the Daye.

Toronto Catholic Boards Motion to Ban GSA's

2013-05-22T17:52:00.000-05:00

Two Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) trustees are attempting to ban gay-straight alliances with a motion that will come before the board tomorrow, May 23.

The motion challenges the Accepting Schools Act (Bill 13), provincial legislation passed in 2012 that amended the Education Act. Bill 13 mandates GSAs be allowed in all Ontario schools when requested by students.

Trustees Garry Tanuan and John Del Grande, state that GSAs should be banned because they "promote a positive view of homosexual activity, which undermines Catholic teaching on chastity and marriage.”

“The provincial government is breaking the law by violating s. 93 of the Constitution, which enshrines the denominational rights of the Catholic schools,” Tanuan’s motion states.

Source: Xtra.ca

Toronto Catholic Boards Motion to Ban GSAs

Rob Ford crack story on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

2013-05-21T23:52:00.001-05:00

CITIZENS FED UP WITH FORD'S REFUSAL TO ANSWER QUESTIONS WANT TO CHANGE THE STORY.

2013-05-21T20:51:00.002-05:00

Toronto, ON – A group of concerned citizens is staging a peaceful sit-in outside Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s house this Sunday May 26th starting at noon, with the goal of pressuring Ford to answer direct questions about the video that apparently shows the Mayor smoking crack cocaine and using racist and homophobic language.

Fed up with the pattern of avoidance and denial that seems to follow in the wake of every scandal with Ford at the center, the organizers are looking to break the script and hold Ford accountable.

“Every time there’s a scandal, Rob Ford uses the same strategy,” says organizer Trevor Coleman, “Quicky deny everything and then refuse to answer questions. There’s only so many ‘Rob Ford said nothing’ stories that the media can write, so eventually the press has to cover something else and the public moves on.”

This protest aims to change that by taking the issue to Rob Ford’s house and staying there.

“If he won’t answer the media’s questions, then maybe he’ll answer ours,” says Coleman, “He’s always inviting people to call him at home and we decided it was time to take him up on the offer.’

Rob Ford has a history of inadvertently bolstering community relations among his supporters. An all-night council session in 2012 quickly turned into something of a slumber party where community-minded people from all parts of Toronto came together to express their vision for the city. Instead of being exhausted by the all-night session as Mayor Ford had hoped, the city came away invigorated. The organizers of the sit-in are betting that something similar will happen Sunday afternoon.

“We’re hoping to have fun with it,” says Coleman, “We’re hoping people will come down and make a day of it. We all know how Mayor Ford likes to host barbeques, so we might bring a hibachi or two, maybe some board games. We’re hoping to get some music going and have a good time. We’re encouraging people to bring lawn chairs, as we’ll probably be there a while.”

With the attention of the world’s media trained on the mayor, it seems likely that this protest will gather significant media attention, that’s something that the organizers are counting on.

“I think Torontonians are pretty dismayed to see the name of their city dragged through the mud in the international media. Right now every story is about how we elected a crack-smoking Mayor. I don’t feel that accurately represents the city I live in, and I think there’s a chance here to present a different side of Toronto to the world, one we can all be proud of.”

More details can be found on the event’s website: http://rob-ford-sit-in.squarespace.com

CNN: VIDEO

A Major LGBTQ Community Summit: The Countown to World Pride 2014 in Toronto

2013-05-21T19:41:00.001-05:00

WHAT's the Summit all about?
The program will include a Briefing and Presentation on World Pride 2014, to get the word out, and to engage, activate, and harness the richness, creativity, input, and the diversity of our community in planning for World Pride 2014 in Toronto, the world's largest LGBTQ event .

WHO's coming to the Summit?
We have invited a wide range of groups, leaders, individuals, members, supporters, friends and participants from a wide range of Greater Toronto's LGBTQ community. We are asking each to send several members and/or representatives to a major Community Summit on Saturday morning, June 8, 2013.

It's an important event and the invitations represent a very broad range of interests, areas, involvements, backgrounds, and focus.

WHY are we doing it?
We want to tap your ideas, energy, and enthusiasm regarding World Pride 2014;
To show our community's strong, involved, and engaged in making it a great event;
We want to get the message out regarding the plans, progress, and opportunities to be found with respect to World Pride 2014 in Toronto;
We want the community to be energized and begin plans to celebrate World Pride 2014;
We're seeking broad community involvement in World Pride 2014: from the broadest possible range of the LGBTQ community, including associations, groups, organizations, businesses, collectives, assemblies, congregations, gatherings, and leagues.

WHEN and WHERE?

Toronto City Hall, 3rd floor Council Chambers

Registration 9:30 a.m.

Presentation 10:00 a.m.

Networking and Social 11:30 a.m.

