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Showing posts with the label ian gartshore

Comparing the "Regional Recycling" Depot (Encorp) with the Nanaimo Recycling Exchange

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Let’s compare how the corporate non-profit “Regional Recycling” (RR, the more recent brand name for the federally incorporated Encorp) and the Nanaimo Recycling Exchange (NRE) go about their "business." Firstly, the local RR depots are privately owned. They are licenced by the federally incorporated not-for-profit Encorp. So how are they funded? Encorp : Especially in the earlier days, when Encorp's “Return-it” was only a bottle depot, they were given the eco-fees generated whenever someone purchased a bottled beverage. They got to keep 100% of those deposits, even when the container was not given to them for a refund. They amassed large sums of our money ($43 million at its peak). They still get to keep these public funds. In the last year they reported (2016) about three-quarters of all of their income came from the eco-fees charged to us. The rest comes from selling the recyclables and other income. Click here for that information. The NRE has very...

Post-election assessment

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My friends and supporters, I want to begin by offering a heart-felt thank you . I mean it. A candidate can’t do much alone. You made all the difference. When you came to events, smiled at me in an all candidate’s meeting, donated, helped out, encouraged your friends, “liked” the Facebook page, volunteered in other ways, etc. etc. etc. –this is what made the difference ! So, thank you. While most of the province is in shock, and we would have wished for more Green votes, I see that we have actually turned a corner as a movement and a Party. This was a direct result of our hard work, dedication, imagination, fun(!) and more. Your involvement made a real difference. Together we managed to inspire a greater 30 – 65% more Green support in the two Nanaimo riding's! As someone put it, “ We are part of the change that has to occur, even when we are not aware of our contribution to it.” We can celebrate Andrew Weaver’s win. Finally there will be a different voice in Vi...

Meet your Nanaimo Green Candidates on May 5th

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Desire for change

As I talk with people I am hearing a common theme: they are tired of the "same old same old" when it comes to politics in British Columbia. It appears to most that the NDP will form the next government -and so we will swing back over to the left. Back and forth, back and forth. Yet little seems to improve. The other common theme I hear is that people are tired of the bickering and slamming of one party by the other. They want to hear something positive for a change. I am happy to offer positive solutions that involve working cooperatively with the other parties for the sake of our province. That bring high-quality jobs back to our local communities. That balances the interests of companies, unions and especially the majority of us who aren't either. It appears that this election will bring about some surprises. Given that people are now aware that Greens are electable (Elizabeth May, whom increasing numbers of people are respecting) the notion of voting Green this t...