No Public $$$ for Pipelines, Calls from the Premier to lift BYD tariffs, the passing of a watershed legend, YYC Environmental Events, and more!
A week in the life of restorative justice.
Events
No More Public $$$ For Pipelines (or Carbon Capture and Storage)
Protestors gathered in front of the Harry Hays Building and the office of the Pathways Alliance in Calgary, on August 20th, to demand an end to public dollars towards fossil fuel development (pipelines or carbon capture and storage). Led by For Our Kids Alberta, the Calgary Climate Hub, and the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, members sent a clear message for oil and gas executives to proceed at their own risk. Watch and listen to Claire Kraatz explain.
A Discovery in Didsbury, courtesy of Minister Brian Jean’s Chief of Staff
The C4RE trial Drill & Dash town hall in Didsbury last Thursday was a success. The group was joined by the Department of Energy (DOE)’s Chief of Staff, Vitor Marciano. Vitor explained to a room full of landowners and polluter pay supporters how the Government of Alberta is working to increase the costs of natural gas in our province, in order to prevent unprofitable corporations from failing. Thank you, Vitor, for helping us understand what the priorities of your office are: corporations not taxpayers or landowners. Liability comes before profitability, Vitor, the problem is clearly with the DOE not upholding polluter pay laws.
Premier Smith calls for a lifting of the BYD Tariffs
In response to the 75% Chinese tariff on Canadian canola, Premier Smith is calling for the Government of Canada to lift the ban on BYD electric vehicles, “It makes no sense to have a punitive tax to protect an industry that doesn’t yet exist in Canada, which is the EV vehicle industry, at the same time as we’re getting punished on canola and pork, which are products the world wants and needs, including China. So I think that that approach has to be reconsidered,” the premier said this week.
I am very pleased to announce I 100% agree with the Premier on this point, though it has been pointed out to me that some might consider her comments as government overreach.
Now Canola farmers, please consider growing less toxic and resource intensive crop. Learn about The Dark History of Canola here. 📺
The Passing of Watershed Legend Dale Christian
I had the privilege of meeting and working with Dale Christian over the last two years. Dale worked for the Red Deer River Watershed Alliance for over 20 years, and fought for water, river, and land rights until her passing this week. I had the privilege of learning from her in Episode 12 and 23 of Season 1. Not only was Dale extremely knowledgeable and articulate but she dedicated her retirement to standing up for what is right, for her and her neighbours. I am sad to hear of her passing but will maintain the fight with Dale’s spirit in mind. Here’s a clip of Dale from Episode 23:
Ongoing & Upcoming Events
Calgary River Pathways Weed Pulling Days
🪧Join the Calgary River Valleys (CRV) community on August 23 and/or August 30 from 9 to noon to pull weeds on the Elbow River. CRV is restoring the natural function of the riparian zone 🛶 on these sites, since 2023. They’ve planted more than 600 native shrubs, as well as native wildflowers to attract pollinators.
Help them accelerate the restoration by pulling invasive species. Easy and satisfying work with wonderful people! Sign up here.
Campaigns
Join the Forever Canadian movement by collecting signatures!
The Forever-Canadian.ca campaign is growing exponentially but help is still required! Sign up to collect signatures. Former Minister Lukaszuk has created a movement, the campaign is growing beyond believe but the team is hyper-focused on results: collecting nearly 300,000 signatures by the end of October. I am looking to connect with other collectors in Calgary-Bow or Signal Hill. Please reach out to me to set up a signing station together!
Here’s Thomas speaking with
all about it and the ruling by an Alberta judge to determine the meaning of the Alberta Prosperity Project’s “sovereignty” question. Help Alberta stay Canadian today!A reason to wear your iron ring again
Are you a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) and concerned about upholding public safety and maintaining member protection in a rapidly changing environment? Join and share this online, fall campaign–-to carry out a gap analysis between what APEGA says it does and what we do–-with your fellow APEGA members and friends. Together we can uphold APEGA's rights and delegated responsibilities. Email us at info@thegravitywell.net to join.
Support the AB Resistor
The AB Resistance is hard at work reviewing all the activities affecting Albertans and updating you regularly. A special shout out to Tami Smith for all of your work! Please become a paid subscriber if you appreciate this work!
The Gravity Well Podcast
Highlights from Season 2, Episode 15: What are the Impacts of Climate Change on Insurance?
Please watch, like, and share these short reels from Markham, Derek, and myself describing looming insurance crisis and growing risk aversion related to increasing climate catastrophes. Full episode available here.
Leadership Training
Session 1 and 2 of Self-Regulation Skillset Training Program with Brad Chapin are available on TGW website for paid subscribers and participants. Please check it out! And consider ordering a copy of the Self-Regulation Skillset for Educators journal here. Session 3 through 8 will be released over the next six weeks!
Lookback | Engagement | Measurement
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This week’s shout out goes to Karen Fahrlander, a leader in the watershed world and grassroots organizing machine. I will see you at the SPOG neighbour day tomorrow! Join us if you are in the area.