Friday, March 30, 2018

Victoria Viewpoints: Friday, March 30, 2018




Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for  Friday, March 30, 2018


Globe and Mail 

John Horgan shouldn't plan a holiday in Alberta anytime soon


CBC

B.C. landslide prompts state of local emergency
Catholic Church returns island to West Coast First Nation
To defeat a single pipeline is victory without personal sacrifice. I'ts a win with no real impact
Double Decker buses permanently added to TransLink fleet


Vancouver Sun

Pipeline demonstrators make their way into Burnaby RCMP detachment after mans' arrest
B.C. First Nation goes tiny in answer to housing needs of single men
Weaver vows to bring down NDP if LNG climate plan fails


Vancouver Province

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Victoria Times Colonist

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Victoria News

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Global BC

Anti-Kinder Morgan protestor arrested for allegedly assaulting an RCMP officer
Fernie awards arena contract to Calgary company following deadly 2017 ammonia leak
'This item was not on the agenda': West Van Mayor angered at Metro Board retirement allowance
Chinese site to start marketing new Vancouver condos to millions of  potential foreign buyers


Georgia Straight

Metro Vancouver director's retirement allowance rankles West Vancouver Mayor

Vancouver Courier

Richmond councillor apologizes for tweet on 'multiculturalism'


The Tyee

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Miscellaneous






Ottawa Observations: Friday, March 30, 2018



Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Friday, March 30, 2018



Globe and Mail 

Yushchenko calls for tougher sanctions against Russia as Canadian diplomats expelled by Kremlin
John Horgan shouldn't plan a holiday in Alberta any time soon
Federal, provincial governments target illegal tobacco with new funding


CBC

Canadian diplomats expelled from Russia coming home, Global Affairs says
A relic of Canada's atomic age, the NRU reactor is shutting down for good
A tale of 2 budgets: Quebec and Ontario reveal different approaches to government, experts say
Lawyers say post-Boushie justice reforms could actually make juries less diverse


Toronto Star

If Trudeau wants to be Ned Flanders, Canadians may not say 'okily-dokily'


Toronto Sun

Canadian health care a terrible system


National Post

Canada confirms Russia is expelling four Canadian diplomats in tit-for-tat retaliation



Maclean's

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Global

It just got tougher to take Quebec's back door into Vancouver and Toronto real estate
Chinese site to start marketing new Vancouver condos to millions of potential foreign buyers


Miscellaneous 


Canada's beacon to dairy farmers around the world must not be extinguished
Gian Singh Sanduu memoir shows what set stage for Justin Trudeau being embarrassed in India

Presidents Chamber address reviews past year of work and opportunities for the future

Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce held their Annuarl
General Meeting this month, with Chamber President Michelle Bryant-Gravelle
providing for a review of her year at the head of the business organization

(photo from PR Chamber Facebook page)


Michelle Bryant-Gravelle is winding down her one year term as President of the Prince Rupert Chamber of Commerce and earlier this month provided for one of her final addresses as the President to the Business Body.

Speaking last week at the Chamber's Annual General Meeting, Ms. Bryant-Gravelle recounted some of the work done over the last 365 days and reviewed the current membership levels, which have dropped to 256 this year, compared to 260 last year. An indication perhaps as to the slowing nature of the region's economy.

As well, the Chamber President made note of the efforts that  the Chamber has initiated as it looks to increase membership with the business organization.

She observed how the Board had been faced with some tough decisions this year that they did not take lightly, with departures among the staff at the Chamber office and the elimination of one paid full time position, that owing to the current economic slowdown in the community. 

Among her notes in the presentation was the introduction of the new Chamber Manager, with Anthony YecYec taking on the office management, described as an enthusiastic advocate for the Chamber.

Along with a quick review of the many events that the Chamber has hosted this year, she recounted some of the productive work that the Chamber has explored with the City of Prince Rupert through the Small Business Advisory Committee.

Ms, Bryant-Gravelle also outlined some of the Chamber's engagement with provincial politicians, where Chamber of Commerce representatives from around the province outlined the challenges and concerns that their communities are facing and the need for cooperation on a number of files.

She also outlined the strides that the Chamber has made towards developing a more representative composition of the community in recent years, highlighting how the majority of the Chamber Board for 2017-18 was made up of women.

As well, she put some focus on how the roster of members this year included four Indigenous women and with her one year term, the First Indigenous Woman President of the Chamber of Commerce.

She outlined how those themes of more Indigenous representative is what drove her to become involved with the Chamber Board, noting for the audience that Representation Does matter.

The Chamber President outlined how she wants her daughter and other Indigenous people to see that someone who looks like them, can be in a community leadership position, and make a difference in our community in a productive way, thereby debunking the negative stereotypes that still exist about our people today".

