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COSN Federal NDP Updates | August 2022
At The Moment - Salmon, Reconciliation & Resilience
We are already well into August! The NDP has been busy in the COSN riding, hosting and attending events, as well as doing the work of keeping local and farther reaching conversations alive in the summer months. As we take a few moments to reflect on and characterize what has been happening, the word that comes to (my) mind is resilience.
Stories of salmon returning in numbers is heartening. The news of ongoing salmon habitat restoration is exciting, especially when the work is done in a sustained way, upholding treaty rights in the Pacific Northwest of Washington State (link: Tribal Hatcheries and the Road to Restoration | The Tyee), and locally, through an Indigenous-led collaboration of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, Ktunaxa Nation, Secwépemc Nation, with the Canada and British Columbia governments involved in the Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative at https://columbiariversalmon.ca/. People have been through a lot. The extreme weather events have been hard to adjust to. Many people are trying to make sense of the chaos of constant environmental change and yet, good things still happen. People are resilient and communities come together to do things better.
Social resilience means people are able to express diverse responses to the events that present themselves. Significantly in the past few months were the complex responses to the Pope’s visit to Canada. The trip was intended to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Call to Action #58: “We call upon the Pope to issue an apology to Survivors, their families, and communities for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in the spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children in Catholic-run residential schools.”
The Pope’s visit was heralded by some as an important first step, and only the beginning of what will take years to develop into true restitution and reparations. For an excellent piece detailing where this ought to lead, read more at The Conversation.
After the Pope had left, The Tyee published a response by Cindy Blackstock, Gitxsan and executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. She gave some context for a succinct list of immediate actions that the Pope needs to follow up on (link: https://thetyee.ca/).
Back to resilience. It may take years for this to-do list to be worked through, and like the salmon returning, there will be many ladders to jump. So we need to persevere and keep the conversations going.
In this summer issue of COSN Updates, we begin with All Around the Riding featuring May's Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in Kelowna, the NDP at the Kelowna Pride Parade and the COSN NDP Executive’s visit to Keremeos in July. We then move on to Checking In with Joan Phillip, who shares her thoughts on aligning our COSN constitution and bylaws with UNDRIP and uplifting Indigenous women in politics. From there, we have more Reporting in the Riding beginning with the tragic news of the passing of Diddy Evans, a longtime NDP member who played an important role in Joan Phillip's 2019 and 2021 campaigns, and then more from COSN Executive members, where Grand Chief Stewart Phillip reports on attending the Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly, and Denise Williams brings us some community updates from Merritt. Standing on the Soapbox continues with Trevor McAleese addressing the need for public telecommunications in the wake of the recent Rogers outage, and Donna Stocker continues her series on voting systems by offering her thoughts on Single Transferable Vote.
As always, we extend an invitation to the entire membership to contribute to upcoming editions of COSN Updates. If you have an opinion, a story, an event or a photo that you want to share with the COSN NDP, please contact:
• Jeannette Angel (jeannetteangel.ndp@gmail.com), or
• Trevor McAleese (trevor.mcaleese@gmail.com)
Lim’limpt,
Jeannette & Trevor (President & Vice President, COSN Federal NDP Riding Association)
All Around the Riding
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
by Trevor McAleese
A highlight from the end of May was a get-together barbeque of people involved in Joan Phillip’s 2021 campaign hosted by EDA president Jeannette Angel in her Kelowna back yard. Joan expressed her gratitude to all those who helped her candidacy achieve its noteworthy second place finish in last fall’s federal election, and speaking at the dinner were Pauline Terbasket and Rosalie Yazzie, two strong Indigenous women integral to Joan’s campaign, whose words were powerful and inspiring.
Significant at the dinner was the sockeye which traveled all the way from Vancouver Island, and it was none other than Rosalie’s husband at Okanagan Select who sold the king salmon for the occasion. There is much to be said of salmon’s role in linking communities, and for the purposes of this appreciation dinner, we couldn’t have asked for a better example of interconnectedness and cooperation through food.
Thank you to all who were able to take part!
(Dale O'Flynn, May 2022)
COSN Executive Trip to Keremeos
by Trevor McAleese
In late July, the COSN Executive visited the beautiful town of Keremeos where Executive member Donna Stocker organized a public event at the historic Grist Mill. An open invite was extended to all constituents interested in meeting with Joan Phillip and the COSN Executive, and musical entertainment was graciously provided by local bluegrass performers Doe & Tom.
