Please think about this...
THE MUNICIPALITY
OFTHE
DISTRICT OF DIGBY
Application for Citizen Appointment
The Digby Municipal Council is seeking three (3) citizen
representatives to sit on the Planning Advisory Committee.
This committee provides advice to Council respecting the
preparation or amendment of planning documents, and
planning matters in general.
I
;;:
Applications are invited from interested residents of the
Municipality of the District of Digby to serve on this commit-
tee. The term of appointments will be for 2 years.
Applications can be picked up at the Municipal Building at
12548 Hwy 217, Seabrook, NS.
Applications will be received from residents of the
Municipality of the District of Digby by the undersigned until
4:00 pm February 19th, 2010.
Linda Fraser
Chief Administrative Officer
Municipality of the District of Digby
PO Box 429
Digby, Nova Scotia
BOV 1AO
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Via Tom Haynes-Paton
Province Finalizes Land Deal with Irving
Department of Natural ResourcesFebruary 3, 2010 10:36 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The province is working to reach its economic and environmental goals with the recently completed purchase of 65,000 acres of J.D. Irving land in Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth, and Cumberland counties.
The land will support wilderness protection, heritage conservation, tourism, recreation, community use, fishing, hunting and potential Mi'kmaq uses. Some of the land will help protect jobs in the forestry industry in rural Nova Scotia.
Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell said the government is making a sound investment.
"Economically, an investment in land is always smart. This deal will give Nova Scotia a greater chance to lease land to enhance forestry activities, help municipalities protect their water supplies, and provide wilderness recreation spaces for tourism and health."
Of the land purchased, about half will support economic development, recreation activities and potential Mi'kmaq uses. The remaining land has higher conservation values and will be a focus for environmental protection, which could also develop into economic advantages.
"This purchase includes some exceptional natural land for protection," said Minister of Environment Sterling Belliveau. "This land will help the province meet its goal of protecting 12 per cent of Nova Scotia's land mass by 2015."
Currently, 8.5 per cent of the province's land mass is protected. Detailed protection decisions will be made over the next few years as part of the province's broader protected areas planning process, which will include opportunities for involvement by the public and interested groups.
"All lands are a priority for the Mi'kmaq and we are pleased that the Nova Scotia government is taking the Mi'kmaq into consideration," said Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs co-chair, Chief Gerard Julian of Paqtnkek First Nations. "Presently, we are still in discussions within the Made-in-Nova Scotia process and the purchase of these Irving lands and any future lands are discussions that will continue."
Buy Back Nova Scotia, a coalition of 75 organizations representing hunters, fishers, paddlers, off-road vehicle enthusiasts, municipalities, outdoor guide and tourism businesses, environmental protection groups, and social organizations, is pleased with the purchase.
"The purchase of these lands is something every Nova Scotian can celebrate," said coalition member Sandra Phinney. "It means holding on to heritage and traditional lifestyle, as well as ensuring future generations that we are not selling land beneath their feet for commercial purposes."
The province confirmed in early January that it intended to buy the land, for $40 million from its $75 million budget for large land purchases.
For maps and photos of the land purchased, visit www.gov.ns.ca/natr .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The province is working to reach its economic and
environmental goals with the recently completed purchase of
65,000 thousand acres of J.D. Irving land.
The land is located in Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth and
Cumberland counties and will support wilderness protection,
heritage conservation, tourism, recreation, community use,
fishing, hunting and potential Mi'kmaq uses.
Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell says an
investment in land is always smart. Buy Back Nova Scotia
member Sandra Phinney says the purchase is something every Nova
Scotian can celebrate.
The province confirmed in early January that it intended to
buy the land for $40 million.
Province Finalizes Land Deal with Irving
Department of Natural ResourcesFebruary 3, 2010 10:36 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The province is working to reach its economic and environmental goals with the recently completed purchase of 65,000 acres of J.D. Irving land in Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth, and Cumberland counties.
The land will support wilderness protection, heritage conservation, tourism, recreation, community use, fishing, hunting and potential Mi'kmaq uses. Some of the land will help protect jobs in the forestry industry in rural Nova Scotia.
Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell said the government is making a sound investment.
