March 29, 2024

Activists, community members applaud local governments’ stance on coal export expansion

Several Metro Vancouver municipalities are getting applause  from coal activists and people from the White Rock, Surrey and Bellingham areas - for expressing concerns about coal export expansion. More than 100 people came out Sunday in White Rock to show support and celebrate. Climate change activist Kevin Washbook says he's pleased with … [Read more...]

BC names Auditor General for civic governments

BC's first Auditor General for municipal governments has been named. Basia Ruta is a chartered accountant with extensive experience at the federal level. Premier Christy Clark says her priority will be making sure taxpayers are getting the best value for their money. Ruta will examine municipal services and recommend non-binding changes. Her first … [Read more...]

NDP blame provincial and federal governments for RCMP HQ mystery costs

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...]

Local governments breathe a sigh of relief over delay in RCMP unionization

The Mayor of Langley city says it is a relief, at least in the short term, legislative changes to the RCMP Act from Ottawa won't unionize the force, at least not yet.  "We're relieved it is isn't happening in the short term."     However Peter Fassbender says when the force is unionized it will present a big cost pressure on … [Read more...]

BC mayors call for discussions with provincial and federal governments

BC mayors want to increase the lines of communication between their municipalities and the other two levels of government. 86 mayors from across the province want to have a round table chat with the Premier, as well as a round table on infrastructure with the provincial and federal governments. Surrey mayor Dianne Watts says, "Those conversations … [Read more...]

The NDP say the governments sale of liquor distribution services is “tainted”

The NDP is calling on the Clark government to cancel the planned sale of liquor distribution services in BC.  Critic Shane Simpson says an internal e-mail from the company "exel logistics" suggests the Liberal friendly firm was hoping to use its contacts to influence the bidding process, Simpson says there is now a perception the tender has … [Read more...]

Court gives First Nation OK to sue governments

BC's highest Court has cancelled a decision clearing the way for a class action lawsuit against Ottawa and Victoria from First Nations on the north-eastern tip of Vancouver Island. The December 2010 ruling stemmed from an outbreak of sea lice linked to fish farms in the Broughton Archipelago, an area traditionally fished by members of the … [Read more...]

NDP’s Energy Critic weighs in after governments agree on review process for proposed Site C dam

The NDP's Energy Critic is cautiously optimistic after the provincial and federal governments agreed on one review process for the proposed Site 'C' dam.  John Horgan says what is important is a very thorough scientific review examining the environmental impacts of the dam.  He says while a unified review between Ottawa and Victoria is … [Read more...]

Polak blasts Cummins over criticism of government’s jobs plan

More strong words for B.C. Conservative Party leader John Cummins -- but this time, they're coming from the person he's likely to square-off with in the next provincial election. Langley Liberal MLA Mary Polak is blasting Cummins' criticism of the government's jobs plan. "Jobs are about all British Columbians, it's not a partian issue." It's … [Read more...]