BC Liberal’s Early Years Strategy amounts to pocket change, fails generation When business and labour groups added their voices recently to the thousands across the province prioritizing $10/day child care as part of a new deal for families, Premier Clark took notice. Her government’s throne speech promised to improve child care access and quality, but [...]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 21, 2013 Planning for New First Nations language exhibit to begin on International Mother Language Day   Vancouver, B.C. – Two prominent B.C. organizations and B.C. First Nations language experts will celebrate International Mother Language Day by commencing work on a B.C. First Nations Language Exhibit. On Thursday February 21, at [...]

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New seniors’ advocate role will be limited by lack of independence from government News release February 20, 2013 [Burnaby, B.C.] Legislation introduced by the B.C. Liberal government this afternoon will limit the independence of a proposed new seniors’ advocate, says the Hospital Employees’ Union. Bill 10, the Seniors’ Advocate Act, contemplates a seniors’ advocate that [...]

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National Chief Atleo to Open TEDxGabriolaIsland Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo will be welcoming the speakers, sponsors and participants to TEDxGabriolaIsland which will take place at The Haven on Gabriola Island, March 18, 2013. National Chief Atleo will be providing welcoming remarks by video. Chief Atleo is a member of [...]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 20, 2013 ELECTIONS BC ASKS: ARE YOU ON THE VOTERS LIST? VICTORIA – Elections BC is conducting an enumeration and updating the provincial voters list for the May 2013 Provincial General Election.  Are you on the voters list? “Elections BC is implementing a multi-layered approach to enumerating the province in advance [...]

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BC budget pits grandparents against their kids and grandchildren Younger citizens left further behind VANCOUVER, B.C./ Troy Media/ – In last week’s Throne Speech, the B.C. government committed to make life more affordable for young people by investing in child care. Prioritizing new public spending for younger generations make sense now because young people’s wages [...]

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MBA Students Take To The Streets COMPETING FOR MANN CUP TROPHY Nanaimo Airport Commission and VIU form partnership in student business challenge VIU RELEASE: 2013/020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Students in Vancouver Island University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program will be out at grocery retailers and other venues this Saturday (Feb. [...]

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The North Island Compassion Club is co-sponsoring a number of events next week, starting with “Medical Marijuana and Mandatory Minimums”, a talk by Kirk Tousaw, executive director of the Beyond Prohibition Foundation. Mr. Tousaw recently won the constitutional challenge in R v. Smith (aka the “cookie case”) heard in Victoria. Justice Robert Johnston ruled that people authorized [...]

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Thrifty Foods Kicks Off “Orange You Glad You Helped A Kid” Fundraiser Organic Buck Brand Orange Sale Donations Benefit Local KidSport Chapters Victoria, B.C. – Thrifty Foods General Manager Jim Dores, Olympic gold medalist Brian Price and KidSport representatives, along with a group of local elementary school visitors, were on hand to kick off the [...]

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Assembly of First Nations Supports All Actions toward Safety for Indigenous Women and Girls (Ottawa, ON) –Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo encourages all efforts for positive change for First Nations and Indigenous peoples globally, offering support for specific action today to end violence against Indigenous women and girls. “At a [...]

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HELP STUDENTS IMPROVE ACADEMIC SUCCESS HELPING STUDENTS TO HELP THEMSELVES VIU RELEASE: 2013/018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Thursday, February 14, 2013 NANAIMO, BC – Any Vancouver Island University student who is struggling to get the grades they need (or want) now has a place to go for help. A new program called Grade First Aid [...]

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For immediate release  Cannabis Marijuana Events In Courtenay Next Week The North Island Compassion Club is co-sponsoring a number of events next week, starting with “Medical Marijuana and Mandatory Minimums”, a talk by Kirk Tousaw, executive director of the Beyond Prohibition Foundation. Mr. Tousaw recently won the constitutional challenge in R v. Smith (aka the [...]

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Date: 12 February 2013 Ref: NR130212Litter PU NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NON-PROFIT GROUPS INVITED TO BECOME PARTNERS IN A CLEANER COMMUNITY The City of Nanaimo is inviting registered non-profit groups to participate in a program that helps them raise funds and gain recognition while making our city a cleaner, more attractive community. The 2013 [...]

