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THE FISHERMAN
February 15, 1963
THE FISHERMAN
138 East Cordova Street GEORGE NORTH, Editor
Authorised as second class mail
Vancouver 4, B.C.
Phone: MU. 3-9655
by Post Office Department, Ottawa and for payment of postage in cash _
GUEST EDITORIAL
From 'THE UBYSSEY'
No Nuclear Weapons
ft a RMING Canadians with nuclear bombs could not possibly increase the efficacy of the deterrent, which is already far more powerful than is really necessary."
Major General W. H. S. Macklin made this statement in 1961, and the same thing is probably more true today.
For Canada, with 56 Bomarc missiles and a handful of supersonic Voodoo aircraft — even with nuclear tips — would still be in the bush league of atomic politics.
Compare Canada's nuclear force with that of the US or the USSR.
In 19S1, US defence secretary McNamara boasted that the US had a nuclear strike force of 1,700 intercontinental bombers, several dozen operational intercontinental ballistic missiles, 80 Polaris missiles in nuclear powered submarines, a similar number of intermediate range missiles, not to mention carrier borne and land-based fighter aircraft.
By 1968, the US expects to have 950 solid fuel, quick firing Minutemen, 41 Polaris submarines carrying 656 missiles, 108 Titans, and a massive complex of more conventional weaponry.
The USSR on the other hand boasts it has the power to destroy all the important industrial, administrative and political centres of the US and whole countries that have provided their territories for the siting of American war bases.
And Canada—the battleground of World War Three—sits between the two giants not knowing whether to "join" them by acquiring nuclear warheads, or to have a go at lessening world tensions by refusing the weapons.
Stjdents will have a chance to vote ... on whether Canada should have nuclear arms. The answer, we suggest, should be a resounding "no."
The arguments for this stand are not new. But they are worth repeating.
Canada, while lacking the power to add to what is ironically called the war deterrent, could lose much of her influence with nonaligned powers if she accepts nuclear arms.
Insofar as the nonaligned nations have any weight in any future disarmament negotiations, any decrease of Canada's influence among them must go against the prospects of disarmament and long run defence.
At the same time, Canadian acceptance of nuclear weapons could appear to the Soviet Union as an indication of aggressiveness on the part of the Western bloc and help to work against the possibility of ever achieving general disarmament.
Canada's refusal to take the weapons would be one evidence to the Soviet Union that the Western alliance is not pursuing an aggressive policy.
Canada^while still without nuclear arms—can with a clear conscience and dedication work toward general disarmament. It will be easier for her to referee disarmament if she is not one of the players.
And Canada should be devoting her efforts toward the development of an effective United Nations police force.
Canada has a role to play—but not a nuclear role.
Labor and Citizenship
In view of the fact that the Canadian- Labor Congress has declared February as Citizenship Month, THE FISHERMAN is printing the following special editorial that appeared in the Ukrainian Canadian. It was written by George Harris, secretary of the Canadian section, United Electrical Workers Union.
IT IS natural that the trade union movement should be deeply concerned with all the elements which go to make up citizenship in Canada. This concern is reflected in the decision of the Canadian Labor Congress to declare February, 1963, as Citizenship Month, during which the attention of its membership will be directed toward the rights and responsibilities involved in citizenship.
Many of the civil and democratic rights we now enjoy are directly traceable to past activities and struggles of the working people .through their trade union organisations. The protection and extension of democratic rights are essential to a strong trade union movement which can effectively advance the interests of its members.
Through past successful struggles, the Canadian workers have established the right to organise and strike. The Canadian people have won the formal right to political expression and affiliation, to religious or non-religious pursuits, to freedom of assembly and, within limits, freedom of the press.
These rights were won, not given, and will be retained only to the extent that the people resist any and all attempts to curtail or interfere with their usage. Such attempts are in high gear today.
The right to strike has been reduced to very narrow limits through various provincial labor laws. The right to organise, assemble and publicly discuss such vital questions as nuclear weapons, disarmament and peace comes under the scrutiny and intimidation of the RCMP. Political expression, if oriented to the left, is subjected to all sorts of interference and restrictions.
A long-standing disgrace to Canada is the denial of citizenship to many thousands of our people who emigrated from Europe, in most cases many years ago. They have committed no crime, unless it be a crime to believe in, and exercise the rights which democracy in Canada is supposed to ensure.
These people, workers in the main, are to be counted among the best builders of the trade unions, farm organisations, and political and fratrnal movements of the working people. They have contributed immensely to the economic development of Canada.
The trade unions were born to combat injustice. Citizenship Month would be incomplete without a strong demand from the trade union movement that the grave injustice involved in the denial of citizenship to thousands of our people be corrected worthwith.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
George Clark
ing and extended sympathy of the organisation to his family.
