April 27 - 2023

‘Owl’ be there

THIS WEEK

BUDGET UPDATE

Merritt city council is currently in the midst of the annual city budgeting process, with the May 15 deadline to submit the document fast approaching .

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FLOOD MAPPING

The City of Merritt will benefit from new joint provincial and federal funding that will see both of Merritt’s major rivers mapped for flood hazards. —

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RECORD DRUG DEATHS

The provincial coroners service has announced that a record number of people died from toxic drugs in the first quarter of 2023.

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DAY OF MOURNING

A special section on the National Day for Mourning, a day to honour and remember fallen and injured workers. National Day of Mourning is tomorrow.—

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

City budget process now undeway

as big as what they normally are,” commented Smith.

“We’ve tried to split a lot of the recovery things out from the budget conversation as much as possible, because, while they’re going to need to get folded into the final budget bylaw, basically everything we’re doing on the recovery side is fully grant funded, or another source of funding. Ultimately, at this point, it’s not looking like those elements are going to be affected by taxation, or affect the tax rates, in any way.”

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The City of Merritt’s annual budget process is now well underway, delayed slightly by the city’s lack of a financial department head, flood recovery efforts, and a lack of finalized year end financials from 2022.

At their Committee of the Whole meeting on April 18, Merritt’s city council started to look at the finer details of their 2023-2027 Financial Plan, including major projects and expenditures slated for this year. Current estimates would see between a 3 and 5 percent residential tax increase for Merritt residents, but those numbers are subject to change and final approval. The next budget meeting is scheduled for May 2, with the city’s final deadline for submitting the budget to the provincial government falling on May 15.

Larger items in this year’s budget include a new Voght Street repaving project, after an initial two phase approach including two roundabouts was scrapped due to a lack of funding. The city is now looking at taking the $2.9 million it received from the Growing Communities Fund, plus water and sewer infrastructure reserve funds, for a total $5 million project that would have no roundabouts this time around,

just new road and underground infrastructure, plus the addition of a multiuse path. Final details of the project are still subject to change and approval by council.

Council chose at their most recent meeting to keep or move a number of budget items this year, including the planned Cleasby Street extension from Quilchena to Coldwater, which was pushed to 2024. Items such as a new $400,000 garbage truck, which will include a loan for its purchase, and the order of a new fire engine for a scheduled 2025 replacement were included in the budget this year. The city will also soon purchase an e-permitting software to speed up development applications following the go-ahead from council.

Sean Smith, the city’s Chief Administrative Officer, told the Herald that the budget process has proven a big task, with staff and council balancing a number of shifting priorities and factors.

“There is actually not a huge problem doing it with a new council, but when you stack new council on top of what has been a much more chaotic financial period with trying to merge recovery operations with normal municipal operations, I think that it’s a big task for Sheila, who’s on contract running our budget process for us, but also for council, to wrap your mind around what is functionally numbers that are twice

Smith added that the new council is an eager group that makes their thoughts heard, despite only two current elected officials having previous budget experience. Mayor Mike Goetz expressed his frustration with the process’s slow movement during the last budget meeting, suggesting that council look at items line by line and raise their concerns with line items, which was quickly settled on.

The city’s Director of Finance position has been vacant for some time, with Norman Thompson and Sheila Theissen filling in on contract basis. Thiessen, who is running the budget process, previously held the role on a permanent basis before retiring. She told the Herald that while the budget process has been delayed, council has been well aligned in their priorities, and the city is in a competitive position with its proposed 3 to 5 percent tax increase compared to similar sized municipalities.

“I’ve been talking to council about setting the tax rate, because we have one opportunity to do that,” said Thiessen.

“If we get grant funding, or anything else comes up during the year, they can always amend the budget. We’re just going to try and get a good, clean start at it, and get the tax rate set at something that council is comfortable with.”

The next budget meeting will take place on May 2 at 6:00 p.m. in the council chambers, with most of council and the mayor away at the Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) conference in Vernon this week.

For more information on the budgeting process, including proposed projects and opportunities for public input, visit www.merritt.ca/budget.

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QUEBEC TRIP FUNDS

Two local TNRD area directors, along with representatives of the Merritt Elks Lodge and Rotary Club, presented Collettville Elementary’s grade 7 students with a total of $5000 towards their trip to Quebec this summer. A number of additional fundraisers are planned.

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The City of Merritt held an open house as a part of the public consultation process during the creation of the 2023-2027 Financial Plan. Photo/Herald File

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

City benefits from flood-mapping

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The provincial government announced in a press release on Friday (April 21) that new funding would benefit the City of Merritt and other communities by mapping possible flood hazards in areas prone to flooding.

The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness and the Ministry of Forests are investing $8.69 million by March of next year to conduct flood-hazard mapping on a number of areas, including the Nicola and Coldwater rivers that flow through Merritt. Leveraging an additional $4.33 million in federal funding through Natural Resources Canada, the new program will initially map five area, covering nearly 70 B.C. communities.

“Understanding the risk posed by floods is the first step in helping prevent the damage they can cause,” said Bruce Ralston, minster of forests. “By providing more widespread flood-hazard mapping, we are providing communities with the tools they need to properly prepare for extreme weather as we all confront the challenges of climate change.”

The province said in its release that flood-plain mapping provides a detailed understanding of potential flooding, helping to inform a variety of projects that can help reduce the impacts of flooding, as well as supporting local decisions by First Nations and local governments to establish appropriate zoning and flood construction levels.The first five flood-hazard mapping areas in B.C. are:

- the Fraser and Nechako rivers in the Prince George area;

- the Bulkley and Skeena rivers from Houston to downstream of Terrace;

- Shuswap Lake and the mainstem rivers that drain into it;

- the Nicola and Coldwater rivers ; and

- the Coquihalla and Fraser rivers from Yale to Mission.

The city said in a statement that it supports the new program’s focus on a regional approach to flood-hazard mapping, adding that the data produced can enable more accurate decision making during flooding events.

“Coming out of the 2021 flood, the City of Merritt has worked with communities up and down the Coldwater and Nicola rivers to create plans that reduce flood risk and support river restoration,” said Sean Smith, the city’s CAO.

“In this process, we have seen an absolute need for holistic, regional watershed planning that isn’t limited by jurisdictional boundaries. Good decisions come from good data, and with a more consistent, regional approach to the flood-hazard mapping process, the public and decision makers will have more accurate data.”

Flood-hazard mapping starts with an updated understanding of potential river flows and the impacts from climate change, after which a model of the regions’ land and rivers is created to estimate the depth, velocity, and extent of different flood flows. The results are shown on maps for the community and the public’s use in landuse planning, emergency planning, and flood-risk reduction efforts.

The provincial government will invest $8.69 million in flood-hazard mapping by March of next year, including the mapping of the Nicola and Coldwater rivers. Photo/Herald File

Submitted by Jessica Munro, spotted on a walk.

EDITORIAL

Time to keep federal advertising dollars in Canada

Paul Deegan NEWS MEDIA CANADA

The Canadian government has supported journalism for generations. Since the founding of Canada’s first newspaper, the Halifax Gazette, which dates to 1752, government advertising has been an important source of revenue for newspapers. Even prior to Confederation, direct supports, like the former Publications Assistance Program, which subsidized the postal delivery of nondaily newspapers, ensured that Canadians have access to high-quality Canadian news.

Twenty years ago, the federal government spent $110 million on advertising, which was managed by 30 advertising agencies. Print newspapers and magazines accounted for about one-third of federal advertising spending, while internet advertising accounted for less than 1 per cent of the spend.

