AHN MAY 18, 2023

Local Pastor’s mission to Ukraine

The local associate pastor, alongside Tony and Sara Warriner of the Evangel Church in Fort St John began their two-week mission in Ukraine May 2.

Evangel church in Fort St John is making a difference and has been partnering with a church in Ukraine since 2020. The relationship between churches had been nurtured through weekly connections made between Pastor Vadim Yurchenko from Fort St John, and lead Pastor Oleg from Ukraine.

However, since the beginning of the war that connection has shifted.

“I am Ukrainian, I grew up in Ukraine and moved to Canada in 2009 to go to bible school in Edmonton, says Yurchenko. “I moved to Fort St John after and I was working in construction and the oil field, but I felt a calling to be a pastor.”

Four years ago, Yurchenko was hired as a full-time pastor at Evangel Church and since then, Yurchenko’s been focused on full time ministry here in Fort St John.

“Along the way we’re going to a few towns, stop and meet with church leaders. We’re going to help with whatever we

can, visit hospitals, seeing the wounded soldiers,” says Yurchenko. “This is why we’re going; we want to pour into the people who are serving others there, which is mostly pastors now. Specifically, we want to spread the message of church renewal.”

Over $20,000 has been donated to the needs of the church in Ukraine. The money is going towards things such as helping with generators, as well as fuel which is fundamental in evacuating communities.

Pastor Oleg is an official chaplain with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and he is the lead pastor for his church. He’s a volunteer and has done

tons of work since the start of the war in Ukraine. Oleg and his team have been setting up multiple distribution points in and around the city, where people could drop off and receive humanitarian aid.

“Since the beginning of the war, we have travelled over 70,000 km!” Oleg says. Alongside his team, they have made 30 trips with 3 minivans to deliver humanitarian aid. Quite often they visit soldiers on the front lines, “We bring them medical supplies, and we make sure to cook them homemade meals every time we visit them.”

Yurchenko’s sister fled Ukraine and is currently residing in Fort St John, in

the care of her older brother and has been for the last year. She arrived from overseas on Canada Day 2022, after staying in Germany for 4 months while they waited for visas.

“Our church sponsored her, they basically paid for her ticket to come here and to get out of Ukraine. We are super thankful for that, and this community is insanely generous and supportive,” says Yurchenko.

Yurchenko will be returning from his mission on May 16, 2023, while the Warriners are set to come home on May 18.

tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

Lead Pastor Oleg and Pastor Vadim share a smile, while enduring the church’s mission of renewal in Ukraine. . BUCK

TW Buck Reporter/ Photographer

Vadim Yurchenko is on a pilgrimage.

Classroom champs make impact in the Peace

This week students from Hudson’s Hope will meet Team Canada’s bobsleigh pilot Orion Edwards.

A celebration is being held at Hudson’s Hope Elementary to honour students who participated in the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program, as well as Ms. Suzan Bach who has participated in Classroom Champions since 2018. The celebration will be held at the Hudson Hope Elementary this week.

Team Canada’s bobsleigh pilot and Olympic hopeful, Orion Edwards is a Classroom Champions athlete mentor and will be attending the event.

Over the course of a year-long curriculum, students are taught critical skills such as goal setting, teamwork, and leadership, as well as perseverance. To improve student en-

gagement in the class and to inspire a positive educational environment, Classroom Champions brings together world class athletes with students.

“What I couldn’t have expected about my time working with Classroom Champions is how much I have been inspired by the curiosity, kindness, and resilience from these students. They have shown great growth, and desire to learn about what it means to train on the world-stage. I cannot wait to meet them in person, and make a lasting impression as I instill confidence that they can chase their dreams whatever ‘tunnel’ they choose to pass through in life!” said Edwards in an email. tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

RCMP’s Musical Ride coming to Dawson Creek

A Canadian icon is making a 2023 stop in Mile Zero.

The RCMP’s Musical Ride is coming to DC for June 9. The troop of up to 32 riders, who are all police officers, and their horses perform intricate formations and drills set to music, lasting about 30 minutes. These movements demand the utmost control, timing, and coordination.

The event goes at 12:45pm in the DC Exhibition Rodeo Infield.

2023 marks the RCMP’s 150th anniversary tour with stops tentatively scheduled for British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

editor@dcdn.ca

NoticeofPublicHearing

Zoning AmendmentBylawNO.2505,2023

When: May23,2023|6PM

Where: BuickCreek CommunityHall

15288BeattonRiver Rd,Buick,B.C

ForMore Information:

Contact:

Development Services

250-784-3200

TollFree: 1-800-670-7773

Email: planning@prrd.bc.ca

Viewapplicationsat: www.prrd.bc.ca

BeattonRiverArea

DISTRICTLOT2485PEACERIVERDISTRICT

ThePeaceRiverRegionalDistrictishostingameetingtodiscuss theproposedZoningAmendment.

Proposal:Toallowa144personclosedworkcampandcardlock fuelsalesona±2.43haportionofthesubjectproperty

PRRD deals with significant wildfires

The PRRD has declared a State of Local Emergency for Electoral Area B, which provides it with additional powers to respond to the wildfire situation.

The Peace River Regional District is dealing with significant uncontrolled local wildfires with spread of the Red Creek and Boundary Lake fires.

“The aggressive spread of (the wildfires) are creating significant safety risks for our region, and our focus is on keeping our community members safe and supported,” said Leonard Hiebert PRRD chair.

