Department of Culture Winnipeg

Cuts to Specialized Music Grants --- PETITION

2009-09-19T13:15:00.002-05:00

James Moore and Harper's ofice have made yet another ill-informed cut to the arts. And once again, this one cuts at the knees.

In what is becoming a trend in cultural funding decisions, this cut was made without any consultation with the cultural community to determine whether it is shortsighted, which it is. Grants for Specialized Music Sound Recording and Grants for Specialized Music Distribution fund non commercial/musically adventurous recordings made in Canada.

Art cannot always be quantified in pecuniary terms. Innovation breaks new ground, expanding the conceptual territory from which pop/commercially viable music mines its "new", and ultimately popular sounds. Non-commercial musicians lay the groundwork for the eventual norm. This exchange is centuries-old.

As is widely recognized, art makes people smarter, more efficient, more adaptable, more creative... Canada's cultural activity generates an active and fertile economy, and influences the overall economy in ways which are indisputable and extensive. These facts are fully documented. Every walk of Canadian life is enriched by the innovations of Canada's commercially "nonviable" artists, whether the masses know/appreciate it or not.

Etcetera etcetera...

I just returned from the United States of America, where I observed - first hand and in multiple contexts - the collective celebration and support of art and innovation. Who would have thought that we might find ourselves looking southward in envy.

What does Stephen "Piano Man" Harper have against artists and the making of art? What's his plan?

If our voices are loud and strong enough, we can stop the flagrant unravelling of our social fabric, the blurring of our cultural identity, the walmartification of our very Canadianness. No Culture = No Canada.

Read the petition, and sign your name if you are concerned.

http://www.petitiononlinecom/a6y3L9eR/

Thanks as always for your consideration, and for allowing this intrusion.
- RC

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You can stop there, but if you want to know more, and/or hear what others are thinking -
RC has offers...

a note about the cuts from Russell Kelly (head of music), and program information from the Canada Council. This explains the context in which this musical activity takes place.
quotes from fellow signatories
media reports

(all without permission, but with respect)

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From the Canada Council website:

On July 31, 2009, the Department of Canadian Heritage (PCH) announced that, as of April 1, 2010, the $1.3 million administered by the Canada Council for the Arts under the Canadian Musical Diversity Component of the Canada Music Fund on behalf of PCH since 2001 will be reallocated to the redesigned Canada Music Fund. As a result, the Canada Council Grants for Specialized Music Sound Recording and Grants for Specialized Music Distribution programs will no longer exist as of April 1, 2010.

The Music Section of the Canada Council for the Arts had been administering recording funds on behalf of PCH since the late 1980’s. This funding has benefited numerous artists, ensembles and groups and produced many recordings of artistic and cultural significance. The distribution function was added in 2002 and assisted specialized music labels and distributors to promote their catalogues.

The October 1, 2009, deadline will be the last deadline for the Canada Council Grants for Specialized Music Sound Recording program. All eligibility criteria will apply as usual. The final deadline for the Grants for Specialized Music Distribution program was May 15, 2009.

Russell Kelley
Head, Music
Canada Council for the Arts
10 September 2009

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Grants for Specialized Music Sound Recording and Grants for Specialized Music Distribution:

The Canada Council for the Arts administers this program on behalf of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Funds for this program are provided by the Canadian Musical Diversity Program of the Canada Music Fund.

This program supports the recording of Canadian “specialized music” by Canadian artists, ensembles, bands, record companies and independent producers. Its purpose is to ensure that a diversity of artistically driven Canadian music is produced and is available to the public.

Not all forms of music are eligible for support from this program.

“Specialized music” is defined as music whose intent or content is not shaped by the desire for wide market appeal—instead, it places creativity, self-expression or experimentation above the demands and format expectations of the mainstream recording industry. Specialized music has significance beyond being just entertainment, and it is usually found in the parallel market and alternative distribution systems.

Specialized music is primarily artistic in intent. It is understood that the definition of specialized music is changeable, depending on current public tastes and the resulting market share of various musical genres. Therefore, forms of music eligible for support through this program may change over time.

Eligible practices include, but are not limited to:

contemporary Canadian composition or songwriting in classical music of any world culture, new music (as defined in the Music Section’s New Music Program), jazz and musique actuelle, electroacoustic, folk, world music, and Canadian Aboriginal music
original interpretations of traditional music, where the applicant is significantly interpreting or arranging existing works
fusion of specialized music and spoken word, where the music is as or more important than the text.

Individual applicants must have completed their basic training and be recognized as professional artists by other artists working in the same artistic tradition. They should also have demonstrated commitment to the development of their craft and career through ongoing career activity, and have a history of public presentation of at least three years. Basic training may include training provided by a post-secondary academic institution, and may also include mentorships, private instruction, workshops, and periods of self-study.

Ensembles, groups and bands must be made up of professional artists.

Managers or agents applying on behalf of an artist or ensemble, group or band must provide evidence of authorization to submit the application, such as a letter of agreement or management contract. Leaders of ensembles, groups or bands are not required to submit evidence of authorization.

Record companies applying on behalf of artists must submit copies of articles of incorporation as well as letters of agreement or contracts with the artist they plan to record. The letters or contracts must indicate royalty arrangements and contractual details.

This Canada Council for the Arts program is accessible to Aboriginal artists and artists of diverse cultural and regional communities of Canada.

Individual artists and ensembles may submit only one application under their own name to this program per fiscal year (1 April to 31 March). Record companies and independent producers may submit more than one application per year, but they may apply on behalf a particular artist only once per year. Please note that applications by record companies or producers on behalf of artists or ensembles that have already applied in a given fiscal year will be disqualified.

Ineligible Applicants
Non-Canadian artists or entities may not benefit directly from this program. Projects including non-Canadian artists may be eligible for this program if the majority of artists in the project are Canadian and a Canadian artist provides the artistic leadership. However, costs related to the participation of non-Canadians are not eligible expenses and should be reported separately from the budget, on a separate sheet of paper.

At least 50 percent of the running time of the proposed recording project must be Canadian-composed music or Canadian interpretations of traditional music.

All elements of the project, from recording to manufacturing to launch, must take place in Canada. If the album is released through a label, the label must be at least 51 percent Canadian-owned.

Music that is created to meet current market expectations and for which an established music industry infrastructure exists are ineligible for support through this program. Ineligible music currently includes such genres as:

pop, rock, heavy metal, country, adult contemporary and new age
urban music, including rap, r & b, soul, new soul, hip hop, garage, soca and reggae
electronica, including house, techno, down tempo, commercial dance, drum and bass, electro, jungle, ambient and trance
commercial forms of folk, jazz, world music, Aboriginal music, children’s music, classical music and gospel.

Recordings created as fundraising projects are not eligible for support from this program.

This program funds the following types of costs:

recording costs, including studio expenses and artistic fees for the principal performers, producer and guest artists
production costs, including editing, mixing and mastering
post-production costs, including package design, liner notes and artwork
manufacture of 1,000 units
some initial marketing expenses.

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I strongly disagree with your decision to cut funding from the Canada Council (CAC), even if you plan to reallocate the money to other institutions. Support for creative artists is vital to the culture of Canada. The CAC is best suited to administer programs such as the Recording Grant for Specialised Music because it is focused on supporting art, not commerce. Other institutions, such as FACTOR, primarily serve the commercial music industry and cannot provide the function of meeting the needs of artists. Please reconsider your decision to reallocate this funding and reinstate the current program.

Nothing good comes without artistic creation -- it is the lifeblood that fuels the curious explorers within a progressive society. To deny any part of artistic discovery is to slow the blood to the heart of a progressive and healthy society and environment. To deny it, in our particular case, will eventually decimate the uniqueness of Canadianism.

This, from June 26, 2009: "The cultural sector needs stability in this time of economic uncertainty. With ongoing investments by our Government, artists and arts organizations can plan their activities for the longer term and continue to create, produce, and present innovative works that will make Canadians proud," said Minister Moore... Is this irony, or just this Government's interminable mendacity?

This bill will kill small music production at the root where our unique Canadian voice is developed. I strongly disagree with this legislation.

Misters Moore and Harper, what is it that you have against the Arts and Canadians?

I am a jazz enthusiast and much of the music I purchase has been supported by Canadian Recording Arts Grants. The artistic community in Canada is extremely rich and diverse; it is elements such as this that make me proud to be Canadian. It pains me to know that our government does not want to support the cornucopia of talent that Canada is blessed with.

Just for a minute, Mr. Minister, imagine your world without music, paintings, movies, live shows or TV entertainment by singers, actors, musicians, dancers, writers. Then you might understand why Canada has to give more financial support to the Arts Council and its artistic community in general.

Home grown music is essential to the survival of our culture. Do not cut this grant, my vote depends on it.

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By phum Tue, Sep 8 2009
Jazzblog.ca

As this Vancouver Sun story relates, the Canada Council's grants for Specialized Music Sound Recording and Specialized Music Sound Distribution will cease to exist in April 2010.

The long-standing programs provide more than $1 million annually in support of:

contemporary Canadian composition or songwriting in classical music of any world culture, new music (as defined in the Music Section’s New Music Program), jazz and musique actuelle, electroacoustic, folk, world music, and Canadian Aboriginal music
original interpretations of traditional music, where the applicant is significantly interpreting or arranging existing works
fusion of specialized music and spoken word, where the music is as or more important than the text.

In recent years, with respect to jazz, between 30 and 40 recordings would be funded annually. Most received grants ranging between $10,000 and $20,000. I must disclose that this year, I applied for a Council grant for sound recording, but did not receive one.

Jazz musicians who have recently received recording grants include Toronto saxophonist Jane Bunnett, Toronto bassist Brandi Disterheft (both have won Junos for their discs), Ottawa drummer Mike Essoudry, and Vancouver pianist Amanda Tosoff. Small record labels have also benefitted from the program, including the Vancouver-based label, Songlines.

The elimination of the grants was in fact made public July 31, when Heritage Minister James Moore announced that the Canada Music Fund would be restructured. According to this CBC story, the CMF's value is to increase, with its other components increasing while the Canadian Musical Diversity program is axed.

Moore's spokeswoman Stephanie Rea told the Vancouver Sun that the restructuring is “just a streamlining of everything. We are giving more access through this fund for digital market development, international market development and expanded eligibility for small entrepreneurial artists and labels. This will promote innovation and [create] more business opportunities online and internationally.”

However, those who have benefitted from the the Specialized Music Sound Recording program contend that the restructuring is simply another blow to the arts from the Harper government. There was much hubbub on Facebook this weekend, from jazz musicians across the country:

Montreal drummer and bandleader Thom Gossage wrote:

"The latest move by the Harper government (to eliminate the Canada Council specialized sound recording grant) only confirms the most cynical view of his lack of understanding and open disdain for the arts, in this case music.

"The Canada Council mandate encourages art from a broad spectrum of styles and regions of the country, it bases its criterion [sic] for acceptance not solely on commercial guidelines but more importantly on the quality of the applicants, producing work that is internationally respected.

"The fact that funds will be re-directed to digital distribution is an insult to the intelligence of everyone in this country. How can you promote music online if it hasn't been recordedin the first place. Specialized sound recording enables a broad spectrum of music to be represented of a high standard, it allows musicians to sell their music at shows and it also allows for the minimal cost of digital distribution."

Winnipeg pianist Michelle Gregoire commented:

"Specialized recordings make the entire industry grow. Quality, artistry, diversity affects commercial music just as well."

Canadian saxophonist/composer Christine Jensen wrote:

"It is a minute amount of money in the grand scheme of Canadian tax $$'s. This whole cut goes against the Canada Council mandate. They try to cover it up by saying they will support int'l touring. how the heck are you going to tour without a quality recording representing artistic excellence? (the whole thing stinks and reminds me of that survey CC ... Read Morehad us do a while back). I can't talk to badly of FACTOR as they have supported my work, but it is a completely different system based on marketing. Creative music has a hard time fitting their bill. Time to rally and protest..."

Montreal bassist Patrick Reid feels the same way, as you'll see from the e-mail that he sent to me and many others yesterday:

The Canada Council's recording grant program has been cut ... This is incredibly saddening and disheartening news for the creative arts in Canada and its supporters. The majority of Canada's library of creative music was made possible by this program and the future of its production of new creative music is uncertain at best. Small record labels and non-profits that work relentlessly to distribute our creative outputs will have an incredibly difficult time surviving without it.

This program was the main way that artistically motivated/non-commercial recordings were possible in Canada. Recordings are the only way for musicians to document their work and now this will no longer be supported by the only federal organization that promotes art for art's sake in Canada. This is by far the largest blow to music that has taken place since the Conservative regime started their crusade against Canadian culture. This news went completely under the radar mid-summer and I only began to here about it as a scary rumour last week. Unfortunately it is very true. Aside from money that was cut from this program, even more funding from the Canada Council is being redirected into the more commercially driven sectors of music listed below. Where that money will go is ambiguous at best.

Hopefully, now that the word is spreading there will be a major protest. Unfortunately, as history demonstrates, once a program is cut it is far more difficult to have it reinstated. It will take a huge collective effort from artists, supporters, press, entrepreneurs and others combined to give us a fighting chance. With a possible impending election this fall, now would be the most opportune time to create a national uproar.

This e-mail is my initial and immediate reaction to get the ball rolling. I will be on this trying to collect the masses in all the ways that I can but please spread the word far and wide. Thanks.

Yours truly,
Patrick Reid

UPDATE: I just cracked open my mail, which brought two CDs bearing the logo of the Canada Council for the Arts' insignia: Amor, from singer Amanda Martinez, and The Breathing of Statues from Gordon Grdina's East Van Strings, on the Songlines label.

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By phum Tue, Sep 15 2009 Jazzblog.ca

An online petition has just sprouted up to protest the cancellation of the Canada Council for the Arts' grants in support of jazz, folk, world, and Aboriginal music recordings. (I wrote about the axing of the $1.3 million Canadian Music Diversity Fund here.)

I've checked the petition a few times this morning, and seen it grow from 587 names to 800 in less than two hours. I recognize more than a few of the signatories, including Ottawa drummers Jesse Stewart and Rory McGill; pianists David Ryshpan, Ali Berkok, John Sadowy and Steve Holt; drummers Jerry Granelli, Jonathan McCaslin, Nick Fraser, Bernie Arai and Barry Romberg; saxophonists from across the country including Kelly Jefferson, Steve Kaldestad and Evan Arntzen. I could go on and on.

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Some signers have also included their comments. They include:

Roberto Occchipinti
A misguided, idealogy driven decision. The governments's own study shows a return of a ratio of 2 to 1 for every dollar invested in the arts. This is one of the few programs that the artist receives the funds directly by a jury of peers. What is the rationale for cutting the program ?

Tara Davidson
This recording grant is vital and necessary to facilitate the production of non-commercial Canadian music. Numerous recordings made through the funding of this grant were JUNO nominated or winning recordings. If these non-commercial genres of music (and let's face it, that's most everything besides rock and pop) do not have funding opportunities, the music and the community will suffer. The consequences of this are enormous. It affects a broad community of people and this ripples outwards to the popular music community as well. Culture in this country is suffering at the hands of short-sighted and uninformed government cuts.

Jesse Zubot
arts & culture is the basis to our society. Without this grant only commercial music will exist in Canada. Canada will become a laughing stock on the international scene for arts. Music is medicine. If only commercial is being made, that will be the same as only harmful pharmaceutical drugs existing to heal. Creative music should be looked at in the same vein as herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy and other natural forms of healing. Can you imagine the world without classical music. Well that was the creative music of it's time, when it was developed.... Without this grant no new forms of music will be created in Canada and we will become closer and closer to only having candy coated formula product by the likes of Nickelback, Shania Twain, Hedley and others existing in this country. What a depressed nation we would be.

Jordan O'Connor
Artists are not the enemy and Art is not the problem. Why do we let politicians gut cultural programs when they are duty bound to affirm all citizens and promote diversity of expression? It is not their job to treat “culture” as a political schism, pitting people against one another in a clandestine attempt to split ridings and “win” elections. And it is not their job to limit the capacity of the business of Art at any stage, in research and development right through to the final product. This is business, period. Tens of thousands of people are employed, directly and indirectly across the country as a result of the work by Artists. So the decision to further cut funding to the Arts is a condemnation of small business, which is what we artists are, small business people. And when we are asked, what is Canadian culture we will say, culture isn’t something we fund and it isn’t something we grow and develop as a nation, rather it’s something we import.

Yvette Tollar
Cutting this specific program is a direct attack on the jugular of the independent music industry. I fear it is just the beginning of a series of sucker punches that will cripple Canada's beautiful and vibrant musical landscape that has been nurtured so carefully by the Canada Council since the late 1980's. Artists who record aboriginal music, jazz, children's, world music and folk are just some of the genres who will be left with little or no chance at funding. Leaving artists with no CD's will mean hardship for 1000's of Canadians whose livelihood depends on music festivals, and tourism that so often revolve around the music that has been attacked by this ultra conservative + uncultured government. What a terrible lack of foresight.

John Sadowy
The Recording Grant for Specialized Music is vital to preserving and promoting diversity on the Canadian artistic landscape. Cutting this program will effectively silence countless unique Canadian voices. Our country's place in the global artistic community is at stake, as are the livelihoods of the thousands of individuals at various levels of artistic production. The decision to cut this program was extremely short-sighted and misguided. I urge you to reinstate the Recording Grant for Specialized Music.

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Moore restructuring Canada Music Fund
Friday, July 31, 2009
CBC News

Heritage Minister James Moore has announced an increase in the Canada Music Fund, the federal government's main fund to support the music industry, but changes are coming in the way the fund distributes its money.

Two programs have been eliminated but the five remaining programs will see more money under the new plan, announced in Montreal on Friday. Moore said the changes will direct more money to digital platforms, but he could provide few details.

Its funding will be increased by $9.85 million annually to $27.6 million a year until 2014, he said.

"We are also ensuring that a wide variety of Canadian music is accessible on multiple platforms, increasing the reach of our artists both in Canada and abroad," Moore said in a statement.

The programs eliminated were:

Canadian Musical Diversity: This fund, administered through the Canada Council for the arts, went to indie music makers under a sound recording program and a specialized music distribution program.
Support to Sector Associations: This program, administered by Canadian Heritage, provided up to $250,000 annually to industry associations

The musical diversity program distributes about $1.35 million annually, mainly to artists who kept control of their own copyright, and some of that funding has been redirected.

The new program areas include:

$900,000 for digital market development, in a fund aimed at music entrepreneurs and businesses.
$500,000 for international market development, which will support international showcases that help Canada artists make international connection

Canadian musicians could be expected to welcome news of the international development program since they were among the artists hurt by last year's cancellation of PromArt, which provided grants so emerging artists could tour.

Expanding eligibility to professionals, such as managers and distributors who work in digital technologies, seems to be among the thrusts of the new development.

The Canadian Music Fund will continue to fund existing programs administered by:

FACTOR: the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent On Recordings, an independent organization that provides grants for new Canadian artists to tour and record.
SOCAN: Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada, which provides grants for cultural festivals and new works.
MusicAction Foundation: a non-profit organization that supports the marketing and promotion of francophone music.

The announcement from Canadian Heritage did not say how the money would be distributed among the five programs remaining under the fund. Calls to the ministers office seeking clarification were not returned.

The changes take effect in April 2010.

Harper looks beyond the fringe

2009-09-11T10:51:00.002-05:00

Yes, it has been a few months since anything has been posted at this blog, but that does not mean the Department of Culture has disbanded. Oooooh no, it does not. Rumblings of yet another election are well underway, and we're all waiting for the big news, whenever it might arise.

In the meantime, Harper continues to play foul. Thank you to the Toronto Star and Antonia Zerbisias for posting this truly important and informative article!

