MLA's Week: November 25--28, 2019

MLA's put the wrap in the Fall Session with a Thursday morning gathering in the Chamber, which shortened the usual Legislature work week by one session.

As the week and the Fall work came to an end it was notable for the successful passage of legislation to incorporate the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People into law.

With the UNDRIP work of Bill 41 working its way through Committee by Tuesday, with a final vote making for what was an unanimous vote in favour of adoption.

With British Columbia the first to adopt UNDRIP, a new approach towards Indigenous engagement will get underway

Also making its way through the Legislature on Tuesday afternoon were some amendments to the Nisga'a Final Agreement, with amendments to the definition of the "Nisga'a settlement trust" to allow the Nisga'a to broaden the scope of investments through the trust.

The second amendment was to correct a reference error in the fiscal relations chapter that was identified during negotiations.

The amendments can be reviewed here.

There were some notes from back on the North Coast that may soon make their way towards MLA Rice's office, with themes of Health Care and the need for more affordable and supportive housing being heard in Prince Rupert this week.

North Coast Transition House Society outlines housing options offered across the City

Councillor Cunningham calls for collective approach to securing health care in Prince Rupert

As for the first week of work in the House for the fall, the four days unfolded as follows:

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On the week, Ms Rice was not listed in the accounts of the sessions of the Legislature from November 25-28

The North Coast MLA is also a permanent member of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, serving as the convener of that forum.

Transcripts of the work of the committee are available on the Legislature page for the Committee.

Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs


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For our readers from the Terrace-Kitimat region, Skeena MLA Ellis Ross  was listed five times in the accounts of  the Legislature Archive for the week of November 25-28

The majority of his notices were through introductions of guests in the gallery, as well as a presentation of a petition from residents of Skeena calling for the modernization of denture related services.

Mr. Ross did have one final presentation for the fall session, speaking once more to the themes of the UNDRIP legislation.

MLA Ross speaks to UNDRIP in the Legislature, sharing his concerns of lost progress over a return to square one

Mr. Ross is also a permanent member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Initiatives.

He has also been appointed to the Standing Committee on Children and Youth

The Skeena MLA is also a member of the Special Committee for Review of the Police complaint process, you can follow their work here.

There is more background on both the North Coast and Skeena MLA's available from our MLA's Week Archive, as well as our constituency archives below:

North Coast constituency

Skeena and Stikine Constituencies

MLA's will not return to their work in the Legislature chamber until called back by their respective House Leaders, once it is determined when the first session for 2020 will take place.

The full schedule for the Legislature for 2019 can be viewed here.

A larger overview of provincial issues can be found on our D'Arcy McGee Archive

Victoria Viewpoints: Friday, November 29, 2019

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for   Thursday, November 28, 2019


Globe and Mail 

How Amazon's plan to expand will reshape Vancouver's tech scene
The luxury-retail boom is good for Vancouver, but affordable shopping options need to be protected
BC Legislature changes rules to allow secular 'reflections' to open proceedings
Horgan says ride-hailing will arrive in BC, downplays Christmas deadline
Construction labour shortage pinching supply
Kennedy Stewart already setting his sights on a second term as Vancouver mayor


CBC

'Our worst nightmares are being realized': Experts say First Nations need more power to save BC salmon
2 Vancouver climate protests create spectacle during Black Friday rush
World's first all-electric commercial plane set for takeoff in Richmond
Separating church and state: B.C. Legislative Assembly daily prayers receive minor tweak
Legislature love-in? Why there's been more cross-party co-operation in Victoria this session
Former BC politician claims Chinese accused him of 'endangering national security'
'We are just going to take it away': City of Kelowna tells people not to donate supplies to homeless camp


Vancouver Sun

Climate activists protest mass consumerism of Black Friday in Vancouver
Horgan's on a high, but real challenges lie ahead for his government
Vancouver council's many new priorities cost money
Vancouver releases final record-breaking 2019 homeless count


Vancouver Province

--


Victoria Times Colonist

Builders seek tax credits for asbestos removal, seismic upgrades
Unvaccinated visitors to health-care facilities must wear masks starting Sunday

