Victoria Viewpoints: Friday, August 30, 2019

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for  Thursday, August 29, 2019


Globe and Mail 

BC minister blames 'price gouging' for high cost of gas in Vancouver area
Political noise accompanies B.C.'s arrival in the ride-hailing century
Smaller homes could make us happier


CBC

Public inquiry into gas prices in BC finds 'unexplained difference' of 13 cents per litre
Bargaining between BC teachers and province paused for three weeks
Crowdfunding campaign raises $3 million to protect Princess Louisa Inlet property
Efforts to rescue trapped salmon continue, 10 weeks after Big Bar landslide
Lower taxes, more government regulation? Experts weigh in on gas price inquiry


Vancouver Sun

Inquiry confirms BC motorists getting hosed at pumps via big markups
Taxi associations, province meet on ride-hailing
Back-to-school is big business for BC's lice busters
Gasoline inquiry finds BC motorists paying at least 13 cents a litre too much
Ravi Kahlon's anti-racism tour hears 'really difficult' stories about hate in BC
Arrest of anti-government activists in Hong Kong spur concerns in Metro Vancouver


Vancouver Province

Welcome to the rental jungle - high rents, low vacancy and lots of scams


Victoria Times Colonist

Trans Canada upgrade work to begin in September
No deal for teachers as students head back to class
New online tool to calculate ICBC car insurance premium now live
The systemic impoverishment of BC seniors


Victoria News

Water contamination halts CRD project construction at Colquitz River
CRD, Island Health lift beach advisory at one beach at Elk Lake
'I'm running out of hope': Langford mother desperate for affordable housing
BC gasoline prices higher, reason not clear, inquiry finds


Global BC

BC teacher contracts on hold until after school year starts
BC wants to know if domestic, sexual violence survivors should get paid leave
BC Parks Foundation crowdfunds $3M to buy Prince Louisa Inlet land
Historic plaque allegedly pilfered from White Rock pier
Majority of British Columbians support mandatory voting: poll
BC gas price inquiry: No collusion, but unexplained price difference costing $490 M per year


Vancouver Courier

British Columbians 'ripped off' by gas companies: Bruce Ralston
Gas prices in Vancouver appear to be 'choreographed' concludes report
Tin foil wrapped around BC Hydro meter to prevent pain
Trudeau and Vancouver's mayor talk housing, transit and opioid crisis
50,000 sign petition urging insurance companies to drop Trans Mountain coverage
Man suspended over racial profiling at UBC event
BC education minister optimistic about negotiated deal with teachers, new curriculum


Georgia Straight

Mediation between teachers and public employers halted until late September
Gas price review finds unexplained difference of 13 cents per litre, costing BC consumers $490 million per year
Justin Trudeau and John Horgan act like climate heroes, notwithstanding plenty of evidence to the contrary

The Tyee

Sacred Headwaters  Protection a 'Great Beginning'


Miscellaneous

Ottawa Observations: Friday, August 30, 2019

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


Canadians held in China / China tensions

Canadian, Chinese officials in contact after Beijing accuses Canada, U.S. of 'singing in a duet' on detainees dispute


Globe and Mail

A second chance: Canada, U.S. renegotiate a critical water treaty
Airbus pulls out of Canadian fighter jet competition following complaints
Liberals drop candidate in Montreal riding over comments described as anti-Semitic
A Donald Trump enabler bids adieu to Canada
The Alberta economy needs to be a ballot question for you: Conservative MP Michelle Rempel's message to Canada
Registry aims to help Indigenous artists protect their work
Kim Campbell not losing Supreme Court adviser position following Mar-a-Lago hurricane tweet
Andrew Scheer's position on abortion a shift, but not a surprise to some conservatives
Federal spending rises by more than 10 percent over first quarter
Chrystia Freeland says she brought up case of imprisoned Canadian, with Cuban foreign minister