Harper looks beyond the fringe by Antonia Zerbisias
Sep 11, 2009 04:30 AM
http://thestar.com/article/693897

I'm thinking of making T-shirts: "Proud to be a member of that `left-wing fringe group' called `Women.'"

They'd be pink, of course, for socialism – and also for the pink triangle, the badge the Nazis made gays and lesbians wear before shipping them off to the camps.

Thanks to Prime Minster Stephen Harper, those T-shirts will make me rich!

So props to you, P.M., for letting down your hair, and your guard, last week at that not-so-closed-door speech in Sault Ste. Marie.

Thank you for finally admitting that your government shut down the Court Challenges program in 2006 not just because, as then-Heritage Minister Bev Oda claim- ed in Parliament, you "recognize the importance of women" but because you believe that that women's rights are "left-wing fringe" rights.

Truth is, you only "recognize the importance" of some of the women some of the time. Members of fringe groups such as R.E.A.L. Women, which opposes women's rights and same-sex rights, plus just about everything that doesn't hew to the "family values" one-man, one-stay-at-home-woman and lots-of-babies fantasy.

But they are not "fringe" to you, Prime Minister. At least not judging from how everything your government attempts to do comes right out of R.E.A.L. Women's playbook. So thank you for, once again, opening that not-so-hidden agenda, the one that you would impose if you ever won a majority government.

The agenda that thinks women's work is not as valuable as men's.

The agenda that would treat lesbians and gays as less than equal.

The agenda that would curb the rights of people with disabilities.

The agenda that would discriminate on the basis of race and religion.

The agenda that would leave women without reproductive freedom.

That's because that Court Challenges program your government deemed "wasteful," was, according to its website, "a national non-profit organization which was set up in 1994 to provide financial assistance for important court cases that advance language and equality rights guaranteed under Canada's Constitution."

Not just "important" cases, but landmark cases, many fought by LEAF, the Women's Legal Education and Action Fund – a group clearly overrun by rabid fringe feminists.

They intervened in "left-wing fringe" court cases such as Torres v. Minto Management (2002), which prevented a landlord from increasing a single mother's rent by 41 per cent just because her husband had left the building.

Then there was the "left-wing fringe" case The Queen v. Keegstra (1990), which kept a Holocaust denier from teaching his anti- Semitic ideas to Alberta schoolchildren.

Or how about that "left-wing fringe" case Brooks v. Safeway (1989), which forced employers not to discriminate against pregnant staffers.

And here you are, Mr. Harper, such a champion of "childcare choices" that, last week, you boasted of your government's failure to create a single daycare space.

"We need to win a majority," you told your enthusiastic audience. "If we do not win a majority, this government will have a Liberal government propped up by the socialists and the separatists."

And later, you added: "Imagine how many left-wing ideologues they would be putting in the courts."

Frankly, I think more Canadians would find the alternative a scarier proposition.

Finally, thank you for revealing your nasty, petty and vindictive side, the one that you batten down when you know the cameras are on you.

Maybe, while you're scrapping the gun registry, you could start one for cellphone cameras so, next time, nobody in your audience can tape you, and then leak the videos to CBC.

So, anyway, I'm thinking of adding shimmy-shimmy-shake fringe to the T-shirts.

Rich! Rich I tell ya!

(Marketing types can contact me at my email address below.)

Antonia Zerbisias is a Living section columnist and feature writer. azerbisias@thestar.ca.

PROTEST HARPER AGENDA on Tues., May 19! , WINNIPEG

2009-05-18T22:20:00.005-05:00

STEVEN HARPER IS COMING TO WINNIPEG: LET'S GIVE HIM A REAL WINNIPEG LABOUR WELCOME!

Host: WORKING PEOPLE DIDN'T CAUSE THIS CRISIS AND WE WON'T PAY FOR IT!
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Victoria Inn
Street: Wellington & Berry, near the airport
City/Town: Winnipeg, MB
Phone: 204.792.3371
Email: winnipeglabourdefenceleague@gmail.com

STEVEN HARPER IS COMING TO WINNIPEG: RALLY AGAINST THE HARPER GOVERNMENT, Tues., May 19th: Be There!

An injury to one is an injury to all!

winnipeglabourdefenceleague@gmail.com // 204- 792-3371

PROTEST on Tues., May 19! 5:30 p.m. @ Victoria Inn
(at Wellington & Berry, near the airport)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
BY RIPPING UP THE AUTO WORKERS COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS in Ontario, the Harper government is declaring War on Labour rights across Canada. The Auto companies are getting bailed out, but the workers are getting shafted.

Workers died fighting for the Labour rights Harper is taking away, including in the Winnipeg General Strike ninety years ago, drowned in blood by the mounted police, terrorized into submission by midnight arrests and army patrols with machine guns.

The labour movement, the people who brought you the weekend, medicare and other rights, is under attack. It’s time to push back! Workers did not cause a single problem of the capitalist system, such as unemployment, war, racism, hunger, or the destruction of the earth. But right wing governments are forcing the workers to pay for the economic crisis. Billions of dollars are spent on the banks and wealthy, while workers are laid off, communities and families are destroyed, pensions disappear, children go to food banks.

No worker lives far from utter poverty and ruin. Many people were already in crisis before the recession, not helped by social programs gutted after decades of cuts.

These governments have turned Unemployment Insurance into a cruel joke for most. Youth, Aboriginals, women and immigrant workers pay premiums, but rarely get benefits.

We can be a doormat for the corporations and wealthy, divided by racism and sexism in a dying planet, sent to another war, crushed under the thumb of anti-Labour governments.

Or we can join the fight for decent jobs, universal unemployment insurance, and a better world! We need decent jobs for everyone and to lift the burden of the crisis from the backs of workers.

Almost 80 years ago, the Canadian Labour Defence League collected a petition with 100,000 names demanding unemployment insurance and started the fight that won. We need to follow that example and build the fight from the strengths we have today.

We need to unite as a class around a program of struggle for these goals. We need to build alliances and solidarity with workers and their families in Manitoba and across Canada and the world, wherever workers are being forced to pay for the problems of capitalism. Stephen Harper will be in Winnipeg soon. We need to have a
strong protest to show workers across Canada:

Winnipeg is in solidarity with the Auto workers whose collective agreements he is ripping up.

We need you and your family at the rally:

Tues, May 19, 5:30 p.m.
Victoria Inn (at Wellington & Berry, near the airport)

Bring friends! An injury to one is an injury to all!
Defend Labour rights against Harper’s reactionary government!

Winnipeg Labour Defence League
winnipeglabourdefenceleague@gmail.com
792-3371

The latest, greatest Dictator Harper video

2008-12-04T21:27:00.001-06:00

"[Confidence in the government] isn't going to be restored by seven weeks of propaganda."

2008-12-04T13:05:00.003-06:00

Reposted from: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/12/04/harper-jean.html

GG agrees to suspend Parliament until January
Decision gives Tories reprieve, thwarts imminent attempt to topple government

Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean has granted a request from Stephen Harper to suspend Parliament until late next month, a move that avoids a confidence vote set for Monday that could have toppled his minority government.

"Following my advice, the Governor General has agreed to prorogue Parliament," Harper said outside Rideau Hall after a 2½-hour meeting with Jean.

Harper would not reveal the content of the discussion, citing constitutional traditions, but he said the first order of business when Parliament resumes Jan. 26 will be the presentation of the federal budget.

"The economy is the priority now, and the public is very frustrated with the situation in Parliament. We're all responsible for that," he said in French.

Monday's no-confidence vote could have precipitated the rise of a proposed Liberal-NDP coalition, supported by the Bloc Québécois, or it could have resulted in another election, depending on the Governor General's response.

The decision to suspend Parliament — made after Jean cut short a two-week trip to Europe — only gives the Tories a reprieve until Parliament resumes in six weeks. At that point, the party could be brought down when it tables the budget, which would be a confidence vote, as all money bills are.

In the interim, the Tories will continue to wage a public relations blitz against the Liberal-NDP coalition. But the opposition parties showed no sign of easing talks of a coalition and planned to continue waging their own campaigns to gain public support.

'Monumental change' required: Dion

Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion accused Harper of "running away" from Parliament and said only a "monumental change" from the prime minister would change his position on toppling the government.

"Warm sentiments are not enough. His behaviour must change," Dion told reporters.

NDP Leader Jack Layton suggested that his party may even try to bring down the government at the first opportunity — voting against a speech from the throne even before the Conservatives table the budget.

"We need a government that actually believes in what it's doing," Layton told reporters.

"[Confidence in the government] isn't going to be restored by seven weeks of propaganda."

He also accused Harper of attacking democracy by using a "parliamentary trick to put the locks on the door" so MPs cannot express themselves.

Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe, meanwhile, accused Harper of denigrating Quebec voters and asking his supporters to engage in the "worst attacks" against Quebecers since the Meech Lake Accord.

The reference was to the failed negotiations in 1987 aimed at bringing Quebec back into the constitutional fold under then prime minister Brian Mulroney.

Asked whether the Bloc might support the Conservative budget, Duceppe said he would be surprised if Harper met their demands.

Supporters greeted Harper

Harper was greeted by about 40 chanting supporters, including many Tory staffers, when he arrived at Rideau Hall, the Governor General's residence, at 9:30 a.m. ET. A single anti-Harper demonstrator stood waving a sign reading "Harper Must Go."

Opposition parties had hoped to have a word with the Governor General before she made her decision. They planned to present her with a petition with signatures from all NDP and Liberal members that the Conservatives had lost the confidence of the House and urging her to accept a coalition government.

Dion, who would head the proposed coalition, had said he sent a letter to Jean on Wednesday, urging her to reject any attempt by Harper to prorogue Parliament.

The Conservatives have lost the confidence of the majority of members of the House of Commons — largely because of their, in the opposition's view, inadequate reaction to Canada's financial crunch — and thus "have lost the right to govern," Dion said.

The Conservative leader had vowed to use "every legal means" to prevent a Liberal-NDP coalition government from taking power and took to the airwaves late Wednesday to make his case to the public.

In a five-minute, pre-recorded statement Wednesday night, Harper spoke bluntly against the coalition backed by "separatists," saying the federal government must stand unequivocally for keeping the country together in the face of the global economic crisis.

Economic statement lambasted

The coalition sprang up after the Tories released an economic statement that was lambasted by the opposition parties.

They accused Harper of doing nothing to address the current economic crisis and slammed what they saw as ideologically driven measures such as the proposed elimination of subsidies for political parties, a three-year ban on the right of civil servants to strike and limits on the ability of women to sue for pay equity.

Harper has since backed down on those contentious issues, but the opposition has pushed forward with the coalition.

The coalition — which would have a 24-member cabinet composed of six NDP and 18 Liberal MPs — has vowed to make an economic stimulus package a priority, proposing a multibillion-dollar plan that would include help for the auto and forestry sectors.

With 77 Liberal MPs and 37 New Democrats, plus the support of 49 Bloc members, the three parties have more seats than the 143 held by the Tories.

Video of the November 15 Block Harper Rally in Winnipeg

2008-12-03T23:06:00.005-06:00

Watch it here!

Dear Department of Culture Supporter...

2008-12-03T22:59:00.002-06:00

As you are undoubtedly aware, this past week has brought unprecedented change to federal politics.

We believe the proposed NDP/Liberal Coalition government is a welcome change to the ideologically driven ultra-right wing policies that Harper represents. With a formal agreement from the Bloc Quebecois and the support of the Green Party, this government now represents 63% of Canadian voters. Meanwhile Harper is trying to use his millions in fundraising advantage and ignorance of parliamentary procedure to keep power.

He can be stopped and there are several things that we encourage you to do:

1. Email the Governor General
We need to flood the Governor General's e-mail box with support for the coalition government. Copy and paste this letter or write one of your own. Send it along with your name and address to Michaëlle Jean. DO THIS NOW. It is essential that we show the governor general that there is massive support for this plan.

Send your message to: info@gg.ca

Your Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean,

I am writing to encourage you to accept the proposal by M. Dion and Mr. Layton to form a coalition government in cooperation with M. Duceppe. The actions of Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party are motivated by a lust for power, not the best interests of the people of our country. I believe that the coalition - which duly represents the voices of 63% of Canadians - should be given the opportunity to form a government. I also do not think that an election is a prudent choice at this juncture. We need leadership and a cooperative process. I look forward to the days ahead with
hope; please act in the name of democracy and good government.

Best Regards,

[Insert your full name and address.]

2. Go to a rally in support of the coalition government.

On Saturday December 6th there are rallies right across the country. The Toronto rally will take place at the same time as a Conservative Rally at Queen's Park. Don't be confused by the Conservative rally at Queen's Park. Pro Coalition people are gathering at NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE. Jack Layton and Stéphane Dion will be speaking at NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE. Musical guests will follow.

The Conservatives are using their own considerable resources and sympathetic media in an attempt to escape a confidence vote and maintain power. We must demonstrate that the majority of Canada's citizens support the coalition by showing our numbers at rallies right across the country.

CLICK HERE for the time and location of pro-coalition rallies across the country

MANY OF THESE RALLIES ARE ON THURSDAY DECEMBER 4th

3. Sign these petitions:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/coalition_for_canada/98.php/?CLICK_TF_TRACK Canadians for a Progressive Coalition

http://www.progressivecoalition.ca/form.php

[ + http://www.62percentmajority.ca
http://canadianlabour.ca/en/coalition-governm ent-en
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/coalitiongovernment/]

4. Join these Facebook groups:

Canadians for a Progressive Coalition

Canadians United Against Stephen Harper

5. Copy/Paste this message and send it to everyone you know via Facebook and email:

This situation is unprecedented. It is imperative that you act. The massive cash advantage that the Conservatives have means there are people BEING PAID to write emails and messages supporting Harper's cling to power across the country. At this moment, each action reverberates and makes a big difference.

"Lies, Lying Liars... and a fun quiz!"

2008-12-03T18:13:00.001-06:00

Messages from Allies...

* * *

There's a lot of spin being rolled out of the Harper camp these days-- it's to be expected. Maddening as it is, it's the reality of the political game. But as the situation becomes more desperate for the Conservatives, so do their tactics. Now they're just making shit up.

It's desperate, but it's also calculated. It puts the opposition on the defensive, muddies the issues, and the public is left scratching their heads in confusion. All we can do is counter and counter again with the truth until the truth is heard.

That said, I figure we might as well have a little fun in the meantime. Yes, this can only mean one thing:

!! FUN QUIZ TIME !!

1. Of the following options, which we have chosen TOTALLY RANDOMLY, which is NOT illegal?

A) Bribing an elected MP
B) Recording a group conversation without the consent of at least one of the intended participants
C) Paying for a fifty-cent item with pennies
D) Forming a coalition in the House of Commons as a result of a motion of censure or want of confidence

ANSWER: D! But not according to Harper, who said, "[The coalition is an] illegal grab for power through the back door". (We would never imply, by the way, that Harper or any of his MPs ever tried to pay for anything with a fistful of pennies.)

2. Using the photo at the link below as a reference, which DOES NOT appear in the picture?

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2206727&l=7d163&id=596390760

A) Stephen Dion
B) Gilles Duceppe
C) Jack Layton
D) the Canadian flag
E) A funny-shaped thing that looks like camera equipment
F) Paris Hilton

ANSWER: F! Stephen Harper would have flunked this one: "Yesterday ... we had these three parties together, forming this agreement, signing a document and they wouldn’t even have the Canadian flag behind them." (Paris, meanwhile, is mad about missing the photo opp and is consulting her lawyers.)

3. A "coup d'état" is...

A) "the sudden, violent overthrow of an existing government by a small group" (Britannica)
B) "the sudden unconstitutional overthrow of a government by a part ... of the state establishment — usually the military — to replace the branch of the stricken government, either with another civil government or with a military government" (Wikipedia)
C) "a sudden decisive exercise of force in politics" (Merriam-Webster)
D) "Sounds like a frenchie thing to me. Can't be good." (the clerk at Joe's Guns n' Ammo)

ANSWER: A, B, and C. (And now we know where Natural Resources Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn got his schoolin' from.)

4. Which of the opposition parties is NOT a formal partner in the coalition?

A) The Liberal Party of Canada
B) Bloc Québécois
C) New Democratic Party of Canada

ANSWER: B. OK, that was easy. Harper knows this, too, but is trying to convince Canadians otherwise.

5. How many Bloc MPs will be offered Senate seats by the new coalition?

A) 6
B) 12
C) One MIIIIILLION!
D) 0
E) Less than zero
F) Pas de chance !

ANSWER: D, E and F are all acceptable answers. Even though 'zero' is the same in both French and English, Harper apparently confuses it with 'six'.

----------------------------------------------

If you answered all questions correctly, congratulations! Fabulous prizes include a voice in the House of Commons and a BRAAAAND NEEEEW GOVERNMENT !

Thanks for participating!

Lara

UNITE THE LEFT - Canadians for a Coalition Government
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=47793722787&ref=mf

Harper's Hypocrisy... more of it, anyway

2008-12-02T20:20:00.000-06:00

Reposted from facebook...

Stephen Harper is trying desperately to paint a coalition that includes the Bloc Quebecois as a move that will "destroy Canada."

Problem for Stephen Harper is that he proposed to form a coalition government with the Bloc Quebecois in 2004.

Spread the word on this blatant hypocrisy! Blog it, email it, send it to your Facebook friends, write letters to the editor, write your MP - whatever you can do!

http://www.voteforenvironment.ca/harper-proposed-coalition-bloc-quebecois-2004

Petitons to sign in support fo the new Coalition

2008-12-02T20:03:00.003-06:00

Your voice matters!!

http://www.62percentmajority.ca
http://www.progressivecoalition.ca/form.php
http://canadianlabour.ca/en/coalition-governm ent-en

And, don't forget to contact the Governor General: info@gg.ca

EDIT: here are two more...

http://www.avaaz.org/en/coalition_for_canada/97.php/?cl_tf_sign=1
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/coalitiongovernment/

Winnipeg Rally in Support of A New Coalition Government

2008-12-02T10:14:00.004-06:00

All are welcome to attend an event in support of a new coalition government!

Thursday Dec 4, 08
6:30 PM
Marlborough Hotel
Skyview Ballroom
331 Smith St

In the meantime, here is a little something to help you demonstrate your support. To accurately print a full-size version, click on the image below, save the file to your desktop, then print. Make as many copies as you can... affix them to your window, car, office door... anywhere you want and can!

Ten arguments against a coalition, and how to debunk them

2008-12-01T21:17:00.001-06:00

Reposted from Facebook...
Originally posted by David Fernandes

Ten arguments against a coalition, and how to debunk them

1) The lib-ndp coalition is a 'coup'.

Actually, a coup is an illegal seizure of power. A coalition government is not only legal, it's constitutional, has happened before in Canada and is commonplace all over the world.

2) It's an 'unholy alliance' because it relies on the Bloc for support.

I'm curious as to what a 'holy' alliance is? The Bloc is a federal political party that advocates for Quebecers in the same way that the Conservatives are a federal political party that advocates for rich people. What's your point? The Bloc is left of centre and so is the NDP. Occasionally, when opportune, so are the Liberals. It is a strategic alliance, not a religious one.

3) The coalition is a cheap power grab by sore losers.

Political parties exist for one reason: to enact legislation that they believe is in the best interests of their constituents. Harper certainly tries. If one or more opposition parties decide they can agree on enough things to run the government, then power to them. Grab it. Both hands.

4) This is a 'socialist' / 'communist' plot to take over the country!!!!!!!

There's a great movie from the 80's called Red Dawn. Watch it. It all came true. The USSR parachuted in millions of soldiers into your neighbours' living rooms, and they all voted NDP and Liberal, Bloc and Green - well, ok, only 62% of them did. Lock your doors. They look just like you.

