Sunday, December 30, 2018

Victoria Viewpoints: Saturday/Sunday, December 29 & 30, 2018




Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for  Saturday/Sunday, December 29 & 30, 2018


Globe and Mail 

B.C. journalist Barb McLintock remembered for her no-nonsense reporting
What's next in Vancouver's transit plan
Elevator equipment overheats, sparks small fire at Government House in Victoria


CBC

Meet the last man living in area of B.C. first inhabited by Europeans
After year of wildfires and floods, Canadian Red Cross in BC seeks more volunteers
'The power of young people': B.C. Youth Parliament holds 90th session in Victoria
What's so wrong about a national park in B.C.'s southern Interior? Many locals still strongly opposed
After a taxing year for real estate, housing market expected to remain cool in 2019
Elevator equipment sparks small fire at Government House in Victoria
Karen Wang wins Liberal nomination in Burnaby South to take on NDP leader Jagmeet Singh
B.C. judge dismisses man's claim for injuries sustained during arrest


Vancouver Sun

B.C. teacher suspended for lack of action after student knocked out in class
Mayors' council must keep the transit plan rolling in 2019

Vancouver Province

A wild year of B.C. politics - and it could get crazier next year!


Victoria Times Colonist

B.C. Hydro wraps up work on Gulf Islands
City of Victoria hopes to accelerate reconciliation work in 2019
Capital region's sewage project pushes on into coming year
Heavy rains cause sewage overflows at Victoria area beaches
Langford puts limits on pot smoking


Victoria News

Several Greater Victoria beaches unsafe because of contamination
Government House avoided major damage during late night fire
Longtime B.C. legislative reporter turned coroner Barb McLintock dies at 68
For 2019, wishful thinking replaces evidence


Global BC

Okanagan fruit growers say picker pay raise will be hard to digest
'We need options,' says Coquitlam councillor of another NYE without ride sharing
Former face of BC Coroners Service Barb McLintock passes away at 68
'I was surprised': Coldstream composer, conductor to join Order of Canada


Georgia Strait

Vancouver Island man wins $120,000 court award in lawsuit over police brutality
Vavenby under Do Not Use order after semi crash spills diesel


Vancouver Courier

Vancouver's first officially licensed pot shop opening delayed
Federal government invests $2M to maintain Fraser River habitats
Map shows Vancouver stores with cannabis development permits
New council aims to rebuild Nanaimo's tattered reputation
UBC is the 9th most filmed location in the world: report


The Tyee
Miscellaneous

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Ottawa Observations: Saturday/Sunday, December 29 &30, 2018



Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Saturday/Sunday, December 29 & 30, 2018

Canadians held in China 

Retrial ordered for Canadian sentenced in China for drug smuggling
Sarah McIver's aunt says she believes school officials in China mad error
Canadian woman detained in China has returned home
Australia finally denounces detention of two Canadians, but only after extensive public pressure


Globe and Mail 

Now is not the time for Canadian businesses to retreat from China
Lawyers worried about proposed changes to trial system in wake of Boushie killing
Big choices, big surprises, big milestones: Canadians seem unfazed by the chaos that was 2018
Pro pipeline protestors plan convoy to Ottawa in February to back demands for action
Liberals choose daycare operator Karen Wang to face NDP leader Jagmeet Singh in BC by-election
Embassy Games: Inside Canada's diplomatic standoff with Russia


CBC

Emails reveal how Ottawa sought to explain PTSD treatment for man who killed cop
Why Canada raced to get in on the CPPTPP trade deal
Cabinet OKs plan for Mint to craft special toonies to mark D-Day anniversary
'Knee-jerk reaction': Lawyers worried about proposed changes to trial system
Karen Wang wins Liberal nomination in Burnaby South to take on NDP leader Jagmeet Singh
Pro-pipeline rally draws 1,000 attendees in Alberta town of about 6,600


Toronto Star

It will be a 'low-carbon wedding' - but will the bride wear green?
A very un-merry Christmas, said BC about electoral reform


Toronto Sun

2018 a dude for Trudeau
A New Year's reminder to never forget the little guy
The cream has yet to rise to the top of the Trudeau cabinet
Political predictions from 2019
Alberta's plight and the India trip -  the year's two top stories
Trudeau faces further Western discontent in 2019
Trudeau government acts like a deadbeat parent


National Post

Experts warn Ottawa's latest innovation fund could be falling under political influence
Emails reveal how Ottawa sought to explain PTSD treatment funding for man who murdered cop
Jason Kenney says he will demand energy industry CEO's 'get in this game' against anti-oil activists


