Liberals setting next government up for failure, say independent MLAs
Independent MLAs say the current government is putting a stranglehold on the post-election government by deliberately cutting short funding supply for operations. In a statement released this week, the four independents say that no government in the past has taken this approach in advance of an election. "We are calling on ...
West Kootenay EcoSociety takes legal action to stop new Jumbo municipality
The West Kootenay EcoSociety said it plans to submit an application in BC Provincial Court Monday afternoon in Nelson for a Judicial Review of the Jumbo Glacier Mountain Resort Municipality near Invermere. West Kootenay EcoSociety said it will argue the appointment of municipal councilors without any electors violates the constitution and various provincial statutes. “Fundamentally […]
BC Government unveils new CareCard
British Columbians can now replace their CareCard with the new BC Services Card. “Starting today, the old CareCard will be replaced by the BC Services Card, a highly secure form of identification,” said Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. “This new card will be a secure piece of photo identification with many anti-fraud and security features including […]
Former CBT chair receives Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal
Thanks to his significant contributions to the Columbia Basin, Kimberley’s Garry Merkel is receiving a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. “Garry is an exceptional visionary with strong leadership qualities,” said Greg Deck, CBT Chair. “Through his significant professional accomplishments and extensive volunteer work, he continually gives back and inspires and motivates others. His impacts […]
The War in Mali and AFRICOM’s Agenda: Target China
by F. William Engdahl, Global Research, February 10, 2013 Part I: Africa’s New Thirty Years’ War? Mali at first glance seems a most unlikely place for the NATO powers, led by a neo-colonialist French government of Socialist President Francois Hollande (and quietly backed to the hilt by the Obama Administration), to launch what is being […]
COMMENT: School closures and the ‘cult of efficiency’
In light of the current fiscal crisis and resultant school closures and reconfigurations being contemplated by our Board of Education to balance its budget we believe it is appropriate to revisit some of Murray Dobbin’s thoughts in his article about School Closures and the “Cult of Efficiency” written in 2008 when he was the...
B.C. Liquor laws get a makeover
Minister Rich Coleman recently announced several changes today that will help support local breweries and distilleries, create new business opportunities, and revise current liquor laws in British Columbia. The changes include: Brewers and distillers now can apply to have an on-site consumption area such as a lounge, tasting room or event area. Small- and medium-sized […]
RDKB Town Hall Meeting
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary held a town hall meeting last Thursday, February 7 at the community hall in Christina Lake. This was an opportunity for the public to meet and question those who make decisions about, and provide, services for the region. It was also an event where regional government comes to explain...
City's $20.83-million budget unveiled; 3% tax increase for residents
The City of Castlegar is all set to unveil its $20.826-million 2013 budget at a public meeting Feb. 18. The meeting, slated for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (directly preceding council's regular meeting at 7 p.m.) will be an opportunity for residents to see what the city has planned and offer feedback and suggestions before the document...
Teck charged for effluent disharge into Columbia River
Teck Trail Operations was officially charged Friday in relation to accidentally-discharged effluent with a higher-than-allowable pH-level, according to a press release issued by Teck representative Richard Deane. Deane said the incident occurred March 5, 2011, and the company is being charged under the Fisheries and Environmental Management Acts. He said the water used to clean […]