In the music world, we have technical terms for things that sound stable and agreeable ("consonance") and sounds that create tension ("dissonance").
One of the things I learned in my university music studies was to tolerate dissonance. In other words, to not lose myself emotionally or intellectually when subjected to a physical environment I found hostile, disconcerting, etc. To deliberately endure, at least for a limited time, something unpleasant.
It was not easy. I resisted it many times. I do believe humans have a natural, instinctive love of harmony. I believe that metaphorical "harmony" - ie. peace, love, waiting politely in line etc., is in some ways an offshoot of physical harmony - ie. the symmetries between sound waves, a gorgeously tunes choir, etc.
Tonight, I was at our Town Council meeting. Some fractious discussions but done respectfully by people who agree that we are there for a common goal : to improve the lives of the people we represent.
When it concluded, I ran away, hoping to catch the last few numbers of an internationally acclaimed Canadian choir - The Elmer Iseler Singers - and their special guests, our Woodstock High School Choir.
It too, featured occasional musical dissonance, sharp sounds, but sung by people who agree on a common goal.
And it leads me to wonder - how much dissonance can people tolerate?
How often can they - or will they - sit in a room with people whose opinions disturb them? Will they bother to listen to the sustained tension, or simply close their ears entirely and retreat into more comfortable and well-worn sound?
Too much dissonance is hazardous to one's health. People who work a lifetime in the clangour of a noisy environment tend to have shorter lifespans. But I fear people who cannot tolerate any dissonance whatsoever. They make me wonder what I have overlooked, and whether I should reconsider.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Monday, October 06, 2014
A postcard from municipal world
Just returned from a weekend away with UMNB - the Union of New Brunswick Municipalities.
Let me back up for a second:
One of the things I love most about New Brunswick (and there are a LOT of things) is that it is full of beautiful small places. I know in this day and age it's the city that gets all the credit but when I drive through the small villages and towns, through the woods and along the river and by the coast, I really love how human-scale the settlements of New Brunswick are. And how diverse they are. But I digress.
The UMNB is the collective voice for most, if not all, of the small towns and villages in New Brunswick. The City of Fredericton is also a member. This year at the annual conference, there were about 220 municipal reps - Councillors, Mayors and of course, Deputy Mayors.
It is really interesting to be in a room where everyone has put their name forward because they have a genuine desire to improve their local community, and to advocate on behalf of their hometown. We have a chance to discuss the major issues we face individually and collectively. Municipal politics is not glamorous or lucrative so it's nice to meet other colleagues who are working on similar issues year-round.
When I look around the room, I see a lot of folks at mid-age (heavily skewed male, of course), but also a number of younger folks and a good contingent of women overall. Female mayors are becoming pretty common, which is great considering the incoming Liberal government elected only four women (one of whom is the Deputy Mayor of Miramichi). It's fair to say that municipal politics is more diverse and representative of the general population.
I also see a group of engaged people who are keeping an eye on Provincial and Federal policy developments on behalf of their local communities. You probably don't realize that municipalities are bound by legislation to have balanced budgets over a five-year cycle. So when we see the out-of-control financial state of the province it really drives people nuts. As it should.
I guess this long and rambling post is to say that I think most municipal reps are working hard and their hearts are in the right place. Living and governing in the same town also helps keep them honest and motivated. When you know you are going to your day job with your constituents, and that you won't be able to get groceries or pick up the mail in peace if you screw up too many decisions, it's a pretty powerful motivator to "do the right thing."
I wish people realized what a good group of people are working on their behalf. And I wish that the other levels of government could take a few lessons from the municipal folks.
Also, Donald Savoie explains what I am trying to put into words in his latest column, read it here. I am about to read his book "Whatever Happened to the Music Teacher: How Government Decides and Why." Having been the music teacher for three years, I have some theories on this, but I look forward to reading it all the same.
Let me back up for a second:
One of the things I love most about New Brunswick (and there are a LOT of things) is that it is full of beautiful small places. I know in this day and age it's the city that gets all the credit but when I drive through the small villages and towns, through the woods and along the river and by the coast, I really love how human-scale the settlements of New Brunswick are. And how diverse they are. But I digress.
