Digby Area News and Views

Wheelchair Transportation Service

2012-01-24T16:35:00.005-04:00

...receives funding to do study. First, a preamble: Let's say a lawyer was accused of fraud. Then that lawyer says "Okay, I'll investigate it. Myself. And get back to you with the results". What would you think? being reasonable, and rational people.?
Not that this first has anything to do with the following, but: Given the fact that the president of Transport de Clare said to me that He *wants* Digby Neck and Islands. He WANTS Bear River. and He WANTS Digby, I find it "funny" that he has been given major amounts of money to do a study to determine a need for his own service. What do you think would be the results?
This from Marilla Stephenson of the Chronicle Herald:
"The provincial Liberals are heading down a dangerous road in making noises about municipal funding they could find hard to deliver on if they eventually form the government...

The changes will leave municipalities with $50 million in costs, at a time when the impact of an assessment cap program, combined with stagnant property assessments, is starting to hit home.

Throw in the provincial decisions to spend money to prop up red-ink businesses in the Strait and industrial Cape Breton regions, compared to its firm No to support a Yarmouth ferry service to the United States, and the discourse turns even more sour from one end of the province to the other.

Geoff MacLellan, the Liberals’ economic development critic in the legislature, waded into the deep waters on Friday, calling for a review of the province’s municipal equalization program that “needs to be “independent." “If the province handles the review internally, there will always be doubt about its accuracy and objectivity," the Glace Bay MLA said in a Friday release."

From Bob Howse of the Chronicle Herald: How can we do a better job of governing ourselves at the community level?

That’s a question we think Nova Scotians should ask in the wake of some serious and costly failures in grassroots government in this province.

So today we begin a yearlong series, How Are We Governed? We hope it will kick off a provincewide debate leading up to next October’s municipal elections.

We’ll look at what Nova Scotians want from local government and how to ensure that elected and appointed officials have the training and expertise to do the job competently and responsibly.

We’ll take on the issue of redefining communities when old borders and local rivalries don’t reflect the way citizens live, work and access services today.

We’ll examine models of efficient and cost-effective service delivery and how to pay for them. We’ll consider how to make these organizations more open, responsive and accountable to the public.

And we’ll delve into the aspects of community governance that matter to you.

So please join in. Let us know how you’d like your community to work.

The recent failures are many.

The South Shore regional school board is the third dysfunctional school board in five years to be fired and replaced by a provincial administrator.

The South West Shore Development Authority went bankrupt after audits uncovered poor oversight and financial controls. It leaves a legacy of bad debts, unpaid bills and lost assets that can only be called economic de-development.

The Town of Bridgetown is under provincial administration because a misappropriation of funds and chaotic accounting were beyond its means to investigate and fix.

Halifax Regional Municipality often tries to operate in secrecy, while abusing the public trust through ill-advised concert promotions.

The Utility and Review Board is hearing a proposal to merge another small town, Canso, into the Municipality of the District of Guysborough. Canso clearly can’t afford to be independent. But does merging a town of 900 residents with a municipality of 5,000 go far enough to create a viable unit when both are rapidly losing population?

The six municipal units that govern Pictou County’s 46,000 people have just failed to agree on cost-sharing a study into the financial impact of a merger.

Nothing new here. In 1969, the same units couldn’t agree to fund a similar study. When four did commission the research, it strongly recommended a merger.

Pictou County exemplifies our basic problem with local government. We are mired in the tyranny of small differences. We seem stuck.

Most of our municipal units are still defined by boundaries that Colonial Office officials drew up with quill pens two centuries ago.

Their reasons haven’t always aged well. Hants County was severed from Kings County because crossing the Avon River was inconvenient. Not exactly a burning issue today.

Since the 1940s, various studies have told us the existing divisions don’t work. Their populations and tax bases are too small to pay for the services people want. They prevent us from taking a broader community approach to planning and services. They keep us from pooling scarce resources to deliver those services more efficiently and at lower tax burdens.

In 1941, the minimum size for new towns was set at 1,500 people. We still have 10 older towns that don’t meet this test of viability.

In 1949, the Rowat Report recommended nine regional municipalities with minimum populations of 40,000. Nothing happened. In 1973, the Graham Royal Commission proposed three metropolitan governments (Halifax, Cape Breton and Pictou) and eight strong counties that combined urban and rural areas.

With the exception of creating the Cape Breton, Halifax and Queens regional municipalities in the 1990s, we’ve been steadfast in ignoring this advice. As historian Murray Beck wrote for the Graham Royal Commission, the principal lesson of our history of municipal government “is that the basic units are highly impervious to change.”

Our demographics, however, are changing. Outside Halifax, only three counties (Kings, Hants and Colchester) showed population growth in the 2006 census. Only a handful of towns had significant growth. Eventually, demographics will prevail and we’ll have to redesign community-level government to fit these population changes.

We think it makes sense to get ahead of this change and to reorganize ourselves into strong communities with the right service organizations and governance practices to provide quality service, reasonable taxes and accountability.

Marilla Stephenson and Dan Leger will have more to say on this subject Sunday and Monday respectively. Our series of news articles begins Monday.

Our province needs to modernize. Let’s figure out how to do it."

So, is bringing in a transportation service to Digby area a good thing to do? Or a farce? For people who only think as far as their wallet and if something's cheaper than something else is their only consideration, they'd think it a good thing. Not deep thinking, but they'd see it as a good thing.
BUT here we have the same service, which has pushed and pushed to expand its empire, towing around municipal politicians like a motorboat towing water-skiers. Not a bad analogy. So when talks about transportation comes up, he jams himself into Bear River to forestall anyone else doing it. And he sits there. His vehicle sits there. Every week. I'm sure he got big bucks (he received thousands of our health dollars) to sit there. And his vehicle does. But he won't go out there and drive that vehicle or have someone else drive it, NO. HE won't go for one person. They say he won't even go for two people. He fields the calls, no doubt, and no doubt he has received money to provide the service, but has he done more than one or two trips? Even the town's business anchor said to me: "No, it doesn't seem as if his service is too popular. We don't know why." So he sits. And yet was paid out of our scarce public dollars, yours and mine, to sit.
Now he's in Digby, too. Or at least his vehicle is. What I had heard was that he would do some stuff maybe out in Conway, but would use taxis to do the downtown stuff. Something about regulations, I think. However yesterday I saw the vehicle picking up and dropping off in the downtown core. Maybe had one passenger. Couldn't see more, but was hard to see. Everyone *wants*. Oh yes, give us this, give us that. Sure we want more services. But, when they've got it, they don't use it.
So how much much of our taxpayer money is going toward this? How much was he given to sit in Bear River, and what happens to that money? ...if the vehicle isn't or rarely is used in the service the money was given for? Is there transparency about this? Or accountability for our money?
Now he is doing a study that would bring him being given MORE money. Is this a legitimate process? Would the results of a study done by an entity that would stand to gain financially from construed "positive" results be legitimate? Back to the lawyer investigating himself.
If this abuse of your money isn't occurring, I would like to see the accredited professional Halifax firm that is doing or has done this study. If such a firm hasn't been used, just how objective would the study be? How meaningful as a statement of facts, would it be?
Would you call this a cost effective service for your money being spent to have a vehicle sit and go nowhere, while you don't know where exactly that money is going if it's not being used to provide service?

My say, Blogger

Democracy and Subsidization

2012-01-24T11:49:00.004-04:00

Subsidization and Democracy
January 20, 24, 2012

For Your Information, there is a survey that is or may be being circulated regarding “community transportation”. Please note that the questions are geared towards producing the answers that they want.
As a person who has lived 56 years, but never particularly much involved myself in the political system, I have nevertheless acquired the knowledge that democracy's economic system is the free enterprise system, based on the fair competitive market. You may have also realized that governments that have everything State-run in them, is *not* a democracy. It is something else. Something that we fought against in the first, second, and remember the Cold War? On Remembrance Day, we remember that our sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, friends and relatives paid the price for fighting against these governments and for our freedom from them, with their lives. Do you wear a poppy?
I have been watching, if you haven't, the erosion of democracy. It is being-stunningly-replaced by CEOs and government types, which are part of the 1% of society gearing the world towards their wealth. The rest of the populace is being subjugated by them, as this 1% appears to be running our governments. The detriment of the environment, and the diversity of our wildlife and also our free enterprise system, is not really their concern. Democracy is not their concern. They want a hold on that 1% or extreme wealth and control. And they don’t want a bunch of other people up there with them. This 1% of people managed to gather a 256% rise in income over recent years. Did you? Aren't you then in the 99% of the population that’s not making headway or is getting poorer ?
If you allow yourself to be sucked out of the free enterprise system and into state-run subsidized services, what are you doing to yourselves and our world? Yes, the poor can't pay for lots of things. But it's not only the poor who go for subsidized services. It's anyone who will go for a buck cheaper. Even the well-to-do are, notably, sucked in by a buck cheaper.
So, what if you’re offered half price for something? If the government offers you half price for a service, are you willing, for this subsidized rate, to be run by the state (our governments) which are controlled by big business? (IMO). Is the general population in the countries where everything is state or government-run, are they wealthy? Or poor? Are you willing to leave that legacy to your kids?
Your kids may be out there with the Occupy Movements. What are they fighting for? Even if we are so enmeshed in “the system”, our kids are the ones who are acutely aware of it. They are fighting against the control of government and our world by big business. They don’t want to be under their thumbs, controlled by the Corporate State and government-run activities.
The small business owner- your friend, neighbour, son or daughter-will be (and is being) crushed out of existence. The freedom of opportunity, or free enterprise, will be gone. You will-we will-all except the 1% be on state or government run activities. That were once small businesses of free enterprise in your area, in other areas.
Will you look back and think “oh I should’ve seen it coming..I didn’t really see the big picture…and..well shucks..I’m sorry kids. I knew the big corporations didn’t care about the kind of environment which they would leave you…well, we’re sorry we left you without a democracy but a Corporate State, and we’re sorry we left you without a world; a world without drinkable water, breathe-able air, uncontaminated food. May the lord take care of you and whatever animals may survive”.
I’m not kidding. I’m not being dramatic for the sake of drama.
Your kids, other people’s kids, are out there fighting for a truer democracy. Or a return to one. Maud Barlow, Silver Donald Cameron, Moyers and Company on PBS, Surette in the Halifax Chronicle Herald, and Marissa Stephenson of the same paper are trying to tell you too: Big business can run the state better if small business, the heart of the fair competitive market and free enterprise system of democracy, is put out of business. Ergo, the Half Price Sale to go onto a government or corporate–run program instead of using a local small business.
Here’s a relevant tangent: Did you see the documentary about agriculture in our countries? The seeds, and therefore what you eat, regardless of what’s in it, is being controlled by 3 major chemical companies. With the seed controlled, the farmers are controlled about what they plant, how they plant it, etc, etc. The food –and its content-is controlled by a big corporation. You might like to choose to not eat Genetically Modified Organism food, but the federal gov’t, is not listing what foods are. Why aren’t they? Can you imagine that the 3 chemical corporations have something to do with it? And then, YOU are controlled because the free will in what you used to choose to eat is no longer there. The little free enterprise guys or gals can’t compete with the big bucks involved with those big companies who run the farmers growing their altered food.
The answer to this, of course, is to find and buy from any farmer that is not under the control of the corporate CEO. *We don’t seem to have government-controlled corporations. We have corporation-controlled governments*.
The answer to saving our democracy is to buy from any local small business you can find. The answer is to not patronize a subsidized service which is operating in the same type of endeavour as a local small business. Patronize the small business.
Nova Scotia is pushing subsidized services. There are small businesses, the backbone of Nova Scotia communities, being hurt by this. It’s not a level playing field if the government gets into business and then offers the service for half price to use *their* subsidized service. Is it fair competition? Is this the free enterprise and fair market competition structure of our democracy? No. You might ask yourself why is the government getting into small business. If it drives it out of business. It drives free enterprise out of business.
This is happening even in Digby County. Our municipal and other governments are advertising that there is free money available (is it “free” if it is tax money?) for something they call “community transit”. At first, agencies promoted this (and some still do) as a service for seniors, the poor, and the “disadvantaged”. These groups can be better served by putting more money into the organizations that directly help them- eg women’s groups, higher guaranteed income supplements, etc., more credits and deductions on taxes, services that reach and help the truly poor. If these groups got a little more money, they could use local businesses more and then the whole web of our society would be supported. But they’re not doing that. They’re not even or are rarely advertising it like they did before as services for the poor, seniors, and the disadvantaged because knowledgeable people know that they can be better served by other means. Instead, they are advertising that there is money available (your money) for these government subsidized services.

If we lose our free enterprise system, if we choose to go where everything is state-run, we lose our diversity of life. Everything becomes the same, and same old. Not only do we lose our diversity, we lose our freedoms. Our freedom to choose. Our freedom to be in a democracy, and the founding principle: free enterprise. We lose the freedom of opportunity.

Please support your local small businesses.

My opinion without prejudice, Blogger Kathleen

Choice and Democracy

2012-01-24T11:44:00.001-04:00

How Large Organizations Suck You Away from Democracy

On this day, when we celebrate our freedoms, paid for with the lives of so many, the coercion against democracy, the ever-increasing erosion of democracy and the free enterprise system continues, and you are part of it. You are, I fact choosing it. And while you may think that by choosing it you are exercising a democratic right, perhaps it is different than that. There is no doubt that democracy *means* free enterprise, right? If you live in a democracy, we have free enterprise. This is normal. We take it for granted; we think it’s “just there”. We also think that our right to choose is just there. But is it?
We like to think that as adults we are mature in thinking, think deeply about things, and try to do the right thing. Or things. So how can your choice be taken away? How can you be actually “choosing’ to leave your democratic/free enterprise system while at the same time proclaiming the symbolism of Remembrance Day (being freedom and democracy), and loudly (sometimes) proclaiming that our system is better than others because we are “free”? Just how free are you, when it comes to making decisions about money, in our democratic/free enterprise system? Our free enterprise system, by the way, is based on the freedom to start and to have a business, and our democracy allows for anyone to do that (based on fair competition).
Still with me? We all know the above. So do our governments, at all levels (federal, provincial, municipal and town). Big business knows it. Advertisers know it. Other types of government know it (socialist, communist, etc.). And a variety of agencies, too. Whether it’s a political or corporate entity, they all use research (polls, psychology, studies) to determine how to achieve their goals, wishes and aims. They know us. They know the consumer. In governance, they know, (or think they know), and how to govern us. We wouldn’t have the need for political science, anthropologists, psychologists or sociologists otherwise. (lol). We, or rather they, need to understand humans and how to use that understanding.
So how is it that you can’t refuse a good sales pitch? (even tho’ you might have some inner qualms about it?).How come you can’t (or is it won’t) refuse a low low price on something, even tho’ your innards are thinking there might be something wrong with it?
We aren’t the poorest country, province or county in the world. We are one of the richest nations. Most of us, in Digby County, are not cooking our meals over open fires on the street as our only way of cooking or obtaining heat. We “choose” to BBQ in the summer. We “choose” to sit around a camp fire and toast marshmallow or warm our hands. And this is one of my points: “It’s the POOR who don’t have choices, right? They “have to” choose the lowest cost of doing anything, the lowest price from food to transportation. They’re the ones whose choices are severely limited.
If you are above the poverty line, do you have other choices? Can you make other choices than what’s the cheapest? Can you make another choice other than what’s the bottom line? Can you make another choice if your innards are not sure that it’s the right thing to do?
Why is it that there is a “wealthy” (not below the poverty line) person at the food bank? A neighbour accepting $500. a month not to tell a next door neighbour that a huge, destructive development will be taking place right next to him? An area where the standard of living is 10, 000 times over Biafra’s taking “donations” to the area’s clubs, societies, receipts of ball caps and T Shirts, for an activity that may cause others to lose their homes or may hurt the wildlife or even remove the landscape and affect quality of life? Don’t these same people or entities already enjoy quality of life? And it is usually the bigger organization, political structures, or bigger businesses that are “bribing” you to do what your innards are telling you isn’t right.
They are removing your choice by offering you something. They know that you, in your income bracket, which is not the lowest, will not refuse a “donations”, a “gift”, or a lower price.
Hence, we get the millionaires scrimping on things, billionaires low-paying their employees, the wealthy outfitting their enterprises from second-hand stores. Others using services really just meant for the poor. We are not that poor, you know. But it is not just the “wealthy”. Those who can well afford it, or are not below the poverty level are sucked way past principles, and incidentally, out of their choice, by a buck-or two.
You can get sucked into what current demonstrators would call corporate greed, by accepting a donation to your favourite cause. You don’t want to admit that it means you’ve been sucked into “theirs*. For example, accepting a “gift”, or donation from a fast food joint for placing their logo on the playground. You’ve also, now by popular opinion, contributed to the highest rates of obesity, heart disease and illness this society has had EVER. Not only your kids, but your friends’ kids. Some people were “sold” by political and corporate agencies to put wind turbines in a sensitive ecological and pristine nature areas, clear cutting the forest and hillsides to do it, removing the vegetation that controls run-off, and provides the oxygen that humans need to breathe; taking way the homes and habitats of may wild creatures, putting spinning blades in the air on the migratory bird flyway of many visiting and rare bird species, and obliterating the landscape, which provides quality of life to humans and other species, and flies in the face of a now global phrase, altho’ you may not have heard it before: “landscape conservation”, which is now recognized as needed, and valuable, as this world resource is diminishing rapidly and yet contributes so much to our lives and the animal/plant kingdom. If you think well we’re only one small area, then you are conveniently missing the point-the bigger picture. The world cannot sustain these on-going, increasing, and cumulative onslaughts.
Moving on: doesn’t the world seem to be going towards bigger and bigger “entities”? And do you know why you don’t plant a lawn full of Kentucky bluegrass only? Hopefully you’ll see the connection soon. You don’t plant a lawn full of one species or one variety of grass only. Why? Because if the one species (or monoculture, which you’ve created) of grass get a disease, your whole lawn is destroyed.
Yet farm operations are huge operations now. Some now are controlled by larger corporations such as Monsanto. Even seeds now are controlled by about 3 huge entities. I’m not saying that they did this, but if farmers were sucked into an offer by some of these big “daddies”, then their “no choice” choice as the larger entities counted on, has led to the farmers having no choice at all, from seeds to crop, and us having no choice about what we eat-genetically modified plants, seeds and all. Even the seeds are owned by only a very small number of companies. Maybe it’s true, but it’s counted on, that you will have no choice but to accept the offer.
The bigger entities’ (government or big enterprises) premise is that the general population will always take an offer of money or a lower price for something. And then you’re in *their* pocket, hooked into their agenda of corporate greed, or for the purpose of creating a monopoly-for control and money, for power and ego. But remember the lawn?
What ever happened, and what’s happening to the little guy? It’s the little guys who will prevent the “monoculture” or lawn disaster. Are you starting to understand what I’m saying?
Back to politics: free enterprise, which goes along with our democratic system, is base on any number of people who want to start a business, being free to do so, and trying to exist in fair competition with other (small) businesses, and according to all that market mumbo jumbo. Far right socialism or communism is the opposite .Everything is owned and run by the State (or province?). It tries to gobble everything unto itself, eliminating small business, and much of what we call “free will”, our freedoms and our choices. The “offer” to you, to make you accept this, is a lower price for things or some things. “The STATE” or the province, with your money, of course, will subsidize this .Or that. You become part of the State and are controlled by it, just like, for example the big cold land in the north of Europe. Which we, in our democracies hated. We fought wars against governments like that one. Millions of people over the world died for democracy and our freedoms. On this November the11th, 2011, how would you say we are doing?
You may not this a fair parallel, but on Wednesday night, there was a meeting, in which the President of particular operation proudly proclaimed that “WE (his type of operation) have taken over most of Nova Scotia. There’s only one slice left”.
People, caught up in the glossy performance production of promo, in which no discussion was allowed except for 2 questions), almost clapped for him. Imagine.
His operation is subsidized. A lower price. If you don’t “get” this, and the bigger picture, I’m almost sorry you’ve read this far. It’s been a long read, I know.
Yesterday, someone whom I can’t find the right descriptor for….an emissary (political) or agent of his), came to me, professing of potential “offers’ soon to come. The implication was “if only I would agree…”.
What do you think folks? What should I do? What should *you* do?

As always, my opinion (without predudice), the Blogger.

2012-01-24T11:40:00.001-04:00

The erosion of Canada's democracy
By Ralph Surette
April 11, 2011
Mr. Surette frequently authors articles which appear in the Halifax Chronicle Herald

I've spent the week fielding an avalanche of emails in response to my column of last week, "What's at stake in this election," that revealed typical Harperite manipulations from the largely ignored field of fisheries. They're from all over Canada, and they're still coming in as I write -- spread by people sending it to their friends, putting it on Facebook, and so on. So, if you're not one of those bored with the subject, let me carry on a bit more on the shaky issue of democracy.

Among the responses was a link sent by a reader that led me to something I almost wish I'd not seen -- an article in Australia's national newspaper, The Australian, entitled "Canada watches its democracy erode."

The author is Ramesh Thakur, a former assistant secretary general of the UN, author of some 30 books on governance, ethics, law and related topics, now affiliated with the University of Waterloo in Ontario and Griffiths University in Australia. Educated in India and Canada, his view is a substantial international one.

"Edmund Burke noted that all that was necessary for evil to triumph was for good men to do nothing," he writes. "Canadians are certainly good and worthy folks, but they suffer an excess of civil obedience, politeness and lack of civic rage that could be harnessed to combat political atrophy. At a time when Arabs risk life and limb for political freedoms, Canadians seem largely apathetic about the erosion of their democracy."

That's rough. But what else is an arm's-length observer to conclude? The Bev Oda affair, to top off a trend, indicates that "lying to Parliament, a cardinal sin of Westminster-style democracy, has become a political tactic," says Thakur. The degradation of Parliament goes on, through its prorogation for political advantage, the "cynically published guidelines to disrupt hostile parliamentary committees," a minister who abuses his public office to court ethnic votes and who attacks a judge for political-ideological reasons, civil servants and diplomats squelched and fired, boards stacked with ideologues, aid groups that don't toe the hard line cut, and generally more abuses than you can shake a stick at. He quotes author and Globe and Mail columnist Lawrence Martin, who describes an "arc of duplicity" which is "remarkable to behold." What would you call it?

In addition, he mentions something that we are indeed too polite to mention ourselves, except in hushed tones. The new Governor General is a respected academic, but that's not mainly why he's there. He's there because he did the prime minister a monumental favour by narrowly drawing up the terms of the Mulroney/Schreiber inquiry to exclude the most potentially damaging questions. Is this another stacked office, and what would it mean if the GG has key decisions to make in the event of another Harper minority?

Yet, to be fair -- and as some of my emailers have reminded me -- it's not all Harper. It's just that he's pushing it dangerously over the top. Thakur puts it this way: "The centralization of power in the hands of the prime minister and political staffers -- with the resulting diminution of the role and status of cabinet, parliaments and parliamentarians -- is common to Anglo-Saxon democracies in Australia, Canada, Britain and the U.S., but the extent to which constitutional conventions, parliamentary etiquette and civil institutions of good governance have been worn away in Canada is cause for concern."
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Let me add that another cause for concern is the extent to which the democratic instinct is diminishing among the people. Our sense, growing imperceptibly for decades, is that the governments we elect have less and less actual authority in the face of globalization and the growing power of corporations. Further, we are valuing money over the good of society and its governance. Money is everything -- or as that blowhard tagline on CBC TV keeps repeating ad nauseam: "Greed is good and I love money." It's the billionaire culture, but it has trickled down. It's "me and my money" that counts, not the integrity of the whole. That's why Harper can use a spurious argument -- the economy will collapse if I go -- so effectively, even though the economy, down or up, has little to do with him. It's all about the money and nothing else.

Can we shape up and stop the bleeding before the world really catches on to what's going on? Thakur says it's still not clear whether all this is "an indictment of Canadians' indifference to democratic rights being curtailed or of the opposition parties, which have failed to harness the silent majority's outrage." Time is running short to find out.

Meanwhile, one comment on The Australian's site was from "Reed of Nova Scotia, Canada" who says, "I'm at a loss for why I have to be getting accurate news from the other side of the planet." Good one, Reed.

Ralph Surette is a veteran freelance journalist living in Yarmouth County in Nova Scotia. This article was originally published in The Chronicle Herald.

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Why They Protest

2012-01-24T11:36:00.001-04:00

Why they protest
Against all odds, the Occupy Nova Scotia group is demonstrating values that we’ll all need to find justice.
by Tim Bousquet @Tim_Bousquet
from "The Coast" publication

Graham Pilsworth

Judging by my Twitter feed, the Occupy Nova Scotia demonstrators are annoying some people. "Canada didn't have American-type financial deregulation, so the protests are misplaced," is a typical tweet dismissing the group camped out in Grand Parade (and who mayor Peter Kelly is threatening to evict).

It's true that Canada didn't follow the insane deregulation route charted out by the US, but that wasn't because Canadian banks are somehow more virtuous than their American brethren. Indeed, if you go back and read the business press of the 1990s, you'll see Canadian bankers and their political supporters, including Stephen Harper, were demanding that Canada deregulate the industry, and it was only the stalwart opposition of Jean Chrétien that prevented that from happening.

More to the point, while Canadian banks weren't able to directly join the $620 trillion global trade in derivatives---that's 10 times the actual money supply in all the world--- Canada was making many other policy decisions that contributed to what journalist Chris Hedges calls the "corporate coup." And in terms of shifting wealth from working people to the wealthiest one percent over the past two decades, Canada is third, after only the US and Australia---see a detailed analysis of Canada's horrid economic record via thecoast.ca/CanadasOnePercent.

While the richest are doing just fine, Canadian workers' pension funds have been gutted, students graduating with huge debt loads face bleak employment opportunities and those lucky enough to have jobs rightly fret about the future as the federal government attacks unions at every turn. And on the bottom edge of society sits a growing number of the completely dispossessed, some of whom are camped out in Grand Parade.

Critics of the occupation condemn the demonstrators for lacking detailed explanations of their position and understandings of the world of global finance, but since when do people need to be certified with a PhD in economics or political science before they are given the right to protest? And let's remember that most of our economic and political elite actually created the problem in the first place, breaking the global economy. Why should we trust anyone with such credentials?

To be sure, along with an incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated core, the Occupy NS group includes street kids, some homeless people and a very few people with mental health issues. It's not likely everyone on Grand Parade can maneuver through an academic debate on economic policy issues, but so what? Their very presence is giving testimony that's better than a thousand textbooks: We matter, damn it, and our society has failed us.

Having spent some time at Occupy NS, I've come away with profound respect for the enterprise. Even the most disenfranchised of the group, who have legitimate reason to be most angry, have committed themselves to non-violence and are working through the process of understanding the consensus decision-making process. With little outside help and a lot working against them, and using only their own resourcefulness and sense of justice, they've created a workable community that provides basic health care and a decent meal for all, that takes a responsibility for its most vulnerable, that has shared purpose. They're demonstrating values that are eluding the larger society; they should be proud of themselves.

And what about the rest of us: Are we proud of ourselves? Are we doing the best we can to object and stand up for ourselves in a broken economy? Or do we just put up with it, getting along to get along with an unjust system?

I met an engaging young woman involved with Occupy NS who had parked herself in Granville Mall to do outreach to NSCAD students, stressing the need for solidarity in the face of a common struggle. She's right, of course, and the rest of us can learn from her---we're in this together. The powerless have thrown down the gauntlet: How do we do right by each other?

The one percent has succeeded in coming to the trough time and again, demanding that the 99 percent bail out their false economy with ever deeper austerity, raided retirement funds and broken wage contracts. We could keep acquiescing, or we could learn from the Occupy folks and say enough is enough

The Occupy Movement and Halifax , N.S.

2012-01-24T11:29:00.002-04:00

Mayor Kelly Muffs His Moment
Submitted by Silver Donald Cameron on Tue, 11/15/2011 - 19:54
from The Green Interview www.greeninterview.com

History just tossed Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly the political opportunity of a lifetime. Kelly blew it spectacularly. And everyone in the city is diminished by his failure.

For decades, the chattering classes have been deploring the apathy of the young. The young don't care about public affairs, they don't vote, they have no interest in democracy and social justice. Imprisoned between their earbuds, wired into their iPods and PlayStations, focussed on nasty music and texting endlessly, they're immersed in selfish amusements.

And then, one October day, democracy erupted on the Mayor's front lawn, right in front of his office window, in the Grand Parade square in downtown Halifax. Suddenly there was a little encampment of people, mostly young, crying aloud for democracy and social justice, trying to practice it, their tiny colourful tents encircling the cenotaph that honours the Haligonian men and women who died for democracy and social justice. A little community in the middle of the city, full of the vigour and idealism of youth, eager to address the multiple wrongs of our time – gross social inequality, the despoliation of the planet, women's rights, public health, climate change, the war industry, the patenting of life forms, the affordability of education, trade rules, all kinds of things.

Occupy Nova Scotia in the Grand Parade (from Occupy NS site)
Occupy Nova Scotia in the Grand Parade (from Occupy NS site)
What an opportunity!

And what was Mayor Kelly's attitude to this outburst of democracy and youthful idealism?

He saw it as a problem.

As the protests rolled around the world, the Halifax occupiers settled in, some of them with their dogs. The fire inspectors and the health inspectors came and made suggestions, which the occupiers followed. As they did elsewhere, the occupiers developed a community, making decisions by consensus, compensating for the lack of microphones by repeating aloud whatever the speaker was saying. Labour unions brought them truckloads of bottled water. A nearby restaurant gave them tubs of soup. Sympathizers – including me – brought them warm clothing and boxes of food.

Remembrance Day approached. The Grand Parade, where Occupy Nova Scotia was camped, is the place where the annual remembrance ceremonies are held. The Mayor wanted the square cleared for the ceremonies. The protesters discussed the situation with the Mayor and the veterans. They wanted to win support, and non-violence is at the core of their world-view. So they put poppies on their windbreakers and agreed that they would move to Victoria Park, a dozen blocks away, until after Remembrance Day, and then move back. And the Mayor allowed them to believe that he agreed. His later interviews about whether or not he intended what happened next reveal him as an absolute virtuoso of weaseling and dodging.

