NEWS/POLITICS/FOOD/ARTS/SPORTS/FASHION/LIFESTYLE $4.95
OCTOBER 2017
Crusoe
the Celebrity Daschund is Ottawa’s Top Dog… Check out the
TOP 25 PEOPLE
in the Capital for 2017 Canada/China Friendship Series Trudeau, Pipelines and Progress? Be Savvy — Octoberfest!
ottawalife.com
Aya Kitchen Cabinets * San Antonio * Cruise Cuba * Ski BC’s Powder Highway
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 VOLUME 19
•
NUMBER 5
19 Let’s make giving a habit, not a reflex.
Ottawa Life’s annual Top 25 People in the Capital celebrates the city’s best and brightest. Ranging from arts to academics, sports to politics, and even to social media and pets, they have each made a unique and profound impact on their local or national communities. Introducing the top dogs of 2017. PHOTO: VALERIE KEELER
Canadian giving is in decline. The population is growing, but the number of people making charitable donations in Canada continues to drop. In fact, according to the latest Statistics Canada data available, the number of people claiming tax-deductible charitable donations dropped from 5.7 million in 2011 to less than 5.5 million in 2015. That could mean Canadians’ giving impulse is suffering. That’s bad news for the country’s 82,000 charitable organizations. Faith in Canada 150, a program of think tank Cardus, is inspiring a culture of giving with a new initiative: Give150. This initiative is powered by Chimp, a public foundation that facilitates giving by providing individuals access to online tools to integrate giving into their everyday lives. By setting up an account, users have their own free foundation, and can donate to or fundraise for any charitable organization in Canada.
Give150 wants to give you $150 to give to the charities you love.
$150
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weare.chimp.net/give150
contents
PHOTO: GORD WEBER
PHOTO: NELSON COSTA
Prost!
40
17
15 40
7
Fall is finally here and that means Oktoberfest is right around the corner. The annual German festival is a time to eat, drink and be merry and is best celebrated with a pint in hand. Ottawa Life provides a round-up of quality local brews to help you raise a glass for the long-held tradition.
Getting You Into the Game
17
Though the players that make up the Ottawa REDBLACKS receive frequent attention, the spotlight is rarely shone on the 50 people giving all they’ve got to cheering on our hometown CFL team. The REDBLACKS Cheer and Dance Team stands out for their endless enthusiasm, technical skill, and easy engagement with the crowd.
The Heart of It
30
Ottawa’s Montfort Hospital Foundation launched the For You, Sweetheart campaign just over a year ago. Their goal? To raise $2.5 million for a more efficient and less invasive CT scanner that would revolutionize the diagnosis process and change the lives of those affected by heart diseases or disorders.
Take a Trip
40
It's always a good time to plan a getaway. Consider scoping out the slopes of British Columbia’s Powder Highway. If you’d rather stay in denial of the impending temperature drop, soak up the sun in San Antonio or take a cruise around Cuba.
Alexandra Gunn shows us how to make a fall fashion statement. PHOTO: MICHAELA TORNARITIS
PHOTO: KARI MEDIG/DESTINATION BC
columns
Publisher’s Message ............................... 4 Best Picks ............................................. 5 Savvy Selections .................................... 7 In Search of Style ................................... 9 Gallery: ArtSpeaks2017 .......................... 11 Homes: John’s Reno Tips ........................... 13 Homes: Aya Kitchen ................................ 15 Opinion: Michael Coren .......................... 39 Travel: The Powder Highway ................... 40 Travel: The Authentic Cuba ...................... 42 Travel: San Antonio ................................ 44 Saint Paul University ............................... 46
series
Health Series: A Heartfelt Campaign ........ 30 Pipelines and Peace of Mind .................... 32 Health Series: Bill C-51............................ 26 Faith in Canada/Op-ed ........................... 33 Canada/China Friendship ........................ 35 Canada/Turkey Friendship......................... 36 Pharmacare Series .................................. 37
9
publisher’s message by Dan Donovan
best picks publisher/managing editor
We Can’t Live in Glass Houses
I
t has been nearly two years since the election of the Trudeau government and his legislative accomplishments are few and far between. Other than pushing the reset button to change the tone from the previous Harper government, nothing of real significance has been achieved. My 18-year-daughter recently observed that “Justin” reminded her of the university student who loved the campus life, the social aspects and marched in all the parades protesting whatever cause happened to be popular . . . but never seemed to accomplish much in class. We have a feminist prime minister who marches in gay pride parades with great aplomb and continually projects a narrative about diversity, fairness and Canada’s “values.” Ironically, he sees no contradiction between attending a gay pride parade and then concluding an agreement to sell 15 billion dollars in armaments to Saudi Arabia, one of the most brutal, sexist and homophobic regimes in the world. The PM appears in his element when he can prognosticate about themes like diversity and fairness and justice. Apparently, Canada is the land of gender parity, diversity, fairness, kindness, human rights and maple syrup and these “Canadian values” should be exported the world over in multi and bi-lateral trade agreements and other treaties. The idea being that if you are going to do business with Canada, then by golly, you better have your human rights practices and diversity policies in order. This begs the question: when did Trudeau and Canada become the harbinger of acceptable human rights behaviour for nations? I suggest a little more humility is due. We should first clean up our act at home. Canada has a continuing public record of human rights failures. Canada continues to act in violation of the United Nations Convention against Torture (The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment).The UNCT is an international human rights treaty, under the review of the United Nations, which aims to prevent torture and other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment around the world. Canada is in breach of this treaty hundreds of times over for its policy of allowing prisoners — most of them Aboriginal — at Canadian penitentiaries to be locked away in solitary confinement for months, and sometimes, years at a time. Adam Capray recently spent four years in solitary in Thunder Bay. Canada’s prison population is 29 per cent Aboriginal when Indigenous people make up only 2 per cent of the overall population. Apparently racism has nothing to do with that statistic. Then there is the debacle that is the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. It’s a complete disaster, beyond farcical. The saddest part is the further pain it has caused families of the victims, instead of the opposite intention. I believe our PM is sincere when he says that "the measure of a society, a just society, is not whether we stand up for people’s rights when it's easy or popular to do so, it’s whether we recognize rights when it’s difficult, when it’s unpopular.” Apparently this is why he paid Omar Khadr $10.5 million for his unfair treatment. I just can’t reconcile why Canada hasn't given $10.5 million to Adam Capray who was tortured here in our own country. His Charter Rights were breached too. But, he is Aboriginal. I think the prime minister does believe in human rights and advancing the prosperity of Canada’s First Nations. But, after a while, talk is cheap and the preachy tone is beginning to grate. Trudeau would be wise to look across the aisle to the example of NDP leadership candidate Charlie Angus — a dedicated, serious and passionate advocate for fairness and better government. I have no doubt if Mr. Angus was in the prime minister’s position now, we would be much further ahead in addressing Indigenous rights and fairness issues. Angus walks his talk. We all know the saying, “those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.” Our prime minister would do well to reflect on our human rights abuses against our own people, before waxing eloquent about how wonderful we are to others n 4 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
Dan Donovan copy editor Dave Gross
Free From Fur
art director Karen Temple director of operations Isabel Payne
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savvy selections by Debbie Trenholm
best picks
Prinzo Fine Catering Prinzo Fine Catering has proudly served Ottawa for the last 40 years - corporate events, weddings, gala dinners. Their custom menus will enhance the culinary experience for all your guests. They also offer their elegant venue, which can accommodate
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Oktoberfest originated in Munich on Oct. 12, 1810 when Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) married Princess Therese. The citizens of Munich were invited to celebrate the happy royal event held on the fields in front of the city gates. Since then, it has become an annual festival and celebration accompanied by attractions, friends, traditional Volkfest (folk fest) food, and of course, a lot of German beer. Oktoberfest attendees experience a 16-18 day festival loaded with amusement rides, side stalls, games and, most obviously, tons and tons of beer. In fact, in 2013, a whopping 7.7 million litres of beer were served during the 16 days.
“It’s a huge fun fair and there is a bunch of food. At the beginning of the festival, there’s a huge parade where each brewery gets a float which has their first beer barrels on the back,” said Dave Bradly who experienced Oktoberfest and lived in Munich, Germany for seven years. Dave now resides in Ottawa and at this time of the year longs to be hollering “Prost!” with his friends in the beer tents. “Prost” is German for “cheers.” You will notice that Oktoberfest visitors like having a toast before drinking . . . a so-called “Prosit.” Alternatively, you could also say “Zum Wohl” (“To your health”). On the first day of Oktoberfest, the decorated floats parade into the large fields where the beer tents are equally decorated and at the strike of noon, the first barrels are ‘cracked’ to start the celebrations. Oktoberfest is now celebrated around the world. Here are a handful of local breweries that we think are worth raising a beer stein & shouting out “Prost!”
photography and special performances by local Pakistani singers. In his address, the High Commissioner Tariq Azim Khan thanked the City of Ottawa for making this event a great success and hoped that the exhibition of export products would enhance Pakistan’s ever increasing trade ties with Canada.
Canadian Minister for Infrastructure
and Communities, Amarjeet Sohi, highlighted the Pakistani community’s progress across Canada and believes its participation in all fields of life is a welcome indicator of the diverse culture the nation. ABOVE: The hon. Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor Jim Watson, High Commissioner Tariq Arim Khan
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Four Degrees Brewing Company Opened this summer and located in Smiths Falls, and with four beers on tap, we thought both the True North of 7 and True South of 7 are perfect for Oktoberfest. Both are named for Highway 7 which runs through the heart of Ontario.
Our Savvy Brew Crew member and sommelier, David Loan, describes True North of 7 as “a Helles Lager, defined as a mildly sweet, low bitterness Munich-style lager with very little foam and notes of honey. Indeed, it's slightly sweet. A perfect accompaniment to spicy food, with no bitterness, clean and easy drinking.” True South of 7 is a red ale and has a little lacy foam on top. David describes it as a beer with “flavours of toasted wheat, caramel and medium bitterness. Lots of sweet malt notes and light effervescence. It’s refreshing a crisp and very session able!” Waller St. Brewing Ottawa’s smallest brewery is also a speak-
6 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
BEER O’CLOCK BLOGSPOT
Pakistan’s export products, Pakistani cuisine,
easy. “Hefeweizen is a German-style wheat ale, unfiltered and cloudy from the suspended yeast. Higher temperature fermentation increases the production of the flavour molecule (called an “ester”) isoamyl acetate, which tastes strongly of bananas. As a beer flavour, it can be challenging for some people. But many people DO love it, as seen by the amount produced these days by craft breweries everywhere,” said David. Waller St.’s beer Hideaway Hefe lives up to its name: lager coloured, with light foam. “The banana is strong from the beginning — more like over-ripe banana or even those yellow banana candies we used to get as a kid. There’s some yeasty brioche, here, too, along with cloves and bubble gum. It’s certainly an unusual beer,” said David. Calabogie Brewing Co Three friends and an ‘imported’ brewer, opened the doors to this brewery in the village of Calabogie, which has been so popular, they are expanding their production facility into Kanata this fall.
Calabogie crafts is a ‘Kölschstyle’ ale called Front Porch. Kölsch is a regional designation that only two dozen brewers can legally use. This is why beers like Calabogie’s 4.2 per cent ABV (Alcohol by Volume), 32 IBU (International Bitterness Units) Front Porch are often called Kölschstyle — to protect the designation (much like French champagne). The ale-like lager pours a brilliant yellow with nice aromas of lemon with a slight honey malt note. There’s a good amount of biscuit malt base in the flavour with a complimentary herbal hop note ending with crisp citrus. Kichesippi Beer Brand-new this summer, Commissariat Old Stock Ale celebrates a milestone birthday for one of Ottawa’s oldest cultural attractions — the 100th anniversary of the Bytown Museum. Kichesippi co-owner Paul Meek, explained that the inspiration for this beer “was a style that we feel would have been enjoyed back in 1917.
CANADIANBEERNEWS.COM
7 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
Commissariat Old Stock Ale is currently available in a limited run at the Kichesippi retail store, and it will also be available at special events at the museum especially in October when it celebrates its official birthday. Tuque de Broue Does it take a family to make a beer? Founder Nicolas Malboeuf has involved in his entre clan at the brewery, including his mom. Located in Embrun, the beers are unique and are always made with local ingredients.
The flagship beer, Tuque Dorée Canadian Pale Ale, is intended to be served very well chilled. It asserts itself as a “Canadian Pale Ale,” a term that’s still being defined. Think about it as the craft brewer’s answer to Molson Canadian! As the name suggests, this is a clear golden colour. The head is thick and
Celebrate Oktoberfest
The Bytown Museum is a gem hidden in plain sight in our city and we hope this beer will help bring some well deserved attention to the museum.”
