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Best Team, Best Candidate Vote for Don JOHNSTON

Bakery & Deli Closed Sundays & Stat Holidays

www.donjohnston.liberal.ca Authorized by the official agent for Don Johnston

GKHAT receives award

GADSAR celebrates 50th anniversary ...................................2

■ ELECTION 2015:

Kootenay Columbia candidates talk human rights ...................................4

■ NEWS:

Rally hosted at Post Office to oust Harper .................................19

■ SPECIAL SECTION

Golden Kicking Horse Alpine Team (GKHAT) President Mark Baxendale (centre) accepts the B.C. Alpine Club Development of the Year Award from B.C. Alpine CEO Bruce Goldsmid. Also pictured are Justine Parent (left) and Johnny Crichton of B.C. Alpine, as well as GKHAT head coach Ryan Ford (centre, left). Photo Submitted

Visitor centre will remain open despite rumours Meet the Rockets ...............................9-13

Jessica Schwitek editor@thegoldenstar.net It may have been a busy summer for the tourism industry here in Golden, but rumours still swelled over the future of Golden's BC Visitor Centre on the highway. Destination BC, the crown corporation that oversees the centre, has been conducting

research about the way visitors get their information, and have been looking into options for the best way to deliver that information to tourists. The possible changes to the delivery of services has had locals wondering what that means for the centre in Golden, sparking rumours of its closure, with some even saying they heard it would be closed as early as the

end of October. A spokesperson for Destination BC has responded to the rumour, insisting that there are no current plans to shut down the centre. Research has shown that more visitors are using online resources, so in the future more services may move online. However that is part of ongoing conversations, and no decisions have been made, said the spokesperson.

Supporting

Municipal Water Supply 

Kootenay–Columbia Authorized by the Ofﬁcial Agent for David Wilks Authorized by the Offcial Agent for David Wilks

Authorized by the Offcial Agent for David Wilks

learn more at DW4MP.ca

A2 www.thegoldenstar.net

Wednesday, October 7, 2015 The Golden Star

Search and Rescue service honoured at 50th anniversary party Golden and District Search and Rescue celebrated 50 years of service on Saturday. President Nick Comstock (left) spoke about the organization’s dedicated volunteers. Community members enjoyed a barbecue, cake, as well as a tour of some of the equipment. Star Photos

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Kootenay–Columbia Authorized by the Official Agent for David Wilks

“

Authorized by the Offcial Agent for David Wilks

David Wilks works diligently with the Province, Regional Districts, and Municipalities identifying opportunities to bring government services to Kootenay–Columbia residents. – Mayor Lee Pratt

David makes a significant contribution to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. – Hon. Peter McKay pc, qc

City of Cranbrook

Attorney General of Canada

”

Authorized by the Offcial Agent for David Wilks

”

It’s IMPORTANT to get out and VOTE Monday Oct. 19

David Wilks

Conservative Candidate • Kootenay–Columbia Advance Voting Polls are open from noon to 8:00 p.m. October 9–12

DW4MP.ca

The Golden Star Wednesday, October 7, 2015

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Literacy month reached readers of all ages Congratulations! Jessica Schwitek editor@thegoldenstar.net

Golden’s first month full of literacy activities wrapped up last week, and the community really embraced the cause says Monica De, co-ordinator for Golden’s Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL). “It was all a really great success, we’re thrilled,” said De. The month-long scramble, where participants made words out of letters posted around town, produced two local winners: Don Allin and Victoria Ewing. The Trivia Challenge also received a lot community support. Several teams went to the Civic Centre to participate in the challenge, and also raise some funds for literacy programs in Golden ($600 towards the Friday Reading Program for adults). “That was really successful, everyone had a lot of fun,” said De. “We really want to do that again next year.” Even though everyone had a good time, a winner had to be crowned. A group of teachers, aptly named Schooled Ya, took first prize. The next event, Stop Drop and Read, where community members were asked to stop what they were doing and read. All four schools participated, bringing the tally to 904 readers. “Next time we’re going to try to get some of the businesses involved,

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Desperately need refs over 16 for provincials in March and bantam tiering in October

November 1, 2015 9:00 am to 1:00pm Golden Arena upstairs meeting room. Bring skates. Sign up at www.bchockey.com/clinics or call 250-344-6301 for more info.

NOW OPEN! A group of local teachers for the group Schooled Ya won the Trivia Challenge during the Columbia Basin Alliance For Literacy’s (CBAL) Literacy month. CBAL Photo maybe even challenge another com- phones. munity,” said De. CBAL has hosted literacy events in “But I’m really happy with how the past, but this is the first campaign many people participated this year, it aimed at getting people of all ages was great.” involved. The month also included several “We really want to keep promoting workshops, including one that helped life long learning, and this was a great cellular users get to know their smart way to do it,” added De.

Small businesses will be given recycling option at Golden landfill CSRD Submitted In January of 2015, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) transitioned the residential recycling collection program to the industry led stewardship program managed by Multi-Material BC (MMBC). The MMBC program is restricted to residential recycling only and is aimed at collecting recyclable materials related to packaging and printed paper. MMBC is funded by the producers of packaging and printed paper and therefore non program materials such as hard cover books are prohibited. The CSRD recognizes that some small businesses are now challenged to find a recycling option for their material and there needs to be an option for non-program materials. In an effort to fill this gap in service, a commercial drop off program will be implemented at the Golden Landfill. “Businesses and institutions that generate large amounts of recyclables must still find a private local service provider to collect their recycling,” said Ben Van Nostrand, Team Leader, Environmental Services. “But small loads of recycling, from businesses or schools, can now be dropped off free of charge in the commercial recycling bins during regular hours of operation at the landfill.”

