Nelsonties join protestors across Canada opposed to Bill C-51
Activists in Nelson joined thousands across Canada Saturday to protest against the government's proposed anti-terrorism legislation, Bill C-51. Experts have said the new bill the will create secret police force with little oversight or accountability; facilitate government spying and information sharing on innocent Canadians;...
Police board calls for independent audit of police services after council rejects funding for additional staffing
The Nelson Police Board and Nelson city council are at odds over funding for policing in the city, after city council recently rejected a request by the police board for $311,000 worth of extra funding for additional staff the Nelson Police Department (NPD) says is needed to do their jobs properly. Council rejected the funding...
LETTER: Join Castlegar and area in opposing C-51 - and here's why it matters so much:
To the Editor: As an ex-South African who was affected by and had friends scarred and killed by “The Terrorism Act” and its spy network during the anti-Apartheid days, I’m so alarmed by the doors of abuse opened by Prime Minister Harper’s Bill C-51 that I’ve committed to co-organizing – with local childcare worker Michelle ...
Minimum wage earners in BC get a slight bump up with government announcement
The B.C. government increased the minimum wage to $10.45 per hour effect September 15 of this year said Minister for Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, and Minister Responsible for Labour, Shirley Bond Thursday. At the same time, Bond said the wage for liquor server will get bumped up from $9.00 to $9.20 per hour. “Raising ...
New finance ministry fact sheet omits a bit
When something changes from one week to the next for no apparent reason, it sparks some curiosity, as is the case with the B.C. finance ministry's “Keeping taxes low for B.C. families” fact sheet posted to its website only a week after the provincial budget. It favours spin right from the top. The first two lines, classic. ...
City's seeks input on proposed 2 percent tax increase in 2015 budget
Late last week the City of Nelson unveiled its proposed $40 million 2015 budget that would include a 2 percent tax increase, with the hope that Nelson residents will provide input before the budget is finalized. According to a press release issued by the City, the 2 percent increase accounts for only the cost of inflation and...
Don't count out the Greens in new Kootenay-Columbia riding
The NDP held its nomination meeting Sunday in Cranbrook to name Wayne Stetski as its candidate in the upcoming Federal Election. And now Kootenay-Columbia Green Party candidate Bill Green, nominated last year, is taking to the election trail with a prediction that the Green Party shouldn’t be underestimated in the upcoming ...
West Arm Provinical Park to grow by 1,219 hectares — Caribou population benefits
Environment Minister Mary Polak has announced that the West Arm Provincial Park is one of six BC parks to be expanded under Bill 8 which was introduced on March 2. The park will gain 1,219 hectares on the south eastern edge directly behind Ymir peak. The land is owned by the Crown, which acquired two parcels of land totaling...
Government introduces legislation to enhance regulations for e-cigarettes
British Columbia has introduced amendments to the Tobacco Control Act to regulate e-cigarettes, legislation that will help stop the growing use of e-cigarettes by young people in B.C. “More and more young people are using e-cigarettes,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “This legislation will limit the exposure to children of...
$50,000 buys city new revenue stream/saves 'critical' service
A new agreement with the Southeast Fire Centre will see the city spending roughly $50,000 initially – but recouping the loss over the term of the agreement and creating a new revenue stream for the city while ensuring the city's continuing role as the operations base for an important regional service. City director of...
