Newsletter issues

What's next after the election?

Upcoming events: 

Democracy Salon Wednesday October 28, 2015 at 7pm

Location: OSIE 6-283, 6th floor, 252 Bloor St. W (at St. George subway station)

We will discuss the next step for Canadian Electoral Alliance with the new Liberal Majority.

How can we achieve our ultimate goals on action on climate change and electoral reform to proportional representation?

Bring a friend and a snack for a discussion.

This is a joint session with planning meeting which will be held at the same place at 8pm

What's new: 

Liberal Majority in our parliament

October 21, 2015 Canadians elected a Liberal Majority parliament.

Liberal party leader Justin Trudeau invites premiers and Elizabeth May to UN climate summit.   

At the October 24, 2015 W5 interview, Justin Trudeau replied to a question on electoral reform, "This was the last election that we’re going to have on first past the post. But especially in a majority government situation, we’re going to have to make sure that we do something that is right for Canada and right for Canadians. And to consult broadly and hear from experts and look at things in a very serious way. Because changing our electoral system is no small deal. And that’s why I pledged to Canadians to do it responsibly in a non-partisan way."

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

From September 10 town hall to October 19 election day

Upcoming events: 

Are you ready to vote?

October 19, 2015 bring an ID and go voteFInd out how

What's new: 

What to learn from September 10, 2015 town hall What If There Is A 3-Way Split? A Discussion on Coalitions & Accords

 
 

Co-hosts Canadian Electoral Alliance, Just Earth & Fair Vote Toronto thank speakers Peter Russell, Sean Conway and Evelyn Gigantes & moderator Barbara Hall for spending the evening with us at Metro Hall.

Special thanks to volunteers Wing of Canadian Electoral Alliance, Lynn of JustEarth, June and Joyce of Fair Vote Toronto, Frank, Kin, Raymond & Susan. 

"All three speakers at Thursday’s town hall, Peter Russell, Sean Conway & Evelyn Gigantes, agreed that minority government are better than majorities and they made the point with an engaging mix of facts, personal reflections and historical examples. Peter Russell reminded us that electors vote in not a government but a Parliament, then government takes shape from there. Many options are possible." Read the summary THREE CHEERS FOR MINORITY GOVERNMENT by Joyce Hall of Fair Vote Toronto & see more pictures.

Listen to Peter Russel at the town hall about

  • What is possible under the Constitution? What is an accord & coalition?
  • What precedents have we seen in Canada?
  • What is his idea for a possible coalition/accord structure post-election?
Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

What If a three-way split: A Discussion on Coalitions and Accords

Upcoming events: 

2015 Federal Election: What if there is a three-way split? A discussion on Coalitions and Accords

Recent polls show a three-way split between Conservatives, Liberal and NDP.

What if this is the case on the election day?

Thursday September 10, 2015 at 7pm Toronto Metro Hall Rm 308/309 
A discussion on coalitions & accords. Join Facebook Event. 

What's new: 

Follow Us on Twitter

Canadian Electoral Alliance is now on Twitter. 

Follow us @AllianceCdn

Follow the September 10 What If there is a three-way split discussion on coalition & accords #WhatIfA3WaySplit

 

A backgrounder for the town hall

Get a head start with information on coalitions and accords before the town hall.

See Intelligent Voter's Guide to Coalitions and Accords

Find out some facts on the Ontario Accord & minority federal governments in Canadian history.

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

2015 Federal Election: What If there is a three-way split?

Upcoming events: 

2015 Federal Election: What If there is a three-way split?

We are going to vote on October 19.  It may be a three-way split between Conservatives, NDP and Liberal.

Which party will form the government then?  There is not a simple answer. 

Join us this Thursday September 10, 2015 at 7pm Toronto Metro Hall Rm 308/309 for

a discussion  on coalitions & accords. 

Peter Russell will discuss:

  • What is possible under the Constitution?
  • What is an accord? Coalition?
  • What precedents have we seen in Canada?
  • What is his idea for a possible coalition/accord structure post-election?

