Victoria Viewpoints: Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for  Tuesday, December 31, 2019


Globe and Mail 

Suddenly, not so sweet: Rogers Sugar stumbles after move into maple syrup
Former suburb transformed into hip destination
Fore! How golf courses can solve Vancouver's housing crisis - with enough political willpower
BC set for a soggy, slippery start to 2020


CBC

BC Supreme Court grants injunction against Wet'suwet'en protesters in pipeline standoff
How are you getting home tonight? Driving after drinking isn't an option, police warn
BC RCMP consult with hate crime specialist after anti-Semitic graffiti found at Jewish camp
Vancouver celebrates 100 years of the Polar Bear Swim
Highway 97C down to single lane traffic after truck with 'extremely volatile' substance catches fire
Fireworks cancelled at 3 resorts in Lower Mainland due to heavy winds and rain
Need a New Year's resolution? Victoria suggests making one for the planet



Vancouver Sun

Tank of liquefied fish removed from ocean after waves knock it into BC waters
BC moving slowly on money laundering recommendations, Canada even more slowly




Vancouver Province

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Victoria Times Colonist

End of interchange and sewage projects, and other things to look forward to in 2020
Reasons for optimism on the eve of a new decade



Victoria News

British Columbia population stands at 5.1 million heading into 2020
BC's most crowded hospitals are in Fraser Valley, Northern BC
BC to 'embed' Asia Trade offices in Canadian embassies


Global BC

'The canary is singing': Groups sound alarm about steelhead after just 1 caught at annual derby
BC government moving Asian trade offices into local embassies and consulates
Foam no more: City of Vancouver single-use foam ban kicks in New Year's Day


Georgia Straight

South Granville Williams-Sonoma store gets new lease on life - not closing after all
Hateful graffiti removed from wall of Jewish camp for young people near Nanaimo


Vancouver Courier

Richmond Olympic Oval negotiates with IOC about sponsorships
Taxing our way to housing affordability in Vancouver is like bombing for peace
Expansion helps Abbotsford International Airport welcome one million annual passengers

The Tyee

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Miscellaneous

Ottawa Observations: Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Tuesday, December 31, 2019 


Canadians held in China / China tensions

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Globe and Mail

Trudeau government's promises on tackling climate change stymied by lack of data
Study shows carbon-tax rebate helps lower-income earners the most
Poll shows Canadians favour national response to climate change despite Alberta's carbon tax objections
Poll finds little public appetite for aggressive measures in Jason Kenney's push for greater provincial autonomy
Federal government suspends popular immigration sponsorship program
Ottawa's renewed push for trade diversification is a necessary defence against Donald Trump
Happy carbon-tax day: When Albertans ruefully ring in a new tax, don't ignore the partisanship


CBC

Are 2020's tax changes 'significant' or 'a wash'?
Toronto parents of baby needing $2.8M drug turn to Swiss drugmaker's dose lottery as a last resort
Parent and grandparent reunification program reopening postponed as Liberals look at new system
How Canada's military reacted to seeing Pokemon Go Players trespassing on its bases


Toronto Star

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Toronto Sun

Colleges dupe parents and taxpayers with diversity staff


National Post

There's just no money coming in: Cannabis sector bracing for wave of insolvencies
No NYE fireworks on Parliament Hill as construction sets in
Veteran Conservative MP reveals Andrew Scheer punished him for supporting cannabis legislation


Maclean's

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Global

Tax changes, new RRSP rules: Here's what to watch out for in 2020
Who is the best PM of the 20th century? Depends on where you live in Canada, poll finds


Miscellaneous
                                             

Blog Watching Special Edition: The Year that was 2020!

YEAR IN REVIEW 2019

For our Blog watching feature for year's end we once again offer up a trio of headings to provide for a glimpse of some of the news highlights of the year soon to end.

Category number one will be the Overall Top story, as determined by the amount views the article received over the course of the last 365 days.

Category Two will feature those stories of note from Prince Rupert City Hall.