Recommended reads for you:

Boundary Lake evacuation order area reduced Boundary Lake Evacuation Order downgraded “It’s important for all residents under evacuation order to leave immediately if they have not already done so, and we have Emergency Social Services teams ready to assist you. We will also be providing residents under evacuation alerts and in surrounding areas with updates and ask that they take steps now so they are prepared to leave on short notice if necessary.”

Estimates Saturday evening bring the Boundary Lake wildfire was estimated at approximately 1,900 hectares and has been growing due to strong winds.

The Red Creek wildfire was last estimated at 1,550 hectares and growing. Portions of Red Creek Road, Cecil Lake Road, Clayhurst Road and Lower Cache Road are closed due to the fires.

“Evacuation orders and alerts have been issued for numerous properties in the Red Creek and Boundary Lake areas. Strong winds are expected to contribute to continued growth of the wildfires over the next 24-48 hours,” note officials this evening.

Current Evacuation Orders and Alerts for the Boundary Lake and Red Creek areas with lists of affected properties and instructions for residents are below:

https://prrd.bc.ca/ boundary-lake-evacuation-order-2

https://prrd.bc.ca/ boundary-lake-evacuation-alert-2/

https://prrd.bc.ca/ red-creek-evacuation-order-1/

https://prrd.bc.ca/red-creekwildfire-evacuation-alert-1/

Residents impacted by evacuation orders or alerts can contact the PRRD at 1-800-670-7773 for planning and assistance with any transportation, mobility, health, livestock safety or other needs. Evacuees are urged to report to the Emergency Support Services reception centre at North Peace Arena in Fort St. John.

Residents can also receive direct notifications about emergency situations through the North East BC Emergency & Public Alerts. To sign up visit prrd.bc.ca and click on Emergency & Public Alerts.

editor@dcdn.ca

LAKESHORE 4-H CommunityClub

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RCMP charge man with sex assault and child pornography

A northern Alberta man is accused of committing sexual assault and more against a young child or children – and RCMP would like the community’s help in identifying the victim.

High Level RCMP say Tobias (Toby) Hooka-Nooza was arrested on April 21 on the Bushe River Reservation near High Level, AB,

The man is accused of sexual assault and child pornography offences after officers discovered sexually explicit materials on his phone.

Some of the photos capture an alleged sexual assault of a toddleraged child, or younger – but investigators and RCMP have been unsuccessful in locating the victim.

“The photos would suggest the victim needs medical attention or

PeaceRegionAgriculturalTour

everymeetingwasthatthe governmentisfailingtolisten toCanadianfarmers,especially hereinthePeaceRiverregion.

“It’simportantthatwetalk toproducersontheground andthosethataredealing withtheissueseverysingle dayandhearaboutthethings thatareimpactingthemand findsolutionstoaddressthe concerns,”BarlowsaidonFriday.

sustainablepolicies.

“Iwanttothankourfarmers forwhattheydoforallofus andtomyfriendandcolleague JohnBarlowformakingtheB.C. Peaceapriority.Iamimmensely proudofhowourPeaceRiver

intervention,” says officials

RCMP add that preliminary forensic analysis on his seized electronic devices suggests Hooka-Nooza has been in contact with numerous people under the age of 18 that may have either exploited themselves sexually, or harmed themselves.

“Anyone with information about this case, or believes their child was in the presence of Hooka-Nooza, is urged to contact High Level RCMP at 780-926-2226.”

“The case was first reported to ICE on April 19, 2023 by the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre (NCECC). The suspect was allegedly uploading child exploitation materials through the social media application Discord.” editor@dcdn.ca

farmersandagriculturall eaders haveperseveredthrough thesechallengingtimeswhile beinggoodstewardsofthe landbutourfarmersneedthis governmenttolisten.”

OnMay5,localMPBob

ZimmerandShadowMinister forNorthernAffairs,Arctic SovereigntyandNorthern EconomicDevelopmentand fellowMPJohnBarlow(Foothills, Alberta),ShadowMinisterfor Agriculture,Agri-FoodandFood Security,travelledaroundthe B.C.Peacetomeetwithlocal farmersandgrainproducersto hearaboutthemanychallenges theyarefacing. Theystartedthedayatthe DawsonCreekAuctionMart

wheretheymetwithConnie Pattersonandcattleproducer s fromtheB.C.Breedersand FeedersAssociation.

Fromthere,theymetwith PeaceRegionForageSeed Association,whichoperates aLivingLabprojectthat isfocusedonproducing carboncapturetechnology, mitigatinggreenhousegases, andenhancingagroecosystem services.

ThetwoMPsthenspentthe afternoonintheNorthPeace wheretheymetwiththe HannahWillmsoftheB.C.Grain ProducersandtheNorthPine FarmersInstitutetohearfrom severallocalfarmerstoheart he strugglestheyarefacingintheir agriculturaloperations.

Onethingthatwasevidentin

“Farmersareacriticalpartofo ur economy,andwewanttomake surethatCanadiansunderstand thatagricultureispartofthe solutionandnotpartofthe problem,”saidBarlow.

“In2030whentheLiberals willtripletheircarbontax,it willcostanaverage5,000acre farminCanada$150,000ayear incarbontaxesalone.That putstheeconomicviability, thesustainabilityofCanadian agricultureatrisk.”

BarlowandZimmeragree thatinthenearfuture,federal agriculturalpolicymustbe environmentallysustainable, sociallysustainable,and,most importantly,economically sustainable.

