ARCHIVE – July & August 2017
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Monday, August 28 ~ NATIONAL. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today issued the following changes to the portfolios held by various of his Cabinet minsters:
- Carolyn Bennett, currently Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, becomes Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs.
- Jane Philpott, currently Minister of Health, becomes Minister of Indigenous Services.
- Kent Hehr, currently Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, becomes Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.
- Carla Qualtrough, currently Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, becomes Minister of Public Services and Procurement.
- Ginette Petitpas Taylor, currently Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, becomes Minister of Health.
- Seamus O’Regan, becomes Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.
Trudeau thanked retiring Minister Judy Foote for her exemplary public service and for her enduring commitment to Canada and Canadians. He also thanked Minister of Natural Resources James Carr for serving as acting Minister of Public Services and Procurement.
Saturday, August 26 ~ BC. No smoking on BC Ferries starting January 2018.
Giving five months notice, BC Ferries announced August 22 that as of January 22, 2018 there will be a smoke-free environment on board all their vessels and at terminals.
Last year, the Province amended regulations for no smoking buffer zones around any doorway, intake or open window to any public or workplace from three metres to six metres. Due to the physical space available from doors on the outer decks of BC Ferries’ large vessels and on the vehicle decks of smaller vessels, the new regulation means all vessels will need to become smoke-free environments. In reviewing their policy on smoking in remaining areas, BC Ferries says they have chosen to introduce a smoke-free environment on all BC Ferries properties, including vessels, terminals and other operations, to support the health and wellness of passengers and employees.
Although the health benefits of being a non-smoker are entirely clear, what this means for the remaining many smokers in BC is unclear. Going a long while without a cigarette will for some can be or seem like a hardship.
“This new policy supports the health and wellness of our customers and employees, as it helps control their exposure to second-hand smoke,” said BC Ferries President and CEO Mark Collins.
BC Ferries says they are providing advanced notice of the policy change to provide passengers and employees who smoke time to adjust to the change.
The new smoke-free policy applies to tobacco, marijuana and e-cigarettes, and is expected to reduce the number of complaints BC Ferries receives from customers related to second-hand smoke. Announcements regarding the new policy will be made on board vessels and at the terminals, and signage will be placed on board the vessels and on shore as a reminder of the new policy.
“Smoking tobacco continues to be one of the single-largest threats to the health of British Columbians and our visitors,” said Island Health’s Dr Dee Hoyano, Medical Health Officer, in a BC Ferries release this week. “By going smoke-free in its terminals and on its vessels, BC Ferries is supporting healthier, cleaner and safer environments for everyone.”
To coincide with the introduction of the new policy, BC Ferries has launched a comprehensive employee smoking cessation program. Support is also available for members of the public who wish to quit smoking, including the BC government’s Smoking Cessation Program.
Tuesday, August 22 ~ BC. As part of a strategy to address gang violence and make communities safer, the BC government will invest $500,000 from civil forfeiture grants into anti-gang programming for youth in Surrey, Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, announced today.
The funding will support the Surrey Wraparound (Wrap) program and eliminate the program’s current waitlist.
“As part of our commitment to tackle gangs and gun violence and create safer communities for people, we are delivering on our promise to increase support for Surrey Wrap by $500,000,” Farnworth said. “Wrap is a successful program that identifies at-risk youth to help keep them out of gangs in the first place. It should have stable and secure funding, not waitlists.”
Wrap is a collaborative partnership between the Surrey RCMP, the Surrey school district (SD 36) and the City of Surrey that connects youth who are at risk of joining gangs with outreach workers, teachers and police. Evaluation of the Wrap program has shown a significant decline (67%) in the negative police contacts of participants. There are currently 97 students in the program with 35 students on the waitlist. This new funding will eliminate that waitlist.
Friday, August 18 ~ BC. The new BC NDP government is making its first move toward a $15-an-hour minimum wage by announcing a 50-cent increase for September and renewing its commitment to a fair wages commission.
In an announcement August 15, Premier John Horgan said moving over time to a $15 minimum wage is long overdue in making life more affordable for British Columbians. “British Columbia’s lowest-paid workers need a raise,” said Horgan. “The action we’re taking will make life better for working parents, seniors, new Canadians, students and more — these are people struggling to get by.”
Effective September 15, 2017, minimum-wage earners will see their pay increase to $11.35 per hour from $10.85 per hour (something already legislated under the previous BC Liberal government), giving BC the third-highest minimum wage among Canada’s provinces — up from seventh position.
“Our commitment to the $15 minimum wage will benefit almost 100,000 British Columbians who have been getting by on one of the lowest minimum wages in the country,” said Horgan, adding that 62% of minimum-wage earners are women.
Labour Minister Harry Bains said details around a fair wages commission’s composition and terms of reference will be announced in the coming weeks, but that its overarching objective is to get BC to $15 along a planned, responsible path. The commission will submit its first report within 90 days of its first meeting.
“We’ve listened to business owners, who have told us gradual, predictable increases are the way to go to minimize the impact on their businesses,” Bains said. “And they recognize that the move to a $15 minimum wage is good for retention for their businesses, and good for the BC economy.”
At the same time as the general minimum-wage increase, the liquor servers’ wage is also rising by 50 cents to $10.10 per hour. Other minimum-wage provisions in the employment standards regulation will also receive increases in line with the general minimum-wage increase of 4.6%. This includes the daily rate for live-in home support workers and live-in camp leaders, as well as the monthly rates for resident caretakers and the minimum farm worker piece rates for harvesters of certain fruits and vegetables.
