Topic
Shelter is scarce and even 'jungle camps' are shut to the jobless and addicted. A Tyee special report.
Volunteers, including Chris Joseph (drumming) and Adam George and William Charlie (holding up main sign), gather to show support for the homeless in Smithers, B.C. Picture provided by Smithers Community Services Association/Broadway Place.
"What does homelessness mean to you," asks Herb, a middle-aged, homeless aboriginal man.
Suddenly, the five aboriginal men hanging out in a homeless shelter in Smithers look at me, waiting for a response. Herb, who was a little belligerent and a good deal drunk, wants to know how much I really know about homelessness. After spending an hour probing into his life and asking what it's like to be homeless in this small town in northern British Columbia, it only seemed fair.
"It's not having a place of your own," I answer somewhat awkwardly. "It's not having a place that you know will be there at the end of the day."
"No," says Herb, correcting me. "Homelessness means not having a safe place to sleep."
It sounds almost too simple when you hear it and even more troubling to know how hard it is to achieve. Before Herb moved into the Broadway Place Emergency Shelter nine months ago, he lived peacefully in the bush in jungle camps -- makeshift camps that are home to anywhere from one to a half-dozen homeless people. But when the police and drunk locals started tearing the camps down, he was forced to come into town.
'This town is a hard place'
Luckily, the Broadway Place opened last year, giving the town its only nine shelter beds. Although the shelter is already overcapacity, Herb is happy with the place. But there aren't really any other options for him. What social housing there is in Smithers is for families only. The handful of single room occupancy (SRO) hotels that once existed have all burned down or been condemned. A chronic alcoholic, no landlord will rent to him.
With temperatures dropping below -30 degrees Celsius in the winter, a safe place to sleep is the most he can hope for.
"This town is a hard place," says Herb. "If I could, I'd be back out there [in the jungle camps]. There's nothing for me here."
From Prince George to Prince Rupert, Herb's sense of hopelessness has been repeated more than a dozen times. Across northern B.C., the homeless and social workers say there is no affordable housing available and little opportunity to escape the cycle of homelessness and addiction. Predominantly aboriginal and struggling with alcoholism, the north's homeless have been quietly growing in their own communities. But with recession forcing the forestry industry to lay off thousands of workers, many predict the homeless crisis in the north is about to get much worse.
'Our homelessness is invisible'
Getting a grip on the actual number of homeless up north is pretty difficult. Unlike Metro Vancouver, which has done three homeless counts since 2002, smaller communities lack the resources and the ability to do the same. For one, the homeless up north aren't easy to find
"Our homelessness is invisible," says Sylvia Byron, agency coordinator for Vanderhoof's Omineca Safe Home Society, which runs the town's four shelter beds. "...People are smart. There's always a couch or an uncle or someone that if you give $20 can find you a place to stay. But they can't sleep in doorways because it's too cold. If they do, they're going to die."
Byron says the invisibility means social workers can only estimate the number of homeless based on how many people use the social services and what they think lies hidden behind closed doors.
Last year, as the critic for homelessness, NDP MLA David Chudnovsky toured the province and asked social service agencies what they thought the numbhttp://www.bcndpcaucus.ca/files/HomelessReport-low.pdfer of homeless, hidden and on the street, was in their community. In his report, Finding Our Way Home, Chudnovsky estimated there are close to 2,000 homeless people in northern B.C and at least 10,580 across the province. He now figures the numbers to be much higher.
"I was surprised with the depth and the breadth of the problem outside of the Lower Mainland and also very struck of the sense that people outside of Vancouver have that they're being ignored," says Chudnovsky, who I followed for four days in northern B.C. as he showed the homeless documentary, Our Way Home.
'A continuation of colonization'
What people do know is that the homeless population is the north is primarily aboriginal, anywhere between 60 and 100 per cent depending on the city or town. When I ask two managers at the Broadway Place shelter what percentage of the homeless in Smithers was aboriginal, they debate whether the number was 92 or 95 per cent.
"What we're seeing is a continuation of colonization," says Randene Wejr, executive director of Nechako Valley Community Services in Vanderhoof. "A lot of the homeless are residential school survivors, or are the children of residential school survivors."
But there seems to be little sensitivity to historical abuses up north and racism is much more overt. In Vanderhoof, a homeless native man named Arthur tells me stories about having white people throw bottles at him from their car as he tries to hitchhike back to the reserve. Walking around Prince George with a middle-aged homeless man named Brian who gave me a tour of the city's shelters and drop-in centres, I see white people move out of the way on the sidewalk for me, but refuse to move for him.
"It's not easy being native [here] even if you're not homeless," he says.
Making matters worse, there seems to be little coordination going on between the band leaders, the municipal government and the social service agencies, even though the homeless often migrate between reserve and town.
"There's a lot of conflicting interests," says Jeff Renaud, the acting-executive director of Lake District Community Services in Burns Lake. "But these different groups have to come together with an economic plan and work for the greater good of the community."
'People disappear'
In some northern communities, the number of homeless seems to have exploded over the past two years (200 to 300 in Terrace, 100 in Vanderhoof), while others have seen a gradual increase in the past decade (1,000 in Prince George) or seen their numbers stay relatively stable over the past few years (250-300 in Smithers).
While these numbers may seems small compared to Vancouver's homeless, which has been estimated to be as high as 8,000, the homeless in northern B.C. make up a far greater proportion of the total population. Of the 3,000 people that live in the Village of Burns Lake, roughly 100 don't have a place of their own. Yet these small communities have little to no services to meet the need.
"It's difficult for the community to meet the need of people who are, or who are facing, homelessness," says Renaud. "There are a lot of gaps in the service and people disappear. It's really difficult and sad."
In places like Burns Lake and Vanderhoof, the handful of shelter bed that do exist are reserved for women fleeing abuse or drug addiction. There are no shelter beds for men. In Prince Rupert, the Salvation Army operates 10 beds out of a hotel.
The only place in northern B.C. that seems to have enough resources to at least cope with its homeless population is Prince George, where there are a number of shelters, drop-in-centres and soup kitchen all located within a small 10-block radius. But in order to accommodate the city's growing number of homeless, service agencies have had to find ways of dealing with the "overflow."
"We're all a little depressed that our 'meeting room' has become another shelter room," says Audrey Schwartz, executive director of the Active Support Against Poverty (ASAP) shelter, as she shows me a small room filled with 10 mattresses stuffed inside. "We thought we'd be able to use it for meetings."
A call for affordable housing
What you hear from homeless persons and social workers in every northern community is that there is a desperate need for more affordable and social housing. In many of the towns, social workers told me the social housing is available is for families only.
"They don't let us have any homes," says Rocky Prince, a 63-year-old native homeless man who stays at the Ketso Yoh Centre Men's Hostel in Prince George. "It's too expensive for a single person. It's $450 for a room and $600 for a one-bedroom. But I only get $400 a month. I don't know why they charge so much."
Although every Canadian city saw new affordable housing projects all but disappear after the federal government announced in 1993 that it would no longer build social housing, the problem is painfully visible in B.C.'s small northern communities. And much like in Vancouver, the lack of new affordable housing was coupled with an economic boom a few years ago that dramatically pushed up rent costs.
"There's very little [affordable] housing and it's really reduced over the last couple of years," says Jane LeFrancois, director of programming for the Ksan Housing Society in Terrace. "There was such a need for rental accommodation that landlords don't need to rent now to low-income people because there is enough people that can afford the higher rents."
But while Vancouver was at least able to use its sizeable, if unstable, stock of single room occupancy hotels in the Downtown Eastside to provide some sort of affordable housing, most towns and cities don't have that option.
After years of neglect, the few SROs that lasted in northern B.C. have either burned down or been condemned and have never been replaced.
'The crisis they helped create'
A request for an interview with Minister of Housing and Social Development Rich Coleman was not granted. Instead, the ministry sent some background information that said since 2001 there have been 23 social housing projects with 342 units built in B.C.'s northern communities.
"The Province recognizes homelessness is also an issue in smaller communities -- that is why we are not just concentrating our efforts in large, urban areas," the statement read.
In January, two of the 15 new low-income properties the province bought were in the north -- the 18-unit Astoria Hotel in Prince George and the 33-unit Jamboree Motel in Williams Lake.
Over the past three years, there has also been new funding for a series of shelter programs and rent supplements. And following in the footsteps of the successful program in Vancouver, the province started funding homeless outreach workers in Williams Lake, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Vanderhoof, Terrace and Dawson Creek. The province claims the program has housed 400 in the north since 2006, but did not say how many were still housed.
However, Chudnovsky argues that while some of the developments are positive, the BC Liberals are still not building the much-needed new housing.
"The provincial government has done some things [around homelessness], but it began under the pressure of the crisis they helped create when they stopped building social housing in 2002," he says. "And they've chosen strategies to a great extent that don't increase the stock of housing."
