WHEREAS the Election Act of British Columbia presently prohibits individuals under 18 from participating in the electoral process; WHEREAS early engagement in civic affairs is believed to lead to the establishment of a pattern of engagement that endures throughout life; WHEREAS the 2011 report of the Chief Electoral Officer of BC recognized that "The lowest voter registration rates are for young voters 18-24 years of age"; WHEREAS by the age of 15, BC residents are legally permitted to be employed on a full-time basis in accordance with the Employment Standards Act; WHEREAS by the age of 16, BC residents may apply for a license to operate a motor vehicle on a public highway; BE IT RESOLVED that the residents of British Columbia call upon the governing party to adopt as a policy that the age of eligibility to be an elector in future provincial elections be lowered from (18) to sixteen (16) years.

For years, Christy Clark’s government has been slashing education funding and delaying much-needed seismic upgrades. As a parent, it felt like the Vancouver School Board were the only elected representatives who were on our side and willing to fight for safe, fully-funded schools. The Vancouver School Board was planning to finally pass a balanced budget in a meeting tonight, in order to secure essential funding for seismic upgrades -- but incredibly, the Education Minister fired them before their meeting.[3] Now, the Vancouver School Board is essentially being run out of the Premier’s office, by an unelected political appointee. This could become a major scandal that will follow the BC government all the way to the ballot box in May’s provincial election, and they know it. It starts with a huge petition calling on Education Minister Mike Bernier to reverse this terrible decision. If you agree that firing the elected VSB trustees is an outrage, sign the urgent petition to Education Minister Mike Bernier now. Sources: [1] Vancouver School Board fired by B.C. education minister (CBC) http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-school-board-fired-1.3808674 [2] Former Vancouver School Board chair Mike Lombardi calls firing ‘outrageous’ http://globalnews.ca/news/3007688/b-c-education-minister-mike-bernier-set-to-address-vancouver-school-board-situation/ [3] Vancouver School Board to approve budget after months of delay, controversy (CBC) http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-school-board-intend-budget-approval-1.3808204

A strong democracy requires freedom of expression. That's why the blunting of the ability of civil society to advocate and to engage in that most fundamental democratic right – debate and, occasionally, dissent – should concern us all. But that's what's happening today in Canada. You see, CRA rules permit Canadian charities to devote up to 10% of their organizational resources to "political activities." And charities report annually what they're up to to show how they're complying with this rule. Back in 2012, the Harper government decided to spend millions auditing environmental groups, and later anti-poverty and human-rights charities, to see if they were doing too much "political work." Interestingly, right-wing charities, like the Fraser Institute, reported zero political activity and didn't catch the attention of CRA.[3] Earlier this year, National Revenue Minister Dianne Lebouthillier announced CRA would begin "winding down" these audits, but later reversed course and announced 24 political activity audits launched during Harper's time in power would continue as planned (but no new audits would be launched). One of the charities, Canada Without Poverty, has now launched a constitutional challenge to stop the CRA from stripping its tax-exempt status on the grounds that it's too politically active. The group says its constitutional right to free expression is being violated unreasonably. "They’re not wrong," The Globe and Mail argues in a recent editorial.[4] "The case is a vestige of the former Conservative government’s 2012 decision to pour millions into targeted CRA audits of charity groups – something many in the charitable sector denounced as a witch hunt. The Liberals halted all new audits this past January, but allowed 24 probes to continue. "As a concept, charity has its roots in 17th-century English law. But the more appropriate modern definition might be: whatever the Canada Revenue Agency and its political masters say it is." It's time for the political masters to step in and do the right: end the political-activity audits of 24 charities that just happened to disagree with policies of the Harper government. Sources: 1. As Harper's CRA audits continue, right-wing charities report zero 'political activity' again: https://www.pressprogress.ca/as_harper_cra_audits_continue_right_wing_charities_report_zero_political_activity_again 2. Liberal platform: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/10/New-plan-for-a-strong-middle-class.pdf 3. Stephen Harper's CRA: Selective Audits, "Political" Activity, and Right-leaning charities: https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/broadbent/pages/16/attachments/original/1430005311/Stephen_Harper's_CRA.pdf?1430005311 4. Like unions and political parties, charities deserve freedom of speech: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/editorials/like-unions-and-political-parties-charities-deserve-freedom-of-speech/article31728320/

