Editorial: A new year for Edmonton Street News ‘ wt. As I looked ence organized by Councillor Michael Phair, through the line-up of and spoke with Lana Phillips, our new ESN stories in this, our writer, about her own marriage, it became first issue of 2005, I clear to me that we are not talking about an ' noticed that once more issue or Biblical principles, but about indi- we have articles focus- viduals, people like you and me. ing on the need for And that is what is important. Even , shelter and affordable in a disaster as massive as Tsunami, each housing and I wonder of the people who died or who suffered loss is if the picture will be an individual. When we are dealing with any different when this homelessness, or lack of housing, we are year draws to a close. Mayor Mandel is quot- dealing with individuals. When we are talk- ed as saying that homeless people on the ing about the commitment of marriage we streets is "morally reprehensible", but will he are looking at individuals. and his councillors be able to make any real Also in this issue, we have a new distrib- inroads into changing the picture, even if utor, Lasqua Lewis, who is introduced on they have the will to do so, without changes Page 11, and we hear from ESN writer Quinn at a provincial and federal level? The Wade about his plans for a gathering of appointment of two city councillors, Leibovici Aboriginal peoples to bring awareness to the and Phair, to look into the affordable housing problem of HIV among Aboriginal families. situation is a positive step. Allan Sheppard, And we remember Lieutenant Governor Lois STREET NEWS Edmonton Street News writer and researcher Hole. will be continuing to bring us stories that he We are looking for more writers, and wel- calls "affordable housing 101" over the next come letters to the editor. Just call 428-0805 few months as we look at the housing situa- or email [email protected] with your Edmonton Street News - tion. letter or story idea. ~ Volume 2 Issue 1 Ted White has written to another politi- In addition to the production crew, the cian, this time, however, some of his remarks vendors are a very important part of ESN. Edmonton Street News is an are almost too close to the truth. Will anyone The last two issues sold out early, so we independent publication pro- really take them seriously? I hope not. have had to push forward our printing date duced by volunteers and sold And then we have the "red herring" as on this issue, and to increase our circulation by vendors on the street. Tax receipts for donations avail- Ted describes it, of same-sex marriage and from 2,000 to 2,500 copies per month. able on request. For tax Premier Klein taking the moral high ground By Linda Dumont receipts make cheques for Alberta. As I attended the media confer- . payable to: _ The Church of Christ In Memoriam:The Honourable Lois Hole, Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta 4 Victorious. Editor: Linda Dumont With the passing hearts: There can be no prosperity until ek tne ae Design: Theresa McBryan of Alberta's lieu- there is global prosperity. There can be no “tenant-governor, Lois. — justice until therei s global justice. There can _ _ Writers:Linda Dumont,Ted Hole, Alberta's poor be no peace, until there is global peace." _ : White, Lana Phillips, Allan and disenfranchised Those words resonate more strongly than Sheppard, Quinn Wade have lost a true friend ever today, as we watch the death toll from Photographers:Linda and a powerful advo- the Christmas Day earthquake and Tsunami * Dumont, Quinn Wade cate. Best known for in the Indian Ocean climb without pity or her support of the favour past 150,000 and the damage soar - arts and education, into the high billions of dollars. We can be The deadline for advertise- Lois Hole also spoke proud, as Lois Hole must have been, to know ments and submissions for for the homeless, the that the governments of Alberta and Canada, the next issue is Feb.7, 2005 poorly educated, the unemployed and the and individual Canadians and Albertans and Phone: 428-0805 underemployed. She opened her heart and their organizations, have been generous with Email: [email protected] arms to every Albertan. She was always money and help for victims. We can and Address: down-to-earth. She made a point of cutting should do more. But that does not deny the 9312-109 Ave. through the pomp and formality that were fact that, thanks to the leadership and Edmonton, AB part of her position. She had a smile, a kind example of people like Lois Hole, we have oH ICS word and a hug for everyone who crossed already done much. her path. We can also take heart from the fact that Edmonton Street News editor and writer Lois Hole was not afraid or ashamed to men- Linda Dumont met Lois Hole in 2002, when tion suffering on the streets of Bangladesh Linda received the Queen's Jubilee Medal. and the streets of Edmonton in the same "She always respected street vendors," says breath. Too many of us act is if poverty and The views presented in this publiaationte:ar e Dumont, who worked as a vendor for Our suffering will disappear if we pretend they do those of the writers. Voice and still does, from time to time, for not exist. Lois Hole knew better and said so: ESN. "We owe it to our children and to ourselves NEED MONEY? I heard Lois Hole gave a speech at a con- to put an end to needless suffering, wherever ference on Canadian multiculturalism, it exists..."-including, as she often made Canada: Global Model for a Multicultural clear, in our own streets, backyards and State, in September 2002. She said: homes. "We should also look beyond the borders I am not a Bible person, but I cannot Sign up to be a vendor, of this nation and understand that, if we are help, as I remember Lois Hole, recalling the truly dedicated to building a better country, apostle Paul's meditation on social responsi- then we must also commit to building a bet- bility in his first epistle to the Corinthians, Sell Edmonton Street ter world. I've had too many conversations chapter 13: with friends and colleagues, in which some- 1: If I speak in the tongues of men and of News. one says, 'We have to take care of our own, angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong first.’ Well, the trouble is, these people don't or a clanging cymbal. realize that 'our own' extends to every person 2: And if I have prophetic powers, and For papers call Linda Dumont at on this earth. We owe it to our children and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, 428-0805 or Lasqua Lewis at 919-5033. to ourselves to put an end to needless suffer- and if I have all faith, so as to remove moun- Papers can be picked up at 9312-109 ing, wherever it exists: from the streets of tains, but have not love, I am nothing. Avenue. Call first. Edmonton to the streets of Bangladesh. 3: If I give away all I have, and if I deliver "Don't let the selfish and the ignorant my body to be burned, but have not love, I silence the voice of justice, the voice that gain nothing. tells us what we already know, deep in our By Allan Sheppard Page 2 Edmonton Street News letter to Shirley McLellan Shirley, you're a good farm wife and you rid of health insurance premiums, let's intro- know that if you look after the nickels the duce a system where those who use the serv- dollars will look after themselves. It sounds ice the least get lower premiums. Let's The author of this letter to Shirley superficially sensible to say it would only encourage people to look after their own McLellan, Minister of Finance, likes to share cost $40 million to give every Albertan on health. Or what about rewarding volume, like his views with the honourable ladies and gen- welfare another $100 a month so they actu- we do all the time in the private enterprise tlemen of the Alberta Cabinet. This is one of ally had something close enough to what it world? For example, the oil industry is vital his correspondences. Watch for further sam- ples in future issues of ESN actually costs at a bare minimum to have a to our wealth, so the more oil products a per- place to sleep and food to eat-- and after all son uses the more they are contributing to D ear Shirley, that $40 million is less than one percent of our wealth. What about a rebate system for the billions of surplus we have. But if you gasoline consumption that kicks in to benefit start giving in to this begging for handouts only those who use quantities above the As the year begins you are spending a lot you open a floodgate you'll never get shut. average? of time looking at spreadsheets, preparing Freeloaders have no conscience-- if they can You are taking the helm at Treasury ata your first budget. I'm sure you are hearing get government to write cheques they will very dangerous time Shirley. "When life from a parade of those blamed special inter- have endless ideas of how to blow that seems like easy street, there are dangers at est groups with their pet spokesmen who will money. the door," as those old capitalists the all have a version of the same whiny plea: If you've had a chance to get back to Grateful Dead used to sing. It is possible a "Alberta is rolling in money and it would only Hanna and relax a bit over the holidays you lot of softhearted Albertans who are not well cost $X (or $Y, or $Z....) to help those poor might have bumped into some of those fel- informed could buy into the idea that we teen moms or those unfortunate senior citi- lows from Nickelback-next to you, probably should be more generous with the least zens or those disadvantaged natives or those the most famous folks to come out of that advantaged around us, since we seem to endangered dolphins in Lesser Slave Lake, or town. Well, they have a song where they sing have so much. It was easy to sell good sensi- any of an endless stream of other loser caus- "A little trick I learned from my father-in one ble cuts to a bloated government in the 90s es.) ear and out the other." That's how you when the huge debt was looming over us. Of course those advocates who try to should treat the bleatings of the special But you will need to steel yourself now. sound so convincing never admit the full interest beggars. Some of your own caucus colleagues are story. The teen moms keep having babies There are lots of us fed up with the end- even going to be infected by this thinking. It because it's easier to have a houseful of neg- less way losers suck at the public teat, was only a couple of years ago that a task lected kids around than to get an education Shirley, and we are counting on you to stand force chaired by government MLAs suggested and a job. The senior citizens think they up to them. We think the fair thing is for the increases to welfare rates for example. But should be supported from the public purse in benefits of the province's good situation to go Clint Dunford, the minister at the time, man- luxury for decades by continuously remind- to those of us who work hard to make it hap- aged to skate around doing anything until ing everyone "We're the people who built this pen. Why should we pay a bunch of taxes everyone (well, maybe everyone except those province," as if doing your job for a few when the government doesn't need it? trying to live on a few hundred dollars a decades somehow entitles you to a few more Instead of pouring money into looking after month on welfare) had forgotten about it. decades of being looked after. And so on. lazy freeloaders or people who have messed That's the model of staying the course you What amuses me is that those do-gooders up their lives, let's reward the people who need to emulate. eager to tell you how to spend your money in make Alberta great, who put in long hours We didn't re-elect you and the rest of the the budget are spending most of their own creating wealth. Alberta could be a model of Tory team to squander our money giving a money to have comfortable lives, big houses, a new sensible approach to income tax where free ride to losers. We need to be strong. We new cars, vacations in Mazatlan, golf club the more your income, the lower your tax need to remember that the future belongs to memberships and all. They're not living in rate. That might get more people taking those who work hard to build it, that it's not any want themselves, donating their responsibility for themselves, not depending the job of government to be a nursemaid. resources to help the