'There's nothing better south anymore'
Despite the provincial government's recent conversion to put more funding into housing and homelessness, it may still be too late. The lack of affordable housing in the bigger cities has meant that smaller communities have had to absorb them on a much greater number.
"Some [of the homeless] used to head to Prince George, but they don't anymore," says Stacey Tyers with the Terrace Anti-Poverty Group Society. "They just stay in the community. There's nothing better south anymore. You used to head to Vancouver, because there used to be housing. But there's no point now, you'd be homeless there, too."
Making matters worse, the U.S. recession has caused a serious slowdown for B.C.'s logging industry and has resulted in massive layoffs in the north. B.C. forestry saw profits fall from $1 billion to $652 million last year and 17,000 forestry jobs have been lost since 2007.
Already, social-service providers up north have noticed a sharp increase in the number of families using their services.
"When we're talking about families seeking services, they don't want to leave town," said Carol Seychuk, executive director of the Northern Society for Domestic Peace in Smithers, which runs a women's shelter and transition housing.
But although many in the north could be looking at a lengthy unemployment, neither the federal or provincial government appears to be doing much to increase the social safety net. Premier Gordon Campbell asked Prime Minister Stephen Harper to extend employment insurance benefits for laid off loggers for another year, but Harper only extended it by five weeks.
Minister Coleman told The Vancouver Sun that the province does not intend to make access to welfare any easier for out of work loggers.
'It's you against the world'
Back at the homeless shelter in Smithers, Herb, seemingly not satisfied with my first answer, asks me again what homelessness means to me. But before I have a chance to respond, a young homeless man who just entered the shelter gives his own answer.
"It's having no family, no friends, no one to turn to," says Brad Innes, a 21-year-old native man who has been homeless since he was 17. "It's you against the world."
Originally from Mission, Innes has been bouncing around the north for the past few years, heading into a new town every time he's run out of the old one.
Although they are a generation apart, I couldn't help but see the similarities between Innes and Herb. They have both been chased away from their communities. They have both been turned away from housing, either because they don't have the money or because they are aboriginal. They are both struggling with alcohol. They share the same sense of hopelessness.
"It's too difficult [to find housing]," Innes tells me. "There's a few places in town, but they're for families. The other places won't rent to us, or it's too expensive."
A bright, young man and a talented artist, Innes would seem to have the potential to make his way out of poverty. But I couldn't help but fear that if he doesn't get housing and support soon, his future would start looking a lot like Herb's, who's only goal now is to curb his drinking.
As I leave the shelter I am overcome by the sense of hopelessness. The men in the shelter don't believe they will ever get housing or that things will ever improve. Forgotten or ignored, the homeless in northern B.C. can only hope to survive. If they are lucky, to have a safe place to sleep.
Related Tyee stories:
![[Tyee]](http://thetyee.cachefly.net/ui/img/ico_fishie.png){kind=small}
81
Login or register to post comments
JStog
4 years ago
Sweeping the Homeless North
Mayor Gregor Robertson is keeping his promis to put and end the homeless in Vancouver. The Homeless are being swept up in a mean spirited police dragnet to drive them from the city.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/03/15/bc-downtown-eastside-protest.html
Could it be Mayor Robertson is pleasing his realestate developer friends who financed his campaign.
Sweeping up the city's poorest for profitable motives. Sounds like what Mayor Tom Campbell did in the 70s with his Vagrancy law.
Cynic
4 years ago
There's only one way to end
There's only one way to end homelessness and poverty and that's money reform. Watch this great little video that tells it like it is:
www.jamesrobertson.com/videoandaudio.htm
superjudge
4 years ago
Epidemic
I live in Kelowna and homelessness is a large issue here as well. Locals like to ignore it and pretend it doesn't exist so I made a quick video the other day of a site in town I found while walking and posted it on YouTube to expose the issue a bit. I can say the response has been as expected, pathetic. People just can't see the big picture...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWC7fYmT2iw&feature=channel_page
And on a local discussion board.
http://forums.castanet.net/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=18280
Janie Jones
4 years ago
Reinstate Funding for Co-ops
The growing homelessness problem in rural BC is a direct result of the growing shortage of affordable housing.
At one time, people could form housing co-ops, apply to CMHC and get loans and mortgages to build/renovate their own member-owned housing.
Some really excellent housing projects were financed this way - the Four Sisters in the DTES, Helen's Court in Kitsilano and a "disperserd" co-op in the East Side that owns a number of houses, duplexes and townhomes in the east side are three that I can think of off the top of my head.
The only problem (if it could be called as such) is that once people become members and get into the units, they never leave and as children who were raised in the co-ops have priority in being assigned units when they come up, the next generation is moving into any tht come up. But hey, they need housing too.
A return to that policy would mean that people with initiative could organize and create their own housing.
I was myself homeless (staying with friends) for over a year in my small interior town before I could find a decent, affordable place after I had been forced to leave my previous one. It seems folks are leaving the city in droves and buying up former rental accommodation to renovate and either occupy themselves, put up for re-sale or rent for much higher rates. I know of a number of people here who are in that situation - evicted so that new owners could move in.
Also as far as I know, Indian bands are responsible for housing their members so I don't think that it is just "racism" on the part of non-aboriginal BC natives as Condon implies that has created the also growing aboriginal homeless population.
cerea
4 years ago
homeless
The big problem is the lack of money and the lack of affordable housing. We create temporay housing by building shelters and using rundown motels and hotels to emergency housing. However homelessness is not being addressed as a person having a home or the addictions and mental health issues. People complain about what they see and hear. Can you look inside the head of a homeless person and see what is happening in there? I didn't think so.
I have a 30 year old daughter who is an addict and has mental health issues. At the moment she lives in one of those hotels. She meets people in the bars and brings them home and they stay until the money runs out, she gets kicked out, ends up in the hospital or is picked by the cops. She was raped by her partner she was in love with. The court system let him get away because of her behaviors and the different diagnosis given by doctors. Everyone is so upset by getting bottles thrown at them and blaming others for their plight in life. She claims she has not family support and runs away to Banff or other places to party. You don't see the telephone calls in the middle of the night from her, the police or hospitals. She has a large sum of money that comes in once a month. If she wanted she wanted a home she has the money to afford one and all the family support she wanted, whether it be financial, emotional, whatever she wants. She wants family to do what she wants them to do, she doesn't feel she does anything wrong. She does not get involved with family life on any level. She thrives on the drama and risk that this type of lifestyle gives her. Instead of paying for a home, she is getting tatoos, body peirceings, fancy clothes, dying her hair and paying for an expensive car she can't insure or put gas in and drives under the influence. When the money runs out she takes all her medication and calls an ambulance and stays in the hospital until the next cheque comes and then again another runaway. How do you classify this person as homeless without support? How many other HOMELESS out have the same problem and attitude? Did I mention she has two children age 11 and 9. She has not problem intruducing them to her lifestyle and taking them to stay with her in the hotels and sleeping in the car. She claims she is being honest and authenic with them and this will not hurt them in anyway. Their father takes care of them. Please to all you homeless take a look at your behaviors and the reasons you are on the streets. There many places to get help and change your life before you are killed or die. I am writing this because I love my daughter and only want the best. I cry and worry everyday.
Cerea
writetothepoint1960
4 years ago
Homeless Crisis Grows in BC North
Homeless is being without the basic needs of survival. I'm sitting in my home office with a glass of wine (tasting it for work and I'll share the rest with my family at supper: luckyman!) and listening to Stairway To Heaven on my stereo. But I want to share my sense of homelessness and my opinion.
Great article, please make time to read it. Do something about it: become aware of it. For example, "Suddenly, the five aboriginal men hanging out in a homeless shelter in Smithers look at me, waiting for a response. Herb, who was a little belligerent and a good deal drunk, wants to know how much I really know about homelessness. After spending an hour probing into his life and asking what it's like to be homeless in this small town in northern British Columbia, it only seemed fair.
"It's not having a place of your own," I answer somewhat awkwardly. "It's not having a place that you know will be there at the end of the day."
"No," says Herb, correcting me. "Homelessness means not having a safe place to sleep.""
To me, sleeping on the ground in the summer after a mugging for the night is homelessness. I discovered it when I was young, 30 years ago. But I am no stranger to seeing the people who suffer from it. My wish is that we become aware of it.
Good news for our local area. I really liked the article. Keep it up! Thanks, Michael.
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
A few questions Cerea
I am a little confused by your story,obviously the children don`t live with here and what big money cheque does she receive?
Welfare pays about 600.00$ dollars per month?
If she is receiving another sort of stipend thats different, if she receives a large stipend try to cut the funding,if you can`t,maybe an intervention would be helpful.
If she is attempting suicide once a month then she should be committed in a facility,I don`t know if they esist but it must be cheaper for goverment than continual hospital stays.
