Monthly Archives: November 2019

Politics

MP Dan Albas Speaks About Canadian Politics

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Dan Albas, Conservative MP for Central Okanagan – Similkameen – Nicola

The clever “curve ball” thrown to Parliamentarians by voters in the recent election appears to be fostering some sorely needed pondering in our nation’s capital. Local MP Dan Albas reflected the thoughts being expressed by a number of Parliamentarians when he said, “Hopefully, with a minority government, front and backbench MP’s will be better able to work together across party lines to see more results being achieved and fewer photo ops for political purposes.” A lot of Canadians have waited too long to hear these words.

Dan’s thoughts about the election and its aftermath came during a dialogue with members of the coffee group that gathers at 6:30 a.m. at the Hedley Seniors’ Centre each morning. Although he’d left Kelowna at about 4:30 a.m., he appeared surprisingly fresh and alert. Members of the group asked a number of wide ranging, probing questions, many related to urgent national issues. For us it was a mini-seminar on Canadian politics. His responses helped us understand that at times seemingly reasonable ideas may not work because of unseen, complicating factors.

When concern was expressed about plastics in our oceans and landfills, Dan said, “there is a goal to recycle all plastics by 2040. We do need to be aware that decisions we make often have unanticipated ramifications and we then have to deal with them. For example, we don’t want a plan that will drive up the cost of groceries so high that people can’t afford to eat.”

Turning to the issue of homelessness and food, he said, “I’d like unused food to be donated to homeless shelters. We shouldn’t become so bureaucratic that we can’t do things like this.”

In response to a question concerning immigration he replied, “the Immigration Board is small and overwhelmed. It does a fairly good job but it’s not perfect. It doesn’t have authority to hold a terrorist, but it can hold a drug trafficker.” Then he added a personal note. “There’s nothing more disheartening than to sit with a mother whose daughter is being deported.”

When the subject of tax cuts was raised, Ken Houle said, “I don’t want my taxes cut. I want them to be used well.” Dan agreed. “We need balance in everything,” he observed. “The cuts put in place by the last government benefited primarily people with above average incomes.”

When there was a lull in the conversation, I asked about Andrew Scheer’s leadership qualities and vision. “During the campaign,” I said, “there was a huge outcry concerning the environment. A lot of people demanded action. Scheer seemed not to hear this, or he simply ignored it. He appeared fixated on striking down the carbon tax, although many experts believe it is an essential step in responding to climate change. Did he not understand he would likely lose a lot of votes by turning his back on the environment?”

Dan volunteered that while door knocking during the campaign, a number of people had seemed quite “underwhelmed” by all leaders. He mentioned that the Conservative leader had produced a 60 page document which discussed 5 issues he considered crucial. These did not receive sustained attention in the media.

When he was asked if members who had supported other candidates in the Conservative Party leadership race had been punished, he said, “I voted for Maxine Bernier because I liked his support for inter-provincial trade. I probably should have given more weight to other factors. However, Andrew Scheer didn’t punish me or anyone who voted for another candidate. He selected the most capable individuals for his Shadow Cabinet.”

Dan Albas has served in Ottawa since the 2011 election, sufficient time for some politicians to become jaded. I didn’t sense this about him, but he did express concern that “some people are beginning to not believe anything.” Rather than sink to such a state of thinking about politics, he suggests we ask a lot of questions of our government. “Even a good idea should pass scrutiny of the Opposition and the public. For example, we should ask a lot of questions before we allow aerial surveillance of the ALR.”

Before leaving he repeated his view of the outcome of the election. “I believe Canadians elected a minority government,” he said, “because they want to see greater cooperation and compromise in Ottawa.” If enough Members genuinely agree, we may have less fractious debates in the new parliament. I think of it as the “curve ball effect”.

Community

RDOS Director Talks About Rookie Year

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Tim Roberts, RDOS Area G Director

A few weeks ago, at the end of his rookie year in politics, Tim Roberts agreed to talk about his experience as an RDOS director to this time. “I knew it would be difficult,” he began. “It’s been a steep learning curve, and the learning isn’t nearly done.” He leaned back in his chair, then after a moment of reflection said, “It is easier, though, when I believe what I’m doing is right.”

Running for Area G Director was not a spur of the moment decision for Tim. “I was asked several times over the years to let my name stand,” he said, “but I was concerned it might interfere with my advocacy for community health. As a paramedic with the BC Ambulance Service, I go into a lot of homes. I didn’t want people to feel uncomfortable when they invite me into their home or their crises. I asked a doctor and also a health lead at the band if this would jeopardize my relationships.”

Even then he pondered until the last day, and just about the last minute, before submitting his name. The hesitation seems to suggest his motivation is not to acquire prestige or power. He appears to genuinely hope to make a substantive contribution to Similkameen communities.

