Victoria Viewpoints: Friday, September 29, 2017

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



BC NDP to argue Trans Mountain pipeline expansion not in national interest
Tax incentives matter, film sector warns BC NDP
B.C. announces policing measures to combat fentanyl trafficking
Costs of raising children in Vancouver can be a scary math equation
Province kicks in $50K to woo Amazon to Metro Vancouver
Survivors shine a light on residential schools for Orange Shirt Day
Identity of Canadian soldier depicted in new war memorial discovered in time for big reveal
John Horgan announces more money to combat B.C.'s overdose crisis
Interior Health investigating how 500 employees had personal info stolen
Deadly road gets more speed bumps but not everyone's pleased
After the inquiry: Support needed to help families retraumatized by MMIWG testimony, advocates say
Kinder Morgan asks for relief on pipeline condition to avoid project delay
B.C. Knowledge Network President raises concerns over Netflix deal
Orange Shirt Day movement growing, but shirts themselves can be hard to find
Construction booms in B.C., as skilled worker shortage grows
B.C. government to make it easier for 1st responders to make PTSD claims
How B.C. casinos are used to launder millions in drug cash
Has trust faded for 'open, transparent' Site C review
Vancouver still the least affordable place to purchase a home in Canada: RBC report
ICBC warns customers to delete texts that appear to offer a refund
School board byelection comes down to who voters punish: The Liberals or Vision trustees?
B.C. to increase treatment and public safety programs to address overdose crisis
Delegates pass resolution opposing Greyhound bus service cuts
B.C. Ferries reservations selling out fast for Thanksgiving weekend
B.C. government adds $50K to effort to win Amazon's new headquarters
UBCM delegates vote against contract with Martin Mars owner
Residential school survivors see orange
Fish farm foes stage sit in at minister Lana Popham's headquarters
UBCM endorses Victoria's resolution to tax empty homes
UBCM: Oak Bay, Victoria team up to gain municipal campaign finance reform support
Province backs Metro Vancouver bid for new Amazon headquarters
Transportation top of mind for Greater Victoria at UBCM conference
Victoria school board decides how to spend nearly $3.8 million surplus
Municipal leaders back West Kelowna bid for photo radar
Province to spend $66M on 600 Vancouver modular housing units
B.C. government still wants male or female designation on BC Health Card and driver's licence
Premier Horgan puts bucks behind bid for Amazon's HQ2
B.C. announces province-wide overdose-crisis action
Vancouver gets $66 million for 600 modular homes

Ottawa Observations: Friday, September 29, 2017

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for Friday, September 29, 2017



BC NDP to argue Trans Mountain pipeline expansion not in national interest
'Relief' after RCMP found guilty of labour code violation in deadly Moncton shooting
Why doctors are angry over the Liberals' tax plan
Morneau grilled at Oakville Ontario town hall on small-business tax changes
Bombardier under fire: How the U.S. targeted the C Series
U.S. war on Bombardier's C series summons ghost of Avro Arrow
Bombardier suffers another blow as WTO to probe subsidies in Brazil row
Reported LGBT purge in Azerbaijan shows Canada must do more
Tory MP Candice Bergen accuses Liberals of inaction after China denied visa
Finance Minister Bill Morneau gets a 'tongue lashing' on tax reforms
Candice Bergen: China denied my travel visa, Liberals were no help
Ottawa spent $110K in legal fees fighting First Nations girl over $6K dental procedure
4 tweaks Ottawa could make to settle nerves around proposed tax changes
Trudeau names Isabelle Hudon new ambassador in Paris
Tom Mulcair says his legacy is to leave next NDP leader a truly national party
RCMP failed to provide adequate equipment, training in Moncton shootings, judge says
Ottawa says U.S. relationship with Canada 'not radically changed' under Trump
Hillary Clinton warns Canadians 'democracy is under attack'
Taking on the tax-reform criticisms
Canada urged to do more to protect data from U.S. during NAFTA talks
It was 'rendezvous with reality' for Bill Morneau
Border fiasco continues, testing Canadians limits
Liberals' feel-good cultural policy review ignores newspaper struggles
A much needed cultural revolution that isn't revolutionary at all
Trump's tax bombshell is going to blow up Canada's competitiveness
Morneau's tax reform town hall devolves into 'shouting match as consultations wind down
'It was just crickets': Cosnervative MP says China denied her travel visa and Liberals did nothing to help
New bill falls short of Liberals' promises for increased transparency
Liberals and NDP bar pro-life candidates, and now want to control the Opposition's?
Canadians urged to partake in Orange Shirt Day to honour residential school survivors
Taxpayers take turns to grill Bill Morneau on Liberal small business tax proposal
Is Canada ready for Jagmeet Singh to become the country's first NDP prime minister?

