It's not the first time that the Prince Rupert Trade Show has been cancelled, but Tuesday's announcement does bring back memories of past troubled times with the Prince Rupert economy and the impact that they had on the business community and past trade show efforts.
This years show which was scheduled for next month at the convention centre hall at Chances was officially cancelled on Tuesday, as a lack of interest from the business community amid the growing uncertain times made the hard decision necessary.
On the Northern View online site Tuesday, The Northern View which was organizing the show in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and Chances outlined some of the trends that resulted in the cancellation. With only a bit more than half of the 52 available spaces booked for the 2009 show, many of the usual participants had begged off owing to the current economic troubles.
While 2009 is apparently a washout, organizers still hope to get the Trade Show back on track for 2010.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Podunk Below the Masthead Monday, March 23, 2009
The Salvation Army features large on the front page, changes to the environmental review process don't sit well with the riding's NDP MP and a breakdown on election contributors highlights the Monday edition of the Daily News.
THE SALVATION ARMY IS EARNING ITS KEEP-- Monday's front page headline story examined the impact that the Salvation Army Thrift store has had on the community, highlighting revenues of 60 thousand dollars in 2008 which helped fund the food bank, food programs and provided clothing and household goods for 450 residents of the city.
The history of the thrift store through its many locations in the city was provided in the Monica Lamb Yorski article, as well as review of the generosity of Rupertites over the years towards the Salvation Army. Included in the article was a breakdown of some of the assistance provided which sees 150 people served daily at the soup kitchen, 40 to 50 for breakfast as well as providing food staples to over 300 families. Numbers that are up from 2008, which saw 125 people a day at the soup kitchens and 225 families using the food bank.
Elsewhere in the paper on Monday, Nathan Cullen is finding concern over revisions to the environmental review process as planned by the Conservative government. Cullen the NDP MP for Skeena is worried that the move is going to provide for the most dangerous changes to our environmental assessment process, the most dangerous in the nation's history according to Cullen.
Every political campaign needs a little money to move forward and when it comes to municipal politics there seemed to be enough to go around for all candidates. The page five report provides some numbers from November's election campaign, which in total resulted in $32,540.21 in donations.
The Daily News outlined that Mayoralty candidate Don Scott led the donation parade with 29 donations including 2,000 dollars from J Gordon Industries, 1,000 dollars from Canfisco and 200 dollars from Steve Smith from the Crest hotel.
Mr. Scott's competitor and the eventual winner of the election campaign Mayor Jack Mussallem collected $1,645 in donations, about 10,000 dollars less than the Scott campaign compiled during the campaign.
On council the incumbents combined donations amounted to $8442.98 for those that once again sought office, with Sheila Gordon Payne accounting for the largest share of $3,347.54, a little less than half of which came from the BC Nurses Union and the Rupert Square mall.
Of the would be newcomers Mario Castelli received $5,500, while successful candidate Anna Ashley received $2,475 and fellow newcomer to council Gina Garon received $800.19.
The sports pages celebrated the success of Friendship House Tribesmen who prevailed in the under 17 junior boys All Native basketball championships in Port Alberni. A feature on a former Rupert swimmer now swimming on behalf of Kitimat was provided as well.
Total pages in Monday's paper (12)
THE SALVATION ARMY IS EARNING ITS KEEP-- Monday's front page headline story examined the impact that the Salvation Army Thrift store has had on the community, highlighting revenues of 60 thousand dollars in 2008 which helped fund the food bank, food programs and provided clothing and household goods for 450 residents of the city.
The history of the thrift store through its many locations in the city was provided in the Monica Lamb Yorski article, as well as review of the generosity of Rupertites over the years towards the Salvation Army. Included in the article was a breakdown of some of the assistance provided which sees 150 people served daily at the soup kitchen, 40 to 50 for breakfast as well as providing food staples to over 300 families. Numbers that are up from 2008, which saw 125 people a day at the soup kitchens and 225 families using the food bank.
Elsewhere in the paper on Monday, Nathan Cullen is finding concern over revisions to the environmental review process as planned by the Conservative government. Cullen the NDP MP for Skeena is worried that the move is going to provide for the most dangerous changes to our environmental assessment process, the most dangerous in the nation's history according to Cullen.
Every political campaign needs a little money to move forward and when it comes to municipal politics there seemed to be enough to go around for all candidates. The page five report provides some numbers from November's election campaign, which in total resulted in $32,540.21 in donations.
The Daily News outlined that Mayoralty candidate Don Scott led the donation parade with 29 donations including 2,000 dollars from J Gordon Industries, 1,000 dollars from Canfisco and 200 dollars from Steve Smith from the Crest hotel.
Mr. Scott's competitor and the eventual winner of the election campaign Mayor Jack Mussallem collected $1,645 in donations, about 10,000 dollars less than the Scott campaign compiled during the campaign.
On council the incumbents combined donations amounted to $8442.98 for those that once again sought office, with Sheila Gordon Payne accounting for the largest share of $3,347.54, a little less than half of which came from the BC Nurses Union and the Rupert Square mall.
Of the would be newcomers Mario Castelli received $5,500, while successful candidate Anna Ashley received $2,475 and fellow newcomer to council Gina Garon received $800.19.
The sports pages celebrated the success of Friendship House Tribesmen who prevailed in the under 17 junior boys All Native basketball championships in Port Alberni. A feature on a former Rupert swimmer now swimming on behalf of Kitimat was provided as well.
Total pages in Monday's paper (12)
Monday, March 23, 2009
When news just seems to fall into their laps
The Northern View has the first report of a fire in the Ocean Centre Mall on Monday afternoon, a short but concise piece reporting on the fire that broke out at around 2:30 in the afternoon.
The Ocean Centre was evacuated as a precaution as smoke had wafted through the building and was noticeable on the Third Avenue side in particular. Prince Rupert Fire Rescue was on the scene until about 3:15 on Monday.
The Northern View while not part of the Ocean Centre complex is literally within a few metres of the building making it rather easy for some on the spot news coverage.
The Ocean Centre was evacuated as a precaution as smoke had wafted through the building and was noticeable on the Third Avenue side in particular. Prince Rupert Fire Rescue was on the scene until about 3:15 on Monday.