As he talked, it became evident to me Tim has an inquiring mind and a steely resolve, essentials for navigating the often confusing bureaucratic maze that inevitably develops in government. He recognizes the importance of understanding concepts and systems. “I ask a lot of questions,” he said, “like what is the bylaw for this particular issue, and what does it mean? I need to know who has jurisdiction and what is their mandate. I want to understand how the RDOS functions. Asking questions helps me decide if an idea is worth pursuing.”

Tim explained that the RDOS is a mechanism for the provincial government to deliver services to unincorporated areas. “I think of it as a tool box to get things done. Sometimes I wonder why we can do this, but not that. It has taken me a year to learn how to ask questions in a way that provides information I need. To adjust spending I at times have to go to the province.”

Tim thinks of himself as an advocate, not a politician. “One of my goals is to educate people as to how the system works. I try to find out what people need and want. I’ve had two Open Houses and one Leadership Forum. I’ve sent out a survey to obtain opinions on Land Use. I’m looking for effective ways to communicate with people. There will be more mailings.”

He’s pragmatic and understands that “if we take care of a problem, that comes at a cost. If we can spread a service over a larger area, the cost is lower. We need to strive to be financially stable.”

Tim has learned his powers are limited. “Sometimes I have to tell people there isn’t money for what they want. Some requests are outside my area of jurisdiction.”

Although Tim is a B.C. Ambulance paramedic and operates a small farm, he finds time for community events. When Hedley’s water system was not functioning for a few days, Tim showed up at a Community Club lunch pushing a dolly loaded with bottled water. Last week he manned a table at the ChuChuWayHa Health and Wellness Fair.

I’ve been surprised at how often he shows up in our community, engaging in conversations. “I love talking with band elders,” he said. “I also enjoy conversations with Ralph McKay about Hedley’s mining history, and with Gerry Wilkin at the Museum.” He is aware many people in Area G are retired and elderly. It concerns him that they are often socially and physically isolated, with few services.

At the end of our conversation Tim said, “Change is coming. We can’t know what it will look like, but I want us to be prepared to respond.” He paused, then said, “We need to think about what we want for our children and grandchildren in the next 30 years. We are the only area that doesn’t have an Official Community Plan (OCP). That will take about two years to develop. I’m looking for ideas.” Then he was gone, probably to another appointment or meeting.

Tim Roberts is collaborative, a team player. Certainly not a baby kissing, back slapping, photo-op politician.

Community, Health

ChuChuWayha Health and Wellness Fair

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Raina Dawn Lutz, a Registered Health Nutritionist, gave a presentation during lunch.

Over many years, I’ve come to understand that when calamitous circumstances enter my life, they usually arrive unanticipated and unannounced. Sometimes I’ve berated myself, asking, “Why didn’t I see it coming? Why didn’t I prepare?” This laxity is not unique to me, of course. It’s an integral aspect of being human. At least in part, the problem arises because we’re preoccupied and may not have easy access to those who can advise us.

The Upper Similkameen Indian Band (USIB) understands that lack of preparedness is an issue also for its members, and is taking steps to bring awareness, knowledge and resources to the reserve. For Linda and me, attending the band’s ChuChuWayha Health and Wellness Fair last Tuesday was surprisingly useful in preparing for challenging, unanticipated events. The forum was directed primarily at band members but much of the information pertains also to Hedley citizens. The community was invited.

Lesli Lorincz

Lesli Lorincz, band Home and Community Health nurse explained the purpose of the forum. “We want to give our people an understanding of the services available to them,” she said. “We also want to acquaint service providers with an awareness of our community. It’s important for them to know that when they send someone home from the hospital, if there is an emergency, the patient cannot be quickly returned.” She emphasized this is true also for the entire Similkameen community, She said the band is interested in more interaction with the people of the town of Hedley.

Tim Roberts

One of the service providers present was Tim Roberts, representing the B.C. Government’s Community Paramedic Medicine Program. He distributed a brochure with information for developing an emergency household preparedness plan. One suggestion was particularly important for parents of young children. “Pack an envelope in your child’s backpack that contains your contact information, a recent photo of your family, health information and special requirements of the child, plus out of town contact information.” The brochure recommends preparing a “grab and go” list. Also, it reminds us to plan for the safety of pets.

We spoke briefly with Tracy Mooney, an Aboriginal Employment Advisor with Community Health Services Centre in Kelowna. She offered a chart showing the level of education needed for positions in the health industry, beginning with senior secondary graduation. Other positions require one to five years of higher education. Five years of university are needed for top positions. Tracy appears to be an excellent resource for band youths charting their future employment.

