Older APIRG News

National Day of Action—Bring your own Oil Derrick—
Support the Lubicon Cree

Edmonton, Alberta- June 29th, 2007 is a National Day of Action condemning the Canadian Government's shameful approach to long standing First Nations land claims. 

It’s time to give the Alberta government a taste of its own medicine.

Join us on Friday, 29 June - Alberta Legislature – 12PM. We will publicly demand justice for the Lubicon Cree of Northern Alberta concerning three outstanding issues with Government of Canada and one with the Government of Alberta:

1. Self-government

2. Land claim settlement

3. Restitution 

4. The Government of Alberta stop leasing Lubicon territory for oil and gas extraction until the dispute with the federal government is settled.

Bring an “oil derrick”, a sign, your person. Bring it to the legislature. Join us in our ongoing extractions on Friday, 29 June.

8:00AM: Mock Extraction Consultations with Legislature staff and Government officials

12:00PM: Declaration of Intent from the Republic of Greedolia

1:00PM onward: Mock extraction at legislature grounds

This action is a dramatization illustrating the irrationality employed by both levels of government in their atrocious and internationally condemned treatment of the Lubicon. Our action will turn that same legal reasoning on the government itself.

Public Notice:
The tiny and virtually unknown Republic of Greedolia has recently informed us that, having purchased land fromby someone’s cousin assumed to be connected to the legislature, they are now the legal owners of the Alberta Legislature. We will be supporting them as they serve their eviction notice on the Government of Alberta in order to make way for oil and gas development. As a civilized and benevolent people, the Greedolians have expressed their generous intent to negotiate with the Alberta government, on Greedolia's own terms, for continued oil development on most of the grounds. In exchange, education in Greedolia schools will be provided on a mandatory basis, and negotiations may begin for control over a small section of land and perhaps some form of compensation

The Republic of Greedolia has announced a "first come, first serve" oil and gas lease policy for the Alberta Legislature grounds. Every individual or group that arrives on June 29th, 2007, starting at noon, will be immediately granted a concession, on very favorable terms, for the placement of their own symbolic oil derrick.

Bring your own derrick!  All are welcome whether they are drilling or not, but we recommend that our supporters not miss out on this wonderful opportunity. We have heard from various experts that the Alberta Legislature, is in fact, full of gas.

FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL:  info@lubicon.org OR CHECK OUT www.lubicon.org

Posted June 19th, 2007

 

AP!RG Board Election 2007 Results

 

  Yes No
Julie Alton 2359 679
Debrah Bergin 1799 1003
Jacqueline Cannam 2098 902
Josh Fanaeian 2010 950
Omayra Issa 1957 985
Brooke Leifso 1964 902
Katherine Mazurok 1928 953
Sahro Osman 1872 997
Teresa Jane Trovato 1886 937

 

Click on the image below to meet your 2007/2008 APIRG Board

Posted March 13th, 2007
Journalists For Human Rights to publish bigger, better, more colorful SpeakNews!

JHR is pleased to announced that they will be publishing another issue of "SpeakNews" late March/early April. It'll be bigger, better, and in color! However, in order to make an issue we need writers!

If you find a story or idea that interests you, please e-mail ASAP. Tasneem will be able to provide you with further details, and where you should begin your researching/finding sources.

The deadline for submissions is March 15.

Below is a news-list. If anysubject catches your attention, please e-mail for further details & angles:

  • Human trafficking (research piece)
  • Homeless situation in Edmonton (news story)
  • Student Group Profile: SIHA (news story)
  • Student Group Profile: EWB (news story)
  • Freedom to Read - Spotlight the issue & the group working to bring attention to the issue

There will also be a mini-workshop for new writers as well. Also, if you have a story idea that is not in the list above, please e-mail .

Posted March 5th, 2007
AP!RG's Annual Report 2005 to 2006

The AP!RG Annual Report for 2005-2006 is now available online. Read about APIRG's annual budget, summaries of working groups, projects, events, achievments and challenges.

Download the 05/06 APIRG Annual Report

Posted November 2nd, 2006

2nd Annual Western PIRG Conference 2007
May 11-13th
Edmonton, Alberta

The second annual Western PIRG conference welcomed PIRG members from across Western Canada for a weekend of networking, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. 

Through workshops, panel discussions, and skill shares, participants had the opportunity to engage in issues relevant to the PIRGs mandate of transforming social concern into action.  Topics included media activism, dealing with burnout, fundraising, political theatre, and more.

Posted May 19th, 2007
Posted April 30th, 2007
APIRG's 5 Year Anniversery!

What? potluck dinner and round-table discussion on APIRG's past, present and future.

Who? Anyone who has been actively involved in APIRG operations during these 5 years be they board, staff or volunteers.

When? April 27th 2007 from 5-8pm

Where? TBA (somewhere on or nearby the UofA campus in Edmonton)

RSVP at by email or phone 492-0614 by April 20th 2007

Posted March 26th, 2006
WORLD WATER DAY- March 22nd


Alberta Legislature - Noon
Albertans and residents of the Northwest Territories will call for a tar sands time-out at the Alberta Legislature.


