Sunday, September 30, 2018

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




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


Globe and Mail 

B.C. to look at private lenders as part of money laundering probe
Metro Vancouver politicians divided in support of different regional transit plans
With cannabis soon to be legal in public, who not alcohol too?
Two mayors dispute commissioner's report on former Victoria police chief
B.C. tourism operators fear reputational damage to industry after back-to-back summers of smoke, wildfire


CBC

New bylaw could block Nanaimo cannabis company's expansion plans
Sounds like trouble: Ground Grind wants hikers to stop using loud, portable speakers
Gambling addict says B.C. government lacks will to set limits on billion-dollar industry
Layers of B.C. taxes and fees add up to 26% 'tariff' on new home costs
Wildlife lovers worry social media posts creating 'fear factor' around bears in B.C. city
2 of 5 investors grant final approval for $40B LNG Canada project
Winter tire rules in effect on B.C. Highways starting October 1
From tent city to Tally Ho: homeless camper in Victoria finds shelter at assisted living site
B.C. recycled 1 billion drink containers last year -- and it wants more
Feed the meter or take your chances? a gambler's guide to weekend parking


Vancouver Sun

Huge LNG plant in Kitimat gets the green light, report says
BC government and First Nation sign deal to manage declining moose populations
An ex-patriate British Columbian's thoughts on electoral reform
Proportional representation is bad for BC, but very bad for B.C. mining


Vancouver Province

LNG politics ramp up as massive project approval looms


Victoria Times Colonist

What Island tent cities have in common: a guiding hand from Surrey
B.C. attorney general wants affidavit sealed in case of leaked Nanaimo documents
Rallies clash over "SOGI"  gender program in schools
Supporters criticize isolating campers at Goldstream
Next week will tell the LNG tale
Duncan council failed to lead on shelter for homeless women
When will Ottawa keep its promise on removing derelict boats
BC Hydro shouldn't be a social agency


Victoria News

Tent City holds a rally in front of Goldstream Park campground
Vancouver Islanders ponder the traditional practice of giving tax breaks to churches
Adrian Dix's private clinic crackdown begins


Global BC

Shell's $40B LNG Canada project to be announced as early as Monday: report
Hundreds gather in Victoria to honour fallen police officers Sunday
Largest cruise ship ever to enter Port of Vancouver takes on passengers
B.C. cops held in Cuba on sexual assault allegation behind denied justice, say Vancouver reverend
Homeless campers march past blockade at Goldstream Park, calling for affordable housing
Winter tires mandatory on most B.C. highways starting Monday
'No room for discrimination' says Education Minister, school groups, mid dueling SOGI protests


Georgia Strait

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Vancouver Courier

Chief suggests re-routing Trans Mountain pipeline to Robert Bank
A cow with an important message in Delta
Back to back summers of smoke and fire stoke BC tourism industry fears
Province issues winter tire warning, officially kills summer vibe
Going modular to help the homeless
Building with illegal suites cited by District of North Vancouver


The Tyee

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Miscellaneous

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



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


NAFTA reborn, USMCA Agreement reached

Canada, U.S. reach tentative deal; Trump approves pact
Canada made concessions on NAFTA but new deal avoids major damage to economy
Mexico may have lost most with new NAFTA deal, but calls it a win
Prime Minister Trudeau briefs CEO's of Canada's Bog Five banks ahead of Sunday NAFTA deadline
Canada, U.S.  reach new NAFTA deal
In 12 steps, how troubled NAFTA 2.0 talks unfolded
Trudeau will benefit on NAFTA regardless of outcome
Revamped NAFTA deal, renamed USMCA, will 'rebalance' North America trade after Canada reaches 11th hour agreement
New NAFTA deal reached: Canada, U.S. Mexico reach trade agreement under new name


Globe and Mail 

U.S. intelligence officials question Canada's ability to test China's Huawei for security breaches
Independence not on table at Quebec election as Liberals, Parti Quebecois vie for seats
Immigration Canada extending hotel stay of asylum seekers in Toronto
Veterans association calls Pension for Life program a 'betrayal' of community
CETA is a transatlantic bridge of hope
Taking short cuts won't get Trans Mountain pipeline built any faster
Jagmeet Singh says he's not concerned about state of party as NDP faces existential questions
Jagmeet Singh says NDP is 'trending up' one year into leadership
Ontario cannabis plan would remove municipalities' direct control over store locations



CBC

Canada's cellphone system vulnerable in disasters, say experts
Ahead of Quebec's election, polls indicate Francois Legault's CAQ is close to winning a majority
It's not easy being GG; Payette tries to reassure staff as criticism mounts
'Not a get-out-of-jail-free pass': Indigenous healing lodges defended in wake of McClintic transfer
Freeland postpones UN speech amid NAFTA talks and looming deadline
How a 'right to be forgotten' could trigger a battle over free speech in Canada
Canadian police services still putting 'finishing touches' on pot consumption policy for officers


