Reclaiming Summer: Prioritizing Outdoor Play for Canada’s Youth
For generations, summertime in Canada has been defined as a season of play for children. However, what was once a formative part of childhood development is increasingly being replaced by “screen time.”
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Help Shape Canada’s National Strategy to Advance Environmental Justice and Address Environmental Racism
About the Strategy As mandated in the National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice Act, the federal government must publish the official Strategy by the end of 2026. The Strategy must: Identify and address environmental... Read more
Why is Mark Carney Undermining Our Environment?
I have noted several times recently in these columns that Mark Carney’s mandate letter to his cabinet a year ago does not identify the environment as one of the government’s seven priorities; indeed, the word ‘environment’…
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903 Admirals Road: Bill 16, Green Infrastructure, and a Potential Shift in Esquimalt Policy
Could Bill 16 help protect trees rather than remove them? Using 903 Admirals Road as a case study, this article explores how smaller building footprints, green infrastructure, and smarter site design could preserve urban forests.
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BC Heat Collaborative Launch
The BC Heat Collaborative will officially launch at the end of this month, coinciding with the 5 year anniversary of the 2021 BC Heat Dome. The launch includes an event at Vancouver City Hall on Sunday June 28th, 1-2:30pm. More details on the Vancouver event here. How... Read more
For Good Measure: A Handbook on Advancing Water Metering in British Columbia
Released this month, this handbook offers a practical path forward for provincial decision-makers to achieve universal water metering within the next decade. Universal water metering supports conservation, enables fair and transparent cost recovery, enhances overall... Read more
Watershed Security Matters
To offer insight on how British Columbians want to move into an increasingly uncertain water future, this brief analyzes trends over 10 years of surveys and polls on public attitudes on fresh water in B.C. The authors highlight three crosscutting takeaways and the... Read more
Better Government Coordination on Wildfire Resilience Will Make B.C. Stronger
Victoria, B.C. lək̓ʷəŋən territory: New research from the POLIS Wildfire Resilience Project, based at the University of Victoria’s Centre for Global Studies, recommends a transformative shift within the provincial government to address the growing wildfire crisis in... Read more
Share Your Thoughts on Saanich Climate Plan
The 2026 Climate Plan: 100% Renewable and Resilient Saanich will be presented to Saanich, BC Council on Monday, June 22nd for approval. Share your thoughts on the 2026 Climate Plan with Council, email council@saanich.ca. Attend the meeting in person or online (learn... Read more
Indigenous Histories in Vancouver: Exploring the Places That Matter
In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, it is essential to recognize the impact of Indigenous heritage in Vancouver. This can be achieved by exploring the Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s “Places That Matter” project.
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Stand Up for the Arts
The Province of BC’s Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services is seeking written input as part of their Budget 2027 consultation process. The BC Alliance for Arts + Culture encourages British Columbians to contribute toward the consultation... Read more
BC’s Budget 2027 Consultation is Closing Soon and Nature Needs Your Voice!
Right now, the BC Government is consulting with people across the province on next year’s provincial budget. This is your chance to encourage the BC Government to invest in protecting nature. Protecting nature is key to thriving communities, healthy ecosystems, and a... Read more
BC Budget Consultation – by 2 pm, June 19
The NDP Budget Committee is accepting written submissions for its 2027 Budget. What should we be asking for? You can make up to three recommendations, with an explanation for each. Participate by using the submission form HERE. We have set up a google doc to share... Read more
Flood the Consultation: Don’t Fast-Track Destruction
The Government of Canada is proposing major legislative changes that would make it easier for mega-corporations to profit while our communities and the planet suffer the consequences. Act now. See email template to send critical feedback to Prime Minister Carney and... Read more
One of the Strongest Marine Protected Areas in the World
Six First Nations, BC and Canada will preserve and steward a large chunk of the Central Coast. That means no pipelines. The area will be protected under Indigenous law, and known as Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon, pronounced “Me-ah-yall-twa Ha-lee-joh-gom hOH-own,”... Read more
We CAN End Capitalism, and Build Instead a Kind, Green, Cooperative Economy
Introduction If you think of capitalism as the global entanglement of everything financial and economic, then for sure, it feels like a pretty wild dream to imagine that we could disentangle it all and establish something different. It is a pretty wild dream, because... Read more
Birding 101 and 10 Fun Family Outdoor Ideas
Connect with nature by enjoying some of these simple fun things to do outdoors with children, family and friends. Bird names might be half the fun, but the real joy of birding goes far beyond. There’s something deeply rewarding about slowing down, tuning in and... Read more
What is the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region? (PNWER) and What Are its Connections to Big Oil?
