july newsletter

Many of us will spend time with our families on the beach and in the water

in Kitsilano this summer, swimming and boating, perhaps renting kayaks from

the Jericho Sailing Centre for an evening paddle, or enrolling young ones in

sailing lessons.

In the past, these waters have been under the watch of the Kitsilano Coast

Guard base, which is staffed 24 hours a day, and responds to over 300

emergency search and rescue calls each year.

The Conservative government has made the inexplicable decision to shutter

the Kits Coast Guard, responsible for our safety in one of the busiest marine

areas in the country, by 2013.

Before dawn on June 13, two boats collided in English Bay. A crew from the

Kitsilano base arrived on the scene five minutes later. Authorities estimated

it would have taken crew from the Sea Island Coast Guard base, 17 nautical

miles away, a full 30 minutes to respond.

Fortunately, no one was hurt. But the government’s misguided decision

will inevitably become a decision of life and death, and I aim to reverse it.

I have presented a Motion in Parliament to reverse the closure of the Kits

Coast Guard, and seek your support in reducing the preventable loss of life

in our waterways. Please contact my office for more information.

Best regards,

Joyce Murray, MP Vancouver Quadra

no postage required

Joyce Murray, MP 206 – 2112 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V6K 2C8

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MeMBer oF parLiaMent For VANCOUVER QUADRAJoYce MurraY

JuLY 2012 Kits coast guard cLosure—a Matter oF LiFe and deathdear Friends & neighBours,

Your coMMunitY. Your neighBourhood. Your canada.

Your ViewThe government’s decision to close the Kitsilano Coast Guard Search and Rescue base was made without consulting local stakeholders. Many believe closing the base will result in the preventable loss of life.

Closing the Kitsilano base to save $900,000 per year, and doubling search and rescue response times, is an acceptable risk.

We should protect funding of local search and rescue services and keep the Kitsilano base open.

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A MESSAGE FROM JOYCE MURRAY, MP • FOR INVITATIONS TO MP EVENTS, EMAIL US AT [email protected]

206 – 2112 West Broadway, Vancouver Bc V6K 2c8 T: (604) 664-9220 F: (604) 664-9221 E: [email protected] www.joycemurray.ca

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010712-01

Active in Our Community in MeMoriaM: MiLton K. Wong

Sadly, on the last day of the year 2011, esteemed Vancouver businessman and philanthropist Milton K. Wong passed away. MP Joyce Murray and her husband Dirk Brinkman attended his memorial service at Christ Church Cathedral.

Mr. Wong was born in Vancouver’s Chinatown to Chinese immigrants Wong Kung Lai and Chu Man Wong, and rose from modest beginnings as a hardworking UBC student to become, said Ms Murray, “one of Vancouver’s most effective, compassionate, and generous statesmen. Much admired for the force of his lifelong efforts to improve his beloved city and country, Milton inspired others to also take action. Milton led by example in his commitment to community building, cross-cultural dialogue, and socially responsible entrepreneurship. His unwavering advocacy, generous philanthropy and volunteerism have left an immeasurable and enduring legacy in our city, province and country. We join the many Vancouverites privileged to call him a friend.”

Liberal Leader Bob Rae noted “Mr. Wong’s legacy is one of innovation and social consciousness. His commitment to the public

good, environmental sustainability and his celebration of Canadian diversity has inspired generations of British Columbians to achieve success without compromising their social values.”

Milton K. Wong will be sorely missed.

Remembering the legacy of Milton K. Wong





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010712-02

Active in Our Community guiding a discussion With LocaL scouts

This Spring MP Murray enjoyed a visit with three Vancouver Scout troops, to discuss one of Scouts Canada’s pillars: “Duty to Others”, and the privileges and responsibilities that accompany Canadian citizenship.

Emphasizing the duty to vote and participate in the local and national political process, MP Murray explained the roles and mechanisms of the Government of Canada. She described her journey from treeplanter to Member of Parliament, and answered the young Scouts’ many questions about her role serving Vancouver Quadra residents in the constituency and representing them in Ottawa.

After sharing several highlights from her years in provincial and federal public life MP Murray joined the group for songs and games around the gym floor “campfire.” Finally, she took a few minutes to thank the Scout Leaders for their important volunteer service, and congratulated the scouts for their active commitment to Scouting principles such as promoting peace, understanding and

cooperation, participation in the development of society, respect for the dignity of one’s fellow-beings, and protection of the integrity of the natural world.

If you would like to invite MP Murray to speak to your organization or at an event, please call 604-664-9220 or email [email protected]

Former Brownie and Girl Guide Joyce Murray visits with local Scouts





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010712-03

Active in Our Community understanding enVironMentaL assessMent

Constituents packed MP Murray’s Town Hall on a Saturday morning to hear three local scientists on Environmental Assessment (EA): Can Development Occur without Harming the Environment?

