Green Politics in BC

A green vision for B.C. in the two way Vancouver False Creek race"

2009-04-29T01:31:00.000-07:00

“A green vision for B.C. in the two way Vancouver False Creek’s race”

The time has come for British Columbia to live up to its promise of the being the greatest place on earth. We can achieve this goal with holistic legislation that prepares us for the challenges of the next generation in our rapidly changing world.
The downturn in global markets and a lack of government foresight has resulted in British Columbia losing 73,000 jobs over the last year. B.C. needs to transition to new “knowledge-based” sectors of job creation, and accept that the continued mechanization of industry will result in less low-skilled jobs over time. The greatest job opportunities for the current and next generation of British Columbians will come from localized markets that are based less on foreign-made goods, less on assuming large debt, and less about commuting. These locally-based jobs will be increasingly based upon local communities, local food, and the genuine needs of local people. B.C.’s education system needs to be more affordable and it will play a key role in training a new generation of locally-oriented professionals, whose jobs and professions will improve our quality of life and help minimize our economy’s over-reliance on unnecessary consumption.
The amount of carbon in our atmosphere has increased by 22% over the last 50 years. BC’s new jobs must work within a new economic paradigm of job creation with reduced carbon pollution. Metro Vancouver deserves $3.1 billion invested in 200 kilometres of light rail that will deliver well-paying and “green” engineering and construction jobs. The lungs of the Fraser Valley, our remaining farm and bog lands, and our collective carbon threshold would be devastated by the pending Gateway transportation plan, which completely ignores the looming reality of “peak oil”.
Spending $3.1 billion on a new Port Mann Bridge, rather than investing in a more systemic transportation network based increasingly upon public transit, will cause greater suburban sprawl and will negate all of the positive benefits from the government’s new carbon tax. If our province is serious about preventing climate change, then our government needs to illustrate genuine leadership in encouraging individual people to change their behaviour for the betterment of society. Asking people to cut their carbon consumption, while at the same time building new “super bridges” that are void of any new public transit spending, shows that our current government is not serious about giving commuters in Metro Vancouver a viable alternative to their private automobile. The new Canada Line, Evergreen and UBC SkyTrain lines show some promise, but the high cost of SkyTrain infrastructure could instead be used to build light rail lines across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
Across the province we need district-level solar, geothermal, wind and run of river projects that are managed by a new Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change. This new ministry would promote cooperative and municipally-owned utilities and provide mega projects like the Site C dam and diesel-powered generation in rural First Nation communities with new clean, green options. With a renewed “seven-generation environmental assessment process”, local communities will proceed with energy projects that meet their local needs and create local jobs. Clean tech renewable energy industries will enable us to protect our wild salmon, preserve our old-growth forests and preserve critical habitat for endangered species and local agriculture.
Homelessness rates and economic growth rates have been going in the opposite direction for the past two years. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is an antiquated system that merely measures the quantity of market activity. B.C. requires a new index, such as the Genuine Progress Index (GPI), to establish a measurable bottom line for social, environmental and economic progress. The GPI encompasses unpaid labour, such as parenting and volunteer work, and subtracts the costs of pollution, crime and the depletion of non-renewable resources. Mixed-use social housing developments that embrace the role of arts and culture will help provide for a generation of homeless citizens. Vancouver’s new mayor, Gregor Robertson, is on the right track to end homelessness. With continued compassionate efforts in the short term (e.g. opening up churches, unused government buildings for temporary shelter), combined with a new social housing developments that have measurable “end homelessness” goals, we can do just that.
For B.C. to achieve this bold green vision, we require electoral reform now. Implementing the Single Transferable Vote (BC-STV) will result in fairer election results, more voter choice and better representation. Electoral reform, including electoral finance reform on a provincial and municipal level, will make our elected officials more transparent and help stop a hemorrhaging democratic system that is struggling with the lowest level of voter turnout rates in modern history.
Across B.C., I ask that you speak to your neighbours, friends and family regarding how important it is that you vote Green on May 12, to bring green job and end homelessness legislation to Victoria.
A unique “two-way race” has evolved in the new provincial riding of Vancouver-False Creek. With no incumbent MLA and with your help we can elect BC’s first Green MLA. Join our team now and green your community by visiting www.damiankettlewell.com or engaging with us on Facebook. We need your help to get new, past and present Green votes to the polls.
My name is Damian Kettlewell, and I want to recruit you to vote Green and vote Yes for BC STV on May 12, 2009. Vancouver False Creek is ripe for change and ready for a Green MLA.
Damian Kettlewell
MLA candidate, Vancouver-False Creek
Deputy Leader, BC Green Party
www.damiankettlewell.com, Facebook, Twitter: dkettlewell

Vancouver Point Grey ~ BC Green update ~ 73 days until provincial election & electoral reform referendum

2009-02-28T16:36:00.000-08:00

The below note was sent out to the 500+ BC Green supporters in Vancouver Point Grey.

Good afternoon,

I hope my note finds you well this 25th anniversary year of the BC Greens.

The Green Party of BC is well prepared to run a full slate of candidates again for the upcoming provincial election and 2nd referendum
on electoral reform.

With our campaign budget confirmed and election material to be published shortly we are at a historically high level of election preparedness.

1. BC Green candidates
We've announced candidates in eight of Vancouver's eleven ridings for the May 12, 2009 provincial election.
http://www.greenparty.bc.ca/candidates

2. BC STV ~ electoral reform with proportional representation ~ get involved
In 93% of the members of the Citizens Assembly, who were non-political and from all walks of life, recommended BC STV as a new electoral system. According to the Citizens Assembly BC STV provides for fairer and more local oriented provincial democracy.

British Columbians voted 58% in favour of BC STV in 2005 failing to meet the 60% threshold. Premier Campbell has enabled Elections BC to provide more detailed mapping information on BC STV and the question is being put to the electorate again on May 12th. The BC Greens are supporting BC STV in this election. There is a low level of awareness regarding this referrendum and the BC Liberals have decided not to send the Citizens Assembly report out to all homes in BC. Thus, your involvement in spreading a message for change and getting involved in the BC STV "get out the vote" campaign is very important. Political pundits are not expecting BC STV to pass thus we need your help to exceed 60% support.

Stay abreast of developments at Facebook Group "Yes for BC STV - City of Vancouver"
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=37133867369

There is a Point Grey Wine & Cheese occurring on Sunday hosted by BC STV Vancouver Point Grey

St. Helen's Anglican Church ~ 4405 W 8th Ave. ~ Sunday, March 1, 7:00PM
Phone: 778-235-7477
Please RSVP to antony.hodgson@gmail.com

Please consider attending.

Georgia Straight Op Ed ~ http://www.straight.com/article-201581/single-transferable-vote-would-break-down-political-barriers-bc

3. Green Jobs
President Obama and begrudgingly Prime Minister Harper are speaking increasingly about Green Jobs.
See the report below and watch for the new Green Book which outlines BC Green Party's plan for green economic growth and job creation.

http://www.unep.org/labour_environment/features/greenjobs-report.asp

4. Vancouver Point Grey ~ Overview
We are currently interviewing Green candidates in Vancouver Point Grey.

The BC Liberals have alienated voters in Vancouver Point Grey with their UBC lands dealings and their Gateway program that inspires another generation of single occupancy vehicle cars. The BC NDP will struggle in Point Grey because they oppose the carbon tax for political reasons (e.g. "axe the tax"). Point Grey's well educated residents understand that peer reviewed studies support the carbon tax as it has worked in other jurisdictions around the world to reduce carbon footprints.

The BC Greens in Vancouver Point Grey are poised to build on the 15% support we gained in 2005.

I was the candidate in Vancouver Point Grey in 2005 but have decided to run in the new riding of Vancouver False Creek.
Mary McNeil is the Liberal candidate and the BC NDP have not announced a candidate in Vancouver False Creek. We are building our team and please reply if you can help in the Vancouver False Creek / Yaletown riding.

Thank you for supporting your local Green campaign and thank you for encouraging all your family and friends to participate in our provincal democracy by voting on May 12, 2009.

