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News in ReviewResource GuideNovember 2010

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CreditsResource Guide Writers: Sean Dolan, Peter Flaherty, Jim L’Abbé, Jennifer WattCopy Editor and Desktop Publisher: Susan RosenthalResource Guide Graphics: Laraine Bone Production Assistant: Carolyn McCarthyResource Guide Editor: Jill ColyerSupervising Manager: Karen BowerHost: Michael SerapioSenior Producer: Nigel GibsonProducer: Lou Kovacs Video Writers: Nigel GibsonDirector: Douglas SyrotaGraphic Artist: Mark W. HarveyEditor: Stanley Iwanski

News in Review, November 20101. Hurricane Igor Hits Newfoundland (Length: 14:32) 2. Canada’s New Governor General (Length: 13:29) 3. Afghanistan: A Frontline Report (Length: 14:30)4. BPA: The Chemical Inside Us (Length: 15:36)

CBC News in Review • November 2010 • Page 3

ContentsIn This Issue . . . ......................................................................................... 4

HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLAND ............................ 6Introduction ..............................................................................................................6Video Review ...........................................................................................................7The Scope of the Storm ............................................................................................9Taking a Closer Look .............................................................................................11When Disaster Strikes at Home .............................................................................13Getting to Know Newfoundland ............................................................................15Activity: Getting the Story Out ..............................................................................18

CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL ................................ 19Introduction ............................................................................................................19Video Review .........................................................................................................20Who is David Johnston? ........................................................................................22What does the governor general do? ......................................................................24Do we need a governor general? ............................................................................25New Challenges of the Job ...................................................................................26The Legacy of Michaëlle Jean ..............................................................................28Activity: Responding Directly to His Vision .........................................................29

AFGHANISTAN: A FRONTLINE REPORT ................................. 34Introduction ............................................................................................................34Video Review .........................................................................................................35Why are we fighting in Afghanistan? .....................................................................38The Hard Realities of the War ................................................................................42A Day in the Life ....................................................................................................45Activity: Exit Strategy for Afghanistan .................................................................47

BPA: THE CHEMICAL INSIDE US ............................................. 48Introduction ............................................................................................................48Video Review .........................................................................................................49What is BPA? .........................................................................................................51“The dose makes the poison” .................................................................................53Chemicals to Watch Out For ..................................................................................55Activity: Live Toxin-free for a Day! ......................................................................57

News in Review Index ............................................................................ 59


NiR Study ModulesUsing print and video material from archival issues of News in Review, teachers and students can create thematic modules for independent assignments, and small group study.

Related CBC VideosOther videos available from CBC Learning; see the back cover for contact details.

CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL (Length: 13:29) On October 1, 2010, David Johnston was sworn in as the 28th Governor General of Canada. In this News in Review story we’ll look at his installation and at his long and accomplished career. We’ll also examine some of the challenges facing the new Governor General, and ask him how he plans to deal with them.

In This Issue . . .

NiR Study ModulesThe Conservatives and the Coalition

February 2009Michaëlle Jean: Our Governor General

November 2006

HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLAND (Length: 14:32)In late September, Hurricane Igor swept across Newfoundland. Powerful winds and heavy rains damaged hundreds of homes, swept away roads and bridges, and cut off some communities from the rest of the province. In this News in Review story we’ll look at the storm, the damage, and the long road to recovery.

NiR Study ModulesComing Home to Newfoundland, April 2008Nfld Open House: Americans Say Thanks

February 2002Newfoundland: A New Economy

February 2001

Related CBC VideosExtreme Weather


Sections marked with this symbol contain content suitable for younger viewers.

BPA: THE CHEMICAL INSIDE US (Length: 15:36 )Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a controversial chemical that is found in everything from plastic water bottles to tin cans. According to a recent study it’s also in the bodies of nine out of 10 Canadians. In this News in Review story we’ll look at how it gets into our bodies and examine the debate over whether or not it’s a health risk.

AFGHANISTAN: A FRONTLINE REPORT (Length: 14:30)Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan is scheduled to end in July 2011. Some Canadians want that mission to continue—but how successful has it been? In this News in Review story we’ll go on a six-day patrol with the soldiers of Delta Company and show what kind of challenges and dangers they must confront.

NiR Study ModulesAfghanistan’s Troubled Election

October 2009 Afghanistan and the Rights of Women

May 2009 Afghanistan: A Soldier’s Story, March 2009Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan

December 2008The Manley Report on Afghanistan

March 2008The Hidden Wounds of War, February 2008 Selling Canada’s Military to Canadians

November 2007 The Van Doos Head for Afghanistan

October 2007

Related CBC VideosAfghanada (Audio drama, Volumes 1-5)Afghanistan: Between Hope and FearBack to School in AfghanistanBroken HeroesFlora’s Afghan MissionLife + Death in Kandahar

Related CBC VideosBattle of the BagDisappearing MaleForever PlasticSevere AllergiesToxic Brew: Harmful Household Cleaners

Exercises marked with this symbol indicate that a worksheet to aid in the exploration of the topic is available online.


FocusIn September 2010, Hurricane Igor became the most damaging hurricane to strike Newfoundland in at least a century. This News in Review story looks at Igor and the damage it caused to the island. Included in our overview is the response of both islanders and other Canadians—individuals, organizations and governments—to the emergency.

Did you know . . .The U.S. National Hurricane Center began naming tropical storms and hurricanes in 1950.

HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLAND IntroductionNewfoundlanders are used to storms.

Tropical storms and hurricanes have regularly brushed or passed over Newfoundland. In fact, the earliest recorded Canadian hurricane hit Newfoundland in 1775. It was also the deadliest in Canada’s history. It struck the island on September 9 and killed more than 4 000 people.

Since that time other major tropical storms have also pummelled “The Rock.” Residents of the Avalon Peninsula still remember the flooding caused by Hurricane Luis in 1995. But no one was really ready for Hurricane Igor.

Igor was expected to arrive in Newfoundland as a tropical storm rather than a hurricane. Hurricanes usually drop in intensity as they travel over the cooler waters of the North Atlantic. Igor surprised observers by doing the reverse—it actually grew in strength. When Igor hit on September 26 it brought winds of 120 kilometres per hour and dumped 250 millimetres of rain on the southern part of the island.

The rain was the biggest problem because the island’s infrastructure was unable to cope with the downpour. Roads

were washed away and homes were flooded. In some cases, houses were lifted right off their foundations. Along the coast, wharves were destroyed and boats were lost. When the roads were washed away many smaller communities were completely cut off from the rest of the island. More than 30 towns declared a state of emergency. The provincial government has estimated the cost of the storm at $100-million.

With assistance from the Canadian armed forces, all of the isolated communities were supplied with basic goods and reconnected within about two weeks. In many cases, however, the repairs to roads and bridges are temporary and await next year’s construction season to be made permanent. For many of the residents, it will be some time before their lives return to normal. Many lost their homes. Many lost their jobs.

Newfoundlanders pride themselves on their toughness. Islanders have faced a number of setbacks in the past, and they have always risen to the occasion. Igor posed one more major challenge—and another opportunity to prove that they are resilient Canadians.

To ConsiderEnvironment Canada has described Hurricane Igor as the kind of weather event that only occurs every 50 to 100 years. But many geographers and environmentalists warn that Atlantic Canada should expect more of these intense storms as global warming continues.

1. What steps might the Eastern provinces take to prepare for these storms?

2. Should the Canadian Forces be used to help out after a disaster, even if that is not what they are specifically trained for?

3. If severe weather is linked to global warming, should we be doing more to curb greenhouse-gas production?


Did you know . . . In late summer and early fall all of the Atlantic provinces are hit by tropical storms. In 2003, Nova Scotia took a real beating from Hurricane Juan. In 2010, Hurricane Earl hit Nova Scotia. It caused considerable damage—power outages, downed trees, and road closures—before moving on to Newfoundland as a tropical storm.

HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLANDVideo Review

Pre-viewing DiscussionWith a partner, discuss the following questions. Then join with two other pairs for a larger discussion.

People love to talk about the weather, and especially major weather events that they have survived. What is the worst weather event you have experienced? Did it have a dramatic effect on your family and your community? Was it an event you were able to prepare for, and did that help mitigate its effects?

Viewing QuestionsAnswer the following questions as you watch the video.

1. How wide a storm was Hurricane Igor when it became a Category 4 hurricane?

2. How much rain fell in parts of Newfoundland during the storm?

3. How many people were killed by the storm?

4. How strong were Hurricane Igor’s winds as they passed over the island?

5. How many Newfoundland towns declared a state of emergency?

6. Why was it especially difficult to get help to the people who needed it most?

7. What major assistance did Prime Minister Harper offer the people of Newfoundland?

8. How many troops were sent to Newfoundland?

9. Describe the impact of the storm on the people of Port Union.


Post-viewing ActivityDo you know the weather risks in your part of Canada? Do you know how to best prepare to face a serious weather event?

The government of Canada maintains an excellent Web site to help Canadians prepare for disaster, at GetPrepared.ca. There you can download two brochures, “Severe Storms: What to do?” and “72 Hours: Your Emergency Preparedness Guide.” You can also review the government’s three-step plan “Know the risks – Make a plan – Get a kit.”

In groups of four, use the Web site to prepare an emergency plan for your family:

1. Know the risks. Determine the weather risks that are particular to your province or territory. Identify the ones most likely to pose problems in your part of the province.

2. Make a plan. The site provides a video describing the creation of a plan, and a template you can use to create your own plan. You may not be able to fill out all the information in the template; discuss any of the information you’re lacking with family members.

3. Design a kit. What goes into a proper 72-hour emergency kit? Do you already have one at home? Is it kept up-to-date?

Notes:


HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLANDThe Scope of the Storm

As You ReadNewfoundland is no stranger to major storms, but Hurricane Igor was much bigger than any storm to hit the island in recent memory. As you read this section on the scope of Hurricane Igor, make a list of some of the features that made it what many Newfoundland residents have called “the storm of the century.”

Hurricane Igor began as a group of thunderstorms off the coast of West Africa. As the storm system became more organized, it quickly grew in area and developed high winds. By September 12 those winds were at 240 kilometres per hour. Igor had become a Category 4 hurricane.

Almost perfect weather conditions existed for the storm to develop into a hurricane. Surface temperatures in the Atlantic were at record high levels in late summer, and this helped to raise the energy level of the storm. Combined with low vertical shear—meaning no significant changes in wind speed or direction as the storm rose into the upper atmosphere—a major weather event was guaranteed.

Hurricane Igor first came ashore on Bermuda. When it hit the island it was rated a Category 1 storm, with winds predicted to be up to 150 kilometres per hour. Much of its punch, however, came from the rains that accompanied it. Up to 230 millimetres fell in many areas, causing significant flooding.

Atlantic Canada Braces for ImpactEnvironment Canada—our national weather service—was quick to note the rainfall levels generated by Hurricane Igor and warned the Atlantic provinces to prepare for a major storm. While Igor was not expected to make landfall in Canada, it was anticipated that the hurricane, combined with a separate trough of low pressure, would bring

heavy rain to the island of Newfoundland in particular. Oil rigs in the White Rose oilfield off the southeast coast were evacuated.

The storm’s intensity was expected to subside as it moved north. Environment Canada, however, recognized that the storm still posed a major threat to Newfoundland. It issued a tropical storm watch for the Avalon and Burin peninsulas on Newfoundland’s south coast. But it stressed that this warning was a downgrade in classification, not in intensity. While the storm might not have hurricane-force winds, it could still cause hurricane-force damage.

The Storm HitsIgor swept in on September 2—and the storm was even worse than anticipated. Early CBC reports summarized the situation: “Hurricane Igor swept into southern and eastern Newfoundland Tuesday with enough force to close roads, shut down highway traffic, and put some coastal communities at risk. Igor collapsed roads, brought down bridges, destroyed culverts, knocked out power, and even sparked a couple of house fires as it pushed aggressively through Newfoundland, dropping more than 200 millimetres of rain” (Broadcast transcript, CBC, Sept 21, 2010).

As the storm subsided and people began to clean up, the enormity of the damage began to emerge. Over 30 different communities declared states of emergency because of flooding.

Did you know . . . Newfoundland and Labrador is one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces. The others are New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. These latter three make up the Maritime provinces, and they are often simply referred to as the Maritimes. Although Quebec does have some Atlantic coastline, it is not included in either group.

Further ResearchHurricanes are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. An excellent summary of this scale is available on the U.S. National Weather Service Web site at www.nhc.noaa.gov/sshws_table.shtml?large.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/sshws_table.shtml?large




Sam Synard, the mayor of Marystown, described the situation in many of these communities: “We’ve never seen such a violent storm before. Very few, if any, communities in the country could deal with that amount of rainfall. We’ve lost sections of our main roads, completely washed out to sea” (Toronto Star, September 22, 2010).

Several communities were completely unreachable by land because sections of road, including parts of the Trans Canada Highway, had disappeared in the floods. Bridges were also washed away.

Over 60 000 homes lost electrical power during the storm. In some cases, restoring that power was destined to take days rather than hours; damaged roads made it next to impossible to get equipment to the areas affected.

The Clean-upWhile Premier Danny Williams felt it unnecessary to declare a province-wide state of emergency, the government did acknowledge that the clean-up would be a massive task—taking weeks and months. The first tasks would be to get relief supplies to cut-off communities and to repair the roads and bridges necessary to reconnect them. The cost of the damage was estimated to be about $100-million.

