Gateway - May 2014

GATEWAY Powering the business of Bioenergy:

The 2014 International Bioenergy Conference NEWS PAGE 14

WEDNESDAY May 28 2014

NEWS AND EVENTS FOR PRINCE GEORGE AND CENTRAL INTERIOR

3 Doors Down Summer Kick-Off Party!

Prince George June 4 at CN Centre

Female Welder

Q & A with Jamie McMillan, an ironworker with over a decade of experience.

careers PAGE 25

Longer travel to surgical centres Amy Dash, an expectant mother from Burns Lake who is in Prince George waiting to deliver her child.

LIFE PAGE 29

Your community voice for the north!

2

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

GATEWAYnews New fed funding scheme gets muted reception Colleen Sparrow Publisher

3

Neil Godbout managing Editor

Charelle Evelyn | Prince George Citizen

D

etails are trickling out about the newest round of federal infrastructure funding, leaving municipalities without concrete plans to start pouring concrete.

On Feb. 13, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced a few features of the new Building Canada Plan, a 10year funding program replacing its expiring predecessor, as promised in the Conservatives’ 2013 budget.

“Our government understand the vital importance of infrastructure and is proud to be implementing the largest long-term infrastructure plan in Canadian history,” said Harper.

Set to come into effect April 1, the new plan includes the now-permanent and indexed Gas Tax Fund and Building Canada Fund, totaling nearly $3.9 billion in British Columbia alone.

Coun. Garth Frizzell, who sits on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) board of directors, had a mixed reaction to the news.

On the good side, was the follow-

through on indexing the Gas Tax Fund as well as the 10-year stability and predictability of the infrastructure money.

The previous Building Canada program had a seven-year tenure, while the Gas Tax Fund was designed as a five-year envelope.

“That’s one of the things we directly asked for,” Frizzell said.“Ten years is very important and very helpful for us.”

The renewed gas tax monies will be able to benefit projects such as highways, local and regional airports, short-line rail, short-sea shipping, disaster mitigation, broadband, brownfield redevelopment, recreation, culture, tourism and sport.

The Building Canada Fund envelope is for those that “provide the greatest economic impact” and - broken up into national and provincial categories covers projects such as public transit, wastewater, green energy and postsecondary infrastructure that supports research and teaching.

Also on the good side is the introduction of a separate $1 billion fund

for communities with populations of 100,000 and fewer.

It was clear through the consultation process that smaller communities needed the same access to predictable funds as major urban centres, said Harper at an event in Ontario.

And though they’re “absolutely delighted” by the clear commitments from the federal government, the FCM is still cautiously optimistic, said Frizzell.

“Some of the rule changes on all of them are going to force us to do a second look,” he said.“It could mean we’re going to have to carry a bigger share of infrastructure costs.”

“Important questions remain about how the rest of the new Building Canada Fund will be used to meet local needs,” said FCM president Claude Dauphin in a statement.“Municipalities own a significant majority of public infrastructure and, for a fund that will span the next decade, we must be sure that it is used accordingly.”

Included in the new funding program

is more stringent screening for public private partnership (P3) potential.

Under the new rules, projects with total eligible costs of more than $100 million will be required to undergo screening to see if it could be successfully delivered through a P3 model. In that instance, federal funding would max out at 25 per cent.

Harper said the government would be working closely with the FCM to hash out the rest of the details, but time is running out, said Frizzell, citing 45 days left until the beginning of the spring construction season.

“We really need to get moving on this,” he said.

Next month, the FCM board will meet in Thunder Bay, where the infrastructure funding plans will be prominent topic of discussion,“so we can communicate to member municipalities.”

“Prince George is not the only place with a short building season,” said Frizzell.

“We’ve got to know what we’re doing and get to it quickly.”

4

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYnews

Wind energy is blowing up Frank Peebles | Prince George Citizen

T

he wind energy potential of northern B.C. could ensure that Site C is the last dam the province ever builds, according to the B.C. director of the Canadian Wind Energy Association.

“I maintain we could produce as much energy at a comparable price as building Site C, right now. BC Hydro doesn’t agree with me,” said Nicholas Heap on a visit to Prince George.

Heap is alarmed that despite the massive growth in B.C. wind energy in the past few years, the provincial government and BC Hydro are seemingly not encouraging more wind projects during the lead-up to Site C Dam construction, should if receive the green light.

“The forecast from government seems to suggests all this industrial development being touted for northern B.C. - which is going to consume a lot of electricity, mines and mills and LNG facilities take a lot of power - is going to be covered by diesel or natural gas,” he said.

Premier Christy Clark said the province has a number of factors affecting its power levels, not the least of which is a years-long strategy to get the provincial grid set up for future needs. Wind, she said, is already growing rapidly as a clean source of that energy, but there is a complex balance to be struck.

“We have an oversupply of power in B.C., really,” said Clark.“What we need is more industrial growth, and then we will have a huge demand for power. I’m glad those guys [wind proponents] are thinking ahead. We have to find energy that is as inexpensive as possible and at a time when we don’t really need the big input of energy - yet - so we don’t overpay.”

In 2008 there were zero wind farms

in B.C.Today, there are four in operation - three of them in northern B.C. and one on the Pacific coast - and more in various stages of development. More than 120 expressions of interest have been proposed to government in the past few years.The two projects closest to Prince George are in the early stages of assessing their viability.There are two towers erected on Mount George, near Tabor Mountain, with wind measurement equipment gathering data for Northland Power Inc., while the first rounds of public consultation were held early in 2014 in Vanderhoof regarding the Nulki Hills proposal by Innergex.

The ones already in operation are all in the Peace region.Together, those three produce enough electricity to power 90,000 homes.There is also the Cape Scott wind farm at the north end of Vancouver Island and a single turbine (with a tourist viewing cabin included at the top) on Grouse Mountain.

“Another five wind power projects received electricity purchase agreements in 2010 through the BC Hydro Clean Power Call.These projects are in various stages of environmental assessment, project design, and construction,” said Matt Gordon, spokesman for the Ministry of Energy and Mines.

He added that wind is helpful but not purely dependable for a provincial grid.

