AHN APR 27, 2023

ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS

COURT This week in Peace Region docket convictions and more

When

WRAY TAKES TITLE

Spring stage championships are now in the 2023 books

For all the news we couldn’t fit into print: alaskahighwaynews.ca

ALR

A key 50 year ag anniversary is noted in British Columbia

Peace region man earns DU Canada volunteer awards

9224100Street, FortSt.John,BC (250)785-0463

Flyers This Week: Home Hardware, Canadian Tire (Spring Guide), Shoppers, Canadian Tire, Safeway, Walmart

SPRING CLEANING

‘Tis

VOLUNTEER WIN

Hanna Petersen hpetersen@pgcitizen.ca

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is recognizing a dedicated volunteer from Dawson Creek who’s been named DUC’s National Volunteer of the Year, as well as DUC’s Volunteer of the Year in BC.

DUC has more than 480 volunteers in BC and 3,950 volunteers who serve in communities across the country, and James Soutar has been given special recognition for going above and beyond.

Soutar has been volunteering with the organization for 27 years.

He was first introduced to DUC in 1992 through a small banquet in Dease Lake in northern BC, not far from the Yukon border. Soutar began volunteering with the Dawson Creek committee when he and his wife moved to the community in 1996.

ICBC

RE: a two year rate proposal

$1.50

He started the famous pyramid raffle, which is a pyramid piled high with prizes, and year after year it has become his way of bringing people together in the name of wetlands and wildlife.

Soutar says it’s the relationships he’s made and the important support and awareness he’s generated for conservation that represent his true impact and his ongoing legacy.

“James has been a leader in our chapter for many years and continually brings new ideas and provides inspiration to other committee members,” says Dawson Creek volunteer Wanda Maundrell. “He always promotes DUC values and ideas on wetland enhancement throughout our community.”

In recognition of Soutar’s outstanding volunteer service, leadership and passion for conservation, he was named DUC’s Volunteer of the Year

in BC. Soutar also earned the honour of DUC’s National Volunteer of the Year, selected from a pool of outstanding nominees hailing from across the country.

Despite the well-earned recognition, Soutar is quick to re-direct the spotlight to others.

“The community’s generosity and support amaze me,” he says, noting that Dawson Creek’s population is fewer than 20,000 people. “The banquet is an incredibly sought-after event, and we’ve always sold out over the last 10 to 15 years.”

Over and above the sell-out crowds and record-setting revenue (the committee raises between $80,000 to $100,000 gross each year), the greatest accomplishment for Soutar continues to be what he and his fellow volunteers do for the cause—and the fun they have together.

City of Fort St. John adopts 2023 – 2027 strategic plan

Rob Brown editor@dcdn.ca

The City of Fort St. John has numerous guiding documents, such as the Official Community Plan, that provide the foundation for the delivery of all City services and programs and set the long-term course for Fort St. John.

“We are proud to share our 20232027 Strategic Plan, which outlines our vision for the city’s future. We are com-

mitted to promoting sustainable economic development, managing our assets effectively, building strong relationships and advocating for our city’s interests, fostering a vibrant community, and achieving operational excellence,” said Mayor Lilia Hansen in a statement.

These documents are created with extensive community input and feedback and are translated into a clear framework of initiatives to be under-

taken by City staff through the Strategic Plan.

“We are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to working with all community members to make Fort St. John a great place to live, work, and play,” Hansen added.

The Strategic Plan provides a map for the City’s future, outlining key priorities for the next five years.

James Soutar has been volunteering with Ducks Unlimited Canada for 27 years

Northern Health asks for complaints

In an effort to learn more – Northern Health is seeking Métis community members to attend an online session - to share their stories describing their experience with complaints.

The health authority is partnering with Métis Nation BC in seeking to improve the complaints experience for Métis people.

“By understanding your perspective, we will be able to make the health care system more responsive to the experience of Indigenous patients receiving care and their support systems,” says Northern Health officials.

“In order to do this, we will be listening to your stories to help us identify where improvements can be

made.”

Métis community members are invited to participate in a two-hour virtual engagement session.

The session goes from 4 tp 6pm May 1. RSVP to jean.baptiste@northernhealth.ca for more info or to register. editor@dcdn.ca

Peace Region court docket: April 3-12, 2023

- Courtney Myers (born 1999) was prohibited from driving for one year, sentenced to probation for one year and fined $2,500 plus a $375 victim surcharge for driving wiithout reasonable consideration under the Motor Vehicle Act, committed in Dawson Creek.

- Jason William Vickery (born 1982) was issued a one-year $500 peace bond after an allegation of causing fear of injury or damage in Cecil Lake.

- Dalena Jenette Belcourt (born 1987) was sentenced

to 22 days in jail for theft $5,000 or under and to 18 months probation on the count, and for six counts of theft $5,000 or under, to time served for six counts of breaching probation and three counts of breaching a release order, all committed in Dawson Creek. Belcourt was in in custody for 63 days prior to sentencing.

- John David Round (born 1962) was issued a oneyear $500 peace bond after an allegation of causing fear of injury or damage in Dawson Creek.

- Landen Jack Hansen (born 2001) was issued a one-

year $500 peace bond after an allegation of causing fear of injury or damage in Dawson Creek.

- Blake Cavan George (born 2002) was sentenced to 45 days in jail for assault with a weapon, to 30 days and ordered to provide a DNA sample for a second count of assault with a weapon, to 16 days for assault and to seven days for breaching probation and breaching a release order, and to one year probation on the counts, all committed in Fort St. John.

RCMP warn of Peace Region homeowner scam

Dawson Creek RCMP are warning the public about a group of individuals scamming homeowners. The scam concerns offers to pave residential driveways.

“These individuals typically prepare the ground, start the job, accept payment for the job but they never complete it,” say officials

RCMP have received several reports of such scams and is urging homeowners to be cautious when dealing with such individuals.

“While the scammers have used the name of a legitimate paving company, Eco Line Paving, the RCMP has confirmed that this company does not operate in British Columbia and it is believed that the suspects

are impersonating employees of the company to deceive homeowners and gain their trust.”

The RCMP is asking anyone who has been approached by individuals claiming to work for Eco Line Paving and offering to pave their driveway to be wary and to report any suspicious behaviour.

Homeowners should always verify the legitimacy of the company and its employees before agreeing to any work. Anyone with information about this scam or similar ones is asked to contact the Dawson Creek RCMP detachment at (250) 784-3700. editor@dcdn.ca

Silver Willow 4-H Report

Hello and good morning to all of you reading this, this is Ella Kelly reporting for the Silver Willow 4-H Club.

