Big North
FREE PRESS APRIL 2012
Moved by the man
Natalie C A MER ON/ Fre e Pre s s
Man in Motion Rick Hansen speaks in Prince George last month as he brought his 25th anniversary of his world tour to the North.
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We can expect newly designed Ford products in the months to come. At the most recent Frankfurt Auto Show, the American car manufacturer unveiled the EVOS, a concept car that is a pretty good indication of the direction Ford designers will be taking in the near future. We might not be seeing the car’s gull-wing type doors soon, even if the car show crowds liked the well-designed rear doors, which open up wide for easy access to the rear seats. The EVOS was built on a Focus platform and is powered by a hybrid-electric powerplant. Well worth a look is the new front end, with its highly mounted trapezoidal grille and very thin headlamps. Also, the Ford logo has been moved back to the hood area. According to Ford’s top designers, the era of the big optical blocs is over. The tapered shape of the rear end is also an indication of where the Ford basic design is going. The EVOS shown in Frankfurt was really just a concept car created to attract the attention of the car world, so don’t expect it to see it in production any time soon. We will be seeing some of its design elements on current Ford models, though, starting with the redesigned Fusion, which will likely be introduced before the end of the year. Future Lincoln products will also change, as Ford management has hired a new chief designer, who comes over to them from Cadillac, to give new life to the company’s line of luxury cars.
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If there is a brand that has really taken the market by surprise, it has to be Ford. This North American manufacturer has been unveiling so many new cars that people are amazed. The smallest Ford right now is the very modern looking Fiesta, a vehicle that has made it around the world. It is followed by the compact Focus, another international vehicle that is available as an electric car. The popular Fusion sedan has just been unveiled with a totally new and exciting design, and it is still available as a hybrid or with all-wheel drive. Ford’s biggest car remains the Taurus, also available with all-wheel drive and even as a sporty SHO model. The Taurus is now offered with a thrifty four-cylinder engine. And, of course, we cannot ignore the almighty Mustang sports car! Looking at what Ford dealers can offer their customers within the SUV-CUV segment, it all begins with the all-new C-Max minivan-type vehicle, marketed with a hybrid or plug-in electric configuration. It continues with the newly redesigned Escape, which is about to hit our market. There is also the very popular Edge (now with an optional four-cylinder engine), the very recent Explorer (with the same optional four-cylinder engine), and the bigger Flex, with its redesigned front-end. Motorists in the market for a light truck will find the F-150, with its popular and economical V-6 engines, or one of its rugged Super Duty versions. Professionals in need of a little van will enjoy the amazing Transit Connect (and its electric version) or the more traditional E-Series, still popularly called the Econoline. By the way, Ford dealers in Canada also sell Lincoln products, including the affordable MKZ (available as an hybrid), the bigger MKS, the MKX crossover, the uniquely designed MKT wagon, and the mighty Navigator traditional SUV.
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2012
GE OR
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B IG N OR TH F REE P RESS ~ A PRIL 2012
BIG NORTH 3
Man in Motion in the North NATALIE CAMERON Free Press
When Rick Hansen finished his Man in Motion World Tour he was greeted with the words, “The end is just the beginning.” He said he didn’t believe it; he was finished and done, but on stage at the University of Northern British Columbia marking the 25th anniversary of his tour he said he believes it more than ever now. “My best work is in front of me,” Hansen said. “When I had my injury I probably would have sold my soul for the use of my legs but not now. It was a hard journey
but more rewarding.” Since the original tour $245 million has been raised for spinalcord research, rehabilitation and quality of life initiative. There is also a 70 per cent chance of some varying degree of recovery for individuals in Canada with a spinalcord injury. Hansen said the purpose of his tour was never to raise money but awareness. He said today the differences can be seen in communities all over and it’s partially due to “difference makers.” The 25th Anniversary Relay, Many in Motion, recognizes 7,000 “difference makers” across Canada.
