THE TILMA TAKES ITS FIRST STEPS

Gov. B.C. News Release March 31

VICTORIA – As of April 1, 2007, the Provinces of B.C. and Alberta will be responsible to comply with the general rules and special provisions of the TILMA. Following a two-year transitional period, the TILMA will be fully implemented on April 1, 2009. During this time period, the provinces will continue to consult with local governments and accreditation bodies, and negotiate any required special provisions.

Under the TILMA, the movement of goods, services, investment and workers between British Columbia and Alberta will become easier. Examples of some changes include:

• B.C. and Alberta will not require businesses located in either of the provinces to maintain local offices or be residents as a prerequisite to carrying on business.
• Occupations not listed as requiring reconciliation will enjoy full labour mobility. Those which are listed will be reconciled within the next two years. The full list will be available on the TILMA website on April 1.
• Alberta and B.C. companies will be able to bid on an expanded range of government goods and services contracts in both provinces.
• Many commercial vehicles will no longer need additional registration and permits to carry goods across the B.C.-Alberta border.
• A larger single market will be created in the energy sector by ensuring B.C. companies operating and investing in Alberta are treated in a non-discriminatory manner. Alberta's local presence requirements in the energy sector will be eliminated within the next 18 months.
  
  In advance of the April 1 transitional period, several occupational groups have already reconciled standards. The following professionals can now work in either B.C. or Alberta without taking extra steps to have their credentials recognized: acupuncturists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, and water and waste water operators.
  
  Each Province has appointed members of the dispute resolution panel. These people will be called upon in the event a disagreement under TILMA is not resolved first by consultation. British Columbia has appointed the following experts: Steven D. Cope, Carl Kuhnke, R. Lorne Seitz, Jeffrey Thomas and Andrew Wilkinson.

Inflation pushes SIR budget up slightly in 2007

By J.P. Squire http://www.dailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=26435

The sterile insect release program is proceeding full speed ahead for 2007, says SIR program chair Colin Day. “We‘ve got our financial plans in place and approvals are in place until the end of 2007,” the Kelowna city councillor said after a four-hour board meeting Friday in Kelowna. The 2007 budget is $3.4 million, a slight increase over 2006 as a result of inflation, but the goal is to eventually have fruit growers pay the entire cost without contributions from the three Okanagan regional districts. Kootenay Regional District earlier withdrew from the program on the basis it cost twice as much for the release program there as the SIR board collected.

Kootenay Regional District is three valleys to the east, so it is not contiguous to the Okanagan and the majority of the Creston fruit is sold through fruit stands or through their organizations, not through Okanagan packing houses, said Day. There will be a bin quarantine so codling moths don‘t move between Creston and the Okanagan. The board dealt with 10 fruit removal appeals on Friday, but that isn‘t unusual, said Day. “We‘ve got quite a few because we‘re reaching the steady state, the point where the system will basically carry itself with less intervention, so we‘re really trying to deal with the hot spots. Fruit removal is just part of the process,” he explained. “We‘ll still be doing (sterile moth) release, but at a much lower level, so that means we‘ve got to get it cleaned up to the point where not as much intervention is required.”

------------------------------------

Don Quixote Note: The Nord budget passed last week indicates that the Vernon Taxpayer will be taxed $179,096 in 2007 ($157,131 in 2006) plus a parcel tax of $15,234 in 2007 ($15,199 in 2006). The total SIR Requisition for NORD is $276,267 in 2007 as compared to $256,253 in 2006.

Vernon contibutes 70.34 % of the NORD SIR program in 2007 compared to 67.24% in 2006.

Hills Pet Nutrition recalls dry cat food

Updated Fri. Mar. 30 2007 7:53 PM ET CTV.ca News Staff CTV.CA

American officials now believe contaminated wheat gluten distributed by an unnamed U.S. company may have spread to dry pet food, despite assurances the problem was contained.
Hill's Pet Nutrition, a division of Colgate-Palmolive Co., recalled its Prescription Diet m/d Feline dry cat food on Friday. The food included wheat gluten from the same supplier used by Menu Foods; however, Menu Foods is not affected by the latest recall because the company only manufactures wet pet food products. Earlier Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said melamine, a product used as a fertilizer in Asia and in commercial plastic products in North America, had been identified in the wet pet food. Along with Hills's Pet Nutrition's Prescription Diet m/d Feline dry cat food, here are the lists of the recalled Menu Foods products:
Recalled cat foods
Recalled dog foods

WHISTLER SIGNS FIRST RESORT REVENUE SHARING AGREEMENT VICTORIA

Gov. B.C. News Release
Gov. B.C. Backgrounder

– The community of Whistler will be able to attract more visitors and offer residents and tourists a wide range of new and better amenities as a result of the new Resort Municipality Revenue Sharing agreement signed today with the Province, announced Community Services Minister Ida Chong. The agreement – the first in a series of such agreements – is expected to be worth an estimated $35 million over five years. “We welcome Whistler as the first signatory under the Resort Municipality Revenue Sharing Program, and look forward to this being the start of a mutually beneficial long-term partnership,” said Chong. “Vibrant, sustainable resort-based communities across B.C. – whether small or large – provide tourism and economic development opportunities.”

Under the revenue sharing program, Whistler will invest in a range of programs and projects, including enhancing the village host and visitor information programs, holding cultural celebrations, adding to the trails network, and building employee housing and infrastructure. These investments are guided by the strategic priorities of Whistler2020, ensuring social and environmental sustainability, and a healthy economy. “We are very pleased to be the first among the BC Resort Collaborative to sign this agreement,” said Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed. “The revenue sharing program is a valuable tool that will provide a long-term, stable resource for tourism development. It will enable Whistler to capitalize on a range of tourism opportunities as they emerge and provides us with the flexibility we need to remain competitive in an ever-changing global marketplace.”

In total, an estimated $10 million annually in provincial hotel room tax will be transferred to participating municipalities through the Resort Municipality Revenue Sharing Program for local projects that can include such things as street or park improvements, festivals or amenities to increase all-season resort opportunities. To be eligible, municipalities must have tourism economies or be designated as a “mountain resort municipality” under the Local Government Act. Communities must be prepared to put in place an additional two per cent hotel room tax, and enter into a five-year results-based tourism developmentagreement that sets out what will be achieved through revenue sharing.

Twelve other municipalities are currently eligible to enter into agreements. They are: Fernie, Golden, Harrison Hot Springs, Invermere, Kimberley, Osoyoos, Radium Hot Springs, Revelstoke, Rossland, Tofino, Ucluelet and Valemount.

Green City Awards

http://www.greencityawards.gov.bc.ca/index.html

The Green City Awards will profile these leading-edge communities, and provide them with the funds to invest further in initiatives that make their environment even greener and healthier for their citizens. Up to $500,000 annually, over five years for a total program value of $2.5 million, will be provided to eight local government categories. Six of the categories will reward municipalities based on population and the remaining two will reward regional districts.

The inaugural awards will be announced at the Union of BC Municipalities annual conference this September.
Nominations for this year close June 1, 2007.

