ARCHIVE – BC & NATIONAL NEWS [May 2018]
West Shore Voice News
Tuesday, May 29 ~ NATIONAL. Trudeau talks pipeline.
Today Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with both BC Premier John Horgan and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley regarding the federal cabinet’s decision to purchase the assets of the Trans Mountain pipeline project (both the existing pipeline that was built in 1953 and the present infrastructure/equipment already in place to build the extension) for $4.5 billion.
Earlier today Finance Minister Bill Morneau said that owning the assets of the project make it clear about federal jurisdiction over the project.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with British Columbia Premier John Horgan by phone early this morning to confirm that the federal government had reached a commercial agreement with Kinder Morgan in order to secure the timely completion of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. The Prime Minister confirmed that the agreement will guarantee the resumption of work for the summer construction season and protect thousands of jobs.
- During the call, the Prime Minister reiterated the federal government’s jurisdiction over interprovincial pipelines, and noted that the Government of Canada is confident that, with this agreement, it is upholding the trust Canadians have placed in the government to both grow the economy and protect the environment. The Prime Minister noted that this project is made possible because of Canada’s world-leading Oceans Protection Plan, extensive and ongoing consultations with Indigenous communities, strengthened environmental standards, and a rigorous approvals process.
- Trudeau reaffirmed his commitment to work collaboratively with British Columbia on important issues such as supporting infrastructure, fighting climate change, and protecting our environment and coasts.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke today with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley on the commercial agreement that the Government of Canada has reached with Kinder Morgan in order to secure the timely completion of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.
- The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for Premier Notley’s continued support for the project, and confirmed that the agreement will guarantee the resumption of work for the summer construction season and protect thousands of jobs.
- During the call, the Trudeau acknowledged Alberta’s commitment to get the project done, and confirmed his understanding that Alberta’s contribution would act as an emergency fund and would only come into play if required due to unforeseen circumstances. The Prime Minister and Premier Notley noted their shared belief that it is possible – and fundamental – to grow the economy and protect the environment at the same time. They also agreed to continue working together on fighting climate change and protecting our environment.
Tuesday, May 29 ~ NATIONAL. The federal government announced this morning that $4.5 billion will be committed to purchasing the Trans Mountain pipeline project (both existing infrastructure of the pipeline first built in 1953 and the new infrastructure that is currently in place to get the extension pipeline built) if Kinder Morgan cannot find a private sector buyer before August. This is largely seen as a statement of political assurance that the federal Liberal government can get a project “in the national interest” accomplished, something (i.e. get a pipeline built) they charged in Question Period today in the House of Commons that the previous Conservative government was unable to accomplish.
Kinder Morgan had estimated the cost of building the expansion would be $7.4 billion, but Morneau insisted that the project will not have a fiscal impact in that the federal government does not intend to be a long-term owner. Morneau said that at the appropriate time, the government would work with investors to transfer the project and related assets to a new owner or owners. Investors such as Indigenous groups and pension funds have already expressed interest, he said. The stock value of Kinder Morgan shares went up 2% this morning in response to the news, indicating a positive view of the federal government’s decision by the investment community. Eventually there could be annual revenues from a fully operable twinned pipeline of $5.5 billion to BC, $20 billion to Alberta, and $21 billion to the federal government.
BC Premier John Horgan has released the following statement about the federal government’s proposed purchase of the Trans Mountain Pipeline: “Today’s events do not change the risks of a seven-fold increase in tanker traffic, or the catastrophic effect a diluted bitumen spill would cause to British Columbia’s economy and environment. Tens of thousands of BC jobs depend on pristine coastal and inland waters. Our environment generates millions in economic activity, from tourism to film and fisheries. It does not matter who owns the pipeline. What matters is defending our coast – and our lands, rivers and streams – from the impact of a dilbit spill. Our government is determined to defend British Columbia’s interests within the rule of law and in the courts. We will continue our reference case, to determine our rights within our provincial jurisdiction.”
Horgan told media in a live news conference: “The federal government now is completely accountable and now, at the end of the day, is a good thing.” Horgan said that the federal finance minister will be responsible for outcomes, adding there is skepticism about making money off the pipeline, noting the present oil price of $66/barrel. Horgan encouraged any protesters who wish to continue to express their disappointment to do so “within the rule of law”. Horgan said that BC’s jurisdictional question to the BC Supreme Court is still in place. BC wants to “protect our coast and our economy (air, water and land) — and if the courts find otherwise, we’ll see what we can do about that”. Accountability — including environmental — clearly falls to the federal government now, said Horgan.