"He was in the prime of life, an active and able person, using his full energy in carrying out the many and varied duties required of a deputy minister," Stevens said.
"Over the years, there have been occasions when the policy ol our Union has conflicted sharply with that of the government in respect to fishing problems. This led to open debate which placed Mr. Clark and Union spokesmen on opposite sides of the case. Nevertheless, it must be said that he conducted his argument with courage, ability and without rancor.
"One of the highlights of his career was the negotiation of the revision of the International Pacific Salmon Treaty with the United States. He displayed great determination in making sure that Canada received a square deal in the face of American pressure for unwarranted concessions on the area and scope of the Commission's jurisdiction.
"In the following agreement banning offshore salmon net fishing by nationals of Canada and the US, George Clark again earned the admiration of all sections of the industry.
"In all sincerity, it is to be regretted that George Clark passed away while still at the peak of his powers.
"Our deepest sympathy has been conveyed to his wife and children in this sudden and untimely loss. His death will be a severe blow to the department of fisheries, coming at this time when so many urgent problems require solution."
George Clark was with the department of fisheries in Ottawa since January, 1948, when he was appointed director of the western and inland fisheries. He became assistant deputy minister in April, 1950, and was appointed to his present post in December, 1954.
Behind the Headlines
"Mr. Gill has found the solution to the declining Unemployment Insurance Fund — c/uit paying benefits."
Before joining the department of fisheries, Clark was associated with the fishing industry in British Columbia for nearly 20 years. He served in executive capacities with the British Columbia Salt Fish Board and the Salmon Can-ners' Operating Committee, the predecessor of the present Fisheries Association.
During the war, he was liaison officer with the Mobilisation Board for British Columbia on behalf of the entire fishing industry of the province.
Widely experienced in labor relations, he was, immediately prior to entering government service, manager of personnel and industrial relations of the Canadian Fishing Company. He was an able negotiator.
George Clark represented Canada on several international commissions dealing with fisheries. These included the International Commission for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, the International North Pacific Fisheries Commission, the North Pacific Fur Seal Commission and the International Whaling Commission.
On the national fisheries scene, Clark did much to create a better understanding of fisheries, and was largely responsible for bringing together governmental and industry fisheries agencies across Canada so that a coordinated program for the betterment of the fisheries could be implemented.
The deputy minister was born in Montreal, a son of the late George Clark, a publisher with Valentine and Sons, Montreal book publishing house. He was educated at Strathcona Academy, Outremont, Quebec, before leaving for Vancouver in 1931.
He was married in 1936 to the former Margaret E. Ferris of Nanton, Alberta. They have three children. .
ON THE way back from Ottawa and a hectic few days of intensive lobbying, we stopped off in Toronto for our first live NHL hockey game. Among other means of making loads of loot, the hockey moguls sell souvenirs. We brought home a man doll in hockey attire and wearing the uniform of the Montreal Cana-diens. We paid $1.25 for this 39 cent item. But a souvenir is a souvenir and after all, hockey is our national sport. We felt just a wee bit shocked and disappointed, however, to find our Canadian souvenir was made in Japan.
★ ★ ★
With New York Rangers' Doug Harvey touted as a possible Tory candidate in the next election, and "Red" Kelly already a Liberal MP, we expect to 'see the NDP pick up a left winger. They won't be passing the buck in Ottawa any more — they'll be passing the puck. Incidentally, if Kelly gets re-elected, he'll pull down $20,000 for the year as an MP, which isn't bad for a part time job.
* * ★
Larry Baird wants the proposed Vancouver Indian centre on skid road. "How many Indians do you see on Granville Street?" he asks. Larry, a former fisherman and himself a Cree Indian, has been in hospital for six months suffering from a form of rheumatic fever.
A new sub all the way from Ketchikan. Lawrence Dalton writes to say he is very interested in our "Boats for Sale" column-one place where our readers pay to get published. He adds that he finds the paper "interesting to read."
Andrew Caboose of Anaiiim Lake, a member of the UFAWU, has written business agent Alex Gordon asking for any clothes, blankets, shoes, coats and dresses that can be spared. Andrew has a wife and 12 children, none of them married. Any items may be sent to Alex Gordon, 138 East Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC, and he will see they are forwarded to the Cahoose family.
Archie Miller, former skipper of the packer Kimsquit for BC Packers, has a word of appreciation for all of those who have remembered him during his lengthy illness. When asked if he has had any word of greetings or well wishes from his former employers, Archie replied, "If everyone remained as tight lipped as the company executives, I would have been completely forgotten during the many months of my hospital confinement. My wife joins me in thanking the
Campbell River Local and headquarters of our Union for their acts of thoughtfulness on my behalf." Archie remains hospitalised at Campbell River and would enjoy hearing from tendermen and fishermen with news from the grounds in 1963. His address: Campbell River General Hospital, Campbell River, BC.
