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Letters to the editor for the week of November 1st

The Heart of a Movement This has been a powerful week. Many have called it historic.
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Photo by Leslie Anthony

The Heart of a Movement

This has been a powerful week. Many have called it historic.

On Monday, thousands gathered on the legislature lawn of Victoria's (parliament buildings) to peacefully protest the plans to expand pipeline infrastructure and increase oil tanker traffic along our coast.

Defend Our Coast, drew people from far and wide and from all walks of life, challenging any preconceived notion of what an activist might look like. Students and retirees, professionals and artists, First Nations and non-First Nations united their voices to decry the chokehold of "Big Oil" on our resources and democracy.

Scrolling through the Defend Our Coast forum, created to help people find rides and accommodation, I was struck and quite moved by the spirit of connectedness the forum conveyed. Here were strangers coming from the far corners of Canada, the U.S. and even Europe, humbly asking for floors or couches to crash on during their stay in Victoria and being warmly received by locals. The messages were sweet and often funny, but the serious nature of the issue and the unshakeable resolve of the participants were always close at hand.

"I am a 70-year-old single woman from Nanaimo needing a bed for the 21st and 22nd. I am prepared to be arrested if necessary so am not sure about the 22nd but would appreciate a home base!"

This resolute assertion is not the first I've heard. This summer as I ran across the province for a campaign called Band Together BC that sought alternatives to the pipeline and tarsands expansion, I met many people that calmly assured me that the Enbridge pipeline is not going to happen. Period. How do they know? They are prepared to do whatever it takes to stop it, including putting their bodies in the way of the bulldozers. The Conservative government has painted this as "radical," but for those whose food and way of life is threatened by pipelines and tankers, it is completely rational. What is irrational is taking huge risks with ecosystems, our health and the economy, as well as compromising our democracy and culture.

The desire to defend and protect the things that matter most — health, food, wild spaces, time-honoured traditions, jobs, and our kids' future — has ignited a movement and is compelling people to take decisive action.

Conviction pulsated through the crowd and after an initial rally many chose to participate in civil disobedience, partially wrapping the legislative building in a black curtain representing the length of one massive super oil tanker (three times the size of a B.C. ferry). No arrests were made and the positivity of the movement was so strong it tipped off over 70 demonstrations in communities across B.C. on Wednesday Oct 24.

Whistler and Squamish both held demonstrations and I am grateful to the organizers — Nicole McRae of Squamish, and Kimmy Saprunoff and Tessa Neilson of Whistler — for their hard work. I was amazed at the size of the group of demonstrators in Whistler, and proudly joined them in chanting, "No pipeline, no tankers, no problem" as we walked through the village to Celebration Plaza. Again, I noted the variety of demographics represented and, as I did in Victoria, heard several people comment that it was the first time they had participated in a protest.

It is inspiring when people put aside their surface differences and come together. The power it generates may be our only defense against the tyranny of those corporations and governments with profits, not people in mind. It is my deepest hope that the movement remains one of disciplined principle and utilizes its capacity to build stronger communities as well as fight the forces that would destroy communities.

The time has come for the movement to direct its energies at the latest assault on our democracy — the Canada China Trade Deal (FIPPA). This deal — crafted in secret without public input or provincial consultation — gives Chinese companies sweeping powers over Canadian economic and environmental policy, posing a huge threat to our democracy and sovereignty. Unless Canadians raise their voices now, this deal will come into effect on November 1 enabling Chinese investors to sue the Canadian government for loss of anticipated profits (potentially billions of taxpayer dollars) for the next 31 years. There is no question that the gravity of this situation is severe, but I truly believe in the potential of this movement and its power to overcome. It is the power that comes when the faces are many, but the heart is just one.

Kim Slater

Whistler

Lights needed for pedestrian safety

In response to the article from Pique Oct. 25, 2012 edition; "RCMP investigating three attempted sex assaults:" As a woman living in Whistler Cay Heights I've known for about 10 months not to walk home alone at night.