The federal government was quick to offer military assistance in dealing with a variety of activities, ranging from infrastructure repairs to food and supply deliveries. Supplies and equipment were brought in to remote communities by Sea King helicopters and, where docks had survived the storm, naval vessels.

The military operation ended, and the Newfoundland and Labrador government announced on October 2 that all isolated communities had been reconnected by road. The transportation minister did point out that many of the repairs made were temporary, done in haste before the end of the 2010 construction season.

For the thousands of individual residents whose property was damaged and whose livelihood was lost in the storm, the clean-up would continue for a long time to come.

The final word on the scope of Hurricane Igor goes to Environment Canada. In a statement released to the CBC on September 24, 2010, they stated: “There are no hurricanes/post-tropical events of this magnitude striking Newfoundland in the modern era. In statistical terms, this was effectively a 50- to 100-year event, depending on how one chooses to define it.”

Further ResearchBecome an “instant expert” on hurricanes and other kinds of extreme weather. Consult Jeff Masters’ “Instant Expert 4: Extreme Weather” guide included in the October 2, 2010, issue of New Scientist magazine. Previous “Instant Expert” modules have included general relativity, cloning, and the unseen universe.

Follow-up 1. Hurricane Igor struck Newfoundland as a Category 1 hurricane. Go to the

U.S. National Weather Service Web address—given in the margin item on the previous page—and review the description of likely damage from such a storm described in the summary table. How well does it describe the damage caused by Igor in Newfoundland?

2. Most of Igor’s damage was caused by flooding due to the huge amount of rain the storm dumped. How useful is the Saffir-Simpson wind scale in describing the potential for that kind of damage?

3. What are the differences in the ways one would prepare for high winds versus heavy rainfalls?


HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLANDTaking a Closer LookIn this section, we take a closer look at some of the communities hardest hit by Hurricane Igor.

Random IslandRandom Island is in Trinity Bay off the east coast of Newfoundland. It is connected to the main island by a causeway. It has the distinction of having the only Newfoundland fatality directly attributable to Hurricane Igor.

At the height of the storm, an 80-year-old man went to check on a friend’s summer home. Weakened by floodwaters, the road underneath him collapsed, and he was swept into a swollen brook and then out to sea.

The devastation on Random Island was especially noteworthy. Much of the island was only accessible by boat; four major roads were washed away. The only two gas stations on the island were inaccessible to most people.

Many of the homes on the island draw their water from wells, and several of these collapsed during the storm. Those whose wells survived found themselves advised that it was necessary to boil their water to ensure its safety. Runoff from the storm had contaminated many of them.

Food was also a problem. The residents were without power and, within a day, lost most of their perishable food. With the roads washed out, deliveries of fresh food were next to impossible until boat or air access could be arranged.

TroutyTrouty is a small community on the Bonavista Peninsula, which is also located on the east coast of Newfoundland, north of Random Island. Hurricane Igor destroyed several homes

in the town, along with the town dock, and washed away the roads leading in and out.

Reporter Stephanie Power spoke with Gerald Spurrell, a resident of Trouty, four days after the storm hit. The town was still without power and without roads. “Where the road once was, on the north and south sides of the river, there’s only a pile of rocks. There’s a big hole where a culvert washed right away” (The Globe and Mail, September 25, 2010).

Spurrell, whose home suffered only a flooded basement, had taken in a neighbor whose house was lost in the storm. He was grateful that Trouty’s residents had escaped unharmed, but worried that the flooding meant no insurance compensation. “First, we’re fortunate there wasn’t more injuries or deaths. Houses can be replaced. But then we run into this: We’ve been paying insurance on our homes our whole lives and here we finally need it and it’s no good to us, because this was a flood.”

Port UnionPort Union has a special place on the Bonavista Peninsula. It is the home of Ocean Choice International Fish Plant, which employs more than 200 people from the area. Or rather, it did employ 200 people until the plant was virtually destroyed by Hurricane Igor.

A pond across the road flooded and sent torrents of water right through the plant.

The St. John’s Telegram described the results: “The roof was partly torn off, a massive hole was punched in the side of the building and . . . attempts to get in the building show that there is a large quantity of rock in the engine room. The loading dock and road around the

Did you know . . . Flood insurance is rarely included on home insurance policies.


plant is nothing but crumpled asphalt. Downwind from the building, a rank stench of rotting shrimp fills the air. Up until last Tuesday when the storm hit, the plant was in full production, and was expected to keep operating for another month or two” (September 29, 2010).

In its broadcast report the CBC spoke with Jim Dalton of the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union.

“There’s hundreds of thousands, probably millions, of dollars of damage there. The road to the loading dock is gone completely. Even in the lunchroom there was probably three to four feet of water. Our plant is finished for this year.’

“At least one worker had to be helped out of the building, wading through rushing water up to his waist last Tuesday. . . . Two fishermen helped him get out of it. There was just a river running right through the plant” (September 27, 2010).

Knight’s CoveOur final story comes from Knights Cove, a tiny community also near the tip of the Bonavista Peninsula. It’s the

story of Carrie Ricketts, a 90-year-old resident who was stranded in the village when the road was washed out. Rickets was leaving the morning of the storm to fly to Toronto where she usually winters with members of her family. She and the driver, her niece’s husband, never made it out of town.

Ricketts described her situation to the St. John’s Telegram. “My niece’s husband came out to drive my car back and they were going to drive her back to the mainland for me and I was flying out. We left yesterday morning and got five car lengths and couldn’t get no farther. The road was completely washed out. I’m supposed to be flying to Toronto now. I had my reservation to leave at 2 o’clock. On account of me leaving to go to Toronto for the winter, I had no food. There’s nothing here. That puts me in a hard bind” (September 27, 2010).

Ricketts was down to half a loaf of bread, some fish, and three potatoes when she learned that a provincial helicopter would pick her up on Friday, four days after the storm. She flew out to Toronto the next day.

For DiscussionOne of the stories that came out of almost every small community cut off by the storm was how neighbours pulled together to get through the period before assistance arrived—sharing food, water, and fuel. If a similar disaster were to strike your community, do you think you could count on your neighbourhood to come together the same way? Why or why not?


HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLANDWhen Disaster Strikes at Home

Focus for ReadingVictims of Hurricane Igor in Newfoundland were assisted by the help of many: governments, charitable organizations, corporations, and private individuals. As you read about the various ways in which individuals, groups, and organizations have tried to help, make a list of those whose assistance would seem a “given” and make a second list of those whose assistance might have come as a surprise.

We have grown accustomed to the massive campaigns to raise charitable contribution when disaster occurs abroad. The two most recent ones have been to support earthquake victims in Haiti and flood victims in Pakistan. But when the disaster is on Canadian soil where can Canadians turn for help?

GovernmentsMunicipal, provincial, and federal governments all have a role to play in disaster relief, and all were at work in Newfoundland. Local governments were the first to declare a state of emergency after assessing their local situation. Recognizing that repairing much of the damage was beyond their means, they requested assistance from the provincial government. At the same time, they served as co-ordinators for community relief efforts and the ultimate source of information on any assistance that might be forthcoming.

Although Premier Danny Williams did not call a province-wide state of emergency, he did draw resources from throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to provide disaster relief and deal with infrastructure damage, which may amount to $100-million. The government’s immediate priorities were to ensure that necessary supplies reached stranded communities; that power was restored as quickly as possible; and that communities were reconnected by road as quickly as possible. Much of the provincial government’s work would

Further ResearchRead all about the Canadian military’s role in the clean-up, Operation LAMA, at www.canadacom.forces.gc.ca/spec/lama-eng.asp. A description of the federal tax-relief measures is at www.cra-arc.gc.ca/nwsrm/rlss/2010/m09/nr100923-eng.html?rss.

be ongoing for some time. While roads and bridges would be repaired, their complete reconstruction would have to wait until the 2011 construction season.

To assist the provincial government, the federal government provided over 1 000 members of the military. Three naval vessels and several Sea King helicopters were dispatched. The role of the military, as reported by the CBC on September 24, 2010, would be a big one: “delivery of emergency supplies; delivery of generators and fuel; repair of bridges and roads; provide medical assistance and evacuations; repair downed power lines; transport emergency crews to isolated areas.”

The federal government also offered special tax-relief measures to those individuals and businesses affected by Igor, allowing them to postpone payments without penalty.

Charitable OrganizationsAlways in the forefront at any major Canadian disaster is the Canadian Red Cross. The Red Cross responds to disasters by providing emergency shelter and supplies to disaster victims and is usually one of the first organizations to reach an affected area. It is also a major fundraiser for relief efforts and helps to ensure that donations reach their targets.

Smaller organizations also play a part. For example, St. John’s Community Food Sharing Association, a co-ordinating agency for the city’s food banks, collected large amounts of non-

http://www.canadacom.forces.gc.ca/spec/lama-eng.asp



http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/nwsrm/rlss/2010/m09/nr100923-eng.html?rss





perishable food for the most severely affected areas of the province.

Faith-based charities also were quick to offer their assistance. Largest of these is the Salvation Army, offering food, water, and emergency shelter. Samaritan’s Purse, a charity usually involved in international aid, provided members who came in and ripped out floorboards and drywall in flooded homes to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.

CorporationsThe corporate response ranged from large donations of cash to promises to assist customers in need. Examples include BMO Financial Group, which donated $50 000 to the Red Cross. Scotiabank donated $30 000 and committed to work with its customers to help rebuild their lives and communities. Such help might include delaying existing loan repayments as well as offering new, lower-interest loans to customers. On October 6, 2010, North Atlantic Refining donated $0.05 from every litre of fuel it sold. U-Haul offered 30 days of free storage to anyone affected by the flooding.

IndividualsThe efforts of individual Newfoundlanders helping each other after Hurricane Igor struck became one of the biggest stories of this event. Marystown is a community on the Burin Peninsula that suffered considerable damage during the storm. In the aftermath, the community pulled together to deal with the damage. The town’s newspaper, The Southern Gazette, published an editorial on October 13, 2010, that summed up their

efforts and those of thousands of other Newfoundlanders.

“For over 500 years, residents on this ‘rock’ have lived by the sea, helping one another to survive this harsh climate. Lending a helping hand, offering a share of the last morsel of food or stitch of clothing has been a way in life for five centuries. Should anyone have doubted the response of Newfoundlanders to this tragedy? A caring, sharing heart has always been the core of individuals in this province, and this was just another example of why others look upon Newfoundlanders with untold admiration.”

Those efforts included students at Memorial University in St. John’s who collected donations of all kinds—from canned goods to spare change—to make the point that individuals working together can make a difference. They included noted musicians in St. John’s organizing a concert that raised more than $400 000 for the Red Cross.

And they included the help of people like Kevin Jacobs. Jacobs is the manager of Clarenville Co-op. He asked a local boat owner to take milk and bread to Hickman’s Harbour, one of the communities left isolated and without supplies after the Hurricane struck. But when word about Jacobs’ help spread, within 24 hours he received “more than $30,000 in cash donations, as well as a donated truck and countless volunteer speedboat and longliner trips. Thanks to his efforts, several communities were stocked with fresh food and other desperately needed supplies” (The Globe and Mail, September 25, 2010).

Little wonder that Newfoundlanders are so proud of their province.

Further ResearchRead about the Red Cross’s efforts on behalf of the Hurricane Igor victims and/or make a donation at www.redcross.ca/article. asp?id=36324& tid=001.

For DiscussionUnlike occasions when disasters strike developing countries, no massive, nation-wide fundraising campaign was launched to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Igor. Is there ever a need for that kind of campaign in Canada? Can we always count on all the organizations, groups, and individuals listed above to do their part?

http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=36324&tid=001





HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLANDGetting to Know Newfoundland

Focus for ReadingIf you do not live on Canada’s East Coast you may not know much about the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Here is an FAQ with some basic information about the province. As you read through this information, think about what you already knew, what you learned, and what else you’d still like to know.

This story is about Hurricane Igor hitting Newfoundland. Why are we suddenly talking about the province of Newfoundland and Labrador?

As you might expect from the name, the province is made up of two parts. Hurricane Igor struck the island of Newfoundland, which is in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in the Atlantic Ocean. The other part of the province, Labrador, is actually larger than Newfoundland on the eastern part of mainland Canada. When discussing the province as a whole, the name is always given as Newfoundland and Labrador.

How large is Newfoundland and Labrador?

The island of Newfoundland covers an area of 111 390 square kilometres. Labrador has an area of 294 330 square kilometres. To put this in perspective, the province is more than three times the combined size of the other Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island).

What is the population of Newfoundland and Labrador?

According to the 2006 census, the population is 509 677. Of that number, 26 364 people live in Labrador. About 35 per cent of that population is Aboriginal.

What is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador?

St. John’s is the provincial capital, located on the eastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula. Its population is nearly 100 000. If one includes the surrounding communities that make up the metropolitan area, the population is over 180 000. In other words, well over one-third of the province lives in the area in and around St. John’s.

What are the province’s next largest communities?

On Newfoundland, Mount Pearl has a population of 25 000. Corner Brook is a bit smaller, with just over 20 000. The largest community on Labrador is Labrador City, with 7 700 people.

Does Newfoundland and Labrador have a unique time zone?

It does indeed. The island of Newfoundland is 3.5 hours west of Greenwich, England. In 1935, before it became a part of Canada, the government passed The Newfoundland Standard Time Act. The province has remained one-half hour ahead of the rest of Atlantic Canada ever since.


When did Newfoundland and Labrador become a Canadian province?

In 1949 Newfoundlanders voted to become Canada’s 10th province, making them the newest partners in Confederation. Initially the province was called Newfoundland. But in 1964 the provincial government began to officially call itself the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2001 an amendment to the Canadian Constitution made the change in the province’s name official.

