Suzuki at large

Particularly here in eco-sensitive BC, Suzuki warns of disaster if we do not mend our ways and change patterns. For us here in North America, that means reducing our consumption rates by 80 per cent.

by Matthew Burrows <mburrows@republic-news.org>

At-large support found

The supporters of Vancouver's current at-large electoral system have found a voice, albeit a quiet one.

Having barely registered at previous public meetings organized by the Vancouver Electoral Reform Commission, headed by former justice Tom Berger and touring neighbourhoods to gauge opinion, some people have spoken up in favour of voting city-wide.

At the Oakridge Auditorium last Sunday afternoon, Councillor Sam Sullivan-long-time at-large poster boy-was conspicuous in his presence at the first meeting with Chinese translation, as was former councilor Daniel Lee.

Lee, voted out in November 2002 and unsuccessful in a foray into provincial politics, was seen talking strategy with Sullivan before he addressed the 20 or so gathered on the sunny side of the vast maze of a mall. In stark contrast to other COPE-dominated meetings, this one was all about the NPA.

At the ice-cold, draughty Renfrew Community College, located in Glen Clark's eastside 'hood, 15 people and no councilors, bore witness to the first real open support for at-large.

It came from retired school principal Don McIntyre, who cited a number of reasons for keeping the status quo.

"I believe we already have enough politicians in this city," he said. "By my estimation we have 30 plus at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. Wards will mean more politicians."

McIntyre also countered claims that having a ward system would mean a better representation for each individual neighbourhood. He noted that many politicians elected to a certain area, such as former premier Dave Barrett, often live elsewhere.

The meeting then became an informal chat between McIntyre and a handful of pro-wards folk scattered about the room.

Also ubiquitous at meetings these days is Steve Kisby, who hands out his Fair Vote Vancouver leaflet at each meeting, insisting council can do much better than straight wards.

Though he has some telling points on proportionality, voter choice, local representation and every vote counting in the ideal system, city council has said it cannot entertain other options beyond wards, status quo, or a mixed voting system.

Overall, after more than 10 meetings, the tilt still seems to favour the wards, and many want them ASAP. Two of the meetings have had Chinese translation available, though no word has come from the commission that translation in other languages will take place.

The next meeting will take place at Killarney Community Centre on Tuesday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. Log on to the official website or call Jeannie Bates at 604-801-6575 for more information.

Suzuki makes the Vogue crowds wooozie

As 18,000 watched the Vancouver Canucks defeat the Mighty Red Wings of Detroit at GM Place last Tuesday night, over 1,000 concerned citizens gathered at the Vogue Theatre to see David Suzuki lead a panel opposed to a proposed lifting (by the feds and the BC Liberals) of the moratorium on off-shore drilling and exploration of the BC coast.

At the February 24 meeting, arranged by the David Suzuki Foundation to address issues pertaining to the consequences of opening up the precious coastline, the hall was packed out with a decent cross-section of just about everybody, bar your average SUV-driving Canucks fan.

"I guess that figure kind of puts the 1,000 in perspective," said Dale Marshall of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, who spoke on the economic impacts and addressed government-led calls for lifting the moratorium for supposed economic spin-offs. "Still, it was good to see that many people out. Hopefully next time it'll be the other way round."

Especially animated on this evening, and not because Daniel Sedin netted four goals for the local team, was Suzuki himself, who said he was speaking "as a parent."

The local retired UBC professor said we have "lost the connection as human beings to the natural world," and cannot see the connection between our actions and the increased rate of climate change and global warming.

Particularly here in eco-sensitive BC, Suzuki warns of disaster if we do not mend our ways and change patterns. For us here in North America, that means reducing our consumption rates by 80 per cent.

"And now, with that 80 per cent reduction needed, now we are exploring lifting this moratorium," he said, showing how agile and active he is for his 68 years. "It just doesn't make any sense."

Also speaking was Dalhousie University scientist Lindy Weilgart and Karen Campbell, of West Coast Environmental Law.

For more information on the issue log on to David Suzuki's website.

Seismic pressure

Just past Republic deadline was a meeting of Parents for Seismically Sound Schools in BC, FSSSBC, which meets once a month to talk about issues pertaining to keeping local schools safe, and addressing the urgent need to pressure ministries to get school seismic upgrading done now and not when it deems it more favourable in terms of funding.

Find out more if you want to attend other meetings at the group's website.

Democracy kicks back in the Headlines

Vancouver's own Headlines Theatre, with main man David Diamond front and centre as usual, has been instrumental in getting the issue of welfare reform (and its effects at the local level) into the public eye.

As is the custom, Headlines will be taking the issue to the people in the form of interactive live theatre performed by "Vancouverites experiencing chronic poverty."

Shows will be at the Japanese Hall in Gastown, the Croatian Cultural Centre and St. James Community Square. Dates are March 3-21, 2004.

Call Headlines for more information at 604-871-0508 or go to their website.

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