Maclean's

New taxes, wage hikes and more: 49 new laws across Canada in 2019


Global

Emails reveal how Ottawa attempted to explain convicted murderer Christoper Garnier's PTSD treatment
Chief of the Defence Staff says natural disasters pose 'significant threat' to Canadians
Liberals pick daycare operator to battle NDP leader Jagmeet Singh in Burnaby South by-election


Miscellaneous 

How politicians who pander to Khalistani extremism undermine Canada's intelligence agencies
Poll shows Canadians would prefer Justin Trudeau as their kids' babysitter over Andrew Scheer and Jagmeet Singh
'Team Trudeau' nominates daycare operator Karen Wang to run against Jagmeet Singh in Burnaby South


Friday, December 28, 2018

Victoria Viewpoints: Friday, December 28, 2018




Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for  Friday, December 27, 2018


Globe and Mail 

Modular homes go from Alberta's oil patch to Vancouver's middle class
Andres Project brings basic supplies, kindness and hope to the Downtown Eastside
Central BC braces for winter blast as outages persist after south coast windstorm
Vancouver gets first licensed cannabis shop as B.C. lags behind other provinces
Vancouver to offer opioid pills in latest effort to prevent overdose deaths


CBC

Ex-insurance agent made $650K in commission on fake claims, investigation finds
He once crossed the ocean by moonlight as a refugee. Now he's a city councillor in BC
'I really like John Horgan': Green leader praises NDP alliance as he reflects on 2018
BC charities still accepting hair donations for wigs despite cancer society's policy change
Project aiming to boost Indigenous student success finds need for larger 'home away from home'


Vancouver Sun

BC NDP and Greens expected to continue to tango through 2019
2019 set to be a year of rising taxes
Charges stayed in another major BC case
Vancouver's first BC approved pot shop delays opening



Vancouver Province

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Victoria Times Colonist

Province could save region from itself
Victoria aims to host Chinese-Canadian museum; has Canada's oldest Chinatown


Victoria News

Tax hikes across BC set for 2019


Global BC

BC Youth Parliament takes over at BC Legislature over winter break
Credit Union asking to be removed from court case involving alleged social worker fraud
BC Attorney General opens his office to all law students in British Columbia
No end in sight to Prince Rupert boil water advisory
Farm workers who hand pick crops to get wage increase BC gov't
B C government to start better tracking on empty homes and rental stock as part of Speculation Tax


Georgia Strait

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Vancouver Courier

Farm workers wages set to increase in BC next week
Authorities working to contain fuel spill in Squamish waters
First time buyer numbers diminishing in real estate market: BC notaries
BC is getting a new, province wide area code next year
BC voted 'No' to pro rep, but not to reform


The Tyee

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Miscellaneous

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Ottawa Observations: Friday, December 28, 2018



Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for Friday, December 28, 2018

Canadians held in China 

Sarah McIver, the Alberta teacher detained in China, has arrived back in Canada
Canadian woman detained in China has returned home
Teacher Sarah McIver returned to Canada after arrest in China
Canadian teacher Sarah McIver who was detained in China has been released


Globe and Mail 

Government flexibility draws more Indigenous communities into talks around self-government
For re-election in 2019, the Trudeau government's biggest challenge will be itself
White Helmets recount the daring rescue from Syria and their new life in Canada
Former Quebec music agent aims to stage a Bloc Quebecois revival
Cancelling Canada's contract to sell LAVs to Saudis could be an Avro Arrow-sized disaster
Federal government hopes funding change solves infrastructure spending, cost concerns


CBC

International trade in 2018: making sense of a 'tarrifying' year
Brian Gallant moves up departure from helm of Liberal Party
Canada's response to Rohingya crisis gets middling grade
No regrets as Notley looks back on last 3 years


Toronto Star

This tank arsenal near Oshawa is a secret the military museums wants shared
Trudeau says it's worth 'pointing out' similarities between Scheer and Harper
Ex-astronaut Thirsk to help define Canada's place in Mars mission
Quebec's Pelletier leads 'farthest exploration of any planetary body in history'


Toronto Sun

PM faces further Western discontent in 2019
Elizabeth May predicts she won't stand alone after the next election
Conservatives mounting charge ahead of federal election: poll


National Post

Jason Kenny's party accuses Alberta non-profit of diverting money from Tides to NDP


Maclean's

Canada will soon legalize edibles - and the market is enormous


Global

Roiled in oil: Alberta votes in 2019 as energy issues, Trudeau dominate debate


Miscellaneous 

Trudeau government promotes paternalistic and overly restrictive rules for cannabis edibles
Expect more journalists to line up for the Order of Canada in wake of recent appointments


Heading towards New Years Eve, no change in Boil Water Notice for Prince Rupert

With no updates otherwise, it would
seem that Prince Rupert residents
will be boiling water on into 2019
Update: The City updated their website notice on Friday afternoon, the full notice can be reviewed at the bottom of this page.

