Newsletter issues

People's Climate March & new events

Upcoming events: 

Fair Vote Toronto Downtown Action Team --- a Democracy Week event

Tue September 23, 2014@ 7 – 9 p.m
Metro Hall 55 John Street, Room 310 (King and John Streets)

Dennis Raphael + Dennis Pilon will be discussing why a proportional system would improve not only the health of our democracy but our own health as well.

“Nations that have proportional representation have significantly lower poverty rates - and better population health profiles - than those retaining the first-past-the-post electoral system..." Dennis Raphael.

Learn more about the connection between our voting system and our health from Dennis Raphael (Health Policy and Management) and Dennis Pilon (political science) both York University professors. Both are widely published and are engaging, interesting speakers. Moderator: Joyce Hall, FVT co-chair.

A Day to Aspire | Conspire | Inspire

Sat September 27, 2014 12:30-4:40pm
The 519 Community Centre

Community BBQ and Fair
Complimentary BBQ presented by FABARNAK, recreational and family programming, workshops, music and dance performances in Barbara Hall Park.
DETAILS IN FACEBOOK

This is the place Canadian Electoral Alliance holds our monthly Democracy Salon. 
As member of this community, we are hosting a table at the park. 
Do you have an hour to spare?  Help us at the table! Email

What's new: 

People's Climate March around the globe

We did it among 3000 Torontoians & 675,000 around the world on September 21, 2014!

Here are some media coverage
Citynews - Watch for us at 51-56 second mark
Canadians in global climate protest in New York; want Harper at UN summit
 

Fair Vote Toronto - We are happy to march with Fair Vote Canada

Many videos online, like this one for the whole march - watch for us at 4 min 10 seconds

A good selection of photos of various events around the world

 

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

People's Climate March today Sep 21 1pm

Upcoming events: 

It is happening!

Around the globe, people are marching for action on climate change!
 
We are ready!

Join us, Canadian Electoral Alliance and Fair Vote Canada, at Toronto City Hall Nathan Philips Square @1pm. 

Look for this sign and also “Make your vote count” and “Proportional Representation matters to the Environment”. We meet at the snack bar/ skate rental near the western end of Nathan Phillips Square (in front of City Hall). John Deverell will be speaking for the environment and for PR so we want to have people holding our signs nearby.
 
The route is short: It starts in Nathan Phillips Square at the stage area. From there, south to Queen St. W, west to University Ave, north to Dundas St. W, east to Yonge St, south to Queen St. W, and then westward to return to Nathan Phillips Square.
What's new: 

Check out marches around the globe!

Europe March

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10152674341617708&substory_i...

Australia March

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10152674294922708&substory_i...

Indonesia March

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10152674197217708&substory_i...

India

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10152673338252708&id=

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

Democracy Salon Thu Sep 18

Upcoming events: 

Deomcracy Salon in Democracy Week

Canadian Electoral Alliance is hosting the Democracy Salon

Thu, Sep 18, 6-8pm at The 519 Community Centre, 519 Church St., Toronto, Ontario (closest to Wellesley subway station)

FREE FOR EVERYONE!!

  • Review Live Green Toronto outreach
  • Review Meeting with Adam Vaughan September 9, 2014 & Next Step
  • People's Climate March September 21, 2014 1pm Toronto City Hall
  • Participation at Climate Impact Network workshop (location - University of Toronto) Oct 11, 2014
  • Preparation for the participation at the Climate Impact Network Conference (location - University of Toronto) November 1, 2014 & March 28, 2015

What to bring: A snack to share! A friend to come along!

Fair Vote Canada - Democracy Week event Sep 23 with Dennis Raphael & Dennis Pilon

Tue, Sep 23, 7-9pm at Metro Hall, 55 John St., Rm 310, Toronto, ON

FREE ADMISSION

Dennis Raphael on the social justice, inequality, health and poverty impacts of various voting systems. That is why changing our voting system is so important: real change can come about when people get the policy they voted for. Because winner-take-all systems do not accurately reflect how we vote, we do not get the policy and government we prefer. Dennis Pilon will also be on the panel with Dr Raphael to provide the electoral reform perspective. POSTER

More Democracy Week events

More on Election Canada website

What's new: 

This Changes Everything, Capitalism vs The Climate - by Naomi Klein

Facing climate change head-on means changing capitalism: Naomi Klein

An interview with Naomi Klein

Capitalism, as it’s conceived and conducted today; capitalism that relies on globalization, unbridled consumerism, deregulation and perpetual economic expansion, is irreconcilable with a livable climate.

