Prince George Citizen September 17, 2020

SEPTEMBER 17,2020|7:00AM -6:00PM

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Families adapt to school rules

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Kimberly Robertson and Russell Gunanoot didn’t have to wake up their four kids Friday morning for their first day back at school.

By 6 a.m., the older girls – Melody and Hannah - were dressed and ready to go back to their classrooms at Harwin Elementary.

Their six-year-old brother Warrick slept in until 7 and he made sure he was wearing his mask before he jumped into the family the van for the ride to school.

“He was a lot less than nervous coming back than he was at the tail end (of his kindergarten year) when all the rules came out, he knows to expect some things that are different,” said Gunanoot.

“I’d say they’re handling it pretty well. I was surprised they were excited because last year when the whole pandemic thing started they were pretty anxious, they had a lot of anxiety about it. I’m really proud of how they’re doing.”

The first day of Grade 1 classes is a monumental day and Warrick and his dad were allowed to walk together right up to the door to the school. That wasn’t the case in June when he was still in kindergarten. Parents weren’t allowed on school property when schools reopened briefly for classes one or two days per week for the final month of the school year.

“I’m happy to say that safety concern isn’t there anymore because before it felt a bit too panicky when they didn’t want us to get out of our car,” said Gunanoot. “It was a lot more welcoming, which also reduced a lot of the kids’ anxiety.”

Warrick’s first day as a grade-schooler pretty much lived up to the hype.

“It was good, I liked everything,” he said. “I got to see my friend Casey but I didn’t get to see Stevie.”

While high schools are keeping students together in bubbles of 120, elementary schools are dividing student populations into cohorts of 60. From start to finish of the school day, there’s no mixing allowed

Russell Gunanoot and Kimberly Robertson have their hands full as the parents of five children. Four of their kids returned to school for their first day of classes at Harwin Elementary - first-grader Warrick, Daniella, a Grade 3 student, Melody, who’s in Grade 6; and Hannah, who’s just starting Grade 5. Robertson is holding Autumn, the youngest member of the family, who just turned one.

with kids in the other bubbles, even at recess or lunchtime, in an effort to try to prevent cross-contamination if a student gets sick with the virus.

“I got to see one of my friends,” said Melody, a Grade 6 student. “We have to stay in our bubble - they call it a familyand you can only talk to the kids within the groups that we’re in. That’s easy. Usually I’m a loner.

“My least favourite part is we’re not allowed to use the bathroom whenever we want. You can’t use it if there’s someone from another cohort in there.”

All four school-aged kids in the Robertson-Gunanoot family of five children had

their 90-minute orientations at the same time Friday morning. On Monday, they were in school for a full day for the first time since schools shut down in March. Eight-year-old Daniella was a bit disappointed her favourite subject was not on the schedule for her first day of Grade 3.

“It wasn’t so fun because there was no math,” she said.

Masks are optional for teachers and students in classrooms but they have to wear them in hallways or common areas of the school. With regular hand disinfecting encouraged, physical distancing stressed in the schools and custodians vigilant about cleaning, the schools are doing

what they can to make classrooms safe for everybody.

“One of my concerns is they’re all in different learning cohorts so that’s quadruple the exposure for our home,” said Robertson. “It wouldn’t be plausible to divide it by family if they’re all in different grades.”

The pandemic that put a stop to in-class teaching for nearly three months in the spring forced students and parents to adapt to online learning and that was certainly not a smooth transition for most families. With four kids to teach and an infant daughter, it was a stressful time for Robertson and Gunanoot.

“It was very difficult, very hectic, because it wasn’t super-organized, nobody had any plans for it,” said Robertson. “I have friends who home-school and they were like, ‘This isn’t home-schooling, this is like a crash course.’ They were all learning something different and they all needed attention for it but you could only give attention to one at a time and also coordinate all the different Zoom (sessions) on the computer.”

Amanda MacDonald was relieved to see her two boys back in school this week and despite all the new restrictions they couldn’t wait to get back to see friends they hadn’t seen since March. Fourteenyear-old Alex, her oldest, is in Grade 9 at Duchess Park Secondary, while nine-yearold Drayden, is in Grade 4 at Harwin.

“They’ve adapted so easily to all this, it doesn’t seem to faze them,” said MacDonald. “I was going to make them wait until everything calmed down and got organized but they were so excited to come back. They’re both old enough to follow the rules. Just wash your hands, don’t lick stuff, don’t cough on people, the usual.” She knows from her experience in the spring she’s not cut out to be a teacher.

“I sucked at it, I’m such a terrible teacher, I couldn’t do it,” laughed MacDonald. “It was hard keeping them focused and keeping me focused. I already really appreciated what teachers are doing and I appreciate them even more now.”

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

LOCALS KEEP CAMPGROUND AFLOAT

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

Thank you, staycationers.

With the COVID-19 pandemic exacting a serious blow to the viability of her operation, Salmon Valley Campground owner Bobbi Carpino doubts she would still be in business if not for the support of people living in Prince George and area.

Aided by promotions through the Support PG website, Carpino said local residents have been filling up the campground on weekends - to the extent that they can given the measures put in place in the name of physical distancing.

“If it wasn’t for them I don’t know that we’d be able to open our gates next year,” she said.

Weekdays have been another matter. During the short four-and-a-half-month season, the campground relies heavily on travelers plying the route to Alaska and their numbers have plummeted.

What’s more, campgrounds were forced to wait until June 1 to reopen, meaning they missed the May long weekend rush. And in the case of Salmon Valley Campground, capacity was limited to 30 of the 43 sites and the store and cafe were closed down.

As of late August, revenue was down about 35 per cent and Carpino predicted it will be closer to 45 per cent by the time it’s closed down. Its last day of welcoming guests was this past Sunday, two weeks sooner than usual due to the lack of traffic heading back from the far north.

In all, the short season was further shortened by about a month.

“At least we were able to salvage a part of our season,” said Carpino, who will have finished her third season of running the

campground. Wildfires, then heavy rain marked the first two seasons.

“We’ve been competing with Mother Nature and now we’re competing with a pandemic,” she said.

Now Carpino, like the operators of many businesses that rely on the seasonal tourist rush, is scrambling to find ways to survive until next spring.

She may have been thrown a bit of a lifeline as the federal government extended the deadline for applying for an interest-free loan through Canada Emergency Business Account. Up to $10,000 is forgivable if certain conditions are met.

A bigger issue for Carpino is that camp-

grounds like hers are not eligible for the small business tax rate, and so are subject to the corporate rate of 49 per cent on profits. In other words, roughly half of what she clears goes to the government putting a major crimp on already slim savings.

The tourism sector in general is seeking help. Tourism Industry Association of B.C. CEO Walt Judas said his organization has been lobbying the federal and provincial governments for an “ask” of $680 million to provide liquidity for the off season and aid in covering other costs related to the pandemic.

“It’s a big ask until you consider that

A promotional image from Support PG for the Salmon Valley Campground.

in British Columbia, the visitor economy provides about $1.7 billion in tax revenue to the province, $2.1 (billion) to the feds and about $700 million individual communities,” Judas said.

“And when you look at it from the perspective of a $21.5-billion industry, $680 million to try to keep the businesses solvent and retain the tourism sector sounds big but it’s not.”

The tourism industry meets the definition of exceptional circumstances in Judas’ view.

“We’ve always said we’re the first and hardest hit and the last to recover,” he said.

Area MLAs retain shadow cabinet roles

Local MLAs Shirley Bond and Mike Morris retained their high-profile positions last Thursday, when B.C. Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson announced a shadow cabinet shuffle.

Bond will continue in her role as finance critic, while Morris maintains his position as public safety and solicitor general critic.

“While COVID-19 is presenting economic challenges in jurisdictions all around the world, we can’t overlook the fact that in our province we are facing a budget deficit

of $12.4 billion with no sign of an economic recovery strategy or a job creation plan” Bond said in a press release. ”I’m pleased to remain in my role as finance critic and will continue to press the government for the answers that British Columbians deserve.”

In a statement, Morris said, “As a former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with many years spent right here in this region, I am pleased to continue my role in helping to make public safety a priority during the pandemic.”

Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad also stays in his position as critic of forestry, lands, natural resource operations and rural development.

“Forestry employs directly and indirectly 140,000 people in B.C., plus it helps support 120 or more communities and countless families across the province,” Rustad said in a press release. “Under the NDP, B.C.’s forest sector has lurched from one crisis to another and they need to be held accountable for their destructive policies.”

Northern MLA Coralee Oakes, who represents Cariboo North, was named the new critic of emergency preparedness.

“The emergency preparedness file is so important in a province as environmentally diverse as B.C., so I am very honoured to have been asked to take on this file,” Oakes said in a press release. “With flood and wildfire seasons becoming more intense and frequent, the importance of ensuring government is well prepared to handle emergencies and keep the public safe will be a priority for me in this new role.”

Citizen staff

MANSLAUGHTER PLEA ACCEPTED

MARK NIELSEN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Nakazdli man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter for his role in a grisly, drug-related murder of a Vanderhoof man on the reserve outside Fort St. James more than eight years ago.

James David Junior Charlie entered the plea last Wednesday during a brief hearing in Vancouver, Crown prosecutor Wendy Stephen confirmed.

It was in relation to the January 2012 death of Fribjon Bjornson.

Following a five-week trial at the Prince George courthouse, a jury found Charlie guilty in October 2017 of first-degree murder. But in January, the B.C. Court of Appeal overturned the verdict and ordered a new trial. A three-justice panel found the judge overseeing the trial failed to properly

explain to the jury the law on liability for murder.

Bjornson, who was 28 years old at the time of his death, had been buying drugs from Charlie and his friends.

Testimony and evidence indicated that the father of two young children was strangled and beaten to death in an apparently unprovoked attack in the basement of a home on the reserve.

It was the Crown’s theory that Charlie provided a wire or cord that one of the other perpetrators used to strangle Bjornson while Charlie went out for a drive in Bjornson’s truck. His body was subsequently dismembered and his head wrapped in a blanket and left in an abandoned house near the scene of the murder, the court heard during the trial.

In June 2018, co-accused Wesley Duncan

and Jesse Bird were sentenced to life without parole for at least 15 years after they pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

Charlie’s sister, Theresa, who had been in custody for three-and-a-half years, was sentenced to time served on a count of indignity to a dead body.

A so-called Mr. Big sting, where undercover police pose as high-level criminals coax confessions out of the suspects, was used to bring the four to justice. Charlie had been serving a sentence of life in prison without eligibility for parole for 25 years along with a concurrent term of three years for indignity to a human body.

Stephen said she will be willing to comment on why Charlie’s plea was accepted once he has been sentenced.

