Time for Canada to show leadership

MP Report

By Denise Savoie

Hats off to Victoria for putting on a top-notch party to celebrate our city's 150^th anniversary. It was an honour to be invited to say a few words at the August 2 festivities at Spirit Square. Elder Mary Anne Thomas of the Esquimalt Nation moved us all with her opening prayer. The bilingual ceremony recalled the time, 150 years ago, when the majority of the settlers were francophone. The visiting mayors from twin cities in Japan and New Zealand reminded us that we are enriched by our global partnerships. Victoria began as an outpost of the European Atlantic Empire, but the world has changed and we are part of the shift to a Pacific focus.

Now is the time for Canada to step forward and show leadership as part of the new geopolitical and trade reality. This must start at home. But there is no indication that our government plans to seize this opportunity to be leaders in anything but the off-shoring of good Canadian jobs, the export of our valued resources and the signatory to oil and gas developments that ignore the will of Canadians and the protection of our coastal environment.

In August I sent off my submission to the Enbridge Northern Gateway Joint Review panel, stating that the project is not in the public interest and whether defined nationally, provincially or locally should not be approved. I invite you to read my full 16-page submission on my website at

Locally, I have recently written to the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority about the new North American Emissions Control Area that comes into effect this fall and offers an opportunity to limit cruise ship emissions that are causing harm to many Victorians, particularly in the James Bay neighbourhood. It is my understanding that the new regulations will enable Transport Canada to enforce the new standards and heightened monitoring of air pollution. This would ensure that cruise ship and other emissions in and near Victoria are monitored and the rules enforced with the same rigour as they are in other populated areas such as Vancouver.

This month, another DOTS Rally for Mental Health is planned for September 8 outside the Provincial Legislature. James Bay Day is scheduled for September 15 - it's always a great celebration of one of Victoria's most vibrant communities. Eat Here Now 2012 takes place September 9 in Market Square and there will be a Chinatown Night Market September 12. And don't forget that the weekend concerts in Beacon Hill Park continue until September 14.