These are individuals who have made their communities better and healthier places to live. They will also be relaying the Rick Hansen Medal across Canada. Hansen said the biggest improvement over the past 25 years is seeing how quickly people are treated after receiving an injury. Quicker treatment leads to a higher chance of recovery. At the time of his accident he sat for hours before being seen and days before an operation. He believes if he had been seen immediately he might have had a strong recovery. He said he is proud of the improvements
A lla n W ISHA RT/ Fre e Pre s s
Rick Hansen, left, chats with Prince George Paralympian Paul Jalbert as the two make their way towards Civic Plaza at the end of the Man in Motion 25th anniversary relay. Jalbert was the final medal-bearer in Prince George, and joined Hansen on-stage for the End of Day ceremonies. he has seen and he believes in the science to make spinal injuries a thing of the past. “I believe one day the wheelchair will be something you see in a museum,” he said. “I truly believe in 25 years the newly injured will have a chance to walk again.”
Apart from science, Hansen said, “attitudes are the greatest accomplishments. They mend.” Hansen’s said for him he had to find the humour and keep going, because it comes down to “not just talking about it, but doing it.” And as if a tour through 34 countries
wasn’t enough of an action, Hansen said he is still looking for ways to keep inspiring others. Seeing the actions others have done to pass on his message challenges him to do more. “It makes me think I have to set my bar higher to continue to be inspiring.” He said he was
happy with the challenge and proud to see the relay continue. “Many in Motion is a more sustainable way to make change. There is support from young and old alike engaged to make a difference,” he said. “Thank you for the work you’ve being doing ... you’re all difference makers.”
12 Professional Theatre
at Parkhill Centre
B ill PHILLIPS/Free Press
a hilarious and touching portrait of family life
Justin Cabral took time off studying to meet Rick Hansen speak at UNBC March 19 in honour the the 25th anniversary of his Man in Motion tour. Hansen wanted to thank everyone for the improvements he’s seen in the past 25 years, congratulate everyone on the work done and encourage everyone to keep going.
CITY DIRECTORY
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Brighton Beach Memoirs By Neil Simon April 19 to May 6 Tickets available at Books & Company 250.614.0039
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Old Rustad mill eyed for training DELYNDA PILON newsroom@pgfreepress.com
Both Canfor and the BID group are continuing in their effort to transform the old Rustad Sawmill site into a trades training centre to ensure local skilled workers are available for the tidal wave of opportunities coming to the north. “We met with Advanced Education last week,” Christine Kennedy, Canfor’s director of public affairs and corporate communications, said. “It was really productive.” Kennedy said they discussed the scope of the proposal and had the opportunity to explain the intent of the facility is to provide training for incremental students rather than layer on top of what is already offered. They also discussed the investments Advanced Education has already made in the north and how more is needed. “We want more capacity and programs because they are urgently needed,” she said.
The facility will offer 72,000 square feet of classroom space. Surrounding those classes will be a working industrial complex with opportunities for students to have hands-on work and apprenticeship experiences. “There is real-world application access,” she said. Canfor and BID’s contribution to the project equals about $10 million. Several million more will be needed to get the project on its feet and more will be needed to keep it going. To put that number in perspective, she said, there is not enough labour available to keep the Mount Milligan mine on schedule. So one week of the excess it is costing that project because of the skilled labour shortage would pay for a training centre at Rustad Sawmill. If there is no training investment in the north, with proposed projects in mining, LNG, forestry and hydro, companyies are likely to start flying in workers from other points in Canada and the world.
That means a fly infly out economy with no disposable income spent locally. “Then there is no economic benefit. Instead there is high unemployment combined with a high need for jobs. We simply have to train people in the north and keep them in the north,” she said. This means working closely with all the partners involved, which in this case includes industry, and keeping sight of the urgent need for a facility like the one they are proposing, she said. Kennedy said no De Ly nd a PILON/ Fre e Pre s s commitments were Christine Kennedy with Canfor shows the training centre classroom will made during the initial be in the midst of a working industrial park. meeting with Advanced will be trying to access funding has to be accomplished within a Education, however comparably short time period. they did agree to continue to meet from all levels of government. Because of the urgency of the “We need to get on with this. and discuss the project. They are also working with need, the proposed first intake for The need for capacity is there other staff across government and students is 2013, meaning much right now,” she said.
