As I knock on doors across the south Okanagan and West Kootenay, one issue is a common topic of conversation—health care.  Canadians are rightfully proud of our public health care system, and the NDP is proud that it was Tommy Douglas who fought for the free, universal program that we enjoy. It is not perfect, but...

UPDATE:  Canada's Chief Electoral Officer, Stephane Perrault, issued a public statement today, clarifying that environmental groups can say "whatever they want" during the election period, subject to the usual rules. There had been a rash of reports and opinion pieces, including this one, and a fine piece in The Beaverton, ...

Dated:  July 29, 2019:  For over two decades the Tsilhqot’in have battled to keep Taseko Mines Ltd. (TML) from destroying Teẑtan Biny and Yanah Biny with TML’s plan to create an open pit mine on a place of profound cultural and spiritual significance. Both TML and TNG have filed injunctions in B.C. Supreme Court and are in...

Betty was very quick of wit, usually quite agreeable and very funny.  She was gentle, accepting, and supportive and she rarely took crap from anyone.  She always had a ready response.    Her kindness and generosity of spirit usually stopped her from giving voice to unkind sentiments. She could always see the positive side of...

The current humanitarian crisis of migrants and refugees seems overwhelming. The sheer scale of the challenge leaves many feeling disempowered, sometimes resorting to racism or xenophobia. This is only the beginning. The best evidence suggests the climate crisis will continue to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis--as if an ...

I love my Grandma. I think I learned more from her than I ever did from any school. From her, I learned about a very practical and common sense approach to the challenges in life. I honour her spirit by trying to impart her knowledge to the next generation, as well, practice her pearls of wisdom in my own life. Of all the...

Editor’s note: At the Mighty Men Conference hosted recently near Castlegar, the keynote speaker encouraged participants to espouse the late-ancient household code that includes wives “submitting” to husbands. Because the speaker had elsewhere voiced strong anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments, a group protested the conference. Thousands ...

This weekend, Pass Creek is having an event called the Mighty Men’s March, Hosted by an evangelist named Angus Buchan. Here is a link to the event: https://nelsoncovenant.com/events/mighty-men-s-conference   This evangelest is incredibly controversial, and has been subjected to heavy criticism for his homophobic and misogynistic teachings. Scotland will no longer allow him to preach […]

I love being a Councillor.  To be involved in decisions that are bigger than myself is a humbling experience.  The City Staff (Chris, Lucas, Tracey, Nicole & David) have been so welcoming and Bruno has been nothing but kind and supportive every step of the way.  I have learned so much from my fellow councillors:  Dan with...

Something happened at the most recent Castlegar City Council meeting that has me very, very upset. A member of the public attended and waited hours for Question Period, at which time she came forward asking for some assurance that the potholes on Columbia Avenue would be fixed soon. Mayor Bruno Tassone asked for clarification...