CONTENTS
1) Feature: Save the Canadian Wheat Board
2) Issues Updates
--Last Chance to be Heard on Fish Farms
--Water Pipeline Proposal Underscores Need for National Water Policy
--Be a Smarter Produce Picker
3) Media Watch
--All Can Play Part in Beating Global Warming – Expert
--Canada Begins Talk on Tougher Auto-Emission Rules
--Canada Legislators Urge Ottawa to Stick to Kyoto
--Canada’s Harper Says Environment Plan in Works
--Canada’s Harper Under Fire for Clean Air Plan
--How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bus
--How to Live Well Without Owning a Car
--Biotechnology Won’t Fix Declining Wheat Market
--WTO GM Food Ruling Ignores Safety Question
--EU to Require Mandatory Tests of US Rice Imports
--Nutrition Journal Hid Contributors’ Ties to Food Industry
--New Mexico State Senator Calls for Ban on Aspartame Artificial Sweetener
--New York to Outlaw Trans Fats in 24,000 Restaurants
--Fish Farm Critic Vindicated
--Sea Lice from Farmed Salmon Kills Wild Salmon
--Rechargeablesonline.com Unveiled to Help Consumers Save Money and the Environment Through the Use of Rechargeable Products for All Their Power Needs
-The Organic Myth: Pastoral Ideas are Getting Trampled as Organic Food Goes Mass Market
--Experts Oppose Chemical DDT War on Malaria
--Vermont Agriculture Secretary Urges Farmers to Drop Hormone
--CDC Funds Study into Causes of Autism
--International Panel Says Canadian Institutes of Health Research Needs Management Overhaul
--Canada Excels at Environmental Science and Technology
--Newer Schizophrenia Drugs May Be No Better
--Vitamin C Increases Fertility
4) Calendar of Events
--Catch the FrequenSea Wave! Super Saturday Event, Vancouver, Oct 21st
--Managing Stress, Surrey, BC, Oct 23rd -- Nov 6th
--The Shocking Truth about Genetically Modified Foods, Burnaby, BC, Oct 24th
--Enhance Your Genetic Fat Burning, Vancouver, Oct 24th
--Invisible Hazards in the Wireless Age: Problems and Solutions?, Victoria, Nov 1st
--Protect Yourself from Cellphones and EMF Radiation, Vancouver, Nov 3rd
--Autism Conference, London, ON, Nov 3rd and 4th
--The Safe Wireless Action Plan for Homes, Schools and Communities, Victoria, Nov 14th
--Making Herbal Infused Oil and Healing Salves Workshop, Surrey, BC, Nov 18th
--HANS AGM, followed by The Joy of Stress: How to Create Peace Within, Burnaby, BC, Nov 28th
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1) Save the Canadian Wheat Board
The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) is a farmer-controlled organization that markets wheat and barley grown by western Canadian producers. Based in Winnipeg, the CWB is the largest single seller of wheat and barley in the world, holding more than 20 per cent of the international market.
As every respected farm economist who has studied it has affirmed, the Canadian Wheat Board is a well-designed and sustainable policy mechanism that delivers price equity to Canadian grain growers - equity that amounts to over $800 million a year in benefits to Prairie communities. It is also overwhelmingly supported by Canada’s grain growers.
Bill C-300
This fall Bill C-300, an act to amend the Canadian Wheat Board Act, will come before the House of Commons for second reading. This Bill, if passed, will destroy the one desk selling structure of the Canadian Wheat Board, the only thing standing between prairie grain farmers and the market power of the highly concentrated transnational grain sector.
American grain interests have been gunning for the CWB for over 20 years. Canada has won every trade challenge. We should be touting the CWB model for farmers in other countries to emulate. Instead, Bill C-300 would wipe it off the table, and with it, the future of Canadian agriculture.