I have a cousin(her dad) is quite well off,he tried everything,he continualy bailed her out,rented homes,bought cars,even paid for various treatment center stays,everytime she got out she would go back to the drug use and all the associated activities,my uncle(her dad) has cut off the funding,taken her out of the will,stopped taking the late night calls,stopped bailing her out,he has effectivelt removed her crutch,I think it`s called tough love.
You know what they say,they have to reach rock bottom before they can climb,from what I gather from your story she hasn`t seen the bottom yet.
I wish you luck
trueman
4 years ago
rural homelessness
I think it a reasonably accurate observation that every single community in the province has a homeless population. Some of these communities may pose as homelessness free but if you believe the heartfelt observation of Brad that:
"It's having no family, no friends, no one to turn to.It's you against the world."
Then its simply a question of degree and timing and definition.
While much of life might be viewed as "you against the world," many of us think the world needs to step up a bit more. If someone, especially someone in authority or someone with more than their fair share of resources, denies that they have a role in the betterment of their fellow man, then likely they are underestimating their obligation.
sunshine coast girl
4 years ago
The following quote...
is from Rich Coleman, our kind-hearted newly appointed "homelessness czar".
"But although many in the north could be looking at a lengthy unemployment, neither the federal or provincial government appears to be doing much to increase the social safety net. Premier Gordon Campbell asked Prime Minister Stephen Harper to extend employment insurance benefits for laid off loggers for another year, but Harper only extended it by five weeks.
Minister Coleman told The Vancouver Sun that the province does not intend to make access to welfare any easier for out of work loggers." (or anyone else for that matter)
I'm so sorry about your daughter, Cerea. I too, have a mentally ill, 30 year old daughter who either couch surfs, or temporarily rents scummy hotel rooms or apartment in the DTES. Don't be too hard on her, or yourself. The thing about mentally ill (and/or addicted) people is that they don't think logically and a healthy person cannot predict their behaviour or explain why they do as they do. What's really sad is that it is such a waste of what could have been such a productive and happy life. Mine was diagnosed as gifted when she was young. She could have done absolutely anything in the world that she chose to, except for this awful illness that has not even ever been diagnosed. No one else in this world cares about your daughter as much as you do, so keep giving her your love and support and hope that one day we will have a government that actually cares about the most vulnerable in our society and helps us. My husband and I have come to realize that our daughter will probably spend the rest of her life (however long that is) living as she does. We gave her a phone and pay for a monthly plan so we can at least keep in touch. We purchase groceries, or clothes, or glasses, or medical or dental services or food for her as often as we can. We try to help her smooth over some of the always present drama in her life. We are just grateful to stay in touch however sporadically and to help her as much as we can. That's all we can do. Regardless of how you feel, she will only allow you to help her as much as she wants you to. It has to be enough for you.
PatrickMcEvoyHalston
4 years ago
Hell
I wonder what level of hell is destined for the whole generation of conspiring parents who have decided that establishing their children as good but mentally ill (autism, ADHD--whatever), or worse (i.e., they're just truants incapable and unworthy of taking the reins), is an effective strategm for validating their never-ending, self-serving oversite of them--for never being displaced by a generation which may just want to establish their own ways of seeing and being in, the world.
And sunshine coast girl: Your claim that no one loves a "lost" child as much as his/her parent does, is VERY contestable. But it is certainly something I'd expect parents of said "lost" children to tell one another, though. Perhaps you can see this.
dorothy
4 years ago
Patrick
Just want to make sure I understand you correctly, for what you say is very important stuff! Are you saying that some parents try to hang on to all the power by enabling their children's problems, so the children will never be capable and thereby a threat to the power position of their parents?
I am not in disagreement. I have just never tried viewing it from that angle. What I have believed is maybe people want to play down the magnitude of their children's problems so as to escape any accountability for them. But I have never thought their own position of power was in the picture. Heck, I am over the big hill of three scores, and I certainly hope my offspring and their generation will be there to grab the reins, when I get tired of holding them (which occurrence I can see in a not too distant future).
anarcho
4 years ago
Questions.
How come there was no homelessness to speak of 40 years ago?
How is it that society in general is probably twice as rich as 1969 but has a problem that did not exist then?
Dan the socialist
4 years ago
This is what happens when
This is what happens when people keep electing right wing governments who only care about their business buddies and not the people.
Actually this country needs a good revolution..
Cynic
4 years ago
anarcho, the answer to your
anarcho, the answer to your questions can be found in that short video whose link I posted above.
JStog
4 years ago
Homeless
There was lots of homeless 40 years ago. Its Just No one took notice like they do today.
In 1970's the homeless were rounded up under a vagrancy law. If you didn't have $10 in your pocket you were arrested and driven to the city limits with a warning not to return. Sadly deja vu is returning To Vancouver under the new mayor Former NDP MLA Gregor Robertson. The Mayor appears to be in a rush sweep the city clean again. I assume for his "NDP developer friends" who provided record funds for his election campaign.
Nothing new to me I've seen this before.
Move over Homeless the NDP's Profiteers take priority.
The Homeless need a hand up ... not out.
JStog
4 years ago
1968..... Will History repeat Itself
"The lazy louts of society" Mayor Tom Campblell Calls the homeless back in 1968
http://archives.cbc.ca/programs/14-3202/page/1/
RickW
4 years ago
anarcho
Because, as the article says: "Before Herb moved into the Broadway Place Emergency Shelter nine months ago, he lived peacefully in the bush in jungle camps...
40 years ago (and beyond) living in the bush was an option that doesn't much exist now, except at peril. This isn't the sole reason, but it is one of them. Also, in 1970, thre were about 2 million people in BC. Now there are 4 millions.
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Jstog
You mean those socred goverments(provincially)and Liberal goverments (federaly)were hard on the homeless?
I don`t re-call any mean old NDP goverments back then.
As a boy I rode my bike through the downtown east-side,my freinds and I would have lunch at the old spaggetti factory,it was a respectable area then,any shennanigans were in the shadows, it was the federal liberals with their "Hug a Thug" law enforcement that allowed it to flourish.
And when Campbell got elected and closed 10 prisons,closed court house,fired correction officers,fired prosecutors,the Vancouver police and other detatchments stopped arresting people,there was no where to send them,so Campbell took a shaky dowtown east-side and turned into a law-less drug bazaar,right out of a scene from "Escape from New York"
As for the cleaning up/harrasing of the DTES--That is all Provincial with the pressure being squeezed by the IOC-
Or do you think Gregor is responsible for closing interior airports/borders/closing courts/
Jstog, a big surprise coming may12/2009--This could be 2001 all over again,except with the BC Liberals winning 4 or 5 seats!
Looks like Wilf Hanni is poised to get 10% of the vote,anything over 4% for Wif Hanni and it`s all over for Campbell, I don`t even think there is time to buy DIEBOLD Voting machines.
cerea
4 years ago
homelessness
Reading over the comments, I can't believe that people still believe that goverments and parents are to blame for most of the homelessnes problems. My daughter has decided she doesn't want to and doesn't have to live by my rules or society's rules. My rules were get up go to school, do some chores and be kind to others.This has been the case since she was 12 years old. A few years later I get a call from the American Border asking me if I had a daughter with purple hair. She thrives on being smarter that doctors, cops andyone in some form power. Whatever she does has been somelse's fault all the time. I have tried kindness and toughlove and nothing seems to work. Right now the money she receives is insurance money, which is going to run out soon. I have been there when she has been hospitized or charged with a crime. However this is Canada and NO ONE I repeat NO ONE can be held longer than 72 hours without charges. It takes two doctors to certify someone to stay in a psychiatric ward. If one doctor disagrees with a diagnosis the patient is discharged. Remeber the case where the mother tied her daughter to the bed to save her from herself, remeber what happened to the mother! So living in a democratic society allows people on the streets and lead the kind of lifestyle they desire. Patrick do you have children? I went through that phase with the school where they wanted to label her and put her on medication, guess what I refused to be a conspiring parent. It just kills me inside that we as a society have kept the homeless hidden with the vagrancy laws at one time. Now we just take their obligations and reponsibilities away and place them somewhere else.
Cerea
JStog
4 years ago
Hey Tutu
Hey tutuwearsacampbell
The old spaggetti factory's where the affluent ate. They came to rub elbow with the past. A daily stream of limos pull in as the Sidewalk bouncers kept the locals well away.
I watched it daily from across the street.
Many homeless Ate at the White lunch. Buy a coffee, get free hot water add ketchup...Called soup.
The Homeless slept under the Old Georgia Viaduct using newspapers for blankets.
A Respectable area you say... wow... Were you from the padded side of the tracks?
The lawless drug bazzar has always been there. Bay rum was sold in corner stores then.
"Gregor's responsible now" watch and learn who he cares about more.
If your homeless with a sign get a fine.
6.5 no person shall display a sign without a valid permit.
http://vancouver.ca/COMMSVCS/bylaws/sign/sec06.pdf
The persons picture above would likely get fined under Mayor Gregor.
Can The NDPs xMLA Gregor Robertson walk his talk? Not likely in my opinion.
