Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:
The next City of Williams Lake public budget meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7th in Council Chambers.
Items on the agenda are a revised 5-year financial plan, and the five-year financial plans for the water, sewer, and transit funds.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Rick Mercer on Bill C-30 (Online Spying Bill)
Rick Mercer, host of "Rick Mercer Report" in his weekly rant gives his opinion on Bill C-30 which is the Bill that Vic Toews wants passed to allow police access to ISP's (name, address, email address and IP address) without a warrant
See below (For the record - I liked/agreed with what Mr. Mercer had to say):
See below (For the record - I liked/agreed with what Mr. Mercer had to say):
WL Council presents 3 Certificates of Merit
Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:
Mayor Kerry Cook presented three Williams Lake athletes with Certificates of Merit on behalf of Council Tuesday evening.
Shogun Martial Arts members Abrie Kilian, Glen Rogers, and Katharina Koppe all received the certificates, presented to citizens of Williams Lake or its fringe areas that accomplishes an achievement that brings national or international fame to the City of Williams Lake. They all competed at the World Tournament for the World Karate and Kickboxing Council in Cadiz, Spain in November.
A certificate will also be awarded to rugby player Kayla Moleschi, who was unable to attend Tuesday’s Council meeting. She played at the National Women’s League rugby finals in Vancouver and helped Canada win the first International Rugby Board’s Women’s Challenge Cup in Dubai in December. Moleschi will receive her certificate in June.
“These young people train hard, work hard, and make sacrifices to excel in their sports, and Council wants to recognize the achievements that come as a result,” says Mayor Kerry Cook. “We know Williams Lake produces outstanding athletes, scholars, and volunteers, and we see that reflected each year in the nominations we receive for Certificates of Merit.”
The City of Williams Lake accepts nominations each year for Certificates of Merit, with a deadline of Dec. 31. To nominate an individual, provide his or her name and a short resume of their contributions for council to consider. Nominations can be dropped off at City Hall.
For more information, contact Cindy Bouchard, Manager of Legislative Services, at 250-392-1773 or cbouchard@williamslake.ca.
Mayor Kerry Cook presented three Williams Lake athletes with Certificates of Merit on behalf of Council Tuesday evening.
Shogun Martial Arts members Abrie Kilian, Glen Rogers, and Katharina Koppe all received the certificates, presented to citizens of Williams Lake or its fringe areas that accomplishes an achievement that brings national or international fame to the City of Williams Lake. They all competed at the World Tournament for the World Karate and Kickboxing Council in Cadiz, Spain in November.
A certificate will also be awarded to rugby player Kayla Moleschi, who was unable to attend Tuesday’s Council meeting. She played at the National Women’s League rugby finals in Vancouver and helped Canada win the first International Rugby Board’s Women’s Challenge Cup in Dubai in December. Moleschi will receive her certificate in June.
“These young people train hard, work hard, and make sacrifices to excel in their sports, and Council wants to recognize the achievements that come as a result,” says Mayor Kerry Cook. “We know Williams Lake produces outstanding athletes, scholars, and volunteers, and we see that reflected each year in the nominations we receive for Certificates of Merit.”
The City of Williams Lake accepts nominations each year for Certificates of Merit, with a deadline of Dec. 31. To nominate an individual, provide his or her name and a short resume of their contributions for council to consider. Nominations can be dropped off at City Hall.
For more information, contact Cindy Bouchard, Manager of Legislative Services, at 250-392-1773 or cbouchard@williamslake.ca.
Alan Forseth on 2012 BC Budget
Alan Forseth - the BC Conservative Regional Director for Kamloops and area (and yes - my own Uncle) has a series of blog posts on yesterday's 2012 BC Budget. Read here, here, and here
For the record - I fundamentally disagree with the BC Conservative Party's stance on the 2012 BC Budget but, as Voltaire once said, I may not agree with your opinion but I'll defend your right to state it, to the death - if necessary
For the record - I fundamentally disagree with the BC Conservative Party's stance on the 2012 BC Budget but, as Voltaire once said, I may not agree with your opinion but I'll defend your right to state it, to the death - if necessary
Alex Tsakumis on 2012 BC Budget
Venerable BC Blogger Alex G. Tsakumis does not mince words about the 2012 BC Budget and has some choice words for sitting BC Liberal MLA's....
Read more here
Read more here
Quesnel "Volunteer Citizen of the Year" Award
The Quesnel "Volunteer Citizen of the Year" Committee is looking for nominations for those who have done incredible work as a volunteer in the City of Quesnel and deserves recognition
Find the nomination form here
Deadline to file a nomination is Friday, March 16th, 2012 at 4pm
For more information, please contact:
Ron Silver at 250-747-3758 or by email at rlsilver@telus.net
Lynn Mamic at 250-991-7477 or by email at lmamic@quesnel.ca
Find the nomination form here
Deadline to file a nomination is Friday, March 16th, 2012 at 4pm
For more information, please contact:
Ron Silver at 250-747-3758 or by email at rlsilver@telus.net
Lynn Mamic at 250-991-7477 or by email at lmamic@quesnel.ca
Bob Simpson on the 2012 BC Budget
Earlier today -- Cariboo-North MLA Bob Simpson gave his assessment on the 2012 BC Budget and from his comments - it seems he's destined, like his former NDP MLA colleagues, to vote against this budget as proposed by the BC Liberals
See MLA Simpson comments below:
Be Careful What You Wish For:
This week’s provincial budget is both a result and a reflection of our times.
It’s a result of decades of the mantra that government and taxes are bad, free trade and “competitiveness” are good. It’s a reflection that this agenda has led to economic collapse and governments that no longer have the revenue needed to deliver the public services people still expect from them.
Let me be plain: the fiscal restraint in this budget is necessary if we don’t want to go down the path of other governments that gave in to the pressure to cut taxes but haven’t controlled their spending.
We can’t have it both ways: years of tax reductions and robust public services.
Problem is: this year’s budget cuts and its continued attack on household disposable income (MSP premium increases, BC Hydro increases, etc.) will only compound the current recession. Too many families are living paycheck to paycheck to absorb more direct costs and pay for services they once used to get from their government.
The government had alternatives.
Instead of raising MSP rates again, it could have raised the corporate tax rate now (instead of “maybe” in 2014). In a natural resource constrained world BC doesn’t need to have the lowest corporate tax rate. The government could also charge more for access to our natural resources and slash business and corporate subsidies.
The Finance Minister could have raised income assistance and disability rates; this is government-enforced poverty and every dollar invested (yes, invested!) in this would end up in small businesses and local economies and would reduce costs to government in areas such as health care and the justice system.
There’s going to be a review of the carbon tax, but the government could have ended the sham of its carbon neutral claim and stopped forcing the public sector to buy carbon offsets from the Pacific Carbon Trust. In this time of increased fiscal restraint the continued transfer of your tax money from public service budgets to questionable private sector projects must end.
The Finance Minister called this budget a “paradigm shift.” It’s not. It simply reflects the end game of a four decade old paradigm of tax cuts, deregulation and the transfer of wealth to the very few.
This budget is going to hurt. Unfortunately, the pain is going to be felt most keenly by those already hurting as a result of years of “fiscal restraint” compounded by the current recession.
See MLA Simpson comments below:
Be Careful What You Wish For:
This week’s provincial budget is both a result and a reflection of our times.
It’s a result of decades of the mantra that government and taxes are bad, free trade and “competitiveness” are good. It’s a reflection that this agenda has led to economic collapse and governments that no longer have the revenue needed to deliver the public services people still expect from them.
Let me be plain: the fiscal restraint in this budget is necessary if we don’t want to go down the path of other governments that gave in to the pressure to cut taxes but haven’t controlled their spending.
We can’t have it both ways: years of tax reductions and robust public services.
Problem is: this year’s budget cuts and its continued attack on household disposable income (MSP premium increases, BC Hydro increases, etc.) will only compound the current recession. Too many families are living paycheck to paycheck to absorb more direct costs and pay for services they once used to get from their government.
