020713-nenews

February 7, 2013 - Vol. 10 - No. 6

Inside

Site C justifiable despite wildlife disturbances: BC Hydro

By Kyla Corpuz

MDI talks continue - Page 3

Class wins NEAT award - Page 18

Idle No More in FSJ - Page12

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FORT ST. JOHN – BC Hydro’s Environmental Impact Statement maintains that Site C is the most viable solution to meet the province’s growing energy demands despite the displacement of wild life, rare ecosystems, homes and First Nation lands. “We’ve identified the four key areas that ‌ cannot be mitigated,â€? said Siobhan Jackson, socio-economic and heritage manager for BC Hydro’s Site C project, which are fish, ecological features and rare plants, habitat for certain migratory birds and use of culturally important places for First Nations. “But we’ve also considered that with any project there are going to be affects, and with the balance of those things we propose the project as justified.â€?

Site C is the third hydroelectric dam proposed by BC Hydro. The cost rings in at $7.9 billion. The reservoir would cover approximately 9,300 hectares and flood over 5,500 hectares of the Peace valley.

The impact statement outlines at-risk species such as the Arctic graying in the Moberly River, bull trout that spawn in the Halfway River and mountain whitefish that rely on Peace River habitat—all which may be lost. While those species would likely diminish during the construction of the dam, according to the EIS, remaining fish species within the reservoir would experience higher levels of methylmercury (MeHg).

The report predicts levels of MeHg to heighten in whitefish, walleye and trout. As a result, the report recommends a decrease in bull and rainbow trout for human consumption. “While MeHg concentrations in fish would temporarily increase within the proposed Site C reservoir, the potential health risks associated with MeHg exposure from fish consumption needs to be carefully weighed against the health benefits of fish consumption,� the report reads.

The current recommendation by Health Canada to eat rainbow trout (the most commonly eaten fish in the northeast region), without exceeding the provisional tolerable daily intake of MeHg, is 14 servings per week (for pregnant women) and 32 servings per week for other adults. If the project goes through the recommended servings per week would drop by 75 per cent.

It would take 10 to 15 years for the fish to return to normal MeHg levels, according to the report, which adds that the numbers given are based on conservative assumptions that are not likely to have been underestimated.

In addition to the impacts Site C would have on aquatic life, various types of migratory birds: Canada, Cape May and Bay-breasted Warblers, Yellow Rail and Nelson’s Sparrow, would all be affected by the construction of the reservoir.

The dam would flood Bear Flats, Farrell Creek and Attachie—“permanently� impacting access to these areas considered significant in traditional and cultural use by surrounding First Nations. At least 20 homes would also be displaced through the realignment of Highway 29, which is needed to create the reservoir.

These potential changes have garnered the attention and opposition of local and international environmental groups, some who have been fighting against the construction and consideration of Site C since the 80s (when the mega project was first proposed).

However, despite the anticipated affects the dam would trigger, Dave Conway communications manager for BC Hydro’s Site C project, insists Site C makes the best financial case for renewable energy in B.C. “We believe at the end, when you look at the overall impacts of the project and the net benefit to the province of British Columbia and the BC Hydro rate payers, that the project should proceed. It does have the majority of impacts that can be

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Dave Conway, communications manager for BC Hydro’s Site C project, stands with a model of the Site C dam in the Peace river. mitigated through careful planning and mitigation plans and monitoring.�

In the EIS’ executive summary Site C is compared to wind, run-of-river and biomass resources as well as thermal generation resources in the form of simplecycle gas turbines and pumped storage.

While Site C has the largest footprint and affected stream length, according to the EIS, it has the lowest green house gas emissions and energy cost. Site C also favours in producing the highest construction and operation jobs as well as construction GDP. “Based on the analysis of alternative resource options, the project provides the best combination of financial, technical, environmental and economic development attributes,� reads the report.

Similar to the WAC Bennett dam, Site C would have high capital costs up front and a “very low operating cost,� according to Conway. “The WAC Bennett dam is a perfect example of that considered very expensive when it was built and today is considered a bargain—much like buying a home,�

Conway said.

Continued on Page 8

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Page 2

February 7, 2013

Northeast NEWS

Teachers’ union to enter negotiations with province

By Jill Earl

DAWSON CREEK - The B.C. Teachers’ Federation and the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association will start bargaining over teachers’ contracts this month after a successful agreement for the terms of bargaining, reached on Jan. 26.

Key elements of the framework for bargaining include: exchanging proposals between parties before Mar. 1, appointing a mutually agreed-to facilitator to assist with collective bargaining, developing a common data study to reach an agreement on item costs brought to the table, and deciding which issues will be negotiated at a provincial table and which at local tables.

“We’re really hopeful in that we did get the framework for bargaining agreed to which I think is a very positive step, we’re just hoping that is it a more positive time for negotiations this round,” said Lorraine MacKay, president of the Peace River South Teachers’ Association.

The current contract that was settled late last June took the parties over a year of bargaining and labour tension to come to an agreement. Teachers’ contracts expire in June 2013. In an attempt to make this round of negotiations go smoother, the government has introduced a framework for long term stability in education and labour peace outlined in ‘Working together for Students’; in hopes to achieve a 10-year contract with the teachers. The framework includes a new bargaining process and sets timelines for negotiations.

During this round of bargaining the BCPSEA intends to call on the assistance of a mediator if an agreement hasn’t been reached by Jun. 30, if an agreement still hasn’t been made by Jul. 15 then the mediator will issue recommendations. The government will provide an alternative offer by Aug. 7 if both par-

GATEWAY perspectives Kitimat: A safe option There’s no mistaking the importance of Kitimat, B.C., to the Gateway project. It’s where the pipeline ends, and it’s where marine operations begin.

I’d like to set the record straight on why we chose Kitimat, at the head of the Douglas Channel, as the site for Gateway’s marine terminal. The answer took thousands of hours of research, planning, engineering, environmental science, oceanography consultation, weather monitoring, and simulation. But the simple reason is . . . safety, all the way.

The Douglas Channel is one of the widest and deepest inland waterways on North America’s west coast.

Government research had already determined Kitimat to be among the safest ports in B.C., and about 1,500 tankers carrying petrochemicals have docked safely at Kitimat over the past quarter-century.

Strategically speaking, Kitimat provides the lowest environmental risk for all aspects of Gateway operations. It offers a safer endpoint for the pipeline route, from a geotechnical perspective.

The marine terminal at Kitimat also provides safe approaches for tanker traffic — with a suitable turning basin in Kitimat Arm, and natural deep-water

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ties reject the mediator’s recommendations. If the BCTF rejects both the government and mediator’s offers, then they must issue a strike notice by Aug. 31. Schools will not be open if the BCTF strikes, unless they agree not to disrupt school operations until a settlement is reached.

“The last round of labour negotiations was difficult and prolonged, and as usual students and classrooms were disrupted across our system. This is nothing new in the history of our negotiations. I believe our children deserve better than this. It is time to set this behind us and embark on a more collaborative way of doing things,” said Minister of Education Don McRae in a press release.

As a part of the new bargaining process, the province is proposing that negotiations don’t include “barriers in the current bargaining model” such as educational funding and policy matters because it “distracts the parties from serious bargaining of working conditions and terms of employment,” states their ‘Working together for Students’ document.

MacKay and the BCTF believe that their proposal to exclude barriers includes negotiating class size and composition—one of their top priorities in bargaining last year and again this year.

“The fact of them taking it out of collective bargaining means that we will really have no control over it, it means it will be decided by the council, and we won’t really have a forum, or a good place to have arguments and discussions about it,” MacKay said.

The council that MacKay refers to is a new Education Policy Council, proposed in the framework. The council would include representatives from government, BCTF, and school board trustees. The council’s role would be to advise government on public education policy priorities and allot a proposed $100-million Priority Education Investment Fund.

The $100-million would start in the third year of the contract, after the Learning Improvement Funds have discontinued. The ‘Working together

berths that are sheltered from openwater wave conditions.

At its very narrowest, the Douglas Channel is 1.4 kilometres wide — three times wider than Transport Canada’s recommended width for two-way tanker traffic. Water depths in the marine channels are up to several hundred metres.

As an added measure, full simulations of vessel traffic in the Douglas Channel were carried out at a world-leading facility in Denmark. It tested the largest proposed vessels in environmental conditions that tankers would experience in the marine channels. The result was a thumbs-up on the shipping route, endorsed by both government departments and the British Columbia Coast Pilots.

Why Kitimat? Why the Douglas Channel?

It’s the safe option for Gateway.

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for Students’ document is unclear whether $100 million will be allotted each year (after the second year) of contracts and the basis for determining this funding amount. MacKay is skeptical about the amount.

“Even $100 million is not going to catch up for how much money the government hasn’t been investing into education. The government hasn’t been spending enough to keep up with inflation, for many years,” she said.

MacKay states that compensation is one of the teachers’ top priorities this year, as it was in the last round of bargaining. She says that in comparison to other provinces teachers in B.C. are bring paid $10,000-$14,000 less. Government’s framework attempts to remedy this is by combining their compensation to other major labour groups such as nurses, college faculty and government employees. Over the last 10 years the average annual increase for these groups was two per cent.

MacKay says that the idea of tying wages to other groups makes the union uncomfortable since no increase is guaranteed.

“We have no idea what other unions will be able to negotiate in the future, but we feel uncomfortable tying our future to the ability of other unions to negotiate contracts, particularly when there is no catch up at all for teachers,” she said.

Another concern of the BCTF is that in the past other employee unions have had a raise based on what they could save in their budgets by implementing changes in policy.

“How could we possibly save anything? We don’t produce anything; to me it only works if you produce something. We’ve looked at it and cannot see a way we can go and save money and still produce high quality education for kids,” MacKay said.

Though the BCTF have already stated some concerns about the 10-year contract framework, government is hopeful the parties can come to an agreement.

“Imagine an education system where it is normal for a student in Grade 2 today to graduate in 10 years without his or her classroom ever being disrupted by job action.

“Imagine what this would mean to teachers—to be able to focus on their students in a stable learning environment, and at the same time, have a real voice in their relationship with government,” McRae said.

21/12/12 2:55 PM

801-118 AVE DAWSON CREEK

Northeast NEWS

February 7, 2013

Focus turns from MDI to LP’s accountability Company wanting to use controversial resin addresses law suit history

By Kyla Corpuz FORT ST. JOHN – Conversations over the use of MDI, a resin feared by some North Peace residents yet favoured by the local OSB plant, continued throughout last week.

MDI (methylene diphenyl isocyanate) is a widely used resin in OSB plants across North America; it is used to bind orient strand boards together. In the OSB industry MDI is seen as a better alternative to phenol formaldehyde (currently used in Peace Valley OSB) because though it’s more costly, it requires less of it to get the job done at a quicker pace. It’s also known to be more environmentally sound.

However, the common use of the resin still doesn’t sit well with some Fort St. John residents.

On Jan. 29, 10 locals spoke to an audience of 100 people at Baldonnel Elementary School, where they voiced their concerns and first-hand accounts with PV OSB. The open-mic organizer, Sandra Cushway and Area C electorate Arthur Hadland called for the application to be withdrawn.

For one of the speakers, Denise Babiy, her opposition came at a personal level. Babiy is an asthmatic—and the resin PV OSB is hoping to use is known to cause asthma and permanent sensitization. “MDI is a health hazard for everyone, and in particular those such as myself with respiratory issues.�

According to Work Safe BC short-term exposure to isocyanates can cause dermatitis and irritation or burns to the eyes, nose, and throat. It goes on to say that workers who become sensitized can no longer be exposed to isocyanate without experiencing a reaction—often a severe one. There are two types of isocyanates: MDI and TDI. Work Safe BC states that MDI is the less hazardous of the two.

PV OSB general manager, Ian Coote, acknowledge that there are health hazards to work with the resin if it’s misused.

However he said it is safe to handle within the threshold PV OSB has applied for, which is .054 kilograms per hour. “MDI is like any chemical, that if it’s used improperly it does have adverse effects,� said Coote. “If it’s used within the safe thresholds then it won’t have negative impacts, we’ve had experience.

We’ve demonstrated with other facilities that we can use it with-

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in safe thresholds.�

Coote said extensive employee training would be provided to staff members. “You don’t want people in our plant saying this is nothing; we want people in our plant to have a healthy respect for it and understand what the safe limits are, what the personal protection equipment is required, so they have a healthy respect for the product—so they protect themselves at all times.�

If the resin is approved MDI supplier, Huntsman, will be in Fort St. John for employee training.

Following an MDI open house on Jan. 30, a panel of experts: Coote, PV OSB’s environmental manager, Louisiana-Pacific (LP) executives, air quality testers, environmentalists and representatives from Huntsman, answered questions from a range of concerned residents. The experts travelled from across Canada and the United States. Approximately 100 people attended.

Upon permit approval, MDI would be transported by rail and arrive at the plant uncured. The panelists couldn’t give an exact amount of MDI that would be stored at the plant, only that it would take up one of the existing storage tanks.

PV OSB’s permit also states that the maximum amount of phenol formaldehyde levels used at the plant will stay the same in addition to the maximum levels of MDI used. Coote added, however, that they wouldn’t run both resins, it would be a trade off between the use of phenol formaldehyde and MDI. While there was uneasiness about the use of MDI, uncertainty started to veer into LP’s accountability.

In the late 80s and early 90s LP faced a number of civil law suits, which has since jeopardized North Peace residents’ trust in the company. “I personally wouldn’t be in favour of any company using MDI ‌ but this company was the worst at violating health and safety regulations. Simply put, I don’t feel this company is trustworthy and the thought of them being permitted to use MDI scares me immensely,â€? said Babiy during the open-mic session on Jan. 29.

