OPINION: The BC government's provocation of teachers could set a frightening precedent
Two members of my family are teachers; I will therefore limit my comments on the dispute between the teachers and the government to its constitutional aspect. Through the Health and Social Services Delivery Improvement Act of 2002 the government had attempted to curtail the B.C. health workers’ rights to collective bargaining....
COMMENT: As municipal elections approach, what's the cause of voter apathy?
Taken aback by complete strangers walking up to you this summer to shake hands? Well, that's because they're back. Candidates on the hustings for a city hall near you. And despite their enthusiasm, it's not a passion shared by most voters if past elections are any indication. Even though local governments in B.C. oversee more...
Council wants reconsideration of proposed increase to mayor’s salary
At its September 2 meeting, for the second time this summer, Nelson City Council rejected a proposal that would make changes to councillors’ and the mayor’s benefits and salaries, and sent it back to city staff to be re-worked. The first time was at the August 11 council meeting, when council rejected a proposal by the Council...
Councillor opposes arbitrary process in policing equipment
A city councillor is speaking out against a process that sees the city making massive expenditures without having any say in the decision-making behind those expenditures. Councillor Kevin Chernoff said he has no problem with getting closed circuit TV surveillance for the local RCMP detachment – but he’s not okay with the...
City and CUPE 2262 reach accord, but no contract yet
The City of Castlegar and its union workers from CUPE Local 2262 have not yet hammered out a contract, but have arrived at a mutual accord in terms of proceeding. Castlegar mayor Lawrence Chernoff says the two parties have agreed on a publication ban, meaning neither side will speak to the press until a settlement has been ...
OP/ED: Fassbender issues statment re: ongoing teacher strike
This week should be the first week of school. For students and their teachers, it's supposed to be a time of excitement and anticipation. But instead, it's a time of frustration and uncertainty. I am not happy about where things currently stand. Throughout this dispute, everything we've tried to do is to have schools open on...
City pauses tree pruning because of public complaints
City Council has asked Nelson Hydro to pause its pruning or “vegetation management” activities on city streets following some complaints from the public. Over the summer, Hydro has been cutting back city trees, on both public and private property, to comply with new guidelines about the distance between vegetation and power...
LETTER: SD 20 Superintendent says Tuesday won't see back-to-school in area
August 29, 2014 Dear parents and guardians: Unfortunately, as of writing this letter, no settlement has been achieved between the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) and the BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA). This reality has put the start of the school year in serious jeopardy. The normal hustle and bustle of the...
New board director for Interior Health
Interior Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Patricia (Pat) Dooley to its Board of Directors effective Aug. 31, 2014. “We are very fortunate to be joined by a Director with the heart, drive and focus of Pat Dooley,” said Board Chair Norman Embree. “She is incredibly dedicated to her community and passionate about...
Parking and traffic changes, part 2: Nelson will add 35 new on-street parking spaces downtown
In a previous story in The Nelson Daily we described some of the changes to traffic patterns that will affect Cedar Street, High Street, and the east end of Baker Street in response to the upcoming changes to traffic flow on Hall Street. In addition, the city plans to add up to 35 additional on-street parking spaces downtown....
