Today's the Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

Labour and social movements have made a difference!

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

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

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

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...

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

Department of Culture, Right Across Canada!!

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

Messages from Allies

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.

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

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 -

CSI 2008 ELECTION UPDATE

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.

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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.

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2. Vote Smart so the Majority Wins - www.VoteforEnvironment.ca

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

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3. Coalition of Artists take Action - http://departmentofculture.ca/

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/.

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4. David Suzuki Foundation Launches Non-partisan Site - www.voteenvironment2008.ca

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!

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5. Launch of Viral Strategic Voting Campaign - http://anyonebutharper.ca/

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

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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.

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7. Non-Partisan Arts Advocacy - www.canadianartscoalition.ca

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.

The CCA and the Federal Election

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

Messages from Allies

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!

In Their Two Years of Power, Harperʼs Conservatives Have:

In Their Two Years of Power, Harperʼs Conservatives Have:

1. 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)
   
   
2. 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)
   
   
3. 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)
   
   
4. 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.

www.voteforenvironment.ca

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!