For two weeks now, Prince Rupert residents have been living the life of the movie Groundhog Day.

Every morning, a quick scan of the City's website indicates that there is no change in the Boil Order Notice, meaning that our routine, much like our stoves, will be working overtime to keep our homes in stock of safe water for household purposes.

The Boil Order Notice which was first put into effect two weeks ago today on December 14th, sending Rupertites rushing to local stores to buy up available stocks of bottled water, all while watching their BC Hydro meter spin faster and faster as they kept the High Boil on around the house.

So far, there has only been one official Update from the City in reation to that Original Notice, a short advisory to keep on boiling  delivered on December 20th.

Mayor Lee Brain has popped up from time to time on any number of social media streams, delivering much of the same notes over and over on the issue to those that spend a fair bit of their time following the latest rumours and speculation around the community on Facebook.

December 24 -- Mayor Brain wades into Boil Water discussion on Social Media over the weekend
December 16 -- Mayor's update through Facebook offers up further details on city's water issues

For the most  part the social message manifestos highlight how the community is currently using the secondary drinking water source of Shawatlans Lake, (which we have been using for two years now) a situation apparently exacerbated by some climate issues that have provided for the current problems that brought us to the Boil Order Notice.

With the Christmas/New Years Holiday now underway, City Hall has been shut down since December 24th and with that closure, so too has slowed the flow of any additional information for residents, with little indication as to when we may be able to once again use our tap water with some semblance of confidence that the water won't provide for any kind of problems.

So far the City has not released any further information related to the water testing program that they have taken on, with no results provided for the city's website to provide for a guide for city residents as to where we may be on the way back to safe drinking water.

As we prepare to head into the New Year next Monday, we will be marking an approach towards the third week of the Boil Water Notice, still with little known as to what steps the City may be able to take to address the situation should it turn into a longer term issue, other than the often repeated call for patience.




Should the situation still not have been resolved by the first public Council session of the year set for January 14th, the Mayor and City Council members may find that the gallery has a few more people than usual taking in the workings of civic governance in the region.

And some we imagine, may just have a few questions should the Council members be inclined to open the night up for commentary.

You can review the path so far towards the new routine of Boil, Boil, Boil from our archive page here.

The December 28 update from the City of Prince Rupert:


UPDATED: Friday, December 28th, 2018

Boil Water Notice Update: 
Please note that the Boil Water Notice remains in effect until further notice. 

Unfortunately, there are no treatment options available to the City to remove cryptosporidium at the source supply, and therefore there is currently no way to prevent or manage the issue other than to wait for the water to clear itself. As previously noted, the spike in levels of cryptosporidium and giardia were related to a dry summer followed by recent storm surge events. Water testing results will continue to be closely monitored until Northern Health determines the water meets acceptable standards. Please continue to boil all consumable water and take the necessary precautions outlined by Northern Health and attached in our original notice: 

(Original Boil water notice)

As previously noted, the City applied for funding in August to implement a new $30 million multiple phased water treatment facility. Multiple treatment barriers will reduce the risk from cryptosporidium in the future, if we are successful in achieving the grant. 

We are working closely with Northern Health to continuously monitor water quality, and will remove the Notice when multiple clear results are received. We thank you for your patience, and apologize for the inconvenience.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Province opens up application process for Airport infrastructure funding program

The provinces smaller airports, heliport and water aerodromes will be the target for some provincial government funding in 2019 under the BC Air Access Program which has issued a call for applications for required infrastructure work in communities around BC.

Launched in 2015, the BCAAP has provided for nearly 30 million dollars in funding for 50 airports around British Columbia, the most notable of the local projects the terminal expansion building in the Terrace area.

The Terrace-Kitimat Airport has made significant use of past funding
through the BC Air Access Program

This years funding includes opportunities for green initiatives that will help the aviation industry to align with the province's recently announced Clean BC Plan, which is designed to to reduce climate pollution while creating economic opportunities and employment.

The deadline for airports across British Columbia to file their applications for the cost shared program is February 18, 2019.

More on the government's announcement can be found here.

