Monthly Archives: August 2011
Interview on CKNW Radio: On Jack Layton
I was interviewed by CKNW Radio the day after Federal New Democratic Party (NDP) Leader Jack Layton passed away. In this audio clip, I comment on the political significance of Layton’s career and death, after he led his party to a historic 103 seats in Canada’s House of Commons — its best showing ever, which … Continue reading
On Jack Layton’s passing
The man knew how to eat pizza. With the same seriousness of purpose and concentration that drove his political life, Jack Layton devoured two loaded slices of pizza pie at a hole-in-the-wall place on Rue St-Denis in bohemian Montreal. Jack stacked the slices one on top of the other, face in. I was captivated by the … Continue reading
Ben at the Dragon Boat Festival
I attended the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival on August 14, 2011, supporting an event that combines sport and culture, while raising funds for cancer research. As I say in the video, “I support festivals and the arts, because I believe we need to bring people closer together, as part of our project of building a … Continue reading
Regional leadership: Ben’s submission to CRD Board
I submitted the following statement to the Capital Regional District (CRD) Board this week, supporting Saanich Councillor Vic Derman’s motion on the Marine Trail Holdings Ltd. development proposal along the Juan de Fuca Trail: “As a resident and taxpayer in the CRD, I strongly support Director Derman’s motion: This development proposal is inconsistent with the … Continue reading
International diplomacy in Victoria harbour
I had the honour of attending a formal reception aboard the Russian tallship Pallada in Victoria harbour on August 6, presenting the captain and crew with a copy of my book, From Victoria to Vladivostok. I attended the ceremony as vice-president of the Victoria-Khabarovsk Association, the sister-city organization between Victoria and the Russian Far East … Continue reading
