Citizens Press

PAOV- Code of Conduct - Citizens Press is an open platform for expression on all the issues that concerns the People’s Assembly of Victoria and the global occupy movements, it is the responsibility of the contributors to uphold the code of conduct.

Our values are inclusivity, empowerment, awareness, creativity, community, diversity and respect. 

We will remove posts that have been reported and determined as are derogatory, intolerant, racist, sexist, intentionally malicious, bigotry and overtly counterproductive.

Removed posts will be given the opportunity to edit, resubmit and meet our code of conduct. 

Say No Way to Bridal Veil Mountain Resort!

Wilderness Committee r1 Spotted owls don’t need a ski resort to recover, they just need protected habitat. Please join me today and tell the government NO WAY to this proposal. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ­­ View in Browser Photo: Northern spotted owl (Jared Hobbs)

Speak up for the spotted owl

Hi Paov,

The diminutive, endangered spotted owl is taking on a massive ski resort scheme in one of the most uneven battles of 2025. The spotted owl can’t win without us — it needs you!

A private company is trying to get permission from the B.C. government to construct the big, sprawling Bridal Veil Mountain Resort (BVMR) near Chilliwack, B.C.

Here’s the strange...

Read more: Say No Way to Bridal Veil Mountain Resort!

Meet our new Lead Organizer: Cheryl Cameron

NationBuilder r1

Hello Paov,

The BC Health Coalition wants to introduce you to our newest staff member, Cheryl Cameron.

With ten years of experience in community organizing, campaigning and strategic direction, Cheryl is thrilled to join the BCHC team. Together with our staff team she’s ready to pull out all the stops to support what Canadians consider fundamental to our identities: our public healthcare system.

Having lived and worked in communities across the province, Cheryl loves BC’s wild and rural places as much as its cities, and is committed to connecting with BCHC members in all regions.

From her previous community and environmental work Cheryl has often played a role in collective capacity-building, and she understands how to build power to make positive change in the face of corporate and political influence on policymakers. Having spent the last year in the North teaching school in a reserve community, Cheryl is especially interested in finding ways to support rural and Indigenous health...

Read more: Meet our new Lead Organizer: Cheryl Cameron

Spotted Owl Forest Revival

Wilderness Committee r1 Our latest issue talks about the Spotted Owl Recovery Strategy, its challenges and the steps needed to drive meaningful action. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ­­ View in Browser

Let's protect the spotted owl's future!

Hi Paov,

You and I know the spotted owl has been through a lot. Its population in Canada has plunged from 500 pairs to the brink of extinction after a century of industrial logging. But now, we’ve got a rare shot to turn things around.

​​​​The federal government is poised to release its finalized Spotted Owl Recovery Strategy, and it’s a game changer. This plan calls for the protection of 4,000 square kilometres of old-growth forest in south western B.C. — a win for the spotted owl, other wildlife and anyone who...

Read more: Spotted Owl Forest Revival

For-profit surgical clinic is finally being forced to pay for its case against public health care

NationBuilder r1

If Cambie Surgeries had been successful in its case against public health care it would have allowed US private insurance companies to compete with and transform Canada’s public health care system

On Monday January 27, the BC Supreme Court clarified that Cambie Surgeries, a for-profit surgical clinic, was financially motivated in launching a case against public health care. As part of the decision, the Court found that the clinic should pay for some of the legal costs that were incurred. It is estimated that Cambie Surgical Clinic made tens of millions of dollars in profits, by continuing to charge patients for services that should be free, while the case dragged on for over a decade.

The judgement also referred to the BC Health Coalition as intervenors in the case because of our substantial contributions to fighting the case in the courts. We were represented by renowned human rights lawyer Joe Arvay, our arguments, evidence and expert witnesses were fundamental to...

Read more: For-profit surgical clinic is finally being forced to pay for its case against public health care

End of Plan and New Beginnings

NationBuilder r1

Hi Paov.

“Wow.” That is the reaction my new colleague Cheryl had as she learned all that the BC Health Coalition has done in the past two years to advocate for public health care.

And as a new(ish) staff member to the Coalition, I agree – from ending the Brian Day Case to being on the front page of the Times Colonist the day before the Provincial election, it's amazing what we as a coalition can accomplish.