Please pass on the details and the invitation to this Summit to the networks, groups, associations, and/or affiliations to which you belong. Please come yourself; please encourage several others to join you; and please reserve a space today (they will go fast) by registering at:www.countdown2wp14to.eventbrite.com

Food for Thought: African Lions are Not a Main Course

2013-05-21T15:46:00.000-05:00

Washington, D.C. (May 21, 2013) – Jeffrey Flocken, North American Regional Director, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), issued the following statement regarding the serving of lion meat at restaurants across the country:

“It is extremely worrisome to see restaurants across the country promoting the sale and consumption of lion meat. The African lion population already faces many obstacles for survival: a restaurant’s choice to serve up lion meat is simply irresponsible.

As we witnessed at eateries Taco Fusion (Tampa, Florida) and Mokutanya Yakitori (Burlingame, California) in the last couple of weeks, and many other establishments over the last few years, customers respond negatively to publicity ploys like novelty meats. Modern history shows that almost every restaurant serving lion meat has pulled it from their menu as a direct result of public backlash. A recent Synovate poll found that 63 percent of Americans would stop frequenting an establishment if it started serving lion meat.

The African lion population has declined by more than 50 percent over the last three decades, and as few as 32,000 remain in the wild.

In March 2011 IFAW, along with a coalition of animal welfare organizations, petitioned the U.S. government to list the African lion as an endangered species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. If listed, serving African lion meat in the U.S. would be illegal.

Restaurants serving lion meat send a message that they promote exploiting endangered animals. It not only alienates their customers, but it undermines conservation of this iconic species which is already fighting to survive. For any restaurants considering serving the meat of this imperiled species, we urge you to reconsider: African lions must be conserved, not consumed.”

IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare) was founded in 1969, IFAW saves animals in crisis around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit please visit them online. www.ifaw.org/bigcatadvocates.

Follow IFAW on Facebook and Twitter.

More: Republicans Demand Vote On Lion-Meat Ban

International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia

2013-05-17T10:10:00.001-05:00

Please watch this video and share it. This is still an important issue in Ontario. On Tuesday May 23rd one Catholic school board is having a vote to ban GSA's claiming that GSA's are a threat to Catholic teachings. We need to merge the Catholic and public school boards.

BC elects first Green MLA

2013-05-15T10:47:00.002-05:00

GPO leader Mike Schreiner made the following statement on the election of BC’s first Green MLA:

“I want to congratulate Green Party candidate Andrew Weaver for his historic victory in yesterday’s BC election. Andrew is the first Green ever elected in a provincial legislature in Canada.

Once again BC voters have made history two years after electing Elizabeth May as Canada’s first Green MP. I am happy and excited for Andrew and everyone pushing for a sustainable future. I know Andrew will seize this moment to be a voice for change in BC, and he will work tirelessly serving his constituents in Oak Bay–Gordon Head.

I also want to commend Leader Jane Sterk and all BC Green candidates for a strong campaign. The Green movement in Canada is growing stronger.

Mr. Weaver’s election is an inspiration for the Green Party of Ontario. GPO members are already working hard to bring change to Ontario by electing our first Green MPP to Queen’s Park.”

Earth Day: Time for action on climate change

2013-04-22T13:00:00.001-05:00

Mike Schreiner made the following statement regarding Earth Day and the failure to address climate change:

“I had the privilege to work with community groups over the weekend to celebrate Earth Day by planting trees and cleaning trails. Ontarians understand how essential a clean environment is to our health, quality of life and economy. People understand the need to protect our environment today and to leave a strong legacy for our kids and their kids.

Unfortunately, the government is missing in action on climate change, one of the biggest threats to our environment and our economy.

The National Roundtable estimates climate change will cost our economy $5 billion by 2020 and up to $43 billion by 2050. The cost to Ontario’s forestry industry alone could hit $7.4 billion. We are already experiencing the devastating effects of extreme weather events.

In fact, all the old parties at Queen’s Park have missed the boat by refusing to consider the most efficient and cost effective approach to reducing GHGs - a simple, straight forward price on pollution.

British Columbia, Alberta, and Québec have put a price on pollution. The right incentives foster innovation, job creation and economic progress in the low-carbon economy.

We are fortunate to live in a province with a rich natural heritage: vast forests, prime farmland and thousands of lakes and rivers. Climate change threatens our natural wealth and quality of life.

The time for change is now. Let’s make every day Earth Day.”

Schreiner delivers strong message for change in historic meeting with Premier

2013-04-16T10:16:00.002-05:00

Queen’s Park - Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario, made the following statement after his historic meeting with the Premier.

“I'm encouraged that Premier Wynne is reaching out across party lines and has listened to our fresh ideas for Ontario. Queen's Park is broken, and needs the new approach that we bring.