The victim’s mother, Eileen Bjornson, who appeared by video link along with

Downtown child care centre announced

Prince George has secured $4 million for an 85-space child care centre to go up next to the Park House condominium complex.

To be operated by the YMCA of Northern B.C. it will have enough room for 42 children ages 30 months to school age and 48 for school-age children.

On the strength of a needs assessment

conducted by the city, the provincial government approved $3 million from its Childcare BC New Spaces Fund and a further $1 million is coming from the Union of BC Municipalities Community Child Care Space Creation Program.

To be located above the city’s parkade development across from city hall, construction of the centre will begin soon and is scheduled to be opened in late 2021.

her husband, Fred, from the Prince George courthouse, said in a statement outside court that her family was consulted about the plea agreement.

“We accepted with difficulty knowing the facts of the case, but the idea of having to sit through a whole new trial was more than we could bear,” said the mother, who added it has been nearly nine years since her son’s death.

“We have been forced to live this death over and over. We are tired. We want to remember Fribjon as he lived, and the kind and thoughtful person he was.”

Sentencing will occur once a Gladue report has been completed.

That is a type of a pre-sentencing report a court can request when sentencing an offender with an aboriginal background. - with files from Vancouver Sun

YMCA’s Highland Development Centre, which opened in 2018, provides 84 child care spaces: 12 infant/toddler spaces, 25 spaces for children aged three to five years and 47 spaces for school-age children.

As well, $2.88 million was confirmed for 72 new spaces - 24 preschool spaces, 24 school-aged spaces and 24 group multi-age spaces - at the Robson Valley Community Services Society (RVCS) Children’s Centre

in Valemount.

Scheduled to open in spring 2022, the centre will be on the ground floor of a new women’s affordable housing building and will be operated by the RVCS.

The additions bring to 261 the number of new licensed child care spaces funded in Prince George and and 95 in Valemount since July 2018, according to the provincial government.

Citizen staff

Judge upholds driving ban for woman who ran over toddler

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

A B.C. Supreme Court Justice has dismissed an appeal of a five-year driving prohibition issued to a woman who drove over a toddler in a Prince George parking lot.

On behalf of Barbara Joan Husband, 85, lawyer Dave Jenkins Sr. had contended during a hearing on Sept. 3 that, in part, that the term is “demonstrably unfit” and that a six-month prohibition was more appropriate.

Husband was issued the prohibition in February after she was found guilty of driving without due care and attention under the Motor Vehicle Act from a Dec. 19, 2018 incident.

During a trial on the matter, the court heard Husband was taking some kittens to the Ospika Animal Hospital, located in a strip mall at 2380 Ospika Blvd. S. Heading south along Ospika, she reached a break in the median adjacent to Enemark Crescent and turned left to get into the parking lot.

But instead of turning directly into the first entrance, she drove a further 50 feet and diagonally crossed two northbound lanes forcing two oncoming drivers to brake hard to avoid a collision.

Husband continued at a slow but steady speed into the parking lot where she saw a woman loading her baby son into a vehicle.

In a sentencing decision, Provincial Court Judge Susan Mengering found Husband was looking at the mother and son through her driver’s side window rather than keeping an eye on where she was going and ran over the toddler, a threeand-a-half-year-old girl, who was wearing a brightly-coloured jacket.

Despite the left front tire of Husband’s SUV going completely over the girl’s pelvis, she escaped serious injury although she

continued to suffer some pain and psychological trauma at the time of the trial.

In a pair of “bizarre” acts, Husband maintained the girl was fine even though she was screaming and then gave her one of the kittens to calm her down. Husband claimed she had parked about 15 feet away, but Mengering found she had parked her SUV diagonally to the mother’s vehicle so that the front was 6-8 feet away and the rear closer.

Jenkins Sr. cited cases in which drivers were issued shorter prohibitions for more serious consequences.

But in dismissing the appeal on Sept. 10, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Power agreed with Crown prosecutor Marie Louise Ahrens that those cases involved momentary lapses of judgment “as opposed to a series of driving decisions, any one of which could have constituted the offence.”

Power also agreed that Husband lacked insight and remorse.

Ahrens had noted that while Husband said she felt “absolutely terrible” about what happened, she still denied responsibility despite witness testimony to the contrary.

Jenkins Sr. had argued that for someone of Husband’s age, a five-year prohibition is effectively a lifetime prohibition and that because she lives in a rural area 17 kilometres outside Prince George she depends on driving to get into the city where she contributes to the community through her church.

Power said she recognized the impact the ban will have on Husband but did not find it disproportionate.

“The reality is that many citizens of Ms. Husband’s age voluntarily give up their driver’s licence, even if they have not been involved in such a driving incident as in this case,” Power said. “As noted by a provincial court judge, driving is a privilege not a right.”

WorkSafeBC

Workers’ Compensation BoardofB.C. Hereby givesnotice of proposedamendmentstothe Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (BCreg.296/97,asamended)

WorkSafeBC is holding apublichearing on proposed amendments to Parts6,8,16, 18,and 21 of the Occupational Health andSafetyRegulation. In lightof theongoing andrapidly evolving COVID –19pandemic andinaneffor ttomaximize social distancing,the public hearingwill be held virtually.

Thevir tual publichearing will be streamed live on September30, 2020,intwo sessions. Thefirst will be from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. andthe second from 3to5p.m.

View thevir tual public hearing liveat ht tps://video.isilive.ca/worksafebc/2020-09-30/

Participating in the Public Hearing Process

We welcomeyourfeedbackonthe proposed amendments.All feedbackreceivedwill be presented to WorkSafeBC’s BoardofDirectors fortheir consideration.

Youcan providefeedbackinthe following ways:

1. Register to speakatthe hearingvia telephone

To register,please call 604.232.7744ortollfreeinB.C. at 1.866.614.7744.One presentationfroman organization or individual willbepermit ted.

If youaren’tabletoregister, please watchthe hearing using theabove linkasthere will be an oppor tunityfor youtocallinatthe endofthe list of pre-registered speakers

2. Submit apre-recorded video

Pre-recorded video submissions up to five minutes in leng th canbesubmit tedand will be played at the Public Hearing

Forfur ther instructionsphone 604.232.7744 or toll free in B.C. at 1.866.614.7744

3. Onlinefeedback

Writ tensubmissions canbemadeonlineuntil 4:30p.m.onFriday, October2,2020via the WorkSafeBC websiteatworksafebc.comorvia e-mail at ohsreg feedback@worksafebc.com.

More information on theproposedamendmentsand howtopar ticipate in thevir tual public hearing canbe foundonWorkSafeBC’swebsite at worksafebc.com.

Doherty named to shadow cabinet post

ARTHUR WILLIAMS

Citizen staff

Local MP Todd Doherty will be taking on a special advisor role in the shadow cabinet of new Conservative leader Erin O’Toole.

O’Toole, who was elected leader of the party on Aug. 24, announced his shadow cabinet line up lastn Tuesday. The Cariboo-Prince George MP was named special advisor to the leader on mental health and wellness.

“I’ve very honoured,” Doherty said. “It’s something I’ve been passionate about for a very long time.”

On June 21, 2018, a private member’s bill put forward by Doherty was given royal assent and passed into law.

The bill called on the federal government to create a framework to diagnose,

track and treat first responders, military personnel and corrections officers who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In addition, the bill called for the development of best practices for the treatment of PTSD and distribution of standardized educational materials for public health providers on the condition.

Doherty said it was O’Toole, then the minister of veterans’ affairs, who first helped him get the issue on the table in Parliament.

“He’s the very first person I reached out to... he gave me my first soap box, so to speak,” Doherty said. “He allowed me to sub in for him in his committee... he allowed to me to come in and questions the experts, and really challenge the experts.”

Doherty said he and O’Toole spoke last

COVID puts kibosh on Iceman

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

For 34 years, Iceman has been a midwinter Prince George tradition.

Every February since 1988, the city’s most unique annual sporting event has attracted hundreds of participants who race the clock and themselves in a test of endurance which combines cross-country skiing, running, skating and swimming.

But there will be no Prince George Iceman in 2021. The pandemic and crowd-size limitations to reduce the threat of the virus have forced the organizing committee to cancel it.

“It didn’t look like the event was going to be able to go ahead with the restrictions currently in place and it doesn’t look like those restrictions are going to be lifted anytime soon, especially with the pool and

Tuesday and O’Toole challenged him to raise the profile of the issue of mental health and take the government to task on the issue.

“As leaders we have to do everything in our power that we can around the stigma with mental health,” he said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has “put an incredible load of stress,” on many people, both from the concerns about the disease itself, to the impact of self-isolation and the economic fallout from the crisis, he said.

Another issue on his radar is the epidemic of suicides among First Nations people.

“We have youth who are choosing death over life, which is horrendous,” Doherty said.

Doherty said he believes the Conservatives have a strong caucus and O’Toole’s cabinet reflects that strength.

“I’m in Ottawa now. I’m hoping we all get to start working closely together again soon.”

Doherty previously served as the Conservative transportation critic, under former leader Andrew Scheer. He also had held the fisheries critic portfolio.

Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer was not named to a shadow cabinet position. He previously served as the shadow minister for northern affairs and the Northern Economic Development Agency since his appointment in November 2019.

Doherty will be joined in the shadow cabinet by several other colleagues from the B.C. Interior, including Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod who was named shadow minister for Crown-Indigenous relations.

the Civic Centre for the banquet,” said Jim Van Bakel, the Iceman registrar.

“We wanted to make that decision before we started registration and the whole organizing process. It is quite early to make the decision but we have had to make the decision early, mainly to save the hassle of going through the registration process and then trying to figure out how to refund the people. We also didn’t want to pay the

deposits on the facilities we use and spend money this year we possibly we weren’t going to get back.”

Only twice in its 34-year history has the Iceman been canceled, both times due to cold weather. In 1996 and 2014 the morning race temperatures failed to reach the -20 C cutoff. The start temperature of the inaugural race in 1988 was a bone-chilling -33 C, but the race still went ahead.

GRAYS ROLL TO PLAYOFFS VICTORY

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Playing an unfamiliar sport, the FFR Glass Grays proved to be fast learners.

They joined the Spruce City Men’s Fastball Association two weeks into the season in July and turned their baseball talents into a playoff championship win.

The Grays came from behind to beat Falcon Contracting 15-10 in the SCMFA final Friday night in front of several hundred socially-distant spectators strategically positioned in the spacious confines of Spruce City Stadium.

Cole Waldie’s first-ever home run in organized ball of any kind drove in three runs to put the Grays ahead 5-4 lead in the fourth inning, after James Haviland got them started in the inning with his first of two two-run shots.