And since humans have no control over the natural laws that govern a carbon-stoked climate, she argues, capitalism will have to change.  MORE

Naomi Klein: The price of free trade is unchecked climate change

Excerpted from This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate - on The Globe and Mail MORE

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

People's Climate March - TORONTO -SUN SEPT 21 1pm

Upcoming events: 

People's Climate March TORONTO -SUN SEPT 21 1pm

A collective of more than 250 volunteers from Avaaz.org, 350.org Toronto, Greenpeace, and other such organizations: We've united from Toronto, Markham, Mississauga, and other places to tell our leaders that we must divest from unsustainable fossil fuels and instead make our energy 100 per cent clean by 2050 for the safety and of our planet!

With a green heart as our unifying symbol, we'll be joining the 200,000 people in New York City and millions of others marching in their communities around the world from our starting point in Toronto. We'll get the crowd going with a few speeches before starting out of the Square with a very colourful display of green love. It's time to wake up the world to the imminent crisis and to tell world leaders that the time for action is NOW!

Join us -

 

will march with  for proportional representation and the environment at Toronto City Hall.

Watch for banners: “Make your vote count” and signs: “Fair Voting matters to the Environment”.

Meet at the snack bar/ skate rental near the western end of Nathan Phillips Square (in front of City Hall)

Route: starts in Nathan Phillips Square at the stage area, south to Queen St. W, west to University Ave, north to Dundas St. W, east to Yonge St, south to Queen St. W, and then westward to return to Nathan Phillips Square.
 

Sponsored/Endorsed by: Avaaz.org, 350.org, Greenpeace, Toronto Raging Grannies
Organizers: Peter de Vries and Emmay Mah -

What's new: 

Sign the Avaaz petition - 100% clean energy by 2050

Hundreds of thousands of us will take to the streets for the People’s Climate March just before the summit. Let’s make sure that on that day we deliver the largest Avaaz petition ever, for the only solution: mobilize the world to shift to 100% clean energy. Add your voice, and forward this widely:

To national, local, and international leaders:
Scientists warn us that climate change could accelerate beyond our control, threatening our survival and everything we love. We call on you to keep global temperature rise under the unacceptably dangerous level of 2 degrees celsius, by phasing out carbon pollution to zero. To achieve this, you must urgently forge global, national and local agreements and realistic plans, to rapidly and fairly shift our societies and economies to be powered by 100% clean energy by 2050. Our world is worth saving and now is our moment to act. But to change everything, we need everyone. Join us.

SIGN NOW

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

More events for Democracy Week

Upcoming events: 

Fair Vote Canada - Toronto events

  • Dennis Pilon (Tue, Sept 16 7pm) on the elements of getting a proportional system.
  • Dennis Raphael (Tue, Sept 23 7pm) on the social justice, inequality, health and poverty impacts of various voting systems.  POSTER

Fair Vote Canada website - list for events

Democracy Week Sep 15 - 21 is here. Fair Vote Canada website has a list for events available across Canada. FIND EVENTS

Climate Week NYC: The Top 10 Places to Be 

Don't know what's happening or where to go during this year's Climate Week NYC? Let ICN guide you with this infographic. FIND EVENTS

What's new: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance and JustEarth Meeting with Adam Vaughan

Lynn, Peter, Charles and Wing met with Liberal MP Adam Vaughan in Toronto Sep 8, 2014 to discuss action on climate change and electoral reform. Thanks everyone for your time! Join us Thur Sep 18 6pm Democracy Salon to review this meeting. DEMOCRACY SALON 519 Church St., Toronto (closest to Wellesley subway)

 

UK calls on Australia, Canada and Japan to deliver “ambitious” CO2 cuts 

The UK is pressing Japan, Canada and Australia to accept tough carbon cuts ahead of a proposed UN climate deal in 2015. MORE

CO2 surge drove greenhouse gas levels to new high in 2013 - WMO

"Past, present and future CO2 emissions will have a cumulative impact on both global warming and ocean acidification. The laws of physics are non-negotiable," Jarraud said. "We are running out of time." MORE

What would you do to un-Harper Canada? 

