Column: Blueberry River First Nations court case victory and what it means
A recent momentous court victory for Blueberry River First Nations could put Canada on track to realizing key Truth and Reconciliation Commission “calls to action.” Two of those are for government to “fully adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the framework for reconciliation”...
Rossland's Tara Howse named Green Party of Canada candidate in the SOWK
On July 7, 2021, the local Green Party membership voted to elect their candidate in the federal riding of South Okanagan–West Kootenay (SOWK). After a great turnout from the membership, Tara Howse from Rossland won the race against New Denver’s Trevor Holsworth. “I’m thrilled to be the representative again. I’m so glad Trevor...
As Parliament wraps up, MP Cannings wants more support for Canadians
Last week, as Parliament held its last session until is resumes in mid-September, local MP Richard Cannings is calling for government to do more to support Canadians. Cannings is one of 24 New Democrat MPs in Parliament that have successfully punched above their weight in the minority government. The NDP’s consistent pressure...
MP Cannings speaks to residential schools
The discovery of 215 unmarked and seemingly undocumented graves of children on the grounds of the former residential school in Kamloops has produced an outpouring of grief and anger across Canada. While the discovery was not a surprise to many people, especially to residential school survivors, it served as a shocking reminder...
RDCK Board Highlights - May 2021
Kirk Duff appointed to the RDCK Board of Directors Kirk Duff, the newly elected Mayor of Castlegar, has been appointed to the RDCK Board of Directors. The Board ratified the decision based on the recommendation from the City of Castlegar. Councillor Dan Rye, who previously represented the City of Castlegar on the Board, has...
MP Richard Cannings speaks to ongoing housing crisis
Canada is in the middle of a housing crisis, and the south Okanagan, Boundary and West Kootenay areas are very much in the middle of that crisis. This is an urgent and rapidly growing problem that demands the cooperation and priority of all levels of government. The crisis has emerged out of a perfect storm of factors....
Castlegar City Council highlights for May 17
The City swore in a new Mayor, Kirk Duff, and Councillor, Brian Bogle. They officially participated in their first Council meeting since being elected in Castlegar’s April 24, 2021 By-election. They are joining Councillors Sue Heaton-Sherstobitoff, Cherryl MacLeod, Maria McFaddin, Bergen Price, and Dan Rye. Council appointed...
Budget 2021: More promises but everyday Canadians are left holding the bill for the pandemic while the ultra-rich enjoy a free ride
Many struggling Canadians hoped that today’s budget would offer meaningful supports and steps towards recovery. But more than that, they hoped that it would be the ultra-wealthy who have profited from the pandemic who would be paying for these supports, not the workers who have been hit so hard. According to local MP, Richard...
Mayoral Candidate Lawrence Chernoff, in his own words
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Lawrence Chernoff and I am one of five mayoral candidates in the 2021 byelection. I was raised in Castlegar and have lived here my entire life. Castlegar has always been my home. It’s the home of my children, and of my grandchildren. It certainly holds a special place in my...
Castlegar Mayoral Candidate Kirk Duff, in his own words
I believe that Castlegar needs a positive, level-headed leader to guide us forward into the future. My 18 years of experience as a City Councilor including 9 years as the City’s rep to the Regional District, position me well to hit the ground running when elected. Since I was last on Council, I’ve continued my service to the...
