FortisBC Osprey nest camera launches for another season

KELOWNA, British Columbia, May 4, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - FortisBC's nest camera has begun streaming live video of a pair of Osprey that return every spring to their nest near Benvoulin Road.

FortisBC relocated this nest from a nearby utility pole in 2007 to protect the Osprey from risk of electrocution and the pair has continued to return to this nest each year.

"Our nest camera has proven to be extremely popular with our customers in recent years," said Tom Loski, vice president, customer service. "Again this year we are looking forward to the tens of thousands of views we receive from our customers interested in catching a glimpse of the Osprey and their offspring."

Typically, Osprey return to the same nesting site each year. Their usual routine is to build up their nest with new materials, lay their eggs and then hatch and raise new chicks each year. Osprey will typically nest between May and September and migrate south for the winter.

Watch live streaming video from fortisbc at livestream.com

FortisBC's successful Osprey nest management program relocates nests from atop energized power poles to safer sites. This program helps protect birds from electrocution and improves electrical safety and reliability. Birds nesting on energized poles can damage the electrical equipment, causing power outages or fire when nest debris falls on power lines.

FortisBC follows the Ministry of Environment's permitting conditions and enlists the services of biologists to assist in the removal of the nests to alternative platforms on poles nearby. FortisBC's success with the program has seen more than 40 poles installed throughout B.C.'s southern interior.

For more information on the nest management program or to watch streaming live video of the Osprey, please visit http://www.fortisbc.com.

FortisBC is an integrated energy solutions provider focused on providing safe and reliable energy, including natural gas, electricity, propane and alternative energy solutions, at the lowest reasonable cost. FortisBC employs more than 2,300 British Columbians and serves approximately 1.1 million customers in more than 135 B.C. communities. FortisBC is indirectly wholly owned by Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada. FortisBC owns and operates four regulated hydroelectric generating plants, approximately 7,000 kilometres of transmission and distribution power lines and approximately 47,000 kilometres of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. FortisBC Inc., FortisBC Energy Inc., FortisBC Energy (Vancouver Island) Inc., and FortisBC Energy (Whistler) Inc. do business as FortisBC. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or www.sedar.com.

Live video link available at fortisbc.com/psprey

Tim Hortons responds to customer demands for more humane eggs and pork

VANCOUVER, May 4, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Under mounting pressure from animal welfare organizations and consumers, Tim Hortons announced today it will call on its pork suppliers to eliminate the gestation confinement of breeding sows and that it plans to purchase at least 10 per cent of its eggs from enriched caging systems by the end of 2013.

The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) still feels Tim Hortons' initiative falls short of making necessary improvements to animal welfare, particularly in regards to egg-laying hens. Through VHS's online petition on Change.Org, more than 30,000 people have urged Tim Hortons to stop the use of cages and crates for hens and sows.

"VHS is pleased that Tim Hortons is sending a strong message to the pork industry that change is needed to get animals out of tiny crates," said Leanne McConnachie, Director of the Vancouver Humane Society's Farm Animal Programs. "Like many consumers nationwide, we are disappointed that the company still refuses to use any cage-free eggs though."

Approximately 26 million hens produce Canada's egg supply, and Tim Hortons' 10 per cent commitment will only affect about 35,000 hens—the equivalent size of the average battery cage barn. In B.C. alone, more than 300,000 hens are raised in cage-free systems such as free-run, free-range and organic free-range. Most of Tim Hortons' competitors have opted to purchase eggs from farms using cage-free systems.

OGRA Partners with RCCAO and MTO for Wellington County Bridges Study

OAKVILLE, Ontario, May 4, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA) has partnered with the Residential & Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) and the Ministry of Transportation to undertake the Wellington County Bridges Study.

This pilot study will determine the bridge infrastructure needs of Wellington County and its constituent municipalities and assess the potential to use alternative delivery methods. MTO has provided $50,000 in funding with the balance of the $100,000 study being funded by RCCAO and OGRA.

