For Immediate Release

September 26 2013

Environment, health experts to Port: rethink coal export Environmental Impact Assessment

-- proposed assessment of Fraser Surrey Docks coal port is inadequate, fatally flawed.

Vancouver -- In an open letter sent today, leading health and environment experts call on the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to scrap its recently announced Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Fraser Surrey Docks coal port and start over.  

The letter calls for the Port to work with key stakeholders to develop the terms of reference and scope for a proper environmental impact assessment of this controversial project, and to simultaneously work with Health Authorities to conduct a comprehensive Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of the proposal.

Letter signatories include leading experts in the field of environment and health impact assessment, public policy and public health; impact assessment practitioners; and physicians from Washington who have been active in the effort to ensure a comprehensive health impact assessment is undertaken for proposed coal export facilities in that state.

The letter details shortcomings in the announced study and concludes that it is fundamentally flawed and fails to live up to best practices for EIA's.  The letter asks the Port to abandon the announced study and start over.

"The idea of an environmental assessment being completed in two weeks is a travesty," said David Boyd, environmental lawyer and professor of resource and environmental management. "Coal exports have huge consequences for human health and the environment, and should be subject to rigorous scrutiny by both experts and the concerned public."

The letter goes on to request that the Port work with Health Authorities to conduct a comprehensive HIA of all coal export expansion proposals in Metro Vancouver.  HIA's examine a much broader range of impacts on human health than can be captured in an EIA alone.

"There is substantial data published in the medical literature showing that people living along busy transport corridors or near coal port facilities have 20 to 50% increases in rates of asthma, emphysema, cardiac d

isease,  and malignancy," said Dr Frank James, medical health officer for San Juan County Washington.

"A hastily conceived, poorly done Environmental Impact Assessment is not adequate. A full formal, objective, independent Health Impact Assessment as has been called for by the Provincial Health officer and Health Officers in Metro Vancouver is exactly what is needed and is the only way the true cost to the communities' health can be measured."

The letter concludes by requesting that the new EIA and HIA look at local impacts from the time coal enters the region  by train on its way to Fraser Surrey Docks until it enters international waters after being loaded onto ocean going vessels on Texada. The letter also requests that the port evaluate climate change impacts from burning the exported coal, as the state of Washington has required in the EIA for the proposed coal terminal at Cherry Point.

-end-

[Read www.whiterockreporter.com/category/interviews http://healthy360.blogspot.com

President of Kwantlen Polytechnic University speaks to Surrey Board of Trade on October 2 .Surrey, B.C. –

On Wednesday, October 2nd, the Surrey Board of Trade will host a luncheon event featuring Dr. Alan Davis, President and Vice Chancellor of Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Dr. Davis’ will present an overview of VISION 2018, KPU’s new strategic plan, and its importance to KPU, Surrey and the South Fraser region.

We live in a growing region that has fewer post-secondary seats per capital than it should. KPU must be prepared to grow in a manner that supports the social, cultural and economic development of our communities.

Date:  Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Location:  Eaglequest Golf Course (7778 152 St. Surrey)

Time:  Lunch and Registration 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Program 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

Admission: $35 +GST each (member) or $55+GST each (non-member)

Media Sponsor:  The Now Newspaper

Dr. Alan Davis has held leadership positions at renowned institutions in the United States and Canada, including roles at the BC Open University, Athabasca University, Niagara College and Vancouver Community College.

Prior to joining KPU in September 2012, he served as President of Empire State College at the State University of New York. Aside from his extraordinary academic contributions through publications and presentations. 

Dr. Davis is also a published playwright. His plays from your people have been performed across Canada.

Media representatives are invited as our guests.  Please RSVP by replying to this email.

For further information, please contact Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade, at anita@businessinsurrey.com or at 604.634.0342.

International Artist Day Festival  -  White Rock, BC Canada

Week of October 21 to October 27 2013

The City of White Rock, under recommendation from the Arts and Economic Task Force, is delighted to host this celebration to honour artists and their contributions to our communities.

A  showcase weekend of events will take place at the new White Rock Community Centre beginning the evening of  October 25th ( the official International Artist Day) with an intimate  and elegant Gala Evening.

Mr. Oh Canada  Mark Donnelly will m/c the evening.

