News
RCEN AGA 2009 "Cities and Biodiversity" in Edmonton
Cities have become permanent, major features on the face of our planet. The rich biodiversity of Earth has provided the fertile soil, the wildlife, the climate, and the atmosphere from which cities have grown and thrived. However, because of their size, their demand on resources, and the dispelling of their wastes, cities are now causing a significant loss in biodiversity. How can cities preserve and sustain the habitats and species of the Earth? How can they be designed and function to minimize the impact of their demand on resources and rural communities? Would it help to incorporate biodiverse systems within our cities?
This year’s Annual General Assembly will take place from June 12 - 14, 2009 in Edmonton, Alberta. Under the theme of Cities and Biodiversity, speakers at the 2009 AGA will explore the relationship between urban areas and biodiversity: from the impact of their demand for resources, to the possibilities of growing more food locally and the benefits of natural areas within cities. Note that the last day of the Assembly will dovetail with the opening of the ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability World Congress.
Great Tar Sands Debate Coming to Saskatchewan
The Great Tar Sands Debate will be travelling to eight Saskatchewan communities in mid-March, including Muenster, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, North Battleford, Craik, Regina, Moose Jaw and Swift Current.
Canadian speakers from both sides of the issue will debate the complex and timely tar sands topic. Dr. Carolyn Preston will speak in favour of the Tar Sands as an energy source, and Andrew Nikiforuk will speak against expansion of the industry without national targets for renewable energy, oil revenue reform, and climate change action.
Dr. Carolyn Preston is the Executive Director of the Petroleum Technology Research Centre at the University of Regina. She holds a PhD from the University of Toronto and was recently awarded a Chevening Fellowship in the Economics of Energy from the University of Reading, England.
Andrew Nikiforuk is an award-winning Canadian journalist who has written about energy, economics, and the environment for the last two decades. He is the author of the recently published book, Tar Sands: Dirty Oil and the Future of a Continent.
Both speakers will be available to the audience for a question and answer session following the debate.
The Great Tar Sands Debate is being organized by a network of volunteers and organizations in Saskatchewan. All events are free and open to the public. Details are at http://www.sasquatchnews.com/event/tar-sands-debate.
Action Alerts
Please Participate in the Biological Diversity Survey
To ensure that ENGO contributions are included in Canada’s 4th National Report for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the RCEN is conducting a short survey on behalf of Environment Canada.
Organizations currently working on biodiversity related issues and those with past experience or a marked interest in biodiversity are encouraged to share their views with respect to progress, challenges, lessons learned and biodiversity priorities in the post 2010 period.To complete the survey, please go to: http://www.cen-rce.org/IBD/2009/survey.html. The survey is open until Wednesday February 25th.
Call for Participation: Survey on Environmental Assessment
The Environmental Planning and Assessment (EPA) Caucus of the RCEN is carrying out a survey of people who have been involved in federal environmental assessment. The information will be helpful in giving a clear picture of the problems participants have been experiencing across the country. Please take 20-30 minutes to improve environmental assessment in Canada. Feel free to forward the survey out to any individuals that have experience in environmental assessment.
The survey and further information is on the RCEN website at http://www.cen-rce.org/eng/consultations/comment_calls/09_02_EAsurvey.html
CBAN: No to GMO Alfalfa Campaign
According to the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN), the commercialization of genetically modified alfalfa - GMO Alfalfa - planned by Monsanto and Forage Genetics International, would have a severe, negative impact on Canadian agriculture, markets, and our environment. A united effort by agriculture producer groups, consumer and environmental organizations, as well as concerned individuals, will prevent this from happening. A similar campaign stopped GMO wheat in 2004. CBAN invites all organizations, producer associations, companies and community groups to endorse the No to GMO Alfalfa campaign by signing on to statement before February 28, 2009. Your group’s name will be used in a list of groups that state opposition to GMO Alfalfa.
Please visit http://cban.ca/content/view/full/417 for more information about this campaign.