It is up to each of us to risk backlash over staying silent on an issue that affects all of us. In case you missed it... Yesterday, TELUS sent out a simple tweet supporting climate action by the Government of Canada. Rebel Media decided to use it against the company, encourage a social media backlash, insult its Chief Sustainability Officer, and gather 5,000 signatures on a petition that encourages people to Cancel their TELUS services solely because of its support for climate action. As a result, the company has had to retreat back into the dark cave of PR damage control, apologize for its statement, delete the tweet, and deal with competitors trying to steal customers who express disagreement on social media. We keep talking about how we need our corporations and institutions to rise above, to take a courageous stance on the issues that matter most, and to care about more than just their own financial sustainability. I work at TELUS but am speaking as a Canadian: we cannot allow a few people to use the 'power' of social media to discourage big companies from acting on one of the biggest issues of our time that will affect our children, grandchildren, and generations to come. Here are a few facts: - Telus isn’t the only big company inside Smart Prosperity or the only firm backing carbon pricing - Loblaws, RBC and Tembec are all members of the environmental coalition - Ahead of the global agreement in Paris on carbon emissions last year, major global companies issued a call for carbon pricing systems. BP plc, Royal Dutch Shell pls, Statoil ASA and Total SA were among the firms who called for pricing - Top oil sands firm Suncor Energy also supports carbon pricing, though they haven’t released a statement on the new federal plan. The Mining Association of Canada has also stated its support for carbon pricing SIGN the petition NOW and let's show Rebel Media what Canadians really believe and stand for.

What are Canadian values and who defines them? Are we a country where everyone has to think and act the same, or are we a country where we accept tolerance and difference? Are we a country that takes it's strength from division or from diversity? Kellie Leitch is now using intolerance and racism to make political gain in her bid to become the next leader of the Conservative Party. She's asking her supporters whether immigrants should be screened for anti-Canadia values -- I would like her to answer, which "Canadian values" are these? Canada was built by immigrants coming from diverse places ranging from England, to Ethiopia to Indonesia. It's home to all kinds of cultures, values and religions. And let's not forget that it's also built on a legacy of colonialism that stripped First Nations of their land, communities and culture. There is no such thing as 'Canadian values' that are universal to all. People like me, a self-identified socialist from Latin America will have inherently different values from an oil executive in Calgary. Does that make me any more or less Canadian than the oil executive? If she's ever in power, which values will Kellie Leitch uphold? Will immigrants have to give up fights for indigenous rights? Will people like me have to give up my opposition to Canada's fossil fuel industry? Will Palestinians have to give up their struggle for a free Palestine? Will we be forced to support Canada's colonial legacy? Will immigrants be forced to dress a certain way? The moment we start accepting or rejecting immigrants based on their values, is the moment we've lost the Canadian dream. Canada will stop being a place where people can come find safety and acceptance, and instead be a place where their culture and values will be constantly at odds with others. This kind of campaigning on racism and intolerance does nothing but divide our country, create fear and, ultimately, make us all less safe. Join me in calling on Kellie Leitch to step down from the CPC leadership race and commit to stop using racism and intolerance for political gain.

WHEREAS a motor vehicle overtaking a cyclist with less than one metre of clearance presents substantial threat to the cyclist; WHEREAS the City of Vancouver has adopted a goal for zero traffic fatalities as part of its Transportation 2040 plan, the city of North Vancouver has endorsed Vision Zero, and the British Columbia road safety strategy acknowledges Vision Zero; WHEREAS similar laws have already been passed in 17 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces; WHEREAS cyclists (in particular young or less experienced cyclists) may lose control when passed too closely. Larger vehicles at higher speeds may generate a wind gust which causes cyclists to lose control. WHEREAS Statistics from ICBC consistently indicate 1,500 cyclists are injured each year in crashes; THEREFORE, we petition the British Columbia department and Minister for Transportation pass legislation amending the Motor Vehicle Act which would require motorists to give 1 metre of clearance when overtaking a cyclist below 50 km/h, and 1.5 metres when travelling faster than 50 km/h.

In the space of five weeks and between two people we've collected nearly a pound of plastic water balloon pieces in only one Provincial Park. Thousands and thousands more pieces need to be taken out of the environment. We've been informed by a Park official that in some Provincial Parks visitor programming still includes water balloons. Ecological integrity is a priority for Ontario Parks. The time to build a Waste Free Ontario starts now. Small deliberate actions have a direct effect on the quality of life for all.

This is shaping up to be the worst Fraser sockeye salmon run in recorded history. We need urgent action to protect wild salmon. Deadly diseases and viruses from fish farms are spreading to wild salmon, putting at risk thousands of jobs, entire First Nations cultures that rely on the wild salmon, the economy of BC and over 100 species that depend on wild salmon to survive. Safer alternatives are available. It’s possible to farm fish on land, using closed-containment farming techniques that don’t pollute the ocean or jeopardize wild salmon stocks.The companies say it is too expensive for them to deal with their own wastes, but allowing them to pollute our oceans with disease is too expensive for society. Prime Minister Trudeau gave Fisheries Minister LeBanc a mandate to use the best science to protect wild fish in Canada. Minister LeBlanc ignored this mandate by granting the industry long term licences on July 1, 2016 despite legal and scientific evidence that salmon farms are dangerous to wild salmon. Many scientists worldwide are raising alarm about open-net fish farms, but the multi-national fish farming companies have convinced government their dirty industry is safe. If enough of us sign this petition, we can make our voices louder than the multi-national fish farming companies, and win a legislated ban on open-net salmon farming. This would force the salmon farming industry to grow up and clean up and it would allow us to restore wild salmon. This benefits everyone.