When I asked on Facebook recently "what a post-Harper government would need to do to undo Harper's disastrous re-making of Canada," I got close to 100 responses with at least three dozen different specific suggestions.

All of this means the scheduled 2015 federal election should not simply be another rascal-changing exercise.

The 60 per cent of us who didn't vote to radically change our country's laws and values must now ask those who would seek to replace Stephen Harper not simply what they will do for our country but what they will undo to give us back our country. MORE
 

Stephen Harper to skip UN Climate Summit, attend dinner instead

Harper isn’t the only world leader skipping the summit. ......President Xi Jinping of China and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will send government representatives in their place....The Harper government has insisted that any new international climate agreement must include all major emitters, including China and India. MORE
 

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

Democracy Week 2014 is here!

Upcoming events: 

Canada's 4th Democracy Week

September 15–21, 2014
Canada's Democracy Week aims to connect Canadians with activities that celebrate our democratic values and traditions in communities across the country.
Inspired by the United Nations' International Day of Democracy, the fourth annual Canada's Democracy Week will encourage Canadians, particularly young Canadians, to learn more about the importance of democracy and voting and to become more involved in the democratic process.  DETAILS & EVENTS TO GO
FACEBOOK

 

Also events in Toronto
Giving MPs more Freedom

Monday September 8, 2014 7:3opm at the Duke of York (St. George subway station)
WSIC Why Should I Care? is excited to host Michael MacMillan, co-author of “Tragedy in the Commons” &  MP for Wellington-Halton Hills Michael Chong who crafted a private members bill (the Reform Act) to give more power to MPs over holding the party leadership accountable, as their speakers at to lead the discussion on federal politics, power and changes that the public need to play a role in. FREE – RSVP

Canadian Electoral Alliance Democracy Salon - September 2014

Thu, Sep 18, 6pm The 519 Community Centre, 519 Church St., closet subway station: Wellesley - FREE

Bring a snack to share and a friend as well! Join for discussion on

  1. Review Live Green Toronto outreach
  2. Review Meeting with Adam Vaughan September 9, 2014 & Next Step
  3. People's Climate March September 21, 2014 New York City
  4. Involvement in Climate Impact Network workshop (location - University of Toronto) Oct 11, 2014
  5. Preparation for the participation at the Climate Impact Network Conference (location - University of Toronto) November 1, 2014 & March 28, 2015

Fair Vote Canada: create projects that take a look at our system of democracy 

Fair Vote Canada is calling on you to create projects that take a look at our system of democracy. Projects (music, poetry, comedy, drawings...) will be showcased on our facebook page. The 10 projects with the most comments will be included in an e-book profiling the contributor and their project.
Please email   for details

People's Climate March

September 21, 2014 New York City

In September, world leaders are coming to New York City for a UN summit on the climate crisis. UN Secretary­ General Ban Ki-­moon is urging governments to support an ambitious global agreement to dramatically reduce global warming pollution.
With our future on the line and the whole world watching, we’ll take a stand to bend the course of history. We’ll take to the streets to demand the world we know is within our reach: a world with an economy that works for people and the planet; a world safe from the ravages of climate change; a world with good jobs, clean air and water, and healthy communities. DETAILS

 

What's new: 

The 25/60 rule says Harper can be re-elected in 2015

 Stephen Harper and his Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) can still win the next election, scheduled for October 2015. Yes, opinion polls have turned against the CPC. It's true many Canadians cannot abide Harper. And there is no great economic news in sight that can be used to whip up Conservative support among non-partisan voters.
Thanks to Canada's first-past-the-post electoral system, Stephen Harper can repeat his 2011 victory by garnering support from one voter in four. All he needs is for four voters out of 10 to stay home.
The 25/60 rule says when only 60 per cent of Canadian citizens go out to vote, 25 per cent of the voters can deliver a majority government. In 2011, the Conservatives received 39 per cent of the vote, and won 53 per cent of the seats, because only 61 per cent of Canadians made the effort to vote. MORE
 

This Film Narrated By Leo DiCaprio Presents A Clear Climate Change Solution: Price Carbon

Ahead of the 2014 UN Climate Summit on Sept. 23, "Carbon" attempts to move the debate forward, exploring how governments worldwide are putting a price on carbon through carbon trading or carbon taxes. "Carbon" is the first film in Green World Rising, a four-part series narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio that focuses on climate change challenges and solutions.