CBC

Liberals dump Quebec candidate after B'nai Brith, Conservatives allege anti-Semitic comments
Andrew Scheer's personal view on same sex marriage no important, says gay supporter
Tories ask elections commissioner if Liberals are breaking campaign rules
Airbus pulls out of Canada's fighter jet competition
Scheer tried to douse a debate on abortion, same-sex marriage - and muddied the waters even more
NDP struggling to nominate candidates as election call draws nearer
Immigration lawyers report Canadian Muslims being denied entry to U.S.
A mission that 'left a mark': Canadian helicopters coming home from Mali
Jasraj Singh Hallan wins Tory nomination in late Deepak Obhari's former Calgary riding


Toronto Star

NDP nomination woes continue as union leader Sid Ryan blasts party for slow process
The deadline to file for the Sixties Scoop settlement is an outrage
Liberals drop candidate in Montreal riding over comments described as anti-Semitic
Liberals attempt to flip the script on Conservatives' Stephen Harper fundraiser video
Younger voters turned out in record numbers in 2015. Will they be back?
Poll shows federal Liberals with double-digit lead over Conservatives in Atlantic Canada, Greens ahead of NDP


Toronto Sun

Kim Campbell apologizes for offensive Trump hurricane tweet
Trudeau isn't what he claims in standing up for women or minorities
Beware of endless deficits especially now


National Post

Ex-PM Kim Campbell apologizes for tweet 'rooting' for Hurricane Dorian to hit Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort
Liberals drop former Imam as candidate in Montreal over comments described as anti-Semitic
In the wake of SNC-Lavalin, should Trudeau be lecturing about the law?
Another fighter jet firm drops out of Canadian competition, citing cost, recent changes made to accommodate the F-35
The obscure Canadian law that keeps screwing up high-profile criminal trials
A bigger government won't reduce angry populism
Mohawk grand chief and Oka mayor shake hands after weeks of tension in land dispute
As in Mark Norman case, disclosure bogs down related case of public servant accused of leaks.
Deadline arrives for Ontario gas stations to have anti-carbon tax stickers on pumps


Global

Singh's NDP trails all major parties for candidates - he seeks more women, minorities
Former Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie dies
Montreal Liberal candidate turfed following anti-Semitism allegations
Man linked to neo-Nazi group in US no longer with People's Party of Canada
Brad Trost says Andrew Scheer's stance on abortion debate comes as no surprise
Canadian Nationalist Party granted eligibility to become a registered party in the upcoming federal election
NDP still needs 190 candidates while Tories, People's Party near full slate of 338
Former PM Kim Campbell issues apology after 'rooting' for hurricane to hit Trump's Mar-a-Lago


Miscellaneous

Quit chastising Brazil, Canada. You're a climate killer, too
Trudeau and Vancouver's mayor talk housing, transit and opioid crisis
Trudeau makes surprise stops at Metro Vancouver grocery store, White Spot
Has #JustinFatigue set in among Canadians?
Justin Trudeau and John Horgan act like climate heroes, notwithstanding plenty of evidence to the contrary 

BC education talks break off without agreement; mediator calls for pause until September 23

After eight days of mediation, the talks between the British Columbia Teachers Federation  and British Columbia Pubic School Employers Association still have too many issues outstanding to create a new contract,  with both sides stepping away from the bargaining table today.

As a result of the current impasse, the Mediator of the discussions over the last week has called for a pause until September 23rd when the two sides will try once again to see if enough common ground is available to continue forward.

The BCPSEA posted their advisory on the state of negotiations shortly after 4 PM today

The BCTF which represents public school teachers across the province outlined their observations on today's break in the negotiations through a twitter thread, which highlighted many of their recent discussion points and concerns prior to the mediation period.

Over the next three weeks the two sides will prepare their positions and review their options further towards the September 23rd meeting with the mediator.

In the short term, it so far, is not expected to impact on the start of school next week or the first few weeks of the new school year across the province.

We will update the latest developments. as more notes become available.

You can also access our rolling overview of the labour negotiations from our archive page here.

More items of interest on education in the Northwest can be reviewed from our Education archive.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Labour Day with the MLA!