TUQUEDEBROUE.CA
Beau’s Oktoberfest
Friday, Sept. 22 and Sat., Sept. 23 at Vankleek Hill Fairgrounds.
in search of style by Alexandra Gunn
http://www.beausoktoberfest.ca/
Capital Oktoberfest
Wed., Oct. 4 - A fundraiser for Ottawa Heart Institute organized by the Bier Markt at 156 Sparks Street.
http://donate.ottawaheart.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=2017_Oktoberfest_ Home#.WZcKbT6GPIU
Fashion Goes Political
Creemore Springs Oktoberfest Ottawa
Thurs., Sept. 28 to Sat., Sept. 30 at Myers Volkswagen Auto Haus at Clarke Fields Park in Barrhaven. Beer, food & live music.
If you’ve got something on your mind, now is the time to wear your heart on your sleeve. The past few runway seasons have been outright political, with some brands sending models down the runway in t-shirts with protest slogans such as “The Future is Female.” Other politically inspired designs were subtler, with power dressing and patriotism woven throughout the offerings. Pantsuits have shown up on more runways than we can count, some incorporating 1980s-style padded shoulders.You’ll be sure to find political statements t-shirts (from both sides) at major retailers this The Gap u Alternatively, you can seek season. out specific slogans on Etsy. Make a fashion statement and be heard.
http://www.oktoberfestottawa.com/
Octoberfest Kitchener-Waterloo
Friday Oct. 6 to Saturday Oct.14, 2017. More than 700,000 people make the pilgrimage to Canada's Greatest Bavarian Festival, which turns out to be the second-largest Oktoberfest in the world . . . to Munich that is! http://www.oktoberfest.ca/
Savvy Company raises a glass foam, with great retention. There’s a of wine, craft beer & ciders lot of flavour here, lightly bitter, a bit too by featuring hard-tomalty, and with a silky mouth-feel. With come-by Canadian products moderate alcohol (4.5 per cent alcohol at their Taste & Buy events by volume), this is a terrific session ale and through their monthly and a great argument for the Canadian deliveries too. Check them out Pale Ale style! Pick up a can at the on www.savvycompany.ca LCBO or The Beer Store n September_ad2_Layout 1 17-08-09 2:52 PM Page 1
150 Copper Legacy Feathers celebrating Canada’s 150 years.
Follow Alex on Twitter: @AlexandraGunn
As the temperature begins to dip, make a thoughtful transition from summer to fall/winter by incorporating some of your favourite warm-weather pieces into your fall wardrobe. I’ll Fall Into White be holding on to my crisp white separates as the light shade helps to make the longer work days feel a little brighter.
Celebrating New Brunswick. This hand-tooled copper eagle feather is a legacy piece created to capture the acadian landscape & culture and given as a wedding gift in remembrance of a beloved father.
I’m constantly inspired by street style images and how women from around the world restyle their fashion staples.
Cashmere sweater, u The Bay
u Winners quilted Velvet shoulder bag $39.99
p Joe Fresh jacket $69
For your custom legacy piece please contact:
barb@coppertreecreative.ca coppertreecreative.ca 8 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
1
Take your go-to white jeans into fall by pairing them with a chic jacket that is decidedly of the season.
2
Add an oversized sweater to the breezy dress you’ve been wearing to the beach.
3
Grab your suede, leather, velvet and fall-friendly accessories to complete the overall look. 9 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
37
gallery by Amedeo de Pretto
TH ANNUAL CELEBRITY AUCTION
EARLY BIRD TICKETS $99 CORPORATE TABLE $1300
Challenging Social Stigmas Through Art showcased at the event, the 10 per cent remaining covering the cost of materials.
ST. ELIAS CENTRE 750 RIDGEWOOD AVE
Community artists will receive 60 per cent of the funds raised, the rest going to Shepherds of Good Hope. Without any gallery commissions, the evening hopes to truly be a community-first initiative. Aside from providing crucial services such as food, shelter, and medical attention to its clients, Shepherds of Good Hope also provides art supplies. One of its recent projects featured a soapstone carving workshop inspired by the Inuit members of the shelter.
WWW.REACH.CA
op culture has familiarized us with P the image of the young, starving artist, furiously labouring away at the
next potential magnum opus inside a grim studio devoid of all but art supplies and unfinished pieces. Yet, isn’t the art world all about connections, social status, and ultimately, wealth? Too often one’s degree of appreciation towards a work of art is dictated by the ‘cult of the artist’, reinforced by the presence of both their name and accompanying bio. Artists without connections within the art world are automatically at a disadvantage, regardless of their artistic prowess. Who do you consider an artist? This is the question ArtSpeaks seeks to pose.
10 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
ArtSpeaks 2017 OCTOBER 20 • 6 P.M. - 10 P.M. OTTAWA CITY HALL
The exhibit seeks to challenge our preconceptions of homelessness and those affected by allowing Shepherds of Good Hope clients to express themselves in an accepting environment. ArtSpeaks hopes to incite conversations regarding our views of those without a roof over their head, and realize that they’re so much more than ‘just homeless’. With only a name being featured next to each piece, a voice and a name are given to those who previously had none.
A new take on the art exhibit format, ArtSpeaks will feature works from Shepherds of Good Hope clients alongside those from established artists in the community.
“They have hopes and dreams. Even though they are homeless, they’re more than that. If even a few people start to think about that, we will consider the event a success,” said Micah Garten, Manager of Philanthropic Relations at Shepherds of Good Hope.
With no artist bios, attendees will be able to view and appreciate the art itself, free from prior assumptions or judgements.
This chance for self-expression is rewarded, as Shepherds of Good Hope clients will receive 90 per cent of the funds raised by sales of their artwork
PHOTO: AMEDEO DE PRETTO
“Not only have people loved it, but one gentleman in particular has been working with some of the others to show them how to do it. Just watching the sense of pride and community being built by somebody being able to share a skill with others and to help them to create together is incredible,” Garten said. The opportunity is also therapeutic, and helps those struggling with addiction to find a time-consuming activity that provides a break from the rhythm of everyday life. In 2016, over 7000 in the capital used an overnight emergency center at any point during the year, and while the numbers are shocking, the event hopes to allow people to see past the statistics and into the human side of Ottawa’s growing homelessness issue. “It’s not about how many people in this city are homeless but it’s about who needs help, and how can we as a caring and compassionate city find ways to support these people,” Garten said. The exhibit will be held at the Jean Pigott Hall in City Hall on October 20 from 6 p.m. - 10p.m.Tickets are $12 each, and can be purchased by visiting www.artspeaksottawa.com n 11 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
homes by John Gordon
John’s Reno Tips
EX P R ES S YO U R S E LF W I T H T I LE
Tile is the most commonly installed material in the bathroom. Use a combination of texture, layout and size to create a stunning bathroom. Here’s what trending in tile.
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SU B WAY O R STAGGERED —
Subway tiles are often found in the dimension of 3”x 6”. This beautiful pattern is truly stunning when used on bathroom walls, whether it be for half walls or the shower surround. This tile was designed in New York City, 1904 and used in the first ever subway station, hence the name. Whether you stick to classic white or a modern slate or black, you could never go wrong with this choice.
20 Years... thank you! The Mondeau team
OTTAWA
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HEX TILES — Hexagon mosaics
HERRINGBONE — One of the most classy/contemporar y tile patterns that you will see this fall. With its’ arrow like design, this intricate pattern does very well on a bathroom floor as you can direct the eye to the main focuses of the room. A 3’ x 18’ tile is a wonderful choice when tiling an ensuite floor. Try the Herringbone with a matte finish tile, for easy cleaning and a fresh, bold look.
really came into the limelight in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Commonly seen in black and white, this style was popular amongst the upper class of the time. All trends seems to come and go from decade to decade and we are glad that this one has come back around! Hexagonal mosaics have a wonderful way of giving a depth and modern feel to a space. This fall, you will see a smaller 4” hex for that retro/urban feel, and the larger 12” hex — giving a very modern and chic look to the bathroom.
Visit YourRenoGuys.com for more information about John Gordon and the services he offers. 13 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
homes by Tori McNeely
The Heart of the Home n a floor plan, the kitchen is O just another piece of the puzzle, but in the eyes of Canada’s foremost kitchen cabinet manufacturer, AyA, it is the heart of the home.
The company produced its first kitchen back in 2001 and despite starting off slowly it has been operating on an ambitious scale ever since, with 150,000 sq. ft. of production space and more than 30 showroom locations across North America. Dave Marcus, founder and owner of AyA Kitchens and Bath, grew up in the cabinetry industry.
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14 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
November 10 – 12, 2017 du 10 au 12 novembre insideout.ca #InsideOut17
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“My family had a cabinet manufacturing business which they sold about five years before I started AyA. One of the reasons we started from scratch was that we were able to take advantage of some of the quite dramatic changes in technology. We were able to establish a new approach to manufacturing,” said Dave. Dave refers to AyA’s one-of-akind manufacturing process as mass customization, where a state-of-theart manufacturing process is combined with the customization and quality of old-world craftsmanship. While being located in Toronto is certainly an advantage from the
PHOTOS: NELSON COSTA
standpoint of a cabinet manufacturer, AyA’s supply chain is global. “A lot of our hardware, particularly the functional hardware, comes from Europe.We really do look to the world for the best sourcing,” said Dave. Not only does the company invest in leading hardware from Europe, but it also looks to Europe for design inspiration as a useful undertaking. When discussing an element that he believes to be a timeless component of any kitchen Dave said: “If I look at European cabinetry 30 years ago they were predominately slab doors and if I go to shows now in Milan the cabinetry is still slab doors. I think that really simple, minimalist aesthetic is something that has timelessness to it.” Having lived in Japan for a while, Dave and his wife grew interested in Japanese craft and design. The word ‘Aya’ means ‘design’ in Japanese, a concept that is very central to Dave’s vision for the company and its incredible success. AyA remains at the forefront of kitchen design through annual high-profile collaborations with top-tier designers for Toronto’s Interior Design Show.
Josephson, co-founder of PARTISANS, to produce CUBI, an open shelving system that was distilled out of a really creative conceptual view that Alex had,” said Dave. “At its most basic level it is just a cube with all open sides and that’s kind of the playful aspect but then we started filling in surfaces so the CUBI system has all sorts of modular iterations.” AyA remains dedicated not only to a high level of customization and innovative design, but green design in particular as well. Its 2008 cabinetry line, EVO, and the more recent water-based finishes are a testament to its commitment to the environment. “I’ve always had a strong interest in sustainability. As time progressed we’ve tried bringing that sustainable thinking into all of our product lines. Our goal is to be as sustainable as we can in all aspects of our work,” said Dave. “We really have taken on this concept that we call kitchen living. For me, an ideal kitchen is a comfortable kitchen. It’s a kitchen that you feel at home in.”n
“This past year we worked with Alex
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sports by Keith Whittier
The Team Behind the Team “How did you like the game?” I asked. “It was ok,” she replied. “Just ok?” “Well, I really liked the cheerleaders," she specified. "They were pretty amazing.” This is part of a recent conversation I had with a non-football fan who was attending her first Ottawa REDBLACKS home game. She was amazed at the athleticism, precision and enthusiasm with which the Cheer and Dance team entertains the fans. The ‘team’ is front-and-centre for every home game, cheering their collective lungs out while supporting Ottawa’s CFL team. The members of this group, approximately 50, are unique but also very similar in respects: Different in their backgrounds, interests and career paths, but very similar in their qualities. They are intelligent, passionate, creative and ridiculously talented. I have had the opportunity of getting to know many of the team through a variety of events and these are people who impress and fascinate me for things that have nothing to do with what they do on the field. PHOTOS: GORD WEBER
While you might have seen Brittany on the field, or more specifically in the air (as she is tossed skyward on a regular basis as one of the flyers of the team), you might be surprised to hear she’s an engineering grad. Cheerleaders aren’t supposed to be smart? Really? Says who? In addition to their performances on the field and along the sidelines these ladies and gents — yes there are men on the team — practise weekly, and participate in community events all across the region. The REDBLACKS contract cheer team services from Spring CDT — owned by Lisa Aucoin and her husband Kenny. Spring CDT is an international cheerleading company that provides skills camps in more than 36 countries. As Aucoin puts it: “I am so proud of the program we have built over the last four years. Our cheerleading and dance teams are among the best in the CFL. They are active and engaged in the community while our members prioritize careers, school, family life and more.”
