MAY 1,2005

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATIONTHE POWER OF ONE

THE STRENGTH OF COMMUNITY

As this is our 25th Anniversary for the VolunteerProgram there arc six volunteers who have been heresince the beginning of time . This is greatly heroic,and I am thrilled to be a part of their public recogni­tion. The following arc the folks who were recog­nized for long-time continuous volunteer service:Andy Huclack, Bonnie Stevens, Egor Marov, Bhar­bara Gudmundson, Norman Mark , Sam Snobclen.

Sincerely! To all volunteers, and especially to thosenamed this year: Stay strong. Stay here with us aslong as you want or need to. Stay loving

Colleen

rs. THE MOUTHis an area of flesh of great potential for destructionand encouragement, positive/negative, to lift up orand tear down. The little tongue inside The Mouth isa small part of the body but it can make great boasts.Consider that a great forest is set on fire by a smallspark. The tongue can also be a fire, a world of harmamong the parts of the body. It can corrupt the wholeperson setting the whole course of his life on fire .Please join me in being more aware of how we uscour little mouth and tongue, using words to buildeach other up rather than tear down. Let's work to­gether on making the whole building a 'Gossip FreeZone' .

Volunteer OCThe Month (April)Bill Clark, Kitchen VolunteerTui Hill, Cashier

Volunteer Program Committee MeetingWednesday, May lIth, 2005

Classroom 2, 3rd Floor @ 2:001)mAll Volunteers welcome to voice your ideas and

concerns, or just sit, listen and learn.

Volunteer Training: MayPersonal Protection Skills Workshop:

Participants will learn the skills needed to avoid be­coming a target of crime on the street and how tophysically defend themselves in the event of an un­avoidable attack. This workshop involves hands-ontraining; participants can, however, observe ratherthan physically participate if they wish . I (Colleen)needs to know how many people arc interested inattending this workshop before I can set up a dateand room. Please put your name on the sign up sheetin the Volunteer Program Office .

VOLlA.NT55R. AP'PR.5CrAT r0 N

Tt-t5 POW5R. OF ON5

Tt-t5 STR5NC1Tt-t OF COMMlA.NrTf

3

Message from Miss CarnegieVolunteer of the Year, Bonnie Stevens

What it means to be Volunteer of the Year! It is anhonour to be recognized by my fellow volunteers.Everyone of the volunteers is a team player. ThisCommunity Centre will not operate without thesespecial people. I'm just glad to be a part of the team .Keep up all your best of work. Thanks for your sup­port .

All my Relations. Bonnie E. Stevens.

Last week was International Volunteer RecognitionWeek all across the land. But of course, I am preju­diced: I think our Carnegie volunteers are the best ofall. All week we had events, dinners, entertainmentand awards for the express purpose of showing ourappreciation and gratitude to the positive effects youhave on the community.

When you are volunteering at Carnegie, you are notjust serving Carnegie but the DTES community ingeneral. I know what a lot of you do is hard workthat may even get tedious at times, making youwonder if'it 's even worth it'? I want to remind youthat every single person who walks in our doors isbenefited in one way or another by what you do.Different people were recognized last week , but Iwant to recognize each one of you for the specialgift you bring to the community.

This year's Volunteer Of The Year is our very ownBonnie Stevens who is also one of our long-termvolunteer recognition recipients. Bonnie has given ofherself in many areas and in even more ways overthe past 25 years. For all who know her, you cannothelp but love her unique laugh and impish smile.

TIle four special merit award recipients for out­standing service are Diane Wood, Darcy Rice, BillMucikowsky, Ross Drybrough. I join the multitudesin thanking you for significantly being willing togive of yourselves in the myriad of ways you do.

Volunteer DinnerWednesday, May 18th

, 4:30pm sharp! (Theatre)"This is a dinner for all Volunteers with a minimumof 16 hours service for the month of May _ this din­ner is one way we show our appreciation to all ofyou for all that you do for the community.

Big congratulations to the winners of the April 17th

Pool Room Tournament (9-8all, 2 our of 3, singleelimination): 151 Prize Denis Marsan, 2nd AI Wilby,3rd Troy Hecocks. Thanks goes to Bill Piggott whodid an excellent job of running the tournament

Carnegie's Pool Challenges Continue. The Carnegie Ball Breakers vs the Homenchuks

This friendly rivalry is ongoing . The BB's are RegMallot, Rick Pelletier, Mark Danback, Bill Piggott,AI W, Steve A and Jeff. The Homenchuks include

.John, Fred, Albert , Len, Elmer, Howard and nieceMary-Ellen.The last challenge had the Ball Breakers better in

snooker but getting creamed in 9-Ball .The Homenchuks are a pool-playing family , in­

cluding their Dad.Len was BC Amateur Champ in ' 71 &'76 and the

Western Canadian Amateur Champ in ' 74. Len wasalso one of six players representing Canada for asnooker tour of Great Britain. Canada won in 4 outof 5 countries . With a perfect snooker score being147, Len's best game of 139 is incredible.Mary-Ellen, Elmer 's daughter, placed 3rd in the

Ladies Canadian Snooker Championship in ' 79, ' 80& '81. In '97 & '98 she placed 1st

, 2nd & 3rd (multi­ple events) in the Dufferin 9-Ball Tour . In 2001Mary-Ellen placed 9th (out of 561 entries) in theNorth American Women's 8-Ball Championship.

Both Len and Mary-Ellen will be competing for theCanadian Championship in Montreal - June 24-26 ,2005 - Len in snooker and Mary-Ellen in 9-Ball .

!iJ,J..Jtkandff~ -with our GrandMeister Cody

Friday, May 6th, 20057pm-IOpm in the Carnegie Theatre

Get down and get funky to Cody's blend of tunesEVERYONE WELCOME ESPEClALLY YOU!

Refreshments served to the thirsty

~with our Karaoke Star, Darrell

Friday, May 13th, 20057pm - 10pm in the Carnegie Theatre

We are building up a library of songs to suit every­body's musical needs and desires. Ifyou have a par­ticular favourite that we do not carry, please let Col­leen or Darrell know, and we will see if we can addit to our list. Talk to us for customized assistance inchoosing the right Karaoke song for your particularvoice range .

Refreshments served to wet your whistle or pipes!

Cultus Lake Summer Camping TripJUNE 13th -1t h , 2005

Planning Meetings: Wednesday May 3rd and is",11am in the Theatre. Hospitalization, medical ap­pointments or volunteers shifts are the only reasonthat will get you out of the attendance requirementbut you must tell Marlene or Colleen in advance.This trip is for Volunteers and Seniors who contrib­ute to the Centre throughout the year.

POSTCARDS FOR PEACE

The Voice of Women in Guelph , Ontario, is orga­nizing a project called Postcards For Peace . They areasking Canadian Women to create their own post­cards with messages of peace to send to Iraqi womenAs the call for postcards is spreading, women fromBrazil are expressing their interest in participating.Wow, it could tum into a huge international women'sproject. Some women are organi zing "Make A Post­card" evenings. Workers in women's organizations inBaghdad say they gain a sense of hope in expressionsof solidarity from women in other countries.

Yanar Mohammed of the Organi zation of Women'sFreedom in Iraq said , "Life in Baghdad these days isnerve wracking. It is so hard to keep your sanitythrough one more night of bombing. No one deservesto live like this. Children don't have the slightest ideaof why they are dying ; the women hold their headsunable to understand how their babies meant nothingto those who bombed them in the last air raid."

A year ago, hundreds of women marched in thestreets of central Baghdad protesting the inequalityof women. "The women were optimistic, mostwalked without veils, and they made forcefulspeeches in front of TV cameras," a recent article inthe Guardian reported. "Those days of mass protestare over. Today there are barely a dozen women pre­sent. Half are veiled and most have come with malerelatives for protect ion."

5How to create a postcard for peace :

Using 4x6 card stock, draw, paint, or attach a pho­tograph. On the left half of the back of your card,write your brief, personal message of peace . Pleaseavoid religious language or symbols out of respectfor the diversity of beliefs . Leave the right half of theback blank to provide space for the translation ofyour message. Please sign your first name only. Putthe postcard in an envelope and mail to:

Postcards for PeaceP.O. Box 30098,Park Mall Postal 2 Quebec St., Guelph, ON NIH 8J5

Deadline for entries : MAY 3 I,2005 Contact us:postcardsforpeace@svrnpatico.caOr visit oUT website at: www.vowpeace.org

The

Celebrate May DaySATUR.DAV IMAY 7th

In the Carnegie.Theatre t 7401 Main Street a p.m.

