2 The Editors March 27th 2013 * Over the Edge Over the Edge is the official independent publishing media of students at the University of Northern British Columbia Editor in Chief Production Coordinator Copy Editor Features Editor News Editor je: Hanna Petersen Randy Roy Shelley Termuende Ben Filipkowski Gala Munoz Sports Editor A&E Editor It is our mandate to report on issues of interest to students in the Northern Region.We encourage all students, both on the main and regional campuses to submit to Over the Edge. Over the Edge is part of the Canadian University Press network of papers, otherwise known as CUP. CUP is an organization that is entirely owned by member papers, and provides such services as a news wire and advertising to Over the Edge. Over the Edge is published every second week during the fall and winter semesters. Office Location: NUSC 6-350 Jordan Tucker Cameron Bell MAILING ADDRESS 3333 University Way Prince George, BC V2N 429 PHONE (250) 960-5633 over.the.edge.unbc@gmail.com NEXT SUBMISSION DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 4TH, 2013 Contributors Wendel Schwab Gene Egle von Denim Carolyn Knapper Sarah Foot Cleo Starsky SGU “STORMS THE RIDING’ FOR CLEAN ENERGY IN BC CAMERON BELL SGU MEMBER Knock knock - who’s there? Clean energy! As British Columbia gears up for a provincial election, voters have the opportunity to voice their concerns in hopes that party platforms will adjust accordingly. There are many challenges associated with bringing political attention to any issue, but as voting day approaches politicians often acknowledge only one statistic: voter numbers. With this in mind, a province-wide campaign called Power Vote BC is collecting pledges from voters across the province who intend to vote for ‘a clean energy economy that’s fair for all British Columbians”. LeadNow.ca, a nation-wide grassroots organization advocating for a fair, responsible, and democratic country through political action like Power Vote BC organize the campaign. UNBC’s Students for a Green University (SGU) took part in this provincial initiative through Storm the Riding, a province-wide event in which volunteers, primarily students, canvassed door-to-door talking about clean energy in the upcoming election. Last Saturday afternoon, volunteers hit the streets with clipboards in hand after a brief training session, and talked to hundreds of PG residents in the PG-Mackenzie riding about their views on energy and elections. Talking to people about energy and politics was a really valuable experience for all of the volunteers that came out, as reactions ranged from enthusiastic encouragement to instant refusal. The crew of almost 20 volunteers collected over 100 pledges, and plenty of leaflets were distributed in hopes that others will sign the pledge online at a later date. Each riding in the province has its own pledge page on the Power Vote BC website, and almost 6,000 pledges have been collected in total. LeadNow plans to 66 distribute further information on energy policy to pledge-signers to ensure that voters are informed on party platforms before they go to the polls on May 14th. “Oil industry lobbyists are spending big money to buy support for pipelines, tankers and dirty energy exports, and politicians are looking to see if British Columbians will stand up for a clean energy economy when it matters most,” said Jamie Biggar, Executive Director for Leadnow.ca. “Storm the Riding demonstrates that British Columbians are committed to a clean energy economy that will create good jobs, safeguard our resources, and ensure a secure climate for all generations.” With the number of existing and proposed projects in our area, SGU wants to encourage voters to learn, think, and talk about energy in BC before they go to the polls. Building a clean energy economy will be a lengthy process, but we need to start the transition now and aim to: 1. Meet or exceed BC’s legislated targets to cut global warming pollution. Politicians are looking to see Columbians will stand up for a clean energy economy when it matters most. 2. Create good jobs that will ensure lasting prosperity. 3. Respect Aboriginal rights and title. 4. Protect BC’s land, air and water while supporting healthy communities. 5. Include British Columbians in decisions if British that affect their communities. 6. Ensure a just transition that does not place unfair burdens on British Columbians. (Taken from powervotebc.ca) In an age of social media and instant information, door-knocking seems like an I= ancient art relegated to Girl Guides and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Engaging people in politics isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely necessary, especially in election season. By standing up for our values, taking part in organized political action, and engaging in meaningful dialogue with our communities, we can be the change we wish to see in our province. To sign the pledge, go to www. powervotebc.ca and search for your riding. For more information, email sgu. unbc@gmail.com “PVE MADE A ; HUGE MISTAKE...AND IT WENT TO PRINT.” TAKE THE RED PEN CHADLENGE