* In 2016, the percentage of employees earning minimum wage in British Columbia was 4.8%. * The national average for the percentage of people earning minimum wage last year was 6.9%. * The number of employees in BC earning minimum wage in 2016 was 93,800 out of a total of 1,958,600 paid employees (excluding self-employed). * Breakdown of the 93,800 who earned minimum wage in BC in 2016: 50,600, or 54%, were youth age 15 to 24 | 13,100, or 14%, were age 55 or older | 57,700, or 62%, were female | 23,900, or 25%, did not have high school graduation | 12,200, or 13%, had a university degree.
Thursday, August 17 – SKIES OF NORTH AMERICA. A total solar eclipse will be visible on Monday, August 21 in a narrow path spanning all across the USA and most of Canada from the West Coast to the East Coast. Never look directly at an eclipse — you can seriously if not permanently damage your eyes.
The safest way to watch the eclipse is on the NASA live feed via NASA TV and NASA EDGE, available on multiple popular streaming-video services. NASA’s first stream goes on air at 8:45 am PDT which is about an hour before the darkest shadow of the moon, called the umbra, first touches the west coast: www.nasa.gov/eclipselive
NASA TV has mapped out live video coverage (9 am to 1 pm PDT) for its “Eclipse Across America” segment from 12 different locations on the ground, jets in the sky, telescopes, and dozens of high-altitude balloons.
It’s the first total solar eclipse in 38 years and most North Americans will be able to see it. At its widest, the moon’s central shadow will be about 115 km (71.5 miles) wide. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible coast to coast was almost 100 years ago (June 8, 1918).
Across Canada, the Moon will cover up a portion of the Sun – a partial eclipse. In the Greater Victoria area there will be a 90% solar eclipse that morning, starting at 9:08 am to the maximum at 10:20 am, wrapping up at 11:38 am.
This is the first time since the total solar eclipse of January 11, 1880 that a total solar eclipse will occur exclusively over the continental United States. The Great American Eclipse! Something for the world’s mightiest nation to perhaps use as a symbolic fresh start! It’ll be interesting to see events unfold after that.
In the path of totality, when the eclipse begins (first contact) it will appear as if the Moon is taking a bite out of the Sun. As the eclipse progresses, the sky will get darker and the temperature will drop. Animals and birds will become quieter. At second contact — when totality begins — beams of light (called ‘Baily’s Beads’) will become visible. As the Moon completely covers the Sun’s surface, a ‘diamond ring’ can be seen. Pink spots called prominences appear near the diamond, as caused by gases on the sun’s surface. Totality is the only time when one can see the corona, the sun’s atmosphere. At third contact, Baily’s Beads will once again become visible and a second diamond ring may appear.
“Eye protection is essential,” says Dr Louise Morin, optometrist with Sooke Optometry. Eye care professionals and astronomers advise to not look directly at the sun, before, during or after the eclipse without any protective eyewear. “Looking at the sun with your bare eyes is highly dangerous and can even cause blindness,” says Dr Morin. The safest way to see a solar eclipse is to wear protective eclipse glasses or use a pinhole projector, or take part in one of the astronomical viewing parties where proper glasses and telescopes are provided.
Whether the August 21 solar eclipse is partial or total in your area, protect your eyes from cornea damage and blue light with the right filter. It’s important to prevent eye damage, including corneal burns and future eye disease such as macular degeneration. Whether your geographical location will have a partial or total solar eclipse, you need to protect yourself from eye damage.
We are warned to never look directly at the sun. During a solar eclipse, the light is even brighter. The only ‘safe’ time to look at the sun during a total eclipse is when the moon completely covers the sun. Darkness falls for less than three minutes, and the dangerous light returns suddenly. The sun emits UV light that can cause a “sunburn” on the cornea, the outer surface of the eye.
If you view an eclipse without protection, you may not notice the damage right away; you might just wake up the next day unable to see. Damage can be temporary or permanent.
The sun’s light also contains blue light. Damage from excessive blue light (including from electronics) is cumulative. A large exposure, especially in childhood, it can contribute to future eye disease.
Do not use eclipse viewing glasses that are more than three years old, or that have wrinkled or scratched lenses. Avoid home-made devices.
Improper eclipse glasses have been popping up in the marketplace. Make sure the glasses you might use say “ISO 12312-2 international standard”. They should also have the manufacturer’s name and address. Safe brands include American Paper Optics, Baader Planetarium, Rainbow Symphony, Thousand Oaks Optical and TSE 17, according to the American Astronomical Society.
Do not rely on regular sunglasses or prescription sunglasses, no matter how dark. They allow thousands of times too much light, and they will not safely protect your eyes. Watching the eclipse online or on TV is the safest option and probably even more interesting with commentary and various angles.
Whichever way you look at it, it’ll be one of those “where were you for the August 21 eclipse” memorable moments!
Monday, August 14 ~ BC. The British Columbia government will end grizzly bear trophy hunting throughout the province after the end of this year’s hunting season — effective November 30, 2017 — and stop all hunting of grizzlies in the Great Bear Rainforest, it was announced today by Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Minister Doug Donaldson.
This fulfills a BC NDP campaign promise that received high-profile attention during the provincial election campaign ahead of the May 9, 2017 general election. NDP candidate Bryce Casavant in Oak Bay Gordon Head made tracks for the NDP in the home riding of BC Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver who has long advocated for action on this issue.