Toronto Star

Ottawa teams with brain injury experts as it probes mystery attacks on Canadian diplomats in Cuba
Quebec party leaders travel province on final campaign day before election vote

Toronto Sun

A return to civility needed in politics
Moving from redistribution to growth- Canada needs a rethink
Birth tourism in Canada needs to be addressed



National Post

Privacy experts are alarmed about the five eyes demand for backdoors on tech devices
Canada and U.S. inch closer to reaching new NAFTA deal, but key sticking points remain
NAFTA talks in crucial phase amid threat of devastating tariffs on Canadian auto sector
New Democrats try to bolster donations with fundraising matching strategy ahead of September 30 deadline

Maclean's

Canadian insiders remain cautious as NAFTA deal comes into reach
The one thing that could bring back responsible government



Global

Shell's $40B LNG Canada project to be announced as early as Monday: report
Close, but not there yet': Sources say U.S. and Canada near NAFTA deal
Scheer urges policy change to stop 'horrific' offenders like McClintic from going to healing lodges
Rohingya genocide: Is Canada doing enough to help the targeted Muslim minority?
Canada and U.S. make progress on NAFTA in last-ditch talks: Sources
'Double your impact': NDP try to boost donations with fundraising matching program


Miscellaneous 

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Friday, September 28, 2018

Victoria Viewpoints: Friday, September 28, 2018




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


Globe and Mail 

In the Trans Mountain feud, a BC First Nation paves its own path of resistance and prosperity
LNG project may force BC Greens to show their true colours
Former Conservative MP Wai Young could be spoiler in Vancouver mayor's race
New Victoria police chief says there's still 'work to do' to ensure misconduct blasted in report does not recur



CBC

Student designing maps aimed at making it easier to travel across BC without a car
ICBC proposes annual $50 fee for unlisted drivers
BC Hydro pressured to fund new salmon infrastructure in Alouette watershed
Abbotsford vice principal suspended, then resigns, after being charged with child pornography crimes
Amazon to open 10 acre shipping warehouse on Tsawwassen First Nation land
Victoria's top cop promises to learn from Elsner affair
Tahltan First Nation faces many more months away from home after wildfire devastation


Vancouver Sun

Will leaders debate with poll showing a 'souring' on electoral reform
Listen to seven Mayoral hopefuls debate the hot topics
A yellow Mustang, and two friends who grew up to be election rivals
West Coast Express locomotives due for multimillion-dollar overhauls
BC launches new money laundering review in real estate sector
K-12 union support staff in BC agree to three year framework agreement
Badly flawed electoral reform process is too controlled by politicians
Surrey LRT project needs to proceed


Vancouver Province

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Victoria Times Colonist

Victoria and Esquimalt mayors slammed in report on Frank Elsner's misconduct
Botched Elsner inquiry shows need for change

Victoria News

Retired DFO scientist plans wild salmon research expedition in Gulf of Alaska

Global BC

Lend your car out from time to time? There's now an ICBC fee for that
Allegations of voter fraud surface in Surrey civic election
Study finds pollutants called PCBs pose greatest threat to orca population
Elections BC orders Surrey LRT signs to come down
Grand Forks residents face growing frustration and financial anxiety
Approving LNG Canada project could tap into glut of Alberta natural gas
Two Vancouver elementary schools to get $35.8M seismic upgrades
Live, work play: "Mixed use' developments are the future, says report
North Shore mayoral candidates have their say on transportation, affordability
Documents allege complicity in money laundering in major investigation of River Rock Casino


Georgia Strait

Abbotsford vice-principal arrested on child pornography charges
Sean Cassidy: Vancouver needs a mayor who advocates for renters


Vancouver Courier

VIMBY event to explore solutions to Vancouver's affordable housing crisis
How B.C. educators can play a role in addressing the opioid overdose crisis
Government secrecy paves way for authoritarianism expert warns
BC political parties face personal data collection investigation
Abbotsford vice-principal charged with making available, possessing child porn
Shauna Sylvester and Kennedy Stewart praise Green's housing platform
NDP government urged to reform access to information law


The Tyee

How to talk about relations between Indigenous Peoples and Europeans
Health Minister reflects on BC's 'Big Challenge': Fighting Poverty and Inequality


Miscellaneous

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Ottawa Observations: Friday, September 28, 2018



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



Globe and Mail 

Canada, U.S. rushing to close NAFTA deal over weekend
Netflix 'on track to exceed' it's $500 million commitment for productions in Canada
Canada likely to continue progressive programs despite Trump's dubious war on drugs
Ford government has a split personality