WATCH VIDEO
 

Unity for Climate - Unicycle to Ottawa

Joseph Boutilier rides his unicycle from Victoria, BC to Ottawa to promote unity for the climate, making news on local newspaper & television along his journey.  MORE

 
Federal government puts polar briefings on ice 

Federal scientists who keep a close eye on the Arctic ice would like to routinely brief Canadians about extraordinary events unfolding in the North.
But newly released federal documents show the Harper government has been thwarting their efforts. MORE
 

City of Burnaby Directs Kinder Morgan to Stop Work that is Damaging Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

The City of Burnaby has directed Kinder Morgan to stop work in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. This morning, Kinder Morgan arrived with chainsaws and other tree-cutting equipment and began marking trees for removal in the Burnaby... MORE
 

Nova Scotia to ban fracking

There will be no fracking in Nova Scotia. Energy Minister Andrew Younger announced Wednesday that the Liberal government plans to introduce legislation in the fall prohibiting hydraulic fracturing in shale oil and gas projects... MORE
 

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

Time to act! Coming events you don't want to miss

Upcoming events: 

Meeting MP Adam Vaughan August 22, 2014 at Toronto

A few members of Canadian Electoral Alliance will meet MP Adam Vaughan to discuss electoral reform and climate change.  We are looking for one more member to join us.  Email if you are interested

Toronto Municipal Election - Mayoral Platform Discussion August 26, 2014 7pm by WSIC

Willowdale Baton Rouge. 5000 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
Why Should I Care invited two mayoral candidates - David Soknacki and Ari Goldkind to discuss their platforms.
Discuss topics such as road tolls, municipal term limits, transit, police budgets, taxation, parks and recreation and anything you think Toronto’s next mayor should focus on. Details.  RSVP

September 15 - 21, 2014 is Democracy Week in Canada

Fair Vote Canada is calling on you to create projects that take a look at our system of democracy. Projects (music, poetry, comedy, drawings...) will be showcased on their facebook page. The 10 projects with the most comments will be included in an e-book profiling the contributor and their project.
Please email    More on Facebook

People's Climate March September 21, 2014 New York City

As heads of state from around the world head to New York City in September, there will be an unprecedented climate mobilization – in size, beauty, and impact. Both in NEW YORK and GLOBALLY.
People around the world can now register their events as well as join scheduled events: Details More on Facebook

 

What's new: 

Elizabeth May pitches electoral co-operation for next election

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May is offering to co-operate with the NDP and the Liberals when it comes to running candidates in the next federal election.
She says some of these Canadians are telling her that they want to back the candidate who has the best chance of beating the Conservative candidate — whether that means voting Green, Liberal or NDP.
“We'd be prepared to talk to anyone about any form of electoral co-operation that would give Canadians a Parliament that would reflect the way they really voted,” she said.
The electoral co-operation could mean parties would agree not to compete against each other in certain ridings.
May says her offer to NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau is only good for the next federal election. So far, May said neither the Liberals nor the NDP have responded to her offer for future electoral co-operation.
For the co-operation to move forward, May said the parties would also have to support electoral reform.
The Greens want to Canada to replace the current first-past-the-post electoral system with a form of proportional representation. FULL ARTICLE

Feds expected to be flooded with mining proposals after gutting law: internal doc

Under the cover of an omnibus budget bill in 2012, the Conservatives stripped 99% of lakes, rivers and streams of protection under the Navigable Waters Protection Act.
The gutting of the act, originally meant to strike a balance between the rights of navigation and environmental protection, just came into force in April. The new law significantly reduces the scope over Canada's waters and facilitates development -- including mining projects.
Fast-forward a few months to today, and British Columbia is living through an environmental disaster after a breach of a tailings pond at a copper and gold mine in the Cariboo region. The breach on Monday resulted in 10 billion litres of waste water flooding into nearby lakes, creeks and salmon rivers. The contaminated sludge could fill 2,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, and a drinking water ban remains in effect along with a local state of emergency. MORE
 

IMF calls for green shift with 52% gas tax hike in Canada

IMF calls for green shift in taxation system…. governments haven't been very successful at communicating the "revenue neutral" message and that voters have been skeptical. One way of trying to convince people they are not being gouged is for governments to cut income taxes before introducing the added carbon charges. MORE

