PLANET IN PERIL

Gus Van Harten - bilaterals.org With its focus on the economy, the recent election debate pointed to the Harper government’s big – and thus far spectacularly bad – bet on China. Story here. Related: Free Trade: Path to Prosperity - or Back Road to Corporatism?

APTN National News A non-governmental organization has initiated a water-related study about Shoal Lake 40 First Nation as part of a world-wide investigation into healthy communities. Story here.

Manitoba Co-Operator Researchers see increased risk for insect-borne pathogens in livestock by 2050. Story here.

George Monbiot - theguardian Pollution, as scandals on both sides of the Atlantic show, is a physical manifestation of corruption. Story here.

Common Dreams Environment minister expresses "concern" that growing GMOs would tarnish nation's "clean and green image.” Story here.

by Larry Powell I find it hard to sympathize with the crew of the Atlantic Charger, the Canadian fishing boat which sank in Frobisher Bay this week. The 9 fishers had to be rescued by heroic members of our coast guard, who have saved the bacon of many people like this who go to places where they do not belong. This state-of-the-art vessel, replete with a skull and crossbones emblazoned on its bow, was out to conquer what is left of our dying oceans, now overfished beyond recall by people like this. In stead of respecting the relentless advance of climate change and staying the Hell away, this macho nine would rather go down in history as part of the crew that is wrecking our common home, Earth. I hope they are made to pay every cent of the cost of the rescue. I really don’t understand why you or me should be stuck with any of the cost of their stupidity, greed and machismo.