Dowding introduced Hansard to the legislature

Here and Now column by Dan Hilborn
Published Nov. 15, 2003


Long-time former Burnaby MLA Gordon Dowding, best known as the Speaker of the House who introduced Hansard to the B.C. legislature, passed away at his home in Maple Ridge this week.

Dowding, a lawyer who won six consecutive elections in Burnaby, was a founding member of both the CCF-NDP and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association.

The 85-year-old native of Kamloops first started running for politics in the 1950s, and was among many CCFers who lost on the preferred ballot system of voting that was used in the bizarre election of 1953.

"He was still active in the local NDP," family friend Janet Amsden said Thursday. "He didn't knock on doors anymore, but he came to all the meetings and was a big supporter."

He first won election in Burnaby in 1956 on a double ticket with Ernie Winch, and continued serving until his eventual loss in 1975 to Socred Ray Loewen.

A celebration of his life is being held today, Nov. 15, at 11 a.m., at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver, 949 W. 49th Ave., Vancouver.

CADET SQUADRON GROWS

There's a familiar name at the head of the 759 Falcon Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets who meet in north Burnaby.

Cindy Burton, the wife of Burnaby school trustee Ron Burton, was elected as chair of the squadron's sponsoring committee earlier this month. She takes over from Richard Shand, who helped raise the profile of the group and attract many new Cadets during his term in the pilot's seat.

"In an age where families and communities struggle to improve their relationships with teenagers, the Air Cadet movement is truly an exceptional program that needs to be preserved," said a press release announcing Burton's new role.

Air Cadets, which receives much assistance but little money from the federal Department of National Defense, trains young people aged 12 to 19 in citizenship, leadership, aviation, survival skills, outdoor adventuring and co-operation.

Currently, the 759 Falcon Squadron has 87 registered cadets who meet each Wednesday night in the Burnaby Heights Resource Centre gymnasium between September and June.

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

Burnaby resident Steve Maddock will share the stage with the international singing sensations the Nylons during The Magic of Christmas, a charity concert coming to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Maddock will perform with the musical troupe Howe Sounds on a bill that also includes Shari Ulrich, musical theatre star Michael Burgess of Les Miserables fame, and Edith Wallace. The show will be hosted by legendary DJ Red Robinson and will include a world-class 10-piece band directed by pianist Michael Crebe.

Now in its 10th year, The Magic of Christmas donates the proceeds of each concert to Christmas-related charities that provide food and gifts to families in need during the holiday season. Last year's show featured the Rankin Sisters and Norman Foote and donated a total of $20,000 to the Province Empty Stocking Fund and the North Shore Christmas Bureau.

The Magic of Christmas will be presented at 7 p.m., Dec. 6 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, and tickets are available at 604-280-4444.

WALKING FOR A CAUSE

For the second time in the past decade, a member of the local Hare Krishna community has successfully completed a walk across Canada.

Bhaktimarga Swami began his second 8,500-km pilgrimage across Canada on May 3 when he departed from Cape Spear, Nfld. The purpose of the walk was to bring spiritual healing to the country.

"There is a reason for this walking fever," the 51-year-old swami said in a press release. "I love this country I walk in, but I have concerns regarding 'us.' We are big-time consumers and rate high in domestic dysfunctionality. We are set in superficial coziness. We can do better."

YOUNG ADVENTURERS

A trio of young people from Burnaby will be presented with Duke of Edinburgh Award silver-level certificates by B.C.'s Lieutenant Governor Iona Campagnolo in a ceremony at Government House in Victoria today.

Jenny Ou of the 11th Southwest Burnaby Venturer Company, independent adventurer Paul Parungao, and Michael Ho, who is currently attending St. Michael's University School in Victoria, are the three hardworking young people who will receive the lapel pins and certificates.

The Duke of Edinburgh awards program is an international program that recognizes young people who dedicate themselves to achievements in the fields of community service, expeditions, skills and fitness. Young people who get involved in the program can often be found working as peer counsellors, helping patients in extended care facilities and volunteering with local non-profit groups.

And yes, it does mean they have less time to play video games.

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER

Kudos to Samuel Yuen of Burnaby who recently won second place in the B.C. Lung Association London Drugs Fresh Air Photo Contest.

His photo of a farmer's crop, which was entered in the scenery category, was good enough to earn him a Pentax Espio 80V Kit.

The Fresh Air Photo Contest is one of the fastest growing and most popular amateur photo in the province, and it's not too early to start thinking about next year's installment. For more information, or to see this year's winning photos, visit the website www.bc.lung.ca.