The UMNB is the collective voice for most, if not all, of the small towns and villages in New Brunswick. The City of Fredericton is also a member. This year at the annual conference, there were about 220 municipal reps - Councillors, Mayors and of course, Deputy Mayors.
It is really interesting to be in a room where everyone has put their name forward because they have a genuine desire to improve their local community, and to advocate on behalf of their hometown. We have a chance to discuss the major issues we face individually and collectively. Municipal politics is not glamorous or lucrative so it's nice to meet other colleagues who are working on similar issues year-round.
When I look around the room, I see a lot of folks at mid-age (heavily skewed male, of course), but also a number of younger folks and a good contingent of women overall. Female mayors are becoming pretty common, which is great considering the incoming Liberal government elected only four women (one of whom is the Deputy Mayor of Miramichi). It's fair to say that municipal politics is more diverse and representative of the general population.
I also see a group of engaged people who are keeping an eye on Provincial and Federal policy developments on behalf of their local communities. You probably don't realize that municipalities are bound by legislation to have balanced budgets over a five-year cycle. So when we see the out-of-control financial state of the province it really drives people nuts. As it should.
I guess this long and rambling post is to say that I think most municipal reps are working hard and their hearts are in the right place. Living and governing in the same town also helps keep them honest and motivated. When you know you are going to your day job with your constituents, and that you won't be able to get groceries or pick up the mail in peace if you screw up too many decisions, it's a pretty powerful motivator to "do the right thing."
I wish people realized what a good group of people are working on their behalf. And I wish that the other levels of government could take a few lessons from the municipal folks.
Also, Donald Savoie explains what I am trying to put into words in his latest column, read it here. I am about to read his book "Whatever Happened to the Music Teacher: How Government Decides and Why." Having been the music teacher for three years, I have some theories on this, but I look forward to reading it all the same.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Decisions, decisions
Today, the people of Scotland will decide whether or not to remain part of the UK. Here's a handy and fun background video for those of us not up on the particulars of that situation.
Monday, the people of New Brunswick will decide whether or not to give the Conservatives another chance.
Sometimes people ask me what it's like to be on Town Council. I'm never quite sure how to answer that question, but as these two ballot questions approach I can say it's just like deciding how to vote on those issues.
At Council, we have a certain number of items on the agenda. We consider the issues and inevitably, we vote for or against, according to our own logic.
Because we all see the world through slightly different eyes, we have different priorities and different justifications for voting the way we do. But the end of the line comes down to YES or NO, and not choosing is still a choice that means the majority vote rules.
So, whether it's local issues or an independence referendum, somebody has to decide. And as the handy Scotland video concludes, nobody really knows if they're doing the right thing, because the consequences are in the future.
The tricky part is, some people start to assume that when you get behind a council desk (or Premier's desk, or wherever), that you suddenly have a magic wand and a crystal ball. Any reasonable adult knows this is not the case.
So, like the Scots voting today and the New Brunswickers voting on Monday, being in local politics is a lot like being in that ballot box and trying to make the best decision you can, based on an unknown future.
Trying to predict the future and make adequate decisions is not for the faint of heart. There are no guarantees.
Wishing you best of luck and peace of mind in your upcoming vote.
Monday, the people of New Brunswick will decide whether or not to give the Conservatives another chance.
Sometimes people ask me what it's like to be on Town Council. I'm never quite sure how to answer that question, but as these two ballot questions approach I can say it's just like deciding how to vote on those issues.
At Council, we have a certain number of items on the agenda. We consider the issues and inevitably, we vote for or against, according to our own logic.
Because we all see the world through slightly different eyes, we have different priorities and different justifications for voting the way we do. But the end of the line comes down to YES or NO, and not choosing is still a choice that means the majority vote rules.
So, whether it's local issues or an independence referendum, somebody has to decide. And as the handy Scotland video concludes, nobody really knows if they're doing the right thing, because the consequences are in the future.
The tricky part is, some people start to assume that when you get behind a council desk (or Premier's desk, or wherever), that you suddenly have a magic wand and a crystal ball. Any reasonable adult knows this is not the case.