“Despitethefactourlocal farmersarefacingenormous financialpressures,thePrime Ministerisnotonlyignoring theirconcerns,heisactively implementingpolicies,suchas limitingfertilizeruse,whichis makingaverytoughsituation evenworse.Skyrocketing grocerypricesandfarmcosts havebeenfeltbyconsumers andfarmersalike,”saidZimmer.

“Manypeaceregionfarm ersand consumersareatthebreaking point.”

ZimmerandBarlowrecognize thehardworkthatgoesinto producingfoodforCanadians andsaytheywillimplement policiesthatensurefarmersare supportedintheirworkwhile promotingenvironmentally

ByBobZimmerMPof PrinceGeorge—PeaceRiver— NorthernRockies; ShadowMinisterforNorthern Affairs,ArcticSovereigntyand NorthernEconomicDevelopment

RoundtablewithNorthPeacelocalfarmers

ZimmerandBarlowatDawsonCreekAuctionMart

Star of La Bamba, Young Guns, Renegades, Longmire, Hollywood Homicide, Prodigal Son and more points out a familiar face at Northern FanCon Saturday afternoon in Prince George. Phillips talked about his time as an actor, working a scene with legend Harrison Ford while Phillips was in drag, and writing his first novel.

Also on-hand for the weekend include The Mandalorian’s The Armoror character, played by Emily Swallow (right), MMA star Forrest Griffin, and more.

Share the spark –women’s conference celebrates a decade

Spark Women’s Leadership Conference is the hometown local brainchild of a local group of business owners, executives, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and more frustrated at having to travel out of the region for professional development.

“We’ve got just one week left for tickets,” says Jennifer Moore with the event. The registration deadline is 11:59pm next Friday.

Almost a decade ago the decision to host a Leadership Conference in Fort St John was simple: minimal travel, affordable expenses, and less time away from the workplace and home commitments.

Spark 2023 goes May 17 and 18 at the Pomeroy Hotel, with.a rockstar lineup of speakers including Drew Dudley, Michelle Cederberg, Merge Gupta-Sunderji, and Sarah McVanel. This year’s theme is Rockstar Move – Step Into Your Greatness and will encourage attendees to tap into their inner rockstar by giving them the professional tools they need to seize opportunities for advancement and promotion, to reach their full potential!

The Spark Women’s Leadership Conference provides a unique, local opportunity for learning, and creates the blueprint for increased success in the region. This professional development opportunity enhances the career path of attendees and provides opportunities for advancement in their lives.

For more details, visit www.sharingthespark.com

editor@dcdn.ca

ANNUALGENERALMEETING 2023

ThisisyourCo-op.EveryFortSt.JohnCo-opmemberisanowner, andasanowner,youcanandshouldhaveasayinyourbusiness.

Advanceregistrationisrequiredandcloses May16,2023

InformationavailableattheCo-opAdminOfficeattheAirportRoadlocation andat: www.fortstjohnco-op.crs

SeatingLimited,pleaseregisterearly

FORTST.JOHNCO-OP ANNUALGENERALMEETING

Wednesday,May24,2023

5:00p.m. DoorsOpen 6:00p.m. Dinner 7:00p.m. CalltoOrder

MEMBERSWILLVOTEON:

3Directorpositions upforelection

-3three-yearterms

-DirectorCandidatebio'savailable onourwebsite

-Votewillcommenceduring meeting

• MultipleBylawAmendments moreinformationonwhichbylaw's aresubjecttochange,pleasereview ourwebsitepriortoevent

Thosewhosubmittedmembership applicationspriorto May1,2023,will beeligibletovote.

Pleasesendanyquestionsinadvance to agm@fsjcoop.com nolaterthan May20,2022

www.fortstjohnco-op.crs

FortSt.John

McHappy Day a Fort St John hit for community youth, families

TW BUCK

Reporter/Photographer

Fort St John’s McDonalds raised monies with other locations across the Peace region and Canada to raise money with McHappy day, May 10.

McHappy Day was started in Canada in 1977, and 2023 was the 29th time this event has made a difference for families throughout the nation.

50 percent of what is raised is donated to support the children’s development center here in Fort St John, and the other 50 percent goes into the Ronald Mcdonald’s Childrens House B.C and Yukon.

The RMHBC & Yukon has supported up to 2000 families from more than 200 communities in the average year. 24 percent of the families helped were from Northern BC which included 37 from Fort St John and area. Another 12 families were helped from Dawson Creek and area.

The RMHBC was constructed in 1983 in BC and has grown to 73 bedrooms from its original 13. The House provides support for families and sick kids who must travel long distances, in order to receive specialized care that can’t be provided elsewhere.

In 2022 there were 163 families throughout Northern BC, that were able to utilize and stay at the RMH BC & Yukon.

McDonalds has been able to fund nearly 25-30% of the house’s budget, utilizing cookie sales, coin boxes, McHappy Day, more.

Last year alone, Fort St John was able to raise over $9,000 and of that, over $4,500 went to the CDC’s Kids Connect program.

On your right - TW Buck with the Alaska Highway News and MNPs Tara Waddy work the drive thru Wednesday.

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Entrepreneur Kachmarski creates crown fit for a King

Local youth entrepreneur Nathan Kachmarski, has created a stunning and realistic replica of St. Edward’s Crown, the Coronation Crown used as new monarchs are proclaimed in the British Commonwealth.

Kachmarski, also went one step further and created the Coronation Spoon, used when the Archbishop of Canterbury anoints the new monarch with oil.

St. Edward’s Crown is often known as the centerpiece of the crown jewels – and for good reason. It is used to mark the moment where the monarch is officially crowned as the next king/queen of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Commonwealth of Nations.