City seeks cut to police costs

By WOLF DEPNERWestern News StaffMar 30 2007 http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/

The city wants to pay less for policing. “The federal government is pretty rich, the province is not short, but we (municipalities) are,” said Mayor Jake Kimberley. He made that comment after he and director of corporate services Jack Kler joined municipal officials from around the province to discuss the cost of policing with provincial officials Wednesday. Kler said policing is the largest cost-item in the city’s budget, adding up to $6.5 million under the current formula that forces Penticton to pay for 90 per cent of local policing. “The ratio has been addressed," said Kimberley. "Ninety per cent is way too much. There should be some provincial contribution.”

He said the source of additional funding is open to discussion, but Kimberley would like to see the city’s share drop to 70 per cent with the provincial and federal government making up the rest. Municipalities currently contribute $369 million to RCMP policing in British Columbia. The federal government contributes $105 million and the provincial government contributes $41 million. Policing is the largest cost facing municipalities, yet they have no way to control it, said Kler. Factors that affect policing such as the judicial system, health and education are “part of the provincial umbrella of services,” he added. “That is not within our ability to control.”

Other factors affecting local policing budget include the increased sophistication of policing methods and capital costs for infrastructure like the new RCMP building which cost the city $4.5 million. “That was all the city’s money,” said Kimberley. Kler said Wednesday’s meeting made it clear that Penticton is not the only community facing this problem. “We are not alone in this,” he said, pointing to a long list of municipalities that attended the meeting. “We weren’t just addressing the issues of larger municipalities.” This call for more policing money from higher levels of government comes five years before the current agreement expires in 2012.

Kler said Wednesday’s meeting was the first phase leading to a new contract between the federal government and the municipalities represented by the province. But this negotiation structure has raised questions whether the province — facing pressure to pay more for policing — will actually go to bat for the municipalities. Kimberley said the meeting made it clear that the province needs to be more forceful in representing municipalities. “I would like to think that we are all doing this in good faith,” said Kler.

Pine rescue efforts grow

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star StaffMar 30 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

A Vernon neighbourhood has united in the fight against the voracious western pine beetle. Six properties in the 2600 block of 24th Avenue have hired crews to wrap ponderosa pines in an attempt to save the trees, some of which are about 300 years old. “Our trees are precious and everything will change once they are gone,” said resident Gary Deleenheer. That view is shared by Janice Clements. I bought the house because it’s surrounded by pines,” she said. “The idea of what the place could look like is depressing.” The neighbourhood decided to take collective action after an arborist investigated the area and it was discovered some trees had already been infested. In the case of Brian Quiring, he had to cut down 17 trees on his lot. It’s anticipated other trees will be lost, but the goal is to save as many as possible.

“There’s no 100 per cent cure for this but we’re trying what we know,” said Ultimate Logging’s Pete Tovani, who has been contracted to do the work. Fiberglass mesh is wrapped around each tree to about 30 feet in height. It is secured in place with stainless steel staples. The rush is on as the beetles could start flying in May, spreading even further through the area. “The clock is ticking,” said Tovani. Beyond mesh, the neighbours will also use pheromone packages to try and disrupt the beetles’ habits. About three treatments of pheromones will be required per tree for three or four years. “It could be an ongoing thing for a few years,” said Deleenheer. It will cost about $200 per tree to try and save them, but Deleenheer points out that is considerably less than removing dead trees.

But while the neighbours have taken a co-operative approach, there is concern the beetles could take root in a number of trees on a Ministry of Transportation right-of-way. “They don’t want to do anything about it. We’re going to put pressure on them,” said Deleenheer. And because beetles don’t recognize boundaries, the residents are hoping the city may provide financial assistance to save trees on both private and public lands.“They cold help out, even if it’s just to buy the materials,” said Deleenheer. Tovani is urging other residents in Vernon to prepare for the beetle epidemic. “It’s not a case if they hit, it’s when they get hit,” he said.

Council demands meeting with MLA

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Mar 30 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

The City of Vernon claims it’s getting the run-around from MLA Tom Christensen. Council demanded Monday that it have another meeting with Christensen after it found a letter from him unsatisfactory. “I did swear when I received the letter because it didn’t address a single concern I had,” said Coun. Barry Beardsell. Christensen’s letter dealt with a number of issues raised by council during a previous meeting. Among the issues are waterfront lands, casino funds, redevelopment of mobile home parks, safety on Highway 97, closure of government liquor stores, grants for Greater Vernon water and funding for Vernon Jubilee Hospital.

Christensen admits he is getting frustrated with council. “They want answers to general questions and when I do provide them, they want more details,” he said. “I would expect there are better issues they could be sinking their teeth into than getting me to run around. I’ve tried to be helpful to them.” To try and resolve the situation, Christensen says he will try to connect council directly with the cabinet ministers or senior staff related to the issues. Among the most contentious issue has been the fact that development fund revenue generated at Lake City Casino in Vernon is being spent at other casinos owned by the company. “This is effectively a business decision from B.C. Lottery Corporation and I’m advised that they do not intend to make any changes to this policy,” states Christensen in the letter.

However, that didn’t go over well with Beardsell. “His response is, ‘It’s a separate corporation. It’s out of‑our (government’s) hands.’ That’s totally unsatisfactory,” said Beardsell. Beardsell also wants the city to get a portion of funds when the province sells infilled foreshore along Okanagan Lake. “It’s thoroughly disgusting and we’ve had no help from our MLA,” Beardsell said of the province’s policies. Christensen refers to the issue in his letter. “I have reiterated to minister Bell the City of Vernon’s view that the proceeds of any sale of infilled foreshore should be shared with the city. “I have not yet received any formal response to that suggestion,” he writes.

Kelowna Parking Tickets

Contributed - Story: 28237 March 30, 2007 Castanet

The City of Kelowna is changing its bylaw enforcement practices to streamline the issuing and tracking of City of Kelowna parking tickets. Beginning Friday March 30 all bylaw enforcement officers will carry hand-held electronic devices allowing the officers to issue tickets immediately. Citations can be printed in less than three seconds. As of May 1, when Imperial Parking Corporation assumes the City’s parking contract for on and off street metered parking, all parking attendants will also be equipped with the devices. All data is collected and entered in one software system shared by bylaw officers and the contracted parking coordinators for the City. “The change means parking enforcement staff will have more efficient and effective means to issue and track tickets, and the system will help us deal with the multiple, habitual offenders who park inappropriately in the city,” says Stuart Winker, the City’s Parking Coordinator. “It will also free up time for bylaw officers to spend on other bylaw related issues.” The system will automatically produce parking tickets, notices, reminders and keep track of payments and outstanding balances. Although most Kelowna residents won’t notice a difference in parking service, habitual offenders may find more notices in the mail as a result of the improved efficiency.

Land deal questioned (Video)

CHBC VIDEO

Web posted on Thursday, 29 March 2007 Did Summerland taxpayers get shafted on a land sale deal?