Sean Conway and Evelyn Gigantes will discuss:

  • Background on the accord struck between the Liberal and NDP in Ontario 1985.
  • What was the nature of the accord? Who worked it out?
  • What was the advantage or disadvantage of the “junior partner”?
  • Looking back what were the achievements/shortcomings of the accord? Did it achieve good governance for the people of Ontario?
     

There will be questions from the audience.

What's new: 

NOW big 3

NOW editors pick a trio of this week's can't miss events - MINORITY RULES

Our event on coalitions & accords this Thursday September 10, 2015 is one of the big 3 on NOW!!! Share with your friends and invite them to this free event for more discussion!

Federal Election - 2015 October 19

Have you registered?

Check out Elections Canada.

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

University students across Canada: What is federal party position on climate change

Upcoming events: 

Federal Pre-Election Town Hall on Climate Change

Monday, March 2, 2015 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm in EST
Fitzgerald Building Rm 103, 150 College St., Toronto, ON

 

FREE ADMISSION
200 tickets available for the Toronto location- Eventbrite
:

 

NDP MP Matthew Kellway, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, and Liberal Party Environment Critic Hon. John McKay will attend in person, with moderator Dr. Nelson Wiseman.  The new, young voters will be asking how a government by each party would do better at tackling climate change than a government of either of the other parties.

University campuses across the country will be linked to the live Toronto location via Skype so that attendees can, through local hosts, ask the parties questions. Campuses participating in the Skype discussion include York University, McGill University, University of Montreal, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, and Dalhousie University. The event will also be live streamed.

Co-Hosts
Climate Impact Network
University of Toronto Department of Political Science
University of Toronto School of the Environment

 

What's new: 

FactsCan Plans To Test Political Claims During Election

You could soon find your claims put through the truth grinder by the folks at FactsCan, a newly launched website that aims to provide an independent, non-partisan fact-checking service during the upcoming federal election.
Harper's suggestion that "nobody in the world is regulating their oil and gas sector" emissions is simply "false." - MORE
 

Obama Vetoes Keystone XL Bill

U.S. President Barack Obama made good Tuesday on a threat to veto a bill to approve the Keystone XL pipeline, bringing the two sides in the long-running controversy to a rare point of agreement: their battle is far from over. MORE
 

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

National Town Hall on Climate Change with students from 7 universities

Upcoming events: 

Federal Pre-Election Town Hall on Climate Change

Monday March 2, 2015 6-8pm (Eastern Standard Time)

Fitzgerald Building RM103, 150 College St., University of Toronto, St. George Campus

 

FREE ADMISSION - GET TICKET 200 tickets available for the Toronto location

DETAILS IN FACEBOOK EVENT

A coalition of over 38 organizations across Canada including university departments, student organizations and environmental and democracy action groups are calling on the federal parties to state their positions on climate change.

NDP MP Matthew Kellway, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, and Liberal Party Environment Critic Hon. John McKay will attend in person.

The new, young voters will be asking how a government by each party would do better at tackling climate change than a government of either of the other parties. It is expected that questions will be fielded on specifics such as carbon pricing, regulations, government procurement policies and other means parties may have explored in their policy discussions. Each party representative will make an initial statement before taking questions by students and attendees.

University campuses across the country will be linked to the live Toronto location via Skype so that attendees can, through local hosts, ask the parties questions. Campuses participating in the Skype discussion include York University, McGill University, University of Montreal, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, and Dalhousie University. The event will also be live streamed.

More details on speakers and event HERE

Co-Hosts:
Climate Impact Network
University of Toronto Department of Political Science
University of Toronto School of the Environment

Co-sponsors:
Canadian Electoral Alliance, JustEarth, FairVote Canada, Why Should I Care, UofT350.org, Toronto350.org, Citizens’ Democracy Forum, ClimateFast, Council of Canadians Toronto Chapter, Council of Canadians York University Chapter, Greenspiration, Youth Vote Canada, Our Horizon, Green Neighbours 21, Transition Toronto, Toronto Climate Action Network, Leadnow, Leadnow Etobicoke, Green 13,