Today I asked the Premier to include three of our priorities in the 2013 budget:

Save over $1 billion each year by merging the school boards into one english and french public system;
Protect our water with actions that start with funding the Experimental Lakes Area, and
Move from talk to action with dedicated funding for public transit.

While the Premier and I may agree on some targets - such as the essential need to fund transit - the Liberal record misses the mark.

The gas plant fiasco, for example, has cost us millions and squandered the goodwill of the people of Ontario. The Green Party provides the smart, engaged and honest approach to a green future that people are looking for.

Ontarians are looking for change. They want better management of our money, higher-quality services, smarter implementation of environmental policies, and greater equity and accessibility in education. I call on Premier Wynne's government to be more efficient, more honest, and more principled than the Liberal government that preceded hers.

I will continue to push the Premier to make sure this province is strong today and provides a vibrant future for our kids and their kids.”

Bells on Bloor - A Pedal-Power Parade for Bike Lanes on Bloor!

2013-04-13T12:06:00.001-05:00

Join us for an afternoon celebrating and advocating for bicycle and pedestrian safety!

WHERE TO MEET
We will meet on Saturday May 11th 2013 at noon at High Park (Bloor gate) and we will ride en masse to Queens Park for an afternoon rally.

(Our east end friends will meet at noon at East Lynn Park and meet us at Queen’s Park, for more information check out their website athttp://bellsondanforth.ca/)

It’s also Mother’s Day, so this year’s theme is all about mothers and kids and their safety on the roads and sidewalks. To honor all moms, we’ll be decorating our bikes with homemade flowers!

Sweet Petes Bicycle Shop has generously agreed to set up at High Park and give away free bells to anyone that does have one!

Please help spread the word and invite all your friends! More information will be posted as the event comes closer. For more details check out our website at www.bellsonbloor.org

See you on the street!

RaBIT on The Agenda with Steve Paikin

2013-04-13T11:52:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week, RaBIT had the opportunity to visit the studio of The Agenda with Steve Paikin. If you missed the episode you can watch it online.

More and more journalists are noticing the campaign, and helping RaBIT raise awareness about this important proposal to make our local elections more fair and friendly.

Bangladesh Govt.! Release the Writers/Bloggers/Activists

2013-04-10T14:28:00.000-05:00

Freedom of expression is everybody's birth right.

Recently in Bangladesh the ruling party, along with other ultra-religious miscreants, is killing this freedom of expression in the name of "hurting religious sentiments" and on the ground of blasphemy.

We, the whole democratic and secular world, condemn this - and ask Bangladesh Government to stop this immediately and release those writers/bloggers who just expressed their views on something traditionally considered sensitive in nature. This is a threat to freethinking, this is a Threat to humanity, this is a Threat to the overall prosperity of a nation and the whole world.

Please sign this AVAAZ.ORG petition to the Government of Bangladesh to release Writers/Bloggers/Activists

Open Letter to Premier Wynne: Schreiner says budget is time for action

2013-04-10T09:22:00.000-05:00

Toronto – Today Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario, sent the following letter to Premier Wynne highlighting recommendations for the 2013 budget:

Dear Premier Wynne:

It is essential for the government to reduce the province's deficit in a fair, balanced and fiscally responsible way. The financially responsible approach is to spend our tax dollars on public services, not interest payments on debt.

Ontario faces major challenges - gridlock, a struggling economy, and rising income inequality. But we also have opportunities to make innovative changes that will allow us to make long-term investments to secure our future.

You have shown a willingness to cooperate across party lines in the search for solutions that will benefit Ontario. In this spirit, we have submitted our recommendations to the 2013 budget. In particular, I would like to highlight a few suggestions that will help us live within our means while improving public services.

1. Save $1 billion annually by merging the school boards

Merging the Catholic and public school boards will provide ongoing savings of an estimated $1.3 billion per year. These savings will allow us to reinvest in the classroom and provide higher quality education for our children.

2. Create dedicated funding for transit and active transportation

You have said that you are open to improving our transportation system with funds for public transit. Now it’s time for action. We need new, dedicated sources of revenue to fund public transit, as well as direct funding for safe streets with cycling and walking infrastructure.

3. Reduce poverty and pollution

The deceptively named Clean Energy Benefit rewards the wasteful use of energy to the tune of $1 billion per year. We can reduce pollution and poverty by using this money instead to fund programs that support our most vulnerable citizens including a targeted energy rebate program and funding the recommendations from the Commission to Review Social Assistance.

4. Invest in our environment and science

We need to be good stewards of water for our children and future generations. By stopping operational funding for the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA), the Prime Minister has refused to protect Canada's water. Without the sound science and data the ELA provides, the safety of Ontario's freshwater resources is at risk. You can step in and bridge funding to keep the ELA running, before it's too late.

