Respect Our Wildlife: Harming a Canada Goose Can Cost You Thousands — or Jail Time

 

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Respect Our Wildlife: Harming a Canada Goose Can Cost You Thousands — or Jail Time

By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

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Did you know that harming a Canada goose in Canada could cost you up to $300,000 — or even land you in jail?

That’s not a typo. It’s the law.

In light of the heartbreaking incident in Vancouver this week — where a cyclist ran over a baby Canada goose and left the scene — it’s more important than ever to remind everyone, whether you're a newcomer or longtime resident, that Canadian wildlife is protected by law. Especially our iconic Canada geese.

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Canada Geese Are Not Just Birds — They’re Protected Citizens

Under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA), Canada geese are federally protected. That means:

• You cannot kill, injure, harass, or trap a Canada goose.
• You cannot disturb or destroy their nests or eggs.
• You must not interfere with their natural behaviors — including while walking or cycling in public areas.

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What Happens If You Break These Laws?

➡ Fines can range from $5,000 to $300,000
➡ You can be sentenced to up to 6 months in jail
➡ For each bird, nest, or egg harmed, additional fines apply:
 • $400 per bird
 • $250 per egg
 • $250 per nest

This isn’t just a slap on the wrist — it’s a federal offense.

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Why This Matters for Everyone — Especially in Urban Areas

Cities like Vancouver are rapidly growing and changing. More people, more bikes, more e-bikes, more speed. But that also means more danger for animals — and more potential legal consequences for humans.

Canada geese and their goslings live among us. They cross bike lanes. They walk through parks. And we must make space for them, just as we do for each other.

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A Special Note to Newcomers

Canada is proud to welcome people from all over the world — but it’s important to know that wildlife protection is taken very seriously here. What might be overlooked or allowed in another country could be a serious crime in Canada.

This isn’t just about the law — it’s about respect, kindness, and coexistence.

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What You Can Do

✅ Slow down when walking, biking, or driving in shared spaces
✅ Educate your children and family about respecting animals
✅ Report incidents to local wildlife authorities
✅ Don’t touch nests or eggs, even if you think you're helping
✅ Share this information in your community

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One Gosling Lost. Many Lives at Risk.

The death of one tiny gosling has broken hearts across Vancouver. But it’s also a wake-up call.

If we can't make space for a baby goose, what hope do we have for each other?

Let’s be better. Let’s be kind. Let’s protect what makes Canada beautiful — for all creatures, great and small.

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Vancouver’s Car Addiction: How We’re Driving Ourselves Into a Crisis

 Vancouver’s Car Addiction: How We’re Driving Ourselves Into a Crisis

I Gave Up My Car for the Environment. Now I Watch the Roads Choke With Traffic.

I stopped driving over 22 years ago. I did it because I cared—because we were told that cars were one of the biggest contributors to climate change. I sacrificed job opportunities, turned down gigs, and adapted my life so I wouldn’t be part of the problem.

Fast forward to today, and Vancouver is ranked 69th in the world for worst traffic. Cars clog the roads at every hour of the day. The SkyTrain stations are surrounded by seas of parked cars, and Uber has turned the city into a 24/7 traffic jam. Even Tesla, which was supposed to be the future, is now just another oversized status symbol clogging the streets.

Where did we go wrong?

The Numbers: A City Drowning in Cars

• Over 210,000 new vehicles were registered in BC in 2023 alone—a 15.3% increase from the year before.
• In March 2024, BC dealers sold 19,542 new cars—a 16.4% spike over March 2023.
• Between 2016 and 2021, over 250,000 new cars hit BC roads.
• In 2021, Vancouver alone added more than 29,000 new cars—double the previous five years combined.

(Source: BIV.com, StatsCan)

What Changed?

1. COVID shifted people away from transit—but they never went back.
2. Uber & ride-hailing apps flooded the streets with more vehicles.
3. Newcomers bought cars instead of using transit, adding to congestion.
4. Owning a car became a "must-have" status symbol—even Teslas.

But what’s worse? Many of these people don’t even care about Canada.