Ms Murray opened the event linking local development decisions, to the global ‘planetary boundaries’, like climate change, beyond which the resilience of earth’s natural systems could become compromised and irreversible environmental change occur. A team of researchers has developed numerical measures for the safe limits or ‘boundaries’ for 8 other geophysical systems like fresh water, biodiversity, and ocean health. Impacts add up, so societies must become aware of development’s impacts at both the local and international level.

The EA specialists described why and how provincial and federal environmental assessments work. Consultation and public input are essential to understand, minimize or avoid potential negative impacts

of a project. And the EA’s biological and scientific evaluations serve to change projects to reduce environmental damage.

Audience members discussed the federal EA agency’s 45% budget cuts; and condemned the increased political interference in environmental assessment, as when government leaders labelled groups testifying at the Northern Gateway pipeline hearings “radicals”. Unquestionably, a robust, transparent and independent EA process is critical for reconciling society’s goals of economic development and environmental sustainability or resilience.

MP Murray with Dr Glenn Wagner, and EA consultants Susan Wilkins and Anna Sundby





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010712-04

Active in Our Community enVironMent suMMit With tWo ForMer enVironMent Ministers

On a sunny winter day Vancouver Quadra residents streamed into Kitsilano Community Centre to take part in an Environmental Summit featuring respected former federal Environment Minister MP Stéphane Dion. Former provincial Environment Minister MP Murray hosted the event in response to constituent feedback about a wide range of their environmental concerns.

Stéphane Dion, who frequently speaks on environment and climate change to audiences world-wide, contributed many pragmatic ideas to the dialogue.

By the Summit’s conclusion participants had narrowed the list of priority environmental concerns raised down to a list of 25. A voting process produced these top 5 priorities for further discussion and action:

• recognize a healthy Canadian economy depends on a healthy environment & vice versa

• include climate impact costs into economic projects

• defend the right of Federal scientists to disclose their research to the public

• defend marine ecosystems from pollution and toxic oil spills

• recognize the impact of environmental toxins on human heath

In March, MP Murray will host follow-up workshops aimed at identifying and developing practical collective actions. If you are interested in taking part, please let her know at www.joycemurray.ca /Environment Summit.

MPs Murray and Dion leading discussion about Quadra’s environmental priorities





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010712-05

Active in Our Community Mp BreaKFast connections: raising heaLthY Kids

Dr. Clyde Hertzman, UBC Professor and internationally-acclaimed researcher, mesmerized attendees at MP Murray’s MP Breakfast Connections with his leading-edge research showing how to assess the likelihood a young child will struggle or thrive in school. Dr. Hertzman emphasized the critical importance of early development to a child’s health, well-being, learning, behaviour and future success

The evidence shows that the early years (0-6) in fact “get under childrens’ skin”, influencing brain and biological development, and even the way that genes express themselves.

Canada is not performing well in the early year outcomes of children in comparison to many developed countries, and in BC the ‘vulnerability rate’ rate of children has increased 4% in the last decade. In 2006, the Conservative government terminated former Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin’s federal-provincial Early Learning and Childcare agreement and $5 Billion in funding—a significant

setback to the resource-pooling and institution-building necessary to improve early childhood development in Canada, according to Dr. Hertzman.

“We need to put emphasis on collective solutions and institution building. It really does take a village to raise a child,” said Hertzman.

To receive invitations to my MP Breakfast Connections and Town Hall meetings, please email me at [email protected] – Joyce

MP Murray and Speaker Dr. Clyde Hertzman





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010712-06

Active in Our Community representing canada’s parLiaMent —in taiWan

Vancouver Quadra’s MP Joyce Murray was honoured to participate in a Parliamentary Delegation to Taiwan, departing two days after Christmas.

“Given the importance of the Taiwanese-Canadian community in Vancouver, and my role as the Liberal Critic for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, I consider it both a duty and a privilege to gain a better understanding of the people, history, culture and economy of Taiwan,” said Murray.

Highlights included briefings by Taiwanese legislators and Deputy Ministers, a half day tour to learn about Taiwan’s public health care system - modelled on Canada’s, and a visit to the thriving night market of Taipei.

Arriving in Taiwan just weeks before the January election for the 13th President of the Republic of China, MP Murray was able to observe firsthand the vibrancy of the multi-party democratic process in Taiwan. The Canadian visitors were surprised to learn

that Taiwan recently reduced its number of MPs by 50% for efficiency and cost savings. Canada’s Conservative government in contrast is boosting the number of MPs by 30!

In late March, I will be hosting a “Taiwan Today” discussion, with slides from my trip. If you are interested in attending, please call 604-664-9220 or email [email protected] – Joyce

Meeting with Taiwan’s top representative in Vancouver, Mr. Michael K. Tseng





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010712-07

MP Murray sharing photos and insights from her trip to Israel

Active in Our Community sharing VieWs on ‘israeL todaY’

Friends Karen James and Zena Simces hosted MP Joyce Murray for an ‘Israel Today’ slide show and discussion of her recent Parliamentary Mission to Israel with members of the community.