Many in the Labour movement may be dropping by
Mariner's Park on Monday, as MLA Jennifer Rice
observes Labour Day 

Monday not only marks the unofficial end of our summer, but the day when workers across Canada take time out to thank those who travelled roads well before them, providing for better working conditions, better pay and recognition for ordinary Canadians at work each day.

Labour Day in Prince Rupert this year will feature a celebration of the North Coast worker at Mariner's Park; as MLA Jennifer Rice serves up some hot dogs for those stopping by Monday from 11:30 AM to 2 PM.

Prince Rupert has a long history with the union movement with the unpredictability of the times playing out through the decades in the pulp and fishing sectors, and now with new industrial foundations being built along the Prince Rupert waterfront and the range of terminals that make for the Port of Prince Rupert.

As well, with more and more employment being created in the public sector, teachers, civic workers and support workers in many locations across the city will be taking the Monday to think towards the days of the past and what may come in the future.

Likewise, those working in the  the Transportation services, commercial sector and other ventures have also in many instances, become part of a union, seeking to protect their jobs and rights on the work site.

In anticipation of Monday, the BC Federation of Labour has released their annual Labour Day message, highlight some of the achievements of the last year and challenges still ahead.

Last year the BC Fed provided a glimpse of how the workers of today are connected to those of the past.




Unifor which represents a number of workers in Prince Rupert, primarily through its affiliation with UFAWU, provided a look at the modern era for unions today.



While Earlier this year the Canadian Labour Council provided for a look at one of the pivotal moments in the Canadian Labour movement the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike



 For those taking time off on Monday, a wish for a safe and enjoyable Labour Day.

For a look back at some of the Labour notes of the Northwest this year see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Crime Stats make for conversations in communities around the Northwest ... with one exception

With a few years having passed by, it's probably time for
Prince Rupert City Council to host an update on Policing in the community

Through much of the last month, communities along the Highway 16 corridor have been reviewing the release of crime data from Statistics Canada in July, with the figures and findings providing a snapshot of the day to day files that are handled by each communities RCMP detachments.

In some instances, the themes of the Stats release and general observations have generated comments from municipal politicians and been discussed in Council chambers from Terrace through to Burns Lake over the last month.

That as local officials share their thoughts and ask questions on behalf of their residents.

Terrace Crime Severity Index spikes 25 per cent
Telkwa council cautiously vigilant on crime stats
Smithers RCMP address crime index increase at quarterly update to council
RCMP announce new Smithers detachment commander
2018 Crime Stats out for Queen Charlotte and Masset
Crime rose in Houston statistics show
Crime up in Burns Lake in 2018, stats show

We made note of the Prince Rupert numbers in late July, taking a look at the range of data that had been released by Stats Canada at the time.

So far however, the data doesn't seem to have captured the attention of Prince Rupert's elected officials, with no mention of them in public session and little indication if the City Council has any plans to have the Detachment head come to Council during a public session to go over the findings and help interpret them for the public.

While Terrace, Kitimat and Smithers Councils frequently have those in charge of their detachments deliver reports and discuss policing issues during a public session, Prince Rupert Council rarely has provided for a public opportunity at their council sessions for such updates.

Not that there hasn't been some past interest expressed by some councillors in having the RCMP attend a Council session to provide some background or possibly answer some questions.

It has been a frequent theme for Councillor Barry Cunningham over his time in office, and in May Councillor Nick Adey has also proposed an invitation for the local detachment to be invited to council to share some notes on the state of policing in the community.

While Council did  take in a presentation of the Safe Place program in February of last year, the last time that Council hosted detachment Commander Blake Ward in a public setting was in August of 2017.

So an invitation would seem to be long overdue, with perhaps an opportunity to pencil in more frequent updates moving forward.

It's been a long stretch of time since Prince Rupert Council hosted a
public update on policing challenges and successes in the city

With just six council sessions left on the 2019 Council calendar, if they are to have some success in providing for that kind of public forum, they may have to be a bit more determined in their conversations with their fellow council members to make it happen.