How long have people inhabited Newfoundland and Labrador?

Evidence of human inhabitants has been traced back at least 9 000 years, with the most recent Aboriginal cultures being the Innu and Inuit of Labrador and the Beothuks of Newfoundland. The latter were wiped out by European settlers. The first authenticated European attempt at settlement was over 1 000 years ago. For a brief period, Vikings settled at L’Anse aux Meadows, at the northern tip of the island.

What are Newfoundland and Labrador’s main industries?

The Newfoundland and Labrador economy has always been heavily resource-based. For years the fishery was the principal industry, with cod the most important variety taken. Overfishing led to the collapse of the industry, and a moratorium on cod fishing and strict quotas on other species were put in place beginning in 1992. Stocks have never recovered, and the fishery now makes up only a small portion of the gross domestic product. Shellfish harvesting and aquaculture have increased in importance in recent years.

Mineral resources are now central to the province’s economy, with iron and copper both mined in Newfoundland. Even more important are the iron, nickel, copper and cobalt mines in Labrador.

Of increasing importance to the economy are the offshore petroleum deposits that are now being located and developed off the island. Activity in the petroleum industry has recently expanded to the point where Newfoundland is now considered to be a “have” province—a province capable of generating on its own the revenue necessary to pay for all its federally mandated programs without federal monetary assistance.

What about electric power?

Churchill Falls in Labrador is one the largest hydroelectric developments in the world. Most of the power generated is sold to Quebec under a contract that will be in effect until 2041. The price being paid to Newfoundland and Labrador is considerably below the going price paid at similar projects. The province is planning to build another massive project on the Lower Churchill River. Sales of power from that site will doubtless be far more favourable to the provincial government.

Fun FAQ: Does Newfoundland and Labrador really have its own breed of dog?

Not only does it have one breed, it has two. Both the Newfoundland dog and the Labrador Retriever were bred as working dogs on the island of Newfoundland, and both are happy in the water. The Newfoundland, with its webbed feet, is an especially excellent swimmer.


What are the most plentiful large animals in Newfoundland and Labrador?

On Newfoundland the clear winner is the moose. Moose are not native to Newfoundland. The island’s moose are all descended from four New Brunswick moose that were relocated in 1904. At the time, wild game was a source of winter food for a majority of the island’s inhabitants. It was believed that, if the moose bred successfully, they would become an excellent food resource. They certainly did breed. There are now about 150 000 moose on the island. They have helped turn Newfoundland into an important hunting destination for tourists from all over the world.

The woodland caribou is the most plentiful animal in Labrador, with over 750 000 animals in the George River herd. Caribou are an important part of the Aboriginal diet in Labrador. Caribou hunting is also popular with tourists, partly because of the trophy: caribou have the largest antler-to-body-size ratio of all the world’s big game.

What is Newfoundland and Labrador’s official flower?

It’s the pitcher plant, a plant that feeds on insects by drowning them in a pool of water at the base of its tubular leaves. A common bog and marsh plant, it was selected by Queen Victoria for engraving on the Newfoundland penny.

What is Newfoundland and Labrador’s official tree?

The black spruce is the most common tree in the province. It is extremely hardy and a favourite tree in the pulp and paper industry, which has played an important role in the history of the province. It has supplied lumber and firewood to Newfoundlanders for centuries.

What is Newfoundland and Labrador’s official bird?

As a province with a long history tied to the sea, Newfoundland and Labrador chose the Atlantic puffin as its symbol. The puffin usually feeds by diving for fish. It was once hunted in large numbers, both as a source of meat and for its eggs.

The puffin spends its winters on the open ocean. About 95 per cent of Atlantic puffins breed in colonies around the Newfoundland and Labrador coasts. The largest colony, estimated to have about 260 000 pairs, is found at Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, south of St. John’s.


HURRICANE IGOR HITS NEWFOUNDLANDActivity: Getting the Story OutIn its impact on Newfoundland, Hurricane Igor was the worst storm in recent memory, the kind of storm that only strikes every 50 to 100 years. Few storms anywhere in Canada have been as devastating over such a wide area. Yet many Canadians seem unaware of the full extent of the damage done by the storm and its impact on the lives of thousands of Newfoundlanders.

Your task is to help get that story out. The method you use is up to you, and might be:

• A newspaper or magazine article• A summary radio or television broadcast• A series of blog entries• A news report directly from the affected area

You may choose to tell the story in the first person (“Here I am watching this happen around me; or, to me.”) or in the third person (“The people of Newfoundland were overwhelmed by today’s events.”). You may choose to focus on one typical community or area or present a broader picture of the devastation across the southern parts of the island.

You may use material from the video and the guide to assemble your presentation. You may also want to consult the CBC’s Hurricane Igor News Archive at www.cbc.ca/nl/features/igor/ and the story and videos available from the CBC at www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2010/09/21/igor-hurricane-nl-921.html.

The following organizer may help you to get started on this activity.

Task selected: ____________________________________________________

Details of damage to be included in report

Elements of story(opening, interviews, etc.)

Details to add authenticity (place names, industries, etc.)

http://www.cbc.ca/nl/features/igor/

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2010/09/21/igor-hurricane-nl-921.html

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2010/09/21/igor-hurricane-nl-921.html


CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL

The governor general is the Queen’s representative in Canada. The position exists because of Canada’s history as a British colony. Even though Canada is no longer a colony of Britain, a number of symbolic traditions, laws, and institutions established as a result of this former relationship still exist. Typically every five years, the prime minister nominates a new governor general.

The position of the governor general is largely a ceremonial one. The governor general doesn’t vote in Parliament or introduce bills. But he or she has the power to “advise, encourage, and to warn” the prime minister and the government. The governor general can offer valuable counsel, depending on the person’s skills and career experience. An important criterion for choosing

FocusDavid Johnston was appointed the 28th Governor General of Canada on October 1, 2010. While Johnston is widely regarded as a solid choice to act as the Queen’s representative in Canada, he must follow in the footsteps of Michaëlle Jean, a well-admired and gracious woman who was thrust into a constitutional crisis during her tenure as Governor General. This News in Review story explores the issues the new Governor General will face and considers the place of the governor general in Canadian politics.

Introductionthe governor general is that he or she remains impartial; that means that he or she cannot take sides with a particular political party when offering advice.

The process of selecting David Johnston as Canada’s newest governor general began when Prime Minister Stephen Harper established a non-partisan panel composed of six people to provide a shortlist of candidates. They canvassed more than 200 people for suggestions. Those canvassed included premiers, civic leaders, former prime ministers, and opposition leaders Michael Ignatieff and Jack Layton. It was from their shortlist that Harper chose David Johnston, President of the University of Waterloo and a highly respected lawyer and administrator.

To Consider 1. Think of as many symbols of Canada as you can.

2. Can you think of examples of people who act as a political, national, religious, or cultural symbol in Canada?

3. What attributes do you think would be important for someone to have for these symbolic or ceremonial roles?

4. How do you think people who act in a symbolic or ceremonial role should be chosen for their position?


CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERALVideo Review

Pre-viewing ActivityRecord your responses to the following questions. Then discuss your responses with a classmate.

1. The swearing-in of a governor general is a very traditional ceremony. Predict what type of symbols and behaviours you may see in the video.

2. What do you know about Michaëlle Jean’s time as governor general? Do you think she was an effective governor general or not? Explain your reasons.

3. If you were the prime minister what type of qualities do you think would be important in a governor general (a person from whom you may seek advice)?

Viewing QuestionsAs you watch the video, respond to the questions in the spaces provided.

1. How old is David Johnston?

2. Where was he born?

3. What sport did David Johnston play in university?

4. Who assisted the Prime Minister in selecting the new Governor General?

5. The previous two governors general were women with careers in journalism. What was David Johnston’s career?

6. List two ways in which David Johnston could be considered likeable and approachable.

Further ResearchThe official Web site of the governor general can be found at www.gg.ca/index.aspx.

Did you know . . . A Facebook page posted March 22, 2010, called for Canadian-born actor William Shatner of Star Trek fame to be named to the post of governor general. Shatner, 79, politely informed his disappointed fans that he had no interest in the position.

http://www.gg.ca/index.aspx

http://www.gg.ca/index.aspx


7. List two different opinions voiced by Canadians regarding David Johnston’s appointment.

8. List three things that you could hear or see in the swearing-in ceremony that demonstrates the fact that the governor general has a powerful position in Canada.

9. What items are on David Johnston’s personal coat of arms?

10. What issue did Michaëlle Jean have to resolve during the Coalition Crisis in 2008?

11. List two other notable actions of Michaëlle Jean.

12. What word does David Johnston wish to stress in his role as Governor General?

13. What word does he wish to downplay in his role as Governor General?

Post-viewing Activity 1. If you could have a personal coat of arms created, what 3-5 symbols would

you request and why?

2. Predict two ways in which David Johnston’s approach to the role of governor general may differ from that of Michaëlle Jean.


CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERALWho is David Johnston?

Focus for ReadingAs you read the following information on David Johnston, underline the qualities, skills, and experiences that you think make him a good choice for governor general. Circle any qualities, skills, and experiences that you think make him a questionable choice for governor general.

When Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that David Johnston would become the 28th Governor General of Canada, the consensus from the academic and political community was that he had made a wise choice. Following in the footsteps of Michaëlle Jean will be a challenge for Johnston due to Jean’s widespread public appeal, but early indications point to the fact that the newly appointed governor general is ready for this challenge.

David Johnston is 66 years old, married, with five daughters, and seven grandchildren. His wife, Sharon, has a PhD in rehabilitation science and is an accomplished equestrian. The entire Johnston family is proud of the fact that they have been involved in public service. The Johnston family has made it their life’s work to contribute to the community. They have a special interest in early education and the importance of effective parenting.

Johnston was a student of history and law. He completed his undergraduate degree at Harvard, where he was also was the captain of the university hockey team. He declined several offers to run for federal office by both the Conservative and Liberal parties.

In 2007 he was appointed by Stephen Harper as a special advisor to make recommendations regarding a public inquiry into “shady” dealings between former Conservative prime minister

Did you know . . . Governor General Johnston stripped Colonel Russell Williams of his rank on the advice of General Walter Natynczyk, Canada’s chief of defence staff. This might be the first time in Canadian history a governor general has revoked someone’s commission as an officer. Russell pleaded guilty to 88 criminal charges in October 2010, including two counts of murder.

Brian Mulroney and German financier Karlheinz Schreiber. Allegations had been made by Schreiber that he had made two substantial cash payments totaling $225 000 to then-prime minister Mulroney in 1993 and 1994. This information caused a national uproar, and the Canadian public demanded an official inquiry into these dealings.

In January 2008, David Johnston released his report in which he outlined the terms of reference on a public inquiry. Some opposition MPs complained that the inquiry was too narrow in its focus on the cash payments between the two men and didn’t allow for an examination of allegations about questionable business dealings that Mulroney and Schreiber and others had in connection with the 1988 sale of Airbus to Air Canada. The Airbus affair was a previous political scandal during the Mulroney time in office.

When David Johnston was appointed governor general, some critics claimed it was due to Johnston’s previous work for the Prime Minister, work that prevented more scandal for the Conservative party. Many other people, though, proclaimed that the selection of Johnston was a wise choice. Johnston’s intelligence, his legal background, his work with communities, and his friendly personality would allow for him to act in both ceremonial capacities and as a genuine advisor in difficult political times.


Activity: David Johnston At a GlanceBelow are words, terms, and phrases that have been used to describe David Johnston.

1. Rank what you think would be the top three qualifications/attributes for a governor general from the point of view of the Canadian public.

2. Rank the top three qualifications/attributes for a governor general from the point of view of the prime minister.

3. Rank the top three qualifications/attributes for a governor general from the point of view of opposition parties.

4. Account for any differences in your three lists.

5. Rank the bottom three qualifications/attributes and explain your choices.

• lawyer

• professor and dean

• middle age, white male

• well-read and well-informed

• author of two dozen books

• swears infrequently and only in Latin

• bilingual

• remembers the name of everyone he’s ever met

• ambitious

• diplomatic

• uncompromised integrity

• not easily intimidated

• hard working and demanding of those he works with

• makes everyone he meets feel important

• Order of Canada recipient

• friendly

• an analytical thinker

• non-partisan


CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERALWhat does the governor general do?

Focus for ReadingWhile in office, the governor general has a number of roles and responsibilities. As you read the following information, consider which of these roles and responsibilities you think are most important in building national unity, which of the roles could pose the most challenges for a governor general, and which roles allow the governor general to exercise his or her own autonomy.

Canada is both a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. This means that we have both a head of state and a head of government. The Queen of England is Canada’s head of state, but she is represented in Canada by the governor general. However, it should be noted that real political power rests with the prime minster of Canada, who is the head of government.

Representing the Crown in Canada• Ensures that Canada always has a

prime minister• Meets regularly with the prime minister• Signs bills passed by the House of

Commons and the Senate—this is called giving Royal Assent

• Reads the Speech from the Throne in Parliament, opens and ends sessions of Parliament, and dissolves Parliament for an election

• Presides over the swearing-in of the prime minister, the chief justice of Canada, and cabinet ministers

• Is the commander-in-chief of Canada’s forces

Representing Canadians and Promoting our Sovereignty• Travels to foreign countries, building

bridges of friendship and understanding between nations

• Welcomes world leaders, ambassadors, and others who represent their countries in Canada

Celebrating Excellence• Helps Canada pay tribute to

outstanding people by awarding a variety of orders, decorations, and medals

Bringing Canadians Together• Promotes national identity and unity by

encouraging Canadians to be proud of their country

• Participates in national ceremonies such as Canada Day and Remembrance Day


CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERALDo we need a governor general?The position of governor general exists because Canada was once a colony of Britain. While we continue to have close ties with Britain, Canada has long been an independent nation. The Canadian prime minister and his or her government set policy and see that important legislation makes its way through the House of Commons and the Senate. If the Office of the Governor General was abolished, would Canada not be sending a strong message that the country has “come of age”?