I’d like to shine a spotlight on one of the South Island Prosperity Partnership’s members: The Pacific Northwest Economic Region. (PNWER) Two years ago, I wrote an Open Letter to SIPP. In the letter, I asked them the following question: “SIPP’s membership includes an... Read more
New Forest Act Roadshow Active in BC
The New Forest Act Roadshow launches this week across British Columbia to dispel the following myths about forestry in BC. MYTH #1: Mill closures are mostly about tariffs and markets Reality: Markets matter. But depleted forests matter too. Good timber is becoming... Read more
Celebrating Peace and Community
Did you know that Creatively United for the Planet non-profit society lends support to our community in a number of ways, including showcasing more than 270 non-profit organizations in our free non-profit directory and their events, including the new International... Read moreBC Wants to Extend the Wolf Cull
Is killing wolves ever justified as a conservation tool? And what does it say about humans — and our relationship with wildlife — when we choose “predator reduction” over real solutions? For over a decade, the B.C. government has been gunning down wolves and calling... Read more
Aerial Arts Meet Ocean Activism in Island Circus Space’s “Entanglements”
Integrating the art of aerial acrobatics with aquatic imagery, “Entanglements” explores the increasing effects of climate change on Canada’s oceans and marine organisms.
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Action Alert: Canada’s Species at Risk Act is at Risk
Economic development should not come at the expense of the laws that protect endangered wildlife. Canada does not need to choose between a strong economy and a living planet. The real test is whether we protect not only endangered species, but also the laws that stand... Read more
A Sequel We Don’t Want
The conflict in the Persian Gulf has caused the greatest disruption in world oil supply in history. Canadians have felt immediate consequences from this oil shock, through much higher prices for gasoline and other petroleum products. But that is just the beginning of... Read more
Summer on the Yintah
The Unist’ot’en clan continue to fight against industrial development on their sovereign Yintah. Instead of two work parties, they are doing one extra long one, August 1st until September 7th, and can use help. All skills are welcome but especially: skilled... Read more
Open letter Density Without Demolition – A Politically Viable Solution for Climate and Housing Resilience
The View Royal Climate Coalition urges Minister Boyle to adopt “Density Without Demolition.” This strategy promotes adaptive reuse and internal home conversions over demolition, offering a faster, cheaper, and climate-resilient path to housing density.
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A New Approach to Lower Housing Costs: A Cooler, Cheaper (leafy) Path to Housing
Greater Victoria needs Density Without Demolition. Adaptive reuse adds units without the high cost of full-lot rebuilds, protecting tree canopies and cutting infrastructure fees. B.C. needs conversion codes and co-op tools to keep housing affordable.
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Protecting the Great Bear Sea
CPAWS-BC is calling for the establishment of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) network, co-developed with Indigenous partners, to safeguard the vibrant network of life in the Great Bear Sea. This network will preserve marine biodiversity, enhance ecosystem resilience, and... Read more
Saanich DRAFT 2026 Climate Plan Phase 2 Engagement Survey – Have Your Say!
The District of Saanich is inviting residents to read the DRAFT 2026 Climate Plan Update and share feedback before the final plan goes to Council. The DRAFT 2026 Climate Plan is an update to our existing 2020 Climate Plan and has been informed by extensive research,... Read more
‘Fairy Creek’ – Documentary
A new feature film documenting the unprecedented campaign of civil disobedience on Vancouver Island, and some of the disturbing police tactics it unleashed. -Knowledge Network Watch here Read more
No Taxpayer Money for American LNG!
Nearly 5,000 people have sent letters to the board members of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, demanding they vote no on a massive public loan for Ksi Lisims LNG. This Wall Street scheme can’t survive without public money. Add your voice, and urge them to hold the... Read more
Why Are Our Political Leaders Such Fossil Fools?
I understand why the fossil-fuel industry pursues growth in the extraction and consumption of fossil fuels. It’s all about making money and damn the consequences. But how can any responsible political leader at this point push for more fossil-fuel extraction and use?
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The Elderberry: A Symbol of Climate Resilience in Canada
As a natural resource, the elderberry is cherished for supporting ecological conservation and personal wellness. Beyond its nutritional value, the elderberry may also represent something greater, such as a symbol of resilience amid climate change.