Seemingly innocuous, Bill C-300 purports to simply offer growers “choice” in the marketing of their wheat. When introduced in the House, it will be couched in terms such as “grower choice” and “support for bio-fuels development”. Make no mistake. Bill C-300 will destroy the single desk selling authority of the Canadian Wheat Board, opening the door to take-over of Canada’s grain sector by powerful, transnational grain conglomerates.
This issue is not about debating the merits of the CWB. Surely we must be able to agree that farmers in a given commodity sector know what is working best for their sector. The Canadian Wheat Board has withstood challenges under both the WTO and NAFTA and has emerged intact. Despite this, Ottawa is poised to destroy it, placing Canada’s grain sector in the hands of US-based transnationals.
Ottawa is prepared to act in contravention of CWB Act. Section 47.1 of the Canadian Wheat Board Act expressly forbids the Minister to change the act without a prior referendum in support of such changes by the growers.
Chuck Strahl and his new government says that it doesn’t matter. It does to farmers. Destroying the independence and sustainability of Canada’s grain, dairy, poultry and egg farmers will destroy the fabric of Canada’s farm sector, and with it all hope of food security and food sovereignty.
Defeat Bill C-300 this fall. This is bad for Canada and cannot be allowed to happen. Bill C-300 must be defeated in the House this fall.
Here’s What You Can Do
1. Send an email to your MP explaining to her/him why it is important that they defeat Bill C-300, and refer them to this web site for background. (Don’t know your MP's email? Look it up at http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca)
2. Copy your letter to MP Chuck Strahl at Strahl.C@parl.gc.ca.
3. Copy it also to Stephen Harper at Harper.S@parl.gc.ca.
Unless Bill C-300 and the intent behind it is defeated, Canadian agriculture as we know it on the Canadian prairies will disappear.
For more info, visit http://www.theholmteam.ca/CWB.html
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You may be able to write off your health-care costs. Check out the HANS ADVANTAGE at www.hans.org
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2) ISSUE UPDATES
Last Chance to be Heard on Fish Farms
The next three weeks are a critical time for the future of salmon farming on the BC coast. The BC government’s Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture is holding its final public hearings in four communities this week and next, and is accepting written submissions – but only until October 31.
Last month the Regional District of Comox Strathcona turned down two zoning applications that would have allowed netcage salmon farms in the sensitive waters near Sayward. The decision was timely, because an important new study has just been released showing that sea lice from fish farms have killed up to 95 per cent of the passing wild juvenile pink and chum. This study clearly shows the harmful impacts fish farms are having on our wild stocks.
For more info, visit http://www.georgiastrait.org/Articles2006/CAAR-GSA-S...
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Water Pipeline Proposal Underscores Need for National Water Policy
Media Release, Oct 12th
New pressure to export Canadian water to the United States makes it more urgent for the federal government to develop a national water policy banning bulk water exports, says the Council of Canadians.
Bulk water exports was discussed at a recent conference in Banff where Paul Wihbey, president of a Washington consultancy called GWEST – the Global Water and Energy Strategy Team proposed a freshwater pipeline be built between Manitoba and Texas. Wihbey said “it is nearly inevitable that bulk water exports from Canada” will occur within the next “two to five years.”
“This is the latest in a series of calls for Canada to relax its regulations and allow bulk water exports to the United States,” says Maude Barlow, chairperson of the Council of Canadians. “Canadians are becoming increasingly impatient with the federal government’s refusal to deal with the problem.”
“Prime Minister Stephen Harper has failed to clarify his government’s position on bulk water exports, and the Conservative government has done nothing to address growing concerns about the stability and quality of Canada’s water supply,” says Susan Howatt, national water campaigner for the Council of Canadians.
With polls showing that Canadians feel strongly about the issue, a failure to address bulk water exports will severely harm the Conservative Party in the next election according to the citizens’ advocacy group.
A poll released last week by the Canada Institute of the Washington-based Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars and the Toronto-based Canada Institute on North American Issues found that while 72 percent of Americans favoured exporting more water from Canada to the United States, 76 percent of Canadians opposed bulk water exports.