Despite a taunting past, Coote said after LP dealt with the history of lawsuits, in 1996 the board of directors dismissed the “entire� management team. “Just before I joined [LP] they formed, for the first time ever, an environmental department. Since that time every LP management has a professional on site looking after our regulatory compliance,� said Coote.

While it seems LP has been working to clean up their track record (LP was recognized three out of four years by the US Environmental Protection Agency as the safest building products

Kyla Corpuz

Residents attend an open house by Peace Valley OSB on Jan. 30. company) two residents say they are still dealing with effects caused by two PV OSB ponds flooding on their property.

Greg Hammond and Dixie Modde live on separate properties in close proximity to PV OSB. In 2007 and 2011 the mill’s log run-off containment pond and fire retention pond flooded.

Both residents say the flooding ruined their land. Hammond testified that the grass once covered in water hasn’t grown back since 2007, and Modde claims the trees on her property subdued in the flood are starting to die. Hammond and Modde are now uncertain about the value of their land and the company altogether.

According to Coote the fire retention pond is clean water, however the log run-off pond contains aspen bark. He added that the ponds do not carry any processed water. “The only discharge from our mill and building is the domestic sewer line, we do not have any processed water discharge.

All the process water already utilized is either recycled or evaporated.�

The Ministry of Environment is still taking any concerns or comments from the public regarding the MDI application; a decision on the permit won’t be made until the end of June 2013.

PV OSB filed the application to use MDI last November. The plant is currently owned by a joint venture between LP and Canfor, Canfor is in the process of selling its stake to LP.

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Page 4

Northeast NEWS

February 7, 2013

Page 5

Teck’s Quintette mine still awaits regulator’s approval

By Jill Earl TUMBLER RIDGE - Teck Resources Limited could have to wait another five months before hearing if their project, reopening the Quintette mine, gets the go-ahead from regulators at the Mine Development Review Committee.

In the meantime, TRL has focused their attention on community engagement, like the public open house they hosted Jan. 30 at the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre. The public information session was the third one they have held since fall 2011 and was meant to provide the public with some technical details of the project, the regulatory process and what is being proposed to mitigate concerns around vegetation, wild life management and water management.

TLR welcomed approximately 75 people to their information session last Wednesday, a decrease from the 210 who showed up to the one they held last October. Communications liaison for TRL Ray Proulx expects the decrease was due to the amount of new information that was being presented during October’s session. Proulx says no new information was released during this session.

“Our commitment to ensuring that we’re operating the mine in a responsible fashion and in a way that the public feels comfortable, so essentially it was another touching base with the community as to what’s being proposed,” Proulx said.

“We also wanted to further inform people as to what the regulatory process was that was reviewing our project and highlighting the ways in which people can submit their feedback, questions or concerns,” he adds.

Proulx says that in his engagement with the community of Tumbler Ridge and outlining areas residents seem to be A O excited about the possibility of the project coming into fruiInc tion.

He says their concerns are mainly centered around employment and contracting opportunities. They are also curious of how TRL plans to house the workforce of approximately 500 people the mine will need to operate; a problem Proulx said they are still pursuing their options for.

HD Mining has suffered some serious public backlash surrounding their decision to hire temporary foreign workers for their underground mine project, also in Tumbler Ridge.

KEN DAVIS Proulx says that TRL’s mines 250-784-3872 • 1-877-996-7465 in the Elk Valley have hired www.AllProHomeInspection.ca • Ken@AllProHomeInspection.ca temporary foreign workers, but doesn’t expect the Quintette QUESTION: mine to need to pull from forWhy should I use chalking or silicone eign labour pools.

ANSWER: “Our particular mines are The main purpose of using sealant in your home is to fill joints and gaps between conventional truck and shovel, building materials and to form a seal that keeps water penetration and air so it’s something that a North infiltration at bay. While sealants may seem like a small detail, they can contribute to the development of large problems if they fail and allow moisture to get into American market, as far as the the walls. employee pool that is out there, So What is sealant? is much more familiar with.

Sealants are glue-like material capable of being shaped or formed and are So we’re not using specialized generally used between building panels or between different components of the technology that would prevent house. They quickly cure and transform into flexible semi-solid materials that us from recruiting qualified Careduce the flow of water, air,dust and smoke. nadians,” said Proulx.

Sealants can provide seals around windows, doors,dryer vents and other types of penetrations such as pipes, chimneys and electrical wires. Sealants can allow for “It’s a matter of crossing that slight movement of different parts of the home caused by changing temperatures, bridge when we come to it. We strong windsor humidity. Most buildings materials joined by sealants will expand do have a great deal of interest when getting warmer or wetter and shrink when cooling or drying out. Sealants help to ensure that the home functions properly in these changing conditions. in the project already, it basically comes down do whether Lack of maintenance and replacement of aged or degraded sealants can cause

we’re able to attract the people we need in the time that we need…there aren’t any plans at this stage but it’s something we can’t categorically disqualify as an option,” he said.

Potential workers have already started to submit their resumes and TRL has already hired 55 people, if they are approved the recruitment process will go quickly. He says that they have also worked closely with regional First Nations on matters relating to equitable benefit and indigenous rights associated with the project.

TRL operated the Quintette mine from 1982-2000. They closed the mine due to market conditions and laid-off approximately 600 people. Improved market conditions convinced them to attempt to reopen the mine.

TRL seeks to bring its annual coal production up to 31 million tonnes per year by 2014 between their five mines in the Elk Valley, one in Hinton and the Quintette mine which would attribute for approximately 3 million tonnes to 3.5 million tonnes of that total.

“We are planning for a minimum 12-year mine [for the Quintette mine] life with potential for future expansion in the same deposit, and like I mentioned, Mt. Duke, which is south east of Peace River Coal’s Trend mine, is another area of interest of ours that will be explored in the coming years,” Proulx said.

If the project is approved by mid 2013, Proulx predicts production could start within the first half of 2014.

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Page 6

February 7, 2013

Northeast NEWS

EDITORIAL

WAITING FOR PIMM’S RESPONSE TO SHEPARD ENERGY Dear Mr Pimm, I am still waiting for a reply to our letter, dated October 12,2012 in which we had requested that you as our MLA clearly state your position regarding a Shepard Energy type natural gas generating facility.

I understand that the Site C/ Shepard facility issue may well be a “hot pototoe” in your hands, particularly in view of the fact that the natural gas industry will continue to be one of the main sources of our prosperity in this area. So, why not support this industry by using some of the gas here to generate electricity instead of shipping it to foreign markets?

There can be no doubt that Site C will result in massive detrimental impacts. Some may be reduced in scope by mitigation; others cannot. It will be the local population who will have to bear the burdens for a long time. The city’s Site C position paper clearly confirms that there are many unresolved concerns, not just for First Nations and people living in or near the valley, but for a substantial segment of the North Peace population. For this reason alone, it is of paramount importance that all politicians (including you) to have a long hard look at the very attractive, highly efficient and cost effective alternative to Site C. The capital costs for a Shepard Energy type facility will be 1/6 the cost of a Site C (for identical megawatts of power) and as a bonus will have a miniscule footprint on the land.

Mr. Coleman, Min. of Energy and Deputy Premier, in a recent letter to us stated- “At a cost per megawatt hour ranging from $87-$95, Site C would be among the most cost effective resource options to help meet BC’s future electricity needs”. It is interesting to note that Mr Coleman says, “among the most cost-effective”. This means that there are clearly other resource options and natural gas is definitely one of them. Shepard Energy will be SELLING electricity to its customers at 8 cents per kilowatt-hour. (or $80.-00 per megawatt-hour) This is clearly CHEAPER than what BC Hydro will be producing the power through a Site C project. Why is this government on the one

hand praising the benefits of natural gas and on the other hand in denial when it comes to using natural gas for generating electricity in BC? Finally, somewhat off topic, I have noticed , (as have all citizens of this province) the very generous attitude of the provincial government when it comes to spending BC taxpayer money - $15 million for self serving ad campaigns, stating “Canada

Starts Here” and $11 million for bringing a Bollywood Awards Ceremony to BC at a time when the same government has built up a deficit of $1.5 Billion dollars. In your reply, Mr Pimm, please feel free to comment on this issue as well.

Yours truly, Mike Kroecher Fort St. John, B.C.

‘Wonderful to see ordinary citizens confronting corporate greed’ Dear Editor, The “Occupy”, “Idle No More” movements and the strong resistance to the Enbridge Pipelines are crucial for the social injustice for Canadians and it’s wonderful to see ordinary citizens confronting corporate greed. We can no longer afford to be door mats. Sadly, Canadians cannot count on social or economic justice from their current corporate controlled governments and must stand strong and fight for their own rights. I believe Proportional Representation would solve many of our problems, but that is another issue. We seem to be overlooking the terribly polluting, depleting, destructive nature of the proposed LNG industry that gets larger every day. They now propose two 48” pipelines from Northeast B.C. to the West Coast to

feed several LNG plants and who knows how many more in the future. Besides the environmental and ecological concerns, these enormous pipelines will suck Western Canada dry of resources in a few short years. We live in the second coldest country on Earth. The heat we get from our natural gas is not optional. We cannot live without it. We cannot afford to deplete our natural gas resource. The current proposed LNG industry will do nothing good for our country or our people. Foreign corporations are already taking billions of dollars worth of Canada’s resources everyday. We are paid virtually nothing for these resources. Payment of royalties on all Canadian resource extraction must be made mandatory. It is nothing but foreign corporate greed. They are taking too much, too fast. One 36” line, or two 24” lines

would be more than adequate for a sustainable LNG industry.

After these common sense restrictions are put in place, a permanent moratorium must be placed on supply expansion and delivery for the LNG industry. This would give some small measure of sustainability to the LNG industry and some small measure of security for future generations. It would greatly reduce global pollution and our climate change problems as well. If we are to survive in this country and on this planet, we must bring common sense and sustainable extraction and export limits to what has become the insane, unlimited extraction of our precious resources. If we don’t have sustainability, we have less than nothing. It is long past the time for Canada’s governments to start showing some responsibility for looking after us by using our

Continued on Page 7.

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www.northeastnews.ca • 9909-100 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 1Y4 • Phone toll free 1-877-787-7030 • Phone: 250-787-7030 • Fax: 250-787-7090 Email: editor@northeastnews.ca • salesmanager@northeastnews.ca • sales@northeastnews.ca • info@northeastnews.ca • reporter@northeastnews.ca 1509B Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC V1J 1Z9 • Phone: 250-782-7060 • Fax: 250-782-7066 lisa@northeastnews.ca • news@northeastnews.ca

Brenda Piper Publisher /Sales Manager Fort St. John

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Jill Earl Reporter Dawson Creek

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Northeast NEWS

February 7, 2012

Letter to the Editor

CONSERVATIVES IGNORE HOUSING NEED

Page 7

CONFRONTING CORPORATE GREED Continued from Page 6

resources in a profitable, sustainable manner. Our governments have long been allowing the Dear Editor, world’s governments and corporations to have their way with our country and our resources.

While cities and provinces are working hard on the pressing lack of affordable housing for I write to bring awareness Canadians, MP Bob Zimmer and the Conservatives are quietly getting the federal government out and hopefully some positive of it. change for us, our world and An estimated 150,000 to 300,000 Canadians are homeless and thirteen percent don’t have access future generations. Thank you. to affordable housing with enough bedrooms for their family. Some families of nine live in apart- Ed Pitt ments for two because that’s all they can afford.

Dawson Creek, B.C. Our housing needs are not being met and the instability this causes in people’s lives has a tremendous economic cost—you can’t prepare your resume on a street corner. Nor is it cheap for taxpayers: the costs of medical care, shelters and day programs for the homeless are more expensive than providing them a place to live.

Yet instead of putting resources in to fix the problem, the fedNubbin is a eral government is actually pulling back support. Over the next ten years, federally-funded mortgages are coming due for houssweet but very ing co-operatives that provide affordable housing. Tied to those energetic Cocker mortgages are operating agreements that provide vital funding Spaniel Poodle. She for the co-ops and there are no plans to renew these subsidies. loves to mommy the Without them, over 200,000 of the most vulnerable Canadians could lose their homes. new kitten in the The Conservatives are quietly booking $1.6 billion in annual house. “savings” from this cut to affordable housing and have no plans Email your pet’s photo to to reinvest the money. editor@ And that’s not the end of it: the federal Investment in Affordable Housing Program expires in 2014, but the Conservatives northeastnews.ca for a have still not begun negotiation for its renewal. It could get rolled chance to win a special 5”X7” Oval into a general infrastructure fund, moving this money out of prize from the North Peace LED Driving Light housing.

Veterinary Clinic Why is this happening? Because Mr. Zimmer and the Conser$ ea vatives believe housing is a provincial responsibility and want to 1 pet will be chosen each week and will be get out of it—they even said so in the 2006 Budget. featured in the Northeast News.

That’s just wrong. The Liberal Party believes that the opportuPhone (250) 785-7907 Each pet chosen will be entered into a draw nity to succeed begins with a roof over your head. By investing in for a monthly prize supplied by the Toll Free 1-888-830-9909 affordable housing, the federal government could help put some North Peace Veterinary Clinic 9604-112 Street, Fort St. John, BC of the most at-risk Canadians back on their feet, living healthy lives and contributing to the economy.

It’s time the federal government to do more for affordable housing, not less.

Pet Photo of the Week

395

Yours sincerely, John McCallum, MP Liberal Party Housing Critic

...because we live here.

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT

Independent Land Information & Advocacy Office (Farmers’ Advocacy Office) Request for Service The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is seeking Request for Services (Invitation to Quote) to operate an Independent Land and Advocacy Office (Farmers’ Advocacy Office).