A limousine arrivedand Iona stepped out.She was booed by the peoplein a half-hearted way,as she waited with dignityfor the Premierto descendthe red-carpeted stairs .Then the people saw Campbellcoming down the stairs,supported by a woman aide.He was smilingthat same sickly smilewe saw on his Maui mug shot,and he moved with the alacrityof a scared rabbit.A thunderclap of boosgreeted the Premier,a tsunami of disapprovalthat bounced offthe Legislative buildingand echoed over the harbourthe citythe province

on the other sideof the fence ,waiting.• • • •

Yellow-coated policepatrolled the fence.A platoon ofred-coated Mountiesstood at the ready.A dark blue honour guard,with rifles ,waited to greetthe Queen's representative,Ms. Campagnolo.A military band lurkedin the background,and the army positionedtwo small howitzersat the harbour edge,ready to firea ten gun salute,or whatever protocol demanded.The trappingsof royal powerguarded the entranceof the Legislature, whilethe people congregated

The mood of the peoplewas defiant but festive.They listened to speechesdescribing how . ...

. Campbell's corporate policiesundermined the social cohesionof the province, 1s:;:;~~1destroyed public institutions'that regulate private power,and abolished social programsthat gave ordinary citizens ,a measure of securityand therefore a measure of power.The raging Grannies sang,these gentle , elderly folkwith the souls of warriors,their songs one more weaponin the armory ofjustice.• • • •

CRYJUSTICE

This poem, "Cry Justice," appeared in the CarnegieNewsletter two years ago. Read it before voting onMay 17th. We have to remember how GordonCampbell and his provincial government have hurtmany ordinary people in British Columbia.

• • • •

There are timesin our liveswhen we haveto take a stand,when we have tospeak out for whatwe know is right.,Such a time arrivedon February 11,2003,when fourthousand Canadian s,many of them seniors, rstudents,gathered on the front lawnof the Legislaturein Victoria, British Columbia,to protest theScrooge-had-it-right policiesof the provincial government.The occasion wasthe start of a new sessionof the Legislature,and the Premier,Gordon Campbell .planned to escortthe Lieutenant-Governor,Iona Campagnolo,up the red-carpeted stone stairsinto the Legislative building.• • • •A police-protected fencekept the peopleaway from the entranceto the Legislature,but citizens crowdedagainst the fence,and waited patientlyfor the Lieutenant-Governorto arrive in a limousine,and for the Premierto descend the crimson-covered stairsto greet her.

and the nation ."Shame, shame,"people shouted with passion,and their CIY

was taken upby the seagullsswirling overhead.

* * * *"Liar, liar ," people shouted,for Campbell had promisedhis tax cutswould pay for themsel ves,but they createdthe largest deficitin B. C. history.He promised he wouldn'tcut health care,but he closed hospitalsand laid off nursesand health care workers .He promised he wouldn'tdevastate the public service,but he did the opposite.He promised to maintainenvironmental standards,but he reduced them.He promised he wouldn'tcut education,but schools arc clos ingclass sizes are increasingand teachers arc losingtheir jobs.He promised to honoursigned contracts,but he didn't.He said there were no plansto reduce welfare,but he cut benefits cruellyand made it harder to qualifyfor assistance.How can citizens dialoguein good faithwith a Premierwho does not keephis word?

* * * *"Shame, shame,"people shouted again .Shame on Campbell

for the deathsof seniors who fearedlosing their nursing homes,or could no longer affordthe medicines they neededto survive.Shame on Campbellfor the deathsof people with disabilitieswho could not copewith the stressof feared loss of income.Shame on Campbellfor the increasing numbersof young peoplewho are turning toprostitution, drugs , beggingor suicide, becausethey have neitheradequate jobsor adequate incomes,and live in despairrather than hope .Shame on Campbellfor the studentsforced to abandon their educationbecause ofenormoustuition increases.Shame on Campbellfor the peoplewho arc homeless,many of whomcannot get welfare.Shame on Campbellfor the painof working peoplewho arc seeinga massive transferor power and moneyfrom workers to employers.Shame on Campbellfor the lossof court houses ,and legal aidfor our poorest citizens.

* * * *So did people shoutthe language of resistanceaga inst the go vernment's langua ge

7

of oily equivocation.Alternatives to corporate greed exist ,and First Nationshave shown us the waywith five hundred yearsof resistanceto imperial injustice.Environmentalists showed usthe way at Clayoquot Soundwhere eight hundred peop lechose civil disobedienceto make their voices heard .

Downtown Eastside citizensshowed us the waywhen they occupiedthe Woodward's buildingand set up tent campsin public parks .Seniors and studentsshowed us the waywhen they shouted defian ce

directly at the Premieron February 11, 2003 .• • * *In the face ofan avalanche of outrage,Gordon Campbell scurried upthe red-carpeted stairswith lona in tow.The massive doorsat the top of the stairsclosed slowly behind them ,and we, the people, were lefton the outside.We'll be back, though.No lie can live forever,and the cry for justicewill be heard .

Sandy Cameron

~~.

I '., .

...like the whole worlddepends on you

TO VOTE OR NOT TO VOTE

At the Carnegie poetry reading on April 2nd,Stephen Lytton reminded us to vote in the provincialelection on May 17th because the Gordon Campbellgovernment has hurt poor people badly with its cutsto mcome assistance and its barriers to welfare thatmake getting income assistance almost impossiblefor many people who have no money.

I agree with Stephen, but it's going to take morethan j ust voting every four years in order to makethis province a democracy. Why vote when we nolo~ger belie~e that the concerns of ordinary peoplewill be considered by the political party in power?Why vote when we feci that corporate money ismore powerful than the ballot box? Why vote whenw~ know.that the media, corporate-owned and profitdriven, tries to control what we voters think aboutand what we think is important? Why vote when '~ve've seen over and over that political parties , oncem ?ffi~.' ~reak their promises to ordinary citizens ?~ttll, It IS Important that we vote, even if it is only to

hit back at a provincial government that has declaredwar on poor people. Ordinary citizens fought forover one hundred years to get the vote. Voting is away power can shift from one group to anotherwithout a civil war breaking out. Sure, the mar­keteers, with Gordon Campbell as their political busboy, and the media as their propaganda machinehave seized control of our province, but that doesn'tmean we have to give up the fight for a j ust society.After: all, Bruce Eriksen never, ever, gave up.

Votmg is)ust one tool for democracy, but we hadbetter use It. What if Gordon Campbell decided tocanc~1 the May I t h election, and declared himselfthe kmg ofBriti~h Columbia? We'd be very angry~bo~t that. Obviously the vote is important, but vot­mg IS only one part of being a citizen in a democracyWe.have to work together all the time - not just on

electJ~n day. One way to do this is to join a group inour neighbourhood that is working to make things

better. In this way we can support each other, en­courage each other, and vote together. We can findour own words to describe our own experience, anduse those words to fight for justice. In this way wecan create our own authentic reasons for voting . Awise old guy from Spain by the name of Unamunosaid, "Faith is not so much believing what we havenot seen as creating what we do not see." We canlook for elected representatives who will work withus - and in the Downtown Eastside we do haveelected representatives who work with groups thatare trying to make things better in this community.

Most of the creative politics today are happeningoutside the framework of traditional political parties- in the environmental movement, the women'smovement, the social justice movement, and the in­dependent media movement, for example. Thesesocial movements challenge the corporate ideologyof unrestrained profit. They work for the commongood, and believe strongly in human rights . Theyuse the vote to further their cause, but their mainstrength is getting people involved in thestruggle for a better world on a day-to-day basis .Please vote, not just as an individual, but as a mem-

ber of a community with a common dream ofjusticefor all people . Clarify what side of the fence you'reon, and discover who is there with you. As PatSmith wrote on one of her posters , "Class con­sciousness is knowing what side of the fence you'reon. Class analysis is finding out who is there withyou ."

Ordinary people outnumber the wealthy ruling eliteby a large margin. If all the ordinary people in Brit­ish Columbia really understood that their best inter­ests lay on the side of a democratic society in whichincome and wealth were fairly distributed, we couldvote out the corporate oligarchy and begin a "goldenage" of true democracy. Right now we live in abys­mal times of unrestrained greed where "fair is fouland foul is fair," but as Joe Hill said, "Don't mourn.Organ ize."