Call for Comments: CCME Consultation on Environmental Assessment Processes
The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) is consulting the public on options to streamline environmental assessments subject to both provincial/territorial and federal assessments. CCME is seeking comments on two papers: One Project-One Assessment Approach to Environmental Assessment; and Regional Strategic Environmental Assessment. The desired outcome is that decisions on environmental assessments for projects be made in a certain, predictable, efficient and timely manner, while safeguarding the environment. The public consultation period will be held until March 20, 2009. For more information, and to read the papers, please refer to the CCME website at http://www.ccme.ca/ourwork/environment.html?category_id=135 or contact Natalie Deschamps at 613-957-0366.
Coming Events
Regina
Women’s Rights are Human Rights Conference
March 6th, 9 am to 4 pm, University of ReginaInternational Women’s Day conference with partners SCIC, Daughters of Africa, MATCH International, SFL, Prairie Lilies Feminist Society, the Women’s Studies Program University of Regina. For more information visit http://www.earthbeat.sk.ca.
Sisters for Sisters Benefit Concert
March 7th, 7:30 pm, Regina Performing Arts CentreOn the eve of International Women's Day, a benefit concert will be held, with proceeds going to the Stephen Lewis Foundation's Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign for the fight against HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.
Tickets available from the Performing Arts Centre or Sheila Fahlman by call 306-781-2946 or emailing: g4gregina@sasktel.net. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Performance 7:30 pm - Cash Bar.
Sponsored by Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers Regina. Visit: http://www.grandmothers4grandmothersregina.com.
Session: Waste and Water
March 10th, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, South Leisure CentreRising Energy Costs a Concern for Your Facility? The Saskatchewan Environmental Society presents a series of sessions all part of the Building Operator Training.
$100 per session (includes an 80 page manual for use at work and at home); Repeat attendees receive $30 discount.
Generalized program Ideal for any building operator, custodian or facility personnel. Interested? Contact Melissa Strom at 477-2042 or melissas@environmentalsociety.ca. Registration deadline: March 7th. Learn energy conservation principles, new technologies and potential facility retrofits to help reduce energy consumption and cost.
Care of the Earth
March 24th, 6:30 pm, Royal Saskatchewan MuseumSpeaker is Rev. Dr. Bill Phipps of Calgary, a founder of Faith and the Common Good. Question and answers to follow. There will be Faith displays, Tour of Human Factor Gallery, DVD and refreshments. There is something for all ages. Call Jean at 522-1514 for information.
Presented by Regina Multifaith Forum and Multifaith Saskatchewan. Admission free. Sponsored by the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and Friends of the Museum.
Seedy Saturday: Seed Saving Seminar & Seed Swap
March 28th, 12 to 2 pm, Regina Public Library Film Theatre (Central Library)Start the 2009 gardening season off right by learning how to grow stronger vegetables and flowers that are better suited to our Canadian climate. Jim Ternier, owner of Prairie Garden Seeds (http://www.prseeds.ca) will be giving an informative session on the art of seed saving, the importance of heritage seeds, and the relationship between local food and food security. Jim is the past president of Seeds of Diversity Canada and has traveled the country sharing his expertise with master gardeners and beginners alike. Jim will also be promoting the Canadian Tomato Project and will have tomato seeds to share. An informal seed swap will follow the program, so those who have gathered seeds are welcome to bring them. Pre-registration is not required.
Saskatoon
Gardening....Au Naturel
February 21st, Saskatoon Inn, part of Terroir Identity and Seduction SymposiumLecturer Paule Hjertaas (SNAP-Sask. Network on alternatives to pesticides). Do you want to replace the garden chemicals you have used in the past? Are you a new gardener who does not want to use toxic chemicals? If you don’t know what the natural alternatives to chemicals are, wonder about their effectiveness, or don’t know where to find information or products, this is the class for you.
Paule Hjertaas will introduce you to non-toxic gardening: prevention, good books, products and where to get them, how and when to use them. She will also discuss natural fertilizers, great vegetable varieties she uses, as well as techniques such as planting vegetable beds that work in Saskatchewan’s short season. For more information, http://www.terroirsk.ca/home.html.
Forum: Is Renewabe Do-able?