Commercial customers will be able to recycle cardboard, mixed paper, plastics numbers one through seven, and metal food containers. Due to cost and safety factors, Styrofoam, plastic bags and glass will not be accepted in the commercial recycling program. In addition to the new commercial recycling options, residents will also be able to drop off books for recycling. “A book recycling bin will be added to the residential recycling program at the Golden Landfill to ensure we are diverting as much as we can out of the garbage,” said Van Nostrand. “Residents were concerned that books had to be thrown away, and we wanted to address that collection gap.” The CSRD will continue to put pressure on the Provincial government not only to expand the materials that are collected under the MMBC program, but to include the commercial and institutional sectors as well. The CSRD is currently working on similar drop off options for some of its other landfills and transfer stations. The commercial drop off will be available starting soon, on October 13. For information on what is accepted, visit the CSRD website at www.csrd.bc.ca, or contact the CSRD at 1.888.248.2773 extension 5950.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #122 Golden Friday and Saturday Meat Draws at 5:30 pm Music and Meals on Fri Coming Soon

Everyone Welcome

Members and Bona Fide Guests Business Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat. 3pm to 8pm Later if Busy

Behind the Wheel

Sponsored by:

Johnston Meier

Insurance Agencies Ltd. 510B - 9th Avenue N., Golden, B.C. (250) 344-5201

Two or Four Winter Tires? I began driving my own car in the mid-fifties and I always used winter tires on the rear only during the winter months. Based on about thirty years of experience, I feel that I am quite capable of managing winter driving with the traction arrangement I had for rear drive in the past. However, I am not interested in contravening any legislated law or regulation. Is there a law that requires me to have winter tires on all 4 wheels of my new rear wheel drive only pickup? Based on my experience as a collision analyst, I can tell you that any vehicle will steer more predictably if the traction at each wheel is the same. Whether you choose to use four all season tires or four winter tires is up to you, but operating with two all season tires on one end and two winter tires on the other is an invitation to problems. Mixing tire types will affect both steering and braking. Having different sets of tires on front and rear axles may cause one end of the vehicle to lose traction before the other in a turn. Depending on the conditions, this could include having four winter tires or four all season tires where the pairs have different tread patterns or traction characteristics. In terms of braking, four all season tires may be good, two of each may be better, but the best is still four matched winter tires. Braking distances will also differ if the two winter tires of a mixed set are on the front instead of on the rear. There are two rules in British Columbia regarding four matched tires on vehicles with four wheels. If the front tires are studded, the rear tires must be also, and tire types may not be mixed. All 4 must be radial ply or all 4 must be bias ply. The author is a retired constable with many years of traffic law enforcement experience. To comment or learn more, please visit drivesmartbc.ca.

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A4 www.thegoldenstar.net

Wednesday, October 7, 2015 The Golden Star

Candidate Q&A: Canadian Federal Election 2015

Bill Green Green Party of Canada

Don Johnston Liberal Party of Canada

Wayne Stetski New Democratic Party

David Wilks Conservative Party of Canada

What’s your reaction to the United Nations report issued earlier this year that criticizes Canada for a broad range of human rights failures including the lack of safeguards in Bill C-51 to protect Canadians’ civil liberties and an inadequate response to missing and murdered Aboriginal women? The July 2015 report of the UN Committee on Human Rights makes 15 recommendations regarding needed human rights improvements in Canada, while commending us on only five matters. This long list of deficiencies should be of deep concern to Canadians. Security of person is a human right, but Indigenous women in Canada face particularly high risk of violence. Indigenous women account for 16 percent of female homicides and 11.3 percent of missing women cases, even though they make up only 4.3 percent of Canada’s female population. I support a full inquiry into our crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. If we are committed to security as a country, this must mean security for all. The Green Party immediately opposed Bill C-51 when it was introduced in April. We share the concerns cited in the UN report, such as the bill’s lack of adequate legal safeguards and risks to Canadian’s civil liberties. We will continue to advocate for repeal of this bill. Oil companies are intent on getting their product to market, whether it be by train or pipeline. At the same time, serious environmental and public safety issues have been raised about both methods of shipment. What do you see as the solution to these issues? In the long term and at heart, this question concerns climate change as well as environmental and public safety issues. The Green Party’s very clear and achievable goal is to reduce Canada’s carbon emissions by 40% below 2005 levels by 2025 (10 years) and 80 % below 1990 levels by 2050. This means that, in the short term, we have to stabilize, rather than increase, current levels of oil production (and employment), then work to shift energy industry investments away from fossil fuel extraction and pipelines and towards a new, renewable energy based economy. If we stabilize current levels of production, there’s no need to expand beyond our existing and extensive network of pipelines. Investments can then be directed to improving both rail and pipeline safety, as well as in renewable energy resources distributed all across Canada.