Big Money Invested in Health Facilities

http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/ .(Pete McIntyre)

A Vernon charity could be getting a major boost. The Vernon and District Hospice Society made a presentation to the regional hospital district yesterday,requesting 300-thousand dollars for its 'Grow the Dream' campaign. Vernon director Patrick Nicol says it received a favourable reaction from the board,'So, in principal,for 2008 it is highly likely the 300-thousand dollars will go to the Vernon Hospice and there is also an opportunity that the province may add to that as well.'

Also approved was borrowing 2.6 million dollars for a new C-T scanner for Vernon Jubilee Hospital.Nicol says,'At the moment this one (C-T Scanner) is able to take in effect 4 slices of pictures and this new one will be able to capture 64 images so it will be a much finer detail.Funding for the renovation to Shuswap Lake Hospital in Salmon Arm was also given the go ahead. Its a 20 million dollar project, with the region picking up 40 percent.That project is expected to be finished in November 2009.

Province not listening to local concerns, say city councillors

By Vernon Daily Courier staff http://www.dailycourier.ca/
City council asked him a series of pointed questions, but the answers from MLA Tom Christensen were anything but concrete. City officials released the answers at Monday’s council meeting and Coun. Barry Beardsell was not impressed with the provincial Liberal MLA, saying Christensen’s answers were “platitudes” that did not resolve any of the issues council has had concerns about for years. “I have to recognize a MLA can’t just bow down to council, but I would like to see something. We don’t seem to be getting anywhere,” said the three-term councillor.

Coun. Pat Cochrane was less critical of Christensen, but he agreed there are some issues that still need to be addressed. “I feel he is working on our behalf, but there are some things we need to push a little harder on,” said Cochrane. The lake foreshore issue has been ongoing and both Cochrane and Beardsell feel it is not being adequately addressed. Cochrane said for years the city has had concerns about the sale of filled in foreshore and access to the lake. “We just feel the concerns of the city are not being listened to,” he said.

The stretch of Highway 97 between Oyama and Winfield is another area of concern not only for Vernon, but other Okanagan municipalities. The stretch of road has been the site of several fatal accidents and was blocked numerous times due to these and other fender benders. Again, Beardsell was not impressed with the non-committal response. Christensen said the “Ministry of Transportation is preparing a business case to document the costs, benefits and justification of improvements to this section of Highway 97.” Christensen went on to say the “federal government has not yet informed our government what the criteria will be for potential cost sharing programs.” Beardsell said he interprets that to mean the provincial government has no plans to upgrade the highway without the feds helping to pay for the work. Cochrane said he was “personally surprised” the issue has not been addressed. “It certainly needs to be one of the top transportation priorities in the province,” said Cochrane.

Funding to Vernon Jubilee Hospital is also a concern for Beardsell. “To the best of my knowledge the Interior Health Authority doesn’t even have a documented budget for the next five years,” said Beardsell. Christensen was asked about future funding for the hospital and while he replied the “2007 budget confirmed funding will be available to move forward with significant improvements to Vernon Jubilee Hospital” no dollar amounts or timelines were provided. Cochrane said he felt Christensen gave a “pretty firm commitment on the hospital.”

Beardsell said there is a long list of issues he plans on continuing to pressure the MLA over. “I have to look at myself in the mirror so I have to keep on it,” he said. “Either he’s going to represent us, or he’s not.” Christensen was away Wednesday and could not be reached for comment.

Open letter to Minister Stockwell Day

CANADIAN POLICE ASSOCIATION (CPA) Newswire.ca

Open letter to Minister Stockwell Day OTTAWA, March 29 /CNW Telbec/ -
March 29, 2007
The Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister Public Safety Canada
340 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P8
Dear Minister:
RE: Equality for RCMP Members - Accountability for RCMP Management
------------------------------------------------------------------
Revelations at the Public Accounts Committee on March 28th have, once again, focused on the lack of accountability and lack of transparency of senior management within the RCMP. Once again, we find ourselves pleading with you to address the systemic and long-standing issues of inequality within the RCMP. Accountability for RCMP senior managers begins with granting RCMP members the right to form and participate in an independent, representative police association; a right bestowed to all other police officers in Canada.

Currently, RCMP members are not entitled to the same fundamental workplace equality and labour rights as other police officers, and RCMP Management is not held to the same standard of accountability as other police managers. The internal discipline and grievance systems end with the Commissioner of the RCMP as the final level of appeal. That, coupled with the fact that the internal representation program is not independent from management, leaves many members of the RCMP vulnerable and exposed on workplace-management issues. The RCMP approach has been to deny, minimize, ignore, or cover up these concerns. A system of democratic representation for RCMP members will significantly increase the efficiency, accountability and transparency of Canada's national police service.

Despite numerous efforts by our association, and our members within the RCMP to achieve these changes, you have steadfastly refused to address these concerns. The time has come to grant RCMP members the same fundamental rights and freedoms enjoyed by their peers across Canada. We urge you to reconsider your stance, and introduce legislation that will afford members of the RCMP the same fundamental equality and labour rights as all other police officers in Canada.

Sincerely (signed)
Tony Cannavino, President
c.c. Prime Minister Stephen Harper, P.C.
All Members of Parliament
National Press Gallery
---------------------------------
Day Calls Investigation into RCMP Scandal
Daniel Proussalidis Thursday, March 29, 2007 CFRA.com

Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day for a "full public report" into the RCMP pension scandal. He will appoint an independent investigator who'll report back within 12 weeks on allegations of fraud and abuse of the RCMP pension and insurance plans. Day is not launching an official public inquiry, saying it would take too long. This all comes after the Commons Public Accounts Comittee held an emergency meeting Thursday. Members discussed accusations that serving Mounties tried to block investigations into alleged mismanagement of the RCMP's pension and insurance plans.

Local M.P. praises Editorial - Election Near ?

Click on Cartoon to Enlarge

City forces Terasen’s hand on gas line location

By Darrell BellaartThe news BulletinMar 29 2007 Nanaimo Bulletin

Nanaimo is ready to go provincewide with its fight against Terasen Gas over underground line locations. Just as Nanaimo’s construction industry takes off, Terasen is withdrawing gas line locator service on Vancouver Island, effective April 2. Municipalities are being told to provide the service. That’s how it is on the mainland, but not elsewhere in North America. Next month the city of Nanaimo will ask the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities to vote on a motion asking the province to rewrite legislation that allows utilities to download the service onto municipalities. It’s expected to get full support.

Island municipalities worry about additional costs for taxpayers – $150,000 a year in Nanaimo – and greater potential for fires and gas explosions. The motion goes provincewide to the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference in September. Mainland municipalities already provide line locations and Terasen wants other municipalities to do the same. Steve Ricketts, city engineering and construction manager, said the opposition isn’t only coming from Vancouver Island. Southern Interior communities are still stinging from their unsuccessful fight there with B.C. Gas several years ago, when it withdrew the service. The B.C. Common Ground Alliance, a coalition of construction trades and other industries, is calling for a single-call location service for all utilities. “So there’s quite a bit of pressure being put on Terasen, from the B.C. construction industry,” Ricketts said. “I think it’s a province wide issue because I think there are communities in B.C. that would like to see this service.”

