Network News – Connexions Digest #46
(Volume 11, Number 2, Summer 1987)

Anti–Authoritarian Listing
An effort is being made to compile a list of anti–authoritarian contacts in Canada, which will be distributed here and internationally. A first tentative directory is planned for October, with an updated one to appear in January 1988. Anyone wishing to be listed is asked to write to Chaotic Distribution, P.O. Box 15642, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5B4. Be sure to specify the name you want on the list, a way of being contacted, and if you are writing for a group or project, a few words about what you do. Donations are gratefully accepted, although no fee is required. Help in distributing the directory is also solicited.
This "Canadian Black Book" will include the following types of projects and individuals: Anarchist and any of its tendencies, libertarian Marxist (Situationist, Council Communist, etc.), Direct Actionists, (A.L.F. Support Groups, etc.), Radical Pagan, Bio–Regionalist, Prisoner Support/Prison Abolition, Traditional Native and their support groups. It will also include significant others like bookstores that regularly carry libertarian literature, as well as a much shorter list of U.S. and international contacts.

Victims of psychiatry experiments
Anti–psychiatry activist Don Weitz is planning to present a petition to Parliament this fall asking for compensation payments to patients experimented on by Dr. Ewen Cameron in the 1950’s and early 1960’s. The experiments were co–funded by the CIA and Canada’s Department of Health and Welfare, and were performed without patients’ consent in Montreal’s Allan Memorial Institute. Those interested in circulating the petition may contact Don Weitz at 100 Bain Avenue, 27 the Maples, Toronto, Ontario M4K 1E8.

Inequities in Canadian health
The National Anti–Poverty Organization (NAPO) has received funding to review literature produced by community–based organizations referring to inequities in Canadian health. NAPO is asking for copies of materials (studies, policy motions, newsletters, briefs, etc.) which make any reference to health inequity. Please send to NAPO, 456 Rideau Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5Z4. For further information please call (613) 234–3332.

CRIAW bank of researchers
The Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women is accepting applications from researchers who wish to be registered with their new Bank of Researchers. The Bank is a national computerized database of resumes of feminist researchers; potential users include government agencies, independent researchers requiring assistance in a project, schools, unions, private businesses and community groups. If you wish to be listed, write to CRIAW, 151 Slater, Suite 408, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5H3 or call (613) 563–0681 and ask for a registration form.

Peace Videos
The Public Education for Peace Society has designed a peace education program for junior high school students. The program consists of a video called Learning Peace and a print package called Conflict and Change. The material has been tested in seven British Columbia schools. Included are lesson plans and helpful commentary on implementing the program. For more information, call (604) 522–1123, or write to Public Education for Peace Society, Box 2320, New Westminster, B.C. V3L 5A5.

Animal Liberation Front
On January 19, 1987, five people were arrested in Toronto for allegedly spray–painting a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet. Afterwards, the police added a variety of other, much more serious charges, to the initial mischief charges. The people charged believe that the police are out to "deal harshly with these five men and women, as a supposed deterrent to the rest of the animal activist community". They have been charged with a number of other previous actions taken by animal liberation activists. The bail conditions imposed on some of those charged forbid them to communicate in any way with each other. To fight the charges, the defendants have been forced to spend a good deal of money on lawyers’ fees, and are asking for financial support. Donations may be sent to Mary Bartley, Barrister and Solicitor, 11 Prince Arthur Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5R 1B2. Please note on your cheque: Toronto Animal Rights Defence Fund in Trust.
The Animal Liberation Front Support Group can be reached at P.O. Box 915, Station F, Toronto, Ontario M4Y 2N9.

Archbishop Adolphe Proulx
Bishop Adolphe Proulx, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Gatineau–Hull, drowned on July 22. Bishop Proulx was the chairperson of the Inter–Church Committee on Human Rights in Latin America (ICCHRLA) and a member of the Commission of Social Affairs of the Canadian Conference Bishops. As a human rights advocate, Bishop Proulx frequently participated in personal and written representations to the Canadian government. ICCHRLA said that "in his life and in his work Bishop Proulx was an inspiring example of Christian compassion and dedication to the cause of the oppressed. He did not spare himself in his active commitment to human rights and social justice issues in Canada and in other countries throughout the world." "The best memorial we can give Bishop Proulx", said William Fairbairn, ICCHRLA’s associate director, "is to renew our commitment to the ongoing struggle to create more just and caring societies throughout the world."

International Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Tour
The Leonard Peltier Human Rights Fund and the African National Congress are organizing an International Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Tour to connect the struggles of the indigenous peoples of South Africa and North America. They are asking other organizations to endorse the following statements: "Whereas: We recognize that Leonard Peltier was extradited from Canada to the United States on the basis of falsified affidavits and subsequently convicted after a trial in which the government admits key evidence was suppressed and witnesses perjured themselves, and Whereas: Nelson Mandela, recognized throughout South Africa and the world as leader of the African National Congress and the foremost representative of the struggling people, has been unjustly imprisoned for more than 25 years by the racist South African government. Be It Resolved that We deplore the extradition of Mr. Leonard Peltier to the United States from Canada in 1976 on the basis of false information filed with a Canadian court by American authorities, and call upon the government of Canada to seek the return of Mr. Peltier to Canada and the annulment of all extradition proceedings in this regard. And, be it further Resolved We call for the immediate, unconditional release of Nelson Mandela and all prisoners of apartheid. The International Indigenous People’s Solidarity Tour can be reached at 456 Spadina Avenue, 2nd floor, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2G8, (416) 961–4704. It is asking for volunteers to help with local events; groups and organizations to endorse the tour goals; financial contributions; help with publicity for the tour; distribution of information packets; writing your M.P. Some tour dates are still available if you wish to organize a local event. The tour will be in Saskatchewan Sept. 12 – 14, Sudbury September 27 – 28, Ottawa September 30, October 1, Montreal October 3 – 5, Kingston October 6, Toronto October 7 – 10, Guelph October 8, Peterborough October 11, Six Nations October 12.

Anarchist Conference
The third in a series of continental anarchist conferences is being planned for June 17 – 20, 1988 in Toronto, hosted by the Anarchist Circle. They are calling it ‘A Survival Gathering’ with the theme of survival of the Earth, survival of women, survival of indigenous cultures, survival of the anarchist movement, survival as individuals in an alienated, competitive and harsh society. The conference organizers say that "communities are the root of our survival" and that therefore much of the gathering will be based on communities and their projects. Topics already suggested are alternative radio, prisons, women’s health, security, gay and lesbian and print media. For more information write P.O. Box 435, Station P, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S9, or call (416) 928–2144.

Human Rights in Eastern Europe and the USSR
The Human Rights Internet has announced the publication of its Human Rights Internet Directory: Eastern Europe and the USSR. This is the fourth in Internet’s directory series. The volume describes over 200 Eastern European or Soviet "unofficial" and "approved" human rights organizations. It also describes organizations throughout the world which monitor human rights developments in Eastern Europe and the USSR. Entries contain information about the origin, purposes and activities of the organization, publications, etc. The volume is extensively indexed. It available for $30 for Human Rights Internet, Harvard Law School, Pound Hall, Room 401, Cambridge MA 02138, U.S.A. (617) 495–9924.

Appeal for Peace in Nicaragua
Non–Intervention in Central America (NICA) and Tools for Peace are participating in a joint effort to put pressure on the U.S. government to change its policy in Nicaragua. They are asking Canadians to send letters to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney urging him to publicly oppose further U.S. military activity in the region, and to press the Canadian government to increase aid to Nicaragua. NICA also needs financial support to continue its work. Donations can be sent to NICA, Box 850, Station P, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2Z2.

Haitian Experience
Haitian Experience is an opportunity for those 16 or older to experience work in Haiti. Haitian Experience is led by two Catholic high school teachers, and takes place over the March school break. An information/application package is available for $5 from Haitian Experience, 461 Marf Ave., Mississauga, Ontario L5G 1T4.