The Grays took advantage of a couple of errors and added seven more in the fifth to take an 11-4 lead.

“That was Waldie’s first home run ever, Little League or Babe Ruth, except for one he hit once in batting practice,” said Grays designated hitter Paul Wilson. “This game, it all came together at once. Everybody who had been struggling a bit came up with big hits.

“I think what won it for us, though, was our defence. Our biggest advantage was we were pretty solid defensively most of the time. We made a couple double plays that were unreal and they stung some hard-hit balls that were right at some of our guys, so we got a bit lucky.”

All other local team sports leagues, including the Prince George Senior Baseball League, were canceled due to the pandemic and with men’s fastball the only game in town this summer the Grays successfully convinced the SCMFA executive to let them join late. They struggled at first with their hitting, with the release of the ball so much lower out of the hands of pitchers than what they were accustomed to playing

hardball. But they caught on with their sticks as the season progressed and were the hottest team in the five-team league going into the playoffs, finishing with a 7-8 record.

The Grays lost 9-5 to Falcon in the semifinal on Tuesday, then had to first defeat stud pitcher Norm Linton and the second-place Sibola Electric Royals 8-3 earlier Friday to advance to the final. Garrett Caron pitched the win for the Grays, then started the final until he was replaced by Joel Walky, who finished the game on the rubber.

Falcon Contracting, the regular season champions, who came into the playoffs sporting 12-2-1 record, put up four runs in the bottom of the fifth to pull to within two runs. But the Grays teed off against a sorearmed Robbie Antoine in the final inning to add four more runs.

“It turned into a slugfest there,” said Antoine. “Being the only pitcher on the team I kind of gassed out. That’s not to take anything away from them. They’re a good team, good defensively and they just got the better of us. I was missing spots pitching with fatigue and frustration and

they were connecting with the barrel.” WILD PITCHES – The Big Guy Lake Kings, Prince George’s fastball traveling team, will head back down to Ashcroft for a tournament Sept. 25-27… The Kings have already tasted tournament success in Ashcroft, Aug. 9, when they finished second, then placed third later in the month in Chase. Big Guy Lake started the season in July, winning the Andre’s Memorial COVID Cup in Kelowna… Prince George is still on tap to host the 2021 Native Canadian Fastball Championships next summer. That event was a COVID casualty this summer.

HANDOUT PHOTO

The FFR Glass Grays celebrate their 15-10 win over Falcon Contracting in the Spruce City Men’s Fastball Association championship final Friday night at Spruce City Stadium.

’Very unique’ year ahead for UNBC, CNC

ARTHUR WILLIAMS

Citizen staff

UNBC and CNC students began returning to classes last week but for many it won’t mean a return to campus as courses move online.

UNBC interim president Geoffrey Payne said the university and its faculty have been preparing for the fall 2020 semester for months to make the transition to a mostly-online learning model.

“Obviously the fall 2020 term is very unique and different,” Payne said. “Our staff has been fantastic. Back in March when we made the rapid switch in four days, that was really challenging for the faculty. Some courses just don’t translate that way.”

In order to make the transition to distance learning easier for the 2020-21 year, UNBC hired two instructional designers and added other resources to help faculty transition their courses to an online model, he said.

Some courses that can’t be done remotely will still be offered in person on campus, with social distancing measures in place, he said. In addition, resources like labs, the library, book store, cafeteria, student

residences, registrar’s office, etc. will be open and available to students.

More than 3,300 students have enrolled in courses at the university for the fall term, he said.

“That’s about flat compared to last year. (But) we’re up from where we were three years ago,” Payne said. “Nobody really knew what to expect. The summer term was very well attended.”

While things will be different for students and staff on and off campus, the university intends to keep offering a quality learning and research environment for students and faculty, he said. In addition, UNBC is trying to make sure it is communicating the changes so everyone knows what to expect.

“Our orientation is normally quite a big event. This year we had an online orientation,” Payne said. “This week I had a Zoom call with 200 students. That was very interesting. We’ve held a number of information sessions.”

Payne said he expects the primarily-online model to continue through the fall 2020 and winter 2021 semesters.

“Where I see it going is anybody’s guess. We have to see what is happening pro-

Thanksgiving this year is October 12

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vincially, nationally and internationally,” Payne said. “It’s a wait-and-see.”

CNC vice-president academic Chad Thompson said the college, which offers a large number of trades and health sciences programs, will continue to have a moderate number of students physically on campus.

For some of the trades programs up to “80 per cent of the time is spent in a shop,” he said.

However, courses and classroom work that can be offered online are being done remotely, he said. Schedules for in-person classes have been spread out over the day, to reduce the number of people on campus at any given time.

“This is most certainly not a normal year. Certainly there is fewer students on campus than we normally see,” Thompson said. “All of the face-to-face teaching is being done with expanded safety precautions. We’ve actually had to put in a bunch of extra lab sessions, so they can be done socially distant.”

The college is requesting, but not requiring, students to wear masks while on campus, he said.

“I think students have been very understanding. Most of the students I’ve seen are wearing masks. They’ve been observing social distancing,” Thompson said. “I think most students understand that this is necessary to keep everyone safe and healthy.”

The college is committing to continue with its current mixed-delivery model for at least the current term, to give students and staff some certainty about what to expect, Thompson said.

Final enrolment numbers for the fall semester haven’t been tabulated yet, he said, because some programs won’t start until later in the year.

“Although we continue to think of September as the beginning of the academic year, CNC has really been running yearround for the last four years,” Thompson said. “For some of our programs, they’re already in week five. Some programs won’t start until October.”

Already the college is seeing fewer inter-

national students, he said.

That is something happening at institutions around the country and fewer people are travelling in the midst of a global pandemic.

On the other hand, student demand for programs in the health science fields is up from last year.

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the world, Thompson said, and there is a need for people with the kinds of skills the college can offer.

“This really is the time when you may want to be pursuing post-secondary education,” Thompson said. “The people who have been hardest hit are those whose jobs require less education.”

The changes mean new challenges for university students, Northern Undergraduate Student Society president Jingyu Chen said in an email.

“First of all, internet reliability is an issue for students who live and study in rural communities,” he said. “Especially for synchronous classes, having high-quality internet is absolutely essential.”

Both students and the faculty have been forced to learn how to manage online learning rapidly, Chen said. Some professors pre-recorded lectures and uploaded them, while others held live online lectures.

“Both have their pros and cons,” Chen said.

While pre-recorded lectures allow students to pause, go back or replay sections, they lack the interaction and ability to ask questions that a live lecture offers, he said.

“I think there is definitely opportunity to improve students’ online learning experience, but without feedback from students, it is hard to tell which area is lacking,” he said. “I think we need to send a survey to the student body by the end of September to collect those feedbacks.”

Another challenge is not every student has a home situation that is conducive to taking online lectures and studying, he said. And the normal social aspect of attending university is largely being lost.

— See STUDENTS on page 11

SALE ENDS SEPTEMBER 29TH

EMERALD TAXI TOLD TO PAY WAGES OWED, FINES

MARK NIELSEN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The B.C. Employment Standards Branch has ordered Emerald Taxi to pay out nearly $27,000 in back pay and fines with roughly half the total to go to a cabbie for the hours he spent behind the wheel while earning less than minimum wage.

Lloyd Pedersen is to receive $13,482.78 for hourly wages owed plus $5,844.33 for vacation pay and additional pay for working statutory holidays and overtime as well as interest.

Emerald Taxi was also hit with 10 fines of $500 each, adding up to $5,000 and a further

$3,070.04 in back pay to be distributed to six other employees, most of it for unauthorized deductions and foregone vacation pay.

In all, the sums add up to $26,668.80. The order was issued Aug. 28 by ESB delegate Shane O’Grady, who disagreed with management’s claim that Pedersen was a contractor who sub-leased one of Emerald’s cabs.

While drivers are paid 45 per cent of the

fares they take in, O’Grady noted in part that through its dispatch system, Emerald is responsible for which drivers receive fares.

“Additionally, there is no indication that any of the drivers invested any of their own money in the business which could have caused a potential for risk/loss. This supports a finding that it is Emerald, rather than the drivers who control opportunities for profit and loss, a control that is indicative of an employer/employee relationship,” O’Grady wrote in the determination.

Accordingly, O’Grady found Pedersen was entitled to earn the minimum wage for all hours worked as well as time-anda-half for overtime and working statutory holidays as spelled out in the Employment Standards Act.

“I made probably on an average five or six dollars an hour,” Pedersen said. “And now they owe me eighteen thousand and six hundred some dollars, so I’m just getting even with them.”

O’Grady also found Emerald’s practice of deducting “taxi charges” related to when an employee used Emerald’s service to travel to and from work breached the Act after management failed to produce

paperwork showing employees had agreed to the arrangement.

While Pedersen came out the big winner financially, it was also a moral victory for Mitch Boudreau, who had been in a prolonged battle with Emerald over the same issues.

Through the ESB, Boudreau said he won a $1,600 pay out but only after some difficulty getting the branch to take up his case. Boudreau said he was also restricted to claiming for six months rather than from the day he started which would have resulted a pay out in the range of $10,000.

The turning point came in May 2019 when the provincial legislature passed legislation that, in part, scrapped a requirement that, with the help of a so-called “self-help kit,” employees had to confront their employer about an issue before filing a complaint with the branch.

“You basically had to do their work for them, but now you don’t,” Boudreau said.

The ESB also hired more staff to conduct employer audits and investigations.

By August 2019, the new process was in place and Boudreau filed another package of complaints on behalf of Emerald’s employees. An investigator took up the

case but by then, Boudreau was no longer working for Emerald saying he had been fired after filing the initial complaint.

“I was dealing with the investigator in Vancouver and he said ‘I need information that you can’t give me and it’d be nice if there was somebody I can talk to who still works there,” Boudreau said. “I talked to Lloyd and Lloyd agreed to talk to him.”

By December 2019, Pedersen had filed a formal complaint and the ball started rolling. One other employee also filed a complaint but then backed out after reaching an arrangement with Emerald.

Pedersen stuck with it and no longer works for Emerald, saying he was forced out by the end of the month. But he few regrets.

“I was on a mission and I proved that they’re doing it wrong and that’s why they got their fines,” he said. “So I’m happy that I nailed them.”

In contrast to the Labour Relations Board, which adjudicates disputes between employers and unionized staff, the ESB enforces labour standards for nonunion workplaces.

The full ESB decision is posed with this story at www.princegeorgecitizen.com.

School start worries teachers

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Schools opened Monday for the first full day of classes of the new school year after a brief return to classes last week.