On the Island it’s not just a moral issue but a legal one. When Centra Gas – Terasen’s predecessor – applied to the B.C. Utilities Commission to build a gas line to the Island in the early 1990s, it told the BCUC it would provide line location service. Ricketts hopes every municipality in the province supports Nanaimo’s position through the UBCM. “That’s putting pressure to get this legislation through,” Ricketts said. The city will hire a contractor to provide the service next month.
----------------------------------
Don Quixote Note: Does Vernon taxpayers pay this now or will we have to fight it in the future.
http://www.terasengas.com/_Safety/CallBeforeYouDig/default.htm
Call before you dig
Whether you're landscaping, planting trees, installing fences, building a deck or starting an excavation project, you must have gas line information on-site before you dig. It's important to know what lies underground before digging or using boring equipment. For your safety and the safety of others request gas line information from BC One Call at1-800-474-6886(cellular *6886)
Or complete this form and fax your request to(604) 451-0344

Please call a minimum of three business days before you start your project. When contacted, BC One Call will notify all member companies that have buried facilities in the dig area. Terasen Gas will provide you with information that will enable you to safely determine the location of underground gas lines within your identified work area.

Film Commish Moving

by Kim Calloway - CKOV - Story: 28192March 29, 2007 / 8:30 am Castanet

The Okanagan's Film Commissioner says she's moving to the private side of that industry at the end of September, when her contract with the Commission expires. Sara Shaak has been the Okanagan Film Commissioner for the past five years and says she's helped grow the local film production industry from a $250,000 outside investment in 2001, to $5.5 million last year. Shaak says she'll stay in the Okanagan and launch a private consulting company, to work with film producers who may want to shoot their movies in this part of B-C. A recruiting strategy is underway at the Film Commission, to locate a successor. Shaak says she made her announcement now, six months early, so there would be no surprises. She also wants to give the Commission ample time to line up her successor.

Boy banned from hockey tourney for being too big

Updated Thu. Mar. 29 2007 CTV.ca News Staff CTV

An eight-year-old hockey player has been banned from a Quebec tournament for being "bigger and stronger" than his other competitors. Jared Murray, grand-nephew of Ottawa Senators coach Bryan Murray, is a four-foot-nine, 110-pound Grade 3 student registered as a novice B player with the Shawville Blackhawks. His team was 11-3-2 during the season, finishing fourth in the standings, and Murray recorded a staggering 51 goals in 17 games. But Hockey Outaouais officials have ruled that he is ineligible to play in the regional playdown tournament because of his size and strength. "They said that, basically, he was too strong to play with his team," Blackhawk's head coach Dan Duggan told Canada AM on Thursday. "I can't understand how they could say that the team was too strong as they finished fourth out of 20 teams."

In a show of support, the entire Shawville, Que. association has pulled its seven other teams and about 130 players from the tournament. Murray says he's disappointed he can't play in the tournament. "I think it was dumb because all the other teams got to go and then we don't get to go because we're too strong," he told CTV News. Duggan said reports in the media that the association was asked to move the team up to novice A are false. On Wednesday, Murray's grand-uncle criticized the decision. "I don't think anybody should be discriminated against because of size," the Senators' coach told The Canadian Press. "It's parents, it's administrators of programs I suppose . . . that have made this decision and I don't understand it."

Head Waiter for Provinces ? Non, Harper Promotes Himself.

CLICK ON CARTOON TO ENLARGE

Anti-Idle Bylaw kicks in for real

Mar, 29 2007 - 12:00 AM VANCOUVER/CKNW(AM980) - CKNW

As of now, if you leave your vehicle idling for longer than three minutes, City of Vancouver By-law Officers could write you a ticket. Fines will range from 50 dollars for a basic violation to 100 dollars for a heavy truck or unattended vehicle.Project Manager Brian Beck says the City isn't anticipating a backlash when the tickets start to go out, "People will save money by doing this, they'll also reduce emissions and cut down on noise and just be respectful of their fellow citizens. So we don't think we're asking a lot. I don't think we're going to get a lot of backlash; we're taking some internal steps as the Parking By-law Officers engage, they're doing it in a respectful way and hopefully we'll have some success." During a six month education and awareness campaign, residents were encouraged to call an Idle-Free Hotline reporting repeat offenders and problem locations. Beck says a few hundred complaints came in, many over noise concerns. The areas affected were widespread.

Harry Potter Book Cover Preview

This image supplied by Scholastic on Wednesday March 28, 2007, shows the cover of the U.S. edition of the highly anticipated "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, "J.K. Rowlings seventh and final Harry Potter book due in stores just after midnight on July 21, 2007.(AP Photo/Scholastic)

Upcoming Council Committee Meetings

March 29, Thursday:

• Finance Committee 2:00 pm Swan Lake Room

PUBLIC WELCOME TO ATTEND. Media not welcome but Council can't legally shut them out.

Watch the Finance Committee figure out the Future !

Will the committee recommend some help for pine beetle problem for private property trees ?

Emergency meeting set amid RCMP fraud claims

Mar 28, 2007 10:42 PM Canadian press http://www.thestar.com/News/article/197227

OTTAWA– The Commons public accounts committee is holding an emergency meeting Thursday after RCMP officers alleged fraud and abuse in the management of their pension and insurance plans, CBC's The National reports. And the committee is looking at summoning senior RCMP executives to testify, including former commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli. The allegations came in testimony before the committee on Wednesday, as serving and retired officers broke ranks and delivered a scathing indictment of their leadership. There is already fallout from the accusations, the CBC reported.

The deputy commissioner in charge of human resources has offered to step down from the management team, said the CBC. CTV News reported later that the officer had been reassigned to another position. One MP on the committee says the Liberals will be calling for a public inquiry, the CBC said. In a report last fall, Auditor General Sheila Fraser found millions in inappropriate charges to the pension and insurance plans. The RCMP has largely reimbursed the funds. However, at the public accounts committee, several officers testified when they tried to raise the issues with the leadership, they were stonewalled by more than one senior executive, including Zaccardelli.

"The RCMP has had small groups of managers who through their actions and inactions are responsible for serious breaches in our core values, the RCMP code of conduct and even the criminal code," said Chief Superintendent Fraser MaCaulay. Sgt. Steve Walker said: "Every core value and rule of ethical conduct that I held to be true and dear as a rank and file member of the RCMP has been decimated and defiled by employees at the highest levels of the RCMP."
Members of the committee appeared shocked by the allegations against the high-ranking members of the force. "I'm a lawyer and I tell you they would be in court if it was anyone else, and packing a tooth brush for prison," said Conservative Brian Fitzpatrick. Said Liberal Shawn Murphy: "The cover up is worse than the crime."
----------------------------
Also see related article at http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/03/28/rcmp-allegations.html

RCMP primed for action

By Dan FergusonStaff ReporterMar 28 2007 Surrey Leader

At 6 a.m. Tuesday, Surrey RCMP became the latest police force to connect with a province-wide computer network designed to let all B.C. law enforcement officers share information through a central system. The switch to the Police Records Information Management Environment (PRIME) allows officers near-instant access to arrest reports, mug shots and more. In the past, because of a patchwork of different systems, police in B.C. often had to e-mail requests for information about crimes and criminals to other jurisdictions, or even go there in person to review records – a process that could take days and even weeks.

