Occupy Newfoundland and Labrador: labrador

Showing posts with label labrador. Show all posts

Monday, June 24, 2013

Deer Lake Fracking Awareness Seminar Raises Difficult Questions for Black Spruce

From the 4 O'clock Whistle

Thirty five people showed up to a fracking awareness seminar in Deer Lake on the 19^th of June at the Hodder Memorial Stadium. Entitled “Facts on Fracking” the seminar presented a wide array of information on the history of the process and what is known about its potential effects. As those present learned, while some of the basic technology of fracking has been around for quite some time, slick water horizontal hydraulic fracturing is a relatively new phenomenon.

For example when companies assert that they have been conducting hydraulic fracturing since the 1940’s they are referring to vertical hydraulic fracturing. Horizontal slickwater “fracking,” by contrast, can be traced back to as early as 2002. Since much of the fracking fluid, which contains a complex mixture of chemicals (some of which are known to be carcinogenic or to have other health effects) remains underground after the process, the potential area affected by seepage into aquifers and towards the surface is greatly increased during horizontal fracturing. The fracturing could extend out as much as three kilometers, if not more, horizontally from each drill site in multiple directions, and one key problem is trying to control the fractures during the process. Several countries and states currently have moratoriums on fracking awaiting more information, as does the province of Quebec, and in many others there are growing demands for the institution of moratoriums.

Chicken Little?

Questions for Black Spruce on the possibility of Hydraulic Fracturing on the West Coast of Newfoundland

Based on the article “Municipal leaders express concerns about fracking” by Christopher Vaughan, The Western Star April 20, 2013

Since there have been no public consultations thus far by Black Spruce Exploration Corp. on their (and Shoal Point Energy’s) plans to conduct hydraulic fracturing on the West Coast of Newfoundland, there has thus been little opportunity to question the company on the health and environmental impacts which may result from such an undertaking. However some information from the company has been presented to municipal leaders at a consultation they were invited to, and thankfully reporter Christopher Vaughan was on site to record what had been said by Black Spruce representative David Murray. Vaughan’s article (subsequently published in The Western Star) has thus brought to West Coast some snippets of Murray’s presentation - a presentation which it appears raises far more questions than it answers. The following is a list of quotes from the before mentioned article, paired with responses that highlight a need for greater information.

“THE STUDENTS FIGHT BACK”

A 4 O’clock Whistle Documentary on the Recent Cuts to the College of the North Atlantic and the Student’s Response:

Including In-depth Interviews, Rally Footage, and Personal Messages from Students and Concerned Citizens

Saturday, April 6, 2013

PROVINCE WIDE RALLIES IN SUPPORT OF STUDENTS AT THE COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC

***Facebook event page for province wide rally points***

CORNER BROOK CNA DEMONSTRATION TO TAKE PLACE!

AS PART OF PROVINCE WIDE RALLIES IN SUPPORT OF STUDENTS AT THE COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC

This coming Wednesday, April 10^th at 12:00 PM, Students at the College of the North Atlantic in Corner Brook, joined by CNA students across the province, will walk out of the school to protest cuts to the CNA. The demonstration will start at the CNA at noon, and from there will march to the Sir Richard Squires Building.

All citizens of Corner Brook and the Surrounding Area, including the students, faculty and staff of Grenfell Campus are invited to join the demonstration in a show of solidarity.

Something to note: Memorial University is currently under review, and may be facing cuts in the future. It is IMPORTANT to point out that many of the programs that have been cut at the College of The North Atlantic had more students enrolled in them then there are in many of Memorial’s programs.

This is an issue that affects all of us, and now is the time to stand together!

Let’s show support for the students!

Come to the demonstration:

Wednesday, April 10^th at 12:00 PM, Starting at the CNA

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Fracking Awareness Group Media Release

Port au Port/Bay St. George Fracking Awareness Group

Media Release

March 19, 2013

Re: Port au Port /Bay St. George Fracking Awareness Group is asking Government to take a Precautionary Approach in the Regulation of Fracking for Oil and Gas.