Sincerely,

--
Damian Ketttlewell
MLA Candidate Vancouver False Creek
BC Greens ~ Deputy Leader, mba
www.bcgreens.ca

facebook: join my supporters page
twitter: dkettlewell

Vancouver False Creek Goals
1. Reform Government ~ Vote Yes to BC STV ~ http://tinyurl.com/cubmwy
2. Build a New Economy ~ Make Downtown’s Economy the Greenest in North America
3. Care for Each Other ~ End Homelessness by 2017

Blog ~ http://greenpoliticsinbc.blogspot.com

Sing Tao Daily

2009-02-23T09:16:00.000-08:00

2009-02-21
綠黨8人省選逐鹿溫哥華
Sing Tao Daily The BC Green Party is placing eight candidates to contest several ridings in the Greater Vancouver area for the upcoming provincial election. The leader of the BC Green Party, Jane Sterk, spoke with the media last Thursday along with the eight candidates and other party members. Sterk indicated that aside from focusing on the province's environmental issues, the BC Green Party also places high regard on economic development and law and order problems, such as the recent gang killings. As well, she believes that the 2010 Winter Olympics will bring business opportunities to the province. The eight candidates who will run in the Greater Vancouver region for the BC Green Party are: Vanessa Violini for Vancouver-Fairview, Damian Kettlewell for Vancouver-False Creek, Jody Emery for Vancouver-Fraserview, Ryan Conroy for Vancouver-Hastings, Doug Warkentin for Vancouver-Kensington, Revel Warkentin for Vancouver-Kingsway, Laura-Leah Shaw for Vancouver-Quilchena, and Drina Read for Vancouver-West End. More than half of these candidates will be running for the first time, and most of them have resided in BC for over ten years. They are all active members of the community.

Jane Sterk: It is time for a responsible government in B.C.

2009-02-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

Georgia Straight ~ February 20, 2009

By Jane Sterk

The meltdown in the financial sector has sparked a dramatic shift in public policy. Deregulation and market reliance has given way to a significant increase in economic interventionism. Government spending is now all the rage. It hardly seems to matter how it is being spent, as long as it is being spent. Even deficit spending is now kindly referred to as “a stimulus package”.

The Gordon Campbell Liberals have also caught the spending fever. The party that previously called for prudent fiscal management and opposed deficit spending has changed its tune.

But why this shift? Why these panicked pendulum politics? And, more importantly, isn’t there a better way forward? Do we have another option?

The first thing to remember is that this budget is an election budget. What this means, to put it bluntly, is that it has been engineered from top to bottom in order to bring in more votes for the Liberal party come election-time this May. A couple things follow from this.

First, Finance Minister Colin Hansen has been putting forward a rosy outlook for British Columbia’s economy. This optimism seems to be somewhat unwarranted. It has been estimated that 2009/2010 income-tax revenue will be $650 million less than predicted and social-service revenue $350 million less. That alone takes the deficit to $1.2 billion.

There are some real concerns regarding our economy, and it is safe to say that, after the election, the government will be telling a very different story. Not long ago we saw this same political move at the federal level when the Conservative government rapidly shifted from a position of wild optimism to one of modest realism after the election.

Second, this budget is more rooted in reactionary partisan politics than in measures that will address the deep structural concerns within our economy. This Liberal government has jumped on the deficit bandwagon with little attention to where it is headed. There is little in this budget to indicate that the Liberals are serious about taking the steps needed to move us into a 21st-century economy that is sustainable and prosperous.

There is a better way.

There is a better way of doing politics and the Green party is offering a better plan for B.C. This plan offers us a new and better approach to deal with our economic downturn—one that moves beyond the “either/or” choice of either big-government centralized control or radically privatized decentralization. We Greens believe that both government and the nongovernmental sector have important roles to play in ensuring long-term prosperity in B.C. The challenge is to find the appropriate balance between the two.

I believe the core principles in this balance may with summed up with three R’s—responsible, respectful, and representative government actions.

Responsible: Government spending needs to be part of a long-term plan that is designed to ensure lasting prosperity. We need a budget that will make investments in programs that expand future technologies and jobs within B.C. This includes district-level solar, wind, and geothermal energy farms and well as education and technological research. These innovations will stimulate the economy, bring high paying jobs to the province, and keep intellectual capital in B.C.

Respectful: A respectful provincial government works in close cooperation with municipalities to facilitate healthy and robust economic development at the local level. This means ensuring predictable revenue flows are available to municipal governments through fewer restrictions on municipal taxation, not more. It means providing more grants to local governments with appropriate oversight mechanisms that ensure fiscal prudence across the board.

Representative: We need to move to the BC-STV electoral system of proportional representation. One of the best ways to get past the reactionary and divisive swings in B.C. politics is to ensure the political views of the population are accurately represented in the legislature.

The Green party’s plan for B.C. offers us an opportunity to find a more efficient, equitable, and stable balance. By choosing a steady path forward in this time of economic downturn—by electing Greens to the legislature—we can ensure a better future for B.C.

Jane Sterk is the leader of the Green Party of B.C.

BC Greens announce 8 Vancouver candidates

2009-02-20T09:48:00.000-08:00

B.C. Green party names Vancouver candidates
By Matthew Burrows
The Green Party of B.C. will unveil tomorrow morning (February 19) its candidates for nine of the 11 provincial ridings in Vancouver.

The party’s candidates for the May election are as follows:

Vancouver-Fairview: Vanessa Violini
Vancouver-False Creek: Damian Kettlewell
Vancouver-Fraserview: Jodie Emery
Vancouver-Hastings: Ryan Conroy
Vancouver-Kensington: Doug Warkentin
Vancouver-Kingsway: Rev Warkentin
Vancouver-Quilchena: Laura-Leah Shaw
Vancouver-West End: Drina Read

B.C. Green leader Jane Sterk will attend the announcement outside the Coal Harbour Community Centre at 11 a.m.

2009-02-20T09:45:00.000-08:00

Georgia Straight ~ News Story on BC Green Vancouver candidates
http://www.straight.com/article-201902/green-siren-targets-oppal-prohibitionist

Letter to the editor response

February 20, 2009

B.C. Greens offer the full package

The Green Party of B.C. announced eight additional election candidates last week. Our Vancouver candidates include engineers, transit operators, business people, arts specialists and community activists.

While we appreciate you announcing our Vancouver candidates, we take exception to your primary focus on cannabis prohibtion. The Green Party of B.C. introduced the concept of the carbon tax in 1996, introduced the concept of tax shifting to B.C. politics, and we continue to offer cutting-edge policy solutions that the Liberals and NDP often choose to adopt themselves.

In these times of economic uncertainty, we realize that B.C. voters will support the most economically-savvy candidates. Those with the best economic plans that preserve and create jobs will be elected. The B.C. Greens will present a better economic plan for B.C. that will create more green-collar jobs in renewable energy production, energy efficiency, and locally-focused markets. Ending homelessness, realigning our health care system to focus on prevention, and increasing the efficiency of education spending are other policy areas that the B.C. Greens specialize in.

The Green Party will field a full slate of B.C. candidates for the third election in a row, and we are poised for electoral success. At the request of our membership base, we are a strong advocate for electoral reform and BC-STV, as the Citizens' Assembly has indicated that it is fairer than the current system and offers more local representation.

While the B.C. Greens do indeed support drug reform and the end of prohibition of certain substances in order to reduce gang activity and create new tax revenues for our province, we are by no means alone in favouring such a policy stance, and this issue hardly defines the B.C. Greens, as your recent article suggests. The 2009 Green Book, to be released shortly, will provide details about the wide range of innovative policies that the Green Party will offer to British Columbian voters.

--
Damian Ketttlewell
MLA Candidate Vancouver False Creek
BC Greens ~ Deputy Leader, mba
www.bcgreens.ca

facebook: join my supporters page
twitter: dkettlewell

Vancouver False Creek Goals
1. Reform Government ~ Vote Yes to BC STV ~ http://tinyurl.com/cubmwy
2. Build a New Economy ~ Make Downtown's Economy the Greenest in North America
3. Care for Each Other ~ End Homelessness by 2017

Congrats to Liberal MLA Solicitor-General John van Dongen for Eamining Gun Contol Measures

2009-02-01T01:12:00.000-08:00

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/suppliers+fi lm+industry+investigated/1238922/story.html.

Buy NDP MLA Mike Farnsworth a Smoothie for Restricting Body Armour Sales

2009-02-01T01:08:00.000-08:00

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/story.html?i d=1212783

Dancing for Vancouver gun owners who question the need for a gun

2009-02-01T01:06:00.000-08:00

http://www.theprovince.com/Restricting+guns+work/1233794/story.html

B.C. Green leaders won’t work with NDP in election

2009-01-13T01:42:00.000-08:00

B.C. Green leaders won’t work with NDP in election
By Carlito Pablo
http://www.straight.com/article-178515/bc-green-leaders-won%3F%3Ft-work-ndp-election

Green Party of B.C. leader Jane Sterk still won’t entertain suggestions that her party work together with the NDP to defeat the B.C. Liberals in this May’s provincial election.

“It’s not my intention to try and win seats for the NDP,” Sterk told the Straight. “It’s my intention to try and win seats for the Green party.”

Sterk noted that the Greens plan to run candidates in all of the 85 constituencies delineated by the Electoral Districts Act of 2008, dismissing notions that her party will step aside for certain NDP candidates in order to not split the anti-Liberal vote.

For her part, Sterk said that she will be nominated as her party’s candidate in the new electoral district of Esquimalt–Royal Roads on January 14. Known as Esquimalt-Metchosin until the election, the constituency is currently held by NDP MLA Maurine Karagianis.

