Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Victoria Viewpoints: Tuesday, January 31, 2017





Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene.

Groups want review of Clark's Kinder Morgan Approval, Citing BC Liberal donations
Will Christy Clark rig fundraising reform to kneecap Other parties?
Indigenous peoples are fighting for us all
Court petition alleges B.C.'s Trans Mountain project approval 'tainted' by conflict of interest
Donations taint B.C.'s approval of Trans Mountain pipeline expansion: advocacy groups
Applicant rebuffs British Columbia school's apology for ban on Israelis
B.C. man sentenced to 14 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl
First Nations granted role overseeing proposed Pacific NorthWest LNG facility
Premier Clark in conflict of interest over Trans Mountain pipeline approval, argues petition
Oak Bay may legalize its estimated 800 secondary suites
Canadian Taxpayers Federation accuses TransLink of hiding court costs
Vancouver's chief housing officer fired
2017 British Columbia election: Vancouver-Fairview riding profile
Prescription heroin program ready to rapidly expand
Foreign homebuyers tax exemption 'right thing to do', says UBC professor
First Nations and Taseko Mines face off in federal court
NDP guilty of being prematurely correct on foreign buyers tax
Premier Clark gets personal to connect with cynical voters
City of Vancouver fires chief housing officer
Polak changes her tune on Shawnigan soil dump
Proclaim an end to special days






Ottawa Observations: Tuesday, January 31, 2017



Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments
from the Federal scene for Tuesday, January 31, 2017.

Quebec City terrorism

Quebec media, politicians express regret over Islam rhetoric in wake of mosque attack
We must remember that Canadians are not immune from racism
Anti-Muslin hate has been in Canada - and our politics - long before the violence
'This can't be real:' Witnesses recount night of Quebec City shooting
Quebec City mosque shooting a wake-up call for Canada, B.C. lawyer says
RCMP weighing whether to pursue terrorism charges in Quebec City shooting
Suspect in mosque shooting a moderate conservative turned extremist, say friends, classmates
Quebec City's close-knit Muslim community reeling as mosque victims remembered
Incorrect Fox News tweet on Quebec City mosque attack earns scorn of PMO
'Words can be knives': Premier urges Quebecers to cool the rhetoric
Witness arrested in Quebec mosque shooting isn't holding a grudge
Intolerance, xenophobia have permeated political rhetoric in Quebec
Laval University community 'shaken' over accused gunman
Canadian Muslims' fear over safety grows after Quebec City mosque attack
Marine Le Pen's far-right party calls Quebec mosque shooting 'deplorable'
Why no terrorism charges in Quebec mosque shooting? It would place extra burden on prosecutors: experts




Despite Trump ban, Canada won't increase refugee quotas or scrap asylum deal
Stéphane Dion to be Canada's ambassador to EU, Germany
Canadian values could equally apply to white supremacists: Leitch
BoC looks to overhaul 'off track' forecasting tools, Poloz says
We need more facts, less extreme vetting
First Nations granted role overseeing proposed Pacific NorthWest LNG facility
Trudeau, Pena Nieto talk trade, jobs over phone call
Trudeau government plays waiting game amid uncertainty of Trump era
No plans to change refugee target in wake of U.S. travel band: immigration minister
Trudeau's imminent meeting with Trump carries substantial political risk
Stéphane Dion accepts role as ambassador to EU and Germany, as he and John McCallum depart House
'We saw what happened in the airports': Asylum seekers from U.S. surge into Manitoba
Stopgap Super Hornet purchase could have $5B to $7B price tag
Trump's victims need more than sweet words from Trudeau
Trudeau should repeal refugee agreement with U.S.
Trudeau's PMO takes on Fox News over 'False and misleading' tweet about Quebec mosque shooting
It's time Canada ended its double standard that considers Israeli settlements 'illegal'
Trump has no problem with Canada's refugee vetting, even as he looks to toughen U.S. rule
Trudeau's dilemma: How to stick it to Trump without getting on U.S. president's 'hit list'
Liberal MP Stephane Dion agrees to be Canada's ambassador to EU, Germany after losing cabinet post
Bank of Canada governor says economic forecasting can be improved at speech in Edmonton
Canada should suspend Safe Third Country agreement with U.S. says B.C. group
Trump's travel ban profoundly affecting research: Canadian academics
MPs hold emergency debate on Trump's travel ban in House of Commons
Justin Trudeau accused of letting Donald Trump get away with racism and hatred
Conservative leadership race: Maxime Bernier well ahead in fundraising