Using & Abusing Canada

I’ve seen it firsthand—people moving here not because they love Canada, but because it’s convenient. Like the 55-year-old woman in my job search class—a teacher with 25 years of experience, moving here not to work, but just to be closer to her kids in the U.S.. Their real life is in Google and Amazon, while Canada is just a stepping stone.

This happens everywhere—people using Canada’s healthcare, schools, and social services while their real wealth and future are in another country. And the traffic? It’s part of the problem. The more people who treat this place as a convenience instead of a home, the worse it gets.

Worst-Case Scenario: The Smog Apocalypse

Look at Mexico City in the 1990s. The air was so toxic that people could only drive on certain days. Imagine Vancouver under a thick blanket of smog, with:

• Emergency health warnings every summer for respiratory issues.
• A city-wide car ban to control pollution.
• Sky-high insurance & tolls just to discourage driving.
• Children developing asthma from the fumes.

Sound extreme? It’s already happening elsewhere. Do we really want that?

Best-Case Scenario: A Vancouver That Actually Works

What if we actually fixed this? Imagine:

• Massive investments in public transit, making it the best way to get around.
• Car-free zones & better bike infrastructure, freeing up the streets.
• Higher taxes on luxury car purchases, discouraging pointless status symbols.
• A real crackdown on Uber, limiting the flood of ride-hailing cars.

What Needs to Happen NOW

1. Stop subsidizing car culture—shift funding to transit.
2. Increase taxes on excessive vehicle ownership—you don’t need three cars.
3. Stricter emissions rules—make gas guzzlers expensive to own.
4. Stronger policies on who gets to stay in Canada—if you’re just here to use it, why should we support that?
5. A cultural shift—we need to make cars the uncool choice again.

Final Thought: You Have a Choice

You can be part of the solution or the problem. Every car on the road is a choice. Every person who chooses transit, bikes, or walks is part of the future. Vancouver is at a breaking point—do we let it turn into another smog-choked metropolis, or do we finally do something about it?

It starts with you.

A Bus Stop, A Chocolate, and A Crisis in Vancouver

 Yesterday at the bus stop, I saw a glimpse of two very different Canadas. One full of hope, one full of despair. One that welcomes newcomers with opportunities, and one that leaves its own people dying on the streets.

It started with a missed bus. Frustrated, I decided to walk to the next stop rather than wait 15 minutes. My bag was heavy, or I might have walked farther. When I got there, a man was sitting on the bench. I checked my phone and told him the next bus was in seven minutes.

He thanked me and gave me a little piece of chocolate. A simple gesture of kindness.

I tried to guess his language—Russian? No, he spoke French and Arabic. We chatted, and I told him about my winters in Mexico, how I haven’t been able to go back this year. He told me about Spain, a country he’s visited every year for the past two decades. We talked about his children—one in Dubai, one here in Canada. He’s only been here three years, working toward Permanent Residency.

And then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a man at the bus stop struggling. He was about to pull his pants down right there, on Burrard Street. My first thought was to call 911, but then I realized—he wasn’t just some drunk guy causing a scene. He was deeply addicted, desperate, and trying to get to the hospital for his medication.

It was horrifying. A man in the heart of Vancouver, in broad daylight, so sick that he couldn’t even control his body.

The man I was speaking to looked on in shock. “You never see that in my country,” he said.

I told him: “You didn’t used to see this here either. Not until about six years ago. But Big Pharma got everyone hooked, and now 14,000 people have died—just in BC.”

He had no idea.

I told him the number for all of Canada: 50,000.

He was stunned. And yet, the suffering continued right in front of us. The man in crisis got on our bus, struggling, sick, fighting for survival in a city where people rushed past, eyes averted, pretending not to see.

The man I spoke with still loves Canada. He sees opportunity, security, a new home. But I see something else. I see a system that’s been gutted, a city where locals can’t afford to live, where people are stepping over bodies on the sidewalk while celebrating hockey games, concerts, and international events.

I used to say, “Good for you!” when people told me they were getting their PR. I don’t say that anymore. Not when so many are losing their jobs, their homes, their dignity.

Is there hope? I don’t know. But yesterday, at that bus stop, I saw the two Canadas collide. And I don’t know how much longer they can exist side by side before something breaks completely.