Team members volunteer their time. That includes the weekly practices, game-day performance, paired with community and charity events. Each year they produce an annual calendar, which raises funds for their Grey Cup trip. With the Grey Cup happening in Ottawa this season, the team has produced an Ottawa-themed calendar with photos featuring popular spots across the city. If there is one thing that stands out it is the team’s engagement with fans.When the score is not in the REDBLACKS favour you can always count on the team doing its best to keep the crowd engaged. The most touching moment I observed happened a few years ago at one of the auditions. Amanda, a member of the dance team, was in her street clothes but holding her poms as she was about to change. She was nervous, as they all are during auditions. A little girl who couldn’t have been more than six-years-old came up to her wanting to hold her poms and instinctively Amanda crouched down and started playing with the girl. The little girl was in heaven. You can’t teach that, as that is something that you have within you and trust me, they all do. “So are the cheerleaders doing that at every game?" my friend asked. "They were the best part for me!” I smiled and replied, “Yeah, it’s what they do!” n 17 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
cover by Anne Dion, Joel Redekop, Andre Gagne, Anna Jonas
This year's we teamed up with Crusoe, the Celebrity Dachshund, to sniff out the top dogs in the city that are actually people. Crusoe got his game face on and scouted out Ottawans that are the ones to watch. They are the best that the capital has to offer and have made their mark on their communities, be it at the local, national or even global level. These are Ottawa Life’s 2017 Top 25 People in the Capital. Follow Crusoe on Instagram @crusoe_dachshund PHOTO: VALERIE KEELER
Dominik Sokolowski Arstist
PHOTO: ALLAIN BALDO
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It’s no surprise that Dominik Sokolowski’s introduction to art was through television, an instrument of universality, a symbol of the modern age.“I’m inspired by everything!” the artist exclaims. “I am always looking for something, even if I’m on vacation, even if I’m walking down the street. I am always looking for some idea to steal, to make my own. My life is basically my paintings.” Sokolowski’s art features abstract, patchwork-like patterns, not unlike the cubism of Pablo Picasso or Paul Cezanne. Just as Sokolowski is inspired by all that surrounds him, his art includes fabrics and materials that he comes across in his day-to-day life. Lego bricks, plastic fishing bait: it’s all been used in Sokolowski’s art at some point. In his use of these mundane objects, Sokolowski anchors his abstractions to his subject. Take last year’s Love and Peace exhibition for instance: despite the exhibition’s broad subject matter, he found real life inspiration in John Lennon, whose quotations were used in the art itself, allowing for the themes of the exhibition and fundraiser to be more accessible to his audience. And it certainly connected with many people. The fundraiser raised over $20,000. Colour is vital to Sokolowski’s work, and he has developed a philosophy around his use of it. The development of many of his paintings begins in the same way: with black. “You’re a child, a baby, and you’re basically suffering,” he explains. “You don’t know who you are, where you are, and slowly, you learn to communicate. Not just with crying, but you start talking, reading and writing. My paintings start with black, but slowly, they come into colour.” The expansion of his colour palate has predictably increased in the same way. Sokolowski began by using only black and white, along with jaundiced hues of orange and red. However, Sokolowski’s latest exhibition, Canada Four Seasons, is awash in colour, as he has set out to cover his canvas with all the vibrancy of our country’s forests and oceans, plains and skies. “I remember when I arrived in Canada at the end of September. The light of the sky, the gorgeous red colours of the forest stayed in my mind,” Sokolowski reminisces. In the context of his artistry, it is only appropriate that Sokolowski keeps expanding his colour palate. After all, his art emulates his perspective, which is always changing, always evolving. Even though his work reflects the brushstrokes of an experienced painter who is confident in his abilities, it also displays a talent that is always open to further development as it is pushed into new areas, to greater heights n 19 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
Phap Lu
Senior Grand Master Phap Lu is a legend when it comes to Taekwondo. He is among the best in the world at his craft, and since moving to Ottawa, has been enriching our city’s martial arts scene with his generosity, knowledge and skills. The Grand Master came to Canada in 1979, escaping Vietnam where his family had lost everything almost overnight. In his early years he worked two-to-three jobs at a time, saving money in order to bring the rest of his family to Canada, while attending Algonquin College. He was also training hard to make the Canadian Taekwondo team and helping it place first overall at the Inter Continental Cup in Quebec City in 1982 and capturing first place in Free Style Breaking Techniques at the same tournament. In 1984, Phap Lu earned a world championship title in Glasgow, Scotland. It was clear early on that Phap Lu had a gift for the art. He began studying Taekwondo when he was 13 and, moving quickly through the ranks, earned his first degree black belt only two years later. He then became an instructor at Vietnam’s famous Ohdokwan Taekwondo School. 2017 is his 35th year of practicing his art, while that first degree black belt has since become a ninth. Throughout the following decades, his drive and achievements have continued to skyrocket. It is no surprise that he has become the Canadian Team’s technical consultant, continuing to support the art form he so loves. As if any more proof of his expertise was needed, in 1989, the founder of Taekwondo himself, General Choi Hong Hi asked specifically for Grand Master Lu to assist him as he travelled the world giving international instructor’s seminars. Grand Master Lu then returned to Canada and became a founding member of the Canadian Taekwondo Association (CTA). Throughout his career, the Grand Master has exercised his love of teaching. In his many years teaching Taekwondo, the Grand Master has shared his art with young children while passing on inspiration and self-discipline to his students. He began his own program, now known as the International Taekwondo Correspondence School, and eventually founded his own school, Lu’s Taekwondo. The school is located in the Ottawa’s west end and offers a variety of programs for students of all ages. He tells us that “people here have the opportunity to look for freedom.” Ottawa, he says, is a place where he feels both motivated and welcome to share in the community. Teaching, for him, is a way of giving back to the place where he lives. To say that Canada’s capital is proud and honoured to be home to such a legend is an understatement; we can’t wait to see what fresh victories are in store for the Senior Grand Master n
PHOTO: WILLIAM HO
Global Taekwondo Teacher And Leader Noelle’s early career, one she admits was full of her newcomer’s naivety, would be a rocky one. Not discouraged and with hard lessons learned, Noelle set out to achieve her goals. She would eventually go on to tour with Juno-nominated blues musician David Gogo and she’d open for ZZ Top, Bonnie Raitt and B.B. King — traveling extensively in Europe and the United States. Her efforts paid off when she put together her own backing band of people she already felt comfortable working with. One listen to her gorgeous three-octave vocal range is uplifting to all. While her multiple gear shifts can be exhausting, Noelle says the work remains addicting and allows her to showcase different sides of her personality. Noelle also feels strongly about sharing her talent with another group of people who live demanding lifestyles far different than that of any road-weary musician. Last year, she was given the opportunity to travel with The Canadian Armed Forces, performing for our troops here and abroad. It was a life-changing moment. 2018 promises to raise this star even higher! n
Joseph Mancinelli
Top Labour Leader
Rebecca Noelle
Musician Hitting The Right Notes
PHOTO: ANDRE GAGNE
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It has been a busy 2017 for Rebecca Noelle. In between multiple gigs with Ottawa’s glitziest party band (The PepTides), she’s found the time to perform solo shows with her powerhouse backing band promoting the release of her new album, Soulstice. When you factor in a successful run on Quebec’s Le Voix and concerts with the legendary The Jacksons, it’s a wonder she’s even had a moment to exhale. She doesn't mind. For someone who has been performing since she was 4-years-old, a life in music is exactly the one she wants. Singing makes her soul soar but it is the influence of others — even those who tried to sway her away from a path in music — that eventually moved her to truly finding her voice. Proving the naysayers wrong wasn’t going to be easy. Right out of high school,
PHOTO: VALERIE KEELER
Joe Mancinelli is Canada’s most influential labour leader. The International Vice President of the Labourers International Union of North America (LiUNA) has been with the organization for almost 40 years, the bulk of his career. During this period, he has witnessed the evolution of the organization. “There’s still a lot to get done…and a lot of interesting challenges,” he says. Though he is a well-known figure with Ministers, MPs, senior mandarins and officials in the Capital, Mancinelli’s style is to work quietly behind-the-scenes with Ottawa’s power brokers to get things done. He focuses on effective skills training for Canada’s labour market and has long been a strong advocate for safer working conditions for the protection of workers in the trades. “Education needs to invest in something that the economy needs,” says Mancinelli. “If all that is taught is academics, we’re not educating kids for the future. We need to get back to teaching some skills and expose the next generation to them.” He argues that more conclusive job training leads to more well-rounded and well-prepared graduates, making them more adaptable in the rapidly changing working world of today and providing more job stability long-term. Mancinelli is also passionate about building proper infrastructure in First Nations and Inuit communities and stresses the importance of creating opportunities and programs to empower Aboriginal youth, an area in which LiUNA plays a crucial role. According to Mancinelli, “there are all these problems — many complex problems, but some solutions are not complex. Some are easy. For example, clean water in Canada should not be an issue.” His role in bringing Aboriginal issues into the mainstream of Canadian Labour issues has not gone unnoticed by the Assembly of First Nations. After signing a Statement of Partnership between LiUNA and the Assembly of First Nations, National Chief Perry Bellegarde said that Mancinelli and LiUNA “have demonstrated their commitments to First Nations and to walking down the path of reconciliation, and we lift them up as a model for other organizations in Canada”. Prime Minister Trudeau and his Liberal government ministers also frequently regularly consult with Mancinelli on key labour issues in Canada. As Parliament resumes Mancinelli and LIUNA have been publicly supporting and privately advising the Mounted Police Professional Association (MPPAC) on matters relating to their bid to have the RCMP membership become certified as a union. “My father was a policeman in Italy before we immigrated to Canada. He wanted to be a policeman here, but was told he wasn’t tall enough. The police in Canada were all ten feet tall and Irish or English or so it seemed”, says Mancinelli, with a heartfelt laugh. “But my dad loved the police here and he respected their work ethic, and I’ve always loved and respected the men and women of the RCMP in particular. If LIUNA can assist them to improve their lives and working conditions via certification, we will. That is good for the RCMP members, the RCMP and Canada.”n 21 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
Senator Kim Pate Reformer
PHOTO: AMEDEO DE PRETTO
OPENING FALL 2017 The Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) is at a pivotal moment in its history, building towards the opening of a new home for the arts in Ottawa. You’ll be able to experience the spectacular expansion as part of the Ottawa 2017 celebrations. Find out more at oaggao.ca.
Theland Kicknosway
PHOTO: ANNE DION
THE EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING
Kim Pate has been working to reform Canada’s penal system for almost four decades. In November of last year, Pate was appointed to the Senate of Canada by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Before her appointment, Pate spent 25 years as National Director of the Elizabeth Fry Society, working with Canadian prisons on behalf of our country’s most marginalized, vulnerable, and criminalized groups. When the Prime Minister called to offer her the job, Pate explains how, “one of the words he used which shocked me most was ‘activism’.” Though it took her by surprise, the word is nothing if not appropriate. Pate takes her role as one of Canada’s reform-seekers very seriously: “I never ran for a political party because none of them had policies which I thought were sufficiently progressive on social justice and criminal justice issues.” she tells us. Being independent was a crucial aspect which attracted Pate to the job. The role of the Senate as ‘sober second thought’ to the House of Commons, allows for more freedom from party affiliations and partisan politics in the process of affecting change, something which Pate greatly values. Most of Senator Pate’s work has been towards a future in which prisons are made unnecessary by the implementation of other community and social frameworks — frameworks which ensure integration and rehabilitation rather than imprisonment and punishment. With the Elizabeth Fry Society, Pate often spent time inside prisons, negotiating and navigating bureaucracy to ensure better living conditions for the most vulnerable people in these penal institutions, and to bring justice for those who had faced brutal mistreatment and neglect. The Senator is currently working on two bills which will revolutionize the system which has, for 20 years, seen more and more regressive reform. The first is Irwin Cotler’s bill to allow Judges to use judicial discretion instead of imposing mandatory minimum sentences, and the second, if passed, will provide an automatic pardon process. Mandatory minimum sentences are often used to pressure people to plead guilty even when they have defences; by allowing judges the freedom to decide if and when mandatory minimums are appropriate will therefore reduce the rate of incarceration. The second bill will re-introduce pardons to Canada, making them automatic and free, thereby allowing for faster and more cost-effective rehabilitation after a sentence is fulfilled. Senator Pate’s drive, empathy, and tenacity is nothing short of remarkable; her determination in the pursuit of reform makes her one of Canada’s most valuable assets n
Dancer, Activist
14-year-old Theland Kicknosway is a visionary activist and an accomplished Algonquin dancer. Best known perhaps for leading the procession in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s swearing-in ceremony with a song on his drum, Theland is also one of Canada’s most talented dancers. He has been making his mark during his circuit of North American pow wows, collecting an impressive streak of success as he takes home gold medals from many a competition. As energetic and open-minded as Theland is now, the attitude is hardly new. When he was 8-years-old and attending Century Public School, he noticed that the multicultural murals showed no First Nations children. Pointing this out to the administration, Theland then helped institute the school’s first pow wow. About a year afterwards, he had a conversation with his parents, which he now cites as the origin of his next campaign for change. Theland asked his mother and father what happens to the children of the missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada, adding that he wanted to do something to make a difference. Inspired in part by Canadian legend Terry Fox, the family landed on a plan for Theland to run 130 kilometres, from Gatineau (the site where Kelly Morrisseau was 23 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
Rendering by Régis Côté et associés, architectes and Lemay Michaud Architecture Design. Photo: Simon Stiles. Artwork: Martin Golland, Stilts, 2013, oil on canvas, 152.4 x 127.5 cm. Courtesy of Galerie Antoine Ertaskiran, Montréal.
