An alliance of 23 animal rights and environmental groups in BC and across Canada is furious at the BC Liberal government’s decision not to consult them regarding a new “wolf management plan” it is developing. According to a press release from the Canadian Wolf Coalition, speaking on behalf of the alliance, “The groups are greatly […]

High risk driving will be the target of a month-long police campaign in the West Kootenay region and across the province starting this weekend. In conjunction with ICBC, the campaign will target high-risk driving behaviours including speeding, failing to yield, following too closely, ignoring a traffic control device and improper passing. Intended to raise awareness […]

By Charles Ornstein and Tracy Weber SAN FRANCISCO — From the time they arrived to the moment they laid their heads on hotel pillows, the thousands of cardiologists attending this week’s Heart Rhythm Society conference have been bombarded with pitches for drugs and medical devices. St. Jude Medical adorns every hotel key card. Medtronic ads […]

A new amendment to the Clean Energy Act could allow families to finance energy efficiency improvements to their homes through a utility company loan. Bill No.7, the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2011 was introduced in the legislature Thursday by Attorney General Barry Penner. If passed it will amend: Clean Energy Act An amendment allows B.C. […]

After losing their battle in B.C. Supreme Court two weeks ago the B.C. government announced it will work with the B.C. Teachers’ Federation rather than continue a battle over control of class size and special needs support in public schools. The Province has appointed Paul Straszak, president and CEO, Public Sector Employers’ Council, to lead […]

Castlegar residents all received little pieces of paper in their mailboxes this week – small notices with massive importance.  City councillor Deb McIntosh says many people don’t realize how vitally important filling out those forms can be, and how the resulting information really does impact our  day-to-day lives.  “I certainly...

Twenty Castlegar organizations are feeling the love after city council made its recommendations for the distribution of Columbia Basin Trust’s Community Initiative Funding grants.  Working with a kitty of over $110,000 this year, council gave the largest sum, $20,000, to SculptureWalk.  “SculptureWalk has been incredibly...

A heat treat is in store for those who have suffered through one of the toughest winters — and a grim spring — in West Kootenay history. Environment Canada is predicting that this summer will be very warm and very dry, much more than normal. In its preliminary summer forecast, the national weather service said […]

Egyptian politician Mohamed ElBaradei said that ousted President Hosni Mubarak must stand trial. His statement follows the recent ratification by Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil El Araby of a statute that ensures Egypt will join the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC). If ElBaradei assumes power in the coming October/November 2011 elections, Mubarak and other former high-ranking corrupt Egyptian officials could potentially be tried […]

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today released its calculations of estimated pension and severance payments paid to the 113 MPs who were either defeated or did not seek re-election in the May 2, 2011 general election. Defeated and retiring MPs will collect $4.9 million in pension payments in their first year, reaching a cumulative total […]