Waterâ€”The Precious Oil of the 21st Century :: Environmental and Health Concerns

Water-The Precious Oil of the 21st Century
by author Pat Bennett

Water is a public trust and a basic human right. We cannot live without it. Like air, water should never be considered “goods” to be traded and sold on the world market; yet the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has left our water wide open to exploitation. Canada’s water is in crisis.

The federal government promised our water would be protected under trade deals it might sign. Bureaucrats have spent much time and money trying to reassure us that we have nothing to be concerned about. Under the General Agreement of Tariffs and Trade (GATT), this was true. However, when the GATT was superceded by NAFTA, the federal government in effect yielded control of our country’s water to the United States under National Treatment (Chapter 11).

Americans are now given the same rights to our water as Canadians.

This agreement cancels our right to tax our water exports to the US, overrides the constitutional right of the provinces to control the water within their boundaries and gives US corporations the right to sue the federal government if it, or a province, fails to respect the terms of the agreement. Nowhere in NAFTA is there any wording that gives Ottawa or the provinces the right to limit or embargo water exports to the US.

NAFTA impacts on every right and obligation not specifically exempted from it–and there is no exemption for water. Americans are free to demand that our governments accommodate their water interests. The agreement has opened the door for Sun Belt Water Corporation of California to sue our federal government for millions of dollars of lost profit because it was not allowed to proceed with a scheme of water diversification under British Columbia’s moratorium on bulk water exports. The lawsuit was filed in December 1998 and is still under federal negotiation. But if Sun Belt wins under NAFTA, the floodgates could open.

Another promise broken: another lie. “Privatization” and “globalization” have become the buzzwords of this new century. Everything is on the table.

In July 2001, American president George W. Bush stated that he wanted to negotiate a continental water agreement. What the US wants, it gets. This demand ends any pretence that Canada’s water is protected from thirsty Americans. Our illustrious prime minister, Jean Chrétien, signalled to Bush that he was willing to turn on the tap by reversing his government’s opposition to bulk water exports, knowing full well that, under NAFTA, once the tap has been turned on, it can never be turned off.

Enter Bill C-6, which most Canadians haven’t heard of. It gives the minister of foreign affairs the authority to grant bulk water export licenses.

“Well who cares? We have plenty of water!” some people may say with a shrug.

But we don’t. Much of it is now so polluted that it’s unusable. We could run out of safe water ourselves and still be forced to supply the United States and do without while they fill their swimming pools. NAFTA is a rotten deal for Canada and we should never have signed it. Prime Minister Chrétien originally stood up in Parliament and spoke firmly against the NAFTA deal–but once in power, he picked up the pen and signed immediately.

Grand Farewell to Water

Bill C-6 will allow the Great Recycling and Northern Development Canal Project (GRAND), a project to channel huge amounts of water from James Bay in Northern Ontario to the US, to proceed, along with other like schemes of water diversion.

GRAND is the invention of mining engineer Thomas Kierans, who in 1959 proposed building a dyke across the mouth of James Bay to create a huge freshwater lake. The dyke would block seawater into the “reservoir” of James Bay by opening “outflow only” sluice gates on Hudson Bay at low tide and closing them at high tide. With the freshwater flow from the rivers pouring into James Bay, the dyked enclosure would change from a saltwater bay to a freshwater lake in about three years.

1 2

Next Page >>>

Pat Bennett is a freelance writer living in Longworth, BC.

Source: alive #231, January 2002

The Nature Challenge
When we read about health issues in the newspaper or seestories on TV, the focus is almost always on the potential benefits of the latest medical "breakthrough, such as an exciting new drug, technique or technology.

A Weekend at a Health Show
A few weeks ago, I attended a health show in Victoria with a friend and, upon reflection, it was a very rich way to share time together! The exhibit floor Was animated with lots of sights, sounds, colors and tastes, and the seminars were information-packed and inspiring.

What is Adaptation?
The human body is brilliantly designed. A complex and miprehensive network of psychological, neurological, emflfcrinological and immunological mechanisms maintain good health and equilibrium called "homeostasis."

Making a Difference
Severn Cullis-Suzuki's brightest moment was probably at the Rio Earth Summit, where the then 12-year-old Severn delivered a powerful speech to the political representatives. However, her first environmental and social justice work began at an even younger age.

Introducing alive Around the World
At alive, it is our goal and privilege to bring you up-to-date research and information on health and wellness to improve the quality of your lives. Our intent is to raise awareness regarding natural and preventive approaches to healthcare.

Siegfried Gursche
After 30 years natural health pioneer Siegfried Gursche has retired from his position as the publisher of alive. While no longer at the helm of the nation's much-loved natural health publication, his entrepreneurial spirit lives on as the magazine continues to inform and educate.

Schools Embrace Nature
Every Monday morning, bright-eyed kindergarten and grade one students from South Carvolth Environmental School in Langley, BC, trek through Campbell Valley Regional Park to check out what's new this week.