Dig-In Agriculture, Bike Chain, Green Chemistry Initiative, Victoria University Student Administrative Council, Wastefree TakeOut, InnovaMasters Not-for-Profit Organization, Caffiends Victoria, University of Toronto Mississauga Students’ Union, University of Toronto Sustainability Commission, University of Toronto Environmental Resource Network, University of Toronto Energy Fair, SAGE, University of Toronto Mississauga Students’ Union, University of Toronto B.E.E.S., VTACC, UBCC350, Partner Universities, Common Energy, University of British Columbia, Development Students for Change Club, University of Calgary, University of Montreal, CERES, McGill University, UBC Sustainability Initiative, UBC Environmental Sciences program, DSU Sustianability Office, Dalhousie University, UBC Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability, York University

Media Partners:  Green Heroes, The Green Majority
 

Fairvote – webinar on Proportional Representation

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 12 - 7 PM EST

REGISTER HERE:

Webinar ID: 110-966-219

Where do the parties stand on making every vote count? Join us for a live and interactive town hall conversation about how we can Make 2015 the Last Unfair Election.

Craig Scott, MP, NDP Democratic Reform Critic; Scott Simms, MP, Liberal Democratic Reform Critic; Bruce Hyer, Deputy Leader, Green Party of Canada, Democratic Reform Critic

Professor Dennis Pilon, Canadian Electoral Reform Expert, Author of "The Politics of Voting: Reforming Canada's Electoral System" and "Wrestling with Democracy"

Kelly Carmichael, Executive Director, Fair Vote Canada

We must elect 170 MPs who will vote YES to implementing Proportional Representation in time for the 2019 election. We are closer to that cross-party consensus than ever before.
 

FACEBOOK EVENT DETAILS

What's new: 

Climate change and us 

These two pieces are contributed by Canadian Electoral Alliance active member Rose Dyson
Digital Challenges in Addressing Climate Change

Book Review - THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING: Capitalism vs the Climate
 

Get news faster - Follow us on Facebook

Four reasons Harper's new anti-terrorist legislation will alarm you

1. CSIS with new intrusive powers will have more than "Jihadists" in its sights
2. New legislation would give CSIS the power to engage in "dirty tricks"
3. Parliament will not oversee or supervise a beefed-up CSIS
4. Proposed legislation makes it a crime to express some vaguely defined views
Take the case of environmental activists who vigorously argue that the exploitation of tar sands bitumen is, in a variety of ways, a blight on the environment.  Could the police deem that by implicitly encouraging others to, in some way or other, sabotage tar sands operations those activists might be "promoting terrorist acts?"
 

Oil prices putting Ottawa on path to deficit, budget watchdog says

Op-Ed: Harper’s economic index: an 8-year report card

•Estimated amount spent on taxpayer-funded advertisements since 2009 touting the “Economic Action Plan” and the government’s economic record : $113,000,000

A Defiant Obama Asserts Climate Agenda With Firmness and Mockery

'I will not let this Congress endanger the health of our children by turning back the clock on our efforts.'

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

What happened late 2014 and what will happen in 2015

Upcoming events: 

March 2015

Canadian Electoral Alliance, along with 38 community groups and university & college clubs and organizations, are planning a town hall in March 2015, .  We are inviting all party leaders in the House of Common for a pre-election town hall on climate change.

Stay tuned for more information!

December 2014

On Dec 3, 2014, 276 MPs were at the opposite House time.
NDP Democratic Reform Critic Craig Scott introduced motion for Proportional Representation to the House of Commons

Read his motion

Which MPs voted for Craig Scott's motion on Proportional Representation
After the debate, 110 voted yea and 166 voted Nay.
149 Conservative MPs voted NAY
86 NDP MPs voted YEA
16 Liberal MPs voted YEA & 15 Liberal MPs voted NAY
2 Green MPs voted YEA
2 Bloc Quebecois MPs voted YEA
3 Independent MPs voted YEA & 2 Independent MPs voted NAY
1 Force et democratie MP voted YEA

Link to watch when they voted
Read the debate in PDF
 

What's new: 

Responding to Dec 3, 2014 motion by Craig Scott on Proportional Representation, Canadian Electoral Alliance wrote letters to the MPs who voted.

