US judge finds Teck liable for polluting Upper Columbia River
On Dec. 14, Washington judge found Teck Resources liable for response costs for any environmental or health risks resulting from almost a century’s worth (between 1896 and 1995) of discharges into the Upper Columbia River in Washington State. Judge Lonny Suko said, in his ruling, that, “for decades, Teck’s leadership knew its slag and […]
COMMENT: Tight lips tank trust
Following the city’s overzealous and incorrect use of the Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act (FIPPA) to withhold letters that are clearly in the public’s interest and do not “unfairly” harm anyone’s reputation, I am left wondering what, exactly, remains in the five redacted lines in Coun. Kathy Moore’s letter...
COMMENT: Time for changes to MLA pensions and perks
Reforms to the MLA pension plan, living allowances and meal per diems should be among the top New Year's resolutions B.C. MLAs make this season, according to IntegrityBC. IntegrityBC is calling for an independent panel to review and make recommendations on existing MLA benefits which need to be seen in the context of a salary...
"Serious ethical issues" swept under carpet by mayor and former CAO, but dust monster rears its ugly head
A recently declassified letter from the city auditor supports Laurie Charlton's sleuthing that fingered former building inspector Jason Ward for awarding more than $185,000 in arena upgrades to his own company—violating his contract with the city—without putting the projects out to tender—violating the city's purchasing policy....
Increase in 2012 building permits a good sign in RDCK
by Suzy Hamilton, The Nelson Daily It’s not exactly a boom, but it’s better than last year. As of November, building permits in the Regional District of Central Kootenay have exceeded 2011 totals by nearly nine per cent. Last year, 772 building permits were issued and as of November 30, 835 building permits have been […]
COMMENT: Thank you, Julian Fantino
The International Co-operation Minister caused a ruckus last week when he said that the Canadian International Development Agency should actively promote the country's interests abroad rather than primarily focus on poverty reduction. Fantino defended "aid" that was given to groups partnering with Canadian companies building...
OP/ED: Public consultation on the Department Of Peace bill
As part of its annual general meeting, the Canadian Department of Peace Initiative held the last of its public consultations on the creation of a Department of Peace. The meeting which took place at St. Paul University in Ottawa featured a panel of five commissioners and interventions from the public. (It was especially...
KBRH job action withdrawn - normal services Monday
Rotating job action, with lab workers slated to reduce to essential levels Monday, has been cancelled. Interior Health issued a brief release Monday, indicating services will remain at normal levels. “Interior Health has just received notification that the job action planned for this week by the Health Sciences Professional Bargaining Association (HSPBA) has been withdrawn,” […]
KBRH job action to continue Monday with lab workers
Midnight Sunday will see the third day of rotating job action at KBRH – Thursday saw pharmacists strike, Friday was diagnostic imaging, and hospital lab services will be reduced to essential services on Monday, according to a union press release. Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) said there will be no picket lines during the […]
Job action at KBRH to impact patients
A job action at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) today may result in delays or postponements for patients, according to Interior Health Authority (IHA) spokesman Karl Hardt. Hardt said yesterday’s job action by hospital pharmacists had no impact on patients, but today will likely be a different story. “Some patients will be rescheduled today,” Hardt […]