Resolution can be defined as 'the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose'.  I have oft been described as 'being in a mental state' but more often as lacking in firmness or more aptly ... infirm. I have always hated New Year's.  I make resolutions that I have every intention off keeping but...

'Tis the season of lists and stocking stuffers of economic forecasts. But instead of soothsaying over what could happen in 2016, a look back at B.C.'s economic performance over the past few years might be more illuminating. Deciphering economic forecasts is a murky task anyways, not that interpreting statistics is any less ...

The holiday season is a time to reflect on the value of charity, yet fewer Canadians are donating to registered charities—and those who give are giving less in every province, finds a new study by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank. The study, Generosity in Canada and the...

Giving our students the tools and confidence they need to be successful in a rapidly-evolving global environment is our first priority as a Board of Education.  To assist us in achieving this goal, we will be engaging our communities in building and maintaining a school system that reflects local priorities, values and...

In late November the federal government’s House Leader announced a series of changes to the ways the House of Commons is to conduct its deliberations. The ways in which Parliament operates were to be changed to empower backbenchers, diminish partisanship, restore civility, and to make government more accountable and more...

As I mark my first anniversary as Board Chair of Interior Health, I’m looking back on the highlights and challenges of 2015. From wildfires that blazed through much of our region, to major investments in surgical care, and a change in leadership within our organization, it has been quite a year. We saw the departure of Dr. ...

On the positive side, in a spirit of optimism, we have this report  from  "Tree Alerts": "195 countries reached across traditional divides today to unite behind the greatest moral challenge of our time and seal the deal on a historic climate accord.  The Paris Agreement is an inclusive, ambitious, science-based deal that...

Christmas Stress Test             With the Holiday Season ahead of us I worry about my ability to survive it one more time.  It will take almost a full month to recover from the excessive eating, the revitalizing visits, the frantic shopping and the compulsive decorating.  The repetitive experience of Christmas stress makes...

 “Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle for where we’re going…”                                                                    -- Neil Young, Candle in the Dark “We are stupid, fickle beings with feeble memories… But who knows? Maybe this time we will not forget what has happened, we will learn from it…”...

Editor's Note:  Nick Loenen, the author of this proposal, served as an MLA in BC from 1987 to 1991, as a Social Credit member for the constituency of Richmond. He is now free of  political affiliations, and enjoys sailing his beautiful  Dragon-class sailboat as well as giving thought and expression to potential improvements...