AHN JUNE 1, 2023

overdose site planned near FSJ elementary

School District 60 officials would like more information about a Northern Health plan to put more potential burnouts, addicts, and drug users looking to avoid an overdose - near a Fort St. John elementary school.

SD60 officials say they have been left in the dark, and at the back of the class by Northern Health about an overdose prevention site plotted for 10607 100th Ave,

in Fort St. John near Ecole Central Elementary school.

“The only information that we have had to date has come from the local media,” says SD60 chair Helen Gilbert in a letter to Dr. Jong Kim, Chief Medical Health Officer of Northern Health concerning this lack of consultation.

“There has been no communication regarding the decision to locate an overdose prevention site at 10607 100th Avenue which is in close proximity to Ecole Central Elementary although according to an Alaska Highway News article dated Feb. 16, 2023 a fiveyear lease for the property has been signed.”

Gilbert there here has also been no communication regarding the measures that may be planned to address the safety concerns that are being raised with SD 60 staff and management.

“We do realize that under Ministerial Order M488 that Northern Health has the duty and right to establish services to deal with overdose prevention. Prior to this order, we believe the municipality would have had to be consulted regarding the location of an overdose prevention site or

a site offering supervised consumption services,” writes Gilbert.

“(For example) liquor and Cannabis stores would not be allowed in such close proximity to schools. At our March board meeting, we faced questions from some public and we did not have answers or information because there has been no communication with us.”

The 2017 Supervised Consumption Services Operational Guidance prepared by the Ministry of Health and British Columbia Centre on Substance Use gives guidelines for key stakeholder consultation and engagement as well as broader community consultation.

The School District is a key stakeholder according to this document and should be involved in discussions related to planned safety measures for the community.

School division questions for Northern Health:

In choosing this location for the overdose prevention site we wonder if any consideration was given to other services provided in this area, especially for children?

We also wonder about the level of service that will be provided at this site. Is it an overdose prevention site or a safe consumption site?

What is the learning from overdose prevention sites or safe consumption sites in other areas of the province that will be applied to reduce the safety risk to others in our community that are not clients of the site?

Will the Ministry of Health be responsible for putting in safety measures for the community in addition to those provided for staff?

“We recognize that an overdose prevention site is a measure to address the overdose crisis and, improve overall community health. During the pandemic, there was a partnership between the School District and Public health based on respectful communication and a recognition of the roles we play in student safety, concludes Gilbert.

“Currently, the level of communication regarding the proposed Overdose Prevention site does not recognize this partnership.”

editor@dcdn.ca

Rob Brown editor@dcdn.ca

A reliance, and appliance of science: local students awarded

Rob Brown editor@dcdn.ca

A pair of Fort St John students received awards at the 61st Canada-Wide Science Fair on May 17-19.

Maryam Khanum and Swas Ghosh were among the 396 student finalists who were showcasing their projects at the fair this year.

Khanum’s project was

Feasibility Assessment of MFC to Treat Oil and Gas Produced Water and Generate Electricity, which won them the intermediate –Silver Excellence Award. Ghosh’s project was Green Pools of CO2: The Effects of CO2 on Houseplants which won them the Intermediate - Bronze Excellence Award.

The event, held at the Edmonton Convention Centre attracted more than 7,000

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visitors over the course of the first two days, with an additional 10,000 online visitors.

In total, 220 students shared more than $1.6 million in scholarships, awards, and prizes. Top awards in Discovery and Innovation went to Elizabeth Chen from Edmonton for a project on alternative cancer treatments, and Arushi Nath

from Toronto with a project on planetary defense.

The 62nd edition of the Canada-Wide Science Fair will be taking place in Ottawa, at the Carelton University from May 11-17 next year.

tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

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Peace residents pick up Duke of Edinburgh awards

Rob Brown editor@dcdn.ca

Cheyenne Radcliffe and Lt Carla Lowther were awarded prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver last month.

Radcliffe, a former Cadet Instructors Cadre Officer from 2276 RCACC, completed all three levels of the award program. The Royal Canadian Army Cadet Program provided Radcliffe with most of the opportunities that she needed to complete the requirements for her award.

Lt Carla Lowther has been a Duke

of Edinburgh Leader in Nova Scotia, as well as here in Fort St John and Dawson Creek, and was present at the ceremony to receive the only Leader certificate, honoring her position for the last 25 years.

“Getting this 25-year leadership award from Prince Edward and the program means a lot to me. I told him when we spoke, that it was 30 years ago this February he presented my Gold Award to me in Edmonton, AB. He jokingly said it was good to see me again,” said Lowther.

Radcliffe was among the 35 winners who were presented their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award by the

Once the awards were all received, His Royal Highness Prince Edward then entered the room and spoke with each award winner individually. After, everyone went into the main reception area which is where the par-

ents and guests were waiting.