February 24th, 2 pm, 241 Arts, U of S. and 7 pm, Frances Morrison LibraryTwo forums on the feasibility of meeting Saskatchewan’s energy needs from safe, renewable sources will take place on February 24th. Co-sponsors for these events are the Saskatchewan Environmental Society (SES), the Social Action Committee of the Unitarian Congregation of Saskatoon (UCS-SAC) and the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union.
Presenters at the forum will be: Roger Peters, an engineer with 30 years experience in renewable energy and efficiency, board member of the Canadian Renewable Energy Alliance, Dr. Stan Shewchuk, researcher emeritus at Saskatchewan Research Council, an expert on wind energy, and Peter Prebble, Director, Energy and Water Policy, Saskatchewan Environmental Society, author of a report on sustainable energy for Saskatchewan.
These events are open to the public and are free. For information or to arrange to interview the speakers, please contact: Ann Coxworth, SES, ph 665-1915 or Nayda Veeman, UCS-SAC, ph 244-0034.
Dr. Barbara Rose Johnston: Religion, Environment, and Social Justice
February 25th, 7:30 pm, Timlin Theatre, Arts 241, U. of S.This talk, free and open to the public, is in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Religious Studies Program at the University of Saskatchewan and will contain a variety of environmental issues in the context of globalization and needs for reparations because of environmental injustices.
Dr. Johnston is an environmental anthropologist and a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Political Ecology. Her current work is a study of the relationships between the environmental crisis and human rights, and focuses on the community dynamics of water resource management.
Dr. Barbara Rose Johnston: Nuclear Energy is Clean and Green and other Myths of the Modern Age
February 26th, 7:30 pm, Room 143 Arts, U. of S.This talk addresses environmental issues central to this province and uses comparative material relevant to the political ecology of uranium production and nuclear energy. The public is encouraged to participate - admission is free.
Dr. Barbara Rose Johnston, a prominent applied anthropologist and political ecologist, works at the Center for Political Ecology (University of California). Her advocacy research on environmental justice intersects among Indigenous rights, the impacts of uranium mining, nuclear power and weapons testing, water disputes, and the dislocations of communities. Peace research and war reparations are among her contributions. Such scientific but passionate engagement has led to her winning prestigious awards including MacArthur Foundation grants. She is the author and editor of seven books, including Half Lives and Half Truths (2007) and Waging War, Making Peace (2008).
Sponsors: The Department of Religion and Culture, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, The Indigenous Land Management Institute, Anthropologists Among Us, and University of Saskatchewan Students' Union, with the community participation of: Coalition for a Clean Green Saskatchewan and the Inter-Church Uranium Committee Educational Cooperative.
The Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan AGM and Conference
March 6 - 7, University of Saskatchewan, Faculty ClubDetails are on the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan website at http://www.npss.sk.ca/ - see events. Registration deadline is Feb. 20, 2009.
Immigration is a Community Issue: Viewing Saskatoon Through the Lens of Immigrant Women
March 7th, 6:30 - 10 pm, Mendel Art GalleryInternational Women of Saskatoon (IWS) is giving women in our community a platform to artistically share their personal immigration experiences. Throughout the month of March a photo exhibition will be on display at the Mendel Art Gallery and on March seventh we will celebrate International Women's Day by hosting an event to support women around the world. This will be a night of self expression, fellowship, sharing, and celebration.
International Women's Day Celebration
March 8th, 1-4 pm, Mendel Art Gallery AuditoriumUnited Nations Association in Canada - Saskatoon Branch Presents: International Women's Day - Celebrating 100 Years "Voicing Our Strengths and Moving Forward Together".
Details at: http://saskatoonpeace.wordpress.com/2009/02/17/international-womens-day-celebration-march-8th/.
Session: Waste and Water
March 9th, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, Saskatoon Field HouseRising Energy Costs a Concern for Your Facility? The Saskatchewan Environmental Society presents a series of sessions all part of the Building Operator Training.
$100 per session (includes an 80 page manual for use at work and at home); Repeat attendees receive $30 discount.
Generalized program Ideal for any building operator, custodian or facility personnel. Interested? Contact Melissa Strom at 477-2042 or melissas@environmentalsociety.ca. Registration deadline: March 6th. Learn energy conservation principles, new technologies and potential facility retrofits to help reduce energy consumption and cost.
