Mr. Cullen introduces the Social License

Go Local-- Offering training and jobs to the local workforce first, and keeping jobs in the area by adding value to natural resources.

Environment-- Protecting our land, air and water, and being accountable.

Accountability-- Having a good track record of protecting communities and the environment, and living up to promises made.

First Nations-- Holding meaningful consultations and respecting the rights of First Nations land, title and traditional uses.

Long Term Legacy-- Seeking long term positive impacts, and avoiding boom-and-bust economic models.

He asks for his constituents to examine how each project in their area scores to a total of 25.

Background on the Social License concept can be found below, click on each page of the household mailer icon to learn more about his proposal.

As the MP points out, the Social License process isn't a law and unless the local council's, whether Municipal or First Nation become involved in the concept, it would seem to be more of a political covenant between the industrial developers and those in the community that see things through the same prism as Mr. Cullen.

Even then, the Provincial Government is perhaps the level of government that will have the definitive word when it comes to large scale development, how they may react to the idea of Mr. Cullen's Social License remains to be seen.

We imagine more than anything else, at this point his mailer, is more of a conversation starter, rather than any kind of industrial blue print.

Whether it becomes a fixture of the Northwest development process, is something that will be interesting to follow along with, as we head into what may be years of unprecedented growth for the region.

Those that did not receive the mailer, can contact the MP's constituency office closest to them to seek out more information on the topic.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

North Coast route reductions among BC Ferries Cuts announced today

Travellers on the North Coast will feel the impact of cost cutting measures at BC Ferries, as the Skidegate-Prince Rupert run and Prince Rupert-Port Hardy route were both, part of  a number of coastal runs highlighted for reductions today.

The Port Hardy- Prince Rupert route will see a reduction of 39 round trips, for 2014 a 32 per cent adjustment from the current schedule.

The service between Skidegate and Prince Rupert which links Haida Gwaii with the North Coast was cut by 27 percent, which will see the number of sailings reduced by 52 round trips per year.

All of the changes will come into effect in April of 2014.

Details of the many changes ahead for BC Ferries users were released through this background piece from the Ministry of Transportation.

Below are the key aspects for the North Coast, regarding the breakdown of the cost cutting and anticipated savings from the announced changes today.

BC Ferries also announced a number of other measures designed to help assist their financial situation, among them a change for Seniors when it comes to travel on the ferry system.

The current free ride for Seniors ( a 100 percent discount which is offered Monday to Thursday on major and minor southern routes), pared back to a 50 percent discount for that same period of travel.

There will reportedly be no change to the 33 percent discount offered to seniors on the Northern routes.

The Ferry system will also consider the introduction of slot machines to some vessels, placing them in a secure and restricted area of the vessels, with a share of the potential revenues derived from them to be returned to the service.

Transportation Minister Todd Stone anticipates that today's cuts could save the Ferry System 19 million dollars. Overall, it's estimated that today's announcement accounts for an elimination of 8 per cent of all of BC Ferries sailings.

The major changes to the Ferry schedule come in part as the result of the findings of the BC Coastal Ferries Consultation and Engagement of the Fall of 2012, which we reviewed on the blog in March.

The cutbacks announced today, go against the advice that the BC Ferry Advisory Committee offered to the Provincial government. In October we outlined their concerns over what they called an "unnecessary crisis" regarding BC Ferries.

It's safe to assume that the nature of today's changes will most likely receive a sharp rebuke from that group as they review the listing of route change announcements made today.

Our past reviews of BC Ferries issues can be found here.

Some of the media review of today's decision can be found below.


CBC.ca-- BC Ferries to cut service, seniors' discounts and test casinos
Victoria Times Colonist-- B. C. government announces cuts to minor ferry routes, no more free rides for seniors and maybe gambling
Victoria Times Colonist-- Ferry cuts disastrous for coastal communities, critics warn
Victoria Times Colonist-- Loss of free passes outrage seniors
Vancouver Sun-- Ferry riding seniors first in line for 'tough decisions'
Vancouver Sun- Gambling considered as revenue source on BC Ferries
Vancouver Province-- House always wins: BC Ferries gambling on slot machines as it cuts services, hikes fares
Vancouver Province-- 'Our Ferries are not riverboat casinos' NDP Critic says in blasting BC Ferries slot-machines proposal
Haida Gwaii Observer-- Ferry Cuts to Hit Haida Gwaii hard
Georgia Straight-- Slot machines coming to BC Ferries?


Cross Posted from the North Coast Review

Enthusiastic group deliver their message to the Port on the prospect of oil tankers on North Coast

Prince Rupert 

Depending on who you are getting your numbers from, Saturday's Day of Protest participants numbered between 100 and 200, as those taking part in the Prince Rupert Defend Our Communities rally gathered in front of the Atlin Terminal offices of the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

Terrace

The noon hour protest, part of a Canada wide expression of concern, highlighted the belief of some local organizers that the Port Authority has developed plans to begin shipping oil by way of tankers, perhaps as early as 2015.