Moving Beyond a One-Time Exercise

 Moving Beyond a One-Time Exercise

The Kairos Blanket Exercise is an eye-opening way to educate people about Indigenous history and the ongoing impacts of colonization. But it can’t be just a one-time event. It has to be part of a bigger shift in how we address racism, discrimination, and power structures in our communities.

What Can We Do?

1. Education & Awareness

Businesses with 10+ employees should make Indigenous cultural competency training mandatory. Not just a single workshop, but ongoing education on history, systemic racism, and reconciliation.

Schools need stronger anti-racism education that explores caste systems, discrimination, and power dynamics—especially in diverse cities like Vancouver.

Employers should be required to provide unconscious bias training for managers to ensure hiring is fair and inclusive for all Canadians, not just one group.

2. Stronger Labour & Business Policies

Enforce employment equity in small businesses. If a company is hiring only within its own community, there should be an audit to ensure fair hiring practices.

Increase labour inspections to prevent worker exploitation. The same abuses that happened with farm labour decades ago—low pay, poor conditions—are still happening today.

Provide language and cultural integration programs for newcomers so they actually understand and respect the country they are joining.

3. Community-Led Action

Support local Indigenous businesses and encourage businesses to partner with First Nations communities.

Strengthen neighbourhood watch groups that include diverse community voices—not just to report crime but to build understanding and support victims of violence.

Fund and support community dialogues between different cultural groups to break down harmful stereotypes and prejudices.

4. Personal Accountability

When we see something wrong—speak up. If someone is being mistreated at work, in public, or through unfair business practices, call it out.

Question authority—always. Whether it’s a teacher, a boss, a politician, or a cop, we need to stop blindly following orders when those orders harm people.

Reflect on our own biases. We all have them. It’s not about shame but about recognizing them and working to grow beyond them.

The Hard Truth

Canada is becoming more divided, and we can’t afford to stay silent. We need real conversations, policy changes, and personal action—not just slogans and empty gestures.

If people don’t start questioning who holds power and who gets left behind, then history will just keep repeating itself.

The Psychology of Obedience and Regret

The Psychology of Obedience and Regret

At 28, after working 11 years in farm labour, I finally went to college. I took psychology, and it changed my perspective in so many ways.

We studied disturbing experiments—how people could be convinced to do awful things just because an authority figure told them to. We examined history, from Nazi Germany to war crimes, and I kept asking myself:

Why?

Why do people follow orders, even when they know it's wrong? Why do soldiers commit atrocities? Why do everyday people become complicit?

And then I realized—it happens all the time.

So many of the terrible things we hear about—the injustices, the violence, the corruption—are often justified with:

"I was just following orders."

"It’s the rules."

"I didn’t have a choice."

But the truth is, there’s always a choice. It might be hard, it might cost something, but it exists.

I have regrets—big regrets—for things I’ve seen, things I’ve heard, and the times I didn’t act.

The Changing Face of Vancouver

Vancouver has changed drastically. According to recent estimates, the Metro Vancouver region's population has now surpassed 3 million people. The growth is staggering.

And with it, we face challenges no one wants to talk about.

Newcomers arrive without knowing Canadian values, without speaking the language, and—most importantly—without respect for First Nations people. Many bring their own racial prejudices, their own caste systems. And because these newcomers are from different countries, even they don’t always get along.

We have people coming from war zones, escaping poverty, carrying trauma we can’t even imagine.

And yet, there’s another side to it—one that really scares me.

We see newcomers buying up land, hiring only their own communities in restaurants, grocery stores, and businesses. And in doing so, they often discriminate against the very people who have lived here since time immemorial—the First Nations.

And beyond that, they discriminate against other Canadians. I’ve been told this isn’t technically racism, but discrimination.

Either way—it’s wrong.

The Violence No One Talks About

The incident I saw with the young girls in Prince George wasn’t isolated.

Not long ago, a 91-year-old grandmother was assaulted at No Frills.

These stories are happening more and more, but we’re told to stay quiet, to accept it, to pretend everything is fine.

But it’s not fine.