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MEDIA ADVISORY OpenMedia.ca will appear before the CRTC to shape Wireless Industry Code of Conduct on behalf of Canadians Group to present crowd sourced recommendations Tuesday WHO: Lindsey Pinto, Communications Manager, OpenMedia.ca Tamir Israel, Staff Lawyer, Canadian Internet Policy & Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC) WHAT: OpenMedia.ca’s Lindsey Pinto will present at the CRTC’s hearing to [...]

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Media Release February 8, 2012 Walking with First Nations as a Voice for Wild Salmon Feb. 8, 2013, On the Road to Victoria B.C. – Hereditary chief Beau Dick and his family have invited acclaimed salmon spokesperson Alexandra Morton to join their journey from Alert Bay to Victoria. The trek will culminate with a copper-cutting [...]

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MEDIA ALERT There will be an Idle No More rally and information picket at the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal on Monday February 11th from 2pm to 5pm. Leaflets explaining the Idle No More movement will be distributed to holiday travellers. [sic] It is anticipated that several ocean going canoes will be launched for a presence [...]

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City & RDN Partner Again on Bike & Bus Route Brochure February 8, 2013- The Regional District of Nanaimo and the City of Nanaimo have once again partnered to produce an updated Bike & Bus Route brochure.  The popular pocket sized brochure features alternative transportation modes; bike and bus routes throughout the city. One side [...]

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February 7, 2013 Assembly of First Nations Welcomes All-Party Support for Treaty Implementation and Respect for Aboriginal Title and Rights (Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today welcomed all-party support for concrete action on Treaty implementation and respect for Aboriginal title and rights, including the full and meaningful consultation [...]

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VIU’S CULINARY STUDENTS HONE SKILLS AT COMPETITIONS Support from VIU’s culinary faculty key ingredient in their success VIU NEWS RELEASE: 2013/016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 7, 2013 NANAIMO, BC – With the support of VIU’s dedicated Culinary Arts faculty, students are sharpening their cooking and baking skills to prepare for a variety of culinary [...]

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For Immediate Release                             NR 13-01 February 6, 2013 British Columbians deserve a modern and procedurally fair adult guardianship process VICTORIA – Provincial Ombudsperson Kim Carter released today her latest report No Longer Your Decision: British Columbia’s Process for Appointing the Public Guardian and Trustee to Manage the Financial Affairs of Incapable Adults. According to the report, [...]

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Media Advisory: Government suggests controversial online spying Bill C-30 may be in the works; OpenMedia.ca available for comment WHAT: During an interview with CBC News Network host Evan Solomon, Justice Minister Rob Nicholson suggested that the government is working on a revised version to the controversial online spying legislation Bill C-30. When pressed on the [...]

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February 4, 2013 • For Immediate Release • TO ALL MEDIA Safety Concerns Fall on Deaf Ears after Numerous BC Smart Meter Fires Hundreds of smart meter fires have been reported around North America and more than a dozen of them have occurred here in British Columbia, the most recent damaging a Vernon restaurant. (http://goo.gl/XN1br) [...]

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Cell Block Renovation set to start (Nanaimo, January 31, 2013) – Renovations to the Cell Block in the Nanaimo Gaol are set to begin Monday, February 4th, the City of Nanaimo announced today. The renovation project is anticipated to last approximately 15 weeks, with work being carried out by Knappett Construction. RCMP officials have implemented [...]

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Update: Action Plan for Colliery Dam Concepts (Nanaimo, January 31, 2013) – City staff continues to carry out Council’s direction from the December 17th regular Council meeting to engage professional engineers to undertake conceptual level cost estimates for rehabilitating or rebuilding the Colliery Dams concurrent with engineering design and environmental study work to remove the [...]

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First Annual Family Day 2013 January 31, 2013 – 4.4 million British Columbian’s will celebrate the provinces first ever Family Day holiday on Monday, February 11th, 2013.  Family Day is about families spending time together playing, laughing and being active. The City of Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture in partnership with the Province of British [...]

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HAZARDOUS TREES REMOVED FROM VIU’S MILNER GARDENS VIU student and visitor safety restored, as well as health of the gardens VIU NEWS RELEASE: 2013/013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, January 31, 2013 NANAIMO, BC – In early January, professional arborists safely removed 16 hazardous trees from VIU’s Milner Gardens & Woodlands. Some of the trees towered [...]

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Assembly of First Nations Welcomes Ontario Superior Court Decision to Disclose Documents to Truth and Reconciliation Commission January 30, 2013 (Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo said today he welcomes this morning’s Ontario Superior Court decision requiring the federal government to disclose and provide all documents related to the [...]