The leader of the BC Green Party, Andrew Weaver issued a statement in response to the federal government’s decision to buy the Trans Mountain Pipeline. “This is a betrayal by a government who ran on a hopeful vision for a better future,” said Weaver. “A government that promised to end fossil fuel subsidies and to champion the clean economy should not be spending billions of dollars of taxpayer money to buy out a fossil fuel expansion project. We should be investing in growth industries that are clearly where the world is heading. Investing in this pipeline is like investing in the horse and buggy industry at the advent of the car.” “This is a deeply troubling decision on many levels,” continued Weaver. “Canada stands to sacrifice its international reputation, irreplaceable iconic species like the Southern resident Killer Whales, and its commitments to meet its Paris Climate targets and to reconcile with Indigenous people – all while putting enormous risk on Canadian taxpayers.” The Green Party leader continued: “It is clear that the world is transitioning away from fossil fuels. The cost of renewable energy continues to fall – solar and wind are already cheaper than coal in many jurisdictions. Last week, a report by Aurora Energy Research projected the adoption of electric vehicles could wipe out $19 trillion in oil revenue. You don’t build infrastructure like this for the next few years – this is built to last for the next 40-50. This is not the infrastructure we need in 10 years and certainly not what we need in 40.”
Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh told media in Ottawa today that the federal government’s decision to buy the Trans Mountain Pipeline project was a “true lack of leadership” to save or create less than 3,000 jobs. “It’s a bad deal that will solve nothing,” Singh said, calling it a short-term decision that “doesn’t propose a way forward” and that there should be preparation for jobs in the clean energy sector and in jobs “right across the country”.
Federal Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said the federal government should not be paying for a private sector project, that it is a political move by the prime minister to essentially save face. However, in Question Period today Finance Minister Morneau said that Trudeau’s Liberal government is now getting done “what the Conservatives were unable to do” for 10 years under Harper. Scheer says that the legal questions and obstacles to the project remain unresolved.
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley called it “a major step forward for all Canadians.” She said any efforts by BC to further interfere with the project will have less effect with the federal government as the owner, because it will have Crown immunity.
Monday, May 28 ~ NATIONAL. Over the next three months, Canadians may provide input on problems experienced relatively widely in the airline transportation industry.
Input about things like compensation for bumped flights and lost bags will help the federal government develop some new regulations about tarmac delays and cancelled flights
From a customer service perspective, it’s been rather astonishing that the airline industry would leave their customers stranded without options or compensation. Frustrations from the public have made their way to elected officials, and now the government is taking action. This is good public process at work.
Last week on May 23, 2018, Parliament passed the Transportation Modernization Act. This mandates the Canadian Transportation Agency to develop regulations for airlines’ obligations to air passengers.
The public can provide input in various ways:
• Attend an in-person session (the only one in BC will be held in Vancouver on Monday, June 18 (1 to 4pm and 6 to 8 pm)
• Complete a questionnaire: http://www.airpassengerprotection.ca/questionnaire
• Read a discussion paper and provide a written submission: http://www.airpassengerprotection.ca/submit
• Comment on any of these topics: Airline’s obligation to communicate clearly; Flight delay and cancellation; Denial of boarding; Lost or damaged baggage; Tarmac delay; Seating of children under 14 years; Transport of musical instruments; or other.
Registration to participate in the public sessions is required: http://www.airpassengerprotection.ca/register-session
As well, in-person surveys are being completed in 11 major airports across Canada.
Feedback is being accepted up to August 28, 2018.
Friday, May 25 ~ VANCOUVER ISLAND. If you have some ideas to improve service at the BC Ferries Swartz Bay terminal, here’s your chance. There’s an public input portal available to June 8 at www.bcferries.com/swbvision
This is part of a broader program announced earlier this month which includes meetings with key stakeholders and pop-up sessions at the terminal in late May and early June.
This program runs through to Fall 2018 to gather community feedback to better understand the important role that the terminal plays in the experience of communities and customer travel experiences within the regional transportation network.
Feedback will inform design concerts for the terminal, taking into account the collective needs of BC Ferries and the community. Customers and the community will be presented with possible design options.
Terminal redevelopment will be done over several years. Public engagement will continue as the terminal is designed and throughout construction which is scheduled to begin in 2021.
Since the previous master plan of 2004, there have been upgrades to ticket booths and traffic flows, and some berth modifications. The new Terminal Development Plan will guide long-term planning and investment in future improvements for Swartz Bay. “The long-term plan is for a more efficient and pleasurable experience for customers while supporting growth in the region by moving people and goods more easily,” said BC Ferries in a news release.
Wednesday, May 23 ~ BC. The BC government is creating 200 new nurse practitioner (NP) positions to support patients as part of a shift to a team-based primary health-care system, it was announced by BC Minister of Health Adrian Dix today May 23.
“We know that there are significant numbers of British Columbians who have inadequate access to a primary care provider,” said Dix. “NPs are a viable, patient-centred solution to improving access, but we know that compared to other jurisdictions, BC has not made the best use of NPs. With the steps we are taking to fully leverage and integrate NPs into the province’s primary care system, this is about to change.”
The positions are being supported by approximately $115 million over three years, to secure NPs’ employment in primary care settings throughout British Columbia. Government is also increasing the number of NP education seats by 66%.
