Take Back the Tap!

Here I am with Community Activist Ed Pullman
and Saanich Councillor Vicki Sanders

In a little over a decade, over-priced plastic bottles of water have gone from a niche market product to a ubiquitous item seen and sold everywhere we go. This despite the fact that the vast majority of Canadians have access to safe and clean drinking water through their municipal water system.

Why do people spend their hard-earned money on plastic bottles of water? Some people claim it tastes  better than tap water. But analysts estimate between 25 and 40 percent of bottled water is simply reprocessed municipal tap water.

Of course plastic bottles of water are convenient. Advertising, which accounts for 10 to 15 percent of the price of a bottle of water, has successfully associated bottled water with a healthy lifestyle and a status symbol.

While many of us think nothing of this process, the environmental externalities associated with bottled water are something we cannot continue to ignore.

Bottled water consumes substantial amounts of non-renewable fuels to process, package and transport, creating adverse air quality and climate change impacts. It takes approximately three litres of water to manufacture a one litre plastic water bottle!



Although plastic bottles can be recycled, anywhere from 40% and 80% of empty bottles end up as litter. According to an Encorp Pacific recycling report, over 40 million plastic water bottles went into BC landfills alone!

In Saanich we already pay taxes to provide us with a safe and highly regulated service providing clean and fresh water. Does it make sense to encourage unnecessary use of plastic-bottle water?

Many groups have taken up the cause of reclaiming tap water, including The Polaris institute, Sierra Youth Coalition, CUPE and the Canadian Federation of Students. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has passed a resolution urging municipalities to phase out the sale and purchase of bottled water at their own facilities. Dozens of cities and universities across the country have gone or have committed to going bottled water free.

Locally, Saanich councillors recently offered unanimous support for a motion championed by councillor Vicki Sanders to phase out bottled water sales in its recreation centres and municipal buildings over the next three years. Water fountains in buildings will be upgraded with filling stations and Saanich will launch an education campaign promoting the use of personal water bottles. Esquimalt, North and Central Saanich councils have enacted similar efforts at reducing bottled water consumption.

Undergraduate students at the University of Victoria recently voted 85% in favour to phasing out bottled water and improving access to public drinking water through more water fountains and water bottle refilling stations. I’m impressed to see young people taking the lead and making such a strong statement against bottled water.

The Capital Regional District is privileged to have access to an abundance of fresh potable water through such sources as the Sooke Reservoir and Leech River. This natural system is a treasure. The average cost of a litre of our world class drinking water? Less than one-tenth of a penny! That beats the toonie you have to shell out at a vending machine. In fact, a substantial percentage of bottled water is simply re-filtered municipal tap water from another city that’s been packaged and transported hundreds or thousands of miles.

With efforts from municipal governments and civil society, what role can the provincial government play in reducing bottled water consumption? Should we begin to phase out bottled water sales at crown corporations, ministry and other provincial buildings? Could we step up education efforts and awareness campaigns?

There is no single solution to reducing bottled water consumption. Changing consumer culture takes time, patience and initiative. But I know from my efforts to encourage re-usable shopping bags in Saanich that change can happen.

What can the provincial government do to reduce bottled water consumption? Send me your thoughts and comments. lana.popham.mla@leg.bc.ca

Lana.

Spring 2011 Constituency Report - Video

Lana Popham, April, 2011.

LRT4CRD!

BC Transit has recently completed a long and exhaustive study on rapid transit options in the Capital Regional District (CRD). This two year study consulted a broad range of business and community groups and gave careful consideration to the alignment and technology best suited for rapid transit.

Using a multiple-account evaluation accounting for business, social and environmental impacts (also known as triple bottom line), it concluded light rail transit connecting Downtown to Uptown to the Western Communities via Douglas Street, the Trans Canada Highway and Old Island Highway is the best option to relieve traffic congestion while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Light rail will also allow for densification around train stations that will have numerous transportation, health and economic benefits for current and future residents.

Now that the plan has been presented, Greater Victoria has a historic choice to make. We can do nothing. We can expand roads and build overpasses. Or we can build light rail.

Doing nothing is not an option. Congestion is already reaching a breaking point. As population growth in the Western Communities continues, the Colwood crawl into Victoria on weekday mornings and back in the afternoon will only worsen. BC Transit is losing millions of dollars and hundreds of service hours to buses stuck in traffic congestion. In addition, they reported a transit ridership decline last year for the first time in many years. The status quo is simply unacceptable.

