The federal Public Safety Ministry says the provinces were actually in the loop on the RCMP wage hikes which seem to have caught many off guard. In an email the ministry says the terms of the raises were discussed with the provinces in April of 2011 and again in a teleconference in July of the same year. However Langley City Mayor and … [Read more...]
Bond confirms she didn’t know about RCMP wage hikes either
April 5, 2012 by
Attorney General Shirley Bond confirms her office was caught off guard about the new RCMP compensation package as well – and was told what was likely supposed to be reassuring news. In a statement to CKNW, Bond says when she did learn of the wage hikes, she had her staff get in touch with Ottawa right away. And she says the federal government … [Read more...]
The NDP’s Public Safety critic is “astounded” by the surprise RCMP pay hikes from Ottawa.
April 5, 2012 by
The NDP's Public Safety critic says the sudden move by Ottawa to rubber stamp raises for the Mounties while keeping BC in the dark, is shocking. Kathy Corrigan says it completely contrary to an recent RCMP contract signing where a new relationship was stressed by both sides. She said "and then we find out even as they are talking I … [Read more...]
The Mayor of Surrey is furious with unexpected RCMP wage hikes and the cost to her city.
April 5, 2012 by
The Mayor of Surrey, which has BC's largest RCMP detachment, is furious at being blindsided by the cost of raises for the Mounties. Dianne Watts says it is a slap in the face after negotiations where mayors emphasized both transparency and cost containment to Ottawa. Watts said "We relayed all of those issues to the federal government … [Read more...]
BC’s Transportation Minister preaches patience when it comes to “possible” transit fare hikes.
January 10, 2012 by
BC's Transportation Minister says he understands the concern over possible transit fare hikes but is stressing they aren't garanteed to happen. Blair Lekstrom says every aspect of Translink will be looked at by an independant commissioner. He says "Mister Crilly the Commissioner, who is independant, is going to go out and engage the … [Read more...]
Falcon: no new money for wage hikes
January 10, 2012 by
He won't be adding any new money for public sector raises but the finance minister does say he's willing to look for other savings for a "modest" wage increase. Kevin Falcon's told the Vancouver Board of Trade he's confident there are ways to find some savings within current budgets that could result in a small wage boost for the public sector. … [Read more...]
Vancouver council to vote on proposed water rate hikes
December 10, 2011 by
Vancouver city council will vote this week on a proposed 10-per-cent hikes on water and sewer rates. Councillor Raymond Louie says the hikes are needed because of upgrades to water and waste treatment facilities. "We made the decision as a region probably about 10 years ago now, to upgrade our water facilities and that's why the costs are going up … [Read more...]
BREAKING: Mayors approve tax hikes for transit plan
October 7, 2011 by
Metro Vancouver mayors have voted in favour of tax hikes to cover transit improvements including the Evergreen line. The mayors have 81 votes in favour and 34 against. The mayors council on regional transportation held a very heated debate this morning on whether or not to approve a two cent a litre gas tax increase as well as a 23 dollar … [Read more...]