"Economically, an investment in land is always smart. This deal will give Nova Scotia a greater chance to lease land to enhance forestry activities, help municipalities protect their water supplies, and provide wilderness recreation spaces for tourism and health."
Of the land purchased, about half will support economic development, recreation activities and potential Mi'kmaq uses. The remaining land has higher conservation values and will be a focus for environmental protection, which could also develop into economic advantages.
"This purchase includes some exceptional natural land for protection," said Minister of Environment Sterling Belliveau. "This land will help the province meet its goal of protecting 12 per cent of Nova Scotia's land mass by 2015."
Currently, 8.5 per cent of the province's land mass is protected. Detailed protection decisions will be made over the next few years as part of the province's broader protected areas planning process, which will include opportunities for involvement by the public and interested groups.
"All lands are a priority for the Mi'kmaq and we are pleased that the Nova Scotia government is taking the Mi'kmaq into consideration," said Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs co-chair, Chief Gerard Julian of Paqtnkek First Nations. "Presently, we are still in discussions within the Made-in-Nova Scotia process and the purchase of these Irving lands and any future lands are discussions that will continue."
Buy Back Nova Scotia, a coalition of 75 organizations representing hunters, fishers, paddlers, off-road vehicle enthusiasts, municipalities, outdoor guide and tourism businesses, environmental protection groups, and social organizations, is pleased with the purchase.
"The purchase of these lands is something every Nova Scotian can celebrate," said coalition member Sandra Phinney. "It means holding on to heritage and traditional lifestyle, as well as ensuring future generations that we are not selling land beneath their feet for commercial purposes."
The province confirmed in early January that it intended to buy the land, for $40 million from its $75 million budget for large land purchases.
For maps and photos of the land purchased, visit www.gov.ns.ca/natr .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The province is working to reach its economic and
environmental goals with the recently completed purchase of
65,000 thousand acres of J.D. Irving land.
The land is located in Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth and
Cumberland counties and will support wilderness protection,
heritage conservation, tourism, recreation, community use,
fishing, hunting and potential Mi'kmaq uses.
Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell says an
investment in land is always smart. Buy Back Nova Scotia
member Sandra Phinney says the purchase is something every Nova
Scotian can celebrate.
The province confirmed in early January that it intended to
buy the land for $40 million.
Wanted: Working Alternators
Looking for working alternators, the self-regulating self-"exciting" type for home project Thanks, blogger
Labels:
alternators
Biomass and Harvesting
Forestry association cries foul
Complaint filed against outspoken critic of harvesting practices in N.S.
By GORDON DELANEY Valley Bureau
Wed. Feb 3 - 4:53 AM
Forestry program co-ordinator Jamie Simpson, outside the Ecology Action Centre in Halifax on Tuesday, has been slammed by the Registered Professional Foresters Association of Nova Scotia after speaking out on clearcutting.(Peter Parsons / Staff)
A professional forestry association has filed a formal complaint against an employee of the Ecology Action Centre who spoke out against some controversial biomass harvesting methods.
The Registered Professional Foresters Association of Nova Scotia says Jamie Simpson, forestry program co-ordinator at the centre, has breached the professional code of ethics.
Association president Ian Millar says in a letter of complaint dated Dec. 7 that Mr. Simpson has misrepresented his qualifications by using the registered professional foresters designation he attained in New Brunswick.
The letter says the designation only applies in that province and not in Nova Scotia. The association has asked that Mr. Simpson "cease and desist" using the RPF designation in this province when dealing with local forestry topics.
The Nova Scotia association has also complained that Mr. Simpson breached the association’s code of ethics by publicly calling into question the work of other foresters, and by actions that reflect poorly on the profession.
The complaint was made to the Ecology Action Centre’s volunteer board of directors and to the Association of Registered Professional Foresters of New Brunswick, to which Mr. Simpson belongs.
The New Brunswick association acknowledged the complaint in a letter dated Jan. 6, in which association president John Kershaw says that a committee will be struck to investigate and, if warranted, refer the matter to a disciplinary committee.
