Thursday, February 23, 2012
Election fraud including Stephen Harper's win, investigated. For heaven sake, don't let the Opposition drop the ball on this inquiry.
.
BC Mary Comment: As a former resident of a Gulf Island (17 years), I always felt suspicious of Gary Lunn's last re-election. Then a Refo-o-orm Party M.P. and highly unpopular on Pender Island, it was a mystery how he could have won his 3rd and last election -- running against highly regarded Briony Penn. ... later there was an investigation which turned up secret offices in Sidney, B.C., busily accepting donations as well as turning out robot-calls giving out wrongful advice.Now Saanich & The Islands is well represented by Elizabeth May. It never made sense to me that smart people capable of choosing to vote for Briony or Elizabeth May would ever opt instead for Lunn whose nasty letter to me, for example, denounced the very idea of a Public Broadcaster (CBC) (in response to my letter wishing him well (OK, so I lied) and saying I thought he might like to hear from Islanders who had different views from his about CBC. See May vs. Lunn in Saanich-Gulf Islands.
Read about the Stephen Harper saga HERE. Same old story. Apparently they haven't read the memo yet.
and
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2012/02/23/pol-election-robocalls.html
and
http://www.theprovince.com/news/Elections+Canada+investigating+robocalls+that+misled+voters/6194112/story.html
and
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2012/02/24/pol-robocalls-guelph-staffer.html
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The old BC Railway derailed 46 coal cars at 2:00 PM. near Telkwa. Forty six coal cars!
.
CN Hopes to Re-Open Line By Midnight
Opinion250 News - Feb. 21, 2012
Prince George, BC- It will likely be midnight tonight before the CN rail line between Prince George and Prince Rupert can re-open. Yesterday, 46 coal cars bound for Prince Rupert, derailed near Telkwa just before 2 in the afternoon.
CN is promising major track improvements soon. [Yeah, right ... grumble ... ]
For further information: TSB Media Contact
John Cottreau
819-994-8053
CN Hopes to Re-Open Line By Midnight
Opinion250 News - Feb. 21, 2012
Prince George, BC- It will likely be midnight tonight before the CN rail line between Prince George and Prince Rupert can re-open. Yesterday, 46 coal cars bound for Prince Rupert, derailed near Telkwa just before 2 in the afternoon.
CN is promising major track improvements soon. [Yeah, right ... grumble ... ]
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
GATINEAU, QC, Feb. 21, 2012 /CNW/ -
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has deployed a team to today's rail accident near Barrett, B.C. TSB senior Rail Investigator Peter Hickli is the Investigator-in-Charge. He is accompanied by another TSB investigator.
On 21 February 2012 at approximately 13:50 local time, a train was involved in an accident.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.
John Cottreau
819-994-8053
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Friday, February 17, 2012
Remember when he was premier ...
.
The term unindicted co-conspirator was familiarized in 1974 when then president Richard Nixon was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in indictments stemming from the Watergate Investigation. - Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unindicted_co-conspirator
___________________________________________
Premier's tax charts misleading, deceptive, experts say.
Made difference between B.C. and other provinces look greater than it is.
By Chad Skelton
Vancouver Sun - Oct. 28, 2010
One of B.C.’s leading experts on tax policy says the charts Premier Gordon Campbell used in his TV address gave such a misleading picture of tax rates in this province that, had they been turned in by his students, he would make them do the assignment over again.
“If a student did this, I would say this is deceptive, maybe intentionally deceptive,” said Jon Kesselman, an economist with Simon Fraser University’s School of Public Policy. “I would say: ‘Fix this and resubmit.’”
James Brander, an economist with the University of B.C.’s Sauder School of Business, agreed.
“These graphs are misleading as presented,” said Brander, who, like Kesselman, has generally been supportive of the Liberals’ tax policies. “There’s this little book called How to Lie with Statistics and Chapter 1 says [to avoid lying] you shouldn’t do it this way.”
In his televised address Wednesday, Campbell announced a 15-per-cent provincial tax cut on all income up to $72,000.
To illustrate the impact of the cut, Campbell displayed two charts — one for those earning $45,000, another for those earning $75,000 — showing how much income tax someone would pay in B.C. compared to other provinces.
However, instead of using zero as the baseline, which is typical, Campbell’s chart began at the $1,000 point.
The result is that the chart makes it look like Ontario residents pay two to three times as much in taxes as those in B.C. and that Quebec residents pay a whopping six times more. In reality, while B.C.’s income taxes are significantly lower, the difference is nowhere near that big.
“This is a dreadful graph,” said Brander. “You have to be pretty sharp to figure out what’s going on here. This is a very misleading graph, absolutely.”
Kesselman said: “It looks like it was either sloppy or ... intended to exaggerate the difference, even if B.C. is the lowest.”
To make things even more confusing, the charts Campbell used in his address did not indicate he was using $1,000 as a baseline, leaving viewers with no way to measure the real difference between provinces.
Versions of the charts later uploaded to the government’s website did note $1,000 was being used as the base, but only in very tiny type.
B.C. Finance Minister Colin Hansen said in an interview Thursday his staff originally produced a series of charts that were very detailed, including the exact amount of income taxes paid in each province.
“We started with a graphic with a lot more information on it and the sense was, people aren’t going to have time to read that, so let’s unclutter the graphs and we did that,” he said.
“If you’re asking, did we deliberately put the baseline at $1,000 and then not put the number on it so we could create a false impression, that was not the intent,” he said. “The intent was to demonstrate graphically what the premier was saying verbally. And that’s that British Columbia has significantly lower income tax rates for those income brackets than other provinces.”
cskelton@vancouversun.com
Read more HERE:
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Premier+charts+misleading+deceptive+experts/3743453/story.html#ixzz13kqqlQ2h
"""""""""""""""""""
.
The term unindicted co-conspirator was familiarized in 1974 when then president Richard Nixon was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in indictments stemming from the Watergate Investigation. - Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unindicted_co-conspirator
___________________________________________
Premier's tax charts misleading, deceptive, experts say.
Made difference between B.C. and other provinces look greater than it is.
By Chad Skelton
Vancouver Sun - Oct. 28, 2010
One of B.C.’s leading experts on tax policy says the charts Premier Gordon Campbell used in his TV address gave such a misleading picture of tax rates in this province that, had they been turned in by his students, he would make them do the assignment over again.