Giving Something Back
Listening to Chantal Kreviazuk's music is always, for me, an inspiring experience so intense that I can easily lose track of time. While writing this article, I am listening to her 2002 album What If It All Means Something. She has a unique gift-a divine voice.

One Woman's Dream Becomes Every Child's "Right to Play
Play comes naturally to all children. But not all children are able to climb that ladder to the top of the slide, nor can they hold on tightly as the merry-go-round spins.

Nature Does It
Robert Bateman is not only an internationally acclaimed Canadian artist who paints wildlife, he also has a high profile as a conservationist, environmentalist, and naturalist. Bateman lives by his convictions-caring for the planet, for his art, and for his own and his loved ones' health, naturally.

Low Energy Lights
Millions of colourful lights illuminate the night air, shining iridescently through snow-covered bushes and trees and casting a romantic glow. However, times have changed since Edison's incandescent light bulb moment in 1879, and the rising cost of energy and our environmental responsibilities are taking some of the romance out of extravagant light displays.

The End of Food
Thomas Pawlick delivers an in-depth exposé of the food industry with the comfort and candour of a neighbourly farmer/investigator who might be seated at our dinner table.

Our Toxic Nation
More than 23,000 chemicals are registered for use in Canada and each year this number grows. Obviously, some exposures we can't prevent. But every attempt is worthwhile, says Environmental Defence (ED), a Toronto-based organization that has recently released eye-opening data on the chemical burden we face.

Taking Care of Business by Taking Care of People
Workers and the workplace have come a long way. Today a healthy, positive, and enriching workplace is increasingly valued by employers and employees alike. The bottom line is that workplace wellness is good for the bottom line.

Toxic Imports
Canada is importing huge amounts of heavy metals, solvents and sludge for disposal each year, according to a new report by the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy. Most of this toxic waste is headed for Quebec--about 299,000 metric tonnes a year. Ontario receives a little less--294,000 metric tonnes.

What the Future Holds
There are people in this world who make it their business to predict the future. And it's obviously a good business, for it's only human nature to want a glimpse of what lies ahea.

Environmental Illness

LOHAS: Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability

Bridging Conventional and Alternative Medicine

Environmental Causes of Breast Cancer

Better Safe Than Sorry

Lousy Fish Farms

Silver Screen or Smoke Screen?

Less Gassy

How Big is Your Footprint?

Eradicating E-Waste

Canadian Idle?

Deep Heating
Green energy doesn't always lend itself easily to the urban environment. In the city the skyscraper across the street can compromise the solar installation of your dreams. Nearby neighbours cringe when you mention your backyard wind-farm idea. Now geothermal heat pumps may offer the solution you need.

Ways You can Help Clean Up the Earth
Do you carry a reusable lunch bag? Buy recycled computer paper for your printer? Prepare vegetarian meals once or twice a week? In other words, are you concerned enough about the environment that you're doing something to protect it and the humans and animals that live within it?

The Good Kitchen
There is nothing nicer than a clean, neat, well-equipped kitchen. Your kitchen is the heart of your home. Whether you are remodelling your kitchen or installing a new one, there is much to consider about the best choices for you and your family.

Ethical Funds
The morning I began writing this article, I was at a familiar haunt dressing two grande mild coffees. Touch of cream, milk, and one sugar. A nearby brochure caught my eye. Entitled "Starbucks commitment to social responsibility, it set out the guiding principles this megacorp now supports.

Saving on Insurance
Life and health insurance companies want you to live a long, healthy life. But are their motives altogether altruistic? Insurance companies are in the business of maximizing profits, and it stands to reason that the healthier you are and the longer you live, the more money they make.

Consumer-Driven Evolution
What was once considered a fringe industry has now become a mega money-maker-no surprise to alive readers. Drop into any drugstore or supermarket and you'll find energy drinks and organics where you once found cigarettes.

Don't Turn a Blind Eye
Angels responded to the Pakistan earthquake, Hurricane Katrina, and the Guatemalan flood.

Here Comes the (eco-savvy) Bride
Tying the knot? There are many ways to make your wedding environmentally friendly. Here are 12 tips to make your special day sustainable as well as unforgettable.

Panda Approved
Bamboo is tough. Bamboo is strong-it's one of the strongest building materials in the world. Yet despite its strength, when made into clothing, bamboo is softer than the softest cotton and smoother than the smoothest silk.

Luxe Linens
Sleeping and bathing are two daily rituals. We snuggle between our bedsheets every night and towel our bodies dry after our daily shower or bath. But what do we really know about the fabrics in our bed and bath linens? For most of us, the answer is, not much at all.

Cool Canada
Last Christmas was more hectic than holiday. As we rushed from visiting the in-laws to dinner at my parents' house, I asked, "Wouldn't it be nice if we could get away next Christmas? Without missing a beat, my husband responded, "Yes, but could we get enough time off?

Corn Kernels of Truth
Dare to start a conversation about bean sprouts or broccoli at a party and watch those around you drift off toward the punchbowl. But launch into a discussion on corn and you could find yourself smack in the middle of a raging debate.