The Big Clean up has started. With a new CEO. Mayor Gregor Robertson.
cboo44
4 years ago
GREAT post Cerea
Yes, somewhere in recent history, our society lost the concept of individual responsibility. The whining and demanding for someone else to fix self-inflicted situations is beyond belief.
realisticman
4 years ago
Janie Jones says, "..as far
Janie Jones says,
"..as far as I know, Indian bands are responsible for housing their members so I don't think that it is just "racism" on the part of non-aboriginal BC natives as Condon implies that has created the also growing aboriginal homeless population."
and,
" Aboriginal peoples believe they have a right to acquire housing with assistance provided by the Government as part of a fiduciary responsibility to Aboriginal peoples whether they are living on or off-reserve. "Treaty Indians", along with the Metis and Inuit, insist that Canada respect these obligations and uphold the honor of the Crown used in establishing Treaties and Contracts with Aboriginal entities, and in administering Canada's fiduciary duties to Aboriginal peoples."
http://www.abo-peoples.org/programs/housing.html
Plus;
http://www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca/acp/site.nsf/en/ao20018.html
This certainly begs the question as to who is responsible. If indeed this is a federal issue then the criticism of the the BC government by the writers and the NDP's Chudnovski are all moot.
If the forestry industry is down and this is a reason then what are we waiting for? The resurgence of the US banking, Wall Street stock market and housing market and the real estate game in the US, so we can crank up the chain-saws again? That might take a while.
The writer says, "...the five aboriginal men hanging out in a homeless shelter in Smithers look at me, waiting for a response. Herb, who was a little belligerent and a good deal drunk...". Is this what one should do in times of struggle? Celebrate with a few drinks!
PatrickMcEvoyHalston
4 years ago
dorothy
Yeah, that's what I'm saying. Most gen xers (and younger) feel as if they're never going to get their turn. Makes them feel angry, but also fearful that their anger might be detected by the still dominant (and potentially punitive) older generation. (We're essentially the "Caliban upon Setibos" generation.) Thus we have Vanessa Richmond writing a bold, confrontational article about how she's not so sorry to see baby boomers lose value in their houses, but also an article clearly moved to show off her support of Obama as declaration that, however she might play at American-style vibrancy and rebellion, she'll remain forever humble, conflicted, and directable--the good girl, Canuck.
If you want to compare the two articles, here they are. On baby boomer's losing value in homes: http://thetyee.ca/Views/2008/11/20/BoomCrash/
and on Obama and Canadian "restraint": http://thetyee.ca/Life/2008/11/12/Apology/
patrick mcevoy-halston
Janie Jones
4 years ago
Down Memory Lane
I grew up in isolated communities up the old PGE rail line before any connecting roads were built. I have very fond memories of coming to the big city with my family every two or three months and staying in the old Abbotsford Hotel on Pender Street. After getting us hamburger & french fry take-out, my parents would always go out for dinner and movie on Theatre Row. No babysitter was necessary for us - we loved the fast food and were transfixed by the hotel TV, something we did not have at home.
We always shopped on East Hastings. At the time Woodwards specialized in packing shipments for rail and boat transport into isolated towns like ours and for the logging camps, canneries etc. up the coast. Our frozen food would arrive packed in dry ice. All of our furniture and appliances came from Wosks and most of our clothing from the Army & Navy. And of course, we would always have dinner in Chinatown.
sunshine coast girl
4 years ago
Well "Dr." McEvoy..
I'm so glad that you are talented enough to be able to diagnose people without seeing them or speaking to them. That makes you so much more efficient than the many Dr.'s, tests and VGH psych ward visits that we have endured. Why didn't we just come to you first? By the way, do you have any kids yourself? Are they all normal and healthy? Ever talk to themselves? Lock themselves in closets? Get threatened by others with knives? Cut themselves?
Attitudes like yours are exactly why none of the poor souls who live in the DTES will ever get any help.
Yep, I'm definitely one of those "generations of conspiring parents" who is destined for a level of hell because my concern for my ill daughter "is an effective strategm for validating my never-ending, self-serving oversite of her". Oh yeah, I'm trying to hold on to my "power" over her. She hasn't lived with us since she was 15. Yep, I love living day to day, wondering if she's got a roof over her head, or enough food, or if she's safe. I absolutely love that after all three of my kids have been raised and that we finally thought we would have a few extra bucks, that I would be spending it again and again helping to make her life a bit more comfortable. It's great spending my retirement to Mexico money on that. I really like praying again and again that she will not get pregnant because I know the choice will be that we take the child or that social services will. That's an awesome choice to make when you've finished raising your own kids. I especially like that my gifted, intelligent girl has and will do absolutely nothing productive with her life, and yep, she definitely wants to live in smelly, bloody, cockroach-infested dumps for the rest of her life with never enough money for anything.
Maybe you could go into the "business". You could teach all of us power-hungry, enabling parents how it is that our children aren't ill at all - rather, just living life the way they want to, but not the way we want them to. Whew! That's a relief. I was getting tired of worrying all the time anyway. Now I can just go on with my own life, eh?
I'd also really love to hear from you about who else loves their "lost" child as much as their parent. I've yet to meet anyone.
G West
4 years ago
The Wealthy ate - NOT
At the OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY?
You MUST be joking.
PatrickMcEvoyHalston
4 years ago
miss sunshine
I was venting a little about the "hell" bit. I don't actually want you to suffer, sunshine coast girl. Still, if no one at any of the facilities you mentioned suggested to you that the particular nature of your love for your child is something you ought to attend to, then, yeah, a moment of non-complicity may just outdo what the "doctor ordered."
re: "I especially like that my gifted, intelligent girl has and will do absolutely nothing productive with her life, and yep, she definitely wants to live in smelly, bloody, cockroach-infested dumps for the rest of her life with never enough money for anything."
Two responses: 1) People who are masochistic suffer because they believe that if they live a life of pain, misery, PUNISHMENT, they become worthy of their parents' love. Worth looking into. 2) The already established have a world which makes sense to them, and which empowers and validates them at every turn. Everyone else is flattened by that will, absolutely. But if the current world disassembles, maybe we'll see some who once slumped try and go more straight-backed? That is, though I appreciate the poetry (and it speaks well for you and your child's chances, btw), Despair and destruction to your awful "has and will do absolutely nothing," miss sunshine.
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
thanks -G West
Jstog,I said any shennanigens were in the shadows,which meant the problem was tiny compared to today.
Every saturday me and my freinds would ride 10 speed bikes throughout gastown,east hasting, lunch with a coke was like 2.00$.
My Dad has told me stories from way back when he drove taxi in Vancouver,there was always bootlegging,an underground heroin market and body houses,but that happens in every port town.
We didn`t even have to lock our bikes out front of the OLD SPAGETTI FACTYORY
As a teenager drinking(a little before my time) the eurpoe hotel, cheap drinks,a myriad of odd people,but still no open eye sores in the DTES.
Was there shit going on,sure there was,but under Campbell it turned into a fucking drug bazaar.
My family was middle class at best,my allowance was 2.00$ a week.
The Spaggetti factory was no ritzy joint,it was respectable at best,I have lived on both sides of the tracks and have looked at the world with vertical bars in my view.
And by the way Jstog (A hole) Gregor Robertson has (today) called for a stop to the harrassment of the DTES residents(breaking news)
Maybe your hero AG Gableman has a different perspective. :earth to Jstog: were not in 70s anymore,or 80s,or 90s get over it,the Carrier case is over,three mile island is over,the love canal is over,and there is no Sasquatch,and the RELEVANCE of your posts has always been over!
Sorry about getting off topic,the bottom line
UNDER GODON CAMPBELL every situation throughout the province of BC has gotten worse,homelessness has tripled,we lead the nation in child poverty for 6 straight years,we have lowest minimum wage in Canada,highest tuition in Canada,highest student debt,and you Jstog are only interested in conflict.
You have brought nothing to the Tyee,nothing,your inputs are dead space.
happy (not verified)
4 years ago
I'm with West - on this one
The Old Spaghetti Factory was about the same class as the Keg
anarcho
4 years ago
Thanks for the replies to my
Thanks for the replies to my question. But please note, I did not say NO homelessness 40 years ago, but no homeless to speak of.
I worked in Gastown in those days and the only homeless were end of the line alcoholics. There were some kids who hitched from out east as well, but eventually they found crash pads. There was nothing like today. I grew up in small towns in BC and other than the aforementioned rubbies, we had no homeless and no beggers.
To answer my own question - in those days you could get a room for $20-30 a month and newspapers of the day had several columns of them for rent. There were old houses that rented for $125 a month and 10 of you could crash in them. And as someone else pointed out, you could also squat in the bush or an abandoned mining or logging camp unmolested.
The high cost of housing killed cheap rent. Gentrification killed the rooming house. I guess obedience to the god of "private" property killed squatting.
sunshine coast girl
4 years ago
Well, "Dr." McEvoy...