The toughest job in Canada
P
rovincial politics certainly changed this week. With John van Dongen leaving the Liberals for the fledgling BC Conservative Party, all is not well in the halls of
power. The halls of opposition, on the other hand, are probably doing handsprings … or even paying for their bus fare. Van Dongen announced his decision Monday after question period in the legislature. He
said he is concerned about the He has held cabinet positions integrity of the government, and responsible for agriculture and cited the decision to pay $6 milpublic safety. lion in legal fees for former govB.C. Conservative Leader John ernment staffers Dave Basi and Cummins issued a statement Bobby Virk after they pleaded immediately after the announceguilty to breach of trust in the ment, welcoming Van Dongen to sale of BC the party. Rail assets. “I am excited to Van Donwork with John as we gen also cited Writer’s reach out to British the recent Columbians and share Block 9. “You ____ My Lucky collapse of our message of fiscal Star” BILLPHILLIPS responsibility, ending negotiations 10. Moving vehicle to sell namthe catch-and-release 11. On the sheltered ing rights to BC Place stajustice system, and reducing the shore dium to Telus Corp. influence of special interests in 12. Detroit cager 13. Current measure “There have been other the political process,” Cummins 14. Burning particle lapses in proper accountsaid. “John’s experience in the 24. Angry speech ability and I expect more legislature will be invaluable 26. Diaphanous to come,” van Dongen in holding the government to 28. Use a natatorium told the legislature. “When account.” 30. Aggravate more and more decisions Van Dongen will sit as an 32. Purple flower are being made for the independent MLA, since four 33. Crazy bird wrong reasons, then you members are needed to be a 36. Clatter have an organization that recognized party in the B.C. leg38. June honorees 39. Cluster is heading for failure.” islature. 40. Greater than Van Dongen was first His announcement comes as 41. Split apart elected in 1995, and rethe B.C. Conservatives run in 46. Sheets, for example elected as a B.C. Liberal in two by-elections in Port Moody47. Dye source 1996, 2001, 2005 and 2009. Coquitlam and Chilliwack
X CROSSWORD
PUZZLE NO. 571
Copyright ©, Penny Press
ACROSS
1. It’s pumped 4. Wound evidence 8. Hot rock 12. Ballet step 15. Perimeter 16. Per capita 17. Of an epoch 18. Little devil 19. Enjoyed wings 20. Cropland measure 21. Maui goose 22. Evian or Vichy 23. Jazz style 25. Hilton rival 27. Chemical compound 29. Wither 31. Brioche 34. Business 35. Eye part 37. Antiseptic 39. Cleanser ingredient
42. Dupe 43. Garden soil 44. Impatient 45. Oahu, e.g. 47. Annex 50. Flood wall 52. Gelatin dish 53. Underwater radar 55. Previously, in verse 56. Dishonor 58. Stay 59. Polynesian image 60. Kind of room, shortly 62. Beneath 63. Together 65. Captivate 67. Metric measure 68. Visualized 70. Fencing thrust 74. Certain convent 76. Perfume 78. Lunch hour
79. Account 80. Handel bars? 83. Arena-shaped 85. Appropriate 86. “____ in a Million” 87. Be fond of 88. Nuts 89. Two-finger sign 90. Embarrassed 91. Ship’s stabilizer 92. Freshly 93. Make a blunder
DOWN 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Lawn Eighth letter Slander Adriatic or Aegean Mark of authority Artist’s medium Ratite bird Slow, in music
48. Carpentry joint 49. Clued, Pictionarystyle 51. Pressroom word 52. Organic compound 54. Actress Merle ____ 57. Enlarges 59. For the ____ being 61. Desert traveling group 62. Hit 63. Sophisticated 64. Caught 66. Optical illusion 67. Croc’s relative 69. Monet’s stand 71. Dry, white wine 72. Hard drinker 73. Stage direction 75. Meringue’s lack 77. Roman garment 81. Filled pastry dessert 82. Small stringed instrument 84. Attorney’s specialty Answers can be found in the classifieds.
