MP: Unfair Elections Act an assault on democracy
In a recent speech at the National Action Network convention in New York City, U.S. President Barack Obama addressed the issue of voter suppression and voter ID laws. President Obama echoed Canadian election experts who point out that voting fraud is almost non-existent and there is simply no justification for introducing...
OPEN LETTER: The City's 'trash talkin' swagger' in the face of AGLG report is shameful
[NOTE: This is an open letter that was sent the mayor and council. We will post any replies from our elected leaders to this article--ed.] I am writing to see if council is actually onside with the comments our mayor made in the so-called "press release" that turned up in my inbox a couple minutes ago. Did council okay this...
OP/ED: Time for some perspective around the robberies
I watch social media fairly carefully, and all the buzz right now is about the armed robbers. No one expected them to be a couple with three children (at least, no one I know). Everyone's all atwitter, and I know I should be working myself up to comment, but the truth is, I just don't care. Does my heart ache for them and...
LETTER: Kootenay teachers want a deal, not a fight
Teachers have been forced into job action by this government for the reasons delineated in our, “Why Teachers May Be Forced Into Job Action”, Letter to the Editor that was published in the Rossland Telegraph, Castlegar News and Trail Times and circulated to all media outlets, DPAC, our School Board and CUPE:...
Second round voting would help achieve fair representation
The Canada Elections Act needs amending. It encourages and rewards abuse. However, I disagree with the amendments pursued by the federal government. Bill C-23 ignores the principle of equality of representation which is the problem at the root of the Canada Elections Act. In a multi-party society the first-past-the-post voting...
Putin, Petrorubles and Our PM’s Bad Posture
Stephen Harper’s embarrassing behaviour regarding the crisis in Ukraine — demonizing Vladimir Putin and upping the rhetoric — must be welcomed in the U.S. which created the crisis in the first place and apparently believes it still has something to gain by isolating Russia. But it is not clear that Harper even realizes — or...
COMMENT: An effective trade policy
It is interesting that any time trade is debated in the House of Commons New Democrats are always accused by the Conservatives of being “anti-trade”. However, as our Trade critic, Don Davies stated in the Jan. 29th debate on the proposed Canada-Honduras Free Trade Agreement, we believe thatCanadians recognize the importance...
LETTER: Gilpin grasslands need protection not for quad use
It was upsetting to read the current description of the Gilpin Grasslands as a recreation area by the Grand Forks Quad Bike Club. Gilpin is an extremely important wildlife ecosystem, a point validated by three provincial governments and two land conservancies, all who have left an important footprint on Gilpin. The grassland...
COMMENT: Who's afraid of a little debate?
“Today's BC Liberals” may have taken a little inspiration during last year's election campaign from former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell when she bluntly stated in 1993 that "an election is no time to discuss serious issues." It's why British Columbians could be forgiven for thinking that they missed something during...
The Castlegar Enquirer - is it what you want?
I'm not in the habit of discussing my professional decisions on this site, not because I don't welcome input, but rather because I think our role should be to report the news, not become the news. Having said that, I think it's time for a frank dialogue about what you want your news outlet to look like. Not the website – I'm...