As a candidate for council in the Township of Esquimalt, Sterk topped the election polls in 2005.

Green deputy leader Damian Kettlewell doesn’t know yet where he will run. Like Sterk, Kettlewell is bullish on fielding Greens in every constituency.

“We’re focused on electing Green MLAs,” Kettlewell told the Straight. “We have no interest in helping the NDP or the Liberals. We have a better plan for British Columbia, and we want to implement that in the legislature.”

Georgia Straight Letter to the Editor

2009-01-11T10:46:00.001-08:00

I am puzzled why media pundits often add the votes of 2005 NDP candidate Mel Lehan with those of the Green Party's Damian Kettlewell ["NDP's Mel Lehan takes on Gordon Campbell in Vancouver-Point Grey", January 8-15], and state that the combined total would have defeated Gordon Campbell. This incorrectly assumes that all Green Party voters are left-of-centre.

Green Party deputy leader Damian Kettlewell holds an MBA, owns and operates a small business, and has worked in the corporate management sector for ten years. In light of his university degrees and business acumen, many small business owners and corporate employees in Vancouver-Point Grey were attracted to Kettlewell in 2005 as an viable alternative to Gordon Campbell.

The reality is that the Green Party of B.C. draws voters from across the political spectrum. We attract progressive voters who understand that the environment is an important pillar of governance for our province, alongside with the economy and social justice.

Given the bipolar nature of British Columbian politics, the Green Party appeals to voters who don't want to have to hold their nose and vote for the "least worst" of two highly ideological parties.

During this time of global economic uncertainty, the Green Party is advocating greater support for small businesses, and for the reinvigoration of our province's economy with a green stimulus package. We believe in significantly reducing the cost of B.C.'s greatest expenditure, health care, by investing in more pro-active (rather than re-active) and community-based health care. Additionally, we strongly feel that the thousands of homeless people across British Columbia deserve a roof over their heads - both for moral and economic reasons.

Unfortunately for Mr. Lehan, the intelligent voters of Vancouver-Point Grey will not support the reactionary "axe the tax" campaign of the NDP. And unfortunately for Mr. Campbell, voters in Vancouver-Point Grey understand the hypocrisy of a government that promotes a carbon tax while also pushing through the single-occupancy vehicle-focused Gateway campaign (which completely ignores Metro Vancouver's Livable Region Strategic Plan). The people of Vancouver-Point Grey appreciate that the Green Party of B.C. introduced the concept of a carbon tax way back in 1996, and that we have a much more comprehensive and balanced plan for the governance of British Columbia than either the Liberals or the NDP.

Devon Rowcliffe
Communications Director for Damian Kettlewell, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC

Driving Change 2008

2008-04-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

We have hosted the Clean Air Auto Show with Mayor Corrigan and consequently The Knowledge Network and their Leading Edge show visited with my friend Byron and myself.

Click on the below lick and scroll down to "Driving Change" to learn about electric, waste biofuel and fuel cell car options now and in the future.
http://www.knowledgenetwork.ca/leadingedge/2008/index.html

Here's to being the change we all want to see.

Sustainably yours,
Damian

Earth Day 2008

2008-04-28T09:41:00.001-07:00

Part of my Earth Day 2008 was spent at a grade seven class Thunderbird Elementary in East Vancouver. We discussed green living choices and had a small quiz about every day decisions that can reduce our ecological footprint.

After participating in a "fish bowl" discussion with Dr. Bill Rees a few days earlier and hearing the latest challenging news on the rapid advancement of climate change it was heart warming to see that the young students in East Vancouver are more enlightened on environmental issues than any generation before them. They knew all about recycling, composting, walking / biking / taking transit and not driving. They were excited to visit their local farmers markets and excited to hear about solar and wind power options that we have today.

Happy earth day and to living more with less.

Sustainably yours,
Damian

Green Party Deputy Leader Granville Magazine, Winter Edition 2007

2008-03-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

The Alt Fuel Club
Christopher Pollon | Image: Peter Holst | 01 Dec 2007

http://www.granvilleonline.ca/gr/features/2007/12/01/alt-fuel-club

Mercy on Ms. Krawczyk

2007-03-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

Damian Kettlewell

1370 Arbutus

Vancouver, BC V6J 3W8

Gordon Campbell
premier@gov.bc.ca

March 2, 2007

Att: Gordon Campbell

Cc: Attorney General Wally Oppal

From: Damian Kettlewell

Re: Betty Krawczyk's March 5,2007 sentencing in light of Harriet Nahenee's death

I hope the New Year is treating you in good order.

I am writing to address the upcoming sentencing of Betty Krawczyk on March 5, 2007. I met Betty through my work with BC EcoEvents in the Elaho Valley in 1998 and she has been a source of inspiration for me since. Betty has been a leader in ensuring the preservation of numerous pristine watersheds in BC. Without Betty, many more of BC's valleys would be barren and devoid of life.

As you are aware, scientific studies that advise us to alter our consumptive lifestyles now dominate mainstream media. Past fringe perspective and policy from environmental activists has moved to the mainstream and progressive environmental policy is the most important issue for Canadians. Betty Krawczyk and Hariette Nahennee's environmental views and actions currently represent those of a majority of Canadians.
Mr. Campbell, please speak with your Attorney General, Wally Oppal, and enquire about compassionate means to resolve Ms. Krawczyk's upcoming sentence. Betty Krawczyk is a beacon of hope for environmental activists who have been "walking the talk" and lobbying the public for change.

First Nations elder Harriet Nahenee has just passed away while under the watch of the law. If our court system had invoked compassion means in her sentencing process Ms. Nahennee would likely still be with us today.

The pressures of modern life (i.e. debt, jobs, and families) restrict a majority of Canadians for voicing their opinions like Betty and Harriet Nahenee are able. Betty and Harriet are not ideological great - grandmothers but visionary giants who history will remember as great Canadian women who stood up and pushed our society to change.

Mr. Campbell, your perspectives on the First Nations treaty process in BC and climate change policy has evolved considerably in the recent past. As my MLA for Vancouver Point Grey, I ask that you encourage Mr. Oppal to ensure that our court system invokes compassion in the March 5^th sentencing of Ms. Krawczyk. BC's court system does not need to threaten the life of another great British Columbian elder.
Compassionately yours,

Damian Kettlewell

BC EcoEvents, Chairperson

Jingle Bells Carbon Smells

2007-02-10T18:22:00.000-08:00

Here's a poem to make you laugh as you create change:

Chorus

Jingle Bells, carbon smells
There's no time to wait
Add another coal-fired plant
And it will be too late.

Jingle Bells, carbon smells
There's no time to wait
2050 as a target date
Is way too late!

There's more storms every year
Floods and freezing rain
How much more do you need-to-see
We're facing climate change?

The polar ice has shrunk
And Santa's getting wet
He's trading his sleigh for a boat
And Rudolph is upset

Chorus

A year or two ago
Promises were made
But hot air from the parliaments
Just adds to climate change

Its time to make a change
Demand it right away
A plan to cap emissions now
And make them go away.

Chorus

Created by: Vancouver Point Grey Citizens Concerned About Climate Change

2007-02-10T18:13:00.000-08:00

BCIT Power Engineering Class Presentation ~ December 2006

This class was interested in the operation of my1984 Mercedes Benz powered by Waste Vegetable Oil from Delaney's Pub in Burnaby, BC. We spent 45 minutes reviewing the science of
biowaste power options.

The class was very interested in biodiesel and waste vegetable oil machines.

Dear Madam Justice Brown

2007-02-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

Damian Kettlewell
1370 Arbutus
Vancouver, BC
V6J 3W8

February 6, 2007

Att: The Honorable Madam Justice Brown
From: Damian Kettlewell
Re: Betty Krawczyk

Good day Madam Justice Brown.
I hope the New Year is treating you in good order.

I am writing to address the upcoming sentencing of Betty Krawczyk this Thursday February 8, 2007. I met Betty through my work with BC EcoEvents in the Elaho Valley in 1998. Betty played a leadership role in raising public awareness to ensure that the Elaho Valley was preserved for future generations. Without Betty it is likely that the ecologically significant Elaho Valley would be yet another barren valley.

I have been an environmental advocate for eleven years organizing fifteen EcoFests and most recently the Clean Air Auto Show. We also organized a Free Betty Ball in 2003 when Betty was imprisoned and raised funds and awareness for her court case. I have been driving a green house gas neutral waste vegetable oil car for almost three years as a means to reduce urban pollution and I chair a watershed stewardship NGO (www.rivershed.com)

As you are aware, contemporary mainstream media is dominated by scientific studies that advise us that we must drastically alter our lifestyles otherwise face drastic climate change realities. The move from environmental rhetoric to environmental action takes considerable time in our current electoral system. Betty Krawczyk is a beacon of hope for environmental activists who have been “walking the talk” and lobbying the public for change. Our fringe perspectives and policy suggestions have now moved to the mainstream and as you are aware, the environmental is the number one issue among Canadians.