All three of the previously mentioned dignitaries made speeches as well as a few others, before Prince Edward mingled with he crowd for about an hour.

“I really believe in this program because it allows youth to plan their own award and show growth in such a variety of areas along the way. Having

struggles is not seen as a negative thing but as an opportunity for growth. When you finally complete the requirements for any section it is such an amazing feeling. This program allows youth to demonstrate their initiative and growth in areas that are as individual as they are,” said Lowther. tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

Lieutenant Governor of BC, the Honorable Janet Austin, and the Commissioner of Yukon Territory, Angélique Bernard.

Rob Brown editor@dcdn.ca

The PRRD wants you to know where to throw some additional waste and larger items that need disposal after a evacuation and or emergency alert.

Safety Alert: Material that was previously on fire cannot be accepted at PRRD landfills or transfer stations until it has been extinguished for at least 30 days, or is accompanied with a letter from a recognized municipal, local or volunteer fire department, confirming that the material has been fully extinguished and is ready for disposal. This is to reduce the risk of fires in bins.

Landfills & Transfer Stations: Locations & Hours of Operation

The landfills and transfer stations are open on varying schedules.

Dealing with large amounts of garbage:

Each property can request a Cleanup Coupon, which can be used up to four times each year to drop off larger amounts of garbage for free at the PRRD transfer stations or landfills. The Coupon has details on how they can be used.

You must haul your own waste (no commercial service providers) to use the Cleanup Coupons.

Cleanup Coupons will be available for pick-up at the PRRD office in Fort St. John at 9505 – 100th Street, Fort St. John starting Thursday, May 25

Call 250-784-3200 to have a Cleanup Coupon mailed to you.

Reminder of the Spring Cleanup going from June 5-18. You can also use the free drop-off of garbage as part of the annual Spring Cleanup. You must haul your own waste (no commercial service providers).

Household Waste: Take to Tier 1 or 2 Transfer Stations

Regular household waste, including spoiled food in tied, plastic bags, can be dropped off at any of the transfer stations.

Large Household Items and Small Amounts Demolition Waste: Tier 1 Transfer Stations Only

Hot garbage after an evac: where to take your trash COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER READERS NOTICE

Large items like freezers and refrigerators or demolition waste that would fit in the back of a truck or small trailer can be taken to Tier 1 Transfer Stations. The doors must be securely shut with double straps (e.g. ratchet straps) for safety.

Large Amounts of Demo-

lition Waste – Landfill Only

If there is extensive damage to structures that results in large amounts of demolition waste, this must be taken directly to the landfill.

editor@dcdn.ca

BCBudget 2024 Consultation

Shareyourviewswiththe FinanceCommitteeby June16,2023.

Forfulldetails, visitbcleg.ca/FGSbudget orcall250-356-2933or toll-free1-877-428-8337.

Cops for Cancer 2023 campaign begins

Rob Brown editor@dcdn.ca

The event marks the beginning of the training and fundraising season for Tour de North, which will take place in September and raise funds for life-saving childhood cancer research and support programs.

Cops for Cancer first began in 1994, when Sergeant Gary Goulet of the Edmonton Police Service met Lyle Jorgenson, a then 5-year-old boy who had cancer. Goulet requested the meeting after learning that Lyle was being ridiculed at school because of his hair loss due to chemotherapy. Goulet was so moved by the boy’s story, that he rallied his colleagues to shave their heads in solidarity while raising funds for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), and the Cops for Cancer movement was born

More than 25 years later, Cops for Cancer, a partnership between CCS and first

say RCMP during evacuation action

Rob Brown editor@dcdn.ca

responders, is a national program that raises impactful funds for life-saving childhood cancer research and to support children with cancer and their families navigate an extremely challenging experience. Since its inception, the initiative has raised almost $52 million through cycling tours and fundraising events such as head shaves, helping CCS to become the largest funder of childhood cancer research in Canada.

In British Columbia, Cops for Cancer hosts four cycling tours every September in regions across the province – Tour de Rock, Tour de Coast, Tour de Valley and Tour de North. In 2022, the four events raised a total of more than $1.5 million.

To learn more visit copsforcancer.ca, cancer.ca or call 1 888-939-3333.

FSJ RCMP say to take items such as passports, birth certificates, wills and more during an evacuation order.

The safety of everyone is paramount and a high priority for the RCMP said Insp Tony Hanson, OIC Fort St John RCMP.

While some may struggle with these orders and alerts, we would suggest that if you are under an evacuation order to take items you feel are important such as passports, birth certificates and wills and anything else you feel is important, they said Thursday in a statement.

“If you cannot take other items such as valuables and firearms, secure them within your home and lock your doors and windows as you leave.”

If you are under an evacuation alert, gather what you feel is important in one place so that you are ready

to go at a moment’s notice should an alert become an order.

The RCMP say they will not and cannot go into your home and gather any of your personal belongings

should an evacuation order be issued.

It is very important that you are ready to go if you have to.

editor@dcdn.ca

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Hudson’s Hope RCMP report

Hudson’s Hope RCMP responded to 47 calls for service between April 18 to May 23.

62 written violations and warning tickets were issued to drivers between the above dates for various motor vehicle related offences. Highway and road safety continues to be a focus for the Hudson’s Hope RCMP.

On April 28th, the Hudson’s Hope RCMP conducted a routine check-stop along Hwy 29, near the entrance to Dinosaur Lake. During this check-stop, police checked approximately 50 motorists for sobriety, seatbelts, and vehicle insurances/registration compliance. Two stops of interest were generated during this check-stop, with a suspended/unlicensed driver, and a prohibited driver being found and later charged.

On April 29th, the Hudson’s Hope RCMP stopped a motorist along Beattie Dr. for speeding and upon the investigation, police found the driver of the vehicle to be impaired by alcohol. This driver received a 3-day driving prohibition and an impound of their vehicle.

On May 2nd, the Hudson’s Hope RCMP received a report of mischief to a vehicle along Beryl Prairie Rd. It was reported and confirmed that an unknown suspect removed several bolts from the rear differential and had cut the brake lines of the vehicle which was parked on private property. This act was conducted in a malicious nature for unknown reasons at this time and the file remains open for further investigation.

On May 7th, the Hudson’s Hope RCMP received another report of a loose bison that was roaming along Canyon Dr. and impeding traffic. The attending RCMP member located the furry suspect and was able to herd the beast off the roadway and into the nearby wooded area. The owner of

the bison was contacted and all details were forwarded to the Peace Area Range and Agricultural Officer.

On May 12th, Hudson’s Hope RCMP stopped a motorist along Hwy 29 for speeding and upon speaking with the driver, it was confirmed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. Upon a road-side sobriety test being administered, the driver failed and was issued a 7-day driving prohibition and an impound of their vehicle.

On May 16th, the Hudson’s Hope RCMP received a report of a mischief to a vehicle along Dudley Dr. It was reported that a window had been smashed out of the local Lions bus but no other damages were found. This file remains open for any possible leads or witnesses.

On May 17th, the Hudson’s Hope RCMP received a report of an attempted assault with a vehicle. It was reported that the suspect had intentionally swerved their vehicle toward the victim and missed them by a mere foot. The driver was positively identified and was later charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and assault with a weapon. This matter is now before the courts.

Between May 20th to May 22nd, the Hudson’s Hope RCMP were out in full force for the May long weekend. Several check-stops were conducted in the known hotspot areas and police issued several driving prohibitions for impaired driving with all vehicles and ATV’s/ORV’s being impounded. Police further conducted ATV patrols throughout the back roads and trails, checking for ATV/ORV safety compliance and Wildfire checks. Several tickets and fines were issued for safety infractions and two Wildfire tickets were issued to individuals found to be contravening the fire ban.

On May 22nd, the Hudson’s Hope RCMP were called out to a report of shots fired near the area known as Second Beach. Upon investigation, it was found that an individual had fired a single shot into an empty side x side after a verbal altercation had occurred between two parties. Police located a suspect who was later charged. This matter is currently still under investigation.

On May 22nd, the Hudson’s Hope RCMP attended a residence off of Beryl Prairie Rd. after receiving a report of a large open fire being ignited. Police and Fire located a large open fire that was being used to burn garbage and debris. Being that the fire was in contravention of the current fire ban, the resident was issued a ticket under the Wildfire Act with fines totalling close to $2,000.00.

Anyone with information regarding current or past investigations can contact the Hudson’s Hope RCMP directly at 250-783-5241 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Visit http://crimestoppersnebc.ca for advice on submitting tips online and to browse the areas “Most Wanted” page.

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Cpl. Erich Schmidt Detachment Commander Hudson’s Hope RCMP

It’saGirl!

AVERY OLIVE JAMES RISSANEN

Parents: Caitlyn&IanRissanen

Weight: 7lbs6oz

Length: 20inches

Time: 7:51am

Date: April15,2023

Dropofformailyour FREEbirthannouncementto : TheAlaskaHighwayNews, 9916-98St•FortSt.John•V1J3T8 or email:compose@ahnfsj.ca

LETTER: fluoride in the water, rainbows on the crosswalks

Letter to the Editor:  Mayor and Council of Fort St. John BC

I write to you today with something that is very puzzling to me. Regarding Rainbow Crosswalk and Fluoride in Drinking Water.

It’saGirl!

SERENITY

Parents:

MattandAngie

Weight: 7lbs3oz

Length: 48cm

Time: 8:10am

Date: May15,2023

Hometown: FortSt.John,BC

CELEBRATEBABIES

BIRTH Ph:250.261.7563

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www.fsjhospitalfoundation.caemail:fsjhf@northernhealth.ca

Let’s start with Fluoride in Drinking Water. I, and many others have sent letters to Mayor and Council about the harms of Fluoride. Many of us submitted factual studies to back up our claims. It’s interesting to know that there are only 3 Municipalities in British Columbia that add Fluoride into the drinking water. If Fluoride is so safe, why are more Municipalities not doing the same? In a response to a letter writ ten to Mayor and Council, Byron Stewart stated that, if we (City of FSJ) were to change this, a REFER ENDUM would have to be put forth to the Citizens of FSJ.

Fair enough. I suggest a post card, mailed to each address in FSJ, with return postage. Participants fill out the BALLOT and drop it into the Mailbox. A simple question: Do you want Fluoride in your Drinking Water? YES or NO. Keep it simple.

Yes, I understand that this will cost money. This is a Democratic way of voting in favor, or not in favor of SOMETHING

Rainbow Crosswalk: I attended the City Hall Public Meeting on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. A Rainbow Crosswalk, at the cost to the TAXPAYERS of $6500.00, was voted in by mayor and council. It’s suggested location (Trevor Bolin) between the RCMP Building and City of FSJ Building so they could monitor anyone who vandalizes the Rainbow Crosswalk.

Question: was there a referendum for this? Was there public Consultation? Do you understand now why I am puzzled?

Drinking water. Important to.sustain all life needs a REFERENDUM to change what is added = Democracy

A rainbow crosswalk, No REFERENDUM required= NO Democracy

In my opinion, $6500.00 is better spent on fixing the potholes that

I implore you, to spend our TAX dollars wisely and with Consultation with us. You are paid SERVANTS of the People of Fort St. John. We pay your WAGE. You work for us. My late father always said that a little

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OPINION John Grady: where have the prophets gone?

Are there Prophets today? If so, how do we recognize them? What would we expect them to say on our Lord’s behalf? Do we care?

Are there false prophets today? Were there Prophets just for the Old Testament? Would we reject a Prophet today if he or she spoke God’s truth, but it didn’t fit our denominational thinking and culture?

As we know, the Bible separates the major Prophets from the minor Prophets not so much in terms of their message and its importance but rather more in the length of their time, service and message. To be a Prophet one must be called of God, set apart and be willing to pay the price of fulfilling this incredible calling of being a Prophet of God and speaking His word even to those who do not want to hear it.

What often gets overlooked are the Prophets who do not have a “book” named after them but were so significant in their role as Prophets. Yet their message could be for one person and not so much for a Nation or Nations. It’s also important to note how a true Prophet cares for the Word he or she gives and its impact even on one person.

A case in point is Elisha, the protege of Elijah who was about to be supernaturallytaken directly to heaven in a whirlwind. Just

before Elijah was taken up, he asked Elisha what he could do for him and Elisha comes up with this incredible answer that tells Elijah, us and most importantly the Lord, where his heart and desire wereat. “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit.”

As Elisha was fulfilling his Ministry as a Prophet, he would travel to Shunem in the northern part of Israel, and he would stop for dinner at a couple’s residence where the food must have been good. The woman shared with her husband that Elisha was a “holy man of God”, and they should build a room for him on the top of their roof so he could stay there when traveling through. This they did.

Eventually Elisha asked the woman what he could do for her because of her kindness, and she expressed her comfort with no needs in spite of the couple beingchildless. Elisha said to her “About this time next year you will hold a son in your arms.” Her response “Don’t mislead your servant, O man of God” as her reaction was historical disappointment and not wanting to get her hopes up again. She did in fact become pregnant just as Elisha had shared and gave birth to a son.

Years later the boy went to the field to help his father but fell sick and died. You can imagine the pain of the

LETTER: are northerners expendable?

Does Victoria care about the North Peace?

Are they really committed to stopping your city being razed to the ground? Why are there no water bombers used to fight the fire near the city?

What’s wrong with Charlie Lake, or, if it’s too shallow, Moberly Lake?

You can bet if there was

a fire 15 miles from Kelowna, you’d have every man in the army working for you. Are farmers, natives, and northerners expendable?

You deserve better.

Chase Conell, Kelowna Ed. note: Many local residents witnessed water bombers and more.

loss to the mother as she got her servant to assist her with a donkey and she went to Mt Carmel where Elisha the man of God was. She reminded him “Didn’t I tell you, don’t raise my hopes.” Elisha went with her to the home where the boy was lying dead on the couch in his room. Elisha closed the door and started praying and eventually the boy sneezed 7 times and opened his eyes. The mother fell at Elisha’s feet and bowed

down in thankfulness and gratitude and then took her son.

There are so many nuggets in this story:

- Elisha was identified as a Man of God

- The family recognized and provided for him

- Elisha heard from the Lord and spoke truth

- so often pain and disappointment can bind us

- Years later Elisha cared not only for the family including the boy, but he honored and watched over the Word of the Lord

- It shows us how personal, caring and intimate the Lord truly is.