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January 30, 2013 Island Savings’ Growing Island Families Together (GIFT) program provides financial and in-kind support to Island community groups. Island Savings is accepting applications for financial assistance through GIFT until March 15. In-kind requests can be made at any time. To apply, please visit iscu.com/gift or any of Island Savings’ 15 branch locations.

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January 29, 2013 • FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A SMART METER BOMBSHELL! Surrey-Whiterock MLA Gordon Hogg’s office just released information that is being welcomed by the many thousands of British Columbians opposed to the forced installation of wireless smart meters. Mr. Hogg’s office reports that last Wednesday, Energy Minister Rich Coleman advised that individual home owners [...]

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VIU APPOINTS NEW DEAN, FACULTY OF CAREER AND ACADEMIC PREPARATION FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 NANAIMO, BC – Jean Maltesen has been appointed to the position of Dean, Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation (ACP). The faculty includes programs such as Adult Basic Education, Literacy and Adult Special Education as well as the [...]

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MEDIA ADVISORY ‘BC JOBS START HERE’ JOB FAIR ARRIVES IN PARKSVILLE FEBRUARY 6th Parksville, BC – Media are invited to check out the ‘BC Jobs Start Here’ Job Fair when it visits Parksville on Wednesday, February 6th to help British Columbians find their next job or career. The job fairs connect job seekers face-to-face with [...]

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Citizens For Safe Technology has published communications received, allegedly from the office of  MLA Gordon Hogg, as a result of alleged discussions with BC Energy, Mines, and Natural Gas Minister Rich Coleman, who is also the minister responsible for Housing, regarding refusal of unwanted smart meter installations. For more information on the CST email sent [...]

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Colliery Dam Public Safety Information available on City website (Nanaimo, January 28, 2013) – The City of Nanaimo is reminding residents who own property, rent accommodation or conduct business downstream of the Chase River Colliery Dams that important public safety information can be readily accessed off the City’s website at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/dams A webpage dedicated to [...]

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français MEDIA ADVISORY For Immediate Release January 28, 2013 Actions held in 25 Canadian cities to launch Common Causes New social movement assembly launches to take on the Harper agenda (Ottawa) Community actions are being held in 25 cities across Canada today to step up the opposition to Stephen Harper’s agenda. Community members will gather [...]

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OpenMedia.ca says “backroom deal” will stifle choice in Canadian cell phone market Rogers accused of taking over public assets intended for wireless startup companies January 28, 2013 – Grassroots group OpenMedia.ca is warning that a “backroom deal” between telecom conglomerates Shaw Communications Inc. and Rogers Communications Inc. will lead to less choice—and higher prices—for Canadians’ mobile [...]

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VIU Co-op Students Recognized with New Award Four students celebrated at first annual Co-op Student of the Year Award ceremony and luncheon VIU RELEASE: 2013/007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, Jan. 24, 2013 NANAIMO, BC – At a luncheon on January 24 in VIU’s Discovery Room, students from VIU’s Faculty of Management’s Hospitality Management and Recreation [...]

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MEDIA ADVISORY                                                                                                         JANUARY 23, 2013  New social movement assembly launches to take on the Harper agenda Common Causes to hold solidarity actions across the country Common Causes and Idle No More join forces and rally at Noon Jan 28th in Diane [sic] Krall Plaza, 90 Commercial St. Nanaimo On January 28, when Parliament resumes, the [...]

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January 24, 2013 2013-03-IT Islands Trust Seeks Input On Draft 2013-2014 Budget VICTORIA – The Islands Trust is seeking public input on its draft budget for 2013-2014. The Islands Trust Council will make a final budget decision at its March 5-7, 2013 meeting on Thetis Island. Islands Trust taxes account for between 10-20% of the [...]

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January 23, 2013  Assembly of First Nations Supports Declaration, Women’s Council Honours Leadership of Chief Theresa Spence (Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Executive Committee, together with the AFN National Women’s Council today expressed their continued support of Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence and supporters.  AFN expressed formal support for a Declaration brought [...]

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PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate Release – January 23, 2013 TO ALL MEDIA B.C. NO PLACE FOR STRONG ARM TACTICS Who would have thought this could happen in British Columbia? A rude awakening meets BC Hydro customers refusing microwave smart meters, as strong arm tactics include customer harassment, bullying and threats of power disconnection, despite continued [...]

