Is This the End of Canada? (open letter)

One of the things I have learned is the integrity of our First Nations people. It has been the voice of the land for centuries and has not become tainted with the propaganda that money will fix everything.

My European mind was raised on the power of wealth. I came to Canada as a young woman filled with dreams of being a success: a good job, education and ability to reason. But it became apparent, that individual success could not be attained alone. My desire for success was really a need to belong.

From informed and conscientious people I  learned economics is not just the stock market, jobs and profit margins. The current notions broadcast by right-wing interests insist its either business at any cost or nothing.  Unless we say “how high” when trans-national power order us to jump, we will starve to death. 

This neoliberal view offers no value to human dignity and without dignity and respect, we become nothing more than “consumers”. We cut ourselves off from the language of community, the land, the air and the water. We cease to be complex humans and rush to win (at any cost) the next game.

Kinder Morgan’s pipeline and its tankers not only risk our land, our air and our water (says Coast Protectors), it makes human nature redundant. We retreat to the reptilian urgency of either/or. 

Right now I suspect we are bullied by bigger corporations.  This is not free trade. This is submission without question even though our government may be looking for the best deal, even though jobs are essential and we need money, we must not overlook the threat of corporate fascism and the atomization of community.

The lesson we must learn from those who have paid a terrible price in the past, is that people who are left powerless become mass murderers, and the only public discourse is expressed in hate.

I am inspired by the aboriginal people of this land, who in spite of the trauma they endured, through policies of genocide, still offer hope in their dedication to something larger than their individual wealth: the care of this earth and all that sustains us.

Many may believe this is naive because centuries of abusive power has made us cynical and potentially homeless. Now we are threatened with extinction. 

This is our Othello moment. We change our priorities or believe the lies and kill the thing we love most.

Statement from Kennedy Stewart on being arrested

Janet, Today I was arrested by the RCMP for defying a court injunction as it applies to Kinder Morgan’s Burnaby Mountain facilities. I did so while standing with my community, Indigenous Leaders, and those from across British Columbia who oppose this new pipeline. Please read my full statement below. Together, we can stop Kinder Morgan. In solidarity, Kennedy “Canadians have the constitutional right to peaceful protest especially when governments abuse power. During the last election, Justin Trudeau said that ‘while governments grant permits… only communities can grant permission.’ I am here today to help amplify the voices of my constituents who do not grant permission for this pipeline.” “The process by which the Trudeau government approved Kinder Morgan’s plans to build a dangerous new pipeline through our community without our consent was deeply flawed and unfair. The Prime Minister broke his promise to revise the National Energy Board pipeline review process and require Kinder Morgan to resubmit its plans under this new process. His government has also threatened to use military force to facilitate construction.” “First Nations’ and municipal governments as well as the Province deeply oppose this pipeline as British Columbians take most of the risk for little benefit. I feel it is my responsibility to do whatever I can to advocate for my community as its elected Member of Parliament, including exercising my constitutional rights.”

Why the City of Burnaby Opposes Kinder Morgan's Pipeline Route

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZnQNpDbJ3E&feature=youtu.be

If you have 20 minutes to watch this video you will understand why there is such strong opposition to Kinder Morgan's Pipeline. It is easy to understand and the video is well done.

350.org - We are Greater Than Tar Sands

On July 4th, 350.org is organizing communities from coast to coast to take action en masse along and beyond the routes of pipelines like Energy East, Kinder Morgan, Line 9, and Northern Gateway to defend the water, land and climate. 

As we approach one of the most important elections in this country’s history and another round of international climate negotiations, it is crucial for us to unite and demonstrate to our leaders that we are ready for real climate action.

If politicians refuse to lead us. We will lead them.  Check out the link to find an action close to you.