NDP make nomination official; as North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice acclaimed for 2017 election race

There has been little in the way of a rumble that any challenge was in motion, and with no one throwing a hat in the political ring, the North Coast constituency gave their official nod once again to incumbent MLA Jennifer Rice.

Monday, local NDP officials proclaimed by acclamation that Ms. Rice will once again take the NDP's message to the voters when election day rolls around.

First elected to office in the May 2013 provincial election, Ms. Rice had entered the provincial political mix after serving two years of the then three year term as a councillor at Prince Rupert City Hall.

She officially stepped aside from municipal politics in June of that year, having won the North Coast riding in the May election with close to 57 percent of the vote.

Since arriving in Victoria, the now incumbent MLA has been tasked with watching over northern rural health issues and a Deputy spokesperson for Children and Family development as part of the NDP shadow cabinet makeup.

Last week, NDP Leader John Horgan added to her duties, assigning her to the position of critic for northern and rural economic issues.

With her nomination confirmed with Monday night's gathering of the local NDP, the leader saluted her efforts through an information release issued on Tuesday afternoon.

“Jennifer Rice has been an outstanding advocate for people all across the province and has worked tirelessly for her community,”  ... “She has what it takes to help defeat Christy Clark and build a better BC.”

What appears to be the main theme for her campaign to retain her seat was also promoted through the NDP message, with the MLA targeting the way that Premier Christy Clark has governed the province and the impact of her policies on the North coast.

The campaign is officially on
as NDP MLA Jennifer
Rice started knocking on 
doors over the weekend
(From MLA Rice's Facebook page)
“Christy Clark isn’t working for you,” ... “I’ve seen how the decisions of the Christy Clark government are making it harder and harder for people who live on the North Coast.” 

 “Christy Clark’s government gives millionaires tax breaks but she takes more money from you. Increasing costs of MSP, ICBC and Hydro are making it harder for families to get by," she said. “People are worried they won’t have the same opportunities here that their parents had.”

Other areas that the NDP seem destined to use as part of their points for the upcoming campaign include transportation concerns, including the development of the Highway of Tears shuttle bus system as well as ongoing concerns over the level of service from BC Ferries on the North Coast and Haida Gwaii.

Health and education also are themes that seem to be forming up the foundation for the NDP approach to the campaign ahead.

Even before the NDP riding association made it official, Ms. Rice had been out doing some door knocking around Prince Rupert posting some photos to her Facebook page over the weekend.

More on her work at the BC Legislature can be examined here.

You can review the latest notes from the 2017 Provincial election campaign from our North Coast Votes archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

North Coast First Nations sign agreement with Federal government on environmental protection for PNW LNG project

An agreement related to Environmental
monitoring of the proposed Pacific
NorthWest LNG project was announced
on Tuesday

Plans towards keeping an eye on any environmental impact of the proposed Pacific NorthWest LNG project moved forward today.

With the Federal government and two North Coast First Nations releasing an announcement hailing the nation to nation agreement between the Federal government with both Metlakatla and Lax Kw'alaams towards environmental monitoring of the proposed LNG terminal project.

The statement from the office of Federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna noted the historic nature of the agreement and outlined what the participation from Metlakatla and Lax Kw'alaams will bring to the process.

Through this historic agreement, First Nations will work directly with provincial and federal authorities as part of a committee to ensure the Pacific NorthWest LNG Project is developed in the most environmentally sustainable way possible.