The government had alternatives.
Instead of raising MSP rates again, it could have raised the corporate tax rate now (instead of “maybe” in 2014). In a natural resource constrained world BC doesn’t need to have the lowest corporate tax rate. The government could also charge more for access to our natural resources and slash business and corporate subsidies.
The Finance Minister could have raised income assistance and disability rates; this is government-enforced poverty and every dollar invested (yes, invested!) in this would end up in small businesses and local economies and would reduce costs to government in areas such as health care and the justice system.
There’s going to be a review of the carbon tax, but the government could have ended the sham of its carbon neutral claim and stopped forcing the public sector to buy carbon offsets from the Pacific Carbon Trust. In this time of increased fiscal restraint the continued transfer of your tax money from public service budgets to questionable private sector projects must end.
The Finance Minister called this budget a “paradigm shift.” It’s not. It simply reflects the end game of a four decade old paradigm of tax cuts, deregulation and the transfer of wealth to the very few.
This budget is going to hurt. Unfortunately, the pain is going to be felt most keenly by those already hurting as a result of years of “fiscal restraint” compounded by the current recession.
Fundraising Plan Approved for North Cariboo Multi Centre
Courtesy of the North Cariboo Multi-Centre Fundraising Committee:
The community will get a chance to be involved in the pursuit of the North Cariboo Multi-Centre, with a slate of fundraising initiatives and public engagement opportunities on the way.
At last night's North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee meeting, the Cariboo Regional District's Northern Directors and Quesnel City Council endorsed a comprehensive fundraising plan presented by the North Cariboo Multi-Centre Fundraising Committee.
The plan, which sets targets for local and corporate fundraising initiatives is ambitious, with a stated goal of raising $6.6 million as part of a larger objective of raising at least $15 million towards the capital costs of providing a new, wood-first Multi-Centre in Quesnel.
"I can't say enough about the work the committee has done to research, prepare, and present this plan to the NCJPC," said Fundraising Committee Chair Eric Wickham. "We have spent hours labouring through this process in an attempt to devise the strategies and tools that will help us reach our goal. On behalf of the committee, I thank the NCJPC for their support. We have a strong group of volunteers who are committed to implementing this plan."
Components of the fundraising plan are already well underway. A community colouring contest is in the final stages, with submissions to be used as part of the plan's marketing materials. In addition, several businesses and corporations are already being approached to determine their level of commitment to this structure that would be a significant attraction for employees looking to call the North Cariboo home.
"This plan lays out a well-structured and comprehensive series of strategies and tools that we can use to reach our goals," noted CRD Vice-Chair Ted Armstrong. "I'm excited to take part in some of the community activities and look forward to continuing to engage with senior levels of government to ensure they are active participants in funding this proposed facility."
"The fundraising committee has done a good job of encapsulating their plans and I compliment them for their work," added Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom. "While this document outlines a very ambitious goal, I feel the tools it provides will help us in our efforts. This plan has breathed new life into the Multi-Centre initiative. It's time for the community to take charge and help make our dreams a reality."
Over the next few months the committee will focus on increasing community awareness for the fundraising initiative including the establishment of a new website and installing signage on the proposed site and elsewhere around the community, starting planning for the first of a series of local fundraising events, launching a seat sale for both the arena and theatre, and preparing packages for the corporate donation program.
The North Cariboo Multi-Centre will be a modern facility designed to replace aging infrastructure. It features a 1,600-seat NHL-sized arena, a 450-seat performing arts theatre and accompanying event and assembly space.
For more information:
Phone: 250-992-3524
Web: www.ourmulticentre.ca
Email: ncmc.fundraising.coordinator@gmail.com
Facebook: North Cariboo Multi Centre Fundraising
Twitter: @NC_Multi_Centre
The community will get a chance to be involved in the pursuit of the North Cariboo Multi-Centre, with a slate of fundraising initiatives and public engagement opportunities on the way.
At last night's North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee meeting, the Cariboo Regional District's Northern Directors and Quesnel City Council endorsed a comprehensive fundraising plan presented by the North Cariboo Multi-Centre Fundraising Committee.
The plan, which sets targets for local and corporate fundraising initiatives is ambitious, with a stated goal of raising $6.6 million as part of a larger objective of raising at least $15 million towards the capital costs of providing a new, wood-first Multi-Centre in Quesnel.
"I can't say enough about the work the committee has done to research, prepare, and present this plan to the NCJPC," said Fundraising Committee Chair Eric Wickham. "We have spent hours labouring through this process in an attempt to devise the strategies and tools that will help us reach our goal. On behalf of the committee, I thank the NCJPC for their support. We have a strong group of volunteers who are committed to implementing this plan."
Components of the fundraising plan are already well underway. A community colouring contest is in the final stages, with submissions to be used as part of the plan's marketing materials. In addition, several businesses and corporations are already being approached to determine their level of commitment to this structure that would be a significant attraction for employees looking to call the North Cariboo home.
"This plan lays out a well-structured and comprehensive series of strategies and tools that we can use to reach our goals," noted CRD Vice-Chair Ted Armstrong. "I'm excited to take part in some of the community activities and look forward to continuing to engage with senior levels of government to ensure they are active participants in funding this proposed facility."
"The fundraising committee has done a good job of encapsulating their plans and I compliment them for their work," added Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom. "While this document outlines a very ambitious goal, I feel the tools it provides will help us in our efforts. This plan has breathed new life into the Multi-Centre initiative. It's time for the community to take charge and help make our dreams a reality."
Over the next few months the committee will focus on increasing community awareness for the fundraising initiative including the establishment of a new website and installing signage on the proposed site and elsewhere around the community, starting planning for the first of a series of local fundraising events, launching a seat sale for both the arena and theatre, and preparing packages for the corporate donation program.
The North Cariboo Multi-Centre will be a modern facility designed to replace aging infrastructure. It features a 1,600-seat NHL-sized arena, a 450-seat performing arts theatre and accompanying event and assembly space.