Mr. Simpson has a master’s of science degree in forestry from the University of New Brunswick. He has worked on a variety of forest conservation and forest certification projects in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Mexico, and recently authored a book about forest ecology and restoration for woodlot owners in the Maritimes.
In recent months, he has spoken out publicly against clearcutting and whole-tree harvesting practices for biomass production. He has been quoted in The Chronicle Herald as saying it’s "the worst of the worst, and the science is clear that this practice is not sustainable.
"It’s hard to believe this is happening in Nova Scotia in the 21st century," Mr. Simpson said about a site near Caribou Mines that was harvested last fall by Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corp.
"It’s an embarrassment."
He also recently criticized a forestry certification program called the Sustainable Forestry Initiative as "greenwashing," an attempt by large corporations to appear more environmentally friendly than they really are.
"It’s an easy way to have a label next to their name that says they’re involved in sustainable forestry," he told The Chronicle Herald in December.
Mr. Simpson said he believes the forestry association complaints are an attempt to stop him from talking about controversial forest harvesting methods.
Author of the book Restoring the Acadian Forest: A Guide to Forest Stewardship for Woodlot Owners in the Maritimes, he said there are no "hard and fast rules" about using his forestry designation in this province.
"It’s a grey area where foresters do work in other provinces and there’s no legal or bylaw requirement within the organization to formally say that you cannot do this," he said in an interview Monday.
"Nonetheless, I have decided to make it clear that I am designated in New Brunswick."
As for speaking out on clearcutting practices and whole-tree harvesting, Mr. Simpson said that is part of his conservation role with the Ecology Action Centre.
"I think it’s a little bit short-sighted saying it’s unethical to bring to the public’s attention these practices, because ultimately I think most foresters would not condone them," he said.
"What we really need to do is address the practices and not those who are being critical of them."
Mr. Simpson said he respects the forestry associations and wants to continue being a member "because I think I have a lot to bring to the profession as a forester who has a concern for the ecological health of our forests."
"Any organization, any group of professionals needs to re-examine itself and grow and change as science shows the effects of certain practices and as the public becomes aware of these practices," he said.
"I’m proud to be a forester . . . and I think trying to quiet somebody from trying to talk about these issues is not progressive and ultimately will just do more damage to the profession."
( gdelaney@herald.ca)
Complaint filed against outspoken critic of harvesting practices in N.S.
By GORDON DELANEY Valley Bureau
Wed. Feb 3 - 4:53 AM
Forestry program co-ordinator Jamie Simpson, outside the Ecology Action Centre in Halifax on Tuesday, has been slammed by the Registered Professional Foresters Association of Nova Scotia after speaking out on clearcutting.(Peter Parsons / Staff)
A professional forestry association has filed a formal complaint against an employee of the Ecology Action Centre who spoke out against some controversial biomass harvesting methods.
The Registered Professional Foresters Association of Nova Scotia says Jamie Simpson, forestry program co-ordinator at the centre, has breached the professional code of ethics.
Association president Ian Millar says in a letter of complaint dated Dec. 7 that Mr. Simpson has misrepresented his qualifications by using the registered professional foresters designation he attained in New Brunswick.
The letter says the designation only applies in that province and not in Nova Scotia. The association has asked that Mr. Simpson "cease and desist" using the RPF designation in this province when dealing with local forestry topics.
The Nova Scotia association has also complained that Mr. Simpson breached the association’s code of ethics by publicly calling into question the work of other foresters, and by actions that reflect poorly on the profession.
The complaint was made to the Ecology Action Centre’s volunteer board of directors and to the Association of Registered Professional Foresters of New Brunswick, to which Mr. Simpson belongs.
The New Brunswick association acknowledged the complaint in a letter dated Jan. 6, in which association president John Kershaw says that a committee will be struck to investigate and, if warranted, refer the matter to a disciplinary committee.
Mr. Simpson has a master’s of science degree in forestry from the University of New Brunswick. He has worked on a variety of forest conservation and forest certification projects in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Mexico, and recently authored a book about forest ecology and restoration for woodlot owners in the Maritimes.
In recent months, he has spoken out publicly against clearcutting and whole-tree harvesting practices for biomass production. He has been quoted in The Chronicle Herald as saying it’s "the worst of the worst, and the science is clear that this practice is not sustainable.