By SAND Y CAMERON

VOTIlfG

As a woman of the 2151 century I have always hadthe right to vote, but I have been thinking a lot abouthow I got that right.

I recently watched a television Movie-of-the-Weekcalled "Iron-Jawed Angels" about the U.S.SufIragatemovement and realized that, in the recent past,

I woman were second-class citizens who were not1 seen as intelligent human beings with valid opinions.

I am very thankful for all those women who took astand, who were Canada 's Iron-Jawed Angels : thewomen who fought for my right and your right aswomen to vote.

So on May 17rll please exercise your right to vote.Vote your heart but please vote. It is women 's pro­grams that suffer first and foremost when there arebudgetary cutbacks.

By VICKIE DUTCHER

:s

1­

:e

National Housing and Homelessness Network:>.

Federal NDP leader Jack Layton has negotiated abudget deal with Prime Minister Paul Martin that

ite calls for $1.6 billion in new housing spending overt- the next year. There is no requirement for matching"- funding from the provinces , which eliminates a ma­:h jor barrier in a number of parts of the country, in-Id eluding Ontario .en This is terrific news , since the most recent federals- budget contained no new spending on housing. If the

deal holds, then Layton will have secured morel. money for new social housing in one day than the

current federal government has delivered over thepast dozen years .

9The NDP budget deal also calls for new spending in

other priority areas, including child care and the en­vironment. The new social spending - which mostCanadians support, according to recent opinion polls- will be funded through a reduction in corporate taxcuts. Canadian corporations already pay a lower ratethan corporations in the United States , so the budgetdeal is a fiscally responsible package that makessure that there is revenue to pay for the spending.

However, there is plenty of work to be done tomake sure that the deal sticks.First , the budget implementation bill (which could

come in front of Parliament as early as next week ,and could be one package, or a series of votes) hasto be passed by Parliament and move through allstages , including royal assent.

Second, once the spending is authorized, then themoney must be committed as quickly as possible.The volatile political environment in Ottawa meansthat nothing is secure until the money is actuallyspent. Housing advocates across the country shouldcontact their networks and contacts, Members ofParliament, and your local media and urge that thisbudget deal be passed as quickly as possible. Use theexample of local projects and local needs to supportthe call to immediately commit the $1.6 billion innew housing funding . Phone, fax or e-mail rightaway.

But don't stop there. It's important to deliver a mes­sage that , once the budget is approved , the housingdollars need to be committed right away . For prov­inces like Quebec , this should involve a fairly simpletransfer of the federal dollars to the provincial gov­ernment, which will then flow the dollars throughthe existing social housing structures.For provinces where the existing affordable housing

program has stalled, we need to deliver a strong andclear message : The provinces need to either get onthe bandwagon, or get out of the way!

The housing dollars are critically needed and tooimportant to be squandered on continuing federal­provincial squabbling.

Michael Shapcott, Research Co-ordinatorOne Percent Solution" project ,Toronto Disaster Relief Committee

*The proposal that the federal gov 't commit just 1.00,,6ofannual revenues to affordable, social housing.

'. Ontario's and BC's Safe Streets Act

This article results from reading a paper by mysister, written during her third year of legal studies ,about Ontario 's Safe Streets Act. It is titled, Arrest­ing Mr. Hughes: Are you feeling safe r yet?

I thought it could be interesting to us here in Brit­ish Columbia , since our provincial government hasrecently enacted its own version of a Safe StreetsAct, and therefore discussion of this paper couldhave bearing on that legislation.

Mr. Edward Hughes was arrested in 200 I, alongwith a number of other people, for contravening theOntario Safe Streets Act, specificall y, it seems, foraggressive panhandling on a sidewalk. (His co­defendants were charged under the Highways Act,since their panhandling took place in roadways (i.e.,cleaning cars for spare change , soliciting drivers forspare change, etc.))

The Ontario Safe Streets Act was passed in 1999,and seems to be less about making streets safer, thanabout curtailing certain types of behavior (i.e., ag­gressive or threatening panhandl ing). The authorpoints out that this legislation came about near thesame time as Toronto was making its bid for holdingthe Olympics in its city, and certainly the languageused by the legislators bears out this relationship.Even though Toronto ultimately lost the bid for theOlympics, the Act remained .The author points out that a constitutional challenge

under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms could bemounted on the basis of the law's violating defen­dants ' freedom of expression, but continues by stat­ing that a stronger case could be made for the prov­ince straying into the field of federal jurisprudence

when it passes criminal law that is legally under thepurview of the federal government.

Interestingl y, the concept of outlawing egregiousforms of begging has been in force in one way oranother for at least 700 years. (My sister determinedthis by examining laws passed in Great Britain,criminalizing begging since the 1300s.)

Mr. Hughes was convicted under Ontario 's SafeStreets Act, and as far as I know, an appeal to thedecision is still in process . His defense, based on theCharter of Rights and Freedoms, was rejected by thetrial judge. He faces the possibility of a fine of up to$500 for the first offence, and for each subsequentconviction, a fine of up to $1000 or six months injail, or both.

In conclusion, my sister wrote , " [The case] mayresult in further attempts by provinces or other levelsof government to assert their jurisdiction into mat­ters that properly rest with the federal government.In my view, the resulting patchwork quilt of by-lawsinfractions , provincial offences and federal crimeswill increase the risk that ' law-abiding' Canad ianswho travel will face arrest if they unwittingly com­mit an illegal act that, in their own home town, isperfectly legal." Based on what I know of Ontario'sSafe Streets Act, I agree with my sister's conclusion.

Since BC's Safe Streets Act is a watered-downversion of Ontario 's , it is doubtful that it could bechallenged as unconstitutional on the basis that itviolates federal jurisprudence. It is more likely thata challenge could be made of the basis of violatingan individual's right to freedom of expression (be­cause how else can a beggar make their needsknown to the public , and therefore appeal for help?).My sister is looking into which is the best way tochallenge Be's Safe Streets Act.

Considering that it was the decimation of socialprograms by the Provincial Liberals that resulted inthem bringing in the BC Safe Streets Act in the firstplace, it seems only right that on that basis alone, itbe challenged.

And here is the latest on Be's Safe Streets Act: byJanuary 27, 2005, fines were established for peopleticketed under the Act. For aggressive panhandling,$86. For squeegee cleaners, $115 .

By April 6, 10 people had been ticketed for vari­ous violations. Vancouver Police Department In­spector Val Harrison , in charge of the DowntownEastside , said in a Vancouver Sun interview (April

6), "We are obviousl y enforcing this, but frankl y,fining homeless, mentally ill, drug addicted poorpeople isn' t the solution." On CBC radio, Harrisonsaid that the poor and drug-addicted need treatm entand hous ing - not tickets and fines (The Westender,April 7- 13).

Remember this Act as one of the many mean­spirited actions of the provincial Liberals when itcomes time to vote on May 17.

By Rolf Auer

[Note: The number ofhomeless persons in the LowerMainland has more than doubled since 2002. LomeMayencourt, the MLA who championed BC 's SafeStreets Act, said "A jew people always f all through thecr,acks. " In So(H'edese Liberalese, 2112 people (ascounted in an exhaustive and independently verifi edstudy be almost 160 volunteers under the auspice oftheSocial Planning and Research Council ofBC (SPARC)are a few. Maye ncourt himselfaggressively provokedand attempted to arrest a person quietly panhandlingoutside a Starbuck's in the West End. There outta be alaw against bloated idiots like him, so shot in the asswith themselves that f acts and other's realiti es aredismissed as "so much whining crap"(! ) Ed.]

Except-

Except for the white boy with a big mouththe day is fine, just beaut iful if you let itexcept for the pain of everyone dying,everything is fine

Ifheaven were a little neare rmaybe I wouldn' t try so hardto balance between joy and anger,forever on my guardexcept for the white boywho thinks he's the only oneI could be livin ' today,just strollin' in the sunExcept for the dues I've yet to paythejoy the hunger the paineverything would be j ust fine todayand my time would be all mine

Except for knowing the ra in will comeand take away this sunny daymaybe I can make it back where I belongand learn to live again .

R.Loewen

...------------------,11Election Forum on

Homelessness

The Carnegie Community CentreAssociation will be holding an Election Forumon Homelessness on Thursday, May Sth in theCarnegie Theatre from 2:30 to 4:30.