That was the suggestion of the protest organizer Luanne Roth, who offered up her thoughts to the Northern View on Saturday, explaining that local residents that share their fears, had gathered on Saturday to express their desire to stop any potential shipments from the North Coast.

Smithers

Across the Northwest, the province and the country, those taking part were quick to take to social media to share their activities.

The snapshots and vignettes of the day's events making their way to twitter, You Tube and Facebook.

North Coast NDP MLA Jennifer Rice, Skeena NDP MLA Robin Austin and NDP MP Nathan Cullen, took to the streets in Vancouver, taking a break from the ongoing BC NDP convention to share their support with the protest organizers.

Vancouver

Vancouver

You can review some of the thoughts of the day's participants from the Facebook page (North Coast) Facebook page (National) and twitter feed of the event.

Media accounts of the day's events around British Columbia can be found below.

CBC.ca-- Climate change rallies staged across Canada
CTV BC-- Pipeline protest goes Canada-wide
Terrace Standard-- Large anti-Enbridge rally fills up Terrace park
Prince George Citizen-- Protest march opposes pipeline
Opinion 250-- Sending the Message to Ottawa
Vancouver Observer-- Thousands protest Enbridge in Vancouver

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Mr. Cullen's LNG discussions underway in Northwest BC

The first of NDP MP Nathan Cullen's "Let's Talk LNG" sessions took place this week with two sessions in Northwest communities.

As we outlined on the blog back in October, Mr. Cullen has scheduled a string of information sessions for a number of Northwest communities, hoping to spur on discussion and the exchange of information on the proposed developments for the Northwest.

The first one took place in Terrace on Wednesday night, where the MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley was host to a number of panel participants who fielded a wide range of questions on the issue of LNG development and the impact it may have on their community.

Appearing on the panel were representatives of Shell Canada, Clean Energy Canada, the Terrace Chamber of Commerce and the Kitselas First nation.

Some background on that session can be found below.

CFTK-- Cullen Begins "Let's Talk LNG" Series of Forums in Terrace
CFTK-- Cullen LNG forum (video)
CFNR-- LNG Tour comes to Terrace

The second of the meetings was held on Thursday in Kitimat at that community's Mount Elizabeth Theatre, where much of the same themes of discussion were up for review.

Following those two sessions the MP took to his twitter feed to offer his thanks to all that participated in this week's forums.

For those in other Northwest communities however the opportunity to learn more will have to wait just a little bit. His proposed stops for Prince Rupert and Smithers were scuttled a few weeks back, owing to scheduling difficulties with the participating panelists.

Those sessions have been rescheduled for sometime in the New Year, with the confirmed dates still to be put in place.

You can keep an eye on both his website, facebook page and twitter feed for further details on round two of his "Let's Talk LNG" series.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Dan Miller's political chalkboard for the NDP

Former Premier Dan Miller has offered up some rather frank advice to his fellow NDPers on the current leadership discussion and his Tuesday review for the Vancouver Sun, may provide a mirror for the NDP that many in the party won't particularly enjoy looking into.

He suggests that the problems with the party may not be so much with the choice of leadership of the party, but with the party's overall vision itself.

In short, he advises that the party needs to make some hard decisions on what it wants to be, offering up some fairly well thought out criticisms of the party's recent approach to politics and more importantly what it now stands for.

The reading of his post election review highlights a number of worrisome path divergences that Miller sees for the NDP.

Changes in direction that highlight the nature of a much more splintered party of today, than that of his time as an MLA for the North Coast (1986-2000) and through his handling of internal political turmoil as Interim Premier.

It's from those lessons of the past, that Mr. Miller may be of some help when it comes to the current troubles that the NDP find themselves in.

In 1999 the party in the midst of crisis turned to Mr. Miller,  the longest serving member of the Legislature, to provide for the bridge upon the resignation of Glen Clark, and the selection of Ujjal Dosanjh as party leader in 2000.

As history has recorded, Mr. Dosanjh and the NDP went down to political defeat in 2001 and the party has not returned to the Government side of the Legislature since.

Key to Mr. Miller's review of the modern day NDP is the subject of the party's current disconnect,  not only with British Columbians, but with it's own membership.

Particularly when it comes to the issue of resource development, a theme that has resonated along the North Coast and no doubt is shaping up to be a major discussion point moving forward over the next four years of the Liberals electoral mandate.

The harshest commentary perhaps, his observation that the party is one that is letting the vocal few, set their agenda on development of the province's resources.

He observes that many are quick to criticize any plan to harvest the resources of the province, whether it is coal, mining or natural gas extraction, but at the same time make demands of government for additional monies for health care, social programs and infrastructure development to name a few of the current flash points in British Columbia governance.

It's a comment that should make for interesting review among the North Coast NDP membership, considering that the current NDP MLA for the riding would clearly be on the more environmental side of the party's divide when it comes to resources.

Whether the observations from Mr. Miller, are of interest to, or resonate with the current NDP MLA Jennifer Rice, could perhaps provide for an illuminating glimpse into where some of  those current  NDP cracks and crevices now radiate from.

The full article which can be found here, is well worth the read for all British Columbians, regardless of their political affiliation.