So, like the Scots voting today and the New Brunswickers voting on Monday, being in local politics is a lot like being in that ballot box and trying to make the best decision you can, based on an unknown future.
Trying to predict the future and make adequate decisions is not for the faint of heart. There are no guarantees.
Wishing you best of luck and peace of mind in your upcoming vote.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
What is this election about?
In case you missed it, here's a good 30 minute panel worth watching*. One candidate from each party and a more long-form discussion of what the election is and isn't about.
* I guess my original link didn't turn out and I can't seem to locate the previous one. My apologies!
* I guess my original link didn't turn out and I can't seem to locate the previous one. My apologies!
Monday, August 25, 2014
The invisible vote
We've heard it time and time again - young people don't vote.
And to a certain extent, it's true. Young people feel disenfranchised, they see many problems with the political system, they don't feel voting leads to meaningful change, so they don't vote.
And to a certain extent, who can blame them? Party politics force elected representatives vote a certain way on issues, against their conscience or against the express wishes of local people.
However, the flip side is: if the extent of your political involvement is casting a ballot in each election, is it realistic to expect substantial changes in our political system? Of course not.
If you had a house that needed major renovations, would you show up once a year, put on a coat of paint and leave feeling satisfied? Not likely.
If we want real changes, we must make a real effort.
This story illustrates precisely the problems that arise when a certain demographic doesn't show up at the ballot box: the needs of those people become invisible.
What are political parties promising? And who is targeted by these promises?
Well for starters - EI and Seasonal workers. Mostly older folks who have been working in these industries for a long time. Most younger people can't afford to work seasonally, they have too much debt or the wages aren't high enough / regular enough to support themselves or a family. Those young people have gone out west. So their political priorities are invisible.
Moose hunt - An easy promise to make. Will pull well with rural votes, who tend to skew older as well. But do we really think that the future of NB is suddenly going to be brighter because a few people in orange get to shoot a moose in the fall? And if our forestry policy destroys their habitat, will there be enough moose to even have a meaningful hunt?
Pensions - Very controversial at the time, although the dust seems to have settled a bit. Lots of retired teachers could be motivated to go to the ballot box on this. And guess what - retired people have different priorities than young people. No disrespect to them, they're within their rights to mobilize on the issue, it has a big impact on them. But again, young people? Invisible.
So, there you have it. To win elections, candidates need to get the most votes. Period. They are going to tailor their campaigns to win those votes. To do otherwise would be a waste of their time and make them vulnerable to their opponents.
But, by not participating in the political process, even at the most elementary level, ie. voting in general elections, you are effectively telling politicians that you see no need for change, that there is nothing government policy can do to improve your life or the society in which you live, everything is fine, carry on as you were etc. Good job, fellas.
Is that really the message young people in New Brunswick should be sending?
I think not.
And to a certain extent, it's true. Young people feel disenfranchised, they see many problems with the political system, they don't feel voting leads to meaningful change, so they don't vote.
And to a certain extent, who can blame them? Party politics force elected representatives vote a certain way on issues, against their conscience or against the express wishes of local people.
However, the flip side is: if the extent of your political involvement is casting a ballot in each election, is it realistic to expect substantial changes in our political system? Of course not.
If you had a house that needed major renovations, would you show up once a year, put on a coat of paint and leave feeling satisfied? Not likely.
If we want real changes, we must make a real effort.
This story illustrates precisely the problems that arise when a certain demographic doesn't show up at the ballot box: the needs of those people become invisible.
What are political parties promising? And who is targeted by these promises?
Well for starters - EI and Seasonal workers. Mostly older folks who have been working in these industries for a long time. Most younger people can't afford to work seasonally, they have too much debt or the wages aren't high enough / regular enough to support themselves or a family. Those young people have gone out west. So their political priorities are invisible.
Moose hunt - An easy promise to make. Will pull well with rural votes, who tend to skew older as well. But do we really think that the future of NB is suddenly going to be brighter because a few people in orange get to shoot a moose in the fall? And if our forestry policy destroys their habitat, will there be enough moose to even have a meaningful hunt?
Pensions - Very controversial at the time, although the dust seems to have settled a bit. Lots of retired teachers could be motivated to go to the ballot box on this. And guess what - retired people have different priorities than young people. No disrespect to them, they're within their rights to mobilize on the issue, it has a big impact on them. But again, young people? Invisible.