5) We need Stephen Harper right now because he's an economist

He's an economist that thinks that selling your country's public assets, bullying its employees and silencing its opposition is a plausible 'ways and means' to run a country in the face of the largest economic crisis since 1929. They have provided nothing in terms of economic protection for Canadian home owners and renters and nothing to Canada's largest employing industries - manufacturing and automotive. So, if that is the type of economist Harper is, I would much rather have a lawyer and a professor running the country. And if they can figure out how to work with a separatist party in a framework that is stable and progressive, than all the more power to them.

6) Ha! I knew it! The NDP-BLOC planned this all months ago - Jack Layton said so! It's a 'backroom scheme'.

Layton and Duceppe speak regularly as opposition leaders and made contingency plans like any other opposition parties do in a minority parliament. In fact, in 2005 the conservatives bloc and NDP were signatories to a letter to the governor general asking her to consider all her alternatives in the event of a dissolution of parliament - IE, the possibility of a coalition. The only 'scandal' here is that the tories illegally recorded and broadcast a private conversation, when they knew they were invited to it accidentally.

7) The people voted for Stephen Harper! You are trying to overturn the election results!

Actually, the people voted for political parties. They gave the tories a minority, which means, the prime minister must work WITH the other parties in order to pass so little as a fart. In Canada, our parliament has a sort of checks and balance system called 'responsible government', which means, the ruling party - the party that gets to form the government, must enjoy the 'confidence' of the house. Usually that means they need the majority of the votes to stay in power. The conservatives do not have a majority of the seats and have shown unprecedented (even for them) callousness and shortsightedness in their economic update and have lost the confidence of the house. Therefore, the GOVERNOR GENERAL must decide whether to call an election, or to give power to another group of parties.

8) Canadians did not vote for a 'coalition government'.

No one voted for Harper to act like a demagogic jackass either. The opposition parties, representing 54% and of the seats in the house - the majority - have every right to try and form a government. They will do so with a formal agreement that outlines how they will work together, and what legislative priorities they will have. Those priorities were voted on by Canadians and in fact more Canadians voted for the policies of the bloc, NDP and liberals than did the conservatives. Furthermore, those priorities will have to be a compromise of sorts between the three parties. This kind of negotiating ensures that policies that Canadians DID vote for DO get enacted.

9) The Bloc is a SEPARATIST PARTY!! THEY WANT TO DESTROY CANADA!!!

The Bloc is a FEDERAL political party that operates only in Quebec. And whether or not they are separatist, there is no way at all they could 'destroy Canada' by voting in the Canadian parliament and no way that the Liberals of the NDP would support a Quebec separation motion. Furthermore, the Bloc represent 65% of the seats in Quebec and are strong advocates of publicly funded and delivered social programs for all Canadians and Quebeckers, peaceful use of our military, pay equity and a long list of other progressive legislative ideas. A coalition would work with the Bloc to identify progressive ideas that they could implement for a 2.5 year period.

10) The NDP should not enter an 'unholy alliance' with the liberals because it will weaken their policies.

As it stands right now, the NDP is the fourth largest party in the parliament with 37 seats. Entering into a coalition with the liberals would give them 6 of 24 cabinet positions and would guarantee that at least some of their platform is implemented. The NDP could never accomplish this sitting by itself in opposition and frankly, it is high time the NDP start acting like a real power broker in parliament. That's why we elected them. And heck, what better proof of your ability to govern is there than governing?

Make Parliament Work!

2008-12-01T21:09:00.002-06:00

A rally is being planned for Winnipeg...

http://www.makeparliamentwork.ca/

Keep your eyes and ears peeled!

More info soon!

* * *

The Conservative government introduced an economic and fiscal statement last week that failed to provide economic relief for Canadians or any measures to get the economy back on track.

The Harper government is also committed to trampling workers' rights and women's rights to pay equity.

Canadians need a government that shows leadership.

The opposition parties are acting in a responsible manner. They are not going to force another costly and time-consuming election. Instead the Liberals and the NDP are planning to form a coalition government, with the support of the Bloc Québecois in the House of Commons, to get this Parliament to address the economic crisis in a way that benefits workers and their families.

Let's support a coalition government that will get us through this economic crisis.

The Council of Canadians supports the call for a coalition government.

2008-12-01T18:51:00.002-06:00

The Council of Canadians, Canada's largest non-partisan public advocacy group has just endorsed the call for a coalition opposition government

Read their statement here: http://canadians.org/08-Coalition/index.html

We believe that a coalition government is a legitimate and democratic option in this minority Parliament, that it would best reflect the concerns of the majority of Canadians, and that it is best suited to deal with the current economic crisis. We encourage our members and supporters to promote this call for a coalition government in their community.

The Council calls on the three opposition parties to defeat the Harper government in a non-confidence vote as soon as possible and to form a coalition government guided by a set of progressive priorities, including:

1. Agreement to proceed with the renegotiation of NAFTA, including seeking the removal of the Chapter 11 investor-state clause, the energy provisions, and water from the treaty.

2. Implement a Canadian energy strategy, which would address the environmental destruction of the northern Alberta tar sands, reduce eastern Canada's dependence on imported oil, and create the opportunity for Canada to become an international leader in developing new green jobs and publicly-owned renewable energy sources.

3. Implement a national water policy that would prohibit bulk water exports (by removing water from NAFTA), recognize the right to water through the United Nations, and ensure that water remains a public good not a private commodity.

4. Place an immediate moratorium on the establishment of any new for-profit privately-owned health care clinics in Canada.

5. Take immediate steps to introduce proportional representation to address the unbalanced results that come with the current electoral system in Canada.

An Open Letter to Canadians

2008-12-01T18:05:00.002-06:00

The following letter was issued today by the leaders of the three opposition parties.

To proceed with a new coalition, they need support from Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean [C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.] Governor General of Canada.

The real majority of Canadians who voted AGAINST the CPC are encouraged to contact her by telephone -- 1 800 465-6890. Please note, you may get a message indicating that the necessary voice mailbox is full, so please send email, as well: info@gg.ca.

It is not too late to make Canada a better place!

------------

Monday, December 1, 2008

To our fellow citizens,

Canada is facing a global economic crisis. Since the recent federal election, it has become clear that the government headed by Stephen Harper has no plan, no competence and, no will to effectively address this crisis. Therefore, the majority of Parliament has lost confidence in Mr. Harper’s government, and believes that the formation of a new Government that will effectively, prudently, promptly and competently address these critical economic times is necessary.

The contrast between the inaction of Mr. Harper’s government and the common action taken by all other Western democracies is striking. We cannot accept this.

A majority of Canadians and Quebecers voted for our parties on October 14, 2008. Our Members of Parliament make up 55 percent of the House of Commons.

In light of the critical situation facing our citizens, and the Harper government’s unwillingness and inability to address the crisis, we are resolved to support a new government that will address the interests of the people.

Today we respectfully inform the Governor General that, as soon as the appropriate opportunity arises, she should call on the Leader of the Official Opposition to form a new government, supported as set out in the accompanying accords by all three of our parties.

Respectfully,

Hon. Stéphane Dion
Leader, the Liberal Party of Canada

Hon. Jack Layton
Leader, the New Democratic Party of Canada

Gilles Duceppe
Leader, the Bloc Québécois

Canadians for a Progressive Coalition

2008-11-30T13:47:00.001-06:00

http://www.progressivecoalition.ca/

Why the opposition can't back down now

2008-11-30T13:16:00.004-06:00

Sixty-two percent of Canadians said NO to Harper on Oct 14... we must continue saying NO!
Contact your MP! Tell her/him you reject Harper and support a coalition!

Reposted from: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081129.WReid29/BNStory/Front

Why the opposition can't back down now
The Liberals, NDP and Bloc Quebecois will never get a better chance to take out Stephen Harper
SCOTT REID, Globe and Mail Update, November 29, 2008 at 5:00 PM EST

First things first: take him out.

After all, Stephen Harper is the most dangerous animal lurking in the jungles of Parliament. He is a threat to the future viability of the Liberals. A blood simple opponent of the NDP and the only serious contemporary challenge to the Bloc Quebecois. Without him, his party is an unlikely combination of Reform Party leftovers, Harris refugees and Red Tory desperates. They don't matter or even exist without Mr. Harper. So before you think a moment longer, opposition leaders, think on that.

And if that's not compelling enough, remember: He doesn't play to win. He plays to conquer. Under his guidance, the public interest is always subjugated to his personal political advancement. And he poisons Parliament with an extreme, bare-fanged breed of partisanship that has no hope of repair until he is banished.

This becomes relevant because suddenly, he is weak. In fact, at this particular moment, he is almost unable to defend himself. Owing to a ridiculously ill-considered act of hubris, he has laid himself vulnerable to his opponents. Their imperative could not be more clear: kill him. Kill him dead. Do not, whatever you do, provide him with an opportunity to extend his hold on power. Because you can be damn certain he will never again be so reckless as to give you a chance to finish him off.

Fate tends to be grudging with gifts of this significance. To ignore it would be an error every bit as historic as the one Mr. Harper himself has made.

So don't get fancy. Don't get confused. And don't get weak in the knees. If you don't put Mr. Harper in his grave, he'll put you in yours.

The next question is how. Nothing should be taken for granted. The guy has bought himself a week. And he'll use it to his advantage. He'll spend money, time and every ounce of energy to make it difficult on the Opposition.

Already, he's abandoning the liability of his own electoral financing proposals. He'll further correct his mistakes by having Jim Flaherty tease out talk of stimulus. He'll attack the legitimacy of an unelected "Prime Minister Dion." He'll turn the Liberal caucus loose on itself. And he will have success in rallying public opinion to his side.

Here's why: Already, the debate has shifted from the illegitimacy of what Mr. Harper has done to the illegitimacy of what comes next.

So be smart. Be deserving. Prove your case and show you have a plan that serves the public interest. Above all else, use the coming week to exert real leadership on the issues that matter.

The next few days are a campaign. Mr. Harper is no longer on trial; the coalition is. So take the initiative, show leadership and demonstrate competence.

That effort must first focus on the economy. Start with an articulation of how the coalition would direct the stimulus that the Conservatives withheld. Indicate that you will create a fund to echo U.S. investment in the auto sector. Express a willingness to create incentives to boost the manufacturing and forestry sectors. Announce an advisory board that is widely held and draws on the most talented that business and labour have to offer. Above all else, show that you're prepared to act, that you enjoy the support of serious people and that you will be guided by the need to create jobs and protect middle-class Canadians.

The other elephant in the room is leadership. Stephane Dion has bargained his way to the drive wheel of the new government. Good for him, but only if it suits the greater good. If Mr. Dion can make his case, then great. If he can't, move to an alternative - and do it fast.

Mr. Harper knows that his greatest advantage lies in Mr. Dion's weakness. The coalition can't let that impulse triumph. Don't permit the defeat of Mr. Harper to depend upon Mr. Dion's personal credibility - or that of any single individual, for that matter. There's too much at stake.

The coalition must be ruthless. Be quick to signal that if Mr. Dion can't win the confidence of his own party, or the country, an alternative will be identified before the vote in the House.

Mr. Harper will spend the next week marketing the evils of the coalition. And he'll do it like his life depends upon it - because politically, it does. The coalition can't show weakness or indecision. It must be clear in its determination to finish off Mr. Harper, to market its own virtues and to offer a leadership that Canadians find acceptable. It has to prove its legitimacy.

This is a rare moment in political history. A prime minister has been foolish enough to sacrifice control over his destiny to others. We know that Mr. Harper is tough. Between now and Dec. 8, we'll find out if the opposition is tougher.

Scott Reid was the communications director for former prime minister Paul Martin

Tory views on women's rights perfectly clear

2008-11-19T10:30:00.001-06:00

Reposted from: http://www.thestar.com/living/article/539189
Antonia Zerbisias, Toronto Star, November 19, 2008

Stephen Harper can put on all the warm and fuzzy sweaters he likes, smile and say soothing things to politically moderate Canadians but, every time his base speaks out, the Prime Minister's carefully crafted image begins to unravel.

This was evident during the Conservative national policy convention in Winnipeg last weekend, at least when it came to issues concerning women.

Passed were three policy resolutions that affect women, and their rights, and choices.

In ascending order of outrageousness, they are:

Resolution P-305 would allow for income splitting for families with children, which would ease the tax burden on the main earner and put more cash in the couple's pockets.

That means spouses – usually women – who don't work outside of the home for pay could also get some financial reward for their contributions to the family, assuming, of course, that they actually see some of the dough.

Now, on the surface, this is great.

Except for one thing: It discriminates against single-parent families, many of who struggle to make ends meet.

It also works more to the benefit of the rich than the middle classes. The more income that a couple can split, the bigger and better the tax break. And aren't non-working spouses dependents anyway?

What income splitting as official policy really says is, especially in the absence of a national daycare program, a woman's place is in the home.

Resolution P-213 should hardly come as a surprise to anybody following the Harper government's efforts to wipe out any and all support for women's rights.

The proposal eliminates support for full gender equality as well as equal pay for work of equal value.

Let me repeat that: It would eliminate support for full gender equality.

Oh it couches that in airy fairy speak, stating that the party is all for "the full participation of women in the social, economic, and cultural life of Canada." But the phrase "gender equality" was scrubbed and equal pay will only go for "equal work."

That means male parking lot attendants can continue to make more than female child care workers, even if the latter have university educations and are entrusted with your precious kid instead of your car.

Which says a lot about where the Cons stand on the issue of women's work and independence.

And, if you still don't get their agenda, consider what bloggers Dr. Dawg and Danielle Takacs both reported from the floor. At least one delegate objected to the resolution because women already have it "too good" and the proposal should have included men.

Last but, oh so very far from least, is Resolution P-207 which is all about, here we go again, protecting "unborn children" from violence.

Rewind to the eve of the last federal election when Harper pulled the plug on the controversial Bill C-484, the so-called "Unborn Victims of Crime Act" because it contained language that could lead to the definition of the fetus as a legal person.

Well, a similar bill could be back like the stink of skunk after the rain. According to Kady Malley of Maclean's, when one delegate got up to say that passing this would open the door to fetal rights, she was cheered. But, when the applause died down, she concluded that this was not a good thing. Which was when she was booed.

True, after the vote, Justice Minister Rob Nicholson told reporters Harper has publicly stated he has no intention of reopening the abortion debate. So why can't he close it in his own party ranks?

It's obvious that, whatever face Harper presents to Canadians, his dark grass roots will always be showing.

Antonia Zerbisias is a Living section columnist. azerbisias@thestar.ca. She blogs at thestar.blogs.com.

Block Harper - November 15th Rally at Winnipeg Convention Centre

2008-11-11T22:40:00.004-06:00

A rally will held at the Conservative Party convention at the Winnipeg Convention Centre on November 15th (12 noon) to oppose the Harper agenda and to support the majority of Canadians:

The majority of Canadians who want our soldiers out of Afghanistan, and for Canada to meet its Kyoto commitments.

The majority who oppose further integration with the United States and who want an end to the secret 'Security and Prosperity' or SPP talks.

The majority who want more affordable access to higher education, action to end poverty and homelessness.

Host: The Majority Agenda Coalition (of which Winnipeg's DoC is a part)
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2008
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: The Winnipeg Convention Centre -- York Ave between Edmonton and Carleton
Email: block.harper.winnipeg@gmail.com

stealbackyourvote.org

2008-10-21T20:42:00.002-05:00

The following video discusses interesting and important details concerning circumstances in the United States. However, given the new voter ID rules that were introduced here at home, the content is extremely relevant...

Steal Back Your Vote! from Greg Palast on Vimeo.

Food for Thought

2008-10-21T18:13:00.003-05:00

Electoral Reform: My Mixed Proportional System
http://www.publicbroadcasting.ca/2008/10/electoral-reform-my-mixed-proportional.html
Posted: 20 Oct 2008 10:37 AM CDT

Since last Tuesday's election Electoral Reform has been the hottest topic in the country. there are discussions about it everywhere you turn. Still, some people have real problems with the idea of proportional representation. Many are concerned that it would lead to a parliament filled with tiny parties who's power in a coalition would vastly outweigh their popular support. Still others don't like the idea of losing their local MP, they want someone to call with local problems.

Having given this considerable thought over the last few years I think I have a solution to the problem that no one will love, but everyone will be able to live with and, in a democracy, that's usually a good sign. The system I propose is actually a combination of first past the post, preferential balloting and proportional representation. It also adds 100 new Members of Parliament (I can hear the groaning already - but democracy is important and it's worth it.)

Before I get to the voting system I'm suggesting I'd like to point out a few other changes I think are needed to make our democracy work outside of the voting system.

First elections should be held on weekends, giving people a full 48 hours in which to cast their ballots
The management of debates needs to be removed from the group known as 'the Consortium' and made a matter of law, enforced by the CRTC. Any party receiving over 5% of the popular vote in the previous election must be included in the debates and debates must be presented to receive the largest possible audience. They should be aired in 'prime time' on all licensed Canadian stations (television and radio), re-aired at least once on a weekend afternoon and made available in their entirety online.
The power of the Prime Minister must be scaled back so as not to infringe on the democratic rights of other members of parliament. Ethics rules need to be put in place to prevent any disciplinary action by a political party when a Member of Parliament votes against party lines. Additionally, it should be considered a violation of ethics for any party to prevent an elected MP or party candidate from speaking publicly on any topic they choose or to punish a candidate or elected member for such speech.
Local Riding associations should have the sole power to choose local Candidates. Under the system I'm about to suggest, party leaders will still be able to have their 'star candidates' in parliament
Civics courses, including the workings of government and the importance of voting should be a part of every school curriculum and should be re-presented several times over a student's academic career.
The voting age should be changed so that interested young people can participate in the system (this too I will cover in the plan I'm going to propose.)

The Plan

It's election weekend, you head down to your local polling station to vote. It works the same as it always has, even the ballot is the same.

The first thing that has changed is you no longer put an X in the box next to your candidates name, you put a "1". Under this new system the need for 'Strategic Voting' is gone so choose the party you really, really like - what is most important in this election is which party gets that "1".

Now, having done that you pick the candidate who you would vote for if you couldn't have your first choice and you put a "2", then you pick the candidate (if any) you like best after that and put a "3".

You're done. That's all you need to do, the rest is vote vote counters.

Counting the Votes

In each riding the ballots are counted, initially they just look at the "1" and come up with a total for votes. If none of the candidates has 50%+1 of the votes, they set this original number aside (because it's important again later). The vote counters now take the top two from the first count, and go back to the ballots for other candidates. For ballots where the "1" vote was for a candidate outside the top 2, they count the "2" votes then re-total the numbers. If one of the top two candidates now has 50% + 1 of the votes they are declared the winner. If they do not have a majority though the vote counters once again return to the ballots. Looking at only the ballots where neither of the two top contenders was "1" or "2" they now count the threes. The candidate who is ahead at this point (50% or not) is declared the winner. That person is the candidate that most of the voters in the riding at least found acceptable, even if he or she wasn't their first choice.

Now that that's done the totals from that first ballot are brought back out. The "1" votes are the ones that will determine Federal funding for parties, they will also, in part, determine the proportional seats. I say in part because there are more votes to add here. While voters 18+ were voting for their local MP, High School students were also voting. In an effort to empower them and get them in the habit of voting they were casting 'party only' ballots - that is they were voting for which of the federal parties they liked the best. These votes are added to the "1" votes nationwide and a total emerges.

Let's pretend that the numbers were like last tuesdays vote totals:

------------------
Conservative 37.63%
Liberal 26.24%
NDP 18.2%
BQ 9.97%
Green 6.8%
------------------

The proportional seats are awarded based on percentage of the vote 1 seat per 1% rounded up (but a party would have to receive at least 1% to get a seat). So the Conservatives would receive an additional 38 members, the Liberals 26, the NDP 18, the Bloc 10 and the Greens 7. These 'at large' members would be appointed by the party and could be used to return members not elected to parliament, to fill gaps in representation (regional, minority etc), to fill gaps in expertise or to bring in those 'star candidates' I mentioned.