5. Support local job creation

Businesses in the emerging clean-tech sector can seize opportunities to transform our economy: improve productivity, facilitate innovation, create jobs, address climate change, and have a positive influence on the well-being of our communities. This is a win-win for the economy and environment. By closing corporate tax loopholes designed in and for yesterday’s economy, we can invest in the right incentives to spur job creation and business development in the new global economy.

Premier Wynne, I thank you for your consideration of these recommendations.

I have one final request. Last year, changes to 69 acts, including eight environmentally significant laws affecting the Ministry of Natural Resources, were buried in the 327 page omnibus budget bill. This was not honest, transparent or good governance.

Deceptive omnibus budget bills weaken democracy and public participation, and undermine transparency and accountability. This year, I ask that you please do the right thing and not hide changes to significant legislation - including to our environmental protections - in the 2013 budget bill.

Regards,

Mike Schreiner

Leader, Green Party of Ontario

Find the Green Party of Ontario’s submission to the Ministry of Finances at www.gpo.ca/2013-budget

Transit Revenue Deniers (TRDs) damage economy and environment.

2013-03-20T16:37:00.002-05:00

Transit Revenue Deniers (or TRDs as I prefer to call them) are hurting our economy and our environment.

The NDP, likes to promote itself as a party of the people, but one must ask, which people? Commuters? I don't think so. The financially vulnerable? That's a laugh! It seems that the NDP is only interested in helping out the wealthiest citizens in the province.

We have seen how Andrea Horwath and the NDP like to help the wealthiest citizens with the NDP idea to reduce auto insurance rates 15% across the board, a move that will help wealthy car owners with multiple and/or large vehicles.

It's an idea that seems very similar to their call to remove the HST on home heating. Again, who will this benefit the most? The wealthiest citizens with large homes! It does nothing to promote conservation and nothing to help the environment.

Is this the NDP decision making die?

The NDP brought gambling to Ontario in the 1990's. The province now has 24 casinos and another five planned. So it would seem to me that the NDP have no problem taking money from the most financially vulnerable people in the province to pay for the infrastructure that all of Ontario needs. The only concern they seem to have with casinos seems to be the privatization of them. Never-mind the financially vulnerable pensioners and unemployed who are spending their last few dollars hoping to win big at one of these revenue generators.

Yet, when it comes to the ideas put forth by the Toronto Board of Trade, to pay for transit, Horwath says no dice!

In a release yesterday The Toronto Board of Trade says it is advancing for discussion, four revenue tools that are balanced, fair, and economically responsible.

They are:

Revenue Tool Approx. mid-range rate Annual Revenue Potential

Regional Sales Tax 1% $1.0 - 1.6B

Parking Space Levy $1 per space per day $1.2- 1.6B

Regional fuel tax 10-cent/litre $640- 840M

High-occupancy toll lanes 30-cent/km for single drivers $25 - 45M

Chart from: Metro News

Granted, there are pros and cons to all of the ideas, but I have to agree with Green Party leader Mike Schreiner who is criticizing the NDP for hurting the economy and environment by refusing to support dedicated revenue tools to fund public transit. Schreiner said yesterday, "NDP leader Andrea Horwath sounds like Rob Ford when it comes to funding public transit. Ontario's economy will grind to a halt if we don't reduce gridlock with dedicated revenue for public transit."

And, he isn't the only one. Matt Elliot of Metro News also compares Rob Ford to Andrea Horwath, calling them "Transit Revenue Deniers" likening them to climate change deniers who won't admit there is a problem.

Toronto Transit Commission Chair, Karen Stinz said, "It seems to me a little bit of an odd statement for the NDP and Rob Ford to be on the same side,"

It has been well documented that gridlock costs the GTHA economy $6 billion per year in lost productivity. If the status quo doesn't change, gridlock will cost the economy $15 billion per year. Congestion hurts our health, environment and takes precious time away from family and community.

"NDP leader Andrea Horwath sounds like Rob Ford when it comes to funding public transit," says GPO leader Mike Schreiner.

"Ontario's economy will grind to a halt if we don't reduce gridlock

with dedicated revenue for public transit."

The Green Party is calling on MPPs in the minority legislature

to support dedicated funding for transit.

"We need to be realistic about funding public transit," adds Schreiner. "People are tired of being stuck in traffic. They understand that we can't afford transit improvements without new revenue. It's unfortunate the NDP is standing in the way of better public transit for those who need it most."

"The NDP are wasting the opportunity they have in the minority legislature to leave a great legacy...by funding world-class transit across the province,” adds Schreiner. “We need to change direction in transportation planning, and we need to be realistic about funding. Wishful thinking won’t fund transit."