The Farmers’ Advocacy Office provides direction on where to find information, disseminates current oil and gas related information contracts and resource locations, promotes understanding through education, provides basic client service where applicable, and leadership with regard to the listed services: 1. Providing an effective, independent “information hub” to existing regulatory, legislated and other services that are presently intended to address the concerns of rural land owners with oil and gas developments; 2. Working to ensure residents achieve a full understanding of the information and promoting proactive pre-planning to protect the interests of rural landowners; and 3. Gathering and disseminating land valuation information from surface lease agreements as necessary background knowledge for landowners to negotiate and learn what is genuinely accepted practise for comparison purposes.

This contract position also involves strategic leadership in responding to critical issues involving rural landowners that may be agriculture or non-agriculture in scope. The position liaises with numerous agencies and brings a vital perspective to numerous cross-ministry initiatives in a sensitive political environment.

This 5 year renewable contract opportunity is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Peace River Regional District, the Ministry of Energy Mines and Natural Gas, and the Ministry of Agriculture. The contract will be awarded by the Peace River Regional District and managed by a four member Farmers’ Advocate Management Committee.

If you are interested in submitting a proposal to operate the Farmers’ Advocacy Office please acquire a Request for Service package from www.prrd.bc.ca or a hard copy of the package from the Peace River Regional District offices in Dawson Creek or Fort St. John. Proposals will be accepted up to 4:00 PM (local time), February 18th, 2013.

Submit proposals (1 hard copy and 1 electronic copy) to the attention of Fred Banham, CAO: Peace River Regional District Box 810, 1981 Alaska Avenue Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4H8

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Site C EIS

Continued from Front Page.

While Site C has the largest footprint and affected stream length, according to the EIS, it has the lowest green house gas emissions and energy cost. Site C also favours in producing the highest construction and operation jobs as well as construction GDP. “Based on the analysis of alternative resource options, the project provides the best combination of financial, technical, environmental and economic development attributes,” reads the report.

Similar to the WAC Bennett dam, Site C would have high capital costs up front and a “very low operating cost,” according to Conway.

“The WAC Bennett dam is a perfect example of that considered very expensive when it was built and today is considered a bargain—much like buying a home,” Conway said.

While opponents to Site C have proposed alternatives like gas plants, Conway said the hydroelectric dam remains the better choice.

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WISE BUYERS READ THE LEGAL COPY: Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers may be cancelled at any time without notice. Dealer order or transfer may be required as inventory may vary by dealer. See your Ford Dealer for complete details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. ◆Offer valid from January 15, 2013 to February 28, 2013 (the “Offer Period”). “First Three Bi-Weekly Payments on Us” (the “Offer”) applies up to a total maximum amount of [$500] / [$750] / [$1,000] / [$1,750] (all three bi-weekly payments in total) (the “Maximum Amount”) per eligible 2013 [Focus (excluding ST and BEV), Fiesta] / [Fusion, Escape, Focus ST, Focus BEV, CMAX] / [Mustang, Taurus, Edge, Explorer, Flex, F-150] / [Expedition] – all Shelby GT500, F-150 Raptor, Transit Connect, F-Series Super Duty, F-650/F-750 Lincoln models excluded (each an “Eligible Vehicle”) to customers who finance or lease an Eligible Vehicle during the Offer Period through Ford Credit or the FALS program on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit Canada. For customers making monthly payments, the first three bi-weekly payment amounts will be calculated by multiplying the monthly payment by 12, dividing the resulting amount by 26, and multiplying the resulting amount by three. In most cases, the customer will be responsible for making all scheduled payments in accordance with his or her purchase or lease agreement but will receive a cheque from the dealer for an amount equivalent to the first three bi-weekly payments, including tax, up to the Maximum Amount. The means by which the Offer will be executed by dealers to customers will vary based on the type of purchase or lease agreement - see dealer for full details. Offer not available to cash purchase customers. This offer can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford at either the time of factory order or delivery, but not both. This offer is not combinable with any CFIP, CPA, GPC, or Daily Rental incentives. †Until February 28, 2013, receive as low as 0% APR purchase financing on new 2013 Ford [Fusion (excluding Hybrid, HEV, PHEV)]/ [Taurus (excluding SE), Edge (excluding SE), Escape (excluding S)]/[Focus (excluding S, ST and BEV), Fiesta (excluding S)], models for a maximum of [48]/ [60]/ [72] months to qualified retail customers, on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest interest rate. Example: $30,000 purchase financed at 0% APR for 48/ 60/ 72 months, monthly payment is $625.00/ $500.00/ $416.67, cost of borrowing is $0 or APR of 0% and total to be repaid is $30,000. Down payment on purchase financing offers may be required based on approved credit from Ford Credit. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price. ‡Until February 28, 2013, receive $500/ $1,000/ $2,000/ $2,500/ $3,500/ $5,000/ $6,500/ $7,000/$7,500/$8,000 in Manufacturer Rebates with the purchase or lease of a new 2013 Focus (excluding S, ST, BEV), Fiesta, F-150 Regular Cab XL 4x2 (Value Leader)/ Focus S, Mustang V6 Coupe, Taurus SE, Edge FWD (excluding SE), E-Series/ Transit Connect (excluding electric), F-350 to F-550 Chassis Cabs / Mustang V6 Premium/ Mustang GT/ F-250 to F-450 gas engine (excluding Chassis Cabs)/ F-150 Regular Cab (excluding XL 4x2) non 5.0L /F-150 Regular Cab (excluding XL 4x2) 5.0L, F-250 to F-450 (excluding Chassis Cabs) Diesel engine/ F-150 Super Cab and Super Crew non 5.0L/ F-150 Super Cab and Super Crew 5.0L – all Raptor, GT500, BOSS302, Transit Connect EV and Medium Truck models excluded. This offer can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford of Canada at either the time of factory order or delivery, but not both. Manufacturer Rebates are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives. *Purchase a new 2013 Focus SE Sedan/2013 Escape SE FWD with 1.6L EcoBoost engine/2013 F-150 XLT Super Cab 4x4 with 5.0L engine for $18,999/$27,999/$30,999. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after Manufacturer Rebate of $500/$0/$8,000 has been deducted. Offers include freight and air tax of $1,650/$1,650/$1,700 but exclude variable charges of license, fuel fill charge, insurance, dealer PDI (if applicable), registration, PPSA, administration fees and charges, any environmental charges or fees, and all applicable taxes. All prices are based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Manufacturer Rebates can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford of Canada at either the time of factory order or delivery, but not both. Manufacturer Rebates are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives. ††Until February 28, 2013, receive 0%/1.49%/4.99% annual percentage rate (APR) purchase financing on a new 2013 Focus SE Sedan/2013 Escape SE FWD with 1.6L EcoBoost engine/2013 F-150 XLT Super Cab 4x4 with 5.0L engine for a maximum of 72 months to qualified retail customers, on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest APR payment. Purchase financing monthly payment is $264/$407/$499 (the sum of twelve (12) monthly payments divided by 26 periods gives payee a bi-weekly payment of $122/$188/$230 with a down payment of $0 or equivalent trade-in. Cost of borrowing is $0/$1,287.57/$4,935.70 or APR of 0%/1.49%/4.99% and total to be repaid is $18,999/$29,286.57/$35,934.70. Offers include a Manufacturer Rebate of $500/$0/$8,500 and freight and air tax of $1,650/$1,650/$1,700 but exclude variable charges of license, fuel fill charge, insurance, dealer PDI (if applicable), registration, PPSA, administration fees and charges, any environmental charges or fees, and all applicable taxes. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after Manufacturer Rebate deducted. Bi-Weekly payments are only available using a customer initiated PC (Internet Banking) or Phone Pay system through the customer’s own bank (if offered by that financial institution). The customer is required to sign a monthly payment contract with a first payment date one month from the contract date and to ensure that the total monthly payment occurs by the payment due date. Bi-weekly payments can be made by making payments equivalent to the sum of 12 monthly payments divided by 26 bi-weekly periods every two weeks commencing on the contract date. Dealer may sell for less. Offers vary by model and not all combinations will apply. ▼Program in effect from January 15, 2013 to April 1, 2013 (the “Program Period”). To qualify, customer must turn in a 2006 model year or older vehicle that is in running condition (able to start and move and without missing parts) and has been properly registered/plated or insured for the last 3 months (the “Criteria”). Eligible customers will receive [$500]/[$1,000]/[$2,500]/[$3,000] towards the purchase or lease of a new 2012 or 2013 Ford [C-Max, Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi]/[Fusion (excluding SE), Taurus (excluding SE), Mustang (excluding Value Leader), Escape (excluding XLT I4 Manual), Transit Connect (excluding EV), Edge (excluding SE), Flex (excluding SE), Explorer (excluding base)]/[F-150 (excluding Regular Cab 4x2 XL), Expedition, E-Series]/[F250-550] – all Fiesta, Focus, Raptor, GT500, BOSS 302, Transit Connect EV, Medium Truck, Value Leader and Lincoln models excluded (each an “Eligible Vehicle”). Taxes payable before Rebate amount is deducted. To qualify: (i) customer must, at the time of the Eligible Vehicle sale, provide the Dealer with (a) sufficient proof of Criteria, and (b) signed original ownership transferring customer vehicle to the Authorized Recycler; and (ii) Eligible Vehicle must be purchased, leased, or factory ordered during the Program Period. Offer only available to residents of Canada and payable in Canadian dollars. Offer is transferable only to persons domiciled with the owner of the recycled vehicle. Offer can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford at either the time of factory order or delivery, but not both. Offer not available on any vehicle receiving CPA, GPC, Commercial Connection or Daily Rental Rebates and the Commercial Fleet Rebate Program (CFIP).

Customers eligible for CFIP are not eligible for this offer. Limited time offer, see dealer for details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. ***Estimated fuel consumption ratings for 2013 Focus 2.0L I4 5-speed manual transmission: [7.8L/100km (36MPG) City, 5.5L/100km (51MPG) Hwy] / 2013 Escape FWD 1.6L GTDI I4 EcoBoost 6-speed automatic transmission: [9.1L/100km (31MPG) City, 6.0L/100km (47MPG) Hwy] / 2013 F-150 4X4 5.0L V8 6-speed automatic transmission: [15.0L/100km (19MPG) City, 10.6L/100km (27MPG) Hwy]. Fuel consumption ratings based on Transport Canada approved test methods. Actual fuel consumption will vary based on road conditions, vehicle loading, vehicle equipment, vehicle condition, and driving habits. **When properly equipped. Max. towing of 11,300 lbs with 3.5L EcoBoost 4x2 and 4x4 and 6.2L 2 valve V8 4x2 engines. Max. payload of 3,120 lbs with 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs GVWR vs. 2012/2013 competitors. ‡‡Max. horsepower of 411 and max. torque of 434 on F-150 6.2L V8 engine. Class is Full–Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs GVWR vs. 2012/2013 comparable competitor engines. ©2013 Sirius Canada Inc. “SiriusXM”, the SiriusXM logo, channel names and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. and are used under licence. ©2013 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

Northeast NEWS January 17, 2013 Page 8

“When you look at gas [plants] you have a small physical foot print [but] you have very high green house gas emissions, and you have an unstable price,” said Conway. “With large hydro you have a price stability.”

Jackson, Site C’s socio-economic and heritage manager, said with hydro “you know your price is going to come down and not be subject to market exposure.”

Site C would provide energy to the province’s domestic need (residential, industrial and commercial) for an estimated 100 years.

Available in most new Ford vehicles with 6-month pre-paid subscription

Northeast NEWS

February 7, 2013

The retirement conversion

There is also the taxing question about when and how to dispose of assets. Through years of investing, you may have accumulated sizeable unrealized capital gains. If you choose to realize them in a single year through a one-time disposition – for example to fund an annuity, – the result could be a significant tax hit. Instead, develop a taxreduction strategy now that will minimize taxes before retirement and through all your retirement years.

One strategy is to hold relatively more equity investments in the non-registered part of your portfolio and relatively more fixed-income securities in registered investments.

This strategy preserves the tax advantages of equity investments over fixed income investments.

When you know the right Join us at the Kenn Borek Aquatic Centre on tax-reducing conversion strategies and remain vigilant about paying less tax you’ll preserve your wealth and make your retirement as fulfilling and worry-free for a as possible. Your professional advisor can help you FREE SWIM and FREE CLIMB ! seize all of the tax strategies available to you and develSponsored by: op an investment approach The Masonic Lodge, Success by Six, that works best for you.

Children First, & the City of Dawson Creek

By Investors Group Submitted article To supplement your other sources of income, you will probably need to draw additional retirement income from your registered and non-registered investments. How you choose to do that may have a big impact on the stability of that income and on the size of your tax bill.

As you move closer to retirement age, you’ll be drawing on your accumulated wealth to meet retirement expenses – and with average life expectancy rising, that could be for many years.

That’s why it’s a good strategy to balance between capital preservation with less volatile investments that produce a regular and stable income, such as fixed income and dividend-producing investments and growth investments that can add to your retirement income and protect against inflation.

The impact of taxes on your retirement income depends on the sources of that income.

For example, if you generate your retirement income from a non-registered investment source that produces interest, the resulting income will be fully taxable. However, if your income is derived from selling non-registered equities the profit is a capital gain and the tax rate is reduced to 50%. Be aware that reporting large amounts of taxable income from all sources can result in the reduction of income-tested government benefits such as Old Age Security (OAS).

MONDAY, FEB 11 (Family Day)

Daphne Hogg Financial Consultant 9319 - 100 Avenue Fort St. John, BC V1J 1X8 Ph: 250-785-4312 Fax: 250-785-2344

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Pool Rule: Children 7yrs and under must be with a responsible person 16 years of age or older in the water, within arms reach at all times.

Email: daphne.hogg@investorsgroup.com RRSPS • INVESTMENTS • INSURANCE • RESPS • MORTGAGES

All persons under the age of 19 must have a waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian. Waivers may be picked up at the front desk at the pool.