Expanding roads may offer a short term solution to congestion problems, but this will only make matters worse in the long run. We must consider the downstream costs of increasing capacity on our roads: the costs of new parking facilities, increased traffic accidents and insurance payouts, worsening health outcomes from more people driving, displacing congestion to roads and intersections that won’t be upgraded and so on. It’s been said that dealing with traffic congestion through expanding roads is like dealing with a weight problem by buying a bigger belt. I couldn’t agree more!

For myself and many others, the need for Light Rail is self-evident.

As MLA for Saanich South, I will continue to be a strong voice for an LRT solution. By working with community, our community leaders, local politicians, and senior government, we should be able to find our way to a financially responsible plan which solves our growing transportation crisis. I see senior Government coming to the table with at least two thirds cost-sharing. It’s a smart investment in our future: it brings our money back into our communities, and improves our quality of life.

Please sign our petition at www.lrt4crd.ca to show your support for LRT.

Yours sincerely,

Lana Popham
MLA, Saanich South

Restore the Tod Creek Flats

On May 18, 2011 come explore ideas to restore Tod Creek Flats. This wetland area just north of Prospect Lake has been impacted by human activities for 150 years. Now there is a plan to bring back its ecological integrity.

The Friends of Tod Creek Watershed and Lana Popham, MLA Saanich South invite you to attend this open house.

TOPIC: Tod Creek Flats Integrated Management Plan

SPEAKERS: Deborah Curran, local land owner and Environmental Lawyer and Scott Murdoch, of Murdoch de Greeff Inc, who prepared the plan.

DATE: Wednesday, May 18, 2011 TIME: 6:00pm – 8:30pm

PLACE: the Unitarian Church at 5575 West Saanich Road

May Day! May Day! Wild Salmon need your help!

Alexandra Morton is asking all Victorians who care about wild salmon to walk with her this Sunday, May 1st, to demand an end to open-net fish-farming on our coastal waters.

Please join me at my community office (4085 Quadra Street, North of Mackenzie Av.) at 1pm to welcome the walkers. We'll have snacks and after a short rest break we'll walk downtown for a 3pm rally at the Legislature.

Click on the poster to the right for more information.

Wild salmon symbolize a sustainable British Columbia. They are very important to the health of our forests, feeding eagles and bears and many other species. They provide an income, livelihood and essential food-source for tens of thousands of people. And yet, they are also at great risk.

Our government must do more to protect wild salmon! Good exercise for a great cause. I hope to see you on Sunday.

Lana.

PS. The May Day walk starts at 9am at the Tsawout First Nation and you are welcome to join in there. For more information, visit salmonaresacred.org.

Save the Date!

Dear Saanich South,

You are invited to a locavore dinner and community discussion on climate change and sustainability this Monday, June 20th, at 6pm at the Citadel, 4030 Douglas St. The event is close to selling out! But there are still tickets available at my community office (4085 Quadra), open this Friday, 9:30pm-3pm and at Cabin 12 (corner of Pandora and Govt) open everyday 9-3pm. Tickets are $10 and that includes dinner and a presentation by Dr. Andrew Weaver with the latest info on global warming and how we are doing at responding in BC. There will also be a workshop part of the evening where you can contribute your own ideas about how BC can become more sustainable. There is free childcare for children aged 5-12, by reservation only. Check out the poster below for more details or call my office at 250 479 4153.

Lana

 

Victoria Autism Awareness Walk

Don't miss it - this Sunday! Go to victoriaautismwalk.com for more info.

The Natural City: A Visionary Call to Action!

April 14, Reynolds School, 7:30pm

Join me for a presentation by Vic Derman, Saanich Councillor and past Vice President and Co-Founder of the Land Conservancy of BC.

The Natural City is a visionary, comprehensive, and thought provoking approach to a better future for today’s residents and those who come after us.

Vic Derman provides an integrative blueprint for planning ‘the natural city’. Well versed in sustainability and climate change issues, Vic offers solutions to what should be our top priorities in the planning process, and the changes we need to make in order to optimize our quality of life. Having been involved with sustainability issues for 20 years, he has an acute and practical understanding of the necessary shift towards urban sustainability, global sustainability and ultimately the legacy that should be passed down to future generations. Topics include: Urban design, compact development, transportation, food sustainability, how to overcome the various political barriers and much more.

"Without doubt, Saanich and our region face a future where we must 'do things differently' to succeed. Past practices have produced a myriad of outcomes such as loss of open space, environmental degradation and choking congestion that are unsustainable and inconsistent with citizen's hopes and expectations." - Vic Derman

Click here for map. More info call Lana @ 250 479.4154.