“Wind power can supply clean, renewable power, but the supply is intermittent and there is low dependable capacity. A source of firm supply is also needed as backup when wind is not available. Our hydroelectric dams continue to provide clean, reliable power and allow for the integration of wind power into the provincial electricity grid.

Cont’d on page 5

GATEWAYnews Cont’d from page 4 Essentially, the big dams can provide back up when the wind is not blowing.”

Heap agrees that a strong hydroelectric system is exactly what B.C. needs, in his view, with an increasingly larger wind component to augment it.

“When hydroelectric power is working at its best - from the spring freshet through the summer - is when British Columbians’ power usage drops to its lowest. When electricity usage ramps up, that is exactly when the cyclical power of wind is at its peak. The best wind energy production happens in the winter, just when the whole province turns its heaters and lights on,” he said.

“Using wind as a major grid component would do a lot to smooth out the power usage profile of the province.”

According to the Wind Energy Association’s data, B.C. turbines generate a combined 488.7 megawatts right now, covering about 2.5 per cent of the provincial demand. Heap said the grid’s

machinery could stand to take in up to 6,000 megawatts from wind without having to invest in new integration infrastructure.

Heap also considered renewable energy to be good for the provincial bottom line. The more wind, solar, biofuel and other such sources used, the less natural gas needed for domestic use, freeing that up to be sold.

Wind energy has its detractors, despite its soft environmental footprint. Some living near existing wind farms have complained of ill health but Heap said these are scientifically unlinked to turbines after 20 studies were conducted in four countries).

The first generation of powergeneration windmills killed a lot of birds, said Heap, addressing another frequent criticism. Now, though, intense government scrutiny is applied to each turbine in Canada and the research shows today’s windmills are almost benign. According to a study published in 2013 by Environment Canada, in

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

partnership with Bird Studies Canada, Canadian BirdLife, and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists (following a four-year study window), human-related bird mortality is caused primarily by house cats (74 per cent), about 24 per cent more is due to striking buildings, vehicles and utility lines, but striking wind energy windmills accounted for so few it wasn’t even mentioned in the study’s text. Of the 186,429,553 bird deaths accounted for, wind energy turbines killed 13,060 of them - less than a single percentage point.

Another public concern is the sound the turbines make when the wind whips them around. They make a distinctive whoosh that can be heard from a considerable distance. Heap stood beneath the turbines at the Dokie and Quality sites, this past year, and measured the noise from 63 to 69 decibels. When the ambient sound inside the Prince George Public Library was measured for comparison, it also fluctuated from the low to the high 60s.

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

5

Science is on the side of wind energy, Heap contended, leaving only one main obstacle: money. B.C. Hydro or some other organization has to agree to a purchase price, and a proponent company has to agree to invest up front in the preliminary study and construction phases.

“There were two big developments recently on that side of the equation, the really big side of the equation,” said Heap.

“Manufacturers learned how to build better turbines that could maximize good-to-great wind resources instead of the great-only wind resources. The second major thing was really rooted in China. China has more wind energy in its profile than any other country in the world, they manufacture their own turbine equipment, and they are now selling their excess equipment into the Western market. We are now in a buyer’s market for turbine equipment. The prices have dropped 20 to 30 percent, that is a game-changer, and I don’t see prices ever going back up again.”

6

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYnews

Province to probe moose death mystery Frank Peebles | Prince George Citizen The provincial government is initiating a study to find out what might be killing thousands of B.C. moose at an unsustainable rate.

“The study will engage 11 wildlife biologists, one wildlife veterinarian and several other staff over its five-year duration,” said a Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations statement Wednesday.“Over 200 moose will be radio collared, their movements tracked and all mortalities will be investigated to determine cause of death.”

There will be five study areas: northwest of Kamloops, west of 100 Mile House in the vicinity of Big Creek Provincial Park, the northern bulk of Tweedsmuir Park, from Prince George to Francois Lake, and from Prince George to Stuart / Babine Lakes.

The problem was pinpointed a few years ago by the province’s staff of wildlife biologists, with significant input by Prince George-based Doug Heard. According to provincial data, in 1998 and 2005 the moose numbers in the Omineca area

were about 20,000 but the numbers have plummeted to about 10,000 now. Major hunting curtailments were implemented at different spots in the province.

“I don’t think hunting caused this, but we are not going to have hunting accentuate it,” said Heard.“This is not a catastrophe but we want to get on it before it becomes one.”

The Spruce City Wildlife Association grabbed the issue by the antlers last year with a provincial symposium held in Prince George. Although the group is populated by many avid hunters, it was decidedly in favour of protective measures, as well as a scientific investigation of the issue.

“We do feel we’ve had a fair bit of impact on this,” said association president Jim Glaicar, also the Omineca region’s president of the pro-hunter BC Wildlife Federation. Hunting is poorly served by dwindling wildlife, he said, and part of hunting’s appeal is a hands-on appreciation for the ecosystem.

Cont’d on page 8

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

7

8

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYnews Cont’d from page 6 “The government has absolutely stepped up and addressed the problem.

We certainly appreciate that they are putting resources to this. All too often the government takes it on the chin for their decisions but in this case, they took the concerns seriously and are taking the appropriate steps with a science-based effort and in a collaborative way.”

Glaicar said the collaboration has some key features. One is the open line of communication that has formed between the association and a deputy minister involved in the issue, and the other is inviting the group to play a role in the data gathering. Spruce City Wildlife has partnered with UNBC and the NorthCentral Guide Outfitters Association to do a different study alongside the radio collar main initiative by government.

The group is even investing its own money in this project, to the tune of $10,000 per year over five years.“We will do a predator scat analysis program in moose calving areas,” said Glaicar.“That

is a done deal, the funding is in place.

The results will be shared with the local biologists here.”

Spruce City Wildlife is also asking for a grant towards another companion study.

This one, should funding be obtained, would get personal with the moose.

Researchers would do a series of focus sessions following one moose (a different moose each session) for a 24-hour period to learn the details of its daily activities, and add that data to the general information obtained from the 200 with radio collars.

“It’s an exciting time,” said Glaicar.

