NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

office.

“As we work to protect more old growth, we know we need to accelerate our efforts to build a stronger, more innovative forestry industry that better shares the benefits with workers and communities. Forestry is a foundation of B.C.’s economy,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests.

“That’s why we are doubling provincial investments to help mills retrofit to get off old-growth logs and manufacture more high-value wood products right here in B.C., so we create more jobs from every tree.”

Ralston’s office has declined multiple requests for interviews on the subject of forestry in the Nicola Valley and possible concerns by local First Nations on the cutting permit approval process in the area, opting to provide statements instead. The Ministry of Forests has told the Herald it is working with Aspen Planers,

B.C.’s top employers of 2023

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

On Tuesday February 14, the top 100 employers in B.C. were announced. Businesses and organizations from across the province were recognized for their exceptional workplaces, including some that hire and serve residents of the Nicola Valley.

Known for fostering exceptional employee performance and promoting great work flexibility, Interior Health is recognized as one of B.C.’s top employers for 2023.

Mark Bagabuyo is the Clinical Operations Manager for Gillis House, a senior home in Merritt operated by Interior Health. He praised Interior Health’s wide array of opportunities for growth within their ranks.

“Interior

Health offers lots of educational opportunities and employment opportunities,” he said. “If you are planning on moving somewhere within the region, there’s bound to be an Interior Health site that you could apply to.”

Bagabuyo began working for Interior Health in 2012. He worked as a nurse in Overlander Residential Care in Kamloops, then would continue working for the local health authority, moving to Ponderosa, Royal Inland Hospital, then Gillis House where he became a Team Lead and eventually Clinical Operations Manager.

“This is such a professional environment,” said Bagabuyo. “Their hiring process is very professional, all my managers

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First Nations, and local governments on solutions to concerns around cutting permits. The Ministry also noted that they are engaging local communities on an approach to forestry management that they expect will lead to collaborative decisions for the region.

For more information on the provincial government’s new announce- ment, including the full details of their new plan, visit news.gov. bc.ca/28240.

4th Meridian Art & Auctions

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

Online Galler y & Shop: w w w 4 t h m e r i d i a n c a info@4thmeridian.ca

Visit in person: Thurs - Sat

CALL or check Website for current hours #104 1475 Fair view Rd, Penticton inside the historic Canner y Trade Centre

Accepting Consignments: ART, POTTERY small furnishings

Welcome To

Kindergarten 2023 Student Registration

The Board of Education of School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen)

Kindergar ten establishes a strong foundation for lifelong learning , as teachers provide dynamic, play-based oppor tunities to help each child grow and learn. Our child-centered programs de velop a sense of well-being and belonging and offer oppor tunities for exploring , creative play, de veloping language and literacy while focusing on social responsibility and cultural diversity

Kindergar ten provides our young learners with an enriched learning experience at their own unique de velopmental le vel. We look forward to working with each Kindergar ten child’s family as we welcome you to your child’s ne w school community

Please visit our website www.sd58.bc.ca for a complete overvie w of our online registration process.

Registration Schedule

Monday to Friday: March 6 to 17, 2023

For September, 2023:

To register, a child must be 5 years of age on, or before, December 31, 2023.

Parents should register their child at the neighbourhood school.

Please visit our website www.sd58.bc.ca for a complete overvie w of our online registration process.

If you are unable to register online, please contact your neighbourhood school.

When registering online you will need your child’s Bir th Cer tificate, immunization record, Care Card and proof of address when registering

Parents interested in a Kindergar ten distance education program for their child, can contact the South Central Interior Distance Education School at 250-378-4245

Parents wishing to enrol their child in the French Immersion Program are required to register at Collettville Elementary

If you have any questions, please contact your neighbourhood school:

DIAMOND VALE ELEMENTARY

MERRITT BENCH ELEMENTARY

• 250 - 378 - 2514

• 250 - 378 - 2528

MERRITT CENTRAL ELEMENTARY

NICOLA-CANFORD ELEMENTARY

COLLETTVILLE ELEMENTARY

• 250 - 378 - 9931

• 250 - 378 - 2172

• 250 - 378 - 2230