"It’s hard to believe this is happening in Nova Scotia in the 21st century," Mr. Simpson said about a site near Caribou Mines that was harvested last fall by Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corp.
"It’s an embarrassment."
He also recently criticized a forestry certification program called the Sustainable Forestry Initiative as "greenwashing," an attempt by large corporations to appear more environmentally friendly than they really are.
"It’s an easy way to have a label next to their name that says they’re involved in sustainable forestry," he told The Chronicle Herald in December.
Mr. Simpson said he believes the forestry association complaints are an attempt to stop him from talking about controversial forest harvesting methods.
Author of the book Restoring the Acadian Forest: A Guide to Forest Stewardship for Woodlot Owners in the Maritimes, he said there are no "hard and fast rules" about using his forestry designation in this province.
"It’s a grey area where foresters do work in other provinces and there’s no legal or bylaw requirement within the organization to formally say that you cannot do this," he said in an interview Monday.
"Nonetheless, I have decided to make it clear that I am designated in New Brunswick."
As for speaking out on clearcutting practices and whole-tree harvesting, Mr. Simpson said that is part of his conservation role with the Ecology Action Centre.
"I think it’s a little bit short-sighted saying it’s unethical to bring to the public’s attention these practices, because ultimately I think most foresters would not condone them," he said.
"What we really need to do is address the practices and not those who are being critical of them."
Mr. Simpson said he respects the forestry associations and wants to continue being a member "because I think I have a lot to bring to the profession as a forester who has a concern for the ecological health of our forests."
"Any organization, any group of professionals needs to re-examine itself and grow and change as science shows the effects of certain practices and as the public becomes aware of these practices," he said.
"I’m proud to be a forester . . . and I think trying to quiet somebody from trying to talk about these issues is not progressive and ultimately will just do more damage to the profession."
( gdelaney@herald.ca)
Fair Vote Canada
January 2010 / janvier 2010
(Cliquez ici pour la version française.)
For the latest news on voting system reform, visit www.fairvote.ca.
FVC supporters spread the word on fair voting at January 23 rallies
FVC organizes joint statement from 132 political scientists
FVC sends open letters to PM and party leaders: fix the problem
Fair Vote Canada elections – are you a member? interested in running?
FVC campaign finance reform effort to be expanded
Quebec reformers launch “Urgence démocratique” campaign
Pollster says online voting and proportional representation could increase voter turnout
FVC supporters spread the word on fair voting at January 23 rallies
Fair Vote Canada members and supporters were out in force at the January 23 anti-prorogation rallies, spreading the word about the need for electoral reform. Volunteers were carrying signs, distributing flyers and gathering signatures on the FVC Declaration of Voters' Rights (see photos here).
While individual members were active at many of the rallies across the country, FVC chapters had an organized presence in Ottawa, Port Hope, Kingston, Barrie, Peterborough, Toronto, Oakville, London, Waterloo, Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Vancouver and Victoria.
FVC National Council member Shoni Field addressed the Vancouver rally, drawing applause with her call for electoral reform. Chapter volunteers reported a good response from rally participants to the Declaration of Voters' Rights.
We encourage Fair Vote members and supporters to stay active in local groups focused on any democracy issue, whether it’s prorogation or other concerns. The people in these groups care about democracy and are a ready audience for the fair vote message. As always, though, let’s remember that Fair Vote Canada is multi-partisan and that electoral reform is not about partisanship, but voter equality, regardless of our political views.
FVC organizes joint statement from 132 political scientists
On January 5, Fair Vote Canada announced that 132 Canadian political scientists from 36 universities and colleges co-signed a statement calling for federal electoral reform within the next five years.
Among the signers were the President-elect of the Canadian Political Science Association (CPSA), six former presidents of CPSA, the current Secretary General of the International Political Science Association (IPSA) and a former Secretary General of IPSA. The statement drew good media coverage, including news articles, an interview on CBC News Network’s Power and Politics, and a mention in The Economist.
FVC sends open letters to PM and party leaders: fix the problem
On January 12, Fair Vote Canada sent and issued open letters to the Prime Minister and opposition leaders calling for immediate action on Canada’s democratic deficit.