A wider overview of the program can be reviewed here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Victoria Viewpoints: Thursday, December 27, 2018




Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for Thursday, December 27, 2018


Globe and Mail 

Pair of loose barges in Vancouver cause more than $1 million in damage
Power to be restored to Vancouver Island customers by Thursday night: BC Hydro


CBC

Runaway barges cause more than $1M in property damage, Vancouver police say
Overdose crisis continues in B.C. with 120 deaths last month, coroner says
After a week without power, Salt Spring resident calls for better communication from BC Hydro
CN lining up partners to make bitumen pucks that can be shipped in open rail car, float in water
'It's been frustrating dealing with the Greens': BC Liberal leader looks back on 1st year in opposition
CBC's Gloria Macarenko appointed to Order of Canada
B.C.'s population passes 5 million, thanks to high international migration numbers


Vancouver Sun

Out with MPS, in with EHT in BC for 2019
Arguments for and against "MegaCity Vancouver"


Vancouver Province

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Victoria Times Colonist

Hundreds of illicit-drug overdose deaths this year in BC
Central Saanich first to be 'living-wage' certified in capital region
Province could save region from itself


Victoria News

BC salmon farm agreement a milestone for Indigenous rights
It takes forever: Weaver on derelict boats
BC became home to more than 5 million in 2018


Global BC

Kelowna nurse recognized for work with vulnerable, addicted
BC public safety minister says more pot stores to open in 'months ahead'
BC Employers Health Tax set to hit businesses starting on January 1
Okanagan flu season strikes early and hard
BC Liberals still looking to retool under leader Andrew Wilkinson


Georgia Strait

Parasitic worms that infect humans are on the increaser in ocean fish
Vancouver councillors consider ways to address opioid and housing crisis
Gloria Macarenko, Darren Entwistle and Jo Ann Archibald among British Columbians appointed to Order of Canada


Vancouver Courier

Holy Smokes! Vancouver's first officially licensed pot shop opens this weekend
Voters fault process for failure of electoral reform referendum: survey
B.C. Hydro, facing huge damage, aims to restore all power by December 31, 11 days after storm
Retired firefighter questions city digging in over PTSD claims


The Tyee
Miscellaneous

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Ottawa Observations: Thursday, December 27, 2018



Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for Thursday, December 27, 2018

Canadians held in China 

We must finally see China for what it truly is
Canadian charged with drug smuggling in China to appear in court, amid strained relations between countries
Canadian set for drug-smuggling trial in China
Canadian facing possible death penalty over drug smuggling in China could be a pawn in Huawei dispute: experts


Globe and Mail 

Liberals eye boost to job-training programs after warnings of under-spending
Body of missing British Columbia professor Ramazan Gencay found in Colombia
Enbridge gets $14.7 million federal refund over Northern Gateway pipeline project


CBC

Enbridge get $14.7M federal refund over Northern Gateway pipeline project
An Afghan asylum seeker on the story behind his illegal crossing into Canada
Remembering Michael Maclear's legendary life reporting from the front lines of history
Missing BC professor Ramazan Gencay found dead in Colombia


Toronto Star

New fighter jets 'can't arrive quickly enough,' Canada's top military commander says
The year in carbon politics (and what to expect in 2019)
Companies should get 'meaningful consent' for user data, privacy watchdog says


Toronto Sun

Populism will only get more popular in 2019!


National Post

Notley rejects Alberta separatism but understands the 'anxiety' fueling talk
2018 was the year we learned Canada can't really build anything
Tis the season for Liberal soul searching
B.C. did all of Canada a favour with its vote on electoral reform
Family confirms SFU Professor who disappeared in Colombia found dead
Mayor of Trois-Riviere, Quebec, courted by federal Conservatives for 2019 run resigns for health reasons
Violent ejections of idiocy: A people's history of 'bozo eruptions' in Canada


Maclean's

Canadian politics in 2018: The year in 12 chapters


Global

As 2019 federal election looms, Pierre Polievre rejoices in agitating the Liberals
Liberals eyeing job training boost after warnings of under spending
Enbridge to receive $14.7M refund over scrapped Northern Gateway pipeline
Trudeau's carbon tax on gas won't motivate Canadians to switch to fuel-efficient transportation: Ipsos poll
Maxime Bernier challenges Quebec political orthodoxy with new party


Miscellaneous 





Prince Rupert's Gloria Macarenko appointed to Order of Canada list

Add on a national honour to the list of
recognition for Prince Rupert's Gloria Macarenko.
This morning the CBC broadcaster was named to the
Order of Canada list by Governor General Julie Payette.

