Vanderhoof Omineca Express, March 02, 2016

Inside

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NADLEH WHUT’EN AGREEMENT P. 2 EDITORIAL P. 6

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POLICE UPDATE P. 3 A LOOK BACK P. 12

E xpress OMINECA

Publications Mail Contract # 40007840 Published by Black Press Ltd., 150 West Columbia Street, Vanderhoof, BC

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Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Vanderhoof biathlon shot gold at BC Winter Games Vivian Chui Omineca Express

SUBMITTED photo

Vanderhoof’s Linnea Moutray (centre) won gold in the Super Sprint Girls Junior event for biathlon at the Penticton 2016 BC Winter Games last weekend. Moutray also won bronze medals in the individual and sprint races for junior girls.

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THE CED BY PRODUCA EXPRESS &R OMINE NIA COURIE CALEDO

First-time BC Games participant Linnea Moutray from Vanderhoof snatched three medals over the four-day event in Penticton last weekend.

Placing first in the Super Sprint Girls Junior event for biathlon, Moutray also won bronze medals in the individual and sprint races for junior girls.

Overall, biathlon athletes from the northwest zone claimed 10 of 13 medals for the zone at this year’s BC Winter Games.

Four speed skaters from Vanderhoof also participated in the games: Connor Ebert, Nicole McBride, Alexis Seely, and Logan Sewell.

Supported by coaches Nicole Ebert and Vince Sewell, as well as adult supervisor Jessica Seely, they are joined by Fort St. James’ Austin McKersie, who competed in a relay race as a team with the four younger members of the group.

Taking place from Feb. 25 to 28, this year’s Winter Games features athletes with an average age of 14 competing in 17 different sports.

Bill Bidlake, president of the Penticton 2016 BC Winter Games, thanked the effort of over 1,800 volunteers.

“There is a saying: if you want to go fast, you go alone; but if you want to go far, you go together,” said Bidlake.

“This weekend shows how far Penticton will go together in showcasing its passion for sport, community and youth.”

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Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Omineca Express

Express

NEWS

Nadleh Whut’en First Nation signs agreement with TransCanada gas pipeline project

Fraser Lake Mayor Dwayne Lindstrom (from left), Chief Martin Louie of Nadleh Whut’en First Nation, President Rick Gateman of TransCanada’s Coastal GasLink pipeline project, and Vanderhoof Mayor Gerry Thiessen attended the community dinner, where a commemorative carving from TransCanada was presented to Nadleh Whut’en.

VIVIAN CHUI photos

VEHICLE AUCTION Nadleh Whut’en First Nation has signed a project agreement with TransCanada for its natural gas pipeline project, joining 10 other aboriginal communities along its route across northern B.C. At a celebratory dinner for the community on Feb. 17, Nadleh Whut’en Chief Martin Louie and President Rick Gateman of the company’s Coastal GasLink pipeline project announced the agreement to close to 80 community members at the Nadleh Whut’en hall. “We have ties to our animals‌to the rivers; as First Nations, everything has a spirit,â€? Louie said. “Today, values of our ancestors have changed‌there’s a price for taking trees down, there’s a price for everything. “Those are the changes we’ve grown to accept over the years, and at the same time, we still need to protect our land and animals, so that our younger ones that are following us can enjoy the same things we have.â€?

Opening with traditional First Nation songs from singers and drummers led

by Louie, the event was also attended by Mayor Dwayne Lindstrom and CAO Rodney Holland from Fraser Lake, Mayor Gerry Thiessen from Vanderhoof, representatives of the Fraser Lake RCMP, as well as councillors of Nadleh Whut’en. “The negotiations we have done is a long-lasting agreement that will benefit

every member of our community,â€? Louie said. “Because the more we keep fighting the system‌right now we need to start moving on down a certain path, and we need to involve everybody around us. “It’s time to start working together as neighbours: Fraser Lake, Fort Fraser, Vanderhoof, Prince George.â€?

Passing 25 kilometres away from Nadleh Whut’en, the proposed 670-kilometre pipeline that starts near Dawson Creek in northeast B.C. and ends in Kitimat on the coast would employ over 2,500 people during its three- to four-year construction period, Gateman said. “One of the key things in the agreement with Nadleh Whut’en, and other First Nations along the way, is that we don’t just want to share the economic benefits of the project,� he said. “We want to create capacity in the community through training and contract jobs to get this pipeline built. “It is in our best interest as employers to employ local people first.�

Involving potential work camps in Lejac and by Vanderhoof’s airport, the project’s start date is contingent on the company’s Asian customers, who would make a final investment decision later this year, Gateman explained. “It’s a legacy for the future,� he said. “We’ve structured this agreement so that First Nations along the way truly become our partners throughout time. “As long as gas flows through this pipeline, there will be annual payments that benefits this community.�

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To commemorate the signed agree5)634%": ."3$) 3% t 1. 4)"31 ment, TransCanada presented to Nadleh ALSO... SELLING 75-100 CARS, Whut’en a wooden sculpture carved by Today featuring approx. vehicles 108+60'8 4//8!786..21 8 )8!60 827.138 8 &8%7+4-/738"21, ON HAND we WILLwill BE be 10-15 VEHICLES FROM&5-10 TRUCKS, VANS SPORT UTILITY George Hemeon, the company’s aborigifrom Element Fleet Management .

We will be VEHICLES FROM MAJORalso FLEET, nal and local contracting manager, that VEHICLE MANAGEMENT selling approximately 75 - 100 vehicles from lease,& LEASE, DEALER, PRIVATE depicts a First Nation creation story of a FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. ALSO...Selling 75-100 and Cars,financial Trucks, Vans and SUVs from ( ) /)+ "$ / /',&* /-& * / ,$*/ /) */ & / dealer, private institutions. raven stealing light to be brought to earth. , &/% ++ / +,*+ / +, +&/ / &" , +/%"$,$ ", /!$* " " $* Major Fleet Lease, Dealer & Private Financial Institutions “It’s about transformation,� Hemeon said. “I know we’re at the early stages YOU HAVE UNIT FORFOR THIS AUCTION, MUST IFIFIFYOU THIS AUCTION, MUST THE GROUND BY YOUHAVE HAVEAAAVEHICLE VEHICLE FOR THIS AUCTIONITITIT MUSTBEBE BEONON ONTHE THEGROUNDS GROUNDBY BY of our relationship, but we all recognize 29TH #: 1. 41"$& 1&3.*55*/( 4&& :06 4"-& %": 56&4%":, #: /00/ -- SPACE PERMITTING MYDMONDAY, AT 5PM FEB - "6( 5) SPACE PERMITTING SEE YOU SALE DAY! - SEE YOU SALE DAY! a need for industry to change the way they’ve done business in the past.

Central Interior “There’s a reciprocal part to this relaAuctions Ltd. tionship that is both based on the interests 4174 COWART RD. Prince George and expectations of the community, but (250) ) $ )$&&8 8 FAX (250) 562-9616 /'() /! -.#('/ / ( / #(%-/ also those interests and business needs of -.# )/ %/)( . /'.#-!%!. /' . ./ / .--.#)/ %/'#. !Website: www.ciauctions.bc.ca our company as well.�

The carving’s black and red colouring represents the male and female in the c o m m u n i t y, Hemeon exWill you help us make the Daffodil Campaign a plained. “The idea success this April? We need you! is that the raven is watchContact Nancy Shelford nshelford@bc.cancer.ca ing over the or 1-800-811-5666. community and also the relationship that we have together at this www.cancervolunteer.ca point.�

Vivian Chui Omineca Express

BRING SPRING!

Omineca Express Wednesday, March 2, 2016

INSIDE NEWS

Express

the

Seedy Saturday

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NEWS

Incoming anti-bullying flash mob on Pink Shirt Day

Vanderhoof’s RCMP detachment lodged 64 files last week.

A community seed swap and informational speakers will take place on March 5 at the Vanderhoof Public Library.

11 a.m. to noon: Christine Adolph, local gardener speaks on saving seeds 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Seed swap and seed catalogues (divide seeds into packets and label) 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Janice Atkins from Atkins Greenhouse speaks on starting and transplanting seeds

DECEASED MAN FOUND On Feb. 26 at 10:30 a.m., a deceased First Nation man was reported to the police by two witnesses behind Chevron gas station on Highway 16.

The BC Coroners Service is engaged, and the death is determined to be non-suspicious, though the specific cause remains under investigation.

The man’s name is not released by press time on Monday, pending family and Coroners Service approval.

There is no danger implicated for the community, said Sgt. Svend Nielsen.

Upcoming local arts festival The 38th annual Festival of the Performing Arts kicks off on March 7 at the NVSS Integris Community Theatre.

March 7, Speech Arts March 11, Strings March 14 to 16, Piano March 14, 7:30 p.m.

Interactive choral workshop for all by Dr. Stephen Smith March 15, 7:30 p.m.

“Breaking Bach”, Piano workshop about his Preludes and Fugues for all by Dr. Stephen Smith March 20, 2:30 p.m.