“If a student did this, I would say this is deceptive, maybe intentionally deceptive,” said Jon Kesselman, an economist with Simon Fraser University’s School of Public Policy. “I would say: ‘Fix this and resubmit.’”
James Brander, an economist with the University of B.C.’s Sauder School of Business, agreed.
“These graphs are misleading as presented,” said Brander, who, like Kesselman, has generally been supportive of the Liberals’ tax policies. “There’s this little book called How to Lie with Statistics and Chapter 1 says [to avoid lying] you shouldn’t do it this way.”
In his televised address Wednesday, Campbell announced a 15-per-cent provincial tax cut on all income up to $72,000.
To illustrate the impact of the cut, Campbell displayed two charts — one for those earning $45,000, another for those earning $75,000 — showing how much income tax someone would pay in B.C. compared to other provinces.
However, instead of using zero as the baseline, which is typical, Campbell’s chart began at the $1,000 point.
The result is that the chart makes it look like Ontario residents pay two to three times as much in taxes as those in B.C. and that Quebec residents pay a whopping six times more. In reality, while B.C.’s income taxes are significantly lower, the difference is nowhere near that big.
“This is a dreadful graph,” said Brander. “You have to be pretty sharp to figure out what’s going on here. This is a very misleading graph, absolutely.”
Kesselman said: “It looks like it was either sloppy or ... intended to exaggerate the difference, even if B.C. is the lowest.”
To make things even more confusing, the charts Campbell used in his address did not indicate he was using $1,000 as a baseline, leaving viewers with no way to measure the real difference between provinces.
Versions of the charts later uploaded to the government’s website did note $1,000 was being used as the base, but only in very tiny type.
B.C. Finance Minister Colin Hansen said in an interview Thursday his staff originally produced a series of charts that were very detailed, including the exact amount of income taxes paid in each province.
“We started with a graphic with a lot more information on it and the sense was, people aren’t going to have time to read that, so let’s unclutter the graphs and we did that,” he said.
“If you’re asking, did we deliberately put the baseline at $1,000 and then not put the number on it so we could create a false impression, that was not the intent,” he said. “The intent was to demonstrate graphically what the premier was saying verbally. And that’s that British Columbia has significantly lower income tax rates for those income brackets than other provinces.”
cskelton@vancouversun.com
Read more HERE:
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Premier+charts+misleading+deceptive+experts/3743453/story.html#ixzz13kqqlQ2h
"""""""""""""""""""
.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Everyone should know about this ...
.
----- Original Message -----
From: Don Staniford
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Subject: "Norway's Injunction Kills Free Speech!"
Here's a new blog on the injunction sought by the Norwegian Government and Cermaq - don't let Norway kill free speech!
Read "Norway's Injunction Kills Free Speech!" online here!
If successful, the injunction would outlaw bumper stickers like ‘Friends Don’t Let Friends Eat Farmed Salmon’ and 'Wild Salmon Don't Do Drugs' and truthful statements corroborated by peer-reviewed science such as ‘Salmon Farming Spreads Disease’ and ‘Salmon Farming Kills Wild Baby Salmon’.
Here's the injunction in full:
"Norway now rivals China in its abuse of freedom of speech and the Draconian measures sought to suppress dissent," said Don Staniford of the Global Alliance Against Industrial Aquaculture (GAAIA). "The Norwegian Government, via their state ownership of Cermaq, is abusing the Canadian courts to muzzle global criticism of Norwegian-owned salmon farming. Norway’s reputation as a champion of free speech now lies in the gutter along with the Nobel Peace Prize it awarded in 2010 to the Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo. Shame on Norway, shame on Cermaq!.....This injunction is not worth the paper it is written on and is a slap in the face to people all over the world who have the right to speak out against salmon farming. Cermaq is a scream!"
More details via: http://salmonfarmingkills.com/blog/norway%E2%80%99s-injunction-kills-free-speech
----- Original Message -----
From: Don Staniford
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Subject: "Norway's Injunction Kills Free Speech!"
Here's a new blog on the injunction sought by the Norwegian Government and Cermaq - don't let Norway kill free speech!
Read "Norway's Injunction Kills Free Speech!" online here!
If successful, the injunction would outlaw bumper stickers like ‘Friends Don’t Let Friends Eat Farmed Salmon’ and 'Wild Salmon Don't Do Drugs' and truthful statements corroborated by peer-reviewed science such as ‘Salmon Farming Spreads Disease’ and ‘Salmon Farming Kills Wild Baby Salmon’.
Here's the injunction in full:
"Norway now rivals China in its abuse of freedom of speech and the Draconian measures sought to suppress dissent," said Don Staniford of the Global Alliance Against Industrial Aquaculture (GAAIA). "The Norwegian Government, via their state ownership of Cermaq, is abusing the Canadian courts to muzzle global criticism of Norwegian-owned salmon farming. Norway’s reputation as a champion of free speech now lies in the gutter along with the Nobel Peace Prize it awarded in 2010 to the Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo. Shame on Norway, shame on Cermaq!.....This injunction is not worth the paper it is written on and is a slap in the face to people all over the world who have the right to speak out against salmon farming. Cermaq is a scream!"
More details via: http://salmonfarmingkills.com/blog/norway%E2%80%99s-injunction-kills-free-speech
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
New BC Port facilities at Prince Rupert key for Potash exports, CEO says
.
New B.C. Port facilities key for exports, Potash Corporation's CEO says.
Potash Corp. (POT-T44.45-0.22-0.49%) chief executive Bill Doyle expects to see steadily rising worldwide demand for the fertilizer and the need for new export capacity from Western Canada, despite the recent price weakness that has led global producers to cut back on supply.
Western Canadian potash exports should double in the coming decade and, as a result, the industry will need new port facilities in British Columbia, Mr. Doyle said in an interview Tuesday.
Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan (POT-T)
44.45 -0.22 -0.49%
As of Feb 14, 2012 4:00
In partnership with CN Rail (CNR-T78.250.290.37%), Canpotex, the marketing arm of Saskatchewan potash producers, has proposed a new export terminal in Prince Rupert, B.C. Mr. Doyle said he expects an investment decision to be made on the $800-million project this year.