What’s your reaction to the United Nations report issued earlier this year that criticizes Canada for a broad range of human rights failures including the lack of safeguards in Bill C-51 to protect Canadians’ Civil liberties and an inadequate response to missing and murdered Aboriginal women? The United Nations report is absolutely right. If there is any reason for Conservative supporters to say ‘enough is enough’ it is Mr. Harper’s dismantling of Canada’s international and human rights policies. This is not the Canada that our generation was proud to have built. Despite perceptions about Bill C-51 Liberal policy is clear. Our MPs will stand up against anything that violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Unfortunately both the Conservatives and the NDP chose to play politics with Canada’s security. Stephen Harper created an Act that will be challenged in court and the NDP changed positions until they could generate fear for any government role in security. We successfully argued for three amendments to the Bill and told the Conservatives we would run an election against rights abuses. We will immediately ensure parliamentary oversight, institute mandatory legislative reviews, and narrow abusively broad definitions. Last week we all addressed the Ktunaxa Nation Council forum and that audience knew about the Liberal’s 2005 Kelowna accord that the Conservatives ignored. It was a respectful action plan for government-to-government dialogue. We need to deal with the root causes of a national tragedy that lead to over 1,200 murdered or missing aboriginal women over the last 35 years. A Liberal government will not ignore uncomfortable truths and we will launch an inquiry. Oil companies are intent on getting their product to market, whether it be by train or pipeline. At the same time, serious environmental and public safety issues have been raised about both methods of shipment. What do you see as the solution to these issues? If we don’t demonstrate to the world that we have our act together on climate change and the environment, we will find it harder to get our resources to markets. We will improve the environmental assessments with a comprehensive and fair process that ensures decisions are evidence-based, and allow meaningful participation. We will also modernize the National Energy Board and ensure it has broad regional representation and expertise in environmental science and community development.

What’s your reaction to the United Nations report issued earlier this year that criticizes Canada for a broad range of human rights failures including the lack of safeguards in Bill C-51 to protect Canadians’ Civil liberties and an inadequate response to missing and murdered Aboriginal women? Under the Harper Conservative government, Canada’s international reputation has been severely damaged with respect to climate change and the environment, our role as peace keepers, the use of science and good data to make decisions, and on human rights. The Harper Conservatives have refused to act on the United Nations commitments on indigenous rights. Our current government’s refusal, for instance, to take seriously the issue of murdered and missing indigenous women, is simply unacceptable. The Harper Conservatives, along with the Liberals, rammed through Bill C-51, the Secret Police Act, which over one hundred legal scholars and four past Prime Ministers say goes too far. Bill C-51 will result in the erosion of our rights and freedoms and does nothing to make Canadians safer. An NDP government will: repeal Bill C-51, implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, protect gender identity and expression in the Human Rights Act, and call an inquiry into the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women within 100 days of taking office. By doing what’s right, we can reclaim our reputation on the international stage. Oil companies are intent on getting their product to market, whether it be by train or pipeline. At the same time, serious environmental and public safety issues have been raised about both methods of shipment. What do you see as the solution to these issues? In the short term, we need to review the safety standards of both pipelines and railways to ensure public and environmental safety. For example, there are far too few Federal Government railway inspectors in Canada, another important area cut by the Harper Conservatives. We need to start to transition our economy from oil and gas towards renewable green energy. This is important from both an environmental perspective, including climate change, and from an economic perspective. Green energy creates the jobs right here at home, so that people don’t have to travel to Alberta or northeast BC, and disrupt families, to earn a living. The new solar Sun Mine at Kimberley and bioenergy power plant at the Aqam Reserve near Cranbrook are an excellent start!

0-100K VISITS

FASTER THAN ANY OTHER

MEDIA VEHICLE.

In a recent survey of 2,461 Canadians, when or visits to a dealership, print and online newspapers rank highest. They outperform TV,

radio, magazines, autoTRADER, Kijiji and social media.

If you’re looking for better ROI from your advertising, perhaps more of your “I” should be in newspapers.

The Golden Star Wednesday, October 7, 2015

www.thegoldenstar.net A5

RCMP Report: Break-in at Columbia Valley Elementary School Golden Star Staff reporter@thegoldenstar.net Traffic Complaints The Golden-Field RCMP received over 75 traffic complaints during the month of September with the majority of them coming from traffic travelling on the Trans-Canada Highway. Complaints included passing on double solid lines, speeding, road hazards, and vehicles illegally passing school buses. Concern for Passenger Police were called during the evening of September 29 after a male came off the Greyhound advising others that he was planning on heading into the mountains to sleep for the winter. “Others were concerned for the safety of the male and believed he may be suffering from mental health issues,” said Cst. Spencer Lainchbury, spokesperson for the Golden- Field RCMP. Police were able to locate the male who was brought to the Golden General Hospital to be seen by a doctor. Stolen Tools Police are asking anyone with information regarding two thefts on Wiseman Road to contact them after receiving two separate reports on October 2. “Both callers reported that they had tools stolen with one caller reporting approximately $2500 in tools taken, and the other reporting a drill worth approximately $250 taken.” Local police can be reached at 250344-2221 or you can call Crimestoppers at 1-800-2228477. A reward may be offered through

Crimestoppers for information that leads to an arrest. School Into

Broken

Police are also asking anyone with information regarding a break in at the Columbia Valley Elementary School in Parson to contact them after an alarm was triggered on September 28. Police attended and determined that one of the doors had been pried open with what they believe was a screwdriver, causing approximately $100 in damage. Wildlife Collision A local resident went to the Golden RCMP Detachment on October 2 to report that she had struck a deer with her vehicle on Highway 95 near Flemstrom Road. There were no reported injuries however the vehicle is believed to be a total loss as a result of the collision. Drunk Semi Driver Police came across a collision on Highway 1 near Hartley Road on September 29 while responding to a report of a possible impaired semi driver at the weigh scales east of Golden. “The police officer spoke with the occupants of the vehicle who confirmed that they were not injured but required a tow,” said Cst. Lainchbury. A tow truck was arranged for the vehicle and police then continued to the weigh scales where the officer formed suspicion that a semi driver had alcohol in his system. The driver provided a sample of his breath into a roadside screening device which resulted in Commercial Vehicle Service