As we close the year here at the Health Coalition – we are also reflecting on our 2023 - 2024 strategic plan, so we can apply the learnings as we develop our 2025 - 2026 plan early next year. But before closing the chapter on this latest plan – we wanted to highlight all you helped accomplish in the last two years. And ask for your support as we plan for the two years ahead.

Victory on Cambie Case

On April 6, 2023, the Supreme...

Read more: End of Plan and New Beginnings

December 2024 Newsletter

State of BC Health r1 BC Health

Your December 2024 monthly update from the
BC Health Coalition

UPDATES

BC Health Coalition Annual General Meeting, Dec. 9, 2024

A huge thank you to everyone who was able to join us bright and early for last week's AGM. The meeting was well attended, with no new resolutions being brought from the floor. New Steering Committee members were elected by their peers.

BCHC 2024 Steering Committee Co-Chairs

Dr. Mei-ling Wiedermeyer



Mei-ling (she/her) is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the UBC Department of Family Practice and a family physician at Umbrella Multicultural Health Co-op. Working with BCHC is a way for her to...

Read more: December 2024 Newsletter

Building bridges to nature?

Wilderness Committee r1 Your support roots us in purpose ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ­­ Having trouble seeing this email? Click here DONATE TAKE ACTION

You build more than trails


Dear Paov,

My first visit to an old-growth forest left me in awe of its beauty and serenity. Today, I’m inspired by people like you who support our trail building program — connecting volunteers to protect these ancient wonders and inspire action.

We are thrilled to share with you a special feature film highlighting our trail building work in BC.

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at our partnerships with the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and the Ahousaht in Clayoquot Sound, the community organizations and dozens of volunteers that, together, make the magic. From breathtaking forest views to heartfelt volunteer stories, this is your chance to see how your support turns passion into protection. Don’t miss this!

Read more: Building bridges to nature?

Whatevers Wild in Ontario?

Wilderness Committee r1 Our latest episode looks at Ontario’s weak protection goals ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ­­ View in Browser

Ontario needs a plan to protect more nature

Hi Paov,

Over the past year, our brand new video series — Whatever’s Wild — took you through some of our most important campaign updates. Hosted by our very own Campaign Assistant Cedar George-Parker, the series dove deep into the issues facing old-growth forests, climate and LNG targets, spotted owls and at-risk species, highlighting the efforts taken to address these environmental hot topics.

As the year draws to a close, we’ve got another great episode of Whatever’s Wild for you. This time, from the most populated province in Canada, Ontario! In this episode, Cedar sits down with our Ontario Campaigner Katie...

Read more: Whatevers Wild in Ontario?

Double your impact for nature

Wilderness Committee r1 One gift twice the protection ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ­­ Having trouble seeing this email? Click here DONATE TAKE ACTION Together we are Guardians of Nature


Dear Paov,

Growing up, I never thought of myself as a guardian of nature. Guardians of nature were adventurers living in wild areas. People who put their bodies in front of industrial machines to oppose the destruction of nature. Indigenous communities who resisted its exploitation.

But, nature has always had a profound impact on us. Remember the first time you gazed upon the Rocky Mountains, felt the cool mist of Niagara Falls, or encountered wildlife in its natural habitat? The awe and goosebumps you felt, that rush of wonder, stayed with you, didn’t it?

Now, when you and I see wilderness threatened, we take action to protect it. That’s what makes you and I Guardians of Nature. In fact, today an extremely generous fellow guardian of nature has pledged to match every single...

Read more: Double your impact for nature

[evoz] Agroforestry in Brazil


Presentation on Agroforestry project in Brazil - Dec. 8 at 1923 Fernwood Road 2 - 4 pm

Thor Smestad, B.Sc.F., M.Sc., P. Ag.

Presents an update on an agroforestry project in Brazilian Amazon see: https://acraabrazil.org

December 8, 2024 2 – 4 pm

At the Little Fernwood – 1923 Fernwood Road (FCA building)


  • An update on what's happening at ACRAA, the agroforestry centre in the community of Alter do Chão.