Last year, the Government of Canada spent a total of $140 million on advertising,

involving one Agency of Record for media planning and placement. While the one Agency of Record model is efficient, we are concerned with where scarce ad dollars are being spent.

Last year, just $6 million or five per cent of federal advertising dollars went toward print publications. That is a far cry from the roughly one-third of twenty years ago. For comparison, government spending on Facebook/Instagram ads alone accounted for almost double what is spent on all print advertising combined. And the spending on Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok combined was greater than all print expenditures.

Today, digital advertising accounts for more than 50 per cent of all federal ad spending. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, which is suing Google, the company “pockets on average more than 30 per cent of the advertising dollars that flow through its digital advertisingtechnology products.”

Social media companies operating in Canada do not employ journalists and they

are shielded from liability by Section 230 of Title 47 of the United States Code. They enjoy all the benefits of being a publisher without any of the obligations. Digital search and social giants have contributed greatly to connecting people, businesses, and communities. Yet, there have been unintended consequences. While they provide the essential plumbing of our digital age, they have not figured out a way to separate the clean drinking water (e.g., factbased news and information) from the sewage (e.g., fake news).

Trusted news sources provide an important filter that helps Canadians make informed choices. Real journalism, which is based on editorial judgment and rigorous fact-checking, costs real money, which comes from advertising and/or subscription revenue. Canadian news publishers employ real journalists, who adhere to strict editorial standards, and publishers can be held liable for their content. Yet, federal advertising dollars

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that once helped fund our newsrooms have shifted largely to Big Tech companies that benefit from our content.

The federal government has recognized that the business of journalism is in trouble. It has taken steps to fill news deserts and areas of news

poverty through the Local Journalism Initiative. It has also introduced Bill C-18, the Online News Act, which will allow publishers to come together to negotiate fair content licensing agreements with web giants and level the digital playing field.

One of the most powerful tools in any government’s policy toolkit is

procurement. Procurement can help governments advance socio economic policy objectives, including job creation, and deliver better outcomes. Indeed, the federal government’s Policy on Social Procurement facilitates and supports the inclusion of socio-economic measures in procurement to support the goal of

achieving best value for the Crown and, in turn, for Canadians. Isn’t it time for the federal government to align its advertising spending with its public policy goal of supporting accountable and trusted sources of information? Isn’t it time to support the home team and keep advertising dollars, which support fact-

based, fact-checked civic journalism, in Canada? The consequences of inaction are more misinformation and disinformation, a less informed and engaged citizenry, less robust public discourse, and a loss of community.

Paul Deegan is president and chief executive officer of News Media Canada.

High school student collects food bank donations

and give back to others through volunteering.

Growing up in Merritt, I had endless opportunities to connect with the community

A while back, I volunteered at the Nicola Valley and District Food Bank. During this time, I had the chance to help package food, make food hampers, as well as help distribute hampers. Although these were small actions, they left a big impact in my life by helping me build connections in this community.

Due to progressively

academic courses and involvement in other extracurriculars, I found it difficult to make time for volunteering at the food bank. Now, a few years later, I have finally found a way to give back to the food bank, while maintaining other commitments. On behalf of the Merritt Sikh Society, I decided to organize my own food drive. My goal with this food drive was to make

my religious community proud, while making a positive impact at the food bank before leaving for university. On April 18, I drove around town with the company of my sister to collect non-perishable food items for the food bank. Throughout all of the fundraising initiatives I have participated in over my lifetime, I have never failed to be impressed by my community’s generosity.

With limited time, I did not have the chance to drive through all of Merritt, but with the limited number of houses I did visit, the folks of Merritt showed immense support by helping me raise over 150 pounds of non-perishable food items. The generosity of this community never fails to amaze me, and I will forever be grateful for the kindness it shows.

Tegart: ‘opportunity for community dialogue’

MLA Elenore Sturko, and I will be hosting a community conversation on this issue in Merritt.

B.C. is facing a crisis in mental health and addictions, and we need to be talking about it more. This is why my colleague, BC United

Our province’s overdose crisis continues unabated and despite a public health emergency being declared seven years ago, countless families continue to deal with unimaginable heartache and grief.

This is why BC United Leader Kevin Falcon has announced his plan to overhaul the delivery of mental health services

and to build a recoveryoriented system of care for those suffering from addiction. Replicating innovative models like Coquitlam’s Red Fish Healing Centre in regions across the province will help give people with severe and complex needs the 24/7 support they need. Removing user fees at publiclyfunded treatment centres will remove barriers for those seeking help. Creating regional recovery communities will

allow people to stay for up to a year with individualized, holistic treatment support.

The plan is called Better is Possible. because we firmly believe that recovery is possible, when people are given the treatment, supports, compassion and care they deserve — at the very moment they make that important decision that it’s time to seek help.

There are also many people who have been

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LANDSLIDE ON SPENCES BRIDGE ROAD

The highway “washout” which has been threatening since before Easter on the Merritt to Spences Bridge road near Canford, has happened. According to the local highways engingeer, Bill, Helmsing, the road gave way this week but since it has been well marked for the past couple of months, no re-routing was necessary.

LETTERS POLICY

challenged by their loved one’s addiction. Maybe you have been, too.

That’s why MLA Sturko and I are inviting Merritt residents to come be a part of the conversation and share your experiences and ideas for change.

We will be at the Meeting Room at the Best Western Plus Hotel in Merritt on Saturday, April 29th from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. We look forward to meeting and hearing from you!

The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name and address. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

JACKIE TEGART VIEW FROM THE LEGISLATURE

GURSIMAR NAGRA HERALD JUNIOR REPORTER

First Junior Police Academy a success

Herald talked to one of the trip’s organizers about the new opportunity for local youth, which will return next year.

Marius Auer

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

A group of six Merritt Secondary School students made their way to the Lower Mainland recently for a week of career explora-

tion and learning experiences, taking part in the first ever Merritt Junior Police Academy. Despite the name, the four day program put on

by the city, RCMP, Community Policing Office, School District 58, Infracon, and Walmart, the police academy focused on a number of emergency and public service careers. The

“The six students that came along were really enthusiastic, and I think we learned a lot, even I learned a bunch of stuff I didn’t know before, so that was really cool,” said Cst. Blake Chursinoff, Merritt’s community policing officer. “A lot of people put in a lot of time to make sure this could happen, and we’re looking forward to doing it again next year.”

The group of six students, accompanied by Chursinoff and

CPO coordinator Marlene Jones, made their way to the Lower Mainland for the first week of their spring break for the program. For their first day, students settled in their accommodation for the week, the RCMP’s Pacific Regional Training Centre in Chilliwack. There, they joined in on active training and learned a number of techniques for handling assaultive subjects.

Day two saw the group head to the Canadian Border Services Agency’s Pacific Highway

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Six Merritt Secondary students took part in the first even Merritt Junior Police Academy program during the first week of their spring break. Photo/Merritt CPO

Crossing to learn more about the job, including the use of the Large Scale Imaging (LSI) equipment used to screen travellers. The afternoon was spent at the Canadian Coast Guard Hovercraft Station, Sea Island, in Richmond, where students observed the daily workings of a hovercraft base.

On their penultimate day, students attended the Justice Institute of BC, which trains all municipal police officers in the province. Students took part in a live firearms session, learned crisis intervention and deescalation methods, tried out chemically inert pepper spray, and interacted with officers, both K9 and human. The final day of the program saw students learn more about search and rescue, and similar volunteer opportunities within the emergency services industry. Students also visited Agassiz, home to the pacific region’s only maximum security prison. Attendees were given a look inside the Kent and Mountain Institutions, observing K9 units sniffing the day’s mail for contraband.