Ontario can't afford to let gridlock continue. Better transit benefits everyone, not just the wealthy. It means less congestion, fewer accidents and less pollution. So lets stop listening to these TRDs like Horwath and Ford and move forward on transit for the benefit of all of us who live in the GTA.

~Mark Daye is the Green Party of Ontario candidate for Toronto Centre and the Community & Social Services Critic.

Pointless, populist politics that help only the wealthiest.

2013-03-19T17:10:00.000-05:00

The NDP have called for a 15% reduction in car insurance rates in Ontario. If her demand is not met, NDP leader Andrea Horwath says she will force an election. An expensive election to the tune of an estimated 92 million dollars.

This is nothing more than a populist move by a party that claims to stand up for the little guy. Yet, an across the board 15% reduction will benefit the weathiest people in the province the most. For example, those who drive large expensive cars or who own more than one vehicle.

What will it do for those who have no car or those who rely on public transportation? Nothing. Reducing rates certainly won't help congestion and gridlock, which costs the Ontario economy more than six billion every year. (The June 2011 board of trade report, Reaching Top Speed, warns gridlock costs the economy $6 billion annually.)

Lowering premiums will mean additional vehicles on our already too crowded streets and more pressure on our aging infrastructure.

Claiming that they will reduce your bills, has always been, and will continue to be popular for political parties (who want to garner easy votes). One of the side effects of having a populist agenda is that these policies frequently have no effect or have unexpected side effects; like shifting wealth to the rich.

This scheme by the NDP to cut car insurance rates falls into another category: pointless.

Higher deductibles mean lower rates.

Those who want a 15% cut on insurance rates can simply increase their deductible. They will pay less per month, but it isn't free. Along with more money in their pocket they will have taken on additional risk. It's a gamble - a gamble everyone is free to take, if they so choose.

A higher cost policy has a zero deductible. Increase the collision deductible to $1,000 and rates drop by about 14% to 21%. Increase comprehensive insurance to $1,000 and watch rates drop by 17% to 25%. Nowadays, the slightest collision at a low speed will easily cost you more than $1,000 in repairs, so having a higher deductible not only saves you money, but it makes sense.

If the NDP proposal was to force all policy holders to increase their deductibles by $1,000 in order to save drivers 15% on monthly fees, would support for this idea be the same? Or (more likely) would drivers feel it's nobody's business how much risk they want to take? Furthermore, I doubt the NDP will really want to take this to the polls considering that their party promised to nationalize the industry prior to taking power in 1990. Then they quickly changed gears and the shift never materialized. If Horwath really wants to tackle an issue, why not push the insurance industry to tackle the fraud that is driving rates up?

Those who choose to drive need to comparison shop and be informed about the insurance they are buying. The NDP plan sounds nice, but ultimately, it is pointless populist politics.

If you want to save 15% on your car insurance, you can. You'll just have to shop around and take some risk.

NDP opposition to transit funding hurts economy, environment

2013-03-19T14:53:00.001-05:00

(Toronto) - GPO leader Mike Schreiner is criticizing the NDP for hurting the economy and environment by refusing to support dedicated revenue tools to fund public transit.

"NDP leader Andrea Horwath sounds like Rob Ford when it comes to funding public transit," says GPO leader Mike Schreiner. "Ontario's economy will grind to a halt if we don't reduce gridlock with dedicated revenue for public transit."

Gridlock costs the GTHA economy $6 billion per year in lost productivity. If the status quo doesn't change, gridlock will cost the economy $15 billion per year. Congestion hurts our health, environment and takes time away from family and community.

The GPO is calling on MPPs in the minority legislature to support dedicated funding for transit.

"We need to be realistic about funding public transit," adds Schreiner. "People are tired of being stuck in traffic. They understand that we can't afford transit improvements without new revenue. It's unfortunate the NDP is standing in the way of better public transit for those who need it most."

"The NDP are wasting the opportunity they have in the minority legislature to leave a great legacy for ours and our kids’ future by funding world-class transit across the province,” adds Schreiner. “We need to change direction in transportation planning, and we need to be realistic about funding. Wishful thinking won’t fund transit."

Ontario can't afford to let gridlock continue. Better transit benefits everyone. It means less congestion, fewer accidents and less pollution.

The Looming Threat of Water Scarcity

2013-03-19T08:55:00.001-05:00

As World Water Day approaches, new Worldwatch Institute study examines global water use and steps to address water scarcity

Washington, D.C.---Some 1.2 billion people-almost a fifth of the world-live in areas of physical water scarcity, while another 1.6 billion face what can be called economic water shortage. The situation is only expected to worsen as population growth, climate change, investment and management shortfalls, and inefficient use of existing resources restrict the amount of water available to people, according to Worldwatch Institute's Vital Signs Online service (www.worldwatch.org). It is estimated that by 2025, 1.8 billion people will live in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, with almost half of the world living in conditions of water stress.