Lyme Disease Awareness

Dear Friends,

Whether you are hanging out in the backyard or camping in pristine wilderness, Lyme disease is a serious concern.

Do you know what Lyme disease is? That’s okay, most people don’t. But with summer coming and the great outdoors looking more and more tempting, you need to know the simple steps you can take to avoid contracting Lyme disease.

What is Lyme Disease? A CBC report around this time last year put it is way: “tiny tick, big problem.” First diagnosed in Lyme, Connecticut in the mid-1970s, the disease is spread by nymphal ticks no bigger than a speck of pepper . Ticks travel from animal to animal, feeding off blood. If a tick consumes infected blood and then bites you, symptoms begin appearing in as little as three days. The bites can be painless and leave only a tiny mark that doesn’t last very long.

What are the symptoms of Lyme Disease? According to the Public Health Agency of Canada:

The symptoms of Lyme disease usually happen in three stages, although not all patients have every symptom. The first sign of infection is usually a circular rash. This rash occurs in about 70-80 percent of infected people. It begins at the site of the tick bite after a delay of three days to one month.

Other common symptoms include:

• fatigue
• chills
• fever
• headache
• muscle and joint pain
• swollen lymph nodes

If untreated, the second stage of the disease can last up to several months and include:

• central and peripheral nervous system disorders
• multiple skin rashes
• arthritis and arthritic symptoms
• heart palpitations
• extreme fatigue and general weakness

It sounds serious, and it is. But it is also easily preventable, and if promptly diagnosed, it is easily treatable, too.

Here are a few tips from the BC Centre for Disease Control:

• Walk on cleared trails wherever possible when walking in tall grass or woods.
• Wear light coloured clothing, tuck your top into your pants and tuck your pants into your boots or socks.
• Put insect repellent containing DEET on all uncovered skin.
• Check clothing and scalp (covered or not) when leaving an area where ticks may live.

Lyme disease is North America’s fastest rising infectious disease. It’s utterly debilitating if not detected and treated quickly with antibiotics – which happens rarely in B.C.

If detected early, Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics in a matter of weeks. When in doubt, see a doctor – and make sure she tests for Lyme disease if your symptoms fit the above profile.

I am close to several people who suffer from Lyme disease. I know how brutal this disease can be. Thank you for reading.

Lana.

For more information:

• Bite Me, a Blog by Nicole Bottles
• Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation
• BC Center for Disease Control: Lyme Disease
• International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society

Give this Woman a Job!

Betsy with Dried Salmon

Here is a letter from Alexander Morton with some great ideas... and an offer we'd be fools to pass up on.

March 22, 2011


British Columbia this is my job application

After watching DFO’s Director General of Science, Pacific Region on the stand at the Cohen Commission March 17 - this is my job application. If I was Director General of DFO Pacific Region, I could straighten this mess out and put our wild fish first. DFO policy has already driven one of earth’s most generous fish stocks to extinction (the east coast cod stocks) by ignoring their own scientist. They are doing exactly this again today. On March 17 we heard DFO did not inform the public that one of their scientists found what looks like a virus is killing the majority some runs of Fraser sockeye. DFO did not tell us that this virus has been epidemic in salmon farms on the Fraser migration route. I doubt DFO has any idea how widespread this virus is in farm salmon. I don't think they have a handle on the situation If we allow this type of mismanagement and secrecy we will lose wild salmon, one of our most valuable public resources

Number one DFO must recognize there are four types of salmon in BC; wild, enhanced, hatchery and farmed and there is no evidence they can co-exist. Fishery Managers have to give one type of salmon top priority. I would choose wild salmon because they are the least expensive, most likely to survive climate change, most prolific, greatest benefit to humanity and have a 10,000 year successful trackrecord.

Salmon wear spectacular regalia at spawning time to allow the females to make the best choice for their species. The males are saying, “hey, look at me I went to the North Pacific and back and have THIS much to show for it!” Female choice tunes each population, honing them into the best fish possible for the environment of the moment. When humans take that choice away from the salmon in hatcheries, we might as well cut off their tails as we release them. We destroy their most powerful survival mechanism. Enhanced salmon in spawning channels require expensive cleaning regularly and this costs more and more money as fuel costs rise. In 2010, I saw a spawning channel choked with carcasses. Any eggs under them were smothered by the massive rotting - it was a death trap!