Chursinoff noted that the experience was overall very positive, allowing local youth to explore their interests and possible future careers, possibly even ruling some options out.

“I believe it’s good to have good

people in these types of positions, and the students that we brought were pretty driven, focused, and keen on being there and learning,” noted Chursinoff.

“Like I told them, just as it’s important to get an idea of what you may want to do, it’s equally important to go on a week like this and maybe realize that this is actually not at all what you want to do. All the better for you to know that at 17 or 18 years old.”

Chursinoff added that he is at the high school on a regular basis, and encouraged students interested in attending next year’s program to connect with him with any questions or to signal their interest. This year’s batch of recruits impressed the community policing officer.

“I was really impressed with their eagerness, dedication, and professionalism, and I think all six of those kids are going to go places in life,” added Chursinoff.

Students talk to a Canadian Border Services (CBSA) agent during day two of their trip, before heading to the Canadian Coast Guard’s nearby hovercraft base. Photo/Merritt CPO

Upper Nicola Band program releases owls

Marius Auer

Two young burrowing owls were released at Upper Nicola Band’s (UNB) Douglas Lake reserve this past weekend, with the conservation project marking both Earth Day, and the beginning of the initiative’s eighth year in operation.

Community members, conservationists, elected officials both past and present, and program volunteers gathered at the UNB band office on Saturday (April 22) for a ceremony and presentation regarding the burrowing owl release program that the band has taken on since 2015.

Increasing the Douglas Lake grasslands’ burrowing owl population is a labour of love for volunteers and organizers, who were glad to see two birds return from their winter migration.

“For them to return to the site is huge, and Dawn always expresses the importance of each bird,” said Loretta Holmes, senior cultural heritage technician with UNB’s owl program. Holmes, along with project biologist Chris Gill and animal health technician Dawn Brodie, run the program.

“Each bird is so valuable, there’s so few of them, and their survival rate is so small that a return bird, with that experience and everything, is huge.”

One of this year’s returning birds was born at the site, located just outside of Douglas Lake, in 2020. Limited area for habitat means the birds are endangered and need a

housing boost, provided by UNB in the form of 20 artificial nesting homes for the owls to burrow into.

Through UNB’s efforts, the population of burrowing owls has been maintained locally in the past number of years. Last year, UNB was home to 9 percent of the burrowing owl population.

Upper Nicola Band is involved in a number of conservation efforts, including the management of invasive yellow perch, solar technologies, and the conservation of other endangered species. UNB’s chief, who was in attendance at the annual release, said in his address that traditional and cultural knowledge help UNB be stewards of the land.

“I’m always reminded that our people have been here for a long, long time,” said UNB Chief Dan Manuel. “When we look at our cultural and traditional knowledge, we can find the very origins of these owls. We can find their purpose here on our lands, and we can find our responsibility to these animals, these birds. We can find our connection, and define our place here, with specific land-based knowledge, that doesn’t exist anywhere [else] in the world.”

Following a prayer, drumming song, and words by program volunteers, the two returning owls were shown to attendees while Chief Dan Manuel drummed. The pair of owls were then taken to the release site, heading back to their artificial digs, along with this year’s new releases.

For more information on UNB’s burrowing owl program, visit www. uppernicola.com.

Two burrowing owls, one male and one female, returned to Upper Nicola from their migration this year. Marius Auer/Herald

Nearly 600 toxic drug deaths in first quarter of 2023

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@ MERRITTHERALD.COM

As B.C.’s toxic drug crisis drags on, the latest report from the BC Coroners Service shows that illicit drugs claimed the lives of nearly 600 people in the first three months of 2023, including 177 newly reported lives lost in February, followed by 197 in March.

The 596 total deaths within the three month period are the worst in recorded history, and puts the province on track for its worst year since the start of the toxic drug public health emergency in 2016. Last year, Merritt had among the highest rates of toxic drugs deaths in the province, along with Vancouver, Terrace, Hope, and Prince George.

While numbers for this year are not yet available, 11 people died from toxic drugs in Merritt in 2022. The province recently commemorated the anniversary of the start of the public health crisis, which is increasing in severity.

“On April 14, we once again observed the anniversary of the longest public-health emergency in our province’s history,” said Lisa Lapointe, the province’s chief coroner. “Since the emergency was first declared, more than 11,000 people have lost their lives due to the unregulated drug supply. This is a crisis of incomprehensible scale, and I extend my deepest condolences to everyone who has experienced the loss of someone they loved.”

Along with the decriminalization of some drugs in limited quantities at the end of January, the provincial govern-

ment said it is taking steps to reinforce evidence-based treatment options, increase access to safer supply, and implement other essential harm-reduction tools to end the ongoing crisis.

Drug-checking services and overdose prevention sites have become more common across the province, including in the Nicola Valley. ASK Wellness Society offers drug checking services at their downtown Quilchena Avenue location. Only two deaths have taken place at overdose prevention sites in B.C., one in 2022, and one this year.

“Recommendations made by multidisciplinary experts on two Coroners Service Death Review Panels and the Province’s Select Standing Committee on Health into the crisis support the urgent implementation of a safe, regulated supply of substances for those at risk of serious harm or death, as well as provincial standards for the provision of evidence-based treatment and recovery services, along with requirements for reporting outcomes,” added Lapointe.

“There should not be a dichotomy between access to life-saving safer supply and access to life-saving treatment options. Tens of thousands of British Columbians remain at risk of dying from toxic drugs and we continue to experience the tragedy of six people dying every single day, as we have for the past two years.”

In 2023, 71 percent of those dying were age 30 to 59, and 77 percent were male. Last year, fentanyl was detected in 86 percent of all deaths, while so far this year, it has been present in 78 percent of cases.

Nearly 600 people died due to B.C.’s toxic unregulated drug supply in the first three months of 2023 according to new numbers released by the province’s chief coroner. Photo/ Herald File

ASK Wellness Merritt is located at 2196 Quilchena Avenue in the downtown core, and is home to a plethora of harm reduction supplies and services. Photo/Herald File

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Tour of Honour underway

Looking to spread awareness around their programming for first responders and members of the military, Honour House Society’s Tour of Honour made a stop at the Merritt Legion last week.

Volunteers arrived in Merritt on Thursday (April 20) from their B.C. and Yukon wide tour in an army green Hummer and trailer, ready to share information with Legion and community members alike. Honour House offers free accommodations for active and former military personnel, first responders, and their families who are seeking medical treatment at two locations in the Lower Mainland and B.C’s Interior. In addition, the society offers a number of programs geared to help those that may suffer with mental or physical injuries stemming from their service.

“It’s been incredible, going to all these different places and meeting people at Legions, community events, police stations, fire stations, and spreading awareness about what Honour House can do for men and women in uniform and their families,” said Justin De Genova, volunteer with Honour House Society.

“Honour House is an 11 bedroom home in New Westminster that is fully accessible, and is available for men and women in uniform, so first responders, police, fire, paramedics, as well as military veterans or active members, who are seeking medical treatment

in the Lower Mainland. It’s a place for families and those men and women in uniform to stay, and to heal.”

Honour House Society’s accommodations and programs are free-of-charge, and De Genova noted that a number of people who have utilized the organization’s services have approached him at every stop to share their gratitude and appreciation for the program.