The work will be phased with the first three stages relating to the key steps in developing a bridge asset management plan. Phase 4 will consider alternative delivery options such as bridge bundling and phase 5 will include conclusions and recommendations. A Project Team will be organized with representation from the RCCAO, OGRA, MTO and Wellington County. The final report will be made available to OGRA members.

OGRA President Alan Korell is eager to begin this project.

"To partner with a respectable organization such as RCCAO and to have the support of MTO enables us to bring our shared expertise and experience to the table. This study will benefit Ontario municipalities by providing guidance on how they can use innovative delivery approaches to reduce their long term bridge renewal costs."

"We need to look at new ways to help municipalities maintain, rehabilitate and replace their bridges. This study follows on other OGRA efforts such as Municipal DataWorks, ongoing training and advocacy work in support of Ontario municipalities" said Joe Tiernay, OGRA Executive Director.

Andy Manahan, RCCAO's Executive Director, feels that

"The Wellington County Bridges Study supports the goal of the province's long-term 'Building Together' strategy to use innovative approaches to fund infrastructure improvements. RCCAO is particularly pleased that analytical methods will be used to compare traditional approaches with AFP and bundling approaches for the rehabilitation and maintenance of municipal bridge structures."

The mandate of the Ontario Good Roads Association is to represent the infrastructure interests of municipalities through advocacy, consultation, training and the delivery of identified services.

For more information, please visit ogra.org.

Celebrating the Nature Conservancy of Canada's Golden Anniversary

Canada's leading non-profit land conservation organization
celebrates fifty years of conservation legacies

CALGARY, May 2, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Fifty years of conservation is worthy of a celebration! And what a celebration this will be!

This "Legacy of Landscapes" event will celebrate projects in Alberta conserved by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and the people who have made it happen. CBC Radio's Stuart McLean is the featured guest speaker, along with award-winning cowboy poet Doris Daley. The Honourable Diana McQueen, Minister of Environment will bring welcoming remarks, while His Worship, Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary will also join supporters to celebrate this milestone.

Honourary co-chairs of the event, Hal Kvisle (retired President & CEO, TransCanada Corporation and Chair, NCC National Board), Pat Daniel (CEO, Enbridge Inc.) and Fred Green (President and CEO, CP Rail) have brought together sponsors, supporters and corporate Calgary to celebrate this Legacies of Landscapes event. And NCC is celebrating by bringing the landscapes they have conserved to life in the Westin's grand ballroom. A 63-foot projection of landscapes NCC has conserved, other visual displays, live greenery and rehabilitated birds from the Birds of Prey Centre in Coaldale will round out a spectacular evening.

"After fifty years, NCC is really just gaining momentum. 45,000 supporters - individuals, corporations, foundations and governments - support our conservation work from coast to coast. Everything flows from nature in one way or other. People really are realizing that the well-being of our planet, our children depends on the proper functioning of our natural systems. Tonight is a celebration of the many Canadians who already believe in the critical importance of our work and an opportunity to celebrate the many significant projects that have been completed in Alberta and across Canada. We look forward to creating another fifty years of conservation legacies." - Bob Demulder, Vice President, Nature Conservancy of Canada - Alberta Region

Since 1962, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and its partners have helped to protect more than 2.6 million acres (1 million hectares), coast to coast - and over 185,000 acres (75,000 hectares) in Alberta, including projects like the 35,000-acre Waterton Park Front conservation project.

Proceeds from table and ticket sales support East Slopes stewardship - started by Daryl K. ("Doc") Seaman when he conserved the 9,400-acre OH Ranch near Longview, under conservation easement through NCC. This will help ensure the ongoing care of nearly 100,000 acres of lands conserved by NCC along the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains.

"The Conservancy's legacy of leadership and innovation in the preservation and management of important natural areas has made an invaluable contribution to the protection of our country's natural heritage," said Alberta Environment and Water Minister Diana McQueen. "The work of the Alberta Chapter and its dedication to Alberta's natural splendour is greatly appreciated and highly valued by our government."