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January 23, 2013 | NEWS RELEASE Winterproofing your mental health Some people say this is the most depressing week of the year—when cold and dark days, holiday bills, and already-lapsed new year’s resolutions catch up with us. Whether you believe in that or not, it’s never a bad time to reflect on how time-of-year stresses [...]

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Students Encouraged to Apply for Local Donor Supported Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries $296,000 in Post-Secondary Funds Available from Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation Nanaimo, BC – January 23, 2013 The Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation Awards booklet and application for Nanaimo and Ladysmith secondary students is now available online.  This year there are 410 awards, bursaries and scholarships, totaling [...]

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Young Voices Join Speakers for TEDxGabriolaIsland Two grade 11 students from the Nanaimo District Secondary School will be joining the speakers for TEDxGabriolaIsland, which takes place at The Haven on Gabriola March 18 2013. Jenna Mirau is a co-founder of the school’s anti-bullying team, Empathy NDSS: Rachel Fritz is one of the many members and [...]

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VANCOUVER ISLAND POET STEVEN PRICE READS AT VIU JAN. 28 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013 NANAIMO, BC – Vancouver Island poet Steven Price will read from his new book of poems, Omens in the Year of the Ox, and from Anatomy of Keys, a book-length poem that tells the story of Harry Houdini, [...]

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Tar sands are the fifth largest climate threat in the world 22 January 2013 (Toronto) – Canada’s tar sands ranked fifth of the 14 largest carbon intensive projects in the world, according to a new report from Greenpeace International. The “Point of No Return” notes government hypocrisy on major energy projects – like the tar [...]

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  NEWS RELEASE Report shows feasibility of 80 per cent emissions reductions Low-carbon study compares strategies for eight countries For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                    January 22, 2013 VANCOUVER – Canada can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to a fraction of current levels while maintaining or improving living standards and quality of life, according to Low-Carbon [...]

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VIU NEWS RELEASE: 2013/03 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 Education students host “Learning Centres Day” at two Nanaimo elementary schools Jan. 21 Hands-on learning activities for Georgia Avenue and Fairview students NANAIMO, BC: Bachelor of Education students at Vancouver Island University will be hosting “Learning Centres Day” at two Nanaimo area elementary schools [...]

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Loaves & Fishes Receives Close to $30,000 Gift from Thrifty Foods Customers In-Store Food For Families Program Nets Record $274,000 for 16 Local Food Banks Victoria, B.C. – Thrifty Foods Nanaimo area store managers Dan Zapotichny, Jerry Jaggers and Mikel Knutsson presented Loaves and Fishes Executive Director Peter Sinclair and Operations Manager Alex Counsell with [...]

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Living with Monsters topic of Arts and Humanities talk Jan. 18 NANAIMO, BC: VIU creative writing instructor Kathy Page will give a free talk about her latest novel, The Find, at an Arts and Humanities Coloquium presentation Friday, Jan. 18 at the Nanaimo campus. A visit to a museum inspired Page to write about the [...]

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For immediate release: January 16, 2013 CMHA BC Conference to Focus on Newly Released Workplace Psychological Health and Safety Standard A “golden opportunity” to learn how to adopt the first-ever National Standard British Columbia—Today marks a critical turning point in the challenge to build mentally healthy workplaces all around the country. The Canadian Standards Association [...]

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No Thanks, BC Hydro! Just when you thought it was safe to leave home again, BC Hydro operatives are sneaking through the side gate and jumping over fences to rip off your signs and leave behind an unwanted and dangerous microwave device. A new undercover method is being employed, like “thieves in the night” – [...]

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The Haven Welcomes Oprah Author, Mark Nepo for Presentation and Workshop Gabriola Island, British Columbia  –  Mark Nepo, author of The Book of Awakening, one of Oprah Winfrey’s ‘Ultimate Favorite Things’, is coming to The Haven on Gabriola Island, February 5–7, 2013 for an evening presentation and two-day workshop based on the #1New York Times [...]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 15, 2013 Contact: Diana Hart admin@westernedge.org 250-668-0991 (Nanaimo) http://westernedge.org ALL SING “HOSANNA” TO WESTERN EDGE’S NEW ARTISTIC PRODUCER The upcoming staging of Michel Tremblay’s classic “Hosanna” at Nanaimo’s Western Edge Theatre will be the inaugural production under the company’s new artistic producer, Eliza Gardiner. Gardiner succeeds Western Edge’s founding artistic producer, [...]