Local beekeepers Blair & Cheryl Tarves of Similkameen Apiary delivered a deeply insightful presentation that delved into the unique agricultural conditions of the Similkameen valley, a region they’ve gained an intimate knowledge of in their over three decades of raising bees.
We wish to thank all those who came to meet Joan, and we greatly appreciate the friendly and accommodating staff of the Grist Mill for hosting the event!
Cheryl Tarves (left) & Blair Tarves (center) of Similkameen Apiary (Jeannette Angel, July 2022)
(Joan Phillip, July 2022)
NDP Support in the Kelowna Pride Parade
by Jeannette Angel
Members from both the COSN and Kelowna-Lake Country NDP marched in the Kelowna Pride Parade on June 11th, which culminated in City Park with thousands in attendance. It was a celebratory occasion and positive to be back in the community for the first time in two years.
(Shasta McCoy, June 2022)
National Indigenous People's Day
by Jeannette Angel
June 21st was National Indigenous People's Day and celebrations of Indigenous life and culture were held by many organizations including the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society in Kelowna. The Society hosted a street event with drumming, dance, games and stories, as well as a number of outreach opportunities for Indigenous Youth.
(Dale O’Flynn, May 2022)
The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) used the nationally designated dated to skillfully release a statement of critical issues and ongoing struggles: https://www.ubcic.bc.ca/
Checking In with Joan Phillip
by Jeannette Angel
NDP COSN members have had more than one opportunity to meet in-person at outdoor events over the summer months and for this we are grateful.
Joan continues to be involved in meaningful ways at these events and in the ongoing functioning of the COSN executive. She has gently guided the alignment of the COSN NDP foundational documents, (the Constitution and Bylaws), with the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP). These revised documents will be sent out to the membership and then voted on at the COSN AGM in November 2022.
Joan, as a leader and a mentor, uplifts many Indigenous women in politics and public life. This was abundantly clear from the heartfelt stories shared at her Appreciation Dinner held in June. NDP member Rosalie Yazzie, a lawyer, as well as Vice-Chair and Director of BC First Nations Justice Council, expressed her gratitude for the guidance and inspirational public presence Joan Phillip has provided over the years. In addition, Indigenous activists Jessica Wood and Natasha Tony attended, excited to be at an event honouring Joan and her steadfast participation in social change through federal politics and grass-roots activism. Joan continues to be involved in meaningful ways at these events and in the ongoing functioning of the COSN executive. She has gently guided the alignment of the COSN NDP foundational documents, (the Constitution and Bylaws), with the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP). These revised documents will be sent out to the membership and then voted on at the COSN AGM in November 2022.
Joan’s words and actions are a constant reminder of the importance of staying present, being seen and continuing the fight for justice.
Back row: Pauline Terbasket, Joan Phillip | Seated left to right: Jessica Wood, Rosalie Yazzie, Natasha Tony
(Dale O’Flynn, 2022)
Reporting in the Riding
In Memoriam - Diddy Evans
by Jeannette Angel
Photo of Diddy Evans (left) submitted by Matthew Evans
Diddy Evans passed away on Wednesday August 10th, 2022 after sustaining multiple injuries in a car accident. Diddy was a teacher and longtime NDP member who was extremely helpful during Joan Phillip’s 2019 Election campaign and in the 2021 Covid election campaign where she helped distribute lawn signs in Summerland. She will be missed.
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip at the AFN Annual General Assembly
by Jeannette Angel
(Joan Phillip, July 2022)
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip spoke with the COSN NDP executive at the Grist Mill in Keremeos. He commented on the importance of continuing to gather people and build NDP support in preparation for a federal election down the road. While in-person public events are still challenging, Grand Chief signaled the importance of showing up and being seen.
GCSP also shared his experiences at the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Annual General Assembly (AGA), hosted in Vancouver, British Columbia, on the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh people, on July 5-7, 2022.
It was a profound honour for the COSN members to hear directly from Grand Chief and to recognize the complex roles that he and Joan occupy in their inter-connected communities. Joan is a member of the Tsleil-Waututh, and as the one of the hosting tribes, ensured the support for National Chief RoseAnne Archibald in the proceedings. This year’s AGA was a dramatic event because a forensic audit of the AFN was requested and this process was challenged. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip and Joan Phillip publically supported RoseAnne Archibald’s right to stand as National Chief and insist on a deep look at the AFN finances. The move was upheld and a forensic audit of AFN will occur.( link:
https://bc.ctvnews.ca/afn-votes-in-favour-of-a-forensic-audit-exploring-financial-decisions-over-last-decade-1.5978735)
The attending COSN NDP members witnessed the retelling of a moment in Indigenous politics that could inform federal Canadian politicians. National Chief RoseAnne Archibald has the strength of character, leadership skills, and support to demand accountability. She also has the humility to recognize that her actions are in service of a larger community and not just those in power (link:
https://www.aptnnews.ca/videos...)
