AHN MAR 30, 2023

ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS

GREEN THUMBS

New group sought to take over community gardens at Catholic Church

SPRING CAMP

Northern Stars Sports Camp keeps youth busy building skills over spring break

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

LNG APPROVAL

Cedar LNG will be world’s first indigenous owned LNG export terminal

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John businesses got a snapshot of this year’s provincial budget at a meeting with local MLA Dan Davies last week.

The budget forecasts a deficit of $4.2 billion, and $11 billion over three years. And while the deficits cover a range of new social programs, such as the $400 renters’ rebate, free contraception, new housing, and mental health and addiction beds, Davies says there’s not much emphasis on growing the economy.

“The front pocket is empty so they’re reaching into the back pocket,” Davies said after a lunch meeting with the Chamber of Commerce on March 20. “The only way they can support their budget is going into the taxpayer’s wallet.”

Home targeted in drive-by shooting

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

RCMP are seeking the public’s help in identifying and tracking down a suspect vehicle involved in a targeted drive-by shooting at a home in Fort St. John early Friday morning, March 24.

Several shots were fired at a home in the 8600 block of 74 Street at 87 Avenue around 4:30 a.m. on March 24. No injuries were reported by RCMP, which say frontline police officers as well as the Serious Crimes and Forensic Identification units are investigating.

“A drive by shooting of this nature demonstrates the offenders complete disregard for the safety and wellbeing of the residence and the entire community as a whole,” said Cst. Chad Neustaeter.

“Investigators will be giving this top priority in efforts to locate and arrest the offenders.”

Three RCMP cruisers were seen on scene mid-morning Friday with officers canvassing neighbours and one officer was documenting bullet holes around the door of a residence.

RCMP said “numerous” bullet holes were found in the residence as well as in a vehicle in front of the home.

RCMP on Saturday released a surveillance image of the suspect vehicle, described as a black or dark mid-2000 Volkswagen Jetta with what police say appears to be a dark front passenger side tire rim.

Police say the vehicle departed the 8600 block of 74 Street by turning westbound onto 87 Avenue.

“Though the investigation is still in the early stages, it has been determined this was a targeted incident as the inhabitants of the residence are known to police,” said Neustater. Investigators are asking

anyone who may have security camera footage of the area between 4:20 a.m. and 4:26 a.m. on March 24, to review their footage and report any relevant information.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 250787-8100, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Tips can be made online at northernbccrimestoppers.ca.

Davies raised his concerns that natural resource revenues are forecast to slide 21% to $4.7 billion this year, and by 34% to $4 billion by 2025-26.

Natural gas royalties are projected to drop 31% over the next three years, while forestry revenues are projected to plummet 54% this year alone, from $1.85 billion to $846 million.

The province needs to “snuggle up” to the resource sector in a hurry and not shut them down, Davies says.

“You can’t have a dying resource sector and ballooning fees and taxes to cover programming,” he said.

Davies says employer health tax will cost businesses $2.7 billion this year, while the carbon tax will cost consumers $2.8 billion.

“The NDP says, ‘we eliminated the health premiums’. They didn’t eliminate them; they moved them to businesses. They think businesses are all rich and millionaires,” he said. Davies says B.C. has lost its competitiveness. By the time the budget cycle is done, the province will be more than $100 billion in debt, which he says the NDP has doubled in the last six years.

“We’re losing businesses and people that are going to Alberta,” Davies said. “Why would they stay? It’s cheaper to do business, there’s less taxes, and more opportunity.”

“For us in Northeast B.C., next to Alberta, that has a significant impact on us. It already is,” he said, adding his daughter was initially talking about moving to Vancouver after graduating high school, but that it might be Calgary now.

“It’s a shame our kids our grandkids are saying, ‘I want to stay in B.C. but it’s not affordable. I can go next door and live for significantly less,’” he said. “There’s no growing the economy in the budget, in fact it’s shrinking it,” he said. “That points to a lot of concern, big time.”

RCMP HANDOUT Suspect vehicle in a drive-by shooting in Fort St. John on March 24

T.W. BUCK PHOTO

A RCMP officer investigates

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Four arrested in drug bust

More than 50 grams of suspected cocaine were taken off the streets in Fort St. John during a traffic stop this month, according to police.

In a news release, Fort St. John RCMP say officers on a proactive patrol March 19 seized the drugs after stopping a vehicle with four passengers in the parking lot of a local hotel around 2 p.m. All were arrested for the possession for the purpose for trafficking, and

51.5 grams of suspected cocaine and crack cocaine were seized, police said. The individuals were released pending lab results of the seizure.

“This demonstrates the Fort St. John RCMP’s commitment to dealing with drugs and trying to keep our community safe,” said detachment commander Insp. Anthony Hanson. “This arrest removes 50 doses of potentially lethal drugs off the streets of Fort St. John.”

Business break and enter

A Fort St. John man has been charged with theft and mischief after breaking into a business near Totem Mall this week.

Justin Collins has been remanded in custody until March 27 after his arrest Tuesday night shortly before midnight.

RCMP say they were called to a break-in at 9803 93 Avenue to find the front glass door and window displays of an

unnamed business had been smashed, and merchandise stolen.

Collins was quickly found and arrested 20 minutes later near Mathews Park after a quick investigation by the responding officers, RCMP said.

He is charged with break and enter, theft under $5000, mischief under $5000, and possession of property obtained by crime, among other breaches.

Court docket

• CALLIOU, Brittany Virginia Jane (born 1995) was fined $2000 under the Motor Vehicle Act, given a two-year driving prohibition, and ordered to pay a $300 victim surcharge for driving while prohibited/licence suspended in Dawson Creek on Feb. 22, 2022.

• BLANCHARD, Trent Frederick (born 1988) was fined $1000 and given a one-year criminal driving prohibition for impaired driving in Pouce Coupe on Aug. 12, 2022.

• MCKAY, Keith Alexander (born 1992) given a 60-day conditional sentence with 12 months probation for theft committed in Dawson Creek on March 20, 2022.

• KIMMIE, Jerald Andrew

(born 1970) was sentenced to 12 months probation, fined $500, and assessed a $75 victim surcharge for failing to stop when requested by police in Cecil Lake on Dec. 7, 2021.

• CAMPBELL Lloyd Frances (born 1986) was sentenced to a nine-month conditional sentence order, issued a nine-month peace bond and ordered to provide a DNA sample for possessing stolen property over $5,000 and fleeing police and sentenced to a 30-day conditional sentence order and prohibited from driving for 18 months for breaching a release order, all committed in Dawson Creek. Campbell was also sentenced to one year probation on the counts.

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Group sought for community gardens

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The City of Fort St. John is seeking public input on the future of the community gardens on the property of the Church of the Resurrection.

The gardens have been open to the public on 100 Avenue for more than a decade, and were previously managed by the North Peace Justice Society and more recently by the Northern Environmental Action Team (NEAT).

However, with the closure of NEAT, the future of the gardens is unknown.