Water scarcity has several definitions. Physical scarcity occurs when there is not enough water to meet demand; its symptoms include severe environmental degradation, declining groundwater, and unequal water distribution. Economic water scarcity occurs when there is a lack of investment and proper management to meet the demand of people who do not have the financial means to use existing water sources; the symptoms in this case normally include poor infrastructure.Large parts of Africa suffer from economic water scarcity.

A region is said to face water scarcity when supplies fall below 1,000 cubic meters per person, and absolute water scarcity is when supplies drop below 500 cubic meters a year.

World population is predicted to grow from 7 billion to 9.1 billion by 2050, putting a strain on water resources to meet increased food, energy, and industrial demands. But there are many other pressures, including increased urbanization and over consumption, lack of proper management, and the looming threat of climate change. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and UN Water, global water use has been growing at more than twice the rate of population increase in the last century.

At the global level, 70 percent of water withdrawals are for the agricultural sector, 11 percent are to meet municipal demands, and 19 percent are for industrial needs. These numbers, however, are distorted by the few countries that have very high water withdrawals, such as China, India, and the United States.

Agricultural water withdrawal accounts for 44 percent of total water withdrawal among members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), but this rises to more than 60 percent within the eight OECD countries that rely heavily on irrigated agriculture. In the four transitional economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, agriculture accounts for 74 percent of water withdrawals, but this ranges from 20 percent in Russia to 87 percent in India.

Policymakers must introduce a variety of measures to address global water scarcity. One important initiative is to support small-scale farmers. Much of the public investment in agricultural water management has focused on large-scale irrigation systems. Farmers can also use water more efficiently by taking a number of steps, including growing a diverse array of crops suited to local conditions and adopting irrigation systems like "drip" lines that deliver water directly to plants' roots.

Climate change will affect global water resources at varying levels. Reductions in river runoff and aquifer recharge are expected in the Mediterranean basin and in the semiarid areas of the Americas, Australia, and southern Africa, affecting water availability in regions that are already water-stressed. In Asia, the large areas of irrigated land that rely on snowmelt and high mountain glaciers for water will be affected by changes in runoff patterns, while highly populated deltas are at risk from a combination of reduced inflows, increased salinity, and rising sea levels. And rising temperatures will translate into increased crop water demand everywhere.

About 66 percent of Africa is arid or semiarid, and more than 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa currently live on less than 1,000 cubic meters of water resources per person.

To combat the effects of climate change, efforts must be made to follow an integrated water resource management approach on a global scale. This involves water management that recognizes the holistic nature of the water cycle and the importance of managing trade-offs within it, that emphasizes the importance of effective institutions, and that is inherently adaptive.

According to UN Water, each person in North America and Europe consumes at least 3 cubic meters per day of virtual water in imported food, compared with 1.4 cubic meters per day in Asia and 1.1 cubic meters per day in Africa.

Green Party being frozen out of events

2013-03-12T12:51:00.003-05:00

Parents disgusted by letter sent from parish priest containing provocative questions

2013-03-12T09:16:00.002-05:00

54th Tibetan Uprising Day - Yonge Dundas Square Toronto

2013-03-11T10:26:00.001-05:00

To mark the 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day on March 10, 2013, several thousand Canadian Tibetans in the GTA took part in a massive protest rally in Toronto in front of China's Consulate-General on St. George St. The protest rally was followed by a Tibetan Cultural rally at Yonge-Dundas Square. Leaders from various political parties and the Tibetan community addressed the public gathering at Yonge-Dundas Square. Here is the speech by Mark Daye of the Green Party of Ontario.

Tibetan Uprising Day

2013-03-08T18:56:00.001-05:00

The Green Party of Canada is observing the 54th Tibetan Uprising Day this Sunday. On March 10th 1959, the people of Tibet rose against China's illegal rule. Thousands of Tibetans were massacred and His Holiness the Dalai Lama had to flee into exile. It will be an honour for me to attend on behalf of Green Party of Canada Leader, Elizabeth May.

To mark the 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day on March 10, 2013, around 3000 Canadian Tibetans in the GTA will take part in a massive protest rally in Toronto that will start at 10:00 am in front of China's Consulate-General at 240 St. George St. The protest rally will be followed by a Tibetan Cultural rally on Yonge St. starting at 11:00 AM from the Bloor St. and Yonge St. intersection to reach Yonge-Dundas Square by 12:00 noon. Leaders from various political parties and the Tibetan community will address the 3000-strong public gathering at Yonge-Dundas Square. The rally will also carry 99 dummy coffins draped in the Tibetan national flag to remember and to show respect to those Tibetans who have died so far through self-immolation in Tibet.