Perhaps the question is not whether or not we need a governor general. Perhaps the question should be: What is the proper role for the Canadian governor general in the 21st century?

The role of governor general is largely symbolic. In many ways the governor general is the public face of Canada.

FactCanada’s governors general have established more than 60 awards and trophies in the arts, social sciences, humanities, and sports. One of the more prestigious awards is the Order of Canada, which recognizes lifetime achievement that brings credit to the country.

Should the role be more substantive and less symbolic? Or should we be glad that the role is largely symbolic but recognize that this does not make the role unimportant?

If we accept that the governor general is the public face of Canada, then the governor general should represent the diversity of Canada. If we also accept that the governor general be informed to give good advice to the prime minister in political, legal, and community affairs, then the governor general should also have concrete skills or experience in those areas.

With the appointment of David Johnston, with his legal background and proven political skills, it appears as if the role of governor general may be moving toward a position with the potential for increased political influence.

Follow-upDo you think Canada needs a governor general? Create a chart in which you list arguments opposed to the position of governor general and arguments in favour of the position before making your conclusion.


CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERALNew Challenges of the Job

Pre-reading Activity 1. Review with a partner the role, responsibilities, and reserve powers of the

governor general. (Do this at the official Web site of the governor general at www.gg.ca.)

2. Predict what may happen if a political party or the Canadian people wanted the governor general to use reserve powers.

Is the role of governor general emerging from the traditional symbolic role to that of one with more political influence? The governor general has the power to adjourn Parliament, without “dissolving” the legislative body (i.e., calling an election). Other reserve powers that are only to be used in a time of great constitutional crisis and political impasse include dismissing a prime minster who may attempt to maintain power unconstitutionally and to delay or refuse royal assent to legislation. The governor general must ensure that Canada has a stable and well-functioning Parliament. That being said, no Canadian governor general has ever dismissed a prime minister.

The 2008 Adjournment of Parliament: A Test of the Role of Governor General?In December 2008, Stephen Harper had a two-and-a-half-hour face-to-face meeting with Michaëlle Jean at her residence to ask her permission to prorogue Parliament. This is a very unusual request and it forced Michaëlle Jean into a test of her constitutional authority.

The prorogation of Parliament is controversial because it effectively allows a sitting government to avoid difficult issues or issues that might result in the fall of the government by putting a halt to the legislative session. Prime Minister Harper’s request for prorogation was particularly unusual because

Quote“The inherent instability of minority government, along with Harper’s inclination to prorogue government often, will almost certainly mean Johnston can count on having some tough calls in the months to come.” — Heather Scoffield (The Canadian Press, October 2, 2010)

Parliament had only been in session for a few weeks before his request.

As well, the opposition parties had organized a potential coalition that guaranteed a loss-of-confidence vote that would defeat the Prime Minister’s government and lead to an election. Some constitutional experts felt this situation warranted the Governor General to use her reserve powers and to deny the Prime Minister’s request to prorogue Parliament.

Other experts argued that the Governor General should not interfere in political matters at all. The end result was that Michaëlle Jean acceded to Prime Minister Harper’s request. Jean also agreed to a second prorogation request by the Prime Minister in 2009.

Conflicting AdviceMany Canadians wondered why Michaëlle Jean decided not to use her reserve powers, when a significant number of Canadians felt that only she could stop what they considered to be an abuse of prime ministerial authority.

Since constitutional conventions are not written down, they involve a lot of subjectivity on the part of the government and the governor general. Michaëlle Jean did meet to gather advice from constitutional experts. She faced conflicting advice and the following choices:1. Ask the Prime Minister to return

to Parliament—deny his request to

VocabularyWhen Parliament is prorogued, the current session of Parliament is halted for a specific period of time. All the members of Parliament remain in place, but any unpassed bills or motions disappear once the session is resumed.

http://www.gg.ca


prorogue—and make him demonstrate that he still had the confidence of the house by attempting to pass a bill.

2. Grant the Prime Minister’s request since Christmas parliamentary breaks are routine and the governor general always grants the prime minister’s requests.

Critics of the first option argued that if Jean had denied Harper’s request to prorogue that she could have been seen as overstepping her authority. And her decision may have set a precedent that would have left the government poised to lose any future parliamentary vote.

Supporters of the second option argued that allowing Harper to prorogue Parliament was not such a big deal even if it allowed the government to avoid a defeat in the House. These observers noted that if the government really had lost the confidence of the House then an election would be bound to happen in the near future.

Michaëlle Jean’s final decision is still debated. Some people feel that she gave in to the Prime Minister’s questionable

political tactics, while others feel that she could not have interfered in a way that would have jeopardized her office and the democratic process.

What does all this mean for David Johnston?Constitutional experts have noted that Prime Minister Harper has stretched the prime minister’s power. David Johnston may be called to stand up to a leader who oversteps the democratic processes. Johnston seems determined to consider the serious power and responsibility that the office entails in addition to its ceremonial functions.

Unlike presidents in the United States, Canadian prime ministers can only hold power as long as they have their party’s consent and Parliament’s confidence. Stephen Harper’s use of prorogation as a way to avoid elections has been viewed by some as a reckless abuse of his power. Johnston may have to decide whether a coalition could form a government, if Harper were to lose the confidence of the House.

Fact At the time of the prorogation decision, Prime Minister Stephen Harper was leading a minority government. If the opposition parties voted together they would have enough votes to defeat the ruling government.

Did you know . . . In 1926 a Canadian Governor General refused to dissolve Parliament at the request of the Prime Minister. Learn more about the “King-Byng Affair” at http://archives.cbc.ca/politics/federal_politics/clips/11688/.

Follow-up 1. Imagine that you were Michaëlle Jean facing the decision of whether to

prorogue Parliament for Stephen Harper.

a) What questions would you have asked the constitutional experts?

b) What questions might you have asked the Canadian people?

c) What decision do you think you would have made when the Prime Minister requested to prorogue Parliament and why?

2. Create a list of five questions that you would ask all future candidates of the office of governor general.

3. Monitor the activities of the Governor General’s office over a period of months. Create a chart that details his actions using five headings that define his role and responsibilities: “constitutional responsibilities,” “commander-in-chief,” “representing Canada,” “encouraging excellence,” and “bringing Canadians together.” Provide an assessment of his overall impact and effectiveness in fulfilling his roles and responsibilities after analyzing your chart.

http://archives.cbc.ca/politics/federal_politics/clips/11688/





CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERALThe Legacy of Michaëlle Jean

Focus for ReadingAs you read the following information, take point-form notes of cases in which the Canadian public was divided in their support of the actions of Michaëlle Jean.

In 2005, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Michaëlle Jean to be Canada’s governor general. She is the third woman to be appointed as governor general. Jean was born in Haiti and moved to Quebec when still a girl. She is fluent in five languages and has spent most of her career as a journalist. She is married to documentary filmmaker Jean-Daniel Lafond and has a daughter named Marie-Eden.

Jean has a mixed legacy as Governor General. When she was appointed by the Queen, on the advice of former prime minister Paul Martin, there was some criticism about her dual French citizenship— which she acquired when she married Lafond. (She later renounced her French citizenship.) There were also those who questioned her previous ties to Quebec’s separatist movement. She and her husband denied these allegations.

She was a television journalist with a limited profile and few obvious distinctions when she became Governor General. Although she gained popular appeal she never gained respect from powerful politicians. This fact might have impacted her effectiveness in handling difficult political situations, such as that of December 2008, when she allowed Prime Minister Harper to prorogue Parliament. Many concluded that she was a weak leader due to her political inexperience.

When she ate raw seal meat at Rankin Inlet some interpreted this as a sign of

support for the controversial seal hunt, while others thought the gesture was one of support for the culture and customs of the Inuit people. She championed the military’s role in Afghanistan, which pleased the military and its supporters but irritated those who did not support this Canadian mission.

She and the Prime Minister did not always see eye to eye. When newly elected U.S. President Barack Obama came to visit Canada for the first time, the friendly relationship that Obama and Jean developed took centre stage in media reports, detracting from Harper’s role in the visit. She criticized the government for ending a subsidy that supported groups in language and equality legal cases. She also referred to herself as Canada’s head of state—the Queen is Canada’s head of state—which angered monarchists and the office of the Prime Minister.

However, her many accomplishments remain. Her generosity of spirit and capacity to genuinely relate to people’s stories and circumstances was unwavering. Her dedication to the cause of her birthplace has led to her appointment as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) special envoy for Haiti in September 2011. Her mission will be to fight poverty and illiteracy rates in that nation—a role she will undoubtedly take up with determination.

Follow-up 1. Review the notes you took while reading and be prepared to discuss

whether you think Michaëlle Jean was a great, good, fair, or poor governor general. Provide reasons for your decision.

2. Discuss what David Johnston could learn from Michaëlle Jean’s period as governor general.


CANADA’S NEW GOVERNOR GENERALActivity: Responding Directly to His VisionDavid Johnston addressed the audience after being installed as Canada’s 28th Governor General during a ceremony in the Senate on Parliament Hill, Friday, October 1, 2010, in Ottawa.

Speech Analysis 1. Skim Johnston’s speech, which is reproduced below. What is the purpose

and tone of this speech?

2. With a partner, or as a class, read the speech aloud. Discuss: What parts of the speech did you like? Why? What parts confused you or could you not relate to? Why? Overall, how would you rate his speech and why?

3. Highlight, using different colours, references to his five main roles and responsibilities: constitutional responsibilities, commander-in-chief, representing Canada, encouraging excellence, and bringing Canadians together. Are some roles and responsibilities alluded to more than others?

4. Summarize Johnston’s three “pillars.”

Culminating ActivityChoose the pillar that you feel is the most important to Canada’s future. Write a letter to David Johnston—noting the protocol below—and comment on how you think you could support his efforts and how he could help Canadians support this pillar. According to the Governor General’s Web site, “The Governor General appreciates receiving comments, questions, and suggestions from all Canadians.”

Your letter or e-mail should be addressed to:

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston Governor General of Canada Rideau Hall 1 Sussex Drive Ottawa ON K1A 0A1 (no postage is necessary)

Your e-mail should be sent to [email protected].

The SpeechService, whether it is to family, community, or country, is the highest, most noble of callings.

I begin by saying thank you to Her Majesty the Queen, the Prime Minister, and the Canadian people for this call to service. My wife and I accept it with joy—as we contemplate the role of Canada in the years ahead—and with gratitude at the opportunity to serve as the Queen’s representative in Canada. Less than a month ago, Sharon and I visited Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh at Balmoral, Scotland, for an amazing visit. And we were treated—so warmly—like family.


I would also like to pay tribute to my predecessors, including the remarkable women The Right Honourable Jeanne Sauvé and The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, who won the love and respect of all Canadians as they carried out their duties. On behalf of the Canadian population, allow me to warmly thank my immediate predecessor The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean for her remarkable work.

Finally, I salute the women and men in our Armed Forces. I am honoured to become your Commander-in-Chief. I would also like to recognize the efforts of those military women and men who are working so hard to help the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to rebuild their communities after the recent hurricane.

As we look forward to celebrating our 150th birthday seven short years from now, what will our nation look like and how will we get there?

Two Latin words capture our challenge succinctly: Contemplare Meliora—to envision a better world. They mirror the motto of the Order of Canada—“they desire a better country.”

To help us with our vision for 2017, turn back the clock 400 years to the first governor of what we now call Canada—Samuel de Champlain. David Fischer, the Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, has written a book called Champlain’s Dream. In it, he contends that Champlain was misunderstood. Champlain is remembered as a great explorer and a warrior. But Fischer portrays him as a man of peace, tolerance, inclusiveness, and innovation, and a builder of permanent societies. This was Champlain’s dream for a new order in a new world. So many of those characteristics are present in the Canada of 2010.

We are a Smart and Caring Nation.

A nation where all Canadians can grow their talents to the maximum.

A nation where all Canadians can succeed and contribute.

But there is much work to be done to fully achieve our vision of a Smart and Caring Nation. I believe it is essential

• to support families and children, • to reinforce learning and innovation, and • to encourage philanthropy and volunteerism.

As many of you know, I have spent much of my career in the university world. As an educator and administrator, I have been privileged to spend much of my life around students, and I’ve often felt that I have learned from them. In my new role, I hope to work to serve as a bridge to the next generation.

My first pillar will be supporting families and children.

I would like to first tell you a bit about my own family.

I was Sharon’s first date when she was 13, in her first year at Sault Ste. Marie Collegiate Institute. Forty-six years of marriage later she is my best friend, my inspiration, and the wind beneath my wings.


We have five daughters, Deb, Ali, Sharon Jr., Jen, and Sam, and all of them are in public service. And we have seven grandchildren, our miracles, who bring us great happiness.

All the important things in life I have learned from my children. And now I am following them into the public service.

Let me add that we lived in Montreal for two decades. We have come to love the French culture and language and we consider them a national treasure.

We are looking forward to meeting Canadian families from all walks of life, all backgrounds and hearing their stories about what Canada means to them and how they see Canada in 2017 and beyond.