"We are hoping to raise awareness ofhow difficult it is to get welfare," saidAssociation Vice President MuggsSigurgeirson, "and how that is contributing tohomelessness."

"We also want to ask LomeMayencourt to explain how the Safe StreetsAct helps low income people," said Muggs.

Jenny Kwan from the NDP, RavenBowen from the Greens, Lome Mayencourtand the Liberal candidate for Vancouve r Mt.Pleasant have been invited to attend.

At the meeting you can hear what thecandidates have to say about homelessness, askthem questions, and decide how you want tovote in the May 17th provincial election.

Refreshments will be provided.- Jean Swanson

To the editor.I travel Hastings quite a bit on my scooter. I am

really upset with what I have observed ...3 times Ihave seen men with small items for sale , thatthey have recycled from the garbage, being giventickets by the police . I have been told that they get a$50 fine. Panhandlers get fines too. Is it true that, ifyou can 't pay the fine , there is a warrant issued foryour arrest? Is it true that you can 't get welfare ifthere is a warrant out on you?

If the above is true we are forcing people into ille­gal activities just to survi ve or to pay the fine .

Is this a preliminary to the Olympics ' clean up thattreats poor people like cockroaches?

Sheila Baxter

•

A.J .

Tl1e RD{)t$ of 'Pa$$i.~

I pass the seeds of life, of heaven and hell, and Idefine them, their belief systems where their poisonwouldn 't pierce my ears.. but I musn 't forget Nep­tune, who passed a great shadow of doubt , but Iwouldn 't blame them; he was only doing what hewas told, he was confused. But he used his funnelsto hear where the other two suns were - his passingwas the teaching of destruction, for that 's why Baby­lon fell to the sea . Where Neptune said he'd bringthe ocean to the peaks.

Stand Up For Canadians' Pensions and Benefits

Support the NDP's "Workers First Bill" (C-28 I )which will make workers' pensions and benefits thefirst priority when a company goes bankrupt. ThisBill is very close to passing, so the more of us whoactually contact our MP's and ask them to supportBill C-281 , the better. Debate on the Bill, tabled byNDP MP Pat Martin (Winnipeg Centre), began inDecember. Each year, too many worke rs have theirpensions cut or lose them altogether, because whencompanies pay back their creditors after declaringbankruptcy, workers are at the back of the line. Un­der present laws, a company's taxes , lenders andsuppliers are all paid before employees are paid theirpensions, benefits, vacation pay, severance pay, oreven their wages for work they have already com­pleted. This is wrong and needs to change. Only youcan make change by participating and it only takes acouple of minutes .

~al~pel efuWtModern arrangements oftraditional gospel songs

andspiritual music

from various cultures.

3:00 pm, Saturday May 14th

Carnegie Thea tre.

Al

Carfast, cool

speeding, polluting, drivingwheels, windows, laces, leather

tying, walking , wearingslow, natural

Shoes

While it may seem to some that I'm on some kindof anti-methadone trip, the truth is that methadone isnot the answer to heroin addiction . Talking to afriend this morning I was not shocked to hear thathis M.D. had refused to lower his daily intake . Whendoctors determine the direction of your life, you ef­fectively have lost control of your own destiny. Weall like to believe that we live in a free society butthe truth is we don 't. As poor people in the DTESwe find ourselves restricted by cops, doctors , rules ,

, regulations, workers at welfare, etc. etc. till we endup feeling like pawns in a chess game we sure ashell will never win.

.• Yes, I am on an anti-methadone kick. It's the vilest ,most evil thing I've ever had to battle against. Forthose who are happily drugged to the tits I say goodfor you. For those who want their freedom back ,freedom not to be chained down to doctor and drug­store till the day they die I say fight! Reduce untilyou can kick and then steel yourself for what may bethe biggest fight of your entire life. The prize youwin is your own freedom; freedom to move any­where you damn well please; freedom from the falseparadise of a drug that leaves you half alive and con­stantly at the mercy of the medical police .

Doctors have become yet another tentacled of BigBrother 's control apparatus. Gone are the days you

could trust an MD, especially in the DTES where ~===================:llmedical malfeasance seems to be standard operating IIprocedure.Like Marlet said:' Stand up, stand up for your Rights

Stand up, don't give up the fight.' So brothers andsisters I say Get Yourself Free. Fight those whowould rob you of your freedom .

Liarn Turnbull, age 9

{ -

13

Fact Sheets for Provincial Election II May 17th 2005:When Gordon Campbell was elected in 2001, he said; "A Gordon Campbell Government will serve you and allBritish Columbians with respect, honor and dignity . We will keep our commitments and our MLA 's will alwaysremain accountable to you" Liberal New Era Platform, page 33.

Gordon Campbell and his BC Liberal Government: Their record at a glance.

HEAI.TH;

• Increased MSP premiums by 50% or 500 million dollars.• Increased Pharmacare fees.• Increased physiotherapy and eye care fees.• Closed emergency wards and some entire hospital.• Laid off300 nurses.• Privatized laundry, food, security and cleaning services leading to dirty hospitals.• Cut home care for seniors and even split up some couples .• Closed over 3900 long term care beds .• Failed to create 5000 new long term beds as promised in his New Era Document.• Increased waiting lists for surgery and overcrowded emergency rooms .• Cut WCB funds with corresponding 22% increase in fatalities since 2000 .• Cut WCB rehabilitation resources and privatized others.• Fired 8000 hospital workers.• Reduced funding to the BC Corner's leading to unanswered questions.• Contracted out-patient medical information / record keeping to US Corporation (Maximus, Inc) and

created a so called independent subsidiary Maximus BC.• Eliminated the Provincial Mental Health Advocate.• Subjected Persons with Disabilities to a 23 page re-assessment form.• Increased privatization of health-care.• De-listed MSP services; podiatry, message , physiotherapy, chiropractic therapy.

EI>"V~ATIOI

• Doubled college and university tuition fees.• Closed 113 schools , cut special education teachers and librarians.• Increased class sizes at every level.• Cut training and apprenticeships programs.• Cancelled proposed new Technical Training College in Surrey.• Unilaterally fired elected teachers from the College of Teachers.• Increased funding to independent I private schools.• Government legislation means that intermediate and secondary schools children are in larger class sizes

that include high number of special needs and ESL students.• The waiting time for assessments has lengthened significantly: there is less support for special needs and

gifted programs.• School Library hours have been reduced, there is less teacher Librarian time. Due to continued budget

cuts fewer new books are being purchased.• Lack of funds for counselors, learning assistants, psychologists, administrators, office staff, custodians,

technical staff, youth and family workers and supervision aids means an overall lower level of serviceand safety.

• Provincial funding well below the increased cost of running schools has resulted in significant cuts .Although recent funding announcements cover some costs it will not be sufficient to cover the $45million dollars worth of cuts made to public education over the last 4 years.

I:UII.I>:B..EI AIl> F AHII.IE8• Increased child-care costs for thousands of BC families .• Eliminated services for women in crisis .• Cut supports for women in need.• Eliminated Children's Commission and Children's Advocate.• Reorganized and reduced funding in the Children and Family Development Ministry leading to

inadequate level of forensic psychologist services to Young Offenders.• Cancelled the Family Maintenance exemption from income tax regulations.• Eliminated core funding for 37 Women's Centers in the province.

EI"VI:B..OlfHEIT

• Cut environment protections for our air, water and forests .• Expanded fish farms .• Supports oil and gas drilling of the Queen Charlottes.• Repealed the Environment Assessment Act.• Allowed 500,000 cubic meters of gravel to be removed from the Fraser river in each of the next two years

and 420,000 the 3ed year following, endangering salmon runs .• Failed to commit BC to further reduction ofgreenhouse gases.• Anticipates expansion of production of BC fossil fuels .• Subsidized royalty credits to oil and gas corporations• Weakened habitat protections for salmon in urban areas.• Allowed mining in South Chilcotins park.• Failed to improve drinking water standards after Walkerton.• Weakened the Provincial Wildlife Act.

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• Removed most requirements for approval of pesticide use• Approved ongoing raw sewage dumping from Victoria.

GEJrE:B..A.I.

