Elbows Up!

February 12, 2026

Elbows Up! By Cylon2036. we/us

Canada is a fully sovereign nation, which is why it politely checks with Washington before having an opinion, consults Wall Street before having a budget, and asks Netflix what its culture should look like this year. Canada has its own flag, its own anthem, and its own unique way of spelling words, clear evidence of independence, so long as no money, trade, defence, data, or algorithms are involved.

Economically, Canada stands tall as a “resource economy with values”, meaning it digs things up, sells them to foreign multinationals, and then congratulates itself on the regulatory framework that allowed it to happen. When questioned about dependency, officials point proudly to sovereignty markers like a domestic banking cartel and a housing market so inflated it no longer requires foreign ownership to be unaffordable.

Culturally, Canada is a vibrant mosaic, carefully curated to ensure it is distinguishable from the United States by being slightly more polite, slightly more apologetic, and exactly one season behind. Our artists are encouraged to find their voice, preferably in New York or Los Angeles, where Canadian stories can be properly validated. Nothing says cultural confidence like a national broadcaster constantly reminding viewers that the show they’re watching is in fact Canadian.

On the world stage, Canada is an independent middle power, free to chart its own course, provided that course aligns seamlessly with U.S. foreign policy, NATO, the G7, and the invisible hand of global capital. Canada is not a vassal state, it is a trusted partner, which is much more dignified and comes with lanyards at international summits..

In short, Canadian sovereignty is alive and well. It just exists mostly in branding, heritage minutes, and the comforting belief that being slightly less loud than the empire next door counts as independence.

Shucking Oysters: Whitewashed Arm Candy

February 12, 2026

Shucking Oysters: Whitewashed Arm Candy

By Alex Allen

“To our fellow Americans we say, you’re never gonna find great meaning in a cubicle or in front of a computer screen. But you will find great meaning if you dedicate yourself to the creation and sustenance of human life,” JD Vance preached to the newly-converted at the annual March for Life in Washington, DC last month. White young Americans from Erika Kirk’s Turning Point USA, Students For Life, and Counteract USA, and other pro-life groups held on to his every word. Power, racism, and subjugation of women – white American evangelicalism in all its glory.

On stage behind bulletproof glass Vance bragged: “Now, some of you may remember that in my remarks last year, I told you all that one of the things I most wanted in the United States of America was more families and more babies. So, let the record show you have a vice president who practices what he preaches. Usha and I announced this week that we’re expecting our fourth. And it will be our third baby boy.” Spoiler alert: Usha is 40 years old and will never have her career back again.

The first March for Life took place in January 1974, marking the one-year anniversary of the United States’ Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion. Fifty years later, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and the focus has seismically shifted. The goal is “to change the culture to ultimately make abortion unthinkable.”

The controversial Project 2025 recommends that the government “maintain a biblically based, social science-reinforced definition of marriage and family.” It also plans to change the name of the federal health and human services department to the “Department of Life.” As the author’s of a Mother Jones article wrote in November: “Until the government can muster up real, honest discussions on how to support all American families, it’s hard to imagine the Trump administration’s policies moving anyone, except maybe MAGA trad wives, to procreate.”

Misogyny is an integral policy feature of the US government. Under Trump’s anti-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion order, the words “women” and “female” have been banned from research grant applications and legislation has been passed that will make it more difficult for married women to vote. As Olivia Campbell wrote, “women’s contributions are being erased, their rights and roles eroded. And given the history of authoritarian regimes, it’s all too familiar territory.” Beyond Trump’s proclivities and the Epstein hall of shame, at least three administration leaders and members of the cabinet, including sperm-donating Elon Musk, health guru Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and warrior secretary Pete Hegseth have been accused of sexual misconduct.

Doug Wilson, the self-taught pastor of Hegseth’s denomination, the arch-conservative Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches, maintains that it was wrong to let women vote and believes that married women should submit to their husbands. He also wants women out of combat. “I think we ought to find out the name of the person who suggested that we put women on those submarines and have that man committed,” Wilson said. “It’s like having a playpen that you put 50 cats in and then drop catnip in the middle of it. Whatever happens is going to be ugly.”