Things have changed, and not for the better. Vancouver isn’t the same city it was. There’s fear, tension, and unspoken divides growing wider by the day.

And if we don’t talk about it, if we don’t ask why—if we don’t question—then we’re just following orders too.

An Open Letter to Newcomers in Canada

 An Open Letter to Newcomers in Canada

To those who have recently arrived,

Welcome.

I know this country can be a difficult place. I’ve worked beside you. I’ve seen the struggles firsthand—long hours, hard labour, unfair wages, and employers who take advantage. I know what it’s like to start at the bottom, to be rejected, to feel like you don’t belong.

But today, I need to speak honestly.

I was born and raised here. I am Indigenous but also have European ancestry, which means my roots on this land go back forever. The whole idea of “Canadian identity” is complicated for me, and I know it can be confusing for many people who come here, too.

Canada is changing, and not always for the better. The cost of living is out of control, housing is impossible, and many of us—especially Indigenous people and long-time residents—are struggling just as much as you. I can’t even find a job or a home in the city I grew up in.

And yet, I see something that worries me deeply.

Racism, discrimination, and unethical practices are spreading—sometimes from the very people who once faced discrimination themselves.

We Need Accountability

Canada is meant to be a place of fairness, equality, and respect. But that only works if everyone upholds those values. We cannot build a better future if:

Some businesses only hire their own people and exclude others.

Workers exploit or mistreat employees from different backgrounds.

Security guards abuse their power and mistreat vulnerable people.

People look the other way when Indigenous communities—who have been here since time immemorial—are ignored, disrespected, or displaced once again.

I know it’s hard to speak out against injustice, especially when you’re just trying to survive. But survival cannot come at the cost of ethics, fairness, and dignity.

What Can You Do?

1. Be Accountable for Your Actions – If you see discrimination, call it out. If your workplace is unfair, don’t participate in the cycle.

2. Have Ethics – No job, no amount of money, is worth losing your integrity.

3. Talk to Your Family – If they hold prejudices, challenge them. Canada is not a country built on caste systems or divisions—it’s meant to be different.

4. Respect Indigenous Peoples – This land is our home first. Learn our history, respect our rights, and support Indigenous businesses and communities.

5. Understand That Everyone is Struggling – Many of us who have been here our whole lives are also suffering. The system is failing all of us—let’s not make it worse by turning against one another.

Many newcomers I’ve met love Canada and want to make it a better place. But others don’t like it here, feel frustrated, and are only here temporarily. If that’s the case, please don’t contribute to making things worse for the people who will always be here.

A Final Thought

I am not your enemy. I have worked beside you, lived alongside you, and I know the hardships you face. But I also know that Canada’s future depends on all of us—newcomers and long-time residents alike—choosing fairness, respect, and accountability.

If we don’t, then the struggles we face today will only get worse.

Tina Winterlik (Zipolita)

A lifelong Indigenous Canadian, worker, and advocate for justice

The Growing Concern of Missing Women, Human Trafficking, and Our Duty to Protect

This morning, I heard something that hit me in a way I wasn’t expecting. It wasn’t exactly a shocking revelation, but it was a reminder of just how real and pervasive the issue of human trafficking and missing people is in our community. 

A story from an Australian source shared by Vancouver Rape Relief painted a stark picture of older women in abusive situations being at increased risk of violence. 

Unfortunately, the threat isn’t just restricted to one demographic. It can happen to anyone—young women, men, and even children. And it’s not just happening elsewhere; it’s happening right here in our own backyard.

Across Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and even the quieter corners of BC, there are growing concerns. Over the years, I’ve heard rumors circulating among families on social media about creepy vans, people following others, and unsettling stories of what’s happening around BC Ferries, Squamish, and Vancouver Island. 

Families have shared stories of loved ones being followed, of vans lurking, and of missing people whose whereabouts seem to remain a mystery. It’s strange how often these stories are dismissed by authorities or not taken as seriously as they should be.

What’s even more concerning is the silence of local law enforcement on some of these cases. The fact that these rumors go unaddressed only deepens the fears and uncertainties surrounding these disappearances. 

On Facebook and other platforms, people are talking, but nothing seems to change. It feels as though we’re stuck in a cycle of disillusionment, and people start to wonder if anyone is listening at all.