Leanne Moussa
Developer With Intention
Theland Kicknosway >>
found killed in 2006) to the Algonquin community of Kitigan Zibi (the home of Maisy Odjick and Shannon Alexander, two teen girls who have been missing since 2008). The initial run took approximately four days to complete. 2017 marks the third year of the run, and although the plan was originally to reach just four successive years, Theland now has plans of expansion. “I see it going further than what it already is,” said Theland. “We made the decision to do four years but who knows — we might have to go longer because we don’t know how long it will take. We’ll keep going until we find a solution." Last year, Theland was joined on his journey by several marathon runners, as well as members of the RCMP. The successful reception of this growing enterprise proves that the hope for change is far from unattainable. To join the run, or to stay informed of his performances, follow Theland’s Facebook page, @creedrummer n
Leanne Moussa has rallied a neighbourhood into saving a piece of history . . . and has since turned it into a contemporary phenomenon. The stunning architecture of what was once an Anglican church in Sandy Hill is now home to a multi-use community centre, welcoming a variety of religious congregations. There is also space for artists’ studios, events, classes and conferences, as well as a licensed café. When the All Saints Church went on the market, Leanne’s initial goal was to ensure that the Anglican diocese would consider the desires of the Sandy Hill community when deciding who to sell the building to. It quickly became apparent, to Leanne, that the surest way of shaping the direction of the building’s future would be to buy it. Her academic background was in civic associations, an area of research which she said is “essentially how people can come together to affect change.” It is hardly surprising, then, that she became the driving force behind the project. The families of Sandy Hill were intimately acquainted with the All Saints Church for years before it changed ownership; its basement used to be home to the Bettye Hyde Co-operative Nursery School, and during its 40-year lifetime, many of the neighbourhood children (including Leanne’s) had attended. As a member of its non-profit board of directors, Leanne felt strongly about the school and the building. Now the church has been reimagined into an inclusive urban space, building much of its success on its community partnerships. For example, event planners are welcome to hire catering of their choice, but All Saints is proud to include the Ottawa Mission as its partner. The church has some significant historical weight: “With a window dedicated to Prime Minister Borden, WWI memorials on the walls, and a rare nine-bell chime, this space has occupied an important place in our community and in the Nation's Capital for 117 years. We believe it is worth saving,” said Leanne. One of the biggest challenges, Leanne said, was navigating towards a united vision for the building’s future: “One that is inclusive, yet a bit edgy and urban. One that has at its heart a sense of community.” The challenge, she added, was a big part of what gave the projects its meaning — “creative problem solving breathes life into the place.” On the day they took possession, Leanne and her family rang the church bells “to signal to the community that the bells would continue to ring for years to come. That we will build something that remains a part of the fabric of the community.” n
Henry Burris
Sports Star Into Media Star
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Mayor Jim Watson
Mayor Extraordinaire
PHOTO: AMEDEO DE PRETTO
PHOTO: COURTESY BELL MEDIA
The Canadian Football League lost one of its greats when Henry Armand Burris Jr. retired earlier this year. Far from disappearing from the public eye, the three-time Grey Cup champion has joined Ottawa’s broadcasting scene on one of Ottawa’s leading networks. Burris is now a co-host on CTV Morning Live, the weekday show that wakes up Ottawa and gets our days on the march. He is also taking over the airwaves as CFL analyst on TSN 1200 and 580 CFRA. Although Burris is clearly used to the celebrity of being on TV, the career shift is still a major one. Having gone from being the best in the business to the newbie in the office, Burris has proved his courage and tenacity with a smooth transition. It is clear from his charming charisma in front of the camera that he is just as adept at winning his audience on television as he was on the football field. Burris signed with the Ottawa REDBLACKS in February of 2014, and officially announced his retirement in January of this year. At the time of his retirement, Burris was third in all-time CFL passing yards and passing touchdowns, and had twice won CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award, in 2010 and 2015. The reason he gave for his retirement was to spend more time with his wife and to be more involved with the raising of their children. As novel as it may seem for a television and radio show to have a famous football player as a co-host, the appointment is actually very well-suited; Henry Burris actually majored in broadcasting, telecommunications and mass media at Temple University. While studying, he also played college football with the Temple Owls, establishing the bedrock for both career paths which he would later pursue. “I look forward to delving into these new roles,” said Burris. “I’m excited to join the talented teams at CTV, TSN 1200, and 580 CFRA, and can’t wait to connect with viewers and listeners across this terrific city that I now call home.” The warmth with which Ottawa has welcomed Burris onto their screens and into their homes makes the capital city’s appreciation for his work apparent n
PHOTO: AMEDEO DE PRETTO
2017 has been a momentous year for Canada, and Ottawa has seen its fair share of celebration during our country’s 150th anniversary. Here at Ottawa Life Magazine, we’d like to give a round of applause to our mayor and city council for their incredible hard work and organization, and for the effort put into projects like light rail transit — which we’ve seen breaking ground this year. Jim Watson is currently in his second term as mayor, and is also the youngest mayor in this city’s history. “We’ve come from an era where nothing was getting done,” Watson said. “We debated Lansdowne (redevelopment) for decades, we debated light rail for years, and now we’re actually moving forward on all of these projects. Lansdowne has been a complete success, we’ll soon see Lebreton Flats follow suit and be the next great urban 25 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
Andrew Scheer • Politician on the upswing Andrew Scheer is surprisingly young to already own such an accomplished political biography. This year he became the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, and is consequently the leader of the opposition. Strong support carried him through the 13 rounds of voting and meant, in the end, that he beat out more than a dozen candidates. The concise nature of his campaign slogan — “Real Conservative. Real leader” — reflects the efficiency, thoughtfulness and work ethic which Scheer exercises in his political work. During his campaign, Scheer kept the specifics of his advocacy to a minimum, supporting changes to the carbon tax and promising to be tough on crime, but he has a notably consistent voting record. Scheer was born and raised in our nation’s capital, attending the University of Ottawa while working in the correspondence department of the office of the leader of the opposition. After living in Saskatchewan for several years, he became the Member of Parliament for ReginaQu’Appelle in 2004. It’s safe to assume that Canada can expect great things from Andrew Scheer n
Mayor Jim Watson >>
revitalization.” After years of discussion the city finally put shovels in the ground and pushed a project that was “off the rails” back on. 2017 has — so far — proven to be an eventful year for tourism, something which Mayor Watson feels passionately about. “This year has proven that we’re not the old fashioned, boring town that a lot of people thought we were,” he explained. With events like RedBull Crashed Ice, the Juno Awards, La Machine, and Kontinuum attracting more than 750,000 people, Ottawa has been a destination spot reaching international renown. Affordability was also an important aspect in the planning of these events; most 150th anniversary events have been free, and those that have not have included activities around the main event that were free of charge. Mayor Watson pointed towards the collaboration that went into the planning and execution of this tremendous celebratory year; highlighting the work of the city council and the city staff. The innovations and developments that Ottawa has seen in 2017, Watson told us, would not have been possible without the teamwork and collaboration of the entire council n
Elaina Martin • Event pro-moter!
PHOTO: ANDRE GAGNE
When it comes to summing up the popular festival she created 14-years ago, Elaina Martin likes to keep it simple: “It means community.” She’ll be the first to say how it “ain’t no party like a Westfest party.”For three days in June, Martin’s communal festival vision flourishes now in Mechanicsville’s Laroche Park. The inclusiveness of the event is paramount to Martin. As an openly gay woman, her early years were spent overcoming sexual violence and intolerance. The self-proclaimed “loud and proud queer woman” left that “hurtful, homophobic and widely uneducated” life behind her 26-years ago and hasn’t looked back. A skilled producer, Martin would settle in Ottawa becoming instrumental in bringing artists like Cyndi Lauper, Indigo Girls and Ani DiFranco to the city. She also produced two Rock City Women’s Festivals in Wakefield. Music is what puts her in motion; not surprising considering she started her career as a musician n
Jordan Nabigon • Entrepreneur
Jordan is the relatively new CEO and part owner of Shared. This past May, Nabigon participated in QuantumShift, a one-week intensive program designed to help Canadian business owners accelerate productivity. Only 540 business owners have ever been selected to participate. Sponsored by TD Commercial Bank and the Globe and Mail, 2017 marks QuantumShift’s 14th anniversary. Originally from Long Lake First Nation in northern Ontario, Nabigon moved to Ottawa at the age of 10. He became Shared’s CEO in December of last year. Originally launched in 2005 as an advertising network with a staff of only three, the website rebranded in 2015, and is now part of the digital content industry — creating and curating content for social media. Currently, Shared has 30-million fans, its videos generating more than one-billion views monthly. Our country’s competitive edge lies in the drive and productivity of private business like that exhibited by Nabigon and his team n
Dr. Chamoun Chamoun Doctor Extraordinaire
Dr. Chamoun is the chief of cardiology and internal medicine at the Montfort Hospital and is an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Ottawa. This year, the Montfort Hospital Foundation has been running a campaign called For You, Sweet <3 to raise $2.5 million for a CT scanner with a specialized cardiac module. This machine will allow healthcare practitioners to produce a detailed 3-D image of a patient’s heart in 0.275 seconds, using the most advanced technology available. The speed, efficiency and comfort of this tool will revolutionize the way Ottawa scans, diagnosis and treats heart conditions. Dr. Chamoun is an indispensable member of this fundraising team. “He truly believes that this technology will make a difference for the hospital and for his patients,” said Christine Sigouin, president of the Montfort Hospital Foundation and colleague of Dr. Chamoun. Before working at the Montfort Hospital, Dr. Chamoun graduated magna cum laude from the medical school at the University of Ottawa. He then completed the internal medicine program at the Mayo Clinic before cardiology training at Indiana University. There, he worked with a master of echocardiography, Dr. Harvey Feigenbaum. After a fellowship in echocardiography, a process of diagnosing heart conditions using sound waves, he completed another year of training in invasive and interventional cardiology (angiogram and angioplasty). He is now renowned as an expert in his field. Dr. Chamoun is one of the many doctors at Montfort whose daily practice will be greatly changed by the addition of a CT scanner; once the machine is purchased, patients will have a faster, more comfortable and efficient way of being scanned and diagnosed for heart issues. It will cut down on wait times, inter-hospital transfers and radiation emission. The Montfort Foundation’s campaign, For You, Sweet <3, closes on Octobre 18, at the annual President’s Breakfast. To donate or to get involved with the President’s Breakfast, visit foryousweetheart.com n
Ann Dale • Academic, Author, Thinker
Professor Ann Dale’s work which involves teaching, writing and activism, focuses on environmental sustainability, and has received international recognition. Dale’s research has practical intent — seeking to provide those in power with the tools to make real change on a large scale. Dale also holds a Canada Research Chair in sustainable community development. Innovation is at the heart of her work, as evidenced by her passion for debate. Dale is a professor in the School of Environment and Sustainability at Royal Roads University, but she promotes her research even further through her YouTube channel, HEADTalks. Dale also founded the National Environmental Treasure (NET) of which she is now chair. Not only is Dale committed to researching sustainable development, she is also invested in the ways our society perceives the idea. Her new book, Edging Forward, explores how information about our environment operates — how cultural ideas shape our development, and with it, our ability to act on climate change. The book calls for immediate action, condemning the slow pace that we have settled for so long. Dale combines elements of her own experience recognizing and reconciling our relationship with our environment, drawing from both the professional and the personal. The practicality of her work and the drive with which she presents these issues will be invaluable in whatever progress we make towards a better future n
Erik Karlsson • SENSational Captain
Our Top 25 this year wouldn’t be complete without #65! Ottawa’s SENSational Swede, Erik Karlsson, perhaps more than ever exemplified why that C adorns his jersey. Midway through the season, the Senators captain set a team record when, on March 4, he played in his 312th consecutive game. The streak wouldn’t last much longer, however, as later that month he’d suffer an injury to his foot after blocking a shot finally sidelining him. Not wanting to miss what would prove to be a spectacular playoff run, Karlsson returned in time for round one revealing only after a series-clinching victory in Game 6 against Boston that he’d been playing with not one but two hairline fractures. His heart and endurance through the pain would be pumped into a hungry Sens team who came one goal shy of making it to the Stanley Cup final. His 2016-2017 season would show, despite the injury, he remained PHOTO: ANDRE GAGNE
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a step above the rest
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Esther Brake •
Andrew Bennet • Man of Faith
BURGER BREAKER