While Honour House in New West has been open since 2010, Honour Ranch near Ashcroft is a newer offering by the society. The ranch focuses its efforts on mental wellness initiatives, offering a private and secluded space for service members to heal both physically and mentally. The ranch includes a main lodge and 10 private cabins, and offers a plethora of programming.

“We also have Honour Ranch, which we opened in 2019, a 120 acre property just outside of Ashcroft,” noted De Genova.

“The ranch we focus on mental wellness programs, so we run programs such as art therapy, horse therapy, and other mental wellness programs for our men and women in uniform.”

While spreading their message with Nicola Valley residents, De Genova and his fellow volunteers collected a $1500 donation from Merritt’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 96. The funds will go toward the cost of ten new cabins at Honour Ranch.

For more information on Honour House or Honour Ranch, visit the organization’s website at www.honourhouse.ca.

Justin De Genova and Mark Phillip Matigbay, volunteers with the Honour House Society, pose in front of the Legion. Marius Auer/Herald

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@

Savages

Volleyfest

were undoubtedly excited for its post-pandemic restriction return, with Volleyfest attracting hundreds of players from across the province to the Nicola Valley for a weekend of competition, sportsmanship, and fun.

“There were some really great

of high octane fun featured five divisions for volleyball enthusiast to choose from – three competitive, and two recreational. While local teams were relegated to one division as far as placing, they dominated the ‘Rec B’ category.

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The provincial government is asking feedback of internationally trained professionals that have experience with B.C.’s foreign credential recognition process, looking to inform future legislation and identify any possible inefficiencies.

The province said in a press release that it will gather the data collected by the new survey, which is open until May 26, and use it to eliminate any barriers experienced by workers that have been through the foreign recognition process. Foreign credential recognition is the process of having education, skills, and work experience from outside of Canada assessed against Canadian standards.

“We know B.C. will have one million job openings over the next 10 years,” said Andrew Mercier, the province’s Minister of State for Workforce Development. “We’re asking internationally trained professionals to tell us how we could improve our foreign cre-

1st Place: We showed Up (Merritt)

2nd Place: Hit it and Quit It (Merritt)

together and play the sport they all love,” added Russell.

Games were played throughout the weekend at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, Merritt Secondary School, and for-

dential recognition process so they can fully participate in B.C.’s economy and our communities.”

Plans are well underway for Ladies Volleyfest, taking place from April 28 to 30 in the Nicola Valley. The event is set to be a similar success, already drawing in a high number of teams and garnering atten -

The province delegates authority to oversee more than 230 regulated professions to approximately 50 professional regulatory bodies, rather than taking on the role itself. The province said in its release that many internationally trained professionals need to have their qualifications recognized to be certified, registered, or licensed to work in their chosen profession, including in the medical field and other essential services.

Over the next decade, more than 387,000 newcomers are expected to enter the B.C. workforce, representing an approximate 38 percent of job openings. The province added that almost all of these jobs will require occupation specific training or postsecondary education, which would mean any internationally trained workers looking to fill the vacancy would need to have their credentials checked through a possibly streamlined process.

To participate in the survey, visit www.engage.gov.bc.ca, and select ‘Foreign Credential Recognition.’

tournament, happening April 28 to 30. I currently have 37 teams registered for that tournament, again in 4 different divisions.”

For more information on Volleyfest, visit www.merrittvolleyballassociation. org/volleyfest.

The provincial government is inviting internationally accredited foreign workers to share their experience with B.C.’s foreign credential system. Photo/

Herald File

Adkin Online Auctions • Retail Galler y of Ar t, Potter y, Textiles, Accessories

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City of Merritt chief administrator leaving

City of Merritt chief administrator leaving

cation to making a positive difference in our community and his continuous commitment to exceptional service,” said Mayor Mike Goetz, who was a councillor when Smith arrived in Merritt.

cation to making a positive difference in our community and his continuous commitment to exceptional service,” said Mayor Mike Goetz, who was a councillor when Smith arrived in Merritt.

“His hard work during and after the flood has put the City of Merritt in a position that other communities can only dream about. His dedication, boundless knowledge, and enthusiasm sets him apart from all others. We have very much enjoyed working with Sean and he will be greatly missed.”

“His hard work during and after the flood has put the City of Merritt in a position that other communities can only dream about. His dedication, boundless knowledge, and enthusiasm sets him apart from all others. We have very much enjoyed working with Sean and he will be greatly missed.”

Council and staff will now begin the process of selecting an interim, and then replacement, Chief Administrative Officer. Smith’s advice for the next person behind the CAO’s desk?

Council and staff will now begin the process of selecting an interim, and then replacement, Chief Administrative Officer. Smith’s advice for the next person behind the CAO’s desk?

“Come in and love these people, because they’re going to love you right back.”

“Come in and love these people, because they’re going to love you right back.”

Smith noted that he would like to thank city staff, council, the mayor, and the people of Merritt as a whole for his time in the city. He will stay on as CAO until July.

Smith noted that he would like to thank city staff, council, the mayor, and the people of Merritt as a whole for his time in the city. He will stay on as CAO until July.

“Know that wherever I am, I will always be rooting for you and the City of Merritt,” added Smith.

Marius Auer

Marius Auer

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

A change in leadership is coming at Merritt’s city hall, with Chief Administrative Officer Sean Smith vacating his role after six years with the city.

A change in leadership is coming at Merritt’s city hall, with Chief Administrative Officer Sean Smith vacating his role after six years with the city.

Smith was hired as Director of Corporate Services in 2017, working as a municipal lawyer in Victoria at the time. Holding a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Victoria, and an economics degree from the University of British Columbia, Smith was excited by the opportunity for both himself and his young family. In 2019, Smith was made deputy CAO, followed by his appointment to the CAO position itself in 2020.

Smith was hired as Director of Corporate Services in 2017, working as a municipal lawyer in Victoria at the time. Holding a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Victoria, and an economics degree from the University of British Columbia, Smith was excited by the opportunity for both himself and his young family. In 2019, Smith was made deputy CAO, followed by his appointment to the CAO position itself in 2020.

The city announced Smith’s impending departure in a press release on Wednesday (April 19), noting that his last day as CAO would be July 7, 2023.

The city announced Smith’s impending departure in a press release on Wednesday (April 19), noting that his last day as CAO would be July 7, 2023.

“I’ve been blown away by the creativity and dedication of this team,” said Smith in the release. “Together, we’ve tackled some tough challenges and celebrated some amazing successes. We’ve weathered storms (unfortunately, I mean this literally), found new solutions to old problems, and always managed to keep a smile on our faces, even when we were knee-deep in water or deskwork.”

“I’ve been blown away by the creativity and dedication of this team,” said Smith in the release. “Together, we’ve tackled some tough challenges and celebrated some amazing successes. We’ve weathered storms (unfortunately, I mean this literally), found new solutions to old problems, and always managed to keep a smile on our faces, even when we were knee-deep in water or deskwork.”

During his time as CAO, Smith

During his time as CAO, Smith

has been a part of some of Merritt’s most trying times, notably the flooding event of November 2021. Smith recalled long, 20 hour days working at city hall to get Merritt residents, including his wife and young children, back home.

has been a part of some of Merritt’s most trying times, notably the flooding event of November 2021. Smith recalled long, 20 hour days working at city hall to get Merritt residents, including his wife and young children, back home.

“That was one of the most difficult weeks of my life, also most rewarding, and in some ways the most memorable, although there’s other things that I think I’ve blanked out entirely,” said Smith.

“That was one of the most difficult weeks of my life, also most rewarding, and in some ways the most memorable, although there’s other things that I think I’ve blanked out entirely,” said Smith.