The city will be hosting a town hall at Festival Plaza on April 5, and an online survey until April 9, to gather feedback from residents and organizations.

The goal is to determine the future of the garden and ensure operations continue for the 2023 growing season.

The city says the Catholic Church, which owns the garden land, is willing to enter into a new agreement with a

local group.

Mayor Lilia Hansen emphasized the benefits of community gardens, saying they’re “healthy for our community” and contribute positively to local food security, mental well-being, and urban livability.

“We want the Community Garden to thrive,” said Hansen.

The gardens offer raised beds, shared resources, and educational opportunities for residents to learn about gardening and related activities.

SAINT PATRICK’S PARTY — Watt School of Irish dancers put on a great show Friday, March 17, as part of St. Paddy’s Day celebrations at Immaculata Hall in Fort St. John. Knights of Columbus put on the show with the CWL. About 160 people attened, with lots of green beer and fantastic music by Sweetwater. Pictured are Katie Campbell, Paisley Gibbons, Hilary Campbell, Mia Hamre, and McKinley Pomeroy

Spring break sports camp

T.W. Buck tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

Some students and teachers may be travelling somewhere warm this spring break, but many others are staying home with plenty still to do at school.

A dozen or so were attending the Northern Stars Sports Camp at Bert Bowes middle school last Monday afternoon.

Kory Bell and his wife, Megan, are both teachers at Bowes, and together organize basketball and volleyball camps for students, this being their third camp since last summer.

“My administration is really supportive. They see the big picture, that I’m

getting kids in here and doing something good,” said Bell.

Fourteen students were taking part in a basketball camp in the gymnasium on Monday, learning the fundamentals of dribbling in between running drills.

When asked what the students have to gain from camps such as these, and what they take home, Bell said, “Confidence, that’s a big one I think with kids this age.”

“For me, these camps are about just getting kids to love basketball,” he said. “To see a grown man like me enjoying himself, and it’s still a part of my life.”

The camp ran until Friday, March 24. Northern Stars will host its next sports camp at the beginning of summer 2023.

LAKESHORE 4-H Communit y Cl ub LAKESHORE 4-H Communit y Cl ub

March means in like a lion and out like a lamb or in this case March started off quite nice so I hope for all those farmers having babies that the weather is nice and doesn’t go out like a lion. My name is Patrick Drschiwiski and I am a member of the Lakeshore 4-H Club. This month has been pretty quiet since its still winter out but our club did cohost the district communication night. There were speeches, educational displays, speak and shows as well as impromptu speeches. The turnout was great and the speeches very interesting. This even takes a lot of people to make it happen. We want to thank the parents, leaders, judges and other 4-H members for coming out and supporting those who had the courage to stand up in front of a crowd and present. The next few months will be making sure that our animals are getting the care they need as well as training. Before we know it summer will be here and so will achievement days. But before that theirs is training, washing grooming as well as so many things that need to happen. I have a white animal this year to wash and get clean so that will take a lot of soap and washing to get nice and clean. I much prefer the swine they like to play in the water and don’t need as much scrubbing. Please remember to thank you parents and judges since it is these people who make this happen for us kids. ank you

Patrick Drschiwiski

T.W. BUCK PHOTO

Grade 9 student Francis Wachira was among the students taking part in the Northern Stars Sports Camp at Bert Bowes middle school on Monday, March 20, 2023.

YMCA takes on Taylor pool

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The YMCA BC says it will assume operations of the Taylor Community Pool for the upcoming 2023 summer season. In a news release on Tuesday, the Y says it will oversee pool operations, staffing, and policies as part of its agreement with the District of Taylor, which will continue to oversee maintenance.

“After a couple of tumultuous years, this partnership with the YMCA has provided the District with the ability to offer the community their muchloved seasonal pool,” said Chief Administrative Officer Moira Green in a statement. “As well the YMCA brings years of experience, and deep knowledge and capacity. We are looking forward to a great season.”

The Y says this summer will be the first time the pool will be open to the public after closing due to impacts of the pandemic. Its reopening has been delayed as the district

faced the challenge of hiring new employees – in this case, lifeguards.

Traditionally, the pool is put together like a large jigsaw puzzle inside the Taylor curling rink around the May long weekend.

The opening date, hours of operation, and programming and fee information are being finalized.

Amanda Alexander, vice president of YMCA in Northern B.C., said the organization was thrilled to be chosen to operate the pool. The YMCA says the upcoming pool season will include drop-in swim programs and swim lessons, as well as opportunities to book the pool for birthday parties and other events.

“At the YMCA, we know firsthand the importance of having access to aquatic facilities; pools promote physical activity, and are a place for people of all ages to connect while developing vital life skills, including water safety,” Alexander said.

Traditionally, the Taylor pool is put together like a large jigsaw puzzle inside the Taylor curling rink around the May long weekend.

The EU bought 5.8 million tonnes of the oilseed through the first 37 weeks of the crop year, according to Strategie Grains. That is up 57 percent over the same period a year ago. Ukraine is the leading supplier. Canada is a distant third behind Australia.

What’s keeping Canadian canola out of the European Union?

Von Oel (UFOP), a German oilseed organization, agreed with the USDA that acreage is on the rise in Ukraine.

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IN THEIR PRINTED NEWSPAPER

The EU bought 5.8 million tonnes of the oilseed through the first 37 weeks of the crop year, according to Strategie Grains. That is up 57 per cent over the same period a year ago. Ukraine is the leading supplier. The war-torn country accounted for half of the EU’s imports through March 12. Australia is close behind, with 41 per cent market share or 2.87 million tonnes worth of sales. Canada is a distant third.

“The simple reason is that our price is not competitive into Europe versus Ukraine or Australia,” said MarketsFarm analyst Bruce Burnett.

Prices in Canada are high because of strong domestic demand, with board crush margins averaging over $200 per tonne. There has also been a heavy export pull out of China. Strategie Grains is forecasting a total 2022-23 EU import program of 6.8 million tonnes through the end of June. Australia is expected to pick up the lion’s share of the remaining business because Ukraine’s supplies are drying up.That is not the case in Australia, where farmers harvested a record 8.3 million tonnes of canola, up 21 per cent over the previous record set last year. Ukrainian farmers are also responding to good canola economics.

The United States Department of Agriculture is forecasting Ukrainian farmers will plant 3.21 million acres of canola in 2023, a 30 per cent increase over last year. The Union Zur Forderung

“Although sowing of winter crops in the autumn of 2022 was more difficult and dangerous than ever before in the history of independent Ukraine, the (canola) area is expected to expand at the expense of wheat and barley,” it said in a recent report.

The acreage increase might also be in anticipation of expanding EU demand for the product. UFOP noted in a separate report that a policy change is occurring in the EU that will result in increased rapeseed-canola oil use by its biofuel sector. The EU’s new Renewable Energy Directive stipulates that the use of palm oil-based biofuels will no longer be eligible for climate credits by 2030 at the latest.The shift away from palm oil has already begun in France, Austria, Belgium, Sweden and Denmark. Germany is following suit in 2023, and it is the EU’s biggest biodiesel producer.