Since last time I wrote we have completed and presented our speeches for the club. There were tons of great speeches and presentations. Kiara Selin, Bailey Fell, Eric Hjelmeland, Bo Denzler, Erik and Maria Hansen, Piper Masse, Donovan Snider, Landon Lever, and Caitlyn Kelly, will be moving on to district communications.

We are looking forward to our next weigh in coming up soon and hopefully more steers will be able to be led on a halter and leadrope. As for my sister and I, we have been grooming and giving our steers grain. We are also working to keep a record of our animals’ grain and weight gain per month in our record books.

With spring on its way we are starting to lead our 4-H animals and get them ready for Achievement Days. We are looking forward to Achievement Days and have been working hard to work to the best of our ability.

Hope you have an amazing time packed with fun until spring arrives. This is Ella Kelly signing off until next time I write.

For All Your Petroleum Needs

Wray takes Spring Stage champion title

The last of the Spring Stage Races of 2023 are in the books. In our best turnout of the season to date, 14 riders hit the time trial circuit to face a chilly, windy ride. Nigel Wray and Ray Avanthay battled it out over the 16 kilometer course, but the tough headwind after the turnaround swayed in Ray’s favor, and he managed to stay ahead of the challenger to win the race by a mere 4 seconds.

Ard Hoogenboom chased past more than a few of his competitors to take third place. An honorable mention goes out to Richard Wood who in 2 short weeks has managed to knock a whopping 7 mins off of his original time.

Overall Nigel Wray earned the most points over the 5 race series to take the Spring Stage Champion Title for this year. Closely behind in the point standings were Ard Hoogenboom and Dan Webster who managed to have a few race finishes where they were only seconds apart. Kristine Bock took the Ladies Trophy for the 7th time, and Jack Webster is the repeat winner of the Junior Men’s Trophy from last year.

A huge thank you to Pat Ferris for timing and Davide Loro for taking photos along the course.

Race 5 results:

Ray Avanthay - 24:26

Nigel Wray - 24:30

Ard Hoogenboom - 29:35

Dan Webster - 29:52

LT McDonnel - 30:00

Kristine Bock - 30:43

Richard Wood - 32:42

Landis Dell - 32:45

Trevor McDonnel - 33:44

Sam Keats - 34:35

8km circuit

Robin and Hunter - 20:46

George and Grace - 21:52

Spring Series Standings: Men

Nigel Wray - 24pts

Ard Hoogenboom - 18pts

Dan Webster - 14pts

George Gamble - 5pts

Ray Avanthay - 5 pts

Trevor McDonnel - 4 pts

Sam Keats - 2pts

Richard Wood - 2pts

Pat Ferris - 1pt

Ladies

Kristine Bock - 25pts

Junior Men

Jack Webster - 10 pts

LT McDonnel - 5pts

First Nations reach settlement with BC, federal governments on Treaty Land entitlement

Rob Brown editor@dcdn.ca

Five First Nations in BC, alongside provincial and federal government representatives, announced settlement agreements of the Nations’ Treaty Land Entitlements claims.

The settlements resolve long-standing claims that these First Nations did not receive all the lands owed to them under Treaty 8, signed in 1899.

The settlements were announced by Judy Desjarlais, Chief of Blueberry River First Nations; Trevor Makadahay, Chief of Doig River First Nation; Darlene Hunter, Chief of Halfway River First Nation; Justin Napoleon, Chief of Saulteau First Nations; and Roland Willson, Chief of West Moberly First Nations; along with Marc Miller, federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; BC Premier David Eby; and Murray Rankin, BC Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

Honouring Treaty and legal obligations to First Nations and working collaboratively to renew relationships are fundamental to addressing historical wrongs and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

These settlements will also create economic and business opportunities for the entire northeastern region of British Columbia.

“It has been a long hard journey to get us here to this point today. We’re thankful to finally be able to move into implementation. Thanks to those who worked diligently on this historic claim, including previous Chiefs, Councils, Elders, members and legal teams,” said Chief Roland Willson, West Moberly First Nations in a statement.

The resolution of these Treaty Land Entitlement claims is the result of the dedicated effort by the Chiefs, Councils, communities and negotiators since 2004.

“The settling of the Treaty Land Entitlement claim is an historic step toward reconciliation in the Peace River area and will help build healthy communities and prosperous, thriving economies. Honouring Treaty 8 will bring benefits to everyone who lives in the northeast,” added Murray Rankin, BC’s Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

editor@dcdn.ca

Public information sessions

St. (drop-in)

Virtual Tuesday, May 9 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Online (MS Teams)

As BC Hydro fills the reservoir, there will be permanent changes to the Peace River. Water levels will rise over approximately four months, widening the river by two to three times, on average. You will have an opportunity to review information boards and speak to the project team. RSVP to sitec@bchydro.com. sitec@bchydro.com

1 877 217 0777 sitecproject.com/reservoir

6070

Enrolment closes some SD60 schools to attendance applications

Rob Brown editor@dcdn.ca

If you are looking to have children attend a Fort St. John school not in their residential neighbourhood – you may be out of luck next year.

Due to enrolment, some SD60 schools are already closed to new variances.

A letter has been sent home to SD60 parents concerning changes to school availability due to enrolment – to clarify school admission policies.

“Student admission in SD60 is to be guided by ac-

cess to neighbourhood school, choice, and efficient resource allocation,” said director of Instruction Jarrod Bell in a letter to parents.

Margaret Ma Murray Community School Anne Roberts Young Elementary School are both closed to new variances for 2023-2024.

“As schools plan for he beginning of any school year, they need to consider the space and resources they have available.”

If parents wish for their kids to attend a school outside the catchment area of their neighbourhood -

- they must first registered at the school in their catchment area, and then complete a variance form.

“A school may be deemed to be full even if there are fewer than the maximum allowable number of students in a particular class as set out by legislation.”

A printable Attendance Variance Application is available. Complete and bring this form to your home catchment school. Paper copies are also available at your home catchment school.

editor@dcdn.ca

Fort Nelson’s business façade program is ready to roll for 2023

Rob Brown editor@dcdn.ca

Fort St. John’s advanced care paramedic vehicle y Do you own or manage a business in the core commercial area of Fort Nelson? If you are thinking of exterior improvements to your business - Northern Rockies Regional Municipality has some financial help for you with their Business Façade Improvement Program.

“ By facilitating improvements to business façades, business areas can become more appealing to consumers, thereby increasing the marketability of com-

mercial spaces, assisting in business retention and providing a better sense of pride within the community,” says organizers.

Funding for the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Business Façade Improvement program is provided by Northern Development Initiative Trust.

The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality will provide a 50% reimbursement grant up to a maximum of $5,000 per project to improve the facades of commercial buildings. Each building is eligible for an annual grant to a maximum of $5,000.

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Projects must have a minimum total cost of $500. Applications are accepted on a first-come first-serve basis.

To ensure funding is fully utilized, projects must be initiated prior to July 31 otherwise project funding may be reallocated to an applicant on the wait list. All projects must be complete by October 31

For more information, check out Regional Development and Planning at: 250.774.2541 ext. 2040 or at CDPadmin@northernrockies.ca

editor@dcdn.ca

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Connect with Ryan Wallace to start running your Community Display Ads on the Alaska Highway News site and across the Glacier Media Community News Network.

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Man wanted in FSJ found in Kamloops

Rob Brown editor@dcdn.ca

Sam Capot-Blanc was picked up in Kamloops after a collision on April 14 - three weeks after FSJ RCMP called for public assistance in locating him.

On February 23, Fort St John RCMP requested the assistance of the public in locating a 23-yearold Blanc wanted on two warrants for breach of Conditional Sentence Order.

On April 14, Blanc was arrested by Kamloops RCMP after receiving a report of a single-vehicle collision where the man was driving erratically and, as a result, collided with a meridian.

One dead after two vehicle crash on Hwy. 97

RCMP responded over the weekend to a crash on Highway 97 resulting in one deceased male.

When police arrive on the scene, they found the lone occupant driver of the Mitsubishi deceased. The driver of the semi reported minor injuries. The crash

was north of Summit Lake on Highway 97.

Evidence obtained to date suggest that the north bound automobile crossed into the lane of the south bound semi. The investigation is ongoing.

The victim, an adult man, was an American citizen

and family has been notified. BC Coroners Service is conducting a parallel investigation and there are no further details to be released at this time.

editor@dcdn.ca

It’saGirl!

ELLIETTE PAULINE BAKER

Parents: StevenandKristenBlake

Weight: 8lbs3oz

Length: 19inches

Time: 12:57am

Date: April5,2023

Hometown: CharlieLake,BC

Drop off or mail your FREE birth announcement to : The Alaska Highway News, 9916-98 St • Fort St. John • V1J 3T8 or email: compose@ahnfsj.ca

It’saGirl!

MAISYMARINA

WITTER

Parents:

TyraWitter&ColtonHolmes

Weight: 6lbs6oz

Length: 18.5inches

Time: 12:45am

Date: April14,2023

Hometown: FortSt.John,BC

It’saBoy!

DAYLINJAY FEHR

Parents: Jeremiah&CaitlynFehr

Weight: 7lbs9oz

Length: 21.25inches

Time: 2:33am

Date: March16,2023

Hometown: Prespatou,BC

CELEBRATEBABIES

Police seek answers, witnesses, to Alaska Highway highway fatal hit and run

BABY BOUQUET WALL

BIRTH Ph:250.261.7563 www.fsjhospitalfoundation.caemail: fsjhf@northernhealth.ca

PLEASE RECYCLETHIS NEWSPAPER.

ARIES – MAR 21/APR 20

Aries, figure out where your priorities lie, then position yourself in the right corner to get things done effectively. It could take some time before you see progress. Remain patient.

TAURUS – APR 21/MAY 21

It’s best if you can keep tight control of your emotions and not let others see what is brewing behind your stoic demeanor, Taurus. This will give you an advantage in negotiations.

GEMINI – MAY 22/JUN 21

Gemini, if you’re too pragmatic this week, you may miss the opportunity to do something spontaneous and really enjoyable with friends. Don’t think; jump in this one time.

CANCER – JUN 22/JUL 22

The week may start off sluggishly, Cancer. Give yourself permission to start off slowly and build up as you get enough energy and motivation to move along.

LEO – JUL 23/AUG 23

Leo, rather than being ready to roar at the world, you can barely let pass a meow. You’re more than happy to roll back over in bed most days. Search for an energy boost.

VIRGO – AUG 24/SEPT 22

Virgo, early on in the week you may feel disorganized and out of sorts. But soon enough you will find your stride. Once you’re in a groove it will be smooth sailing.

LIBRA – SEPT 23/OCT 23

Libra, if someone at work has been holding you back or seems to be standing in your way, it’s justifiable to feel resentment. Take the high road and remain pleasant and positive.

SCORPIO – OCT 24/NOV 22

Scorpio, don’t ignore your responsibilities, no matter how mundane they may seem. Completing small tasks will help you set the course for more success.

SAGITTARIUS – NOV 23/DEC 21

Your judgement may be clouded by some lofty dreams you have been having, Sagittarius. Separate the whimsy from what you actually may be able to transfer to real life.

CAPRICORN – DEC 22/JAN 20

You may be tempted to butt heads with authority figures in the days to come, but you’ll catch more flies with honey, Capricorn. Get your frustrations out another way.

AQUARIUS – JAN 21/FEB 18

Relationship issues come to the forefront, Aquarius. This can be any relationship, be it personal or professional. Sit down with this person and flesh things out.

PISCES – FEB 19/MAR 20

The current cosmic climate has you a tad restless, Pisces. You’re ready to stretch your fins, so to say. Set off on a grand adventure.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

APRIL 23 John Cena, Wrestler (46)

APRIL 24 Joe Keery, Actor (31)

APRIL 25 Al Pacino, Actor (83)

APRIL 26 Channing Tatum, Actor (43)

APRIL 27 Martha Hunt, Model (34)

APRIL 28 Penelope Cruz, Actress (49)

APRIL 29 Jerry Seinfeld, Comic (69)

Rob Brown editor@dcdn.ca

A handful of investigation units are on scene looking into a fatal hit and run on the Alaska Highway.

On April 15, 2023, at 12:10 am a member of the public reported the incident to the police. Watson Lake Detachment and Emergency Medical Services attended the scene. The highway was closed for a period of time to continue the investigation.

Yukon RCMP Major Crime Unit, Watson Lake Detachment, Yukon RCMP Traffic Services, and other supporting units are investigating a fatal hit and run collision that occurred on the Alaska Highway approximately two kilometres west of the Town of Watson Lake. A 27-year-old male is deceased.

Investigators want to speak to any -

one travelling the Alaska Highway between Watson Lake and Upper Liard between the hours of 10pm. on Friday, April 14, and 12:10 am on April 15.

Investigators are also requesting anyone with dashboard video cameras travelling the Alaska Highway between Whitehorse and Watson Lake, both west and east bound, between midnight and 5am on April 15, to call the RCMP.

The highway was fully reopened during the afternoon of April 15.

Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to contact Yukon RCMP Major Crime Unit at 867-667-5555 in Whitehorse, at 867536-5555 if calling from Watson Lake, or with the local prefix if calling from another community.

editor@dcdn.ca

Kiskatinaw River body identified

Rob Brown editor@dcdn.ca

North District Major Crime Unit are looking for anyone who may have seen Christopher Engman between Wed., April 12 and Sat., April 15.

Engman may have been riding his copper coloured Kona mountain bike and wearing a large black backpack,

riding south on Highway 97 between Fort St John and Dawson Creek.

RCMP originally reported a body had been found near the river over the weekend.

If you have any information regarding Christopher Engman, you are asked to call the Dawson Creek RCMP at 250-784-3700. editor@dcdn.ca

BC’s ALR: every community’s best friend

T.W. Buck tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

Not many British Columbians will recall the significance of this week in 1973.

April 18, ‘73 was the date the Land Commission Act was passed in BC. Some older farmers will no doubt recall the anger they felt at the ‘land freeze’ that halted subdivision and non-farm use of farmland throughout the province. Some long-retired Regional District Directors may recall the gruelling process of the over 300 public hearings that went into establishing the original Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) boundaries in 18 short months.

Most British Columbians, however, including most current decision-makers, have no memory of BC without the ALR. It’s easy to take BC’s farmland for granted and to forget that only 5% of our provincial land area has the soil and climate capability to grow food. By 1973, it was estimated we were losing about 6000 hectares of farmland a year to development, including transportation corridors and other built infrastructure. It was clear that local governments could not withstand the pressure.

The primary purpose of the 1973 legislation was: ‘to preserve agricultural land for farm use and to encourage the establishment and maintenance of family farms.’ Despite being battered, bruised, attacked and ignored by governments of all political stripes as well as landowners with development aspirations, miraculously, the ALR has survived. Not only does it remain the most successful agricultural land preservation program in North America but, in my opinion, we would not have the option for viable agricultural sectors today in high growth regions like the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan without the ALR.

Its impact has been even more far reaching, however. In 1973, one of the original Land Commissioners was fond of saying ‘the best rural planning is strong urban/community planning’. For the first few decades that held true, as all communities were required to revise their Official Community Plans to redirect growth away from farmlands. In recent decades, however,

reduced budgets have seriously limited the capacity to do good land use planning. In many cases, smaller communities have had to rely on the provincial ALR to hold the line against residential sprawl and subsequent increased servicing costs and land use conflicts in their rural areas.

The first Land Commission brochure was entitled, Keeping the Options Open. The ALR has done that –and not only for BC’s farmland. With the current urgent challenges to both provide affordable housing and build climate-resilient communities, the ALR is an unexpected ally.

Like the parallel tracks of a railway, thanks to the ALR, we still have the option in BC to create vibrant, walkable communities with diverse housing close to the amenities people need in their daily lives, surrounded by vibrant, productive rural environments - where local food production co-exists with other compatible uses, such as recreational trails and fish/ wildlife habitat, to contribute to local economies and enhanced quality of life for citizens.

Surely, that is an unprecedented achievement for any government program, especially over a 50-year time period. Threats remain, however: some longstanding and familiar in 1973; others new, more complex and not even on the radar screen back then. Through both design – and accident – BC’s ALR has set us on the right path on several counts. It got us to here. But it will require equally good public policy and political courage at every level of government to embrace its wisdom and to meet community land use planning challenges over the next 50 years.

Joan Sawicki participated in the establishment of the original ALR boundaries and has been a vocal defender of the ALR/ALC throughout its 50-year history. In addition to a consulting career in land use planning and natural resource management, Joan served as MLA, Speaker and Minister of Environment during the 1990s.

LETTER: on the 2023 Trade Show

GRADY: on fasting

When the subject of fasting comes up there is always a mixed reaction of interest in it.

In some Christian circles it is a part of the disciplines of faith but in North America fasting is not a common practice for individuals in their walk with the Lord even though some churches hold periodic times of fasting.

Fasting can be misunderstood of its importance, ignored or not worth the sacrifice one has to make.  The question for followers of Christ is: 1) is fasting biblical?  2) what is the value of fasting?

In the Old Testament Moses led the Israelites in two 40 days of fasting, followed by Samuel, David, Jehoshaphat, Ezra, Nehemiah and Queen Esther.  Many believe that fasting in the Old Testament was primarily for the nation of Israel during their journey of existence however when you read the book of Nehemiah when he heard of the Jewish remnant who survived the exile and the walls and gates of Jerusalem being destroyed, he personally wept, mourned, fasted and prayed.

In the New Testament we see Jesus being our role model as He fasted for forty days before being unsuccessfully tempted in the desert.  Interestingly He later stated, “when you fast” and not if you fast.  We see Paul and Barnabas as they planted churches where they fasted and prayed for the right church leaders.

In fairness most of us have it so good that there is no need or desperation that would cause us to fast and pray.  We can complain, whine, grumble but to attend a prayer meeting let alone making the sacrifice and effort to fast and pray is out of the question.

On a personal basis I accidentally or better stated innocently walked into fasting in my early born-again Christian life.  It is a bit embarrassing but in full disclosure it was as I entered my first Easter season as a true follower of Christ that out of thankfulness to the lord I decided to fast on Good Friday.

At the time I was a great lover of food and started the fast at 12:01 am on Good Friday and didn’t experience anything until 11:55 pm as I eagerly approached the refrigerator ready to divulge myself in my food.  I waited until 12 midnight and had my hand on the fridge door when the Lord spoke to me and said, “I want you to fast for 40 hours.”  I was stunned as I tried to make sense of what I had heard, however I really got serious into His word and prayer.

In between the 39th and 40th hour He revealed to me some key matters I was to deal with and His will for parts of my life. Because of this incredible breakthrough of intimacy with the Lord, fasting became a part of my life including in 2000 when the Lord spoke to me to initiate a 40 day fast and prayer for Canada by creating a web site that allowed believers to fast anytime during the 40 days with several thousand fasting during this period throughout Canada.

I am writing this article this week about the past 2023 Trade Show which was another annual success after four years of drought due to COVID-19.

