Please think about this...
THE MUNICIPALITY
OFTHE
DISTRICT OF DIGBY
Application for Citizen Appointment
The Digby Municipal Council is seeking three (3) citizen
representatives to sit on the Planning Advisory Committee.
This committee provides advice to Council respecting the
preparation or amendment of planning documents, and
planning matters in general.
I
;;:
Applications are invited from interested residents of the
Municipality of the District of Digby to serve on this commit-
tee. The term of appointments will be for 2 years.
Applications can be picked up at the Municipal Building at
12548 Hwy 217, Seabrook, NS.
Applications will be received from residents of the
Municipality of the District of Digby by the undersigned until
4:00 pm February 19th, 2010.
Linda Fraser
Chief Administrative Officer
Municipality of the District of Digby
PO Box 429
Digby, Nova Scotia
BOV 1AO
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Via Tom Haynes-Paton
Province Finalizes Land Deal with Irving
Department of Natural ResourcesFebruary 3, 2010 10:36 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The province is working to reach its economic and environmental goals with the recently completed purchase of 65,000 acres of J.D. Irving land in Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth, and Cumberland counties.
The land will support wilderness protection, heritage conservation, tourism, recreation, community use, fishing, hunting and potential Mi'kmaq uses. Some of the land will help protect jobs in the forestry industry in rural Nova Scotia.
Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell said the government is making a sound investment.
"Economically, an investment in land is always smart. This deal will give Nova Scotia a greater chance to lease land to enhance forestry activities, help municipalities protect their water supplies, and provide wilderness recreation spaces for tourism and health."
Of the land purchased, about half will support economic development, recreation activities and potential Mi'kmaq uses. The remaining land has higher conservation values and will be a focus for environmental protection, which could also develop into economic advantages.
"This purchase includes some exceptional natural land for protection," said Minister of Environment Sterling Belliveau. "This land will help the province meet its goal of protecting 12 per cent of Nova Scotia's land mass by 2015."
Currently, 8.5 per cent of the province's land mass is protected. Detailed protection decisions will be made over the next few years as part of the province's broader protected areas planning process, which will include opportunities for involvement by the public and interested groups.
"All lands are a priority for the Mi'kmaq and we are pleased that the Nova Scotia government is taking the Mi'kmaq into consideration," said Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs co-chair, Chief Gerard Julian of Paqtnkek First Nations. "Presently, we are still in discussions within the Made-in-Nova Scotia process and the purchase of these Irving lands and any future lands are discussions that will continue."
Buy Back Nova Scotia, a coalition of 75 organizations representing hunters, fishers, paddlers, off-road vehicle enthusiasts, municipalities, outdoor guide and tourism businesses, environmental protection groups, and social organizations, is pleased with the purchase.
"The purchase of these lands is something every Nova Scotian can celebrate," said coalition member Sandra Phinney. "It means holding on to heritage and traditional lifestyle, as well as ensuring future generations that we are not selling land beneath their feet for commercial purposes."
The province confirmed in early January that it intended to buy the land, for $40 million from its $75 million budget for large land purchases.
For maps and photos of the land purchased, visit www.gov.ns.ca/natr .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The province is working to reach its economic and
environmental goals with the recently completed purchase of
65,000 thousand acres of J.D. Irving land.
The land is located in Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth and
Cumberland counties and will support wilderness protection,
heritage conservation, tourism, recreation, community use,
fishing, hunting and potential Mi'kmaq uses.
Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell says an
investment in land is always smart. Buy Back Nova Scotia
member Sandra Phinney says the purchase is something every Nova
Scotian can celebrate.
The province confirmed in early January that it intended to
buy the land for $40 million.
Province Finalizes Land Deal with Irving
Department of Natural ResourcesFebruary 3, 2010 10:36 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The province is working to reach its economic and environmental goals with the recently completed purchase of 65,000 acres of J.D. Irving land in Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth, and Cumberland counties.
The land will support wilderness protection, heritage conservation, tourism, recreation, community use, fishing, hunting and potential Mi'kmaq uses. Some of the land will help protect jobs in the forestry industry in rural Nova Scotia.
Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell said the government is making a sound investment.
"Economically, an investment in land is always smart. This deal will give Nova Scotia a greater chance to lease land to enhance forestry activities, help municipalities protect their water supplies, and provide wilderness recreation spaces for tourism and health."
Of the land purchased, about half will support economic development, recreation activities and potential Mi'kmaq uses. The remaining land has higher conservation values and will be a focus for environmental protection, which could also develop into economic advantages.
"This purchase includes some exceptional natural land for protection," said Minister of Environment Sterling Belliveau. "This land will help the province meet its goal of protecting 12 per cent of Nova Scotia's land mass by 2015."
Currently, 8.5 per cent of the province's land mass is protected. Detailed protection decisions will be made over the next few years as part of the province's broader protected areas planning process, which will include opportunities for involvement by the public and interested groups.
"All lands are a priority for the Mi'kmaq and we are pleased that the Nova Scotia government is taking the Mi'kmaq into consideration," said Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs co-chair, Chief Gerard Julian of Paqtnkek First Nations. "Presently, we are still in discussions within the Made-in-Nova Scotia process and the purchase of these Irving lands and any future lands are discussions that will continue."