The Northern View while not part of the Ocean Centre complex is literally within a few metres of the building making it rather easy for some on the spot news coverage.
Lead feet leave city coffers flush with cash
Once again, Prince Rupert residents are putting money into the city's bank account through their apparent frequent need for speed and other motor vehicle distractions...
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The annual cheque cutting exercise from the Provincial government has taken place, as municipalities across the province benefit from the enforcement of the provinces traffic regulations, providing for some needed financial windfalls for many towns and cities.
Opinion 250 has provided a chart of those communities surrounding Prince George, and for those north and west of that city, Prince Rupert has placed third in revenue generation when it comes to traffic fines paid out.
Prince Rupert's traffic section recorded $251,705 in revenue for the city in 2008, with only Fort St. John at $312,547 and Prince George with $1,360,445 ahead of of us.
By comparison, Terrace's driving public only contributed $223,942 in revenue generation while Smithers was positively parsimonious and apparently law abiding with but $92,043 collected as the municipal share of the fines.
The participating communities receive their share based on their contributions to total municipal policing costs.
Overall in British Columbia, the province returned some 63 million dollars to communities across the province as their share of the revenues.
Thar she blows...
Alaska's Redoubt Volcano provided a few hours of excitement for Anchorage and the Alaska panhandle in the early hours of Monday morning, as five eruptions shot volcanic ash high into the Alaskan sky.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory reported the first eruption at 10:38 pm Alaska Time on Sunday, with the most violent of eruptions coming at 4:31 am Alaska Time, volcanic ash has been projected as high as 60,000 feet above sea level, prevailing winds to the Northeast have kept the ash from landing in Anchorage directly, though there are some reports of ash falling in smaller Alaskan communities to the north.
The main airport at Anchorage, Ted Stevens has not had any ash fall in its immediate area, though Alaska Airlines has cancelled 19 flights thus far out of the airport as a precaution. Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage has also take their own precautions amidst the eruptions, having asked only essential personnel to report for work and putting the vast array of military aircraft at the airport into shelters.
With the flow of the winds there is little chance at this time of the path of ash flow bringing it over British Columbia, though it is expected that the volcano will continue to erupt over the next few months which may see some fall out in this province. Should the wind change direction there is the potential for airport closures in Northern BC, including Prince Rupert if the fallout should increase and flow to the south and east.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory is keeping a close watch on the latest developments and provides a large volume of information about Redoubt on its web page.
The Anchorage Daily News provides for a number of interesting photos of the latest eruption of one of Alaska's most famous volcanoes.
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Photo above from the Alaska Daily News website..
Podunk Below the Masthead, Friday, March 20 2009
Tales of the homeland of the Dalai Lama, talks with a coalition of powerline proponents and changes on the waterfront highlight the Friday edition of the Daily News...
THREE AND A HALF MONTHS IN INDIA, A GREAT EXPERIENCE-- The Daily News auditions for shelf space with National Geographic as the front page, headline story in Friday's paper featured the travels of a former Prince Rupert resident. The Daily outlined the journey of20 year old Alex van Vianen, who spent some of her teenage years in Rupert and recently returned from a trip to India with her boyfriend.
Also in Friday's paper, more speculation as to the fate of the Highway 37 Powerline as First Nations leaders meet with members of the coalition of powerline proponents to discuss the next steps in the project. The powerline project was first introduced by the provincial government as a way to open up the Highway 37 corridor north of Terrace to development, though local First Nations have expressed concerns over the pace and scope of the development without proper consultation.
The Minnette Bay Ship Docking sale got a page two mention as the Daily News reviewed the terms of the sale of the local marine interest to Dutch owners, a sale we first highlighted on this blog in the early hours of Friday morning.
With the recent Inlander Fire still fresh in their reader's minds, the Daily News had Phylis Bowman recount many of the more dramatic fires in Prince Rupert's past.
The Sports section featured a preview of annual Prince Rupert Figure Skating Club's year end show and the latest results from the Friendship House junior boys as they continue their winning ways in Port Alberni. The annual Daily News hockey pool entry sheet also held its featured spot on page seven.
Photo's once again made up a good portion of the Friday paper, whether it was the Van Vianen travelogue photos from India and Tibet, hard working Daily News employees working the presses or more of Prince Rupert's children at play on the ice.
Total pages in Friday's paper (14)
THREE AND A HALF MONTHS IN INDIA, A GREAT EXPERIENCE-- The Daily News auditions for shelf space with National Geographic as the front page, headline story in Friday's paper featured the travels of a former Prince Rupert resident. The Daily outlined the journey of20 year old Alex van Vianen, who spent some of her teenage years in Rupert and recently returned from a trip to India with her boyfriend.
Also in Friday's paper, more speculation as to the fate of the Highway 37 Powerline as First Nations leaders meet with members of the coalition of powerline proponents to discuss the next steps in the project. The powerline project was first introduced by the provincial government as a way to open up the Highway 37 corridor north of Terrace to development, though local First Nations have expressed concerns over the pace and scope of the development without proper consultation.
The Minnette Bay Ship Docking sale got a page two mention as the Daily News reviewed the terms of the sale of the local marine interest to Dutch owners, a sale we first highlighted on this blog in the early hours of Friday morning.
With the recent Inlander Fire still fresh in their reader's minds, the Daily News had Phylis Bowman recount many of the more dramatic fires in Prince Rupert's past.
The Sports section featured a preview of annual Prince Rupert Figure Skating Club's year end show and the latest results from the Friendship House junior boys as they continue their winning ways in Port Alberni. The annual Daily News hockey pool entry sheet also held its featured spot on page seven.
Photo's once again made up a good portion of the Friday paper, whether it was the Van Vianen travelogue photos from India and Tibet, hard working Daily News employees working the presses or more of Prince Rupert's children at play on the ice.
Total pages in Friday's paper (14)
You're not on the guest list, but you can still do some people watching
It's like a frozen frame version of a the best cocktail party you could ever attend, as this weekend the Ottawa Citizen has featured details on the current Internet rage of trying to identify the many, many faces that have been painted into a 2006 portrait of the famous and infamous.
