The Canada Elections Act needs amending. It encourages and rewards abuse. However, I disagree with the amendments pursued by the federal government. Bill C-23 ignores the principle of equality of representation which is the problem at the root of the Canada Elections Act. In a multi-party society the first-past-the-post voting...

Stephen Harper’s embarrassing behaviour regarding the crisis in Ukraine — demonizing Vladimir Putin and upping the rhetoric — must be welcomed in the U.S. which created the crisis in the first place and apparently believes it still has something to gain by isolating Russia. But it is not clear that Harper even realizes — or...

It is interesting that any time trade is debated in the House of Commons New Democrats are always accused by the Conservatives of being “anti-trade”.  However, as our Trade critic, Don Davies stated in the Jan. 29th debate on the proposed Canada-Honduras Free Trade Agreement, we believe thatCanadians recognize the importance...

Dear Parents, guardians and students: Late on Thursday, April 17, 2014 the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) gave formal strike notice to school districts across the province of BC. Starting on Wednesday, April 23rd, teachers will not be performing some of their regular duties. The purpose of this letter is to give...

The on-again announcement regarding the environmental assessment exemption for prospective sweet natural gas processing plants and all-season ski resorts, is, off again. Environment Minister Mary Polak has rescinded the environmental assessment exemption Wednesday, one day after it was announced. In a written statement, Polak said the government did not consult with First Nations about the proposed […]

In a recent letter to the editor, Area F taxpayer Kevin LePape expressed concerns about comments made by RDCK Chair, John Kettle in a press release (link to doc) and article in The Nelson Daily announcing taxpayer savings in the recent budget. LePape argues that the $1.5 million in savings in the general and rural […]

“Today's BC Liberals” may have taken a little inspiration during last year's election campaign from former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell when she bluntly stated in 1993 that "an election is no time to discuss serious issues." It's why British Columbians could be forgiven for thinking that they missed something during...

Mayor Brian Taylor is hoping someone in the community will come forward and help set up a humane society in Grand Forks. He brought the issue up at the City’s regular council meeting, Monday during his mayor’s report. “Are we so inhumane that we can’t get someone to come forward to take a leadership role in dealing with the...

One of the most defining issues of the Conservative’s time in government is their constant march toward self-regulation for industry. In the past, Canada relied on strong public regulation and oversight to ensure risks are managed to protect the public. The move away from the time-tested method has been incremental and...

The Harper government seems intent on proving to its detractors that things can always get worse. They’ve one-upped themselves with the farce called the Fair Elections Act. It has been described as a direct threat to the right to vote and an assault on democracy by the very people our democracy assigns to examine these things....