The committee will enable enhanced environmental oversight of the Pacific NorthWest LNG Project and the active engagement of local First Nations. It will foster information-sharing and continuous environmental monitoring and oversight. It will also enable the Lax Kw'alaams Band and Metlakatla First Nation to provide input into the project's environmental management plans and follow-up programs.

One of the main themes of the agreement noted this morning was how the creation of the environmental monitoring committee came as result of input and feedback from the First Nations communities.

Along with the view as to how it answers the desire of the two First Nations to play an active role in the monitoring of the proposed project on an ongoing basis.

The agreement sets up a range of monitoring mechanisms including an Environmental Monitoring Committee which will consist of one senior representative each from the Metlakatla and Lax Kw'alaams First Nations, and one senior representative each from the Governments of British Columbia and Canada.

A Technical Committee will also be created, it will be in support of the Environmental Monitoring Committee and will include one representative each from Lax Kw'alaams and Metlakatla First Nations, as well as one representative each from the CEAA, DFO, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Transport Canada and the Prince Rupert Port Authority. Also taking part in the Technical committee will be one representative each from the BC Assessment Office, Ministry of Natural Gas Development and Oil and Gas commission.

Included in the agreement is the inclusion of a Coast Tsimshian Monitor, with members selected by the Metlakatla and Lax Kw'alaams First Nations, the focus to meet the needs of the Coast Tsimshian community.

The final part of the four elements of the agreement will see an Independent Environmental Monitor included as part of the structure of the committees, that role to be filled by a qualified professional or professionals with demonstrated experience and knowledge of environmental monitoring.

You can review the full terms of the agreement and what the tasks ahead for each committee may include, from the full overview available here

As part of Tuesday's announcement, the two leaders of the North Coast First Nations involved in the agreement offered up their view of how the process will move forward.

Chief Councillor Harold Leighton from the Metlakatla First Nation hailed the safeguards the agreement puts in place:

"Working together, we can ensure the safeguards are in place and LNG development respects the environmental values that are a priority for the Metlakatla First Nation."

For his part, Mayor John Helin from the Lax Kw'alaams Band pointed to the important step that the agreement installs towards protection of the fish and waters of the region.

"We have always maintained the view that the environment is most important to us and with this agreement in place, it will help protect the fish, waters and lands in our traditional territory. Any development can only take place if the necessary environmental protections are in place and this is an important step in that direction."

You can review the announcement and further commentary from federal and provincial officials from this information release from Tuesday morning.

More notes related to the Pacific NorthWest LNG project can be found on our archive page here.

A look at notes of interest from the two First Nation communities can be reviewed from the links below:

Lax Kw'alaams 
Metlakatla First Nation

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Province of British Columbia still hopeful that North Coast hops onboard the Highway 16 Shuttle Bus plan

The much anticipated launch of the
Highway 16 shuttle program got
underway in the Bulkley Valley Monday
The first trip of a new shuttle bus service along the Highway 16 corridor took place on Monday, as the Moricetown to Smithers segment of a new province led transportation plan took effect.

The introduction of the new service, which will offer low cost transportation between the communities of Highway 16 was celebrated during an official launch ceremony last Friday.

As part of the speechmaking and background information that was related to the launch, participants in the program hailed the arrival of the long awaited service and outlined how the program would expand.

BC Transit has outlined the particulars of the Moricetown to Smithers route through its website available here.

Some notes on the launch of the service from Smithers to Moricetown can be reviewed below:

BC makes final announcement on 5-year funding for Highway 16 action plan today in Smithers
Highway Transit Service in the Northwest
New Bus route between Moricetown and Smithers
Moricetown residents chipping in $10,000 annually for first leg of Highway of Tears bus run

During the Friday celebration, it was noted that the ambitious program to connect the communities of the region still had a few gaps to fill in, as other civic council's along the highway 16 corridor look to sign onto the Transportation plan.

The Terrace to Hazelton leg of the new service has still to be launched and as it stands at the moment, the westward terminus for the program will come at the Terrace city limits.

