News
Announcing the International Day for Climate Action on October 24th
On October 24th, an international climate campaign called 350 is asking you to organize an action in the place where you live, something that will make that most important number visible to everyone: “350 - as in parts per million, the level scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere”. People in more than 1000 communities around the globe have already announced plans. At each event, people will gather for a big group photo that somehow depicts 350, and upload that photo to the web 350.org. By the end of the day, there will be a powerful visual petition linking together the entire planet that can be delivered to the media and world leaders. For more information about 350 and the October 24th events, visit http://www.350.org.
Saskatoon Health Region Eliminates the Use of Herbicides
A group of provincial organizations is applauding the Saskatoon Health Region for eliminating the use of potentially harmful chemicals for weed control on its grounds. The health region has decided not to use herbicides at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon City Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital and Parkridge Centre in order to prevent unnecessary chemical exposure to employees, patients and visitors.
The Canadian Cancer Society, Saskatchewan Environmental Society, Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association, Lung Association of Saskatchewan, and the Saskatchewan Network for Alternatives to Pesticides commend them for taking action and recognize it as a positive step toward protecting the health of employees, visitors and the public.
Read the article: http://www.cancer.ca/saskatchewan.aspx?sc_lang=en.
Canadian Book about Alberta's Tarsands Wins U.S. Environmental Award
A book by a Calgary-based journalist about Alberta's tarsands has won an American environment award. Andrew Nikiforuk's "Tar Sands: Dirty Oil and the Future of a Continent" took this year's Rachel Carson Environment Book Award, along with a US $10,000 prize. Nikiforuk is the first Canadian journalist to win the award, which is given out by the Society of Environmental Journalists. The book was co-published by Greystone Books and the David Suzuki Foundation last fall.
Canadian Press article: http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5i_Usg42OmjF0bm-mjOngoRemyCGQ
Action Alerts
Climate Change: Bill 95
The Government of Saskatchewan is seeking input on The Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Act - Bill No. 95. We highly recommend that our member agencies read and discuss the implications of this bill on climate change. Read the proposed Act here. Members of the public are also invited to comment. Please send any comments you have to Kim Graybiel, Director, Corporate Policy and Planning, Ministry of Environment at kim.graybiel@gov.sk.ca.
Resources
Community Donations Program
The Government Services' Community Donations Program provides community organizations across Saskatchewan with the opportunity to acquire used government office furniture and equipment free of charge. On the Community Donations Web site, community-based organizations can select items from an inventory of usable office furnishings no longer needed by government organizations. Different items are posted each week and one organization is randomly chosen to receive each item.
Community based organizations can find free furnishings that are available in their city or local area. Through the program, they can save the funds they would spend on basic office equipment, and redirect them toward their own important programs.
Details at: http://www.communitydonations.ca.
Coming Events
Regina
Green Drinks Regina
August 6th, 5:30pm, Abstractions Cafe, 2161 Rose St.Our host for August Chuck Lees of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment’s Go Green Fund. Come out to Green Drinks for lively conversations, and new connections. For more information on Green Drinks Regina, to be added to our e-mail list or to RSVP to this event (allowing the venue to staff accordingly) e-mail us at: greendrinksregina@gmail.com or rsvp via the Green Drinks Regina facebook event.
Climate Justice Rally
August 6th, 12 noon, Saskatchewan Legislature (123 Legislative Bdlg.)All the Canadian Premiers are getting together for the Council of the Federation in Regina to discuss Climate, Energy, and Trade - and we're calling for Strong Climate Action!
Sponsored by Climate Action Network, Sierra Club of Canada, Oxfam Canada, Council of Canadians, Greenpeace, Indigenous Environmental Network, Saskatchewan Environmental Society. For more information, please visit: http://www.kyotoplus.ca.
Our Power Is Renewable Potluck & Social
August 6th, 7 pm, Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre (2900 13th Ave.)All the Canadian Premiers are getting together for the Council of the Federation in Regina to discuss Climate, Energy, and Trade - and we're calling for Strong Climate Action! This event is free and everyone is encouraged to attend.
Sponsored by Climate Action Network, Sierra Club of Canada, Oxfam Canada, Council of Canadians, Greenpeace, Indigenous Environmental Network, Saskatchewan Environmental Society. For more information, please visit: http://www.kyotoplus.ca.