"It is my distinct pleasure to serve as honourary co-chair of the Nature Conservancy of Canada's fiftieth anniversary celebration in Calgary. We have so many conservation success stories to celebrate over our fifty years - from the landowners who have chosen to work with NCC to protect their lands, to partners who have participated in a number of our projects, to our supporters without whom none of this would be possible. This is one of the first celebrations in 2012 that will take place across Canada in honour of NCC's golden anniversary, and serves as a grand way to kick off our next fifty years." - Hal Kvisle - Nature Conservancy of Canada national board chair

About the Nature Conservancy of Canada

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nation's leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain. Since 1962 NCC and its partners have helped to protect more than 2.6 million acres (1 million hectares), coast to coast and over 185,000 acres (75,000 hectares) in Alberta. By investing in conservation we are ensuring that our natural world remains a home for wildlife, a haven for recreation and a vital resource that cleans the air we breathe and the water we drink. Through strong partnerships NCC works to safeguard our natural areas so that our children and grandchildren will have the chance to enjoy them. To learn more visit: www.natureconservancy.ca

Government of Canada announces support for women and girls in rural Nova Scotia

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, May 2, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Today, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women highlighted Government of Canada support for women and girls in rural and remote communities in Nova Scotia.

"I am pleased to highlight our Government's support for projects in Nova Scotia that address issues of violence and economic security affecting women and girls living in rural and remote communities," said Minister Ambrose. "In every region of Canada, particularly in rural and remote regions, women play important roles in their families and communities, and are key to our country's prosperity."

As part of its recent Call for Proposals for Women Living in Rural and Remote Communities and Small Urban Centres, the Government of Canada has invested in projects through the following organizations in Nova Scotia:

Nova Scotia Native Women's Association

The Nova Scotia Native Women's Association is receiving $265,600 in Government of Canada support for a project that will work with Mi'kmaq women located in the rural regions of Cape Breton and Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia. The goal is to create two community plans to address the issue of violence against women: one for three communities in Cape Breton, and the other for three communities in the Annapolis Valley.

The Second Story Women's Centre, Lunenburg

The Second Story Women's Centre in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia is receiving $296,377 in Government of Canada support for a project to improve community support for women and girls affected by violence in communities along the South Shore of Nova Scotia. In addition to supporting women and girls, the group will engage men and boys to help stop violence against women, and encourage healthy relationships.

YWCA Halifax

YWCA Halifax is receiving $298,438 in Government of Canada support for a project that will work with women residing in the community of Spryfield, Nova Scotia. The goal is to develop a community plan in collaboration with business and community leaders to better coordinate services and resources, and more efficiently address the economic security of women in Spryfield.

Tri-County Women's Centre, Yarmouth

The Tri-County Women's Centre is receiving $300,000 in Government of Canada support for a project which will work with adult women from various ethno-backgrounds in Yarmouth County who have experienced financial insecurity. The goal is to identify and work to address institutional or other gaps in the community that can cause financial difficulty in areas such as employment, affordable housing, childcare, transportation, financial literacy, training or education.

Over the last two years, through the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada, over $2 million in funding has been approved for community-based projects in Nova Scotia.

Trees Ontario's Newest Green Leader Makes "Nowhere Farms" the Place to Plant

TORONTO, April 26, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Philip Holst has been named a Trees Ontario Green Leader for his dedication to forest restoration.

Trees Ontario's Green Leader Program recognizes landowners who have worked with our partners to take part in the Ontario government's 50 Million Tree Program, which aims to plant 50 million trees in southern Ontario.

David Depuydt, Stewardship Coordinator, Stewardship Oxford, nominated Holst after working with him over the last few years to plant his property.

"Phil is a family man and community-oriented fellow; He wanted to enhance the landscape for the next generation. He respects the value of agricultural land, but has restored several acres of marginal land into wetland and wildlife habitat on his farm," explained Dave.

