SEN Info Bulletin

Go Green Funding for Saskatchewan Community Recycling Programs

Public recycling programs in Saskatchewan will receive a total of $2 million to sustain their operations through difficult economic times that have resulted in a sharp decline in the value of salvage materials.

"Through no fault of their own, these recycling programs are struggling to survive because economic conditions have changed, but Saskatchewan's commitment to recycling has not," Environment Minister Nancy Heppner said. "Bridge funding is essential to keep these services operating while we continue to work with stakeholders on developing an industry-led, province-wide, recycling stewardship program."

The Ministry of Environment is researching the feasibility of a province-wide, multi-materials recycling program. Such a program will provide a long-term solution for the recycling of paper, plastic, metal and glass in Saskatchewan.

See the full press release: http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=92ee8c5a-c1a2-4b6b-91bd-b7ea55e97f94.

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World's Scientists Appeal for Action at Historic Climate Change Congress

More than 2500 delegates from over 80 countries came together last week for a historic conference on climate science. A statement at the end of the meeting announced that "the worst-case IPCC scenario trajectories (or even worse) are being realized."

The congress took place in the run-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-15) in Copenhagen in November-December 2009. All findings will be compiled in a book on climate change, and an executive summary with the main findings will be handed over to policy makers at the COP15.

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Earth Hour Everywhere

Join the global movement by voting for the earth by shutting your lights off for one hour on Saturday, March 28 from 8:30 to 9:30 pm. Check out the inspiring video for Earth Hour 2009 at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CRs-7lRlPo. For more information and to log your Earth Hour actions visit: http://www.earthhour.org/action/.

The Saskatchewan Eco-network's Environmental Film Festival See the Change, Be the Change will feature Earth Hour during the Saskatchewan Filmmakers' Panel on Saturday evening.

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Urgent 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.

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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

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Athabasca Potash Environmental Assessment: Open Houses

Athabasca Potash Inc. will be hosting four Public Open Houses about the Burr Project. The information sessions will provide the public with information about questions and concerns documented at the November 2008 Open Houses. There will be an opportunity to speak with the project team and provide feedback. Scheduled meetings are as follows:

• March 30th, 3 - 8 pm, Burr Hall, R. M. of Wolverine
• March 31st, 3 pm - 8 pm, Humboldt Uniplex, Humboldt
• April 1st, 3 - 8 pm, Lanigan Hall, Lanigan
• April 2nd, 2 - 7 pm, TCU Place (Salon E), Saskatoon

For more information, contact Kevan Bender, 306-933-4298 info@athabascapotash.ca or visit API's website: http://www.athabascapotash.ca.

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The Great Tar Sands Debate

Presenters: Carolyn Preston and Andrew Nikiforuk

National speakers from both sides of the issue will help us learn about this complex and timely 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. Get the facts and form your own opinion.

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Earth = Home

EARTH=home is an inter-disciplinary, large-scale show that incorporates music, theatre, dance and multi-media technology. Based on three years of arts workshops with young people from diverse communities it expresses their thoughts and feelings about the state of our planet and where we are taking it Each performance is followed by a facilitated “talk-back,” allowing in-depth discussion of the environmental and social justice issues in play. These discussions will be enhanced by Judith Marcuse Projects’ partnership with non-governmental organizations including the Sierra Youth Coalition, War Child, SEVA and the David Suzuki Foundation.

More information can be found regarding tickets and the nature of the Project by telephoning 585-4525 or by checking these sites http://www.icasc.ca/jmp or http://www.icasc.ca/EARTH_home.

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Care of the Earth

Speaker 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.

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Saskatchewan's Natural Capital: Exploring Ecological Goods and Services Symposium

This symposium is a big step towards the development of a province-wide Ecological Goods and Services (ES&G) program in Saskatchewan. It has already attracted participants from organizations across the province and across Canada. It is an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity of a "made in Saskatchewan" concept of an ecological goods and services program from agricultural and conservation-based organizations.