Victoria News

BC Indigenous rights overhaul first job of 2020, John Horgan says


Global BC

Thoughts and prayers: Religion stays in BC Legislature, now joined by 'reflections'
BC condo owners brace for sticker shock as insurance rates surge '50 to 330%'
Vancouver seaplane company to test world's first all-electric commercial aircraft
Vancouver police arrest 6 climate change protestors staging 'funeral procession'
UNBC faculty association suspends strike, files bad faith bargaining complaint against university
SkyTrain workers union, TransLink staying silent amid mediated contact talks
BC salmon runs face 'meaningful chance of extinction' due to Big Bar landslide: officials
BC politician  breaks silence: China detained me, is interfering 'in our democracy'


Georgia Straight

Parsing tonight's Vancouver police news release about Extinction Rebellion's Black Friday protest
Red Brigade catches public attention at Extinction Rebellion Vancouver's funeral procession on Friday
Former MLA Richard T. Lee finally comes clean about being detained in China
BC Ferries should focus on communities, carbon reduction, and clean tech, not cars and congestion
Here's why John Horgan, Adrian Dix, Mike Farnworth and Andrew Wilkinson remind me of climate-change deniers


Vancouver Courier

Revenue growth slows at BC's top casinos
Two climate change protests in Vancouver target Black Friday consumerism
Deep Cove homeowners fined for contempt of court

The Tyee

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Miscellaneous

Ottawa Observations: Friday, November 29, 2019

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


Canadians held in China / China tensions

Chinese ambassador visits Huawei executive under house arrest, urges Canada to 'correct its mistake'
Huawei fund $56M in academic research in Canada. That has some experts concerned
China needs to correct its 'mistakes'
Ex-B.C. politician speaks out about detention in Shanghai airport and Chinese interference concerns
China born B.C. politician Richard Lee releases letter sent to Chinese government on detainees Spavor and Kovrig
Hong Kong activist calls on Canada to take a strong stance after U.S. passes laws
B.C. politician breaks silence: China detained me, is interfering 'in our democracy'
Former MLA Richard T. Lee finally comes clean about being detained in China


Globe and Mail

Iveson says Mayors could help smooth relations between Trudeau, Prairie premiers
Alberta's chief electoral officer says removal of election commissioner not impacting investigation
Alberta's energy regulator pilots new system to cut approval times for oil and gas projects
Mexico hopeful for changes in USMCA drug patent terms for biologics
Canada did it first - but America took the credit
Supreme Court sides with woman unlawfully handcuffed by Laval police, raises standards for police conduct
Alberta's largest public sector union bracing for up to 5,900 government job cuts
Ex-cabinet minister reject's Scheer's offer of critic post
Ottawa area campaign managers call for Scheer's resignation at private event
Will Canada's premiers unite to stand up to Trudeau?
Peter Harder steps down as government representative in the Senate
Canada's defence spending expected to stay stagnant despite pressure from U.S.
Federal program spending rose 9 per cent over first six months of fiscal year


CBC

Ed Fast rejects Scheer's offer of critics post, cites leadership concerns
Federal Court denies Ottawa's attempt to pause First Nations child welfare compensation order
Premiers Ford, Moe and Higgs to make announcement on nuclear reactors
Peter Harder to step down as Trudeau government's Senate point man at year's end
Democrats' concerns are 'very valid,' says Mexico's point person on new NAFTA
Crown-Indigenous minister calls on Senator Beyak to pull letters supporting assimilation of First Nations people
Veterans Affairs rejects pitch for social media influencers in $7M outreach contract
Scheer heads to Conservative heartland after a bruising week of challenges
Quebec to expand law on medically assisted dying, look at advanced consent
Former federal employees can now request Phoenix compensation
Supreme Court awards $20K to woman fined for refusing to hold escalator handrail


Toronto Star

Federal court blocks Ottawa's attempt to pause compensation order for First Nations children
Peter Harder to step down as government's representative in the Senate
Former Conservative cabinet minister declines spot in Scheer's shadow cabinet
Canada's defence chief says climate change will drive global conflict
Quebec open to physician-assisted death for Alzheimer's patients
Scheer heads to Alberta amid growing calls for his resignation
Justin Trudeau, Chrystia Freeland meet Mexico's USMCA point man to get deal to finish line
Quebec's Francois Legault to share displeasure with Doug Ford over Ontario's anti-Bill 21 motion

Toronto Sun

Trudeau has a rare chance to reduce gun crime
Statistics Canada: Economic growth slowed in third quarter