unfortunate. It's easy on big government to look after them. It's looking like you can count on some to tell someone else what to do if you don't In fact, a rewards system for a lot of strong support to resist these pressures. If have to be a model of the same generosity. things would make sense. Instead of getting Ralph can make sure the media stays full of stories about the evils of same-sex marriage and can do his part to sell the idea this is the real threat to the entire stability and health of all of us, then you can slip your budget under the radar and have it in place When I was 18 years old, I decidedI ple anymore because I'm on their level. I look before anyone notices. wanted to help people.S o as a middle-class them straight in the eye because now I know And so, as you work on those spread older teenager, I decided Iw anted to be a something all the education in the world did- sheets, just keep the basic rules in front of therapist, the only kind of professional helper n't teach me and never could. I'm not better you, and you'll do fine: Ib ehaidn gea ve trh esreaepni.s tO fm ecoaunrts e$,6 0c-o$n8v0en ifeonrt leya,c h tahnaybno dayn,y obnuet enlsoew. IIt''sm an opta ian fsuelr vlieces sopnr ovfiord er- The less government, the better the gov- ernment. hour I saw a client during my day. In my I'm a true helper. - To the victors belong the spoils. mind, that meant one thing -S CORE!!! I _ So if you come in one day while I'm vol- To those who have, more should be given. expected to be on Easy Street after I finished unteering, don't hold it against me that 1 Just say "No". my education. People were important to me, can't give you an extra pairo f socks. I hope I What better way to celebrate the yes-but the almighty dollar was, too. can give you something that will last longer- Centennial than by making sure Albertans I finished my degree four years later and and here it is. We are all worthy in God's who behave sensibly and take care of them- found that there were almost no jobs out eyes. We all have a place where we can con- selves enjoy the benefits of our prosperity, there for someone with a college degree. Grad tribute to society and find joy in our lives. No rather than it being frittered away on hand- school? OK, sure! So since my faith had one deserves to be thrown away, so don't outs to losers? become extremely important to me, I decided throw yourself away. Look for your chance to to become a minister. Still middle-class, still give to others, and you'll find that it comes Watching the bottom line, not so badly paid-but now guess what? back to you a million times ovBeyr Lana Phillips Women were still frowned upon on most Ted White church staffs at that time, only fifteen short years ago. I left that school after a year anda LIGHTHOUSE MISSION half and applied for a short-term mission program through my church. I was assigned to work at an inner-city mission center. A LIGHT IN THIS WORLD OF DARKNESS A HABOUR IN A SEA OF TURMOIL PHYSICAL SPIRITUAL TRAINING MENTAL COUNSELLING AID FRIENDSHIP HOPE Reverend Sedrick Vassell 10339 - 95 Street, Edmonton, Alberta Phone/Fax (780) 426-5817 - Cell (780) 995-5997 Edmonton Street News Page 3 + The Shelter Scene Hope Mission Annex The newly opened annex of Hope Mission Accommodation Centre (WEAC) for the past is a welcome addition for some homeless peo- week. She said, "There's a lot of crack heads ple in the neighbourhood. Cowboy, who has and prostitutes and they have two cross been staying at the Hope Mission since it dressers that stay there. I'm almost the only opened, said, "It's OK - a lot quieter than the normal one - just me and a few others. I George Spady Centre. They give you clean keep to myself and stay out of trouble. socks every night if you need a pair, they "I've got four other women in the have showers, and you sleep on a mat on the room with me. It has two bunk beds and a floor. The floor has thermal heat from under- single in that room. The transsexuals have neath so it's warm. rooms just like everyone else - I think that's "Check in time is 8:15 and they kick wrong. you out at 7. They give you a sandwich at "You get meals three times a day night before you go to sleep and another one and snacks, and you can stay in and sleep in the morning. It's kind of cold out in the all day if you want to." By Linda Dumont wintertime, but I've got friends I visit in the morning before 9 o'clock. On Saturday and Sunday they give you a meal ticket to go to the Herb (men's hostel) for a bag lunch." Cowboy has a residence near Grouard, Alberta, but uses the shelter when he stays in Edmonton, which is most of the time. Editors note: John-John has been staying at the Unfortunately the one shelter in the city which Hope Mission detox for the past few weeks. was specifically geared to transsexual individ- He and his girlfriend are looking for a suite, uals, The Duplex, was closed last fall due to but he said, "I'm homeless until I get my ass insufficient funding. Transsexuals are not over to welfare. I need a doctor's appoint- homosexual. - there are many who feel that they are females trapped in a male body or ment, and I have a doctor as an advocate at vice versa. On the street, they are most often the McCauley Health Centre." About the Hope Mission annex, he said, seen as cross-dressers who are in varying stages in the transition from male to "The part upstairs is mixed, but you have to female. Some have taken hormones and have go outside to smoke and you have to be the appearance of a female with female sober. I go to the detox downstairs because I breasts, but have not yet completed the neces- smoke. They have a coffee room and a smoke sary surgery for a complete sex change opera- room. On weekdays I go to the single men's tion. Transsexuals in the process of change hostel for breakfast at 7 a.m. They open the are addressed as belonging to the gender they Co-op (Boyle Street Community Co-operative) prefer to portray so it is safer for the male to drop-in at 7, because it's cold." female transsexual to stay at the women's John-John's girlfriend, Margaret, has shelter than at a shelter for men where they just.cometo Edmonton from-Red Deer. She « John-John could be physically at