As is tradition at the end of the year, the Governor General has made appointments to the Order of Canada, with 103 names announced today as receiving one of Canada's highest honours.

And Among those appointed to the Order by Governor General Julie Payette is a familiar name for North Coast residents, with Prince Rupert's Gloria Macarenko appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada.

Ms. Macarenko, was one of ten British Columbias to receive the honour today, her citation noting her contributions to the broadcasting industry and for her support of charitable causes.




The popular CBC personality who currently hosts the On the Coast radio program out of CBC Vancouver has stayed close to her Prince Rupert roots, returning often to aid local causes, among them her ongoing work with the Prince Rupert Foundation.

She regularly returns to the community for local reunion events and other community activities.

Ms. Macarenko will receive her Order of Canada at a ceremony to be held sometime in 2019.

You can review the list of 103 here.

Learn more about the Order of Canada here.

For more notes on Community related item in Prince Rupert see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

BC Ferries to spend 57 million dollars on fleet support work during refit cycle for 2018-19

BC Ferries Northern Adventure is one of a number of vessels
currently in refit in preparation for the 2019 sailing season

The off season is the period of time when BC Ferries takes advantage of lower passenger levels to provide for necessary upgrades to its fleet of vessels both North and South, and for this current refit cycle some 57 million dollars will be spent with a range of marine service suppliers to provide support for the fleet.

In addition to their own shipyard in Richmond, the Ferry Service also provides work for a number of other British Columbia shipyards, with over 1 billion spent over the last ten years with the replacement program that has seen new 10 ships arrive, or through refit and repairs for those still in their mid to end of service years.

“We’re serious about driving the BC marine economy, and the investment we make in the province for marine services, repair and maintenance is quite substantial,”  ... “The $57 million will be spent on 17 vessels between September 2018 and March 2019, including contracts with Vancouver Drydock, Esquimalt Drydock and Point Hope Shipyard in Victoria as well as at our own Fleet Maintenance Unit.” -- Mark Collins, BC Ferries' President and CFEO

For the North Coast the off season finds the Northern Adventure undergoing its annual refit, with the vessel set to return to service in the Spring on the North Coast and Haida Gwaii runs.

The Northern Adventure was take out of service earlier this fall, following a short temporary service for the Central Coast-Vancouver Island run providing a short indication of a new service to come to the region in 2019.

The Northern Sea Wolf during its recent refit, after a delay of one season
it will enter service in the Spring


That service will be taken over by the Northern Sea Wolf in the Spring. The vessel which has seen a complete overhaul since it was purchased out of Greece by the Ferry Corporation will provide service on the Central Coast route from Port Hardy to Bella Coola, Ocean Falls and Bella Bella. It enters service one year later than had originally been anticipated.

You can learn more about the contribution of the Ferry Service to the BC economy here.

For a look at more notes related to BC Ferries on the North Coast and Haida Gwaii see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Cost Review

District of Port Edward works towards strategic planning for 2019



It has been a busy few months for the District of Port Edward council, with a number of items on the horizon for delivery in 2019.

In the District Update for December, newly elected Mayor Knut Bjorndal relayed some of the areas where the District Council was focused on, the first was their work on a Strategic Planning session, the results of which will be delivered to the public in the Spring when they have the financial information that is required to complete it.

They are currently working on a Dog Park for the community, as well as clearing land that the District owns and is up for sale.

They have also had an engineering firm come to the District to evaluate and inspect the water plant to ensure it is operating at an optimum level, with a report expected to be reviewed in the coming weeks.

They also had meetings scheduled with CN Rail to discuss the ongoing concerns about train whistles in the community, with the District set to deliver a report to the community on the outcome of those discussion.

As he settles into his work in the Mayor's Chair, Mr. Bjorndal has also committed to delivering a monthly message for residents to keep them informed on what they have been focused on.

The next public session for the Port Edward District Council is January 9th.

More notes on events and concerns in the community can be found from their December update.

Further background on our notes on Port Edward can be found here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Victoria Viewpoints: December 24-216, 2018




Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for Monday-Wednesday, December 24 to 26, 2018


Globe and Mail 

Losing ground: B.C. farmers feel overlooked by legislation aimed at curbing misuse of protected land
Despite restorations, about 6,500 still without power nearly a week after B.C. windstorms
UBC students want to build and study 'tree canopy' bus shelters
TSB investigating close call between plane, vehicle at southeastern BC airport


CBC

Loose barges smash into boats, restaurant in Coal Harbour
BC Hydro crews rebuilding parts of electrical grid in race to restore power
Power back for 99% of BC residents affected by storm
First private licensed cannabis store set to open in Vancouver
UBC students want to build and study effectiveness of 'tree canopy' bus shelters