NP practice does not require physician supervision. NPs can work on their own, or with physicians and other health professionals, to provide care across a person’s life span. This includes diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting tests, prescribing medications and performing medical procedures. They hold a masters or PhD. They are regulated by the College of Registered Nurses of BC and hold liability insurance through the Canadian Nurses Protective Society.
There are 426 practicing NPs in BC. The new positions will make a total of 626 NPs working in communities throughout BC. Distribution of nurse practitioner positions will be based on regions with the highest need of primary care services. The positions will be available to new graduates, as well as current nurse practitioners, who wish to work to their full scope of practice in a primary care setting. NP’s provide care in both primary and acute care settings including rural, remote and urban centers.
“This is great news for nurse practitioners and British Columbians in need of primary care,” said Fiona Hutchison, president of the British Columbia Nurse Practitioner Association. “Fully integrating additional nurse practitioners into our provincial health-care system enables us to be more fully utilized and work to our full scope of practice – something we’ve been calling on for some time.”
As well, $1.2 million over two years will fund an additional 30 nurse practitioner education seats. Beginning in the 2018-19 school year, 15 additional nurse practitioner seats will be added at the University of British Columbia (UBC) where NP studies began in 2003. There will be five new seats at the University of Victoria (UVIC) and five at the University of Northern British Columbia. An additional five seats will be added at UVIC in 2019-20. These institutions will have the ability to train a total of 75 nurse practitioners per year.
Increasing the number of jobs and nurse practitioner seats is part of work underway to support a human resources strategy to ensure the health-care workforce meets the needs of patients. As part of this, as announced on April 18, 2018, the ministries of Health and Advanced Education, Skills and Training are providing approximately $3.3 million to create new health-care assistant seats in 11 post-secondary institutions throughout British Columbia.
Wednesday, May 23 ~ BC. The BC government will provide access to free counselling sessions for British Columbians who have served as jurors and who by that experienced stress and mental-health challenges. The services will be available at the conclusion of a trial, as part of a new juror support program.
Jurors are sometimes required to hear evidence and testimony about violent and traumatic crimes, including crimes against children and other vulnerable people. Previously, only one group debriefing session was available to jurors at the conclusion of trial, and only if requested by at least six jurors. The new juror support program will offer all BC jurors the opportunity to access four confidential one-on-one sessions with a qualified and experienced counsellor.
“This program was inspired by a letter written to me by Mark Farrant, a former juror in Ontario who is campaigning for better jury supports. He pointed out to me that BC could do much more to support jurors, and he was right,” said David Eby, Attorney General. “Jury duty is a vital public service, but it can also be stressful, and occasionally traumatic. Talking to a qualified counsellor can help. This new program will offer free services to all jurors, so that they can get the support they need, when they need it.”
In February 2018, Farrant launched at $100,000 lawsuit against two governments (Ontario and federal) for having developed PTSD after serving as a juror on a murder trial. He says he wasn’t prepared for the graphic horror of the evidence he was obliged to sit through. His lawsuit said It alleges the attorneys general of Ontario and Canada breached their “duty of care” to protect Farrant as a juror. The lawsuit says Farrant continues to suffer from “stress, fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, significant weight loss, income loss and loss of competitive advantage.”
The BC government will be issuing a request for proposal and, once a qualified vendor is selected, will announce program details, including when the program will be available. Counselling will be provided primarily in person, although there will be options for telephone and video sessions. A toll-free telephone number will be available to answer juror-support program questions, and to book appointments with counsellors.
The juror support program is part of the Province’s commitment to increasing mental-health services in British Columbia, and will be available (after the conclusion of the trial) to any juror who has served on a criminal, civil, or coroner’s jury for up to six months.
To ensure the program is responsive to the needs of all jurors, instances of jurors needing support beyond the six-month timeline will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Tuesday, May 22 ~ BC. British Columbia files constitutional challenge of Alberta legislation.
The Government of British Columbia has filed a statement of claim in Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench. The Attorney General of BC is bringing this action, based on public interest standing on behalf of British Columbians, challenging the constitutionality of Alberta’s Preserving Canada’s Economic Prosperity Act.
The Alberta legislation passed last week (May 16, 2018) would require export licences be obtained by Alberta companies for the export of natural gas, crude oil, and refined fuels such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel — with a fine of $10 million per day for companies and $1 million per day for individuals.
Today May 22, BC Attorney General David Eby told media that preventing Alberta oil products from reaching Northern and remote BC communities would be detrimental to those communities that rely on diesel for electricity generation and boat transportation. Trucks that ship goods out of the Port of Vancouver to all parts of BC would be impacted by a lack of diesel, therefore impacting the supply of various goods around the province.
Eby told media that BC in its reference to the BC Supreme Court is “seeking adequate protections in the event of a spill, and if there is a spill, to clean it up”. He says BC wants “to ensure those things are in place, not to stop or prevent the pipeline”.