The problem is that this isn’t just a “rumor.” This is a pattern, one that seems to be repeating itself in different places across our region. According to recent statistics, women, men, and children continue to go missing at alarming rates, often with little follow-up from authorities.

Here are some numbers that paint a bleak picture of the issue:

• Over 200 women in Australia were allegedly killed in family violence-related homicides in the past decade, as reported by The Guardian, with many of those women at risk from abusive partners or even their children.

• In Canada, there has been a noticeable uptick in missing persons cases. In 2020, over 3,000 people were reported missing in BC alone, many of them young women or vulnerable individuals.

• Human trafficking is on the rise: Over 1,000 cases of human trafficking have been reported to Canadian law enforcement, but experts believe the number could be far higher due to underreporting.

The truth is that these statistics reflect only part of the problem. While numbers can sometimes numb the situation, the personal stories behind these numbers are heart-wrenching, especially when we think of the lives that go missing and the families who are left in the dark, with no one to listen.

What Can Be Done?

Education is key. We need to ensure that schools and institutions—particularly high schools—are part of the solution. Every single high school should have assemblies, workshops, or even ongoing counseling sessions to raise awareness about human trafficking and the risk of exploitation. 

It should be mandatory that every student has access to information on the signs of trafficking and how to report suspicious activity.

Additionally, schools should make it a priority to share resources with students and families, ensuring that they know exactly where to turn for help. After all, many of these incidents are prevented when communities are aware and prepared to act.

Here’s what can be done:

• Mandatory Education: High schools should have yearly assemblies and classes dedicated to teaching students about human trafficking, its signs, and how to report it.
• Counselor Resources: School counselors should be trained to identify at-risk students and provide resources on where to go for help.
• Family Awareness: Parents need to be informed about these dangers too. Schools should offer informational sessions or resources that help families understand how to protect their children from becoming targets.

Helpful Apps & Resources:

If you or someone you know is concerned or suspects someone is being trafficked or exploited, there are resources available:

• Polaris Project Hotline: Text “BeFree” to 233733 for support in the U.S. and Canada.
• TraffickCam (Global): This app helps law enforcement identify trafficking victims through photos of hotel rooms. Download it to help with investigations.
• iThenticate (Canada): Report suspected trafficking directly through this app.
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-833-900-1010 for anonymous assistance or to report trafficking.
• Fight Trafficking (Canada): A national resource for reporting suspected human trafficking.

A Call to Action

If we don’t start addressing these issues with urgency and compassion, more lives will be affected. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or simply someone who cares about the safety of others, it’s time to raise our voices. We need to protect those who are vulnerable, educate the next generation, and demand that those responsible for these crimes are held accountable.

We must demand action—not just from the police, but from our schools, from our leaders, and from each other. Together, we can create a safer world for everyone.

Let’s start the conversation. Share this post, talk to your friends and family, and make sure our schools and communities are doing everything they can to protect the vulnerable among us.

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What are your thoughts on how we can better protect our community from human trafficking and exploitation? 

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Future Worth Fighting For: Beyond the Numbness and Survival Mode

Lately, it feels like the world is spiraling. People are exhausted, overwhelmed, and struggling to keep up with everything—from the cost of living to political chaos to the sheer weight of everyday survival. In Canada, we’re seeing it firsthand: a housing crisis, rising food insecurity, deepening inequality, and policies that prioritize appearances over human lives.

The recent freeze on supportive housing in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside is just one example of how disconnected leadership has become. In the middle of winter—when the cold is deadly, when people are already suffering—politicians have decided to pause projects that could save lives. Why? Because they want to force surrounding municipalities to step up. But in the meantime, people are left with nothing.

It’s not just Vancouver, though. Across Canada, homelessness is growing, while governments focus on short-term optics instead of long-term solutions. And the worst part? So many people have become numb to it. We walk past people sleeping on the street as if it’s normal. It’s not.

Why Are We Struggling to House and Feed People?

It’s a question that shouldn’t need asking. Canada is wealthy. We have land, resources, and knowledge. So why is it getting harder to meet our most basic human needs?