John Grady - Fort St John

COPYRIGHT & LEGAL NOTICE

Alaska Highway News retains sole copyright of advertising, news stories, and photography produced by staff. Copyright of letters and other materials submitted to the Editor and accepted for publication remain with the author, but the Publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic, or other forms. Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher. Alaska Highway News is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about our content, please let us know first. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit mediacouncil.ca or call 1-844-877-1163 for more information. Second class mail registration No. 0167

Wallace Sales Manager rwallace@ahnfsj.ca

Rob Brown Assistant Editor editor@dcdn.ca

Lynn Novack Circulation Manager circulation@ahnfsj.ca

OPINION Saugstad: wildfires; part of life for the Boreal Forest

Evan Saugstad Columnist

May 22nd, Victoria Day, a long weekend, a day more often than not we expect to be the last snowstorm of the season. Not this year, Victoria Day is the first real rainstorm of the year, and a welcome one at that. Enough rain to lay a licking on our wildfires, turn our brown and black countryside green, garden and field seeds into sprouts and a return to fresh air.

Hopefully this storm puts an end to all wildfires in NE BC and Alberta that have plagued us for the past couple weeks. Rain certainly helps, but more work is needed to fully extinguish them so this doesn’t begin all over in a few weeks when things dry out once again.

Out of control wildfire, and especially those that threaten communities and/ or human life always make the headlines, and especially these days when so much of our focus is about climate change and its effects, real or perceived.

“Never seen before”, Worst ever experience”, Most fires ever”, “Biggest we have ever seen” scream the headlines. “Fossil fuels are responsible”, “Bad For-

est practices the cause” blare others. Lost in it all is our northern boral forest reality; wildfires are part of our forest’s life, that they are not going away and despite what the outcomes of climate change, fossil fuels consumption or forest management practices are, wildfire will continue, and with those fires, the creation of conditions needed to maintain our boreal forest ecosystems.

Wildfires are to boreal forests as sand dunes are to deserts. If you got one, you got the other. Some years conditions are much more conducive for major events, like this year, while for other years, not so much. Bad windstorm years do the same in helping perpetuate deserts.

Did you know that June 1st marks the 73rd anniversary of the start of what is considered Canada’s largest single recorded wildfire (some say for the entire world)? In 1950 the Chinchaga Fire started just east of our current Stoddart Creek Fire and eventually burned an estimated 1.4 –1.7 million hectares (3.5 –4.2 million acres). It burned from the Rose Prairie area into northern Alberta near Keg River. Like our fires of the past two weeks, it was

started by humans (stories vary between surveyors, land clearing or slash burning for forestry). It was not fought and left to do its thing, to which it did. It darkened the skies from the BC Peace all the way to New York City.

History says conditions

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8. Stand out with colour. A full-colour ad on an otherwise black-and-white page is sure to draw the eye, and the opposite — monochromatic in a sea of colour — is equally true.

9. a lway S include a call to action. What do you want people to do after they’ve read your ad? Sign up for your service? Visit your showroom? Let them know!

10. k eep contact information cry S tal clear. Potential buyers need to instantly know how and where to reach you.

for that fire where much the same as this year, a dry spring followed by hot and windy weather and poof –off it went until it burned itself out in October. Although that was the biggest known fire, it this is not the only large fire from our past. In 1958 much of northern BC and southern Yukon burned. Anecdotal reports talk of a fire at the turn of the last century that started in Monkman Park and burned all the way to Grande Prairie.

The true nature of historic wildfires is hard to come by as nobody reported them. Even after the European arrival, not much was reported or known, as fires that burned away from the few communities of the time were ignored.

in 1793 Sir Alexander Mackenzie reported that much of the Peace River area was grasslands with an abundance of bison. It is also known that the indigenous people of the time frequently burned the land to keep it in grass and the bison coming back so they could be hunted. Less is known how successful the indigenous people were in burning the boreal forest and keeping those fires small, as they lived a nomadic lifestyle and would move to another area while the fires burned and return as the forests greened-up and the wildlife returned.

From this last century we have come to learn that our most destructive fires in the boreal forest (northern BC and Alberta) happen during spring, May into early June. Forests are not yet greened-up, and the fine fuels (dead grass and leaves and shrubs) are at their driest which make for the ease of fire spread. All that is needed in these dry conditions is an ignition source (mostly human caused as lightning storms are relatively rare this early in the year), a hot day with humidities lower than the temperature, strong winds to fan the flames, just as we had this year.

Once these fires start and escape control at initial attack, nothing will stop them except a good rainstorm, or next fall’s snow. They aren’t stopped by deciduous stands, farmers dry grass fields, mix woods or previ-

ously logged blocks. Even large rivers are no barrier. Once they have the momentum and heat, all we can do is watch until they slow down and become more susceptible for control.

When they start near or adjacent to our communities, we all become susceptible of being burnt out of house and home. In May of 2011 Slave Lake burned and in May 2016, Fort McMurray. Both fires had the same conditions that the Stoddard Creek fire had; spring drought conditions, a “careless” human, a hot day with low humidity and strong winds. We remember these fires as they burned communities, and easily forget that these same types of fires happen regularly in those areas away from our communities.

Even more unfortunately, we ignore the reality that these fires are part of the environment that we choose to live in. We can’t move our communities, but we can do better.

Most all are caused by humans and that can be minimized, just never eliminated. Not easy as more and more of us become unconnected from the lands and the understanding just when these extreme fire hazard days occur. We can also do better at minimizing/reducing the boreal forest fuels in and around our communities, but these are forever commitments that require substantial funding. We can also be better prepared with more fire fighting forces and equipment ready at moments notice, but that to requires significant expenditures.

Or we can be ready to pick up and leave and come back when it is over to see what is left. After all, it is only a matter of time until it happens again.

PS: don’t believe the rhetoric that because we have earlier springs the fires are worse. They are no worse than fires when we have a late spring with the same drought conditions.

- Evan Saugstad

*Excludesflavouredicedcoffeeandadditionaltoppings.Notvalidwithanyotheroffer. AtparticipatingMcDonald’srestaurantsinCanada.Productavailabilityvariesbyrestaurant. © 2023McDonald’s

HOWTOPLAY: Fillinthegridsothateveryrow, everycolumnandevery3x3box containsthenumbers1through9 onlyonce.Each3x3boxisoutlinedwithadarkerline.You alreadyhaveafewnumbersto getyoustarted.Remember: youmustnotrepeatthenumbers1through9inthesame line,columnor3x3box

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Unions holds rally in Iqaluit as housing authority strike nears 70-day mark

Rob Brown editor@dcdn.ca

Northern unions are calling on the federal government to stop the use of replacement workers as a strike by unionized staff with the Iqaluit Housing Authority nears the 70-day mark.

The Nunavut Employees

Union and delegates of the Public Service Alliance of Canada North rallied in support of the 13 striking workers in Iqaluit, where a union convention is being held.

They called on federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Reagan, who has promised to introduce legislation barring replacement workers, to intervene as the

housing authority has hired them during the labour dispute.

The Iqaluit Housing Authority recently issued a new proposal and ended its worker lockout in hopes of ending the dispute.

That includes a 7.25 per cent increase over five years and a lump-sum payment of

3.5 per cent on ratification.

The union has rejected the offer saying the wages do not keep pace with inflation and the high cost of living in the North, and the proposal includes reductions to maternity and vacation leave.

“You have an employer

Tkachuk sends Panthers to Stanley Cup Final

Matthew Tkachuk delivered for Florida, again. Sergei Bobrovsky denied Carolina, again.

The wait is over: After 27 years, the Florida Panthers — a hockey punchline no more — are again going to play for the game’s grandest prize.

Tkachuk got his second goal of the game with 4.9 seconds left, lifting the Panthers past the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 and into the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1996 after sweeping the Eastern Conference final.

The Panthers will play either Vegas or Dallas for the Stanley Cup starting sometime next week; Vegas currently leads the Western Conference title series 3-0.

“This was pure joy,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said.

Bobrovsky stopped 36 shots to cap his stellar series — four games, four onegoal wins, three of them basically in sudden death, a .966 save percentage after stopping 174 of the 180 shots he faced. The first two wins were in overtime, and this one may as well have been.

The Panthers scored 10 goals in the series, and Bobrovsky ensured those were all they needed. They were the No. 8 seed, the last team in, the longest of long shots — which is consistent with their history, after not winning a single playoff series in 26 years, a drought that ended last season.

Wildland

Fire Safety

Action steps for around your home:

• CLEAR leaves and other vegetative debris from roofs, gutters, porches and decks. This helps prevent embers from igniting your home.

• REMOVE dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house.

• SCREEN in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.

• REMOVE flammable materials (wood piles, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.

• Wildfire can spread to tree tops. PRUNE trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.

• KEEP your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.

• Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. DISPOSE of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.

• INSPECT shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair the shingles that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.

• COVER exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.

• ENCLOSE eaves and screen soffit vents using 1/8 mesh metal screening to prevent ember entry.

that’s totally turned their backs on workers,” Jason Rochon, president of the Nunavut Employees Union, said Friday.

“I’m really glad that local workers know they’re worth and they know they’re doing the right thing.”

And now, beasts of the East. Tkachuk arrived last summer saying he wanted to bring Florida a Cup. He’s four wins away.

“It’s amazing,” Bobrovsky said. “We showed the resilience ... and we’re lucky to have Chucky on our side. He knows how to score big goals.”