This is not, as I said, a perfect system. It doesn't give everyone what they want, but it does answer everyone's concerns - it insures that parties with public support get a voice in parliament, it provides an opportunity for minority voters (Conservatives in Toronto, Liberals in Red Deer etc) to be represented in party caucus', but at the same time it does not give undue power to small extreme parties and it allows people to retain local, riding level, representation in parliament.

New identification rules bar some Canadians from casting ballots

2008-10-15T19:25:00.001-05:00

Omar El Akkad, Globe and Mail, Wednesday Oct 15, 2008

OTTAWA — One of the lowest voter turnouts in Canadian history began to take shape late last night as voters across the country expressed anger at new voter-identification rules that left some Canadians unable to cast a ballot.

Although it is too early to tell exactly what percentage of the roughly 23 million eligible voters cast their ballots in this election, the numbers hovered about 60 per cent. If that percentage is correct, it would be a historic low.

Turnout has been steadily declining over the past 50 years, dropping from almost 80 per cent in the early sixties to between 60 and 65 per cent in the past few elections.

Tuesday marked the first election since Parliament passed a law last year requiring potential voters to present ID showing their name and address.

Although Elections Canada spent millions of dollars advertising the new rules, it became clear Tuesday that many people who showed up at polling stations across the country only with identification such as passports were not aware of or did not understand the new rules.
"They denied me the right to vote," Lawrence Oshanek complained after being turned away from a polling booth in Calgary.

Mr. Oshanek has lived in Calgary for years, but has no fixed address. The identification he produced and the statutory declaration was not enough, Elections Canada told the local elections officials, he said.

Elections Canada rules allowed three options for potential voters.

They could present a piece of ID with their photo, name and address; they could also present two pieces of ID, at least one of which had an address. Voters could also swear an oath, as long as they had another valid voter from the same polling district vouch for them.

But some Canadians complained that the new address requirements disproportionately alienated younger voters, who may move from house to house more often, or live for periods of time with their parents.

Rick Salay's 21-year-old son and 25-year-old daughter both tried to vote in Toronto Tuesday using their voter identification cards and passports. Mr. Salay said his children were told that wasn't enough. His son managed to find a piece of mail with his address, and could vote; his daughter did not, and couldn't vote.

"It just seems ludicrous to me that with those two pieces of ID [voter registration card and passport], it's still not enough," Mr. Salay said.

"A passport is good enough to get them out of the country."

Elections Canada officials acknowledged some anecdotal problems with the new ID requirements, which first surfaced during advance polls earlier in the election campaign, but described the issues as relatively minor.

With a report from Dawn Walton in Calgary

Today's the Day

2008-10-14T10:28:00.002-05:00

Today is the day, so please be sure to get out and vote! Polls in the central time zone - our time zone - are open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

To make the most of your vote to stop the conservatives, please vote strategically and remember the acronym "ABC": Anything But Conservative.

For more information about strategic voting and to find out the best "ABC" choice in your riding, please visit:

voteforenvironment.ca
anyonebutharper.ca

Canadian arts community calls for strategic voting

2008-10-14T10:25:00.000-05:00

In this piece from TheRealNews.com the new artist group called The Department of Culture, calls for strategic voting against Harper in the election. For more information on strategic voting visit: http://anyonebutharper.ca/

Messages from Allies

2008-10-13T19:00:00.000-05:00

From anyonebutharper.ca

A full break down on goings on sometime tomorrow but for today I just wanted to point out a little reality. To alot of people the phrase "Strategic Voting" sounds alot like "Root Canal" but there is a basic reality facing us tuesday.

If everyone 'votes with their heart' instead of their head we're looking at

Conservative 141
Liberal 73
NDP 35
Green 0
Bloc 57
IND 2

If we vote smart we get: (please not the Liberals, Greens, and NDP all do better):
Conservative 97
Liberal 109
NDP 46
Green 1
Bloc 53
IND 2

See details at voteforenviornment.ca
or anyonebutharper.ca

If you've got a minute please take the time to pass this message on to your friends, groups, or whoever will listen.

What You Can Do in the Last Few Days of the Campaign

2008-10-12T13:16:00.002-05:00

Hello DoC Supporters,

We are now in the final days of our campaign. These last few days are critical, and we wanted to let you know what you can do to make a real difference in the outcome of the election in the few days that remain. According to today's Globe and Mail, 25% of voters will decide who to vote for between now and when they arrive at the ballot box.

Here's What You Can Do:

1. Tell Everyone You Know About voteforenvironment.ca

There are 65 "swing ridings" in Canada, ridings where the race between the Conservative and a non-Conservative candidate are extremely close. Voters in these ridings have the capacity to dramatically shift the outcome of the election by being strategic about who they vote for. This website offers comprehensive, up-to-date riding-by-riding information on how to defeat Harper at the ballot box--a quick and easy and incredibly important tool for all voters, especially those in these critical swing ridings.

Please consider sending a message to your friends, relatives and contacts, similar to the one below:

With the election fast approaching, many people are concerned about Harper winning a majority.

The problem is that in many ridings, otherwise unpopular Conservatives are in danger of winning because votes representing the riding's primarily anti-Conservative sentiment are being split between several non-Conservative parties.

To prevent a Harper majority, we must vote strategically in these ridings.

he following website provides comprehensive, up-to-date, riding-by-riding information on voting strategically in ridings the Conservatives could win. Although it is obviously anti-Conservative, the website is otherwise non-partisan.

http://www.voteforenvironment.ca/

If you agree with this strategy, please pass this on to as many other people as possible.

Thank you,

[your name]

2. Pull the Vote on Election Day

Another important thing you can do is help "pull the vote" for the candidate in a swing riding who has been deemed most likely to beat the Conservative in that riding. "Pulling the vote" involves ensuring that voters who have previously indicated that they will be voting for that particular candidate actually make it to the polls on Election Day. For a list of swing ridings go to: http://www.voteforenvironment.ca/content/key-ridings. Click on the riding to find out which candidate you should pull the vote for, and contact their election office.

*Please note that candidates will require you to have some election training before Election Day, so please contact the election office of the candidate you wish to pull the vote for ASAP.

3. Remind Everyone You Know to Vote on Election Day

Another thing you can do is remind everyone you know to vote. First thing in the morning on the 14th, email and/or text message your contacts across the country with a friendly reminder to vote--and to check out voteforenvironment.ca before doing so.

If we all pitch in over the next few days we can have a real effect on the outcome of the election. Please take a moment to participate in some or all of the above initiatives.

Thanks for your support,
Department of Culture

You Have A Choice

2008-10-12T11:55:00.002-05:00

Created for avaaz.org

CREDITS:
K-OS, Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies, Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent, Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace, Sarah Harmer, Hawksley Workman, Jason Collett of Broken Social Scene, Darren Dumas of The Salads and the Arts Offstage Choir under the direction of David Reed.

SONG WRITTEN & PRODUCED BY
Ian Lefeuvre (The Hundreds and Thousands) and K-OS

Lyrics all contributed by the artists. Additional keyboards are performed by Todor Kobakov from Major Maker. The track was mastered by Joao Carvalho.

Messages from Allies

2008-10-11T20:47:00.003-05:00

Election resources on women's equality from CWHN

Federal Election 2008 - Bringing Women's Voices and Concerns to the National Table

CWHN is highlighting resources created by other non-governmental organizations for this federal election. See our website for details:

http://www.cwhn.ca/indexeng.html

Issues that are important to women are important to the country. Remember, on October 14th, exercise your right to vote!

Ellen Reynolds
Director of Communications/Directrice des communications
Canadian Women’s Health Network/Le Réseau canadien pour la santé des femmes
203 – 419 Ave Graham
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0M3
Cell: 250-208-4889
Fax/Téléc: 204-989-2355
news@cwhn.ca // www.cwhn.ca

A Message from the Winnipeg Branch of the Department of Culture

2008-10-11T11:26:00.005-05:00

Dear friends, allies, supporters, and fellow Canadians...

Thank you so very much for your many contributions to our campaign over the past few weeks! Your generosity has helped us get the word out about destructive Conservative Party of Canada policies through many means including handbills, posters, events, and now an ad in the Sunday edition of the Winnipeg Sun.

Keep your eyes peeled for the ad below.

The money raised at the Wrecking Ball, This is Not a Conservative Party, and through various individual donations has made this possible. We really hope it reaches people who are on the fence... the ones who are planning to vote CPC because they're looking forward to a little (and ultimately negligible) tax break. The way we see it, cheering for crumbs in the form of small tax breaks is falling for a bribe that will cost more in the end.

To circulate this ad, please click on it to save it in its larger size.

Best,
Members of Winnipeg's Department of Culture

Labour and social movements have made a difference!

2008-10-11T11:18:00.001-05:00

Reposted from: Rabble.ca, Thurs Oct 9

Labour and social movements have made a difference
By Fred Wilson

There is one very strong conclusion to draw from Canada’s five election campaign. Don’t draw any conclusions yet.

The trend is now negative for Harper, and positive for Liberals and the NDP. How far that trend goes by Tuesday is simply unpredictable, but this in itself is the excitement of these last days.

Three weeks ago when it looked like Harper would sweep Quebec, I suggested that we could only put our hope in the Quebec labour and social movements. They have delivered, and brought the country back from the edge of an abyss. A sweetener from Quebec is the imminent defeat of Jean-Pierre Blackburn in Saguenay – the Conservative Labour Minister who could not be more anti-labour.

In English Canada, my union has been better informed and more involved than in any recent election and I think that is largely true also for most of the major unions. PSAC was one of the first to turn the tide against Harper with its campaign on food safety. CUPE, Canada’s largest union, has met daily during the campaign to discuss how to strategically intervene with their membership on crucial issues. CUPE.ca today focuses on the war in Afghanistan and child care – two issues that have not dominated the party campaigns, but are vote determining for many people. The Canadian Labour Congress, which has been relatively quiet through the campaign while it focused on organization in priority ridings, is out today in 49 Canadian newspapers with labour’s political ads on health care, manufacturing jobs and forestry.

Other social movements have also stepped up and delivered as never before. The arts community has been passionate, articulate and remarkably effective. Harper’s attempt to scapegoat artists turned into a Conservative fiasco that is already part of Canadian election lore. One more initiative on the cultural front this week was a joint effort by CEP, ACTRA and the Friends of Canadian Broadcasting on the issue of Canadian ownership of media with ads strategically placed across the country. You can check it out at friends.ca or keepitcanadian.ca.

The grim and frightening prospect that loomed over us a month ago seems to be giving way to opportunity. Inevitably, “the ABC campaign” will favour both Liberals and New Democrats depending on the local scene. Elizabeth May seemed to accept that in her comments Wednesday.

Few will spend the long weekend paying attention to the frenetic closing gambits of the campaigns. It is now about organization on the ground, and word of mouth. Undecided numbers are in the 20-25% range, and a large percentage of those will decide with the ballot in their hand. Herein is the potential for the anti-Harper trend to turn into a wave. It should also be the motivation for progressives to be focused and purposeful, knowing that what we have done in our organizations and as individuals, and what we do over the long weekend and on Tuesday, makes a difference.

Messages from Allies

2008-10-11T11:08:00.001-05:00

More from Anyonebutharper.ca (from a few days ago, but still very relevant!)

VIDEO
Just one today, and it's a big one. This is the video for "You Have A Choice"

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=slnN3GMy7Nc

by K-OS, Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies, Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent, Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace, Sarah Harmer, Hawksley Workman, Jason Collett of Broken Social Scene, Darren Dumas of The Salads and the Arts Offstage Choir under the direction of David Reed.

SONG WRITTEN & PRODUCED BY
Ian Lefeuvre (The Hundreds and Thousands) and K-OS

Lyrics all contributed by the artists. Additional keyboards are performed by Todor Kobakov from Major Maker. The track was mastered by Joao Carvalho.

PLEASE POST IT TO YOUR SITE(S) AND SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW!
(link to share)
http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=slnN3GMy7Nc

THE OFFICIAL PREMIERE OF THE VIDEO IS AT 7PM TONIGHT AT THE PHOENIX IN TORONTO AS PART OF "THIS IS NOT A CONSERVATIVE PARTY!"

http://departmentofculture.ca/concert/

If you're going, I'll might see you there!

It's just the long weekend to go folks, the fact that Tuesday is after the Thanksgiving weekend means people won't be paying alot of attention this week and voter turnout will be down on Tuesday (I'm sure that that is part of Harper's plan) so drag your friends with you to the polls on Tuesday, call them and ask if they've voted. For decades now we've said 'we'll do something about the environment someday', we've commissioned studies, come up with grand 10 and 20 year plans that fizzled but this is it.

I know people are concerned about the economy but have you noticed that when the economy is up they say we can't do anything about the environment because we'll kill the strong economy, when it's down they say we can't do anything because we'll damage it more. But virtually every reasonable economist in Canada, and most environmentalists agree that a Carbon Tax would actually be GOOD for the economy.

The time to do something about the environment is no longer someday, it is not, over the next 5 years, it is not 'when the economy improves' it is TUESDAY!

Vote with your heart, but don't leave your head completely out of the equation. Vote to remove Stephen Harper.

NEWS:

Alberta Premiere Calls for Economic Meeting With Counterpart: Contradicts Harper
http://tinyurl.com/3jlcnn

Oil sands will pollute Great Lakes, report warns
http://tinyurl.com/4ykb8p

Flaherty Suddenly Cares About the Economy
http://www.publicbroadcasting.ca/2008/10/you-cant-trust-conservatives-with-money.html

Elizabeth May Endorses Strategic Voting in Close Races
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081008.welxngreens1009/BNStory/politics/home?cid=al_gam_mostemail

Canadian researchers call for end to 'politicization' of science
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/story/2008/10/09/scientists-letter.html?ref=rss

Canadians prefer national child care system to monthly allowance 2 to 1 according to Nanos poll
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2008/09/c4801.html

POLLS:

CPAC-Nanos Conservatives 33% (no change) Liberals 29% (no change) NDP 20% (no change) Bloc 10% (-1) Greens 7% (no change) Undecided 15% (-1)
While the Conservatives and/or Liberals were up or down 1 - 2 points here and there it was within the margin of error. Statistically significant NDP +4% in Quebec, Conservatives -6% in Atlantic Canada.

Also in terms of "Leadership Indicators" Harper lost ground on Trust, Competence and Vision for Canada while Dion gained in all 3 areas.

http://www.nanosresearch.com/election/CPAC-Nanos-October-9-2008E.pdf

According to the Canadian PRess/Harris-Decima poll
Conservatives 32% (+1) Liberals 27% (no change) NDP 19% (-1) Green 12 % (no change) Bloc 8% (no change)

So - it is the 15% undecided that we need to convince, and strategic voters.

Messages from Allies

2008-10-11T11:05:00.001-05:00

Vote Strategically!

From Anyonebutharper.ca
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=se4G8t_o0T8
http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=se4G8t_o0T8

Video from Alberta Artist Richard Sixto on Harper, the Military, the Arts the Media, the Environment and more
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu9XE4fZZEQ
(link to share)
http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu9XE4fZZEQ

Also, thank you all for watching and sharing the "You Have a Choice" video from yesterday. So far it has been seen (after 1 day) by 11,433 people and has a 5 star rating!

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=slnN3GMy7Nc&feature=related

NEWS

Conservatives Bail Out Banks
They are trying to sell it as an investment, but what they are actually doing is buying 25 billion dollars in questionable mortgages.
http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2008/10/10/flaherty-banks.html

A Green Candidate in Quebec has withdrawn to help the Liberals
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/story/2008/10/09/green-liberal.html

Duceppe Calls Harper on His Linguistic Double Standard
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/story/2008/10/10/duceppe-dion.html?ref=rss

POLLS

CPAC Nanos
Conservatives 33% (no change) Liberals 27% (-2) NDP 22% (+2) Bloc 10 (no Change) Green 8 (+1)
other points of interest - the Tories are down 2 points to 16 in Quebec but they are up 4 to 32 in Ontario with the Liberals down 6 to 33.

Canadian Press Harris-Decim
Shows a Conservative Rebound
Conservatives 34% (+2 up 3 over 2 day) Liberals 26 (-1) NDP 18 (-1) Bloc 9 (+1) Greens 12 (no change)

Messages from Allies

2008-10-11T10:53:00.001-05:00

Conservatives silent on Communication and Culture!

To members of Canadians For Democratic Media

Campaign for Democratic Media sent a series of questions to the five major federal parties get their positions pertaining to media and culture on record. We received responses from four of the five parties: only the Conservative Party did not reply, despite being approached several times.

The government and MPs elected on October 14th will play a decisive role in determining what information, perspectives, ideas and entertainment are readily available to Canadians as well as how Canadians communicate with one another.

I urge all Canadians to review these policy positions before voting.

Download the report and find out where the parties stand on Net Neutrality:
http://democraticmedia.ca/positions08

Please share this with your fellow voters

-and ask your local candidates where they stand!
http://democraticmedia.ca/blog-entry/vote-media-democracy

We rely on your donations to continue our work. Please consider becoming a supporter. If you sign up for monthly donations of $10 or more, you will receive a FREE full-year subscription to Briarpatch Magazine! A one-time donation is fine, too. Whether it's a little or a lot, it all adds up. So please, DONATE NOW: http://democraticmedia.ca/donate

Steve Anderson
604-837-5730
steveinfos@gmail.com

At the Department of Culture we're giving thanks...

2008-10-11T10:51:00.001-05:00

But before we do, please visit DepartmentofCulture.ca to read three important things you can do in these final days:

1. Pull the Vote on Election Day
2. Play Phone Tag with residents of Whitby-Oshawa
3. Tell Everyone You Know About voteforenvironment.ca

We are now in the final days of our campaign. The Conservatives are going down in the polls are we are feeling energized. These last few days are critical, and we wanted to let you know what you can do to make a real difference in the outcome of the election in the few days that remain:

1. Pull the Vote on Election Day
One of the most important things you can do is help "pull the vote" for the candidate in a swing riding who has been deemed most likely to beat the Conservative in that riding. "Pulling the vote" involves ensuring that voters who have previously indicated that they will be voting for that particular candidate actually make it to the polls on election day. For a list of swing ridings (ridings where the race between the Conservative and non-Conservative candidate are extremely close), go to: http://www.voteforenvironment.ca/content/key-ridings . Click on the riding to find out which candidate you should pull the vote for, and contact their election office.

Please note that candidates will require you to have some election training before election day, so please contact the election office of the candidate you wish to pull the vote for ASAP.

2. Play Phone Tag with residents of Whitby-Oshawa
This Thanksgiving weekend, express your thanks for all that you love about this country by helping to kick a turkey out of Parliament. Help put a wrench in Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's election campaign from the comfort of your own home by playing "phone tag" with residents of his riding of Whitby-Oshawa. We're just putting the finishing touches on this initiative--keep an eye on our website for its launch on October 9th.

3. Tell Everyone You Know About voteforenvironment.ca
There are 65 "swing ridings" in Canada. Voters in these ridings have the capacity to dramatically shift the outcome of the election by being strategic about who they vote for. This website offers comprehensive, up-to-date riding-by-riding information on how to defeat Harper at the ballot box--an important tool for all voters, especially those in these critical swing ridings.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

We also thought we should take a moment to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has given their time, passion, and imagination so generously.