“By bringing trophy hunting of grizzlies to an end, we’re delivering on our commitment to British Columbians,” Donaldson said. “This action is supported by the vast majority of people across our province. In particular, we owe it to generations past and future to do all we can to protect the beauty and uniqueness of the Great Bear Rainforest. We believe the action we’re taking goes beyond the commitment to Coastal First Nations made as part of the 2016 Great Bear Rainforest agreements.”
There are an estimated 15,000 grizzly bears in British Columbia. Each year, approximately 250 are taken by hunters. While the trophy hunt will end, hunting for meat will be allowed to continue.
During the fall months, Donaldson said that government will consult with First Nations and stakeholder groups to determine next steps and mechanisms as BC moves toward ending the trophy hunt. Additionally, government will be moving forward with a broader consultation process on a renewed wildlife management strategy for the province.
“The key elements of that strategy will include dedicated funding for wildlife and habitat conservation and a collaborative process in developing short and long-term plans for wildlife resources,” Donaldson said.
Weaver said he was encouraged that “the BC NDP are respecting the wishes of the Coastal First Nations by placing a moratorium on the hunting of grizzlies in the Great Bear Rainforest.” However, he cautioned that during the election campaign he pointed out that “the BC NDP appeared to be trying to have their cake and eat it too when it came to the grizzly hunt” in telling the hunting community one thing and the environmental community another.
Today’s BC government announcement will not fully end grizzly bear hunting in BC, as many environmental groups have advocated for, said Weaver in a news release: “This announcement will create a system in which not all of the animal will be harvested – resident hunters will no longer be allowed to possess the hair, head and hide of grizzlies. This will be viewed as wasteful by the resident hunting community.”
“Foreign hunters will still be able to shoot grizzlies in BrC, take a picture of themselves standing over the dead beast, and head back home without harvesting any of the animal,” said Weaver, adding “I’m not sure how this will appease the concerns of anyone.”
“What we really need in BC is science-based approach to wildlife management, not a populist approach to species management.
“BC is one of the last strongholds of grizzlies in North America. There are a range of issues that affect the health of grizzly bear populations. These include the effects of climate change on essential salmon and huckleberry stocks, as well as road kill rates and poaching incidents. We must focus on broader wildlife preservation if we are serious about conservation and the protection of grizzlies and other species in this province.
“BC and Alberta are the only provinces without Endangered Species legislation. I will work with the government to ensure the introduction of species at risk legislation is advanced in the near future,” says Weaver.
Saturday, August 12 ~ NATIONAL. Today August 12 is International Youth Day (IYD), as first endorsed by the United Nations (UN) in December 1999. The UN sees youth as agents of change. IYD 2017 is dedicated to celebrating youth people’s contributions to conflict prevention and transformation as well as inclusion, social justice and sustainable peace.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today issued some comments: “Today, on International Youth Day, we celebrate the limitless potential of young people. We put a spotlight on their ideas and aspirations, which have the power to change the world. We are inspired by their courage, passion, and the positive change they make every day. The theme of this year’s International Youth Day – Youth Building Peace – emphasizes how young leaders can help move societies beyond conflict and violence by promoting gender equality, inclusion, and education.”
Trudeau also said that “listening to and appreciating the diverse views of young people will help us turn the vision of a more peaceful and prosperous planet into a reality.” He has created the Prime Minister’s Youth Council to give young people a voice in decisions that will shape their lives, their communities, and their country.
“As Minister of Youth, I know that young people everywhere are trying to make a difference,” said Trudeau. “We must continue to amplify their voices, give them a seat at the table, and connect them with opportunities. Our future success depends on it.”
Passengers on the incoming Alpine Sidney Spit ferry had about 30 seconds heads-up as to why they would see a lot of police and security when they offloaded from the 41-seat catamaran at about 10:30 am.
Justin Trudeau and Sophie had already been milling around for about an hour already, with people hanging out on the spit for the day, as well as with boaters moored along the dock.
Last night at a Liberal event in Victoria at the Ocean Pointe, the prime minister was already talking about his federal Liberal team being out and about door knocking in neighbourhoods. Finding out what the public is thinking about things in Canada is a key Liberal strategy which paid off in spades for Trudeau and his almost entirely-fresh batch of MPs in the 2015 federal election. However, on Vancouver Island there are no Liberal MPs, and it seems Trudeau is putting some effort into changing that, one beach visit at a time.
As a “grandson of BC all my life” he told the crowd about sailing in English Bay as a youth, and coming out to Sidney Spit and other beach areas with his aunt who lives in Brentwood Bay.
Trudeau took a moment to mention the importance of protecting the South Island Resident Killer Whales (orca) pod that is so precious to the BC ecosystem as well as economy and tourism. He said his government has “an adequate spill response”.
Trudeau reiterated a message from days earlier that “we will be there as a federal government” to support the wildfire-affected area and the people there. He encouraged people to donate to the Canadian Red Cross by text #20222 to donate $10.
And with that the quick trip was done. The Trudeaus made their way back to a Gulf Islands motorboat, of course stopping all the way for a number of selfies with cheerful fans.
The prime minister and premier will be joined by Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan, the Minister of Sports and Persons with Disabilities and Chair of the Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on Federal Recovery Efforts for 2017 BC Wildfires, Carla Qualtrough, and Minister of Justice, Jody Wilson-Raybould.