Our third category explores some of the key topics of the year from Business or Industrial footprint in the community.

All of our results have been determined by the viewer count for the stories through the year.

At the bottom of each section you will also find links to additional blog resources to review themes in more detail, listed by the month.

Our Lists of the year, unfold as follows:

Overall top stories

The year started with a Boil Water order and a rather lengthy period of uncertainty when it came to the city's drinking water.  With the topic of the city's water supply making for a return visit through some national attention in October.

Also of note on the month was the work of both the city's RCMP detachment and Fire Department who had a number of case files through the year that attracted some notice.

Supportive Housing and Education also made for themes through the year that resonated with readers.

A Federal election gave us a new MP, though from a familiar party, while the end of the year featured a Giant party as Rogers Hometown Hockey arrived on the same weekend as the city's Winterfest making for a remarkable few days for Prince Rupert.

The months rolled by as follows:

Most Read -- All Inclusive

January

Lack of information puts social media to a boil on Prince Rupert water issues


February

RCMP, Prince Rupert Fire/Rescue respond to McBride Street Crash


March

Crow's Nest Lodge opens in Prince Rupert


April

SD Board to meet to review final Budget Decisions tonight


May

Lax Kw'alaams Mayor and Government  welcome latest Senate moves on Tanker Ban Bill


June

Prince Rupert Fire Rescue on scene of Third Avenue blaze


July

Northern BC case files grow in string of suspicious deaths and missing persons case


August

City relays details of Friday Police incident involving an aggressive dog in Seal Cove area


September

Coast Mountain College Board in Prince Rupert for day long session


October 

Skeena-Bulkley Valley stays Orange, as Taylor Bachrach's vote mirrors much of his six week lead


November

Prince Rupert remains partial focus for latest report in nationwide tainted water series


December

Prince Rupert was more than ready for its close up! As Rogers Sportsnet's Hometown Hockey showcased the city to national audience


See our right hand column feature North Coast Review Backgrounders for links to archives of the year on a range of topics of note for the region.

Also as part of our right hand column options we have a North Coast Review Extra Edition feature which offers more in depth reviews of some of the larger issues of the Northwest this year.

Tracking the year in politics is fairly easy as well from our right hand column listings as well, just check out our archives for both the House of Commons and the Legislature for items of note from the North Coast and Northwest in 2019.

Those who have deeper interest in the federal and provincial scene will find our companion blog D'Arcy McGee of interest, where we have archived notes from both  Ottawa and Victoria.

********************************************************************************

Municipal government

2019 was the year that finally delivered a commercial cannabis establishment to the city, the process of applications on which made for some discussion through the year at Council sessions.

Both Police and Fire services also made for notes of interest along the way in the year, as did the nature of the city's relationships with its neighbours, from some controversy with Port Edward over the Ridley Island Tax issue, or collaboration with First Nations as seen towards the end of the year.

It was also a year for pay raises for both the Mayor and Council, that delivered through a select committee of residents who outlined why they believed that the elected officials required better compensation.

And 2019 was the year that the last vessel of the Alaska Marine Highway System departed Prince Rupert harbour, it's final fate still unknown as we head towards a new decade.

What caught the interest of the readers through the year looked as follows:

Most Read -- Municipal Government


January

City Council's cannabis process called into question by hopeful production proponent


February

Council defers discussion on proposed Fire Service level change; takes report review to workshop and out of public spotlight


March

Temperatures on the rise over Ridley Island Tax Dispute


April

The Bully Boys of Third Avenue West?