• Refused to recognize the NDP denying BC citizens an effective Opposition.• Gave the wealthiest citizens and Corporations a 2.5 billion dollar tax break .• Broke promises not to privatize BC Rail.• Raised gas tax 3.5 centsllitre.• Raised property taxes .• Increased sales tax to 7.5% for three years .• Cut minimum wage to $6.00 for new workers.• Privatized BC Hydro and raised electricity rates.• Increased ferry fares .• Increased driver license, hunting and fishing fees.• Increased user fees for provincial parks and new ones for Forestry Parks .• Spent $6 million trying to privatize the Coquihalla Highway.• Have begun privatizing ICBe.• Sent BC shipbuilding jobs to Germany and disallowed BC bids.• Continued policy of trophy hunting in Be.• Supported expansion of gambling after promising to reduce it.• Neglected resource communities and increased raw log exports.• Supported huge bonuses to ICBC executives.• Continued farce of opening cabinet meetings.• Increased statT in the premier's office by at least 400% and increased the concentration of authority. I

• Failed to support meaningful standing committee.• Cut Legal Aid funding to poor leading to unprecedented censure by the BC Law Society.• Adjourned the legislature without a budget debate.• Failed to ensure that Liberal Constituency Offices were open to constituents.• Stripped negotiated BCTF and HEU Collective Agreements.

• Eliminated photo radar.• Hired an American to run the BC Ferry System.• Using spending announcements to subvert the Election Advertising rules .• Subjected BC citizens to a ' racists ' referendum on Ob-original Rights costing taxpayers more than $12

million dollars in 2002 . Native Rights still have not been properly addressed.• Shortened the Provincial Legislative House Session Question Period .• Premier broke his promise to honor Public Sector contracts.• Used the Olympic bid to distract citizens from their real priorities for services.• Weakened Employment Standards Act provisions.• Continued patronage appointments e.g. hiring Ex. Liberal President $180 ,000 / a year.• Reneged on promise to build a bridge over Arrow Lake.• Repealed pay equity provisions of the Human rights Code.• Fired 270 public service Communications staff and hired political appointments.• Reduced public access to government information by changing FOI rules and increasing user fees.• Over-rode local bylaws and planning processes with Bill 75.• Announced plans to privatize the Knowledge Network.

• Pressured Transit Directors to approve the RAV line.• Failed to clean up election expense rules for Corporations (86%) and Unions ( 8%).• International Labor Organization (United Nations) has publicly condemned the BC Liberal government 9

times for its eroding and destruction of worker rights and rights to work place safety, and anti laborlegislation starting with Bill 29 in 2002.

• Due to extreme shifts in Welfare Policies: One in 5 children who lives in in BC are living in poverty andthere has been a 20% increase in child poverty since 2001 as Welfare has been severely restricted andmore and more families are relaying on food banks than ever before a 40% increase as of 2004.

• New Child labor laws allow children as young as 12 to work long hours in dangerous conditions, makingthe lack of safety regulations with regards to child protection in the workplace the most dangerous inNorth America .

• Cutbacks to immigrant services and programs like the 'Buddy Program" for 10 to 14 year olds reduceopportunities for families to integrate in to their communities.

.Copyright 2005 BC Federation of Labour II BC Teachers Federationll Environmental GroupsllCanadian Statistics 2002112005111LO United Nations 2002 - 2005

8LEAZE Ilf THE :mIlEEZE

Gordon Campbell 's Liberals were using BruceSpringstein's song "Glory Days" for the electioncampaign without ever asking his permission.. It hadbeen used extensively in the interior up until lastweek. Many people were upset at the way this songwas being exploited as it is really about the serious .struggles of the blue-collar working class.

A massive E-mail was sent out last week from BCFed members to all communities and to Springstein'sCreative Management and Legal Representatives.

They were appalled by the Liberal arrogance. Ap­parently Bruce was also aware of the anti-labourlegislation and anti-labour worker rights that hadbeen forced on and taken away from workers in Be.Springstein declared that the BC Liberals must im­mediately cease and desist using his song, and herefused to give them permission for future use .

A similar occurrence happened before the US Elec­tion when the Bush Election Campaign tried to useSpringste in's "Born In the USA" also without hispermission; in fact Springstein was so incensed bythis he wrote a special editorial in the NY Times lastOctober . Marilyn

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recovering addict safely take, and which can't they?This book is the guide .In the shadow ofa saint: a son's journey to under­stand his father's legacy by Ken Wiwa.The author sets out to understand his African fa­ther 's life, and their relationship.Only a beginning: ananarchist anthology - editedby Allan AntHff. A comprehensive overview ofanarchist theory and practice in Canada from 1976to the present - with an essay by our own Bob Sarti!

There are also lots of other new books in the library- Westerns , Sci Fi, True Crime and more .

I:HEf:K "US O "UT !!!

Presented by Pacific Bluegrass andHeritage & Music Society

Wednesday May18, 2005 7:00pm Theatre

To thepeople ofyour neighbourhood.We would like to express our appreciation to the

people of the Down Town East Side and also allthose who attended the memorial service for mybrother Andrew Sharpe on Monday April 25th,2005. All your warm words of tribute, all yo~kindnesses you showed us, all your hugs, sml1~s andeven your tears gave our family a very clear pictureof how much Andrew was known and loved.

A heartfelt thanks to you all"The race is not always to the swift but to thosewho keep on running."

From the Tatterton Family

Blue Grass &Folk Music Concert

A Variety of Bsnds- Great Music!!!

Here are some new titles available in the library:

Liberalized: the Tyee report on British Columbiaunder Gordon Campbell's liberals by David Beers.This book investigates what happened to the Liber­als' advantage, four years after they were elected ­what promised were broken and more.Finding my talk; howfourteen native women re­claimed their lives after residential school byAgnes Grant. These women describe how theyovercame tremendous obstacles to become strong,independent members of Aboriginal cultures .Painted lives and shifting landscapes: paintings,prints and murals by Richard Tetrault.(reference book) This beautiful book showsTetrault 's unique views of Vancouver and theDowntown Eastside .Whore by Nelly Arcan. This is a novelized " auto-biographical memoir" of one young woman, coming .. ..to terms with making a living by selling her body.Vancouver walking by Meredith Quartermain.Poetry of Vancouver - its history, its present and itsmany atmospheres.Mathematics elsewhere: an exploration ofideasacross cultures by Marcia Ascher. This book hu­manizes our view of mathematics and expands ourconception of it.A Scientific romance: a novel by Ronald Wright.This is an elegant fantasy novel, witty, suspensefuland romantic: Globe andMail " Book of the Year".Safe medicinefor soberpeople: how to avoid relaps­ing on pain, sleep, cold or any other medication byJeffrey Weisberg, M.D. Which medications can a

News from the Library

Slaintc! From Mary ~yourOLD librarian.

It has been not "a slice" but a whole four layers ofJackie and Diane's best chocolate cake to work forand with the Carnegie Centre.

Dear friends. Thank you for welcoming me into thecommunity!

Thank you for making my job rewarding and chal­lenging and ever new.Thank you for your patience and your many sug­

gest ions for improving library services.Thank you for showing me the ways where I could

try to make a difference through my work and thusproviding me with a job I loved.

Like Tennessee Williams, in my life " I have alwaysdepended on the kindness of strangers", and I nowleave the library with a life much enriched by havingbeen offered the precious gift of friendship by somany of you . I do not feel I am leaving this posit ionas a stranger.

I head off to Ireland and greener pastures for twomonths immediately after my retirement..but I hopeI am not being put out to pasture and that in somesmall way I can continue to be part of the commu­nity as a volunteer.

I know you will make my replacements Claudia,Mary and Beth (who will be your new full time li­brarian)very welcome so I leave you with an oldIrish Blessing:" May the road rise with you ; the sun be on your

face, the wind at your back, and 'till we meet againMay you be held in the palm of the Creator's hand!

Mary Ann

SO LONG MARY ANN

She brings so much of herself to her job, it's easy tolove her. I do, and I now many of us here at the Car­negie do as well .

We love her for her quick smile, her generosity, herlove of word-play and her passion for the DowntownEastside. She concerns herself with the deaths andinjustices as well as our successes. She championsthe arts in our neighbourhood, with her help , praiseand encouragement. She's gone way beyond being alibrarian to become A Muse Of The Arts! She's sohumble, if she finds that too flattering, and we allknow how she tries to brush off any kind of praise,let's call her A Culture Vulture! She goes to EVE-RYTHING! Where does she get that energy? I'vetold her when she retires she can sleep for threemonths; I wonder if she will ?She is a very political person; she knows EVERY­

BODY! For me the personal is the polit ical , but forher it's the other way around. She makes politics per­sonal by remembering the names and faces to fleshout the fights. She takes great care to introduce peo­ple, and often with such a glowing list of accom­plishments, you can't believe she's talking aboutYOU!

