we Bush ignites protest with visit By Sean Steels, The Gateway (University of Coalition Against War and Racism and the Palestine Alberta) Solidarity Network for his human rights record, predominantly for his government’s involvement in the EDMONTON (CUP) - While over 200 protesters Abu Ghraib prison scandal, which began in 2004. greeted George W. Bush’s arrival at the Shaw “We have a standard for war crimes and we apply Conference Centre in Edmonton last week, a few it to some people. For example, we apply it to Augusto University of Alberta students took the chance to Pinochet from Chile, Omar al-Bashir from Sudan, or make a similar statement down the side of one of their Slobodan Milosovic from Yugoslavia,” Saffari said. campus’ most prominent buildings. “‘We’re saying we should apply the same principle The words “Arrest Bush” hung visibly from the consistently, which would apply to anyone who side of the upper facade of U of A’s Tory Building commits war crimes under international law.” throughout the day of the event, October 20. And Saffari backed up his claims with the accusations although of various human rights organizations against Bush. the “By all “We have a standard for war crimes and we apply itto some accounts, if tudents at tang people. For example, we apply it to Augusto Pinochet from _you look at the the sign Chile, Omar al-Bashir from Sudan, or Slobodan Milosovic from definition of were not Yugoslavia” — Siavash Saffari war crime, he directly definitely fits affiliated with the groups that gathered at the event that definition,” itself, they too protested against the taxpayer expense Saffari continued. “Amnesty International thinks that he resulting from Bush’s visit, and human rights violations has committed war crimes, Human Rights Watch thinks they claim the former president is guilty of. he’s committed war crimes. Lawyers Against the War “One of the reasons we’re rallying against him think he’s committed war crimes.” and doing this initiative against him is that Canadian Both Amnesty International and Human Rights taxpayers are paying half a million dollars for the Watch singled out Abu Ghraib as an egregious human security for his four or five engagements in Calgary, rights violation on the part of the Bush government in Montreal, Edmonton, and Saskatoon,” said Siavash 2005, and Lawyers Against the War went so far as to Saffari, a U of A political science PhD student. ask the Canadian government in an open letter to the Not forgotten in the fiscal worries, Bush was also _—Prime minister that Bush be barred from Canada, and under fire from protesting groups such as the Edmonton have also requested the RCMP war crimes program investigate Bush. It New law bans cell phones while driving Tanya Colledge reporter that drivers in B.C. will soon be prevented from using cell phone will driving, in an attempt to create fewer distractions and accidents on our roads. The announcement made by Solicitor General Kash Heed earlier this week, stated that changes to the Motor Vehicle Act will take place as of January 1, 2010, and will prevent the use of handheld cell phone devices while driving. The new legislation will , also limit sending emails and/or texting; operating hand-held music or portable gaming devices; and having manual programming or ' - adjusting of GPS systems in the vehicle. ‘ “Tt is important for us to get ahead of this problem now,” : a said Heed who explained that the growing and widespread use of these devices made it necessary for the government to step in and regulate the problem. Other activities that people carry out while driving—such as eating fast food or putting on makeup—Heed said “Tcould all} fall under driving with undue care and attention,” and A fter months of deliberation, the BC Liberals announced et ee a EE “It is important for us to get ahead of this problem BUSINESS AND MEDIA AT BCIT. now,” — Solicitor General Kash Heed Learn about our industry-connected programs | therefore were not included in the new ban. 1 and enter our ‘Start your Career’ contest for a y Drivers caught using these devices while operating their , ; * chance to win a laptop and more. vehicle will be charged with a $167 fine, with an additional three | *No purchase necessary. Grand prize is a “Start your Career” package, including gift lg nalty potats awarded if they are found texting Of emailing. i certificates for a suit and portfolio, and a new Tashiba laptop computer. Valued at The new law will permit however, the use of hands-free approximately $1,300. Contest runs from October 26, 2009 through December 31, 2009. . avi ‘ G (Odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Skill-testing question applies. devices such as Bluetooth, or other built-in devices; pre- programmed and voice-activated GPS systems; two-way radios for . = industry workers; and calling 911 to report emergencies. bcit.ca/ business “Law enforcement officers want to make a difference,” said ‘ Heed, explaining that the new legislation will act as an important piece of education to B.C.’s drivers and is key to changing the == . It’s your career. behaviour of individuals who insist on using the devices while ==~ | Get it right. driving. “[Law enforcers] are not happy with people driving while they’re distracted. I think they will welcome this [pew enforcement].”