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Major defeats are often opportunities for serious introspection. What happened? Why? How are similar circumstances avoided in the future? These are questions pondered by pundits and supporters of the Liberal Party of Canada after the bitter defeat they suffered in last May’s general election. [Read more…]
When someone disappears from your life, memories are all you have to fill the void. Angeline Pete disappeared in May 2011. Although many have come to know of Angeline as a missing person, her grandmother remembers her as a girl full of strength and happiness – a girl free to explore. [Read more…]
With the United States’ recent rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline, the debate around the construction and expansion of oil pipelines in B.C. has seen renewed vigour. Enbridge’s proposal to build the Northern Gateway project, which would see a twin pipeline running from Bruderheim, Alta. to the coastal city of Kitimat, B.C., would help expand Canada’s current oil exports to a growing Asian market. According to Greenpeace Canada, however, the potential environmental costs would far outweigh any benefits. [Read more…]
At this time last year, a memorial was unveiled at Halifax’s Pier 21 to mark the spot where the M.S. St. Louis would have docked in 1939, offering 907 German Jews security on Canadian soil. “Would have” are the key words. Canada turned the ship away, refusing entry to the passengers onboard. Of the 907 Jews returning to an uncertain fate in Europe, 254 did not survive the Holocaust. The memorial, appropriately called The Wheel of Conscience, is meant to shed light on a dark corner of Canadian history. [Read more…]
If you live in Canada, your chances of being attacked by a beaver are higher than your chances of being an innocent victim of violent crime. According to Statistics Canada, crime of all types has been decreasing steadily over the past few decades. [Read more…]
Eric Wong has dedicated his entire life to diversity and human rights, and in November of 2011 he was recognized for his efforts with a Honourable Mention at the 2011 Cultural Harmony Awards. [Read more…]
Since 2003, the PuSh International Performing Arts festival has been showcasing the talent and work of local and international artists. This year is no exception as the festival will feature several performances and shows until Feb. 4. [Read more…]
Taken from Nelson and Richards St., this picture presents 3 iconic buildings in Vancouver. In the foreground we have part of the Robson Square Complex built in the 70’s. The 2 towers in the background which are the main focus of this picture are the Electra on the left and the Patina on the right. What’s remarkable about this photo is that it makes 2 buildings appear to be side by side and the same height. However, the Electra has 21 storeys compared with the Patina’s 42 storeys, and they are on opposite sides of the street. [Read more…]
Established in 1974, the Vancouver Multicultural Society is the longest serving agency in British Columbia with the sole purpose of promoting multiculturalism. The agency acts as a base for ethno-cultural groups and organizations to come together and engage in dialogue. The society currently consists of a multitude of non-governmental organizations, ethno-cultural groups, private companies, as well as individuals. Their goal is to advance multiculturalism, social justice and anti-racism. [Read more…]
More than anything, I wished to move to an English speaking country for a year, to become bilingual and work in my field, which is accounting. In France, during a job fair, I found an organization offering to their members to enroll in a paying language school in Vancouver for six months, and to be allowed to work in Canada, evenings or on weekends coupled with work experience in my field for the following six months. [Read more…]
As 2012 begins, the full scope of the realignment in Canadian politics is becoming clear. Stephen Harper, who once held fragile minorities in Parliament and a tenuous grip on his own party, is now in complete control. Harper’s hegemony seems untouchable for the time being. [Read more…]