Farm salmon break all the natural laws, are unsustainable with rapacious shareholders demanding continuous growth and they privately owned. If I were Director General of the DFO Pacific Region I would work for Canadians, not salmon farming corporations.

The wild salmon that swims all the way back from the open Pacific and chooses a site to spawn without our help – is THE most valuable salmon there is. I would honor the needs of this fish in every way possible - it is the only salmon with a future.

* I would establish the premise that wild fish manage themselves – we simply need to decide how much we are going to get out of their way and allow them to do what they do best - make more salmon.

* I would enact a Follow the Fish course of action using state of the art science to understand exactly where they are prospering and failing. This will equip us to debate what roadblocks we want to remove or keep.

* I would put a number of DFO people somewhere where that they can’t hurt anything further and I would hand the reins to others.

* I would meet with every First Nation Fisheries Manager and stream-keeper group to understand what needs to be done in each unique situation and then I would meet with those who disagree with them before making any decision.

* I would ensure every significant watershed has people trained in disease sampling and outfit them with the tools to immediately capture information on the epidemics that are flashing out of control killing BC wild salmon, so we can track and deal with this.

* I would form small, efficient roving teams combining dedicated First Nations, biologists and the people who know the area best to walk these watersheds continuously and task them to report on where the salmon are and how they are doing. In this way we would learn what is working, what is not and what we need to maximize the fish’s own potential to thrive.

* I would thread together the people spread across BC who are working for salmon. The people on the grounds and the leading scientists need to talk. The fishermen need to meet the Fishery Managers on the spawning grounds. Every meeting would be structured to produce or tune a plan of action. No wasted effort or bafflegab allowed.

* I would reinstate local DFO offices as much as I was able, populate them with local experts and make sure the folks on the grounds have clear channels of communication between themselves and head office, so when problems arise we would have an all hands on deck immediate response.

* I would offer opportunity and attention to the Canadians who think they can conduct aquaculture without soiling our province. I would promote farming at the bottom of the food chain, not the top. I would invite the open net industry to leave, suggesting the courts might offer leniency if they voluntarily removed themselves in the face of mounting evidence that they are the source of lethal fish diseases and thus enormous losses to Canadians.

* I would apply this approach to all fisheries. It is not that I know what needs to be done in all cases, but I can figure out who is sincere and knowledgeable and encourage these people to come forward to begin a new era where we work with our wild fish and not against, where policy is second to truth.

My personal goal is to return to the wilderness of the Broughton Archipelago, but I would be willing to do this in hopes that I could go home in a year or so and watch the wild salmon and all they feed return to us.

Alexandra Morton 
http://alexandramorton.typepad.com

Dirt! The Movie

You are invited to a FREE screening of Dirt the Movie! 

An award-winning documentary and an Official Selection at Sundance Film Festival, Dirt! the Movie tells an amazing and little known story of the relationship between humans and living dirt

Watch this trailer and you'll see why this movie has gotten rave reviews!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8_dN5YWnyc

Co-hosted by MLA and Ag Critic Lana Popham and City Councillor Philippe Lucas. After the film we'll have tea and snacks and a presentation by farmer and local-food advocate Bob Maxwell.

Narrated by Jaime Lee Curtis, Dirt! the Movie brings to life the environmental, economic, social and political impact of soil. It tells the story of Earth's most valuable and under-appreciated source of fertility--from its miraculous beginning to its crippling degradation.

Donations are welcome - all proceeds to Victoria Downtown Public Market Society!

For more info: philippe.lucas1969@gmail.com or www.victoriapublicmarket.com

Four Remarkable Women

Organic farming on Southern Vancouver Island owes a great debt to four remarkable women: Mary Alice Johnson, Tina Fraser Baynes, Marti Martin-wood and Rebecca Jehn.

Today - in honour of the 100^th anniversary of International Women’s Day - it is my pleasure to re-release a documentary about their early efforts.

It was directed and filmed in 1995 by Helen Rezanowich of the Media Network Society. I know that it inspired a number of women to begin farming… including myself!

The film captures the challenges that women face if they want to farm. But it is also about the joy and value that comes from growing food for yourself and others. I know many women farming today will relate to the feelings and ideas expressed in this film.

Many of the projects these women helped start – such as Moss Street Market – remain vibrant and successful to this day. I’m also very happy to report that all four women are still actively farming.  