Ms. Bryant-Gravelle called for more inclusion on the Chamber in the years to come and left the audience with one final thought from her term.

"To all of you who look like me, continue to follow your dreams and know that you can make a difference, and to all of the people that don't look like me, please continue to open your minds and see the shift that is occurring in our community through reconciliation. Let's continue to make progress together, because in reality we can't do it alone"

You can watch her full address to the Chamber AGM from the video below:



The Chamber has yet to outline their process for selecting a new Board for 2018-19 and the election of a new President for the year to come.

You can review more notes from the Prince Rupert Chamber of Commerce from their website and Facebook page.

For a look at some of the items of interest from the Northwest Business sector see our archive page here.




Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Recent tour with John Horgan highlights expanded role for Nathan Cullen with Federal NDP

Nathan Cullen and John Horgan at Prince Rupert City Hall on Monday
(Photo -MLA Rices' social media stream)


Premier John Horgan and Nathan Cullen wandered along the byways of the Northwest this week, making like Hope and Crosby on one of those old road movies  (which would make Jennifer Rice Dorothy Lamar we guess?), with stops in at municipal buildings, industrial sites and college campuses, along with local watering holes all part of the trek through the region.

The Federal NDP MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley noted this week that his rendezvous with Mr. Horgan was part of his expanded role with the NDP in Ottawa, with Mr. Cullen serving as the party's British Columbia liaison.

The trip to Prince Rupert, Terrace and Kitimat put a focus on resource and rural issues, with the Skeena Bulkley-Valley MP,  Premier Horgan and MLA Jennifer Rice meeting with Prince Rupert Council members at one of their stops in the city.

The three levels of government under on roof
(From Mayor Lee Brain's Social media stream)

Mayor Brain would also travel to Kitimat on Tuesday, to take in the Premier's meetings with the Northwest British Columbia Resource Benefits Alliance.

And while the Mayor, took advantage of his Facebook page to provide for another review of what the RBA is all about, other than a note that talks will continue, no indication as to whether that group is any closer to reaching an agreement with the province on their question was provided from their session with Mr. Horgan.

Regional leaders with Premier John Horgan for discussions on the
Northwest Resource  Benefits Alliance

(From Mayor Lee Brain's Social media stream)

Prior to their Northwest travels, Mr. Cullen issued a statement that noted some of themes that he and Premier share when it comes to the region.

“I’ve met with John and his cabinet several times since being appointed the federal NDP’s BC Liaison in January. This is my first opportunity to personally accompany John out of Victoria and I’m happy to visit towns in Skeena-Bulkley Valley,” 

 “John really understands the need to balance jobs and resource development with protecting BC’s increasingly fragile natural environment ... Prior to becoming Premier, John spent years working on natural resource and rural issues that put him in touch with development and environment issues happening today here in the Northwest and across BC.”

A look at how Mr. Cullen sees his role as the bridge between the Province and the Federal NDP can be found here.

Beyond the stop in at City Hall, the travelling party hosted a number of meetings with members of the community and mixed the workload with some social activities as well.

Social events in Prince Rupert and Terrace also were part of the trip
through the Northwest this week -- Above from a stop at the Wheelhouse Brewing Co.

(Photo from MLA Rice's Social Media Stream)


Every good road trip needs some snapshots and North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice has chronicled some of the events from the Prince Rupert segment  by way of her Facebook portal.

For more notes related to the Northwest on the Federal scene see our House of Commons Archive page here.

Items of interest on Provincial developments from Victoria can be found from two options for the Northwest.

MLA Jennifer Rice Legislature archive
MLA Ellis Ross Legislature archive


Cross posted from the North Coast Review

City puts out call for members for Recreation Commission



April brings a new opportunity for residents of the city to help to shape Recreation policy in the City of Prince Rupert, with City Hall issuing the annual call for Volunteers to the Recreation Commission.

There are five positions available for those in the community willing to give of their time to explore the issues related to Recreation in Prince Rupert, with the work of the Commission helping to shape the way the City approaches one of the most visible of its many departments.

The application period is a short one with the deadline for submissions to be provided to City Hall by Friday, April 6th.

To apply you must provide a letter of interest which includes a description of your skills and experience that may be relevant to the work of the Recreation Commission.





The work of the Commission, which includes both the volunteer members and participation of City Council members and staff, tends to be somewhat under the radar, with few details released about their efforts and even the scheduling of their meetings something that tends to pass by with little notice.

Still, as Recreation issues do make for one of the more frequent themes of Council Discussions, the work of the Commission does provide for themes for Council members to explore and to ensure that the community voice is heard, the call for volunteers is important.

You can explore more on the requirements and how to apply for the Commission from this notice posted to the City website on Wednesday.