Canadian Electoral Alliance's active member David Gamble wrote to Liberal leader Justin Trudeau who voted NAY on the motion.

David Gamble: I was exceedingly disappointed to see that you voted NO on this issue. The proportional representation plan would democratise this country further for the future of our children. You are probably only too aware of the majority government that had less that 40% of the popular vote that is in control, lamentably, today. Why?

Trudeau's office relied: ...Mr. Trudeau believes that it is important to take an evidence-based approach to electoral reform rather than an ideological one, and that all available options are considered. Further, he does not support proportional representation, as he very deeply believes that every Member of Parliament must represent actual Canadians and Canadian communities, not just the political party that appointed them to the House of Commons. He also believes that it is important to take an evidence-based approach to electoral reform rather than an ideological one, and that all available options are considered.... <CEA: see letters we wrote to other MPs below about more on Mixed Member Proportional, a form of Proportional Representation.>

Read his email and Trudeau’s response
 

Letter to Thomas Muclair, NDP leader
We wish to thank you  for giving scarce opposition House time to Craig Scott's motion on Proportional Representation on December 3, 2014.
We were pleased to see the excellent remarks made in support of this motion and such a good turn out of NDP members who voted for it.
Read the letter
 

Letter to Conservative MP Michael Chong who voted against the motion
First we wish to thank you for being present for the debate on the motion on Proportional Representation put forward by Craig Scott on December 3, 2014.
We are however disappointed in your vote against the Motion, given your strong commitment to electoral reform.
As pointed out by Mr. Scott, the system he is recommending is the one put forward by the Law Commission of Canada, whereby local constituency MPs would be elected exactly as they are now. Every voter would continue to have a local directly accountable MP.
It is the regional MPs that would create the balance of members in the House of Common - about one-third. This would ensure that the popular vote is adequately represented.  Everyone would get to vote twice - once for the MP of choice and once for the Party of choice....
Read the letter
 

Letter to NDP MPs who voted for the motion
...We thank all NDP members who showed their support by turning up to vote for the motion. That 16 Liberals voted for it is gratifying, as the Liberal Party has not yet endorsed MMP.
We would encourage New Democrats to do what they can in their own ridings to promote understanding of the need for this reform. The objections made by opponents, Liberal and Conservative, are all easily answered.
The report of the Law Commission of Canada, Voting Counts, goes a long way to answering them, and subsequent experience in European democracies can also be used.
Read the letter
 

Letter to Liberal MPs who voted for the motion
We commend you for your support for the motion on Proportional Representation (PR) debated on December 3 2014, introduced by Craig Scott. We are supporters of PR, and particularly favour the MMP, Mixed Member Proportional, system recommended by the (Liberal appointed) Law Commission of Canada in its 2004 report, Voting Counts. We also think that this system is the one most likely to win adequate support in the public. It is widely used in European democracies and in elections for the European Parliament.
We are naturally disappointed that your leader, and many Liberal members, voted with the Conservatives against the motion. It was good to see that Liberals were free to vote as they wished.
We would encourage you to do whatever you can to promote understanding of PR, in your own ridings and in the House.  We think that the objections raised can all be answered and we look forward to working with MPs to advance this needed reform.
Read the letter
 

Response from Carolyn Bennett, Liberal MP who voted for the motion
“At our most recent biennial convention in Montreal in 2014, a resolution was passed by the membership that called for an all-party study involving expert assistance and citizen participation to report to Parliament on electoral reforms. This will include, but is not limited to, a preferential ballot and/or a form of proportional representation.
We are committed to a full and robust review of our electoral system so that it delivers the government that Canadians deserve. I have long been an advocate of shifting our electoral system to a form of proportional representation.
The Liberal Party had a free vote on the recent proportional representation motion put forward by the NDP and I personally voted in favour of it. Many who voted against the bill expressed concern that it was too prescriptive in mandating the adoption of mixed-member proportional representation, rather than establishing a framework to engage Canadians about the most appropriate alternative electoral system among the many options available. “
Read her full response
 

