Last May I wrote about the keys to successful watershed management – how planning groups need to work hard to build understanding, support, and capacity through the entire planning process. Now, the RDKB and the Kettle River Watershed Management Plan Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) are building the foundations for long-term...

I want to start this op/ed piece by stressing that as far as I know, the recreation board has not raised their rates at this time. I don’t know if they are going to in the future. Regardless, I feel the recreation facilities need to be more affordable for everyone. Late last year there was some talk about the RDKB increasing...

A new year is a great opportunity to share my enthusiasm for my commitment to work hard for British Columbia’s seniors and their families. As Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors, I look forward to continuing to connect with as many British Columbians as I can throughout the province. What better time to reconnect with B.C.’s...

Another day, another $46,634. That is, if you’re among Canada’s top 100 CEOs, who pocketed that amount by 1:11 pm January 2, the first official day of work this New Year. This figure comes from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), which releases a report every January on the hyper-inflated difference between ...

“Civilization is the flower of humanity; its roots are not planted in societies of equal human beings. All our greatest cultural glories are growths out of hierarchy. Those who make our culture brilliant – our arts, architecture, sciences, in short, all beauty and creativity we humans have to show – have done it on the backs...

First what is a ‘YES … if’ community? It’s actually really simple. A ‘Yes…if’ community is one that, rather than focusing on the negatives (call that a ‘NO…but’ community), agrees to accentuate the positive. A ‘YES…if’ community agrees to listen with an open mind to all proposals, ideas, or plans for the betterment of the...

As most of us are aware, Parliament was prorogued this fall. This means that, instead of beginning its work on Sept.16, there was a delay until Oct.16. The delay, or prorogation, was requested by the Prime Minister and approved by the Governor General. The immediate effect was that all government bills and committee work were...

I believe that 2013 was a great year for Castlegar. City council, composed of dedicated re-elected veterans with extensive experience and a profound understanding of city operations, and others serving their first term, worked together to begin new initiatives while maintaining our efficient service delivery to our residents...

Long-time political watchers in B.C. will know what's meant by Gracie's finger. It was one of Canada's most blatant acts of political gerrymandering. In 1982, then Social Credit cabinet minister Grace McCarthy was suspected of using her influence to have her Little Mountain riding boundaries redrawn to include a sliver of a...

Few labels irritate me more than that of being referred to as a taxpayer, and of having the money governments spend referred to as taxpayers’ dollars. From the wealthiest tycoon to the most destitute homeless beggar in Vancouver’s downtown eastside, every person in this country pays taxes - no exceptions. When I purchase a ...