As part of the notes from Friday, a BC Transit official observed that to this point, the North Coast is holding to its decision not to participate in the program.

Though it was noted that community leaders can return to the process at any time and that provincial officials are hopeful and even optimistic that the representatives from this region might reassess their decision at some point in the future.

In December, Prince Rupert and the other North Coast communities indicated that they would be taking a pass on the program at this time, announcing their decision not to participate in the transit plan.

During the course of their December announcement, the City of Prince Rupert and its regional partners instead indicated a preference to partner with the local Transition Society, creating a regional approach to address local needs, without the need of a dedicated daily connection to points east.

That has been a decision that North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice has been rather quiet on. So far the MLA has offered little in the way of a statement that shares her view as to whether the North Coast plans embrace the spirit of her advocacy for transportation options for the Northwest.

A check of her many official, or social media communication options for the community, offer up no comments related to the path that the City of Prince Rupert and its North Coast partners chose to take when it comes to an issue that has been the main focus of much her time as an MLA.

Her low profile on that theme locally is somewhat of a surprising thing, considering how much time and attention she has dedicated in the past to the topic. It was through her efforts in the Legislature chamber where the MLA most frequently delivered her view on the need for the shuttle bus concept across Northern British Columbia.

It's just a bit ironic that a version of a plan that she has long advocated for is now taking shape in many areas of the North, except in the area that Ms. Rice represents in the Legislature.

While the North Coast remains on the sidelines of the initiative, the push to add more communities to the list of those participating grew even further as the first leg of the new map began to go into service.

The province recently announced that it would be adding to the timeline for it's plan of two thirds funding towards the initiative, increasing their commitment from three to five years.

As well, it's expected that an update will come this spring to explain which communities of the Highway 16 corridor will next see the service introduced in their area.

Monday, the City of Prince George committed to a five year funding commitment of 50,000 dollars per year for the provincial plan, increasing its involvement in the initiative from an original decision to participate for only one year.

From the media coverage of the Prince George discussion, it was noted that the Central interior city had expressed a desire to bring some stability to the project, as well as to offer some leadership for the smaller communities across the north.

One theme that seems to have resonated with the Prince George civic officials was related to a concern that had been heard from along the highway 16 corridor and the fears for some that the decision by Prince Rupert to not participate might have an impact on the future of the overall program.

City Commits to 5 years of funding for Highway 16 Transit
Council commits to funding Highway Transit
City Council approves long term Highway 16 public transit investment

Burns Lake is also showing a change in its original position, noting that with five years of provincial funding ahead, they too may soon hop on the bus.

Burns Lake Mayor optimistic about Transit Service between Smithers

Whether the increased commitment from other communities around the north and the change to the funding timeline offered by the province gives North Coast officials cause to reconsider their decision, is something that may yet stir some debate among the local stakeholders through the year.

More items of interest related to the Highway 16 corridor can be found here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review


Monday, January 30, 2017

Victoria Viewpoints: Monday, January 30, 2017





Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene.


Trump ban drives Christy Clark to refine B.C. foreign buyer's tax
B.C. tech sector to get surge of talent fleeing Silicon Valley: insiders
British Columbia school district tests letter-grade-free report cards
B.C. fentanyl dealer sentenced to 14 years in prison
Strengthening our response to B.C.'s opioid crisis
Addictions should be treated with the same urgency as wildfires
Canada should lift private refugee limit after U.S. restrictions, advocate says
B.C. tech industry buoyed by Trump immigration order
Foreign homebuyers' tax exemption comes to late for some
Canadian Universities condemn U. S. travel ban
2017 British Columbia election: Peace River South riding profile
NDP guilty of being prematurely correct on foreign buyers tax
B.C. Hydro, like Trump, takes aim at media
B.C. health officer leads push for European style heroin treatment programs
Moody's optimistic B.C. credit rating is misleading
Coun. Elizabeth Ball seeks B.C. Liberal nomination in Vancouver-Fraserview
In Hastings Crossing, Good Business has a social conscience
We've let Vancouver become a Playground for Plutocrats

Ottawa Observations: Monday, January 30, 2017



Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments
from the Federal scene for Monday, January 30, 2017.