Unfortunately, the onslaught of scientific and polling studies does not affect your interpretation of the law as it now stands. Madame Justice Brown, when you reflect on your summary statements and sentencing judgment with Betty Krawczyk please consider that Betty’s environmental views and actions currently represent those of a majority of Canadians. The pressures of modern life (i.e. debt, jobs, and families) restrict a majority of Canadians for voicing their opinions like Betty. Ms. Krawczyk is not an ideological 79-year-old grandmother but a visionary giant who will be revered among her Canadian contemporaries as one woman who could stand up and push the system to change.

I ask that you consider the “drive for change” among Canadians when you sentence Betty this Thursday February 8, 2007.

Compassionately yours,

Damian Kettlewell, Vancouver, BC

Can we elect representatives in 2009?

2007-01-21T22:12:00.000-08:00

Can we elect Green representatives in 2009?

Now more than ever the provincial legislation requires progressive Green voices within the legislature. Renewable energy and tax shifting programs that we have been champions of for over twenty years are in high demand.

Did you know that the BC’s corporate tax structure supports traditional fossil fuel firms more so than renewable energy firms? I am sure that it will come as no surprise that our provincial greenhouse gas emissions have increased dramatically with both the NDP government in the 90’s and the current Liberal government.

I have just returned from VEVA’s viewing of “Who Killed the Electric Car?” and my conviction that democratic legislatures need Green representatives and Green solutions is infinitely strengthened. The trend of elected officials representing the interests of corporations more so than the public will is increasing. Case in point is the BC Liberals and their re-introduction of coal fired power plants to appease donors to their election campaign funds.

Here in BC we require unique solutions and a unique partnership as we head into a 2009 election and prepare to host the world in 2010. Electing the same run of the mill Liberal government (whether it is with Premier Campbell or Premier Taylor) will not deliver the transformational policy changes that this province needs. Electing a NDP government is unlikely and economically dangerous considering their history of inept fiscal management.

To reassert ourselves as a province that leads on global issues of importance (like the reduction of greenhouse gases) we need a coalition government that includes elected Green representatives.

Will a BC Liberal champion biofuel tax incentives for marine or off road applications? Leaders of Premier Campbell’s own constituency in Vancouver Point Grey have resigned over his ambivalent attitude to climate change. Is it realistic to think that Campbell’s “head in the oil sands” attitude will provide real leadership on green house gas reduction initiatives? Alternatively, will a BC NDPer be able to navigate through the web of union bureaucracy to champion new social justice program like the Guaranteed Annual Income and help combat homelessness in Vancouver?

Unless Premier Campbell takes another cocktail-fueled drive in Malibu, thus impaling his chances of re-lection, the BC Liberals will likely win the 2009 provincial election.

Ms. James will need to take a leap of faith to lead her team to victory. Ms. James may or may not be know of the unlikely trump card that she holds in her electoral toolbox.

Let us hope that Ms. James is listening to the wise words of Corky Evans, David Chudnovsky, Gregor Robertson and possibly Mike Magee. Those NDPers are listening
to their constituents and victory in ’09 may involve internal party compromise.

Green Blogging and Events in Vancouver

2006-12-04T08:38:00.000-08:00

Well it's been quite a 18 months.

We returned to Vancouver Point Grey tonight after a year and a half of living out of backpacks
and suitcases. I recently reached the 35 year milestone and wanted to start things off with a ambitious new goal. What is that you ask? I'll divulge in a couple weeks once I run it by our executive.

My wife and I experienced the growth of environmental values around the world on our recent jaunt. See: www.learningtheworld.com

Climate change and global warming have become household phrases. We've returned home to see The Green Party of Canada elect a new leader, Elizabeth May.

In Elizabeth's first campaign she grew support five fold to 26% of the popular support. Wow.

And then Stephen Dion is elected the new leader of the Federal Liberals. Yes, it was a fourth ballot but it seems that the 5,000 delegates choose their most savy and experienced environmental policy-ite . To see Mr. Dion's supporters wearing green t - shirts and green scarfs at the convention is only further proof that popular opinion is slowly changing in this great nation of ours.

So we're concerned citizens doing out part and we've just completed BC EcoEvents 15th event this past Saturday.
The Clean Air Auto Show was a great success. 100 members of the public, 6 elected officials(Mayor Corrigan & Mussato, MLA's Gregor Robertson &amp; Shane Simpson and Councilor Donnelly) business owners (Cascadia Biofuels), NGO leaders (BCSEA) and public officials (Mr. Fryer) came out to a Burnaby pub on a very cold afternoon. We had ten Clean Air Cars in attendance (3 electric cars, 1 electric neighbourhood vehicle, 1 SVO / Biodiesel hybrig, 1 B50 VW Bug, 4 Smart cars) and 1 4,400 ltr. biodiesel dispenser unit.

The lack of Federal and Provincial leadership on climate change and global warming lit BC EcoEvent's collective fire. The two new coal power plants in BC and continued efforts to push through offshore oil in BC (Mr. Campbell ~ we don't need the enhanced short term economic growth) gets us all riled up.

So check out the cool poster that Cowie and Fox donated. Check out our media release below.
Thank you: Fairchild TV, Vancouver Courier, Sing Tao, CBC Almanac, CBC Radio Canada, Georgia Straight

Thank you to our sponsors: Shared Vision, Cowie & Fox, VEVA, OQOQO, Natures Path, EYA, Vancouver Biodiesel Coop.

Thank you to Joe Trippi and Jim for encouraging us to power on in this blogging world of ours.

Attention News/Assignment/Business Editors:
Media Release – Clean Air Auto Show: Local residents and businesses
get behind the wheel of sustainable transportation.

VANCOUVER, Dec. 2 /BC ECO EVENTS/ - Local residents and businesses are
teaming up to demonstrate their electric and biofuel vehicles in an
effort to spark local dialogue on the future of green transportation
in the GVRD. Several local politicians will also be in attendance.

"The Clean Air Auto Show is about local citizens taking steps to
tackle climate change to improve local air quality," says J-M Toriel,
a sustainability MBA candidate and one of the organizers. "In the
absence of provincial and federal leadership, local communities are
taking the future into their own hands and finding solutions."

Attendees will watch live demonstrations of electric and biofuel
vehicles; receive fuel smart driving lessons; and take part in an
engaging panel of local community and business leaders discussing
solutions to cut greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable
transportation and strengthen the local green economy.
Display vehicles include the EV-1 electric car (recently featured in
the popular documentary, "Who Killed the Electric Car?"), a 1912
electric model called "The Detroit," as well as modern biodiesel
vehicles, fuel trucks and an all vegetable-oil Mercedes Benz.

"We want residents to see some of the sustainable transportation
options available today in the region," says Damian Kettlewell, a
local businessman and event sponsor, and owner of a vegetable oil
fueled car. "These aren't futuristic vehicles, some of them are parked
in your neighbour's driveway right now."
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
WHEN: 3pm - 6pm, Saturday, December 2nd, 2006
WHERE: Delaney's Pub, 5665 Kingsway, Central Burnaby

PARTICIPANTS:
• MLA for Vancouver Fairview, Gregor Robertson
• Mayor Derek Corrigan of Burnaby
• Mayor Darrell Mussatto of North Vancouver
• Councillor Fin Donnelly
• Local NGOs, entrepreneurs, community and business leaders.

For further information contact:
Damian Kettlewell

J-M Toriel
Sponsorship and Speaker Director

Thank You for your support - the future looks bright

2005-10-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

Representing the Green Party of BC in the May 2005 provincial elections was a great honor.

We found the results challenging but are excited by our chance for representation in the 2009 election. As Jim Harris commented, "our air campaign (i.e. PR) was strong in Point Grey but our ground campaign (i.e. GOTV) was under staffed."

Thank you to our team members, especially JM and Charlie, who devoted countless hours for months leading up to the election.

The campaign experience was invaluable and with a continued focus on innovative policy we are confident our impact will be felt within the legislative assembly in the near future.

I am on a learning and traveling sabbatical myself and encourage you to click on www.learningtheworld.com. I encourage you to support the Vancouver Greens in Novembers municipal elections - www.vancouvergreens.ca.

It is encouraging to see Mr. Campbell accelerate the move to reconcile with our First Nation partners and I am encouraged by his commitment to the democratic pursuit of electoral reform.

To all those working to improve our health and social programs I thank you.
To those of you reducing our collective impact and making a profit I thank you.

Feel free to drop me a line at damianbc@telus.net.

Sincerely,
Damian Kettlewell
2005 Green Party Candidate, Vancouver Point Grey

Eve of Election Day Reflections

2005-05-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

Greetings on the eve of election night.