During the two days speakers such as Dr. Paul James, Dennis Sherratt, Kevin Hursh, and Bob McFarlane will discuss EG&S in a panel format that encourages audience participation. For the full agenda, registration form and more information, please visit http://www.naturesvalue.sk.ca. Registration is $100 for the sessions and $50 for the evening banquet. Registration is limited.

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Seedy Saturday: Seed Saving Seminar & Seed Swap

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.

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Greening the Grid

Lecture by expert Tim Weis, Director of Renewable Energy at the Pembina Institute, to discuss Saskatchewan's potentials for a non-nuclear future. The scenarios use conservative estimates of adoption rates for existing technologies that have been proven in Alberta or elsewhere. Under the Pale Green scenario, investments in a diversity of cleaner options, mainly efficiency, wind and natural gas cogeneration, could meet Alberta’s anticipated demand without having to resort to building new coal or nuclear plants. The Green scenario showed that if Albertans set their sights higher, the province could generate so much energy from renewable and transitional technologies that it could begin to phase out existing coal generation.

Free admission: Q&A to follow presentation. This event sponsored in part by the Regina Public Interest Research Group. Visit http://www.rpirg.org.

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Film Screening: Myths for Profit

‘Myths for Profit' is a dramatic, exposé documentary which explores 'Canada’s role in Industries of War and Peace’. Through diverse interviews and case studies this documentary unveils the specific interests and profits that are made by certain corporation, individuals and agency within Canada. By examining these myths we seek to find out what are the possible motives that hide behind these stories, and if there are certain people who stand to gain and maintain these misconceptions. Only by breaking down these myths can we hope to understand how these systems of power operate, and help empower people across Canada to change them.

Free admission, Cookies and fair trade organic coffee (bring your own mug!). This event sponsored in part by the Regina Public Interest Research Group. Visit http://www.rpirg.org.

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Hop on Board

Information Night: Find out what the Saskatchewan Environmental Society is all about and how you can be involved! For more information, contact 665-1915.

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Chickens, Sex and Salmonella: Why our food is making us sick

College of Medicine Global Health Series Presentation: Dr. David Waltner-Toews, Renowned Canadian Epidemiologist (Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph). Light lunch will be provided.

Sponsored by the COM Internationalization Committee, Health Everywhere, International Research Office, IPU Arts & Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, and the U. of S. College of Medicine.

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Oxfam Canada – Book Launch

Meet Mark Fried, Editor of From Poverty to Power and Public Policy Coordinator for Oxfam Canada. He will be discussing what active citizens and effective states can do to change the world. For more information contact Lisa Faye at Oxfam Canada 306-242-4097 or lisaf@oxfam.ca.

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The Art and Science of Breathing

The Integrative Health Seminar continues with a presentation on Tuesday, March 24, 12:00 Noon, Royal University Hospital Main Mall Lecture Theatre.

The session is entitled "The Art and Science of Breathing: Simple Techniques for Promoting Balance, Peace and Vitality" and will feature Dr. Anita Chakravarti, Director of Pain and Integrative Medicine, in the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management.

Everybody welcome! Bring your lunch.

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Environmental Film Festival: See the Change, Be the Change

The Saskatchewan Eco-Network, in conjunction with a wide group of sponsors, is hosting our 4th Annual Saskatchewan Environmental Film Festival - See the Change, Be the Change on Friday evening, March 27th and all day Saturday, March 28th at the Timlin Neatby Theatre (Arts 241, U. of S.). We are suggesting a donation of $5 for students and low income, $10 for waged.

SEN will be honouring local environmental activists, both individuals and groups on Friday evening through the Environmental Activist Awards. The festival will feature a number of powerful international films on the environment. On Saturday evening, we will be recognizing provincial filmmakers on a Saskatchewan Filmmakers' Panel. We will conclude the festival during Earth Hour, an international event.

Full festival schedule at http://www.econet.sk.ca/filmfest09. Contact Lynn at 652-1275 for more details.