Buy Back Nova Scotia, a coalition of 75 organizations representing hunters, fishers, paddlers, off-road vehicle enthusiasts, municipalities, outdoor guide and tourism businesses, environmental protection groups, and social organizations, is pleased with the purchase.
"The purchase of these lands is something every Nova Scotian can celebrate," said coalition member Sandra Phinney. "It means holding on to heritage and traditional lifestyle, as well as ensuring future generations that we are not selling land beneath their feet for commercial purposes."
The province confirmed in early January that it intended to buy the land, for $40 million from its $75 million budget for large land purchases.
For maps and photos of the land purchased, visit www.gov.ns.ca/natr .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The province is working to reach its economic and
environmental goals with the recently completed purchase of
65,000 thousand acres of J.D. Irving land.
The land is located in Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth and
Cumberland counties and will support wilderness protection,
heritage conservation, tourism, recreation, community use,
fishing, hunting and potential Mi'kmaq uses.
Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell says an
investment in land is always smart. Buy Back Nova Scotia
member Sandra Phinney says the purchase is something every Nova
Scotian can celebrate.
The province confirmed in early January that it intended to
buy the land for $40 million.
Wanted: Working Alternators
Looking for working alternators, the self-regulating self-"exciting" type for home project Thanks, blogger
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Biomass and Harvesting
Forestry association cries foul
Complaint filed against outspoken critic of harvesting practices in N.S.
By GORDON DELANEY Valley Bureau
Wed. Feb 3 - 4:53 AM
Forestry program co-ordinator Jamie Simpson, outside the Ecology Action Centre in Halifax on Tuesday, has been slammed by the Registered Professional Foresters Association of Nova Scotia after speaking out on clearcutting.(Peter Parsons / Staff)
A professional forestry association has filed a formal complaint against an employee of the Ecology Action Centre who spoke out against some controversial biomass harvesting methods.
The Registered Professional Foresters Association of Nova Scotia says Jamie Simpson, forestry program co-ordinator at the centre, has breached the professional code of ethics.
Association president Ian Millar says in a letter of complaint dated Dec. 7 that Mr. Simpson has misrepresented his qualifications by using the registered professional foresters designation he attained in New Brunswick.
The letter says the designation only applies in that province and not in Nova Scotia. The association has asked that Mr. Simpson "cease and desist" using the RPF designation in this province when dealing with local forestry topics.
The Nova Scotia association has also complained that Mr. Simpson breached the association’s code of ethics by publicly calling into question the work of other foresters, and by actions that reflect poorly on the profession.
The complaint was made to the Ecology Action Centre’s volunteer board of directors and to the Association of Registered Professional Foresters of New Brunswick, to which Mr. Simpson belongs.
The New Brunswick association acknowledged the complaint in a letter dated Jan. 6, in which association president John Kershaw says that a committee will be struck to investigate and, if warranted, refer the matter to a disciplinary committee.
Mr. Simpson has a master’s of science degree in forestry from the University of New Brunswick. He has worked on a variety of forest conservation and forest certification projects in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Mexico, and recently authored a book about forest ecology and restoration for woodlot owners in the Maritimes.
In recent months, he has spoken out publicly against clearcutting and whole-tree harvesting practices for biomass production. He has been quoted in The Chronicle Herald as saying it’s "the worst of the worst, and the science is clear that this practice is not sustainable.
"It’s hard to believe this is happening in Nova Scotia in the 21st century," Mr. Simpson said about a site near Caribou Mines that was harvested last fall by Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corp.
"It’s an embarrassment."
He also recently criticized a forestry certification program called the Sustainable Forestry Initiative as "greenwashing," an attempt by large corporations to appear more environmentally friendly than they really are.
"It’s an easy way to have a label next to their name that says they’re involved in sustainable forestry," he told The Chronicle Herald in December.
Mr. Simpson said he believes the forestry association complaints are an attempt to stop him from talking about controversial forest harvesting methods.
Author of the book Restoring the Acadian Forest: A Guide to Forest Stewardship for Woodlot Owners in the Maritimes, he said there are no "hard and fast rules" about using his forestry designation in this province.
"It’s a grey area where foresters do work in other provinces and there’s no legal or bylaw requirement within the organization to formally say that you cannot do this," he said in an interview Monday.
"Nonetheless, I have decided to make it clear that I am designated in New Brunswick."
As for speaking out on clearcutting practices and whole-tree harvesting, Mr. Simpson said that is part of his conservation role with the Ecology Action Centre.
"I think it’s a little bit short-sighted saying it’s unethical to bring to the public’s attention these practices, because ultimately I think most foresters would not condone them," he said.
"What we really need to do is address the practices and not those who are being critical of them."
Mr. Simpson said he respects the forestry associations and wants to continue being a member "because I think I have a lot to bring to the profession as a forester who has a concern for the ecological health of our forests."
"Any organization, any group of professionals needs to re-examine itself and grow and change as science shows the effects of certain practices and as the public becomes aware of these practices," he said.
"I’m proud to be a forester . . . and I think trying to quiet somebody from trying to talk about these issues is not progressive and ultimately will just do more damage to the profession."
( gdelaney@herald.ca)
Complaint filed against outspoken critic of harvesting practices in N.S.