Pesticides and Cancer
March 11th, 7 pm, J.S. Wood LibraryExposure to pesticides may increase your risk of developing cancer. Most of the research has focused on occupational, or workplace, exposure, linking it to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, brain cancer and lung cancer. There is also evidence that children may be especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of these chemicals. These chemicals can be used for a variety of reasons in many settings, from controlling pests that impact our health, safety or food supply to improving the appearance of a lawn or garden (ornamental use). Donna Ziegler from the Canadian Cancer Society will talk about this connection between pesticides and cancer. Event co-sponsored by the J.S. Wood Library and the Saskatchewan Environmental Society. For more information, contact 665-1915.
10th Annual Seedy Saturday
March 14th, 11:30 - 5, Princess Alexandra School (210 Ave. H South)This year's community seed exchange and eco-fair will be held March 14th from 11:30 until 5:00 pm at Princess Alexandra School ( 210 Ave. H South).
They are now taking bookings for display tables at this event. Tables rent for $20, or $10 for half a table. If you would like more information or are interested in booking a table, please contact Community Garden Coordinator Dana Barrand at dana@chep.org or 655-5322.
SEN Film Festival: See the Change, Be the Change
March 27 - 28th, Timlin Theatre, Arts 241, U. of S.Mark your calandars - details coming soon!
Other
Organic Gardening Class
March 7th, 1 - 4 pm,, Ft. Qu'AppellePlease register through the Parkland College by phoning 306-332-5416.
IWD Luncheon: Human Trafficking: Lives for Sale
March 12th, 11:30 1 pm, Timothy Eaton Gardens, Moose JawInternational Women's Day Luncheon with guest speaker: Savelia Curniski of NASHI: Our Children, a Saskatoon-based organization that works to divert the children of Ukraine from the sex trade and raise global awareness of the problem of human trafficking. Sponsored by Status of Women Saskatchewan.
RCEN AGA 2009: Cities and Biodiversity
June 12 - 14, Edmonton, ABThis year’s Annual General Assembly will take place from June 12-14 in Edmonton, Alberta. Under the theme of Cities and Biodiversity, speakers at the 2009 AGA will explore the relationship between urban areas and biodiversity: from the impact of their demand for resources, to the possibilities of growing more food locally and the benefits of natural areas within cities. Note that the last day of the Assembly will dovetail with the opening of the ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability World Congress (see below).
Registration for the event and a draft agenda will be available soon. Visit the RCEN's AGA 2009 webpage for regular news updates and information.
ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability World Congress
June 14 - 18, Edmonton, ABThe ICLEI World Congress 2009, June 14-18 in Edmonton, Alberta, will showcase ICLEI members’ vast work on advancing sustainability, for and about local governments. The five-day event will be an opportunity to learn about the achievements of the most advanced cities and towns in the world, and to build upon past successes to advance local action for sustainability. Join mayors, local governments, and colleagues, as more than 800 delegates worldwide come together in Edmonton. The program will be enriched by global strategists sharing their vision on the opportunities and challenges for local governments in the coming decade. Visit http://www.iclei.org/worldcongress2009 for registration details.
3rd Annual Solar Fair: Seminars, Workshops & Trade Show
June 20 & 21, 2009, Craik Eco-Centre, Craik, SKJoin 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. $150 per person (2 days), $75 per person (1 day),or $15 per seminar.
Apply now for a booth at the Trade Show. Email: eade@sasktel.net Registration forms available at: http://www.craikecovillage.ca.
Ignite Change Now! Global Youth Assembly 2009
July 30th - August 2nd, 2009, Edmonton, ABThe John Humphrey Centre is excited to let you know that the second Ignite Change Now! Global Youth Assembly is set. Sol Guy along with other partners such as Rights and Democracy will be joining us once again in Edmonton to keep it real and inspiring.
Delegate registration for the Assembly is available on their website at http://www.youthassembly.ca. Space is limited so be sure to register early!
Opportunities/Call for Delegates/Proposals
Grassroots Activism Fund: Call for Proposals
Member organizations of SEN are invited to submit proposals for the Grassroots Activism Fund.