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5th Annual Road Map 2020 Forum: Revisioning Transportation; Redesigning Communities

This year's Forum is all about sustainable and active transportation! Keynote speaker Gordon Price, Director of the City Program at Simon Fraser University will speak on "Re-Imagining Motordom" -- why we gave the automobile the right-of-way and how it changed the way we designed our cities. Today we are looking for balance: keeping the advantages of car-based mobility while accommodating alternative modes of transportation and their users.

Early Bird registration closes March 29th! Full details at http://www.roadmap2020.ca/.

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The Great Tar Sands Debate

National speakers from both sides of the issue will help us learn about this complex and timely 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. Get the facts and form your own opinion.

Dr. Carolyn Preston is the Executive Director of the Petroleum Technology Research Centre in Regina. Andrew Nikiforuk is an award-winning 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.

Friday March 20th - Moose Jaw, 12 - 1 pm, Moose Jaw Public Library. Presenter: Andrew Nikiforuk

Friday March 20 - Swift Current, 3:30 - 5:30 pm, Great Plains College, Rm. 209. Presenters: Carolyn Preston and Andrew Nikiforuk.

See also Regina and Saskatoon for further events. Full details are on line at http://www.canadians.org/energy/issues/tarsandsdebate.html.

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Nuclear Power Information Night

Come out and get informed about Nuclear Power. S.O.S. – Save our Saskatchewan will be hosting a Nuclear Power Information Night.

Admission is free. Questions and answer period to follow presentation.

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Greening the Grid

Tim Weis, Director of Renewable Energy of the Pembina Institute discusses the greening of the electrical grid as an alternative to Nuclear Power development.

Free admission, donations welcome. Question and answer period to follow presentation.

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RCEN AGA 2009: Cities and Biodiversity

This 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.

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ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability World Congress

The 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.

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3rd Annual Solar Fair: Seminars, Workshops & Trade Show

Join 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.

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Ignite Change Now! Global Youth Assembly 2009

The 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!

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Director: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

The Saskatchewan office of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, located in Regina, is seeking a highly motivated and independent individual to take on the permanent, fulltime position of Director beginning May 1, 2009. Responsibilities include coordinating all aspects of the CCPA Saskatchewan office including development of a work plan and budget; financial record keeping and reporting and administration; recruiting and supervision of commissioned researchers and students and maintaining close communications with Saskatchewan CCPA members and research associates.

The successful candidate will work 35 hours per week with flexible office hours, with a salary of $3400 per month including dental and health coverage. This position in-scope with the Canadian Auto Workers Union.

Deadline for application submission is March 20, 2009: Cover letter, resume and three references to be provided to the CCPA Office at Suite B - 2835 13th Avenue, Regina, SK S4T 1N6. For more information, phone 306-924-3372.

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Call for Volunteers: Saskatoon Cycling Advisory Group

The City of Saskatoon is forming an advisory group to provide citizens' perspectives, advice and input to Administration about bicycling facilities, policy and programs. The Cycling Advisory Group will meet once a month, starting in April. Meetings will be in City Hall on Wednesdays, beginning at 3:30 p.m. and continuing for up to 90 minutes.

If you are interested in serving on the Cycling Advisory Group, please call the City of Saskatoon, Infrastructure Services Department at 975-2454 and ask for an application, or visit our website at http://www.saskatoon.ca.

Application deadline is March 24, 2009. For more information, please call Don Cook at 975-2642.

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Pesticide Reduction Coordinator: Saskatchewan Environmental Society

The Saskatchewan Environmental Society is a non-profit, registered charity whose mandate is to work towards a world in which all needs can be met in sustainable ways. SES is seeking an individual to work on a contract basis to carry out its initiatives on our Saskatoon pesticide reduction projects.

Primary activities will include: Manage and carry out the fourth year of our Pesticide Reduction household survey and information provision projects; Organizing presentations to community groups and display opportunities regarding pesticide reduction; Build partnerships in the community regarding pesticide reduction; Volunteer management and training; Keep track of progress and results to complete funding reporting requirements; Fundraising for & marketing of SES pesticide reduction projects.

Start date: April 6, 2009 to November 27, 2009 (with potential for extension); 21 hrs/week; $17/hr. To apply: e-mail resumes to: allysonb@environmentalsociety.ca by March 29, 2009. A full description of the job posting will be available soon at http://www.environmentalsociety.ca.