CKNL was one of the main sponsors of this annual exposition since 1973. For the first time in its history, the patrons could pay cash or through debit or credit. The regular adult fare was once again $8.00, while children under six were admitted free.

This fair included probably around 150+ booths, more or less with the same number of previous companies and agencies than in 2019 (I did not obtain a map of listed companies in this exposition this year).

There was no special guest to attract more spectators this year, unlike, for instance, back in 2012 when NHL legend Gordie Howe was invited (son of a gun, I missed it!). All in all, this exposition was likely more “magnetizing” than previous years, thanks to COVID-19.

As I have always said here, “And that’s all, folks!” Claude M. Dionne - Fort St. John, BC.

It is important to note that during my years of fasting I was always led of the Lord to fast, and I was of excellent health and free of any medication.  Things to consider before considering fasting: 1. Ensuring your health allows you to fast. 2. how long is the fast?  3. what type of fast?  4. ensuring the Lord is leading you into the fast. 5. when you start a fast your flesh rebels against you and the fast.

Biblical scholars can outline the spiritual benefits of fasting but through my limited personal experience I have found the following: 1. Humbleness to the Lord 2. A deeper hunger for the Lord 3. A greater awareness of hidden sin

4. A deeper prayer life 5. Greater revelation in His word 6. Need of personal attitude changes

7. Greater thankfulness to the Lord 8. Special intimacy with the Lord. John Grady - FSJ

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Man evading police wanted for assault

Fort St John RCMP is requesting the assistance of the public to locate 31-year-old Tyson Dwight Cote - currently wanted on a warrant for Assault after an altercation reported on February 1 of this year.

Tyson Cote with short black hair wearing a grey button up crew collard shirt

Tyson Cote is described as an indigenous male, 5 feet 11 inches tall (180 cm), 207 lbs (94 kgs), black hair, brown eyes. His tattoos are: right forearm: image of a rose, right upper arm: image of a skull, left neck: vertical letters that go from behind the left ear down the neck.

Cote resides in Fort St John, but has also previously resided in Prince George, BC, and in the area of Edmonton, Alberta.

Cote is associated to a black 2020 Ford F-150 pick up truck with tinted windows, a red horizontal painted line from the front door to end of the box, and black rims, with an Alberta license plate.

RCMP note Cote is aware he is wanted; and has been evading police.

The Fort St John RCMP continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information in this matter to contact the Fort St John RCMP at 250-787-8100. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca editor@dcdn.ca

Saugstad: What happened to the trees? Wildfire, old growth management, and Yahey vs B.C.

Evan Saugstad

Fourth in a six-part series.

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 Fort St. John and Prince George facilities. Last week, I wrote about how the caribou agreements and the United Nations 30 by 30 agenda are contributing to the reduction of Canfor’s fibre supply in northeastern B.C. This week, more on what happened to those trees.

Wildfires

In 2014 and again in 2022, Tree Farm License (TFL) 48 experienced devastating losses to its timber supply by two wildfires. Both fires experienced significant delays by the BC Wildfire in initial and sustained attack responses, which resulted in these fires consuming tens of thousands of hectares of forest. Much of that was a direct result of government’s failure to control the back fires they lit.

By the time these fires were out, or when the Ministry let snow and cold do its job, there were hundreds of millions in timber losses, millions of cubic meters of timber blackened, thousands of hectares of plantations torched, and evacuation orders for Hudson’s Hope issued.

Estimates for the two fires are reductions to the annual allowable cut (AAC) of 40,000 and 50,000m3 respectively. These are considered short term losses as, over the next few decades, trees will grow back and eventually begin to contribute back to the TFL 48 AAC. But further compounding the downward pressure on the AAC is that as fires consume large areas, they also burn “old growth” management areas, to which government then looks to replace these losses by constraining timber in other places.

Old growth management

The B.C. government has committed to increasing the protection for old growth forests. The ages used depends upon the type of forest, but generally somewhere between 140 and 250 years old. The exact amount of forest to be set aside is yet to be published. Some will be set aside as old forest, and where there is not enough “old” to meet the prescribed amounts, underage forest will be used to make up the difference. All will be off limits to any harvest.

As the exact amount is not known, the effect on

the annual allowable cut will be significant. The numbers used in the recently released details of the Blueberry River Implementation Agreement are 25% retention of old forest in their “high value” watersheds and 33% on Band member traplines. It’s expected that the remaining seven member nations of Treaty 8 will sign similar agreements; thus, these same types of numbers will affect TFL 48 and the rest of the Dawson Timber Supply Area.

Yahey v. British Columbia

In June 2021, the BC Supreme Court found that Blueberry River First Nation rights as defined in Treaty 8 had been infringed. Band members could no longer hunt, trap, or enjoy the lands as they once did. The judge gave directions to government as to the remedies.

After reading this court case, I wrote extensively about it. I agreed with parts, and not so much with others. Generally, my disagreements relate to the government not presenting their data, or that of any others, showing why the moose and martin populations declined. Instead, our government argued it had the ability to infringe on Blueberry’s rights based on Treaty 8 language, and that there were no limits on those infringements. The judge disagreed and found 100% in Blueberry’s favour. Premier John Horgan chose not to appeal and argue the case based on Blueberry’s assertions.

In January 2023, Blueberry and the province signed the Blueberry River Implementation Agreement which outlines how the province will address the infringements. For the forest industry, it means the cancelling five woodlot tenures held by individuals, reducing the annual allowable cut in core Blueberry traditional territory by 350,000m3, and award 150,000m3 of AAC to Blueberry. I assume,

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rightly or wrongly, that the newly designated old growth management areas, trapline protections, and other forests designated for protection from harvesting are included in the 350,000m3 AAC reduction. If I’m wrong, further reductions will need to be calculated. In addition, all future harvesting in many of these areas will be only allowed if approved by the Blueberry.

The government is currently negotiating similar agreements with other Treaty 8 nations: Fort Nelson, Prophet River, Doig River, Halfway, Saulteau, and West Moberly. It’s not known if McLeod Lake Indian Band, Kelly Lake, or Metis peoples will also be able to negotiate similar agreements. History says these new agreements will contain similar language as the Blueberry agreement. If so, and when applied to the entire forested area of northeast B.C., significantly more reductions to all annual allowable cuts will occur.

Offsetting these reductions are the tenure awards back to each First Nation. What is not known is how much timber each will harvest, or if their allowable cut will be under similar obligations as other tenure holders — which compels licensees to harvest timber and, if they don’t, that these new tenures will then be surrendered back and awarded to others to ensure the province’s economic objectives remain. That is, if the current government even has or cares about economic objectives and the forest industry.

Next week, Part 5, why the mill closures? What could Canfor be thinking?

Evan Saugstad lives and writes in Fort St. John

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COMMENTARY: on ICBC’s two year rate proposal

the elimination of most pain and suffering awards on injury claims.

Cabinet Continues to Restrict BCUC’s Rate-Setting Discretion

Given the tight restrictions imposed by the government on the Commission’s ability to adjust the Basic rates it is little wonder that the Commission decided to end the nominal review process after only one round of questions from its staff and the interveners.

cial request distorts the financial requirement. It is based on a “policy year” where the investment income is calculated differently than the financial statement methodology used for ICBC’s quarterly and year-end audited reports

Richard McCandless

In a recent decision the BC Utilities Commission decided to truncate its review of ICBC’s proposed freeze of its Basic rates for fiscal years 2023/24 and 2024/25. ICBC submitted its proposed zero change in mid-December 2022, and the Commission expects to have final arguments from the interveners by 6 June 2023 and from the public auto insurer by 27 June 2023.1

Normally, a rate request review would consist of two rounds of information requests, where the BCUC and the interveners questions are answered by ICBC, and a workshop or information session. Some years the review may include a third round of questions or a in person hearing on various aspects of the proposal. This year the process was limited to one round of information requests an a one-day web-based workshop.

The rate request represents the second two-year period of the new no-fault (enhanced care) liability model that was launched on 1 May 2021, and resulted in a significant increase in coverage and a reduction in premiums. This was made possible by

April 2023

SAVE THE DATES

Upcoming Events 2023

May1-7: Smile Cookie – Tim Hortons

May27: BLUEY DAY – Registration Still Open!

June15: Have a Heart Radiothon

June23-25: Arnie Isberg 1-Pitch Tournament

Keep up to date and follow us on Facebook and Instagram

RECOGNIZINGTHEGENEROSITY OFOURCOMMUNITY

The FSJ Hospital Foundation is excited to announce our Donor Recognition Wall has been updated. This beautiful wall is mounted in front of a photo of the Peace River and represents the community’s generosity over the past 29 years. On this wall you will find over 1000 donor’s names listed representing 14.5 million dollars in donations. It is a true representation of this community’s caring nature and dedication of healthcare in our community. It is because of the generosity of the community that the FSJ Hospital Foundation is able to continue to enhance healthcare in the North Peace Region. As a partner in our community, we are dedicated to raising funds to enhance healthcare. The FSJ Hospital Foundation invites you to stop by this wall on your next visit to the Hospital.

By OIC 666/22 the cabinet revised its limits on the ability of the regulator to determine the just and reasonable Basic rates for 2023/24 and 2024/25.

The initial rate reduction in the prior rate period was 26.5%, but this was reduced to a 15% reduction as the BCUC was directed to impose a 11.5% surcharge to rebuild the capital reserve (the rate stabilization fund). In the current application the initial reduction was 6.5%, but a 7% surcharge to rebuild the reserve results in a zero rate change.

The 145% MCT capital target was set by the BCUC to reflect the higher volatility of claims costs under the full tort liability model and should be lowered to reflect the lower volatility of the no-fault system. To date the government has not allowed the Commission to set rates to reflect a lower capital target.

Any year-end actual to budget variance either adds (a positive variance) to the capital reserve, or subtracts from the reserve if the variance is negative.

ICBC’s Methodology Distorts Financial Request ICBC’s methodology for presenting its finan -

BLUEYDAY

In the current two-year rate request ICBC uses a formula to calculate the investment income that averages a 15-year return, rather than forecast the actual return for the two fiscal years under review. This overstates the revenue and net income, which allows ICBC to meet the government direction to use a 7% annual surcharge to increase the capital reserve (the $424 million capital provision), while producing an additional $421 million in net income.

The financial statement approach forecasts a lower investment income, and a small, combined net operating loss for the two years under review. This will compare to the actual fiscal year financial statements at year-end.

As the BCUC sets rates using an industry accepted cost of service model based on a fiscal year, and a capital reserve measured by each fiscal year end, the policy year investment income calculation results in a serious overstatement of the revenue and capital available.

Richard McCandless is a retired senior BC government public servant whose paper describing the BC government’s manipulation of the finances of BC Hydro from 2008 to 2014 was published by BC Studies in November 2016. BC Studies published his paper on the 40-year financial history of ICBC in 2013. He is an intervener in the BC Utilities Commission’s reviews of ICBC’s and BC Hydro’s rate requests.

The FSJ Hospital Foundation is honored to highlight some more Bluey Day Participants. As Bluey Day participants they become champions of the Foundation, casting their net far and wide, soliciting funds in support of the Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment Fund. This year we are joined by local radio announcer Dub Craig – Dub rouse to the challenge set before him by long time Bluey Day Participant Kelly Fell. Being some what of a local celebrity, Dub in going to rock this challenge. Teagan Wissman – This courageous little girl has been growing her beautiful locks for her whole life and excited to be able to donate her hair to the Wigs for Kids program. Kye Morrow – His family like many have been impacted by cancer. By participating in Bluey Day, Kye is able to show his support to the community. Interested in participating? You can register for Bluey Day online at www. fsjhospitalfoundation.ca.

BETHEREASONSOMEONESMILES!

Why not surprise someone you love, or your colleagues, with a box full of smiles during this year’s Smile Cookie campaign? Stop by one of the 3 Tim Hortons locations in town from May 1-7 to get your Smile Cookies. Cookies can be purchased individually or by the dozen.

All proceeds from the purchase of a Tim Hortons Smile Cookie goes towards supporting the FSJ Hospital Foundation! The Foundation has been paying forward your smiles by supporting emergent equipment needs at the Hospital and Peace Villa Residential Care Facility.

Thank you Tim Hortons for putting a smile on our faces!

GRATEFULPATIENTPROGRAM–CelebrateNationalNursesWeek

We have so many outstanding and caring physicians, nurses, technicians, porters, and housekeepers at the Hospital and Peace Villa. If you want to say “thank you” to someone who made a real difference, consider recognizing a nurse through an In Honor donation! Patients or family members can express their gratitude by sharing a story of the outstanding care they received, or by making a charitable contribution to the FSJ Hospital Foundation. We will convey your message to the nurse or department that has provided exceptional care when you needed it. If you have a story you would like to share, please contact the FSJ Hospital Foundation at (250261-7563 or fsjhf@northernhealth.ca!

NH has 58.8 % more hospital deaths after major surgery vs. rest of BC

Christine Dalgleish dalgleish@pgcitizen.ca

Northern Health had 58.8 per cent more hospital deaths following major surgery in 2021-22 than the provincial average and 49 per cent more than the rest of Canada, according to a report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).

Dawson Creek & District Hospital has the highest rate of hospital deaths after major surgery in Northern Health at 5.3 per cent, while the University Hospital of Northern BC located in Prince George has a rate of 3.6 per cent. The best result is at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital that has a rate of 1.5 per cent, sitting below the B.C. average of 1.8 per cent. The national rate is at two per cent, while Northern Health is at 3.3 per cent.

The report. 30-Day In-Hospital Mortality Following Major Surgery, states that although not all deaths are preventable, reporting on and comparing mortality rates for major surgical procedures may increase awareness of surgical safety and act as a signal for hospitals to investigate their processes of care. The report looks at the rate of in-hospital deaths within 30 days of major surgery per 100 major surgical cases.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) provides comparable and actionable data and information that is used to accelerate improvements in health care, health system performance and population health across Canada.

For more information visit www.cihi.ca.

Canada pledges $39M in sniper rifles, non-lethal aid for Ukraine

Canada is committing another $39 million in weapons and non-lethal military aid to Ukraine.

Defence Minister Anita Anand announced the latest contribution during a meeting with counterparts from the U.S. and other allies in Germany.

The donation includes almost $35 million in cash to help Ukraine buy fuel, first-aid kits and other non-lethal provisions through a special NATO fund.

The remaining money will be used to buy 40 sniper rifles and ammunition from a Winni -

peg company, and new radio sets for the eight Leopard 2 tanks that Canada has donated to Ukraine.

Canada has committed more than $8 billion in financial, military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since Russian forces invaded the country in February 2022.

While the conflict has become a war of attrition over the past few months, Ukraine is expected to launch a counteroffensive with the aid of Western weapons in the coming weeks. - with files from CP

Canada’s premiers, police chiefs talk bail reform as Feds face calls for change

The association representing Canada’s chiefs of police is expected to meet with provincial and territorial premiers today to talk about reforming Canada’s criminal justice system.

Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson, who chairs the Council of the Federation, says premiers aim to hear chiefs’ public-safety concerns and their perspectives on how Ottawa should amend federal law, including on bail reform.

Premiers have been calling on the federal government to renew and enhance its Guns and Gang Violence Action Fund, which supports provincial and territorial public-safety initiatives.

That request follows previous calls for Ottawa to create “reverse onus” measures for certain offences that would require a person seeking bail to prove why they should not stay behind bars.

Justice Minister David Lametti committed to move forward quickly on “targeted reforms” to the Criminal Code that would update Can

ada’s bail system after meeting with his provincial and territorial counterparts last month.

The virtual meeting with police chiefs, which is also expected to touch on broader public-safety concerns, is taking place after recent violent attacks and murders in Metro Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina and Toronto.

- with files from CP

Collins wanted on multiple sexual, pornography warrants

Fort St John RCMP is requesting assistance of the public to locate 22-year-old Anthony Jacob Dean Collins.

Collins is currently wanted on warrants for Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference, Make/ Publish Child Pornography, Possess Child Pornography, as well as Breach of Release Order.

Anthony Collins with brown hair wearing a grey zip up jacket with a hood

Anthony Collins is described as: a caucasian male, 5 feet 8 inches tall (173 cm), 135 lbs (61 kgs), with brown hair and blue eyes.

He is known to reside in the Dawson Creek and Chetwynd, BC areas - but may currently be out of the province.

Collins is aware of his warrants and has been actively avoiding police.

RCMP continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information as to Anthony Collins’ whereabouts to contact the Fort St John RCMP at 250-787-8100. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca.

Rob Shaw: How the

Rob Shaw rob@robshawnews.com

Two major B.C. municipalities are set to ban open drug use in public places, a move that sparked a heated debate at the legislature this week about whether the province’s new decriminalization program is worsening disorder on city streets.

Kamloops and Campbell River have set in motion new bylaws that will prohibit drug use at parks, beaches and playgrounds in the same way as smoking and consuming alcohol.

Councillors in Kamloops voted last week to have staff prepare the new bylaw for adoption, while the mayor of Campbell River says his municipality is expected to vote to pass its initiative next week.

“For me personally, I have a sixyear-old granddaughter, and I don’t think she should have to go to a local farmer’s market and watch someone potentially with a needle doing heroin sitting on a bench in our downtown,” said mayor Kermit Dahl.

B.C. in late January started a threeyear pilot program that decriminalizes personal possession of small amounts of illicit drugs like cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, to try and encourage users to seek help during a worsening toxic drug crisis that has killed almost 12,000 people since 2016.

But B.C. has also been in the grips of a public safety crisis this year, as random attacks, violence, vandalism and street disorder increased in urban centres across the province.

Some of that is fuelled by those feeding addictions, which in turn has led to more visible signs of drug use and homelessness.

Whether decriminalization is connected to the rising visible drug use on city streets remains a topic of hot debate at the legislature. But it is clearly causing some municipalities to take more direct action.

“It’s like daily, multiple times daily, people are overdosing,” said Dahl. “Nothing is changing. None of the stuff that really needs to be addressed is being addressed.”

Opposition BC United leader Kevin Falcon seems to sense the public mood shifting away from an acceptance of open drug use, amid fear over worsening public safety.

Falcon this week accused the NDP government of a “reckless” pursuit of decriminalization, by failing to accompany it with enough addictions treatment and police resources.

“While simple activities like having a beer at your local public park or using a plastic straw are tightly regulated, the premier’s policy allows completely uncontrolled consumption of lethal drugs like crystal meth, crack cocaine and fentanyl,” Falcon told the legislature Wednesday.

“Neighbourhoods, as a result, are being plagued by discarded drugs and drug paraphernalia, forcing families to worry about their children stumbling upon needles in parks, beaches and playgrounds.”

Falcon said he supports municipalities that want to craft their own bylaws limiting public drug use.

But to do so, both Kamloops and Campbell River have had to face off against opposition by local public health officials, who have argued that banishing drug users from public spaces during a toxic drug crisis will add to the stigma that forces them to use alone and be more susceptible to a fatal overdose.

Campbell River abandoned its first attempt at a public drug use bylaw in February, after refusing to accept a letter or input from an Island Health medical health officer.

At first, municipalities assumed they had to get permission from local health officials, and ultimately the Minister of Health, to enact bylaws related to drug use. But they have recently discovered that if they use a nuisance bylaw instead, then they can ban public drug use without requiring permission from health officials.

Dahl said he’s found it frustrating to be accused of furthering stigma against drug users.

“The federal government has said you weren’t allowed to use drugs in the airport, or certain other areas, and

nobody said anything about stigma,” said Dahl. “But as soon as we say we don’t think it should be done in public parks paid for by taxpayers, or where kids would be, then the word stigma comes up.”

Falcon said the government is using the health authorities to pressure municipalities, as it seeks to protect its decriminalization initiative.

The NDP government’s response has been to argue that decriminalization is only one part of a larger suite of measures that are an attempt to stem the rising number of overdose deaths.

“In the context of an unrelenting public health emergency that is the toxic drug crisis, we have to do all of the things at the same time,” said Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside.

B.C. chief coroner Lisa Lapointe reported this week almost 600 deaths in the first three months of the year, which Lapointe called “a crisis of incomprehensible scale.”

The number of deaths is appalling. Yet at the same time, the public finds itself upset at stories like the one that emerged in Nanaimo this week in which a five-year-old girl found a bag of toxic fentanyl on a school playground, took it home and was about to open it before her mother noticed and stopped her.

Falcon drew a direct line between the Nanaimo girl and government’s decriminalization efforts. And nobody from the NDP government was able to counter it effectively this week.

“I just cannot understand why the government cannot just make it clear that province wide, we’re going to have a policy that says you do not get to do open drug use in parks, playgrounds and beaches,” said Falcon.

It sounds simple. And it passes the political sniff test, in that if you went out on the street and asked random people “do you think drugs should be used in public spaces like parks and beaches?” almost all of them would likely say no.

Perhaps that’s why the NDP government is having such difficulty arguing against the municipal bylaws. And it’s almost assuredly why we haven’t heard the end of the issue — both from municipalities themselves, and from the government’s political opponents at the legislature.

Rob Shaw has spent more than 15 years covering B.C. politics, now reporting for CHEK News and writing for Glacier Media.

rob@robshawnews.com

Card of Thanks

Thank You

Heartfelt thanks to all the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at the Fort St. John Hospital for the care, compassion and kindness that you gave our father Deb Fleet during his time there. He commented several times a day about how great you all were!

You made it easier for him and us as well.

Thank you again from the Fleet Family.

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Application No. 424238

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE

Application for a Permit amendment Under the Provisions of the Environmental Management Act

We/I, Tourmaline Oil Corp./Duane Peperkorn of address; #2900 – 250 6 Ave SW, Calgary AB, T2P 3H7, intend to submit this amendment application to the Director to amend Permit PA-108122, issued May 24th, 2017, which authorizes the discharge of air emissions from the Aitken Creek Gas Plant, located at c-038-C/094-H-04.

The land upon which the facility is situated and the discharge occurs is located at BC NTS: c-038-C/094-H-04, approximately 35 km north of Wonowon, BC within the Peace River Regional District.

The amendment requests that the following conditions be changed from: 6.940 g/s NOx, 13.870 g/s CO, 3.050 g/s VOC and 0.000 g/s TSP (total suspended particulates), to the following: 8.412 g/s NOx, 16.152 g/s CO, 3.654 g/s VOC and 0.000 g/s TSP.

Any person who may be adversely affected by the proposed amendment and wishes to provide relevant information may, within 30 days after the last date of posting, publishing, service or display, send written comments to the applicant, with a copy to the Regional Manager, Environmental Protection at Bag 2, Fort St. John, B.C. V1J 2B0. The identity of any respondents and the contents of anything submitted in relation to this application will become part of the public record. Dated this 9th day of March 2023.

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‘Gruesome’ photos of wolf cull prompt criticism

Stefan Labbé slabbe@glaciermedia.ca

A week after the B.C. government released 46 photos of wolves killed under its cull program, an environmental group is raising concerns veterinarian guidelines the province said it would adhere to are not being met.

Photos obtained in a freedom of information request and released by Pacific Wild this week show dozens of wolves shot through the abdomen, neck and head. Some of the photos, taken from the air, show tracks and the outlines of a collapsed wolf; others show close-up shots of the aftermath of a kill.

In an open letter to the province, Pacific Wild’s director of conservation intelligence Bryce Casavant said the majority of shots were “not controlled head shots,” and in many cases, “are not forms of instantaneous kills which eliminate suffering.”

“Some of these pictures are pretty gruesome and pretty graphic. This is what this program is,” said Casavant in an interview.

“This isn’t veterinarians euthanizing some problem wolves.”

The photographs, which range from 2015 to 2022, document a province-run wolf call program meant to alleviate pressure on endangered caribou populations. In some cases, that’s meant hiring sharpshooters to fire on wolves from helicopters.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship said the decision to kill wolves is based on science and sound wildlife management principles and “is not taken lightly.”

“Without addressing high predation pressure from wolves, many caribou herds could face the risk of local extinction,” said the spokesperson.

Province says it’s shooting wolves according to humane guidelines

In letter to Pacific Wild earlier this year, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship Lori Halls said sharpshooters follow American Veterinary Medical Association’s Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals (2020).

On Thursday, a spokesperson for the ministry said those guidelines permit gunshots to the heart, as shown in many of the released photographs.

The province is committed to “animal welfare and the humaneness of our procedures in our predator reduction program,” the spokesperson said in an email.

Casavant says that contrary to Hall’s assertions, ministry staff haven’t provided “a high level of shooter oversight on all occasions.”

In many cases, he said, the photos “run counter to long-standing ministry narratives.”

Lack of transparency leads to little public

oversight

Casavant, who lost his job with the BC Conservation Officer Service after refusing to kill to orphaned bear cubs in 2015, said he has spent months trying to get the photos released.

In one case earlier this year, a senior official for the wolf cull program told a staffer at Pacific Wild Alliance it “will never release those photos because we know what you would do with them,” Casavant wrote in an op-ed last month.

But through the freedom of information process, the organization has recovered 46 photos. Casavant estimates there are 600 photos and 14 videos that still haven’t been released. A spokesperson for the ministry denied any photos were withheld as part of the freedom of information request.

Without a full body of photographic and documentary evidence — something the province’s wild cull permit requires for each kill — Casavant says it’s impossible to properly assess if the shooters carrying out the wolf kill are consistently following humane guidelines.

“If there’s 2,000 dead wolves, there should be 2,000 photographic records,” he said. “The government has run this program in relatively secrecy for many years.”

“This is the type of information that should be front and forward.”