To raise money for these initiatives, SCWF is holding a number of events.

The main fundraiser confirmed so far is their annual banquet and auction event happening March 22.Tickets are on sale now at Northern Hardware. Special guests this year are T.J. Schwanky and Vanessa Harrop, writers and television co-hosts of the Outdoor Quest program seen in Canada and the U.S. on outdoor recreation channels.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

9

10

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYnews

Powering

the business of Bioenergy: The 2014 International Bioenergy Conference “There’s a clear and solid future for bioenergy,” says Michael Weedon, executive director of the BC Bioenergy Network, which will co-host the 6th International Bioenergy Conference and Exhibition in Prince George from June 11-13, 2014.

As Canada’s longest-running event devoted to the global bioenergy sector, the 2014 Conference offers bioenergy specialists, existing businesses and organizations, as well as municipalities and First Nations an extensive program of business-to-business meetings, technical information, and tours, as well as industry education and training with expert speakers.

“You learn something new every day in this industry—the information exchange, success stories, dialogue, best practices, commercial discussions, and discovery are all important,”Weedon says.

At the 2014 Conference, bioenergy stakeholders from a wide spectrum of private sector businesses, First Nations, governments, research institutions, and communities will all have the opportunity to learn—both from each other and from leaders in the field.

“As the region at the centre of what has become known as the ‘Saudi Arabia of Bioenergy,’ the opportunities in Northern B.C. to use the fibre resource all around

us for economic development and energy security are unparalleled,” says Weedon.

Sorting out the bioenergy business model has become increasingly urgent, as the cost of finding and processing oil and natural gas climbs to new heights.

The world economy, which has relied on cheap and easily available fossil fuel supplies for many decades, is beginning to shift to alternative fuel sources that make economic and environmental sense.

“We live in a private-sector based economy, so the numbers have to work.”

Offering a compelling blend of current and emerging technologies, the conference brings the world to Northern BC—a region at the centre of the largest wood fibre basket in North America, and a natural leader in the bioenergy field.

Weedon points out that change and innovation have always been at the core of the clean energy agenda; the conference reflects this, while emphasizing here-and-now solutions.

Conference speakers will address current technologies to be adopted and adapted to specific situations, and discuss the impact of exciting industry innovations. A mix of technical sessions, discussions of global issues, networking opportunities, and industry tours will maximize attendees’ experience.

To find out more about the 6th International Bioenergy Conference and Exhibition from June 11-13, 2014, visit www.bioenergyconference.org.

GATEWAYnews

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

11

Reaching agreements with First Nations groups ultimate goal Citizen staff There are nearly 200 First Nations in B.C. and provincial Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad aims to visit them all on their traditional territories.

By visiting each group individually, Rustad said he has more time to delve into local issues and gain an understanding of where First Nations leaders are coming from.

“It’s a much more positive way to build those relationships and I’m hoping it will bear fruit as we continue with our discussions,” he said.

During a recent trip to some Treaty 8 First Nations in the northeast, Rustad said he was able to sit down with them

and look at the maps of where the used to hunt and fish and listen to why those areas are important. He said that type of detail isn’t possible when he holds shorter meetings with groups in Vancouver or Victoria.

It’s an ambitious goal and Rustad hasn’t developed a timeline for how long it might take to accomplish. Since being named to the cabinet post in June, Rustad said he’s met with over 60 First Nations, although some of those meetings have taken place away from traditional territories.

As minister, Rustad aims to continue the Liberal government’s plan of reaching agreements with First Nations groups in stages, with the ultimate goal of achieving full treaties.

“A treaty is the ultimate form of reconciliation between a First Nation and the Crown, so our hope is to be able to

reach treaties with all First Nations if we can,” he said.

Cont’d on page 12

12

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYnews Cont’d from page 11 “We also recognize that’s a long process and we want to be able to see things happening that make a change on the ground for people’s lives.”

Rustad spent his first two terms in office on the Liberal back benches, but was elevated to cabinet shortly after the party won re-election in May. He said he’s enjoying the new role, but his ministerial responsibilities mean he has less time to spend in his sprawling home riding of Nechako Lakes, located west of Prince George.

“As a private member many of my weeks were 72-hour weeks and that’s just the work that you put in, but he type of work you do is shifted [as a minister],” he said.“You’re not able to spend as much time in your riding and that’s really unfortunate because I love doing the constituency work and being out in the riding and in the various communities.”

Rustad and his 84 MLA colleagues are back in Victoria this week for Tuesday’s opening of the next session of the

legislature. Rustad expects the Liberals focus will be on their jobs agenda and on developing a liquefied natural gas export industry in B.C., two major planks of their election platform next year.

Tuesday’s speech from the throne will give some insight on where the government is headed, as will the budget slated to be tabled on Feb. 18.

The biggest procedural change the Liberals are seeking to make to the working of the legislature is moving question period from the afternoon to the morning two days a week. If adopted, question period would retain its traditional 1:30 p.m. time slot on Mondays and Wednesdays but it would move to 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“By moving question period to the morning it provides media with a better opportunity to develop a full story,” he said.“For us as MLAs, whether its opposition or government MLAs, it’s an opportunity to come in the morning, get prepared for it and do question period and then you get on with the rest of things that you need to do during the day.”

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

13

14

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYnews

Harm reduction top of mind as ATV season starts up Legislation around the age and training requirements for young all-terrain vehicle riders could help make recreational trail riding safer and reduce fatalities, according to Northern Health injury prevention co-ordinator Lynette Hewitt.

“Legislation would be the ideal, but the next best scenario is a harm-reduction approach,” Hewitt said.

About one quarter of all ATV-related deaths in Canada involve children and youth under the age of 15.The situation is

particularly acute in northern B.C., where ATV injuries and deaths are well above the provincial average.

The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that ATV drivers be 16 years of age or older and Hewitt said codifying that recommendation into law would help. However she concedes it would only help make things safer if it came with appropriate enforcement tools.

Cont’d on page 16

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

15

16

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYnews situations.