For now, about the only notes we hear of policing in the community comes from the work of the detachment on the streets, some of which you can catch up on from our Emergency Responders Archive here.

You can review our archive of Council sessions here.

For more items of interest related to City Council see our Council Discussion archive.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Canadian Coast Guard launch latest vessel for Pacific Coast

The Sir John Franklin, the newest vessel for the Canadian Coast Guard
was put into service yesterday in Sidney

The Canadian Coast Guard hosted a ship dedication ceremony in Sidney on Thursday, as the Coast Guard welcomed the newest vessel to take up service in the Pacific fleet, the Research Vessel Sir John Franklin.

As part of the background to the Thursday ceremony, the Coast outlined the nature of the event and some notes on the vessel.

This welcome celebration for the Canadian Coast Guard’s first of three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel built under the National Shipbuilding Strategy was marked by an official naming ceremony, a First Nations blessing, and sponsorship, which included the traditional breaking of a ceremonial bottle on the ship’s bow.

By tradition, a civilian is invited to sponsor a vessel for its well-being and continued service, and to wish the vessel “good luck”. The Canadian Coast Guard is proud to have Dr. Verena Tunnicliffe as the sponsor for the new ship. Dr. Tunnicliffe is an accomplished marine scientist and was the first woman to lead a deep sea science expedition on Canada’s West Coast.

The home port for the CCGS Sir John Franklin will be the Institute of Ocean Sciences in Sidney, British Columbia, where it will ensure that Fisheries and Oceans scientists are working with modern equipment to conduct vital work and data collection in support of our marine ecosystem. The vessel will also support environmental response and search and rescue operations, when needed.

The CCG commissioning ceremony yesterday
in Sidney for the Sir John Franklin

The ship is one of up to 18 new ships that will be built for the Coast Guard, the Franklin  was built at the Seaspan Shipyard in Vancouver.

From it's Sydney base, the Sir John Franklin will be used for a range of duties, included on the list are:

Performing fishing and acoustic surveys of fish and invertebrates 

Collecting information on the abundance and distribution of marine species

Collecting data on marine ecosystems and the impacts of human activity on fisheries resources and ecosystem health.

They can also be used for Search and Rescue duties if required as they  make their patrols.

The vessel has had a bit of a rough start to its Coast Guard days, earlier this year the ship crashed into a dock in Victoria as it was taking part in its Sea Trials prior to acceptance for service into the fleet.

At some point the Sir John Franklin will make its first Northern Transit, though no schedule has been outlined by the Coast Guard as to what the short term plans are for the vessel or if it includes a debut trip to Prince Rupert.

More background on the Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels can be found here.

Notes on the work of the Coast Guard and other Emergency Responders on the North Coast can be found from our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

MLA's to get mail, mail and more mail on themes of teacher's negotiations

MLA Jennifer Rice may be getting some mail over the weekend
as British Columbia teachers look to reinforce their
bargaining points with the NDP government's members

With still no word on the progress of talks between the BCPSEA and BCTF when it comes to the current round of contract negotiations, some members of the teachers' union are making plans to take to their keyboards to forward some messages to the their MLA's.

With the teachers and their supporters looking to urge MLA's to address a range of outstanding issues.

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice can most likely expect to find a few correspondence in the In Box in the next few days, with a number of local teachers sharing the message below through their social media feeds.

(Click to enlarge)

It's part of a continuing campaign from the teachers and their union to reinforce their position on some of the key areas surrounding the negotiations.

The focus on MLA's picks up where teachers left off as the previous school year came to an end, when Ms. Rice, along with her NDP government colleagues were recipients of a number of missives during that period of time.

The  BCTF twitter feed has been the forum for a number of the Federations recent notes on how the NDP government has approached the negotiations

The BCPSEA has for the most part kept to its website with occasional updates on the issues and themes of the current round of bargaining.

The BCTF has also made use of its website to reinforce some of their key issues during the negotiations.

Rob Fleming, B. C.'s Minister of Education expressed his belief earlier this week that the start of school on September 3rd would not be impacted by the lack of a contract or the pace of negotiations.