For more information:
Phone: 250-992-3524
Web: www.ourmulticentre.ca
Email: ncmc.fundraising.coordinator@gmail.com
Facebook: North Cariboo Multi Centre Fundraising
Twitter: @NC_Multi_Centre
Regional Mid-Week News - Feb 22nd edition
In Quesnel:
1) Fundraising plan approved for North Cariboo Multi-Centre - read here
2) This past Monday - I'm told that Quesnel Council has asked their Staff to bring forward a draft "Code of Conduct" for members' for the public who desire to webcast Quesnel Council from the public gallery. This will place Quesnel (as far as I can tell) #1 in the Province as far as regulating the conduct of the public when broadcasting Council Meetings and I'm looking forward to seeing what John Stecyk and his Staff propose to Quesnel Council
3) Supplementary Budget requests causes Quesnel Councillors Sushil Thapar, Ed Coleman, Mike Cave to vote no to some items while Thapar said "Spend money on roads/infrastructure, not travel/lawyers - read here
In Williams Lake:
1) Local Royal Bank branch wins "Dress Red" contest - read here
2) 'Bones' & 'Threats' in recent police report - read here
3) Greg Delainey recovering after ultra-light plane crash south of Williams Lake - read here
4) Two vehicle crash very early Monday am sends one to hospital - read here
5) Tribune columnist Diana French looks are cuts made during the 1st term of the BC Liberals (2001-2005) are coming home to haunt us - read here
6) Meanwhile - Donna Barnett, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin praises Victoria's work on Forestry - read here
7) Richard Vollo: Steve Thomson (Forests Minister) has "no plan" & "no answers" - read here
8) After one year - River West Forests Products (West of Williams Lake - old Sigurdson mill) is doing well - read here
In 100 Mile House:
1) Efforts to establish new First Nations 'Gathering Place' in 100 Mile House - read here
2) Update on efforts to reimburse those who bought into South Cariboo Meat Co-op - read here
3) Firefighter recruits needed for 100 Mile Fire/Rescue - read here
4) Gathering of historical agriculture information - read here
5) Cariboo-North MLA Bob Simpson & BC First Party Leader Gary Young sit down to chat - read here
6) 100 Mile Mayor Mitch Campsall recently met with Minister Ida Chong - read here
7) Jack Hackett of Horse Lake slams the recent visit by Ministers Ida Chong, Pat Bell, Steve Thomson and Mary McNeil - read here
8) Gary Lauchli of 100 Mile House slams Prime Minister Stephen Harper's announcement over changes to OAS (Old Age Security) while in Europe, and not at home, in the House of Commons - read here
9) Plenty of tickets available for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" - read here
1) Fundraising plan approved for North Cariboo Multi-Centre - read here
2) This past Monday - I'm told that Quesnel Council has asked their Staff to bring forward a draft "Code of Conduct" for members' for the public who desire to webcast Quesnel Council from the public gallery. This will place Quesnel (as far as I can tell) #1 in the Province as far as regulating the conduct of the public when broadcasting Council Meetings and I'm looking forward to seeing what John Stecyk and his Staff propose to Quesnel Council
3) Supplementary Budget requests causes Quesnel Councillors Sushil Thapar, Ed Coleman, Mike Cave to vote no to some items while Thapar said "Spend money on roads/infrastructure, not travel/lawyers - read here
In Williams Lake:
1) Local Royal Bank branch wins "Dress Red" contest - read here
2) 'Bones' & 'Threats' in recent police report - read here
3) Greg Delainey recovering after ultra-light plane crash south of Williams Lake - read here
4) Two vehicle crash very early Monday am sends one to hospital - read here
5) Tribune columnist Diana French looks are cuts made during the 1st term of the BC Liberals (2001-2005) are coming home to haunt us - read here
6) Meanwhile - Donna Barnett, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin praises Victoria's work on Forestry - read here
7) Richard Vollo: Steve Thomson (Forests Minister) has "no plan" & "no answers" - read here
8) After one year - River West Forests Products (West of Williams Lake - old Sigurdson mill) is doing well - read here
In 100 Mile House:
1) Efforts to establish new First Nations 'Gathering Place' in 100 Mile House - read here
2) Update on efforts to reimburse those who bought into South Cariboo Meat Co-op - read here
3) Firefighter recruits needed for 100 Mile Fire/Rescue - read here
4) Gathering of historical agriculture information - read here
5) Cariboo-North MLA Bob Simpson & BC First Party Leader Gary Young sit down to chat - read here
6) 100 Mile Mayor Mitch Campsall recently met with Minister Ida Chong - read here
7) Jack Hackett of Horse Lake slams the recent visit by Ministers Ida Chong, Pat Bell, Steve Thomson and Mary McNeil - read here
8) Gary Lauchli of 100 Mile House slams Prime Minister Stephen Harper's announcement over changes to OAS (Old Age Security) while in Europe, and not at home, in the House of Commons - read here
9) Plenty of tickets available for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" - read here
At last night's WL City Council Meeting
At last night's WL Council meeting - a couple of topics raised eyebrows...
1) Social Planning Function - Cariboo Regional District ...
I've already spoken on this topic - read here however WL City Councillor Sue Zacharias stated:
Council can communicate to the citizens of Williams Lake that the Social Planning Council is an important cog in a big wheel.
"Supporting this is good for business, good for economic development and business development," she said. "I'm very supportive of this. I hope that people will see that it's a foundational brick for building our economy."
Unfortunately - I can not agree with her given that both people in Electoral Areas 'D' & 'F' have complained to their elected official (Area Director) that taxes imposed by the Cariboo Regional District are simply too high. Keep in mind that Councillor Zacharias was the CRD Area 'D' Director between 2005-2008 and I hear from some that complain that she "imposes" solutions and doesn't hear well from others that may not agree with her -- specifically, some in Area 'D' I talk to are still miffed about her insistence on Building Inspection in all of Electoral Area 'D' & the permanent shut-down of the Wildwood Transfer Station -- against the will of local residents. Finally - a region wide Social Planning Function could put Mayor Cook's word about being sympathic about the taxation plight of heavy industry into doubt. In addition, Quesnel's Mayor has been doing excellent work on reducing the tax load for heavy industry in her municipality and this new tax will not help her work on this file
Finally - I'm reminded of a infamous quote from an Electoral Area 'E' resident in early 2009, during the 2009 Area 'E' Town Hall meeting where he brought up the issue of the imposition of the tax for the Central Cariboo Arts/Culture Function, where he said...
I'm tired of politicians telling me what's good for me
So - I'll be drafting a "Letter to the Editor" to all newspapers' in Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House later today and it'll be in the form of a "Open Letter to the Cariboo Regional District Board" in which I'll be calling upon the Board to reject the request of Williams Lake City Council
2) Woodland Drive Funding Options
At last night's WL Council meeting (after Mayor Cook left Council Chambers) - Council agreed to the following resolution:
Council authorize Staff to investigate and recommend a process to engage the Woodland Drive residents in a workshop to discuss the options available to the Woodland Drive residents & Council with respect to the provisions of water and sewer services for Woodland Drive
While discussing the issue, Councillor Sue Zacharias stated:
"I want Council to try to keep our emotions at bay and keep a clear head--it needs to be a resident-driven solution. If the City can help, we need to determine that. It may have to go to a referendum. The rest of the City may need to vote to say whether they want to help pay for this."
I really don't see the reason why she needed to tell Council to "not get emotional" on Woodland Drive. Council has shown exceptional patience and leadership to getting water/sewer for those residents. Now - whether or not the City will go to residents' to authorize borrowing of funds for water infrastructure via referendum remains to be seen. If done by referendum - the cost will be considerable, even possibly into the tens of thousands of dollars while a counter-petition process (borrowing authorized unless 10% or more of voters' in Williams Lake, roughly 747+ people sign a form formally opposed the borrowing) will cost a very small amount of money, certainly less than a formal referendum.
Here on my blog - there are supporters for both a referendum and counter-petition process to borrow funds for water infrastructure for Woodland Drive and Council will get criticized for whatever decision they make in this regard and there are good arguments for either side
A workshop between the City and Woodland Drive residents', according to the City's CAO (B. Carruthers), would be scheduled "soon"
1) Social Planning Function - Cariboo Regional District ...
I've already spoken on this topic - read here however WL City Councillor Sue Zacharias stated:
Council can communicate to the citizens of Williams Lake that the Social Planning Council is an important cog in a big wheel.
"Supporting this is good for business, good for economic development and business development," she said. "I'm very supportive of this. I hope that people will see that it's a foundational brick for building our economy."
Unfortunately - I can not agree with her given that both people in Electoral Areas 'D' & 'F' have complained to their elected official (Area Director) that taxes imposed by the Cariboo Regional District are simply too high. Keep in mind that Councillor Zacharias was the CRD Area 'D' Director between 2005-2008 and I hear from some that complain that she "imposes" solutions and doesn't hear well from others that may not agree with her -- specifically, some in Area 'D' I talk to are still miffed about her insistence on Building Inspection in all of Electoral Area 'D' & the permanent shut-down of the Wildwood Transfer Station -- against the will of local residents. Finally - a region wide Social Planning Function could put Mayor Cook's word about being sympathic about the taxation plight of heavy industry into doubt. In addition, Quesnel's Mayor has been doing excellent work on reducing the tax load for heavy industry in her municipality and this new tax will not help her work on this file
Finally - I'm reminded of a infamous quote from an Electoral Area 'E' resident in early 2009, during the 2009 Area 'E' Town Hall meeting where he brought up the issue of the imposition of the tax for the Central Cariboo Arts/Culture Function, where he said...