May

City of Prince Rupert call for de-incorporation of Port Edward not gaining much traction with the Province


June

SOFI Report outlines Mayor and Council compensation for work of 2018


July

Partnerships will blaze the trail towards a new look as part of the 2030 Prince Rupert Plan


August

Federal, Provincial funding secured for 30 million plus water treatment plans; City's share to be 8 million dollars


September

Alaska Marine Highway System to end Service to Prince Rupert on October 1st


October 

Brevity for City Council Sessions, leaves much unsaid in public forum


November

Detachment Discussion Deferred to December


December

Collaboration the focus for Prince Rupert 2030 Announcements, setting the template for the future as program of civic renewal moves forward

Our archive of the year on the Municipal scene includes the following elements:

Council Discussion Topics

Overall Municipal Archive Notes (including Port Edward, Regional District and area First Nation communities)

School District and Education Notes for the Northwest



********************************************************************************

Industry/Retail

Port development dominated much of the year's industrial review, with the container terminal and expansion plans and the impact they will have on the region making for much of the year's narrative.

Among some of the other port related items that grabbed attention on the year, the progress at AltaGas on Ridley island which opened for it s first shipments earlier this year, as well some new thoughts on shipping goods such as bitumen and LNG through containers also generated some strong interest from our readers.

It was another troubled year for the fishery with both the Herring and Salmon seasons delivering troubling returns and highlighting the struggles of that industry on the North coast.

Ridley Terminals also found itself in the headlines frequently through the year from the long anticipated sale of the summer, to the handing over of the keys as December arrived, the coal terminal and its LPG shipping option made for much news through 2019.

Some of the stories of the year are as follows:

Most Read -- Business/Industry

January

AltaGas on time, on track towards completion benchmarks


February

2019 Herring season a bust for Prince Rupert shore workers


March

Fairview Terminals adds Zim shipping line to list of marine carriers


April

Nass Valley latest region to see stirrings for potential LNG development


May

Potential for 6-7 million TEU's with Port's Master planning for Prince Rupert waterfront


June

Peter Lantin joins Board of Directors for the Port of Prince Rupert


July

Eagle Spirit moves forward with pipeline/terminal plans; seeks guidance of NEB


August

Ridley Terminals sale an example of the rising cost of Social Licence?: National Post Article


September

Prince Rupert's Northwest Gateway tests the waters; hosts transit of a test run for containerized bitumen shipments


October 

Clarity Cannabis edges closer towards its big Prince Rupert reveal


November

Chinese led LNG project in Terrace thinks "Inside the Box" for shipments out of Port of Prince Rupert


December

New ownership takes over at Ridley Terminals, introduces debut of refreshed website


For more background on the region's industrial and commercial sector see the following:

Industrial Archive

Commercial Sector Archive


To all our readers, we hope you have a very happy and enjoyable New Year's Eve, with best wishes for all the Best in 2020. We're looking forward to seeing what stories will be the ones that resonate through the year when we do this all again on December 31st, 2020!!!


Our archive of weekly Blog Watching for the year now ending can be found here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Victoria Viewpoints: Monday, December 30, 2019

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for  Monday, December 30, 2019


Globe and Mail 

Vancouver implements programs to help connect people experiencing loneliness
Chilliwack RCMP police say they dismantled drug trafficking operation
Canada sends two more groups of firefighters to Australia to help fight wildfires


CBC

Prince George RCMP say 6 officers have been injured while responding to calls in just 10 days 
'Frustration and boredom': Report calls for better conditions at Greater Vancouver Zoo
North Vancouver gets its own brewery district - and it's changing the neighbourhood
What's going to cost you more - and less - in BC in 2020
Bought for 10 bucks, Abbotsford Airport surpasses million-passenger milestone
Jewish summer camp hit by 'disappointing and disturbing' anti Semitic graffiti on BC Island


Vancouver Sun

Second claim filed against LifeLabs alleging company failure to protect patient data
BC notaries say first-time homebuyers relying more than ever on bank of Mom and Dad
'The stigma is pretty intense': Ex-Vancouver councillor speaks out on hepatitis C treatment


Vancouver Province

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Victoria Times Colonist

Metal supports installed at Langford building; city says it's still unsafe
Boil-water advisory in place for part of Salt Spring Island


Victoria News

Woman dies after barricading herself in burning suite in downtown Victoria
Victoria police host #VicPDLive 'tweet-along' on New Year's Eve
'There is no plan B': Danbrook One resident priced out of funding new home
Full weight of BC's employer health tax to be felt in 2020