“The proportion of biodiesel from rapeseed oil and waste oils and fats is expected to climb, especially at the expense of palm oil,” stated UFOP.

Rapeseed oil already comprises 39 per cent of EU biodiesel and renewable diesel feedstock, followed by palm oil at 29 per cent and used cooking oil at 18 per cent. Burnett agreed that rapeseed-canola oil demand is likely on the rise in the EU, especially with Germany moving away from palm oil. However, he noted that Indonesia and Malaysia are fighting the EU’s ban on palm oil. He also mentioned that some of palm oil’s lost market share will likely go to cheaper feedstocks like used cooking oil.

Provincial news in brief

FOOD SECURITY SUPPORTS

New regional food hubs are planned in northern B.C. as part of a $200-million provincial announcement this month to improve food security in the province. Among new initiatives is funding for United Way BC to expand its food hub program outside the Lower Mainland and Okanagan, where 20 regional centres are providing food to underserved communities.

“No one should have to go to bed worrying about how they will get their next meal or feed their families,” said United Way CEO Michael McKnight in a statement. “We will work closely with local food banks, Indigenous organizations and communities, and other social service agencies to help our friends and neighbours in need.”

Other initiatives announced by the agriculture ministry March 7 include news programs and grants for food production, infrastructure, and emergency planning, as well as funds for Food Banks BC and flood mitigation for farmers in the Fraser Valley.

ANIMAL DISEASE PROTECTION

Farmers in the North Peace can expect some help from the provincial government when it comes to mitigating animal diseases such as avian influenza. The agriculture ministry says it’s investing $5 million to assist farmers with numerous activities that include business planning, research, biosecurity measures, and equipment needed in order to respond to a disease outbreak.

The funding is part of a larger $200 million investment in food security

initiatives across the province. “The investment will provide B.C. farmers and ranchers with the support to plan and respond quicker and better to disease outbreaks,” said minister Pam Alexis.

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, an estimated 3.6 million birds in B.C. are thought to be impacted by the avian influenza virus. The last reported case in the B.C. Peace was on June 1, 2022, at a noncommercial, non-poultry farm. The funding is also aimed at preventing outbreaks of swine fever and footand-mouth disease. No cases of African swine fever have been reported in Canada, according to the food inspection agency.

FAMILIES SEE BENEFITS TOP UP

Fort St. John families with kids will see a permanent 10% increase in their BC Family Benefits starting this summer. Come July, parents will receive up to $1,750 for their first child, $1,100 for their second, and $900 for every subsequent child per year, according to the finance ministry. Single parents will see up to an extra $500 on top of the 10% increase, the ministry says.

“While global inflation is stretching most household budgets, it can be really hard to make ends meet,” said minister Katrine Conroy.

A family’s eligibility will be based on their income as well as number of children. The province says temporary top-ups to benefit payments at the start of the year will end in March, and have provided an extra $350 for a family with two children.

Sean Pratt The Western Producer

The European Union has been importing rapeseed/canola like gangbusters in 2022-23, but precious little is arriving from Canada.

Northern MLA Rustad runs for BC Conservative leadership

Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad has announced he’s running for the leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia.

“I’m running for leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia because this government refuse to listen to British Columbians, and the so-called opposition refuses to oppose. Our province needs a new option with genuine principled leadership,” said Rustad. He joined the Conservative Party of B.C. earlier this year to become the only party representative in the provincial legislature. B.C. Liberal Party leader Kevin Falcon kicked the Nechako Lakes MLA out of the party over controversial views on climate change against the accepted science that it’s caused by carbon dioxide emissions.

“I am the only MLA who has publicly supported the freedom movement in our province. I am proudly pro-freedom and pro-trucker and I’m fighting to end mandates and hire back our

healthcare heroes,” said Rustad.

A Conservative Party of British Columbia leadership election will be held on May 28 to elect a new party leader, following the resignation of Trevor Bolin. The Fort St. John city councillor and business owner stepped down in early March stating he would like to spend more time with his family.

Rustad, who says he’s pro-freedom, pro-trucker and is fighting to end vaccine mandates, says he expects the Conservatives under his leadership to challenge the NDP and Liberals.

The Vanderhoof-Nechako Lakes MLA, who once held the forests and Indigenous relations cabinet posts in former Liberal governments, announced last month he was joining the B.C. Conservatives, who received less than two per cent of votes in the 2020 provincial election.

“I really don’t think of this being more political from a perspective of being left-wing politics or right-wing politics, I really think it’s a party that needs to be more about right and wrong,” Rustad said in an interview.

— with files from Canadian Press

Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad announces BC Conservative Leadership party bid.

Hanna Petersen hpetersen@pgcitizen.ca

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BCWF is hosting summer day camps.

Kids experience wild spaces

Hanna Petersen hpetersen@pgcitizen.ca

The B.C. Wildlife Federation (BCWF) is holding a five-day fun camp for children aged eight through 14 at a location near Fort St. John.

The BCWF’s wilderness-based day camp will be held at the North Peace Rod & Gun Club August 21 through 25.

Wild Kidz participants learn outdoor skills, wilderness safety and experience the region’s wild spaces in a fun, safe environment.

This outdoors-based day camp includes visits to local ecological attrac-

tions, such as provincial or national parks, fishing, archery, map and compass orienteering, marksmanship, shelter-building and even practical First Aid.

BCWF members deliver programs and demonstrations all day, Monday through Friday, and the week wraps up with a BBQ party and archery tournament. There’s an early bird discount that ends on April 14 and registration is limited. BCWF members also receive a discount at registration. However, if cost is a barrier those interested can contact youth@bcwf.bc.ca to apply for a subsidy.

Bear Flat Dispatch: e stubborn porcupine and other creatures

By Ken Boon

ARIES  MAR 21/APR 20

Requests from friends, associates and family this week can have your nerves on end, Aries. You may have to escape the crowds to recharge. Plan a getaway in the next few days.

TAURUS  APR 21/MAY 21

You are awesome at staying on track when you need to be, Taurus. That is what makes you a potentially ideal tness guide. Try to inspire others to be regimented as well.

GEMINI  MAY 22/JUN 21

There is nothing wrong with putting rose-colored glasses on from time to time and looking at the world in a more positive way. A more positive outlook can be helpful, Gemini.

CANCER  JUN 22/JUL 22

Cancer, be sure that your generous nature does not come at the expense of your own well-being. You tend to put other people’s needs before your own quite often.

LEO  JUL 23/AUG 23

Leo, for some reason you are having problems nding balance in your life right now. You may have to experiment a little bit to see if new strategies might work.

VIRGO  AUG 24/SEPT 22

Let others in on some of your secrets, Virgo. You can’t hold everything in all of the time, and you have been shouldering a lot of responsibility for some time.