CBC

Mexican president-elect insists on trilateral NAFTA deal as text of U.S./Mexico deal awaited
Health Canada issues warning on EpiPen devices
Canada endorsed U.S. 'war on drugs' document to appease U.S., Liberal MP says
U.S.-Mexico text may preview Canada's NAFTA prospects
Scheer to force Commons vote on transfer of Tori Stafford's killer to healing lodge
Court drops bomb by ruling against constitutionality of military justice system
Canada Revenue Agency still subjecting taxpayers to 'humiliating, frustrating' benefit review process: report
Hassan Diab appeal decision delayed a month
How do you Russia-proof an election? Educate your voters, says Latvian official


Toronto Star

Canada gets boost from Mexican president-elect as NAFTA talks go down to the wire
Two more Canadian transit agencies considering platform safety barriers


Toronto Sun

Chrystia Freeland needs a re-boot
Canada will be flying high come October


National Post

The wolf is truly at provinces' doors, PBO fiscal report warns
Quebecers look poised to vote the CAQ into power for first time. But what exactly are they voting for?
Auto tariff ultimatum by U.S. 'spooked' Canada into returning to last-ditch trade talks: source
Conservatives to force vote condemning McClintic transfer to Aboriginal healing lodge
No wonder Trudeau loves the UN, it's all style, no substance
Canada hasn't noticed, but Quebec nationalism is coming back
Trudeau stands alone as Canada - and the world - abandons green energy


Maclean's

Chrystia Freeland's most important sparring partner isn't Donald Trump
Canada backed America's 'War on Drugs' That's a mistake


Global

U.S., Mexico delay release of trade deal text to give more time for Canada to join
On McClintic healing lodge transfer, Goodale cannot 'give specific directions' to reverse move: memo
Tori Stafford's father pleads with Trudeau to reverse the transfer of his girls father


Miscellaneous 



City Council's work on marijuana issues for Prince Rupert to resume in October

With legalization of marijuana across Canada fast approaching, Prince Rupert City Council is set to deliver some of their work on how the City of Prince Rupert will approach the issue, with plans in motion to outline the city's framework plan as part of their October Council meeting.

Mayor Lee Brain provided the heads up yesterday, while appearing on the Northern View podcast, though he didn't really tip the city's hand all that much during the appearance.

Mr. Brain noted that much of the discussion thus far has taken place during in camera  (closed) workshop sessions of council, though the Mayor did offer up notice that some of the results of that council work will be delivered following Thanksgiving.

The Mayor also stressed that just because cannabis will be legalized on October 17th, that doesn't mean that would be retailers can automatically open a business on that date.

He noted that there will be a range of federal and provincial regulations to navigate, with the Mayor also observing that council hopes to have a process and framework for the municipal plans in place by the end of December.

Council next meets in public session on October 9th, the final gathering before the Civic election that could change some of the faces around the Council chamber.

At that session, Rupertites may learn more about the city's focus when it comes to marijuana use in the city and the commercial opportunities that could be made available, as well as what further community engagement that the city has planned.

Until Council meets on the 9th, or more notes on the plan are shared prior to the Council session, you can review the work that City Council explored towards the issue last year below:

2017

December 11 -- Council to host Public Hearing on Marijuana zoning prohibition tonight
November 14 -- Council to hear request to extend Marijuana Operations prohibition Bylaw until July 2018
March 23 -- Council takes note of complaints related to Medicinal Grow Op Smells
February 8 -- Public Hearing offers community feedback as Prince Rupert Council moves forward on marijuana plans
January 6 -- Prince Rupert Council to tackle issue of Commercial Marijuana Dispensaries at Monday Session

For more items of note on City Council Discussion topics see our Council Archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Calls for more transparency could cover many themes if Council candidates are inclined to discuss the issue on Monday night



With the candidates settling into their pace for the next five weeks of electioneering some are beginning to put out some campaign feelers on where they sit on a number of issues and one of the current ones appears to be a familiar campaign theme of a call for more transparency.

The drum beat of Transparency, accountability and other similar themes seems to be heard quite loudly prior to the election cycle,  though as time moves forward, that beat becomes a little less audible once the team has been assembled in Council chambers.

That was the case in 2014, when many of the candidates made sweeping commentary about those themes, the rather large number of closed council meetings and civic work down outside of the public eye.

October 13, 2014 -- Platforms, Platforms, Platforms
September 15, 2014 -- More transparency, more town halls the call from the Lee Brain campaign

However, over the last four years those closed meetings have held to pretty well the same pace of the previous council, this year standing at 12 and counting.