Vancouver Sun

'It gave me back my life' cap on bariatric surgery leaves thousands in limbo
Vancouver's first BC approved pot shop slated to it's doors Saturday
Woman suing RCMP over alleged sexual assault decries delays in lawsuit

Vancouver Province

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Victoria Times Colonist

BC Hydro facing huge damage aims to restore all power by December 31, 11 days after storm
Non-market housing is essential
B.C.'s shiny new climate plan: Take a look under the hood


Victoria News

Victoria Foundation unwraps free bus passes for those in need


Global BC

More than 6,000 BC Hydro customer remain without power after windstorm
Legendary Lake Monster or something else? Video attempt of Ogopogo goes viral


Georgia Strait

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Vancouver Courier

2019 marks 'new era' for parks in Vancouver
Here's why 2019 could be a bumpy year for education in Vancouver


The Tyee

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Miscellaneous

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Ottawa Observations: Monday-Wednesday, December 24-26, 2018



Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for   Monday-Wednesday,  December 24 & 26, 2018

Canadians held in China 

China accuses Canada of having 'different' human rights standards when it comes to Meng Wanzhou arrest
France, New York Times editorial board are the latest to condemn China over detained Canadians
Canadian to be tried on drug charges in China: Government-run news portal




Globe and Mail 

Ottawa and Irving Shipbuilding ask trade tribunal to toss Alion challenge to warship contract
Experts panel wanted Ottawa to make freedom from poverty a 'fundamental right'
Canada will continue to champion the aerospace industry
Court case exposes major art galleries' reliance on tax break
Britain's Queen Elizabeth shares annual Christmas message
Municipalities in oil patch face revenue shortfalls as energy firms stop paying taxes
Canadians expect economy will slow down in 2019
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe uses carbon tax fight to define first year in office


CBC

Off, up and away: Ottawa gives astronauts extra holiday time, perks in new contract
Feds, Irving ask trade tribunal to toss challenge to warship contract
Canada to deploy cargo plane part time for UN missions in new year
New Year, new Chief of Staff and a byelection bid: Jagmeet Singh eyes 2019
Queen Elizabeth's Christmas message extols goodwill. respect


Toronto Star

Jagmeet Singh and the NDP look to change the narrative in 2019
Justin Trudeau's India trip highlighted the power of social media
Justin Trudeau talks of spreading kindness in 2018 Christmas message
Federal government urged to take stronger human-rights approach to reducing poverty


Toronto Sun

Queen Elizabeth II urges people to treat each with respect in Christmas address
Will Trudeau be our carbon crusader?
Why populism will only get more popular in 2019
Next year, the carbon tax debate goes to court


National Post

How the tradition of Queen Elizabeth II's annual Christmas speech began
Environmental and economic development choices split Canada's First Nations
Canadian Federal Court overturns denial of permanent residence to former Iraqi  government official
Really, finally, truly, 2019 could be the year Elizabeth May's Green Party breaks through
'A made-in-Canada crisis': How political stumbles, savvy activists brought the oilpatch to its knees


Maclean's

These are the creatures Canada has failed


Global

In Christmas message, Trudeau urges Canadians to 'stand together,' help out
Canadian accused of smuggling 'enormous amount of drugs' into China: state media



Miscellaneous 

Heres the real reason why federal anti-terrorism officials keep focusing in Khalistan



Monday, December 24, 2018

Regional District to make use of Alternative Approval Process for planned upgrades to Regional Recycling facility

Regional District is making plans to borrow funds for planned upgrades
for the region's recycling centre on Kaien Road

Plans for upgrades to the regional recycling facility in Prince Rupert that serves the City, Port Edward and other North Coast areas of the region will be going to the alternative approval process, with the decision to make use of the at times controversial process announced at their December 14th District meeting.

In a notice posted to the NCRD website, the Regional District will be seeking authorization to borrow up to  500,000 dollars for the purpose of borrowing funds, over a 20 year period to complete upgrades to the Regional Recycling Facility. 

To facilitate the borrowing of that money, Regional District will be using the Alternative Approval process which will see the borrowing plan authorized if electoral response forms certified by the Corporate Officer total less that 10 percent of the eligible voters in the Regional District.

The process puts the responsibility on residents of the community who may have concerns or questions on the borrowing plan to gather enough responses to force the issue to a wider consultation process, normally that of a full fledged referendum process.

Should the returns for the Recycling plan total more than ten percent, then the loan request will be required to be put to a voting process. The threshold number  to trigger that voting process would be returns of 916 alternative approval forms.