For more items of interest related to City Council see our Council Discussion archive page here.


Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Victoria Viewpoints: Thursday, March 29, 2018




Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for  Thursday, March 29, 2018


Globe and Mail 

Daily cannabis use could delay at-risk youth from moving to higher risk drug use: study
BC Greens say AggregateIQ worked for party, no evidence data was misused
20 questions with B.C. children's watchdog: Bernard Richard
Vancouver developers warn new taxes will drive housing costs up


CBC

Goodbye Blue Bridge, Hello new Bridge
Cancer top cause of firefighter fatal workplace claims, study finds
B.C. government takes step forward on new tower for Richmond hospital
Green Party hired Aggregate IQ prior to last election but says no evidence data misused
New Comox hospital overcapacity 6 months in concerns union
B.C. government looks to Europe to recruit French-speaking teachers


Vancouver Sun

'Quality' NDP child care plan experiences a bumpy rash
Saskatchewan issues threat of its own to B.C. as Trans Mountain pipeline battle escalates
TransLink ridership growth leads Canada, U.S.
Grain railway backlog another reason to expand oil pipeline: Alberta premier
Let's strengthen support for marine search and rescue

Vancouver Province

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Victoria Times Colonist

Harmac Pacific Pulp Mill fined $284,196 for death of worker
Retirees, out of province residents calling B.C. 'speculator tax' unfair
Politics in B.C. a show well worth watching


Victoria News

Education Minister off to Europe to recruit French teachers


Global BC

Okanagan Similkameen flood preparations expand
Pay for Plastic? Vancouver draft plan proposes fees for single use cups and bags
'It's making sure we're not arresting people': Vancouver mayor repeats call to decriminalize drugs
Central Okanagan testing solution to ease B.C. doctor shortage
Transit ridership is up, and TransLink says it's thanks to pain at the pump
New rules for B.C. youth aging out of government care go into effect April 1


Georgia Straight

Governing via secret meetings undermines democracy - even at school boards
Vancouver to formally apologize for history of discrimination against Chinese Canadians


Vancouver Courier

Metro Vancouver's golden handshake has some people seeing red
Metro Vancouver Board Chair defends retro pay plan
Premier Horgan announces new Richmond Hospital tower on its way
Metro Vancouver transit ridership increasing faster than any other region in Canada, U.S.


The Tyee

The evidence adds up: Site C is still a train wreck


Miscellaneous






Ottawa Observations: Thursday, March 29, 2018



Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Thursday, March 29, 2018



Globe and Mail 

Liberals introduce legislation to speed up Canada's criminal-justice system
Government proposes changes to jury-selection process after the Colten Boushie case
Canada 150 research chairs draw scientists fleeing Trump, guns and Brexit
Federal government optimistic NAFTA deal could be finalized in April
Canada's economy disappoints amid tougher real estate regulations, oil sands shutdowns
Indigenous coalition says missing and murdered inquiry should be denied extensions
The importance of the Canada's mission to Mali
Russian spies aimed to discredit WADA, spread disinformation about Canada with cyber campaigns
Despite recent tensions, Singh says NDP caucus is united behind him
Federal Liberals seeking new Parliamentary Budget Officer
Federal infrastructure plan behind schedule: PBO
Jason Kenney taps into deep well of Western alienation


CBC

Russia's 'reciprocal' retaliation would see four Canadian diplomats expelled
Liberals propose major criminal justice changes to unclog Canada's courts
Couple caught in Phoenix fiasco gets action from Ottawa after speaking to CBC
Federal, provincial governments fund creation of Calgary Olympic bid corporation
NDP asks ethics watchdog to look into Liberal MP's India trip guest
Canada 150 program results in 'brain gain' for Canadian universities: Duncan
Canada's GDP shrank by 0.1% in January, dragged down by oil and real estate
Conservatives demand apology from Morneau over 'neanderthal' comment
Canada's GDP shrank by 0.1% in January, dragged down by oil and real estate
Trudeau boasts of tough stance on wealthy at swanky Liberal fundraiser 


Toronto Star


He was deported for 'serious criminality.' Now the federal Liberals disagree on whether he can return
Pope Francis misses a big opportunity by not apologizing for residential schools
Pharmacare: Focus on Canadian who need it most
Ontario's Wynne brings back big deficits and Justin Trudeau could get sideswiped


Toronto Sun

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National Post

Minister delivers much-needed kick in the pants to justice system
Tories cut ties with Scheer's B.C. South Asian community organizer after Post reveals accusations of past 'cheque kiting' scheme
'Things could have been handled better': How Jagmeet Singh ended up i a fight with his own MPs
Putin, not gender equality needs to the be the focus of Canada's G7  summit


Maclean's

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Global

China should punish "U.S. colony' Canada over anti-dumping measures: Chinese editorial
Liberals table massive piece of legislation to overhaul Canadian justice system


Miscellaneous 


Burnaby anti-pipeline protests indicate a 'crisis' in B.C.: Horgan


BC Transportation Minister takes concerns over rail transportation across Northern BC to federal counterpart

A lack of freight cars and delays
in shipments are raising concerns
across Northern BC's transportation system
Bruce Ralston has been in a letter writing frame of mind this week, with BC's Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology taking concerns from across the Northwest about a chronic shortage of freight cars to the Federal Transportation Minister.