Breezy Whitney & Brenda Wagner

At noon, Brenda Wagner, a band employee informed us lunch would be served upstairs. We had not anticipated this so it was a welcome surprise. Brenda called the group to order and with great reverence expressed gratitude to The Creator for the meal. Brenda and Breezy Whitney, a band member, had prepared a large pot of chicken stew and another of beef stew. Along with rice, a platter of raw vegetables and other items, it was a sumptuous meal. For dessert, Breezy had prepared a large bowl of pink yogurt with frozen fruit, a dish designed to excite the palate. I confessed to Linda later I had indulged in a second generous helping.

In a talk during lunch, Raina Dawn Lutz, a Registered Health Nutritionist (RHN), presented an assortment of very sensible, practical thoughts about food and its consumption. “Eat all food groups,” she advised. “Be sure this includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.” She isn’t a fan of supplements but said if we do use them, we should look for quality, not for the least expensive brand. She stressed the value of chewing our food well and urged us to be mindful while eating. “Drink plenty of water, at least 6 cups each day,” she said. “It promotes body functions.” I asked Raina later how much water she drinks. “Six to nine cups a day,” she replied without having to think about it. Her flawless skin, trim figure and abundance of energy and humour suggested she practises what she advocates.
Life holds many uncertainties. Whether they are in the realm of health, finances, employment, relationships, environmental disaster, or other, it is tempting to believe they will not overtake us. Too many of us live in a state of denial. For me the fair was a reminder that we need to be aware and proactive. We can take steps to avoid at least some calamitous pitfalls lying hidden in our path. It begins with a decision.

Hedley Times

Hedley Remembrance Day, November 11, 2019

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The following talk was written and delivered by William Day at the Hedley Remembrance Day ceremony November 11, 2019.

Hedley Recruits 1915, with names. ( UBC Okanagan)

War and Remembrance

Warm thanks to Jennifer Douglass and Andy English of Hedley, whose research into our Hedley Boys of World Wars 1 & 2 has provided a wealth of information for us. I also thank Wade Davis of UBC who has done deep research into the Great Wars of the 20th century. These people have made this presentation possible.

Winston Churchill called the period 1914 to 1945 the Thirty Years War. Clearly, the 20th century was the most destructive of lives in world history. Millions upon millions of lives were lost and ruined. Despite the references to World Wars One and Two, it was a single spasm of destruction whose impacts we continue to feel and with which we struggle today.

At the outbreak of the conflict in August of 1914 a man had to stand 5’8” to enter the British army. Within two months boys 5’3” were eagerly recruited. In eight weeks the British Expeditionary Force, four divisions – about 100,000 men – that represented the entire home army of the British Empire, had been virtually annihilated in the first industrialized slaughter in human history.

The Hedley Boys, seventeen of our own men – mostly very young – died while on service in WW 1&2. Killed in Action: 10; Died of Wounds: 5; Died on Service: 2. Hedley men were sought after – a population of young, fit men who were familiar with underground work, heavy machinery and explosives.

Most Canadian lives were lost in the Ypres Salient in Belgium during World War One. This was a section of the battlefield surrounded on three sides by German forces. It measured only four miles by twelve – roughly the land valley area between Hedley and Princeton. In that cauldron of warfare 1.7 million boys and men would die in 1915 /16 and 1918. The Canadians became famous for their holding of the Allied lines near Ypres under the first gas attacks even as allied forces on all sides panicked and fled the field. They became the shock troops of the British Empire for the remainder of the war.

The horrors of the warfare near Ypres are difficult to comprehend. The corpses of over 90,000 British and Canadian dead at Passchendaele were recovered too severely mutilated to be identified. An additional forty-two thousand disappeared without a trace.

By the spring of 1918 the greatest security challenge for the Allied command was concealing the location of the Canadian Corps, whose presence at any sector of the Front implied to the Germans an imminent major assault.

The truth lay in the numbers. World War One yielded nearly a million dead in Britain and the Dominions alone, some 2.5 million wounded, 40,000 amputees, 60,000 without sight, 2.4 million on disability a decade after the end, including 65,000 men who never recovered from the “twilight memory of hell” that was shell shock. And the Great War of 1914/18 was just the precursor to the Second World War of 1939/45. This conflict killed and wounded double those numbers plus an equivalent toll in civilian lives.

In May 1915 following the death of young officer and friend Alexis Helmer, Canadian army surgeon Dr. John McCrae wrote the fifteen lines of the poem – In Flanders Fields – that, more than any other, would distill the anguish of 1915, a time when there still remained hope that the conflict ultimately would have some redemptive meaning. He chose as a symbol of remembrance a delicate flower, quite unaware of the cruel irony that poppies only flourished in the fields of Flanders because constant shelling and rivers of blood had transformed the chemistry of the soil. “In Flanders Fields” survived the war and is the most remembered evocation of the conflict. Like so many others, McCrae did not. He died of pneumonia at Wimereux, France on 28 January 1918.