The Council of Canadians demands that a new national water policy for Canada ban the export of water, implement strict restrictions on diversions, and affirm the role of the federal government in international water issues.
For more information: Meera Karunananthan, Media Officer, Council of Canadians: Ph: 613-233-4487, ext. 234; meera@canadians.org; www.canadians.org.
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Be a Smarter Produce Picker
For years, you’ve been able to choose foods with less fat or fewer additives. Now, with Environmental Working Group’s fourth edition of the popular Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, you can minimize your chemical exposure in the produce aisle.
EWG always recommends organic, but we know you can’t always find it. Our new guide features the 12 fruits and veggies with the most and least pesticides so you’ll know which ones to buy organic, and which conventionally-grown ones are okay when organic isn’t available.
How’d we do it? EWG analyzed over 42,000 of the latest government tests for pesticide residues on commonly-eaten fruits and vegetables. We then ranked the results based on six measures of pesticide loads, after washing and peeling.
Click here for your guide at http://www.foodnews.org/walletguide.php.
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3) MEDIA WATCH
All Can Play Part in Beating Global Warming – Expert
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/3...
Canada Begins Talk on Tougher Auto-Emission Rules
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/3...
Canada Legislators Urge Ottawa to Stick to Kyoto
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/3...
Canada’s Harper Says Environment Plan in Works
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/3...
Canada’s Harper Under Fire for Clean Air Plan
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/3...
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bus
http://eartheasy.com/article_living_without_car.htm
How to Live Well Without Owning a Car
http://eartheasy.com/bookreview_Live_Well_Without_Ca...
Biotechnology Won’t Fix Declining Wheat Market
http://www.checkbiotech.org/root/index.cfm?fuseactio...
WTO GM Food Ruling Ignores Safety Question
http://www.checkbiotech.org/root/index.cfm?fuseactio...
EU to Require Mandatory Tests of US Rice Imports
http://www.checkbiotech.org/root/index.cfm?fuseactio...
Nutrition Journal Hid Contributors’ Ties to Food Industry
http://www.cspinet.org/new/200610022.html
New Mexico State Senator Calls for Ban on Aspartame Artificial Sweetener
http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_2880.cf...
New York to Outlaw Trans Fats in 24,000 Restaurants
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,1882603,00.ht...
Fish Farm Critic Vindicated
http://thetyee.ca/Views/2006/10/09/Fish/
Sea Lice from Farmed Salmon Kills Wild Salmon
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003...
Rechargeablesonline.com Unveiled to Help Consumers Save Money and the Environment Through the Use of Rechargeable Products for All Their Power Needs
http://www.enn.com/net.html?id=1673
The Organic Myth: Pastoral Ideas are Getting Trampled as Organic Food Goes Mass Market
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_42/b...
Experts Oppose Chemical DDT War on Malaria
http://allafrica.com/stories/200609290052.html
Vermont Agriculture Secretary Urges Farmers to Drop Hormone
http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=...
CDC Funds Study into Causes of Autism
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=541&e=1&u=...
International Panel Says Canadian Institutes of Health Research Needs Management Overhaul
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/175/8/857?etoc
Canada Excels at Environmental Science and Technology
http://www.ec.gc.ca/EnviroZine/english/issues/69/fea...
Newer Schizophrenia Drugs May Be No Better
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=97&e=8&u=/...
Vitamin C Increases Fertility
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/hotnews/6ah483...
For more current stories, check out “News” at www.hans.org.
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4) Calendar of Events
Catch the FrequenSea Wave! Super Saturday Event
Who: Hugo Rodier, MD
When: Oct 21st, 10 am - 4:30 pm
Where: Ridge Theatre, 3131 Arbutus St at 16th Ave
Cost: Guests free! FrequenSea members $20
Contact: Bruce or Brenda Duncan, 604-986-1995, e-mail healthEnow@shaw.ca
Are you seeking natural, healthy alternatives for Optimal Health? Re-awaken your body’s healing power with Mother Nature’s complete super food --marine phytoplankton.