Remembrance Day in Nova Scotia was so stormy that many ceremonies were moved inside, though not in Halifax. The wind howled, the leaves flew, the rain fell in torrents. At 11:00 at the Grand Parade, dignitaries and others laid wreaths. One of the wreaths was laid jointly by an Afghanistan veteran and a representative from Occupy Nova Scotia. The occupier met Mayor Kelly and shook his hand. The Mayor smiled.

And at that very moment, the police encircled the encampment at Victoria Park and served an eviction notice.

Two hours later, the police charged, beating and arresting fourteen protesters, dragging them through the mud to the paddy wagons, hauling away their tents. There's lots of video of the arrests on the web; here's one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMAelP2KnxQ&feature=related As the word went around the city, other supporters – including me – went down to join the occupiers, standing in the pouring rain, arms linked in a circle around the remaining tents, while the occupiers debated their next move. In the end they took down all the tents but one, leaving the last tent for the police, and went to a near by church to regroup. The next day saw an angry rally at the Grand Parade, and there, as this is written, the matter rests.

Silver Donald Cameron at Victoria Park on Remembrance Day. (Chris Majka)
Is this what our veterans fought for? Is this the way the city celebrates Remembrance Day – with handcuffs and truncheons and Mace for people who are simply sitting on their tents in the rain?

The Mayor says that the council unanimously made the decision to evict in an in-camera meeting on Tuesday, and after that it was “an operational issue” to be dealt with by the police. Nothing to do with him. But who chose the timing and the method? The councillors, the cops, the city staff, the Mayor? Silence.

By Sunday, the councillors were distancing themselves from the Mayor.

"The Mayor is using council as a scapegoat right now to support his decision making,” says Councillor Linda Mosher. “It was completely unnecessary to do that and council did not give that directive."

I believe her. This is a Mayor who spends a lot of time making bad decisions and initiating questionable actions, and hiding behind others when the brown stuff hits the blades. Earlier in 2011 Kelly was caught having agreed, in writing, and without authority, to guarantee loans totalling $5.6 million to the promoter of a rock concert to be held on the Halifax Common. The city is still on the hook for about $360,000, and the Mayor narrowly avoided a police investigation that would have been entirely appropriate.

But the loans fiasco wasn't his fault either. It was those confounded city staffers again. Tsk, tsk.

All of which raises another interesting question: why is it all right for the Mayor to risk a ton of public money for a private operator to occupy and tear up a city park – and it's not all right for citizens to camp peacefully in a city park, doing a lot less damage than a rock concert does?

On Monday, in a press conference, Police Chief Frank Beazley told the press that he made the decision to evict the occupiers by force – and to do it on Remembrance Day, because not many people would be around, and he didn't expect the protesters to leave peacefully. Really? All by himself? Knowing that it would cause a political uproar, he didn't seek the approval of the Mayor? Pah! No matter how you look at it, the responsibility circles back to Peter Kelly. Nor should we entirely exempt the councillors, who seem similarly addicted to secret meetings after which nobody has to take responsbility for anything.

Halifax deserves better than this.

In case you do not have the good fortune to live here, I should tell you a bit about Halifax, population about 300,000, a beautiful old seaport, the capital of Nova Scotia, the largest city on Canada's Atlantic coast. Halifax was established in 1749 on one of the biggest, safest deepwater harbours in the world. It was a pivot in the wars between the French and the English, and later between the English and the Americans. During the two World Wars, Halifax was the portal through which troops, ships, munitions and supplies poured across to Europe. It is home to Canada's principal naval and Coast Guard bases. It contains half-a-dozen universities and numerous research institutes, and it's the regional headquarters for innumerable agencies and companies. It is well supplied with parks and green spaces, and is said to have the largest urban forest in Canada. It is a city of scholars and shipwrights, legislators and law courts, broadcasters and boutiques, symphonies and scientists, art galleries and admirals and archbishops.

Linked to international events by its location, its history and the ocean, Halifax is a world city on an intimate scale, and it has sometimes had leadership adequate to its character. The very first national magazine article I ever wrote, in 1968, was a profile of the Mayor of Halifax, Allen O'Brien. A tough-minded businessman who was also a vice president of Canada's semi-socialist New Democratic Party, Mayor O'Brien marched in street protests against the Vietnam war. Was this appropriate for a municipal leader?

“We certainly have problems here at home, and I work on them every day,” he said – as I remember it; I'm quoting from memory. “But that is no excuse to ignore the plight of our neighbours – anywhere in the world.”

And what about his role as Mayor?

“The Mayor,” he said, “ has very little actual power – but he has the power to bring people together, to encourage action on matters that he considers important. He has the power to influence the public agenda. He has access to the press. And if you use those powers strategically, you can accomplish quite a bit.”

Young man acting as host at the November 12 rally (SDC)
Now just imagine. Imagine if Peter Kelly had that kind of awareness, that sense of direction, when he looked out the window in the middle of October. Imagine if he'd gone down there with his eyes and ears open. Who are you? Where do you come from? What do you do? When I asked those questions, I found I was talking with some very interesting people. An education graduate from St. Francis Xavier University who was playing a mad scientist in a children's theatre. A sustainability consultant. A young boutique farmer. A Mi'maq veteran. A postal worker. A filmmaker.

Okay (the Mayor might have said), let's not talk too much about things that are clearly national or provincial. What are the things that municipal governments actually can affect? Food? Maybe we need an innovative urban agriculture policy. What do you think such a policy might look like? Homelessness? Let me get a couple of property developers and someone from the province down here, and let's brainstorm a little. Tell me about youth unemployment. Say that again, will you – there's an organization in Winnipeg called Build that trains street people to do energy refits? Fascinating. Let's get someone from Winnipeg down here to talk about that. How can I reach them? (Answer: at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x4shcdZ8QI )

Anti-poverty activist Sharon Murphy addresses November 12 rally (SDC)
I'm pulling examples from my own experience and imagination, but you get the idea. What if the Mayor had treated the occupiers respectfully, as though they were actually citizens whose voices deserved to be heard, whose ideas might have merit, whose concerns might reflect the concerns of other citizens? What if the city had welcomed the arrival of new ideas, new insights, a passionate commitment to a better future? What if the Mayor had paused to reflect that the young people among them were not aliens or monsters – or bums or dregs or scum, as they have been called by adult commentators who should know better? These are our own children, brought up in Dartmouth and Moser River, Blandford and Fairview. What if the Mayor had contemplated the possibility that those young people probably arethe future?

What if the Mayor had acted not as a short-sighted enforcer of petty bylaws, but as the wise, patient leader of a functioning community?

If he had acted like that, Peter Kelly would have taught the occupiers that civic engagement actually works, that change is possible, that older people can and do welcome the energy of youth in the quest for a better tomorrow. Instead, he taught them the exact opposite – that their concerns are not of interest, that their involvement in politics is not welcome, that civic leaders cannot be trusted, that violence is just fine as long as it's the police who start the brawl.

If Peter Kelly had found a fresh, positive way to engage with Occupy Nova Scotia, the news would have gone around the world – just as the news of the eviction has gone around the world. Other cities that are also trying to figure out what to do next would have taken note. Halifax would have looked like the thoughtful, creative community that it is. And Peter Kelly would have been a hero, a prime contender for higher political office had he chosen to pursue that.

Like I said, history just tossed Kelly the political opportunity of a lifetime. He blew it. And we are all diminished by his failure.

The Skinny on Transportation Proposals

2011-11-27T12:27:00.003-04:00

Transport de Clare is/was a society geared to provide wheelchair transport in the district of Clare, which is a district unto itself and not part of Digby. It has its own government and everything. It was "happy" fulfilling its mandate. Then last year its president declared to me and to anyone who would listen that he intended to not restrict himself to wheelchair service and intended to go out and service the general population like I do. Furthermore, he declared to me that he "WANTED" Digby, Digby Neck and Islands and Bear River. Further to that, he intended to remain subsidized, too.
He went out and plunked down a van in Bear River, as if claiming it for his own, and later admitted that he has only had a couple of calls. Even the owner of the anchor business in that community admits that there seems to be little interest in his service.
The Da Bus not for profit Society was started out of Digby Neck and area and produced and matched the same proposal to council as Trans de C. This society did not have an accessible van but declared that with approval of their proposal, they would go out and get one, with funding and corporate donations.
The municipal councilors did not want to know the numbers of need for a)an accessible van b)how many people were mobility challenged and needing the service. They did not want a study to find out.
This is yours and my money.
Two identical proposals.
One difference: one headed by a man. one spearheaded by a woman, with a board of mostly women.
A *Forum* is defined as a discussion of matters or issues. Look it up. T de C held a forum at which when two questions were allowed, and these two were against T de C, the questions were cut off abruptly and any further questions not allowed.
The "audience" was divided into groups, each at which one of his attendants was stationed. They produced a list of questions designed to elicit favourable responses to T de C. When someone in one group (I was there to witness this) asked if he could get a word in edgewise and ask a question and voice an opinion, the attendant said no, there were a set of questions that had to be followed and that was that.
Outside, at a break, I was able to get one question in to this attendant. I asked if any of the T de C drivers were hired. The answer was yes, they were drivers from Clare. I asked what they did in the areas they intended to service. The answer was oh they had a whole list of volunteers in those areas. They didn't need to...(and she cut herself off before saying "to pay them").
Trans de Clare has a municipal councillor on their board!
Da Bus would be providing THE SAME SUBSIDIZED RATES AS TRANSPORT DE CLARE. Da Bus is in the municipal structure of the Digby area. Any drivers would be hired here.

Go phone your councilor right now. You know this setup is wrong. Phone Maritza Adams, Jim MacAlpine, Linda Gregory.

Paul Hawken on World Events

2011-11-13T09:39:00.002-04:00

From "The Tyee"

Opinion
Paul Hawken Saw Wave of Change Coming: Now What?

Eco-entrepreneur wrote book portending Tahrir Square and Occupiers. He'll speak on new opportunities in Vancouver Tuesday. Here's a taste.

By David Beers, 11 Nov 2011, TheTyee.ca

Author Paul Hawken

Paul Hawken: How can we British Columbians do more with our 'blessings'?

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Right about now, as economies and nature unravel, spawning all kinds of democratic uprisings, you'd probably like to spend time with a brilliant person who's been making hopeful sense of all this for not just weeks, but decades.

That person would be Paul Hawken. You can hear his ideas on how best to connect with the great wave of global change this Tuesday evening in Vancouver.

Hawken has worked with Martin Luther King, Jr., established several highly successful green enterprises as well as the Natural Capital Institute think tank, and written groundbreaking bestsellers including The Ecology of Commerce: A Declaration of Sustainability and Natural Capitalism: The Next Industrial Revolution. Four years ago he published Blessed Unrest, an investigation into the myriad groups around the planet advocating for justice and the environment, an amorphous "largest movement in the world" that Hawken concluded was unstoppable. Think back to when Hawken began researching his book, around the time of Sept. 11, 2001. That was not the most obvious moment to go looking for, and find, the spirit of Tahrir Square and Occupy Wall Street, but Hawken nailed it.

It may be because Hawken, who lives in Sausalito, California and made his first serious money by building a quality tool company, is a practical thinker, yet no one ever accused him of thinking too small.

On Tuesday evening Hawken will draw on examples from around the world to discuss ways to leverage our wisdom, our money and our humanity for a better world. Then a panel of local social entrepreneurs will join Hawken in a discussion of projects and initiatives that are transforming our local community and society. Audience members will also be given an opportunity to join in the conversation. To learn more about the event, click here.

Sponsored by Vancity, this gathering is intended to inform and invigorate anyone working for a better world in business, not for profits, government or other settings. The venue is the Orpheum Theatre; start time is 7:00 p.m. Tickets, priced on a sliding scale, can be reserved here.
FREE! Get The Tyee delivered direct to your inbox, daily or weekly.

In anticipation of Tuesday evening, The Tyee emailed Paul Hawken some questions and here's what he sent back:

Do you think Blessed Unrest predicted the Occupy Movement? Do the Occupiers represent a new phase of what you were cataloguing in your book?

"Blessed Unrest was published in 2007 but I had written about this phenomenon before then. In 2001 I wrote an essay for a book entitled 'Imagine: What America Could be in the 21st Century.' In it I described the movement from which Occupy emerges. Although people have quoted from Blessed Unrest and other essays with the view to my having predicted Occupy, I would say no. I try not to predict. I wrote about something that was evident more than 10 years ago. The difference is that the movement is now visible to many. The Occupiers represent a new manifestation of what has been present and growing all along. This is a bit long but this is what I wrote 10 years ago.

"In the United States, more than 30,000 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), foundations, and citizens' groups are addressing the issue of social and ecological sustainability in the most complete sense of the word. Worldwide, this number exceeds 100,000. Together they address a broad array of issues, including environmental justice, ecological literacy, public policy, conservation, women's rights and health, population, renewable energy, corporate reform, labour rights, climate change, trade rules, ethical investing, ecological tax reform, water, and much more. These groups follow Gandhi's imperatives: some resist, while others create new structures, patterns, and means. The groups tend to be local, marginal, poorly funded, and overworked. It is hard for most groups not to feel palpable anxiety -- that they could perish in a twinkling. At the same time, a deeper pattern is emerging that is extraordinary.

"If you ask each of these groups for their principles, frameworks, conventions, models, or declarations, you will find they do not conflict. This has never happened before in history. In the past, movements that became powerful started with a unified or centralized set of ideas (Marxism, Christianity, Freud) and disseminated them, creating power struggles over time as the core mental model or dogma was changed, diluted, or revised. The sustainability movement did not start this way. It does not agree on everything, nor should it ever, but remarkably it shares a basic set of fundamental understandings about the earth, how it functions, and the necessity of fairness and equity for all people in partaking of the earth's life-giving systems.

"These groups believe that self-sufficiency is a human right; they imagine a future where the means to kill people is not a business but a crime, where families do not starve, where fathers can work, where children are never sold, where women cannot be impoverished because they choose to be mothers. They believe that water and air belong to us all, not to the rich. They believe seeds and life itself cannot be owned or patented by corporations. They believe that nature is the basis of true prosperity and must be honored. This shared understanding is arising spontaneously, from different economic sectors, cultures, regions and cohorts. And it is growing and spreading, with no exception, throughout this country and worldwide. No one started this worldview, no one is in charge of it, and no orthodoxy is restraining it. It is the fastest and most powerful movement in the world today, unrecognizable to the American media because it is not centralized, based on power, or led by white, male, charismatic vertebrates. As external conditions continue to change and worsen socially, environmentally, and politically, organizations working toward sustainability increase, deepen, and multiply.

"Our children, who will look back 50 years from now and wonder at what these groups accomplished, are avidly reading Harry Potter books. What they know from these books is that there are too many Muggles in the world. As Bill McKibben wrote in his articles on the protests in Seattle, one kept seeing the sticker 'Wake up Muggles.' If Muggles stand for a hyper-rational world of no magic, economic analysis, and hyper-growth at all costs, then what we are beginning to see is the reemergence of a celebratory resistance to what Caroline Casey calls the 'Reality Police,' the angry columnists, the vacant politicians, the blind economists, the obsessed CEO, and pathological financiers, the people who cannot see that what is emerging now is the possibility of being fully human."

Blessed Unrest emphasized the atomized and therefore difficult to define nature of the world's myriad groups working for social justice and environmental preservation. Is there a danger that we place too much emphasis on the Occupy movement to stand in for all this unruly effort all over the world?

"When you ask do we place too much emphasis on Occupy, I guess you would have to define who we is because we generally stands for the media, not people, and how the media reports Occupy has been consistently inaccurate and skewed and will no doubt continue. It will be years before we understand the meaning and impact of the Occupy movement. It may fall apart, it may cohere, it may morph, or it may grow and overthrow by its presence the corrupt and collusive machinations of corporations and legislatures in the U.S. and throughout the world.

"What the Occupy movement cannot do is prevent the bankruptcy of the U.S., Japan, China and much of Europe, which is where we are but have so far deferred by financial contortions. This is not being brought about by the peasants or even the middle class, but by oligarchies everywhere. We have created the delusion of economic growth and well being by creating unpayable debts to the future, whether they are financial debts, the debt of resource depletion, or the debt of structural poverty, and the Occupy movement is holding up a mirror to a political/financial system that is manifestly unfair and which is causing incalculable damage to the world, whether it is liar loans or the Athabasca Tar Sands."

Scan the world and tell us if you think any world leaders really get the power of this "blessed unrest" and have made an intelligent alliance with it.

"I think Bill Clinton gets it. He is not in office, but he is as much of a world leader now as he ever was as president, only now he is using civil society as his vehicle. But past that, I would say no. There is no current elected leader that understands the power of civil society. "

So you don't think Obama gets it? Has he betrayed its energy that helped him get elected?

"Obama is a lawyer. Lawyers frame and think in linear and logical ways. Obama is approaching a non-linear complex system, i.e. the world economic system, as a problem of logic advised by people who both created and benefited from the financial morass we are in today. Since he is dealing with a problem that does not have a linear solution, he is a bit hapless."

What if any lesson does Obama's experience offer other world leaders at this moment?

"I cannot think of anything Obama offers with respect to his experience. He is running the largest empire in history with no experience in running anything at all. He is backed by a default reserve currency that provides him and the Federal Reserve great latitude and leverage to paper over our problems at home. If he did not have this legacy currency, we would be facing a situation similar to Italy and Greece, and soon France. In his defence, he did not cause or create it, and no one has had to deal with what he is facing ever before."
PAUL HAWKEN EVENT, NOV. 15

Leveraging our wisdom, money and humanity for a better world.

Where: Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver.
When: Nov. 15, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Tickets: Sliding scale starting at $5, suggested price $20.
Find out more here.

Reserve tickets here.

What do you say to people who have become disillusioned with electoral politics to the point that they say "all politicians are alike"?

"I don't think it is helpful to see politicians as the bête noir of society. Politicians are people just like everyone else and I find many to be honorable and dedicated. That being said, I think we are looking for love in all the wrong places when we turn to national governments, because the role of governments is to slow things down, make commerce and citizens heedful of core values and the rule of law in the case of Canada and the U.S. Thus, they are not equipped to deal with the scale and rapidity of change we are witnessing, changes which will become ever more pronounced.

"Only citizen-based organizations and commerce can respond to change in a time-frame commensurate with the issues involved. Electoral politics, because it is hog-tied by problems it is ill equipped to solve, is devolving just as Plato predicted in The Republic, wherein the lowest common denominator becomes the arbiter of electoral politics. When that happens, we should not be surprised that nuance and civility have disappeared, and that many politicians do not have the intellectual capital to parse the issues or speak in a reasonable, non-polemical manner."

As the founder of the Natural Capital Institute and several companies that adhere to sustainable principles, please talk a bit about how business can be a positive source for social change.

"Business makes the biggest contribution by choosing what it does, and how it does it. Much of what we make and sell is absurd, unhealthy, useless, or toxic. We have to ask ourselves what is actually helpful at this time in history, what is needed, not just what people are addicted to. Marketing sugary, fatty junk food that creates the basis for obesity and type 2 diabetes is not helpful. Farming organically and banking carbon in the soil is extraordinarily helpful. Both are food businesses. The first type of business can never be sustainable whereas the second is inherently sustainable. Businesses that make things we need but do so in a destructive or uninformed way can become helpful by completely redoing how they manufacture and distribute their product, much as what happened with Ray Anderson and the Interface carpet company."

What qualities do you see in Vancouver and its region that make it a particularly fertile place for the kind of shift you have written about?

"I am not familiar enough with Vancouver to speak with any certitude on this. What I notice are the following qualities that greatly support the transformation the world is undergoing: functional governance systems that are not afraid of taxes or setting high standards; a fairly paid workforce; a diverse community; relative income equality; great schools; and a culture of innovation.

"What British Columbia has to be aware of is that it is an extraordinarily blessed place on the planet, and in some ways, it is removed from the travails and exigencies that most people in the world face on a daily basis. It could be said that true discovery and innovation lies in the shadows, that it rests within constraint rather than unbounded prosperity.

"Having just returned from Australia, there is a similarity to Canada in that both countries are resource rich in a world of diminishing resources. Both countries' economic futures are guaranteed for decades to come, and the question I would ask is whether or not these countries will use their blessings to lead the world."

Choice and Democracy

2011-11-11T13:45:00.001-04:00

How Large Organizations Suck You Away from Democracy

On this day, when we celebrate our freedoms, paid for with the lives of so many, the coercion against democracy, the ever-increasing erosion of democracy and the free enterprise system continues, and you are part of it. You are, I fact choosing it. And while you may think that by choosing it you are exercising a democratic right, perhaps it is different than that. There is no doubt that democracy *means* free enterprise, right? If you live in a democracy, we have free enterprise. This is normal. We take it for granted; we think it’s “just there”. We also think that our right to choose is just there. But is it?
We like to think that as adults we are mature in thinking, think deeply about things, and try to do the right thing. Or things. So how can your choice be taken away? How can you be actually “choosing’ to leave your democratic/free enterprise system while at the same time proclaiming the symbolism of Remembrance Day (being freedom and democracy), and loudly (sometimes) proclaiming that our system is better than others because we are “free”? Just how free are you, when it comes to making decisions about money, in our democratic/free enterprise system? Our free enterprise system, by the way, is based on the freedom to start and to have a business, and our democracy allows for anyone to do that (based on fair competition).
Still with me? We all know the above. So do our governments, at all levels (federal, provincial, municipal and town). Big business knows it. Advertisers know it. Other types of government know it (socialist, communist, etc.). And a variety of agencies, too. Whether it’s a political or corporate entity, they all use research (polls, psychology, studies) to determine how to achieve their goals, wishes and aims. They know us. They know the consumer. In governance, they know, (or think they know), and how to govern us. We wouldn’t have the need for political science, anthropologists, psychologists or sociologists otherwise. (lol). We, or rather they, need to understand humans and how to use that understanding.
So how is it that you can’t refuse a good sales pitch? (even tho’ you might have some inner qualms about it?).How come you can’t (or is it won’t) refuse a low low price on something, even tho’ your innards are thinking there might be something wrong with it?
We aren’t the poorest country, province or county in the world. We are one of the richest nations. Most of us, in Digby County, are not cooking our meals over open fires on the street as our only way of cooking or obtaining heat. We “choose” to BBQ in the summer. We “choose” to sit around a camp fire and toast marshmallow or warm our hands. And this is one of my points: “It’s the POOR who don’t have choices, right? They “have to” choose the lowest cost of doing anything, the lowest price from food to transportation. They’re the ones whose choices are severely limited.
If you are above the poverty line, do you have other choices? Can you make other choices than what’s the cheapest? Can you make another choice other than what’s the bottom line? Can you make another choice if your innards are not sure that it’s the right thing to do?
Why is it that there is a “wealthy” (not below the poverty line) person at the food bank? A neighbour accepting $500. a month not to tell a next door neighbour that a huge, destructive development will be taking place right next to him? An area where the standard of living is 10, 000 times over Biafra’s taking “donations” to the area’s clubs, societies, receipts of ball caps and T Shirts, for an activity that may cause others to lose their homes or may hurt the wildlife or even remove the landscape and affect quality of life? Don’t these same people or entities already enjoy quality of life? And it is usually the bigger organization, political structures, or bigger businesses that are “bribing” you to do what your innards are telling you isn’t right.
They are removing your choice by offering you something. They know that you, in your income bracket, which is not the lowest, will not refuse a “donations”, a “gift”, or a lower price.
Hence, we get the millionaires scrimping on things, billionaires low-paying their employees, the wealthy outfitting their enterprises from second-hand stores. Others using services really just meant for the poor. We are not that poor, you know. But it is not just the “wealthy”. Those who can well afford it, or are not below the poverty level are sucked way past principles, and incidentally, out of their choice, by a buck-or two.
You can get sucked into what current demonstrators would call corporate greed, by accepting a donation to your favourite cause. You don’t want to admit that it means you’ve been sucked into “theirs*. For example, accepting a “gift”, or donation from a fast food joint for placing their logo on the playground. You’ve also, now by popular opinion, contributed to the highest rates of obesity, heart disease and illness this society has had EVER. Not only your kids, but your friends’ kids. Some people were “sold” by political and corporate agencies to put wind turbines in a sensitive ecological and pristine nature areas, clear cutting the forest and hillsides to do it, removing the vegetation that controls run-off, and provides the oxygen that humans need to breathe; taking way the homes and habitats of may wild creatures, putting spinning blades in the air on the migratory bird flyway of many visiting and rare bird species, and obliterating the landscape, which provides quality of life to humans and other species, and flies in the face of a now global phrase, altho’ you may not have heard it before: “landscape conservation”, which is now recognized as needed, and valuable. If you think well we’re only one small area, then you are conveniently missing the point-the bigger picture. The world cannot sustain these on-going, increasing, and cumulative onslaughts.
Moving on: doesn’t the world seem to be going towards bigger and bigger “entities”? And do you know why you don’t plant a lawn full of Kentucky bluegrass only? Hopefully you’ll see the connection soon. You don’t plant a lawn full of one species or one variety of grass only. Why? Because if the one species (or monoculture, which you’ve created) of grass get a disease, your whole lawn is destroyed.
Yet farm operations are huge operations now. Some now are controlled by larger corporations such as Monsanto. Even seeds now are controlled by about 3 huge entities. I’m not saying that they did this, but if farmers were sucked into an offer by some of these big “daddies”, then their “no choice” choice as the larger entities counted on, has led to the farmers having no choice at all, from seeds to crop, and us having no choice about what we eat-genetically modified plants, seeds and all. Even the seeds are owned by only a very small number of companies. Maybe it’s true, but it’s counted on, that you will have no choice but to accept the offer.
The bigger entities’ (government or big enterprises) premise is that the general population will always take an offer of money or a lower price for something. And then you’re in *their* pocket, hooked into their agenda of corporate greed, or for the purpose of creating a monopoly-for control and money, for power and ego. But remember the lawn?
What ever happened, and what’s happening to the little guy? It’s the little guys who will prevent the “monoculture” or lawn disaster. Are you starting to understand what I’m saying?
Back to politics: free enterprise, which goes along with our democratic system, is base on any number of people who want to start a business, being free to do so, and trying to exist in fair competition with other (small) businesses, and according to all that market mumbo jumbo. Far right socialism or communism is the opposite .Everything is owned and run by the State (or province?). It tries to gobble everything unto itself, eliminating small business, and much of what we call “free will”, our freedoms and our choices. The “offer” to you, to make you accept this, is a lower price for things or some things. “The STATE” or the province, with your money, of course, will subsidize this .Or that. You become part of the State and are controlled by it, just like, for example the big cold land in the north of Europe. Which we, in our democracies hated. We fought wars against governments like that one. Millions of people over the world died for democracy and our freedoms. On this November the11th, 2011, how would you say we are doing?
You may not this a fair parallel, but on Wednesday night, there was a meeting, in which the President of particular operation proudly proclaimed that “WE (his type of operation) have taken over most of Nova Scotia. There’s only one slice left”.
People, caught up in the glossy performance production of promo, in which no discussion was allowed except for 2 questions), almost clapped for him. Imagine.
His operation is subsidized. A lower price. If you don’t “get” this, and the bigger picture, I’m almost sorry you’ve read this far. It’s been a long read, I know.
Yesterday, someone whom I can’t find the right descriptor for….an emissary (political) or agent of his), came to me, professing of potential “offers’ soon to come. The implication was “if only I would agree…”.
What do you think folks? What should I do? What should *you* do?

As always, my opinion (without predudice), the Blogger.

Senior's Legal Info Session

2011-11-03T19:09:00.000-03:00

Legal Information Session With Ned Chase, QC TEP of Counsel, TMC Law Thursday, November 17th 1:30pm Digby Curling Center This FREE information session will empower you to make decisions for your care, your finances and your future. Ned has a special interest in Financial Abuse and Power of Attorney process and works diligently to educate peers, policy makers and seniors on tips to avoid misuse. All are welcome. Call Dawn Thomas, Seniors Safety Coordinator for more information or to pre register. 245-2579 or dawn.thomas@rcmp-grc.gc.ca The Use and Abuse of Power of Attorney and The Personal Directives Act

Find and Prepare Candidates

2011-10-02T06:51:00.008-03:00

Da Bus is a valid and legal notforprofit society. A society can legally hire or contract with a service provider to do work for them.
Kathleen's Shuttle and Tours is a legal.and licensed small business and is permitted by the URB to do shuttle service, charters and tours. Charters are where any individual or organization charters the van and driver to perform work for them.

The Da Bus society is an existing local organization with a board of local community members. It wishes to provide subsidized transportation to its own citizens of the area.

Transport de Clare is situated in another district of its own, which has its own governance structure. The T de C society was originally created, presumably, to provide wheelchair service in that district and was content to do so until recent times. The head of that organization then declared "he wanted" Digby County: Digby, Digby Neck and Islands and Bear River. And that he wasn't going to restrict himself to wheelchair people. He was going to serve the general population AND remain subsidized.

Don't you see a problem with this?

Da Bus wants to start subsidized service in your area immediately and can do so with some funding. It has asked both town council (Digby town would also benefit from the service) and municipal council (which represents Digby District, not Clare) for funding. The society is applying for other funding and seeking donations to purchase its own bus, which will be wheelchair accessible.

Over 150 signatures on a petition to get Da Bus to provide the service was collected in less than 5 days part-time, in your area, and more have come in. Council has ignored the direction and wants of its own communities, and is fixing to bring in an operation from another district entirely.

Do you question that? When *there is already an existing operation* in their own community? Are your hard-earned tax dollars going to go to the District of Clare?

I, Kathleen Gidney, owner/operator of Kathleen's Shuttle and Tours, am not on the board of the Da Bus society. I, however, know the area and many of its people, my family has been here for over 200 years. I already have a service that operates in the area, which can easily be contracted for my shuttle bus to do society work until the society gets its own bus. I am willing to do this.

So what's the problem with councils? They are stalling. Or bewildered. Or something we don't know about is in the picture and "they ain't sayin'".

Number one: Municipal councilor Randal Amero is on the board of Transport de Clare. This councilor tried to "rip me apart" at a recent council meeting, and tried to tell me my own licensing body would not allow me to do what was proposed. I knew I could and dutifully checked with the Utility and Review Board and what Mr. Amero was saying was wrong. I felt "attacked" during Amero's interrogation, and we can imagine why he did that.

