March 29, 2024

Developing story: Auditor General says provincial deficit understated in last fiscal

The BC' government has chosen accounting standards that make it easier to balance the budget. That's the latest from the Auditor General. John Doyle and his staff have looked into the province's summary financial statements for the current fiscal year. His report says the province has met most of the basic requirements when it comes to financial … [Read more...]

Temporary agreement over provincial flu shot policy

After various health worker unions kicked up a fuss over the new mandatory flu shot policy there has been a compromise reached. Fraser Health Spokesperson Roy Thorpe-Dorward was asked what happens now if health care worker refuses to get a flu shot. "However in the first year of this new policy we are not going to be disciplining employees who come … [Read more...]

Provincial Greens sound warning over federal investment pact with China

The leader of the provincial Green party is urging the Premier and the leader of the provincial NDP to pressure the feds on a new investment treaty with China. Jane Sterk says the deal, called FIPA, will kick in at months end with no debate in the house of commons and no say from the provinces. Sterk says the deal may trump provincial rights … [Read more...]

Provincial NDP want migrant Chinese mining workers stopped at the border

The NDP's mining critic wants Chinese migrant workers coming to BC for coal mining jobs to be denied entry into the country until some things are sorted out. Doug Donaldson says Jobs minister Pat Bell has said he is investigating claims the workers were charged to take the work, but "In the meantime I think that while this investigation is underway … [Read more...]

Union passed over by Provincial audit

The union representing bus drivers is warning the results of a Provincial audit into Translink will just mean service cuts and fewer buses. Canadian Auto Workers Local 1-11 President Don MacLeod says the 139-million a year in savings are in part a result of trimming services. MacLeod says transit in Metro Vancouver is already short of where it … [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...]

Provincial fire crews contract extended thanks to dry weather

It may be fall, but higher than normal temperatures mean the fire danger rating remains high for much of the province. Provincial Fire Information Officer Michaela Swan says even though it's not unheard of to have a fire season extend this late into the year, the province isn't taking any chances. "We actually have extra air tankers online, as well … [Read more...]

BCTF declares “year of provincial action”

It's a new school year, but many old wounds remain between the teachers' union and the provincial government. Even before the opening bell rang, there was disagreement on the playground of Vancouver's Simon Fraser Elementary. Not between kids, but the Education Minister and president of the BC Teachers' Federation. George Abbott and Susan Lambert … [Read more...]

Federal, provincial NDP slam Kits base closure

The leaders of the federal and BC NDP have renewed their call for the Harper government to reverse the closure of the Kitsilano Coast Guard station. Thomas Mulcair joined Adrian Dix in the sunshine at the Kits base late this morning. "I in my 35 years of public administration and politics, have never seen a decision quite like this one where a … [Read more...]

Bacchus says no to 2013 provincial run

Vancouver school board chair Patti Bacchus is closing the door on provincial politics this time around. The Vision Vancouver politician had long been rumoured to be considering a bid for Victoria in next year's election. "It's absolutely a no for next year. It is always a temptation, and looking at where you can make the most change and most impact … [Read more...]