Alternative News Indices
The Alternative News Indices Project is working to create a national of coalition of groups, organizations, and individuals who want to see socially relevant and meaningful information included on a regular, routine basis in the national news media. It is focussed specifically on the indices which are carried on evening news programs, such as the stock market index, precious metals prices, U.S. and Canadian dollar exchange rates, consumer price index, etc. It would like to develop, and persuade the media to carry, alternative indices which are more relevant to social reality and ordinary people. Indices which have been suggested are a "National Poverty Index", showing in composite form "the number of Canadians living below the poverty line, set in relation to the number of Canadians living in opulent affluence"; an Ecology/Environmental Poison Index indicating factors such as deforestation, soil erosion, and lethal poisons in food and water; and a world militarization/development index which would measure military spending against development spending. For more information contact Alternative News Index Project, c/o The Centre for Communication, Culture, and Society, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6.

Save the Khutzeymateen
The Khutzeymateen Valley is a magnificent and remote coastal area of British Columbia. The 39,000 hectare valley is one of the last wild habitats of the grizzly bear. A B.C. government–appointed wilderness advisory committee has recommended that logging be allowed in the valley. Critics say that this would irreversibly disrupt the grizzlies’ habitat and damage the ecological balance of marine and animal life. They ask people to write to federal Environment Minister Tom McMillan (House of Commons, Ottawa K1A 1G2) and B.C. Minister of Environment and Parks Bruce Strachan (Parliament Buildings, Victoria, B.C. V8V 1X4) to support the preservation of this important natural area. For more information contact Valhalla Wilderness Society, Box 224, New Denver, B.C. V0G 1S0, or Friends of Ecological Reserves, Box 1721, Station E, Victoria, B.C. V8W 2Y1.

Wingspread Conference Proceedings
The Acid Rain Foundation has announced the publication of Proceedings from the September 1986 Wingspread Conference. The 610 page book, Acid Rain: 1986, A Handbook for States and Provinces: Research, Information, Policy contains information on U.S. and Canadian programs. Also included are resource materials from a variety of organizations. The cost is $55 U.S. from The Acid Rain Foundation, 1630 Blackhawk Hills, St. Paul, MN 55122, U.S.A. A catalogue is also available.

Excellence in Alternative Journalism
The Goodwin’s Foundation has announced the winner of its first annual Award for Excellence in Alternative Journalism. The winners were Roy Johnstone and Wendell MacLaine of New Maritimes. Their article, "Jobs, Jobs, Jobs" dealt with Litton Industries’ failed attempt to set up an arms factory on Prince Edward Island. (A companion article on the issue by Roy Johnstone appeared in the Spring issue of Connexions.) Submissions for the best article for 1987 are now being accepted (the deadline is December 31, 1987). Another category, that of best publication, may be added this year. Alternative periodicals are asked to add Goodwin’s to their mailing list. The foundation is also considering the publication of a book of Canada’s top censored stories, and is asking for stories that the mainstream media refused to print. For more information contact Goodwin’s Foundation, Box 1043, Station B, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5R1.

John Damien Educational Trust
A John Damien Educational Trust is being established to commemorate the memory of John Damien, who died recently after a long struggle for justice after being fired from his job for being gay. For information about the trust contact John Damien Educational Trust, 7 Laurier Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4X 1S2.

World Rainforest Week
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Canadian Tribute to Human Rights
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Items collected for but not published in Volume 11, Number 2:

Conference on Human Rights in Latin America
To be held on November 20 – 22nd, the First Conference on Human Rights in Latin America will feature written, video, and audio documented testimony as well as special guests direct from several Latin American countries. According to publicity for the conference, the emphasis will not be on "gruesome truths" but on doing something about them. Contact the conference at P.O. Box 308, Station L, Toronto M6E 4Z2, (416) 927–8009.

Right to Environmental Quality
A conference on The Right to Environmental Quality: An Emerging Right will be held in Quebec City from September 30 to October 3, Contact (418) 656–5219.

Nuclear Weapons Free Canada
A Nuclear Weapons Free Canada: The Possible Dream, is the theme of Operation Dismantle’s 10th anniversary conference October 24 in Ottawa. Speakers include Muriel Duckworth, Mary Simon (Inuit Circumpolar Conference), Manitoba Premier Howard Pawley, Barrie Zwicker, Patrick Watson, Robert Hurst, Marion Dewar, George Erasmus, Ernie Regehr, George Ignatieff. For information contact Operation Dismantle, P.O. Box 3887, Station C, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4M5, (613) 722–6001.