Though his thoughts on the length of time that the contract talks have taken did bring a quick reply from the Teachers who provided the Minister with a bit of a recent history lesson.

A news blackout has so far been respected by both sides of the negotiations, though with the current mediation sessions set to come to an end, parents, students, teachers and administrators should all have a clearer picture of where the labour situation may be heading as the first day of school draws closer on Tuesday.

For more items of note related to education in the Northwest see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Victoria Viewpoints: Thursday, August 29, 2019

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for  Thursday, August 29, 2019


Globe and Mail 

'His life was taken when he was just trying to fit in': Saying goodbye to Carson Crimeni
Skytrain expansion project moves closer thanks to UBC funds
'Kids do care': Teen climate change activists aim for change with weekly protests
Big city mayors want federal parties to change the definition of affordable housing
Federal, BC governments to push electrification of gas industry to cut carbon emissions
Police target children as young as 10 years old in effort to curb BC's middle class gang problem


CBC

Family, friends remember Langley BC teen whose apparent overdose was broadcast on social media
'It's looking positive': Ahousaht First Nation still searching for missing man
Site of proposed Jumbo Glacier Resort in southeastern BC to get federal protection
Ottawa, BC to push electrification of gas industry to cut carbon emissions
Kootenay Lake Ferry could sit idle on busy long weekend


Vancouver Sun

Province's inquiry into high BC gas prices shouldn't suppress taxes
Vancouver homeless asking city to let them live in their vehicles
BC wants rural property linked to helicopter smuggling forfeited
Ottawa, BC to push electrification of natural gas industry to cut carbon emissions


Vancouver Province

--

Victoria Times Colonist

Newest Coast Guard vessel 'baptized'
Why is Langford Council so camera-shy?
Former foster children sue BC government for leading them to lives of crime


Victoria News

Sir John Franklin research vessel officially joins Canadian Coast Guard fleet
Tallest mass timber building on Vancouver Island could come to Colwood Corners
Saanich CUPE members willing to take job action over wage discrepancies


Global BC

Kootenay Lake Ferry service cancelled for Labour Day weekend over Labour Dispute
Gas prices jump ahead of long weekend as BC awaits provincial inquiry report
BC measles immunization reporting program to begin: what parents need to know
Ottawa, BC to push electrification of gas industry to cut carbon emissions
New North Okanagan daycare delayed by unexpected costs


Vancouver Courier

Fill' er up: Vancouver gasp prices set to rise three cents for Labour Day long weekend
BC speculation tax privacy discussions remain secret
School districts grapple with high rates of vaping
SFU banning plastic straws, bottles and utensils
Travelling this weekend? No relief ahead of BC Ferries' big reno


Georgia Straight

Here's to a great school year (and what parent's need to know about collective bargaining)
An urgent response to the housing and homelessness crisis and overdose crisis is needed
Booze money for policing costs demanded by BC municipalities from province

The Tyee

Real cities give their people places to pee
Lessons from Blood Alley: When Citizens became developers


Miscellaneous

Ottawa Observations: Thursday, August 29, 2019

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Thursday, August 29, 2019 


Canadians held in China / China tensions

--

Globe and Mail

Scheer allows MPs to speak their mind but won't reopen debate on divisive issues
Telecom companies are slashing broadband internet in rural communities and Canadians should be furious
Feds denied summer job grants to 26 groups over abortion rights issue
Scheer accuses Liberals of dredging up divisive social issues to distract from record
Two Montreal companies to pay almost $450,000 in fines for illegal donations to federal parties




CBC

Far-right group accused of white nationalism closer to party status - and increased scrutiny
Scheer accuses Trudeau of whipping up divisive social issues to distract from scandals
Ottawa, BC to push electrification of gas industry to cut carbon emissions
2 Montreal companies admit to making $115,000 in illegal donations to Liberals, Conservatives
How Macron gave Trump - and Trudeau - a lesson in the uses of power
Site of proposed Jumbo Glacaier Resort in southeastern BC to get federal protection