Global BC

British Columbia's Jewish community rallies in wake of anti-Semitic New York knife attack
Woman involved in fire, Christmas Day standoff with Victoria Police dies: IIO
Greater Vancouver Zoo is failing its animals, humane society report says
Former Vancouver Councillor Andrea Reimer opens up about hepatitis C diagnosis
Ambulance operations not impacted by major snowfall in Tulameen last week: BCEHS


Georgia Straight

Truck carrying waste from fish farm falls off barge near Campbell River, according to wild salmon advocate
Second claim seeking class-action lawsuit suggests patients want real consequences for LifeLabs data breach
TransLink continues its long, long running tradition of free rides on new years eve
One or more arsonists suspected of starting five fires in North Delta garbage bins



Vancouver Courier

Rescue centre completes mission to save sea lion dubbed James Pond
Burnaby driver too drunk to explain loaded handgun with silencer
BC residents set a record for lottery winnings in 2019
TransLink boosts service on New Year's Eve and it's all free
KPU professor denies plagiarism allegations

The Tyee

The Big reason we're not serious about tackling housing affordability
How the Opioid crisis is Hammering BC's North


Miscellaneous

Ottawa Observations: Monday, December 30, 2019

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Monday, December 30, 2019 


Canadians held in China / China tensions

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Globe and Mail

Ottawa can breathe a sigh of relief with the Canadarm maker takeover
Group backed by John Risley, Jim Balsillie to buy Canadarm maker MDA in $1 Billion deal
Owners of pyrrhotite-damaged Quebec homes demand money from SNL Lavalin settlement
Ottawa should exempt Alberta from mortgage stress test, Jason Kenney says
Canada sends two more groups of firefighters to Australia to help fight wildfires


CBC

Parent and Grandparent reunification program reopening postponed as Liberals look at new system
Conservative brand see as 'old, traditional' survey finds
Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney urges financial sector to act against climate change
On PEI, a 'different breed' of conservative government - are they 'green Tories?'
Grumpy, indecisive voters left their mark on elections in 2019
Canadarm maker to be acquired by Canadian investors in $1B deal
'You ain't seen nothing yet!: A look at what's ahead in Alberta politics
Jewish summer camp hit by 'disappointing and disturbing' anti Semitic graffiti on BC Island


Toronto Star

Former Tory leadership candidate Erin O'Toole revving up for new campaign


Toronto Sun

Trudeau caps off disastrous 2019 with a beach vakay
A decade of going in circles with the climate file
New Year's resolutions for Canada's politicians


National Post

The Top five worst political ideas of the 2010's and 5 honourable mentions
Tories 'made-in-Canada' recession narrative is only resonating because the Liberals have a lousy script
Canadarm maker MDA back in Canadian hands with $1B sale to investors including Jim Balsillie
Global warming could render the assets of many financial companies worthless, Mark Carney warns
With every step forward, there's a step backwards: The challenges that persist for Canada's oil sector


Maclean's

Decriminalization is not a radical solution to the opioid crisis. And it would work
The year-end  338 Canada projection: Nowhere to go for the Liberals
Why scientists won't guess what's next for Arctic sea ice


Global

Erin O'Toole, former Tory leader candidate, holds meeting to plan new campaign bid
Major program changes needed to address Canada's pilot shortage, documents suggest
Canadians want more action on climate change, but are worried about 'economic hardship'
What's next for Canadian refugee policies in 2020


Miscellaneous
                                             
'I'm in the Place I should be now': Jody Wilson-Raybould's tumultuous year
The Big reason we're not serious about tackling Housing Affordability
How the Opioid crisis is hammering BC's North
Reviewing the most important Supreme Court of Canada rulings in 2019 dealing with criminal law

Recently introduced Shuttle Service to Terrace suspends operations

A notice on the SG Shuttle website indicates that the service has been suspended
due to technical issues until February 1st or until further notice
(photo from SG shuttle Facebook)

See update at bottom of page


Those who may have booked a trip, or were planning to book a trip to Terrace or the Terrace Airport through SG Shuttle are looking for different travel arrangements these days, that with a short announcement on the transportation company's website indicating that it has suspended service until February 1st or further notice.