By GORDON DELANEY Valley Bureau
Wed. Feb 3 - 4:53 AM
Forestry program co-ordinator Jamie Simpson, outside the Ecology Action Centre in Halifax on Tuesday, has been slammed by the Registered Professional Foresters Association of Nova Scotia after speaking out on clearcutting.(Peter Parsons / Staff)
A professional forestry association has filed a formal complaint against an employee of the Ecology Action Centre who spoke out against some controversial biomass harvesting methods.
The Registered Professional Foresters Association of Nova Scotia says Jamie Simpson, forestry program co-ordinator at the centre, has breached the professional code of ethics.
Association president Ian Millar says in a letter of complaint dated Dec. 7 that Mr. Simpson has misrepresented his qualifications by using the registered professional foresters designation he attained in New Brunswick.
The letter says the designation only applies in that province and not in Nova Scotia. The association has asked that Mr. Simpson "cease and desist" using the RPF designation in this province when dealing with local forestry topics.
The Nova Scotia association has also complained that Mr. Simpson breached the association’s code of ethics by publicly calling into question the work of other foresters, and by actions that reflect poorly on the profession.
The complaint was made to the Ecology Action Centre’s volunteer board of directors and to the Association of Registered Professional Foresters of New Brunswick, to which Mr. Simpson belongs.
The New Brunswick association acknowledged the complaint in a letter dated Jan. 6, in which association president John Kershaw says that a committee will be struck to investigate and, if warranted, refer the matter to a disciplinary committee.
Mr. Simpson has a master’s of science degree in forestry from the University of New Brunswick. He has worked on a variety of forest conservation and forest certification projects in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Mexico, and recently authored a book about forest ecology and restoration for woodlot owners in the Maritimes.
In recent months, he has spoken out publicly against clearcutting and whole-tree harvesting practices for biomass production. He has been quoted in The Chronicle Herald as saying it’s "the worst of the worst, and the science is clear that this practice is not sustainable.
"It’s hard to believe this is happening in Nova Scotia in the 21st century," Mr. Simpson said about a site near Caribou Mines that was harvested last fall by Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corp.
"It’s an embarrassment."
He also recently criticized a forestry certification program called the Sustainable Forestry Initiative as "greenwashing," an attempt by large corporations to appear more environmentally friendly than they really are.
"It’s an easy way to have a label next to their name that says they’re involved in sustainable forestry," he told The Chronicle Herald in December.
Mr. Simpson said he believes the forestry association complaints are an attempt to stop him from talking about controversial forest harvesting methods.
Author of the book Restoring the Acadian Forest: A Guide to Forest Stewardship for Woodlot Owners in the Maritimes, he said there are no "hard and fast rules" about using his forestry designation in this province.
"It’s a grey area where foresters do work in other provinces and there’s no legal or bylaw requirement within the organization to formally say that you cannot do this," he said in an interview Monday.
"Nonetheless, I have decided to make it clear that I am designated in New Brunswick."
As for speaking out on clearcutting practices and whole-tree harvesting, Mr. Simpson said that is part of his conservation role with the Ecology Action Centre.
"I think it’s a little bit short-sighted saying it’s unethical to bring to the public’s attention these practices, because ultimately I think most foresters would not condone them," he said.
"What we really need to do is address the practices and not those who are being critical of them."
Mr. Simpson said he respects the forestry associations and wants to continue being a member "because I think I have a lot to bring to the profession as a forester who has a concern for the ecological health of our forests."
"Any organization, any group of professionals needs to re-examine itself and grow and change as science shows the effects of certain practices and as the public becomes aware of these practices," he said.
"I’m proud to be a forester . . . and I think trying to quiet somebody from trying to talk about these issues is not progressive and ultimately will just do more damage to the profession."
( gdelaney@herald.ca)
Fair Vote Canada
January 2010 / janvier 2010
(Cliquez ici pour la version française.)
For the latest news on voting system reform, visit www.fairvote.ca.
FVC supporters spread the word on fair voting at January 23 rallies
FVC organizes joint statement from 132 political scientists
FVC sends open letters to PM and party leaders: fix the problem
Fair Vote Canada elections – are you a member? interested in running?
FVC campaign finance reform effort to be expanded
Quebec reformers launch “Urgence démocratique” campaign
Pollster says online voting and proportional representation could increase voter turnout
FVC supporters spread the word on fair voting at January 23 rallies
Fair Vote Canada members and supporters were out in force at the January 23 anti-prorogation rallies, spreading the word about the need for electoral reform. Volunteers were carrying signs, distributing flyers and gathering signatures on the FVC Declaration of Voters' Rights (see photos here).
While individual members were active at many of the rallies across the country, FVC chapters had an organized presence in Ottawa, Port Hope, Kingston, Barrie, Peterborough, Toronto, Oakville, London, Waterloo, Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Vancouver and Victoria.
FVC National Council member Shoni Field addressed the Vancouver rally, drawing applause with her call for electoral reform. Chapter volunteers reported a good response from rally participants to the Declaration of Voters' Rights.
We encourage Fair Vote members and supporters to stay active in local groups focused on any democracy issue, whether it’s prorogation or other concerns. The people in these groups care about democracy and are a ready audience for the fair vote message. As always, though, let’s remember that Fair Vote Canada is multi-partisan and that electoral reform is not about partisanship, but voter equality, regardless of our political views.
FVC organizes joint statement from 132 political scientists
On January 5, Fair Vote Canada announced that 132 Canadian political scientists from 36 universities and colleges co-signed a statement calling for federal electoral reform within the next five years.