risk. ©» has been staying at the Women's Emergency men who stay for months at a time if they Hope Mission Herb Jamieson Centre have been assessed as incapable of working. (the Herb) and the newly opened Hope Others usually have to move out after a cou- Mission Annex (the Annex) can shelter nearly 400 homeless individuals a night. As of Jan. ple of weeks, but you can return after being 7, they had only been filled to capacity for a away from the Herb for a few weeks. While staying at the Herb, you have a few days when some of the dorms at the Herb had to be shut down for clean-up after bed in a dorm which holds up to 30 people, and can use the area under your bed for a fire started when two mattresses were storage, or place your belongings in a storage ignited in one of the dorms on Tuesday, Jan. 4. Sixty men from the Herb were moved into area. You receive three meals a day. Van Vliet said they are "good meals, made high in the neighboring annex while the dorms were closed, but the Herb was back to 80 per cent protein and fat, so people can build up a lit- capacity by Friday, Jan. 7. tle resistance". John Van Vliet, manager of the Herb If you are living at the Herb, you have to leave the shelter after breakfast and Jamieson Centre, said, "If the annex is filled, can check in again each evening for the next and I doubt it will be, the city has another area they will open up." The City said this night. If you have been drinking or are obvi- alternative warming area will be opened only ously under the influence of mind-altering if the shelters are over 90 per cent filled and substances, you will be turned away. the temperatures plunge below -25 Celsius, The Herb also ha s a nursing sta- with the wind chill. tion with three nurses on staff. If you are too Although the basement intox area of sick to be on the street and not sick enough the annex is for intoxicated people only, you to be hospitalized, you can stay in the med- can walk in off the street to the warming ical unit at the Herb. This unit holds up to centre area on the main floor and stay for 50 men and is rarely full. Men staying in the the night. Next door, an average of 240 men medical unit can stay inside all day and get a night stay at the Herb. To get in, you must bus tickets or cab fare to go to the hospital. be sober, and there are some restrictions as Van Vliet said nurses see a number of men well as an intake process, which varies with frostbite, broken arms, and other depending upon your situation. To be injuries, as well as some with illnesses like accepted you have to have no home address, pneumonia. no employment and no place to go. Pa The Herb provides spiritual support, "We do an evaluation of each person. but attending the services in optional. "We're If they have problems we have them talk to a not dictators. If a person needs help we are bei social worker," said Van Vliet. "We've been there to provide help," said Van Vliet. doing this for 75 years, so we know how to deal with them." How long you can stay at the Herb depends on your situation. There are some Homeless wheelchair By Linda Dumont Page4 Edmonton Street News Affordable and offices they need to deal with. sure on the Liberal government in this area? He has given two veteran councillors, And surely it is time for the Mayor and housing in Michael Phair (Ward 4) and Karen Leibovici Council to step forward and be counted on. If Edmonton: (Ward 1) responsibility for pursuing initia- Edmonton takes action, it can only be easier tives around affordable housing. for the Mayor, Council, non-governmental Are we up to i organizations and individual citizens to put The appointment of Councilor Phair meaningful pressure on the provincial and the C4 makes sense. Along with Councillor Jane federal governments, and harder for those challenge? Batty, he represents the ward that has the governments to turn them down. highest concentration of homeless and poorly housed Edmontonians. On the surface, the The challenge of leadership Commentary by Allan appointment of Councillor Leibovici does not Sheppard seem so logical until she points out that That's what leadership is about, in the Ward 1 is not the ghetto of affluence it end: taking decisive action in a righteous (This is the first of a series of commen- appears to be to Edmontonians in other cause and inviting others to join you. taries and articles that will appear in the parts of the city. Old Jasper Place, Delton, The city may have restrictions on its abil- ity to lead the way financially. But candidate Edmonton Street News in this and future Mandel seems to have pointed to a potential issues - a kind of Affordable Housing 101 resource in the Ed Tel endowment fund. course to introduce Edmontonians, including Can Mayor Mandel and his council col- the poor and homeless, to the basic challenges leagues follow through on that option? and opportunities of housing in our city.) Edmonton's poor and homeless are standing A new day before us? by. Watching. Waiting. It's a new year. There's a new mayor at Is there anything we can do to help? City Hall. City Council has three new mem- We're open to suggestions. bers. The other nine are returnees, but they And we will not go away. seem to have new energy and focus. Winds of change seem to be blowing. Will they clear Allan Sheppard is a freelance writer and away political and administrative cobwebs to have . and put low-cost housing at or near the top editor, and a volunteer writer for Edmonton of the agenda, where they belong? Or will Street News. As pensioner, he finds himself they kick up some dust, then leave things people living on the street” from time to time on the edge of poverty and more or less the same when the dust settles? homelessness. As a self-appointed community It's too early to tell which way the winds elder, he thinks and worries about the needs are blowing yet. The signs are encouraging. Mayor Stephen Mandel of children, youth, parents and others who The mayor and key councillors have been face lives of poverty and inadequate education talking the talk - especially the mayor. LaPerle and Thorncliffe all have significant in the midst of unprecedented wealth. poverty and need for low-cost