Spring Arts Gala Concert

Education, B.C. grant To be eligible for the B.C. Training and Education Savings grant, children must have been born in 2007 or later, and they must be resident in B.C., along with a parent or guardian. Families have three years to submit an application for the grant when their child becomes eligible.

As well, through Budget 2016, government is investing $39 million to extend the BCTESG to eligible children born in 2006.

The families of these 40,000 additional eligible children will be able to apply for the grant later this year.

Police Update

VIVIAN CHUI photo

Dressed in pink for PInk Shirt Day, the annual nation-wide campaign against anti-bullying, Vanderhoof’s RCMP blocks off Burrard Avenue through downtown Vanderhoof at noon for the incoming 600-student strong flash mob on Feb. 24.

Farmers’ donation tax credit The Farmers’ Food Donation Tax credit is available to individuals and corporations that carry on the business of farming and donate a qualifying agricultural product to a registered charity.

The agricultural product may include meat products, eggs or dairy products, fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, herbs, honey, maple syrup, mushrooms, nuts or other produce

that has been grown, raised or harvested on a farm in B.C. The credit, available for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 tax years, is worth 25% of the fair market value of the qualifying agricultural product and must be claimed in the same year that a charitable donation tax credit or deduction is claimed for the donation.

DOWNTOWN LIQUOR STORE BREAK-IN #2 Alerted by a commercial alarm, Vanderhoof’s police responded to a break-and-enter at the Reid Liquor Store at 12:45 a.m. on Feb. 19.

According to a surveillance video, a smaller female, wearing a hoodie with a unique front-facing logo, climbed into the store and stole several items.

She was accompanied by a man who remained outside the building.

It’s the second time that the downtown liquor store was broken into this month. In the early morning of Feb. 8, two males allegedly broke through storefront windows to grab several bottles.

One suspect was located, with the help of a witness, and is scheduled to appear in Vanderhoof’s courthouse in April.

The police does not believe the incidents to be linked, and will be working with the owner to improve the store’s security profile, Nielsen said.

PINK SHIRT DAY Underneath bullet-proof vests on Feb. 24, RCMP members in downtown Vanderhoof at noon were sporting pink shirts with the rest of the community, for the 600-student strong flash mob for Pink Shirt Day, the nation-wide campaign against bullying.

“In Vanderhoof, there’s a huge energy when it comes to events like that,” said Nielsen, noting the attendance of other agencies, such as Nechako Valley Community Services, who were unidentified at the event. “It’s great to see different parts of the community together.”

- with files from Sgt. Svend Nielsen, Vanderhoof RCMP

New anti-domestic violence program for aboriginal men focuses on traditional values Vivian Chui Omineca Express A new culturally-based program to prevent domestic violence by men is coming to 10 aboriginal communities in the region.

Earlier this month, the provincial government announced $70,000 of funding to Carrier Sekani Family Services in Vanderhoof for its Family Wellness Warriors Initiative.

To prevent men from perpetuating domestic violence, the program will use holistic, traditional, and local knowledge in order to guide men back to their roles as dignified warriors, role models and protectors of women, families and community, states Marilyn Janzen, CSFS’s health and wellness program manager.

“The objective of the program is to help men to reinstate the traditional roles they once held in the community, and reduce their use of violence,” Janzen said. “Participants will learn to consciously

make moral and ethical decisions, based on spiritual and cultural traditions and teachings.”

Delivered through CSFS’s Integrated Health and Wellness Program, the new initiative will be carried out by current mental health and addictions recovery staff.

“Through the sharing of individual stories coupled with cultural teachings and experiential learning, men will have the opportunity to learn ways to replace violence with true strength, which is based on their traditional roles and values,” Janzen explained.

The program also aims to open the conversation on domestic violence within the communities.

“Violence is perpetuated by community silence,” she said. “Through participation in the program, men will work to eliminate the shame and guilt experienced by themselves and their victims.”

To be delivered within Wet’suwet’en First Nation, Burns Lake Band, Cheslatta Carrier Nation,

Stellat’en First Nation, Nadleh Whut’en, Saik’uz First Nation, Takla Lake First Nation, Nee Tahi Buhn Band, Skin Tyee First Nation and Yekooche First Nation, the program is currently in its planning stage, with more details and dates to come through CSFS’s website and social media page.

The new program is one of 24 culture-based anti-domestic violence initiatives that benefited from provincial government funding this month for its Aboriginal Domestic Violence Funding Project — for a total of $1.5 million.

Aboriginal women are three times more likely to experience violence and be assaulted by their partner than non-Aboriginal women, according to provincial government information. “Many of these programs incorporate Aboriginal culture and traditional practices which will help ensure the content resonates with the participants and have a meaningful impact in the lives of Aboriginal families throughout B.C.,” said John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.

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NEWS

Budget 2016: Property transfer tax trimmed

Tom Fletcher Black Press Newly built homes worth up to $750,000 are exempt from B.C.’s property transfer tax under changes in the provincial budget that take effect immediately.

Finance Minister Mike de Jong expects to make up most of the lost revenue by increasing the tax rate from two to three per cent on the value of homes in excess of $2 million.

For resold homes, property purchase tax continues to apply at one per cent on the first $200,000 of value and two per cent on value between $200,000 and $2 million.

The tax has produced a windfall for the province and pushed home purchase costs even higher in the hot market for homes in some urban areas. The government expects to collect about $200 million more than it budgeted for the current year, due to soaring prices and a high number of sales.

De Jong said the break is aimed at new construction to stimulate new housing construction, adding to supply in response to demand that is driving prices up.

The exemption is only available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and the government is resuming tracking nationality of buyers, a practice stopped in 1998.

The upper limit to qualify for the homeowner grant is also increased from $1.1 million to $1.2 million for the 2016 property tax year.

DISABILITY BENEFITS INCREASING A $77 increase in monthly income assistance for disabled people will make the system fairer for rural B.C. residents who don’t have access to transit service, Social Development Minister Michelle Stilwell says.

The increase, the first in nine years, has been the target of protests because the cost of monthly transit passes is deducted from it for those who were using the pass. Their increase is only $25 a month plus the continued transit pass.

“There were 40,000 individuals in this province who weren’t eligible for the bus pass program because of the location where they live, because it wasn’t a service that was provided,” Stilwell said.

“So what we’ve done is levelled the playing field for people with disabilities, and provided those individuals with a choice on how they want to spend their money.”

The increase is to take effect Sept. 1, at an annual cost of $170 million to the provincial treasury.

REGULATIONS COMING FOR PET BREEDERS The B.C. government is adopting new regulations to require dog and cat breeders to meet national standards for their care.

Regulations are expected to take effect in 2017, based on the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s code of practice, along with a breeder licensing or registration system. They will require

daily cleaning of pens, minimum space for each animal depending on its size, and veterinary care for dogs and cats that are sick, injured or in pain.

A registration system would allow animal inspectors to inspect premises, rather than wait for public complaints about poor conditions that currently result in about 200 investigations per year.

Craig Daniell, CEO of the B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said the recent seizure of 66 neglected dogs from a Langley breeder has outraged B.C. residents.

“These events have really reinforced the public’s desire for the licensing and inspection of dog and cat breeders, to prevent the kind of suffering we have witnessed in the last few weeks,” Daniell said.

CHILDREN EXEMPTED FROM MSP PREMIUMS Medical Services Plan premiums are being charged only for adults starting in 2017, and the qualifying income for reduced premiums is going up from $30,000 to $42,000 for single people.

The new system creates a break for single parents, who will pay a single adult rate of $78 a month instead of the current rate of $150 charged for a family of three. A single senior or single parent with one child and an income of $45,000 may also be eligible for reduced premiums.

The changes will reduce rates for an additional 335,000 people,

HOLISTIC ALTERNATIVE THERAPY BY MAGDALENA SAITO

and 45,000 more people will be exempted from paying as long as they are registered and qualify.

But rates overall continue to rise. With a four per cent increase in personal rate this year and growing population, the government expects to collect more MSP each year of its three-year budget plan than with the current system.

B.C. is the only province that charges premiums for health services, and the NDP opposition has called for them to be eliminated as a regressive tax.

De Jong argues that MSP covers only 14 per cent of a growing health care budget, and eliminating it would amount to hiding the cost in the general tax system.

Steak can kill you!

We are not talking about choking on steak or food poisoning (though those are very real dangers, cook your food and chew it well) Who doesn’t like a tender cut of meat? Tender cuts are so popular that many restaurants and stores tenderize meat before its sold or served. Great right? …actually… not really.

Mechanical tenderization is a modern practice that facilities use to tenderize their steaks, though it is not used for every cut, or in every facility, it is nearly impossible to tell whether a steak has been tenderized or not unless its labelled. Tenderization is fast, easy, and makes a great cut of beef, what could possibly be wrong with that?

Meat is muscle that is self encasing, though bacteria can get all over the outside, it cannot penetrate the inside, that makes it easy to enjoy a medium rare steak and not have to worry about parasites or other baddies. The process of mechanical tenderization consists of many fine needles poking through the meat on a conveyer belt.

