February 2019

Anthropocene screening leads to great discussion on South Shore, NS

February 26, 2019 - 4:21pm

The South Shore chapter hosted a screening of the visually-stimulating documentary Anthropocene: The Human Epoch this past Friday in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, with 150 people in attendance. The film as described on their website: “At the intersection of art and science, ANTHROPOCENE: The Human Epoch witnesses in an experiential and non-didactic sense a critical moment in geological history — bringing a provocative and unforgettable experience of our species’ breadth and impact.”

Ford government announces plans to overhaul (devastate) public health care system

February 26, 2019 - 12:25pm

Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott announced the Ford government’s worst-kept secret today: its plans to overhaul the province’s public health system.

According to the CBC, the Doug Ford government is creating a “super-agency” called Ontario Health to oversee the province's $60-billion health-care system. It will dissolve 14 Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) and merge their duties with those of six provincial health agencies, including Cancer Care Ontario and eHealth Ontario.

The NDP revealed these secret plans last month in a series of leaked documents. While Minister Elliott attempted to claim these changes weren’t a done deal, and that the government would consult on any health care changes, today’s announcement proves otherwise.

Comox Valley chapter to co-host forum on impacts of LNG industry

February 26, 2019 - 12:11pm

The Comox Valley Chapter of the Council of Canadians is co-hosting a public forum to look at the future of LNGs, pipelines and fracking in the province. People will have a chance to hear from local speakers about the impacts of LNG projects and everything that happens on the way to the export facility.

As noted on the Facebook event page, people are invited to “come learn more about Fracking for LNG and its impact on Northern B.C. and the First Nations who live there. As well as the natural gas we burn, there’s a local connection with the (now ‘on pause’) Kwispaa LNG project proposed for Barkley Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island.”

Mourning the passing of a "kind and gentle water protector"

February 25, 2019 - 1:43pm

The Council of Canadians is saddened by the recent passing of Anishinabek Elder Josephine Mandamin.

The Anishinabek Nation acknowledged her as a “kind and gentle Water Protector.” “It is a very sad day,” said Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare. “We have lost a great advocate, teacher, and role model. She will be so deeply missed by all and will be fondly remembered for all of what she did to protect the water. Our prayers are with Josephine as she begins her journey home into the Spirit World and back to her ancestors. Our thoughts of comfort are with Josephine’s family and community as they prepare for her journey.”

NAFTA 2.0: Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps…

February 25, 2019 - 10:03am

It appears Canada will not be ratifying the new NAFTA unless the U.S. gets rid of steel and aluminum tariffs.  According to news reports, Transport Minister Marc Garneau told a National Governors Association audience in Washington Sunday that, unless the steel tariffs come off, it will be very hard to pass the new agreement before Parliament’s summer break.  What can we expect from the ratification of the agreement in all three countries?

Chapters This Week

February 22, 2019 - 6:01pm

Council chapters are made up of volunteers who work with local community groups, organized labour and others to promote the Council’s campaigns to protect water and public health care, work for fair trade, climate justice and democracy as well as other issues of social and economic concern. Check out some of our chapters’ recent actions below and be in touch if you are interested in getting involved in a chapter near you.

Working in coalition to stop Doug Ford’s regressive agenda

February 19, 2019 - 3:02pm

In a recent article, NOW Toronto examines how social justice organizations, labour, environmental groups and others are coming together in new ways to fight Premier Doug Ford’s regressive austerity agenda in Ontario.

With new cuts announced every week, including recent leaked documents that reveal Premier Ford’s plan for significant health care privatization, the Ford government’s threats to Ontario’s social programs are constant, as is the need for groups to collaborate.

Chapters This Week

February 15, 2019 - 9:19am

Council chapters are made up of volunteers who work with local community groups, organized labour and others to promote the Council’s campaigns to protect water and public health care, work for fair trade, climate justice and democracy as well as other issues of social and economic concern. Check out some of our chapters’ recent actions...

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