Federal Court Quashes Trans Mountain Expansion

Today I woke up to exciting news on an issue that all Greens, especially myself, have been concerned about for quite some time; the Federal Court of Appeals has quashed the government's approval to build the Trans Mountain expansion!

I have seen first hand the damage an oil spill can do to our beaches, water, wildlife and ecosystems. I was on the frontlines after the highly toxic oil spill in English Bay in 2015 and I have been speaking out about the dangers ever since. I am relieved not only because the courts have recognized the irresponsible manner with which approval was rammed through, but also because it “recognized that the federal government did not adequately, or meaningfully, consult with Indigenous people.”

It was fitting that today's First Nations response to the Trans Mountain Federal Appeals Court decision was held in a Vancouver park. We all would be severely impacted by an oil spill on the West Coast. Such an occurrence would be devastating, not only for Stanley Park, English Bay, Burrard Inlet and the western beaches, but for our entire coast. Today was a very good day for all Canadians. My sincere thanks to the First Nations for taking this heroic action and proving their case in court.

The Green Party of Vancouver campaign launch party is just over a week away and it is the perfect opportunity to celebrate such a momentous decision but also learn what more can be done. Our campaign team has been working hard to get all 10 of your Green candidates elected in October but they need your help. The first step is showing up. We are kindly asking all our supporters to RSVP for our Launch Party on September 7th as soon as possible so that we can plan accordingly. We have been building momentum and successes rapidly and we want to make sure the green movement continues to build.

I look forward to seeing you September 7th. Until then, thank you for your support.

with Green Park Board Commissioner Michael Wiebe and Squamish Nation Councillor Khelsilem

Recognition of Traditional Place Names within the Jurisdiction of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation

At the 23 July 2018 meeting the Park Board I put forward the following Notice of Motion. This will be brought forward for debate at the next meeting on 23 September 2018.

NOTICE of MOTION

Recognition of Traditional Place Names within the Jurisdiction of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation

MOVER: Commissioner Mackinnon

WHEREAS:

1.    The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation approved eleven Reconciliation Strategies in support of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action; one of those strategies calls for the acknowledgement that “Aboriginal rights include Aboriginal language rights; that preservation, revitalization and strengthening of Aboriginal languages and cultures are best managed by Aboriginal people and communities;

2.    The Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh people have inhabited this land known as Vancouver since time immemorial;

3.    That lands the Park Board maintains jurisdiction over remain unceded, and that Park Board occupation of this territory and commitment to UNDRIP demand that local Indigenous rights be respected and acknowledged;

4.    Names form an integral part of culture and heritage;

5.    The traditional names of places are known to the Indigenous peoples of Vancouver;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

A.   THAT the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation work with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations on identifying the traditional names of places within the jurisdiction of the Park Board;

B.   THAT the use of traditional names be recognized by the Park Board;

C.   THAT staff work with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations on ways to acknowledge those names at parks, beaches, and other public spaces within the jurisdiction of the Park Board, in a way deemed most appropriate by the Nations.