housing. Promises made On October 17 In fact, maps and statistics in the Edmonton Social Plan show that only Ward (http: / /www.canada.com/edmonton/edmon- 6, in the city's southeastern section, does not tonjournal/news/election/ have significant numbers of residents who story.html?id=ace89e0f-bc49-4-99e5e70- pay more than 30 per cent of their income 4f4f4b7aefb2), for housing. Which means that, though councillors Phair and Leibovici have special The Edmonton Journal published lists of five assignments regarding housing in the city as priorities for action by mayoral candidates a whole, all councillors should be interested Bill Smith, Robert Noce and Stephen Mandel. in and responsive to the need for affordable Smith did not mention housing at all. housing in their wards. Noce listed "affordable housing" as his fifth priority. Mandel listédi ta s his second priori- a Promiseese y et toe nec roeem e PETER GOLDRING ty. In answer to the question "Why is (afford- Councillors Phair and Leibovici certainly Member of Parliament able housing) a priority?" Mandel replied: "It's speak enthusiastically and optimistically Edmonton East morally reprehensible to have people living about their new roles. They see opportunities for action and seem determined to get on the street, and it can also lead to social results. A Fragile Future for Ukraine problems if young people get into trouble and Councillor Phair adds a note of caution, families don't have proper homes." None of though. He says the city does not have many In my capacity as Associate Foreign Affairs Critic for the us at Edmonton Street News or in need of options to make a difference in housing. The Conservative Party, | recently acted as an observer for the affordable housing could have said it better. real power, that is, the financial power-rests disputed Ukrainian runoff presidential election, and bore More simply, perhaps. But hardly better. with the provincial and federal governments, witness to dramatic social and political tensions, as events When asked, What do you propose to do neither of which seems to give affordable unfolded after the election. about (affordable housing)?" Mandel was housing a high priority. | was asked to be the Conservative Party representative equally clear and direct: "Take $25 million That may be true, but the city and its on the Ukraine Transparency and Election Monitoring which the Ed Tel (the former Edmonton officials can show leadership in areas that Project, sponsored by the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Telephones, sold to Telus with some of the they do control and put pressure on the Studies at the University of Alberta. | was honoured to province and the federal government to accept, since my wife Lorraine is of Ukrainian descent and income set aside in a special fund) endow- adjust their priorities. of course as a Canadian parliamentarian | have a respon- ment fund now invests in the stock market, sibility to help emerging democracies, when asked. The provincial government has an embar- and lend out that money for groups that rassment (literally) of revenue riches, thanks The runoff election was held on November 21, after the want to build affordable housing. The city to international demand for oil and natural October election produced no clear victor. The declared would receive a return on this investment gas. What better way to put some of that election result-that Russia favourite Viktor Yanukovych from interest payments, similar to the money to good use and mark Alberta's cen- had won the election-plunged Ukraine into crisis, with alle- income that could be made from lending tennial in 2005, than by setting up an gations of widespread electoral fraud. These allegations money for a mortgage, so it wouldn't be a Alberta Centennial Housing Trust Fund or were accepted by the Supreme Court of Ukraine which on December 3 ordered a new election. This third election for grant." something similar? Surely the amount of the President of Ukraine will be held on December 26. _ Mandel also suggested that "The city money such an initiative would take is housing department should also look at how minuscule in relation to the lease and royalty For me, a main issue becomes how Ukraine can have a revenues now pouring in. The issues can fair election on December 26, while avoiding divisive it can become more of a catalyst to create only be political and narrowly ideological or regionalism. To ensure the election is respected, the affordable housing, both by giving out more moral, rather than financial. The province process must be honest and fair. Twenty-two percent of money and creating a smoother regulatory Ukrainians are ethnic Russians, while many other can and should be challenged on this point. Ukrainians in eastern Ukraine seemed to favour maintain- process." The federal government still enjoys large ing a significant relationship with Russia, if only because Again, it's hard to imagine anyone put- surpluses. What better way to spend some of eastern Ukraine is at present generally more prosperous ting the options more clearly or better. the excess money collected as employment than western Ukraine. Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, is _ Promises kept insurance premiums, for instance, than to located in western Ukraine. It was here that the mass __ So is Mayor Mandel walking his talk, now establish an affordable housing policy and demonstrations in favour of opposition candidate Victor thathe has the opportunity? Well, he has fund housing programs? Yushchenko were concentrated. madea start: The current federal government is also in As | am writing this, the situation in Ukraine is unresolved, ___ + He listed housing as a priority in his a minority position. What better time to yet | sense a great desire for peace and democracy in augural speech. apply some careful pressure to do more for Ukraine. Ukraine becomes a test-case for true democrat- affordable housing in Canada and Alberta? ic reform for other countries on a similar path. Let us hope has said publicly that he is looking And what better time for Edmonton that the test is passed on December 26, with flying pul tit 2 city offices responsible for carrying