Esther Brake, a former McDonald’s manager in Kanata, is renowned for winning a six-figure settlement. Kevin Philips, the Ontario Superior Court Justice who decided the fate of her case, found earlier this year that Esther’s 20 years of hard work and dedication warranted better treatment by one of the biggest companies in North America. After scoring a decade of excellent performance reviews, Brake was one day moved to a poorly-performing McDonald’s. There, she became held to what Judge Philips later called “arbitrary and unfair” performance standards, and was continually dealt 12-hour shifts. Despite being able to meet the new higher demands, Brake was informed that she was being demoted from manager to first assistant. The ultimatum — accept it without complaint or leave her job entirely — was presented, and Brake decided to quit. Now her story is one of inspiration and justice. Her hard work has been recognized, and her compensation finally earned. Going up against a company after years of devoted work takes a unique kind of courage and self-respect. The successful settlement of Esther’s case is a testament to her fortitude and integrity n
PHOTO: AMEDEO DE PRETTO
Brigitte Larsen • rehoming dogs
John Allaire • Marvelous musician
PHOTO: AMEDEO DE PRETTO
Dog person through and though, Brigitte Larsen is the co-founder, President, Foster Director, and one of six board members of Freedom Dog Rescue [FDR]. She is a proud mother of two human children and five furry canines. She works full-time and still somehow manages to balance rescue, work, and family. Backed by a fleet of dedicated volunteers, she can often be spotted racing around town to different FDR events, or transporting dogs and donations to the organization’s various foster homes. When asked about the success of the rescue, Brigitte credited their accomplishments to her team: “We have such an amazing group of people who are very passionate about rescue and this is reflected in the rapid growth of FDR. Our team works hard to not only make this successful and reputable, but to also be a loving family who support each other through the challenges of running the rescue.”n
Allaire is one of Ottawa’s hidden gems. A persistently passionate musician, this year he is celebrating . . . having performed his 2,000th gig. Allaire began his career in 1984 with bands like The Town Cryers with whom he released a No. 1 hit, All’s Well. In the 1990s he formed a punk band before moving on to produce his own solo albums, including Ghosts of the Royal Motel, Up Hill… Both Ways, and most recently, South of Solitude. After a heart attack in 2010, rather than slowing down, he instead came out with the album Heart of Steel. Allaire has a weekly gig at Quinn’s on Bank Street, and also fills the pub’s Saturday slot with guest performers. 2017 was an exciting year for Allaire — as he marked the 25th anniversary of his old band, The Town Cryers. To mark the anniversary, the band is releasing a remastered version of the 18-song work, called Stanley’s Cup. The release includes a tour and you can catch the band on Dec. 8, at Irene’s Pub, in Ottawa’s Glebe neighbourhood on Bank Street n
Abdirahman Abdi • POSTSHUMOUSLY
The controversial case of Abdirahman Abdi, a Somali-Canadian who died after being taking into custody by Ottawa Police, has permeated the headlines since July 2016. His death sparked a public outcry including the forming of Justice for Abdrirahman, an Ottawa group seeking greater transparency while challenging racial inequity and bringing on positive change. As growing racial tensions mount south of our border, Abdi’s death has shown Canada to not be exempt from such treatment and would shine a bigger light on police misconduct in the city. Groups like The Canadian Somali Mothers’ Association, Canadian Council of Muslim Women and Black Lives Matter would all come together in support of Abdi and his family. Mayor Jim Watson, who spoke at Abdi’s funeral, would go on to say how he was inspired by the strength of the Somali community in the aftermath. “We need to continue to work together to overcome dividing forces and strive to emerge more unified than before,” Watson would say, showing how Abdi and his tragic death should help facilitate change. On March 6, 2017, Constable Daniel Montsion was charged with manslaughter, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon. His trial is set to begin in 2019, nearly three years after Abdi’s death n
James Boyd • Big SKATES to fill You could say that hockey runs in James Boyd’s blood. The new General Manager of the Ottawa 67s first became interested in the sport through his father, who coached kids in his hometown of Midland, Ontario. After being asked to coach his former junior team, The Belleville Bulls, Boyd discovered that his own passion for the sport extended to coaching. In his new role of General Manager, Boyd’s goals are to make sure that the players have all the tools they need and that the team runs smoothly. Long term, he has big dreams for the 67s to be a team that competes for division, conference and league championships. This year marks the team’s 50th anniversary. Over the course of those years, the 67s have not only given opportunities to dozens of NHL calibre players, they’ve provided an environment for creating family memories. “Our prime objective this year, is to deliver an exceptional hockey experience for our fans,” says Boyd. “It’s going to be a fun season.” n
Tim and Steve Beauchesne • All-in-the-family business
Charlie Angus • THE REAL DEAL
The idea to start their own brewery hit Tim and Steve Beauchesne while letting their imaginations run wild enjoying a cold pint on a warm summer day in 2004. After two years of planning and preparing, their dreams became a reality and Beau’s All Natural was born. The father-and-son dynamic duo poured their heart and soul into the project that soon became one of the most popular craft breweries in the area. Even if you haven’t tried their famous Lug Tread, their flagship brew sold at many establishments around the capital, you’ve definitely heard of it. The newly employee-owned company will forever and always be family-focused. Their organizational culture is built on close bonds (both familial and friendly), along with the pillars of innovation, ethics and an all-around shared passion for beer. In fact, the brewery’s tight-knit crew is largely made up of Tim and Steve’s friends and family. That same crew will be the ones leading the company into the future as both their honourary extended family and the business continue to grow n
Currently the MP for the riding of Timmins - James Bay, Charlie Angus is running for leadership of the New Democratic Party of Canada. His campaign focuses on several issues: affordable housing, ensuring equal opportunities for Canada’s Indigenous people and implementing a national carbon budget. Angus is also concerned with the status of the new working class that, he argues, is emerging from what used to be the middle class, and is made up of both white and blue-collar workers burdened with student debt, moving through contract work and trying to survive without benefits and pensions. Angus’s steadfast drive for social justice is clear. He spent the 1980s as a community activist in Toronto and the 1990s in northern Ontario where he founded the award-winning HighGrader magazine. Angus entered federal politics in 2004. His remarkable presence of mind and strength of will was proven in 2005 when he refused to yield to the outcry from his own church against the legalization of same-sex marriage. Angus voted with the government and withstood the tide of public reaction. This country and its capital city benefit from the hard work and backbone of people like Angus n
Crusoe • Fur Famous
Genevieve LeBlanc • PERFORMER PHOTO: ANDRE GAGNE
This summer has been an explosive success for air-guitar champion Genevieve LeBlanc. In May, she took home the gold medal at the Toronto regional championship before tearing up the competition at the national championship in July. Leaving Canada in the dust, she attended the world championships in Finland. LeBlanc is the first woman to represent Canada in the international competition. Air guitar is performance art more than musical exhibition. In these competitions, performers are given one minute to exhibit their song and character, and while fire and glitter are important factors, stage presence and energy is what really takes home top prize. A great deal of work goes into an air guitar performance as successful as one of Genevieve’s. Last year, her stage name was Gen the Geek Girl, but this year she’s dubbed herself Phoenix — an apt title given the trajectory of her success n 28 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
Dr. Andrew P.W. Bennett is Senior Fellow at Cardus where he also serves as Program Director for Cardus Law and Chair of the Cabinet of Canadians for Cardus’ Faith in Canada 150. Bennett leads a group of esteemed Canadians from a variety of faith traditions and walks of life that are having a national conversation about faith in our common life as we celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary. Most people will recognize Dr. Bennett from his work as Canada’s first Ambassador for Religious Freedom and Head of the Office of Religious Freedom from 2013 to 2016 during which time he led in defending and championing religious freedom internationally as a core element of Canada’s principled foreign policy. Bennett also served as Canada's Head of Delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, a 31-country body which leads international efforts in Holocaust education, research, and remembrance. A man of deep Christian faith, Bennett is active as a subdeacon and cantor in the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church at St. John the Baptist parish in Ottawa n
PHOTO: VALERIE KEELER
Crusoe the celebrity dachshund is Ottawa’s cutest four-pawed star. The amazing canine is the author of a New York Times bestseller — Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund: Adventures of the Wiener Dog Extraordinaire. He won the 2017 Shorty Award for the Best Animal category, and his advertisement won TV celebrity Ellen DeGeneres’s Superbowl commercial challenge competition, earning him a moment of fame on her show. Crusoe’s parents are Ryan and Lauren, and they double as his acting managers and promoters. He and his parents regularly visit Toronto where his half-brother, Oakley lives. The two are often featured together in matching costumes on Crusoe’s popular Instagram page. In August of 2016, Crusoe underwent emergency surgery for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a condition which 25 per cent of dachshunds suffer from. Ryan and Lauren were able to keep Crusoe’s followers up to date throughout the ordeal, setting the bar for other dog owners going through the same situation. We’re so proud to be home to the most ‘hound’some pup of them all! n 29 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
health series by Anne Dion
For You, Sweat Heart is a Montfort Hospital campaign that is fundraising $2.5 million for the purchase of a 3-D CT Scanner.
Hospital Foundation, Christine Sigouin, alongside the campaign chair, Lawrence Greenspon leads the campaign. “Right now we have a lot of patients who are coming to the hospital suffering from chest pains or other cardiac issues,” explained Sigouin. The methods of diagnosis cardiologists currently rely on are stress tests and echo tests, neither are as fast or as conclusive as a CT cardiac scan. With this current method, Sigouin said: “Often the patient will be hospitalized for several days, and needs to be transferred to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute for an angiogram.”
A Heartfelt Campaign little more than a year ago, A Ottawa’s Montfort Hospital Foundation launched a campaign to raise $2.5 million for a machine that would change the lives of people in need. The goal of the campaign – appropriately called For You, Sweet Heart – is to purchase a CT scanner featuring a specialized cardiac module. This machine uses the most advanced technology to produce detailed threedimensional images of vital internal organs. It would revolutionize the way heart conditions are diagnosed at Montfort.
30 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
table, the scanner rotates in 0.275 seconds, taking 320 image slices of the patient’s heart. The result is a 3-D image of the patient’s heart. From this, doctors will be able to identify signs of the majority of major cardiac diseases and disorders. The scanning process emits less radiation than other scanning methods and is completely non-invasive.
How it works?
A CT Scanner at the Montfort will be a revolutionary addition, streamlining the process of diagnosis — a process which is currently characterized by more invasive procedures like angiograms.
While the patient lies on a stationary
President and CEO of the Montfort
The Montfort collaborates with the Heart Institute to deliver the best health care possible. Limiting the transfer of patients between locations for tests will benefit the patients’ health.
visit a loved one, or to do their job) can expect to enter an exceptional environment that offers the highest standard of care and services by an unfailing commitment to continuous improvement.” Each of the 1,700 yearly is lucky:“We’re giving them hands on experience in their discipline.” said Sigouin.“We have several teaching partners and our main
Heart disease . . . can happen to anyone at any time as well. Every seven minutes in Canada somebody suffers from a heart attack. When it happens — every minute counts!
The Montfort is unique in that it is also Ontario’s francophone academic hospital; along with the exemplary care it offers, the hospital is a learning space for medical students. “We are a research hospital as well — we want to advance knowledge in healthcare and medicine,” Sigouin said. “An academic hospital is a hospital of excellence, so every person who walks through the door (to receive care, to
The Montfort has been known for years as a francophone space. Sigouin, however, assured that the facilities are not limited to those who speak French. “We have a very diverse, multicultural city — although we’re an academic francophone hospital, about half our patients are anglophone. Every person in the hospital, every health care professional, doctor, staff member offers services in both official languages — as soon as a patient walks through the door, they’re asked which official language they want to be served in.” The camp a i gn we b s i t e is foryousweetheart.com, and once there, you can make a donation to the cause. “Heart disease is the No. 1 case of hospitalization. It can happen to anyone at any time as well. Every seven minutes in Canada somebody suffers from a heart attack. And when it happens to them they want to be rushed to the nearest hospital — and every minute counts.”
“With this new machine we’ll be able to detect in 0.275 seconds if there is a blockage. So, if the patient does require a more invasive procedure — an angioplasty or other surgeries — they will be sent to the Heart Institute.” The For You, Sweet Heart campaign has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response so far, and is now in its final sprint.The campaign's goal will hopefully be reached later this fall.
nurses, and a very active volunteer association.
one is the University of Ottawa. These dynamic students and residents are doing the latest practices in their field and they’re getting to do so alongside experienced professionals; they’re at the cutting edge of knowledge thanks to a rigorous program of continuing professional education.
If you wish to make a difference in the lives and in the hearts of Ottawa, visit foryousweetheart.com and make a donation. Help Ottawa’s heart grow . . . in more ways than one n foryousweetheart.com
"This combination of experience and energy creates a team that offers patients the very highest standard of care and a fresh perspective on their state of health.” The hospital boasts 1,800 employees, more than 300 doctors and 450 31 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
faith in canada 150/op-ed by Andrew Bennett
pipelines and peace of mind series by Amedeo de Pretto
Trudeau’s Pipeline Blockage Continues
Bill C-51: The Devil is in the Details The two projects should cost an estimated $14.3 billion combined. The prime minister also faces opposition from B.C’s new government, with both the NDP and Green Party being fiercely opposed to the Trans Mountain pipeline.
Trudeau made a lot of promises J— ustin to Canadians while campaigning 226 to be precise, according to
TrudeauMeter, a non-partisan website tracking his political performance. So far only 55 of them have been achieved. While the Liberal government’s abandoning of its electoral reform promise came as a blow to many Canadians attracted to the idea of a future without first-past-the-post, Trudeau giving the green light for the Trans Mountain and Line 3 pipeline projects has also been met with considerable backlash by First Nations and environmentalists. The approval comes long after a ‘town hall’ in 2015 held by APTN National News, in which Trudeau said the Liberals believe First Nations have veto power over natural resource development in their communities. Not only ignoring opposition to the pipelines in the wake of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, the Liberal government also granted two federal permits for the construction of the Site C dam in B.C., a project that would flood both native and agricultural land. While the refusal of the Northern Gateway Pipeline shows consistency with Trudeau’s previous stances, the decisions taken regarding the two other pipeline projects and the Site C 32 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
Aboriginal people across the country are already employed by the oil industry, and roughly 23,000 live in oil sands regions.
dam show considerable hypocrisy. Despite opposition to the pipelines from most First Nations communities, those overseeing petroleum-owning reserves seek a more nuanced discussion regarding pipeline development. Last year, nine oil-producing First Nations released a First Nations National Energy Strategy, which seeks to balance the mutual economic benefits of the infrastructure with respect for the communities and the land on which they live. Aboriginal people across the country are already employed by the oil industry, and roughly 23,000 live in oil sands regions. Kinder Morgan (one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America) forecasts the creation of 15,000 jobs a year during the Trans Mountain pipeline construction, and a further 37,000 during operation. The project, once completed, is expected to bring the government an extra $46.7 billion in revenues during the first 20 years, almost half of which would go to Alberta.
While the federal government does retain the authority to override provincial governments’ decisions regarding works benefiting the country, it is unlikely Trudeau’s Liberals will use this legality considering its track record. The NDP and Greens hold a combined 44 seats in B.C., with the Liberals close behind at 43. Despite polarized views on the pipeline projects, John Horgan’s minority government could prove to be unstable should a few ridings side with the pro-pipeline stance. As well, other than the risk for a potential oil spill affecting both land and water, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency estimates the Trans Mountain pipeline’s greenhouse gas emissions could be between 20 and 26 megatonnes of carbon dioxide per year — putting into question the Liberals’ climate-change commitments. Trudeau’s options for the pipelines seem few and far between. Pushing for support in B.C would require focused political power, and while some First Nations are open to negotiating with Kinder Morgan and Enbridge, Trudeau’s desire to push for these projects will prove costly considering the public’s strong opposition. By trying to appease these many groups and their respective interests, there’s no foreseeable outcome in which Trudeau can unite polarized groups regarding pipelines, whatever the final decision might be n PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
n June of this year, Justice Minister ICommons Jody Wilson tabled in the House of new omnibus legislation
to amend the Criminal Code and Department of Justice Act. For most, such occasions as this merit about as much excitement as learning that the Maple Leafs have yet again failed to make the playoffs or get past the first round. Yet, one of this bill’s provisions should merit the concern of Canadians for what it proposes and what it says about the value we place on religious freedom in this country and our understanding of sacred space. The bill proposes to amend certain provisions of the Criminal Code and to “repeal several obsolete or redundant criminal offences.” Among those offences to be repealed is section 176 of the Code which prohibits obstructing a “clergyman or minister” from “celebrating divine service or performing any other function in connection with his calling” or disturbing “an assemblage of persons met for religious worship.”
or other acts that might be perpetrated by someone during public worship. If this is the argument, then we should ask why such legislative dusting is required? Other proposals in Bill C-51 include repealing sections of the Code that treat it as an offense to engage in duelling or fraudulently pretending to practise witchcraft. One could argue that repeal of such sections makes sense given the general absence in our society now of duelling as a means of settling disputes, or widespread concerns over witchcraft. However, given that 23 per cent of us, or 8.3 million Canadians, according to the latest study on religious observance by the Angus Reid Institute, engage in acts of public worship at least once per month, shouldn’t we continue to care about the security of sacred space? SACRED SPACE MATTERS AND THAT IT MATTERS HAS BEEN AFFIRMED THROUGHOUT HUMAN HISTORY. THINK OF THE LEGAL PROTECTIONS FOR SEEKING SANCTUARY.
This provision in the Code makes it a criminal offence to disrupt public worship and in so doing acknowledges in law a key element of freedom of religion and conscience: the freedom to publicly worship in peace and security. This fundamental human right is the first right enumerated under section 2 of the Charter. It is also a well-established human right in international law as indicated by Article 18 of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. So why is the federal government proposing to remove a provision which is not only serves to protect public worship in law but also serves as an affirmation of the right to religious freedom in our country?
Now, the argument could be made that sacred space such as churches, mosques, synagogues, and gurdwaras are public space like any other. Such a view is flawed on several counts. Firstly, those Canadians worshipping in those places do not see those spaces as similar to the hockey arena, the mall, a school, or the local park.They are for a unique purpose that exists separate from secular spaces. Here our fellow citizens are acting upon their deepest metaphysical beliefs. In participating in the transcendent, the sacred, they are fully themselves.
The argument has been made that there are other provisions in the Criminal Code that can be used to prosecute disturbing the peace, assault,
Sacred space matters and that it matters has been affirmed throughout human history. Think of the legal protections for seeking sanctuary. There are
secular parallels. In the great tragedy of October 22, 2014 when Corporal Nathan Cirillo was shot dead while serving as sentry at the National War Memorial the country was united not only in its grief but in public scandal. It was horrific enough for a Canadian solider to be shot while serving in Canada, but to be shot while serving there, on ground sacred to the memory of our war dead, was even more horrific, more scandalous. Something sacred had been violated. Embedded within us as human beings through our lived experience is a sense of what is sacred, of what merits special reverence. Public worship embodies the sacred. This is true for all religious communities, but even more so for those who have come to Canada fleeing religious persecution throughout our history: the Jewish community, Sikhs, Muslims, Middle Eastern Christians, and Yazidis. In coming here they rejoice in their freedom to worship in peace and security. What message is being sent to these communities in particular by the federal government’s proposed repeal of section 176? What message does it send to Jewish congregations in this country who remain under threat of anti-Semitic attack? What message does it send to Christians in Burlington, ON where a Baptist church was burned and vandalized with ISIS graffiti? What message does it send to the Islamic community of Ste-Foy, Quebec whose mosque was attacked during worship and to other Muslim communities in this country? To maintain section 176 affirms the importance of freedom of religion and conscience in our rule of law. To maintain section 176 costs nothing. To repeal section 176 breeds ill will, sends the wrong message to people of faith, and diminishes the civility of our common life just that little bit more n 33 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
canada-china friendship series by Joel Redekop
We Meet Again — Canada and China assets and challenges, dialogue is not necessarily easy, but the persistence in which China and Canada have engaged shows the importance and dedication to this relationship. Wang noted that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Li Keqiang visited each other within a month’s time, displaying an “urgent wish” to deepen cooperation between the two countries. n the spring of 2016, the first annual Irespective meeting between Canada and China’s foreign ministers took place and both countries expressed a desire to strengthen bilateral ties.
Now, just more than a year later, the two nations have met once again to evaluate their progress and look towards the future. The annual event took place in Beijing, where Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chrystia Freeland, and China’s equivalent, Wang Yi, met for discussions. The two countries looked back at the past year positively: Freeland stated that maintaining strong ties with China are a “priority relationship for Canada,” and that “Canadians in general are proud of our long history of an independent and particular relationship with China.” The Chinese embassy reports that Wang believes China and Canada should “maintain high-level exchanges and exchanges at other various levels promote the construction of a ChinaCanada free-trade zone and expand anti-corruption and law enforcement cooperation.” Anti-corruption was among the chief talking points in August’s meetings. China wishes to open a new extradition treaty with Canada, something that was brought up as a possibility in last year’s meetings. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
DIALOGUE IS NOT NECESSARILY EASY, BUT THE PERSISTENCE IN WHICH CHINA AND CANADA HAVE ENGAGED SHOWS THE IMPORTANCE AND DEDICATION TO THIS RELATIONSHIP.
The introduction of this policy would make it easier for China to have corrupt officials returned to their country. Wang said Canada has become a popular destination for Chinese officials who are trying to escape criminal charges, and the Chinese foreign minister believes this calls for an increase in cooperation between the two countries. Reuters reported that the Chinese foreign ministry has suggested both countries must “take the joint fight against cross-border crime as an aim, and expand anti-corruption and legal enforcement cooperation.” Currently, Canada refuses to deport individuals if there is a chance it results in executions. The tone of the meetings was said to be cordial and productive, with both countries committing further to increasing bilateral trade, in addition to discussions on various global issues. When two countries are shaped by different world views and philosophies,
The 2016 meeting marked a notable turn in their relationship. The meeting of Canada and China’s foreign affairs ministers was followed by talks between Trudeau, Li Keqiang and President Xi Jinping, with discussions focusing largely on economic issues. Trudeau’s wife, Sophie Grégoire, also visited China to promote issues on women’s rights; while Finance Minister Bill Morneau had his first of — what was announced — would be annual meetings with senior Chinese officials. Out of these discussions came a joint statement between the two countries, in which Trudeau and Li announced their plans to increase bilateral dialogue and double bilateral trade by 2025. When compared to the extensive publicity that went along with last year’s meetings, 2017’s set of talks between Freeland and Wang have been accompanied by far less grandiosity. Beyond Canada’s extradition policies, there has been little said about the specific talking points in these meetings. In fact, Freeland has yet to publicly detail what issues and topics were discussed Nevertheless, these meetings reaffirmed the fact that both countries are committed to furthering their relationship on an economic, social and political level n 35 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
canada/turkey friendship by Dan Donovan
pharmacare series by Amedeo de Pretto
THE DOUBLE STANDARD:
National Healthcare Still Has a Long Way To Go
TURKEY AS VIEWED BY WESTERN MEDIA
s Canadians, we tend to be rather A proud of our public healthcare system, scoffing at our southern neighbour’s patchwork solutions and its latest president’s attempt to overturn the Affordable Care Act.
However, the system we so often take for granted hasn’t been around for very long, and its developing stages were — and still are— fraught with challenges.
O
sman Okyay is theVice Chairman of the Kale Group of Companies and one of Turkey’s most respected businessmen. He is also active on the Turkish Canada Business Council. Kale Group is comprised of 17 companies, and is regarded as one of the most important industrial enterprises of Turkey with over 5,000 employees, with operations from the Dardanelles (Canakkale) to several locations in Turkey, Italy and Russia. Kale Group is Europe’s 3rd and the world’s 12th largest ceramics manufacturer. In the construction chemical sector, the company is ranked first in Turkey and the region and 5th in Europe in terms of production and sales volume. As a 100 per cent private Turkish company, Kale plays a leading and influential role in defense and aviation sectors and provides its products to consumers in over 100 countries via more than 400 sales points. I met with Okyay in June, in Istanbul, to discuss his views on the economy and the general state of Turkish affairs today. I was curious to get his response to the prevalent western government and media narrative that Turkey is headed back to the dark ages. The Economist recently published a story stating that “Turkey’s slide into paranoid authoritarianism under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan makes it a far less enticing partner” and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, said in the spring that Turkey is leaving Europe with “giant steps”. 36 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
A growing concern is affordability not for healthcare services, but rather for the increasingly expensive prescription drugs patients require for treatment. OLM Managing Editor, Dan Donovan with Osman Okyay, Vice-Chairman, Kale Group of Companies. The painting depicts renowned Turkish businessman and Kale Group founder, Ibrahim Bodur (1928-2016).
…We deserve a better image that is closer to the truth. Despite the many issues Turkey faces, it is still a developing country, but also a democracy that is committed to a free market economy. OSMAN OKYAY,Vice Chairman of the Kale Group of Companies
The eloquent and soft spoken Okyay says this is just not true and expresses a genuine frustration that Turkey is too often presented in a biased and unfair manner by the western media.
the World Bank reports that Turkey’s economy is doing well with sustained economic growth, significant increases in exports,state-supported infrastructure and domestic consumption.
“I believe we deserve a better image that is closer to the truth”, he says. “Despite the many issues Turkey faces, it is still a developing country, but also a democracy that is committed to a free market economy. Trade and foreign investment are important for the Turkish economy. Seventy per cent of investment here is from the west. That is not representative of a country or economy turning inward. Our economy and businesses are open to the world.”
Okyay says Canada is a reliable trade partner and a good friend of Turkey but says the biggest hurdle in CanadaTurkish affairs are the stringent VISA requirements Canada has imposed on Turkish visitors, even in business classifications. He recommends that this be reviewed because it leads to lost opportunities in both countries.