“It was a privilege to experience first-hand the history and accomplishments of the Israeli people, especially to witness the healthy democracy, freedom of speech and rule of law.

“Canada’s Jewish communities have contributed greatly to the intellectual and social integrity of Canada’s multicultural society,” said Murray. “The Parliamentary Delegation’s tour combined visits to the sacred sites of three of the world’s major religions in Jerusalem’s holy basin, with visits to the Knesset, Ramallah and meetings with journalists and academics.”

Joyce and her husband Dirk Brinkman followed the trip to Israel with a visit to Egypt and Jordan, witnessing some of the popular Arab Spring unfolding across the Middle East which is adding to the region’s instability. The opportunity to further explore the complex historic and geopolitical issues with Vancouver Quadra constituents

who have roots in Israel gave MP Murray added insight into the current context for negotiations toward peace and security in the Middle East.





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010712-08

Active in Our Community Mp BreaKFast connections: iMpact oF cLiMate change on WorLd oceans

At MP Murray’s MP Breakfast Connections, Dr. Rashid Sumaila shared his recent research findings (unveiled at the UN Climate Change Conference in Durban), on impacts of climate change on world fisheries and marine ecosystems.

Dr. Sumaila—professor, economist, and Director of UBC Fisheries Centre—explained that climate change affects ocean biophysics and causes warming and acidification. Evidence of changing trends is already being observed, many fish stocks are declining, and fish are shifting migration patterns away from traditional fishing areas. Greater fishing effort is required to catch fewer fish, and over-harvesting continues.

Declining global fisheries impacts human welfare and food security. According to Dr. Sumaila developing countries depend on the sea for 15-20% of their daily protein, with coastal communities relying on fishery and fish processing jobs. Low-income food-deficit countries that can least afford it will be hit hardest by a future shortage of fish caused by climate change.

Dr. Sumaila emphasized that to secure the future of global fisheries the world must act now, and Canada should lead: reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve fisheries management, and research climate change adaption strategies. Fortunately, he noted, we know what to do and it is not too late to do it!

To receive invitations to my MP Breakfast Connections and Town Hall meetings, please email me at [email protected] – Joyce

MP Murray and speaker Dr Rashid Sumaila





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010712-09

Active in Our Community ceLeBrating chinese neW Year oF the dragon

Everyone loves a parade! MP Joyce Murray enjoyed her 9th year participating in Vancouver’s famous annual Chinese New Year Parade, along with colleagues Liberal Leader Bob Rae, MP Hedy Fry and Toronto MP Jim Karygiannis.

The Chinatown parade has been organized since 1979 by the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver and its partner organizations. This signature event has grown and attracts over 50,000 spectators and 3,000 performers, including the largest assembly of lion dance teams in Canada with dozens of colourful and athletic lions from the various local fraternal and martial arts organizations.

A few weeks later MP Murray, with the help of her energetic office staff and volunteer team hosted the community for her annual Vancouver Quadra MP ‘Lunar New Year Celebration’ at the UBC Old Barn Community Centre. Socializing, performances by local dancers and musicians, crafts and lantern-making, door prizes and snacks - a very Vancouver way to ‘ride the dragon’ into the new year!

The dragon symbolizes leadership, vitality and action—all of which will help overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and create positive change for success in the coming year!

If you would like to receive invitations or volunteer to help with future MP events, please call 604-664-9220 or email [email protected]

MP Joyce Murray and two young spectators welcome the Year of the Dragon





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010712-10

Active in Our Community WoMen caring aBout WoMen

Vancouver Quadra MP Joyce Murray’s Women Leaders Advisory Group members were shocked and saddened hearing about Canada’s missing and murdered aboriginal women from aboriginal leader Beverly Jacobs.

There are over 600 cases of missing or murdered aboriginal women in Canada, 300 of which remain unresolved. Why are aboriginal women being victimized? Are police taking these crimes less seriously than crimes against non-aboriginal women?

Ms Jacobs, a respected lawyer and researcher for the Stolen Sisters Report, said the systemic inequality began generations ago when the Indian Act removed aboriginal communities’ tradition of matriarchal authority. Women’s marginalization deepened during the residential school era when children were removed from homes, and still exists for many aboriginal women in First Nations communities today. This inequality contributes to tragic outcomes for women and their families.

Following the discussion on how to help, MP Murray offered to bring Beverley Jacobs’ request for a ‘National Symposium on

Violence against Aboriginal Women’ to the Liberal Women’s Caucus in Ottawa as a next step in the campaign for solutions. An educator and a community activist present both offered to collaborate with Beverly on an elementary school curriculum update, to help young students understand and care about aboriginal women’s equality and a future free from tragedy.

Please contact our office with questions or offers to help find resources for this project: 604-664-9220 or [email protected]

Discussing ways to combat violence against Aboriginal women with local women leaders

july newsletter

Documents

kitsilano coast guard

kitsilano coast guard

rescue base

mp joyce murray

kitsilano base open

sea island coast guard

decision of life

west broadway vancouver