Among the signers were the President-elect of the Canadian Political Science Association (CPSA), six former presidents of CPSA, the current Secretary General of the International Political Science Association (IPSA) and a former Secretary General of IPSA. The statement drew good media coverage, including news articles, an interview on CBC News Network’s Power and Politics, and a mention in The Economist.
FVC sends open letters to PM and party leaders: fix the problem
On January 12, Fair Vote Canada sent and issued open letters to the Prime Minister and opposition leaders calling for immediate action on Canada’s democratic deficit.
“The fix is not difficult. Amend the Canada Elections Act to guarantee every adult Canadian man and woman equal representation of their own choice in the House of Commons. Then establish a swift process to produce the necessary electoral reform. That would make Canada, at last, a democracy…”. The full text of the letters are available here.
Fair Vote Canada elections coming – are you a member? Are you interested in being a candidate?
In April, members in good standing of Fair Vote Canada will be eligible to cast votes and run for office in the election of FVC’s National Council. Members will elect candidates to fill seven seats on the 15-seat National Council.
To vote or run, you must be a member in good-standing, meaning your annual membership dues have been paid. We encourage members from all parts of the country, all walks of life and all points on the political spectrum to consider candidacy. Most National Council business is conducted by email, with periodic conference calls and one in-person meeting in conjunction with the AGM.
New members joining before March 1 will be eligible to vote and run for office. The candidate nomination deadline is March 15 (candidates are self-nominated).
Those interested in running or with questions are invited to contact the Elections Committee at office@fairvote.ca.
FVC campaign finance reform effort to be expanded
In December, Fair Vote Canada helped win a campaign to have the Toronto City Council adopt a ban on corporate and union campaign contributions for municipal elections in Toronto. The same ban is in place for federal elections, provincial elections in Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Quebec, as well as all municipal elections in Quebec.
Representatives from several Ontario chapters of FVC met in early January with Vote Toronto, which initiated the Toronto campaign, and Prof. Robert MacDermid, a campaign finance expert, to discuss the possibility of launching a provincial campaign finance reform project. People interested in this campaign in Ontario, or in launching similar campaigns in other provinces, are encouraged to contact our office: office@fairvote.ca
Quebec reformers launch “Urgence démocratique” campaign
The Mouvement pour une démocratie nouvelle (MDN), the leading electoral reform organization in Quebec, has launched a campaign to rally community groups, unions and activists to press for a draft bill on electoral reform by June 2010, which would allow a new voting system to be used in the next election, expected in 2013.
Quebec was the first province in recent times to seriously consider electoral reform. Unfortunately, the major parties have each reneged on commitments to institute proportional representation. The new campaign by MDN is designed to break the logjam and force action in the near future.
For a thorough overview of electoral reform efforts in Quebec, as well as more information on this campaign, visit the MDN website.
Pollster says online voting and proportional representation could increase voter turnout
Frank Graves, President of EKOS polling, said "online voting combined with proportional representation could dramatically increase the engagement of under-45 Canada and frankly reshape the political landscape."
Quoted in the Globe and Mail, Graves was commenting on an EKOS poll which asked respondents about the best ways to increase voter turnout. The top two items were online voting with 33 per cent and proportional representation with 29 per cent, both well ahead of mandatory voting with 23 per cent and public education campaigns with 16 per cent.
Fair Vote Canada
26 Maryland Blvd.
Toronto, ON M4C 5C9
Canada
Unsubscribe to the Fair Vote Canada email list
(Cliquez ici pour la version française.)
For the latest news on voting system reform, visit www.fairvote.ca.
FVC supporters spread the word on fair voting at January 23 rallies
FVC organizes joint statement from 132 political scientists
FVC sends open letters to PM and party leaders: fix the problem
Fair Vote Canada elections – are you a member? interested in running?
FVC campaign finance reform effort to be expanded
Quebec reformers launch “Urgence démocratique” campaign
Pollster says online voting and proportional representation could increase voter turnout
FVC supporters spread the word on fair voting at January 23 rallies
Fair Vote Canada members and supporters were out in force at the January 23 anti-prorogation rallies, spreading the word about the need for electoral reform. Volunteers were carrying signs, distributing flyers and gathering signatures on the FVC Declaration of Voters' Rights (see photos here).
While individual members were active at many of the rallies across the country, FVC chapters had an organized presence in Ottawa, Port Hope, Kingston, Barrie, Peterborough, Toronto, Oakville, London, Waterloo, Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Vancouver and Victoria.
FVC National Council member Shoni Field addressed the Vancouver rally, drawing applause with her call for electoral reform. Chapter volunteers reported a good response from rally participants to the Declaration of Voters' Rights.
We encourage Fair Vote members and supporters to stay active in local groups focused on any democracy issue, whether it’s prorogation or other concerns. The people in these groups care about democracy and are a ready audience for the fair vote message. As always, though, let’s remember that Fair Vote Canada is multi-partisan and that electoral reform is not about partisanship, but voter equality, regardless of our political views.
FVC organizes joint statement from 132 political scientists
On January 5, Fair Vote Canada announced that 132 Canadian political scientists from 36 universities and colleges co-signed a statement calling for federal electoral reform within the next five years.
