High-tech warnings to help prevent wildlife collisions
The government of B.C. will be testing new high-tech wildlife detection systems on Highway 3 between Fort Steele and the Alberta border to better warn motorists about the potential for wildlife collisions. On this section of Highway 3, large wildlife represents a significant hazard to drivers. Many workers commute on Highway 3 between the communities […]
B.C. preserves local governments' tax revenues from medical marijuana growers
The Government of British Columbia is excluding federally-licensed medical marijuana production from the list of agricultural uses that qualify for farm classification for assessment and property tax purposes. The decision will ensure local governments do not lose potential property tax revenues from the Health Canada...
B.C.’s Agrifoods reputation grows stronger in China
Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick and the B.C. delegation have returned home after completing a successful trade mission to China. The tour included several deals that could increase B.C.’s agrifood exports by about $100 million within a few years. The trade mission featured a strong B.C. presence led by Letnick and representatives...
Naramata becomes B.C.’s newest Bear Smart community
Located in the heart of wine country, Naramata is prime territory for bears to roam. Naramata has been honoured for their exceptional collaborative approach to reducing human-bear conflicts as the sixth community in the province to achieve Bear Smart status. The Bear Smart Community program encourages local governments,...
COMMENT: Lack of dropped antlers and deer bones a bad sign in Boundary
I have been following hounds the last five weeks and in the process have walked a significant distance in the deer winter range and only on one occasion did I find the bones of a deer. Bones and dropped antlers for centuries have been a strong indicator of a healthy deer herd. Remember for decades the Boundary had the largest...
Fire ban coming into effect
Effective at noon PDT on July 2, 2014, open fires will be prohibited within the Southeast Fire Centre’s jurisdiction to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. This prohibition will remain in place until the public is otherwise notified. Specifically, prohibited activities include: the burning of any ...
COMMENT: Pensions are not only a seniors’ problem – Part 2
In part one I wrote about the unjust decision to increase the eligibility age for Old Age Security (OAS) to 67 and a variety of options to save for retirement. There are also all sorts of self-help manuals and financial advisors who can give you a good advice on how to plan for your financial needs when you retire. (So far ...
COMMENT: Pensions are not only a seniors’ problem – Part 1
In our discussions about affordability, the topic of pensions is immediately brought forward. My office receives letters, emails and phone calls every day from people worried about their retirement security and about their children’s retirement future. They are not alone. Despite the fact that Canada is one of the richest...
KETTLE RIVER Q&A: The twisted tale of a MAD trout
Adapted from a presentation to classes at West Boundary Elementary, May 2014. Today I want to tell you the story of Maddy the trout. This is a true story, kind of. One that requires a bit of imagination, and no fear of statistics of a very basic kind. Maddy is a rainbow trout (formally Oncorhynchus mykiss for those who like...
UPDATED: BCTF, government argue in front of Labour Relations Board
The battle between the government and BC teachers moved from the bargaining table to the Labour Relations Board room as both sides argued about the 10 per cent pay cut. The BC Teacher’s Federation told the LRB the government does not have the right to deduct salaries by 10 percent for teachers staging a partial […]