The short note which pops up when you look to the SG Shuttle website to book a trip advises that the suspension is due to technical issues, but does not go into much detail related to what is behind the decision to discontinue the service for the period indicated.

The service which was launched in September offered two trips a day to Terrace and offered a transit to the Northwest Regional Airport and the wider listings of flight options offered through that airport.

Update: In an email to the North Coast Review, SG Shuttle noted that they expect to be back to their scheduled runs before February 1st, as well as to note that they are still offering a Ski Shuttle to and from Shames Mountain.

You can access more information on both the regular service and that of the new Shuttle to Shames by calling 1 778 668 7180 or by dropping into their Highliner Inn offices.

For more notes on transportation along the highway 16 corridor see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Prince Rupert ends 2019 with a chance for some boasting! That with a top ten finish in the BC Business Best Cities for work in BC listings

An economy driven by Port related jobs and industry is
serving Prince Rupert well in the annual BC Business listings this year
(Photo from Port of PR)

With the future of port development serving as the engine for the region, BC Business is somewhat bullish on the future for Prince Rupert, once again placing the city in the top ten of their year end listings of the Best Cities for Work.

The sixth annual edition of the rankings from the Business magazine put 46 communities up for review for 2020 and once again found the North Coast favourable in a number of categories to gain it a ninth place finish, down three spots from last years number six spot, but still found among the Top Ten.

The survey conducted by the National Statistical review company Environics Analytics explored a range of factors in four key areas,  Income, Household Expenses, Lifestyle and Municipal Economic Performance.

The survey used a weighted scale to determine where each of the 46 communities would place making note of the following:

Average household income, Average Household Income under 35, Five year average household income growth, Average household spending on recreation, Average shelter spending, Average value of primary real estate, Average commute time, Fiver year Population growth, Housing starts per 10,00 resident and Unemployment rate.

Prince Rupert benefited the most from the growing influence of the port driven jobs which have provided for healthy income growth for those working for the Port or its related industries in the region, as well as a low unemployment rate which marked many of the other top ten finishers.

The placement of the city in the top ten comes, despite it being the only community to register a negative in the population growth category, though with the city and its range of partners recently making note of the crunch in jobs for non port related industries and businesses, that is a trend they no doubt hope will be reversed with some in migration over the next few years.

Terrace placed twenty third in the listings, that makes for a drop of five places from last years 17th spot placement.

The synopsis of the BC Business findings can be reviewed here.

The chart highlighting the city's placement in the various categories is found at the bottom of that page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Victoria Viewpoints: Saturday/Sunday, December 28 & 29, 2019

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for  Saturday/Sunday December 28 & 29, 2019


Globe and Mail 

Tenants of new rental project in Langford scrambling for places to stay over holidays after safety issues raised
Immigrant seniors in BC share their love of learning English through music
Review finds insufficient oversight led to BC Ferries crew members falling overboard during drill


CBC

New industry develops around sucking carbon dioxide out of atmosphere
Impaired driving in BC is still a deadly problem despite more deterrents than ever
'Crazy busy': Boom from $40B LNG plant in northwestern BC leaves communities scrambling to keep up
'I can imagine people getting sick': East Vancouver apartment tenants without heat, hot water
BC mill bucks trend with expansion amid downturn in forest industry
BC Ferries accident caused by informal workaround after rescue boats replaces: TSB
BC's first hybrid electric ferries to arrive next month
We asked BC's political leaders what 2020 holds. Here's what they said


Vancouver Sun

Ban on foam cups and containers in Vancouver goes into effect on January 1
New urban parks are more than big grassy fields for playing sports
2020 is the time for Japanese Canadians to 'grab' redress