The in camera workshops have grown in number and more and more often, the work of council is delivered by way of a social media announcement or press releases and not through the public forum of a Council chamber.

As well, even when council sessions take place in public session, as we noted earlier this month, the amount of time spent in the Council chamber has at times been of limited duration, ranging from a low of nine minutes to the longest session of the year of 80 minutes.

And even with that reduced work load, at one point at the start of the year, the original council schedule had cleared the Council chambers from September through to November,  a calendar change that would have seen but 11 public sessions for the year, something that Council wisely chose to revise, expanding their Council duties later in the year.

Council sessions that last less than half an hour, (540 seconds in one instance), can hardly offer up the chance for much in the way of civic debate, let alone transparency or accountability.

With the pattern of the last year one that would seem to indicate that the bulk of Council's work is now done in camera and far beyond the overview of a public session.

Just one example of how much of that work has been taken on behind closed doors, comes from the decisions related to Watson Island, where the City went from an original plan of selling the industrial site, to now becoming landlord of a Logistics terminal.

The topic and Council's new approach was not raised once in public session until the final decision had been made, the Council session but one of the launch forums for the city's newest adventure.

Whether one believes that the Watson decision was right, or wrong, something of such consequence for the city and its taxpayers probably should have been subject to some vigorous discussion in public, so as to allow for some transparency on how council went about its work to take on such a commitment.

The same could be said for the work of the Legacy Corporation and its use, another civic instrument which we rarely learn much about.

To be fair, a few of the council members have tried to introduce elements of more transparency, though as the four year mandate moved forward, those efforts appear to have drifted away, the ambitions perhaps still there, but lost among the many other agenda items competing for attention.

Councillor Cunningham lamented as much earlier this month, when he observed that his long advocated quest to have civic groups, as well as city departments and services appear in front of council to provide regular reports, never did seem to gain much traction through the last four years.

It's been a long running theme for the councillor who brought the topic up for attention earlier this year exploring how he would like to see Council address the issue.



Mr. Cunningham also has been the strongest advocate for the continuation of the Committee of the Whole process, which offers the residents the only opportunity, once a month (when Council choose to put it on the agenda) to address issues of concern and raise them publicly with their elected representatives.

In the last few years, council has floated the idea of making some changes to that one element of public conversation and accountability that the city's residents have access to.

However, so far, Council has not made any modifications to that access,  with Mr. Cunningham looking to keep the current process as it is and expand on what it can offer the public.

And while it is true that the Committee of the Whole opportunity often goes by without contribution from residents, the ability to appear in front of Council is something that should always be welcomed by Council members.

In May of last year, Councillor Mirau also took note of some concern in the community on the number of closed meetings that the city holds, following up on his original thoughts, later that month with a blue print of sorts of how he would like to see Council address the issue.

Councillor Mirau also explores the theme through his campaign website, making accountability and more public communication part of his enhancement plans for Accountability.


Among his current campaign notes, there is a desire that Council be held to account more than once every four year election cycle, though he hasn't outlined in any detail what form of accountability that vision might provide for.

The opportunity to expand on that concept and any others will be available to Mr. Mirau and all the other candidates this Monday, when the City Council election forum takes place at the Lester Centre.

Some other possible elements that council hopefuls may want to explore further at the Monday Forum could be:

Dedicate themselves to pushing forward Councillor Cunningham's plan for more accountability through reports to City Council

Less reliance on closed council sessions and faster delivery of information to the public from those that they believe they have to hold.

Listing how each council member votes on issues that are considered at the Council Sessions.

Making public the expenses recorded by Council members and senior staff both in town and while travelling on city business.

Taking advantage of the Committee of the Whole Process to better engage with the public and to help increase awareness of the work of City Council.

Go on the record for the public as to whether they want to keep the Mayor's position as that of a full time one with the current salary level in place 

And how the new council will approach the loss of the tax free portion of their salary from the new Federal tax legislation

Some residents may have their own ideas on transparency and accountability as well, Monday offers up the chance to put the council members to the test on their dedication towards the theme.

The doors open to the Monday evening forum at the Lester Centre at 6:30.

For some further notes on the 2018 Civic and School District Election see our Election page here.

A wider look at some of the past City Council Discussion topics can be found from our Council Archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.


Pacific Salmon treaty agreement heads to U.S., Canadian governments for final approval

While it seems of late that Canada and the United States can't seem to agree on much when it comes to bi-national issues, on the theme of salmon, it appears that the two sides of the border are of the same mind.

After some extensive negotiating sessions over the last two years, representatives of the two countries have completed their work on a new Pacific Salmon Treaty, with the document set to provide for limits on fishing for the next ten years.

The eight members of the Pacific Salmon Commission, four from each nation, along with their alternates released the details of their agreement on September 17th.