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For Immediate Release January 14th, 2013 TRADES TRAINING AND CAREERS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND A community dialogue on trades training and Vancouver Island’s future prosperity. Nanaimo, B.C. – British Columbia is poised for rapid growth over the course of the next decade, with many projects requiring skilled tradespeople. Labour market forecasting indicates the Vancouver Island/Coast region [...]

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January 14, 2013 First Nations citizens have just witnessed one of the most important chapters in our recent history. Through the pressure of the grassroots, the sacrifices made by Chief Spence and her fellow strikers, and the work of many regional Chiefs and the National Executive of the AFN, we have seized the attention of [...]

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Dear members of the Media In addition to the planned Maffeo Sutton rally on Saturday there are a couple of added Idle No More rallies in the Mid Island region this week. Here’s the full list. Friday Jan 11 at Vancouver Island University Nanaimo – Outside the Library 1pm to 3pm (off 5th Ave) Friday [...]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JANUARY 9, 2013 Buteyko Validated by Evidenced-Based Best Practice Centers as Breathing Technique for Asthmatics that Reduces Symptoms and Medication Usage The Buteyko Breathing Educators Association, BBEA, praised the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, AHRQ, for its comprehensive review of 22 studies of breathing techniques, which found that Buteyko, a hyperventilation- [...]

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Klahowya News Salish Strait Seafoods ramps up for 2013 08 Jan 2013 A new company – Salish Strait Seafoods – is looking at 2013 being a breakout year as it sets its sights on getting its products to local and global markets. Three Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council nations – Malahat, Snaw-naw-as and T’Sou-ke – are [...]

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There will be an Idle No More rally on Saturday January 12 at 11am on Snuneymuxw traditional territory at Maffeo Sutton Park, Nanaimo. The grassroots organizers are Jason Conner and Tanya George. On the Facebook event page, 442 have confirmed they will attend with 208 indicating that they might attend (several thousand more have been [...]

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TEDxGabriolaIsland Ticket Applications Now Online On March 18 2013, the very first TEDxGabriolaIsland will take place at The Haven, Gabriola Island. Although many thousand TEDx events are held around the globe every year, TEDxGabriolaIsland is one of very few representing a small, rural island community. One hundred lucky people will attend this very special event. [...]

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January 4, 2013 Assembly of First Nations National Chief Looks Forward to Work Toward Achieving Fundamental and Meaningful Change Through Treaty implementation and Affirming Rights, Responsibilities Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today welcomes the commitment by Prime Minister Stephen Harper for a focused working meeting between First Nation leaders scheduled for next [...]

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BC Liberal Party January 03, 2013 FOUR-TIME GOLD MEDAL PARALYMPIAN MICHELLE STILWELL ACCLAIMED AS BC LIBERAL CANDIDATE IN PARKSVILLE-QUALICUM Parksville – The BC Liberals have announced that four-time gold medal Paralympian Michelle Stilwell will be the Party’s candidate in Parksville-Qualicum. Stilwell joins a renewed BC Liberal team that continues to recruit high quality candidates across [...]

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Assembly of First Nations National Chief Calls for Unity, Citizen-engagement and Treaty Meeting Between First Nations and Crown (Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today continued calls for solidarity, engagement and action by First Nations and the Crown.  First Nation leaders will meet on the anniversary of the [...]

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VIU AND CUPE 1858 APPROVE NEW COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, January 2, 2013 NANAIMO, BC – The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1858 has informed Vancouver Island University (VIU) that its membership has ratified a new collective agreement for the period of July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2014. The University’s [...]

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For immediate release                                       Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013 VestaFire Brings Joy to Refugee Children in Burmese Refugee Camps VestaFire Entertainment has been delighting Vancouver Island audiences with their striking circus performances since the group formed two years ago. Their brilliant fire displays, beautiful costumes, stilt-walking dancers and feats of juggling with multi-coloured hoops have attracted rave [...]

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There is an Idle No More protest planned for Monday, December 31st from 1pm – 3pm at the Husky Gas Station  on Stz’uminus traditional territory just North of Ladysmith. Here’s a video link to the flash mob at Woodgrove mall on December 21st http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKVb7kktA3I&list=UUJEhb1J1VznvzO-PTNNxnTQ&index=1 Here are the details for the Monday rally from the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/511743395513534/ In support [...]

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Media Release For Immediate Release – December 28, 2012 Attawapiskat Chief Spence heading into day 19 of hunger strike and seeking Canadians, Members of Parliament and politicians to urge Prime Minister Harper to meet and commit to Nation to Nation relations with Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples. Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario Chief Theresa Spence is heading into [...]