But why was he allowed to speak (and attack me) in the first place? Don't you wonder about that and why council allowed him to speak?

Number Two: It may be that you will lose locally-operated subsidized transit in the area because: Councilor David Tudor of the Islands did not appear to want it. He was opposed to door-to-door subsidized transit because: "some people don't have phones".

Number Three: Warden Gregory, "representing" most of Digby Neck appeared to oppose the society's proposal to provide subsidized transit for you. Why? Why don't you ask her? and tell me. My email address is goingwithkathleen's@gmail.com or goingtodigby@gmail.com

Question authority, folks. It's a great bumper sticker and also a great practice. Question your representatives about their right to "represent" your area. Make your views known and that you are tired of them NOT representing you but making their own decisions together-themselves-without hearing you-behind closed doors.

The question of who should run your lives, and the question of whether they will turn to a locally operated and community-run service hangs in the balance and needs your help. Make donations. Phone Linda Gregory 245-2616 or put it in writing (even better, they can't ignore it) at lgregory@municipality.digby.ca Write a letter to the editor of both the Digby Courier and the Halifax Herald. Write to Greg Kerr.

Tell both or all of your "representatives" that their time to rule this way will not be supported if they don't support local organizations and local businesses and stop sending the money-your money-elsewhere.

After all the above, TdeC shouldn't get to do this-TdeC proposed the same thing.
Da Bus should be funded as it is an existing local organization.
My opinion and my say. Without predjudice: Blogger

Council meeting last night

2011-09-28T07:10:00.002-03:00

Did anyone at the meeting get the impression that Councilor Tudor did not want door to door subsidized transportation on the Islands because some people don't have phones? Blogger

Presentation to Municipal Council Sep.26, '11

2011-09-28T05:22:00.004-03:00

Blogger: this is the complete text of the presentation made to Municipal Council n the 26th. Pls note that on the special meeting of the 27th, Councilor Amero, who is on the board of Transport de Clarewas all for Transport de Clare, and said that *that* society that would look at the numbers. Pls read the text of the Da Bus presentation which all had heard. Then most councilors said they didn't want a study (which, of course we all know would produce the numbers). Council had been all for doing a feasibility study.
Councilor Amero also claimed that the society called Da Bus, when asked if they could provide the service said that they couldn't. Pls read the text of the presentation all heard. The society called Da Bus said they would get a wheelchair bus with funding.

In the meantime, readers, you should know that at the meeting last nite, it was revealed that your municipality is losing $180,000 each year on King's Transit and admitting that ridership has decreased approx. 29% in the past little while. In my view and that of others after the meeting (not including council) that $180,000 (multiplied by 7 years?) could be better spent on a worthwhile service like Da Bus in Digby municipality, and Transport de Clare, down in Clare, if he really needs it.
It would buy a wheelchair bus right now for the local municipality, instead of waiting for the applications for other funding to come in.

Council is thinking about spending 10,000 (more) of your municipal tax money and get 10,000 from the town of Digby tax money to give Kings Transit two more stops. Do you people from outside the town feel left out? The whole transportation discussions were originated supposedly from a concern about poor people in the remote areas. And all the while, both councils have been expressing a concern about the lack of ridership on Kings Transit. $20,000 more? when Da Bus could be bringing in the people they supposedly were concerned about from the rural areas and providing them with subsidized transportation? Are they talking out of both sides of their mouths? It would cost much less than now a proposed total of$200,000 to get a community bus for the Da Bus society that would get people from the rural areas into Digby and perhaps include the ferry and Smith's Cove area and have a successful operation from Bear River to the town. Remember, the new society called Da Bus, *wants* people to get on Da Bus! and this organization is a local one and it's all local people from this community who are on the board.
Councilor Amero, who is on the board of Transport de Clare, claimed that the Digby municipal area Da Bus is a "private" operation. HERE BE IT KNOWN: It is no more "private" than Transport de Clare.
What is going on here, folks?
Jim MacAlpine wonders how much more money should we spend on transit and transit studies, but there seems to be a distinct avoidance on the part of the pro Kings Transit study to determine the numbers that would state a need for more Kings Transit service, and now the council's apparent avoidance of any study that would determine need elsewhere also, except Amero's promotion of the society he is on that *they* would produce numbers. He was trying to say that T de C would do a good thing by producing numbers and Da Bus wouldn't- which of course, it had stated it would. But then it seemed like all council decided it did not want to determine the numbers of people who could use or would use or who need a subsidized transportation service on Digby Neck and Islands and elsewhere. Da Bus proposed providing the service to the area and collecting data while doing it. Why not? Doesn't this sound like a good idea?
12 pages of names and signatures of people in the area were provided to Warden Gregory and Deputy Warden MacAlpine of people who want subsidized transportation by a Digby area community organization (called Da Bus). It was ignored. YOU were ignored. How do you feel about that?
Your thoughts and opinions on these very strange events are welcome. Just write: goingtodigby@gmail.com and I'll post them here.

Dear Council Members
Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I thought it would be beneficial to say a few thins tonite about the service proposed under the auspices of the Society called oDa Bus, which is a notforprofit society. It is designed to help members of our community to over come the barriers to accessing goods and services such a groceries, banks, medical appointments etc that will help them stay in this community or stay in their homes longer and helping them have a better life here.
It is not a taxi service. They cannot flag down a ride, they must phone ahead and pre-book. The service will pick people up at their door. The society will begin this service on Digby Neck and both islands. The travel from this area would go up to Digby and start the return home in mid to late afternoon.
It is a local service provided by a board of local community members and the service portion carried out by a local person. This is a useful and caring endeavour, and would be an enhancement to life in Digby County. People could stay in their homes longer, and stay in the area longer, rather than leave.
And we would rather our tax dollars stay in the community as well. If council endorses the idea of Buy Local, it would seem right to spend the locally obtained tax dollars on supporting its own community-developed initiatives. Before, there wasn’t a notforprofit transportation society in existence. There is one now.
The society as well would employ a local person who would effect the service. That person would, when the day is done, go and spend their paycheck in *this* community. The societies act permits a notforprofit society to hire or contract with someone to perform work for them. Da Bus can contract with Kathleen’s Shuttle, the existing transportation provider in the area, to kickstart the program as soon as possible, and when more funding sources are accessed, the society will buy a community wheelchair accessible bus of its own.
As the existing transportation provider in the area, I am very familiar with the area and its communities and its people. You will see by documents that I have given you that the communities all up the Neck and Islands support the proposal. And the people of Digby do too. While using my vehicle to initiate the program, I will conduct a study which will provide data on the number of calls received, the number of pickups, the approximate age group of interested people and their mobility issues, for example. The data may be easier obtained by someone who is a local in the community. And, my family has been in the area for…oh, at least a couple hundred years.
This proposal also helps the municipality avoid competing with a local business by funding a similar operation. The goal, I think, is, as the society proposes, to enhance services, and not take away from what already exists. There now seems to be a community of local officials who believe in the essence of this proposal: “I think we should respect local businesses”-deputy warden MacAlpine; the words of town Deputy Mayor Mike Bartlett in the July 19 issue of the Digby Courier about the Maud Lewis merchandise: promoting and helping and not hurting, and Danny Harvieux in the joint Annapolis-Digby initiative, much in support of buying local and using services we have.
Da Bus is a workable and *wonderful* solution to enhancement of services while avoiding taking away from services; a solution and an initiative developed within the community, by its own community members. Please see the board of directors in the documents submitted. Your support is important to Da Bus, and our community.

FESTIVAL IN THE COVE

2011-09-03T11:15:00.002-03:00

A great big round of applause for those who participated in or attended the Festival in the Cove on Aug. 20 and 21st! It was a great start to what is sure to be an interesting and fun annual event. We had an artisan and flea market, Scouts were there with a BBQ, karaoke was a fun evening event and followed up the following day with an awe-inspiring author's reading and drum circle. Thanks go out to Danny, Debbie and Davey, Shirley, Mabel, Trisha, Pat and Joanna, Basma, Sheila and Harold, the summer crew from the States, Mac Bisop for use of the school, Kristy for helping, CJLS which paid us a visit and left snacks, Wayne and company and each and every person who came to the event.
THEY SAID IT COULDNT BE DONE!! We showed 'em. We showed em that a festival on Digby Neck CAN happen, it can be successful, and it can be done with a good spirit.
Looking ahead to the next year, we hope to improve upon the last and keep doing so every year. This was the first year. And nothing will be perfect in the second year. Or the third. Or more. Imperfection is normal, and it takes getting used to when you see it in others (smile). It is a fallacy to think that any event will be perfect when it involves the participation of any other people, and each one of us has a different view of what is perfect, and there will always be someone who says it wasn't perfect-according to them.
But perfect can be the establishment of a festival on the Neck. Perfect can mean that more than one person had a table at the market. Perfect, or more than perfect, can mean that 20 people went to karaoke! Perfect can mean the image-evoking words- in public- of a young person who said she was too shy to do this and yet did, perfect can mean the echo of your heartbeat in an African drum, and perfect can mean the happy smile of a Scout just barely clearing the top of the counter where he was serving refreshments to visitors. Perfect was the generousity of a walking stick carver when he gave away his creative work at the end of the day, and perfect was the generousity of the hookers who took the time to talk about their work and show it, when some weren't even selling it, and perfect was the ease with which both particpants and visitors spoke, joked and laughed with each other and began to build relationships- I saw their smiles, I saw them talking with each other and laughing and I saw people buying each others' work or items for sale.
I SAW THIS EVENT AS PERFECT! It all depends on what "place" you are coming from.
Many many thanks to all of you!! from, I believe, many of us.
Kathleen
Onwards and upwards to next year!!

Firemen's Fun Day

2011-07-07T20:11:00.001-03:00

...on Digby Neck! Saturday July 9, 2011. Lots of activities and food!

Digby Councils Poised to Quash Local Small Businesses

2011-07-05T09:10:00.007-03:00

Digby area councils are poised to quash local small businesses, as retired bank manager alters wheelchair transportation service which he has for years used the public purse to fund.
Man with agenda has declared to this blogger that he has no intention of restricting his doings to the disabled or the elderly, and has told council that he cannot determine who is disabled or needing the service the society originally received and keeps receiving subsidies for in fulfilling the intended purpose and spirit of that organization.
And this retired bank manager has requested even more funding from councils and a variety of organizations to turn himself into a subsidized shuttle business.
There are three taxi businesses who provide transportation services, and at least two shuttle businesses who would lose from this.
Who can compete with somebody who is subsidized? They get their expenses paid for and therefore only have half the costs.
The man and his subsidized organization aren't even local.
Do I have an opinion? YES!
Do you?
I hope so. Please write even a note to your council members or to Linda Gregory or the town mayor -Ben Cleveland- expressing your thoughts.
Even write a letter to the newspaper.
Blogger

Posting to this Blog

2011-06-18T08:59:00.002-03:00

Please DO NOT send me scanned PDF files. These will not be posted and only result in frustration to the person who in good spirit would want to publish your information. Send me a Word file, text file or an email sent to kathleen1954@auracom.com

Update from the Rowes on the Community Supper

2011-06-13T20:46:00.000-03:00

Looking forward to seeing everyone at

The Digby Neck Community Pot Luck Supper

Tuesday June 14, 6 p.m.

Digby Neck Consolidated School

Sandy Cove

Aquaculture Coments via Digby Courier

2011-06-12T13:05:00.001-03:00

Comments on the Digby Courier online:

Daniel Mills - June 12, 2011 at 12:01:50 Based on past dealings with Mr.Belliveau, and his reassurances that giant wind-catchers would "have no effect on the environment", i.e. to say, the people of Waterford,Rossway,and Gullivers Cove on Digby Neck, it is laughable that he would expect us to accept that there will be "no adverse effects on the environment" in the Baie Ste Marie or the Bay of Fundy because, as he say's: "I believe in the science." (I used to believe in Fairy Tales when I was little; didn't most of us? But in time we learned that they are not true...Mr. Belliveau and Aesop seem to be coming from a similiar place and appear to hold the monopoly on myth,) It is even more interesting that Mr.Haise would say: " The last thing we want is for people in the communities to be pitted against one another" and a claim that they have been Nova Scotia for a long time. Mr. Haise cannot have had his eyes and ears wide open.....or else his head buried in the sand. That's exactly how politics is done in Nova Scotia: small town/district Municipal Councils courting all and any business that comes around behind closed doors, and when the consumation has transpired, the commercial embryo is imposed and inflicted on an unsuspecting public, to be followed by lip-service consultations of a sort which effectively mean nothing....while sides are taken,lies are spoken, and false promises for countless jobs which never happen. Those in the line of fire naturally will react negatively because there are so many unanswered questions, while those who will not see or feel the effects jump on board.......and another war begins. Divide and Conquer is the name; profits for corporations from afar and beyond haul in the dollars.

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moya murphy - June 12, 2011 at 11:57:46 The Minister of the Environment is short sighted (once again) re the salmon farms. The effluent from this is disgusting, lice is rampant. Despite what they say about jobs they will be temporary with just one or two people throwing pellets into the cages. Cooke's aquaculture were refused permission to put in such huge farms in New Brunswick which is why they turned to Nova Scotia. I don't understand how they can lease part of the ocean, surely the ocean belongs to everyone. A sad day for the residents of the Islands and the Digby Neck. Moya

Aquaculture and Jonathan Riley

2011-06-12T12:59:00.000-03:00

Published on June 11, 2011
Published on June 11, 2011
Jonathan Riley As Simple as That

The people and communities of Digby Neck and Islands have challenges, including a lack of health care and policing, a declining population, closing schools and a ferry service that sometimes leaves you stranded.

Now along comes a company from New Brunswick, a company that calls itself “the largest fully integrated and independent salmon farming company in North America.”

And they say, “we have the answers, we have jobs.”

And as it turns out, the people of the Islands, don’t have any choice but to accept those farms and any extra challenges that come with them.

More than 80 per cent of the population out there signed a petition against the new salmon leases for Cooke Aquaculture. Eighty per cent is a clear majority, a resounding definite ‘No thanks.’

Despite that, despite articulate and persistent opposition from the people of the Islands, Sterling Belliveau, Nova Scotia’s minister of fisheries approved the leases.

Perhaps the biggest challenge facing the Islands is the paternalistic attitude of the provincial government. Any hope that the NDP would be different has vanished only two years into their government.

Now I don’t pretend to know more about fishing or the ocean or aquaculture or even big business than Belliveau does. He’s got me there.

The big difference between Sterling Belliveau and me is I went down the Islands to talk to the people there about their concerns. Belliveau said it was “more convenient” to meet in Digby.

It wasn’t easy for me to get down there either. I haven’t got a car yet and had to borrow one from a friend, cause I thought the story was that important. I’m pretty sure the minister has a car.

Like Belliveau, when he met them in Digby, I couldn’t give the fishermen and concerned citizens down there any answers. But I went back to Digby and asked those questions to Cooke Aquaculture and to the minister.

They are getting me the answers, they say. Cooke Aquaculture has offered me a trip out to see the site in Grand Passage for myself. I can’t wait.

But let’s get back to the challenges facing Digby Neck and Islands. The people there aren’t sitting around with their hands open, begging for help. They too are working towards solutions, looking for answers, trying to figure out their future.

They see in their community a lot of potential, a lot of positives, a lot of strengths. One of those strengths is a clean productive marine environment that has provided for their community for generations.

The minister says there is 13,000 km of coastline in Nova Scotia and lots of room for everyone. So it shouldn’t be a problem to find another site. He says the ‘proponent’ (Cooke Aquaculture) chose the site. Tell them to choose to another site.

It would have been as easy as that.

Andy Moir on Fish Farms via Dan Mills

2011-06-12T07:12:00.000-03:00

Here's a news release we did in reaction to M. Belliveau's interview on CBC the other morning, defending his decision to allow the fish feed lots. Feel free to spread it around. Andy

Minister Belliveau stated that his decision to approve the 2 fish farm sites for St. Mary's Bay was based on sound science. Where is this sound science?

The science/expert advice provided in Transport Canada's Screening Report by DFO Science is rife with statements such as: "Additional research is required", "unknown", "limited data sources", "limited in scope and depth due to time constraints to provide advice", "Not possible with the available information to determine...", "given the available information it is not possible to quantitatively assess the likelihood of risk reduction", etc. If he has in his possession other Science upon which he based his decision, the public wants to see it. If not, his decision was not based on sound science, as he states.

Minister Belliveau stated in his CBC interview yesterday about his approval of 2 ( 1 million each) fish farm sites for St. Mary's that there had been extensive public consultation and all of the concerns of the community and traditional fisheries have been addressed. This is simply not true. I, and over 100 people at the Digby Neck Public consultation meeting in August, 2010 asked relevant questions, and not ONE of us has received an answer to our questions.

When the public is asked to comment/ask questions/state their concerns, but no answers are provided, when requests for information go unanswered, - this is not Public Consultation. Minister Belliveau and his Departments have been made aware of the public's issues and concerns, but have chosen to ignore them; and lie about it.

We have been asked to state our issues and concerns repeatedly, but have been provided no answers. At the 2nd meeting with Minister Belliveau ( April 30), he refused to discuss Transport Canada's Screening Report. He and Deputy Paul LeFleche stated they had not seen it, and yet it had been on-line since April 4. They stated they were meeting again for us to provide information/concerns to them, and again provided no answers to community and fishermen concerns. Minister Belliveau also stated at this meeting that they are just looking at THIS project. We pointed out to him that the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act clearly states that cumulative effects must be looked at/assessed. This means that each assessment must consider the interactions among environmental effects of past, current and future projects and activities. Minister Belliveau stated he did not want to discuss any other projects.

Minister Belliveau stated that the footprint of the approved fish farms is very small. This is misleading. These are huge fish farms. The number of fish is 2 million (if NOT overstocked). Not only how much" bottom" is being taken up (which he was talking about) , but the number of fish contained is very important. The greater the number of fish contained, the greater the likelihood of introduction and spread of disease; and in turn, the greater the need to use pesticides to treat farmed fish. These pesticides are then released into the waters and travel away from the cages in plumes, and impact the marine environment. The environmental footprint is vastly larger than the "footprint" as Minister Belliveau stated it , and lead the audience to believe.

Minister Belliveau alluded to "conditions" on the approval that the company will have to follow. And that these conditions will protect the traditional fisheries and the environment. What are these conditions? How will the environment and traditional fisheries/ lobster industry be protected when the standard operating procedures of open-net fish farms pollute and contaminate the environment by releasing waste feed ,fish feces and pesticides into the waters? It is inherent in the operation.

Minister Belliveau states that the monitoring program will ensure that no harm is caused to the environment and traditional fisheries. This monitoring will be conducted by a third party. He does not tell you that this third party is hired by the Company. He states that farms would be shut down if there are adverse effects. He does not tell you at what point he considers there to be adverse effects. He does not tell you that the public has not been given access to these monitoring results. He does not tell you that fish farms with over 70% (and higher )species loss still continue to operate. How is this causing no harm?

When asked: Won't fish feces and feed impact the environment, lobster and traditional fisheries? Minister Bellliveau stated that this has been addressed by DFO, and they have said that there will be no adverse effect. He does not tell you that estimating the amount of fish feces and waste feed that will be produced by these farms is NOT a requirement for the environmental assessment. He does not tell you that environmental impacts away from the cages from fish feces and waste feed were not evaluated. (These particles are resuspended because it is an open-net operation in a fluid environment.) By Cooke's own admission on their new website, each fish produces .8195 kg of fish feces. When you do the math, the amount of fish feces that 2 million salmon would produce is 1639 metric tonnes (and easily another 500 metric tonnes of waste feed) each production cycle. This sounds like a very significant number to ignore in an environmental assessment of impacts...

Minister Belliveau states that privatization of the coast by these aquaculture companies is far from a reality. He does not explain that statement.

It is a reality. He is approving licenses for private companies to operate in the waters which licenses this area only to them. Traditional fishermen are being displaced, and they, and the marine environment on which they rely to survive, are being put in jeopardy by the polluting nature inherent in these open-net fish farm operations.

Community Pot Luck Supper

2011-06-11T20:09:00.003-03:00

June 14 at 6pm at Digby Neck School. Come bring a friend, come meet some friends. Come one come all!

Blogger apologizes for a previous erroneous date

Fish Farms in St. Mary's Bay

2011-06-11T19:49:00.000-03:00

Nova Scotia environmentalists upset by government approval of aquaculture site
(The Canadian Press) – 21 hours ago

HALIFAX — Conservation and community groups are criticizing the Nova Scotia government's approval of a salmon aquaculture project in St. Mary's Bay.

Sterling Belliveau, the minister responsible for aquaculture, approved the commercial operation this week, but residents and environmentalists say they're concerned about its potential to hurt the lobster fishery.

The Ecology Action Centre says there are also worries about the potential for the spread of diseases and parasites to the wild Atlantic salmon population.

Karen Crocker of the St. Mary's Bay Coastal Alliance is also upset because she says Belliveau didn't follow up on some of their concerns before final approval was given.

In an email, Belliveau says he has listened to the various parties and understands their worries for the area off Digby Neck.

He says strict conditions have been placed on the operation and the province will ensure there are no "significant adverse effects" on the environment and fisheries.

Aquaculture

2011-06-11T07:38:00.001-03:00

Salmon leases will displace 20 fishermen

Sheldon Dixon will be looking for a new place to fish in the fall. Jonathan Riley photo
Published on June 10, 2011
Published on June 10, 2011
Jonathan Riley Topics : Bays Alliance , Nova Scotia , Westport
Nova Scotia’s minister of aquaculture and fisheries has approved two salmon farms in the middle of a traditional and prolific lobster grounds.

“I can assure you this is not going to have an impact on our traditional fisheries especially our lobster industry," said Minister Sterling Belliveau.

Sheldon Dixon of Tiverton says he and 19 other fishermen will have to find somewhere else to put their traps.

“In that particular spot, DFO has done the studies and it’s a hotspot.,” says Dixon. “When we’re at meetings with them, they have it marked right on their maps, based on our catch logs, they know how many lobster are caught there.”

Information on the Cooke Aquaculture webpage www.aquaculturegrowsns.com says the two leases combined will cover an area of 84 hectares (209 acres).

Nell Halse, a spokesperson for Cooke Aquaculture says the company might apply for one more site in St. Mary’s Bay in the next five years.

“But we’ll have to look at that carefully. We would have to go through the whole application process again.”

She says the company had originally planned to apply for three sites but that after public consultation they decided to reduce that number to two.

“We actually moved our site because of their concerns. They asked us to move to the site where we are now.”

Halse wasn’t able to say exactly who suggested that site.

Karen Crocker of Freeport, head of the Save Our Bays Alliance, says she has no idea who “they” could be.

“I was at that public meeting in Freeport when they asked us to show them a spot where they could put their cages and every fishermen there said there is no spot in St. Mary’s Bay where we are comfortable saying ‘this is a good spot for a salmon farm.’”

One thing is sure, Minister Belliveau says his department had no part in choosing the site.

“What we’re dealing with here is the application from the proponent. They look at the areas and based on good business, they tell us where they would like to locate it.”

Dixon says by times in the fall that the selected area might have 100 traps in it.

“It’s peppered with lobster. In the fall when the lobster come up the bay, they’re hungry, they’ve shed their shells and getting fat right here where they want to put the cages.”

Dixon says this lease arrangement is a big change from the way fisherman have traditionally worked with each other.

“There has never been one fishery where they come in and hold bottom for years and eliminate other fishermen from using that bottom. What you’re looking at here is the privatization of the fishery and the coastline.”

Minister Belliveau says Nova Scotia has 13,000 km of coastline and so there is lots of room for everyone.

“The footprint of this site is very small compared to the overall vastness of our oceans,” he said. “Our fishing industry usually starts from the high-water mark and goes right off to the 50-mile limit. It’s like anything else out there, you learn to fish around it.”

Johnny Graham, a fisherman from Westport, says it’s more complicated than that.

“Usually the fisherman balance themselves out. If I’m fishing here, then Sheldon goes down there. But if they push fishermen off that shore, it’s going to push them onto us, and it’s just putting more boats into a smaller area.”

Dixon says there are other problems with pushing the fishermen offshore.

“With the state of the environment and fuel prices the way they are, wouldn’t it be nice if fishermen could fish inshore?” asks Dixon. “But they want to drive us off this shore. It’s going to burn more fuel and it’s going to cost us more money. None of this is right.”

Fish Farming in St. Mary's Bay

2011-06-11T07:34:00.001-03:00

Via Dan Mills

Good Afternoon,Everyone,

Carol & Ashraf forwarded this on to me.I don't know if you were tuned into CBC INFORMATION MORNING OR NOT when Mr. Belliveau confirmed that his Department had given approval to the Mega Project or not yesterday at noon.(The Mega-Fish Farm for St.Mary's Bay)

If you didn't, I am sure you can access it on-line....not that I have a clue how to do it.

In anycase, the following letter from Karen Crocker who heads the group on the Islands explains most cleary the current situation and the deception perpetrated by Mr. Belliveau.

Her request is clear......bombard CBC INFORMATION MORNING WITH E-MAILS

CBC INFORMATION MORNING e-mail ad is infomorning@halifax.cbc.ca

Danny

PS: Should infomroning be rejected, type in the whole worfd ...informationmorning@halifax.cbc.ca

From: Karen Crocker
To: fundy-aquaculture-concern@googlegroups.com
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2011 9:40 AM
Subject: CBC

Good morning,
This morning Minister Belliveau was on CBC Information Morning discussing salmon farming in NS. If you all can access this interview please listen to it and send in your comments to CBC. The Minister indicated that good solid science had been undertaken on this application and based on this science the province made its decision. He also indicated that his department had considerable public consultation and that he had met all of the concerns brought forth by the public. To date we have not received one word on any of our concerns and nothing has been addressed. We need to bombard CBC with the truth, the Minister was very misleading in his facts, this needs to be addressed by all of us.
Thank you,
Karen Crocker

Digby Municipal Council Minutes

2011-06-10T21:54:00.000-03:00

Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia1Call to OrderThe meeting was called to order with Warden Gregory in thechair at 6:03 pm.AttendanceCouncillors present:Linda Gregory, WardenJimmy MacAlpine, Deputy WardenRandall Amero, CouncillorDavid Tudor, CouncillorStaff present:Linda Fraser, Chief Administrative OfficerGordon Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative OfficerCora Lee Bremner, Executive SecretaryRegrets:Maritza Adams, CouncillorPrayerWarden Gregory asked everyone to pause to seek guidance forthe meeting. AgendaWarden Gregory added Medical Students as New Business# 2. Deputy Warden MacAlpine added an item to InCamera.MOVED and seconded that the agenda be approved asamended.MOTION CARRIEDHearings & PresentationsBob Sweeney – DigbyMunicipal FireAssociationMOVED and seconded that Mr. Bob Sweeney from theDigby Municipal Fire Association come before the committee to make a presentation.MOTION CARRIEDMr. Sweeney thanked Council for the opportunity to speakto Council. Mr. Sweeney would like to see a feasibilitystudy done. The Municipality of Clare went through theprocess of a feasibility study and the fire service has done
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia2great since.A question and answer period followed Mr. Sweeney’spresentation. Council asked whether the Association is also looking into a sustainability study as well. Council madethe comment that if the feasibility study went forward, itwould review the sustainability of all fire departments. Itwas also discussed that perhaps it might be easier to recruit volunteers if the gear and equipment were updated. It wasnoted that there might be a possibility that some firedepartments might shut down as a result of the feasibilitystudy. Council advised the Association that they need toknow what it is they would like to get from the study, theTerms of Reference.Warden Gregory asked that the departments introducethemselves and provided each department with a chance tospeak to Council on behalf of their department.There were 9 fire departments present. Chief Lee Wentzell,Digby Neck; Chief Walley Devries, Westport; Chief Gerald Moore, Freeport; Paulette Walker, Digby; Chief DarrylJelfs, Bear River; Chief Roy Mullen, Weymouth; ChiefRobert Sweeney, Plympton; Chief Dwayne Haight, Smith’sCove; and Chief Cromwell, Southville (late).The representatives from each department were given achance to speak. Comments from the departments included:Fire departments should maintain a certain level ofservice.Would like to see the Association be able to have thesame results as the Municipality of Clare.Would not want to lose any fire departments as aresult of the feasibility study.Fire departments are in desperate need of newequipment, vehicles and in some cases buildings.Doug Cromwell from Southville was late for the meeting and it was agreed to go on with other business until hearrived.MinutesApril 11, 2011MOVED and seconded that the minutes of April 11, 2011 beapproved as circulated.MOTION CARRIED
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia3Business Arising/OldBusiness#1 Tax Exemption Request – Good Samaritan CommunityChurchThe CAO had been directed after the last meeting to contactthe Good Samaritan Community Church to see when theyintend to build their church. There has been no response.This item will be added to the next Council agenda.#2 Nova Scotians forEqualization FairnessDeputy Warden MacAlpine has no further information at this time, but will have it available for the May Councilagenda.Other Business ArisingDeputy WardenMacAlpineNo Business ArisingCouncillor AmeroNo Business ArisingCouncillor AdamsAbsent. Warden Gregory noted that Councillor Adams’mother-in-law passed away.Councillor TudorNo Business ArisingWarden GregoryNo Business ArisingNew Business#1 Digby Elementary– Funding Request –Ocean Blue Fun RunThe Ocean Blue Fun Run takes place in June.MOVED and seconded that the funding request for the Ocean Blue Fun Run be referred to the budget process.MOTION CARRIED#2 Medical StudentsA letter was received by Southwest Health asking if theMunicipality and the Town would consider offering medical students or residents bursaries while they are still inschool, in lieu of signing bonuses. For example, offer them$25,000 per year for the 4 years of medical school for a 4
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia4year return of service to Digby.It was mentioned that students need to be aware that theycould be working in Weymouth and Bear River as well. Warden Gregory will mention it.There was a discussion on the terms of the contract and theconsequences of students changing their mind and wanting to buy it out.MOVED and seconded that Council consider a medicalstudent bursary while they are still in school, which wouldequal half of $25,000 per year for 4 years.MOTION CARRIEDChief Administrative ReportThe CAO report dated May 9, 2011 was included in theCOTW Package.MeetingsThe By-law and Policy meeting on June 6, 2011 conflictswith FCM. It was agreed to hold this meeting on May 30, 2011 since there was no meeting scheduled for that date.Joshua Slocum MonumentMr. Hersey provided Council with some pictures of the Joshua Slocum monument as well as a quote for repairs.Council agreed that the costing was good for the repairs.It was agreed that permission must be obtained from theproperty owners to allow people to view the monument on the property as well as go on the property to fix it.Request forDecisions/DirectionNILDepartment ReportsTaxationThe Taxation report for April 2011 was included in the meeting package. Building Inspection Report/Fire Inspection ReportThe Building Inspection report for April 2011 was included in the meeting package. Environmental ServicesThe Environmental Services report for April 2011 wasincluded in the meeting package.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia5Airport/DispatchThe Airport/Dispatch report for April 2011 was included inthe meeting package. Council discussed the possibility of having dispatch recruit additional business. The Deputy CAO advised that it hasbeen discussed. It could be handled in two ways; thedispatch supervisor could solicit customers, or electedofficials could approach the wardens of neighboring municipalities to see if there is any interest.MOVED and seconded that research be done in regards to a fee schedule and what levels of service could be offered bythe dispatch department at the Airport.MOTION CARRIEDDog Control Activityand Financial ReportN/ACoordinator Program DevelopmentThe Coordinator Program Development report for April2011 was included in the meeting package.Other BusinessN/ADigby Municipal FireAssociation –ContinuedMOVED and seconded that Mr. Doug Cromwell from the Southville Fire Department come before Council.MOTION CARRIEDMr. Cromwell provided Council with an overview of theresults of the feasibility study that was done in Clare. Therewas $1,000,000 borrowed over 10 years, which was used tobuy trucks, halls, and equipment for the departments mostin need. Council has the final decision on where the moneyis allocated. The fire area rate is used to pay off the loan.The feasibility study was hired out to a retired chief from another area. It was noted that the Digby Municipal Fire Associationwould have a majority vote after the feasibility study wascompleted.Warden Gregory thanked the Association for coming andpresenting to Council.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 9, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia6Updates fromPrevious meetingsThe updates from previous meetings were included in the CAO report.Special Projects UpdatesThe special projects updates were included in the CAOreport.Strategic Priorities UpdateN/ANotice of MotionN/AComments from theGalleryN/ARecessThere was a 5 minute recess before proceeding in camera.In Camera MOVED and seconded that the meeting proceed in camerato discuss a contractual issue.MOTION CARRIEDRegular session resumed.AdjournmentMOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 8:15 PM. MOTION CARRIED____________________________________________________________WARDENCLERK

