Premier issues statement on hate groups organizing in Vancouver
Premier John Horgan released the following statement about a rally by hate groups taking place on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017 in Vancouver: "Hate has no place in our province. We reject all forms of racism, discrimination, intolerance and bigotry. "Recent events and images from Charlottesville, Virginia were horrifying, and hateful...
MP Richard Cannings to "Ride the Riding" again this year
Richard Cannings, MP (South Okanagan-West Kootenay) is happy to announce that he will “Ride the Riding” for the second year in a row. Last year he decided to complete a bicycle trip through the riding, which gave him a unique chance to meet the people, businesses and industries that make up the riding. The tour will use a...
B.C. sets sights on $15-an-hour minimum wage, reaffirms commitment to a fair wages commission
The provincial government is making its first move toward a $15-an-hour minimum wage for British Columbia by announcing a 50-cent increase for September and renewing its commitment to a fair wages commission. In making the announcement today, Premier John Horgan said moving over time to a $15 minimum wage is long overdue in...
Study brings new hope for remediation of issues at West Kootenay Regional Airport
In a press release today, the City of Castlegar announced big news for people travelling via the West Kootenay Regional Airport (WKRA). Mayor Lawrence Chernoff, city council and representatives from the Regional District of Central Kootenay, area municipal councils and local business representatives met yesterday to receive...
BC SPCA applauds government move to end grizzly bear trophy hunt
The BC SPCA is applauding the provincial government’s move to end British Columbia’s grizzly bear trophy hunt. Announced Monday by Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Doug Donaldson and in a B.C. government release, the ban will take effect on Nov. 30 throughout British Columbia, after...
Speed dating for B.C. lobbyists
It had to have been lost in the mail. It’s the only plausible explanation. I can’t imagine any other reason for not receiving an invitation to at least one of the “by invitation only” dinners held since 2013 with B.C.’s deputy ministers. The annual cash for access event is hosted by the B.C. Chamber of Commerce. After […]
Selkirk College Upgrading Courses Now Offered for Free
The Provincial Government’s announcement that tuition fees for Adult Basic Education will be eliminated starting immediately is welcome news for learners interested in upgrading opportunities in the Selkirk College region. Looking to open the door to adults who wish to expand their education and skills, Premier John Horgan made the announcement at Victoria’s Camosun College. […]
Sale of Teck's interest in Waneta dam to BC Hydro announced
The sale of Teck's two-thirds share of the Waneta dam to BC Hydro is now subject to "a number of conditions" according to press releases dated August 1, 2017. Those conditions include review and approval by the BC Utilities Commission, and assuming that it goes forward, the sale is not likely to be completed before early ...
Editorial: A parting shot from Christy Clark's government -- shocking but not surprising
While four of six Tsilhqot’in communities are evacuated due to raging wildfires surrounding their communities, Christy Clark’s outgoing Liberal government has granted permits to Taseko Mines to conduct extensive pre-construction exploration and drilling for the New Prosperity mine proposal in a place precious to the Tsilhqot’in Nation. Never mind that the federal government has twice […]
Improving Parliament: can we do it?
It’s summertime. We’re all on holiday, right? Who wants to think about stuff like governance at this time of year? On the other hand, can we afford to stop thinking about it, given how things are at the highest levels of Canadian politics? I say we need a fundamental change in the dynamics of […]