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SEPTEMBER2013EDITION

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News in Review, September 2013

1. Calgary: Summer of the Flood (Length: 16:49)

2. Rail Disaster: Devastation in Lac-Mégantic (Length: 17:29)

3. Royal Birth: The World Welcomes Prince George of Cambridge (Length: 14:27)

4. Henry Morgentaler: Death of a Canadian Protagonist (Length: 14:41)

SEPTEMBER 2013

CONTENTS

In This Issue........................................................................................................2

Calgary: Summer of the FloodSetting the Stage..........................................................................................................................................4Video Review...............................................................................................................................................6Super-Mayor Naheed Nenshi......................................................................................................................9What Would You Do?................................................................................................................................11

Rail Disaster: Devastation in Lac-MéganticMinds On...................................................................................................................................................12Setting the Stage........................................................................................................................................12Video Review.............................................................................................................................................14Edward Burkhardt’s Public Relations Disaster...........................................................................................16The Thin Line Between Life and Death......................................................................................................18

Royal Birth: The World Welcomes Prince George of CambridgePreview Questions.....................................................................................................................................19Setting the Stage........................................................................................................................................19Video Review.............................................................................................................................................21Analyzing Point of View.............................................................................................................................23Analysing Sources......................................................................................................................................24

Henry Morgentaler: Death of a Canadian ProtagonistThinking Through Arguments....................................................................................................................25Setting the Stage........................................................................................................................................27Video Review.............................................................................................................................................29Considering Different Perspectives............................................................................................................32

News in Review CBC Learning ∙ ∙ newsinreview.cbclearning.ca 1

SEPTEMBER 2013

IN THIS ISSUE

Calgary: Summer of the Flood (Length: 16:49)This past June, a low pressure system got locked in over southern Alberta bringing days of heavy rain. The waters rose and the two rivers running through Calgary crested. The ensuing flood forced thousands from their homes, took four lives and caused billions of dollars in damage. This News in Review story and guide examine the impact of the flood, the outpouring of support from Albertans, the crisis leadership of Mayor Naheed Nenshi and the long-term challenges of rebuilding.

News in Review Study Modules

Pakistan’s Catastrophic Floods, October 2010New Orleans: Six Months After Katrina,

April 2006Canada’s Long, Hot Summer, September 2002

Related CBC Videos

Extreme Weather, Part 1: Wind and WaterFlood of the Century: Manitoba 10 Years LaterIn Pakistan: SpecialWeather: Dragons of Chaos

Rail Disaster: Devastation in Lac-Mégantic (Length: 17:29)In the early hours of July 6, a train of 72 tankers carrying crude oil, slipped its break and rolled downhill, jumping the tracks and exploding in the small town of Lac-Mégantic, eastern Quebec. The flames and fireballs could be seen for miles. Forty-seven people died in the explosions and fires that followed. This News in Review story and guide explore the devastating impact of the tragedy on the community of Lac-Mégantic, the province of Quebec and Canada. Also examined are the issues of public safety in transporting dangerous substances and the public relations disaster set in motion by the railway CEO.


Elliot Lake Mall Collapse: A Preventable Tragedy? September 2012

The Great Oil Pipeline Debate, March 2012Northern Pipeline: Competing Visions,

December 2001Environmental Cleanups: Who Pays?

October 1998

Related CBC Videos

Shattered CityTipping Point: The Age of the Oil Sands


SEPTEMBER 2013

Royal Birth: The World Welcomes Prince George of Cambridge (Length: 14:27)The birth of a royal baby has always been of great interest around the world. With parents as well liked as Kate and William, the arrival of the next heir to the British throne promised to be the most anticipated royal birth in history. This News in Review story and guide look at the renewed interest in the royal family, public perceptions and press coverage of them in recent decades, and the ongoing debate over the relevance of the monarchy to Canadians.


The Real Story of the King’s Speech, May 2011Michaelle Jean: Our Governor General,

November 2006

Related CBC Videos

Canada and the MonarchyMarketing the Monarchy

Henry Morgentaler: Death of a Canadian Protagonist (Length: 14:41)He was a Second World War concentration camp survivor who came to Canada, became a doctor and changed the way the country treated women seeking abortions. Henry Morgentaler was a controversial figure: loved by some and reviled by others. He died on May 29, 2013. This News in Review story and guide examine Morgentaler’s long career, his impact on Canadian law, and the importance of respectfully considering differing perspectives.


How Tolerant Are Canadians? May 2010

Related CBC Videos

The F-Word: Who Wants to Be a Feminist?


News in Review – September 2013 – Teacher Resource Guide

CALGARY: Summer of the Flood

SETTING THE STAGE

It was as if Mother Nature packed a perfect punch and walloped southern Alberta.

A wet June that saw an initial downpour of rain saturate the province was followed by a deluge of 200 millimetres in some places, turning rivers into lakes that flooded many communities. It was the worst flood ever for the people of Alberta. At the University of Alberta, hydrologist Uldis Silins suggested, “To have these very large flood events…the stars have to line up” (cbc.ca, June 22, 2013).

The stars line upIn a sense, this is precisely what happened. While southern Alberta is prone to flooding, the region mostly enjoys a drier, semi-arid climate. An above average amount of rain in June simply forced the rivers and creeks to handle what the environment delivered. However, when a high-pressure cell to the north conspired with easterly winds, a unique weather system – composed of massive amounts of precipitation – found itself pinned down between the cities and towns of southern Alberta and the Rocky Mountains. What ensued was two days of rain that saw Calgary take on 100 millimetres of rain, while towns like Canmore in the foothills of the Rockies contended with over 200 millimetres of rain. For Canmore, the problem was compounded by the fact that the foothills were still semi-frozen, causing even more runoff. Southern Alberta simply couldn’t handle the deluge as rivers crested and local infrastructure surrendered to the floodwater.