National Post

The artful majesty of Trudeau's new cabinet
Can anything stop Jason Kenney? Alberta premier rides high approval rating as his party gathers for convention
Chasing seat on the dysfunctional UN Security Council is a waste of Canada's time
'Flagpoling': How immigrants leave Canada to stay in Canada
The reforms needed for a 'fair deal' for the West
PQ leader invokes Louis Riel in call for Manitoba to mind its own business on Bill 21
Russia set to dominate the Arctic unless Canada acts quickly to address shipping concerns
Why BC's Indigenous rights bill is 'impractically broad' and inconsistent with Canadian law


Maclean's

Andrew Scheer and the Conservative's choices
Solving the conundrum at the heart of Canadian conservatism
The Scheer divide


Global

Court denies Federal bid to delay First Nations children compensation
The Conservative Party of Canada and self-inflicted stumbling
Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson says prime minister open to ideas from western mayors on economic development
Peter Harder, Grant Mitchell stepping down from government roles in Senate
'On the same side': Mexican diplomat meets with Trudeau, Freeland on CUSMA


Miscellaneous

Trudeau ditched Ministry in Charge of electoral reform, but proponents press on
Politicians need to face reality - the fossil fuel industry is collapsing

Northern Health continues quest to fill large volume of open positions in Prince Rupert

A social media advertisement extolling the virtues of service
as Northern Health looks to fill a number of health care positions
in the Prince Rupert area

If you have an education in health studies, the jobs are aplenty on the North Coast as Northern Health looks to fill a range of positions and openings in the Prince Rupert area, with the most recent listings of the available jobs totalling 37 from the online employment page from the Health authority for Northern British Columbia.

The shortages won't come as a surprise for many who have made a trip to the hospital and found short staffing has made for challenging times, with many of the positions still to be filled found in a number of nursing categories.

As well, anyone who has been up to the hospital for blood work or other lab related testing, they to have seen some of the impact.

That as what appears to be a staffing shortfall, seems to be affecting service delivery. With the Lab now in the second month of Wednesday closures, with no indication as to when the facility will return to five day-a-week service.

A snap shot of the job opportunities for today shows that 22 of the 37 positions listed as available are for nurses or nurse practitioners, with a range of other departments making up for the rest of the openings.

The 37 listings of positions open with Northern Health in the
Prince Rupert region as of today
(click to enlarge)

You can explore some of the challenges facing Northern Health across the region from their Careers section here, which provides a wider overview of just how many positions they have to fill across a vast portion of Northern British Columbia

The need to maintain and improve on the number of medical services
available in Prince Rupert was a theme for Councillor Barry Cunningham
earlier this week. He wants the City and neighbouring communities
to put pressure on the province towards services on the North Coast

As we noted earlier this week, Prince Rupert City Councillor Barry Cunningham has put some focus on health care in the community, calling for a collective approach for the region to put pressure on the provincial government to ensure that Prince Rupert and area does not fall behind on health care issues.

Mr. Cunningham made note of some of his concerns that the situation could become even worse in Prince Rupert, with Terrace set to see a new Major Northwest Trauma Centre in place to replace the aging Mills Memorial Hospital in the next few years.

And when you consider the large volume of positions that are still to be filled for Prince Rupert today, you can see why Mr. Cunningham has those concerns.

Particularly if a shiny, modern hospital will soon loom large on the horizon just ninety minutes down the road; ready to attract not only those working here, but to absorb many of the same talent that Prince Rupert is currently looking for.

The need for City Council, Regional District, Surrounding First Nation communities and the local MLA will be key to making sure the North Coast voice is heard.  With residents looking to all of them to become outspoken advocates for not only maintaining services, but expanding on them in Prince Rupert.

Those themes have made for frequent items that we have explored on the blog over the last few years.

You can dig deep into those notes from our archive pages here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

North Coast Transition House Society outlines housing options offered across the City

One of the units of the fully occupied
Crow's Nest Lodge, as the cold weather
continues to hold, some in Prince
Rupert still don't have anywhere
to stay in the night

With the weather having taken a significant turn towards the cold, the local agency which provides for much of the social for those most in need has taken to its social media options to share some of the options available for residents in the community.

In the post from November 27th, the North Coast Transition Society noted that they had provided for housing for 101 people in all of their facilities on November 26th, an indication as to the volume of people that found a warm place to be in the heart of our cold snap, though as a further reading of their notes would show, some still were forced to find their own space owing to the lack availability.