Digby Municipal Council Agenda

2011-06-10T21:51:00.000-03:00

Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaMeeting DateJune 13, 2011Meeting LocationCouncil ChambersCall to OrderWardenPause to Seek GuidanceWardenApproval of the AgendaAdditions/DeletionsPresentationsClaredon Robicheau, Transport de ClareApproval of MinutesMay 9, 2011Old Business /Business Arising from Minutes# 1.0Municipal Fire Services – Fire Department five year fundinghistory# 2.0Deputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsCouncillor TudorWardenGregory
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Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaNew Business#1Debt collection service contract with SNSMR and request for designation#2Canadian Owners & Pilots Association 2014 Conference #3#4#5#6Correspondence ReceivedInformation Only# 1Copy of letter to Tri County Regional School Board# 2SNSMR-Cost sharing programs# 3Communities, Culture and Heritage-Amendments to Heritage Property Act#4#5# 6
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Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaChief Administrative ReportJune 13, 2011Meeting Dates/RemindersDate & TimeMeetingLocationJune 20, 2011 @ 6:00 pmBy-Law & PolicyMunicipal BoardroomJune 27, 2011 @ 6:00 pmPublic HearingCouncil ChambersJune 27, 2011 @ 6:15 pmCouncilCouncil ChambersJuly 4, 2011No MeetingJuly 11, 2011 @ 6:00 pmBy-Law & PolicyMunicipal BoardroomJuly 18, 2011No MeetingJuly 25, 2011 @ 6:00 pmCouncilCouncil ChambersAugust 1st& Aug 8thNo MeetingAug 15, 2011COTWCouncil ChambersAugust 22nd& 29thNo MeetingRequest for Decision/DirectionN/ADepartment Reports for May 2011AdministrationTaxationBuilding Department Permit ReportMunicipal Fire Inspector Environmental ServicesDispatch Call ReportAirport ReportDog Control Activity/Financial Coordinator Program Development
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Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaUpdates from PreviousmeetingsSpecial Projects UpdatesNotice of MotionIn-CameraAdjournment

Booze for Sale

2011-06-10T21:47:00.000-03:00

Petition asking for liquor store on Long Island and Digby Neck

Curious onlookers gathered to watch the first load of beer come off the truck and into Brier Island’s new NSLC agency store. Jonathan Riley photo
Published on June 10, 2011
Published on June 10, 2011
Jonathan Riley Residents of Long Island and Digby Neck want a place to buy alcohol, too. They say the recent decision by the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation to put an agency store on Brier Island did little for them.

Topics : Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation , Store in Centre Grove , Long Island , Brier Island , Freeport
Ossinger’s Store in Centre Grove, in the middle of Long Island, used to sell alcohol but closed this spring.

The NSLC put out a tender on April 4 asking for proposals for an agency store in the Digby Neck area, from Sandy Cove to Brier Island.

Two stores applied for the tender: R. E. Robicheau’s on Brier Island run by Wally and Joyce DeVries, and Long Island Trading in Tiverton on the eastern end of Long Island, run by Stanton Seamone.

On May 27, the NSLC announced that they had accepted the DeVries’ bid and they started selling alcohol on June 7.

Karen Crocker of Freeport has no problem with Brier Island getting a store but she doesn’t see how it helps people on Digby Neck and Long Island.

She started a petition requesting the NSLC maintain at least the level of service the people of Long Island had grown accustomed to.

Stanton Seamone who runs Long Island Trading says there were 138 signatures on the petition in his store and another 80 or so in Freeport on June 9.

David Tudor of Freeport is the municipal councilor for district four which covers Brier and Long islands and Digby Neck down past Little River. He says he is happy that Brier Island has a store, but he would have been happier if both stores had been accepted.

“I thought there was room for both stores. Now for people in East Ferry it means two ferry trips. So this doesn’t help them really.”

Rick Perkins, spokesperson for the NSLC, says Robicheau’s won the contract through a public tender process and any unsuccessful applicants can, upon request, receive an explanation and a debriefing on their submission.

The request for proposals states that potential stores must be at least 10 kilometres from any agent in any other community, and at least 13 kilometres from the closest existing NSLC store.

The request for proposals, including selection criteria, is available here online

Seafood Chowder Supper

2011-06-09T08:08:00.003-03:00

Seafood chowder supper put on by the Digby Neck Volunteer fire dept and Ladies Auxiliary on Sat. June 11 5:30pm Adults $8. Kids under 12 $5.
Come one, come all!

Dan Mills offers Potato Seed

2011-06-06T20:36:00.000-03:00

Good Afternoon and Hello!

The Old Coot is plantin' taters today - " Better the day; better the deed", it's been said since long ago.

He keeps his potato winter crop in a Cold Room in the basement every year.....and found enough Yukon Gold to plant for this season.

But, he found well over a milk crate of the Banana style (aka 'Finger Pototes'), and two nearly full of blue ones.These are the desendants of those which my old friend, Vaughn Height gave me ten or so years ago, and he claimed they'd been in his family since his father brought them off a ship some 60 years before.

I found a lot more than I expected and has all that he needs already planted....I shall put them in the car port -they are well sprouted and ready to go in the ground- and anyone who wishes some may come and help themselves. Bring a pail or a box please, and help yourself whether I am home or not.

In a weeks time I'll assume no one wants any and put them in the compost.

Danny

Pls.ask your neighbors. I don't have many local e-mail ads...d

Digby Neck Events

2011-06-04T21:39:00.000-03:00

Digby Neck Community Pot Luck Supper

6 p.m. Tuesday June 14, 2011

Digby Neck Consolidated Elementary School
Sandy Cove

Please bring your favourite dish to share and enjoy a delicious meal and conversation in warm fellowship with friends. If you don't have time to prepare something come anyway. There is always plenty of good food. Invite your neighbours.

Everyone is welcome.

Please put it on your calendar!

An Australian Mr. Digby

2011-05-28T20:43:00.001-03:00

Blogger: My, what you find on the internet about the word or name Digby!

Man was tortured, strangled: witness
BY EMMA SPILLETT
28 May, 2011 01:00 PM
AN ANGLE grinder was allegedly used to torture former Cronulla man Matthew Digby before he was kicked in the head and strangled to death with a dog leash, Wollongong Local Court was told last week.
A male witness, known only as P550, told the court accused murderer Richard James Walsh had confessed to killing Mr Digby, 35, and then burning his body in a car in January last year.

Members of Mr Digby's family wept in court as they heard P550 recount how Walsh admitted to sinking an angle grinder into Mr Digby's leg when he refused to divulge information about a robbery at co-accused Lauren Mae Batcheldor's house in early 2010.

Walsh allegedly told P550 the pair took Mr Digby to an oval earlier to question him.

He said Walsh told him that when Mr Digby tried to run away, he punched him, dragged him to a car and chained his hands with a dog leash. Walsh then allegedly drove Mr Digby to a house and parked in the garage, where he punched and slapped him until he was unconscious, the court heard.

According to P550, Mr Digby later made a threat to Walsh about what he would do when released and Walsh had responded: "Now you've said that I can't let you go."

He then went to get Mr Digby a "last drink".

P550 said when Walsh returned, he noticed Mr Digby had freed an arm from the leash. It is alleged Walsh became angry, opening the back of the car to kick Mr Digby repeatedly in the head, the witness said.

P550 said Walsh told him he wrapped a dog leash around Mr Digby's neck and pulled until his body stopped moving. He allegedly said he later moved Mr Digby's body into the front passenger seat and placed a tyre on his stomach, before putting a tarp over him.

Walsh allegedly told P550 he had driven to a dirt road in the bush the following day, where he planned to leave Mr Digby's body.

According to P550, Walsh said he noticed blood had seeped on to the car's floor, so he doused the car and the body with fuel and set it alight, then called Batcheldor, who picked him up a short time later.

In another alleged conversation with P550, Walsh admitted there was blood on the garage floor and he had used bleach to clean it.

P550 said Walsh also told him he and Batcheldor went to a pawn shop to look for her stolen jewellery. She found a chain, which she believed Mr Digby had pawned, the court heard.

P550 was the final witness in a three-day committal hearing involving Walsh and Batcheldor, who are charged with murdering and kidnapping Mr Digby last year.

After hearing the evidence, Magistrate Ian Guy decided there was a case against the pair and committed them to stand trial later in the year.

Walsh and Batcheldor are expected to appear in the Supreme Court in Sydney for arraignment on August 5.

Hurry to add your input:Organic Salmon Farming

2011-05-19T08:05:00.002-03:00

PETITIONING
Canadian General Standards Board(Mark Schuessler)
STARTED BY
Bronwen Barnett
Vancouver, Canada
OVERVIEW
Make sure your voice is heard on the proposed “organic” standard!

We expect the organic label to mean the food we're buying is produced in a way that is better for the environment and our health. But right now, the Canadian General Standards Board has proposed 'organic' aquaculture standards that would certify aquaculture practices that are already harming our oceans.

Draft two of the standard is now being considered for Canadian regulation and is open to a FINAL public comment period. This is your last chance to have your say count.

The proposed organic standards for farmed fish will allow the use of synthetic parasiticides, up to 100% non-organic and potentially unsustainable wild fish feed and net-cages which scientific evidence has linked to negatively harming wild salmon and marine ecosystems.

Organic aquaculture standards should adhere to the same set of principles used in standards for other organically certified food products. Unfortunately this is not the case with the proposed organic aquaculture standard.

The public comment period is open until May 31, 2011 and we are urging residents of Canada and consumers in the United States to take action and oppose the organic certification of net-cage salmon farms. The US remains the largest market for Canadian farmed salmon and until US organic aquaculture standards are passed into regulation, Canadian “organic” salmon could be sold on American shelves and menus.

Note: We will add this formal comment submission as an addendum to this petition.

Posted by the Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform

Read Petition Letter
PETITION LETTER
Organic aquaculture standards need to be consistent with existing organic standards

Greetings,

Re: The proposed Canadian Organic Aquaculture Standard

Components of the proposed Canadian Organic Aquaculture Standard violate the very principles of organic production.

The standards allow for the use of parasiticides which is inconsistent with current organic standards and what consumers have come to expect when choosing organic. The standards also allow more wild fish to be used in feed than farmed fish produced, allowing a net-loss of marine protein that depletes natural systems. Organic principles within the aquaculture standard state biological productivity must be maximized.

The standards do not include strong measures to prevent well-documented impacts of net-cages on the health of wild salmon and marine ecosystems:

• Escapes of farmed fish
• Uncontrolled disposal of fish feces into the ocean
• Release of synthetic parasticides directly into the ocean
• Entanglement deaths of marine mammals, and
• The spread of disease and parasites

In the very least, a Canadian organic aquaculture standard needs to reflect practices that address the well-researched impacts of aquaculture. Such a standard would support producers that are using innovative practices to deliver truly sustainable products.

I urge the Canadian General Standards Board to ensure that the “Canadian Organic Aquaculture” standard does not accommodate either the use of non-organic, wild fish as feed or open net-cage systems. It is our hope that the organic label will continue to provide consumers with a clear and consistent understanding of how their food is produced and ensure them that their choice of an organic food product supports a safer, more humane, more sustainable environment.

Sincerely,
The Undersigned

[Your name]

Blogger: You can post your letter online and it will be added to the petition or contact Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform
The info sent out above was sent out by David Suzuki and you can also go to his site. You can also go to: www.change.org

ADEDA News

2011-05-16T08:01:00.000-03:00

Local Focus
Our first stop this week is right here in the hallowed, if albeit abbreviated, halls of ADEDA HQ.

There’s a new seasonal member of our team and I’d like to take the chance to welcome him. He’s a talented, inquisitive and energetic summer student, and he’s going to be working especially with businesses to raise the profile of the “buy local” movement, as it applies to the broader goods and services sector of our region. Welcome to Annapolis Digby Brandon Greer!

Brandon’s role in the “buy local” development area appears to be increasingly timely and significant. Just ask Tim Halliday, who operates Driftwood Greenhouse in Gulliver’s Cove. His Digby Neck greenhouse is expanding its facilities and capacity for producing English cucumbers to meet the growing “buy local” demand. “This is the first major expansion for our business since 2004 and the new facility will allow us to double our production,” he says.

And if you’re thinking that developing a personal “buy local” strategy might be too onerous, or that your participation just won’t make a difference, well, think again. The inventive members of the Paradise Women’s Institute’s reported that their April Meeting was all about buying local, a thoughtful session getting caught up on where our food comes from, what the real ‘cost’ of food is and sharing what they were all doing to sustain local industry. They came up with a novel concept that we can all consider to begin our journey down the path to better upporting our community producers.

Come to think of it, maybe you should start right in this weekend with your newly energized “buy local” resolve by remembering to visit the area’s farm markets. This is the time of year when they are relocating and reopening all across Annapolis Digby. For example, the Bridgetown market begins on Tuesday, May 17th from 2-6pm beside Endless Shores Books. The fabled Annapolis Royal Farmers and Traders Market returns to its seasonal location at the Town Centre on St George Street this Saturday from its winter home at the Historic Gardens (yes, Virginia, it’s open year round as Annapolis Royal Mayor Phil Roberts so promptly and properly reminded me after a posting of a couple of weeks ago), and on Sunday the Bear River Farmers’ and Artists Market re-opens on the waterfront from 1-4 PM. They’re all around us – check your local community web sites for more information.

And, by the way, continuing on the theme of local eco-innovation, congratulations to the team from Digby Regional High School for their stellar Silver performance at the recent provincial Envirothon competition.

Tidal Teamwork Touted
One of the great memories from youthful Sunday evenings spent staring at the black and white flickering of the “Ed Sullivan Show” was the occasional appearance of one James Francis “Jimmy” Durante. I just loved the guy. And while many are familiar with his signature sign off of “Good Night Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are”; I chortled more at his frequent observation that “Everybody wants ta get inta the act.” OK, maybe I wasn’t a normal kid. Nonetheless, and in a very positive way, I was reminded of that line as things continued to get more and more active in the area of tidal energy development in the Bay of Fundy. At a recent session in Digby hosted by ADEDA, developers of a tidal power project in Maine were urging consideration of a regional approach with those developers creating similar small scale projects in this area. It’s a good point and there definitely was continued activity to report on that topic as ongoing small scale tidal energy testing plans were being made for the areas of Long and Brier Islands on Digby Neck.

Celebratory Summer Planned
I’m as guilty as anyone about sometimes taking for granted the historic sites that dot Annapolis Digby, figuring I’ve already seen what’s to be seen. That of course would be a mistake any time, because there’s always something new on display. And it’s especially true this year. In 2011, Parks Canada is celebrating its 100th birthday as the world’s first national parks service and yesterday, May 15, Parks Canada’s Fort Anne and Port-Royal National historic sites opened for a particularly exciting season with new exhibits, cultural programming, and with a long list of celebratory birthday events being planned.

Communicating Change
Most writers, me included, take a deliberately solitary approach to our craft, not wanting to share our editorial space. But in this case there’s an exceptional inclusion that’s important for all of us. We’re making changes to our communications strategies here at ADEDA, and our interim Managing Director Dan Harvey wanted to use the newsletter, among other venues, to directly outline what’s happening in this area. Here’s Dan’s message:

“As any not-for-profit group can attest, making the call on judicious use of limited financial resources can be an enormous challenge.
It’s no different here at ADEDA- in the course of preparing our work plan for this year, we carefully scrutinized how we are applying the funding we are given: what items are essential, what are discretionary, costs and benefits, and so on. All of these questions were asked objectively, in the light of the deliverables in our current Business Plan.

Our data on your usage of our weekly newsletter indicates your needs and expectations with respect this communication vehicle are less. One of the things Peter and I concluded when we analyzed the data that there were a lot more Daily Newsletters, Blogs, and Social Media sites, in addition to our strong weekly media coverage, than when the newsletter started 3 years ago.

Feedback from the public has been that they want and need to hear from their Regional Development Authority regularly, but that face-to-face contact is preferred. We agree with that whole-heartedly- you can’t beat the personal touch! To that end, we’ve built into our plan a series of formal connections with town/municipal councils, boards of trade and other business organizations, as well as economic sector groups throughout the year. We see that as the best way to update you on progress, and receive public feedback.

Having said that, we recognize not everyone will be able to access these meetings. So two things will take place: 1. Our Website will be undergoing a re-vamp: we will present more information, in line with our Business Plan themes. 2. The newsletter will remain, but in a monthly format.

The content will remain Local: successful and inspiring people and businesses from our community; major announcements and trends in economic development; profiles of leaders in our region; promotion of important upcoming events taking place in our region; information on new programs that business owners can access by working with our agency or government; profiles on ADEDA board members, and much more
In short, we want the Monthly newsletter to be interesting, informative, and useful to you. We want to share the good news that takes place, and for our readers to feel up-to-date on what your economic development agency is doing on your behalf.

Our weekly newsletters will continue until May 30th, with the next one after that being June 27th, the start of the monthly schedule.

Kind Regards,
Dan Harvey
(902) 638-4009
dharvey@annapolisdigby.com

Till next week;

Peter

Peter MacLellan
Annapolis Digby EDA
86 Atlantic Avenue
PO Box 271
Cornwallis, Nova Scotia
Canada B0S 1H0

Tel: (902) 638-3490
Fax: (902) 638-8106
E: communications@annapolisdigby.com

Digby Neck Events

2011-05-11T20:18:00.000-03:00

Digby Neck Community Pot Luck Supper

Thursday May 12, 2011

6 p.m.

Rossway United Baptist Church

Hummingbird Alert

2011-05-08T20:17:00.001-03:00

Dan Mills says he had a hummer at his house today signalling the advent of Mother's Day!
Kudos to you and all mothers and all those who love mothers! Blogger

ADEDA News

2011-05-05T21:29:00.000-03:00

Outward Looking
Most often in these weekly newsletters the focus is on what’s happening in and around our area. That’s not because we’re by nature introspective – it’s just that we’ve got lots going on here. But we’re also proud of what we can share with the wider world and the close relationships we have with the global community. One way this gets done is through trade shows and international expositions. It’s a valuable marketing strategy, and one in which ADEDA has specifically participated as appropriate. They build understanding, foster relationships – and most important – they bring in business.

And speaking of international relationships and ties shared by many of our local communities, Annapolis Royal just completed a special gift in honour of the 300th anniversary of its sister city – Annapolis, Maryland. A heritage tapestry, stitched by Moira MacDonald of Lawrencetown, will now hang in the Maryland State legislature.

Energetic Ideas
Our area is seeking to secure an intra-provincial tie as well these days. Digby Mayor Ben Cleveland is hoping the provincial government will actively support the Digby area’s new initiative to attract tidal energy companies to utilize its strategically located port facilities. The Town and Municipality are “spending our own money to show we are the port of choice when industry looks for a repair and maintenance base”, the Mayor said, adding, “We’re waiting for the province to take a stand because this will ramp up quickly”.

While tidal forces and wind power remain the cutting edge renewable energy initiatives here in Annapolis Digby these days, there’s another biofuel option being pondered these days that also holds potential for this region. It’s algae. Yes, what many of us dismiss as pond scum, is as common around these parts as, well, seaweed. And according to a keynote speaker at the recent Renewable Energy Conference it can be an ideal renewable energy resource since it consumes CO2 and can be grown in freshwater or salt water.

Publishing in Paradise
Books are big here. We have a long literary legacy of internationally renowned authors, and we have been delighted to regularly report the continuing accomplishments of our local writers, illustrators and publishers. So the fact that the community of Paradise will host a repeat of last year’s popular “Word in the Hall” event should come as no surprise. The daylong event for publishers, writers, printers, booksellers and readers will offer displays, question and answer sessions, book signings and networking opportunities for the bookish bunch – in whose company, I hasten to add, I proudly include myself.

Plotting the Tourist Map
Tourism is a key component of the ADEDA strategic plan. And, what with our recent national and international award winning public gardens, country inns, eco-adventure opportunities, and historic sites positioning Annapolis Digby as a signature travel destination, thoughtful planning is more than smart – it’s vital. So it’s definitely important news when we learn that the Strategic Tourism plan for Southwest Nova Scotia is set to be released to industry stakeholders at the upcoming Tourism Summit scheduled for May 17 at the Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa. The Plan was commissioned by Destination Southwest Nova Scotia (DSWNS) and will be part of its annual general meeting.

Sweet Tweets
If by now, like me you've determined that social networks and online communities are an important – and inevitable - component in your overall marketing strategy, then consider taking in the Social Media marketing workshop at the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre (ABCC) this week. Don’t know if there’s any space left but if you’re interested you’d be wise to check. Social media takes creativity, planning and consistent monitoring. Your online presence and social media are quickly becoming your most valuable marketing tools - but only if they’re done right.adeda

Just wondering, but maybe - just maybe – my invitation to the royal wedding was “tweeted” to me, and that’s how I missed it. There’s got to be a reason. I do have a morning suit after all, and the salad bowl gift set was all wrapped.

Oh well, I’ve always liked Harry better anyway.

Community Events

2011-05-03T08:20:00.000-03:00

Digby Neck Community Pot Luck Supper

6 p.m. Thursday May 12, 2011

Rossway United Baptist Church

Please bring your favourite dish to share and enjoy a delicious meal and conversation in warm fellowship with friends. If you don't have time to prepare something come anyway. There is always plenty of good food. Invite your neighbours.

Everyone is welcome.

Please put it on your calendar!

All Candidates Forum on Tuesday

2011-04-23T20:46:00.000-03:00

At the legion in Digby, 7-9pm.

