Author Archives: Michael K. Barbour

Unknown's avatar

About Michael K. Barbour

Michael K. Barbour is the Director of Faculty Development and a Professor of Instructional Design for the College of Education and Health Sciences at Touro University California. He has been involved with K-12 online learning in a variety of countries for well over a decade as a researcher, teacher, course designer and administrator. Michael's research focuses on the effective design, delivery and support of K-12 online learning, particularly for students located in rural jurisdictions.

A war by any other name

An item from the Legion Magazine.


Front Lines
Front Lines

Wikimedia

A war by any other name

STORY BY STEPHEN J. THORNE

Some 40 million people died in the First World War; at least 70 million in the Second. By the time Soviet-backed North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel into South Korea on June 25, 1950, folks didn’t want to hear any more about “war.”

And, so, when a U.S.-led United Nations coalition stepped in on the Korean peninsula, President Harry S. Truman and Prime Minister Louis St-Laurent called it a “police action,” an “intervention.”

READ MORE

Korea: The war without end
Veterans Benefits Guide
Military Milestones
Military Milestones

Wikipedia

The Great Gorkha

STORY BY PAIGE GILMAR

“I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect,” Lieutenant-Commander Kelly Williamson told CBC.

“…things were very devastated.”

Williamson, a senior public affairs officer with the Canadian Armed Forces’ Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), was referring to the Gorkha earthquake that struck Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2015.

On April 25, a 7.8 magnitude tremor hit the country’s central and eastern regions, its epicentre 34 kilometres east-southeast of the Lamjung municipality and 77 kilometres northwest of the captial. A series of aftershocks hit too, the two largest measuring 6.7 and 6.6 in magnitude.

READ MORE

MBP Partner

News Release: Remembering ANZAC Day, April 25, 2022

Given that our members were represented at the recent ANZAC Day service that was held locally this past Sunday, we wanted to share this item from the Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project that was released earlier today.


Dear Sir/Madam:

Please find attached the News Release: Remembering ANZAC Day, April 25, 2022, with a quote from The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

My very best regards,

Stéphane Ouellette
President and Chief Executive Officer
Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP)/
Founder/President
Colonel John Gardam Lifetime Achievement Award Institute

Tel: 613.421.9005
E-mail: ouellettes@rogers.com
Website: www.alliedmerchantnavy.com

Attachment: News Release: Remembering ANZAC Day, April 25, 2022.pdf

Be part of the difference for Canada’s Veterans

An item from Dominion Command.


Stop by your local Branch today! 