Quebec City terrorism

Suspect in Quebec City mosque attack charged with six counts of murder
Thousands attend Quebec City vigil to mourn mosque attack victims
Mosque shooting victims: Six men who sought better lives in Quebec
An attack on Canadian muslims is an attack on Canada
Trudeau's homily about the Quebec City mosque demands a call for healing
My Canadian sanctuary: What the mosque means to me
Trump, Putin and other world leaders express condolences for Quebec City mosque attack
Alexandre Bisonnette charged with 6 counts of 1st-degree murder
Canadian across the country hold vigils for Quebec mosque shooting victims
Quebec City mosque shooting victims include businessman, professor and fathers of young children
'I never expected such a thing in Quebec': Mourners hold vigil at scene of mosque attack
Michael Chong says Quebec shooting 'direct result' of politicians 'playing to fears'
'We will open our hearts': Trudeau urges love and unity in wake of deadly mosque shooting
Quebec City mosque attack suspect Alexandre Bissonette charged with 6 counts of 1st-degree murder
Only 1 suspect in deadly Quebec mosque shooting, police say
Attack at Quebec mosque casts pall over Parliament as MPs begin new session today
Who is Alexandre Bissonette, the suspect at the centre of the Quebec shooting attack?
Suspect in Quebec mosque shooting charged with 6 counts of murder
The White House just cited the Quebec mosque attack to justify Trump's policies
Canada must stand strong in wake of attack on mosque
The common threads of intolerance behind anti-Muslim atrocities
In wake of mosque shooting, parliament's mood of solidarity one of its finest hours
Quebec Premier strikes perfect balance of sorrow and strength after mosque shooting
White House suggests Quebec mosque attack is 'terrible reminder' of why Trump is focusing on national security
Quebec mosque attack suspect faces 11 charges
The instant politicization of tragedy
Canadians mourn this loss together
Quebec City mosque shooting: Despite strict Canadian laws, illegal guns still within reach
Your Thoughts and Prayers Are Not Enough, Canada. Not This Time


African Union vote boosts Canada's bid to save the ICC
Trump travel ban draws range of reaction from businesses
Ford, Goldman, CEOs criticize Trump immigration order
Ottawa mum when pressed on Canada's written exemption to Trump's ban
Trudeau must balance protecting Canada's values and its jobs
Trump to shape U.S. law - and life - for decades with Supreme Court pick
Canada is not the Donald Trump opposition party
MPs to hold emergency debate on Trump travel ban Tuesday
Trump's embrace of torture increases pressure on Canada to repeal CSIS directives
18 MPs called out for heckling in the House of Commons during fall sitting
Trump's travel ban prompts human chain protest at U.S. embassy in Ottawa
Ralph Goodale says civilian oversight for RCMP should be examined
Aga Khan's Global Centre for Pluralism moves into heritage digs after decade of delays
U.S. won't ban Canadian permanent residents, immigration minister says
Trump perceived as threat to new investment in Canada
Canada can reduce the harm of Trump's travel ban
Time to boycott vacations to the U.S.
In wake of mosque shootings, Trudeau silent on Trump's ban on Muslims
How New Canadian can learn to like it here
Trump launches hopeless game of trade whack-a-mole
Donald Trump 'could send America into the next Great Crash' warns Nobel laureate Robert Shiller
Trump's immigration ban 'will affect our debate': Tory leadership candidates
Quebec mosque attack increases odds MPs will take on the study of Islamophobia, religious hate crimes
Federal directives allowing use of information obtained through torture 'under review': Goodale
Government decides report that questions purchase of interim fighter jets will remain secret
Trudeau rattles Trump's cage
Justin Trudeau agrees to keep 'close contact' with Enrique Pena Nieto: Mexico
Gold prices rise as Trump's tough immigration talk rattles markets
How big businesses around the world are reacting to Trump's travel ban
Liberals Not Ready to Reverse Harper Government's Torture Policy
Trump travel ban, Quebec mosque shooting put heat on Trudeau

New political movement ImagineX calls for British Columbians to look at a different approach to provincial politics

With the election drums starting to warm up towards the May 9th vote, one group in the province is making a call for British Columbians to think differently when it comes to how we select a government.