“As we grow from 9.8 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes not too far down the road, we have to have the port facilities and infrastructure to be able to handle that,” he said, citing forecast growth for Canpotex, which supplies potash to Asian and other international markets.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/new-bc-port-facilities-key-for-exports-potash-corp-ceo-says/article2338540/
New B.C. Port facilities key for exports, Potash Corporation's CEO says.
Potash Corp. (POT-T44.45-0.22-0.49%) chief executive Bill Doyle expects to see steadily rising worldwide demand for the fertilizer and the need for new export capacity from Western Canada, despite the recent price weakness that has led global producers to cut back on supply.
Western Canadian potash exports should double in the coming decade and, as a result, the industry will need new port facilities in British Columbia, Mr. Doyle said in an interview Tuesday.
Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan (POT-T)
44.45 -0.22 -0.49%
As of Feb 14, 2012 4:00
In partnership with CN Rail (CNR-T78.250.290.37%), Canpotex, the marketing arm of Saskatchewan potash producers, has proposed a new export terminal in Prince Rupert, B.C. Mr. Doyle said he expects an investment decision to be made on the $800-million project this year.
“As we grow from 9.8 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes not too far down the road, we have to have the port facilities and infrastructure to be able to handle that,” he said, citing forecast growth for Canpotex, which supplies potash to Asian and other international markets.
Read more HERE:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/new-bc-port-facilities-key-for-exports-potash-corp-ceo-says/article2338540/
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Monday, February 13, 2012
Washington and BC join forces to re-shape cross-border relations
.
BC Mary comment: Today I'm feeling unwell ... chemo kickback ... and I can't read this piece without it making me feel even worse. But there's stuff here which people should know ...
Source: Globe-Net, Feb. 13, 2012
motorcycleguy has left a new comment on your post "Washington and BC join forces to re-shape cross-border...":
Motorcycleguy writes: I have this on file from a long time ago while rearching [researching?] the Tyson Lake IPP fiasco.
The State of Washington (WA) and the Province of British Columbia (BC) recognize each other’s
authority and responsibilities to conduct or require an environmental assessment/environmental
review (EA/ER) of project proposals within their jurisdiction
from page 5 of the link Tyson would be within 100km of the BC-Wa border and therefore subject to this Memorandum of Understanding
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/spd/ecc/docs/ea_bkgrnd.pdf
1. Determine if the MOU Applies to the Project Proposal
a) Determine if the project is a “major project” as defined in the MOU
Pursuant to section 30(1) of the Reviewable Projects Regulation, the proposed project will be
considered a “reviewable project” subject to the
Environmental Assessment Act (Act) as the
facility is a hydroelectric powerplant which will have a rated capacity of 50 MW or more of
electricity. The project is therefore a “major project” as defined in the MOU. The proponent will
be required to submit an application for a Project Approval Certificate to the EAO, and the
project will be subject to the environmental assessment review process set out in the Act.
b) Determine if the project is in the vicinity of WA
The proposed project is to be located within 100 km of the BC-WA border. Therefore it is
considered to be in the vicinity of WA, as defined in the MOU.
Since the project is a major project in the vicinity of WA, the MOU will apply.
Read about it HERE:
http://www.environmental-expert.com/news/washington-and-british-columbia-join-forces-to-reshape-cross-border-relations-280939
BC Mary comment: Today I'm feeling unwell ... chemo kickback ... and I can't read this piece without it making me feel even worse. But there's stuff here which people should know ...
.
Washington and British Columbia join forces to re-shape cross-border relations
Washington and British Columbia join forces to re-shape cross-border relations
Source: Globe-Net, Feb. 13, 2012
motorcycleguy has left a new comment on your post "Washington and BC join forces to re-shape cross-border...":
Motorcycleguy writes: I have this on file from a long time ago while rearching [researching?] the Tyson Lake IPP fiasco.
The State of Washington (WA) and the Province of British Columbia (BC) recognize each other’s
authority and responsibilities to conduct or require an environmental assessment/environmental
review (EA/ER) of project proposals within their jurisdiction
from page 5 of the link Tyson would be within 100km of the BC-Wa border and therefore subject to this Memorandum of Understanding
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/spd/ecc/docs/ea_bkgrnd.pdf
1. Determine if the MOU Applies to the Project Proposal
a) Determine if the project is a “major project” as defined in the MOU
Pursuant to section 30(1) of the Reviewable Projects Regulation, the proposed project will be
considered a “reviewable project” subject to the
Environmental Assessment Act (Act) as the
facility is a hydroelectric powerplant which will have a rated capacity of 50 MW or more of
electricity. The project is therefore a “major project” as defined in the MOU. The proponent will
be required to submit an application for a Project Approval Certificate to the EAO, and the
project will be subject to the environmental assessment review process set out in the Act.
b) Determine if the project is in the vicinity of WA
The proposed project is to be located within 100 km of the BC-WA border. Therefore it is
considered to be in the vicinity of WA, as defined in the MOU.
Since the project is a major project in the vicinity of WA, the MOU will apply.
Read about it HERE:
http://www.environmental-expert.com/news/washington-and-british-columbia-join-forces-to-reshape-cross-border-relations-280939
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Saturday, February 11, 2012
.
BC Mary comment: There are some who love railways and BC Rail in particular. Thank goodness for that. Membership and photo albums are available from:
www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?15,2684206
1. Quite a collection of units leading a soutbound at McIntyre on May 17, 2004.[Still our BC Rail.]
2. A coal train loading at the Teck mine in the Tumbler Ridge area on 9/10/02. [It was OUR BC Rail even then.]
3. A southbound finds a sunny break at Crysdale, BC on 9/12/03. [Only a few days after the takeover by CN. Wonder what they were saying in the cab ... ]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/09/12 11:50 by pummer.
Date: 02/09/12
Re: Some Retro BC Rail
Author: hoggerdoug
BC Mary comment: There are some who love railways and BC Rail in particular. Thank goodness for that. Membership and photo albums are available from:
www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?15,2684206
A few from the great days of BC Rail
1. Quite a collection of units leading a soutbound at McIntyre on May 17, 2004.[Still our BC Rail.]
2. A coal train loading at the Teck mine in the Tumbler Ridge area on 9/10/02. [It was OUR BC Rail even then.]
3. A southbound finds a sunny break at Crysdale, BC on 9/12/03. [Only a few days after the takeover by CN. Wonder what they were saying in the cab ... ]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/09/12 11:50 by pummer.