Mary-Alice Johnson, for example, has transformed land in Sooke into a highly-productive and successful farm, ALM Farm. She and her business partner Marika Nagasaki grow a full range of vegetables, including fifty types of heritage tomatoes, and coveted salad greens. They also have poultry and pigs, run a busy seed company (Full Circle Seeds) and protect wild natural spaces on the edge of the farm. The whole operation is certified organic, employs several people and grosses over $100 000 a year!

Tina Fraser Baynes also continues to farm organically at Corner Farm in North Saanich. She has a busy farm-gate stand, and has helped start the North Saanich Farm Market. She also teaches a popular course at Camosun College about how to start a farm.

Marti Martin-Wood runs Two Wings Farm in Metchosin with her husband Bernie. Their seed company was founded in 2000 and continues to provide high-quality, certified organic and open-pollinated seeds.

Rebecca Jehn operates Rebecca’s Garden, a certified organic market garden in Saanich. She is also well known for her preserves and seeds. She continues to hold workshops on seed saving, plant propagation, harvesting and marketing produce, as well as canning and preserving the harvest.

I asked Mary Alice if she had a word of advice for young women considering farming. Her answer? “Well, I worry about people being too idealistic about it. It is very hard work. But it can be done – there is a huge demand for local and organic. People will thank you and value your efforts. It’s an extremely rewarding way to make a living.”

I hope you will enjoy this video and join me in celebrating four remarkable farmers for this year’s International Women’s Day.

Firefighters

Today is a sad day for many - it is a day to remember fallen firefighters.

Here is a Statement I gave in the Legislature last year on this date.

L. Popham: People love firefighters. That's a fact. An Angus Reid public opinion poll showed that firefighters are one of the most trusted professions in the world. Firefighters are our heroes. They put their own lives at risk to save ours. They see us at the most painful and terrifying moments in our lives, and they give us comfort, respect and care.

Fire departments are like families — families protecting our families. I'm married to Jon, a firefighter from Oak Bay who has been there for 18 years. My brother Guy is a firefighter in Delta and has worked there for 16 years. When you have a firefighter or two in the family, you feel like part of the greater fire department family of British Columbia. Yes, I have a soft spot for firefighters.

I am proud to be the MLA for the Saanich fire department. The Saanich fire department has been around since 1948 and has 108 full-time firefighters. The Saanich fire department is not only protecting our community, but they're helping us build a better community with the Saanich Fire Fighters Charitable Foundation. This foundation is a registered non-profit charity that was established in 2001 and has raised over $200,000.

They give and they give. Whether they are on shift or on days off, they are contributing to our quality of life. When they come to us as elected officials and ask for support for cancer presumption legislation, when they come to us and ask for support for the right-to-know legislation, and when they come and ask for the right to be licensed to practise at the emergency medical responder level, both sides of the House need to listen.

Firefighters would break down doors, walk into fire and risk everything to save us. Let our legislation not be the barrier that stops them.

http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/39th2nd/h00309p.htm#3291

http://www.theprovince.com/Memorial+service+honour+fallen+firefighters/4394035/story.html

Local Beekeepers are fighting to keep our precious island pollinators safe

Here is a letter I sent today to BC Agriculture Minister Ben Stewart regarding the inadequate protection of island honey-bees.

February 25, 2011

Dear Minister Stewart,

I am writing to draw your attention to a matter requiring your action. As you are likely aware, the owner of Babe’s Honey, Mark Pitcher, is now facing several fraud-related criminal charges. I assume he is innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law. Having said that, it is important to revisit how your Ministry has handled the Vancouver Island bee file.

My understanding is that the policy to lift the quarantine on the importation of bees and of bee equipment on the island was based in large part on input from Mr. Pitcher.

In contrast, hundreds of Island beekeepers – including substantial honey-related business owners – were denied input in the decision-making process. They were and are presenting a consensus on what steps are necessary to safeguard our island pollinators and improve honey bee health on the island.

Experts, concerned individuals and myself, have been speaking out strongly about this situation since the quarantine was lifted. We have warned your ministry repeatedly of the danger of this course of action. Our input was ignored.

At this point, it is important to ensure the safety of hundreds of millions of bees recently brought onto Vancouver Island by Mr. Pitcher. I have questions regarding the health and maintenance of these hives. As the Official Opposition Critic for Agriculture, I am asking for answers.

I want to know what course of action you are recommending and what steps you are taking to ensure the situation improves.

This issue affects all of us on the island because if these bees become diseased and spread their disease, our already-decimated precious island pollinators could be further harmed.

As you know, pollination is a very important part of our food security and pollination is fundamental to our island agriculture industries.