The group is offering up the concept of sending a large number of Independent candidates to speak for the people of the province, suggesting that it would be an alternative that would provide for more transparency and collaboration on the issues that are of key importance to residents of the province.

The project is known as ImagineX, which organizers describe as a collective of passionate citizens who are looking to ReimagineBC and hold no affiliation with the BC Liberals, NDP, Green Party or other political parties and interest groups.

They offer up five core values which include being Citizen-centric, seeking Respectful Collaboration and Evidence Based Decision Making.

They also note that they are Forward-thinking and are dedicated towards more Transparency in provincial politics.

The launch of the political movement includes a Nomination Form as well as a listing of those that have been nominated in ridings across British Columbia, though to this point there are none listed for the North Coast, Skeena or Stikine Ridings

ImagineX is now taking nominations for their
community based approach to BC politics


Also making for a key element of their information presentation is a chart and searchable data-base that offers up some background on how current MLA's have voted on past initiatives and bills in the British Columbia Legislature.

Once you enter the name of an MLA you can track how she or he voted and access more information about each voting opportunity.


The ImagineX website features a data base to search out how MLA's
from across the province voted at the British Columbia Legislature


You can find out more about their plans and how to become involved here.

For more items related to the 2017 provincial election campaign see our North Coast votes archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Province introduces new mobile app for Highway travellers

BCHighways is a new
app available for travellers
across British Columbia
Those who take to the highways across British Columbia now have one more tool to use when it comes to travel planning and tracking conditions along the network of roads in the province.

The Province has teamed up with a Victoria based application development firm known as AirSenze Solutions to introduce real time access to highway information, road closures, planned work or extreme weather conditions.

The app which is known as BCHighways is free to download comes in both apple and android versions. It works on such devices as an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV as well as many android devices.

The program integrates Drive BC's twitter feed along with border crossing information and the network of BC Highway cameras to give travellers a complete view of what their travel day will look like before they hit the road.

Samarth Mod, the CEO and co-founder of AirSenze outlined that the idea for the app came while becoming struck in traffic while travelling to Alberta and noted that the cooperation of the province in providing data for the project offered the chance to provide a valuable service to travellers.

“After getting stuck for two hours driving to Banff because of an accident, we saw the perfect opportunity to develop a native app using DriveBC’s open511 data. We think it’s super cool that B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has provided the open data to BC Developers’ Exchange and giving companies like ours the data we need to develop easy to use apps that benefit the lives of millions of people. And as a start up, we also wanted to show our expertise to the government to gain trust and credibility. Hence, it results in a win-win situation for everyone.”

Needless to say, the province has noted that anyone using the app while on the road is required to pull over to a safe area of the highway to access the application, noting how operation of electronic devices while driving is against the law.


Road Conditions are
one feature of the new
BCHighways app
The network of BC
Highway cameras is
part of the new
BCHighways app
















Transportation Minister Todd Stone outlined some of the elements included as part of the new application.

“By making DriveBC’s Open511 data available to the public, we’re helping make driving on B.C. highways even safer for British Columbians and apps like these share our valuable road information system making it more available to more people. The more people who ‘know before they go’ — whether they check the DriveBC website, mobile site, phone system or partner apps — the easier it is to make better travel decisions.”

You can review more information related to the program here.

More background about AirSenze Solutions can be found from the company website.

For a review of items related to the Highway 16 corridor see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

NDP MLA's Rice and Mark to attend community lunch at Nisga'a Hall today

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice and the Kaien Island Elders are hosting community lunch today featuring a special guest for the two hour event, as they bring MLA Melanie Mark back to the Northwest.