LIBRA  SEPT 23/OCT 23

Libra, the personalized touches you put on any project will showcase your personality and passion. Think about embracing a crafty task to really showcase your talents.

SCORPIO  OCT 24/NOV 22

Scorpio, friends are lining up to be quite helpful of late. When you gure out how much you’re getting done with the assistance of others, you may be more welcoming of it in the future.

SAGITTARIUS  NOV 23/DEC 21

Overcome resistance to listening to another person’s side of the story, Sagittarius. Embrace this person’s desire take the lead on something at work or in your home life.

CAPRICORN  DEC 22/JAN 20

A changing environment has you guring out how to adapt your schedule and your skills, Capricorn. With a support team in your corner, you can achieve quite a bit.

AQUARIUS  JAN 21/FEB 18

Spending is a tad out of control this week, Aquarius. Money is ying out of your wallet at a rapid rate. You may need to be a bit more choosy with your spending moving forward.

PISCES  FEB 19/MAR 20

Wait a few more days before making major decisions as your emotions are high right now, Pisces. You want a level head to prevail.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

MARCH 26 Jonathan Gro , Actor (38)

MARCH 27 Brenda Song, Actress (35)

MARCH 28 Lady Gaga, Singer (37)

MARCH 29 Lucy Lawless, Actress (55)

MARCH 30 Celine Dion, Singer (55)

MARCH 31 Ewan McGregor, Actor (52)

APRIL 1 Randy Orton, Wrestler (43)

Porcupine numbers are way down from what they were many years ago, so we were happy to see one show up here at home the other evening. However, he (she?) somehow had got inside our fenced off garden, and we were concerned about our perennial fruit trees and berry bushes being damaged. We were also concerned about Shiloh the dog getting tangled up with a snout full of quills, so I thought it best to try gently ‘herd’ the porker on his way to a safer domain. As I left the house, I grabbed a plastic scoop shovel from our porch to help guide him on his way.

As it turned out, what I thought was going to be a fairly simple operation turned out to be anything but.

Apparently, he had grown fond of our garden, but eventually, I did manage to get him out the gate. Then he just refused to go further, and if I did gain a little ground, he would try his best to go back. While taking a pause and looking at my shovel, I had my eureka moment and thought perhaps the best way forward was to simply scoop him up and run towards the creek bank with him. That too proved harder than anticipated. As he was standing in some snow, I quickly took a big scoop of snow and porcupine and started running. Well for starters, he was heavier than he looked. I’m not calling him fat, but he was definitely “solid”. He was also hard to balance, especially when he started shifting around looking at the world as it passed by miraculously.

However, it was working, and I ran for all I was worth towards the creek bank while making the required shovel adjustments to keep him onboard. I was almost to the bank when he managed to bail off into the snow. By this time, he seemed to have become a little agitated, so we took a little cooling off period while we

both held our ground. Eventually we did get to the edge of the bank and I persuaded him that going down the bank would give the peace and quiet we were both looking for.

Over the years, we have had some strange encounters with wildlife in our yard. One time a mink decided to camp out in our BBQ, and it took a live trap to get him moved down to the creek. Another time we woke up to our dogs (two at that time) desperately trying to get at something by our back deck. I ran out with rubber boots and not much else on to try sort it out. Somehow in my efforts to save him from the dogs, the muskrat decided that I was the problem, and things quickly turned for the worse. I can still clearly remember just barely avoiding his teeth as he took after me while the dogs were stumbling over each other frantically trying to get him. I’m glad to report that I did come out unscathed, but unfortunately that was not the case for the muskrat. When I told Arlene how that muskrat was more ferocious than the Monty Python killer rabbit, she thought I was joking.

One summer we were invaded by chipmunks, and they took to our garden with gusto. Most disturbing to Arlene was their passion for strawberries. They also got into our cherry tree and stole all the pits while leaving the ground covered in ‘de-pitted’ cherries! It was too bad they did not work out a mutually acceptable harvest arrangement with us. So out came the live traps, and we moved 62 chipmunks to new locations.

We can only imagine the assortment of wildlife that will be pushed through our yard when BC Hydro floods the Site C reservoir. We will do what we can to help these hydro impacted refugees.

Ken Boon lives and writes at Bear Flat

B.C. WILDLIFE FEDERATION

Letters...

THANKS FOR THE WARMTH

Last Friday, the Warming Centre closed for the season at 5 p.m. I went for few hours and said hello to the few regular workers there: Rosena Joby, the Warming Centre Director, and workers Albin, Harpreet, Milan, Jean, and Marshall. I got to know these people well. This was their second time at the same building that was previously occupied by H&R Block. Their status is unknown for the next season, but my strong feeling is of them returning in 2023-24 based on needs as well as the frigid climate.

e goose that lays the golden eggs

By Evan Saugstad

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Canada should be providing the rest of our world with some of our abundant natural resources that are so coveted and desperately needed.

Of course, the prerequisite word is “should,” but sadly that word is not found in the mandates of our Federal or B.C. governments, or their vocabulary. Yes, our Prairie provinces believe and understand the concept, but they’re a bit lonely. And, unfortunately, not a top-of-mind concept in our capitals, especially Ottawa and Victoria, with their lack of understanding on what natural resources means to our prosperity.

Case in point: Did you notice how proud it makes Premier David Eby as he gives away billions of taxpayer dollars that were surplus to last year’s needs? In September, B.C.’s surplus was estimated at $5.7 billion, yet by the end of February, with another month of giveaways to go, Eby has whittled it down to $3.6 billion. Well on his way to get rid of it all by March 31 to stop it from being used to pay down our COVID debts. Eby has no desire to reduce our debt. Maybe he attended the same grade school economics class as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Did you notice the AlaskaHighwayNews.ca headline on March 10, B.C.’s record fossil fuel export revenues in 2022 a ‘fragile’ windfall’? Apparently, yet not unexpectedly, B.C.’s energy industry, in combination with our other natural resource industries, contributed billions to making our surplus a reality.

Much of that surplus came from rural B.C., generated by our natural resource industries, those so aptly referred to as “fragile” and not likely to benefit our economy like that again! Sadly, a future Premier Eby is guaranteeing. He is keeping his focus on spending rather than growing the economy. Notice that as Eby proudly talks of deficits, Premier Danielle Smith next door in Alberta says their natural resources will give them an-

other budget surplus in 2023-24?

Why is that? Why can’t B.C., sitting on some of the most resource-rich land in the world, not expect to reap the benefits, yet Alberta can?

Read Aesop’s fable The Goose That Laid the Golden Egg to understand. As a refresher, a married couple has a goose that lays one golden egg every day. Thinking that is not enough, they kill the goose to get all the gold hiding inside. Surprise, surprise — once opened, they find a normal goose’s gizzard and intestinal contents.