We've made new friends and allies, learned a huge amount, and have been inspired by the overwhelming talents and dedication of all the artists and organizations who have worked so hard both in association with Department of Culture, and on their own, creating their own organizations, developing their own initiatives, making artwork, attending rallies, canvassing, and just talking up the issues. Your efforts have been incredible, and we thank you for all that you've done. We look forward to seeing where this wonderful energy and momentum will lead in the days, months and years following the election--we hope it doesn't stop here. Don't forget to vote on the 14th. And on Election night get together with friends, family, and colleagues to see just how much difference we made. In Toronto, we'll be celebrating at the Gladstone, starting at 8pm. We invite you to join us in raising a glass to our country, all that we've accomplished over the past month, and the future that lies ahead. We are anticipating that there will be much to celebrate.

In solidarity,
Department of Culture

Rick Mercer Report : Harper Home Pregnancy Test

2008-10-09T10:24:00.000-05:00

Still as valid as ever...

Open Letter from Canadian Economists on the Current Economic Crisis and the Appropriate Government Response

2008-10-09T08:55:00.000-05:00

Reposted from an e-newsletter circulated by the CCPA

The deepening global financial crisis, the decline in world commodity prices, and the growing possibility of global recession are exposing worrisome weaknesses in Canada’s economy. Complacent expressions of faith in our “fundamentals,” and other varieties of economic denial, will not protect Canadians from the coming storm.

Canada’s Economic Fundamentals are Anything but Strong

Macroeconomic performance has weakened dramatically since the current government came to power at the beginning of 2006. Economic growth has largely stalled. Productivity has declined. The recent expansion was largely propelled by high commodity prices and a housing bubble – both of which are now ending.

Labour markets have weakened, and employment is poised to decline further as the slowdown takes hold. Some sectors have already been badly hit. Over 300,000 jobs in manufacturing have been lost. Yet less than 40% of unemployed workers qualify for Employment Insurance benefits.

Excluding petroleum and minerals, our international trade performance has deteriorated. Incomes for corporations, governments, and some households have been inflated for a time by record global commodity prices. But over-reliance on resource extraction is not a sustainable basis for our future economic progress. Meanwhile, in large part as a consequence of this growing resource reliance, Canada has failed miserably to do its part in the urgent global effort to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

Although Canadian financial institutions did not engage as aggressively in risky practices as their U.S. counterparts, the Bank of Canada has already had to step in to provide many billions of dollars in short-term liquidity. Credit conditions in Canada are becoming more uncertain, restricted, and costly, and this will inevitably constrain spending and output in the months ahead.

Canadian households are more indebted than ever, with $1.25 of debt for every dollar of disposable income. Amid gloomy headlines, falling stock and housing prices, and precarious household finances, Canadians are starting to cut back on consumer spending.

Many Canadians did not benefit much during the good times: poverty rates in Canada did not meaningfully decline and real wages have hardly increased at all, even while corporate profits surged to all-time highs. But the prospect of recession now threatens all of us with hardship – whether we shared in the good times or not.

Crisis Demands an Active Government Response

The general approach of Canadian economic policy in recent years has been to reduce the scope of government (through tax cuts, deregulation, and privatization), ratify the growing resource orientation of Canada’s economy, and squander the chance to use revenue from the resource boom to enhance long-run productivity, prosperity, and stability. Some politicians wish to further reduce the size and influence of the public sector.

The dramatic events of recent weeks have destroyed the idea that markets are best left to their own, unregulated devices. The enormous costs of this complacency have been clearly demonstrated. Government and its institutions must now show leadership and play a more active role in stabilizing financial markets, stimulating real investment, and maintaining employment and incomes.

The spreading downturn in both the financial and the real sides of the economy is likely to undermine spending and employment levels in many regions and sectors of Canada’s economy. Income support measures, employment insurance in particular, should be strengthened. In addition, public infrastructure projects, including those aimed at reducing Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions and expanding affordable housing, should be ramped up to maintain employment and production (as private-sector activity declines).

The federal budget is narrowly balanced, and may slip into deficit (especially if real GDP begins to decline). The current government has pledged to prevent such a deficit at all costs, and this will mean significant cuts to public spending as the budget balance deteriorates. But that course of action would worsen the economic downturn and job losses. It is far better to maintain public programs to support employment and incomes, even at the cost of a cyclical deficit.

The Bank of Canada must continue to support the financial industry with liquidity, and should reduce interest rates to stimulate borrowing. But the government must also explore other avenues (including the use of public institutions, like the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Business Development Bank of Canada, Export Development Canada, and other conduits) to expand lending to households and businesses. At the same time, the financial industry must be re-regulated to prevent the unproductive speculative excesses that caused the current crisis.

The global economy is heading into a challenging, dangerous period – perhaps the worst crisis since the 1930s. Canada cannot expect to be immune from those global developments. Economic history teaches us that government intervention is essential in times of crisis: both to stabilize markets and to shorten downturns with counter-cyclical measures.

Signed by: 85 economists
http://www.progressive-economics.ca/2008/10/07/open-letter/
--
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
410-75 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E7
tel: 613-563-1341 fax: 613-233-1458
email: info@policyalternatives.ca
http://www.policyalternatives.ca

The Harper Index

2008-10-09T08:36:00.000-05:00

Analyzing persuasion techniques of Canada's Conservatives

Framing mistakes and contradictions pile up!

http://www.harperindex.ca

Harper's attacks on women's rights

2008-10-08T12:17:00.000-05:00

Women have reason to fear another Harper government.
by Linda Silver Dranoff, Tuesday, October 07, 2008
http://www.straightgoods.ca/ViewFeature8.cfm?REF=522

Women have a lot to fear from a Harper government, whether he gets a majority or a minority. The polls show that in battleground ridings across Canada, the Conservative party leads among women voters. How can this be? How can we have forgotten?

Just because Harper's stylists and public relations advisors have tried to soften Harper's tough image by putting smiles on his face and sweaters on his back does not change the fact that women's interests have suffered at the hands of Stephen Harper and his government's misguided policies in the two years since he has been Prime Minister. Everything he has done indicates that women's interests will continue to suffer if he is re-elected.

Soon after taking office, Harper broke the promise he made during the 2006 election campaign to "take concrete and immediate measures... to ensure that Canada fully upholds its commitments to women." By a simple stroke of the pen (and without parliamentary involvement), he removed "the pursuit of equality" from the mandate of Status of Women Canada (SWC).

Before that, SWC's role was to protect the equality interests of women in government policies and programs. Harper ruled that SWC could no longer fund any organization that did research, advocacy or lobbying to promote women's equality. Then he financially crippled their ability to do the part of the job he had not excised, by cutting $5 million from a $13 million budget.

Twelve of the agency's 16 regional offices were closed. Any available funding was short-term and for projects; there was no core funding and no funding for administrative costs.

Many organizations lost their financial underpinnings. Because advocacy was no longer eligible, the National Association of Women and the Law was a casualty. For more than 30 years, NAWL's lawyers did advocacy and research to support legal improvements for women. Under Harper's government, it had to close its office and terminate its paid staff.

The Court Challenges program, in place since the early 1980's, was another fatality. This program subsidized test cases to interpret and clarify the1982 Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It financed some of the work of the Women's Legal Education and Action Fund ("LEAF"), founded in 1985, which has intervened in over 150 constitutional equality cases on a wide range of issues including violence against women, sexual assault, workplace inequities, socio-economic rights and reproductive freedoms.

LEAF's goal is to ensure that the law guarantees substantive equality for all women in Canada. It now relies on donations.

The Women's Future Fund closed, another victim of the 2006 government funding cuts. The WFF had raised money for national women's organizations that fostered equality rights for women and girls, like the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies, National Congress of Black Women Foundation, and the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women.

Then there's childcare. Women have sought for thirty years to establish a universal and accessible childcare plan with substantial government funding to ensure that as many Canadian children as possible have access to safe and regulated programs. Under the previous government, all the provinces and the federal government had agreed to a major initiative, by which more childcare centres would be built and financially supported.

One of the first things Stephen Harper did when he took office was to summarily and unilaterally terminate the program. There was no parliamentary vote; there was only executive fiat. Harper's choice to make a limited cash payment to select families did not provide any daycare spaces (much less a national system) to care for children. You can't buy daycare services for $100 a month.

Stephen Harper slashed or terminated funding to the organizations that were vigilant on women's behalf. He made these funding cuts to equality-seeking women's groups and to women's programs apparently for ideological reasons. He wasn't facing a deficit when he did it; he was rolling in the bountiful surplus inherited from the previous Liberal government.

In only two years, the Harper government has done a great deal to dismantle major advances won by the women's movement, working with woman-friendly governments, over the previous 30 years — advances such as family law reform, pay equity, maternity and parental leave benefits, modest improvements to childcare programs, domestic violence programs and much more. Important, respected and effective programs have been crippled and then shut down.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade website still tells the world that, "Canada is a world leader in the promotion and protection of women's rights and gender equality." Ironically, the main link on that page leads to a 404 — File Not Found. And that is exactly what is likely to happen to women's rights if the Conservatives manage to form the government again.

Linda Silver Dranoff is a Toronto lawyer and author of Every Canadian's Guide to the Law. She spearheaded the lobby effort for family law reform and is a former vice-chair of the Ontario Status of Women Council.

This is NOT a Conservative Party!

2008-10-08T09:29:00.003-05:00

Join us TONIGHT at the King's Head Pub (120 King Street) for a rockin' night of music and video with performances by:

Quinzy
Drums & Wires
Patrick Keenan
DJ Rob Vilar
Les Klassen, Hope Peterson, & PO-MO

Cover is PWYC... we just wanna see you there!!!

An open letter to Prime Minister Harper by Wajdi Mouawad

2008-10-08T09:25:00.002-05:00

This open letter to the Prime Minister was published in Le Devoir a few weeks ago; the translation is thanks to John van Burek. We just realized that we'd not included it here as well, for all of you to read, in case you haven't already.

***

Monsieur le premier ministre,

We are neighbours. We work across the street from one another. You are Prime Minister of the Parliament of Canada and I, across the way, am a writer, theatre director and Artistic Director of the French Theatre at the National Arts Centre (NAC). So, like you, I am an employee of the state, working for the Federal Government; in other words, we are colleagues.

Let me take advantage of this unique position, as one functionary to another, to chat with you about the elimination of some federal grants in the field of culture, something that your government recently undertook.

Indeed, having followed this matter closely, I have arrived at a few conclusions that I would like to publicly share with you since, as I'm sure you will agree, this debate has become one of public interest.

The Symbolism

Firstly, it seems that you might benefit by surrounding yourself with counsellors who will be attentive to the symbolic aspects of your Government's actions. I am sure you know this but there is no harm in reminding ourselves that every public action denotes not only what it is but what it symbolises.

For example, a Prime Minister who chooses not attend the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, claiming his schedule does not permit it, in no way reduces the symbolism which says that his absence might signify something else. This might signify that he wishes to denote that Canada supports the claims of Tibet . Or it might serve as a sign of protest over the way in which Beijing deals with human rights. If the Prime Minister insists that his absence is really just a matter of timing, whether he likes it or not, this will take on symbolic meaning that commits the entire country. The symbolism of a public gesture will always outweigh the technical explanations.

Declaration of war

Last week, your government reaffirmed its manner of governing unilaterally, this time on a domestic issue, in bringing about reductions in granting programs destined for the cultural sector. A mere matter of budgeting, you say, but one which sends shock waves throughout the cultural milieu rightly or wrongly, as we shall see- for being seen as an expression of your contempt for that sector. The confusion with which your Ministers tried to justify those reductions and their refusal to make public the reports on the eliminated programs, only served to confirm the symbolic significance of that contempt. You have just declared war on the artists.

Now, as one functionary to another, this is the second thing that I wanted to tell you: no government, in showing contempt for artists, has ever been able to survive. Not one. One can, of course, ignore them, corrupt them, seduce them, buy them, censor them, kill them, send them to camps, spy on them, but hold them in contempt, no. That is akin to rupturing the strange pact, made millennia ago, between art and politics.

Contempt

Art and politics both hate and envy one another; since time immemorial, they detest each other and they are mutually attracted, and it's through this dynamic that many a political idea has been born; it is in this dynamic that sometimes, great works of art see the light of day. Your cultural politics, it must be said, provoke only a profound consternation. Neither hate nor detestation, not envy nor attraction, nothing but numbness before the oppressive vacuum that drives your policies.

This vacuum which lies between you and the artists of Canada , from a symbolic point of view, signifies that your government, for however long it lasts, will not witness either the birth of a political idea or a masterwork, so firm is your apparent belief in the unworthiness of that for which you show contempt. Contempt is a subterranean sentiment, being a mix of unassimilated jealousy and fear towards that which we despise. Such governments have existed, but not lasted because even the most detestable of governments cannot endure if it hasn't the courage to affirm what it actually is.

Why is this?

What are the reasons behind these reductions, which are cut from the same cloth as those made last year on the majority of Canadian embassies, who saw their cultural programming reduced, if not eliminated? The economies that you have made are ridiculously small and the votes you might win with them have already been won. For what reason, then, are you so bent on hurting the artists by denying them some of their tools? What are you seeking to extinguish and to gain?

Your silence and your actions make one fear the worst for, in the end, we are quite struck by the belief that this contempt, made eloquent by your budget cuts, is very real and that you feel nothing but disgust for these people, these artists, who spend their time by wasting it and in spending the good taxpayers money, he who, rather than doing uplifting work, can only toil.

And yet, I still cannot fathom your reasoning. Plenty of politicians, for the past fifty years, have done all they could to depoliticise art, to strip it of its symbolic import. They try the impossible, to untie that knot which binds art to politics. And they almost succeed! Whereas you, in the space of one week, have undone this work of chloroforming, by awakening the cultural milieu, Francophone and Anglophone, and from coast to coast. Even if politically speaking they are marginal a nd negligible, one must never underestimate intellectuals, never underestimate artists; don't underestimate their ability to do you harm.

A grain of sand is all-powerful.

I believe, my dear colleague, that you yourself have just planted the grain of sand that could derail the entire machine of your electoral campaign. Culture is, in fact, nothing but a grain of sand, but therein lays its power, in its silent front. It operates in the dark. That is its legitimate strength.

It is full of people who are incomprehensible but very adept with words. They have voices. They know how to write, to paint, to dance, to sculpt, to sing, and they won't let up on you. Democratically speaking, they seek to annihilate your policies. They will not give up. How could they?

You must understand them: they have not had a clear and common purpose for a very long time, for such a long time that they have no common cause to defend. In one week, by not controlling the symbolic importance of your actions, you have just given them passion, anger, rage.

The resistance that will begin today, and to which my letter is added, is but a first manifestation of a movement that you yourself have set in motion: an incalculable number of texts, speeches, acts, assemblies, marches, will now be making themselves heard. They will not be exhausted.

Some of these will, perhaps, following my letter, be weakened but within each word, there will be a spark of rage, relit, and it is precisely the addition of these tiny instances of fire that will shape the grain of sand that you will never be able to shake. This will not settle down, the pressure will not be diminished.

Monsieur le premier ministre, we are neighbours. We work across the street from one another. There is nothing but the Cenotaph between our offices, and this is as it should be because politics and art have always mirrored one another, each on its own shore, each seeing itself in the other, separated by that river where life and death are weighed at every moment.

We have many things in common, but an artist, contrary to a politician, has nothing to lose, because he or she does not make laws; and if it is prime ministers who change the world, it's the artist who will show this to the world. So do not attempt, through your policies, to blind us, Monsieur le premier ministre; do not ignore that reflection on the opposite shore, do not plunge us further into the dark. Do not diminish us.

Wajdi Mouawad

The Wrecking Ball was a Smashing Success!

2008-10-07T19:43:00.002-05:00

The DoC-WPG wishes to extend warmest congratulations to the WPG-WB for rolling out a tremendously successful night!

It was clear that everyone loved the performances and agrees that we shouldn't shy away from overtly political theatre!

We need the insights and inspirations of writers, actors, directors, and other theatre professionals as part of our wider socio-political discourse! Let's DEFINITELY make the Wrecking Ball an annual event... it's great for all of us, and it was especially great for the DoC... thank you SO much for your generous fundraising efforts on our behalf! We'll spend that money wisely... prepared to be info blitzed, Winnipeg!

Thank you UMFM/101.5 FM!!

2008-10-07T19:38:00.002-05:00

The Department of Culture WPG would like to send out tremendous thanks to Jared McKetiak of UMFM for giving so much airtime to us today on his program, Word Up! A good half hour was dedicated to discussing the DoC's purpose and activities, and Jared also helped to promote tomorrow night's event at the King's Head, This is NOT a Conservative Party!

Thanks so much!! We appreciate your support!!

Bad Dates With Stephen Harper - Pamela Sinha

2008-10-07T19:19:00.000-05:00

He's No Ladies Man!

2008-10-07T12:32:00.002-05:00

All Candidates Forum (Including a Conservative Candidate?)

2008-10-06T23:35:00.005-05:00

All-Party Forum on the Arts
Tuesday, October 7 – 12 noon to 1:30 pm
Tom Hendry Theatre (formerly the MTC Warehouse)
140 Rupert Avenue, Winnipeg, MB

A coalition of local arts groups has invited representatives from all major parties to attend a public forum on arts and culture.

Moderated by Dave Angus, President & CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and President of the Board of Director of Prairie Theatre Exchange, the public forum will give candidates an opportunity to express their views on arts and culture – the contribution arts and culture make to the quality of life for Canadians, as well as the contribution arts and culture make to Manitoba’s economy.

Immediately following the forum, there will be the opportunity for representatives of the media to speak with candidates as well as members of the local arts industry.

Background
According to Statistics Canada, the cultural sector provides over 18,000 jobs in Manitoba when assessed using the North American industry classification codes. In 2003, a combined contribution of $261 million from all three levels of government provided the initial investment that supported $1.3 billion of cultural output. The cultural sector accounted for 4% of the total provincial GDP in 2003.

Over the past year, Manitobans have taken in local arts events and enjoyed the work of local artists in record numbers, indicating that they do very much value the arts. Manitobans read the novels of Miriam Toews. They enrol their children in classes at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. They attend the Winnipeg Folk Festival, the Winnipeg Fringe Festival and the Jazz Winnipeg Festival each summer. They are immensely proud when Manitobans receive international acclaim for their work, such as Oscar® nominated filmmakers Cordell Barker and Richard Condie.

Arts organizations in Manitoba offer affordable access to their presentations, performances and
exhibitions. Most offer a variety of free programs available to the general community, while some organizations offer free admission on a year-round basis.

The Manitoba Arts Coalition is an informal coalition with representatives from:

Ace Art
ACTRA
Arts and Cultural Industries of Manitoba (ACI)
Association of Manitoba Book Publishers (AMBP)
Film Training Manitoba
Jazz Winnipeg
Manitoba Association of Playwrights
Manitoba Chamber Orchestra
Manitoba Children’s Museum
Manitoba Music
Manitoba Opera
Manitoba Theatre Centre
National Screen Institute - Canada
New Media Manitoba
On Screen Manitoba
Prairie Theatre Exchange
Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Theatre Projects Manitoba
Urban Shaman Gallery
Video Pool
Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers
Winnipeg Film Group

This election, try swinging!

2008-10-06T09:18:00.002-05:00

Join us at the Wrecking Ball tonight!

Monday, October 6, 2008
Box Office opens at 7:00 p.m.; Show starts at 8:00 p.m.

Prairie Theatre Exchange, Colin Jackson Studio
Unit Y300 – 393 Portage Avenue, 3rd Floor, Portage Place

Prices: Pay what you can (no advanced sales)
All proceeds will go to the www.departmentofculture.ca

Department of Culture, Right Across Canada!!

2008-10-06T08:59:00.003-05:00

Dear friends,

The Department of Culture is a growing community of Canadian cultural workers who are dedicated to ensuring the health and prosperity of our nation in the context of a crucial federal election, and in reaction to a political party that is aggressively undermining the values that have defined Canada for decades.