Date: 02/09/12
Re: Some Retro BC Rail
Author: hoggerdoug
Nice shots.. Brings tears to my eyes. Gone but not forgotten. Doug
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Stephen Harper agrees to protect China in Canada ...
.
BC Mary comment: Merv Ritchie of Terrace has done a lot of work on the budding relationship between Stephen Harper and the leadership of China. Read Merv's report HERE
--
Merv Ritchie
Box 154
Terrace, BC
V8G 4A6
www.TerraceDaily.ca
www.KitimatDaily.ca
www.RupertDaily.ca
www.HazeltonDaily.ca
www.SmithersDaily.ca
Office 778-634-3434
Fax 778-634-3435
Let Merv ... or Steve ... know how you feel about this, eh?
BC Mary comment: Merv Ritchie of Terrace has done a lot of work on the budding relationship between Stephen Harper and the leadership of China. Read Merv's report HERE
http://www.terracedaily.c/show9353a0x300y1z/CANADA_AGREES_TO_PAY_FOR_AND_PROVIDE_PROTECTION_FOR_CHINA
--
Merv Ritchie
Box 154
Terrace, BC
V8G 4A6
www.TerraceDaily.ca
www.KitimatDaily.ca
www.RupertDaily.ca
www.HazeltonDaily.ca
www.SmithersDaily.ca
Office 778-634-3434
Fax 778-634-3435
Let Merv ... or Steve ... know how you feel about this, eh?
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Friday, February 10, 2012
Adrian Dix says "Yes" to a full Public Inquiry to the BC Rail fiasco
.
Bill Tieleman tackles two urgent issues:
1) Adrian Dix, if elected premier, promises a Public Inquiry into the Basi, Virk, Basi trial.
Read the details HERE:
http://billtieleman.blogspot.com/2012/02/adrian-dix-promises-public-inquiry-into.html
ALSO
2) Bill explains why it's outrageous – that Christy Clark would appoint a BC Liberal defender to review the justice system. Read about it HERE:
http://billtieleman.blogspot.com/2012/02/premier-christy-clark-appoints-geoffrey.html
Visit Bill's blog to see the many responses to his work:
http://billtieleman.blogspot.com
Bill Tieleman tackles two urgent issues:
1) Adrian Dix, if elected premier, promises a Public Inquiry into the Basi, Virk, Basi trial.
Read the details HERE:
http://billtieleman.blogspot.com/2012/02/adrian-dix-promises-public-inquiry-into.html
ALSO
2) Bill explains why it's outrageous – that Christy Clark would appoint a BC Liberal defender to review the justice system. Read about it HERE:
http://billtieleman.blogspot.com/2012/02/premier-christy-clark-appoints-geoffrey.html
Visit Bill's blog to see the many responses to his work:
http://billtieleman.blogspot.com
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Gordo returns to Vancouver Friday Feb. 10 to deliver a speech
.
Olympic 2010 and 2012: Learning the lessons of a changing world
is the subject of Gordon Campbell's first public speech in his hometown since he was appointed Canada's High Commissioner to the U.K. He's coming at the invitation of the Vancouver Board of Trade. Readers may recall that Lara Dauphinee became a member of the Board of Trade after Gordo left town.
Campbell's speech is scheduled for Friday, February 10 at 12:00 noon. Campbell's speech begins at 1:00 PM. All this takes place in "one of Campbell's signature megaprojects/boondoggles" (see the Straight), the Vancouver Convention Centre's West Building (Summit Level). Admission is $110.00 per individual non-member of the Board of Trade, or $1,056 for a table for 8 (plus HST of course). There's a wait-list.
Only two days before the anniversary of the 2010 Winter Games, Campbell will reflect on the legacy of Vancouver's Olympics and discuss preparations for London's 2012 Summer Games, including what Team Canada's athletes and fans can expect. Campbell will also share insights from overseas on our changing world, including how businesses and individuals are learning to adapt in times of uncertainty. [Smerf.]
Read more HERE:
http://www.straight.com/blogra/politics
BC Mary comment: On doing a search of this blog to confirm that Lara Dauphinee was on the Board of Trade (she's actually on the Board of Directors of the Vancouver Board of Trade), I was surprised to see how much has been said (more than I remembered), yet how little is known, about someone who got paid $193,000 a year (plus expenses) of our dollars while she was Deputy Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant to Gordo.
I dimly perceive (and profoundly disapprove of) the secrecy surrounding a public employee -- such as Lara maintained throughout her years with Gordo; I figure she maintained her strict, almost-regal privacy because she had access to the premier's bodyguard.
But I truly don't get it, now that she is Vice-President of Fiore Financial Corporation as well as a Director of the Board of Trade, how she can still maintain her virtually secret life. So the mystery continues, offstage.
Olympic 2010 and 2012: Learning the lessons of a changing world
is the subject of Gordon Campbell's first public speech in his hometown since he was appointed Canada's High Commissioner to the U.K. He's coming at the invitation of the Vancouver Board of Trade. Readers may recall that Lara Dauphinee became a member of the Board of Trade after Gordo left town.
Campbell's speech is scheduled for Friday, February 10 at 12:00 noon. Campbell's speech begins at 1:00 PM. All this takes place in "one of Campbell's signature megaprojects/boondoggles" (see the Straight), the Vancouver Convention Centre's West Building (Summit Level). Admission is $110.00 per individual non-member of the Board of Trade, or $1,056 for a table for 8 (plus HST of course). There's a wait-list.
Only two days before the anniversary of the 2010 Winter Games, Campbell will reflect on the legacy of Vancouver's Olympics and discuss preparations for London's 2012 Summer Games, including what Team Canada's athletes and fans can expect. Campbell will also share insights from overseas on our changing world, including how businesses and individuals are learning to adapt in times of uncertainty. [Smerf.]