Stanley Milner Library Theatre - 6p.m to 9p.m

Short films and a panel discussion will highlight water issues as diverse as water as a human right, privatization of water supplies, water pollution and more.

Confirmed panelists include Dr. David Swann (MLA), Ricardo Acuna (Parkland Institute), Tom Unka (Deninu Kue First Nation), and Doug Ritchie (Ecology North). Films TBA.

Brought to you by:

For more information on the local event, call 492-0614

Posted March 15th, 2007

 

War Resisters Support Campaign
“Not In Our Name” National Tour

Edmonton CD Release Party featuring Mohammad Ali and his new album, “Such a Long Journey”

TranAlta Arts Barn (10330 – 84 Ave)

Saturday, March 17, 2007 8 pm

Toronto-based hip-hop artist, Mohammad Ali stops in Edmonton for his CD Release Party as part of the International Day of Action to protest the wars
in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The solo hip-hop album, as Ali stated, “is meant to not only be a means to raise funds for the legal and material needs of U.S. war resisters, but to also raise awareness about the campaign to a younger audience.” The War
Resister Support Campaign (WRSC) is a coalition of individuals and groups pressing for the Canadian government to support U.S. soldiers who, obeying
international laws, refuse to participate in what they – along with many others – see as an illegal war.

U.S. War Resister, Ryan Johnson, and his wife, Jenna, who now reside in Nelson, B.C. will also be on hand to speak and answer questions that Saturday at this CD Release Party. Some of Edmonton’s local hip-hop artists
will also be part of the performance line-up – local performers with socially conscious lyrics such as Khiry, iD, and the People’s Poets. The evening event will begin with a screening of the film, “Let Them Stay,” which features exclusive interviews with U.S. war resisters in Canada and
documents the WRSC.


Organized by the Edmonton Coalition Against War and Racism and the Edmonton Small Press Association.

Sponsored by the Alberta Public Interest Research
Group.

Posted March 13th, 2007
 
The Campus Community for Public Healthcare present 's
BIG BUCKS BIG PHARMA

Marketing Disease & Pushing Drugs

Film followed by discussion with panel and audience.

WEDNESDAY
MARCH 14
5:00 PM
in Education South 158

Donations will be accepted for Campus Community for Public Healthcare.

“Big Bucks, Big Pharma pulls back the curtain on the
multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry to expose
the insidious ways that illness is used, manipulated, and
in some instances created, for capital gain. Focusing on
the industry's marketing practices, media scholars and
health professionals help viewers understand the ways
in which direct-to-consumer (DTC) pharmaceutical advertising glamorizes and normalizes vertising the use of prescription medication, and works in tandem with promotion to doctors. Combined, these industry practices shape how both patients and doctors understand and relate to disease and treatment. Ultimately, Big Bucks, Big
Pharma challenges us to ask important questions about
the consequences of relying on a for-profit industry for
our health and well-being."

Sponsored by APIRG

March 8th, 2006
The Olive Reading Series


Tuesday, March 13th, 7pm-9pm at Hulbert‚s Café
7601-115 Street

Feature Poets for March 2007:
University of Alberta Creative Writing Students

Join us as the students of Bert Almon's creative writing poetry class share their work. This is a special Olive event designed to showcase talented emerging poets.

Following the feature reading is a popular open-mic series, which gives a stage to writers both from the university creative writing scene and from the community at large.
The Olive runs on the second Tuesday of the month from September to April.

Each month The Olive features one poet and, with the financial assistance of APIRG, publishes a chapbook of the
feature poet's work.

Posted March 8th, 2007
Climate Action Rally

Canadians for Kyoto are organizing a rally to demand action on climate change now!

Sunday March 13th, 2007 Winston Churchill Square Edmonton

(remember daylight savings time!)

Sponsored by the Edmonton District and Labour Council and AP!RG.

Posted March 8th, 2007
Friends of the Lubicon Alberta Open House March 7th!

There will be an open house all day Wednesday in the AP!RG office to raise awareness about the injustice facing the Lubicon Cree. From 11a.m-3p.m we will screen the film "A Fight Against Time" every hour on the hour followed by a discussion.

For more information you can contact

Posted March 5th, 2007
APIRG Office Closed for Reading Week

The APIRG office will be closed between Monday, February 19th to Friday, February 23rd for reading week.

If you require access to APIRG staff, the office, services, would like to opt-out or have any pressing questions you can email .

Posted February 16th, 2007
UNDERGRADS, RUN FOR THE APIRG BOARD!

AP!RG elections are fast approaching. On March 7th and 8th, in coordination with the SU elections, students will vote on AP!RG's next Board of Directors. AP!RG's Board is elected annually and is composed entirely of undergraduates.

Nomination deadline is February 14th, 2007.