Among the signers were the President-elect of the Canadian Political Science Association (CPSA), six former presidents of CPSA, the current Secretary General of the International Political Science Association (IPSA) and a former Secretary General of IPSA. The statement drew good media coverage, including news articles, an interview on CBC News Network’s Power and Politics, and a mention in The Economist.
FVC sends open letters to PM and party leaders: fix the problem
On January 12, Fair Vote Canada sent and issued open letters to the Prime Minister and opposition leaders calling for immediate action on Canada’s democratic deficit.
“The fix is not difficult. Amend the Canada Elections Act to guarantee every adult Canadian man and woman equal representation of their own choice in the House of Commons. Then establish a swift process to produce the necessary electoral reform. That would make Canada, at last, a democracy…”. The full text of the letters are available here.
Fair Vote Canada elections coming – are you a member? Are you interested in being a candidate?
In April, members in good standing of Fair Vote Canada will be eligible to cast votes and run for office in the election of FVC’s National Council. Members will elect candidates to fill seven seats on the 15-seat National Council.
To vote or run, you must be a member in good-standing, meaning your annual membership dues have been paid. We encourage members from all parts of the country, all walks of life and all points on the political spectrum to consider candidacy. Most National Council business is conducted by email, with periodic conference calls and one in-person meeting in conjunction with the AGM.
New members joining before March 1 will be eligible to vote and run for office. The candidate nomination deadline is March 15 (candidates are self-nominated).
Those interested in running or with questions are invited to contact the Elections Committee at office@fairvote.ca.
FVC campaign finance reform effort to be expanded
In December, Fair Vote Canada helped win a campaign to have the Toronto City Council adopt a ban on corporate and union campaign contributions for municipal elections in Toronto. The same ban is in place for federal elections, provincial elections in Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Quebec, as well as all municipal elections in Quebec.
Representatives from several Ontario chapters of FVC met in early January with Vote Toronto, which initiated the Toronto campaign, and Prof. Robert MacDermid, a campaign finance expert, to discuss the possibility of launching a provincial campaign finance reform project. People interested in this campaign in Ontario, or in launching similar campaigns in other provinces, are encouraged to contact our office: office@fairvote.ca
Quebec reformers launch “Urgence démocratique” campaign
The Mouvement pour une démocratie nouvelle (MDN), the leading electoral reform organization in Quebec, has launched a campaign to rally community groups, unions and activists to press for a draft bill on electoral reform by June 2010, which would allow a new voting system to be used in the next election, expected in 2013.
Quebec was the first province in recent times to seriously consider electoral reform. Unfortunately, the major parties have each reneged on commitments to institute proportional representation. The new campaign by MDN is designed to break the logjam and force action in the near future.
For a thorough overview of electoral reform efforts in Quebec, as well as more information on this campaign, visit the MDN website.
Pollster says online voting and proportional representation could increase voter turnout
Frank Graves, President of EKOS polling, said "online voting combined with proportional representation could dramatically increase the engagement of under-45 Canada and frankly reshape the political landscape."
Quoted in the Globe and Mail, Graves was commenting on an EKOS poll which asked respondents about the best ways to increase voter turnout. The top two items were online voting with 33 per cent and proportional representation with 29 per cent, both well ahead of mandatory voting with 23 per cent and public education campaigns with 16 per cent.
Fair Vote Canada
26 Maryland Blvd.
Toronto, ON M4C 5C9
Canada
Unsubscribe to the Fair Vote Canada email list
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Democracy Under Assault : Ralph Surette
From the Halifax Chronicle Herald
Democracy under assault: time to wake up
I HATE to be grim, but
there's this gnawing ques
tion in the air: Is democracy
in trouble? If so, what does it
mean? In both Canada and the
U.S., what's transpiring is as
tonishing.
In Canada, Stephen Harper
unilaterally shuts down Parlia
ment with an astounding ratio
nale: Parliament is just a both
er, an impediment to doing real
work, and people don't care if
it's shut down.
You'll remember that this is
the language used by gener
alissimos plotting coups: De
mocracy doesn't work - it's
just a bunch of squabbling fac
tions, scheming intellectuals
and protesting students - so
authoritarian measures are
needed to break the logjam and
get things done.
Even more disturbing is the
question ravening above it all:
Is Harper right in his calcula
tion? Will the outpouring of
outrage and protest aver after
a few distractions and photo
ops, leaving Harper to rise
again in the polls after the
Olympics and the budget, em-
RALPH SUREnE
boldened to go for another pow
er grab?
In the U.S., the picture is even
more mind-boggling. Despite
the unprecedented havoc
wreaked by the Bush-Cheney
Republicans - two lost wars, a
near-depression, unprecedented
deficits, the constitution and
due process grievously under
mined, the hurricane Katrina
bungle, America's reputation as
a world leader and the ultimate
can-do nation badly bruised
and despite being decisively
routed in the last presidential
election, the dregs of this party
are still having their way.
As in Canada, where the Con
servative party is no longer the
Conservative party but the
barely disguised derivative of a
right-wing fundamentalism, so
the U.S. Republicans are light
years away from the party of
Lincoln and Eisenhower ("I
despise those who go to the
gutter on either the right or the
left and hurl rocks at those in
the centre").