Appreciate your response. Means shit. But of course you already know that. There are so many ill kids and young adults these days and one day they WILL be diagnosed. It'll turn out to be the food we gave them, or the paint we used, or the air they breathed or something on their toys and then idiots like you won't have much to say.
Jeez, it's surprising that the "particular nature of my love for my child" didn't result in all three of the kids being damaged, isn't it?
What, no response about your kids?
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Jstog
And as for the "Clean streets initiative" that wasn`t Gregor Robertson.
That was Sam Sullivan`s baby,SAMMY-NPA-BC LIBERAL FARM TEAM
And that initiative has been cancelled today by Gregor Robertson,and there were no bouncers,inside or outside of the OLD Spaggetti Factory,and I never saw a limo out front,I don`t even think we had limo`s in those days.
Jstog,I am waiting for you to PRAISE Gregpr Robertson for ending the NPAs "clean street initiative"
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Have a read Jstog
The previous city council voted for it(NPA),the act,the initiative came into effect in march 2008,who was mayor in march 2008?
I expect a former recant of your claims against Gregor Robertson Jstog
http:vancouver.ca/projectcivilcity/publicorder.html
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Clean streets initiative/clean streeets
here is the link
http://vancouver.ca/projectcivilcity/publicorder.htm
PatrickMcEvoyHalston
4 years ago
@sunshine coast girl
Sorry to hear nothing I said was of any use. Glad to hear your other children are doing well.
dorothy
4 years ago
First I thought
What has urban kids and their issues to do with homelessness in the North. But when I read
"There are so many ill kids and young adults these days and one day they WILL be diagnosed. It'll turn out to be the food we gave them, or the paint we used, or the air they breathed or something on their toys and then idiots like you won't have much to say."
I realized it is in the same ball of wax.
If only it was as simple as solving a troublesome chemical equation! There is also the fact that by way of bio-feedback, health is a two-way street. You can will yourself sick if it gives you something you need. And then there is the fact that we still quarrel, in each of those problems, over the nature-over-nurture. The fact that other people on Earth condemn our culture for being ruinous, but it turns out to have been sour grapes, because first thing they do when it comes within their grasp is to adopt it, hook, line and sinker.
What does it all add up to? Maybe just that 'the times they are a-cha-anging', and we can ride the wave or be sucked under by it, or hover above it. The choice is ours, but one thing is sure: we are all in this together, so it comes back to being our brother's keeper. This is why we cannot not take an interest, and yes, we all have a stake. Your kid goes out and makes a mess, and capacity and resources are used to clean it up. One jarring note in what you are saying: retirement in Mexico (leave for the moment why the deuce anyone would want to go to that powderkeg). Haven't you yet gotten it: the moment you become a parent, it isn't about you anymore, and it never will be again..
freebear
4 years ago
How many of 'us' are a few cheques away from homelessness?
If I find myself in that situation I will camp on the legislature lawn!
We need compassion and affordable safe housing!
Get on with it already!
sunshine coast girl
4 years ago
Oh, I've gotten it Dorothy....
Believe me. After 30 years (and it's been a long 30 years) and one very sick young woman; I've definitely gotten it. And you know, I don't mind at all. I just get very annoyed at people who don't seem to have the challenges that my family and many, many other families have, and who have very definite opinions about "blame" or "enabling" or whatever. It minimizes the heartache and suffering that these families experience while they try to help their kids to the best of their ability. I'm just grateful that we have the resources to help. The comment about Mexico (and others) was sarcasm.
We ALL need to take an interest and we ALL need to be our brothers' keeper. Who knows. The illness, or drug addiction, or homelessness could strike someone you love next. For all of you - don't let it be said that you didn't give a shit until it affected you personally.
JStog
4 years ago
Comprehend the problem First.
G West No "I'm Not JOKING"
When it first opened it was Pomp and Publicity. Mayor Tom Campbell was there on opening day.
It took a court challenge to eventually stop the dicrimination based on race, color and looks. The bouncers and police were constantly chasing locals off that side of the street.
The OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORYs bad rep lasted about 6-8 months till one day they refused entry to a colored visiting dignitary.The News Papers tried to cover it up. But it became a black eye to the mayor.
Living across the steet at a rundown hotel. I got to watch it all. The Grand cost $9 a week. There was no hot water unless you climbed down to the cellar and fired up the old wood boiler and waited hours. Life was much harder then. You'd get arrested for dumster diving or sleeping on the streets. Something Tutu from pluto was likely to young to comprehend from his middle class bedroom.
Tutu
Mayor Robertson's the CEO now. Everything is done under his banner now......I've seen no anouncement that he's canceled anything. I checked Council minutes. The sign bylaw's still in place.
Wow... well I've inspired you to continue writing more dead space LOL.... Some here called it entertainment.
Ps and I don't change my login to coverup anything.(hint) Try Keeping on topic and not attact other posters eh! You've failed the test. I know all about being homeless, and living on the streets. Thats where I was raised in the 60s and 70s'.
Has anything changed.. Yes
The homeless today are not living in hiding as they were in the past.
But Now.... under CEO Robertson. City workers are sweeping the streets clean of the homeless's possesions and throwing it in the land fill.
The Real problem today is the Stock market housing speculators driving
prices up to unsustainable levels for the average working person/family. Your CEO Buddy Mayor Roberson is profiteering off
the Gold rush that throws the homeless and low income earners onto the streets.
A tyee writer exemplifies the problem.
http://vancouverobserver.com/ solicits donations on one side, Promotes stock market housing sales on the other and asks $2000 a week for housing rentals. The
Family Fires 9$hr workers replaces them with free labour (Karmic Yogis) and pretends their concerned about the homeless and the poor. Mayor Robertson personal buddies here.
Will something change if the NDP gets elected. It didn't happen last time.
The Homeless need opportunities, a hand up with encouragement to help themselves....Not Hand outs. You can't fix a problem if you can't comprehend it. Short term solutions won't work. Has the BC NDP learnt anything???? ... Not from what I can see. Same old, same old, with new faces.
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Jdog
You again are playing "wag the Dog" You have only made statements,you have not backed up any of your claims.
Do you not watch the news,I left a link to the CIVILCITY act--
That was Sam Sullivan`s baby A HOLE!
Larry Campbell was a FFFFFING LOSER
SAM SULLIVAN was a FFFFFFFING IDIOT
As for Gregor Robertson we shall see, but for you to blame Gregor for Sullivan`s civilcity is bullshit and I won`t let you get away with that.
I not going to get into an argument with you because you couldn`t afford a 2.00 $ meal in the 70s.
Gordon Campbell has failed as a premier,he will be tossed in May,Homelessness has tripled under his watch,child povery in BC is an epidemic.
IT happened under Campbell`s watch A hole,times were different back then....
Vancouver police would shit kick trouble makers,so did the RCMP,kids got spanked,prejudices were everywhere,religious persecution,ethnic,females,so I am sorry for you JSTOG that no one read bed time stories or bought you a spaggetti lunch,but your just spinning tales out of whole cloth,throwing innuendos around that are baseless.
I can see the whole picture now quite cleary,your life JSTOG was a stinking waste,a hell hole,a life,a mind wasted,accomplished nothing,ignored,in and out of trouble,blaming everyone for your troubles but yourself.
So now you like Gordon Campbell,why,because he is a fucking asshole,making life miserable on people,cutting services,cutting funding,needless suffering because of idealogoue thinking,moronic views and mental derangement.
Gordon Campbell,his dad committed suicide,alcohol I believe.
So like Gordon Campbell who has a genetic insanity gene,who has deep rooted anger issues,who takes great pleasure on an internal basis on seeing people suffer.
I suggest you and Campbell are in need of a team of counsellers,psycoloigists to unravel your deep rooted hatred of people,I don`t know if you love your mothers and hate your fathers but you are both out of your fucking minds!
G West
4 years ago
The fact of the matter is
Anecdotes don't prove anything - if you want to be taken seriously, that's NOT the way to go about it - as I pointed out earlier with respect to your HTML shouting.
The NDP has done more positive things in the 13 years they were in power (since, let's say, 1900) than all the other governments combined).
They certainly weren't perfect and I had lots of critical things to say about them - compared with the Campbell Government, which is the operative analogy, they were infinitely better.
The point simply is that the province can't stand another four years of CEO administration.
Period.
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
hmmm
Moderating yourself doesn`t make your bullshit anymore believeable.
Good point Mr. West
13 years of NDP rule in a 100 years, wow,the NDP must be GIANTS,GODS,MYTHICAL LEGENDS.
Every hardship,disaster,has been caused by them,nothing to do with those those liberal or socred goverments.
By the way Jstog,back in the 60s 70s 80s you could work for minimun wage and afford rent,food,and transport.
Mothers stayed at home,one paycheque paid the mortgage and bills,not like today,minimum wage would have to be doubled or more and both parents work and they can`t affor kids,all that happened under socreds and liberal and conservative goverments.