Read more HERE:
http://www.straight.com/blogra/politics
BC Mary comment: On doing a search of this blog to confirm that Lara Dauphinee was on the Board of Trade (she's actually on the Board of Directors of the Vancouver Board of Trade), I was surprised to see how much has been said (more than I remembered), yet how little is known, about someone who got paid $193,000 a year (plus expenses) of our dollars while she was Deputy Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant to Gordo.
I dimly perceive (and profoundly disapprove of) the secrecy surrounding a public employee -- such as Lara maintained throughout her years with Gordo; I figure she maintained her strict, almost-regal privacy because she had access to the premier's bodyguard.
But I truly don't get it, now that she is Vice-President of Fiore Financial Corporation as well as a Director of the Board of Trade, how she can still maintain her virtually secret life. So the mystery continues, offstage.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Suggestion: Why not try a Public Inquiry into BC Rail's slide from public ownership into private pockets?
.
Another review won't stop B.C. Liberals' slide in polls
By Michael Smyth
The Province - Feb. 9, 2012
Quote:
Christy Clark is right to be "frustrated" with a screwed-up justice system that allows criminals to walk free because of clogged-up courts, at a time when the crime rate is dropping.
"It just doesn't add up," the premier lamented Wednesday, as she launched yet another review into another broken branch of her government.
But something else didn't add up, and that was Clark's claim that this is the first review of the B.C. justice system in 20 years.
Sure enough, a quick Google search explained my nagging feeling of déjà vu: the "B.C. Justice Review Task Force" was launched in 2002.
A co-operative effort by the government, judges and lawyers, this earlier review covered much of the same ground Clark's new review will plow again: backlogs, delays, access and cost control.
"The number of new criminal cases coming into the court system is decreasing, but the number of court hours is not decreasing at the same rate," the task force was told in a report three years ago, in a line Clark essentially parroted on Wednesday.
The point is: These are not new problems, and the government has had over a decade in power to deal with them. So why the sudden urgency on a file that's been festering for years? Politics.
Source is HERE:
Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/news/Another+review+stop+Liberals+slide+polls/6125332/story.html#ixzz1ltrHh9yZ
Another review won't stop B.C. Liberals' slide in polls
By Michael Smyth
The Province - Feb. 9, 2012
Quote:
Christy Clark is right to be "frustrated" with a screwed-up justice system that allows criminals to walk free because of clogged-up courts, at a time when the crime rate is dropping.
"It just doesn't add up," the premier lamented Wednesday, as she launched yet another review into another broken branch of her government.
But something else didn't add up, and that was Clark's claim that this is the first review of the B.C. justice system in 20 years.
Sure enough, a quick Google search explained my nagging feeling of déjà vu: the "B.C. Justice Review Task Force" was launched in 2002.
A co-operative effort by the government, judges and lawyers, this earlier review covered much of the same ground Clark's new review will plow again: backlogs, delays, access and cost control.
"The number of new criminal cases coming into the court system is decreasing, but the number of court hours is not decreasing at the same rate," the task force was told in a report three years ago, in a line Clark essentially parroted on Wednesday.
The point is: These are not new problems, and the government has had over a decade in power to deal with them. So why the sudden urgency on a file that's been festering for years? Politics.
Source is HERE:
Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/news/Another+review+stop+Liberals+slide+polls/6125332/story.html#ixzz1ltrHh9yZ
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Pickton case 'has all the familiar hallmarks of a police cover-up'
.
.BC Mary comment: British Columbians and those who care about this province suffered through 7 years of the Basi, Virk, Basi pre-trial) shenanigans which could well be described in these words.
'... the familiar hallmarks of a police cover-up'
Full Comment
Brian Hutchinson
National Post -- Feb 3, 2012
Cameron Ward, the lawyer for the families of 23 women who disappeared in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, no longer believes the commission probing the police investigation into their murders will produce answers. [Please visit the story to see a good photo of Ward. - BCMary.]
Cameron Ward once had faith in B.C.’s Missing Women Commission of Inquiry, called to examine how police investigated the disappearance of dozens of sex trade workers from Vancouver’s notorious Downtown Eastside. From 1997 to 2002, the period under review, prostitutes were murdered by pig farmer Robert “Willie” Pickton, all along a prime police suspect.
Mr. Ward is a lawyer who represents the families of 23 missing and murdered women at the inquiry. Five months into public hearings, his faith in the process has crumbled.
Certain police documents — including notes from their investigations — have not been disclosed. Pages from reports have mysteriously vanished. Police witnesses have offered conflicting accounts of key events. “This case has all the familiar hallmarks of a police cover-up,” says Mr. Ward, choosing his words carefully. “And I’m afraid the inquiry may be enabling it.
"""""""""
Britain joins race to export gas from B.C.
.
BC Mary comment: Things we may have overlooked ...
U.K. firm joins race to export gas from B.C.
nathan vanderklippe
CALGARY —
Globe and Mail -- Feb. 08, 2012
British natural gas giant BG Group PLC has joined the rush of companies swarming Canada’s West Coast in hopes of exporting energy to Asia.
The company, a global liquefied natural gas supplier, is looking to Prince Rupert, B.C., as a potential site for a terminal that could be used to load Western Canadian gas onto ships bound for consumers in Japan, South Korea and China ... Read more:
Source:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/uk-firm-joins-race-to-export-gas-from-bc/article2330229/
BC Mary comment: Things we may have overlooked ...
U.K. firm joins race to export gas from B.C.
nathan vanderklippe
CALGARY —
Globe and Mail -- Feb. 08, 2012
British natural gas giant BG Group PLC has joined the rush of companies swarming Canada’s West Coast in hopes of exporting energy to Asia.
The company, a global liquefied natural gas supplier, is looking to Prince Rupert, B.C., as a potential site for a terminal that could be used to load Western Canadian gas onto ships bound for consumers in Japan, South Korea and China ... Read more:
Source:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/uk-firm-joins-race-to-export-gas-from-bc/article2330229/
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
BC Rail: we can move to nullify the actual robbery/sale--on the basis of the legal principal that no contract can be completed when a crime has been committed.
.
Chinese Sneakers has left a new comment on your post "Two strong voices on BC Rail":
Yes, Mr.Reid has really nailed patty k to the wall.
This work of his could stand up to judicial scrutiny in any just court, and thereby provide information for laying criminal charges.
