The BC SPCA is encouraging members of the public to show their support for Bill C-84, which broadens the definition of bestiality and expands provisions against animals used for fighting. Bill C-84 was introduced by former Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould and includes amendments to section 445.1(1)(b) and 447 of the...

Will the new Builders Code help women and other minorities survive in the trades? Time will tell. Race and gender still provoke ostracism, bullying, harassment, hazing … call it what you will, it is all too common, and it creates a toxic workplace, especially for those at whom it’s directed.  In some cases,...

Dear Council Members,      I am writing to implore you to reconsider your upcoming tax budget. The proposed 34/35 per cent over five years is astronomical, particularly in light of the current three-per-cent cost of living increase. We have all seen groceries and gasoline prices go up much more than that, which impacts us all...

One of the primary reasons that many citizens are drawn to Castlegar, is the economy. It attracts people who are not wealthy, like retirees and those on fixed incomes. Many politicians want to build arbitrary monuments to themselves. They want to be remembered so they can bask in kudos for re-election. We do not need to become...

There’s an old saying – if you don’t show up, then you should shut up. I think this holds particularly true right now in Castlegar, as a contentious budget debate will be on the table in two meetings this week at the Community Forum – one tonight at 5:30 p.m. and the other Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Bear in mind, there are all...

Last Wednesday we heard riveting testimony from former Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould on her account of events in the SNC-Lavalin story.  This is a long and sordid tale of corruption both abroad and here in Canada. As the SNC-Lavalin scandal rolls out, I’m reminded of Tommy Douglas’ political fable “Mouseland”. In it,...

Skiers accessing Cutblock Peak and environs:  please contain your irritation about the logging operation there that is inconveniencing you – it won’t be there for much longer.  Please stay well clear of the logging -- and please do not park on the logging road, or try to ignore the logging operations.  Here’s why: First, let’s...

On Feb. 14, Air Canada gave Penticton fliers a Valentine’s Day present—they announced that this spring they would be switching out the old Dash 8 aircraft they use now for newer, larger and quieter Q400 planes. That would provide more seats in and out of Penticton on a daily basis, good news for travellers and tourism operators...

B.C.'s NDP is now doing precisely what it criticizes the Liberals for doing — manufacturing a need for power while pushing forward with a project that produces energy that can’t be sold for even close to the price it will cost to produce it. By Sarah Cox, for The Narwhal Of all the years of political spin to...

The B.C. budget will be released tomorrow (February 19) and we’re waiting with bated breath to see the investments in B.C.’s first poverty reduction strategy! Given that the provincial government has been talking about this since they came into power, this is really the time for it to put its money where its mouth is. The...