Again,post some relevance.
Janie Jones
4 years ago
Jstog
Your quote has not yet been moderated out but nice to see someone else has noticed. All you have to do is Twitter to find out that American mall fortune heir (and new Canadian!) Joel Solomon not only donated generously to Gregor's campaign, he actually backed Happy Planet so that it was able to so successfully "grow" its business.
Does anyone think that the new Woodwards complex with its London Drugs and Nester's Market (a supermarket so upscale and yuppie that it was founded in Whistler) is opening its doors for the crackheads. Joel Solomon runs his Renewal/Tides/Hollyhock ("providing wise leadership for the future")/ForestEthics/PowerUp Canada/Endswell grant-funded consortium out of the newly renovated Tides Renewal Centre at the corner of Hastings & Cambie. It's gleaming white street level arches are like something out of Zardoz down there.
How much influence do you think Solomon (and his sister "deep local" newcomer Linda who writes for the Tyee and her own online rag the Vancouver Observer) is going to have on Gregor?
Linda also writes for the former Shared Vision magazine. Remember her cover story on the "genius" of Andrea Reimer?
It's all one big Happy Planet family.
RickW
4 years ago
freebear
Touche! The analysts are always saying WHEN the public begins buying again, as though we are all hoarding our money under the bed and waiting. They don't seem to realize that we don't have any!!
JStog
4 years ago
A Feisty One LOL
Mr TutuwithCampbell on his head
Nice rant keep it up. I enjoying the entertainment too. TheTyee's definatly a Feisty One.
My lifes a non stop adventure.... What I don't tolerate, never have, are dishonest people.
Only recently i started speaking up calling a Fraud a Fraud.
Exactly and who drove the rent prices up..... The Capachino sucking condo dwellers, The Stock Market Housing Speculators and The Mall builders. Your friends at city hall right now. LOL
Janie Jones
Thanks for taking notice. Yes i know The Solomon empire well. The Hollyhock/Renewal corporations BS is legendary. Its sad they are unable/unwilling/incapable of walking their own talk. Wise leadership doesn't abuse its employees, throw people out on the streets to be homeless. Talk is cheap but certainly profitable for some. "Chop Wood Bring MONEY" isnt that Rex's book. Forest Ethics? Berman only wants the Money it brings and approves deforestation plans for her funding friends at the Tides/Renewal center.
Affordable Housing is needed everywhere. Can't blame the government when the Tides Foundation diverts funds to stop affordable housing, So Ethical investors can reap higher profits.
Min wages are fine if Housing was affordable. Thats not reality today.
Is it the Government or the Greedy flipping housing speculators that need to fix the problem?
A lot! I'd say. Known Shopping Mall builders usually have an agenda.
Lindas and Gregors other biz partners live on Republican st in Seattle Wa. Nice place Eh! Welcome to Americouver. Move over Homeless Gregors in Charge now.
Putting cynicism aside.
People need food, a secure home to live in and a healthy sustainable economy in their local community.
$2000 a week rents on Min wage just doesn't make it.
The NDP can provide Food .... But a healthy balanced economy? It Didn't work last time.
G west... sorry, didn't use html but did refrain from posting the pic i wanted.
Cheers
Janie Jones
4 years ago
Save Our Beach
Yes I read an article in the Vancouver Sun that listed the unusual number of US$ donors to Gregor's campaign and hey, Berman has a family to support.
Yes, the CORTE$ Mafia . . have you heard, that they are trying to save their beach? Some evil new property owner has put up no trespassing signs up on a trail they've always thought was theirs.
Just like people who always thought BC was theirs until people like ForestEthics told them that all of their public assets actually belong to Indian Bands. According to their webpages, they support First Nations regaining sovereignty, that is, total political control, over "their land." I guess that is why they were chosen by the Liberals to sit in the environmental chair at the sovereignty birthday cake table.
My mother's family were survivors of the Bolshevik holocaust of the Russian Empire and some how I start to get a little restive when Solomons and Bermans come to town and tell me that I am no longer a part of my land.
JStog
4 years ago
I like Honesty....
Thanks again Janie Jones
Yes i know Berman has a Family to support. We all do...but at what expense against others? Is there any Social Ethical Honesty behind the facade.
Solomon/Newells Kama Yogi program throws low paid Corte$ workers on to the streets. A micro community where sustainable jobs are important to feed someones family.
http://www.renewalpartners.com/sites/default/files/Karma%20Yoga%20Hollyhock.pdf
The new Hasting+Cambie Tides/Renewal building didn't include a soup kitchen for the homeless in Solomon/Newell's 50 year plan 500 year vision for lowly Canadians.
"Karma money" doesn't provide housing nor jobs for the needy. But the Solomon/Newell Board rooms are happy. Renewed wealth for the oppulent who already own too many houses.
Affordable Housing doesn't exist in that community. Jobs for the dead won't work.
Watch who's funding the BC NDP!
HawkEyes
4 years ago
Another reason…
If there ever was a time for a guaranteed annual income, it’s now.
The reasons are too many to list but one would be First Nations people and what a shock that would be.
I’m not talking flush either.
But reasons go beyond the physical.
Our government charges to categorize and qualify citizens for poverty, if it can’t discard them.
What a fraudulent waste of resources, humanity and time.
A guaranteed annual income would eliminate these expenses and the resulting inadequacies and inequalities.
Perhaps it is time to find our common ground-the joke is that it might be our last chance.
Poverty is an excellent way to silence the masses.
If not for articles such as this, does a homeless person have a voice?
With most people struggling just to get by, how much is left for another thought?
Apparently, independent thought is the beast that must be controlled and prohibited, no matter the cost.
Even that saying about teaching a man how to fish instead of feeding him a fish, is no longer applicable - the fish are gone.
There's a lot to think about.
This millennium, could a guaranteed annual income help initiate the social and personal changes that are so badly needed? What’s the alternative-social revolt and death of a planet?
Janie Jones
4 years ago
The NoDifferenceParty?
The Tides/Renewal Centre does have a security guard to move the homeless out from under the pearly gate though. And "a gorgeous kitchen cafe on the third floor."
See more: http://www.renewalpartners.com/blog/joel-solomon/tides-renewal-centre-springs-life
Wonder whose going to be owning shares in the all those IPP projects that are privatizing BC's coastal watersheds (now the logging's all done) into the hands of governments (in Chief Mountain's words) "controlled by family cliques" that Berman is pushing with her new Renewal/Tides funded PowerUp Canada. http://www.powerupcanada.ca/
Are you thinking there might be any opposition to all this with the NoDifferenceParty?
JStog
4 years ago
The NoDifferance Party, Same as before
Wow a Security Guard.... Deja vu all over again....
Americans living in fear in Americouver
The BC NoDifferenceParty The BC NDP
Won't change anything. There in bed on both sides of the fence. A forked tongue will say anything to get elected.
The differances between the party's. One wants to create work. The other have workers serv at their Feet. Oh.... with security guards at the gate... LOL
The BC NDP will Support the IPP's if elected, they have no Choice. The opposition to IPP's is just political fluff.... for media attention.
Just look at http://www.klahoose.com
http://www.themegreen.com/blog/treefarm/
First Nations have the controls now.
Building affordable housing for everyone is important.
G West
4 years ago
Lat me repeat
Since you haven't actually responded and appear to be prepared to continue to post worthless anecdotal evidence:
Anecdotes don't prove anything - if you want to be taken seriously, that's NOT the way to go about it - as I pointed out earlier with respect to your HTML shouting.
The NDP has done more positive things in the 13 years they were in power (since, let's say, 1900) than all the other governments combined).
They certainly weren't perfect and I had lots of critical things to say about them - compared with the Campbell Government, which is the operative analogy, they were infinitely better.
The point simply is that the province can't stand another four years of CEO administration.
Period.
JStog
4 years ago
I heard you G West
G West
Yes...I heard you the first Time Thanks.
And i did respond!
But I humbly disagree... Based on my own life experiances. Including a letter received from AG Gablemann stating that allowing free speech from Hate Groups will be a Hallmark of the BC NDP's legacy.
So be it then.... Here we are today. Its called Free speech. Isn't That positive?
The BC NDP's Affordable Housing for all is where? Sheesh 13yrs should have accomplished something sustainable.
Janie Jones
4 years ago
Gulag BC?
Yes, there are fingers in many pies:
http://www.renewalpartners.com/grants/endswell-foundation
For anyone concerned with the quality of my anecdotal information, the last time I was in the DTES, I saw the security guard myself. Although I did have to convince myself that the neon lit marble arch was not an acid flashback.
The only thing the NDP will change about the IPPs is to maybe add a component of hiring quotas for BC workers and unions. I have worked for Kiewit and the percentage of workers coming in from out of the province is about 80%.
As I recall the NDP were the ones who made the original cutbacks to welfare that started the DTES's slide into third world squalor. They support the Aboriginal Title legislation, as do the Greens so NoDifference there either.