I'm tired of politicians telling me what's good for me
So - I'll be drafting a "Letter to the Editor" to all newspapers' in Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House later today and it'll be in the form of a "Open Letter to the Cariboo Regional District Board" in which I'll be calling upon the Board to reject the request of Williams Lake City Council
2) Woodland Drive Funding Options
At last night's WL Council meeting (after Mayor Cook left Council Chambers) - Council agreed to the following resolution:
Council authorize Staff to investigate and recommend a process to engage the Woodland Drive residents in a workshop to discuss the options available to the Woodland Drive residents & Council with respect to the provisions of water and sewer services for Woodland Drive
While discussing the issue, Councillor Sue Zacharias stated:
"I want Council to try to keep our emotions at bay and keep a clear head--it needs to be a resident-driven solution. If the City can help, we need to determine that. It may have to go to a referendum. The rest of the City may need to vote to say whether they want to help pay for this."
I really don't see the reason why she needed to tell Council to "not get emotional" on Woodland Drive. Council has shown exceptional patience and leadership to getting water/sewer for those residents. Now - whether or not the City will go to residents' to authorize borrowing of funds for water infrastructure via referendum remains to be seen. If done by referendum - the cost will be considerable, even possibly into the tens of thousands of dollars while a counter-petition process (borrowing authorized unless 10% or more of voters' in Williams Lake, roughly 747+ people sign a form formally opposed the borrowing) will cost a very small amount of money, certainly less than a formal referendum.
Here on my blog - there are supporters for both a referendum and counter-petition process to borrow funds for water infrastructure for Woodland Drive and Council will get criticized for whatever decision they make in this regard and there are good arguments for either side
A workshop between the City and Woodland Drive residents', according to the City's CAO (B. Carruthers), would be scheduled "soon"
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
BC Nurses on the 2012 BC Budget
Courtesy of the BC Nurses Union:
Historically thin increases for healthcare leave no room to implement Ombudsperson’s report on seniors’ care, to address hospital overcrowding or to stop cuts in community services.
Historically small increases projected for healthcare spending in today’s provincial budget leave virtually no room to implement improved staffing to support seniors as recommended by the provincial Ombudsperson in an extensive report released by the government this month.
At the same time the budget provides no resources to health authorities across the province to deal with increased overcrowding that’s forcing nurses to care for patients in hospital hallways, closets, TV lounges and other areas not appropriate for patient care.
“Today’s budget demonstrates the government is paying only lip service to the needs of seniors and others needing care from our public healthcare system,” says BC Nurses’ Union President Debra McPherson, “The budget provides health authorities no resources to ensure patients are safe as they languish in hospital hallways or wait at home for limited community-based support or for placement in a long term care homes,” says BC Nurses’ Union President Debra McPherson.
“It shows the government has its priorities all wrong. Instead of boasting about keeping taxes low and the prospect of a balanced budget just before the next provincial election, the government should be addressing the serious deficit in the quality of healthcare and other services for BC citizens.”
Earlier this month the government finally released the report of the provincial Ombudsperson into the state of seniors’ care. The report called for extensive improvements including the establishment of standards for staffing in residential care facilities, increased direct care for seniors and improved community supports to help keep seniors in their own homes.
Rather than address these problems, today’s budget sets British Columbia on three years of extremely tight healthcare budgets that will force health authorities to continue to cut services and staff at a time when greater staffing is needed to meet increasing needs of an aging and growing population.
Projected increases in healthcare spending drop precipitously from more than six percent in the year just ending, to only 2.9 per cent in 2012-13, 3.7 per cent in 2013-14 and 2.9 per cent in 2014-15, which is not enough to keep up with population growth and inflation.
“This sets the stage for chaos throughout the healthcare system and there’s no need for it,” McPherson says. “The government could have supported the needs of patients and seniors with more realistic funding if it wasn’t for this misguided priority to show no deficit when facing the voters next year.”
Read it on Global News: Global BC | B.C. Nurses Union responds to budget
Historically thin increases for healthcare leave no room to implement Ombudsperson’s report on seniors’ care, to address hospital overcrowding or to stop cuts in community services.
Historically small increases projected for healthcare spending in today’s provincial budget leave virtually no room to implement improved staffing to support seniors as recommended by the provincial Ombudsperson in an extensive report released by the government this month.
At the same time the budget provides no resources to health authorities across the province to deal with increased overcrowding that’s forcing nurses to care for patients in hospital hallways, closets, TV lounges and other areas not appropriate for patient care.
“Today’s budget demonstrates the government is paying only lip service to the needs of seniors and others needing care from our public healthcare system,” says BC Nurses’ Union President Debra McPherson, “The budget provides health authorities no resources to ensure patients are safe as they languish in hospital hallways or wait at home for limited community-based support or for placement in a long term care homes,” says BC Nurses’ Union President Debra McPherson.
“It shows the government has its priorities all wrong. Instead of boasting about keeping taxes low and the prospect of a balanced budget just before the next provincial election, the government should be addressing the serious deficit in the quality of healthcare and other services for BC citizens.”
Earlier this month the government finally released the report of the provincial Ombudsperson into the state of seniors’ care. The report called for extensive improvements including the establishment of standards for staffing in residential care facilities, increased direct care for seniors and improved community supports to help keep seniors in their own homes.
Rather than address these problems, today’s budget sets British Columbia on three years of extremely tight healthcare budgets that will force health authorities to continue to cut services and staff at a time when greater staffing is needed to meet increasing needs of an aging and growing population.
Projected increases in healthcare spending drop precipitously from more than six percent in the year just ending, to only 2.9 per cent in 2012-13, 3.7 per cent in 2013-14 and 2.9 per cent in 2014-15, which is not enough to keep up with population growth and inflation.
“This sets the stage for chaos throughout the healthcare system and there’s no need for it,” McPherson says. “The government could have supported the needs of patients and seniors with more realistic funding if it wasn’t for this misguided priority to show no deficit when facing the voters next year.”
Read it on Global News: Global BC | B.C. Nurses Union responds to budget
BC Teachers' respond to 2012 BC Budget
Courtesy of the BC Teachers' Federation:
The budget tabled today by Finance Minister Kevin Falcon signals the beginning of a second decade of deep cuts in BC schools. With funding to school districts virtually frozen at $4.7 billion annually through to 2014–15, inflation and increasing downloaded costs will continue to place significant pressures on school boards.
“This means $100 million in cuts to public schools next year alone,” said BCTF President Susan Lambert. She noted that $130 million would be needed just to keep up with inflation. The $30 million in the so-called Learning Improvement Fund to deal with class composition is completely inadequate to meet the real needs.
“The LIF amounts to mere pennies per day per child,” Lambert said. “This is a massive theft of educational opportunities from the next generation of BC kids.”
She noted that BC schools have already endured a decade of cuts. “That means a whole generation of students have grown up going to school in larger classes without adequate support and a lack of specialist teachers to meet diverse needs,” she said. “Now we’re looking at another three years of ongoing cuts and increasing demands on teachers to fill the gaps and meet students’ needs.”
“Sadly, this government is putting BC in a race to the bottom,” Lambert said, pointing to Mind the Gap, a recent study by BC Stats which highlights growing income inequity and ranks Canada among the worst of the OECD countries, with BC having the highest income inequity of all provinces. In addition, BC continues to have the highest child poverty rate in Canada.
“These statistics provide strong evidence of this government’s disregard for the poorest and most vulnerable children and families in BC, despite all the family-friendly rhetoric,” said Lambert.
The budget tabled today by Finance Minister Kevin Falcon signals the beginning of a second decade of deep cuts in BC schools. With funding to school districts virtually frozen at $4.7 billion annually through to 2014–15, inflation and increasing downloaded costs will continue to place significant pressures on school boards.
“This means $100 million in cuts to public schools next year alone,” said BCTF President Susan Lambert. She noted that $130 million would be needed just to keep up with inflation. The $30 million in the so-called Learning Improvement Fund to deal with class composition is completely inadequate to meet the real needs.
“The LIF amounts to mere pennies per day per child,” Lambert said. “This is a massive theft of educational opportunities from the next generation of BC kids.”
She noted that BC schools have already endured a decade of cuts. “That means a whole generation of students have grown up going to school in larger classes without adequate support and a lack of specialist teachers to meet diverse needs,” she said. “Now we’re looking at another three years of ongoing cuts and increasing demands on teachers to fill the gaps and meet students’ needs.”