PRIME eliminates a lot of typing because officers only have to key in their report once, updating it as needed from field laptops or office computers. “You’ve got it right in your mobile in your car,” said RCMP Supt. Ken Handy, the officer in charge of implementing PRIME across B.C.
The provincial government has ordered all police forces in B.C. to join PRIME. It will cost the City of Surrey about $500 per officer or about $250,000, plus another $200,000 for training. The last remaining Lower Mainland police force to join will be the White Rock RCMP detachment in April. Delta Police switched to PRIME in 2005.

Gentner calls for answers on alleged fraud

http://bcndpcaucus.ca/en/gentner_calls_for_answers_on_alleged_fraud
http://bcndpcaucus.ca/files/lettergentnerfalcon.pdf

VICTORIA – New Democrat MLA Guy Gentner is asking Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon for more details on a number of eyebrow-raising purchases that showed up on government credit card bills that the minister said were related to credit card fraud. “The minister claims that these inappropriate purchases were Guy Gentner a result of credit card fraud. Fraud is a serious matter but the minister has refused to go into anymore detail regarding these suspicious purchases,” said Gentner, the MLA for Delta - North

Some of these purchases made last year on government credit cards included $300 at Honey Gifts Inc. which specializes in adult sex toys, lubricants and lingerie; $191 to J Date online dating services; and $295.92 at Laska Maria Entertainment, which offers sex toy parties. “I asked the minister in question period and again in estimates debate this week for more information but he has declined to answer,” Gentner said. “Instead, Mr. Falcon says he will only respond to written questions so I am submitting my questions in writing now – 56 of them to be exact.” “I would like to know how much fraud the ministry has uncovered and how much money was involved. I want to know when the frauds were discovered and whether they were reported to the police. Inappropriate use of tax dollars is a serious matter and the public has a right to know when its money is being abused, even if it is through fraud,” Gentner added.

“There is evidence to show that these practices are widespread. It appears that tax dollars have been misused in other ministries as well,” he said. Gentner, whose search of public accounts figures turned up major government spending on pizza and doughnuts, found two transactions in the Ministry of Forest and Range for a total of $160.08 for American Singles, another online dating service. “Fraudulent or otherwise, there definitely needs to be more oversight. The auditor general should conduct a thorough investigation of all government credit cards to ensure there has not been any more abuse and that proper safeguards are in place, because after all, the taxpayers come first,” said Gentner.
--------------------------------
Don Quixote Note: It will be interesting to see the answers to some of the questions if they are answered. The Provincial government and their agencies such as BCLC are rather reluctant to share information unless they are forced to through FOI requests by individuals or written requests from Municipal Councils etc. Even when you get replies as the Vernon Council got on Monday from our local MLA, the answers are evasive, vague and unresponsive to the real concerns asked about.

Probe finds no sign of harassment (SALMON ARM)

By Lachlan Labere MARKET NEWS Staff Mar 28 2007 http://www.saobserver.net/

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District has disclosed the findings of a lengthy and costly investigation into harassment allegations involving a board director and district staff. CSRD board chair Marty Bootsma opened the March 15 regular board meeting by bringing details behind the investigation and its conclusion out of camera. Bootsma stated that on Nov. 1, 2006, at the annual general meeting in Sorrento of the Shuswap Volunteer Fire Department, South Shuswap director Ted Bacigalupo made “inappropriate comments,” to three regional district employees. “It came to the board’s attention by a letter of complaint by a staff member that director Bacigalupo made inappropriate comments towards CSRD staff members during an open public meeting,” said Bootsma. “The inappropriate remarks were directed at CSRD staff who were upholding the policies and bylaws of the board of directors. These remarks were perceived by the recipients to be abusive.”

Upon receipt of the complaint, Bootsma explained, the board proceeded to address the matter under the CSRD’s discrimination and harassment policy and, with legal advice, initiated an investigation into the incident. “The investigation found that director Bacigalupo did not act in a discriminatory or a harassing way, but did act in an inappropriate manner with his comments,” said Bootsma. “The board accepted the findings of the investigator, which resulted in the foregoing statement of censure.” In response to Golden director Jim Doyle’s inquiry into the cost of the investigation, CSRD administrator Alan Kuroyama said that while all the invoices are not yet in, he expects it will cost somewhere between $25- and $30-thousand. After the meeting, Bacigalupo would not comment on the specifics of the incident, which he said are still in camera.

However, he did have issue with the investigation process, stating that through a more immediate and direct approach, the CSRD could have arrived at the same conclusion at less cost to himself and taxpayers. “If the complainant had initially approached management and myself and said, ‘look, we don’t appreciate what was said or how it was said, why don’t we talk about this right now,’ get it off the table, get it over with, apologies issued, end of discussion,” said Bacigalupo. “But to make it a legal matter right from the outset, obviously it turned out to be a laborious process, it took five months, and at great expense, not only to the taxpayers but to me personally because I’ve also incurred several thousand dollars of legal expenses.” Bacigalupo said three weeks passed after the Sorrento meeting and he hadn’t been approached by the CSRD management or the board regarding the harassment complaint. “At that point, well, it was already a legal matter and it kind of limited how much dialogue there could be between the affected parties,” said Bacigalupo.

Bootsma reiterated after the meeting that the board had determined the investigation necessary to objectively deal with the harassment complaint. “I don’t believe we have a choice; we have a harassment policy and a legitimate complaint was made,” said Bootsma. “Yes, we did get a legal opinion to get it investigated by a third party, an outside party that was objective, so there would be no personalities involved. “The board made the resolution, and we’d just like to put this behind us and carry on.”

Who's hot or not on Vernon council

Scott Neufeld EDITORIAL http://www.dailycourier.ca/

Coun. Patrick Nicol lands on the hot list again for giving kudos to the Downtown Vernon Association’s security patrol program. Whether or not people agree with the DVA’s approach to the problems plaguing the downtown, this is one of the rare examples of citizens and businesses coming together to launch a significant project. Nicol was right to support it as a “classic citizen-driven initiative.”

After escaping our thermometer last meeting, Coun. Pat Cochrane comes back with a solid lukewarm rating for sitting on the fence over the DVA security issue. As with many other councillors, Cochrane took a wait and see approach to the issue saying that if the bylaw officers can do the job then the Commissionaires are unnecessary, but adding that if the bylaw officers falter the Commissionaires should step in.

Coun. Barry Beardsell jumps from cold to hot this week for yet another spirited criticism of Okanagan-Vernon MLA Tom Christensen. The latest outburst came after Christensen sent a reply to the city’s laundry list of provincial requests. Although the MLA appears to be working hard to find answers, there are so many big local projects being ignored by the province that the city cannot afford to stay silent.

Mayor Wayne Lippert is an all-too-frequent visitor of the coldest regions of this list and he finds himself in icy climes this week. Once again the mayor was too quiet as someone elected to lead this city. This is puzzling given that he tends to be more vocal in expressing his views at meetings of Greater Vernon Services or the regional district. Maybe the TV cameras
have something to do with it.