“I am very aware that there are “[Pediatricians] see these injuries as families living in this region who will being so traumatic, so life-changing and not agree with the [paediatric society’s] yet so preventable that they advocate recommendations and will allow their very strongly for making sure children children to operate ATVs at a younger are at least 16 years of age and are age,” she said.“In this case our main goal is more physically capable of handling the to encourage parents to ensure measures machine and potentially have a driver’s are taken to keep their children safe.” license,” Hewitt said.

The provincial government just passed In absence of strict rules, Hewitt said the Off Road Vehicle Act, and while it it’s important doesn’t slap any age for parents and restrictions on ATV guardians to ensure use, it does call for a Northern B.C. is full of great places young ATV users one-time registration to explore on ATVs, but the region are supervised, are fee for ATVs and wearing helmets creates a framework also accounts for nearly half the and other safety ATV deaths in the province, despite for the creation gear and are of safety rules like accounting for less than seven per using appropriate mandatory helmet cent of the population. machinery when use. Prior to the riding. She said law receiving royal having young people at the controls of assent on March 24, B.C. was one of only ATVs that are too big, too heavy or too two provinces, along with Alberta, that powerful is more dangerous because doesn’t require all riders to wear helmets youth don’t have the cognitive and motor or have young riders take safety courses. skills to avoid or get out of dangerous Cont’d on page 18 Cont’d from page 14

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

17

18

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYnews Cont’d from page 16 The registration fee would be required for ATVs that use Crown land, but not those that are driven exclusively on private property.The law also increases the maximum fine for violating the act from $500 to $5,000.

Northern B.C. is full of great places to explore on ATVs, but the region also accounts for nearly half the ATV deaths in the province, despite accounting for less than seven per cent of the population.

Since 2006, there have been 33 fatalities in the north, compared with 29 in the interior, nine on the island, five in the Fraser Valley and two in Metro Vancouver.

ATV-related injuries also outpace all other sports injuries in the region that require hospitalization. Since 2001, ATV injuries have resulted in about 1,100 hospitalizations in the north and cost the medical system nearly $6 million.

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most common types of injuries attributed to ATV use, according to a U.S. study.

Abdominal injuries and fractures to ribs

or extremities are also high on the list.

Hewitt said many of the injuries could be prevented by taking the appropriate safety action, such as wearing a helmet.

“The vast majority of these, they’re all things we can do something about,” she said.“They have factors that have decision making - or lack of decision making - as part of the process leading up to that injury.”

Young adult males are also at a higher risk in relation to other groups, in part because they account for the majority of ATV users in the region. Northern Health regional lead for men’s health Holly Christian, said traumatic injuries are life-altering experiences for the men and their families.

“These men are productive, contributing members of our society and while some may be single, many men affected by ATV injuries have young families to support,” she said.“From a men’s health perspective, this represents a significant burden to men - particularly young men - in our community.”

GATEWAYnews

NCLGA needs to wield provincial weight Considering the amount of the Mackenzie mayor Mike Frazier retained province it covers, the North Central his seat on the board as the representative Local Government Association needs to for the Regional District of Fraser-Fort have a bigger influence on the provincial George. government, according a Prince George “I think one of the plans is to take city councillor. this kind of resolution and ramp up the During the recent lobbying. By that NCLGA annual I mean, punch to general meeting our real weight “We have... a very big influence in Fort St. John, and meeting with on this province because of the the group passed ministers not just economies that are in the north 35 resolutions, at UBCM but go central part of the province. which will be hunt them in their Over 70 per cent of the real moved forward places of business for consideration in Victoria, etc.,” said wealth is generated here. by the Union of – Dave Wilbur Wilbur.

B.C. Municipalities There was a scarce (UBCM) in provincial presence September. at last week’s event. Wilbur said there “We have... a very big influence on were at least four MLAs in attendance this province because of the economies during the three-day convention. that are in the north central part of the “That’s part of the ramping up that I’m province,” said Dave Wilbur.“Over 70 per talking about and the lobbying. I think cent of the real wealth is generated here.” we’ve got to make sure they understand Wilbur sat on the association’s fourhow significant we are geographically and person resolutions committee. economically,” he said.“Am I disappointed A director at large on the association’s the premier wasn’t there? Sure, but I can board for the past four years, Wilbur understand that and I think that future lost his seat on the executive after an NCLGA conventions and AGMs will be unsuccessful bid in the three-person race better attended.” for second vice president.

Cont’d on page 20

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

19

20

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYnews Cont’d from page 19 Among the resolutions the association supported was a submission from Smithers for more information - in advance - from rail companies of what hazardous materials are moving through communities in Class 111 tank cars and for them to provide emergency response plans and equipment.

“When you consider that there’s only one layer to these old... cars and the kind of hazardous material that they’re running through our communities, the very least I think we can expect is to be warned and to have a plan in place which will deal with that kind of inevitability and risk,” Wilbur said.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities was recently successful in pushing for rail companies to provide local governments with aggregate information about the nature and volume of goods moving through their boundaries.

“It doesn’t help to have a rearview mirror look at stuff,” said Wilbur.“You’re talking about safety, you need to see

what’s coming down the tunnel. Even if they put the plan in place and gave the community 48 hours notice for the kind of cargo coming through their community it would allow the local protective people to do something and also to get a warning out.”

NCLGA delegates also approved a district of Stewart contribution calling for the province’s transportation minister to upgrade existing northern highways.

Highway 16, said Wilbur, has traffic that’s ripping it apart and that it may not hold up to the extra volume of vehicles travelling to the various new and incoming resource projects.

“All of that means that our roads are being used to a level and with weights that they were never intended to handle,” he said.“We appreciate that Minister [Todd] Stone increased the safety by what was done with the shoulders of the highways recently, but that’s a small investment when you consider how much more has to be done.”

The next NCLGA convention will take place May 6-8, 2015 in Prince George.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

21

22

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYnews

Trout yearlings released into Moberly Lake Fourteen thousand juvenile trout were released this month into Moberly Lake at Spence Tuck Regional Park near Chetwynd as part of a six-year project launched in 2010 to rebuild a declining population.

The release was the second of three over the six-year period, with the goal of increasing the number of trout in the lake to at least 5,000 adult fish.