So, there you have it. To win elections, candidates need to get the most votes. Period. They are going to tailor their campaigns to win those votes. To do otherwise would be a waste of their time and make them vulnerable to their opponents.
But, by not participating in the political process, even at the most elementary level, ie. voting in general elections, you are effectively telling politicians that you see no need for change, that there is nothing government policy can do to improve your life or the society in which you live, everything is fine, carry on as you were etc. Good job, fellas.
Is that really the message young people in New Brunswick should be sending?
I think not.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Why you should throw gender role stereotypes in the garbage
Well, because they belong in the trash, for starters.
Let me back up a bit. My husband and I are coming up on our fourth anniversary. Time sure does fly.
When you get married, there are all kinds of lovely stereotypes people love to foist on you. A random sample of comments I've heard:
"Well, you're old and married now."
"When are you going to give your parents some grandkids?"
"Put that on the 'honey-do' list"
"Your husband will love these recipes"
"Nick can cook?"
"Remember, you're just one little girl"
In our house, we are share the work pretty equally. For example, yesterday we were both home. I spent the majority of the day figuring out how to build a coffee table out of scrap wood and Nick spent most of the day making delicious tomato soup using our garden tomatoes.
I needed some help with setting up the saw, so he helped me and showed me how to change the paper on the belt sander. I pulled the nails, cut and sanded the pieces myself.
He didn't have any celery so I advised him that the Italian flat-leaf parsley we have on hand would substitute. He made a litre of the most divine soup, using a recipe that has been in his family for three generations. He also made an awesome curry out of leftover beef roast we had in the refrigerator.
We had a great day and got a lot done. Why should this be a big deal in the 21st century? In our house, it's really not. Some days I'm in the kitchen, and some days he is. Ditto for yard work, construction, gardening, snow shovelling etc.
I encounter a lot of people who make comments about their spouses' proclivities - wives who can or can't cook, and whether that make them 'good wives' or not, husbands who are endlessly messy, and need to be 'trained.' You get the picture.
I find the stereotypes behind these comments suffocating - they are demeaning to both partners and the only purpose they serve is to control men and women's behaviour according to ridiculous norms.
It's important for men to be able to cook and clean. This is a major contribution to the household and gives the man a feeling of nurturing and also an understanding of how endless these tasks are.
It's important for women to have some experience with tools and saws and heavy physical work. Because it's exhausting and dangerous sometimes, but seeing your work turn out well is rewarding and builds confidence.
Most of all, being free to do a variety of tasks helps you find new things you like, and helps you appreciate your partner's efforts. I think small things like the division of labour in a household are really big things, and when change like this begins at home, it is extremely powerful. And tasty.
Everybody wins. So ignore the gender-based foolishness and get on with whatever needs doing to make your house a home.
Let me back up a bit. My husband and I are coming up on our fourth anniversary. Time sure does fly.
When you get married, there are all kinds of lovely stereotypes people love to foist on you. A random sample of comments I've heard:
"Well, you're old and married now."
"When are you going to give your parents some grandkids?"
"Put that on the 'honey-do' list"
"Your husband will love these recipes"
"Nick can cook?"
"Remember, you're just one little girl"
In our house, we are share the work pretty equally. For example, yesterday we were both home. I spent the majority of the day figuring out how to build a coffee table out of scrap wood and Nick spent most of the day making delicious tomato soup using our garden tomatoes.
I needed some help with setting up the saw, so he helped me and showed me how to change the paper on the belt sander. I pulled the nails, cut and sanded the pieces myself.
He didn't have any celery so I advised him that the Italian flat-leaf parsley we have on hand would substitute. He made a litre of the most divine soup, using a recipe that has been in his family for three generations. He also made an awesome curry out of leftover beef roast we had in the refrigerator.
We had a great day and got a lot done. Why should this be a big deal in the 21st century? In our house, it's really not. Some days I'm in the kitchen, and some days he is. Ditto for yard work, construction, gardening, snow shovelling etc.