Governments prioritize big events like FIFA over social programs.

Housing has become a commodity instead of a right.

The cost of food skyrockets, but wages don’t keep up.

Newcomers arrive looking for safety and opportunity but are met with high rents and low support.

Community ties are fraying—people are too exhausted or afraid to engage.

We’re watching Canada transform before our eyes. The country we knew—where neighbors helped each other, where people had hope for the future—is slipping away. But that doesn’t mean we have to accept it.

A Different Future Is Possible

Despite all of this, I refuse to believe we’re beyond repair. There is a different way forward, but it requires a shift in values. Not just from politicians, but from all of us.

Imagine this:

Small, sustainable homes instead of endless luxury towers.

Local, fresh food—Coast Salish diets, community gardens, farmers' markets.

Kids growing up surrounded by art, music, and storytelling, learning from elders instead of being glued to screens.

A society where we care for each other—where we support single moms, help elders stay in their homes, and teach men and women to be healthier, kinder, and more empathetic.

A break from the endless cycle of media and internet addiction, reconnecting with the land and each other.

This isn’t a utopian dream. It’s what people lived for generations before profit and politics took over. It’s what Indigenous communities have always known. It’s what we could have again—if we fight for it.

We Can’t Afford to Stay Numb

I get it. People are tired. The world is overwhelming. But if we let numbness take over, we lose everything. This isn’t just about homelessness or FIFA or housing—it’s about the kind of society we want to live in.

If you feel helpless, start small:

Pay attention. Question the narratives being sold to us.

Support local initiatives that actually help people.

Speak out against policies that put profit over human lives.

Reconnect—with nature, with creativity, with real human connection.

The future is being shaped right now. If we don’t fight for something better, someone else will shape it for us. And if recent decisions tell us anything, it won’t be in our best interest.

What kind of Canada do you want to live in?

Let’s build it—before it’s too late.

The Human Cost of Transit Fares and Enforcement

 The Human Cost of Transit Fares and Enforcement

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the current state of public transit in Metro Vancouver, particularly the high cost of fares, punitive fines, and the increased enforcement measures targeting vulnerable populations.

What happened on the bus today was deeply disturbing. Four transit police officers boarded the bus at one stop and began checking everyone's passes. I’ve experienced similar situations in Mexico, where it’s normal for police to board long-distance buses and ask for passports. I was prepared for that there because I understood the context and purpose. But in Canada, this level of enforcement feels alarming and out of place.

I spoke with a young student who shared her own struggles. She’s been here only two years, working toward an Associate of Arts degree at a college near Metrotown. She told me about the enforcement that has been happening for the last six months, about the steep fines, and how difficult it is to afford the $200 monthly transit pass from Surrey to Vancouver. She’s just one example of so many who are being impacted by these policies.

Public transit was never meant to be a tool of punishment—it was designed to connect communities, provide opportunities, and ensure accessibility for all. Yet today, it has become a source of stress and danger for low-income individuals, students, and vulnerable groups.

Imagine the consequences: women and other vulnerable individuals being forced into unsafe situations because they cannot afford to get to work or school. Imagine someone you care about—a daughter, a brother, a mother—unable to pay a fine or afford transit. This is not a hypothetical scenario; it is the daily reality for many people.

Meanwhile, we see massive construction projects and "big plans" for transit expansion, but little thought seems to be given to the human cost. Public transit should be funded by those who can afford it—through higher taxes on billionaires and corporations that benefit from the infrastructure—rather than placing the burden on those already struggling.

History has shown us the consequences of ignoring vulnerable populations. The recent installation of cell phone services along the Highway of Tears is a tragic acknowledgment of the dangers faced by those without access to safe transportation. We cannot allow our urban transit system to create similar risks for people who simply can’t afford to pay.

I urge you to reconsider the current fare structure and enforcement policies. Consider eliminating fares altogether and funding transit through equitable taxation. Transit should be a public good that serves everyone, not a system that penalizes poverty.

The inventors and visionaries behind Expo 86 never imagined a transit system that would punish impoverished people. They envisioned a future of connectivity, opportunity, and progress. It’s time to live up to that vision.

Sincerely,

Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita