NEWS/POLITICS/FOOD/ARTS/SPORTS/FASHION/LIFESTYLE $4.95
SUMMER 2016
WATERSHED
moment
The Economy and
the Environment,
Can the Liberals Save Both?
Legal Series
The Faces of Ottawa’s
Legal Future
Eleanor McCain
Searching for Canada’s Sound
Patient-Centred
Health Care
ottawalife.com
QCH President
Tom Schonberg Leads
Our Best-Managed
Hospital
Day to Night Summer Fashion * Patrick Gossage * Michael Coren * Sweet Montreal
20
17
contents
17
What does Canada sound like? Some would say it’s the whisper of a cold
wind blowing through the needles of a pine tree, or the sudden crack of a
slapshot. Eleanor McCain has a different idea.
Environment
20
Pipelines and Petronas gas plants: are they the future of Canadian
Climate Action? The Liberals have made their dedication to environmental
stewardship clear, but dirty energy can still bring big money. We spoke
with federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna and some of her
critics about the big decisions on Canada’s climate horizon.
Not Her First Rodeo
30
Interim Conservative Opposition Leader Rona Ambrose is
authentic, likeable, smart, popular and principled. So, remind
us all again why the Tories are searching for a new leader?
Health Care
Canada/Kazakhstan Friendship........25
Reaching Higher: Algonquin.........32
The Law and You/Legal Series....33
Canada/Turkey Friendship............ 38
Canada/China Friendship .....................41
43
Get carefree in Cancun, golf the day away by Georgian
Bay or reboot in the beautiful Cayman Islands. If close
to home is more your style, explore Montreal’s chocolate
heart. Seek out the richest and sweetest treats the
beautiful city has to offer.
Publisher’s Message ............................4
Best Picks ........................................... 5
Savvy Selections .................................. 7
John's Reno Tips ................................. 9
Haute Couture ...................................11
Music ................................................13
Gallery ..............................................18
Opinion: Pipelines ..............................25
Opinion: Michael Coren......................49
Opinion: Patrick Gossage.....................50
Saint Paul University .......................... 54
series
36
Ottawa’s ageing population is expected to double over
the coming years. Our best hospital says it’s ready.
Travel
columns
15
Dress to impress in the office without having to switch
outfits before a night on the town. Alexandra Gunn has
everything you need to plan your summer style.
PHOTO: VALERIE KEELER
44
PHOTO: K TEMPLE
The True North’s Serenade
PHOTO : LARRY ZELIGSON PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO : PAUL COUVRETTE
PHOTO: PAUL COUVRETTE
46
PHOTO : COURTESY COBBLE BEACH
JULY/AUGUST 2016 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 3
publisher’s message by Dan Donovan
Prime Minister Trudeau…So Far, So Good…
But Soon, The Rubber Hits Road.
By all counts things are going well for Canada’s new Liberal government. Aside from
Prime Minister Trudeau’s brief off-side when he unintentionally elbowed NDP
MP Ruth Ellen Brosseau in Parliament, leading to a possible Oscar or “Golden
Raspberry” for her and Thomas Mulcair for best performance for feigned outrage.
It was a last sorry moment for Mulcair, who was earlier unceremoniously dumped as
NDP leader. In contrast, interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose stole the show
and surprised just about everyone with her exceptional performance and holding
the government to account. Still, the Trudeau Liberals did well. They signed the
Paris Climate Accord, met their target of bringing in 25,000 Syrian refugees, passed
tax relief measures for middle income Canadians, passed Bill C-14, the controversial
bill on assisted dying, announced a plan and process to decriminalize marijuana and
outlined the methodology they will use to ensure Bill C-5, Canada’s controversial
anti-terrorism law, has more Parliamentary oversight, scrutiny, review and more
protection for the public. Trudeau also met his election pledge to increase public
works spending for infrastructure projects across Canada, which will significantly
increase Canada’s debt in the short term. The Conservatives were upset at the plan,
saying the increased spending was not required while the NDP complained it
was not enough. So it appears the Trudeau Liberals landed squarely in the middle
which is where they like to swim. However, the rubber really hits the road for the
Liberals in the fall.The government swore up and down during the election in 2015
that it would follow evidence-based decision-making. The first real challenge will
come when the government decides whether or not to stand behind the National
Energy Board (NEB) decision to approve the Trans Mountain pipeline plan. The
NEB is recommending the multi-billion dollar pipeline be constructed if 157
conditions are met, including 49 environmental requirements. Another looming
issue rests with officials at the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA)
who have requested and been granted a three-month extension by Environment
Minister Catherine McKenna to finish the review of the detailed construction
work plans and schedule by Pacific Northwest to export liquefied natural gas
from Lelu Island in British Columbia. The island, near Prince Rupert, is the site
of a proposed $12.4-billion export terminal. The CEAA has expressed concerns
about the project’s impact on juvenile salmon habitat on Flora Bank, a sandy area
located next to Lelu Island and has already concluded that Pacific Northwest LNG’s
project would likely harm harbour porpoises and contribute to climate change.
Proponents say the export terminal could be built and operated without causing
major ecological damage. However, more than 90 of the world’s leading climate
change experts have signed an open letter to Trudeau and McKenna, signaling their
alarm at the significant adverse effects that will be caused
by a dramatic spike in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
if the Pacific Northwest LNG project gets a green light.
McKenna says the decision will be based on science and
evidence and Canada’s commitment to climate change.
Many First Nations and organizations like the Skeena
Watershed Conservation Coalition are adamantly against
the project and have also warned that the project will
have a devastating impact. Even if the CEAA approves it,
Cabinet can override the decision. It’s a classic economy
versus environment argument. The issue is whether or
not there is room to swim in the middle. The Skeena
Watershed Coalition has been strategically using its
resources to challenge Prime Minister Trudeau to walk
his talk.This poster has appeared in key locations in Ottawa in recent
months. OLM was so impressed with the design of the work, we asked the artist to
design the cover of this issue. We thank them for their excellent cover image n
CORRECTION: The cover of the Spring Issue of OLM featured the makeup artistry of Klava Z.
www.klavazykova.ca
4 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
publisher/managing editor
Dan Donovan
copy editor/senior features writer
Jennifer Hartley
art director Karen Temple
director of operations Isabel Payne
web editor/features writer Eric Murphy
cover
Leah Pipe, [email protected]
photographers
Clive Barber, Beverley Daniels , Paul Couvrette,
Andre Gagne,Valerie Keeler, Trevor Lush, Miv Photography,
Quame M Scott, Studio 7, Karen Temple,Vrx Studios, Larry
Zeligson Photography,
fashion editor Alexandra Gunn
accounts Joe Colas C.G.A
director of Creative Services George Stryker
contributing writers
Anna May Burke, Shane Carmichael, David Contant,
Marie Corbett, Michael Coren, Anne Dion,
Dan Donovan, Andre Gagne, John Gordon,
Patrick Gossage, Alessandra Gerebizza, Alexandra Gunn,
Samantha Lapierre, Alex Mazur, Justina McCaffrey,
Eric Murphy, Frank Raso, Karen Temple,
Simon Tremblay-Pepin, Debbie Trenholm,
Greg Vezina, Luo Zhaohui
web contributors Angela Counter, Anne Dion,
Andre Gagne, Katie Hartai, Jennifer Hartley Alex Mazur,
Arizona Lanceleve,Vic Little, Don Maclean, Isabel Payne,
Mona Staples, Mireille Sylvester, Mike Tobin, Simon Vodrey,
Meagan Simpson,
corporate advisor J. Paul Harquail,
Charles Franklin
corporate counsel Paul Champagne
editor emeritus Harvey F. Chartrand
student intern Talia Meade, Tess Durham
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best picks
Camp in Comfort
Be prepared for any climate. Designed to
for use in temperatures ranging from -1.1
to 21°C, the Coleman 3-in-1 sleeping
bag features a removable liner to adjust
to changing temperatures. Whether
you use both the bag
and liner or just the
liner, it will ensure
that adventure is
comfortable.
colemancanada.ca
1000 Islands Playhouse
The 1000 Islands Playhouse sits right on the
edge of the peaceful St. Lawrence River, the
atmosphere could not be more perfect and
serene. This year the Playhouse is embarking on
its 35th performance season, and will feature
10 dramatic, hilarious and breathtaking plays
for all to enjoy. Whether you’re into
ghosts, adventures or music, you’ll
find the entire Playhouse experience
truly unforgettable.
1000islandsplayhouse.com
Safety to Go
Protect your valuables while on the
go with SAFEGO. Great for trips to
the beach or college dorms, SAFEGO
is lightweight and can attach to almost
any surface fixture. This neat little safe
also has a headphone plug opening so
you can listen to music while keeping
your electronics safe from hazardous
conditions.
safego.us
Rockin Heels
In Comfort
PHOTO: JUAN VASQUEZ
Killer Heels Comfort high
heel inserts are specifically
designed to keep your foot from
sliding around in your shoe,
preventing the toe-crunching,
heel-blistering pain infamous
to high heels. The two-part,
customizable inserts stay in
place, giving you stability and
support usually lacking when
walking in heels.
killerheelscomfort.com
Sandal Days
On Your Mark,
Get Set, Go!
The FlipBelt stores your
phone, keys, ID, money, and
pretty much anything and
everything you need to take
with you while on a run or at the
gym. Attach the Million Mile Light while
on your night jog and let it lead the
way. With a pulse of light with every
stride, you are kept visible and safe, no
batteries required. flipbelt.com
These strappy sandals from KEEN are
the perfect shoes to wear to your next
warm weather fling. KEEN sandals
were inspired by a love of the outdoors,
and these stylish and versatile sandals
can easily go from the boardwalk to the
coffee shop. KeenFootwear.com
5 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
best picks
Active Wear
to Help You Get
Moving
Cool Sipping
Founded in Ottawa, Amazeballs are
well… amazing! Made from food safe
grade stainless steel, Amazeballs keep
your drink cooler for longer. Unlike ice,
Amazeballs won’t water down, dilute or
alter the taste of whatever you’re sipping.
Cheers to that.
Rugged Sound
BRV-XXL is the biggest and
baddest Bluetooth speaker
made for the outdoors. Braven Speakers
are known for being ultra-rugged,
waterproof, and App-driven with Smart
battery solutions, and the BRV-XXL does
not disappoint. It can hold its own against
accidental drops, dirt, sand, dust, rain
or shine. Customize the sound of your
tunes with adjustable EQ settings or get
the party started with the BRV-XXL’s built
in microphone jack. Whatever you do,
be sure to do it big.
Braven.com
Whatever the season,
Columbia
has
got
your
active
wear
needs covered. Keep
dry,
cool,
protected,
all
while
remaining
stylish and comfortable
with Columbia’s latest
spring arrivals. Look great while hitting the
trails or taking long walks on the beach.
columbiasportswear.ca
Illuminate darkness
with the The Coleman Conquer 250
Lumens Headlamp is rugged and has a
run time of three hours on high mode,
change between five light modes with a
simple wave of your hand and autoadjusts brightness for short and long
distances. colemancanada.ca
Music to Your Ears
Alfa Genus V2 headphones are high
quality, refined and, pardon the
pun, music to our ears. Lightweight
and durable, they feature a unique
tuning filter system that brings out the
best in your favourite music. You can
even control the highs, lows and neutrals.
rockjawaudio.com
Look. No Hands.
Reboot
Sometimes, we all need to
hit the pause button on life
and just float. ISO Spa,
one of Ottawa’s only isolation tank floatation
centres, can help you escape the stresses of
the workaday world in a unique and relaxing
way. isospa.ca
6 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
Pfister’s new touch-free REACT kitchen
faucet stays clean even when you’re
not! The REACT has many useful
features like touch-free activation,
a pull-down spout with an extralong hose, as well as the ability
to preset water temperatures. All
this comes in a gorgeous modern
design made to look good in any
kitchen. pfisterfaucets.com
savvy selections by Debbie Trenholm
Beat the Heat Bevvies
What drinks make you think of summer?
a. Refreshing Rosé
b. Mouth-watering Cider
c. Cold Radler Beer
d. Big bold Cabernet
e. Fruity Sangria
f. All of the above
Finally, a multiple choice quiz with no wrong answer.With more sun-filled days,
long weekends and lazy afternoons, summer brings time to relax and unwind
with a glass in your favourite beat-the-heat bevvy. Shift to summer sippers, with
these suggestions from our team of Savvy Sommeliers & Brew Crew:
Fielding Estate Rosé VQA 2015
NIAGARA, ONTARIO
Nothing says summer like a glass of
chilled Rosé. There are plenty to
choose from all parts of the world,
ranging in colour from a hint-of-pink
to bright candy floss and from bone dry
to a touch of sweetness. Try Fielding’s
Rosé. It is has soft pink colour with
aromas and tastes that will remind
you of ripe strawberries and rhubarb.
It’s a lovely wine that's delicious with
fish (poached or grilled), prosciutto
wrapped asparagus, lemon roasted
chicken, corn chowder or even a
summer salad. $15.95
County Cider Co. Pear Cider
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, ONTARIO
County Cider Company is a familyrun operation that has been crafting
ciders in The County since 1995 —
long before the region became known
for its wines. The Pear Cider was
inspired when owners Jenifer and Grant
Howes visited an area of Normandy,
France renowned for Cavardos (Pear
and Apple Brandy). For this summer
sipper, pear juice has been blended
with carefully selected apple cider for a
dry, delicious quench thirsting summer
drink.Available
from the producer or contact Savvy
Company to deliver some to your
doorstep. $7.95
Kichesippi Brewery Radler
OTTAWA, ONTARIO
Last summer, it seemed that every craft
brewery was making a Radler! They are
not a new creation, rather a resurgence
of a summertime beer that was first
introduced in Deisenhofen, Germany
back in 1922. Intentionally made to be
lower in alcohol (typically 3%), this is
a great beer to enjoy during lunch on
the patio, or to pop into your panier to
quench your thirst during a bike ride.
Kichesippi’s Radler is a blend of their
lager with grapefruit soda. Be sure to
try plenty of Radlers this summer to
find your favourite. Available at the
LCBO this summer. $2.85 each
13th Street Estate Winery
Meritage VQA 2012
TWENTY VALLEY (NIAGARA), ONTARIO
A powerhouse red blend of 33%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and
33% Cabernet Franc. Get out your
largest wine glasses, this big red wine
is begging to be served with anything
off the BBQ: thick steak, lamb chops,
spicy sausages with loads of fresh
grilled veggies. A very special wine as
only 220 cases were made. Every sip
will remind you of black cherry, dark
chocolate , black plum with a dash of
fresh ground pepper and warm spices
(think cloves, Chinese 5 Spice and steak
spice). $34.95 Available only when
you visit the winery this summer or
subscribe to Savvy Selections’ wine-omonth club and it will auto-magically
arrive at your home or office.
Summer won’t last forever, so mix it
up with a pitcher of sangria. Whether
you make it with red wine or use
white, this fruit ladened cocktail make
your summertime Happy Hour, even
happier.
Debbi’s Secret Sangria Recipe
MAKES 1 LARGE PITCHER
1 bottle of red wine
(select something under $18. After all,
you will be adding fruit to it.)
10 to 15 strawberries, sliced A handful
of blackberries
1 lemon, sliced & quartered
1 lime, sliced & halved
1 orange, sliced & quartered
½ of a tin of frozen Five Alive juice
concentrate
½ to a full can of club soda or 7-Up
optional – if you want a little spritz
to your sangria. 7-Up will make your
sangria sweeter.
Place fruit into a large pitcher or jug.
Pour in Five Alive concentrate, club
soda or 7-Up (if using). Fill with red
wine. Stir until well mixed. Chill for
one hour before serving to let the fruit
marinate. Pour into a tall glass with lots
of ice. Garnish with a slice of fruit on
the rim. Enjoy n
Love Rosé wines? You’ll love this We make it easy to Clink & Drink Pink. Each
month throughout the summer, our Savvy Sommeliers will select a different assortment of six rosé
wines from across Ontario.These are extra special as you won’t find them at the LCBO. Order a small
bouquet (a parcel of 6 different Rosé wines) or a full bouquet (a parcel containing 12 bottles - 2 of
each of the featured Rosé wines). There is a different bouquet of Rosés each month! Next to the
taste, the best part of this new way to buy hard-to-find rosé wines is free shipping. Order yours or
give as a gift at www.savvycompany.ca/rose
7 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
Control the temperature of your home year round with
award winning Krumpers Solar Blinds
TM
Smart tech from Krumpers
allows you to enjoy a clear view,
and be comfortable.
Call 613.864.4921 for a free consultation
www.krumpers.ca
8 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
JOHN’S RENO TIPS
re you looking to renovate
A
your home this year? Often
times, without much in the way of
experience, renovations can be more
of a nuisance than anything. Some of
the biggest problems can typically arise
from the smallest of details.