Ms. Mark was the elected to the Legislature in a by-election of last year and with her election to office as the MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant became the first, First Nation woman to take a seat in the British Columbia Legislature.

As we noted on the blog at the time of her election in February, Ms. Mark has Nisga'a, Gitsxan, Cree and Ojibway ancestry and throughout the 2016 by-election campaign she called up on her Nisga'a and Gitxsan roots.

When the final vote was counted from the by-election, she had collected over 60 percent of the vote from the voters of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant.

At today's luncheon she will be speaking to those in attendance on what she has accomplished during her time in office and will most likely highlight some of the issues that she and the NDP are taking into the upcoming election campaign.

The event takes place from Noon to 2 PM at the Nisga'a Hall on Third Avenue West, across from Save on Foods.

You can find more on the event from the Facebook page created for today's luncheon.

More items related to provincial politics can be found on our Legislature Archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

International Halibut Commission sets 2017 catch allocations

After a week of discussion and review during sessions in Victoria, the International Halibut Commission has outlined the bi-national catch allocations for the halibut fishery for 2017.

The Victoria meetings marked the 93rd time that the panel has met to discuss issues of the halibut fishery and to set the guidelines for an upcoming season, meetings which at times have become quite controversial as industry fleets received the word on how much of the stock they will be able to chase.

The week long review of the industry brought together more than 200 halibut industry stakeholders to meet with the IHC commissioners.

A look over the briefing pages from the handout to last week's meetings gives an indication as to the expansive nature of the discussions related to the halibut fishery, with technical sessions, policy briefings and a range of studies making for much of the work load through the five days in Victoria.

As for the catchment allowances for 2017, British Columbia which represents Area 2B on the regulatory map was allocated with a total of 7,450,000 pounds for both commercial industry and sport fishery elements for the year.

The British Columbia allocation is an increase from the 2016 numbers, which saw 6,049,000 pounds of halibut landed on 668 catches.

Neighbouring Southeast Alaska which is listed as Area 2C, was provided with a combined catchment of 5,250.0000 which includes both the commercial industry and the guided Sport Fishery.

How those catch limits break down can be reviewed from the chart below.



The Commission also approved of the length of the season for the U.S and Canadian Individual quota fisheries, the eight month halibut season will start on March 11th and will wrap up on November 7th.

The recommendations will now be turned over to the governments of Canada and the United States for final approval, providing the guideline for the 2017 Halibut season.

The full News release can be examined here.

You can review more of their work from the IHC website here.

Those with an interest in the work of the IHC can follow up on how the 2017 season progresses through their twitter feed and Facebook page

You can also review all of the week's public proceedings through the daily videos from the Commission sessions available through the IHC YouTube feed

Ketchikan's public radio station KRBD provided a thorough overview of the work of the Commission and how the issues of the Halibut fishery are viewed just north of the A-B line.

More items of note related to the North Coast fishery can be found on our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Cross Country Check Up -- What's your reaction to the new U.S. Travel ban on passport holders from seven Muslim countries.



What's your reaction to the new U.S. Travel ban on passport holders from seven Muslim countries.

Duncan McCue is the host.


January 29, 2017 (audio)

Cross Country Check up is CBC Radio's national open line, the long running institution has been taking place every Sunday for decades.

Our Cross Country Check Up Archive page can be found here.



Victoria Viewpoints: Saturday/Sunday, January 28/29, 2017





Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene.