The NDP turned to Miller in 1999 and perhaps in their current state of disarray, should heed his counsel once again. From his vantage point as a long time North Coast MLA and party insider, Miller has offered  an impressive glimpse of the current political climate of the province and of party politics for his NDP.

Whether anyone in the party is taking notes, is all something that we'll all have to wait and watch for.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Nexen reaches agreement with British Columbia on Grassy Point location

"Through project assessment and stakeholder consultation we are committed to examining the potential to build a best-in-class LNG facility - one that creates jobs, delivers lasting economic and social benefits and is developed with the environment top-of-mind," -- Nexen CEO Kevin Reinhart, speaking on behalf of his company and the joint venture partners regarding plans for development of an LNG Terminal at Grassy Point.

Another step in the planning for an LNG future for the North Coast was announced on Tuesday, with Nexen, the company purchased  by the Chinese state owned energy company CNOOC, reaching terms with the Province of British Columbia on a 24 million dollar agreement regarding Crown Land for their proposed Terminal location.

The agreement between the Province and Aurora LNG is a sole proponent agreement, which provides the company with the exclusive right to move forward with the planning required to build LNG export infrastructure at the Grassy Point Location.

Aurora will pay 12 million dollars to the Province upon signing the sole proponent agreement, the remaining 12 million will be paid on or before the first anniversary of the agreement, as long as the energy company wishes to continue on with the arrangement.

The actual acquisition of the land in question for further development will remain a matter for long term negotiations, if Aurora chooses to move ahead with project, that 24 million will be subtracted from the final sale price.

Premier Christy Clark and  Rich Coleman, the Minister for Natural Gas Development announced that the planning for Nexen's Aurora LNG Facility will move forward, though they did stress that it is still very much a project that is only in the proposal phase. More on today's developments can be found here.

Nexen provided some background on the developments regarding their Aurora proposal with this item from their website.

Today's announcement is yet another step in the Expression of Interest process that was launched earlier this year regarding the Grassy Point area.

In their statement today the Provincial Government outlined that discussions are still ongoing with the remaining three proponents for an adjacent parcel of land at Grassy Point.

Nexen's proposal now joins those of Petronas and BG Group to be found in the active file, though no commitment to building the terminal and required pipeline infrastructure has been made from today's announcement.

It will be subject to the same regulatory approval process as the other proposals currently in motion for North Coast locations.

You can learn more about the Grassy Point region and of Nexen's recent moves from our archive page.

We will update the reaction to today's announcement with media reviews as they begin to come in.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Nathan Cullen to step away from BC NDP Leadership race

At the end of the day, Mr. Cullen it seems will stay in Ottawa.

After weighing his options for about a month now, Nathan Cullen has reached a decision and his political future will not involve the seeking of the BC NDP leadership.

Instead the NDP MP for Bulkley-Valley Skeena has decided to remain in Ottawa as a federal MP.

Just yesterday, Cullen had given an interview with CFTK, outlining some of the key issues that are on his mind and how they were shading his plans, adding that he was getting closer to a decision.

That decision apparently was reached within the last 24 hours with the delivery of his Friday afternoon announcement.

Word of his plans spread fast from Ottawa this afternoon, the details of his announcement posted to his facebook page.

From his social media page, he outlined that while humbled and inspired by the call from BC for him to consider the NDP leadership of the province, he instead believes that there is still important work to finish in Ottawa.

His decision may come as welcome news to those supporters of his on the North Coast, a group which values his work on environmental issues in Ottawa.

However there will be perhaps just as many that will be disappointed, as there was a fair amount of support for him to make the migration to the provincial scene.

He is the first of the high profile Federal NDP members in Ottawa, to make a decision to not seek the job that Adrian Dix will surrender next year.

You can review ome of the past commentary on his leadership ambitions from our archive page here.

Media reviews of his announcement can be found below, we will add to the listings as they become available.


CBC-- MP Nathan Cullen not running for B. C. NDP leadership
Vancouver Sun-- Nathan Cullen says he won't seek B. C. NDP leadership

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Prince Rupert Port Authority to be target of local protest on November 16th

Those opposing the prospect of pipeline development in Canada and in particular British Columbia, will be launching a cross Canada Day of Protest on Saturday, November 16th.

The mission statement, if you will, as taken from the Defend our climate website, calls for Canadians to "help build a united wall of opposition to pipelines, reckless tar sands expansion and runaway climate change at local events across the country."

In Prince Rupert, that would appear to be a planned protest to be held outside the offices of the Prince Rupert Port Authority in the Atlin Terminal, where organizers plan to link arms in protest,  to show their opposition to any proposals on oil tanker traffic on the North Coast.

A link to their planned protest, outlines that they have chosen the Prince Rupert Port Authority office, as they believe that the Port Authority is planning for the arrival of oil tankers in the Prince Rupert region.

They also offer up and update on their plans with a Facebook page on the theme which was created on November 1st.