Thank you to the tireless efforts of our team in Vancouver Point Grey and across our province. Thank you to my family, friends and colleagues in Kits and Point Grey and around the world for your words of encouragement disregardless of the long odds we face. We embraced the underdog role in Vancouver Point Grey and do see rays of hope for tomorrow’s election.

Adrianne Carr and Dennis Perry are leading strong campaigns and are challenging for their seats in Powell River Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Garibaldi.

Janek Kuchmistrz has emerged as a Green contender in Vancouver Burrard with Stuart McKinnon, Raven Bowen, Lorrinda Earl and Ian Gregson running strong campaigns in their respective ridings. The future looks bright for the Green Party as we drew a number of articulate and empassionate youthful leaders like Ashley and Cody.

The Green Party of BC continues to mature and history could demonstrate that the 2005 Election will be remembered by the province as the election where Greens demonstrated their electability.

Our campaign in Vancouver Point Grey has been a whirlwind of activity. As predicted, Gordon Campbell maintained his Invisible Man shtick and insulted the ideals of democracy by failing to participate in any all candidates meeting. We were able to capitalize on his absence with events and releases that helped build awareness of the Green Party in Vancouver Point Grey. We have had over 80 stories published on our campaign some calling us vigourous and others calling us savy. We complemented this enhanced public awareness with grass root activities like door knocking and main streeting and the sum of these actions will translate into votes tomorrow.

Surprisingly Mel Leehan was an Invisible Man of sorts as he missed two opportunities to participate in candidate meetings in the riding (April ~ UBC Law School, May ~ Vancouver Real Estate Forum, Planetarium). I do respect Mel for his local community track record and his absence at Candidate Meetings was likely dictated by NDP head quarters who wanted to provide profile to other more electable candidates. Appreciated the kind words of the Georgia Straight but for some reason they failed to grasp the depth, professional credibility and youthful vision of sustainability within a generation that our campaign presented. I must digress briefly and say that the Georgia Straight's editorial critique of STV from a poverty perspective is hard to grasp considering that homelessness has doubled in Vancouver in three years under the current First Past the Post Electoral System.

Certain community leaders continued to lobby us to align with the NDP to ensure Gordon Campbell’s eviction from Vancouver Point Grey. Unfortunately, for the NDP and fortunately for the Liberals this time, the Green Party is a growing global party that thinks globally and acts locally. Interactions with elected Australian Greens and German Greens only cemented my belief that it is not a matter of if but a matter of when the Green Party of BC will be a major elected force in this province.

So after all the sweat, aches and tears of the campaign what will it equate to tomorrow?

Our goal since November 27, 2004 has been to double our vote total and crest the 10,000 vote mark. We entered this race to assume David’s role and remove Goliath from Vancouver Point Grey. If the youth demographic (18 - 40) has a record turnout, if enough of the elders of Vancouver Point Grey vote for their grandchildren and vote Green and if the stars are aligned we just might be able to surprise the public and pundits in Vancouver Point Grey.

Thank you to all those supporters and media outlets that have followed our campaign. We are the little campaign that could and it has been an honor to represent the Green Party of BC in Vancouver Point Grey.

We believe in long term social change and are focused on making history!

Remember to vote Yes for electoral reform and Yes to the Citizens Assembly and STV.

Damian & “The Green Machine” (Metro News, May 16, 2005) of Vancouver Point Grey

Community Outreach, Cambell 2.0, Making History

2005-05-09T00:20:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the campaign trail. Apologies on the long absence. Please see our media and events page. We have been working hard to make history.

The Greens in Vancouver Point Grey are building voter coalitions and using an innovative communications strategy to engage with our competitors. What does that mean in plain language? Well, we are taking chances and looking for unlikely voting friends.

We need to double our vote total and are being outspent approximately 44 to 1 by the Liberals and 7 to 1 by the NDP. Thus, we are taking some calculated risks with a goal of drawing attention to our visionary Green Party Book and its policies. Residents in Vancouver Point Grey desire an MLA that is focused on sustainability, preventative health care, renewable energy, electoral reform and innovative economic policy. The Greens can deliver on these policy goals.

To put it on the table, I am multi-faith, pro choice and pro spousal benefits for same sex partners. Our community outreach efforts to the Christian community is an multi-faith based initiative that identifies cross over environmental values. We believe that reverence for environmental values crosses religious lines. Senator Bob Brown did point out that the Greens do have an element of natural spirituality in our personality. I will say as much at the Multiculturalism Debate tomorrow night at the Jewish Community Centre.

Now, you may have heard of our Campbell 2.0 launch. The demand for innovative political strategies in dealing with Gordon Campbell seems to be high considering that 12+ news outlets showed up on 3 hours notice. Gordon Campbell has not attended an all candidate’s debate since 1996 thus slighting the ideals of democracy and upsetting the electorate. Campbell 2.0 will return unless Gordon Campbell starts to engage with his constituents. Look forward to hearing about your response Mr. Campbell, Mr. Jiles and / or Mr. Brown.

The bottom line is that we simply want to debate Gordon Campbell and Mel Leehan.
Marty Brown is ensuring that Gordon Campbell remains the invisible man in Vancouver Point Grey. Gerry Scott and the NDP head quarters have been shielding Mel Leehan from debates. I missed engaging with Mr. Leehan in April at the UBC Law School Debate and two weeks ago at the Vancouver Real Estate Board Debate. Mel is a well know guy in Vancouver Point Grey. He certainly isn’t well know for his debate attendance record.

Well, all the door knocking, events and speeches are coming down to this final eight sleeps.With Adriane’s strong performance at the leaders debate the Greens in Vancouver Point Grey can feel the wind at our backs. Our campaign team can realize the Perfect Storm, obtain 10,500 votes and thus likely elect a Green MLA.

Why will it happen you say? The residents of Vancouver Point Grey desire an MLA that is grounded in ethics and blossoming with a vision for sustainability.

Green Candidate ~ Published in "Business in Vancouver" May 3 - 9, 2005

2005-05-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

Business in Vancouver ~ May 3 - 9, 2005

Damian Kettlewell: Podium

B.C. firms weigh in at Hannover fuel cell exhibit
Hydrogen and fuel cell commercialization from a B.C. perspective
I just returned from the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Trade Exhibit in Hannover, Germany, where from April 11 to 15 I was a forum moderator interviewing European, North American and Asian business leaders from the hydrogen sector.
The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Trade Exhibit was in its 11th year, and had more than 100 exhibitors from 20 countries presenting the entire value-added chain from hydrogen production to components and services all the way to complete fuel-cell systems.
The exhibition encompassed fuel-cell applications ranging from powering portables such as camcorders and laptops, to mobiles (vehicles, forklifts), to stationary power plants.
This year, commercialization moved more to the forefront, said exhibit producer Arno Evers: "We will see that the expressed desire to now also make money with this technology will play an ever increasing role."
Investors have reason to be optimistic, considering the costs of setting up a hydrogen infrastructure in Europe have been over-estimated in the past. Linde AG released a study that showed a complete European hydrogen infrastructure will cost $5.6 billion, significantly lower than previously estimated. "The results of the study are a clear signal to us," noted Linde CEO Wolfgang Reitzle. "Entry into the hydrogen economy is feasible."
A sumary of Linde AG's study can be found at www.fuelcells works.com/Supppage2138.html. The study points to the centralized production of hydrogen and distribution in highly populated areas. To propel the implementation of a hydrogen economy infrastructure, European companies are calling for the elimination of taxes on hydrogen until 2020.
This European scenario is similar to B.C.'s Hydrogen Highway and its seven refuelling stations, which are expected be operational in southwestern B.C. by 2010.
Among B.C.-based companies at the exhibit were Greenlight Technologies and FuelCon Systems, which are capitalizing on the plethora of fuel-cell companies that require equipment to test fuel cell components. Quest Air Technologies of Burnaby exhibited its hydrogen purification technology and representatives spoke about opportunities in Japan.
Hydrogenics of Ontario was the most prominent Canadian exhibitor as it demonstrated its stationary and mobile fuel cells in the same booth as Greenlight Technologies, one of their subsidiaries. Hydrogenics is evolving into Canada's largest and most stable hydrogen and fuel-cell company after acquiring Stewart Energy and its hydrogen manufacturing and refuelling technology.
Noticeably absent from the exhibitor list this year was Ballard Power. Ballard did send a number of representatives to the exhibit, but there was speculation that it is trying to contain cash burn levels until it has new technology benchmarks to demonstrate.
Two market opportunities that exist for B.C.'s hydrogen economy companies include fuel cells as auxiliary power units for long-haul trucks and technologies that capture waste hydrogen and re-integrate it into a separate manufacturing process.
The high cost of fuel and anti-idling regulations are making fuel cells attractive as a means to power the "hotel" units of long-haul trucks.
Currently, these long-haul trucks idle their diesel engines through the night to power their heating and internal appliances. A 5-kilowatt fuel cell would meet all the power requirements for long-haul trucks while they are parked.
Netherlands-based Nedstack is developing a niche application for hydrogen fuel cells in the production of chlorine that captures waste hydrogen and feeds it to a fuel cell. North Vancouver's planned hydrogen refuelling station in the Hydrogen Highway would operate from a similar waste-hydrogen model.
In an interview that covered the global state of the hydrogen economy, David Jollie, editor of Fuel Cells Today, called for "cautious optimism." The Japanese are setting the most aggressive goals, and now plan to have 50,000 fuel-cell cars on the road by 2010.
North American hydrogen economy companies are known for over-promising their technology achievements, as Ballard Power and Plug Power have consistently failed to meet technology performance benchmarks. European fuel-cell companies have been more cautious in their goals, and, as a result, the valuation of their publicly traded companies has been relatively consistent.
Earlier expectations about fuel-cell cars are still limited by technology challenges. Fuel cells must have an operational life of at least 5,000 hours (it is currently around 1,500 hours). And costs must be contained: platinum, one of the critical raw materials for fuel cells, costs between $1,600 and $3,200 per vehicle.
The hydrogen economy's classic "chicken and egg" challenge persists: to ensure long-term viability, a hydrogen production and distribution system needs to be built, even while the search for an economically sustainable fuel-cell vehicle goes on.
Research and development dollars continue to rise every year, and it is not a matter of "if," but simply "when" fuel cells will be integrated into our daily lives. Niche opportunities in the hydrogen value chain are present for those entrepreneurs who understand the relationship between the regulatory, taxation and energy drivers in North America, Asia and Europe.
Damian Kettlewell (hydrogenmedia@telus.net) is a Vancouver-based consultant specializing in renewable energy.