As such, the crown is worn only once by each new monarch, making its donning a rare sight to see. The Coronation Spoon is the oldest surviving object in the collection, created around the 12th century. It is used during the most sacred moment when the monarch is anointed by

the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Nathan has always been interested in crowns and 3D modeling, as his family and former teachers can attest. His ability to notice fine detail in objects and his 3D technical skills have come in very handy when recreating each gemstone, facet, and collet that adorns the crown.

The St. Edward’s Crown replica project spanned two years and countless hours of research, 3D renderings, a trial 3D-printed model, followed by the final 3D printing, laser cutting, gold leafing and meticulous enamel work, all to create the crown in time for the coronation.

During the construction phase, Karleen Jones at Carters Jewellers generously provided her valuable advice, and the results are truly amazing!

editor@dcdn.ca

Clearview School closed last week

With the Boundary Lake evacuation order still live, SD60 officials note Clearview School will be closed from May 8 to Friday, May 12, inclusive.

This tire killer is located at 108 Ave and 102 St, and is a deadly spectre to neigbourhood vehicle wheels in the North Peace.

If you have any potholes or tire-destroying displays like this - forward them to editor@ahnfsj.ca. BUCK

Boataccesschangesinpreparation forSiteCreservoirfilling

ToprepareforfillingtheSiteCreservoir,whichmaybeginasearlyasthis fall,therewillbechangesinaccesstothePeaceRiver.

TheHalfwayRiverboatlaunchisopenthissummer.TheLynxCreekand D.A.Thomasboatlaunchesarenowclosed.AsofSeptember,allexisting boatlauncheswillpermanentlyclose.

Newboatlaunchesareunderconstruction,buttheywillbeinaccessiblefor atleastoneyearafterfilling,asBCHydromonitorsforslopestability. Pleasecontinuetousecautionwhenonthewaterandstayawayfromthe SiteCdamconstructionarea.

Formoreinformation,visit SiteCProject.com/boating orcall 18772170777

Evan Saugstad: What’s next for B.C.

forestry?

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Canfor is closing its sawmill and pellet plant in Chetwynd and pulp mill in Taylor. The reasons given relate to the lack of fibre supply to keep all their facilities operational, and plans are to use the Chetwynd wood supply to help with the sustainability of its Fort St. John and Prince George facilities. Last week, I wrote about the rationales of why Canfor believes there won’t be enough fibre to meet its needs.

So, what’s next? Where do we go from here? Is this the end of forestry as we know it, or is this a chance for a new beginning? In August 2019, I wrote on some of the forest industry’s issues. Today, those issues and uncertainties have multiplied.

My crystal ball is a bit cloudy on what the next few years will bring as I do not write with any inside information or knowledge of private discussions between Canfor, government, or First Nations. I read the Blueberry River Implementation Agreement and make some educated guesses at what the outcomes may be. I can only guess at what effects seven more Treaty 8 signatory agreements will have, and if the other indigenous peoples living in Treaty 8 will also be accorded more of these same benefits.

I don’t know how much annual allowable cut government will take from current licensees, including B.C. Timber Sales, and give to each First Nation. I don’t know how much of that cut each nation will offer for sale to the local mills to keep them operational, or if they will build new facilities themselves.

I don’t know if Canfor will say it has seen enough, sell it all, or parts, and move more of their operations from B.C. to the USA, Alberta, and Europe, where they have more certainty. I don’t know how much of our public forest lands will be made off limits to industry, local people, and others by the creation of new parks, old growth management areas, and for the express purposes of meeting Treaty 8 commitments to its signatories.

All these issues currently remain a mystery. With this government, we will likely find out only as they make each of these new agreements public, and then trot them around to public meetings pretending they are consulting with the 90% of the rest of us who rely on and use these same lands. And only for us to then learn these agreements are final and what we tell government doesn’t matter and won’t change a thing.

Great process, isn’t it? Does it bother you that a few select individuals and government bureaucrats can chart the course the rest of us are expected to live by and follow? In the 1990s, we had a comprehensive land management planning process that involved local people in deciding what is best for all local peoples. That was called the Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) process, and coincidently, the brainchild of a previous NDP lead government.

For several years, I sat at the Dawson Creek LRMP table representing the forest industry. Most all stakeholders were involved, including trappers, guide outfitters, environmentalists, farmers and ranchers, all industries, local governments, and two Treaty 8 nations, the West Moberly and Halfway River. The others with traditional territory in the Dawson TSA declined to participate.

It took years to get through and eventually reach that agreement, but due to some of its “ambiguous” language, the province never declared it as a higher-level plan. Despite that, some good things occurred, as they did in the Fort St. John and Fort Nelson LRMPs. Many new parks were recommended to the government and

eventually proclaimed: Boudreau, Butler Ridge, Lemoray, Elephant Ridge, Wapiti, and Klin-se-za in Dawson, and the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area in Fort St. John and Fort Nelson. A follow-up process was proposed and begun for Fort St. John but has stalled as government moved the land planning processes behind closed doors with Treaty 8 member nations as the only participants.

Unfortunately, these new plans have little to no consideration or perspectives other than from those who are allowed to participate. With processes such as these, it’s easy to understand why Canfor is choosing to close some of its facilities. These new plans were not allowed to consider local economies, nor local peoples’ needs, wants, or desires. The results become predictable. How can they be expected to operate a facility that processes 850,000 cubic metres a year with a fibre supply of less than 500,000?

It’s not that I believe all things, and that everything should stay the same and not change. I’m not against change that gives better results or solves problems and addresses issues. I’m just against reactionary processes that hurry to get ill-thought-out agreements that, when complete, create more issues, problems, and discords than we already have.

