This week in the Activist Agenda (Edmonton) and now being released on Thursday so you can see what might fit in your weekend:

• November 10th, Friday – Writing Names of Palestinians Killed since October 7th
• November 10th, Friday – Weekly Climate Strike Ceasefire Now!
• November 10th, Friday – Weekly Coffee Outside
• November 11th, Saturday – Remembrance Day
• November 11th, Saturday – Ceasefire Now – White Peace Poppy
• November 12th, Sunday – Migrants Workers Fightback
• November 12th, Sunday – Palestinian Rally and March
• November 12th, Sunday – Gather for Peace
• November 14th, Tuesday – Climate Cafe
• November 15th, Wednesday – RBC: Stop Funding the Climate Crisis
• November 16th, Thursday – Red Cup Rebellion
• November 16th, Thursday – Intergenerational Fairness Day
• November 17th, Friday – Weekly Climate Strike Ceasefire Now!
• November 17th-19th – Parkland Conference
• November 18th, Saturday – An Ethical Global Market Place
• November 18th, Saturday – City of Edmonton Bike Light Parade
• November 18th, Saturday – Bike Edmonton AGM
• November 18th, Saturday – From Turtle Island to Palestine
• November 19th, Sunday – World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
• November 19th, Sunday – Paws for Peace Ceasefire Now Walk
• November 20th, Monday – Tar Sands Songbook – Edmonton Workshop Presentation
• November 22nd, Wednesday – National Housing Day
• November 22nd, Wednesday – How to Make the Best of Public Money for Public Good
• November 22nd, Wednesday – Housing– Who is it for?
• November 22nd, Wednesday – Feeding the future
• November 23rd, Thursday – Save our CPP Town Hall
• November 24th, Friday – Buy Nothing Day
• November 24th, Friday – Critical Mass Ride – Ceasefire Now
• November 24th, Friday – Weekly Climate Strike Ceasefire Now!
• November 25th, Saturday – Power Up
• November 30th, Thursday – One Ocean Film Tour

I may be posting some items that are for information purposes only. These are in case anyone reading this would like to show up as a counter-protest to the actions, learn about how groups like Take Back Alberta are mobilizing, etc. They are better organized in many cases. I have highlighted these items with a gray background as exemplified by this paragraph.
This article in the National Observer shows some of their tactics. This is not only about climate change and 15-minute cities but many of our social tenants are being pushed to align more to the far-right ideology complete with the religious overtones.
Check out this video by Take Back Alberta lead spokesperson David Parke to hear what they envision for Alberta.

Video of the Week

November 10th, Friday – Weekly Climate Strike Ceasefire Now!: A weekly reminder to Edmontonians that we are in a Climate Emergency.
Because of the immediacy of situation of the Israel/Hamas conflict we will be using our time at these strikes to focus on Ceasefire Now. The world has dragged its feet on taking acting on the Climate Breakdown for 5 decades I don’t think it will matter much if we shift our time for a bit to Ceasefire Now!
Extra signs will be available for people to use – or bring your own.
This is to promote the event that is happening on Saturday at 2 pm (see below)
Time: 8 am to 9 am
Location: 109th street and 88th Avenue
Facebook: Edmonton Climate Strike

November 10th, Friday – Weekly Coffee Outside: “Edmonton’s outdoor coffee club. We meet every Friday, rain, snow or shine between 7 & 9 am at Ezio Faraone Park.”
Time: 7 to 9 am
Location: Ezio Faraone Park, Edmonton
Twitter: YEG Coffee Outside

November 10th, Friday – Writing Names of Palestinians Killed since October 7th: Join Climate Justice Edmonton who is hosting a name writing event. “Every child killed in Gaza today would be alive if we had a ceasefire yesterday”
Time: 11:30 am
Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square

November 11th, Saturday – Remembrance Day: Untold number of people have lost their lives in armed conflict over our short history on this planet.
The Red Poppy is a symbol to remember those that died (initiated in 1919). The promise from that war was “Never Again” and “Lest We Forget” – but time and again we fight wars, more people die – combatants, civilians, ‘collateral damage’, etc. Even animals are killed in and because of war.
War has an extremely heavy footprint.
Yes, remember the dead, remember those impacted by combat but fight like hell for the living and for a world without war.
The White Peace Poppy offers respect and honours to those people that were greatly impacted because of armed conflict – the wives made widow, the children without a father, communities that lost a member, etc. There are many other victims of war other than the combatants.

