To The Editor: The biggest insult we have to endure every day as Canadians, is being told we are a democracy, when in fact we are not, and looking at how our dysfunctional colonial political system is dividing and destroying our country has become a depressing reality. Poilievre is busy promoting his freedom (to do […]

We are privileged to live in a beautiful part of the world, which has been stewarded with care by Indigenous communities since time immemorial. All of us who live here have an obligation to care for these lands, waters, plants, and animals, and to work towards a sustainable future. This is not only about preserving […]

“There are two paths that you can go by, but in the long run – There’s still time to change the road you’re on.”  – Led Zeppelin, Stairway to Heaven “Science without religion is lame; religion without science is blind.” — Albert Einstein Paths to knowledge Until the seventeenth century in Europe, our human species […]

To The Editor: The B.C. Wildlife Federation is opposed to the open-pit coal mine proposed by NWP Coal Canada Ltd. for the heart of Elk Valley. We support the efforts of Sparwood Fish & Wildlife Association President Matt Huryn to stop this project before it starts. The Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) and Impact Assessment Agency […]

As someone who has enjoyed a long media career, including 44 years hosting CBC TV’s The Nature of Things, I understand how important robust media is to a thriving democracy. An informed public makes better decisions about everything from health care to voting. Some, unfortunately, see an informed public as a threat to their agendas. […]

To The Editor: The BC mining industry just hit a brick wall, and it’s time for BC to wake up and engage. Premier David Eby does not have the moral or Constitutional right to arbitrarily award 6% of the people of our province unfettered use and control of our Crown lands and resources. The truth […]

To The Editor: It’s unbelievable our health care system refuses to take pity on our dialysis patients. Three times a week I drive seniors in my small car to Trail. These patients should be getting the treatment they need here in Nelson. To qualify as a driver for the West Kootenay Volunteer Driver Program, I […]

I was trained to be a scientist. A book I cowrote with Tony Griffiths became the most widely used genetics text in the United States. But as I was beginning my career in Canada, I was struck by the priorities of newspapers and television. Whole sections and programs were devoted to politics, business, sports and […]

“We all live in a network of stories. There isn’t a stronger connection between people than story-telling.” — J. N. Smith Reconciliation, after Truth is taught I have written in this column before about Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, most recently in the last Arc in December. I feel it’s a subject that I might […]

Winter is a great season for staying cozy and taking some extra time to reflect on what is most important. This month I’ve had a chance to reflect on 2023 and everything we accomplished for people, here in the Kootenays and across the province. I wanted to share some of those reflections with you. In […]