Toronto Star

Conservatives wouldn't reopen debates on same-sex marriage or abortion, Scheer says
Liberals commit $1.5M to help universities tackle on-campus sexual violence

Toronto Sun

Carbon tax heads to the ultimate court, voters
PM's pledge to fight gangs and guns vague

National Post

Trudeau's mea culpa over his electoral reform debacle is truly mind boggling
Andrew Scheer goes at his critics head-on over gay marriage and abortion
Economists predict GDP boost from Raptors effect as final numbers before federal election to be released

Global

Ottawa, BC to push electrification of gas industry to cut carbon emissions
Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh discusses opioid crisis, child care while touring the South Okanagan
Quebec to receive $250M from Ottawa for asylum seekers
Scheer says Tory government wouldn't reopen gay marriage, abortion debate


Miscellaneous

Federal Political Parties must follow BC's Privacy Law, Commissioner Rules
Has Social Democracy's Star Fallen for Good?
An urgent response to the housing and homelessness crisis and overdose crisis is needed
Liberal fundraising request relies on Stephen Harper's sales pitch for Andrew Scheer to push Obama inspired message
Jesse Brown is hoping a Green wave can help him defeat Canada's longest serving female MP in Vancouver Centre
NDP leader invite spurred privacy complaint
Federal candidates face thicket of cynicism in BC poll suggests

Amid results of some elevated lead issues; City issues reminder for public of importance of 'flushing' of private homes and commercial buildings

The City of Prince Rupert has issued a reminder for residents today, advising that if they do not know for certain that their plumbing does not contain lead, that a flushing regimen is a wise approach to ensure that we are receiving a fresh source of water from beyond the home.

The City's information statement included some notes on recent testing in the community and the findings from that review.

Included in the review, is the advisory that letters have been sent to affected residents and building owners.

Recent water quality testing conducted by the City in conjunction with Northern Health was completed in just over 60 homes throughout Prince Rupert. This testing has revealed that approximately 10 homes of those tested had elevated levels of lead due to leaching from residential home plumbing systems. Samples were taken in the morning on the ‘first flush’ from the tap, after the water was left to sit overnight, so it should be noted that these levels are not representative of the water being drawn through the tap throughout the day once stagnant water has cleared. 

Letters have now been sent to affected residents and building owners, and homes with elevated levels are being contacted and provided the opportunity for secondary testing to help determine the source of lead within the home.

 This higher proportion of homes with noted issues has highlighted the need for additional public messaging, with this notice being accompanied by a video available on the City’s social media platforms and YouTube channel. Due to the prevalence of lead in home plumbing solder prior to 1989 (and lead content in fixtures further reduced in 2012), combined with the age of Prince Rupert’s housing stock, it is possible that many homes throughout the community may have some level of exposure to lead through home plumbing. 

A similar notice was provided and mailed to all residences in the community in August of 2018, however given these test results, we would like to reiterate the importance of flushing, filtering water, and/or replacing home/commercial plumbing containing lead to avoid possible exposure.

The statement goes on to advise that regular samples are collected from testing stations within the community and show lead results which have been noted as well below Federal and Provincial standards.

The notes from the city also highlight how the City does not have lead service lines within municipal infrastructure, and have not encountered lead service lines on private property. Recent test results support the absence of municipal lead service lines, as residences with elevated levels were broadly dispersed within the community, and not in one or two ‘problem’ areas that could be tied to underground infrastructure.

The reminder on flushing for the community also provided the City with an opportunity to once again to make mention the Funding award of earlier this week towards a water treatment facility, as well as to offer up some helpful advice for homeowners when it comes to their own plumbing within the house.

We encourage people where possible to consider replacing all plumbing components containing lead, or to continue to conduct regular flushing until such time as replacement is feasible.

The City has also included a video featuring an update from Mayor Lee Brain who speaks both to the lead issue and recent progress on water issues.



You can review the city's full statement on water from today from the city's website and Facebook page.