“What I saw was a bunch of people who really cared about trying to get people home as fast as possible. I was so pleased to see a lot of the training we’ve taken and implemented as a team put into action.”

“What I saw was a bunch of people who really cared about trying to get people home as fast as possible. I was so pleased to see a lot of the training we’ve taken and implemented as a team put into action.”

Smith added that he was immensely proud of the team at city hall, both for their efforts during the flood, and for their commitment to Merrittonians as a whole. While some Merritt residents have expressed their concern with the city’s handling of the flood, Smith noted that the city always strived to take those concerns into account.

Smith added that he was immensely proud of the team at city hall, both for their efforts during the flood, and for their commitment to Merrittonians as a whole. While some Merritt residents have expressed their concern with the city’s handling of the flood, Smith noted that the city always strived to take those concerns into account.

In addition to taking on a role in the private sector, Smith and his family will be taking on a new entrepreneurial venture, which he said will give him time to focus on what matters most – family.

In addition to taking on a role in the private sector, Smith and his family will be taking on a new entrepreneurial venture, which he said will give him time to focus on what matters most – family.

Along with staff wishing Smith farewell, elected official have chimed in to give their thanks.

Along with staff wishing Smith farewell, elected official have chimed in to give their thanks.

“We greatly appreciate Sean’s dedi -

“We greatly appreciate Sean’s dedi -

“Know that wherever I am, I will always be rooting for you and the City of Merritt,” added Smith.

Merritt CAO Sean Smith stands behind the podium at the reopening ceremony for Highway 8 between Merritt and Spences Bridge. Marius Auer/Herald

Merritt CAO Sean Smith stands behind the podium at the reopening ceremony for Highway 8 between Merritt and Spences Bridge. Marius Auer/Herald

Day of Mourning looks to honour fallen and injured wokers

work, and renew their commitment to the prevention of accidents.

According to WorkSafeBC’s most recent statistics, British Columbians missed 3.65 million days of work collectively in 2021. The worker’s compensation organization also accepted 161 work-related death claims. WorkSafeBC has also taken preventative measures to protect workers in Merritt, with 12 penalties imposed on employers for safety violations since 2014.

According to the organization’s website, the administrative penalties are the result of the employer failing to take sufficient precautions to prevent workplace injuries or illnesses.

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The National Day of Mourning has been recognized since 1985 to remember and honour those lives lost or affected by injury at work, with this year bringing another opportunity for reflection and education on April 28.

In 1991, six years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress, the Parliament of Canada passed the Workers Mourning Day Act making April 28 an official Day of Mourning. The Day of Mourning looks to build awareness and safety on the job. Across Canada, and across the world, workers gather to honour those who lost their lives or were injured at

The bigger picture is evening more jarring when it comes to the number of incidents and claims. Prevention is one of the key aspects of the National Day of Mourning, which is what a number of organizations that recognize the day focus on.

“According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), in 2021, there were 1,081 workplace fatalities recorded in Canada, 1,009 of which were male workers, and 72

were female workers. Among these deaths were 18 young workers aged 15 to 24,” reads the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) website.

“Add to these fatalities the 277,217 accepted claims (an increase of 23,820 from the previous year) for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, including 34,548 from workers aged 15-24, and the fact that these statistics only include what is reported and accepted by the compensation boards, there is no doubt that the total number of workers impacted is even greater.”

CCOHS believes that workplace deaths are preventable, and looks to highlight the importance of safe work and education on workers rights. The Occupational Health and Safety Act entitles workers to three rights: the right to know about health and safety matters, the right to participate in decisions that could affect their health and safety, and the right to refuse work that could affect their health and safety and that of others. Knowing these rights and when to exercise them is key to prevention of workplace

Continued Page 17

On April 28, we remember workers injured or killed on the job.

Everday we commit to creating a safe working environment.

The National Day of Mourning looks to honour and remember workers that have been injured or killed while on the job. Photo/Unsplash

NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING

From Page 16

death and injury.

Support is available for the workers and the loved ones of those killed or injured on the job, through WorkSafeBC’s workers compensation system and organization such as Threads of Life, a Canadian registered charity dedicated to supporting families after a workplace fatality, life-altering injury, or occupational disease. The charity offers support groups and resources, online and in person, free of charge.

While there are no plans for an official ceremony in the community, Merrittonians can get online and involved by posting a dedication to a fallen or injured worker on BC’s digital “dedication wall,” and by observing a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. on Friday (April 28).

The Merritt Herald encourages organizations and individuals to observe the moment of silence to remember workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job. For more information, or to access resources, visit: www.dayofmourning.bc.ca.

Mine explosion in 1912 killed seven Merritt workers

for two, tunnels 13 and 14, the tunnels of John Pattie and Frank Kallia. Grimes informed the two men that there were gasses trapped in their respective tunnels and provided them with safety lamps. The men descended down into their tunnels and began mining above where the gasses were located in their tunnels. Meanwhile, Grimes went and spoke to the mine’s engineer and told him to increase ventilation. At the same time, Pattie went to speak with John Hogg and Grimes before returning back to his tunnel, this time with an open lamp.

In the early hours of March 7, 1912, Harry Grimes began his inspections of the Diamond Vale Coal Mine. Grimes had been hired by the Diamond Vale Mine Company to be the fireboss, the person responsible for checking flammable gasses such as methane, as well as checking for fires and inspecting the gen-

eral safety of the mine. Grimes did not have the necessary qualifications as laid out under the Coal Mines Regulations Act. The Mine Engineer also arrived around the same time as Grimes, and started up the boiler which supplied electricity to both the ventilation system and the hoist to take loaded carts out of the mine.

At 8:00 a.m, the 16 miners arrived at the mine to start the day, the West and East entrances had been marked clear, as had all the tunnels in the East short

The gasses that had been lying dormant in the tunnel had now been kicked up with the increased ventilation, and this combined with the coal dust in the air and the open lamp, and set off a series of explosions throughout the tunnels. Alex Patterson was located at the mouth of the mine when the explosion occurred, and the blast threw him some 60 to 70 feet. Fortunately, he only sustained minor injuries to his hand. The ventilation fan was blown twenty-five feet from its shaft. The explosion caused tremors that were felt all the way in Merritt. Local physicians, Dr. Tutill and Dr. Williams, quickly got on horseback and rode to the mine to attend to the injured.

The Diamond Vale Company did not own the oxygen equipment necessary to perform a rescue mission, so a train was dispatched to the Nicola Valley Coal and Coke Mine (NVCC), and many of the supervisors of the nearby mines came by to help in the mission, including Charles Graham (Superintendent of NVCC), David Brown (Overman of NVCC), Thomas Archibald (Fireman of NVCC), Andrew Bryden (Superintendent of Inland Coal and Coke), Howell John (Superintendent of Pacific Coast Collieries). Despite provincial regulations, there had been no map drawn up of the Diamond Vale Mine for close to two years, which proved a great hinderance to the rescue operation.

Ultimately, seven people lost their lives in this accident. They were John Templeton (23, survived by his parents), Henry Grimes (39, survived by his wife and child), John Pattie (30, survived by his wife and four children), John Hogg (25, survived by his wife and child), Frank Kelly (34, survived by his brother), William Herd (unknown age, survived by wife and three children in Scotland who were planning on joining him in Merritt), and William Baxter (27, survived by his 3 brothers in Middlesboro).

