Calgary is reviewing the costs of transit passes and considering making adjustments. At present an annual pass for seniors costs $55/year, while a monthly pass for low-income individuals costs $40 per month. The city is considering offering a further discount for low-income individuals and making it easier for them to access recreational services, transit and tax assistance.
Chief Gerald Amos Chief of the Haisla Nation has written a response to claims by Minister of Natural Resources, Joe Oliver, that radical environmental groups funded by foreign interests are hijacking the debate surrounding the proposed Enbridge pipeline. Read his response in the Huffington Post.
The BC government recently launched a new website, FracFocus.ca that provides information on chemicals used in the fracking process at particular sites. Although the government is requiring oil and gas companies to provide the information, they are not required to do so until 30 days after they have completed their project.
Vancouver Coastal Health is considering offering safe injection services at medical clinics throughout the region. The recent ruling by the Supreme Court that ruled the current injection site, Insite, saves lives and that medical staff and users could not be prosecuted should make it easier to start such a program.
According to a study conducted at SFU low income students are much more likely to live in and attend school in heavy traffic areas. Car exhaust carries a range of pollutants including carbon monoxide, lead and Formaldehyde, and is "associated with lower lung function, impaired lung growth, asthma, ear infections and lower cognitive functioning." Exposure to pollutants has also been associated with lower reduced cognitive abilities and sleep quality. The study captured traffic patterns and income in 10 Canadian cities and found the traffic patterns to be consistent.
A Vancouver organization, Fresh Roots is working with schools to develop "market gardens." The gardens provide food to the cafeteria and to culinary programs, but are also used as a learning tool in curriculum. Known benefits of school-based food programs include, a decrease in bullying and vandalism, improved nutrition and academic scores, greater community connections and support for local farmers. Read more in the Courier.
Temperatures across the Prairies have been in the double digits and the warm weather is expected to continue. While some are enjoying the weather, the change in climate is creating problems for many northern communities, where ice roads are not even close to being completed. Communities may have to rely on food and other stables being flown in at great expense.
The BC government's plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one third will not be attainable if plans for three new liquid nitrogen plants go through. While the first two will be powered by electricity the third and the largest one, will be fueled by natural gas. The government has said it hopes to stores emissions underground, but carbon sequestering is still in the developmental stages.
Finland's education system was reformed in the 1980's with a singular goal in mind, to provide all students regardless of economic or social background or geographic with the opportunity to learn. Schools provide meals, healthcare, guidance and counseling. Despite requiring far less homework than in other countries and despite having a large focus on play, students are performing exceptionally well on international education tests. In fact, Finish scores are typically at the top of the list. There are no private schools in Finland, nor is there competition between schools for ratings.