Letter to Liberal MPs who voted against the motion
...However, we must tell you that we are disappointed that you voted against the motion. No Liberal MP, or Conservative, for that matter, raised a good objection.  Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) is the system we favour, but there is flexibility within it.  Party lists can give the voter the option to choose, reject or re-order names on the list. There is no necessity for a "party boss" approach.
Of course there has to be more consultation.  But we remind members that there has been consultation for years, since the Law Commission of Canada started its work more than 10 years ago.
True, several provinces have rejected PR in referenda, but this is hardly a reason to reject it now. Currently there is a Conservative majority government with less than 40% of the popular vote, and which governs as if it had 90%. The BC referenda that rejected electoral change was not for MMP. Recent experience in many European countries shows good results from MMP. More women are elected, also minorities, turn out improves, and more people feel satisfied with our democratic institutions. Political alienation is rampant now, especially among young people. Making every vote count equally would do much to counter this alienation.
We ask you to keep an open mind and give a serious look at PR, and MMP in particular.
Read the letter

Letter to Conservative MPs who voted against the motion
We are disappointed that not one Conservative voted in favour of the motion on proportional representation (PR) (introduced by Craig Scott) on December 3 2014. There are many Conservatives (not in the House) who support PR--some are active in FairVote Canada.
Conservatives currently profit from first-past-the-post, but have been penalized by it in the past, and may well again be so. After the Kim Campbell election, there were only two left, a drastic under-representation according to popular vote.
More to the point, first-past-the-post routinely produces skewed results--the under-representation of some parties in some regions, to the advantage (for a time) of one. Voter apathy is one unfortunate result: why bother, when my vote does not count? With PR, every vote counts, with an equal weight. In a House of Commons elected with Mixed Member Proportional each party would have the proportion of MPs they deserve from voter choice.
The objections to the proposal raised by Pierre Pollievre were weak and irrelevant. Indeed, he spent most of his time discussing such matters as voter ID and how MPs vote in the House! His contention that with PR voters will not have thieir own MP to go to is factually wrong. Under the MMP system proposed every voter will have a regular, constituency MP; the list would allocate (say) one third of MPS regionally.
These MPs ensure that the total number in the House per party reflects their support in the electorate. A look at Voting Counts, 2004, produced by the Law Commission of Canada, would show this clearly.
We urge Conservative MPs to give thought to this important democratic reform, and to put improving our democratic system ahead of (immediate) party interest.
Read the letter

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

Democracy Salon December 2014

Upcoming events: 

Democracy Salon December 2014

Tue, Dec 02, 6-8pm
The 519 Community Centre, 519 Church St, Toronto, Ontario
. (North of Wellesley St- closest to Wellesley subway station)

Free admission, All are welcomed
We will discuss which one of these will be our next town hall and work together to get this going - date/venue/ hosts/co-sponsor groups

1. NDP, Liberal and Green party leaders re electoral alliance idea.
2. An all party leaders town hall re their parties' action on climate change.
3. An all party critics for the environment re their parties' action on climate change

Canada’s Carbon Bubble and the risks it poses: James Leaton talks

Thur, Nov 27, 2014; Doors open at 6:00 pm, talk begins promptly at 6:15 pm
Admission: Free

Event location: Signy & Cléophée Eaton Theatre at The ROM. 

Environmental Defence and the Pembina Institute invite you to hear from James Leaton on his first trip to Canada. An originator of the carbon bubble analysis, James will provide invaluable insights into new research on Canada's exposure to price volatility, the risk of unburnable carbon and the possibility of stranded assets.

 REGISTER HERE

What's new: 

U.S. EPA: We need tougher ozone standards

I am proposing to update national ozone pollution standards to clean up our air, improve access to crucial air quality information, and protect those most at-risk -- our children, our elderly, and people already suffering from lung diseases like asthma. READ MORE

China, the U.S. and climate change: Yes, this is a really, really big deal 

Under the agreement, the U.S. has pledged to reduce its emissions by 26 to 28 per cent below 2005 levels, by 2025. China has agreed to cap emissions by 2030, and to produce 20 per cent of its energy using non-fossil fuels (e.g. nuclear, solar and wind) by the same year. Both countries have also agreed to try to beat these targets….
And the agreement stands as a challenge to Canada. The Harper government has been reluctant to get ahead of the U.S. when it comes to regulating carbon output, for fear of harming Canadian industry. But our two largest trading partners have now agreed to take a historic steps on greenhouse gas emissions. Washington and Beijing’s big move on global warming has put the heat on Ottawa. READ MORE


Watch The Green Majority video

We need to make climate change a 2015 federal election issue

WATCH IT NOW

There's Been How Many Pipeline Spills in Alberta in The Last Four Months??