The provincial Conservatives have spoken against the aboriginal title legislation but the federal Conservatives are set to take us back to the Dark Ages (pre Magna Carta) and just like Bad King John trying to claim the rivers and shorelines for hereditary rulers.
Then of course once the Indians "own" BC, it will have to go across the board all across Canada because otherwise it wouldn't be fair to all the rest of the First Nations whose ancestors foolishly signed treaties.
And before we know, we'll all be doing "karma" labour just like in gulag Russia!
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Carole James
The honest,caring Carole James when elected premier on may 12th 2009 will be a refreshing change.
I and all BCers know one thing,Gordon Campbell has been a dismal failure in all aspects.I and 60% of the voters will be giving Campbell the heave ho.
Campbell had 2 terms and accomplished nothing,more homeless,more children in poverty,more debt,more dead salmon,more human rights trampled.
To vote for a Liberal is a vote a 2 class society,thank goodness the people have woken and are going to heave Campbell`s party where the sun don`t shine!
I have complete faith in CAROLE JAMES and the NDP,I and the MAJORITY of BCers are going to give her a mandate to run the province on May12 th /2009
I hope she does a good,she certainly couldn`t do worse.
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Island Liberal candidate brought to tears
Dianne st Jacques(BC Liberal cadidate) gets pummeled in forumn last sunday,the anger towards Liberals throughout Vancouver island it so thick you can cut it with a knife.
All Vancouver island ridings will go NDP.
Dianne st Jacques with her tail between her legs says she will not be to discouraged and trudge along,regardless of the enevitable outcome!
http://www2.canada.com/albernivalleytimes/news/story?id=074aaab7-48d1-4c35-821d-cb968ba4059f
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Dianne st Jacques gets run out of town
http://www2.canada.com/albernivalleytimes/news/story.html?id=074aaab7-48d1-4c35-821d-cb968ba4059f
NDP SWEEP VANCOUVER ISLAND
G West
4 years ago
That's what I said
Anecdotes are pointless - they may make you feel better - and you still haven't responded to the point that THIS is the worst government in modern history.
We have the LOWEST minimum wage, the highest levels of child poverty, the worst conditions for persons in care and the greatest income disparity in the country.
All these things worsened under CEO CAMPBELL.
Please tell me what Gordon Campbell has done to address the crisis in the forests, the increasing problem of homelessness and the fact that more and more of BC's productive capacity has been sold to foreign interests.
Where the NDP created the ALR, Campbell has done his best to destroy it and bend it to the wishes of his friends; where the NDP created ICBC, Campbell has corrupted it and turned it into a profit grubbing entity.
Where BC HYDRO once was a 'real' public entity providing the cheapest hydro power in the country, Campbell has eviscerated it and sold it for a mess of pottage.
Where BC Rail once served the interests ot the interior, Campbell has scrificed it to his friends at CN - in all probablility unfairly.
I could go on and, if necessary I will.
I'm not interested in your own personal 'impressions' any more than you should be interested in mine.
I'm interested in facts and you haven't presented any.
I think you're out of your depth.
Period.
G West
4 years ago
erratum
that should be ...Where BC Rail once served the interests ot the interior, Campbell has scrificed it to his friends at CN - in all probability unfairly.
And I haven't even mentioned the Ferries or the Olympics.
JStog
4 years ago
Scarry thought.... The Gulag....
G West
OK Now Listening clearly.... I DISAGREE
West kootenay Power (not part of BCHydro) always had the Cheapest rates in the country. Winnipeg and the City of Nelson were next.
Http://www.nelson.ca/pdf/hyd_rate.pdf
Unintersted in your comparative debate.
The crisis in the forest was started BY THE BC NDP. THEY APPROVED THE SALE OF M+B TO American OWNED Weyerhaeuser. I don't have to prove it. They sold us out....Its a fact. The Pine Beetle started on The NDP's watch..... They did nothing. Now its Largest DEAD FOREST in the World. And BC NDP plans to do What about it?
I just posted facts.... you ignore them as it suits your preferances.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/03/19/bc-judy-rogers-buyout.html
Carry On LOL
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Homelessness everywhere
Under Gordon Campbell,homelessness is absolutely everywhere,child poverty is everywhere.
Even in Nanaimo,a homelessness crisis,welfare applicants soar,and judging from the hate filled comments towards Ron Cantelon.
Ron Cantelon will be sent packing on May 12th/2009 along with most other Liberals!
Campbell,the most hated man in BC,this election is going to be a NDP Blowout,Campbell is finished,and not a moment to soon,Carole James will restore people`s faith in goverment,no more Campbell lies.
http://www2.canada/nanaimodailynews/news/story.html?id=7328a526-33b0-4392-bf6a-0f66fe0d1816
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Campbell
Has stolen the future from all BCers,he has stolen people`s self respect,Gordon Campbell`s hatred od seniors,hatred of children,hatred of everybody except the wealthy corporate world.
More theft of resources has happened under Campbell than any goverment in history of Canada.
Yet people are starving,minimum wage frozen forever under Campbell.
The people have noticed,may12th--The day Campbell`s music stops playing,the day these corporate theives power comes to an end!
http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/news/story.html?id=931b40f3-f18d-4bb1-83a1-c9cca9a42d6a
http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/news/story.html?id=7328a526-33b0-4392-bf6a-0f66fe0d1816
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Pine beetle history
The pine beetle has it history in BC going back to the 70s and 80s.
The major pine beetle epidemics stared,or were noticed in the flathead valley in the 70s and 80s.
Pine beetle infestation started under socred goverments in BC.
you can read about it here,the pine beetle likes warm weather,so because of major polluters like Alberta/USA/China if there is any truth to global warming these are the people to blame.
Only an absolute IDIOT/or brain dead baffoon would make a claim as to when the pine beetle first struck,but to my knowledge the pine beetle was first noticed in the 70s, but historical data suggest that the pine beetle has been around forever!
http://forest.org/archive/canada/mtpinebe.htm
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Pine beetles reaches epidemic state in the 70s
http://forests.org/archive/canada/mtpinebe.htm
The socreds ignored the pine beetle,the beetle couldn`t have been stopped anyways,but the beetle was here in the early 70s/ and historicaly has been here forever,despite what some tetards might say or think!
JStog
4 years ago
The Current Pine beetle epidemic started in the 90s
http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/pb/two.html
Pine beetles have always been around.
Appearing in small pockets.
Tweedsmuir Park was the centre of beetles current epidemic expansion.
G West
4 years ago
Still nothing
That's it.
Last time I bother with you Jstog - it's a wast of time.
The election is being fought by the Gordon Campbell government, it needs to be founght on the Gordon Campbell record.
People who live in the past tend to miss out on the present and never see the future.
Cheers.
Janie Jones
4 years ago
NDP Ending "Valley by Valley" Confrontations
Say does everyone remember how the NDP were going to stop "valley by valley" confrontations in the woods and then as soon as they were in power adopted the US PR firm created BC Forest Alliance's plan for logging Clayoquot Sound?
That's part of the reason that Berman & Co are so firmly ensconced in Gordo's lap.
The only thing that can be counted on, on May 12th, is that, once again, the government are going to get in.
JStog
4 years ago
Row Row Row that Boat
Thanks G West
Still nothing??? Don't blame me If no ones home upstairs.GHG getting you down. Not Me!
I live in the Present but Use the past, to forsee the future. Don't you?
The elections being fought by 3 parties.
Liberals, BC NDP, and The Greens.
2 Parties have track records in BC.
Whos side will Gregor be on?
Will he abandon the BC NDP ship?
http://greeneconomyconference.ca/speakers.html
The BC NDP apposes ROR's and IPP's
http://www.bclocalnews.com/daily/vancouver/opinion/39341149.html
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_north/campbellrivermirror/news/MLA_critical_of_Bute_Inlet_power_project_.html
Are his backers on another boat.
http://www.zerocarboncanada.ca/backlash-against-the-green-economy-in-bc/comment-page-1#comments
Interesting NI NDP MLA's site was Muted.... http://www.clairetrevena.ca
Cheers
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Latest internal polls
The latest internal BC Liberal polls has the NDP winning 55 seats.
The biggest gains come in the lowermainland/Surrey/A sweep in Burnaby/Delta/Prince George/Kamloops/--
Penner gone-John Les gpne-Qppal gone-all 3Burnaby Mlas gone-Bond gone-Pat Bell gone--Vancouver island all ridings NDP--
Garth--Several Liberals have tried(in Vain) to connect the pine beetle to the NDP-It has failed,the foresters know the real story,it makes BC Liberals look like Donkeys--Only a FOOLISH CLOWN would think that we have roving groups of pine beetle stoppers wandering the forests-LOL LOL.
Especialy people who know the forest and know weather phenomenems--With strong mountain forest up-drafts swarms of pine beetles have been carried hundreds and hundreds of miles only to be dropped in a hail like shower of pine beetles.
Even Campbell tried to make the link with the pine beetle and the NDP but his handlers realized he was LOOKING LIKE a FOOL in the eyes of the people because pine beetle epidemics back to the 70s and 80s under socred goverments and none of those epidemics were radicated.
So rather than wandering the province LIKE a FOOL Campbell and his ministers stopped that tactic!
But unfortunately,some PATHETIC PAB members and MORONIC party faithful are still acting like retards trying to connect the pine beetle spread from the 70s and 80s and 90s to any one party.
This mis-imformation is annoying,like a mosquito buzzing around,until squashed,flattened,zapped with a bug light.
Of course these PATHETIC posters have nothing but failure in Campbell 2 only terms to talk about,So wag the dog,divert attention to the worst goverment record in BCs history.
Only a FOOL would think that the LIBERAL ministers would they could to blame the NDP for everything,
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Early post by mistake
Meant to say--
Only a FOOL --Liberal ministers or MLAs would be using the pine beetle everytime they open their mouth if they could connect it to the NDP--
So they stopped it,but some retard posters,looking like fools,have tried this connection,the story is
Gordon Campbell`s policies have put thousands on the streets,child poverty is a epidemic,and the NDP are going to put a moratorium on IPPs and the recognition act is all but dead under the NDP.
The act was about ROR--Taking white folks in small towns and big towns out of the equation,we have seen through the legislation,it was Campbell`s final death nail,the most recent internal polls are enough to make his MLAs cry---
And no amount of diversions or wag the dog can stop it!
Gregor is mayor-Corrigan is mayor-Trasolini is mayor and they are all NDPers,councils around the province have swung left.
And no amount dog wagging and sasquatch sighting are going to change those facts!
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Even your post
"The beetle has appeared a half dozen times since 1900"
So it appears that no-goverment has been able to eradicate the beetle over the last 110 years.
"the beetle gets stopped with long cold winters"
The decade of the 30s was very hot,but in BC the 90s were the hottest decade with the warmest winters (for BC )
"all efforts to eradicate the beetle have failed"
Unfortunately it`s up to mother nature to take care of this one.
But the homelessness and child poverty epidemic happened and flourished under Gordon Campbell,he will be rewarded by being tossed out of goverment.
Janie Jones
4 years ago
Recognition dead under NDP?
What makes you think that the recognition act is "all but dead" under the NDP ?
'"We still live as two very unequal peoples on stolen land,' (Carole James) said.
James urged the chiefs to hold Campbell to his word and pass the new Recognition Act, before he flits off to his next great goal. Her speech strongly suggests that the NDP will support the new law, although they never say so explicitly before the legislation is actually tabled."
Source: http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/parksville_qualicumbeachnews/opinion/40988414.html
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Simple answer
The NDP haven`t seen the bill--Second,the legislation falls under federal jurisdiction--Thirdly majority rules.
I suggest that first nations create a "one society goverment"
They need to speak with one voice,not 25 voices,I am all for improving first nations living conditions and their lives,but like our politicians and leaders,I know of great wealth and large holdings for the chiefs,it appears first nation leaders believe in the trickle down economy as well--
What I have come to learn very well,it serves first nation`s leader`s well to keep their people under the weather!
But if you want to believe anything out of Campbell`s mouth,go-ahead,in case you haven`t heard Campbell has no mis-givings about tearing up contracts and enforcing new-ones.
And if you think the FIRST NATION`s people are going to win a future with Plutonic Power,lol is all I can say,your dealing with Wall Street financials.
The NDP will craft their own legislation when elected,this recognition act is dead,and by the way,it`s the federal goverment that has killed the legislation!
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
JJ
Your reading too much into James statement,all of Campbell`s bills have great titles,you can expect the NDP or any party to agree on some principle`s in a bill,but until one can examine the legislation it`s just talk.
The only thing I can say for certain is,first nation`s will get more meaningful representation from a NDP goverment than a Liberal one!
If you are first nation`s then you know that there is nothing equal about treaties or who gets what!
Musqueam/Squamish bands have had great sums of money and revenue thrown their way,for some reason the money never trickles down past the chiefs.
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
First nation`s money laudering
It appears to me the biggest detriment to first nations is the select few holding the purse strings.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2008/09/25/bc-prophet-river-reserve.html
http://www2.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=2df3e780-c343-4c47-8045-64b7e0956198
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
18 billion dollars a year
goes to first nations,where does it go?
You might want to read this story.
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=4e2ab0fc-d559-48f6-8de7-c152b255130c
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
messed up that link
JJ--You should read this story.
http://www.canada.com/vancouvercourier/news/story.html?id=4e2ab0fc-d559-48f6-8de7-c152b255130c
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Messed up the link again
JJ-read this story
http://www.canada.com/vancouvercourier/news/story.html?id=4e2ab0fc-0559-48f6-8de7-c152b255130c
G West
4 years ago
What are you talking about?
You do nothing but claim there are no differences between the two parties and that their records are indistinguishable.
I gave you a short list of why that's demonstrably untrue.
Jumping up and down and saying the same thing over and over again may get you the kind of attention you seem to desire.
It doesn't constitute a rational case for anything however.
As for the greens, please, there are already a lot of comedians out of work.
Janie Jones
4 years ago
Same As It Ever Was
That's right, they are dealing with Wall Street financials, the same Wall Street financials who bankrolled the pennies on the dollar theft of vast assets belonging to the Russian people to the foreign bound oligarchs.
Remember about learning from history . . .
The ultimate aim of the recognition legislation is not that First Nations will own BC. It is that the Wall Street financials will.
I worked out of Prophet River in the winter of 2007 and let me tell you the $800/mth that branch of the Treaty 8 Tribal gang are getting is just the start of oil&gas money being rained down upon them right now.
There is also a story being well covered in Whistler media right now on Lyle Leo the Four Host Nation Negotiator who is being sued by the Mount Currie Band for accepting bribes from Delta, a land development company that were funneled to him through a Squamish logging company. Looks good on them is all I can say.
I have read about Calvin Helin in the Statlmx Runner ostensibly a publication of the Lil'wat Tribal Council but actually published by a white woman. She really slagged him and his book in her review and that made me really want to read it, although I haven't yet.
I am not sure if you are addressing me or MrTutu G West. Let me know and I'll respond appropriately.
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
I think
he was addressing Jdog--
JJ-Don`t get me wrong,I want whats best for all people`s, with technology,wind,tidal,solar,nuclear,there is no need to sacrifice our river fish and animal habitat for foreign profits,you can bet with thousands of miles of roads transmission lines poachers,trophy hunters will be plying their trade.
Also if we were to dam all the rivers,why couldn`t hydro and first nations team up,with nafta and private power we couldn`t reverse anything.
And like I tried to explain,I don`t trust many chiefs.
There is also a little thing calles Parkinson`s law--
I won`t explain all of it,but basicaly,expenditures rise to meet incomes.
Just think of all the development in the cities,Victoria,Vancouver,burnaby,new westminster, no matter how much development,building is done the tax base never catches up,even on the sunshine coast we are having another tax increase.
JJ you will find with ROR promises the result will be the same,hungry people and the money disappears,then the argument of a few more projects will get us over the top,that day never comes!
As for different goverments,ya,they all suck.
But Campbell,he is a proven liar and law breaker,he doesn`t care about people,he never has,he fought the Nishga treaty tooth and nail,the only other treaties that have been signed under Campbell is where big business wanted something,hell,the province is in court right now and were recently censured by the courts for illegal land giveaways.
I am almost positive Campbell was trying to scam enviromental assessments and public input with this recognition act.
What do individual first nations people say,are the cheifs and elders going to share?
Future revenues,what is stopping plutonic from selling their projects to a numbered company and then first nations are out!
Campbell has shit on seniors,the lowest paid health workers,the disabled,I don`t trust him,he lied about BC RAIL,ferries,and I don`t trust your cheifs,some funky shit went on with the Alcan deal.
Lastly,I think that if you first nations want ROR--Do it, do it on your own,contract some builders,borrow some money and FUCK PLUTONIC,Fuck GE--The first (First nations power corp inc)
All yours,It would be more acceptable to me,or you can let the chiefs get paid,a few clubhouse cooks and thats it,because after their built there is almost no employment.
Just remember JJ--You can`t trust the proven liar and law breaker and DRUNK DRIVER --Gordon Campbell
JStog
4 years ago
GE is everywhere even on Transit Buses
TutuwithTheCampbellon
Is that a GE Transformer on the hydro pole connecting your house..??
Call BC Hydro and have it removed.
Will the BC NDP build The Transformers, electric motors and light bulbs needed?
Hmm now who bankrolled The BC NDP's deficit? Wallstreet, Bay street?
Money's got to come from somewhere?
Affordable Housing need solutions. What could the solutions Be....Borrow more money...or create resource income?
I think thats been answered! But go ahead Call them. They have telephones! A web site! I'll post their video again?
G West would be thrilled. He likes pictures.