“The fix is not difficult. Amend the Canada Elections Act to guarantee every adult Canadian man and woman equal representation of their own choice in the House of Commons. Then establish a swift process to produce the necessary electoral reform. That would make Canada, at last, a democracy…”. The full text of the letters are available here.
Fair Vote Canada elections coming – are you a member? Are you interested in being a candidate?
In April, members in good standing of Fair Vote Canada will be eligible to cast votes and run for office in the election of FVC’s National Council. Members will elect candidates to fill seven seats on the 15-seat National Council.
To vote or run, you must be a member in good-standing, meaning your annual membership dues have been paid. We encourage members from all parts of the country, all walks of life and all points on the political spectrum to consider candidacy. Most National Council business is conducted by email, with periodic conference calls and one in-person meeting in conjunction with the AGM.
New members joining before March 1 will be eligible to vote and run for office. The candidate nomination deadline is March 15 (candidates are self-nominated).
Those interested in running or with questions are invited to contact the Elections Committee at office@fairvote.ca.
FVC campaign finance reform effort to be expanded
In December, Fair Vote Canada helped win a campaign to have the Toronto City Council adopt a ban on corporate and union campaign contributions for municipal elections in Toronto. The same ban is in place for federal elections, provincial elections in Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Quebec, as well as all municipal elections in Quebec.
Representatives from several Ontario chapters of FVC met in early January with Vote Toronto, which initiated the Toronto campaign, and Prof. Robert MacDermid, a campaign finance expert, to discuss the possibility of launching a provincial campaign finance reform project. People interested in this campaign in Ontario, or in launching similar campaigns in other provinces, are encouraged to contact our office: office@fairvote.ca
Quebec reformers launch “Urgence démocratique” campaign
The Mouvement pour une démocratie nouvelle (MDN), the leading electoral reform organization in Quebec, has launched a campaign to rally community groups, unions and activists to press for a draft bill on electoral reform by June 2010, which would allow a new voting system to be used in the next election, expected in 2013.
Quebec was the first province in recent times to seriously consider electoral reform. Unfortunately, the major parties have each reneged on commitments to institute proportional representation. The new campaign by MDN is designed to break the logjam and force action in the near future.
For a thorough overview of electoral reform efforts in Quebec, as well as more information on this campaign, visit the MDN website.
Pollster says online voting and proportional representation could increase voter turnout
Frank Graves, President of EKOS polling, said "online voting combined with proportional representation could dramatically increase the engagement of under-45 Canada and frankly reshape the political landscape."
Quoted in the Globe and Mail, Graves was commenting on an EKOS poll which asked respondents about the best ways to increase voter turnout. The top two items were online voting with 33 per cent and proportional representation with 29 per cent, both well ahead of mandatory voting with 23 per cent and public education campaigns with 16 per cent.
Fair Vote Canada
26 Maryland Blvd.
Toronto, ON M4C 5C9
Canada
Unsubscribe to the Fair Vote Canada email list
(Cliquez ici pour la version française.)
For the latest news on voting system reform, visit www.fairvote.ca.
FVC supporters spread the word on fair voting at January 23 rallies
FVC organizes joint statement from 132 political scientists
FVC sends open letters to PM and party leaders: fix the problem
Fair Vote Canada elections – are you a member? interested in running?
FVC campaign finance reform effort to be expanded
Quebec reformers launch “Urgence démocratique” campaign
Pollster says online voting and proportional representation could increase voter turnout
FVC supporters spread the word on fair voting at January 23 rallies
Fair Vote Canada members and supporters were out in force at the January 23 anti-prorogation rallies, spreading the word about the need for electoral reform. Volunteers were carrying signs, distributing flyers and gathering signatures on the FVC Declaration of Voters' Rights (see photos here).
While individual members were active at many of the rallies across the country, FVC chapters had an organized presence in Ottawa, Port Hope, Kingston, Barrie, Peterborough, Toronto, Oakville, London, Waterloo, Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Vancouver and Victoria.