For more information, check out our board section.

Download the nomination package.

Posted January 9th, 2007
AP!RG Opt-Out is January 21st-February 28th.

Undergraduates wishing to opt-out of winter APIRG dedicated fees ($2.83 for full time students) can do so during this opt-out period. You must bring your student id, a timetable showing proof of enrollment and fill out the form provided at the APIRG office or downloaded from here.

By opting out students are no longer elligible to acess AP!RG funds, vote or run for the APIRG board, or use AP!RG services, including the resource library.

Posted January 9th, 2007
AP!RG OPEN HOUSE

AP!RG will have an open house in the office on Wednesday, February 7th from noon-2pm. This will be an opportunity to check AP!RG out, meet AP!RG Board and staff and some members of AP!RG working groups. Light refreshments will be provided.

Posted February 5th, 2007
Edmonton Haiti Solidarity

Call to Action: Edmonton joins the International Day in Solidarity with the People of Haiti! Monday February 12th

Film Screening and Discussion:

Aristide and the Endless Revolution

A film by Nicolas Rossier

Monday, Feb 12th, 2007 @ 7 PM Remedy Cafe 8631 - 109 Street Edmonton, Alberta (Upstairs)

Discussion will follow the film.

Posted February 5th, 2007
Olive Reading Series

Tuesday, February 13, 7pm-9pm at Hulbert's Café

(7601-115 Street)

Featured Artist: Nduke Otiono

Listen to Nduke Otiono on Rise Up Radio!

Posted February 5th, 2007
Killercoke.org: Fighting Power with Power

Ray Rogers, founder of the Killer Coke Campaign, to speak in Edmonton!

Monday, January 29th, 2007

Presenation at Grant Macewan College 5p.m- free!

MPR (Multi Purpose Room) in the City Center Campus. 10700 104 Ave NW

Tuesday, January 30th, 2007

Presentation at International Week-12p.m-1:30p.m-free!
Dinwoodie Lounge 2nd Floor Students' Union Building
8900 114 Street University of Alberta

Strategy Meeting for Student's Against Killer Coke
(SAK COKE) 4p.m Humanities Centre 2-7,
University of Alberta.

Contact for more informtation

Posted January 18th, 2007
APIRG Winter/Spring 2007 Funding Round

APIRG is now accepting funding applications for winter semester, 2007. This funding round is available to working groups, requests to form working groups, projects and events.
Deadline: January 26th, 2007
Applications can be emailed to apirg@ualberta.ca
Please refer to our get funded page for more information and to download the application form.

Posted January 4th, 2007
Journalists for Human Rights Present:

Informed Ignorance: The Effect's of Today's Global Media

Monday 22  - Thursday 25 January,

Pre-Party 9pm, Friday 19 January

No registration necessary, Admission: Pay what you can.

All Proceeds to Edmonton Street News

The media's job is to keep us informed but the reduction to sound bites, clips and quotes makes it almost impossible to do justice to the complex issues of today. Join us for our four-day forum as we explore different roles of the media in our community, our country and internationally. For more information email

Posted January 18th, 2007
Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers

The story of what happens to everyday Americans when corporations go to war.

Acclaimed director Robert Greenwald (Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, Outfoxed and Uncovered) takes you inside the lives of soldiers, truck drivers, widows and children who have been changed forever as a result of profiteering in the reconstruction of Iraq. Iraq for Sale uncovers the connections between private corporations making a killing in Iraq and the decision makers who allow them to do so.

Friday, January 26th, 7p.m
Education North, Room 129

FREE POPCORN! FREE ADMISSION!

Donations will be accepted for War Resistors Support Campaign , assisting those who have fled to Canada rather than fight an illegal war.

Sponsored by APIRG and MAC Youth Edmonton

Contact for more informtation

Posted January 18th, 2007
APIRG Article in VUE Weekly

“The heart and soul of APIRG is the projects instigated by students and community members,” Chubb says. “We’re looking for projects that might not find support elsewhere and that are looking to involve students.”

WHAT DOES APIRG DO ANYWAY?

Posted November 2nd, 2006
APIRG'S Fall Production of "A Splice of Life: A Genetically Modified Musical" was a smash hit!

Thanks to all of those that were involved!

We couldn't have done it without you.

Posted October 13th, 2006
APIRG Welcomes Four New Working Groups!

La Chiva- The Colombian Solidarity Group

Edmonton Haiti Solidarity

Active Citizens Television

Legal Activist Collective

Posted October 26th, 2007
Journalists for Human Rights launches SpeakNews

Free Copies available in the APIRG Office

"Our publication aims to raise awareness about human rights abuses. We hope to improve the quality and quantity of human rights reporting. Writers, photographers, and political cartoonists are wanted!"

If you are interested in submitting or volunteering with the next issue, please e-mail

Posted Setpember 25th, 2006
PEACEKEEPER. HUMANITARIAN. ELECTION OBSERVER.
REALLY?