Flying WILD Environmental Education Program
August 21 -22, ReginaFlying WILD is an exciting new education program that introduces middle school students to bird conservation through school bird festivals, hands-on classroom activities, and community service projects http://www.flyingwild.org. Through a new partnership with the Council for Environmental Education (the national office for Flying WILD and Project WILD) and the Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Education Association (SOEEA) Flying WILD training and materials will be offered in Saskatchewan for the next three years.
Our first training event will be held in Regina, on 21st and 22nd August 2009, with an educators training on Friday afternoon 21st and a facilitators training on the Saturday 22nd. If you are interested in becoming a Flying WILD facilitator with SOEEA you will need to attend both training events.
These events have been generously sponsored by the CEE and SOEEA and there is no charge to you for the workshop, however we do ask that you purchase the resource guide at a greatly reduced rate of $10. In addition, if you are traveling to attend the facilitator training (and therefore both training sessions) and you need to travel over 200 kms., there is a small travel compensation possible. Please negotiate this once your registration has been accepted.
An additional educator training will be held at the SOEEA Conference "Keepers of the Prairie" Lake Manitou September 25 - 27, 2009. Space is limited so please contact Peta White at petajwhite@wn.com.au for a registration form and register soon so you don`t miss this great opportunity.
Saskatoon
Hiroshima Day Screening
August 6th, 7:30 pm, Frances Morrison Public LibraryThe Saskatoon Peace Coalition in sponsoring the film “The Strangest Dream” at the Frances Morrison Public Library. Michael Murphy from the Saskatoon Peace Coalition will introduce Mayor Don Atchison who will give greetings from the City of Saskatoon You can read about the film at http://www3.nfb.ca/webextension/strangest-dream/synopsis.php. Sponsored by Saskatoon Peace Coalition, Veterans Against Nuclear Armaments, Project Ploughshares, Social Justice Committee of St. Joseph’s Parish, Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation (SCIC). For more information, call 665-2154
Nagasaki Day
August 9th, 12 - 4 pm, St. Josephs Church HallWe are having a remarkable programme to commemorate Nagasaki Day with speakers such as Rabbi Pavey, John Crawford, Hiraku Iwaii, Coalition for a Clean Green, Saskatoon Peace Coalition, and Veterans Against Nuclear Arms. Writer and recent recipient of the Order of Canada Maria Campbell will M.C. the event. Music by Come Full Circle, Gabe Penna, David Kaplan and Paddy Tutty, dancers from the Japanese Language School, and Paper Crane Folding by Ba Hung Tran, Music, Food by Linda Murphy and much more.
Sponsored by Saskatoon Peace Coalition, Veterans Against Nuclear Arms, Project Ploughshares, Social Justice Committee of St. Joseph’s Parish, Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation (SCIC). For more information see http://www.saskatoonpeace.tk or call 665-2154
From Canada to Copenhagen: Pedal for the Planet
August 12th, SaskatoonStarting on July 3, 2009, people across the country will join rides and walks leaving from both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Using bikes, trains and other modes of green transport, we will demonstrate our personal commitment to change, and relay our expectations for a new climate treaty to be negotiated in Copenhagen, Denmark in December.
For more information, please contact Lisa Faye at Oxfam Canada at (306) 242-4097 or go to http://kyotoplus.ca/pedal/
25th Anniversary of the Canada Health Act
August 16th, 7 pm, Broadway Theatre2009 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Canada Health Act (CHA). To honour the occasion, Canadian Doctors for Medicare (CDM) will host a celebration on August 16 in the Broadway Theatre.
Roy Romanow will be the keynote speaker. He and other speakers will discuss how the Act has benefited Canadians and how it can continue to be a valuable stepping stone for improved access to high quality care for all Canadians.
Photo Workshop
August 18th, 6 - 8 pm, Saskatoon Natural GrasslandThe Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan will be hosting an outdoor photography workshop featuring professional photographer and biologist Chris Hendrickson at Saskatoon Natural Grassland area on Central Avenue, just north of the Regional Psychiatric Centre.