Pharmed Rice
Greenpeace calls it cannibal rice-a genetically engineered grain containing human proteins that poses health and environmental hazards-but the company developing this product calls it a lifesaving treatment; their company website refers to it as a Holy Grail.

Modern Mud Huts
It's no wonder straw bale, rammed earth, and hempcrete homes are getting more popular: they're low maintenance, rodent-proof, fire-resistant, eco-friendly, and healthier than conventional houses. These modern mud huts, or green houses, are popping up all over Canada-and they're slowly edging their way into the mainstream.

Walking the Enviromental Talk
It's one thing to talk the talk; it's quite another to walk it. What would you be willing to give up to save the environment? Paper napkins? Takeout food? Cable TV? Refrigeration? Driving? Vanessa Farquharson has given up all of these things for a year, at least.

Ecoholic; The Virtuous Consumer
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then these two writers must adore each other's work. Both Vasil and Garrett have authored shopping guides that alert readers to the hidden perils of daily consumer choices. Never before have I seen two books so alike in content, form, and intent.

Step Lightly On the Planet
Despite the debates that rage about climate change and sustainability, many of us remain unaware of our personal load on the planet. The idea of an ecological footprint was explicitly designed to raise that load to consciousness using simple concepts that everyone understands-consumption, pollution, and land.

Celebrate Your Right to Dry
This month I'm putting it all on the line. The clothes line, that is.

Passionate About Compost
Composting has an effect on me unlike any other thing I do. It makes me feel virtuous to create something valuable from what many people consider mere garbage.

Green Dry Cleaners
After scouring the racks for that perfect outfit, you get home only to discover the "dry clean only tag-and your heart sinks. Not only is the dry cleaning process expensive but it's also harmful to the environment, your health, and the health of your entire family.

Detox Your Living Room
The furniture, lighting, and textiles that decorate our living rooms can take a toll on our health and the environment. The way we clean this room each week is also important.

Are We Smart Enough...
What's the evidence for intelligent life on Earth? Would an intelligent species, one capable of rational thought and forward planning, persist in doing something from which it gains nothing and, in the process, undermine its own existence?

Exposing Hidden Agenda
Some things in life just aren't what they seem. This is particularly so in the case of astroturfing.

Crusading Against Catastrophe
It is surely naive to imagine that any one human being can save the world. But, Stephen Lewis, in lending his intellect and a large chunk of his heart to several of modern time's toughest causes, is making a pretty good effort.

The Power of Passion
If you've never heard Stephen Lewis speak, you may be forgiven for not recognizing his name. But once you've heard his passion and conviction, you won't soon forget the man-or more importantly, his message. Articulate and eloquent, Lewis inspires, not just to think, but also to act.

Packrats and Clutterbugs
You walk through the front door and immediately encounter the clutter-a stack of unopened mail sitting on the hall table, along with a tangled heap of gloves, scarves, hats, keys, maps, umbrellas, and shopping bags.

The Geography of Hope: A Tour of the World We Need
By the time this month's alive arrives in readers' hands, Chris Turner and his Geography of Hope tour will be household names.

Ruining the Rainforest
When we think of the Amazon, most of us conjure images of a lush, leafy, humid forest, home to an exotic array of tropical species. We envision a peaceful place-the soothing quiet broken only by the call of a bird or the gurgle of a stream. Unfortunately, the Amazon most of us imagine is quickly disappearing.

As the Light Dims
The light is dimming for some eco-conscious householders who believed they were doing the right thing for our environment by replacing their energy-guzzling incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lighting (CFL).

Phthalates and Parabens
As a conscientious consumer, you stay informed about what you put both on and in your body. But getting to the bottom of the issue of synthetic preservatives in consumer goods is a challenge even for the most astute.

Car Sharing Co-operatives
They walk among us. They're our friends, our co-workers, our corner store owners. Undetectable by sight, they look just like you and me. They are people who don't own cars.

Are Cough Medicines Doing More Harm than Good?
Health warnings about the damaging side effects of cough medicine for young children have made many parents concerned about the safety of common medications-for anyone. The cold and flu season is almost upon us, so here are some herbal and homeopathic approaches that boost immunity and beat viruses faster.

Trends 2009
The New Year traditionally affords a chance to look back at what's just past while creating excitement about what's to come. It's a time of change that generates hope for the year ahead.

Pink Alert
During my phone interview with Alexandra Morton, renowned author, whale and salmon researcher, and environmental advocate, she discusses the plight of pink salmon in the Broughton Archipelago, which is located between BC's mainland and the north end of Vancouver Island.

Love Your Lips
Plump, juicy lips coated in bright red lipstick have always been considered the ultimate in sex appeal and feminine beauty. But could the product that gives us that glamorous, movie-star appeal be endangering our health at the same time?

Going Green One Step at a Time
Every day we;re bombarded with more gloomy news about the sagging economy and the threats to our environment. We're all focused on protecting our financial well-being, but we want to do this without compromising our green principles.