Then, once that battle is won and we have scared the living daylights out of them, we can move to nullify the actual robbery/sale--on the basis of the legal principal that no contract can be completed when a crime has been committed.
Chinese Sneakers has left a new comment on your post "Two strong voices on BC Rail":
Yes, Mr.Reid has really nailed patty k to the wall.
This work of his could stand up to judicial scrutiny in any just court, and thereby provide information for laying criminal charges.
Then, once that battle is won and we have scared the living daylights out of them, we can move to nullify the actual robbery/sale--on the basis of the legal principal that no contract can be completed when a crime has been committed.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Terrible news comes on Fridays
.
And this is no exception, says BC Mary.
B.C. businessmen welcome Gordon Campbell's return
The Province - February 7, 2012
The former premier returns to BC this week to talk to the Vancouver Board of Trade about his London job and the troubled European economy. He may have been run out of town on a rail, but BC's prodigal son is returning for the first time — and tickets ... See all stories on this topic »
[Or is that Vancouver Province running for cover? - M.]
And this is no exception, says BC Mary.
B.C. businessmen welcome Gordon Campbell's return
The Province - February 7, 2012
The former premier returns to BC this week to talk to the Vancouver Board of Trade about his London job and the troubled European economy. He may have been run out of town on a rail, but BC's prodigal son is returning for the first time — and tickets ... See all stories on this topic »
[Or is that Vancouver Province running for cover? - M.]
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Pickton case 'has all the familiar hallmarks of a police cover-up'
.
Full Comment
Brian Hutchinson
National Post -- Feb 3, 2012
Cameron Ward, the lawyer for the families of 23 women who disappeared in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, no longer believes the commission probing the police investigation into their murders will produce answers. [Please visit the story to see a good photo of Ward. - BCMary.]
Cameron Ward once had faith in B.C.’s Missing Women Commission of Inquiry, called to examine how police investigated the disappearance of dozens of sex trade workers from Vancouver’s notorious Downtown Eastside. From 1997 to 2002, the period under review, prostitutes were murdered by pig farmer Robert “Willie” Pickton, all along a prime police suspect.
Mr. Ward is a lawyer who represents the families of 23 missing and murdered women at the inquiry. Five months into public hearings, his faith in the process has crumbled.
Certain police documents — including notes from their investigations — have not been disclosed. Pages from reports have mysteriously vanished. Police witnesses have offered conflicting accounts of key events. “This case has all the familiar hallmarks of a police cover-up,” says Mr. Ward, choosing his words carefully. “And I’m afraid the inquiry may be enabling it.
BC Mary comments: Read more of this excellent story HERE. You'll be thinking "BC Rail, BC Rail" every inch of the way. It's mp coincidence that these tactics come up twice in a lifetime (BCRail + BC's Missing Women Commission of Inquiry). This latest Missing Women inquiry, too, points a steady finger UP the food-chain, not so much DOWN.
Read this full, important report HERE:
http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2012/02/03/brian-hutchinson-pickton-case-has-all-the-familiar-hallmarks-of-a-police-cover-up-lawyer/
Full Comment
Brian Hutchinson
National Post -- Feb 3, 2012
Cameron Ward, the lawyer for the families of 23 women who disappeared in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, no longer believes the commission probing the police investigation into their murders will produce answers. [Please visit the story to see a good photo of Ward. - BCMary.]
Cameron Ward once had faith in B.C.’s Missing Women Commission of Inquiry, called to examine how police investigated the disappearance of dozens of sex trade workers from Vancouver’s notorious Downtown Eastside. From 1997 to 2002, the period under review, prostitutes were murdered by pig farmer Robert “Willie” Pickton, all along a prime police suspect.
Mr. Ward is a lawyer who represents the families of 23 missing and murdered women at the inquiry. Five months into public hearings, his faith in the process has crumbled.
Certain police documents — including notes from their investigations — have not been disclosed. Pages from reports have mysteriously vanished. Police witnesses have offered conflicting accounts of key events. “This case has all the familiar hallmarks of a police cover-up,” says Mr. Ward, choosing his words carefully. “And I’m afraid the inquiry may be enabling it.
BC Mary comments: Read more of this excellent story HERE. You'll be thinking "BC Rail, BC Rail" every inch of the way. It's mp coincidence that these tactics come up twice in a lifetime (BCRail + BC's Missing Women Commission of Inquiry). This latest Missing Women inquiry, too, points a steady finger UP the food-chain, not so much DOWN.
Read this full, important report HERE:
http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2012/02/03/brian-hutchinson-pickton-case-has-all-the-familiar-hallmarks-of-a-police-cover-up-lawyer/
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Friday, February 03, 2012
Two strong voices on BC Rail
.
The BC Rail Conflict (continued)
By Ian Reid
The Real Story
Read it HERE:
http://therealstory.ca/2012-02-02/bc-politics/the-bc-rail-conflict-cont
and:
Railgate Insiders: why didn't they say anything to the 'Fairness Advisors'
Read it HERE:
http://pacificgazette.blogspot.com/2012/02/railgate-insiders-why-didnt-they-say.html
The BC Rail Conflict (continued)
By Ian Reid
The Real Story
Read it HERE:
http://therealstory.ca/2012-02-02/bc-politics/the-bc-rail-conflict-cont
and:
Railgate Insiders: why didn't they say anything to the 'Fairness Advisors'
By RossK
Pacific GazetteRead it HERE:
http://pacificgazette.blogspot.com/2012/02/railgate-insiders-why-didnt-they-say.html
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Hmmm. More BC Rail developments:
Pemberton council buys former BC Rail train station for $285,000
Purchase Part of Frontier Street Development project Plans
by Cathryn Atkinson
Pique News Magazine - Feb. 9, 2012
Although no trains currently stop in Pemberton, the council announced this week that it is in the process of purchasing the former BC Rail train station as part of the Frontier Street redevelopment project.
The agreed price is $285,000, with funds coming out of the council's park acquisition reserves.
Read more HERE:
http://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/whistler/pemberton-council-buys-former-bc-rail-train-station-for-285000/Content?oid=2283925
""""""""""""""""""""
Pemberton council buys former BC Rail train station for $285,000
Purchase Part of Frontier Street Development project Plans
by Cathryn Atkinson
Pique News Magazine - Feb. 9, 2012
Although no trains currently stop in Pemberton, the council announced this week that it is in the process of purchasing the former BC Rail train station as part of the Frontier Street redevelopment project.