Both Alberta and rural B.C. have that same proverbial golden goose, but our B.C. story has a significant variation to Alberta. Premier Eby, and John before him, created plans to ensure the free and independent people of rural B.C. cannot keep benefiting from those golden eggs. Eby’s plan is to stop feeding that goose, a bit at a time, and, as the gold disappears, replace it with government handouts, hoping no one notices before it’s too late and our poor goose is dead. And it’s working, as by the time that goose gasps its last breath, rural B.C. will have become thoroughly beholden on Victoria for providing our every need. While over in Alberta, much to the disdain of the leave-our-naturalresources-in-the-ground crowd, Alberta keeps feeding that goose and

producing that egg.

SUPPLIED

Although it sounds like a fairy tale, it isn’t.

Look where our natural resources surplus is going. Billions for community infrastructure, subsidizing fares on BC Ferries and Vancouver Transit, food security plans, cancer research, 911 services, watershed plans, reconciliation, and libraries. Sure, mostly worthy, and good projects, but notice none are about growing our rural and natural resource economies to ensure we can replace deficits with future surpluses?

Then there is the 2022-23 budget. Try to find something that makes our rural natural resource economies hum, and lay a few more golden eggs. Not much support. Even the $49 million for upgrading forest roads is a misnomer, as many of those roads used to be maintained and upgraded with forest dollars, but with the forced demise of the forest industry, that ability wanes. Nothing to allow BC Timber Sales to sell any more timber. Dollars for land use plans that exclude most communities from commenting or questioning the wisdom of more rural parks (30% by 2030), converting once public lands to privately held indigenous lands, and endless old growth set aside.

The energy sector? Crickets. More

Claude Dionne Fort St. John

taxes, more processes, more bureaucracy, and more land set-a-sides to limit development. Yes, they did approve Cedar LNG in one breath and, with the other, capped natural gas production, putting in doubt the financial viability of this project.

Coal mines, zip. Don’t approve new ones and stop permitting the ones that do exist. Metal mines, nothing in the budget, but they did approve a new mine in the west Chilcotin (tough to oppose when the two area First Nations fully support the company developing it). Agriculture – some money for more plans and processes to ensure food security. Aquaculture – blame the Feds yet support the closing of one fish farm after another, despite objections from local communities, with no plans and no dollars to replace them.

So, what can rural communities expect in replacing those lost highpaying natural resource jobs? Government handouts, more welfare, more unemployment insurance, and more job training for jobs that don’t exist in our home communities. But there is hope. If Premier Eby sticks to his promise to move jobs out of Victoria and doesn’t cave to local demands to keep them there, every person in B.C. will be able to apply for and receive a government job, no matter who or in which community they live. Think about that. A plum government job for life, a pension without having to leave the comforts of your home, and all achieved without cutting another tree, drilling a well, cleaning a fish, threshing an oat, chasing a cow, or digging for a lump of coal.

Yes, utopia is coming; a “super natural” B.C. where we all work for government and are all happy with government largess in meeting our needs. Need proof of how it works? Just ask our First Nation brothers and sisters how that has worked for them for the past 100 years in replacing poverty and despair with prosperity and joy.

Evan Saugstad lives and writes in Fort St. John

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As Premier David Eby proudly talks of deficits, Premier Danielle Smith next door in Alberta says their natural resources will give them another budget surplus in 2023-24

Unexpected blessings from a Mission to Iqaluit

By John Grady

It’s always amazing how the Lord works in all our lives whether we realize it at the time or not. We can plan, organize, and be diligent even on matters that we believe the Lord is leading us into, only to realize in hindsight how the Lord’s purposes prevailed. A case in point was a “mission trip” to Iqaluit, Nunavut.

Several years ago, as the President of a Christian Marketplace Ministry for Canada, I received a invitation from James Arreak who at the time was a Pastor of a local church in Iqaluit. Sandra and I had met James previously through Tagak and Sally Curley who had become special friends of ours. Tagak was a driving force for the name change from Northwest Territories to Nunavat and subsequently received the Order of Canada.

James is a well-known Christian leader throughout Nunavat and his vision was to host a Business Conference for Christians throughout Nunavut in Iqaluit in how to start and manage a business using biblical principles. He stated there was a growing interest in business opportunities especially for small businesses but limited business education for the Inuit. He felt there would be approximately 50 people from around Nunavut who would be able to attend. The cost of travel in the Arctic is exorbitant.

We put together a group of 13 that included spouses and business people with expertise on key subjects that were to be presented and we looked forward with excitement to serving the Lord and the Inuit believers. Before we left, a couple of the presenters in our group felt it was right to but a “Joseph ornament robe” similar to the one that Joseph’s father Jacob gave to him. They believed

it was meant for someone at the conference and as it turned out they purchased one that was a woman’s size.

We arrived in Iqaluit dressed for our typical winter weather only to find out how bitterly cold it was, especially with the northern wind. The teaching part of the Conference was a tremendous success with the help of interpreters. There were over 80 Inuit from across Nunavut who attended. What was so special was the relationship building and friendships that started being established.

On the Saturday afternoon

I felt the Lord saying that before the evening session we were to offer to wash the feet of the Inuit attendees as they entered the evening session and pray for them as we washed their feet. The Hotel provided five water basins, chairs, and towels for us and as they entered, we asked permission to wash their feet. We did not receive any rejection from the women but just a willingness and desire to participate. The men were (not surprising) more reluctant but several

did participate.

Three dramatic events took place that we can never properly explain but will stay with us all our lives:

1. Some of the husbands were deeply touched and were moved to tears watching their wives having their feet washed;

2. The women broke into deep crying, weeping, and brokenness and had to be consoled by our spouses;

3. The Lord gave a word to one of our presenters that we were breaking the historical curses of the white man’s abuse of the Inuit woman.

Later, the group gave the “Joseph robe” to an Inuit lady they felt had a special calling from the Lord on her life. A couple years later, when some Fort St. John Christians hosted the “Peace Rising Above” for the healing of indigenous people who suffered because of the residential schools, she came from Rankin Inlet to Fort St. John at her own cost staying with Sandra and I so she could assist in any way especially offering counselling and prayer.

Even fools are right sometimes!

By Ruby McBeth

Good luck with fooling your friends on Saturday. If you catch someone early in the morning, they may not be quite awake and you may be able to trick them. How about: “Did you feel the strong earthquake last night?” or “Look outside it snowed six inches last night!”

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED

All 29,000+ residents in B.C.’s publicly funded longterm care homes will be surveyed about their quality of life. The goal is to make improvements for them, both locally and provincially. You can find all the details on the website: surveybcseniors.org

SENIORS CLUB IS ACCESSIBLE

The Seniors’ Club works at being people friendly. There are six accessibility parking places (permit required). The front and back entrances are set up for wheelchairs to enter easily. At the front door there are two walkers that can be used in the hall. The bathrooms are wheelchair accessible.