They will visit the Williams Lake wildfire command centre and the Cariboo Fire Centre, and will also take an aerial tour of the region’s fire zones.
BC Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Doug Donaldson, and Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness, will join the Premier in Williams Lake.
Horgan, Farnworth, Donaldson and Rice will then travel to Prince George to reach out to people affected by wildfires.
At 10:30 am, the prime minister and premier will be joined by Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan, the Minister of Sports and Persons with Disabilities and Chair of the Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on Federal Recovery Efforts for 2017 BC Wildfires, Carla Qualtrough, and Minister of Justice, Jody Wilson-Raybould.
They will meet with Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP members from the Williams Lake Wildfire Command Centre at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex.
Last week, Trudeau and Horgan gave a joint press conference at Parliament Hill in Ottawa after their first meeting with Horgan as Premier. They discussed things their governments have in common including affordable housing, child care, the opioid crisis and the softwood lumber aspect of the NAFTA negotiations.
Trudeau and Horgan had at this early stage of the new federal-BC relationship apparently agreed to not discuss their major differences on the TransMountain Pipeline project (which got federal approval in November 2016), but an accidentally spilled water glass changed all that. During the press conference, Horgan’s slip of the hand causing a glass of water to spill with a clatter to the floor: “Spills can happen anywhere,” Horgan deadpanned. Then Trudeau promptly replied: “We’ll get people to clean that up right away”. A good chuckle, and some quick thinking by two lucid, relaxed high-profile politicians.
Friday, July 28 ~ BC. Premier John Horgan released the following statement about the resignation of Christy Clark as Leader of the Official Opposition and MLA for Kelowna West, effective Aug. 4, 2017. Said Premier John Horgan:
“Today we thank Christy Clark for her service to British Columbia. We take up the call of public service because we want to make this province a better place. While we represented two different political parties, Ms. Clark and I are united in the belief that, working together, we can build a better future for British Columbia and the people who call this place home.”
Said Horgan: “As an MLA and as Premier, Ms. Clark fought passionately for what she believed in. I know she will take that passion and energy to her next opportunity. I wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
Also making a statement today on the upcoming departure of Christy Clark, was BC Green Leader Andrew Weaver:
Said Weaver: “This experience illustrated what we can achieve when members of this house work together. I wish Christy Clark well in her future pursuits and look forward to developing a productive relationship with the next Leader of the BC Liberal Party.”
Friday, July 28 ~ BC. Former premier Christy Clark is stepping down as leader of the BC Liberal Party and is leaving politics. All of this effective Friday, August 4, 2017.
The announcement comes just 10 days after BC NDP leader John Horgan was sworn in as the 36th premier of BC, having formed a historic alliance with the BC Green Party following a provincial election that showed multiple fractures in the direction of politics in the western-most province in Canada.
“Serving as premier and serving the people of British Columbia for the past six-and-a-half years has been an incredible honour and privilege,” Clark said in a statement. “I am so proud of everything our BC Liberal team has accomplished.
“I am certain that British Columbia’s best days lie ahead. Because British Columbians can, through hard work, determination, and perseverance, achieve anything they set their minds to,” Clark stated.
Clark’s Liberals governed BC for over 16 years (5,869 days to be exact), starting with Gordon Campbell as premier and then Clark. It was one of the longest political dynasties in BC’s history during which time much of the province’s systems and assets were privatized.
Christy Clark first headed a majority BC Liberal government in 2013 after the 40th provincial election. While the NDP thought they had it in the bag that year, the BC Liberals were quietly behind the scenes in a state of full confidence to win, and win they did.
The 41st general election in May 2017 provided a split legislature (43 BC Liberal, 41 NDP, 3 Green) that ultimately ended Clark’s run as premier and 16 years of Liberal leadership in BC. The NDP and Greens quickly came to what is effectively a ‘mutual aid’ agreement, which 52 days after the May 9 general election may have helped give Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon some of the political confidence she would have needed to make her decision on June 29 to ask BC NDP Leader John Horgan to lead government going forward.
John Horgan became premier of BC on July 18, 2017, sworn in by Lt Gov Guichon along with his gender-balanced cabinet of 22 ministers in a ceremony at Government House in Victoria.
Monday, July 24 ~ BC. Premier John Horgan will stand up for BC’s interests in Ottawa this week, as he meets with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss the wildfire state of emergency, softwood lumber and the opioid crisis. He will also travel to Washington, DC, to fight for BC jobs in the softwood lumber dispute.
This will be his first trip outside of BC to represent the province as its premier. Horgan was sworn-in on Tuesday July 18, along with his new cabinet of 22 BC NDP Ministers.
“Tomorrow I will be meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa to talk about how we can work together to support people and communities affected by BC’s wildfires, fight for BC jobs in the softwood lumber dispute, and better support those affected by the opioid crisis,” said Premier Horgan.
“Working with our federal counterparts, we’ll find solutions to the urgent problems facing British Columbians. And we will make sure that the services people count on like childcare, affordable housing, and public infrastructure are also a priority in these discussions.”
Premier Horgan will meet with Prime Minister Trudeau at 10 am eastern time on Tuesday, July 25, after which he will meet with other senior public officials.
The Premier will then travel to Washington, DC, for meetings with key trade officials on the softwood lumber dispute.
“Whether it’s in Victoria, Ottawa or Washington, British Columbians can count on us to work hard every day to get results for people. We’ll stand up for BC’s interests, fight for BC jobs, and work with our federal partners to deliver better services for people,” said Premier Horgan.
