Keeping poverty in the debate

Backrooms column by Dan Hilborn
Published March 26, 2005


A group of anti-poverty activists who first met during an SFU Institute of Humanities conference in 2003 want to make sure the candidates in the upcoming provincial election stay focused on the real issues.

The Fulcrum Project, which previously conducted a series of art- based workshops across the province, has released a very polished musical CD to highlight the issues of poverty.

The Fulcrum Project's Stand takes it title from its first song, Stand, performed by one of the province's top folk music groups - UHF, featuring Shari Ulrich, Bill Henderson and Roy Forbes. From there, it delves into an eclectic mix that ranges from classic opera, Este si que es corredor by Fabiana Katz, to the inspirational Niel Gow's Lament performed by the Coquitlam Celtic Ensemble.

Alan James, a Burnaby resident and organizer for the Fulcrum Project, said the information on the CD is presented in as impartial a manner as possible.

"We're trying very hard to be non-partisan because there are individuals in all parties who are willing to work on this issue," said James, who noted that the group does not intend to endorse any candidate.

The Fulcrum Project is also hosting an April 2 community discussion on poverty at the Aboriginal Friendship Centre in Vancouver and they have invited the leaders of the Green, NDP and Liberal parties to attend a political dialogue on poverty at the Morris J. Wosk Centre on April 3. Advance registration is necessary for both of the events.

For information on either of the conferences, or to buy a copy of the CD for a mere $5.17, visit the group's website at www.thefulcrumproject.org, or call James at 604-420-0771.

MYLES IN THE RUNNING

Dave Myles, one of the three middle-aged white guys who stood aside to support Gabriel Yiu as the new NDP candidate in Burnaby- Willingdon, still has politics on his mind.

The longtime longshoreman who opened the popular Myles of Beans coffee house on Kingsway about 10 years ago wants to run for a city council position this fall.

"That's my intention, to run for council in November," said the man who ran for a school board position in the 2001 election.

Myles believes a city council seat would be a "comfortable fit" for his interests, which include working with poverty and homeless issues.

With Coun. Pietro Calendino now confirmed as the NDP candidate in Burnaby North, Myles said there's a good possibility that at least one council seat will be open for the taking by the fall.

Myles owns the Patterson House, a formally dedicated heritage home built by a pioneer Burnaby family, which is about two blocks away from his coffee shop.

TAKING THEIR TOLLS

Will Gordon Campbell privatize the Coquihalla Highway if he wins a second term?

That's the allegation from Democratic Reform B.C. leader Tom Morino.

"If Gordon Campbell wins a second majority government, the privatization of the Coquihalla Highway will be back on the B.C. government's agenda," said a press release issued by Morino on March 13.

Morino points to the fact the Campbell government's sold B.C. Rail, despite a campaign promise to the contrary, as the only evidence he needs to make the claim.

"He sold it when B.C. Rail was making record profits and did it in such a manner that the circumstances surrounding the sale are now part of a police investigation and an upcoming B.C. Supreme Court trial," said the statement.