Canadians almost never hear about them. Our main media, CBC, does not provide any coverage of the many, many spills and gas releases that happen every month, nor the efforts to clean up the messes. They're simply not considered news.
Total = Over 625,000 Litres of toxic crap spilled in Alberta for just the month of October and not one Mainstream media reports about it. READ MORE

The Arctic Sea Ice Meltdown in Maps

Part of a new ICN ebook, these maps based on satellite images bear witness to the man-made Arctic meltdown happening before our eyes.
SEE THEM HERE

 

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

The Exposé Conference & Turnout Toronto

Upcoming events: 

Turnout Toronto

Wed, Oct 22, 2014, 5:30 to 8:30pm
CSI Annex
720 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2R5

Canadian Electoral Alliance will be at this event!  Join us and get engaged!

5th Turnout Toronto - Check out on Facebook for details 
 

  • It's job fair meets civic engagement circus.
  • Want to get involved in our city but didn't know what the options were beyond volunteering for a political campaign?
  • It is a "live menu" of the options and pack a room with people who want to make this city great.

The Exposé Conference

presented by

Sat, Nov 1,2014 , 9am to 2:30pm
Bahen Centre for Information Technology, 40 St. George St., Toronto, Ontario

Ideas for the World Exposé is a one day conference for high school students. The topic of sustainability is becoming increasingly prevalent - the state pf the world right now is not sufficient to sustain future generations. Climate change risks are augmenting at an unprecedented rate. Environmental disruption is posing a threat to our food security. Our political system is unable to confront these problems.

To solve these issues, we need radical ideas. These ideas need to change the way society is run and change our perspective on our very own roles in fighting for a sustainable future. How can our food choices save the world? How can we make our politicians more responsive to environmental damage. What is the role of sexism and discrimination in climate change? What cutting edge technologies are we developing and researching to combat our increasing amount of food and plastic waste?  Register now and explore the diverse amount of workshops we're offering that may change your perspective of sustainability.

Everyone who wants to attend the Ideas for the World Exposé must REGISTER HERE

Conference Schedule:
9:00 - Sign in
9:30 - Opening Remarks
10:00 - Workshop 1
11:00 - Workshop 2
12:00 - Lunch/Exhibition
1:00 - Screening of Cowspiracy
Conference ends at 2:30

The Workshops:
Meet Ben: Topic of Workshop: Anti-Oppression and Climate Activism: Why Climate Justice Needs Equity
Meet Wing: Another confirmed workshop leader who will be discussing the role of politics in combatting climate change
Meet Alice: Ever wonder how much garbage you throw out daily? Learn all about waste and the dire implications on it has on sustainability.
Meet Stephanie: You are what you eat; Learn all about the faults of our current system of food production and changes necessary in the future.

More details on Workshop and Conference

What's new: 

Mark Carney: most fossil fuel reserves can't be burned

The governor of the Bank of England has reiterated his warning that fossil fuel companies cannot burn all of their reserves if the world is to avoid catastrophic climate change, and called for investors to consider the long-term impacts of their decisions. MORE

French Climate Envoy Denied Meeting With Harper, Calls Mulcair An Ally 

The prime minister will not be meeting Mr. Hulot," Harper spokesman Jason MacDonald said in an email. "The prime minister meets or speaks with his counterparts when there are important issues to discuss."
Hulot wants to consult widely in the run-up to France hosting the next major international climate summit late next year, likely a month or two after the next Canadian general election. He's stressing the need for Canada to join the fight against climate change, which he said is clearly linked to human behaviour. MORE

Naomi Klein: “we are not who we were told we were”