Let us see the real truth in the cost of mail delivery in and to Canada. What are the bonuses paid to upper management, while the female Rural route drivers are paid upwards to 28% less than urban workers. They are doing the same job.

The current population of Canada is estimated at 33,000,000. We know that we all will likely suffer at least a single traumatic event in our life-time. We also know that approximately 8% of us in response to a traumatic event will go on to suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues. Based on these estimates, it's conservatively safe to estimate that over 2 million citizens in Canada will currently be living with symptoms of PTSD, diagnosed as such or otherwise, where these persons in the population have experienced at least a single traumatic event. The Canadian Mental Health Association states the following in regards to PTSD in Canada: While many people will experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives, only 8% people will experience post-traumatic stress disorder in their lifetime. There are some groups that are at higher risk of post-traumatic stress disorder than others: ⦁ People in certain occupations—are at higher risk. A study out of the University of British Columbia found that emergency personnel such as doctors, nurses, paramedics and firefighters experience post-traumatic stress at twice the rate of the average population. In Canada, it is estimated that up to 10% of war zone veterans—including war service veterans and peacekeeping forces—will go on to experience post-traumatic stress disorder. ⦁ Women—are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The reasons for this are unclear. (We recognize, however, that women are often victims of higher incidence of domestic violence, physical and sexual assault, both as adults and as children, which may contribute to these higher-levels of PTSD in women in Canada).1 ⦁ Refugees—are at higher risk for post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the stressful events that forced them to flee their homeland and the difficulties involved in moving to a new country. ⦁ Aboriginal people—who attended residential schools* have reported experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the abuse that took place. A small percentage of residential school survivors have reported this phenomenon now called 'residential school syndrome.' * Residential schools were Church-run, government-funded schools for native children, set up during the early 1900s. The schools were supposed to prepare aboriginal children for life in white society. Some children who attended the schools were subjected to physical, sexual and emotional abuse. The last residential school didn’t close until 1996. 1. Added by this author. Trauma survivors have an expression we've adopted, that we now call on our Governments to adopt as well: "If we can heal trauma, we can heal the world." We ask our Governments to help us ALL to heal.

Given the proximity of our citizens to water play areas (5 lakes and the ocean), it is vital that every opportunity be taken to teach swimming to all in order to prevent drowning. Given the population of Nanaimo at 90,000+ it is unreasonable to close one of the two indoor public pools. Research into recommendations on pools per population done by the Nanaimo Aquatic Development Society indicated that we should have one pool per 25,000 persons to meet public need. We are not even close to this recommendation. Given the need for warm water physical therapy for people with disabilities, this pool must remain open to allow fitness levels to be maintained. A three-month hiatus could cause serious deficits in health for many and cost our health care system. Many do not understand the importance of warm water for infants, children, elderly and fragile or injured individuals. According to research published in the Biology of Exercise, the effect of water temperature on the human body and the swimming effort, temperatures of 33 – 34 degrees Celsius are appropriate for these groups. Beban Pool is usually between 27.8°C – 29°C while NAC is 26.1°C – 27.2°C, considerably cooler. At water temperatures below 30C, hypothermia sets in. Nanaimo City has a contract with its citizens to serve the public. Pools are not here to make money but to provide a service to citizens who support it through taxes. Beban Pool has been a great service to a full life span of users from infants to seniors. It provides lessons, therapy, and fitness training. It is central for most citizens. The staff and users have a bond of appreciation. Many groups rent this pool for training including private swim clubs, synchronized swimming club (Nanaimo Diamonds), Special Olympics, physiotherapy groups, scuba clubs, and kayak clubs to name a few. The Lifeguards at Beban Pool serve as first responders for the complete Beban complex including the ice rink and community center, a vital service to all users. Beban Pool has allowed for the creation of community bonds resulting in many social connections for citizens of all ages. To ignore the benefit of this pool to all users is faulty thinking. As citizens of Nanaimo we support our council in creating the best possible environment for promoting health and fitness for all. Sign the petition HERE and let’s make sure Nanaimo City Council knows how much we need this pool open and how much we appreciate the pool and all the staff who work there. In addition, please take the time to write Nanaimo City Council at mayor&[email protected] Thank you.

An Amendment to the Workers Compensation Act In British Columbia is in order to provide support and care for British Columbia's Public Safety Workers. Such Amendment creates a presumptive clause for Public Safety Workers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. In recognition of the crucial role paramedics, firefighters, police officers, emergency dispatchers, corrections officers, and others play in ensuring the health and safety of British Columbians, this amendment guarantees that they will receive timely support and treatment when they are suffering from exposure to traumatic events.