Trees Ontario recently visited Holst's Woodstock, Ontario, property. The previous owner had planted wind breaks before Holst bought the property in 1997.

"I view myself as a steward as opposed to an owner. I've always loved this property and I see our family as the next in a long line of stewards of this land. I just continue on where the previous family left off," explains Holst.

Since 2010, Holst has planted approximately 8,000 trees. The trees are a diverse mix of spruce, white pine, red oak, white oak, sugar maple, hemlock and fruit trees. When he purchased the property, it was comprised of 6 acres of lawn and 40 acres of top quality Guelph loam farmland. Four acres were bush, yard and orchard. Now, it boasts 36 acres of workable land and the rest is made up of trees, tree seed orchard, ponds, walking trails, and wetlands.

Holst has been restoring the land and wetlands, always adding to the property. He cropshares 36 acres of farmland with nearby farmers, planting corn, soybean and wheat on a rotational basis.

"As an involved and invested landowner, I've recommended this program to a lot of other landowners in the area. When I heard about the 50 Million Tree Program, I contacted Dave Depuydt, who shared information on the subsidies and support available for tree planting," explains Holst.

"If farmers have land sitting idle, let's do something to make it really useful - let's plan for the next 40-50 years," says Holst. "Partnering with a few other conservation organizations, it's really worth it for the landowner to make the most of these subsidies. Everyone benefits."

Holst will again participate in the 50 Million Tree Program in spring 2012, and credits the Stewardship's help in making the process easy. Four acres of his Woodstock property have been employed as a pilot research project and will potentially shape assisted migration tree planting in future years.

"I have a tree seed orchard. We've planted native trees, but we've mixed in some red and white oaks from Tennessee and Pennsylvania to assist in adapting to climate change. It's really a pilot project with Trees Ontario, Stewardship Oxford and Forest Gene Conservation Association to determine which trees will be best suited for this area in 40-50 years. In four or five decades, we'll have a seed source for better-adapted oak trees," adds Holst. "Planting trees is beneficial to everyone. I want someone in the future to say "the folks who planted this must have had some vision"."

Holst has advice for other landowners who are interested in planting trees:

"For marginal land or areas you want to plant, it is a good program and covers most of the costs."

"Planting trees helps us create a healthier environment. Trees clean the air, mitigate the effects of climate change, increase wildlife habitat, provide shade and help prevent flooding," said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Natural Resources. "I applaud Mr. Holst for the work he is doing. His trees are making a difference. I encourage others to take part in the 50 Million Tree Program to help protect Ontario's natural beauty."

"All of our 50 Million Tree Program landowners are making a positive change for all Ontarians. But it is worth recognizing these Green Leaders for their local stewardship and commitment in restoring the environment for future generations," said Rob Keen, Trees Ontario CEO.

"With forest restoration, you'll have something permanent and greater in value than you had before," says Holst. "This place is highly productive. We grow our own food, can our meat and accentuate the positive in every area of our farm. We have so much wildlife, yet we still produce from our farmland," Holst said. "You can make such a contribution in such a short time."

Trees Ontario is the lead agency for the Ontario government's 50 Million Tree program, which provides financial incentives to landowners looking to plant trees. It also provides eligible landowners with hands-on professional help and advice on tree planting, including determining site eligibility, allocating funding and coordinating planting.

Ontario planted nearly 3 million trees in 2011. Our goal is to support the planting of 10 million trees per year by 2015. To help put Ontario on the path to achieving this goal, Trees Ontario is seeking landowners to participate in its programs. For more information about the 50 Million Tree Program and other tree planting programs and incentives available to Ontario landowners, please click here.

Help Us Save Our Environment. One Tree at a Time. info@treesontario.ca www.treesontario.ca

Experts challenge sustainability of Canada's food system

A new WSPA report reveals the hidden costs
of industrial animal agriculture

TORONTO, April 24, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Today, the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has released some alarming findings from a report commissioned to look at the wide-ranging impacts of Canada's animal agriculture practices.