Legion Debrief. Visit member services.
April 2023
Twitter. Facebook. Youtube. Instagram. Linkedin.
Poppy Store.
What amazing work is your Branch doing?
Spring is finally in full swing, and we at the Legion are proud to shine some sunlight on the amazing work Branches across Canada are doing to serve our Veterans. From preserving their legacy to ensuring they have a safe place to live, we are extremely proud of the efforts Legion members are taking to support Canada’s Veterans.
Be a part of the action! Find out what initiatives your local Branch is involved in and see how you can lend a hand to our Veterans.
alt_text
Meet Mike Trauner
Our first Ambassador for the 45th annual Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships has been announced! Retired Master Corporal Mike “Mega Traun” Trauner is a former Invictus athlete, after being personally invited to the event by Prince Harry, and is currently training for the Paralympics.
As Ambassador, Trauner will embody the spirit of camaraderie, strength, and perseverance as he shares his incredibly inspiring story with our young athletes.
Read more about the Ambassador  ‣
Bay Roberts Legion is collecting Veterans’ stories
A new project from the Bay Roberts Legion will tell the stories of Veterans from the area. To date, the Branch has compiled and completed biographies from over 250 Veterans.
“The aim of any Legion Branch is to make sure Veterans and their families are looked after by remembrance,” said Harold Brown, Branch president. “What we’re trying to do it make sure the community knows that these people served, that specifically this area, they never forget.”
Read more about the project  ‣
alt_text
Thorold Legion engages community to help homeless Veterans
Thorold, Ontario Legion members Ken Smalko and Jeannie Soper have been spearheading their Branch’s homeless Veterans program for the last two years and have already helped 15 Veterans! Recently, they met with local fire departments, emergency services and police services to educate and coordinate services so first responders can better identify struggling Veterans and help them access the supports they need.
Read more  ‣
Sault Ste. Marie Legion branches out into affordable housing for Veterans
The Sault Ste. Marie Legion is redeveloping its building to include a bar, a museum and an upper level with 107 apartments — 35 of which will be affordable units intended for Veterans.
“Unfortunately, a number of Veterans are finding themselves where they can’t afford to live. So if we can make it a little easier, then it’s our duty and responsibility.”
Read more  ‣
Know a Legion Branch that’s making a difference for Veterans in your community? Send us your story at marketing@legion.ca.
alt_text
The Royal Canadian Legion responds: 2023 federal budget
The Royal Canadian Legion is trusting that the 2023 budget commitment of $156.7 million dollars announced today to help support military and RCMP Veterans, will do just that – and in tangible ways.
“We are happy to see this proposed spending,” says Bruce Julian, Dominion President. “But it needs to be properly targeted. We need more clarity on exactly how it will be spent. This funding needs to go where it’s needed most, and in a way that directly benefits Veterans and clears the backlog.”
Read our full statement  ‣
alt_text
Legion Command Service Officers ease process of applying for VAC benefits
As advocates, advisors, mentors and guides, Legion Command Service Officers assist Veterans, serving military members and their families in submitting applications for benefits and treatments and in appealing when Veteran’s Affairs denies entitlement to them.
Command Service Officers understand the deeply intense and personal journey that is necessary to submit these applications. It is a journey one does not have to travel alone. With compassion and knowledge, they take away the often overwhelming feelings associated with working through the system.
If you or someone that you know requires assistance in accessing VAC benefits, please contact a provincial Legion Command Service Officer here or by calling toll free at 1‑877‑534‑4666.
alt_text
Public Consultation on the Defence Policy Update
The Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces recently announced the opening of public consultations on the Defence Policy Update. The update will build upon Canada’s current defence policy and enable the CAF to meet any threat in the changed global security environment. Submissions will be considered to April 30, 2023.
Learn more  ‣
Your membership can help you save
31,000 Legions members have saved a combined total of over $1.13 million in savings through our MemberPerks program!
Check out this latest offer, and many more! With MemberPerks®, you can shop online or in-store at local and national stores and service providers and save $1000s every year. It’s a great way to support the Legion, local businesses, and your wallet.
Sign up for MemberPerks® today. It’s free with your Legion membership.
Learn more  ‣
Partner promotions
The following is brought to you by our partners, highlighting special offers and other information.
Royal Canadian Legion members have access to exclusive offers & perks with BST Vacations. These offers are negotiated with our preferred travel partners and are just for Legion Members. For information on this and other exciting offers, visit our website!
Special offer from Legion Magazine
Received this from a friend? Never miss an issue:
Join the Legion today >
Update your membership profile with your email address. Login to the Member Services Website.
Working together to serve Canada’s Veterans.
Click here if you are having trouble viewing this message

Copyright © 2023 The Royal Canadian Legion. All rights reserved.

As a member of The Royal Canadian Legion, you receive emails from Legion National Headquarters for the purposes of managing your Legion membership. Members may manage their email preferences below. You may withdraw your consent to receive administrative emails from The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters by contacting the Member Services Department. The Royal Canadian Legion may be unable to process your membership without your consent to receive administrative emails.

To update your member contact information please login to the Member Services Website, or contact the Member Services Department.

Our contact information is:

The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters
Member Services Department
86 Aird Place
Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1
Canada

Toll free: 855-330-3344
Email: membership@legion.ca
www.legion.ca

Wed: Graduate Research Showcase! / New Hildebrand Fellow studies Torontos’ housing plans

A newsletter from a fellow Canadian organization in the Bay Area.