Friday, July 21 ~ BC. Two big changes in the first two days of the BC NDP Government.
On Wednesday in his full first day in office Premier John Horgan announced that the evacuee-support funding of $600 per household would be renewed every 14 days for anyone who is still not able to return home to areas affected by wildfires.
The next day, July 20, he announced an increase in disability rates and income assistance — the first such increase in 10 years. The rates go up $100 a month — the disability rate will be $1,133 per person and the income assistance rate will be $710.
Thursday, July 20 ~ Premier John Horgan announced four high-profile appointments today, aimed at delivering the government’s commitments to offer relief for families on hydro rates, auto insurance costs and housing affordability.
“For 16 years under the Liberal government, ordinary people struggled to get ahead – nowhere have they seen that more than in out-of-control housing and Hydro costs. We’re tackling affordability and getting government working for people again, starting with Crown corporations and government organizations,” said Horgan.
Premier Horgan has announced the following appointments:
* Kenneth G. Peterson was appointed chair of BC Hydro. Mr. Peterson’s 40-year career spans a wide range of assignments in the electricity industry. The last 10 years of his professional career were spent as CEO of Powerex, the marketing and trading subsidiary of BC Hydro. He also served as a trustee of the North American Reliability Corporation since 2006, where he applied his industry experience to the physical and cyber-security reliability challenges facing utilities.
* Cassie J. Doyle was appointed chair of the BC Housing Management Commission. Ms. Doyle recently served as the CEO of the Canadian International Resources and Development Institute, and has previously served with both the federal and B.C. provincial government as a deputy minister. She also represented Canadian interests as the Consul General in San Francisco and the Silicon Valley in the areas of innovation of entrepreneurship. She has extensive governance experience and a long track record of serving on boards of directors, and a reputation of partnering effectively with universities, industry, First Nations, and other stakeholders.
* Joy MacPhail was appointed chair of ICBC. Ms. MacPhail previously served several ministerial roles, including Minister of Health, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier. She is the co-owner of OUTtv, the world’s longest airing LGBTQ+ television network, and she served as a director of Delta Hotels Ltd. and Silverbirch Hotels and Resorts Ltd. and a director and vice-chair of the B.C. Cancer Foundation, in addition to a number of other senior public and private sector roles.
* Cathy McLay was appointed a director of ICBC. Ms. McLay brings a wealth of financial expertise, with an extensive background in financial leadership. She is the chief financial officer and executive vice-president, finance and corporate services at Translink. Ms. McLay serves on several boards of directors, including Coast Mountain Bus Company, Providence Health Care, and the BC Rapid Transit Company Ltd., and previously served as general manager for Canadian Forest Products Ltd.
“These new executives are ready to get to work for British Columbians. They were all chosen for their strong track records of delivering effective leadership that benefits the public,” said Horgan.
“Each of them will face significant challenges because of the choices made by the previous government. All will play a key role in making life more affordable for British Columbians. They will work hard to ensure the organizations they are responsible for are well managed, properly governed and well-aligned with the government’s mandate, and I know they are ready to get to work building a better BC for everyone.”
Wednesday, July 19 ~ BC NEWS from out of VICTORIA. With a west side of the island twist.
Of the many people who have expressed how they were moved by watching the experience streamed live on Facebook on Tuesday afternoon was the evidence of how far-reaching this event was. After 16 years under a BC Liberal government that boasted balanced budgets but privatized-away the wealth of the people and undermined the performance of public education for generations of children, there was a mixed sense of both awe and a bubbling up of realized liberation in the grand ballroom at Government House that afternoon. The room was packed with over a thousand people… standing room only, including on the stairways and balconies.
Leading this journey to a changeover in government has been John Horgan, who turns 58 next month. From humble beginnings in then small-town Langford, he did well in government policy positions earlier in his career, and then as a management consultant before running to become MLA on the west shore in 2005. He was apparently advised by some family and friends: “Don’t do it John, you might win!”. And win he did, time and again, securely holding the seat through several elections and becoming BC NDP leader after the 2013 election that the NDP thought they had in the bag under then-leader Adrian Dix.
The ballroom on Tuesday afternoon holding a ceremony that started a bit after 2pm vibrated with the drum beat of the Coast Salish as their dancers swept up some energy and lifted most of those in the room into a unison of near-rapt attention.
BC Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon seemed genuinely excited to be heading up such a momentum event. Beneath the lighthearted banter of Horgan and others on the stage, it was a significant transfer of power, the bloodless coup that is expected in the British-based democratic parliamentary system. A gender-equity cabinet set up by John Horgan — 11 men and 11 women — arrived in procession through the wall of Coast Salish drums. Notable by its absence was the sound of the traditional highland bagpipes heard at many official events in BC. This was a distinctive nod to reconciliation with indigenous peoples. The integration of First Nations culture into the day seemed new for a lot of people in the room that afternoon, though not so much for the people who’ve backed John Horgan in his years building his political grounding in the Sooke area, where almost every event is attended by if not opened by greetings from the T’Sou-ke leaders.
Premier Horgan described his government and new cabinet as one that will be “caring, that listens, and shares information in the interests of all British Columbians”. About his cabinet: “This government, these people, will deliver that in the weeks and months ahead.” He talked about living up to campaign commitments and reducing costs to people who struggle to get by in BC. “We will be working not just for the few but for everybody,” declared Horgan on that first day of his premiership.
