Premier Christy Clark says talks continue with the federal government over saving the Kitsilano Coast Guard station. On Saturday, BC Conservative leader John Cummins said he's confident public outcry will persuade Ottawa to reverse its decision. Clark says she shares that hope. "We are working really hard on it. I personally am working hard on … [Read more...]
Union representing Coast Guard say changes from Ottawa almost like “Baywatch”
May 28, 2012 by
The Union of Canadian Transportation Employees, who represent Coast Guard staff, is curious about a visit from the Commissioner tomorrow. After being told Coast Guard Commissioner Mark Gregoire will address staff in Vancouver, The Union's Pacific region Vice President Dave Clark said "I read that they are celebrating 50 years and they are … [Read more...]
Mayor wants Ottawa to reconsider Kits closure
May 22, 2012 by
Vancouver's mayor wants to make the city's opposition to the closure of the Kitsilano Coast Guard station official. Gregor Robertson is putting forward a motion to city council next week, to have the city write a letter to the federal government, urging Ottawa to backtrack on a decision made last week to close the station. Robertson is also … [Read more...]
The Jericho Sailing Centre slams the closing of Kits Coast Guard base with no consultation by Ottawa
May 21, 2012 by
The General Manager of the Jericho Sailing Centre says closing the Kits Point Coast Guard station impacts the safety of all marine recreational users. Mike Cotter says with 250,000 boat launches a year they have their own volunteer rescue team who could now see their number of emergency call outs double. Cotter says there was certainly … [Read more...]
BC’s Attorney General is pressuring Ottawa for clarification of RCMP wage hike costs.
April 11, 2012 by
BC's Attorney General is pressing the federal government for more details on raises for the RCMP that could prevent some municipalities from signing on to a new 20 year contract with the force. Shirley Bond says she understands that some mayors are reluctant to sign the 20 year deal before the April 30th deadline after being blindsided by … [Read more...]
The municipal observer to the RCMP contract talks is still waiting to hear from Ottawa over surprise RCMP wage hikes.
April 11, 2012 by
A week after sending a letter to the Federal Public Safety Minister, after surprise RCMP pay hikes, and there is still no answer from Ottawa. Langley city Mayor, and municipal observer to the RCMP talks, Peter Fassbender says the message from mayors and the province is blunt. He said "We have made it clear minister Bond and her staff … [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...]
RCMP Contract Talks in the Works in Ottawa
October 31, 2011 by
Talks over the RCMP contract in BC had a much different tone in Ottawa today as the province met with the federal government at the table. Langley City Mayor Peter Fassbender is in Ottawa at the talks and says there was much more of a flexible and positive tone from the Feds. When asked if the new tone means a new deal to keep the Mounties in … [Read more...]
Ottawa issues a threat to BC in RCMP contract negotiations.
September 27, 2011 by
BC's Solicitor General says the federal government has decided to play hardball in RCMP contract negotiations which she is now admitting have completely broken down.. Shirley Bond says the federal government has given BC an ultimatum several times and is now refusing to negotiate the RCMP contract. Bond says the Ottawa … [Read more...]
