the world a better place.

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Health and the Environment: RCEN AGA

The Canadian Environment Network General Assembly will address their topic of Health and the Environment through the many workshops, plenary sessions and presentations that are planned. Please register now if you would like to attend, as spaces are limited. Details and registration form: http://www.rcen.ca/aga/main.html.

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2008 Lake Louise Symposium: Lake Management in a Changing Environment

Online registration is now open for NALMS’ 28th International Symposium in Lake Louise, Alberta. The symposium theme concerns lake management during unprecedented development, water scarcity, and climate change. Expect an excellent and wide-ranging technical program. More than 30 special sessions and several pre-conference workshops are proposed.

Early bird registration ends on September 19, 2008. Registration and information at http://www.nalms.org/Conferences/2008LakeLouise/.

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Exploring the Connection: A State of the Science Conference on Pesticides and Cancer

The Canadian Cancer Society, with support from the National Cancer Institute of Canada, will be hosting a conference on pesticides and cancer from November 12-13 in Toronto. Experts from organizations such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the WHO and the U.S. National Cancer Institute will lead discussions on the state of the science on pesticides and cancer. The focus of the conference will be on the non-cosmetic use of pesticides. For more information, please visit http://www.cancer.ca/pesticidesconference.

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Education for Sustainability Conference

The Choose the Future: Education for Sustainability Conference will be held concurrent with the Special Area Group (SAG) conference of the Manitoba Teachers' Society. The Science Teachers Association of Manitoba (STAM) is a major sponsor and partner in this conference.

Choose the Future is a conference for everyone who understands that education is required to sustain our future. Be a part of this unique forum on the actions and connections between achieving economic goals, just social systems, and a healthy environment. Designed for educators who wish to embed the principles and practices of sustainable development in their teaching and program planning, this conference also applies to leaders of business, NGO's and government who wish to engage their employees and stakeholders in sustainable practices and operations.

Confirmed Keynote Speakers include: Dr. Chuck Hopkins (York University), Bob Willard (Speaker and Author of the Business Case for Sustainability), Dr. Samantha Nutt (Founder/Executive Director of War Child Canada), Dr. Wade Davis (Explorer-in-Residence of the National Geographic Society) and Dr. Patrick Moore (Co-Founder of Green Peace and Founder of Greenspirit for a Sustainable Future).

For additional information please see the conference website at http://www.mesdwg.ca.

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TakingITGlobal Virtual Volunteers

TakingITGlobal is an international organization - led by youth and enabled by technology. TakingITGlobal connects youth to inspiration, information and involvement in their local and global communities. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with a growing worldwide presence, the organization's flagship program is TakingITGlobal.org (http://www.takingitglobal.org), the most popular online community for young people interested in connecting across cultures and making a difference, with hundreds of thousands of visitors each month. As a virtual volunteer with TakingITGlobal you will be part of a team of youth leaders and innovators who create opportunities for more than 200,000 youth around the world. Details at http://www.takingitglobal.org/resources/prof/view.html?ProfID=2679.

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Call for Delegates: Orphaned & Abandoned Mines Workshop

The RCEN is seeking ten delegates to participate in a workshop sponsored by the National Orphaned Abandoned Mines Initiative (NOAMI) entitled “Orphaned and Abandoned Mines: A Workshop to Explore Perspectives on Risk Assessment” to be held November 13-14 in Vancouver, BC. This workshop involving case studies and best practices has been designed to explore and understand the different perspectives related to the risk assessment process at orphaned and abandoned mines. The workshop will include speakers from a variety of sectors and perspectives, including: government, industry, Aboriginal, environmental NGOs, and community organizations. Delegate travel and lodging expenses will be reimbursed according to Treasury Board guidelines. The deadline to apply is Monday, October 6th..

Details at http://www.cen-rce.org/eng/consultations/delegate_calls/08_09_noami.html.

ENGO-DFO National Fish Habitat Coordinating Committee

The RCEN is currently looking for a new ENGO delegate to join the ENGO-DFO National Fish Habitat Coordinating Committee (NFHCC). The purpose of the NFHCC is to plan, organize and coordinate cooperative activities between ENGOs and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) in support of fish habitat management in Canada. The NFHCC meets monthly by teleconference and twice a year in person. ENGO members of the NFHCC are reimbursed for travel and living expenses related to all face-to-face meetings. The deadline to apply has been extended to October 7th.. Details at: http://www.cen-rce.org/ebulletin/indexb.html

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Call for Proposals: ecoENERGY for Personal Vehicles

The ecoENERGY for Personal Vehicles program is soliciting proposals from stakeholders who are interested in developing and delivering projects that will help the Canadian motoring public to buy, drive and maintain their vehicles with a view to reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. As well, proposals are solicited for research-based projects to investigate and propose actionable solutions in support of changes in the behaviour of Canadians aimed at reducing carbon dioxide (CO2), the principal greenhouse gas emission linked to climate change.

Proposals are now being accepted and must be postmarked no later that October 15, 2008. Details about submissions and evaluation criteria are available on the Natural Resources Canada website: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/afo/funding.cfm?attr=8.

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EcoAction Community Funding Program

Funding is available through the EcoAction Community Funding Program for projects that address Environment Canada’s priority issues of Clean Air and Climate Change, Clean Water, and Nature. At this time, funding priority may be given to eligible projects that address Clean Air and Climate Change issues. The maximum amount available per project is $100,000. Applicants must ensure that at least 50 percent of the total value of their project comes from sources other than the federal government.

EcoAction Community Funding Program has moved to one deadline per year, November 1st of each year. Please make sure your proposal for projects starting in 2009 are submitted on, or before, November 1st..

More information at http://www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction/what_is_e.html.

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