  • Information on agroforestry and how this type of agricultural system provides improved food and economic security.

  • Current and future projects in community and surrounding area.

  • 10 minutes for AGM activities for ABSS


For more Information contact:

ACRAA Brazil Support Society (ABSS)

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

[evoz] Cafe Simpatico: Liberation Theology articles

Dear friends:
Are you coming to Cafe Simpatico tomorrow, November 29, 7:00 PM (doors open), 7:30 PM (program) at 1923 Fernwood Road? If yes, or even if not, here are a couple of excellent articles to help prepare for the discussion on Liberation Theology and its author, Gustavo Guitierrez.
Hope to see tomorrow!
Central America Support Committee

[evoz] Cafe Simpatico: Friday Nov 29

Friends, please join us for Cafe Simpatico this Friday.
Read about Liberation Theology and its inspiring leader, Gustavo Gutierrez, here:
https://orinocotribune.com/gustavo-gutierrez-messenger-of-liberation/--
Central America Support Committee
presents
Cafe Simpatico
Friday, November 29, 2024
Paul Phillips Hall at Fernwood Community Association and Arts1923 Fernwood Road Doors open at 7:00 PM: 7:30 PM presentation.
The Impact of Liberation Theology
The recent death of Gustavo Gutierrez, known as the Father of Liberation Theology, inspired this month's Cafe. The Liberation Theology movement aimed to restore dignity and hope to the poor and the excluded by freeing them from intolerable living conditions. Join us as speakers explore the revolutionary impact of Liberation Theology in Latin America.
Everyone is welcome. Refreshments including Fair Trade Nicaraguan coffee. Donations gratefully accepted.


Sponsored by Central America Support Committee (CASC)


www.victoriacasc.org https://www.facebook.com/vcasc/
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Nov. 2024 Newsletter

State of BC Health r1 BC Health

Your November 2024 monthly update from the
BC Health Coalition

UPDATES

Josie Osborne headshot

Welcome BC’s new Health Minister, Josie Osborne

We have a new Health Minister in British Columbia: Josie Osborne, who was first elected as MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim in 2020. In her first interview since taking on the file, she pledged to fix emergency room closures in rural communities. We’ve heard from some of BCHC’s rural members and they are excited to have Osborne take on the role as Health Minister – she has spoken out to support more rural access to primary care throughout her previous term.

We are finailizing a letter to our new health Minister to congratulate her on her...

Read more: Nov. 2024 Newsletter

[evoz] Cafe Simpatico: Friday Nov 29

Central America Support Committee
presents
Cafe Simpatico
Friday, November 29, 2024
Paul Phillips Hall at Fernwood Community Association and Arts1923 Fernwood Road Doors open at 7:00 PM: 7:30 PM presentation.
The Impact of Liberation Theology
The recent death of Gustavo Gutierrez, known as the Father of Liberation Theology, inspired this month's Cafe. The Liberation Theology movement aimed to restore dignity and hope to the poor and the excluded by freeing them from intolerable living conditions. Join us as speakers explore the revolutionary impact of Liberation Theology in Latin America.
Everyone is welcome. Refreshments including Fair Trade Nicaraguan coffee. Donations gratefully accepted.


Sponsored by Central America Support Committee (CASC)


www.victoriacasc.org https://www.facebook.com/vcasc/
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[evoz] “Karuara, People of the River," fi

Coming to Victoria: “Karuara, People of the River” free screening at UVic Cinecenta: Monday November 18th at 7pm. Co-produced by Stephanie Boyd and Mariluz Canaquiri. Both producers will be in attendance at this film showing. The film is about Mariluz Canaquiri's struggle to protect her river and spirit universe below called “Karuara, People of the River” — though it’s not just “about” her struggle, Mariluz is not just the film’s protagonist, she’s also the co-producer. The film is part of a successful campaign to have the Marañón River declared a legal person, with rights - the final verdict was just upheld last week by a Peruvian appeals court. A coalition of Canadian lawyers and academics from the Environmental Law Center (ELC) at the University of Victoria & the Justice & Corporate Accountability Project (JCAP), presented an amicus curiae in the Peruvian court to support the lawsuit. The film premiered at Hot Docs Festival this spring in Toronto and won two prizes at Lima’s big film festival: Audience Choice and Best Peruvian film. Last week it won Best Amazon film at a regional festival in Peru and was screened at the Banff Mountain film and book festival. Please share with your friends or lists. Read more: [evoz] “Karuara, People of the River," fi