Municipal Council Minutes

2011-04-22T21:20:00.000-03:00

If there are images in this attachment, they will not be displayed. Download the original attachment
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesMarch 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia1Call to OrderThe Council meeting was called to order with Warden Gregoryin the chair at 6:00 p.m. AttendanceCouncillors present: Linda Gregory, Warden Jimmy MacAlpine, Deputy Warden Randall Amero, Councillor Maritza Adams, Councillor David Tudor, CouncillorStaff present: Linda Fraser, Chief Administrative Officer Gordon Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Cora Lee Bremner, Executive SecretaryPrayerWarden Gregory welcomed everyone to the meeting and askedeveryone to pause to seek guidance for the meeting. WardenGregory thanked everyone for coming and read theMunicipality’s mission statement.AgendaMOVED and seconded that the agenda be approved as circulated.MOTION CARRIEDPresentationsLise LeBlanc - N-Viro Systems Canada LPMOVED and seconded that Ms. Lise LeBlanc from N-ViroSystems Canada LP, come before Council to make a presentation.MOTION CARRIED Ms. LeBlanc gave a presentation outlining N-Viro SystemsCanada’s (NVSA) facility, product uses, testing standards,and environmental considerations. NVSA is a safe,sustainable fertilizer for agriculture and is a cheap source ofnutrients for farmers. Farmers must have a 3 year NutrientManagement plan before they can purchase the product. NS is the only province that does this. NS has the strongestregulations in Canada. There was a question and answer period that followed thepresentation. Warden Gregory thanked her for the presentation.Simone Wilson, Bear River’s 400 AnniversaryOrganizing Committeeand Historical SocietyMOVED and seconded that Ms. Simone Wilson from BearRiver’s 400thAnniversary Organizing Committee andHistorical Society come before Council to make apresentation.MOTION CARRIED Mrs. Wilson gave a presentation on the history of Bear River.Bear River’s 400thAnniversary will be a huge celebration forthe community with many components. The committeewould like the Municipality as a partner in this event, and have requested municipal funding as well. Warden Gregorythanked her for the presentation.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesMarch 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia2Minutes February 28, 2011MOVED and seconded that the minutes from the Council of February 28, 2011 be approved as circulated.MOTION CARRIEDBusiness Arising from Minutes/OldBusiness NIL#1 ADEDA of ADEDA Funding &GovernanceAgreement The CAO noted that this is the same draft that was presented to COTW two weeks ago. The othermunicipalities are approving it as well.MOVED and seconded that Council approve the ADEDAFunding and Governance Agreement.MOTION CARRIEDADEDA –Appointment of Councillor to new boardMOVED and seconded that Councillor Amero be appointedto the ADEDA Board.MOTION CARRIEDMOVED and seconded that Warden Gregory be the alternate member to the ADEDA Board.MOTION CARRIEDDeputy Warden MacAlpine – Highway303 Councillor MacAlpine asked if the sidewalk upgrades werecompleted after the installation of the third lane. The CAOnoted that there is still some work to be completed and willbe considered in the upcoming budget process. Councillor MacAlpine noted his concern with the newHighway 303 in Conway. He stated that the lines need to beredone especially in front of Canadian Tire. He has beenapproached by many people with concerns about this area. MOVED and seconded that a letter be written to theDepartment of Transportation asking when they intend to repaint the lines.MOTION CARRIED Council will be meeting with the Department ofTransportation on April 18, 2011, which should bementioned as well in the letter.Councillor Amero No Old Business.Councillor Adams No Old Business.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesMarch 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia3Councillor TudorEmergency Plan –Westport Ferry Councillor Tudor has yet to meet with MLA Harold Jr. Theriault regarding the emergency plan for the Westport Ferry.Warden Gregory No Old Business.New Business#1 ADEDA – Budget 2011-2012  All Councillors agreed that this is a good investment. TheProvince and ACOA has increased their funding by$10,000, which will make the Municipal share increase by$3,000 on top of the increase that was already projected.MOVED and seconded that Council approve the revised2011-2012 budget for ADEDA.MOTION CARRIED#2 Le Transport deClare Society –Request for Councillorto sit on their Board ofDirectors Le Transport de Clare Society provides a community basedservice which includes people from Weymouth to Barton with door to door service. The Society will be holding quarterly meetings and wouldlike to have municipal representation present so that theycan be aware of their operations. There was a discussion as to whether it would be a conflictof interest for Council to sit on this committee, and it wasdetermined that it wasn’t. This organization is providing acommunity based service. Councillor Amero agreed to serve on this board, however;he won’t be able to attend the first meeting which is scheduled for April 7, 2011.MOVED and seconded that Councillor Amero be appointedto the Le Transport de Clare Society Board of Directors.MOTION CARRIED#3 Westport FireDepartment –EmergencyCommunications &Paging There was a discussion on the operation of the TMR. In2006 this discussion was addressed and this is the 3rdtime. Their contract is about to run out and it isn’t 10 years old yet. TMR is working just fine for the RCMP and EHS with no dead spots. VHF is what all the Fire Departments use. TheMunicipality uses this system to page out Fire Departments and to communicate with them once they are on site.  The estimated price for a new system in 2006 was $26,900 for an upgrade. If a JEP application is considered for this situation there is a need to guarantee funds for the other halfbefore the application is processed. A meeting with the Chief is required before the application is administered. It was also asked that more information beprovided before a decision was to be made.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesMarch 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia4MOVED and seconded that a meeting be establishedbetween the CAO, Councillor Tudor and the Fire Chief to have more dialogue in regards to this issue.MOTION CARRIED The Deputy CAO will make arrangements for a meeting onthe Islands.#4 Destination Southwest NovaAssociation – 2011-12 Municipal InvestmentMOVED and seconded that the request from DestinationSouthwest Nova Association be referred to the budget process.MOTION CARRIED#5 Minister John MacDonnell – OneYear Notice, Corrections, Housingand Education Costs The Province has decided not to honour the Memorandumof Understanding (MOU) which will result in the Provincestopping taking on additional costs for public housing,corrections and education. These changes will be taking place in 2012-2013. The impact on each municipal unitwill be different. The Province has left this to the municipalities to take care of. The UNSM executive is verydisappointed. MOVED and seconded that a letter be sent to Mayor Billy Joe MacLean, president of UNSM concerning the Provincesreneging on the memorandum of understanding. A carbon-copy is to be sent to MLA Junior Theriault. MOTION CARRIED It was discussed that this as well as the impacts of the CAPwould be good to discuss with the MLA. #6 FUNDYweb Broadband Board –Motion to Divest FBBAssets At the last FUNDYweb Broadband (FBB) meeting, it wasagreed to seek the approval of member partners for thedivestiture of the assets of FBB, therefore, effectivelywinding up and dissolving the FBB. MOVED and seconded that in accordance with Subsection 32 (1) of the Municipal Services Agreement – FUNDYwebBroadband Board, that approval be given to divest the assets of FUNDYweb Broadband subject to appropriatearrangements being put in place to protect current systemusers and legal assurance that there are no re-payment encumbrances (other than vesting of assets and liabilities tothe partners in proportion to ownership interests at the timeof dissolution).”MOTION CARRIED#7 FCM International – Volunteer Municipalities Needed FCM is currently recruiting Canadian municipalities toimplement local economic development projects in Mali, Vietnam, and Bolivia. Missions will take place betweenMay 2011 and June 2011. There was no interest by Councilto participate.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesMarch 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia5#8 Southville FireDepartment – HST Rebate Denied Councillor Amero had a meeting with the Southville FireDepartment who advised him that they have missed theHST rebate deadline by 4 weeks as their bookkeeper did not have things up-to-date, which they were unaware of.MOVED and seconded that a letter be written to ServiceNova Scotia and Municipal Relations requesting that theyreverse the decision that has been made to deny the HSTrebate for the Southville Fire Department. It was also requested that the letter outline that rural communities are mostly volunteer and this is money thatthey are entitled to.MOTION CARRIED#9 Digby Municipal Fire Association –Burn Trailer The Digby Municipal Fire Association is looking forfunding to help train local firefighters. The letter did notoutline the cost of the training, but it was mentioned that itwould be $160 for the 1 day course and $250 for the 2 daycourse.  More information is required and will be obtained so that adecision can be made on this request at the next COTWmeeting. The CAO will look into whether there are any funds left in the current budget that could be used.#10 Digby Municipal Fire Association –Surplus Computers All Fire Departments are in need of computers. They haverequested that as computers become available within the Municipality that are no longer needed, that the Municipality donate them to the fire departments.  It was agreed that this item be taken to a Policy and Bylawmeeting to be further discussed.CAO Report Dumpster Signs -Freeport The CAO report for March 28, 2011 was included in the meeting package. It was noted that the dumpster signs have been placed.Request forDecision/DirectionCouncil Meeting Dates  Due to Council being scheduled on Easter Monday, theCouncil meeting for April will be held on April 26th. TheCouncil meeting for May had been scheduled on VictoriaDay, therefore, the meeting will be changed to May 24th.MeetingDates/Reminders Noted above.PayablesMOVED and seconded that the payables in the amount of$330,217.01 for the month of February 2011 be approved aspresented.MOTION CARRIED
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesMarch 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia6Financial ReportN/ACorrespondenceProvincial Reverse ofKings County RezoningApplication  There was a discussion of Council regarding the approachthe Province has taken with the reversal of the rezoning application from Kings County. Council is concerned with the lack of municipal consultation by the Province whenmaking decisions. It was noted that the decision to move the agriculture officein Weymouth and the Registry office in Weymouth shouldalso be brought up.MOVED and seconded that a letter be written to UNSM inregards to Council’s concerns with how the Provincialgovernment has handled the decision to move the Registry Office in Weymouth, the Agriculture Office in Weymouth, and the rezoning of Kings’ County land, and note that Councildoesn’t feel that there has been appropriateconsultation with municipalities.MOTION CARRIEDCouncil CommitteesRecommendations to Council fromCommittee of theWholeN/ARecommendations to Council from Bylaw& Policy CommitteeN/AAdvisory CommitteesDigby Source WaterProtection AdvisoryCommittee The Digby Source Water Protection Advisory Committeehas a meeting scheduled for March 30, 2011. Councillor Adams will be unable to attend.MOVED and seconded that Mr. Bill LeBlanc be appointedas citizen representative to the Digby Source WaterProtection Advisory Committee.MOTION CARRIEDHeritage AdvisoryCommittee The Heritage Advisory Committee minutes for March 2011were included in the meeting package.MOVED and seconded that Council appoint Ms. LouiseMullen as citizen representative to the Heritage Advisory Committee.MOTION CARRIED
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesMarch 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia7Planning AdvisoryCommittee The Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) minutes forAugust 2009 were included in the meeting package. Thereis a public meeting scheduled for April 27, 2011 at 7:00 pm.  The PAC met in March and they met the new members.The possibility of small windmills for commercial use was brought forward. Chris Millier was present and it was avery productive meeting.Police AdvisoryCommittee There is a Police Advisory Committee meeting scheduledfor April 5, 2011.REMO AdvisoryCommittee The REMO Management Planning Committee minutes from November 2010 were included in the meeting package. There has been no meeting since the last report.Tri County HousingAuthority The Tri County Housing Authority was last reported on in November 2010. The reports are on a quarterly basis. A report was just received and will be included in the Aprilmeeting package.Regional / Joint CommitteesAirport WorkingGroup The Deputy CAO has sent an update of what has takenplace. There has been no meeting.Annapolis Digby EconomicDevelopment Agency The ADEDA minutes for March 2011 were included in themeeting package. Also included was the Acting ManagerDirector’s Report. There was a letter from the Minister ofTransportation regarding the Digby Ferry also included inthe meeting package. The old ADEDA board has dismantled. A new board hasbeen set up.Digby Annapolis Development Corp The DADC has not met since the last Council meeting.Digby Area LearningAssociation The DALA minutes for January 2011 were included in the meeting package. They met at the end of February and another meeting will take place this week.Digby Area Tourism Association  Councillor Tudor couldn’t make the last meeting but wastold that Mr. Rene LeBlanc has resigned. The minutes willbe forwarded to Council.Digby Area Recreation Committee DARC hasn’t had a meeting this month due to the Senior’s Curling Championships. There were over 200 volunteersfor this event.MOVED and seconded that letters of appreciation be sent to the volunteers of the Senior’s Curling Championshipsletting them know how much it meant to this area to havethem volunteer.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesMarch 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia8 It was also suggested that a thank-you note be put in the Coastline and the Courier. The letters of appreciation could be handed out at the BBQbeing held by DARC for all the volunteers.MOTION CARRIEDDigby Harbour Port Association The Digby Harbour Port Association will be meeting thisweek.Digby LibraryCommittee The Digby Library Committee has not met since the last report. There is a board meeting scheduled for April. Thereare interviews being held on March 29, 2011 for theExecutive Director position. There are very goodcandidates being interviewed.Fundyweb Broadband  The Fundyweb Broadband minutes from September 2010were included in the package.Industrial Commission  The next Industrial Commission meeting is scheduled forMarch 29, 2011. Councillor Amero will be attending andCouncillor MacAlpine isn’t sure if he will be able to attend.Hanse Society Councillor Amero attended the last meeting. There are plans for an adventure park to be put along side ofthe wildlife park, which was their main topic of discussion.Kings TransitAuthority Councillor Amero couldn’t attend the last Kings TransitAuthority meeting as it was scheduled for early morning.They have changed the next meeting to evening andCouncillor Amero hopes to attend.MEDIC The MEDIC minutes for January 2011 were included in the meeting package. There is a scheduled meeting for March29, 2011 regarding the interns from Dalhousie University.Senior SafetyCommittee The Senior Safety Committee minutes from January 2011were included in the meeting package. The Senior SafetyCommittee was supposed to meet a couple weeks ago, but didn’t due to the lack of a quorum. MOVED and seconded that Council re-appoint Muriel Goguen as citizen representative for the Senior SafetyCommittee. MOTION CARRIEDSouthwest Biosphere Councillor Tudor attended the Southwest Biospheremeeting. An action plan was requested. The committeehad some extra money which has been returned to the Province.  Councillor Tudor has been assigned to a new committeewhich will meet twice in April.Tideview Terrace August 23, 2011 is the date that has been set for TideviewTerrace to move to their new location. They are looking for volunteers to help.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesMarch 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia9 The next meeting is scheduled for March 29, 2011.Waste Check The Waste Check minutes for February 2011 as well asmanager and staff reports for March 2011were included inthe meeting package.  Deputy Warden MacAlpine reported that the action plans for 2011-12 was approved at the last meeting. There was apresentation from an ADEDA and ACOA representative.They are looking at using compostable waste in theMunicipality. MOVED and seconded that Council invite Mr. Harvey fromADEDA to come before Council to do the same presentationas he did to the Waste Check Board.MOTION CARRIEDWestern Counties Regional Library There is a Western Counties Regional Library meeting scheduled for April.Council Activity Reports/OtherCommitteesCouncillor Adams  Councillor Adams gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings she has attended during thepast month.Councillor Amero  Councillor Amero gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings he has attended during thepast month.Councillor Tudor Councillor Tudor gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings he has attended during thepast month.Deputy Warden MacAlpine Deputy Warden MacAlpine gave an oral presentation toCouncil outlining the various meetings he has attendedduring the past month. Warden Gregory Warden Gregory gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings she has attended during thepast month. Simone Wilson, Bear River’s 400thAnniversaryOrganizing Committeeand Historical SocietyMOVED and seconded that the request from Ms. Wilson onbehalf of Bear River’s 400thAnniversary OrganizingCommittee and Historical Society be referred to the budget process.MOTION CARRIED
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesMarch 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia10AdjournmentMOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 8:12PM. MOTION CARRIED____________________________________________________________WARDENCLERK

Digby Municipal Council Agenda

2011-04-22T21:16:00.000-03:00

Council AgendaAPRIL 26, 2011Meeting LocationMunicipal Council ChambersCall to OrderWarden Linda GregoryPause to Seek GuidanceWarden Linda GregoryReading of Mission StatementWarden Linda GregoryApproval ofthe AgendaAdditions/Deletions Council StaffSpecial PresentationsPresentations Dan Harvey-Interim Managing Director ADEDA SHYFT-Youth Service SocietyMinutesApproval/Amendments  March 28, 2011
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Council AgendaAPRIL 26, 2011BusinessArising from Minutes/Old Business1. Trade Mission to Scotland 2. Fire Training-Burn TrailerCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsCouncillor TudorDeputy Warden MacAlpineWarden Linda Gregory
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Council AgendaAPRIL 26, 2011New Business# 1Tax Exemption Request Good SamaritanCommunity Church (land)# 2Funding Request VON Tri County Site# 3Funding Request Bear River Board of Trade# 4Warden Gregory Lower Cross Road (Marsh Road)# 5Councillor Amero Weymouth ConsolidatedSchool# 6UNSM Spring Conference Funding $ 750.00#7Warden GregoryEqualization# 8Warden Gregory DARC RequestCAO Report# 1Request for Decision or Direction# 2Meeting Dates/Reminders#3Meeting Action Items Update#4Special Project Update#5Payables –March 2011#6Financial Report
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Council AgendaAPRIL 26, 2011Correspondence 1.AMA President Re: MOU2.CNIB-Shades of Fun3.Department of Justice 4.Legion Capital Assistance Program5.Summer Student Employment Opportunities at DARC 6.SOLAR BULLETIN: Rebates from Efficiency NSCouncil CommitteesRecommendationsto Council from Committee of theWholeNoneRecommendationsto Council from By-law & Policy CommitteeNone
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Council AgendaAPRIL 26, 2011Advisory CommitteesDigby Source Water Protection Advisory CommitteeCouncillor Adams Minutes-January 2011Heritage Advisory CommitteeCouncillor AmeroCouncillor Adams  No meeting since last reportPlanning Advisory CommitteeWarden GregoryCouncillor AdamsCouncillor Tudor Public Meeting Scheduled for April 27, 2011 @ 7:00 pm Police Advisory CommitteeWarden GregoryCouncillor AmeroCouncillor Adams Minutes – November 2010REMO Advisory CommitteeWarden GregoryDeputy WardenMacAlpine No meeting since last reportWestern RegionHousing AuthorityR Fitzgerald Report-Nov 1, 2010 to April30, 2011Regional/JointCommitteesAirport WorkingGroupDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor Adams No meeting since last reportAnnapolis Digby Economic Development AgencyCouncillor RandallAmeroMinutes-March 2011Interim Managing Director Report April 2011Digby Annapolis Development CorpDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor AmeroNo meeting since last report
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Council AgendaAPRIL 26, 2011Regional/JointCommittees(con’t)Digby Area Learning AssociationCouncillor Adams Minutes-February 2011Digby Area TourismAssociationCouncillor Tudor Minutes-Dec 2010; Jan , Feb,March, April 2011Digby Area Recreation Comm.Warden Gregory Councillor Tudor Minutes-Dec 2010;Jan, 2011, Feb, 2011 Rec Man Reports Jan;Feb;April 2011 Facility Supervisor Reports Jan;Feb;April 2011 Safe Kids SafetyDigby Harbour PortAssociationWarden GregoryMinutes – Feb 2011 & April2011Digby Library CommitteeDeputy WardenMacAlpine No meeting since last reportFundywebBroadbandDeputy WardenMacAlpine No meeting since last reportIndustrialCommissionDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor Amero Minutes-January 2011 Met March 29thHanse SocietyCouncillor AmeroKings TransitAuthorityCouncillor Amero February Report Medic Warden Gregory Minutes – March 2011Senior Safety CommitteeCouncillor Adams Councillor TudorSouthwestCouncillor Tudor Minutes-March 2011
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Council AgendaAPRIL 26, 2011BiosphereRegional/JointCommittees(con’t)Transport de ClareCouncillor AmeroTideview TerraceWarden Gregory Councillor Adams Minutes – February 2011Waste CheckWarden GregoryDeputy WardenMacAlpine Municipal White Metal Pick-upSchedule May 2011 Minutes- March 2011 Staff Reports April 2011Western Counties Regional LibraryDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncil Activity Reports/Other CommitteesCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsCouncillor TudorDeputy WardenMacAlpineWarden GregoryIn CameraContractual Issue
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Council AgendaAPRIL 26, 2011Adjournment

Tidal Power News

2011-04-22T21:09:00.002-03:00

From:http://www.offshorewind.biz/

"Fundy Tidal Inc., a community-based marine energy developer, has entered into two separate agreements to develop in-stream tidal power in the waters of Digby Neck and Islands.

A news released from Fundy Tidal said it and Alberta-based New Energy Corporation Inc. will install and operate several tidal turbines in the swift currents of Grand Passage between Brier and Long islands.

The plan is to use New Energy’s 250-kilowatt ‘EnCurrent’ generation system, a vertical-axis in-stream hydrokinetic turbine.

Fundy Tidal has also entered into a partnership with Ocean Renewable Power Company of Maine to install its ‘TidGen’ power system in Petit Passage between Digby Neck and Long Island.

Fundy Tidal says analysis of final site locations will be completed this year, and a single unit will then be installed next year. The projects will then add further turbines with a goal of producing two to five megawatts.

The projects are subject to satisfying all regulatory requirements and support from community stakeholders.

The province’s recently enacted Renewable Electricity Plan has established community feed-in tariffs (COMFIT) for 100 megawatts of wind energy, combined heat and power, run-of-river hydro and small-scale in-stream tidal projects in Nova Scotia.

Eligible projects under the COMFIT must be majority owned by community proponents, including a minimum of 25 persons from the community.

Utility and Review Board rate hearings began April 4 in Halifax to finalize COMFIT rates for wind, combined heat and power, run-of-river hydro and small-scale in-stream tidal.

A statement from Fundy Tidal said the province expects the application process to begin soon after for submissions from eligible proponents which include municipalities, First Nations, universities, non-profits, and co-ops and community economic development corporations.

The town and municipality of Digby, for instance, have been looking at erecting a wind turbine and selling power to effectively reduce their joint electrical bills.

Westport village commissioner and Fundy Tidal founder Jim Outhouse said many years of hard work have promoted Digby County as the ideal location to create tidal power and to establish a thriving research and development community and industry hub.

“We have made our living from these waters for generations, and with the downturn of the fishery, we see this new industry as a means to return to more prosperous days and attract new families, businesses and jobs to the region.”

The Petit and Grand passages were identified by the Electronic Power Research Institute as a primary location for development of tidal energy, and resulted in the formation of Fundy Tidal in 2006.

Fundy Tidal president Dana Morin says the creation of a feed-in tariff for tidal power and one that requires community ownership are world firsts. Combined with tidal developments in Minas Passage, the province has solidified its position as the place to demonstrate both large and small-scale devices and connect to the grid with a guaranteed rate.

“Digby County will play a key role not only as a source of green energy production but in providing the infrastructure and expertise required to support and grow the tidal industry in region,” he said."

Giant Flea Market in Sandy Cove!

2011-04-22T08:59:00.003-03:00

This will take place in August. Kathleen is looking for volunteers to help with the organization and help during the event. This will be also a showcase of Digby Neck craft and artisan wares. Interested people need call me: 834-2024 (evenings only) to register. There will be a nominal fee to cover coffee/tea/edibles, etc.
The following are needed:
People to book tables to show their craft or flea market itmes (Digby Neck residents only).
People to supply baked goods/snacks other refreshments.
Volunteers to set up tables, arrange publicity, serve refreshments, take down after the event and ensure the rooms are returned to clean condition after the event.

Please spread the word to everyone you know! It's time now to save up all your flea market items and produce a tableful of your crafts!
Kathleen 834-2024 evenings only

Municipality Supports Relay for Life

2011-04-20T20:41:00.001-03:00

Thursday, April 21, 2011 we will have a bake sale and BBQ here at the Municipal Office from 1200 am to 100 pm. Hotdogs will be barbecued and there will be pop for sale.

All proceeds will go to Relay for Life 2011.

Over the Rainbow

2011-04-19T21:02:00.002-03:00

The Fundy Chorale presents its spring concert "Over the Rainbow" on May 1, 'll at 3pm. Come join us and our friends!
Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Kathleen will deliver tickets for no charge on Digby Neck and in Digby.
come on out and celebrate spring!

African Nova Scotians

2011-04-18T20:57:00.000-03:00

New farming opportunities for African Nova Scotians

Published on April 14, 2011
Published on April 14, 2011
Nova Scotia Agricultural College Professor Dr. Sam Asiedu and Cammie Harbottle of Waldegrave Farm are the guest speakers at a Growing Local conference designed to support and encourage African Nova Scotians interested in farming.
Topics : African Nova Scotians , Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture , Nova Scotia “Nova Scotia has exciting opportunities in agriculture. Homegrown Success, our 10-year plan for agriculture, outlines a broad strategic approach to the long-term growth of the industry in Nova Scotia so farmers can generate greater profits,” said Agriculture Minister John MacDonell. “The conference will provide opportunities to hear about new ways of doing business, new technology to grow different crops and consumers who demand locally grown products.”

Through interactive presentations, activities and tours, participants in the Growing Local conference will have an opportunity to create links with those who support new farmers, research new ways of producing food and meet a new farmer well on her way to success.

“For generations, many African Nova Scotians have proven to be resourceful farmers,” said Percy Paris, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs. “This conference is a great opportunity for existing farmers to encounter new and innovative ideas to help their businesses grow and for those considering farming to discover the tools and inspiration they need to succeed.”

The two-day conference— April 28-29—held at the Best Western Glengarry and at NSAC, will focus on trends and opportunities in agriculture in the province. Participants will have the opportunity to share ideas and experiences and will begin to bring together the tools needed to start or grow their agricultural businesses. Topics covered will include where to find good ideas, business start-up help and the latest production information.

“This is a great example of community-oriented education that builds on a history of partnership between the university, government and African Nova Scotians that extends back to the 1900s,” said Dr. Leslie MacLaren, NSAC co-president. “The work benefits all of us.”

Pre-registration is required by Thursday, April 14th and all fees have been funded under the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Agreement in cooperation with the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.

“Helping growers to rethink farming as a business opportunity is what excites us about this conference,” said Director of Business Development with the Black Business Initiative, Gordon Doe. “Business is about generating income. By saving on their grocery bills, hobby farmers generate income. Extending this ‘grocery bill-savings- scheme’ to a neighbor is a business opportunity we intend to help local growers see and capitalize on,” he added.

The conference is sponsored by the NSAC, the NSDA and the Black Business Initiative. For additional information please visit nsac.ca/cde

Bay of Fundy Tidal Pwer from the BBC

2011-04-15T07:00:00.000-03:00

Canada harnesses power of tides
By Elizabeth Blunt
BBC World Service correspondent, Canada

The world's highest tides are a source of electricity for Canada
The one thing that every schoolchild learns about the Bay of Fundy is that it has the highest tides in the world.

The North Atlantic waters are funnelled up this deep inlet between the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, swirling through the narrowest parts of the bay with impressive speed and power.

So when in the 1980s the Canadian government wanted to explore the feasibility of tidal power, this was a natural site for an experimental station.

The site chosen at Annapolis Royal had already been closed off by a causeway, built to control tidal flow further up the Annapolis River.

The idea was that water flowing through the sluices could also pass through a turbine and generate power on its way down the Bay of Fundy and out into the sea.

Now there is a neat box-like structure in the middle of the causeway, one of only a handful of operational tidal power plants in the world.

Plant engineering

The Bay of Fundy funnels the power of the Atlantic
Twice every day, as the tide rises, the sluice gates are opened to let water flow up into the lower part of the Annapolis river, which now serves as the headpond for the power station.

Just before high tide, the gates are closed, leaving only a narrow passage for fish to pass. Now all the operators have to do is wait for the tide to turn and the water level on the seaward side to drop.

When there is enough difference between the water levels on the two sides, they begin to let water flow through the giant turbine, slowly at first to get it turning, and then at full strength.

Once the huge 25-metre diameter wheel is up to its operating speed of 50 revolutions per minute, the station starts to generate. At peak power it supplies a very respectable 20 megawatts to the Canadian grid.

Once the tide has gone out and the water level is equalised, the turbine slows to a stop, before the whole cycle begins again.

Stuart MacDonald of Nova Scotia Power remembers the thrill of seeing the plant in action for the first time. He loves the elegant simplicity of its engineering and its reliability, but accepts that tidal power has its limitations.

Built for purpose

It may be a predictable source of electricity, but only while the tide is going out.

Water flows through a giant turbine at Annapolis Royal
And it is not the sort of thing that can be bought off the shelf; machinery has to be purpose-built for the site, which makes it expensive for a power station which is always going to be idle for at least 12 hours a day.

But at least the fuel is free; and although the plant was designed for a 70 year lifespan, Stuart MacDonald believes that with proper maintenance it could last 200 years.

The technology, though, has yet to take off in a significant way.

The biggest tidal station in world is in France, near St Malo, 12 times larger than Annapolis Royal; Russia has a much smaller plant, while China has constructed several small facilities.

With fossil fuels getting scarce and expensive, and concern rising about the damage they are causing to the atmosphere, interest in tidal power is growing; because these plants produce no greenhouse gas emissions.

Other projects are planned, and designers are now working on plans involving individual turbines moored in the middle of the tidal flow, easier to build and less environmentally controversial than the fixed barrages used by the existing stations.

Tidal Power

2011-04-15T06:50:00.001-03:00

Partnerships to develop Islands’ tides

Testing a five-kilowatt turbine last November in the Bay of Fundy. Published on April 14, 2011
John DeMings Fundy Tidal to apply for feed-in tariff for power projects
Fundy Tidal Inc., a community-based marine energy developer, has entered into two separate agreements to develop in-stream tidal power in the waters of Digby Neck and Islands.

Topics : New Energy Corporation , Grand Passage , Ocean Renewable Power Company of Maine , Digby County , Petit Passage , Long Island

A news released from Fundy Tidal said it and Alberta-based New Energy Corporation Inc. will install and operate several tidal turbines in the swift currents of Grand Passage between Brier and Long islands.

The plan is to use New Energy’s 250-kilowatt ‘EnCurrent’ generation system, a vertical-axis in-stream hydrokinetic turbine.

Fundy Tidal has also entered into a partnership with Ocean Renewable Power Company of Maine to install its ‘TidGen’ power system in Petit Passage between Digby Neck and Long Island.

Fundy Tidal says analysis of final site locations will be completed this year, and a single unit will then be installed next year. The projects will then add further turbines with a goal of producing two to five megawatts.

The projects are subject to satisfying all regulatory requirements and support from community stakeholders.

The province’s recently enacted Renewable Electricity Plan has established community feed-in tariffs (COMFIT) for 100 megawatts of wind energy, combined heat and power, run-of-river hydro and small-scale in-stream tidal projects in Nova Scotia.

Eligible projects under the COMFIT must be majority owned by community proponents, including a minimum of 25 persons from the community.

Utility and Review Board rate hearings began April 4 in Halifax to finalize COMFIT rates for wind, combined heat and power, run-of-river hydro and small-scale in-stream tidal.

A statement from Fundy Tidal said the province expects the application process to begin soon after for submissions from eligible proponents which include municipalities, First Nations, universities, non-profits, and co-ops and community economic development corporations.

The town and municipality of Digby, for instance, have been looking at erecting a wind turbine and selling power to effectively reduce their joint electrical bills.

Westport village commissioner and Fundy Tidal founder Jim Outhouse said many years of hard work have promoted Digby County as the ideal location to create tidal power and to establish a thriving research and development community and industry hub.

“We have made our living from these waters for generations, and with the downturn of the fishery, we see this new industry as a means to return to more prosperous days and attract new families, businesses and jobs to the region.”

The Petit and Grand passages were identified by the Electronic Power Research Institute as a primary location for development of tidal energy, and resulted in the formation of Fundy Tidal in 2006.

Fundy Tidal president Dana Morin says the creation of a feed-in tariff for tidal power and one that requires community ownership are world firsts. Combined with tidal developments in Minas Passage, the province has solidified its position as the place to demonstrate both large and small-scale devices and connect to the grid with a guaranteed rate.

“Digby County will play a key role not only as a source of green energy production but in providing the infrastructure and expertise required to support and grow the tidal industry in region,” he said.

Atlantic Prosperity Summit

2011-04-13T07:01:00.001-03:00

APCC's Atlantic Prosperity Summit and AGM
May 12, 2011

Place : Kentville, NS

Time : 08:00

Details : Join the Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce and co-host the Eastern Kings Chamber of Commerce at the Old Orchard Inn, Greenwich, for the Atlantic Prosperity Summit 2011 on May 12, one of three days of events beginning with “Networking Wednesday” on May 11, featuring a golf tournament and other great daytime options plus “Nova Scotia Night”, hosted by EKCC, an evening of food and entertainment to be held at Acadia University. On Thursday, May 12, at the Old Orchard Inn, APCC’s annual business conference - Atlantic Prosperity Summit 2011 - will host expert guest speakers from the areas of energy, transportation, and people. Atlantic Prosperity Summit 2011 is designed for, and open to business and government leaders, and chamber of commerce and board of trade members. That evening APCC’s Gala Dinner will feature special guest speaker Pete Luckett of Pete’s, and of Luckett’s Vineyards. Chamber Day is Friday, May 13, with an education session, a guest speaker, and the ever-popular bear pit, along with the APCC AGM and the Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce AGM. Visit the event website to register - www.atlanticprosperity.ca

Contribute Your Thoughts

2011-04-13T06:45:00.000-03:00

CALL FOR ECONOMIC SECTOR REPRESENTATIVES
Board of Directors, Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency

The newly-formed Board of Directors of the Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency is seeking qualified representatives from the local community to serve on its Board of Directors in a voting capacity. We are looking for 6 citizen volunteers who would advise the Board and Agency Staff on the following sectors:

FORESTRY
FISHERIES
AGRICULTURE
TOURISM
RETAIL & SERVICES
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

If you are eager to contribute to economic development in our region as part of a forward-thinking Board of Directors, we’d love to hear from you. You are invited to attend Industry Focus Group sessions in which you can share your views on your sector(s) of interest:

WEDNESDAY, April 13th - 6pm - EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
TUESDAY, April 19th - 6pm -TOURISM
WEDNESDAY, April 20th - 6pm - AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, April 26th - 6pm - FISHERIES
WEDNESDAY, April 27th - 6pm - FORESTRY
TUESDAY, May 3rd - 6pm - RETAIL & SERVICES

MEETING LOCATION: ADEDA Board Room, 86 Atlantic Avenue, Cornwallis

Everyone is welcome to attend these sessions. Those that so choose may submit their qualifications to the Board, through Dan Harvey, Acting Managing Director. If you have any questions, or wish to RSVP, please call Dan Harvey at 902.526.4479 or email at dharvey@annapolisdigby.com. Thank You!

Annapolis Digby EDA
86 Atlantic Avenue
PO Box 271
Cornwallis, Nova Scotia
Canada B0S 1H0

Tel: (902) 638-3490
Fax: (902) 638-8106
E: msmith@annapolisdigby.com

We invite you to visit us anytime at www.annapolisdigby.com.