Different activities have choices to enable people to join in. For example, the card players have the option of using large print playing cards. There is also a stand for holding your cards if you have the use of only one hand. Floor curling provides sticks for people who have trouble bending down to throw the rocks. At least half

of the players use the sticks. There is an area where you can socialize or work on a jigsaw puzzle. We are encouraged to wear name tags to help us get to know each other. (Now if I can just remember to put my name tag on!). Wendy and the other executive members want people to feel at ease in the Seniors’ Hall. We members see people coming to our social days on Tuesday and Thursday mornings as potential friends so come down and check it out!.

LIBRARY NEWS

The Fort St. John Public Library is now selling bus passes and tickets. Senior tickets are $15.75 a sheet and a sheet has 10 tickets. The adult one-month bus

On Sunday morning we were invited to a House church with Pastor Arreak giving the message and hosted by an Inuit lady who had not allowed English to be spoken in her home, including her children and her children’s friends. She not only invited and hosted us but welcomed us all with hugs and brought out an old oil lamp that was used for warmth and light in their past. She claimed what she received at the Conference was love, reconciliation, and healing of her deep wounds, and it was her way of honouring us, saying that from now on English speaking was welcome in her home.

Proverbs 19:21 states, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Truly we had no idea what the Lord had purposed for our trip. We can have our plans but we need to learn to step aside and let Him be Lord.

John Grady lives and writes in Fort St. John

pass is $40.

CANNING PREPARATION

Last year I could not find wide mouth mason lids when I went to can fruit. Granted, I started late. But even so this year I don’t want that problem. So when I was in Home Hardware recently and saw a whole stack of lids I bought several boxes. I came home to see what I had left over – none - so I will go back and buy enough for the season.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

The greatest lesson in life is to realize that even fools are right sometimes.

Ruby McBeth lives and writes in Fort St. John

Dear Miss Patti,

My child keeps coming home and mentioning another child’s name all the time. “Johnny did this... Johnny’s not listening to teachers... Johnny pulled my hair today.” I don’t know quite what to say in these moments. Sometimes I want to ask to switch to a different day to avoid Johnny, but I know this probably isn’t the best solution either. Advice?

—What To Do About Johnny

Dear What To Do About

Johnny,

This is called scapegoating and we see it everywhere! One child’s name in particular is repeated many times during the day due to their individual needs. That name is the one every child then learns. Ask many three and four-year-olds their friends names and they just shrug their shoulders. But Johnny’s name they remember because it is a name said a lot. So when a child complains that someone pushed them and the parent asks who, the child might automatically say Johnny since it’s the one name they remember and it might not necessarily be Johnny.

We had a case where a child was blaming another child for something that happened and that child wasn’t even there that day!

So when your child comes home playing the Let’s Talk About How Difficult This Johnny Is game, try and advocate for Johnny. “It sounds like Johnny is still learning the routines of your school. Let’s just remember to always be kind.” Simple and straightforward. In other words, “You worry about you and let the teachers worry about Johnny.”

Because we also don’t want the opposite to happen. If you encourage your child to be a support for Johnny, poor Johnny might then have a bunch of little bosses reminding him all day long what he’s supposed to be doing (or not doing).

If you’re Johnny’s family/ educator, and you know he’s struggling and getting blamed for things, help give him value in the class. Make a batch of muffins together to give to his friends or as an educator find the things that Johnny’s good at and set him up as a resource for others. When a child asks you to open a cheese string for example, direct them to Johnny.

“Can you ask Johnny to do that for you, he’s super good at that.”

Teaching empathy and perspective taking are important skills for all of us. You’re right, switching classes won’t help… there is always going to be a Johnny. Teaching children to advocate for others, having empathy and seeing things from others point of view will help them with all the Johnny’s your child will encounter over the years.

—Miss Patti

Send your questions to Miss Patti at motherofdragonflies2021@outlook.com

From first dates to Main Street meet-ups to the last virtual call of the day. Turn to the local news to spark your next great conversation… 9 in 10 Canadians do. Visit ChampionTheTruth.ca

JOHN GRADY PHOTO

Proverbs 19:21 states, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Great conversations don’t start themselves.

‘Fly-by’ science helps at-risk birds and bats

By Chelsea Coady

Many people may agree that the best approach to conserving species in our watersheds is through collaboration: working together to pool our resources, sharing ideas, knowledge, and results. We, the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP), are funding a project, led by Birds Canada, that is a prime example of this: the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, or Motus for short.

Motus is an international collaborative research network that uses automated radio telemetry to provide data on migratory bird and bat species. Birds and bats of interest are safely captured, and then affixed with a small radio transmitter before being released, and, if they fly past a Motus receiving station, the movement is recorded.

The FWCP’s mission is to compensate for fish and wildlife in watersheds impacted by BC Hydro dams, which is why funding for the program is provided by BC Hydro. The creation of reservoirs impacted wetland habitat rich in insect life for birds and bats, and removed low elevation bird breeding, and bat roosting, habitat.

The FWCP’s Peace Region is a perfect location for Motus stations because it sits on an important intersection of the Central and Western Flyways—or bird migration routes. Seven Motus stations were installed in 2021, including one at the Mugaha Marsh bird banding station run by the Mackenzie Nature Observatory— another project receiving FWCP funding. Eight new stations were installed in 2022, so there are now 15 receivers in the region located from Prince George in the south, to Tsay Keh Dene in the north, and to Dawson Creek in the east.

Each Motus station, in ideal conditions, can detect signals up to 10 kilometres away and allow researchers to track birds and bats across thousands of kilometres. The radio tags weigh significantly less than satellite tags and can be attached to much smaller animals at a fraction of the cost.

Radio tags range in mass, lifespan, and attachment method, allowing for a variety of configurations that are appropriate for various animals. The tags can be as light as 0.15 grams and last from two weeks to indefinitely, depending on their size and whether they are battery or solar-powered.

The Motus project that we’re

funding in 2022-2023 involves Birds Canada working with many collaborators, including community groups, to install Motus stations at various strategic locations, including schools.

Birds Canada is working to share the Motus Education Program as an additional benefit to this conservation project. This program provides education for students from grades 7 to 12 on birds, bats, and conservation.

Installation of some Motus stations was undertaken in partnership with First Nations, including Tsay Keh Dene Nation, who continue to host the stations.

Data generated through Motus can help local, provincial and national conservation organizations fill important knowledge gaps, which can inform the implementation of priority projects. Such data could help determine population distribution, species dynamics, stop-over and full lifecycle information, and inform use of flyways and landscapes. The data can also potentially identify and support protection of critical habitat. For example, researchers from a Colombian conservation organization were able to use Motus to track the flights of birds migrating from South America to North America. They identified a key site in northern Colombia where gray-cheeked thrushes were able to build fat reserves to fuel 3,000-km flights to North America, demonstrating the importance of this site for the species.

In B.C. we’re keen to learn more about species-at-risk like the little brown bat, northern long-eared bat, olive-sided flycatcher, and bank and barn swallows, as well as more common species like white-throated sparrow. Many of these species have experienced significant declines in the last few decades. The population of Canadian bank swallows has, for example, declined by 93% in the last 50 years according to long-term Breeding Bird Survey data. Given these declines, and that White Nose Syndrome—which is killing bats by the thousands to the east and south of the province—may soon arrive in the region, time is of the essence.