[evoz] “Karuara, People of the River," fi

Coming to Victoria: “Karuara, People of the River” free screening at UVic Cinecenta: Monday November 18th at 7pm. Co-produced by Stephanie Boyd and Mariluz Canaquiri. Both producers will be in attendance at this film showing. The film is about Mariluz Canaquiri's struggle to protect her river and spirit universe below called “Karuara, People of the River” — though it’s not just “about” her struggle, Mariluz is not just the film’s protagonist, she’s also the co-producer. The film is part of a successful campaign to have the Marañón River declared a legal person, with rights - the final verdict was just upheld last week by a Peruvian appeals court. A coalition of Canadian lawyers and academics from the Environmental Law Center (ELC) at the University of Victoria & the Justice & Corporate Accountability Project (JCAP), presented an amicus curiae in the Peruvian court to support the lawsuit. The film premiered at Hot Docs Festival this spring in Toronto and won two prizes at Lima’s big film festival: Audience Choice and Best Peruvian film. Last week it won Best Amazon film at a regional festival in Peru and was screened at the Banff Mountain film and book festival. Please share with your friends or lists. Read more: [evoz] “Karuara, People of the River," fi

[evoz] Reminder: Cafe Simpatico - October 25

Dear CASC friends:

Join us this Friday, October 25, for Cafe Simpatico. It promises to be an exciting evening!
Best wishes,
Cory for Central America Support Committee



Thank you!

NationBuilder r1 Now we wait.... ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Paov,

As we wait for the election results from another nail biter of an election, we wanted to send a short thank you note to all the members of the BC Health Coalition that pushed for public health care this campaign season.

Whether you donated to support our work, contacted your candidates, or supported a local pro-public health care candidate, you helped send a clear message that a strong health care system is a top concern across the province. Thank you!

Our small staff of three are incredibly proud of the work we did to raise the bar for health care debate this election. Our Director of Policy and Campaigns, Ayendri Riddell, was quoted in CBC and CTV articles and was a guest on CKNW in the lead up to the election.

And the day before the election, we made a front-page headline in the Times Colonist. Here is the article exposing how the BC Conservative’s health care budget doesn’t add up.

Over and over, we’ve been able to punch above our weight and make headlines thanks to...

Read more: Thank you!

Thats a wrap on the Wilderness Commi

Wilderness Committee r1 Connecting with places and people ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ­­ View in Browser Volunteers building a boardwalk in the Walbran Valley. (Photo: Agathe Bernard)

Connecting with places and people

Hi Paov,

Every year, we get out on the land with as many community members and volunteers as we can to connect people and wild places. And our 2024 field trip season was one for the books!

We organized 15 wild hikes, canoe trips and other outdoor activities across the country, mobilizing over 200 volunteers from the public and local partner groups to do hands-on work in support of nature conservation. And we have so much to tell you.

We’ve written a...

Read more: Thats a wrap on the Wilderness Commi

[evoz] PLEASE COME TO A FREE SCREENING OF "WHERE CAN WE LIVE IN PEACE?: The Migrant Crisis," at the Vic Theatre, Oct 11, 7 PM - and please let your friends know

Friends:
YOU ARE INVITED TO A FREE SCREENING OF JUDY JACKSON'S MULTI-AWARD WINNING DOCUMENTARY:
WHERE CAN WE LIVE IN PEACE? The Migrant Crisis Friday, Oct 11, 7 PM, Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas St. S

There will be a post screening discussion. Aly Essa of the Inter-Cultural Association will focus on successfully sponsoring refugees and bringing them to Canada and Lorenzo Magzul will talk about addressing the root causes of migration in Guatemala.

It promises to be an amazing evening. Please let others know who may be interested in attending.

Judy Jackson

HERE IS A LINK TO THE TEASER https://vimeo.com/1011110249 The
password is PEACE

www.Judyfilms.com

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