What do you think happens when those needles pierce through that muscle wrapped in its own shell? It breaks through the shell of course and that means bacteria can now get inside your steak or worse they actually get forced into the meat (how does that medium rare steak sound now?) If the inside is not cooked through you are risking your health, and the people most at risk? Elderly folks, children if you are immunocompromised or if you are at risk of a severe illness. Not just food poisoning we are talking kidney failure, intestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea etc. . . Does anyone remember that massive beef recall in Alberta?

Not a laughing matter. Local foods tends to be more controlled and its easier to find out how the meat is being processed (another reason to eat local) but if you are buying from a large retailer, or in a restaurant. Your best bet is to eat either a well done piece of meat, or get something with a bone in, as those cuts won’t make it through the tenderizer.

Want to find out more? Here is a great website: http://www. consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2013/06/has-your-steakbeen-mechanically-tenderized/index.htm Be Healthy, Be Happy, Eat Well!

Magdalena Saito Holistic Health Practitioner

250-524-0333 -- www.HalcyonHolistic.com

Young Living Essential Oils Distributor & ReÁexologist

Omineca Express Wednesday, March 2, 2016

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Express

Mayor Gerry Thiessen

Councillor Darren Carpenter

Councillor Brian Frenkel

NEWS Councillor John Murphy

Councillor Ken Young

Councillor Kevin Moutray

Councillor Steve Little

Council notes: speed limit bylaw up for approval UPDATE ON PROPOSED BYLAW FOR LIMITING COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SPEED Limiting vehicles over 13,700 kg to travel at 30 kilometres per hour on Burrard Avenue between the bridge and its intersection with Highway 16, the proposed new bylaw will be considered for adoption at its final reading during the next council meeting on March 7.

The district council received two formal responses from residents, and public sentiment from social media was also considered in the discussion.

Concerns included potential problems created by dual speed limits, as well as the street’s width that may not allow 2-lane traffic at times due to parking or snow.

The new bylaw originated from the RCMP and residents’ concerns on heavy vehicles’ ability to stop or slow down in the downtown core, while travelling at 50 kilometres per hour.

PROGRAM FOR SUBSIDIZED SENIOR TRANSPORTATION TO PRINCE GEORGE CONTINUES The district council is continuing its contract, on a yearby-year basis, with the District of Fort St. James’ Seniors Helping Seniors Transportation Service.

In a four-month trial period from last September to De-

cember, Vanderhoof’s seniors, coordinated by the local Seniors Connected program, accessed the subsidized service 11 times for their medical appointments in Prince George.

A concern raised by a Seniors Connected representative at the Feb. 22 council meeting is the need for an additional round trip to be arranged between the seniors’ home and pickup point, which is located at the A&W restaurant on the corner of Highway 16 and Burrard Avenue.

The district council is also looking at reducing the cost per trip for the contract renewal, as well as exploring provincial initiatives that are under development regarding Highway 16 transportation, Clement said.

The program currently costs the district $60 per trip, as well as $100 of administrative costs for each week the service was accessed.

AQUATIC CENTRE DESIGN COMMITTEE Three councillors and three members of the public will be appointed by the district council for the Aquatic Centre Design Committee.

For the next six months, the committee will provide input to a contracted architect, through monthly or bi-monthly meetings, to produce a final tender-ready design for

District experiences biathlon Everyone had a great time, and was surprised at how difficult it is to hit the actual prone target, as it is only the size of a toonie, at 50 metres! As it was such a successful event, the club is thinking of expanding this opportunity to businesses and other governing groups.

Vanderhoof’s pool.

MEETING WITH SAIK’UZ COUNCIL TO COUNCIL Vanderhoof’s mayor and district council will host a meeting with their Saik’uz First Nation counterparts in early March.

With no fixed agenda, the meeting is an opportunity for councils from the two communities to chat on mutually beneficial issues in an informal setting, said CAO Tom Clement.

Last meeting took place two years ago, though the councils are looking into the possibility of biannual meetings, where each community plays hosts in turn.

90 TREES FOR 90 YEARS To commemorate Vanderhoof’s 90th birthday, the Nechako Waste Reduction Initiative is looking to plant 90 trees around the district of Vanderhoof. More information to come.

- with files from the District of Vanderhoof

TAX TIPS & Traps

An equivalent to spouse tax credit may be claimed for a dependent relative...

Part 1

BC SPCA your first adoption option!

Paul Collard, Director of NVSA On Saturday the 20th of February, six members of the Vanderhoof Council accepted an invitation from the Nechako Nordics to “experience biathlon”. As most organizations are not very familiar with the sport, which is a major TV player in Europe, this initiative was to develop some knowledge and appreciation of the sport, and the level of ability in our local vicinity.

Each Councillor was paired with an athlete, who first instructed them on the safety aspects of handling a rifle. After that the participants shot a paper targets so that they could see the results of their efforts.

A “race” was then organized where the athletes did the skiing, and the councillors did the shooting. A small penalty loop was used for missed shots.

ADULT BADMINTON...Thursdays at 8:30 pm. Bring your own racket, and wear indoor runners.

More info call 250-567-9908.

The pet of the week this week is Gary!

Gary is a 5 year old, domestic short hair, chocolate point cat! He will be neutered next week and is looking for his forever home!

Gary was on some medication for an injury on his toes on his front right paw, but is all done with the medication now. He is very shy at first but enjoys being scratched under his chin and being talked to. Gary also likes to take naps underneath blankets and comforters! Come visit Gary here at the shelter!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADOPT OR NEED MORE INFO PLEASE CALL

An individual may claim, under certain circumstances, the “amount for an eligible dependant” (equivalent to spouse) tax credit for a dependent child, or other dependent relatives, on line 305 of the tax return. The amount of this federal non-refundable tax credit is $11,327 for 2015, the same as the spousal amount tax credit. See the tables of non-refundable tax credits for the provincial amounts and tax rates of this tax credit.

The equivalent to spouse tax credit • is reduced by income earned by the dependant • can be claimed by only one person for the dependant This tax credit cannot be claimed if • you are claiming the spousal amount tax credit (line 303).

• the claim is for a child for whom you were required to make support payments during the year.

To see if you qualify contact your tax preparer.

To be continued…..

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OPINION

Published by Black Press Ltd at 150 West Columbia Street, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0

CFIB: How to get past the PST Laura Jones Executive Vice President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business Gordon Campbell’s political miscalculation in 2009 to impose a harmonized sales tax on an unsuspecting public, shortly after an election where promises to the contrary had been made, continues to haunt the province.

Whatever one might think of the miscalculation, the provincial sales tax is a seriously out-dated tax that needs to be modernized — a task that today’s politicians are understandably wary of.

The B.C. public might have accepted the need to modernize taxes by moving from the PST to the HST if Campbell’s government had consulted properly, and proposed a lower tax rate to go along with the change. But no politician in their right mind would risk reigniting public fury by suggesting that path now.

With that in mind, last week’s budget announcement that the government will strike a tax competitiveness commission to consult with British Columbians and make recommendations, while making it very clear that HST is not an option, strikes a reasonable and politically courageous compromise.

A tax competitiveness panel with a similar mandate, of which I was a member, made recommendations to the government in the fall of 2012.

Although I strongly suspect that the main recommendation will be similar, given the sensitivity of the subject, it makes sense to consult again and get a current read on the situation.

One of the PST’s major flaws is that it is not just levied on final goods but on everything in between, meaning that consumers and businesses pay sales tax more than once on the same goods. If you buy a chair, for example, the manufacturer pays PST on the wood, nails, upholstery and stuffing that go into making it. Some of these tax costs get passed on to consumers. Consumers then pay PST again when they buy the chair. Taxes get paid on the inputs and the final product, with businesses and consumers each absorbing some of those costs.

The PST creates a disincentive to business investment as it is paid on computers, machinery and equipment. This is particularly problematic as it is such investments that help businesses grow, which in turn allows them to create jobs, train employees and increase wages. The tax competitiveness panel found that the return of the PST created a situation where B.C. businesses face the highest effective tax rate on new business investments of all the provinces. It recommended that the province remove the PST on these critical investments, as a good place to start in its tax reform.

The problems don’t stop there. Administering the PST has become a nightmare for business and government alike. One of the more comical examples that a previous minister used to cite was that red raincoats were tax exempt while yellow ones weren’t. Another example, cloth and tailor services are tax exempt unless combined to make tailored suits, in which case they are taxable. At the CFIB, we spend months helping businesses untangle quandaries such as whether to charge PST on pet food containing medication because pet food is exempt but pet medication is not. If you The Omineca Express is published every Wednesday in Vanderhoof by Black Press Ltd. Publisher: Pam Berger advertising@ominecaexpress.com

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have any remaining doubts that the rules are a complicated mess, pretend you run a small business and try reading the tax bulletin on Personal Tangible Property. I dare you.

Unfortunately, budget surpluses are too small for the province to fix the worst problems with the PST today.

A tax commission to make recommendations that can be implemented

quickly when surpluses are healthier still makes sense. It would benefit all British Columbians if province could put its sales tax ghosts to rest.

Time to take MSP off life support Tom Fletcher Black Press The B.C. Liberal government made a big show of selectively easing Medical Services Plan fees in its budget for the coming election year.

