Judge Chides Harper Government's 'paternalistic, self serving, arbitrary and disrespectful' approach to First Nations
On January 17, 2014, Justice Patrick Smith of the Specific Claims Tribunal issued his decision in Aundeck Omni Kaning v. Canada, finding that Canada's unilateral, take-it-or-Ieave-it approach to the resolution of specific claims represents a blatant refusal to negotiate and undermines the Honour of the Crown in its dealings...
Stephen Harper’s Disservice to Israel
The dictionary definition of perverse says (of a person or their actions) “...showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable, often in spite of the consequences.” Well, that just about sums up Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s disturbing trip to Israel. If anyone knows why this...
Safety reminder for backcountry enthusiasts
A snowmobile death near Valemont has prompted the Canadian Avalanche Centre to issue a safety reminder for anyone venturing into the backcountry. The avalanche happened (Saturday) January 18, and while everyone in the group was carrying essential safety gear-avalanche transceivers, probes and shovels, the victim could not be...
Fish virus found in Kootenay Lake Kokanee calls for action
A fatal fish virus has been detected in the Kootenay Lake Kokanee raised in the Meadow Creek and Redfish spawning channels. Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNv) was found in 80 percent of spawning Kokanee in a routine check of the fish coming from the Meadow Creek spawning channel last fall. The virus has also been...
Boundary Dog Sled Races day one
Updated with full story: With beautiful weather, plenty of competitors and hundreds of spectators, the Boundary Dog Sled Classics can only be deemed a success. The Boundary Dog Sled races were a sprint-edition this year compared to the long-distance races held in previous years. This allowed spectators to watch almost the...
Fire destroys home in Pass Creek
A fire last night in Pass Creek destroyed a home, despite the attendance of three fire departments and roughly 20 firefighters, according to Pass Creek fire chief Brian Bebelman. He said the call came in at about 9:55 p.m. to respond to a fire at the end of McDaniels Road, at a double-wide trailer mounted on a full foundation,...
Implications of City of Castlegar wrong-doing refuted
Implications that the City of Castlegar failed to exercise due diligence in its bid to expand its boundaries have proven to be unfounded. The contention first arose when the city announced its intent to expand its boundaries to include Ootischenia gravel pit lands, which are currently owned by the Ministry of Transportation...
National Environmental Leadership Clinic coming to the Kootenays
The Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) is excited to announce that it has teamed up with its national counterpart, the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM), to offer a unique environmental education opportunity. This spring, eight lucky teams of four will have the opportunity...
LIBRARY MUSINGS: Fines gone, Mother Goose back
Remember what I talked about in my last column? About how our Board of Directors had passed a motion to do away with overdue fines? Well, that very same progressive Board is looking for a few good women and men to join in the fun – if you think you might be interested in joining the library Board, give us a call or stop by ...
Man waving 'gun' in downtown Trail sent to hospital
Reports of a man waving a handgun around in a Trail intersection Tuesday ended in a high risk arrest in the city's downtown core, according to RCMP Cpl. Dave Johnson. "On Jan. 21, at 10:54 a.m., the Trail and Greater District RCMP received a call for service reporting a male in the area of Bay Avenue and Victoria Street...
