Government
URGENT UPDATE! Dene Suline Given 48-Hour Court Notice to Vacate Peace Protection Camp at Berry Point in Cold Lake
** LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ISSUE! Click here for a 26 minute audio clip with comments from Cold Lake First Nations community members from a public meeting in Edmonton on May 17th - http://soundcloud.com/louiseclaire/clfn **
The Dene Suline of Cold Lake AB, are currently in the 4th week of a move to stop development over their sacred burial grounds at English Bay near Cold Lake, Alberta (Berry Point). This area also holds very significant culturally-sensitive ceremonial places. The elders that have been present at Berry Point looked in dismay at the destructive practices of governments dealing with this so-called ”park.” Berry-picking areas were cleared off for camping and R.V stalls. Big machines were used on the top of places were 4000 year-old artifacts were found in 2008. At this site in May of 2011, members built a ceremonial sweat lodge and followed traditional protocol ongoing into the Summer and into the Fall.
On May 12th, 2011, the Dene Suline were granted an Interim Injuction to stop work in this area by Court of Queens Bench in Edmonton AB. They could not agree to the court conditions that were attached because of spiritual protocol. At this time, June 3rd, 2011, the Dene Suline of Cold Lake were given a 48-hour notice to vacate the Berry Point camp at English Bay. Threats have been constant in our attempts to seek justice in a peaceful manner.
**The Dene Suline are asking all concerned to assist us in holding our position as inherent title holders to this very special place for the Dene Suline of Cold Lake, Alberta.**
For more information on how to provide support please contact Carrie Lawrence 587-201-1434
Masi’ Cho
** LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ISSUE! Click here for a 26 minute audio clip with comments from Cold Lake First Nations community members from a public meeting in Edmonton on May 17th - http://soundcloud.com/louiseclaire/clfn **
Canadian government is 'muzzling its scientists'
The Canadian government has been accused of "muzzling" its scientists.
Speakers at a major science meeting being held in Canada said communication of vital research on health and environment issues is being suppressed.
But one Canadian government department approached by the BBC said it held the communication of science as a priority.
Prof Thomas Pedersen, a senior scientist at the University of Victoria, said he believed there was a political motive in some cases.
"The Prime Minister (Stephen Harper) is keen to keep control of the message, I think to ensure that the government won't be embarrassed by scientific findings of its scientists that run counter to sound environmental stewardship," he said.... Read more »
A TO Councillor's perspective on transit issues: letter from Gord Perks
Submitted by Kristina Jackson on Fri, 2012-02-17 11:17Dear Friend,
Last week a group of 25 City Councillors, of which I was one, stood up for a better Toronto. By voting to build Light Rail Transit lines on Eglinton, Finch, and as a replacement for the Scarborough RT, we chose to invest in making Toronto a greener and more liveable City. We also stood up for sensible and affordable investments in transit.... Read more »
Stop Logging in Castle Special Place
2012-02-15
Use your voice and tell the Alberta Government to stop loggin in Castle Special Place
Use Your Leverage as a Visitor or Voter to Stop Clear-Cutting in Alberta's Costa Rica!
It's URGENT you act because Spray Lake Sawmill's bulldozers are now building logging roads in former national park lands to clear-cut what today is the heart of the Castle Special Management Area -- a Government of Alberta designated Special Place protected area in the Rocky Mountains of southwest Alberta. As Alberta's Legislature and new Premier go back to work, you can use your leverage as a potential visitor to Alberta or voter in Alberta to save this vital part of the international Crown of the Continent ecosystem and National Geographic geotourism area.
Help local residents and businesses who, despite the bitter cold, occupied the Castle for three weeks and maintained a picket-line that held back clear-cut logging from starting.... Read more »
Toronto Transit plans saved from the trashbin - again
Submitted by Kristina Jackson on Wed, 2012-02-15 15:33Historic Transit Victory!
On February 8th, Council voted YES to rapid transit for Toronto!
The morning started with nearly 24,000 petitions and letters from Torontonians asking for efficient, reliable rapid transit to be builtnow.
TTCriders members and TEA canvassers and volunteers collected thousands of letters and petitions over the last year - and our hard work paid off!
Click here to see how your councillor voted.
The vote on Wednesday was a great example of councillors from all over the city considering their residents, and voting for effective transit that will keep our air clean!... Read more »