I encounter a lot of people who make comments about their spouses' proclivities - wives who can or can't cook, and whether that make them 'good wives' or not, husbands who are endlessly messy, and need to be 'trained.' You get the picture.
I find the stereotypes behind these comments suffocating - they are demeaning to both partners and the only purpose they serve is to control men and women's behaviour according to ridiculous norms.
It's important for men to be able to cook and clean. This is a major contribution to the household and gives the man a feeling of nurturing and also an understanding of how endless these tasks are.
It's important for women to have some experience with tools and saws and heavy physical work. Because it's exhausting and dangerous sometimes, but seeing your work turn out well is rewarding and builds confidence.
Most of all, being free to do a variety of tasks helps you find new things you like, and helps you appreciate your partner's efforts. I think small things like the division of labour in a household are really big things, and when change like this begins at home, it is extremely powerful. And tasty.
Everybody wins. So ignore the gender-based foolishness and get on with whatever needs doing to make your house a home.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
What's your story?
If you've got a bit of time, here are three great videos which I found very thought-provoking.
The first is a TED talk by a Nigerian woman named Chimamanda Adichie, called "The danger of a single story." I recommend watching it and then subsituting "New Brunswick" every time she talks about Africa/Nigeria.
It has always been one of my major beefs that the only news we hear about our people and our province is bad news. Nationally respected health centre in New Brunswick? Ignored. Fattest province in Canada?National news. Don't get me started! (The reference above was to the Stan Cassidy Centre in Fredericton, in case you're wondering.)
The second is Charles Theriault's latest addition to the series "Is Our Forest Really Ours." In this video, Charles goes through the numbers related to jobs and employment in foresty related to the Alward government's new deal with JDI.
I am a big fan of fact based decision-making, and the facts on this one are scary. As a 32-year old New Brunswicker, I am shuddering to think about what the health and education sectors in our province will look like when I hit 50, if this deal goes through.
Thirdly, is a talk by Don Bowser, who is an international expert on transparency, disclosure and corruption and the relationships between governments, resource extraction companies, and citizens. If you think we are getting all the information to which we are entitled, it doesn't take long listening to Bowser's talk before you start to question what is really happening here.
So, why am I here on this blog, only giving bad news about New Brunswick! The fact is, there is a lot at stake, and as shown with the NB Power deal, the voices of citizens hold a lot of power when used collectively. I think young New Brunswickers, in particular, have a big job to do to raise the bar for transparency, accountability, fact-based policy, and fair resource management in our beautiful province.
I will put some good news in the next post, but for today, here is a collection of videos that really made me think. New Brunswickers are gathering this Tuesday, May 13th, in front of the Legislature in Fredericton to tell the government we do not support the deal they made without consultation or consent. I will be there and I hope you will lend your support too.
The first is a TED talk by a Nigerian woman named Chimamanda Adichie, called "The danger of a single story." I recommend watching it and then subsituting "New Brunswick" every time she talks about Africa/Nigeria.
It has always been one of my major beefs that the only news we hear about our people and our province is bad news. Nationally respected health centre in New Brunswick? Ignored. Fattest province in Canada?National news. Don't get me started! (The reference above was to the Stan Cassidy Centre in Fredericton, in case you're wondering.)
The second is Charles Theriault's latest addition to the series "Is Our Forest Really Ours." In this video, Charles goes through the numbers related to jobs and employment in foresty related to the Alward government's new deal with JDI.
I am a big fan of fact based decision-making, and the facts on this one are scary. As a 32-year old New Brunswicker, I am shuddering to think about what the health and education sectors in our province will look like when I hit 50, if this deal goes through.
Thirdly, is a talk by Don Bowser, who is an international expert on transparency, disclosure and corruption and the relationships between governments, resource extraction companies, and citizens. If you think we are getting all the information to which we are entitled, it doesn't take long listening to Bowser's talk before you start to question what is really happening here.
So, why am I here on this blog, only giving bad news about New Brunswick! The fact is, there is a lot at stake, and as shown with the NB Power deal, the voices of citizens hold a lot of power when used collectively. I think young New Brunswickers, in particular, have a big job to do to raise the bar for transparency, accountability, fact-based policy, and fair resource management in our beautiful province.