Consideration will be given to original projects, unique circumstances and the general availability of funding. Assistance will be given to projects that have a general or specific benefit to the Saskatchewan environment or to the environmental knowledge of residents of Saskatchewan. Other projects will be considered depending upon the project's strength of purpose and appropriateness of its goals vis a vis the Saskatchewan Eco-Network. Funding is provided for expenses only. A statement of expenses, including receipts wherever possible, is required for payment.
To apply, send an application or introduction letter including organization and contact information, Project outline (title, purpose of project, expected benefits for the applicant and the Eco-Network, number of people involved, budget (including other sources of revenue, if applicable, total amount of funding support requested, schedule and/or expected completion date.
Deadline for submissions is March 13th, 2009.
Call for Submissions: Briarpatch Magazine
Briarpatch unplugged, or, How I learned to stop destroying the planet and love the global recession.What if the economic recession we're presently experiencing is not just a regrettable temporary setback in the never-ending march of growth-fuelled prosperity, but the beginning of a painful but ecologically necessary process of scaling back our footprint to a more sustainable level?
Queries are due by March 23, 2009. If your query is accepted, first drafts are due by May 1, 2009. Your query should outline what ground your contribution will cover and include an estimated word count and a short writing sample. Details at http://briarpatchmagazine.com/2009/02/17/briarpatch-unplugged/.
Safe Drinking Water Foundation: Assistant Program Coordinator
The Safe Drinking Water Foundation seeks an Assistant Program Coordinator to help the program coordinator by updating databases, phoning schools to place sponsored school materials, sending and receiving e-mails and other tasks as necessary. Opportunities exist for students with different backgrounds to work on communications, media relations, website, and many other aspects of Awareness and Education.
Requirements: Must have basic computer skills (Outlook Express, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word) and pleasant phone manner. Ideal Candidate: University student in journalism, health, engineering or education and most specifically with an interest in science and water related issues. Must be detail oriented, be motivated, enthusiastic and able to work independently or as part of a team.
Hours: Minimum 10 hours per week, schedule will be flexible after training. Send your resume and a reference from a Professor to: Nicole M. Biederbeck, Program Coordinator, Safe Drinking Water Foundation. E-mail: info@safewater.org.
Participate in the EcoLawn Project
The EcoLawn Project is a research project whose objective is to find an alternative to non-native lawn grass. We will work with participants to plant common yarrow, which is a native drought tolerant leafy plant suitable as a lawn alternative. The only thing you need to do to participate in the project is to provide an open area in your front or backyard (maximum size: 30sq ft) that is ready for planting. Participation in this project is free, but the participant need to prepare the area, i.e. remove any existing vegetation before the start of the project. Planting can be done in the spring of 2009. For more information please contact: malin.hansen@uregina.ca.
Evergreen Common Grounds Grants
Evergreen Common Grounds is now accepting applications for The Wal-Mart – Evergreen Green Grants Program supporting community environmental restoration projects. The 2009 deadline to apply is: March 27, 2009. For full information on eligibility and how to apply, go to the Common Grounds Funding page at http://www.evergreen.ca/en/cg/cg-funding.html.
Green Grants, a Canadian community greening program sponsored by Wal-Mart Canada and led by Evergreen will provide funds of up to $10,000 to local community groups working on urban naturalization projects focused on the restoration and stewardship of urban habitats such as woodlands, meadows, wetlands and ravines through the use of native plants. This grant also supports community gardening projects that involve native plants and food gardening.
Earth Day Canada’s Hometown Heroes Award Program
The Hometown Heroes Award Program, established by Earth Day Canada in 2004, recognizes and celebrates environmental leaders who foster meaningful, long-term community awareness and action. Become Canada’s 2009 environmental hero and receive a cash–prize of $10,000 - $5,000 to keep and $5,000 to donate to the environmental cause of your choice. Earth Day Canada will consider candidates who: demonstrate outstanding environmental leadership, commitment and achievements in their communities; and carry out not-for-profit environmental efforts, with notable accomplishments in the past two years or a single outstanding environmental initiative in 2008. Nominate yourself, an individual or group from your community by April 22nd (Earth Day 2009). For more information about the program, visit http://www.earthday.ca/hometown/index.php.