Vancouver Province

 A look back at a year of fact and friction tales in BC Politics


Victoria Times Colonist

Two people who died after attack in Duncan were targeted: police
Lifeboat changes, lack of supervision led to ferry mishap
BC Youth parliamentarians put fresh voices to work at Legislature
Allowing private health care won't reduce wait times


Victoria News

Washington State Ferries suspends service to Sidney for Weekend
North Saanich won't ask cannabis related company for financial contribution
Second victim identified in BC Christmas Eve attack


Global BC

Impaired driving critics say ridesharing could have prevented fatal Vancouver crash
We're human beings': East Vancouver apartment tenants without heat, hot water for over a week
New lawsuit alleges former Kelowna social worker stole from Indigenous girl in care
'Small amount' of potash spilled after train derailment near BC-Alberta border
Woman injured in Christmas Eve homicide on Vancouver Island dies in hospital


Georgia Straight

Documentary filmmaker counters RCMP's to discredit Guardian story about Gidimt'en raid
BC Human Rights Tribunal keeps identities secret in complaint by worker against restaurant and senior staff



Vancouver Courier

BC seeks temporary custody for alleged Todd blackmailer
2020 will be kind to BC housing market, technology sector
10 years of education in Vancouver full of change and stagnation
BC youth parliamentarians put fresh voices to work at Legislature
Lifeboat changes, lack of supervision led to ferry mishap
What if you spotted a prince? 'I'd do nothing'

The Tyee

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Miscellaneous

Ottawa Observations: Saturday/Sunday, December 28 & 29, 2019

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for   Saturday/Sunday, December 28 & 29, 2019 


Canadians held in China / China tensions



Globe and Mail

Sudden spike in federal deficit projections blamed on accounting change, not big spending or economic issues
Canada's conundrum on auto emissions: Follow Trump's retreat or be a leader in fighting climate change

CBC

2019 saw a record number of women elected  - but gender equity in the Commons is still far off
Some reasons for (cautious) optimism on the climate change front in 2020
Mounties eyed Cold War candid carbon scheme, declassified documents show
Politicians need to listen to each other on national unity, NS premier says

Toronto Star

As our politics enters a year marked by a search for unity, we ask: Is there anything now that unites Canadians


Toronto Sun

Canadian heroism in the Battle of Britain
Trudeau was re-elected but it was far for a good year for him
Trudeau's going backwards on climate change
Was 2019 Canada's horrible year
Despite 'bumpy' year, Royal Family good for Canada


National Post

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Maclean's

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Global

'Our very right to be Inuit' violated by global inaction on climate change, activist says
Federal government asked Canadians if they're 'comfortable' with LGBT people


Miscellaneous

Documentary filmmaker counters RCMP's attempts to discredit Guardian story about Gidimt'en raid

Victoria Viewpoints: Friday, December 27, 2019

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for Friday, December 27, 2019


Globe and Mail 

BC Appeal Court OKs class action lawsuit against University of Victoria
Using Commercial real estate for the social good
Report shows substantial opposition to local police force: Surrey councillor


CBC

RCMP officers assaulted, citizen helps apprehension in Maple Ridge incident
Report shows significant opposition to local Surrey police force, councillor says
New tax cuts for British Columbians a mixed bag, Canadian Taxpayers Federation says
Most salmon that escaped due to fish farm fire likely eaten by predators, operator says
After successful push for menstrual products in public schools, advocate seeks to help post-secondary students


Vancouver Sun

Burst of Christmas earthquakes near Vancouver Island raise fears of the Big One
Point Grey homeowner wins battle for review of $249,000 empty homes tax bill
BC Appeal court OK's class-acton lawsuit against University of Victoria
Release of Surrey policing survey results was 'disingenuous,' say councillors


Vancouver Province

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Victoria Times Colonist

Appeal court orders cannabis firm to leave Lochside site
Displaced tower residents to get more money for expenses: Langford mayor


Victoria News

Greater Victoria's rental vacancy rate to rise in 2020: CMHC
City of Victoria digs deep for community gardens
Deadline to connect to Langfords's sewer system is New Years Eve
BC to activate more intersection speed cameras in 2020