EvacuationAll that was left for people in the path of the surging floodwaters was to flee. While rain soaked the Rocky Mountains, authorities saw the danger and ordered communities to evacuate. One by one, towns emptied as people headed for dry land. Meanwhile the floodwater set its sights on Calgary. Eventually 75 000 Calgarians in over two dozen neighbourhoods were evacuated as the Bow and Elbow rivers spilled their banks. Images of parts of Alberta’s largest city underwater made their way across Canada and around the world. Vivid pictures of Calgary’s downtown core, the Calgary Stampede grounds, and the Saddledome surrounded and immersed in water revealed the magnitude of the flood.

The Scotiabank Saddledome saw floodwaters pour into the arena, rising to the eighth row of seats. Only a concerted effort by arena’s owners allowed the building to re-open in September 2013.


http://cbc.ca/

SEPTEMBER 2013

No crisis in leadershipOften a time of crisis can bring out the best in people. When Mayor Naheed Nenshi learned that floodwaters were heading to Calgary, he broke off a speaking tour in eastern Canada and headed home. He put himself front and centre, keeping citizens informed of the flood’s progress via Twitter and on the television news. Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Alison Redford made her way south from Edmonton and vowed to do everything possible to help the victims of the flood. Within days her government began issuing debit cards to provide cash for the immediate flood-relief needs of those hit hardest. Later she directed $1 billion in provincial funding to rebuilding efforts. At the federal level, Prime Minister Stephen Harper flew to Calgary shortly after the disaster struck, directing 2 200 Canadian Forces personnel to southern Alberta to help emergency responders deal with the crisis. It was an almost unprecedented level of inter-governmental cooperation. Remarkably, only four people died in a natural disaster that affected over 100 000 people.

Authorities estimate the long-term cost of repairs and rebuilding after the southern Alberta flood will be $2 to $5 billion.

The challenges of rebuildingWhile Alberta’s response to the natural disaster is inspiring, no one is under the illusion that there aren’t significant challenges ahead. The area hardest hit by flooding was the town of High River where all 13 000 citizens were ordered to evacuate amidst a metres-deep influx of floodwater that affected almost every home and business. Many residents of High River weren’t allowed to return to the town for weeks after the late June flooding, while some received the heartbreaking news that their home insurance wouldn’t cover damages and that their houses were condemned. Despite Redford’s pledge of $1 billion, it doesn’t look like there will be enough money or resources to help those affected to fully rebuild their homes and their lives. In other words, the real test of the will of Albertans to take care of their own will come in the weeks, months and years to come.


To consider

As the floodwater receded, and it became safe to return home, many southern Albertans faced the onerous challenging of repairing their flood-damaged homes. The first order of business — the clean up. This is where Albertans showed their true community spirit as neighbours helped each other empty homes of water-damaged items. In more extreme cases, volunteer organizations put out the call for help and Albertans responded every time.

1. Do you think your community would respond the same way in a time of crisis?

2. If you are from southern Alberta, did you volunteer? Why or why not?

3. What would it take for you to come to the aid of your neighbour?

SEPTEMBER 2013

VIDEO REVIEW

Pre-viewing

Did you know that home insurance does not cover damage caused by “overland flooding”? While insurance companies will cover flooding due to burst pipes and sewer backups, the industry takes another approach to flooding caused when a river breaks its banks. Keep this in mind as you view the documentary.

While viewing

1. Describe the combination of weather and environmental factors that made the Calgary flood of 2013 the worst in Alberta’s history.

2. How widespread was the flood damage?

3. How much rain fell in Black Diamond over a 24-hour period?

4. How many people died in High River as a result of the flood? How many people were evacuated?

5. Why were Calgary residents paying close attention to the events in High River?

6. How did the 2013 flooding compare to the flood of 2005?


SEPTEMBER 2013

7. What do you think the reporter means when she speaks of the “emotional impact” of the flooding?

8. How did Calgarians respond when authorities made an appeal for help with the cleanup? What does this say about the city and its citizens?

9. How did homeowners respond to the citizen volunteers who aided in the cleanup?

10. What major Calgary cultural event were the volunteers able to help save?

11. How long does Premier Alison Redford think it will take to clean up and rebuild after the flood? How much has the province already spent on the clean up?

12. What is the greatest challenge facing Alberta’s politicians going forward?

13. How effectively did the municipal, provincial and federal governments coordinate their efforts in response to the flood?

Post-viewing

When building inspectors finally got the chance to go into the northwest section of High River to inspect close to 2 000 homes, they didn’t like what they saw. Almost half the homes were in bad shape with over 100 deemed uninhabitable. The problem: the property owner’s home insurance would not cover the


SEPTEMBER 2013

damage done to the house because standard insurance companies do not cover overland flooding. All that the home owners could do was turn to the government for help and, by the end of the summer of 2013, it looked like the financial aid promised by provincial authorities wouldn’t be enough to restore severely damaged houses.

1. Do you think insurance companies should cover damage done by overland flooding (even if it means that everyone’s insurance premiums go up)? Why or why not?

2. Do you think the government should simply find the money to rebuild the condemned houses (even if it means that everyone’s taxes go up)? Why or why not?


“The purpose of insurance is to spread risk amongst many policyholders. But overland flooding is a risk for only a small percentage of the population — that is, those who live in a flood plain or close to rivers or lakes. Since most homeowners are not exposed to the risk, and would not share in the cost, providing flood insurance would be unaffordable for the homeowners who might need it. „

– Insurance Bureau of Canada, from a May 30, 2013 media release

(www.ibc.ca)

http://www.ibc.ca/

SEPTEMBER 2013

SUPER-MAYOR NAHEED NENSHI

Minds on

People tend to be skeptical or doubtful when they consider the actions and intentions of their political leaders. Working with a partner, discuss you personal view of your town or city’s mayor, your provincial premier, and the prime minister of Canada. Keep notes on your discussion and be prepared to share your views with your classmates.

The flood and the mayorIt’s easy to become cynical or distrusting when it comes to politics in Canada. Political corruption surrounding Montreal’s mayoral office, Toronto’s mayor Rob Ford facing persistent allegations of “un-mayoral” behaviour, and Canada’s senate recently revealing a “fat-cat,” free-spending approach to public money are all examples of how uninspiring politics can be. However, in the early summer of 2013, one politician in particular caught the attention of the entire country and put the collective political cynicism of Canadians on hold.

The mayor quick to actAs floodwater made its way from the Rocky Mountains to Calgary, Mayor Naheed Nenshi rushed home from a speaking engagement in Toronto to face the crisis head on. Once in the city’s emergency operations centre, Nenshi began to understand the magnitude of the flood: This one was going to be much bigger than the flood of 2005. What ensued was a whirlwind of Nenshi, where the mayor — already enjoying a 73 per cent approval rating — became the voice of the crisis. He took to Twitter, held several news conferences a day, and, wherever possible, engaged with distraught citizens who desperately sought guidance through the crisis.

Nenshi even got away with chastising foolhardy citizens who decided to go for a canoe ride on the tumultuous Bow River. After learning that emergency services had to rescue the canoeists, Nenshi said, “I have a large number of nouns that I can use to describe these people. Stay off the river, and I won’t use any of the nouns that I really want to use.”1 His point: emergency personnel needed to help people trapped by the flood, not keep thrill seekers from hurting themselves. Nenshi’s comments inspired some of his Twitter followers to trend a discussion of “Nenshinouns.” Suddenly anyone who acted despicably during the crisis was labeled a “Nenshinoun.”

Nenshi onWhen the crisis in Calgary was at its peak, Nenshi worked tirelessly to bolster the spirits of Calgarians and help local authorities respond to the flood. At one point word got out that the mayor had been up for 43 hours straight. Twitter started to buzz with messages directing Nenshi to take a nap.

Eventually, the floodwater began to recede and the clean up began in earnest. By that time, Nenshi had achieved momentary super-stardom.


SEPTEMBER 2013

Posters promoting the new movie “Man of Steel” saw admirers putting portraits of the mayor over Superman’s face. Some people made posters that proclaimed, “Keep Calm and Nenshi on.” And one popular t-shirt emerged with a picture of Nenshi wearing goggles and snorkel.2

Long-term uncertaintyNo doubt the honeymoon will be short lived for the Calgary mayor. Alberta premier Alison Redford predicts the flood clean up could take as long as 10 years. Mayor Nenshi is quite aware that his popularity will soon wane. In an interview with Maclean’s he said, “As we move forward, tempers will fray. People have lost a

lot. There’s going to be a lot of pain. People are going to have problems with insurance. There’s the challenge of getting flood relief from the provincial government out to the people who need it.”1 Whether Naheed Nenshi can rise to the challenge of rebuilding flood-ravaged Calgary in the same way he rose to the initial challenges of the floodwaters of 2013 remains to be seen.

Source:

1. “Nenshi v. Nature” by Charlie Gillis. Maclean’s, June 25, 2013.

2. “‘The voice of all Calgarians.’ Mayor Naheed Nenshi achieves Superman status” by Dean Bennett. The Calgary Herald, June 28, 2013.

To consider

The Maclean’s article by Charlie Gillis used as a source for the Nenshi profile you just read refers to a quote by Rahm Emanuel, the mayor of Chicago — and a former White House chief of staff to President Barack Obama. He said, “Never let a serious crisis go to waste.”

1. What do you think Emanuel meant by this?

2. Do you think Mayor Naheed Nenshi followed Emanuel’s advise?


SEPTEMBER 2013

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Imagine receiving a text from a family member telling you that a local river has broken its banks and flooding is on its way. You turn on the television and learn that a nearby neighbourhood has been evacuated, and you know that your neighbourhood is likely the next in the line of the flood’s path. You figure you only have an hour to spare before a mandatory evacuation order is issued and maybe about two hours before the floodwaters reach your home.

Step 1 – Answer the following questions

1. What would you do?

2. Which valuables would you try to move to a higher level of the house?

3. Which valuables would you take with you?

4. Do you know of anything you could do in the short term to defend your home against the floodwaters?

5. How much time would you give yourself to do what you need to do before you leave your home?

Step 2 – Tell your story

Based on the answers to the questions, write a short story about how you escaped the flood. Be as specific as possible about the steps you needed to take to protect your belongings and escape to safety.

If you want, imagine you have lost everything to the flood. Indicate how you would feel and how you would respond to losing the things you valued so much.

Note: This exercise is just about losing “things” not people. You want to gage your attachment to the things in your life and how you would secure your own — and perhaps your family’s — safety.

If you have had a direct personal experience with flooding, forget about the imaginary exercise above and tell your flood story.



RAIL DISASTER: Devastation in Lac-Mégantic

MINDS ON

Authorities in Canada and the United States have been squaring off with environmentalists for years over the issue of how best to move crude oil and gas to markets and refineries. Major pipelines are effective but they have a history of failure. Environmentalists point out that just about every pipeline leaks at least once or twice a year — dumping thousands of litres of toxic material into the environment.

Another option is to transport petroleum products by rail. Between 2009 and 2013, crude oil transported by train climbed from 500 carloads to 140 000 carloads — a 28 000 per cent increase over four years. (Maclean’s, July 22, 2013) At the same time, our aging railroad infrastructure means an increase in the risk of derailments. These accidents could potentially lead to serious environmental damage.

What’s your take? Are we better off shipping petroleum products to market by pipeline or by train? Are there viable alternatives to pipeline or rail?

SETTING THE STAGE

And out of the darkness came a “ghost train” that descended upon the sleepy town as the last few citizens prepared to say goodnight to another summer evening. No conductor, no passengers. And upon its devastating arrival, the ghost train lay waste to everything in its path.

Ghost trainIf this sounds like the stuff of fantasy, think again. On July 6, 2013, an unmanned train — that witnesses really would later refer to as the “ghost train” — drifted from where it was parked for the night in Nantes and descended toward the neighbouring town of Lac-Mégantic, some 11 kilometres away. It didn’t take long for the train to gain momentum and, by the time it derailed in downtown Lac-Mégantic, the freight

train carrying 72 cars of crude oil was traveling over 100 kilometres an hour. Almost immediately after leaving the tracks colliding fuel tanks began exploding, laying waste to almost half of the downtown area and destroying over 30 buildings. Forty-seven people died as a result of the initial blast and the explosive inferno that followed.