With Sarah Palin supplying
the sex appeal and Fox News
and Rush Limbaugh the bark
ing, the Republicans are now a
gutter party in which the rad
icals are cowing the rest. Thus,
no moderate Republican sen
ator, congressman or state gov
ernor dare break fundamental
ist orthodoxy and indulge in the
"bi-partisanship" so wished for
by President Barack Obama
without being the target of an
internal kneecapping.
So there's gridlock. The ef
fect, if it stays this way, is de
mocracy in crisis where noth
ing gets done and eventually
something cracks - and not for
the better. The ultimate purpose
of Republican obstruction, in
case you're wondering, is main
ly to serve the ends ofthose
financing it all, including those
anti-tax "tea parties" - big
business, in which the banks
have three times as many lobby
ists on Capitol Hill as there are
congressmen, not to mention
Big Pharma, Big Oil, Big Health
Insurance (the stock market
zoomed up when the Repub
licans won the Massachusetts
senate seat, on the assumption
health reform was dead), and so
on. It's crass and bare-knuckle.
Meanwhile, like the Liberals
in Canada, Obama takes the
high road, ignores the snipers,
and assumes that elevated ora
tory and civilized debate will
win the day. Will it? Or have the
disruptive forces shifted the
venue of political action perma
nently to the gutter where they
have a clear advantage?
Back in Canada, here's anoth
er unnerving thought. It's not
just because of Stephen Harper.
Anti-democratic concentration
of power in the prime minister's
office has been increasing since
Pierre Trudeau. We are now,
apparently, the most undemo
cratic of the British-derived
parliamentary systems.
Is there a deeper "structural"
dynamic of democratic disin
tegration at work beyond Har-
per's machinations? And is this
greater disintegration in part
because of our proximity to the
U.S.? After all, the Harper gov
ernment draws its inspiration,
if you can call it that, from the
Bush Republicans, having bor
rowed some oftheir electoral
operatives and tactics, and still
cultivates those contacts.
Are we down to desperate
measures in our democratic
life? Can Harper be made to pay
the ultimate price for shutting
down Parliament and other low
tactics, and the Liberals and
NDP actually manage to restore
democratic principle (and just
getting rid of Harper won't, in
itself, do the trick)? Meanwhile,
will a few brave Republican
souls defy the party warlords
and give Obama the votes he
needs to get some things done?
But even if all this happens,
properly functioning democrat
ic government shouldn't have to
depend on close-shaves and
last-minute rescues.
Ralph Surette is a veteran freelance
journalist living in Yarmouth County.
(rsurette@herald.ca)
Democracy under assault: time to wake up
I HATE to be grim, but
there's this gnawing ques
tion in the air: Is democracy
in trouble? If so, what does it
mean? In both Canada and the
U.S., what's transpiring is as
tonishing.
In Canada, Stephen Harper
unilaterally shuts down Parlia
ment with an astounding ratio
nale: Parliament is just a both
er, an impediment to doing real
work, and people don't care if
it's shut down.
You'll remember that this is
the language used by gener
alissimos plotting coups: De
mocracy doesn't work - it's
just a bunch of squabbling fac
tions, scheming intellectuals
and protesting students - so
authoritarian measures are
needed to break the logjam and
get things done.
Even more disturbing is the
question ravening above it all:
Is Harper right in his calcula
tion? Will the outpouring of
outrage and protest aver after
a few distractions and photo
ops, leaving Harper to rise
again in the polls after the
Olympics and the budget, em-
RALPH SUREnE
boldened to go for another pow
er grab?
In the U.S., the picture is even
more mind-boggling. Despite
the unprecedented havoc
wreaked by the Bush-Cheney
Republicans - two lost wars, a
near-depression, unprecedented
deficits, the constitution and
due process grievously under
mined, the hurricane Katrina
bungle, America's reputation as
a world leader and the ultimate
can-do nation badly bruised
and despite being decisively
routed in the last presidential
election, the dregs of this party
are still having their way.
As in Canada, where the Con
servative party is no longer the
Conservative party but the
barely disguised derivative of a
right-wing fundamentalism, so
the U.S. Republicans are light
years away from the party of
Lincoln and Eisenhower ("I
despise those who go to the
gutter on either the right or the
left and hurl rocks at those in
the centre").
With Sarah Palin supplying
the sex appeal and Fox News
and Rush Limbaugh the bark
ing, the Republicans are now a
gutter party in which the rad
icals are cowing the rest. Thus,
no moderate Republican sen
ator, congressman or state gov
ernor dare break fundamental
ist orthodoxy and indulge in the
"bi-partisanship" so wished for
by President Barack Obama
without being the target of an
internal kneecapping.
So there's gridlock. The ef
fect, if it stays this way, is de
mocracy in crisis where noth
ing gets done and eventually
something cracks - and not for
the better. The ultimate purpose
of Republican obstruction, in
case you're wondering, is main
ly to serve the ends ofthose
financing it all, including those
anti-tax "tea parties" - big
business, in which the banks
have three times as many lobby
ists on Capitol Hill as there are
congressmen, not to mention
Big Pharma, Big Oil, Big Health
Insurance (the stock market
zoomed up when the Repub
licans won the Massachusetts
senate seat, on the assumption
health reform was dead), and so
on. It's crass and bare-knuckle.