I will put some good news in the next post, but for today, here is a collection of videos that really made me think. New Brunswickers are gathering this Tuesday, May 13th, in front of the Legislature in Fredericton to tell the government we do not support the deal they made without consultation or consent. I will be there and I hope you will lend your support too.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Don't misunderstand me
I am glad that people in New Brunswick are discussing the closure of the Morgantaler abortion clinic in Fredericton. We have been too comfortable for too long, with the Liberals and Conservatives in agreement that women seeking abortions must obtain 'permission' from not one, but two doctors, in order to receive a publicly funded abortion.
I would like to make a few comments on the issue, because I feel that not talking about abortions in New Brunswick is ultimately very harmful.
1. I know women who have had abortions. So do you. They made this difficult decision because they thought it was best for themselves, and did not want to subject their child-to-be to a life of poverty, uncertainty, dysfunction or misery. It is a choice that weighs on them, and women carry this psychological burden even when they know they made the right choice given their circumstances.
2. None of these women used an abortion as a 'convenient method of birth control'. Who would want their body being the site of such a power struggle, among their own emotions, and in the eyes of society?
3. We judge women much too harshly, given the hurdles that they have to overcome. Many men (and other women too) do not treat them with respect, and put them in situations where the only choice is between bad and worse. When a woman who has been mistreated much of her life becomes pregnant, with no support system, why do we blame her only, when her circumstances have created an endlessly complicated and heartbreaking situation?
4. Why are politicians in charge of the choices women make with their own bodies? Do men need permission to have vasectomies?
5. I have pro-life friends and I greatly respect their positions. It is sad that women feel they will not be supported during pregnancy and the post-birth period. But the sad reality is, many women are alone. So the choice to abort a pregnancy is one that must remain.
6. Judge not, lest ye be judged.
I would like to make a few comments on the issue, because I feel that not talking about abortions in New Brunswick is ultimately very harmful.
1. I know women who have had abortions. So do you. They made this difficult decision because they thought it was best for themselves, and did not want to subject their child-to-be to a life of poverty, uncertainty, dysfunction or misery. It is a choice that weighs on them, and women carry this psychological burden even when they know they made the right choice given their circumstances.
2. None of these women used an abortion as a 'convenient method of birth control'. Who would want their body being the site of such a power struggle, among their own emotions, and in the eyes of society?
3. We judge women much too harshly, given the hurdles that they have to overcome. Many men (and other women too) do not treat them with respect, and put them in situations where the only choice is between bad and worse. When a woman who has been mistreated much of her life becomes pregnant, with no support system, why do we blame her only, when her circumstances have created an endlessly complicated and heartbreaking situation?
4. Why are politicians in charge of the choices women make with their own bodies? Do men need permission to have vasectomies?
5. I have pro-life friends and I greatly respect their positions. It is sad that women feel they will not be supported during pregnancy and the post-birth period. But the sad reality is, many women are alone. So the choice to abort a pregnancy is one that must remain.
6. Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
The forest and the trees (once again)
I've spent a fair amount of time dealing with forestry-related issues on this blog. Forestry is the biggest sector of the economy in NB, and many people in my family have been involved in 'the woods,' as we call it.
The Alward government is getting ready for the election this fall. They have had an extremely difficult economic situation to deal with, no doubt about that. When all those chickens from past years started coming home - Point Lepreau, NB Power, highway tolls (we're still paying, we just don't pay at the booth) - it sure wasn't pretty. And with an aging population, poor literacy and health rates and a lack of new entrepreneurs, it's a tough sell to convince people that you're the party that will lead New Brunswickers to jobs, prosperity and health.
That being said, the elephant in the room provincially has been, and likely always will be, the woods. Europeans started coming here for the trees and Crown Land is still our greatest resource. And like any resource, access is power.
We are currently in the midst of a very intense and long-running debate about who those trees are for and who should benefit from them.
Is it First Nations? The people who scholars say still have legal title to land they have never ceded? My feeling is that over the next decade, the Supreme Court of Canada will be asked to rule on this. The treaties exist but my understanding is they presently are not being respected.