In what is becoming a pattern for Premier Christy Clark, the biggest beneficiaries are single parents. The new MSP is calculated for adults only, so a single parent with two children saves as much as $1,200 a year.

Premium assistance is expanded, with discounts for single people making up to $42,000, rather than $30,000.

But for singles, couples and seniors who don’t qualify for discounts, the rate is going up another four per cent effective Jan. 1, 2017.

Indeed, with population growth, the finance ministry expects its take from MSP premiums to rise every year, reaching $2.5 billion in the coming years.

MSP revenue covers about 17 per cent of B.C.’s health budget, and Clark and Finance Minister Mike de Jong insist that Canada’s only direct health care charge is a vital signal to people that health care isn’t free.

This argument has failed.

One seldom-discussed fact is that for half of the people charged MSP, it’s paid by their employers. In private sector terms it’s a hefty payroll tax, creating one more obstacle for businesses to hire full-time staff with benefits.

So most full-time employees don’t receive this supposedly vital signal, unless they get laid off because their employer is losing money.

Also note that politicians and public sector employees have never paid MSP premiums.

Their employers, taxpayers, pick up the tab for them.

People who have to pay out of pocket are what the bureaucracy calls “pay direct accounts.” Jordan Bateman of the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation recently revealed that nearly 400,000 of these accounts are currently in arrears by more than 30 days, owing a grand total of $457 million.

Of course this is Canada, so even if you haven’t paid or even registered for MSP, you still get treatment at the hospital. Another potential signal lost in the noise.

For people who lose their jobs, MSP is like being kicked when they are down. Their employer stops paying, and the slow-moving bureaucracy charges them based on their income from the previous year.

There was a fuss in 2004 after the B.C. Liberals contracted out MSP administration to a Virginia-based backoffice specialist, delightfully named Maximus Corporation.

Now Maximus goes after delinquent MSP accounts with collection

agency tactics, and attempts to keep up with the comings and goings from other provinces and countries.

Opposition parties decry the continued inequity of the MSP premium system, which charges the same for a single person making $45,000 or $450,000 a year.

NDP leader John Horgan rails about inequality and accuses Clark of using MSP revenues to establish her prosperity “slush fund,” but he stops short of calling for the elimination of MSP premiums.

One would expect the NDP to lead another “axe the tax” campaign, as they did with the carbon tax and the HST, but they aren’t. Perhaps this is because workers for this unnecessary Maximus machine remain members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union.

Green Party leader Andrew Weaver has it right. He staged a popular petition drive to roll MSP premiums into income tax. If the government wants to send a message, it can interrupt its continuous “Jobs Plan” advertising.

Scrapping MSP and raising income tax rates on higher brackets to compensate would fix the private sector payroll deterrent, make salaried employees (including me) pay their share, and end a tax break for the wealthy. Don’t hold your breath.

Omineca Express Wednesday, March 2, 2016

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NEWS

VIVIAN CHUI photos

From left: NKDF’s Wayne Salewski and Ray Klingspohn, regional district’s Jerry Petersen, Mayor Gerry Thiessen of Vanderhoof, and President Chris Mushumanski from Nechako Valley Search and Rescue.

Vanderhoof search and rescue house-warming Vivian Chui Omineca Express With renovations finished and caution tape cut, Vanderhoof’s search and rescue team officially moved into its new home last week.

On Feb. 24, over 30 community leaders and supporters — including Maurie Hurst, northwest regional manager of Emergency Management BC, and Sgt. Svend Nielsen of Vanderhoof’s RCMP — attended the Nechako Valley Search and Rescue’s ribbon cutting ceremony for its new facility on Burrard Avenue.

Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society, represented by its chairperson Wayne Salewski and director Ray Klingspohn at the event, presented a cheque of $61,768 to NVSAR for its renovation project.

“We are very pleased to be involved in projects such as this,” Salewski said. “This serves really well with what NKDF is about.”

Jeff Smedley and Trent Blair from Prince George Search and Rescue also presented a commemorative plaque to the team for its new home.

Formerly a governmental office for forestry, the new facility underwent modernization upgrades including full-building insulation, on-demand hot water, wheelchair accessible bathrooms with water-saving functions, replacement of a 35-per-cent efficient propane furnace with a 97-per-cent efficient natural gas device, as well as safety

features such as all-weather exterior stairs and covered entrances, explained NVSAR president Chris Mushumanski.

At a total cost of $150,000, the renovation project was also supported by $20,000 from the District of Vanderhoof, contributions from the Regional District of BulkleyNechako gas tax fund, as well as $5,000 from New Gold’s Blackwater mining project.

“It’s an exciting day for Vanderhoof and area,” said Vanderhoof’s mayor Gerry Thiessen, who attended the ceremony with Councillor Ken Young. “It means so much for the community to have the resources to take care of search and rescue in the region.”

NVSAR had been without a home for several years, with offices and equipment scattered in various locations around town.

“Even though you get shuffled around to different places, you make it work,” said RDBN’s Jerry Petersen.

Mushumanski, who is also the association’s Bulkley Nechako regional director.

“The intention lies in training, replacing equipment, offsetting administrative costs, search and rescue prevention,” he said, adding that the funding model will include how to determine the different amounts allocated to different groups according to their capabilities.

For example, the NVSAR currently has 26 active and 26 associate members, and is capable of search and rescue situations involving rope, on flat ice, in swift water, and on the ground.

The goal is to maximize the value of the one-time funding, potentially using the amount over two years or implementing a longer term prevention program and training, Mushumanski added.

Last fall, the association submitted to the provincial government three proposals of an alternative support model that would provide stable funding for B.C. SAR groups.

NEXT STEPS: NEW ONE-TIME FUNDING FROM B.C. Earlier this year, the provincial government announced $10 million of one-time funding to B.C.’s 80 SAR groups.

A committee of seven from the BC Search and Rescue Association is currently working on a plan to allocate the funds, slated to arrive by the end of March, to meet the various groups’ goals, explained

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NEWS

Jo Johns, one of six teacher leaders for the guided exploration of the new school curriculum, spoke to nearly 100 teachers of all grades from Vanderhoof at Nechako Valley Secondary’s Integris Community Theatre on Feb. 23.

Exploring new studentfocus school curriculum Vivian Chui Omineca Express On Feb. 23, nearly 100 teachers of all grades from Vanderhoof gathered at Nechako Valley Secondary for the second and last school district-wide workshop on the new B.C. school curriculum.

B.C.’s Ministry of Education announced last fall a new curriculum for the province’s schools to prepare students for today’s changing world of technology and innovation.

Including the first workshop that took place on Jan. 12, the two days for guided exploration of the new curriculum were facilitated by six teachers of from various grades and disciplines: Evelyn Dickson Elementary’s Roberta Toth and Becki Larsen teach grades 4/5 and Grade 3 respectively, Nechako Valley Secondary’s Jo Johns and Lisa Thiessen teach Grade 7 and English for grades 9 to 12 respectively, EBUS Academy’s Sarah Barr teaches Grade 8 through distance learning, and Michelle Miller-Gauthier is School District No. 91’s literacy support worker, as well as involving with special education at W. L. McLeod Elementary.

The new teacher-created curriculum focuses on the process students take to reach their end goal, Barr said.

“It’s who they want to be when they finish,” she said. “Can they problem solve, can they communicate, can they learn to learn.

“Employers want to know if they are a selfstarter.”

The core of the new curriculum is its three core competencies, to bring students to fruition: communication, thinking, as well as personal and social, Toth explained.

“It really focuses on their strengths, so students can take risks,” she said. “Students are more intrinsically learning because they own the learning.”

Whether in applying for jobs or post-secondary schools, projects are becoming more important than transcripts.

“People are looking more of that portfolio, rather than grades,” Toth said. “What does a grade mean?”

Concentrating more on students than subjects, assessment strategies are changing to focus less on content, Johns said.

“For me, students are not just doing the work,” she said. “My role is providing some structure in what they need to do, not giving them a lot to remember.”

For example, when learning about static electricity, some student wrote a letter, while others created a comic strip, Johns explained.

“It’s not about a test after a unit, but showing what you know,” she said.

Though some teachers for students from Kindergarten to Grade 9 started trial running the new curriculum this year, full implementation will take place next fall, phasing in senior grades in 2017.

Teachers can continue to provide feedback to the curriculum draft — reflecting the rapidly changing world as well as the change in people’s understanding of the act of learning, Johns said.

Referring to a discussion with other teachers, the changing approach to learning can be compared with the change in driving examinations, she explained.

“There were no Novice or Learning stages,” she said. “Now there’s feedback, there’s practice.”

VIVIAN CHUI photo

New Gold Answers Community Questions Regarding the Proposed Blackwater Gold Project New Gold’s Blackwater Gold Project is a proposed open pit gold and silver mine with a seventeen-year mine life, located approximately 110 kilometres southwest of Vanderhoof.

The mine will support local communities with increased job and community economic development opportunities.

The Blackwater Gold Project is currently undergoing a coordinated provincial and federal Environmental Assessment. Recently, the public was invited to comment on the ongoing Environmental Assessment and New Gold representatives spent time in several communities answering questions about the Project. New Gold is committed to working closely with local communities in the planning, development, and operation of the Project and wants to provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

What kind of job opportunities will the Project provide?