A Letter from MP Gerry Byrne Regarding Proposals for Hydraulic Fracturing on the West Coast of Newfoundland

Dear Dr. Simpson:

Thank you for your email regarding the process of hydrocarbon extraction
through the process of hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’. While most oil
exploration and commercial production activity in Canada occurs exclusively
under provincial management and regulation, the federal government does
regulate offshore activity and that which takes place in the Canadian North.
Toxic chemicals, however, are under federal jurisdiction and the process of
fracking is understood to involve the introduction of various chemicals
including various acids and abrasives into the targeted rock formations and
is, therefore, very much under federal oversight.

Regular Talking Circles on the West Coast of Newfoundland to Address the Systemic Causes of Social and Environmental Injustice in the Province – First Talking Circle (March 17th)

The first in a series of Talking Circles (to rotate between St. Georges and Corner Brook) will be held on Sunday, March 17th starting at 2 pm in the Cultural Centre, St Georges. These circles will be aimed at addressing the systemic causes of social and environmental injustice in the Newfoundland and Labrador.

A talking circle is used as a way to organize group discussions in an egalitarian manner. Group members typically sit in a circle and discuss issues with simple rules: the talking stick, or other object, is passed around the circle, and the person holding the talking stick may speak though the "holder" may allow interjection. It can be a place where people come together for personal healing in search for new directions or to make amends. People participating are there to deal with whatever the subject is and talking stick encourages effective speaking and listening/acknowledging.

People's Assembly demos, Nov 18, 2012

Check out some of the images and video from the coordinated demonstrations earlier today. Big thanks to all the people that came out and showed solidarity! Please send us your images/videos to post!

Here's a link to some great pictures from the Rally for Democracy in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador this afternoon, organized by Friends of the Grand River/Mistashipu and Grand Riverkeepers. Here's their rally handout.

Solidarity with demonstrators in Labrador. More pics here.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Rethink Muskrat Falls protest — Nov 5, 2012

Concerned citizens gathered at Confederation Building this morning to urge people to rethink the Muskrat Falls project. Members of the group Friends of the Grand River/Mistashipu, along with supporters from various parts of the province, came out to make their voices heard! This is only the beginning. Solidarity!

Check out blogposts on other recent protests in Labrador here and here.


Note the upside down flags indicating distress

Protesters took their message to the roadside.
Lots of cars honked to show their support!

A small but lively group – sure to grow.

Solidarity.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Press Release: The True Cost of War

November 11, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

On this Armistice Day, Occupy Newfoundland would remind our federal and provincial governments that supporting our troops and honouring the dead means more than poppies and ceremonies. It means leaving no veteran behind. We encourage Canadians to reflect on the true costs of war, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Press Release: Demonstration Against the Omnibus Crime Bill C-10

For immediate release: November 4th, 2011
St. John’s, NL – The Occupy NL General Assembly is encouraging the public to join in a demonstration on Friday November 4 at the Supreme Court on Water Street, starting at 10 AM. Occupy movements across Canada will demonstrate at their judiciaries to send a message to the Canadian government regarding the Omnibus Crime Bill C-10, which is being rushed through Parliament without adequate public input.

'Tis the Season

The GA scheduled for tonight has been postponed due to weather conditions at Harbourside. Consequent to this and a decision of last night's impromptu assembly, the next GA will be at 8PM Tuesday, November 1st at Harbourside Park.

UPDATED:

via Twitter...

"We need donations at Harbourside Park: food, water, warm clothes, blankets, wool socks, sand for traction."

There is an impromptu meeting going on right now on the IRC channel. Click the link, pick a nickname, and join in.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Family Day Continues

Following a decision of the General Assembly, "Family Day" will be an ongoing event every Saturday at Harbourside Park. Please feel free to download a copy of the poster and distribute it as you see fit.

Other ongoing initiatives include the "Open The House" campaign as well as public education on the C-10 Bill.

Bill C-10

The General Assembly has decided to stand in solidarity with other Occupy groups nationwide to take action against the Omnibus Crime Bill C-10. To that end OccupyNL has planned an event for Friday, November 4th.

General Assembly for Wednesday

The General Assembly for 8PM Wednesday evening is being held at 40 St. Michael's Avenue in St. John's. These meetings are open to the general public.

Updates on meeting locations, times, and other general information is also now available via telephone; please call the Solidarity Line on the Contacts page.

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