A recent Slate article written by Heather Schwedel, has faced criticism for suggesting that Vance’s pledge to make more babies is compensating for his having a wife of colour. “In lieu of trading in his wife for a paler model, Vance has found another way to prove himself a good shepherd of the MAGA faithful: He and Usha are expecting a fourth child in July.” Former MSNBC host Joy Reid wondered the same thing suggesting that Vance ditch his current wife for purified Erika Kirk as a strategic political move. “Wouldn’t it be the most perfect fairy tale, MAGA fairy tale, if he finally sees the light that he needs a White queen instead of this Brown Hindu?” With no surprise Reid, one of the most respected Black female commentators on air was fired. Trump celebrated by posting “the mentally obnoxious racist, Joy Reid” was “one of the least talented people in television.” Eight other MSN on-air news personalities were also given the pink slip last year. All were Black and half were women – Trump’s DEI regime in action.

And if you think Canadian politics are different, you are naive. Pierre Poilievre has had a long history of being anti-choice over his life-time political career. Yes, he has promised not to legislate on abortion, but that doesn’t mean that a sitting conservative MP couldn’t bring forward a bill for a free vote. And in fact, Poilievre has clearly stated he would not stop any of his MPs from introducing anti-abortion legislation.

In response to the overturning of Roe V. Wade in 2019, former Bloc Quebecois MP Monique Pauzé asked for “the House of Commons to reiterate that a woman’s body belongs to her and her alone, and recognize her right to choose an abortion regardless of the reason.” When adopted, all MPs in the house rose in standing ovation except for conservative MPs. Every single one of them remained in their seats and did not even applaud. On the very same day Poilievre voted no to providing women with free contraceptives. In Murray Mandryk’s words, “if mimicry is the greatest form of flattery, consider how Trump’s actions have become the template for a lot of conservatives.”

Three quarters of Pierre’s caucus and almost half of his supporters are latent Trump supporters according to recent polling. Poilievre also has a hefty fan base of Trump-friendly personalities. Last year, bombastic Kevin O’Leary said that Trump should invite “the Prime Minister in waiting” to Mar-a-Lago because Poilievre is “Trump’s kind of guy.” Ben Shapiro, a leading voice in the MAGA movement posted a video, “Pierre Poilievre is for the People” in 2024 calling him a “tremendous politician” who opposes “radical sexual individualism.” Shapiro also shared in the video that women “owe it to men to be good wives and mothers.”

There are over 800 registered pro-life organizations in the US that earn more than $427 million in revenue each year and have assets of $398 million. In Canada we have more than 300 pro-life groups. While there is no exact number of US-based pro-life organizations operating in Canada, Heartbeat International, Care Net, and the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates are heavily involved in the Canadian, anti-abortion landscape.

In December, a parliamentary committee recommended Canada end automatic charitable status for religious groups, mirroring recommendations from the BC Humanist Association (BCHA) that the government: “Amend the Income Tax Act to provide a definition of a charity which would remove the privileged status of ‘advancement of religion’ as a charitable purpose” and “No longer provide charitable status to anti-abortion organizations.”

The BCHA, with the Centre for Inquiry Canada, estimated that tax receipts issued by religious charities in Canada resulted in $1.6 to $2.6 billion in “foregone revenue” in 2017. The report included 462 recommendations based on 828 submissions and 74 presentations by groups and individuals. While the recommendations have yet to be adopted, religious institutions across the country are ringing their church bells loudly – in protest.

In a sermon two years ago, Texas Democrat James Talarico, a part-time Presbyterian seminary student eloquently said: “Christian nationalism is here to maintain the status quo. They have co-opted the Son of God. They have turned this humble rabbi into a gun-toting, gay-bashing, science-denying, money-loving, fear-mongering fascist.” White evangelical leaders would serve themselves well if they cared more about following Jesus and loving others instead of obsessively thinking about what it means to be a Christian man and Christian woman.

If You Think Our Rulers Do Bad Things In Secret, Wait Til You See What They Do Out In The Open

February 12, 2026

CAITLIN JOHNSTONE

FEB 9

They launched a live-streamed genocide in full view of the entire world.