17 noted artists will be present with their art and make themselves available to discuss their work in an informal but exciting studio atmosphere:

Alan Wylie, Keith Hiscock, Raymond Chow, Chris MacClure, Arnie Fisk, Brent Heighton, Jose Ventura, Jonn Einerssen, Vance Theoret, Terry Isaac, Dan F Gray, Richard Tetrault, Jef Morlan, David Patterson. Gaye Adams, Dave Benning, Richard S. McDiarmid.

Performance by Canadian award winner Jodi Proznick Trio. Gourmet canapés catered by Marilyn Pearson Cuisine Company and a wine bar.

An anonymous (signed on the back) 12” x 12” canvas show of art submitted by artists from across B.C. Tickets are only $150.00 and only 200 tickets are available.

The first 75 sold will include admission to an after hours concert featuring Jodi Proznick trio at the Blue Frog Studios.  Gala evening tickets will include a  $100.00 Art Voucher to be used towards purchasing a piece of art.

The event program for entire weekend is available at Leisure Services and will outline the times for Saturday and Sunday feature talks and demonstrations by the master artists. Discussion panel and question periods are planned as well as a video presentation of  international artists at work and at play.

Music by various groups from the community will be on site during the entire event. Saturday and Sunday admission will be by donation. Local businesses will be hosting various events during the festival week.

To order tickets contact:

White Rock Leisure Services 604 541-2199 ext. 0


Blog Posting Courtesy of Johan Sandstrom, BComm.
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Communities and Coal Paula William from the Semiahmoo Peninsula

Noise Pollutions, Health Challenges  BNSF...a big pain for society.Listen to Paula Williams speaking with Harpreet Singh on local radio.

Posted by courtesy of Johan Sandstrom, BComm. of www.whiterockreporter.com/category/interviews
http://healthy360.blogspot.com

White Rock's Helen Fathers, Councilor & Also White Rock Farmers' Market Manager

Local News

September 24, 2013

No Go

White Rock councillor HELEN FATHERS who introduced the original motion to move council chambers into the vacant church on the city hall property, put forth a motion last night to get a legal opinon on the defeat of her original motion, which had passed.

MOTION

Given the fact that Council spent many hours , numerous lengthy planning sessions considering the need for increased space for staff, the desire for space for community activities including community groups , and the usability for a
multi use space aimed at maximizing the use of Council chambers to the relocation to 1174 fir st at minimal cost to the tax payer.

I would like to move ;

That a second legal opinion be sought in writing on the following concerns:

The legality of the Motion # 2013 - 268 to Rescind Motion #2013-229 (Adopted July 15, 2013) due to the preamable accompanying it and the disclosure of a named business and its intent .
furthermore the failure to follow process under section 26 part (1) of the community charter
"Notice of proposed property disposition."

and that No Decision by City Council was made to authorize such.

The FATHERS motion was supported by councillors ROBINSON and CAMPBELL. Councillors LAWRENCE, MEYERS, HUTCHISON and Mayor BALDWIN defeated the motion.

The city has now issued an RFP (request for proposals) and will begin showing the facility to potential renters this Friday. -end-

Follow the issue's development in http://healthy360.blogspot.com or write johanpublisher@gmail.com

Above content is an excerpt from WhiteRockSun.com

www.whiterockreporter.com/category/interviews

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Breaking News; 24 Sep.'13 Just In: Authority- Inappropriate Relationship...Read On:"Coal..."

FROM KEVIN WASHBROOK- VTACC

September 23 2013

For Immediate Release

Documents reveal inappropriate relationship between Port Authority, Coal Lobby

-- calls into question Port’s neutrality on proposed coal export expansion.

Vancouver – Documents obtained by Voters Taking Action on Climate Change (VTACC) through an Access to Information request reveal details of an inappropriate relationship between the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, charged with making a decision on proposed coal export projects, and the public relations firm representing the Coal Alliance, a lobby group created to defend the industry’s interests in those projects.

The documents fundamentally challenge the Port’s credibility as the neutral federal authority mandated to operate “with broad public support in the best interests of Canadians.”

“The cozy communication between the Port and the coal lobby on this issue confirms what we've always thought: the Port is acting more as an industry advocate than a public regulator,” said Kevin Washbrook, VTACC director. “What's worse, they don't seem to realize that this is a problem. How can we trust them to look after the public interest?”

The following examples are drawn from documents obtained through the ATIP request.

• The Port and industry lobbyists routinely communicate as if they are allies, rather than as public regulator and private proponent.
  