The local protest is being organized by the Prince Rupert Environmental Society, those that wish to contact that group can get in touch by way of email at info@SaveourSkeenaSalmon.org

Both a Facebook page and twitter feed for the national day of protest have also been created to provide updates on national developments.

Some of other protests in the region that day are planned for Terrace, Kitimat and Smithers.

Media coverage of the planned protests for November 16th can be found below

Terrace Standard-- Anti pipeline rally planned in Terrace

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Nathan Cullen angry over BC/Alberta Pipeline Announcement

“I’m trying to pick my words carefully because I’m quite angry. The premier made some cold, calculated decisions to win the last election and then, as soon as that election was over, has decided that those promises didn’t mean anything.”-- Nathan Cullen, outlining his concerns over Tuesday's pipeline deal between Alberta and British Columbia.

Considering that by Monday evening dark clouds had been hovering over a scheduled meeting between Alberta Premier Alison Redford and British Columbia's Christy Clark, the surprise pipeline announcement from the two of Tuesday seems to have caught more than a few political observers off guard.

Word that the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia had settled some of their differences on the topic of pipelines, may have been lost in the developments out of Ottawa and Toronto on Tuesday.

But one person who found it amid the clutter of a busy news cycle was Nathan Cullen, the MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley.

Mr. Cullen was quick to react to the deal announced by two Premiers, making it clear to radio station CKNW that he plans to keep up his fight when it comes to the proposal to ship oil through British Columbia.

The announcement of Tuesday is also weighing on  his mind as he ponders what would be his best approach, when it comes to providing effective opposition to the plan. He suggested to CKNW that in light of the developments, he will be making his decision rather quickly now as to what his intentions are for the upcoming BC NDP leadership campaign.

You can review some of Mr. Cullen's comments from the CKNW Audio Vault (November 5, 2 PM Newscast)

Beyond Mr. Cullen's concerns, reaction to the Tuesday announcement has been mixed.

NDP Opposition Leader Adrian Dix expressed his belief that the Liberals misled the Province during the election on the issue of pipeline development.

CFTK TV reports that Coastal First Nations executive Director Art Sterritt called the agreement good news as it forces Alberta to recognize First Nations constitutional rights, though he did suggest to the Vancouver Sun, that perhaps Premier Clark may have "played" her Alberta counterpart a bit on Tuesday.

Many other observers suggested that in fact, the announcement today only moves the process ahead by a small margin, with both provinces still apart on a number of the issues that remain to be discussed. With progress still to be made on the five conditions that the Premier of British Columbia outlined as important regarding any pipeline development in the province.

Tuesday, the Premier expressed her belief that the fact that Alberta offered up its agreement  on the five conditions is an important step in the process.
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The British Columbia Chamber of Commerce hailed the announcement as a positive development, offering up the hope that it may make for new momentum for both the Enbridge and Kinder Morgan pipeline projects.

Some of the media review of Tuesday's announcement can be found below

Vancouver Sun-- B. C., Alberta deal could ease way for oil pipelines to the coast
Vancouver Sun-- Northern Gateway hurdles remain high despite friendly meeting, photo ops
Vancouver Sun-- A relationship that has been hot and cold
Victoria Times Colonist-- Clark, Redford maintain a united front
CBC-- B. C., Alberta premiers agree on pipeline framework
CBC-- Alberta-B. C. pipeline agreement divides key stakeholders
CTV-- B. C. Agrees Alberta royalties are off the table in oil pipeline talks
Global BC-- BC and Alberta Premiers reach pipeline agreement
Sun News Network-- BC, Alberta reach framework on pipeline deal
Calgary Herald-- Alberta, B. C. salvage deal on Gateway pipeline

Cross Posted from the North Coast Review

Alberta research foundation puts BC on the clock in its quest for LNG

An Alberta think tank has outlined that time is off the essence for the Province of British Columbia when it comes to move on it's plans for LNG development.

Otherwise global developments may reduce potential revenues and the need for the large scale of development that has been put forward so far.

The Canada West Foundation released their findings on Tuesday, with a review of current global LNG development and British Columbia's potential place in that world LNG marketplace.

The title of the report compiled by Pawel Mirski and Len Coad is: Managing Expectations: Assessing the Potential of BC's Liquid Natural Gas Industry

(see report here)

It is a twenty one page report that highlights the competitive nature of the LNG industry. Highlightin how the timing of the British Columbia projects could impact on it's projected revenue stream and the infrastructure in Northwest British Columbia that will be required to deliver the resource to world markets.

Looking at the proposed industry infrastructure for British Columbia the report observes that the province is coming late to the party and that the large number of proposed terminal projects that have been mentioned for the Northwest may not be a realistic expectation.

Their review anticipates that owing to a number of factors, a shorter list of projects than that now put forward will be constructed as the BC industry moves forward.

The main case for that reduction in proposed terminal development may come from competition in Asia, Australia and in the USA, with Russia as well making inroads in delivering their natural gas reserves to Asian markets.

Add into the mix, the fact that China is exploring its own territories for gas reserves, with some experts suggesting those may be the largest in the world.

A resource which when developed, would no doubt change the nature of the LNG industry in a very significant fashion.

