IntegrityBC releases BC Conservative leader's video answers to Facebook questions
(Victoria, 9 February 2012) – IntegrityBC today released eight videos of B.C. Conservative party leader John Cummins responding to questions posed to him by British Columbians on the organization's Facebook page. Cummins responds to a variety of issues ranging from fears over a Conservative/Liberal vote split to the HST to ...
City invites IHA spokesperson to public meeting to discuss ER closure
The City of Castlegar is asking Interior Health Authority (IHA) spokesperson Diane Gagnon to attend the public portion of city council’s next meeting, to discuss the unscheduled closure of Castlegar’s emergency ward last Saturday. This, after city officials received a letter of apology for the poor communication before, and during, the closure. “Normally, a public […]
COMMENT: How to repair Rossland's breached trust, Mr Mayor?
Dear Mayor Greg Granstrom, There hasn't been a revolt. You're still the mayor and, much as the city would benefit from someone new, CAO Victor Kumar is still the CAO. Trust was broken and very bad process was used to achieve a dubious goal, but it's time we moved on. To move on, however, we should first ask ourselves: what ...
PERU: Following the great water march
It has been 7 days since the Great Water March set off, on February 1, 2012, from the heights of Celendín, Cajamarca, Peru, where the lakes threatened by the Conga [es] mining project are located. The march has unfolded practically without incidents, and is currently halfway to Lima, its final destination. Meanwhile,...
The great debate over B.C. Teachers compensation
by Jock Finlayson, Troy Media At the heart of the dispute pitting the B.C. Teachers’ Federation against the provincial government and its bargaining agent, the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association, is a debate over what constitutes fair compensation. The union insists teachers are underpaid and deserve a substantial pay...
IHA offers Castlegarians an apology
An open letter to the community of Castlegar; Interior Health would like to apologize to the residents of Castlegar and area for not properly informing you of the temporary closure of the emergency department last Saturday. Interior Health has contingency plans in place when facing a service interruption like this, which includes notifying community officials, […]
First responders learn about Castlegar emergency ward closure on Facebook
Tonight’s city council meeting will almost certainly see disgruntled residents and representatives, after Castlegar’s emergency ward was closed without notice Saturday. People – even first responders – seeking medical care were met, at the hospital doors, with a sign that read, “Emerg dept closed for today (Sat Feb 4) Please head to Trail or Nelson […]
Don’t frack with our water, say majority of Canadians in new poll
The controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing, otherwise known as fracking, is facing mounting opposition across the country. A new Environics Research poll commissioned by the Council of Canadians has found that 62% of Canadians support “a moratorium on all fracking for natural gas until all the federal environmental ...
New meat inspection program planned for B.C. by 2014
The Province has completed a comprehensive review of options for provincially operated meat inspection services at Class A and B licensed abattoirs. This ensures that B.C. continues to provide the most effective, safe meat inspection system possible when the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) steps back from this role. ...
2012 budget to include property tax increases for all but major industry
The City of Castlegar unveiled its $19-million 2012 budget to less-than thunderous applause Wednesday, as only seven people (not including city staff and council) showed up for the public meeting. The turnout was disappointing, but not surprising, according to city councillor and finance committee chair Russ Hearne. “It’s similar to the turn out we’ve had […]