From Elvis to Bill Gates, Hitler to Mao and Putin to Osama bin Laden, there are 103 faces for you to seek out and identify as we play along with the on line version of Where's Waldo the pop culture edition...
The portrait is the creation of three then relatively unknown Chinese artists, Dudu, Li Tiezi, and Zhang An, who compiled their own personal list of who might make the best company at the world's largest cocktail party, wander on into the room and see who you can identify.
In amongst those 103 of the invited is Sigmund Freud, who no doubt must have been quite thankful to be included in what surely would be the world's most fascinating group therapy session.
Podunk Below the Masthead, Thursday, March 19, 2009
Tougher security on the ferries, a suspension of Recognition and Reconciliation and the need for more participants in a trade show highlighted the Thursday paper.
TIGHTENING UP SECURITY AT BC FERRIES IN THE NORTH-- Change is coming to the Fairview Bay Ferry Terminal as BC Ferries makes plans to enhance the security of their vessels and terminals, all part of a new security protocol heading into the 2010 Olympic year. There will be in terminal controls between paid customers and those who have yet to pay to board the ferry as well an increased perimeter security area and a new Operations Security Centre to be set up in Victoria.
While security was the topic of the day, BC Ferries spokesperson Matthew Burns also provided some thoughts on the Queen of Prince Rupert's fate, (and while no confirmation was made of the rumours (now fact) of a delay in the retirement of the Queen of Prince Rupert) which he said would no longer be used by the Ferry Service owing to its age and the cost of re certification of the vessel.
Elsewhere in the Thursday edition was a review of the decision to suspend the proposed Recognition and Reconciliation Act. With Industry officials outlining their concerns over the nature of the Act and the way it was put together and First Nations showing displeasure over the lack of consultation with their people on what was ahead, it quickly became clear that no one was happy with the way the whole plan was being handled by the Provincial government.
It will most likely be a process that won't be heard from again until after May's provincial election, at which time one hopes a bit better job of consultation and organization might come along for the process.
Cancellation of the annual Prince Rupert Trade Fair looms large as the number of participating groups hasn't reached the level required to make the Fair go forward. the lack of support and interest so far has been blamed on the economic troubles to the east in Terrace and Prince George, with Northern View publisher Mike Slubowski quoted as saying that Rupert is doing well, but the out of town participant numbers are down significantly. The Trade Fair had already decided to change from its usual location, leaving the Civic Centre for the convention hall at Chances, but unless more participants sign on the dotted line and provide the 325 dollar booth fee by Friday March 27th, the April 3rd show will be cancelled.
Among other interesting items in the Thursday paper, a picture of the cattle call for applicants for the new Home Hardware operation at the Rupert Square mall, more pictures of cute kids across the community and the weekly update on Nascar racing for the one or two interested car enthusiasts that may wander through the sports section.
Total pages in Thursday's edition (16)
TIGHTENING UP SECURITY AT BC FERRIES IN THE NORTH-- Change is coming to the Fairview Bay Ferry Terminal as BC Ferries makes plans to enhance the security of their vessels and terminals, all part of a new security protocol heading into the 2010 Olympic year. There will be in terminal controls between paid customers and those who have yet to pay to board the ferry as well an increased perimeter security area and a new Operations Security Centre to be set up in Victoria.
While security was the topic of the day, BC Ferries spokesperson Matthew Burns also provided some thoughts on the Queen of Prince Rupert's fate, (and while no confirmation was made of the rumours (now fact) of a delay in the retirement of the Queen of Prince Rupert) which he said would no longer be used by the Ferry Service owing to its age and the cost of re certification of the vessel.
Elsewhere in the Thursday edition was a review of the decision to suspend the proposed Recognition and Reconciliation Act. With Industry officials outlining their concerns over the nature of the Act and the way it was put together and First Nations showing displeasure over the lack of consultation with their people on what was ahead, it quickly became clear that no one was happy with the way the whole plan was being handled by the Provincial government.
It will most likely be a process that won't be heard from again until after May's provincial election, at which time one hopes a bit better job of consultation and organization might come along for the process.
Cancellation of the annual Prince Rupert Trade Fair looms large as the number of participating groups hasn't reached the level required to make the Fair go forward. the lack of support and interest so far has been blamed on the economic troubles to the east in Terrace and Prince George, with Northern View publisher Mike Slubowski quoted as saying that Rupert is doing well, but the out of town participant numbers are down significantly. The Trade Fair had already decided to change from its usual location, leaving the Civic Centre for the convention hall at Chances, but unless more participants sign on the dotted line and provide the 325 dollar booth fee by Friday March 27th, the April 3rd show will be cancelled.
Among other interesting items in the Thursday paper, a picture of the cattle call for applicants for the new Home Hardware operation at the Rupert Square mall, more pictures of cute kids across the community and the weekly update on Nascar racing for the one or two interested car enthusiasts that may wander through the sports section.
Total pages in Thursday's edition (16)
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Fox News, as out of touch with reality as ever...
It's enough to make you shake your head with the realization that many of those narcissistic American neighbours of ours really haven't learned a damn thing over the years. And while we understand that what appears on Fox doesn't necessarily reflect America, it does none the less provide a window into a how a good portion of that nation views the world and it seems the contributions of their neighbours and fellow citizens of the wider world...
The Fox News program the "Red Eye" is getting far more attention than it truly deserves after the mocking tones of a news item about the Canadian Forces, in which our smug little self absorbed panelists make much humour at the expense of one of the few American allies that actually is sharing in some of the heavy lifting in Afghanistan these days.
Watch them as they mock, watch them roll their eyes, listen to their guffaws, a communal sense of sophomoric glee, all of them apparently oblivious to a growing death toll of Canadian soldiers, a group so impressed with their own self importance that they fail to realize that their country short of friends as it is, doesn't do very much lately to make sure that the one's they have find common ground with them.
It's not an uncommon thing at Fox, the land of the America Firster's clearly unschooled in the concept of a larger world, lost in the bluster of their own infantile attempts at humour.