Bring a pair of indoor shoes and comfortable clothes.

1 adult per 3 children 7yrs and under.

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Mortgage products are offered through I.G. Investment Management Ltd., Investors Group Trust Co. Ltd. is a trust company licensed to lend money in all jurisdictions in Canada.

Clients with mortgage inquiries will be referred to an Investors Group Mortgage Planning Specialist. Insurance products and services distributed through I.G. Insurance Services Inc. Insurance license sponsored by The Great-West Life Assurance Company.

IF WE REACH MAXIMUM CAPACITY, SWIMMERS AND CLIMBERS WILL HAVE TO WAIT

NEW LISTING 9312-112 Ave., Fort St. John, BC

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11488 Red Creek Rd Terri Paulovich

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250-785-5520 Office This acreage is ready for a terrip@remaxaction.ca new family! Located approx www.terrip.ca

20 minutes from FSJ, 5.79 acres, beautiful mature treas, large yard, lots of space for RV & toys, has a 30x40 shop, shed, & pond. 2006 modular, 3 bedrooms, ensuite & huge walk-in closet off master, open kitchen with an island, wood stove in the living room to help warm you up on those cold winter nights, beautiful deck off the kitchen. This home won’t last long, call today for your private viewing!

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250-261-1644 Direct

Lending Institutions Current Mortgage Rates Institute

Page 9

1 year 2 year 3 year 4 year closed closed closed closed

5 year 7 year 10 year closed closed closed

TD Canada Trust

n/a 4.60 6.55

2.75

4.20

4.75 4.24

4.59

6.60

6.70

Invis

n/a 3.35 n/a

2.39

2.49

2.69 2.99

3.09

3.79

3.89

Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce

4.00

4.45 4.00

3.00

3.14

3.70 4.39

5.24

5.95

6.75

Royal Bank

6.30

4.00 6.30

3.00

3.04

3.65 4.64

5.24

5.95

6.75

Centum

n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 3.

3.

3.

4.

Bank of Montreal

6.45

4.55 6.30

3.50

3.85

4.35 4.79

5.19

6.35

6.75

Scotiabank

6.45

4.55 6.50

2.99

3.89

2.79 4.39

3.99

3.79 n/a

North Peace Savings & Credit Union

n/a n/a 4.50

2.95

3.25

3.50 3.50

3.75

4.75

09

n/a

29

89

39

5.00

Note: Rates are provided for information purposes. Rates should be verified by Financial Institutions.

Volunteers are urgently needed to care for animals and assist with SPCA events. If you can help, please contact your local shelter today. www.spca.bc.ca

Page 10

Northeast NEWS

February 7, 2013

It’s our first

BC Family Day

Monday, February 11, 2013

Celebrate!

Enjoy time with your family

Jill Earl photo

Peter Batchelor has added the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal to the many he already wears for his service to the country. The medal was presented to Batchelor by Peace River South MLA, Blair Lekstrom on Feb. 2.

See what’s happening around BC, visit: www.bcfamilyday.ca

Jill Earl photo

Three teams of the Dawson Creek Volleyball Club hosted seven teams for a tournament last Saturday Feb. 2 at the Central and South Peace Campus of Dawson Creek Secondary School. The tournament served as a warm-up to the start of the season.

Vold, Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd.

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Dawson Creek Office: 250-782-3766 VJV Main Office: 403-783-5561 Cattle Sales, Don 301-116th Fessler: 250-719-5561 Fax: 250-782-6622 D C

MARKET REPORT JANUARY 31, 2013

SLAUGHTER CATTLE

On Thursday, January 31, 2013, 372 head of cattle went through our ring D1 - D2 Cows 64.00-70.00 D3 - D4 Cows 53.00-62.00 Holstein Cows N/A Heiferettes 65.00-80.00 Bologna Bulls 55.00-70.00 Feeder Bulls 70.00-90.00 Good Bred Cows N/A Good Bred Heifers N/A Milk Cows N/A Cow/ Calf Pairs (younger) N/A Cow/ Calf Pairs (older) N/A

STOCKERS AND FEEDERS Good Feeder Steers 1000 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 900 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 800 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 700 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 600 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 500 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 400 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 300 lbs Plus:

100.00-118.00 110.00-125.00 112.00-128.00 115.00-134.00 125.00-142.00 148.00-167.00 155.00-175.00 155.00-180.00

Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers

90.00-110.00 95.00-115.00 105.00-116.00 110.00-122.00 115.00-132.00 120.00-142.00 130.00-150.00 N/A

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(formerly called Peace Lutheran Care Centre)

A CHANGE IN FOCUS We are so grateful to the people of Fort St. John and area who have always been generous in helping us provide the residents of the North Peace Care Centre with: bedding, specialized chairs, warming cabinets, slings, oxygen equipment, electric ceiling liŌs, automaƟc doors, a bus, a gazebo, residents programs and much more.

North Peace Care Centre is now closed and the residents moved to Peace Villa, which is under the fundraising umbrella of the Hospital FoundaƟon.

Unfortunately, Canada Revenue does not permit more than one foundaƟon to fund raise for a facility.

Because we want to conƟnue to be of service to Fort St. John & area, we have redirected our focus onto the frail low-income elderly who are sƟll in their homes and challenged by the cost of the supplies required for their health care needs, the equipment for improved mobility, or the installaƟon of safety bars, etc.

The risk of falls for the elderly is great and oŌen leads to complicaƟons.

Families can someƟmes assist, but are not always in a posiƟon to help.

Next Cattle Sale - Thursday, February 7th

D

PEACE LUTHERAN CARE CENTRE FOUNDATION

Since 1994 accepƟng donaƟons for the beneĮt of the residents of North Peace Care Centre

With your donaƟon we can assist those whose low income makes it diĸcult for them to purchase what they require.

The need is great. Please assist us in the realizaƟon of this dream, that our aging pioneers are kept as safe and comfortable in their homes as possible.

No gift is too large or too small

THANK YOU FOR CARING! PEACE LUTHERAN CARE CENTRE FOUNDATION

Charitable Tax # 86648 5063 RR0001

Mailing address: #102, 9816 108th Avenue Fort St John BC V1J 5S4 For donation envelopes or further information call 250-787-0218

Northeast NEWS

February 7, 2013

Page 11

Page 12

Northeast NEWS

February 7, 2013

Idle No More movement ongoing

By Kyla Corpuz FORT ST. JOHN – The fight isn’t over. Idle No More supporters marched, once again, to MP Bob Zimmer’s office in attempts to meet with North Peace’s elected government official.

“We’re hoping to … have a meeting with Bob Zimmer and hopefully within that meeting will come support from our government levels and community levels to break down this misconceptions that exist around here,” said protest organizer Adrienne Greyeyes.

Zimmer has said the changes within the controversial omnibus Bill C-45 to streamline consultations allow for “economic development” on reserve land, which he says is beneficial for first nations.

“In all reality I don’t see how these bills could be supported,” said Greyeyes. “I hear how these are for first nations, but it’s really come in a paternalistic and disrespectful way, because it’s come in a way that is consistently telling first nations that this is what they need to do … and that needs to stop.”

Saulteau and West Moberly First Nations organized their own

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Idle No More supporters gather in front of MP Bob Zimmer’s office on Jan. 28.

Idle No More rally in mid-January.

West Moberly First Nations Chief Roland Willson has also heard how the omnibus bill is set to promote financial stability on reserve lands. “We’re not opposed to opportunity or jobs, but the impacts to the environment have to be taken into consideration—huge considerations,” said Willson. “Because at the end of the day, after mining is done and they’ve done their oil and gas, we still have to live here. And the way things are going right now, it’s not very good.”

Willson said last month he has yet to meet with the MP and discuss the changes being made through Bill C-45.

“They have to sit down and engage with us, they have to sit down and have these discussions. If they are so good for us how come we don’t know what they are?” questioned Rolland. “How come we don’t have no clue? None of these First Nations know

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what they are about. And why are they trying to speak through an omnibus bill?”

Idle No More supporter, Christy Fenton said the recent changes in federal law is “not just an issue about Native rights.” Fenton addressed the issue during a community open-mic session regarding an MDI application.

Fenton spoke about the impacts of Bill C-45 that she believes all Canadians should be paying closer attention to. “Under Bill C-45 we went from over 2 million protected water ways to just 97 lakes and 62 rivers, that’s less than one per cent of all Canadian water.”

Zimmer could not be reached in time for press. However, a representative from Zimmer’s office said the MP had only received one request for a meeting, which was Greyeyes, but no requests from West Moberly First Nations.

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Northeast NEWS

Seniors’ advocacy group to transition to Better at Home

February 7, 2013 things that just become serious stumbling blocks for life, and it would be pretty sad if someone had to consider leaving their home because they can’t mow their lawn anymore,” she said.

“Don’t be afraid of the name change, it’s not changing what we are, who we are or what we do,” Studley adds.

Page 13

Communities picked to host the project were based on consultation with provincial health authorities, regional United Ways, local organizations serving seniors, demographics and local conditions.

By Jill Earl DAWSON CREEK - Community Action for Seniors Independence will join 55 other communities throughout the province in hosting the Better at Home program; in part of $15 million the province has provided to the Lower Mainland’s United Way. The province announced the initiative that is a key part in their Seniors Action Plan on Jan. 28.

“We want to help seniors age with dignity and maintain their quality of life. Better at Home helps seniors stay engaged and independent. By providing seniors with the support they need, United Way helps prevent isolation, loneliness and related health problems,” said Michael McKnight, president and CEO of the United Way of the Lower Mainland in the press release.

Community Action for Seniors Independence (CASI) has helped seniors stay independent in their homes since launching in October 2010.

Program coordinator Linda Studley says that CASI’s transition to Better at Home will mean very little changes to their current program and services.

“This is almost a completely cosmetic sort of a change, there are some internal changes to reporting and you know data entry and that sort of thing, but it’s going to be the same people in the same place,” said Studley.

Seniors already enrolled in the program will be automatically registered with Better at Home.

The volunteers who provide services including snow removal, friendly visits, handyman tasks, yard work, transportation and housekeeping will also be automatically enrolled. All services are free except housekeeping, which program facilitators often have to hire people to do.

“As you might imagine, it can be difficult to find someone who wants to volunteer to clean a house, so we do pay the housekeepers to go in and do the cleaning, and depending on the seniors income, we offer a subsidy...the subsidy ranges from 30 per cent all the way up to 100 per cent,” Studley said.

Studley says that she will start making changes in the next month to be fully transitioned to Better at Home by April. The new program will continue to be hosted by the South Peace Seniors Access Services Society and the South Peace Community Resources Society.

“SPCRS has a lot of experience running programs and they have the infrastructure, and the Seniors Access program is very seniors oriented, it is a completely volunteer run, smaller agency but it has a lot of expertise around seniors’ issues,” she said about the program’s host agencies.

Right now, CASI is only serving Dawson Creek and they have no current plans to expand, but the seniors who are accessing their services are very grateful according to Studley. Conversely, she says volunteers are enjoying providing the service.

“It’s also very nice to hear the volunteers come in and say, ‘I have so much fun when I visit my senior,’ you know, ‘I learn so much.’ And that’s another really nice part of it too. It’s a friendly service it’s one of those things, it’s a win-win situation, that’s so hard to find.

“This is definitely a win-win-win, everybody gets something out of it,” she said.

Studley says the small services they offer make a big difference in the lives of seniors, and that they will continue doing so under the new program.

“The small things that we can help with, just occasional housekeeping, shoveling, lawn mowing, a lot of times these are

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February 7, 2013

Organization still open to help city’s senior population

Northeast NEWS

Seniors help still available through Peace Lutheran Care Centre Foundation Kyla Corpuz photo

Mae Lorette, Peace Lutheran Care Centre Foundation secretary and Pierre Gregoire, PLCCF board member

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By Kyla Corpuz FORT ST. JOHN – For nearly a decade the Peace Lutheran Care Centre Foundation provided support to the North Peace Care Centre.

However, now that the seniors have moved on to the Peace Villa Care Centre, the PLCCF are no longer able to provide funds for them.

“Last year when the care home moved to the hospital, the Hospital Foundation took over the financial support,” said Pierre Gregoire, member of the board of directors for PLCCF, adding that he is very thankful for the Hospital Foundation’s support.

“The reason why it changed is that Revenue Canada will only let one organization fundraise for the care home, so we had to refocus our attention because we wanted to continue providing services for the community,” Gregoire added.

They will now be accepting donations to provide low-income seniors within the North Peace region with walkers, wheelchairs or safety bars, “anything that will make their life easier,” said Mae Lorette, secretary to the PLCCF board.

As the senior population is growing in Fort St. John, there is a shortage in finding room for assisted living, said Lorette and Gregoire.

“There’s a desperate need in Fort St. John,” said Gregoire regarding help for seniors.

In addition to letting the public know that the PLCCF is still up and running, they would also like to advise seniors that there is help available through their foundation.

“People have to come to us, to our committee, and they have to be eligible,” said Lorette.

One of the qualifications for an eligible senior would be one who receives support from SAFER (Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters), a government service that assists seniors in meeting their monthy rent.

In the past the PLCCF provided resident seniors with bedding, specialized chairs, Browns’ Chevrolet Buick GMC would oxygen equipment, automatic like to welcome Gary Peterson to doors, a bus and a gazebo to their Pre-Owned Sales Staff. name a few.

The PLCCF is not associ12109 8 Street, Dawson Creek, BC ated with the Peace Lutheran Church, they are an independent organization.

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The Peace Liard Regional Arts Council has two grants to award for Regional Artistic Initiatives in the Peace Liard Regional.

1

Regional Arts Events or Arts Programming $500 Grant for the purposes of encouraging, promoting, stimulating and supporting artistic and cultural initiatives within the Peace Liard Region.