Is it the people of New Brunswick? A few years ago, the government commissioned a new study about how people use the woods and found that people have a high recreational value for the woods, and that they believe Crown Land should be used for the benefit of communities, not only to create jobs but also to provide habitat for wildlife and a place for people to enjoy nature. The (Graham) government didn't allow this report to be released, and cancelled the meetings that were supposed to be held so people could engage with this report.
Or is it for forestry companies? It is so hard not to be cynical about this. Especially after attending several presentations involving forestry execs who tell us patronizingly that if we don't find a way to change public policy, the big mills will have to shut down. Like a parent wagging his finger at small children who just will never 'get it.'
They use the 'jobs' as a threat and a weapon, while conveniently ignoring that our forestry industry is one the most highly mechanized in the world, meaning it takes a whole lot of clear-cuts to create even a few jobs. The reality is that maple syrup, value-added products, furniture, wood pellets, all these "niche markets" have a greater potential to create jobs from Crown wood than more clear cuts.
What I would like to know is: how does the government of a province that is deeper in debt every year justify losing money on Crown Land? The reality is, and several former cabinet ministers have publicly stated this, that our tax dollars are going to PAY companies to cut down the Crown Land, process it in private mills, and keep the profits in private bank accounts, some of which are offshore and not even subject to Canadian taxes.
New Brunswickers are probably not aware that the Irving family is one of the top five landowners in the world. Meaning they own a bigger share of planet Earth than almost anyone, excepting certain royal families and American corporate kings.
This latest forestry announcement is terrible news for our province. The jobs and investment being discussed here are going to cost the taxpayers piles of money, and do nothing to advance the values New Brunswickers have articulated, time and time again. The impact on wildlife, public land and the public purse will not be pretty. New Brunswickers need to get educated on this subject - no aspect of public policy will have a bigger impact than this.
The Alward government is getting ready for the election this fall. They have had an extremely difficult economic situation to deal with, no doubt about that. When all those chickens from past years started coming home - Point Lepreau, NB Power, highway tolls (we're still paying, we just don't pay at the booth) - it sure wasn't pretty. And with an aging population, poor literacy and health rates and a lack of new entrepreneurs, it's a tough sell to convince people that you're the party that will lead New Brunswickers to jobs, prosperity and health.
That being said, the elephant in the room provincially has been, and likely always will be, the woods. Europeans started coming here for the trees and Crown Land is still our greatest resource. And like any resource, access is power.
We are currently in the midst of a very intense and long-running debate about who those trees are for and who should benefit from them.
Is it First Nations? The people who scholars say still have legal title to land they have never ceded? My feeling is that over the next decade, the Supreme Court of Canada will be asked to rule on this. The treaties exist but my understanding is they presently are not being respected.
Is it the people of New Brunswick? A few years ago, the government commissioned a new study about how people use the woods and found that people have a high recreational value for the woods, and that they believe Crown Land should be used for the benefit of communities, not only to create jobs but also to provide habitat for wildlife and a place for people to enjoy nature. The (Graham) government didn't allow this report to be released, and cancelled the meetings that were supposed to be held so people could engage with this report.
Or is it for forestry companies? It is so hard not to be cynical about this. Especially after attending several presentations involving forestry execs who tell us patronizingly that if we don't find a way to change public policy, the big mills will have to shut down. Like a parent wagging his finger at small children who just will never 'get it.'
They use the 'jobs' as a threat and a weapon, while conveniently ignoring that our forestry industry is one the most highly mechanized in the world, meaning it takes a whole lot of clear-cuts to create even a few jobs. The reality is that maple syrup, value-added products, furniture, wood pellets, all these "niche markets" have a greater potential to create jobs from Crown wood than more clear cuts.
What I would like to know is: how does the government of a province that is deeper in debt every year justify losing money on Crown Land? The reality is, and several former cabinet ministers have publicly stated this, that our tax dollars are going to PAY companies to cut down the Crown Land, process it in private mills, and keep the profits in private bank accounts, some of which are offshore and not even subject to Canadian taxes.
New Brunswickers are probably not aware that the Irving family is one of the top five landowners in the world. Meaning they own a bigger share of planet Earth than almost anyone, excepting certain royal families and American corporate kings.