The Black eye, er Red Eye is one of the more obnoxious of Fox shows, not an easy thing for a channel that offers up the suddenly histrionic and more than nutty ramblings of Glen Beck as one of its bell weather hosts, but this latest Red Eye episode provides ample evidence of the boorishness that seems to embody all that Fox News has to offer.
Not that they bother researching these things, but as they were offering up their caustic little synopsis of Canada yet more Canadians were dying in Afghanistan. So far during Canada's contribution to the stability of Afghanistan 116 Canadians have lost their lives, a total that is in the thoughts of every Canadian every single day.
A nation that mourns for it's lost sons and daughters with the heaviest of hearts, and a nation which we are sure is rather sickened at what passes for commentary from the likes of the many, many morons at Fox and those that consider this as the best in journalism.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Podunk Below the Masthead, Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Pipeline debates continue, healthy living gets a look over and the quest for more lawyers for rural BC continues, part of the news cycle of the Wednesday edition of the Daily News.
THE DEBATE OVER PROPOSED ENBRIDGE PIPELINE CONTINUES-- The environmental side of the discussion over north coast pipelines was heard on Monday night, as the Daily News provided front page headline coverage to a forum held at Northwest Community College.
The discussion which attracted about thirty residents focused on the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline project destined for Kitimat. With all of the nights invited guest speakers rather critical about the project and the potential impact it may have on the environment of the north coast.
Among the crowd of attentive listeners for the night were two of the three candidates for the upcoming provincial election with both MLA Gary Coons and Liberal candidate Herb Pond reported as being attentive to the information being shared.
Elsewhere in Wednesday's paper were some details of the plans of the BC Healthy Living Alliance. As the paper reviewed the proceedings of a forum in Prince Rupert on March 12 hosted by Dawn Hanson of Smithers, who presided over a discussion on such things as income security, early childhood development, housing and food security.
And the ongoing struggle to attract lawyers to the northern regions of the province was explored in a page 2 article, which explored some of the plans of the BC Bar Association to find ways to encourage layers to move to the rural regions of the province.
On the editorial page another in what seems to be a running update on the purpose of the newspaper to our daily lives, this time as reporter Monica Lamb-Yorski provided her point of view on the state of the newspapers and how the local one can reflect local issues.
Total pages in Wednesday's paper (16)
THE DEBATE OVER PROPOSED ENBRIDGE PIPELINE CONTINUES-- The environmental side of the discussion over north coast pipelines was heard on Monday night, as the Daily News provided front page headline coverage to a forum held at Northwest Community College.
The discussion which attracted about thirty residents focused on the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline project destined for Kitimat. With all of the nights invited guest speakers rather critical about the project and the potential impact it may have on the environment of the north coast.
Among the crowd of attentive listeners for the night were two of the three candidates for the upcoming provincial election with both MLA Gary Coons and Liberal candidate Herb Pond reported as being attentive to the information being shared.
Elsewhere in Wednesday's paper were some details of the plans of the BC Healthy Living Alliance. As the paper reviewed the proceedings of a forum in Prince Rupert on March 12 hosted by Dawn Hanson of Smithers, who presided over a discussion on such things as income security, early childhood development, housing and food security.
And the ongoing struggle to attract lawyers to the northern regions of the province was explored in a page 2 article, which explored some of the plans of the BC Bar Association to find ways to encourage layers to move to the rural regions of the province.
On the editorial page another in what seems to be a running update on the purpose of the newspaper to our daily lives, this time as reporter Monica Lamb-Yorski provided her point of view on the state of the newspapers and how the local one can reflect local issues.
Total pages in Wednesday's paper (16)
More adventures for the Northern Adventure?
The Queen Charlotte Islands Observer is reporting that NDP MLA Gary Coons has discovered that the Queen of Prince Rupert won't be sailing off into the sunset as originally planned at the end of March.
According to the Observer story, Mr. Coons has suggested that BC Ferries is having more problems with the Northern Adventure, the ferry that was set to take over the QCI run from the Queen of Prince Rupert on March 30th.
Decomissioning plans would apparently be on hold now for the Queen, as should Mr. Coon's information be correct, the necessary repairs required for the vessel totalling over one million dollars, will result in the vessel remaining off the roster for at least one more month.
BC Ferries had not provided a reply to the Observer's inquiries prior to their press deadline and no notices have been posted as of yet to the BC Ferries website.
Northern Adventure will be delayed, says MLA Coons
Queen Charlotte Islands Observer
March 18, 2009
NDP ferry critic and local MLA Gary Coons says the Queen of Prince Rupert won't be leaving the Skidegate-Prince Rupert route as soon as BC Ferries had planned.
The QPR was set to be decommissioned March 30 at a special ceremony in Prince Rupert, with the Northern Adventure taking over the northern routes the same day.
But Mr. Coons said he has heard from reliable sources that the Northern Adventure was damaged over the winter when the vessel's heat was mistakenly turned off while it was tied up.
It will cost over $1-million to repair the damage, he said, and its return to service will be delayed for a month.
BC Ferries was not available for comment before our deadline. Vice-president of communications Mark Stefanson told the Observer two weeks ago that there are no problems with the Northern Adventure and that it would definitely be returning to service at the end of March.
Minette Bay Ship docking to change ownership
Pending regulatory approval from Canadian competition regulators, the locally operated tugs of Minette Bay Ship Docking may soon be working for Dutch owners.
Smit Internationale Marine is reported to have completed the purchase on Wednesday, of the three Rupert based Minette Bay tugs, a move that will see the local operation join the ranks of Smit's Vancouver based BC fleet which currently numbers fifteen tugs.
Smit is one of the world's largest tugboat operators, with over 150 tugs operating in Europe, North and South America and Asia and is based out of the Netherlands.
Minette Bay has been providing ship docking services around Prince Rupert waters for a number of years and is the provider of docking services to the Ridley Island Coal Terminal.
There was no announced price of purchase for the Minette Bay assets, nor a timetable as to when the purchase will be considered complete.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Podunk Below the Masthead, Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The St. Patrick's Day edition of the Daily News features a marine activist and author, a review of your dietary requirements and a look how the Hecate Strait Employment Development Society may be a winner as employment numbers decline.
