Regional

Stephen Harper dropped a bombshell in Switzerland recently, and the repercussions are being felt across Canada.

In his keynote address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Harper said that Canada needs to find savings in the Old Age Security benefit because our aging population is growing more expensive to service. "Our demographics also constitute a threat to the social programs and services that Canadians cherish," Harper said.

Harper's surprise plan included a proposal to raise the age Canadians can receive the benefit from 65 to 67.

Basin youth are invited to apply to attend CONNECT, a free YOUTH ACTION SUMMIT happening May 3-6 in Kimberley, BC. The theme for the event is: Connecting with Communities. Space is limited to 100 spots for participants from across the Basin. Applications are being accepted now until February 29 at cbt.org/connect.

The summit will feature engaging speakers, planning sessions and networking opportunities, all directed towards assisting attendees in creating a day of action in their own community.

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) welcomes three new members to its Board of Directors and would like to recognize the reappointment of five current directors.

The new directors are:
* Wendy Booth from Fairmont Hot Springs (two-year term);
* Am Naqvi from Nelson (one-year term); and
* Laurie Page from Nakusp (one-year term).

CANMORE, Alta.—The next generation of Olympian cross-country ski athletes will look to gain valuable international experience while representing Canada at the 2012 Junior and Under-23 World Championships in Erzurum, Turkey, February 19-26.

Cross Country Canada named 16 athletes that will wear Canadian colours at the international junior Nordic skiing festival on Tuesday, following this past weekend’s selection trials at Whistler Olympic Park.