NHL Senior Vice President Brian Jennings was the one tasked with presenting the Prince of Wales Trophy. After some photos, Aleksander Barkov — the captain who had two assists, one of them on the gamewinner — grabbed it, and skated it away. Some teams touch it. Some don’t. A few of the Panthers did, but Barkov didn’t pass it around.

Every year, wildfires burn across the U.S., and more and more people are living where wildfires are a real risk. But by together, residents can make their own property — and their neighborhood — much safer from wildfire.

Every year, wildfires burn across the U.S., and more and more people are living where wildfires are a real risk. But by working together, residents can make their own property — and their neighborhood — much safer from wildfire.

AND DON’T FOrGET...

The more actions a community takes, the more fire adapted it becomes. Learn how you can make a difference in your community. Visit www.fireadapted.org and www.firewise.org for more information.

FACT

• There are more than 45 million homes near or in the wildland.

• More than 72,000 U.S. communities are now at risk from wildfire.

!

but not ‘smoking’ (pun) times tonight. Perfect windless and sunny conditions with an enthusiastic crowd of ten riders.

Dawson Creek, BC Rain or Shine!

NOTICEOFVOTE

TO:ALLELIGIBLEVOTERSOF DOIGRIVERFIRSTNATION

TAKENOTICEthataRatificationVoteshallbeheldinaccordancewiththeDoigRiverFirst NationCommunityRatificationProcessinordertodetermineifEligibleVotersapprovethe DoigRiverFirstNationLandCodeandtheIndividualAgreementwithHisMajestytheKingin RightofCanada.

1.TheOfficialVotingDayfortheRatificationVoteontheDoigRiverFirstNationLandCode andtheIndividualAgreementwithHisMajestytheKinginRightofCanadawilltakeplace on Wednesdaythe14dayofJune,2023from9:00a.m.until8:00p.m. at:DoigRiver FirstNationGymnasiumatDoigRiverFirstNation,ProvinceofBritishColumbia.

2.TheAdvancePollsfortheRatificationVoteontheDoigRiverFirstNationLandCodeand theIndividualAgreementwithHisMajestytheKinginRightofCanadawilltakeplaceon Wednesdaythe7dayofJune,2023from9:00a.m.until5:00p.m. at:DoigRiverFN Gymnasiumat4356DoigRoad,DoigRiver,ProvinceofBritishColumbia.

3.TheElectronicVotingMethodswillbeavailablefrom 9:00a.m.onMondaythe1dayof May,2023to8:00p.m.onWednesdaythe14dayofJune2023.ElectronicVotingMethods willbeavailableduringregularpollsonvotingdays(AdvancePollsandOfficialVotingDay). EligibleVoterscanaccesstheElectronicVotingPlatformat www.onefeather.ca.

EligibleVotersmayvoteinpersonatthepollingplaces,byMail-inBallotinaccordance withsection15oftheDoigRiverFirstNationCommunityRatificationProcessorby ElectronicVotingMethodsinaccordancewithsection14oftheDoigRiverFirstNation CommunityRatificationProcess.

4.TheDoigRiverFirstNationLandCodeandtheIndividualAgreementwithHisMajestythe KinginRightofCanadashallbeapprovedifamajorityoftheparticipatingEligibleVoters votetoapprovethem.

ThefollowingquestionwillbeaskedoftheEligibleVotersofDoigRiverFirstNationbyBallot:

"Doyou:

➢ Approvetheproposed TheDoigRiverFirstNationLandCode,datedforreference February21,2023;

➢ ApprovetheproposedTheIndividualAgreementwithHisMajestytheKinginright ofCanada,datedforreferenceFebruary21,2023

➢ AuthorizeanddirecttheDoigRiverFirstNationtodoeverythingnecessarytogive effecttoalldocumentslistedinthisBallot?

5.EligibleVoterscancompleteanEligibleVoterdeclarationatthepollsuptothecloseof thepollsontheOfficialVotingDay.

6.EligibleVotersmayrequestaMail-in-BallotpackagefromTereeWalton,theRatification Officer,attheDoigRiverFirstNationAdministrationOffices,4356DoigRoad,DoigRiver, ProvinceofBritishColumbia,bytelephone250-263-2365.Copiesmayalsobeobtained fromthewebsite:www.doigriverfn.com/our-lands/drfn-land-code/.

VotersmayviewacopyoftheListEligibleVotersontheElectronicVotingPlatformat www.onefeather.ca.Theprocedureforanaddendumto theListofEligibleVotersisset outintheDoigRiverFirstNationCommunityRatificationProcess.

Fast,

1. Nigel Wray 24:04

2. Davide Loro 27:32

3. Kevin Hunt 29:07

4. Calvin McCracken 29:25

5. Heather McCracken

29:53

6. Landis Dell 32:29

7. Sam Keats 32:52

8. Richard Wood 34:20

1. (8 k) Rob / Hunter 18:38 Thanks Pat and Pat for timing.