The proposed agreement covers highly-migratory salmon stocks from Cape Falcon in Oregon to Southeast Alaska in the north and includes Pink, Coho, Sockeye, Chum and Chinook Salmon.

Among the changes recommended by the commission are new conservation objectives for several salmon populations, as well as a renewed commitment to science and stock assessment to inform decision makers in both countries. 

The proposed agreement also includes harvest reductions for Chinook fisheries in both countries that will help protect stocks while providing sustainable harvest opportunities for First Nations, Indian Tribes, as well as commercial and recreational fishers in both countries.

The proposed agreement has now been referred to the two governments for their legal review and ratification through formal diplomatic channels.

A look at some of the research and other findings of the Commission can be explored further here.

Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen has greeted the news of the agreement positively and was encouraged by the work that was completed, calling on the Federal government to accept the findings and move forward on the agreement.

“The sustainability of wild salmon stocks is a huge issue for many communities and governments must step up to the plate and work collaboratively to protect these species. We need co-operation if we want to protect our fisheries,”

“It’s good that representatives from both countries have created a plan to manage Pacific salmon. Now the Canadian government must step up and accept the agreement. This agreement will require all jurisdictions to accept a reduction in the number of fish that can be harvested,”

If the agreement is approved, the new conservation  sharing agreement will come into effect on January1, 2019 and remain in force through to December 31, 2028.

For more items of note on the North Coast Fishery see our archive page here.

Some background on the work of the House of Commons can be found from our House of Commons archive.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Victoria Viewpoints: Thursday, September 27, 2018




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


Globe and Mail 

BC government details new reviews designed to curb money laundering
Members of BC First Nation won't be able to return home for months after wildfires
Vancouver's old school apartment blocks under pressure


CBC

Landlords fear financial fallout from new cap on rent hikes
Thousands headed to Vancouver on largest cruise ship to ever visit city
Province tackles dirty money in real estate with 2 point plan
Who are the 3,321 people running for local office in BC?


Vancouver Sun

BC launches new money laundering review in real estate sector
Court delay may lead to private surgery cancellations
ICBC's new fees for unlisted drivers and learners could drive up 2019 rates
Political urgency also goes missing in money laundering probe
BC government has completed one quarter of 2,000 promised modular housing units
Amazon to open 450,000 square foot warehouse in Tsawwassen
BC's Thaltan First Nation won't be able to return home for months after wildfire


Vancouver Province

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Victoria Times Colonist

Homeless Goldstream campers fear moving to rubber mats
Learner, unlisted driver fees could hike ICBC rates


Victoria News

The Ministry of Health commits to focus more on community driven health networks
Saanich will continue to flow taxpayers' money into sanitation station
Concerns raised over plans for Highway 14 improvements
BC to track 'dirty money' in real estate, horse racing
BC carbon tax now costs  more than natural gas it is charge on 


Global BC

British Columbians split on proportional representation, one third undecided: poll
3 Metro Vancouver mayoral candidates facing citations from Law Society of B.C.
Majority of Okanagan Rail Trail officially opens, but portion still not ready
Homeless campers living in Goldstream Provincial Park must leave by October 2nd
BC launches money laundering reviews into real estate, horse racing, luxury cars
Is a $40 billion liquid natural gas export facility poised for approval in Kitimat?
Amazon expands Metro Vancouver footprint with Deltaport warehouse
IIO investigating police-involved incident in West Kelowna that left 2 in hospital


Georgia Strait

Final investment decision expected next week on $40 billion LNG project near Kitimat
Police misconduct in the Downtown Eastside
Questions for Vancouver school board candidates
Vancouver cops in Downtown Eastside weed seizure to face misconduct complaint


Vancouver Courier

Province launches probe into 'dirty money' in BC real estate
Bowen students left high and dry by ferry overloads
Amazon coming to Tsawwassen First Nation
BC Hydro says smartphone, tablet, 'obsession' behind shift in electricity use
Poll finds some people still think you'll get the flue from a flu shot
Elections BC is worried you won't get their package
Officers accused their chief of unwanted touching, sexual remarks


The Tyee

Action on rising rents shows government cares about affordability, say advocates
One brilliant example of how to rezone Vancouver for affordability


Miscellaneous

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Ottawa Observations: Thursday, September 27, 2018



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



Globe and Mail 

Saudi Arabia demands Canada apologize, stop treating kingdom as a 'banana republic'
In unprecedented move, Commons passes motion to strip Suu Kyi's honorary citizenship
Phillipe Couillard sees 'incumbent syndrome' as a major challenge
Bank of Canada will continue with gradual rate hikes: Poloz
Trump's barbs send Canada-U.S. relations to new lows
Canada Post, union to hold weekend meeting in attempt to break up contract dispute
No apology from Veterans Minister for attacking vet who Library of Parliament says is correct in critique of new Pensions for Life
Canada enters NAFTA trade twilight zone
It's time to examine the way we vote in Canadian elections
Watchdog says Ottawa moving too slowly on privacy threats
Corrections official says she's comfortable with decision to transfer Tori Stafford's killer to healing lodge