Enforcement officers suspending the driver from driving for having alcohol in his body. Youths Shoplifting Two youths have been banned from a local grocery store after staff allegedly observed the two attempting to steal teeth whitening products and food. “Police were called during the afternoon on October 1 and responded,” said Cst. Lainchbury. “Both youths, at the request of the store, were given warnings by police regarding stealing, and received a ban from store management.” Squatting at Residence A 20 year-old female, believed to be from Golden, was arrested on a warrant out of Revelstoke after police received a report that people had been squatting in a residence on Hartley Road. “The call came in to us on September 30 and members immediately attended the residence,” says Cst. Lainchbury. “The complainant was not interested in pursuing charges against the two for being in the house; however the female had outstanding warrants and was arrested.” The female was later released on documents requiring her to attend court in Revelstoke later in the year. Window Smashed with Planter Box Police responded to a suspicious occurrence during the early morning hours of September 30 after receiving a report that a heavily intoxicated female had taken a planter box from outside a business on 9th Avenue North and used it to smash out the window of a vehicle.

Attempts were made that evening to contact the owner, however after no response the vehicle was towed for safekeeping. Police were surprised to receive a call from the owner the following morning, in which she advised that she had thrown the planter through the window after locking her keys inside. Drunk Driver A 25 year-old male from Golden had his vehicle seized for 30 days and his driver’s licence suspended for 90 after police allege he failed two roadside alcohol screening device tests during the early morning hours of October 4. Police initially observed the male fail to obey a stop sign before proceeding to weave in the driving lane. A traffic stop was conducted and suspicion was formed by the officer that the driver had alcohol in his system. Traffic Services Local police will be out this upcoming weekend for the National Operation Impact Campaign. “The campaign will see us focus on enforcement around seatbelts, distracted, impaired, and aggressive driving,” said Cst. Lainchbury. “However, these won’t be the only things that we will be looking for.” Drivers found driving without seatbelts or driving while distracted may be issued a $167 fine. Speeding in Yoho A 46 year-old from out of country had his rental vehicle impounded for 7 days after Golden RCMP Traffic Services officers allege that he was travelling at 156km/h in

a posted 90km/h in Yoho National Park on October 1. Failure to stop Police with Golden RCMP Traffic Services stopped a vehicle on October 3 after they allege the vehicle failed to stop for a stop sign. Further conversations between the officer and the driver led police to believe that the driver had alcohol in his body. The driver subsequently failed two roadside alcohol screening device tests which resulted in his driver’s licence being suspended for 90 days and his vehicle being impounded for 30. License Revoked for German Tourist A 21 year-old from Germany had his driver’s licence suspended for 3 days as well as his vehicle impounded after police found him driving with alcohol in his system. “The driver initially failed the approved alcohol screening device test, but a subsequent test on another instrument provided a lower ‘warn’ reading.” With the Immediate Roadside Prohibition legislation, police take the lower of the two readings.

Male arrested under Immigration Act A 25 year-old male is currently in police custody after local traffic services officers conducted a traffic stop on Highway 1 on October 4

and noted that the driver had a Canada wide warrant for his arrest under the Immigration Act. The male is currently awaiting transport back to Vancouver by the Canadian Border Services Agency.

Forest Stewardship Plan #74, Amendment #14 addition of FL A92559 held by Shuswap Indian Band. As per section 20(4) of the Forest Planning and Practices Regulation, we notify that the forest stewardship plan amendment has been approved without having been made publicly available for review and comment. Operations under the plan have been authorized to begin September 16, 2015. Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd.

A Food Skills Series. Learn, Cook & Eat!

SMART COOKING ON A BUDGET

You will learn, plan, and cook healthy tasty meals on a Come and be part budget; and enjoy cooking of a Food Skills and sharing a yummy lunch Program in a weekly. comfortable setting.

Space is limited to 12 participants please register early to guarantee your spot. Sponsored by: Canadian Diabetes Association, and Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy. Tel 250 344 1032

Sign up with a friend, bring the family, child minding is provided. Oct 17- Nov 14, 2015 Saturdays 10 am to 1 pm. All food and beverages will be supplied. Join us at the Community Kitchen at St. Andrew’s United Church 901 11 Ave S

Free Yard Waste Roundup for Golden Residents! Monday, October 19th - The Town of Golden will once again pick up and dispose of residential yard waste for Golden residents who receive weekly and bi-weekly curb-side waste and recycling collection services. This service is for YARD WASTE ONLY – organic debris that includes grass clippings, leaves, tree cones, tree branches (no stumps), shrubs, bushes, and parts thereof, not exceeding 8” diameter or 8’ in length. Please bundle your pruning’s to make it easier and faster for us to collect them. NO OTHER TYPE OF WASTE WILL BE ACCEPTED, including construction wood waste. To receive this service, place your yard waste in containers, bags, or bundles at your normal curb-side collection area on Monday morning, October 19th, by 8:00am. Any Yard Waste not placed in containers, bags, or bundled at the curb WILL NOT be picked up. If you wish to use your green garbage container please ensure it is empty of garbage before adding yard waste. Please do not use your blue recycling container.