After the Communist Party of China came to power in 1949, China began its invasion of independent Tibet. By 1959 the People's Liberation Army of China and its military garrison controlled Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. The Communist Party of China began its rule of Tibet, bringing irreparable destruction to Tibet's rich culture and unprecedented loss of human lives through the ruthless implementation of authoritarian Communist rule all over Tibet.

The desperation of Tibetans has led to over 107 self-immolation suicides in recent years. The situation in Tibet is an international crisis. Harper’s Conservatives recently created the Office of Religious Freedom: will it remain silent on the Tibetan question? If protecting religious minorities is really a ‘foreign policy priority’ for Canada, now is the time to send the Office’s ambassador to Tibet.

Green Leader Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands.

Not able to bear the loss of national independence, loss of individual freedom and destruction of rich cultural heritage including freedom of religion, on 10th March 1959 the Tibetan people rose up against Communist China's rule in Tibet. This national uprising was suppressed with use of brute military force of the People's Liberation Army of China. Although many thousands were massacred during the uprising and Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama was forced to flee to India in exile, the Tibetan people's struggle for freedom continued with same resilience and hope. Since 2009, 107 Tibetans inside Tibet have burnt themselves alive through self-immolation to convey a strong message to China and to the world that Tibetans are as determined and committed as they were in 1959 to seek freedom, justice and equality. Through these peaceful means Tibetans also wanted to send a strong message to China that Tibetans are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to be free, to be treated fairly and to be treated equally without discrimination in the land of their birth. Tibet, today, remains one of the most oppressed and discriminated place on earth.

Tibetans will dress in their traditional Tibetan provincial and regional costumes and accessories to showcase their rich and unique cultural identity. In this cultural rally Tibetans will also exhibit their unique spiritual and Buddhist rituals and practices.

This is an opportune time for China’s new leader to act on his recent expression supporting democracy. There can be no democracy without respect for Human Rights. Recognizing the leadership presently in exile as the legitimate leaders of the Tibetan people and upholding the earlier negotiated autonomy within China would prove China’s new direction to the world.

~ Joe Foster, Human Rights Critic for the Green Party of Canada.

Last week, Lobsang Sangay, exiled Tibetans’ political leader, called on Canada’s ambassador for religious freedom to investigate in Tibet.

What's up with Fair Vote Canada?

2013-03-07T17:44:00.001-05:00

Today, I received an email from the B for Balance team, part of Fair Vote Canada. Fair Vote Canada recently held a referendum and the B for Balance team was advocating for Option B which states;

"Fair Vote Canada supports the Alternative Vote for municipal council elections where no parties exist" and that line be added to the paragraph on Proportional Representation in the Statement of Purpose.

I'm pretty shocked and pissed off about this turn of events. I know Dave Meslin a bit, in fact, he is the guy that got me to join Fair Vote Canada in the first place! Dave Meslin has been an amazing community organizer and citizen who gets others interested and involved. He's the guy behind the RaBit campaign and in my opinion, anyone who doesn't want Dave Meslin on their team is an idiot. I am canceling my Fair Vote Canada membership and will not be renewing it. I've volunteered for them in the past, and won't be doing that again either. This organization that purports to support democracy is looking more fascist all the time.

Here is a portion of the email that was sent out this afternoon. ...

2) Expulsions from Toronto Fair Vote Executive

We're sad to inform you that three members of Fair Vote Canada have been expelled from the Toronto Chapter Executive. Katherine Skene, Dave Meslin and Desmond Cole were elected by the local members in 2012 to represent them on the Chapter Executive. But last week, the National Council of Fair Vote informed them that they were all expelled from their elected positions.

They are accused of "Conflict of Interest" because they have volunteered with the Ranked Ballot Initiative of Toronto (RaBIT). In the recent membership poll, 45% of Fair Vote members also stated that they support the RaBIT campaign. So if anyone who supports RaBIT is in a "conflict of interest" with Fair Vote... that means that almost half of our membership are in conflict.

National Council has also banned the following members from seeking office: Sarah Lambert, Marjan Farahbaksh, Gonzalo Riva & Gautam Lamba. They were banned simply because they are listed on the RaBIT website as volunteers.

We're shocked and disappointed to see this happen. The whole point of Fair Vote Canada is to support "a more consensual type of government and a more civilized style of politics." Yet, here we are banning our own members, simply because of their personal opinions and advocacy. We would like to see a more respectful approach within Fair Vote. We should all be trying to work together, not fighting against each other.

We believe that these expulsions go against everything Fair Vote Canada stands for. If you are disappointed to hear about the expulsions, please send a message to National Council via our Executive Director, Wayne Smith: wayne.smith@fairvote.ca and our President, Doug Bailie: doug.bailie@fairvote.ca

TAKE SHELTER! Opening Up Metro Hall as Emergency Shelter: NO MORE HOMELESS DEATHS

2013-03-06T18:34:00.002-05:00

TAKE SHELTER!