I look forward to your earliest reply

Sincerely, Lana Popham

Lana Popham, MLA Saanich South

Official Opposition Critic for Agriculture

And check out this Times Colonist article for more details:

Times Colonist

Response to the Budget - Agriculture Focus

Today I rose in the Legislature to call the BC Liberal government to account for its failure to support agriculture.

Rapid Transit!

As an MLA, one topic people regularly bring up with me is traffic. We’ve been debating for years how best to address our transportation problems. I believe strongly that we need to invest in a public transportation system that is zero-emissions, efficient, cost-effective and pleasant to use.

Click to see close-up

Creating such a system for Victoria and the surrounding areas is very exciting - but it is also a complex and expensive undertaking that has long-term implications. It requires careful consideration and wide consultation.

I am happy to report that this work is well underway and BC Transit has developed a regional rapid-transit plan which has widespread support from the municipalities of Saanich, Victoria, View Royal, Colwood and Langford.

The image to the right shows where BC Transit’s rapid transit alignment would be developed in the Victoria/Saanich area. (You can click on the image to see a regional map).

We are still debating what kind of system this should be – the biggest question is whether it should be rail-based (such as trams) or road-based (such as high-speed buses). BC Transit sums up the argument like this: “A rail-based system would cost more, but would have more capacity, attract more ridership and the vehicles would last longer. A rubber-tire-based system would cost less and could be implemented faster, but would reach capacity sooner, not attract as many riders as rail, and the vehicles would require more frequent replacement.”

Concept

I agree with the Municipalities of Saanich, Victoria, View Royal: we are all supportive of a rapid transit system that is rail-based. As Councilor Dean Murdock argues, “a rail-based system offers environmental, social, and economic benefits for our region. It will cut greenhouse gas emissions, increase transit ridership, improve transit travel times, stimulate economic growth, and cut sprawl.”

There is no way to escape the fact that transportation is a significant contributor to global warming. We need to get serious about climate change. Rapid transit – and especially light rapid rail - is an important and necessary step to help us reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

Costing and other details continue to be worked on. We should soon have enough information to make a decision about how to move forward. Municipalities, regional governments and community leaders have shown initiative and vision. It is time for the provincial government to prove it is serious about fighting climate change and willing to help address the south island’s transportation needs.

Click here to learn more abou the Victoria Region Rapid Transit Plan.

Lana.

Clips from a recent interview

Topics:

-Union of BC Municipalities
-Tanker traffic down our BC coast (1:20)
-Transportation: LRT and lack of investments on Vancouver Island (3:40)

Topics

- 'Saving Hudson's Bay Farm'
-Agricultural Land Commission (1:04)
-Barriers to farming
-Climate Change and agriculture (2:00)
-Cooking show ("fast food" recipe) (3:00)

Five Shiny Purple Seeds

Scarlet Runner Bean Seeds

I hold in my hand five shiny, purple, seeds.  They have come from inside an old medicine bottle that my grandmother Mavis gifted to me many years ago.  With the seeds came a small handwritten note.

“These seeds are from your great grandfather’s garden.  He saved the seeds from his Scarlet Runner beans each year.  I thought you might want to try them out in your own garden.  Love Grandma Mavis”.

I started with eight of these purple seeds and I tried to germinate them one seed at a time over three years…careful not to waste the chance to grow the exact beans my family had feasted on two generations ago.  Each year the bean seed failed in some way and after the third failure I felt that just having the seeds themselves would have to satisfy me.

These days I keep those five seeds in my desk at the BC Legislature to remind myself of my connection to agriculture and why I entered politics. 

If you are like me, this time of year is even more exciting than the holidays because in your mailbox you will be receiving, not Christmas cards, but the  2011 Seed Catalogs. Nothing is better on a cold winter afternoon than having a hot cup of tea, a stack of seed catalogs, and the thrill that comes from planning the current years’ harvest.  Fabulous!

The value of local seed and the importance of supporting local seed companies is becoming more significant these days.  As the climate changes and our growing conditions change, local seeds are changing too.  They are evolving to conditions and hopefully adapting to the changes in our environment.  This is all part of the sustainability equation. 

It troubles me that a few major corporations have control over the majority of our seed supply.  This is not healthy for our communities, for our local economies or for the diversity and health of our seed banks.  Supporting local seed companies is investing in our future.  Supporting local seed companies also supports the economic development of our local economies.  Money spent at the local level is re-spent at the local level.  Plus it helps farmers diversify their incomes. 