You can review more notes related to the city's infrastructure issues from our archive page

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

With fall and winter approaching ongoing housing issues will again come to the forefront of discussion

One of the units of the Crow's Nest Lodge, at 36 units it's a good 
start to the housing crisis, but the need for more
Social housing seems to grow by the day around Prince Rupert
( Photo from the Transition Society Facebook Page)

Last weeks deluge and cooler temperatures served to remind us that Fall and Winter will be arriving quicker than we may like and for those in the community seeking a safe and dry place to live the ongoing issue of housing in Prince Rupert will offer up some challenges.

For most that wander around town from time to time, evidence of homelessness is easy to spot with makeshift camps found in any number of locations. With those on the streets seeking out shelter from abandoned buildings in the area, under bridges or from the number of wooded areas around town.

The topic of the fate for the homeless has become a bit of a theme on some of Prince Rupert's social media feeds of Facebook in recent days and in some cases the nature of the discussion at times was harsh towards the homeless.

Something that was somewhat mis-directed, as the real discussion should be directed towards our elected officials who need to pick up the pace of addressing the issue.

Such was some of mis-information generated by the discussion that  Grainne Barthe  from the North Coast Transition Society offered some helpful clarification on the issues of homelessness in the community and what supports are currently available.

(click to enlarge)

Prince Rupert has had some success in addressing the need for more social housing, with the City working with the Province in the creation of the above noted Crow's Nest Lodge,  a successful conclusion that they should be congratulated on.

Though it should be noted that the Crow's Nest did arrive later than had been anticipated and with fewer units  (36) than previously planned for.

As well, the Third Avenue Shelter remains in operation, once described as a temporary measure to help with the transition to the new facility on Park; it has since become more or less a permanent fixture and is still providing shelter services for a large number of the homeless community.

The November 2017 announcement of the
Temporary Homeless shelter on Third Avenue West
(click to enlarge)

Some of the homeless however, whether through addictions or mental health concerns are not fitting into either of those options; as well there are others who are homeless that still prefer to find their own shelter somewhere in the city.

Adding to the housing misery in recent months has been the disappearance of some units which previously housed those on the margins of our society. Those units now are off the rental market, their future that of renovation and re-purposing it would seem.

That indicates that there is still a need, if not more of one now, for much more social housing.

As well, there is clearly a need for some kind of addictions and mental health services for this community, and the urgency does not lessen as the weeks and months pass us by.

Earlier this summer we noted that Terrace has been finding much success in accessing more Social housing with over 100 units opened this summer alone.

And with the planned expansion of Mills Memorial Hospital, some 20 beds at the new hospital will be set aside for the psychiatric care of adult patients, that Terrace hospital plan is anticipated to be in operation by 2024.

While Terrace is finding some progress on their social housing and other housing needs, like Prince Rupert the demand for help still seems to be overtaking the supply.

The housing concerns in Prince Rupert came to a boiling point back in the fall of 2017, with a Tent City taking root at City Hall to bring home the call for action from local and provincial politicians.

Hopefully, some progress is being made for the North Coast as we head into fall, and more announcements and celebrations of housing openings in Prince Rupert will take place in the very near future.

That wold offer those in the most need in the community somewhere to stay warm, dry and safe in our challenging environment and times and more importantly some proof that someone is listening and ready to take action to deliver.

For some background on how you can lend a hand towards the homeless situation in the city see the Transition Society Facebook Page.

The Prince Rupert Salvation Army also offers assistance for those in need, learn more about their work here.

For more items of note related to housing on the North Coast see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

The Superintendent prepares to welcome back students, teachers and staff at SD52

Superintendent Irene LaPierre
is welcoming all back to school
for the 2019-20 year

With one last weekend to enjoy, Tuesday will bring the start of a new school year for teachers, students, parents and staff at the schools of District 52 and this week, Superintendent Irene LaPierre has penned her Back to School welcome  message.

Among some of her themes for the correspondence, a year ahead that offers a chance to strengthen and build relationships,  appreciation for those who worked behind the scenes over the summer to prepare the schools for their September opening, as well as thanks to management, staff and educators as they look towards the first day of the new school year.