“We want to ensure that (environmental) protections are in place when the pipeline is built and turned on,” Eby told media at the noon hour today. He said that Alberta’s legislation to stop delivery of refined fuel to BC is apparently “a punishment for our reference case” but that Alberta’s legislation is “on its face unconstitutional”. Eby said the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in the Comeau case (out of New Brunswick, in April) that government can’t use trade policy to punish other provinces.
Eby says it’s unlikely that Alberta will actually use their new Bill 12 legislation, given that it’s unconstitutional.
The complete statement of claim by BC in response to Alberta’s legislation that would be used to stop delivery of refined fuel to BC is available online: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Statement_of_Claim_Final.pdf
BC wants improvements to oceans protection. The federal government says it sees environmental protection going hand in hand with building the economy.
This week Finance Minister Bill Morneau dropped a lead weight of blame on BC Premier Horgan as the reason that the federal government, as part of announcing that it will provide financial support to Kinder Morgan for the challenged pipeline project. The funding is stapled to the project, so if Kinder Morgan bails, a new proponent would have the same advantage.
George Heyman, BC Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy sent the 3-page letter (plus 2-page appendix listing several meetings with DFO,the coast guard, environment ministry, national energy board, and more) to his federal counterpart, Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
Heyman’s letter, in response to correspondence received from McKenna on April 26, 2018, can be viewed here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/316322_McKenna_FINAL_SIGNED.PDF
Heyman has outlined differences, as well as individual and shared priorities, of both governments related to protecting BC’s environment and economy from the effects of a catastrophic oil spill.
He has also suggested areas where the federal government needs to do more in areas of its jurisdiction, including improvements to the federal government’s Oceans Protection Plan.
Heyman has also proposed ways both governments can cooperate on their respective research regarding the behaviour of spilled heavy oils, as wells as ways to jointly improve environmental protection.
“BC succeeds when British Columbians succeed – and our province’s tech sector is proving that every day,” said Premier Horgan, adding that the sector has over 10,000 companies employing more than 106,000 people.
“Our job is to provide opportunities and partnerships that help companies and individuals innovate, succeed and grow. This approach delivers more jobs and a stronger economy, and helps support health care, education, housing and other public services that make British Columbia a great place to live and work.”
The Province announced that it is investing over $102.6 million in funding for 75 post-secondary research projects, through the BC Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF). The projects will develop BC’s expertise and innovation in fields such as advanced super-computing and clean technology, to spur job creation, talent development and commercialize innovation.
To attract and retain the best graduate students, $12 million will be invested in graduate degree scholarships over the next three years, to support the priority STEM (science, tech, engineering and mathematics) programs, as well as Indigenous students and regional programs. The Province will also invest in women-in-technology scholarships to inspire a new generation of women to take up science and tech-based professions.
To develop tech talent, $10.5 million will be invested in co-op opportunities and entrepreneurial training for post-secondary students, so they can gain vital hands-on experience to be job-ready when they enter the tech sector.
To help make it easier for tech companies to recruit top international talent to BC, government will expand its Provincial Nominee Program Tech Pilot: priority processing for people in tech occupations (e.g. biotechnologists, software engineers and web developers).
“Investing in innovation is the best thing we can do to set our province up for success,” said Andrew Weaver, BC Green Party leader. “Technology is driving global growth and has the potential to add value to every sector of BC’s economy. This minority government is a unique opportunity to come together to champion a bold vision for the future of our province, and I am proud to be working in partnership with the government to support our tech sector.”
The BC government will unveil a province-wide tech strategy next year that will help provide all people with the ability to work and prosper in the communities they call home. In turn, the Province will invest in health care, education, housing and other public services that make BC a great place to live and work.
The third-annual #BCTECH Summit May 14-16 has been hosted by the BC Government in partnership with Innovate BC (a crown agency) which encourages the development and application of advanced or innovative technologies to meet the needs of BC industry.
“We are standing up for British Columbia’s environment, economy and our coast against the threat of a bitumen spill, and we are doing so entirely within our rights.
“The federal finance minister is trying to use our government as an excuse, as the federal government puts taxpayer money on the line to backstop risks to private investors, while completely ignoring the risks to BC. The fact is, we’ve been issuing permits in a fair and timely manner, and have proposed new regulations that are now referred to court to confirm our jurisdiction.
“We are acting well within BC’s rights to defend our environment, and the tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of economic activity that depend on it.”
Yesterday during a speech at a Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Victoria, Horgan took the opportunity to express positive support for Alberta Premier Rachel Notley as a fellow NDP leader, acknowledging it’s her job to represent the economic interests of her province (vis-a-vis the pipeline issue). But he added: “I am not convinced that we are prepared to deal with the consequences of a diluted bitumen spill in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, around the Gulf Islands and in Burrard Inlet. We need to find a balance — my responsibility is to the people in this room and the people who are coming here “attracted by the pristine environment” (i.e. tourism).