Canadians deserve honest climate talk

With the excuse that Kyoto was too expensive, Mr. Harper replaced it with his own emission target for 2020, which he presented in his 2007 policy statement, “Turning the Corner.”
Mr. Harper failed to immediately implement the necessary policies.
But instead of honestly admitting that it won’t achieve the 2020 target, the Harper government still pretends that it will. And it won’t admit that its vigorous promotion of oil sands and new pipelines, such as Keystone XL and Northern Gateway, is a key factor in Environment Canada’s prediction that Canadian emissions in 2020 will exceed the target by at least 20 per cent. Growth in oil sands emissions alone will account for half the overshoot.
Mr. Harper has admitted that he will do nothing for the climate that might slow the growth of oil sands jobs, ….Yet he won’t admit that this makes his 2020 climate promise false. MORE
 

Germany named most energy efficient country in study of 16 major economies

Countries that uses Proportional Representation adopt better environmental policies & Germany is a good example.  More
 

France Allocates 10 Billion for Renewable Energy Projects

Energy Minister Segolene Royal said that France will mobilize about €10 billion ($13.41 billion) for a package of tax breaks, low-cost loans, and bonuses to boost investment in renewable energy and cut the country's oil and gas bill. More

Climate Change Law in New York Bridges Partisan Divide

Adapting for climate change is no longer just a recommendation in New York State. It is about to become the law.  "What New York did shows that climate change doesn't have to be a partisan issue," More
 

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

Democracy Salon & Fair Vote Toronto at LIve Green Toronto

Upcoming events: 

Democracy Salon July 2014

Thu, Jul 17, 6pm
The 519 Community Centre, 519 Church St, Toronto - north of Wellesley St. W., closest to Wellesley subway station

Socialize, brainstorm and get prepared for 2015 Federal Election!
Connect with other civilian and climate change groups.
Outreach to concerned Canadians.
Open letter to three party leaders re cooperation.
Bring a snack, a friend and your ideas!

Fair Vote Toronto at LIve Green Toronto

Saturday July 19 11am-8pm, Yonge St - Dundas Ave and Queen St

Live Green Toronto Festival Toronto's largest outdoor celebration for all things green

There is a connection between proportional representation and the environment: countries with proportional systems are more likely to have an environmental voice in their Parliaments. Visit Fair Vote Toronto!

 

What's new: 

The battle for PM is closer than we think

'When Parliament resumes in, oh, maybe September, we will be only 13 months from an election.
The Conservatives are in objectively better shape now. Wright is cleared of wrongdoing and heading back to gainful employment. The government’s next budget will be balanced for the first time since 2008.
Harper has won by reaching out to moderates, not by working himself into a truly bizarre snit about them. If he remembers that, he’ll win again. And if not, not.
I think you’d be crazy to dismiss the NDP’s chances in 2015.
Trudeau’s Liberals have been ahead of the other parties 14 months in a row." FULL article
 

Time to get the NDP Liberal and Green party leaders to cooperate in this election! Sign the open letter:

We urge Opposition leader Thomas Mulcair, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, and Green Party leader Elizabeth May to put the interests of the country above (apparent) party advantage. We call on them to cooperate to the extent necessary in the next federal election to ensure the election of a government representing mainstream Canada, and a commitment to bring in proportional representation to avoid such abuses in the future.

Urge them to work together and bring us Proportional Representation and action on climate change!

A Public Letter to Candidates in the Toronto Municipal Election

(We are re sending this as our friendly subscribers told us that the link to this open letter in our last newsletter did not work.)

..ask candidates for Councillor and Mayor to support a comprehensive study to determine the full costs of the recent extreme weather events in Toronto 

.. ask the candidates recognize that climate change is an emergency that affects all of us and that they support measures to make our city a leader in the fight for a stable climate, with the added benefits of diversifying our economy, creating jobs, and improving public health.

Sign the letter

From David Suzuki Foundation

Addressing global warming is an economic necessity Those who don't outright deny the existence of human-caused global warming often argue we can't or shouldn't do anything about it because it would be too costly. Take Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who recently said, "No matter what they say, no country is going to take actions that are going to deliberately destroy jobs and growth in their country."
"Climate change poses a severe risk to global economic stability," "We believe it's possible to reduce emissions and deliver jobs and economic opportunity, while also cutting health care and energy costs."
If our leaders can't comprehend that, let's find some who can.