Star

A6 www.thegoldenstar.net

Strategic Voting

opinion

Wednesday, October 7, 2015 The Golden Star

Friends of Golden Hospital

Strategic voting is getting a lot of attention this election...across the country but particularly in the Kootenay Columbia riding. Given the polarizing effect the current government seems to have on Canada, I suppose it’s no surprise. You love them or hate - I SURMISE them. And if you hate By Jessica Schwitek them, then a change in government is more important than what that change is. There is a letter to the editor on this page that states, “those voters planning to vote either Green or Liberal need to know that their votes will only serve to help Wilks get re-elected.” It goes on to say that those who want Harper gone, need to vote together. The National Post summed up strategic voting perfectly in an editorial this week: “the voter is often presented with the dilemma of voting for a party he dislikes, rather than the party he likes, in order to prevent the party he detests from getting in.” This is not entirely untrue. Odds are that many of the voters casting their ballots for Green or Liberal would prefer the NDP over the Conservatives. If there were only two parties, the NDP might very well be leading the polls, rather than being neck in neck with Conservatives as they are now (at least in the Kootenay Columbia riding). This is the part in the editorial where I’m supposed to throw my own opinion into the mix. But the truth is, I’m not entirely sure where I stand on the issue. On the one hand, if I, as a voter, want to see change in government, I should be informed of the most promising way to do that. On the other hand, don’t tell me who to vote for. I should be able to choose the candidate and/ or party I like best based on their promises, platforms, and track record. But here I go, using the S-word. “Should” gets used too often. We live in an imperfect world, and there’s a lot of things that SHOULD be. Instead I think it’s best to accept the reality of Canada’s political system and make our choices accordingly. We all have to decide if we want to vote for the person/party who will do the best job, or the person/party who has the best shot at beating the person/party we think will do the worst job. If you’re lucky, you’ll be checking the same box on the ballot either way. If not, you have a difficult decision to make.

Dear Editor, I was very pleased to learn of the formation of the Friends of the Golden Hospital. We are extremely lucky to have such a good hospital here. They not only look after the Town of Golden, but deal with highway and backcountry accidents. They are a great asset to the district. My wife Annette spent her last three days in the hospital. The nursing and emergency staff could not have

Change in Ottawa Editor, With the two front runner candidates, Stetski and Wilks, currently locked at 37 per cent in the local polls, those voters planning to vote either Green or Liberal need to know that their votes will only serve to help Wilks get re-elected. Only if those of us who want the Harper Conservatives gone, vote together, will we have a chance to rid ourselves of the most undemocratic regime in Canada’s history. This is the unfortunate real-

been better. The nurses went about their work with compassion and skill. When the Friends of the Golden and District Hospital launch their fundraising campaign later this month, to help purchase needed medical equipment, I intend to donate. I urge those who can to make a donation. Yours truly, George Ross Golden

ity with our current “first past the post” election system. Right now, those voters in Kootenay Columbia wanting to see change in Ottawa number 63 percent but if we divvy those votes between the three other candidates, the probable outcome is we will not see any change. When the NDP forms the next Government, they have committed to bring in proportional representation for the next federal election. Under this much fairer election system, every party gets a say in Parliament based on the over-

all percentage of their national vote. No longer would we have a repeat of the last four years where the Harper Conservatives, who got only 39 percent of the overall national vote, have dictated to the majority opposition with 61 percent of the votes. For Kootenay Columbia voters, this is clearly an opportunity to supersize your vote! Yours truly, Gary Werk Cranbrook

POLL OF THE WEEK Do you think our electoral system needs to move away from “first past the post”? log onto www.thegoldenstar.net to make your vote count

Last week’s poll question: Do you think there will be a change in govern-

ment after this election?

Yes 80%

No 20%

DISCLAIMER: This web poll is informal, not scientific. It reflects opinions of site visitors who voluntarily participate. Results may not represent the opinions of the public as a whole. Black Press is not responsible for the statistical accuracy of opinions expressed here.

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The Golden Star Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Star editorial and opinion

www.thegoldenstar.net A7

Golden point of view

Do you think our electoral system needs to move away from “first past the post”?

Ricky Frennette

Peter Baker

Loretta Perry

“Yeah I would say it definitely needs a change to something more repesentative of the results.”

“Yeah I think so. I don’t think it’s working.”

“Yes I would. I think it would make sense to change it.”

Go to www.thegoldenstar.net to have your say.

Unite the Left Dear Editor, While Harper’s Conservative Party of Canada marches on to war, championing Jerusalem, fabled site of the rumored-to-be-imminent “Armageddon”, reaping $15 Billion of lucrative profits from its weapons industry sales to Saudi Arabia, the “Left” rallies to defeat this climate-change denying, fossil-fuel dependent, economically dead-end free-market philosophy. Stripping legal rights from Canadian citizens, while granting corporations greater rights to sue Canadian citizens for protecting their resources and livelihoods is not OK. This “reformulated” Harper Conservative Party is an aggressive lackey of the global corporate resource-stripping economic system. There is no loyalty to Canada, its citizens, nor concern for its well-being and future. Who among us is not sick with dread that the “Left” will sabotage our own goal to reinstate Canadas’ integrity and environmental stability, with wellmeaning but short-sighted idealistic reasons resulting in splitting the Left vote ? We “Left” must unite, in a recognized short-term co-operative effort, to defeat Harper’s government. At the Nelson Kootenay-Columbia ridings’s all candidates debate,(Conservative Royalty Wilks disdaining), Don Johnston, Liberal candidate suggested: “What about a tripartite system? What if we were the government?” The audience roared with approval! Once a “Left party” is governing, all the parties can debate the merits of different approaches respectfully, and collaborate. Let’s make sure the “Left” unifies to commit to this long recovery process of participatory Canadian democracy and global stability. Wayne Stetski, Bill Green and Don Johnston, please rise above your differences, to unite the “Left” ! Yours most sincerely, Susan Eyre Yahk, B.C.

