[All] GREN news of interest featuring: Ontario & Fed, budget overviews

Sun Apr 1 22:27:19 EDT 2012

Here's news

International News

UN report: Clean Fleets for a Cleaner World estimates that road vehicles consume more than a third of the world’s supply of petroleum and contribute nearly one-fifth of global carbon dioxide emissions. These vehicles are also a significant source of air pollution which can adversely affect human health and the environment. In urban areas, about 70 per cent of air pollution comes from road vehicles.

National News

Quick Budget Overview: in regards to Environment

The Budget secures 24 month limits to “streamline” the environmental review process for projects like the Northern Gateway oil pipeline, which would currently take up to six years to be approved. Tories touted a “one project, one review” principle, so as to “ensure that Canada has the infrastructure we need to move our exports to new markets.” The Tories state it will encourage economic growth. Many are concerned that shorter review periods will give the public less time and fewer opportunities to be participate in assessments. The “one project, one review” principle may be insufficient to ensure that Canadians and the environment are reasonably protected. 

The Budget calls for $73,3 million in cuts to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans expected to be rolled out by 2014-2015. The Tories state they are expected to "restructure it's operations, consolidate international Services and leverage technology" to adapt.
The Federal Government's Budget has allocated 8 million to investigate charities to make sure they don't spend more than 10% of their revenues on "advocacy". To read how the Budget is trying to silence environmental critics, visit here: 
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Budget+Environmental+critics+target/6380876/story.html

Pembina just released their response regarding the Federal Budget saying Canada won't spend one penny for Green Energy
http://www.pembina.org/blog/616

How Canadians Can Help!
Politicians get thousands of "form letters" each month, but only a handful of personalized mail. To help save our fisheries laws, protective environmental review processes and to protect the right of environmental advocacy groups to retain their non charitable status, please write a physical letter to the Prime Minister and mail it to the address below. The postage is free. 

Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2

How much do Canadians pay for oil subsidies? Well in the time it takes you to click this link, big oil has received $2000! 
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/cameron-fenton/budget-2012-by-the-time-y_b_1364212.html

Local News

The Ontario Provincial Budget and Environment: MNR funding being reduced again. Must do more with less and rare species may suffer as a result:  http://cottagelife.com/46537/blogs/pennys-blog/the-2012-ontario-budget-and-the-environment

TurtleHaven Art Fundraiser 
Wednesday April 11th, 7pm-10pm at the Wax Nightclub at 125 King Street West. Original Art, Signed and Limited Edition Prints, Sculptures, Ceramics,Jewellery, Sports Memorbilia, and Indigenous Prints and Carvings and more! Funds go towards establishing a Nature and ReHab Centre for Waterloo Region. Tickets are $10.00 which includes a glass of wine and appetizers. Tickets are available at Edissi Art Gallery, located at 907 Fredrick Street Kitchener or online. For more info email uros at sympatico.ca.

The View from Here: Artists Against the Mega Quarry Art Show & Sale
Sunday April 22, 11am-5pm at Honeywood Arena, North Dufferin Community Centre, 706114 County Road,Honeywood, Ontario (2 km from the proposed megaquarry site)
This event features original works by more than 40 artists including Featured Artist - ED BURNTYNSKY widely acclaimed photographer. All proceeds go to the campaign against the Highland Mega Quarry. For more info visit their official site here:
http://www.artistsagainstthemegaquarry.com/home

Have a good one everybody!
Lulu 
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