There may be someone lurking in the bushes, waiting to pull me into the ditch, hopefully getting away with just my toque.

It's an uncomfortable feeling, having the thought hovering in the back of your mind, your heart jumping at every slight rustle you may hear coming out of the bush. It's even more uncomfortable knowing this is the place you've chosen to live, the road you've chosen to call your walk home, the fear you've chosen to accept as your walking-home-alone-at-night-fear.

But why do we choose to accept this fear?

It would be a lot less of an uncomfortable mission walking from work to bed with one small addition to the infrastructure between the Village Gate and Eagle Drive...lights.

Even just one.

To light the valley trail, – making the sexual predator unable to so easily lurk, and said lurker's victim feel much safer, much more comfortable with the walk they've chosen as their walk home, is an idea whose time has come.

Surely the council must realize the money invested in just one light, preventing the possibility of these sexual assaults, will go a lot further than the horror story of such events travelling across the world and hurting the reputation of such a beautiful place?

Donne Thornton

Whistler

Light up Whistler!

This has been bothering me for last few weeks, but now has become something of a serious problem with the much-publicized assault on young women this month.

I left work today in the Marketplace, and felt genuinely scared on my short, 10-minute walk home to White Gold. Blackcomb Way, Nancy Greene Drive and Fitzsimmons Road are all lined with street lamps yet not a single one is ever turned on. I walked home this evening in complete darkness. My usually bright flashlight felt dull. The bus stop at the end of Blackcomb Way was hidden in the dark.

You don't need to finish late at this time of the year to be walking home in the dark. I have no other way to get home. There is no regular bus service that caters to my journey home. The houses lining the road are 99 per cent unoccupied at this time of the year and cars are few and far between. There are possibly hundreds of young females in my position who have to walk this pitch-black street with this current news of assault in the backs of our minds.

Is it too much to ask for the muni to light our streets?

Kelly Gibbens

Whistler

Aussies singled out

I am writing about a recent broadcast on Fox FM 99.30 through Vancouver, B.C., Canada.

The segment was titled, "We call Whistler for current Aussie slut factor." A part of the segment involved posting an "Aussie Slut Factor" sign publicly on the Sea to Sky Highway and then randomly calling someone in Whistler to ask their opinion of how high they thought the "Aussie Slut Factor" was at the moment.

I found this segment-broadcast very offensive and inappropriate. Not only is the language used unacceptable, but sets a bad example to encourage people to use of the term "slut" particularly towards Australians in Whistler by singling out this one particular nationality.

To go out and publicize an "Australian slut warning level" by making a sign and posting it on the side of the road by this broadcaster implies to the public that that Whistler is full of sexually promiscuous Australians, not really acceptable when you take into consideration the recent sexual assaults that have been occurring within the last week in Whistler.

Since when did the word "slut" become a word we use in everyday life and one that is socially acceptable to broadcast on daytime radio?

This wasn't an accidental mention but a planned segment designed around this language. I realize Whistler can have a bit of a "wild" reputation with so many visitors coming to town to let loose and have fun, but what a way to welcome Australians to town by targeting them in such an offensive manner.

I'm sure the people that have spent small fortunes to come and visit this beautiful country would not feel welcomed by this attitude.

What about the children that overheard this segment, saw this sign displayed on the side of the road? I realize this was a comedy routine but this is not adequate justification for such insulting discriminatory content.

The word "slut" used in certain situations itself does not tend to personally shock me, but the way in which this program used it to create prejudice against Australians is appalling.

I feel broadcasters should have more responsibility to prevent the use of this kind of offensive language, not use it to encourage the labelling of certain groups of people. I realize this was a blatant attempt to boost ratings through brainless controversial content but I for one will be now changing the channel.

Alison Bryant

Whistler

A Lesson In Patience...