“Sadly, this government is putting BC in a race to the bottom,” Lambert said, pointing to Mind the Gap, a recent study by BC Stats which highlights growing income inequity and ranks Canada among the worst of the OECD countries, with BC having the highest income inequity of all provinces. In addition, BC continues to have the highest child poverty rate in Canada.
“These statistics provide strong evidence of this government’s disregard for the poorest and most vulnerable children and families in BC, despite all the family-friendly rhetoric,” said Lambert.
WL Council Highlights - Feb 21st Meeting
Present: Mayor Cook and Councillors D. Hughes, SPS Rathor, L. Walters and S. Zacharias
Absent: Councillors Ivan Bonnell and Geoff Bourdon
Staff Present:
Brian Carruthers - CAO
Geoff Goodall – GM of Planning and Operations
Cindy Bouchard – Manager of Legislative Services
Ken MacInnis – Communications Coordinator
Alan Madrigga – Manager of Economic Development
Geoff Paynton – Director of Community Services
Melissa Barcellos – Events and Marketing Coordinator
Meeting called to order at 6:00pm
Minutes of Feb 7th WL Council Meeting adopted
Delegations:
1) Mayor Cook, on behalf of WL Council, presented “Certificate of Merit” Awards to Kayla Moleschi, Abrie Kilian, Glen Rogers and Katharina Koppe
2) Mayor Cook presented a “Community Spirit Certificate” to Mary Forbes
3) Charlotte Duggun and Diondra Hurd from the local Boys/Girls Club (Keystone Club) appeared before Council to discuss February 29, 2012 as Pink Shirt Day - "Bullying Stops Here" and presented members of WL Council with Pink “Bullying Stops Here” t-shirts
Business:
1) Council adopted 2 Central Cariboo/City of WL Joint Committee Recommendations as follows:
a) 2012 Joint Committee Meeting Schedule adoption
b) Revised Terms of Reference for the Joint Committee be referred to Committee of the Whole for discussion
2) After receiving no public input (and a recommendation to proceed from the City’s APC) – Council approved DVP #3-2012
3) Council referred DVP #4-2012 (Mark Penney) to the Advisory Planning Commission for review/recommendation. Council will consider this DVP at its’ March 6th, 2012 meeting
4) Council received for information a report from the Marketing/Events Coordinator re: mountain bike tourism in/around Williams Lake. Council also received a letter from NDIT (Northern Development Initiative Trust) advising of funding approval of up to $5,425 toward the 'Pinkbike Marketing Campaign'. A letter of appreciation will be sent on behalf of Mayor and Council to NDIT
5) Council adopted Bylaw #2142 (Bulk Water Station - Water Rate). Councillor SPS Rathor opposed
6) Council adopted 7 Committee of the Whole Recommendations as follows:
a) 2012 NCLGA Draft Resolution on Federal / Provincial Infrastructure Funding and Program Criteria - read the full Resolution here
b) Council nominate Councillor Surinderpal S. Rathor as a Regional Director on the NCLGA Executive to represent the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo region; and his nomination be forwarded to the Cariboo Regional District Board for consideration.
c) Council review and approve the recommendations from the Bylaw Review Advisory Committee regarding the draft "Williams Lake Sign Bylaw No. 1121" and Staff be directed to proceed with a public consultation process prior to the formal Bylaw readings process being initiated.
d) The request of the Social Planning Council for a Fee for Service ($5,000) be referred to the 2012 budget process. This matter has now been dealt with by WL Council at its’ Feb 14th Budget Meeting, by way of approval of this item into the City’s 2012 proposed Budget
e) The Social Planning Council be invited to present at a future Central Cariboo / City of Williams Lake Joint Committee Meeting; and the Cariboo Regional District be encouraged to give consideration to the creation of a Social Planning Function for joint funding of local and regional social development programs.
f) Council approve Boitanio Park Option "A" as the dog park location; and further, this item be referred to the 2012 budget process. – Councillor Danica Hughes opposed
Mayor Cook declared a personal conflict of interest on the next item as she is a resident of Woodland Drive. Acting Mayor Danica Hughes assumed the Chair at 6:51pm
g) Council authorize Staff to investigate and recommend a process to engage the Woodland Drive residents in a workshop to discuss the options available to the Woodland Drive residents & Council with respect to the provisions of water and sewer services for Woodland Drive.
Mayor Cook reassumed the Chair at 7:06pm
7) Council received a letter from UBCM regarding final grant payment in the amount of $5,123.78 for completion of the White Road fuel treatment project. A letter of thanks will be forwarded to UBCM
8) Council gave permission for the local Health & Stroke Foundation for BC/Yukon Coordinator to place balloons and decorations along the route, as proposed. Council & City Staff will be encouraged to enter a Big Bike team and raise funds for vital heart and stroke research.
9) Council received the Jan 25th meeting minutes of the Central Cariboo/City of WL Joint Committee
10) Council declared 2 Proclamations, as follows:
a) Community Social Services Awareness Month – March 2012
b) Kidney Health Month – March 2012
11) Late Item – Council agreed to provide a letter of support to the Williams Lake Indian Band in their application to the Federal Department of Aboriginal Affairs “Community Economic Development Program” for their Coyote Rock development (infrastructure upgrades)
12) Council received the “Council Information Package” as of Feb 21st, as follows:
• January 2012 - Barkerville Historic Town 2012 Schedule of Events & Board of Directors - read here
• January 2012 - Order of BC Call for Nominations 2012 - read here
• January 2012 - Pitch-In BC re Operation Clean Sweep & Pitch-In Week 2012 - read here
• February 2012 - Canadian Cancer Society re Relay for Life 2012 - read here
• February 2012 - NDIT News Release re Expansion of Programs & Funding to Support Burns Lake Recovery - read here
• February 3, 2012 - TRU Williams Lake re TRU GRIT Fundraising Gala on March 31, 2012 - read here
• February 10, 2012 - 2015 Canada Winter Games Media Release re 3-Year Out Milestone - read here
Meeting adjourned at 7:13pm
Absent: Councillors Ivan Bonnell and Geoff Bourdon
Staff Present:
Brian Carruthers - CAO
Geoff Goodall – GM of Planning and Operations
Cindy Bouchard – Manager of Legislative Services
Ken MacInnis – Communications Coordinator
Alan Madrigga – Manager of Economic Development
Geoff Paynton – Director of Community Services
Melissa Barcellos – Events and Marketing Coordinator
Meeting called to order at 6:00pm
Minutes of Feb 7th WL Council Meeting adopted
Delegations:
1) Mayor Cook, on behalf of WL Council, presented “Certificate of Merit” Awards to Kayla Moleschi, Abrie Kilian, Glen Rogers and Katharina Koppe
2) Mayor Cook presented a “Community Spirit Certificate” to Mary Forbes
3) Charlotte Duggun and Diondra Hurd from the local Boys/Girls Club (Keystone Club) appeared before Council to discuss February 29, 2012 as Pink Shirt Day - "Bullying Stops Here" and presented members of WL Council with Pink “Bullying Stops Here” t-shirts
Business:
1) Council adopted 2 Central Cariboo/City of WL Joint Committee Recommendations as follows:
a) 2012 Joint Committee Meeting Schedule adoption
b) Revised Terms of Reference for the Joint Committee be referred to Committee of the Whole for discussion
2) After receiving no public input (and a recommendation to proceed from the City’s APC) – Council approved DVP #3-2012
3) Council referred DVP #4-2012 (Mark Penney) to the Advisory Planning Commission for review/recommendation. Council will consider this DVP at its’ March 6th, 2012 meeting
4) Council received for information a report from the Marketing/Events Coordinator re: mountain bike tourism in/around Williams Lake. Council also received a letter from NDIT (Northern Development Initiative Trust) advising of funding approval of up to $5,425 toward the 'Pinkbike Marketing Campaign'. A letter of appreciation will be sent on behalf of Mayor and Council to NDIT
5) Council adopted Bylaw #2142 (Bulk Water Station - Water Rate). Councillor SPS Rathor opposed
6) Council adopted 7 Committee of the Whole Recommendations as follows:
a) 2012 NCLGA Draft Resolution on Federal / Provincial Infrastructure Funding and Program Criteria - read the full Resolution here
b) Council nominate Councillor Surinderpal S. Rathor as a Regional Director on the NCLGA Executive to represent the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo region; and his nomination be forwarded to the Cariboo Regional District Board for consideration.