Canadian Studies Announcements

In This Issue:

Upcoming Events

  • Hildebrand Graduate Research Showcase

Program News

  • New Hildebrand Fellow, Allison Evans, studies efficacy of Toronto’s affordable housing policy

Research Opportunities

  • Two weeks left to apply for Canadian Studies research funding!

External Events

  • Paul Storer Memorial Lecture: “Why Canadians (Mostly) Love Immigration, and Americans Aren’t So Sure”, feat. Irene Bloemraad
  • Memorial University of Newfoundland Alumni Meetup
  • Canadian authors at the Bay Area Book Festival
  • BlackBerry film screening party

UPCOMING EVENTS

If you require an accommodation to fully participate in an event, please let us know at least 10 days in advance.
Hildebrand Graduate Research Showcase

Wednesday, April 26 | 12:30 pm PT | 223 Philosophy | RSVP

Learn about the research Canadian Studies funds through our Edward E. Hildebrand Graduate Research Fellowships, as recipients present overviews of their projects.

“Affordability for Whom? The Impacts of Foreign Buyer Taxes on British Columbia and Ontario Rental Housing Markets”

Taesoo Song, Ph.D. student, City and Regional Planning

During the mid-2010s, British Columbia and Ontario provincial governments implemented foreign buyer taxes (FBTs) to discourage foreign investment to promote affordability in the housing market. Although limited empirical evidence suggests that the taxes were effective in curbing house prices, there has been no significant discussion of their potential impacts on the rental market. Understanding this relationship would be crucial in meeting the housing needs of lower-income and immigrant households. Using empirical data from the Canadian Housing Mortgage Corporation and the Canadian Census, Taesoo examines how FBTs have impacted the regional rental markets and their implications for housing policy and planning.

“Exploring the Link between Climate Change and Mass Extinction: A Case Study of Late Ordovician Fossils from Anticosti Island, Quebec”

Joshua Zimmt, Ph.D. candidate, Integrative Biology

Joshua’s work uses a first-of-its-kind method to analyze the fossil record for links between climate change and faunal turnover. By applying this method to the exceptional fossil and rock records on Anticosti Island, he hopes to understand how climate change may have caused the Late Ordovician mass extinction, one of the largest known extinction events. Joshua’s research contributes to a better understanding of this critical interval in the history of life, and serves as a case study of global change that can help us better understand our rapidly-changing modern world.

PROGRAM NEWS

New Hildebrand Fellow, Allison Evans, Studies Efficacy of Toronto’s Affordable Housing Policy

It is with great pleasure that Canadian Studies welcomes Allison Evans as the program’s third and final new Hildebrand Fellow for Summer 2023.

Allison is a Ph.D. student in city and regional planning. Her work takes a critical approach to housing policy and land use planning. She examines the barriers to creating truly affordable housing, and how municipalities can deliver on their housing goals.

Allison’s Hildebrand Fellowship will enable her to study Housing Now, an affordable housing program in her home city of Toronto. Housing Now aims at developing affordable housing through public-private partnerships and surplus city-owned land. Allison’s research is motivated by the limited assessments of Housing Now’s progress, and to better understand the current critiques of the program. Through in-depth interviews, she hopes to learn about the program’s successes and what could be improved upon in the future.

Allison holds a B.E.S. and M.E.S. in planning from York University in Toronto, where she researched various housing-related topics and published peer-reviewed articles about the political economy of student housing and state ambiguities around tent encampments in the city.

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Two Weeks Left to Apply for Canadian Studies Research Funding!

Deadline: May 5, 2023

The Canadian Studies Program is currently accepting applications for several funding opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. Please forward this information to any friends, students, or colleagues who may be interested!

The Edward E. Hildebrand Graduate Research Fellowship

Accepting applications for Fall 2023

Amount: Up to $5,000 per semester

This fellowship funds research that contributes to knowledge about Canada and/or the Canadian-U.S. relationship. Applications are open to UC Berkeley graduate students in any discipline and of any citizenship. This fellowship is meant to cover direct travel and research costs.

The Rita Ross Undergraduate Prize in Canadian Studies

Amount: $250

This prize recognizes undergraduates who have written a superior research paper or other project on a Canadian topic. The competition is open to any UC Berkeley undergraduate student in good academic standing, in any college or discipline. Submissions must be an original paper or project produced in a UC Berkeley class or independent study during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Undergraduate Research Funding

Accepting applications for Summer and Fall 2023

Amount: Variable

Funding is available for undergraduate students interested in conducting organized research for a UC Berkeley class or as part of an independent study project. Awards are made at the director’s discretion.

EXTERNAL EVENTS

Paul Storer Memorial Lecture: “Why Canadians (Mostly) Love Immigration, and Americans Aren’t So Sure”

Monday, May 1 | 4:00 pm PT | Online | RSVP

The Canadian Studies Program is delighted to announce that our program director, Irene Bloemraad, will be in Washington State next week to deliver the annual Paul Storer Memorial Lecture on Canada-US Relations at Western Washington University. We invite community members to listen virtually.

Americans are deeply divided about migration policy and have limited appetite for increasing immigration. Canada’s government has, in contrast, increased its immigration targets, and the ruling Liberal Party’s leader, Justin Trudeau, won his first national election partly due to a campaign promise to resettle thousands of Syrian refugees. Why do Canadians seem to love immigration while Americans aren’t so sure?

Irene Bloemraad is the Class of 1951 Professor of Sociology at UC Berkeley and the founding director of the Berkeley Interdisciplinary Migration Initiative (BIMI). She has been the faculty director of the Canadian Studies Program since 2012.

This lecture is sponsored by Western Washington University’s Center for Canadian-American Studies, Border Policy Research Institute, Department of Sociology, Department of Economics, and the WWU Alumni Association.

Memorial University of Newfoundland Alumni Meetup

Tuesday, May 2 | 6:30 pm | Palo Alto, CA | RSVP

Memorial alumni and friends in the Greater San Francisco Bay area are invited to join an evening of networking and socializing in Palo Alto. Attendees will enjoy light appetizers, raffle prizes and the opportunity to reminisce about all things Memorial University and Newfoundland and Labrador. The event is free, but advance registration is required.

Canadian Authors at the Bay Area Book Festival

May 6-7 | Berkeley, CA | Learn more

The Bay Area Book Festival is one of the world’s premier celebrations of writers, readers, and the written word, bringing together some of the best contemporary authors from across the globe. This year, the festival line-up includes two exciting debut literary voices from Canada, thanks to the generous support of the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco.

Dazzling Debuts

May 6 | 12:30 pm | Learn more

Award-winning Tibetan-Canadian author Tsering Yangzom Lama joins a panel of debut authors from around the world to discuss their works and paths to publication, as well as give advice to aspiring authors.

Indigenous Perspectives in Genre Fiction

May 6 | 3:30 pm | Learn more

Cree author Jessica Johns joins a panel of Native American and First Nations authors with new works in the genres of mysteries, thrillers, and horror. How do these writers incorporate historical and modern traumas into their work, deal with literary stereotypes, and help shape perceptions of contemporary Indigenous communities?

We Measure the Earth with Our Bodies: In Exile from Tibet

May 7 | 11:30 am | Learn more

Tsering Yangzom Lama will discuss her debut novel, We Measure the Earth With Our Bodies, a finalist for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. The multi-generational epic draws on Lama’s own family history as it traces sixty years of a Tibetan refugee family and their journey to Canada.

Horror: History That Goes Bump in the Night

May 7 | 2:30 pm | Learn more

History comes back to haunt the living in this panel on contemporary horror, and Jessica Johns joins to discuss her debut novel, Bad Cree. In the novel, a young woman’s nightmarish dreams begin to manifest, and it soon becomes clear that the forces of industrial intrusion on Native land are not only relevant – they’re malevolent.

BlackBerry Film Screening Party

Friday, May 12 | 7:30 pm | Sunnyvale, CA | Learn more

The Digital Moose Lounge invites you to join them for a private screening of the new Canadian film BlackBerry at the AMC Theater, Sunnyvale!

Director, writer, and actor Matt Johnson perfectly captures the heady creative period of the mid-’90s with this exuberant depiction of the rise and fall of the BlackBerry, the first smartphone.

The film holds a 96% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and a “universal acclaim” rating on Metacritic. It also won the 2023 Sloan Science on Screen Prize at the SF Film Festival.

Tickets will go on sale soon – stay tuned for more information!

Canadian Studies Program
213 Moses Hall #2308
Facebook  Twitter
Canadian Studies Program | Univ. of California, Berkeley, 213 Moses Hall #2308, Berkeley, CA 94720

The Legion Dispatch – April 2023

An update on some activities from Dominion Command.


Important Branch information 

Legion Dispatch. Visit branch services.
April 2023
Twitter. Facebook. Youtube. Instagram. Linkedin.
Poppy Store.
  Share this email
Keep your Branch informed

Forward this email to your Branch Executives, Committee Members and other members to keep them up-to-date on important updates and information.
All Branch emails are also available on the Member Services Website
In this edition – April 2023
alt_text
The inaugural National Legion Week is this September!
Sunday, September 17 will mark the first official National Legion Week across Canada. Celebrated by some Provincial Commands and their Branches since the 1980s, National Legion Week is designed to educate communities on the good work their local Branch does, reinforce the role the Legion plays in supporting Veterans and attract new members to our organization.
More information about National Legion Week can be found in the All-Branch email below.
Read full email  ‣ | Get the tip sheet  ‣
alt_text
New radio and TV Public Service Announcements
New TV and radio commercials have been developed to promote Legion membership. Branches are encouraged to share the 30- and 15-second commercials and the 30-second radio spot with local broadcasters to help promote the Legion in your community — download a letter you can send to broadcasters below.
Listen and download  ‣ | Download PSA letter  ‣
alt_text
Reminder: Screen every booking at your Branch
Not everyone who requests to book a Branch has the Legion’s values at heart. This is why screening each and every booking request you receive is imperative to our success.
Branches cannot be affiliated with anyone promoting discrimination, overthrowing government, or protesting laws or regulations. Always use the Branch Booking Checklist to help ensure unacceptable bookings do not occur. Read the full email below for more information about Branch bookings.
Read full email  ‣ | Download the Branch Booking Checklist  ‣
alt_text
Using your Branch logo
Every Branch has a branded Legion logo which includes its Branch number and location. Branches are required to use their Branch logo for ALL Branch communications, including but not limited to stationary, marketing and public relations materials, Branch branded products and promotions, and signage.
Branches can request the Legion logo but contacting marketing@legion.ca and providing their Branch Command, Branch number and town/city.
Branches with an exisiting supply of collateral or signage using an old Legion logo may use that up before reordering with the new logo.
For more information on Branch brand guidelines, download the Brand Manual.
alt_text
The Legion responds to the 2023 federal budget
In its 2023 budget, Canada’s federal government committed $156.7 million dollars to help support military and RCMP Veterans. The Legion trusts they will do just that — and in tangible ways.
“We are happy to see this proposed spending,” says Bruce Julian, Dominion President. “But it needs to be properly targeted. We would like more clarity on exactly how it will be spent. This funding should go where it’s needed most, and in a way that directly benefits Veterans and clears the backlog.”
Read more  ‣
alt_text
New housing support for CAF troops
We are encouraged to hear the Canadian Armed Forces plans to launch a new housing benefit for troops who need it most. The Legion has long been advocating for this sort of program to support those who face high costs of living while on duty in some parts of Canada. The Legion also will be monitoring how changes to the housing benefits may impact those not eligible.
Read more  ‣
alt_text
Look out for scams defrauding seniors
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has provided information and advice to help prevent “emergency” scams which target and defraud seniors — including Veteran seniors. According to police, these crimes are at an all-time high in Canada and can be emotionally and financially devastating.