Disturbing revelationsInvestigators were quick to uncover some disturbing revelations regarding the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Earlier that night, the Nantes fire department responded to a 911 call reporting thick smoke and sparks coming from the lead locomotive of the train in question. The fire was extinguished and the

SEPTEMBER 2013 — RAIL DISASTER: DEVASTATION IN LAC-MÉGANTIC

locomotive’s engines were shut down. Employees of the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic (MMA) rail company arrived on the scene, thanked the fire fighters for their efforts and declared the train to be safe and sound. Within an hour the train began its harrowing journey toward Lac-Mégantic. It derailed after hitting a bend in the tracks across the street from a popular local night club called the Musi-Café. Over 20 people perished in the bar. The remaining victims were either engulfed in flames while fleeing the firestorm or burned alive while sleeping in their beds.

More revelationsIt soon became clear that not only was there a fire on the train, but also the train had been left running to keep the air brakes of the locomotive secured. The engineer had parked the train on the main line in Nantes (because a side track was occupied) and secured additional hand brakes on a number of cars to back up the air brakes. Then he took a taxi to a hotel in Lac-Mégantic for the night. The taxi driver who picked him up pointed out that the locomotive that was left running was spitting smoke. The engineer told him that it was okay to leave the train that way. Apparently leaving a locomotive running,

parking on a main line, leaving the train unlocked and unmanned were all in accordance with company policy and did not violate Canadian railway regulations — a position that would be challenged, clarified and corrected by Canadian rail authorities in the weeks following the tragedy.

An accident waiting to happenHindsight would soon make it clear that multiple factors contributed to a colossal tragedy that night in Lac-Mégantic: parking a train on the main line, inadequate safeguards in the train’s braking system, and the volatility of the crude oil being transported in the nearly obsolete train cars. Many would say the shoddy practices of MMA created a situation where an accident was waiting to happen.

While thousands of litres of crude oil burned in the explosions, even more spilled onto the ground, flowing into the town’s sewer system and out into the harbour. Authorities estimate that 7.2 million litres of crude oil spilled onto the ground and into the waterways around Lac-Mégantic. The clean up will take years to complete and will likely cost over $200 million to complete. Many wonder if downtown Lac-Mégantic will ever be safe to inhabit again.

To consider

1. Why did people refer to the train that brought devastation to Lac-Mégantic as the “ghost train”?

2. Describe some of the disturbing revelations surrounding the tragedy.

3. Why was the tragedy in Lac-Mégantic described as “an accident waiting to happen”?

VIDEO REVIEW

Pre-viewing

Did you know that some Canadian railway companies are in the habit of leaving trains unlocked and unattended on main lines across the country? What do you think of this practice? What are the risks of leaving these important pieces of machinery left unlocked and unattended? Should railway companies at least make sure that trains carrying dangerous material are parked in a rail yard?

While viewing

1. What happened on July 6, 2013 to change the fortunes of the town of Lac-Mégantic?

2. What was the cause of the explosion?

3. How many buildings did the explosion destroy?

4. What concerns did authorities have in the aftermath of the explosion?

5. How many of the dead were the authorities able to identify early on? How many were missing? How did they plan on identifying the dead?

6. What happened on the train earlier the same evening that may have contributed to the disaster?

7. a) Why was Nantes Fire Chief Patrick Lambert so defensive when reporters asked him if his crew may have contributed to the disaster?

b) Do you think it was fair of Edward Burkhardt, the president of Rail World, to blame the fire crew in Nantes?

c) Five days after the explosion, who did Burkhardt blame for the disaster?

d) According to Burkhardt, what important piece of equipment was not applied properly?

e) How did the people of Lac-Mégantic react to Burkhardt’s comments?

8. How did the people of Lac-Mégantic rally to share their grief and say goodbye to those who died?

9. Which Lac-Mégantic gathering place re-opened on August 2nd? Why was the opening of this establishment so important — even symbolically important — for the people of the town?

10. What two developments in August demonstrated that the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic railroad was a company in deep trouble?

Post-viewing

When disaster struck in Lac-Mégantic local hospitals prepared for a rush of casualties. Very few came. What does this say about the devastating impact of the derailment and explosion?

EDWARD BURKHARDT’S PUBLIC RELATIONS DISASTER

Minds on

If you were the CEO of a company that was directly implicated in an accident that killed people, how would you respond? Do you think it would be important to get to the scene of the accident right away even though the authorities would keep you at arms length? Would you want to interview your employees at the scene or would a telephone interview do the job? When you met with the news media, how would you respond to questions that seemed to attack you and your company personally?

In preparation for the article you are about to read, list your answers to these questions in point form.

Sweet Home ChicagoWhen word of the Lac-Mégantic train disaster reached Montreal, Maine and Atlantic (MMA) CEO Edward Burkhardt, he began gathering information to attempt to determine what happened. Working from his Chicago office, Burkhardt tried to come up with answers to the main question surrounding the tragedy: how did an unmanned MMA train carrying 72 cars of crude oil manage to travel 11 kilometres from Nantes to Lac Mégantic and kill 47 people? When news outlets initially contacted Burkhardt, he claimed that someone must have tampered with the brakes. Train experts were quick to point out that, if the brakes were tampered with, it had to have been a person with expertise on train braking systems. Later, after he learned that the Nantes fire department extinguished a fire on one of the train’s locomotives, he blamed the firemen for turning off the locomotive engines that were running the air brakes. An infuriated Nantes Fire Chief Patrick Lambert said his crew put out the fire and shut down the locomotive as per procedures agreed to by MMA. He also left the train in the hands of two MMA employees. Burkhardt quickly backed away from his initial comments. However, he wasn’t so quick to get himself to the scene of the catastrophe.

Almost five days later…The train derailment and explosion occurred just after 1 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, July 6. Burkhardt didn’t arrive in Lac-Mégantic until Wednesday afternoon — almost five days after the tragedy. By this time, the news media set their sights on him as the bad guy. After all, instead of providing a clear and authentic apology to the people of Lac-Mégantic, he insisted on finger pointing from his Chicago office. His rationale for staying in the Windy City: he could get more done from his command centre in Chicago then on a cell phone in Lac-Mégantic. Whether this was true or not became irrelevant. Staying in Chicago made Burkhardt look like he cared more about his company’s profitability than his company’s culpability in the deaths of 47 souls in Lac-Mégantic.

From bad to worseBurkhardt only made things worse once he arrived in Lac-Mégantic. At an impromptu news conference amidst a scrum of reporters and angry townsfolk, Burkhardt spent a great deal of time pointing out how much the tragedy hurt him — including his net worth! He also announced that the train’s engineer, Tom Harding, was suspended without pay for not setting the train’s brakes properly. Harding, an experienced and well-respected engineer, may

well have done something wrong. However, Burkhardt’s comments just made it seem like he was throwing Harding to the wolves.

Burkardt: The villainNow the Lac-Mégantic disaster had a villain that the public and news media could target. When town officials announced that MMA would need to pay for the damage done by the derailment and explosion, Burkhardt put his company into bankruptcy protection in both Canada and the United States. He told the municipal government in Lac-Mégantic and the province of Quebec that they would have to foot the bill until an insurance company determines whether or not to honour the company’s $25 million policy. Meanwhile, authorities estimate the clean up will take years to complete and will cost over $200 million.

Burkhardt: No legendBy many accounts, Edward Burkhardt is a good man and a legend in the railway industry (Bloomberg, July 12, 2013). However, his handling of the Lac-Mégantic tragedy has made him public enemy number one in Canada. While he repeatedly claimed “some” responsibility for the derailment, many feel he should have simply expressed his remorse and put all the resources of his company to work to help the town of Lac-Mégantic. Instead, he spoke too much and did too little. In Canada, Edward Burkhardt is no legend.

Source:

1. “Quebec train crash taints railroad CEO’s Legend Status” by Tim Catts. Bloomberg, July 12, 2013.

2. “Burkhardt’s PR disaster” by Bernard Gauthier. Ottawa Citizen, July 11, 2013.

3. “Lac-Mégantic explosion: MMA railway boss Ed Burkhardt says engineer suspended” by Jessica McDiarmid and Jacques Gallant. The Toronto Star, July 10, 2013.

To consider

1. a) Who did Edward Burkhardt blame for the tragedy in Lac-Mégantic?

b) Why did he back away from these allegations?

2. Why did Burkhardt wait almost five days before heading to Lac-Mégantic?

3. Who did Burkhardt eventually point the finger at for the tragedy? Why did people feel that he was simply throwing this person to the wolves?

4. Why did many Canadians consider Burkhardt public enemy number one?

THE THIN LINE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH

Minds on

Often people who escape death in a traumatic or tragic event — while others around them do not — suffer from a mental condition called “survivor’s guilt.” Why do you think this is the case? Why would someone who simply manages to live through a traumatic event feel guilty that they lived?

One lives while another diesIt was a normal July night at the Musi-Café in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec. Patrons gathered to unwind, celebrate and listen to some music. Suddenly at 1:14 a.m., the thin line between normalcy and terror —indeed, between life and death — revealed itself as a runaway train carrying crude oil that derailed and exploded outside the bar. Here are a few of the tragic stories from the Musi-Café that night.

Guy Ouellet and Diane Bizier were enjoying a night away from home at the bar. The couple worked together at a local door manufacturer. Ouellet felt tired and told Bizier he would see her back at their house. Bizier never made it home.

Josée Lafontaine was celebrating her 40th birthday at the Musi-Café that night. After a night of fun with her closest friends and family, Josée went home for the night. Several of her party stayed behind. Her brother Gaétan and his wife Joanie Turmel, her sister Karine and friend Marie-Noelle Faucher died that night.

Musicians Guy Bulduc and Yves Ricard were performing at the Musi-Café on that July night. The duo were between sets. Ricard stepped outside for a cigarette while Bulduc stayed inside. Ricard survived and Bulduc died.

Musi-Café owner Yannick Gagné left work about 30 minutes before the train crashed across the street from his establishment. He wanted to get home to relieve the young lady who was babysitting his young children. The babysitter’s mother died in the explosion as did three of Gagné’s employees.

Gagne later re-opened the Musi-Café in a tent on the outskirts of town. The new Musi-Café has become a place of mourning and healing for the people of Lac-Mégantic. Gagne says, “I remember where everybody was sitting, everybody who died that night.” (Toronto Star, September 7, 2013)

Activity

Write a letter to Guy Ouellet, Josée Lafontaine, Yves Ricard or Yannick Gagné. Try to provide as much compassion, comfort and empathy as possible to the person you selected. Really pour your heart out and let them know that they are not alone, that people — even strangers like yourself — care about them, and that you hope they will one day be able to bear the burden of having lost people they loved. Try to address the idea of survivor’s guilt somewhere in your letter.

Length of letter: 500 words


ROYAL BIRTH: The World Welcomes Prince George of Cambridge

PREVIEW QUESTIONS

Discuss these questions with a partner before reading the "Setting the Stage" section.

1. Do you follow the lives of Britain's royal family (or a royal family from another nation)? Why or why not?

2. What do you think is the main function or purpose of a royal family in modern times?

3. Why do you think some people feel that a monarchy should not exist in the present day?

4. How aware are you of the birth of Britain's royal baby?

SETTING THE STAGE

For most families, the birth of a baby is a big event, and in the case of high-profile people, it can be made a public celebration. On July 22, 2013, an extremely high-profile couple, the Prince and Princess of Cambridge, gave birth to a baby boy named George.

George Alexander Louis is the third person in line for the throne of Great Britain, after Prince Charles (the Queen's son) and Prince William (the Queen's eldest grandson and George's father).

The popularity of the British royal family had been diminishing over the past 20 years due to a series of events. Perhaps chief among these was the divorce of the popular Princess Diana (the baby George's grandmother) from Prince Charles after it was revealed that he had been having a long-standing affair with Lady Camilla Parker Bowles. The crumbling of Charles and

Diana's unhappy marriage received widespread media coverage around the world.

When Princess Diana was subsequently killed in a car crash along with her then boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, there was an outpouring of grief in Great Britain for the loss of the young princess. Prince Charles later married Camilla Parker Bowles but the couple never received the kind of adoration reserved for the late Lady Diana.

The royals’ image received another blow when Prince Andrew, the Queen's second eldest son divorced his wife, Sarah Ferguson, when her infidelities were leaked to the media. It seemed that the royal family was becoming more like a modern-day soap opera rather than a dignified and respected institution.

The two sons of Charles and Diana grew up in the limelight of media attention but managed to

SEPTEMBER 2013 — ROYAL BIRTH: THE WORLD WELCOMES PRINCE GEORGE OF CAMBRIDGE

avoid most negative publicity. When it was announced the Prince William was to marry his long-term girlfriend, the "commoner" or non-royal Catherine Middleton, many people breathed a sigh of relief that the royals were returning to normalcy and respectability.

An attractive, educated and employed young woman, Kate Middleton was seen by many as down to earth. Some thought that the 29-year-old would be more prepared to take on the pressures of royal life than many past royal brides. By contrast, Diana was 19 when she was engaged to Prince Charles and only 20 when they got married in a massive event televised worldwide. With the royal wedding of William and Kate in April 2011, a renewed interest and hope in Britain's royal family arose.

Soon after the wedding, Kate was watched intensely by the media for signs of pregnancy. Perceived changes in her waistline, changes in her diet and in her consumption of alcohol set the media and public's tongues wagging.

According to royal protocol, the Queen should have been the first to find out if Princess Catherine were expecting a baby, but protocol was dashed when Kate experienced an extreme

bout of morning sickness while visiting her parents. The morning sickness was so severe that her husband took her to King Edward VII hospital in London. If the young royals had hoped to keep the pregnancy a secret (something most couples wish to do in the first few months), any chance vanished when news of Kate’s hospital visit was leaked.

Despite the early morning sickness, the rest of Kate's pregnancy was normal — that is, if you consider it "normal" to be followed non-stop by the press. In an age of social media, Kate's maternity clothing, baby purchases and other personal choices as an expectant mother were instantly shared with the world.

While no one knew the estimated delivery date of Kate's baby, throngs of media and royal supporters camped outside St. Mary's Hospital in record-breaking London heat hoping to have the first glimpse of the newest heir to the throne. Their wait came to an end on July 22, 2013 when the baby, weighing 8lb 6oz was born. Following tradition, Buckingham Palace formally announced George’s birth on a piece of letterhead posted just inside the palace gate. But it was also the first time the royal family announced a birth on Twitter.

To consider

1. Why has the British royal family suffered from "bad press" in the recent past?

2. Why might new parents William and Kate revitalize the royal family?

3. Why do you think people are fascinated with the royal family? Why do you think people are fascinated with celebrities in general?


HENRY MORGENTALER: Death of a Canadian Protagonist

VIDEO REVIEW

Pre-viewing

1. Do you think the birth of a British royal baby is important? Why or why not?

2. Why do you think that the birth of the royal baby met with such intense interest in the media?

3. Predict in what ways the birth of a royal baby could affect the economy of Britain.

While viewing

1. List two ways in which businesses are making money from the birth of the royal baby.

2. ________ million dollars is expected to enter the British economy as a result of the royal birth.

3. How was the CN tower involved in the announcement of the royal birth?

4. What law was changed in Britain that might have impacted the royal birth?

5. How was the birth announced?

6. What is the baby's position in terms of royal succession?


7. How does the royal birth represent a "universal moment"?

Post-viewing

1. After the video, did you change your mind about the importance of the royal baby? Why or why not?

2. Do you think the media may treat the royal baby any differently than other celebrity babies?

3. Among the people you heard in the video, why might some be very excited by the birth of the royal baby? Why do you think there was no coverage in this video of people who felt that the story wasn't newsworthy?


ANALYZING POINT OF VIEW

Read the three quotes below and discuss the following questions for each.

a) Who is the author? Why might their position affect their point of view regarding the royal family?

b) In your own words, paraphrase the writer's position on the royal birth.

c) What "strong" words, phrases, metaphors does the author use to bolster their argument?

d) Which one of these quotes do you agree with the most? Why?

“It's forever surprising to me how many British friends, believers in egalitarian values in every other realm, subscribe to the view that the royal family is powerless, harmless, and largely deserving, in some unquestionable way, of the immense privilege that it hoards. „

– Lauren Collins, American journalist, The New Yorker, July 22, 2013

“Our current royal family doesn't have the difficulties in breeding that pandas do, but pandas and royal persons alike are expensive to conserve and ill-adapted to any modern environment….Some people find them endearing; some pity them for their precarious situation; everybody stares at them and, however airy the enclosure they inhabit, it's still a cage. „

– Hilary Mantel, bestselling British author, London Review of Books, February 2013 (www.lrb.co.uk/v35/n04/hilary-mantel/royal-bodies)

“There's legitimate public interest. And the royals need our interest, because if we cease to be interested, then the monarchy becomes irrelevant. „

– Judy Wade, veteran British royal correspondent and author, Maclean’s, July 22, 2013 (www2.macleans.ca/2013/07/22/kates-supermom-status-and-scrutiny/)

http://www2.macleans.ca/2013/07/22/kates-supermom-status-and-scrutiny/

http://www.lrb.co.uk/v35/n04/hilary-mantel/royal-bodies


ANALYSING SOURCES

Task:Analyze two web sources that represent very different points of view on the royal family. One site is the "official" face of the Royal Family; the other is a Canadian website that promotes the view that Canada should rid itself of ties to the monarchy and become a republic (a republic is a government that excludes a monarch). Using the chart below, complete your analysis of the two sites.

Official Webpage of Royal Familywww.royal.gov.uk/

Citizens for a Canadian Republicwww.canadian-republic.ca/

faq.html

What is the purpose of this site?

Who is the intended audience?

What information is provided?

Describe the layout, use of graphics, photographs, visuals, links and ease of navigation.

Which site looks more professional and engaging? What are the reasons for the differences?

In your opinion, how could this site be improved?

Did you know?Canada is both a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. This means that we have both a head of state and a head of government. The Queen of England is Canada’s head of state, but she is represented in Canada by the governor general. However, it should be noted that real political power rests with the prime minster of Canada, who is the head of government.

http://www.canadian-republic.ca/faq.html

http://www.canadian-republic.ca/faq.html

http://www.royal.gov.uk/


HENRY MORGENTALER: Death of a Canadian Protagonist

Note to Teachers:Teachers should be aware that the teaching of sensitive and controversial issues such as abortion may provoke emotional responses from students. A high degree of care should be taken before the lesson to ensure that the learning environment allows for conflicting sets of values to be processed analytically and with respect for differences in people and their identities, cultures and world views.

THINKING THROUGH ARGUMENTS

When you "make" an argument, you are attempting to convince others that your views on whether something is wrong or right, good or bad, are reasonable and should be believed.

When considering the arguments that we make and the arguments other people make, it is helpful to recognize that anyone, ourselves included, can reason well or poorly. There is "good" reasoning and there is "bad" or "flawed" reasoning. There are lots of arguments regarding abortion since it is a highly controversial and sensitive issue to many people. In this activity, you will think through some of the arguments regarding abortion and consider your own.

Consider the following examples of arguments regarding abortion:

"If you support abortion, you must hate babies."

"A fetus is a human being, therefore, abortion is murder."

"A fetus is not a human being, therefore, abortion is not murder."

"Only women-haters are against abortions."

"Forcing a woman to have a baby, by threat of criminal sanction, infringes on the security of the person (the woman)."

1. Which of these examples do you think are better arguments that could be reasonably proven to be correct?

2. Which examples do you think are weak/poor arguments?

SEPTEMBER 2013 — HENRY MORGENTALER: DEATH OF A CANADIAN PROTAGONIST

Logical Fallacies

When judging the quality of reasoning, it can be helpful to name the weakness in reasoning or logical fallacy that may be used in an argument. Instead of saying, "that doesn't make sense" or "that's a lame argument," you can name the specific fallacy that is presented and work to improve the reasoning in the argument.

Below is a selection of common logical fallacies and some examples for you to consider. Talk through these sentences with a partner until you feel you understand the qualities of the fallacy and can think of another example where the fallacy has been used in an argument.

Ad hominem

This fallacy occurs when you attack another person instead of the person's argument.

"Yeah, you would think that, 'cause you're crazy/stupid/naive/emotional."

False dilemma

This fallacy occurs when two choices are presented as the only choices, when in fact there could be more choices possible.

"You can either follow God's law or man-made laws."

"Woman can either have the right to choose an abortion or they have to keep the baby."

Appeal to emotion

This fallacy occurs when you try to manipulate someone's emotions, rather than use valid logic, to win an argument.

"How would you like to be raped and have to keep a baby?"

Slippery slope

This fallacy occurs when you argue that a specific course of action is likely to result in unintended consequences that are undesirable.

"If abortions are legal, what's to stop the legalization of infanticide (killing unwanted children soon after birth)?"

Non sequitur

This fallacy occurs when your conclusion does not flow logically from the statement that preceded it.

"Abortion is wrong because we might abort a future doctor that would have cured cancer."

Special pleading (Double standard)

This fallacy occurs when you apply a standard to someone else that is different from a standard you apply to yourself.

"You can't possiblt understand what it's like to be pregnant — you're a man."

Task: Written Reflection

In a two- or three-paragraph written reflection think about arguments that you have heard regarding abortion (keep in mind an argument is not an opinion; opinions are simply a person's belief). Write down

SEPTEMBER 2013 — HENRY MORGENTALER: DEATH OF A CANADIAN PROTAGONIST

two or three arguments that you recall. Consider if the argument uses sound reasoning or if the argument involves any logical fallacies. Reflect on why it is difficult to reason well if the issue is particularly controversial or sensitive.

SETTING THE STAGE

Henry Morgentaler’s beginningsHenryk (Henry) Morgentaler was born in Poland on March 19, 1923.

When the Nazis invaded Poland in 1939, his father, a textile factory worker and union organizer, was killed by the Gestapo. Henry and his mother, brother and sister were left to live in the Lodz ghetto for most of the war. His sister died there.

In 1944, Henry and his mother and brother were sent to Auschwitz, a Nazi concentration camp in Poland. His mother was killed, and he and his brother became slave laborers. They were later shipped to Dachau, a Nazi concentration camp in Germany where they were finally liberated by the Allies in 1945. When the concentration camp was liberated, Henry weighed under 32 kilos and had lost all his teeth.

His career and early controversiesHenry studied medicine in Germany and Belgium and moved to Canada in 1950, finishing medical school at the University of Montreal in 1953. For 15 years he practiced general medicine in a working-class district of Montreal. As a doctor, he saw women die of sepsis (a life-threatening complication from a severe infection) after botched, illegal abortions. He appeared before a House of Commons committee to argue that pregnant women should have the right to safe abortions.

In 1969, Dr. Morgentaler opened his first abortion clinic, he trained hundreds of doctors to perform abortions and he performed thousands of them himself. Police raided his clinic in June 1970. He was charged with procuring an illegal abortion. After the United States Supreme Court ruled in 1973 that women have the right to abortion, Dr. Morgentaler began a national campaign for a new abortion law in Canada. He admitted then that he had performed more than 5,000 illegal abortions.

He was again arrested but acquitted by a jury. The jury's decision was overturned by the Quebec Court of Appeal in April 1974. The Supreme Court of Canada upheld the appeal court's decision and Morgentaler was given a 18-month jail sentence. While in jail, he had a heart attack and was moved to a nursing home. The Quebec Court of Appeal upheld his second jury acquittal. After serving 10 months, he was released and acquitted for a third time. The newly elected Parti Quebecois halted all prosecution against him in December 1976.

Every mother a willing motherDr. Morgentaler became a household name in Canada and a controversial public figure. His motto was “Every mother a willing mother, every child a wanted child.” He was threatened with death and began wearing bulletproof vests after several abortion doctors were shot. He escaped injury when his clinic in Toronto was firebombed. His clinics were picketed by protesters and raided by the police.

Abortion law struck downOn January 28, 1988 the Supreme Court of Canada declared Canada's abortion law unconstitutional. Five years later the Supreme Court unanimously struck down Nova Scotia regulations which had restricted abortions to hospitals.

Today, abortion is considered a medical service guaranteed by the Canada Heath Act. However, only 17 percent of hospitals in Canada provide abortions, due to a shortage of doctors who are trained and willing to perform them. It seems

that abortion remains an unresolved controversial issue even within the medical field.

Controversial to the lastIn 2008, Dr. Morgentaler was inducted into the Order of Canada. His selection was deeply controversial. Some previous recipients of the honour gave theirs back in protest. \

Henry Morgentaler died on May 29, 2013. Even in death, his legacy remains disputed: was he a hero or villain?

To consider

1. Why would some people argue that Henry Morgentaler deserves the Order of Canada?

2. Why would some people argue that Henry Morgentaler doesn't deserve the Order of Canada?

3. Do you think Henry Morgentaler deserves the Order of Canada or not? State your reasons.

VIDEO REVIEW

Note to Teachers:Teachers should be aware that the teaching of sensitive and controversial issues such as abortion may provoke emotional responses from students. A high degree of care should be taken before the viewing of the video to ensure that the learning environment allows for conflicting sets of values to be processed analytically and with respect for differences in people and their identities, cultures and world views.

Pre-viewing

1. What emotions do you feel when thinking about and/or discussing the topic of abortion?

2. How do you think your age, gender, family, religion and/or experiences have impacted your views on abortion?

3. Abortion is a complex, controversial topic that involves multiple considerations: medical, ethical, spiritual, legal and women's rights issues. Choose one of these considerations and, with a partner, explore the issue of abortion through this lens. Note questions that arise, as well as your agreements and disagreements.

While viewing

1. What Canadian law or laws were overturned in the Supreme Court on January 28, 1988?

2. Dr Henry Morgentaler was born in the country of _______________. He was a survivor of _____________________________________.

3. Morgentaler believed that any woman should have the right to ask for a termination of pregnancy within _______ months of pregnancy.

4. Why did Dr. Morgentaler spend ten months in jail?

5. What negative and violent reactions did Morgentaler face?

6. What did Morgentaler say was his motivation in his actions?

7. How did socio-economic class play a part in access to abortions before they were legalized in Canada?

8. True or False? Morgentaler did believe a fetus is a human being. ______________

9. True or False? Morgentaler was angry that the state (government) could tell a woman what she could do with her body. ______________

10. What is one of the arguments that those who oppose abortion offer?

11. Who assisted Morgentaler in his fight to change Canadian laws?

12. Why do some people think Morgentaler will go down in history as a remarkable person?

13. What is Prime Minister Harper's stance on the abortion issue?

Post-viewing

1. What do you infer about the personality of Dr. Morgentaler from what is said in this video?

2. Who else’s point of view do you think would be important to consider in a news story on his life?

3. Do you think the Morgentaler was a hero, a villain or something else? Why?

CONSIDERING DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES

To consider another person’s perspective effectively, it helps to keep an open mind to ideas and beliefs different than your own. Learning can occur when we are able to respectfully think through many different perspectives and consider the impact of our decision-making on other people. This activity requires you to read quotations on the topic of abortion and to consider how your thinking has changed as a result of reading other perspectives.

Consider the two quotes by Dr. Morgentaler below:

1. What are the main reasons that Dr. Morgentaler wanted abortion to be legal and accessible for Canadian women?

2. Do you agree with his arguments? Why or why not?

3. What new idea "stretched" your thinking in these quotes?

“We have come a very long way indeed, women no longer live with the anxiety of continuing a pregnancy when they are not ready to be a mother, and they are not losing their lives and health by having abortions performed by non-licensed, non-practising doctors. This safety for women has made a tremendous difference because it means that women no longer die because of illegal abortions.

„– Henry Morgentaler, Herizons, Spring 1998

“I knew I could not save my mother [in Auschwitz in 1944]. But I could save other mothers. It was an unconscious thought. It became almost like a command, If I help women to have babies at a time when they can give love and affection, they will not grow up to be rapists or murderers. They will not build concentration camps.

„– Henry Morgentaler, Canadian Dimension, July/August 2013

Consider the quotes below and on the following page regarding abortion:

1. First consider who is making the statements. Can you infer what their point of view may be from their identity?

2. Summarize the arguments presented. Which quote resonates the most with you and why?

3. What new idea "stretched" your thinking in these quotes?

“In a culture free of sexism, there would be no justification possible for the anti-choice position, which states it is more important for women to give birth to children than to live their lives as they see fit.

„

– Stefanie Clermont, university student and co-host of the feminist radio show The Third Wave, This Magazine, January-February 2012

“Therefore, by the authority which Christ conferred upon Peter and his successors . . . I declare that direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, always constitutes a grave moral disorder, since it is the deliberate killing of an innocent human being. This doctrine is based upon the natural law and upon the written word of God, is transmitted by the Church’s tradition and taught by the ordinary and universal magisterium. No circumstance, no purpose, no law whatsoever can ever make licit an act which is intrinsically illicit, since it is contrary to the law of God which is written in every human heart, knowable by reason itself, and proclaimed by the Church.

„– Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae 62

“I can understand why people hate him. They see him as a baby killer, I sympathize with their biases . . . but ultimately, we have to have a society in which people are given the choice regardless of what people's religious views happen to be. I think that's the fairest society we can live in.

„– Christopher diCarlo, author, philosophy academic and family friend of Morgentaler,

Guelph Mercury, June 1, 2013

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