Digby Municipal Council Minutes

2011-04-11T21:04:00.000-03:00

Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia1Call to OrderThe meeting was called to order with Warden Gregory in thechair at 6:00 pm.AttendanceCouncillors present: Jimmy MacAlpine, Deputy Warden David Tudor, Councillor Randall Amero, Councillor Maritza Adams, CouncillorStaff present: Linda Fraser, Chief Administrative Officer Gordon Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Pat Stevens, AdministrationPrayerWarden Gregory asked everyone to pause to seek guidance forthe meeting. AgendaDeputy Warden MacAlpine added concerns regarding theDigby to Saint John Ferry as Old Business #2.MOVED and seconded that the agenda be approved asamended.MOTION CARRIEDHearings & PresentationsMarilyn Cameron, Chair Biosolids &Waste Water CaucusMOVED and seconded that Ms. Marilyn Cameron, Chair ofBiosolids and Waste Water Caucus come before thecommittee to make a presentation.MOTION CARRIED Ms. Cameron, Chair of Biosolids & Waste Water Caucusgave a lengthy presentation on the use of biosolids in thelocal farming area. Her concerns involved the usage ofbiosolids that have come from homes, hospitals, businessesinto the sewage treatment plants that have been turned intosludge that is being sold to farmers to apply to their fields. She was hoping to have Council’s support in hindering theuse of this sludge. It was discussed that products should belabeled to allow consumers to make a choice as to whetherto purchase if biosolids were used to promote the product’s
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia2growth. These concerns will be taken to the Rural Caucus who in turn will take to UNSM.MinutesFebruary 14, 2011MOVED and seconded that the minutes of February 14, 2011 be approved as circulated.MOTION CARRIEDBusiness Arising/OldBusinessPossible Amendment to Wind Turbine LUB– Commercial use of Small Scale Turbines There was a discussion on the possible amendment to the Wind Turbine LUB to accommodate the new CommunityFeed-In-Tariff (COMFIT) Program.MOVED and seconded that the matter of possibleamendment to the MPS/LUB for the Regulation of WindTurbines be forwarded to the PAC meeting to be heldMarch 15, 2011.MOTION CARRIEDOther Business ArisingSaint John Ferry There was a discussion on the Digby to Saint John Ferry.Feelings were that someone from the Municipality shouldbe on the committee. It was felt that the Government has to be held accountable to put another boat in place of thecurrent one. This issue is the number one project for theRegional Development Agency. Warden Gregory willserve on the committee.Joshua Slocum Monument The property that the Joshua Slocum Monument is situatedbelongs to an American family, surname Hunt. RobertHersey is researching this matter and will be asked to comeforth to Council when he is finished his research.Deputy WardenMacAlpine  No Business Arising
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia3Councillor Tudor No Business ArisingCouncillor Amero No Business ArisingCouncillor Adams No Business ArisingNew Business#1 Fundy Tidal Inc. –Letter of Support forCOMFIT Application There was a discussion held regarding a letter of support forFundy Tidal Inc. COMFIT application.MOVED and seconded that a letter of support for the COMFIT application be sent.MOTION CARRIED#2 Annapolis Royal Wharf Association –Letter of Support There was a discussion held regarding a letter of support forthe Annapolis Royal Wharf Association.MOVED and seconded that a letter of support for the Annapolis Royal Wharf Association be sent.MOTION CARRIED#3 Councillor Tudor -Electric Cars (Golf Cars) – Westport  Councillor Tudor requested a bylaw be set to allow electriccars to be driven on the roads in Westport. Discussion was held on this issue. Councillor Tudor will take theseconcerns to the MLA as the Municipality has no jurisdictionover the Motor Vehicle Act.#4 Councillor Tudor -End of Life Medical Box – Islands Health Centre Councillor Tudor brought forward the concerns from someone regarding having an end of life medical box at the Islands Health Centre. Warden Gregory noted that this matter is on the agenda for the next Tideview meeting.#5 Mineral Rights There was discussion on whether a person has the right togo on someone’s property to stake a claim to minerals. Staffwas requested to find out information regarding mineralrights.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia4# 6 Wanda VanTassel – Fundy AdventuresMOVED and seconded that a letter of congratulations besent to Wanda VanTassel on being nominated as aparticipant for the Adventure Tourism Best PracticesMission to be held in Victoria, BC.MOTION CARRIEDCorrespondenceHarold (Jr) Theriaultto Minister EmergencyManagement Ross Landry – Brier Island Fire Department – ReCommunications A discussion on the paging system on the Islands ensued. Itwas noted that the problems regarding the lack of anadequate communication system should have gone to the Municipal Fire Association who in turn would bring toCouncil. Deputy CAO Gordon Wilson will research theJEPP side of financing and find out whether or not arepeater has been installed in Bear River. Chief Administrative ReportEnvironmental Services ManagerExecutive SecretaryDr. Buekes - Dinner The CAO report dated March 14, 2011 was included in theCOTW Package. It was noted that Mr. Simon Doiron was the successfulcandidate for the Environmental Resource Managerposition. Mr. Doiron is to start on March 28th. It was noted that Mrs. Karen Adams accepted the termposition of Executive Secretary, covering Mrs. Bremner’smaternity leave, and will be starting work March 21st. There will be an overlap of two months employmentallowing for adequate training to cover all the responsibilities of the position. It was noted that Council had not had dinner with Dr.Buekes and his wife as planned. Warden Gregory will talk to the Doctor and set up two possible dates.Request forDecisions/Direction NILDepartment ReportsTaxation The Taxation report for February 2011 was included in themeeting package.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia5Building Inspection Report/Fire Inspection Report The Building Inspection report for February 2011 wasincluded in the meeting package. Airport/Dispatch The Airport/Dispatch report for February 2011 wasincluded in the meeting package.Dog Control Activityand Financial Report The Dog Control Activity and Financial report for February2011 was included in the meeting package. Coordinator Program Development The Coordinator Program Development report for February2011 was included in the meeting package.Other BusinessN/AUpdates fromPrevious meetingsMaud Lewis Site –Signage Councillor Adams gave an update on the Maud Lewis Site. She stated that there will be signs on both the East and the West side of the site, the house will be lighted at night,there will be flowers planted and there will be threeinterpretive panels to tell the Maud Lewis story. Special Projects Updates The special projects updates were included in the CAOReport.Strategic Priorities UpdateN/ANotice of MotionN/AComments from theGalleryN/AIn CameraMOVED and seconded that the meeting move in camera.MOTION CARRIEDRegular session resumed.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia6Current TideviewTerrace buildingMOVED and seconded that the Municipality write a letterto the Minister of the Department of Health concerning theoutstanding mortgage of the current Tideview Terracebuilding.MOTION CARRIEDAdjournmentMOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 8:15PM. MOTION CARRIED____________________________________________________________WARDENCLERK

Digby Municipal Council Agenda

2011-04-11T21:02:00.000-03:00

Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaMeeting DateApril 11, 2011Meeting LocationCouncil ChambersCall to OrderWardenPause to Seek GuidanceWardenApproval of the Agenda Additions/DeletionsPresentationsJenny Milligan-Tri County Women’sCenter Kristie Herron – Digby BOT, Pipe and DrumBand Ian Russell – Nova Scotia Week 2011Approval of MinutesMarch 14, 2011Old Business /Business Arising from Minutes# 1.0 Westport Fire Department-Communications# 2.0Biosolids – Ban on biosolids # 3.0Burn Trailer – Training AssistanceDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsCouncillor TudorWarden Gregory
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Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaNew Business#1Tri County RegionalSchool BoardNova Scotia School Boards Association Conference – Request for Promotional Items#2Wharf Rat Rally Request for Support –(Budget to follow)#3Health and Wellness Physical Activity Forum#4Fire Departments Feasibility Review of Fire Departments (David Tudor)#5 Digby Area RecreationCommission Funding request – Re: Canadian Senior Curling Championships Volunteer Event#6 Nova Scotia RoyalMounted Police &Friends of Mark Gallagher Society Sergeant Mark Gallagher Charity BallInvitationCorrespondenceReceivedInformation Only# 1 Jean ColeConcerns regarding Animal Shelter# 2# 3#4
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Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaChief AdministrativeReport April 11, 2011Request for Decisions/DirectionMeeting Dates/RemindersDate & TimeMeetingLocationApril 11, 2011 @ 6:00 pmCOTWCouncil ChambersApril 18, 2011 @ 5:00 pmTransportationMunicipal BoardroomApril 18, 2011 @ 6:00 pmBy-Law & PolicyMunicipal BoardroomApril 26, 2011 @ 6:00 pm(note change from Monday the25th)CouncilCouncil ChambersMay 2, 2011 @ 6:00 pmBy-Law & PolicyMunicipal BoardroomMay 9, 2011 @ 6:00 pmCOTWCouncil ChambersMay 16, 2011No MeetingMay 24, 2011 @ 6:00 pm (notechange from May 23rd)CouncilCouncil ChambersDepartment Reports for March 2011 Administration Taxation Building Department Building Permit Municipal Fire Inspector  Airport/Dispatch Dispatch Call Report Airport Statistical  Dog Control Activity Dog Control Financial  Coordinator Program DevelopmentUpdates from PreviousmeetingsSpecial ProjectsUpdatesStrategic PrioritiesUpdateNotice of MotionIn-CameraAdjournment

Aquaculture Comments Invited

2011-04-10T07:51:00.001-03:00

PUBLIC NOTICE

April 4,2011

Transport Canada is required to ensure that the screening is conducted in relation to the development

proposal: PROPOSED THAT AQUACULTURE SITES FOR THE CULTURE OF ATLANTIC SALMON

NEAR LONG ISLAND IN ST MARY'S BAY,NOVA SCOTIA .

The two proposed sites are located in the eastern shore of the southern end of Long Island. Each

Aquaculture site is approximately 540m by 780M (42.12ha), and will contain a 2 X 6 grid of 60 m.cells

and circular plastic cages. Each site will be used primarily to culture Atlantic salmon, with ten of the

twelve cells stocked at all times. The remaining two grid cells will be used to facilitate the transfer of'

fish to larger cages once they reach an appropriate size.

The public is invited to comment on the screen. Only submissions received by Transport Canada

by May 3, 2011 will be considered. Submissions may be sent in either official languages to

KEVIN LEBLANC

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

TRANSPORT CANADA

PO BOX 42, 95 FOUNDRY ST

MONCTON N.B.

ElC 8K6

facsimile : 506-851-7542

e-mail : kevin.leblanc@tc.gc.ca

All documents and/or comments received by Transport Canada regarding this Environmental Assess-

ment will be considered to be in the public domain, and will become part of the Public Registry for the

project.

Please quote the Project Title and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry

Reference Number, 10-01-55946, on all correspondence.

To obtain a copy of the screening,or for further information on the project, please contact Transport

Canada at the above address.

Participant funding is not available to facilitate public participation.

03-0068 (0308-02)

If You Actually Want to Do Something Helpful...

2011-04-07T21:20:00.001-03:00

Important Notice: Press Conference and Rally for Our Forest – April 13th

Friends:

Please join us for a massive gathering to let government know we want better for our forests, now!

Where: Four Points Sheraton, 1496 Hollis St. Halifax (click for map), to be followed by a march to the Legislature

When: Wednesday, April 13th, 10:00am for a press conference, and 11:30 for a march to the Legislature to deliver our message to government

Why: to raise a little heck about the state of our forests!

Who: Every group and individual who cares about healthy forests and healthy communities

We are going to show the government that Nova Scotians are serious about better environmental stewardship of forests. We want real change, and we want government to act now to live up to Nova Scotians’ expectations for change.

The now long-overdue Natural Resources Strategy was due (by law) last December and is still nowhere to be seen. At the same time government policy to encourage large-scale forest biomass projects to generate electricity continues despite the clear recommendations of the Natural Resources Strategy Phase 2 report against it.

The government is not listening to either the report or the public on this issue and big industry players like NewPage, Northern Pulp, Nova Scotia Power and even Lockheed Martin are gearing up to cut and burn huge amounts of our forest – on top of all the cutting that is already going on. No doubt other players also planning forest biomass projects.

Once again, Nova Scotians must speak for our forests and our wildlife – who cannot speak for themselves. Please come and join us on Wednesday, April 13th in Halifax and let the politicians know that more industrial forest cutting is unacceptable and that they must put the brakes on forest biomass before it gets out of hand.

For more information contact:

Jamie Simpson, EAC Forestry Program Coordinator

902-429-1335, eacforestry@gmail.com

Raymond Plourde, EAC Wilderness Coordinator

902-442-5008, wilderness@ecologyaction.ca

For more information on the biomass situation go to:

http://www.ecologyaction.ca/content/publications#biomass

Aquaculture and Election

2011-04-07T07:44:00.001-03:00

Blogger's Note: article refers to B.C., but ask your local politicians where they stand on this issue:

Will You Remove Feedlots from Our Ocean?
NDP Leadership Race positions on salmon farms
Nicholas Simons "An NDP government under my leadership will promote sustainable aquaculture practices by moving fin-fish aquaculture from open-net to closed containment systems." This is a good start, but it needs a timeline.

Mike Farnworth - "British Columbia has failed to protect wild salmon, and our generation is largely responsible for their decline and possible collapse. The BC Liberals have made the situation significantly worse in the last ten years. ... We need to create a 'blue belt' to end the siting of Atlantic salmon open-net fish farms on the major migratory routes of wild salmon. This is consistent with the recommendations of the Special Legislative Committee on Aquaculture." This sounds good. It is significant he recognizes wild salmon need more than small protected areas and require a 'belt' of protection. However the Special Legislative Committee gave the industry 5 years to get out of net pens - four years ago. So it is unclear if Farnworth would close the door on farm pollution next year or in five years? Five years is much too long.

John Horgan - "We will implement the recommendations of the Select Standing Committee on Aquaculture and transition the industry away from open net-pen salmon farms." Again this sounds good, but we need to know Horgan's timeline. The Norwegians have had four years to figure closed containment out, but they have not, betting instead that they can carry on business as usual. BC wild salmon need action now.

Adrian Dix and Dana Larsen - Do not mention salmon on their websites.

Federal Election
Comments from candidate websites and new articles on salmon farms:

Fin Donnelly (NDP, New Westminster-Coquitlam and Port Moody ) - is the strongest wild salmon supporter provincially or federally. Salmon are on the home page of his website and he has received 10,000 postcards of support for his Wild Salmon Protection Act (Bill C-518) which would "require fish farms operating on BC's west coast to transition from harmful open-net fish farms to safe closed containment systems..... The technology exists, it is economically feasible, and the prospective jobs and economic opportunities for British Columbians are immense." The bill allows 4 years for operators to get into closed tanks provided that they take reasonable steps to move.

Elizabeth May (Green, Saanich-Gulf Islands) - Vancouver Sun "In B.C., the party opposes open-net pens for salmon farming, which May argues have effectively allowed areas of the coast to become privatized and turned into "ecological deserts" while putting wild salmon at risk."

Don Davies (NDP, Vancouver Kingsway) Under the federal government's watch, we have see the slow extinction of wild salmon species because of misguided policies, inept management, and a refusal to respect fundamental principles of sound science. I call for an emergency summit on salmon, an increase in funding for salmon enhancement programs, and an immediate ban on open net fish farms.

Nathan Cullen (Skeena - Bulkley Valley) Together with coastal communities and first nations, we fought for and won a ban on open net fish farms in Northern BC. It borders on insanity to continue jeopardizing wild salmon - a resource that has such great cultural and economic significance. The Federal Government must live up to its court ordered responsibilities and ban open-net fish farms and transition the industry to closed pen production with strong regulations.

Organic Farming

2011-04-05T07:27:00.000-03:00

Nova Scotia Organic Strategic Plan -input Apr 13.11
Flora Doehler | April 4, 2011 at 11:05 pm | Categories: biodynamic farming, community event, gardening | URL: http://wp.me/pfgTD-cs

Your Input Needed for the Nova Scotia Organic Strategic Plan

Three meetings are being held to collect input and ideas to form a draft of the Nova Scotia organic sector strategic plan. The strategic plan will identify both the opportunities and issues for the growth of the sector and establish organic production as a viable growing sector of the province’s agriculture.

Your input is needed - this is your chance to share thoughts and ideas on the future of the organic sector in Nova Scotia (ie. prioritize certification fee assistance, provincial organic regulation, training/mentorship etc.). Please attend one of the following sessions (it really is important--NB did this last year and already much has been accomplished in their plan).

Light lunch will be provided.

● Wednesday, April 13th, 2011, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Cornwallis, Annapolis-Digby RDA (Board Room), 86 Atlantic Avenue, Cornwallis Park Please RSVP, to confirm your attendance, by Friday, April 8th. Telephone : 902-895-2667 or email: info@ocns.ca

- from the April ACORN newsletter

Solar Power News from Australia

2011-03-30T07:31:00.001-03:00

from "Energy Matters" out of Australia

REC/SMA SYSTEMS - SPECIAL PRICING!

To celebrate the availability of the new range of high efficiency SMA Sunny Boy HF series in Australia, we've bundled these great inverters with award winning REC solar panels. In a recent year long performance test, REC modules outperformed 30 other brands! REC + SMA = faster payback!

Our special introductory pricing coupled with the looming Solar Credits rebate reduction means these systems are flying out the door - don't miss out! Join the solar revolution and start saving on your electricity bills today. Deeply discounted upgrades and accessories also available!

Click your state below to view pricing and other details.

The race to beat the Solar Credits rebate reduction has begun - installation slots are filling fast in some areas.

RENEWABLE ENERGY NEWS

NYC's First Solar Powered EV Charging Station
New York City's first solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station was unveiled earlier this month in Brooklyn Bridge Park; a 34 hectare sustainable waterfront park stretching 2 kilometres along Brooklyn's East River shoreline.

Solar Powered WA Mine Receives Award
Galaxy Resources has received the Energy Generation and Distribution Award from the Sustainable Energy Association of Australia for its use of solar power in a mine in Western Australia.

Quantum Dots Could Increase Solar Panel Output
New research undertaken in the USA into the tiny light absorbing particles in solar cells – called quantum dots - may have uncovered ways to multiply the energy output of individual electrons, increasing the efficiency of the solar panels and resulting in more electricity from the same amount of absorbed light.

New Battery Structure
Researchers at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign have developed a 3d nanostructure for battery cathodes that permits far faster charging and discharging without sacrificing energy storage capacity.

Bacteria's Potential For Solar Cell Materials
Researchers from the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Laboratory and Washington University are studying the light-harvesting abilities of some of nature’s most photosynthetic life-forms, breaking ground into a new generation of solar cell design

SMA Sunny Boy HF Series Inverters Available
Energy Matters has announced the availability of SMA Sunny Boy HF series solar inverters in Australia.

Americans Turning From Nuclear To Solar Energy
The nuclear crisis in Japan is dramatically changing views about the use of nuclear energy for electricity generation. In the USA, a survey has found a majority of respondents want to see a freeze on new nuclear power station construction and more focus on wind and solar power.

Australian Company To Build Floating Solar Farm
Australian solar power company Sunengy Pty Limited has announced a deal with India energy giant Tata Power for the construction of floating solar farm in India by the end of this year

EM Video News - Episode 27 - March 23, 2011
Virginia covers the Queensland Government's Solar Kindergarten Installation Program, a report advising the ACT Government to reduce the solar feed in tariff rate for new connections, a partnership between the Australian Solar Institute and a major European solar research organisation and the NSW Greens proposal for three 200 megawatt solar thermal power stations for the state.

Suntech Solar Panels On The World's Rooftop
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. as announced it will install a 10MW solar farm on the Tibetan Plateau, making it the world's highest altitude solar power installation.

Solar Powered Kindergartens For Queensland
The Queensland state government has announced plans to put solar energy systems on the roofs of up to 400 kindergartens as part of its $5.76 million Solar Kindergarten Installation Program.

Home Owners Association

2011-03-30T07:24:00.001-03:00

Kathleen Gidney is looking for people in Digby County to start or help with starting a home owner's association. Please email kathleen1954@auracom.com

Digby Municipal Council Minutes

2011-03-26T07:33:00.001-03:00

Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesFebruary 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia1Call to OrderThe Council meeting was called to order with Warden Gregoryin the chair at 6:00 p.m. AttendanceCouncillors present: Linda Gregory, Warden Jimmy MacAlpine, Deputy Warden Randall Amero, Councillor Maritza Adams, Councillor David Tudor, CouncillorStaff present: Linda Fraser, Chief Administrative Officer Cora Lee Bremner, Executive SecretaryRegrets: Gordon Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative OfficerPrayerWarden Gregory welcomed everyone to the meeting and askedeveryone to pause to seek guidance for the meeting. WardenGregory thanked everyone for coming and read theMunicipality’s mission statement.AgendaWarden Gregory added Female Bantam AA Hockey Teamrequest as New Business #7. MOVED and seconded that the agenda be approved as amended.MOTION CARRIEDPresentationsJenny Milligan – Tri-County Women’s Centre Ms. Milligan was unable to attend the meeting due to bad road conditions. Minutes January 24, 2011MOVED and seconded that the minutes from the Council of January 24, 2011 be approved as circulated.MOTION CARRIEDBusiness Arising from Minutes/OldBusiness#1 Weymouth Waterfront Development Committee – FinalReading of Amendment # 11 ofTax Exemption By-law 2000-02.MOVED and seconded that the final reading be approvedfor Amendment # 11 of the Tax Exemption By-law 2002-02 adding the Old Weymouth Library Building to Schedule“A”.MOTION CARRIED
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesFebruary 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia2#2 Dog By-law –Final Reading of Amendment to DogBy-law 2006-02MOVED and seconded that the final reading be approvedfor the amendment to Dog By-law 2006-02.MOTION CARRIEDDeputy Warden MacAlpine No Old Business.Councillor Amero No Old Business.Councillor Adams No Old Business.Councillor Tudor No Old Business.Warden Gregory No Old Business.New Business#1 South West Music Festival – FundingRequest ($100) The CAO noted that because this event is going to be held in early April, a decision could be made now as there is stillmoney in the Municipal Marketing Budget.MOVED and seconded that the $100 funding request forSouth West Music Festival be approved.MOTION CARRIED It was agreed the funds would come from the Municipal Marketing Budget.#2 By-law forRegulation of Wind Turbines – Possible Amendment to Definition of DomesticWind Turbine Councillor Amero declared a conflict of interest and left themeeting. Council discussed a possible amendment to the definition of“domestic wind turbine” in the by-law for Regulation ofWind Turbines.After a lengthy discussion, Councildecided it would be best to get the opinion of the Plannerbefore making a decision. MOVED and seconded that Council table making a decisionon a possible amendment to the definition of Domestic WindTurbine in the by-law for the Regulation of Wind Turbinesuntil Council obtains more information.MOTION CARRIED Councillor Amero returned to the meeting.#3 Digby Town and Municipal HousingBoard (Tideview Terrace) –Appointment of Elected Official Councillor Amero agreed to be appointed to the DigbyTown and Municipal Housing Board providing themeetings can accommodate his schedule. Councillor Tudorhas agreed as well if it doesn’t work out for Councillor Amero. Warden Gregory will see if they can change themeetings to evening meetings.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesFebruary 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia3MOVED and seconded that Councillor Amero be appointedto the Digby Town and Municipal Housing Board (TideviewTerrace).MOTION CARRIED#4 Inter-municipal Agreement with Town of Digby –Amendment to include Public Drop OffMOVED and seconded that changes be approved to bemade to the inter-municipal agreement with the Town ofDigby to include public drop off.MOTION CARRIED#5 Deputy Warden MacAlpine – Seasonal Tourist Designation for Artist Studios A request has been received requesting that artists/artisans be included in the category of “Seasonal Tourist Business Designation”. MOVED and seconded that the request for artists/artisans be included in the category of “Seasonal Tourist BusinessDesignation” be put on the next agenda for the Rural Caucus.  It was noted that if this were to be approved, it wouldfollow the same regulations as the seasonal restaurants,roofed accommodations, and camping establishments. MOTION CARRIED#6 Warden Gregory –Letter ofAcknowledgement The Nova Scotia Art Bank encourages the development ofartistic excellence and stimulates an awareness of andinterest in visual arts and craft among Nova Scotians and their visitors. It was noted that Mrs. Carol Mahtab had apiece that was purchased by the Nova Scotia Art Bank.MOVED and seconded that a letter of acknowledgement besent to Mrs. Carol Mahtab.MOTION CARRIED#7 Female Bantam AA Hockey Team RequestMOVED and seconded that Council purchase anadvertisement for $50 in the Program for the FemaleBantam AA Hockey Team event.MOTION CARRIED#8 Town of Digby –UNSM SpringWorkshopMOVED and seconded that the Municipality of Digbyparticipate with Town of Digby in regards to the hospitalityof the UNSM Spring Workshop for the events outlined intheir letter.MOTION CARRIEDCAO Report Westport Ferry –Response Letter The CAO report for February 28, 2011 was included in themeeting package. Councillor Tudor expressed that he felt the solutions outlined by Mr. Michael Wamboldt concerning the break-down of the Westport Ferry was inadequate. It was
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesFebruary 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia4suggested that this matter be taken to the MLA as ferryservice is a Provincial responsibility. Councillor Tudor willdo that.Request forDecision/DirectionN/AMeetingDates/RemindersPayablesMOVED and seconded that the payables in the amount of$599,864.46 for the month of January 2011 be approved as presented.MOTION CARRIEDFinancial Report The financial report for January 31, 2011 was circulated.Warden Gregory –Note of Thanks Warden Gregory thanked everyone for the flowers shereceived when she was sick.Council CommitteesRecommendations to Council fromCommittee of theWholeN/ARecommendations to Council from Bylaw& Policy CommitteeDangerous &Unsightly PolicyMOVED and seconded that the updates to the Dangerousand Unsightly policy be approved as presented.MOTION CARRIEDLow Income TaxExemption 2011MOVED and seconded that pursuant to The Low IncomeTax Exemption Policy # 2010, the Municipality hereby grants an exemption from taxation, operating as a reductionin the 2010-2011 taxes otherwise payable to the Municipalityin respect to a property in the amount of $ 125.00 forowners of property whose 2010 income from all sourcesdoes not exceed $ 20,000.MOTION CARRIEDAdvisory CommitteesDigby Source WaterProtection AdvisoryCommittee The Digby Source Water Protection Advisory Committeehas not met since the last report.Heritage AdvisoryCommittee The Heritage Advisory Committee minutes for April 2010 were included in the meeting package. There is a meeting scheduled for March 10, 2011.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesFebruary 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia5Planning AdvisoryCommittee There has been no Planning Advisory Committee meeting since the last report.Police AdvisoryCommittee There has been no Police Advisory Committee meeting since the last report.MOVED and seconded that Ms. Kathleen Gidney beappointed as citizen representative to the Police Advisory Committee.MOTION CARRIEDREMO AdvisoryCommittee The REMO Management Planning Committee minutes from November 2010 were included in the meeting package. There was a REMO Advisory Committee meetinga couple weeks ago. Don LeBlanc gave an update of whathe has been doing. He has been doing an excellent job. They are talking about doing exercises for emergencies. Tri County HousingAuthority The Tri County Housing Authority was last reported on in November 2010. The reports are on a quarterly basis.Regional / Joint CommitteesAirport WorkingGroup There has been no Airport Working Group meeting sincethe last Council meeting.Annapolis Digby EconomicDevelopment Agency The ADEDA minutes for February 2011 were included in the meeting package. Also included was the Acting Manager Director’s Report.  Warden Gregory attended a meeting as the alternate forCouncillor Amero on February 24, 2011. It was a goodmeeting. They are working on a business plan.Digby Annapolis Development Corp The DADC minutes from July 2010 were included in themeeting package. There has been one meeting since July.There was a discussion regarding the Convergys site andwhat can be done with the building. They would like to exhaust all opportunities to get a call centre there, but if not, the building may have to be subdivided so that it can berented out.  There was a discussion regarding the intent of the building was to create employment for the area. This needs to bediscussed in greater detail before a decision is made as tohow to move forward.Digby Area LearningAssociation The DALA minutes for November 2010 as well as theExecutive Director report for January 2011 were included in the meeting package.  There was a meeting on February 23, 2011 which Councillor Adams was unable to attend. The minutes willbe forwarded once they are received.Digby Area Tourism Association  The Digby Area Tourism Association minutes for the last couple meetings have not been sent along. A person hasbeen hired to help with signage. It was also noted that the
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesFebruary 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia6Passport project is coming along nicely.Digby Area Recreation Committee The DARC minutes for December 2010 and January 2011as well as staff reports for January and February 2011 wereincluded in the meeting package.  The Canadian curling championships are coming soon. Theice time is going well. Digby Harbour Port Association The Digby Harbour Port Association minutes for Septemberand November 2010 were included in the Council package. A Digby Harbour Port Association meeting has just been held. The biggest concern is the storm damage to the wharf.There is $200,000 damage to the wharf and REMO would be able to provide a maximum of $80,000. They arecurrently operating under an extremely tight budget andhave the highest rates in the Province. Digby LibraryCommittee The Digby Library Committee has not met since the last report. Fundyweb Broadband  Fundyweb Broadband has not met since the last report.  Deputy Warden MacAlpine reported that it is hoped to havea meeting within the next two weeks. The last meeting tookplace in September.Industrial Commission  The Industrial Commission met on February 25, 2011. Mr.Mike Gushue has been hired as a Consultant. They areworking on making Digby the port of choice for a service centre for tidal development. Mr. Gushue is doing anexcellent job. Hanse Society Councillor Amero was away during the last meeting. Hewill look into obtaining a copy of the minutes fordistribution to Council.Kings TransitAuthority The Kings Transit Authority minutes for December 2010and February 2011, the ridership report for January 2010and the General Manager’s report for February 2011 wereincluded in the meeting package. Councillor Amero was unable to attend the last meeting asit was scheduled in the morning.MEDIC The MEDIC minutes for January 2011 were included in the meeting package. The next meeting is scheduled for March1, 2011.Senior SafetyCommittee The Senior Safety Committee will meet on March 9, 2011.Councillor Adams will get a copy of the minutes fordistribution. Southwest Biosphere There is a Southwest Biosphere meeting scheduled forMarch 1, 2011.Tideview Terrace The Tideview Terrace minutes for November 2010 and January 2011 as well as the staff reports for February 2011were included in the meeting package.  There was a Tideview Terrace meeting on February 22,
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesFebruary 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia72011. The new Tideview is coming along and is withinbudget.Waste Check The Waste Check minutes for November 2010 as well as staff reports for February 2011were included in the meeting package. Waste Check has a Business Rewards Program whichstarted in October that acknowledges businesses doing agreat job. A plaque is given to them and the business is outlined in their newsletter.  Waste Check is trying to get the numbers to 300 kg perperson and is currently down to 320 kg per person. Theyare getting closer to the goal. The enforcement officer is doing a good job. He has beenfinding contact information in garbage bags and is finingrepeat offenders. Western Counties Regional Library There has been no Western Counties Regional Librarymeeting since the last Council meeting.Council Activity Reports/OtherCommitteesCouncillor Adams  Councillor Adams gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings she has attended during thepast month.Councillor Amero  Councillor Amero gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings he has attended during thepast month.Councillor Tudor Councillor Tudor gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings he has attended during thepast month.Deputy Warden MacAlpine Deputy Warden MacAlpine gave an oral presentation toCouncil outlining the various meetings he has attendedduring the past month. Warden Gregory Warden Gregory gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings she has attended during thepast month. Comments from thegallery The meeting was opened up to the gallery for questions. There were no questions or comments.BreakMOVED and seconded that there be a five minute breakbefore proceeding in camera.MOTION CARRIEDIn CameraMOVED and seconded that the meeting move in camera todiscuss contractual and personnel issues.MOTION CARRIED
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesFebruary 28, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia8Regular session resumed.AdjournmentMOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 7:45PM. MOTION CARRIED____________________________________________________________WARDENCLERK