Veteran Affairs Editor, It seems to me that many Conservatives are supportive of the military. Not the Harper Conservatives. They have underfunded Veteran Affairs, closed 9 offices across the country, eliminated injured veteran pensions, and cut 900 Veteran Affair jobs. Over an eight year period, they Scrooged $1.13 billion from vets and returned it to general revenue. Shameful. How bad is it? They spent $750K of taxpayer money to battle vets in court and lost with Judge Robert Barnes concluding the claw-backs "create a particularly harsh effect on the most seriously disabled Canadian Forces members...and I reject it universally." No mincing words there. Those same claw-backs must be where they found the $28 million to commemorate the War of 1812 bicentennial. They love the pomp and ceremony but not the vets. Funding for the WWI centenary you ask? Simple. They demanded that Heritage Canada, Veteran Affairs and the National Defence Dept, all underfunded, pay for the various events and commemorations out of their existing budgets. It looks like the Harper Conservatives care about the photo ops, but not for the vets themselves. If you are an actual military supporter, remember that when you're voting on the 19th of October. Erik Treijs Blewett, BC

Stars to Overwaitea and IGA managers for your kind contributions to Golden Shotokan Karate’s recent Open House and Fund Raising event. We were able to raise almost $200 in support of our Development Team activities. Thank you so much.

Overwaitea meat department for great customer service.

Stingers to those defacing local stop signs for your own political agenda. Now taxpayer dollars must pay to repair your damage.

Stinger to the person/ persons, who discard their flyers, junk mail etc. in between the cracks of the Austin Road community postal boxes. I have been cleaning up your mess

Stars to Sue at

Stars to Mark Teasdale for the Great party. Everything was tops, except we stayed even longer than planned but the good music kept us there. Thanks for the invite.

for a very long time. Please please take your unwanted mail home to trash or recycle. Stingers to dog owners who let their dogs poop downtown. I stepped in some last week. It’s absolutely disgusting and you should be ashamed! Stars to the friendly folks at 7/11. Stingers to friends who are disloyal and talk about their so called “friends” behind their back.

MLA Report: A look at Canal Flats One of our Kootenay communities recently received a massive blow, affecting not just the Village of Canal Flats, but also workers throughout the area. The closure of the mill, the community’s biggest employer, will be devastating. There has been a mill in Canal Flats for more than 100 years, using wood from the forests that surround Canal Flats. Following the closure announcement, Canal Flats Mayor Ute Juras and I met with the Premier and the Minister of Jobs. I appreciate that meeting with the Premier, and I found the Premier’s commitment to help find a replacement industry for the mill encouraging. Our communities are surrounded by healthy forests and there are new markets for manufactured wood products. There are new and exciting wood products that could be manufactured, so there are reasons to be optimistic. However, the truth is that this is an effort that will be complicated by the lack of control and influence our government now has to manage the use of our forests for local jobs. In 2003, the BC Liberal government ended the connection between communities and their surrounding forests in many ways. They removed the requirement on corporations to ensure local jobs came from local wood. Corporations with rights to cut in an area can now ship that wood anywhere in the province. Back in the 1990’s, when I was in local government, communities like Revelstoke got control of their surrounding forests and estab-

lished a Community Forest Corporation to support their local manufacturers. In that same timeframe, Golden was able to save our threatened mill, and that mill still operates to this day. The 2003 changes removed the tools to protect local mills - Norm Macdonald that had promoted MLA Columbia River-Revelstoke Revelstoke and Golden’s forest industry to provide employment in the community. But as the assurances for local employment were removed by the BC Liberals, we watched as 200 mills across British Columbia were permanently closed. This shift in policy had consequences. Residents of Canal Flats, and the laid off workers from the Canal Flats operation, can still watch truckloads of local wood driven out of their area to other mills. This forestry policy does not serve this community or this area. So while I am thankful that the Premier is willing to work with the Village of Canal Flats to find a replacement industry, the position that Canal Flats finds itself in is a consequences of actions taken by government in 2003. We live in an area that is rich in opportunity with capable and entrepreneurial citizens so there is always reason to be optimistic. But this is a crisis that the Village of Canal Flats should not have been forced to face.

MLA Meeting Day Wednesday, October 14 Please call 250 344 4816 to book an appointment

Norm Macdonald MLA www.NormMacdonald.ca |norm.macdonald.mla@leg.bc.ca

A8 www.thegoldenstar.net

Wednesday, October 7, 2015 The Golden Star

YourCommunityNewspaperSince1891

Golden THE

www.thegoldenstar.net 413A 9th Ave N 250 344-5251

Events & Entertainment Calendar Golden Cinema presents: The Intern Starting Friday Oct. 2 at 7pm. Matinees at 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.

This Week

Your Community Newspaper Since 1891 WILL BE CLOSED Monday, October 12, 2015 for Thanksgiving The deadline for all advertising is Friday October 9th, at noon.

250-344-5251 classiﬁeds@thegoldenstar.net

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Wed, Oct. 7

Golden Public Health presents Baby Talk for new parents and kids every Wed., 1:30-3pm in the Early Learning Centre. 12 months and under. 250-344-3001 for more info. Hapkido Martial Arts Wed., Arena Lounge 6-7pm (kids) 7:158:15pm (adults). Parent and Tot Play Group Wed. 10:30am12pm at the Rec Plex. Follows school schedule. 344-2000 for info. Public Skate ever y Wednesday from 7-8pm at the Golden Arena. Badminton Wednesdays 7-9pm at the Rec Plex. Bring your own racket. Reach a Reader Wednesday, October 7. Buy a Golden Star from your local Rockets and 100% of your donation goes to literacy programs in Golden.