Transition House Society, which operates five housing options in Prince Rupert and Port Edward outlined the focus for each and answered questions from the public about some of the services offered and challenges that are found.

Among the overview:

The work of the Ravens Keep Transition House, a fifteen bedroom safe house for women and children.

Eagles Landing, Transitional Apartments on Park Avenue

The Grey Owl Retreat in Port Edward, which feature eight units of seniors housing.

Crow's Nest Lodge, the newly built housing facility on Park Avenue which features 36 units

The Third Avenue Shelter, the location for those without homes to have a warm and safe place for the night.

click to enlarge

One of the first things that jumps out from their overview, is the fact that most, if not all of the housing options they offer are already at full capacity.

And in the case of the homeless shelter, which is there for those in immediate emergency need, they have had to turn away people during these recent cold nights.

The Transition House Society explained that situation concisely as part of an exchange back and forth with those who viewed their Facebook post over the last few days.

click to enlarge

The comments provide a glimpse as to the appreciation of the public towards their work as well as the concerns from the public over the still large need for more accommodation for those in need.

That's a topic that both the City Council members and MLA Jennifer Rice may wish to address and provide some updates for the public on, particularly as we head into the deeper part of the winter months and the need grows greatest for those in the most need.

You can explore the range of notes on the Transition House Society options, as well as the comments, questions and suggestions from the public here.

For more notes related to housing see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

SD52 Board sets liaison positions, hears of school plans and recent Vancouver trip

The November meeting for School District 52 covered a range of themes, from a look at a recent trip to Vancouver for the BC Student Voice Event, to a new logo for Pacific Coast School and the introduction by Superintendent Irene LaPierre of new school plans for the 2019-20 school year.

The November 12th session found Charles Hays Secondary School Vice-Principal Carla Rourke, along with students Corbin Passo, Pia Khaira and Hannah Lindenblatt provide some background on the event for trustees.

Among some of the key note items that they took in from the event in Vancouver were sessions related to mental health, vaping and enhanced student learning. The travelling group also attended some icebreaker events and took in a visit to Science World.

Board Chair James Horne made note what they had learned from their trip and expressed interest in learning more about a program called the Foundry, which could be something that SD52 may show some interest in.

“The Board was impressed by the desire of the Student Voice group to invite students from neighbouring communities to their regional forum this Spring. We were also intrigued by the desire of the student group to bring the Foundry program to our community. The Board looks forward to receiving further information in order to have a discussion on lending our support to this initiative."

You can learn more about the Student Voice program here.

Trustees also reviewed and approved a pair of new logos for the city's Pacific Coast School which is located in the Ocean Centre Mall, the new look for the school will be featured on the door to the school, as well as on a line of clothing for students.

The approval came after the Aboriginal Education Council had reviewed the design and provide for its own approval previous.

As we noted back on November 20th, the new logo was a collaboration project for students, school staff and parents, with the new design provided by acclaimed artist Kelli Clifton, who is also a teacher with SD52.

Superintendent Irene LaPierre presented the highlights of the school plans for 2019-20 for trustees, noting that schools have used a range of data that has been compiled to put further focus on literacy, numeracy and social emotional learning.

The School plans can be reviewed here.

On November 8th, we made note of the Board Appointments for 2019-20, the trustees further divided up the vast list of other positions that required attention at the November meeting.

As part of their decisions, trustees took on liaison appointments with the various schools of the District, as well as to share work on a number of other committees.

The list of their new duties can be reviewed below:

With December fast approaching, the Holiday season will soon be the focus with concerts to come as the countdown to the final day before the Winter break which will start on December 23rd and come to an end on January 3rd.

The Board next meets on December 10th

A look at some of the other notes from their November meeting can be found here.

For more items of interest related to education with SD52 see our archive here.

