The Chief Medical Health Officer for the Fraser Health Authority says the current flu season could be the worst in recent years. "I have an outbreak of outbreaks of influenza." Doctor Paul van Buynder says the past couple years have been fairly quiet. "And people have become a little bit blase about what this can do. I've had over 14 longterm care … [Read more...]
Prof says there’s a good reason for Government secrecy on some issues
January 7, 2013 by
A retired University of Victoria political science professor says there is a good reason there is so much secrecy around the appointment, or not, of BC's Auditor- General. Ron Cheffins says, as with most jobs, the personal information of the applicants, or why they weren't hired, is protected, "That of course, involves a great deal of privacy. … [Read more...]
BCTF says FSA tests could soon be a distant memory
January 7, 2013 by
The BC Teachers' Federation sees a light at the end of the tunnel in their long fight against the Foundation Skills Assessment tests. BCTF President Susan Lambert says NDP Leader Adrian Dix has pledged to end the FSA tests should he win the May election. "And within the ministry themselves aren't supportive of the FSA's so it seems to me that … [Read more...]
Premier’s Office says Doyle decision not political
January 7, 2013 by
BC'S opposition leader, Adrian Dix, is blaming the ruling government's refusal to listen to critics for a controversial decision to fire Auditor General John Doyle. "It makes no sense for the public to remove an Auditor General who's done an outstanding job. It makes no sense to spend additional money." Dix has promised to put politics aside if … [Read more...]
Former BC Premier says business of committee appointing Auditor General shouldn’t be public
January 7, 2013 by
After a bi-partisan committee bound by secrecy elected to seek a replacement for Auditor General John Doyle, a former BC Premier says the private nature of those committees is essential when it comes to making personnel decisions. Ujjal Dosanjh says under the current process, committee members can be frank without worrying about destroying … [Read more...]
The BC Conservative party says a messy internal revolt is behind it
January 3, 2013 by
The leader of the BC Conservatives party is emphasizing the 'new' in new year as he says his party has put an internal dispute behind them. Leader John Cummins says the messy internal dispute was a just test, one that the party not only met but came out stronger for. Cummins says going into the May election it isn't his party carrying any baggage … [Read more...]
Spate of North Vancouver vehicle thefts abnormal says RCMP
December 27, 2012 by
North Vancouver RCMP is calling a spike of vehicle break-ins on the night of Boxing Day abnormal. Corporal Douglas Trousdell says more than 30 vehicles were targeted overnight, with the number expected to rise as reports continue to trickle in. He says Mounties don't have a suspect yet. "I don't have any specific information about what items … [Read more...]
White Rock man says Toyota’s announcement of settlement made at wrong time
December 27, 2012 by
A White Rock man who claims his son was killed due to an unintended acceleration problem in a Toyota vehicle says he's fuming at Toyota's timing. Ron Eves says the auto-giant should have waited until after the holidays to announce the $ 1-billion settlement with hundreds of Toyota owners over car value plummeting because of recalls. "It's a huge … [Read more...]
Company says councillors’ worries over proposed compost facility are unnecessary
December 27, 2012 by
A company that would like to run a proposed Metro Vancouver compost facility in Langley says there's no need for Township councillors to be concerned. Councillors have expressed worry over possible smell from rotting food, and contamination of a nearby environmentally sensitive area. But Sam Tamrack of Glenval Organics says they will stick to yard … [Read more...]
Survey says: we’re okay with re-gifting
December 26, 2012 by
Getting a gift you don't want and giving it to someone else may seem frowned upon, but according to the fourth annual holiday shopping study by Ipsos Reid, most British Columbians think its acceptable to regift, and close to half admit they have regifted things received from other people. Senior Vice-President and managing director of Ipsos Reid, … [Read more...]
