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Great website, but still love to have my paper one in hand.
—Mary McKenzie
British Columbia
Fair Voting System Required
We just survived an election that could have burdened BC with a government as dismal as those of Danielle Smith or Doug Ford. The dangers of increasing polarization are clear for all to see.
Remember how, when the NDP was first elected in BC, Dave Barrett asked his new caucus: Do we want to govern so we stand the best chance of being re-elected, or do we want to bring in much needed changes, even if it means we won’t be re-elected next time? They chose the second option, and brought in things like the ALR, ICBC, public schools for kids with disabilities, and democracy reforms. They also banned corporal punishment in schools, introduced Pharmacare, and established the BC Ambulance Service.
Times have changed, but a minority government offers a rare opportunity to make some much-needed changes. BC must
stop subsidizing fossil fuels. And we need a fair voting system.
Back in 2004, the provincial Citizens Assembly on electoral reform recommended BC adopt a single transferable voting system (BC-STV) similar to what Ireland has. Seventy-seven of BC’s 79 electoral districts voted in favour of the proposed change in a referendum, and the overall level of support was just shy of the 60% that had been stipulated as a requirement for the change to be adopted.
One young person I know says the betrayal on implementing fair voting was the biggest political betrayal of her life. Our efforts have failed before, but the stakes are so high; we mustn’t give up!
—Jan Slakov
Texada Island, qathet, British Columbia
Gulf Islands’ “Unique Amenities”
Thank you so much for the light you shed on both problems and solutions when it feels like the voices of environmental reason are struggling. The article on the Gulf Islands Trust [Watershed Sentinel, Oct-Nov 2024] highlights the concern so many of us have over the current interpretation of the term “unique amenities.”
Words can be a double edged sword. Pressure from within the Trust by members striving to expand the definition of environmental protection to cover everything from housing to tourism is considerable on Salt Spring. Again, thank you for bringing attention at this critical time.
A Solstice Wish
May we be kinder and gentler with our Home
So that its breath stays cooler and quieter.
May we think of all who share It
From fungi and microbes to elephants and whales
May we give thought to every action we take
And weigh it in favour of our fellow creatures
That we might live comfortably alongside
Humbly accepting we lack knowing of their shared needs.
May we err on the side of respect, kindness and gratitude for all
For we are an “Entangled Life” and shall be until the end.
—Marian Hargrove
Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
Watershed Worthy of Protection
In this time of droughts, wildfires, heat domes, and floods, when do we realize saving a forested area is worth it? The Chum Creek watershed flows from the Skimikin/Ptarmigan (S/P) Hills east into the Turtle Valley aquifer and west into Chase Creek. Both eventually drain into the South Thompson River. The subterranean streams or groundwater of the S/P Hills feed this watershed.
BC Timber Sales plans to facilitate (put out to tender) the clearcutting of four individual cutblocks totalling 44 ha (108.8 acres) that overlap these streams. This disturbance will potentially reduce the water supply that supports local residents with domestic and agricultural water use. Based on diversity and age, this area is one of the shrinking vestiges of a healthy forest and is more resistant to wildfire due to the wetlands and aquifers. The area is a stronghold for biodiversity and habitat of several species at risk, including the red-listed American badger, fisher, longtailed weasel, the blue-listed western painted turtle, and pine grosbeak.
So, when do we recognize that this forest is important to save, and make the stand to protect this watershed? We need open
discussion and further assessment regarding the future of this valuable watershed.
—A Grube & A McLaren
Chase, British Columbia
Seaweed Gets Its Fair Shake
Re: “BC Kelp Farms” in your Summer 2024 issue: The writer felt that “scientists aren’t including kelp in any action plans for reducing atmospheric CO2.” However, Project Drawdown highlighted seaweed farming several years ago here: https://drawdown.org/solutions/seaweed-farming.
Excerpt: “Seaweed farming is one of the most sustainable types of aquaculture. Expanding seaweed farming enhances carbon sequestration and boosts production of biomass that can be used for biofuel, bioplastic, livestock feed, and human consumption.”
—Alex Jamieson
North Vancouver, British Columbia
The Watershed Sentinel welcomes letters but reserves the right to edit for brevity, clarity, legality, and taste. Anonymous letters will not be published.
Send your musings and your missives to:
Watershed Sentinel
Box 1270, Comox BC, V9M 7Z8
editor@watershedsentinel.ca