National Day of Mourning

April 28

Commemorating those who lost their lives or were injured in the workplace

The Diamondvale Mine Disaster took place on March 7, 1912, and killed seven local workers. Photo/Nicola Valley Museum and Archives

Cameron Bridge NICOLA VALLEY MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES

WorkSafeBC guideline regulates workplace PPE

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A new WorkSafeBC guideline outlines new requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) in the workplace, seeking to be more inclusive of a wide range of body types. Photo/ Herald File

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

WorkSafeBC, the province’s workers’ compensation board, is reminding employers about a newly implemented guideline outlining requirements to ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) fits properly for all workers, regardless of their gender.

A press release by WorkSafe said that the new guideline looks to target the issue of ill fitting PPE, which can compromise worker safety, with the issue being particularly pronounced for women in traditionally male-dominated industries. They said women in construction, construction, mining, and firefighting have reported experiencing discomfort and reduced mobility, along with concerning safety issues, due to PPE that is designed primarily for men.

“We recognize that the differences in body shape and size between men and women can make it challenging to find PPE that fits properly,” said Suzana Prpic, senior manager of prevention field services at WorkSafeBC.

“We want to make sure that all workers are protected and comfortable while on the job, and that means ensuring that PPE is designed and fitted to accommodate a wide range of body types.”

The new guideline, a part of WorkSafeBC’s OHS Guidelines Part 8 since last November, outlines the requirements for the design, selection, and use of PPE that is appropriate for those on the job. The guideline

includes specific guidance on how to measure and fit PPE to a wide range of body types.

Given the increasing number of women entering traditionally male-dominated industries in B.C., WorkSafeBC said the move to introduce the new guideline will ensure worker safety and address concerns. They noted that the guideline was based on recommendations from experts in the field, as well as feedback from workers and employers across the province.

“We are committed to promoting a safe and healthy work environment for all workers,” added Prpic, who noted that WorkSafeBC will continue to monitor the issue. “This new guideline is an important first step in achieving that goal, and we encourage all employers to review and implement it in their workplaces.”

Along with the new guideline, WorkSafeBC said it plans to launch a research competition this year around the gendered nature of work, with one of the subtopics of interest being inclusive PPE design, and barriers to employer uptake of options for women.

In 2017 WorkSafeBC showed over the past decade that 15 roadside workers had died and 229 had been injured after they were hit by vehicles while on the job.

Today,

USW 1-417, along with all of our members, observes the National Day of Mourning on April 28th, 2023.

This day commemorates workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness due to workplace related hazards and occupational exposures.

Injuries and deaths in the workplace continue to be a matter of important concern across Canada. Many Canadian members work hard each day in an effort to minimize accidents and incidents. Safety should be one of the core values in any workplace.

Commemorating those who have been hurt or killed in the workplace shows respect for the fallen, while serving as a reminder of the importance of occupational health and safety.

The USW is one of the largest private sector Unions in both Canada and North America with more than 225,000 members in Canada and more than 800,000 members continent-wide.

more than ever, working people need strong, effective unions and the UNITED STEELWORKERS IS HERE FOR YOU.

former leading to the latter. People with existing heart conditions also may find that periodontal disease exacerbates those conditions. The Mayo Clinic notes that

viduals than produce a mouthful of pearly white teeth. In fact, people who prioritize dental hygiene may lower their risks for various diseases.

Early warning signs of oral cancer

Oral cancer is a significant threat across the globe. Data from the World Health Organization indicates that more than 450,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year.

The Oral Cancer Foundation notes that oral cancers are part of a group of cancers referred to as head and neck cancers. All cancers in that group are potentially dangerous, but oral cancers account for roughly 85 percent of all head and neck cancer diagnoses, which underscores the importance of routine oral health checkups. The Moffitt Cancer Center® in Florida notes that many dentists perform oral cancer screenings during routine checkups, which dispels the notion that checkups are unnecessary for individuals who

practice proper dental hygiene every day.

The American Dental Association notes there is not a one-sizefits-all regimen for dental health. However, at least two visits to a dentist per year can ensure teeth stay clean and afford dentists opportunities to screen for oral cancers and detect other issues, including gingivitis. In addition to scheduling routine checkups, individuals can learn to spot the common symptoms of oral cancer. The Moffitt Cancer Center urges individuals to seek medical attention if any

of these signs persist for more than two weeks:

• A sore, irritation or thickness in the mouth or throat

• A white or red patch on the inside of the mouth

• A feeling that something is caught in the throat

• Hoarseness or other vocal changes

• Persistent coughing

• Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking

• Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue

• Numbness in the mouth

• Swelling in the jaw or neck

• Frequent nosebleeds

• Ear pain that does not affect your hearing

• Unexplained weight loss

It’s important that individuals recognize that the presence of these symptoms is not necessarily indicative of the presence of oral cancer. Some of these symptoms could indicate the presence of other issues that also require medical attention. For example, frequent nosebleeds could indicate high blood pressure or a blood clotting disorder, while unexplained weight loss is a potential indicator of diabetes.

Oral health is important, and routine checkups are vital to maintaining that health. Such checkups can help dentists spot various conditions, including oral cancer.

Dential Professionals play a key role in a child’s oral health. They are entrusted with teaching a child to clean their teeth, how pacifiers and thumb sucking can affect childrens teeth,

Local U17 basketball team ‘tips off’ season with silver medal

West Elite, the Mavericks still qualified for the championship game.

The final game ended at 52-31, with the Mavericks taking second place in the tournament behind the victorious Vancouver Drive.

“This is a great start to an ambitious season as these boys set out to break the 42 year provincial championship drought for Merritt,” said Jamie Caccia, a Mavericks parent volunteer.

“An invitation was sent to Mayor Goetz to attend last weekend’s tournament, but unfortunately the Mayor had prior obligations.”

The Mavericks have hosted a number of fundraisers towards their regular operating costs throughout the season, and towards their goal of attending an international basketball tournament in Hawaii, with the team planning several more.

The latest one will include a ‘jail and bail’ fundraiser with Merritt’s mayor, involving the mayor’s ‘arrest’ and subsequent fundraising of bail funds, which will go to team coffers.

vigorously fundraising to achieve some high, yet attainable goals,” added Caccia. “These guys know you don’t break records by hoping to compete, you break records by training to win. We look forward to an exciting season! Go, Mavericks!”

For more information on the team, and for the latest on the ‘jail and bail’ fundraiser, visit their Facebook page by searching ‘U17 Merritt Mavericks Basketball Team Updates.’

A local youth basketball club earned Merritt a second place podium spot at their season opening exhibition in Vancouver this weekend, with the Merritt Mavericks taking home silver from the Vancouver Tip-off tournament.

The U17 Mavericks attended the tournament in Langley from April 21 to 23, facing off against dozens of other teams from around the province. Their first win of the season came against Dime Valley, with a final score of 68-48. This winning effort was followed by another 20 point lead, with the Mavericks beating the David Shepard Saints 48-28. Although their next game was a 57-54 loss to the New

“A source close to the team disclosed there is some frustration at the Mayor’s absence, and some of the more superstitious players indicated the teams’ loss may have been due his absence,” joked Caccia, alluding to the team’s upcoming fundraiser, which will take place later in the week.

The raised funds will support the team’s goal to attend the Hawaii tournament in December of this year.

“They are vigorously training and

Merritt High School Rodeo set to kick off local rodeo season

The Merritt High School Rodeo Club is anxiously awaiting the 2023 Merritt High School Rodeo, which is set to take place May 5th to 7th at the Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds. This exciting event is expected to have over 60 athletes competing throughout three days in over a dozen different rodeo events.

