Two members of my family are teachers; I will therefore limit my comments on the dispute between the teachers and the government to its constitutional aspect. Through the Health and Social Services Delivery Improvement Act of 2002 the government had attempted to curtail the B.C. health workers’ rights to collective bargaining....

Taken aback by complete strangers walking up to you this summer to shake hands? Well, that's because they're back. Candidates on the hustings for a city hall near you. And despite their enthusiasm, it's not a passion shared by most voters if past elections are any indication. Even though local governments in B.C. oversee more...

A city councillor is speaking out against a process that sees the city making massive expenditures without having any say in the decision-making behind those expenditures. Councillor Kevin Chernoff said he has no problem with getting closed circuit TV surveillance for the local RCMP detachment – but he’s not okay with the...

The City of Castlegar and its union workers from CUPE Local 2262 have not yet hammered out a contract, but have arrived at a mutual accord in terms of proceeding. Castlegar mayor Lawrence Chernoff says the two parties have agreed on a publication ban, meaning neither side will speak to the press until a settlement has been ...

This week should be the first week of school. For students and their teachers, it's supposed to be a time of excitement and anticipation. But instead, it's a time of frustration and uncertainty. I am not happy about where things currently stand. Throughout this dispute, everything we've tried to do is to have schools open on...

Lower Columbia (Trail, Rossland, Warfield, Montrose, Fruitvale, Area A and B) residents will be askedto participate in a regional survey to provide input regarding the priorities and specific actions to help guide the Lower Columbia Community Development Team Society (LCCDTS) in allocating $600,000 in funding, over the next three years under the Columbia Basin Trust […]

August 29, 2014 Dear parents and guardians: Unfortunately, as of writing this letter, no settlement has been achieved between the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) and the BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA). This reality has put the start of the school year in serious jeopardy. The normal hustle and bustle of the...

Interior Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Patricia (Pat) Dooley to its Board of Directors effective Aug. 31, 2014. “We are very fortunate to be joined by a Director with the heart, drive and focus of Pat Dooley,” said Board Chair Norman Embree.  “She is incredibly dedicated to her community and passionate about...

We’re seeing forward motion in negotiations between the City of Castlegar and its CUPE workers, after a stalemate last month led to limited strike action on the union’s part Aug. 15, with city staff refusing all over time work. Mayor Lawrence Chernoff says city staff continue to assess a settlement offer sent by the union at...

Dear parents and guardians: As you are likely aware, the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) and the BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA) have not been able to make significant progress over the summer months and so the possibility of schools opening as usual following Labour Day is uncertain. The Board hopes that the...