Fourteen thousand trout were previously released in 2012.

The number had dropped to less than 400 due to overfishing, officials said.

In fall 2012, eggs and semen from spawning lake trout in in the lake were collected and the fertilized eggs were transported to the B.C. Freshwater Fisheries Society’s hatchery in Clearwater where they were incubated and grown into yearlings large enough to be released into their natural habitat.

The next release is scheduled for spring 2016.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

23

24

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYcareers Female welder likes doing the heavy lifting

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

www.newscanada.com Jamie McMillan is an ironworker who started her career on a whim. Now, however, she says her calling has proven to be far more rewarding than she could ever have anticipated.

“I look at a tall building, or drive across a bridge and know that I helped make that happen with my own two hands,” she points out.

Now with over a decade of experience in what has been a male dominated profession, when Jamie is not using her skills for various projects, she is busy talking with youth, many of whom are female, about the abundance of opportunities with a career in the skilled trades.

Here, she answers some of the most common questions, particularly how her skills have paid off: Q: What initially interested you in joining the trades?

I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and the accomplishment you feel from physical labour. I didn’t know much about the trade when I first learned of the career opportunity, but I

knew that I wanted to do something where I could do the heavy lifting and be involved in the actual foundation of a project.

Q: Can you describe the training and certification involved?

I began my iron worker apprenticeship which involved 6000 hours of practical work and three, 7-week terms of school in 2002.

After this initial training, you write the Certificates of Qualification through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities in Ontario, as each province has its own body that governs trades assessment and certification.To further specialize, I got my welding ticket through the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) and participated in additional training.This has allowed me to work on structurally integral parts of buildings with career advancement along the way.

Q: Why are welding standards important?

From the car you drive to the chair you sit in, from

the building you work in to the fridge in your home, welding is all around us and impacts many facets of our lives. A good weld is the glue that holds it all together.You’re fusing metal, and a weld that holds everything in place determines the structural integrity of any given project. CWB is the regulator of welding professionals and companies throughout Canada, and works to ensure that each project involving welding is completed and overseen by certified and accredited professionals to provide public safety.

Q: What are the opportunities for women in welding?

It is an exciting time to be working in skilled trades.

With the advances in technology, plus the accompanying mechanical advantages, we’re working smarter, not harder and there is opportunity for women and men to specialize in areas that previously didn’t exist. With a skills shortage in Canada and projects underway from coast to coast, welders are in high demand and are well compensated for their work.To match industry demand, CWB’s certification programs have expanded beyond the welding of steel to offer programs for aluminum welding, resistance welding, welding electrodes and welding inspectors, among others.The CWB website (www.cwbgroup. org) is a great resource for very useful information on the career.

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

25

26

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYeducation

UNBC teams up with Emily Carr on teen program Citizen staff

Emily Carr University and UNBC are colouring outside their usual lines to offer a northern teen arts intensive program.

The two-week summer seminar will give northern youth a pre-university arts experience only available in the Lower Mainland under normal circumstances.

The focus will be on creative arts and

their practical applications to topics like mapping, architecture, urban planning, community research and design.

“There is definitely going to be artistic skill development, but also some local cultural elements and learning techniques to understand your sense of community and your sense of place within our region,” said Lisa Haslett, the continuing studies co-ordinator at UNBC. Cont’d on page 28

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

27

28

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYeducation Cont’d from page 26 It is not the first time Emily Carr has partnered with Prince George institutions for its offerings, but the province’s only arts-dedicated university has no current programs in the north. “[We have] an important role to play as a champion of high quality, innovative and integrated education within our province,” said Emily Carr’s dean of continuing studies Sadira Rodrigues.

“What we offer to regional partners is efficient leverage of Emily Carr’s institutional reputation and expertise in art, design and media education, all

toward community engagement and strategic growth [of our B.C.] creative economy.”

Haslett said UNBC could have built a program like this in-house, but felt that northern students would be better served by combining forces with the institution named for British Columbia’s most famous painter and social arts advocate.

“They have considerable drawing power of their own, based on a reputation they have built over many years. Emily Carr does something unique within Canada and certainly within B.C., and UNBC also does something unique

within Canada and certainly B.C. This partnership, because of who we each are as institutions, can offer our region’s students an educational experience that is world class.”

Emily Carr is offering a similar summer session in Whistler, but both sides wanted the Prince George edition to be specifically northern in its content. Work is underway to infuse the program with PG-specific content.

“Both programs are strategic, multistakeholder collaborations, and will coordinate participation and input from various relevant councils, community groups, cultural organizations and

educational institutions,” said Rodrigues, so the education received by these youth will be “responsive to community needs and objectives.”

Cost for the two-week program is $1,500, which includes most supplies and food vouchers. Registration opens on Monday via the UNBC Continuing Education department.

It is hoped that this initial program will stimulate more interest in fine arts education in the region, and foster closer ties between UNBC and Emily Carr. Both schools feel more frequent and more complex joint ventures are possible in the future.

GATEWAYlife

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

29

Expectant mothers impacted by longer travel to surgical centres Neil Godbout | Part 1 of a three-part series

L Citizen photo by Brent Braaten

ike many expectant mothers living in rural B.C., Amy Dash has left the comforts of her home during her pregnancy and has camped out in a larger centre with more medical resources.

Dash, who lives in Burns Lake, has been staying with family in Prince George for weeks as she waits to deliver her child.

Although she has relatives to stay with during her time in Prince George, the situation remains far from ideal. Her husband Kris Garneau is back in Burns Lake working, separating the couple during such an important time for any new parents.

“We can talk three times a day, but it’s not the same as being at home and being able to sit on the couch and watch TV together or go to the movies,” she said.

“You can Skype and Facetime all you want, but it’s not the same.”

While Dash’s pregnancy has been considered higher risk, other mothers from smaller centres in northern B.C. often have to travel to give birth because the lack of surgical care in their home community.

The majority of babies born in B.C. don’t require surgical intervention, but in cases where emergency Caesarean sections are required, having a capable

surgeon close by is needed. Since no one knows when an emergency situation will arise, having surgical care is a crucial backup plan during any delivery.

Prince George-based surgeon Dr. Nadine Caron said the lack of c-section capability in some rural communities is the “canary in the coal mine” for the larger crisis in rural surgical care that exists in B.C. and elsewhere in Canada.

As rural operating facilities become more scarce across the country, it’s expectant mothers who are among the first impacted by the longer travel time to centralized surgical centres.

Cont’d on page 31

30

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYlife Cont’d from page 29 “Sometimes you’re talking the urgency of minutes to hours to provide a Caesarean section or the capacity to have one. In many, many rural communities in Canada that simply is not possible,” Caron said.“The implications of that are essentially that a women sometimes is flown out of her home community where she waits from days to weeks to deliver so that she has capacity nearby for c-sections, if that’s necessary.”

It hasn’t always been this way.

In the past many small communities had maternity care much closer to home.

Whether it was a general practitioner that was trained in some basic surgery or a specialist living in a rural community, for many years it was possible to provide fullservice births in many small towns.

Dr. Stu Iglesias remembers firsthand working in Bella Bella in the 1980s when the coastal community had a fully functioning operating facility. His children were born there, but now that service is no longer available.

“We’ve been trying for 20 years to keep

rural maternity care going in B.C., to some extent in spite of enormously committed people and some very good work and research that shows wonderfully good outcomes, they still keep closing,” Iglesias said.

Iglesias is an advocate for a program called enhanced surgical skills (ESS) for family physicians. It gives family doctors an extra year of training where they learn a basic set of surgical skills ranging from hernias and appendectomies to c-sections.

Through his work with the Rural Coordination Centre of B.C., Iglesias has touted the benefits of the ESS program for helping to maintain maternal care in smaller places.

The ESS doctors work with family physicians trained in anesthesiology as well as operating room nurses and other specialized staff to keep rural operating rooms running. While their c-section training allows them to keep maternity care close to home, Iglesias said it’s the other services they can provide that makes the rural operating rooms viable by providing enough work for all involved.

Cont’d on page 32

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

31

32

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYlife community,”Galliford said.“They can’t be there 365 days a year, Some rural centres have tried so often there are locums that to continue to have maternal are sought after but they are few care even when surgical backup and far between as well.” is a ways away, but Iglesias said As it stands, many mothers like it’s difficult to maintain. All Dash need to travel a long way high-risk pregnancies need to to deliver their babies.That can be transferred to larger centres mean navigating the treacherous and many expectant mothers northern highways in the chose to go to a place with middle of winter and having to an operating room in case find accommodation that’s not something comes up. Other always cheap. cases are referred to the larger “I think it’s a lot easier if you centre during labour if a vaginal have family to stay with because delivery proves too complicated. there is no cost involved,” she According to Iglesias, that said.“Families that are lowleaves only about 25 to 30 per income, I’m not sure what cent of births, not a large enough options they have - I think they load to keep many programs just risk staying home and taking running. the ambulance ride or driving in “The rural programs that try the week of [the due date].” to deliver babies without local The lack of surgical care or c-section capability do a heroic other obstetrics means many job of trying to keep it alive, mothers from Burns Lake and but it seems Mackenzie that after a bit need to come of time these to Prince The lack of surgical care programs die George to or other obstetrics means deliver. In other without that many mothers from Burns parts of the support,” he said.“It’s at least Lake and Mackenzie need north, like in in part related to come to Prince George Fort Nelson, it’s to how stressful the same story to deliver. it is for doctors - mothers and and nurses to their families deliver babies trekking hours without the backup of c-section.” to a larger centre and bunking Dr. Brian Galliford, the medical down for days or weeks at a lead for the perinatal program time. at Northern Health, said there Whether it’s having a doctor are many benefits to having with ESS certification nearby or maternal care close to home and another solution, Dash said it ESS physicians are one important would be important for her and part of the solution along with her partner to be able to have partnerships with midwives and their children delivered closer to other specialists. home.

But he said the necessary “Just having my baby born in a changes will take time as the community where my husband capacity needs to be built up. and I have lived for eight years,” For instance, one ESS doctor she said.“We’ve bought our generally isn’t enough to meet second home now and we plan the demand of the on-call nature to live there and maybe retire of emergcency c-sections. there. Having our children born “One such person often in the community that they’re isn’t sufficient for a small going to grow up in is ideal.”

Cont’d from page 31

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

33

34

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYlife

Population down regionally

Each year, B.C. Stats takes the most-recent Statistics Canada census figures, from 2011 in this case, and then takes into account such indicators as health client registry and residential hydro hook-ups to gauge population growth from one year to the next.

The estimates assist in local and provincial government planning processes.

For the Fraser-Fort George Regional District as a whole, B.C. Stats has the population up by 287 people, to 94,351, with Mackenzie’s population declining by 30 people to 3,498, Valemount’s declining by three to 1,020, McBride’s declining by five to 582 and the unincorporated areas’ rising by 133 to 15,118.

To the south, the Cariboo Regional District’s population declined by 176 to 62,685 with Quesnel’s dropping by 163, Williams Lake’s falling by 116, 100 Mile House’s down by two to 1,879, Wells’s steady at 235 and the unincorporated areas up by 105.

To the west, the Bulkley-Nechako Regional District’s population fell by 622 to 39,589 with Smithers down by 132 to 5,219, Vanderhoof’s down by 588 to 4,523, Houston’s down by 16 to 3,129, Burns Lake’s down by 23 to 2,008, Fort St. James’s steady at 1,715, Fraser Lake’s down by 15 to 1,153, Granisle’s down by two to 304 and the unincorporated areas up by 176 to 20,067.

Prince George’s population grew by 132 people last year.

As of the end of 2013, Prince George was home to 74,133 people according to the estimate, a 0.3 per cent increase over 2012.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

35

36

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYlife

Buy-local program spreading for 2014 Northern Development Initiative Trust is spreading the Small Town Love.

The buy-local program originally launched in Quesnel last year by entrepreneur Amy Quarry to celebrate central and northern B.C.’s unique independent businesses.

