WwW people say one thing and do another, it is hypocrisy. Our Canadian environmental laws don’t matter if they are broken." - Neil Young’s message to the Prime Minister’s Office. From 12 to 19 January, famed Canadian musician Neil Young played four shows in Toronto, Regina, Winnipeg, and Calgary. Joining Young on his tour was jazz singer Diana Krall. This tour is a big deal and it is creating controversy, because Young has dubbed this short tour “Honour The Treaties” and is contributing 100% of the WILL BREF funds to the Athabasca Chipewyan First wv a | F rg q T Nation's (ACEN) legal 646s 8 SFU 2 battle against Shell Oil’s proposed Jackpine mine expansion. Young, a long-time environmentalist, has spoken harshly of the Albertan tar sands after visiting months prior to this tour. Since the tour began, it has ignited a feud between him and the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office, of which Young has been highly critical, telling CBC’s Q that the Canadian government is “trading integrity for money.” Prominent Canadians, including Gordon Downie and Jim Cuddy have also released statements of support for Young’s cause. The PMO came out swinging, stating that Young relies on oil for his lifestyle, and that natural resource development and extraction is a fundamental part of Canada. However, Young pointed out that he had driven from California to the tar sands without oil, which is an indication that the PMO is ignoring the structural issues that Young is attempting to get at: there are treaties in place, we should respect them and it is time to start taking steps towards a future without oil, not the opposite. The ACFN's battle against Shell’s proposed Jackpine mine expansion has been ongoing. On 11 April 2013, the Canadian Supreme court decided not to hear ACFN’s appeal. ACFN believes the proposal is infringing on their treaty rights, under Culture 7 treaty 8, and is thus unconstitutional. Before filing with the Supreme Court in January of 2013, the ACFN also tried to present their case to the Joint Review Panel, but the panel said they did not have jurisdiction in this domain. Treaty 8 legally protects the ACFN’s rights to “hunt, fish, trap and gather” on their land, and they believe the mine will adversely affect treaty land. ACFN have since appealed the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision, but the process is a long and expensive one. There have been many donors, but Neil Young’s tour will bring some financial relief, as well as promote the legal battle and encourage many people to continue donating online. Neil Young Press Release n Thursday, 30 January 2014 (6pm - 8 O pm) the Northern BC LGBT Alliance will be hosting their first drop in for people who want or need a place to get information on gender and sexuality or meet people. The drop in will be at 1177 3rd Ave on the main floor from 6-8 pm every Thursday. “Tt has been many years since a drop in that is open to all ages has been operating in PG for the LGBT community and I am glad to be part of the re-opening of the drop in.“ commented Shawn Peters, Chair of Northern BC LGBT Alliance. The first drop in will be an open house theme with an open invitation for everyone to attend. The alliance has worked with LCBI Northen BC Alliance: Drop in different business, societies and individuals to get the drop ins open after many community members have told us they wanted and needed a place they could go be safe and get information. “LAMBDA PG has gracefully donated the space to help start the drop ins in Prince George. I believe that the community needs a place free for all ages to go and get information and meet people. I hear so many stories about people needing a safe space and now that I can help provide a safe space for the LGBT Community to meet and get information I am happy to do so.” said Linda, Owner and Operator of LAMBDA PG. The first drop is going to have free food and door prizes. Everyone is invited to come down see the drop in centre and meet the people making changes in this city. 1) At the open house the Northern BC LGBT Alliance will also be unveiling the plans for a Diversity Prom, where students who don’t feel comfortable attending their own prom can go. The open house will also be featuring all the activities that the Alliance would like to see happen during Pride 2014 events in Prince George. If your group or business wants to get involved or provide support through pamphlets or a donation please come down and drop it off at the open house. Societies will be allowed to have pamphlets out for people to pick up at the drop ins. Drops ins will then be every Thursday from 6-8 pm If you would like more information please contact the Northern BC LGBT Alliance via email at info@northernbclgbt.com