The BC government is attempting to downplay the discovery of bed bugs at two court houses in Vancouver. An emailed statement from the court services branch reads "......while unpleasant, bed bugs do not present a public health hazard as they don't transmit disease. This has not resulted in the delay of court proceedings or the closure of court … [Read more...]
Government dealing with possible Tamiflu shortage
January 8, 2013 by
The federal government is working with the provinces, territories and Roche Canada to address a potential temporary shortage of the antiviral flu drug Tamiflu. The Public Health Agency of Canada is seeing an early spike in flu cases and more severe illness caused by the flu than was seen in the last two years. Health Canada has arranged to have … [Read more...]
Prof says there’s a good reason for Government secrecy on some issues
January 7, 2013 by
A retired University of Victoria political science professor says there is a good reason there is so much secrecy around the appointment, or not, of BC's Auditor- General. Ron Cheffins says, as with most jobs, the personal information of the applicants, or why they weren't hired, is protected, "That of course, involves a great deal of privacy. … [Read more...]
Federal Government to stop growing medicinal marijuana
December 16, 2012 by
The Federal Government says it intends to ban individuals from growing medical marijuana in their homes. Growing the green stuff in a private home is a fire hazard -- that seems to be the main justification by Health Canada in a release following the Government's announcement that it plans to outlaw medical marijuana patients from growing their own … [Read more...]
Oppal delivers Missing Women report to BC government
November 22, 2012 by
BC's Missing Women commissioner has delivered his final report to the provincial government, and the Ministry of Justice has promised to make it public before Christmas. Wally Oppal spent several months reviewing the events leading up to the 2002 arrest of serial killer Robert Pickton, and why police were not able to stop him sooner. The report is … [Read more...]
BC government again asked to intervene in Chinese miners dispute
November 21, 2012 by
While we wait for a Federal Court judge to rule on whether two unions should access documents being used to bring 100's of Chinese miners to Canada, BC's Minister of Energy and Mines is also being asked to intervene. Lawyers for the United Steelworkers Union have sent Rich Coleman a five-page letter regarding HD Mining's plans to operate an … [Read more...]
First Nation feels ignored by government
November 12, 2012 by
Members of the Fort Nelson First Nation have travelled to Vancouver to protest water licences they fear the Government is set to grant to natural gas companies. Chief Sharleen Wildeman says the Government isn't listening to her concerns, "Our community is increasingly getting frustrated with the pushback and without consulting with us. So, it's … [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...]
UPDATED: More damning documents finger BC Government
November 9, 2012 by
The NDP have more leaked emails from a committee examining the future of the aging Burnaby hospital that seem to show the group's members are not focused on health care but are instead playing politics. Health critic Mike Farnworth says the title of the email, from a committee stacked with BC Liberal MLA's, party members, and insiders, … [Read more...]
Government considers allowing sale of lottery tickets in liquor stores
October 26, 2012 by
The provincial government is considering allowing lottery ticket sales in BC liquor stores. But Minister Responsible Rich Coleman says a decision is a long way off. "well what it is, it's under discussion, it's being looked at, it would take some technical upgrades for software, there would have to be an RFP, so the decision would come through … [Read more...]