PUZZLE NO. 340 HOW TO PLAY:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3 x 3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3 x 3 box.
Hope, vacated by retired B.C. Liberals MLAs Iain Black and Barry Penner. Van Dongen’s defection to the Conservatives gives the party more legitimacy, even though it’s not yet an official party in the Legislature. However, it spells trouble for Premier Christy Clark. The premier has gone out of her way to court federal Conservatives. It’s a move that, despite it’s intentions, may have been doomed from the start. She might have been better off sticking to her more liberal roots. At any rate, van Dongen’s move shows that the right-ofcentre vote is as fractured as it has always been. The challenge of any right-ofcentre leader is to coalesce that vote. Gordon Campbell, for all his misgivings, was a master at it. There was no talk of splitting the right-of-centre vote when Campbell was at the helm. And that’s what is now happening. Splitting the right-ofcentre vote is the easiest way for the NDP to gain power. The two upcoming by-elections will be the litmus test for Clark’s Liberals and the surging Conservatives. Will it be a precursor to next May? Or will Clark toy with the fixed election date legislation and put off next May’s election to a later date, as have many, many governments sensing an impending shellacking at the polls? We’ll have a better sense of what will happen after the April by-elections. Answers can be found in the classifieds. May 2014 election anyone?
B IG N OR TH F REE P RESS ~ A PRIL 2012
BIG NORTH 7
CRIME has become NDIME NATALIE CAMERON Free Press
A RCMP task force targeting large-scale marijuana production in the Cariboo - North District Region was deemed successful after its 15-month mandate resulted in seizing nearly 11 tons of pot on 70 properties. It also resulted in criminal charges being laid against 78 people. B.C. Justice Minister Shirley Bond and Supt. Brian Cantera, officer in charge RCMP Federal Drug Enforcement Branch, praised the Cariboo Region Integrated Marijuana Enforcement (CRIME) task force at a news conference Friday. “From a policing perspective, the results that we have seen from the CRIME project were very substantial,” Cantera said. “Through strategic and targeted enforcement we were able to disrupt and dismantle the grow-ops. This prevented the illegal marijuana from being used as commodity to export and purchase other drugs, such as cocaine, or firearms.” CRIME was created to work closely with local detachments to disrupt the ability of organized crime from illegal grow-ops after the RCMP in the region identified the grow-ops as a widespread problem. Bond announced due to the previous success, a new program will be picking up where CRIME ended. “We want to build on the success of the CRIME program and that is why we will be providing the resources to ensure that the momentum continues,” she said. The North District Integrated Marijuana Enforcement Team (NDIME) focuses on growops throughout Prince George, Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House. It is stationed out of Prince George. “The North District Integrated Marijuana Enforcement Task Force will provide expertise and support to local detachments,” Bond said. The task force will receive additional provincial support from Regional General Investigative Services and North District Criminal Intelligence Probe Team, and federal support from the Integrated Proceeds of Crime Section. NDIME includes members from Prince George, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, two RCMP Drug Enforcement branch members, and one member from the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit. Unlike CRIME, this task force does not have a time limit. “We expect this to be an ongoing program,”
14
Na ta lie C A M ER ON/ Fre e Pre s s
Inspector Peter Haring (left), Superintendent Eric Stubbs, Superintendent Brian Cantera, Minister Shirley Bond, Superintendent Rod Booth at the announcment of the success of CRIME and the provincial government sponsoring the North District Integrated Marijuana Enforcement Team (NDIME). Bond said. “I’ve made it very clear to our team that this type of enforcement is essential and once you build up this kind of momentum, I mean the initial results are very dramatic – 11 tons of marijuana, we simply have to see that continue.” Supt. Rod Booth, acting commanding officer North District RCMP, said an on-going task force is what the region needs. “By continuing our targeted enforcement of marijuana grow operations in north district we are clearly serving notice that organized crime groups are not welcome; I repeat, organized crime groups are not welcome in the north district.”
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