The Mayor of Tumbler Ridge is welcoming a Federal Court decision dismissing two unions' efforts to keep sixty Chinese miners from arriving in the province to start work at a Northern BC mine. Darwin Wren says he's pleased HD Mining will be continuing work with a new underground mine in his community, saying there are a lot of local people working … [Read more...]
BCTF object to Federal bill forcing unions to disclose spending and finances
December 12, 2012 by
The BC Teachers' Federation is voicing their objection to legislation passed by the Federal Government Wednesday forcing unions to make spending and finances public. President Susan Lambert calls Bill C-377 an unwarranted intrusion into the privacy of BCTF members. "BCTF runs its own salary indemnity plan for members who find themselves unable to … [Read more...]
Chinese miners dispute back before Federal Court
December 12, 2012 by
Lawyers are back in court today fighting over whether foreign workers can be employed by a northern BC mine under the federal temporary foreign worker program. 17 workers have already arrived from China to work at the Tumbler Ridge project. 60 more are expected to arrive sometime over the next week. Union lawyers are asking for an injunction to … [Read more...]
Federal NDP Leader speaks at BC Fed Convention
November 29, 2012 by
The leader of the federal ndp took the federal Conservative government to task as he addressed delegates at the BC Federation of Labour convention. Thomas Mulcair critcised the Harper governement for driving down wages in this country and viewing labour as a road block to corporate profit. Mulcair also said Conservative MPs just echo words issued … [Read more...]
HD Mining to appeal Federal Court ruling in favour of Canadian unions
November 23, 2012 by
A Federal Court ruling in favour of two unions fighting the arrival of Chinese miners in BC will be appealed by the company that hired the foreigners. HD Mining claims Human Resources Minister Diane Finley shouldn't have voiced her concerns about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program after legal action was filed earlier this month. Thursday, Justice … [Read more...]
Former president of federal Liberals’ BC branch wants to lead the party
November 12, 2012 by
He doesn't have the name recognition of some of the other candidates. But he says he can make a contribution, just the same. Victoria's David Merner is seeking the leadership of the federal Liberal Party. He's not a big name, like Justin Trudeau, but he says his perspective has some value. "......and so my job as a British Columbian candidate is to … [Read more...]
Vancouver’s Mayor calls out Federal Government on earthquake response
November 10, 2012 by
The Mayor of Vancouver says when it comes to responding to a major catastrophe like an earthquake the Federal Government has it wrong. The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans says it is a local issue. Gregor Robertson says not so much: "The Coast Guard is responsible on the waters, there is no doubt about that. And that is why we are so … [Read more...]
Provincial Greens sound warning over federal investment pact with China
October 23, 2012 by
The leader of the provincial Green party is urging the Premier and the leader of the provincial NDP to pressure the feds on a new investment treaty with China. Jane Sterk says the deal, called FIPA, will kick in at months end with no debate in the house of commons and no say from the provinces. Sterk says the deal may trump provincial rights … [Read more...]
NDP blame provincial and federal governments for RCMP HQ mystery costs
October 12, 2012 by
The NDP's Public Safety critic wants to know how a new policing deal was signed with Ottawa without addressing the costs of the new RCMP headquarters. Kathy Corrigan says there is plenty of blame to split between the province and the federal government. "The Feds moved ahead with a Billion dollar plus building without having an agreement in place … [Read more...]
Federal riding boundaries up for debate
September 24, 2012 by
With additional seats up for grabs in the next federal election, riding boundaries throughout B.C. are up for debate. B.C. is set to gain six seats. With that shuffle the lines on the electoral map are set to shift. A number of residents from ridings throughout Vancouver gave their suggestions to the commission responsible for drawing up the new … [Read more...]