A wider overview of notes on education in the Northwest can be found here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Victoria Viewpoints: Thursday, November 28, 2019

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for   Thursday, November 28, 2019


Globe and Mail 

--


CBC

Vancouver has banned plastics - but will it hold up, legally?
'I'm very confident': Transportation minister still promising ride-hailing by Christmas
Vancouver raising empty homes tax by 25%
Woman who fought for justice after son's Tasering death at Vancouver airport dies in Poland
'People are freezing here': Homeless in Oppenheimer Park forced to break law to stay warm, advocate says
'The system works': Why the province has no plans to make transit an essential service
BC's political parties forgo partisanship to support key legislation in fall session


Vancouver Sun

Horgan says ride-hailing will arrive in BC downplays Christmas deadline
Residents plan rally, calling on BC government to 'take back Little Mountain'
Will courts allow the good intentions of UNDRIP to work once drafted?
Number of electric vehicles on BC roads on the rise: province
Vancouver hikes empty homes tax by 25 percent
Vancouver's 'soft landing' in housing prices remains elusive


Vancouver Province

Countdown to ride-hailing: this time for sure?


Victoria Times Colonist

Island Health takes control of Nanaimo seniors home; cites inadequate care of residents
Former leader of teacher's union protected by new free speech law


Victoria News

Ride hailing might be B.C.'s Christmas present, John Horgan says
BC forest industry aid on the way, Doug Donaldson says
B.C. municipal group bans foreign sponsorship at convention


Global BC

Mother of RCMP Tasering victim Robert Dziekanski passes away during visit to Poland
BC's long waitlist for autism assessments, diagnosis continues to grow
Police watchdog called to Port Alberni after man, covered in blood, drowns while fleeing police
UBC study done in Alberta suggests caribou habitat restoration may be ineffective in the short term
BC's Passenger Transportation Board to issue rideshare licences in 'late' 2019
Potential lawsuit looming against City of Kelowna after relocation of Leon Avenue homeless
BC passes law to force oil companies to reveal how gas prices are set
99 B-line cyclist highlights congestion on North American's busiest bus route
Vancouver to hike empty homes tax by 25%


Georgia Straight

Homeowners not held legally liable after senior slipped on black ice on nearby city-owned sidewalk
Abbotsford International Airport access improved with $27.5 million road expansion project
School trustees need to prove they matter
Vancouver city council votes to ban plastic straws next year and single-use plastic shopping bags in 2021
Police accountability advocate Zofia Cisowski dies


Vancouver Courier

More than 100 military veterans homeless in Vancouver
B.C. rural dividend program 'just a slush fund,' says NDP aide
Horgan says ride-hailing will arrive in B.C., downplays Christmas deadline
Black Friday sales mean heavy traffic, warns YVR
Technology can justify more suburban sprawl, Lower Mainland developers told

The Tyee

The Burnaby Rail Disaster that few remember



Miscellaneous

Ottawa Observations: Thursday, November 28, 2019

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for  Thursday, November 28, 2019 


Canadians held in China / China tensions

The U.S.-China trade war is a boon for Atlantic Canada's lobster harvesters. But what's the catch?
Nova Scotia's premier supports continuing economic and cultural ties with China


Globe and Mail

Ottawa must resolve First Nations child welfare case: Jody Wilson-Raybould
Elections Alberta now says it will disclose names of fine recipients after initially withholding that information
What Jason Kenney and Albertans can learn from Texas
Andrew Scheer is boiled celery, and it's hard to get excited about boiled celery
Justin Trudeau is a lower-profile Prime Minister this term, and that might be a good strategy for him
Scheer dismisses Conservative leadership challenges as 'unfortunate' part of party politics
Jagmeet Singh takes on Indigenous affairs in NDP's shadow cabinet
Mayors urge Ottawa to get 'creative' on infrastructure when provinces delay projects


CBC

Harper's ex-campaign director joins voices calling on Scheer to quit Conservative leadership
The new Liberal minority government will face its first do or die vote by December 10
Scheer vows to fight for his job, picks former Liberal MP Leona Alleslev as his deputy
Independent Senators want rule changes to prevent partisan stalling on bills
Jagmeet Singh unveils NDP critic roles ahead of Parliament's return next week
Why Doug Ford is playing nice with Justin Trudeau

Toronto Star

With Scheer unable to escape the shadow of his religious beliefs, his social positions play well in home base
Jagmeet Singh takes on Indigenous affairs in NDP's shadow cabinet
Canada should enforce its own labour standards
Scheer and Trudeau both have good reasons to fear Rona Ambrose
Alberta conservatives and business leaders angry at Conservative leader Andrew Scheer
Emergency department wait times on the rise in Canada, Canadian Institute for Health Information finds