The workshop is open to anyone, regardless of skill level, and will consist of an informal walk through the Saskatoon Natural Grassland area. For those wanting to hone their plant identification skills, there will also be botanists on site. Please come prepared to stay in the field for two hours. You will also need to bring your own camera and related gear. Registration is free, but please let Chet Neufeld at the NPSS know that you will be attending so that he can plan accordingly. Please call (306) 668-3940 or e-mail info@npss.sk.ca to register or for more information.
4th Annual Sustainable Gourmet Fundraiser
September 26th, 2009Tickets are now available for the 4th Annual Sustainable Gourmet. Support the Saskatchewan Environmental Society by purchasing your ticket now: Tickets are $65 with a portion tax-deductible. Tickets available at the SES office 306-665-1915. Only 150 tickets will be sold to this unique event in which all the primary ingredients for the meal will be grown or made locally. This helps our environment, strengthens our community and provides a showcase for local sustainable entreprises.
Risk Management Training Conference
October 6th - 7th, TCU PlaceVolunteer Saskatoon & the United Way of Saskatoon & Area presents Imagine Canada’s Insurance & Liability Resource Centre for Non-Profits Risk Management Conference Presented for the first time in Western Canada, this training conference will: Motivate participants to undertake or improve risk management policy and procedures and will give you the skills and resources to do so; Learn about the key risks facing nonprofit organizations in Canada and how to manage these risks; Provide you with a comprehensive 350 page Resource Binder; Give you an opportunity to examine the challenges and options specific to the non-profit sector and interact with other leaders in the sector.
Visit: http://www.volunteersaskatoon.com/events/ Need help with costs? Check out the training grant/bursary available through The Muttart Foundation http://www.muttart.org/training.htm.
Other
Keepers of the Water IV Conference
August 20th - 24th, Hatchett Lake, SKFor more information, contact Brandy Smart at 306-981-4661 http://www.keepersofthewater.ca.
SOEEA Conference: Keepers of the Prairies
September 25 - 27, Camp Easter Seal, Manitou BeachFor more information, please email: soeea.sk@gmail.com or visit SOEEA's website at http://www.soeea.sk.ca/conferences.html.
Nature Saskatchewan 60th Anniversary Fall Meet
September 26th - 28th, Saltcoats, SKYellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association (YFBTA) is hosting the 60th Anniversary Nature Saskatchewan Fall Meet in Saltcoats, September 26 to 28, 2009. The members of the YFBTA have planned an exciting nature weekend to honour the 60th anniversary of the Nature Saskatchewan. Details at http://www.naturesask.ca/?s=news&p=events.
Opportunities/Calls for Delegates/Proposals
Call for Nominations: RCEN Youth Caucus Steering Committee
The Canadian Environmental Network (RCEN) is in the process of creating a new Youth Caucus and is seeking interim Steering Committee members to lead the shaping of the Youth Caucus.
This is an amazing opportunity for you to be part of a group of youth that are engaged in the environmental movement, as well as being part of decision-making and planning of national activities. The Youth Caucus will be like no other youth group in Canada: from coast to coast to coast, it will strive to get the voice of youth heard on a diversity of environmental issues.
The deadline for nominations is August 7th, 2009. If you have any questions or would like to join the RCEN Youth Caucus, please contact Monique Lefebvre, RCEN National Caucus Coordinator, at (613) 728-9810, ext. 235. For more information, go to http://www.cen-rce.org/eng/index.html
Call for Proposals: CEAA Research and Development Program
The 2009-2010 Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Call for Proposals is now open and will extend to September 7, 2009 (4 pm EST). The R&D Program supports research that furthers the practice of environmental assessment (EA), including the application of EA processes and techniques that promote sustainable development. The purpose of the R&D Program is to encourage innovation and excellence in the application of relevant, credible, efficient Environmental Assessment.
For the 2009 Monograph Series, the Agency will provide up to $42,500 for one successful project to be completed by March 31, 2010. The Agency will entertain research proposals that address at least one of the following priority areas: Adaptive Management or Climate Change.
Details at: http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=0ABA6FD8.
Call for Nominations for the Habitat Scroll of Honour
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme is still accepting nominations to the most prestigious human settlements award in the world, the Habitat Scroll of Honour. This award acknowledges initiatives which have made outstanding contributions in all areas of shelter provision and improving the quality of urban life. This year, the jury will give particular attention to achievements related to this year’s theme of Planning our urban future and especially those pertaining to environmental sustainability, equity, gender parity, pro-poor growth and participatory governance. The deadline for sending nominations and submissions is August 15th, 2009. More information is available at http://www.unhabitat.org/whd2009information.
