Poll

Dec

COMMENT: Lack of dropped antlers and deer bones a bad sign in Boundary

I have been following hounds the last five weeks and in the process have walked a significant distance in the deer winter range and only on one occasion did I find the bones of a deer. Bones and dropped antlers for centuries have been a strong indicator of a healthy deer herd. Remember for decades the Boundary had the largest...

COMMENT: Pensions are not only a seniors’ problem – Part 2

In part one I wrote about the unjust decision to increase the eligibility age for Old Age Security (OAS) to 67 and a variety of options to save for retirement. There are also all sorts of self-help manuals and financial advisors who can give you a good advice on how to plan for your financial needs when you retire. (So far ...

Parallel realities

“Looking out upon the horrid ruin we seem to have made of the planet, in spite of the kind hearts and good intentions of the vast majority of human beings, it is hard to avoid the conclusion that some nefarious force has hijacked civilization, driving it towards ends that serve almost no one…  “Reasonable people can, depending...

COMMENT: 'Class Composition' is more than an abstract bargaining term in the current BC teachers' strike

Our Canadian school system is based on many principles, but one central theme is the concept of 'inclusion'. If you don't like the idea of Inclusion, of your child going to school with someone with autism, anxiety, downs, dyslexia, or other learning needs, then one of the private schools with rigorous screening-out processes...

The teacher's strike is more about the BC government's contempt for the Constitution than pay or working conditions

On the eve of the teachers’ full-out strike, the government proposed that “if either party is unhappy with the outcome of the government’s appeal of the court case the entire collective agreement can be terminated and a new round of bargaining begins.” To appreciate this proposal I examined the 2014 and 2011 decision of the...

Wynne’s Win, and the Agony of Right-Wing Pundits

While I realize it is churlish to take so much pleasure in the whining and wingeing of the usually arrogant right-wing pundits, I just can`t help myself. This gaggle of ideological nut bars rarely get angry at the fact that most governments in this country have been doing their duty in dismantling the democratic, activist...

First Nations Going to Court United Against Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Project

Today, we unequivocally reject the Harper Government’s decision to approve the Enbridge Northern Gateway tanker and pipelines project and First Nations will immediately go to court to vigorously pursue all lawful means to stop the Enbridge project. We have governed our lands, in accordance to our Indigenous laws, since time...

LETTER: In response to rainbow crosswalk controversy

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 ...

LETTER: Teachers 'show resolution', set to strike Monday!

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...

Don’t let Arthritis Slow You Down

In my years of naturopathic medical practice, I have been struck by the number of people who suffer from arthritis. In fact, it is the most common cause of disability in North America. When first coming into my office, many of my patients were suffering from sleep issues, chronic pain and mobility issues because of arthritis,...

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