Motus is an international initiative across 34 countries and comprises of more than 1,400 receiver stations. More than 37,000 animals from over 300 species have been tagged and tracked, and nearly 600 projects are using these stations. It is an excellent example of collaboration because many groups are using a centralized database and management system: feeding data into it and getting valuable knowledge from using it. Motus works because it combines local, regional and even international projects into one massive collaborative effort, making funding dollars, like those from the FWCP, go even further.

Chelsea Coady is the Peace Region manager for the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program

KIANNA LEUNG PHOTO

White-throated sparrows are among the species that have been affixed with a radio tag.

AMIE MACDONALD PHOTO

A Motus station. There are now 15 receivers in the region located from Prince George in the south, to Tsay Keh Dene in the north, and to Dawson Creek in the east.

B.C. First Nation LNG gets green light from province, feds

Nelson Bennett nbennett@biv.com

A $3 billion floating liquefied natural gas plant that the Haisla First Nation and Pembina Pipelines plan to build in Kitimat got the green light from the provincial government March 14.

The project completed an environmental review in mid-November under a provincial-federal substitution process, with the BC Environmental Assessment Office conducting the review. The Cedar LNG project will be the first LNG plant to be built and owned by a First Nation. The Haisla’s industry partner is Pembina Pipelines.

“Today is not just about the approval of an LNG facility,” said Haisla Chief Crystal Smith. “Today is about changing the course of history for my nation and indigenous peoples everywhere.”

“While it took longer than expected, we are pleased to see the B.C. government move forward on this project,” said John Desjarlais, chairman of the Indigenous Resources Council. “Cedar LNG is a first of its kind with an Indigenous proponent driving the project forward.”

The project’s approval was announced in conjunction with a new “energy action framework” that the province unveiled to try to fit energy into B.C.’s climate change plan. It includes an emissions cap for B.C.’s oil and gas sector and requirements for new LNG projects to have “a credible plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030 in order to proceed through the environmental assessment process.”

The project is being designed as a floating LNG ter-

minal, which has a relatively small land footprint, and as it will be largely powered by clean hydro electricity, it will also have a comparatively small carbon footprint. “All of this means that the project will be among the lowest emitting and most environmentally conscious LNG facilities in the world,” said B.C.

Environment Minister George Heyman.

An initial project description estimated the project will require 169 megawatts (MW) to 179 MW of power. When built, it would export three million tonnes per annum (MPTA) of liquefied natural gas, requiring one LNG carrier moving up and down

Douglas Channel every seven to 10 days. By contrast, the larger, neighbouring LNG Canada project would produce 13 MPTA in its first phase, and up to 26 MPTA, if a second phase expansion is approved and sanctioned by the LNG partners.

ARC Resources announced March 14 that it will provide

the natural gas and liquefaction of half of Cedar LNG’s total production — 1.5 million tonnes annually. When the Haisla negotiated a benefits agreement with LNG Canada, it secured a natural gas offtake agreement with the associated Coastal GasLink pipeline, so all that is needed in terms of a pipeline is a connector line.

One day after the B.C. government gave the Haisla First Nation the green light to proceed, federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault followed suit with a federal stamp of approval, with a finding that the project “is not likely to result in adverse direct or incidental effects as defined under section 2 of the Impact Assessment Act.” The federal approval comes with 250 conditions for the life of the project.

Cedar LNG was reviewed under a substitution process, in which the BC Environmental Assessment Office was the lead government agency conducting an environmental review. Substitution is used to avoid duplication of processes when a project is required to go through both a federal and provincial review.

Following a green light from both the provincial and federal governments, Pembina Pipelines has said it expects to make a final investment decision in 2023, with a four-year construction period and a seven- to nine-month commissioning to begin in mid-2027.

Construction was expected to start in the second half of 2023, with peak activity in the spring of 2024 through 2025. The project is expected to employ up to 500 workers during peak construction.

NELSON BENNETT PHOTO

Haisla Chief Crystal Smith, at podium, at a press conference where provincial approval of Cedar LNG project was announced.

SUPPLIED

Artist’s rendering of floating LNG terminal the Haisla First Nation propose to build in Kitimat. The project will connect to Coastal GasLink pipeline.

Library introduces kids to 3D printing

T.W. Buck tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

The whirring of a 3D printer filled the air at the Fort St. John library’s newest youth club Tuesday morning, where kids get to create everything from miniature models to futuristic gadgets.

In the 3D Maker Club, students are introduced to the process of 3D printing, from learning how the machine operates to turning their ideas into tangible objects.

Program co-ordinator Alisa Lurie then assists them with the computer design as well as preparing print sizes, colours, and support if needed.

“At the most basic level, it encourages problem solving, creativity, and learning how to view things in a slightly different way,” said Lurie.

One of the students, Blake Matson, a seventh-grader from Dr. Kearney, was thrilled at the prospect of learning new 3D design programs.

“I’m learning how to use more 3D design programs, which will help me with my 3D printer at home,” said Matson. “I was in robotics class, and I did quite a bit of 3D designing.”

The 3D printing revolution has been growing in popularity over the last few years, and is much more accessible today than it was five years ago.

The integration of this technol-

ogy into our society has caught the eye of young and old alike, and programs such as the 3D Maker Club help teach these rather complex ideas to people without overwhelming them.

“It’s wrapping your mind around a new way of processing information and just seeing how objects are created,” said Lurie.

“Students can start with making

things for themselves like toys and decorative items, but it can also increase to making something beneficial for others or helping design objects that have never existed before,” she added.

When students are done, they’re given the option to have their creations printed over the course of the week and can pick them up the following Tuesday.

Blake Matson shows his keychain design made as part of the library’s 3D Maker Club

Left: Close up of 3D printing Right: Some of the 3D prints made in the library’s 3D Maker Club.

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SUPPORT Northern Brain Injury Association

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PREVENTION

• EDUCATION SUPPORT Northern Brain Injury Association

1-866-979-HOPE (4673)

LIVESTOCK

Custom Built Livestock Shelters, Windbreak Panels and Rig Mats Built to Order. Delivery Options. 780-518-7469

PROPERTY FOR SALE

TEXAS USA BEST BUY

We have prime 20 acre Ranchettes located in scenic

In loving memory of Debra-Jean Richards

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Debra-Jean Richards, age 58, of Port McNeill, B.C. DebraJean peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 12th, 2023. Debbie is predeceased by her parents Donna & Marvin Wilson. She is survived by her loving husband Greg Richards, children, Dustin Richards & Tayler (Jack) Wilkinson, along with the Wilson family. Debbie was born in Alert Bay & raised in Port McNeill, graduating from North Island Secondary School in 1982. Debbie & Greg moved to Richmond shortly a er & married then relocated to Fort St. John, B.C. where they raised their two children.