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Conceptual Cost estimate study for rehabilitating or replacing the Colliery Dams to be carried out Nanaimo, December 24, 2012 – Following Council’s direction to staff at the December 17th regular Council meeting to engage professional engineers to undertake conceptual level cost estimates for rehabilitating or rebuilding Colliery Dams while preparatory engineering and environmental study work [...]

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Two-year contract ratified for health care workers in the facilities subsector Newsletter December 21, 2012 Health care workers have voted 91 per cent in favour of a two-year contract that provides job security protections, a general wage increase, and maintains benefits. Facilities Bargaining Association (FBA) spokesperson Bonnie Pearson, who is also the secretary-business manager of [...]

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VIU NEWS RELEASE: 2012/154 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 NEW INTRO TO TRADES PROGRAM INSPIRES STUDENTS Kiosk project provides hands-on learning and teaching tool COWICHAN, BC: Students enrolled in a new Introduction to Trades program at Vancouver Island University’s Cowichan Campus say the program is changing their lives for the better. “The program [...]

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December 20, 2012    2012-23-IT ISLANDS TRUST COUNCIL ASKS PROVINCE TO INVEST IN FERRIES VICTORIA – Islands Trust Council is calling on the provincial government to keep the promise to treat ferries as an essential part of BC’s transportation infrastructure. Islands Trust Council, a local government responsible for the Southern Gulf and Howe Sound islands, is making four specific requests in a December 20 submission to the provincial government in response to the BC Coastal Ferries consultation process. “Ferries are lifelines for coastal communities and businesses; just like highways are in the rest of the province,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Chair of the Islands Trust Council.   “The current approach to the marine transportation system is failing us and the future is predictable. As fares go up, ridership goes down, and as ridership goes down, fares go up yet again. As services get cut, coastal economies weaken further. This cycle of decline has to stop and the root of the problem lies with chronic provincial government underinvestment.” “The cost of using BC Ferries is a crucial issue for our constituents – every community we represent is dependent on the ferry system, and the substantial cumulative fare increases over the last decade (up an average of 80% and up 133% on some routes) are hurting families, businesses and community well-being,” said Malcolmson.   “Ferry fares cover 85% of operating costs, which is more user-pay than any other form of BC transportation, but we just can’t pay more.” Malcolmson added that businesses and families invested on the islands based on repeated and consistent promises from the provincial government that it would sustain affordable, reliable ferry services. “In this context, we were astonished to read a December 17th provincial announcement of billions of dollars of investment in highways and public transit that makes absolutely no reference to ferries. Infrastructure funds flow freely to other regions of the province, yet the province is relying on ever-increasing ferry fares to pay for the ferry system infrastructure deficit. It is hard to imagine the provincial government proposing to curtail access to northern or interior communities while also suggesting new local taxes to pay for overdue repairs to provincial highways, yet that’s what’s happening on the coast.” “The provincial government needs to return to the fundamental principle that built this coastal province: marine transportation is an essential part of BC’s prosperity. The provincial government must take full responsibility for capital costs and immediately provide sufficient funding to significantly reduce fares on the minor routes. By reinvesting in the minor routes to reduce fares and jumpstart ridership, the provincial government can help restore the economic and social health of ferry-dependent communities and the province,” Malcolmson said. “Islanders want to help with service efficiencies and have proposed great ideas over the years, but a consultation process that asks whether ferries should convert to natural gas is disingenuous – that’s like asking the public what kind of fuel airlines should use. We are calling for more detailed and specific consultations with Island communities before any significant service changes or cuts are considered, and we think this will work best if ferry fares are first stabilized.” The Islands Trust Council is a federation of local government bodies representing 25,000 people living within the Islands Trust Area.   The Islands Trust is responsible for preserving and protecting the unique environment and amenities of the Islands Trust Area through planning and regulating land use, development management, education, cooperation with other agencies, and land conservation.   The area covers the islands and waters between the British Columbia mainland and southern Vancouver Island.   It includes 13 major and more than 450 smaller islands covering 5200 square kilometres. - 30 - [Editor's Note: This Islands Trust news  release is available at: http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/news/pdf/newsdec202012.pdf]

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Nominations sought for Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards Ottawa, Ontario, December 20, 2012—Canadians across the country have an opportunity to show appreciation for extraordinary volunteers in their communities. The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced a new call for nominations for the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards.   “Our government is proud [...]