The return to in-class learning as ordered by the provincial health office has raised safety concerns among teachers worried about the density of classrooms and the fact neither students nor teachers are required to wear face masks in the classrooms.

“The classrooms are packed,” said Joanne Hapke, president of the Prince George District Teachers Association. “If the provincial health office said classroom densities have to be 50 per cent, that would give us some breathing room.

“Teachers have done their best to take out items from their classroom that they’ve had for years, the things that make classrooms more homey – the soft-touch items. They’ve taken out pillows, extra seating, area carpets, because we recognize they don’t meet health and safety guidelines so we’re doing that to support a safe return to classrooms for students.”

Schools reopened for 90-minute sessions on Thursday for two cohorts of students and a third cohort had its first day of classes Friday morning.

Parents still have the option of gradual entry and keeping their kids out of school until they are more certain they can go back safely and the premier has guaranteed those students will not lose their seats in the class. But Hapke said there’s no way teachers can cater to the needs of individual students through distance learning while also teaching groups in the classroom and says the answer would be to hire more teachers.

“Teachers can’t do both jobs, that was

proven in the spring,” said Hapke. “We did it, but that was continuity of learning. We already had relationships with students and we had processes and curriculum already developed for seven months at that time.

“We’re starting fresh on Monday, so if a child is staying out until September 30th, how does he get his leaning needs met for the month of September? That’s 13 days of school. We are just not sure how this is going to roll out. Teachers are feeling that the buck is stopping with them to create the plans to meet the decisions the ministry made but did not provide detail to. There’s just confusion there.”

Kids were back in their desks Thursday on a day when B.C. reported its highest incidence of new COVID cases with 139 confirmed tests. Alberta schools reopened two weeks ago and so far there have been two in Calgary and one in Lethbridge. An outbreak is declared with two or more cases are confirmed in the same school. Mask use is mandated for students and staff in B.C. schools in areas where physical distancing is not possible, such as hallways or entranceways.

“This is going to be a stressful time over the next two weeks as we wonder, is it in my classroom, is it being spread now,” said Hapke. “The district is addressing our concerns as far as the sanitization of classrooms. It’s not what everyone had hoped because it’s really hard to sanitize a classroom when there are children within a classroom.”

4way_sTo Explore BC T¬HISf˚LL

In Fall ,vividcolours transform an already spectacularsetting.With fewercrowdsand aslowerpace, it’s awonderful time to travel within ourvastbackyard. Here arefour ways to experience BC this fall . Remembertoplanaheadandtravelresponsibly.

Change Your View With aCabinorRanch Stay

Getoffthe grid with arelaxinggetaway to aluxury lodge, guestranch,orrusticcabin.Stay at Quaaout Lodge& SpaatTalking Rock Golf Resortfor lakesideserenityinthe Shuswap or CameronRidge Bungalows in theCariboo’s playgroundofpineand spruce.For a memorableholidayonhorseback, visitWells Gray GuestRanch or Flying URanch.

VisitCharmingSmall Towns

BC ’s smalltowns aretuckedamongmountaintops ,rainforest s, andcoastlines—find your ideallocation andstayawhile.

Mountain townsare perfectfor anyone looking to reconnect with nature on a grandscale. Forested peak sare at your door step callingyou to adventure.Nestled in theS elkirk Mountains, Nelsonishome to hundredsofheritagebuildings andan eclectic food scene. Furthereast, townslikeCranbrook ,G olden, andFernie offer the dramatic scener yofthe East Kootenay s.

BC ’s rugged shorelinedraws both adventurers andartists ,who flock therefor

inspiration .G ibsonsand Secheltonthe SunshineCoast boastvibrant ar tscenes with plenty of locally-ownedshops andgalleries .E xplore shelteredwater ways in akayak , andenjoy freshfi sh and chipsonland.

CelebrateHar vest andthe Changing Season

Autumn is atimefor celebration andrenewal,fromcolourful foliage to food and drink. Seethe elusivegolden larchinE .C .M anning Provincial Park ,orona guided hike with PlaywestMountain Experiencesinthe Purcells .Celebrate fall ’s har vest with avisit to awiner yora farm tour along culinar ycorridor slikethe Fraser,Okanagan, or Cowichan valley s. Prepareyourpalate forOctober’sCraft Beer Month with ataste test on theBCA le Trail .

Thetree-lined streetsofBC’surban centresoffer plent yofnaturalbeaut y. Stayin Victoria andrenta bike to explorethe Galloping GooseRegionalTrail that runs from Victoria’s downtown water fronttoahiddenlake, aquietcove, andaforestoffall foliage. Pick up treat satL ittleV iennaBaker ytorefuelafter your ride.

Spend aweekendinVancouver andwanderthe West Endfor adisplay of Instagramwo rthy autu mn leave s. Or,v isitD r. Su nYat-S en Cl assic al Ch in ese Ga rd en in Vancouver’s Chinatown, with it swater lilypond andburgundy hues ,for apeaceful oasisina bustling city centre

ExplOr_e BC L_i_k_e nEveRbeforE

Explorefall likenever before, from modern cities to cozy retreats:

Va ncouv er &Sea-to-Sk y: Di scover vibran tc ities fr om sea to sky,a nd be inspir ed by local arts, cultur e, and flavour

Vi neyar ds, valleys &l akes: Discover culinar yadventures and golden vineyards—from Fraser Valley to the Okanagan and beyond.

Mo un tain peaks &t owns: Glimpse golden larches as you explorethe colourful mountain towns of southeast BC.

Ra nches, riv ers &r anges: Experience wide-open spaces beyond the beaten path, from Kamloops to the Cariboo and Chilcotin.

No rthern wild: From hiking and biking to fall fishing,explorepicturesque northern towns and discover anew side of BC.

We st coast cultur e: Follow the Pacific coastline to charming communities and coastal adventures.

St art planning your fall trip now at Ex

Nelson |KariMedig

Find Beautyinthe City

Kayanara GuestRanch |Blake Jorgenson

Dr.Sun Yat-SenClassicalChineseG arden| GardensBC/Daniel Mosquin

The power of a mentor

“Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living - if you do it well, I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.” — Denzel Washington

In the last couple of weeks, two individuals who in much different ways played an important part in my formation as a businessman, passed away. Those deaths made me realize how blessed I have been to have great mentors in my life, and how important mentorship is to the success of leaders.

I met Louis Matte when I was just 16 when I went to work on his farm. The father of my friend Harold, he first appeared gruff and demanding as he smoked his pipe and told me where I would be working. Little was I to know that first day I met him, that for the better part of the next 35 years, our lives would be intertwined in business and he would become a fantastic mentor to me.

BUSINESS COACH

DAVE FULLER

It was by working on his farm, his construction sites, land developments and gas stations that I was able to pay for my college education and rub shoulders with Louis, who was a local business tycoon.

During that time, I observed his propensity for business and his ability to visualize opportunities when others only saw hardship.

I was able to openly question him about business deals and follow him as he started up a couple of different successful ventures as I worked for him.

In 1988 he asked me if I would like to be his partner in a start-up. For the next 28 years we met regularly and he shared with me his wisdom and advice on how to be successful in business and life.

“A lot of people put pressure on themselves and think it will be way too hard

IS THE BOX EMPTY?

for them to live out their dreams. Mentors are there to say, ‘Look, it’s not that tough. It’s not as hard as you think. Here are some guidelines and things I have gone through to get to where I am in my career”— Joe Jonas

One thing about great mentors is that while they are willing to share their knowledge and experiences, they are there for you when you make mistakes.

I made my fair share of blunders, and Louis and I did have our occasional disagreements on how to approach various difficult situations.

I knew that when times got tough that I could always go and sit down with Louis and his wife Rolande and by the end of the conversation life would be better. In the end the dissolving of our partnership was not as harmonious as perhaps I would have liked but I can honestly say that as good mentors do, Louis allowed me to learn and grow from the experience, and we were still friends afterwards.

“The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.” — Benjamin

Disraeli

Annie Nusl died on Saturday, and I was able to spend a few hours at her bedside before she passed away. Annie, unlike Louis, wasn’t a business guru, but she was a dedicated employee of 20 years. Annie’s gift to me, beyond her loyalty and friendship, was her ability to teach me how to be a better manager of people.

She gently guided me to slow down, be more patient, pay attention to details, to treat people better. Annie cared and that caring demeanor helped me to realize that life is so much more than just money or business. That is just what some mentors do!

Mentors come in all shapes and sizes and in all aspects of our lives. It’s only when they leave us, that we truly realize their lasting influence and impact. and it is then that we can reflect on the blessing that they have been in our lives.

“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” — Isaac Newton

- Dave Fuller MBA, is an award-winning business coach and the author of the book Profit Yourself Healthy. Had a great mentor? email dave@pivotleader.com

REGIONAL DISTRICT SEEKING INPUT ON PARKS PLAN

Citizen staff

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George is updating its Regional Parks Plan and is seeking the public’s input.

The results of a short online survey, found at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ RDFFGparksplan, will be used to inform the district’s priorities for regional parks over the next 10 years, according to a statement released by the district.

The survey will be available online until Sept. 30.

“We need input from our residents to help to create a plan that reflects our

communities’ needs and aspirations for regional parks, trails, and outdoor recreation areas,” district general manager of environmental services Petra Wildauer said.

The regional district operates 11 parks, including Giscome Portage (the location of Huble Homestead Historic Site), McMillan Creek Regional Park, Ness Lake Regional Park, Wilkins Regional Park and Berman Lake Regional Park.

The day-use parks provide a variety of amenities from the historic site at Giscome Portage to beaches, picnic areas, trails and boat launches.

City’s unemployment rate 9.6 per cent in August

Citizen staff

The city’s unemployment rate stood at 9.6 per cent in August, according to Statistics Canada labour market survey numbers.

The number represents a slight decline from 9.8 per cent recorded for July but is still nearly double the 4.9 per cent estimated for August 2019 as the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic continued.

In all, an estimated 46,200 people were holding down jobs last month while 4,900 were looking for work and 22,400 of working age were not participating.

By comparison, 50,800 were working during the same month last year, while 2,600 were seeking employment and 19,600 were not.

In July, 43,900 were working, 4,800 were looking for jobs and 24,7000 were not participating.

The counts are based on three-month rolling averages and the accuracy of the estimates for the unemployment rates for August and July were plus-or-minus 1.4 per cent, while that for August 2019 was plus or minus 0.8 per cent, all 68 per cent of the time.

Be both a snake and a dove

It seems that deception and dishonesty are nothing new. When sending his disciples out into the world 2,000 years ago, Jesus gave the following advice: “I am sending you like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

People have always told lies to promote their agendas and to protect their economic interests.