★ ★ ★ A visitor the other day was Queen Charlotte Islands' troller Bill Gladstone, owner of the vessel Dude. Bill, who is a brother of Percy Gladstone, an employee of BC Packers and well known throughout the industry, has been around town for some time but this was our first encounter in 1963. He was in picking up a copy of The Fisherman.
Dave Rutka was admitted to Shaughnessy Hospital Tuesday, February 12, where he will undergo two operations. He will be laid up for a few weeks. Dave is a member of the Vancouver Fishermen's Local and a top notch cook on the seine boats.
We're sorry about missing an important item last week. Carrie Ironside, the lady who is always visiting people in hospital, was in there herself for several days. But we're glad to report it wasn't serious and that she's home again and as active as ever.
Cuba's Unions Carry Weight
Helen Mojore, an employee of the Prince Rupert Fishermen's , Co-op, was also in hospital with J Carrie but will be out and about by the time this reaches readers.
Evelyn Skinner was also released this week after being in hospital since December 22. We heard all these things courtesy of Carrie, but why doesn't someone tell us sooner? Just phone in any items and we'll be happy to get them in this column.
We all have some tough luck but Tom Hansen of New Westminster seems to be getting more than his share. He was heading out on a clam and oyster trip the other day when somebody stole his outboard motor and tanks. Tom, 80 years old and a veteran member of the Union, says, "It's a lovely world. A snake's belly is not as low as some two legged animals."
Former janitor Gus Persson has moved back into town. He's staying at the Patricia Hotel after finding it too damp in his shack on the Fraser River. He was feeling pretty tough but Vancouver has put him back on his feet.
• This is the third in a series of articles by Ben Swankey, educational director of the Trade Union Research Bureau on conditions in Cuba.
Swankey was in Cuba in January as a delegate of the Canada Cuba Friendship Committee. Together with his wife and Cedric Cox, MLA, he attended the fourth anniversary celebration of Cuba's socialist revolution. Later he toured parts of the island.
By BEN SWANKEY
RE there genuinely free trade unions in Cuba? The Cuban trade union movement consists of 25 national industrial unions united in the Cuban Confederation of Workers (CTC). The general secretary of the CTC is Lazarus Pena, a Negro who has been a labor leader since his early youth and who is also vice president of the World Federation of Trade Unions. He was in prison under Batista. We heard him address a meeting of electrical workers in Havana.
Before the revolution, most trade unions were controlled by gangsters, whose job was to put the finger on militant trade unionists. Many hundreds were arrested, tortured and murdered. Often unions practised discrimination against Negroes, just as some US unions still do today.
It should be mentioned also that AFL-CIO leaders, who today so violently oppose the Cuban trade union movement, had no criticism when Batista was running things.
The setup of the unions, as far as we were able to find out, is similar to our own. The locals hold regular meetings, have a grievance procedure and elect their own officers. Dues, which are voluntary, are one percent of wages.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF
workers to their "employers" is fundamentally different to that in Canada, of course. A leader of the Miners' Union at the Mining Research Institute explained it this way:
"In Cuba we have a government of workers. We own the mines, mills, factories, plantations, state farms, everything. In our country, therefore, there is unity between workers on the job and the administration."
Production plans and targets set by the government are discussed with the workers and unions before they are adopted. In this way the unions have a very direct say in planning and production.
Another function of unions in Cuba is to distribute new homes and apartment suites as they become available.
They are distributed according to a public list, compiled on the basis of need. In other words, those who have the poorest housing now are the first to get the new homes. The same applies to consumer goods in short supply, such as refrigerators.
it; . jr. ... *
ARE THERE MANY SOVIET
technicians in Cuba and is there any truth at all to the charge that Cuba is a Soviet satellite?
When we visited the Canadian embassy in Havana, Thomas C. Hammond, the second secretary of the embassy, told us that in his view the Cuban revolution "had been taken over by the Communist Party of Cuba on orders from Moscow and Cuba today is a Russian satellite."
Nothing we found in Cuba bears this out in any way. Wc could only conclude that either Hammond has no idea of what is really going on in Cuba or he is
simply echoing to embassy visitors the false propaganda line of the US Central Intelligence Agency.
Cuba is nobody's satellite and unless you are both blind and deaf, you learn this very quickly on a trip there.
FOR 60 YEARS THAT COUN-
try was a US satellite. Its people lived in poverty, backwardness, illiteracy and disease while United Fruit, of Boston, Standard Oil of New Jersey, and absentee landlords raked in millions in profits.
All opposition was suppressed most brutally. Some 20,000 of the bravest sons and daughters of the
Win jo Writes
Canadians Conserve the Fish; Why Should Others Catch Them?
