Disasters are indiscriminate when it comes to election cycles. People reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene in the southeastern United States are likely having a tough time focusing on the November election — some could even find voting difficult as polling locations and mail delivery have been disrupted. During last year’s Alberta election, several […]

The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is proud to lead the annual Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) from Oct. 6 to 12, 2024. This national campaign aims to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges many Canadians face in accessing timely mental health and substance use health care. The theme for MIAW 2024, “Access for All: […]

Courtesy the BC Wildlife Federation By Randy Shore When governments use wildlife as a pawn in political games to court their base, wildlife suffers, and British Columbians suffer, too. People in the outdoors community have been very clear that their top priority is conservation of habitat and wildlife for future generations. Sadly, examples of our […]

Arc CC Two-hundredth Arc demands big thoughts, serious topics “It’s a little embarrassing that after 45 years of research and study, the best advice I can give people is to be a little kinder to each other.” — Aldous Huxley** I feel the embarrassment of Huxley, today. I’ve been writing this column for more than […]

As youth march for a safe climate, politicians pander to polluters It’s hard for me to imagine what life must be like for young people today. Once again, they took to the streets this month — along with older allies — to call for action on the climate crisis. Yet, here in Canada and elsewhere, […]

A message in my inbox requests that I discuss what a volunteer firefighter plate signifies when displayed on a personal vehicle. The reader suggests letting them by if they seem in a rush. A volunteer firefighter is not permitted to drive in excess of the posted speed limit so this courtesy could make the difference […]

I’ve been in Ottawa the last two weeks as Parliament resumes sitting after its summer break.  It was a relaxing summer for most of us, but I want to acknowledge that for some it was full of anxiety and stress due to wildfires.  The Slocan Valley in particular was on fire for many weeks, forcing […]

By Randy Shore The government’s capacity to manage wildlife has declined steadily for decades. Its ability to conduct meaningful science is scraping along at rock bottom. Just last week we learned that government field staff are being asked to turn in their cell phones and have lost funding for travel, which will likely force the […]

I was honored to present the King Charles III Coronation Medal to four very special constituents: Darlene Schultz, Ann Godderis, Gerry Rempel, and Jan Morton were all recognized for their exemplary service. One hundred and fifty-five recipients throughout the province received this award, representing a diverse group of individuals who have made significant contributions to […]

BC NDP MLAs Brittny Anderson and Katrine Conroy say people in the Kootenays will be safer during emergencies, with provincial funding that will better equip local governments to reduce the risk of disasters. “People in the Kootenays know that climate change is not a theory – it’s real, and it’s impacting our homes and communities […]