What's On Your Plate? The Hidden Costs of Industrial Animal Agriculture exposes the destructive impacts of intensive livestock operations (ILOs) on our health, the environment, animal welfare and rural Canada.

"Intensive livestock operations or ILOs are producing drug resistant super bugs, destroying our planet's life support system and transforming the social fabric of our rural communities," says Melissa Matlow, WSPA Campaigns Manager, Humane and Sustainable Agriculture.

The report also exposes the real costs of our food. We are seeing the results of our broken system through the escalation of food safety and public health issues.

"Food-borne illnesses are costing our healthcare system between $12 and $14 billion annually," says report contributor Dr. Eva Pip. Animal agriculture uses more land and water than any other human activity. "The running of ILOs also involves significant energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions," notes Dr. Tony Weis.

ILOs are costing Canadian taxpayers directly as well. As Darrin Qualman points out,

"Government of Canada data shows that hog ILOs couldn't exist without huge tax-funded subsidies." Farm animals are paying a high price too. They suffer painful mutilations, are bred to grow faster and crammed into small cages, all to make ILOs possible. "There is solid evidence that our industrial farming practices are causing acute suffering for animals," concludes Dr. Ian Duncan.

Key report findings:

...The huge amounts of manure from ILOs contain antibiotic residues, heavy metals and pathogens (like E. coli). When applied to fields or illegally dumped in ditches, these toxins end up in our drinking water and on crops. It also flows into lakes and rivers, killing fish

...Non-therapeutic use of antibiotics is causing drug resistant super bugs to be found on ILOs in manure and in groundwater near fields - risking the effectiveness of life-saving medicines

...ILOs are causing species loss, soil erosion and lake and river pollution

...Taxpayers are subsidizing the largest industrial farms. Hog farms with annual revenues over $1million collected 72% of the subsidies in 2009. Since 1996, Canadians have given nearly $4 billion to subsidize the hog industry

...ILOs have caused the hollowing out of rural communities as increasing debt, diminished quality of life and soaring unemployment mean businesses, people and infrastructure are abandoning these areas

...Painful mutilations done to farm animals (beak severing, hot branding, teeth breaking, etc) without anesthetic would be illegal if performed on a cat or dog and are purely surgical solutions to human-made problems

WSPA is calling for changes by all levels of government to policies and practices that will safe-guard the health of Canadians, protect our environment, revitalize rural communities and improve the lives of farm animal across the country.

Report recommendations:

...Phase out painful mutilations (de-beaking, castration, etc) performed without anaesthetic or require anaesthetic be given

...Support the Canadian Medical Association's call to require veterinary prescriptions for all agriculture antibiotic use

...Work with industry and farmers to end the worst confinement systems (battery cages, sow stalls, veal crates, etc.)

...Redirect farm subsidies to support family farmers and to encourage more humane and sustainable farming practices

...Regulate industrial livestock operations like other major polluting industries

...Pass a new federal law requiring labelling that would identify production methods to help Canadian consumers choose free-range, local and antibiotic free meat, milk and eggs

About What's On Your Plate? The Hidden Costs of Industrial Animal Agriculture:

Two years in the making, What's On Your Plate? is the first comprehensive Canadian examination of the impacts of industrial animal agriculture. The report includes contributions from leading Canadian academics in the fields of animal husbandry, environmental science, agricultural economics, bioethics, microbiology, water quality and toxicology and a foreword from Dr. Thomas S. Axworthy.

About the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA):

The World Society for the Protection of Animals seeks to create a world where animal welfare matters and animal cruelty has ended. Active in more than 50 countries, we work directly with animals and with the people and organizations that can ensure animals are treated with respect and compassion. For more information, visit us at www.wspa.ca; follow us on Twitter or 'Like' us on Facebook.