Category: Uncategorized

 

It was a damp and grey afternoon on Sunday, but that didn’t stop the crowds from celebrating after the Pride Parade at the Community Fair on Bank Street. The NCVA had a table set up right in front of the Herb & Spice, and, with the kindness of a stranger on the street, we even managed to borrow a tent to keep our paperwork, soy milks, and little noggins dry.

We hosted a giveaway which offers three lucky winners either a free NCVA membership card with all the perks and discounts that go along with it, coupons, or soy milk. Over fifty people signed up to enter the contest, and the winners will be announced later this week.

We also handed out a few brochures that simplify a plant-based diet, and shared free soy milk to thirsty party-goers.

Fany, Josee, Stacey, Carolyn and I took shifts at the table and greeted pedestrians telling them about what we do here at the NCVA. There were a lot of people who told us that they were already vegetarian, vegan, or very interested in embarking on a plant-based journey and yet they didn’t know that we existed as a resource in the city. I’m sure we’ve gained a few more members and Facebook followers because of it.

We showed our pride in a few ways. Animal rights are human rights, and there are so many intersections between LGBTQ rights and other types of social justice activism with the vegetarian lifestyle. We’re all just fighting for the oppressed in all their shapes, colours, sizes, genders, sexes and species.

The crowd was wonderful and we surely made new friends. Two very kind strangers even gave us their wacky, colourful balloon peacock tail. It served as a costume at first but then became a beautiful decorative piece with which to adorn our tent. Even a few skeptical vegetarians who claimed to be turned-off by “Why Vegan?” literature, ended up warming up to us and realizing not all activism is aggressive and said they would find us on Facebook. A children’s charity asked us for tips on how to keep a vegetarian child who uses their service well-fed even though their family relies on food banks. We offered some advice and helped them get in touch with people we know who are specialists at that.

All in all, the NCVA made new connections, helped others, and received help as well on Sunday. And, really, what could be more lovely at a Community Fair than building and strengthening community?

-Courtney Edgar

 

If you’re going to Capital Pride Parade this weekend, don’t forget to stop by the NCVA’s table at the Community Fair! The Community Fair, on Bank Street between Somerset and Florence, runs from 2pm-7pm on Sunday. Buy an NCVA membership, try a vegan food sample, enter the draw to win a gardein coupon, or pick up one of the “Why Vegan?” brochures at our table!

When: February 6, 4:30 to 7:30 pm. (Dinner starts at 5 pm)

Where: Jack Purcell Community Centre

• 320 Jack Purcell Lane (Elgin at Lewis)
• Link to google map 

Cost: $2 for NCVA members and $3 for non-members.

What to bring: Each person should bring a vegan dish, one free of animal products, eggs, dairy/cheese, honey, that serves 10 people, as well as your own plate, cutlery, and beverage. Also, please bring a serving utensil and the list of all ingredients for your dish, for people with allergies.

When: December 19, 4:30 to 7:30 pm. (Dinner starts at 5 pm)

Where: Jack Purcell Community Centre

• 320 Jack Purcell Lane (Elgin at Lewis)
• Link to google map 

Cost: $2 for NCVA members and $3 for non-members.

What to bring: Each person should bring a vegan dish, one free of animal products, eggs, dairy/cheese, honey, that serves 10 people, as well as your own plate, cutlery, and beverage. Also, please bring a serving utensil and the list of all ingredients for your dish, for people with allergies.

Bring vegan cookies (no eggs or milk) and exchange one for one after potluck.

When: November 21, 4:30 to 7:30 pm. (Dinner starts at 5 pm)

Where: Jack Purcell Community Centre

• 320 Jack Purcell Lane (Elgin at Lewis)
• Link to google map 

Cost: $2 for NCVA members and $3 for non-members.

What to bring: Each person should bring a vegan dish, one free of animal products, eggs, dairy/cheese, honey, that serves 10 people, as well as your own plate, cutlery, and beverage. Also, please bring a serving utensil and the list of all ingredients for your dish, for people with allergies.

When: September 19, 4:30 to 8:30 pm. (Dinner starts at 5 pm)

Where: Jack Purcell Community Centre

• 320 Jack Purcell Lane (Elgin at Lewis)
• Link to google map 

Cost: $2 for NCVA members and $3 for non-members.

What to bring: Each person should bring a vegan dish, one free of animal products, eggs, dairy/cheese, honey, that serves 10 people, as well as your own plate, cutlery, and beverage. Also, please bring a serving utensil and the list of all ingredients for your dish, for people with allergies.

Recipe sharing: Before or after supper, you can drop off a paper copy of your recipe, and we’ll copy, put them in a binder and share them. 

The new NCVA board met on Friday evening, July 3, and we have established the following positions:
President: Jayne Torr​
Vice-President: Michael Schnier​
Membership: Josee Cyr
Secretary: Melanie Ransom
Treasurer: Gwen Hughes​

Over the next couple of weeks we will be transitioning ownership of the various logistical NCVA responsibilities such as the email addresses and website. Look for requests for feedback from the membership, as we want to obtain membership input on the coming year(s). If you are not a member yet, but wish to provide feedback, please email ncva.avcn@gmail.com, or, even better, become a member! We will update our bios as soon as we can.