A wide-variety of trade, administrative, management and operational jobs will be available.

New Gold has developed a “Blackwater Careers Booklet” which provides projections on the number and types of jobs that may be available at the Blackwater Gold Project during operations.

The booklet is available in the Vanderhoof Project office.

New Gold expects to hire between 1,200 and 1,500 workers during construction and up to 500 fulltime workers to operate the mine during its 17-year mine life. New Gold is committed to local hiring and contracting wherever possible.

The Project will also create indirect economic benefits for support industries in the region.

Will the Blackwater Gold Project affect local water quality?

The Blackwater Gold Project has been designed to meet high environmental standards and regulatory requirements. The

protection of water quality throughout the life of the Blackwater Gold Project is a priority.

The mine has been designed to avoid discharge to surface water during operations. Water will only be discharged during closure.

Is the Blackwater Gold Project tailings dam safe?

New Gold safely operates four mines with Tailings Storage Facilities’ (TSF’s) around the world. The same care and commitment to safety will be applied to the Blackwater Gold Project TSF. Following the Mt. Polley incident, New Gold completed a comprehensive Tailings Alternatives Assessment.

The Assessment included a transparent consultation process with the Environmental Assessment working group consisting of representatives from First Nations, local governments, health authorities and provincial employees from various ministries. Careful water management has been cited as a key factor in tailings safety. The Blackwater Gold Project is designed using best available technology and best available practices to water management. The water management system is robust and will allow for flexibility in water management even in the event of extreme wet or dry conditions.

Has the transmission line alignment changed since it was originally proposed?

Early in the process of finalizing the transmission line route, New Gold consulted with land owners and tenure holders along the transmission line corridor to identify potential issues and conflicts. New Gold modified the route based on feedback to mitigate potential impacts to land owners and tenure holders. New Gold has to the extent practicable, designed the alignment of the transmission line to follow existing roads and clearcuts to minimize new disturbance. The transmission line will be removed and the corridor reclaimed as part of

mine closure.

Will the proposed project impact fish or moose?

The Blackwater Gold Project is being designed and located to protect sensitive environmental values related to fish and fish habitat.

The Project is located outside the Blackwater River watershed and will not cross major rivers or lakes.

Blackwater will not impact salmon and salmon habitat and rare or threatened fish species have not been identified in the mine site or along the proposed access road.

New Gold is implementing measures to avoid unwanted effects to moose such as: locating the transmission line away from wetland areas where possible, limiting noise and light disturbances near the mine area and airstrip and reducing predator access and efficiency by using vegetation as visual barriers. The company will reclaim the mine site and transmission line corridor at the end of mining. To reduce animal mortality, New Gold will ensure speed limits are enforced on mine roads, limit access, restrict hunting and limit wildlife attractants near the site. A Wildlife Management Plan will be developed to ensure sufficient mitigation measures are in place.

For answers to additional questions or for more information about the Blackwater Gold Project, our Vanderhoof office is open weekdays from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Visit us at 139-1st Street East or online at www. newgold.com/blackwater. You can also call us at (250) 567-3276 or email your question to office. blackwater@newgold.com.

This is the second article in a series of three.

Check back next month for a review of the economic and social benefits the Blackwater Gold Project will offer to the region

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COMMUNITY

Vanderhoof ice people get gold and silver Vivian Chui Omineca Express Skiing, swimming, or running — skating was cancelled due to warm weather — four Vanderhoof teams placed top three within their division in the 29th Annual Prince George Iceman on Feb. 14.

Team Ice Cream — comprised of (left to right) Charlie Borek, Hans Erasmus, Morgon Bennison, Matthew Ebert, and Sara McBride — won gold out of 50 teams in the relay open mixed division and sixth in the entire event, out of 115 teams.

Team Icecraft — with Logan Sewell, Connor Ebert, Kieran Hanson, Zach Whitecotton, (missing in photo) Elliot Tone, and Jack Hanson — placed second in the junior boys really division and was fifth overall.

Team Force of Fire placed first in the junior girls relay division and team Jet Lagged placed third in the relay open women division.

It’s the first time for team Ice Cream to compete together, though Hans Erasmus coaches his teammates in

cross-country skiing and biathlon, said Erasmus, who skied in the event.

“It was warm out…the trails were great, nice, hard packed, fast,” he said.

“Great team environment, great team building.”

It was his second Iceman race, though he last participated in the event in 2000.

“The kids asked if I would ski, and I say yes,” Erasmus said. “I got to compete with them and that was really cool.

For Sarah McBride, who participated in two Iceman races in the past, it’s the first time that the athlete raced in the event as a swimmer.

“I enjoyed the whole team part,” McBride said. “I like the atmosphere of doing an individual sport but doing it as a team, cheering each other on.”

For Zach Whitecotton in team Icecraft, who participated in the event last year with some of same team members, the conditions were icy and hectic, with more attention in ice reading, he said.

“Our team pulled together really good this year,” Whitecotton said. “Everyone did their hardest.”

Also placing second in the division

last year, he learned to recover faster when he was pushed off track by other competitors during a mass start.

“Tried to get out in front as soon as you can, so you don’t need to worry about that many people,” he said.

Speed skating coach Vince Terstappen was the sole solo participant from Vanderhoof this year, and it was the first race of his Iceman career as well.

It was a goal set last fall for exercising during the winter season, including a training calendar that “stares from the fridge,” he said.

“I really like multi-sport events,” said Terstappen, who participated in triathlons in the past. “Physical activity is easier when there’s an end result in mind.”

With skating, his forte, cancelled this year, Terstappen will compete in Iceman again, he said. In preparation, he learned to cross-country ski this season.

“I felt very well supported by the community when they heard that I’ll be participating,” he said. “People who lend me equipment and cheering me on, encouraging in training. I think it’s uniquely a really Vanderhoof thing.”

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450 CHAINSAW Submitted by Wanda Nemethy Nechako Nordics Ski Club The Nechako Nordics Ski Club hosted the final race of the Teck Northern Cup series this past Saturday, February 27th, at the NVSA grounds just west of Vanderhoof.

Under sunny skies and fast snow conditions 62 skiers aged 4 to over 50 registered for this event.

They took to the trails of the NVSA grounds to test themselves against the clock in an interval start skate technique race. Racers that participated and completed their respective courses also earned points for their clubs, and additional points could be earned by placing in the top 5 in their category. Throughout the season aggregate points are tabulated for each participating club as they work toward claiming the regional banner. Caledonia Ski Club (Prince George) captured the banner this year, while Bulkley Valley Nordic Club (Smithers) was 2nd , and Omineca Ski Club finished in 3rd.

The Northern region includes clubs from 100 Mile House to Terrace and Kitimat.

For many young skiers this event is an introduction to racing, and for others it represents an opportunity to stay sharp for provincial level races.

Results can be obtained on zone4.ca by following the links. The next race is the BC Cup Championships taking place in Whistler (Callaghan Valley) from March 4th – 6th.

This event could not be possible without the support of local businesses and volunteers. A big thank you to the Co-op, Woody’s Bakery (for the coveted cookie medals), Earthenware, Tim Horton’s and Stride and Glide of Prince George.

Teck Resources Ltd. is the title sponsor of Cross Country BC’s Skier Development Program and regional cup races, thereby supporting excellence in sport and providing youth with experiences that will help them prepare for the future. For more information on Cross Country BC, please visit www. crosscountrybc.ca .

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Express

NEWS

Dr. Haidar Hadi and Dr. Dan Horvat wins Health and Wellness Innovator of the Year award for their Northern RACE Line project. SUBMITTED photo

New hotline helps northern B.C. patient care Vivian Chui Omineca Express Medical specialists in larger centres are now a mere phone call away, rather than hours of driving or weeks of waiting, for Vanderhoof’s patients and doctors.

This season, the Health and Wellness Innovator of the Year Award in Prince George was presented to Dr. Haidar Hadi and Dr. Dan Horvat for their Northern RACE Line project.

With RACE standing for Rapid Access to Consultative Expertise, the northern B.C. project provides family doctors with a direct phone line, through an automated system, to specialists for quick advice on their patients.

“Northern B.C. is large and travelling is sometimes difficult,” said Horvat, an assistant professor for the Northern Medical Program at the University of Northern British Columbia. “It just makes it easier for family doctors to get advice they need in relatively real-time.

“It improves patient care and decreases the need for travel by patients.”

Developed as part of the Doctors of BC and the provincial government’s Northern Partners in Care initiative, the RACE Line can also help with doctor recruitment and retention in rural parts of the province, Horvat

explained.

“Family physicians in smaller communities can feel isolated and it’s not always easy to get the support they need,” he said. “If they’ve got questions and concerns, it’s easier for them to have somebody to turn to.”

Accessed through a 1-800 hotline where doctors can speak directly or leave a message, the project involved specialists based in Prince George, whenever possible, Horvat explained.

“Our intent is to build on the services we have in the north,” he said.