She knows many great women; it is an honour to beincluded in her circle of friends ...and it's a BIG cir­cle . With Mary Ann, I don't think there's any suchthing as "acquaintances" - we're all friends .

I think Leonard Cohen was thinking of her when hewrote the song "So Long Mary Ann"!

So Long Mary Ann

It's Maryann Cantillon's second last week workingas Branch Head of the Carnegie library. She is busyvisiting a sick Carnegie board member in hospital ,then comforting parents who have flown in for thefuneral of a regular library visitor before rushing offto hospital to see a staff member who has just had anaccident. And that 's all after her 8-5 shift in the li­brary is finished .This week library staff also hear that Maryann has

been awarded a Lifetime Achievement in LibraryScience Award from the British Columbia LibraryAssociation. Eight of Mary Ann's library col­leagues, several of the Carnegie staff, local writersand BCLA members nominated her for this. Theywere motivated to do so because Mary Ann hastaught us to always listen to " the words and music"of the community around us. . .During her time at Carnegie she 's been invofved in

everything from helping people daily to find booksto helping with the massive ico" anniversary of theCarnegie Centre to assisting with resources for theamazing Downtown Eastside Community Play "Inthe Heart of the City" to assisting with the monthlypoetry night to bringing in writers in cooperationwith the Learning Centre to participating in the bookgive-away outside the library on at the corner ofHastings and Main.WHEW! I'm already tired from typing and that 's notthe half of what Mary Ann does.In a letter to BCLA Nancy Hannum and Alex

Youngberg of the library write :"Mary Ann has been a long term active member ofthe BCLA First Nations Interest Group and theThird World librarians Group ...She has been"aunty" to aspiring First nations Librarians ... .There are famous Mary Ann stories in the InterestGroup like the time she unthawed a huge salmon fora feast in her bathtub".They say, " Her hospitality and cooking skills defi­nitely deserve a place in library history."While doing her day job Mary Ann also managed

to mentor and inspire many. Her colleague for manyyears, Jane Curry, Branch Head Librarian of Mar­poleand former resident of Strathcona for sixteenyears says with obvious sincerity " I love workingwith Mary Ann because she has a strong social con­science. She is down to earth and she speaks her

mind. She is an exemplary Librarian. She gives usall a good name." Mary Ann 's social conscience islegendary. Over the years she has worked for peaceand to combat poverty.Newly graduated librarian, Gladys Chen, the DTESIStrathcona Outreach Librarian is also a huge fan.Gladys is currently gathering information on howthe community would like library services enhanced.She says, " Mary Ann taught me you have to beable to listen to the people 's heart . That is the mostimportant part."Gladys continues, " She was my coach . She not only

taught me how to do outreach but she also taught mehow to be a librarian. She changed my whole per­spective on service -on reaching out to communitiesand people who are not currently being served by thelibrary".AND Gladys continues!" She is dedicated. She goes beyond boundaries, be­yond regular library service. She does much morethan that. In fact, the whole team at Carnegie isdedicated and united - everyone working together.It's a great place to be." (HEAR HEAR!)

Gladys finally finishes : " I' m going to miss her."So are we all!

When I tell Mary Ann that I will miss her, my "bigsister" she laughs and says she will still be in thecommunity doing volunteer work plus not to worryshe will invite myself and my daughter over for ahome cooked meal.

I think I'll tell her how much I like salmon!

Mary Duffy, Branch Head at Strathcpna Library

A note to Michael Clague...

Today I say goodbye to someone I do not know. Iknow it must be him, for he is responsible: for mybeing here today, for my commitment to the volun­teer program, for the welcome so inviting that therereally is community, for all that the Carnegie Com­munity Centre is. He has influenced my life, eachday I live in this community, and my future . A smilecomes to my face as I write this, for you have har­boured the goodwill of the people, and more, youhave enriched it.

This building nourishes a fragile ideal. So I cele­.brate this man: What courage to have taken on thisposition, what effort of will must have been required

'. to accomplish the day, through five years , and nowwhat grace to accept our gratitude, our thanks, ourpromise to tend this garden while you go on to an­other.

Matthew Matthew

So Long Mike

Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests , I have thehonor to participate in this dubious occasion. Let meexplain. This party is to say farewell to the man whohas contributed so much of himself to our commu­nity in such a short time. And speaking of time wenow know that there was precious little of it leftwhen we were granted this wonderful human being.

When he arrived there were no fire works or bellsringing to let us know. We saw this hum drum look­ing guy circulating and socializing....with every-

body and anybody. He certainly was nice enoughand so we were caught a little unaware when hestarted to make the earth move . I guess what I'mtrying to say is seldom do you see such gracioushumility in a person who displays such proven at­tributes of greatness!

Please lend me your indulgence as I read an excerptfrom his thoughts ... and I quote :

"We have shared tears of sadness and ofjoy. Wehave railed against injustice. We have celebrated .We have laughed. We have created. We have foundnew allies and supporters within the community andwithout. We are under no illusion about new and oldchallenges - the struggle for this community of pre­dominately low income people to be free to dreamyour own futures and ~o have the ~tren~th to act onthem in solidarity and In partnership WIth everyonewho lives and works here and who cares ."

These thoughts are indicative of his actions in theshort time we've had to experience this kind andgentle enigma. And yet there is a power within himsuch as I have experienced in so few human beings.How he came to be with us in the sunset of his ca­reer activity is still a mystery to me, although apleasant pondering.

In my opinion, when God made this man he sureknew what he was doing! On occasion I've told himthat he resembles Picard -Captain Jean-Luc Picard­and of course that's a good thing. But on this occa­sion I'm sure that I speak for so many persons whenI say thanks Mike... thank you so much for beingyou and affording us so many fond memories thatshould be with us for the rest of our lives.

We know that you have passed the gauntlet over toour new Director, Ethel Whitty. And at some pointyou'll ride off into the horizon to what the futureholds for you. I'm of the opinion that you are worthyof that little corner of my heart that will go with you.And you know you'll be in our thoughts and prayers!I have to say, once again , our many heart-felt thanks

for that part ofyour life that created so much ofourhappiness. You will be sorely missed . And you mustknow, by now, that we at Carnegie Community Cetre hold you in the highest esteem!

Gerald WellsVolunteer of the Year 2004

Warrior PrincessAs I wander along the shoresof enlightenment and despairSuch extremes sometimes, somehowleave me incompleteI warm my toes in the heatof the sun as sand shifts eternalaround the fractured momentsof a beautiful soulI become awareof the Warrior Princess within.

Meta Jacobsen

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9'}ancilUJ~~• perhaps the biggest secret in town is the drop in onSundays from 2-4 in the Carnegie gym. This needsto be known! ~cuu:ing '1Jo.wt~ is for everyonethat is ready to soar beyond fear and shyness and toconnect with their own primal , creative energy. Allyou folks that come to peek , do yourself a favor andstep in. All those who can't imagine what it's allabout, you are welcome to come and experience.The drop in resumes on

- May 8 and each Sunday for the rest of the month.- Wear loose clothes and your dancing shoes- free

To You Lover

You who touch my heartI like to tell youHow you touch my heartLike I know youLet me know what I can doTo be and what I can do

To show you my loveAnd open my heartWhich is my loveFor you in my heartI like to give you everythingWhatever happens

So to you my loveI tell you how you touch my heartTo give you everythingAnd don't ask for nothingTouch and trustThat's Love .

roger b.

Ato; mon amour

Tu as touche mon coeurJe voudrais te direA que I point tu as touche mon coeurComme je tc connaisDis moi quoi faireEt comment etre et ce que je dois faire

Pour te demontrer mon amourEt ouvrir mon coeurComment est mon amourPour toi dans mon coeurJe voudrais tout te donnerQuoiqu'il en soil.

Alors Ii toi mon amourJe voudrais te direAquel point tu as touche mon coeurJe voudrais tout te donnerEt ne rien te demander en retourToucher et avoir confianceC'est ca I'amour.

roger b.