I think another inspiring movement is the rise of renewable energy in Germany. That is a really important case study because this is a post-industrial, Western, large, very powerful economy, that in the past decade has made a dramatic shift towards renewable energy, primarily wind and solar.
But what’s really interesting about it, is that it is the small-scale, decentralized, cooperatively-owned aspect of the transition that is fastest-spreading, that has people most excited. That’s an important pattern. Energy democracy is a phrase more and more people are using to describe this sort of phenomenon, where it isn’t just about switching from fossil fuel to so-called green energy, it’s also a power shift in who owns and controls the source of the power, where the resources go. MORE
 

Chong’s Reform Act easily passes second reading 

An amended version of the Reform Act – a Conservative backbencher’s effort to rein in the authority of party leaders and hand more power to individual MPs – has passed a second reading in the House of Commons, a key step in its path to becoming law. MORE
 

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Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

A Day to Aspire | Conspire | Inspire

Upcoming events: 

A Day to Aspire | Conspire | Inspire

We will be at the Community BBQ and fair at 12:30-4:30pm. Come see us!  See the performers work the stage. Everyone is welcome at all workshops.

Workshop: Civic/Elections Engagement 101- 2:00pm - 3:00pm
When group leaders and facilitators are dealing with a 'difficult' participant, it's vital to remember that the problem is the participant’s behaviour and not them as a person. This workshop will explore ways of dealing with challenging behaviours in a group setting and will provide resources and tools to support group facilitators in responding to these behaviours in a way that is both supportive and clear.

Workshop: Managing Conflict and Challenging Behaviour in a Group Setting- 3:00pm - 4:00pm
When group leaders and facilitators are dealing with a 'difficult' participant, it's vital to remember that the problem is the participant’s behaviour and not them as a person. This workshop will explore ways of dealing with challenging behaviours in a group setting and will provide resources and tools to support group facilitators in responding to these behaviours in a way that is both supportive and clear.

This workshop will also explore ways of increasing the commitment and participation of group members, review The Centre's Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Policy, and will clarify The 519's role in supporting community-led groups in managing the safety and inclusion of their participant.

Film Screening- 7:00pm
Screening in The 519 Ballroom of 'GenSilent' documentary on LGBT aging to launch The 519's new Long Term Care training and education program.

DETAILS IN FACEBOOK

What's new: 

Chong’s Reform Act easily passes second reading
 

An amended version of the Reform Act – a Conservative backbencher’s effort to rein in the authority of party leaders and hand more power to individual MPs – has passed a second reading in the House of Commons, a key step in its path to becoming law.

The Reform Act, Bill C-586, was supported by an overwhelming number of MPs Wednesday evening, passing by a vote of 253 to 17. Many Conservative cabinet ministers, NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau were among those to vote in its favour, while a handful of MPs from each of the major three parties opposed it. Prime Minister Stephen Harper wasn’t present for the vote. MORE

Voting strategically in the 2015 federal election? Here's why you shouldn't.

I profoundly believe that elections should be about what we are for rather than what we are against. So, when someone suggests to me that I should "vote strategically," I will tell them the strategic thing to do is vote for who you believe will actually take this country in a different direction after getting elected.
Voting for your principles is strategic voting. FULL ARTICLE

Comment from Canadian Electoral Alliance: We encourages that three party leaders to form a one time alliance, to run one candidate that is likely to win and unseat a Conservative in certain vulnerable ridings. Our new government should then adopt Proportional Representation and so we do not need any strategic voting. With Proportional Representation, we do not need strategic voting. We can just vote for the party we really want to vote for.

Footer: 

Canadian Electoral Alliance is a volunteer group. The organization sprang from informal discussions after the last federal election resulted in a Harper Conservative majority with less than 40% of the popular vote. The “60% majority” now sees cherished institutions wrecked, environmental measures long in place eliminated, money spent on prison building (although the crime rate is  falling), among them.

Our members include members of three political parties along with many with no party affiliation. People of any political persuasion are welcome. The goal is basic electoral reform, to make every vote count, to revitalize Canadian democracy.

If you haven't already done so, sign our declaration at http://electoralalliance.ca/content/electoral-alliance-declaration

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