SHADOWS OF THE PAST - TWENTY YEARS AFTER VALDEZ, ALASKA-- Monday's front page featured a look at the examination of the impact of oil spills on the environment, featuring a conversation with Doctor Riki Ott, a marine biologist, activist and author who was in Prince Rupert on Monday for a speaking engagement. The article featured a look at the oil spill in Alaska's Prince William Sound in 1989 and the lessons that should be learned from that event.
March being nutrition month provided the paper with the chances to examine a more healthier approach to our diets and how teaching property nutrition early on will help promote a healthy lifestyle.
Page three reviewed the dip in employment numbers in Northern BC and how the local Hecate Strait office may benefit from an influx of mature workers and the unemployed looking for job skills. Kathy Bedard outlines how those arriving at Hecate Strait should be preparing for the long haul and not to expect instant employment results in these times.
Though she did identify one bright spot locally as the soon to open Home Hardware Building Centre though in the article it's location was wrong, as it's to be found in the Rupert Square and not as outlined in the paper as in the Ocean Centre Mall.
Bedard champions the Home Hardware opening as just the beginning of better things for the city suggesting that we are on the upswing and by December Rupert should be in a better position. Though she didn't elaborate in the article on the scope of her enthusiasm for the local economy and what these good news developments may be.
Page five provides a look at PNG's plans to match Terasen Gas' moves to lower rates in April. though there seems to be an inner conflict on the proper spelling of the name of the gas company which services the Lower mainland and southern Kootenay's.
And despite the date, the paper manages to go twelve pages without a mention of St. Patrick's Day, something that runs counter to most publications across North America which always seem to revel in the festivities of the day.
Total pages in Tuesday's paper (12)
SHADOWS OF THE PAST - TWENTY YEARS AFTER VALDEZ, ALASKA-- Monday's front page featured a look at the examination of the impact of oil spills on the environment, featuring a conversation with Doctor Riki Ott, a marine biologist, activist and author who was in Prince Rupert on Monday for a speaking engagement. The article featured a look at the oil spill in Alaska's Prince William Sound in 1989 and the lessons that should be learned from that event.
March being nutrition month provided the paper with the chances to examine a more healthier approach to our diets and how teaching property nutrition early on will help promote a healthy lifestyle.
Page three reviewed the dip in employment numbers in Northern BC and how the local Hecate Strait office may benefit from an influx of mature workers and the unemployed looking for job skills. Kathy Bedard outlines how those arriving at Hecate Strait should be preparing for the long haul and not to expect instant employment results in these times.
Though she did identify one bright spot locally as the soon to open Home Hardware Building Centre though in the article it's location was wrong, as it's to be found in the Rupert Square and not as outlined in the paper as in the Ocean Centre Mall.
Bedard champions the Home Hardware opening as just the beginning of better things for the city suggesting that we are on the upswing and by December Rupert should be in a better position. Though she didn't elaborate in the article on the scope of her enthusiasm for the local economy and what these good news developments may be.
Page five provides a look at PNG's plans to match Terasen Gas' moves to lower rates in April. though there seems to be an inner conflict on the proper spelling of the name of the gas company which services the Lower mainland and southern Kootenay's.
And despite the date, the paper manages to go twelve pages without a mention of St. Patrick's Day, something that runs counter to most publications across North America which always seem to revel in the festivities of the day.
Total pages in Tuesday's paper (12)
Some delegates call for changes in voting structure on BCTF motions
There appear to be some lingering hard feelings over the call last year to boycott the FSA testing as outlined by the BCTF.
Federation members meeting this week have been debating a number of motions on BCTF issues, but none more controversial than a bid by some to have a two thirds majority required on votes on issues that will result in collective action.
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There was also a call for more time for debate on the contentious issues such as the boycott proposal that was introduced by the PRDTU last year and which won narrow approval at last years AGM, which saw the boycott initiative approved by only 51.1 per cent in a closed door meetin, but later endorsed by 85 per cent of those that voted after the Federation came out of closed session.
One delegate outlined her thoughts on that high endorsement number by stating that some 20,000 teachers didn't bother to vote on it. The issue proved to be the hot button item on the agenda, with the Prince Rupert Representative Joanna Larson quoted as suggesting that the two thirds majority requirement was the most anti democratic motion put forward at the meeting.
The Vancouver Sun outlines some of the background on the review of events and highlights some of the controversy over the issue.
Podunk Below the Masthead, Monday, March 16, 2009
A birthday celebration, an investigation and some revelations highlighted the Monday edition of the local paper.
CELEBRATING A 100TH BIRTHDAY IN THE TAHLTAN NATION-- Monday's front page story featured details of the birthday celebration for 100 year old Charlie Callbreath who was feted on March 14th at Chances convention centre. 300 friends and family gathered to share in the day and recount his life story.
Also on page one an update on the status of the investigation into the missing cases and those of the murdered along Highway 16. With a recent call for more action from a number of advocated groups seeking a more expedited response the files, the update would seem to provide a status report of sorts on where the RCMP is at in their investigation.
Page three offers up details of a report dating back to 2007 regarding safety issues at BC Ferries and recently made public. The Ferry Corporation seems to have dismissed the report as "old news", while it would seem to vindicate the views of Gary Coons, the NDP Ferries critic and the MLA for the North Coast who has long been outlining his concerns over the safety issues at the Ferry Corporation.
The letters to the editor page features two interesting contributions a letter expressing concern over the sudden influx of pictures of Liberal candidate Herb Pond in the Daily News, taking the paper to task for not properly viewing the photos in the context of a political statement as opposed to news or current events. The other letter was a very detailed response by local construction company owner Mark Rudderham to the prospect of the demolition of the old Acropolis Manor. In his letter, Rudderham explains how a thirty year old building isn't one that needs to be torn down and instead should be used for other needs in the community.
At the bottom of the editorial page was a review of the editorial policy at the paper when it comes to the concept of Letter's to the Editor, interestingly enough the piece appears under the heading of Guest column, a strange way of defining the assistant editor on might think.
