AHN JUNE 2, 2022 by Alaska Highway News

ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022 | OP-ED NEWS | 11

Letter to the editor THE BEAR FACTS

John Horgan and ‘Site C Sucks’ By Ken Boon

remier John Horgan recently came to visit the Site C project for the first time. It seems that plans for his trip were kept secret until revealed by the Alaska Highway News the day before. It was then reported that the premier would not be doing any media while up here. We see reports lately of world leaders visiting Kiev or other parts of war-torn Ukraine, and they are obviously kept secret beforehand for good reason. For our Premier to do the same with Fort St. John and Site C just seems weird and somewhat disrespectful. Columnist Vaughn Palmer with the Vancouver Sun has recently enjoyed reporting that the last time Horgan was up here he posed for photographs with some locals by a “SITE C SUCKS’ sign. That photo op took place in the fall of 2012 when he was the Energy Critic for the NDP, and Adrian Dix was party leader (not Horgan as reported by Palmer). I can’t remember exactly how it came to be, but Horgan ended up stopping briefly at our place at Bear Flat while on a road trip. It just so happened that the sign had been taken down for a fresh paint job and was handy in the yard, and he gladly agreed to the photos being taken. In fact, I remember him telling how he had taken a picture of our sign when it was beside the highway on an earlier trip, and that he had posted it to his social media. At that time while in opposition, the NDP had a pretty strong pos-

ition of opposing Site C while the Liberals under Christy Clark were rubber stamping and checking the necessary boxes needed to start building. However, leading up to the May 2013 election, the polls had Christy and the Liberals behind and it looked like B.C. would end up with an NDP government. I remember mentioning that to Horgan while he was here, and his reply was “Don’t underestimate the NDP’s ability to screw things up.” His comment brought a chuckle, but it turned out to be rather prophetic. Christy was returned to power with a majority government and did everything possible to get Site C “past the point of no return” before losing the 2017 election. Horgan mentioned one more thing while here on his visit that seemed prophetic. While talking about energy projects in general, and Site C specifically, he voiced a concern about the appearance of the NDP being opposed to all projects. That was somewhat of a regular accusation by the Liberals at the time that the NDP were a little sensitive to. Looking back, I believe that attitude has influenced Horgan as Premier on a number of occasions, and especially his decision to proceed with Site C even after the damning report from the BCUC in 2017. While most of the NDP caucus was truly opposed to Site C, I don’t really believe John Horgan ever was. He might have sounded that way while in opposition, but more than anything he is a politician well

versed in opposing whatever it was the government was doing. That is the dysfunctional ‘First Past the Post’ combined with big party politics system we cling to. However, once in power, it was Horgan and his inner circle that made a political decision to keep the project going. It is still amazing to me how he strong-armed his Cabinet and MLAs to fall in line. The fallout from his decision now simply gets worse every year. Currently, the project has doubled in price, is one year behind schedule, and has continuing geotechnical problems. Even if everything goes “well” from here on, it will produce horribly overpriced power that will burden future ratepayers with debt. Worse yet is the environmental damage done at a time when we knew better, and when better options were available. So yes, Site C “Still” Sucks. While on the radio program “Mornings with Simi” on May 13, Vaughn Palmer spoke at length about the geotechnical problems and the expensive “fix” that Horgan apparently did not discuss with BCH while up here, and he ended his interview with: “I’m joking to people Simi that I am going to go to the official opening, but I am going to stand upstream.” He may have said that in jest, but perhaps that speaks to the worst legacy yet to come from Site C. Ken Boon lives and writes at Bear Flat.

Beyond the basics of your health journal By Ruby McBeth

o move beyond the basic medical facts for a doctor’s visits, we can prepare lists. These are mainly to help us answer doctors’ questions but also to help us remember things we want to share with them or ask them. Some typical questions are: Have ever smoked and if so when did you quit? How much alcohol do you consume? Are there medications you used in the past and have discontinued (e.g. birth control pills). What operations have you had? What major illnesses have you had and when? What immunizations and when? Have you broken bones in the past? One question that is often asked is about family medical history. Is there a history of certain illnesses in your family? Here you would include conditions like diabetes, heart trouble, cancers, kidney trouble, and mental illnesses. You could also make a list of trips to emergency.