Speaking of camera shy, Coun. Buffy Baumbrough stayed a little too quiet this week for someone with lofty political aspirations, earning her a cold rating. The newly-minted Liberal representative had little to add to the council meeting other than echoing points made by her colleagues. Odds are she’ll quickly learn to more vocally express her opinions once she’s thrown in the middle of a federal election race.

Coun. Juliette Cunningham finds herself on the hot list this week for suggesting that all of the parties come together before a decision is made about downtown private security. The DVA, police and the city have so far pushed a one-sided approach to the downtown’s drug, poverty and homelessness issues. The city should now encourage a wider variety of downtown groups to co-ordinate a broader approach to these issues.

Lastly, councillor/arena guru Jack Gilroy finds himself on the hot list for raising the issue of lack of ice in the city. In a city with aspirations to being Canada’s Hockeyville, it’s ironic that so many players, particularly adults, find it hard to find ice time here.

Keep it to yourself

By Richard Rolke Mar 28 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

Anyone following Monday’s Vernon council meeting may have been left with the impression that the city endorses the Liberals. During councillor reports, Patrick Nicol enthusiastically referred to the federal Liberal’s new candidate, Buffy Baumbrough. Baumbrough was, of course, just two seats away as she is also a member of council. “You can’t plug that but I will,” he said to Baumbrough. But some residents will question if if was appropriate for Nicol to do so.

The primary reason is city councils should not be aligned with any federal or provincial party. Obviously councillors as individual citizens are entitled to have their own views, but when they sit in chambers, they represent all citizens, whether they are Liberal, Conservative, NDP, Green or something else. On top of that, a municipality must try to work with whoever the MP is. Such relationships are crucial if the community is going to access lucrative federal funds for infrastructure projects, such as roads and water. Now I don’t want to make too much of this. Nicol is a real cheerleader for the community and a sincere booster of individuals and their accomplishments. He is genuinely thrilled about the opportunities Liberal candidacy could unlock for Baumbrough.

His comments are not at the same level of those from former councillor Derek Hall, who regularly used the city platform to take shots at anyone who opposed the provincial government. Of course some will point out that Coun. Barry Beardsell is always attacking the provincial government and MLA Tom Christensen. But Beardsell’s verbal volleys are directly related to issues impacting the city. And Beardsell is truly non-partisan. If it’s in the interests of the city, he will take on any government, no matter the party stripe. In the case of both Nicol and Hall, the comments had nothing to do with city business. As well-intentioned as Nicol was, there needs to be a clear separation between municipalities and senior politics. No matter whether the local MP sits on the government or opposition benches, they are Vernon’s voice in Ottawa. It should also be noted that in recent years, the Liberals have placed third behind the Conservatives and NDP.

A comment in passing — even as innocuous as Nicol’s — may leave non-Liberal candidates or residents feeling that city hall is headed in another direction and not truly representative of the community. I give Nicol full credit for showing moral support for Baumbrough, and I suspect he is as equally excited about the others seeking public office. But the next time, it should be done behind closed doors.

Ticket dispute leads to complaint

By roger knox Morning Star StaffMar 28 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

A Vernon driver has filed a complaint with the city’s bylaw enforcement division after an incident Friday night. According to police, the driver parked his car on 20th Avenue, in front of a bank, in a no-parking, yellow-line zone, and was told as such by the bylaw officer. The man said he was going inside to do his banking, and, when he returned, he found the bylaw officer writing a ticket. Vernon RCMP report there was a verbal exchange between the driver and the bylaw officer, who asked the driver to stay put. The driver of the car did not comply and, according to police, struck the bylaw officer in order to gain access to his vehicle, then got in the car and drove away.

Police believe it’s the first such case of an alleged assault against a city bylaw officer. Vernon RCMP have sent the file to Crown counsel, seeking some help in clarifying if bylaw officers have the authority to ask a motorist not to leave the scene if they are in the execution of their duties. They are also contemplating an assault charge against the driver of the vehicle. Vernon’s manager of bylaw enforcement, Clint Kanester, said officers do have the authority to ask motorists not to move if they are in the process of issuing a ticket. He would not comment on this specific case, as it remains under investigation.

Budget takes action

By Colin MayesMar 28 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

It is always interesting that the political pundits always go to premiers of the provinces for their reaction to the budget. The premiers’ reaction is predictable. They look at what the other guy received and then begin a regional whining chant. I want to know what grass root Canadians think. Many of the 2007, 2008 budget announcements really concern them but have received little attention from the critics. The budget showed the compassion of our government to help people in need. The support in the budget for the formation of a Canadian Mental Health Commission and the recommended appointment of former Senator Kirby to chair that commission will go a long way in implementing the Senate report tabled in 2006, Out of the Shadows. This report has 118 recommendations to support those with mental health issues. Mental health issues are the root cause of many homeless people. They have a difficult time holding jobs, integrating socially, etc. Finding ways to properly deal with mental health issues can have far-reaching implications for the homeless, the lonely, the disenfranchised.

The working income tax benefit funding is also great news. Many people on welfare that want to work find that by working they lose benefits like dental and health coverage. If they are entering the work force at an entry level wage then they can actually lose income by working. Our budget helps those people over the “welfare wall.” Those wanting to go forward and contribute to their community will receive up to $500 for individuals and $1,000 for families as a supplement to their income. Parents with children that have disabilities always worry what will happen when they are not there to take care of their child. The budget allows for a registered disability saving plan which will bring long term financial security for persons with severe disabilities. Also included in the budget is the creation of the enabling accessibility fund of $45 million over three years to contribute to the cost of improving physical accessibility for persons with disabilities.

The budget eliminated the capital gains tax for charitable donations from publicly-listed securities to private foundations. By reducing the capital gains, it is hoped the donations will increase and as such the ability of these charities to do more good work. Add to these great initiatives the $6 million dollar investment per year to combat child sexual exploitation and trafficking; $10 million per year to combat elder abuse and fraud as well as expand capital assistance for community buildings, equipment and furnishing for seniors; and finally $10 million for the Status of Women directed at real action to combat violence against women. It is easy to talk about having concern and compassion but action really tells where your heart is. The 2007- 2008 federal budget takes action to address the heart of what matters to Canadians.

Councillor questions beetle fight

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star StaffMar 28 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

A Vernon politician questions why the fight against western pine beetle doesn’t include private property. Coun. Pat Cochrane is concerned the city is only focused on trying to save ponderosa pines on public land while those on private property will be ignored. “Every tree we save is a benefit to the property owners and the community,” he said. The city recently earmarked $62,000 to try and preserve pines on public land, including the cemetery. There has not been a decision on whether funding will be available to residents to save their trees, although the issue is being reviewed by the finance committee. But Cochrane says now is the time for a decision. “It seems like we are on a tight timeline and to bring something back at a future date is too late,” he said.

