March Newsletter 2015

In this issue...

  • The Trouble with 'Terror'
  • Weird (Climate) Science
  • Why Vote?
  • Going Green!
  • Why Do You Support EM?
  • Upcoming Events

The Trouble with 'Terror' 

EM_at_podium.jpg


Bill C-51, the so-called Anti-Terrorist Act, threatens Canadian democracy, rights, and freedoms. Harper wants Canadians to be afraid, very afraid. The reality is that we are not living in a world that is becoming increasingly unsafe.

Elizabeth May continues to show leadership with timely, thoughtful analysis of the bill. Recently, a panel of Canadian experts including Elizabeth, discussed the numerous problems with this legislation. See the Bill C-51 Town Hall videos from this forum hosted by University of Victoria Greens.

The proposed legislation is alarming a diverse and growing number of Canadians - activists, lawyers, academics, Supreme Court judges, and even four former Prime Ministers! 

Conrad Black condemns Bill C-51, stating “it makes a Swiss cheese out of due process”. Others see this legislation as the latest chapter in the Harper administration's ongoing "dismantling of Canada".

The best response to the latest fear campaign is be informed and take action. Sign our petition Defend Our Rights and Freedoms. Join the protest marches across Canada on Saturday 14th March (see Victoria event below). 

 

Weird (Climate) Science Used by Canadian Government

protestoil_and_state.jpg

It’s not news that the Harper administration acts to prevent the release of any research showing negative impacts of oil sands development. Government scientists can no longer communicate their results or even apply for funding without explicit approval. Most fear retaliation if they raise concerns about public safety or the environment. 

A new and alarming development, however, was revealed in a leaked intelligence report from the RCMP. It not only questions the well-established fact of climate change but also suggests that the 'anti-petroleum movement' is a fringe, extremist group that is a growing security threat to Canada...  

As Elizabeth commented in the Bill C-51 town halls, Harper has “conflated petroleum with patriotism”. 

The distorted, biased 'science' in the RCMP memo is beyond weird. Viewed through the lens of the proposed Bill C-51, this is chilling news. This is 'climate denier' propaganda. Elizabeth May has repeatedly asked the Harper government whether C-51 will exclude non-violent protest. The non-answers indicate that dissent is being criminalized in Canada. 

Why Vote?  To Influence Policies Now and for the Future

Change_Everything.jpgElizabeth May addressed the 'why vote" question when she met with a group of young people February 21st on Galiano Island. She listened to their questions - on the value of voting, the recent changes to voter identification, the challenge of undoing the damage done by the current government, and, last but not least, how Elizabeth and the Green Party differ from others seeking their vote.

Voting is both a right and a responsibility. When you vote, you influence the laws, policies, and government programs that shape our lives and future world.

Ideally, every voter will make the effort to become informed about the issues. A key action to take now is to make sure you are registered to vote. Go to Elections Canada to confirm that you are registered or to register to vote for the first time. Every vote matters!

Going Green! 

Exciting results from the recent EKOS poll! BC “is seeing a fascinating four-way race with a muscular Green Party poised to win multiple seats”.

Voter turnout to support Green candidates is critical to make this a reality. The voters of Saanich Gulf Islands demonstrated the power of their votes by electing the first Canadian Green MP.  

In spite of her exclusion from the 2011 leadership debates, Elizabeth won by a larger margin of votes (over 7000) in the riding of SGI alone than the combined total votes (6,201) from the 14 closely contested ridings that gave Harper his ‘majority’! 

Elizabeth must be included in the leaders' debates for the 2015 election. Tell the other party leaders to state  their position - sign our petition Elizabeth Must be Included in 2015 Debates. Let's make it abundantly clear that Elizabeth's voice is essential.

Why Do You Support Elizabeth May?

IMG_0066w_JR_-great.JPG

Are you one of the many people that Elizabeth has helped? Do you have a favourite Elizabeth May story? If you have a story to share, please contact us at [email protected] 


Please show your appreciation for Elizabeth's dedicated efforts to lead the way to a more open, transparent and effective democracy. Donate to Elizabeth May's 2015 re-election campaign. Show your commitment by pledging your vote. And if you want to explain to someone why it’s important to re-elect Elizabeth, share Elizabeth May proves what one MP can do

Your support is greatly appreciated! 

 

 

 


Upcoming Events

Today!  
Victoria Day of Action Against Bill C-51, March 14th, Victoria, noon
Where: The march will start at the corner of Fisgard and Government Streets

  • To carpool, please call 778-350-0906 and meet Saanich Island Greens at the south end of the Mary Winspear parking lot by 11:15 am. 
  • To travel via bus, meet us at the 5th and Beacon bus stop by 10:50 am. The #70 bus leaves 5th and Beacon at 11 am and arrives at Vic City hall at 11:40. ($2.50 each way).

Salt Spring Island Day of Action Against Bill C-51, March 14th, Salt Spring Island, noon
Where:
 Centennial Park


Three Pillars of Sustainability with Laura Parker & Thomas Teuwen, March 15th, 7 pm, Victoria
Come spend an evening with authors Laura Parker and Thomas Teuwen in exploring lifestyle strategies that help you reduce your carbon footprint. Event is free.

When: Sunday, March 15th, 7 pm
Where:
 West Coast Green Community Space, 843 Fort Street, Victoria

Public Forum - Response to Supreme Court Ruling on Physician-Assisted Dying, March 21
Elizabeth May, MP, will present her perspectives on this recent ruling from the Carter case.

When: Saturday, March 21st, 1:30 – 4 pm
Where:
 Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Ave., Victoria

When: Thursday, March 19th, 6:30 pm
Where: Room 105, Harry Hickman Building, University of Victoria


Salt Spring Island Water Fair, March 21-22nd, Salt Spring Island
March 21st ,12-4 pm Self-guided tour of home-based rainwater harvesting systems. 
March 22nd, 10-3 pm Demos, products and fun for the whole family. SSI Water Council, SSI Watershed Protection Authority and SSI Water Preservation Society. Farmers Institute

When: Saturday - Sunday, March 21-22nd
Where: 
Farmers Institute, Salt Spring Island

 


Showing 1 reaction

Please check your e-mail for a link to activate your account.