Opening Up Metro Hall as Emergency Shelter: NO MORE HOMELESS DEATHS

Thursday, March 7th

11.00 AM

Metro Hall: King and John St, Toronto

The City of Toronto refuses to admit that the homeless shelter system is

in a lethal crisis of overcrowding. By the City's own admission, shelters

are operating at 96% capacity. This means conditions of overcrowding and

tension - people are being forced onto the streets and lives are being

lost. Every effort has been made to convince both the administration and

politicians to act and open an emergency facility, but they have refused.

On February 20th, City Council refused even to debate the issue.

In 1999, the City gave Hostel Services the right to open more space

whenever the capacity in the shelters exceeded 90%. During that year,

Metro Hall was opened for a time so that the pressure on the rest of the

shelter system could be eased. Today the crisis is even worse - and the

Rob Ford administration is not only denying it, but making it worse. There

have been at least 8 homeless deaths since the beginning of 2013, and 34

deaths in 2012 alone.

If the City will not act then we will. On March 7, we are going back to

Metro Hall to open it as a shelter ourselves. We are calling on all

homeless people - those of you on the streets - who need shelter to join

us that day, as well as front-line workers, unions, community

organizations, church congregations and people of conscience to come and

stand with us for the basic human right to shelter. If you are someone who

does not wish to live in a City where people are abandoned to die on the

streets, then join us on March 7!

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT/GET INVOLVED:

-Help us get the word out, join us on the day! Forward this announcement

to everyone you can, drop off flyers at every drop-in space and meal.

-Have your organization or union local write a public statement supporting

opening up Metro Hall as emergency shelter space

-Collect and drop off donations on the day. We need: Sleeping bags,

Blankets and pillows, Mats or mattresses

-On the day we will also welcome donations of: Coffee and snacks, Order

pizza and other meals for us, Books, board games, music and performances,

etc

Please call our office at (416) 925-6939 if you can help with these items

or, better yet, drop by Metro Hall at 11.00 AM on Thursday and deliver

them to us.

Thank you for all support and solidarity in this vital action.

See information about past events on this issue here:

http://www.ocap.ca/node/1061

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/278184258978285/

The Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP)

www.ocap.ca

@OCAPtoronto

416-925-6939

For March 7th use: #TakeShelter #nohomelessdeaths

Tim Hudak’s attack on endangered species is misguided and unnecessary

2013-02-27T15:24:00.001-05:00

“We can protect both endangered species and farmers,” said Mike Schreiner, GPO leader. “It’s not an either/or.”

“The Liberals are already working to gut protections for endangered species,” Schreiner continued. “Now, the Conservatives want to up the ante with a frontal assault on species and habitat protection. Hudak wants to take Ontario backwards, not forwards.”

The Liberal government has already proposed changes that would weaken protections for endangered species by lowering standards and granting more exemptions to facilitate development.

Mr. Hudak’s attack on species protection appears to be driven by politics, not by science or facts. Mr. Hudak’s claim that “the wood turtle is grinding forestry to a halt in the north” is misleading at best: forestry activities are permitted in regulated wood turtle habitat. Mr. Hudak also asserts that protections for the bobolink is preventing farmers from harvesting their hay. In June 2011, however, the Ministry of Natural Resources granted agricultural operations a three-year exemption from the ESA’s protection provisions for bobolinks. In May 2012, the ministry broadened that exemption.

“People are tired of the status quo--politicians that put partisan attacks before an honest discussion of good public policy,” says Schreiner. “Instead of exploiting fear or frustration, let’s have an honest conversation about solutions.”

In his remarks at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference where Mr. Hudak made his remarks, Schreiner proposed a more sensible solution:

“I believe it is time to recognize that farmers do more than put healthy food on our tables. They are also stewards of our land and waterways, protectors of species and habitat. It is unfair and unsustainable to ask farmers to shoulder this burden alone. All of us, rural and urban, must share in this responsibility by paying farmers for the environmental good and services that we all enjoy.”

Take back Parliament: Is Proportional Representation the way?

2013-02-25T14:38:00.000-05:00

Thu, Apr 04, 7:00 to 9:00

Ballroom, The 519 Community Centre, 519 Church St., Toronto, Ontario

Panelists:
Liberal Party -the Hon Carolyn Bennett, MP
NDP - Craig Scott, MP
Green Party - Jim Harris (former leader of Green Party of Canada)
Learn about the parties’ stand on proportional representation: what it is, and what the party is doing to promote it.
Sponsors: Electoral Alliance
http://www.electoralalliance.ca/take-back-parliament-proportional-representation-way