The history of regulations goes back to the early civilizations of Greece and Egypt. Their purpose then as it is now is to protect society from the negative consequences of risks and hazards. Regulations, backed by the power of laws, govern what we wear, what we eat, where and how we live, and all but the most benign of our...

Our current incarnation of capitalism — variously referred to as savage capitalism, extreme capitalism or euphemistically as the “free market” (free of any constraints) — is in one of its periodic crises. For years many assumed that the smart people who ran the system and benefitted from it would find a practical way to fix...

Ed note: The following is a press release issued byt the BC government: Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines, announced today that BC Hydro will offer new options for customers who have put their smart meters on hold. Government is responding to public concerns by providing opt-out options with the costs borne by those […]

Mr. Harper: I write about your directing our military to revert to the use of British military rank insignias and designations after 45 years of a home-grown Canadian system. I also note that you previously had directed our services to revert to ‘Royal’ services in name, indicating service under the Queen of England. My wife […]

The federal Fisheries Act was designed to protect aquatic species, including preventing the dumping of harmful materials into fish-bearing waters. In 2012 Bill C-38, the Budget Implementation Act, began the gutting of the Fisheries Act by the Harper Conservatives in earnest. Four former federal Fisheries ministers were compelled...

Dear Editor:   In response to a letter to the editor (see original letter below this one) dated June 13th, regarding the dispatching of first responders to medical emergency call, it was stated that, "911 was called several times with no response, and that the RCMP were called to no avail".   I would like to clear up any...

I’d had my column already written; the topic was Canada’s war in Afghanistan. Then the events at the Victoria Legislature hit the news, and it is clear that something must be said about that. It is noteworthy, to me at least, that I was thinking about our war against the Afghan Taliban at a time […]

A secret 10-year deal signed by forest minister Steve Thomson could have significant implications on B.C.’s pulp mills, including Celgar, says New Democrat MLA Katrine Conroy. “We know that mills are having to pay more to get fiber, and we know that as the timber supply problem gets worse, it’s only going to get harder for ...

Another election! No, don't moan and groan – municipal byelections are interesting and fun! And dangerous. In fact, they're interesting and fun because they're dangerous – absolutely anything can happen in a byelection – think of it as a kind of political roulette game in which that little ball can land anywhere at all! So ...

At least 30 officials in the communities that make up Metro Vancouver earn a base salary that put them among the top one per cent of all income earners in Canada, as do two more at Metro Vancouver itself and another seven at TransLink. Perhaps it will be a leisurely cruise along the French Riviera […]