The mainstream media lead us to believe that Canadian foreign policy is about peacekeeping, providing humanitarian aid, and helping “fledgling democracies.” But, is that the whole truth?

On Wednesday December 6th at 7:00pm, join local activists and concerned citizens to share information and discuss experiences of Canadian foreign policy as it relates to Haiti, Columbia, Venezuela, and indigenous struggles in Alberta.

This interactive panel will take place in Education North, Room 101 on the U of A campus.

For more information, contact at 492-0614.


Posted December 1st, 2006
JOB POSTING: Chief Returning Officer

APIRG seeks a part time Chief Returning Officer to administer campus-wide elections for a new 2007-2008 APIRG Board.
Deadline Extended to December 10th, 2006

Posted December 5th, 2006

The Olive Reading Series

Olive's December Poetry Reading

Tuesday December 12 at Hulbert's in Belgravia.

Featuring: Sharon Thesen

Hulbert's address is: 7601-115 Street.

The reading will start at 7:00 pm, with an open mic to follow.

Posted November 20th, 2006
Legal Activist Collective

Legal Activists Collective (in collaboration with the
Environmental Law Students Association) are hosting a Free Store Thursday November 23rd and Friday, November 24th, 12-2, 2nd Floor Law Centre.

posted November 22nd, 2006
Active Citizens Television

Potluck and discussion on how to make the UofA campus more sustainable. All are Welcome!

Date: December 1, 2006
Location: East Campus Community Centre 11036 88th Ave
Time: 5:30 p.m

Posted November 22nd, 2006
Union organizer training workshop

The Industrial Workers of the World, along with SWAG are hosting a training workshop for organizers. Learn how to fire your boss, get better working conditions, vacations with pay, take your friends to the seashore.


When: November 18th, 12pm-5pm
Where: University Campus, Old Arts Building Room 232 Bring your friends, leave your boss. Free refreshments, including, but not limited to, coffee and delicious snacks.

  • SWAG is an APIRG Working Group
  • SWAG Official Site
  • Contact
Posted November 7th, 2006
Subsidized Parkland Conference Passes Available for Students

We are pleased to announce that a limited number of fully subsidized (that means FREE - thanks to APIRG) full passes are now available for the Tenth Annual Parkland Conference. These passes are only available to undergraduate students who have not opted out of the APIRG levy. You can get your pass at the Parkland Institute (11045 Saskatchewan Drive).

Be sure to register soon and don't forget your One Card!

Parkland Institute presents its 10th Annual Fall Conference: Power for the People: Determining Our Energy Future November 17 - 19, 2006 at the University of Alberta

Posted November 2nd, 2006

APIRG Opt-Out is September 21st-October 31st.

Undergraduates wishing to opt-out of APIRG dedicated fees can do so during this opt-out period. You must bring your student id and a timetable showing proof of enrollment, and fill out the form provided at the APIRG office or downloaded from here.

By opting out students are no longer elligible to apply for APIRG funds vote or run for the APIRG board, or use APIRG services including the resource library.

The next opt-out period is January 21st-February 28th

Posted September20th, 2006
New Working Groups!
Posted March 13th, 2006
2006 APIRG Board Member Election Official Results

There were 2851 ballots collected in the Election. 2311 of them are valid ballots with 540 of them being spoiled ballots. The following candidates won the Election (in alphabetical order):

Chris Alderson; Rob Butz; Jackie Ferner; Darren Lau; Nathan Leia, Amanda-Leigh Hanson; Damini Mohan; Stephanie Shantz; Amie Stang.

For stats information, read more on our elections page

Posted March 16th, 2006
APIRG Research Exchange (AReX) Pilot Project.

The Spring 2006 project postings are up for the pilot semester of AREx, -the APIRG student-community research exchange! If you'd like to be part of social change by applying your academic, artistic, communication and/or organizing skills for a non-profit group in exchange for credit in a relevant class, we urge you to learn more about the Research Exchange.

Community Projects

Current AReX Community Projects are up on this page. Remember, if one of these doesn't interest you, you should come and talk to the Research Facilitator, Rob Butz, about finding another project that matches your interest -- or doing a project with a community organization you already work with. Contact the APIRG Research Committee to learn more .

Posted January 20th, 2006
APIRG Annual General Meeting is October 10th, 2006

APIRG's AGM will feature presentations by Working Groups, project and event funding recipients, board members and our ever committed staff. The meeting is at 7p.m, in the Alumni Room, main floor of the Students Union Building (SUB).

For more information, contact

Posted September 25th, 2006
APIRG Seeks 3 New Board members!

APIRG's board is composed of 9 undergraduate students and we currently only have 6. On October 10th, at APIRG's Annual General Meeting, APIRG members will appoint 3 new board members. One of them could be you! If you are interested check out our board section or contact .

Posted September 25th, 200
APIRG Funding Round September 2006

Deadline for Working Group, project and events funding is Friday, September 29th. The Conference funding category is no longer available, however conference and training funding is available if part of a larger project.