Toronto Sun

Ford says he's not trying to push Scheer out
Scheer's 'stinking albatross' continues to sink leadership
Political promises on climate change are fake news
Prince Charles will be a great King
Government workers take home more than the people paying the bills
Teacher unions are always angry


National Post

Scheer faces a battle to hold on to power, and he shouldn't have to be told why
Growing number of Conservatives think Andrew Scheer 'wasn't strong enough": Lisa Raitt
Burst of populism in Conservative leadership race has changed the party: Lisa Raitt
'I will have a strong voice': New Conservative deputy leader looks to help woo Ontario voters
Independent Senators want changes to Senate procedures, Conservatives call it a power grab
Joey Smallwood thought he'd never see the day.' Newfoundland's secessionists regret that he did
Media coverage about Andrew Scheer's faith hurt him with voters: Angus Reid poll


Maclean's

Andrew Scheer and the Conservatives' choices
Andrew Scheer's plea for Conservative unity


Global

Jody Wilson-Raybould says partisanship needs to be put aside to tackle Canada's divisions
Independent senators seeking reforms to thwart attempts to stall legislation
Canada pushed for probe into Khashoggi killing directly with UN human rights chief
Quebec premier tells Manitoba to spend money on French Services, Winnipeg Jets - not Bill 21 ads
Scheer names floor-crossing Liberal as his second-in-command amid Tory infighting


Miscellaneous

Will the U.S. drag Canada into the "turbulent 2020's'

Fate of Alaska Marine Highway Service to Prince Rupert for State of Alaska to announce

There is still no indication from the State of Alaska as to whether
Ferry service will ever resume between Prince Rupert and Ketchikan

Whether we will see the return of Ferry service between Prince Rupert and Ketchikan remains in the hands of the State of Alaska, with Mayor Lee Brain noting on Monday that he can't speak to the issue until an announcement is made by the State, at some point in the future.

"I have to wait until the Alaska Government is ready to say whatever  they are going to say. So I"m not at liberty to discuss yet. But when that time arises, the community will be notified at that time."

Mr. Brain was answering an inquiry from City Councillor Gurvinder Randhawa  at Monday night;s Council session, with the Councillor wondering if the Mayor had any information to share on the status of the AMHS service, which saw the last of two special sailings come and go on the 25th of November.

Those sailings took place after the City of Prince Rupert had provided the requested armed police support for the arrival and departures. The two special sailings were announced after the service was suspended for the foreseeable future by the State back in September.

Mr. Brain's vow of Omerta comes, as the posted schedules from the Alaska Marine Highway indicate that there are no scheduled sailings in the works to this point, for Service to and from Prince Rupert.

The Alaskans announced an end to the service on September 4th, over concerns that dated back to April related to security issues at the Prince Rupert terminal, owing to the lack of on duty armed police officers on hand to assist the US Customs and Border personnel.

The official end of service (other than the two special sailings) came at the end of September.

The Q & A between Mayor and Councillor can be viewed from the City's Video Archive starting at the 57 minute mark.

For more notes on Monday's Council session see our Council Timeline feature here.

A wider overview of Prince Rupert Council Discussion themes can be explored here.

While our look at Marine transportation on the North Coast can be found here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Detachment Discussion Deferred to December

Add a few more days on the calendar before Prince Rupert City Council
hears a report on policing in the city from the local RCMP detachment

Residents of the city awaiting the first update in a long time on the workings of the local RCMP detachment for City Council, will have to wait just a little bit longer ... that as the previously promised Presentation to Council  for Monday's council session was pushed back for a few more weeks.

Prince Rupert Mayor Lee Brain made note of the schedule change towards the end of the Monday evening session, observing as to how the Inspector in Charge was out of town that night and unavailable for the presentation.

The get together has been rescheduled for the last Public Council session for 2019, set for Monday, December 9th at 7PM, at which time members from the Sixth Avenue West detachment will attend to share their notes and answer questions from those Council members with an interest in asking some.

The quest for more formal and more frequent updates from the RCMP in the city has been a long standing request for Councillor Barry Cunningham, who was joined earlier this year by Councillor Nick Adey in highlighting the value of such opportunities to help keep residents informed and perhaps stem some of the social commentary that puts the rumour into Prince Rumour.