2

Regional Arts Facilitation (up to $1000) Grant for the purposes of facilitating opportunities for diverse special interest groups (e.g. facility managers, Art Galleries, Museums, CAC Chairpersons, etc.) in the region to come together and discuss common issues.

For more information please contact Patricia Markin, executive director, 250.783.9351, email pearkes@pris.ca

The Peace Liard Regional Arts Council was incorporated in 1989 for the purpose of broadening the opportunities for the residents of the Peace - Liard regions to enjoy and participate in arts activities. Meetings are held 5 times a year throughout the region.

Northeast NEWS

Gaming grants delivered to D.C. organizations

By Jill Earl DAWSON CREEK - Five community service organizations in the city will share a total of $161,000 in Community Gaming Grant funding distributed by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development the ministry announced Jan. 30.

The Step Up N Ride Society will receive $55,000, the South Peace Child Development Society will receive $50,000, the Kiwanis Arts Centre Society $35,000, the Knights of Columbus $13,000, and the Northern Lights Community Charitable Gaming Association will get $8,000 to support their services.

“We are lucky to have organizations such as these working here in Dawson Creek. They provide many important services in our community, and I am very happy to see them receive this support from our government through the gaming grant program,” said Peace River South MLA Blair Lekstrom in the press release.

The South Peace Child Development Society was happy to hear that they had secured their grant for $50,000. Kim Hughes,

SOCIETY REVIVES FRESH FOOD PROGRAM

By Jill Earl

DAWSON CREEK - Fresh produce is essential to a healthy diet and according to Jennifer Neis, program coordinator at the Dawson Creek Literacy Society, it’s essential for learning as well.

“You’re not thinking straight if you’re hungry,” Neis said.

She and her co-workers saw that many of their students at the Society were struggling to buy fresh produce for themselves and their families; it was then that Neis decided to revive an old program called the Good Food Box that they had offered with the Chiron Learning Centre five to six years ago.

Continued on Page 25.

C

February 7, 2013 director of the Society, says that they apply for the grant every year and that they were awarded the same amount last year. She says that the majority of the grant funding goes to the operation of their hydrotherapy pool, used for child and senior programs.

“It is a small pool so it is 95 degrees, so it’s heavily used to support children and adults to maintain their mobility…”

Hughes said.

Some of the funds will also go towards their lending library of therapeutic equipment for parents to borrow, and some will go into fund called parent advocacy that is used when a parent needs a little extra support with their child’s needs.

Hughes says without the help of the provincial grant, the Society would not be able to maintain their services.

“I would say that if we didn’t have this grant, without an alternate funding source, the pool would not operate,” she said.

Another community group that is pleased with the news is the Kiwanis Arts Centre Society. Executive director of the Centre, Terri Hanen, got word on Jan. 18 that the Society would be receiving the full $35,000 they requested to help support their services. In the past, the Society has always been a recipient of the grant, but they don’t always get the amount they request.

“We have never been refused, so we are one of the really fortunate ones and I believe that is because all of our programs that I have applied for are youth oriented,” said Hanes, listing dance and music classes and a daycare as the Center’s youth programs.

The funding helps the Society pay for supplies and utility

costs as well as staff wages and to help pay for their annual music festival they host in April.

“We try to keep our fees as low as possible, that way the majority of people in the community are able to take a dance class, or a music lesson or attend a daycare ... and still be able to run without a deficit. Funding from the B.C. government, certainly helps us do that…it is essential to our day-to-day operations,” said Hanen.

More gaming grant recipients are expected to be announced throughout the year.

Last year the province distributed $135 million in gaming grants to approximately 5,300 eligible community groups. In order to be eligible programs must have been in operation for at least 12 months and must fall into one of these categories; arts and culture, sport, environment, public safety, human and social services or parent advisory councils/district parent advisory councils.

Serenity Spa This Season, Find your Bliss

Contributed photo

Jay Morrison on behalf of Spectra Energy presents instructor at Northern Lights College, Hal Hobenshield, with a cheque for $7,500. The donation will be directed towards covering costs related to certification exam fees for students in the Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician program.

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Page 16

Northeast NEWS

February 7, 2013

Strict marine safety standards will ensure we respect our neighbours above, around and below us.

Although tankers have been safely navigating the north coast and its channels for decades, marine safety remains a top priority for British Columbians. We have been planning the Northern Gateway Project for over a decade, with a particular focus on protecting the environment. We have added specific safety requirements to our marine operations plan to help make the waters of the north coast safer not just for tankers serving the project, but for all marine vessels.

Tankers will reduce speeds in the channels…

Qualified BC Coast Pilots will board and guide all tankers… To prevent spills, all tankers serving the project will be modern and double-hulled, and will be vetted by independent, third party agencies before entering Canadian waters.

Once strict safety and environmental standards are met, they will be guided through the Douglas and Principe Channels by qualified BC Coast Pilots.

Tankers travel slowly, but to make sure that marine species and their habitats are respected, tankers will be required to reduce speed as they pass through certain sections of the channels. Even their escort tugboats will have quieter engines to reduce underwater noise.

Powerful tugboats will escort tankers…

Additional radar and navigational aids will improve safety for all vessels…

Tugboats have been shown to significantly reduce tanker incidents worldwide. Powerful tugboats that have been specially commissioned for Northern Gateway will assist in the safe arrival and departure of tankers.

All tankers will be attended by a close escort tug. In the channels, laden tankers will have two tugs–one tethered at all times. These tugboats will have emergency response equipment on board and will be capable of assisting any marine vessel.

For increased safety and sure guidance, additional radar systems and navigational aids, such as beacons, buoys and lights, will be installed throughout the routes. This will not only improve safety for tankers, but for all marine traffic on the north coast.

Discover more about our rigorous marine safety plan and join the conversation at marine.northerngateway.ca.

It’s more than a pipeline.

It’s a path to delivering energy safely.

©2012 Northern Gateway Pipelines Inc.

Northeast NEWS

February 7, 2013

Losing locks for love

Page 17

Kyla Corpuz photo

Roughly 120 inches of hair was donated to Locks of Love on Jan. 30, along with approximately $1,000 in pledges to help make the hairpieces for children with permanent hair loss due to cancer.

Left to right: Shirly Zhang, Carolyn Meredith, Nekeesha Holden, Linda Zou and Shanda Hagglund all participated, along with Shailyn Bloye, Dylan Baker, Dylan Lock, Kylee Stutzman and Jayana Doetzel, who are not pictured.

Top left: Nekeesha Holden holds 10 inches worth of hair that will be donated to an organization, Locks of Love, that makes hairpieces for children who have permanently lost their hair.

Bottom Left: Shanda Hagglund is handed her two pony-tails worth of hair also going to Locks of Love Bottom Right: Linda Zou braves a short hair cut for Locks of Love.

Page 18

Northeast NEWS

February 7, 2013

NEAT awards 12-day waste-less holiday challenge winner

By Jill Earl

Jan. 28 the class received news that they had won the challenge, their prize being swim passes donated by the City of Dawson Creek. “We realized that this was something that we could do, it won’t take a lot of our time, and it’s just something I think a lot of the kids and our school does already naturally, because we’ve really been working on promoting the environment and taking care of the earth,� said Dutka.

Although Dutka’s class was the only one to participate in UA PIPING INDUSTRY COLLEGE OF BC the challenge, Dawson Creek 7825 100th Avenue eco-advisor for NEAT, Kayla Fort St John, B.C., V1J 1W1 Boyd, is not discouraged at all; T: 250-263-9595 F: 250-263-0058 she is happy that the students Email: miranda.myles@uapicbc.ca have learned about conservawww.uapicbc.ca tion and are continuing to practice it.

ARE YOU A WOMAN, IMMIGRANT OR ABORIGINAL “We reached out to one LOOKING FOR A CAREER IN THE PIPING TRADES? class, 13 students, they’re taking that information home, the EXPLORATORY rest of the school also saw what FEBRUARY 18th, 2013 TO MARCH 29th, 2013 they did and maybe they’ll try next‌so although it doesn’t UA Piping Industry College of B.C. is offering an seem like a lot is taking place, Exploratory Program from February 18th, 2013 to March 29th, 2013. The Exploratory Program is a 6 kids are learning a lot and they week course that lets participants explore the piping will take that with them, hopetrades: Plumbing, SteamďŹ tting, SprinklerďŹ tting and fully, for the rest of their lives,â€?

Welding. At the end of 6 weeks, participants will know Boyd said. if this is the right career choice for them and can move The challenge included a list forward into Foundation if they choose. of 12 tasks and a bonus one FOUNDATION that encouraged the students to conserve, practice environmenAPRIL 2nd, 2013 TO AUGUST 2nd, 2013 tally friendly habits and foster UA Piping Industry College of B.C is offering a the spirit of giving during the Foundation Program from April 2nd, 2013 to August holiday season.

2nd, 2013. This program is 18 weeks and the training “It was basically to encourconsists of learning the basics of the piping trades:

DAWSON CREEK - Christmas is long gone, but lessons of conservation still dance in the heads of the thirteen students in Danyell Dutka’s class at McLeod Elementary School located in Groundbirch.

In December, Dutka’s class participated in the Northern Environmental Action Team’s 12-Day Waste-less Challenge. On

age the students to reduce, reuse, recycle, teach them about charity, teamwork, creativity, and have an understanding of other cultures‌a group teamwork effort on learning about the environment in a fun way,� said Boyd.

The challenge was meant to bring awareness of how much waste is produced on a day-to-day basis, especially over the holidays. “It’s not something that we really think about, all the waste that we use, and people tend to produce up to 25 per cent more waste over the holidays then any other time of year, so it’s kind of an awareness for reducing waste during the holiday season,�

Boyd said.

The challenge mixed conservation with holiday fun with tasks like: bringing a litter-less lunch, sing a holiday song together, collect nonperishable food items and donate them to the local food bank, turn down the thermostat and wear a crazy sweater to keep warm, make wrapping paper and ornaments from recycled material, wear red and green, bring outgrown mittens and hats and donate them to a thrift shop or community group and hang LED Christmas lights and use them instead of the overhead lights in the classroom whenever possible. Dutka’s class is still using their LED lights.

The bonus task was to discover other cultures by researching what others do to celebrate the holidays. “The big one that I think that the kids really took away from was learning the bonus one, learning about different traditions around the world‌they each took a different country and had to research what the different traditions were when they celebrated Christmas, cause it’s not always on Dec. 25, so that was very interesting for some of them,â€? Dutka said. “It’s fun to have these challenges‌all these activities on here were a fun activity to do within school and then you can always integrate some of the learning about the environment‌It gives it meaning, when you learn about it if you can put it into practice,â€? she adds.

Plumbing, SteamďŹ tting and SprinklerďŹ tting. At the end of the program successful participants will receive credit towards their ďŹ rst year apprenticeship in the trade of Plumbing, SteamďŹ iting or SprinklerďŹ tting. This program is designed for individuals wishing to pursue a career in the piping trades, with little or no experience in the trade or with tools and materials.

These programs are subsidized through a Labour Market Partnership Agreement funded by the governments of Canada and B.C. If you are unemployed and not eligible for E.I., and haven’t been on E.I. for the past 3 years; or if you are employed and have no post secondary education towards a university degree in Canada, you may qualify for free tuition, books, daycare supports, daily lunches and transportation. If you are interested in a career in the piping trades and want to see if you qualify for this funding opportunity please phone Miranda Myles at 250-263-9595 or by email miranda.myles@uapicbc.ca.

Jill Earl photo

Mrs. Dutka’s class at McLeod Elementary School show off their Christmas research projects, part of NEAT’s waste-less challenge.

Funding provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement.

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Northeast NEWS

February 7, 2013

Get Ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count FEBRUARY 15 - 18

By Charlie Lake Conservation Society Submitted article Where have all the birdwatchers gone? With over 100,000 participants in the GBBC (Great Backyard Bird Watch) the 2012 count put Dawson Creek, Hudson’s Hope, Fort Nelson and Chetwynd on the bird watching map but not one participant from Fort St. John took part in the count.

Since 2004, residents from the Peace Region have gone online in February to take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count. This annual 4 day event is for winter bird lovers from United States and Canada who actually take time to record or tally the number and species of birds spotted in their backyards, parks, pastures or fields. The year 2012 recorded the highest number of participants ever!

Just check out the user friendly site at www.birdcount.org. and resolve to get the entire family, or better yet, an entire classroom counting. It’s a great math project!

Every participant enters online or can print the online data form to use as a guide. All involved record the number of sightings per day (suggested time 15 minutes), and then tally the number of sightings. Four day results are submitted online or may be mailed in.

In the Fort St. John area, usually a dozen species are observed and recorded during the four days. This year, be on the lookout

for Snowy Owls, Gray and Blue Jays as well as the Common Red Polls. Their sighting numbers are decreasing in the interior but increasing in the North. Some of the most common sightings are the: • Blue Jay – who are greedy eaters and like to scream “jay, jay, jay” as they swoop to the backyard feeders.

• Common Red Poll – who wears a black chin with a red forehead mask and uses its throat pouch for temporarily storing seeds.

• Pine Grosbeak – who is the largest and rarest of the winter finch family. As long as you have a tree abundant with fruit, you’ll have this dapper rose and gray colored visitor to watch.

• Black-Capped Chickadee – “chick –a –dee –dee –dee” chirps this tiny socialite who’s a favourite, not only to other birds, but to people as well!

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a great project or activity for school children, teachers, parents, social groups and grandparents to become involved in. Let’s put Fort St. John back on the map!

Check out the Great Backyard Bird Count Checklist and you’ll discover that we have a hundred other species of birds that quietly visit our region throughout the year.