In a letter to Marc Garneau, Mr. Ralston provided an overview of the problems that are being found in British Columbia, reviewing many of the troubles that CN Rail has had this winter and now into the Spring in meeting customer demand.

“The impact of unreliable, and inadequate, rail service extends far beyond grain producers in northern B.C., ... “Lumber mills and other industries, from Dawson Creek to Fort Nelson, are also being seriously impacted by the lack of rail service.”

The BC Minister has asked his Federal counterpart to work with Chambers of Commerce across Northern British Columbia to develop plans for improving oversight and performance of Canadian Nationals Rail system across the region.

“Minister Garneau needs to convey that the Prairie backlog at CN Rail is having a detrimental impact on northern B.C. families and businesses ... “Companies looking to invest in northern B.C. communities are understandably discouraged from doing so because of the risk and uncertainty caused by CN Rail’s unreliable service, “While the recent apology from CN is an important acknowledgement of how serious the situation has become, longer-term solutions need to be found.”

Jean Jacques Ruest delivered an apology to customers shortly after taking on duties as Interim President at the start of this month, that in the wake of growing outrage from farmers and other suppliers across Western Canada.

Mr. Ralston is not the first politician to take pen to paper on the issue, as we outlined earlier this month, the Federal Government expressed their growing concern over the ongoing issues with the railways through a letter penned by Transportation Minister Marc Garneau and Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay.

CN's struggles have had some significant effects on Prince Rupert Grain and the DP World Container Port at Fairview Bay through this winter, leaving grain ships sitting at anchorage awaiting shipments and at times leaving the container port to see occasional vessel redirections to Vancouver.

Grain Shipment delays the latest concern for users of Prince Rupert Port facilities
CN facing heat from customers, suppliers and investors over service delays

You can review some of CN's season of woe from our archive page here.


Cross posted from the North Coast Review

City Council moves forward with first update to City's Development Procedures Bylaw in thirty years

City Planner Zeno Krekic provided an extensive review of the elements for
a new Development Procedures Bylaw

With the City of Prince Rupert operating under guidelines on development that are three decades old, the City Planning Department has been busy working out the details on an update to the community's Development Procedures Bylaw, providing Council with a look at the final result on Monday.

City Planner Zeno Krekic took the Council members through the elements of the final document, something which they have had some input on through its draft stage.

As he delivered his report to Council on Monday evening, Mr. Krekic noted that the updated Development Procedures bylaw will provide for more clarity and certainty with respect to the process of applications in amending Land use regulations or applying for land development permits.

The new guidelines for developers feature a few revisions when it comes to General Application requirements, work on the Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment provisions and the permitting and schedule of fees and payments categories.

One of the new notes that developers will wish to make note of, is a new provision of a six moth time limit to advise the City of their intent to move forward with their development plans.

That comes with a Lapse of Application requirement now in place, which will see the City close any applications should the applicant not advise them of their plans in that six month period.

The provision could be an important addition to the requirements, considering the vast number of development approvals that were made by Council over the last three years, that have yet to see any form of development take place.

Of the eight segments that were under review, the one element that seems to have been raised the most concern was related to developing a site profile and checklist process when it comes to Environmental Guidance on Contaminated Lands.



The requirements of the Contaminated sites passage caught the eye of Councillor Blair Mirau, who expressed a range of areas of concern, notably suggesting that he believed that the City might be taking on tasks that it is not required to do.

"From my perspective the province doesn't fund us, or give us the resources we need to deal with that stuff on the ground, and if they did, I'd be perfectly comfortable trying to do that for them, but without those resources supplied, I feel like we're taking on more than we need to in that regard"  --- Councillor Mirau on a section of the new City policies on development.

Further discussion with Mr. Krekic on that theme allayed some of those concerns, with the City Planner also noting that some of Mr. Mirau's concerns over what the city requires funding for should be taken up with senior levels of government through the UBCM.

Mr. Mirau would return to the theme of site reviews later in the discussion, seeking a bit more clarification on the subject and asking for the opinion of the rest of council on it.

Mr. Krekic outlined some of the past practices of Council through the years, while the Mayor noted that the default of the city would be to send it to the Ministry of Environment to check and that the new wording provides the City with the flexibility to that, adding that Council should leave the wording as it is.

