COMMENT: Troubled Times
The more I reflect upon our troubled times, the more I am convinced that Canada is not acting in a responsible manner on the international stage. As Robert Murray, Professor and Columnist for the Frontier Centre for Public Policy stated, “The Harper government has come out with its ‘principled foreign policy’. Exactly what...
Homicide charges pending for missing 5-year-old and grandparents
Earlier today, the Amber Alert was called off for missing five-year-old Nathan O'Brien and a press conference was announced for noon PST. O'Brien and his grandparents Alvin and Kathryn Liknes have been missing for two weeks. At the press conference, Calgary Police Service Chief Rick Hanson announced that the missing persons...
Van. Aquarium works to save False Killer Whale
A false killer whale calf, which stranded in the fog on North Chesterman beach near Tofino yesterday morning, ended his long day of rescue and transport at the Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, presented by Port Metro Vancouver, where veterinarians and team members worked overnight to keep him alive. As Canada’s...
B.C.'s plan for protecting vulnerable species
British Columbia’s five-year plan for protecting species at risk was released today by Environment Minister Mary Polak and Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson. “Our new plan provides a clear and certain path forward for B.C. to show leadership in conservation of species at risk,” said Polak....
COMMENT: Palliative Care
Canada has an aging population and, as a result, will face many challenges. While we have been engaged with some of the items affected at the federal level, there is a vacuum for government initiatives related to end of life care, which is known as palliative care. To be clear, a person doesn’t have to be elderly to benefit...
Manitoba declares state of emergency
The Manitoba government is declaring a provincial state of emergency to take effect at noon today; requesting Canadian Forces support; and establishing a unified command centre near Portage la Prairie to assist with liaison efforts with the affected communities, Premier Greg Selinger announced today. This will allow emergency...
Farmers' market liquor sales support B.C. products
Beer, wine, cider and spirits can be sampled and sold alongside fresh fruits and veggies at B.C. farmers’ markets, as a new batch of Liquor Policy Review changes take effect. “Having local liquor manufacturers at B.C. farmers’ markets will offer shoppers a convenient opportunity to taste-test and purchase local liquor products, and at the same […]
High-tech warnings to help prevent wildlife collisions
The government of B.C. will be testing new high-tech wildlife detection systems on Highway 3 between Fort Steele and the Alberta border to better warn motorists about the potential for wildlife collisions. On this section of Highway 3, large wildlife represents a significant hazard to drivers. Many workers commute on Highway 3 between the communities […]
B.C. preserves local governments' tax revenues from medical marijuana growers
The Government of British Columbia is excluding federally-licensed medical marijuana production from the list of agricultural uses that qualify for farm classification for assessment and property tax purposes. The decision will ensure local governments do not lose potential property tax revenues from the Health Canada...
B.C.’s Agrifoods reputation grows stronger in China
Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick and the B.C. delegation have returned home after completing a successful trade mission to China. The tour included several deals that could increase B.C.’s agrifood exports by about $100 million within a few years. The trade mission featured a strong B.C. presence led by Letnick and representatives...