November 11th, Saturday – Ceasefire Now & White Peace Poppy: We call for a ceasefire in all armed conflicts (Ukraine/Russia, Israel/Hamas, Yemen/Saudi Arabia, and I am sure there are others across the world).
The White Peace Poppy is an acknowledgement of ALL victims of war – civilians, refugees, ‘collateral victims’, etc. I even go further and want to protect the environment, animals (domesticated and wild), justice (No Justice, No Peace), damage/destruction of infrastructure and services that impact people, etc by advocating for peace.
Some groups offer – red poppies for remembrance and white poppies for a peaceful future. I can wholeheartedly support that.
A fellow peace activist recently wrote me – “it’s not enough to remember those who died in wars (red poppy) —you also have to work for peace –the white poppies.”
White poppies are worn every year by thousands of people across the UK [and in many places around the world – including Edmonton, AB, Canada] and beyond. They were first produced in the aftermath of the First World War, to hold on to the key message of remembrance, ‘never again’. They stand for three things:
1. Remembrance of all victims of war, including both civilians and members of the armed forces. We remember people of all nationalities. We remember those killed in wars happening now, as well as in the past. We also remember those who are often excluded from the mainstream, such as refugees and victims of colonial conflicts.
2. Challenging war and militarism, as well as any attempt to glorify or celebrate war. White poppies encourage us to question the way war is normalised and justified. They remind us of the need to resist war and its causes today.
3. A commitment to peace and to seeking nonviolent solutions to conflict. By drawing attention to the devastating human cost of war, white poppies highlight the urgency of our ongoing struggle for peace.”
“Non-violence:  25 lessons from the history of a dangerous idea”.  On pages 26-28,  Kurlansky writes that St. Martin was the first conscientious objector when he offered to go unarmed before the Gauls in 336 AD after he was accused of cowardice when he said: “I am a soldier of Christ.  I cannot fight.”  St. Martin is believed to have died on November 11, 397 which coincides with Armistice Day of World War 1.
So as the Patron Saint of Conscientious Objection and Nonviolence then it would be entirely appropriate to be commemorating St. Martin on November 11^th with white flowers.
More information about the White Peace Poppy and its meaning can be obtained from the Peace Pledge Union website.
Time: 10 am to 11:11 am
Location: Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market
Facebook Event Page: Gather for Peace

November 12th, Sunday – Migrants Workers Fightback: “Join us in discussing issues facing migrants today and more importantly finding collective solutions”
Time: 9am
Location: Providence Renewal Centre, 3005 – 119th Street
Registration: Eventbrite
Cost: 0$-30$

November 12th, Sunday – Palestinian Rally and March: Pan-Canadian Day of Action.
Time: 1pm
Location: Violet King Henry Plaza, 99th Avenue and 108th Street

November 12th, Sunday – Gather for Peace: A silent gathering of Edmontonians to call for peace and end armed conflict. Peace starts with a ceasefire.
We don’t take sides. We are not looking for one side to win and another to lose. We want peace to win so that everyone wins.
We will stand in silence for one-hour with our candles of hope.
Time: 5:00 pm to 6 pm
Location: South Plaza, Edmonton City Hall
Facebook: Gather for Peace

November 13th, Monday – November Cargo Bike Playground Meetup: “Every month we ride to a different Edmonton playground to play and chat about bikes. Whether you’re a cargo bike owner, cargo bike curious, or just passionate about everyday biking, all are welcome. These meetups are designed to be kid-friendly but having kids is not a requirement to attend!
This month’s meetup is on the holiday Monday at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Natural Playground. Bring your own coffee (the nearby zoo cafe will be closed this day). We’ll have a fire going at a nearby picnic site and will bring s’mores and hot chocolate to share.”
Time: 11:00am-1:00pm
Location: Sir Wilfred Laurier Park

November 14th, Tuesday – Climate Cafe: “Come join us for another climate café (same place as last, but this time starting at 5pm!)
We’re living through some really tough times, folks… let’s come together and give each other the gift of solidarity over a warm drink.”
Time: 5pm
Location: Mood Café, 7601 115 Street

November 15th, Wednesday – RBC: Stop Funding the Climate Crisis: “RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) is the largest funder of fossil fuel projects in Canada. These projects include the CoastalGas Link pipeline and the TMX Pipeline.
The world needs to transition away from burning fossil fuels. Building pipelines locks in money and resources allocated to perpetuate the fossil fuel industry. We need to transition away from fuel fuels as the basis of our economy and society.
We need to do this as soon as possible.
This action is to highlight to the general public how RBC funds climate chaos and ignores indigenous rights.
It is our intention to do this every week and at a variety of RBC locations around Edmonton. Please consider joining us for this one hour of action.
Funders are the foundation of this industry.
Signs will be available for people to use.
Time: 12 noon to 1 pm
Location: 10843 – Whyte Avenue – This will happen at the RBC branch on Whyte Avenue just east of 109th street. We will be on the west side of the bus shelter/stop.
Facebook: Edmonton Climate Strike – RBC

November 15th, Wednesday – Waste Free Edmonton Meet Up: “Connect with your local waste free community over some board games! Join Waste Free Edmonton at Table Top Cafe for a night of sustainable fun.
This is an informal gathering, where you can connect with other environmentally-minded Edmontonians. We will be sure to prepare a couple questions to help break the ice, but overall this is a casual event, with a goal of bringing people together to chat about waste, regardless of where you are in your waste reduction journey. All are welcome!
Table Top Cafe has generously donated their space and games for us to use. Which means as always, tickets are free or by donation. Your ticket does not include food or drink (we encourage you to support this wonderful venue by coming thirsty and hungry!), any funds raised via ticket donations will go towards keeping the organization running. Space is limited, please only reserve a ticket if you are able to attend. If you must cancel, please let us know ASAP so we can free up the ticket for someone else to enjoy. While your ticket does not include food or drink, it DOES include game play.
Please feel free to check out Table Top’s menu ahead of time if you have any dietary restrictions. They do have vegetarian options, but vegan and gluten free is limited. They are a fully licensed cafe with plenty of options available, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Please note that a 15% automatic gratuity will be added on to your bill since we will be a larger group.
As a grassroots, volunteer-run not-for-profit organization…we truly appreciate your support and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
First time coming to a meet up? Great! We’ve got you covered… Be sure to check our instagram stories for some ice breaker questions & inspo :)”
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM MST
Location: Table Top Cafe, 5716 75 Street Northwest Edmonton
Registration: Eventbrite
Cost: 0$ – 22.63$
URL: Waste Free Edmonton

November 16th, Thursday – Red Cup Rebellion: On 11/16, “Starbucks workers are going on strike and asking customers and allies to hold solidarity actions outside of non-union Starbucks stores to demand Starbucks respect union rights.”
“We ask all allies to stand with Starbucks workers in continued efforts to call out their employer, who publicly masquerades as a progressive company, yet attacks their union and uses the crisis in Gaza and workers’ support of Palestinian liberation to score points in their union-busting tirade.”
This is a USA centred action but why can’t we show solidarity here in Canada? They invite us to join them – “In addition to our nationwide ULP strike on the 16th, we’re also asking customers and allies to lead actions at Starbucks stores in their communities in solidarity with workers rising up for a fairer workplace.”
It is also important to remember that the #CeasefireNow movement is calling for a boycott of Starbucks. Support the workers but also consider the boycott in the long-term. Let Starbucks know you are dropping them for a local independent cafe. If you are only doing this parttime then let them know they have lost 50% of your business.
Solidarity with workers. Solidarity with the call for a Ceasefire.
For More Information: Starbucks Workers United and on Instagram
Hashtags: #CeasefireNow #unionstrong #RedCupRebellion #redcupday

November 16th, Thursday – Intergenerational Fairness Day: November 16, 2023 marks the first worldwide day of action on intergenerational fairness.  
Voices from Canada, US, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Japan, Nigeria, Australia and from United Nations Foundation Next Generation Fellows are calling on governments to act urgently to reverse the deteriorating wellbeing of younger and future generations.
International partners agree that governments “focus on solving short-term problems with little regard to long-term sustainability, whether it be natural resources, government spending or investment in the futures of younger and future generations.” These actions violate the intergenerational golden rule to treat other generations as you want your own to be treated.
To mark this inaugural Intergenerational Fairness Day, Gen Squeeze is calling on Ottawa to create a federal Task Force on Generational Fairness. The Task Force will clean up past policy messes that prevent hard work from paying off today the way it did for previous generations, leaving younger people struggling to afford housing, raise families, and cope with extreme weather. It will also make sure new policies support people of all ages to thrive, today and for generations to come. We hope you’ll lend your voice to our growing choir of supporters.
Join us on November 16 for a conversation about generationally unfair policies that contribute to housing, affordability, medical care and climate crises, and how a Generational Fairness Task Force can offer solutions. Connect with other like-minded advocates, share your questions and ideas, and learn how you can support the global movement for a fairer future in which all generations can thrive.”
For more information: Generation Squeeze

November 17th, Friday – Weekly Climate Strike Ceasefire Now!: A weekly reminder to Edmontonians that we are in a Climate Emergency.
Because of the immediacy of situation of the Israel/Hamas conflict we will be using our time at these strikes to focus on Ceasefire Now. The world has dragged its feet on taking acting on the Climate Breakdown for 5 decades I don’t think it will matter much if we shift our time for a bit to Ceasefire Now!
Extra signs will be available for people to use – or bring your own.
Time: 8 am to 9 am
Location: 109th street and 88th Avenue
Facebook: Edmonton Climate Strike

November 17th-19th – Parkland Conference – “Alberta at the Crossroads: Building the World We Want”: “Alberta is at a crossroads. The status quo is not sustainable politically, economically, or ecologically. The decisions we make from now on will determine whether we join a worldwide movement towards building a more just future or if we go backward. This conference is about ensuring Alberta moves forward. It is about dreaming big and making things happen. It is about how we push for change and envision a province that is just, equitable, and sustainable. It is about how we look to what others outside our borders have been doing, while also finding ways to support and expand the work that many among us have already been doing to build a more just province and world.
By bringing together thinkers, writers, and activists from Alberta and beyond, “At the Crossroads” will be a space where we can learn from each other and begin shaping the Alberta we want for us and for future generations.”
Time: See site for details of times and schedules
Location: Engineering Teaching & Learning Complex (ETLC), University of Alberta & LIVESTREAM
Website: Parkland Conference

November 18th, Saturday – An Ethical Global Market Place: “Wonderful crafts, delicious food and other goods. Sales support community development/initiatives/schools/education”
Time: 9:30 am to 4 pm
Location: Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre, OSPAC, 8426 Gateway Blvd,
More information: Facebook

November 18th, Saturday – From Turtle Island to Palestine: “Join us for a live webinar about Indigenous solidarity with Palestine with guest speakers Fadi Ennab, Hayfa Abichahina, and Belal Fallah. Moderated by Nick Estes.”
Time: 12 noon
Location: Online – Virtual
For more information: Idle No More

November 19th, Sunday – Paws for Peace Ceasefire Now Walk: We are people who are gathering to call for a Ceasefire Now in all conflict zones and for parties to work towards long-lasting and equitable peace. We are Christians, Muslims, Jews, Quakers, non-religious, etc. Just people like you that want the killing to stop.
We will gather in the upper parking lot for Mill Creek Pool and walk with others (and pets) calling for a ceasefire. This is a mostly silent march (conversations amongst people is encouraged but no chants).
This is not a Pro or Anti either side walk. We are walking for a ceasefire and an equitable and long-lasting peace.
No flags. No signs (other than peace and ceasefire signs).
Please bring water and snacks for yourself and your pet.
Dress warm.
You do not need to have a dog to join us.
Logistics – this is a one-way walk (though many of us will be walking back to the parking lot). The destination is the White Peace Dove west of the Muttart pyramids.
Time: 2pm
Location: Start at the Peace Mile Marker
More information: Gather for Peace Facebook page
Hashtags: #CeasefireNow #CeasefireNowYEG #Peace #PeaceMile #WalkForPeace #PawsForPeace

November 18th, Saturday – Bike Edmonton AGM: Bike Edmonton (formerly Edmonton Bicycle Commuters’ Society) is one of those groups that is near and dear to me. They were the first community bicycle workshop in Canada and have been a space for people to learn and a great collection of people – as with most grassroot organizations.
Time: 2-5pm
Location: Virtual – Google Meet
Registration: Google doc

November 18th, Saturday – City of Edmonton Bike Light Parade: “Join the City for a guided bike light parade through the beautiful streets and active pathways around the All Is Bright Festival.”
Time: 3:45 PM – 5:00 PM MST
Location: St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church10831 124 Street Edmonton
Registration: Eventbrite

November 19th, Sunday – World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims: “It is a high-profile global event to remember the many millions who have been killed and seriously injured on the world’s roads and to acknowledge the suffering of all affected victims, families and communities – millions added each year to countless millions already suffering: a truly tremendous cumulative toll.”
Though I think this focuses on the wrong end of the devastation of road traffic victims I think it can be used for purposes to demand safer infrastructure for roadway safety. Can this be used as a tool for Vision Zero? The focus needs to be weighted towards the most vulnerable – those without a metal box surrounding them.

November 20th, Monday – Tar Sands Songbook – Edmonton Workshop Presentation: “You’re invited to an intimate workshop showing of the TAR SANDS SONGBOOK before it heads out on a tour along the Trans-Mountain Pipeline. The performance will begin at 5pm, followed by an informal feedback discussion.
About the performance: Created by musician, author and activist Tanya Kalmanovitch, TAR SANDS SONGBOOK is an 80-minute solo performance that combines field recordings, storytelling, personal history, and live violin and fiddle music to investigate our invisible relationships to oil.”
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MST
Location: Star of the North Retreat Centre, 3 A Saint Vital Avenue St. Albert
Tickets: Eventbrite
Cost: Free

November 22nd, Wednesday – National Housing Day: “Housing is more than 4 walls and a roof. It’s where people and families thrive and children learn and grow. Housing helps us stay employed, do better in school and access community services. A safe and secure home gives us the stability we need to face life’s challenges and enables us to participate fully in society. Having a home isn’t just a basic need — it is essential to our health and well-being.
Despite its importance, many people in Canada don’t have a safe and stable place to call home. This National Housing Day, we recognize that housing matters and that we all have a role in ensuring that more people have the dignity and safety of a home.
We can’t do this alone. We need to work together — across sectors and across orders of government — to find new, innovative solutions to housing challenges.”
Hashtag: #NationalHousingDay

November 22nd, Wednesday – How to Make the Best of Public Money for Public Good: “In recognition of National (Right to) Housing Day, the Federal Housing Advocate, Marie-Josée Houle, and the National Right to Housing Network are pleased to invite you to observe a panel discussion.
After Dr. Carolyn Whitzman sets the stage with a quick snapshot of her latest research on housing need, 3 non-market housing experts will examine substantive recommendations on how to hold governments to account on the National Housing Strategy investments, how to leverage other mechanisms to obtain capital for the creation of more non-market housing, and how to ensure the sector is set up for success.
Our speakers:
• Dr. Carolyn Whitzman (housing rights advocate, researcher, and professor, Ottawa University)
• Margaret Pfoh (CEO of the Aboriginal Housing Management Association)
• Stéphan Corriveau (Executive Director of the Community Housing Transformation Centre)
• Olga Tasci (CEO of the Agency for Co-operative Housing)
They will convene this important and informative discussion using human rights and Indigenous rights frameworks to empower duty-bearers with concrete examples and solutions to the challenge of developing the right amount and right kind of housing supply that is permanently affordable. This discussion will also contribute to the Advocate’s ongoing advocacy efforts and recommendations to Parliament.”
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM MST
Location: Online – Virtual
Registration: Eventbrite
Cost: Free

November 22nd, Wednesday – The Narwhal presents: Feeding the future: “From dried up berry bushes to declining caribou, many local and ancestral foods are at risk due to climate change, biodiversity loss, industrialization and overharvesting. First Nations communities are working hard to build up gardens, hunting camps and food stores in people’s homes, while facing worsening wildfires, drought and floods. What does the future of food sovereignty look like in the face of climate change?
B.C. reporter Kwetásel’wet (Stephanie Wood) talks to ​’Cúagilákv (Jess H̓áust̓i), lands-based educator and executive director of the Qqs Projects Society and Tyrone McNeil, Stó:lō Tribal Council president and Tribal Chief and chair of the Emergency Planning Secretariat, about bringing food sovereignty back to the table.
Time: 1 pm
Location Virtual – Online Zoom
Registration: The Narwhal

November 22nd, Wednesday – Housing– Who is it for?: “Tens of thousands of people lack decent affordable housing in Edmonton. Learn more about why this is getting even worse for renters.”
Time:  7:00 PM MST
Location: Metro Cinema, 8712 109 Street Northwest Edmonton
Tickets: Eventbrite
Cost: 15$
Facebook: Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness (ECOHH) – this is their new Facebook page

November 23rd, Thursday – Save our CPP Town Hall: “Our Canada Pension Plan is under attack.
Danielle Smith and the UCP are spending millions trying to convince Albertans to support their scheme to leave the CPP. 
But we’re not falling for it. 
From the faulty calculations used to make pie-in-the-sky promises of higher benefits and lower contributions to working Albertans, to the reverse engineering of evidence to move forward with this plan, Albertans have seen time and time again that they just can’t trust Smith and the UCP with their retirement security.
Thousands of Albertans have already taken action to fight back and protect the CPP. But we have a long road ahead of us. 
That’s why we’re hosting a town hall. We’ll be talking to experts and advocates about what’s at stake. And we’ll find out what we need to do to protect the CPP.”
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: Ukrainian Centre, 11018 – 97th Street
Register: Public Interest Alberta

November 24th, Friday – Buy Nothing Day: Participate by not participating. A 24 hour moratorium on consumer spending.
It is also a good day to exercise your power of boycotting. Whether that is a particular gas station because they have abused Indigenous Rights in Canada or elsewhere, a brand that is supporting Israel and you want to help call for a ceasefire, etc. You are powerful because YOU have what these corporations have – money. When you deny them that access to your money you are sending them a message. It is good to tell them that on social media.
Hashtags: #BuyNothingDay #BlackFriday

November 24th, Friday – Critical Mass Ride – Ceasefire Now; The theme for this month’s Critical Mass Ride will be a call for a Ceasefire.
Across the world critical mass rides are traditionally held on the last Friday of the month to raise awareness about bicycling safety, the number of people using bicycles and other human-powered devices, infrastructure, government policies, etc.
This is a slow ride. We will be covering about 8+kms as we weave through Edmonton downtown and over to the southside across the High Level Bridge. We will terminate the ride in Old Strathcona. There could be a social after the ride.
Sign up to Edmonton Critical Mass Facebook page for updates.
This is a monthly event.
Time: 5 pm We LEAVE at 5:30 pm
Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square (look for the cyclists between the city hall and the square on 102a Avenue between 99th Street and 100th Street.
Facebook: Edmonton Critical Mass
Hashtag: #yegbike #yegCriticalMass #EdmontonCriticalMass

November 24th, Friday – Weekly Climate Strike Ceasefire Now!: A weekly reminder to Edmontonians that we are in a Climate Emergency.
Because of the immediacy of situation of the Israel/Hamas conflict we will be using our time at these strikes to focus on Ceasefire Now. The world has dragged its feet on taking acting on the Climate Breakdown for 5 decades I don’t think it will matter much if we shift our time for a bit to Ceasefire Now!
Extra signs will be available for people to use – or bring your own.
This is to promote the event that is happening on Saturday at 2 pm (see below)
Time: 8 am to 9 am
Location: 109th street and 88th Avenue
Facebook: Edmonton Climate Strike
Hashtags: #ClimateEmegency #ClimateJustice #EcologicalBreakdown

November 25th, Saturday – Power Up: “Climate Justice Edmonton is inviting people to gather at noon in Churchill Square on November 25th to bring the vision of a renewables powered future to life and to call on governments to redirect all fossil fuel spending into a just transition. Speakers will share how renewables are already generating power locally and outline a vision for public ownership of renewable powered utilities in Edmonton and area. While Albertan leaders are heading in the wrong direction with their renewables moratorium and continued investments in fossil fuels, we are showing up to say that we are ready for a just and fair energy transition! Let’s power up the future we want! Join us!”
Time: 12 noon
Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square, south side of the square near the new LRT station
Website: 350.org

November 30th, Thursday – One Ocean Film Tour: Aquatic Biosphere Project is touring with their latest film volume to raise awareness of the importance of water and about pollution.
“Dive into a world-class series of captivating ocean-loving films featuring adventure, aquatic environments, and inspirational stories. Followed by a guest speaker, an expert in their field.”
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:45 PM MST
Location: Stanley A. Milner Public Library, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Tickets: Eventbrite
Cost: 12.25$
URL: Aquatic Biosphere Project

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Start Planning for the Future

There are global days of action happening throughout the world. Edmonton can participate in these actions – all it takes is you.

• November 30 until December 12, 2023 – COP28 – The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC, more commonly referred to as COP28, will be the 28th United Nations Climate Change conference, held from November 30 until December 12, 2023, at the Expo City, Dubai. Wikipedia. I suspect that the local Edmonton Climate Justice group will do something in solidarity with the worldwide activities that will be happening. That it is being hosted by a petrostate, headed by an oil executive, and in a state that will be very unsympathetic to protesters is going to make this COP very interesting and possibly useless.
• December 1st – 10th – Ignite Change Global Convention: 75th Anniversary United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights hosted by the John Humphrey Centre in Edmonton.
• December 13th Wednesday – Building a Stronger Town: An Evening with Charles Marohn: Charles Marohn has an excellent YouTube channel which has some excellent commentary on urban design, taxation, land-use, etc. Tickets are at Eventbrite.
• February 5th – 9th – International Week at the University of Alberta: “A warming globe, increasing numbers of refugees and displaced persons, gender disparity, economic inequalities, freshwater shortages, famine, war… We are bombarded with these issues and many others facing the planet and its inhabitants daily. 
  To address these issues, the UN established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. The Goals, adopted in 2015, call on governments and civil society worldwide to address the world’s most pressing issues, from poverty and education to health and the environment.
  I-Week is a chance to hear international and local perspectives on global issues. On February 5-9, 2024, International Week speakers connected their work to the SDGs. 
  U of A’s annual International Week is an incubator of ideas and a source of inspiration for us to work together for a better world. Stay tuned for updates on I-Week 2024.
• 2024 YEG Winter Cycling Congress is happening in Edmonton this year: “Join us in February 2024 [22nd to 24th] for an unforgettable multi-day event filled with informative sessions, bicycle excursions, and a community of passionate winter cyclists. Discover new possibilities while exploring the cycling-friendly city of Edmonton. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and learn from experts in the field.” [I think the “cycling -friendly” is a bit of a stretch – Michael].
  You can register here. Early bird rate is only until September 30th, 2023 so if you want to save a bit of money because the 450$ could be a bit of a deterrent. Mind you, if you go as a representative of a non-profit group the cost is only 200$. Good time to step up as your Community League cycling advocate and representative.

Youth Climate Corps

“Climate mobilization in Canada has yet to feel like a grand societal undertaking. The Youth Climate Corps is an invitation to the country’s youth to mobilize to confront today’s gravest threat: the climate emergency. We are past overdue on a real plan that acts fast to transform the country away from its current trajectory to growing emissions and climate disaster. A Youth Climate Corps would put thousands of young people to work in rapidly curbing emissions, preparing our infrastructure for its coming impacts, and responding to the emergencies we’re locking in.”
You can support the call for a Youth Climate Corps through the Climate Emergency Unit website.

Heat Pumps

The National Observer issued a good article on heat pumps – let’s call it Heat Pumps 101 and it includes a link to an online calculator so that we can do a rough estimate of the savings that could be garnered by switching to a heat pump.
If you are buying a new home or upgrading your heating system, please consider a heat pump system.
ALL new housing should be electric heat pumps.

Information and Suggestions

There is a housing crisis in the world. Everywhere across Canada there is a housing crisis. The causes are numerous and the effects devastating. Not enough options for people, land speculation, landlords increasing rents beyond reasonable, conversion to condominiums, AirBnB and their ilk, etc.
If you are a renter feeling the squeeze you might be interested in a workshop/training being put on by Tenant Union. Yes – this is for the Toronto area but much of the skills and knowledge that a person would learn could be transferable to the Edmonton area.

If you are on Facebook, check out the Edmonton Activist Calendar page.

Please share information with me so that I can populate this with more details and information. I intend to eventually get it so that it is emailed out to people and has a better site but for now, this is what I have to offer you.

We know that landlords are raising rents/lease prices quite substantially across Canada. One of the reasons for this is because Airbnb drives up the prices. I was pleased to hear a more equitable platform is soon to launch in Canada. Check out Fairbnb. You can read more about it in the Breach.
If you are an Airbnb host (and only have one location), consider switching to this more community based platform.

