I think, in the six years I've been here, I've only criticized city council twice. Not because they're my buddies, or I'm afraid they'll get mad at me, but rather because I've found them to be very capable, and I largely agree with the direction in which they're guiding our city. At Monday night's regular council meeting,...

In 2001, Recep Tayyip Erdogan established the Justice and Development Party (AKP). In November 2002, it won nearly two-thirds of parliamentary seats. It did so with 35% of the vote. Earlier dominant parties were rebuffed. Hard times aroused public anger. Voters rejected corrupt political rule. At the time, Istanbul newspaper Sabah called AKP’s triumph a […]

Ed. Note: The following is a press release issued by the City of Trail: The City of Trail announced last week it will be moving forward with the boundary extension referral process which may result in the city extending its boundaries into Electoral Area A. The process would include the City of Trail negotiating a […]

The following is a press release issued by the Environment Ministry: British Columbia has made its final written submission to the Northern Gateway Pipeline Joint Review Panel. In the submission, the province states that it cannot support the project as presented to the panel because Northern Gateway has been unable to address...

The shooting of three cougars in Robson yesterday afternoon was not just the necessary way to protect public safety, it was also the only humane option for the animals as well, according to Conservation Officer Ben Beetlestone. He also debunked rumours of a fourth cougar sighted in the area. Beetlestone said his partner took...

After the completion of final count in the Coquitlam-Maillardville electoral district for the 40th Provincial General Election, Elections BC will be making an application to the Supreme Court for a judicial recount. A total of 35 votes separate the top two candidates, and under the Election Act, an application for a judicial recount must be […]

On May 25, as many as 200 people from all walks of life participated in raising awareness by “marching against Monsanto”. The event began at Millennium Park, where a table was set up to make protest signs, and participants were given research papers and information. The group facilitators hosted a wide variety of speakers...

Alex Atamanenko, MP (BC Southern Interior) is hoping there will be a massive turnout for the May 25th march against Monsanto, the leading seller of genetically engineered (GE) seeds, at events scheduled around the world, including Castlegar. “This is a wonderful opportunity for citizens everywhere to speak with one voice...

The question of whether to abolish or to elect the Senate tends to flare up in the wake of a crass partisan appointment or a flagrant abuse of privilege. That question, however, should not be allowed to negate the question of the Senate’s purpose. We have examples in our history of legislation where, in retrospect, […]

The NDP’s stunning loss in B.C. is being deconstructed, dissected, analyzed and mourned over not only here but across the country. Every pundit and political junkie, including me, thought the NDP would win, even after their lead suddenly dropped. But unfortunately, most of the analysis won’t be very helpful for those individuals and organizations hoping […]