PICTURING THE_ DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE

, Featuring work by Rita Beiks, Rebecca Belmore,Clint Burnham, Margot Leigh Butler, desmedia ,S tan Douglas, Arni Haraldsson, Hermes, SharonKrav itz, Paul 51. Germain , Susan Stewart

Curatad by Cliaro Neville April 30 to May 29 2005

Public forum discuss ion Saturday, May 07, 12 to 3pm

d9Smedia taping. every Sunday in May, 2 to 5pm

desmedia (downtown easts ide media) invites allreside nts of the Downtown Eastside to come andhave their stories, conversations , poems , andsongs taped for the desm edia archives and tokeep a VHStape of their contribution in return .

On Mothers' Day, May OS, desmedia extends aspecial invitation to all women who have raisedand are rais ing children in the community tocome share their stories of motherhood .

112 West Hastings (between Abbott and Cambie)Gall ery Hours : Wednesday to Sunday, 12 to 5pmEmail: cne ville@inte rchange.u bc.ca Tel: 7788812427www.belkin-gallery.ubc.cafsat ellite

"Picturing the Downtown Eastside"What is art in the Downtown Eastside? How do youpicture this part of our city? Six years after the OrGallery presented its last exhibition in its DowntownEastside location, 112 West Hastings will temporar­ily be re-opening its doors . During the month ofMay, the exhibition Picturing the Downtown East­side will re-activate this historical building, once ahub for Vancouver's art scene, which included artist

run initiatives such as the Perel Gallery, Artspeak,the Kootenay School of Writing, the Or Galle ry andartist studios. In the shadow of the Wood ward'sbuilding, this exhibition presents a unique view intothe Downtown Eastside through a divers e combina­tion of artists and projects.The exhibit ion poses quest ions about the complexi­

ties of representing Vancouver's most socially andeconomically challenged, yet also vibran t, neigh­bourhood. Its unlikel y mixture of works and artisticstrategies provide a platform for thinking about theDowntown Eastside and for looking at the roles thatartists serve within it. The forum held during theexhibition will extend this dialogue to a larger par­ticipating public in Vancouver.

Picturing the Downtown Eastside displays photographicand video works, and alternative community-basedprojects . The exhibi tion presents work by RitaBeiks , Rebecca Belmore, Clint Burnham, MargotLeigh Butler, Stan Douglas, Ami Haraldsson,Sharon Kravit z, and Susan Stewart, all of whomhave addressed the Downtown Eastside in their pastwork and community projects. The show also fea­tures work by resident Downtown Eastside painter,Paul St. Germain and graffiti artist Hermes. In addi­tion, the desmedia collecti ve are re-in itiating theirDowntown Eastside video archi ve project with acamera set up once a week in the galle ry for peoplein the community to tell their stories, and share theirpoems and songs.This exhibition is curated by Master of Arts candi­

date, Charo Neville , with support from the Vancou­ver Foundation, the Morris and Helen Belkin ArtGallery, the Alvin Balkind Fund for Curatoriallni­tiatives and the Art History , Visual Art and Art The­ory Department, UBC.

Editor: PaulR Taylo r; cover art & layout , Diane Wood.

TilE NEWSLETrE R IS A PUBLICATION oi l-liE';CAI~N[G I[ COi\l l\llJ NITY CE NTRE ASSOC IAT ION.

Articles repr esen t the views or lodl vid ualcun trtlrutors an d nol or the Associa tion.

Submission Deadlinefor next issue:Thursday, May 12

2005 DONATIONS Libby D.-$40Darry for Dave McC. -S5U Rolf A.-$45Margaret 0 .-$25 Christopher R.-$50Mary C-$30 Bruce 1.-$30 U'mista - $20Heather S.-$25 RayCam-$30 Gram -$ 100Paddy -$30 Glen 8 .-$50 John S.-S80Penny G.-$21 Jenny K.-$20 Dara C.-$20Sandy C.S20 Audrey-S20 Well K.-$50J oann e 11 .-$20 Ruckingguys -$20Tbe Ed ge Community Liaison CU -$200Wm B-$20 Anoll)1llous-$2

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Room fo r more names or anonymous gifts .

ContactJenny

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Working for You1070- 164 \ Commercial Dr. VSL 3YJ

Phone: 775-0790 Fax: 175-0881_....

DO YOU HAVE A LEGAL PHOULEM?

Come to our FREE CLINICOn carnegie's 3rd floor.

vue Law Students' Legal Advice ProgramYou must make an appointment.

Tuesdays. 7pm - 9pm.

The Downtown Eas~ide R~iden~Association

DERA belps .ntb: Pbone &: Safe MallbousWelfare problems;Landlord disputes;Howlng problem.

Uosafe lIving c:ondUloos

At U ust Hastings St. or cali 604-682-09JI

i . ., ' . ... ..jake poverty historyUnfair ;orld trade rules imposed by wealthy na­tions force the world's poorest people further intopoverty

Special to the Vancouver Sun

This week, 10 million people in 70 countries willtake to the streets to protest unfair trade rules . TheGlobal Week of Action is the largest mobilizationfor trade justice the world has seen. . . .

Campaigners and people living in poverty will Jomforces to demand changes to the trade rules thatforce the world's poorest people further into poverty

. and deny them the right to defend themselves.• Some of the events planned include:, - In rural Zambia, a huge mobilization of cotton

farmers harmed by U.S. dumping on the world mar­ket, will present Oxfam's "Big Noise" petition to thecountry's president._In Geneva, Colin Firth will present the "Big Noise"to the head of the World Trade Organization.- In Accra, Ghana, farmers harmed by IMF loanconditions that allow cheap imported rice will hold arice-tasting bazaar.- In central London, an all-night candlelight vigilwill feature performances by top artists.- In the United States, events are planned in morethan 95 cities, including hunger banquets in nearlyall 50 states.- In Vancouver, Oxfam volunteers will stage a mediaevent in front of the Art Gallery -- "It's time to cryover spilled milk!" -- illustrating the devastatingeffect that unfair trade rules have on developingcountries and family farmers .

For Oxfam , the week is about building solidaritywith poor farmers , who make up most of the billionpeople living on less than a dollar a day.

Oxfam's new report on trade, Kicking Down theDoor, describes the inhuman scam that keeps tradefrom becoming the solution to global poverty.

First, IMF and World Bank loan conditions forcecountries to drastically open their markets to im­ported rice, wheat , corn and other stap les. ThenWTO rules permit Europe and the United States todump their subsidized surpluses there. And the sameWTO and IMF rules and conditions prohibit poorcountries from raising tariffs to defend themselves.

The result: more hunger, more poverty. Rather thanencouraging food production for local consumptionand letting people work their way out of poverty,trade rules do the opposite. And now rich countriesare insisting on further tariff cuts at the WTO for allbut the poorest.Rice is the world's most vital crop, providing liveli­

hoods for two billion people -- one-third of human­ity. Fully half of the world's people rely on rice forfood. Yet under the WTO negotiations, India andChina, together home to 820 million rice farmers ,are among 13 developing countries that could beforced to slash their rice tariffs . Meanwhile, richcountries continue to provide heavy subsidies: Ja­pan, the U.S. and the EU combined provided morethan $20 billion to their rice producers in 2002 . TheU.S. is the world's third-largest rice exporter evenwhen its rice costs more than twice as much to growas in Thailand or Vietnam, and survives only be­cause the government foots the bill -- in 2003, for72 per cent of the cost.

:to

Open markets make for a great sermon. But nocountry that is rich today ever practised what theypreach. None of them opened up to cheap foodimports before their farmers were competitive.Abruptly lowering tariffs on food in a country wheremost people are poor farmers is a recipe for disaster.TonyBlair's Africa Commission report said it forth­rightly: Decisions on whether to open markets"should not be dictated with trade agreements aspart of mercantilist negotiations, or as part of WorldBank or IMF programs."Canada's Finance Minister Ralph Goodale helped

write that report . We'd love to see him act on it at thespring meetings of the World Bank and IMF thisweekend.And at the WTO, Canada's negotiators should take aless aggressive approach in seeking access to poorcountries' markets. Canada doesn't dump its exportslike the U.S. and EU, but Canada's drive to lowertariffs quickly can be just as devastating.Ourdesire to export must not come at the cost of

• underminingefforts to fight hunger and poverty inthe developing world. As Nelson Mandela stated atthe launch of the Make Poverty History Campaign,"Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. Itisman-made and it can be overcome and eradicatedby actions of human beings. Overcoming poverty isnot a gesture of charity. It's an act ofjustice. It is theprotectionof a fundamental human right, the right todignity and a decent life. While poverty persists,there is not true freedom."The millions of poor farmers who will demonstrate

this week know only too well that making trade fairisessential if we are to ever make progress in thefight to make poverty history.