Cochrane would like to see money available to residents to purchase netting that can be placed on their trees. “But there’s not a will from council to go in that direction.” One thing the city is pursuing is a federal government grant so unemployed individuals could be hired to remove wood that has been chopped down by residents. For Cochrane, that means the city has given up on private trees. “We’re going into the end-result of the kill,” he said of cleaning up debris.
While Coun. Buffy Baumbrough isn’t sure if there should be financial assistance, she wants to take the battle against the beetle to private property. “I don’t want to just stop with heritage trees on public property,” she said. “There is a need for public education and information going out to people about what their options are.” The city is currently working on a brochure that would provide residents with information on how to confront the western pine beetle.

---------------------------------

Mar 28 2007 EDITORIAL Beetle strategy missing focus

The City of Vernon deserves credit for launching the battle against western pine beetle, but it’s obvious that it’s not doing everything possible. That fact was raised by Coun. Pat Cochrane Monday. Cochrane is concerned that while the city is spending $62,000 to try and save ponderosa pines on public property, it is completely ignoring private land. “Every tree we save is a benefit to the property owners and the community,” he said. And with beetles not worried about surveyor’s posts, efforts to protect public trees could be a complete waste of money if infested trees on private land surround them. The finance committee has been handed the task of looking at possible assistance for land owners, but with the beetles set to take flight this spring, time is running out. The urgency of the situation required a decision on private land when the council allotted money to public trees a few weeks ago.

The assistance should come in the form of netting residents can wrap around trees, as well as an intensive campaign that makes the public aware of the beetle epidemic and what they can do to safeguard trees that are a vital part of our community. Instead of being at the top of the list, providing residents help to get rid of dead trees should be the last resort. And calls from Councillors Buffy Baumbrough and Barry Beardsell for a regional approach must be taken seriously. Like private property, there is no point in the city spending money on beetle control if Coldstream, the regional district and other jurisdictions are doing nothing. It’s time the City of Vernon developed a comprehensive strategy instead of the current half-measures.

Second Woman Enters Race

http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/ (Pete McIntyre)

The Green Party has selected its local candidate for the next federal election.
Huguette Beaudin-Allen from the Lumby area won the nomination over Aaron Vallejo of Armstrong. No vote totals have been released but about 30 people attended the meeting in Vernon Monday night. Allen is a business consultant and computer analyst. She has worked on the Salmon Trail in Lumby and with the group against putting effluent into Sugar Lake. This will be her first try at political office. Allen says one of her aims is to educate the public that the Green's are more than just a one issue party."It (the party's platform) is not just saying, 'We're going to look after the environment. We're going to make sure there's clean water' and so on, which of course it does say, but it's also saying there's going to be a lot of green jobs created. There's going to be a vast reduction on income taxes." Allen says under the Green plan, companies that pollute would pay more taxes. M-P Colin Mayes of the Conservatives and Buffy Baumbrough of the Liberals are the other nominated candidates. The NDP holds its nomination April 22, and two-time candidate Alice Brown is expected to get the nod. If she does, three of the four local candidates would be women.

----------------------------

Huguette Beaudin-Allen http://www.sensociety.org/direct.htm

Huguette comes from Quebec, most recently the Gaspé coast, where she co-owned and operated Imagine-Ere, an organization that designed and ran educational camps and holidays. She moved near Lumby in 2003 to live closer to her family. Her greatest concerns are overpopulation, over-consumption, and over-development. She is alarmed at the rate of destruction of habitats, and joins her voice to the many groups who fight this eco-destruction.
Huguette has been president of the Quebec Regional Council for the Environment (Gaspé division) and has been a director of the Environnement Vert-Plus ecologist group of the Gaspé since 1994. As well, she represented her region’s environmental groups on the Regional Developmental Council. Huguette is a consultant who prides herself on helping small and medium sized organizations get the most productivity through better organization and teamwork. Huguette has worked closely with Mi’gmaq communities teaching computer skills and developing various training programs for teens and adults.

Bylaw Officer Assaulted

(Pete McIntyre) http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/

A Vernon bylaw officer was struck by a man who was angry at getting a parking ticket Friday night. The man had parked in a no parking zone in front of a downtown bank. RCMP say its believed to be the first case of violence against a city bylaw officer. The police are recommending a charge be laid against the driver. Mounities are also seeking clarification from Crown Counsel about what powers the city officers have when it comes to confrontational situations.

Landowners protest new mining rules (Video)

CHBC VIDEO

Web posted on Monday, 26 March 2007 A group of land owners gathered in Vernon on the weekend to fight for their rights, by digging a few holes in the mineral tenure act. .

Council delays patrol payment

By Darren HandschuhTuesday, March 27, 2007, http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_1066.php

Commissionaires will be patrolling the downtown core through August, but after that their future is uncertain.The Commissionaires were hired by the Downtown Vernon Association to patrol the city centre after safety concerns were raised by downtown employees, customers and seniors.The safety patrol has been paid for mainly by the DVA with some private donations helping to cover costs.The city, however, is not so eager to chip in.Council voted on Monday to table a request for $40,000 for the program.Council will revisit the request in July.Coun. Pat Cochrane and Coun. Patrick Nicol supported the financial request, but were the only ones to do so.Coun. Barry Beardsell said the city’s new bylaw enforcement officers will be able to do the job. Beardsell said a new batch of police auxiliaries will also soon be on the street, again eliminating the need for the Commissionaires.“I do believe this is not the right approach,” Beardsell said of the private security.

Coun. Juliette Cunningham said some of the downtown businesses she has spoken have told her the Commissionaires are not the best way to go.Cunningham said she would rather see the $40,000 spent on additional policing dedicated strictly to the downtown core.She also pointed out the bylaw officers will be trained by the RCMP this weekend and will have more power and authority than the Commissionaires, although she could not say how much power the officers would have.Cunningham said the goal of hiring more bylaw officers was not to increase ticket revenue, but to provide added security to the city.Nicol said the Commissionaires program is a “classic citizen-driven initiative.”He said there was a problem and the businesses and people took action to do something about it and he supported keeping the Commissionaires around.Cochrane said he is not sure of the exact role of the bylaw officers and if they are doing the same job as the Commissionaires then that is all that is needed, but if they aren’t then he suggested there may be room for both groups.

DVA president Malcolm Dunn said he is disappointed, but still optimistic as council did not flatly refuse the funding.Dunn said a meeting with police and bylaw officers is being set up for next week to discuss the issues.Dunn suggested the councillors who voted against the request need to hear from more of the “voting” public.Dunn said the Commissionaires covered times the bylaw officers will not, because of the bylaw officers’ contract with the city.The Commissionaires patrolled the downtown in the early morning and late afternoon

PREMIER HONOURS EIGHT B.C. SCHOOLS FOR EXCELLENCE

GOV. B.C.

VICTORIA – Premier Gordon Campbell officially kicked off Education Week today by honouring eight outstanding B.C. schools during a ceremony at the legislature. “These eight schools are examples of the innovative teaching and learning that takes place in our schools everyday,” said Campbell. “B.C.’s students are among the best in the world thanks to the terrific teachers and high-calibre programs offered throughout the province.”