See our get funded page for application forms and information.

Posted September 7th, 2006

 

APIRG DISORGANIZE 2006!

RADICAL WORKSHOPS, OPEN HOUSE AND A MUSICAL!

OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday, September 13th, 11a.m-2p.m
Come and meet APIRG Working Groups, board members and staff while scarfing some munchies.

WORKSHOPS


A Splice of Life – A Genetically Modified Musical

Join Flora - an undercover activist - as she journeys through the labs of biotech giants and makes some startling discoveries about genetic modification.

Featuring the talents of:

  • Geoff Berner
  • Ayla Brook
  • Rover Lai
  • Six favourites from the produce department
  • Five tap-dancing cloned sheep
  • Four mad scientists
  • Three Diggers
  • Two Biopirates
  • One swarm of killer bees
  • And many more...

Stanley Milner Library Theatre

Fri Sept 15th @ 7pm and Sat Sept 16th @ 2pm and 7pm

Admission by donation. (Proceeds to the Fight Genetically Altered Food Fund.)

Sponsored by APIRG, Biofreedom, CJSR, SEE Magazine, and the Edmonton Public Library.

Please contact or 492-0614 for more information.

Posted September 6th, 2006
Disorganize 2006 is seeking workshops for this year's program!

What is Disorganize?

Disorganize is an annual, 4-day events series organized by APIRG. It is a creative, politically progressive orientation to the U of A and Edmonton for new and returning students. Workshops, concerts, panels, film screenings, and open houses introduce students to social and political issues, movements and organizations in Edmonton and at the U of A. The goal is to present a wide range of opportunities to new students looking to get involved in social and environmental justice organizing, and to do all of this in a fun and creative manner.

Workshops and skill shares are an integral part of Disorganize. They enable students to tune into the issues, movements, groups, ideas, etc. that most invigorate them. Workshops are also a great way for those in the Edmonton community to branch out and engage in discussion.

What are we looking for?

  • Workshops will take place on Wednesday September 13th between 2:00 and 4:00pm and Thursday September 14th between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.
  • The content of the workshops should be at an introductory level. We are open to a variety of formats, keeping in mind that we are committed to popular education (i.e. workshops must be interactive/participatory).
  • All workshops should relate to social or environmental justice.

An honorarium will be provided for the presenter(s) of each workshop.

Past workshops have included

  • Radical Cheerleading
  • Alternative Menstrual Products
  • Media Activism
  • Graffiti Art and Stenciling
  • “Stealth for Health” (racism and sexism)

If you or your community group/organization has an idea for a workshop presentation, please submit the form below by email to or drop it off at APIRG.

Disorganize! 2006 Workshop hosting application form

The deadline for proposal submissions is Monday July 17th, 2006.

Posted June 27th, 2006
APIRG Welcomes new Financial Coordinator

APIRG is pleased to welcome the newest edition to our staff, . A long time resident of Edmonton, Hannah was born at the UofA hospital not far from this office. Her shoe size is 8 1/2 and her entire family is within walking distance of her birthplace. She has traveled quite a bit though and is not totally insular. Hannah will be returning to school at the UofA to obtain her masters in human ecology and plays the fiddle. Welcome!

posted July 7th, 2006
Clearing the Air on Climate Change

 

A National Speaking Tour on the Environmental Impacts of Accelerating Tar Sands Development

Join noted environmentalist and Officer of the Order of Canada, Elizabeth May as she addresses the realities and fallacies of this crucially important, national issue.

Thursday, June 22nd, 7:30p.m

University of Alberta, Engineering Teaching and Learning Centre (ETLC) E2-002

Free Admission

For more information contact APIRG at 780.492.0614

posted June 13th, 2006
Healthy Mind, Body, Planet Tour

with Angela Bischoff, Kelly Reinhardt, and Bridget Haworth

Does the state of the world leave you depressed?

In 2004, renowned activist Tooker Gomberg committed suicide, ending a lifetime of struggle for peace and environmental protection.

Did his anti-depressants push him over the edge?

This spring, the national Healthy Mind, Body, Planet Tour addresses these questions and more. We'll expose the tactics of big pharma, the dangers of antidepressant drugs, and provide information on sustainable activism and alternative treatments to sound mental health.

This presentation is a multi-media kaleidoscope of images, sounds, and stories.

Participants will walk away motivated to influence their world with greater awareness and tools.

23 Communities across Canada and Edmonton is the grande finale

Tuesday, June 20, 7 pm

Stanley A. Milner Library, Theatre

7 Sir Winston Churchill Square

free, donations accepted

join us for this special evening in the community that Tooker and Angela worked, lived and loved so much in. Edmonton, also home town of Kelly and point of conception for Bridget.

