http://dogwoodinitiative.org Creating sustainable community-centred solutions for lands and people daily 1 http://dogwoodinitiative.org/bulletins/veiled-threat Western Forest Products is implying that they will play the role of the 'too-bad-so-sad/'no parks' developer if Ida Chong, the Minister of Community Services, approves zoning changes submitted by the Capital Regional District that would decrease the value of land the company is trying to sell to a Vancouver developer. Dogwood Initiative eswanson Forests Apr 11, 2008 http://dogwoodinitiative.org/bulletins/2008-04-03-insider-trading After more than a year of speculation, the BC Securities Commission (BCSC) is now investigating the possibility that large purchases of Western Forest Products stock in January 2007 were in fact ‘insider trades’, in which information leaked to one or more shareholders allowed them to make huge profits. The ‘insider information’, in this instance, was confirmation that Minister of Forests Rich Coleman would indeed be granting the company their tree farm licence deletion Dogwood Initiative eswanson Forests Apr 03, 2008 http://dogwoodinitiative.org/bulletins/truth-hurts Last week, a Globe and Mail story by Norvall Scott broke news of a “business-led lobbying effort to create a partial moratorium on oil sands development in order to free up conservation land” in northern Alberta’s heavily scarred Athabasca region. The move breaks a generally accepted code between companies and the government of that province and reflects a desperation on the part of some of Alberta’s largest tar sands companies to shed their 'dirty oil' image. Dogwood Initiative eswanson Energy Mar 03, 2008 http://dogwoodinitiative.org/bulletins/energycorridor Announcements by energy giant Enbridge and the BC government look to clear First Nation and environmental obstacles to tanker traffic along BC’s coast. But public opinion remains firmly against tankers on our coast. Dogwood Initiative ccampbell Democracy Energy First Nations Feb 14, 2008 http://dogwoodinitiative.org/forests/Feb12-08-Colemanmustgo BC Minister of Forests and Range Rich Coleman has outraged First Nations, forest workers, surfers and other recreation-interests, local land owners, and environmental advocates with his decision to delete 28,000 ha of land from Tree Farm Licences on Vancouver Island, including treasured sections of land surrounding Sooke Potholes and coastal forest between Sooke and Jordan River. His performance on this and other issues constitutes a betrayal of the public interest. Dogwood Initiative maurita Forests Feb 12, 2008 http://dogwoodinitiative.org/06-02-08-granny Last week I was lucky to take time out of my busy schedule and gain some perspective from raging granny Gillian Sanderson. She was eager to share her perspective on our Forest Minister, Rich Coleman, and his decisions affecting our beloved coast. Dogwood Initiative maurita Democracy Forests Feb 06, 2008 http://dogwoodinitiative.org/bulletins/addictedRevenue When commentators refer to a global 'addiction' to fossil fuels, the addiction is typically meant to refer to the actual use of oil, gas, coal, etc. to power the mechanics of our modern, everyday lives - in essence the royal 'we' are addicted to the conveniences and status that cheap energy continues to provide...But I'm inclined to think that the tougher addiction to break, and the addiction that will only get stronger as the price of energy increases, is the addiction of fossil fuel producing jurisdictions to revenue generated by the development of remaining reserves. Dogwood Initiative eswanson Energy Jan 16, 2008 http://dogwoodinitiative.org/bulletins/newyears The New Year brings with it the opportunity to take stock of our accomplishments and look to the future. 2007 was a momentous year for Dogwood Initiative. Not only has the organization grown, but, more importantly, the idea of creating a sustainable BC based on community engagement and local control took root in communities around BC. As people stood up to protect the integrity of their community and environment they discovered something surprising. They can win. Dogwood Initiative ccampbell Community Democracy Energy First Nations Forests Jan 09, 2008 http://dogwoodinitiative.org/bulletins/shellDirty-hands The latest chapter in Royal Dutch Shell’s venture into BC’s Sacred Headwaters should clear up any remaining doubt about this corporation's approach to indigenous rights Dogwood Initiative eswanson First Nations Dec 21, 2007 http://dogwoodinitiative.org/bulletins/coastalvigilance Since the late sixties David Anderson has kept a lookout for oil and gas projects on BC’s coast. Now it’s time for the next generation to take the watch. Dogwood Initiative ccampbell Community Democracy Energy Dec 20, 2007 http://dogwoodinitiative.org/bulletins/royaltyscams The last few months saw another Canadian province facing scrutiny for its failure to collect a “fair share” of the monetary value of public assets granted to resource companies. The recent controversy over low oil and gas royalties in Alberta garnered sustained headlines across the country. Much of the coverage framed the issue as if this problem is unique to Alberta; it isn’t Dogwood Initiative whorter Democracy Energy Forests Dec 07, 2007 http://dogwoodinitiative.org/bulletins/hopevfear A little over two weeks ago my wife gave birth to our first baby. Asha Hope was born after being in her mothers womb only 25 weeks and weighed under two pounds. As our focus moves slightly beyond the next minute, I have been contemplating life as a parent and how that affects my outlook as an activist. Dogwood Initiative whorter Community Democracy Energy Dec 03, 2007 http://dogwoodinitiative.org/bulletins/lessonsfromthequeen As oil continues to seep from the sunken Queen of the North, the community of Hartley Bay is preparing to defend itself against larger threats; oil tankers. Dogwood Initiative ccampbell Community Energy First Nations Nov 29, 2007 http://dogwoodinitiative.org/bulletins/eastwestdivide2 While rattling sabres to protect east coast waters Stephen Harper is allowing BC’s coast to be put at risk. Dogwood Initiative whorter Democracy Energy Nov 13, 2007 http://dogwoodinitiative.org/bulletins/trickortreat Climate change truly is an arena where self interest (simple survival) and collective action are one in the same. No we are unlikely to create a new utopia, but if we rise to the challenge of our current climate crisis it will because we have learned that our welfare is dependant on cooperation. Dogwood Initiative ccampbell Community Democracy Nov 06, 2007