Our local seed savers are playing a critical role as far as food security goes.  As my friend Dan Jason of Salt Spring Seeds says “save seeds like our lives depend on it”…because they really do.

This time of year brings one of my most favorite events into our communities.  Seedy Saturday!  Below are some of the BC Seedy Saturday locations and dates.   Maybe I will see you there!

Lana.

• Qualicum Beach, Feburary 5th, at the Qualium Beach Civic Centre (10am-4pm) Visit their site for information on an array of topics from speakers to vendors and more!www.qbss.bravehost.com

• Salt Spring Island, Feb. 12, 2007 Held at the Farmers Institute, Salt Spring Island from 10-3pm

• Victoria, Feburary 19th, at the Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas Street Victoria (10am-3pm)

• VanDusen Botanical Garden, Feburary 26th, 37th and Oak Street Vancouver (10am-4pm)

• Sooke, Feburary 26th, Sooke Community Hall (10am-4pm)
• Courtenay, March 5th, at the Filberg Centre (10am-3pm) in downtown Courtenay comprehensive vendor list (complete with e-mail and web links) available atwww.cvseeds.bc.ca 

• Nanaimo, March 6th, at the Bowen Park Auditorium (10am-4pm)

• Cobble Hill, March 12th, at the Cobble Hill Hall (10am-3pm)

Saanich is "Age-Friendly"!

The Municipality of Saanich has demonstrated impressive initiative with its efforts to make our community more “age-friendly”.

This project began in 2006 as a partnership with cities around the world and the World Health Organization. The goal is to make changes in our community which create greater inclusion for people who are older. By adapting to aging-related needs and preferences we can improve the quality of life in Saanich:

In an age-friendly community, policies, programs, services and infrastructure related to the physical and social environment are designed to enable older people to live in security, enjoy good health and continue to participate in society in a meaningful way. It takes into account the biological, psychological, behavioural, economic, social and environmental factors that operate over the course of a person’s life to determine health and well-being in later years.

Saanich has had lots of help in this project, including the province of BC, VIHA, BC Transit, Saanich Silver Threads, Seniors Serving Seniors, Saanich Volunteer Services Society and TD Canada Trust (Shelbourne St).

For more information, please visit this web page at the Municipality of Saanich:

http://www.saanich.ca/parkrec/community/agefriendly.html

There is always lots more that can be done. If you have ideas about what we should do in Saanich South to make our community more “age-friendly”, please let me know!

Lana

Lana Popham, MLA
250 479 4154
lana.popham.mla@leg.bc.ca

Festivals, Festivals, Festivals!

There are some super festivals coming up in 2011. They'll be here before you know it - get out the calendar! Here are few to wet your whistle.

The 6th annual Victoria Whisky Festival starts Friday January 21st and continues until Sunday January 23rd. All the details on their website: http://www.victoriawhiskyfestival.com/

The Victoria Film Festival is a fantastic way to check out the latest cutting-edge films. http://www.victoriafilmfestival.com/

The Victoria International Cycling Festival takes place this May and June. It is a celebration of "pedal power pride". There are lots of exciting events including Ryder Hesjedal's 'Tour de Victoria on May 28  and the 'Grand Prix' on May 29th. http://www.vicf.ca/

A popular August event and the only Dragon Boat Festival in Canada to take place in a Working Harbour. Watch 90 Dragon Boat Teams from across North America race across a 500-metre water course in Victoria's Beautiful Inner Harbour. http://www.victoriadragonboat.com/

Not to be missed! Victoria's Fringe festival runs from August 25th to Sept 4, 2011. 


And you can apply now to bring your own talent to the stage! Entrants are selected by lottery in regional categories and ten spots are reserved for in-person applications from Victoria-based companies on a first-received, first-accepted basis. 

All the details at http://intrepidtheatre.wordpress.com.



Of course there are lots more! Let me know your favourite and I'll in add in more soon.... lana.popham.mla@leg.bc.ca

Season's Greetings and Merry Recycling!

Hi,

I wish everyone a healthy, green and prosperous new year!

Lana

For those who live in the south island's CRD, here are my top 5 recycling FAQs for this festive season.

1. How do I recycle soft plastic?
It can't go into the Blue Box and there is lots of it - like plastic bags of every size and shape. These products are full of nasty chemicals and often end up polluting our environment ...and they don't need to!