For more information check out

Greenspiration

Boiling Frog

Download the poster

posted June 13th, 2006

APIRG's Response to the April 4th Gateway Article entitled "APIRG Teetering on the Edge of Bankruptcy"

Webmaster's note: APIRG's Funds have since been released by the Students Union's Audit Commitee. A retraction from the Student's Union Audit Committee was printed in the second Gateway issue of September, 2006.
April 6, 2006

Dearest Friends of APIRG:

I wish to offer you clarification surrounding recent events regarding APIRG's relations with the Students' Union and the media coverage received in the April 4th edition of the Gateway.

For most of the school year, APIRG has been in negotiations with the Students' Union's Audit Committee, which is empowered to approve disbursement of APIRG's dedicated fee reserve. Under Students' Union legislation, the approval is contingent on Audit Committee receiving certain documentation, such as audited financial statements and a proposed budget for the funds to be disbursed, to ensure we are meeting our mandate and not
misspending student money. As of March 3, 2006, APIRG has provided all required documentation required under Students' Union bylaws.

During the week of March 20th, APIRG received a letter from the Students' Union Audit Committee, making additional demands that would need to be met
before they would approve our disbursement. A "written commitment" to reduce the size of our general reserve and a "plan of action" to invest it was requested. (Our general reserve is a fund that exists as a result of our dedicated fees from 2001-2002 not being disbursed by the Students' Union until 2003-2004).

We do not believe that Audit Committee's mandate grants them power to tell us what to do with our general reserve. In any case, it should be made clear that these funds already have a designated usage. In September 2003,
Students' Council approved the disbursement of these funds with the understanding that they would be used for fixed income investment and cash flow, and this is what they have been used for. Audit Committee certainly
does not have the power to impose new conditions on disbursements previously approved by the Students' Union.

In response to Audit Committee's requests, the Board of Directors decided to send Audit Committee a letter outlining our full position and asking for our funds to be disbursed. This letter went out last Thursday. Also on
Thursday, it was made clear by Financial Coordinator Rose Yewchuk that APIRG's funds were very low, as the general reserve that APIRG has been forced to operate on due to our funds being withheld, was very close to running dry. This prompted emphasis of the urgency of APIRG's financial situation to be included in the letter to Audit Committee.

At an Audit Committee meeting last Friday, a motion to disburse APIRG's dedicated fee reserve was once again voted down. However by the end of the day, the Students' Union Executive Committee had approved a $10,000 loan, in order to prevent APIRG from being forced into insolvency. We appreciate the decision by the Executive Committee to take action on this matter.

Tuesday afternoon, in line with the course of action approved by the Board of Directors, I filed a request for a hearing in front of the Students' Union's Discipline, Interpretation, and Enforcement Board. This is essentially the court of the Students' Union, and they have agreed to hear our case this Friday at 3pm.

Now, on to the Gateway…

Many of you know by now that on Tuesday the Gateway published an article on this story. It was titled "APIRG teetering on the edge of bankrupcy: Students' Union withheld 'mismanaged' fee since October".

In the article, numerous troubling remarks are made about APIRG by the Chair of the Students' Union's Audit Committee. In brief, it is alleged:

  1. "APIRG doesn't use generally accepted accounting principles and ...were moving money from one year to another"
  2. "At the very least, not knowing you're running out of money two days before the bills are due is a pretty good example of mismanagement".
  3. "it's completely within the realm of Students' Council to seek out and deal with mismanagement of student funds."

The first statement is false. The Audit Committee was provided a copy of our 2004-2005 Audited Financial Statements in early March, page one of which explicitly state that not only does APIRG use generally accepted accounting principles, but that the statements accurately present the financial position of APIRG in a manner consistent with most non-profit organizations.
The other two statements, which allege mismanagement of student funds, are nothing less then baseless and inflammatory. It should also be mentioned, as I pointed out earlier, that our money is being withheld on the grounds of unmet demands- NOT financial mismanagement.

This entire situation has taken its toll on all of us, but we are hopeful that it will be resolved in the coming weeks. Rest assured that we are doing everything we can.

If anyone has any questions or comments, feel free to email me


Alberta Public Interest Research Group
Board of Directors

Read APIRG's Audited Statements including how we follow generally accepted accounting principles.

Read the Gateway article

Read our response

Posted April 4th, 2006
 
APIRG seeks Financial Coordinator - deadline extended

This is a unionized position with an excellent benefits package and a competitive wage. The perfect summer job with reduced hours for the school year! For more information please refer to our job postings page.

Posted April 3rd, 2006

 

(un)talent show - may 4, 2006

Delight in APIRG staff and board members doing things they can't really do that well! See them make utter fools of themselves! Behold the end-of-term madness!

This is an open invitation to all APIRG volunteers and affiliates and their friends and family. Whoever you are, if you know us, love us, or just want to jeer at us, you're invited to the 1st Annual APIRG (un)talent show.

Come out and have snacks (on us), a piece of cake, a chat, and a drink or two. As this is our annual volunteer appreciation night, there will also be gifts for all of our lovely volunteers.

Thursday May 4th
Dewey's (in the Power Plant)
Show at 8:00pm
Sorry, no minors.