Wildfire recovery, overdose concerns, economy and housing issues among themes for Premier's UBCM address

Premier John Horgan delivered the final address of the UBCM convention on
Friday morning, touching on a range of themes for the delegates
(Image from Gov't of BC Facebook page)

John Horgan delivered his first address to the UBCM convention as Premier of the province on Friday morning, providing a twenty seven minute overview of some of the key issues of the summer and how the NDP government plans to approach them.

Themes of rebuilding from the summer's wildfires and  action on the opioid overdose crisis in the province, citing statistics that will show that over the past year 876 lives have been lost to overdose, noting that if today is a normal day, four more British Columbians will die by way of overdose.

"Most of those that are affected often die alone, many of them are Indigenous people and if we're going to address this challenge that affects the rich and the poor, the young and the old we're going to need a  concerted effort. And that's why, one of my first orders of business was to appoint a dedicated minister of mental health and addictions, so that every day someone is focuses singularly on addressing this problems" ... "If someone reaches out for help, we should be there to help them. So starting today I am announcing a plan that will help communities in crisis by establishing  a new innovation fund, so that the regions that are hardest hit will have the resources they need to open up treatment centres so that we have places for people to go"

The government followed up on those notes with some background items posted to the government website after the address see here and here

As well, the Premier touted the need for solutions for affordable housing dominated much of the address, with Mr. Horgan making note of the need for all levels of government to work together on the issue.

On homelessness Mr. Horgan announced a program to address the crisis, with the first projects to be put in place in Vancouver, Surrey and Smithers.

"I'm excited to say today that we are announcing a plan to build 2,000 modular homes with 24/7 funding over the next three years. Starting with 600 homes here in the City of Vancouver, 150 homes in Surrey and more in Smithers and any other community in this room who believes that a modular solution to the homelessness crisis in your community will fit with your package of solutions, we invite you to approach the government to get part of that program"

More on that initiative can be reviewed here.

The Premier reiterated his campaign commitment towards development of 114,000 units of all types over the next ten years and reinforced the need to work with communities and developers to achieve that goal.

Economic development also made for a current in the address, with the Premier noting that the province will contribute to efforts to lure Amazon north for their plans of a second headquarters.

Prince Rupert's Fairview Terminal received a shout out from Premier Horgan, who relayed some thoughts on the recent expansion of the DP World facility in the city, as well as some observations on the theme of resource sharing benefits.

"DP World Canada is investing in the Fairview Terminal in Prince Rupert that will expand by fifty percent our capacity to move goods and services from the north. There's a lot of excitement in the Northwest corridor, I had some very exciting meetings yesterday about sharing resource wealth, sharing the benefits and abundance of British Columbia with everybody in the interest of everybody. And I am excited to work with everyone in this room to make sure that the innovation that you want to see in your community is supported not just by me, but also by my illustriously haired friends in Ottawa. Because I believe that all levels of government working together can deliver the type of British Columbia, a better British Columbia for all of us"


As the premier was delivering his statement to the convention, the North West British Columbia Resource Benefits Alliance was rolling out a statement of their own on the issue, offering hope of a six month timeline for negotiations.

To bring his message to an end the Premier issued a call to the delegates in attendance to make a difference in the lives of those that live around them in their communities, vowing to take advantage of his opportunity to work with those in the room to build a better BC.

The full address from the Premier can be reviewed here.

A review of some of the talking points from the UBCM convention can be found from our archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Northwest politicians hail progress on Resource Benefit Alliance negotiations

Premier John Horgan, MLA Rice and representatives of the Northwest
British Columbia Resource Benefits Alliance met at UBCM this week
(photo from NW RBA website)

As the UBCM convention comes to a conclusion today, the members of the Northwest delegations are hailing some progress when it comes the the issues of the Northwest British Columbia Resource Benefits Association.

On Friday morning, the Northwest group released an information statement that highlights what the Association members call a positive meeting with the provincial government.

Though for the most part, the information release is one that leans heavily on political statement making and positioning; while a little less on detail as to themes of discussion from the meetings.

Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth, the Co-chair for the Alliance. hailed the reception that the group received from the NDP government this week:

“The John Horgan government really understands that we experience great inequity in the northwest,” ... “The Northwest is the backbone of BC, and in order to ensure our communities continue to support economic development activities that contribute to the province, we need a share of the revenues to stay in the Northwest. The Premier sees that investing in the Northwest is not just about making up for lost time, but spurring growth in the region. It is an investment from which the entire province can expect a large economic return."

For Terrace Mayor Carol Leclerc, the cooperation and commitment of area MLA's was a point of note for her.

“It is also clear from the meetings this week that our four MLAs, made up of two NDPs and two Liberals, are taking a non-partisan approach,” ...“All four MLAs have committed to working together to make sure we get this deal done.”

Prince Rupert Mayor Lee Brain observed as to the ability to strengthen relationships with surrounding communities that an agreement might bring.

“This agreement will also ensure local First Nations benefit as well, by allowing us to strengthen relationships with the surrounding communities,” ... "This will be a win-win for everyone.”

For his part, Mr. Horgan did give a nod towards resource revenue sharing in his address to the UBCM convention of Friday morning, but had little in the way of details as to what the NDP government may have in mind towards that theme.

The timeline offered up for the negotiations towards a hoped for agreement is said to be six months, with Premier Horgan committing to checking in on the progress again in December.

You can review the Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance statement here.

More on the week of convention at UBCM can be found on our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Elmer Derrick's final journey brings return to Northwest

Gitxsan leaderElmer Derrick
has passed  away
(Photo Porto of PR website)

One of the major figures in First Nations governance in the Northwest passed away last week, with the notice of the passing of Elmer Derrick first noted through a Facebook obituary post and then by a range of news items that traced some of the history of the Hereditary Chief of the Gitxsan nation.

Family members accompanied Mr. Derrick's remains making the journey to Terrace on Thursday, with plans for a commemoration of his life still to be developed.

The Hereditary Chief of the Gitxsan passed away at the age of 69 on September 22nd at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver and once word began to filter out of his passing reaction came from many areas of the Northwest.

Among those delivering tributes was the Board of Directors from the Port of Prince Rupert and Skeena MLA Ellis Ross who offered up a personal remembrance of Mr. Derrick's work in the region and his mentorship through the years.

Mr. Derrick's long career in the region featured some controversy along the way, the nature of the negotiations that would have allowed the then proposed (and eventually terminated) Enbridge pipeline project to travel through Gitxsan territory proving to be a significant flash point of division in the Gitxsan community and the Northwest.

However, beyond that controversial time of 2012, the Gitxsan Hereditary Chief had a full body of work in Northwest British Columbia making for an expansive career that involved much in the way of advocacy for his nation.

In addition to his work as a Chief Negotiator for the Gitxsan Nation and his membership on a number of Boards of Directors, Mr. Derrick had also been an educator in the Northwest, having taught courses at Northwest Community College.

Former Premier Christy Clark made note of Mr. Derrick's passing and paid tribute to his legacy in the province with a short note posted yesterday through Facebook.

Through his comments to CFTK TV, Mr. Ross is to this point, the only area politician to pay tribute to the impact of Mr. Derrick's work in the Northwest.

While they host a number of constituency and social media portals for information delivery. Yet to make any comment so far on the passing of the Gitxsan leader are northwest MLA Doug Donaldson in Stikine, MLA Jennifer Rice on the North Coast, as well as Nathan Cullen the federal MP for the region.

Some of the Northwest notes on Mr. Derrick's passing can be reviewed below:

The Gitxsan Nation are mourning the death of Chief Derrick 
Elmer Derrick remembered (video)
Hereditary Chief Elmer Derrick passes away
Chief Elmer Derrick, director of Port Authority Board, passes away
Gitxsan mourn loss of hereditary Chief Elmer Derrick
Skeena MLA Ellis Ross Reacts to Elmer Derrick's death
Prince Rupert Port Authority reacts to Elmer Derrick's death

An update through Social Media has outlined the path ahead over the next few days as the Gitxsan prepare to remember their chief:

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Premier John Horgan to bring UBCM convention to close with morning address

Premier John Horgan making the rounds of delegates at this years
UBCM Convention in Vancouver. The premier delivers the closing
address at the convention this morning at 10AM
(photo from BC Gov't Facebook page)

Municipal leaders from across British Columbia will be listening attentively this morning, as NDP Premier John Horgan outlines the approach his government plans to take when it comes to municipal issues and relations with communities across the province.