With the rise of the abolition movement in the 1700s, slave traders filled the media with stories of how wonderful it was to be a slave.

Africans were apparently happy to leave their homes, crossed the Atlantic in comfort and families lived peaceful lives on plantations in the Caribbean.

The truth, of course, was horrendously different.

It is also quite easy for journalists to leave out parts of a story in order to promote an agenda.

Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson, for example, is extremely clever, and presents himself as authoritative, stating “just the facts.”

LESSONS IN LEARNING

GERRY CHIDIAC

Yes, what he says are facts, but if he were a student in my high school class, I would point out that there were gaps in his logic and ask him to solidify his arguments.

In a recent monologue, for example, Carlson said that in 2019, more white suspects (371) were killed by police than black suspects (236) in the United States. Carlson failed to point out that according to the U.S. Census, black people are only 13.4 per cent of the population and there are nearly six times as many whites.

One would expect a significantly smaller number of black people to be killed by police.

The fact that the numbers are so close is indeed evidence of a significant problem in that country.

Statistics, we need to remember, are

markers which help us to understand problems.

By studying them objectively we can see where we need to focus our resources in order to build a more just society.

Using numbers to cast a thin veil over racism is simply unacceptable.

It’s interesting to note that 24 hours news channels and the full spectrum of political views published on the internet has not resulted in a more informed population.

While there are today’s equivalent of abolitionists, there are also people who try to justify views as repulsive as those of slave traders.

In consuming media, we really do need to be as shrewd as snakes by stepping back and asking a few questions.

The first and most important would be, “Why are you telling me this? Are you promoting honest dialogue, trying to help me to be an informed, proactive citizen working to make the world a better place, or are you trying to manipulate me?”

The second question is similar: “What is your agenda?”

Carlson, for example, invited Dutch historian Rutger Bregman onto his pro-

The government should…

“The government should build better roads! The government should stop wasting money! The government should pay for childcare! The government should lower taxes! The government should make school classes smaller! The government should make transit free! And, the government should…” well, pretty much nearly everything.

If you have read my columns before, you will know that I am happy to lecture leaders for their shortcomings, but, if voters are in favour of the government living within its means, voters have to reign in their expectations, especially now. Our economic output has dropped faster than it did in the Great Depression. Locally, the City Of Prince George is predicting a $9 million shortfall this year. Even if the optimistic forecasters are

THINKING ALOUD

TRUDY KLASSEN

correct, and economic growth continues to recover, and Covid doesn’t force us to shut down again, the money lost to government revenue won’t be recovered.

Less money means less spending, or it should.

Anyone reasonably good at managing their own money knows that when income is down, family and business spending is reduced by the same amount.

Spending is either eliminated or severely restricted. Spending on entertainment, renovations, eating out, and travel is out the door.

Phone bills, hydro, heating costs, the grocery budget, are all carefully examined

for cost savings.

Less spending for governments means the same things in our cities, provinces, and country, as it does in our homes: no new projects, no fun projects, repairs instead of replacement, and cutting discretionary spending.

When it comes to election time, and politicians show up at our door or in a town hall, will we ask them “What (increased spending) will you do for me, us, or them?”

Or will we ask for less spending; fewer services and regulations, tighter control of spending, and no shiny new buildings?

The questions you ask them determines the outcome of the election, almost regardless of who gets in.

Politicians respond to voter requests. They have to, or else they don’t get elected.

Everything we ask the government to do costs money, and while it is the role of politicians to make wise decisions, they are

gram because he had criticized wealthy elites who traveled to the World Economic Forum and avoided paying taxes themselves.

Over the course of the interview, Bregman turned the tables on Carlson asking how he and his employers were any different than other elites.

He pointed out that Carlson was “a millionaire funded by billionaires” because they like the spin he puts on the news.

Carlson then began swearing at Bregman and Fox did not air the interview.

We can only reflect on the possible agendas of Bregman, Carlson and Fox News owners.

It is vital to democracy that we be informed citizens, but we need to remember that our media is far from perfect.

I certainly have my share of scholars and human rights advocates I regularly turn to, but I never give anyone carte blanche in the quest for truth, not even myself.

There are wolves among us and misinformation is real, but if we are shrewd, we will find the truth.

And truth always endures.

human, and if the only feedback they get is to spend more, it is hard to make decisions that mean fewer services or facilities. Election promises are made to attract voters.

What the promises are, depends on what the voter wants.

I saw Neil Godbout’s article on the city’s salary increases, which follows several different news organization’s articles this past week about budgetary overruns for city projects.

Also, the Citizen published the Canadian Tax Payers Federation article on the need to have a provincial oversight for municipalities.

While these issues are not the focus of this column, they highlight the need for voters to pay attention to elections. Get involved, don’t think that we can spend ourselves into prosperity, and help campaign for the candidate that understands basic economics.

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QUILT CELEBRATES GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDKIDS

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

Even if the pandemic meant they couldn’t get together for National Grandparents Day last Sunday, local members of the support group B.C. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren have still found a way to celebrate.

Through the magic of the social media, they showed a quilt that has grown to 85 squares in the roughly two-and-a-half years since the project was started as a way to raise awareness and recognize and celebrate the work of grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

Donna Eckert, the driving force behind the project, hopes to see the total reach 144 by the same time next year - all from contributions from seniors from across the province who are in the same boat.

That any grandparent who has taken on the responsibility of raising a child has the time to contribute is a bit of a miracle. As Eckert says, it doesn’t get any easier as you get older.

“It’s probably at times more difficult because you’re more tired,” Eckert said. The trappings of the retired life are put on hold. No extended vacations, no week-

day afternoons at the golf course. Those on limited incomes can find themselves holding down jobs to meet the added costs that come with making sure a youngster gets proper care. Children who have issues related to mental health and development only add to the workload.

In short, there are no days off.

“You don’t get the respite because you can’t send the kids to the grandparents for a break,” Eckert said with a laugh.

Added to the workload is the stigma.

“Why have you got your grandchild? What did you do wrong to start off this whole mess?” Eckert said. “It’s not a pleasant situation to be in.”

Eckert said the group, which has a Facebook page, works as a place where seniors with a youngster or two in the household can turn when they need help - be it practical or emotional.

“A lot of it is referring to other agencies... it’s even just (a forum for) ranting,” she said. “If they need to rant and rave about something, they’ve got a safe place to go to say ‘I don’t know how I’m coping.’ There’s been tears, there’s been just letting out steam.”

But there are rewards, usually in the

Members of the support group B.C. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren have been working on a quilt. Seen here at 72 squares, it has since grown to 85.

form of small tokens of appreciation, from the child and even from the parents themselves.

“They’re not material rewards. They’re

the little things that melt your heart when they happen,” Eckert said.

For more information on the group, email prgeogrg@gmail.com.

Walking more popular, poll finds

MARIO CANSECO

Glacier Media

British Columbia is usually ranked as the fittest province in the country, consistently boasting a higher incidence of residents who take on fitness activities on a weekly basis. Research Co. and Glacier Media asked British Columbians about their “new normal” when it comes to exercise during COVID-19.

The one activity that does not require any special equipment has been the de facto fitness lifeline in the province. Two-thirds of British Columbians (66 per cent) say they are walking more often than before the COVID-19 pandemic began. This finding is particularly interesting, as many adult residents of our province are still working from home, and are unable to have any leisurely strolls to and from the office, or to simply walk in order to buy something for lunch.

Two other fitness activities show some positive momentum. Just over one in four British Columbians (26 per cent) are running or jogging more now than before the pandemic, while 14 per cent are exercising this way less often. The numbers are similar when it comes to cycling, with 24 per cent saying they have done this more often and 16 per cent not getting on their bikes as much as they did before the pandemic.

Yoga has always been a polarizing exercise, and its stature has not been affected by the pandemic. While some high-profile studios have closed their doors – tempo-

rarily or definitively – some residents have found videos online to continue learning poses. While 19 per cent of British Columbians are practising yoga more often now, 18 per cent are starting to leave it behind. Women are relying on yoga more at this stage (22 per cent) than men (17 per cent).

The momentum is not positive for activities that British Columbians used to enjoy at indoor venues. One in four (24 per cent) are lifting weights less often now, and 21 per cent are not climbing on the cardiovascular cross-trainer machines such as ellipticals, stationary bikes and treadmills as much as they did in February.

Two other activities – hiking and climbing – have not grown over the past few months, with 29 per cent of British Columbians hiking less often than before the pandemic, and 16 per cent not climbing as much. In stark contrast, 18 per cent of British Columbians say they are playing golf more often now than they did before COVID-19, although 57 per cent have never cared for this game.

The results of this survey offer mixed reviews on how British Columbians are dealing with the forced changes to their exercise routines. Two-thirds have resorted to walking as a way to escape the pandemic. Some have sought assistance online to follow weightlifting and yoga routines. Cyclists and joggers are more likely to be hitting the road more often than before. Enthusiasts of other sports eagerly await a vaccine that can return the cleats to their feet and the rackets to their hands.

Youprobably know that the COVID -19 pandemic has caused BC to declare apublic health emergency.But, did you know there’s another provincial public health emergency taking place right now? That emergency is the opioid overdose emergency

Overdose: the other public health emergency

In 2016, aprovincial public health emergency was declared because of asignificant increase in drugrelated overdoses and deaths. Four years later and the emergency has not ended. In fact, there has been an increase in overdose deaths throughout

Healthy Living

Be safe,becalm, be kind, and stop overdose

By Dr.Rakel Kling,Northern Interior Medical Health Officer,Northern

the province lately —sadly,including in the North.

Right now the illegal drug supply is more toxic than ever and unpredictable. We’ve seen this in our Northern region with Benzodiazepines or “Benzos” contaminating street drugs.

So, what can we do about this? LikeCOVID -19, we all have apart to play to stop overdose. Here’s what you can do.

Be safe

As overdose deaths increase, it’s important to stay safer if you or someone you know uses drugs.

Jago Awardwinners :Empathy

Know how to prevent an overdose. (northernhealth.ca/health-topics/overdoseprevention?keys=naloxone)

Be calm

Know the signs of overdose and what to do. Carry atakehome Naloxone kit and be familiar with how to use it.

Be kind

People who use drugs are people. They ’re members of our community and are someone’s loved one, parent, mother,brother,friend, co -worker.Use non- stigmatizing language. Stopping stigma saves

By Sanja Knezevic, Communications Advisor,Medical Affairs Department, Northern Health

Northern Health (NH) strives to makeour values –empathy,respect, collaboration, and innovation –the core of what we do every day

The Dr.Charles Jago Awards, named after our former board chair, acknowledge and celebrate the NH staff,physicians, and teams who have made outstanding contributions to the organization’s goals, reflecting our values in the process.