Rally for Climate Progress

FRIDAY, December 10, 2010
12:10-12:40 pm

Pandora St. by Broad St. (by City Hall), Victoria

Speeches featuring IPCC climate scientist Dr. Andrew Weaver, national Green Party leader Elizabeth May (via Skype projection), NDP MLA Lana Popham, environmental activist Ken Wu, statements by MP’s Denise Savoie (NDP) and Dr. Keith Martin (Liberal).

Please attend this brief noon rally and award ceremony in downtown Victoria tomorrow (Friday) on the last day of the UN Climate Summit in Mexico. Activists are launching a campaign for a public mobilization over the ensuing year to ensure a binding agreement for a successor treaty to the Kyoto Accord (which expires in 2012).

Will you help?

Hi Everybody,

Check out this video about the Mustard Seed and my food drive, made by local film-maker Greg Horne.



From Dec 1st to the 17th my community office is doing double-duty as a Saanich drop-off depot for the Mustard Seed Food Bank.

Everyone who makes a donation will have a chance to win two tickets to the Speech from the Throne at the Legislature and lunch for two at the Legislative Restaurant … with me!

We’ll be open for extended hours to receive your donations: Monday-Thursday, from 8 am – 6 pm.

The office is located at 4085 Quadra St.

Thanks, Lana.

Property Assessment Q&A Tomorrow!

Mr. Danakody, a man with answers!

There have been many recent changes to the rules around how property is assessed in British Columbia.

Sometimes, between kids and pets, bills and appointments, and the thousands of other details that occupy our daily lives, an changes to something like property tax assessment can pass by unnoticed.

Back to Business: Food Security is an important part of a Sustainable British Columbia

Click here if you can't see the image.

Stung!

Kudos to Greg Horne for making this documentary! Watch it and you'll know why island bee-keepers swarmed the BC Legislature this fall...and why it is so important that we protect our precious island pollinators.





Please take a moment to support my efforts to persuade the Ministry of Agriculture to address this serious situation: click here.

Thank you,

Lana.

Downtown Winter Market!

Starting THIS Saturday and continuing on the third Saturday of ever month until spring ... there is a Winter Market!

Many of our favourite producers will be there, including Terra Nossa farm with local meats, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, Iron Maiden Seafood, Saanich Organics, Bread by Matt, Vancouver Island Salt Company, Haliburton farm and Kildara farms.

It takes place in the beautiful (and sheltered!)  Market Square, from 11am-3pm. There will also be live music, and entertainment.

Hope to see you there!

Thank you victoriapublicmarket.com for making it happen! It is people like you that are helping to make local food security a reality...and a lot of fun!

Lana

Agriculture and health on critic's mind

Reprinted from the Invermere Valley Echo

NDP Agriculture Critic Lana Popham
 speaking to students at 
DTSS in Invermere.
Darryl Crane/echo photo

By Darryl Crane -

Published: November 16, 2010 1:00 PM

Students and residents of the Columbia Valley had a special visitor when MLA for Saanich South and NDP critic for Agriculture and Lands, Lana Popham came to the area.

Popham was elected MLA for Saanich South on May 12, 2009 and is a well-known environmental and community activist, businesswoman and organic farmer.

Oy Veh!

Why bother asking people for input if you are going to completely ignore what they have to say?

Today the BC Legislative Finance Committee released their public consultation report for the 2011 Budget.

But Premier Gordon Campbell’s recent announcement of an income tax break made a mockery of this process and wasted the time of hundreds of British Columbians who had participated in good faith.

Thank you Cranbrook, Kimberley and Invermere!

Thank you Cranbrook, Kimberley and Invermere!

From food security to renewable energy - here are some pictures of amazing British Columbians doing the hard work to plan for the future! I was on agriculture tour of the area this week and was really impressed! Click to the right to see the photo album.

One of the highlights of the tour was learning about successful efforts to connect kids to healthy local food. There is a Chef's programme in Invermere bringing good food back into the school system. I was even treated to a lovely lunch with freshly harvested salad greens from the school greenhouse.
Here is a recipe of the (delicious!) tofu burritos we had for lunch.

Don't knock it until you've tried it!

Weekend Reading!

Hi,

Two very interesting reports have recently been released - excellent weekend reading for everyone interested in agriculture, sustainability and food security!

Lana

"Every Bite Counts", by the CCPA: http://www.policyalternatives.ca/everybitecounts

And a draft strategy for a regional food system in Vancouver: http://www.scribd.com/doc/37130581/Draft-Regional-Food-System-Strategy-for-Metro-Vancouver-September-2010