Open message to our LGBT community - I feel compelled to speak on behalf of what I believe is a substantial segment of our community. We just don't know what to say so mostly we stay silent; so shame on us. We are 'straight' (whatever that means) and we just don't get it. We are biased by negative experience with LGBTs who ...

Dear editor, A record high, 33,387 BC teachers exercised their democratic franchise and voted 86% in favour of escalating our job action up to and including full withdrawal of services, if needed. I want to express my deepest gratitude and respect for the resounding support  and solidarity shown by Kootenay Columbia teachers...

Dear editor, Recently, I have felt compelled to write about the state of high school education in Rossland.  It’s a topic we’ve all heard at least a thing or two about, but if I could bend your ear for just a minute, there’s a chance I might be able to bring forth a unique perspective. Last year, I was a grade 10 student at...

Dear Prime Minister Harper: Based on the evidence presented below, we, the undersigned scholars, have concluded that the Joint  Review Panel’s (JRP) assessment of the Northern Gateway Project (the Project) represents a flawed  analysis of the risks and benefits to British Columbia’s environment and society. Consequently, the...

Dear parents and guardians: In schools across British Columbia, a student walkout is being promoted for the morning of Wednesday, June 4. While I respect the desire of students to express their views regarding the current labour dispute, the proposed walkout raises a number of concerns, particularly with regard to student...

Becoming a Teacher is a many things, but I would hazard to say more a “Lifestyle choice” where you work desirable hours with weekends, long weekends, summers, and holidays all off. Any teacher knows what also comes with their chosen occupation, which is some work done at home, and also putting in time with the kids after...

Dear Parents and guardians: I regret to inform you that the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF), the union representing teachers, has informed the school district that they will be engaged in rotating strikes and will be withdrawing teaching services in all SD20 sites on Tuesday, May 27, 2014. As of this time, this...

(Ed. Note: This letter is in reference to a situation outlined in coverage you can read by clicking here. ) This has been a difficult 10 days for our community.  Many people and agencies have come forward to help us.  We would like to thank: -          RCMP; -          New Denver & Area Fire Department; -          BC...

On the first weekend in May, the Nelson Police Department, in conjunction with the Nelson RCMP, Nelson Fire Rescue, Nelson Search and Rescue, and BC Ambulance held our first annual Emergency Services Camp for local high school students. The camp is based on our previous successful years of Police Camp in Nelson. This year...

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of spending some time with Kris Stanbra.  She had just been awarded the prestigious Courage to Come Back Award.  I was truly impressed by her story and thought I would share it with my constituents in the B.C. Southern Interior Kris grew up as a fun-loving, athletic child with a competitive...