A prime example of some those challenges ahead for BC comes from the listings of LNG plants that are already under construction around the world, the majority of them at the moment found in Australia and other Southeast Asian locations.

More competition can be found in the United States, as there are currently over 16 terminals proposed for American locations, though for the most part  LNG observers suggest that they are designed to service the European continent .

The full listing of the projects underway or planned can be found on Pages 16-19 of the report.

And while the report stresses that British Columbia has an unprecedented opportunity to develop its shale gas resources, construct pipelines and terminal development; time they say is of great importance.

The authors suggest that the expectations outlined by the Province just one year ago, may be tough deliver in the long term.

Particularly with the impact that global competition may have not only on supplies to markets, but from downward pressures on the price available for the resource and in the revenues to be returned to British Columbia.

As a conclusion to their report, the Foundation issued four key recommendations:

The BC Government and industry need to move fast to out maneuver their competition

The BC Government should be prepared for a more modest natural gas boom in the event that projected production and revenues build more slowly

Greater attention needs to be paid to the risks facing the industry to ensure that price competitiveness is maintained

Notwithstanding the economic boost expected from natural gas production, efforts to grow the natural gas industry should not crowd out other natural resource opportunities.

The call to move quickly will most likely have more resonance with the provincial government and industry officials, than it will with those that may have hesitations over such large scale development on a fast track timeline.

The prospect of widespread shale gas development and pipeline projects does have some opposition in the province and those that want more information, or wish to see a slower time frame in place, most likely won't be holding the Canada West Foundation's report up in the air as their template.

It will be worth watching to see how the Provincial government balances those two competing themes, while keeping an eye on the competition as they seek to move their Natural Gas program forward at an advanced timeline.

The release of the report provided for a number of media reviews yesterday, some of them can be found below.

Financial Post-- "Destructive competition" a disadvantage for B. C. LNG players: report
Globe and Mail-- Think tank tempers B.C.'s LNG dreams
Calgary Herald-- LNG race still full of unknown variables

You can review more on the proposed LNG projects for the Northwest from our archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Nathan Cullen announces dates of his "Let's Talk LNG" sessions

Following on the format of his Renewal Northwest tour of February, Nathan Cullen, the NDP MP for Skeena-BulkleyValley is making preparations for a similar style of forum for the region.

This one  to address the topic of LNG development in the Northwest.

Mr. Cullen outlined the dates so far and a bit of background on his tour of the Northwest, which will see him hold sessions in a number of locations in November.

Marked on the calendar so far, are the following dates and locations for the LNG forums.

Smithers, November 12, 7 PM, Della Herman Theatre

Terrace, November 13, 7 PM, R E M Lee Theatre

Kitimat, November 14, 7 PM, Mount Elizabeth Theatre

Prince Rupert, November 15, 7 PM, Highliner Hotel

Among some of the topics that the MP will be offering up for discussion, the kind of opportunity that LNG might bring to the local economy and workforce. What if any impact that the industry may have on the environment and whether companies involved in the industry will act upon what they hear from First Nations and communities during consultations.

The announcement for the planned sessions advises that a number of other participants will be joining the MP as he travels across the Northwest.

With contributions to be made from the environmental group Friends of Wild Salmon, as well as proponents of LNG development and local First Nations of the Northwest.

Also on the itinerary for the discussions, will be the participation of economic development groups and other partners.

The information sharing sessions are described as seeking to provide for open and educational conversation about what LNG development could mean for Northwest communities.

Also on tap for the tour,  an examination as to what kind of legacy that LNG development may leave for the region.

You can learn more about the November forums from the NDP MP's website.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Ferry Advisory Committee calls Ferry funding issue an "unnecessary crisis"

With the British Columbia Government collecting opinion and observations as part of its 2014 Budget consultation process, the advocates for coastal ferry transportation have offered up their thoughts on the current status of the ferry system.

The main takeaway of their presentation being a request, that the provincial government adjust its plans for the coastal ferry service and increase funding towards it.

Their overview of the current situation facing the coastal ferry system, comes following a review of the consultation and engagement process which was released  in the fall of 2012.

Those conversations and findings, in part were steered by the January 2012 report from the BC Ferry Commissioner.

A document which has made for much in the way of discussion, as well as a fair amount of concern for those in smaller coastal communities that are served by the ferry system.

Reflecting much of that background on the issue, the Chairs of the Ferry Advisory Committee have provided a fifteen page submission for the Budget consultation.

A review which calls the current scenario facing the ferry system as an "unnecessary crisis" and delivers a number of points towards making the Ferry Services along the British Columbia coast sustainable.

Key among those items:

Sustainability starts with affordability, highlighting the current level of fares to travel on the ferry system and how it provides for an "affordability death spiral". They also outlined how in their opinion, the user fee principle is working against higher traffic levels on the system.

The Committee offered up three scenarios to stimulate more traffic for the Ferry fleet, calling for a freeze or even a roll back on Ferry fares, which they believe will deliver more traffic and more revenues to the system.