The agreed price is $285,000, with funds coming out of the council's park acquisition reserves.
Read more HERE:
http://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/whistler/pemberton-council-buys-former-bc-rail-train-station-for-285000/Content?oid=2283925
""""""""""""""""""""
Thursday, February 02, 2012
So the next BC Election campaign has begun. BC Rail, sound your horns!
.
By BC Mary
February 2, 2012
Been thinking. On reading more about the NDP winning the next provincial election. Is this true? I doubt it, if people aren't paying attention.
I'm thinking that this election campaign is only the starting gun for the race to destroy the NDP. I am not a member of the New Democratic Party, nor do I advocate for them; in fact they're mad at me for what I say about them, and especially about the King of their Do-Nothing Team, Leonard Krog of Nanaimo.
But what I'm thinking is that a team which does nothing is better than a team which does damage and which uncaringly inflicts terrible damage as if it's an everyday chore. (BC Rail wasn't sold, it was only leased for 960 years, supposedly for $1Billion which we don't know for sure if it was paid, right? And BC Hydro is forced to buy electricity it doesn't need, at double the going rate, so it will become bankrupt therefore an easy sale, right? Both those huge corporations were in public ownership earning the province good revenue, so what's wrong with that?)
Watch when a new government opens the files to show the people of BC the actual BC Rail deal Gordon Campbell made with his favourite fund-raiser and bidder, CN. The attacks will begin right there, direct, mano a mano, the Corporations against the New BC Government. It's been creepily quiet, for example: any news of what our new High Commissioner to the United Kingdom is doing in his fancy digs on Trafalgar Square with his hundreds of helpers at Canada's (Harper's) expense. Watch for a sudden flush of "newz" showing us how, single-handed, our Gordo pulled off the Summer Olympics in London, England, and the next BC political campaign will build from there.
A new B.C. government will first of all, do a bit of housekeeping. At that point, rest assured, if the NDP is elected to the next 4 years governing BC, it won't be the people who attack them,
no,
it will be the corporations who attack whatever the NDP tries to do. I mean that, whatever they try to do. The LINOs achieved this kind of control because the media got lazy or worse, and failed to inform the public of both sides of the battles.
My prediction is that the big corporations actively supporting the Gordon Campbell/Christy Clark party will simply continue the election campaign against the NDP ... and passionately, desperately against any effort to clean up the BC Government.
Granted, it won't be easy but I suggest that the voters and general public gear up for the fight, remembering that our next war will be direct, head-to-head bashing: us against the corporations' interference.
Either that, or BC is no longer a democratic society, and probably never would be a democratic society again.
That's what I got to thinking while caught up in a day of chemo-therapy and 2 days of travel. And I couldn't help but think how wonderful it is that I could still be part of this blog, talking to others who care about someday leaving this beautiful BC and what it would be like for our future kids growing up in a corrupted B.C.
I've always promised you that this wouldn't turn into a political blog, promoting one politician over another. I intend to keep that promise, with the exception of what I consider the culprit party (even a fake party) which was called "LINO" because it is Liberal In Name Only. (They have even damaged the Liberal name.) No party could be so tightly aligned with BIG business, without being a virtual puppet of one or the other big businesses; in this case, CN Railway. There's a reason they call it "railroading".
And in my view, while CN has received improved profits following the takeover of BC Rail, it has never served British Columbia in the same vital way as we had with BC Rail. In my view, B.C., has become virtual road-kill, to be tossed aside whenever the really important stuff like coal needs to be rushed to the nearest seaport. Or ignored when boxcars are needed.
My prediction is that the big corporations actively supporting the Gordon Campbell/Christy Clark party will simply continue the campaign ... against the NDP ... and against any effort to clean up the BC Government.
Maybe, next time, we could vote for the party which will look after British Columbia better. W.A.C. Bennett may have been the last B.C. premier who understood that this serves the people best. Bennet made his mistakes (never forget how he protected his Forest Minister, Robert Somers, who was eventually jailed for accepting bribes in return for Forest Licences in the Clayoquot Sound -- BIG business!). But Bennett also made huge leaps of imagination (BC Rail, BC Hydro, etc.). Or, was this a clever ploy to keep both factions happy?
I'm thinking that British Columbia needs a NEW government of whatever suits. All I'm sayin' is that the LINO Party has demonstrated in spades, what we don't need and God help us, never did need. It took the painful loss of BC Rail, and now if we aren't super-careful, BC Hydro, to show us what happens when Big Business is put in charge, without having to wear a curb bit with public hands holding tight to the reins.
By BC Mary
February 2, 2012
Been thinking. On reading more about the NDP winning the next provincial election. Is this true? I doubt it, if people aren't paying attention.
I'm thinking that this election campaign is only the starting gun for the race to destroy the NDP. I am not a member of the New Democratic Party, nor do I advocate for them; in fact they're mad at me for what I say about them, and especially about the King of their Do-Nothing Team, Leonard Krog of Nanaimo.
But what I'm thinking is that a team which does nothing is better than a team which does damage and which uncaringly inflicts terrible damage as if it's an everyday chore. (BC Rail wasn't sold, it was only leased for 960 years, supposedly for $1Billion which we don't know for sure if it was paid, right? And BC Hydro is forced to buy electricity it doesn't need, at double the going rate, so it will become bankrupt therefore an easy sale, right? Both those huge corporations were in public ownership earning the province good revenue, so what's wrong with that?)
Watch when a new government opens the files to show the people of BC the actual BC Rail deal Gordon Campbell made with his favourite fund-raiser and bidder, CN. The attacks will begin right there, direct, mano a mano, the Corporations against the New BC Government. It's been creepily quiet, for example: any news of what our new High Commissioner to the United Kingdom is doing in his fancy digs on Trafalgar Square with his hundreds of helpers at Canada's (Harper's) expense. Watch for a sudden flush of "newz" showing us how, single-handed, our Gordo pulled off the Summer Olympics in London, England, and the next BC political campaign will build from there.