This would remind you of situations which you might have forgotten. I was in emergency once for a tick bite which might be important – I hope not. Next week – some advice on what to do when you are at the clinic. PROPERTY TAXES Once again, this year you apply for the home owner’s grant online. Remember to leave off the first zero of the roll number to make it simpler to do the entry. To apply online visit gov.b.ca/homeownergrant or apply by phone tollfree 1-888-355-2700. SENIOR’S GAMES The playdowns for golf and pickleball are in June. The golf playdowns will be held at the Lakeview course at Charlie Lake on Monday June 13. Tee time 9:30 a.m. You must contact Annette Reeder to register (250-793-4394). Deadline to register is June 6. The date for pickleball has not yet been decided. Contact

Robin Sipe rsipe@bluenova.ca or phone 250-262-5801 if you are interested. Check their Facebook page and watch for updates. LEARNING THE LINGO This week’s term is surge protector. Surge protectors keep your computer safe if there is a sudden increase in voltage such as might occur in an electrical storm. Just as you don’t want to be hit by lightning so also your electronic devices will suffer if they get that extra electricity. A surge protector diverts the extra voltage to earth thus protecting your computer. You may want to install surge protectors on your television and battery chargers as well. QUOTE OF THE WEEK “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” (Charles Dickens) Ruby McBeth lives and writes in Fort St. John

Summer faith events By John Grady

ith the summer months closing in on us and as we prepare for some potential holiday time there are a couple events worth noting for those looking at faith related schedules. This is not to take away from the local churches hosting a multitude of events this summer which can be found on their church websites. One of the major events to attend in Western Canada is the Canadian Badlands Passion Play that is taking place on weekends July 1 to 17.

It is held at the Amphitheatre in Drumheller covering six acres of space with a cast of 35 professional theatre crew, along with volunteer actors rehearsing on weekends for two months in preparation. It is in its 27th season with the epic story of faith, hope, and love of the life of Jesus Christ in a theatrical presentation in an amazing outdoor stage. You need to purchase your tickets beforehand, check the weather, holiday parking facilities, time, cost, but it is well worth considering. The other event is the Peace River Gospel Jamboree to be held Friday

evening July 29; day and evening on the 30, and day on the 31st at the South Peace Centennial Museum. It is a special event hosting Gospel artists from around the Peace River area as well as some outside performers. Even if you can’t take in the full weekend, it is well worth a day drive and is suited for the entire family. It is great to be part of the bigger family of God. If you can’t make it to this one go to Canadian Gospel Jamboree concerts on the web and perhaps you can find one you can attend. Travel safe and Be Blessed.

In the 85 years that I have lived and worked in the north, I have never felt the need to write a letter to an editor, but this situation has brought my blood to a boil. I have lived on this property in South Taylor since 1950 and now my daughter and her family also name it their home. The property is bordered by the Alaska Highway to the west, Johnson Road on the north, the 249 Road to the east, and land previously privately owned but now owned by The Ministry of Transportation, as part of the Peace Hill Stabilization project. (I don’t know whether that gives it Crown Land status or not.) Adjoining the Alaska Highway, we have a small hay field and pond where wildlife often graze and drink, which we enjoy watching. A few days ago, an individual drove into my yard and informed me that there was a bear in the field, and he wanted permission to shoot it. Keep in mind the bear was about 250 meters from the highway and the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis (20202022) has imposed a 400 meter single projectile prohibited area on the Alaska Highway from Dawson Creek to Lower Post. I never brought this to his attention, but I explained that we enjoy the wildlife, and that we keep our property as an unofficial game sanctuary. He responded that it sure was a nice big bear and he needed to feed his family. I politely told him no again and he also politely thanked me and went on his way. About the same time, my neighbour across the 249 Road encountered the same individual on or near his property. Upon asking his business, was told he was looking for a place to go hiking. My neighbor informed him that the only Crown land around was to the south of our property. On the morning of May 21st, my two daughters were on a walk on the 249 Road, when the same individual asked them for access to our property. When they asked his reason for needing access, he said he had shot a bear and wanted to get it out. They were shocked when they heard this and told him he was on his own in this matter. Shortly after, my daughters called the Conservation Officer, and he came to appraise the situation. As it turns out, the final killing shot was about 40 meters off our land and on Crown Land. Where the shot was actually fired from leaves some doubt. To add insult to injury, he then trespassed (in my mind) about 200 meters into our property to recover the bear with his pickup, past a concrete barrier and past an overturned, “No Entry” sign. The Conservation Officer determined that it was a non-lactating female. We believe she was the same resident bear that has produced and raised more than one litter on our farm. The morning I first encountered this individual, she was accompanied by a yearling cub in the same field. It appears to me that he pussyfooted around our property, (which has the only spring bear food nearby) until he managed to locate the bear near or over the property line, knowing full well what my position was. In my opinion, he may have shot the bear legally, but he did not do so morally. In the north we are privileged to have a bounty of conscientious sportsmen. This individual’s actions show that he is clearly not among this group. He is not to be included in the group of “Good hunters”. I am not against hunting, but I am against poor morals. I don’t know how he can enjoy eating his sustenance bear (Since he claimed to be a sustenance hunter) after he came about it by such unethical and disrespectful means. Sincerely, A little guy with a big smile, trying to make his way in the world. — Ray Brookes Have a story or opinion to share? Email your letters: editor@ahnfsj.ca

ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS

12 | NEWS | THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

Doig Day returns with large participation and turnout Dave Lueneberg sports@ahnfsj.ca After three years of being away, Doig Day returned to the Doig River First Nation last Thursday. The annual event, sidelined by the pandemic, featured displays, demonstrations, drumming and music which highlighted

the culture and history of the Dane-zaa. “It’s really important to have it back again. We love to share our culture,” said chief Trevor Makadahay. “It’s really about education and teaching people from our local communities and schools about who we are.” Grade 4 students from across School District 60

were among those invited to the four-hour celebration. Peace River North MLA Dan Davies believes it’s also important for those outside of the First Nations community to share in the celebration. “These are our neighbours. Having an event like this, after a two-year hiatus, it’s really nice to be back. To

see the children walk around, to see them experiencing the culture, the hands-on displays.” “It is really important that we do understand our past and for youth to understand the indigenous culture that we have,” Davies added.. Taylor mayor Rob Fraser agrees. “These events are fantastic

for the region and anytime we have a cultural event that brings the children together, really, anybody together, to learn and understand about each other’s cultures is a bonus.” “You can’t help but come away with a smile because of the smiles you see on the kids’ faces. It just warms your heart.”

DAVE LUENEBERG PHOTO

Doig River singer Garry Oker and Prophet River’s Marika Ascoty take some time to practice their songs before a concert to close out the four-hour celebration. The young lady impressed everyone with her voice.

DAVE LUENEBERG PHOTOS

Above: Autumn Capot-Blanc and her 4-year-old son, Remington, take part in one of the ways to bake bannock, with a stick over an open fire. The bannock was then coated with an assortment of homemade jams. Below: One of the displays that Grade 4 students were able to get their hands into was an archaeological dig put on by the University of Northern BC. Seen here is Theodore Ellis.

DAVE LUENEBERG PHOTO

Trapper Andrew Cardinal explains the different techniques used to catch animals that live in the region to a group of young students. Fisher, marten, beaver, fox, and lynx were just some of the pelts on display.

DAVE LUENEBERG PHOTO

Fort St. John RCMP crime stats for 2021 Fort St. John police saw fewer calls last year, but the region saw increases in reported crimes including assaults, break and enters, vehicle thefts, and drivers impaired by drugs. RCMP responded to just under 11,672 calls for service last year, with 35% of those calls for Criminal Code offences, according to the latest annual report from the Fort St. John RCMP. Insp. Anthony Hanson will give city council an update May 24 of the detachment’s work in the city last year. Here are the numbers from his report: Calls for service: (2020 total) Municipal - 8,688 (9,058) Rural - 2,984 (2,890) Total - 11,672 (11,948) Criminal Code calls: (2020 total) Municipal - 3,304 (3,636)

Rural - 807 (786) Total - 4,111 (4,422) Criminal Code offences: (2020 total) Persons - 1,146 (1,124) Property - 1,965 (2,134) Other - 1,000 (1,164) Violent crimes: (2020 total) Robbery - 13 (8) Assault PO - 14 (6) Sex offences - 101 (72) Aggravated assault - 103 (83) Utter threats - 243 (201) Common assault - 371 (317) Violence in relationships: (2020 total) Spousal dispute, no assault: 225 (219) Spousal abuse: 18 (9) Spousal assault: 138 (165) Spousal, other offence: 112 (113)

Mental Health Act Related: (2020 total) Municipal - 282 (270) Rural - 67 (73) Total - 349 (343) Property crimes: (2020 total) Arson City - 4 (10) Arson Rural - 3 (9) Break and enter business City - 53 (22) Break and enter business Rural - 50 (18) Break and enter residence City - 72 (86) Break and enter residence Rural - 24 (20) Theft and mischief: (2020 total) Vehicle thefts - 160 (132) Theft from vehicles - 115 (142) Shoplifting - 102 (77) Theft - 305 (268) Mischief - 312 (254) Public disturbances - 856 (1022)

Drugs: (2020 total) Cocaine trafficking - 42 (53) Cocaine possession - 37 (22) Fentanyl/other trafficking - 9 (9) Fentanyl/other possession - 35 (40) Drug overdose calls - 19 (23) Fatal overdose - 14 (15) Impaired drivers: (2020 total) Criminal Code & Immediate Roadside Prohibitions - 283 (334) MVA 24 hrs/7 day/30 day warning - 94 (84) By drug - 68 (27) Motor vehicle accidents: (2020 total) Fatal - 3 (3) Injured - 98 (75) Damage only - 563 (317)

Bylaw calls: (2020 total) Noise bylaw - 212 (215) False alarms - 527 (619) Other bylaw - 98 (94) The Fort St. John RCMP detachment covers an area that extends north to the Sikkani Chief Bridge, west to Williston Lake, east to the Alberta border, and just south of the Peace River. The majority of officers, 38 of them, are tasked with municipal policing. The detachment also has 12 provincial officers, three First Nations officers, and one reserve and one auxiliary constable. As of this month, the report notes there are four upcoming staff transfers and four new recruits coming on board. The detachment is anticipating a move into its new building, currently under construction, in early 2023, according to the report.