 

We're also looking to round out the program with one or two more acts, so if you'd like to show us how you can kinda-sorta do something, let me know. For more information or to sign up to perform, contact Leah at 492.0614.

Posted April 28th, 2006
APIRG Board Member Election Dates: March 8th and 9th

APIRG polling stations are combined with the Student Unions once again. All undergraduates who have not opted out of the APIRG dedicated fee are eligible to vote. Read more on our elections page

For more information about APIRG's Board Member Elections please contact our CRO:

Posted January 23rd, 2006
International Women's Day Roundtable

Wednesday March 8th, 2006
5-7pm Kiva Room, 2-103 Education North,
University of Alberta

Download the Poster!

Posted February 28th, 2006
Want To Fire Your Boss?
We've got the next best thing

March 4th and 5th the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) and the Student Worker Action Group (SWAG) are putting on a union organizers training workshop.

Posted February 9th, 2005
Opt-Out Period of APIRG funds January 22nd-February 20th.

Undergraduates wishing to opt-out of APIRG dedicated fees can do so during this opt-out period. You must bring your student id and a timetable showing proof of enrollment, and fill out the form provided at the APIRG office. By opting out students are no longer elligible to vote for APIRG board members, apply for APIRG funds or use APIRG services including the resource library.

Posted January 20th, 2006
APIRG Funding Deadline is January 27th, 2006

To qualify for the spring semester 2006 funding round groups or individuals must have their application in by Friday January 27th by 5:00p.m. For more information on APIRG funding categories and requirements please refer to our get funded page.

Posted December 19th, 2005
Call for submissions to the APIRG 'zine.

We are currently seeking well-written, original

  • Feature Articles - 800-1000 words
  • News - 250-500 words
  • Opinion/Editorial - 250-500 words
  • Creative Nonfiction - maximum 1000 words
  • Book/magazine/film Reviews - (preference given to APIRG library holdings) 100-200 words
  • Art and photography - would be fan-freakin'-tastic!

The upcoming issue's theme is "Creative Resistance."

Submission deadline is January 6th, 2006.

If you are interested in helping to build the 'zine or would like to send in a submission, contact Leah at APIRG.
Posted October 24th, 2005
JOB POSTING: Chief Returning Officer       

APIRG is seeking a Chief Returning Officer (CRO) for the APIRG Board of Directors Election.

Dates of Employment: December 1/05 – April 1/06
Honorarium: $1000.00.

See this job posting for more details

Posted October 24th, 2005
Horizons of Friendship Speaking Tour

On Friday November 4th at 7pm, Blanca Olivia Velasquez will be speaking in ED-107 (Education Building - 87th Ave and 113th St) on the U of A campus.

Blanca Olivia has worked for over 10 years with women's organizations in Mexico. She is a trained psychologist whose experiences include providing support for women who are victims of sexual and domestic violence, accompanying and advocating for them within the health and legal systems. Blanca Olivia is also the coordinator and head psychologist of La Morada Women's Centre and an active member of Feminist Collective Mercedes Olivera.

She will be joined by a Muriel Stanley Venne, founder of the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women, who will bring these issues into a local context.

During her visit, Blanca Olivia will speak about the current situation faced by women in Chiapas and the holistic approach provided by La Morada Women's Centre.

Posted September 20th, 2005
APIRG Movie Night!

A great opportunity to meet with the APIRG community and enjoy some A+ films, all are WELCOME!
Films screen Fridays at 7pm in the APIRG office.

November 18th: City of God, 2003
Genre: foreign/art

November 25th: Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance, 1993
Genre: Documentary

December 2nd: The Future of Food, 2004
Genre: Documentary
Posted November 15th, 2005
Welcome our new Board Coordinator

The APIRG Board Coordinator for 2005-2006 is Ariel Bowering. Ariel is by no means new to APIRG, having served one and a half years on the APIRG board. Ariel will now serve as the intermediary between APIRG staff and board. She will alsofacilitate board and volunteer initiatives and projects. Welcome Ariel!

Posted October 3rd, 2005
Dedicated Fee Opt Out - Sept 22 to Oct 31, 2005

As a UofA undergraduate student, you pay a levy to APIRG that is collected as Student Fees by the Student Union. The APIRG levy was instituted by the Student Union after a referendum in 2001. We hope that after looking over this website, you would consider the APIRG's work worth the small levy you pay per term.

However, we offer refunds of this levy for both financial and ideological reasons. Please note you won't be able to vote in APIRG's elections, participate on the board or access APIRG resources if you opt out.

The APIRG dedicated fee is $2.77 per term for full-time students and $1.38 per term for part-time students. To have this fee refunded, fill out the opt out form and bring it to the APIRG office along with your student ID and timetable.

Opt out forms are available at Information Services desks (HUB, SUB, and CAB) and at the APIRG office. They can also be downloaded here.

