Why is it that our collective social intelligence on so many critical matters falls dramatically short of our individual citizen intelligence? It is amazing that our society can function as well as it does, given that we are in a state of continuous denial about so many things we do as a society. It feels […]

At the end of May, an anti-poverty group called Raise the Rates, which is a coalition of over 25 community groups and other organizations, challenged British Columbia’s MLAs to live on the province’s welfare rate of $610 for one month. The last increase in welfare rates was in 2007 when the housing allowance was raised […]

In case you missed it, this past Saturday, at around dinnertime the skies opened up briefly and we were treated to a spectacular double rainbow arching over town. It was certainly a sight to behold, and I noticed a cool detail about the pair: the fainter one was a mirror image of the brighter one. […]

It’s a familiar story: bright, young Rossland children excel through Maclean and RSS, come out of school--likely with several scholarships--and then "go down the road", as the same phenomenon was called when I was growing up in Nova Scotia, and attend school in a larger centre.  Their small town upbringing serves them well,...

I see the Israeli media is crowing about their victories against the “mighty” Freedom Flotilla II. Due to Israel’s world-wide assault on the flotilla, various countries have buckled under the pressure. The governments of France and Cyprus have barred Freedom Flotilla II ships from their waters. Greece may attempt to prevent ships from leaving her […]

Yes, of course, it is a big stretch to suggest that Preston Manning, for the former head of the Reform Party had anything to do with the rioting in Vancouver after the hockey game. But in trying to determine what is at the root of this mindless violent – and the almost equally mindless spectator […]

Dear Editor: It is with interest that I read the comments of Minister Lynne Yelich in regard to my statement on the budget.  Rather than reiterate what I had originally said, I would like to make a few other comments.  It is certainly reassuring that Western Diversification will continue to provide effective programs.  However,...

Now that the election frenzy has died down, life is getting back to normal.  I would like to congratulate all MPs who were re-elected and also to welcome our new MPs.  In particular, I would like to congratulate the two new MPs in neighbouring ridings: David Wilks in Kootenay-Columbia and Dan Albas in Okanagan-Coquihalla. The […]

 I had full intentions of a great work day filled with exciting stories for readers, when I was sideswiped by an online contest. Little did I realize that I could be so competitive and yet I am fully aware that the contest is not a real competition but actually just a venue for proving who […]

With much speculation about a nation-wide strike by Canada Post workers, union members continue to rotate 24-hour strikes in major Canadian cities.   Last night, Calgary and Edmonton postal workers began a 24-hour strike that will affect mail delivery and acceptance while workers picket the mail processing plants. Other 24-hour strikes have occurring in Moncton, […]