Here's to a radical Canada
Canada was once seen as a country where respect for each other and our land, air, water and biodiversity were valued. Now, some government leaders and their industry and media supporters threaten those who dare question the mad scramble for short-sighted, short-term profits at the expense of the environment, our health and the world's climate systems, and label us "radicals".
 

Germany debates new fracking ban

World leaders should lead.  A nice step to move forward!

German Ministers laid out plans to ban hydraulic fracturing (or fracking) for shale gas.  MORE

Here’s Why Al Gore Is Optimistic About the Fight Against Climate Change

Research firm Bloomberg New Energy Finance predicts renewable energy will account for 49 percent of the world’s power by 2030...
Gore is right that solar is driving the shift away from fossil fuels..
..individuals around the world can make a difference with their personal power choices. According to BNEF, much of the solar energy to be generated over the next 16 years will come from solar panels installed on residential roofs. MORE

From the vatican

Statement of the Joint PAS/PASS Workshop on Sustainable Humanity, Sustainable Nature: Our Responsibility
Problems have been exacerbated by the fact that economic activity is currently measured solely in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and therefore does not record the degradation of Earth that accompanies it nor the abject inequalities between countries and within each country.
the world’s governments called for the adoption by 2015 of new universal goals, to be called Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to guide planetary-scale actions after 2015. To achieve these goals will require global cooperation, technological innovations that are within reach, and supportive economic and social policies at the national and regional levels,
 

Pope Francis calls destruction of nature a modern sin
Francis said Earth should be allowed to give her fruits without being exploited.
This is our sin, exploiting the Earth and not allowing her to her give us what she has within her
 

 

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

Keep in touch, contact us and subscibe to our newsletter http://electoralalliance.ca/webform/contact

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Upcoming events: 

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Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL)

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Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

Happy Canada Day!!

Upcoming events: 

Happy Birthday Canada!! 

Our birthday wish:

Like this cake, give us a real democratic government where all polictical parties are fairly presented with Proportional Representation!!

Give us responsible environment policies!! 

NDP Liberal and Green cooperate for 2015 federal election!!

GoPro: Polar Bears - The Quest for Sea Ice

Watch Now
 

What's new: 

Tsilhqot'in First Nation granted B.C. title claim in Supreme Court ruling

The Supreme Court of Canada has granted declaration of aboriginal title to more than 1,700 square kilometres of land in British Columbia to the Tsilhqot'in First Nation... the court declared that title is not absolute, meaning economic development can still proceed on land where title is established as long as one of two conditions is met:

  • Economic development on land where title is established has the consent of the First Nation.
  • Failing that, the government must make the case that development is pressing and substantial, and meet its fiduciary duty to the aboriginal group.

In other words, the decision places a greater burden on governments to justify economic development on aboriginal land. The court also makes it clear that provincial law still applies to land over which aboriginal title has been declared, subject to constitutional limits. Read More

Canada Is Warming At Twice The Global Average And We Still Don't Have A National Plan

Canada has been warming at roughly double the global average over the last six decades, setting the stage for dramatic changes to the economy, environment and our very way of life. But government and business have been slow to react and Canada still has no national plan to address climate change.
Federal spending on adaptation to warming temperatures has increased (as noted in the graphic above) but remains a small portion of overall government expenditures. The $149.9 million for adaptation to climate change represented roughly 0.06 per cent of the $281 billion in spending in the 2011-2012 budget.
On the whole, the report finds that "changes in industry practices have been predominantly reactive, responding to variation in the weather or extreme events, rather than proactive anticipation of future climate change."  More

UK and Germany break solar power records

Britain and Germany have broken records for generating solar electricity in the last few weeks, according to new industry figures.
Germany generated over half its electricity demand from solar for the first time ever on 9 June, and the UK, basking in the sunniest weather of summer during the longest days of the year, nearly doubled its 2013 peak solar power output at the solstice weekend.
France, Italy, Denmark and other countries are also believed to have generated record amounts in June. More
 

Federal By-Election June 30, 2014 - VOTE!!

We asked by-election candidates to sign the pledge for action on climate change.  These are the ridings with by-elections coming up:
Scarborough–Agincourt (Ontario)
Trinity–Spadina (Ontario)
Fort McMurray–Athabasca (Alberta)
Macleod (Alberta)
Update: Green Party Shahbaz Mir of Scarborough Agincourt signed the pledge
 

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Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

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