National Farm Women’s Conference
The third national farm women’s conference will be held in Saskatoon November 12 – 13, 1987. Conference goals are to increase Canadian farm women’s knowledge of key agricultural issues; to encourage positive and united action by farm women on behalf of Canadian agriculture, and the status of farm women; to encourage women to undertake leadership roles and develop organizational and other skills which would improve the status of farm women. For more information contact National Farm Women’s Conference, Room 105, Kirk Hall, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Sask. S7N 0W0.

Healthy Ontario
Healthy Ontario 2000 is a conference sponsored by the Ontario Public Health Association, to be held November 15 – 18 in Toronto. This professional conference will be part of the 38th annual Educational and Scientific Meeting of the Ontario Public Health Association. Guest speakers, discussion panels, and participatory workshops are planned to help participants understand, address, and act upon the world Health Organization’s challenge to the health field, and to meet the social challenges of health. For information contact Ontario Public Health Association, c/o Ronald Labonte, Toronto Department of Public Health, 7th floor, East Tower, City Hall, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2N2.

Wholistic Health Conference
The first annual conference of the Canadian Coalition of Wholistic Health Organisations will be held in Toronto on November 7, 1987. The conference "will bring together a diversity and a wide scope of organizations and individuals who share concerns regarding preventive, holistic and community health care." There will be lectures and workshops, and speakers will discuss an assortment of health issues, including nutrition, specific and complementary medicine therapies, and the need to re–organize our health care system. For more information contact the Canadian Coalition of Wholistic Health Organisations, 1644 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C., (604) 736–6499.

CRIAW Conference
The 1987 conference of the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women (CRIAW) will take place November 6, 7, and 8, at the Westin Hotel in Winnipeg. The conference will explore the theme "Women and Wellbeing". Presentations will include research and thinking on ways that women have learned to strengthen and protect their own wellbeing and that of others, and on directions for future movement in this direction.

Media for Social Change
Media for Social Change, a public relations handbook, is now available from Connexions. The handbook was written for community workers and social change activists whose work depends on communicating effectively with the public.
If it’s important for you to get your message across, this book will show you how to:
Write a news release
Hold a press conference
Deal with "trap questions"
Create public service announcements
It will also show you how to create your own low–cost newsletters, posters, videos, etc.
Included in the handbook is a directory of Toronto media, and names and addresses of places where you can get training, advice and help with your public relations strategy. You can order your copy now for $7.65 from Connexions, 427 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5A 1X7.

U.S. Warships in Canadian waters
Peace activists are protesting visits by a U.S. warship to Canadian ports this summer. The Oliver Hazard Perry is a 445 foot frigate equipped to carry harpoon anti–ship cruise missiles and standard–2 surface–to–ship and surface–to–surface missiles. The U.S. will not confirm or deny whether any of its ships carry nuclear weapons, so it is entirely possible that nuclear warships are among those paying regular visits to Canadian ports. The Oliver Hazard Perry’s itinerary this summer includes Montreal, Windsor, Sault Ste. Marie, Port Colbourne, Toronto, Quebec City, and Charlottetown. The Oliver Hazard Perry Project says that the American policy of ‘neither confirm nor deny’ and the Canadian government policy of not asking, "removes the right of the Canadian people to be aware of dangerous vessels sailing our waters and visiting our ports." It notes that during the first full year of the Mulroney government, the number of visits by nuclear warships was more than twice the average for the previous 10 years. It also points to the danger of nuclear accidents for those in the vicinity, and the dangers caused by the nuclear weapons build–up at sea. It also points out that the man the ship is named after, Oliver Hazard Perry, was an American commander in the War of 1812 who attacked Canadian towns in that war. The Oliver Hazard Perry Project can be reached c/o Performing Artists for Nuclear Disarmament, 555 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1Y6, (416) 533–3859.

Compiled by Ulli Diemer. Connexions Collective members and volunteers for Volume 11, Number 2 (Winter 1988): Ulli Diemer, Lois Enns, Elaine Farragher, Guylaine Spencer, Elizabeth Wall, Corinne Dixon, Lucinda Cooke, Elgin Blair, Rosalie Smith, Nick Stahl, Bob Bettson, Karl Amdur, Vivian Perez.