Pictured Calvin McCracken

Peace powerlifters carry that weight

TW Buck ReporterPhotographer

A pair of Dawson Creek athletes competed in the 2023 WPCCP National Equipped and Raw/Classic Raw Invitational.

April Baldassarre and Jessie Hall were in Prince George late last month to compete in the competition, both receiving first place medals in their age and weight category. Hall had an amazing outing for what was his first competition, with final attempts in all categories.

· Squat 462 lbs

· Bench 314.2 lbs

· Deadlift 540.2 lbs

With a combined total of 1317.3 lbs.

Hall hopes to compete in the Northern Classic in November and continue to push the limits of lifting in his day-today training according to officials. Baldassarre was able to increase all her lifts from her last competition in November of 2022.

· Squat 352.5 lbs

· Bench 181.5 lbs

· Deadlift 352.5lbs

With a combined total of 887.4 lbs.

“I will also continue

to train and build up my bench total. Bench will be a big focus this year for me in the gym.

I hope to have 200lbs under my belt by November,” said Baldassarre. “Thank you again for all your support in

my athletic endeavours and couldn’t be more proud to be lifting next to Jessie.”

tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

•

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• PREVENTION

We’re here to help!

We

Digital Media Consultant

This is a role requiring technical expertise, strong independent skills, and a keen desire to win

We need sales leadership in Fort St John, Taylor, Hudson's Hope Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, and Tumbler Ridge

Key Duties and Responsibilities

•Assist sales team with the development of the digital business category in their territories

•Achieve monthly, quarterly and annual targets

•Ability to clearly articulate the benefits of a digital marketing strategy

•Understand the current media landscape, traditional and new

•Successfully deliver compelling presentations for our digital solutions

LANDACT:NOTICEOFAPPLICATION

FORADISPOSITIONOFCROWNLAND

TakenoticethatRedfernLakeAdven− turesLtdfromDeroche,BC,hasap− pliedtotheMinistryofForests(FOR), NortheastRegion,foranAdventure TourismLicenseofOccupationsituat− edonProvincialCrownlandlocatedat RedfernLakeTrail.FORinvitescom− mentsonthisapplication,theLand’s fileis8016214.Writtencomments concerningthisapplicationshouldbe directedtoAndrewTofflemire,(250) 233−7058,AuthorizationOfficer, NortheastRegion,FOR,at100−10003 −110thAvenue,FortSt.John,BCV1J 6M7.Commentswillbereceivedby FORuptoJuly7,2023.FORmaynot beabletoconsidercommentsre− ceivedafterthisdate.Pleasevisitthe Applications,CommentsandReasons forDecisionDatabaseat http://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/for moreinformation.Beadvisedthatany responsetothisadvertisementwillbe consideredpartofthepublicrecord. Accesstotheserecordsrequiresthe submissionofaFreedomofInforma− tion(FOI)request. Visit www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation tolearnmoreaboutFOIsubmissions.

•Facilitate the development of online strategies for SMB, and medium to large enterprise clients alike

•Ability to analyze and report on campaign metrics and secure long term business

•Contribute to the success and growth of the sales team and the overall revenue

•Proactively review client’s digital footprint and digital business practices to enable needs analysis selling

•Exposure or experience with Challenger Sales mindset

•Demonstration of strong background in one or more of the following: Website development, SEO, SEM, Social Media, Display Advertising, Video and/or Brand Identity

•Google AdWords and Analytics certification is an asset

•Outstanding verbal and written communication

Personal Qualities

•Self-motivated with the ability to find creative resolutions and drive results

•Effective time management

•Detail oriented, multi-tasker

•Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

•Diplomacy, effective listening and public speaking skills

•Personable, understanding, objective and honest

•Outstanding relationship building skills Salary, commission and bene ts based on experience

To apply please contact Ryan Wallace at rwallace@ahnfsj.ca

No phone calls please

New Charlie Lake exhibit opens at Museum

TW Buck Reporter Photographer

The Lake Next Door exhibit officially opened at the Fort St John North Peace Museum on May 18, and will be open until September 15.

The Charlie Lake Conservation Society (CLCS) was able to put this temporary exhibit together, capturing the remarkable history of this lake next door using photographs, sounds, interactive activities, stories and more.

The exhibit consists of many activities for learning, such as the beaver lodge which was constructed from driftwood and can

be climbed inside of, for reading books or just relaxing. Another activity was the ice fishing hut, complete with stars and bats in the sky.

The biodiversity of Charlie Lake is amazing, with a wide range of microorganisms to fish, birds, and mammals. One of the activities focuses on letting the viewer use a magnifying glass to inspect Charlie Lake waters much closer.

The Fort St John North Peace Museum continues to find ways to showcase our wonderful history here in the North, with the help of local initiatives.

tbuck@ahnfsj.ca