The winner under the “Empathy ” category for 2020 is Darren Woolgar, team lead for Interprofessional Team 2.

Jodi Temoin, the lead for Interprofessional Team 6, said this about Darren:

lives.

Stop overdose

If you’d liketopost atribute to aloved one who has passed away from an overdose, visit: International Overdose Awareness Day (overdoseday.com/tributes -a/post-a-tribute/)

Saving lives takes avillage and we all have a role to play in stopping overdose deaths. (stories. northernhealth.ca/stories/saving-lives-takesvillage-international-overdose-awareness-dayaugust-31)

“Darren exudes empathy every day as part of his role as ateam lead for the Primary Care teams. Darren has worked supporting the teams through many difficult system changes while marinating

an empathetic, positive attitude towards both clients and staff.Heisconsistently kind to everyone he engages with, is patient and sensitive to the needs of others, often putting them first while trying to gain an understanding of where they are coming from. He is an excellent judge of character and has akeen ability to sense when staff are struggling and needing amoment to debrief or be supported.”

Congratulations, Darren!

Darren Woolgar,winner of the Dr.Charles Jago Award for Empathy

We all have arole to play to stop overdose. This image is from the Northern Health Stop Stigma Save Lives campaign. https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/stigma

Health

HORO SC OPES &P UZ

PUZZLENO. 784

HOW TO PLAY:

Fill in the grid so that every row, every columnand every 3x3 box contains the

Each 3x3 box is outlined with adarker line. You already have afew numberstoget you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers

PUZZLE NO. 52

CL ASSIF IEDS

ELIZABETH (BETH) SINOSKI

1949-2020

SINOSKI, ELIZABETH (BETH), passed away peacefully at Hospice House on September 2 nd 2020 at the age of 71 years. Beth is survived by her loving husband, Merl, daughter Tannis (Chris) Houlind and grandchildren; Erikka, Ryker and Cassie. She will be remembered by her brothers Dan and Bob (Kathy) and sister Barb as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Christa and her parents James and Kathleen Fields. No service by request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rotary Hospice House.

REMEMBRANCES

George Gregory Pickering

Mar 5, 1945Aug 12, 2020

It is with deep sadness that I announce my father, George Gregory Pickering, passed away suddenly on August 12, 2020. He is survived by his son, Gregory, sisters Ruth Austin and Sherran Pickering. He is preceded in death by his sister Esther Pickering and his Mother & Father. George was born in Pouce Coupe, BC. on March 5, 1945, to parents Rebecca Hanshaw & Thomas Pickering. George had a long successful career of 35 years as a welder with PG Pulp and Paper Mill. He was involved in union activity with the PPWC Local 9. He had a huge love for animals and he took care of animals for the SPCA. After George retired, he volunteered at Saint Vincent de Paul as a driver and also helped with cleaning up in the cafeteria of the drop-in center. He enjoyed going for long walks and while doing so, would stop in and visit his friends and family. He will be deeply missed by all his friends and family. There will be a Celebration of Life held on September 19. If you would like to attend, please call 250-8844817. Memorial donations may be made to the local Prince George Saint Vincent de Paul.

Feb 18, 1926 - Sep 4, 2020

The family of Milfred (Mel) Harold Pearson are sad to announce his passing on September 4, 2020, at the age of 94. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Evalyn, three sons Gary (Ann), Brian (Connie), and Lester, 9 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 5 greatgreat grandchildren and his sister Dorothy. He is predeceased by his parents Ed and Eva Pearson, and sisters Nan, Rita, and Elsie.

Mel was born on February 18, 1926, and spent most of his youth in Fleming, Saskatchewan. When he finished high school he joined the RCAF and flew as a bomber pilot in WW2. After the war, Mel and Eve married on April 15, 1947, and moved to the Prince George area where they became involved in sawmilling, logging, and farming on the homestead near Chief Lake. Mel spent many summers in charge of major forest fires in the area and returned to flying when he became a water bomber pilot working on fires in B.C. and the Yukon as well as a pilot for pest control spraying in New Brunswick. He continued working as a heavy equipment operator in the logging industry during the winter months.

During the 1980’s and 1990’s, Mel built and operated a gold mine at Dease Lake during the summer months and made jewelry during the winter. He eventually took up woodworking as a hobby and created many items of furniture and crafts that Eve decorated and painted.

Mel and Eve lived on the Chief Lake homestead for over 67 years and moved into the Riverbend Senior Home in 2018.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Prince George Hospice Society or to Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Milfred (Mel) Harold Pearson

REMEMBRANCES

BREE HANKINS

2x65.5

PGC002054

Hankins,DarleneA.

September2,1953-August22,2020

DarleneAnnHankins(neeDemkiw),66,passedawayin ChilliwackBritishColumbiaonAugust22,2020.Shewas amotherandagrandmother,andwillbemissedbyher familyandthosewhoknewandlovedher.Sheissurvived byherfather,EugeneDemkiw;hersister,Brenda Demkiw;aswellasherchildren,Michael(May)Winters, Wendy(Olivier)Bullion-Winters,andTank(Bruce) Winters;andstep-daughter,Bree(Lee)Hankins.Sheis alsosurvivedbyhergrandchildren,RigelandLuna Winters,andInikaandAileyBullion-Winters;and step-grandchildren,WillowandCedarMcLandress.Sheis predeceasedbyhermother,DoreenDemkiw;her husband,LarryHankins;step-daughter,DanaHankins;as wellasherlatefirsthusband,FrankWinters.Darlene grewupinVegreville,AlbertaandalsolivedinEdmonton, Kamloops,ChilliwackandMacKenzie.Shewasa free-spiritedandcreativepersonwholovednew experiencesandenjoyedspendingtimewithfamily, travelling,andlearningaboutnewcultures.Shewillbe rememberedinourheartsforever.Inlieuofflowers, donationscanbesenttotheCanadianCancerSociety.A ceremonywithclosefamilywillbeheldinVegreville,AB, inthespring.

NUSL, Annie Victoria

The family of Ms. Annie Nusl of Prince George, B.C. (formerly of Glenevis, Alberta) announces her passing on September 5, 2020 at the age of 76 years.

Annie will be remembered as a loving and caring person who dedicated her life to the service of others. She loved to gather with family and friends and share a good laugh.

Annie will be forever loved and remembered by her brother Joseph (Aleah) Nusl; her sisters: Patsy (Rob) Cline, Mary Jane (Ken) Vaughan and Bernice (Blaine) Negraiff as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Annie was predeceased by her parents Charles and Louise Nusl and by her sisters Rose Crum and Veronica Hansen.

A Public Visitation will be held starting at 6:00 pm on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at Parkland Funeral Services, 3502 - 44 Avenue in Stony Plain, AB with a Memorial Service to follow beginning at 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2020 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church 200 Veterans Blvd, Spruce Grove. Interment to follow in Captain Paulson Cemetery, Cherhill, Alberta.

If friends desire, donations may be made in Annie’s memory to either Hospice Society-Prince George, 1506 Ferry Ave. Prince George, B.C. V2L 5H2 or to the Light Up Your Life Society, 4405 Southpark Drive, Stony Plain, AB, T7Z 2M7.

Written Tributes may be made to www.parklandfuneralservices.com

2x102.3

PGC002057

Curry,IvanJ.

April4,1935-September3,2020

OnSeptember3,2020,withhiswifeJeanholdinghim closeandhischildrenScottandShaunabyhisside,Ivan JamesCurryquietlyslippedaway.

BorninKenton,MB,IvangrewupinSherridan,MB,a miningtownwithonlyrailroadaccess.Hisfamilymoved toFortSaskatchewan,ABwherehefellinlovewithand marriedthegirlthreedoorsaway.IvanandJeanspent almost62yearsofhappytimestogether. AfterobtaininghisChemicalEngineeringdegreefromthe UniversityofAlberta,Ivanenteredthepulpindustry, thinkingthatacoupleofyearsmightbeenoughtofigure outhiscareerpath.Hedidn’trealizehewouldbeforty yearsinthebusiness,spanningfourprovincesandfive millsincludingtwostartups.Ineachcommunity,hewas activewithgroupssuchasJayCees,Toastmasters, RotaryandProbus(ofwhichhewasafoundingmember intheComoxValley)

Alwaysupforanadventure,Ivanwasquicktoencourage someonetogocanoeing,hiking,skiing,orgolfingwith him.AftermovingtoComox,hewasabletoaddcycling, sailing,andpickingblackberriestohissportslist. TogetherJeanandIvantravelledtheworld,oftenwith goodfriends.Sharingaglassofwine,sometimes homemade,wasalwaysatreatforvisitsandvisitorsalike. Alwayspolite,curious,patientandaccepting.Ivanis survivedbyhiswifeJean,hissonScott(Fiona),daughter Shauna(Ross)Rustad,grandchildrenSarah (Graham)Plant,Ross(Carlie)Curry,IanCurry(Monty), JohnRustad(Becky)andNicoleRustad(Jonathan)and great-grandchildrenWesley&FreddiePlant,andPaige& BenCurry.HeisalsosurvivedbyhistwosistersDorothy Pack(FortSaskatchewan,Alberta)andMyrnaHenderson (Tsawwassen,BC).PredeceasedbyhisparentsClifford& LenaCurry,hissisterMurielCurryandhisbrotherKeith Curry.

ThankyoutothestaffandcareaidesatComoxValley SeniorsVillage,Dr.RicPotter-Cogan,Dr.JeffZorn, Dr.WillTinmouthandtheVIHATeam(wemetsomanyof you).

ACelebrationofLifewillbeheldonSeptember26,2020. DuetoCOVID-19,thisservicewillbebyinvitationonly (forlivestreamingofservicepleasecontact shauna2328+comox@gmail.com)Inlieuofflowersplease consideradonationtotheCanadianCancerSociety.

any of these Conditions? ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, Overweight, Trouble Dressing...and Hundreds more. ALL ages &

benefits package.

Toys/Games/Puzzles

Announcements

NOTICEOFAGM

PGUrbanAboriginal JusticeSociety’sAnnual GeneralMeeting,on September23,2020,at 9:00AM.Notopento publicduetoCOVID-19. Boardmembersandstaff only.

Business Opportunities

SHAUNA RUSTAD

BLACK PRESS - CLASSIFIEDS

R0011833142

3.00x77.0-4C

PG16 / 615595

NAK’AZDLI WHUT’EN REQUEST for PROPOSALS

Mental Health Counselling Services

Invitation to Proponents:

This Request for Proposals (“RFP”) is an invitation by Nak’azdli Whut’en, located in Fort St. James, BC, to prospective proponents to submit proposals for the provision of mental health counselling and support services to the community which is currently seeing an increase in suicide and opioid dependency.