Thurs, Oct. 8

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Let Them Run: The Salmon Century Exhibit At AGOG from Sept. 11 to Oct. 14. Bargain Basement Thrift Store St.Andrews United Church & Centre for Peace open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 3pm.

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Men’s Basketball Thur. 7:30-9:30pm at the Rec Plex. Bridge Club every Thur. at the Senior’s Centre 1-4pm. 250-344-5448. Mountain Magic Quilters Guild Thur., 7:30-9pm in the GSS sewing room. New members/guests welcome, annual membership is $25. Jam Night at the Golden Taps Pub every Thursday. A.A Meetings Thursdays,

at the Family Centre, 421 9th Ave N. All meetings are open and start at 8pm. Golden Youth Centre Band Of Guys drop-in for male teens (12-18) every Thursday 3:45-5:30pm. Cribbage at the Golden Seniors Centre every Thursday from 1-3pm. Golden Toastmasters Fridays, 7pm at College of the Rockies. English Language Classes, free! Tue. & Thur. 10am-12pm. 3448392 to register. Suppor t Group for Moms whose Partners Work Away Thursdays 5:30pm at the Early Years Centre. Contact Elina for more info. 250344-5317, mtnwomyn@ uniserve.com Film Kicks presents Wild Tales on Thursday Oct. 8 at 7:30pm at the Golden Cinema.

Fri, Oct. 9 A.A Meetings Fridays at the Lutheran Church basement 915 - 9th St S. All meetings are open and start at 8pm. Golden Youth Centre drop-in Fridays from 3:30-7:30pm. Friday Night Bridge at 7pm at St. Andrew’s Centre for Peace. 250344-5448. Mother Goose Program Fri. 10:30-11:30am at the Early Years Centre. Snacks are included. Special Olympics “FUNdamentals” youth program Fri. 9-10am at APES. For children 7-12 years with intellectual disabilities. Call 250919-0757 for info. Grab a Granny and Go every Friday from 10-11am at Durand Manor. Meat Draw at the Golden Legion every Friday at 5:30pm. FREE Settlement Services to help newcomers to Canada with English language training, citizenship, com.

• For more information... go to www.thegoldenstar.net

munity resources, banking, housing, and more! Fridays from 9-11am. Call 250-344-8392.

Sat, Oct. 10

A.A Meetings Sat. at the Golden Museum. All meetings are open and start at 8pm. Saturday Lego Club at the Library from 11am12pm for all school aged children. Meat Draw at the Golden Legion every Saturday at 5:30pm.

Sun, Oct.11 Sunday Howl open mic at the Wolf’s Den Sundays 4-8pm. Magic the Gathering Game Tour nament 12-5pm at Bizarre Entertainment.

Mon, Oct. 12

Heroclix League 6-9pm Mondays at Bizarre Entertainment. Picnic in the Park Play & Chat Mondays from 11:30am-1:30pm at the Alexander Park Elementary playground. N.A. Meetings Mon. in the Library basement. 8pm. Golden Youth Centre drop-in every Monday from 5-8pm. Nicholson Parent & Tot Mondays from 9-11am at Nicholson School. Crafts at the Seniors Centre every Monday from 1--3pm. Ar t classes at the Golden Seniors Centre ever y Monday from 10am-3pm. Hapkido Martial Arts Mon., Arena Lounge 6-7pm (kids) 7:158:15pm (adults). Al-Anon Group meets Mondays at the Women’s Centre from 6-7pm. 3446492 for more info. Badminton Mondays 7-8:30pm at the Rec Plex. Bring your own racket.

Tues, Oct. 13 A.A Meetings Tues. at

the United Church 901 11th Ave S. Alley Ent. All meetings are open and start at 8pm. Golden Youth Centre drop-in Tuesdays from 3:30-7:30pm. Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 Edition Tuesdays 6-9pm at Bizarre Entertainment. FREE Settlement Services to help newcomers to Canada with English training, citizenship, community resources, banking, housing, and more! Tues. 1-3pm. 250-344-8392. Golden Shotokan Karate Tues. & Thurs. 6-6:45pm (kids) 7-8:30pm (adults). Grab a Granny and Go, Tuesdays at 3:30pm at Durand Manor. T.O.P.S (take off pounds sensibly) Family Centre, Tue., 6-7pm. 344-7228, 344-6492 for more details. English Language Classes, free! Tue. & Thur. 10am-12pm. 3448392 to register.

Upcoming Events

6 Guitars at the Golden Civic Centre on Oct. 17 at 7:30pm. Tickets available at AGOG. Nordic Ski Club Volunteer work party. Trail work party at Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre Oct. 17 at 9:30 a.m. Lion Club Annual Duck Race on Oct. 18 at 2pm. Only 500 tickets, available at Elite Nutrition, TRU Hardware, the Nicholson Store, and Getany theLion word out! from for $10. Federal Election on Oct. 19. Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce Community Excellence Awards on Oct. 24 at the Civic Centre. Tickets are $55. Do you have a community event coming up? Let us know and we’ll put it in our Community Events Calendar. 250-344-5251.

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This week's achievement award goes to...

Slade Coffman for having a positive attitude and he is enthusiastic about learning.