It is an exciting time of year again with school starting on Tuesday September 3, 2019! I’m looking forward to another year of learning along side the many wonderful educators and staff we have in our school district. 

I’m looking forward to working together with you to support the pursuit of learning that our students are seeking when they enter our schools. I’m looking forward to strengthening and building relationships with family and community which is vital to our students over all well-being and success. 

I want to extend my appreciation to everyone who has worked diligently behind the scenes to prepare our schools for the year – to the maintenance department for their care of our facilities and grounds; to the tech department for increasing access to technology and maintaining equipment; our finance department for accounting and payroll; and our secretaries who support all of the above and more. 

I’m thankful for the amazing management team and admin staff I work with who always makes sure students are in the centre of their decisions. I extend my gratitude to staff who continue to take courses to enrich educational opportunities for our students learning.

You can review the full letter from the SD52 website.

As we noted earlier this summer, the Back to School openings were outlined in a July message from the School District, which provides the times for students to report to school on September 3rd.

The official notes on the September 3rd opening can be reviewed here.

Updates on notes related to SD52 can come from the District's twitter feed, as well as that for the Superintendent.

Back to School week does come with some uncertainty towards the future however, with the British Columbia Public School Employers Association and the British Columbia Teachers Federation currently in the final days of mediation on issues surrounding a new contract.

So far, there has been little news coming out of those meetings with both sides for the most part keeping to a news blackout on their discussions.

Rob Fleming, the Minister of Education observed earlier this week that he anticipated a normal start to the school, despite the ongoing negotiations towards a contract settlement.

Also heading back to school on Tuesday will be the staff, teachers and students of the city's Independent School, with the back to school notes for Annunciation available from their website.

There have been some changes over the summer at the School District, you can catch up to some of developments from our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

There will be No YOU in UBER in Prince Rupert; as ride sharing giant limits its plans to Vancouver for upcoming launch

Skeena Cabs picking up fares at Safeway, so far the threat of
Uber, Lyft and other ride sharing services remains far off from
Prince Rupert's future

The streets of Prince Rupert will remain mostly the domain of Skeena Taxi this fall, as the global Ride Sharing Service Uber makes its plans for an entry into the British Columbia market, with their plan for now to limit their operations in the Greater Vancouver area.

The company outlined their service plan on Wednesday, noting that at the moment they will be concentrating on a successful launch in the Lower Mainland, while continuing to express frustration at the regulations that the Government of British Columbia has put in place towards the introduction of the service.

As they announced their plans for Vancouver, the global ride share company noted that it remains interested in service across British Columbia, but the 'proposed' regulations are not conducive to operations in smaller municipalities"

That reference is to BC government requirement that any drivers for Uber must hold a Class Four commercial licence, with ICBC providing the details on how potential ride share drivers can ensure that they have the proper licence.

The Government call for a Class 4 licence is something that Uber notes is not a requirement in most of the markets that they currently serve.

As we outlined back in July, the province began to move towards the era or Uber, Lyft and such with Claire Trevena, the Minister of of Transportation and Infrastructure taking the provincial lead on the topic.

So far, the concept of ride sharing does not seem to have generated much in the way of discussion for the City of Prince Rupert or its residents.

As for the launch of their Vancouver service, Uber notes that they will soon be making their application to the Passenger Transportation Board, with an eye towards having their drivers on the street by the end of this year.

The pending arrival of ride sharing in Greater Vancouver is making for a range of items exploring past frustrations from Vancouver taxi users.

Notes on how the arrival of Uber, Lyft and others is being received by residents and politicians can be explored below.

Uber will operate in Metro Vancouver only, criticizes BC's Class 4 restriction
Uber aims to launch in Lower Mainland by late 2019, but uncertainty remains over rest of BC
Buckle up - Uber plans to operate in Metro Vancouver
Uber gets ready to roll, bur ride-hailing fight isn't over
Bring on Uber: Company applies to operate in Vancouver

More notes on transportation across the Northwest can be found here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.