After the official events there was a reception that spilled from the ballroom, onto the outdoor balconies and into the dining room, featuring wine and lemonade, and some very tasty and creative hot and cold hors d’oeuvres. Horgan made his way down to the front entry of Government House with the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II as his backdrop, to greet folks as they made their way to the front door and pose with people for lots of memory-of-the-day selfies.
Horgan led with this in his brief five-minute speech at a single microphone in the middle of the floor. “It’s great to see you in the people’s house, with all the people. It’s an honour and privilege to stand before you as the 36th Premier of British Columbia. BC is one of the most spectacular places in the world.” He spoke supportively of those dealing with wildfires in the BC interior.Ahead of 5 pm, Premier Horgan was whisked over to the BC Parliament Buildings for a brief statement to a cheering crowd in the stately Hall of Honour. People were packed in tight, so tight you had to excuse yourself three times to make any move through the crowd. There was hooting and non-stop applause for several minutes before Horgan could manage to speak. His brief speech — in a more casual scenario than at Government House and with his cabinet behind him — focussed on his intended service to the people. Premier Horgan was introduced by now-Deputy-Premier Carole James with this: “I would like to introduce my friend, a colleague, our leader and your Premier of British Columbia.”
Six members of the new cabinet are MLAs from Vancouver Island ridings, which historically makes up for a lack of attention to the needs of Vancouver Islanders in governments past.Some of the notable cabinet appointments included former Health critic Judy Darcy to the new Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions. David Eby is now Attorney General. Long-time MLA and former BC NDP party leader Carole James is now Deputy-Premier and Minister of Finance. As the new Minister of Agriculture, Lana Popham got the biggest hugs during the official swearing-in from Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon, a former rancher. The new Minister of State for Child Care is Katrina Chen who will face the challenge of dealing with the NDP promise for $10/day child care. Long-time NDP critic Rob Fleming is now Minister of Education. Michelle Mungall is the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. George Heyman heads up the challenging Environment and Climate Change portfolio (the Lieutenant Governor spoke emphatically about climate change in her brief speech, as something that needs to be tackled). Amdist the current wildfire state of emergency, Doug Donaldson now heads up the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development. Former BC NDP leader Adrian Dix is now Minister of Health. The critical economic issues under Municipal Affairs and Housing now fall to Selina Robinson. Claire Trevena gets Transportation and Infrastructure which comes with big investment challenges. Melanie Mark is the new Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training in a time period where education and jobs are highly intertwined. Bruce Ralston is now the Minister of Jobs, Trade, and Technology.
“Thank you for having confidence in our ability to deliver on the commitments we made during the election campaign,” he said to wrap up his five-minute talk inside, continuing: “… to make sure the services you depend on are there for you, and make sure our economy is there for everybody.” Then people mingled in the packed room and hallways with MLAs of the NDP caucus, supporters and friends.
MLAs who stayed to chat in the crowded hall included Attorney General David Eby who posed for a lot of selfies, new Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Michelle Mungall, and first-time MLA Mitzi Dean. Mungall says she is ready to take on the BC Hydro portfolio. Dean said her constituency office in Esquimalt-Metchosin will be set up in the next week or so.
Among the first order of business on Wednesday, July 19 was dealing with the state of emergency of people who have become evacuees due to wildfires in southeast and interior BC. Horgan held a morning press conference to announce that the current $600-per-household funding will be renewed every 14 days on an ongoing basis until evacuees return home.
~ This special firsthand report by West Shore Voice News editor Mary P Brooke.
Tuesday, July 18 ~ VICTORIA. Today Tuesday, July 18 John Horgan be sworn in as the 36th Premier of British Columbia by BC Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon.
Today British Columbians will also learn who is in Horgan’s NDP cabinet, who will also be sworn in today. There will be a live feed of the ceremony starting at 2pm on John Horgan’s Facebook page .
As well, there will be a public open house at the BC Legislature from 5 to 7 pm to meet the Premier and mingle with the new cabinet. There will be tours to areas of the legislature that are usually accessible, such as the library and the speakers hallway around the chamber. The doors will be open, no high-level security required today. It’s a sign of a fresh new approach by the BC NDP.
As Premier, John Horgan will briefly speak just after 5pm in the legislature’s Hall of Honour.
Speculation on who will be in Horgan’s cabinet includes high-profile MLAs with some experience under their belt.
Notably one-time BC-NDP leader Carole James (Victoria-Beacon Hill) who is rumoured to become the Finance Minister, bringing further island-based support to the lead team. David Eby (Vancouver-Point Grey) brings strength from the Lower Mainland area particularly in areas like transportation; he was the ‘giant slayer’ for taking down Christy Clark in that riding in 2013. Rob Fleming (Victoria-Swan Lake) will probably hold the Education portfolio after years in that critic role, and would also shore up the south-island strength of a Horgan cabinet. While new to provincial politics, Mitzi Dean (Esquimalt-Metchosin) is likely to be featured in the cabinet for a couple of reasons — her career involvement in social services, her connections to rural Metchosin where Horgan has had a long-time following, and part of the gender equity thing to bring more women into high-profile political positions.
As part of the transition from BC Liberal to BC NDP, yesterday more than 100 Liberal political appointees (staffers) at the legislature were let go from their jobs.
As well, there will be a public open house from 5 to 7 pm at the BC Legislature to meet and mingle with the new cabinet and Premier. including tours to areas of the legislature that are usually accessible, such as the library and the speakers hallway around the chamber.
