British Columbians are getting a bit of a reprieve a few days after the 2016 assessment notices were sent out to homeowners. The Liberal government has said in a media release homes valued up to $1.2 million may be eligible to receive a full home owner grant this year, while a partial grant may be available if the home is...

Interest payments on government debt in Canada consume substantial shares of taxpayer dollars and come at the expense of other budget priorities, finds a new study released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank. The study, The Cost of Government Debt in Canada, finds...

'Tis the season of lists and stocking stuffers of economic forecasts. But instead of soothsaying over what could happen in 2016, a look back at B.C.'s economic performance over the past few years might be more illuminating. Deciphering economic forecasts is a murky task anyways, not that interpreting statistics is any less ...

The holiday season is a time to reflect on the value of charity, yet fewer Canadians are donating to registered charities—and those who give are giving less in every province, finds a new study by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank. The study, Generosity in Canada and the...

Ed. note: The following is a press release issued by FortisBC. FortisBC has received regulatory approval for a 2.96 per cent increase for electricity rates to take effect January 1, 2016. “We recognize the importance of electricity to daily lives and we are dedicated to meeting customers’ expectations for safe, reliable service...

As winter’s cold embrace descends upon B.C., the Ministry of Environment is providing over $190,000 to 13 communities and regional districts as part of the Provincial Wood Stove Exchange Program. Since 2008, the B.C. government, in partnership with the BC Lung Association, has helped British Columbians replace their older...

Getting your finances back on track should not leave you penniless. To help British Columbia residents crawl out from under those mountains of debt, the province is following through on a commitment to regulate the debt settlement industry, making sure individuals and families can pay what they owe, without being taken advantage...

Trail will be losing between 70 and 80 jobs as Teck Cominco reduces its operating costs for 2016. In a press release issued Tuesday, Teck officials indicated a $650 million reduction in overall spending for 2016 throughout their global operations. Teck Trail spokesman Richard Deanesaid this will mean, for Trail,  a reduction...

A Trail entrepreneur is getting creative and diversifying to ensure her company’s success and keep her little part of the city’s downtown thriving. Lorraine Johnston opened the clothing store Sonsie on Cedar Avenue on May 9of this year, selling new and consignment plus-sized clothing, as well as purses, accessories, shoes, ...

Blended families are becoming the national norm.  Finances are challenging for any relationship and they become even more challenging in the case of multiple marriages or common-law relationships, especially when they include children from previous and current relationships. If yours is a blended family, here is some basic ...