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Energy Conservation Programmer: Saskatchewan Environmental Society

Saskatchewan Environmental Society is seeking an individual to support the Energy Conservation Projects Coordinator in implementing the SES Energy Conservation projects.

The Programmer will take the lead in presenting and on-going development of the SES Energy Awareness Training program. For all of SES' energy conservation projects, the Programmer is expected to engage potential clients, confirm booking of events, develop and update marketing materials, including print materials, website information, signage, etc.

The Programmer will work with school divisions, institutions, businesses and non-profit organizations to promote our energy conservation programs. In particular, the Programmer will work with teachers, administrators and division personnel to develop clients for Destination Conservation Saskatchewan, our school-based energy conservation program.

Start date: April 15, 2009; $15-$18/hr (depending on experience). To apply: e-mail resumes to: dcsask@environmentalsociety.ca by March 29, 2009. Details will be posted shortly at the SES website at http://www.environmentalsociety.ca.

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SES Summer Student: Pesticide Reduction Eco-Advisor

The Saskatchewan Environmental Society is a non-profit, registered charity whose mandate is to work towards a world in which all needs can be met in sustainable ways.

This summer student position will work along with the Pesticide Reduction Coordinator in implementing the 2009 Pesticide Reduction Project. The Project objectives are to: inform the public about the health and environmental risks involved in using cosmetic pesticides; provide information on low toxic alternatives to pesticides; to achieve a reduction in the use of pesticides among urban residents.

Term: 35 hours per week. Compensation: $12/hr. Dates: May 4, 2009 - August 28, 2009. Qualified candidates are invited to e-mail resumes to: allysonb@environmentalsociety.ca by April 5, 2009. Details will be posted shortly at the SES website at http://www.environmentalsociety.ca.

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Internship Opportunity: HELP International

Position: Forestry, Logistics, Zero-Waste Technology Interns (room, board & stipend) Organization: HELP International Inc http://www.help-international.com

We're accepting serious volunteer interns able to commit 1 - 4 months to be a part of our 2009 Canadian Programming Season at our headquarters in Weyburn, SK. Interns will have a chance of a lifetime opportunity to be a part of a Prairie Forestry Team, gain hands-on training in circa 30 Appropriate Technologies, and work directly with the CEO of HELP International in the development of Zero-Waste Technologies for Canada and Africa.

Deadline: Immediately and Hiring until positions are filled. Job details posted at Good Work Canada http://www.planetfriendly.net/gwd.php?id=8273.

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Enter the EcoAction Teams 2009 Storytelling Contest

Have you contributed to a healthier environment at home, in the workplace or in the community? Enter the EcoAction Teams 2009 Storytelling Contest and tell us what you did to lessen your impact on the environment. Your story might be inspirational, complex, or humorous but should also describe your efforts to: conserve energy, reduce waste, shop and garden more sustainably, save water and choose alternative modes of transportation.

Based on your program participation, submit your story in either the “Team” or “Individual Household” category. Panasonic camcorders will be awarded to the regional winners in the team category and digital cameras will be awarded to the first and second place winners in the individual household category.

Please send us your story by: March 22, 2009. Visit http://www.ecoactionteams.ca/contest for full contest rules and eligibility.

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Alternatives Journal: Call for Submissions

Many people believe that our current economic crisis offers society a window of opportunity: A chance to bring about the fundamental changes that will transform our economy and place a fitting value on the wealth inherent in a healthy environment and robust communities.

We are looking for a series of 1500-word essays that deal with the deep-seated, fundamental, possibly painful changes required to bring about this transformation and are specific to a particular sector (energy, tourism, retail, mining, etc.). We want to hear about existing examples, such as ongoing initiatives and active pilot projects, that illustrate what can ­ and should ­ be done.

We invite you to answer the question: If we jump through this window of opportunity, what will the new economy look like on the other side? Details at http://www.alternativesjournal.ca/content/view/471/158/. Submissions due March 23, 2009.

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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.

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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.

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