Meeting the worlds 2nd most senior Green ~ Jurgen Trittin, German Federal Environment Minister

2005-04-18T18:39:00.000-07:00

Leadership Reflections ~
Time with Jurrgen Tritton

April 18, 2005

After the Senator Brown Dr Suzuki day of confluence, I felt the winds of sustainability at my back on the way to Germany. Leaving the election team in this critical time was extremely difficult but to convince Vancouver Point Grey that I am worthy of their vote I must provide compelling reasons that I can help implement Sustainability Within a Generation.

Meeting and interviewing leaders in renewable energy at the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Trade Exhibit in Hannover did not disappoint. The highlight of the week came on day 4 when I met with Jurgen Tritton, Germany’s Federal Environment Minister who is an elected Green. Trittin is an international champion for wind energy and is implementing the will of the German people by phasing out nuclear energy. Tritton was eager to tell me about his upcoming trip to Montreal to discuss the progress with the Kyoto Accord. Trittin asked a number of questions about the Green Party in BC and wished us luck in the upcoming election. We will be sure to continue this relationship with the German Greens.

Thus you have it. Meeting Senator Brown, David Suzuki, and Jurgen Trittin all within two weeks. These gentlemen are icons in the sustainability movement.

How realistic is it for a first time candidate for the Green Party to remove the Premier from his home riding? All in a days work when you’re surrounding yourself with iconic figures in sustainability.

Leadership learnings - candidate meets Green Senator, Green Environment Minister and Greatest Living Canadian (CBC TV, 2004)

2005-04-16T16:25:00.000-07:00

My leadership studies have taught me a few things.

#1
Identify leaders whom you respect and whom you can model

#2
Infiltrate these leadership mentor circles, observe, be humble

Over the last ten days I have felt a certain confluence in my leadership learnings.

First off I was able to spend an evening and morning with Senator Bob Brown an elected Green in the Australian federal senate. Leaders participate with grassroot community groups and use these experiences as a catalyst for growth.

Senator Bob spoke like a great orator sharing his experiences from the front line in working to preserve the great old growth rainforests of Tasmania. Senator Bob left a stable career as a medical doctor to promote the benefits of preserving the great rainforests of Tasmania and the on told biological treasures that they contain. With a focus on ethical leadership through the years (Senator Bob was named the most inspirational politican by te BBC in 1996) Senator Bob was able to stand up to the most powerful man on the planet, President George Bush, and boo him for his Iraq foreign policy.

Leaders make time for everyone, as does Senator Bob, and empower those around them to propel their personal vision forward. Senator Bob transformed me and allowed a new passion seed to pollinate within me. I need these transformational experiences with senior leaders to truely beleive that I can beat the Liberal candidate in Vancouver Point Grey who happens to be the Premier.

In a unforseen set of circumstances I was able to meet Dr. David Suzuki for the first time on the same evening I met Senator Bob. Considering I have read many of his books (Good News for a Change, From Naked Ape to Super Species to name a few), watched his show (The Nature of Things), and seem him speak a half dozen times meeting Dr Suzuki was like meeting a guru of sorts. Not suprisingly he is mortal being but wise beyond our knowledge. Hearing him speak of the Haida in the Queen Charolettes was stunning.

And yet another transformational experience had recently in Germany in the meeting of the great Jurgen Tritton. More to come on this latter.

From Berlin and Vancouver bound,
Damian

is that to evolve ones leadership skills one must infiltrate the ranks of senior leaders and model them.

Damian challenges Gordon Campbell to debate at all candidate forum

2005-04-08T11:26:00.000-07:00

Let it be know that I've challenged Gordon Campbell on April 2 to a debate at an all candidate meeting.

I spoke with Campbells's campaign manager ... Matt really you could have at least opened up the door ... I don't like talking through a door.

I know that Campbell has a busy schedule but the least he can do is attend an all candidate debates in his own riding. He's got the advantage now as I'm out of the riding for 10 days.

I'm keeping my schedule open for you, post April 19, Gordon.

With respect from the airport,
Damian

Activity Update

2005-04-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

March 28 ~ 25 Greens converge on the Elephant Walk for Lower Mainland social, 6 candidates present, Andrea Reimer gives rousing talk, Andrea's theme: compared to 2001 we are positioned incredibly well to win seats

April 2 ~ Green Team knocks on doors for 6 hours battling Liberals for key sign locations, we're on your tail there Matt (GC campaign mgr), 30 person Green social in evening

April 3 ~ Raven Bowen displays excellent competency at Poverty Forum debate, Raven presents poverty solutions, Guaranteed Livable Income, no Liberals in site, enjoyed your life story Tim Stephenson (NDP) but where are your solutions?

April 4 ~ candidate reflects on being MLA in wilderness location, balance is critical , I need to remember what propelled me into politics

April 5
~ meet with Hydrogen and Fuel Cell mover and shaker in Vancouver,
~ meet with one of many political allies, The Green Party believes in the state regulation off marijuana and the state taxation on production and distribution ... the BC Liquor Board is one model to consider for marijuana public management
~now let me make this clear ... I'm running to promote renewable energy, tax shifting, the Genuine Progress Indicator and sustainability within a generation ... The Green Party believes in long term social change and change in our attitudes to marijuana is one aspect of that ... we believe the feds are moving in the right direction ...

April 6 ~ David Suzuki confirms that he will introduce Senator Bob Brown, video shoot for website, Royal Roads U re-union "nothing like being around high achieving friends" ... Andy mentioned that he had a nice lunch with Kevin Falcon ... There's a man with Ralph Kleen`s ear ... have to work on making Andy Green though

The highlight of my year ... meeting David Suzuki ... Inspirational speaking ... Suzuki never stops ... we have some work to do yet before he ever supports us ... too bad Suzuki will NEVER endorse a political party ...

April 8 ~ off to Germany ... more elected Greens await!

Gordon Campbell losing ground in Vancouver Point Grey

2005-04-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

You would think that Gordon Campbell would be a 'shoe in' in his home riding.

See:
http://www.thetyee.ca/Election/Battleground/

The Greens are building momentum in this 2001 2nd place riding.

We just hosted Green Senator Bob Brown from Australia, with a David Suzuki providing a compelling introduction, and I'm off to Germany to meet elected Greens at the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Trade Fair http://www.fair-pr.com/hm05/index.php .

A Green vote in Vancouver Point Grey is a vote for renewable energy, tax shifting, the Genuine Progress Indicator and sustainability within a generation.

A Liberal vote in Vancouver Point Grey is a vote for stopping the Kyoto Accord, lifting the offshore Oil and Gas Moretorium and unethical leadership.

A NDP vote in Vancouver Point Grey is a vote for a 3rd place party in this riding. It was nice to see the NDP candidate outside our Senator Bob Brown event. Maybe Carol James has asked him not to file his Elections BC papers.