The proposal will be for the services of a Licensed Mental Health Professional. Proposals will include services that the proponent can provide within the community at Nak’azdli Whut’en. All costs included in proposals must be all-inclusive and be delivered by the applicant or the applicant’s company directly and cannot be outsourced. This will be a six-month contract to provide the above-named services and to identify any other services and resources that may benefit our organization that pertain to Mental Health Services.

Timetable

Issue Date of RFP September 8, 2020

Closing Date October 16, 2020 at 14:00:00 hrs PST

Anticipated Date for Selection of Contractor October 23, 2020

Note: RFP timetable may be changed by Nak’azdli Whut’en at any time.

Full Detailed RFP Package available

For a detailed copy of the full RFP, please email your request to healthmanager@nakazdli.ca

SCHOOL DISTRICT 57

R0011833398

3.00x50.0-4C

PG13 / 019295

EMPLOYMENT

Career Opportunities

School District 57 (Prince George)

Applications are being invited from qualified candidates for the following position.

Indigenous Education Worker Springwood Elementary (30 hours per week)

Closing date for receipt of applications is September 25, 2020, at 10:00 am.

To apply visit www.makeafuture.ca

The Process:

Interested candidates are required to submit an application package including:

• A cover letter highlighting your readiness for the position.

• An updated resume outlining your education background, experience.

• 3 current professional references.

• Copies of relevant transcripts and certificates.

Email: HRecruit@sd57.bc.ca

Fax: (250) 561-6837 Attention: Lori MacIver, Human Resources Advisor

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

BLACK PRESS - CLASSIFIEDS

3.00x112.0-4C PG16 / 615595

NAK’AZDLI WHUT’EN JOB POSTING

Communications Manager

The Communications Manager is responsible for providing professional communication services, as well as developing radio programing that is inclusive of the membership and reporting on Nak’azdli events and achievements. This includes working with elected officials and departments to meet communications deliverables. The Communications Manager will also be responsible for reporting on and writing editorials that reflect the achievements of the Nak’azdli membership.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Write, edit, and distribute content, including publications, press releases, website content, annual reports, speeches, and other marketing material that communicates Nak’azdli’s activities, events, announcements and updates.

• Assist with the development and implementation of an effective communications strategy.

• Work with departments and groups to develop radio programming.

• Maintain records of media coverage and collate analytics and metrics.

• Establishing and maintain good relationships with the community, administrative departments, Chief and Council and Membership.

• Writing press releases and other media communications.

• Studying the organization’s objectives, promotional policies, and needs to build public relations strategies that influence public opinion and promote products, ideas, and services.

• Preparing and editing organizational publications, including employee newsletters or Chief and Council reports, for internal and external audiences.

• Provide supervision and direction to the Events coordinator.

• Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree or Diploma in Journalism or related field.

• A combination of experience and education will be considered.

• Experience in using Radio or other communication medium.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and social media platforms.

• Knowledge of desktop publishing software.

• High degree of professionalism, honesty and confidentiality.

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s license.

Interested applicants may send their cover letter and resume to the above address or email to: executiveassistant@nakazdli.ca

Closing Date: Friday, October 2, 2020 @ 4:00 pm

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted

In accordance with the Nak’azdli Whut’en Preferential Hiring Policy and pursuant to Section 16 of the Canadian Human Rights Act, preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal Ancestry. Candidates of Aboriginal Ancestry who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify.

r0011833142

R0011833145

3.00x133.0-4C

PG16 / 615595

NAK’AZDLI WHUT’EN JOB POSTING

Chief Operating Officer

We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer who will work with Chief and Council to enhance the internal organization processes and staffing needs that will allow Nak’azdli Whut’en to continue to grow and fulfill its mission, in accordance with the high standards of the Nak’azdli Whut’en’s defined goals. This is a fulltime permanent position with an attractive salary and benefits package and relocation assistance.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Working with Chief and Council to develop and improve, and establishing and implementing, policies, procedures, programs and services for Nak’azdli Whut’en.

• Responsible for the monitoring of the financial management and operations of the Nak’azdli Whut’en, working with the department heads on the annual budget, monitoring the progress of financial objectives, overseeing and ensuring financial reporting is accurate and on time.

• Meet with the Managers on a regular basis to assist with the development, implementation, review, and improvement of the operations and services provided by Nak’azdli Whut’en.

• Working closely with the management team to develop, monitor, review and set strategic goals that meet the vision for the community.

• Implementing, maintaining and managing a system of controls for key performance, including establishing indicators and a performance management system to facilitate evaluations and track staff completion of job duties.

• Participating in setting staffing requirements, setting and communicating goals to team members, keeping them informed as to their progress towards the goals and providing support.

• Building relations for Nak’azdli Whut’en, including liaising with government, agencies and others.

• Undertake other duties as may be requested.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Seven (7) years of Management or Senior Management experience, including in operational and administrative management with BA, MA, or a combination of experience and education.

• Advanced knowledge of northern Indigenous cultural and political environment, Federal and Provincial political structures, funding mechanisms and processes and issues relating to Indigenous communities, including administration, programs and services.

• Knowledge of Federal and Provincial regulations and policies, ordinances, and relevant legislation, policies and procedures including the Indian Act and the Canada Labour Code.

• Advanced computer skills in MS Office, Word, Outlook and Excel.

• Provision of an acceptable criminal record check as a condition of employment.

• Possess a valid BC Class 5 drivers’ license.

A full job description is available upon request. Interested applicants may send their cover letter and resume to the above address or via email to: chief@nakazdli.ca

Closing Date: Friday, September 25, 2020 @ 4:00 pm

In accordance with the Nak’azdli Whut’en Preferential Hiring Policy and pursuant to Section 16 of the Canadian Human Rights Act, preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal Ancestry. Candidates of Aboriginal Ancestry who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify.

BLACK PRESS - CLASSIFIEDS

R0011833296

3.00x105.0-4C PG16 / 615595

NAK’AZDLI WHUT’EN JOB POSTING

Accounts Payable Clerk

Reporting to the Finance Manager, the Accounts Payable (AP) Clerk is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of financial matters, computer data entry and paperwork as a supporting role within the accounting department. This position requires attention to detail, concern for quality and accuracy and the ability to work in a fast-paced work environment.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform accounts payable data entry and processing functions and reconciliations.

• Process a high volume of cheques on a daily basis.

• Prepare & post vouchers for third party invoices.

• Contact third party vendors when there are discrepancies.

• Posting and reconciling purchase orders and statement of accounts

• Create and distribute cheque runs or EFT payments

• Communicate discrepancies and/or issues to relevant departments and managers

• Ensure all transactions are authorized as appropriate per company policies

• Distribution, filing and mailing of cheques

• Assist with creating and modifying supplier accounts.

• Matching, batching, coding and entering invoices

• Entering, posting and reconciling batches.

• Carry out other duties and special non-routine assignments as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma plus other related academic training or education.

• Minimum 1 year working experience in bookkeeping.

• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting processes and procedures.

• Computer literacy with accounting software.

• High degree of professionalism, honesty and confidentiality.

• Possess a valid BC Class 5 Driver’s license.

Note: Candidate will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check as a condition of employment.

Interested applicants may send their cover letter and resume to the above address or email to: executiveassistant@nakazdli.ca

Closing Date: Friday, September 25, 2020 @ 4:00 pm

In accordance with the Nak’azdli Whut’en Preferential Hiring Policy and pursuant to Section 16 of the Canadian Human Rights Act, preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal Ancestry. Candidates of Aboriginal Ancestry who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify.

R0011833145

Hay/Bales For Sale

5X5

we’re HIrING

Join our dynamic sales Team

If you are interested in helping businesses grow and enjoy talking to customers, we’d like to meet you!

Multi-Media Marketing Executive

• Communicating with clients to understand their needs and explain product value.

• Building relationships with clients, based on trust and respect.

• Collaborating with internal departments to facilitate client need fulfillment.

• Maintaining updated knowledge of company products and services.

• Resolving complaints and preventing additional issues by improving processes.

• Identifying industry trends.

• Acting as a client advocate with a focus on improving the buyer experience.

• Ability to clearly articulate the benefits of print and digital marketing strategies.

• Successfully deliver compelling presentations.

• Ability to secure and grow business.

• Contribute to the success and growth of the sales team.

• Understand and keep current on best practices as it relates to digital marketing and advertising.

• Understand the current and competitive landscape and be able to appropriately position our services relative to competitors.

• Achieve monthly, quarterly and annual targets.

educaTion, QualificaTions and sKills

• Outstanding relationship building.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication.

• Adaptability and strong problem solving.

• Ability to build rapport and collaborate with clients and others within the company

• Understanding of consumer behaviors and industry trends.

• Extensive, accurate product knowledge

• Effective time management.

• Detail oriented and ability to multi-task.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Diplomacy; effective listening and public speaking skills.

• Personable, understanding, objective, fair and honest.

• A background in print advertising, website development, SEO, SEM, social media, video and/or brand identity, Google AdWords, analytics certification would be an asset.

• Bachelor’s degree in sales, communications, or related field would be an asset.

Please forward your interest to njohnson@pgcitizen.ca

Nancy Johnson, Director of Advertising by 5pm on September 25th No calls please, only those shortlisted will be contacted

We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

$165,000. 250-614-6667 or 250-568-2338

500 litre Diesel Tidy Tank, $200.00 OBO - 250-564-0678

Steel Buildings / Granaries

FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008. Built with concrete posts. Barns, shops, riding arenas, machine sheds and more. Adam.s@integritybuilt.com. 1-250-351-5374. www.integritybuilt.com

QUANSIT Future building, 35’X50’, 18’ high.

Bedroom/Bedding

Apartments / Condos-For Sale

Spacious,

Duplexes for Sale

Property For Sale “DUNSTER

Lots & Acreages for Sale

7902 North Nechako Road (DL 2099) 6 acres of land, subdividable after removal of gravel (est 700,000 yards). Priced to sell. Interested parties reply to Box 441, Station A Prince George (250) 564-8791

Recreational Property

$155,000. 250-614-6667

Apartments/Condos for Rent

1000sq m building lot, #L72NCorintoPearleco-development Honduras. Contact Recap Investments, Toronto 1-888-212-8584 for more info and owner 250-5634999 $35,000 Canadian

11.26 acres manicured sub-lakeshore at Cluculz Lake, finest location by owner Only $399,000 end of Meier Rd. 604-908-0313

Teresa Saunders

Dr.Devan Reddy

Richardand WendyGirard

Douglas Walder

Brian Pearson

DorothyReimer

David Flegel

Ronand AnnetteParnell

Dave Read

Jan Rose

Dave King

DorothyFriesen

Gordon Bliss

BarbaraHampe

Chris H.