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City Issues First Round of 2013 Sport Tournament Grants December 20, 2012- A total of $15,275.00 in sport tournament grant funding was issued last week by the City of Nanaimo.  Seventeen different local sporting organizations submitted applications, the most received for an intake period since the fund was created in 2007.  The estimated impact of [...]

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December 18, 2012 Assembly of First Nations and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Support Cross Lake Elder Action for Change (Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, together with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Grand Chief David Harper and Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake First Nation) Chief Garrison Settee, today reiterated support [...]

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Assembly of First Nations Supports Call for Meeting Between First Nations and Crown, Urges Continued Solidarity Among First Nations December 18, 2012 (Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today reiterated the urgent need for the Prime Minister and Governor General of Canada to demonstrate respect and attention to [...]

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Canada Stands Up for Open, Accessible Internet Ottawa, December 13, 2012—Over the past two weeks, Canada has been participating in the World Conference on International Telecommunications in Dubai to develop an updated set of international telecommunication regulations. “Canada believes in a secure, stable and resilient Internet that enables rapid innovation and delivers benefits for Canadians,” [...]

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Right now at a UN meeting in Dubai, authoritarian regimes are pushing for full governmental control of the Internet in a binding global treaty — if they succeed, the internet could become less open, more costly and much slower. We have only 2 days to stop them. The Internet has been an amazing example of [...]

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For Immediate Release 12/14/12 Broad network of groups delivers nearly 1 million signatures to ITU delegates asking them to oppose revising the ITU’s treaties to include Internet governance A wide variety of groups including Avaaz, the International Trade Union Confederation, Access, Fight for the Future, and OpenMedia have sent the following statement to all member [...]

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City purchases property to encourage redevelopment of the downtown waterfront (NANAIMO, December 13, 2012) – In a forward looking move that will enable future development along Nanaimo’s downtown waterfront, the City of Nanaimo has entered into a purchase and sale agreement to buy roughly half of Canadian Pacific’s (CP) Wellcox Rail Yard property at 7 [...]

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December 12, 2012 Family of CJ Morningstar Fowler, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Atleo and other First Nation Leaders Urge National Public Commission of Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (Ottawa, ON) – Together with parents of Summer Star Elizabeth Krista-Lee Fowler, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo and [...]

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December 12, 2012 Indigenous Northwest Coast Food, BC Bites & Beverages Victoria, BC – Join three experts on the native food movement in the First Peoples Gallery for Rich in Food: Revitalizing Traditional Food on the Northwest Coast, the next BC Bites and Beverages evening, Thursday Jan. 17, 2013 from 7 to 9 pm at [...]

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NEWS RELEASE – from the Ferry Advisory Committee Chairs (FACC) 10th anniversary fix for failing ferry model 12 December 2012 – Ten years ago this week, the BC government unveiled a brand new, not-quite-arms-length coastal ferry system. It promised jobs, economic development, modest fare increases and better service – all with no new public debt. [...]

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December 7, 2012 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Approval of CNOOC Nexen takeover drastically raises stakes of Canada-China FIPA investors’ deal SumOfUs.org and Leadnow.ca condemn decision after 100,000+ Canadians sign petitions opposing the takeover (Vancouver, BC) Today Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the approval of the controversial takeover of Nexen by the Chinese National Offshore Oil [...]

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MEDIA ADVISORY Vancouverites to Commemorate Palestinians Killed in Israeli Attack on Gaza Email: boycottapartheid@gmail.com WHAT: Vancouver commemoration of Palestinians killed in recent Israeli attacks on Gaza WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 8, 1:30 PM WHERE: Vancouver Art Gallery (Georgia Street Side), North Fountain Vancouverites will come together on Saturday, December 8 at 1:30 pm to remember the [...]

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VIU AND CUPE 1858 REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT Details on renewed collective agreement to be released following ratification VIU RELEASE: 2012/146 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 7, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Vancouver Island University (VIU) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1858 have reached a tentative agreement for a renewed collective agreement.  The [...]

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For Immediate Release December 6, 2012 Safety Tips for the Holidays Safety is always in season. Here are some simple, timely tips and reminders to help you and your loved ones stay safe over the holidays! The Christmas Tree •    If you’re getting a live tree, check for freshness by tapping it on the ground. [...]

