My Student Loans
TUNE: THE GIRL THAT I MARRY I live in my dad’s basement pad Cause now I’m no longer an undergrad McDonalds pays my way To so many luxurious things I can’t say. My student loans are a piece of cake They take three-quarters of what I make Lest I take off Or I’m laid off Only thirty years more and they’re paid off And then I can marry No reason to tarry There’ll be. So Canadian kids will be poor or dumb Or flee to countries, and there are some Like Germany, Denmark and Spain and Sweden and Cuba and Ireland so sane Where tuition is free just as it...
Read MoreWell-deserved recognition of Granny Cathleen!
From “The Good News Page” of the April, 2012 CCPA Monitor: Lifetime achievement GUELPH, ON. – Cathleen Kneen, outgoing chair of Food Secure Canada, was presented with a lifetime achievement award from the Organic Council of Ontario at its recent Organic Conference held in Guelph. Her contribution to organics started many decades ago as a farmer in the Maritimes with her husband, Brewster. Cathleen’s work in the food systems movement has always been cutting edge. Her mentorship of community food activists across the country has created a generation dedicated to...
Read MoreNational Aboriginal Health Organization Axed
In a stunning example of action speaking louder than words, the Harper Government cut funding to the National Aboriginal Health Organization — sneakily announced on Thursday afternoon before the Easter weekend. I wrote the following letter to John Baird, Foreign Minister and my MP: Dear Minister Baird, I am sure that, as Foreign Minister, you are aware that the state of Indigenous communities in Canada is well known around the world and greatly diminishes Canada’s stature as a modern democracy. Certainly, the Prime Minister has apologized for the residential schools horror; but...
Read MoreLetter to the Editor supporting Hassan Diab
Just before the Easter holiday (timed to minimize attention from the press), Minister Nicholson signed the extradition order for Hassan Diab to be sent to France. Fortunately, Chris Cobb of the Ottawa Citizen covered this distressing news. Check it out. In response, I sent the following letter to the editor, which was published. Flimsy evidence presented By Jo Wood Ottawa Citizen April 10, 2012 Re: ‘We expected this decision, but not this way,’ April 6. I’ve followed the Hassan Diab case closely and am shocked that Minister Rob Nicholson signed the...
Read MoreIt’s a Long Way to the Food Bank
Tune: It’s a Long Way to Tipperary It’s a long way to the Food Bank All my friends are–in line– With cuts to–social programs no one’s doing fine! It’s goodbye to good health care– disabled wane and pine while the rich folk’s fill their bulging pickets.. Our kids ask us … “Why”?? Well thanks to Michael Harris and his 905 friends– “Cut the welfare, chop support groups, such waste has got to end!” Put the axe to social housing farewell to day care. Social action now and we will...
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