As we have noted before, Prince Rupert City Council does not make the call to the detachment for frequent updates on policing as often  as other Northwest communities do.

With Communities to the east brining their RCMP members in to report to those Councils in public session on a regular schedule through the year.

The change of date could give City Councillors time to review some of the details from a recent Maclean's magazine survey of crime statistics in Canada, a national story which put Prince Rupert and Terrace both into the top 15 communities considered as most dangerous.

For more notes on Monday's City Council session see our Council Timeline Feature here.

A wider overview of past Council discussions can be explored from our Council Discussion archive.

Until the December 9th Council session, you can review some of the many files from Northwest Emergency Responders from our monthly archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bacharach assigned critics role for Infrastructure and Communities

Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP
Taylor Bachrach was assigned
his critic's role on Wednesday

As the Parliament Hill show ramps up towards an opening for next week, NDP leader Jagmeet Signh has been busy preparing to assign the roles that NDP MP's will take on as they sit as part of the minority parliament that came out of the Fall election.

For Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach, a familiar theme will be his to explore, with the NDP leader on Wednesday naming him the NDP critic for Infrastructure and Communities.

With but 24 MPs to choose from, being named to an NDP shadow position is akin to a participation medal at Sports Day (with everyone getting one).

However in this case, the position assigned to Mr. Bachrach is a good fit.

As a former Northwest Mayor with a high profile through his work with UBCM over the years, he will be more than familiar with the challenges facing communities not only across the Northwest, but across Canada when it comes to infrastructure and other issues.

That past experience at the municipal level was taken note of by Mr. Singh as he announced the Bachrach appointment on Wednesday.

“As families struggle to make ends meet, municipalities are being asked to do more and more with fewer resources. New Democrats will be partners in helping deliver for communities across the country. As a former mayor for a rural community, Taylor understands first-hand the struggles municipalities are faced with in delivering for their residents. As our new Critic for Infrastructure and Communities, I’m confident that Taylor will be a champion in this important work.”

The newly elected Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP greeted the news with enthusiasm and was already preparing to take on the duties which have been put on him.

"I’m honoured Jagmeet has selected me for this important role. I’m looking forward to working with all levels of government to ensure communities have what they need to thrive, and that Canada tackles the climate crisis, provides affordable housing, and creates opportunities through smart infrastructure investments.”

Mr. Bachrach also had the news cycle all to himself yesterday, with the NDP leader set to announce the rest of his Shadow Cabinet later today.

You can review the full statement from the NDP here.

The fist day for MP's to take to their desks will be December 5th, when Parliament resumes for a seven day sitting before they suspend affairs for the six week Holiday break.

For more items of note on the Federal scene for the Northwest see our archive page here.

A wider overview of the developments from Ottawa can be explored from our Ottawa Observations archive .

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

With British Columbia the first to adopt UNDRIP, a new approach towards Indigenous engagement will get underway

After a lengthy debate in past Legislature Sessions and five days of extensive discussion in Committee over the last week, the NDP government brought the UNDRIP declaration to the floor of the Legislature for a vote on Tuesday evening.

And while some Indigenous leaders had feared that the opposition Liberals might have been trying to run out the clock on the legislation, when the tally of votes came in, the UNDRIP declaration went through the House with no opposition as Bill 41- the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People became an Act and law in the province.

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice celebrated the passage of the Bill into Legislation through her social media portal, as well as to post a link to the video of the moment of its passage in the House.





With the universal approval of Tuesday, British Columbia became a history maker, becoming the first Legislature in Canada to adopt the UNDRIP principles and turn them into provincial law.

The path towards adoption featured for the most part some thoughtful exchanges of comments, ideas, concerns and enthusiasm, with only a few instances of the broader partisan politics that sometimes infects the Legislature.

Upon the adoption of UNDRIP into law, Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and a number of Indigenous leaders issued a joint-statement reflecting the historic moment that the province had  reached.

“The legislation establishes the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the foundational framework for reconciliation in B.C., as called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. 

The provincial government developed Bill 41 in collaboration with the First Nations Leadership Council, which was acting on the direction of First Nations leaders throughout the province.

A commitment to adopting the Declaration is a component of the Confidence and Supply Agreement between the B.C. government and the BC Green Party caucus.

This legislation advances a path forward to true reconciliation for all of us in B.C. that will uphold Indigenous rights and create stronger communities, stable jobs and economic growth."