Dr Hugo Rodier brings a unique perspective to traditional medicine through extensive research, teaching (University of Utah, School of Medicine, College of Health, and Department of Nutrition), and active clinical practice. He is a radio talk-show host, author and popular public speaker adept at separating fact from fiction in integrative health with a knack of using humor to engage his audience.
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Managing Stress
Who: Julieta Criollo, Wellness Trading Post
When: Mon, Oct 23, 30, Nov 6 (3 sessions), 7 – 9:30 pm
Where: Douglas College, Surrey Training Centre, 10060 King George Hwy. Surrey, BC
Cost: $69.00, Course Code MAST
Contact: 604-588-7772 Fax: 604-588-7774 or www.douglascollege.ca/surrey
Are you stressed out and feel like you have no control of your life? Do you feel like the walls are closing in and you have no place to turn? Come and learn how to bring that feeling of control and well-being back into your life by learning techniques to work with stress in a positive way. You will recognize the short-term effects of stress on your nervous system, sleeping patterns, decision-making, cognitive functions, memory and self-image. And the long-term effects such as weakened immune system, hormones, metabolism, weight fluctuations and energy level.
Learn strategies to help you manage stress in natural ways, including nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and proper posture. Conscious-creative visualization techniques will be utilized on healing our minds, bodies, performance, self-image and well-being.
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The Shocking Truth about Genetically Modified Foods
Who: Jeffrey M. Smith, international bestselling author ofSeeds of Deception.
When: Tues, Oct 24, 2006
Where Firefighters’ Banquet and Conference Centre, 6515 Bonsor Ave, Burnaby, BC
Cost: HANS Members: $15, Non-Members $25
At the Door: Members $20, Non-Members $30
Contact: 604-435-0512 or register online at www.hans.org
Presented by Health Action Network Society
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Enhance Your Genetic Fat Burning
Who: Andre Noel Potvin, BEd, MSc, CES, CSCS
Cost: FREE
When: Tues, Oct 24th, 6 – 7 pm
Where: EnerChanges, Unit M-11, 601 West Broadway
Contact: 604-681-8380 to reserve your seat. Seating is limited.
The latest fat-burning genetic research indicates that some genes, such as our “fat” and “thin” genes, can be influenced by our actions. In this entertaining lecture, we will help you identify your personal fat-burning genetic profile. Learn your personal action strategies to match your genetics. Leave with an understanding as to how you can steer clear of the variables that complicate your fat-loss efforts – you will understand how to maximize your genetic fat burning potential!
Presented by EnerChanges at www.enerchanges.com.
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Invisible Hazards in the Wireless Age: Problems and Solutions
Who: Dr George Carlo, former chief scientist of the world’s largest research effort into wireless safety
When: Wed, Nov 1st, 7:15 pm
Where: Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville, Victoria, BC
Cost: $5, pre-registration highly recommended
Contact: Kerry Crofton 250-595-1952 or e-mail kerrycrofton@telus.net
Dr Carlo, director of the non-profit Safe Wireless Initiative in Washington, DC, has served on the faculties on several universities, and is author of Cellphones: Invisible Hazards of a Wireless Age
Underground pay parking or street parking.
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Talk Quickly. Your Health is On the Line.
Who: Dr George Carlo, former chief scientist of the world’s largest research effort into wireless safety
When: Nov 3rd, 7 pm
Where: Point Grey Golf and Country Club, 3350 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC
Cost: HANS members: $10, non-members $20, at the door: members $15, non-members $25
Contact: 604-435-0512 or visit www.hans.org
“The industry spins the science and they put it out there for public
consumption as though these studies are evidence of safety. It is
scientific fraud.” -- Dr George Carlo, PhD, MS, JD
Health Action Network Society Presents a lecture about protecting yourself from the harm of cell phones and EMF radiation.