“Because if it turns out that somebody needs to be seen, it’s better that they’re speaking to somebody in the north already.”

Specialists in the region are also more in touch with issues that residents of northern B.C. face, he added.

“People in the north know what we do and don’t have in the north, and they understand the travel issues and what it’s like to practise in smaller communities,” Horvat

said. “Plus, we want to build the relationships between the GPs and the specialists…another thing that supports the rural GPs (general physicians).

If they know the specialists a bit better, they can contact them.”

Since the project’s inception three years ago, the number of specialties accessible through the RACE Line increased from 1 to 13, with calls growing from eight to 37 per month.

In Vanderhoof, Dr. Nicole Ebert from the Omineca Medical Clinic used the RACE Line and found it useful.

“It gives us quick access to somebody who we can ask,” Ebert said. “Often, we don’t need to send the patient into Prince George.

“We just need to add a couple of questions to ask what our next steps would be, or whether they do need to be seen.”

The phone line saves travel and waiting time, as well as stress, for patients, she said.

“You can have a quick answer to your question, and not have

to be worrying or to wait a month before [the patients] are seen and getting a letter back,” Ebert explained.

“It really speeds up the process of patient care.”

For example, a doctor may be looking for advice, in terms of further tests or medications, regarding a patient admitted for heart failure.

Reaching a cardiologist through the phone line, the local physician may receive suggestions on medication dosage, and book an appointment for the patient with the specialist in a few months.

“As opposed to them going in for that, and going back in again [for the appointment,]” Ebert explained.

However, the phone

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you’re trying to relay a lot of information over the telephone,” Ebert said. “Trying to use the electronic record system — making information transfer easier than trying to tell it on the telephone — is something I know they’re looking at.”

Appointment Andrew Franklin, Director of Digital Development is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Baziuk as B.C. Digital Editor.

Laura graduated from Carleton University’s journalism program in 2007. She worked in various newsrooms, including the Peace Arch News, the Province, the Canadian Press, and most recently, CKNW Radio. She anchor, and was sent to Tofino to cover the whalewatching boat capsizing in 2015.

Laura grew up in south Surrey and lives in Vancouver.

She enjoys reading crime novels, baking and eating cookies!

Please join us in congratulating Laura on her appointment as B.C. Digital Editor.

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Communicating patient information through the phone may also be a difficulty that can be eventually overcome by technology.

“Talking on the phone is sometimes challenging because

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“There are a few services we don’t have in Prince George that we’d love to be able to call somebody about,” she said. “So we’ll have to call Vancouver, but they don’t always know

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Nechako Lakes school district science fair Nechako Lakes District Science Fair results: Vanderhoof edition Mapes Elementary: GOLD AWARD Hannah Klassen (gr 6) Ayva Lewis (gr 5) Mackenzie Martens (gr 4) SILVER AWARD Corbet Kelemen (gr 6) Kyla Hindmarch (gr 6) Tanner Rempel (gr 5)

Janelle Hindmarch (gr 5) Evan Warkentin (gr 5) Mackenzie Martens placed 1st in the Gr. 4 category.

In the District Science Fair in Burns Lake on February 17th.

She goes on to compete at the Regional Science Fair in Prince George on March 5th.

Sinkutview Elementary The following students received Gold certificates for the Sinkutview Science Fair – Feb. 12, 2016: Aspen Craig Isabella Cranmer Jaxson Currie Kamryn Gold Kayli McKee The following students received First Place in the

Non-Experimental Category (Grade 4 Division) at the District Science Fair in Burns Lake: Callie Giesbrecht Abby Koehmstedt McLeod Elementary Eryck Dyck received Honourable Mention at the District Science Fair in Burns Lake. He will be travelling to Prince George

to compete in the Regional Science Fair on March 5th!

Congratulations Eryck!

We are sorry we missed you in our newsletter this week!

Best of luck to the following students who will be participating in the Regional Science Fair in PG on March 5th: Ronan Blattner, Nikki MacKinlay, Jaylen Pederson, Jemma Blattner, Eric

Anderson and Dominic LePoidevin. At the District Science Fair in Burns Lake they placed: 1st Ronan Blattner, Nikki MacKinlay and Jaylen Pederson, 2nd: Jemma Blattner and Honourable Mention: Eric Anderson and Dominic LePoidevin.

As well, congratulations to Kora Manwaring who placed 1st with her research project.

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Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Omineca Express

Vanderhoof celebrating 90 years Fort St. James celebrating 210 years

Memories of a pioneer by the late George Ogston 1886-1970 The Nechako Chronicle wrote an article on pioneer George Ogston.

“In 1914 George Ogston a Scottish immigrant fresh from serving his apprenticeship with the Hudsons Bay Company decided to go it alone and hung out his shingle as a real estate and insurance agent and business councillor. Backed with the vigor and perseverance characteristic of the early pioneer the business forged ahead under the guidance of its founder and today is the oldest business in the district being operated by its originator.”

Also reported was how Ogston was keeping a table from founder Herbert Vanderhoof in his office.

The first tenant of what is now the Ogston Building was the Royal Bank of Canada. Then it was billiards, the RCMP, an Anglican Church and a Government Liquor Store.

In 1926 The Vanderhoof Board of Trade and George Ogston led the movement for Vanderhoof to become self-governing. As a result the Corporation of the Village of Vanderhoof came into being.

Memories from George Ogston: The year 1916 saw the building of the bridge across the Nechako River at Vanderhoof. Prior to this time, the only means of crossing was a ferry under the command of an old-timer named Dick Stuart. The old Abbie V, was a stout ship and did its duty very well until the growing traffic, and especially the increasing importance of

the road north, made a bridge imperative.

During 1914-15-16, there was a slight revival of interest in the Manson Creek gold properties and several parties were working there during those years.

During 1918 Vanderhoof had the Mennonite invasion. Many of these people came in with their families, and after a stay in Vanderhoof moved our north west and settled in the Braeside country. It was not a successful attempt at colonization, because they did not stay in the district very long. It is doubtful if they intended to stay in any case. As a sect, they are opposed to war and especially conscription, and were no doubt subjected to a certain amount of harassment during the war, and in all probability decided to move into the interior of British Columbia where they could more or less drop out of sight. The conclusion of hostilities and the rapid return to normal conditions soon afterwards undoubtedly hastened their return to the place from where they had come It is a somewhat noteworthy fact that afterwards a number of them settled in Mexico.

There is a saying which has a local currency that he who has drunk the waters of the Nechako must perforce return and drink again. There is a great deal of truth in the saying. Many a wanderer has left the Nechako, tried out other places, which has seemed good at the time, and has returned to stay. The name Vanderhoof has always given rise to a good deal of discussion.

Some people are under the impression it is

German, and the centre of a German settlement and that the English tongue is not spoken much in the district. Dr. Morrison admits that he had something of that impression while in Ottawa. He further admits that when he got a telegram from me, he decided that I was the only Scandinavian among the bunch of Germans.

As it so happens, Vanderhoof has a greater preponderance of Anglo Saxon stock than almost any other place in the Central Interior. The name Vanderhoof was adopted from the name of one of the first owners of the townsite – Herbert Vanderhoof of Chicago. The Vanderhoof family have been settled in the United States for about as long as the Vanderbilts, and like the name of Vanderbilt, the name of Vanderhoof is pure Dutch, and meaning ‘of the farm’ – rather an appropriate name for a locality where farming is still the main means of industry. An agitation will arise to change the name, but it usually dies away, and we worry along somehow without any change begin made. The favorite choice of those wishing for a change is ‘Nechako’ – an Indian word meaning simply ‘big water’.

When I first looked back over the very wide field I had to cover, I realized that much of the story would have to remain untold. The story of the gradual growth of the district is to me at least, very fascinating and I hope that some many gifted chronicler may come along and put the material in permanent form before many incidents

The Termolones Nechako Chronicle March 3, 1966 A hep group of Vanderhoof teenagers are making their mark in the entertainment field around town.

The Tremolones, four high school students have become a very popular part of the local teenage group.

Gord Keith, 18 on the rhythm guitar and Dave Snell, 16 on bass guitar are producing very catchy music and are much in demand at teenage dances.

Three of the group have been playing together since December and they have been joined recently

by Dave Snell.

None of these boys have been trained to read music but have picked up the tunes by ear.

A major problem is in purchasing equipment, since they have not charged to date for their services. At present they have jointly invested $1,500 on instruments, amplifiers and mikes.

Two of the boys, Gord Keith and Wayne Deorksen, who both work part time at the Philips ’66 service station have invested their wages in their equipment.

They play a variety of types of music including country and western, rock and roll, rhythm and blues.

They would like to find a suitable place to practice. At present they meet noon hours in the

home room of their sponsor, Miss Geri Simpson, but would like to put more time into practicing.

are forgotten.

In conclusion, may I ask what the message of the past brings to us. Will the faith of the early pioneers be fully justified? I think it will. We are just coming through the most critical period of our existence here and have weathered the storm just as well as any other district in Canada.

Down underneath the grumbling and discontent one hears, the early faith and confidence must be there.