The demolition and remodelling
of an area in your home can be a
hassle if it is not done correctly. From
determining a suitable time of the
year, having the correct measurements
of a room, determining the length of
time to complete the work, to even
simply making sure that you have
decided on the best paint colour; these
are tasks which can quickly become
overwhelming.
To make life a little more simple this
spring, John from Your Reno Guys has
narrowed down the biggest DOS and
DON’TS for your next renovation.
Make concise decisions, but
not hasty ones
This is quite simple and can certainly
help lift some of the burden of
renovating. Of course, no matter the
size of the job, we, as homeowners, are
inevitably investing a decent amount
of money into a home renovation.You
want to ensure that your home will
look absolutely perfect.
One of the main issues that we
hear is that often homeowners are
undecided on the final picture, after
the renovation is said and done. This
can actually result in causing a slew
of problems. Not only will this delay
the renovation, no one wants to be
Home Reno Dos and Don’ts
living with renovations for months
and months on end. Determining
whether you should take down that
wall in the living room for a more
open concept, or what kind of tile
you want for the kitchen floor, are all
extremely common issues. Our biggest
tip for this, is to have a rough plan in
mind before starting any of the steps
in purchases, ordering and so forth.
Often, indecisiveness can result in
having to reschedule many steps along
the way, I.E; the plumber, electrician,
mudder, tiler (the list goes on). If you
know what you want before getting
your feet wet,it will save heaps of stress
and wasted time.
You get what you pay for
We have all heard the old saying “you
get what you pay for”. When it comes
to renovations, you should never
leave the quality of your work up to
chance, using dodgy products. This is
not about opting for a less expensive
tile here, tile is not poor quality simply
Shower rough-in using Schluter
Kerdi waterproof membrane.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
homes by John Gordon & OLM Staff
because it is inexpensive. It is about
skimping out on steps that protect and
guarantee your work. Use Schluter
Kerdi waterproof membrane for your
shower surround, to ensure you are
shielding your drywall and foundation
thereafter from water and mold.
Do not bypass the use of Ditra Mat
subfloor, which is hands down, the
number one uncoupling membrane
to protect your tiles and grout from
shifting and cracking (and carries a ten
year warranty).
If you are a hands-on type of person,
this can be a great attribute when it
comes to renovation work. If not, never
be shy to have a renovation company
help you out along the way. If you are
comfortable completing parts of the
reno on your own (and save yourself
some money) this is always a treat. If
you are the imaginative one of the
family, and are capable of envisioning
the final product, you could even spare
yourself a designer.
Patience and understanding are the
biggest keys to a successful renovation,
and knowing that these things take
time. You cannot expect them to be
done overnight, yet if you are willing
to be a bit flexible and expect to have a
few delays along the way, this makes the
process a whole lot more enjoyable, for
everyone involved. Spring is here and
it is time to make a positive change
around the house. Whether it is just a
fresh coat of paint or the addition of
a cozy reading space, the options are
endless and always at an arm’s reach.
No dream is too big and no project is
too small n
9 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
THANK YOU | MERCI
TO THE 2016 SPONSORS AND PARTICIPATING ARTISTS!
À NOS COMMANDITAIRES ET AUX ARTISTES QUI ONT PARTICIPÉ À L’ÉDITION 2016 DE L’ENCAN D’ART LE PARTY !
ART LOVERS RECEPTION SPONSOR | COMMANDITAIRE DE LA SOIRÉE DES AMOUREUX DE L’ART
PREVIEW EVENT SPONSOR | COMMANDITAIRE DE L’AVANT-PREMIÈRE
PARTNER SPONSORS | PARTENAIRES DE L’ÉVÈNEMENT
PLATINUM SPONSORS | COMMANDITAIRES PLATINE
DIAMOND SPONSOR | COMMANDITAIRE DIAMANT
CRITICS’ CHOICE SPONSORS | COMMANDITAIRES DU CHOIX DES CRITIQUES
Hattie Klotz
COMMUNITY PARTNERS | PARTENAIRES COMMUNAUTAIRES
CULINARY ARTISTS | LES ARTISTES CULINAIRES
ARTISTS | LES ARTISTES
Barry Ace , Shahla Bahrami, Karen Bailey, Mimi Cabri, Mustapha Chadid, Margaret Chwialkowska, Chayle Cook , Duncan
de Kergommeaux, Brendan A. de Montigny, Laura Demers, Tim Desclouds, Christopher Lea Dunning, Dale Dunning,
Stephen Frew, Isabelle Gauvreau, Chantal Gervais , Christopher Griffin, Petra Halkes, Sandra Hawkins, Robert Hinchley,
Sayward Johnson, David Kaarsemaker, Joy Kardish, Sharon Katz, Sharon Kelly, Marcia Lea, Whitney Lewis-Smith , Gavin
Lynch, Rebecca Mason, Juliana McDonald, Meryl McMaster, Alan Mirabelli, Patricia Morris, Andrew Morrow, Drew Mosley,
Marie-Jeanne Musiol, Marc Nerbonne, Patti Normand, Cynthia O’Brien, Andrew and/et Deborah O’Malley, Eryn O’Neill,
Leslie Reid, Uta Riccius, Erin Robertson, Benjamin Rodger, Susan Roston, Frank Shebageget, Andrew Smith, Michael
OTTAWALIFE
SUMMER
2016 Stelmackowich, Norman Takeuchi, Anne Wanda Tessier, Rémi Thériault, Jeff Thomas,
Sproule,10Patrice
Stanley,
Cindy
Amy Thompson, Cara Tierney, Sharon VanStarkenburg, Carol Wainio, Eric Walker, Erin Wallace, Joyce Westrop, Yvonne
Wiegers, Anna Williams, Justin Wonnacott, Jinny Yu, Russell Yuristy.
haute couture by Justina McCaffrey
PHOTO: QUAME M SCOTT
Memories of Sussex Drive
Y
ears ago I was inside my store late at night. The lights were dim except for
the bright lights focusing on the dresses in the window. I caught sight of
an emotional moment between two teenagers. They were dirty, disheveled, and
had squeegees in hand as they kissed each other on the sidewalk in front of my
window framing a crisp white satin wedding gown. The contrast was striking.
There was something so raw and real
about these teens. The scene in front
of me drove me to tears as I thought
of all of the weddings in which I have
participated.
Some
weddings
were
truly
exceptionally beautiful experiences.
They included warm people who
were unaffected and clearly led by
their hearts to create a wedding
that was meaningful and depicted
who they were to their loved ones
attending. These people understood
why everyone was gathering together
and there was a complete ease in
their actions. They created their own
extravagance of experience through
this eternal symbiotic love, natural
and pure. All of these weddings had
a public and daring risk of desire and
affection; it was the same emotion that
captured and raptured the squeegee
kids that night in front of my store.
This dramatic display of emotion was
attractive and true.
Some of the other weddings that I
have been a part of were more like
calculated productions of the calibre
of the Academy Awards. There were
layers of bureaucracy, hundreds of
workers, with thousands of decisions.
The invitation list was a who’s who
list of whatever group these people
belonged to rather than a personal
event, engaging friends and family.
Certainly these toneless events were
entertaining. These are weddings
that people remember year after
year, because of the team of planners,
lighting directors, choreographed
wait staff, and a cake taller than the
groom. These spectacular events have
limitless budgets, but yet no room for
the couple getting married. From an
event perspective these weddings are
quite impressive, but I wonder, “where
is the love ?”
It’s easy to feel excitement and frivolous
drama while planning a wedding,
but I wonder how many engaged
couples really understand what they
are embarking upon. The triumphant
selflessness and monotony of surrender
that is required. It is an exercise of
impossible strength and perseverance
and a reminder that while the two have
become one, that there is an ever present
responsibility to uphold a dignity for
the other person, in consideration
of the other person. It can become
more complicated with children and
their needs. Parents have to teach their
children how not to be selfish and at
the same time need to live unselfishly
themselves. Life gets complicated and
the challenges to maintain a union can
become overwhelming.
Given the reality of marriage, a
wedding should give people the
opportunity to congratulate the couple
on the decision to deny selfishness and
a pilgrimage pointing toward spiritual
maturity. This type of acclaim should
be reflected within a wedding.
There should be a focus on the raw
beauty of the event, this lifetime
change for two people – a celebration
of a decision and duty, intimate, not a
performance. It might even be difficult
to find 200 friends with whom to
share that same contemplation of spirit,
people willing to focus more on the
ceremony and consider the reception
a joyous afterthought. No doubt, this
runs the risk of clearly omitting some
of the traditions that people have come
to think of as necessary.
Rather than pulling off a major
production, a successful wedding
hinges on carefully drawing the guests
into a profound intimacy of love. It’s
not about entertainment but about
witnessing the beauty of love and
celebrating these everlasting decisions.
That remains a far greater privilege, not
unlike the privilege I had that evening
when I witnessed those two teenagers
in front of my store n
11 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
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12 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
THE REGIONAL GROUP
music text and photo by Andre Gagne
THE
Blues Lady’s
Vision
She opens her eyes. “Failure…failure…” The two-syllable echo has
woken her once again to face the dim light of another uncertain dawn. The voice follows
her to the mirror, inescapable, as she studies the changes to her face, what should be
familiar now foreign.Will she still be able to see that reflection in a year, she wonders? The
face looking back at her wears the hardships of a life that has endured abuse, pain, poverty
and loss; that woman in the mirror with so much vision now fighting to hold onto her
own sight. Still, she smiles and starts to sing. She has to keep singing. It’s the music that
pushes her forward into another day in the life of Maria Hawkins, Ottawa’s Blues Lady.
The eldest of six, she was born on July 13, 1957 into a musical household. Her Maritime
mother played piano, often accompanied by Maria’s grandfather on the fiddle as the
young girl watched. She was always singing. Sometimes she’d put on Chubby Checker
records and do the Twist with her siblings, bellowing out rock and roll, not necessarily the
singing nun her mother envisioned her to one day be. At the age of six, she was quickly
enrolled into vocal lessons with the Royal Conservatory of Music, under the tutelage of
Francis Davies.
13 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
THE
“Mrs. Davies knew how to work with
a child who had the attention span of
a gnat,” recalls Hawkins with a bit of
a laugh.
Maria learned that music was
something you didn’t just hear; it was
all around her. She could feel it, touch
it, and smell it. She performed her
first show at the age of seven singing
“Somewhere over the Rainbow” to a
crowd of nearly 1,000.
“She has been into music all her life,”
recalls sister Niki, who sometimes
found Maria singing out her window
into the cold night air performing a
private concert for the universe.
But, like many times in Maria’s life,
things didn’t stay wonderful very long.
Her mother’s choice for a lover taught
her lessons far removed from the
classroom of Mrs. Davies. From him
she learned how to avoid a punch and
how to run. Pregnant at 16 and fearing
that her stepfather would turn his angry
gaze upon her child, she left home and
moved from one bad relationship into
another. One was a stalker; another
became a convicted murder. Playing
music helped her escape from a world
of hateful words, violence and struggles
raising her children.
“I've been assaulted, threatened,
verbally abused, and felt my life in
danger a few times as a result of my
career choice,” she says.
Defiant to not let go of her dreams,
Hawkins started performing at a local
soup kitchen when she was 18. Helping
those in need through music was
something she continued throughout
her life. However, it was wandering
into a blues jam session one night that
altered her path in music forever. Blues
harmonica player, Larry “the Bird”
Mootham was on stage and, inspired
by him, Maria started hitting up every
jam in town eventually forming her
own band. The Downstairs Club, the
Rainbow and Irene’s, if there was
somewhere to sing the blues, Hawkins
was there.
“She’s both positive and fearless in
performance,” says Vince Halfhide,
14 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
Blues Lady’s Vision
former guitarist in Mootham’s band.
“At a jam she’ll get up and sing
with anyone and even if there’s not
a lot of common ground she’ll make
something happen out of nothing. “
Ottawa’s blues music scene became
synonymous with the name Maria
Hawkins. She went on to be an opening
act for Colin James, played with Jack
de Keyzer and Bernard Allison, and
once had Amanda Marshall singing
backup for her. She received the NAC
Award for Artistic Excellence and
was prominently featured on CBC
television.
“She owns the stage once she starts
singing,” says Peter Beaudoin, onetime drummer in the Maria Hawkins
Band.
As she made a name for herself in
music, Hawkins continued to pursue
ways to share her abilities to benefit
others. She’s worked with 54 local
charities over the years, most focusing
on children, while developing her own
programs like the Tooth Fairy Project
that provided dental care for musicians,
and Blues4Kids, an initiative that
brought her into the fold of Bluesfest
where she helped found the Blues
in the Schools program. At her peak
she worked 40 schools a year. One of
her young students, before tragically
succumbing to cancer, gave Maria the
name Blues Lady. It stuck.
“She is a strong, talented, loving and
respectable woman. To me she is love,”
says Elaina Martin, founder of Westfest,
on Maria’s giving nature.
Her efforts won her the W.C. Handy
Award, the highest accolade musicians
can be given in blues music. However,
many times Hawkins foot the funding
bills for her charity projects out of her
own pocket; a practice that found her
deeply in debt.
“You see, the only person I could
give for free was me. The rest of my
band got paid whether I did or not,”
she explains. “I found it very difficult
to be selective about who I helped
as I watched the state of support for
charities dwindle over the years.”
Nearly destitute, in 2008 she filed for
bankruptcy and left her home. Hawkins
dumped as much as she could into a
couple of suitcases and moved into the
YMCA. She still continued to write
music and perform.
“Music is my life's work; sharing it
and using it to inspire others to seek
the best of life for themselves,” she
says, recalling nearly giving up hope
when in her lowest moment she was
knocked lower by somebody she
thought would help.
“I was told by a social worker: Maria
you’re a failure as a musician.You'll have
to find another source of income.”
The words taunted her, almost causing
her to give up what she cherished. A
bout with illness followed and, last year,
she was told she had Fuchs Endothelial
Dystrophy, a hereditary condition that
greatly affects her vision. The first
surgery altered the shape of her facial
features. A winter spill on the ice that
caused her to bounce her head off the
hood of her car didn’t help matters
either. As she laid there in the snow
it finally dawned on the woman who
had helped so many that she now
needed help herself.
In order to make ends meet as
she undergoes two partial cornea
transplants, Hawkins has set up a
fundraising campaign: gofundme.com/
mariahawkins. Despite her hardships
she remains hopeful, plans to finally
record an album and says she’s not
going to stop helping people.
“It is the stability and sensitivity of
your support system, the capacity of
your will to strive towards your desires,
the endurance to overcome the pain
and frustration of your limitations
and the stimulation of inclusion into
the greater community that enables
personal growth. These are the things
that truly matter.”
There’s also the music, those beautiful
blues to sing in the face of adversity.
Even if her vision is going she still has
her voice. It’s something she reminds
herself each night before she closes her
eyes n
in search of style by Alexandra Gunn
Follow Alex
on Twitter:
@AlexandraGunn
STYLE MADE EFFORTLESS:
Summer Guidelines
Power Dressing for Work
u
Banana Republic
Gerber Daisy, One-Button Blazer $215
1
Don't be afraid to add prints Be bold and master the officeappropriate pattern play. Floral prints and stripes are a safe bet for most
work environments, especially when you stick to traditional suiting
colours (black, white, and navy). Try adding a floral print blazer or blouse
to your standard office look or try on this look for casual Fridays.
2
Reach for White For summer, stock
your work wardrobe with standout white
pieces. Think of them as fresher versions
of your classic navy and black favourites.
If you’re worried about stains, wear white
as an easily removable separate — like a
cardigan or vest.
t H&M Conscious Collection
t H&M Lace Cardigan
p Old Navy Shirtdress
Define your #Girlboss Style The look of
the working wardrobe has evolved dramatically
over the past 10 years from stuffy skirtsuits
to a more flexible and fashion forward
dress code. The modern executive style
should be cool and commanding. In lieu
of a traditional
suit, the new
power dressing is
all about a mixing
and matching
separates to create
a silhouette that
says ‘stature’.
3
p ECCO Sculptured Folding Tote $395
tKate Spade Draped
Leather Jacket
p Kate Spade Brush Stroke Dress
15 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
Read Between the Lines
Whether they’re vertical, horizontal, or a mix-match of both, stripes are the
new-season style. Rare was the designer who didn’t send some kind of super
stripe down the catwalk, but my top marks go to Missoni, Prada and Dolce
& Gabbana, who experimented with layered shades, bold stripes and even
perfected the classic stripe. It’s the flexibility of the stripe that lies behind
this current moment in the sun. We are all used to the traditional black
or blue and white stripe which
were strictly vertical or lateral
and uniform in width. But in the
Spring/Summer shows, designers
incorporated stripes into the designs of
two-piece suits and even evening attire.
For the bold at heart, try mixing stripes
of different sizes by sticking to the same
colour palette. For simplicity sake, take a
cue from designers this season and color
between the lines.
t Addition Elle Swing Dress $120
p Joe Fresh T-Shirt Stripe Dress $39
p Multi-Stripe Wide Leg
Pant and top from Banana
Republic
Ask Alex: Double Duty
Q
What can I wear to the office on
Friday that will also transition
into an evening outfit, so I can
join my friends for drinks (or go
on a date) without having to
head home first?
Friday night is the best time to meet
up with friends or meet interesting
new professionals like yourself after
work. By simply bringing a few different
accessories to work, you can switch out your o f f i c e
look for a simply sweet date look. For the office, pair
a date-night dress with a blazer, a pair of flats and
classic jewelry. When the clock strikes 5, switch your
flats for heels, add a statement necklace or earrings
and grab a cocktail!
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PHOTOS: Valerie Keeler www.valeriekeeler.com
HAIR: Stefania Capovilla, Society Salon www.societysalonottawa.com
MAKEUP: Christina Crosier
16 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
profile by Eric Murphy
The True North’s Serenade
What does Canada sound like? Some would say it’s the whisper of a cold wind blowing through the needles of a pine tree.
Others think of the sudden crack of a slapshot and the bitter hiss of a skate blade digging into a turn.
For Eleanor McCain, Canada’s sound
is orchestras from all over the country
working together to re-interpret 33
of our greatest hits, songs that have
moved Canadians from the ‘60s to
today. Her latest project, a doublealbum called True North: The Canadian
Songbook, had the celebrated classical
crossover singer working with 10
orchestras in eight provinces to reimagine the songs.
“It’s been a lot of intense planning by
a lot of people,” says McCain, who
started developing the project way
back in January 2014.
We caught McCain on the first day of
her cross-country recording spree, just
before her session with the Edmonton
Symphony Orchestra.The four-month
process ended right here in Ottawa June
14th when McCain recorded with the
National Arts Centre Orchestra. Most
of the orchestras recorded three songs
each, but the NAC put out seven over
two recording days.
PHOTO: BEVERLEY DANIELS
While travelling the country provided
unique musical experiences, stopping
in her native New Brunswick held
special meaning. “New Brunswick is
very sentimental for me,” she says.“The
province has been very supportive of
me and it’s just amazing.”
Now that each orchestra has wrapped
up recording, McCain will give the
instrumental tracks some time to
breathe before adding her own vocals.
She plans to have the entire doublealbum finished by Spring 2017, just
in time to celebrate Canada’s 150th
birthday.
“We want to celebrate Canada, that’s
what the whole theme of the project
is,” McCain says.
So far, the album’s playlist is still
under wraps, as are the names of any
musical guests, although McCain did
say listeners should expect a track
originally by Juno-nominated singersongwriter Sarah Slean.
“I think these are songs that everyone
will know,” McCain says.“They’re pop,
they’re Celtic songs, maritime songs,
some jazz standards.”
To give the album an even more
Canadian feel, if that’s even possible,
True North’s double CD will come
alongside a coffee table book filled
with gorgeous landscapes from
around the country, each captured by
Canadian photographers. Shining a
light on locations from to Iqaluit to
Vancouver Island, these images will
allow True North to showcase Canada’s
sights as well as its sounds.
“It’s not just a musical journey,” says
McCain. “It’s just a privilege and an
honour to do this, not just to work
with everybody but to travel across
the country…and really capture the
diverse beauty and landscape.”
You can find out more about McCain
and the True North: The Canadian
Songbook project at eleanormccain.ca n
17 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
gallery by Anne Dion
A DASH OF COLOUR:
GETTING TO KNOW SARA ALEX MULLEN
Sara Alex Mullen knew she had found
her artistic calling when she made the final
brushstroke on her first landscape painting. The
local artist has been painting for 15 years, but
discovered her real affinity for capturing the
Canadian outdoors while taking courses at
the Ottawa School of Art in 2009. Luckily
for us, over the last two years Mullen has
made painting a professional focus. Mullen
is represented in Ottawa’s Santini Gallery
and is a rising star within the Capital’s
artistic community.
For those who have not already been
struck by the elastic contours or piqued by
the energetic colours, Mullen’s landscapes
evoke the spirit of the land from which
they come.
“I paint classic
Canadian landscapes and I like finding
my inspiration in my everyday
surroundings.” says Mullen.
“To describe it I would say I’m
Impressionistic–using bold strokes and
vibrant colours.”
To anyone who’s been to a Canadian art
gallery, these landscapes may recall the work of
the Group of Seven painters, and rightly so.
“I love the Group of Seven,” says Mullen. “I love how they
show so much underpainting through. I cover more of my
canvas but I’m definitely inspired by them.” Underpainting,
as the name suggests, is the process of layering the stages of a
painting, gradually adding detail to the base colours which block
out the scene’s compositions. The Group of Seven is famous
for leaving chunks of these base shades visible underneath the
18 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
detail, creating a collage of complementary colours. While
Mullen’s local scenes recall this impressionistic approach,
her work exudes a more youthful tone, with unrestrained
brushstrokes and splashes of turquoise and yellow.
For her, finding inspiration in the everyday means never
leaving the house without her camera. Working by
photograph in her studio, Mullen then sits down to sketch
and underpaint. Often planning the painting is what takes
the longest, Mullen says. “I like to put a lot of energy in
my pieces so I like to complete a painting in one sitting.
I try to paint different moods of nature and my mood is
often reflected in the painting.” It is perhaps this kinetic
energy visible in her work that becomes her signature, and
to which her paintings owe their captivating quality. “I find
if I pick up on a different day I have a different energy and
it comes out disjointed.”
Looking at her paintings, you can trace her instinctive
and intuitive process in every brushstroke. Mullen mixes
colours before even setting brush to canvas, picking and
choosing what to use as she goes. Painting with a limited
colour palette of only four to five colours, and simplifying
her scenes down to variations of the two main hues, this
technique is what lets her kinetic and bravely intuitive
energy shine from within the art’s surface.
“Once I sketch from the photograph, I never look at it
again. Instead I paint based on my instinct and intuition,
recalling my interpretation of colours from the live moment
or letting my artistic senses take over.” says Mullen.
Mullen’s exciting career is expanding through a recent
commission for 16 paintings by the new Opinicon resort,
nestled among the Rideau Lakes. Her vibrant landscapes
will be hanging above the fireplaces in each of the resort’s
newly renovated guest rooms. The quiet but poignant
energy that they exude makes Mullen’s work the perfect fit
for the historic site’s reopening.
Another exciting spot on Mullen’s horizon is an event
of her own organizing—a New Edinburgh Studio Tour
(NEST). From September 17 to 18, Mullen, along with
a dozen other neighbourhood artists, will be opening her
doors to the public to catch a glimpse behind closed doors,
and enjoy a free chance to engage with the artists in their
studio space.
“Studio tours are a great way to engage with the public
in a new way and make new connections with artists
in the neighbourhood,” Mullen says. For this rising
star, being active in the community and looking for
opportunities to grow and evolve is an important key
to her success.
For budding artists, she offers sage advice. “Study the
art that you love. I spent a lot of time in the museum
just studying Group of Seven paintings - looking at
every brushstroke, dissecting them, thinking how can I
recreate that or interpret it?” Like her upcoming NEST
tour, Sara Mullen suggests seeking out opportunities
to grow, to challenge yourself, and engage with what’s
around you.
With such a bright future, it looks like this young
artist’s career is only just getting started. Mullen’s story
can stand as a valuable lesson to those hoping for similar
success. With such a positive attitude, obvious talent,
and cheerful ambition, it’s no wonder that Ottawa is
responding so well to the charming achiever. Needless
to say, we wish the artist luck on her future plans,
and will be keeping an eye out for more news of her
success.
As well as her position in the Santini Gallery on Preston
Street in Little Italy, Sara Alex Mullen and her body
of work is taking flight on social media. You can find
her online at saraalexmullen.com, on Instagram and on
Facebook for sneak peeks of upcoming works n
19 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
Watershed Moment
The Stern Paddler: Environment Minister Catherine McKenna and the Liberal Government’s
Great Portage Between the Environment and the Economy.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been actively putting forward a different
approach to governance: one that champions transparency, freshness, action,
something that says this time it’s different.
One of his ministers in particular, seems to be the embodiment of that
sentiment. There’s a positive vibe when entering Environment Minister
Catherine McKenna’s Centre Block office on Parliament Hill. Maybe it’s
the young staff milling about, busy but polite, well dressed and intelligent.
Or maybe it’s the tremendous birch bark canoe hanging from the ceiling, an
emblem of Canada languidly floating over the bustling office.
Canoes were once a necessity for the
Innu (Montagnais-Naskapi), Ojibwa,
Maliseet and Algonquin people to
allow them access to the land. Later
the Coureurs de Bois and voyageurs
used birch bark canoes to explore and
trade with Indigenous peoples in the
interior of the country, and to connect
fur trade supply lines with central
posts from Montreal to points east
and west. Samuel de Champlain noted
the canoe’s elegance and speed, and
remarked that it was “the only craft
suitable” for navigation in Canada.
It’s fitting then that McKenna
associates herself with such a symbol;
with her at the helm, she and Trudeau
aim to steer Canada away from a fossil
fuel based economy to return to a
country’s whose economy works in
20 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
harmony with the environment.
McKenna is a lawyer by profession
and has experience in government,
business and the NGO sector. She is
not only calm, confident, funny and
focused, but she is also on top of her
file, and fully aware that her role as
Canada's Environment Minister comes
at a critical time.
“We have a Prime Minister who’s
absolutely committed to climate
change. He believes like I do, that this is
the biggest challenge of our generation,
and that we have an obligation to take
action,” said McKenna.
She believes that unlike the promises in
Kyoto, and unlike the past Conservative
government, this time, it really will be
different. When asked what makes it
different, she was clear.
“I have young daughters and if we don't
take steps now to fix these problems,
their future will be very different. I got
into politics because of my concern for
my kids and the problems with how
we were treating our greatest resources
and the planet.”
The problem is that the Liberals
have many, and sometimes conflicting, promises to keep. Climate
commitments, their promises to
First Nations communities, and
their guarantees to industry all hover
uncomfortably, an unbalanced mixture
that will surely test their leadership in
the coming years.
But moving on climate change was
one of Trudeau’s first big moves, and
certainly one of his most visible.Just over
a month after he was elected, he went
to Paris for the snappily named United
Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC) for the
21st annual Conference of the Parties
or (COP21). There, 195 countries
signed an agreement to commit to
keeping the world from warming above
two degrees from industrial levels, a
limit that if passed, scientists predict
catastrophic consequences. Canada,
for its part, has held to the previous
PHOTO: PAUL COUVRETTE
cover by Alex Mazur
Harper government commitments,
and pledged to cut its carbon emissions
by 30 per cent from 2005 levels by
2030.
Promises roll off the tongue with ease,
of course. Actions, however, are harder
to implement, a reality that McKenna
encountered in her first day of taking
office. Fresh to her role as Environment
Minister, she was tasked with whether
to release billions of litres of raw sewage
into the St. Lawrence River, and she
needed to choose quickly. Montreal’s
Mayor Denis Coderre was insisting on
its necessity for the safety of the city,
while others cringed at the thought of
sewage flowing through their water.
Talk about a first day.
In the end, she decided to do it.
After the fact, Montreal released the
results of their water quality testing,
which showed bacteria levels akin
to those during heavy rainfalls when
sewers overflow into the river, and
therefore not far out of the ordinary.
In the end, the controlled release
got a go-ahead based on McKenna’s
consultations with scientists, and from
precedent, making it a fact-based
decision. Unfortunately, Indigenous
groups were not consulted prior to
the release. Mohawk Council Chief
Clinton Phillps in Kahnawake, whose
community would be directly affected
by the sewage, was highly critical of
the dump, saying that he had only
heard news of the decision in a quick
call from McKenna right before the
release.
Afterwards, in light of their concerns,
McKenna sat down with Kahnawake’s
Mohawk Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro
Norton and Phillips to discuss how she
should move forward when dealing
with First Nations communities.
“To be fair, we were somewhat critical
but we also recognize that she just
came into office and was thrown into
this issue the day before heading to the
Paris Climate Change negotiations.
We welcome her commitment
regarding these things,” said Norton.
“She’s a very sincere person, but the
issue will be how convincing she can
be with other ministers to work with
Kahnawake and other First Nations
across Canada.”
According to Norton, the Kahnawake
Mohawks and other Mohawks in the
region have a long history of butting
heads with their neighbours. Due to
their geographic location, they have
the rare position of being directly in
contact with Canadian, Québec and
U.S.governments on nation- to-nation
negotiations on a variety of issues.
Now with Trudeau’s and McKenna’s
promises at hand, the Kahnawake
Mohawks are in a prime location for
the federal government’s engagement
with First Nations, and they’re
optimistic that further interactions can
be constructive.
LISTENING AND LEARNING, AND
THEN ACTING WHEN YOU HAVE ALL
THE EVIDENCE AND FACTS OR THE
BEST INFORMATION AT HAND, IS VERY
IMPORTANT TO ME.
The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
“The Trudeau government has made a
pledge to take a very different approach
regarding Aboriginal affairs. Hopefully
it’s not all talk.They are going to need a
coherent and clear understanding that
Canada and Kahnawake and Canada
and other First Nations are embarking
on a process that is no longer business
as usual.It’s going to take courage and
creativity to achieve their goals. We’ll
have to wait and see,” Norton said.
McKenna now has an Indigenous
advisor on staff, and says that in
hindsight, the sewage release was a
learning moment for her a minister
in that she realized that for all future
decisions she needed to have a
framework for how she will approach
difficult decisions.
“Listening and learning, and then
acting when you have all the evidence
and facts or the best information at
hand, is very important to me,” said
McKenna.
One major element she has to consider
is Trudeau’s promise to tax carbon
emissions.
Provinces in some cases have taken
the lead on this. B.C. plans to tax
carbon emissions at $30 a tonne,
whereas Alberta has already set a cap
on its greenhouse gas emissions to
100 megatonnes a year, and is also
introducing a $20 carbon levy in
2017. Québec has been involved in an
emissions cap and trade system with
California since 2013, a system that
Ontario’s Wynne government will
now join, along with implementing
other measures such as incentivizing
electric vehicles.
But some experts don’t believe a
hodgepodge of singular provincial
regulations will do the trick, because
some might choose to opt out
completely. McKenna acknowledged
that the northern territories expressed a
carbon tax would threaten their dieselbased lifestyle. Saskatchewan, for its
part, has been playing hardball, arguing
that its carbon capture program will be
enough of a contribution to Canada’s
efforts to reduce its emissions.
Jeff Rubin, previously a chief economist
for CIBC World Markets, argues that
the only way to reach Canada’s Paris
target is to implement a substantial
national carbon tax.
“If it doesn’t cost to be dirty, then it
doesn’t pay to be green,” said Rubin.
Rubin argues that if a national tax isn’t
implemented, Canada will miss the
2020 target from anywhere from 120150 megatonnes, and the 2030 target
by as much as 300 megatonnes, which
21 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
would constitute misses by 50-60 per
cent.
He added that a key element to getting
all provinces to sign on would be to
level the playing field for the natural
gas and fossil fuel industry in North
America and apply a cross-country
carbon tax.
Talks are underway between Canada,
the United States and Mexico, but the
outcome is murky so far.
A national tax may seem like the
simplest route to curb our emissions,
but adding stress on an already limping
oil and gas industry isn’t just putting
businesses at stake, but also the people
who depend on those resources for
their livelihoods.
This is why Alberta premier Rachel
Notley and Saskatchewan premier
Brad Wall say that pipelines are the
only life rafts that will buoy their
economies through troubling times.
And although some Canadians fear
pipeline expansion, Canada’s National
Energy Board (NEB) has approved
both the Energy East Pipeline, a
project that would potentially open
up the oil supply form Alberta to St.
John’s Newfoundland, and the Kinder
Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline, that
would bring oil from Alberta to the
docks in Vancouver.
Both are meant to bring Canadian
oil to Asia and Europe, markets that
are meant to be more eager than the
United States, who, thanks to their
shale fracking boom, no longer rely
heavily on Canadian oil.Trudeau is not
about to leave those markets out of the
question. He’s stated that he believes
new pipelines are necessary, and that
the transition away from Canada’s
fossil fuel economy should be paid for
by, ironically enough, the fossil fuel
industry. But he can’t jump the gun
on pipelines either, because pipelines
do spill, and they will expand the oil
sands, which is the country’s highest
emitter of greenhouse gases.
That’s why the Liberals have
implemented new interim measures
22 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
to review major resource projects that
include the consultation of Indigenous
groups, as well as measures that weigh
a project’s potential environmental
impact. Along with these measures
comes significant delay.
Conservative environment critic Ed
Fast says that adding more hoops to
jump through for projects that have
already been approved by the NEB is
hurting Canada’s economic prospects.
“They have injected an unprecedented
uncertainty into the economy. The
investment community has taken
notice and that they are considering
pulling money out of Canada,” said
Fast.
TheY (THE Trudeau government)
are going to need a coherent
and clear understanding
that Canada and Kahnawake
and other First Nations are
embarking on a process that is
no longer business as usual.
Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton
Grand Chief of the Kanawà:ke First Nation
Although Fast strongly welcomes the
growth of the clean tech industry, he
doesn’t believe that this could replace
the contribution from the current
energy sector.
McKenna has different views on
innovative green technology. She
referenced a study recently put out by
the International Renewable Energy
Agency stating that going greener
could save the global economy over
$4-trillion a year by 2030.
“I’m talking with all sectors, all
industry associations, and everyone’s
excited.This is an opportunity, and they
recognize that we need to take action,”
said McKenna. “It was businesses that
were ahead of government on this.
When I hear businesses saying yes, put
a price on carbon, I know it’s good
news. Businesses want certainty.”
In Paris, Trudeau also committed to
participating in Mission Innovation,
a program spearheaded by Bill Gates
that includes 20 countries who
have the intention to accelerate the
development of the clean energy
sector.
“We have a very serious process
underway, with a timeframe,” said
McKenna. She pointed to the federal
government’s workings groups that
will present solutions in the fall on
how to reduce emissions in building,
vehicles, the oil and gas sector, carbon
pricing, adaptation, clean tech jobs and
innovation.
Despite these steps forward, there are
some other voices in Canada that
claim the Liberals aren’t moving away
from carbon emitting industries fast
enough.
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson
travelled to Ottawa, along with leaders
from First Nations communities to
protest the Trans Mountain pipeline.
Robertson argued that the pipeline
would increase tanker traffic by
seven times in his city, multiplying
the possibility of oil spills and the
amount of emissions in Vancouver to
an unacceptable amount.
Montreal, along with the Government
of Québec, have openly blasted Energy
East, stating that the project cannot go
forward due to environmental risks,
no matter what the cost to Alberta.
Countless environmental groups
around the country are vehemently
opposed to any sort of pipeline, oil
sands, or liquid natural gas expansion.
It’s clear that Canadians need some
unification on what direction to take
climate change policy, and nowhere
was that clearer than when Trudeau
met with Canada’s premiers to
create his pan-Canadian framework
on climate change in early March.
This meeting was meant to delineate
Canada’s climate strategy, but it
resulted in delaying to finalize the plan
in the fall.
“Canada is a federation, so we have
to respect the right for governments
to make the decisions they make,”
said McKenna. She added that it’s
more a federal responsibility to set the
structure, and to listen to the unique
needs of the provinces.
The truth of the matter is that if
Trudeau and McKenna expect to hit
their targets, there have to be major
changes somewhere.
David Hughes, a scientist for the
Geological Survey of Canada for over
30 years, recently released a report
called Can Canada Expand Oil and Gas
Production, Build Pipelines and Keep Its
Climate Change Commitments?
Hughes calculated a best-case scenario,
which would allow for a 45 per
cent expansion of oil sands and the
introduction of only one liquid natural
gas (LNG) plant in B.C. by 2030.
Hughes’ calculations take into account
B.C.’s fairly strict regulations, but he
argues that even with these relatively
low expansions of emissions, the rest of
the national economy would have to
shrink its emissions by 55 per cent in
every sector over 14 years; an outcome
that he finds almost impossible without
great economic damage.
In B.C., Premier Christy Clark has
promised several LNG plants as a way
of paying off the province’s debts and
creating jobs, and although several have
been approved by the NEB, none have
been built. LNG plants have remained
in limbo for the same reasons new
pipelines have, no one can find a
consensus on if they should be built.
One shining example of this
indecision is found in northwest B.C.’s
Skeena Watershed. The Canadian
Environmental Assessment Agency
(CEAA) approved an $11.4-billion
Pacific Northwest LNG plant, backed
by Malaysian state-owned energy
company Petronas.The proposal gained
national attention this year thanks to
the Skeena Watershed Conservation
Coalition (SWCC), who penned a
letter, signed by 130 international
scientists, addressed to the federal
government, contesting the science
reviewed by the CEAA.
the bigger the forest grows.”
Shannon McPhail, the executive
director of SWCC, said that the area
proposed for the plant is the site of
the second largest salmon estuary in
Canada, where every year, anywhere
from 300-million to 1-billion salmon
come to spawn. She, along with those
scientists, argue that the LNG plant
would be catastrophic for the salmon’s
ecosystem.
McKenna admitted that she’s aware
of the potential danger to the salmon,
and also acknowledged that there will
be significant emissions from the plant.
The CEAA reported that if built, the
plant would emit 5.2 million tonnes of
carbon dioxide yearly.
The area proposed for
the plant is the site of
the second largest salmon
estuary in Canada, where every
year, anywhere from 300-million
to 1-billion salmon come
to spawn.
Shannon McPhail
Executive Director Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition
The salmon are a $110-million
industry for the people in the Skeena
Watershed, a community heavily
represented by Indigenous peoples.
“When the salmon come, the entire
community shuts down in a way,
because we’re all out fishing, pulling
nets, cleaning, soaking, smoking,
canning, flaying,” said McPhail.
“Every leaf, and every needle from
every tree in this watershed has salmon
in them. If you cut down a tree and
look at its growth rings, you can
estimate how many salmon returned
that year by the size of the growth
ring: the more salmon that come up
Petronas offered a $1-billion deal to
the people of the Skeena Watershed as
compensation, which was, according
to McPhail, unanimously rejected.
The B.C. government, on the other
hand, justifies the plant’s construction
on the basis that the natural gas shipped
overseas would help ween China off
of burning coal for energy, a big hitter
on the global scale for greenhouse gas
emissions.
Now tasked with making a decision on
the plant, McKenna said that the federal
government will weigh its choice on
the best available science, evidence and
facts. In reality, the decision is more
complicated than just science and
facts. Trudeau’s cabinet must consider
it’s promises to Indigenous groups,
to climate commitments, to industry,
to the needs of B.C.’s economy, their
own popular opinion, and the people’s
lives who will be affected by the plant
itself.
“If they were to approve this project
they would send the message to First
Nations and to all communities in
the area that Malaysia and Petronas
are more valuable to them their own
citizens, and certainly more valuable to
them than keeping their word about
climate change,” said McPhail, who
admitted that not even she would want
to have to make such a decision.
It would take a miracle to make
everyone happy, and at this moment,
it’s
unclear
which
direction
McKenna’s canoe will take us. She
and Trudeau have to choose to move
the country forward, without leaving
half the country behind. Whatever
the direction, no doubt it will be a
“watershed moment” for the Liberals
and for Canada itself n
23 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
24 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
opinion by Frank Raso & Greg Vezina
An Alternate View on Pipelines —
Transport Ammonia not Crude
T
ransCanada Corporation’s (TCC)
Energy East Pipeline (EEP) has
been getting a lot of coverage in the
news lately. Rather than building
additional capacity in Alberta to refine
Canadian bitumen and crude oil into
high value finished products, the oil
industry has been looking for ways
to export oil to U.S. refineries with
excess capacity.
Due to a lack of pipeline capacity to
supply them much of Canadian oil
was transported by rail, which caused
it to be sold at a discount to offset its
higher transportation cost. The failure
of the Keystone Pipeline Project was
the supposed impetus for the creation
of the EEP.
According to the Washington, D.C.
based Association of Oil Pipe Lines
(AOPL) the U.S. had built 12,000
miles of pipe between 2010 and 2015,
more than ten times the capacity of
Keystone.
In early 2014 TransCanada started
transporting what would become
500,000 barrels / day of Canadian tar
sands crude via its southern portion
of the new Keystone the pipeline
network, using the renamed Gulf
Coast line which was removed from
the larger project in 2012.
This gave TransCanada an effective way
of getting around President Obama’s
veto of the remaining Keystone
XL Pipeline Project which would
have eventually doubled capacity to
1 million barrels / day.
EEP is a 1.1 million barrel/day, 42”
pipeline to transport oil from the
western provinces to marine ports in
the east that includes a repurposed 3000
km. natural gas pipeline from Burstall,
SK to Iroquois, ON, and a new section
to connect to three refineries: Suncor
in Montreal; Valero in Quebec City;
and Irving in Saint John and marine
terminals in Cacouna, QC and Saint
John, NB.
However, it is unlikely that much
western oil transported via EEP will
ever be refined in Canada because the
Quebec refineries are already supplied
by Enbridge’s Line 9 reversal and the
Saint John refinery has supply contracts
for imported oil.
Alberta oil sands bitumen is very
viscous and is upgraded to synthetic
crude (syncrude) before being refined.
It is typically diluted with a lighter
petroleum product to be transported by
pipeline and heavier than water, which
makes spills in waterways catastrophic
and very expensive to clean up.
RATHER THAN BUILDING MORE
INFRASTRUCTURE TO EXPORT
along the St. Lawrence River in SaintAugustin-de-Desmaures, QC.
Rather
than
building
more
infrastructure to export unrefined
oil commodities, it would be wiser
to instead manufacture high value
anhydrous ammonia (NH3) from
Canadian natural gas and petroleum
resources.
Ammonia is one of the most
manufactured commodities in the
world and is used both as an industrial
feedstock and as a fertilizer. It is
commonly made from brown sources
(like natural gas) but it is ideally suited
to be made from green sources (like
wind, solar, and hydroelectric power),
and it gives us the ability to store and
transport electricity economically in
existing pipelines.
PETROLEUM RESOURCES.
Because it is consists of 3 hydrogen
atoms bonded to a single nitrogen
atom, ammonia contains more
hydrogen than liquefied hydrogen, and
it handles much like Propane (LPG), so
it can also easily be used as a carbonfree fuel for both internal combustion
engines and fuel cells.
The largest inland oil spill and one of
the costliest spills in U.S. history was
the 2010 Enbridge Line 6B pipeline
rupture which spilled bitumen into
Talmadge Creek, a tributary of the
Kalamazoo river outside of Marshall,
Michigan.
The University of Ontario Institute of
Technology is developing a process for
manufacturing ammonia from fossil
fuels (including natural gas and oil sands
bitumen) that avoids greenhouse gas
emissions by producing carbon-black
instead of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Using the existing 40 year old EEP
as planned will pose serious threats to
local water supplies and communities
along its route including in Winnipeg,
Kenora, Thunder Bay, North Bay and
Area, Temagami, Sturgeon Falls, the
Trout Lake watershed and Mattawa
River through to the Mattawa area,
lands around the Rideau River and
the Ottawa region’s rural residential
areas, and be meters from residences
We can use EEP to safely transport
ammonia manufactured in Canada to
export terminals and to the existing
ammonia pipeline system in the
USA n
UNREFINED OIL COMMODITIES,
IT WOULD BE WISER TO INSTEAD
MANUFACTURE HIGH VALUE
ANHYDROUS AMMONIA (NH3) FROM
CANADIAN NATURAL GAS AND
First in a series of four articles for OLM
by Greg Vezina, Chairman, and Frank
Raso, Chief Scientist, Hydrofuel Inc. and
C.A.E.C.- Canadian Alternative Energy
Corp.
25 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
26 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
canada/kazakstan friends by OLM staff
Astana Emerges: Expo 2017
Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan is inviting the world to attend Expo 2017
in Astana, one of the world’s most modern and green cities.
The Expo 2017 global gathering will highlight developments from around the
world in the field of green, renewable and sustainable energy. Expo 2017 will
place Astana, Kazakhstan in the international spotlight for three months from
June 10 to September 20, 2017. During the world-class event, Kazakhstan will
host delegations from over 100 countries, and will showcase cutting-edge green
energy and sustainability technologies that could provide solutions to energy
issues around the world. It will draw three to five million visitors, which would
make it the largest international gathering of its kind for both Kazakhstan and
Central Asia.
Kazakhstan is a major producer of
non-renewable energy sources, but
it has been using the profits from
these successful ventures to transition
to a “green” economy. Expo 2017 is
expected to increase foreign investment,
international trade and tourism in the
country and raise its international
profile, making it one of the most
influential states in Central Asia.
Roman Vassilenko, Chairman of
the Committee for International
Information, said that a key part of
Expo 2017 is the Future Energy
Forum.
“Future energy is one of the most
universal discussions of our time,
which is why we have chosen it as the
central theme for Expo 2017.”
The Future Energy Forum will attract
the world’s leading experts in green
energy, renewables, green technologies
and science-related matters. Organizers
hope the Future Energy Forum will
be the nexus to establish cooperation
between international governments,
social and business structures and
academic communities, including universities, academic institutes, research
centres, public foundations and NGOs.
Vassilenko explained that Kazakhstan
will also use the 2017 global fair to
call for increased use of renewable
energy resources and “will be an
important platform for innovations
in renewable energy, including wind,
solar and hydro power.” Organizers
expect that the Expo will expand
Kazakhstan’s global cooperation with
industrialized, developing and less
developed countries. Kazak officials
have a particular focus on developing
nations south of the equator, hoping
the Expo will trigger a new era of
expanded development programs with
them. President Nazarbayev believes
Expo 2017 will be “the greatest
achievement at the international level
since Kazakhstan’s independence.”
Canada is expected to have a strong
presence in Astana. Canadian Foreign
Affairs officials have been actively
working
with
Kazakhstan
on
governance models for over a decade,
and the Canadian Ambassador to
Kazakhstan, Shawn Steil, is highly
regarded by government and business
officials in the country. In addition, the
Centre for International Governance
27 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
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28 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
Innovation (CIGI), a highly respected
Canadian think tank, has been working
closely with Kazakhstan officials and
using its in-house expertise and its
worldwide network of practitioners
to share its knowledge on some key
governance issues in the country.
CIGI is also a partner in the Balsillie
School of International Affairs (BSIA),
an institute for advanced research,
education, and outreach in the fields
of global governance and international
public policy.
BSIA founder Jim Balsillie (founder
of BlackBerry) is currently the
Chairman of Sustainable Development
Technologies Canada (SDTC), the
Canadian government’s six billion
dollar clean tech fund. SDTC works
to bring economically viable, clean
technologies to the market. SDTC
invests in globally competitive
Canadian companies that produce
tangible
environmental
benefits
that make Canada’s economy more
competitive. It is expected that Balsillie
and Environment Minister Catherine
McKenna and other senior Canadian
officials will be invited to attend the
global expo along with green energy
stalwarts like Al Gore, Elon Musk,
Laurent Fabius and many of the key
participants in the 2015 Paris Climate
Change agreements.
Over 2.5 billion people live in close
proximity to Kazakhstan, and it’s only
a three-hour flight from the capital
city of India, a five-hour flight from
the capital of China and a three-hour
flight from Moscow. In addition, there
are excellent connections from North
America for western visitors.
The government of Kazakhstan has
allocated almost half a billion dollars
to construct the Expo site and build
a new generation of mass transit and
roads to serve it.The Expo itself will be
Fi everywhere, so that every corner
of the world with access to the
Internet can see this historic event,”
said Aidar Kazybayev, Chair of the
Trade Committee of the Ministry of
Economic Development.
Nursultan Nazarbayev, President
of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Astana will become the first
digital Expo, with video cameras
and Wi-Fi everywhere, so that
every corner of the world with
access to the Internet can see
this historic event.
held on 113 hectares (279.23 acres) of
land at the end of Millennium Alley in
the new southwest district of the city.
The Millennium Alley area “combines
numerous facilities of political and
cultural significance for the city…
close to the city’s new centre.” The
Expo site has also attracted $1.3 billion
in foreign investments.
“This includes the costs of constructing
the exhibition pavilions and new
hotels for visitors,” said Expo 2017
National Coordinator and Executive
Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Rapil Zhoshybayev. “This will
be mainly paid out of new investments.
And it is in line with the average
amount spent on holding other
Expos around the world.” Organizers
also plan to install streaming cameras
throughout the expo site to broadcast
the event worldwide.
“Astana will become the first digital
Expo, with video cameras and Wi-
And all of this effort will not go to
waste after the Expo is over. Venues
built for the exposition will serve
as longer-term investments by
positioning Kazakhstan and its capital
as an attractive centre for other future
large international expositions and
information presentation platforms.
“In the future, part of the exhibition
facilities and platforms will be used
as scientific laboratories, scientific
centres and research institutes after the
exhibition is held.
“We also want to use the buildings
built in the Expo village and the hotels
as (government-owned) apartment
buildings. This will help resolve social
issues and development of our capital,”
Zhoshybayev said. Part of facilities will
also house a new Nazarbayev University
research centre, which could be used
to further the innovations presented at
the Expo.
Hosting Expo 2017 comes at a perfect
time for Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan
recently became a member of the
World Trade Organization and that
combined with Expo 2017 will
exponentially increase awareness in the
global community about Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan officials hope that by
helping stimulate international discussion on sustainable green energy
and economies through their hosting
of the world’s most important green
energy expo, it will increase their
presence in world affairs n
See more at: http://www.ottawalife.
com/2016/01/astana-emerges-expo2017/#sthash.x9CfDtzb.dpuf
29 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
PHOTO: COURTESY THE OFFICE OF THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
cover by Dan Donovan
PA R L I A M E N TA RY W R A P U P S E S S I O N
With Rona Ambrose
Attention: Rona Ambrose is not running for the Conservative leadership. However, after a stellar performance in the
last Parliamentary session many with she would. We met sat down with the interim Leader of the Official Oposition
to discuss the last Parliamentary session.
OTTAWA LIFE MAGAZINE: What
are observations of the new
Liberal government over the
last Parliamentary session?
HON. RONA AMBROSE: They have
done a lot of consulting, and they
still seem to be trying to find their
way. Things seem a bit unorganized. I
understand that it takes time to settle
in. Prime Minister Trudeau didn’t
come into office with much training.
He was vaulted from leader of the third
party to prime minister. Usually you
spend time as leader of the opposition
and then win an election and go into
government. It’s the same for his
ministers.
OLM: You have experience as a
minister in government. Is there
30 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
anyone who has impressed you
so far or who stands out?
Minister of
Health, Jane Philpott. During Question
Period, she gives real answers and
straightforward information. When
I worked as the minister of health,
opposition MPs would often come
up to me and thank me for giving
straight answers in Question Period
or committee, and I always thought
that was odd. But now being in the
opposition, I see what they meant
and how valuable that is. Philpott is
constructive, forthright and respectful
of the process.
HON. RONA AMBROSE:
OLM: What are your thoughts
on Bill C-14? The assisted dying
bill is a contentious issue,
especially now that the Senate
has weighed in on widening
the parameters of who should
be eligible.
HON. RONA AMBROSE: The bill
reflects a good balance. When it was
brought to the House, there was, at
times, emotional and passionate debate.
I thought the Bill was good and agreed
with most of it, but I didn’t vote for it
because it was an open vote and I still
have some concerns. I think we need
to add safeguards and provisions that
address concerns raised by many in the
disabled community and also for the
mentally ill. It’s a very complex matter
and there are so many ethical issues at
stake. As for the Senate, it certainly has
the authority to propose amendments
but it becomes problematic when they
entirely reject a bill sent to them by
elected Members of the House.
The
government
is
indicating it does not wish to
be part of the F35 consortium.
Prime Minister Trudeau says
the F-35 fighter jets don’t work.
Comment?
OLM:
The Prime
Minister’s remarks about the F-35
are simply not true: they do work.
Decisions on fighter jets should not
be made by politicians, but by the
air force. The F-35s are better for
interoperability; not having them
would put us out of step with our
allies. The previous Conservative
government supported their purchase
for Canada. However, the procurement
was delayed over audit, budget and
oversight issues. The Hornet that the
Liberals are now talking about is a
good fighter jet but sole-sourcing is
not the answer. The Liberals should
have an open competition to see
which planes to buy, but they won’t
because they know if the did, the F-35
would win.
will be problematic for the Liberals
if they’re not going to listen to the
science and evidence given to them
by the appointed governmental body
just because they don’t like the answer.
They said decisions will be based on
evidence. How can they not agree
with the NEB on these issues? They
are the body that decides what can
happen based on all the input and the
HON. RONA AMBROSE:
OLM: What about the debate
on pipelines?
RONA
AMBROSE:
It’s
interesting that Alberta’s NDP premier
Rachel Notley campaigned against
pipelines, and now she’s recognized
they’re required and they’re safe. Now
we have a Conservative premier from
Sasakatchewan, NDP premier from
Alberta and Liberal premiers from
Ontario and New Brunswick all
supporting the Energy East pipeline.
HON.
OLM: There is similar debate
around liquid natural gas (LNG)
plants, most specifically the
one proposed in B.C.’s Skeena
Watershed. One hundred and
thirty scientists wrote to the
Prime Minister contesting the
National Energy Board’s (NEB)
approval of the project.
We have
to trust the NEB’s process. They
have made recommendations, and it
HON. RONA AMBROSE:
We have to trust the NEB’s
process. They have made
recommendations, and
it will be problematic for the
Liberals if they’re not going to
listen to the science and evidence
given to them by the appointed
governmental body just because
they don’t like the answer.
government settled
many comprehensive land claims and
was also very focused on Aboriginal
economic development programs
that were starting to show signs of
success. A significant push was made
for improving the conditions and
funding in education for Aboriginal
children via new federal legislation.
Unfortunately, that legislation, which
would have injected $2-billion new
dollars into education for Aboriginal
children across Canada, was halted
because of an internal rift within the
Assembly of First Nations.This caused
AFN Chief Shawn Atleo to leave. The
legislation had widespread support
across the country so it is sad that it
did not proceed. I think it is fair to
say that we (the former Conservative
government) did not communicate
very well in regards to the many things
we did on the Aboriginal file.
They said decisions will be
based on evidence.
evidence.
OLM: The Conservative party
recently amended its opposition
to same-sex marriage. What
does that mean for the party?
HON. RONA AMBROSE: It was an
important step. A large part of the
party is libertarian and they believe
government should stay out of people’s
lives.Then other Conservatives believe
strongly in freedom and economic
prosperity, and not to have their
government interfere in their lives.
There are also representatives from
the LGBT community in the party, so
I’m very pleased and proud that the
change was made.
OLM: Can you comment on
the
previous
Conservative
government’s
handling
of
Aboriginal Affairs in Canada?
HON. RONA AMBROSE: I think we
did much more than we are credited
for. Stephen Harper was officially
apologized for residential schools and
initiated the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission. The
Conservative
OLM:
You
were
affected
personally
by
the
Fort
McMurray Fires. Are you confident the government is doing
everything properly to assist
the residents as they go back
and rebuild?
HON. RONA AMBROSE: There was
a lot of support from the Alberta
government and the private sector and
NGOs. The federal government has
also been assisting –as they should- but
I will take a “wait and see” attitude as
people come home from the fires and
work at getting back on their feet.
OLM: Finally, many in the
Conservative Party and many
media pundits have suggested
that you are making the Tory
Leadership race tough because
of your impressive performance
to date as Interim Leader.
Many are saying you should be
allowed to run so you can stay
on.
I took the
job as interim leader and I am not
running. I’m going to start wearing
a t-shirt that says, “I’m not running.”
The Conservative party has so many
great potential leaders from within
HON. RONA AMBROSE:
31 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
reaching higher/education by Anna May Burke
Algonquin College
Plans Institute for Indigenous Entrepreneurship
As graduates made their way to the stage at Algonquin College’s recent
convocation ceremonies, there were no violins. Instead, the graduates’
processional moved to the powerful beat of the pow-wow drum.
It was a way for the College to
acknowledge that the ceremony, and
the College itself, are on the ancestral
territory of the Algonquin People —
and just one of the ways Algonquin
College is embracing the culture that
is its namesake.
Just this spring, the College submitted
an ambitious multi-million dollar
proposal to the federal government
to develop the Algonquin College
Innovation, Entrepreneurship and
Learning Centre. The Institute
for Indigenous Entrepreneurship,
part of the state-of-the-art facility,
would help Indigenous students take
entrepreneurial ideas and turn them
into reality through a combination of
mentorship, peer support and cultural
connections.
“Our Institute for Indigenous
Entrepreneurship is going to be the
first of its kind in Ontario,” says Cheryl
Jensen, president of Algonquin College.
“And it’s going to be developed in
partnership with our indigenous
community partners. I think that’s an
important part of this equation because
it will help us ensure that this Centre
is just as much about culture as it is
about entrepreneurship, and that’s a
relationship that will help our students
build confidence and thrive here at the
College, and also when they return to
their own communities.”
Andre O’Bonsawin, the College’s
Aboriginal Portfolio Manager, says
bringing the Indigenous community
into the building process is going to
help the College create an environment
of trust.
“The Indigenous community wants
to feel part of the College and so it’s
32 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
important to include them in decisions
that affect their students,” he explains.
“For a long time, just like the residential
schools, they were forced to do things,
so we want to be inclusive.”
And the Indigenous community will
also have a role to play once the Institute
opens its doors — providing guidance,
guest speakers and networking
opportunities.
“It will be a place where Indigenous
learners can express themselves culturally
and their values will be respected while
learning from Indigenous mentors on
how to launch a business. The Centre
will allow our learners to talk to about
the challenges of being an Indigenous
entrepreneur and conducting business
with non-Indigenous businesses,” says
O’Bonsawin.
Algonquin College was home to 1,182
self-identified Indigenous students this
past term — a number that’s growing
at about 12 per cent per year.
Nathaniel Parant, Senior Program
Lead at Ottawa’s Wabano Centre for
Aboriginal Health, says the young
Indigenous population in general is on
the rise.
“One thing that’s very important to
note is that 68 per cent of Indigenous
people are youth,” says Parant, who
works with a number of Indigenous
entrepreneurs. “It’s a totally inversed
statistic compared to mainstream
cultures.”
And, he says, it’s a young demographic
that’s seeking opportunities to get
involved in entrepreneurial ventures
but that is simultaneously hampered
by a cultural mindset at odds with the
aggressive “go get ‘em” philosophy
that’s traditionally associated with
growing a business.
“It’s a different lens of the world,”
says Parant. “(In indigenous culture)
there’s more of an understanding of
the circle — everyone in the circle is
equal, different and interconnected.
That’s a key part to Indigenous
entrepreneurship.”
Phil Commonda, Aboriginal Events
Coordinator at the College, says
this understanding is exactly what is
needed to help these students succeed.
A former student of the College in
the late ‘90s, Commonda returned to
his alma mater to work and now helps
Indigenous students every day.
“Since I’ve been back, Algonquin
College has been a very supportive
place for Indigenous learning,” he says.
“It’s allowing Aboriginal students to be
elevated, it’s giving them confidence so
that they can be innovative.”
And the College is already seeing
the results. Culinary alumna MarieCécile “Cezin” Nottaway is one of the
best-known success stories so far. Her
Wawatay Catering company has been
winning rave reviews and some highprofile clients — including former
Governor General Michaëlle Jean.
“Being an entrepreneur is in our DNA,”
says Nottaway. “We were traders before
time immemorial.” n
the law and you/ottawa legal by Marie Corbett & OLM staff
A Woman Judge’s Season
of Disillusion
Below is an excerpt from January: A Woman Judge’s Season of Disillusion by Marie Corbett. January
is the story of Corbett’s personal and professional lives becoming painfully entangled. Facing a
number of important trials while trying to comfort an ailing friend, Corbett must find an answer
to questions she’d never asked before.
By nine o’clock, I was in my chambers and dressing for court. I threaded the watchband through
Anne’s ring and tucked both of them in my vest pocket, so I would have them close and couldn’t
misplace them. As I fastened the tabs around my neck, I couldn’t get my head around it. Why am
I not at Anne’s side? She was my friend, I loved her, and nobody else was there. It was obvious that
I should take time off to be with a dying friend. Why didn’t I call the Regional Senior Justice and
say, “I have other priorities. I’m taking a leave of absence for a while”?
When I’d told Anne earlier that I would be willing to accompany her to California to seek treatment,
my commitment had been genuine. It wasn’t merely a dramatic response engendered by a dramatic
situation. What was so important now about my work? Nothing in my life as a judge couldn’t
be postponed. The muddle of the trial with the tattooed bikers could start again after two days of
evidence. A few other cases would have to be rescheduled, but trials are routinely rescheduled for
many reasons. In my judicial career, I’d missed only five days of work, and those were in the first
three months, when I’d foolishly tried out my sons’ skateboard and fractured my elbow. The truth is
that accused persons aren’t anxious to get to trial, and delays work in their favour. Witnesses move
away, memories become dimmer. And then there is the legal dance of seeking adjournments with an
unexpressed hope of getting the charge dismissed because of delay in bringing the case to trial.
Devoted to my work, I took pride in being a thorough, fair, and competent judge. Even as opportunities
had arisen to visit Anne, I’d felt guilty leaving my chambers without offering to do other work, as if
my professional life was more worthwhile than my personal one. Although I was trapped in the daily
exigencies of my workplace and my work, I felt it more important to be with Anne as she struggled
to stay alive.
I saw that imbalance, yet I couldn’t act on it. My lifelong commitment to work and to doing that
work well was ingrained, along with some mantras: Get an education; get a job; be successful. In law
school, I had added the goals of contributing to social and legal change. I was dutiful to family, career,
community. Never could I remember anyone saying that happiness was a worthwhile goal. If they
did, it passed me by. Now, having achieved
secular success and respectability, I was no The Hon. Marie Corbett, Q.C., is a retired superior court trial judge who presided in
longer sure of their value. I was no longer Toronto for 14 years. A dedicated crusader for social justice in Canada, Corbett was a founding
living as I wanted to live.
member of and first woman President of the Canadian Environmental Law Association. As
a member of the first Ontario Status of Women Council, she organized the first family law
Still, I entered the courtroom exactly at ten
o’clock. I was an on-time judge.
conference pressing for women’s rights in marriage. Her honours include Queen’s Counsel and
Women of Distinction Special Award from the YWCA.
33 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
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the law and you/ottawa legal David Contant
Explicit Videos and Peeping Tom Drones —
Emerging Torts in the Twenty-First Century
no secret that the legal system has
Itot’sbeen
largely ineffective in adapting
the realities on the ground created
by social media platforms such as
Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
But judges and lawmakers are slowly
becoming more adept at dealing with
new technologies. Individuals who
invade the privacy of others may now
face not only criminal penalties, but
also exposure to payment of significant
damages to their victims
Non-Consensual Publication
of Photos and Videos
decision of Jane Doe 464533, Justice
Stinson confirmed that posting sexually explicit videos or photographs
without a person’s consent can result
in civil liability for breach of privacy.
John and Jane Doe (their identities
are protected by a publication ban)
started dating in Grade 12. In August
2011, John repeatedly asked Jane, who
was living in another city, to make
a sexually explicit video. The court
found that Jane did not want to do so,
but under pressure “caved in” and sent
the video to John.
In December 2014, the Protecting
Canadians from Online Crime Act
added a new criminal offence of nonconsensual publication/distribution of
intimate images.Anyone who publishes
an intimate image of a person without
consent is now guilty of an offence
and can be sentenced to up to five
years in prison.
In early December 2011, Jane learned
that John had posted the video on a
pornography website and had shared
it with her former classmates. The
court found that the consequences
arising for Jane were “significant
and long-lasting.” She was awarded
compensation of $141,708.03.
In 2012, the Ontario Court of Appeal
confirmed the existence of the tort
of invasion of privacy in the decision
of Jones v. Tsige. This case dealt with a
bank employee using her position to
examine the banking records of her
spouse’s ex-wife. The court found
that an individual can be liable to pay
damages for “intrusion upon seclusion”
where the invasion of privacy in
question would be “highly offensive”
to a “reasonable person.”
CBC News has reported that an
estimated one million recreational
drones were sold this past Christmas
season across North America.
Unfortunately, there is no legislation
in Ontario creating civil liability for
the non-consensual distribution of
intimate images. This means that, until
recently, it was questionable whether
an individual could sue for damages
based on the posting of a sexually
explicit image or video unless the
elements of other torts were present.
One Toronto judge has now filled
this legal “gap.” In the January 2016
PHOTO: MIV PHOTOGRAPHY
Peeping Tom Drones
As more and more individuals begin
flying recreational drones, new privacy
law questions are emerging. For
example, a Vancouver woman made
headlines when she reported that a
drone appeared to be trying to capture
images of her sun-tanning topless on
her private balcony.
prohibition on criminal harassment).
In August, 2015, Canadian Underwriter
Magazine reported on five fundamental
risks that could harm drone users
or manufacturers: (a) negligent or
reckless pilots; (b) patchy regulatory
regimes; (c) poor enforcement; (d)
vulnerability to cyberattack; and (d)
privacy infringement.
Theoretically, the operator of a
“peeping Tom” drone spying on
a sunbather could be subject to a
claim for breach of privacy. The
question would be whether the
conduct in question was “highly
offensive” to a “reasonable person.”
There are, however, more nefarious
privacy breaches that could be
occasioned by recreational drone
users, such as the theft of personal
information. This type of conduct will
almost certainly result in liability.
Civil liability relating to drones could
have significant implications for
Ottawa residents and business owners.
In October, 2015, the Ottawa Business
Journal reported on the success of
Ottawa’s very own Drone Fest and
the potential for the City of Ottawa
to play a leadership role in drone
innovation.
How the courts will deal with civil
liability arising from the use and operation of drones remains to be seen n
There is little doubt that improper use
of drones raises the potential for civil
liability. It is likely that existing tort
law principles provide injured parties
the right to sue for damages arising
from the negligent use and operation
of drones.