With the Regional District offices now closed until the New Year, the forms will again be available in the New Year at the North Coast Regional District Office at 14-342 Third Avenue West in Prince Rupert, Blank forms can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed upon request.

Forms may be submitted in person, or by mail to be received by the North Coast Regional District Office no later than by 4PM on Thursday, February 28th.

The information related to what upgrades may be planned is not included as part of the announcement to go towards the Alternative Approval Process, some of the work may be part of a wide ranging report released in June of 2017 which highlighted a number of elements on the Regional District wish list.

As for the plan to go to the AAP process in 2019, the full details for that initiative  can be found here.

Regional District made use of the AAP as part of its plan to change its name back in 2016.

The City of Prince Rupert has used the process a number of times, included on that list was the city's move to expand its boundaries to include land on Tuck inlet back in 2014.

The City also used the instrument in 2013 towards its renovation plans for the Prince Rupert Airport,  and in 2016 on issues related to land on Graham Avenue

With the Regional District meeting having taken place after the City of Prince Rupert's last regular council session for 2018, neither Mayor Lee Brain, or Councillor Barry Cunningham who represent the City on the District have had a chance to offer up any notes related to the Regional initiative through a Council meeting opportunity.

Beyond speaking to the issue for residents through City Council, so far Mr. Brain, or Mr. Cunningham have yet to make mention of the Regional District's plans through their social media portals.

Among some of the other notes addressed at the December 14th Regional District meeting was the appointment of Tim Des Champs, the Recycling Operations Manager to serve as the NCRD representative to a Committee established by the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, the committee will assist in the development of a new solid waste management plan for the Regional District.

Regional District will also investigate the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund and its alignment with the priorities identified by local emergency preparedness and response groups.

The Regional District Board will also look to schedule a Special meeting in the new year to hear from Transport Canada with respect to the ongoing engagement taking place related to the Federal Ports modernization review.

The members of the Regional District also discusses initiatives for Haida Gwaii and Oona River.

More notes on the December 14th meeting can be found here.

For more items of interest related to Regional District see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Prince Rupert Homeless shelter receives extended funding through the winter

While the assembly of the Modular Home Supportive Housing residence on Park Avenue continues through the winter, the current shelter has been provided with some extended funding to keep its facility on Third Avenue West in operation through the winter.

The funding for the 25 bed shelter that is operated by the North Coast Transition Society was confirmed as part of an announcement Friday providing for funding for twelve shelters that are located in communities across British Columbia.

No details were provided as part of the Friday announcement towards much of the shelter money was to be allocated to the Prince Rupert location.

You can review the announcement here.

The provincial announcement is a bit of recycling of a previous announcement of August, when it was previously noted that the Third Avenue shelter would remain open until the permanent facility was ready for occupancy.

Last week, North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice posted the first photos of the new modular housing construction project taking shape at the Park avenue site, if all goes as planned it is hoped to have the new facility open to those in need early in 2019.


You can review some of the background to the supportive housing plans below:

December 10 -- Supportive Housing Project progressing along Park Avenue
October 31 -- Land clearing complete, Prince Rupert Supportive Housing site sits ready for construction phase
July 31 -- Timeline shifts for Park Avenue Supportive Housing in Prince Rupert 
June 28 -- Thoughts on amenities, road safety among Council commentary on Park Avenue housing permit process
June 25 -- Council to review the Development Permit Application for Park Avenue Supportive Housing plans
May 29 -- The path towards the Park Avenue Supportive Housing project starts with a Public Notice
April 20 -- Much anticipated supportive housing proposal will see summer time build set for property on Park Avenue
March 1 -- North Coast MLA's Budget Defence includes Prince Rupert references


For more items of note related the housing across the Northwest see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Mayor Brain wades into Boil Water discussion on Social media over the weekend

Frustration in the community related to the ongoing Boil Water Notice seems to be reaching the boiling point through some of the regions social media discussion forums.

By way of a reply to some of those concerns,  Prince Rupert Mayor Lee Brain took to Facebook over the weekend in order to review some of the themes of the current situation.

Logging onto a local Facebook page called WTF Prince Rupert, the Mayor delivered a fairly lengthy reply to some of the comments that had been percolating on that page over the last week or so.

Much of the Mayor's material was a recap of his previous notes on the city's infrastructure plans for the water supply, recounting some of the work that has taken place through phase one of the water project. A process which involved the building of a road to the Woodworth Dam and replacement and burying of water lines.