From the airport,
Damian

4 year study (1,300 researchers from 95 countries) concludes "Tax Shifting" and "Renewable Energy" green initiatives are critically needed

2005-04-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

Have a breeze through this article pulled off the BBC website.
Another compelling reason to vote Green in Vancouver Point Grey.
Hope to knock on your door today. DK

Study highlights global decline
By Jonathan Amos BBC News science reporter

Millennium Goals, such as the halving of world poverty by 2015, are off targetThe most comprehensive survey ever into the state of the planet concludes that human activities threaten the Earth's ability to sustain future generations.
The report says the way society obtains its resources has caused irreversible changes that are degrading the natural processes that support life on Earth.
This will compromise efforts to address hunger, poverty and improve healthcare.
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) was drawn up by 1,300 researchers from 95 nations over four years.
This report is essentially an audit of nature's economy, and the audit shows we've driven most of the accounts into the red
Jonathan Lash, World Resources InstituteIt reports that humans have changed most ecosystems beyond recognition in a dramatically short space of time.
The way society has sourced its food, fresh water, timber, fibre and fuel over the past 50 years has seriously degraded the environment, the assessment concludes.
And the current state of affairs is likely to be a road block to the Millennium Development Goals agreed to by world leaders at the United Nations in 2000, it says.
"Any progress achieved in addressing the goals of poverty and hunger eradication, improved health, and environmental protection is unlikely to be sustained if most of the ecosystem 'services' on which humanity relies continue to be degraded," the report states.
"This report is essentially an audit of nature's economy, and the audit shows we've driven most of the accounts into the red," commented Jonathan Lash, the president of the World Resources Institute.
"If you drive the economy into the red, ultimately there are significant consequences for our capacity to achieve our dreams in terms of poverty reduction and prosperity."
Way forward
The MA is slightly different to all previous environmental reports in that it defines ecosystems in terms of the "services", or benefits, that people get from them - timber for building; clean air to breathe; fish for food; fibres to make clothes.
There will undoubtedly be gainsayers, as there are with the IPCC; but I put them in the same box as the flat-Earthers and the people who believe smoking doesn't cause cancer
Prof Sir John LawtonThe study finds the requirements of a burgeoning world population after WW II drove an unsustainable rush for these natural resources.
Although humanity has made considerable gains in the process - economies and food production have continued to grow - the way these successes have been achieved puts at risk global prosperity in the future.
"When we look at the drivers of change affecting ecosystems, we see that, across the board, the drivers are either staying steady or increasing in severity - habitat change, climate change, invasive species, overexploitation of resources; and pollution, such as nitrogen and phosphorus," said Dr William Reid, the director of the MA.
More land was converted to agriculture since 1945 than in the 18th and 19th Centuries combined. More than half of all the synthetic nitrogen fertilisers - first made in 1913 - ever used on the planet were deployed after 1985.
The MA authors say the pressure for resources has resulted in a substantial and largely irreversible loss in the diversity of life on Earth, with some 10-30% of the mammal, bird and amphibian species currently threatened with extinction.
The report says only four ecosystem services have been enhanced in the last 50 years: increases in crop, livestock and aquaculture production, and increased carbon sequestration for global climate regulation (which has come from new forests planted in the Northern Hemisphere).
Two services - fisheries and fresh water - are said now to be well beyond levels that can sustain current, much less future, demands.
Global value
The assessment runs to 2,500 pages and is intended to inform global policy initiatives. In many ways, it mirrors the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which, by bringing together hundreds of scientists in a peer-reviewed process, has driven efforts to slow global warming.
MA - ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW
Humans have radically altered ecosystems in just 50 years
Changes have brought gains but at high ecosystem cost
Further unsustainable practices will threaten development goals
Workable solutions will require significant changes in policy"The MA is a very powerful consensus about the unsustainable trajectory that most of the world's ecosystems are now on."
"There will undoubtedly be gainsayers, as there are with the IPCC; but I put them in the same box as the flat-Earthers and the people who believe smoking doesn't cause cancer," said Professor Sir John Lawton, former chief executive of the UK's Natural Environment Research Council.
The report is not all doom and gloom. Modelling of future scenarios suggests human societies can ease the strains being put on nature, while continuing to use them to raise living standards.
At the heart of this assessment is a stark warning
Statement by MA board (1.47MB)
Most computers will open PDF documents automatically, but you may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Download and install the reader here
But it requires, says the MA, changes in consumption patterns, better education, new technologies and higher prices for exploiting ecosystems.
Some of the solutions go to old but as yet unfulfilled initiatives, such as the abolition of production subsidies which imbalance world trade and in agriculture are blamed for overloading land with fertilisers and pesticides as farmers chase high yields.
Newer solutions centre on putting a value on "externalities" that are currently deemed to be "free" - airlines do not pay for the carbon dioxide they put into the atmosphere; and the price of food does not reflect the cost of cleaning waterways that have been polluted by run-off of agrochemicals from the land.
PLANET UNDER PRESSURE
60% of world ecosystem services have been degraded
Of 24 evaluated ecosystems, 15 are being damaged
About 20% of corals were lost in just 20 years; 20% degraded
Nutrient pollution has led to eutrophication of waters and coastal dead zones
Species extinction is now 100-1,000 times above the normal background rateIn future, these areas could be constrained by markets that trade permits - as in Europe's newly established carbon emissions market.
Technology's role, the MA says, will be keenly felt in the field of renewable energies.
But the pace of change needs to quicken, the report warns. Angela Cropper, the co-chair of the MA assessment panel, added: "The range of current responses are not commensurate with the nature, the extent or the urgency of the situation that is at hand.
"In our scenarios, we see that with interventions that are strategic, targeted, and more fundamental in nature - we can realise some of the desired outcomes and they can have positive results for ecosystems, their services and human well-being."
The MA has cost some $20m to put together. It was funded by the Global Environment Facility, the United Nations Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the World Bank and others.

Gordon Campbell resigns

2005-04-01T09:23:00.000-08:00

April 1, 2005

Gordon Campbell resigns to focus on retirement leisure and a Healthy B.C.

After 20+ years in the public service, Gordon Campbell resigns amid a throng of supporters at the Jericho Youth Hostel. Mr. Campbell points to his economic successes but states that they have come at an environmental and social cost. Mr. Campbell’s advisors state, “our Premier is looking forward to healthy living in his retirement. There are legions of new young leaders running in this election that can implement sustainability within a generation. The Premier is tired of not being able to attract our greatest ‘living’ Canadian, David Suzuki, to work directly with his government. David Suzuki is invited to meet with government heads around the world and it depressing that he will not partner with Gordon Campbell considering that they are neighbors in Vancouver Point Grey.”

Damian Kettlewell, Green Candidate for Vancouver Point Grey, attended the press conference to thank Mr. Campbell for his years of public service and wish Mr. Campbell the best in his retirement. Mr. Kettlewell did say that he would be happy to consult with Mr. Campbell on economic issues but that he would seek alternate advise on social, health and environmental policies.

At his last press conference as Premier and MLA for Vancouver Point Grey Gordon Campbell announces: tax credits for renewable energy (i.e. wind and tidal power, micro hydro, and biodiesel), the end of old growth logging by 2010 (this mimics the New Zealand plan currently in place), fires Richard Neufeld for continuing to lobby for the removal of the offshore oil & gas moratorium, announces that all fish farms must be in closed containment nets on land by 2006, the implementation of locally elected health boards, a 25% tax on lawn & house pesticides, a carbon tax to phase out polluting vehicles and industry and Mr. Campbell announces the reversal of his position of Kyoto and the full endorsement of the forthcoming federal policy plan to acheive Canada's Kyoto goals.

Mr Campbell drives away from his last press conference in his new Toyoto Prius.

Enjoy the April day folks;).

People ask why I decided to run for office. There are a number of reasons:

Reason for running #1

Our provincial fish farm policy, started by the NDP and propagated by the Liberals, is KILLING our wild salmon.
See:
http://www.cbc.ca/story/science/national/2005/03/30/sea-lice050330.html
Executive Summary
A microscopic pest could cause big problems for British Columbia's salmon farming industry, a new study suggests.
In research published on Wednesday, biologists concluded sea lice populations are exploding off the province's coast, putting wild salmon stocks in jeopardy.

Reason for running #2

Check out “www.conservationvoters.org” if you value clean air, endangered species, clean water, and responsible stewardship of our natural environment then conservationvoters.org is a site for you. They had a lovely event last night. Liberals are still vacant and invisible.

Reason for running #3

http://www.westender.com/ Check out “A Green Tour of Kits Point”
We have had 20 media stories thus far.
If we are fortunate enough to attract 80 more media stories, we will win Vancouver Point Grey.

Reason for running #4

The Liberals seem to like our Healthy BC slogan … hmmm … Interesting to see our opponent at an event in the riding … hmmm … what is he promoting in our riding … could that be our Healthy BC message that Gordon Campbell.

They may be outspending us 40 to 1 BUT we are winning the street lobby.

This will be a wild weekend:
-knocking on a 1,000 doors
-speaking on poverty issues with Raven Bowen (Green candidate ~ Vancouver Mount Pleasant) on Sunday http://www.thefulcrumproject.org/
-attending the community participation session on Saturday
-Green Senator Bob Brown is in the province!
-off to Germany next week to work at the worlds largest Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Trade Fair

BTW ~ watch out for us Greens in West Vancouver Garibaldi and in Vancouver North Island!