Omineca Express Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Raising banner against cyber-bullying

VIVIAN CHUI photo

Principal Brian Naka (left) of EBUS Academy and fellow distance learning staff raise awareness against cyber bullying on Feb. 24.

VANDERHOOF’S FAITH Nechako Christian Fellowship WELCOMES YOU!

Church Directory For more information or to join Vanderhoof’s Faith Church Directory Call Pam at 250-567-9258

11:00 am Worship Service 767 Loop Road Email: NechCS@live.com Christ - Centered Bible - Based Missions - Minded Non-Denominational

“...holding forth the Word of life...” Phil 2:16

The Gospel Chapel 448 Connaught Street 11:00 a.m. Worship Service (Affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of Canada) For more information call

567-3107

www.thegospelchapel.ca

1393 Highway 16 East 250-567-4960 Join us Sundays @ 9:30 am Everyone Welcome!

Our Mission Glorifying God by helping all people move closer to Jesus Christ one step at a time.

Visit our website: nechakocommunitychurch.com

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship

Holy Trinity Anglican Church

The Church on the Corner “Giving you a Purpose to live for and People to live with” Worship Service: 11:00 am Sunday School: 9:45 am Small Groups meeting together regularly: We have a place for you to belong!

For more information call

Burrard Street, Vanderhoof Sunday Worship & Sunday School 10:30 am Wednesday Morning Worship 7:30 am

St. Wilfred’s Anglican Church

567-9198 263 Vanderview Drive

Carrier Cresc., Fraser Lake

For more information visit our website: www.vcfemc.com

A house of prayer for all people

Sunday Worship 10:00 am

Nechako Notes COMING EVENTS....

Will appear, as space is available, free of charge in this section. Coming events are available to non-profit organizations only. This area is not intended for thank you submissions or selling products. It is simply a place for non-profit organizations a place to announce upcoming free activities. You can e-mail your item to advertising@ominecaexpress.com or by fax (567-2070). Your organizations’ announcement can also be dropped off at our office located at 155 W. Columbia.

Decision of the publisher is final. *** We are looking forward to the 38TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE PERFORMING ARTS!...Dates are March 7- 20, 2016 and will be held at Nechako Valley Secondary School. Monday March 7, Speech Arts. Friday March 11, Strings.

Monday March 14- Thursday March 17, Piano. Please check the website at www.musicfestivalweb.com/nechako for program details *** DIVORCECARE... Find help and healing for the hurt of separation and divorce DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone.

DivorceCare seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help.

You’ll gain access to valuable DivorceCare resources to help you deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life. You can get additional information from www.divorcecare.org.

DivorceCare Group - Thursdays at 7 pm, Feb-April. 780 Loop Road in Vanderhoof (White House across from Nechako Christian Fellowship). Open to anyone who is experiencing the pain of separation or divorce. You can join the group at any time.

For more information and to register, call or text Bob Clark 250.570.9203, June Clark 250.570.9338 or Dave Robinson 778.344.2292 *** THE VANDERHOOF CHESS CLUB...

Exercise your brain! All ages, from beginner to master, feel free to join the Vanderhoof Chess Club every Monday through the school year (except Statutory holidays) 6:30pm - 7:30pm at the NVSS library. It’s FREE. Play chess with friends and meet new people. Use our boards or bring your own. Our goals are to have fun playing chess and to host an Annual Vanderhoof Chess Tournament. For details please contact Jeff Obayashi at jobayashi@hotmail. com or Jeremy Hara at NVSS to sign up for the chess club and/or tournament. *** ADULT BADMINTON...Thursdays at 8:30 pm. Bring your own racket, and wear indoor runners. More info call 250-567-9908. *** MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE... advocating for better services in our communities, such as: housing, counseling, education and job opportunities. Meetings held on the second Thursday of each month via – video conferencing from the communities of; Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, Granisle, Ft. St. James, Southside and Vanderhoof. 1:30 – 3:00. In Vanderhoof meetings are held in the boardroom at the hospital. Clients, family members and community partners are invited to attend. Your voice is IMPORTANT. For more info on the committee and it’s works contact: Heather @ 250-692-7500.

Or your Mental Health Service Provider *** GIRL GUIDES...

Sparks meets 5-6pm Mondays @ United Church.

Brownies meets 6-7:30pmm Mondays @ United Church.

Girl Guides meets 6-7:30pm, Mondays at St. Josephs Gym. Pathfinders meets 6-7:30pm Mondays @ Lutheran Church.

For info on any of these please call Laura Freeman 250-567-6997. *** VA N D E R H O O F PA I N SELFMANAGEMENT GROUP...Do you struggle with persistent pain? Do you feel like your pain is holding your life hostage? Find it difficult to talk about your pain? Join us for an evening of education and understanding at the Vanderhoof Peer-Led Pain SelfManagement Group can help you find answers to your questions. Meetings are held the last Tuesday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. at the Vanderhoof Public Library - Multipurpose Room, 230 Stewart St E, Vanderhoof. Sharing the struggles and the solutions with other people who truly understand, in a safe environment, will help you reduce isolation, grieve the losses and gain an understanding of persistent pain and how you can take back control of your life. For more information please check out our website: www.pipain.com *** VANDERHOOF AIR CADETS... Meetings - Tues 6:30-9:30 at the Gospel Chapel For more information call: 250-640-0218 or 250-570-7496 *** STUART NECHAKO MANOR...looking

www.ominecaexpress.com A13

PICTURE THIS....Your activity could be featured in “Picture This.” Snap a photo at your groups’ fundraiser. It could be anything from a car wash to cleaning up our streets. It could even include school activities. Basically people making a difference in our community. Send us your photo by e-mail (advertising@ominecaexpress.com) or drop it off at the Omineca Express (150 W. Columbia Street). Please provide a brief description accompanied with the photo.

This week’s submission....

Nechako Valley Secondary’s senior girls basketball team at the Central Zone Championship on Feb. 20 in Vanderhoof.

for volunteers. Help needed with outings, Serving meals, entertainment and visits for the residents. Please contact Marnie at 250 567 6290 for more information. *** VOLUNTEERS NEEDED....Would you like to become part of a team working together to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors? The Vanderhoof Stroke Recovery Group is looking for volunteers to join their team. Vanderhoof Stroke Recovery’s goal is to encourage stroke survivors to improve their lives through education, exercise, work groups, crafts, outings, etc. No special skills required; training and orientation are provided.

Patience and caring understanding a necessity. Volunteers share responsibilities: assisting with activities, exercises, education, crafts, outings, fund raising.

Time commitment: 3 hour meeting each Monday morning (excluding stat holidays), from September through mid-June.

Please contact Penny (250) 567-3966 vanderhoofstrokerecovery@ gmail.com *** SENIORS CONNECTED... is looking for Seniors in need of Outreach & Transportation. We are also taking applications for Volunteers wanting to take part in the VSC Program. Vanderhoof Seniors Connected is a program dedicated to improving the quality of life for Seniors/Elders in our community through Companionship and Transportation Assistance. Phone 250-567-8587.

For more information contact email at vanderhoofseniors@hotmail.com *** CALLING ALL SENIORS... come and join us for carpet bowling, pool or snooker Monday and Thursday afternoons at the Friendship Centre. We also have cards or bingo on Wednesday evenings. Music nights are also popular and these are the last Friday night of the month. Come and have some fun! Everybody welcome young or golden agers. Call Erling Clemmensen for more info: 250-567-9927. *** AL-ANON...Has your life been affected by someone elses drinking? The Al-Anon is for you! Meetings held on Mondays at 7pm in Community Room at Omineca Safe Home Society. For more information contact Gail at 567-4318. *** THE NORTHSIDE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE... meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Newcomers always welcome. For more information call Brenda, 250 567-9705. *** V’HOOF HOSPICE SOCIETY... Do you have a few hours a month to give? Are you sensitive to the special needs of those persons at the end stages of life? Want to be part of a great organization that makes a difference in our community, then we are looking for you. The V’hoof Hospice Society is a not-for profit charity looking for new volunteer members. Our Society has a desire to help others. We are sensitive to the special needs of the dying patient and their families. We do not have personal agendas or “missions” to our Hospice work. Our main fundraising come in the form of donations to our Tree of Life. We are looking for new members to continue this great service. For more info call Valerie Pagdin at 250-567-6218 (weekdays), 250-567-3889 (evenings/weekends) or vanderhoofhospice@gmail.com *** THE FOOD BANK... is in serious need of food donations. Specifically the following is needed: “Chunky” soups and stews and canned milk. *** BADMINTON AT FLESS GYM... Every

Thursday at 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. come out and have some fun! *** ENDAKO HALL SOCIETY... meets every THIRD Wednesday of the month in the hall at 7:30pm. *** THE YELLOWHEAD DRAFT HORSE ASSOCIATION...is an organization for those interested in light and heavy horse driving. Monthly meetings every second Tuesday of the month. For more info contact: Jon 250-567-8484. *** NECHAKO QUILTERS GUILD... meets the third Tuesday of the month 9:30 am (Sept. - May) at Nechako View Seniors Common Room. Fran Sheeley 567-5254. *** THE FRASER QUILTERS GUILD... meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10am at the Fort Fraser Community Hall.