As Premier, John Horgan will briefly speak just after 5pm in the legislature’s Hall of Honour.
Sunday, July 9 ~ BC. [UPDATED/CORRECTED at 11:50 pm] It’s not easy doing live media coverage on the fly. But there are times when careful attention to detail does matter.
Today there were a lot of confused and/or frustrated viewers of TV news in BC, with coverage of both Christy Clark and John Horgan as speaking for BC out of Kamloops. They were both in the BC Interior town where emergency operations centres are open for people affected by the wildfire situation there.
There is a province-wide state of emergency due to the forest fires in this hot weather. Some people have lost their homes to the blaze, others are living out of vehicles or staying in the temporary emergency operation centres.
We should all remember that on June 29 the Lieutenant Governor of BC asked then-Premier Christy Clark to resign. Within hours that same June 29 evening at Government House in Victoria, NDP Leader John Horgan was asked by Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon to form government, after he told her he would have and maintain the confidence of the house. Clark remains as Premier until July 18 and her ministers remain in place. John Horgan on June 29 became Premier-designate.
Nonetheless, it was misleading for Ms Clark to be referred to in at least three different titled ways in TV news coverage throughout this day — she was referred to as former Premier, outgoing Premier, and Premier.
Clark announced a $100 million donation to the Canadian Red Cross which has proven to act quickly and effectively to assist people in emergency situations. Premier-designate Horgan visited with the BC Wildfire service at the Kamloops airport, to discuss how they’re deploying their resources.
Horgan also explained: “I took a phone call from the Prime Minister while I was there, on speaker phone from Ottawa,” he said. “The federal government will have our back in BC once we get a handle on this crisis,” said Horgan to the TV cameras.
Horgan says it would be important to move personnel and people out of evacuated areas, but that he would have to wait for John Rustad (presently serving as Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations until the new cabinet is sworn in), to make that call.
“The Federal govt stands ready,” said Horgan. He added: “The outgoing government has been very cooperative. This is British Columbian’s coming together to help each other — as they often do, in times of distress.”
Premier-designate John Horgan will be sworn in as Premier on July 18, 2017 along with his new cabinet (names yet to be made public). The swearing-in will take place at Government House at 2pm.
Yesterday Horgan’s office issued a released saying that Minister Rustad had agreed that this was not a time for politics [see July 7 post below].
Sunday, July 9 ~ BC. Today Premier-designate John Horgan will be forgoing his participation in the Victoria Pride Parade in order to attend the wildfire situation in the BC Interior (which has been declared as a province-wide emergency). Horgan will be going to Kamloops.
During a 2:00 to 6:00 pm time slot, Premier-designate Horgan will be visiting the Provincial Regional Emergency Operations Centre, Emergency Social Services, the Group Lodging Facility at Thompson Rivers University, and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Emergency Operations Centre.
The most affected areas of the BC interior have been 28 days without rain, and in the last 53 days there has been just “a thimbleful of rain”, says one Environment Canada climatologist. Temperatures have been frequently reaching over 35°C in the past week. All of this makes the forests extremely dry and easily susceptible to fire. Big fires can produce their own winds.
Yesterday, Premier-designate Horgan issued this statement:
“Like all British Columbians, I’m increasingly concerned about the grave situation confronting the residents of Interior communities like Cache Creek, Ashcroft and Williams Lake in the face of worsening wildfires. Today I contacted John Rustad, the minister in charge of firefighting operations, to offer my unqualified support for his efforts to confront this crisis. He has spoken with the federal government and they are prepared to do whatever they can to help. I am also scheduling a complete briefing with response officials.”
Horgan continued: “The people already evacuated or facing evacuation, as well as our front line fire fighters and first responders, need to know everyone in the province is behind them. John (Rustad) and I agree this is no time for politics – we have to work together to provide whatever support and resources are required to help people in the affected communities in the face of this crisis.”
Horgan is otherwise occupied with selecting his first cabinet. He has indicated the cabinet will be comprised not entirely of NDP MLAs, but also one or more MLAs from the BC Greens and BC Liberals. That’s part of his effort to show and maintain confidence of the house.
Friday, July 7 ~ Premier-Designate John Horgan has this evening issued the following statement about the wildfire situation in the BC Interior:
“With serious wildfires threatening several important communities in the BC Interior, my thoughts are with those in the affected communities, and the brave firefighters and emergency responders who are working hard to contain the fires and protect homes and lives.
“To those who have lost their homes and to those who are under evacuation order, I want to send my comfort at this difficult time. Emergency response teams are doing everything possible to meet your needs and I am being updated on the efforts to fight the fire and assure your safety.
“I urge everyone to follow the instructions of local emergency response officials and to do their utmost to avoid interfering with firefighting efforts. People are putting their lives on the line to save our neighbours and our communities, we have to do our part to make their jobs easier.
“I know British Columbians across the province stand ready to lend a helping hand. Whatever these wildfires throw at us, we will overcome it.”
Friday, July 7 (evening) ~ BC. A provincial state of emergency to ensure a coordinated response to the current wildfire situation and to ensure public safety has been called this evening, July 7.
Today alone there have been 56 new wildfire starts throughout the province, says the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastruture. Evacuation alerts and orders have been issued for Ashcroft, Cache Creek and Princeton. These are in addition to the evacuation orders and alerts issued yesterday for 105 Mile House and 108 Mile House. The extended weather forecast is calling for continued hot, dry weather, with risks of thunderstorms in many parts of the province.