Digby Municipal Council Agenda

2011-03-26T07:31:00.000-03:00

Council AgendaMARCH 28, 2011Meeting LocationMunicipal Council ChambersCall to OrderWarden Linda GregoryPause to Seek GuidanceWarden Linda GregoryReading of Mission StatementWarden Linda GregoryApproval ofthe AgendaAdditions/Deletions Council StaffSpecial PresentationsPresentations Rob Sampson-President N-Viro Systems Canada LP Simone Wilson, Bear River’s 400 Anniversary Organizing Committee and Historical SocietyMinutesApproval/Amendments  February 28, 2011
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Council AgendaMARCH 28, 2011BusinessArising from Minutes/Old Business1.ADEDA  Approval of ADEDA Funding & Governance Agreement Appointment of Councillor to newboard2.Councillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsCouncillor TudorDeputy Warden MacAlpineWarden Linda Gregory
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Council AgendaMARCH 28, 2011New Business# 1ADEDA Budget 2011-2012# 2Le Transport de ClareSociety Request for councillor to sit on their Board of Directors # 3Westport FireDepartment Emergency Communications &Paging# 4Destination SouthwestNova Association 2011-12 Municipal Investment# 5Minister JohnMacDonell One year notice , Corrections,Housing and Education costs# 6FUNDYweb BroadbandBoard Motion to divest FBB Assets#7FCM International Volunteer Municipalities Needed#8Southville Fire Dept HST Rebate denied#9Digby Municipal FireAssociation Burn Trailer#10Digby Municipal FireAssociation Surplus Computers
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Council AgendaMARCH 28, 2011CAOReport# 1Request for Decision or Direction# 2Meeting Dates/Reminders#3Meeting Action Items Update#4Special Project Update#5Payables –February 2011#6Financial Report- Not availableCorrespondence 1.Southwest Nova Music Festival-Thank You letter2.Ian Russell-Trade Mission to Scotland3.FCM President Statement on Federal Budget4.Provincial reverse of Kings County rezoningapplication5.FCM Analysis of Federal Budget6.7.8.9.
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Council AgendaMARCH 28, 2011Council CommitteesRecommendationsto Council from Committee of theWholeRecommendationsto Council from By-law & Policy CommitteeAdvisory CommitteesDigby Source Water Protection Advisory CommitteeCouncillor Adams Meeting scheduled for March 30th Appointment of BillLeBlanc as citizenrepresentativeHeritage Advisory CommitteeCouncillor AmeroCouncillor Adams  Minutes-March 2011 Appointment of LouiseMullen as citizenrepresentativePlanning Advisory CommitteeWarden GregoryCouncillor AdamsCouncillor Tudor Minutes-August 2009 Public Meeting Scheduled for April 27, 2011 @ 7:00 pm Police Advisory CommitteeWarden GregoryCouncillor AmeroCouncillor Adams Meeting scheduled for April5th, 2011
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Council AgendaMARCH 28, 2011Advisory Committees(con’t)REMO Advisory CommitteeWarden GregoryDeputy WardenMacAlpine Minutes-November 2010Tri County HousingAuthorityR Fitzgerald Last reported Nov 2010(report requested)Regional/JointCommitteesAirport WorkingGroupDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor Adams UpdateAnnapolis Digby Economic DevelopmentAgencyCouncillor RandallAmeroMinutes-March 2011 Acting MD Report  Letter from Min of Transportation Re Digby FerryDigby Annapolis Development CorpDeputy WardenMacAlpineCouncillor AmeroNo meeting since last reportDigby Area Learning AssociationCouncillor Adams Minutes-January 2011Digby Area TourismAssociationCouncillor TudorDigby Area Recreation Comm.Warden Gregory Councillor TudorDigby Harbour PortAssociationWarden GregoryDigby Library CommitteeDeputy WardenMacAlpine No meeting since last report
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Council AgendaMARCH 28, 2011Regional/JointCommittees(con’t)FundywebBroadbandDeputy WardenMacAlpine Update from Mar 22ndmeeting Minutes Sept 2010Industrial CommissionDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor AmeroHanse SocietyCouncillor AmeroKings TransitAuthorityCouncillor AmeroMedic Warden Gregory Minutes-January 2011Senior Safety CommitteeCouncillor Adams Councillor TudorRe-appointment of Muriel Goguen as citizen rep Minutes-January 2011SouthwestBiosphereCouncillor Tudor Update on meetingTideview TerraceWarden Gregory Councillor Adams  Moving day announcementWaste CheckWarden GregoryDeputy WardenMacAlpine Minutes- Feb 2011 Manager Report March 2011 Staff Reports March 2011 Strategic Planning ProcessWestern Counties Regional LibraryDeputy WardenMacAlpine
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Council AgendaMARCH 28, 2011Council Activity Reports/Other CommitteesCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsCouncillor TudorDeputy WardenMacAlpineWarden GregoryIn CameraAdjournment

Buy Local, Enrich Nova Scotia

2011-03-21T20:47:00.003-03:00

...is the title of one of the articles in the Chronicle Herald. Great idea! and underneath it reads: "communities could make $19 million more monthly".
more quotes:" if residents turned local independent (businesses) for 10% of the ...purchasing, commuinites in N.S. would be collectively richer by about $19 million every month. And the one I like the best: "Spend a dollar on a local independent business and 45 cents of that dollar stays in the community".
Patronize, use your local businesses, folks! That's money that stays here and helps the area.
Digby Neck could have a thriving entrepreneurial area and be less vulnerable to destructive foreign big corporations, if everybody supported your local entrepreneur. Get creative and think of the opportunities for business there are, here, that would be in keeping with a wonderful and beautiful nature and wildlife area. You wouldn't believe how beautiful visitors from all over the world think that Digby Neck is! My two cents, Blogger

2011-03-16T21:05:00.000-03:00

From my cousin Anne Thomas in Sendai, Japan where she has lived for the past

decade teaching English. Very moving!!
Via Tom Haynes-Paton and a friend

Hello My Lovely Family and Friends,

First I want to thank you so very much for your concern for me. I am very touched. I also wish to apologize for a generic message to you all. But it seems the best way at the moment to get my message to you.

Things here in Sendai have been rather surreal. But I am very blessed to have wonderful friends who are helping me a lot. Since my shack is even more worthy of that name, I am now staying at a friend's home. We share supplies like water, food and a kerosene heater. We sleep lined up in one room, eat by candlelight, share stories. It is warm, friendly, and beautiful.

During the day we help each other clean up the mess in our homes. People sit in their cars, looking at news on their navigation screens, or line up to get drinking water when a source is open. If someone has water running in their home, they put out sign so people can come to fill up their jugs and buckets.

Utterly amazingly where I am there has been no looting, no pushing in lines. People leave their front door open, as it is safer when an earthquake strikes. People keep saying, "Oh, this is how it used to be in the old days when everyone helped one another."

Quakes keep coming. Last night they struck about every 15 minutes. Sirens are constant and helicopters pass overhead often.

We got water for a few hours in our homes last night, and now it is for half a day. Electricity came on this afternoon. Gas has not yet come on. But all of this is by area. Some people have these things, others do not. No one has washed for several days. We feel grubby, but there are so much more important concerns than that for us now. I love this peeling away of non-essentials. Living fully on the level of instinct, of intuition, of caring, of what is needed for survival, not just of me, but of the entire group.

There are strange parallel universes happening. Houses a mess in some places, yet then a house with futons or laundry out drying in the sun. People lining up for water and food, and yet a few people out walking their dogs. All happening at the same time.

Other unexpected touches of beauty are first, the silence at night. No cars. No one out on the streets. And the heavens at night are scattered with stars. I usually can see about two, but now the whole sky is filled. The mountains are Sendai are solid and with the crisp air we can see them silhouetted against the sky magnificently.

And the Japanese themselves are so wonderful. I come back to my shack to check on it each day, now to send this e-mail since the electricity is on, and I find food and water left in my entranceway. I have no idea from whom, but it is there. Old men in green hats go from door to door checking to see if everyone is OK. People talk to complete strangers asking if they need help. I see no signs of fear. Resignation, yes, but fear or panic, no.

They tell us we can expect aftershocks, and even other major quakes, for another month or more. And we are getting constant tremors, rolls, shaking, rumbling. I am blessed in that I live in a part of Sendai that is a bit elevated, a bit more solid than other parts. So, so far this area is better off than others. Last night my friend's husband came in from the country, bringing food and water. Blessed again.

Somehow at this time I realize from direct experience that there is indeed an enormous Cosmic evolutionary step that is occurring all over the world right at this moment. And somehow as I experience the events happening now in Japan, I can feel my heart opening very wide. My brother asked me if I felt so small because of all that is happening. I don't. Rather, I feel as part of something happening that much larger than myself. This wave of birthing (worldwide) is hard, and yet magnificent.

Thank you again for your care and Love of me,

Nuclear Companies

2011-03-16T20:40:00.000-03:00

Sent in by Tom Haynes-Paton

BELOW IS AN ARTICLE FOR ANYONE CONCERNED ABOUT JAPAN'S/THE WORLD'S CURRENT NUCLEAR OPERATIONS CRISIS-----
-------DO NUCLEAR ENERGY COMPANIES TELL US LIES?

A long-time trusted friend and colleague from my Japan days who has spent a life-time in work related to nuclear energy sent on this report today.

It is written by Greg Palast* for "t r u t h o u t/News Analysis". Check it out----- www.truth-out.org ----a website that fights "lies and misinformation". There one can see writings by Bill Moyers and others on many subjects.

Please note that Palast is born in l952, the Year of the Dragon---a good example of the dragon's fire.

*(bio) "Gregory Allyn Palast (born June 26, 1952[1]) is a New York Times-bestselling author[2] and a journalist for the British Broadcasting Corporation[3] as well as the British newspaper The Observer.[4] His work frequently focuses on corporate malfeasance but has also been known to work with labor unions and consumer advocacy groups."

*(bio) Greg Palast is the author of the New York Times bestseller, "Armed Madhouse" (Penguin Paperback 2007). When Palast, an investigator of corporate fraud and racketeering, turned his skills to journalism, he was quickly recognized as, "The most important investigative reporter of our time" [Tribune Magazine] in Britain, where his first reports appeared on BBC television and in the Guardian newspapers. (http://www.gregpalast.com/about-greg/)

We in the human family, first-of-all our Japanese cousins, deserve to know the truth

regarding this crisis that envelops us all. And we're not getting it.

Please pass this on if you think important---

Tom Haynes-Paton

"Tokyo Electric to Build US Nuclear Plants: The No-BS Info on Japan's Disastrous Nuclear Operators
Monday 14 March 2011

by: Greg Palast, t r u t h o u t | News Analysis

(Texas nuclear plants planned by Tokyo Electric. (Image: NINA))

I need to speak to you, not as a reporter, but in my former capacity as lead investigator in several government nuclear plant fraud and racketeering investigations.

I don't know the law in Japan, so I can't tell you if Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) can plead insanity to the homicides about to happen.

But what will Obama plead? The administration, just months ago, asked Congress to provide a $4 billion loan guarantee for two new nuclear reactors to be built and operated on the Gulf Coast of Texas - by TEPCO and local partners. As if the Gulf hasn't suffered enough. Here are the facts about TEPCO and the industry you haven't heard on CNN:

The failure of emergency systems at Japan's nuclear plants comes as no surprise to those of us who have worked in the field.

Nuclear plants the world over must be certified for what is called "SQ" or "Seismic Qualification." That is, the owners swear that all components are designed for the maximum conceivable shaking event, be it from an earthquake or an exploding Christmas card from al-Qaeda.

The most inexpensive way to meet your SQ is to lie. The industry does it all the time. The government team I worked with caught them once, in 1988, at the Shoreham plant in New York. Correcting the SQ problem at Shoreham would have cost a cool billion, so engineers were told to change the tests from "failed" to "passed."

The company that put in the false safety report? Stone & Webster, now the nuclear unit of Shaw Construction, which will work with TEPCO to build the Texas plant. Lord help us.

There's more.

Last night, I heard CNN reporters repeat the official line that the tsunami disabled the pumps needed to cool the reactors, implying that water unexpectedly got into the diesel generators that run the pumps.

These safety backup systems are the "EDGs" in nuke-speak: Emergency Diesel Generators. That they didn't work in an emergency is like a fire department telling us they couldn't save a building because "it was on fire."

What dim bulbs designed this system? One of the reactors dancing with death at Fukushima Station 1 was built by Toshiba. Toshiba was also an architect of the emergency diesel system.

Now be afraid. Obama's $4 billion bailout in the making is called the South Texas Project. It's been sold as a red-white-and-blue way to make power domestically with a reactor from Westinghouse, a great American brand. However, the reactor will be made substantially in Japan by the company that bought the US brand name, Westinghouse - Toshiba.

I once had a Toshiba computer. I only had to send it in once for warranty work. However, it's kind of hard to mail back a reactor with the warranty slip inside the box if the fuel rods are melted and sinking halfway to the earth's core.

TEPCO and Toshiba don't know what my son learned in eighth grade science class: tsunamis follow Pacific Rim earthquakes. So, these companies are real stupid, eh? Maybe. More likely is that the diesels and related systems wouldn't have worked on a fine, dry afternoon.

Back in the day, when we checked the emergency backup diesels in America, a mind-blowing number flunked. At the New York nuclear plant, for example, the builders swore under oath that their three diesel engines were ready for an emergency. They'd been tested. The tests were faked; the diesels run for just a short time at low speed. When the diesels were put through a real test under emergency-like conditions, the crankshaft on the first one snapped in about an hour, then the second and third. We nicknamed the diesels, "Snap, Crackle and Pop."

The forces against independent journalism are growing. Help Truthout keep up the fight against ignorance and regression! Support us here.

(Note: Moments after I wrote that sentence, word came that two of three diesels failed at the Tokai Station as well.)

In the US, we supposedly fixed our diesels after much complaining by the industry. But in Japan, no one tells TEPCO to do anything the Emperor of Electricity doesn't want to do.

I get lots of confidential notes from nuclear industry insiders. One engineer, a big name in the field, is especially concerned that Obama waved the come-hither check to Toshiba and TEPCO to lure them to America. The US has a long history of whistleblowers willing to put themselves on the line to save the public. In our racketeering case in New York, the government only found out about the seismic test fraud because two courageous engineers, Gordon Dick and John Daly, gave our team the documentary evidence.

In Japan, it's simply not done. The culture does not allow the salary men, who work all their lives for one company, to drop the dime.

Not that US law is a wondrous shield: both engineers in the New York case were fired and blacklisted by the industry. Nevertheless, the government (local, state, federal) brought civil racketeering charges against the builders. The jury didn't buy the corporation's excuses and, in the end, the plant was, thankfully, dismantled.

Am I on some kind of xenophobic anti-Nippon crusade? No. In fact, I'm far more frightened by the American operators in the South Texas nuclear project, especially Shaw. Stone & Webster, now the Shaw nuclear division, was also the firm that conspired to fake the EDG tests in New York . (The company's other exploits have been exposed by their former consultant, John Perkins, in his book, "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man.") If the planet wants to shiver, consider this: Toshiba and Shaw have recently signed a deal to become worldwide partners in the construction of nuclear stations.

The other characters involved at the South Texas Plant that Obama is backing should also give you the willies. But as I'm in the middle of investigating the American partners, I'll save that for another day.

So, if we turned to America's own nuclear contractors, would we be safe? Well, two of the melting Japanese reactors, including the one whose building blew sky high, were built by General Electric of the Good Old US of A.

After Texas, you're next. The Obama administration is planning a total of $56 billion in loans for nuclear reactors all over America.

And now, the homicides:

CNN is only interested in body counts, how many workers burnt by radiation, swept away or lost in the explosion. These plants are now releasing radioactive steam into the atmosphere. Be skeptical about the statements that the "levels are not dangerous." These are the same people who said these meltdowns could never happen. Over years, not days, there may be a thousand people, two thousand, ten thousand who will suffer from cancers induced by this radiation.

In my New York investigation, I had the unhappy job of totaling up post-meltdown "morbidity" rates for the county government. It would be irresponsible for me to estimate the number of cancer deaths that will occur from these releases without further information; but it is just plain criminal for the TEPCO shoguns to say that these releases are not dangerous.

Indeed, the fact that residents near the Japanese nuclear plants were not issued iodine pills to keep at the ready shows TEPCO doesn't care who lives and who dies, whether in Japan or the USA. The carcinogenic isotopes that are released at Fukushima are already floating to Seattle with effects we simply cannot measure.

Heaven help us. Because Obama won't.

High Gas Prices

2011-03-13T21:05:00.002-03:00

Fight high gas prices any way you can, and here's an article (author unknown) that might prove helpful-thanks for the forward from Dan Mills
TIPS ON PUMPING GAS
I don't know what you guys are paying for gasoline.... but here in California we are paying up to $3.75 to $4.10 per gallon. My line of work is in petroleum for about 31 years now, so here are some tricks to get more of your money's worth for every gallon:

Here at the Kinder Morgan Pipeline where I work in San Jose , CA we deliver about 4 million gallons in a 24-hour period thru the pipeline.. One day is diesel the next day is jet fuel, and gasoline, regular and premium grades. We have 34-storage tanks here with a total capacity of 16,800,000 gallons.

Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role.

A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.

When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3) stages: low, middle, and high. You should be pumping on low mode, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.

One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL. The reason for this is the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.

Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up; most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom.
To have an impact, we need to reach literally millions of gas buyers. It's really simple to do.

I'm sending this note to about thirty people. If each of you send it to at least ten more (30 x 10 = 300)...and those 300 send it to at least ten more (300 x 10 = 3,000) and so on, by the time the message reaches the sixth generation of people, we will have reached over THREE MILLION consumers !!!!!!! If those three million get excited and pass this on to ten friends each, then 30 million people will have been contacted!

If It goes one level further, you guessed it..... THREE HUNDRED MILLION PEOPLE!!!

Again, all you have to do is send this to 10 people. How long would it take?

Digby Neck Events

2011-03-07T21:06:00.000-04:00

Digby Neck Community Pot Luck Supper
Thursday March 10, 2011
6 p.m.
Little River United Baptist Church

Deep Democracy

2011-03-06T20:38:00.001-04:00

DEEP DEMOCRACY EXPLAINED
Deep Democracy is the philosophical basis of the Process Work and Worldwork Paradigm, a psycho-social-political theory and methodology. The term Deep Democracy was developed by Arny Mindell in 1988 and first appeared in Leader as Martial Artist (Mindell, 1992). Mindell, a physicist and Jungian Analyst, has researched and written extensively about how awareness interlinks with reality and how we perceive it on different levels, creating different frameworks of reality. An example of this is how we perceive time: the measurable reality of the seconds ticking in a clock, the dreamlike "subjective" perception of time as it passes during an encounter with a lover - or during a conflict with an opponent - and the sentient essence of timelessness at the moment of sunrise that transcends "known" time (if only for a moment) and replaces it with the concept of a hopeful future. Mindell calls his paradigm Processwork. He formulates these principles and demonstrates how they can be used to facilitate individual, relationship, and group transformation in many of his books.
In the late eighties, Mindell started to formulate these principles as a philosophical approach that he called Deep Democracy. It has become best known for some of the following concepts:

Unlike "classical" democracy, which focuses on majority rule, Deep Democracy suggests that all voices, states of awareness, and frameworks of reality are important. Deep Democracy also suggests that all the information carried within these voices, levels of awareness, and frameworks is needed to understand the complete process of a system. Deep Democracy is an attitude that focuses on the awareness of voices that are both central and marginal.

This type of awareness can be focused on groups, organizations, one's own inner experiences, people in conflict, etc. Allowing oneself to take seriously seemingly unimportant events and feelings can often bring unexpected solutions to both group and inner conflicts.

Although the term and the concepts of Deep Democracy are now being used by various groups in different ways, Mindell formulates their common denominator: Deep Democracy is the experience of a process of flow in which all actors on the stage are needed to create the play that is being watched.
Deep Democracy is a natural process that occurs in all community building processes, but often goes unnoticed or un-used. Just as conventional democracy strives to include all individuals involved in the political process, Deep Democracy goes a step further in the effort towards fostering a deeper level of dialogue and inclusiveness that makes space for all people (with the individual right to vote) as well as all various and competing views, tensions, feelings, and styles of communication - in a way that supports awareness of relative rank, power, and privilege, and the potential of these forces to marginalize other views, individuals, and groups.

Evolution of Deep Democracy
”The most fundamental forum is your own heart. Both as a facilitator and as a human being, you must learn to hear yourself there.” Arnold Mindell, "Sitting in the Fire", 1995

Deep democracy has many aspects, many of which relate to philosophical concepts derived from quantum physics. Deep Democracy at its deepest manifestation refers often to an openness towards the views of other people and groups. It also embraces emotions and personal experiences that are most often excluded from conflict and rational public discourse (Mindell, 1992).

Deep Democracy has crossed over into many fields and has been picked up by many authors, some using it as defined by Mindell, others using only particular aspects (as it is often the case with crossovers). For more information, please see our Deep Democracy and DDI page.

One of the primary concerns of Deep Democracy is the use, maintenance, and awareness of metaskills, a concept developed by Amy Mindell (attitudes and feeling tones underlying our skills). The concept of openness to diversity and dialogue between various views doesn’t mean that the facilitator goes along with what the group wants—that is only one metaskill (although it often reflects a lack of awareness). Facilitators must also practice, embody, and express other metaskills such as toughness, anger, intractability, love, detachment, concern for the well being of the others, and a genuine desire to achieve consensus. Some of the metaskills in the above mentioned list are organic responses. However, when a facilitator uses her internal organic responses to better inform her intervention, she is using a metaskill. This is why the human development (the internal psychological and spiritual growth) of the facilitator is so important.

Deep Democracy involves not only openness to other individuals, groups, and diverse views, but also an openness to experiences including feelings, dreams, body symptoms, altered states of consciousness, and synchronicities as well as an awareness of signals, roles, and the structural dynamics of the interactions between parties involved.

The Lungs of the Earth

2011-03-04T21:36:00.001-04:00

Blogger's Note: treecanada is a great site! Worth a look.

UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve
Canada finally has its own official day to celebrate trees. Starting this fall, each Wednesday of National Forest Week in September will be known as National Tree Day. The first National Tree Day will be September 21, 2011. see www.treecanada.ca (news) for further details.
Tree Canada - Arbres Canada
www.treecanada.ca

Women Entrepreneurs

2011-03-04T21:20:00.000-04:00

Women entrepreneurs get help connecting with suppliers

Topics : WEConnect Canada , Women Business Enterprise , Atlantic Canada
[ATLANTIC REGION] – Women entrepreneurs are facing many challenges in the patriarchal world of business, but one program is looking to lift them up.

WEConnect, a non-profit organization that helps support firms owned by women, has received a boost from Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

ACOA is granting WEConnect with a contribution of more than $134,000 through its Business Development Program.

“Our government declared 2011 the Year of the Entrepreneur because businesses play a key role in securing Canada’s ongoing economic recovery,” said Keith Ashfield, minister for ACOA. “Every year, entrepreneurs create about 130,000 new companies in Canada. We are pleased to support businesses through programs and services that stimulate economic growth, create more jobs for Canadians and open doors to new export markets.”

WEConnect is also investing an additional $152,000 into the program. WEConnect will manage Canada’s Women Business Enterprise in Atlantic Canada which qualifies eligible firms and connects them with the corporate and private sector and the growing demand for suppliers in Canada and abroad.

Only firms that are at least 51 per cent owned, managed and controlled by women are eligible to qualify for the program.

“WEConnect Canada is thrilled to be able to help meet a growing demand for diverse suppliers through our certification program and mentoring efforts,” said Mary Anderson, executive director of WEConnect Canada. “ACOA’s funding will allow us to deliver certification that ensures women business owners meet an international standard needed to access global supply chains, and will help us introduce women-owned businesses to a comprehensive network of large corporations. It’s great news for women entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada.”

Women in Film

2011-03-04T21:18:00.000-04:00

NS: Women of film, TV converging in Halifax

Canadian filmmaker Patricia Rozema is headlining this weekend’s conference. — Photo Contributed
Published on March 4, 2011
Published on March 4, 2011
Metro Halifax Latest News
4/03/2011 Lower revenue but higher profits at Ontario government owned utility OPG in 2010
4/03/2011 Long awaited U.S. jobs recovery augurs well for Canadian automakers, economy
4/03/2011 NS: Taxpayer funded birthday wheel for Halifax employees grinds to a halt
4/03/2011 NS: Discovery Centre gets $700,000 from province to help with move
4/03/2011 NS: Taxpayers group urges province to reduce tax on gas as prices climb higher
4/03/2011 Women entrepreneurs get help connecting with suppliers
4/03/2011 NS: Steel workers throw support behind 3D Auto Parts' bid
4/03/2011 NS: ECBC appealing WCB ruling regarding former Devco employees
See All Articles
Regional News
4/03/2011: NL: FFAW president says fleet rationalization necessary
4/03/2011: NL: Senators get an earful on Muskrat Falls
4/03/2011: NB: Sackville develops strategy for surplus properties
See All Articles
Topics : Halifax
[HALIFAX, NS] — Atlantic Canadian women in TV and film will gather in Halifax this weekend to celebrate and boost their roles in a predominantly male industry.

The conference, Women Making Waves, is hosted by the Women in Film & Television–Atlantic.

The three-day event beginning Friday will feature workshops, screenings and panel discussions, and will be headlined by award-winning Canadian filmmaker Patricia Rozema.

“There are so many talented women in the screen industry,” said Jan Miller, chair of WIFT–Atlantic. “The time is right to celebrate what they’re doing and find ways to help the senior people mentor the emerging people — and the emerging people inspire the senior people.”

Though the conference honours women, topics of conversation will be relevant to both sexes, she said.

Saturday night will feature a screening of short films by filmmakers from each Atlantic province and a documentary, titled Pretty Bloody: The Women Of Horror, by Halifax-based filmmaker Donna Davies.

Miller said she would love to see Women Making Waves become an annual event.

Tickets can be purchased at wift-at.com.

Funding for Fruit Producers

2011-03-04T21:16:00.000-04:00

NS: Feds invest in province's fruit growing industry

Published on February 22, 2011
Published on February 22, 2011
Staff ~ Transcontinental Media Latest News
4/03/2011 Lower revenue but higher profits at Ontario government owned utility OPG in 2010
4/03/2011 Long awaited U.S. jobs recovery augurs well for Canadian automakers, economy
4/03/2011 NS: Taxpayer funded birthday wheel for Halifax employees grinds to a halt
4/03/2011 NS: Discovery Centre gets $700,000 from province to help with move
4/03/2011 NS: Taxpayers group urges province to reduce tax on gas as prices climb higher
4/03/2011 Women entrepreneurs get help connecting with suppliers
4/03/2011 NS: Steel workers throw support behind 3D Auto Parts' bid
4/03/2011 NS: Women of film, TV converging in Halifax
See All Articles
Regional News
4/03/2011: NL: FFAW president says fleet rationalization necessary
4/03/2011: NL: Senators get an earful on Muskrat Falls
4/03/2011: NB: Sackville develops strategy for surplus properties
See All Articles
The Daily Business Buzz
Topics : Nova Scotia Agricultural College , NSFGA , Innovative Communities Fund , Nova Scotia , Canada , Annapolis Valley
[KENTVILLE, NS] — Nova Scotia fruit growers will be receiving funding for a vital industry study to help the sector prepare for future growth in world markets.

Today, the Government of Canada announced it is investing $30,000 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund; the Province of Nova Scotia will provide a grant of $5,000 and an additional $9,525 will come from the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association (NSFGA).

The NSFGA will consult extensively with its membership, Canadian and American stakeholders, the general agriculture industry and the Nova Scotia Agricultural College to secure views and insight into the industry’s future. Fruit growers are under significant pressure from the global over-supply of commodities, intense foreign competition, weather-related disasters, static consumption and retail consolidation.

“This is an important initiative that will position Nova Scotia fruit growers for enhanced growth and development into the future,” said Nova Scotia Agriculture Minister John MacDonell. “We have seen significant gains in new markets with unique and profitable apple varieties and in infrastructure that will ensure quality apples and apple products that consumers demand and expect.”

Nova Scotia’s fruit industry is an essential wealth generating component of the agriculture sector and is critical to the economic success of the Annapolis Valley, adds Dela Erith, executive director of the NSFGA.

“Nova Scotia’s fruit growers produce 10 per cent of Canada’s total apple production, create $14.7 million in farm gate sales and have an economic impact of about $72.5 million to the economy of Nova Scotia.”

Bear River Health Clinic News

2011-03-04T21:06:00.001-04:00

Bear River & Area Community Health ClinicClinic Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pmEmail: bear.riverclinic@ns.sympatico.caWebsite: bearriverandareaclinic.caPhone: 467-3611Fax: 467-3339March 2011Acupuncture – Your choice of pins or laser. Book appointments with Joe through the Clinic.Audiology – Neil Hackett. Please call 1-866-299-2016 to book appointments.BodyTalk System –Jocelyn Pulchny. Appointments booked through the Clinic.Counselling/Clinical Hypnotherapy – Gayle Allen. Call the Clinic to book appointments. Call Gayle formore info at 526-2850.Electrolysis – Call Ronda at 1-902-791-0953 for more information or to book your appointment.Esthetics –Charlene Decker. To book an appointment or for more information, call 1-902-874-2454 oremail: estheticly_pleasing@yahoo.caJuniper House Outreach – Please call Lori at 245-4789 to book your appointment.Massage Therapy – Julie Palmer. Call the Clinic to book your appointment. – NEW SERVICE!!Nurse Practitioners – Dianne Corbett, RN. Call the Clinic for appointments. Note: New patients will beseen in Yarmouth. Connie Day, RN. Book appointments through the Clinic.Physician Services – Dr. Harding. Appointments are booked through the Clinic.Reflexology/Massage – Deb provides quality reiki and reflexology services, along with Indian HeadMassage, chair massage and Scalp Massage. Need to de-stress? Book your appointment today andrelax! Gift certificates are available on request.Times and dates are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.Please note: we are in urgent need of Board Members. If you have an interest in our Clinic,please consider joining! This Clinic is not able to continue without a full Board.If interested, please phone 467-3611 to let us know!New Service Available:Join us in welcoming Julie Palmer! Julie is acertified Massage Therapist and will beoffering appointment of either 45 minutes, 1hour or 1 ½ hours. Please call 467-3611 tobook your massage now!* * *Advent Christian ChurchLadies’ Prayer Meeting, Thursdays @ 10:30“If you have time to worry about it, you havetime to pray about it.”It’s Income Tax Time Again!With e-file, refunds are usually in your bank accountin less than two weeks after submission. Are yougetting ALL the credits you are entitled to? Are youeligible for Pension Income Splitting? Medicalcredits? Any of the new credits?Prompt,professional, confidential. Seniors discount. 14years in Bear River, 44 years total experience.PAT’S OFFICE 467-3358Personal returns, HST returns, small businesses,payroll and bookkeeping services.Join us for our AGM on Wednesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. All are welcome!