I suspect that if more federal politicians were to follow RoseAnne Archibald’s example of political service and courage, it would be welcomed by many voting Canadians.
Community Updates from Merritt
by Denise Williams
The City of Merritt rescinded all evacuation orders on June 8th, 2022. Even though some homes are not liveable, people with properties in the flooded areas now have city utilities, such as electrical, water and garbage collection (link: https://home.merritt.ca/). There were no major flooding events in spring 2022, however flash floods on August 11th caused roads to be closed and damage to properties of homeowners recovering from last November.( link: https://cfjctoday.com/2022/08/12/...)
The BC government awarded $329,000 to the City of Merritt to update mapping and develop new flood mitigation plans. The province has also awarded a $500,000 grant related to economic recovery for communities impacted by the flooding. As of July 31st, there was still no access to Hwy. #1 via Hwy. 8 W. Reports indicate there is ongoing and significant progress, with helicopters working daily between Merritt and affected properties.
The Flood Relief Fund being distributed by the Merritt Rotary Club received just under $900,000 by the Hell or High Water Concert, a further $4500 was donated by Merritt equestrian Dana Cooke following her successful fundraiser to allow her to compete in the pre-Olympic trials. The Flood Relief fund has been instrumental in helping flood victims having difficulty accessing funds through conventional means or when funding has been slow in arriving. The Fund was started right after the flood by individuals donating to help those people affected by fires and floods in Lytton and the Nicola and Coldwater Valleys. It can be accessed by applying to the Merritt Rotary Club.
The City of Merritt partnered with the Community Resilience Investment program to launch a Firesmart rebate program in preparation for wildfire season in Merritt. A very successful Firesmart Day was held in Merritt. The event was well attended with much information offered about preparing homes to be fire resistant. The community of Logan Lake was basically saved from being completely destroyed last summer by the fire mitigation program. Logan Lake had been participating in the program for the previous five or six years. More information about the Firesmart Rebate Program can be found at https://firesmartbc.ca/resource/firesmart-assessment-work-hours-estimate-form-rebate-program/.
BC Rural Development Grants awarded $1 Million to the Small Scale Meat Producers Association to aid in the construction of a community abattoir, as well as $1 Million in funding to the Scw’emx Tribal Council for the Gateway 286 Project at the Southern Entrance to Merritt. Read more at https://globalnews.ca/news/8690811/....
In other funding news, $40,000 was raised by local athlete Darius Sam’s 100 km Ultramarathon Awareness Run a donation from the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary for the free men’s mental health services https://www.merrittherald.com/nicola-family-therapy-adds-free-mens-mental-health-service/.
High School Graduation ceremonies in June were held in public for the first time in three years. Aboriginal Graduation kicked things off in their traditional Graduation ceremony with an all time high of 91 graduates. The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology offers both Indigenous and non-indigenous students of School District #58 anImmediate Entry Bursary which pays tuition costs for up to two years if students transition immediately to the Campus after graduating from High School. The deadline has already passed for Sept 2022 but more information can be found here: https://www.nvit.ca/...
A report entitled “Extreme Heat and Human Mortality: A Review of Heat-Related Deaths in B.C. in Summer 2021” was presented by the BC Coroners Services. The recommendations, relevant to the the City of Merritt who are clearly impacted by high temperatures, resulted in a BC guide for communities and individuals: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/
Standing on the Soapbox
We Need a Publicly Owned Telecommunications Network
by Trevor McAleese
The impacts of the Rogers network outage in early July that brought down telephone, internet, commerce, and emergency services across Canada stretched well beyond Rogers customers. While Rogers’ CEO has offered apologies for this network update gone wrong, promised some amount of compensation for affected phone & internet subscribers, and committed to new protocols & stronger failsafes in hopes of preventing a future outage of this scale, none of this addresses the real problem - private ownership of critical infrastructure. A telecom giant such as Rogers finds itself incentivized to invest as little as possible into the maintenance of its network when those profits could (and should, as per corporate credo) instead be paid out to shareholders.