  
  • National Public Relations, the firm behind the Coal Alliance, provided the Port with media round ups, advance notice of media appearances and op-ed placement by industry lobbyists, and on one occasion a detailed report on a community rally regarding the proposed Fraser Surrey Docks coal terminal.
    
    
  • In turn, Port staff monitored VTACC email announcements and provided a “heads up” to the Vice President at National Public Relations so that coal industry lobbyists could attend a rally held outside Port Authority offices and speak to the media.

• After agreeing to co-sponsor a public forum on coal exports with Kids for Climate Action (K4CA), Port staff regularly briefed National Public Relations on meetings with the youth group, and eventually withdrew from the planned event in response to industry disapproval.
  
  
  • Port staff assured National Public Relations that they would “bring industry into the fold as soon as it is appropriate to do so but will keep you in the loop along the way.”
    
    
  • Port staff expressed interest in having a National Public Relations Vice President facilitate negotiations with K4CA but didn't pursue the option because National Public Relations represents the Coal Alliance, “so technically that is not neutral.”
    
    
  • When National Public Relations relayed that the coal lobby would not participate in a public forum that would “result in a debate of opinions,” the Port withdrew its co-sponsorship of the forum.

“It was weird to read Port emails reporting to industry lobbyists on our meetings, and especially disappointing that the Port withdrew from its commitment at the industry’s bidding,” said Sam Harrison, K4CA Director. “Is the coal industry really that afraid of public debate?”

An informal survey of environmental and community groups working on the coal export issue confirms that, unlike industry lobbyists, none have ever received emails from the Port Authority describing their media coverage as “positive progress,” nor expressions of “good luck” (with smiley face symbols appended) from Port staff prior to public events.

These findings reinforce the need for involvement in decision making by public agencies charged with protection of public health and the environment, to ensure that the concerns of Metro Vancouver residents, local governments, and health authorities are given as much weight as those of the coal industry -- before decisions are made with respect to major coal export projects that could impact our future and transform our region.

The public deserves a credible process for the evaluation of the risks posed by these projects, conducted by an impartial public authority. VTACC believes that, through its conduct to date, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has not earned the public's trust as that impartial authority.

In order to regain public confidence and shed its image as an industry advocate, VTACC calls on the Port Authority to work closely with all relevant public authorities – including local and regional governments and health authorities – to jointly conduct comprehensive and impartial environmental and health impact assessments to thoroughly evaluate and regulate environmental, community, and public health risks from these proposals. These assessments should be transparent and incorporate public hearings.

-end - 

Posting Above Provided by http://www.whiterockreporter.com/category/interviews

johanpublisher@gmail.com     [Johan Sandstrom, BComm.]

News from Surrey Board of Trade 23 Sep. 2013

Surrey Board of Trade wants transportation, health care, education and PST improvements in 2014 BC Budget

The Surrey Board of Trade spoke to the BC Government’s Standing Committee of Finance today at the Sheraton Hotel in Surrey. In preparation for the 2014 BC Budget, the Surrey Board of Trade spoke on their priorities, which included addressing funding disparities to transportation, health care and education in Surrey and the South Fraser Region.

With respect to Taxation “We find one of the most worrisome situations is that BC is at the top of the provincial list of “Marginal Effective Tax Rates in Canada”, said Anita Huberman CEO Surrey Board of Trade.

The Surrey Board of Trade said that in a tougher fiscal environment the solution to create a better economy is not achieved through increasing taxes. “Hold back on the tax and the increased economy will return that and more to the government in the end.  

It’s much more sustainable because it will encourage new investment in our economy”, said Anita Huberman, CEO Surrey Board of Trade.

The Surrey Board of Trade wants to see the recommendations of the BC Government’s Expert Panel on Tax, specifically on administrative improvements to the PST, to be implemented.

In the area of transportation, the expense of the referendum and the quality of the results from the referendum were highlights.

In the area of health care, improvements to Surrey Memorial Hospital, and the development of the Pattison Centre have been wonderful, but it is still far short of what this region deserves and requires. 

The Surrey Board of Trade’s initial research indicates that despite there being a million people in Surrey and the South Fraser, per capita funding for Fraser Health is still 50% below funding levels of the rest of the province.

In the area of education, the Surrey Board of Trade wants a tripling of funding for Kwantlen! Right now, Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Simon Fraser University-Surrey together can offer only 12.7 post-secondary spaces for every 100 people 18-24 years-old in our region. The rest of B.C. receives almost 4 times that level of access, with 48.7 spaces for every 100 young adults.