Worldd Story Telling Day

2011-03-04T21:01:00.000-04:00

Hello all,
for World Storytelling Day I will be holding an event at the Weymouth Waterfront Library, to promote storytelling and encourage others to tell their stories. The Goodwin Hotel has been generous enough to offer a room for ongoing monthly storytelling nights (TBA) where those interested can tell, learn about telling or just come to listen. I hope some of you might consider attending or if possible posting the information for this upcoming event. Thank you all.
Joanna Jarvis

JOYANNA STORYTELLING
JOANNA JARVIS (CRINION), Storyteller
675 Weymouth Falls Rd.
RR#4 Weymouth, NS B0W 3T0
joyanna_storyteller@hotmail.com
902-837-7178 / 902-834-2074
Preserving the art of Oral Storytelling and promoting Literacy through stories, Music, Drama and Puppetry

Canadian Curling

2011-02-26T07:53:00.003-04:00

Canadian Curling Association announces three future event sites

The Canadian Curling Association (CCA) today announced the sites for three national championships for the 2010-2011 season.

The 2011 Canadian Senior Men’s and Women’s Curling Championships will be held in Digby, Nova Scotia, March 19-26, at both the Digby Curling Club and Digby and Area Arena. The championships will be chaired by Bob Powell.
Kathleen's Shuttle and Tours would be happy to provide shuttle service from the Halifax airport to Digby for this event. 902-834-2024 or 877-720-8747

The 2011 Canadian Mixed will take place at the Morris Curling Club in Morris, Manitoba, November 20-27, 2010, under the direction of co-chairs Resby Coutts and Brenda Recksiedler. Manitoba has won eight Mixed titles (Alberta leads with nine) since the championship began in 1964 in Toronto, including a victory last November by Winnipeg skip Sean Grassie, when the 2009 Mixed was staged in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

The province has hosted four previous Canadian Mixed championships, the last in 1989 in Brandon, when won by Prince Edward Island’s Robert Campbell. Other sites were in 1968 in St. Boniface, 1974 and 1981 in Winnipeg.

The 2011 M&M Meat Shops Canadian Junior Men’s and Women’s Curling Championships will return to Calgary, Alberta, January 29-February 6, with round robin play at both the North Hill Community Curling Club and The Glencoe Club. The co-chairs are Jim Dang and Louise Sheeran.

Alberta has won a leading 15 Canadian junior men’s titles, the last by Charley Thomas in 2007, since 1950, when the championship began in Québec City, and five junior women’s crowns, the last by Heather Nedohin (Godberson) in 1996, since the first event in 1971 in Vancouver. The men’s and women’s championships were contested separately until being combined, beginning in 1987 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

Alberta has previously hosted six junior men’s and five junior women’s championships, the last in Calgary in 1998, when won by Ontario’s John Morris and New Brunswick’s Melissa McClure.

Nova Scotia has staged three previous Canadian Seniors championships, all in Halifax – the 1971 men’s and the 1974 and 1984 women’s. The province has yet to win a Canadian senior men’s title, but has now taken three Canadian senior women’s championships, two by skip Verda Kempton, in 1982 and 1987, and this year’s renewal by skip Colleen Pinkney of Truro, who captured the 2009 championship in Summerside, Prince Edward Island last month.

Meanwhile, the Canadian/world championships previously announced for the 2009-2010 season are: Canadian Mixed, November 15-22 in Burlington, ON; M&M Meat Shops Canadian Juniors, January 16-24 in Sorel-Tracy, QC; Scotties Tournament of Hearts, January 30-February 7 in Sault Ste. Marie, ON; Tim Hortons Brier, March 6-14 in Halifax, NS; Ford World Women’s, March 20-28 in Swift Current, SK, World Men’s, April 3-11 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, World Mixed Doubles and World Seniors, April 16-24 in Chelyabinsk, Russia.

The sites for the 2010 Canadian Senior Men’s and Women’s Curling Championships, Canadian Interuniversity Sport/CCA Championships and the Canadian Wheelchair Championship will be announced by May 1.

Other curling events in Canada next season include the pre-Trials competition in Prince George, BC, November 10-14; the Tim Hortons Canadian Curling Trials, December 6-13 in Edmonton, which will determine Canada’s representatives for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, where the curling competition takes place from February 16-27, followed by the Paralympic Games, March 12-21, also in Vancouver.

Digby Municipal Council Minutes

2011-02-26T07:44:00.001-04:00

Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesJanuary 24, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia1Call to OrderThe Council meeting was called to order with Warden Gregoryin the chair at 6:00 p.m. AttendanceCouncillors present: Linda Gregory, Warden Jimmy MacAlpine, Deputy Warden Randall Amero, Councillor Maritza Adams, Councillor David Tudor, CouncillorStaff present: Linda Fraser, Chief Administrative Officer Gordon Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Cora Lee Bremner, Executive SecretaryPrayerWarden Gregory welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked everyone to pause to seek guidance for the meeting. Warden Gregory thanked everyone for coming and read theMunicipality’s mission statement.AgendaDeputy Warden MacAlpine added Development of CommunityFeeding Tariff Projects as New Business #10. Councillor Tudoradded Islands Nurse Practitioner as New Business #11.MOVED and seconded that the agenda be approved asamended.MOTION CARRIEDPresentationsKatie Harvieux –DARC Active LivingCoordinatorMOVED and seconded that Ms. Katie Harvieux, DARCActive Living Coordinator come before Council to make a presentation.MOTION CARRIEDMs. Harvieux came before Council to make a presentationregarding the Active Living Strategy she is working on. Thestrategy is a multi-year plan which is aimed at getting people inthe Town and Municipality of Digby more active. It is aprovince wide project. She is currently developing theframework for public meetings and focus groups. They did atelephone survey of 300 residents from the Town andMunicipality of Digby which asked questions that will serve asa benchmark if they decide to do the survey again after thestrategy is in place. The goals of the program are to makepeople aware of the level of activity that keeps people healthyas well as making people aware of the health concerns that canoccur if a healthy lifestyle isn’t in effect. A question and answer period followed the presentation. It was suggested to have a running club and was noted that people are morecommitted to exercise if there is a group they are involved with.It was also suggested that morning or afternoon meetings beheld for seniors to be involved in the process. Council wouldlike to see all schools in the Town and Municipality of Digby beinvolved in the process. Warden Gregory thanked Ms.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesJanuary 24, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia2Harvieux for the presentation. MinutesNovember 22, 2010MOVED and seconded that the minutes from the Council ofNovember 22, 2010 be approved as circulated.MOTION CARRIEDBusiness Arising from Minutes/OldBusiness#1 Weymouth WaterfrontDevelopmentCommittee – FirstReading of Amendment # 11 of Tax Exemption By-law 2000-02.MOVED and seconded that first reading be approved forAmendment # 11 of the Tax Exemption By-law 2002-02 adding the Old Weymouth Library Building to Schedule“A”.MOTION CARRIEDDeputy Warden MacAlpine No Old Business.Councillor Amero No Old Business.Councillor Adams No Old Business.Councillor Tudor No Old Business.Warden Gregory No Old Business.New Business#1 Ashley Lee Smith, Islands Consolidated School – Youth GrantRequestMOVED and seconded that a grant of $250 be given to Ashley Lee Smith from Islands Consolidated School.MOTION CARRIED#2 Jean Brittain, Chair, DARC –Canadian CurlingSeniors Event A request has been received from DARC for theMunicipality of Digby to sponsor the Canadian CurlingSeniors Event by purchasing squares on the ice surface inwhich the Municipal logo would be put in the ice.MOVED and seconded that Council sponsor the CanadianCurling Seniors Event in the amount of $250 as well asdonate 125 Municipal pins for the event.MOTION CARRIED#3 ShelburneChamber of Commerce – Letter of Support The Shelburne Chamber of Commerce is looking for a letterof support for a Yarmouth ferry. Council expressed thatthey would like to support a tourist ferry, but not one thatwould compete with Digby with commercial traffic.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesJanuary 24, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia3MOVED and seconded that Council send a letter of supportto Community and Economic Development, the Town ofShelburne and carbon-copied to Honourable Percy Paris,Minister of Economic and Rural Development, for a touristferry to come to Yarmouth. It was mentioned that tourism numbers have dropped off dramatically and that the boat will be supported.MOTION CARRIED#4 DARC – Citizen Appointment – J.P. Hugh SprouleMOVED and seconded that J.P. Hugh Sproule be appointedas a citizen representative to the Digby Area RecreationCommission.MOTION CARRIED#5 Councillor Tudor –Freeport Public Wharf Councillor Tudor advised that there have been gates put upbarring public access to the Freeport Wharf after hours.Local residents have been in the habit of walking on thewharf in the evening and aren’t happy with the decision.MOVED and seconded that a letter be written to Shirley Scott stating that Council feels for her not being able to go for walks on the wharf; however, municipalities don’t havecontrol over the wharfs. MOTION CARRIED#6 Scotiabank –Annual BorrowingResolution It was pointed out that the letter from Scotiabank referred tothe Town as opposed to the Municipality. Council wouldlike them to be informed of the error and request that futurecorrespondence references the correct unit. MOVED and seconded that Council accept the annualborrowing resolution for the Municipality.MOTION CARRIED#7 Deputy Warden MacAlpine – MEDIC  Deputy Warden MacAlpine attended the last MEDIC meeting on the Warden’s behalf. There was a discussion regarding a request that had been received from theDalhousie Medical Program to bring 10 to 12 students toDigby General Hospital. This would provide them with anopportunity to gain experience in a hospital setting as wellas give Digby the opportunity to showcase the area. TheMunicipality’s portion to fund this opportunity would be upto $1,000. The CAO noted that there are funds in thebudget to cover this request.MOVED and seconded that Council contribute up to $1,000to bring in 10-12 students from Dalhousie Medical Schoolfor a weekend to Digby General Hospital. It was mentioned to contact Jean Brittain to see if there issomething that can be done to promote the Digby area.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesJanuary 24, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia4MOTION CARRIED#8 Cooke’s Aquaculture – Letter of SupportMOVED and seconded that the Council of the Municipality of the District of Digby provide a letter of support for theproposed growth expansion and investment strategy of Cooke’s Aquaculture providing it is done in anenvironmentally sustainable manner and brings social andeconomic benefit to the people and communities of ruralNova Scotia.MOTION CARRIED1 OPPOSED – Councillor Tudor#9 Councillor Tudor –Community Sign for FreeportThe community of Freeport would like to have a communityevents sign. The cost of a basic sign is $2,500. The StudentAdvisory Council is willing to contribute some funds. Counciladvised that the Village has to be contacted first. The Villagecan request funding from the Municipality if necessary. #10 Deputy Warden MacAlpine -Development of Community FeedingTariff Projects Deputy Warden MacAlpine advised Council that heattended a UNSM meeting in which Community Feeding Tariff Projects were discussed. Council needs to explorethis as it is an opportunity to raise revenue in Nova Scotiaoutside of property taxes. There are several renewableenergy projects. Deputy Warden MacAlpine will make theinformation available to Council. It was suggested that theIndustrial Commission do research on this and bring it backto Council.#11 Councillor Tudor - Islands NursePractitioner Councillor Tudor advised Council that the NursePractitioner on the Islands is gone before the contract wasup as has happened in the past.  It was suggested that this concern be forwarded to MEDIC.MOVED and seconded that a letter be written to MEDICstating that Council recognizes that the Islands should haveaccess to a fully operating clinic with a consistent staff.MOTION CARRIEDCAO Report  The CAO report for January 24, 2011 was included in themeeting package.Request for Decision/DirectionDigby Source Water Protection AdvisoryCommittee – CouncilAppointment Digby Source Water Protection Advisory Committee islooking for a Council appointment and it would like to see this member also sit on the Planning Advisory Committee.MOVED and seconded that Council appoint CouncillorAdams to the Digby Source Water Protection AdvisoryCommittee.MOTION CARRIED
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesJanuary 24, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia5MeetingDates/Reminders Councillor Amero is unable to attend the meetingsscheduled for both February 14 and 21. Councillor Adamsis also unable to attend the February 21 meeting. It wasagreed to cancel the meeting for February 21, 2011. April 25, 2011 is Easter Monday, so it was agreed to changethe Council meeting to April 26, 2011.PayablesMOVED and seconded that the payables in the amount of$478,612.03 for the month of November 2010 be approvedas presented.MOTION CARRIEDMOVED and seconded that the payables in the amount of$488,503.28 for the month of December 2010 be approved aspresented.MOTION CARRIEDFinancial Report The financial report for November 30, 2010 was circulated.Council CommitteesRecommendations toCouncil fromCommittee of theWholeBuilding Inspector –Appointment of CathyBarrMOVED and seconded that Council appoint Cathy Barr asa Municipal Building Inspector.MOTION CARRIEDRecommendations toCouncil from Bylaw& Policy CommitteeDog By-law 2006-02TLC Animal Shelter AgreementMOVED and seconded that Council approve first reading of the amendment to Dog By-law 2006-02.MOTION CARRIEDMOVED and seconded that Council accept the contract agreement for the TLC Animal Shelter.MOTION CARRIEDAdvisory CommitteesDigby Source Water Protection AdvisoryCommittee The Digby Source Water Protection Advisory Committeeminutes from October 2010 were included in the meetingpackage.Heritage AdvisoryCommittee There has been no Heritage Advisory Committee meetingsince the last Council meeting. There should soon be a meeting.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesJanuary 24, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia6Planning AdvisoryCommittee There has been no Planning Advisory Committee meetingsince the last report.Police AdvisoryCommittee There is a Police Advisory Committee meeting scheduledfor February 8, 2011. There is one citizen position thatneeds to be filled.REMO ManagementPlanning Committee The REMO Management Planning Committee minutesfrom September 2010 were included in the meetingpackage. November 23, 2010 was the last meeting. Therewas a discussion about the amount of water flowing in theback country. Tri County HousingAuthority The Tri County Housing Authority was last reported on inNovember 2010. The reports are on a quarterly basis.Regional / Joint CommitteesAirport WorkingGroup There has been no Airport Working Group meeting sincethe last Council meeting.Annapolis Digby EconomicDevelopment Agency The ADEDA minutes for November and December 2010were included in the meeting package. Also included wasthe 2010 mid-year review. The next meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2011.Digby AnnapolisDevelopment Corp There is a tentative DADC meeting scheduled for February7, 2011. They need to discuss the facility.Digby Area LearningAssociation There hasn’t been a Digby Area Learning Associationmeeting since November. There is a meeting scheduled for January 26, 2011.Digby Area TourismAssociation  The Digby Area Tourism Association minutes for November 2010 were included in the meeting package.Councillor Tudor has volunteered to put together a passportprogram similar to the one that is used in the Yukon. ThePines have agreed to put together a one week visit for thegrand prize. There will be smaller prizes as well. Theprogram is designed to get tourists to go to differentattractions and local businesses to obtain a stamp.Councillor Tudor is putting together a rough draft for thenext meeting. Councillor Tudor also noted the Province has agreed to putthe whale watching symbol on signage as opposed to thelighthouse as originally planned.Digby Area Recreation Committee The DARC minutes for November 2010 as well as staffreports were included in the meeting package.  Things are going well at DARC. They are currentlylooking for volunteers. Digby Harbour PortAssociation The Digby Harbour Port Association minutes for July 2010were included in the Council package. The next meeting isscheduled for January 27, 2011.
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesJanuary 24, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia7 There has been a fair amount of weather damage done to thewharf. Councillor Gregory will obtain the up-to-dateminutes and distribute to Council.Digby LibraryCommittee The Digby Library Committee has not met since the lastreport. Fundyweb Broadband  Fundyweb Broadband has not met since the last report.Deputy Warden MacAlpine has had a discussion with theDirector of Finance from Annapolis and it is hoped to havea meeting by the end of February.Industrial Commission  The Industrial Commission meeting minutes for June 2010were included in the meeting package. The main discussionof the meeting was regarding the direction to take for tidalpower in the Bay of Fundy.Kings TransitAuthority The Kings Transit Authority minutes for December 2010,and the ridership report for November 2010 were includedin the meeting package. The meeting scheduled for January20, 2011 was postponed to January 27, 2011. CouncillorAmero will be unable to attend. Councillor Adams added that she attended a meeting for Warden Gregory in regards to Kings Transit. It wasdiscussed that with Convergys shutting down, there will betwelve minutes added to the schedule. The Town of Digbyis trying to get them to come downtown and also to theferry when it is in.Senior SafetyCommittee The Senior Safety Committee Coordinator’s report forJanuary 2011 was included in the meeting package. Therewas a meeting on January 11, 2011. Dawn Thomas hasbeen very busy. The workshop Ms. Thomas presented toUNSM has made Digby high profile in the Province. There was a discussion regarding grants that might beavailable for the program.Tideview Terrace There was a Continuing Care Innovation documentcirculated to Council. There is a Tideview Terrace meetingon January 25, 2011 in which an update will be given on thenew Tideview. It was noted that the proceeds from the Robbie Burns dinnerwas being donated to Tideview. Waste Check The Waste Check minutes for September 2010 as well asstaff reports were included in the meeting package. Thenext meeting is February 14, 2011. Construction is ongoing for the public drop off site by thetransfer station. It is hoped to have it up in operation soon.People will be able to drop off their garbage if it has beenmissed or if they are going to be away. It is hoped that this will stop illegal dumping.Western CountiesRegional Library November 25, 2010 was the last meeting with TrudyAmirault. There was a new person lined up to take herplace, but that person ended up declining the position. Theposition is being advertised again. There is someone in
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Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Council MinutesJanuary 24, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia8place for the interim. Council ActivityReports/OtherCommitteesCouncillor Adams Councillor Adams gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings she has attended during thepast month.Councillor Amero  Councillor Amero gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings he has attended during thepast month. The Hanse Society should be added under the RegionalCommittees as Councillor Amero will be reporting on thiscommittee.Councillor Tudor Councillor Tudor gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings he has attended during thepast month.Deputy Warden MacAlpine Deputy Warden MacAlpine gave an oral presentation toCouncil outlining the various meetings he has attendedduring the past month. Warden Gregory Warden Gregory gave an oral presentation to Counciloutlining the various meetings she has attended during thepast month. Comments from thegallery The meeting was opened up to the gallery for questions.There were no questions or comments.BreakMOVED and seconded that there be a five minute breakbefore proceeding in camera.MOTION CARRIEDIn CameraMOVED and seconded that the meeting move in camera to discuss contractual issues.MOTION CARRIEDRegular session resumed.AdjournmentMOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 8:40PM. MOTION CARRIED____________________________________________________________WARDENCLERK

Digby Municipal Council Agenda

2011-02-25T21:34:00.001-04:00

Council AgendaFebruary 28, 2011Meeting LocationMunicipal Council ChambersCall to OrderWarden Linda GregoryPause to Seek GuidanceWarden Linda GregoryReading of Mission StatementWarden Linda GregoryApproval ofthe AgendaAdditions/Deletions Council StaffSpecial PresentationsPresentations Jenny Milligan- Tri-CountyWomen’s CentreMinutesApproval/Amendments  January 24, 2011
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Council AgendaFebruary 28, 2011BusinessArising from Minutes/Old Business1.Weymouth WaterfrontDevelopmentCommittee Final Reading of Amendment # 11 of Tax Exemption By-law 2000-02 Amendment 11Old Weymouth Library Building2.Dog By-law Final Reading of Amendment toDog By-law 2006-02Councillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsCouncillor TudorDeputyWardenMacAlpineWarden Linda Gregory
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Council AgendaFebruary 28, 2011NewBusiness# 1South West MusicFestival Funding - $ 100 (MunicipalMarketing Budget)# 2By-law for Regulation of Wind Turbines Possible Amendment toDefinition of Domestic WindTurbine# 3Digby Town andMunicipal HousingBoard (Tideview Terrace) Appointment of elected official# 4IntermunicipalAgreement with Town of Digby Amendment to include PublicDrop Off# 5Deputy Warden MacAlpine Seasonal Tourist Designation for Artist Studios# 6Warden Gregory Letter of acknowledgementCAOReport# 1Request for Decision or Direction# 2Meeting Dates/Reminders#3Meeting Action Items Update#4Special Project Update#5Payables –January 2011#6Financial Report- January 31, 2011
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Council AgendaFebruary 28, 2011Correspondence1.RCMP vs CTV Benefit Hockey Game2.Dan Mills to Minister Sterling Belliveau3.Democracy 250 Youth Engagement Legacy Trust4.SNSMR Response to NS Assoc of Realtors Re CapAssessment5.NS Trails Federation6.Canadian Federation of Independent Business7.Census Jobs8.New Horizons for Seniors Program9.Shelburne Chamber of Commerce Progress Updateand PresentationCouncil CommitteesRecommendationsto Council fromCommittee of the WholeRecommendationsto Council fromBy-law & Policy CommitteeDangerous & Unsightly PolicyLow Income Tax Exemption 2011
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Council AgendaFebruary 28, 2011AdvisoryCommitteesDigby Source WaterProtection AdvisoryCommitteeCouncillor Adams No meeting since last reportHeritage AdvisoryCommitteeCouncillor AmeroCouncillor Adams Minutes-April 2010Meeting scheduled for March 10thPlanning AdvisoryCommitteeWarden GregoryCouncillor AdamsCouncillor Tudor No meeting since last reportPolice AdvisoryCommitteeWarden GregoryCouncillor AmeroCouncillor Adams Appointment of KathleenGidney as citizen rep (lastvacancy left to fill) No meeting since last reportREMO AdvisoryCommitteeWarden GregoryDeputy Warden MacAlpine Minutes –Nov 23, 2010Tri County HousingAuthorityR Fitzgerald Last reported Nov 2010(reports on a quarterly basis)Regional/JointCommitteesAirport WorkingGroupDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor Adams No meeting since last reportAnnapolis DigbyEconomicDevelopmentAgencyCouncillor RandallAmeroMinutes-February 2011 Acting MD Report
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Council AgendaFebruary 28, 2011Regional/Joint Committees(con’t)Digby AnnapolisDevelopment CorpDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor AmeroMinutes-July 2010Digby Area Learning AssociationCouncillor Adams Minutes-November 2010 ED Report Jan 2011Digby Area TourismAssociationCouncillor TudorDigby Area Recreation Comm.Warden GregoryCouncillor Tudor Minutes-December 2010 Minutes-January 2011 Staff Reports-Jan & Feb 2011Digby Harbour PortAssociationWarden Gregory Minutes-September 2010 Minutes-November 2010Digby LibraryCommitteeDeputy Warden MacAlpine No meeting since last reportFundywebBroadbandDeputy Warden MacAlpine No meeting since last reportIndustrialCommissionDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor AmeroHanse SocietyCouncillor AmeroKings TransitAuthorityCouncillor Amero Minutes- December 2010 Minutes-February 2011 Ridership Report- Jan 2011 GM Report-February 2011 MedicWarden Gregory Minutes-January 2011Senior SafetyCommitteeCouncillor AdamsCouncillor Tudor
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Council AgendaFebruary 28, 2011Regional/Joint Committees(con’tSouthwestBiosphereCouncillor TudorTideview TerraceWarden GregoryCouncillor Adams Minutes-November 2010 Minutes-January 2011Waste CheckWarden GregoryDeputy Warden MacAlpine Minutes- November 2010 Staff Reports-Feb 2011Western CountiesRegional LibraryDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncil Activity Reports/OtherCommitteesCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsCouncillor TudorDeputy Warden MacAlpineWarden GregoryIn CameraContractual Issue Personnel IssueAdjournment

Earthquake a Warning

2011-02-23T21:35:00.001-04:00

NZ earthquake 'a warning to North America'
By ANI | ANI – Wed, 23 Feb, 2011 2:44 AM ESTShareretweetEmailPrintRelated ContentNew Zealand rescue crews in race against time
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Washington, Feb 23 (ANI): The terribly destructive New Zealand earthquake that killed dozens and caused heavy damage is a warning to cities up and down the West Coast of North America, according to a researcher.

Even though Tuesday's 6.3-magnitude earthquake was weaker than last year's event, it was much shallower, was situated directly under Christchurch, hit during the lunch hour when more people were exposed to damage, and shook sediments that were prone to 'liquefaction', which can magnify the damage done by the ground shaking.

The 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck the nation last September near the same area killed none.

Robert Yeats, a professor of geology at Oregon State University and an international earthquake expert, said that same description matches many major cities and towns in Washington, Oregon, California and British Columbia.

"The latest New Zealand earthquake hit an area that wasn't even known to have a fault prior to last September, it's one that had not moved in thousands of years. But when you combine the shallow depth, proximity to a major city and soil characteristics, it was capable of immense damage," said Yeats.

"The same characteristics that caused such destruction and so many deaths in Christchurch are similar to those facing Portland, Seattle, parts of the Bay Area and many other West Coast cities and towns," he said.

"And it's worth keeping in mind that New Zealand has some of the most progressive building codes in the world. They are better prepared for an earthquake like this than many U.S. cities would be," he added.

According to Yeats, the risks from comparatively shallow 'crustal' faults are often given less attention compared to the concerns about the major subduction zone earthquake facing the Pacific Northwest in its future, or other major quakes on famous plate boundaries such as the San Andreas Fault.

Associated with that is the risk of liquefaction - the characteristic of some soils, particularly sediments deposited over long periods of time, to become saturated with water and quiver like a bowl of gelatin during an earthquake.

Such motions can significantly increase building damage and loss of life.

Like much of the West Coast, Yeats said, New Zealand sits near a major boundary of the Earth's great plates - in this case, the junction of the Australia Plate and the Pacific Plate.

Despite intensive seismic studies in that nation, no one had yet identified the related fault that devastated Christchurch.

"We can learn about earthquakes and help people understand the seismic risks they face But it's still an inexact science, the exact timing of an earthquake cannot be predicted, and the best thing we can do is prepare for these events before they happen," said Yeats. (ANI)

Community Supper

2011-02-23T21:18:00.000-04:00

Digby Neck Community Pot Luck Supper

6 p.m. Thursday March 10, 2011

Little River United Baptist Church

Please bring your favourite dish to share and enjoy a delicious meal and conversation in warm fellowship with friends. If you don't have time to prepare something come anyway. There is always plenty of good food. Invite your neighbours.

Everyone is welcome.

Please put it on your calendar!
_________________________________________________________
Due to increasing postal costs (now over $50 per mailing), notice of the suppers will be by email, telephone and the Digby Courier Events column.
We are trying to notify everyone who has attended previous suppers and don't want to leave anyone out so please tell your neighbours and seasonal residents and visitors.
The location of the suppers and the day of the week are rotated so that everyone will have an opportunity to attend.
The suppers are organized by volunteers. If you are willing to help in any way with planning, notification , set up or clean up on a regular or occasional basis, please call Susanne at 834-2969

Fight Loud Commercials

2011-02-23T21:10:00.002-04:00

Dan Mills has provided this very useful link and contact information if you are bothered about the rise is volume during commercials. Pls read to the end to get the contact information to send your letter/comment to. The only way things change is if people-you and I- tell them that it needs to change.

If you dislike the volume sky rocketing during commercials on T.V/radio etc you can register your complaint to the following site and you can read the following
mail that was sent to me..Perhaps we have a chance to stop this harassment so please submit your 2 cents worth in mail and we might accomplish something,

wayne

Dear Mr. Spinney:

Thank you for your message to the CRTC regarding the loudness of commercial messages.

In response to comments similar in nature to yours, the Commission has initiated a public process seeking comment on possible measures that television broadcasters and other elements of the Canadian broadcasting system can implement to control the loudness of commercial messages relative to adjacent programming. We invite you to participate in the review by submitting your comments at

https://services.crtc.gc.ca/pub/Intervention/Submission-Soumission.aspx?lang=e&EventNo=2011-102&EventType=Notice#Step0.

Comments must be received on or before April 18, 2011. Note that all information you provide as part of this public process, including any personal information, becomes part of a publicly accessible file and will be posted on the Commission's website. We also include links to the CRTC news release http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/com100/2011/r110217.htm and to Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2011-102 http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2011/2011-102.htm for your information.

On behalf of the CRTC, thank you for taking the time to share your observations with us.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please do not reply to this message using the email address indicated above as we cannot receive e-mail at this address. To reply or to add to your submission, please click here and follow the prompts: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/rapidsccm/landing.asp?lang=E&caseid=523112&key=40992.6427564815

Regards,

Andrea Mullin
Client Services

1-877-249-2782 / télécopieur/facsimile (819) 994-0218
Conseil de la radiodiffusion et des télécommunications canadiennes / Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission / Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2
Gouvernement du Canada / Government of Canada

A Benefit Drumming Performance

2011-02-15T20:53:00.004-04:00

Please come on out for this good event!

Financial Help for Children's Education

2011-02-15T20:28:00.004-04:00

Dan Mills fights "educational poverty" by being "for" special savings accounts for children's education. Please look at this if you have children or know children whom you wish to help further their education. After reading the blurb below, check out link www.smartsaver.org/resp-information.shtmal

Government money
for your child's education
You know that education is important to your child's future success, but you're not sure how to pay for it. The best way to start is to make sure your child gets the Government funding that is available through a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP).

The Government gives families the Canada Learning Bond. It goes right into your child's RESP even if you don't have money to contribute yourself. The Government will also add money to whatever you can save.

SmartSAVER does not sell RESPs or investments. SmartSAVER is a non-profit community project based in Toronto that helps families learn how to start an RESP and how to get Government money for their children's education after high school.