A new B.C. government will first of all, do a bit of housekeeping. At that point, rest assured, if the NDP is elected to the next 4 years governing BC, it won't be the people who attack them,
no,
it will be the corporations who attack whatever the NDP tries to do. I mean that, whatever they try to do. The LINOs achieved this kind of control because the media got lazy or worse, and failed to inform the public of both sides of the battles.
My prediction is that the big corporations actively supporting the Gordon Campbell/Christy Clark party will simply continue the election campaign against the NDP ... and passionately, desperately against any effort to clean up the BC Government.
Granted, it won't be easy but I suggest that the voters and general public gear up for the fight, remembering that our next war will be direct, head-to-head bashing: us against the corporations' interference.
Either that, or BC is no longer a democratic society, and probably never would be a democratic society again.
That's what I got to thinking while caught up in a day of chemo-therapy and 2 days of travel. And I couldn't help but think how wonderful it is that I could still be part of this blog, talking to others who care about someday leaving this beautiful BC and what it would be like for our future kids growing up in a corrupted B.C.
I've always promised you that this wouldn't turn into a political blog, promoting one politician over another. I intend to keep that promise, with the exception of what I consider the culprit party (even a fake party) which was called "LINO" because it is Liberal In Name Only. (They have even damaged the Liberal name.) No party could be so tightly aligned with BIG business, without being a virtual puppet of one or the other big businesses; in this case, CN Railway. There's a reason they call it "railroading".
And in my view, while CN has received improved profits following the takeover of BC Rail, it has never served British Columbia in the same vital way as we had with BC Rail. In my view, B.C., has become virtual road-kill, to be tossed aside whenever the really important stuff like coal needs to be rushed to the nearest seaport. Or ignored when boxcars are needed.
My prediction is that the big corporations actively supporting the Gordon Campbell/Christy Clark party will simply continue the campaign ... against the NDP ... and against any effort to clean up the BC Government.
Maybe, next time, we could vote for the party which will look after British Columbia better. W.A.C. Bennett may have been the last B.C. premier who understood that this serves the people best. Bennet made his mistakes (never forget how he protected his Forest Minister, Robert Somers, who was eventually jailed for accepting bribes in return for Forest Licences in the Clayoquot Sound -- BIG business!). But Bennett also made huge leaps of imagination (BC Rail, BC Hydro, etc.). Or, was this a clever ploy to keep both factions happy?
I'm thinking that British Columbia needs a NEW government of whatever suits. All I'm sayin' is that the LINO Party has demonstrated in spades, what we don't need and God help us, never did need. It took the painful loss of BC Rail, and now if we aren't super-careful, BC Hydro, to show us what happens when Big Business is put in charge, without having to wear a curb bit with public hands holding tight to the reins.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Here's something to consider too:
Read about it HERE:
http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Canadian+Sands+earnings+production+issues/6089232/story.html
"""""""""""""
And this ...
Read about it HERE.
http://thetyee.ca/News/2012/02/03/BC-Foreign-Trade-Zones/
"""""""""""
And this ...
Foreign Trade Zones Eyed for Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Prince George
Read about it HERE.
http://thetyee.ca/News/2012/02/03/BC-Foreign-Trade-Zones/
"""""""""""
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
BC Rail is buying land far from the railway or any of its assets
.
Delta councillor 'horrified' with port's view on farmland.
Delta Coun. Ian Paton said he was "horrified" when he learned Port Metro Vancouver CEO Robin Silvester told Metro Vancouver politicians that more Agricultural Land Reserve farmland should be sacrificed to make way for more port expansion and the jobs that will bring.
"When you've got absolutely the finest Class 1 soil you can find in British Columbia right out at Brunswick Point area by TFN (Tsawwassen First Nation) lands, that's pretty pathetic when you start paving that stuff over for port expansion," Paton said. "I can't see paving over good, prime, Class 1 farmland to create a few more jobs out of the port—that's ridiculous."
Silvester made a presentation Thursday (Jan. 26) at a special strategy session of the Metro board in Chilliwack.
"What he was presenting is not an open avenue for reasoned discussion but a declaration of war on farmland," said Richmond Coun. Harold Steves, one of the founders of the ALR, who characterized Silvester's comments as a "very forceful" attack on the land reserve.
Steves said he is very concerned more farmland is being snapped up for possible port use.
He said farmers in Delta have told him BC Rail is buying land far from the railway or any of its assets.
"I assume they're buying land for port expansion," Steves said.
He noted BC Rail, as a Crown corporation, has the ability to expropriate land it wants.
And he said the port authority also asserts a right to overrule municipal zoning, the Regional Growth Strategy and the ALR.
Click HERE for Source:
http://www.southdeltaleader.com/news/138234509.html?c=y&curSection=/&curTitle=BC+News&bc09=true
""""""""""""""""""""""
Delta councillor 'horrified' with port's view on farmland.
Delta Coun. Ian Paton said he was "horrified" when he learned Port Metro Vancouver CEO Robin Silvester told Metro Vancouver politicians that more Agricultural Land Reserve farmland should be sacrificed to make way for more port expansion and the jobs that will bring.
"When you've got absolutely the finest Class 1 soil you can find in British Columbia right out at Brunswick Point area by TFN (Tsawwassen First Nation) lands, that's pretty pathetic when you start paving that stuff over for port expansion," Paton said. "I can't see paving over good, prime, Class 1 farmland to create a few more jobs out of the port—that's ridiculous."
Silvester made a presentation Thursday (Jan. 26) at a special strategy session of the Metro board in Chilliwack.
"What he was presenting is not an open avenue for reasoned discussion but a declaration of war on farmland," said Richmond Coun. Harold Steves, one of the founders of the ALR, who characterized Silvester's comments as a "very forceful" attack on the land reserve.
Steves said he is very concerned more farmland is being snapped up for possible port use.
He said farmers in Delta have told him BC Rail is buying land far from the railway or any of its assets.
"I assume they're buying land for port expansion," Steves said.
He noted BC Rail, as a Crown corporation, has the ability to expropriate land it wants.
And he said the port authority also asserts a right to overrule municipal zoning, the Regional Growth Strategy and the ALR.
Click HERE for Source:
http://www.southdeltaleader.com/news/138234509.html?c=y&curSection=/&curTitle=BC+News&bc09=true
""""""""""""""""""""""