Why can’t we go back to what once worked, that something called Land and Resource Mangment Plans? With a few tweaks, such as sitting the local First Nations as equals at the head of the table with government, we can do the same process over, make them listen to what everyone else has to say, including those indigenous peoples not presented by the current Treaty 8 bands and, from that, develop a local plan that fully addresses local needs. If it comes back to what’s proposed today, great — it then will have considered all needs with buy-in from all. But if it’s something different, also great, as that will also have the much-coveted buyin. Yes, it’s called work and, yes, it would take some time; but better to take the time to get it right than hurry through and suffer the consequences.

I’m glad I am retired. For these of you who have no affinity or like for the forest industry, just think… This also affects future natural gas, oil, coal, mining, guide outfitting, or any other public use of our public lands. And a note to the rest of B.C.: unless the government changes its mind or government is changed, the same process and outcomes are coming soon to public lands near you.

In August 2019 I wrote that though some of the names and rationales have changed, I still think our future hasn’t. However, with a couple government changes, we might still have the opportunity for some rosier outcomes.

LETTER: For what it’s worth, advice to the Graduating Class of 2023

Dear Class of 2023:

Had my priorities been in order when I graduated, my career compass would have been:

Love what you do.

Love the people you do it with.

Recommended reads for you:

Love what you leave behind.

We live in a complicated world, especially when it comes to work. There are usually established, but not hard and fast rules, prerequisites to meet, such as obtaining an education, to begin moving towards your career aspirations. However, even when the prerequisite is met, success is not guaranteed.

Do not expect your degree to be enough.

After graduating from college, I stumbled through my twenties, unsure of myself and my place in the world. At the time, I did not fully grasp who I was or how my Social Science diploma would contribute to my career. Ultimately, I had to figure out the world and the workplace on my own.

Undeniably, the past three years have been tough. The pandemic redesigned student experiences, and social media became more “social” than it was prepandemic. You are not the first graduating class to face

a world full of turmoil and uncertainty. Imagine graduating in 1942 and months later finding yourself fighting somewhere in Europe or graduating in 2008 amid what is known as The Great Recession.

You have challenges; a tight labour market, widespread layoffs, rapid technological advancement, particularly in artificial intelligence, technology that has the appearance of not being designed to enhance productivity but has an end goal of employee replacement, and hyperinflation making employers rethink how they do business.

Like every graduating class before you, you, and only you, are responsible for your career trajectory, so take full responsibility for it.

• Talk to everybody. Opportunities are all around you; there is just one caveat: they are attached to people.

The adage, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” is more relevant today than it ever was. Networking is the key to attaining a successful career. American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker Jim Rohan summed up the importance of cultivating and maintaining a professional network, “Your network is your net worth.”

Recently I came across a troubling headline, Amer-

icans More Than Ever Have No Friends. The article’s author, Elizabeth Gilbert, states that Americans are experiencing a “friendship recession.”

Today, many people participate in digital communities but have few real-life relationships. Instead of talking to people, texting has become the norm. Many employees advocate working from home so they can work in isolation. As an escape, binge-watching has become a trend.

Human contact is decreasing as more people use technology to communicate or avoid dealing with their surroundings. As a species, we are rapidly becoming unsociable. Do not be part of this decline!

Do not think you are above anybody. Give someone your undivided attention, and you will be amazed at what you learn. As much as possible, talk to people who have been there and done that. The best conversations I have ever had have been with people who had already travelled the path I was on or were where I wanted to be.

Back to the job search and career thing, I can tell you from experience that opportunities pop up from the most random conversations.

When meeting new people, remember that showing interest is a massive gesture. Place your

attention on the other person by asking open-ended questions.

TIP: When meeting someone for the first time, ask yourself, “How can I help this person?”

• Do not feel entitled to anything.

Getting rid of any sense of entitlement is imperative; otherwise, you will be holding yourself back trying to fight the fundamental universal truth that the world does not owe you anything, not even to make a living.

PERIOD!

Having a sense of entitlement is a turnoff. Not expecting anything from anyone is how you become an independent adult and earn respect. When you stop feeling entitled, your self-esteem will soar, and you will start upping your game.

• Become a person who adds value.

Make “Always add value” your personal mantra.

Employees who contribute measurable (keyword) value are highly regarded and likely to enjoy job security.

• Read these books.

1. How to Win Friends & Influence People, by Dale Carnegie

2. The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to

Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience, by Carmine Gallo

3. 100 Ways to Improve Your Writing: Proven Professional Techniques for Writing with Style and Power, by Gary Provost

Regarding how rapidly AI is emerging, keep a close eye on it! Nobody, not even the Internet talking heads who are suddenly “AI experts,” knows where AI is heading. One thing is certain: Many jobs will be eliminated as employers identify which jobs they can delegate to AI. Hence, avoid positions that AI is likely to be able to do in the future. Volatile economic conditions coupled with rapid technological advancements have created a job market in flux like never before; hence, my last piece of advice: Never lose sight of your career goals.

Despite all the job market volatility, building a career you love is still possible by focusing on what you are good at while embracing lifelong learning.

* * *

Nick Kossovan, a selfdescribed connoisseur of human psychology, writes about what’s on his mind from Toronto

A serene summer scene on Reflection Lake at Toad River Lodge.

OPINION: NDP silence on government lawyer bill speaks volumes

Les Leyne Opinion

You know when the kids are making a racket in another room and you get used to an ambient level of screams and thumps and then suddenly it goes quiet and you know right away something is wrong?