Councillor Mirau would also recommend some changes to language when it comes to requesting applicants to appear at Council in pre application meetings.

Councillor Cunningham also had some notes to review on the document, with some of his focus on a question as to which process the city will follow for those developments currently in the system and how Council would be addressing those.

Mr. Krekic noted that while the old provisions will remain in place, he will be contacting those that are outstanding to try and determine their intents within six months.

For those still working their way through the city's development process the old rules that have served the community for thirty years will remain in place, the new document to be in effect for any new developments that may come through the planning office doors.

Councillor Cunningham also expressed some concern over language that could see new projects slip through cracks and sought out some assurances that won't be the case with the new procedures, recommending for a slight change in the language to ensure Council is kept up to date on plans.

"What I don't want to see is a small to medium project slip through the boards, and we hear about it after the fact, which sometimes comes up, and we don't know anything about it because it never got to this level" -- Councillor Barry Cunningham

Councillor Mirau then suggested that Mr. Cunningham's provision be put in place for proposed developments over 100,000 dollars.

With Council providing for first, second and third readings on Monday, the revisions are well on their way to being adopted and put into motion.

The full discussion can be found on the City's Video Archive page, staring at the 60 minute mark.





You can review the entire document from the City's Agenda package from Monday evening's Regular Council session for March 26th, the Report and Revisions to fees and schedules starts on page 17.

Notes related to development on the North Coast can be found through our Infrastructure and Major planning archive as well as our Housing archive here.

For more items related to Monday's Council session see our Council Timeline Feature.

A more expansion look at many of the topics raised at Prince Rupert City Council can be found on our Council Discussion page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

BC Rural Dividend Program delivers 1.76 million dollars for projects across Northwest

Communities stretching from Terrace, through to the Nechako Valley and North into the Nass Valley saw a range of programs gain funding on Wednesday.

That as the BC Government allocated almost 1.8 million dollars through it's BC Rural Dividend Fund, with Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development relaying the list of projects to move forward.

Among some of the communities to benefit from Wednesday's funding.

Terrace -- awarded $100,000 to identify a preferred location within the city for a transloading and logistics facility to move freight from trains to trucks, and to prepare a business case.

Smithers -- awarded $80,000 to develop an active transportation plan that recommends upgrades to existing infrastructure, or opportunities for new projects. It will also upgrade the community’s Perimeter Trail system.

New Hazelton -- awarded $250,000 for a northern B.C. tourism marketing initiative that both promotes the region as a whole and highlights local communities. Partners include Kermodei Tourism (Terrace), the Nisga'a Lisims government, the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine and Tourism Kitimat.

Nisga'a Lisims Government -- awarded $100,000 for its Hospitality Art Recreation & Tourism Ambassador program, which is a custom training course aimed at helping members of the Nisga’a community gain entrepreneurial skills and understand how to infuse their culture and traditions into setting up and delivering their own business.

Those four were among eleven projects highlighted Wednesday, the full list can be reviewed here.

The BC Rural Dividend program provides grants to help fund projects that will stabilize rural economies, last week the Prince Rupert office of EcoTrust Canada was the recipient of a 100,000 dollar grant, which is to be put to use towards their North Coast Innovation Lab initiative.

You can review more items of note from the provincial scene through our two MLA's archives.

MLA Ellis Ross (Skeena)
MLA Jennifer Rice (North Coast)

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Prince Rupert Environmental Society joins petition drive in support of Federal Tanker Ban



With a petition and court challenge now in motion to try and bring an end to the Federal government's plans for a Tanker ban on the North Coast, those in favour of the Federal plan are marshalling their forces to make sure their voices are heard as well.

In a Facebook post from Wednesday, The Prince Rupert Environmental Society called for North Coast residents to join in on a petition, initiated by Marilyn Slett the Chief Councillor of the Heiltsuk Nation and an initiative that has been sponsored by Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen.



The background to the call for signatures notes that it is supported by Coastal First Nations, and local groups including the Prince Rupert Environmental Society and T. Buck Suzuki Environmental Foundation.

And while not mentioning any groups by name, the petition would seem to be an answer to recent moves from those in the Northwest that would like to overturn the Liberal plans for a tanker ban on the North Coast.

A petition drive to seek support just such a call was launched on February 5th, with a closing date of June 5th.

Earlier this year, we outlined the plan by supporters of the Eagle Spirit Pipeline and Oil Terminal, known as the Chiefs Council, who launched a Go fund Me Initiative, to provide for funding towards a court challenge

Supporters of Eagle Spirit energy oil pipeline plans look to raise money for tanker ban challenge

As we noted last week, the Lax Kw'alaams Band Council also launched a court challenge against the Federal moves, filing their documents at the Prince Rupert Court House last Thursday.