Horgan reiterated his view that raw bitumen should go to refineries in Canada “to help people” in the local economy instead of being shipped overseas. He said that the federal 10-year commitment of $1.5 billion on three coasts of the largest coastline on the planet is not a lot of funding should anything go wrong.
Today NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said on behalf of the federal NDP that “billions of tax dollars are being used to write a blank cheque to a Texas oil company and its shareholders”.
While a handout from government seems like it should sweeten the pot, business pundits have suggested that a corporation does not always welcome the hand of government in their accounting processes or boardroom.
Today Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also issued Canada’s official welcome and congratulations on the birth of the third child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The timing is notable because the Prime Minister’s news release highlights the royal couple’s 2016 visit to Haida Gwaii, noting the pristine environment of BC that was visited there during the tour. In other words, a nod to the importance of BC’s pristine coast.
In less than one year in office, Horgan has rapidly rolled out numerous policy adjustments and new directions for British Columbia that are changing the socioeconomic landscape of the province in notable ways.
In a nutshell, that’s to make life more affordable for all British Columbians, he is oft heard to say. But that has come with almost seismic shifts in some areas of taxation — some that businesses consider punitive (such as the Employer Health Tax) but others that ‘help’ such as eliminating PST on electricity for businesses by 2019 and reducing the small business tax rate from 2.5% to 2.0%.
A seasoned, relaxed speaker, Horgan was comfortable at the podium but was careful to put a business or economic context around every potentially controversial portion of his 35-minute speech.
He covered the gamut from justifying the BC Speculation Tax and the shift from the Medical Services Program (MSP) to the Employer Health Tax (EHT), to defending his government’s stance spawned by the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion project to protect the coastal environmental in the event of an oil spill.
At least twice he emphasized “not social policy but economic policy”, specifically with regard to providing more and better child care, and working to full reconciliation with indigenous peoples.
“Given the opportunity and tools of education we can achieve anything – the greatest tool at our disposal is public education,” Premier Horgan suggested to the crowd, referencing both K-12 and post-secondary. He was proud to remind the room that one of the first things his government did after taking office in July 2017 was to eliminate tuition fees for adult basic education and English language learning.
In the audience today were several BC Cabinet ministers, including Finance Minister Carole James and Education Minister Rob Fleming. They sat with Premier Horgan at the same table as Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps who at the end of the event presented Horgan with a painting by an indigenous artist from the Cowichan area.
Also present from NDP ranks were Victoria MP Murray Rankin and Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke MP Randall Garrison. Various municipal mayors and councillors attended, including View Royal Mayor David Screech, Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen, Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins, Langford Councillors Lillian Szpak and Denise Blackwell, and Oak Bay Councillor Hazel Braithwaite.
This was a five-Chamber event with members from the Greater Victoria, Saanich Peninsula, WestShore, Sooke Region and Esquimalt Chambers.
Horgan outlined how there is now — thanks to NDP housing policy — the opportunity for post-secondary to build student housing “without coming cap in hand to the treasury board”, as a way to free up housing stock in the community. This also provides housing-supply opportunities for the development and construction communities.
Overall the crowd’s mood was polite and attentive. But there likely weren’t many converts to the government’s position on two things of most concernation to vocal leaders in the business community — the BC Speculation Tax and the EHT that is set to replace the outgoing MSP.
Regarding transportation congestion issues in the Greater Victoria area, Horgan was asked if he would support a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). Horgan’s first noted “seeing a failure of the previous government to invest” in transportation solutions, followed by saying that he’s observed with TransLink in Vancouver that large advisory bodies can become “disconnected from the needs of the community and lean to the loudest voice at the table”.
Horgan hopes that BC Transit will “provide public opportunities for people” in Greater Victoria. He favours a non-formal provincial government lead on transportation: “We kinda got it covered here,” he said today, referring to the connections that he and Ministers Fleming, James, Popham and MLA Mitzi Dean have in the community. “We work with the CRD and local mayors and councils to try and deliver services for people,” Horgan said.
One question from the room expressed concern about losing tourism due to the pipeline dispute with Alberta. With reference made to the lunch menu including Alberta short ribs, Horgan did take the opportunity to express positive support for NDP Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, acknowledging it’s her job to represent the economic interests of her province (vis-a-vis the pipeline issue).
“I am not convinced that we are prepared to deal with the consequences of a diluted bitumen spill in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Gulf Islands and Burrard Inlet,” said Horgan. “We need to find a balance — my responsibility is to the people in this room and the people who are coming here” who are “attracted by the pristine environment”. He reiterated his view that raw petroleum should go to refineries in Canada “to help people” instead of being shipped overseas. He said that the federal 10-year commitment of $1.5 billion on three coasts of the largest coastline on the planet is not a lot of funding should anything go wrong.
The big reveal of the lunchtime speech was Horgan’s commitment to making sure something is achieved with the E&N corridor, saying that trains (or an additional lane on Hwy 1) are probably not the solution to getting more commuters to and to the Victoria area core for employment. He said he is committed to “moving people”, and that he is “committed to doing that in the term of this government”.