Given the current wildfire situation and the expected increase in wildfire activity, the Province is taking this extraordinary measure of declaring a provincial state of emergency. This is an urgent situation and public safety is the top priority. The Province will continue to keep the public informed in this rapidly evolving situation.
The state of emergency gives agencies such as Emergency Management BC, the Fire Commissioner, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the RCMP authority under the Emergency Program Act to take every action necessary to fight these wildfires and protect residents and their communities.
Declarations of provincial states of emergency are issued by the minister responsible under the Emergency Program Act. The last provincial declaration of state of emergency was issued in August 2003 to deal with wildfires.
No MLA names for the new cabinet have been released yet. However it is widely expected that the cabinet will not be comprised exclusively of NDP MLAs, but will also include one or more BC Liberal and BC Green MLAs.
This is part of Horgan’s effort to demonstrate — as he told the Lieutenant Governor — that he has the confidence of the legislative assembly.
“We are excited to deliver on our commitments. That’s why we are working as quickly as possible to give British Columbians the new leadership they voted for,” said New Democrat MLA and transition spokesperson Carole James.
“We’re going to make life more affordable, deliver the services people count on, and create good paying jobs around the province in a sustainable economy that works for everyone.”
Premier-designate John Horgan is the MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca on Vancouver Island.
Wednesday, July 5 ~ As of noon tomorrow — Thursday, July 6 — all open fires (including campfires) will be prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction (including Vancouver Island), with the exception of Haida Gwaii and the area known as the “Fog Zone”.
The Fog Zone is a 2km strip of land along the outer coast of Vancouver Island, stretching from Owen Point (near Port Renfrew) north to the tip of Vancouver Island and around to the boundary of the District of Port Hardy. This strip extends inland 2km from the high tide point [ map of the Fog Zone ]
The Coastal Fire Centre is implementing this prohibition due to increasing temperatures and no precipitation in the weather forecast. This prohibition will remain in effect until October 21, 2017 or until the public is otherwise notified.
This prohibition covers all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands within the Coastal Fire Centre (with the exception of Haida Gwaii and the area known as the “Fog Zone”). It does not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has wildfire prevention bylaws in place and is serviced by a fire department. Please check with local government authorities for any other restrictions before lighting any fire.
The following activities are prohibited within the specified area: * campfires * Category 2 open fires * Category 3 open fires * fires burning woody debris in outdoor stoves * the use of tiki torches, fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns, burning barrels or burning cages of any size or description * the use of binary exploding targets (e.g. for rifle target practice)
A poster explaining the different categories of open burning is available online at: www.gov.bc.ca/openfireregs
This prohibition does not apply to CSA-rated or ULC-rated cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or to a portable campfire apparatus that uses briquettes, liquid or gaseous fuel, so long as the height of the flame is less than 15 cm.
Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
The Coastal Fire Centre covers all of the area west of the height of land on the Coast Mountain Range from the U.S.-Canada border at Manning Park, including Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park in the north, the Sunshine Coast, the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Haida Gwaii.
To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories: www.bcwildfire.ca
There with his wife Ellie and security in tow, he had flown back by helicopter from his day of politicking at other Canada Day community gatherings in the Lower Mainland, to be in Sooke. Sooke holds an annual Canada Day festival, at ‘Sooke Flats’ down by the Sooke River. It’s an old stomping-ground from younger days for Horgan, and he relaxes, in his element.
Horgan grew up in nearby Langford where he still lives, raised his family, and has served as the MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca since 2005.
The evening air was cool but the skies had been bright all day. When Horgan first arrived at 8pm there were about 200 people on the grounds, listening to the band. By 9 pm about 1,000 people were on site.
Horgan had a chance to throw a football with a young fan on the grounds at Sooke Flats tonight. He did not drop the ball.
Horgan says he is eager to get down to business. Next week he will be establishing his Cabinet. He has said since Thursday night after being asked by the Lieutenant Governor to form government, that first things on the list are to eliminate tolls on bridges in Vancouver, add one cent to gasoline for an increase in the carbon tax, start things in motion to increase the minimum wage, and quickly set up a review of the Site C hydroelectric project.
Tonight he told West Shore Voice News that the 50% reduction in Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums would still go into effect in January 2018 (as first promised by the BC Liberals), and that within four years the MSP system will be revamped. A review committee to look at which model of health premiums would work for BC will be established soon, Horgan said. He says there are nine models — i.e. every other province in Canada — to look at. BC is the last province with a fee-based system. All other provinces deal with revenues for health care through the income tax system in one way or another.
Saturday, July 1 ~ BC. Premier-designate John Horgan will be on both the mainland and Vancouver Island this Canada Day 150. He will be celebrating Canada Day with people at community events in Port Moody, Surrey and Sooke.
11:00 am – Port Moody Canada Day, Rocky Point Park, 2800 Murray St, Port Moody
1:30 pm – Surrey Canada Day, Bill Reid Millenium Amphitheatre, 17728 64 Ave, Surrey
8:00 pm – Sooke Canada Day, Sooke River Campground, 2259 Philips Road, Sooke
On Thursday evening, June 29, Horgan was asked by the Lieutenant Governor if he had the confidence of the legislature, and he said that he does. He and the cabinet he is assembling will be sworn in probably this coming week.
Check out the front page of June 30, 2017 issue of West Shore Voice News for a summary of how the last few days went down for Horgan in his final steps to the Premiership.