Today’s ceremony recognized eight schools that have demonstrated excellence and innovation in one of six key educational areas:

Aboriginal education: Coast Tsimshian Academy in Prince Rupert.
Early learning: Salmon Arm West elementary school (Shuswap school district).
Environment: Bowen Island community school (West Vancouver school district) and Nechako Valley secondary school in Vanderhoof (Nechako Lakes school district).
Healthy schools: Ecole Austin Road in Prince George (Prince George school district) and Oceanside middle school in Parksville (Qualicum school district).
Literacy: Tatla Lake elementary-junior secondary school (Cariboo-Chilcotin school district).
Trades and skills development: A.L. Fortune secondary school in Enderby (Shuswap school district).

Ninety-four schools were nominated by the principal, school district or member of the school community. Recipients were chosen by a panel made up of a student, teacher, parent, principal and superintendent.

Gov. B.C.

Trades and Skills Development
A.L. Fortune secondary school North Okanagan – Shuswap school district

A.L. Fortune secondary is a school of just over 350 students from a town of a little more than 3,000 people. Starting in Grade 8, every student is exposed to hands-on trades training through the YES2IT junior trades program. In addition, guest speakers visit the school and students participate in field trips to businesses.

Older students have the opportunity to enrol in the Accelerated Credit Enrolment in Industry Training (ACE-IT) program, Secondary School Apprenticeship programs and work experience programs. One of the most successful programs at the school is the school’s Machinist-Millwright ACE-IT program taught by a certified teacher who is also a journeyman machinist. The program is successful as the result of a successful relationship with Selkirk College and strong support from Industry. In fact, Industry provided the school with equipment; mentorship; and job shadow and work experience opportunities. Over the past two years the program has experienced a 90 per cent success rate while serving 31 students.

Federal Conservatives get desired Results in Quebec ?

Press TV

Federalists have won a close election in French-speaking Quebec, dashing separatists' hopes of holding a referendum on breaking away from Canada. According to projections, Monday's elections left federalist Liberals with 45 seats in Quebec's 125-seat National Assembly, followed by the conservative Action Democratique du Quebec (ADQ) with 42 seats and the separatist Parti Quebecois with 38, public broadcaster Radio-Canada reported. At the start of the campaign in late February, analysts believed Liberal Premier Jean Charest would win a second term and stave off a plebiscite on Quebec independence for the next five years. But the separatist Parti Quebecois, which vowed to hold a referendum if it won the election, made great strides in the final stretch, and an unexpected surge in support for Democratique du Quebec (ADQ), which favors greater autonomy for Quebec but not independence, turned the contest into a three-way race. Losing his majority, Charest may now face pressure to resign as party leader. As well, a minority Liberal government leaves the door open to an early election and a possible vote on Quebec independence thereafter. Quebec unsuccessfully held referendums on seceding from Canada in 1980 and 1995.

Police Probe Pay-Off Allegations Against Mayor

Cindy Clyne and Mark Brennae Monday, March 26, 2007 CFRA.com

The O.P.P is investigating allegations that before he became mayor, Larry O'Brien offered a rival candidate money and a job on the Federal Parole Board, in return for stepping down from last November's mayoralty race. O.P.P Spokeswoman Christine Ray tells CFRA the investigation was launched Monday morning. She says investigators are now heading out to do the initial interviews. Terry Kilrea dropped from the race in August. In the affidavit, he alleges O'Brien offered to pay his campaign debts and through parliamentary contacts, secure him the high-paying federal job.

The affidavit names John Reynolds as the federal contact. Reynolds has close ties to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, having co-chaired the 2006 Tory election campaign.
The Ottawa District Labour Council says it instigated the investigation, as it puts it, "to clear the air that hangs over the mayor's office".
----------------------------
Also Ottawa Sun. canoe Monday, 1:30 p.m. Ex-candidate Terry Kilrea alleges senior Tory, O'Brien made offer to get him out of race

Resort legislation strips power from local government, NDP warns

Last Updated: Monday, March 19, 2007 CBC News

Recently proposed B.C. legislation contains a hidden clause that robs local governments of the ability to make decisions about land use by resorts and instead gives that power to the province, the NDP warns. MLA Norm MacDonald, a New Democrat who represents Columbia River-Revelstoke, said the Community Services Statutes Amendment Act would allow the provincial government to create areas for mountain resort developments without approval from regional district boards.

"It appears to give the power to make decisions, taking from the regional district and put into the hands of cabinet, the power to act unilaterally," MacDonald said. He said that, for example, the law could be used to approve the $450-million Jumbo Resort proposal near Invermere in southeastern B.C. — a project that has been rejected by the East Kootenay Regional District. "It is an issue that is highly controversial in our area, and there was a clear promise by the premier that the regional district would make that decision," MacDonald said.

The bill was put forward by Government Services Minister Ida Chong, who acknowledged the final approval for the legislation could be given by cabinet. But she also said it doesn't mean there will be no more community debate over projects. "It is not to stop that from taking place, but it's also not to stop tourism development and not stop the resort potential that's there." MacDonald disagreed, saying the law would prevent local governments from making decisions on major developments in their own backyards.
--------------------------------------
Gov. B.C. Backgrounder on new legislation
Gov. B.C. News release
NEW AMENDMENTS MEAN VIBRANT, SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

Runway expansion good for Silver Star

By David SkelhonMonday, March 26, 2007 http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_1062.php

Extending Kelowna Airport’s runway 1,500 feet will bring Okanagan ski resorts within non-stop range for European and Australian airlines says Michael Ballingall, senior vice president of Silver Star and Big White resorts.Ballingall said he expects the eight million dollar extension to be completed by November 2008 with the first charter flights arriving non-stop from other continents in January 2009.“What fantastic news for tourism and residents of the Okanagan Valley,” said Ballingall.Currently, Ballingall estimates that 50 per cent of Silver Star’s skiers come from the Okanagan Valley, 25 per cent from the Lower Mainland, 12 per cent from Washington state and Ontario, 10 per cent from Australia and two or three per cent from the U.K. Ballingall said he expects to see a large increase in visitors from the U.K. and Australia when non-stop charter flights start. The resorts are working closely with tour operators to make this happen, he said.Ballingall represents the ski sector on the Kelowna mayor’s airport advisory council and is also vice president of the Thompson Okanagan Tourist Association.

The recently announced runway expansion to a total of 9,000 feet will make it possible for jets, such as the new Boeing 787, carrying up to 275 passengers, to take-off fully loaded with passengers, fuel and cargo. Kelowna is already Canada’s 11th busiest airport, handling 1.25 million passengers in 2006.Ballingall said that Silver Star has a lift capacity of 17,000 skiers per hour and doesn’t currently come close to reaching this capacity. The resort has world class skiing, grooming and lifts but lacks the condo-style accommodation preferred by many families taking ski vacations, Ballingall said.Two bedroom, two bathroom accommodation is the key to success in this market, and Ballingall added, “we also need brand new hotels.”There are new projects in the pipeline but a blockage exists over much needed water for the expansion. Ballingall said the blockage is with the regional district as there is currently uncertainty over water rights. He said he hopes an ongoing investigation into water rights can be quickly resolved so that construction can start as soon as the ski season closes.