Access to the internet is no mere luxury, yet Canadians relying on a private telecom such as Rogers are paying luxury prices for an essential service. We have a working model in this country of a publicly owned telecom, SaskTel, fully capable of delivering affordable, reliable internet that beats out the competition in both cost and dependability. The willingness of our federal government to accept the apologies of a corporate CEO and his company’s promises to do better when government services were themselves crippled by the Rogers outage shows, at best, a serious lack of vision. It is arguably within the purview of a responsible government to pursue the development of a nationalized telecommunications provider in the face of such failings by the private sector.
Earlier in June, Northwestern BC experienced a telecom outage that again offers us a clear example of just how essential access to telecommunications services are to modern life. We encourage you to read more on that in a thoughtful piece published by The Tyee - The Day Everything Stopped Working
Single Transferable Vote
by Donna Stocker
Single Transferable Vote was the agreed upon system that a Citizens’ Assembly offered to British Columbians through the BC Liberal Government in May 2005. This system is currently used at the national level in Ireland and Malta.
Single Transferable Vote (STV) is a ranked ballot system and is considered proportional. It works slightly differently from the Alternative Vote. Once a candidate gets 50% + one in overall votes, they are elected. Any votes the candidate receives in excess of the threshold needed to win are distributed to the second choice on each voter’s ballot. If no one candidate receives 50% + one of the votes in the first round, the candidate with the lowest number of votes is dropped. All of those votes are then redistributed to the second choices on each voter’s ballot. At this point in the process, there is more than one method of calculating the transfer value of the second and third choices. The method chosen by the Citizens’ Assembly is the Droop method. The results of the election are not known until all the votes are counted and the second and third choices are calculated.
This is a multi-member riding system that could result in multiple elected representatives from different parties representing a single riding. The ridings would become larger and could have up to seven elected representatives depending on their population density. Our riding, which is already huge, would become larger and would no doubt include urban as well as rural areas. Sparsely populated areas would have as few as one or two elected representatives, whereas densely populated urban areas could have as many as seven. Candidates would be grouped by party on the ballot but in random order. A party could run several candidates, so they would have to compete with candidates from other parties and within their own party. Using the BC example, if more than half of the elected seats were represented by a single party, that party’s leader would become Premier of the province. If no majority was evident, then the government would be formed as a coalition.
After gathering all the information I could on this system, discussing it endlessly, and waffling back and forth between yes and no, I finally voted “no” to STV as the proposed BC provincial electoral system.
I could not for the life of me see how this would work in rural areas and on a national level. In 2005, we were told that our district would be bigger but no boundaries were yet decided upon. We were also not told how many MLAs would represent us. Each party could run up to four candidates. In the past we have had as many as five political parties putting forward candidates, and with the STV system we could have as many as a dozen or more candidates traveling around a huge area, all trying to get our attention. STV would be very unwieldy provincially, but federally, with such vast, sparsely populated areas, it would be a nightmare.
I could see how Single Transferable Vote might work in urban areas but not in rural areas, and especially not in districts that feature both urban and rural populations. The number of votes in the urban areas would overwhelm the rural areas. I could envision being represented by 2 or 3 BC Liberal MLAs elected by urbanites from Kelowna. I wasn’t about to take that chance. So I voted “no.” I was also sure that if this system passed we wouldn’t get another chance at changing the provincial electoral system for years.
When the referendum failed to get the number of votes needed to pass, we were told that it was because we didn’t understand the counting system. This wasn’t the voters’ problem and the ballot would have been easy enough to understand. I’m sure that people were ready for a new voting system but just not that particular one.
In 2009 the BC Liberal government put forward another referendum offering us the same STV system, as if maybe we had finally come to our senses. That referendum felt like an insult and I voted “no” once again.
We had to wait until 2018 before we got another kick at the can - and I learned about an electoral system, Mixed Member Proportional, that in my opinion would work.
What's Next?
Through future editions of the COSN Federal NDP Updates, we look forward to shining a light on matters most pertinent to the people of our beautiful riding. In the Fall we want to plan events.
The pandemic has had a debilitating effect on our ability to imagine the next steps of organizing. One thing we have noticed is the need to accommodate the health and wellness of diverse people in political events.
What would make it easier for you to be involved?
Call or text Jeannette at 250-681-3692; or email:
• Jeannette Angel (jeannetteangel.ndp@gmail.com), or
• Trevor McAleese (trevor.mcaleese@gmail.com)