Through the week municipal leaders have been meeting with provincial government ministers or representatives from government ministries, outlining key issues of concern for their communities, as well as sharing common themes between the two levels of government.

In a social media update Thursday from Councillor Blair Mirau, it was noted that the Prince Rupert delegation had spent some time with Environment and Climate Change Strategy Minister George Heyman and Agriculture Minister Lana Popham

The Councillor did not expand much on the nature of those talks however in his post, other than to advise that progress on key issues for Prince Rupert had seemingly been made.

Friday's address from Mr. Horgan, provides the punctuation mark on the five day conference, with the Premier's address setting the path ahead when it comes to relations between the Provincial and Municipal representatives in British Columbia.

The address to the UBCM will be streamed live through the Provincial Government's Facebook page.

Mr. Horgan's address to the delegates starts at 10 AM

For more items related to this weeks UBCM convention see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

And the winner is ... Northwest snares one UBCM Award on community excellence

The focus by the UBCM on community achievement was celebrated as part of this weeks convention, with the annual Community Excellence Awards handed out on yesterday.

The Awards celebration calls attention to municipalities and Regional Districts that take risks to innovate, establish new partnerships and pioneer new customer service practises.

Seven awards were handed during the Thursday event, and when the envelopes came out and the winners announced, it was Kitimat's Phil Germuth who was heading up to the podium accepting an award on behalf of the Kitimiat-Stikine Regional District.

Mr. Germuth was there to hear recognition by the UBCM of the Kitimat-Stikine Regional District's Integrated Solid Waste Management program in the Terrace area, which received the accolades in the Leadership and Innovation, Green initiatives category.

Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth, accepting the UBCN Green Initiatives Award
on behalf of the Kitimat-Stikine Regional District. The Award was a salute
to the Regional District's work on the Solid Waste program in Terrace
(photo from UBCM flickr feed)

The Green Initiatives Award recognizes local governments that have undergone and can demonstrate a shift in their overall approach to planning and decision-making activities, to include environmental responsibility as a top priority.

It  also recognizes local governments that stand out as strong leaders of environmental stewardship that demonstrate innovative solutions for balancing the competing priorities of citizens, businesses and other interest groups while incorporating green initiatives.

You can learn more about the Terrace initiative here.

Other award winners included:

Partnerships Award
Village of Salmo -- For new Heritage Hub Arts and Cultural Corner

Best Practices, Excellence in Action Award
City of Coquitlam -- Productivity enhancement using Web mapping

Best Practices, Organizational Development and Improvements
Cowichan Valley Regional District -- PlaceSpeak, A collaborative approach

Best Practices, Excellence in Financial Stewardship
City of Nanaimo -- Integrating Financial planning, Reporting and Fiscal Responsibility-- Building the Road Ahead together

Leadership and Innovation, Agriculture
Central Okanagan Regional District -- RDCO-ECD Agriculture Support Program

Best Practices, Community Connections
District of West Vancouver -- Student Video Contest


The full list of those recognized for their work in engaging with the community can be found here.

A review of some of the items making news at this years UBCM convention can be found on our archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Victoria Viewpoints: Thursday, September 28, 2017

