Toolkits
Community Energy Association releases its 2010 Funding and Resource Guide
The Community Energy Association has just released a guide providing information on over 60 funding programs and resources that provide financial and educational support to Bc local governments and climate change initiatives.
To access the guide click here.
Whistler's BioBlitz Uncovers Several New Species
Whistler's annual BioBlitz invites local and non-local scientists to participate in a species treasure hunt. Scientists snap photos and collect samples of species found in the Whistler Resort area. This year's event resulted in a collection of over 700 plant and animal species and 100 of them are thought to be new. Read more here.Three BC Municipalities Reject the Terms of the Canada EU Trade Agreement
The Canadian and European "Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement" (C.E.T.A.) is being carefully scrutinized by three BC Municiplaities. The cities of Burnaby, North Vancouver and Trail are asking the province and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for a detailed analysis on the impact of the agreement on local purchasing policies and control over resources. A leaked document has shown that the agreement would eliminate local procurement policies of municipal and provincial governments and open Canada's drinking water systems to private water corporations.
If your city is interested in drafting a resolution on the trade agreement, please see the language adopted here http://www.canadians.org/tradeblog/?p=799.
New Westminster, First City in Canada to Adopt a Living Wage Policy
The City of New Westminster has become the first municipality in Canada to adopt a living wage policy. The living wage calculation is based on the income that two working parents would need, to support a family of four, with adequate food, shelter and the funds to participate in their community. While still a modest wage, the living wage would allow families to rise above the poverty line. In Metro Vancouver a living wage is calculated at $16.74/hourThe New Westminster City council motion was as follows:
"That the City establish a Living Wage Policy that is tied to an hourly rate
established each year by the Living Wage for Families Campaign; and,
That the Living Wage policy will apply to both full time and part time
employees; and,
That there be no threshold in terms of dollar value of a contract or number
of employees; and,
That the policy apply to persons that perform physical work on City premises
and properties; and,
That staff bring back information to Council regarding implications of the
Living Wage on contracted services."
To view New Westminster City Councillor Jamie McEvoy's presentation on the living wage click here.
Islands Trust Launches Food Security Project
The Islands Trust has initiated a project to address the issue of food security in the Islands Trust Area and provide public education through a new food security web page."The Islands Trust can support food security by creating policies that deliberately link land-use planning with community development, ecological conservation and socio-economic sustainability," said Sheila Malcolmson, Chair of the Islands Trust Council. "Food security is about more than simply having enough to eat.
A New Climate for Conservation - Nature, Carbon and Climate Change in British Columbia - Full Report
This report reviews the scientific and technical literature on climate change and biodiversity in British Columbia. It examines the scientific rationale behind the need for conserving natural ecosystems as a critical component of a climate action plan in four key areas: sequestering carbon, avoiding emissions, managing resilience and maximizing stocks and flows of ecosystem services.
A Manitoba Solution for Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are now regulated as service packaging under the Packaging and Printed Paper Stewardship Regulation, passed in December 2008. The Guideline for Plastic Bags under the Regulation establishes a target to reduce the use of single use plastic bags by 50% within five years.Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba (MMSM) will launch a new industry program to manage packaging and printed paper, including plastic bags in spring 2010.
Your Personal Carbon Calculator
Zeroghg.com has a simple and easy-to-use calculator. Click here"Buy American" bogeyman: Instead of fretting about US purchasing policies, we should focus on stimulating Canada's economy
Who knew? It turns out the biggest threat to the Canadian economy and jobs is not collapsed global financial institutions, weak markets, lack of innovation or declining infrastructure. No - apparently the clear and present danger Canada suddenly faces is "Buy American."