They recommended that the province provide more capital funding for the Ferry system, particularly for those vessels that serve the minor routes of the coastal system.  Towards that funding, they suggested that the province should go over its history and learn some useful lessons on funding gaps that have been building through the decades.

They also highlighted the theme, that if the province were to treat coastal ferries like other forms of provincial transportation, then the crisis in the system would be eliminated.

Towards that theme they draw comparisons to other infrastructure in the province, such as roads, bridges, airports, transit and inland ferries all of which require government support. Asking why there is a distinction between the coastal ferries and that provincial infrastructure.

The conclusion to their presentation to the government highlights how they believe the ferry system is a deal for taxpayers and that any vision moving forward for the Ferry system should involve a vision for coastal communities.

The closing points perhaps designed to remind the government of the integral role that the Ferry system plays in many communities up and down the British Columbia coast.

The final line of the summation, providing what appears to have been the guiding principle of their presentation.

"In order to develop a long-term vision for that service, we need to hear what is the provincial government's vision for our communities and their needs, and whether our communities have a place in the government's vision for jobs and growth."

You can review their participation in the Budget consultation process from this link to their submission.

A full review of the past work and items of interest from the Ferry Advisory Committee Chairs is available on their website.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

The Senators strike back...

On most days, the tone of debate or discussion in the Senate of Canada can be described as sedate, sleepy (at times literally), or leisurely.

A Chamber given to supposed thoughtful discussion on the bills and issues delivered to their desks from their compatriots of the House of Commons.

This week however, the Senate is taking on some of the trappings of Animal House, a wild fraternity with no borders, no guidelines and a fair amount of shocking revelations that may shake the entire campus on Parliament Hill.
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Tuesday, Senator Mike Duffy outlined his case to his fellow Senators, offering up a string of allegations that paint events in the Prime Minister's Office (and with the PM for that matter)  as possible plot lines that might be helpful to Netflix and their House of Cards script writing for season two.

Duffy's recollections and observations have of course sent Ottawa into somewhat of a meltdown mode, the Senate, now a nuclear reactor that would seem to be losing it's cooling water quite quickly.

Reviews of the Senator from Prince Edward Island's (well sometime resident we guess) revelations and missile strikes directed at the PMO can be found below.

A most fascinating collection of commentary and reporting that serve to highlight the sense of the moment in the second chamber.

National Post-- Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau turn up as Senate debates suspeding them
National Post-- Harper's presidential guard finally ticked off one too many loyal Tories
National Post-- Duffy and his co-accused fail to go along quietly, much to the chagrin of the PMO
National Post-- Just the three of us: Mike Duffy tells Senate that Stephen Harper told him to repay expenses
National Post-- Duffy's lawyer didn't pull his client out of the muck, but he certainly dragged the Tories into it

Globe and Mail-- Duffy's quest for revenge: A threat to the government
Globe and Mail-- Duffy says PM ordered him to repay expenses at meeting with Wright
Globe and Mail--  Duffy, Harper and the expenses: Who knew what when?

Toronto Star-- Stephen Harper could have avoided Mike Duffy woes by obeying the law
Toronto Star-- Harper should come clean on Senate spending scandal
Toronto Star-- Duffy claims cover-up by PMO

Toronto Sun-- Duffy says he is victim of extortion by PMO
Toronto Sun-- Mike Duffy a victim of political with hunt: lawyer

CBC-- Mike Duffy Senate scandal 'directly implicates' PM, Mulcair says 
CBC-- Mike Duffy claims Harper told him to repay expense money
CBC-- The Mike Duffy-Stephen Harper credibility war

The Tyee-- Mike Duffy Implicates PMO in Expense Scandal

Two things that stand out after all of this, beyond the stench and unfalterring optics of this latest controversy.

One, that the Prime Minister's Office, always thought of as a micro managing operation, clearly now suffers from the weight of all that control, and certainly it and the Prime Minister for that matter, have not been cast in the most flattering of light.

As for the Senate, a forum that hasn't resonated with Canadians in a long, long time, it  once again has been laid bare for what it is, a parking spot for political appointees, water carriers who sometimes bite back when their existence is threatened.

The latest of high dudgeon over the move to remove the three Conservative Senators at the centre of the  latest tempest, serves to remind us of one omni-present theme from Parliament Hill.  Whether it be the chambers of the Senate and Commons, or all the committees, commissions and such, after a while, all it seem tend to take on a sense of entitlement.

The focus of service to the nation seems very, very lost in all the per diems, housing allowances and the juggling of expenses, items of self reward, that seem to take up a lot of the efforts of those in Ottawa.

The Senate scandal is but a barometer of how the public believes the wind blows in the nation's capital.

The unfortunate thing for those of outside of the club, is that for all their theatrical outrage, none of those that represent us seem willing to tackle the many issues that scream out for attention.

Northwest MLA's want action on Missing Women's Commission recommendations

There may not be much happening at the Legislature these days, the fall session being a non session if you will, but for opposition MLA's the work continues, as they seek to raise issues of concern with the government.

Last week the three Northwest NDP MLA's, outlined their concern over the lack of  attention provided by the Liberal Government on the recommendations from the Missing Women's Commission.

