February 2023

United for Old Growth March and Rally -- February 25

Over 170 organizations have united to voice their support for the protection of old-growth forests in BC. On February 25, we will be coming together in Victoria to put pressure on the BC NDP government to keep their promise to protect the forests and provide effective forest stewardship.

Nanaimo Climate Action Hub will be there and we invite you to join us. We'll be meeting in Centennial Square at noon for the march to the legislature. Look for our banner.

The Council of Canadians Mid-Island Chapter is renting a bus to transport people to Victoria. The bus will depart Courtenay at 8 am, and stop in Nanaimo to pick up more passengers, and will leave Victoria after the event at 4 pm. Cost is $60. If you would like to reserve a seat on the bus, please email glengrunau@gmail.com with you name and cell phone number.

(Image: Elders for Ancient Trees)

Report on Annual General Meeting -- January 28

Thank-you to all who were able to attend our AGM and social gathering on January 28th. We enjoyed celebrating the past year's accomplishments, sharing good food, and listening to the musical talents of Tony Turner. We gratefully acclaimed returning directors Laurie Friskie and Kathryn-Jane Hazel for another term along with new directors Larry Whaley and Kevin Lindsay.

Acting for Climate Together

The Regional District of Nanaimo and the City of Nanaimo have introduced a new initiative, Acting for Climate Together (ACT). The ACT initiative hopes to inspire, educate and encourage existing groups (such as neighbourhood associations, community groups, sports teams and businesses) and individuals looking to form new groups to work together to take action. To participate, teams will complete suggested actions that are organized under six climate categories. When groups complete enough actions to earn the minimum points required for that category, they are awarded climate action badges and a chance to win fun, sustainable prizes.

Nanaimo Climate Action Hub will be registering to participate in this initiative and we invite our members to encourage the participation of other groups they belong to. Click here for detailed information on this project.

Restoration of E&N Railway

Shawnigan Lake resident and E&N Railway supporter Mary Desmond is calling on all those who support the restoration of the railway to write letters to Premier David Eby as well as their local MLAs and MPs.

The BC Court of Appeal has ruled that senior governments must commit to funding the E&N's restoration by March or part of the lands now occupied by the railway will revert to the Snaw-Naw-As First Nation.

Desmond has prepared an excellent backgrounder with points to use in individual letters. This article in the Cowichan Valley Citizen provides information on the First Nations perspective.

Looking Ahead...

Sue Big Oil -- A Made-In-BC Climate Campaign -- February 9

As a part of Climate Emergency Week at the University of British Columbia, this panel discussion will identify the key principles of the historic Sue Big Oil campaign, how it will work, and why it is essential to hold Big Oil accountable for their fair share of climate costs.  Here are details and links to attend in person at UBC or online.

Screening of Issue with the Tissue: A Boreal Love Story -- Feb 10

In celebration of Global Citizens Week, there will be a showing of the documentary Issue with the Tissue: A Boreal Love Story at VIU. This film documents the largely untold story of the boreal forest and the Indigenous Peoples who call it home, how it is being clear-cut for the manufacture of toilet paper, and that protecting and conserving the boreal is an existential imperative. The filmmakers will be present and will participate in a Q&A. For full details, click here.

Please Support Us!

We have an account with the Regional Recycling South Return-It Depot at 839 Old Victoria Road in Nanaimo. You can donate the money from returnable items by asking the clerk to credit the Nanaimo Climate Action Hub account. Thanks in advance for your support. It makes a huge difference!n is a new Teck. Change the text.

This newsletter is a publication of the Nanaimo Climate Action Hub. For more information, please click below:

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We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Snuneymuxw, Stz'uminus and Snaw-Naw-As First Nations.