Negotiations at a stand still for teachers
A new year, but not a new leaf for the B.C. Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) and their contract talks with the provinicial government. The B.C. Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA) and the BCTF returned to the bargaining table after the Christmas break on Thursday, Jan. 5 but nothing new has been proposed, said Boundary District Teachers’ Association […]
COMMENT: Federal Government comments damaging to the Impartiality of the joint review process
The First Nations Leadership Council is greatly troubled by recent comments by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver advocating for the proposed Enbridge Gateway pipeline to proceed even before the Joint Review Panel’s environmental review has begun. Grand Chief Edward John states,...
Nelson's Kozak, Nakusp mayor Hamling lead newly formed committee
Elected officials from local municipalities and regional districts have been appointed to the newly formed Columbia River Treaty Local Governments' Committee.Leading the committee is Nelson City Councilor and committee chair Deb Kozak and Nakusp Mayor and vice-chair Karen Hamling.The committee's primary task is to engage with...
City responds to lack of ambulance coverage with upset ... and invoice
Castlegar city council voted unanimously Tuesday night to invoice BC Ambulance Services (BCAS) for any costs incurred by the Castlegar Fire Department after a gap in ambulance coverage lasted through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as New Year’s Day. City councillor Russ Hearne introduced the motion, arguing that he’s not wild about a […]
City utility rates to increase by six per cent
Water, sewer and garbage utility rates in Castlegar will be increased by a total of six per cent for 2012 or $44 per year for the average household. City council gave three readings to the motion at its regular meeting Tuesday night, and is expected to adopt the new rates bylaw at its upcoming meeting on Jan. 16 (votes ...
BC Ambulance Services speak to lack of Castlegar coverage over the holidays
An investigation is being launched by BC Ambulance Services into why Castlegar was left without ambulance coverage Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, according to BCAS Central Kootenay Superintendent Chris Mason. He also said the investigation will also encompass the fact that Castlegar first responders (fire crews) weren’t notified of the coverage gap […]
Cross-border deal's grave threats to Canadian food security
The following is the third installment of a three part investigation by Nelle Maxey into the wide-ranging environmental and socio-political implications for Canada of the recently signed US-Canada cross border security deal and ancillary agreements related to the Regulatory Cooperation Commission. Read part 1 and part 2 here....
Tax assessments don't reflect any major changes in Castlegar property values
More than 8,000 property owners in the Castlegar area can expect to receive their 2012 assessment notices in the next few days. “Most homes in Castlegar and its surrounding rural area have changed only marginally from last year‟s assessment roll,” said Dennis Hickson, deputy assessor. “For example, a typical single...
Province increases homeowner grants threshold
British Columbians who own homes worth up to $1.285 million may be eligible to receive the entire homeowners’ grant this year, after the Province raised the threshold to accommodate rising property values. BC Assessment estimates the value of all homes based on their market value on July 1 each year. The Province then reviews...
No decision yet by government for Midway border crossing
A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) official says no decisions or action timelines have been made for any of the Midway, Boundary and other B.C. area border crossings listed in a document accidentally released in early December. “Our government is focused on ensuring our shared border is secure while easing the flow of legitimate […]