NDIT partnered with Quarry to replicate the program in six northern communities - Logan Lake, 100 Mile House, Valemount, Fort St. James, Vanderhoof and Burns Lake.The pilot program was a success, with more than 200 businesses registered.

Funding has been provided to continue the program through 2015, with McBride, Telkwa, Smither, Fraser Lake, Granisle, Ashcroft, Houston, Lytton and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality all signed on for participation this year.

On the industry side, NDIT will work with the ministry of jobs, tourism and skill training to deliver a series of seminars to help B.C.-based businesses take advantage of major liquefied natural gas projects.

The seminars will aim to build on successful events held in 2013.

A number of boot camps focusing on procurement opportunities and processes associated with the more than 10 LNG export terminals proposed for development in B.C. and request for proposal seminars are scheduled for Prince George, Kelowna,Terrace, Prince Rupert and Kitimat throughout the year.

“These workshops will generate value for entrepreneurs throughout BC. and help the Trust deliver on its mandate to build a stronger north,” said NDIT CEO Janine North, in a press release.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

37

38

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYhealth&safety

'Sandwich generation' caregivers get peace of mind Home security devices helping seniors maintain independence

www.newscanada.com

T

hey’re called the “sandwich generation” working adults who have taken on the role of caring for an aging or ill parent while still raising their own children and pursuing a career.

Membership to this group is growing every year as the Canadian population ages.

In fact, according to Statistics Canada,

more than 2 million Canadians, mostly women between 35 and 44 years old, are “sandwiched” between caring for their young children and aging parents at the same time.

This can sometimes mean their resources, both mental and physical, are spread too thin which can also lead to worry and guilt when it comes time to leave the senior home alone.

Cont’d on page 39

GATEWAYhealth Cont’d from page 38 Part of the worry is for potential medical emergencies or falls that could occur since seniors are at a much greater risk of falling. According to Health Canada every year, one in three seniors will fall at least once and falls account for more than half of all injuries among Canadians 65 years and over.

These were some of the concerns sandwich generation member Lisa Fazari of Richmond Hill, Ontario had as she looked for solutions to help care for her 83-year-old mother Ursula Calderon while also caring for her teenage daughters.

Fazari’s mother’s activity level had decreased dramatically since the Osteoarthritis in her legs caused her to slow down and be more cautious, yet she was adamant that giving up her independence of living alone wasn’t an option.

“My concern for my mom living on her own was the fact that even though she’s aging she’s very determined to live independently, she loves to maintain her regular routine and do her own thing,” explained Fazari.“But the fact is, she can have an accident any time and I’m very concerned that nobody would reach her fast enough to help her out should she fall.”

So Lisa looked into LifeCall, a personal medical alert device to help give her and her family the peace of mind they need to know her mother will be assisted if ever she experiences a medical emergency while home alone.

LifeCall, a division of Reliance Protectron Security Services, can assist seniors or those who are physically or chronically ill. It can be worn as a bracelet or as a pendant.

Coupled with the two-way voice communicator that is installed in Calderon’s home, Fazari now has the assurance that comes with knowing her mother will receive emergency assistance in a timely manner if necessary and that she will be notified.

“The key features that I love about LifeCall are the panic button and its ability to determine if she’s fallen or not. It’s the solution that we’ve been looking for- for a long time,” she added.The device features a built-in panic button as well as an optional intelligent pendant with fall detection.

As an additional layer of protection, the fall detection option works by sensing a sudden vertical acceleration. A short delay following a fall allows the person to cancel the alarm if they can recover. If the fall alarm is not cancelled and help is needed, the individual is immediately connected with an operator in the monitoring centre. More information about senior safety at home is available at lifecall.ca.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

39

40

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYhealth&safety

Summer safety starts at home www.newscanada.com

With summer just around the corner, many Canadians will be spending more time outdoors enjoying the weather, but unfortunately, this can also mean more cuts, scrapes and burns.To help, Target Pharmacy has compiled a list of recommended items for your at-home first aid kit to ensure you’re ready for summer safety. If you’re travelling, it’s also important to consider having a first aid kit in your car or at your vacation destination like cottages or campsites.

Must-haves for your at-home first aid kit: • Variety of different-sized bandages • Sterile gauze pads • Adhesive tape • Tensor bandage • Scissors and tweezers • Antiseptic/antibacterial was • Instant ice packs • Disposable non-latex gloves • Pain relievers If you or someone you are with does get a scrape or cut, it is important that it be treated properly and as quickly as possible to avoid infection. When treating

wounds, use this three-step process to ensure fast healing: • Clean – Wash away dirt and germs: Thoroughly flush and clean the affected area with mild soap and water or an antiseptic wash and allow to dry.

• Treat – Prevent infection: Apply an antibiotic ointment or cream to the affected area one to three times daily until healed to prevent infection and to keep it moist to decrease scarring.

• Cover – Protect for faster healing: Cover affected area with an adhesive bandage and keep it protected until the wound is completely healed.This protects the wound from dirt and germs that can cause infection, thereby helping to promote fast healing.

If there is large amount of bleeding, the wound looks like it could be infected, or if it is taking a long time to heal, visit your local pharmacy to speak with an instore pharmacist who can provide expert advice so you can get back to enjoying the outdoors.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

41

42

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYhome&garden

Design your dream garden on a budget www.newscanada.com You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a landscape architect to add major impact to your garden this spring.

Try these simple and affordable tips to get it looking beautiful in no time: Fun fences. Are you faced with a concrete wall? Put up a trellis or two for an instantly dramatic and elegant look.

Play up the look even more by adding some climbing plants to highlight the trellis.

Blooms are in the air. Hanging baskets always look elegant on a porch or veranda and add instant colour to your garden.“Choose large baskets like the PC Jumbo Hanging Basket,” suggests

Peter Cantley, a garden guru at Loblaw Companies Limited.“The flowers are beautifully colour coordinated, and the basket is big and roomy.That’s so important because a larger soil capacity helps keep plants from drying out.

For real impact try brightly coloured baskets like apple green or plum, which coordinate beautifully with flowers.”