We are looking forward to meeting families with sons and daughters who have served in Afghanistan. And we join in the sorrow of those families whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country. Our veterans have paid heed to the call to service, and have made our country proud. And my wife and I intend to be with them every step of the way.

We are looking forward to meeting Aboriginal families and children and learning from them. We all have much to learn from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures. We are excited about being able to share in this vital part of our collective history.

And we are looking forward to meeting families who have chosen Canada as their home, determined to provide a brighter future for their children.

We know that Canada will be one of the most diverse countries in the world by 2017.

And I am firmly convinced that all of these families, no matter where they live or what their background is, will have more in common than not. Each family brings new patterns to the varied Canadian tapestry and enriches it by their presence.

My second pillar will be reinforcing learning and innovation.

We need to ensure that all Canadians have equal access to education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

These opportunities must be available in both of our official languages. Our linguistic duality is a precious asset and contributes to our strength as a nation. I salute the Francophone and Acadian communities who continue to innovate, and find ways to ensure that French continues to thrive across the country.

I look forward to learning from Canadians as I visit their communities.

Anyone who has achieved any degree of success and been placed in a leadership position can point to dozens of teachers, mentors, and coaches who have made them better persons along the way. In my case, they number in the hundreds.

During my term, we will find ways to properly recognize our teachers who are responsible for our intellectual development. If there is one trumpet call from my remarks today let it be “Cherish Our Teachers.”


I have always had great admiration for the teachers and educators of this country.

As we consider our vision for 2017, I ask “Can we have equality of opportunity and excellence too?” I believe that no nation in history has worked harder than Canada to ensure equality of opportunity. How do we square that with excellence as well? For me, the answer is through our public educational system, which is the most inclusive in the world.

How do we ensure accessible education for all so that all Canadians can realize their full potential? And how do we reconcile universal access with stellar achievement? And how do we continue to innovate in order to compete with the world’s best? Innovation at its simplest is crafting a new idea to do things better. Innovation embraces both technological and social innovation. We want the same continuing commitment to excellence in our learning and research institutions that we saw in our Canadian athletes who brought us a record 14 gold medals at the 2010 Winter Games, we need the kind of innovation that has made “BlackBerry” a household expression. We want to emulate our Olympic and Paralympic athletes by constantly striving for excellence in all that we do.

We want to be the Smart and Caring Nation; a society that innovates, embraces its talent, and uses the knowledge of each of its citizens to improve the human condition for all.

When we set our sights together, we can do better and inspire each other to achieve great things.

My third pillar will be encouraging philanthropy and volunteerism.

Canadians have a long history of coming together and helping one another. The importance of community can be seen across the country, in our rural communities, and in our cities and towns, such as the ones I grew up in, Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie.

I see examples of this “coming together” in the farming neighbourhood where we live. A Mennonite barn-raising with people gathering on the scaffold of a new barn bringing their diverse talents and energy to help a neighbour in need.

I think of Rick Hansen, who this past March marked the 25th anniversary of the day he began his Man in Motion World Tour, and he continues to inspire Canadians everywhere.

And just two weeks ago, millions of Canadians across the country came together to honour the spirit and the achievements of Terry Fox, and the 30th anniversary of his run underscores how Canadians have embraced his cause. In his introduction to his book Terry, Douglas Coupland recalls seeing the thousands upon thousands of names of everyday Canadians in the Fox archives and writes “Collectively, those names testify to something divine—our nation, our home, and our soul.”

Examples of generosity and charity abound across this great land.

We create our families and promise a better life for our children, we energetically develop our individual talents, collaborate to magnify them and


improve the health and prosperity of our families and communities across the land, and we care about our neighbours.

We will continue to foster and instil the importance of being a generous and caring nation, an idea cherished by Canadians of all backgrounds and all ages.

The 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017 will reinforce Canadians’ sense of pride and engage all citizens.

Service to country shaped us, service to family and community sustains us, and this tradition of service will carry us forward into the future.

I am looking forward to meeting and serving Canadians, coming to their communities. I am truly honoured by this call to service.

I recall the closing lines of my predecessor, General The Right Honourable Georges P. Vanier’s inaugural address: “In our march forward in material happiness, let us not neglect the spiritual threads in the weaving of our lives. If Canada is to attain the greatness worthy of it, each of us must say, ‘I ask only to serve.’”

In Canada where we work together, putting aside our differences and assisting those among us who needed a helping hand, we have built a society that is the envy of the world.

I see my role as a bridge in bringing people of all backgrounds and ages together to create a Smart and Caring Nation, a nation that will inspire not just Canadians but the entire world.

Let me end with a quote from George Bernard Shaw:

“Some people see things as they are and wonder why. We dream of things that ought to be and ask why not.”


AFGHANISTAN: A FRONTLINE REPORTIntroduction

FocusThis News in Review story takes us to the front line in Canada’s war in southern Afghanistan as we follow the soldiers of Delta Company in their difficult and dangerous fight against Taliban insurgents prior to the scheduled 2011 withdrawal date.

DefinitionNATO stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It is a military alliance involving Canada and 27 other countries. Its goal is to promote the stability of the North Atlantic area.

Canadian troops have been fighting a challenging and protracted war as part of the NATO mission in Afghanistan for the past eight years. As the 2011 date for the withdrawal of our troops approaches, military and political leaders, soldiers on the ground, and Canadians at home are taking stock of the conflict, evaluating the progress made against the difficulties yet to be overcome, and asking themselves if the effort has been worth the cost.

Approximately 2 800 Canadian troops were stationed in Afghanistan in the autumn of 2010. The vast majority of those troops were employed in frontline duties around the city of Kandahar, in the southern part of the country. This area, long a stronghold of Taliban insurgents, is the most dangerous theatre of the war, and Canada has paid a high price in casualties for its involvement there.

As of October 2010, 152 Canadian soldiers had been killed and thousands more had been wounded. Most of these deaths and injuries were the result of IEDs, or improvised explosive devices. IEDs are bombs hidden in fields or along roads that explode on contact with foot soldiers or military vehicles. Planting IEDs is a favourite tactic of Taliban insurgents in their relentless struggle against NATO forces.

For the soldiers on the ground in Afghanistan, the war is a daily grind, full of frustrations and dangers but also sometimes providing moments of

achievement and satisfaction. One of the most difficult aspects of the conflict for the troops is distinguishing between friend and foe. This is a war where the enemy does not engage NATO troops in full-scale battles but instead stages ambushes and hit-and-run surprise attacks. To conduct this kind of guerrilla war effectively, the Taliban has to rely on the co-operation of the local civilian population, whether it gains it willingly or extracts it by threats and intimidation. For this reason, Canadian soldiers frequently face great problems in determining whether villagers working the fields are really just innocent farmers or are in fact Taliban fighters in disguise.

In order to combat the Taliban insurgency, which has grown stronger over 2010, Canadian forces have adopted the strategy known as counter-insurgency, or COIN for short. This involves “carrot” and “stick” tactics in their dealings with the local Afghan population. On the one hand, strong measures will be taken against any village that is believed to be actively supporting the Taliban. But on the other, Canadian troops continue to make great efforts to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people by helping to resolve local problems and bring much-needed schools, health-care facilities, and other social services to an impoverished country that has been beset by violence for the past three decades.

To Consider 1. How much do you know about Canada’s ongoing war in Afghanistan?

Why did the Canadian military go there in the first place?

2. Do you agree with the government’s decision to withdraw Canadian troops from Afghanistan in 2011? Why or why not?

3. Do you think that the results that Canadian troops fighting in Afghanistan have achieved so far have been worth the cost in lives and money? Why or why not?


AFGHANISTAN: A FRONTLINE REPORTVideo Review

Pre-viewing QuestionsWith a partner, or in a small group, discuss and respond to the following questions.

1. From what you have seen in the media, how would you describe the conditions Canadian soldiers are facing in their war in Afghanistan?

2. Has the war or reports of Canadian casualties in the war affected you personally in any way? If so, how? If not, why not?

3. Do you think the Canadian public is generally supportive of the war in Afghanistan? Explain your answer.

4. What do you think are the main goals the Canadian military is trying to achieve in the war in Afghanistan? How successful has it been so far in achieving them?

Viewing QuestionsAs you watch the video, respond to these questions in the spaces provided.

1. For how long have Canadian forces been fighting the war in Afghanistan?

2. When are Canadian troops scheduled to be withdrawn from Afghanistan?

3. How many Canadian troops are currently stationed in Afghanistan?

4. In what part of the country are most of these soldiers based?

5. How many Canadian troops have been killed in Afghanistan as of October 2010?

DefinitionAn insurgent is a person who engages in armed resistance against a government or the execution of its laws. Insurgents are commonly referred to as rebels.


6. What was the cause of most of these deaths?

7. What is the name of the insurgent force that is fighting against Canada and other NATO countries in Afghanistan?

8. Why is the line between friend and enemy insurgent frequently murky for Canadian troops on the ground in Afghanistan?

9. What measures do Canadian forces take in order to win the hearts and minds of the local Afghan population in the area?

10. What nickname do Canadian troops give for foot patrols through farmers’ fields? Why is it appropriate?

11. What information do Canadian troops try to extract from the local Afghan village elder during their meeting with him? Why is this important to them?

12. What evidence do Canadian troops point to in order to prove that they are making progress against the Taliban in the area?

13. What evidence is there that some Canadian soldiers are experiencing great frustrations and anger in their dealings with the local population?


Post-viewing Questions 1. Now that you have watched the video, revisit your responses to the Pre-

viewing Questions. How has watching the video helped you respond to the questions in greater depth? Have your opinions changed in any way? Explain.

2. Are you persuaded by the claims of Canadian soldiers interviewed in the video that they are making progress in their fight against the Taliban? Why or why not?

3. How successful do you think COIN has been so far as a strategy to combat the Taliban insurgency in southern Afghanistan?

4. What do you think the situation on the ground in southern Afghanistan will look like when Canadian troops are finally withdrawn in 2011?


AFGHANISTAN: A FRONTLINE REPORTWhy are we fighting in Afghanistan?

Focus for ReadingIn your notebook create an organizer like the one below. As you read the following information on the background to Canada’s military mission to Afghanistan, write down key points in your organizer. You should be able to enter at least two or three points in each section of your chart. You will be using this information in the activities that follow the text material.

Why are we fighting in Afghanistan?The Origins of the War• Canada is part of a NATO force that invaded Afghanistan after the September

11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.

• NATO forces succeeded in driving the Taliban from power but failed to capture Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

• Bin Laden has continued to threaten further terrorist attacks, but to date nothing as serious as September 11 has occurred.

Canada’s Role in Afghanistan

The Decision to Extend the Mission

The Situation as of November 2010

Less than a month after the invasion began, NATO forces and their Afghan allies, an anti-Taliban coalition of groups known as the Northern Alliance, entered Kabul, the Afghan capital, in triumph. Ousted but not totally crushed, the Taliban retreated into the rugged, mountainous regions of the country to regroup and resume their resistance against the invaders, a fight that continues to this day. The Taliban’s main stronghold lay in the southern part of Afghanistan, especially the area around the provincial capital of Kandahar, which was the headquarters of the Taliban’s mysterious and enigmatic leader, Mullah Mohammed Omar.

In late 2001, NATO forces believed that they had cornered bin Laden and other top Al Qaeda leaders in the remote mountains of Tora Bora that form part of the rugged and inaccessible border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The Origins of the WarThe NATO mission in Afghanistan is the direct result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. Shortly after those world-shaking events, then-U.S. president George W. Bush declared a “war on international terrorism” and identified the Taliban regime that had ruled Afghanistan since 1996 as the first target of U.S. retribution. Bush accused the Taliban leaders of offering a base of operations for Al Qaeda, the extremist Islamic group that claimed responsibility for the September 11 attacks and of providing sanctuary for its elusive leader, Osama bin Laden. When the Taliban refused to hand bin Laden over, the United States and other NATO countries, including Canada, launched an all-out military assault on Afghanistan. Its goals were to drive the Taliban from power, destroy Al Qaeda, and capture bin Laden.


But despite relentless, round-the-clock bombing by U.S. and NATO warplanes using state-of-the-art explosives, neither bin Laden nor Omar was apprehended, and both leaders remain at large today. It is widely believed that they have found hideouts in Pakistan’s Northwest Frontier Province, a remote area that is rife with Taliban supporters and is almost beyond the control of the Pakistani government and army.

In the years following the September 11 attacks, bin Laden has released frequent video statements to the world. In these he has taunted his American foes for their failure to capture him, denounced U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and elsewhere, and called on Muslims worldwide to initiate a “global jihad,” or holy war, against the West.

Canada’s Role in AfghanistanCanada dispatched a naval task force to the Persian Gulf in October 2001 to assist the NATO invasion of Afghanistan. Canadian troops have been fighting in Afghanistan since February 2002, when the first battle group from the Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry arrived in the southern province of Kandahar. Eight years later this war-torn region remains the main focus for Canada’s ongoing military commitment to the struggle against Taliban insurgents.

While Canada’s initial military involvement was concentrated in the southern part of Afghanistan, the focus of its operations shifted from 2003 to 2005 to the area near the capital, Kabul. Canadian troops were part of the International Security Assistance Force, whose role was to help the fledgling Afghan government establish some form of national security in the run-up to the country’s first free national elections. This vote resulted in victory for anti-Taliban leader Hamid Karzai, who defeated his main opponent from the

Northern Alliance and remains in power to this day.

