Tree poaching on the rise

International speaker, documentary filmmaker and BC Council for International Cooperation (BCIC) executive director Mike Simpson spoke at the March Elphinstone Community Association (ECA) meeting.

Having worked on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he talked about the 17 SDGs developed by the countries of the UN in 2015 (see sdgs.un.org/goals). Sadly, none are anywhere close to being reached.

Mike began working on human rights issues in the 1980s and climate change in the 1990s. He documented some horrific issues such as land mines and the use of child soldiers.

He discussed how local issues affect the global situation and vice versa – COVID-19 being a perfect example.

The World Health Organization was severely affected when former president Donald Trump pulled U.S. support, said Mike. “We need a deeper philosophical approach to the poor nations. If we don’t help others we will all be affected,” he said. In February, the UN reported that more than 130 countries have not received a single dose of vaccine.

He pointed out that Canada has only 39 Peacekeepers, versus thousands in previous decades. There was a lot of discussion about what we could do, given that Canada is lagging behind its global commitments, he said. Mike can be contacted at www.bccic.ca

Tree poaching

Director Donna McMahon reported that the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has been preoccupied with finalizing the 2021 budget, and spoke about four current emergencies: the climate crisis, COVID-19, the opioid public health emergency and the housing crisis.

She expressed concern that the Ministry of Forests and Resources (FLNRORD) public consultation on “visual quality objectives” is too rushed.

There are growing incidences of tree poaching on the Sunshine Coast, said McMahon. Please phone the RAPP number to report tree poaching (as well as illegal dumping, another big problem) at 1-877-952-7277.

I felt exhausted as Donna listed off the various AGMs and other meetings and workshops she’s attended lately!

Discovering she has a few minutes to spare in her day, she’s also on the boards of the Coast Car Co-op and the Coast Community Investment Co-op.

Interested in trying to keep up with her? Go to EverythingElphinstone.ca to take a boo at her March newsletter.

Popsicle Stick

You may have heard that the 2021 Popsicle Stick Bridge Building Contest kits are now available. In its 11th year, here’s a hands-on way to develop skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

The kits can be picked up for a nominal fee of $5. In our area, find them at Gibsons Building Supplies, Home Hardware, Park Road Automotive and Wheatberries.

Open to everyone, especially students in Grades 1 to 12.

Have fun learning engineering principles. Why not take on the challenge of building a bridge out of popsicle sticks? There’s even prizes!

Flora fundraiser

Cedar Grove Elementary Parent Advisory Council is selling beautiful hanging baskets, planters, flowers and veggies as a fundraiser.

Plants will be delivered to Cedar Grove Elementary on Friday May 7 for pick up (outside) just in time for Mother’s Day.

A portion of the proceeds of all sales goes to support Cedar Grove Elementary. To order visit: https://cedargrove.growingsmilesfundraising.com

And finally, an early reminder that the AGM for the Elphinstone Community Association will occur April 14 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. ECA board chair Rod Moorcroft requests that anyone interested in serving on the board for the coming year contact him at: [email protected]