Posted September 23, 2005
Disorganize 2005 - the Radical Week of Welcome (logo)

DISORGANIZE! is APIRG's 3-day alternative orientation to the University of Alberta and Edmonton during which students get a unique and exciting opportunity to explore a range of social justice issues and organizations and meet other students with similar interests... Read more

NEW! Download DISORGANIZE posters and handbills.

Timeline of Events
posted August 25, 2005

 

Measuring Security Measures

The NFB's CitizenShift and überculture present a ten-city, cross-Canada series of film screenings and panel discussions.
Measuring Security Measures is intended to provide an open forum for debate on the issues of immigration, media, law, and post 9/11 national security/civil liberties in our country.
The local event is co-hosted by APIRG and ECAWAR, The Edmonton Coalition Against War and Racism

Posted October 18th, 2005
APIRG Wants YOU to Run for the Board!

This is a general call for UofA undergraduate students to run in our by-election and become an APIRG voting board member. The board is the major decision making body of our organization. Becoming a board member is an excellent way to contibute to APIRG and enrich your own university experience.

Nomination forms and signature of support forms are available here and can be dropped off at the APIRG office or bring it with you to the Alumni Room by 6:45pm on October 13th.

Posted September 20th, 2005
APIRG Volunteer Orientation

All APIRG volunteers and those interested in becoming so should attend the orientation on Monday october 3rd from noon-2pm in the APIRG office. There are a broad range of options for volunteers: the APIRG library, working groups, publicity, technical and much more!

Posted September 28th, 2005
EDAN ECOAction Camp

While EDAN (Environmental Direct Action Network) is not a working group of APIRG, we recommend EDAN's ECOAction Camp as an excellent way to learn activist campaign planning and media skills. The camp runs from Sept. 30 and Oct. 2 at Lake Wabamun, and admission is on a sliding scale.

For more info AND A REGISTRATION FORM contact Mike Hudema at 432-5409 or itstimetoriseup(at)gmail.com.

More info about EDAN and the camp can be found at http://www.earthjustice.ca.

Posted September 20th, 2005
Call for submissions: Porcupine Quill Fall issue

We are looking for submissions for the spanky September issue of the APIRG newsletter: The Porcupine Quill. This is an excellent opportunity to get your message out to hundreds of new and returning U of A students during the first few weeks of school. This issue's theme will be based on the theme of poverty. Go to the Porcupine Quill page

posted may 30, 2005
Porcupine Quill Spring 2005 issue:

We've rolled out another scrappy issue of Porcupine Quill, the APIRG newsletter. Our cover story is by Jason Bizanz, member of APIRG's Mexico Working Group.

posted may 30, 2005
Please welcome our new working group coordinator!

hails from LPIRG in Lethbridge and is our new hire over the period of Lise Wilson's maternity leave. There'll be more to learn about Aaron soon! But right now, welcome Aaron!

posted june 24 2006
Spring and Summer office Hours:

Monday to Friday
11:00am to 4:00pm

(Effective May 1st to Sept. 1st 2005)

posted april 1, 2005
Latest publications and reports

"From the Tap to the Bottle and Back Again: A Look at Bottled Water and Privatization" (article by Leah Orr, APIRG Outreach Coordinator)

posted april 1, 2005
Call for submissions: Porcupine Quill Fall issue

We are looking for submissions for the spanky September issue of the APIRG newsletter: The Porcupine Quill. This is an excellent opportunity to get your message out to hundreds of new and returning U of A students during the first few weeks of school. This issue's theme will be based on the theme of poverty. Go to the Porcupine Quill page

posted may 30, 2005
APIRG Board Coordinator Position Avaiable

Start Date: August 1, 2005 (week of)

End Date: April 21, 2006

Position is regular part-time for a recurring eight-month period, 10 to 15 hours per week (pending final approval from the APIRG Board of Directors).

Application Deadline: Sunday, July 24, 2005 at 5pm

Please see this job posting for further details

posted July 20th, 2005
NEW! APIRG Job posting:

The temporary working group coordinator postion has now been filled.

posted June 15th, 2005
Project and event funding deadline
MAY 31 - 5:00PM

Information and application forms: HERE

Existing* working group funding deadline
MAY 31 - 5:00 pm

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE HERE
WG SPRING AGREEMENT HERE

email completed forms to the Workng Group Coordinator:

*This funding round is intended for existing APIRG working groups only. APIRG is not currently accepting new working group applications. There will be a funding round for new working groups in Fall, 2005.

posted april 1, 2005


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APIRG Home

Office Hours:
Fall 2007/Winter 2008
September 1st to May 31st
Monday to Friday
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Deadlines

Project, Event and
Working Group
Funding Applications:
Last Friday of September
Last Friday of January

application forms here

 

Contact Information

Alberta Public Interest
Research Group (APIRG)
Hub International Mall,
University of Alberta
9111 112th St.
Edmonton, AB T6G 2C5

phone: 780-492-0614
fax: 780-492-0615
email: