In the Spirit of Gratitude and Remembrance
In the spirit of remembering how precious and fragile peace, democracy and autonomy is, and in honour of the innumerable lives lost in defence of these values, we express our immense gratitude. It’s been a year since Creatively United had the opportunity to... Read more
The Deeper Challenges Underlying Our Political Unease
Surveying the political scene after the recent provincial election, it seems to me there is a lot of discontent and unease out there. We saw the NDP ejected in favour of a relatively unknown, inexperienced and potentially fragmenting alternative, the newly minted B.C. Conservative Party. I am not so sure…
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Capitalism: A Global History
This book is quite astonishing. Over the past ten years I have read some 600 books on economics and economic history, and Sven Beckert’s book stands head and shoulders above them all. For Thomas Picketty, it’s “monumental, a must read.” Yes, it is 1,100 pages long,... Read more
How Are Canadian Pension Funds Invested?
Hundreds of Canadians turned up to the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board’s (CPPIB) public meetings across the country this past October to ask how their retirement savings are being invested. But despite people lining up at the microphones…
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Student-led Evening Bus Pilot Launches in B.C.’s Columbia Valley After Years of Advocacy
After nearly four years of work, a new evening bus pilot is finally running in B.C.’s Columbia Valley, giving residents another way to get around after regular transit service ends for the day. The Late Bus runs from Edgewater in the north to Canal Flats in the... Read more
Music Without Borders
A new podcast series exploring what it means to use music as a form of resistance. Music Without Borders founder and director, Laura Hassler, speaks to inspirational musicians about their art and activism. Listen here Read more
BC Voters Cheated by First-Past-the-Post
BC Conservatives receive 69% of the seats with 48% of the vote. BC voters cheated by first-past-the-post and pushed further towards a two-party system. The election results did not reflect what voters said with their ballots: The BC Conservatives got 69% of the seats... Read moreThe Case Against ‘Strategic’ Voting in BC
This video is a very good explanation of how the biggest political parties operate in BC and across Canada. Right now British Columbian voters have until Saturday, October 24th to decide who to vote for. Fear mongering and divisiveness is a hallmark of the status quo.... Read moreEsquimalt-Colwood Provincial Candidate Meeting Recording
Learn where the candidates for the Esquimalt-Colwood (including Vic West + View Royal) stand on a variety of issues. Hosted by the citizen-led South Island Climate Action Network (SI-CAN) and the Gorge Waterway Action Society. Moderator: Judith Cullington PROVINCIAL... Read more
Call for Indigenous Artists
OPPORTUNITY for Indigenous artists to create art for the entrance to Sooke Region Museum. Artwork created by Indigenous artist(s) from the local communities of T’Sou-ke, SC’IȺNEW̱, and Pacheedaht located at the Museum entrance.
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Bill-44 Should Be Front and Foremost During A Snap Election On Top Of An Election.
The Issue We the signed residents of British Columbia, call upon the Province of B.C. to repeal (or amend) BC Bill-44 (2023), in order to restore public hearings and municipal powers over zoning, which are being taken away by the bill. We do so, because Bill 44 is: 1.... Read more
Resources to Learn More About Truth and Reconciliation
Review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and the final report from the National Inquiry on MMIWG2S’s 231 Calls for Justice. Read a book written by an Indigenous author and watch CreativelyUnited.org’s Listening Once Again to Our Great... Read more
Please Vote! Saanich Municipal Elections Saturday, October 17, 2026
If you appreciate Saanich’s new active transportation infrastructure and want the network completed, please make sure you get out and vote on October 17, 2026. The District of Saanich, has been building much-need active transportation (AT) infrastructure,... Read more
Esquimalt Municipal All-Candidates Event Recording
Creatively United for the Planet Society, the Gorge Waterway Action Society, Esquimalt Climate Organizers (ECO) and Esquimalt United Church’s Social Justice Team hosted a Municipal All-Candidates event on Monday, October 5th to an overflow crowd at Esquimalt... Read more
Summit on Peace & Social Justice
Creatively United for the Planet was honoured to take part in a recent Summit on Peace & Social Justice outdoors at the Victoria Legislature lawns. Dozens of affiliated groups were represented, fabulous presentations were made, and a number of leading peace and... Read more
BC Election Ahead! Can You Deliver Door Hangers for Fair Vote Canada?
David Eby has just called a snap election in British Columbia, just two years after voters last went to the polls. This opportunistic gamble is only happening because of first-past-the-post. With all the challenges facing British Columbia and democracy, it’s never... Read more
Vote4Tomorrow Election Guide Helps Voters Decide
Climate and environmental groups across Greater Victoria and BC have prepared surveys for 2026 local election candidates that will appear on a new “Vote4Tomorrow” web site. Vote4Tomorrow.ca is an independent, non-partisan election guide showing where local candidates... Read more
Ecolens: A Platform for Sharing Climate Stories Across British Columbia
Ecolens is a publicly accessible online platform where people can upload a photo or image and pair it with a short climate story. Together, these stories create a growing map of how climate change is affecting communities across British Columbia.
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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Nature
There’s something quite satisfying about restoring nature and making a very tiny part of the world better. I suppose I’ve always known that, but it really struck home when we purchased the place we were going to retire to 15-years ago. We were still working fulltime,... Read more
Learn About People’s Action for US Issues
The news is heavy, and that’s intentional. The US regime is trying to inundate us with chaos so we become overwhelmed, tune out, and stop paying attention. Instead of turning away, we’re turning to each other. The People’s Tea, a biweekly, hour-long, virtual community... Read more
Trust, Justice and Well-Being Key Themes at Victoria Forum
How then should our society behave morally with respect to the inter-connected ecological, social, political, economic and ultimately ethical challenges we face? This was the underlying question behind this year’s Victoria Forum. The main themes were trust, justice and wellbeing, because “trust is eroding, injustice persists, and the world…
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How Can We End Capitalism?
In June, I shared my thoughts on how we can end capitalism, and build for ourselves in its place a kind, green, cooperative economy. This invites the obvious question: how? We need to do so because capitalism is driving our world to chaos and collapse. Its selfish... Read moreNature Activities and Climate Solutions Resources for Busy Parents, Educators and Nature Lovers
This free downloadable e-book for parents of children age 0 – 12, is filled with creative activities, practical tips, nature activities and climate friendly solutions. It will spark environmental awareness, foster nature stewardship and make sustainable habits a... Read more
Artists Invitation: Victoria At Dusk
Victoria at Dusk is inviting artists, designers, performers, community groups, and creatives to submit proposals for its winter celebration of light, art, and discovery. Taking place in downtown Victoria, the festival will feature a curated walking route of... Read more
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
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 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
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
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 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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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
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 moreNature 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.
Read moreCafé 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
Take Action: Stop Canada Post’s Sweeping Service Cuts
Canada Post has been given the green light by the Federal Government to move forward with sweeping service cuts to the public post office. Proposed cuts include: Ending door-to-door delivery in favour of community mailboxes; Closing rural post offices; Changing... Read moreSeeking Input on Saanich’s Draft Zero Waste Strategy
The District of Saanich is inviting residents to read the newly drafted Zero Waste Strategy and share feedback before the final plan goes to Council. Find the draft Strategy and survey: Saanich Draft Zero Waste Strategy Survey Developed through research, data... Read more
Will You Help Put Comfortable, Affordable Homes Within Reach for More Canadians?
A House of Commons petition is calling on the government to make energy efficiency a nation-building priority. We’re asking the federal government to set double the rate at which we improve energy productivity, and to end energy poverty. The benefits of... Read more
Is This the Way the World Ends?
ChatGPT has been all over the media, and none of the news is good. The mother of a Tumbler Ridge shooting victim is suing OpenAI (the mother company) for culpability in the mass killing. And a recent article in The Guardian expressed the deep concern of academics who... Read more
It’s Not Just the Ecosystem; Our Economy is Socially Unfit, Too
Last week, I discussed a couple of recent global-level reports that identify serious problems with our current economic system. In particular, the UN Environment Programme, in its 2026 report…
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Yes, There is a Problem With Our Economic System
In a recent article in the Hill Times, I noted that while Prime Minister Mark Carney was right to identify a rupture in the world in his Davos speech, he focused on the wrong rupture. The rupture he focused on — the geopolitical state of the world — is a minor inconvenience compared to the drastic impact…
Read moreHow Contemporary Art Is Reimagining the Climate Crisis
Vancouver Art Gallery’s upcoming exhibition “Future Geographies: Art in the Century of Climate Change”, is set to unveil the visual, and often misconceived, reality of global warming through contemporary art.
Read moreMaking Sense of BC Budget 2026
Lots of people are analyzing BC’s Budget Speech. I just watched this webinar – BC Policy Solutions – Making Sense of the BC Budget 2026 (text also at https://bcpolicy.ca/2026/02/17/bc-budget-2026/). The first two speakers from BC Policy Solutions were... Read more
Sustainable Living in Seniors Homes
One Planet Saanich and OneEarth Living, in partnership with the District of Saanich presents the Sustainable Living in Seniors Homes Action Guide – created specifically for 55+ stratas, independent living, and care homes – provides achievable ideas to... Read more
Volunteers Needed for Wild Animal Care
If you are passionate about wild animals and their welfare, want to invest 2-4 hours a week from April to September, and don’t mind cleaning up the odd animal mess, you may be exactly what the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) in Metchosin, BC... Read more