This latest forestry announcement is terrible news for our province. The jobs and investment being discussed here are going to cost the taxpayers piles of money, and do nothing to advance the values New Brunswickers have articulated, time and time again. The impact on wildlife, public land and the public purse will not be pretty. New Brunswickers need to get educated on this subject - no aspect of public policy will have a bigger impact than this.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Toronto, and Montreal
Don't worry, this isn't a hockey post.
I was fortunate to experience the miracle people call "vacation" last week. It meant some time off - from emails, from obligations and set schedules, from housework and best of all from "the daily grind." They call it a grind for a reason, that feeling that if it doesn't stop soon you'll be ground down into a fine powder, untraceable forevermore.
Melodramatic? Yes, a bit, but sometimes I can't help myself. Especially when it's been years since I had a real vacation, with the luxuries listed above. So off we went, my sister and I, piled into the car with a list of friends to visit and nothing else particularly on the agenda. What a beautiful relief!
First stop, Montreal. La belle province. Avec mes belles amies. How wonderful to share time with intelligent women who are coming up in the world, who are a pulverizing combination of brains, beauty, hard work, wit, and charm . . . . the list goes on.
I am not convinced the world is fully ready for these women - educated and competent, ready to make an important contribution to society but still dealing with a society that thinks blonde doctors can't be in charge, or that you can't sound divine if you don't look perfect. But the world is going to have to deal with it, and while many people spend their time worrying about the effect Miley is having on their daughters, they are missing the myriad of role models right in front of their faces. It's the glacier effect, slow-moving but inescapable transformation over time.
Montreal seems different to me this year. We spent our honeymoon there in early fall 2010. Maybe I'm exaggerating, maybe it's the long winter everyone seems to be cursing, but there seemed to me a black cloud hanging over the city this time. My initial perception, being a political junkie, is that maybe this whole "Charter of Values" has really hit a sore spot, and people in Montreal are feeling the edge of a political wedge that is being driven into their city and the province as a whole.
On the street, I heard a random man say "I don't want to hear people in English," then switching to French. And although I was only there a short time, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being judged as outsiders, and not quite measuring up. People seemed weary, and I couldn't quite put my finger on why.
The joie de vivre I have experienced so many times before seemed noticeably absent.
This all in contrast to Toronto . . . stay tuned for part two, hopefully this week.
I was fortunate to experience the miracle people call "vacation" last week. It meant some time off - from emails, from obligations and set schedules, from housework and best of all from "the daily grind." They call it a grind for a reason, that feeling that if it doesn't stop soon you'll be ground down into a fine powder, untraceable forevermore.
Melodramatic? Yes, a bit, but sometimes I can't help myself. Especially when it's been years since I had a real vacation, with the luxuries listed above. So off we went, my sister and I, piled into the car with a list of friends to visit and nothing else particularly on the agenda. What a beautiful relief!
First stop, Montreal. La belle province. Avec mes belles amies. How wonderful to share time with intelligent women who are coming up in the world, who are a pulverizing combination of brains, beauty, hard work, wit, and charm . . . . the list goes on.
I am not convinced the world is fully ready for these women - educated and competent, ready to make an important contribution to society but still dealing with a society that thinks blonde doctors can't be in charge, or that you can't sound divine if you don't look perfect. But the world is going to have to deal with it, and while many people spend their time worrying about the effect Miley is having on their daughters, they are missing the myriad of role models right in front of their faces. It's the glacier effect, slow-moving but inescapable transformation over time.
Montreal seems different to me this year. We spent our honeymoon there in early fall 2010. Maybe I'm exaggerating, maybe it's the long winter everyone seems to be cursing, but there seemed to me a black cloud hanging over the city this time. My initial perception, being a political junkie, is that maybe this whole "Charter of Values" has really hit a sore spot, and people in Montreal are feeling the edge of a political wedge that is being driven into their city and the province as a whole.
On the street, I heard a random man say "I don't want to hear people in English," then switching to French. And although I was only there a short time, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being judged as outsiders, and not quite measuring up. People seemed weary, and I couldn't quite put my finger on why.
The joie de vivre I have experienced so many times before seemed noticeably absent.
This all in contrast to Toronto . . . stay tuned for part two, hopefully this week.
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