Centre-East MP Peter Goldring, who has colours. it the City's housing policies together, so Tt the made affordable housing one of his high-pro- file priorities, to pressured his Conservative 495-3261 www.petergoldring.ca Party caucus colleagues to put some pres- Edmonton Street News Page 5 Same-sex Marriage - Supreme court decision "Render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's” Gays and equality under the law. Klein is saying we cials cannot be compelled to perform civil or are somehow less deserving, and less religious same-sex marriages that go against lesbians human." their religious beliefs. It also said the Charter Elizabeth Massiah, MSW, said, "Half of protects against "the compulsive use of hold media the people marry in civil ceremonies. sacred places for the celebration of such Churches will continue to be able to decide marriages" or being "compelled to otherwise conference whom to marry. But Klein seems to want a assist in the celebration of same sex mar- caste system. It is a tri-partite system where riages." Charitable tax status is protected. on same-sex heterosexual couples can have a civil and "State compulsion on religious officials to church marriage, heterosexual couples can perform same-sex marriages contrary to their marriage have a civil, but not religious marriage, and religious beliefs would violate the guarantee others not 'severely normal’ get something of freedom of religion under s. 24(a) of the similar but not equal to marriage. If you Charter" Supreme Court of Canada, Marriage At a media conference December 12, have two fountains in the park and the foun- Reference, Sec. 9, 2004 Councillor Michael Phair and a panel of tains are equal with the same water in both The government's equal marriage legisla- speakers from the gay and lesbian communi- fountains, but one is labeled for black people tion deals with civil marriage. It does not ty responded to Premier Ralph Klein's only and the other for white people only, affect religious marriage. The rules for reli- December statements about same sex mar- even if the water is the same, that is still dis- gious marriage have always been different riage and the Charter of Rights. crimination." than the rules for civil marriage. This pro- Dec. 10, the Journal ran a story in which Murray Billett said, "First it was people tects the separation of church and state. Klein is reported to have called same-sex on welfare, then people on AISH (Assured Religious officials have always been free marriage "morally wrong," and said that Income for the Severely Handicapped). Who to set their own rules for religious marriage. Klein is asking Canadians to write their fed- is next?" Some have chosen not to perform interfaith eral politicians to "defend the traditional defi- "It is clear that Klein finds something marriages or to marry divorced persons. nition of marriage." Alberta is the only offensive about gays and lesbians," said Their right to do so is clear and is protected province that has openly objected to the fed- Phair. by the Charter. eral Liberals' plan to legalize same-sex mar- Religions that are not opposed to mar- riage. Supreme court decision of December 9th, riage of same-sex couples can hold religious In a written statement given to the press, 2004 deals with civil marriage marriages. The United Church, Unitarians, Phair said, "As expected, Premier Klein's Quakers, the Metropolitan Community 'new' Alberta for lesbians and gays is the The Supreme Court of Canada has given Churches, many Jewish Rabbis and some same old Alberta - more bullying for us and the green light to the federal government's Buddhist traditions all marry same-sex cou- our families. Premier Klein has resisted every equal marriage legislation, making it possible ples. guarantee achieved by the lesbian and gay for parliament to pass a law extending equal Other religions, including the fundamen- community of Alberta....And now, despite the marriage across the country. The justices talist churches and the Catholic Church, reference of the Supreme Court on Dec. 9, it said that this would not violate anyone's however, have taken a stand against same- is somehow all right to discriminate around freedom of religion or any other Charter sex marriage. The Canadian Conference of marriage." rights under the Charter of Rights and Catholic Churches said, "The Catholic And lesbian lawyer Julie Lloyd said, Freedoms. Church will continue to celebrate the sacra- "Premier Klein and his government know full Courts in six provinces and the Yukon ment of marriage as the union of a man and well that the recent ruling of the Supreme unanimously said the Charter requires the a woman." Court and the marriage legislation proposed inclusion of same-sex couples in civil mar- They added that they are pleased that for parliament does not take away from any riage. The other provinces, with the excep- the court decision does not compel religious person - in fact it ensures that we are all tion of Alberta, have indicated that they will officials to perform same-sex marriages and treated the same." follow suit. The Supreme Court said these - that it does not call for compulsory use of At the media conference, she said that decisions "are binding in their respective sacred places to celebrate such marriages. In gays and lesbians shouldn't have to go to provinces." It thus preserved the well-estab- this respect, they see this ruling as a "a very court, but that they will if they have to lished legal principle that same-sex couples strong endorsement for religious freedom". because it is clear that the Charter demands have a Charter right to civil marriage. that same sex-marriage is available. The only way to take away this Charter Another speaker, Blair Croft, said, "The right is for parliament to pass legislation moral issue is discrimination. We have been invoking the notwithstanding clause. marrying for 30 years, now we are seeking The Supreme Court said religious ae By Linda Dumont What Do We Have To Offer? LOVE! stepdaughter, whether it's legal or not. I love her and she loves me, no question about it. We go to church on Sunday mornings. We don't go out and get wasted at the bars or do things that are