The facts support him. Despite the ongoing political crisis,
Okyay says Turkish exports have been stable for the past decade noting that 50 per cent of Turkey’s export sales are to the European Union. “Turkey has always shown an interest in being a member in the EU, but despite meeting continued >> page 38
Universal healthcare did not come easily to Canada. Before it was passed into law, the Medical Care Act was fiercely opposed by members and representatives of the medical industry. Noticing the vulnerability of this act in the face of privatization, the S.O.S Medicare conference of 1979 saw Saskatchewan PremierTommy Douglas address the need for an external body fighting to maintain universal access to healthcare. It was during this conference that the Canadian Health Coalition (CHC) entered the debate. The CHC is comprised of national organizations representing healthcare workers, nurses, seniors, churches, anti-poverty groups, women and trade unions, as well as affiliated coalitions in nine provinces and one territory. The CHC’s mandate is to protect the public healthcare system while also advocating for its improvement. Accepting universal healthcare as a given makes Canadians more likely to ignore the very real challenges the system faces, most notably an increase in the number and range of services being privatized, and the increase in PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
“user fees” which slowly lead to a gradual weakening of the universality premise and leads to a two-tier healthcare system by stealth. Adrienne Silnicki, National Coordinator for the CHC, says the desire of Government to jettison responsibility and privatize many healthcare services is the reason wait times can be long. A second private tier of health care would only make matters worse.
WITH MORE THAN 90 PER CENT OF CANADIANS AGREEING TO A SYSTEM IN WHICH THE QUALITY OF CARE YOU RECEIVE DOESN’T REFLECT THE SIZE OF YOUR WALLET, PUBLIC SUPPORT IS ALIVE AND WELL.
“Canada doesn’t have enough specialists, we don’t have enough radiologists, we don’t have enough people who can read a lot of the diagnostic imaging, certainly not for two systems,” she said. “We need those resources to continue in the public system so we can make sure that no matter where you live in Canada or what your ability to pay is, you have access to high quality, fast healthcare.” With an increase in healthcare privatization, it’s also unclear whether our healthcare would still be protected by the exemptions outlined under NAFTA. Without a new Health Accord and a united funding agreement between Ottawa and the provinces and territories, public funding for healthcare risks facing further cuts, rendering Medicare all the more vulnerable to a shift towards private healthcare. In addition to defending public
healthcare and a renewed Health Accord, the CHC also seeks to address elements crucial to any healthcare system which ours has neglected, such as proper long-term care for seniors and a national public drug plan, which would grant Canada the national bargaining power needed to lower the price of both patent and generic drugs. Of course, for such a comprehensive expansion of our public healthcare to materialize, the support of the Canadian population and those working in the medical industry is required. With more than 90 per cent of Canadians agreeing to a system in which the quality of care you receive doesn’t reflect the size of your wallet, public support is alive and well. Ditto for medical practitioners, who have voiced their opinion in internal votes through the Canadian Medical Association and other stakeholders. “Healthcare professionals work in the system for a reason: they know it can work, they just need the resources to make that happen,” Silnicki said. Canada is celebrating another 50 years of Confederation since the Medical Care Act was passed, and the debate surrounding the future of the nation’s healthcare system continues to be just as heated. The CHC certainly has a lot on its plate to ensure our healthcare system remains protected, yet its commitment to mandate and popular support have kept it as a key figure in our political scene, a position it will surely maintain for years to come. It appears the CHC will be a key player in Chapter 2 of the universal healthcare story.That chapter will discuss universal Pharmacare n 37 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
Turkey >> from page 36
all the requirements when compared to others like Greece and Bulgaria, we are still rejected. However, we will keep working on it and also look to other markets and opportunities”. He points to Brexit as a big opportunity for Turkey as it could provide a large expansion in Turkey–British trade relations. He says other strengths in the Turkish economy include a young workforce (50 per cent of the Turkish workforce is under the age of 35). Okyay explained that when President Erdogan visited the United States last May, billions of dollars in new business deals with American companies were signed in the areas of technological infrastructure, transport, telecommunications, defence, R&D and energy. Okyay says the August 2016 attempted coup was difficult for all Turks but that the fallout is underway as the courts work through the cases of those being behind the attempted putsch.
When President Erdogan visited the United States last May, billions of dollars in new business deals with American companies were signed in the areas of technological infrastructure, transport, telecommunications, defence, R&D and energy.
“We are a country of laws and that process is happening now. Violence is unacceptable and the fact is that a “terrorist is a terrorist”. He is very optimistic about the future business prospects for Turkey and he the economy to continue to grow. On the Syrian refugee crisis and war he says, “We have over 3 million refugees living inside our borders that we are supporting. They have families, lives. I am very proud of how Turkey is responding and helping these people and handling this situation”. Others have turned these people away. That is not our way.” n
opinion by Michael Coren
Violence Towards LGBTQ Communities in Other Countries
I
t’s the contemporary version of twin solitudes.
In Canada and the West the general assumption is that LGBTQ equality is on the advance and that it’s all getting better, often much better. Earlier this summer the prime minister attended Halifax Pride for example, the first sitting leader to do so. In the Caribbean, Russia, Africa and much of the Middle East however, it’s actually getting worse, often much worse. Later this year I am speaking at a conference in Jamaica, where young gay people – in particular – risk assault and murder. Recent events in Uganda have once again emphasized all this. A gay pride event was raided and 20 people were arrested. One man was seriously hurt when, justifiably terrified; he tried to escape by jumping out a window. Although they were all later released, those detained were intimidated, interrogated and assaulted. It was ineffect an official warning, a reminder from the bitingly homophobic government to “know your place” and remember that homosexuality in Uganda is detested and illegal.
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More than this, Uganda has drawn other countries into its hateful orbit so that Kenya and Nigeria, for example, have recently emphasized anti-gay attitudes and legislation and even the once far-more-liberal South Africa is following a similar path. It’s a familiar pattern: African governments claim that homosexuality is a western import, play the anticolonial card, mingle fundamentalist Christianity with societal prejudice and are then aided by North American and European evangelical money and support.
This is important. Conservative Christians from the U.S. and to a lesser extent Canada have sent missionaries, advisers and money to Africa and elsewhere to aid what they see as an international crusade against “immorality.” As they have lost their battles here and in Europe they have transferred their energies to other continents. Evangelical leaders claim publicly that they reject the extreme violence and persecution that take place abroad . . . but it’s a pretty thin disguise. In Uganda women are raped to “cure” them of their lesbianism, AIDS centres are closed down because they’re accused of “leading people into homosexuality” and openly gay men and women live in fear of attack and arrest. Until it was exposed in 2013, the Canadian evangelical group Crossroads Christian Communications (that received from $544,813 in funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) for its work in Uganda) stated on its website that homosexuality was a “sin” and a “perversion” and called for gays to “repent.” It listed homosexuality with pedophilia and bestiality as “sexual sins” and argued that, “God cares too much for you (and all of His children) to leave such tampering and spiritual abuse unpunished.” When the website’s content was made public the page discussing homosexuality suddenly disappeared. Two years later, however, the television show 100 Huntley Street — produced by the same Crossroads Christian Communications — fired me as a guest host because: “With the high public profile you have in media and social networking in relation to gay marriage . . . it is felt that we have to part our ways as an organization.”
One wonders changed.
how
much
has
Leading Canadian evangelicals have also spoken in Africa and the Caribbean about what they see as the “dangerous consequences” of samesex marriage and how the freedom of Christians is limited with the advance of gay rights. In the West Indies and in in particular — it is just once again, it’s western Christians who are partly for all this.
Jamaica — as bad and right-wing responsible
American televangelists became a major force on Jamaican television when broadcasting was expanded in the 1970s and their hysterical opposition to gay relationships was soon replicated by local Christian television performers and church leaders. It worked and infected greater society and then mingled with some of the more raw elements of rap music and the hangover of British colonial antigay legislation. Refugees from this oppression are sometimes but not always accepted in Canada and that’s to be congratulated. But the solution is not to remove the people but to remove the homophobia, and that requires far stronger pressure and even sanctions from western governments. Frankly there is not much that can be done to change Russian policy and attitudes but there is a great deal that can be achieved through Commonwealth links, tourism and economic relationships to influence parts of Africa, and especially Jamaica, and the smaller West Indian nations. As I say, twin solitudes. And anybody who thinks the struggle for gay rights is going so very well might need to look further afield n 39 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
travel by Kiernan Orange
Climbing up to the top of the mountain, we found ourselves at Polar Peak.
PHOTO: KARI MEDIG/DESTINATION BC
Topping out at 7,000 vertical feet, it holds the title of being Fernie’s highest skiable peak. Never in my life have I been afraid of heights, but standing at the edge of Polar Peak, looking down past my board at the steepest run I have ever seen, I would be lying if I said I didn’t have a couple of butterflies in my stomach.
CARVING DOWN
— The Powder Highway — very so often, life offers an E opportunity too favourable to refrain from. For an entrepreneur, it’s a promising and potentially profitable business venture. To a toddler, it could be as simple as an empty swing in the park. But to a snowboarder, one thing stands above all else: Pow. The sound a snowboard makes when carving through powder on a nice day is the most satisfying and soothing noise ever.
The mountains were unknown to us, but the mystery only created more excitement and endless daydreams of the powder to come.
mountain. Mainly a groomed doubletrack trail with a few snowshoe sidetrails, it proved to be quite technical but an enjoyable outing.
First stop: Fernie. The drive up from Calgary is lined with rolling countryside, and as the Rockies drew closer, we knew our adventure was just getting started.
Next up, dinner at the Cirque at Lizard Creek Lodge. Located in a beautiful log ski chalet with ski-in, ski-out access, it’s the perfect place for après ski and the food did not disappoint as well.
Fully caffeinated and blessed by the gods of hit radio, we made it to the Fernie Ski Resort.
Just when it felt like the night was winding down, an old friend found us at our table and arranged for us to get a ride in the snow cat. The sky was clear, the moon was bright, and we spent the next hour being regaled with endless tales of mountain-top adventures from our lovely chauffer, as he laid down fresh corduroy for the next day’s shredding.
Today, we will discuss the opportunity of Pow, as presented to a father and son. Five days, three mountains and an unforgettable road trip down The Powder Highway, a legendary route that cuts through the Rockies in B.C. Our story of snow and glory begins anxiously waiting for our flight to Calgary. It’s 6 a.m. and it’s unclear whether we’re high on life or the two double espressos we’ve had before heading to the airport. In the next few days, we will explore the mountains surrounding Fernie, Kimberley and Panorama . . . and everything in between. 40 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
The first thing on the ‘to do’ list: Explore. What does “Explore” mean in the middle of January? Why, renting fat bikes and cruising down Nordic trails, of course. The staff guided us to a wonderful shared-use trail at the base of the
The next morning it was time for us to hit the slopes. Fernie, blessed with steep fall lines and technical glades, turned out to be the most challenging mountain we faced on our journey. After our high-speed morning, we stopped for a mountaintop lunch at Lost Boys Cafe, where the view was only surpassed by their delicious and hearty meals. Stomachs full and still with a need for speed, we decided to kick it up a notch . . . literally.