David Contant is an associate lawyer
at Nelligan O’Brien Payne LLP, and a
member of our Commercial Litigation,
Insurance Defence, and Personal Injury
groups. David can be reached by email
at [email protected] or by
calling 613-231-8354 n
Drone operators are also subject to
the provisions of the Criminal Code
of Canada (for example, the existing
For more information on
commercial litigation law, please
visit www.nelligan.ca.
35 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
patient-centred health care series by OLM staff
Ottawa’s Most Innovative Hospital
Tom Schonberg is the President
of What Many Consider to be Ottawa’s Best Hospital
T
PHOTO: TREVOR LUSH
om Schonberg has been the President and CEO of Queensway Carleton
Hospital (QCH) in Ottawa since 1998. He has played a big part in helping
QCH become one of the top medical institutions in Ontario. Now celebrating
its 40th anniversary, QCH serves a population of over 400,000 each year. It is the
secondary referral centre for the Ottawa region, but its mission is to constantly
strive to be first in community care. Schonberg has overseen the transformative
change and immense growth of the hospital’s facilities in the past decade that has
been a boon to Ottawa’s community, influencing a significant improvement in
health and medical treatment in the region.
The hospital now employs 1,900
employees and over 300 physicians on
staff. It relies heavily on the help of
the community, with 575 volunteers
who donated over 45,000 hours of
their time last year. Schonberg is quick
to credit his team and the staff at the
hospital and notes that one of the
reasons for the hospital’s growth and
continuing success is the commitment
of its volunteers. “There are some
exceptional people who volunteer
their time to help us every day,” says
Schonberg.“They really are the soul of
this place and we genuinely appreciate
their help.”
As for the mechanics of the hospital,
QCH has state-of-the-art facilities
including: two MRI units, two CT
scanners, cutting-edge surgical suites
with 10 operating rooms, a 12-bed
ICU, a 15-bed dialysis unit, an acute
rehabilitation unit, and a Emergency
Department and Ambulatory Care
complex. Schonberg also established
the Irving Greenberg Family Cancer
Centre as well as the James Beach
Health Care Centre.
Schonberg’s latest QCH venture is
participation in the Acute Care for
An innovative approach was required in Ottawa when it came to geriatric
care… it’s important to be respectful and to provide the appropriate care
that is patient focused first.
the Elderly (ACE) initiative. The ACE
program aims to serve the growing
elderly population in Canada. It is a
collaborative enterprise that includes
18 hospitals across the nation, one of
which is the QCH, making it one of
the leading institutions for geriatric
care in Canada.
About 15 per cent of the city’s
population is over the age of 65 and
that number is expected to double
** Prior to coming to Ottawa Schonberg was CEO of Bowmanville Memorial Hospital and Senior Vice-President of Toronto’s Riverdale.
In recognition of his contributions to Queensway Carleton Hospital and broader community, he was awarded with the Order of Ottawa
in 2014. In 2012, Queensway Carleton was awarded an “Accreditation with Exemplary Standing”, the highest honour given by
Accreditation Canada.
36 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
over the next 20 years.
Schonberg told Ottawa Life that in
light of those statistics, “an innovative
approach was required in Ottawa when
it came to geriatric care.What you don’t
want is a risk of overcrowding hospitals
especially with an ageing population,
so it’s important to be respectful and
to provide the appropriate care that is
patient focused first.”
Schonberg noted that the cost of
health care is a constant concern for
any hospital, but it is essential at QCH
that these concerns don’t trump proper
patient outcomes.
The ACE unit at QCH is scheduled
for completion by the fall of 2016.It
has 34 beds, an interdisciplinary team
to care for the various needs of aging
patients, and a homey and comfortable
environment.
“ACE is meant to address its patient’s
particular needs efficiently so seniors
and their families can avoid drawn
out hospital stays. We have a plan for
discharge that begins upon admission
and allows for elderly patients to
continue their care in the comfort of
their own homes,” says Schonberg.
Another big challenge facing hospitals
in Canada has been addressing the
increase in mental health admissions.
QCH has seen a 30 per cent increase
in mental health admissions, a 55 per
cent increase in substance abuse visits
and a 25 per cent increase in patients
diagnosed with mental health issues in
the past decade.
Schonberg assures that Queensway
Carleton is not shrinking from this
challenge and will be there for patients
in the community who require help.
“We have a campaign we just launched
called Hopes Rising. I am hopeful
that our community will support the
campaign to raise $5 million to help
the hospital continue to serve the
growing mental health needs of the
city.”
Based on his track record and
relationship with the community, it’s
probably a sure thing n
37 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
the canada-turkey/ottoman to ottawa friendship series by Alex Mazur
Turkish Canadian Community
RAISES MONEY FOR CHEO
n Saturday April 23, distinO
guished guests gathered to
celebrate Turkish National Sovereignty
and International Children’s day at
a fundraising gala organized by the
Council of Turkish Canadians (CTC),
the proceeds of which were donated
to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern
Ontario (CHEO). The CTC has been
organizing this commemorative event
for the past seven years, and has raised
$90,000 for CHEO in the process.
For those in Turkey, and Turkish
communities around the world, April
23 is a national and international
holiday. It is a day to commemorate the
first gathering of the Grand National
Assembly, the first independent
Turkish Parliament, established on
April 23, 1920. The founder of the
Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kamal
Atatürk, linked Turkish independence
with honouring the children of
Turkey, and children of the world, to
promote a message of peace and hope
for the future in the wake of political
turmoil.
In 1920, the establishment of the
Grand National Assembly in Ankara,
the current capital of Turkey, as
opposed to Istanbul, the previous
capital of the Ottoman Empire, was
more than a change in geography. This
38 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
day symbolizes the freedom to choose
values such as democracy, equality,
secularism,and human rights,according
to Murat Saatcioglu, a Distinguished
professor in Civil Engineering at the
University of Ottawa, a volunteer for
the CTC, and a guest at the Children’s
Day gala.
the CTC and organizer of the gala,
came to Canada from in 1967. She
has been a vibrant and integral part
of the Turkish-Canadian community
here in Ottawa, and has been working
with the CTC since 1973, putting into
practice the Turkish anthem, “peace at
home, peace abroad.”
In Turkey, on April 23, children from
around the world are invited as guests
into Turkish homes to celebrate
international peace and friendship, and
to participate in opening Parliament as
an international assembly of children.
The goal is to promote fraternity and
friendship no matter what nation of
origin.
“This gala means we’re doing something
good for Canada, something good
for the children,” said Taymaz. “We’re
coming together to help contribute to
Canada while still remembering our
roots by teaching our children positive
things about our history.”
Celebrations occur across Canada,
in cities like Toronto, Vancouver and
Edmonton. In Ottawa, the Turkish
Ambassador Selcuk Ünal attended
the gala with his wife and young
daughter. He reiterated the message of
peace and hope one he says resounds
throughout all the Turkish diaspora on
International Children’s Day.
Kevser Taymaz, founding president of
Auction items, including paintings
donated by well-known Turkish
painters such as Hikmet Çetinkaya,
“the poppy man,” whose paintings
have been in the Canadian War
Museum and art by Mine Burak, a
painter and ceramic artist who lived in
Ottawa during the 1980s, brought in
generous bids.
This year, the International Children’s
Day gala raised an estimated $10,000
for CHEO n
the canada-turkey/ottoman to ottawa friendship series by Alex Mazur
Turkish Airlines Does Business Right
When planning a trip to Europe, it might not be a Canadian’s first instinct to
choose Turkey as their jumping off point, but perhaps it should be.Turkish Airlines
flies to Istanbul from Toronto and Montreal, and the airline itself might just be
Europe’s best-kept travel secrets.
Skytrax, a company that rates airlines
around the world based on customer
reviews, has ranked Turkish Airlines
amongst the top ten airlines in the
world consecutively since 2011. A
business class flight, explained by
Darren Dunlop, manager of corporate
sales in Montreal, involves a fine
dining extravaganza cooked by what
he called their “flying chefs.” It’s an
experience that is meant to take you
away from your flight, and give you a
taste of gourmet Turkish cuisine. The
seats in business class also recline fully
to create a comfortable bed, so that on
long flights you can arrive to your next
destination feeling rested and refreshed.
On top of it stellar reviews, Istanbul's
prime geographic location, enables
Turkish Airlines to fly to 115 different
countries, and 285 destinations,.
making it the airline that flies to the
most countries in the world. Istanbul
then becomes what Dunlop calls a
“connection gateway to Europe,Africa,
Asia, the Middle East, and obviously
into Turkey.”
With this in mind, Turkish Airlines
recently upgraded its Lounge Istanbul,
which according to Skytrax is the best
business class lounge in the world.
Measured at 5900 square metres, the
lounge is bigger than some small
airports. It has a myriad of chefs on site
able to make different food to order,
a library, golf simulators, a cinema,
and private rooms available for those
waiting for connections to refresh.
Economy fliers also get some perks
when flying with Turkish Airlines. For
any connection in Istanbul that lasts
longer than six hours, Turkish Airlines
offers tours of Istanbul, no reservation
or payment required. So when planning
your next trip to Europe, taking the
path less travelled to Istanbul just
might make all the difference in your
vacation experience n
39 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
40 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
canada-china friendship series by Luo Zhaohui
Chinese Investors Remain Confident
about Canadian Market
I. Chinese Investment in
Canada Continues to Grow.
Canada has been one of China’s
favourite global destinations for
investment in recent years. China’s
Ministry of Commerce statistics shows
that China’s non-financial outbound
direct investment (ODI) rose 14.7 per
cent year-on-year to a historic high of
US$118.02 billion in 2015. This was
the 13th year of consecutive growth
for China’s ODI, which averages 33.6
percent over the last 13 years. As of
year-end 2015, the stock of China’s
ODI exceeded one trillion US
dollars for the first time. Canada ranks
12th among China’s ODI outflow
destinations.
According to Statistics Canada, the
stock of China’s direct investment in
Canada was valued at CAN$25.08
billion at the end of 2014, up 22.8
per cent year-on-year, accounting
for 3.42 per cent of Canada’s total
inbound foreign direct investment
(FDI). China is now Canada’s sixth
largest source of FDI. The stock
of Canada’s FDI in China was
CAN$6.794 billion at the end of
2014, rising 16.4 per cent year-onyear and accounting for 0.82 per cent
of Canada’s total outbound FDI.
According to preliminary statistics of
the Chinese Embassy in Canada, as
of year-end 2015, over 200 Chinese
companies have invested in Canada.
The stock of their investment was
valued at over US$60 billion. In 2015
alone, 22 Chinese-invested companies
were set up and started operation in
Canada, with an investment flow of
US$4.495 billion.
II. Investment in Canada is
Diversifying.
Although
Chinese
investment
has focused on the energy and
mining industries, there has been a
growing trend towards investment
in other sectors in recent years. This
is particularly true in the last two
years when more and more Chinese
investors have opted for sectors other
than energy and mining.
Among the 22 Chinese-invested
companies that were set up in Canada
in 2015, only two chose to invest in the
energy and mining sectors and their
investment accounted for only 2 per
cent of the 22’s. Seven of them invested
in real estate or related sectors while
the remaining 13 channelled their
capital to other sectors ranging from
wholesale and retail, science research,
technology service to commercial
service, agriculture and hotel industry.
Chinese investment could be found
in almost all Canadian provinces and
territories except Prince Edward
Island, New Brunswick and Nunavut.
Impacted by the global economic cycle,
some Chinese-invested companies
in Canada, especially those in the
energy and mining sectors, are finding
themselves in a difficult situation.
That being said, Chinese investors
remain confident about investment
prospects in Canada. Their confidence
is built on Canada’s sound investment
environment and the two countries’
high economic complementarities.
III.Investment Promotion and
Protection Agreement and
Other Bilateral Agreements
Facilitates Mutual
Investment.
In September 2012, China and
Canada signed a Foreign Investment
Promotion and Protection Agreement
(FIPA), which entered into force as of
1 October 2014.The FIPA has boosted
two-way investment significantly.
On 2 April 2015, China and Canada
41 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
signed an Agreement on Social
Security. The agreement provides for
continuity of social security coverage
for employees sent by their Chinese
or Canadian employers to work
temporarily in the receiving country.
The agreement eliminates situations
in which such individuals and their
Chinese or Canadian employers will
have to contribute to both China’s
pension programme and the Canada
Pension Plan for the same work.
In February 2016, a Foreign Investment
Promotion and Protection Agreement
(FIPA) between China’s Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region and
Canada was signed in Toronto.
The conclusion and implementation
of these agreements provide additional
legal and institutional assurances to
investors of both countries and will
strengthen their confidence. The
agreements can help Chinese and
Canadian investors more easily access
each other’s investment market and will
42 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
Chinese-invested companies
have created over 6,400 direct
job opportunities for Canadians,
including many from aboriginal
communities
have a positive and far-reaching impact
on the growth of China-Canada trade
and economic relations. A Free Trade
Agreement (FTA) between China
and Canada, once concluded, is sure
to give even stronger impetus to twoway trade, investment and cooperation
between the two countries.
IV.Chinese-Invested
Companies Contribute
to Canada’s Social and
Economic Development.
Chinese-invested
companies
in
Canada always abide by Canadian laws
and rules. All following a localisation
strategy, they have built mutual trust
with relevant Canadian authorities and
business partners and fully integrated
into local communities. They have
never failed to fulfil corporate social
responsibilities and have contributed
to Canada’s economic and social
development
through
mutually
beneficial and win-win cooperation.
Such win-win outcome can be seen
from the following perspectives. First,
China’s investment in the energy and
mining sectors has provided much
needed fund for the development
of these capital-intensive sectors.
Secondly, Chinese-invested companies
have created enormous employment
opportunities in Canada. According
to preliminary statistics of the Chinese
Embassy in Canada, as of year-end
2015, Chinese-invested companies
have created over 6,400 direct job
opportunities for Canadians, including
many from aboriginal communities.
Thirdly, while pursuing business
growth, Chinese-invested companies
have actively fulfilled their corporate
social responsibilities and contributed to the development of local
communities n
travel by Shane Carmichael
Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Cancun and the Mayan Riviera are popular vacation destinations for Canadians. At the tip of the Yucatán
Peninsula, the newly refurbished Hyatt Ziva Cancun provides another great reason to keep going back.
urrounded by the Caribbean Sea
S
on three sides, this family- friendly
all inclusive resort encompasses three
towers (Pyramid, Club and Premium),
two beaches and numerous room
options for couples or larger groups.
Offerings include two storey family
suites and swim-up suites with infinity
pools. The rooms feature spectacular
views of Caribbean Sea and Hyatt’s
brand of high end, classy, signature
service. The design incorporates a
contemporary feel with a bow to
Mayan traditions and colour.
The lobby design features a glass and
coral stone theme that leads to a grand
staircase cleverly designed for dual use
as seating for the live entertainment
at the resort’s outdoor amphitheatre.
Amenities include free resort-wide
Wi-Fi, room service and TVs with
a great selection of channels. Rooms
have espresso makers, beach butlers
and access to the Bar del Mar Lounge
for tapas and cocktails. You can easily
spend most of the day on the beautiful
beach or at one of the three lagoonstyle infinity swimming pools which
have lots of beach chairs and a comfy,
laidback vibe. The resort staff is terrific
and you’ll never wait for a cold drink.
Young families can take advantage of
the Kidz Club while adults can visit
the resort’s seafront Zen Spa for a mud
rap or caviar facial before going into
the hydrotherapy pool or resting under
the shaded huts on the beach. All nonmotorized sports are free including
bicycling, yoga classes, the weight and
PHOTO: VRX STUDIOS
workout gym, snorkelling, aerobics
classes in the pool, paddle boarding
and water basketball and volleyball.You
have the option of renting two-storey
wooden cabanas (USD$150-$240 per
day with swim-up bars and a big hot
tub) and there are fees for motorized
water sports which is the norm
throughout the Caribbean. Patrons
take full advantage of the Ziva’s six
bars located poolside and throughout
the hotel. They offer everything from
fine wines to tequila, beer, mojitos and
margaritas.
The resort has nine restaurants serving
a variety of choices including Italian
(Lorenzo’s), French (Bastilles) and
American fare (Chevy’s Diner) with a
flare. If you are in the mood for Asian
food, try Moongate. The resort also has
an excellent Spanish steakhouse called
Tradewinds. Early risers will enjoy
the coffee house Casa Café. Chiapas
coffee is a special treat. If you are off
your normal schedule and peckish in
the middle of the night, you can go to
24 Horas and have a snack 24 hours
a day. A nice touch is the pleasant
staff who roam the resort with fruity
crepes and spicy pineapple on a skewer.
Families will find that their kids will be
dragging them to Pasteles for yummy
deserts of chocolate, gooey gummy
bears, gelato and cotton candy.