IWAS asked what impressed me the most on my recent trip to Ottawa. This is a very good question, and a puzzler, because there were so many new things to see, not new as being made recently, but new because I saw them for the first time.
I was thrilled by the jet ride to Toronto and back. This was a new experience for me and for many others on the trip.
When we got to Ottawa and I saw the Parliament Buildings for the first time, it was like a dream come true. This was something I read about when I was going to school, and since read about in the newspapers, and heard about on the air. Now I was seeing the buildings and the people that make up the government in person.
The government buildings have stood there for many, many years, but the humans sent there from all parts of Canada remain for just a little while. When election time rolls around, quite a number are replaced and the
buildings welcome those who have been re-elected and also those who come there for the first time.
★ * *
WHEN I ENTERED THE PAR-
liament Buildings for the first time, I did not know what to expect. There were guards just inside the main door, one of whose functions was to assist us in getting to MPs with whom wc had appointments, to help us get an interview with others.
We got off to a slow start but as time went on, we sort of got the hang of how to see as many MPs as time permitted.
One of the biggest disappointments was how little was known about the West Coast and our fisheries by many of the MPs we talked to in Ottawa. This made necessary a little more lengthy explanation of where our boundaries were situated, where the three mile limit ran along our coast, where the Japanese wanted to take herring off the Queen Charlotte Islands.
Yes, our first job was to show on maps and then to explain. Wc had to acquaint them with the different species of fish caught off our coast, and show them the different inlets and rivers to; which salmon return to spawn
Cuba Wants Music, Books
The Canada-Cuba Friendship Committee at Vancouver has issued an appeal for the collection of music and books to be sent to Cuba.
Included in the list of wanted materials are classical instrumental music for students, music manuscript, harmony tablets and music dictation paper; books on Canada (as up to date as possible), books on English grammar and English literature.
Donations of these items may be left with Ted Foort at the office of the United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union, 138 East Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC.
Cuban people were murdered by Batista's US trained police and army.
We visited the meeting rooms of the Students Union in Havana. Two walls were covered with the photos of young university men and women killed by Batista because they demanded liberty and a decent life for their people.
Cubans today have a very fierce pride in the independence of their country. They will never again become a satellite of the US or anybody else. Their sovereignty, as Castro has repeated many times, is not negotiable.
What is their attitude then to the Soviet Union?
EVERYWHERE WE WENT,
we saw evidence of Soviet aid— food, oil, industrial and agricultural machinery, cars, trucks, tractors, even whole new factories. And Soviet arms too — of many kinds, the latest and the best.
The Soviet Union and other socialist countries gave their aid in the form of barter (for Cuban sugar, tobacco, coffee, etc), trade, loans and outright gifts.
Soviet technical and scientific experts of all kinds were sent to help the new socialist state. We met some of them, and saw others in a housing area on the outskirts of Havana. We met a Soviet geologist, one of many, who helped survey the whole island for minerals. They found Cuba is rich in minerals, that its nickel deposits are the greatest in the world, and they expect to find oil this year.
All this aid was given with no strings attached. The Cubans appreciate this help and never tire of telling you of it. Without the help of the socialist countries, they say they may not have survived in the face of US military and economic aggression. They regard the Soviet Union as their closest ally and the Soviet people as brothers.
We pointed out, too, the years we have been conserving salmon and halibut.
* * *
TO SAY THAT WE WERE
not exploiting the fish stocks of the Pacific and that the Japanese should come in and help harvest them could only mean one thing. Someone here i<: going to benefit from the Japanese fishing near our coast.
Before the Japanese are allowed to come anywhere near the Pacific coast, our government should find out how much harm can come to our salmon.
This should be put in the hands of the House committee on marine and fisheries in Ottawa. There is such a committee, but so far it has done nothing, and it is time this committee was put to work.
We have fish because we have conserved. I would like to ask those who would let the Japanese in close to our shores this question: "How much have the Japanese put into our conservation effort? What happened to all the fish that used to be near the Japanese shores?
I for one thinK we should do like some other countries have done — establish a 300 mile fishing area and enforce it. Smaller countries can do it, why can't Vie'!
HAVING BURIED HER HUS-
band, the widow was looking over the documents in his desk when she found an insurance policy for $5,000. So great was her delight that she ordered a fine headstone to be erected with the words "Rest in Peace" inscribed thereon.
When she presented the policy to the insurance company she was told that it had lapsed the previous year. Thirsting for revenge, she instructed the sculptor to carve on the tombstone the additional words, "Till We Meet Again."
The businessman asked his wholesaler for an extension of credit, suggesting that he was a poor account.
"I wish I had a hundred like you," was the reply.
The storekeeper expressed surprise.
"I wish I had a hundred like you," repeated the wholesaler. "The trouble is that I have a thousand."
Of course every girl should wait for the right man to come along, but in the meantime, she might as well get married.