They’re openly targeting civilian populations with siege warfare in Iran and Cuba in full view of the entire world.

They openly kidnapped the president of a sovereign nation in full view of the entire world.

They deliberately provoked a horrific and dangerous proxy war in Ukraine in full view of the entire world.

They spent years actively backing Saudi Arabia’s monstrous genocidal atrocities in Yemen in full view of the entire world.

They’re plundering and exploiting the resources and labor of the global south in full view of the entire world.

They’re killing the biosphere we all depend on for their own enrichment in full view of the entire world.

They’re circling the globe with hundreds of military bases to secure planetary domination in full view of the entire world.

They engage in nuclear brinkmanship and wave around armageddon weapons like pistols in full view of the entire world.

People go homeless and die of exposure while billionaires buy private islands and choose the next president in full view of the entire world.

Weapons manufacturers lobby for wars and then profit from the death and destruction they cause in full view of the entire world.

The president of the United States has repeatedly admitted to being bought and owned by the world’s richest Israeli in full view of the entire world.

The US Treasury Secretary has been repeatedly admitting that the US deliberately sparked the violence and unrest in Iran by methodically immiserating the population via economic warfare, in full view of the entire world.

I keep seeing people freaking out and asking how it’s possible that the individuals in the Epstein files haven’t been arrested for their secret nefarious behavior. And I always want to ask them, mate, have you seen the nefarious behavior they’re engaging in right out in the open?

Pay attention to the Epstein files. Pay attention to what little we can learn about how these freaks conduct themselves behind closed doors. By all means, pay close attention to these things.

But don’t forget to also pay attention to the far greater evils they are inflicting in full view of the entire world.

Letter to the Editor – Stephen Hawkins

February 12, 2026

Public Funding Demands Public Accountability in Denman’s Fibre Project

CityWest’s recent update on the Denman Island fibre expansion highlights real progress, but it also raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability in a project largely funded by public money.

While the announcement presents the latest $2.1 million budget increase as a CityWest investment, approximately $1.7 million of that funding comes from the Province’s Connected Coast program. From the outset, this project has relied primarily on public funds: roughly $5.6 million from the Province and $760,000 from the CVRD, representing only about 10% of the initial $7.6 million project cost. CityWest is delivering this service as part of a public-private partnership, not a purely private venture.

Given this level of public investment, the exclusion of dozens of Denman households from service is deeply troubling. In 2026, fibre connectivity underpins not only internet access but also modern telephone and cellular services. Leaving residents without access would be unacceptable if this were a phone exchange or cell tower, and it should be no more acceptable now.

The referendum that passed with overwhelming support reflected a community mandate for island-wide connectivity, not a partial build. If additional funding is required to reach remaining homes, that discussion must be transparent and inclusive, allowing residents and elected officials to make informed decisions.

Public money demands public accountability. Denman Islanders deserve clear information, open communication, and a credible plan to ensure no one is left behind in our shared digital future.

Stephen Hawkins

Letter to the Editor – Edina Johnston

February 12, 2026

Opposition to Bylaw 250, 254 & 255

I am opposed to Bylaw 250, 254 and 255 until such time as the Denman Island Local Trust Committee has completed a Growth Limits Study to determine how many people our island can support and still protect the values for which the Islands Trust was created. The initial first step would be to conduct a Build-out Study to determine how many homes (or residences) are now allowed on Denman under current zoning. This includes lots that are not yet built on and properties that are zoned to be divided. Multiplying the number of allowed residences by the capacity of each dwelling will provide an estimate of the likely number of people to be living here when all lots are developed.

Although, determining when a population is “too many” for a given area is not defined by a fixed number, but rather by the carrying capacity—the point at which the environment can no longer sustainably support the population with necessary resources (food, water, energy) and infrastructure.

Even though the increase from residential units at this R4 zoned property is only 4, the proposed increases in floor area, outbuildings and the permitting of secondary suites in all residential units could have a huge impact on the number of total occupants. More occupants equals more resources needed and even though the impact is lessened by rainwater catchment, composting toilets etc. there is always a negative carbon footprint created, resulting in loss of biodiversity, and deforestation.