As part of the statement, which you can read in full here, the path forward from this point was outlined, with the key passage making note as to how future changes will be done in consultation, with Indigenous peoples and engagement for local government and other stakeholders.

“Any future changes to bring provincial laws into harmony with the UN Declaration will be done in consultation and collaboration with Indigenous peoples, with opportunities for engagement with local governments and stakeholders such as business and industry. 

Changes won’t happen overnight – this will be a gradual, step-by-step process over time. 

The development of an action plan – in collaboration with Indigenous peoples – with regular reporting to monitor progress will provide a transparent and accountable path forward on reconciliation in B.C."

Once the government moves forward towards implementing the new legislation and adapting it for use across the province, the government side of the House will need to ensure that residents of the province are fully informed on how the new approach will work.

As well as to explain to British Columbians how the changes may or may not impact on many elements of governance and how those issues and engagements may be handled differently from the past.

That process will come in the months to come as the path ahead becomes a little clearer.

For now the history books will show that it was British Columbia that took the first leap, looking to change the dynamic of the past and bridge the gaps that at times has been prevalent in Indigenous - government relations.

As the province follows up on the new legislation many other provinces, as well as the Federal government will be watching with much interest to see if the use of UNDRIP as part of the provincial structure will indeed make for significant change in the relationship between the government and Indigenous people.

Some of the reviews of the history making moment of Tuesday, can be examined below:

UN Indigenous rights bill approved unanimously
British Columbia becomes 1st Canadian province to pass UN Indigenous rights declaration
Satisfaction reached on historic UNDRIP after five days of scrutiny
'We made history': UN Indigenous rights bill approved unanimously in B.C.
B.C. First to endorse UN Indigenous rights legislation
For British Columbians feeling threatened by UNDRIP - don't worry there's an escape clause!

For a look at how both North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice, and Skeena MLA Ellis Ross addressed the theme of UNDRIP in the debate stage, see our Legislature archive pages below:

North Coast
Skeena and Stikine


Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Prince Rupert's use of chlorine in civic water supply latest focus for national consortium of journalists

Prince Rupert is back in the spotlight on water themes this week, as the national consortium of journalists release their latest investigative work on water in Canada, with the use of chlorine as a water treatment agent as the focus for the latest contribution to articles on the city's water.

The most recent story, posted to the Global BC News website on Wednesday, explores some of the risks associated with extended exposure to chlorine and from their survey of samples collected from 16  Prince Rupert homes, the journalists noted that levels of THM known as trihalomethane, which are cancer causing contaminants. exceeded the Health Canada guidelines.

The latest story also notes that THM levels in the region are something that Northern Health has recommended ongoing monitoring of the levels for.

The reporters once again interview Prince Rupert residents to gauge their reaction to the findings for their piece; as well, they include a statement from Veronika Stewart, the city's communication manager, who stated:

'Chlorination is the city's only current method of disinfection, which protects our population against serious waterborne diseases' adding that “Health Canada acknowledges that, ‘The health risks from disinfection byproducts, including trihalomethanes, are much less than the risks from consuming water that has not been disinfected,’

Ms. Stewart also notes that Northern Health and the City do work to limit the amount of dis-infection  byproducts that are used and once again recounts the city's plans for a new water treatment facility in the future.

The review also makes note of a number of violations recorded for 'inadequate treatment', as well as to review last years six week long Boil Water order, as well as the city's response to that situation.

One other violation noted that Prince Rupert was cited for not meeting drinking water treatment objectives for surface waters in B.C., which requires two treatment processes for surface water"

Another interesting observation from Prince Rupert comes from Rob Gruber, who recounts for the reporters the volume of filters that Saanich Plumbing has sold in the community to customers looking for clearer water.

Considering the ongoing stream of stories from the national media focused on Prince Rupert's water, Saanich and other plumbing outlets  in the city will most likely see another surge in interest in their filter units.

The latest report which you can read here, like the previous ones that have been released, makes for an extensively researched piece and should again be a must read for the community, in orfer to gain some further knowledge and a wider overview towards the issues of the water.

These latest notes would also once again seem to indicate that the City of Prince Rupert needs to provide for a better understanding for the public of some of the many points that have raised since the series began at the start of this month.

You can review all of that previous work from the consortium of journalists, as well as local follow ups to their research from our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.