The Surrey Board of Trade urged the Ministry of Finance to implement additional funding and pointed out that it is the responsibility of our elected representatives to provide at least equal funding to Surrey and the South Fraser region-the source of the lion’s share of our province’s future workforce. 

“And this workforce must be properly prepared to undertake the challenge if we are to grow our economy!”

For t      For the full copy of the presentation go to www.businessinsurrey.com 

Anita Patil Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade
An Accredited Chamber of Commerce with Distinction from the Chamber Accreditation Council of Canada
Direct: 604-634-0342     .
Cell: 604-340-3899
www.businessinsurrey.com

This Press News Posted as courtesy by Johan Sandstrom, BComm.

www.whiterockreporter.com/category/interviews              23 Sep. 2013

Surrey Board of Trade wants transportation, health care, education and PST improvements in 2014 BC Budget

The Surrey Board of Trade spoke to the BC Government’s Standing Committee of Finance today at the Sheraton Hotel in Surrey. In preparation for the 2014 BC Budget, the Surrey Board of Trade spoke on their priorities, which included addressing funding disparities to transportation, health care and education in Surrey and the South Fraser Region.

With respect to Taxation “We find one of the most worrisome situations is that BC is at the top of the provincial list of “Marginal Effective Tax Rates in Canada”, said Anita Huberman CEO Surrey Board of Trade.

The Surrey Board of Trade said that in a tougher fiscal environment the solution to create a better economy is not achieved through increasing taxes. “Hold back on the tax and the increased economy will return that and more to the government in the end.  It’s much more sustainable because it will encourage new investment in our economy”, said Anita Huberman, CEO Surrey Board of Trade.

The Surrey Board of Trade wants to see the recommendations of the BC Government’s Expert Panel on Tax, specifically on administrative improvements to the PST, to be implemented.

In the area of transportation, the expense of the referendum and the quality of the results from the referendum were highlights.

In the area of health care, improvements to Surrey Memorial Hospital, and the development of the Pattison Centre have been wonderful, but it is still far short of what this region deserves and requires. The Surrey Board of Trade’s initial research indicates that despite there being a million people in Surrey and the South Fraser, per capita funding for Fraser Health is still 50% below funding levels of the rest of the province.

In the area of education, the Surrey Board of Trade wants a tripling of funding for Kwantlen! Right now, Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Simon Fraser University-Surrey together can offer only 12.7 post-secondary spaces for every 100 people 18-24 years-old in our region. The rest of B.C. receives almost 4 times that level of access, with 48.7 spaces for every 100 young adults.

The Surrey Board of Trade urged the Ministry of Finance to implement additional funding and pointed out that it is the responsibility of our elected representatives to provide at least equal funding to Surrey and the South Fraser region-the source of the lion’s share of our province’s future workforce. “And this workforce must be properly prepared to undertake the challenge if we are to grow our economy!” 

For the full copy of the presentation go to www.businessinsurrey.com 

-- 30 --
Anita Patil Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade
An Accredited Chamber of Commerce with Distinction from the Chamber Accreditation Council of Canada
Direct: 604-634-0342
Cell: 604-340-3899
www.businessinsurrey.com

Complimentary posting by www.whiterockreporter.com/category/interviews

SWEA; Swedish Crayfish Party Sep. 2013

Crayfish Party on Friday, September 27

SWEA's and the Swedish Cultural Society are organizing the year's crayfish. The crayfish party, which is open for ALL (including men, non-Swedes and non-SWEA members) promises an abundance of crayfish, live entertainment by the band Nine Noah and raffle with squeaky prices.

Tickets
Please note that only pre-sale case, the notification is made ​​by Wednesday 25 September. The price is $ 45 for ticket picked up at the Scandinavian Community Centre by Wednesday 25 September. At biljettuthämtning in the door is the price $ 50.

A good deedevent SWEA supports UBC's scholarship ($ 3,000) to be awarded to a student at UBC who are able to continue their language study in Sweden.

Childin need of child care for the evening? Contact us no later than Friday 20 September at vancouver@swea.org

TransportDriving and alcohol are not a good combination. Skytrain and bus, carpooling with other guests or taxi calls. A Safe Alternative asaride.com  and  Operation Red Nose  operationnezrouge.com  may be at a cost to drive home your car if you prefer to drive to the crayfish party.

Volunteers WantedAre you interested in helping out during the evening, please contact us at vancouver@swea.org

Swedish CrayfiSep. 2013sh Party.