Horgan was later asked a question from the floor… would he support formation of a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) which has been proposed at the CRD level. He talked about getting people “out of cars” into public transit, saying it’s good for the economy to move people efficiently and effectively. Afterward, View Royal Mayor David Screech –- whose municipality is squarely in the one of the heaviest commuter traffic through-zones, said he is still in favour of reactivating trains for the E&N.
Randall Garrison, MP said that Horgan spoke directly to the business community about “issues that they care about”, adding that BC has “enviable economic success”. Indeed, Horgan knew what he was up against but he didn’t pander. Rather, he talked about his government’s plan, made arguments in support of stated policies, and answered questions in which he held his ground.
Horgan wrapped up saying he will back next year, as a way of declaring the stability of his government. The NDP (with Greens) is moving forward with many things that in a few years time will see BC and Canada looking back at a provincial socioeconomic canvas painted with new strokes that are intended to open up new opportunities for business, communities and individuals.
Richmond City Council decided not to reduce the size of so-called ‘megahomes’ built on land in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). The city has decided to maintain the current maximum size of over 10,000 sq ft and will allow secondary homes of 3,200 sq ft for farm workers on lots size eight- to 25-hectares.
“Mega mansions on ALR land are imperiling our food security, destroying agricultural land and driving up prices well beyond the reach of young farmers,” said BC Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver in a news release today May 15.
“The provincial government has a number of tools at its disposal that it should immediately use to address the issue of speculation on ALR land,” said Weaver. “These include restricting foreign ownership of ALR land, applying the speculation tax and foreign buyers tax to the ALR, or creating legally binding house size limits. It should use at least one of these immediately to prevent the loss of any more farmland.”
“There is a problem but it’s not just Richmond, this is a problem that’s going across the province,” says BC Agriculture Minster Lana Popham. No changes can be made until a revitalization committee consultation is complete, said Popham.
Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands and a former Saanich Councillor, added that local governments have been asking the province to take action for years: “This decision at Richmond Council will drive the price of ALR in their community sky high, it will impact the rest of the province and demonstrates the need for action at the provincial level.”
“We knew 10 years ago we needed to take action on limiting house size and location on ALR land, we called on the government of the day to act. We were not alone and rather than take action the Province has buried this issue in consultation only further increasing pressure on the cost of farmland,” says Olsen. “The issue of speculation driving up land prices is well-documented and its solutions are clear. Delaying action only causes the issue to spiral further out of control — last year, Richmond alone lost 50 farms due to the construction of mega-mansions on farmland. I urge the Minister in the strongest terms to recognize to take immediate action before any more farmland is lost.”
New Zealand emerged the tournament winner, for their 2nd tournament win on the 5-stop HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series.
Canada placed 5th today with a decisive win in their final match of the day against Ireland, moving them into 4th place in the Series standings with one tournament remaining in Paris, France on June 8-10.
Playing well for Canada were Charity Williams who four times ran the length of the field and Bianca Farella who got Canada ahead in the 2nd game today. Some crucial mistakes were made in this tournament by Canada’s team Canada Ghislaine Landry (returning from a hamstring injury that saw her sit out the games in Japan in April), including two kicks that fell short of the 10-metre line.
For post tournament coverage and full tournament results visit www.canadasevens.com or www.worldrugby.org
“Congratulations to New Zealand on their well-deserved win, and thank you to all of our partners, sponsors and volunteers for their continued support,” said Vansen.
The HSBC Canada Women’s Sevens will return to Langford next year on May 11 & 12, 2019 for the 5th and final year of the current Series cycle. Rugby Canada is actively bidding for another four years of both the men’s and women’s HSBC Canada Sevens tournaments, and hope to receive approval on their bids by Fall 2018.
The 2018 HSBC Canada Women’s Sevens has been a two-day tournament held May 12-13, 2018, hosted at the home of Canadian Rugby at Westhills Stadium in Langford BC, and featured 12 of the world’s top women’s rugby sevens teams on Canadian soil.
The HSBC Canada Women’s Sevens is the fourth stop in a five-stop world tour as part of the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series. Sevens rugby is a fast-paced and shorter version of traditional rugby with only seven players per side. It has built a huge international audience through the success of the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series, which attracts large audiences in markets around the world.
The 2018 HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series kicked off in Dubai on November 30th. Find the entire 5-stop tour at www.worldrugby.org/sevens-series/series-info
Saturday, May 12 ~ BC. The BC College of Veterinarians this week announced that they have banned the declawing of domestic cats.
On May 8, the college officially banned the practice of partial digital amputation, also known as onychectomy, or declawing. The procedure will now only be allowed for medical reasons.
In a statement, the college said the practice is banned immediately for domestic cats, except when medically necessary.
“Elective and non-therapeutic declawing is ethically problematic and not an appropriate means of dealing with feline behaviour issues,” the statement said.