Watching the NDP gover nment is just like that. Caucus members will yammer on for hours about anything and everything. But when they suddenly shut up at the same time, you know there’s trouble.

It happened this week again. (Pro tip for legislature watchers: The less the NDP has to say about a bill, the more suspicious you should be.)

They gave up defending the bill that bars more than 300 government lawyers from for ming their own union. Finance Minister Katrine Conroy introduced it — just because somebody had to say something about it. One other NDP member — Environment Minister George Heyman — tried to back her up.

Then the NDP side hunkered down together like penguins in a blizzard and let the opposition crit-

ics wear themselves out. The government even extended the time allotted.

“Knock yourselves out,” was the message. “Literally.”

Sixteen BC United and Green MLAs attacked the premises behind the bill from all angles, but not a single NDP MLA tried to counter.

“This is like playing ping pong with yourself,” BC United MLA

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Mike de Jong said.

The same thing happened when objectionable changes to the freedom of information law got too controversial in 2021. They went mute for two days and ignored opposition arguments. It was extraordinary then. Now it looks like part of the NDP playbook.

There is quite a contrast between this week’s still-life tableau on the government benches and the scene last year on a related matter.

When the government changed the certification process to make joining a union easier, debate on the general principles behind the change went on for days. At least six New Democrats spoke at great length about how important it was.

They were “incredibly honoured to take part in the debate.” The air was full of NDP talk about “freedom of association” and “no barriers to unionization.”

There was a dire warning: “If we look at the process by which people actually join a union, you really see the opportunities for employers to frustrate that right.

“We believe employers must maintain a circumspect position during an organizing campaign, to ensure that employees are able to freely choose whether or not they wish to belong to a trade union.”

Then the government lawyers tried to actually use that new process. They collected signatures from the majority of its members indicating they wanted to unionize.

Goodbye to the idea of the employer staying out of it. A one-page bill was introduced right in the middle of the group’s application to the Labour Relations Board that quashes the attempt. It says the lawyers will be finally free to unionize, but only on the government’s terms.

That effectively means joining the Professional Employees Association rather than forming their own. It’s out of convenience, to keep gov-

ernment unions from proliferating.

All that stuff about freedom of association last year? Now it is considered “a threat to the stability” of public-sector labour relations.

“You can’t just open the door to one employee group and expect that you will be able to close it back again,” Conroy explained to the house.

So scarcely a year after extendedplay odes to the sanctity of free association, New Democrats have clammed up while the government forces its hand. Maybe they were embar rassed because about 30 government lawyers were in the gallery watching part of the play.

The lawyers protesting outside made more noise than the NDP MLAs did inside.

The Canadian Bar Association is “deeply disappointed” with this move, saying “we remain very concerned about gover nment actions that force any employee group to be part of a union not of their choosing.”

When Heyman volunteered to defend the bill, he indignantly rejected the idea it has anything to do with curbing free association.

It just gives the lawyers collective bargaining rights, he said.

“That is what the bill does. That is what words say. That is what the words mean.”

But the crashing silence from his colleagues says a lot more.

Photo - Members of the B.C. Government Lawyers Association rally in front of the B.C. legislature on Monday. DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST

lleyne@timescolonist.com

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Boundary Lake evacuation order area reduced

The Peace River Regional District PRRD has changed the areas affected by the Boundary Lake Evacuation as of 5:30pm on May 7.

Some properties in the Boundary Lake/Goodlow area, north of Cecil Lake road and west of 213 Road, have been downgraded to an Evacuation Alert and those residents can return home. However, properties west of the Alberta border to 213 Road remain under the Evacuation Order.

There are no changes to

the Red Creek Evacuation Orders or Alerts.

“We appreciate that it’s important to allow residents to return home as soon as it is safe, so we’re happy to be able to share this update, recognizing that with wildfires, the situation can change quickly,” said Leonard Hiebert, Chair, Peace River Regional District.

“The wildfire situation remains volatile, and it is critical to stay out of the evacuated areas to avoid putting lives at risk or disrupting the fire response.”

RCMP look to identify woman to ensure safety

RCMP look for public assistance following a suspicious occurrence on Saturday near the Chetwynd Rotary Park soccer fields.

Just after 5pm on May 6, a young woman was seen entering a trail and wooded area near Rotary Park, south of the soccer fields toward the Legion Sub.

“Children playing soccer nearby heard a dog barking and a scream and immediately went into the wooded area to see if the woman was okay. Nothing was found. The kids reported it to their parents and the police. Chetwynd RCMP searched the area, but did not find anyone,” say officials.

Police wish to identify the

woman to ensure that she is safe.

“Witnesses said the woman was walking a medium-sized grey, white and brown dog. She was wearing glasses and possibly a hat with a pink/ multi-coloured sweater or jacket with black plants. She was described as Caucasian, 5’4”, around 18-yearsold with shoulder length dark hair. She was reading a book in the park.”

If anyone has any information as to the identity of this woman, contact the Chetwynd RCMP Detachment at 250 788-9221, referencing file number 2023-842. editor@dcdn.ca

SOMEONEGRADUATING?

Moms,DadsandGrandparentsmakesureyour Gradappearsinthisyears ALASKAHIGHWAYNEWSGRADSUPPLEMENT.