Merritt has over 10 locals who have been practicing throughout the winter in preparation for the spring high school rodeo season. Head of the rodeo committee, Tanya Starrs, and the rest of the parent volunteers are looking forward to putting on a successful event, even though they have a small committee.

Tanya competed in High School Rodeo in her youth and loves the sport of rodeo, stating, “kids age out and graduate each year, so the volunteer numbers vary. With my daughter Maya graduating this year, I wanted to step up and make sure she has a fun last year of high school rodeo.”

There is no charge to come watch the rodeo, and it will also feature a 50/50 draw to help cover some costs of the rodeo. The rodeo begins at 3pm on Friday with the reined cow horse and cutting events. Saturday and Sunday will begin at 10am, and contain the rest of the rodeo events, including the queen contest taking place on Saturday. Come out and support the local cowboys and cowgirls!

The Merritt Mavericks U17 basketball team started their season with a second-place podium finish in Vancouver this past weekend. Photo/Merritt Mavericks Facebook

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Sisters Maya and Kelsey Starrs talk about their rodeo runs at a high school rodeo. Photo/ Shantel d’Auteuil

Maya Starrs HERALD JUNIOR REPORTER

COMMUNITY

Do you have a community story idea? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing reporter@merrittherald.com.

Merritt Secondary School spring carnival making its return

opportunity to put themselves out in the school community a bit, develop those leadership skills, and build those type of characteristics in them as they go off to university and things like that,” said Krystal Thompson, a teacher organizer with the Links Crew, along with fellow teacher Molly Brigden.

“For our grade eights, once they’re here, a lot of them feel like they’re sort of protected and getting connected easier and better through having kids in the school that know them, know their names, and that will say ‘hi’ to them in the hallways and help them out.”

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Merritt Secondary School ‘Links Crew’ is excited to announce the return of their spring carnival, an annual event that raises funds for the school-based leadership and mentor program. Taking place at the school’s field, the afternoon of family fun will bring together carnival classics and plenty of other attractions.

The Links Leaders program at MSS is comprised of grade 11 and 12 students who are paired with new arrivals to the school, grade eight students coming from local elementary schools. Link Leaders are available to their assigned new arrival throughout the new school year, and particularly in the first month. Mentors provide anything from advice and a safe space to chat about the new experience of high school, to information such as classroom and facility locations.

“For our leaders, it’s a really great

The Link Leaders are currently organizing the spring carnival, which will raise funds for the future of the program. The program often incurs expenses, such as obtaining the iconic brightly coloured Link Leader shirts, attending training sessions, and other opportunities for Link Leaders, the cost of which will hopefully be offset by ticket sales at the carnival. The event will feature a dunk tank, piein-the-face station, inflatable obstacle course, and a number of other attractions.

The entire school community, students, teachers, administrators, and parents are slated to join in on the fun. MSS English teacher, Jennifer Denton, sees the

Collettville students Quebec bound

event as a great opportunity for community connection.

“It’s a really nice tradition, and I think people are excited to get back to being able to hold and participate in these types of events,” Denton told the Herald.

“It really promotes a sense of community, because families and kids of all ages are welcome to come and attend. I’m looking forward to seeing the community come together, and just have fun.”

The MSS spring carnival will take place on May 2, 2023, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the high school’s field. The event will be cash only, with attraction tickets available for purchase on site.

1750 Hill Street ■ Phone: 250-315-3000

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WEL COME YOU

Crossroads Community Church 2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911

Ser vice Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m

Merritt Baptist Church

2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Omre)

Sunday ser vice 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship

in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899

Ser vice Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p m

Sacred Hear t Catholic Church

Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919

Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

St. Michael’s Anglican Church

1990 Chapman St • 250-378-3772

Ser vice Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a m.

Trinity United Church

Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735

Ser vice Time ever y Sunday - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave ( The Cadet Hall)

Sunday Ser vice Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Max well St • 250-378-9502

Ser vice Time: Sundays 9:00 am and 11:00 am

The annual Merritt Secondary School Spring Carnival is making its return on May 2 at the school.

Photo/Herald File

Seven students from this year’s Collettville Elementary grade seven class are headed to Quebec this June, thanks in part to donations recieved recently from the Rotary Club of Merritt, TNRD area directors, and the Merritt Elks Lodge. Students are planning more fundraisers for their trip, and are excited to explore French culture. Full story is online this week. Photo/Angela Russell

Deadline for placing a classified ad is 5 p.m. on Monday. To place an ad please call 250-378-4241 or email:

Coldwater Indian Band Job Posting

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

The Coldwater Indian Band is seeking an individual to fill the Education Coordinator position. The Education Coordinator is responsible for the planning , administration and coordination of Coldwater Indian Band Education Programs and Ser vices and repor ts to the Band Administrator. This position will be wor king from the Mer ritt Office.

Responsibilities and Duties

Planning – Annual and Long-ter m Education Plan for Coldwater Indian Band, member ship and as directed.

Human Resource – Super vises and valuates the perfor mance of anyone with direct repor ting relations to the Depar tment when applicable

F inancial – Develops Education Program budgets in consultation with the Band Administrator and administer s the budgets as approved by Chief and Council and all other associated duties.

Policy – Administer s the approved Post-Secondar y Education Policy.

Liaison and Representation – Par ticipates as Ex-Officio when required on the Band School SAC; Represents the band in negotiating the Local Education Agreement; Attends School District 58 meetings where applicable; Liaises with Post-Secondar y Institutions/Schools in suppor t of the Coldwater Indian Band Education Policy and programs; Liaises with SD #58 re: L.E.A., F.N.A.C, and staff where applicable; Advocates for Coldwater students within School District 58 & students attending different PostSecondar y Educational Institutions; Liaise with Indian Ser vices Canada in suppor t of the Coldwater Indian Band Education Depar tment programs

Post-Secondar y Program Administration – Administer s the Post-Secondar y program as per Job Description.

General Education Administration – Administer s all per tinent Education Program funding through Xyntax; Develop and maintain individual student confidential files; Maintains records of all Education programs, ser vices and funding associated with this depar tment; Keeps the Band Administrator infor med of sensitive and impor tant issues and events in relation to the operation of the Education Programs; etc.

Position Qualifications:

• Post-Secondar y Diploma (prefer minimum Business or Public Administration diploma)

• OR an equivalent combination of post secondar y education and directly related wor k experience.

• Proposal writing an asset

Lifestyle consistent with the impor tance of the responsibilities of the position

Strong analytical and decision-making skills, tact, discretion and sound judgement

Demonstrated commitment to fiscal management

Superior communication skills, written and oral

• Wor king knowledge of Xyntax an asset

• Knowledge of Nlaka’pamux and Coldwater Community an asset

• Ability to organize and manage wor kload

• Good negotiation skills (Local Education Agreements)

• Able to wor k independently and in a team environment

• Satisfactor y Criminal Records check

• Valid Driver’s License and Reliable vehicle

Send your resume with references and cover letter : Attn: COLDWATER INDIAN BAND H.R.