Lax Kw'alaams Band files suit in Supreme Court of British Columbia against Federal Government's Tanker Moratorium

The petition to support the tanker ban was opened for signatures on March 27th and will close for participation on July 25th.

As of Thursday morning, close to 600 signatures had been collected for the support the tanker ban petition.

The Bill to regulate the transport of crude oil in North Coast waters is known as Bill C-48 and has just passed the Second reading stage of the Parliamentary process

You can learn more about the petition drive and sign on if you wish from this link.

For more items of note related to the Federal political scene see our House of Commons archive page here, a wider overview of Federal issues is also available on our D'Arcy McGee blog.


Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Victoria Viewpoints: Wednesday, March 28, 2018




Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for  Wednesday, March 28, 2018


Globe and Mail 

B.C. Premier John Horgan predicts 'crisis' from anti-pipeline protests
Vancouver mayor calls for drug decriminalization after record year for opioid overdoses



CBC

Hundreds of thousands of dollars in B.Cl grain, lumber and other products sit idle due to rail backlog
Fort Langley development standoff leads to not-so-quaint boarded up buildings
After 5 weeks B.C. government had enough speculation over speculation tax
WorkSafe investigating after B.C. MLA injured in concrete workplace incident


Vancouver Sun

NDP likely to keep debt-saddled ferries at arm's length
Unions call on B.C. Labour Relations Code review committee to ban secret ballot voting
B.C. and Vancouver home taxes: Some in the city will pay twice
BCNU ordered to pay $75,000 after president's election actions called improper, interfering and threatening
For B.C. government, being awful isn't even the worst of it

Vancouver Province

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Victoria Times Colonist

B.C, speculation tax: Minister dismissed capital-gains tax
New B.C. property taxes will add costs for homebuyers, critic says
New B.C. taxes will only add to housing woes
Government by trial balloon



Victoria News

B.C. city to fine those who give cash to panhandlers, buskers


Global BC

'That's part of our responsibilities': Metro Vancouver Board Chair defends self-assigned raise
Port Coquitlam mayor's pay was just hiked by $25,000. Here's why that happened
Liberal MLA Dan Davies injured in industrial accident in Fort St. John
Alberta premier calls Burnaby appeal to Supreme Court over pipeline 'showboating"
Amid criticism, B.C. premier defending roll out of child care plan
Which Metro Vancouver politicians voted to give themselves a raise? No one wrote it down


Georgia Straight

Vancouver park board shelves plan to charge parking fees on Spanish Banks beach


Vancouver Courier

'Apoplectic' over speculation tax, Bowen Island  now relieved it's exempt
B.C. to add 37,000 more MRI exams
Premier addresses challenges in rolling out daycare plan
Park board backs off pay parking at Spanish Banks
Port expansion opponents throw cold water on stats
Vancouver lawyer wants solicitor general to change impaired driving laws he criticized in opposition
Metro votes more money to pols
Government extends deadline for daycare fee reduction
How NPA fills 'empty vessel' will determine its fate next election
Squamish council debates asking province for new housing taxes


The Tyee

Interior communities waiting for money to help with wildfire recovery
Site C Dam is a Good Decision for British Columbia


Miscellaneous






Ottawa Observations: Wednesday, March 28, 2018



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



Globe and Mail 

NAFTA talks move forward as auto-content rules proposed
Jagmeet Singh may have stumbled, but don't count him out just yet
With C-69, Ottawa muddies the environmental waters
Opposition cries found overLiberals' 556-page budget bill
Lobbyists find fresh targets in the newly-empowered Senate
Federal campaigns have educated millions of youths about marijuana health, safety risks: Health Minister
Liberals have looked at ways to make Netflix pay sales tax, documents show
Liberals once again look to Obama's team for inspiration ahead of party convention
Ontario Liberals go into the red with billions in spending promises
With their new budget, the Ontario Liberals go all in on debt
Liberals announce $500 million investment as official languages plan unveiled
Former head of TRC decries Pope's refusal to apologize for residential schools
Ottawa sued for $195 million over Canadian Visa services contract
Ottawa will miss march deadline to have phase 2 infrastructure deals in place


CBC

NAFTA talks still not close to a deal, Canada's chief negotiator says
Conservatives demand apology from Morneau over 'neanderthal' comment
Ontario Liberals bet big on seniors' care, drug and dental coverage in 2018 pre-election budget

Documents show Liberals took deep dive on ways to make Netflix pay sales tax
Trudeau disappointed by Pope's decision not to apologize for residential schools
Canada having second thoughts about arming Kurdish fighters
'When you do wrong, you apologize'": Indigenous leaders disappointed with Pope Francis
Liberals promise historic investment as official languages action plan unveiled
Earlier snow crab season, ship speed limits announced to protect North Atlantic right whales
Jagmeet Singh's brother Gurratan shares his passion for politics, is seeking NDP seat in Ontario