A lunch spot favourite at Zivia is
Mercado, which offers buffet style
services of seafood (smoked fish),
chicken, beef and vegetables along with
an assortment of dessert pastries. Unlike
a lot of buffets, where everything is
precooked, a lot can be cooked fresh
for you like: Omelets, Eggs, pancakes,
crepes, sea bass, salmon and shrimp.
The hotel is close to shopping for
souvenirs, sunblock and beachwear, in
case you left anything at home. The
area has lots to offer within walking
distance. Public transit or local taxis and
both are offered in Cancun. Taxis are
available at the hotel or you can walk
down the street towards the shopping
centre where you can get a taxi at a
much cheaper rate.
The Hyatt Ziva Cancun is a perfect
getaway for your next trip to Cancun.
It has friendly, professional staff, great
room offerings, superb restaurants and
bars and wonderful on-site land and
water activities in a spectacular and
relaxing environment n
43 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
travel by Karen Temple
Cayman Reboot
A British Overseas Territory, the Cayman Islands are unlike almost all other Caribbean Islands. As an
international financial centre, residents are educated, affluent and benefit from the wealth of indirect taxation.
Head to the Cayman Islands for a
personal system reboot. No green juice
required… the hot sun, cool cocktails
and delicious food of this luxury
Caribbean destination is all you need to
change your personal programming.
With some 50,000 inhabitants, Grand
Cayman is the biggest and most
populated of the three islands. Seven
Mile Beach is public, so instead of
being segregated in individual hotel
compounds, visitors can wander down
the sand and breakfast at the Westin,
walk into the Ritz for a spa treatment
or have drinks at the Marriott. There
are no all-inclusives so the island feels
like one big open resort.
Start your visit by shaking off the
travelling fog with yoga on the beach.
The sand underfoot makes it a little
tricky to hold a pose, but with the
waves gently crashing in and the
instructor from Bliss Yoga leading the
mind-calming, meditative movements,
you will be well on your way to
updating your personal system.
Reboot Options
Pet therapy Cayman style is a midocean stingray experience. As you
stand in the crystal clear, chest deep
waters of the Stingray
City sandbar, the rays
swim to you like a pack
of puppies. They’re
attracted by years of
feasting on the castoffs from fishing boats
who stopped in the
44 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
calm waters to clean their catch before
heading into dock. The experience is
completely natural. There’s nothing
preventing the rays from swimming
away. If you stick your arms straight out
in front of you, they nuzzle into you,
seemingly wanting to cuddle. Many of
the rays have been coming back for
years and the locals have given them
names. There are many options to get
there. We went in style with Cayman
Luxury Cruises.
With your serotonin level up, it’s time
to further de-stress with some kayaking
and stand-up paddle boarding. Most
hotels either offer equipment for use
or have rental facilities beachside. The
waters of Seven Mile Beach are calm
enough to venture off straight from
the beach. There are also kayak tour
operators who offer tours through the
mangrove forests. Keep an eye out for
the iguanas that seem to drip from the
trees like the melting clocks in a Dali
painting. For a unique experience, opt
for a bioluminescent kayak tour under
the stars.
If scuba diving takes you to a Zen
place, the Caymans are said to have the
best diving in the Caribbean. Grand
Cayman offers 171 dive sites with
a choice of sunken wrecks, shallow
dives or the western wall. The sites
are heavily regulated and respected
by operators who rotate locations to
mitigate overuse. Little Cayman is
the destination for serious divers who
are crowd-adverse. Bloody Bay Wall
is considered to be one of the best
diving sites in the western Caribbean.
New divers planning a dive vacation
are encouraged to take their in-class
courses before leaving home. The
calm seas and clear waters also make
for some of the best snorkeling.
If feet firmly planted on earth is
the way you cruise, don’t miss the
observation tower in Camana Bay.
The Escher-esque double helix stairs
and the stunning undersea mosaic that
rises from street level to the top floor
makes it a must see. Admire the artistry
of the tile work and note how the
marine life and light levels change as
you ascend to the top. It’s spectacular.
The whole Camana Bay development
is an impressive new urbanism work/
living development that includes
offices, shopping, and some fantastic
restaurants, all designed to maximize
the experience for visitors and
residents alike.
While the sun and sea
rejuvenates your soul,
head to a Spa to do
the same for your skin.
Walking through the
doors of the La Prairie
Spa at the Ritz Carleton is
like entering a Krypton-
like dimension. With dim lighting and
the sound of water trickling, it is very
cool but also classy. The staff is on par
with that of a Michelin star restaurant.
Who knew that a facial could leave
you feeling so relaxed and noodly.
Feeding your Cells
Food on the islands is fabulous. Top
chefs have opened restaurants and
the farm to table movement is robust.
Leading that trend is The Brasserie in
Grand Cayman. Acclaimed American
Chef Max Dean was on hand with
master gardener Joel Walton of
Plantation House Organic Garden
and owners Lisa and King Flowers.
Together they described how, until
recently, only imported produce was
coveted. But all that has changed and
the single, struggling farmers market
has now increased to two bustling
markets where buyers arrive early to
ensure they are not disappointed. The
Brasserie is in the hub of Georgetown,
a stone’s throw from the busy cruise
terminal, but it still manages to have
an on-site garden. The restaurant also
holds events and classes to promote
sustainable cooking. Further, they
have developed recipes to promote
the consumption of a previously
unconsumed fish that, although
beautiful to divers, is destroying the
local reefs. They share these recipes
with other chefs during the very
popular, yearly Cayman Cookout in
order to help the cause.
A short flight away, on 19 km-long
sister-island Cayman Brac, ultraprivate Hotel Le Soleil d’Or has taken
the sustainable table movement a leap
further. Born as a refuge for friends and
family, the resort works in harmony
with the environment and the local
population. Lunch at the 20-acre
farm was like tasting vegetables and
fruit for the first time. Everything was
kissed with freshness and infused with
hyper taste. Secluded and exclusive
luxury might bring visions of excess
and waste, but instead Le Soleil d’Or
embodies sustainability.
Updating Your Drivers
Take some time away from the sun and
visit the National Gallery in Grand
Caymen. This little gem is likely the
smallest national art collection you’ll
ever see, but considering there were
no art supplies on the island until the
1960s, the collection is only going to
grow. The museum offers workshops
and lectures along with drop–in
sessions that are open to the public.
You can’t recharge your battery if
you are herded on and off a bus for
an hour-long ride from the airport
to your hotel. Considering its 35 km
x 13 km size, there are no long cab
rides anywhere on Grand Cayman.
Everything is close. In fact, Little
Cayman is so small that walking to
the airport, is an option passing trees
full of rare red-footed boobies on
the way. The main road intersects the
landing strip. When flights are due
to land, a car is pulled out to block
other vehicles. With only 200 or so
permanent residents, you are more
likely to encounter an iguana.
Considered a luxury destination, the
Caymans do offer budget options for
those who don’t mind trading a beach
view for beach access. There are some
big saving opportunities during May
to November’s off-season, but let’s face
it, it’s winter that we need to escape
from, not the warmer months.
• Taxis on Grand Cayman are everywhere, but families be forewarned that
rates are per-person. A $2O ride in from the airport will cost each person
on board $20. Public transportation is currently almost non-existent so car
rental is a great option if you want to move around.
If you are looking for the latest in
all-inclusive, winter-busting southern
destinations, the Caymans are not
for you. Instead, Grand Cayman is a
cosmopolitan destination that offers
luxuries both big and small. Together
with its two smaller sister islands,
they are a safe, friendly and a highly
recommended destination to reboot
your system for foodies and sun
seekers alike. Consider them one large
anti-depressant for the soul. The hot
sand and warm waters of the Cayman
Islands will help you recharge your
system n
• For those accustomed to the pre-paid southern holidays, be aware that most
hotels do charge an additional daily, per person resort fee.
www.visitcaymanislands.ca
WHEN YOU GO:
• This is an island of bankers and brokers so wifi is available everywhere.
• Safety. Feel confident that you are visiting a country that is completely safe.
It’s the fifth largest banking centre in the world and the world’s best domicile
for healthcare.
• There are lots of annual festivals and events in the Caymans. From Pirates,
to cooking, legends tennis and open-water swimming, there is always
something going on.
45 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
travel by Alessandra Gerebizza & OLM Staff
PHOTO: CLIVE BARBER
Live or Stay at this Extraordinary Waterfront
Golf Resort in Georgian Bay
T
he Cobble Beach community
is one that fills you with instant
serenity. The magnificent ponds on
either side of the road and the blue
glow of Georgian Bay that greet the
eye as you drive in, have that calming
effect that water brings. Travelling
down the windy but spacious road
towards the inn and clubhouse gives
further indication that you are in for
a treat as the championship course
begins to peek its head out from
between the unique and colourful
custom and model homes that dot
across the breathtaking 574 acre
property purchased in 1998 by Willis
McLeese. Your final turn towards the
inn gives you a closer look at the
Nantucket- style lighthouse that sits
next to the dock, built for residents and
visitors complete with ever-inviting
Adirondack chairs.
At the inn you will be greeted by
knowledgeable staff, which is more
like warm extended family than resort
employees. As for the rooms, they are
both luxurious and practical with every
amenity of home available making it
very difficult to ever imagine leaving.
(While you should unplug, if you can’t,
Cobble Beach has you covered.)
Once you have settled in, a tour of
the inn should begin on the first floor
where you will find the Sweetwater
Restaurant & Bar. From the restaurant
your view of both the course, with its
St Andrew’s- inspired finishing bridge,
and of the Georgian Bay is matched
only by the creations of the executive
chef and his team. Offering unique and
delicious meals, and focusing on locally
grown produce and fish, each visit is
truly an occasion to be remembered
for its culinary excellence. You can’t
go wrong with the beef tenderloin or
46 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
the chef ’s special. If you have a sweet
tooth, the decadent and moist apple
crumble tart is a must.
For special events or larger groups
there is the Bridgewater Four Seasons
Room and Dunvegan room which are
connected to the restaurant and offer
intimate and private alternatives to the
dining room area.
On the north side of the inn you will
find the pool and spa. Facials, massage,
body treatments, and even gentlemen
services are all available. However,
the standout service is the Mango
Enzyme Firming Wrap. The treatment
begins with a full body exfoliating
scrub followed by a moisturizing body
wrap while you’re receiving a scalp,
neck, foot and shoulder massage at the
same time. The treatment concludes
with a rain shower and coconut lotion
application. You will leave feeling
refreshed and ready for a round of
golf.
The 18-hole championship course
was completed and opened for play on
May 18, 2007 by course designer Doug
Carrick (Eagle’s Nest & Muskoka
Bay among his other courses) and is
truly exceptional. Admiral Owen's
House marks halfway point between
the 2 nine holes and beside it there
is a fully operational driving range
and outdoor practice facility. Electric
GPS carts are available for rent and are
recommended as you will notice there
are considerable elevation changes
on the aptly named holes (from the
inviting short par 3, 8th hole Sanctuary,
to the snowman inducing par 4, 13th,
Rob’s Gulch). Picturesque views
can be found on every hole as well
as a variety of tee boxes for various
golfing levels. As you might expect,
the course is immaculately maintained
by meticulous and friendly staff. For
the non golfer, there is much to do
beyond the links. Cobble Beach has
tennis courts, a large docking area for
guests and residents arriving by water,
a beach club with a variety of light
watercrafts available for use, a fire pit,
and a children’s playground.
In addition to these activities, there
are kilometres of trails to be explored,
including an enchanted forest with
wood carvings commissioned from a
local artist. Nearby, you can visit and
explore Fossil Glen, a unique and
challenging hiking trail with a variety
of millennium old fossil deposits. A
short drive away is the quaint town of
Owen Sound offering shopping and
the Tom Thomson art gallery.
Cobble Beach is a place to be a
discovered.
Its
master-planned
community is suited for residents and
guests looking to embrace life and all
it has to offer. The McLeese family’s
passion for excellence is evident
property wide and is certain to leave
all guests with fond memories and the
desire to return again… and again n
cobblebeach.com
travel by Samantha Lapierre
Sweet Montreal
It is no secret that Montreal is home to some of Canada’s best restaurants and
chefs, but what may not be as well known is the fact it is also a chocolatier and
pastry making paradise.
For a fun-filled take on Montreal, hop
on a VIA train (spoil yourself and go
business class) and take a chocolate
tour.
La Fabrique Arhoma is a sweet
Contemporary chic Sofitel Montreal
Golden Mile is the perfect luxury
hotel located in the heart of downtown
Montreal and at the foot of Mount
Royal Park to from which to explore.
Here are some of the best chocolate
stops for a tour.
Juliette et Chocolat serves up
chocolate in pretty much everything
– waffles, crepes, fondues, ice cream
bowls, and a huge assortment of hot
chocolates. Marshmallow Madness is a
hot chocolate topped with handmade
marshmallows and made with milk,
dark and white chocolates, the drink
was rich and hit the spot. The menu
also extends non-chocolate items,
such as buckwheat crepes which are
incredible.
Chocolats Privilège Located in the
Atwater Market, the artisanal shop has
been a Market staple for the past 3 years,
selling handcrafted truffles, ganaches
and pralines. Four other locations, and
to gelatos and cakes. Suite 88 provides
a comforting and quaint atmosphere
for both the young and the young at
heart. Colourful flowers decorate the
modern space, and contemporary red
leather club chairs and benches can be
found in the store’s lounge section.
a production workshop, can be found
around Quebec. Chocolats Privilège is
also a bean to bar shop, meaning that
selections of chocolates sold in the
boutique store are made from beans
imported from Mexico. Once these
beans are cultivated, they are shipped
to the store, and the chocolate is made
in the back of Privilège’s Atwater store.
The location also offers initiation to
chocolate classes, giving the public a
taste of the work that goes into getting
a bean and making it into a bar.
Best known for its hot chocolates,
waffles and brownies, Suite 88
Chocolatier is a quiet escape from
the bustling city. Launched in 2005 by
Montreal chocolatier Gerson Vineberg,
Suite 88 offers a large selection of sweets
ranging from their above signatures, to
chocolate dipped Oreos and pretzels,
24/7 boulangerie that is humming
with locals and tourists alike. The back
of the store boasts a large production
room for its cakes and pastries, while
another workspace is used as a bakery
workshop with bakers hard at work.
All of the hustle and bustle can be
seen through large windows that give
customers a behind the scenes peek into
the production side of things. Visitors
to Arhoma are also in for a sweet treat,
as it has recently developed its very
own sweet signature: the Exactly 72.7%
Arhoma Chocolate Bar.
Chocolats Andrée Family owned
and operated since its opening in 1940,
Chocolats Andrée offers delicious
hand-dipped
gourmet
high-end
goodies. From classics, to creams, to
choc-fruits, to nutty delights and
modern-vintage reclaimed flavours,
Chocolats Andrée boasts a long list
of treats. Andrée’s history is as unique
as the chocolates it serves; the store
opened during the Second World War
47 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
by sisters Madeleine Daigneault and
Juliette Farand and it quickly became
known for its commitment to quality
products. Considered an institution in
its Park Avenue neighbourhood, the
boutique has also been using the very
same tools and methods over the past
seventy years, making Andrée a true
classic.
Learn the ropes of chocolate making
at L'Académie du Chocolat. It is
the only chocolate school in Canada
and provides pastry, confectionary
and baking courses that are available
for professionals and beginners alike.
Located near Montreal’s Rosemount
borough, the facility houses a tasting
48 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
centre, a classroom and a huge kitchen.
Learn how to make the perfect
diamond-shaped chocolate with a tasty
hazelnut filling from Chef Philippe
Vancayseele, a seasoned pastry chef
from Belgium. It is not easy and the
process can about two and a half hours,
but the results are amazing. You can
make your own box of chocolates.
Maison Christian Faure is located
in the heart of Old Montreal. Boasting
a pastry school for professionals (as
well as half-day classes for beginners),
Maison Christian is a beautiful shop
and restaurant that is famous for its
passion fruit tart. If you are staying for
dinner, there are many surprises. Try
the foie gras topped with cacao and ox
cheek topped with a special chocolate
sauce, accompanied by vegetables and
mustard ice cream.
If you need a break from chocolate,
try Restaurant Chambre à Part.
Located on Rue Saint-Denis, it's
decorated with a mix of exposed brick,
flowered wallpaper, rustic seating and
beautiful table arrangements. Chambre
offers an impressive list of wines and
cocktails, along with seafood, fish, meat
and vegetable dishes. Quebec is known
for its cheeses, so be sure to try a cheese
platter offering some local cheeses.
Renoir, Sofitel’s high-end restaurant is
another great dining option.
With a long weekend of massive
indulgence, you may need to loosen
your belt. However, it will be worth
every calorie n
opinion by Michael Coren
Faith and Free Thought
It’s an issue that has been understandably drenched in emotionalism and hyperbole
for years, but at long last there is some genuine movement. I refer to what is variously
called euthanasia, assisted suicide or even compassionate homicide. For a nation as
progressive and authentically liberal as Canada our previous lack of conversation
has been disastrous, and much of this can be attributed to a government beholden
– if not completely sympathetic – to a Christian right, obsessed with the issue. It’s
one of the big three for them of course, often the only three. No to abortion, no
to gay rights and no to euthanasia. Because they have lost the first two they are
fighting like zealots to defend the last.
