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Sunday, December 30, 2012 | Categories: Episodes
Costa Concordia (Max Rossi-Reuters)
My vote is for social media. Though I am not skilled in the use of Facebook, Twitter and others, I appreciate their facility for keeping us informed and for ensuring the reporting of details the usual media do not.For example, what is happening with Chief Theresa Spence? Mainstream media seems to have moved on while social media provides information -- case in point is Idle No More movement. It is because of social media that our city held a rally. While it has its problems, I am glad to be provided with information through social media. It is a medium and a path we can follow to enlightenment.We are now watching Big Brother watching us.
Diane
I'm sorry to say I don't remember her name - but I think the young girl who was shot on her school bus in Pakistan (again I am unsure) for standing up for women's rights. I would like to know how she is doing.
Bernetta
The re-election of Barack Obama, given the resources and the hate directed against the President, it is a miracle akin to virgin birth that he was re-elected. And it is an indication that in spite of that hate, that there are many good and kind people in the US who do not want their country turned into a total corporate state run by sycophants like George W Bush and Mitt Romney.
Dave
Calgary, Alberta
Person and event of the year could only be Betman and hockey...otherwise it's the equal low jinks of Rob Ford.
Roc
Tom Mulcair should be named Cross Country Checkup's person of the year for 2012 because he has breathed new vitality into the official opposition and is a strong environmentalist, arguing a philosophy of "polluter pay" in our intensive discussions about resource extraction, shipments, and sales. He has earned a reputation as a sharp debater in Parliament and has a strong sense of inclusion for all his caucus members, young and old. He is dedicated to fair trading practices for Canada, particularly with the U.S. and our trading partners in the orient. Moreover his leadership is building a base for the NDP across the land, east to west, north to south; his voice of reason is a clear alternative to the Conservative government.
Sandra
Vancouver, British Columbia
If we are to look inside our borders for the person who, in your words, 'signifies' the year, I feel that the person of the year has to be Chief Theresa Spence. It's been a long year with a lot of happenings and her actions are recent but I believe that the act of Chief Spence means - and will mean - the most to all of us. She is a focus for all who believe in a society that belongs to everyone. A society where those in power don't throw out enacted protections built up over years just because they can.
John
Victoria, British Columbia
The most memorable and significant event of the year is the Truth And Reconciliation Commission Hearings that are travelling through Canada and came to Vancouver Island in March and April. They allowed me to listen to the stories of the survivors of the Indian Residential School system and to recognize their strength and passion to heal our fractured country. The person of the year for me is Gwendolyn Point who spoke at the Victoria TRC so eloquently of our responsibility to mend and build on our relationship as Canadians.
Miyo
Cedar, British Columbia
I'd like to nominate Gloria Taylor - the BC woman inflicted with ALS who took up the torch from Sue Rodriguez, by challenging the Supreme Court to allow her the right to die with dignity. And she won - setting the stage for future court challenges and dialogue about the rights of Canadians to choose to end their lives (without violence) when overwhelmed by the pain or despair of terminal illness. Surveys show that a majority of Canadians are in favour so all that remains is to rewrite the legislation to make the decision a matter between consenting patient and doctor while protecting those who may be vulnerable
Kim
London, Ontario
In my opinion, the person or event of the year award belongs to Queen Elizabeth II and her Diamond Jubilee. She is a much respected and loved monarch and the Diamond Jubilee was a perfect example of The Commonwealths appreciation for her.
Josh
Has to be the election of Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party, as MP for Saanich/Gulf Islands. She's smart, articulate and politically savvy as well as wishing to bring a more inclusive attitude to the House of Commons. A breath of fresh air.
Therese
Pender Island, British Columbia
The event that left the biggest impact on me in 2012 is the ongoing war in Syria. It is mind-boggling how people from the same country can turn on one another and start slaughtering their own, be they government or rebel, with virtual impunity from those of us in the so called civilised world. Incredibly, "watchful waiting" seems to be the motto of the UN, but how has that worked out for them in the past?They are an impotent and corrupt organization that should be disbanded.
It's sad to say, but we've seen this slaughter of innocents before in so many countries (Libya, Rwanda, Bosnia, Africa, Lebanon, etc.), and I'm sure we'll continue to see it over and over again. These never-ending uprisings make me fearful at times for the future of mankind, but they also make me even prouder to be a Canadian living in Canada. God Bless Us All.
Judy
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada and the former progressive elements of the Conservative party of Canada with the right encouragement this is possible and essential for the preservation of Canadian values and institutions at home and globally
Beatrice
Ottawa, Ontario
Chief Theresa Spence is my newsmaker of 2012. The emergence of Idle No More and the hundreds of events worldwide in support of Chief Spence make this a very important movement.
Chris
Aylmer, Ontario
Sadly, my person of the year will be Amanda Todd. She brought to the world's attention the cruelty of bullying. She was the first person to come to my mind.
Helen
Campbell River, British Columbia
I vote for Chief Theresa Spence who has our Prime Minister scared to even talk to her. Powerful woman leading a mission to help save democracy in Canada. Idle No More Rex!
Elizabeth
Okotoks, Alberta
I vote for Chief Theresa Spence and the Idle No More movement.
Margrit
Kelowna, British Columbia
Idle No More. Finally, the native people will not allow to be screwed around any more. On the larger scale of things. Perhaps the last chance to preserve environmental protection and preventing our current government from turning this country into an open-pit mine and a playground of Earth-wrecking corporations.
Vladimir
West Vancouver, British Columbia
My daughter, Hannah Kamogawa, is a student at Chedabucto Education Centre in Guysborough, Nova Scotia. When she heard the topic of today's show she said she would like to nominated her Grade 2 teacher Mrs. Mary Williams as person of the year. Hopefully many other children across the nation will be lucky enough to feel this way about their teachers.
Lois Ann
Guysborough, Nova Scotia
I'd just like to mark the passing of two men who brightened my life over the years.First is the celebrated fantasist Ray Bradbury who revelled in the glories of his imagination and then shaped them in delicious, sensuous prose.And secondly Muppeteer Jerry Nelson who hiding behind characters of felt, feather and fur breathed life, humour and personality into characters who warmed and entertained everyone who is young at heart.Both these men, in their own ways, brought joy and wonder to the world.
David
Edmonton, Alberta
Chief Teresa Spence has succeeded in drawing the country and the world's attention to the poverty of the aboriginal people of Canada. On my way to the Idle No More protest in Prince Rupert, I hope that all Canadians realize the stewardship of resources, which the aboriginal people represent and that our Prime Minister is attempting to erradicate is vital. North-west BC is under a cloud of post-traumatic stress as a result of Residential schools and Idle No More represents empowerment and healing.
Sharon
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
I believe that the Nobel Peace Prize given to the EU was important because, in a symbolic way, it recognized that the real reasons for the fiscal and, hopefully, political union of Europe were not just about baling out the Euro or the political rivalries between France and Germany. It reminded the world that a United Europe stands for PEACE -- that we should never forget the atrocities committed in the name of European nationalism, and the devastation that European countries divided wrought upon the world for centuries ,while they battled it out for supremacy. That's my vote -- The Nobel Committee and the prize! (and the Norwegians are not even IN the EU!)
Thanks for a great show!
Patricia
Heathcoat, Ontario
Absolutely Theresa Spence of the Atapawaska First Nation is my Person of the Year. Her fast, and her sparking the Idle No More movement through her courage, is the event of the year. Through this action she has brought world wide attention to the situation of First Nations people. And the hope that the powers that be, especially the Prime Minister, will listen and act at last to bring justice to the First Nations.
Laura
Chilliwack, British Columbia
James Balog's documentary Chasing Ice. The first time anyone has put visual confirmation to such a globally controversial topic in history. For those who haven't seen the film you will witness beautiful images of icebergs and light but more importantly the melting of the glaciers over two years worth of time lapse photography. As the visual creatures we are this film lends confirmation to all the science and leaves one changed forever, never to be left in the fantasy that the climate isn't warming.
Paul
Lund, British Columbia
Rosie MacLennan, Canada's gold medallist from the 2012 Olympic Games in London, U.K. I understand Rosie has devoted a lot of time and attention over many years to refining her skills on the trampoline. It's a story of dedication and focus. Rosie gave a remarkable performance in London. She now carries the gold medal with grace and provides a wonderful role model for others.
Bruce
King City, Ontario
I have been listening to the show and totally impressed with all the wonderful people and meaningful events that have been mentioned. Mine is of a more personal nature the person of the year for me this year is my niece - Rosie MacLennan. Canada's Gold Medalist at the summer Olympics in London (and I was there to experience it!). Since then she has gone on to win several other gold medals in my estimation: she has travelled across Canada speaking in schools to inspire young Canadians to participate in sport. She travelled to Liberia with Right to Play - again to motivate youth. As a student and with her friend, Sarah Charles, she created & organized a fundraiser for the Gold Ring Centre at University of Toronto, a facility soon to be built for High Performance Athletes. They raised 25K
Susi
Toronto, Ontario
Without a doubt, the shocking partial capsizing of the modern cruise ship "Costa Concordia". No one could have imagined, in this day and age, a disaster of this proportion from what is considered an extremely reliable mode of transport. The fact that human error (showboating) contributed to the deaths of more than a dozen people is outrageous! Not to mention those on board who had to go with their own instincts to save themslves without the assistance of trained personnel. Very brave souls indeed.
Sandra
I had the distinct honour of teaching on Six Nations this past summer. I am a college teacher (Landscape Ontario and Mohawk College) and participated in teaching a group of women the science involved in horticulture, botany, soil science, etc. The women I taught were an amazing group of people - honestly - without description. They were very generous in teaching me about their culture and heritage. (I still hope for the recipe for Corn Soup) as well as being one of the most successful groups I have ever taught.
I am an open book, heart on the table, social democrat - raised by a CCF card carrying Chartered Accountant father. I learned from my swimming life saving lessons as a kid, "whomsoever you see in distress, recognize in him your fellow man." What Chief Spence seems to be doing (to me) is altruistic. She is trying to do the best by her people, but most Canadians believe she refers to her people as only native. No. She believes that - "Whomsoever you see in distress, recognize in him your fellow man."
I feel in my bones this is a turning point in Canadian politics. Chief Spence has put forth a simple request. Prime Minister Harper seems to be ignoring the request. When I look at other groups the current government seems to be ignoring, to me, the First Nations have the most to complain about. I hope we can all become Canadian again.
Matt
Milton, Ontario
I'm surprised, even amazed, none of your callers have mentioned the November US Presidential election. Although Mr. Obama's win wasn't unexpected, events related to it gave us deeper look into how the world's most powerful nation works and it's future, and therefore the world's. Just to give a few examples, the leadership of the Republican party showed itself disconnected from the values of most Americans. The tsunami of money created by the Citizen's United decision drove the campaigns but not so much the results. Disconcerting was the demographics of the voting. Mr. Obama got majorities, some of them overwhelming, with every demographic except older white voters, with whom Mr. Romney polled 2-1. While trying to deal with some of the most serious problems his country has yet faced, Mr. Obama is now facing a less predictable congress hamstrung by partisan politics. At least some Republican congressmen realize what their party did in the past hasn't worked but their party's barely started debating what, if any, their party's new direction should be.
Greg
Calgary, Alberta
My nomination for 2012 is the former Maryknoll Priest Roy Bourgeous, featured recently on The Current. He was forced out of the Roman Catholic Priesthood and his religious order because of his position of support for the ordination of women. Many priests tell us privately that they agree with the ordination of women, agreeing with St. Paul that "... in Christ, there is no ... male or female. We are all one in Christ ..." but so far Bourgeous is one of the very few to stand by his conscience. I give him a profound salute.
Virginia
Ottawa, Ontario
When Torontonians such as me were enjoying the unseasonably warm temperatures in late March, my sister and her family were among many in this small town whose lives were disrupted because of the worst flood ever in Perth-Andover, NB. Many people in the community have suffered immensely; several businesses have closed as a result and consequently the jobs are gone; many homes were moderately or severely damaged and those homeowners have had to clean up the damage, find new accommodation, and work through the complicated processes of seeking compensation and making a new plan for a home.
Laura
Toronto, Ontario
Elizabeth May of Green Party. She gets very little coverage from the CBC or any media. She has a well-rounded global approach to politics. She is the only politician making sense of the resistance to the Gateway pipeline and why BC residents oppose it. Her and our concern is the waters and shores of BC, the most pristine area on the planet. She connects the dots where dependence on petroleum products is the biggest threat to the planet. Developing the tar sands bitumen, transporting it to the far east where products that are not essential are transported back to North America makes no sense. That is why BC'ers oppose the pipelines and tankers, our shores are at risk, but the planet is even more at risk.
Maureen
Gabriola, British Columbia
The event of the year in Canada has to be Stephen Harper's use of omnibus bills as a means of sneaking legislation through Parliament in a bid to avoid debate or discussion. We've seen scientists march on Parliament Hill in protest, we currently have Chief Theresa Spence on a hunger strike, the Idle No More movement is active and agitating against the Conservative government agenda, and last winter the opposition parties united to filibuster against the budget bill, virtually bringing Parliament to a standstill. Through it all, Stephen Harper remains aloof and unresponsive.
The use of omnibus bills set a new precedent for majority governments to abuse the democratic process for their own agenda. Most worrisome, is the comment made a few years ago by Stephen Harper to a group of American businessmen, when he said that Canadians would not recognize their own country when he was finished with it. Alas, he never paused to ask if Canadians wanted such sweeping changes!
Alexandra
Calgary, Alberta
My vote for event of the year is Hurricane Sandy. It's just a sign but it's emblematic of the 17, 000 climate records that were breached this year. Hurricane Sandy signals that the climate we've taken for granted for all our history is no longer a sure thing, in fact, that it's not the same is the new sure thing. We live and will live in a different world now and it's hard to overstate the significance of that.
Andrew
I have listened to your entire program and it saddens me what a self-absorbed species we are. The biggest concern/story of 2012 is the complete collapse of our wildlife world-wide. The failing of biodiversity on our earth. From tigers to caribou to salmon to cod stocks, bears, name it it's declining. Meanwhile the human population is over 9 billion and growing. That's the story and we are not dealing with it.
Frances
Victoria, British Columbia
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