PLANET IN PERIL

Common Dreams There are mornings when Susie Coston, walking up to the gate of this bucolic farm in her rubber boots, finds crates of pigs, sheep, chickens, goats, geese or turkeys on the dirt road. Sometimes there are notes with the crates letting her know that the animals are sick or injured. The animals, often barely able to stand when taken from the crates, have been rescued from huge industrial or factory farms by activists. Story here.

GRANDVIEW. Green Party candidate Kate Storey (above) kicked off her campaign in Grandview on Sunday. “I am ready and happy to take on the challenge of this longer campaign.” said Ms. Storey. I look forward to using the time to get out to more communities and talk to more people in Dauphin Swan River Neepawa.” “The Green Party has attracted more stellar Canadians - with personal reputations that command respect across Canada -- than any other party.  I am proud to represent the Green Party beside candidates like MP Elizabeth May,   broadcasters Claire Martin and Jo-Ann Roberts and Olympic mayor Ken Melamed.” “Canadians deserve a government that delivers on long-term and sustainable jobs, a sustainable and expanded public health system, genuine security, and leadership globally in confronting the climate crisis,” said Ms. Storey. “Canadians deserve MPs who put Parliament ahead of party, setting aside hyper-partisanship for citizenship.” “Elected Greens   give Canadians

Harper kicks off marathon campaign with a big lie! Does he really expect us to believe that taxpayers won't be on the hook for tens of millions of dollars due to this, the longest campaign in over a century - one that he is solely responsible for? The fact that we ordinary Canadians will apparently be responsible for half of the cost of all the attack ads we will be suffering through between now and Oct. 19th, makes me nauseous! I truly hope voters won't forget this when election day rolls 'round! (PinP)

In The Lancet's Series, a new lens is applied to events from Hiroshima and Nagasaki to Fukushima, for a better understanding of the health challenges faced by populations exposed to radiation from man-made disasters. Details here.

NATIONAL OBSERVER A hugely expensive public contract to build an Arctic research station —promoted by Prime Minister Stephen Harper —went to a joint venture that included a company run by a Conservative Party insider with close ties to Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq, the National Observer has confirmed. Story here.

Mother Jones A "crop-duster" doing its thing on a canola crop in Manitoba, Canada. PinP photo. In this article, journalist Tom Philpott illustrates once again, the “wild west,” unregulated nature of industrial agriculture. Story here.

Common Dreams A Canadian corporation is seeking damages after being blocked from creating an open-pit mine over environmental concerns. Story here. Related: " Free Trade: Path to Prosperity - or Back Road to Corporatism?"

Those who knew Clare are welcome to attend this event to share their memories.  Thanks!  "Little Brother" Larry. Please also read: Progressives Lose a "Gentle Warrior."Clare Powell Dies in Regina at 81.

thump The Nexen pipeline that spurted 5 million liters of thick, black bitumen emulsion into the northern Alberta wilderness could have been leaking for two weeks before it was discovered. Story here.

CommonDreams Temporary reversal on pesticide will allow farmers to access harmful chemicals for 120 days. Story here.

THE LANCET Heatwaves, periods of abnormally and uncomfortably hot and usually humid weather, are among the most dangerous natural hazards. Because of climate change, heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, with 14 of the 15 warmest years on record all occurring in the 21st century. In 2003, the European heatwave resulted in deaths of more than 70 000 people. Story here.