c) Council review and approve the recommendations from the Bylaw Review Advisory Committee regarding the draft "Williams Lake Sign Bylaw No. 1121" and Staff be directed to proceed with a public consultation process prior to the formal Bylaw readings process being initiated.
d) The request of the Social Planning Council for a Fee for Service ($5,000) be referred to the 2012 budget process. This matter has now been dealt with by WL Council at its’ Feb 14th Budget Meeting, by way of approval of this item into the City’s 2012 proposed Budget
e) The Social Planning Council be invited to present at a future Central Cariboo / City of Williams Lake Joint Committee Meeting; and the Cariboo Regional District be encouraged to give consideration to the creation of a Social Planning Function for joint funding of local and regional social development programs.
f) Council approve Boitanio Park Option "A" as the dog park location; and further, this item be referred to the 2012 budget process. – Councillor Danica Hughes opposed
Mayor Cook declared a personal conflict of interest on the next item as she is a resident of Woodland Drive. Acting Mayor Danica Hughes assumed the Chair at 6:51pm
g) Council authorize Staff to investigate and recommend a process to engage the Woodland Drive residents in a workshop to discuss the options available to the Woodland Drive residents & Council with respect to the provisions of water and sewer services for Woodland Drive.
Mayor Cook reassumed the Chair at 7:06pm
7) Council received a letter from UBCM regarding final grant payment in the amount of $5,123.78 for completion of the White Road fuel treatment project. A letter of thanks will be forwarded to UBCM
8) Council gave permission for the local Health & Stroke Foundation for BC/Yukon Coordinator to place balloons and decorations along the route, as proposed. Council & City Staff will be encouraged to enter a Big Bike team and raise funds for vital heart and stroke research.
9) Council received the Jan 25th meeting minutes of the Central Cariboo/City of WL Joint Committee
10) Council declared 2 Proclamations, as follows:
a) Community Social Services Awareness Month – March 2012
b) Kidney Health Month – March 2012
11) Late Item – Council agreed to provide a letter of support to the Williams Lake Indian Band in their application to the Federal Department of Aboriginal Affairs “Community Economic Development Program” for their Coyote Rock development (infrastructure upgrades)
12) Council received the “Council Information Package” as of Feb 21st, as follows:
• January 2012 - Barkerville Historic Town 2012 Schedule of Events & Board of Directors - read here
• January 2012 - Order of BC Call for Nominations 2012 - read here
• January 2012 - Pitch-In BC re Operation Clean Sweep & Pitch-In Week 2012 - read here
• February 2012 - Canadian Cancer Society re Relay for Life 2012 - read here
• February 2012 - NDIT News Release re Expansion of Programs & Funding to Support Burns Lake Recovery - read here
• February 3, 2012 - TRU Williams Lake re TRU GRIT Fundraising Gala on March 31, 2012 - read here
• February 10, 2012 - 2015 Canada Winter Games Media Release re 3-Year Out Milestone - read here
Meeting adjourned at 7:13pm
Reaction to 2012 BC Budget...
Well, it didn't take long for the reaction to the 2012 BC Budget to come out:
NDP -- Thanks to Kevin Falcon to not announcing the Budget at CKNW
BC Conservative Party -- Falcon/Clark deliver "NDP Budget" - read full press release here
Canadian Taxpayers Federation -- 'Two steps forward, one back" - read more here
BC Teachers' Federation - Education budget cut by $100 million, after factoring in inflation
Be sure for more reaction in the days ahead....
Update:
Donna Barnett on 2012 BC Budget: (Courtesy of the Rush/Wolf)
“I think a good thing about the budget is we know the times we are in, we when we look at Greece, the European Union countries, the United States, Ontario even, and we’re very fortunate we’re in as good a financial condition as we are for a province.”
Barnett says she isn't upset MSP premiums will go up another 4% saying we get good value for our money on that front.
She says she's also pleased the government will freeze and conduct a review of the carbon tax this summer.
More reaction, via Vancouver Sun, here
Bob Simpson on 2012 BC Budget (Courtesy of the Rush/Wolf):
It's a sign of the times but the devil's in the details.
That was Bob Simpson, Cariboo-North Independent MLA's reaction to today's budget: “some of the critics are saying it is probably the most deeply restrained budget since the 1980’s so we’re seeing quite a hit to the public sector and we’re also seeing some passing on of some costs with increases to the MSP.”
Simpson says the main thrust of the spring session will be to get past the political speeches and to dig down into the details.
He says he'll be paying particular attention to the natural resource ministries and to make sure senior's issues are addressed.
NDP -- Thanks to Kevin Falcon to not announcing the Budget at CKNW
BC Conservative Party -- Falcon/Clark deliver "NDP Budget" - read full press release here
Canadian Taxpayers Federation -- 'Two steps forward, one back" - read more here
BC Teachers' Federation - Education budget cut by $100 million, after factoring in inflation
Be sure for more reaction in the days ahead....
Update:
Donna Barnett on 2012 BC Budget: (Courtesy of the Rush/Wolf)
“I think a good thing about the budget is we know the times we are in, we when we look at Greece, the European Union countries, the United States, Ontario even, and we’re very fortunate we’re in as good a financial condition as we are for a province.”
Barnett says she isn't upset MSP premiums will go up another 4% saying we get good value for our money on that front.
She says she's also pleased the government will freeze and conduct a review of the carbon tax this summer.
More reaction, via Vancouver Sun, here
Bob Simpson on 2012 BC Budget (Courtesy of the Rush/Wolf):
It's a sign of the times but the devil's in the details.
That was Bob Simpson, Cariboo-North Independent MLA's reaction to today's budget: “some of the critics are saying it is probably the most deeply restrained budget since the 1980’s so we’re seeing quite a hit to the public sector and we’re also seeing some passing on of some costs with increases to the MSP.”
Simpson says the main thrust of the spring session will be to get past the political speeches and to dig down into the details.
He says he'll be paying particular attention to the natural resource ministries and to make sure senior's issues are addressed.
Province acts to modernize B.C. liquor distribution system
Courtesy of the Government of BC:
Today the Province announced it intends to approach the private sector to see how liquor distribution in B.C. can be delivered in a modernized and cost-effective manner.
The Province will conduct a Request for Proposals to transfer the government-owned and operated liquor distribution branch warehouses in Vancouver and Kamloops to the private sector by 2015.
By privatizing the warehouses, the Province will realize a long-term capital gain, and create an opportunity for the private sector to find more efficient ways to distribute liquor in B.C.
Currently, liquor is distributed throughout the province by both public and private services. The two government-owned warehouses distribute approximately 55 per cent of the liquor that is sold in British Columbia.
The Liquor Distribution Branch is responsible for the implementation, distribution, wholesaling and retailing of alcohol in B.C., and operates 197 government liquor stores and two warehouses. The government-operated liquor stores will not be affected by this Request for Proposals.
The two warehouses employ about 400 BCGEU staff between them.
Today the Province announced it intends to approach the private sector to see how liquor distribution in B.C. can be delivered in a modernized and cost-effective manner.
The Province will conduct a Request for Proposals to transfer the government-owned and operated liquor distribution branch warehouses in Vancouver and Kamloops to the private sector by 2015.
By privatizing the warehouses, the Province will realize a long-term capital gain, and create an opportunity for the private sector to find more efficient ways to distribute liquor in B.C.
Currently, liquor is distributed throughout the province by both public and private services. The two government-owned warehouses distribute approximately 55 per cent of the liquor that is sold in British Columbia.