With “emergency scams”, seniors are targeted through phone calls from criminals posing as relatives, claiming their loved one is involved in some emergency (accident, sick, legal etc.) and requires immediate financial help.
Branches are encouraged to download the following assets and post or share with members and vulnerable seniors.
About emergency scams  ‣ | Download the prevention handout  ‣
alt_text
Branch Membership Administration
Resources and tips to support your Membership Chair
Smiling senior woman wearing headset sitting in front of a computer monitor.
+ Automated telemarketing renewal calling campaign is underway
Canada Direct has started running our automated telemarketing campaign, calling approximately 18,000 non-renewed members using its predictive dialing software. A pre-recorded phone message will remind members to renew their Legion membership. Members can transfer to speak to an Agent and pay directly over the phone with a credit card. If the member is not home, a message will be left encouraging them to renew.
Listen to the recordings:
for English members  ‣ | for French members  ‣
The campaign is expected to last until end of April.
Digital membership card seen on a smart phone screen
+ New Digital Membership Card now available!
Over 16,000 Legion Members have already signed up for the Digital Card!
Members can now choose a traditional plastic card or a Digital Card. Learn about the Digital Card technical requirements, how to request a card, branch notification and more!
Get all the details  ‣
Get access to Marketing and PR resources
Promote membership with free Branch resources
Order FREE recruitment and retention resources through the Legion Supply Department to help promote membership at your Branch.
Check out our flyer  ‣
Light bulb
PR Tip of the Month
Create a radio ad
Community radio ads are a good and often free way to get a message out about a special dinner, fundraiser or other Legion event. Reach out to local stations for instructions.
Have questions or need advice? Contact your Command Public Relations Officer or Nujma Bond, Dominion Command Communications at nbond@legion.ca
Your Legion calendar
Did you know the Canadian Navy, Army and RCMP were all founded in the month of May? Promote important dates and organize activities at your Branch with this list of upcoming days that raise awareness of an issue, commemorate a group or event, or celebrate an important topic.
Download the 2023 calendar  ‣
MemberPerks®: Exclusive offers and preferred pricing through Venngo
MemberPerks® is more than a member benefit package. It’s also a tool Branches can use to promote membership. Plus, you can partner with local businesses in your community to offer exclusive discounts for your members.
Learn more  ‣
Partner promotions
The following is brought to you by our partners, highlighting special offers and other information.
Royal Canadian Legion members have access to exclusive offers & perks with BST Vacations. These offers are negotiated with our preferred travel partners and are just for Legion Members. For information on this and other exciting offers, visit our website!
Cost savings on everything your Branch needs to run its restaurant and hospitality services
Moneris.
Sign up for a free membership with Entegra and your Branch will receive rebates and savings through new and current suppliers on food and beverages, furniture and equipment, maintenance and repair services, and more!
Learn more  ‣
Preferred rates for Branches from Canada’s leading payment processor
Whether your Branch wants to accept payments in-person, online, or via mobile devices, Moneris offers a variety of solutions that can meet your needs. In addition to the preferred rates, you can also enjoy services such as 24/7 support and stress-free set up.
Learn more  ‣
Special offer from Legion Magazine
If you have any questions, please contact Member Services and we will be pleased to assist. 1-855-330-3344 or membership@legion.ca

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST

Working together to serve Canada’s Veterans.
Legion.
Click here if you are having trouble viewing this message

Copyright © 2023 The Royal Canadian Legion. All rights reserved.

Administrative emails from Legion National Headquarters are sent to the email address on file for your local Legion Branch. If this is no longer the correct email address for your Branch, please forward this email to the new contact and request the Branch update their contact information.

The Branch may update the email address at any time by updating their Branch Profile on the Member Services Website or by contacting Member Services. Learn more about All Branch emails.

Our contact information is:
The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters
Member Services Department
86 Aird Place
Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1
Canada

Toll free: 855‑330‑3344
E-mail: membership@legion.ca