Toronto Star

Liberals crank up Ontario budget spending on seniors and families as election looms
Trump's trade chief says NAFTA deal is close. Trudeau's says not so fast
Deathbed budgets in Ontario and Quebec akin to pre-election Hail Mary passes


Toronto Sun

Parliament Hill rink still a mess
Real women not fooled by Trudeau's fake feminism
Wynne's legacy: A $400 billion debt


National Post

"Things could have been handled better'" How Jagmeet Singh ended up in another fight with his own MPs
'Extremely disappointed': Religious groups meet with minister on summer jobs program, but no compromise coming
NDP ask ethics commissioner to open investigation into Liberal MP over India trip


Maclean's

The NDP falls back in line behind a 'mature' Jagmeet Singh
Wynne bets big on Deficits
Bureaucrats working under Harper and Trudeau rejected IBM"s advice to delay Phoenix


Global


Feds considered how to collect taxes from Netflix, Amazon
Liberals flunk transparency test with Jaspal Atwal affair
Conservatives push for study on rural crime in wake of gun reform bill, Boushie shooting
Canada's official languages action plan promises 'historic' investments
Trudeau 'disappointed' as Pope refuses to apologize for church role in residential schools
Fisheries minister announces changes to snow crab season, speed limits to protect right whales


Miscellaneous 


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Nathan Cullen updates themes on salmon season concerns for 2018

“Salmon are essential to the people of the Northwest. We must respect and protect this precious resource and now, more than ever, be guided by conservation as our watchword.” -- From MP Nathan Cullen 's comments on the Northwest fishery on Tuesday

Skeena Bulkley Valley NDP MP Nathan Cullen has provided for a number of themes related to the state of the upcoming salmon season, with the MP issuing a statement yesterday that traced some of the recent engagement that he has tried to develop with Federal officials.

The update comes amid the recent indications from the local DFO office on potential closures for the upcoming summer season, with early returns indicating some concern for stock levels on the Skeena and Nass rivers.

Two weeks ago Mr. Cullen noted his frustrations with DFO and Federal fisheries officials when it came to getting updates on fishery management plans, once again highlighting that level of concern in his opening notes of yesterday.

It is absolutely imperative that elected officials have access to local senior managers about fishery management thoughts and plans as elected representatives are often the first people anxious user groups turn to when tough decisions are on the table,”

Towards those discussions,  the statement notes that Mr. Cullen "pressed DFO to pursue more aggressive management strategies to rebuild depleted North Coast salmon stocks, impose sharp restrictions on large commercial fishing lodges, and release 2018 harvest numbers as soon as possible."

Tuesday's notes also recount how Mr. Cullen has heard from many user Groups and First Nations representatives noting that all are on edge over the situation with the MP"s statement offering up some of the background to those concerns.

Projected record low sockeye and chinook returns to the Skeena Watershed this season and DFO considering a total closure of these species have all user groups and First Nations fishers on edge. Many have contacted Cullen with their concerns in recent weeks. 

 Climate change and warmer waters are causing severe mortality in salmon stocks, tensions among user groups, and threatening First Nations cultures, area economies and lifestyles in ways not seen previously in the Northwest"

From his statement, the MP notes that his recent telephone briefing with North Coast Senior Managers was helpful in delivering the concerns of constituents and opening the channels of communication with the department.

His commentary ends with the MP and his staff noting that they will continue to be in contact with DFO senior staff locally, that as officials consult on the draft harvest plans for the upcoming season and make their final allocation decisions.

You can review the MP's commentary here.

For a look at some of the ongoing issues related to the North Coast Fishery see our archive page here.

A wider overview of political items from the MP can be found on our House of Commons archive,

Cross posted from the North Coast Review


Ecotrust Canada lays out their agenda for the months to come on community initiatives

Devlin Fernandes and Nathan Randall from Ecotrust Canada
were in attendance Monday evening, delivering a presentation on their
upcoming plans and the launch of the North Coast Innovation Lab

Council members took in a presentation Monday night from the community group Ecotrust Canada, with Devlin Fernandes and Nathan Randall from the Prince Rupert office providing a bit of a preview of where their plans will take them this summer, as they continue to build up their presence in the community.

It was a return presentation for the EcoTrust group, which had previously appeared in 2016, with Monday's review retracing some of the history of the organization and the nature of some of the fishery related projects that they have taken on since that time.




As for what the future may hold, Ms. Fernandes noted how Ecotrust Canada is looking to build on the previous work of the Hays 2.0 plan and ReDesign Rupert initiatives. And outlined how a program that their Vancouver office operates in the Downtown East side may make for a good fit for the Prince Rupert region.