CBC

MPs unanimously pass motion to revoke Aung San Suu KYi's honorary citizenship
EU trade chief defends Freeland after Trump trash-talks 'Canada's negotiator'
Watchdog slams government's 'slow to non existent' action to protect Canadian's privacy
Scheer defends MP's use of graphic details from Stafford case during debates
Trump's Canadian envoy Kelly Craft says U.S. respects Chrystia Freeland
Saudi diplomat demands apology from Canada: 'What are we, a banana republic?"
Shared Services Canada overbills tax and border agencies by $13M - but won't pay them back


Toronto Star

Donald Trump's ambassador to Canada defends Chrystia Freeland
Donald Trump's trash talk only helps the Liberals
It's time to end the charade and walk away from NAFTA
Did Trudeau wonder: are they laughing at me?
Ford's move to flatline minimum wage is bad for workers, and Ontario
How do you solve a problem like Donald Trump?
The Ford government's lack of a climate plan comes with big costs


Toronto Sun

Whither NAFTA now that Trump dissed Canada's team?
Provoking Trump to boost PM puts NAFTA at risk
Trudeau's become more of a joke on the world stage
NB election shows need to shake up costly status quo


National Post

Tweaking Trump's nose hasn't helped, but it's not why we don't have a NAFTA deal
Freeland vs. Lightizer: Trump's public dig at Canadian NAFTA negotiators underline tensions
There's nothing to stop Prince Harry from immediately becoming our Governor General
Immigration hardened Swedish hearts. It can happen here, too
Trump avoided Trudeau more than once at the UN, official says
MPs vote to revoke Aung Suu Kyis honorary Canadian citizenship
Stripping ex-Nazi death squad member, 94, of Canadian citizenship 'reasonable,' court rules


Maclean's

What if Donald Trump has a point with Chrystia Freeland?
Quebec's seriously odd, strangely important election


Global

UCP leader Jason Kenney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford to hold anti-carbon tax rally in Calgary
Is a $40 billion liquid natural gas export facility poised for approval in Kitimat?
Corrections official stands by decision to transfer McClintic to healing lodge
'What are we? A banana republic?" Saudi Arabia wants apology from Canada over diplomatic row
House of Commons unanimously votes to revoke Aung San Suu Kyi's honourary Canadian citizenship
Federal Conservatives eye political rebound in Atlantic Canada after NB election results
Privacy commissioner slams 'slow to non-existent' federal action in light of major data breaches
Despite Trump claim, Trudeau says he didn't request a private meeting at UN
Trump trashes Canada's top trade negotiator but his Ottawa emissary thinks Freeland is OK


Miscellaneous 

Final investment decision expected next week on $40-billion LNG project near Kitimat

Metlakatla Treaty update sessions continue tonight

Tonight marks the second of four consultation meetings with members of the Metlakatla First Nation, with officials from the Metlakatla Treaty office available to provide an update on the state of negotiations between the community and the provincial and federal officials.

This evenings engagement event takes place at the Highliner Inn, with dinner set for 5:30, the update will follow as part of the evening's agenda.

Such was the interest in this evenings session that the capacity for the venue had been reached, which has led Metlakatla officials to ask those that reserved a spot, but may have changed their plans to contact the office so that they can open up spots for those on the wait list.



The first engagement of the current sessions, took place in Metakatla on Monday.

The two remaining sessions take place in Prince George on October 3rd and Vancouver on October 4th, offering an opportunity for the Metlakatla membership outside of the North coast to receive the latest notes on the three party discussions.

More notes on the current engagement process can be found here.

The Metlakatla First Nation website offers up a range of material on the Treaty process as well as a comprehensive timeline of the History of Tsimshian people.

Updates on tonight's event can be found on the Metlakatla Facebook page.

More of our past items of note on issues and events in Metlakatla can be found from our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

The Victory speech he won't have to make: Mayor Brain's Northern View podcast moments

Mayor Brain shared his
plans for the future as
part of a Northern View
podcast today
Having found himself at the head of the City Council table for another four years through acclamation, Mayor Lee Brain doesn't have much in the way of campaigning to do this October, with the City Council race set to take up the bulk of the attention on the way to October 20th.

Still, if you have all those campaign notes at hand and are chomping at the bit to share some of the plans for the future, getting an opportunity to take part in the weekly podcast of the Northern View was a forum that Mr. Brain wasn't going to let slip by.