Page 19

HD MINING NEGLECTS CANADIAN APPLICANTS: UNIONS

By Kyla Corpuz FORT ST. JOHN – Two unions are dismissing HD Mining’s claims that there were not enough qualified Canadian workers for their Murray River Coal project in Tumbler Ridge, forcing them to bring in 200 Temporary Foreign Workers from China.

On Jan. 28 HD Mining coughed up applications they received from over 200 Canadians seeking to work at the developing mine.

The unions filed federal court documents that suggest 14 applicants were qualified for low-skilled positions as well as two Canadian applicants who were seeking higher-level positions such as mine manager and mine foreman.

With these findings the unions are hoping to proceed to a judicial review where the “Officer’s [the one in charge of granting TFW permits] decision can be more closely scrutinized,” reads the report.

Just days before the unions revealed some of the applicant’s qualifications, HD Mining announced they were sending 16 of its TFW back to China. HD Mining has maintained in previous releases that they sought 201 TFW for its bulk sample permit because there were no qualified Canadians to work in long-wall under ground mining.

HD Mining and Northern Lights College signed an MOU to implement the needed skill training.

“A new licenced family daycare and spots are available for all ages”

Peace Country Toyota

Don Ardelian Product Advisor

801 118th Avenue Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3G9 t: 250-782-6614 t: 1-800-663-3895 f: 250-782-1790 c: 250-719-1747 don@peacecountrytoyota.ca

Stella Aikoroje Licensed Daycare Owner

10424-114a Avenue Fort St. John, BC V1J 0C6

250-785-5094

littlestarsfsj@gmail.com

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CONSIDER

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CONSIDER

PROPOSED TEMPORARY USE PERMIT NO. TUP # 233/2012

PROPOSED TEMPORARY USE PERMIT NO. TUP # 241/2012

Airport Road

Lahagarte Road

East of Fort St. John

North of Hudson’s Hope

Notice is hereby given that the Regional Board of the Peace River Regional District intends to consider issuance of a Temporary Use Permit at its Board Meeting of February 14th, 2013, held at the Peace River Regional District office, located at 1981 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC, starting at 10:00 a.m. This permit proposes to affect land described as: Lot 1, Plan PGP43544, Part SE ¼, Sec. 4, Twp. 84, Rge. 18, PRD, Except BCP20054

Notice is hereby given that the Regional Board of the Peace River Regional District intends to consider issuance of a Temporary Use Permit at its Board Meeting of February 14th, 2013, held at the Peace River Regional District office, located at 1981 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC, starting at 10:00 a.m. This permit proposes to affect land described as: Block A, Section 29, Township 83, Range 25, W6M, PRD

The proposed Temporary Use Permit will allow a portion of the subject property to be used for the following purpose in addition to those permitted by the zoning applicable to the property:

The proposed Temporary Use Permit will allow a portion of the subject property to be used for the following purpose in addition to those permitted by the zoning applicable to the property:

Compress Planer Shavings from Canfor Sawmill into Pellets

Workers Camp to Accommodate up to 240 Petroleum Industry Employees

The conditions under which the Temporary Use must be carried out are as follows: i) permit to be posted on site for its duration ii) compliance with all statutory and by-law requirements

The conditions under which the Temporary Use must be carried out are as follows: i) permit to be posted on site for its duration ii) compliance with all statutory and by-law requirements

This notice is in general form only. A copy of the proposed Temporary Use Permit application and relevant background documents may be inspected between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, at the Peace River Regional District offices located at 9505 – 100th Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 4N4. Any inquiries, comments or concerns should be referred to Development Service Department at the above noted addresses or telephone (250) 785-8084 or 1-800-670-7773.

Fred Banham, CAO

This notice is in general form only. A copy of the proposed Temporary Use Permit application and relevant background documents may be inspected between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, at the Peace River Regional District offices located at 9505 – 100th Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 4N4. Any inquiries, comments or concerns should be referred to Development Service Department at the above noted addresses or telephone (250) 785-8084 or 1-800-670-7773.

Fred Banham, CAO

Page 20

February 7, 2013

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC WANTED Raven Oilfield Rentals in Fort St John is seeking a full time mechanic for heavy equipment repairs in shop. Competitive wages and benefit package. Please forward drivers abstract with resume to: carl@ravenoilfield.com or fax 250-787-8474

ELECTRICIAN WANTED Raven Oilfield Rentals is now seeking a full time, all around general electrician. Job entails generators, heavy equipment, some mechanical buildings (etc). Competitive wages and benefit package.

Please send drivers abstract with resume to: carl@ravenoilfield.com or fax 250-787-3097

CLASSIFIEDS CAREER OPPORTUNITY Are you an EnForm-Certified Faller?

FOCUS is hiring EnForm-Certified Fallers, with immediate openings in Fort St. John, BC. Responsibilities include not only Cutting Line but also assisting Party Chief with surveying duties, organizing and maintaining survey equipment and vehicle, working safely and abiding by the Focus Safety Program. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in the Oil & Gas Industry. Please apply by email to jeff.liedtke@focus.ca.

is now accepting resumes for the positions of Falcon Equipment is a leading Distributor/ Installer of Hydraulic Truck Equipment with locations throughout Western Canada.

HEAVY DUTY MECHANICS & CRANE INSTALLERS NEEDED! Our Prince George Shop is looking for people who: Think logically and are attune with changes in technology Are self-motivated to meet workplace challenges Experience with Articulating and Stiffboom Cranes Preferred.

Electrical and Hydraulic Experience is Necessary. :H RIIHU FRPSHWLWLYH ZDJHV DQG EHQHÀWV LQ D JURZWK RULHQWHG environment.

Please e-mail resume to matt@falconequip.com

Journeymen Electrician and Journeymen Instrument Mechanic We are a locally owned and operated oil ¿eld contractor providing quality electrical and instrumentation services to the Fort St. John area for over 8 years.

We are offering the successful applicant a predictable work stream, competitive wages, health bene¿ts, Group RRSP, training and an established safety culture.

If you are interested in expanding your skills in a highly technical maintenance environment, submit your resume in person at 8720 – 98 Str. in Fort St. John or fax to 250-787-1391

Notice Of Public Advisory Group (PAG) Meeting - Fort St John Pilot Project The Fort St. John Pilot Project is a collaborative forest management planning initiative between forest licencees and the BC Timber Sales Program in the Fort St. John Timber Supply Area. A PAG meeting will be held on Tuesday February 12th, 2013 in the Fort St. John Quality Inn Northern Grand. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information to the public on progress made by the forest licencees and the BC Timber Sales Program in achieving Sustainable Forest Management requirements as indicated in the CSA Z809-08 standard. The general public is invited to attend the public portion of the meeting, which starts at 6:00 pm. The meeting agenda also provides time for the general public to ask questions or provide input on forest management issues. Public intending to make a presentation must contact Darrell Regimbald one week prior to the public meeting.

For further information on the Fort St. John Pilot Project, visit our website at www.fsjpilotproject.com. For information concerning the meeting, or how to become a PAG member contact Darrell Regimbald @ 250-787-3651 or Stephanie Smith @ 250-784-1209.

NOVELTY Bills Books & Bargains. We Buy your collectables, Adult Magazines, Books and coins. Open 12pm to 7pm Mon to Sat. Phone 250-7852660 TFN HELP WANTED Established local trucking company is looking for Class 1 Drivers with oilfield experience email resume and abstract to: safety@ rogerstrucking.ca 02/14

We are seeking a proven leader with the entrepreneurial skills to continue and further enhance the strong growth this paper has experienced over the past six years.

Ideally, you should have a good understanding of all facets of newspaper operations with emphasis on sales, marketing and financial management.

In addition, our new publisher should be well suited to working with community groups and clients as well as developing sponsorship opportunities for the newspaper.

As publisher of the Free Press, you will help develop strategy for the newspaper as it continues to serve this diverse marketplace.

Aberdeen Publishing is one of Western Canada’s largest independent newspaper companies with properties in British Columbia and Alberta.

If you have the ability to innovate, are customer driven, success oriented, and want to live in one of the most beautiful places in northern B.C., then we want to hear from you. We offer a generous compensation and benefits package as well as the opportunity for career advancement.

Please submit your resume by February 15, 2013, to the attention of: Ron Lovestone, Regional Manager Prince George Free Press 1773 South Lyon Street Prince George, BC V2N 1T3 Telephone 778.349.6327 or email: publisher@northeastnews.ca

We thank all applicants. Only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

FOR SALE Large Pails of Honey, Hay Bales, Alfalfa, Brome, Timothy Mix, Tamarack Corral Posts 10 ½, Corral Rails up to 24 feet long.

Call 250-719-6142 04/13 SERVICE Gord’s Handyman Service Renovations and Repairs Call for a quote 250-2616149 TFN

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

With a mission to “Encourage economic development projects to diversify and strengthen the economy of the North Peace”, the North Peace Economic Development Commission is seeking proposals for a contract grant writer covering the communities of District of Hudson’s Hope, District of Taylor, the City of Fort St. John with weekly meetings at the NPEDC office, Fort St. John, BC For the complete RFP, please contact the office of the North Peace Economic Development Commission to request a copy at (250) 785-5969 or by email at invest@npedc.ca Submission deadline is February 15, 2013

PROFESSIONALS

LOW PRICEST ES

Publisher/ General Manager Aberdeen Publishing has an opening for the position as Publisher/General Manager of the Prince George Free Press.

4943 CONTINENTAL WAY, PRINCE GEORGE, BC V2N 5S5 (250) 562-9267 | FALCONEQUIP.COM/CAREERS

Northeast NEWS

Northern BC & Area

Contact Joe 250-793-7753 or visit our website www.versaframe.ca

CLASSIFIEDS

Northeast NEWS

FOR RENT $2000.00 Office Retail Mile 49. Office 1800 sq.ft. Alaska Hwy mi 49, good parking, large front office, large rear office, 3 smaller offices. 10996 Clairmont Frontage. Call Ken 250-785-3433 or email chambers@pris.ca 02/07 MASSAGE Nim’s Thai Massage.

Great stress relief for your Therapeutic well-being. Call 250-793-2335 02/28

LAND & HOME FOR SALE

Retire to the North Okanagan panoramic views unlimited recreational opportunities 1 mile east of Enderby, bordering provincial park Log home on 33acres, custom built recently renovated 2680sf 4bdrm 3bath media room cold room decks shop/ garage 80gpm well 22acres in hay for sale by owner $819,000 ltrobinson@ telus.net 250-838-6285 02/14

HOUSE FOR SALE 5 Bedroom House, 3 up & 2 down, 2 bath. Separate Entrance, shared laundry, excellent tenants. Keep the tenants or move in yourself on one acre. Bank Appraised Oct $350,000.

Price now is $333,000. If interested drive by 6388 Daisy Ave, then call 250493-1807 02/21

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

HELP WANTED Established local trucking company looking for Mechanic to help maintain 25+ trucks. email resume to: safety@rogerstrucking. ca 02/14 HELP WANTED F/T Head cashier, some cashier exp, Co-ordinate cashiers, resolve customer complaints Receive & process payment, stock & price product Long term & stable $14- $16/per hr. Email: reddimart@hotmail.com 02/14

February 7, 2013

Page 21

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FOR RENT

MOUNT MILLIGAN THOMPSON CREEK METALS COMPANY

FOR RENT 8E HAVE WARM PLACES TO CALL HOME THIS WINTERg

Located 150km northwest of Prince George BC, Mount Milligan will be British Columbia’s first major metal mine of this century. Construction began in mid-2010 with commercial production projected for the latter part of 2013. Mount Milligan is owned by Thompson Creek Metals and is currently recruiting for the following positions: t Chief Mine Engineer & Mine Engineer t Senior Surveyor t Chief Geologist t Construction Superintendent t Civil Supervisor t HD Mechanics t Health & Safety Advisor t Electricians & E&I Mechanics t Mine Maintenance Superintendent t Flotation & Control Room Operators / Supervisors t Millwrights t Many, many more.

For complete job descriptions please visit: www.mtmilligan.com Apply by email to: MtMilligan-Resumes@tcrk.com Or by Fax: 888-881-3527

Northeast British Columbia

Sterling Management Services Ltd. has for rent

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Bach, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments.

Townhouses & Duplexes Fort St John Dawson Creek Commercial Space For Lease/Rent Brandt: 9907-100th Ave 2500 sq ft retail retail or ofďŹ ce Dehod: 10614 Alaska Road 4000 commercial highway frontage Endicotte: 9512-100 Street 4248 sq ft retail or ofďŹ ce Pioneer Square: 9900-100 Ave 2050 sq ft approx. 100 Ave ofďŹ ce or retail Yenkana: Shop space 3000 sq ft OfďŹ ce space: 10615-102 St 5829 sq ft TD Bank: upstairs ofďŹ ce space 1323 sq ft Call Rob for viewing, rates and details - 250-785-2829 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL

Directory

business& professional renovations

locksmith

Automotive Chipped Transponder Keys Available

t ."45&3 ,&: 4:45&.4 t -0$,065 #0"3%4 t 1"%-0$,4

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phone: (250) 787.7030 PHONE:Lisa250.789.9157 MacElheren • Sales Fax 250.787.7090 toll free: 1.877.787.7030 Creek, B.C. 9909-100th avenue CELL: Dawson 250.261.5917 sales lisa@northeastnews.ca fort st john, bc V1J EMAIL: 1Y4 calcraft@live.com

Phone: 250-782-7060 www.northeastnews.ca

Page 22

February 7, 2013

Northeast NEWS CONTRACT OPPORTUNITY LEAD OPERATOR Company Overview

Customer Service RepresentaƟve/Warehouse Person Fort St. John Univar Canada Ltd. is a leading chemical distributor in Canada. As market leader, Univar oīers logisƟcs and distribuƟon services to the chemical, oil and gas, and end-users of chemicals throughout the world. Univar Canada Ltd. has an opening for a Customer Service RepresentaƟve/Warehouse Person in our Fort St. John oĸce. As the successful candidate, you are posiƟve, outgoing, and a Ňexible individual and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. The posiƟon requires mulƟtasking, aƩenƟon to detail, physical dexterity and excepƟonal organizaƟonal skills. This posiƟon can lead to a career in Įeld sales or technical support. Univar Canada Ltd. oīers a compeƟƟve compensaƟon package including full beneĮts and excellent pension plan.