FVC National Council member Shoni Field addressed the Vancouver rally, drawing applause with her call for electoral reform. Chapter volunteers reported a good response from rally participants to the Declaration of Voters' Rights.
We encourage Fair Vote members and supporters to stay active in local groups focused on any democracy issue, whether it’s prorogation or other concerns. The people in these groups care about democracy and are a ready audience for the fair vote message. As always, though, let’s remember that Fair Vote Canada is multi-partisan and that electoral reform is not about partisanship, but voter equality, regardless of our political views.
FVC organizes joint statement from 132 political scientists
On January 5, Fair Vote Canada announced that 132 Canadian political scientists from 36 universities and colleges co-signed a statement calling for federal electoral reform within the next five years.
Among the signers were the President-elect of the Canadian Political Science Association (CPSA), six former presidents of CPSA, the current Secretary General of the International Political Science Association (IPSA) and a former Secretary General of IPSA. The statement drew good media coverage, including news articles, an interview on CBC News Network’s Power and Politics, and a mention in The Economist.
FVC sends open letters to PM and party leaders: fix the problem
On January 12, Fair Vote Canada sent and issued open letters to the Prime Minister and opposition leaders calling for immediate action on Canada’s democratic deficit.
“The fix is not difficult. Amend the Canada Elections Act to guarantee every adult Canadian man and woman equal representation of their own choice in the House of Commons. Then establish a swift process to produce the necessary electoral reform. That would make Canada, at last, a democracy…”. The full text of the letters are available here.
Fair Vote Canada elections coming – are you a member? Are you interested in being a candidate?
In April, members in good standing of Fair Vote Canada will be eligible to cast votes and run for office in the election of FVC’s National Council. Members will elect candidates to fill seven seats on the 15-seat National Council.
To vote or run, you must be a member in good-standing, meaning your annual membership dues have been paid. We encourage members from all parts of the country, all walks of life and all points on the political spectrum to consider candidacy. Most National Council business is conducted by email, with periodic conference calls and one in-person meeting in conjunction with the AGM.
New members joining before March 1 will be eligible to vote and run for office. The candidate nomination deadline is March 15 (candidates are self-nominated).
Those interested in running or with questions are invited to contact the Elections Committee at office@fairvote.ca.
FVC campaign finance reform effort to be expanded
In December, Fair Vote Canada helped win a campaign to have the Toronto City Council adopt a ban on corporate and union campaign contributions for municipal elections in Toronto. The same ban is in place for federal elections, provincial elections in Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Quebec, as well as all municipal elections in Quebec.
Representatives from several Ontario chapters of FVC met in early January with Vote Toronto, which initiated the Toronto campaign, and Prof. Robert MacDermid, a campaign finance expert, to discuss the possibility of launching a provincial campaign finance reform project. People interested in this campaign in Ontario, or in launching similar campaigns in other provinces, are encouraged to contact our office: office@fairvote.ca
Quebec reformers launch “Urgence démocratique” campaign
The Mouvement pour une démocratie nouvelle (MDN), the leading electoral reform organization in Quebec, has launched a campaign to rally community groups, unions and activists to press for a draft bill on electoral reform by June 2010, which would allow a new voting system to be used in the next election, expected in 2013.
Quebec was the first province in recent times to seriously consider electoral reform. Unfortunately, the major parties have each reneged on commitments to institute proportional representation. The new campaign by MDN is designed to break the logjam and force action in the near future.
For a thorough overview of electoral reform efforts in Quebec, as well as more information on this campaign, visit the MDN website.
Pollster says online voting and proportional representation could increase voter turnout
Frank Graves, President of EKOS polling, said "online voting combined with proportional representation could dramatically increase the engagement of under-45 Canada and frankly reshape the political landscape."
Quoted in the Globe and Mail, Graves was commenting on an EKOS poll which asked respondents about the best ways to increase voter turnout. The top two items were online voting with 33 per cent and proportional representation with 29 per cent, both well ahead of mandatory voting with 23 per cent and public education campaigns with 16 per cent.
Fair Vote Canada
26 Maryland Blvd.
Toronto, ON M4C 5C9
Canada
Unsubscribe to the Fair Vote Canada email list
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