So of what are we actually speaking
here? It’s vitally important to cut
through the nonsense and realize that
the alternative to dying with dignity
is not living; the alternative to dying
with dignity is dying without dignity.
Dying in pain, anguish and often
isolation. Death is never desirable but
always inevitable and while we must
do all in our power to preserve life, the
quality of that life is a major factor.
Quality of life, however, is a politically
loaded term. Disability does not
denote lack of quality, daily struggle
does not denote lack of quality, age
does not denote lack of quality. We
once revered the elderly as mansions
of wisdom, now we tend to see them
as slums that are better off demolished.
So a civilized society must be extremely
careful in how it regards the elderly,
the unfit and the unhealthy.
All of this has to be taken into account
but part of the problem is that even
even ostensibly intelligent and
informed writers and commentators
have delivered some dreadfully
inaccurate and misleading analyses
PHOTO: OLM STAFF
WE ONCE REVERED THE ELDERLY
AS MANSIONS OF WISDOM,
NOW WE TEND TO SEE THEM
AS SLUMS THAT ARE BETTER OFF
DEMOLISHED. SO A CIVILIZED SOCIETY
MUST BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL IN HOW
IT REGARDS THE ELDERLY,
THE UNFIT AND THE UNHEALTHY.
of the subject, caricaturing those
who support assisted dying as wild
monomaniacs. It prevents a balanced
discussion about a vital challenge.
Yet imagine knowing without any
doubt that you have a few months,
perhaps a year, to live and that most
of that time will be experienced - in
spite of medication - in daily agony. Or
consider someone with a neurological
disease, their muscles and movement
are wasting away yet their mind is still
functioning and they know that one
day they will drown within their own
body and that there is nothing that
can be done. This is the tear-stained,
horrific reality of the argument.
None of this is easy, all of this is
profound, but the vast majority of
people now agree that a heavily
regulated, strictly supervised system
of assisted dying is the only humane
approach. Teams of doctors and family
members would have to concur with
the individual’s wishes, time would be
required for repeated consideration,
every single circumstance would be
analyzed. But in the name of God –
and I use the word deliberately – we
can no longer stand by and allow
such suffering to continue merely
due to a theological or philosophical
technicality.
Ignore the political hysteria about
depressed teenagers being killed in
Europe or terrible mistakes taking
place in Oregon where people are
euthanized against their wishes. These
are generally false excuses and not
cogent arguments.The Dutch example
is probably the best and of those who
request to die in the Netherlands, one
third are declined, another third die
before their case is decided and the
remaining third are indeed helped to
an early death.
The door has now been opened and
it is utterly pointless imagining that
it can be closed again. What we need
is empathy and intelligence on all
sides and a reasoned approach to one
of the most significant and difficult
challenges of modern society. Which
means listening before speaking and
thinking before reacting. Anybody
who has spent time with someone
in their final days and has stared pain
and fear in the face knows this to be
the truth. The tough, tragic but utter
truth n
49 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
opinion by Patrick Gossage
Capitals Thoughts From Someone Who Has Lived And Worked In Both
One big difference between Ottawa and Washington DC is that the wicked House
of Cards fourth season is the stuff of binge watching in the capital of the most
powerful nation on earth — to the point where the plot’s twists are fully outlined
in advance in The Washingtonian — the city’s premium monthly magazine.
What a contrast to the last time
national TV in Canada paid dramatic
attention to Ottawa politics in the late
sixties with Gordon Pinsent playing
an upright, idealistic M.P. in the CBC
drama Quentin Durgens, M.P.
Whatever the dramatic exaggerations
of House of Cards, it does demonstrate
what my old boss Allan Gotlieb,
perhaps our most effective US
Ambassador ever, pointed out in his
autobiography - that Washington is all
about negotiating and making deals.
This is due to the separation of powers
and the enormous influence of the
Congress and Senate, their weighty
committee leaders, and what Gotlieb
called the Third House of Congress,
the armies of highly paid lobbyists.
Add to these often warring players,
the fourth estate more entrenched in
Washington than our press gallery is
here and the plot potential is endless.
This provides perfect material for
intrigue, blackmail, conspiracy and
deception which fuels the House of
Cards. Running the country from the
PMO when you have a majority only
occasionally requires making deals
with caucus.
Contrast the high power Washington
50 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
energy with the one work of Canadian
fiction that has put Ottawa politics on
the map – I am referring to The Best
Laid Plans, Terry Fallis’s humourous
adventure about electing an unlikely
candidate to the current House of
Commons. It’s light, nobody gets
killed, and justice and love prevail. Not
intriguing Washington indeed!
The focus of both capitals is of
course on their respective leaders.
Until the arrival of Justin and Sophie
we somewhat lacked a high profile
first couple. We had one with the
Mulroneys and for a while enjoyed
WHEN I WAS IN WASHINGTON,
IT (THE "IN" RESTAURANT) WAS
LA MAISON BLANCHE. I WAS
ASSIGNED TO TAKE MME CHRÉTIEN
THERE WHEN I WAS AT THE EMBASSY,
AND OF COURSE TOLD HER IN FRENCH
WHERE WE WERE GOING AND
SHE THOUGHT WE WERE GOING
TO THE REAL WHITE HOUSE.
one with Justin’s father and mother.
This time around, and after the
triumphant Washington visit and the
celebrity status accorded the Trudeau
couple, we can expect much enhanced
non-political attention to our first
couple to continue. We now have an
international power couple with some
of the media clout of the Obamas.
Whether Sophie, like her new friend
Michelle Obama, will show up
unexpected with hordes of cameras
and aides at an award-winning local
resident’s garden – they thought it was
for an HGTV show, Michelle used it
to kick off a nationwide gardening
tour(!) – remains to be seen. But she
will have her own causes, starting
obviously with promoting Canadian
fashion, and her activities will be very
well-covered for sure.
For entertaining, Washington has the
White House advantage. We have the
decrepit, empty 24 Sussex. Never, even
in my time with his father, was the venue
used for much more than a dinner for
20 or so. The current Trudeau home is
small if well-appointed.
We do have the National Arts Centre,
being buffed up for perhaps another
gala performance. It was with such
an event that we welcomed President
Reagan during his 1981 State Visit,
and even produced Anne Murray his
favourite Canadian singer. Pretty calm,
however, compared to state dinners
offered Chrétien and now Justin
Trudeau.
There are other contrasts between the
two capitals, and similarities. Obviously
we don’t have the Smithsonian, needless
to say “the world’s largest museum
ILLUSTRATION: OLM STAFF
complex, with 19 museums…” –
and admission is free! But we have
a very respectable and beautifully
situated National Gallery with world
class international art, and the most
comprehensive collection of Canadian
art in the country. In our cold capital,
only children under 11 are free.
restaurant. It has been long surpassed
by watering holes like Cafe Milano in
Georgetown where Bill and Hillary
Clinton might be seen munching on
one of the best pizzas or high-end
fish dishes in town. Or Bistro Bis
on Capitol Hill, favourite haunt of
Senators and Congressmen.
Having lived and worked in both
capitals, I have to say Washington is far
more social. Black Tie dinners are not
unusual, galas galore, many put on by
lobbyists, and strict protocol. We learnt
early that people arrive at six when
they are invited and leave at eight if
that’s what it says on the invitation.
In my Ottawa days, Mama Teresa’s was
the place to go and be seen and it may
become so again with the Liberals
back. It was Hy’s under the Harperites,
and it is now gone if not forgotten.
As is Nate’s, a favourite for long after
the first Trudeau years. Now today’s
“movers, shakers and foodies,” says
none other than Rick Mercer “follow
one guy—Steve Beckta.” The owner
of Beckta Dining & Wine recently
reopened in a heritage building on
Elgin.
Then there are each capital’s “in”
restaurants where the powerful can
be viewed peddling and proffering
influence. When I was in Washington,
it was la Maison Blanche. I was
assigned to take Mme Chrétien there
when I was at the embassy, and of
course told her in French where we
were going and she thought we were
going to the real White House. She
was surprised, and I was embarrassed
when we were dropped off at this lush
Université d’Ottawa
|
Canada - US relations are overseen
by the US Embassy in Ottawa, and
the Canadian Embassy in Washington.
They are both now in relatively new
elegant buildings in prime locations.
The Canadian building has a prow
like a ship jutting into Pennsylvania
Avenue and is the closest foreign
embassy to the Capitol. The US
Embassy gave up its prime site across
from Parliament and now overlooks
Byward Market. It is equally
formidable but less dramatic. Both
were controversial, the US building
because it overshadows the market,
our Washington structure because the
design was given to Trudeau’s friend
Arthur Erickson.
Canada is still a relatively minor player
in Washington despite our striking
physical presence there and despite last
month’s over the top welcome to our
PM and his delegation. It’s hard work
to be noticed, and thanks to House of
Cards we know far more about what
might go on in Washington than the
US knows or cares about what goes
on in Ottawa.
When I was with Ambassador Gotlieb
we put on the best parties. Our new
Ambassador will soon learn that
influence relates to the quality of guests
you can attract to your receptions and
dinners as much as to the ongoing
lobbying he does for our “interests”n
University of Ottawa
Apples. Asparagus.
What’s next?
Biophysicist Andrew Pelling explores the
grocery aisle in a quest to find new ways to
repair the human body. Learn how he uses
fruits and veggies to grow human tissue.
www.uOttawa.ca/give/andrewpelling
Defy the Conventional: The Campaign for uOttawa
51 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
52 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
more music by David Eisenstadt
With A Song In My Head
oviegoers of yesteryear may
M
remember the classic film With
A Song In My Heart. I remember this
flick and the actress Susan Hayward
who jumps off the screen in my mind.
However, what’s really going on in my
mind since mid-October 2015, I’ve
come to call With A Song In My Head.
When I awake each morning, I hear
a song. A different song every day at
whatever time I get up, and only for a
few moments. If I don’t key the title
(not necessarily the vocalist, group
or orchestra) into my PDA or write
it down right away, it disappears from
my consciousness, or unconsciousness.
It can happen at any other time of day
(if I’ve taken an occasional power nap
or a weekend nap) and there is always
one tune. Occasionally, a second might
kick in right after, but somehow I only
remember to write the first one down.
And, the same song never seems to
return, as if I’m only to hear it one
last time.
Now into my 7th decade on this
planet, I began wondering from where
this life change experience is coming?
And, while I’m not exactly certain
what this happening is actually called,
through friend Heather KasseI and my
jazz composer-drummer son Harris
Eisenstadt, I sourced a Dr. Oliver Sacks
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
book called Musicophilia - Tales of Music
And The Brain, who writes, “Music is
part of being human.”
I don’t know why my sleep awakening
songs started or if they’ll ever stop, but
the “Wurlitzer jukebox in my head”
keeps cranking out daily ditties.
Dr. Sacks says, ”the power of music,
whether joyous or cathartic must steal
one unawares, come spontaneously as
a blessing or a grace.” Certainly that
seems to be happening to me, but only
at my awakening, any time of day.
Perhaps the answer is as simple as this.
I’m an inveterate music radio dial
twister whenever I’m driving, listening
to JazzFM91 and SiriusXM stations
from Little Steven’s Underground
Garage, to the E-Street channel,
Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Buffet, Classic
Vinyl, CBC Classical, some country &
western, and the 50s, 60, 70s and 80s,
on a regular basis.This all happens after
I get my sports radio fix on Toronto
stations 590, 1050, and the 680News
10-minute wheel.
So, is that from where the songs are
coming? Are some of the tunes I hear
getting buried unbeknownst to me?
Am I a frustrated wanna’ be radio
jock? Or do I simply enjoy basic and
cross-genre musical melodies and just
store them away?
Don’t know the answers, but some
of my family and friends have told
me they’d love to have this ‘musical
malady’ rather than weird and/or often
frightening dreams. Even the happy
dreamers say they’d prefer awakening
to my ‘condition.’
Dr. Sacks says “our sensitivity to music
can sometimes go wrong ....and subject
us to hours of mental replay, and how
a surprising number of people acquire
nonstop mental hallucinations that
assault them day and night. Yet more
frequently music gets it right.”
Here’s what I find fascinating. Dr.
Sacks describes how music can animate
people with Parkinson’s disease who
cannot otherwise move, give words to
stroke patients who cannot otherwise
speak and calm and organize people
whose memories are ravaged by
Alzheimer’s or amnesia.
Somehow, without looking too far
down the road, I might be one of the
lucky ones to avoid those illnesses,
because I have this “musicophilia”
condition, whatever the cause, and it’s
not going away any time soon.
So, let the band play on n
Visit ottawalife.com for David Eisenstadt’s
complete song list.
53 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
education by Simon Tremblay-Pepin
A
new
school
of social innovation is coming
A
s of September 2017, Saint Paul University will be the first Canadian
university to have an entire school dedicated solely to the new and
promising field of social innovation. Though this field of study is brand new in
academia, it is centuries old in terms of our communities’ day-to-day lives. Every
time we are collectively faced with a problem we have never encountered before
and find new ways to fix it, we are practising social innovation..
In the 19th century, working women
in Canada had to leave their children
with a family member or neighbour,
or sometimes on the street next to
the factory entrance. For decades,
women—with the help of some men—
found a solution to that problem. In
Quebec, they came up with a public
daycare system that not only relieved
women of the obligation of looking
after their toddlers individually, but
did so while educating children in
ways that improve their development.
The creation of this daycare system
is a story of social innovation. From
inception to consolidation, it went
through all the typical stages of a
social innovation project. There are
many similar stories to be told, from
the micro level of small co-ops to the
macro level of international networks.
Social innovation is a powerful tool.
It is how our communities can shape
the world in their own image. At Saint
Paul University, social innovation
means social change. Our world is
SOCIAL INNOVATION IS
A POWERFUL TOOL. IT IS HOW OUR
COMMUNITIES CAN SHAPE THE WORLD
IN THEIR OWN IMAGE. AT SAINT PAUL
UNIVERSITY, SOCIAL INNOVATION
MEANS SOCIAL CHANGE.
facing enormous challenges: poverty,
climate change, social exclusion, etc.
We need to address these problems
and recognize that solutions will be
found only through profound social
change. To make that happen, we
need to develop new and better tools,
and study and value the knowledge
produced within our communities.
But how can we study such a thing?
What does it mean to hold a degree
in social innovation? The team
developing the upcoming programs is
convinced that it is possible to teach
social innovation, but acknowledges
that this involves transforming current
practices. Social innovation cannot be
taught only in a classroom, where you
can learn analytical tools, historical
facts, or case studies. Though this
theoretical knowledge is useful to a
social innovator, it’s not enough. Social
innovation must be learned outside
academia, through fieldwork in real
organizations with real people.
For this reason, the program will
not only offer a series of practical
courses, but will also be linked to a
social innovation hub. In this space,
through the lens of critical thinking,
students will interact daily with social
entrepreneurs and social organizations.
If the students want to start a group or
a project, they will have direct access
to all the resources they need. Saint
Paul University’s School of Social
Innovation will not only provide its
students with new ideas, it will help
them create organizations that foster
social change n
You can be the face of change!
Saint Paul University (1848) is the founding college of the University of Ottawa, with which
it has been federated since 1965. Bilingual and on a human scale, it offers programs in social
communication, counselling and psychotherapy, canon law, public ethics, conflict studies,
philosophy, human relations, and theology.
54 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
ustpaul.ca
SUMMER AT THE OTTAWA ART GALLERY
Jerry Grey, Interval No. 4, (detail), 1974, watercolour on paper, 76.2 x 54.6 cm.
Courtesy of the artist. Photo: David Barbour.
JERRY GREY ON THE GRID: 1968–1978
JUNE 24 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2016
Paula Murray, You Are Me III, 2016, porcelain, 18 x 76 x 31 cm. Photo: Courtesy of the artist.
PAULA MURRAY: YOU ARE ME
GUEST CURATED BY RACHEL GOTLIEB
JUNE 24 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2016
Robbin Deyo, Swirl Still 04:32:21, (detail), 2015, oil on canvas, 46 x 81 cm.
Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Guy L’Heureux.
ROBBIN DEYO: STILL MOVING
JUNE 24 – AUGUST 14, 2016
Gail Bourgeois, Heterogeneity Imaged, (detail), 2015, watercolour, wax crayon and
graphite on paper, 20.3 x 29.2 cm. Photo: David Barbour.
GAIL BOURGEOIS: CORRESPONDENCE
FROM ROOTS TO RHIZOMES TO MYCELIAL NETWORKS
JUNE 4 – SEPTEMBER 18, 2016
2 Daly, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6E2
613-233-8699 | ottawaartgallery.ca
55 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
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