. By Miriam Palacios[Miriam Palacios is the B.C. program coordinatorfor Oxfam Canada.]

DEATH in a Dumpstera passion play for the homeless

By Sheila Baxter.Based on a true event

May 6 & 7 at 8:00 pm

St.]ohn's, 1401 Comox.$5 or what you can

Homelessness workshop set for May 23rd

You're invited to a workshop to get set for CityCouncil's meeting on the Homeless Action Plan.The workshop will take place in the Art Gallery onthe third floor of Carnegie on Monday, May 23rdfrom I to 3. City Council will be hearing speakersfrom the public about the plan on May 25th at 7:30.

At the workshop you will be able to:o Get more information on homelessness;o Get help writing and sending letters about home-lessness to politicians; .o Learn what's likely to happen at City Hall and howyou can get on the speakers list;o Work out your speech to City Council. .

If you're concerned about homelessness, this work­shop is a good place to be. See you there!

Jean Swanson

VOTE

Now it hurts, hearing the sa me wordsComing out of other people's mou ths :"Yeah, they j us t enjoy being depressedlying in bed all day long."I almost pun ched him.They don't know the mentall y illmust be stro nge r, braver, more street smartjust to get through the day.Even tho ugh they hear their viol ent thoughtsThey'd rather tum the blade inwardsto silence themselves ins tead.You have to be a survi vorIf your life is 10 times worse than Jobs.So be ca refu l what you say,For what you really fearis that if yo u dig deep enough,We arc all crazy,Only yo u try to hid e it.So be wary of what you sayfor one day you mig htfind yo urself in my shoes ,the victi m of yo ur own prej ud ices .

Kagan Goh

Voting Info.Help gettingto thepolls.

Speakers' Corner

.lOY

I was at house party celebrating Canada DayWhen I met a woman named Joy.I said : "It's a joy to meet you Joy."She beamed at me.Then said : "I am manic depressive,"At once the conversation dried up.Not knowing what to saymade an excuseI had to eall my girlfriend.A lie.I avoided her staying upstairswhile she waited lost in the party below.

• She reminded me of a dog I once had., Always happy to see me,

Jumping and licking my face ,Ove rwhelmed by its affectionI fled upstai rs, afraid to come down.

.• Eve ntually my mother lost her patience :"OK we' ll give him away to the SPCA."She made me accompany her.I carried the dog in my arms.It looked at me with the sad dest eyes.Wavering on the brink of tearsHe spoke to me :"Don't leave me."I swear I did not imagine it.By the time we arrived at the SPCAI said : "Mum I changed my mindI want to keep him .""No. After all the troubleYou've caused me ,dragging me all the wa y here.You don't deserve a dog . "

This is the way I feel every timeI am led back to the psych ward.An obedient dogCrying to God don't leave me.

I am sorry Joy.I was afraid.I did n't understandUntil I too was diagnosed manic-depressive

Ryears ago on Valentine's Day of all days .I used to believe the mentally illWere weak and felt sorry for themselves .

ROCKNeigbourhood Partyin Oppenheimer Parkto get the vote outfor the Provincial election

Saturday Ma y 141:00 - 4:00Oppenheimer Park(Powell & Jackson)Rain or shine.

Music

Refreshments

Family FunKids' Activities

The Guys' Rules - Rebuttal

1. We learned how to work a toilet seat a long timeago. Why haven 't you?2. There 's no such thing as Sunday sports. Footballis an extended weekend ; hockey is eternal, etc.3. Shopping is a necessity . Since we 've no interestin sports, why would it be compared to shopping?4. Crying is venting. Men do it also.5. Usually, when we ask for what we want , wenever get it. Therefore we invented a more creativeway of asking for it.. that should entertain you.6. Reality is largel y composed of gray areas, not

just 'yes ' and ' no' .7. You usuall y are the problem. Why in the world

would we seek your direction?8. Between man and woman there are no statutes of

verbal limitations . Anything you said can and will beused against you.9. The fat issue also relates to the shape issue . Atleast we care enough about our appearance to ask.10. If something you said can be interpreted twoways, please spare us the semantics .11. We wouldn 't ask you to do something unless wehad assumed you already knew how to do it.12. By the time we ' ve prepa red your snack and pro­cured your refreshment, the commercials are over.13. Christopher Columbus had a woman for a boss.Queen Isabella. He 'd have gone nowhere withouther assistance.14. I know men who can discern more than sixteencolours. They are called painters. They are not fruits .15. Scratching in public is a simian habit. Haven 'tweevolved?16. You ask what is wrong and we say " nothing."Let sleeping dogs lie.17. Anything we wear anywhere is " fine" unless itarouses the interest of other men.18. If monster trucks, guns and sports are the apex ofyour intellect, you' re welcome to it. Ignorance isbliss.

19. We never will have enough clothes.20. We never will have enough shoes. Ask EneloaMarcos.21. You 're right : Round is a shape, although not myshape.22. We know you must like the couch. It's usuallywhere you pass out.

ADDENDUMHarmony between the sexes is the impossible dream.

Meta J and Friend

You 're a habit I've finally brokenNot to say some lapses of memoryAnd a confused sense of forgivingWon 't remind meWon 't pole into the tender placeof my heart.

Momenties stroke me back to thatGrassy field of love & wantBut mostl y want.My teenage son in his wisdom declaresThe sex goes after seven or eight yearsOnly fear of " the Dark" a reason for sharingA little longer.Alwa ys asking, begging to be heardAlways a child in your mindMy five years hang heavy on your head .

Correct in every way , you reassured meMy age was irrelevantI never believed itYour friends with MA degrees & buxom chestsor boyish styleEvery second word was " ironic."

Going with the flow was your creeda matter of battle to meI never learned to follow you.

Goodbye is not too god a wordYour last word " good riddance."

Wilhelmina

.' \' _, / 1'\ 'It ' ~ ,': '" ., ,.h,.\ .., _ '. '. f l l?...!5, '''''' J' •

On Saturday, May i h, rides to the pow wow will be

on the hour from noon till 6pm . Pick-up locationsare Carnegie Centre, Downtown Eastside Women'sCentre and Oppenheimer Park. John Dunnings willbe driving the Carnegie van, with no sign-up needed.The pow wow closes down at 6:00 pm on SundayWatch pow wow dancing and listen to pow wowdrums! Sing beautiful fancy dance, grass, traditional,jingle and chicken dance songs.

ArrENT/ON: CEDAR PROJECT YOUTH HEALTHPROJECT PARTICIPANTS! Please call us at theoffice to find out when you are due for your follow­up interview and blood test. Call the Cedar Projectoffice at (604) 685-6356. Our drop-in hours are :

Monday-Thursday from 8:30 am to 11:30 am.

Once again it's being held at the Trout Lake Com­munity Centre, 3350 Victoria Drive . Catch the 20Victoria bus , get ofTat 18th and walk down the hilltwo blocks, Admission by donation.

~.

20th ANNUALCEDAR COTTAGE / TROUT LAKE

MOTHER'S DAY TRADITIONAL POW WOWI

May 6,7 & 8Alcohol & Drug Free

Submitted by Videha

....~. I ··rr "

I~

I am a powerful , positive individual and all events inthis day are for my highest good .

What I am is beautiful and I pull to me this day onlybeauty and refreshment.

This day is a day of balance. I am completely awareof my body and all its needs .

What I am is eternal, immortal, universal, and infi­nite. I see only beauty and strength every moment ofmy life.

. I see only beauty in all the people who are pulled to< me, and what I am strengthens and refreshes what

they are.

What I am is infinite. I do not judge the evolut ion ofothers . What ·they are right now is for their highestgood.

Each action I take this day is an expression of thegodforce . Therefore, each action I take is a part ofmy infinite creativity.

There is no real sin, only energ y. I follow the energyof my highest evolution at all times, and so be it~

I am open at all times to communication from myinner self and that communication leads me to myhighest evolution.

I give thanks for the beauty of this day, and may theenergy of this night bring re-building and re-v iew.

So be it.