Signing up new members on the Left and on the Right

2005-03-25T14:05:00.000-08:00

Nothing like having momentum on our side.
Over forty new members signed up in last two weeks.

Our grassroots form of campaigning can beat the $100,000 phoning campaign that Gordon Campbell has underway in Vancouver Point Grey.

They've actually phoning our campaign team as well.

From what we're hearing people are seeing through the environmental good news that the Liberals are starting to release. Great to see Cathedral Grove on the Tofino highway enlarged to 500 acres. Imagine that the Liberals will look to highlight the impending Great Bear Rainforest announcement as well. Don't get me wrong preserving these rainforests is the best news that I've heard all week (it was good to get my car filled up on waste vegetable oil again and be running Green House Gas neutral as well). But you have to wonder about the timing of all these Green annoucements. The Liberals are scared in Vancouver Point Grey. They know the people want to send some Green MLA's to Victoria. Wouldn't it be great if Gordon Campbell had to force one of his colleagues to vacate their riding seat so he could sit in the house.

I can't wait to champion renewable energy and preventative health care in the house.

It was another non stop week.

Rafe Mair show ~ Rafe was easy on us first time candidates (Gregor and I), I loved how he blasted the Liberals for not sending anyone and asking Rafe not to do the show, I was strong on fish farms but considering my economics background I should have hit a home run on the budget question, next time

UBC tabling ~ we're trucking along and building support for the Green Party across the lower mainland

UBC Law School Environmental Policy Forum ~ felt pretty good about the debate, check out the photo, it was a frightening hommogenous group of candidates, can't wait to see the gender diverse Greens in Vancouver Quilchena and Vancouver Mount Pleasant stir it up ... we signed up 6 new members after the debate .... I must of done all right ... there was no real winner though

Good news ~ our phamplets are ready, watch for them, they're sharp, thanks Chris!

Canvassing tommorrow ~ call us if interested, we're going to knock on 1000 doors tommorrow

Today
-Critical Mass Bike Rally 4 PM

Saturday
-canvassing ~ 1000 doors will be knocked on, see us at Capers
-Better World Handbook Festival tommorrow afternoon / evening

Tuesday, 7 PM
-Lower mainland Green Team social @ The Elephant Walk Pub (41st & Knight)
-Andrea Reimer will be speaking at 7:15 PM

Wednesday, noon
-Raven Bowen's campaign launch party at the Lotus Hotel

Friday, 2 PM
-teachers union social at Toby's Pub on Commercial Dr.

Sunday April 3, 2PM
-I'll be speaking on poverty issues at the Wosk Centre for International Dialouge
-Imagine that the Liberals will be invisible like our breeding spotted owl population in Chilliwack

We came 2nd in Vancouver Point Grey in 2001 so if you want to remove Gordon Campbell we suggest you vote Green in 52 days.

Cheers,
Damian

The momentum continues to grow

2005-03-21T00:17:00.000-08:00

Another exhilarating week on the campaign trail.We started again at UBC and were happy to see our efforts pay off with positive coverage in their print and the radio. Thanks to Dan from CiTR's Solarization as his tough questions will only help the Baptism of Fire on Rafe Mair's show tomorrow morning.

Our Whistler trip to meet with a Guru of Sustainability, Mayor O'Reilly, has paid dividends with a positive story in the Whistler Pique.You have to love those elected officials who welcome public discourse on issues of sustainability and The Natural Step regardless of partisan stripe.

Had some television time this week on Community TV. Pedro, the interviewer, is one of the most sincere and socially caring individuals that I have met in some time. It was fascinating to learn about perpetual polling. Sorry Pedro, we are pragmatic in Vancouver Point Grey. We have the opportunity to make small positive changes to our electoral system now. Any moderate move to more proportionality is a move in the right direction. Check out Channel 4 next Saturday at 6 PM or Sunday at 9PM. Drop me a line and tell me what you think.

We want to walk the talk at UBC and thus The Green Party Team entered in Canada's largest intramural event, "Storm the Wall" and came 2nd in our heat. It was nice to meet Mel. He seems like a nice man. I wonder how many of his younger than 40 supporters will end up voting Green in Vancouver Point Grey.

This week will be a barnburner. Coffee and conversation party tomorrow night. There are some very sharp environmental and media professionals coming over. Imagine the Q&A session will resemble a Natural Step Masters Program class in Sweden.

UBC, canvassing, and UBC Law School Environmental on Wednesday this week. The Liberals are avoiding us like the plague right now. No show at the HEU, no show on Rafe tommorrow I understand and no show at UBC Law School debate last I heard. Hmm what does that say about they're respect for democracy.

Here's to Stephen Abbott Communications and to squashing Pitfall Number Five for First Time Political Candidates (running to lose) ... Jim Green lost by 1463 votes in 1996.

I did not leave a good job to lose this election.

Drop us a line to co-create history in Vancouver Point Grey.

Sincerely,
Damian

63 days to go

2005-03-13T23:29:00.000-08:00

Evening,

Blazing away on the campaign trail.

A dessert party ~ #3 they're getting bigger and better, 20 voters

Wine and cheese at Campoverde ~ hosted by a few of the Weiler's, 35 voters

Meeting with the Mayor of Whistler ~ a sustainability sage of sorts

A Tree Trek in Whistler with guided tour by Charles ~ ZipTrek / TreeTrek ... you have to love a company that promotes sustainability and creates 103 full time jobs

UBC campainging ~ UBC does hold the balance of power

Canvassing through polls 22 & 23 ~ the positive response in this poll is incredible, people are signing up for memberships and making donations (News Flash: George Puil is supporting the Liberal candidate, no real suprise, Mr. Puil put in decades of public service ~ thx, he does note the rise of Green Parties around the world, sure hope politics doesn't mean that my garden will be fertilized by someone)

Campaigning and yoga ~ Eoin Fynn, love the support from Vancouver's reflective and belly laughing yoga instructor champion, 45 voters

Campaigning at Jason Mogus house warming ~ an unexpected and brief chat, there's a guy who's changing the world on line for the better

Candidate training video's: The Candidate, Primary Colors, Bob Roberts

Candidate schedule this week:

CiTR interview, UBC Campaigning, Energy lunch, poll 45 canvassing, candidate coaching session, WCWC election event, Public Education Forum

7 wine and cheese ~ coffee and conversation parties on the schedule ... let me know if you'd like to attend one

Out of the blog and into the campaign,
Damian

Post Secondary Education

2005-03-08T20:18:00.000-08:00

The BC Green Party is committed to eliminating all postsecondary tuition fees. This would be phased in over time, but is necessary to allow improved access for all British Columbians to higher education. When Gordon Campbell came to power in 2001, he promised a 5% reduction in tuition fees. Instead his government has doubled tuition fees for all postsecondary students over the past four years. Three months before the election he’s promising to tie future tuition increases to inflation only. Do you believe him?

What’s worse is that none of the money from tuition fee increases has gone into education funding. In 2001, tuition fees were $450 million and postsecondary funding was $1.8 billion. Today, tuition fees are $900 million and postsecondary funding is still $1.8 billion. So where did the students’ money go? To pay for corporate and high-income earner tax cuts, of course. So let’s get rid of Gordon Campbell! For a candidate committed to higher education, vote for Damian Kettlewell and the Green Party!”

Come out Thursday, 7:00 - 9:00 PM to the Campoverde Social Club 1660 Cypress St (1st Ave in Kits) ... see you then, Damian

Pre - writ reflections 1

2005-03-02T22:03:00.000-08:00

Good evening,

Welcome to the inaugural blog posting for my campaign in Vancouver Point Grey.

I was reflecting on what sort of opponent I am up against in Gordon Campbell who is the incumbent in Vancouver Point Grey. Well one thing is for sure, he has a ton of money to spend.

Heck, the Liberals outspent the Greens by over $140,000 in the 2001 election in this riding alone.

How could I possibly win considering that amount of campaign spending by Gordon Campbell?

Then I got to thinking - how much did it cost Gordon Campbell for each of his votes? Well folks, it works out that each vote cast for Gordon Campbell cost his campaign over $10.

Then the light went off ... how much did each Green vote cost in 2001?

Well, the Greens in this riding spent $0.28 cents per vote ... that's right only 28 cents per vote ...
And that won the Green candidate over 21% of the vote!

It made me realize that the Green Party message resonates deeply with voters here.

It also gave me optimism that no matter how much Gordon Campbell spends on his re-election the Green Party still has a good chance of defeating him in this riding.

I'm really excited to get out and meet more folks in my neighbourhood and talk about what's important to them.

Please feel free to post your thoughts and concerns about issues important to you. Let's kick off this campaign and get the discussion going.

Cheers,
Damian