illegal or immoral. Most of all, we love each other. We're not complete with- out each other. One might say our lives are rather boring, but we're happy to be together. Being married means that we have cho- sen each other for a lifetime commitment and that we choose each other each and every day. What does society find so threatening about that? We try to help others who need it whenever we get a chance. We mind our own business and try not to judge others, but people who don't know anything about us except that we are two women, constantly judge us. If you've heard a lot about gay marriage and you don't know any gay or lesbian cou- Lana Phillip: Jordan Paidel were ples, don't get caught up in all the debate married by Pastor Mickey Wilson from the Lambda Christian Community without asking yourself-are they really so dif- Church two and a half years ago. ferent from the other couples I know? Why is legalizing love and commitment such a bad There's been a lot of hoopla around the issue? My partner Jordan and I were married thing? That's what it's all about, after all. possibility of same-sex marriage being legal- 2% years ago by a local pastor, and I support Whether it's love between my partner and ized in Alberta. Ralph Klein is determined to the legalization of what we have shared. me, me and my stepdaughter, Jordan and prevent that from taking place, even going so Our lives are not very different from that her daughter, or whatever form it takes, the far as to say that maybe the government of "straight" couples. She works part-time bottom line is love. We love each other. And should only license unions, leaving same-sex and I volunteer. We come home to each that's nothing to be ashamed of. marriage to those churches that support gay other every day. In the evenings we watch TV and lesbian couples in committing their lives or perhaps go to a cheap movie on the week- By Lana Phillips to each other. So where do I stand on the end. She has a daughter, and that kid is my Page 6 Edmonton Street News Putting Four Wheels to the Ground and Two Arms to the Rims SpiritWheel 2005 is a journey by wheelchair Coordinator is working on the kickoff and round up from Edmonton, Alberta, to St. Paul, Alberta concert proposals in Edmonton. There is a 7 mem- September 5-18, 2005, by Edmonton resident ber crew that will be going along on the actual trip, Quinn Wade with a 6 member core crew. and many many more behind it, including people "The idea of SpiritWheel was conceived at a This Gathering kitchen table over fry bread and Tim Horton's coffee, has been requested and spawned into a plan to wheel a distance of specifically by the 357.4 km (222 miles) in an effort to raise awareness people who are liv- about HIV/AIDS and Aboriginal People and funds ing with and affect- for a Gathering of Aboriginal Persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families." ed by HIV/AIDS in an effort to share This Gathering has been requested specifically ideas on healthy liv- by the people who are living with and affected by ing, to learn HIV/AIDS in an effort to share ideas on healthy liv- healthy ways of ing, to learn healthy ways of dealing with issues dealing with issues surrounding HIV, and to discuss effective preven- surrounding HIV, tion and education around the spread of this ill- and to discuss effec- ness. tive prevention and Preli arrangements are underway. In St. education around Paul, the Rec Center/Alien landing pad is booked the spread of this for arrival feast and concert. Meetings are planned with the Metis Nation of Alberta regarding doing illness. something at Métis Crossing. The Entertainment along the way who are giving us places to stay and food to eat, and several Elders, Friends, Brothers and Sisters who are doing whatever they can, some with little or no resources, but a lot of good Prayers. And then there are the Spirits, who have been will need include volunteer fundraisers, poster and guiding this whole event along, and no doubt will be promotion volunteers, donations of printing and with us on the trip. It won't be "me" wheeling, it'll be photocopying, costs or materials, and bottled water, the spirit of the whole event." donations for other things, and materials. The majority of funding for this endeavor is expected to come through private channels, includ- ing, but not limited to: businesses and/or individu- Ify ou would like to help with SpiritWheel 2005, als who wish to donate to this event, either in mon- Quinn Wade has been training for a year, please call 490-8001 or email [email protected] etary, material, or human resources, and fundrais- with trips to St. Albert, for this project . er/promotional events. Some of the things that we for more details. ~~ AVoice inthe Sunrise I awoke on a blustery winter day, out of frozen and given me the opportunity to fully I walked in the back door of Glen's room- a long slumber of negativity before dawn with appreciate this experience, and I remem- ing house, down the dimly lit stairs, to the the sudden urge to go and watch the sun- bered the words of a friend of mine who put basement room next to the furnace. The door rise, though I didn't really understand why me back on track one day when I was sitting wasn't locked because it couldn't be locked. until I saw it. Hustling into every warm thing on my own personal pity-pot. "There will It had been broken into so many times that I owned, I grabbed a camera, and walkman always be people worse off than you, and the door jambe was gouged and there was no and pushed myself out the door into the people better off than you." She couldn't locking device, but when I pushed, it resis- deep freeze. It was still dark outside, and I have been more right. Here, I had been sit- ted. I pushed harder, and heard a butter- longed for those hot summer days when the ting around griping about this and that, and knife fall to the floor with a clinking sound as sun rose before I did, and I could sit out forgotten how lucky I am. It may be cold out- the door opened inward. until 11 o'clock at night in the twilight. I side, and my feet may be freezing, but I was- I don't know who was more surprised, me waited for the days when it took me a shorter n't