“I find that decision wonderful because when they declaw them they take a piece of the toes with it,” says Margarita Dominguez who operates the Victoria Pet Food Bank and Feral Cat Rehabilitation Society.
The move brings the province in line with the recommendation of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), which has condemned the practice. Nova Scotia’s college had already enacted a ban.
Medical reasons for declawing include a biopsy for diagnosis, severe trauma, or medical conditions affecting the health of the nail.
“Road markings need to not only survive, but shine on B.C.’s West Coast, especially at night and in rainy conditions,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “The ministry’s top priority is making sure our roads and highways are as safe as possible.
By including larger, higher quality glass beads in our paint mix, it will be easier for people to see our lines when it’s dark and the weather is bad.”
Painting has begun, and this week work is taking place in the Pemberton area, Victoria and Duncan. In total, more than 3,000 km of roads and highways will be painted in the region this year.
Adding glass beads to line paint greatly increases reflectivity. The larger and higher-quality beads to be used in second coats this year in the region will provide 20% more reflectivity than the previous formula.
Also, requests for proposal were recently issued through BCBid for the next Pavement Marking Service Agreements, which will go into effect on December 16, 2018. The following changes are being made to improve on the current agreements:
* 20% more lines painted annually throughout the province
* Use of larger glass beads for increased reflectivity and visibility at night, and thicker paint for longer-lasting pavement marking in coastal areas
* Second coat application in areas that experience premature wear
* Enhanced contractor monitoring and auditing, to maintain consistent performance
There are five pavement marking service areas in the province: Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland, Thompson-Cariboo, Okanagan-Kootenay and Northern Region. Each of the upcoming pavement marking service agreements, which were last tendered in 2013, are for five-year terms, and include an optional two-year extension.
The ministry works closely with contractors to continually test new paint formulations, and products to ensure that high-performing, environmentally friendly formulations are used in BC.
Private contractors are responsible for repainting more than 20,000 km every year, on highways and provincially owned side roads in BC, using close to one million litres of paint and 500,000 kg of glass beads.
This work starts every spring, and continues through the summer and into the fall. www.tranbc.ca
Thursday, May 10 ~ BC. Funding to the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets will increase by about $0.75 million to expand the BC Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program, it was announced on May 5. The total coupon amount will increase from $240 per participant household to $336 (as weekly coupons for four months).
The number of participating households is expected to rise from 3,708 to over 3,900 and the number of expectant mothers in the program will be up by 450 by March 2020, it was stated in a Ministry of Health news release.
The coupon program runs June 11 to October 31 at participating farmers’ markets in 57 communities including these in the south Vancouver Island area: Duncan, Esquimalt, Sooke, and Victoria’s James Bay and Moss Street Markets.
The program provides nutrition and skills-building programs which are offered by community agencies associated with each participating market. Coupons help with the purchase of local food including vegetables, fruit, nuts, eggs, dairy, herbs, meat and fish. The program is part of the BC Government’s poverty reduction work.
Program benefits also include improved economic activity through an increased and sustained customer base for local and regional farmers, which in turn has allowed them to grow and diversify.
These athletes from 12 countries are by default hosted by the Canadian home team that is based out of Langford. Players are staying at Bear Mountain Resort and the Four Points Sheraton, and getting to see the growing bustling town on their way to the various community appearances this week (at schools around Greater Victoria) and practice sessions at Westhills Stadium in Langford.
“Playing at home is unique for us,” says Canada Women’s Rugby Sevens team captain Ghislaine Landry, as the team is now based entirely out of Langford at the new Al Charron Rugby Canada National Training Centre in Langford. “It’s exciting to get out in front of the local fans,” she told media after the photo shoot. “We love to live and train here, it’s fun for us,” she said.
Landry explained that there is a “level of pride” to be operating from an established location, saying the centralization of Rugby Canada in the Victoria area started about six years ago. As Canada’s team captain, Landry ventured to say that when the Women’s Rugby Sevens tournament comes to Langford it’s everyone’s “favourite spot”.
All of the Canadian team players are staying with the other players at the local hotel venues. “It’s part of the tournament experience,” Landry mused.
When asked about what was considered a poor showing for Canada when they played in Japan last month, of course the response was with positive bravado: “This weekend we’ll show that we have trained hard,” said the Canadian team captain.
A bit of tournament analysis by Landry when asked about the competition: “New Zealand and Australia are top teams. And France has a great shot. Spain had a good showing last game.”
The 12 countries that are represented in the Women’s Rugby Sevens circuit are (team captains): Canada (Ghislaine Landry), Australia (Shannon Parry), New Zealand (Sarah Goss), France (Fanny Horta), USA (Nicole Heavirland), Ireland (Lucy Mulhall), Japan (Chiharu Nakamura), Russia (Alena Mikhaltsova), Spain (Barbra Pla), England Abbie Brown), Fiji (Ana Roqica) and Brazil (Raquel Kochhann).
Rain began to fall onto the well-trimmed lawns of the RRU campus outside Hatley Castle in Colwood, just as the media interviews wrapped up.