ResponsibiliƟes: • Receiving and entering customer orders • Loading and unloading bulk and packaged goods • OperaƟng a forkliŌ • Purchasing and inventory management • Answering customer inquiries • PromoƟng sales through telephone contact with customers Preferred QualiĮcaƟons: • ProĮcient computer knowledge in Excel, Word, & MicrosoŌ Outlook • Excellent oral and wriƩen communicaƟon skills • Excellent mechanical apƟtude • Ability to mulƟtask, work under pressure and adhere to deadlines • Pleasant telephone manner • Able to liŌ approximately 65 lbs • Previous customer service /sales/ warehouse experience • ForkliŌ operaƟon experience • WHMIS and TDG training an asset Please mail, fax, or e-mail your résumé to:

Univar Canada Ltd. 6812 – 87A Avenue Fort St. John, BriƟsh Columbia V1J 6A3 Fax: (250) 787-2665 E-mail: joe.shuster@univarcanada.com AƩenƟon: Joe Shuster We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

Progress Energy Canada Ltd. (‘Progress”) is a Calgary, Alberta based energy company focused on exploration, development and production of large, unconventional natural gas resources in the northeast British Columbia Foothills and the northwest Alberta Deep Basin. Progress currently produces approximately 50,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (“boepd”).

Progress is a leader in tight and unconventional natural gas development in the western Canadian sedimentary basin, and has been successful in securing some of the basin’s highest quality assets. Progress is the largest landholder in the prolific Montney fairway, which represents the growth engine of the future for the Company. Progress is aggressively developing the Montney as it seeks to prove up reserves and increase production to supply a future LNG terminal at Lelu Island on the west coast of British Columbia.

With over 160 employees, we are committed to working together and building upon the strengths of the team. We believe in the continued growth of our company and have a vested interest in ongoing success. At Progress we encourage initiative, professional development and career growth and we offer a positive, dynamic and challenging working environment. With a competitive total compensation package and a track record of success, Progress seeks the brightest and most talented professionals in their area of expertise to join our team.

The Role

Due to recent growth, Progress has an excellent opportunity for a Lead Operator. This position is best suited to someone with extensive oil and gas experience who enjoys working in a fast paced environment, while taking on a leadership role. The Lead Operator assists the foreman and production engineers in day to day operations to pro-actively optimize production, minimize operation costs and conducts all daily activities within the framework of Progress’ corporate policies and EH&S, Asset Integrity and the Operations Manual. The incumbent should be fully familiar with all aspects of oil/gas facility operations including start-ups/shutdowns and turnarounds, industry accepted safe work practices, well servicing operations, general oilfield maintenance and regulatory requirements such as OGC and WorkSafeBC. This position is required to work in a camp setting in the NE BC area.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities · Directly supervise, mentor and assist operators as required to maintain peak production, reduce operation costs and maintain a high quality safety program. · Review production trends and well schematics to identify cost and production optimization opportunities in well bores and all production equipment. · Confirm all daily production measurements and reporting are accurate. · Manage new well and compressor commissioning and start-up as required. · Ensure all daily activities are conducted within the Progress Energy Environmental Health & Safety and Company guidelines. · Review and assist in troubleshooting operational problems as required. · Liaise with field operators and other facility operators to ensure production remains optimized and to ensure all facilities are in good operational condition. · Organization, orientation, safe work permitting and supervision of service contractors to maintain daily production operations. Service contractors may include mechanical and maintenance crews, instrumentation and electrical crews, road maintenance and fluid handling equipment crews. · Field liaison with other operational departments, including but not limited to, Drilling, Completions, Facilities, Lease Construction, Environmental, Land and other stakeholders such as producers, processors, landowners.

Required Education, Experience and Skills · · · · · ·

A minimum of 15 years of related experience with progressive responsibilities High School Diploma is preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience Current, valid certification in, or the ability to obtain, WHMIS, H2S, TDG, First Aid & CPR Valid class 5 driving license Ability to work under pressure while exercising sound judgment and a concern for safety Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs such as MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel is preferred and general knowledge of PVR and AccuMap would be considered an asset · Must be able to work independently, take initiative and demonstrate leadership qualities in a fast-paced environment · Sound organizational, time management and prioritizing skills, with the ability to multitask and move from one priority to another while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail · Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required

If you are interested in this career opportunity, please forward your resume in confidence to careers@progressenergy.com, or send it to our confidential fax # 403-539-1818.

Progress would like to thank all applicants for their interest in joining our team however only the candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

CONTRACT OPPORTUNITY LOOKING TO HIRE BC SERVICE TECHNICIAN! Job Description: Field Service Technicians are responsible to complete field installations, perform site rebuilds, service and maintain equipment, complete warranty repairs and troubleshoot equipment performance issues for air compressors, air dryers, pumps and other related equipment at customer site locations.

Description of the Duties: • Must be able to travel within North Eastern BC and in the United States. The estimated amount of travel Monday through Friday is 60% with some weekend travel.

• Mandatory on-call support is required on a rotation basis • Strong mechanical skills are required including experience with rotating equipment.

• Strong troubleshooting skills with an ability to understand and interpret pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical drawings/schematics.

• Service Technicians must supply their own hand tools up to 7/8” including a proper compliment of tools as requested.

• Participation is mandatory for all required training programs (this involves US travel).

• Clean drivers abstract must be provided at time of hire and annual driver’s abstracts are required.

Qualifications: Journeyman and preferably red seal certified; Millwright, Electrical Motor Technician, Machinist or Heavy Duty Mechanic required. Five years of related experience in the field of pumps and/or compressors is an asset.

Compensation: Will be discussed at time of offer.

Reports To: Branch Manager Please send resume’s to: Email: korbell@chamco.com Fax: 780-538-9629 Or drop off in person at #112, 6902 – 98th Street Clairmont, AB T0H 0W0

Company Overview

WATER PRODUCTION LEAD OPERATOR

Progress Energy Canada Ltd. (‘Progress”) is a Calgary, Alberta based energy company focused on exploration, development and production of large, unconventional natural gas resources in the northeast British Columbia Foothills and the northwest Alberta Deep Basin. Progress currently produces approximately 50,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (“boepd”).

Progress is a leader in tight and unconventional natural gas development in the western Canadian sedimentary basin, and has been successful in securing some of the basin’s highest quality assets. Progress is the largest landholder in the prolific Montney fairway, which represents the growth engine of the future for the Company. Progress is aggressively developing the Montney as it seeks to prove up reserves and increase production to supply a future LNG terminal at Lelu Island on the west coast of British Columbia.

With over 160 employees, we are committed to working together and building upon the strengths of the team. We believe in the continued growth of our company and have a vested interest in ongoing success. At Progress we encourage initiative, professional development and career growth and we offer a positive, dynamic and challenging working environment. With a competitive total compensation package and a track record of success, Progress seeks the brightest and most talented professionals in their area of expertise to join our team.

The Role Progress Energy is seeking a self-motivated individual committed to personal growth to join our Drilling and Completions team in Fort St. John, BC in a contract role. With an aggressive frac stimulation program over the next several years, the successful candidate must have prior supervisory experience as well as a minimum of 2 years’ experience within a water group. The incumbent will report to the Water Foreman.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities · · · · · · · · · · · ·

Ability to work an 8 and 6 schedule Supervise and inspect set up of fluid transfer and heating equipment.

Provide support to onsite Frac Fluid Operator.

Check locations to ensure all requirements for the job are being met.

Monthly inspections of all Produced water facilities.

Calculate volumes for all water pits Operation of cascade systems, using produced water pits and tanks Inspect and maintain water source wells and equipment Train junior operators Demonstrates safe and ethical behavior at all times.

Identifies opportunities for cost reductions, job efficiency, and safety improvements.

Approves invoices submit POs, document daily operations and costs, prepare cost estimates, create and revise location schematics, and create graphs and spreadsheets. · Maintains compliance with local, provincial, and federal laws and regulations

Required Education, Experience and Skills · High school degree or equivalent · Basic computer skills · Good communication, both verbal and written · Capable of working effectively and willingly within a team environment · Creative individual, capable of analyzing and solving mechanical problems · Strong leadership, supervisory and coaching skills Please forward your resume, in confidence, to careers@progressenergy.com, or to our confidential fax # 403-539-1818 to be considered for this opportunity.

Progress would like to thank all applicants for their interest in joining our team; however only the candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Northeast NEWS

February 7, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS

Page 23

CALL 250-787-7030 Job Board at www.macenna.com Accountant: This is a busy position where the employee is responsible for A/P, payroll and financial reporting. The successful candidate will be flexible and be adaptable to change, have great attention to detail and be well organized. This full time position is an excellent opportunity for someone who loves a fast paced, challenging team environment.

TO PLACE YOUR AD IN THE BEST READ REGIONAL CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Administrative Assistant: This is a great job for anyone who likes to be busy and have a variety of duties each day. Duties will include data entry for A/R, A/P and payroll, Inventory management.

Office Assistant (Part-Time): The successful candidate for this position will be responsible for all reception duties including phones, filing, scheduling, and customer service. Experience with Access, Word and Excel would be an asset. Candidates must be detail oriented and self motivated. This is a part-time position, 3-4 days/week.

Land Administrator: A great opportunity to work in a busy and growing company. Candidates for this intermediate position should have good computer skills and a working knowledge of MSOffice software. Duties will include preparation of forms for O&G applications, requests and approvals. Knowledge of BC regulations and legislation regarding the energy sector is an asset but not necessary as training can be given.

Accounting Assistant: This is a temporary junior position to cover a short maternity leave. Duties will include accounting duties related to a junior accountant position: posting journal, GL reconciliations, invoicing, month end procedures and other duties as assigned. The position may turn into a long term position as AP clerk for the right candidate. Very busy company with room for cross training and advancement. % ! #$! $ "#

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North East Native Advancing Society Wanted (one) part-time Cleaner/Janitor

Bonnet’s Wireline, a division of Bonnett’s Energy Corp. has an immediate opening at their Fort St. John location for:

Senior Slickline Supervisor Bonnett’s Wireline has always been on the forefront of cutting-edge technology, expertise and service in downhole wireline services. From our humble origins as a one-truck operation in British Columbia’s Fort St. John oilďŹ elds over 40 years ago, Bonnett’s Wireline has continually expanded and now operates wireline services throughout most of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin.

We are currently seeking a qualiďŹ ed candidate who has a valid Class 3 driver’s license and a clean driver’s abstract and current certiďŹ cates in H2S and First Aid. Pre-employment testing is in effect.

If you are a safety-oriented individual, interested in joining a dynamic, growth-oriented oilďŹ eld service company, we would like to hear from you. We offer a competitive salary and bonus program, company matching RRSP, and a comprehensive beneďŹ t package.

Interested applicants can e-mail their resume (indicating job position and location) along with a current Driver’s Abstract to Human Resources at: hr@bonnettsenergy.com or fax to 780-532-4811

Powered by people.

Driven by dedication.

The North East Native Advancing Society is a non-proďŹ t charitable organization that provides holistic human resource development programs and services to First Nation, status and non-status and Inuit persons residing in Northeast BC. Programs are mandated through a series of contribution agreements with the federal and provincial governments to improve the quality of life of First Nation and Inuit persons.

JOURNEYMAN INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN Fort Nelson, BC

Reporting to the Society’s Executive Director, you will be responsible to provide a weekly (7 hour) cleaning/janitorial service at our Innovation Learning Centre and Rising Spirit Aboriginal Youth Centre.

Overview:

Duties will include, but not be limited to: • Carrying out a variety of light and heavy cleaning duties in assigned areas • Vacuuming, dusting, polishing, keeping washrooms, kitchen and lounge areas clean and tidy, disinfecting, stripping, wet-mopping, sweeping and waxing oors, collecting and sorting recyclable products, emptying garbage cans, removing garbage and waste, cleaning windows and washing walls, and sweeping and clearing parking areas and sidewalks As a qualiďŹ ed candidate, you should possess the following:

Join our team! We are seeking a Journeyman Instrument Technician for our Area Office in Fort Nelson.

Job Details: • • • •

5/2 shift; 8-10 hours per day Excellent wages Local to Fort Nelson Full time position

• Have experience with commercial cleaning

Requirements:

• Are physically ďŹ t and active throughout the shift (walking, bending, lifting, stretching, twisting, and reaching)

• Minimum 18 months of directly related experience

• • • • • • • •

Salary range will be based on experience. A criminal records check will be required upon request.

Individuals of Aboriginal ancestry are encouraged to apply.

To Apply please choose one of the following:

Closing date is February 14, 2013. While we appreciate all applications, only those short-listed will be contacted. Please submit your cover letter and resume with references:

Send resumes quoting REF: INSTFN

• Be responsible for the maintenance and proper use of cleaning supplies and equipment, as well as, ordering, stocking, and storing supplies • Available to work evenings or weekends • Must be bondable and reliable You possess the following experience and educational background:

Audrey Sam, Executive Director North East Native Advancing Society 10328 – 101st Avenue, Fort St. John, B.C. V1J 2B5 Bus: (250) 785-0887 Fax: (250) 785-0876 Email: asam@nenas.org

Successful candidates must have Journeyman status in Instrumentation Successful candidates must have maintenance instrumentation experience CSTS, H2S Alive, and First Aid certification required Drug & Alcohol testing, and fire retardant coveralls are required Must be able to stand for long periods of time Dedicated to safety, quality and customer satisfaction Self-motivated, organized and a team player Good written and verbal skills

Please also submit copies of any certificates and tickets that may pertain to the position posted.