For the list of properties that are now under a Boundary Lake Evacuation Alert, visit https://prrd.bc.ca/ boundary-lake-evacuationalert-3/

For a list of properties that remain under a Boundary Lake Evacuation Order, visit https://prrd.bc.ca/ boundary-lake-evacuationorder-area-reduced-in-size/

There are now 27 civic addresses (residences) still under an Evacuation Order for the Boundary Lake wildfire, and 239 civic addresses

(residences) are now under Evacuation Alert.

For the Red Creek wildfire, 61 properties remain under and Evacuation Order, and 247 properties are under an Evacuation Alert.

The State of Local Emergency for Electoral Area B remains in place.

For a list of properties under the Red Creek Evacuation Order, visit https:// prrd.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/post/38498/Evacuation-ORDER-1-May-6-2023. pdf

For a list of properties

under the Red Creek Evacuation Alert, visit https:// prrd.bc.ca/red-creek-evacuation-order-1/

Residents under Evacuation Orders are urged to check in at the Reception Centre at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John as this lets the PRRD know they have evacuated safely. For after-hours assistance, please call 1-250-794-3310. editor@dcdn.ca

‘Pieces’ comes together at the NPAG

Only $75.00 (IncludesGST)

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TW Buck Reporter/Photographer

‘Pieces’ is the first exhibit to come from local artist Becky Banack and will be on display at the North Peace Art Gallery till May 27.

May 5, 2023, was the opening night of the exhibit and was wonderful, with locals of all calibers coming by the North Peace Cultural Centre to view Banack’s magnificent displays of art.

Banack, who is local to Fort St John, is a self-taught wood working artist whose small business was born from her passion to find her own creative outlet.

“I felt like I needed something that was just my own and it kind of evolved from there,” said Banack. “I’ve made all kind of wood products for a long time, and now I’ve found this.”

Becky started down this path of creating

with wood, making signs for home décor here in Fort St John about 4 to 5 years ago.

“About 3 years ago, I needed to branch out because there were so many people making signs and I needed to do something a little different, a little more me” Said Banack.

Banack has been creating her art out of her own workshop here in the Peace Region. Beautifully, she combines woodworking with geometric patterns, bringing the two worlds together when she creates her wonderful pieces of art.

The North Peace Art Gallery has a magnificent lineup of exhibits set up for 2023.

The North Peace Art Gallery will be hosting the FiliCAn Filipino Artists in FSJ exhibit next month, which will be held there from the 2-24 June 2023.

tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

Around the Pomeroy last week, crews are removing old fill, before installing black weed barrier and filling back in with clean mulch.

After hold and secure - man with gun in custody

A hold and secure in an Alberta community is now over after area RCMP received a report of a male with a firearm making threats.

RCMP note a suspect was last seen on foot as they began their search and alerted residents to the danger by advising to shelter in place between Grimshaw and Roma, Alberta.

Officers from Peace River, Grande Prairie, High Prairie, and other detachments including units, including a police dog, were dispatched. The RCMP canine tracked the suspect and he was taken into custody.

RCMP charged 26-year-old Hayes Dale Robert Fuller-Garand of no fixed address with: assault, assault with a weapon

causing bodily harm, forcible confinement, possession of a weapon contrary to order (x2), mischief, breaking and entering, indecent communication, and finally - possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

He was remanded in custody with a court date set for May 8 in Peace River.

editor@dcdn.ca

Plans to place King on $20 bill, coins

Canada to replace the likeness of the late Queen Elizabeth II with King Charles III during the next design process. It has also tasked the Royal Canadian Mint with designing coins depicting the new monarch that will go into circulation.

The reigning monarch has appeared on paper money and coins since the central bank and the Mint since each began production in 1935 and 1908 respectively.

Canada Post also released its first regular-circulation stamp featuring King Charles as monarch. It continues the corporation’s tradition of issuing definitive stamps depicting the Canadian sovereign, dating back more than 170 years.

The federal government honoured the coronation of Canada’s new head of state, with a ceremony of its own in the nation’s capital Saturday morning, which concluded with a 21-gun salute from Parliament Hill.

The image of King Charles will eventually replace the queen on Canada’s $20 bill and its coins, the federal government announced during Saturday’s cor-

onation events.

A news release from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government has directed the Bank of

The announcement comes after speculation on whether Canada would follow the U.K.’s lead and honour the new monarch on its currency. Australia chose to go in another direction, opting for an Indigenous design for its five-dollar bill.

Elected officials and dignitaries attended the ceremony in Ottawa with speeches, musical performances and special unveilings.

files from CP

Seven-day impound for driving 155km/h in fire zone

On May 10 while BC Highway Patrol were on proactive patrols in the fire zone of the Red Creek Rd fire on the Alaska Highway (Hwy 97) - they caught a man driving at about 155km/hr through a 50km/h fire zone.

The officer conducted a traffic stop resulting in the vehicle being impounded for seven days.

Due to the fire, the high vol-

ume of fire support traffic in the area and work being done by fire crews, the speed limit in the area had been decreased from 100km/hr to 50km/hr. The new speed zone was clearly marked with speed signs.

The patrolling officer observed a vehicle travelling southbound at a high rate of speed and activated radar to confirm the driver was travelling at a speed of 155km/hr

in the 50km/hr fire zone.

The Fort St John RCMP wish to remind the public to be mindful on the roads and the safety of others, to obey traffic signs in the area and know that if they are speeding, violation tickets will be issued and potentially their vehicles will be impounded.

editor@dcdn.ca

UPDATE: woman found

On Wednesday, the Fort St John RCMP requested the assistance of the public in locating a 57-year-old woman who was reported missing by her family.