Edmonton Tool Library – a great resource for sharing tools and resources within our community. Check them out. They are also looking for volunteers to join their team.

Petitions/Letter writing

See the Petition page under resources for more information on how to create your own.
Petitions can be an effective way to raise awareness of an issue, get the ball rolling, and sometimes they even work. Here is a list of present ongoing petitions in Canada that I wish to highlight:

• Ceasefire Now: A petition to the Federal Government for an immediate ceasefire in Israel/Palestine. Note: after you have signed it you need to confirm it. You will receive an email and you need to click on the confirmation button to acknowledge that you were the one that signed the petition. Over a quarter of a million Canadians have signed this petition so far. The petition closes on November 23rd, 2023.
• Amnesty International does great work around human rights. They have a great portal where you can sign several petitions at once. Just click here and take action that can save a life, alter the course of history, and more.
• Sierra Club of Canada has a petition to call on the Canadian Government to ensure that the promised emission cap for the oil corporations is kept at a high level and not watered down because of pressure by lobbyists.
• Grassy Lakes Coal Mine – Canadian Parks and Wilderness (CPAWS) have initiated a letter writing campaign to the provincial government to shut down the application process for this mine to open in the Crowsnest Pass area of the Rocky Mountains.
• The NDP is looking for people to participate in a simple survey – one question.
  “Should Alberta leave the Canada Pension Plan?” Please consider participating in this survey. https://www.albertasfuture.ca/event-registration/pension-survey
• Save Our Canada Pension Plan – It appears that Public Interest Alberta has a letter-writing campaign and petition to the UCP government to express citizens’ opposition to their expressed intention to withdraw from the CPP and establish an Alberta Pension Plan. Check it out here.
• Efficiency Canada has launched a letter writing campaign to petition the federal government to invest in energy efficiency programs for low-income households.
• Let’s Get Indigenous Communities Safe, Clean Drinking Water Now. FFS.
• Plant Based Treaty – this portal will help you send a letter to your city councillors
• Make Mental Health Accessible To All Canadians Through Our Universal Health Care System
• No raises for public servants until the minimum wage is a living wage! – every segment of the workforce will tend to stand up for what they will benefit from taking action. We need a living wage/universal basic income right across our country.
• STOP BIG OIL FROM POLLUTING OUR CLIMATE
• Sink the fossil fuel industry’s plan!
• Reject forest biomass as a false climate solution
• Stop toxic tailings pollution
• Stop Executions of Activists in Iran
• RESPECT INDIGENOUS RIGHTS ON WET’SUWET’EN TERRITORY

Volunteering

As the governments fail at their jobs they are offloading more onto the volunteer/charity communities. Charities are a failure of government of doing their job. They have not managed the finances well – they have not taxed corporations adequately, they did not get the royalties from extractive corporations, they allowed tax loops to continue without fixing them, they have not implemented a wealth tax, and so much more.
So, compassionate people step up to try and help. It will never be enough because the problem just continue and continue to get worse. The Food Bank is a good example – started as temporary measure it is not ‘needed’ by some many people to allow them to get some food into their household. People depend on that food.

Casino Volunteering – most charities, non-profit groups (NGOs), and other organizations conduct casinos to help them out with their funding. I recently read this in a newsletter: “It was calculated that each volunteer hour generated $640 in funding to Argyll”. (This is a sizable amount of money – I used to say that each volunteer shift provided the NGO with about 2,000$. Great return on time for the volunteer’s time.)What can you legally do that could bring in this kind of funds for a group that you support or what to see stay solvent?
Your community league, your child’s school/kindergarten, your church, community league, etc are always looking for volunteers. The local environmental group, the groups that feed people on the streets, etc also need your participation in casinos (if they do them).

Courses/Workshops

The University of Alberta has several courses on climate change and related subjects. You can find a list of them on the Climate Action at the University of Alberta website.

Employment

If you are looking to get a ‘green job’ you might want to check the GoodWorks website

Apply: See Indigenous Climate Action for details how to apply to this Director of Operations position

Please send things that should be on this list to michael.kalmanovitch@gmail.com

Disclaimer – the Activist Agenda tries to ensure that the information contained within it is accurate but mistakes do happen. Please double-check events and information that are relevant to you to make sure you have the correct date, time, location, and any other relevant information.

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