The 2018 HSBC Canada Women’s Sevens tournament will be held at Westhills Stadium in Langford this Mother’s Day weekend, on Saturday May 12 and Sunday May 13. Tickets are still available for sale online at www.canadasevens.com/womens . Two day tournament passes are available for $49. Single day tickets for Saturday or Sunday are available for $30 or the group rate of $25 (10 or more tickets purchased). Anyone who uses the code MOMPLUS3 can get four general-admission tickets for the price of three.
Wednesday, May 9 ~ BC. A new BC Small Business Task Force in BC will “listen to entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the province, so we can continue to improve BC’s small business climate”, said BC Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology in Surrey on May 2.
Public consultations in June will almost entirely be held on the mainland, with Nanaimo being the only pit-stop on Vancouver Island. BC’s small business community, including chambers of commerce, entrepreneurs and First Nations will take part in the consultations. Comments, requests or suggestions for the task force can be submitted at www.smallbusinessroundtable.ca .
A final report with recommendations will be submitted to the Minister in Fall 2018.
[This article first published in the May 4, 2018 print/PDF issue of West Shore Voice News]
Tuesday, May 8 ~ VICTORIA. Students at 51 schools in BC will have new playgrounds to use in September, as part of a new playground fund that takes fundraising pressure off parents.
Introduced during a media event by Minister of Education Rob Fleming, the announcement was made by Premier John Horgan at Quadra Elementary in Victoria during the lunch hour with the happy background sound of kids at play.
“All students deserve quality, safe and accessible playgrounds at school, regardless of how much their parents can fundraise,” said Premier Horgan. “That’s why we’re lifting the burden off of parents by investing $5 million today, and every year moving forward, to build playgrounds where they are needed most.”
“Playgrounds make a real difference, for fitness, long term health care costs, and PAC’s who spend an inordinate amount of time focused on raising money for playgrounds,” Horgan said during the outdoor announcement.
Quadra Elementary (in SD61) will receive $105,000 for an accessible playground. In the west shore, the school getting a fund of $105,000 this year for a playground upgrade is Ecole Poirier Elementary in Sooke (SD62). There is no SD63 (Saanich) school on the list in this first round.
This funding is part of a new, ongoing Playground Equipment Program providing up to $5 million each year to school districts to buy new or replacement playground equipment. This year, 26 schools are receiving $90,000 for a standard playground, and 25 schools are receiving $105,000 for a universally accessible playground.
Districts applied for the funding in April 2018. Playgrounds are being funded based on greatest need. Schools currently without a playground got priority, followed by schools where the existing playground is aging. Districts not receiving funding this year are eligible for next year. This year’s list: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Playground_fund.pdf
“I’ve heard from parents that they need relief from fundraising tens of thousands of dollars for playground equipment – that’s a lot of bake sales and bottle drives for today’s busy parents,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “Today, we’re delivering this fund to help parents, and provide access to communities that don’t have the fundraising capacity to buy the play equipment students need.”
Generally, schools’ parent advisory councils (PACs) have to fundraise large sums of money for new and replacement playground equipment. Schools without that capability are often left without playgrounds. PACs have had to deal with fundraising for a wide range of school needs since cutbacks under the BC Liberal government during the mid-2000s. By this decade, PACs had just resigned themselves to fundraising for things that years ago (and in other provinces) were provided by the government school-funding.
“This new program will alleviate some of the inequities in parent fundraising, and enable PACs to strengthen their advisory and advocacy roles,” said Jen Mezei, president, BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils. “Parents have advocated for this for over a decade, and we thank the government for the ongoing commitment. We believe that safe and accessible playgrounds should not be dependent on a school community’s ability to raise funds, and for too long have felt the burden to ensure schools and school communities have safe and engaging play spaces.”
Budget 2018 includes a record $2 billion in school capital funding over the next three years, to invest in building new schools in growing communities, fixing aging schools and making schools safer for students in the event of a large earthquake.
Playgrounds are important for children’s development and learning. They encourage outdoor physical activity, and help students learn how to share, work together, overcome challenges and be creative. Outdoor play can help students focus and learn more effectively in the classroom.
Monday, May 7 ~ BC. A new Partners in Preparedness Program was announced in Vancouver on May 5 by Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness along with retail partners London Drugs and Save-On-Foods.
Making it easier for British Columbians to purchase the supplies they need to be better prepared, is the goal.
“Industry, retailers, all levels of government and all citizens have a role to play in emergency readiness,” said Rice.
BC retailers may partner with the Province by promoting and selling disaster supplies in their stores. Ready-made shopping lists will help people find supplies for assembling an emergency kit. Retailers can customize the program to the specific hazards in their area by featuring one or more of five emergency risks: earthquake, wildfire, flood, power outage and severe weather.
A PreparedBC survey showed a need for people to know what to include in their kits.
[This article first published in the May 4, 2018 print/PDF issue of West Shore Voice News]
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