Towards those goals, the organization has created something called the North Coast Innovation Lab, which Ms. Fernandes noted is looking to work on tangible projects that will build a resilient economy in the community, with the lab designed to provide for research, facilitation, design, incubation and project coordination capacity to activate community-led projects.

To deliver on those ambitions, the local office will build community capacity for social innovation through workshops, partnerships, events and other forms of interactive learning.

Mr. Randall provided for the review the Innovation Lab concept and how it will be introduced into the community, with Ecotrust having held consultation sessions in the past with community members to determine some of the initiatives that they may be able to work  together on, with more in the way of consultation to come through the Spring and Summer.

He made note of such areas as growing the local economy for fish and marine products, downtown revitalization, place making and livability, and economic diversification through entrepreneurship.

Ecotrust hopes to have project incubation underway this summer with two graduate student positions to be filled to provide for supports for their work.








On Monday night they also outlined the nature of the fundraising options that they have access to, as they look to move their projects forward.

As part of their overview they noted that they had recently received funding from the Rural Dividend Fund, something which we provided some background on last week with this item from the blog.

As they look to secure further funding, they also asked for the support from the City of Prince Rupert as they look to access grant funding for 70,000 dollars from the Northern Development Initiative Trust, their request was one that really only requires the approval of council to approach NDIT for the funding, with no financial commitment required by the City.

In the follow up period to the presentation, Council members then asked a range of questions, with Councillor Randhawa inquired about the level of businesses interest in their programs and supports.

Monday's Presentation from Ecotrust Canada gave Councillor Barry Cunningham
one more opportunity to push for the development of Fish Market sale location
for the City's Cow Bay Floats

Councillor Cunningham had one question for them, inquiring about the prospects of a project that he has long been looking to see developed, that of a Fish Market location for the Cow Bay Marina floats.

The answer he received didn't quite deliver the blue print for development that he might have been hoping, with Mr. Randall and Ms. Fernandes noting that some study would be required with one of the two grad students to be tasked with looking into marine options and what might be required to deliver on that project and what hoops may be in the way before it could move forward.

Mr. Cunningham noted that the only hoops that should be faced would be those put in place by the city by way of permission, which he suggested should damn well be approved by the City.

The Councillor then recounted some of the history to his attempts to move the fish market initiative forward, adding how he would like to see that project in place by this summer.

"The only hoops I see is getting permission from the city which they bloody well better give you cause it enhances tourism, as well as brings people from down the line to buy our product, one complaint I get all the time is, we live in a port city and you can't buy fresh seafood from the fishermen. This is something that I started asking well over a year ago, I know you're only involved in it now, but I would really like to see something up and running by this summer, so that when people do come from Smithers, Terrace or wherever they can actually walk down to the dock and buy crab, shrimp or prawns" -- Councillor Cunningham continuing his quest for a public fish market to set up at Cow Bay Floats during the Summer.

You can review some of the background to that proposal from the councillor below:

Cow Bay Marina Fish Market Plan now under study by Ecotrust's North Coast Innovation Lab
Councillor Cunningham floats Cow Bay Fish Sale proposal

As part of his push towards seeing his Fish marked concept come to life, Mr. Cunningham outlined that from his conversations with fishermen they would be quite receptive to the idea of being able to set up on the dock and sell their product

He also made an observation as to the local economy and the fishing industry on the North Coast, making note as to how the current herring fishery was now underway, and with it that a large volume of the fish that has been caught in the region is now being sent to the south for processing, a theme we explored on the blog on Tuesday.

Ecotrust has been heavily involved in some of those issues related to the fishing industry, with the organization having hosting a conference in February which had some strong representation from Prince Rupert.

Ms. Fernandes made a note that the first person that their grad students will contact for research will be Councillor Cunningham  to learn more on the fish market proposal, she then outlined how ecotrust Canada does have concerns as to the nature of the adjacency of the fishery and the best way to address local jobs related to fish industry.

To bring the presentation to a close, Mayor Brain noted that he had been working closely with them, and then offered his praise for their work to this point and thanked them both for their efforts and looked forward to working collaboratively with them.

Council then voted to approve their support for the bid for a grand from NDIT.

You can review the full presentation from Ecotrust from the City's Video Archive, starting at the thirty six minute mark.




For a wider overview of Monday's Council Session see our Council Timeline feature here.

More notes on the range of Discussion topics at City Council and city related issues can be reviewed from our Council Discussion Archive.

Further notes on the work of Ecotrust, ReDesign Rupert and such can be reviewed on our archive page here.

More background on the North Coast Fishery is available from our archive on Fishery items.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review