Global BC

Class action lawsuit against University of Victoria over wage freeze can proceed: BC court
Vancouver homeowner avoids paying empty homes tax after winning court battle
Residents forced out of structurally unsafe Langford apartment building looking for answers
'Are they trying to hid something?' Surrey Councillor slams Christmas release of police transition reports
Informal practices contributed to BC Ferries crew falling overboard during safety drill: report


Georgia Straight

Most Metro Vancouver residents are cool with Granville Island eliminating free parking, poll finds
Climate crisis behooves Canadian media to craft better response to disinformation


Vancouver Courier

Boxing Day pepper spray sparks 'mass chaos' in Coquitlam mall
UBC. SFU allegedly hacked by Russian intelligence-backed internet pirates
BC Youth Parliament takes over Legislative Assembly
The history behind one of Vancouver's most iconic hotels

The Tyee

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Miscellaneous

Ottawa Observations: Friday, December 27, 2019

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Friday, December 27, 2019 


Canadians held in China / China tensions

'I think we're largely forgotten': Nearly 80 years ago, Canadians fought the Battle of Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, colonialism isn't a bad word - it's a legacy worth fighting for
Canada, U.S. agree on strategy to reduce need for rare-earth metals mined by China


Globe and Mail

Order of Canada: Stephen Harper, Donna Strickland, Xavier Dolan among new appointments
Justin Trudeau has two sides, and both of them had a big year
Will Ottawa ever do the right thing, and call out discrimination in Quebec?
Hopeful signs fuel a quiet rebound in Canadian oil and gas industry stocks
New Bloc Quebecois MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe is not just his father Gilles' son
Liberals face challenge to climate, economic policies early in 2020


CBC

Nobel lauerate Donna Strickland, James Cameron, Inuk actor Johnny Issaluk among Order of Canada appointees
Outgoing Senate leader wants Trudeau to appoint more people with political experience
Governor General urges Canadians to enjoy the outdoors in annual New Year's message
Alberta oilsands project to test Trudeau's climate pledge in 2020


Toronto Star

Judicial jousting emerges at Supreme Court of Canada
Trudeau faces climate challenge as Liberals head into 2020


Toronto Sun

PM knows banning handguns won't work
CBC's real mistake wasn't cutting Trump, it was wasting our money
A head shaking look at 2019


National Post

Anne Dagg, Queen of Giraffes, appointed to Order of Canada among recipients with global influence
Absurdity knows no borders. And we sure went there a lot this year
Burst of Christmas earthquakes near Vancouver Island bring fears of the big one
Rachel Notley's bad year ends with near miss on the highway


Maclean's

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Global

The northern BC murders were 2019's most gripping story. Here's how it all unfolded


Miscellaneous

Climate crisis behooves Canadian media to craft better response to disinformation

New ownership takes over at Ridley Terminals, introduces debut of refreshed website

The federal government handed over the keys to Ridley Terminals Incorporated last week, with the new ownership introducing themselves to the community by way of a statement on the RTI website.

The document dated December 19th, outlines the nature of the sale process that came to an end over the summer when it was announced the terminal had been sold to global investors Riverstone Holdings and AMCI group, with a ten per cent shared in a limited partnership between the Lax Kw'alaams Band and the Metlakatla First Nation.

“This is a business as usual transition, as we expect no change to process or operations at Ridley Terminals. Ridley Terminals will continue to be a key part of Canada’s trade network with the world.” -- Bartow Jones, Partner & Co-Head of Private Equity, Riverstone Holdings LLC

“This is a very unique partnership group that will ensure the terminal continues to be sustainable over the long-term with open access. The terminal will also continue to be a big part of Prince Rupert’s economy.” -- Hans Mende, co-founder of AMCI Group

Both Mayor Garry Reece of Lax Kw'laams and Chief Councillor Harold Leighton of Metlakatla noted how the new partnership will make for a sustainable future for both communities.