But by early 2006, a renewed Taliban insurgency in Kandahar had led to a rapid deterioration of the military situation in that region. To deal with this threat, Lieutenant-General David Richards, who was then the British commander of NATO forces in southern Afghanistan, called for the deployment of 8 000 troops, including 2 200 Canadians, to fight alongside Afghan National Army (ANA) units and secure the region against the Taliban. By September 2006, over 2 500 Canadian soldiers were taking part in an effort code-named Operation Medusa, after the creature from Greek mythology whose horrifying face was believed to turn her enemies into stone.

At the beginning of Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan, the government of the day—then led by Liberal prime minister Jean Chrétien—had imposed a deadline of February 2009 for the withdrawal of Canadian troops. But as NATO’s struggle against the Taliban proved more difficult than expected, the Conservative government of Stephen Harper—which came to power after the January 2006 federal election—announced its intention to extend the deadline.

The Decision to Extend the MissionIn October 2007, Prime Minister Harper asked former Liberal cabinet minister John Manley to conduct an investigation into Canada’s military mission to Afghanistan. Manley’s report, tabled in January 2008, recommended that the mission’s life be extended beyond the original 2009 deadline. But Manley also stated that Canada should only agree to stay on longer in Afghanistan if other NATO nations committed more troops, especially in the war-ravaged southern


part of the country where Canadian forces were beginning to sustain significant losses.

In his report, Manley also recommended that the Canadian government should equip its troops with state-of-the-art equipment and weapons that would enable them to prosecute the war more effectively. As well, Manley felt that Canada’s role should shift from a strictly combat mission to an effort that would focus more on diplomacy, the training of an Afghan national police force, and the provision of much-needed humanitarian and development aid to the country. This last measure would involve the building of schools, health-care clinics, and other facilities such as sources of clean water and agricultural development.

The Situation as of November 2010In March 2008, Parliament voted to extend Canada’s mission in Afghanistan to December 2011. The minority Conservative government won the support of the opposition Liberals, but both the Bloc Québécois and the NDP opposed the decision. Despite the fact that the war against the Taliban appears far from won, and the situation on the ground, especially in the Kandahar region, has actually deteriorated markedly over 2009 and 2010, Canada remains firmly committed to the 2011 withdrawal deadline.

U.S. President Barack Obama, who took office in January 2009 and made the successful prosecution of the war in Afghanistan a major foreign-policy objective of his administration, has quietly urged Canada to reconsider its position. So have many top NATO leaders who have valued Canada’s commitment and sacrifices so far.

But the Afghan war remains a matter of great controversy at home in Canada. People are very proud of the performance of our troops, and especially of their efforts to promote much-needed reforms such as making it possible for more young girls to attend school. But there are growing doubts about the wisdom and ultimate goals of the mission.

Opinion polls have consistently shown that a small majority of Canadians favour the withdrawal of our troops by 2011, while some believe that the pull-out should occur even earlier. Opposition to the war appears to be strongest in Quebec, the province that ironically supplies most of the recruits for the fighting in Afghanistan. Accusations by former diplomat Richard Colvin in the spring of 2010 that Canadian troops had been indirectly involved in the mistreatment of captured Taliban suspects, including some innocent Afghans, put political and military leaders on the defensive and undermined popular support for the mission.

By late October 2010, the death toll of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan stood at 152, with many more wounded. Processions of military funerals along Ontario’s Highway 401, renamed the “Highway of Heroes,” were becoming a solemn and frequent occasion. Many towns across the country were mourning the loss of a valued young local individual in uniform. Apart from the human cost, it was estimated that the mission to Afghanistan would eventually add up to $18-billion by the time the deadline for withdrawal finally arrived in December 2011, a figure that amounted to approximately $1 500 for each Canadian household.


Follow-up 1. With a partner, compare the information in your summary chart. Help each

other to complete any missing information.

2. Do you think that Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda still pose a serious threat to the security of the world? Why or why not?

3. Do you think the Canadian government made the right decision when it decided to extend the deadline for the withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan from 2009 to 2011? Why or why not?

4. Why do you think the Taliban insurgency has become a more serious problem for Canadian and NATO forces fighting in Afghanistan over the period from 2009 to 2010?

5. Do you think the human and financial cost of the mission to Afghanistan for Canada has been worth the effort? Why or why not?


AFGHANISTAN: A FRONTLINE REPORTThe Hard Realities of the War

Reading PromptAs you read the information in this section, ask yourself what lessons history might be able to offer to those responsible for conducting the military mission in Afghanistan. Focus particularly on: a) the Vietnam War of the 1960s and early 70s and b) the Soviet invasion and occupation of Afghanistan, 1979-88.

A Different Kind of WarEight years after the onset of hostilities, Western political leaders such as Prime Minister Stephen Harper, U.S. President Barack Obama, and their respective senior military officials continue to insist that that war is worth fighting and that considerable progress has been made. But public opinion in both Canada and the United States is becoming increasingly skeptical about such claims, and support for the war, which was never very strong to begin with, has been markedly declining in both countries.

One major problem in conducting a military operation like the Afghan war is determining just what would constitute “victory” against a nebulous and shadowy opponent such as the Taliban. Afghanistan is not a conventional war like the Second World War, where the armed forces of enemy nation-states squared off against each other in epic theatres of combat on the land and sea and in the air—with the goal of totally destroying their opponents. Instead, it is more like the Vietnam War of the 1960s and early 70s. In that conflict the United States found itself mired in an unwinnable struggle against a well-organized and highly motivated local insurgency that fought a relentless guerrilla campaign, resulting in the defeat of the world’s foremost superpower.

Historical Parallels To those old enough to remember the Vietnam War, the Afghan conflict bears

Quote“Once the effort required gets so huge that it is no longer balanced by the value of the political purpose, it must be abandoned.” — General Karl von Clausewitz, On War (1873).

many eerie similarities, and appears at times almost as a case of history repeating itself. As in Vietnam, foreign forces are engaged in the military occupation of a country that has a long and proud history of determined resistance to outside invaders. In both Vietnam and Afghanistan, military strategists believed that the best way to defeat the local insurgency was to adopt a policy of counter-insurgency—nicknamed COIN in Afghanistan. One of the main goals of this approach is to win the hearts and minds of the population so it could be persuaded to abandon its support for the insurgents and transfer its allegiance to the occupying forces and the government they were seeking to install.

But in both wars the governments backed by the foreign powers enjoyed little loyalty from the people they claimed to have the right to govern. As was the case with many of the South Vietnamese regimes the U.S. sought to support during the 1960s, the government of Hamid Karzai in Afghanistan is widely discredited both at home and abroad because of rampant corruption and flagrant attempts to rig elections in its favour. In many parts of the country its political and military authority is very tenuous, and frequently the local population looks to the Taliban, not the pro-NATO government in Kabul, as the real authority on the ground. This was also the case in Vietnam, where the pro-U.S. government was able to hold the major population centres while


commanding almost zero support in the countryside where the insurgents held sway.

A Difficult Country to GovernAfghanistan has one national government, but its people are divided among a variety of ethnic groups, none of which constitutes a majority of the population. The Pashtuns, who comprise just over 40 per cent of the Afghan people, are largely concentrated in the southern part of the country and form the basis of support for the Taliban. On the other hand, the Tajik and Uzbek minorities, found mainly in the northern provinces bordering the former Soviet republics of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, gave their support to the warlords of the Northern Alliance in its battle against the Taliban that led them into Kabul in 2001.

According to Thomas Barfield, author of Afghanistan: A Cultural and Political History, one of the biggest failures of U.S. and NATO policy in Afghanistan has been its inability to establish a form of government that would take these serious inter-ethnic differences into account and establish a more decentralized form of government for the country. Instead, much like the Soviet Union, one of Afghanistan’s previous occupying powers, the U.S. encouraged the setting up of a highly centralized government in Kabul, with Hamid Karzai and his cronies using their authority to siphon off into their own pockets many of the billions of dollars in foreign humanitarian aid earmarked for the “hearts and minds” campaign.

Afghanistan after the WarOne of the proudest boasts of the Karzai regime and its NATO backers is the fact that women are now freer than they were

under the repressive Taliban regime, and that girls can finally attend school, something that was previously forbidden. In fact, the well-known humanitarian Greg Mortenson, whose books Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools have become world-wide best-sellers, has argued that efforts to promote the education of girls in Afghanistan may constitute the greatest weapon NATO enjoys in its struggle against the Taliban. But Afghanistan remains a very conservative, male-dominated, and traditional society, where most women in rural areas still wear the burqa and may not even be aware of the freedoms their constitution grants them.

It is very difficult to determine popular opinion in a country like Afghanistan, but some outside observers think there is evidence that most Afghans have mixed feelings about the Taliban regime. On the one hand, they resented its narrow-minded Islamic approach to government, its brutality, its suppression of the Shi’ite Hazara minority group, its support for Osama bin Laden and his Al Qaeda terrorists, and its outright refusal to grant rights to women and girls. But on the other, most Afghans give grudging credit to the Taliban as the only regime to date that succeeded in stamping out corruption and providing a degree of security and safety in a country that has experienced widespread violence and instability for decades. While they would most likely not welcome their return to unchallenged power, many Afghans believe that the Taliban are a force to be reckoned with, are not going to disappear, and may eventually have to be included in any post-war power-sharing arrangement once the NATO military mission in their country finally comes to an end.

Quote“. . . the towns are held by the government and the villages by the Taliban. By day, the state is visible, by night, the Taliban.” — Mohammad Mohaghegh, Afghan politician (The Globe and Mail, June 9, 2010)


Follow-up 1. With a partner or in a small group compare your responses from the

Reading Prompt activity. What lessons can recent historical events like the Vietnam War or the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan offer to those responsible for conducting the military mission in Afghanistan today? How do you think they could apply these lessons to the current conflict?

2. Read the quote from von Clausewitz in the margin on page 42 and explain what you think it means in your own words. To what extent do you think its message could be applied to the military mission in Afghanistan?

3. In your opinion, what would signify “victory” for Canada and the other NATO powers fighting against the Taliban in Afghanistan? Do you think this is a realistic goal? Why or why not?

4. What do you think a possible post-war political settlement in Afghanistan might look like, following the eventual withdrawal of Canadian and other NATO troops?


AFGHANISTAN: A FRONTLINE REPORTA Day in the Life

Reading PromptAs you read this section, ask yourself how you would experience being a member of the unit of Delta Company on patrol in a small Afghan village. What challenges would you have to handle as part of such a mission?

In April 2010 a Canadian reporter accompanies a group of soldiers from Delta Company of the Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry on a mission to Khairo Kala, a small village just west of the Afghan city of Kandahar. The temperature is a blistering 35 degrees Celsius the day this unit enters the village, really just a ramshackle collection of dusty mud-walled, single-room homes dotting narrow winding pathways that serve as streets. Around the village, fields of grapes, poppies, and wheat stretch into the distance until they meet the looming summits of the mountains far away.

The soldiers of Delta Company have paid a high price for their mission in this dangerous part of Afghanistan, already losing four members by the time Toronto Star reporter Louie Palu joins them on patrol. Upon arrival in the village, an elderly Afghan man steps forward to greet them. He is the village malik, or headman, an influential authority who serves as a conduit between Canadian troops and the local population. Such people frequently supply much-needed information about the operations of the Taliban in their area and the degree of support they may enjoy or extort among its residents. But in this case, the Canadians are taking no chances and frisk the elder before questioning him about the possible location of IEDs, or improvised explosive devices, in the roads and fields around Khairo Kala.

The orders of the day call for the unit to search the surroundings for IEDs and remove them before they can cause

injuries or death. Among the soldiers are engineers and bomb specialists who are experts in defusing IEDs, known as Explosive Ordnance Disposal, or EOD. As the troops fan out into the nearby fields, they are looking for evidence that the soil has been disturbed in any way. This could indicate the presence of an IED, or it could equally just mean that a local farmer had been digging a hole in the ground.

The stress rises to almost unimaginable levels as the men of Delta Company engage in what Canadians in Afghanistan refer to as “IED hopscotch.” This macabre expression signifies the extreme risk they run while searching for these potentially deadly explosives. The reporter carefully steps into the footprints of the soldier immediately ahead of him so as to minimize the danger of inadvertently stepping on an IED while breaking new ground. While doing so, the horrifying thought flashes through his mind that he might die from loss of blood if his foot were to be blown off by an IED. The search pays off when one IED is located and destroyed and the components of another one are identified. During their patrol, the soldiers talk about the Oscar-winning film The Hurt Locker, which depicts U.S. troops conducting a similar search in Iraq. They find it entertaining, but far from realistic when it portrays U.S. soldiers looking for IEDs on their own and not as part of a unit.

After a long and demanding day, the exhausted members of Delta Company return to their mud-baked bivouac to


bunk down for what is likely to be a hot and uncomfortable night. While Canadian soldiers can now catch some much-needed rest, they are uneasy in the knowledge that the dark hours of the night are the time when Taliban insurgents are busy nearby, planting the next deadly crop of IEDs in the surrounding fields and along the roads that NATO military vehicles will have to travel the next day. But along with the Taliban, the sleeping soldiers must also cope with more immediate annoyances such as scorpions, ants, spiders, and bloodsucking insects that leave painful bloody welts all over their bodies. Occasionally an early morning rain shower arrives to cool off the encampment, but most of the time the heat barely dissipates during the hours of darkness. Because of the stress they must handle on a daily basis, and also as a means of keeping the insects at bay, almost every single member of Delta Company is a heavy smoker.