Environment Minister suspends permit for leaky landfill in Shawnigan Lake
As Trudeau limits 'Cash for Access' Events, BC Remains a holdout
Five Ways to Stop BC's Overdose Drug Deaths now
B.C. to lift foreign-buyer tax for those with work permits
Illicit drug users and doctors who treat them push to end 'stigmatizing' language
Proposal to revive Taseko mine looms as test for B.C. Government
Province to exempt those with work permits from foreign buyers tax, premier says
$5M to tear down your only curling rink: rural B.C. community faces tough choice
Trudeau in B.C.: Dotting the eye on the lion, but downplaying TransMountain
The Fentanyl Fix: exploring potential solutions to B.C.'s opioid overdose crisis
B.C. paramedics aren't an essential service, but some of them want to be
Metro Vancouver missing out on millions in transit corridor taxes
CN wants to know more about upcoming safety report on Burrard Inlet bridges
B.C. Premier Christy Clark to lift foreign buyers tax for those with work permits
Premier Clark happy to praise B.C.'s booming economy - but cost of living is booming too
In Port Alberni, historic rifts surface over a street name
B.C. Liberals might retreat on fundraising
Minister suspends controversial soil permit, threatens cancellation
B.C. to lift foreign buyers tax for people with work permits
B.C. NDP nominates Rachna Singh in Surrey-Green Timbers
UBC establishes task force in response to Trump executive order on visa and refugees
Mayor Gregor Robertson says U.S. immigration changes harm Vancouver's efforts to be a welcoming city

Ottawa Observations: Saturday and Sunday, January 28 & 29, 2017



Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments
from the Federal scene for Saturday/Sunday January 28/29, 2017.

Quebec City terrorism

Mass shooting at Quebec City mosque: Six killed in 'barbaric' terrorist attack
Five reported dead, two arrested after shooting at Quebec City mosque
5 reported dead in shooting at Quebec City mosque
Multiple deaths reported after shooting in Quebec City mosque
Six dead, 2 arrested after shooting at Quebec City mosque
Quebec City terrorist attack on mosque kills 6, injures 8
Canadian leaders express outrage and shock at Quebec City mosque attack
6 dead in terrorist attack at Quebec City mosque


Canada to accommodate people affected by Trump's executive order
Canadian tech leaders press Ottawa for temporary visas after Trump order
Canada must lead a global response to aid Trump's refugees
Everything you need to know on Trump's actions affecting citizens of Muslim-majority countries
And on the seventh full day, Donald Trump sowed chaos
Amid uncertain relationship with the U.S., Alberta eyes trade with China
U.S. won't ban Canadian permanent residents, immigration minister says
Canadian troops coming to N.B.'s aid: Premier Gallant
Trudeau in B.C.: Dotting the eye on the lion, but downplaying TransMountain
'I've been driving for two day': Travel ban stokes fear, worry in Canada's tech community
Canadian permanent residents exempt from Donald Trump's travel ban
Uncertainty, apprehension means shelving travel plans to the U.S.
Despite court order, Trump shows no sign of backing down on 'Muslim ban'
Transparent Trump gives Ottawa an advantage
Government ID shouldn't automatically include gender
Chief of Staff changes Trump team's stance, says green card holders won't be banned
Wild and woolly lead-up to new session of Parliament
All leaders should hold town halls
Trump immigration EO needs major changes
Five ways Trump's protectionism could be good for Canada
There is no free lunch in the age of Sunny Ways
The unintended consequences surrounding Sen. Don Meredith
Trudeau deflects and downplays Trump's danger to Canada
Millions of Canadians will pay at least $1,000 more if Ottawa taxes health and dental plans, study finds
Donald Trump's refugee ban pushes Canadian politicians to forge common front
Trudeau's heart was in the right place, but travel ban tweets may tweak Trump's warped ego
The job-creating, anti-extremist Canadian Conservative with a maple leaf tattoo now banned from the U.S.
Is it safe to travel to the U.S.? For many Canadians and permanent residents uncertainty lingers
Justin Trudeau finds allies across political lines in signalling disapproval of Trump's travel ban
Alberta biomedical engineer with Canadian permanent resident card denied entry to U.S.
B.C. to lift foreign buyers tax for people with work permits
Canadians who are dual citizens of countries affected by Trump immigration order can go to U.S.
NDP calls for emergency debate on Donald Trump's immigration ban
Ottawa's failure to act is putting children's lives on the line: First Nations advocate
Ottawa likely rethinking budget cutbacks