Publisher: Briarpatch Inc.
Location: ReginaBriarpatch Inc., publisher of Briarpatch Magazine and The Sasquatch, invites applications for the full-time position of Publisher. Based in the Regina office, the Publisher is responsible for the overall administration of the organization. The Publisher works collaboratively with the Briarpatch and Sasquatch Editors and reports directly to the volunteer board of directors.
Specific responsibilities include: overseeing finances, managing circulation and promotions, coordinating advertising sales, preparing grant applications, coordinating delivery of the publications to subscribers and distributors, and overseeing grant projects.
This is a full-time, unionized position (7-month term with the likelihood of permanent employment thereafter); salary and benefits as per the collective agreement. Application deadline: Monday August 17th. Details at: http://briarpatchmagazine.com/job-posting-publisher/.
Program/Event Coordinator: Summerhill Group
Location: ReginaSummerhill Group is seeking an experienced Program Coordinator to support our various energy efficiency campaigns. Program Coordinators work in concert with Program Managers to support the development and day to day delivery of Summerhill Group initiatives. Preferred candidates will have previous experience and expertise in project/program delivery, marketing, sales and client relationship management.
Our ideal candidate is also passionate about the environment, a competent go getter who is dedicated to providing excellent client service and achieving goals.Full Time Contract September to November 2009. Deadline for applications: August 23rd. Organization: Summerhill Group http://www.summerhillgroup.ca Deatils at Good Work Canada http://www.planetfriendly.net/gwd.php?id=9144.
SCIC Communications and Community Outreach Program Officer
Location: ReginaPrimary responsibilities of this position include working with Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation’s Executive Director to develop and implement the Council’s communications and marketing strategy including community education/public engagement program planning for Regina and southern Saskatchewan. Typical duties will include: production of SCIC publications; Creation and distribution of promotional and marketing materials; Managing SCIC web pages; Managing media and publicity and marketing; Planning, coordinating and implementing SCIC community education/outreach program activities in Regina and Southern Saskatchewan; Completing regular reports on activities including those for funders of programs implemented;and assisting with general reception duties.
This is a full time position [35 hours per week] with starting salary approximately $40,000 per year plus a generous benefits package. Please send enquiries and applications to scic@earthbeat.sk.ca with a resume and a covering letter outlining the applicant’s interest and qualifications for the position by 5 pm, Wednesday, August 26th, 2009.
Pan-Canadian Biodiversity Best Practices/Case Studies Contest
The Pan-Canadian Biodiversity Best Practices/Case Studies Contest has been extended until September 15, 2009! Increase your organization’s visibility and win $200! All you need to do is send a ½ page description of your biodiversity project.
In advance of the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010, the Canadian Environmental Network launched a Best Practices/Case Studies Contest to gather innovative and effective examples of environmental non-governmental organizations' (ENGOs) work related to the conservation, sustainable use, and awareness of biodiversity. The "winning" case studies and best practices will be featured in a 20-page handbook that will be posted on the RCEN website and distributed to Environment Canada and the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Our aim is to include one best practice/case study from each province and territory. If your best practice or case study is selected, you will receive $200 to write a 1-2 page summary to be included in the handbook.
For more information please contact Sarah Heiberg, RCEN National Caucus Coordinator at 514-833-9810. Send your submission by email to sarah@cen-rce.org. Details are on the RCEN website at http://www.cen-rce.org/eng/index.html
Selected submissions will be announced September 18, 2009. Once selected, groups will have until September 28th to submit their final best practice/case study summary to be included in the handbook.
Requests for Proposals: Go Green Fund
The Go Green Fund is a financial commitment from the Government of Saskatchewan to assist Saskatchewan's people, communities, non-government organizations and businesses address the province's most important environmental issues. A Request for Proposal system will be the primary process used to solicit competitive bids for projects that achieve these objectives. A clearly-defined business plan outlining your proposal must be submitted by midnight September 1, 2009.
For more information, or to provide suggestions on possible areas for investment, please contact: Go Green Fund Manager, 5th Floor - 3211 Albert Street, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 5W6, email gogreenfund@gov.sk.ca or see their website at http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/fund.