Rocky road. Add some pretty pebbles or stones around plant bases or arrange large, smooth rocks along the edges of a pathway.This sophisticated look will draw attention to the shapes and curves in your yard.

Light of the party. Proper lighting is essential for entertaining on summer evenings and for creating the perfect

ambience in your garden getaway. Light from candles, lamps or illuminated planters make a big difference with a splash of colour.

Use colourful planters. Set them around the edge of your patio to separate the space from the yard or put them right into your garden. Peter Cantley suggests

the new PC Riley Pot, a stunning and fun plastic planter that comes in unique colours like peacock blue and deep burgundy. For more of a classic look, try the PC fibreglass pots.They have the look and feel of real stone but they’re a fraction of the price.The classic designs enhance any outdoor décor.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

43

44

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYfashion&beauty

Find beauty trends that are right for you Inspired by runway fashion, this summer’s newest beauty products also range from bright and bold, to raw and natural.To help find the look that’s right for you, Shoppers Drug Mart beauty expert, Pierce Rees, highlights the latest trends in makeup and hair: Makeup Trends Purple hues are trending this summer, with a gorgeous array of new eye shadow and nail polish shades. Graphic eyeliner is in style, adding an artful touch to summer beauty looks. Also popular are bright, matte lip colours, particularly orange shades. If you’re feeling less bold, you can’t fail with the natural, sun-kissed look.

Hair Care This summer is all about long bobs, low ponytails and messy knots.The pompadour has made a modern comeback – you can find combs and accessories to create this look at home.

For a glossy, frizz-free finish, celebrity stylist Sally Hershberger offers a new

www.newscanada.com hydrating serum with keratin.

Whether you are trying out ‘the lob’ or going a shade lighter, remember that summer activities can be hard on your hair, so consider using a moisturizing shampoo.To help repair damage, a new conditioning treatment or serum might be just what you need.The revitalizing hair and scalp serum from Gosh, for instance, is designed to strengthen hair while stimulating healthier growth.

Manicures & Pedicures Nail art continues to be a huge trend.

This year, we’re seeing lots of glittery adornments as well as colourful, gradientstyle ombre manicures. Orange shades, like melon and corals, are hot this summer, along with purples.

Make sure manicures and pedicures start with smooth hands and feet. Quo’s argan oil hand crème and a product called, Soap & Glory heel balm, both help to soften skin so you can buff, nip and lacquer your way to great summer looks.

GATEWAYgrill

Sun Roasted Carrot & Chicken Salad www.newscanada.com

Created and inspired by professional chef Mark McEwan for Sun Life Financial – as part of the company’s commitment to help with the prevention and management of diabetes, this recipe demonstrates that healthy meals can be easy and full of flavour.

A combination of sweet and savoury, it’s a carrot and chicken recipe loaded with crunchy bites and topped with a kick of horseradish dressing. Packed with protein and heart-healthy veggies, this salad is sure to provide you with a boost of energy.

Prep time: 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Portions:4 servings Dressing 1 tbsp juice of lemon 75 ml white balsamic vinegar 150 ml olive oil1 tsp horseradish 1 tsp grainy mustard Pinch of salt 1/4 tsp pepper Combine all ingredients and slowly stream into the oil while whisking.

Carrot Salad 500 g carrots 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1 tbsp olive oil 250 ml avocado, sliced 2 green onions 12 sprigs coriander (cilantro) 50 ml celery hearts

Chicken Breast 450 gr chicken breast 2 tsp grainy mustard 1 tbsp olive oil 1/4 tsp salt Pepper to taste Whisk mustard, oil and seasoning in a bowl to make marinade. Coat chickenand grill.

Slice when slightly cooled.

Method - Toss carrots in olive oil and salt and roast at 375F until tender (should still have a “bite” to them). Place carrots and avocado on the plate and drizzle with 2 tsp of the dressing. Place sliced chicken breast on the carrots and avocado and top with green onion, coriander sprigs and celery hearts. Drizzle onadditional dressing as garnish.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

45

46

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4

GATEWAYpets

Protect your pet in the great outdoors www.newscanada.com

The arrival of spring and summer means our pets will be spending more time exploring and playing outdoors. Long walks, frolics in the yard, and trips to the park are fun for dogs and owners alike, but do keep an eye on health risks, say advisers in this field.

Pets Plus Us, a pet owner community and insurance provider, offers some guidance for the warmer months: • Provide your pet with ample water and food.

• Don’t leave a dog or cat exposed to the hot sun for extended periods. Make sure they have ready access to shelter or shaded areas when outdoors, and bring them inside for breaks.

• Never leave a pet in a parked car.The temperature inside can quickly rise.

• Take your dog or cat to the veterinarian to ensure they have up-to-date vaccinations and

preventative medications to keep them healthy all year long.

“In addition to heartworm disease, there are other serious and even more common health issues that pet owners need to be wary of, ,” says Dr. Chip Coombs, the chief veterinary officer at Pets Plus Us.“Be on the lookout for signs of intestinal parasites in your pet, like roundworms and hookworms, which not only make your dog ill, but can also cause problems in people who contract them. Now is a good time to visit the veterinarian to ensure your pet is protected.”

Here are a few things to keep in mind to minimize the risks posed by parasites: • Regular deworming of any outdoor pet is the best solution to guard against these internal parasites.

• Be attentive and watch for symptoms.Ticks and fleas are easier to spot than internal parasites. If

your dog has internal parasites, usually you will notice that they aren’t acting themselves. Symptoms vary, but your dog may be lethargic and lose its appetite. Other signs may include vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling or pain in the abdomen.

• Provide your pet with healthy food and fresh water. A high-quality diet is key to their overall health.

• Groom your dog regularly to maintain a healthy, clean coat and skin.

• Take the time to discuss these and other pet health practices with your veterinarian.

Finally, pet health insurance helps us look after our furry friends by covering the costs if they fall ill or have an accident requiring medical attention. It can even cover more routine items like exams and vaccinations.

More information on pet health is available at www.petsplusus. com.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

|

www . pg c iti z e n . c A

47

48

www . pg c iti z e n . c a | W e d n e s d a y , M a y 2 8 , 2 0 1 4