floating around on the remnants of what or the man seated on the bare soiled mat- period of time to get dressed than it did to used to be my home somewhere in the tress. "What are you doing here?" I get to the store a block away and back. Indian ocean with my entire life, family and asked,"And where's Glen?" I recognized the Fighting my way down the street, I battled community washed away in an instant by a man - Alf. snowdrifts and sanded streets, and the cold giant wave. I resolved in that moment, not to I glanced around the room, at the littered that bit at my nose until I reached the river take another moment of life for granted. I floor, the empty bottles and littered ash tray. valley. As the dawn neared, my spirit began might miss something wonderful in the "He said I could stay here tonight to lift. A dense ice fog covered Edmonton. My process. After all, a sunrise can only last so because I'm sick. I've got a fever," Alf said. walkman, having frozen somewhere near long and then it's gone. Another one will "Gina (his girlfriend) has gone to the store to Jasper Avenue had quit working, so there come along, but that's a different miracle. get me something to eat." were no distractions from the events that Maybe it's time I watched more sunrises. He did look sick, and he had a very sore looking infected cut on his lip. Gina came in were about to unfold before my eyes, nor the Maybe it's time we all did. with bread, bologna and a box of apple juice, thoughts that would transpire in my head. and we chatted a few more minutes. The sun poked above the horizon, a fireball "See this lip?" Alf asked. "I got punched of hazy light and illuminated the sky ina Quinn Wade by a police officer." brilliant shade of pink. Within moments, I "It was the other night. We went to use blinked and a rainbow caused by the ice fog the washroom at the police station," Gina formed an arc around the rising sun. I said. "This officer came out and told Alf to thought to myself "THIS is what it's all leave, and punched him for no reason." about." It's so easy to get caught up in the "I wasn't doing anything," Alf said, "Just day to day goings-on in the world, with bills, waiting for Gina." I wondered about that and calls, and paperwork, and negative police officer. Why would he punch Alf? Was things that may happen to us, whatever they being homeless and Aboriginal enough of a may be, and miss out on things to be thank- reason? ful for. At that moment in time, I was grate- I left them to that basement room. ful that I have eyes that can see this miracle Compared to the street, it was a warm place of the sunrise, when some do not. I was where they could be together. It was a place grateful that there were still sunrises to where they could use the wash-room, and watch, and that I was able to get myself out even have a shower. And, for that one night to see them. I was thankful that I had warm they would be safe. clothing, and even that my walkman had By Linda Dumont Edmonton Street News Page 7 "Come home with me," said the woman to the half frozen snake. "It's nice and warm and you'll be safe, we're just over by the lake." She trudged along through the winter snow, and sang a song, of love. He snuggled in, in his cold snake skin, and thanked the stars above. When she laid him down before the fire, the snake was barely alive, But with loving warmth and a cup of milk, it looked like he'd survive. i When he told her, bluntly, he was.a venomous snake, : She was troubled in dawn's first light. tt f “ a f But he was a beauty, and she watched him sleep, - . And thought of things that.could be. While Hest ildlr ecoaimleedd tohfe rgeo,o dh ist hidnigasm otno desa tS. ooee ~ cs c ee Se 5 F 33 ‘s ; *} a t Ste; e , & : ?* bot; ¢ ‘, ° aA - beN e?r e Then one day he bit her, and she ried out ina n:a nguished voice, te “For goodness sake, you're such a snake, why cari 't you just be nice?" cae "Because I'm not," answered the snake, "nice:is not what I do. ; ois I complain and bite, I told you before, chonse I tried to change for. you." fA ge 4% " “y)¢ aav e +’ “s ‘ +i ms ‘ - : 2 Her greatest sadness was not the ‘snaite’ s badness, But her own failure to see, i“ $52 4 ae: That a snake is a snake, and always a snake, ~ And never to change will’ he. ‘ ee -$ 8 "Sing . , o-28a, 7 > ae * - x Lasqua Lewis age Lasqua Lewis After 25 years on the road as a profes- describes her boarding house as a "mini sional musician, Lasqua Lewis decided she hotel," and that is just the way she wants needed a place to call home, a network of it. friends and a support system. This led to Lasqua has never known the security of her present position as landlady of an inner a home in the traditional sense. She said, "I city boarding house where, she said, she grew up on the streets. My mother was a women's: emergency shat had no trouble finding boarders - they came criminal and we lived in 22 different towns. as a musicians’ resource centre, to her. There are currently 12 men living at When I was 14, I ran away. I lived illegally Inspiration House, a placew h Lasqua's house and a waiting list of others in the United States for seven years." ; hoping to get in. At the age of 17, Lasqua became a go-go "I played on the drag for over ten years, dancer, then started singing with a band in at the York and the Royal hotels, so I knew Portland, Oregon. This led to her successful had ea and vader ck e an amazing number of people,’ she career as a musician. She took a break _ Lasqua shut downe ae A Yeates: explained. "I designed it (the boarding from touring between 1972 and 1978, tried house) to accommodate people on AISH and other jobs varying from sales to design, and | on welfare. For $400 a month they get room discovered herself as an artist. "Art just — and board, and washing facilities." kind of happened. It was very good for my Lasqua understands homelessness very self image," she said, "I do pointillism.". well because she was always homeless as a Several of Lasqua's framed pictures circuit musician on the road, touring the hang on the walls of the boarding house- __ United States and Canada 52 weeks of the trees rendered ii n dots of stark black ink on year and living in hotels. Even now she “