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Media Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 6, 2012 Nanaimo – First to Proclaim ‘A Day For Our Common Future’ – Dec. 11th Sustainable Development is Key to the Mid Island’s Future NANAIMO – The City of Nanaimo has proclaimed December 11th as ‘A Day For Our Common Future’. According to MISSI President Laurie Gourlay, “We’re [...]

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Westwood Lake Park Reopened December 5, 2012- Westwood Lake Park has now reopened. Trail maintenance crews are on site cleaning up the debris left after yesterday’s westerly wind storm.  As of this morning though the public washroom buildings are not open as power has yet to restored, this is expected to happen later today. The [...]

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For Immediate Release Google Takes a Stand to Protect Global Internet Freedom Google Echos [sic]  OpenMedia’s Critique of ITU’s Internet Governance Process December 3, 2012 – Search giant Google has come out swinging against the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) plans to take over Internet governance. This web service provider has included a message about the [...]

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PUBLIC NOTICE Westwood Lake Park Closed Until Further Notice Due to Wind Storm December 4, 2012- Westwood Lake Park is closed to the public until further notice due to the heavy westerly wind storm we are experiencing.  With public safety in mind the parks department has made the decision to close the park until further [...]

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City and School District 68 Agree to Property Exchange (Nanaimo, December 4, 2012) – The City of Nanaimo and School District 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) have signed a Letter of Intent that will see the two organizations prepare a formal agreement to exchange several parcels of land, to better serve the interests of both the citizens of [...]

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VIU BOARD OF GOVERNORS CHAIR AWARDED DIAMOND JUBILEE MEDAL Mike Brown recognized for service to post-secondary education VIU RELEASE: 2012/145 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 4, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Vancouver Island University (VIU) Board of Governors Chair Michael (Mike) W. Brown has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal after being recommended [...]

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Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sam Letourneau Phone: 250-753-6911 ext 102 THE CENTRAL VANCOUVER ISLAND MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY PRESENTS HARMONIES OF FAITH An evening of sacred music, chants, hymns, songs, dance and spoken word to build interfaith understanding Thursday, December 20, 2012    7:00 – 9:00pm The Port Theatre, Nanaimo A Great Way to Celebrate the [...]

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NO FURTHER JOB ACTION AT VIU BY SUPPORT STAFF UNION VIU and CUPE 1858 take major step forward towards reaching tentative settlement VIU RELEASE: 2012/145 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, December 3, 2012 NANAIMO, BC – Vancouver Island University (VIU) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1858 have taken a major step forward [...]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Pro-Life Students to Take Kwantlen Student Association to Court for Discrimination LANGLEY, B.C. (December 3 2012) – Protectores Vitae, the pro-life group at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, has announced that it will be taking the Kwantlen Student Association (KSA) to court after the KSA failed to rescind the decision that denied the group [...]

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The BC River Forecast Centre is ending a High Streamflow Advisory for: North Shore Mountains Howe Sound Mid-Vancouver Island (including the Oyster River, Tsolum River, Courtenay River and surrounding areas) Heavier rains and snowmelt over the weekend has eased. Rainfall totals over the past 72 hours was in the 75-200mm range in the North Shore/Howe [...]

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News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: December 3 TEDx Comes to Gabriola Island Contact: Rachel Davey Email: rachel@haven.ca Phone: 250 247 9211 x 235 On March 18 2013, the very first TEDxGabriolaIsland will take place at The Haven, Gabriola Island. Although many thousand TEDx events are held around the globe every year, TEDxGabriolaIsland is one [...]

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The BC River Forecast Centre is issuing a High Streamflow Advisory for: ·         North Shore Mountains ·         Howe Sound ·         Mid-Vancouver Island (including the Oyster River, Tsolum River, Courtenay River and surrounding areas) A series of Pacific frontal systems have been impacting coastal British Columbia, and are expected to continue over the coming days. Heavy [...]

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Sagamok Anishnawbek is one of the leading First Nations in Canada to be registered to ISO 9001 with SAI Global. This Webinar will describe Sagamok’s experience implementing and registering to ISO, and will explore how other First Nations across Canada can also benefit from this process. Register for the First Nation Success Story webinar today. [...]

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BC Liberal Party November 30, 2012 STEVE HOUSSER RUNNING FOR THE BC LIBERALS IN COWICHAN VALLEY Duncan – Former reporter and news bureau chief Steve Housser will be the BC Liberal candidate in Cowichan Valley, the Party has announced today. Housser has been active on the Party’s riding association executive, and made the decision to [...]

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