She was a kind, caring and giving person who always put the needs of her family before her own. She loved to spend time in her garden, refurbish old furniture & was skilled in textiles. A private family event is to be announced. In lieu of owers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of British Columbia.

OBITUARIES

FOR SALEMISC Avon Collection, 1967-1973. Original packaging and contents. Un inventoried. Includes catalogues o ers. 250-785-4636

Firepit for sale. 40” wide by 20” High. Pipeline Metal. Grill included. $400 Mike 250-329-7477 Mixed Forage seed for sale. $4.25/ea. 250-785-5505

EDUCATION

JEANNE

AGNES KINDRAT

Jeanne Agnes Kindrat of Kamloops & Fort St. John, passed away on March 16th, 2023, at 62 years of age. She is survived by her children Stephanie Gerbrandt & Melissa Wilson, her sons in laws Justin Gerbrandt and Mikhael Stants as well as her grandchild Jonathan Gerbrandt, and siblings Deborah Benterud, Chris Kindrat, and Bruce Kindrat.

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Jeanne was a kind and caring person who was always quietly being helpful. She touched many lives through her service in BC Government, as well as being the sweetest woman alive. Jeanne was a loving mother and beloved Baba to her grandson Jonathan. She lived to take him to swimming lessons, go to the park with him, and build castles with blocks together.

Jeanne will be sorely missed; her absence is keenly felt. We love her so much and are devastated by her loss. Jeanne died of endometrial cancer that had gone unrecognized and undiagnosed. She hopes more than anything that her story will encourage other women to continue with their PAP smears, even after menopause.

A Celebration of Jeanne’s Life will be held on May 27th, 2023, between 1:00-3:00pm at the Heffley Creek Hall.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at Royal inland Hospital, and Marjorie Willoughby Hospice.

Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, or Kamloops Hospice.

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Notice of Construction

For a 76.2m

Self-Support Steel Tower

Constructed at. 56°17’34.8”N 121°45’49.7”W (LSD – 4-20-84-24 W6)

On August 1, 2023

Any questions or concerns can be directed to 3CIS at 780-433-3752

Condolences may be expressed to the family by emailing kamloops@cypressfuneral.ca

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES LOCATED AT 11104 ALASKA RD FORT ST. JOHN BC, V1J 5T5 HAVE BEEN ABANDONED AND WILL BE REMOVED FOR SALVAGE AS OF APRIL 13, 2023 IF NOT CLAIMED BY THIS DATE

2011 FORD F-150 XLT - VIN # 1FTFW1EF0BFA00463

LAST KNOWN OWNER SHYANNE BASKOTT

Court Bailiff’s Sale

Expert Court Bailiff will offer for sale by sealed bid the interest of the following judgment debtor, Gretchen Kosick, in the following goods and chattels purported to be

1 (one) Engagement Ring: Al-Brite Diamond 14K Gold

1 (one) Wedding Band: Diamond 14K Gold

Aprox 267.71 Raw Gold from Wilson Creek, Atlin, BC Aprox 82% Sold on an as is, where is basis.

Sealed bids will be received at the court bailiff’s at the above noted address up to the hour of 11:30 a.m., Thursday, April 13, 2023. Sale may be subject to cancellation without notice. The court bailiff reserves the right to adjourn the sale without notice and may apply to the court for further direction if the need arises.

Terms of Sale: Each bid must be accompanied by a bank draft or money order for 10 per cent of the bid made payable to the court bailiff’s of ce. The balance of the bid, plus Social Services Tax and GST (if applicable), to be paid immediately upon acceptance of the bid. Failure to pay the balance at the agreed time may result in forfeiture of the deposit.

To view the vehicle, call or visit Joyce Smith of Jennifer Smith

Court Bailiffs

Expert Bailiff & Collection Services Ltd. 10315 - 100 Avenue, Fort St. John, B.C. V1J 1Y8 250-785-9222

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•INMEMORYOF • AUGUST8,1944~APRIL12,2022

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APRIL15,2023 2:00-6:00PM 7903-92NDSTREET FORTST.JOHN,BC

Maintenance Clerk - Canada Operations

About Us

Murphy Oil Corporation is a leading independent energy company committed to balanced crude oil and natural gas development and exploration. We remain steadfast in our devotion to innovative strategies and differentiated perspectives, resulting in sustainable, efficient growth worldwide. At Murphy Oil Corporation, we believe the rich experiences and backgrounds of our employees strengthen our Company, create a productive workforce, and drive our success. We encourage you to apply for the positions for which you meet the qualifications. Please apply online, www.murphyoilcorp.com/life-at-murphy/

Job Summary Reporting to the Superintendent - Canada, the Maintenance Clerk will be responsible for various administration duties related to field maintenance activities. The role’s primary accountability is to provide effective day-to-day support of other individuals in the maintenance department to ensure the overall administrative needs are met.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with maintenance staff to ensure that external service records and work history are received and accurately tracked to completion.

• Provide detailed oversight/management of external service provider costs to facilitate a clean link to the accounts-payable process – amending work orders, creating/processing PO’s / AFE’s, etc.

• Manage all materials related to external maintenance activities and ensure that work orders reflect accurate material data.

• Work with different disciplines to ensure required regulatory information/files are organized and uploaded to cloud-based document repositories. Leverage previous experience to ensure a functional, detailed, and accurate filing process.

• Work with maintenance staff to maintain an accurate database of preventative maintenance (PM) activities along with distribution of cost history reports.

• Assist technical team in Houston with maintaining accurate equipment database information

• Assist maintenance staff in preparing and maintaining presentations and spreadsheets.

• Effectively respond to various ad hoc requests for information and/or project support

• Collaborate with other administrative professionals at Murphy in the interest of continuous improvement initiatives.

• Provide backfill support to Field Administrators (when required)

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid driver’s license with no restrictions is required

Qualifications/Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Minimum 5 years of direct work experience in maintenance-related role

• Relevant experience with a CMMS. SAP-preferred.

• Proven computer skills, specifically with MS Office programs, MS Teams & DocuSign

• Exceptional organizational skills - ability to identify, plan, prioritize and execute work objectives

• Demonstrated skills in time management

• Proven ability to multi-task and remain detail-oriented in a fast-paced environment

• This position is deemed as a Safety Sensitive position, pre-employment drug and alcohol testing is required

Desired/Preferred Qualifications

• Diploma in Applied Business Technology or successful completion of a related Office Administration program would be considered an asset.

• Knowledge of the oil and gas industry

Working Conditions

• Position can be based out of either the Montney Field Office, located in Dawson Creek BC, or the Kaybob Field Office, located in Fox Creek AB.

• Hours of work – 5-on, 2 off - Monday to Thursday 8.75 Hours/Day, Friday 4 Hours.

• Minor overnight travel will be required on occasion.

Murphy Oil Company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents or have appropriate work authorization in Canada will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, genetic information, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status or any other category protected by federal or provincial law.

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