With Jennifer Rice, Robyn Austin and Doug Donaldson all observing that the Liberals are not moving fast enough on the report, one that was delivered in November of 2012.

And while, in their press release, the NDP may be employing a bit of  hyperbole in their claim that the Liberals are burying the Commission's report, "pulling down the Commission's website" as they put it, (the report itself and the recommendations from it, are still fairly easy to find with a simple google search see here), they are correct on the rather glacial pace of the Liberals attention to it.

When the Commission, led by Justice Wally Oppal crossed the province seeking out information and possible answers, the prospect of action seemed fairly high.

However as the months slip by, the report it seems runs the danger of finding space on a dusty shelf, like many other reports, on any number of topics before it.

That is a fate that should not arrive for the Missing Women's Commission report.

Learning where the Government stands on the recommendations and whether they agree, or disagree with the point by point recommendations that came from the findings is something that the public should hear.

Then Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Shirley Bond pledged at the time of the report's delivery to immediately begin the process of implementing his recommendations. Though it would seem that the term immediate perhaps has a different timeline in Victoria.

Reviewing the many issues that the Commission raised is something that should be addressed sooner, rather than later.

As Doug Donaldson, the NDP's critic for Aboriginal Affairs rightly points out, "What is the point of having a commission if the government isn't going to act on the recommendations in a timely manner?"

A very good question, and one that deserves an answer, quickly from the Provincial government.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Scratching Mr. Cullen off the BC NDP Leadership Depth Chart?

Time, NDP style it seems, will wait for no one.

Not even a popular NDP MP, who has recently been taking to a little toe testing into changing his political focus to the provincial scene.

The BC NDP announced on Monday, that the most likely date of a leadership convention to replace Adrian Dix will be in May 25, 2014.

A timeline that perhaps won't be much to the liking, or helpful for planning for the Skenna-Bulkley Valley MP.

As we outlined on the blog last week, Mr. Cullen had outlined that his prospects of running in a leadership campaign would be better for a long range target of 2015, as opposed to a short track campaign in 2014.

His is an opinion that has been shared by a number of other potential NDP leadership hopefuls, the consensus being that the BC branch of the NDP may wish to take the long view, not the short one when it comes to a convention date.

That however, would appear to have been a talking point that didn't get much time on the agenda for the upper ranks of the provincial party.

In a media release on Monday, NDP officials announced their preference for the timeline of replacing Mr. Dix. The recommendation of a May 2014 convention apparently coming after consultations with the legislative caucus, local constituency presidents and Mr. Dix himself.

It appears that the thinking for the provincial NDP officials is one of the sooner the better, when it comes to launching the leadership campaign.  Putting that future face of the NDP into the Legislature, as soon as possible to face Premier Christy Clark.

Political observers in Victoria believe that should the BC NDP go with the 2014 option, the current wish list of Federal MP's looking to come home, may soon find names dropping off in quick order. That as the Federal members weigh their best personal and political options.

In the case of Mr. Cullen, as he outlines for Gary Mason of the Globe and Mail, an early leadership date for the convention could be the sign off point for him, indicating his intention to step aside from a provincial competition once again.

Spring date too soon for B. C. NDP leadership convention, Cullen says

Should he decide not to seek the provincial leadership, it will mark the second time that he has given consideration to a switch to provincial politics and then decided to remain in Ottawa instead.

The final answer answer from NDP officials as to the timeline of a leadership convention is expected to be delivered by the end of the week.

The potential of a May 2014 leadership date, one which sideswipes a number of high profile potential candidates, may soon prove to be the next controversial thing for the party to deal with.

A decision which may divide the party even more between party insiders and the larger collective of NDP supporters. One which goes against their wishes for a leadership race that offers as large a pool of talent as possible, with perhaps a larger discussion on the NDP future, one with a few new ideas and plans for the party faithful to consider for the path ahead.

Some of the views on the NDP dilemma can be found below.

Vancouver Province-- B. C. NDP's May 2014 leadership date works against MP Nathan Cullen
Straight.com-- B. C. NDP executive disses MPs and local politicians in recommending May 2014 leadership convention
Victoria Times Colonist-- NDP win won't come from a computer
Victoria News-- May vote proposed to replace Dix
Globe and Mail-- B. C. New Democrat's date for leadership elections could rule out promising candidates


Cross posted from the North Coast Review

State of Emergency declared after OIl and Gas train derailment in western Alberta

Portions of a small town located halfway between Edmonton and Edson were evacuated on Saturday, that as fire fighters battled a blaze from the derailment of thirteen train cars carrying liquid propane gas and petroleum crude oil.

The derailment, which took place in the early hours of Saturday morning near Gainford Alberta, produced a fireball which shot into the sky, closing the Yellowhead highway the main east - west route through the northern portion of Alberta and British Columbia.

The train operated by Canadian National consisted of 158 cars and was destined for Vancouver. It was travelling westbound through Gainford, when the thirteen cars jumped the tracks around 1 AM.

