High-tech warnings to help prevent wildlife collisions
The government of B.C. will be testing new high-tech wildlife detection systems on Highway 3 between Fort Steele and the Alberta border to better warn motorists about the potential for wildlife collisions. On this section of Highway 3, large wildlife represents a significant hazard to drivers. Many workers commute on Highway 3 between the communities […]
B.C. preserves local governments' tax revenues from medical marijuana growers
The Government of British Columbia is excluding federally-licensed medical marijuana production from the list of agricultural uses that qualify for farm classification for assessment and property tax purposes. The decision will ensure local governments do not lose potential property tax revenues from the Health Canada...
COMMENT: Pensions are not only a seniors’ problem – Part 2
In part one I wrote about the unjust decision to increase the eligibility age for Old Age Security (OAS) to 67 and a variety of options to save for retirement. There are also all sorts of self-help manuals and financial advisors who can give you a good advice on how to plan for your financial needs when you retire. (So far ...
Crowd gathers to support Nelson Teachers during 'In Support of Public Education' rally
Despite seeing its labour dispute with the government drag into another week, and appearing to be going nowhere, local teachers were joined by a large group of supporters at the Nelson and District Teachers’ Association “In Support of Public Education” rally Monday at the City Hall Courtyard. “We had a good turnout despite the inclement […]
Conflict escalates as teachers union says 'no' to Grade 10 and 11 report cards
Protests and rallies are being held throughout the Kootenays today, including in Castlegar, as the conflict between the BC Teachers Federation and the provincial government continues to escalate. Kootenay Columbia Teachers Union president Andy Davidoff issued a release today indicating teachers will not be issuing report cards...
COMMENT: 'Class Composition' is more than an abstract bargaining term in the current BC teachers' strike
Our Canadian school system is based on many principles, but one central theme is the concept of 'inclusion'. If you don't like the idea of Inclusion, of your child going to school with someone with autism, anxiety, downs, dyslexia, or other learning needs, then one of the private schools with rigorous screening-out processes...
Regional leaders agree on importance of bringing broadband to the Koots
What do you think a room full of 12 significant community leaders in the West Kootenays would be talking about? If you guessed the future of the region acquiring broadband infrastructure, you’d be right. On June 17, West Kootenay city officials including the mayors of Nelson, Trail and Kaslo as well as representatives for Trail, […]
Canada’s failure to uphold the human rights of Indigenous peoples in its approval of Northern Gateway
BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, Amnesty International Canada, Canadian Friends Service Committee (Quakers), Chiefs of Ontario, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee), Indigenous Rights Centre, Indigenous World Association, and KAIROS:...
The teacher's strike is more about the BC government's contempt for the Constitution than pay or working conditions
On the eve of the teachers’ full-out strike, the government proposed that “if either party is unhappy with the outcome of the government’s appeal of the court case the entire collective agreement can be terminated and a new round of bargaining begins.” To appreciate this proposal I examined the 2014 and 2011 decision of the...
Opponents of Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline rally at Chahko Mika Mall
Tempers flared as protestors and mall management jawed at each other during Wednesday’s Occupy the Pipeline Everywhere rally oppose Northern Gateway outside Save-On Foods at the Chahko Mika Mall. The rally was held in protest of the federal government announcement approval of the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline project Tuesday in Ottawa. The pipeline will carry […]