Stop in by October 14, 2015 to receive your small blizzard • 344-2220 •

The Golden Star Wednesday, October 7, 2015

MEET THE

Star Go rocketsGo

www.thegoldenstar.net A9

CONSTRUCTION

To a Great New Season 250 344 3992

www.dogtoothlogandtimber.com

24TH SEASON!

All the Best in the 2015/2016 Season Pre-game Pizza + Rockets Puck drop =

Family Fun

GO ROCKETS!

BOSTON PIZZA GOLDEN 1002 TRANSCANADA HIGHWAY 250.439.0002 Facebook.com/BostonPizzaGolden

INTRODUCING YOUR

MARK BECICA Position: Goalie Hometown: Santa Clarita, USA Birthday: Oct. 18, 1995 Favourite Player: Jonathan Quick

BRAnOn COntOIS Position: Defense Hometown: Surrey, BC Birthday: January 15, 1997 Favourite Player: Duncan Keith

tRAvIS KELLEy Position: Defense Hometown: Golden, BC Birthday: July 15, 1995 Favourite Player: trevor Linden

KyRAn KAROL Position: Defense Hometown: Red Deer, AB Birthday: Sept. 15, 1996 Favourite Player: John tavares

F O R T H E 2 4 th S E A S O N !

EMERSOn PUGH Position: Forward Hometown: Calgary, AB Birthday: Oct. 30, 1997 Favourite Player: Drake

KyLE ROSOLOwSKI Position: Defense Hometown: Chestermere, AB Birthday: Mar. 8, 1997 Favourite Player: Glenn Anderson

tyLER EKELI Position: Forward Hometown: Ponoka, AB Birthday: Mar. 17, 1996 Favourite Player: Sid the Kid

#10

BREnnAn FUOCO Position: Defense Hometown: Calgary, AB Birthday: Aug. 31, 1996 Favourite Player: Kris Letang

#11

DARIOn nORDICK Position: Forward Hometown: Kamloops, BC Birthday: nov. 25, 1997 Favourite Player: Jakey Gudjonson

#12

JORDEn REID-wHytE Position: Forward Hometown: winnipeg, MB Birthday: Jan. 6, 1995 Favourite Player: Martin St. Louis

tAnnER wItt Position: Forward Hometown: Calgary, AB Birthday: Dec. 18, 1996 Favourite Player: tyler Seguin

BOBBy JO LOvE Position: Defense Hometown: Smithers, BC Birthday: June 1, 1996 Favourite Player Dan Hamhuis

RILEy BARnES Position: Forward Hometown: Merritt, BC Birthday: Mar. 24, 1997 Favourite Player: John tavares

tOny FEStA Position: Forward Hometown: Calgary, AB Birthday: Dec. 18, 1996 Favourite Player: Michael Ferland

LIAM BELL Position: Defense Hometown: toronto, On Birthday: May 6, 1996 Favourite Player: niklas Kronwall

SEAn RIPLEy Position: Defense Hometown: Kitimat, BC Birthday: Feb. 18, 1996 Favourite Player: niklas Hjalmarsson

tERIx FISCHER-KOBES Position: Forward Hometown: Lloydminster, SK Birthday: Apr. 22, 1997 Favourite Player: Jonathan Drouin

CARtER vOURI Position: Forward Hometown: Calgary, AB Birthday: Dec. 31, 1997 Favourite Player: the weekend

OwEn SIKKES Position: Goalie Hometown: Smithers, BC Birthday: Aug. 20, 1998 Favourite Player.: Carey Price

CHAnDLER BILLInHURSt Position: Goalie Hometown: Calgary, AB Birthday: June 30, 1997 Favourite Player todd Bertuzzi

#16

#18

#19

#20

#21

#23

BEST OF LUCK IN THE 2015/16 SEASON!

We Salute the GOLDEN ROCKETS Players and Staff! Good Luck in the 2015/16 Season!

#24

#25

Kick Butt Rockets!

#26

#27

Golden Installations Ltd. GO

#31

#13

JAKE GUDJOnSOn Position: Forward Hometown: Golden, BC Birthday: nov. 30, 1999 Favourite Player: Doug Glatt

#14

SHRED

Come out to the pre-game public skates happening Saturdays from 5:00pm – 6:15pm. AUStIn CAMPBELL Position: Forward Hometown: Port Coquitlam, BC Birthday: Apr. 8, 1996 Favourite Player: Jarome Iginla

MAt tHIESSEn Position: Forward Hometown: Red Deer, AB Birthday: Apr. 5, 1996 Favourite Player: Mat thiessen

SOME

ICE GO

#35

Rockets GO!

Good Luck in 2015/16

LET’S! GO! ROCKETS!

ROCKETS

250-344-7161

511 9 Ave North, Golden BC

250-344-5911

915 11th Avenue South, Golden • 250-344-5566

www.goldeninstallations.com

815 10th Ave S, Golden, BC | 250-344-7488

GO ROCKETS GO!

ALR FIEN EK FO W

GOOD LUCK IN 2015/16!

250-344-2700 150110 Ave S | Golden, BC 250-344-3723 | www.cpr.ca

www.golfgolden.com - Golden Golf C lub - @GoldenGolfC lub

GOLF!

41.95 = 18 holes with a shared cart $ 26.25 = 18 holes walking $ 26.95 = 9 holes with a shared cart $ 15.75 = 9 holes walking

GOOD LUCK TO THE

Last day for golf is October 12th

% Clothing, headwear PRO SHOP 40 and sunglasses CLEARANCE 35% Shoes SALE 20% Clubs and Bags off

off

THIS

SEASON!