A brief time after the media release was put out, the woman called the Fort St John RCMP detachment saying she had noticed on Facebook that she was reported as missing. RCMP met up with the woman and confirmed her well being.

“Fort St John RCMP wish to thank the media and the public for their assistance in this matter.”

Fort St John RCMP received a May 9 report that 57-year-old Teresa Loraine Sanderson has not been seen since April 12, or heard from since April 18 and is being considered missing.

editor@dcdn.ca

Announcements

Announcements

Richard Fuerst GET RESULTS!

A remembrance tea will be held for Richard’s family and friends on May 21st at 3PM following a private family outing; with Richard being set free to soar to his next journey. Please feel free to come share love and memories.

Everyone is welcome at 11616 - 91 Street Fort St. John

At the home of Rose Marie McLeod

Jam Sessions at the FSJ Seniors Hall.

Tuesdays 2-5. Age 55 and up. Drop in Fee.

Overeaters Anonymous FSJ

Wednesdays 5:20 to 6:05 pm Salvation Army 100ave 250-505-4277 text/call Hybird: oa.org

Community notiCes

We’re here to help! PREVENTION

• EDUCATION

SUPPORT

Northern Brain Injury Association

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• PREVENTION • EDUCATION

• SUPPORT

Northern Brain Injury Association 1-866-979-HOPE (4673) Education

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The following vehicles located at Walt’s Automotive Repair, Fort St John, B.C. will be auctioned off within 30 days.

Ford F-150 4.9L

registered to Selena Steak of Fort St John, B.C. Outstanding charged up to and including May 10, 2023 are $1,642.05. Vehicle can be viewed by appointment and sealed bids accepted until June 15, 2023 at 12pm.

2004 Chevy Avalanche VIN#:

3GNEK12T84G189261 registered to Marvin McLeod of Fort St John, B.C. Outstanding charged up to and including May 10, 2023 are $3552.23. Vehicle can be viewed by appointment and sealed bids accepted until June 15, 2023 at 12pm.

2017 Ford F-350 6.7 VIN#:

Cars can catch fire many reasons. Mechanical or electrical issues are the most common cause. A car can also catch fire as the result of a bad crash. If you smoke or flames smell burning rubber or plastic, respond immediately.

Cars can catch fire for many reasons. Mechanical or electrical issues are the most common cause. A car can also catch fire as the result of a bad crash. If you see smoke or flames or smell burning rubber or plastic, respond immediately.

How to prevent a car fire

• Have your car serviced regularly by a professionally trained mechanic. If you spot leaks, your car is not running properly, get it checked. A well-maintained car is less likely to have a fire.

• If you must transport gasoline, transport only a small amount in a certified gas can that is sealed. Keep a window open for ventilation.

• Gas cans and propane cylinders should never be transported in the passenger compartment.

• Never park a car where flammables, such as grass, are touching the catalytic converter.

• Drive safely to avoid an accident.

Know the danger signs

• Cracked or loose wiring or electrical problems, including a fuse that blows more than once

• Oil or fluid leaks

• Oil cap not on securely

• Rapid changes in fuel or fluid level, or engine temperature

LegaL/PubLic

Notices

Most car fluids are flammable. Heat and electrical sparks plus leaking fluid are all it takes to start a car fire.

FACT

no sign of fire, wait for emergency assistance to help any injured individuals out of the car.

1FT8W3BT6HED14017 registered to Mike Nesbitt of Fort St John, B.C. Outstanding charged up to and including May 10, 2023 are $700. Vehicle can be viewed by appointment and sealed bids accepted until June 15, 2023 at 12pm.

2010 Jeep Patriot VIN#:

1J4NT2GA9AD644351 registered to Chance Courtepatte of Fort St John, B.C. Outstanding charged up to and including May 10, 2023 are $73.50. Vehicle can be viewed by appointment and sealed bids accepted until June 15, 2023 at 12pm.

Notices / NomiNatioNs SAY NO to FAKE NEWS! 63% of Canadians can’t tell the difference between real and fake news. Support

Alaska ordered to stop intercepting B.C.-bound salmon

Stefan Labbé

A U.S. federal judge has thrown out a key authorization that has allowed a fishery in southeast Alaska to intercept hundreds of thousands of chinook salmon — long before they can reach endangered southern resident killer whales in B.C.

U.S. District Judge Richard Jones vacated the permits after finding federal government plans to protect

salmon from fishing were too vague and contributed to starving the southern resident killer whale population, violating laws protecting the endangered species. From a Seattle courtroom, Jones ordered the National Marine Fisheries Service to redo a biological opinion required for the fishery to take place.

The ruling effectively shuts down the summer and winter chinook troll fishery stretching off the coast of

the Alaska panhandle — waters where roughly 97 per cent of the fish caught are bound for home rivers in B.C., Washington and Oregon, according to Wild Fish Conservancy, which filed the lawsuit.

“It’s an enormous ruling,” said executive director Emma Helverson. “We haven’t seen any meaningful actions to address prey availability in decades.”

Ranging from California to B.C., the southern residents’ numbers have stagnated at 73 individuals in recent years. The most recent analysis from Fisheries and Oceans Canada shows they face a 24 per cent chance of functional extinction as early as 75 years from now.

The whales face several threats — from industrial toxins to collisions with boats and acoustic disturbances due to vessel traffic.

But while port authorities and federal agencies on both sides of the border have moved to give the animals more space, little has been done to ensure they have enough chinook salmon, the animal’s primary food source.

Below - A southern resident orca preying on salmon in the Salish Sea near Seattle, Wash.Su Kim/NOAA Fisheries.

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