The Sports page reviewed the Men's Marine bonspiel over the weekend and featured two pictures sure to raise the ire of those not on the left of the political spectrum, as both Nathan Cullen and Gary Coons had their smiling visages presented for consumption as they too celebrated Terrace's Hockeyville success, much like a well known former local mayor and current candidate for the provincial Liberals did last week.
The local Cubs, Scouts and Beavers wrapped up the day's coverage with a page twelve pictorial review of their Kub Kar Rally held last week.
Total Pages in Monday's Daily News (12)
CELEBRATING A 100TH BIRTHDAY IN THE TAHLTAN NATION-- Monday's front page story featured details of the birthday celebration for 100 year old Charlie Callbreath who was feted on March 14th at Chances convention centre. 300 friends and family gathered to share in the day and recount his life story.
Also on page one an update on the status of the investigation into the missing cases and those of the murdered along Highway 16. With a recent call for more action from a number of advocated groups seeking a more expedited response the files, the update would seem to provide a status report of sorts on where the RCMP is at in their investigation.
Page three offers up details of a report dating back to 2007 regarding safety issues at BC Ferries and recently made public. The Ferry Corporation seems to have dismissed the report as "old news", while it would seem to vindicate the views of Gary Coons, the NDP Ferries critic and the MLA for the North Coast who has long been outlining his concerns over the safety issues at the Ferry Corporation.
The letters to the editor page features two interesting contributions a letter expressing concern over the sudden influx of pictures of Liberal candidate Herb Pond in the Daily News, taking the paper to task for not properly viewing the photos in the context of a political statement as opposed to news or current events. The other letter was a very detailed response by local construction company owner Mark Rudderham to the prospect of the demolition of the old Acropolis Manor. In his letter, Rudderham explains how a thirty year old building isn't one that needs to be torn down and instead should be used for other needs in the community.
At the bottom of the editorial page was a review of the editorial policy at the paper when it comes to the concept of Letter's to the Editor, interestingly enough the piece appears under the heading of Guest column, a strange way of defining the assistant editor on might think.
The Sports page reviewed the Men's Marine bonspiel over the weekend and featured two pictures sure to raise the ire of those not on the left of the political spectrum, as both Nathan Cullen and Gary Coons had their smiling visages presented for consumption as they too celebrated Terrace's Hockeyville success, much like a well known former local mayor and current candidate for the provincial Liberals did last week.
The local Cubs, Scouts and Beavers wrapped up the day's coverage with a page twelve pictorial review of their Kub Kar Rally held last week.
Total Pages in Monday's Daily News (12)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Podunk Below the masthead Friday, March 13, 2009
Questions over the Highway of Tears women continue to haunt Northern BC, rural airports find the Olympics proving to be a problem and corporate sponsorship at SD 52 facilities is up for debate.
GROUPS ARE DEMANDING ANSWERS TO THE HIGHWAY OF TEARS-- The cases haunt communities from Prince Rupert to beyond Prince George and everywhere in between, yet little progress seems to have been made on the many cases of the disappeared and murdered along the highway of Tears.
And with the lack of forward momentum on those cases, a number of British Columbia agencies have banded together to push for more action. Friday's front page headline story in the Daily News outlines the growing call for action across Northern BC, with an open letter deliver to BC Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General John Van Dongen.
The group which includes members of the BC Civil Liberties Association, the Union of B. C. Indian Chiefs and the United Native Nations, wants to break the standstill that the investigations seem to have come to on the cases, some of which date back to the 1970's. The Missing Women of the Highway of Tears are linked to the missing of the Downtown Eastside in Vancover, as the group seems to wonder aloud how come other recent high profile disappearances and kidnappings of wealthy British Columbians have been solved, while those at the other end of the social and economic spectrum in the province seem to have just been placed in a file to one day await attention.
Elsewhere on the front page, the Olympics are proving to be anything but a bonus for some of the rural airlines operating in British Columbia, airlines that suddenly will find that they are no longer wanted in Vancouver airspace.
The flights affected are those locations that do not feature security screening such as Masset, Bella Coola, Bella Bella, Klemtu and Ahhim Lake, flights departing those locations will be landing instead either in Port Hardy or Abbotsford.
Those flights will be seeking out new landing strips for a two month period surrounding the Olympics. Pacific Coastal which operates flights from those locations has offered up a solution to the Provincial government of landing all flights in Port Hardy for clearance, but thus far have not received any feedback from the government, other than the news that Vancouver is going to be off the flight itinerary come the early months of 2010.
The prospect of sponsorship as a form of fund raising at School District 52 has come up for discussion. With finances tight, the possibility of tapping the corporate sector for added revenue is a tempting one, the debate over how far to go or what is acceptable should prove to be a rather intense one. One item being bounced around is the prospect of corporate logos on sport teams at local schools, perhaps along the lines of European soccer or hockey uniforms.
Another idea is the ongoing discussion on finding a sponsor for the Westview playground to help reduce the cost to the School District for equipment that is required at the west end elementary school.
The topic of corporate sponsorship has been a controversial one in the United States, where at times the corporate nature of the schools has run amok, it will be one of the points up for debate locally we're sure, as the School District mulls over its options.
As we outlined here on the blog back on Wednesday, March 11th, the tyee recently ran a fascinating article on the state of BC Ferries, Friday's Daily News reviews some of those findings from the tyee (and hmm, maybe a few ideas from the blog too eh!, all be it apparently only on background), including the local aspect regarding local hotelier Steve Smith and former Mayor Don Scott, both of whom refute some of the concerns from that Tyee article.
Friday's Letters to the Editor run the table from a call for the restoration of the Lord's Prayer in the schools, to a call for more compassion for the Gay community from the larger community in Prince Rupert.
The Sports page features a look at the local Skate club's success at the provincials and previews the always anticipated year end skating show. As well a preview of the upcoming all Native Junior provincial tournament in Port Alberni next week is provided, featuring a look at the Prince Rupert based Friendship House Cubs.
Total Pages in Friday's Daily News (18)
GROUPS ARE DEMANDING ANSWERS TO THE HIGHWAY OF TEARS-- The cases haunt communities from Prince Rupert to beyond Prince George and everywhere in between, yet little progress seems to have been made on the many cases of the disappeared and murdered along the highway of Tears.