On patrol the next day, the unit discovers a huge IED powerful enough to kill everyone on the mission, 60 deadly kilograms of explosives and shrapnel that could cut half a dozen men to pieces

in the blink of an eye. They meet with a group of villagers who assure them that there are no Taliban insurgents operating in the area, information that is taken with more than a grain of salt since several of these informants are suspected of being Taliban supporters themselves. The Canadians have learned that the local Taliban have decreed that any villager known to have talked to the soldiers will pay with his or her life. This makes the task of extracting necessary information about the location of IEDs even more difficult.

The soldiers look nervously at any farmer in the field, who might in fact be a Taliban “trigger man” waiting for the signal to detonate an IED. Women and even children are also viewed with suspicion as potential Taliban operatives. After five days of “IED hopscotch,” the unit has four IEDs and components to show for its efforts and returns to base with the depressing conclusion that, at least for now, the small Afghan village of Khairo Kalo is firmly under Taliban control.

Source: Palu, Louie. “Inside Canada’s ‘Hurt Locker.’” Toronto Star, May 2, 2010

Analysis 1. With a partner or in a small group, share your responses to the Reading

Prompt above.

2. a) Given the conditions the soldiers of Delta Company must cope with on patrol in Afghanistan, what would you expect their attitudes about the local population to be?

b) How might this interfere with one of the major goals of counter-insurgency: the winning of the hearts and minds of the people?

3. The Greek myth of Sisyphus depicts the ordeal of a hero who is condemned to roll a huge rock up a steep hill during the day, only to have it fall back down each night. The next day, he must complete his onerous task once again. How might this myth apply to the work of the soldiers of Delta Company in their search for IEDs in Afghanistan? What conclusions may be drawn from this analogy?


AFGHANISTAN: A FRONTLINE REPORTActivity: Exit Strategy for AfghanistanThe government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced that a full withdrawal of Canadian troops from Afghanistan will occur by July 2011. This decision was taken despite the objections of U.S. and NATO military leaders who believe the Canadian contribution to the military mission is still required—and also over the protests of the members of some military families who have lost loved ones in the conflict and believe Canada should carry on fighting.

Here are the details of the government’s plan for withdrawal:

• The bulk of Canadian troops will be fully withdrawn by July 2011.

• The withdrawal will include both regular Canadian Forces troops and elite “Special Force” units.

• Some Canadian military officials may remain behind in advisory roles to the Afghan National Army (ANA).

• Canada will continue to offer humanitarian aid to Afghanistan for economic development.

• Some Canadian security forces will remain in Afghanistan to protect Canadian diplomats, NGO officials, and other civilians working in the country.

Your TaskWorking in small groups, devise what you think would be a workable exit strategy for Canadian troops in Afghanistan. Decide when you think such a withdrawal should take place, and whether or not it should be all troops currently stationed in Afghanistan, or only some of them. Also indicate what presence, if any, you think Canada should continue to maintain in Afghanistan after the troops have been withdrawn.

Then discuss the likely consequences of such a withdrawal for the government and people of Afghanistan, and especially the area around Kandahar where Canadian troops have been active. Speculate on whether the Afghan government will be able to deal with the threat of the Taliban without outside assistance. What kind of government will have to be established in order to transform Afghanistan into a peaceful, secure, democratic, and more economically developed country? Is such a goal even possible in the immediate future?

Once you have completed your task, your teacher may ask you to present your plan to the class. Following this, the entire class may debrief the information presented in the reports and evaluate the arguments in favour of and against a Canadian withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2011.

WatchTo learn more about Canada’s policy in Afghanistan watch a speech by Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon at www.international.gc.ca/ministers-ministres/Cannon_Video_Afghanistan.aspx?lang=eng.

http://www.international.gc.ca/ministers-ministres/Cannon_Video_Afghanistan.aspx?lang=eng






BPA: THE CHEMICAL INSIDE USIntroduction

FocusThis News in Review story looks at the controversy surrounding bisphenol A (BPA), a plastic found in many products like bottles and tin cans. BPA may pose a health risk to Canadians, and since recent studies have shown that nine out of 10 of us have BPA in our bodies, it is time to figure out how it gets inside us.

Did you know . . . Health Canada gave the plastics industry until the end of 2010 to come up with an alternative to BPA.

It’s in your can of pop and your plastic food wrapping. It’s on the receipt the cashier hands you when you buy something, and in the fillings your dentist puts in your mouth. It’s in your movie’s DVD packaging, and it’s in your toilet paper. The culprit is bisphenol A (BPA).

BPA is not found in nature. It is a human-engineered substance that is used to make hard plastics and epoxy resins. Common uses for BPA include plastic bottles and containers, food packaging, and the lining inside aluminum cans. Almost three billion kilograms of BPA are produced globally each year.

A few years ago scientists became alarmed when experiments involving plastic containers were producing bizarre results. The containers were made of BPA. This caused a few scientists to wonder if BPA was doing more than skewing research results; they wondered if the chemical was making people sick. What followed was a plethora of research and competing results that eventually led to the Canadian government’s decision to identify BPA as a toxic substance.

So what are the health risks? If you talk to anyone in the plastics industry, they’ll tell you there’s nothing to worry about. They’ll tell you that BPA enters a person’s system and is excreted quickly, often in less than a day. The exposure

rate is so miniscule—in amounts of only parts per billion—that some observers believe humans don’t really consume enough BPA to have any ill effects. In fact, every industry research initiative has found BPA to be close to harmless because the exposure rates are so low.

On the other hand, a growing number of medical researchers disagree. Ninety per cent of independent research on animals into bisphenol A suggests that BPA could be contributing to an increase in breast and prostate cancer, malformed reproductive systems, the early onset of puberty, and attention deficit disorder. Scientists claim that because BPA mimics estrogen—a hormone that is dominant in females but is also present in males—important natural processes are being disrupted. The problem of BPA acting like estrogen is cause for the most concern.

The government of Canada did not wait for the research to definitively link BPA to health problems. In 2008, Health Canada banned BPA in the production of baby bottles. Then, in the fall of 2010, the government listed BPA as a toxic substance.

Whether BPA concerns are based on fact or fiction is unclear. What is clear is that BPA is on its way out, and Canada is the first country to show the controversial chemical the door.

To Consider 1. Do you check plastic containers to see what they are made of? Do you

check the ingredient labels on the food you buy and the personal care products—like shampoo and deodorant—you use?

2. Do you think it was good that Health Canada banned BPA before there was overwhelming proof that the chemical is linked to cancer and other human health problems?


BPA: THE CHEMICAL INSIDE USVideo Review

Pre-viewing QuestionsWith a partner, or in a small group, discuss the following questions.

1. Do you ever worry about the safety of canned food?

2. Do you microwave food in plastic containers? Why or why not?

3. Do you know that some plastics contain compounds that act like human hormones?

4. What potential problems can you see happening if you unknowingly ingest something that mimics human hormones?

Viewing QuestionsAs you watch the video respond to the questions in the spaces provided.

1. What is bisphenol A (BPA)?

2. Why did Canada list BPA as a toxic substance?

3. Why did staff at the George Brown College daycare ask parents to buy new bottles for their children?

4. Why do environmental groups oppose BPA?

5. How does the plastics industry react to the controversy surrounding BPA?

6. What did Health Canada do with respect to BPA in April 2008?

7. How have consumers and the plastics industry led the way in eliminating BPA from certain product lines?

Check it out! The plastics industry labels its containers with a triangle consisting of three arrows with a number in the middle. If you see the number 7 on the bottom of a container, it may be made with BPA.

Quote“We have over 150 peer-reviewed studies illustrating toxic effects associated with BPA. This isn’t something we should be putting in any products, let alone something that’s going in our mouths.” — Aaron Freeman, policy director, Environmental Defence (The Globe and Mail, April 25, 2008)


8. Do you agree with Rick Smith’s belief that declaring BPA a toxic substance will mark the beginning of the end of this type of plastic? Why?

9. a) How did the government of Canada expand its warnings about BPA in November 2008?

b) What new research discoveries led to the government’s decision to expand their concerns regarding BPA?

10. a) What percentage of Canadians have BPA in their system? Why is this statistic a source of concern?

b) What age group tends to have the highest concentration of BPA in their system?

11. While the health effects on humans are still being sorted out, what has animal research into BPA told us?

12. a) Name some of the common items that can introduce BPA into our systems.

b) Which of these items surprise you? Why?

13. How is BPA making its way into our sewer system?

Post-viewing QuestionsAfter you have watched the video, discuss the following with a classmate, or in a small group.

1. Based on your viewing of the documentary, will you think twice before you drink from a water bottle or eat food out of can?

2. Has the government of Canada responded effectively to concerns over BPA? Explain.


BPA: THE CHEMICAL INSIDE USWhat is BPA?What if someone told you that the last time you drank a can of pop you exposed yourself to a chemical that mimics a human hormone? Would this concern you? What kinds of questions would you ask the person who shared this information with you? Would this information be enough for you to decide not to drink pop out of a can anymore?

What is BPA?Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely produced human-made chemicals in the world. It is used to make polycarbonate containers—a plastic that can be made to look like glass. BPA is valued for its strength and durability. BPA is also used to make epoxy resins, which are used to line the inside of canned food and beverage containers to keep the contents of the can from spoiling. BPA is also used to make CD and DVD containers, hockey helmets, and dental fillings. More than 90 per cent of Canadians carry detectable traces of BPA in their system.

Marinating in BPA Some analysts working on the BPA controversy claim that we are “marinating in this chemical on a daily basis” (The Globe and Mail, May 29, 2008). With close to three billion kilograms of BPA produced each year, it is no surprise that people are becoming more and more concerned about the health effects of this kind of plastic on the global population.

Studies into the dangers of BPA began surfacing in the early 1990s and have been gaining momentum with each passing year. Most of the studies have been on rats and mice, with a few studies looking into the effects of BPA

Quote“Despite all the alarmist scares our life expectancy gets longer every year, and heart disease and cancer rates are generally decreasing. It is ludicrous to be talking about BPA when we allow cigarettes to be sold. They kill millions of people per year—not in theory, but in fact.” — Joe Schwarcz, McGill University (The Globe and Mail, March 13, 2010)

on monkeys. Almost all of them suggest serious health problems accompany BPA exposure. A handful of human studies have managed to link BPA to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. The research paints a pretty grim picture: since BPA mimics the hormone estrogen, scientists are concerned that the chemical compound is sending false signals to estrogen receptors, creating a hormone imbalance in some people.

Health ProblemsAccording to Frederick vom Saal, a biologist at the University of Missouri and a leader in the campaign against BPA, research results into bisphenol A have demonstrated potential harm to human health in over 90 per cent of independent academic studies to date. He claims that anything that mimics estrogen is dangerous because the hormone is so important to human development. The research ties BPA to the following health problems:• Breast cancer• Uterine cancer• Early onset of puberty• Prostate cancer• Low sperm count• Damage to eggs and ovaries• Infertility • Miscarriages• Abnormal development of the penis• Abnormal brain development• Autism • Hyperactivity• Obesity• Diabetes• Cardiovascular disease

Given this list of frightening potential health problems, it is likely that people would prefer to steer clear of BPA.


BPA and Baby BottlesTo give you an example of the concerns surrounding BPA, let’s look at Health Canada’s decision to ban the use of BPA in the production of baby bottles. Around the time of the decision, research was suggesting that a greater amount of BPA is transferred into liquids when liquids are heated up. Because babies do a lot of drinking in relation to their small size, scientists worried that estrogen-mimicking BPA could potentially disrupt the hormonal development of infants. Based on this concern, Health Canada put out a warning to parents and banned the manufacture of baby bottles with BPA.

BPA and Canned FoodHealth Canada’s decision had many ramifications. In fact, the growing concern over plastic leaching chemicals into the contents of baby bottles prompted The Globe and Mail and CTV to hire scientists to examine the presence of BPA in epoxy resins in canned foods. The scientists discovered that higher-than-expected amounts of BPA were leaching into the food. This discovery echoed conclusions drawn by a Health Canada study and has been reiterated by many other studies since.

The Plastics Industry RespondsThe plastics industry believes arguments against BPA are out of line. Trevor Butterworth works with a group called

STATS, a non-profit think tank that analyzes the use and abuse of scientific data by the media. He claims that a small group of scientists are ringing the alarm bells and frightening people unnecessarily. According to proponents of BPA, the human intestine produces a sugar that takes the estrogen power out of BPA and allows the chemical to be rapidly excreted from the body. According to Butterworth, “Letting your child outside to breathe in exhaust fumes is more risky than letting them drink from plastic water bottles” (The Globe and Mail, April 19, 2008).

And then there is the issue of exposure to BPA. Calvin Willhite, a toxicologist for the California environmental protection agency, claims that the amount of BPA in our system is 500 to 1 000 times less than the level that could affect us adversely (The Globe and Mail, April 19, 2008). In response to a report that BPA was found in just about every canned drink on the market, particularly energy drinks, beverage industry experts claimed that a person would have to drink 7 400 cans of pop per day to meet BPA levels set by Health Canada (Toronto Star, March 6, 2009). Industry insiders concede: if you inject a rat with 40 times the recommended daily intake of BPA, they are going to get sick. In reality, humans aren’t rats, and no human would ever come close to having that much BPA in their system.

To Consider 1. Hormones play a pivotal role in the development of the things that make

a person male or female. Of the health problems listed, how many of them deal with gender development and a person’s reproductive system? What does this tell you about the potential dangers of BPA?