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



Sockeye salmon run in Fraser River remains low while Ottawa takes action
Expert appointed to review B.C.'s policies to prevent money laundering in casinos
B.C. municipalities want political fundraising reform ahead of 2018 local elections
B.C. municipalities call for campaign finance reform in local politics
Musqueam Indian Band breaks ground on residential development
B.C. woman sues attorney general, claiming she was falsely linked to terrorism
B.C. government officially launches casino money laundering investigation
Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver calls B.C. premier a 'hypocrite' for NDP insider hires
Future of Martin mars could be decided with UBCM vote, Port Alberni Mayor says
Hitches, headaches of changing B.C.'s election format
Musqueam launch 21 acre residential project near UBC
Municipal politicians vote in favour of election finance reform
Site C: Read here Deloittes unredacted bombshell report to the BC Utilities Commission
Value of farm-raised salmon climbing fast, industry report says
Power to the people - turning the page on energy policy in B.C.
26 top managers gone, $2.475M in severance paid by City of Victoria
Local governments seek fundraising changes ahead of 2018 election
Outside review eyes housing agency
DFO working on salmon plan as numbers continue to decline
Clock is ticking on new pot laws
Protest hits office of Saanich MLA Lana Popham
UBCM calls for national strategy on abandoned boats
'Exploding' marijuana industry threatens B.C. farmland
Councillor and other local government officials tell of increasing harassment
Coleman calls for courage on mental illness
Former high-ranking Mountie to head B.C. anti-money-laundering probe
Vancouver mayor blames 'glitch' for delayed release of agreement signed with Shanghai
Barring up businesses in downtown Kelowna
Kwantlen shifts application deadline for Indian international students
Gordon Wilson makes $5M settlement offer in defamation lawsuit
HandyDart riders call for TransLink board to be sacked
Do any candidates in the BC Liberal party leadership race stand out?
Landlord BC, says a rental freeze in Metro Vancouver would do more harm than good
New schools are the smart solution for seismic safety
Vancouver businesses call for B.C. government to respond to fentanyl with expanded access to clean drugs
Vancouver moves from first to fourth in UBS Global Real Estate bubble index
B.C. government will require winter tires on designated highways, staring on Sunday (October 1)
Activist organizations more concerning than big money in B.C. politic
Musqueam picks Polygon to begin work on massive residential development near UBC
A quick guide to Liberal contenders

Ottawa Observations: Thursday, September 28, 2017

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for Thursday, September 28, 2017


Trump team plays hardball in NAFTA talks with Buy America demands
A NAFTA overhaul would offer Trump a tiny ray of hope - but don't bet on it
Critics assail Mélanie Joly over lack of specifics in Netflix announcement
The Netflix deal is a very sweet deal for Netflix, not Canada
Mélanie Joly's Netflix deal fails to address the real issues for Canadian content creators
Morneau's talk of 'dead money' ignites new criticism in tax debate
Inuit will write marine management plan for eastern end of Northwest Passage
Britain's Theresa may issues warning to Boeing over Bombardier trade dispute
Canada mulled buying used Kuwaiti jets, now looking at Australia: Sajjan
Number of asylum seekers entering Canada through unauthorized border crossings drops in September
Governor-General David Johnston bids Parliament 'adieu' with wife Sharon at his side
Judy Foote bids an emotional farewell to House of Commons
Pot legalization plan on agenda for Trudeau's meeting with premiers next week
Liberals to consider U.S. Super Hornet offer, despite battle with Boeing
Liberals unveil Canadian cultural policy revamp, with help from Netflix
Canada vs. Boeing: How the fight with aerospace giant began, on Pennsylvania Avenue
Premiers want federal tax proposals on agenda at first minister's meeting
Universal pharmacare would save Canadians $4.2B a year, parliamentary budget officer says
Border agency reports big drop in number of long-term detainees
Proposed citizenship oath change prompts some to call for more education about Indigenous people
'My sister Alberta's murder changed my life completely,' MMIWG inquiry hears
Include Indigenous people's in citizenship oath
Focus on national interest in Bombardier fight
The truth is NAFTA has damaged Canada's Auto industry
Liberals' committee walk-out showed disrespect and intolerance
The truth is the Liberals have always polled poorly on actual issues
Vagueness of "Islamophobia' is what makes it troubling all-inclusive
Accusations Morneau breached conflict-of-interest screen raise tension over tax reforms
Alberta's patch: Solving the world's big environmental challenges or a sunset industry?
Amid spat with Bombardier, Boeing won't be considered for future fighter jet replacements, Sajjan suggests
Canadians might have accepted tax reforms in Liberals hadn't ignited a class war
Brian Jean apologizes for calling Quebec's position on Bombardier 'ridiculous and retarded'
New Canadians will have to swear to observe treaties with Indigenous people
Liberals access to information bill would 'severly' limit access and create new hurdles: watchdog 
National Pharmacare program would save $4.2 billion annually, budget officer
32,000 asylum seekers entered Canada, 6.000 work permits awarded, 9 deported: officials
Toronto top city in the world at risk of a housing bubble: report
Canada's cultural overhaul:  Here's what Canadian consumers should know
The plight of Bombardier affects all Canadians
Federal government announces U.S. investments as part of new Canadian media strategy
Bombardier got subsidies? Boeing received $64B from the U.S. government
Access to information bill a step backwards, not forward: watchdog
Watchdog says universal pharmacare would cost Ottawa $19B
Trump was looking for a trade war. Now he has one.
Bill Morneau shows a flash of temper in the small-business tax battle
Netflix and shill: What the Liberals' big announcement adds up to
Stop whining American: NAFTA favours your wine
'We as Canadians are afraid to deal with racism'
Questioning Jump in Party memberships during Leadership races sparks controversy
Vancouver moves from first to fourth in UBS Global real estate Bubble index
Mélanie Joly's Creative Canada proposals applauded by CBC, directors and writers

UBCM seeks larger discussion on campaign finance reform; but the taxpayers can keep their cash

The large volume of UBCM resolutions have started to be attended to by delegates to this weeks Vancouver convention, with Wednesday the first day of the three days put aside for consideration of the 203 page book of Resolutions.