The most recent reports from the scene had three of the cars containing gas leaking and on fire, with concerns of a larger explosion and fire still feared.

The area was placed under a state of emergency shortly after the derailment, with an evacuation order issued for those in a two-kilomtre radius of the derailment scene.

The Transportation Safety Board has been dispatched to the scene to begin their investigation.

The Gainford incident, calls to mind the tragedy in Lac Megantic, Quebec earlier this year, that derailment and explosion claimed 47 lives and created a wide swath of destruction in the scenic Quebec community.

The issue of oil shipments by rail has become a controversial discussion point since that Lac Megantic incident, with many communities seeking better safety measures and the desire to learn more about the  increase in numbers of those shipments.

The topic of increased rail safety measures was recently raised by The Federation of Canadian Municipalaities and was mentioned as part of the Conservative Government's Speech from the Throne. The mention of rail safety can be found from the speech document on pages 15 and 16.

The subject of rail safety is one of note for Northern British Columbia, as there has been an increase in the interest in the Oil by rail prospects to the North Coast,  part of the ongoing dialogue over the

controversial Enbridge Northern Gateway proposal.

In the past, Prince Rupert has been mentioned as a possible terminus for both a liquid propane terminal and an oil terminal that would be served by oil by rail options.

This latest incident involving the shipment of both of those commodities through Gainford, should serve to reintroduce those discussions and the impact that those plans may have on communities, not only on the North Coast,  but across Northern British Columbia.

Some background on the State of Emergency in Gainford can be found below.

Edmonton Journal-- Huge fireball streaks across Yellowhead after train derailment west of Edmonton
CBC-- CN Fuel cars derail, explode west of Edmonton
CTV News-- 'Major risk' after train derailment of cars carrying liquid petroleum gas, crude oil
Globe and Mail-- Train carrying oil, propane derails west of Edmonton
National Post-- Alberta community evacuated after train carrying oil and gas derails
Edmonton Sun-- CN Train carrying crude oil derails near Edmonton

Cross Posted from the North Coast Review

MLA Rice sends out first "household mailer" of new political adventure

For many a new MLA or MP, the occasion of the first of the "household mailers" is one for the memory books.

The pamphlets delivered direct to our doors, serve as their introduction to the riding and offers a chance to update constituents as to what they have been doing on behalf of the riding they represent.

NDP MLA Jennifer Rice delivers her first of these household updates this week, as her debut pamphlet arrives in local mailboxes around the North Coast.

In it along with a bounty of photographs, she recounts her busy summer of events, a pole raising for Gwaii Haanas, and her efforts to collect books for the library at Bella Bella; destroyed by fire earlier this year.

As well she recounts some of the other items of her summer calendar such things as helping out at Tim Horton's Camp Day and at Prince Rupert's Canada Day celebration.

In the mailer, she introduces the staff of her 3rd Avenue West, North Coast Constituency office, with James and Pauline in place to answer any questions and/or concerns of the North Coast.

And of course the pamphlet offers her up one more chance to thank the voters of the North Coast, outlining some of her thoughts on the trust that they have put in her to represent them in Victoria.

For the most part though, the bulk of the publication provides for a review from the MLA as to her main concerns during the recent, all be it short, session of the Legislature.

Highlighting her role as Rural and Northern Health Critic, Ms. Rice offers up the checklist of some of the items she raised in the Legislature this spring. Questions about the Budget, First Nations Health Care, Addictions and Mental Health services to name a few.

One key issue that receives a bit more attention than the rest in the mailer, is the ongoing quest for a shuttle bus service to serve all of the communities along Highway16, dubbed by some as the Highway of Tears.

That would seem to be a cause she intends to continue to raise in the Legislature in the future (whenever the Legislature may meet next Madam Premier).

Seeking to ensure that the Government follows through on past recommendations to provide safer access to transportation to those that may have in the past relied on hitch hiking, or continue to use that as a mode of transportation in the region.

You can review some of the main discussion points  from the images below (click to enlarge):

If the full mailer somehow doesn't make it to your door, perhaps a trip down to the constituency office might secure you one.  Providing you with a keepsake version, complete with the photo array and keeping you up to date on the discussion points from the MLA for the fall season.

The Mailer isn't the first introduction to the North Coast MLA however, the BC NDP Caucus has been fairly active in promoting the North Coast's representative on it's You Tube portal, some of those profiles can be found below:

July 10 2013-- Meet Jennifer Rice, the New NDP MLA for North Coast
July 23 2013-- Jennifer Rice speaks about northern resource development
July 22 2013-- Jennifer Rice talks about the challenges of cancer care in the north
July 22 2013-- Jennifer Rice acknowledges memorials at Shearwater
July 17 2013-- Jennifer Rice speaks about the Fire in Bella Bella
July 12 2013-- Jennifer Rice supports a shuttle for Highway of Tears
July 10 2013-- Meet Jennifer Rice, the New NDP MLA for North Coast
July 4 2013-- Jennifer Rice makes her first speech in the legislature

As for developments and news from the Legislature,  you can access more from our Legislature Archive page.

Cross Posted from the North Coast Review