Email: hr@pyramidcorporation.com www.pyramidcorporation.com Fax: 1-877-955-4473 We thank all interested applicants! Only those selected for the interview process will be contacted.

Page 24

Northeast NEWS

February 7, 2013

COMMUNITY CALENDAR UPCOMING

February 2013

Dawson Creek

Fort St. John

• Feb. 16: Cookbook Swap and Sale from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Dawson Creek Library. Bring your cookbooks you don’t use and swap them for a new one. You can also sell or donate them. Donated cookbooks dropped off at the library before Feb. 26.

• Feb. 20: Senior’s program at the Dawson Creek Public Library starting at 1:30 p.m. Join us for the travel show “Railway Adventures across Canada: frontiers of the west.” Enjoy popcorn while you relax and enjoy this train journey across western Canada. This is a free library program. 250-782-4661 for more info.

• Feb. 26: A book club for adults at the Dawson Creek Library starting at 7 p.m.

Members read a book of their choice, during the meet you can share your likes and dislikes about the book. Limited spaces, register at 250-782-4661.

• Feb. 9: The FSJ Arts Market is holding it’s monthly event at the Pomeroy Sports Centre from 10am to 2pm. This is a fantastic opportunity to get your loved one a gift for Valentine’s Day and support local artists! Come see what the buzz is about and take part in the High on Ice Festivities!

• Feb. 18: Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary Society Annual General Meeting in the multi-purpose room at the Fort St. John Hospital at 6 p.m.

• Feb. 18 – Feb. 22: Students who are currently attending Kindergarten are being asked to take part in a screening and immunization clinic at the Health Unit in Fort St John. The clinic is scheduled for February 18 – 22, 2013. Screening will include hearing, vision and dental health status. School entry immunization boosters will also be available. Please call the Health Unit at (250) 263-6000 and make an appointment.

ONGOING

Fort St. John

information call Chris or Shaun at (250) 262-5269.

• “Butterfly Families – Families Supporting Families” is open to all caregivers of children and youth with Special Needs. We meet the third Wednesday of every month at the Child Development Centre from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., 10417 106 Ave. Does your child have learning, behavior or other complex special needs? Would you like to connect with other caregivers? Child minding available but please call ahead a few days before the meeting. Call (250) 785-3200 for more information.

• Pregnancy tests, pregnancy options, peer-counselling and support are available at the North Peace Pregnancy Care Centre. New location at #208 10139 100 Street (above TD Bank). Drop in hours Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday from noon to 4 p.m. or to make an appointment call our 24 hour hotline at (250) 262-1280. All services are free and completely confidential.

• New Totem Archery hold their indoor shoots at the Fort St. John Co-op Mall every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. and every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

• Come out and join us for an afternoon of play, crafts, a healthy snack, circle time and an opportunity to borrow books from the Devereaux School Library.

This is a chance to meet other people from your community and introduce your children to a school setting. We meet from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. every other Wednesday beginning Oct. 20th. This program is geared for three to four year-olds but siblings are welcome to come with their parents. Call Patti (250) 843-7813 for more information.

• Ft. St. John Parkinson’s Support Group Parkinson Society British Columbia People living with Parkinson’s disease, caregivers and family members are warmly invited to the Ft. St. John Parkinson’s Support Group. Join others in your community to share information and resources, coping strategies, ideas for living well with PD, good humour, social support and more. Last Wednesday of the month at 11:00 am McDonald’s Restaurant 10920 Alaska Road North Ft. St. John, BC Note: there is no meeting in December For more information please contact: Sarah at 250 785 7348 • S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Northern B.C. Newcomers Integration Service Centre is a non-profit organization in Fort St. John. Our Settlement Program provides information, orientation, assessment, referral and service linking, educational workshops and short term adaptation counselling to immigrants. The program also offers assistance with form completion, correspondence between clients and service providers, navigating immigration processes including sponsorship applications, obtaining permanent residence cards and applying for citizenship. Bridging services are provided to a variety of community and government service agencies and organizations. Service is available in English and Spanish. The Settlement Program is located at: #209 10142-101st Ave (Execuplace building). From 8:30-4:30 p.m. Phone # 250785-5323 Ext 22.

• Toastmasters International Club of Fort St. John meets from 7 - 8:30 p.m. every Thursday evening at Northern Lights College, Room 105. Learn valuable communication & leadership skills. Contact Claire Seidler at 250-787-9697 or Gayle Wagner at 250785-3991 for more information.

• Rocky Mountain Rangers Army Cadets meet at 6:30 PM each Wednesday night at the Royal Canadian Legion on 102nd and 105 Ave. If you are between 12 and 18 years old please drop in or call us at 250-787-5323.

• Alcoholics Anonymous - If you think you might have a problem with drinking, come to an AA meeting. Call for times and places or someone to talk to (250) 785-8866.

• Fort St. John Multiple Sclerosis support group. If you or anyone you know has MS and have any questions or just need to talk, please call Susie at (250) 785-2381 or Sandi at (250) 787-2652.

• A Youth Relapse Prevention Group may be held weekly, in the afternoons at Mental Health and Addiction Services, #300 - 9900 – 100 Ave. For more

head space books t hat matter body jewelr y detox 10116 100 Street, FSJ 250.261.6979

Dawson Creek

• The Visually Impaired Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 12 noon at First Baptist Church, 1400 113 Ave. Each month we have a guest speaker and we share lunch. (cost by donation).

Anyone who is visually impaired or who cares about someone with vision difficulties is welcome to attend. For further information please call Kathy 7827539 orMargaret 782-3221.

• If you know how to visit with a friend, you already have the skills required to be a CASI Friendly Visitor volunteer! There are seniors in Dawson Creek right now who would like to have a friend come and visit them and perhaps take them to doctor’s appointments or shopping. Can you spare an hour or two a week to visit a senior? Call CASI (Community Action for Seniors’ Independence) today. 250-782-1138 ext. 228, email lstudley@spcrs.ca or visit the website at www. casidc.org.

• Alcoholics Anonymous - meets Mon., Tues., Fri., &

Pat Pimm, M.L.A.

(Peace River North) Province of British Columbia

Sat., 8 p.m. at Peace River Health Unit. Wed. 8 p.m.

Hospital Education Room. All meetings are open.

• Mile 0 Al-Anon meets 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday evening at the Health Unit, Dawson Creek.

• Mile 0 Quilt Guild meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m., Studio 10 at KPAC. Come join us for sewing, fun and friendship. Contact Gloria at 250 786 5597. for more info.

• Dawson Creek Toastmasters meets every Thursday at 7pm at Farmer’s Advocacy Office 1032 103 Ave (Front door on 11 st.) Contact Heather at 250-7845700 or 780-353-3050.

Fort Nelson

• The Community Market is held at the Westend Campground every Saturday except on long weekends. For more info or a vendor package please contact Jaylene Arnold at (250) 774-2541 or Audrey Reynolds (250) 774-6574.

Pouce Coupe • Youth Drop-In at Pouce Coupe Community Church Annex (the old Pouce library). Saturday nights 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Ages 13 to 17.

Chetwynd

• Alcoholics Anonymous meets Tuesday and Friday at 8 p.m. at the Public Library, 5012 46 Street. If you think you might have a problem with drinking, come to an AA meeting. Call for times and places or someone to talk to, phone 788-9658 or 788-1100

Tumbler Ridge

• Alcoholics Anonymous - meeting Thursday. 8 p.m.

115 Commercial Park (Baptist Church). If you think you might have a problem with drinking, come to an AA meeting. Call for times and places or someone to talk to. Phone 242-4018.

• Tuesdays: TR Seniors (55+) Drop-In – Floor curling, carpet bowling, card & board games, coffee & cookies. Community Centre Room 5 from 1-4 pm.

Small drop-in fee.

• Tumbler Ridge’s self-employed women will receive six months of free personal business monitoring beginning this October at no charge. If you are a self-employed woman in their first three years of operation, or partially operate a business, contact Sara Cooper at the Women’s Enterprise Centre at 1-800643-7014 ext. 104 or Mila Lansdowne by e-mail at mila@persona.ca or (250) 242-3389. Registration is required.

Taylor

• Civil Air Search and Rescue (CASARA) meetings every second Tuesday at the Taylor Fire Hall at 7 p.m. For information call Bob at 250-789-9152 or 250-787-5802.

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Northeast NEWS

February 7, 2013

Fresh food

Continued from Page 15.

There are Good Food Box programs all over the country that offer a volunteer, non-profit, produce buying program. “We definitely saw a need...with the high cost of rents, eating properly seems to be more of a privilege than a right lately, cause you can’t afford the high rents and the good nutrition, especially for low income families,� Neis said, adding that some of their students depend entirely on food banks and local soup kitchens for their meals.

She says that because some learners only have the skills for a minimum wage job, after paying rent there isn’t much left for healthy eating, especially if they have families to support.

Once a month participants in the program give $15 to the Society, a week later they can pick up three bags of produce that include, salad vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes; fruits; and root vegetables like carrots, potatoes and onions. Ordering through a local wholesaler and buying in bulk helps to keep the cost of the produce down.

Students at the Society and participants in the program often volunteer their time to help sort the produce equally among the bags.

Neis says that their volunteer hours helps the students gain work experience that they can add to their resume. “So its win-win for everybody, they get volunteer hours, and that’s both for our newcomers and for our learners that are here, so it adds to their %DQNV VD\ resume...it’s really easy,� she 12 WR D ORDQ " said.

NO PROBLEM! The Society restarted the /HW )RUW 0RWRUV program last January and is +HOS <RX surprised to see a drop in or%DG &UHGLW Â&#x2021; 6ORZ &UHGLW ders; at its highest the program had approximately 97 'LYRUFH %DQNUXSWF\ participants, now they average 72 ,167$17 &5(',7 $33529$/ $SSO\ 7RGD\ DQG 'ULYH $ZD\ around 50 people. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting harder and hard:H 6SHFLDOL]H LQ +HOSLQJ *RRG 3HRSOH L OL L er for people that they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ZLWK %DG &UHGLW &DOO 0DUWKD RU *UHJ IRU even afford the $15, which is 3UH $SSURYDO just heartbreaking,â&#x20AC;? said Neis.

She says the more par6 9 ; 4 4 6 ; 6 9 : 33; + 46 ticipants the program has, the

>

Page 25

more buying power the program has as well. Everyone is welcome to participate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The more people sign on, the more money we have, the more buying power. One-hundred per cent, I have to stress that 100 per cent of the $15 goes to the purchase.

Some organizations that do this take a percentage off to cover the cost, the overhead, but we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 100 per cent...Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very economical to run, especially if you have youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re volunteers already in place, because we have the location for it, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a lot of overhead,â&#x20AC;? Neis said.

The Society will be collecting funds for Februaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Good Food Box Program until Feb. 8. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to get involved, contact them at 250-782-4211, or visit their office at 929 102nd Ave. in Dawson Creek.

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Northeast NEWS

February 7, 2013

RISING TO NEW LEVELS The Northern Lights Youth Choir (NLYC) is rising to new levels this year with more than 50 young voices and a firm foundation under their feet. Thanks to the generous support of community businesses and individuals, choirs who call the North Peace Cultural Centre their home can now perform on new Wenger risers expected to arrive in the community by late February. The six foot long, 3-tier, portable choir risers come in four sections and will be used for both rehearsals and performances. NLYC Director, Jennifer Giesbrecht, said “Risers make a big difference in the choir.

The singers are better placed to see the instructor during rehearsals and performances. The quality of the singing is also enhanced by better projection into the audience and the audience in turn has a better view of each performer. It’s a wonderful addition to the vast resources already available at the Cultural Centre”. The NLYC began fundraising last fall asking for contributions toward the purchase of the much-needed risers. Thanks to the following community-minded individuals and businesses that made it happen: Platinum Sponsors ($1000-$1500): Husky Energy, Enbridge NGP Com. Investment Program Gold Sponsors ($500): Baker Hughes, Dr. Mackey & Family Silver Sponsors ($250): Home Hardware Building Centre, Devon Canada Corp Bronze Sponsors ($100-$200): Jim Lavigne, Peace River Building Products The risers will be put to their first performances at the Peace River North Performing Arts Festival April 14-21 and their Spring Choir Concert on May 12.

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Monday, February 11th Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides Crystal Cup Pond Hockey “Laugh Your Ice Off” Comedy Show HOI Family Event at the Pool

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Saturday, February 9th Professional Ice Carving Community Ice Carving Games in the Park Outdoor Arts and Crafts Over the Line Tournament Toboggan Races Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides FSJ Arts Market Rotary Dance and Auction “Laugh Your Ice Off” Comedy Show Rogers Old-timers Tournament Crystal Cup Pond Hockey Huskies Game Chocolate Festival Ladies Bonspiel Tournament

Sunday, February 10th Professional Ice Carving Community Snow Sculpting Games in the Park Outdoor Arts and Crafts Toboggan Races Ice Fishing Derby Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides Rogers Old-timers Tournament Crystal Cup Pond Hockey HOI Family Skate Event “Laugh Your Ice Off” Comedy Show Fire and Ice Celebration Ladies Bonspiel Tournament

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Friday, February 8th Opening Ceremonies Slide off - Council Free Hot Chocolate Professional Single Block Carving Astral Media Photo Scavenger Hunt “Laugh Your Ice Off” Comedy Show Family Fun Night Ladies Bonspiel Tournament Rogers Old-timers Tournament

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February 7, 2013

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