Failed government policies ultimate cause of Ontario’s dismal fiscal, economic performance
The roots of Ontario’s decline from economic powerhouse to economic laggard can be found in a decade of failed government policies, concludes a new study released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank. “For decades, Ontario was the economic engine of Canada with workers...
Brad Bennett appointed new chair of BC Hydro
Premier Christy Clark announced Wednesday the appointment of Brad Bennett to the position of chair of the BC Hydro board of directors. Bennett replaces outgoing chair Stephen Bellringer, whose term expires on Sept. 30, 2015. “Brad Bennett's longstanding passion for reliable, affordable electricity has served the BC Hydro...
Municipalities can start lining up for Small Communities Fund projects
The Small Communities Fund will accept applications for $90 million in support for infrastructure before the end of this year, Premier Christy Clark announced today at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities annual convention. Cost-shared equally by the B.C. and federal governments with $45 million each, the fund will ...
Cranbrook-Kimberley to selected to host 55+ BC Games in 2018
Cranbook and Kimberley have been tabbed by the BC Senior Games Society to host the 55+ BC Games in 2018 said Wayne Naka, president of BC Seniors Games Society in a media release. The announcement was made as the BC Senior Games Society scheduled its course for the next few years. The City of Vernon will host the 2017 Games,...
BCNU supports call for long term mental health strategy
In a media release, the BC Nurses' Union said it supports the Union of BC Municipalities in calling for the provincial government to create a comprehensive mental health strategy. BCNU President Gayle Duteil said in the release that there is an urgent need for better services. “The mental health care system in BC is in crisis,"...
Province announces funding for urban deer cost-share program
Responding to a series of recommendations made by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), the Province has committed to striking a Provincial Urban Deer Advisory Committee as well as the provision of up to $100,000 for future urban deer management operations. The recommendations from the UBCM flowed from an initial meeting...
Sometimes breaking up can be a good thing, but never for the taxpayer
Neil Sedaka is right breaking up is hard to do. It's also expensive. On September 15, residents of Vancouver learned that former chief administrator officer (CAO) Penny Ballem's services had been “concluded” that day by Mayor Gregor Robertson. Ballem, 65, will receive $556,000 as a parting gift for the hastily arranged exit....
Visitor numbers up, strategy updated to continue momentum
The BC Government said in a media release Monday, that the tourism sector in the provincie continues to show growth in international overnight visitors. The report said there were an additional 72,085 visitors in July 2015 compared to 2014 – representing a 9.9% increase over July 2014. This brings the total number of visitors...
Fall Boating – It Takes A Little Bit More Care
Boating in the fall offers colourful vistas, quiet anchorages and excellent fishing but it is not without its challenges that necessitate self-sufficiency and taking some additional precautions to keep from running into trouble. The Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) and the B.C. Wildlife Federation want to remind all...
IIO to investigate officer-involved shooting in Burnaby
An officer-involved shooting in Burnaby will be investigated by the Independent Investigations Office, according to a press release issued Friday. “Just before 7 a.m., police responded to a complaint of shots fired at a residence in the 3800 block of Frances Street in Burnaby, where at least one male victim was shot and the...
