Filed under: Halifax Cluster
Kairos Halifax cluster Minutes: March 6th, 2013
Barat House
Chairing the meeting: Bill Lewis
l. Welcome and Introductions:
Present: Bill, Carolyn, Wyn, Theresa, Linda, Gail, Gerry
Regrets: Ruth, Lindsay, Sharon, Debbie, Mary, Fran
Guest: Shannon MacLean
2. Opening Reflection: Bill led as Mary was absent. Bill spoke about the importance of protection of the land and waters and also spoke about Indigenous peoples being divided. He spoke of the loss of protection such as a reduction of waterways that are protected and federal environmental assessment: Examples are a reduction of lakes protected from 32,000 to 97 lakes and 2.25 million to just 62 rivers – which means a shocking 99% of Canada’s waterways have lost protection. These changes were made without consulting First Nations’ peoples. Theresa shared Bill’s concerns about water and environmental protection citing the documentary film she has seen, “Chasing Ice”. Bill supported her comments by advising that Iceland and the North West Territories are also being negatively affected. He remarked on our participation in the water ceremonies that have taken place the past 5 years on Mothers’ Day in Point Pleasant Park, Halifax, and also Stanley Park, Vancouver.
3. Finances: Gerry advised that there is now a charge appearing each month on our bank statement for deposit and withdrawal costs. Gerry is concerned about this since we are an NGO with very little money and were told we would not be charged this fee. She intends to revisit this matter with the bank and will report again next month.
4. Business arising from the Minutes:
a. Priority: Plan for visiting speaker from El Salvador March 24 and 25 – Sandra Carolina Ausencio
The meeting began with the viewing of a video entitled: “Remember the Land”, produced by Kairos, to familiarize us with Canada’s connections with most of the world’s mining industries and the destructive impacts they have on peoples, the environment and life itself. The film focuses on our faith that motivates us to act to protect the land from destruction such as from extractive industries. We are called to be in solidarity with those who are affected – to educate and build awareness, to hold corporations and governments accountable, and to support legislative changes that can make a difference. This film prepares us for the visit of Angelica, widow whose husband was killed by employees of a Canadian mining operation in El Estor, Guatemala and who is taking the mining company to court, and also the visit of Sandra Carolina Ausencio who is an educator, activist and environmentalist working to stop Goldcorp from developing another destructive mine near the border of Guatemala and El Salvador.
Angelica’s story: Her husband was killed and she was gang raped. She is asking that churches assist the workers and community. Workers have been evicted from their homes because of their objections, while those who are hired to evict their neighbours are paid $8 for each eviction. Angelica has come to Canada to have her case heard, not seeking money, but justice. The cases to be heard are pertaining to negligence, gang rape and illegal evictions. The court wished redress to occur via explanation and apology; none has been received. Another case involved a tiny woman who faced down dozens of police officers as she rejected the mistreatment of others. Following her defence, homes were burnt to the ground in retaliation. Angelica said she is here to provide her solidarity to her community. The attackers say there is no proof they committed these crimes. When asked why she would bring her case to Canada, she replied that the people are associated with Canada. Because human rights have been violated by these companies we must stand up for each other. Canadian people and the Canadian government have supported these mining companies including now connecting CEDA and Canadian mining companies as they join hands to benefit business.
Sandra, coming to speak March 24 and 25, is being sponsored by the United Church, Kairos, The Council of Canadians, Mining Watch Canada, and Breaking the Silence. She will speak about the proposed Goldcorp mining expansion alone the Guatemala and El Salvador border which is being rejected by the people in that area. The company Goldcorp is well known by churches and solidarity groups who are familiar with the company’s negative impacts in Guatemala. She will speak at Dal Sunday at 7 PM. Cleve Higgins, whose family’s Christmas tree farm is being expropriated for a gold mine in Moose River, will be a responder.
Monday morning at 10:30 AM she will meet with Kairos and United Church people at St Andrew’s United Church to discuss possible actions we can take here to support her efforts and the concerns of United Church people whose pension funds are invested in Goldcorp. Our Kairos Halifax group is hosting the Monday morning gathering which will include a light lunch. Mary will provide soup; Wyn will bring cornbread; Gail will bring some sandwiches; Theresawill bring some cookies; St Andrew’s Outreach Committee will provide coffee and tea; (other offerings are invited and welcome).
b. Other matters from the minutes:
– Meeting space: Bishop Sue, Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and PEI, offered our Kairos group meeting room space, both small and larger, in the new Diocesan building. (Kairos Halifax had been meeting in the old Diocesan building before it was torn down and replaced. Theresa and others from Barat Residence offered their space to meet our ‘temporary’ need which has lasted 3 years.) It was agreed that we will continue to meet at the George Wright House, 989 Young Ave, for the next three months until our summer break. Theresa will book space for us for April 3rd, May 1st, and June 5th.
– Thanks for donation of appreciation to Barat House: Theresa thanked Kairos for the floral gift of thanks that she received and commented that it had lasted for a week.
– Violence Against Women: Wyn spoke to references made by one of the coordinators who attended the Feb. 14th, Victoria Park, global day of action against violence against women, who she felt had introduced an unfortunate level of vulgarity into her overview about forms of sexuality between the genders. If this had to do with the murdering of 1st Nations’ women, Wyn felt that we must monitor our words before voicing them in order that our agenda be clear, replete with dignity to honour those deceased, and free of misinterpretation as to what we are objecting to. Wyn has put together some of the work which has been done and others expected to occur as it pertains to inquiries which are being entered into by police departments both in Nova Scotia and elsewhere which she plans to present at our next meeting April 3rd.
– Affordable Housing: Wyn advised that a debate was to occur Feb. 13/13 arising out of Motion 331 made in May 2012 which is now being seen as Bill C400. This bill refers to development of a national strategy known as the Secure, Adequate, Accessible and Affordable Housing Act. MPs from all parties voted in favour of M331. On Feb. 27, 2013, the vote took place with 153 against and 129 for Bill C400 which led to its defeat.
– “We share common ground” gathering of Idle No More and allies at Tatamagouche Centre Feb. 16th: Billy and Linda were most impressed with the numbers who turned out which was twice as many as had been expected. Linda attended the event and found it to be an excellent time of learning and sharing. She pointed out that she has shared via email a power point re Idle No More that was shown there and also a statement re the responsibilities of allies (let her know if you didn’t get these).
– Idle No More treaty rights: Bill stated that he is very concerned about treaty rights, Peace and Friendship and others, but also about how Indigenous peoples are being divided by the Indian Act, by the Harper government and by focus on issues that are divisive. Some young women are currently fasting re concerns about treaty rights. Bill emphasized the need for Idle No More and allies to come together and focus on what we have in common – such as concern for water. Gerry suggested that there are several relevant dates that could be used as a time to come together around water such as World Water Day March 22nd, Earth Hour March 23rd, Earth Day April 22nd, and Mothers’ Day May 12th.
– Kairos banners and placard: Wyn said she hopes to bring the one she is working on to the next meeting. The two Heidi is working on may also be ready by the next meeting.
– From the minutes to be discussed at the next meeting: report from Mary who represents us on the Kairos regional coordinating committee and report / discussion led by Mary, Lindsay and Sharon re ways to increasing public relations, awareness and support of Kairos especially among our church families and those entering the ministry.
5. New business:
Pay Day Loans: Carolyn provided handouts pertaining to the issue of Pay Day Loans outlining the high interest amounts which escalate as the number of loans requested increases. The information sheet is an excellent resource for anyone. She said that the issue will not be dealt with at the legislative level until fall. Carolyn also shared the 2012 Annual Report for the Face of Poverty consultation containing the achievements of the organization. Michael Bradfield, with Face of Poverty, is seeking data pertaining to those who have experienced negative outcomes from their interaction with Pay Day Loans and are willing to share those experiences. Mr. Bradfield may be reached at 423-7706.
6.Announcements/upcoming events: Gerry mentioned that there will be celebrations on March 8th, International Women’s Day. She also reminded us that the evening of March 23rd is Earth Hour when we are all invited to turn lights off from 8:30-9:30PM as a time uniting people to save energy and protect the planet.
7.Next meeting: Wed. April 3rd; 1:30 PM, at George Wright House, Young Ave
Respectfully submitted,
Wyn Farnell, secretary
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