The positive side of politics: Castlegar creates Goood Samaritan Award
Some people may be understandingly frustrated by negativity in politics, especially lately with the American election cycle dominating the airways and social media. But politics can offer us feel-good stories, too – like Castlegar's newly-implemented Good Samaritan Award. Councillor Deb McIntosh, chair of city council's...
Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute research shows dramatic disparity between male and female earnings in the region
In honour of International Women's Day, we are taking a look at gender-based differences in Columbia Basin-Boundary incomes. Pre-tax income distribution is an indicator of the earning opportunities and potential within our society. Examining the differences in the distribution of income between males and females sheds light...
LETTER: Castlegar & District Hospital Foundation needs you, and serves you
“Your Donation Boomerangs Back To You” – what does that mean? We don’t have a hospital anymore! We did before! This was overheard being said in frustration by a person as they passed the elevator in the Castlegar & District Community Health Centre. I assume that this person was on their way to get bloodwork done, or an ...
Vancouver Declaration on Clean Growth and Climate Change
Canada's First Ministers recently issued a joint communiqué following the First Ministers' Meeting and released a declaration on clean growth and climate change: "In the spirit of cooperation and collaboration, we met today to discuss the economy and actions to address climate change and agreed on immediate work to support ...
UPDATED: Coun. Butler found originally in 'Conflict of Interest;' To stay on council
The Honourable Mr. Justice Greyell of the British Columbia Supreme Court ruled today in the City’s application to have the office of Councillor Julia Butler declared vacant on the basis that she contravened sections 100 and 101 of the Community Charter. In his Reasons for Judgment, Justice Greyell held that, while Councillor...
Teck Trail Operations Assessed Penalty
Teck Metals Ltd. (Teck) has been assessed a penalty in relation to five charges under the Fisheries and Environmental Management Acts relating to incidents at Teck Trail Operations between November 2013 and February 2015. A portion of the penalty will be designated for local environmental conservation funds. The charges relate...
OP/ED: West Kootenay Labour Council calls for action on missing/murdered Aboriginal women
“March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD) and this year we are hopeful that justice for Indigenous Women will move forward with the government’s announcement of the long awaited inquiry on missing and murdered aboriginal women,” said Debbie Bird, President of the West Kootenay Labour Council. “Every year women and men around...
Property taxes set to rise in ‘status quo’ budget as city delivers its proposed 2016 budget
The city’s budget will be “status quo” but with a caveat as city administration delivered a preliminary look at the municipality’s next budget offering last Thursday. Property taxes will rise at least 1.75 per cent for 2016, along with other utility increases, the city’s chief financial officer Colin McClure said in a budget...
The calm before the storm — Council, Police Board have decision on NPD staffing levels
The long awaited provincal review on the minimal staffing required in the Nelson Police Department under the BC Police Act have been completed. However, the jury remains out on when the report will be released, or when the two sides — Nelson Police Board and City Council — would comment. In a prepared statement released to ...
COLUMN: Briefings from Victoria
I am now back in Victoria at the Legislature until the end of May. While there are many events and meeting requests that come across my desk, I am only in the constituency on Fridays and Saturdays and quite often that time is limited by weather and other unforeseen issues. I depend on my very resourceful and knowledgeable...