Wayne’s World: Two Years In
October 19, 2015 was an interesting evening. Around 10PM both Global and CBC prematurely declared my Conservative colleague as elected in the federal riding of Kootenay Columbia. It was well after midnight when the last vote was counted and I became your Member of Parliament. Many of my supporters went to bed that night feeling...
From the Hill: Talks to re-open regarding national park in the south Okanagan
Federal and provincial environment ministers and local First Nations chiefs announced last week that they will re-open talks to create a national park in the south Okanagan. This was the latest step in long process that began in 2002, when a delegation of local mayors, First Nations leaders, and other concerned citizens met...
BC Liberal leadership candidate Andrew Wilkinson makes stop in Heritage City
Andrew Wilkinson believes he’s the right person to take on John Horgan of the NDP as the next leader of the BC Liberal Party. The MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena was in Nelson Monday as part of a whistle-stop tour of the Kootenays to drum up support in the Liberal leadership race to replace former Premier Christy Clark. Approximately...
Some things just don't add up right with the Site C Dam Project
The hissing sound you may hear is the unmistakable sound of the air coming out of Site C's tires. As the B.C. Utilities Commission continues its inquiry on the project, it's becoming more and more apparent that B.C. Hydro has been playing a bit loose with telling the whole truth when it comes to Site C. Case in point: in...
Public asked for input in development of 2018 budget
The timeline is set for the development of Castlegar’s 2018 budget and five-year plan, with opportunities for the public to weigh in on priorities at the outset, and later on the proposed finish product before it is adopted as law. “For 2017, Council added a new line item into its budget. A communication budget line item was...
Public's chance to weigh in on new water/sewer rates
The City of Castlegar is now beginning a public consultation phase to bring the city closer to a user-pay water/sewer system, an initiative that has been in the works since 2005. According to a report by city deputy director of finance Lois Hunter, the move toward water meters and consumption-based rates was a necessary goal...
City bids adieu to Malcolm, welcomes Barlow as new CAO
It’s official – our former, long-time CAO John Malcolm is now retired, and incoming CAO Chris Barlow attended his first council meeting as city manager at council’s regular meeting Monday night. Malcolm came to Castlegar as CAO in January of 2008. When asked what he’ll remember most fondly of Castlegar, Malcolm said, “There...
BC NDP Government releases first budget update
British Columbia’s new government has released a budget update that puts people first, Finance Minister Carole James announced Monday. The balanced Budget 2017 Update forecasts a surplus of $246 million in 2017-18 and takes key first steps to improve affordability, build better services for everyone, and invest in a strong,...
Wayne's World — Why are the Liberals going after small businesses and doctors?
Last month, Finance Minister Bill Morneau released a discussion paper that suggested one of the best ways to raise money is to close certain tax loopholes that benefit the wealthiest Canadians. “Many of the richest Canadians are unfairly exploiting the tax rules designed to help businesses thrive,” he said. In particular, a...
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...