I'm writing in response to GD Maxwell's "Mello Yello" article from a few weeks ago (Pique Sept.13, 2012). At first I thought the young people described in the article may have been myself and my boyfriend, as we do drive a hokey Westy with a wooden bumper, (albeit a nicely built one), and we were on a trip in the same area around the same time. Turns out it wasn't us, but the article still rings true to me. Our van is an '84, its been down to Nicaragua and back, we covered most of B.C. in it this summer, and who knows where else it's been in its near 30 years of life.

We've named him Buddy, and he is an amazing vehicle. He goes slow, very slow (absolute max. 50 km/h up any sort of hill), but for that I feel no embarrassment whatsoever.

People are too frantic these days on the road, pulling drastic manoeuvres and risking theirs and other peoples' lives to be at the front of the line. I consider it a lesson in patience for people to be stuck behind Buddy, and although they probably find it greatly aggravating, I hope that in those few moments of driving the speed limit they can take the time to admire the glorious countryside flanking the highway before they are released by the dotted yellow line.

That's not to say I didn't get excited when we broke 130 kmph... going down hill.... fully loaded...

Elysia Toporowski

Whistler/Quadra Island

Legalize Pot

Great article Max ("Maxed Out," Pique, Oct.25, 2012). Not your fault of course but about a century late, like the sound asleep elected. The only way frightened legislators can ever come anywhere close to freedom for pot users is to use the righteousness club and put a sin tax on it like booze and tobacco.

I can grow marigolds and potatoes and rhubarb and grapes. I can even give some of my harvest to friends and neighbours but these things don't come within the bias of those moralistic fanatics who feel a need to protect ourselves against ourselves and create a crime where there is none.

This strange thing of legalization with taxation is the only way fearful politicians will even mention pot.

What is strange is if anything is OK with tax it must be okay without.

Apparently it does not matter if it is not good for you as long as we can put a fee on it. This is inflationary and unfair unlike income tax where payment is commensurate with ability to pay.

The only proper thing to do is remove the laws against marijuana.

Nothing else is needed.

Terry Smith

Squamish

Say 'no' to FIPPA

I am writing to share my concern about (Canadian Prime Minister Stephen) Harper's continued disregard for our democratic rights.

It is not enough that he has dismantled Canada's environmental protection mechanisms and is hell bent on promoting the tar sands, pipelines and oil tanker traffic.

With the proposed Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) treaty, he seems poised to sign one of the biggest trade deals since NAFTA without any parliamentary debate or vote.

The FIPPA would give foreign corporations sweeping powers to sue Canadian governments for implementing common-sense environmental protections, investing in Canadian jobs, or for stopping the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline. In addition, these lawsuits would happen in secret tribunals outside Canadian legal channels. It would also tie Canada for 31 years!

It is time for Canadians to raise our voices against Harper so that we can preserve our democratic rights and by extension our beautiful nature, which is being pillaged for short-term gains without any regard for current or future generations.

Louise Taylor

Pemberton

Do we learn nothing from history?

Since 2008, we have been living in very turbulent economic times. China's growth is slowing, Canada's and U.S.'s growth is stagnant, Spain and Greece are by all definitions in full-blown depression and most of other countries in Europe are on the brink of a new recession. In our Whistler village businesses are closing or relocating. My favourite coffee and pizza shop run by Miro is no more (in the village).

On the other hand, for me, these are also interesting times. Many, many ski seasons ago I graduated in economics and now there are all these clashes of different economic theories, actual actions and effects taking place. It is like if you were studying volcanoes and you would get a chance to watch an eruption of a volcano. But we economists are a funny breed; for everything we have a prediction that this or that will happen, but then we add on the other hand this or that can also happen. That is why U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt said that one should listen only to an economist with only one hand.

A famous economist wrote that world financiers will encourage people to buy more and more expensive products, real estate and technology. For that they will provide more and more credits, which eventually people will not be able to afford. Unpaid loans will cause banks to default. Banks will have to be nationalized. This will lead to drastic social, political and economic changes.

That guy can keep both his hands. This was written around 1850. Better than Nostradamus. It also proves that humanity learns nothing from history.

Drago Arh

Whistler

Wellness Gathering Rescheduled

Due to a death in Mount Currie, the Wellness Gathering originally scheduled for October 25 was postponed at the last moment.

Postponing a major event like the Wellness Gathering is incredibly hard. It has a real cost in time, money, and reputation. Over 30 trade show exhibitors, seven guest speakers, numerous live demonstrations, and dinner for 250 people was cancelled within 24 hours of the event.

As chair of the Winds of Change, I could not help but feel disappointment and frustration at the turn of events. At the same time, I also recognize that there is a family at the heart of the matter that lost a loved one.

I also recognize that Lil'wat tradition is to pay respects in a way that binds together the people: past, present, and future. It is a tradition that has deep meaning and resonance for many. Although at odds with the pace and demands of the "modern" world, it is these very moments when I think of the Winds of Change vision statement which reads in part, "We respect our differences and find strength in the common goal of a healthy and safe environment for our children and families."

No one said "respecting our differences" would be easy. With that firmly in mind, I am greatly encouraged that the Winds of Change Steering Committee, our partners and funders have agreed to redouble the efforts to host the best Wellness Gathering ever.

I encourage you to come out and enjoy the third annual Wellness Gathering on Wednesday November 7.

In the spirit of the Winds of Change, help us to make it a resounding success.

For more information on the line-up of events visit thewellnessalmanac.com

Sheldon Tetreault

Chair, Winds of Change, Mt. Currie

Avalanche Roars

With the most amazing weather this fall, what a wonderful start to our soccer year for our youth to increase their ball skills. Now it's time to put away the studded boots and say goodbye to the green grass until spring.

Whistler Youth Soccer Club is very fortunate to have the support of parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles. I would like to thank them all for choosing to let their kids play soccer, and for their encouraging support on the sidelines and their impromptu games, which the kids love so much, at the end of practices!

To our 75 committed volunteer coaches, a field full of roses to you for leading by example and your enthusiasm to inspire our kids.

What a joy it is to watch our 19 gifted referees learn their craft and increase their knowledge from inside of the game — I thank them for their passion and dedication to the club.

Our club has been very well served by our talented Technical Director, Mark Freeman. We are grateful to you for passing on your expertise to both our players and our coaches in such a positive way.

We truly appreciate the skilled municipality "Greens" staff — how lucky we are to have such quality fields in our valley. We are ever grateful for the generosity of the WB Foundation and the RMOW for their continued support and allowing us to provide extended programming and additional coaching education. Thanks also to our sister clubs, Pemberton and Squamish Youth Soccer Associations, for providing competition and league play.

There have been many great games played at home and away, with a record number of teams having the opportunity to travel to tournaments — with incredible success! Having received many compliments from other team parents and coaches whilst away, we are very proud to say that Whistler was well represented, both on and off the fields.

With the success of our 1st Annual Gala Dinner Event this past Saturday night, thank you to Tourism Whistler for hosting us and we extend a goal full of gratitude to the many sponsors who generously donated their goods and services to a cause close to everybody's heart... our children. Having all members and families under one roof, with over 550 attendees, it was a great night to celebrate the success of our club, together!

To our co-founders and #1 jersey holders, Andree Janyk and Bob Calladine, we appreciate your vision in bringing the beautiful game to Whistler and applaud your continued support of the club.

The WYSC continues to grow and I would like to personally thank our dynamic group of board members and administrator Mitch Forster who are all fiercely passionate about the club and strive to keep the kids front and centre of every decision.

Lastly, to our 410 strong cohort of youth players — what a joy to see the way you play the "Beautiful Game" — in the Sea to Sky corridor and all over B.C. we can hear the Avalanche roar!

Yours in Soccer,

PJ O'Heany

President Whistler Youth Soccer Club