The Department of Culture does not support a particular political party. We are a national network of concerned citizens affected by the destruction of health care, public services, safe food and water, child care, labour laws, women's rights, public education, the environment and thoughtful culture. We are fighting for economic, social, and political justice for all.

We urge you to vote on October 14; if you are wondering who to support in order to have the most impact in your riding, we highly recommend the website Vote For Environment, a comprehensive resource that will help you make an educated decision about the best use of your vote. Over the week ahead, please take a moment to share this information with friends, colleagues, and relatives, especially those in ridings where the race is tight, and a seat can be taken from the Conservatives.

There is a wealth of cultural activity inspired by the election taking place across the country this week; events that voice the opinions and celebrate the contributions of hundreds of ordinary Canadians. Please join us at The Wrecking Ball and This is NOT a Conservative Party! in your city.

respectfully yours,
Naomi

Monday, October 6: The Wrecking Ball

The Wrecking Ball goes national. That means there will be live events in major cities across Canada: All at Once, All on the Same Day, All Political, All New, All Written Expressly FOR the Federal Election. All thrown up by 100% Canadian actors, writers, directors and technicians in their gala niches from coast to coast. Proceeds go to support Department of Culture.

CORNER BROOK at The Backlot, box office at 10:00pm; show at 10:30pm

HALIFAX at The Bus Stop Theatre 2203 Gottingen St. Halifax; box office at 7:30pm; show at 8:00pm

MONTREAL at MainLine Theatre 3997 boul. St. Laurent; box office at 7:00pm; show at 8:00pm

OTTAWA at Saint Brigid's Centre, 314 St. Patrick St.(at Cumberland); box office at 7:00pm; show at 8:00pm

TORONTO at Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Ave.; doors at 7:00pm; show at 8:00pm

WINNIPEG at Prairie Theatre Exchange, Colin Jackson Studio, Unit Y300 - 393 Portage Ave., 3rd Floor, Portage Place; box office at 7:00pm; show at 8:00pm

CALGARY at the Epcor Centre's Jack Singer Lobby, 205 8th Ave. SE; box office at 7:00pm; show at 8:00pm

EDMONTON at The Varscona Theatre, 10329 83rd Ave.; box office at 7:30pm; show at 8:00pm

VANCOUVER at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage 2750 Granville St.; box office at 6:00pm; show starts at 9:00pm immediately following an All-Party Forum and Press Conference at 7:00pm

VICTORIA at the Belfry Arts Centre 1291 Gladstone Ave; box office at 7:45pm; show at 8:00pm

with Vikki Anderson, Margaret Atwood, Nancy Barry, Belladonna, Amélie Bisson, Wes Borg, Ardith Boxall, Andrea Boyd, Pierre Brault, Petrina Bromley, Jenn Brown, Gaylene Buckle, Ken Cameron, Rick Chafe, Ellen Close, Kim Collier, Chris Craddock, Tyrell Crews, Danielle Desormeaux, Julian Doucet, Katrina Dunn, Ciaran Dyke, Dennis Eberts, David Fennario, David Ferry, Neil Fleming, Lucia Frangioni, Anna Fuerstenberg, Bruce Godfree, Sandy Gow, Stephen Hair, Koby Rogers Hall, Stacie Harrison, Michael Healey, Fiona Highet, Kate Hurman, David Jansen, Jillian Keiley, Joey Keithley, Allison Kelly, Amanda Kelly, Jamie Konchak, Leslea Kroll, Trevor Leigh, Ian Leung, Hardee Lineham, Ieva Lucs, Ryan Luhning, Kate Lynch, Danette Mackay, Ruth Madoc-Jones, Simon Mallett, John Mann, Julia Tamiko Manning, Ross Manson, Ava Jane Markus, Doug McKeag, Sarah Migneron, Julie Mortensen, Wajdi Mouawad, Michael Nathanson, Oni the Haitian Sensation!, Teresa Pavlinek, Matthew Payne, Judi Pearl, Valerie Ann Pearson, Ellen Peterson, Valerie Planche, Gray Powell, Deb Pickman, Donavan Purcell, Bill Richardson, Andrea Ritchie, Rick Roberts, Lara Robinson, Michael Rubenfeld, Michèle Lonsdale Smith, Andrew Soren, Kevin Sutley, Judith Thompson, Michael Turner, Clinton Walker, Dave Walsh, Jonathon Young, Marcus Youseff, The Royal Liechtenstein Theatre Company, Le Ball de Montreal, Montreal Women's Choir and many others...

The Department of Culture presents
This is NOT a Conservative Party!
Rocking The Vote Right Across Canada
Flagship concert takes place in Toronto on
Thursday October 9 at The Phoenix Concert Theatre

REGINA's This is NOT a Conservative Party!
Tuesday, October 7 @ 8 pm at Regina's Cathedral Village Freehouse
for information contact Michele Sereda, culture.palliser@gmail.com

WINNIPEG's This is NOT a Conservative Party!
Wednesday, October 8 @ 7pm at King's Head Pub, 120 King St.
featuring: Quinzy, Drums & Wires, Patrick Keenan, DJ Rob Vilar + VJs Les Klassen, Hope Peterson, and PO-MO

TORONTO's This is NOT a Conservative Party!
Thursday, October 9 doors @ 8pm at The Phoenix, 410 Sherbourne St.
featuring Dave Bidini (Rheostatics), DJ Billy Bryans, Jason Collett (Broken Social Scene,) Jim Creeggan (Barenaked Ladies), Friendlyness (DJ/superheavyREGGAE), Manitou Kwe Singers, Nadjiwan, Parachute Club, Porkbelly Futures (Paul Quarrington), The Skydiggers, Ian Tamblyn, Clay and Paper Theatre, and Videos from Rick Mercer, Alex Cuba, Ron Sexsmith, Stars, Winners of the Gone in 30 Seconds video contest.

OTTAWA's This is NOT a Conservative Party!
Friday, October 10 @ 8pm at Zaphod Beeblebrox, 27 York St.
featuring from Vancouver BRASSTRONAUT + from Ottawa SADIE HELL
www.ZaphodBeeblebrox.com

VOTE on Tuesday, October 14
and then, if you're in Toronto, join us for the Department of Culture's Election Party
at the Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W. from 8pm on...
Watch the results and celebrate the progressive coalition government we can imagine together for our future.

Department of Culture
Vote For Environment
Department of Culture in Winnipeg
Department of Culture in Montreal

Harper's preferred Canada...

2008-10-06T08:47:00.004-05:00

Black keys removed due to budget cuts...

Image created by Diana Thorneycroft, a member of Winnipeg's DoC...

The Wrecking Ball hits TOMORROW!

2008-10-05T12:35:00.002-05:00

This is NOT a Conservative Party!

2008-10-04T19:12:00.001-05:00

Click for versions large enough to print and post!

Messages from Allies

2008-10-04T17:41:00.000-05:00

From the Canadian Museums Association through the Ontario Museum Association:

2008 Canadian Federal Election: Political Parties' Positions on Museums

October 1, 2008, Ottawa - As a non-partisan organization, the CMA strongly believes in the public role and benefit of museums to our society.

We believe that governments at all levels have a unique role in supporting our heritage. A recent public opinion poll conducted by an independent research firm demonstrates that Canadians support museums. Please go to our website for full survey details.

The CMA has written to all five major political parties for their positions on museums. As of our deadline, we have received responses from four of the major parties. Below you will find an overview of the responses; to see them in full, please go to our Response from Parties page.

Response Overview

Bloc Québécois

The Bloc Québécois is asking the federal government for a new museum policy that is in line with the current needs of Quebec and Canadian museums.

It is imperative that culture be transferred to the government of Quebec with the necessary funds for Quebec to provide itself with a museum policy that meets its needs.

The Bloc Québécois will continue to hound the federal government to reinvest the funds cut from the programs that support museums.

Conservative Party

CMA has not received a response from the Conservatives Party as of yet. Watch for updates on our website, as it will be posted upon arrival.

Green Party

Increased support for community arts programs and facilities across Canada by establishing stable base funding at a set percentage of the federal budget.

The Green Party of Canada will remove the GST from Arts and Culture products and services while imposing a carbon tax on burning hydrocarbons and releasing their by-products into the atmosphere.

The Green Party will also restore the government provided transport service to allow the transport of exhibitions between museums and galleries.

Liberal Party

Promise to bring in a new vision for Canadian Museums at the federal level.

Promise to raise Museum Assistance Program by $16 million per year over 4 years with emphasis on community museums.

Promise to double the Canada Council for the Arts budget to $360 million per year.

New Democratic Party

The federal government plays an important role in ensuring that this heritage and culture preservation continues.

We do support new vision and new programs intended to support museums across the country. We are willing to work with the museum sector to ensure that this new policy is reflective of their needs and concerns.

Stable core funding is a major priority, and the flat line in spending must be addressed. We also believe that increasing investment in research of collections and acquisitions is central to updating exhibits and keeping museums relevant.

Action you can take

Get involved and actively participate in your democratic right on October 14th. CMA urges you and all museum friends and members to speak up and question candidates on their views on funding for our museums. Please go to our Elections Toolkit for sample questions and letters.

The CMA is also a member of the Canadian Arts Coalition; visit their website at www.canadianartscoalition.ca for further information and resources on the election.

-30-

For further information:

John McAvity, Executive Director, jmcavity@museums.ca

Monique Horth, Deputy Director, mhorth@museums.ca

Aussi disponible en français.

Get more info about the issues that affect all Canadians

2008-10-04T17:31:00.005-05:00

Thee important upcoming events...

More messages from Allies:

SPP teach-in

Professor Robert Chernomas, Economics Professor at the University of Manitoba and Board member of the Council of Canadians, has graciously agreed to speak at this event about the Security and Prosperity Partnership and answer questions.

Date: Monday, October 6
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Location: University of Winnipeg, Room 2M67
http://wakeupwinnipeg.ca/index.php/welcome/page/24

All Candidates Town Hall

Date: Monday, October 6
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Red River Community Centre, 293 Murray Road at Main (north of Chief Peguis Trail)

Sponsored by: Council of Women of Winnipeg; Peace Alliance Winnipeg Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba; University Women’s Club of Winnipeg
For more information call 992 2751

Moderator: Terry MacLeod of CBC “Information Radio”

Afghanistan forum

Amnesty International is presenting a lecture about human rights in Afghanistan and how it impacts women, children, and families.

Date: Thursday, October 9
Time: 7:00 p.m. (or 6:30 pm if you wish to participate in an orientation about Amnesty International)
Location: Welcome Place, 397 Carlton Street

Arts & Culture

2008-10-04T17:26:00.003-05:00

A message from Lisa Kiss Design:

We are creating a series of 40 second videos for YouTube to promote the idea of voting for a party that values arts and culture in the upcoming Canadian election (October 14). We believe that the recent cuts to arts funding by Stephen Harper's Conservative government shows their lack of commitment to core Canadian values. If you feel the same, please consider participating in this project.

Interested in participating?

1. send a photo of yourself in a plain t-shirt to:
artsandculture2008@gmail.com
(no text on the front, no collar)

2. the image can be a jpg, tiff, eps (under 5 MB)
- one person per photo will be featured
- there can be other people in the shot but only one will be highlighted
- please read the t-shirt and let us know if one of the sayings does NOT pertain to you

3. provide your full name, occupation, city and province of residence
- this information will be in the video

**NOTE: by sending a photo you are AGREEING to be in one of the videos

Here are the first two videos:

Marg, Princess Warrior - The Sweater Vest Bonfire

2008-10-04T01:47:00.000-05:00

Marg, Princess Warrior (AKA Mary Walsh) burns Prime Minister Stephen Harper sweater vests on Middle Cove Beach, Newfoundland as a bonfire political protest.

... BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Winnipeg Branch of the “Department of Culture” hosts its very own This is NOT a Conservative Party!

2008-10-03T08:58:00.005-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Winnipeg Branch of the “Department of Culture”
hosts its very own
This is NOT a Conservative Party!

Department of Culture (Winnipeg) Contact:
Milena Placentile, departmentofculture.winnipeg@gmail.com

October 3, 2008 -- (Winnipeg, MB) – We’re joining ranks with concerned citizens across the country and we’re gonna rock the vote!

The Winnipeg Branch of the “Department of Culture” is thrilled to host its very own event in a national network of concerts taking place a few days before the election serving to demonstrate that Canadians reject Conservative policies and their candidates from coast-to-coast.

This is NOT a Conservative Party!

Join us on Wednesday October 8, 2008 at the King’s Head Pub (120 King Street) for Winnipeg’s very own This is NOT a Conservative Party! We’re starting early (7:00 p.m.) and we’re going late! No advance tickets are required... just show up, PWYC ($5 suggested), get the scoop on what we can do to achieve a better Canada, and rock out!

Featuring:

Quinzy (http://www.quinzy.ca)
Drums & Wires (http://www.myspace.com/drumsandwires)
Patrick Keenan (http://.myspace.com/patrickkeenan)
DJ Rob Vilar (http://www.myspace.com/exitthebody)

+ VJs Les Klassen, Hope Peterson, and PO-MO

WHO ARE WE?

The Winnipeg Branch of the Department of Culture is a growing community of Canadian citizens who are artists, arts professionals, and cultural workers concerned about ensuring the social and cultural health and prosperity of our nation in the face of a Federal Government that is aggressively undermining the values that define Canada.

We are you: the painters, architects, dancers, writers, actors, designers, filmmakers, sculptors, performers, photographers, ceramicists, directors, curators, musicians, archivists, fashion designers, producers, weavers, choreographers, videographers, editors, librarians...

But we’re not organizing as arts and cultural workers protesting cuts to the arts. No... there’s so much more to it than that!

We’re arts-minded people protesting the irresponsible and unfair government that has dramatically reduced quality of life in Canada for all Canadians. That irresponsible and unfair government is Stephen Harper's gang of CPC MPs -- an aggressive and regressive alliance of ultra-right non-progressive Conservatives and members of the former Reform.

We are part of a national network of concerned citizens who don’t buy their lie that supporters of the arts live in an elitist bubble unaffected by the destruction of health care, public services, safe food and water, child care, labour laws, women’s rights, public education, the environment, thoughtful culture, and everything else the Conservatives seem to hate. We’re fighting for economic, social, and political justice for all.

The CPC has done a shocking amount of social, economic, and political damage in such a short time, so it’s a good thing Harper decided to call it quits when he did -- we’ve had enough and we’re working to ensure he’s unemployed by Oct 14!!

It's not enough that we vote against the Conservatives on Oct 14, we need to inform our fellow Canadians -- who see a decline in quality of life, but haven't yet correlated it as the impact of Conservative and neo-liberal policies and actions -- about the need to vote strategically to unseat Conservatives, wherever they may be. We don't want 'em, we don't need 'em, and we’re going to send ‘em packing!

This is NOT a Conservative Party!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
King’s Head Pub (Upstairs)
120 King Street, Winnipeg, MB
7:00 p.m. til’ late
Admission: Pay What You Can ($5 suggested)

Individuals and groups wanting to volunteer with the Winnipeg branch of the Department of Culture are welcome to contact: departmentofculture.winnipeg@gmail.com.

For more information, please contact Milena Placentile, departmentofculture.winnipeg@gmail.com
Visit us online: http://department-of-culture-winnipeg.blogspot.com and http://www.departmentofculture.ca

- 30 -

The Harper Government: Here for a good time...

2008-10-02T22:09:00.003-05:00

But the rest of us? We're here for a long time, so let's talk about what's at stake, and let's figure out what we need to do to make this work... for ALL of us!

An excellent video...

CSI 2008 ELECTION UPDATE

2008-10-02T22:05:00.003-05:00

The Centre for Social Innovation wants you to know that YOUR VOTE MATTERS!...

With October 14th fast approaching and so very much at stake, we decided to compile a list for you of all the election related blogs and initiatives that have been launched by, or are connected with, our incredible CSI tenants.

While the Centre for Social Innovation prides itself on being a non-partisan space, we are dedicated to sharing and supporting the work of our change-making colleagues.

To help inform your upcoming vote, and for further information about the Arts, Environment, Strategic Voting, and more, please see below for Election News from our community. We encourage you to get involved, and learn what you can to make an informed choice.

************************************************************************************

1. Progressive Multi-author Blog Analysis of the Election
2. Vote Smart so the Majority Wins
3. Coalition of Artists Take Action
4. David Suzuki Foundation Launches Non-partisan Site
5. Launch of Viral Strategic Voting Campaign
6. Advocacy Online launches the 'Canada Votes 2008' widget
7. Non-Partisan Arts Advocacy

1. Progressive Multi-author Blog Analysis of the Election - http://rabble.ca/election/

Award-winning author Dionne Brand, filmmaker Brian McKenna, and environmentalist, David Suzuki, as well as newly formed advocacy organization, the Department of Culture, are the latest to join the multi-author election blog found at http://www.rabble.ca/election

Launched on September 7 with the intention of bringing together the best progressive analysis on the election all in one place, the response to the initiative has been overwhelming. The blog brings together artists, labour leaders and researchers, economists, environmentalists, first nation activists, youth, GLBT advocates, other independent media (the Dominion, Briarpatch)... people from all walks of life and from all across the country to participate. Visit the site for contributions from organizations including the Council of Canadians, the Parkland Institute, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Rideau Institute, and from writers including Murray Dobbin, James Laxer, Jim Stanford, and NOW magazine's Alice Klein.

Initiated by Alice Klein (CSI board member) and Kevin Grandia, www.VoteforEnvironment.ca takes a whole new angle on the election. By providing a dynamic riding by riding prediction system, this site makes the best possible information available to Canadians so we can stop splitting the vote and instead vote smart to achieve government change not climate change

CSI tenants Darren O'Donnell (mammalian.ca) and Gregory Elgstrand have joined up with other Canadian artists to form the Department of Culture - a growing community of Canadian citizens who are artists, arts professionals and cultural workers concerned about ensuring the social and cultural health and prosperity of our nation in the face of a Federal Government that is aggressively undermining the values that define Canada. The Department of Culture is a movement ready to fight for progressive social and cultural values through artist-initiated actions that employ the skills, experiences, collaborative methods and imagination that define artists' work. For further information and artist resources visit http://departmentofculture.ca/resources/.

The health of our environment and the vitality of our democracy go hand-in-hand, which is why the David Suzuki Foundation was inspired to launch a highly interactive election website site, www.voteenvironment2008.ca

This non-partisan site encourages Canadians to engage in dialogue to ensure that the critical issue of environment does not get lost in the campaign, so that our next government, regardless of which party wins, will work toward solutions. It is also a resource to get the facts on environmental issues from climate change to public transit. So get involved and have your say!

Canadians concerned about the possibility of another Harper Conservative government have new tools this election. Some of Canada's leading new media content creators launched a cross-Canada viral media campaign in response to their own concerns about a possible Harper Conservative majority government. In only two weeks, the group, which includes CSI tenant Mark Kuznicki of Remarkk!, organized themselves on Facebook, created and distributed viral videos, launched a website at http://anyonebutharper.ca/ and developed an embed-able strategic voting web widget.

The goal of the campaign is to help progressive Canadians vote strategically this election in an informed way based on the latest polling data and the unique characteristics of their own ridings. Vote to win - get involved at http://AnyoneButHarper.ca/, and http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=27474812415

back to top

6. Advocacy Online launches the 'Canada Votes 2008' widget

Since elections are usually a critical time for the advocacy work of many organizations, Advocacy Online created a 'widget' that would enable individuals to find their local candidates and send them an email message. The 'Canada Votes 2008' widget can be added to any web page using simple embed code - similar to the embed code you would use to display a YouTube video. The generic version of the widget is free for any group to use. Please email graham@advocacyonline.net to request the embed code - available in English and French. To see the widget in action, visit: www.advocacyonline.net/cms/cmsloader?ejQwbm&view=281,521,3165,0,-html

CSI tenant Advocacy Online is a provider of e-advocacy software and services to charities and other campaigning organizations in Canada, the UK, the United States, and Australia. Our software platform, called e-activist, is used by over 100 groups to mobilize grassroot supporters, and enables them to campaign for policy change at the local, regional, and national levels.

CSI tenant Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists, Ontario Chapter (CADA-ON) is supporting the efforts of the non-partisan arts advocacy group, Canadian Arts Coalition, an entirely volunteer-run organization working to keep culture on the election agenda.

CADA-ON is a non-profit organization that empowers and educates its membership of dance professionals to promote the art form in society. CADA-ON developed the best practices document, Professional Standards for Dance, and its members benefit from programs including accident insurance, training subsidies, professional development opportunities and more.

Playwrights provoke with political work

2008-10-02T08:52:00.001-05:00

Reposted from: Stage Door / By Kevin Prokosh / Winnipeg Free Press, October 1, 2008

***

The Wrecking Ball is swinging through Winnipeg next Monday in an attempt to poke a hole in the notion that political theatre is dead in Canada.

Wrecking Ball is a four-year-old Toronto theatre movement that seeks to address the annoying reality that there's too much theatre in our politics and not enough politics in our theatre. Prominent Canadian playwrights such as Jason Sherman, Norm Foster, Morris Panych and Daniel MacIvor have penned politically minded monologues meant to challenge and provoke audiences.

For the first time, Wrecking Balls are going national, with eight of them, including one here, set to go Monday, showcasing the work of writers venting expressively about the federal election. The lineup for the Winnipeg ball consists of Michael Nathanson, Ellen Peterson and the Royal Liechtenstein tag team of Gord Tanner and Trish Cooper, as well as a piece called Nail Biter by playwright Judith Thompson.

The 8 p.m. cabaret, to be held at Prairie Theatre Exchange, is open to the public and is a pay-what-you-can event, with proceeds going to the department of culture, an ad hoc group of artists fighting the Stephen Harper government's funding cuts to the arts.

The Wrecking Ball will be welcomed in Winnipeg, where political theatre sightings are quite rare. Last season, Theatre Project's production called How to Kill Yourself With a Screwdriver by Devin McCracken -- inspired by the 2005 shooting of Matthew Dumas by a Winnipeg police officer -- was one example. The Wrecking Ball is seeking a more immediate, ripped-from-the-headlines response to events.

"It's a way to unify the country on political grounds," says Wrecking Ball organizer Michael Rubenfeld, a Toronto actor/director. "As Canadians, we fear controversy. We fear asking difficult questions and being too political. We're not comfortable disagreeing."

The local participants must adhere to two rules: Create brief, explosive pieces inspired by what's happening right now in the election and do it in one week to guarantee maximum freshness. A two-hour rehearsal during the day Monday is all that stands between author and audience.

"This is gloves off," says local producer Rick Chafe, author of Shakespeare's Dog. "It's so immediate, it will be charged with a different kind of energy. What you'll hear is right out of a writer's pen. There will be blood on the floor."

Nathanson, a huge fan of TV's The Daily Show and The Colbert Report, said he was seduced to join in by the opportunity to write political satire.

"I think artists have understandable concern about the state of the arts and the relationship of the Conservative government to the arts," he says. "My inspiration is being drawn from one of the best (and oldest) political satires: Duck Soup, the famous Marx Brothers movie."

An Economics of Culture

2008-09-30T22:18:00.003-05:00

Even if you're one of those [few] people who don't recognize that there's more to culture than it's consumer value, you'd be hard pressed to deny the economic benefits of a strong cultural field. It's no surprise that the same government that rejects the widespread benefits of culture is the same government that's blowing Canada's surplus on corporate welfare and other giveaways that genuinely serve only the financial elite.

* * *

Valuing Culture: Measuring and Understanding Canada’s Creative Economy
The Conference Board of Canada (July 2008) | weblink
Prepared by The Conference Board of Canada for the International Forum on the Creative Economy.

This report highlights the substantial social, cultural, and economic contributions of Canada’s culture sector and assesses its economic footprint. This report is a joint initiative of the Conference Board’s Organizational Effectiveness and Learning Division and Forecast and Economics Division, in collaboration with the Government of Canada’s Department of Canadian Heritage.
See also: ‘Arts and cultural industries add billions of dollars to Canadian economy’, The Conference Board of Canada News Release, September 16, 2008 | weblink

The CCA and the Federal Election

2008-09-30T22:12:00.000-05:00

During this campaign, the Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) will be providing information to its members and the cultural sector on the positions of the federal parties regarding arts and culture in Canada.

For more information and resources, please visit:

www.ccarts.ca/en/election2008/election2008.htm

Five Things You Need to Know About Harper and The Environment

2008-09-30T20:58:00.002-05:00

ONE:
Parliament ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2002, committing Canada to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 6% below 1990 levels by 2012. The former Liberal government's failure to implement such reductions is expected to leave Canada 44% above its permitted Kyoto amounts by 2010, but at least the Liberals maintained their verbal support for Kyoto. The Harper government has reneged on the protocol altogether, announcing in April 2006 that it had no intention of meeting its Kyoto targets. A month later, it cut all the environmental funding designed to meet the Kyoto standards.

TWO:
The tar sands in Alberta are by far the largest contributor and fastest growing source of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions that intensify global warming. No matter the cost, the Harper government has been relentless in its push for the rapid, unchecked development of the tar sands. It favours a five-fold increase in production — from one million barrels a day today to five million barrels a day by 2030. Not a single application for tar sands development has ever been denied. Production is planned to double by 2012 and triple by 2018. By that time, annual emissions from the tar sands will triple from 25 million tonnes to 75 million tonnes.

THREE:
The tar sands help fuel the American military machine. Canada exports 750,000 barrels of oil daily to the United States, much of it to meet that country's military demand. The Harper government plans to have three more major pipelines built to the U.S. to keep that country's energy needs well supplied – although there is still no east-west pipeline to transport Alberta petroleum to Eastern Canada, which is forced to import 40% of its oil from Saudi Arabia and other countries. The three new pipelines are expected to convey over one million more barrels of fuel a day to the U.S.

FOUR:
The tar sands are a voracious consumer of natural gas and water. Each tar sands barrel requires up to 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas, and, given planned expansion, it is projected that tar sands plants will be using four times as much natural gas by 2018. Burning so much comparatively clean and valuable gas to create dirty tar sands oil — especially when our proven reserves of natural gas are near depletion-- has been compared to using gold to make lead. Tar sands production also requires massive and unsustainable quantities of water—now up to 4.5 barrels of water for every barrel of bitumen—which ends up in huge toxic tailing ponds, some so big they can be seen from space. The Athabasca River, from which the water is extracted, is not expected by water experts to be able to maintain sufficient flows to meet the tar sands' growing thirst.

FIVE:
Since tar sands production started to increase, the people of Fort Chipewayan and other communities downstream have been plagued by high rates of abnormal cancers, such as those of the liver, blood, and bile duct, as well as other diseases and an ever-increasing death rate. Dangerous levels of mercury and arsenic have been found in nearby streams, and the fish and animals on which the Cree rely for food have been contaminated. Although the federal government has a legal responsibility for First Nations health care under the Indian Act and numerous treaties, the health crisis near the tar sands has been ignored by the Harper government. The health of the First Nations people evidently ranks far behind promotion of tar sands development in its list of priorities.

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-MB
309-323 Portage Ave Winnipeg, MB R3B 2C1
ph: (204) 927-3200 // fax: (204) 927-3201 // www.policyalternatives.ca
CAW Local 567

Five Things You Need to Know About Harper and Human Rights

2008-09-30T20:53:00.004-05:00

CCPA's national office recently released the book: The Harper Record. This book is a comprehensive analysis of the Conservative minority government to date. You can download this book as a PDF file off the CCPA website.

CCPA-Manitoba will be releasing a series of Federal Election Fast Facts called: Five Things You Need to Know About Harper and……..(various topics). The Fast Facts are quick summaries of some of the topics covered in the book such as crime, childcare, civil rights, women, the environment and energy, water, governance and privatization.

Today's Election Fast Facts deals with Stephen Harper's record on human rights - the other topics will be released prior to the election.

ONE:
The United Nations General Assembly last June voted 143 to 4 (with 11 abstentions) in favour of adopting the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Canada was one of the four countries that voted against it. Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl said Canada didn't support the Declaration because it was "fundamentally flawed...[and] incompatible with Canada's constitutional framework." It was also rejected, he said, because it failed to recognize Canada's "need to balance indigenous rights to land and resources with the rights of others." His excuse reflected the concerns and priorities of a government strongly committed to resource exploitation and corporate interests.

TWO:
Canada is the only developed democracy that has permitted one of its citizens – Omar Khadr -- to remain incarcerated in the U.S. detention camp at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, where he has been subjected to torture and other harsh treatment. His detention there violates both Canadian and international human rights laws, but the Harper government has consistently refused to make any effort to bring him home. Khadr was a teenager when first imprisoned by the Americans, and child soldiers are entitled under international law to due protection and rehabilitation, not incarceration. The UN's Special Representative for Children in Armed Conflict has publicly deplored Harper's decision to leave Khadr at Guantamano.

THREE:
While former Canadian Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour served as the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights, she won praise from many countries and NGOs for her diligence in exposing and condemning human rights violations. She was chief prosecutor in the trial of Serbian leader Slobadan Milosevic for war crimes and secured his indictment. But her outspoken criticism of UN member countries' infringements of human rights, including the use of torture by the U.S. military in Iraq and Guantanamo, drew fire from the Bush administration, and also, shockingly, from the Harper government. When she finished her term as Commissioner, the Harper government was called upon to publicly thank her and salute her record as a defender of human rights. Instead, in the House of Commons, former Justice Minister Vic Toews castigated Arbour and went so far as to call her "a disgrace."

FOUR:
Canada was one of the first countries to sign and ratify the UN Convention Against Torture, in 1987. But Canada's commitment to the treaty came under question when several Canadian citizens, including Maher Arar, underwent torture in foreign jails, evidently with Canadian complicity. Following the Arar Inquiry, the Harper Government issued a manual to Canadian diplomats on how to recognize and oppose the use of torture. It listed several countries that had been found guilty of torture, including the U.S. The manual drew praise from Amnesty International and other human rights advocates, but when the U.S. protested, the Harper government quickly apologized and promised that the manual would be revised to remove the U.S. from its list of nations that torture captives.

FIVE:
Many of the "security" measures introduced by the federal government under pressure from the U.S. after 9/11 have expanded state power at the expense of citizens' rights and freedoms and the rule of law. One of the most offensive is the No-Fly List introduced by the Harper government in 2007. It violates several sections of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including mobility, due process, and equality rights, and the right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure. People are put on the list with no prior notice or opportunity for a hearing to learn about and answer the allegations against them. The ban on their flying could impair their ability to earn a living. For them, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms offers no protection or recourse.

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-MB
309-323 Portage Ave Winnipeg, MB R3B 2C1
ph: (204) 927-3200 // fax: (204) 927-3201 // www.policyalternatives.ca
CAW Local 567

Anything But Harper... Media

2008-09-30T20:23:00.001-05:00

Harper is against freedom of the press and for secrecy and suppressing communication.

Find out more...

http://toutsaufharper.ca/?lang=en&cat=4

And there's still more...

Environment Culture Security Morality

Messages from Allies

2008-09-30T19:32:00.006-05:00

A message from Right to Housing

Right to Housing
Housing for all is a human right.

Winnipeg, MB September 26, 2008

Social Housing: the Key to Ending Homelessness

We need a Federal Government committed to housing low income Canadians

Canada has signed United Nations agreements to ensure adequate housing as a basic human right that must be available to all. Over the past decade the commitment by the Federal Government to put this human right to housing into practice has been significantly eroded. Many Canadians face impossible obstacles as they try to house themselves.

Don't be fooled. Recently the Federal Government announced a five year commitment to continue funding their existing housing programs (the Affordable Housing Initiative, Homelessness Partnering Strategy, and Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program). Welcome as this announcement is, these programs have not created nearly enough new housing units. Ironically, existing policies that provide money to improve and repair existing neighbourhoods raise the cost of housing, resulting in the displacement of the poor and the creation of homelessness. Such programs must also provide social housing (where rent is geared to income) for those who are being displaced.

The Need

Social housing is not sufficiently valued by government and has been allowed to deteriorate and lag far behind the need. In 1994 the federal government stopped funding new social housing construction. Since then federal housing programs have been short-term and underfunded, and have often created or maintained housing that is not accessible to those who need it the most.

As housing costs increase and income and welfare benefits stagnate, the housing crisis and need for social housing grows.

People are forced to spend food money on rent, making personal debt, panhandling and food banks sad necessities for survival.

Aboriginal housing agencies have waiting lists with thousands of families and individuals on and off reserve. Canada is in violation of its treaty obligations to house First Nations Peoples.

Housing for new Canadians, seniors in poverty, and people with physical or mental disabilities who have special housing needs is grossly insufficient.

The Solution

Social Housing is a key to Make Poverty History in Canada

1. Long term funding for a national housing strategy

Re-establish the Federal Government and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) as leaders in housing Canadians by committing to the 30,000 social housing units (rent geared to income) per year required to meet the need, in cooperation with the provinces, cities and nonprofit sector.1

Set targets and strategies specific to the unique needs of Aboriginal peoples on and off reserve, new Canadians, seniors and people with disabilities.

2. Stop paying down the deficit on the backs of the homeless

Redirect CMHC’s $4.6 billion surplus from reducing the national deficit to reinvesting it in the capital costs of new social housing.

CMHC must continue to pay operating and rent subsidy costs after mortgages on existing social housing units are paid off.

3. Use the empty houses on the Kapyong military base

The empty Kapyong base houses along Kenaston Boulevard should be used as transitional housing for new Canadians and Aboriginal people new to the city.

It has cost taxpayers $1.5 million per year for the last four years to keep 120 houses empty and heated. Use them to house people on housing waiting lists!

About Right to Housing

Right to Housing is a Winnipeg-based coalition that brings together 30 organizations and over 120 individuals to address the chronic need for social housing, where rent is geared to income.

Coalition supporters work together to promote, advocate and lobby for safe, quality and social housing and housing policy solutions on a local, provincial and national level as part of a comprehensive strategy to eliminate poverty.

Right to Housing meets regularly. We are committed to achieving our goals by working cooperatively, respectfully and inclusively. Contact us if you would like more information, to attend a coalition meeting, or to support Right to Housing.

www.righttohousing.ca
info@righttohousing.ca

----
1“Addressing core need starts with adding 30,000 new affordable homes annually”. Canadian Housing and Rehabilitation Association, Federal Election Tool Kit.

Messages from Allies

2008-09-29T23:59:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone,

Click the link below to download the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health's 2008 Election Toolkit, which is loaded with stats and questions to present to the candidates in your riding.

It makes it even easier to see that the Conservatives do NOT have YOUR best interest at heart!

Their party-line answers to these questions demonstrate just how much their agenda is motivated by private values and not the collective right for all people to access information and make decisions independently.

http://www.cfsh.ca/files/PDF/2008_Election_Toolkit__CFSH.pdf

And, here's a low-res version to circulate online!

2008-09-29T22:18:00.000-05:00

Tell him what you really want... A NEW PRIME MINISTER!

2008-09-29T21:46:00.002-05:00

With <3 from the Winnipeg Branch of the Department of Culture!

(Click on the image for a full-sized printable version and help us distribute these far and wide!)

Gone in 30 Seconds videos made today!

2008-09-28T20:43:00.003-05:00

Today, at Video Pool, Sandee Moore hosted a video making party. Here are some of the projects that have just been posted.

By Cliff Eyland, artist

By Colette Balcaen, artist, and Dave Barber, Programmer, Winnipeg Cinematheque

By Sandee Moore, artist

By Colette Balcaen, artist

In Their Two Years of Power, Harperʼs Conservatives Have:

2008-09-28T12:03:00.002-05:00

In Their Two Years of Power, Harperʼs Conservatives Have:

Raised taxes for working class Canadians
Upon taking office, the Conservatives canned a 1% income tax cut for low-income earners and raised their taxes instead.

(See: Macleanʼs national editor Andrew Coyne, 21 March07: http://andrewcoyne.com/columns/2007/03/dishonestbudget.php)
Let the cost of living rise 7%, while the rich have gotten richer and everyone else has gotten poorer.
In August 2008, inflation reached its highest peak in five years, sending living costs higher and higher.

(See: Statistics Canada, September 08; http://www.canadianeconomy.gc.ca/English/economy/inflation.cfm)
While corporate incomes have risen under Harperʼs watch by 28% and CEO salaries jumped 50%--- average wages have lagged behind at 6.7%

(See: Canadian Union of Public Employees, 19 September 2008: http://cupe.ca/economics/harper-no-manager)
Driven Canada to the brink of deficit
After inheriting a 13.2 billion dollar surplus from the Liberals,the Conservatives have wasted your tax dollars and have given Canada its first quarterly deficit in nearly a decade.

CAN YOU AFFORD 4 YEARS OF A CONSERVATIVE MAJORITY? CAN CANADA?

ON OCTOBER 14th, VOTING IS AS EASY AS A, B, C:

Anything
But
Conservative.

More resources from DoC HQ

2008-09-28T12:00:00.002-05:00

Our friends at Department of Culture in Toronto have compiled a package of documents to help volunteers educate themselves and others about the true legacy of the Stephen Harper Conservative government. You can download each document separately below, or together as a single zip file.

Go wild!

Or, click here to download all the files in one zip file

www.voteforenvironment.ca

2008-09-28T11:33:00.000-05:00

A message from a member of the DoC-WPG...

"This is an interesting link that may be of use on our doc winnipeg blogspot. It allows you to put in your postal code and determine how to vote strategically, based on where you live, to defeat the conservatives.

www.voteforenvironment.ca"

Awesome!

Careful, honey... he's anti-choice

2008-09-27T18:51:00.001-05:00

Interested in the postering sized version of this file? Send a message to

The Winnipeg Branch of the “Department of Culture” is Ready to Make Some Noise!

2008-09-27T13:58:00.003-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Winnipeg Branch of the “Department of Culture”
is Ready to Make Some Noise!

Department of Culture (Winnipeg) Contact:
Milena Placentile, departmentofculture [dot] winnipeg [at] gmail [dot] com

September 27, 2008 -- (Winnipeg, MB) -- The Winnipeg Branch of the Department of Culture is a growing community of Canadian citizens who are artists, arts professionals, and cultural workers concerned about ensuring the social and cultural health and prosperity of our nation in the face of a Federal Government that is aggressively undermining the values that define Canada.

We are you: the painters, architects, dancers, writers, actors, designers, filmmakers, sculptors, performers, photographers, ceramicists, directors, curators, musicians, archivists, fashion designers, producers, weavers, choreographers, videographers, editors, librarians...

But we’re not organizing as arts and cultural workers protesting cuts to the arts. No! There’s so much more to it than that!

We’re arts-minded people protesting the irresponsible and unfair government that has dramatically reduced quality of life in Canada for all Canadians. That irresponsible and unfair government is Stephen Harper's gang of CPC MPs -- an aggressive and regressive alliance of ultra-right non-progressive Conservatives and members of the former Reform.

We are part of a national network of concerned citizens who don’t buy their lie that supporters of the arts live in an elitist bubble unaffected by the destruction of health care, public services, safe food and water, child care, labour laws, women’s rights, public education, the environment, thoughtful culture, and everything else the Conservatives seem to hate. We’re fighting for economic, social, and political justice for all.

The CPC has done a shocking amount of social, economic, and political damage in such a short time, so it’s a good thing Harper decided to call it quits when he did -- we’ve had enough and we’re working to ensure he’s unemployed by Oct 14!!

We encourage all Canadians to vote strategically to unseat Conservatives -- We don't want 'em, we don't need 'em, and we’re going to send ‘em packing!

UPCOMING EVENTS HOSTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE & OUR ALLIES

These are just a few of the DoC-initiated and DoC-friendly events that will allow fellow citizens the chance to rally together, gather information, and shout out against Conservative bullying!

- Gone in 30 Seconds Video Making Party – Sun, Sept 28 – 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. – 300-100 Arthur Street (DoC-initiated)
- Why Women Count in the Federal Election (a public debate, not including a CPC candidate because they rejected the invitation!) – Wed, Oct 1 – 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. – 515 Portage Avenue (DoC-friendly)
- The Winnipeg Wrecking Ball (Theatre night) – Mon, Oct 6 – Box office opens at 7:00 p.m. - Unit Y300 – 393 Portage Avenue (DoC-friendly)
- Not a Conservative Party! (Musical rally) – Wed, Oct 9 – Starts @ 7:00 p.m. - 120 King St. (DoC-initiated) (More info coming soon!!)
- All Fired Up! (a cabaret night celebrating National Coming Out Day) – Sat, Oct 11 – Doors @ 8:00 p.m., Performances begin @ 10:00 p.m. - 441 Main Street (DoC-friendly)

We are also starting a communications campaign that will involve circulating posters and handbills, and canvassing, as well.

It's not enough that we vote against the Conservatives on Oct 14, we need to inform our fellow Canadians -- who see a decline in quality of life, but haven't yet correlated it as the impact of Conservative and neo-liberal policies and actions -- about the need to vote strategically to unseat Conservatives, wherever they may be.

Winnipeggers wanting to volunteer for this cause are welcome to contact: departmentofculture [dot] winnipeg [at] gmail [dot] com.

Department of Culture (Winnipeg) Contact:
Milena Placentile, departmentofculture [dot] winnipeg [at] gmail [dot] com.

- 30 -

The Winnipeg Branch of the Department of Culture is joining the fight against the social, economic, and political tyranny of the CPC.
Join us!
http://www.departmentofculture.ca
http://department-of-culture-winnipeg.blogspot.com

More laughs at the expense of Mean Person No. 1

2008-09-27T12:57:00.002-05:00

As found on fb...

That burnt out backdrop is a nice touch. "We don ned treez or gras edeers. inviromentz sux!"

Messages from Allies

2008-09-27T12:45:00.003-05:00

A message from Ricken, Lisa-Marie, Laryn of Avaaz Canada,

---

Dear friends,

For the last two years, the Harper government has done everything it could to wreck the world's efforts to fix climate change. Given the "fossil award" by environmental experts, Canada (our Canada!) has been repeatedly voted the WORST country in the world on climate change. Now, it's election time, and we have to make sure that Harper pays a real price at the polls for his reckless and un-Canadian climate policy.

Our first step is to target 3 of Harper's top MPs, including Environment Minister John Baird, and try to stop their re-election by telling their constituents just how irresponsible they've been, and what they've been doing in the name of all Canadians. Our ad campaign is ready to launch in these ridings, but we urgently need Canadian Avaaz members to donate $50,000 this week to get started. Click below to see the ads and donate just $10 or $25:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/stop_harper

In an initial 3 target ridings, we'll be appealing to all voters to help save the planet by voting for the candidate most likely to beat the Conservative candidate. In one riding, we'll be supporting an NDP candidate, in another a Liberal, in another a Green. We're making sure to be "tripartisan" - we don't support any particular party, we just want to make sure the Conservatives pay for their almost criminal record on the environment. A large majority of voters in these ridings oppose Harper, but have split their votes among the 3 progressive parties, so even just a small shift in strategic or "smart voting" to favour the most popular progressive candidate will likely defeat the conservatives. That's the pitch our ads will make.

There's so much at stake, and no time to lose, let's pull out all the stops for Canada, and for the world.

With hope,
Ricken, Lisa-Marie, Laryn and the Avaaz Canada Team

PS - Canadian Avaaz members have a long record of campaigning against Stephen Harper's environmental policies, from calling him out on his failure to implement the Kyoto Protocol, to challenging his wrecking tactics at the Bali summit. In our online poll, 90% of Avaaz members strongly opposed a Harper majority. We've won some of these fights before, and if we all pull together in the next 2 weeks to give our voices, our time, our talent and our money, we can do it again!

PSS - Here are some links to more information:

Green party leader Elizabeth May calls for 'strategic voting' across party lines to stop Harper:
http://www.thestar.com/FederalElection/article/505642
Straight.com writer analyzes the stakes of the Canadian election for the world:
http://www.straight.com/article-163371/election-planet
This site shows that at a national level, strategic or smart voting will benefit all the opposition parties and prevent a Harper Majority:
http://www.voteforenvironment.ca/

Messages from Allies

2008-09-27T12:42:00.002-05:00

From David Suzuki of the David Suzuki Foundation

---

We must elect leaders who care about the planet,

Leaders of nations worldwide know we are near more than one environmental tipping point. So they've met to hammer out agreements in crucial areas such as biodiversity loss and global warming. Canada itself has acknowledged, through national planning and legislation, the importance of issues such as species conservation and sustainable development. Many of these agreements and strategies must be addressed during the mandate of the government we elect on October 14.

In December 2009, Canada will meet with other nations in Copenhagen to adopt an international treaty to succeed the Kyoto Protocol on global warming. In 2010, the country will also have to report on the progress it has made regarding the UN Convention on Biological Diversity's targets for reducing biodiversity loss. Over the next few years, Canada's government must also formally review its Species at Risk Act, implement a Sustainable Development Act, and tackle a number of other crucial environmental issues.

We need a government that will lead when it comes to caring for the finite world that gives us life and sustains us. We've already squandered 20 years since global warming was first recognized as an issue requiring immediate attention. We signed the Kyoto Protocol 10 years ago, in 1998, and ratified it in 2002, but have done little to reduce greenhouse gas emissions since then. On top of that, our oceans have more plastics and pollution but fewer fish, plant and animal species are disappearing at an accelerating rate, and we have failed to take advantage of the many opportunities sustainable development offers.

Even though the environment has at least been on the agenda during this election, pollsters tell us Canadians see the economy and health care as more important. But it's not a matter of one or the other. The health of Canadians depends on a healthy environment, as does a healthy economy. Everything is connected!

The economy is a huge issue, as we can see from the current meltdown in the U.S., which will surely have an enormous impact on our economy. But some politicians are exploiting our fears to imply that environmental protection and action on global warming are not compatible with a strong economy. What planet are these people living on?

That way of thinking is wrong on so many levels it's hard to know where to begin. A strong, sustainable economy is not possible without a healthy environment. Global warming, pollution, diminishing resources, and loss of species and habitat will cost us increasingly more as our already burdened health-care systems are stretched to the limit, as we run short of fossil fuels and land to grow food, and as ecosystems collapse, threatening the availability of clean water, air, and soil.

Those who argue that protecting the environment will hurt the economy may want to take note that none of the current economic problems in the U.S., here, or around the world has been caused by environmental-protection measures! On the contrary, countries such as Germany and Denmark that took measures early on to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and switch to more renewable energy sources have seen substantial economic benefits and have been less vulnerable to the impacts of volatile fossil-fuel markets. We don't decry $90 a tonne tipping fees for landfills but we scream bloody murder at a suggested $10 a tonne to pollute the atmosphere with carbon. Sweden has a flourishing economy with a carbon tax at $150 a tonne!

We're a bit behind, but we can start to catch up by recognizing that environmental initiatives can give the economy a huge boost. We can keep sucking every last bit of coal and oil out of the ground until it's all gone, until it's all been burned and its carbon released into the air, or we can create jobs and economic opportunities by developing renewable sources of energy.

Yes, we can all make a difference through our own individual actions, by changing some of our habits, but we also have an opportunity to elect a government that will contribute to the kinds of large-scale changes needed for a sustainable world. As Canadians, we must hold the politicians to account and ensure that, no matter which party wins the election, we will have a government that shows foresight and leadership at home and abroad. That way we'll have a country that is thriving on opportunity rather than drowning in crisis. If we keep stalling, we won't have to worry about the economy, or health care, or anything else.

EVENT: Federal Election Forum

2008-09-27T12:23:00.001-05:00

A Federal Election Forum is scheduled to take place on October 7 at the Berney Theatre (123 Doncaster street).

Citizens are invited to send in questions that represent the interests of different stakeholders (i.e. community club organizations, professional associations etc) as long as they pertain to the Federal Government.

These questions must be sent in by Oct. 1/08 and they must take no longer than 30 seconds to ask.

Let us ( know if you would like to forward any questions, if you have not done so already – we will pass them on to our contact.

We haven't yet received information about whether people are allowed to attend in person, but it might be worth calling the Theatre to find out.

The three media panelist scheduled to attend the Federal Election Forum (the ppl asking the questions) will be:

- Catherine Mitchell of the Free Press
- Richard Cloutier of CJOB
- Tom Brodbeck of the Sun.

A fourth set of questions will be asked by Jenifer Dubas.

Messages from Allies

2008-09-27T12:15:00.003-05:00

From Steve Anderson of the Campaign for Democratic Media...

---

Stephen Harper thinks "ordinary" Canadians don't give a hoot about their culture. We think he's wrong. We believe culture and communication policies are hugely important to Canadians who see them as key issues in this federal election.

Campaign for Democratic Media is asking, on your behalf, where the political parties stand on issues such as protecting the open Internet, media concentration, foreign ownership limits, CBC funding and support for the arts.

CDM will send you a copy of Communication and Culture: Where Do the Parties Stand? along with a list of questions that you can put to the candidates in your own electoral riding.

Also, Campaign for Democratic Media will soon be releasing a report, Net Neutrality: Fact vs Fiction, and encouraging Netizens to use it in their discussions with local candidates.

Getting politicians on record and making communication and culture an issue in this election takes money. Media and communications conglomerates have big bucks to spend influencing federal policies. We, thankfully, have YOU.

[Snip -- visit http://democraticmedia.ca]

In previous CDM campaigns, we have put your concerns before the CRTC, which helped prevent further loosening of media concentration rules. And with your assistance, we have helped propel Net Neutrality from an obscure issue into a national effort to ensure the Internet remains open to all Canadians.

We need to capitalize on this federal election to put clear choices about culture and communications policies in front of "ordinary" Canadians. Won't you help?

[Snip -- visit http://democraticmedia.ca]

Thanks as always for your support,

Steve Anderson, National Co-ordinator
Campaign for Democratic Media
604-837-5730

Messages from Allies

2008-09-27T12:12:00.002-05:00

From Ian Morrison of FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting...

---

Dear Friend,

I know this message arrives only a few hours after my previous note to you.

But something has happened on the election campaign trail I thought you would want to know about -- because it raises more troubling questions about Stephen Harper's real agenda for Canadian culture.

Yesterday, Mr. Harper belittled concerns about cuts his government made to cultural programs just before the election was called, describing culture as a "niche issue for some."

Speaking at a news conference in Saskatoon, Mr. Harper attempted to pit voters against Canadian culture by characterizing artists as "... a bunch of people at a rich gala... all subsidized by the taxpayers -- claiming their subsidies aren't high enough...".

These comments are only the latest to show Mr. Harper's destructive agenda for Canadian culture.

Please join me to take action to counter Stephen Harper’s agenda:

www.friends.ca/election08/action

You can watch Mr. Harper’s attempt to misrepresent the importance of Canadian culture by clicking here.

This is especially disturbing in light of a recent Conservative Party fundraising letter which raises the possibility of CBC cuts if the Conservatives are re-elected.

I am bringing this to your attention because it shows that we need to work vigilantly during this election campaign to counter Mr. Harper's message.

Members of Parliament are ultimately responsible to the local voters who elect them. I hope you will go to www.friends.ca/election08/action and demand to know where the candidates in your riding stand. Do they agree with Mr. Harper’s cynical view?

FRIENDS has established an Election Action Centre that makes it easy and fast to send a message to the candidates who are seeking to represent you in Parliament. Please use it today by visiting:

www.friends.ca/election08/action

Please join with me to put your candidates on the spot about Canadian culture right now.

Yours sincerely,
Ian Morrison, Spokesperson
FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting

PWYC EVENT: Speak - Easy GALA

2008-09-27T12:08:00.001-05:00

Zeitgeist inspired, Musically fueled, 1920's Themed!

Host: RAGPICKERS
Time: Friday, October 10, 2008 at 8:00 til' late
Location: The Ragpickers Ballroom
Street: 216 McDermot Ave. 2nd Floor
Phone: 942.7992
Email: ragpickers@hotmail.com

An evening of Music and Performance to suspend us in time and uplift our spirits! Featuring the Sounds of :

Jacques Lussier and Hughes Darnet ( France)
"Hugwan and the Recycled Beings"
Joshua "Poor Andy" Stanton playing Skiffle
WPG. Center INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE Ed Ackerman
Plus, special Guests, Poetry and Performance.

An evening before Thanks Giving wherein it is hoped all who attend will do so in formal or costumed attire appropriate to the 'Speak Easy' genre.

An evening before we VOTE wherein it is hoped we will chat and discuss, express our views, engage each other with options on our collective future.

An evening inspired in part by the Department of Culture, and the desire to try and make a difference which I hope you'll come and share in.

http://www.departmentofculture.ca
http://www.myspace.com/hugwan
http://www.joshuastanton.com

Tell us what ya really think, Harper n' Co.!

2008-09-27T11:56:00.003-05:00

Milena says: "I just found these quotes kickin' around in a folder on my hard drive from the last election. Sure, they're old, and there have been more shockingly ignorant commentary since, but let's not forget these ones, as well. Anyone interested in adding to this list?"

I would expect the support of the party no matter what happens... even if I were to kill my grandmother with an axe.
- Stockwell Day (while leader of the Alliance, according to various MPs), June 2001.

"I want to know how many women in Alberta are physically battered and not just insulted by their husbands... If we talk insulted by their husbands, then I'm afraid that I'm guilty from time to time of abusing my wife."
- Stockwell Day (disputing a poll indicating one million women had been abused physically, emotionally, sexually or economically) 1987.

As a Christian, I acknowledge the lordship of Jesus Christ over the whole universe ... I believe that the Bible is the infallible word of God and every word in it, cover to cover, is true.
- Stockwell Day, 1998.

The establishment came down with a constitutional package which they put to a national referendum. The package included distinct society status for Quebec and some other changes, including some that would just horrify you, putting universal Medicare in our constitution, and feminist rights, and a whole bunch of other things.
- Conservative leader Stephen Harper, then vice-president of the National Citizens Coalition, Montreal meeting of the Council for National Policy (a right-wing American think tank), June 1997.

If you've read any of the official propagandas, you've come over the border and entered a bilingual country. In this particular city, Montreal, you may well get that impression. But this city is extremely atypical of this country... So it's basically an English-speaking country, just as English-speaking as, I would guess, the northern part of the United States.
- Conservative leader Stephen Harper, then vice-president of the National Citizens Coalition, Montreal meeting of the Council for National Policy (a right-wing American think tank), June 1997.

For taxpayers, however, it’s a rip-off. And it has nothing to do with gender. Both men and women taxpayers will pay additional money to both men and women in the civil service. That’s why the federal government should scrap its ridiculous pay equity law.
- Stephen Harper on pay equity, NCC Overview, Fall 1998.

I don't know all the facts on Iraq, but I think we should work closely with the Americans.
- Stephen Harper, Report Newsmagazine, March 25th 2002.

It's past time the feds scrapped the Canada Health Act.
- Stephen Harper, then Vice-President of the National Citizens Coalition, 1997.

The Harper Record

2008-09-27T11:47:00.003-05:00

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives has released a fantastic book and, furthermore, has made it available online for FREE!!

Click here for more info, or continue reading below...

September 23, 2008

Author(s): Teresa Healy (Editor) | Publication Type: Reports & Studies | Pages: 504

This book is one in a series of CCPA publications that have examined the records of Canadian federal governments during the duration of their tenure. As with earlier CCPA reports on the activities of previous governments while in office, this book gives a detailed account of the laws, policies, regulations, and initiatives of the Conservative minority government under Prime Minister Stephen Harper during its 32-month term from January 2006 to September 2008.

The 47 writers, researchers and analysts who have co-written this book probe into every aspect of the Harper minority government’s administration. From the economy to the environment, from social programs to foreign policy, from health care to tax cuts, from the Afghanistan mission to the tar sands, from free trade to deep integration, and to many other areas of this government’s record, the authors have dug out the facts and analyzed them.

The Harper Record was necessarily researched and written long before an election was called, but its publication does coincide with an election campaign and thus may help citizens to make informed choices about the future of their country. Regardless of the election outcome, its contents will continue to be relevant between elections. In detailing what a minority Conservative government really did, or failed to do, it may serve as a guide and model for future elections.

Hard copies will be available for purchase on October 6, 2008. Pre-order your copy today.

Click here to download the whole book

Or download chapters individually:

Preface, by Bruce Campbell
Introduction, by Teresa Healy

Governance

Understanding Stephen Harper, by Steve Patten
Harper's War On Freedom of Speech, by Trish Hennessy

Economy, Trade and Investment

The Conservative Tax Record, by Andrew Jackson and Erin Weir
Manufacturing Decline and Resource Dependency, by Jim Stanford
Lost Jobs and the Erosion of a Caring Culture, by Eileen Corbet
Foreign Ownership, by Mel Watkins
Canadian Trade and Investment Policy, 2006-08, by Gauri Sreenivasan
Harper and Deep Integration, by Bruce Campbell
The Softwood Lumber Agreement, by Guy Caron
The Harper-Bush Alliance on Colombia, by Sheila Katz

Racialization and (In)Security

Harper Conservatives and the Colour-Coding of Canada, by Karl Flecker
Canada's Secret-Trial Detentions, by Matthew Behrens
Migrant Workers Under Harper, by Evelyn Encalada, Erika Del Carmen Fuchs, and Adriana Paz
Conservatives' No-Fly List Violates Rights, by Bruce Campbell
Canada and International Human Rights, by John W. Foster
Harper and Iraq War Resisters, by Joel Davidson Harden
Peace and Democracy for Afghanistan, by John W. Warnock
Harper, the Military, and Wedge Politics, by Steven Staples

Energy and Environment

The Harper Tar Sands Legacy, by Blair Redlin and Caelie Frampton
Downstream From the Tar Sands, People are Dying, by Jessica Kalman
The Harper Government and Climate Change, by Toby Sanger and Graham Saul
The Harper Government's Mismanagement of Canada's Water, by Maude Barlow and Meera Karunananthan
Putting Commerce Before Safety in the Nuclear Industry, by Marita Moll
Harper and Biofuels, by Pat Mooney
Harper's Attack on the Canadian Wheat Board, by Helen Forsey

(In)Equality and Public Services

Women's Equality and Human Rights, by the Ad Hoc Coalition on Women's Equality and Human Rights
Harper and Child Care, by Morna Ballantyne
Child Benefits Under the Harper Government, by Ken Battle
The Conservative Government and Big Pharma, by Julie White and Michael McBane
Harper and Public Health Policy, by John Hugh Edwards
The Legacy of Disability Rights in Canada, by John Rae
Harper and Crime, by Dawn Moore and Erin Donohue
Privatization Under Harper, by Toby Sanger and Corina Crawley

Culture and Communications

Telecommunications on the Free(Market) Way, by Marita Moll and Leslie Regan Shade
Harper's Museum and Art Gallery Policy, by Howie West

Federal-Provincial Relations

Harper, Québec and Canadian Federalism, by Barbara Cameron
The Haper Government and Federal-Provincial Issues, by Hugh Mackenzie
Newfoundland and Labrador and the Harper Government, by Lana Payne

Notes
About the Authors