The rural aspect of island geography is a valued and integral part of the islands’ life and communities which also helps to protect the rare and fragile ecosystems found on the gulf islands, which are

becoming all the more valuable as development pressures eradicate similar ecosystems in surrounding areas on the mainland and Vancouver Island. Local infrastructure such as our parks, roads, schools, community halls, garbage collection, recycling center, medical clinic, fire and rescue service and ambulance are all at risk of becoming overtaxed if we don’t heed our carrying capacity.

Bill 44 requires all municipalities to update zoning bylaws putting pressure on our nearby communities that we rely on for hospitals, police, ferries, colleges, universities, transit etc. Based on recent data, infrastructure in British Columbia is not currently adequate to handle the rapid population growth, resulting in a significant, recognized infrastructure deficit.

For our LTC to rubber stamp these significant changes for 5201 Denman Road sets a precedent and could potentially mean that other land cooperatives, cluster housing etc. would also receive the same approval, but without knowing Denman’s Carrying Capacity, we’re setting ourselves up for failure.

It’s hard to “preserve and protect” once you’ve opened the flood gates!

Edina Johnston

5271 Chrisman Rd.

Denman Island, BC

Letter to the Editor – Carie McGregor

February 12, 2026

A letter in last week’s Grapevine reminded me that I have been meaning to give some feedback for the writer, Quinn Ireland. Seeing what I knew to be a youth writing in the local paper was a breath of fresh air. It reminded me of when I learned to write a character sketch in school. It reminded me of a time when I wrote for pleasure, without feeling that I had to earn a paycheque from it, or an award, or a spot on the bestseller list.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who is sick and tired of adults and their never-ending opinions, not just the letters, editorials, columns, and feuds in the local papers, but in all media. We’re all so opinionated and sooo intelligent and so hypocritical and so damned boring. Maybe the bright young voices of Denman Island should start their own paper. It could feature writing, drawings, photos of other artistic creations and inventions, links to musical compositions, etc. I would much rather learn about what the future world changers are thinking, feeling, and making than have to hear the tired, regurgitated arguments of “adults” ad nauseam. It’s pretty obvious that we’re not going to change each others’ minds, anyway, at least not that way.

So thank you Quinn, for reminding me to do what is enjoyable. For years now I’ve been sporadically working on a children’s book and a sci-fi TV series. It’s sporadic because I get stuck in perfectionism and self-doubt, but you’ve inspired me to keep going because when I do it, I love it, so I’ll just do it for the love of it, with no expectations in mind. And though there very well might be a bestseller in you, (or me) I figure that as long as you’re doing what you love, you’ve already succeeded because you’ve carved out a little bit of happiness in this life. So cheers to you for sharing your voice. Thank you!

Carie McGregor

Letter to the Editor – Christiane Brown

February 12, 2026

Having read the Grapevine’s “Letters to the Editor” of February 5th, 2026

I was left confused with several questions:

The exchange between Keith Porteous and Dr. Stephen Malthouse does not look like actual Letters to the Editor but more like part of a private conversation?
If you can confirm that what you have published is actually part of a private exchange, has this been done with Dr. Malthouse’s permission?
For the sake of objectivity and for the unbiased readers’ wish to form his/her own independent thoughts and opinion, I believe it will be helpful, if not essential to release Dr. Malthouse’s original , uncensored Letter to the Editor that has been denied publication.
Without proper context, the above mentioned exchange does not make much sense.

Sincerely, Christiane Brown

—————-

Publisher/Editor’s Note:

In support of the clarity Christiane requested, we replied directly to her. As stated in our preamble to Malthouse’s revised letter, we had asked for a revision to his submissions because they violated TIG’s editorial policies. We took his response as his revision.

At no time has Stephen Malthouse requested confidentiality in his correspondence with TIG. Some of his views about indigenous reconciliation efforts are touched on in his revised response to us, but are less explicit than the original.

We will not be publishing his original submission because it violates the TIG’s editorial policies. Anyone can be published in TIG, but we insist they do so within the paper’s guidelines. Everyone who submits content that doesn’t meet the standard of TIG’s EP is offered the opportunity to revise it.

Mike Van Santvoord, Publisher and Editor