Looking forward to a great year!

1. Will you commit to publishing the position statement of the Canadian Dietetic Association that acknowledges that well-planned vegan diets are healthy for all life-stages, to correct misinformation among the public. If so, how would this been done (tax or water bill insert, bus board signage, proclaiming a vegan day, other?).

Yes. Vegan day.

2. Will you support a meatless Monday campaign in City of Ottawa cafeterias and catered affairs, encourage school boards & post secondary institutions to follow your example, as well as the Municipality of Gatineau, engaging staff from the department of Public Health in the outreach? Note that agriculture is a larger contributed to climate change than all forms of transportation combined.

Yes, seems like a good idea.

3. Will you support a bylaw banning circuses and other entertainment acts that use animals for entertainment in Ottawa?

Not knowing what you mean by other entertainment I am not in position to answer this question.

4. Will you support wildlife rehabilitation organizations? How so (financially and/or with other in-kind supports – please describe in detail)?

Yes. Seeking funds from various foundations.

5. Will the City of Ottawa publish its policy (and or City of Ottawa Police policy) or develop a bylaw on the treatment of dangerous wildlife within the City (coyotes, deer, moose, etc.)?

Yes, this is long over due.

1. Will you commit to publishing the position statement of the Canadian Dietetic Association that acknowledges that well-planned vegan diets are healthy for all life-stages, to correct misinformation among the public. If so, how would this been done (tax or water bill insert, bus board signage, proclaiming a vegan day, other?).

I was unable to find a specific position statement from the Canadian Dietetic Association on following a vegan diet, but it’s clear from the information presented on their website that well-planned vegan diets are responsible and have many potential health benefits.

In regards to combating misinformation on vegan diets, the use of city resources is not something I can commit to, though I’d be happy to support any initiative spearheaded by the National Capital Vegetarian Association.

2. Will you support a meatless Monday campaign in City of Ottawa cafeterias and
catered affairs, encourage school boards & post secondary institutions to follow
your example, as well as the Municipality of Gatineau, engaging staff from the
department of Public Health in the outreach? Note that agriculture is a larger
contributed to climate change than all forms of transportation combined.

I’d support a move, such as Meatless Monday, to bring awareness to the environmental impact of our eating habits.

Fair Trade Ottawa is a great example of an organization that worked hard to build a relationship with City Hall, and its service providers, in order to establish a Fair Trade culture at the City of Ottawa.

3. Will you support a bylaw banning circuses and other entertainment acts that use
animals for entertainment in Ottawa?

I’d need more information before I could support such a measure, including whether such a bylaw would be possible given the City’s legislative powers. I look forward to learning more.

4. Will you support wildlife rehabilitation organizations? How so (financially and/or
with other in-kind supports – please describe in detail)?

I would be happy to meet with wildlife rehabilitation organizations to learn more.

5. Will the City of Ottawa publish its policy (and or City of Ottawa Police policy) or
develop a bylaw on the treatment of dangerous wildlife within the City (coyotes,
deer, moose, etc.)?

The City’s wildlife strategy was approved by City Council last year. It can be found here:
http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/water-and-environment/plants-and-animals/ottawa-wildlifestrategy-overview

Specific policies regarding large wildlife response can be found here:
http://ottawa.ca/en/wildlife-strategy-city-ottawa/executive-summary

Mathieu Fleury (candidate for Councillor, Ward 12 Rideau Vanier) responds to survey on Animal- and Veg-Friendliness.

1. Will you commit to publishing the position statement of the Canadian Dietetic Association that acknowledges that well-planned vegan diets are healthy for all life-stages, to correct misinformation among the public. If so, how would this been done (tax or water bill insert, bus board signage, proclaiming a vegan day, other?).

I believe that it is important that the City of Ottawa, through Ottawa Public Health, do all possible to encourage and provide public information about healthy living and eating. Ottawa Public Health has already made steps in the right direction with the Healthy Eating and Active Living Campaign, and this would be the ideal avenue for more information to be available on the benefits of both vegetarian and vegan diets.

2. Will you support a meatless Monday campaign in City of Ottawa cafeterias and catered affairs, encourage school boards & post secondary institutions to follow your example, as well as the Municipality of Gatineau, engaging staff from the department of Public Health in the outreach? Note that agriculture is a larger contributed to climate change than all forms of transportation combined.

Definitely. Meatless Mondays are a great way for residents to try new and healthier meals, while also reducing our impact on the environment.

3. Will you support a bylaw banning circuses and other entertainment acts that use animals for entertainment in Ottawa?

I am happy to review such a proposal.

4. Will you support wildlife rehabilitation organizations? How so (financially and/or with other in-kind supports – please describe in detail)?

Yes. I believe that the City already provides some level of support to the different wildlife sanctuaries in Ottawa, but there are always ways to improve services. It is also important that we ensure that by-laws are in place and well enforced to protect wildlife.

5. Will the City of Ottawa publish its policy (and or City of Ottawa Police policy) or develop a bylaw on the treatment of dangerous wildlife within the City (coyotes, deer, moose, etc.)?

This is a question better answered by our By-Law services in terms of schedules and timelines.