Newcomers welcome. *** HOSPICE TREE OF LIFE... is to honour the living as well as to remember and honour those who have passed on. For more info call Valerie Pagdin at 250-567-6218 (weekdays), 250-567-3889 (evenings/ weekends) or vanderhoofhospice@gmail. com *** THE FRASER LAKE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP... meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 12 noon in Autumn Services. For further information call Judy at 250-6997763. *** VANDERHOOF 899 AIR CADET SQUADRON...Cadets will meet every TUESDAY night – 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the 480 Connaught St. at the Gospel Chapel.

Anyone age 12 to 18 interested in the Cadet Program is welcome to attend. Any adult interested in assisting in anyway, please contact the officers at the 480 Connaught St. at the Gospel Chapel Tuesday night. For more information call: Capt. John Callaghan - 250-640-0218, Yvonne Melo - 250-690-7496 Evenings. *** AA MEETING... Wednesday, 8:00 p.m.

United Church Hall. 567-8087 or 567-4588 *** FRASER LAKE AA MEETINGS... Tues & Thurs 8:00 p.m. at St. Wilfred’s Church just across from the Village Hall. *** ST. JOHN HOSPITAL AUXILIARY SOCIETY... meets second Tuesday of the month (with the exception of July & August) at 7:00 p.m. in the hospital cafeteria. For further info contact Edna 567-9759 - New members welcome. *** VANDERHOOF LIBRARY HOURS Tuesday 10:00am to 5:00pm Wednesday 10:00am to 5:00pm & 6:30pm to 8:30pm Thursday 10:00am to 5:00pm Friday 10:00 am to 6:00pm Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm *** FRASER LAKE LIBRARY HOURS Sunday & Monday Closed Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday & Thursday 12pm - 8pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 2pm *** NVSS BOTTLE DEPOT HOURS Open Mon, Tues, Friday 11am-5pm Saturday 10am-5 p.m.

A14 www.ominecaexpress.com

Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Omineca Express

Browse more at:

To advertise in print: Call: 250-567-9258 Email: office@ominecaexpress.com Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca

A division of

INDEX IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements

Announcements

Employment

Information

Information

Business Opportunities

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

NECHAKO RESERVOIR UPDATE

TRAVEL

24 February 2016

EMPLOYMENT

Reservoir Elevation: 851.7 m (2794.28 ft.)

SLS Discharge: 29.2 m3/s Overall Snowpack: 72% of long term average

BUSINESS SERVICES PETS & LIVESTOCK MERCHANDISE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE RENTALS AUTOMOTIVE ADULT ENTERTAINMENT LEGAL NOTICES

AGREEMENT It is agreed by any display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement.

Used.ca cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement.

Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition.

Used.ca reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the Used.ca Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

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1

PINT OF BLOOD CAN SAVE UP TO 3 LIVES

Obituaries

Note: This update will no longer appear in newspapers starting March 2016. If you rely on the newspaper notice and would like to continue to receive this update it will be available by email or on our webpage. Please contact me for details.

Visit website www.wateroffice.ec.gc.ca for up to date real-time flow information for the Nechako River.

Visit website http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/data/asp/realtime/index.htm.for up to date snowpack information.

Contact Rio Tinto Alcan at 250-5675105 for more information. A recording of this notice is available 24-hours in Vanderhoof at 250567-5812

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Obituaries

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Obituaries

RAMSEY, RAMSEY, ATTALA ATTALA (Attie) (Attie) MAE MAE September September 24, 24, 1938 1938 -- February February 7, 7, 2016 2016 Attie Attie was was born born at at St. St. Ignatius, Ignatius, Montana, Montana, USA, USA, to to Charles Charles “Ervin” “Ervin” and and Marian Marian Howard.

Howard. She She was was raised raised in in Montana, Montana, but but moved moved to to Idaho Idaho where where she she married married Jack Jack Ramsey Ramsey in in 1958.

1958. Three Three of of their their children children were were born born before before their their move move to to Engen, Engen, BC BC Canada Canada in in 1964 1964 and and their to farm on Bearhead Road.Road.

Another son was bornborn in Vanderhoof.

She their farm on Bearhead Another son was in Vanderhoof. was well known in theincommunity, and was involved in managing She was well known the community, and was involved in the Log Cabin CafeCabin at Engen earlyin70’s.

After70’s. her marriage managing the Log Cafeinatthe Engen the early After her ended, she moved tomoved Sooke,to onSooke, Vancouver Island in 1982 marriage ended, she on Vancouver Islandwhere in 1982 she met themet love oflove her life, Ray Vowles. and soon a part where she the of her life, Ray Vowles. andbecame soon became of his family.

Attie isAttie remembered, in part,for her family parties and a part of his family. is remembered, in part,for her family barbeques her homeatonher thehome Island, and generosity. parties and at barbeques onher thekindness Island, her kindness and At least onceAtaleast year,once she would to thereturn farm at and generosity. a year,return she would toEngen the farm at her special cabin wherecabin see could time spend with her northern Engen and her special wherespend she could time with her family and friends. five yearsfive ago, sheago, underwent Open northern family and About friends.

About years she underwent Heart to replace two valves in her in heart.

It was Ita was stroke Open surgery Heart surgery to replace two valves her heart. a that ended her life her so suddenly in Victoria.

As thisAs is Heart stroke that ended life so suddenly in Victoria. this isand Heart Stroke month, the family would suggest contributions to the and Stroke month, the family would suggest contributions toHeart the and Foundation in her in name.

Attie was in death HeartStroke and Stroke Foundation her name.

Attieproceeded was proceeded in by herby parents, brotherbrother George, and sisters, Mary, Evea Lois. death her parents, George, and sisters, Mary,and Evea and She survived by brother-in-law Jim Widner of Montana; brothers, Lois.isShe is survived by brother-in-law, Jim Widner of Montana; Charles Ann) of Colorado and Edward Montana; sisters Helen brothers,(Jo Charles (Jo Ann) of Colorado andofEdward of Montana; Wydenes (Simon) of Lake Cowichan, BC: Laura Hammond (Les) sisters Helen Wydenes (Simon) of Lake Cowichan, BC: Laura of Arizona and Frenchand of Colorado.

Herofchildren, sons Joe, Hammond (Les)Rena of Arizona Rena French Colorado.

Her Scott andsons Charles, Ramsey of Engen, and daughter, children, Joe, “Dude” Scott and Charles, “Dude”BC Ramsey of Engen, Jackie Juilliette of Prince George, of BC, seven grandchildren, BC andLynn daughter, Jackie Lynn Juillette Prince George, BC, seven eight great grandchildren one great grandchild.

Ongrandchild. the grandchildren, eight greatand grandchildren and one great Island, over thirty years, leaves at Sooke herand On the after Island, after over thirtyshe years, she Ray leaves Ray at and Sooke Island family: Holly, Wayne, RodRod andand Laura Vowles; Randy (Lisa), her Island family: Holly, Wayne, Laura Vowles; Randy (Lisa), Ron Ron (Laurie), (Laurie), and and Colette Colette Vandenkerkhof; Vandekerkhove; and and the the grandchildren. grandchildren.

She She was was also also a a much much loved loved Auntie Auntie to to her her nieces nieces and and nephews. nephews.

Memorials Memorials may may be be announced announced later, later, but but there there are are plans plans being being considered considered for for one one at at the the farm farm at at Bearhead Bearhead on on July July 31.

31.

Fight Back.

Volunteer your time, energy and skills today.

Omineca Express Wednesday, March 2, 2016

www.ominecaexpress.com A15

Services

Merchandise for Sale

Rentals

Rentals

Rentals

Financial Services

Misc. for Sale

Apt/Condo for Rent

Apt/Condo for Rent

Townhouses

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Legal Notices

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Legal Notices

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Merchandise for Sale

Misc. for Sale POLE BARNS, Shops, steel buildings metal clad or fabric clad. Complete supply and installation. Call John at 403998-7907; Email to: jcameron @advancebuildings.com REFORESTATION Nursery seedlings of hardy trees, shrubs, & berries for shelterbelts or landscaping. Spruce & Pine from $0.99/tree. Free Shipping. Replacement guarantee.

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Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake

Serving Serving Vanderhoof, Vanderhoof, Fort Fort St. St. James, James, Fort Fort Fraser Fraser and and Fraser Fraser Lake Lake

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Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Omineca Express

Express

NEWS

Pink Shirt Day: Vanderhoof dances against bullying Left: Over 600 students, teachers, and staff swarmed downtown in pink, dancing to Canadian artist Shawn Mendes’ song “Believe” for the nation-wide annual campaign against bullying on Feb. 24.

Centre left and bottom right: Marching down Burrard Avenue at noon, the student procession was led by Principal Libby Hart of W. L. McLeod Elementary, Sgt. Svend Nielsen from the Vanderhoof RCMP, Mayor Gerry Thiessen of Vanderhoof, and Superintendent Charlene Seguin from Nechako Lakes school district.

Community members of all ages (below) and agencies, including the Nechako Valley Community Services (bottom left) dressed in pink to support anti-bullying.

VIVIAN CHUI photos