Earlier this week, we outlined some of the Northwest initiatives brought to the convention and the bulk of those it would seem will be reviewed and discussed through the day today.

Yesterday, the municipal leaders followed up on a theme introduced by the provincial government last week, that of campaign finance reforms.

The resolution sponsored by the Greater Victoria community of Oak Bay presented a call for the province to enable the municipal governments to address the issue on the local basis, noting that should the provincial government make changes to provincial campaign finance regulations to restrict campaign donations, those changes be extended to include campaign finance regulations for local government.

However, by the time the resolution got to the voting stage it came with one significant diversion from the provincial plan proposed by the NDP government of John Horgan and his helpful assistant Green Leader Andrew Weaver.

Perhaps aware that their residents can quickly seek access to municipal officials, they chose not to embrace the NDP/Green proposal to reach into the taxpayers wallets to fund election campaigns in the future.

As we outlined at the time of the introduction of the provincial proposal, the NDP/Green initiative includes a financing plan which will see the provincial party candidates receive $2.50 per vote from the taxpayers.

That campaign finance program is scheduled to last for a period of four years, when the initiative will be reviewed.

That kind of reach into the pockets of taxpayers, apparently is just an area that many of the municipal leaders aren't' inclined to travel towards.

Though don't expect any quick action on the larger theme of municipal campaign financing.

Much to the disappointment of a number of the delegates (mostly from the larger communities) the resolution failed to gain enough votes to pass and was put aside for further study by the UBCM executive.

Something that Victoria mayor Lisa Helps referred to as a "very weak move"

Some notes on those discussions and what may come next can be found below:


Motion to ban corporate and union donations in civic elections stumbles
Andrew Weaver calls for reform of local government
Move to limit campaign donations fails to gain support at UBCM
B.C. Municipalities eager for finance reform breakthrough under new government
Local politicians ask B.C. government for campaign donation reform

More notes on the events of the UBCM convention can be reviewed on our archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

NWCC seeks bids to refresh college website

The Waap Galts'ap Community Longhouse on the main campus of NWCC in Terrace,
the college is looking to update its online presence with
a website redevelopment plan
(photo from NWCC website)

With a new name perhaps on the way and a new focus for delivering education to the region part of the future, officials at Northwest Community College are about to turn their attention towards the college website.

NWCC recently posted a Request for Proposal for website developers to review, with the college noting that the current website no longer fulfills their needs. Particularly in areas of functionality, navigation, design and display of digital assets.

Those with a talent for website design will want to make note of some of the key elements required for the new website.

Among some of the key expressions, or positioning statements that NWCC wants to stress for their new online portal are:

Broaden your horizon
elevated experiences
free your mind
enable adventurous minds
open minds, open spaces
unbound education
the path forward
wide-open learning

The website design will also be required to deliver some of the following:

Well organized and easy to navigate
Effective menu and search functions
Ability to scan and find information at a glance
Mobile friendly, responsive design

The design should also promote and drive an audience to new, relevant information available on the site.


The full request for bids can be reviewed from the BC Bid website.

The deadline for interested web designers to apply is October 13th.

The college is also seeking the services of an auditor to provide for the audited statements that are required to be delivered by the College, details for that contract are also available on the BC Bid site.

More notes related to NWCC across Northwest BC can be found on our archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Mayors' Climate Leadership Council explore issues at UBCM

The membership of the British Columbia Municipal Climate Leadership Council
(photo from Community Energy Association twitter feed)

One item on Prince Rupert Mayor Lee Brain's to do list at UBCM, has been to keep up to speed on the latest developments from the British Columbia Municipal Climate Leadership Council, which is holding sessions as part of this week's convention.