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Suzanne Simard Forest Panel
Thanks to Laura Lynch and the What on Earth team for this fantastic Earth Day podcast featuring Suzanne Simard, who became famous for her work about how trees communicate through a forest web; Tsimshian scientist Teresa Ryan, Kwakwaka’wakw artist and hereditary chief... Read more
Compassion & Democracy
This short talk should resonate far and wide. John Ralston Saul presents a historic and unique look at compassion from the perspective of foreign policy, democracy and war. Saul is the husband of Adrienne Clarkson, a now retired Canadian journalist and stateswoman who... Read more
When It Comes to Sustainability, Ottawa Ignores an Inconvenient Truth
Last week, I began an analysis of the federal government’s draft Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, which somehow manages to ignore planet Earth, fails to mention planetary boundaries or our ecological footprint, or to recognize ecological limits and the need to invest in…
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All UDI Municipal Memberships on Vancouver Island Eliminated. What’s next?
It took about 4 years for all 8 municipalities on Vancouver Island + the CRD, to withdraw their memberships in the UDI, a lobby for development and real estate interests. This is what happened in the process, and what is still yet to be determined.
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Re.climate.ca’s Four Steps to Breaking the Spiral of Silence
Re.climate.ca’s Four Steps to Breaking the Spiral of Silence – A Users Guide for Communicating Climate Change and Solutions is available as a short resource guide here. Watch the webinar video replay here. Follow along with slides here. Related Links: ... Read more
Improve Old Growth Ecosystem Conservation
Please write in support for the Improve Old Growth Ecosystem Conservation Resolution to your Municipal Government reps. SILGA votes on this resolution end April 2026 and if passed, the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) vote Sept 2026. Thank you.
Read moreBalancing Nature’s Needs with Fire Protection: Protecting Trees, Dispelling Myths
Are we putting too much emphasis on targetting trees as a fire threat while we trustingly leave our highly flammable, plastic-laden vehicles parked in or next to our residences? Creatively United presents this free webinar/conversation and Q&A with some of BC’s... Read more
Urgent Need for a Windfall Profits Tax on Oil and Gas
“No great fortunes can be accumulated out of wartime profits.” — J.L. Ilsley, Canada’s Second World War finance minister As in the past, this illegal war appears to be lasting considerably longer than its US protagonists initially claimed. And even if this ostensible... Read more
Draft Sustainable Development Strategy Misses the Mark
Thirty-nine years ago, Gro Harlem Brundtland, prime minister of Norway and chair of the World Commission on Environment and Development, presented its report to the United Nations. That report, Our Common Future — widely referred to as the Brundtland Report — proposed the concept of sustainable development…
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Nature In Pause: Liz Charsley’s ‘Fermata’ Opens at Gage Gallery
Liz Charsley’s new art exhibition, “Fermata”, opens at Gage Gallery, capturing the stillness of Vancouver’s natural landscape through charcoal.
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Citizens Fight to Save Cable Bay Forest
Pacific Wild is backing local heroes defending the biodiverse lands surrounding Cable Bay Trail near Nanaimo – home to wildflower meadows, old-growth forests, and shoreline habitats adjacent to Dodd’s Narrows, an important feeding ground for sea lions, whales and... Read more
Save the Tsitika! Ancient Trees Auctioned to the Highest Bidder
Cutblock TA1375, identified as a Priority Oldgrowth Deferral Area, was auctioned off this March by BC Timber Sales to West Coast Log Salvage, Corp., despite outcry from scientists, forest professionals, and the public. While logging has not yet begun, the window to... Read moreWhat the Fish? Marine Jargon Explained.
Fisheries laws and management plans may be public, but they are often buried in dense, technical language that makes it difficult for the public to understand and hold decision-makers accountable. This glossary of 28 key fisheries terms is designed to change that. By... Read more
New Mapping Reveals Critical “Cooling Centres” for Salmon in the Warming Coldwater River
As rivers across Western North America face climate change-driven record-breaking temperatures, Raincoast Conservation Foundation, in partnership with the Scw’exmx Tribal Council and nłeʔképmx Guardians from Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly, have released a groundbreaking... Read more
Café Books: Rx for Hope
I have begun to think of Café Books as more of an apothecary than a bookstore. You can send them a prescription for almost any kind of moral dilemma, philosophical contradiction, scientific ambiguity, urgent mental uplifting or any other ailment of spirit that you... Read more