Scw’exmx Child & Family Services Society Employment Opportunity FINANCE MANAGER

Scw’exmx Child and Family Services Society (SCFSS) s family-centered and gu ded by nle?kepmx and sy lx trad tional know edge and principles

SCFSS ut lizes prevention and protection strategies with the collective goa to keep children with their fam lies and commun ties SCFSS recogn zes h storical challenges and is gu ded by traditional strength and wisdom to bu ld fam ly and community capacity in a monumental shift from protection to prevention

As an Indigenous organization serving the nle?kepmx and syilx communities, SCFSS prioritizes the hiring of nle?kepmxand syilx community members

Following commun ty member priority and pursuant to Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to qualified appl cants of Ind genous ancestry

Status: Ful -time | Per manent

Hours: 35 hours per week | 8:30 - 4:30 | Monday – Fr day

Wage: Start ng wage commensurate with experience|Range: $44 40 -

$62 86

Closing Date: May 11, 2023 (3:00 pm)

Benefits: Comprehens ve Benefits Package | Public Service Pension Plan

Location: Merritt BC

The Opportunity:

The Finance Manager effect vely manages the provision of financia services accurate accounting and payroll r sk management services adm nistration of pension and benefit p ans, and general administrative support for the organization These services include budgeting, financia planning, report ng and support for audit functions The Finance Manager promotes the achievement of the goals and ob ectives of Scw’exmx Ch ld and Family Services Society by he ping employees understand financ a infor mation, provid ng accurate, confidential nfor mat on, and providing input to all planning cycles The Finance Manager prov des leadership to the Finance team, including per for mance management, human resources, and professional gu dance.

Full job description available upon request

Success for ALL Learners, Today and Tomorrow

CURRENT JOB OPPOR TUNITIES

We are currently inviting applications for the position(s) of:

is looking for a FULL-TIME LABOURER $21/hour

• must have a valid dr iver ’s licence

• landscaping exper ience an asset but not required.

• hardwor king individual

• exper ience with power tools

Please fax resumes to 250-378-4166 or email: tlcpond1@telus.net

Par t time campground hosts needed for Har mon and Lundbom lake, this position will be for holiday relief of full time hosts Must have suitable RV, must pass a criminal records check Duties will include collecting fees, cleaning campsites, some painting, weed eating, cleaning outhouses and securit y Wages will be a percentage of the fees collected Great position for a couple f h forestr yltd@gmail com

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www makeafuture ca/bcschools-and-districts/nicola-similkameen-school-district-no-58/ All applicants must provide a cover letter and resume outlining relevant background and work experience and three (3) professional references for each position they want to be considered .

Only those applicants selected for an inter view will be contacted

459 Woodward Ave, Lower Nicola 10am to 5pm April 29th to May 7th

Lots has to go Info : (250) 378 - 4904

Reliable Towing Merritt Ltd. 2900 Pooley Ave the following vehicle will be auctioned on May 4, 2023 for non payment

2009 Honda CR-V VIN 5J6RE48359L801107

APPLY NOW

• Apply now on our website [https://www scwexmx com/employment-opportunities]

• Comp ete the application form on our website, attach your cover etter and resume

• We thank all candidates for their interest, but only those selected for screening w ll be contacted

JOB P O S TING S

IN V E N TOR Y C OORDIN ATOR IN V E N TOR Y A S SIS TA N T

T he Nic ola Valle y F o o d B ank ha s t wo s t a f f p o s it ion vac ancie s t o fill T he s e paid p o s it ion s pr ov ide opp or t unit ie s f or p ot e n t ial c andida t e s w ho ar e c ommunit y s e r v ic emot i va t e d and w ho ar e in t e r e s t e d in mak ing a p o s it i ve c on t r ibu t ion t o t he we ll - b e ing o f t he F o o d B ank ’s clie n t s

IN V E N T ORY C O ORDIN AT OR Unde r t he dir e c t ion o f t he G e ne r al Manag e r, t he Inve n t or y C o or dina t or is r e s p on s ible f or t he or g aniz a t ion and or de r l y main t e nanc e o f pr o duc t inve n t or y, including dail y r e p or t ing t o t he G M on s t a t us o f s upplie s and e quipme n t T his p o s it ion wor k s ve r y clo s e l y w it h t he t e am o f F o o d B ank volun t e e r s a t t he he ar t o f t he dail y op e r a t ion s in or de r t o e f ficie n t l y me e t t he ne e ds o f clie n t s T he inc umb e n t als o pr ov ide s g e ne r al dir e c t ion r e t a s k pr ior it ie s t o t he Inve n t or y A s s is t an t

IN V E N T ORY A S S I S TA N T T his p o sit ion ha s t wo di f f e r e n t ar e a s o f r e s p on s ibilit y :

1 Op e r a t ion o f t he F o o d De s k dur ing clie n t ac c e s s hour s (10 a m t o 1 p.m )

2. A s s is t an t t o t he Inve n t or y C o or dina t or. T he incumb e n t is r e s p on s ible f or F o o d De s k op e r a t ion s (pr ov iding clie n t s w it h pr o duc t s), a s s is t s w it h t he handling o f pr o duc t inve n t or y, and c an als o b e c alle d up on t o a s s is t t he De li ve r y Van Dr i ve r w it h pr o duc t pick- up and de li ve r y T his p o s it ion wor k s ve r y clo s e l y w it h t he t e am o f F o o d B ank volun t e e r s a t t he he ar t o f t he dail y op e r a t ion s in or de r t o e f ficie n t l y me e t t he ne e ds o f clie n t s

IMP OR TA N T N O T E : In t e r e s t e d applic an t s mus t r e ad t he f ull job de s cr ipt ion s w hich ar e available a t t he F o o d B ank on Q uilche na A ve (har d c opy) or available b y e - mail up on r e que s t (f o o dbank @ t e lus ne t) P le a s e s ubmit your le t t e r o f applic a t ion ac c ompanie d b y a c ur r e n t r e s ume w it h r e f e r e nc e s t o De r landa He w t on, G e ne r al Manag e r, Nic ola Valle y F o o d B ank C l os ing d a te: Op e n un t il c andida t e cho s e n

Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society Employment

Opportunity

HEALTH CLERK/RECEPTIONIST

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Health Clerk will assume the secretaria , clerical and recept onist duties under the supervis on of the Executive Director and w ll per for m other dut es as required They are also subject to the Policies and Procedures of the Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society (SCHSS) The position will be responsible for the provision of administrative and clerical support to the SCHSS programs

• This posit on will be responsible for ensuring that reports derived from the database accurately reflect the most up-to-date health status of the communities of Coldwater, Shackan, and Nooaitch They will also be responsible for arranging and ensuring payment for medical appointments for clients and establish ng their medical travel elig bility for funding under the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program

• Requ res experience with standard office equipment and Microsoft Office

• Experience working w th First Nations communities is an asset

We offer a competitive salary and full benefits

Please submit resume to: Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society

Attention: Barclay Smith

103-2090 Coutlee Avenue PO Box 3090 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 or ema l smith b@schss com

Deadline for submissions: May 12 2023

SUDOKU

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE

1. It’s all over the beach

5. A cirque

8. Corpuscle count (abbr.)

11. Influential report author

13. Satisfaction

14. Recurring only at long intervals

15. Islamic calendar month

16. Neither

17. Gelatinous substance

1. Soviet Socialist Republic

2. Zoroastrian

18. American electronic music producer

20. Old computer system

21. Professional organization

22. Malaria mosquitoes

25. Not composed of matter

30. It’s in the ocean

31. Peyton’s little brother

32. French commune

33. Eyelashes

38. Equal (prefix)

41. Quality of little or no rain

43. One who beheads

45. Sung to

48. Influential punk artist

49. Amount of time

50. Polio vaccine developer

55. Abba __, Israeli politician

56. Job

57. Flat-bottomed sailboat

59. Japanese wooden clog

60. Folk singer

DiFranco

61. FL city

62. Naturally occurring solid

63. Language of indigenous Asian people

64. Dark brown