Mr. Brain became a member of the Leadership Council at last years UBCM meeting and was featured prominently in the class photo from this year (see above) in addition to the Mayor, other participants in the Council include the following municipal politicians:

Mayor Richard Walton, District of North Vancouver  
Mayor Taylor Bachrach, Town of Smithers 
Mayor Lawrence Chernoff, City of Castlegar  
Councillor Sue Ellen Fast, Bowen Island Municipality  
Councillor Patrick Johnstone, City of New Westminster  
Mayor Joh Lefebure, Municipality of North Cowichan  
Mayor Darrell Mussato, City of North Vancouver  
Councillor Andrea Reimer, City of Vancouver  
Councillor Cheryl Shuman, City of Dawson Creek

The Council members have not released any details of their work at UBCM so far, though Mayor Brain took advantage of his attendance to highlight some of the initiatives he is working on in Prince Rupert, posting some background to his Facebook page on Wednesday.

Included as part of the update, was a mention of the work of a committee the Mayor has put in place to address his 2030 Sustainable City project, that group is developing a policy book that will explore a range of environmental themes, with plans to take the project to public engagement sometime in 2018.

One area of discussion themes that those that met this week may have tackled could be the status of planning for an upcoming climate conference that the Council will be hosting in November in Vancouver.

That conference seems to destined to bring together climate action leaders, BCMLC members and leading professionals for 2.5 days of what is described as intensive training.

Scheduled to speak at that event include Mayor Walton of North Vancouver and Chair of the BCMCLC, Travis Streb a communications coach and Group Facilitator and former Vancouver Mayor and BC NDP Leader Mike Harcourt.

All will share themes on sustainability and action on the environment.

Earlier this year Mayor Brain attended a Renewable Cities conference in Vancouver, themes of energy efficiency and making urban areas more sustainable were reviewed at that event.

You can learn more about the British Columbia Municipal Climate Leadership Council here.

More notes related to this years UBCM can be found on our Archive page

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

MLA shares emergency preparation themes with constituents

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice has dipped into the resource material from her portfolio as Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness, sharing some thoughts on the theme with those living on the North Coast, Central Coast and Haida Gwaii.

The MLA has delivered her information through her constituency website and Facebook page,  reminding residents that the time is now to prepare for sever weather conditions and tsunami events. Also noting the dangers to community posed by earthquakes, floods, hazardous spills, landslides and avalanches.

As well, she reminds residents of the dangers posed by the aftermath of major events, particularly the need to be prepared for longer term power outages.

She points constituents of the North Coast and Haida Gwaii to a range of public service websites hosted by the Agency PreparedBC.

You can review the preparation notes from that agency here.

More notes on the North Coast MLA's work in Victoria can be found here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Victoria Viewpoints: Wednesday, September 27, 2017

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


Trans Mountain pipeline's future fuzzy after federal appeal ruling
B.C. 'looking at' following suit on Ontario bill for physician-payment disclosure
Joe Roberts' cross country walk for homelessness reaches its last stop
Critics raise questions about China's reception for B.C. municipal leaders
Climbing number of foreign students puts B.C. university's cap system to the test
Alberta Williams' sister hopes for justice from missing and murdered women inquiry
'You're making history with us': MMIWG commissioner praises woman's testimony for its bravery
'My sister Alberta's murder changed my life completely,' MMIWG inquiry hears
Lawsuits allege Vancouver tech company a Ponzi scheme and sham
Vancouver woman petitions against dual name crackdown on new IDs
B.C. transportation minister not committing to ride hailing legislation anytime soon
SkyTrain service returning to normal after rush hour chaos, TransLink says
Miley Cyrus weighs in on 'loophole' in B.C.'s proposed ban on trophy hunting
High on the Agenda: Delta Mayor champions produce over pot at UBCM
Housing expert questions Vancouver council candidate's mansion tax
Squamish politicians push for transit linking town to Metro Vancouver
Court of appeal rules agains Kinder Morgan, federal government on existing TransMountain pipeline
Court tells Ottawa to reconsider pipeline approval on B.C. reserve
Public unfairly kept in dark on Site C's 'gory' details
B.C. NDP partisan hiring spree 'sickening': Greens
Vancouver outstrips rest of Canadian cities for highest percentage of low-income households
First Nations win what they already had in long Treaty 8 fight
B.C. Seniors care in desperate need of improvement
Move to limit campaign donations fails to gain support at UBCM
Rising harassment of civic leaders linked to Social media
Victoria Council strikes right balance
B.C. Liberals tread lightly out of the gate
Winter work stoppage prompts Site C layoffs 
Proportional representation advocates meet with BC NDP government
New questions raised following B.C. casino audit
Use of Vernon parks by homeless campers sparks debate
B.C. hospital to unveil first North American mother-baby care unit
Penticton Fire Chief calls for drug consumption site, needle exchange program to combat drug epidemic
'City on Edge': Vancouver as a Hotbed of Protest
BC Historic Train Collection faces Eviction, Seizure
Instant Memberships Undermining Leadership Races, says former politician
B.C. Supreme Court issues ruling after Feds and Province disagree over western boundary of Treaty 8
B.C. addictions minister Judy Darcy tells frustrated UBCM crowd the province is redoubling efforts on fentanyl
B.C. government promises to work with municipalities to reduce homelessness
Horgan expected to commit to 'an action' on homelessness