The Liquor Distribution Branch is responsible for the implementation, distribution, wholesaling and retailing of alcohol in B.C., and operates 197 government liquor stores and two warehouses. The government-operated liquor stores will not be affected by this Request for Proposals.
The two warehouses employ about 400 BCGEU staff between them.
Bob Simpson: Election in 2012 "Quite Likely"
Earlier today - Ind. MLA for Cariboo-North, Bob Simpson, commented on the likelihood of a provincial election in BC this year - read more on Opinion250.com here
For the record -- I agree with the analysis by Bob Simpson
Meanwhile - venerable provincial blogger Alex G. Tsakumis looks at the situation in Port Moody and the reason why Joe Trasolini, a previous support of BC Liberals, decided to join the NDP in the upcoming by-election. Read his blog posts here/here
For the record -- I agree with the analysis by Bob Simpson
Meanwhile - venerable provincial blogger Alex G. Tsakumis looks at the situation in Port Moody and the reason why Joe Trasolini, a previous support of BC Liberals, decided to join the NDP in the upcoming by-election. Read his blog posts here/here
BC Budget 2012...
Earlier this afternoon - BC's Deputy Premier/Minister of Finance Kevin Falcon rose in the BC Legislature to formally present the 2012 Budget for the Province of British Columbia
Full BC Budget 2012 Documents here
You can read the full speech from Minister Falcon here
See the Powerpoint presentation that Minister Falcon gave in the Budget Lockup here
See YouTube video of Kevin Falcon below:
Now - Alan Forseth (Reg Director for BC Conservatives' - Kamloops Region) was a little confused about deficits/debt so allow me to explain:
Deficit - When Expenses is more than Revenue
Debt - Money borrowed for a project(s) that is paid back over time
Highlights:
* $2.5 billion deficit in 2011-12, with $968 million in the 2012-13 Budget Year and a surplus of $154 million in the 2013-14 Budget Year
* New $10,000 Bonus for First Time Home Owners (Feb 21st, 2012 - March 31st, 2013)
* Home Renovation Tax Credit for seniors' to stay in their homes longer
* By 2014-15 Budget Year - Health Care spending to hit $17.3 billion
* School districts will receive $4.7 billion a year in funding for the next three years. Victoria will also invest an additional $165 million over three years to establish a fund to deal directly with issues of class composition
* Victoria to provide $294 million over three years — partly to address a growing demand for disability benefits, and also to respond to the relatively high numbers of single, employable people now receiving assistance. We are also improving funding by $144 million to strengthen supports for individuals with developmental disabilities, including funding for Community Living BC
* Selling of lands surplus to needs of BC Government
I know the BC Conservatives/BC NDP will "poo-paw" the budget. For the NDP - they would spend right to the hilt and for the BC Conservatives - they want to take health care delivery and other measures to a place yet to be accepted by the vast majority of average British Columbians...
Alan Forseth (BC Conservatives Kamloops-area Regional Director) gives his take on this afternoon's BC Budget - read here
But in my opinion - a very realistic and fair budget for the times we live in right now. A great job by Minister Kevin Falcon and his BC Liberal colleagues...
SBF
Full BC Budget 2012 Documents here
You can read the full speech from Minister Falcon here
See the Powerpoint presentation that Minister Falcon gave in the Budget Lockup here
See YouTube video of Kevin Falcon below:
Now - Alan Forseth (Reg Director for BC Conservatives' - Kamloops Region) was a little confused about deficits/debt so allow me to explain:
Deficit - When Expenses is more than Revenue
Debt - Money borrowed for a project(s) that is paid back over time
Highlights:
* $2.5 billion deficit in 2011-12, with $968 million in the 2012-13 Budget Year and a surplus of $154 million in the 2013-14 Budget Year
* New $10,000 Bonus for First Time Home Owners (Feb 21st, 2012 - March 31st, 2013)
* Home Renovation Tax Credit for seniors' to stay in their homes longer
* By 2014-15 Budget Year - Health Care spending to hit $17.3 billion
* School districts will receive $4.7 billion a year in funding for the next three years. Victoria will also invest an additional $165 million over three years to establish a fund to deal directly with issues of class composition
* Victoria to provide $294 million over three years — partly to address a growing demand for disability benefits, and also to respond to the relatively high numbers of single, employable people now receiving assistance. We are also improving funding by $144 million to strengthen supports for individuals with developmental disabilities, including funding for Community Living BC
* Selling of lands surplus to needs of BC Government
I know the BC Conservatives/BC NDP will "poo-paw" the budget. For the NDP - they would spend right to the hilt and for the BC Conservatives - they want to take health care delivery and other measures to a place yet to be accepted by the vast majority of average British Columbians...
Alan Forseth (BC Conservatives Kamloops-area Regional Director) gives his take on this afternoon's BC Budget - read here
But in my opinion - a very realistic and fair budget for the times we live in right now. A great job by Minister Kevin Falcon and his BC Liberal colleagues...
SBF
Budget Meeting #2 - City of Quesnel
Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:
Budget 2012 discussion continues
Quesnel City Council met for the second time on the 2012 budget to:
-Receive an operating budget update.
-Review the supplemental (new spending) project list.
-Review the 2012 capital project lists in detail.
Dollar figures or percentages referred to in Budget 2012 news are subject to change and should not be considered final until the budget process is complete.
Operating budget update
Council received an update regarding the 2012 operating budget.
During the last budget meeting, Council resolved to use new construction in the major industry class to reduce taxation to the major industry class only, in keeping with a policy adopted by Council as part of last year's Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw. A recent correction to the January roll received from the BC Assessment Authority, however, reduced the amount of new construction in the class to less than $500,000 (estimate) versus the $2.3 million on the January roll. As a result, the tax benefit of the new construction to the major industry class has been reduced to less than $12,000 (as opposed to $70,000).
Supplemental items approved
Subject to final budget ratification, Council approved a list of new spending items, often referred to as "supplementals." The following "ongoing" items were approved:
-Firefighter Position $50,000 (2012) $100,000
(This position was eliminated in 2011 on a trail basis)
-Security Software Monitoring $6,000
-Legal Fees $35,000
-Data Management System $6,100
-IT Contractor Support $10,000
-Carbon offsets $35,000
Total (2012 Budget, $50,000 used for firefighter) $142,100
The following "one-time" supplemental items were also added:
-RCMP Support $20,000
-Planning work for water/sewer $11,700
-Fireman's Spousal Support $1,250
-Volunteer Wage Replacement $2,500
-Staff training $15,000
-Confined Space/High Angle $2,600
-Council Training $7,500
-Administration Contingency $4,500
-Water fountain at skateboard park $7,500
Total $72,550
Approved 2012 supplemental items $214,650
Capital budget reviewed
The proposed 2012 Capital Budget is approximately $9.48 million. The largest project is the first phase of the West Quesnel Land Stability Program dewatering project at $4.51 million (two-thirds covered by grants). This budget includes: the General Capital budget; all items carried over from 2011 that were not completed; utility (water and sewer) projects; and projects funded through reserves (such as any Quesnel Works: Capital Reinvestment Program projects) and/or grants.
Currently, $860,000 per year is budgeted for General Capital projects. Staff prepared a list of projects and Council will determine which ones proceed. At this point, the list contains projects valued at about $1.1 million.
Department managers provided descriptions of each capital budget project for Council to consider. The projects deal with a wide range of City services, from improving City buildings such as the RCMP detachment, airport and City Hall, to computer software, trail and park improvements.
Staff rank each project to help Council evaluate them. Now Council will go through the projects and rank them from top to bottom. Those ranking are then averaged out and a revised budget list is created showing how many projects can be done within the existing budget.
Council will spend this week reviewing the projects and submitting their rankings to staff. Then, at the March 5 meeting, Council will discuss and vote on the capital budget items.