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“Autism: A Medical Condition” Conference
Who: Presented by the Autism Foundation Canada
When: Nov 3rd and 4th (Fri, Sat)
Where: University of Western Ontario, London, ON
Contact: Phone 519-695-5858, e-mail info@autismcanada.org, or visit www.autismcanada.org
Nov3rd, 7 – 9 pm
Features the documentary “Autism: There’s Hope Out There” and a chance to meet and greet the Autism Canada Foundation Board Members.
Speaker: David Patchell-Evans, Founder and CEO of GoodLife Fitness Clubs; President, Autism Canada Foundation
Nov 4th, 9 am – 4:30 pm
Speakers: Dr Sidney Baker, Dr Derrick MacFabe and Dr Wendy Edwards
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The Safe Wireless Action Plan for Homes, Schools and Communities
Who: Milt Bowling, public health activist, President of Clear Energy Foundation, former director of Health Action Network Society AND
Dr Kerry Crofton, author, health educator and concerned patient, director of Wellbeing International
When: Wed, Nov 14th, 7:15 pm
Where: Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville, Victoria, BC
Cost: FREE, pre-registration highly recommended
Contact: Kerry Crofton 250-595-1952 or e-mail kerrycrofton@telus.net
Underground pay parking or street parking.
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Topical Natural Remedies: Making Herbal Infused Oil and Healing Salves Workshop
Who: Julieta Criollo, Wellness Trading Post
When: Sat, Nov 18, 9 am – 4 pm
Where: Douglas College, Surrey Training Centre, 10060 King George Hwy. Surrey, BC
Cost: $77.00, Course Code TNRM
Contact: 604-588-7772 Fax: 604-588-7774 or www.douglascollege.ca/surrey
Join us in these hands on workshop and learn how to prepare your own natural skin products using natural and herbal ingredients that are soothing, moisturizing and rejuvenating to the skin. You will learn how to make infused oil, face scrub, moisturizing creams and lotions, an air-freshener, bath salts and bath tea bags. Additionally, you will learn simple yet beautiful wrapping methods to present your creations to family and friends as gifts for Christmas and other special occasions. All materials are included in the cost of the workshop.
You will prepare and take home: a 50 ml bottle of herbal infused oils, a 25 ml jar of moisturizing cream, a 50 ml body lotion, a 20 ml air-spray, a 20-gram face scrub, a 1/2 ml aromatherapy perfume
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HANS Annual General Meeting
Who: All members of HANS are welcome
When: Nov 28, 6 pm (sharp)
Where: Firefighters’ Banquet and Conference Centre, 6515 Bonsor Ave, Burnaby (corner of Bonsor and Bennett). Close to Metrotown SkyTrain station.
Parking: Metrotown Parkade entrance by Firefighters Club at corner of Bonsor & Bennett. Go up to 3rd level, turn left at Food Court sign -- door to Firefighters Club is near entrance to Food Court.
There is no fee for the AGM and registration is not required. We would love it if you would join us, and be sure to stick around after the meeting for...
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The Joy of Stress: How to Create Peace Within
Who: Ted Kuntz, MEd, author of Peace Begins With Me
When: Nov 28, 7 pm
Where: See above
Cost: HANS members: $10, non-members $20, at the door: members $15, non-members $25. Pre-registration Recommended
Contact: 604-435-0512 or to register online, go to www.hans.org
In a recent conference hosted by the BC Workers Compensation Board, stress was identified as the most significant disease of the 21st century. Many of us are not prepared for the stresses of daily life.
Ted will be speaking on:
-- the difference between stress and distress
-- strategies to increase your peace, joy, and happiness
-- thinking that feeds your negativity
For everyone going through the stresses of today’s fast paced world, this presentation is a must!
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Founded in 1984, Health Action Network Society is a membership-based, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to gathering and disseminating health promotion information.