“With a significant share in RTI, we are continuing our work of enhancing the quality of life for all members of our community. This is a significant part of building an economically sustainable future for the Lax Kw’alaams Band.” -- Mayor Garry Reece of the Lax Kw’alaams Band

 “We are building a strong future for our community as a major economic force in northwest British Columbia. We believe this partnership is strongly aligned with our principles of sustainable eco-based resource management.” -- Chief Councillor Harold Leighton of the Metlakatla First Nation

In the statement (which you can read here), the new ownership makes note of the ambitious growth plan and how they continue to explore options towards the construction of a second berth for the Marine terminal.

A photo array marks some of the refreshed elements of the
Ridley Terminals website

With the new ownership has come a new look for the website for RTI, with the refreshed look providing much more information than the previous one, including a range of photographs that offer a glimpse as to some of the machinery that is in use at the facility

You can take your tour here, more notes related to Ridley Terminals can be explored here  click on the right hand box at the top of the page to learn more about the facility operations.

For more notes on Ridley Terminals see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

For more notes on Ridley Terminals see our archive page here.

RCMP in British Columbia respond to Guardian article, note damage done to relations with Hereditary Chiefs

The RCMP issued a public statement on Christmas Eve to respond to a newspaper article from a British publication of last week.

Withe the national police force addressing some of the accusations in the article, while noting how they need more information related to some of the others.

 As well, the Mounties note how the report, which they describe as unsubstantiated, incomplete and inflammatory has damaged their relations with the Hereditary Chiefs in the Wet'suwet'en.

The article which we took note of at the time was published in the Guardian on December 20th. With authors Jaskiran Dhillon and Will Parrish making a number of allegations related to the RCMP's approach to the BC Supreme Court enforcement order on the blockade in Wet'suwet'en territory in January of 2019.

The story from the British publication was referenced by Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach when he issued his call for a review of a civilian panel one week ago.

Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP calls for Copmlaints Commission review or RCMP plans related to Wet'suwet'en activists
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Unfortunately, as a result of the unsubstantiated, incomplete and inflammatory nature of the article published in the Guardian last week, relationships between the RCMP and all stakeholders that have been years in the making, have been damaged and now require rebuilding. The RCMP has reached out to request a meeting with Hereditary Chiefs and is hopeful this meeting will soon occur. -- RCMP response to the Guardian article of December 

In their response to the Guardian article, the RCMP observe that a number of the terms used by the Force that in their opinion have been taken out of context, something which they describe as concerning.

The reference to lethal overwatch was one of the key elements of the Guardian story which attracted the most attention and towards that term the RCMP offered the following description.

Most concerning is the reference to lethal overwatch, which from a RCMP perspective and indeed police forces around the world, relates to an observation position taken by armed police officers, to ensure police and public safety. The police officer(s) who occupy the position of lethal overwatch are tasked with observing and protecting the safety of police officers occupied with other duties such as crowd control, barrier removal or arrest and who may not be able to access their police equipment to protect themselves from any harm. This term does not indicate action other than observation with a capability to use lawful force should a threat present itself.

The information statement goes on to outline the nature of the enforcement order issued by the British Columbia Supreme Court and the RCMP's approach towards the court ordered arrest and release processes.

As well, they make note of  the hundreds of hours of meetings and consultations that were held with the Wet'suwet'en people, including cultural awareness training provided prior to the enforcement of the order.

The RCMP also provide their response to a number of the Guardian's questions, as well as a list of other  advisories that were issued during the period of the enforcement order.

You can review all those notes here.

The MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley has not to this point commented further on his call for the civilian review of last week, or on the commentary that has come through his Facebook post in the follow up to his notes.

For their part, the two journalists have posted a follow up article to their December 20th work, with a December 24th story which highlights  the reaction that their original story has generated.

For more notes on Mr. Bachrach's work in Ottawa and the constituency see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

For more notes on Mr. Bachrach's work in Ottawa and the constituency see our archive page here.