Linda Wijcik

SusanMcCook

Jackie Clements

Roland Green

Sharon &Wayne Armistead

Is your ROOF “top of mind”?

Themost overlooked yet one of the most important feturesofyour home,your biggest inestment,isthe roof. This multipartinstallmentofASK MJ offers you tips to considerasyou maintainyour roof.Even though yourashlatroof is gaurenteed for 15 years it is recmmended thathomeownersinspect the roof twice ayear. Whether by physically getting on the roof or by adrone, these inspections can spot something before it becomes an ordeal.

TopRoofingTips to Remember

Homebuyer’s beware. Agreat time to startwith any roof assessment is before your closing date. Getting aprofessional roof inspection beforethatfuturehome is officially yours will save you alot of time and costly repairs down the road, which can also be aplus if and when youdecide to sell your newhome.

Trim troublesome trees.

When admiring your home and surroundinglandscape, it’s important not to overlook leaning branches seeking companionship with your roof as they can scratch and gouge your roof materials. To preventdamaging or puncturing your shingles, simply trim back and remove any branches getting too close to yourroof.

Gutter cleaningremoval of leaves.

Clean the leaves and other debris. In addition to bothersome branches, leaves and other elements can clog your gutter system and cause water to backup into the attic, living areasorbehind the fascia boards.

To ensureyour drainage system is free flowing, it’s recommended thatyou clean your roof at least twice per year.Also,beonthe lookout for sagging gutters or damaged drain components and repair or replace as needed.

Pace Realty’sMaintenance Team can help you with your yardand other home maintenance &renovation jobs. Call 250-562-6671 or email us at maintenance@pacerealty.ca today for afree, no hassle quote.

Mary-Jean (MJ) Jacobson loves to talk real estate! She is passionate about helping clients increase the value of the assets. She is aProfessional Property Manager,StrataManager,RealEstate Sales Agent and Licensed Managing Broker.She writes aseries of articles blogs and whitepapers about the real estate and property management industry at ASK MJ.

Fireplaces: natural gas or propane?

Are you unsure whether to get a gas or propane fireplace? In spite of their many similarities, these two options have a few differences that can help you determine which is best for you.

If you already have a natural gas provider (because you have a gas stove, for example), you may want to opt for a gas fireplace. The coupling and maintenance will be easier due to existing infrastructure. A propane fireplace, however, will have to

be connected to an outdoor tank. But if you want your fireplace to create a warm, rustic atmosphere, choose propane. It creates a flame similar to that of a wood-burning fireplace, which makes it more visually pleasing than a gas-powered model.

Nevertheless, propane fireplaces are usually more expensive than gas-powered ones. They also tend to be more expensive to use, as propane costs more than natural gas in many locations.

PROS

Whether you choose a fireplace that runs on propane or natural gas, you’ll have an effective, easy-to-use heating unit. Both can be turned on and off and controlled by a thermostat. Many models can also be programmed so that they turn on and off at set times.

Both types require little maintenance since they don’t produce ash. You just have to clean the glass and the burners on a regular basis. Finally, neither option requires the installation of a chimney. A tube or vent is enough to let combustion gases out.

Choose the electric heater that’s right for you

There are all sorts of electric space heaters available on the market today, from radiant and convection to forced air varieties. Here are a few tips to help you choose the model that’s right for you.

First of all, if you wish to heat a room over the course of several hours, choose a heater that uses natural convection. It may distribute heat more slowly than other heaters, but it allows you to maintain a stable temperature over long periods of time — as long as the room is closed in.

If you want to warm yourself up quickly without increasing the temperature of the room you’re in, choose a heater that uses radiant heating. This provides an almost instant feeling of heat on your skin but doesn’t warm the air. It can be useful when working in your garage, for instance.

Last but not least, to quickly warm up a small room, you can get a forced air heater or combined model (oil-filled or with panels). These provide stable, long-lasting heat.

Carolynne Burkholder -James

GO FOR GOLD.

Why use space heaters?

On top of increasing your comfort indoors, space heaters offer a ton of advantages. Here are a few.

First of all, they’re usually portable, as is the case with electric heaters. Therefore, they can follow you around and keep you cozy no matter where you are in the house. What’s more, they can be used in conjunction with your main heating system. This means that when you can’t seem to get a room warm enough — on extremely cold days, for example — you’ll still be able to maintain a comfortable temperature without using up too much electricity. In

short, a space heater can save you money.

BLACKOUT-PROOF HEAT

If your main heating system uses electricity, consider getting a space heater that’s powered by a different energy source (natural gas, propane, wood, etc.). This way, you’ll be able to stay warm during power outages.

Some types of space heaters can help create a cozy atmosphere in your house. Who doesn’t enjoy watching flames dance and hearing logs crackle in the fireplace, for instance?

Discover the pros of pellet stoves

Are you thinking about purchasing a space heater but aren’t sure which kind you should get? Keep reading to discover the many pros of pellet stoves.

Less polluting than traditional wood fireplaces, pellet stoves run by burning dry compressed wood. One of their main advantages is their ease of use. All you have to do is put some pellets in a hopper (a funnel-shaped vessel) and turn on the heater by raising the thermostat. The pellets are then mechanically carried towards a combustion chamber where they’re burned. A fan pushes hot air into the house, while combustion gases are released outside through a vent or other exhaust system.

This method of operation means there’s almost no heat loss. You don’t even have to open the door to feed the fire like you would with a wood-burning fireplace.

AN EFFICIENT UNIT

The pellet stove functions with a thermostat, which means it provides constant, regular heat. It can work over extended periods of time — sometimes up to 48 hours — to maintain a consistent temperature without having to add pellets. It stops automatically when the programmed temperature is reached.

Although their flames are only visible at full capacity, pellet stoves still produce the sought-after scent of burning wood.

KEEP IN MIND

Before purchasing a pellet stove, make sure it has the seal of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) or the Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada (ULC). Ideally, look for a unit certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce emissions of particle pollutants.

The pellet stove is a space heater that is efficient and easy to use.

Elaine Kienzle

250 96 0-8769

elaine@elainekienzle.com aine@elain

Not your ordinarytownhome! Spacious, light &bright, open concept floorplan featuring ahuge family kitchen; eating area with access to the deck & views out to trees in Westgate Park; cozy LR with gas FP;laundry on the main; master suite with 3pce ensuite &WIcloset; plus the functional great room over the garage. Fully finished daylight basement with arec room, 2bdrms & 4pce bath. It has the perfect end unit location &aseparate RV parking spot. See MLSR2466060 to view the video

Electric or gas stove?

Some people swear by electric stoves; others prefer ones that run on gas. Here is some information to help you choose the appliance that suits you best.

ELECTRIC STOVES

There are several advantages to using an electric stove. First of all, if you’re a baker, you’ll certainly appreciate its very stable temperatures. Electric stoves are often less expensive than gas models, and they’re easier to clean (especially the ones with smooth tops). Furthermore, electricity remains one of the greenest types of energy used for cooking.

GAS STOVES

Gas stoves allow for quick changes in temperature, which can save you time in the kitchen: not only will your food heat up lightning fast, but you’ll no longer have to wait forever for your oven to preheat. Temperatures on a gas stove are also fairly stable, which facilitates cooking. Finally, gas stoves always work, even during power outages.

Before buying an appliance, make sure you know its features. Ask an expert for advice.

Three rules for remodelling your kitchen

Planning a kitchen remodel? Here are three golden rules you should follow to ensure your project’s success.

1. THE WORK TRIANGLE

When planning the layout of your kitchen, you need to consider the work triangle, a zone delineated by the washing, cooking, and food storage spaces. This triangle is where you will spend most of your time.

For the kitchen to function well, the distances between the dishwasher (or sink), the fridge and the stove must be equal, or almost equal. Don’t place these appliances too far apart.

2. CLEARANCE

Do you want to build an island in your kitchen? Make sure to leave about four feet (1.07 metres) of space between your cupboards and your island so that you can move around easily. Similarly, plan for at

least three feet (0.9 metres) of clearance in front of your dishwasher for comfortable loading and unloading.

In all cases, make sure that you can move around without having to contort yourself, even when the fridge, oven or dishwasher door is open.

3. LIGHTING

Generally, kitchens have four types of lighting: natural light (from a window above the sink, for example), general light (from a ceiling light or recessed lights), task lights (spotlights on your work surfaces) and accent lights (LED strips underneath the cabinets). Be sure to plan out the placement of your lights before beginning construction work.

Finally, for all your construction and renovation project needs, never hesitate to call on your local specialists.

Three essential elements for setting up your beauty corner

Would you like to create a space where you can apply your skincare products, do your makeup and style your hair in peace? Make sure your beauty corner includes the following three elements.

1. A MIRROR

Get yourself a mirror that’s big enough for you to see your face and hair clearly. It will be easier for you to get ready if you can view your work in its entirety. To see even more clearly, try a magnifying mirror.

2. LIGHTING

Avoid unwanted shadows — which are definitely not ideal when you’re putting makeup on! — by installing lights on either side of your mirror so that the beams cross. You can use built-in lights, hanging lights or wall fixtures to do this.

3. STORAGE

Keep your beauty corner well-organized with pretty jars for your brushes and transparent organizers to store your beauty products by category (lipstick, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, etc.).

room with afantastic view of Tabor Mountain. Kitchen overlooks the manicured yard and there is afantastic 2tier sundeck with hot tub. Backyard features fire pit, greenhouse, small garden,fully fenced, underground sprinklers. Basement has abright one bedroom suite with separate outsideentrance. This property offers abit of country in the city.Quick possession is available.

Have

you heard of colour zoning?

Colour zoning is a popular interior design technique that uses colourful sections of paint on walls to give any room a dose of character. Lines, rectangles, circles — no matter what shape you use to create your colour zones, the idea behind the concept is to invigorate a given space using colour.

STRUCTURE

Colour zoning is a great way to visually divide a large room. Do your living room and dining room make up one big

open space that you’d like to separate in some way? Use blocks of colour on the walls to define each area.

HIGHLIGHT

Colour zoning can be used to make your favourite elements pop, whether they’re accessories (vases, decorations, mirrors, etc.), pieces of furniture or architectural features. This technique can also be used to compensate for a room’s dimensions (e.g. a low ceiling) or to mask certain defects (e.g. damaged walls).