And with the lack of forward momentum on those cases, a number of British Columbia agencies have banded together to push for more action. Friday's front page headline story in the Daily News outlines the growing call for action across Northern BC, with an open letter deliver to BC Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General John Van Dongen.
The group which includes members of the BC Civil Liberties Association, the Union of B. C. Indian Chiefs and the United Native Nations, wants to break the standstill that the investigations seem to have come to on the cases, some of which date back to the 1970's. The Missing Women of the Highway of Tears are linked to the missing of the Downtown Eastside in Vancover, as the group seems to wonder aloud how come other recent high profile disappearances and kidnappings of wealthy British Columbians have been solved, while those at the other end of the social and economic spectrum in the province seem to have just been placed in a file to one day await attention.
Elsewhere on the front page, the Olympics are proving to be anything but a bonus for some of the rural airlines operating in British Columbia, airlines that suddenly will find that they are no longer wanted in Vancouver airspace.
The flights affected are those locations that do not feature security screening such as Masset, Bella Coola, Bella Bella, Klemtu and Ahhim Lake, flights departing those locations will be landing instead either in Port Hardy or Abbotsford.
Those flights will be seeking out new landing strips for a two month period surrounding the Olympics. Pacific Coastal which operates flights from those locations has offered up a solution to the Provincial government of landing all flights in Port Hardy for clearance, but thus far have not received any feedback from the government, other than the news that Vancouver is going to be off the flight itinerary come the early months of 2010.
The prospect of sponsorship as a form of fund raising at School District 52 has come up for discussion. With finances tight, the possibility of tapping the corporate sector for added revenue is a tempting one, the debate over how far to go or what is acceptable should prove to be a rather intense one. One item being bounced around is the prospect of corporate logos on sport teams at local schools, perhaps along the lines of European soccer or hockey uniforms.
Another idea is the ongoing discussion on finding a sponsor for the Westview playground to help reduce the cost to the School District for equipment that is required at the west end elementary school.
The topic of corporate sponsorship has been a controversial one in the United States, where at times the corporate nature of the schools has run amok, it will be one of the points up for debate locally we're sure, as the School District mulls over its options.
As we outlined here on the blog back on Wednesday, March 11th, the tyee recently ran a fascinating article on the state of BC Ferries, Friday's Daily News reviews some of those findings from the tyee (and hmm, maybe a few ideas from the blog too eh!, all be it apparently only on background), including the local aspect regarding local hotelier Steve Smith and former Mayor Don Scott, both of whom refute some of the concerns from that Tyee article.
Friday's Letters to the Editor run the table from a call for the restoration of the Lord's Prayer in the schools, to a call for more compassion for the Gay community from the larger community in Prince Rupert.
The Sports page features a look at the local Skate club's success at the provincials and previews the always anticipated year end skating show. As well a preview of the upcoming all Native Junior provincial tournament in Port Alberni next week is provided, featuring a look at the Prince Rupert based Friendship House Cubs.
Total Pages in Friday's Daily News (18)
Homeless situation dire from Vanderhoof to Prince Rupert
"Homelessness means not having a safe place to sleep."-- Herb, a homeless resident of Smither's outlining the basic need of those without permanent shelter.
If there's one article that the province's politicians, municipal, provincial or Federal need to read this week, it's this current item from the Tyee's Sean Condon, a review of the nature of the homeless problem outside of the large centres, away from the many study groups and funding announcements, out where the daily struggle to survive is measured by having a safe place to sleep.
Condon examines the nature of homelessness along the Highway 16 corridor, where the shells of burned out hotels in communities from Prince Rupert to Vanderhoof outline the fate of the last home of refuge for many.
From those that have been rousted out of their jungle camps in Smithers, to the tiny ten bed operation that the Salvation Army operates in Prince Rupert out of a local hotel, the dire need is one steeped in conflicting community interests and what appears to be a poor sense of communication between government agencies and politicians and officials.
While he outlines the success of some of the programs in Prince George, even there the daily struggle to house the homeless begins anew. It is still not the best of situations there, but at least there is a bit of hope in Prince George.
Once you make that turn towards the Pacific ocean, a good number of people are falling through the cracks, being disregarded with rather uncomfortable frequency, invisible to all except those living in their communities.
Condon provides the questions for the politicians, it remains to be seen if any of them at any level pick up the theme of his investigation and begin the process of turning around a rather dire situation.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Podunk Below the Masthead March 12, 2009
The fates of the old Acropolis Manor and of Prince Rupert Secondary School, dominated the front page of Thursday's paper as the Daily News outlined the latest developments in two topical considerations on the local scene.
TEARING DOWN ACROPOLIS TO PUT UP A PARKING LOT-- The front page headline story outlined the latest developments on what may happen to the old Acropolis Manor building once the new building is in operation. With a petition making the rounds in the city, there had been hope that the old building would be saved from the wrecker's ball, to be used for a number of health related activities mainly in the form of a regional detox centre for those in need of assistance from their fate of substance abuse.
While the four local women spearheading the project are hopeful that Northern Health will see things their way, the most recent comments from Northern Health seem to suggest that the dice has already been rolled when it comes to the structure, with a number of renovations required to make it a workable building and not a lot of funding to be had for such a venture, it seems likely that the old building will be coming down to make room for expanded parking for the new Acropolis.
Over at the school board the debate is also continuing as to what to do about PRSS, in a page one story that spills over to page five the New Acting Superintendent Dave Stigant has been trying to come up to speed quickly on the issue that has been on the radar for over a year now. In the end after hearing his report and observations on what needs to be considered as far as PRSS and the educational needs of the community, the School District voted for a motion of support for a full district review.
Local residents will have their chance to weigh in on the debate possibly as early as April 10th when the School Board has tentatively planned for a public town hall meeting on the topic. On other school district matters, the cost of start up for the new Pacific Coast school proved to be well below expectations, the highest cost coming from the purchase of computers and the necessary software licencing required for programs at the new school. While costs may have been lower than expected, enrollment was higher, so far 35 students have signed on to take advantage of the offerings at the new school, up from the original forecast of 23 to 24.
