March 18, 2024

Former Prime Minister suing Vancouver developer

A former prime minister is now one of more than a dozen buyers suing the developers of a high-end Vancouver highrise that was supposed to be ready for occupancy last year. Kim Campbell was one of the first to buy a condo at the new Hotel Georgia when plans were announced in 2007. She made a 368-thousand dollar deposit and was promised her … [Read more...]

Minister says cell phones are a fact of life for users

BC's Attorney-General says the current laws aren't working but she will not allow police to seize cell phones to crack down on distracted driving. The BC Chiefs of Police Association is kicking around a few ideas to reduce distracted driving including the seizure of cell phones from repeat offenders.  Shirley Bond however, says that won't … [Read more...]

Liberal cabinet minister wants complaining back benchers to shut up

Premier Christy Clark doesn't seem worried but at least one cabinet minister is getting fed up with complaining from the Liberal back bench. The latest to publicly criticize the Premier is her former leadership rival Kevin Falcon, but several other MLA's have recently let it be known they're not happy with the boss. Clark herself shrugs it … [Read more...]

Health minister powerless to intervene in Chilliwack chlorine controversy

BC's Health Minister admits she is powerless to intervene as Fraser Health orders Chilliwack to permanently chlorinate its water. Margaret MacDiarmid says it is not appropriate for government to take over from the Health Authorities when it comes to water. That said "I also think that residents of Chilliwack they are very concerned about the … [Read more...]

Education minister downplays carbon offset concerns in Vancouver

The Minister of Education is panning a Vancouver school district complaint over a funding disparity when it comes to carbon offsets. Don McRae says Vancouver needs to look at the big picture when it comes to money to help  schools become carbon neutral. "Well last year they recieved $ 860,000 in investment and put in less than half of that so … [Read more...]

Environment minister pans idea to hike carbon tax

As a number of environmental groups call for a hike in the carbon tax BC's Environment minister says the idea is interesting but the timing stinks. Terry Lake says he appreciates the case made by the group, led by Tides Canada, but to hike the carbon tax now is simply not the right time. "We need to make sure that we are, again, making those steps … [Read more...]

Minister of Citizen Services says communications staff under the microscope following ethnic voting strategy leak

The Minister of Citizens' Services and Open Government is condemning the quick wins ethnic voting strategy his own government cooked up. Government Communications falls in Ben Stewart's ministerial responsibilities and he says the strategy is absolutely inappropriate. Stewart was asked if he will take a hard look at the communications staff and if … [Read more...]

Minister denies influencing land deal

Jobs Minister Pat Bell is denying any wrongdoing in a land deal in his hometown of Prince George. At issue is a piece of property that will house a new 25 million dollar wood innovation centre. Media reports indicate two local businessmen filed a complaint alleging Bell tried to improperly influence the bidding process after promising they would be … [Read more...]

Culture minister still has nothing for B.C. film industry, despite further talks

After having more “productive” meetings with film industry stakeholders, B.C.'s culture minister admits he still can't give them what they want.  "I believe that we're missing out on some of those benefits that go to the Crown, and that's what I’m trying to help the industry figure out." Speaking on CKNW’s The World … [Read more...]

Justice Minister sends another strongly worded letter to Ottawa

BC's Justice minister is demanding a meeting in person with the federal Fisheries minister after the sudden closure of Kits Coast Guard base.  Shirley Bond has faxed a letter to Minister Keith Ashfield expressing deep concern with the closure, especially how it was done.   When it was pointed out previous letters on this issue have … [Read more...]