A follow up passage also indicates how the next phase will be the replacement of the dam, noting that the 16.9 Million dollar project has been put out for tender, with an anticipated start sometime in 2019.

Not mentioned in that overview is the rather steep cost that the new dam now features, up significantly from its original estimate, with a jump which saw the price for its construction increase 2 and one half times.

The increase was something we took note of earlier this month, as the City's CFO Corinne Bomben outlined the city's capital spending plans for 2019.

In her report to Council, Ms. Bomben attributed the sharp increase for the dam construction to the passage of time from the original estimate, the isolated location of the work to take place and a decision to provide the dam with electrical power generating potential.

A look at city council's decision to move forward with Phase Two and the contract award can be found here.

Mr. Brain also holds out the prospect of a water treatment facility sometime in the future, noting that the city is currently seeking grant opportunities for that project which is expected to cost around 30 million dollars.

Prince Rupert's Primary and Secondary sources for drinking water
(Map from City of PR)

Turning to address the current Boil Water requirements, the Mayor notes how the city is currently using its secondary water supply from Shawatlans Lake and has been since 2016, adding that up until the recent notice the water, while discoloured had been considered safe to drink.

As for the current notice, Mr. Brain points to recent storms and a number of circumstances of the natural world for our current water woes.

This current notice is only in effect for one reason - and that is because the City is not using it's primary source of water from Woodworth Lake at the moment while upgrades are underway - a source of water that is located in a remote Provincial conservancy across the harbour. We have been drawing from our Secondary Water source, Shawatlan Lake since 2016 when Phase 1 of the City’s water project began. So all of the community has been drinking from this secondary source for awhile. -

Shawatlan Lake is in the same area as Woodworth, but at a lower grade, and more prone to run off/debris and turbidity - which is why our water has looked a bit more yellow this year due to the higher levels of tannins in the water. This has been communicated earlier this year via local news outlets, and any time we receive a public inquiry with respect to discolouration. That water is safe to drink (despite rumors it's not). 

We've had some major storms recently. After a relatively dry summer, that storm surge brought in a whole bunch of run off into Shawatlan Lake. As you all are aware, our friends in the natural world such as birds, bears, beavers, etc. live in the woods. When there is that much run-off of debris, it carries all kinds of things into the water - which has prompted this notice. This is quite literally an act of nature, and has happened in the middle of us building exactly what everyone here is calling for.

Considering some of the extreme weather elements that Prince Rupert faces during the course of a year, it might strike some as somewhat strange that since we have been using the Secondary source since 2016, that we didn't have any issues prior to the start of December.

Other than indicating that the water was considered safe during that period, the latest update doesn't shed much further information on the past status of that supply, or whether there had been any concerns expressed about it over the last two years.

The Mayor then outlines the process that led to the current Boil Water Notice, related to the ongoing testing with Northern Health and upon notification of a problem, the approach the City took to alerting residents and businesses to the situation.

Mr. Brain also relays some information from local Northern Health staff when it comes to the water quality issue and whether any concerns have been noticed since the Boil Water Order was put in place; as well as what steps will remain in place as the city is expected to be drawing on the Shawatlans source during the Dam replacement period ahead,.

Northern Health also informed us on Friday that their local staff had not noted any increases in communicable diseases directly related to this water quality issue. - Moving forward, we will be continuing to use the secondary water source while the Woodworth Dam is replaced. 

Any changes in testing will be instructed by Northern Health and the City will do so. We all live here too, and we all have family and friends here. No one would want anyone to fall ill for any reason which is why City Council has made the water infrastructure it's top priority and have authorized spending of over $20 million dollars so far into the first two phases of replacing critical water infrastructure.

The Mayor does not indicate in his latest notes how long the City anticipates the current need to boil our water to continue, nor if the City will be posting any of the results of the water testing program to the city website for the public to review, either on a daily or weekly basis,  or those of a historical nature from the time the city switched to the Shawatlans' source.

The remainder of his contribution on the weekend was to provide some ancillary notes on the cost of hydro usage for boiling water and to invite residents to review his Hays 2.0 presentation and the city's ambitions for its water supply system through a YouTube feature that the city has posted.

The Mayor's point by point review did not provide any information as to what steps, if any,  the City of Prince Rupert may take, towards assisting residents such as seniors, or those who may have health issues, or have limited financial means in accessing safe water supplies should this situation become a long term concern as opposed to a short term inconvenience.

You can review the full scope of his talking points here.

A bit of history related to the Second phase of the water project can be reviewed here.


For more background on the current Boil Water situation see our Archive here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review