2. Do you think the plastics industry has a point? Is BPA being unfairly singled out as a toxic chemical?


BPA: THE CHEMICAL INSIDE US“The dose makes the poison”

Focus for ReadingHealth Canada believes that the BPA exposure rate is relatively low for most Canadians. Just because you eat a bowl of soup out of a can, you are not necessarily going to be exposed to high levels of BPA. While some BPA can migrate into the soup from the lining on the can, the amount is so miniscule that you would have to drink hundreds of cans of soup within a short period to get sick. As you read the following information, consider what your own exposure rates to BPA might be like.

“The dose makes the poison”The physician who pioneered toxicology is a man named Paracelsus. (His real name is Theophrastus Philippus Aureolus Bombastus von Hohenheim, so you can see why we prefer to go with the shorter Paracelsus.) He was a 16th century doctor who came up with the saying “the dose makes the poison.” According to Paracelsus, a chemical only becomes a poison when a large enough dose is administered to make a person sick. In small amounts some chemicals are relatively harmless.

This insight allowed Paracelsus, and the myriad scientists that came in the centuries after him, to lead the medical establishment into the world of pharmaceuticals. Today, medicines are filled with chemicals that provide relief or a cure for ailments when administered in the right dose.

Health Canada and BPAWhile the Canadian government strictly regulates pharmaceuticals and pesticides, industrial chemicals—such as plastics—are not subject to stringent regulation. This has inspired scientists to try to determine the threshold that separates an acceptable level of something like BPA from an unacceptable level. Health Canada has worked with the scientific community to determine safe levels of BPA exposure. Currently, the daily exposure limit is 25 micrograms per

Did you know . . .Health Canada hosted a meeting of the World Health Organization to review toxicological and health aspects of bisphenol A, November 2-5, 2010, in Ottawa. kilogram of body weight. To put things

in perspective, one billion micrograms make a kilogram. Therefore, a person weighing 68 kilograms could handle 1 700 micrograms of BPA a day without putting their health at risk.

Health Canada received input from other government departments about BPA. The Ministry of the Environment, for example, has taken an active stance against BPA. In an April 18, 2008, press release, Environment Minister John Baird said: “When it comes to Canada’s environment, you can’t put a price on safety. Not only are we finding out about the health impacts of bisphenol A, but the environmental impacts as well. That’s why our Government will be moving forward and will work with the provinces and stakeholders to keep bisphenol A out of our environment, and take the necessary measures to ensure its safe use and disposal” (www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2008/2008_59-eng.php).

The Shifting LineHowever, reproductive biologist Frederick vom Saal, of the University of Missouri, says that 40 studies have found potential harm to humans at or below the level recognized by Health Canada. vom Saal also says that 90 per cent of studies into BPA suggest harmful health risks for humans. Therefore, the line is likely to shift in the BPA exposure debate

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2008/2008_59-eng.php




as scientists draw new conclusions regarding the potential harmful side effects of bisphenol A.

Health Canada decided not to wait for the scientific community to rule definitively on BPA. From their perspective, the dose debate over BPA will one day show that the chemical is causing health problems—probably because BPA mimics the hormone estrogen. In the fall of 2010, Health Canada added bisphenol A to its toxic substance list. With the use of BPA in the

manufacturing of baby bottles already outlawed in Canada, it is likely that, within the next few years, BPA will be a thing of the past in Canada.

In the meantime, people will continue to eat food and drink beverages out of cans lined with BPA. As long as Canadians can keep their BPA exposure rate low—at least until a substitute for bisphenol A can be found—it is likely that the health effects of BPA will be minimal.

To Consider 1. In 2008, Health Canada banned BPA in the production of baby bottles. This

led to a shift in the marketplace to glass bottles away from plastics. What does this say about the importance of consumer pressure in the elimination of chemicals that might make us sick?

2. a) Is BPA on its way out because it is making people sick or because people think it might make them sick?

b) What role does the public’s perception play in the BPA debate?


BPA: THE CHEMICAL INSIDE USChemicals to Watch Out For

Reading PromptAs you read the information below consider how you might be able to limit your exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals.

The danger of studying topics like the potential adverse affects of BPA on our health is that we may become paranoid about being exposed to poisons. But it is important to talk about things we unwittingly ingest—like BPA—and consider the damage we do to ourselves when we don’t pay attention to what we are eating or drinking.

Bishpenol A — a chemical used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins

Where is BPA found?In plastic bottles, the lining inside canned food and beverage containers, plastic plates and utensils, water-cooler jugs, CD and DVD packaging, and dental fillings.

Cause for concern?Because BPA mimics estrogen, scientists worry that the chemical might be causing hormone imbalances in people. Animal research has linked BPA to breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer; attention deficit disorder; deformities in the genital tract; heart disease; and diabetes.

Phthalates — a substance used to keep plastic soft and rubbery; the classic “rubber ducky” chemical

Where are phthalates found?In shower curtains, toys, vinyl flooring, blood bags, lubricating oils, and raincoats. They can also be found in the packaging of personal-care products, particularly shampoos and body washes.

Check it out!Remember to check the triangle with the number in the middle on the bottom of the plastic containers you use. Go with the following saying to help you stay safe: “4, 5, 1, and 2—all the rest are bad for you.” If the number has a “7” on the container it likely contains BPA.

Phthalates may leach into the substances that they are used to package. They are also found in nail polish, perfumes, and cosmetics. People should also pay attention to a substance known as diethyl phthalate that is used in some lotions to allow for deeper skin penetration and longer-lasting fragrance.

Cause for concern?Phthalates have been linked in animal experiments to kidney and liver problems as well as birth defects. Some studies link phthalates to asthma. Phthalates may also cause disruption to the hormonal balance of a person’s body chemistry.

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) — a substance used to create non-stick surfaces and stain repellants

Where are PFCs found?In non-stick pots and pans, the linings of pizza boxes, fast-food wrapping, computers, cosmetics, as well as stain-resistant clothes, carpets, rugs, and upholstery.

Cause for concern?Animal testing has linked PFCs to liver, pancreatic, testicular, and breast cancer. PFCs have also been linked to liver and kidney problems. It is also difficult to excrete PFCs once they have entered your system. Some compounds actually take over eight years to leave the body.


Triclosan — a substance used to fight bacteria

Where is triclosan found?In antibacterial liquid hand soap, toothpaste, mattresses, towels, and cosmetics.

Cause for concern?The concern over triclosan is not that it causes illness but that its antibacterial properties block the human body from combating bacteria on its own. This can lead to the emergence of superbugs—bacteria that becomes so powerful that they are stronger than any anti-bacterial product or drug on the market.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) — designed to promote fire resistance in products

Where are PBDEs found?In upholstered furniture like couches and chairs, car interiors, clothes, televisions, insulation, curtains, and mattresses.

Cause for concern?PBDEs interfere with thyroid hormones that play a key role in brain function and the development of a person’s reproductive system.

Sources: “Chemical Hit List,” Toronto Star, May 9, 2009; “PM Unveils Chemical Crackdown,” The Globe and Mail, December 9, 2006; Pollution in People (http://pollutioninpeople.org/toxics/phthalates)

Analysis 1. Do the benefits outweigh the harm with most of these products? For

example, BPA protects food from spoiling and causing botulism. Flame retardants help keep furniture from becoming engulfed in flames too quickly. Are we better off with these types of chemicals than without?

2. How can you limit your exposure to the chemicals listed above? Be specific with regard to each of the chemicals. Join with two or three other students and make a group list.

http://pollutioninpeople.org/toxics/phthalates

http://pollutioninpeople.org/toxics/phthalates


BPA: THE CHEMICAL INSIDE USActivity: Live Toxin-free for a Day!Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie wrote a book called Slow Death by Rubber Duck: How the Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Life Affects Our Health (2009). In an effort to promote their concerns over the presence of toxic chemicals in our daily lives, Smith and Lourie decided to expose themselves to common household toxins to see what impact the chemicals might have on their systems. They ate canned food and re-heated leftovers in plastic microwave dishes. The used a shower curtain made of vinyl in their bathrooms. They had their couches and chairs sprayed with stain repellant. Doing all this led to noticeable increases in the level of toxins in their urine and blood.

Your TaskDon’t worry, we’re not going to ask you to do what Smith and Lourie did. Instead, it will be your task to try and detoxify your life for one day. From the moment you wake up to the time you go to sleep, you are going to try to live toxin-free.

Before you begin, please keep the following thought in mind: most scientists, while acknowledging the dangers inherent in high doses of certain chemicals, recommend limiting exposure to certain chemicals, knowing it is impossible to eliminate exposure altogether. This will become abundantly clear as you try to live one day, toxin free.

Here’s a checklist of the things to watch out for:

Hygiene• Find out if your shower curtain is made of vinyl. If it is, you need to take a bath

because the shower curtain may contain phthalates.

• Check the labels of your shampoo, cosmetics, and skin creams for triclosan or diethyl phthalate—sometimes just referred to as “fragrance.” Do not use any products that list these ingredients. To check out the safety of the products you use, go to the Consumer Product Safety: Cosmetics and Personal Care page on Health Canada’s Web site (www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/person/cosmet/index-eng.php).

• Avoid using anti-bacterial soaps. These products use triclosan, which won’t make you sick, but will limit your exposure to bacteria your immune system needs to learn to fend off.

Eating• No eating from cans. Cans are lined with bisphenol A (BPA). This means you

have to eat fresh food, frozen food, or food out of a box. In terms of fresh food, you should be eating organic in an effort to avoid pesticides. In terms of food out of a box, you may need to avoid eating food that is bagged in plastic inside the box or food boxes that are lined with a clear plastic coating. It might not be BPA but you can’t be sure unless you call the manufacturer.

• Sorry, no fast food. Pizza boxes are lined with a plastic compound called phthalates. Many fast-food sandwiches are packaged in paper containing perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). Unless you can confirm the composition of fast-foot packaging, these foods are off-limits for the day.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/person/cosmet/index-eng.php

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/person/cosmet/index-eng.php


• When cooking, do not use non-stick pots or pans. The non-stick surfaces contain PFCs.

• Do not re-heat food in a plastic container in the microwave.

• Do not drink out of plastic water bottles with a “7” surrounded by a triangle made of arrows on the bottom of it. These bottles contain BPA.

Dressing• Make sure you are not wearing clothes that were marked “stain resistant”

when you bought them. These clothes contain PFCs.

Resting and Sleeping• Check your upholstered couches and chairs. Make sure they do not contain

polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), usually identified as flame-retardants. Just to be on the safe side you should probably sit on a wooden, plastic, or leather chair. By the way, your TV and computer probably have PBDEs in them as well.

• Check you mattress for PBDEs. If you decide not to sleep on your mattress because of the presence of PBDEs, don’t sleep on a carpeted floor. Carpets are also likely to contain PBDEs. Don’t sleep on a vinyl floor either, or you’ll be exposed to phthalates.

Going to the washroom• This one is difficult to monitor because you can’t just force yourself to stop

going to the washroom. However, if you can, check the label of the packaging your toilet paper came in for “recycled paper.” It is likely that recycled paper contains traces of BPA. Give yourself enough time to find an alternative toilet paper if necessary.

ReflectionLiving a day toxin-free likely made you feel very concerned about your health. However, it is interesting to note that Canadians are living longer and healthier lives than at any other time in our history.

In a brief reflection paper (250-500 words) describe your thoughts and feelings during your toxin-free day. As well, explain whether or not you think that enough is being done to raise awareness about BPA and other chemicals in our daily lives.


SEPTEMBER 2009Two Canadians Meet in Space Canada and the Swine Flu Iran’s Summer of Discontent Asbestos: Canada’s Ugly Secret

OCTOBER 2009Canada and the Stranded Canadians Afghanistan’s Troubled Election Remembering Canada’s War DeadAutism: Living with Difference

NOVEMBER 2009Parliament and the Election QuestionKeeping Up with the Swine FluAdoption: Looking for a Baby AbroadTrying to Save the World’s Amphibians

DECEMBER 2009The Copenhagen Climate Change SummitIs the Recession Really Over?The Internet: Forty Years LaterThe Great U.S. Health-Care Debate

FEBRUARY 2010Richard Colvin and the Afghan DetaineesThe Road to the Winter OlympicsThe Plane Bomber and Airport SecurityCanada’s Amazing Neptune Project

MARCH 2010A Deadly Earthquake Devastates HaitiYoung Adults and Heart DiseaseThe Trials of the Toronto 18Diving for Clues to Canadian History

APRIL 2010Earthquakes: The Horror and the ScienceToyota Recalls Millions of VehiclesTaking the Violence Out of HockeyThe Hidden Dangers of Nanoparticles

MAY 2010Parliament and the Detainee IssueHow Canadians Are Helping HaitiHow Tolerant Are Canadians?K’naan: A Canadian Sings for the World

News in Review IndexA list of the stories covered last season and to date in the current season is provided below.

The complete chronological index for all 20 seasons of News in Review and a subject-oriented index listing News in Review stories appropriate for various subject areas can be accessed through our Web site at http://newsinreview.cbclearning.ca. Hard copies of these indexes can also be obtained by contacting CBC Learning.

CBC LearningP.O. Box 500, Station AToronto, Ontario, Canada M5W 1E6Tel: (416) 205-6384Fax: (416) 205-2376E-mail: [email protected]

SEPTEMBER 2010The Controversy Over the Census The G20 Summit: Talks and Teargas The Oil Spill in the Gulf of MexicoResidential Schools: Truth and Healing

OCTOBER 2010The Tamil Boat People ControversyPakistan’s Catastrophic FloodsThe Fate of the Long-Gun RegistryJourney Back to Nagasaki

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