The Mayor is the only guest and his commentary the only focus for the twenty four minute presentation on the paper's online video project for this week, the early part of the appearance for the most part a Hays 2.0 lite review, with Mr. Brain recapping many of the elements of the Spring time presentation at the Lester Centre.

However, there were a few updates on recent themes to be shared with the Northern View's Shannon Lough, with Mayor Brain relaying his talking points towards issues of infrastructure, Watson Island, the ongoing concerns of the Port Tax Caps and the Ridley Island tax sharing agreement with Port Edward among the main items of focus.

 A new RCMP detachment is still
on the city's to do list
for the years ahead
The infrastructure review featured many of the elements from the Lester Centre presentation, the various water projects, the road concerns, plans for sustainability and environmental issues as well as the need for an RCMP building, Mr Brain noting that the city has two sites in mind for the future detachment.

As for finding the resources to address all of those many challenging items, the Mayor called attention to the approach that City Council has taken towards Watson Island and its redevelopment, with the Mayor noting that they hope to attract both capital and operating funds through the industrial site, in order to not put those funding burdens on the taxpayer.

As part of his review of the pulp mill site, he reflects on the past legal issues related to it, as well as making note of the cost of 90,000 dollars a month that the city faced at the time. Though he didn't expand on themes of the current cost to the city, if any, that may be required from the civic treasury for the sites operation and expansion plans.

Mr. Brain also notes that much of the time and focus of city staff over the last few years had been directed towards the strategy of hanging on to Watson Island, rather than towards the idea of selling it for a one time payment, with the path forward seemingly one of hopefully collecting on leasing payments from proponents.

He also observes that the city hopes to get more proponents to the site, but didn't elaborate too much, nor was he asked, as to whether there have been any other expressions of interest beyond the current Pembina proposal.

Rethinking what makes for the
downtown core is a project
that the city will tackle
in the year ahead
The theme of the state of the city's downtown area also makes for some of the Mayor's presentation, with the Mayor observing that with the decline in the city's population and shrinking commercial sector, it is time to reconsider what is actually thought of as the downtown core, pointing to the Redesign Rupert program as the vehicle for that initiative.

Among the ideas being approached is to condense the downtown core, with council to rethink how they and we view the downtown section of the city. The work on those elements set to take place with local partners, it is also an issue that the Mayor noted that Councillor Mirau's Small Business committee has been exploring.

The issues of the Port Taxation Cap remain a priority for the City, with the Mayor observing on his talks at UBCM with the Province, which he is hopeful of seeing some  positive movement towards, the resolution of the issue one which he describes as something that would be a transformational thing.

As for the state of the negotiations with Port Edward on the Ridley Island Tax Sharing agreement, the talks apparently are still ongoing, managed through the services of the Province of British Columbia. The Mayor recapped many of the city's concerns when it comes to contributing to twenty five percent of the Port Edward budget, observing that this year it made for a 900 thousand dollar cheque.

Beyond the amount of money that the city has to transfer each year, the issue that seems to be of most concern to the city is how Port Edward does not contribute to any of the city's shared services, with the mayor listing off the Airport, Library, Museum and Lester Centre as the shared services that make for Prince Rupert's argument.

Towards the city's goal on the issue, what the Mayor wants is what he describes as a fairer arrangement between the two communities.

The City would like to see a renegotiated deal when it comes to the amount of money that the city forwards to the district, as well as for Port Edward to sign onto a shared service agreement, something he says will allow both communities to move forward together.

The Mayor also observed as to the kind of council he is hoping to share the Council chamber with after the October 20th vote. With Mr. Brain suggesting that what City Council really needs are people that may have different and diverse views, but are also willing to collaborate.

He offers up his opinion that people who just see things their way, bang a desk and can't compromise or see things another way, are people who never really accomplish much as they become a one man, or one woman show.

How commonly held concepts of vigorous open public debate on the issues, or expression of alternative views on civic initiatives at Council sessions meshes with this desire for consensus and collaboration, will be something that that the next council collective will have to try to navigate one imagines.

If the last four years are any indication, much of that discussion will take place in the closed sessions and workshops outside of the public council sessions.

In recent years, the Regular sessions of the Council chamber have been a place where council members rarely debated the pros and cons of the large issues facing the community, for the most part leaving those discussions outside of the public meeting format held every two weeks.

When it comes to the formation of Council for the next four years ahead, the Mayor is hoping to see collaborators on council who will work for the common good of the community, something he states the current council has done.

He further offers up the view that voters should be looking for those same traits in the current list of candidates, looking for people who want to collaborate, listen and do things, as well as see the reality of the situation and build partnerships.