Next Budget meetings (meetings held in Quesnel Council Chambers)
February 27 at 7 p.m. - Public input session
March 5 at 7 p.m.- Capital Budget voting (after Council's delegation session)
Budget 2012 discussion continues
Quesnel City Council met for the second time on the 2012 budget to:
-Receive an operating budget update.
-Review the supplemental (new spending) project list.
-Review the 2012 capital project lists in detail.
Dollar figures or percentages referred to in Budget 2012 news are subject to change and should not be considered final until the budget process is complete.
Operating budget update
Council received an update regarding the 2012 operating budget.
During the last budget meeting, Council resolved to use new construction in the major industry class to reduce taxation to the major industry class only, in keeping with a policy adopted by Council as part of last year's Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw. A recent correction to the January roll received from the BC Assessment Authority, however, reduced the amount of new construction in the class to less than $500,000 (estimate) versus the $2.3 million on the January roll. As a result, the tax benefit of the new construction to the major industry class has been reduced to less than $12,000 (as opposed to $70,000).
Supplemental items approved
Subject to final budget ratification, Council approved a list of new spending items, often referred to as "supplementals." The following "ongoing" items were approved:
-Firefighter Position $50,000 (2012) $100,000
(This position was eliminated in 2011 on a trail basis)
-Security Software Monitoring $6,000
-Legal Fees $35,000
-Data Management System $6,100
-IT Contractor Support $10,000
-Carbon offsets $35,000
Total (2012 Budget, $50,000 used for firefighter) $142,100
The following "one-time" supplemental items were also added:
-RCMP Support $20,000
-Planning work for water/sewer $11,700
-Fireman's Spousal Support $1,250
-Volunteer Wage Replacement $2,500
-Staff training $15,000
-Confined Space/High Angle $2,600
-Council Training $7,500
-Administration Contingency $4,500
-Water fountain at skateboard park $7,500
Total $72,550
Approved 2012 supplemental items $214,650
Capital budget reviewed
The proposed 2012 Capital Budget is approximately $9.48 million. The largest project is the first phase of the West Quesnel Land Stability Program dewatering project at $4.51 million (two-thirds covered by grants). This budget includes: the General Capital budget; all items carried over from 2011 that were not completed; utility (water and sewer) projects; and projects funded through reserves (such as any Quesnel Works: Capital Reinvestment Program projects) and/or grants.
Currently, $860,000 per year is budgeted for General Capital projects. Staff prepared a list of projects and Council will determine which ones proceed. At this point, the list contains projects valued at about $1.1 million.
Department managers provided descriptions of each capital budget project for Council to consider. The projects deal with a wide range of City services, from improving City buildings such as the RCMP detachment, airport and City Hall, to computer software, trail and park improvements.
Staff rank each project to help Council evaluate them. Now Council will go through the projects and rank them from top to bottom. Those ranking are then averaged out and a revised budget list is created showing how many projects can be done within the existing budget.
Council will spend this week reviewing the projects and submitting their rankings to staff. Then, at the March 5 meeting, Council will discuss and vote on the capital budget items.
Next Budget meetings (meetings held in Quesnel Council Chambers)
February 27 at 7 p.m. - Public input session
March 5 at 7 p.m.- Capital Budget voting (after Council's delegation session)
Monday, February 20, 2012
Global BC interviews BC Conservative Party Leader John Cummins
Earlier tonight - Global BC reporter Jas Johal inteviewed BC Conservative Party Leader John Cummins. See the 5 min interview below:
Also - Global BC has uploaded the entire 27 minute interview (raw/no editing) which you can view below:
Mr. Cummins, in the full 27 minute interview, talks about:
a) Policy differences between BC Liberals & BC Conservatives'
b) Containment of Health Care Costs & Sustainability of the BC Health Care System
f) Metro Vancouver Transit
g) Financial/Organizational support for BC Conservatives' - "6 Digit Figure" in the bank but not "seven digit figure"
h) By-elections in Port Moody/Chilliwack
Steve's take:
On Native issues - I fundamentally disagree with the BC Conservatives. In fact, in Tuesday's Globe and Mail, Tom Flanagan (former adviser to Prime Minister Stephen Harper until 2004 ) says on First Nations and the 1997 Delgamuukw case...
Consultation, accommodation, compensation? Yes. Veto? No
The current direction of the BC Liberals' on First Nations is the one I support -- with consultation, accommodation and compensation (where necessary), that will ensure all sides (Non-First Nations & First Nations) all succeed in BC's economy and the global economy
Read Mr. Flanagan's well written column here
On the future of BC's Health Care System -- I get the sense that the BC Conservatives want to do things, which until now, have always been "non-starters" and they aren't afraid to pick fights with BC's Health Care Unions... but that doesn't mean we should always be vigilent to ensure that the needs of our health-care system, both today and well in the future
On the size of government - I do agree "in principle" with Mr. Cummins... we must make sure that the size of the provincial government is consistent with the requirements of the public..
On organizational support for the BC Conservatives -- I get the sense in both Cariboo-North/Cariboo-Chilcotin that the necessary "soldiers" are not there to compete against the local MLA's, the local NDP candidates... and with a year and a bit to go... will the BC Conservatives get the millions they'll need to run a full 85 member campaign in 2013 especially with only $100,000 or so in the bank - time will tell, but I somehow doubt it
To conclude -- The BC Conservatives will, at the end of the day, hand government to the BC NDP.... (unless those people who defected to the BC Conservatives' come "home") as BC's Political History so aptly demonstrates in the provincial elections in 1972, 1991, and 1996
SBF
Also - Global BC has uploaded the entire 27 minute interview (raw/no editing) which you can view below:
Mr. Cummins, in the full 27 minute interview, talks about:
a) Policy differences between BC Liberals & BC Conservatives'
b) Containment of Health Care Costs & Sustainability of the BC Health Care System
c) Teachers' Walkout - Compromise necessary...
d) Native Issues vis-a-vis Prosperity Mine (Taseko Mines)/Northern Gateway (Embridge)
e) Smaller/Efficient Governmentf) Metro Vancouver Transit
g) Financial/Organizational support for BC Conservatives' - "6 Digit Figure" in the bank but not "seven digit figure"
h) By-elections in Port Moody/Chilliwack
Steve's take:
On Native issues - I fundamentally disagree with the BC Conservatives. In fact, in Tuesday's Globe and Mail, Tom Flanagan (former adviser to Prime Minister Stephen Harper until 2004 ) says on First Nations and the 1997 Delgamuukw case...
Consultation, accommodation, compensation? Yes. Veto? No
The current direction of the BC Liberals' on First Nations is the one I support -- with consultation, accommodation and compensation (where necessary), that will ensure all sides (Non-First Nations & First Nations) all succeed in BC's economy and the global economy
Read Mr. Flanagan's well written column here
On the future of BC's Health Care System -- I get the sense that the BC Conservatives want to do things, which until now, have always been "non-starters" and they aren't afraid to pick fights with BC's Health Care Unions... but that doesn't mean we should always be vigilent to ensure that the needs of our health-care system, both today and well in the future
On the size of government - I do agree "in principle" with Mr. Cummins... we must make sure that the size of the provincial government is consistent with the requirements of the public..
On organizational support for the BC Conservatives -- I get the sense in both Cariboo-North/Cariboo-Chilcotin that the necessary "soldiers" are not there to compete against the local MLA's, the local NDP candidates... and with a year and a bit to go... will the BC Conservatives get the millions they'll need to run a full 85 member campaign in 2013 especially with only $100,000 or so in the bank - time will tell, but I somehow doubt it
To conclude -- The BC Conservatives will, at the end of the day, hand government to the BC NDP.... (unless those people who defected to the BC Conservatives' come "home") as BC's Political History so aptly demonstrates in the provincial elections in 1972, 1991, and 1996
SBF
Skating Pond for kids in 103 Mile House area...
CBC's Daybreak South did a story on 103 Mile resident Wayne Machin in his efforts to maintain a skating pond for kids in the 103 Mile area so they can continue to practice the Canadian tradition of winter of playing hockey on a frozen pond
Listen to the interview here
Listen to the interview here
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