In Flanders Fields the poppies grow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place, and in the sky
The larks still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard among the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow
Loved and were loved and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Hedley was designated in 1919 as either the very first or one of the very first Canadian communities to formally create a memorial for people who served in the armed services of the Great War. The Cenotaph in front of which we are standing is that memorial, now including our people from World War Two and the Korean War. Many people here today can feel proud of their contribution to maintaining and preserving this beautiful memorial.

The Hedley Boys joined the armed forces like young men everywhere on both sides of the conflicts – a desire for change, adventure, excitement in lives that felt routine, boring, even stifling. The thought of becoming a victim of a mass slaughter in the millions was far from consciousness.

On this, the hundredth year since the end of the First World War, it is timely to think not just of the young men and women who “joined up”. We should remember those who remained, enduring loss and loneliness and increasing strain in maintaining their communities.

It is also time to consider and celebrate the ongoing contribution of all those who continue to contribute to their community here in Hedley. They are right here, right now, and should be recognized as the foundation of our community and our own world. Look around you. These volunteers maintain and develop our world every day. They deserve recognition and gratitude for their contribution.

Thank you, All.
William Day
November 11, 2019

 

 

Inspiration

Candy Bombers Aid Berlin Airlift

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Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin
(Wikipedia)

On Remembrance Day we will again briefly stand in the cold to honour those who served and fell in defense of our freedoms. At the same time we could remind ourselves of the largely forgotten, stouthearted individuals who thwarted Joseph Stalin from taking a step many believed would lead to World War III. This is a riveting story of courage, good will, and innovative thinking on the part of a few. The events occurred at the beginning of the Cold War. At the time American, British and French politicians and generals were consumed by apprehension about Soviet intentions and military might.

Berlin had been divided into 4 sectors, controlled by Russia, France, Britain and America. It soon became apparent Stalin wanted the entire city. On June 24, 1948 the Soviets initiated the Berlin Blockade, halting trains, trucks and barges bringing coal, food, medicines, clothing, and all other essentials into the city. The 2.25 million West Berliners were already living in a gutted city in which many buildings had no roofs or windows. They now faced a bleak winter of starvation and bitter cold. The Russians wanted to starve them into submission so they would accept Soviet domination.

General Lucius Clay, Allied Occupation Commander, set up a limited airlift that brought in some supplies. He asked for more planes to expand the operation, but high ranking American officers and advisors to President Truman had no faith in the airlift. Also, 1948 was an election year and Thomas Dewey, Republican presidential candidate, was sharply critical of the airlift. He advocated for giving up West Berlin. For Germans living in this sector it was a terrifying prospect.

President Truman, dubbed an ineffectual leader, made a difficult decision. In spite of opposition from Secretary of State George Marshall, General Omar Bradley and others, he approved an additional 75 planes. At this time virtually everyone, including Clay, considered the airlift a stopgap measure to buy time. “I’m doing it because I believe it is in the best interests of America,” he said, “not because I care a bit about the Germans.” Better than his superiors, he understood that if the Allies gave up West Berlin, the Russians would run rampant over all of Europe.

Although planes were now landing with supplies every three minutes, the earlier antipathy between victors and vanquished had abated very little. The Germans understood the airlift was not based on any sense of shared humanity. To counter the Allied enhanced output, the Russians offered West Berliners ample coal, electricity and potatoes. According to Andrei Cherny in The Candy Bombers, “the Germans might have buckled that winter if the airlift had been only a movement of machines in the sky with the aim of maintaining U.S. options in this strategic outpost.”

Then something unanticipated and unplanned happened. Hal Halverson, an airlift pilot approached some German children standing outside the wire fence surrounding the airfield, watching the planes land. Contact with Germans was forbidden, so he hoped he wasn’t observed. Several of the children understood English and after a brief conversation, Halverson promised to drop a few candies for them from his plane. He knew this could result in a court martial for himself and his two crew members. He held to his commitment nevertheless and placed a few chocolate bars and several packages of gum in white hankie sized parachutes. His two crew members reluctantly threw the packages out while Halverson maneuvered the plane. Seeing them floating down, the children waved ecstatically. They had not eaten chocolate in years.

Halverson and his crew were frightened, but also exhilarated. Further drops followed and air force personnel were puzzled by the increasing number of children at the fence, all waving. Fortunately General William Tunner, officer in charge of the airlift, recognized the morale boosting value of what the three fliers were doing surreptitiously and directed Halverson to speak to the media.

Treats began arriving from America and other countries. There was so much candy other pilots, including Canadians, started dropping handkerchief-parachutes. Soon there were a thousand children, and some adults standing at the fence, waving enthusiastically.

Andrei Cherney suggests, “Hal Halverson’s candy drops were a catalyst that transformed the character of the airlift and the way Berliners thought about it and about Americans.” After 321 days the Soviets ended the Blockade. Cherney considers the airlift one of the greatest military and humanitarian successes of western democracies.