Page three outlines Port Edward's glee at the timeline for repairs to the district's waterlines with phase one potentially ready for service by later this month, with funding approved on all levels for the waterline project it's all systems go in Port Edward.
Elsewhere in the Thursday paper, the letters to the editor page featured a well thought out rebuke of the Mayor's plan to sell off the Bronto skylift fire truck, as local resident Mark Rudderham outlined the benefits of the fire fighting apparatus compared to the possible savings that the city may find by selling off the truck.
In the sports section a preview of the upcoming Men's Marine Bonspiel was the featured article, outlining what to expect when they start throwing the rocks at the 57th edition of the tournament this weekend
TEARING DOWN ACROPOLIS TO PUT UP A PARKING LOT-- The front page headline story outlined the latest developments on what may happen to the old Acropolis Manor building once the new building is in operation. With a petition making the rounds in the city, there had been hope that the old building would be saved from the wrecker's ball, to be used for a number of health related activities mainly in the form of a regional detox centre for those in need of assistance from their fate of substance abuse.
While the four local women spearheading the project are hopeful that Northern Health will see things their way, the most recent comments from Northern Health seem to suggest that the dice has already been rolled when it comes to the structure, with a number of renovations required to make it a workable building and not a lot of funding to be had for such a venture, it seems likely that the old building will be coming down to make room for expanded parking for the new Acropolis.
Over at the school board the debate is also continuing as to what to do about PRSS, in a page one story that spills over to page five the New Acting Superintendent Dave Stigant has been trying to come up to speed quickly on the issue that has been on the radar for over a year now. In the end after hearing his report and observations on what needs to be considered as far as PRSS and the educational needs of the community, the School District voted for a motion of support for a full district review.
Local residents will have their chance to weigh in on the debate possibly as early as April 10th when the School Board has tentatively planned for a public town hall meeting on the topic. On other school district matters, the cost of start up for the new Pacific Coast school proved to be well below expectations, the highest cost coming from the purchase of computers and the necessary software licencing required for programs at the new school. While costs may have been lower than expected, enrollment was higher, so far 35 students have signed on to take advantage of the offerings at the new school, up from the original forecast of 23 to 24.
Page three outlines Port Edward's glee at the timeline for repairs to the district's waterlines with phase one potentially ready for service by later this month, with funding approved on all levels for the waterline project it's all systems go in Port Edward.
Elsewhere in the Thursday paper, the letters to the editor page featured a well thought out rebuke of the Mayor's plan to sell off the Bronto skylift fire truck, as local resident Mark Rudderham outlined the benefits of the fire fighting apparatus compared to the possible savings that the city may find by selling off the truck.
In the sports section a preview of the upcoming Men's Marine Bonspiel was the featured article, outlining what to expect when they start throwing the rocks at the 57th edition of the tournament this weekend
Get out of the courts and into your cars!
The BCGEU is once again floating the idea of having the province’s sheriff’s office take on more than just the transport of those facing the justice system and watching over the proceedings of the court room.
If the union is able to convince the powers to be in Victoria, you may soon find your local jailer taking some time away from court to serve out warrants and write up traffic tickets.
Dean Purdy, chair of the union's corrections component is hopeful that the government will give more consideration to their idea than they did back in 2007 when they rejected the prospect of the sheriff’s of the province expanding their work duties. He believes the time is right for another try at the project and suggests it would be a helpful addition in recruitment for the sheriff's contingent.
The BCGEU points to Alberta where the sheriff’s have been providing warrant and traffic duties since 2006, a project which Alberta officials claims has been a valuable resource in allowing the RCMP to move on to the more pressing crimes in their communities.
If the union is able to convince the powers to be in Victoria, you may soon find your local jailer taking some time away from court to serve out warrants and write up traffic tickets.
Dean Purdy, chair of the union's corrections component is hopeful that the government will give more consideration to their idea than they did back in 2007 when they rejected the prospect of the sheriff’s of the province expanding their work duties. He believes the time is right for another try at the project and suggests it would be a helpful addition in recruitment for the sheriff's contingent.
The BCGEU points to Alberta where the sheriff’s have been providing warrant and traffic duties since 2006, a project which Alberta officials claims has been a valuable resource in allowing the RCMP to move on to the more pressing crimes in their communities.
.
Attorney-General Wally Oppal has said he'll give some consideration to the idea, though he has concerns about overstretching the workload of the province's sheriff's.
But with Vancouver in the middle of a real time shoot em up gang war, there may be no better time for the BCGEU proposal to get the green light.
But with Vancouver in the middle of a real time shoot em up gang war, there may be no better time for the BCGEU proposal to get the green light.
When Mad Money meets Thunder dome
“Two men enter, one man leaves”
Part One
Part Two
Jon Stewart took on the culture of fast Money and shaky financial forecasting on Thursday night as CNBC host Jim Cramer appeared as a guest on the Daily Show, and one suspects that this morning he’s asking himself “what was I thinking”.
After a half hour grilling which perhaps Members of the US Congress should consult for future use, the champion of CNBC’s financial network was thoroughly taken to task for how they have covered the current financial crisis.
Some might say that they have aided and abetted some of the most nefarious of the financial class, not asking the toughest of questions as to how billions and billions of dollars have evaporated, leaving investors devastated, all while corporate executives sit back and wait for the government to bail them out with billions, trillions and who knows if perhaps zillions may not be spent to bail out the greed of the financial set.
Over the last week Stewart has been unmerciful in his commentary and contempt for some of the talking heads of CNBC, showcasing some of their less than sage moments of financial examination and for the lack of accountability for which they made those financial kings responsible for. For the last week Stewart has been tackling some of that networks largest stars, none larger and none challenged more intensely than the host of Mad Money...
Thursday night, Cramer took his lumps, chastened by his own clips which Stewart showed one after the other, asking the kind of questions that perhaps the on air hosts of CNBC should have been asking of the business leaders that appear on their programs.
If you missed the fireworks, it has become a sensation on YouTube, the two part session of inquisition forever digitally stored for our research and entertainment…
Part One
Part Two
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