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CBC
17-07-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Search for B.C.'s Best Symbol: Round 1— Provincial
Historically, a society's most important symbols often started with a concrete purpose. "The need to authenticate documents is when we start to see great seals representing particular governments," said Forrest Pass, a curator at Library and Archives Canada. "You need a means of distinguishing soldiers on one side from soldiers on the other, and that's when we start to see coats of arms and badges and flags." British Columbia's flag was created in 1960, but its history goes much further than that. It derives from its coat of arms, which was designed in 1895, and features a Union Jack on one half and a setting sun against the ocean waves on the other. "The persistence of imperial British emblems seems to loom larger and last longer in British Columbia than other parts of Canada," said Pass, noting it goes right to the very name of the province itself. "In all cultures, all communities, symbols are contested and a source of debate. And perhaps certain symbols have been even more contested in B.C. than they have been elsewhere in the country." British Columbia's flag is arguably its most "official" symbol, and the one used most to define where we are. But is it our best symbol? What will advance to Round 2? In the Search for B.C.'s Best Symbol, the flag is one of 16 symbols we included in the provincial section of the competition. It includes other provincial graphic designs (highway signs and "N" license plate stickers), regional signifiers (Ogopogo and Okanagan wine), images associated with the West Coast more than others in Canada (umbrellas and logging trucks), and much more. Voting will take place over several weeks. A series of one-on-one matchups will narrow the number of symbols from 64 to 32, 32 to 16, and eventually down to one champion: Animals (voting takes place on Mondays). Nature (voting takes place on Tuesdays). Coastal (voting takes place on Wednesdays). Provincial (voting takes place on Thursdays). While the Union Jack is the part of the flag that serves as the strongest link to British Columbia's past, Pass thinks the other half of the flag is just as noteworthy. "The flag is so bright and the sun is so recognizable," he said. "Symbols that are so specific to a region and particular place do help them to resonate." Voting is open until 10 p.m. Pacific time on Wednesday.
CBC
15-07-2025
- General
- CBC
Search for B.C.'s Best Symbol: Round 1 — Nature
The geography and natural beauty of British Columbia have always sparked the imagination of people who have moved here — right down to one of its first colonial symbols. "Long before the Maple Leaf was an official emblem in Eastern Canada, B.C. had an evergreen tree ... being used on an official symbol," said Forrest Pass, a curator at Library and Archives Canada. The symbol in question was the Great Seal of Vancouver Island, and the part of a tree depicted was a pinecone, reflecting the many evergreen trees in the region. "Local flora and fauna, I think those symbols become more meaningful because they are aspects of people's everyday life. They're aspects of people's memories," said Pass. From trees to mountains, rivers to fruits, the unique natural aspects of British Columbia have long been powerful symbols of this province. But which one is the best? 64 Symbols, 1 Winner It's day two of the Search for B.C.'s Best Symbol, a friendly vote to determine which iconic thing in this province represents us best. Voting will take place over several weeks. A series of one-on-one matchups will narrow the number of symbols from 64 to 32, 32 to 16, and eventually down to one champion: Animals (voting takes place on Mondays). Nature (voting takes place on Tuesdays). Coastal (voting takes place on Wednesdays). Provincial (voting takes place on Thursdays). WATCH | Here's how it works: After more than 50,000 votes on Day 1 in the animal section, today we look at symbols in nature — including three evergreen trees in the Sitka Spruce, Douglas Fir, and Red Cedar (with the Arbutus tree rounding out our tree quadrant). Pass says that while the vote may be an unscientific competition, it's also a unique opportunity to see what symbols resonate the most for people in this province. "As a historian, it's often difficult to tell how much particular symbols do resonate," he said. "When we do have these opportunities to see what the public thinks about symbols and see which ones do resonate, it becomes really interesting data for a future historian to look at it in 2025, and see what symbolized British Columbia to British Columbians." Voting is open until 10 p.m. Pacific time on Tuesday. Happy voting!
Globe and Mail
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
Letters to the editor, June 14: ‘American tourists … without exception they expressed sorrow and embarrassment at their President's behaviour toward Canadians'
Re 'It's time to rein in Canada's runaway Crown corporations' (Opinion, June 7): While there is a 5-per-cent share for the CBC's English television, there is also the 23.4-per-cent share for French television, 14.6 per cent for English radio and 24.8 per cent for French radio. Last year, 65 per cent of Canadians used at least one of the CBC's services in a typical month. Forty years ago, the CBC's parliamentary appropriation was about $1.09-billion. Last year, it was $1.44-billion. When adjusted for inflation, that's a 50-per-cent cut. During the same period, Canada's population has grown by 54 per cent. Not exactly a 'runaway corporation.' The CBC has lost audience share in part because of fragmentation caused by digital platforms. This is most pronounced on English television, where the CBC competes with U.S. programming. It would be naive not to expect consequences from the dramatic reductions in the CBC's grant. The CBC is not perfect. Let's make it better, not rein it in. Tony Manera Former president, CBC; Ottawa Re 'Canada's national archives need more than just a facelift' (Opinion, June 7): Contributor Charlotte Gray has done us the important service of revealing the impoverished state of our national collection of historical documents at Library and Archives Canada. At this time of national reckoning and rediscovery, Canadians need knowledge of their country more than ever, especially since Canadian history has almost vanished from school curricula. Mark Carney's ambitious plans for rebuilding Canada should include new resources for this vital institution to do its job. Roy MacSkimming Perth, Ont. Re 'The Hockey Canada trial shows how we need to be talking to young men' (Opinion, June 7): The toxic behaviours of many men is disturbing. Whether a result of cultural norms, familiar influences, online activities or patriarchy, I'm uncertain. But I'm certain that calling out noxious behaviours and using laws to enforce aggrieved acts should coincide with educated discussions about fair treatment for all. Men, including young men, should know better. Gregory Enright Hamilton Many years ago, in my late 20s, I was on a bus in Vancouver, sitting in the back half along with a group of young men. They were high-school-aged and talking loudly and performatively. I don't recall the details, but it had toxic male overtones that made me uncomfortable. I wondered how they could talk like that right in front of me. Eventually another man, probably around 40 years old, went and sat with them. He spoke quietly with them for the rest of the ride. I don't know what he said, but they quieted down and listened. I thanked him after we had gotten off the bus. It took awareness, concern, thoughtfulness, responsibility and perhaps some bravery to speak to the young men. I hope it made a lasting impression on them, as it did on me. Are there still men who would do that today? I hope so. Tuula Talvila Ottawa Re 'A river cruise with our American frenemies – what could go wrong?' (Opinion, June 7): I have had only positive encounters with American tourists. On my recent holiday to Milan and Lake Como, my identical twin sister and I met many Americans from a variety of states. Without exception they were friendly, kind and respectful. Without exception they expressed sorrow and embarrassment at their President's behaviour toward Canadians. Earlier in February, we had a similar experience on a two-week prepaid holiday to Florida. Without exception, Americans from all over approached us expressing their discomfort and regret with Donald Trump's actions. One family from Florida even invited us to join them for lunch. We reciprocated with polite gratitude, feeling proud and thankful that we live in such a wonderful country. Elaine Snider Toronto Our recent travel experience in the United States could not have been more different from this tale of woe. We have enjoyed an annual trip to a beach in North Carolina for more than 20 years. We did think twice about going this May, but had prepaid for our condo so off we went. Clearing U.S. customs at Toronto Pearson International Airport was efficient and ended with the agent saying, with a smile, 'Enjoy your trip.' When it came up naturally during interactions with North Carolinians, we did not disguise our citizenship. A typical, fairly illustrative interaction was with a woman in the grocery checkout line. When she heard our accents and we answered her question about where we were from, she said, 'Well, welcome, y'all. We are so glad you're here.' Martin Birt Uxbridge, Ont. We recently returned from a two-week cruise around the British Isles and along the Norwegian coast with about 900 other passengers, most of whom were American. The many U.S. travellers who we met over meals and other activities were uniformly gracious and apologetic regarding the actions of their President and his administration. We met none of the 'ugly Americans' as depicted. While we won't travel to the United States while the Trump crowd is in control, personal contacts with Americans abroad or here should not be discouraged. Richard Mosley Ottawa I had a similar experience on a transatlantic crossing during Donald Trump's first term. At dinner on the first night, an American next to me, on learning I was Canadian, started berating me on the evils of Canada's system of socialist health care. I replied with the usual statistics most Canadians know: health care per capita is much less costly in Canada than in the United States; health outcomes are significantly better on our side of the border; essentially every Canadian has coverage while millions of Americans are still uninsured. My neighbour pointedly ignored me for the rest of the meal. The following evening, he moved to another table. We met many sympathetic Americans on this and other trips. I guess we had bad luck in encountering a prototypical 'ugly American' this once. Sadly, there seem to be many more of them as we suffer through Mr. Trump's second term. Charles Magill Ottawa Re 'Bruce Flatt has some advice for investors: One day this will all be forgotten' (Report on Business, June 7): 'In the long run, we are all dead.' –John Maynard Keynes, 1923. Capitalism: Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. Paul Childs Edmonton Letters to the Editor should be exclusive to The Globe and Mail. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. Keep letters to 150 words or fewer. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. To submit a letter by e-mail, click here: letters@
CBC
03-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Ottawa's new central library Ᾱdisōke could face delays
Library on LeBreton Flats is still scheduled to open next summer Ottawa's new central library is nearing completion, but there are fresh concerns that its anticipated opening next summer could be delayed. During a construction update before the city's finance and corporate services committee Tuesday, project manager Tara Blasioli showed off the building's completed exterior, including its roof of sweeping curves and complex angles. "This is not your traditional construction," Blasioli told councillors on the committee. "One of the things we wanted to achieve with this building is openness, airiness, a lot of warmth, so that is certainly taking a lot of time." Given the complexity of the interior work that needs to be finished, including custom-made fixtures, furniture and art installations, she said there could be delays. "We want to make sure it's done well and we want to take our time with it," Blasioli said, stressing the work is being completed as quickly as possible. "There is a pressure, it's all hands on deck, but everybody wants to work together to recover that time and find strategies to mitigate further delays." Project pegged at $334M Ᾱdisōke (pronounced AW-de-SO-keh) means "storytelling" in the Anishinābemowin Algonquin language. Both the new library's name and its design grew from a collaboration with nearby First Nations Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan. The project, which is a collaboration with Library and Archives Canada, is being funded by both the municipal and federal governments. It's expected to cost nearly $334 million, up from $192 million four years ago, with $27 million set aside for furniture, fixtures and other equipment. It will have a heritage workshop dedicated to Library and Archives Canada with rare collections, a retail space, main floor café, a kitchen space on the fifth floor, a gift shop and of course thousands upon thousands of books. Integrated solar panels on the building's exterior will generate about 10 per cent of the library's energy needs, while natural light and warm wood will bring "the feeling of nature inside the facility," Blasioli said. As Canada's trade war with the U.S. drags on, Coun. Riley Brockington wanted to know if a "buy Canadian" policy was in place for the library's furniture. "As much as possible, we do want to buy Canadian," Blasioli told reporters later. "We're not allowed to limit or restrict bidders that are only Canadian, but we'll endeavour to look at those opportunities." Another update on the the library's construction is scheduled for the fall.
CTV News
03-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Contractor facing ‘pressure on construction schedule' for new Ottawa public library at LeBreton Flats
Construction on Adisoke, Ottawa's new central library, is more than 50 per cent complete. The building has five floors and features many public spaces, shared between the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada. (Leah Larocque/CTV News Ottawa) The contractor building Ottawa's new central library at LeBreton Flats warns the complexity of the work on the new $334 million facility is putting 'pressure on the construction schedule,' according to staff. City staff say the contractor has 'signalled' there are pressures on the construction schedule, but don't have a 'full schedule' to analyze the main reasons for the delays and to provide an updated timeline to open the facility west of downtown Ottawa. Ādisōke, a joint venture between Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada, is scheduled to open by the summer of 2026. Councillors on the finance and corporate services committee were told that 'work has been progressing very well,' but the contractor is warning pressures may delay the opening. 'Ādisōke's design is very complex and construction is also complicated, but we have seen tremendous progress,' Tara Blasioli, manager in Infrastructure Services, told councillors Tuesday morning. 'While the structure itself is now complete and the building is enclosed, the project is now into another complex phase where interior finishes are intricate and detailed.' Blasioli said work that remains to be completed include custom millwork throughout the facility, including desks and furniture, installation specialized lighting installations to support programming, and coordinating the art being installed in the new facility. 'Quality is of upmost importance and we want to make sure all of the complex elements that form part of this project are to the standard that we expect, that they are done right, and this work cannot be rushed,' Blasioli said. 'To that end, the contractor has signalled a pressure on the construction schedule. Earlier in the project, we did see some minor pressures, but they were recovered with the contractor submitting a recovery strategies and mitigation plans that were successful.' 'At this stage of the project, given the complexity of these finishes and the amount of custom work that needs to be completed, the flexibility could be more limited.' Adisoke interior May 13 2024 A look at progress inside Ottawa's new central library, Adisoke, which is now more than 50 per cent complete. May 13, 2024. (Leah Larocque/CTV News Ottawa) Blasioli says the city has not accepted or validated the pressures from the contractor, and 'due diligence' needs to happen and there will be 'continued oversight on the schedule.' The 216,000 sq. ft., five-floor facility includes a large atrium with performance and exhibition spaces, feature staircases and a wooden roof made up of Douglas fir beams and timber panels. While the contractor is warning of pressures, Blasioli said it's too early to say whether the pressures will delay the project. 'It's not just one single reason, there will be probably be a variety or several reasons this pressure is presenting itself now,' Blasioli said in response to a question from Coun. Jeff Leiper. 'The most notable of which is the complexity of the work that is happening inside and the time it is taking to execute those elements with such detail.' The City of Ottawa is bolstering oversight of the construction, including bringing in third-party expects to oversee the schedule. Blasioli says the city is also looking at opportunities for 'time recovery and mitigation' to ensure the library will open on schedule, including expediting move-in plans and exploring scenarios that could allow for cohabitation. The City of Ottawa is spending $201 million on the new library, while Library and Archives Canada committed $132.7 million.