Ottawa Observations: Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for Wednesday, September 27, 2017




Bombardier duties threaten to ratchet up tensions in NAFTA talks
On the book of Bombardier vs. Boeing, skip to Chapter 19
Boeing-Bombardier dispute is Trumpism at its worst
Tax changes will target 'dead money' and boost investment, Morneau says
Ottawa to unveil $500-million Netflix deal as part of cultural policy overhaul
U. S. takes tough stand on trade deficit in NAFTA talks
Canadian doctors' average billings growing more slowly, report says
Canada's effort to reduce solitary confinement resulting in more danger to inmates: Ombudsman
Trans Mountain pipeline's future fuzzy after federal appeal ruling
NAFTA talks have nothing to do with trade - and that's the danger
Status of women committee in limbo while Tories, Liberals battle over chair
Liberals working on apology for 1939 decision to turn away Jewish refugees
Netflix to commit $500M over 5 years on new Canadian production sources
Punitive Bombardier duties show Trump's trade plan all about protectionism
Trade ministers praise NAFTA progress as others worry about snail's pace
As solitary confinement drops, violent attacks rise in Canadian prisons
Boeing Super Hornet Jet purchase likely to become first casualty in possible trade war
Gov. Gen. David Johnston on his letters to the Queen, reconciliation and how Canada can be better
Trudeau's sunny Liberals trying to rain on Andrew Scheer's day
6 things fundraising data tell us about NDP leadership race
'No predetermined path for interest rates from here,' Stephen Poloz says
'Please, we need a home': Nigerian asylum seekers follow well-trodden migrant route to Canada
Boeing  may have won a battle, but not the war, says Quebec premier of Bombardier battle
Anti-abortion MP derails status of women committee
Morneau's discomfort over proposed tax changes an unnecessary spectacle
Canada's access to information system faring worse under Trudeau government: audit
Time to end tax breaks that benefit the rich
Canada's moment for self-reflection, not just celebration
Senator Beyak is the Liberals' bogeyman
Our free speech is already under attack
Bombardier flying on a subsidized wing and a NAFTA prayer
Liberals fail to embrace diversity of opinion
Time to bust the myth. Canada does not have to be in aerospace
Netflix to invest in Canadian programs as part of Feds new cultural plan
Rosier tone from ministers and 'significant progress' on NAFTA, despite shadow of Bombardier spat
Canada quietly opposes Kurd independence, notwithstanding history of oppression
New U.S. ambassador to Canada says she has different tone than Trump but 'seeking the same result'
Goodbye NAFTA, hello NAPTA, our new North American Trade-Protection Agreement
Justin Trudeau's grossly misleading take on Iraq
How Chrystia Freeland sees trade talks in the Trump era
What the Democrats' 'Medicare for All' plan could spur in Canada
Teens to Trudeau: No pot, isn't easier to get than alcohol
Conservatives call for House debate on Liberal small business tax proposal
Justin Trudeau says anger over Omar Khadr case will ensure it never happens again
Bombardier: A guide to the trade dispute and what could happen next
'Substantial challenges' still ahead after 3rd round of NAFTA talks
Teen mental health advocate elbows way into Justin Trudeau's schedule
Canada to apologize for refusing entry to Jewish refugees fleeing Holocaust in 1939
Donald Trump's popularity in Canada stumbles to new low
Quebec Premier calls for boycott of Boeing after Bombardier slapped with 219% duty
A Fascist take on Canadian History
Mulcair looks to Christmas Retirement
NDP leader Tom Mulcair on verge of saying goodbye to federal politics