The frequent use of the word collaborator makes for an interesting choice, one that seems to suggest that those that may find themselves elected to office, as well as those who cast a vote on October 20th, will want to shape their decisions in line with much of the Hays 2.0 plan that seems to be the Mayor's guiding document for the years ahead.

The podcast appearance also makes a little news on the upcoming plans of Council to address the legalization of marijuana, and while he didn't disclose all that much on what the future may hold for Prince Rupert, the Mayor noted that Council will discuss the topic and outline the city's framework on the issue at its upcoming council session in October.

You can settle in here for the full twenty four minutes of what probably would have been his campaign stump speech from the Northern View website.

With the Mayor scheduled to be part of Monday night's City Council Candidate Forum, some of the themes of the podcast appearance may also make for some of the discussion to come, as Prince Rupert's residents head for the Lester Centre to learn more about those seeking office.

For some background on the Council year that is coming to its end next month, see our Council Discussion archive here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.


Prince Rupert's Presbyterian Church among those on the "Watch List" for Heritage BC

Prince Rupert's Presbyterian Church on Fourth Street East
has been placed on Heritage BC's Watch List

The provincial organization that is dedicated towards protecting British Columbia's heritage has compiled a list of properties across the province that it considers at risk and of significant historic and cultural value to the fabric of the province, with the North Coast finding itself part of their focus for the fall of 2018.

As part of an ongoing project, Heritage BC has compiled what it is calling its "Watch List" which identifies sites that are currently affected by threat of inappropriate alterations, neglect or demolition and among the entries for 2018 is a landmark building in Prince Rupert, the Presbyterian Church on Fourth Avenue East.

As we outlined on the blog earlier this year, the Church brought 93 years of service to the Prince Rupert area in May, that after declines in the numbers of the congregation made it impossible to keep the doors open.

The decommissioning service of May 29th, the final celebration for the building in the community.

Shortly after the doors were closed, the For Sale sign went up, with the building listed as part of the local real estate listings, the property listing still an active one, with an asking price of $540,000.

The potential for sale and potential alteration, something which has clearly caught the attention of Heritage BC.

The background story to the building and the issues that it raises for Heritage BC can be reviewed below:

The Heritage BC entry on Prince Rupert's
Presbyterian Church

(click to enlarge)


As part of their overview of the Presbyterian Church selection for inclusion on the Watch List, Heritage BC notes that the City of Prince Rupert did pass a bylaw in 1991 that designated the church as a heritage site, but also calls attention to some recent changes in the city when it comes to watching over those heritage sites such as the historic Church overlooking the downtown area.

In their documentation, Heritage BC also observes that  the City does not currently have a commission, committee or bylaws in place that could guide possible heritage altering renovations proposed by a new owner.

The City's Heritage Committee which consisted of Chair Rhoda Witherly, along with Judy Warren, Heather McLean, Alison Brunnelle and David Archer stepped down from its duties back in February of 2015, though not without a few parting notes for Council to consider.

At the time, Committee Chair Rhoda Witherly,  offered up three key recommendations for the current City Council to consider when it comes to heritage in the community.

Review and update the City Heritage inventory document (a project which could require at least 8 to 10 thousand dollars in funding)

Establish a Heritage Commission pursuant to Part 27 of the Local Government Act.

Encourage the formation of a Society specifically charged with maintenance and preservation of Pillsbury House.

At the 2015 Council session where the Heritage Committee stepped down, Mayor Brain and council noted that they would be developing plans towards forming a new Heritage commission, three years later however, there does not seem to have been much momentum towards that goal so far.

The concerns for preserving the heritage of the city, perhaps a bit lost in the shuffle with Council's ongoing focus on the future, though there have been a few glimmers of hope for attention towards some of our history. That as the city works through the growing list of planning projects and workshops on future development that have been delivered over the last few years.

The lack of oversight on heritage issues in Prince Rupert at the moment is probably a worrisome trend for Heritage BC, which may give them some interest in reviewing more of the city's buildings for future reference and potential addition to the Watch List in the months ahead.

As part of the focus of their work on issues of provincial heritage, Heritage BC notes that nominations for the Watch List can be made throughout the year, with a submission form available here.

One site that they may wish to flag for future interest is the old VIA/CNR Rail station on the waterfront, a building that has been of note for the city over the years, but continues to sit abandoned with little in the way of attention or progress found as of yet.

June 2018 -- Plans for waterfront eyesore on mind of Councillor Cunningham
February 2017 -- City to hear of grant opportunity related to former VIA/CNR Rail station at Rotary Waterfront Park
February 2017 -- Waterfront landmark looks for a little TLC and a new chance to serve

You can review the full Heritage BC Watch List for 2018 here.

More items of interest on community issues can be found on our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.