Meanwhile, like the Liberals
in Canada, Obama takes the
high road, ignores the snipers,
and assumes that elevated ora
tory and civilized debate will
win the day. Will it? Or have the
disruptive forces shifted the
venue of political action perma
nently to the gutter where they
have a clear advantage?
Back in Canada, here's anoth
er unnerving thought. It's not
just because of Stephen Harper.
Anti-democratic concentration
of power in the prime minister's
office has been increasing since
Pierre Trudeau. We are now,
apparently, the most undemo
cratic of the British-derived
parliamentary systems.
Is there a deeper "structural"
dynamic of democratic disin
tegration at work beyond Har-
per's machinations? And is this
greater disintegration in part
because of our proximity to the
U.S.? After all, the Harper gov
ernment draws its inspiration,
if you can call it that, from the
Bush Republicans, having bor
rowed some oftheir electoral
operatives and tactics, and still
cultivates those contacts.
Are we down to desperate
measures in our democratic
life? Can Harper be made to pay
the ultimate price for shutting
down Parliament and other low
tactics, and the Liberals and
NDP actually manage to restore
democratic principle (and just
getting rid of Harper won't, in
itself, do the trick)? Meanwhile,
will a few brave Republican
souls defy the party warlords
and give Obama the votes he
needs to get some things done?
But even if all this happens,
properly functioning democrat
ic government shouldn't have to
depend on close-shaves and
last-minute rescues.
Ralph Surette is a veteran freelance
journalist living in Yarmouth County.
(rsurette@herald.ca)
Labels:
Democracy Ralph Surette Canada
The Super Grid
Getting connected: Europe's green energy 'supergrid'By Matt Ford, for CNN
January 31, 2010 -- Updated 2350 GMT (0750 HKT)
From wind to waves, European countries are planning a multi-billion dollar grid for renewable energy.STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Nine European countries agree to 'supergrid' connecting renewable power sources
Grid planned to connect wind and tidal power sources across the North Sea region
Advocates say it is essential for EU to meet emission and renewable energy targets for 2020
Laying of high-cables and updating grid estimated to cost $40 billion
Energy Technology
(CNN) -- It is a criticism frequently leveled at those promoting wind or solar power as an alternative to fossil fuels: what happens when the wind doesn't blow or the sun doesn't shine?
Well, now there is a smart answer, at least in Europe -- we'll simply and instantly switch to another source of clean, green power.
Plans for a massive electricity grid dedicated to uniting the varied sources of renewable energy available in northern Europe have taken a step forward in January as nine countries formally agreed to work together on the project.
Using thousands of miles of high-tech undersea cables the 'supergrid' will unite wind farms on blustery British coasts with Dutch and Belgian tidal power, the vast hydroelectric potential of Norway fjords and Germany's massive solar arrays.
The gird should mean that when one source falls short, another takes up the slack to ensure continuity of supply.
"A North Sea grid will connect offshore wind to our electricity supply, enabling Europe to exploit its largest untapped energy source," Justin Wilkes, policy director, European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), told CNN.
"It will connect grids across northern Europe -- bringing more competition into the market and reducing electricity prices. Europe's dependence and spending on imported fossil fuels will be reduced."
The countries signed up -- Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland and the UK -- hope to have the grid working within the next decade. It is seen as an essential step towards the European Union's pledge to source 20 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2020.
"Without extending and upgrading the grid Europe will not be able to make the emissions reductions it wants, or achieve the level of renewable energy it has set as a target," says Wilkes.
There are currently around 100 gigawatts of offshore wind projects being developed in Europe, which could meet 10 percent of the EU's electricity needs. But existing grids aren't capable of fully taking advantage of this potential.
"Europe's grids are built around large fossil-fuel plants near large urban areas and nuclear power stations," says Wilkes.
"Wind and other renewable sources of energy are often best tapped in other places -- so the grid needs to be extended and upgraded to deliver electricity from where the renewable energy sources are to be found -- where the wind is blowing, where the sun is shining and so on."
Advocates of renewable energy believe that moving away from fossil fuels will create thousands of high-quality "green jobs" and provide a boost to the European economy.
"A North Sea Grid would be a boost for the wind energy business -- it would enable Europe to build a new multi-billion Euro offshore wind industry -- and provide new markets for on-shore wind too," says Wilkes.
"[But] a North Sea Grid would not just be a boost for the wind industry but for all renewable energy sources, including wave and tidal power, and for consumers. It would be good news all round."
Of course, none of this will come cheap. The EWEA estimates the cost for building a grid connecting countries across the North Sea region including the Baltic Sea, Irish Sea and English Channel would cost in the region of $40 billion. A report by Greenpeace in 2008 came in lower, putting the price of building a similar grid at $20-30 billion.
"Transmission of energy from wind and other marine resources that are a long way offshore is expensive," Tim Russell, grid expert for the Renewable Energy Association, told CNN.
"Interconnectors between different power systems separated by long distances and water are also expensive -- but can have considerable advantages in terms of increased trade thereby providing economic benefits.
"It is anticipated that increased wind power will increase the benefits of greater interconnection between power systems."
Any investment would certainly be a step closer to the idea of a pan-European "supergrid", a scheme that would unite renewable power across the continent with proposed African and Middle Eastern solar farms, and already has political support from UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
"The North Sea region grid would be a very important first part of an eventual European supergrid," says Wilkes.
"But such a supergrid would also require better connections across the borders of France, Germany, Sweden, Greece and across southern Europe and the Mediterranean in general."
None of this will happen overnight, but EWEA believe it is feasible for 100 percent of Europe's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2050.
"There are technological barriers for some renewables, but in wind we have proven technology that delivers competitively," says Wilkes.
"Other obstacles for wind are administrative in getting planning permissions and grid access. There is also currently a financial obstacle caused by the lack of credit following the financial crisis, but EWEA is optimistic that this should not be a long-term problem."
Whatever the future holds, for the moment green campaigners are delighted.
"International support for a supergrid is fantastic -- it will secure plentiful, clean and reliable sources of energy such as offshore wind, and help slash carbon emissions," Friends of the Earth's energy campaigner Nick Rau told CNN.
"Now we need the funding and industrial strategy to put words into action."
January 31, 2010 -- Updated 2350 GMT (0750 HKT)
From wind to waves, European countries are planning a multi-billion dollar grid for renewable energy.STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Nine European countries agree to 'supergrid' connecting renewable power sources
Grid planned to connect wind and tidal power sources across the North Sea region
Advocates say it is essential for EU to meet emission and renewable energy targets for 2020
Laying of high-cables and updating grid estimated to cost $40 billion
Energy Technology
(CNN) -- It is a criticism frequently leveled at those promoting wind or solar power as an alternative to fossil fuels: what happens when the wind doesn't blow or the sun doesn't shine?
Well, now there is a smart answer, at least in Europe -- we'll simply and instantly switch to another source of clean, green power.
Plans for a massive electricity grid dedicated to uniting the varied sources of renewable energy available in northern Europe have taken a step forward in January as nine countries formally agreed to work together on the project.
Using thousands of miles of high-tech undersea cables the 'supergrid' will unite wind farms on blustery British coasts with Dutch and Belgian tidal power, the vast hydroelectric potential of Norway fjords and Germany's massive solar arrays.
The gird should mean that when one source falls short, another takes up the slack to ensure continuity of supply.
"A North Sea grid will connect offshore wind to our electricity supply, enabling Europe to exploit its largest untapped energy source," Justin Wilkes, policy director, European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), told CNN.
"It will connect grids across northern Europe -- bringing more competition into the market and reducing electricity prices. Europe's dependence and spending on imported fossil fuels will be reduced."
The countries signed up -- Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland and the UK -- hope to have the grid working within the next decade. It is seen as an essential step towards the European Union's pledge to source 20 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2020.
"Without extending and upgrading the grid Europe will not be able to make the emissions reductions it wants, or achieve the level of renewable energy it has set as a target," says Wilkes.
There are currently around 100 gigawatts of offshore wind projects being developed in Europe, which could meet 10 percent of the EU's electricity needs. But existing grids aren't capable of fully taking advantage of this potential.
"Europe's grids are built around large fossil-fuel plants near large urban areas and nuclear power stations," says Wilkes.
"Wind and other renewable sources of energy are often best tapped in other places -- so the grid needs to be extended and upgraded to deliver electricity from where the renewable energy sources are to be found -- where the wind is blowing, where the sun is shining and so on."
Advocates of renewable energy believe that moving away from fossil fuels will create thousands of high-quality "green jobs" and provide a boost to the European economy.
"A North Sea Grid would be a boost for the wind energy business -- it would enable Europe to build a new multi-billion Euro offshore wind industry -- and provide new markets for on-shore wind too," says Wilkes.
"[But] a North Sea Grid would not just be a boost for the wind industry but for all renewable energy sources, including wave and tidal power, and for consumers. It would be good news all round."
Of course, none of this will come cheap. The EWEA estimates the cost for building a grid connecting countries across the North Sea region including the Baltic Sea, Irish Sea and English Channel would cost in the region of $40 billion. A report by Greenpeace in 2008 came in lower, putting the price of building a similar grid at $20-30 billion.
"Transmission of energy from wind and other marine resources that are a long way offshore is expensive," Tim Russell, grid expert for the Renewable Energy Association, told CNN.
"Interconnectors between different power systems separated by long distances and water are also expensive -- but can have considerable advantages in terms of increased trade thereby providing economic benefits.
"It is anticipated that increased wind power will increase the benefits of greater interconnection between power systems."
Any investment would certainly be a step closer to the idea of a pan-European "supergrid", a scheme that would unite renewable power across the continent with proposed African and Middle Eastern solar farms, and already has political support from UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
"The North Sea region grid would be a very important first part of an eventual European supergrid," says Wilkes.
"But such a supergrid would also require better connections across the borders of France, Germany, Sweden, Greece and across southern Europe and the Mediterranean in general."
None of this will happen overnight, but EWEA believe it is feasible for 100 percent of Europe's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2050.
"There are technological barriers for some renewables, but in wind we have proven technology that delivers competitively," says Wilkes.
"Other obstacles for wind are administrative in getting planning permissions and grid access. There is also currently a financial obstacle caused by the lack of credit following the financial crisis, but EWEA is optimistic that this should not be a long-term problem."
Whatever the future holds, for the moment green campaigners are delighted.
"International support for a supergrid is fantastic -- it will secure plentiful, clean and reliable sources of energy such as offshore wind, and help slash carbon emissions," Friends of the Earth's energy campaigner Nick Rau told CNN.
"Now we need the funding and industrial strategy to put words into action."
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