After a few more runs and a quick nap, we headed into Fernie for dinner. We ended up at Nevardos, a hip little Latin restaurant located in heart of the town. With a selection of premium tequilas, flavourful food and relaxed atmosphere, it truly is a fundamental stop on any Fernie getaway. After dinner, we took a detour to the famous Ice Bar. The vodka is served in glasses literally made of ice. It’s worth the experience. We then called it an early night in preparation for our morning drive to Kimberly. The next morning, we found ourselves on another beautifully scenic drive, this time from Fernie to Kimberley.It was time to hit the slopes again. Despite being only a couple hours apart, the terrain found at Kimberley is totally different than Fernie. Kimberley Ski Resort is ideal for any family ski vacation as it has the perfect variety for riders of all ages and skill levels. Many of the runs are wide and the fall lines are direct, yet they remain unique. While not as extreme a mountain as Fernie, Kimberley still provided us with a challenge when we wanted it. The glades at Kimberley are relatively open, and thanks to the extra room, you could carry more speed if you were up for it. Post-skiing, we checked into the beautiful Mountain Spirit Resort, located at the bottom of the mountain. While I caught some shut-eye, my
“Pow” /ˈpoʊ/ Noun: The best type of
snow; fluffy and soft; best when untouched; short for 'powder;’ is so soft and usually deep that it slows you down.
dad headed to the Kimberley Nordic Centre to do some cross-country skiing. Kimberley is an old mining town that, while it used to differentiate itself with Bavarian-style architecture, is now diversifying. The must-eat restaurant in town is called Pedal and Tap. With a large craft brew selection and a menu using mainly local and organic ingredients, P&T is sure to have something for everyone. The next morning, we set out for Panorama, but before we could make it to our next mountain, we had to make a quick pit-stop for lunch at the Fairmont Hot Springs. We enjoyed another twist on a classic to keep the trend going: a delicious elk lasagne prepared by the Bear Paw Bar and Grill. After lunch we took a load off and relaxed in the hot springs, and after the two previous days of riding, my body was thanking me. Hit the road time, and we’re off to Panorama. About an hour from Panorama it started to snow and the closer we got the heavier it flew. This, now this, was Pow. Before we could even think about the next day’s shredding, it was dinnertime first. T Bar and Grill at the Panorama Mountain Resort was tonight’s destination. Located right at the base of the mountain, it really is your perfect après-ski spot. After a perfect dinner, it was off to bed early in preparation for fresh tracks in the morning. Our day started with a quick breakfast of a muffin and espresso at Lusti’s
Cappuccino Bar. Next thing we knew we were in line for the chair.The secret to holiday and Pow is to make friends with the locals. On our first chair up we made friends with a Belgian and Australian who had been living in Panorama the last few years. The two generously offered to let us tag along and follow them on the never-ending search for Pow. These two knew where to go. First run, nothing but fresh tracks. It was a wave of snow flying off the board at every carve, landing each compression in a massive pillow of snow. By the time we hit the bottom of the run we were grinning from ear to ear. Each run was more fun than the last. Later in the afternoon we moved to the glades, chasing even more powder, and boy, did we find it. Panorama proved to be a beautiful mountain with runs for all skill levels and a wonderful mix of technical and wide flowing glades. It was a true boarder’s paradise, and the perfect way to finish up the trip down the Powder Highway. Our strongest impression was the pride that these towns took in their ski culture. Regardless of the resort, the people were what truly enhanced the experience, exhibiting pride in the way that they spoke of their home, whether it be Fernie, Kimberley or Panorama. Each resort on The Powder Highway offered its own unique style and if we had to choose, it would be tough to pick one over the other. We’d probably need to extend our stay so we could stay at each resort. Pow! n www.winterwithin.ca 41 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
travel by Isabel Payne
These calls to port are the highlight of the cruise for any travel junkie. The Celestyal has two embarking points, Montego Bay and Havana, and so where you go and the order in which cities are visited depends on where you get aboard.
CELESTYAL CRUISES :
The Authentic Cuba
No matter where your cruise begins, the Crystal offers an exciting adventure both onboard and off. Life is beautiful, and Celestyal Cruises certainly goes out of their way to prove it n
— STOP 1 — Santiago de Cuba
c
elestyal’s onboard destination expert, Dr. Jorge Arocha, describes the Republic of Cuba as a pot of Ajico — a melting pot of many elements, peoples and cultures that form the country into what it is today. While most refer to the country as an island, Cuba is an archipelago of more than 4,000 islands surrounding one main one. The Republic itself is made up of 15 provinces, along with one special island municipality. Each year more than one-million Canadians visit this beautiful country, and with good reason. Cuba is an affordable vacation destination that pairs history with a fun and exciting culture. While most hunker down at a resort there is a way to experience every side of Cuba without ever changing hotels. The Celestyal Crystal cruise ship tours the island, stopping
at various cities to provide a truly authentic Cuban experience. Built in 1975, the ship has a gorgeous vintage look that adds an extra charm to the trip, and the recently upgraded guest cabins ensure you are comfortable and connected. With a maximum guest capacity of 960, (based on double occupancy) the Celestyal Crystal is perfect for a quieter getaway without the crowds, while also enjoying the luxuries that have come to be expected from the cruise lifestyle. For days at sea, there are numerous fun and educational activities that highlight different aspects of Cuban culture and history. The meals served in the Crystal’s various restaurants feature Cuban flavours and inspiration. Guests aboard the Crystal can expect at least three stops around Cuba.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: VINTAGE CARS AND CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE IN HAVANA; THE CELESTYAL CRYSTAL; FIDEL CASTRO’S TOMB IN SANTIAGO DE
Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city in Cuba and has no shortage of important landmarks highlighting Cuban history. Visit the famous balcony where Fidel Castro proclaimed the victory of the Cuban Revolution in 1951, or visit the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery where his ashes are entombed. History lovers can search for pirates along the walls of Castillo de Morro, a fortress built in the 1600’s to fend off attacks from the real pirates of the Caribbean, or visit the site of the only land battle of the Spanish-American war at Loma de San Juan. Santiago de Cuba offers a plethora of activities for its visitors to discover and marvel at.
— STOP 2 — Havana Guests who boarded in Montego Bay can look forward to spending two days in the lively capital city of Havana. Explore the city on your own, or to learn more about everything the city has to offer, take one of Celestyal’s city tours. By far one of the best ways to get acquainted with the city is by taking a tour in one of the many brightly-coloured vintage American cars (lovingly known as Almendrones due to their almond-like shape). These taxis are very common around Cuba, and are especially fun when drivers greet each other by honking their vintage horns. Literary lovers can follow Ernest Hemmingway’s footsteps and scour the city for his favourite places to drink or visit Finca la Vigia, his former home in San Francisco de Paula, and a short drive from Havana. The home has been kept exactly the way he left it before his death in 1961 and contains his collection of more than 9,000 books, multiple hunting trophies and even his boat, Pilar. Those looking for a fun night out will have no problems finding a lively bar anywhere in the city. Consider spending an evening at the Tropicana Cabaret and marvel at the impressive dancing skills of 200 dancers and their even more impressive outfits.
— STOP 3 — Cienfuegos/Trinidad Other stops include one at Cienfuegos. Located along the southern coast, it is often referred to as La Perla del Sur (Pearl of the South), and rightly so. Guests also have the option of taking a tour from Cienfuegos to Trinidad, a town in Sancti Spíritus, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. Founded in 1514, the city was well known for its success in the sugar trade, and is one of the best preserved cities from that era. There, you can get lost in the winding streets of a city frozen in time and admire its colonial architecture, including the mansions of families who found their wealth in the sugar trade. Be sure to stop by one of the most famous pottery workshops in Cuba — El Alfarero Casa Chichi — where ceramics have been made by the Santander family since the 19th century. Beautiful handmade ceramic souvenirs can be purchased here at a very affordable price.
CUBA, HAVANA STREETSCAPE; SANTANDER FAMILY CERAMICS; EL MORRO CASTLE; CATHERDRAL IN SANTIAGO DE CUBA; HOME IN SANTIAGO DE CUBA. 42 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
PHOTOS:ISABEL PAYNE
43 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
travel by Anna Jonas The Hyatt Regency Spa
Supper at Hotel Emma
SAY ‘HOWDY’ TO
The Witte Museaum
Sunny San Antonio
The Alamo
If you’re travelling with kids, the Hyatt Regency Resort might be more your speed. The resort’s ranch roots are clear in the western charm of everything from the décor to the food. The Texas-shaped pool is sure to please the little ones, but our favourite feature is the massive front porch. — Where to Eat —
Botika dishes up unique takes on Peruvian-Asian fusion, resulting in some unexpected yet incredibly delicious flavour combinations.
Just about 150 miles from the Mexican border, San Antonio, Texas, is a hidden
Ideal for the resident carnivore, charcuterie meats at Cured are made in-house. They also make a mean craft cocktail.
gem with an ideal combination of great weather, fascinating culture, beautiful The lobby of Hotel Emma
scenery and delicious food. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, family vacation, cultural experience or weekend of relaxation, San Antonio has
together to form a diverse mix of Spanish, Mexican, French and German influences that have each left their mark on the San Antonio’s background, people, cuisine, architecture and culture. Cured
something for everyone. — How to Get There —
It has never been easier to get to San Antonio than it is right now. In May 2017, Air Canada launched the first direct flight service from Canada to San Antonio — departing from Toronto’s Pearson Airport. The daily, non-stop flight is fast, clocking in at just under four hours, and comes just in time for the city’s big birthday next year. — Where to Stay — The 146-room Hotel Emma is the epitome of southern hospitality.
Occupying what was once the Pearl 44 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
Supper, housed within Hotel Emma, pairs multicultural flavours with South-Texas cuisine, merging the ambiance of a traditional French bistro with farm-to-table freshness.
Brewery in San Antonio’s downtown, much of the interior is made up of repurposed elements from the building’s past, lending it a chic industrial feel.
For a Tex-Mex infused breakfast, try the family-owned Mi Tierra Café y Panaderia which is open 24/7 and considered a local landmark.
With a 3,700-volume library, culinary concierge team and in-house gourmet kitchen shop, it’s rustic luxury at its finest. For a quiet retreat to get away from it all, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa fits the bill. Seven in-house restaurants, 600 acres of greenery, a nine-acre water park, a lazy river and a top-notch 36-hole golf course prove the adage that “everything’s bigger in Texas.” PHOTOS: BY ANNA JONAS, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED
Meant to resemble a typical Mexican Botanero, the menu at The Fruteria shifts from tortas and tostadas by day PHOTO: COURTESY BOTIKA
A confluence of cultures come
The Marriott
Botika
to cocktails, botanas and antojitos by night — What to Do — Featuring more than 15 miles of uninterrupted trail, the San Antonio River Walk is the bustling beating heart of the local social scene, a hub for recreation and featuring a lively commercial center.
The San Antonio Missions National Historic Park is an absolute must-see, composed of four traditional Spanish colonial missions formed in the 18th century. The Mission San José is a standout. Delve 300 years into the past at the Alamo and discover how the city’s first Spanish mission was transformed into a military fortress with a vital role in the fight for Texas independence. Swing by Market Square, the biggest Mexican market in the USA, to watch live dance performances and mariachi bands while exploring the shops and produce stands. The Witte museum just opened its doors after a $100-million renovation. The high-tech facilities now include an H-E-B Lantern with a life-sized Quetzalcoatlus (a pterodactyloid pterosaur from the Late Cretaceous of North America, and the largest known
PHOTO: VISIT SAN ANTONIO
Now is a better time than ever before to take a trip to San Antonio. Many of the hotels, museums and parks have undergone recent renovations and expansions to get ready for their upcoming 300th birthday.
flying animal to have ever lived) and the Texas Wild Gallery with state-ofthe-art displays. Fredericksburg makes a great day trip. Brush up on your history at Fort Martin Scott or the National Museum of the Pacific War before hitting Main Street for some shopping. Texas is up-and-coming wine country and Becker Winery is the perfect place to sample the bounty Hill Country has to offer. The estate sits on vast vineyards, lush grasslands and fragrant lavender fields n visitsanantonio.com
River Walk
45 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
education
by Anahi Morales Hudon
Alliances and Social Movements ocial movements are represented S in various ways: through their spokespersons, their actions and their
demands. Less visible is how they organize. One element that is key for social movements is to mobilize support from individuals to attend their marches and rallies and sign their petitions, as well as from allied movements or organizations to show support through public statements or invite their own members to participate in solidarity. To create these connections, social movements develop alliances and partnerships. Alliances and other forms of solidarity have received increasing attention from activists and academics. Debates within social organizations and on social media raise key issues about engagement and representation. What does it mean to be an ally? Who speaks on behalf of whom? Who benefits from alliances? Are they always positive? These questions reveal the gap that often exists between the discourses
and practices of solidarity. Beyond good intentions and self-proclaimed allyship to a certain cause, how do our actions and discourses contribute to a movement—and to what extent? While alliances are critical for successful mobilization, they may also have negative impacts on the development of a social movement’s organizational structure. Indeed, some alliances can both facilitate and become obstacles for social movements: for example, when ally organizations want to be at the forefront, or use their alliance to gain legitimacy without turning their support into action, or use the groups with whom they collaborate for their own agendas.This can have a long-term effect on the organizations’ capacity to strengthen their organizational structure. IT IS CRITICAL THAT WE BETTER UNDERSTAND HOW POWER RELATIONS AFFECT THE ORGANIZING PROCESSES OF SOCIAL MOVEMENTS.
In one of my research projects, I analyzed the struggle of Indigenous women to create spaces to organize and coordinate. In three different regions of Mexico—Chiapas, Guerrero and Oaxaca—they created autonomous organizations so they would have a
space to meet, voice demands, organize actions, create networks, and so on. However, this process was filled with obstacles. The research revealed how power relations affect the process of creating autonomous spaces, and particularly how colonial relations impact collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous women’s organizations. In some cases, alliances opened the door to opportunities to mobilize, while in other instances, colonial relations between social actors prevented the leadership development and autonomy of indigenous women’s organizations. Alliances became barriers as other actors took the lead and prevented the emergence of Indigenous women leaders. It is critical that we better understand how power relations affect the organizing processes of social movements, as well as how organizations and individuals respond to and challenge power relations. In other words, it is not enough to say that we are supporters or allies: we must also question our own actions and analyze how our organizations contribute (or not) to the causes we endorse n Anahi Morales Hudon is a professor at the Elisabeth-Bruyère School of Social Innovation at Saint Paul University.
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. 46 OTTAWALIFE OCTOBER 2017
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