Friday, 20 February 2009
Don't Forget the War Resisters
Please try to attend. Remember, the War Resisters "love this country" just like the U.S. President says he does -- and they want to live here! Sallie
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Canadian Olympic Committee bans "Right to Play" from Vancouver games
A recent Canadian Press report confirms that the international humanitarian organization Right to Play, which uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills and foster peace for children and communities in some of the world's most disadvantaged areas, has been told by the International Olympic Committee it is not welcomed at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, or future Olympics.
Apparently this is due to conflicting sponsors. And back in October 2008, the We Move To Canada blog commented:
"Of all the profit-motivated, corporate-ass-kissing, petty, uncharitable decisions an Olympic organizing committee has made, this surely ranks at the top of the charts."
Apparently this is due to conflicting sponsors. And back in October 2008, the We Move To Canada blog commented:
"Of all the profit-motivated, corporate-ass-kissing, petty, uncharitable decisions an Olympic organizing committee has made, this surely ranks at the top of the charts."
Labels: 2010 Olympics
Monday, 9 February 2009
Myths for Profit
http://www.wideopenexposure.com/M4P.phpWe need help!
Currently we are in the post-production stage. We are getting great musicians, finishing the editing and trying to secure the rights to use some footage. But we need help! Please help us finish the documentary by pre-ordering the full-length DVD version of MYTHS FOR PROFIT for $15. Click the link below to pre-order via PayPal, or contact us to place an order by phone or mail. (514-812-6817) Thank you! Regular price: $15
For organizations & individuals who would like to screen or publicly use this film in any non-commercial way (i.e. libraries, classrooms, etc.), the price for a copy with the lifetime public performance rights (PPR) is $50. This fee will be waived for groups hosting a screening during the Spring 2009 cross-Canada tour. For more information, don't hesitate to contact us. Thank you.Price with PPR: $50
‘MYTHS FOR PROFIT' is a dramatic, exposé documentary which explores 'Canada’s role in Industries of War and Peace’. Through diverse interviews and case studies this documentary unveils the specific interests and profits that are made by certain corporation, individuals and agency within Canada. By examining these myths we seek to find out what are the possible motives that hide behind these stories, and if there are certain people who stand to gain and maintain these misconceptions. Only by breaking down these myths can we hope to understand how these systems of power operate, and help empower people across Canada to change them.
MYTH 1) 'Canada is a peacekeeping nation' examines the changes in the Department of National Defence since 1999 and takes a serious look at the role Canada has taken in NATO. A particular focus is given to the current perpetual war in Afghanistan, how Canada assisted in the illegal coup d’état in Haiti, and how Canada played a pivotal role in pushing the policy of ‘bombing for humanitarian aid’ in Yugoslavia.
MYTH 2) 'Canada’s policies on ‘Reconstruction and Redevelopment’ are helping people around the world' investigates how various government agencies and ministries have specific agendas they are implementing around the world. From the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAIT) to Export Development Canada, policies are being designed and carried out to ensure a free market neo-liberal agenda in different countries, regardless of the negative effect they may have on the communities and environment they impact. This includes how Canada’s development agency’s (CIDA) tied and phantom aid function in post and present conflict zones.
MYTH 3) 'Canada’s military purpose is defence' By investigating the magnitude of the Canadian military industrial complex, from the mining of uranium used for depleted uranium weapons to the production of components in weapons systems, this section probes the intersecting relationships between various government agencies and corporations as well as public complicity in this vast industry.
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Interesting Toronto Star articles: Janitorial Working Conditions and Training Jobless as Bike Mechanics
Two pieces of interest from the February 2nd, 2009 Toronto Star:
In Carol Goar's opion piece, You can help cleaners earn decent wages, she notes that:
"Cleaners don't work for the banks, investment houses, law firms and advertising agencies that do business downtown. Most are employed by independent janitorial firms, which compete fiercely for contracts awarded by the commercial real estate chains that own and manage these buildings.
To win a contract, a cleaning company has to submit a low bid. That means hiring cheap labour.
For decades, the commercial real estate industry seemed impervious to the tug of social conscience. Calls to adopt fair wage policies went unheeded.
But lately, there have been some promising glimmers.
...Three property management companies in Canada have voluntarily raised their standards.
Bentall LP, the country's largest commercial landlord, recently adopted a responsible contracting policy, the first in Canada. Concert Properties, a Vancouver-based firm, will only consider bids from contractors who employ unionized workers. And Great West Life Reality Advisors, who manage 283 commercial properties, review the professional conduct of their contractors regularly."
-----
And in Wheels turning to train jobless as bike mechanics, Paola Loriggio reports that:
"Toronto has Bike Month and Bike Winter, but what it doesn't have is bike mechanics – or, at least, not enough of them, according to those in the business.
...
A new project aims to fill that gap. The Bicycle Assembly and Maintenance Program will train out-of-work youths to fix and assemble all kinds of bikes so they can tap into a rising market, organizers say.
Many "will walk right into a job," says a project organizer, Rob White, sales vice-president at Outdoor Gear Canada. He estimates there are openings for 50 to 100 bike mechanics each year in the GTA.
The free eight-week program starts Feb. 17 and includes a two-week placement in bike shops such as Sweet Pete's and Duke's Cycle. The shops helped fund the project, a joint venture between the Learning Enrichment Foundation and the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada, of which Lilly is president."
In Carol Goar's opion piece, You can help cleaners earn decent wages, she notes that:
"Cleaners don't work for the banks, investment houses, law firms and advertising agencies that do business downtown. Most are employed by independent janitorial firms, which compete fiercely for contracts awarded by the commercial real estate chains that own and manage these buildings.
To win a contract, a cleaning company has to submit a low bid. That means hiring cheap labour.
For decades, the commercial real estate industry seemed impervious to the tug of social conscience. Calls to adopt fair wage policies went unheeded.
But lately, there have been some promising glimmers.
...Three property management companies in Canada have voluntarily raised their standards.
Bentall LP, the country's largest commercial landlord, recently adopted a responsible contracting policy, the first in Canada. Concert Properties, a Vancouver-based firm, will only consider bids from contractors who employ unionized workers. And Great West Life Reality Advisors, who manage 283 commercial properties, review the professional conduct of their contractors regularly."
-----
And in Wheels turning to train jobless as bike mechanics, Paola Loriggio reports that:
"Toronto has Bike Month and Bike Winter, but what it doesn't have is bike mechanics – or, at least, not enough of them, according to those in the business.
...
A new project aims to fill that gap. The Bicycle Assembly and Maintenance Program will train out-of-work youths to fix and assemble all kinds of bikes so they can tap into a rising market, organizers say.
Many "will walk right into a job," says a project organizer, Rob White, sales vice-president at Outdoor Gear Canada. He estimates there are openings for 50 to 100 bike mechanics each year in the GTA.
The free eight-week program starts Feb. 17 and includes a two-week placement in bike shops such as Sweet Pete's and Duke's Cycle. The shops helped fund the project, a joint venture between the Learning Enrichment Foundation and the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada, of which Lilly is president."
