City of Prince Rupert begins bids process for Ridley Island landfill project

One of the City of Prince Rupert's summer infrastructure projects is almost to the starting line, with the City posting a call for tenders to the BC Bid site for the construction of the Leachate treatment lagoon at the Ridley Island Road Landfill site.

The project which has been an often mentioned need for the landfill site, was approved by City Council as part of their work towards expansion of the Ridley Island Access Road property.

Following site preparation, the work ahead will include drilling, blasting and excavation, while the project will also see the installation of pipe work, geosynthetic material installation.

The new treatment lagoon will feature the installation of aluminum walkways, supply and installation of floating pontoons, as well as the installation of aerators and other associated infrastructure, trenches, conduits and cables.

The timeline for work at the Ridley landfill site indicates that bulk of the work should be completed by  September 30th of this year, with Total performance realized on or before October 14th.

Those firms that have expressed an interest will be taking a work site tour later today,  providing them with a better indication of the scope of the work ahead and what factors they may need to keep in mind as they prepare their bids.

The project is listed on the BC Bid website as item 10524

The deadline for submissions of bids is Tuesday, June 18th at 5 PM

The Prince Rupert landfill site has been the focus of attention for City Council dating back to 2014, when the first indications were received related to the need for expansion for the region's growing requirements.

For more items of note related to the city's Bids and Tenders process see our archive page here, more background on the city's infrastructure work can be explored here.

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Emergency Service Files: June 2019

Our Archive of items for the month of June, from the files of law enforcement and other emergency responders in Northwestern British Columbia.

Note: For Wildfire related stories see our Northwest Wildfire Archive page


From the North Coast Review


Canada Day weekend marks start of RCMP summer counter attack
Large police response to afternoon downtown altercation has Mounties seeking second suspect
Prince Rupert Fire Rescue on scene of Third Avenue blaze
Prince Rupert RCMP seek assistance of the public on February case file


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Prince Rupert/Port Edward/Haida Gwaii/North Coast

June 30 --  Case closed on an illustrious career
June 28 -- Prince Rupert fire update (video)
June 28 -- Bella Coola RCMP investigating Cannery Fire
June 28 -- Cause of Third Avenue Fire in Prince Rupert officially closed as 'undetermined'
June 28 -- Prince Rupert Fire Department complete Third Avenue fire investigation
June 27 -- Prince Rupert RCMP seeking for one of two suspects following afternoon fight
June 27 -- Suspect at-large in Prince Rupert now in custody
June 26 -- Suspect at-large in Prince Rupert after isolated on Third and Sixth breaks out
June 26 -- Port Edward Fire chief receives honour
June 19 -- Prince Rupert Firefighter reflects on 30 years of losing historic buildings to blazes (audio)
June 15 -- Cats of Third Avenue fire are safe and sound
June 14 -- Steve Nash Youth Basketball wraps up in Massett
June 13 -- Prince Rupert House Fire (video)
June 13 -- Three homes damaged in Prince Rupert Fire
June 13 -- No injuries in Third Avenue Fire, investigation underway
June 13 -- Two homes suffer extensive damage from Prince Rupert blaze, while a third is being assessed
June 12 -- Blaze consumes homes on Third Avenue West
June 12 -- Fire rips through Prince Rupert houses
June 12 -- Prince Rupert fire fighters tackle structure fire
June 12 -- Port Edward council updates on wolf attacks
June 10 -- Gitga'at and Coast Guard agree to plans for Hartley Bay station
June 7 -- RCMP ask public for help in finding an elderly man who was involved in an incident
June 7 -- Prince Rupert RCMP seek man who assisted injured person
June 5 -- Request for Public Assistance (RCMP Statement)


Terrace/Kitimat

June 27 -- Dog missing following wolf attack in Thornhill
June 25 -- Terrace RCMP unable to identify suspects following Thursday morning break-ins
June 25 -- Meat caper leads police to stolen tools in Terrace
June 25 -- Terrace Detachment Service Report (June 17-23)
June 21 -- Antique window destroyed during latest break-in at George Little House 
June 20 -- Terrace SAR building under construction (video)
June 20 -- First Concrete pour today on new Terrace Search and Rescue Hall
June 19 -- Stewart RCMP investigate school vandalism
June 19 -- "Disturbing" images painted on wall of Stewart school gym
June 19 -- Overnight vandalism at Stewart school  (RCMP Statement)
June 18 -- Terrace Detachment Service Report  (June 9-16)
June 17 -- Bike safety protest in Terrace (video)
June 14 -- Terrace students hold city accountable for safer biker lanes
June 14 -- Bear complaints rising in Northwest, Prompting warnings from Conservation Officers 
June 14 -- Terrace students hold city accountable for safer bike lanes
June 14 -- Upgrades coming for Kitimat's Sexual Assault protocol
June 14 -- New protocol will better assist victims of sexual assault
June 13 -- Kitimat construction crew dig up more than just rock
June 13 -- Bear Warnings for the Northwest (video)
June 13 -- Bear sightings in May highest in 9 years
June 13 -- Old Explosives Found on Worksite  (RCMP Statement)
June 12 -- Fire Safety in the Northwest  (video)
June 12 -- Backyard burning still prohibited on Haida Gwaii, fire chief warns
June 11 -- RCMP Dive Team Recovers Body of missing Kitimat Fisherman
June 10 -- Kitimat RCMP Dive teams locate body of missing Kitimat fisherman
June 10 -- RCMP divers locate body of missing fisherman
June 10 -- Fisherman located (RCMP Statement)
June 10 -- Search continues for missing Kitimat fisherman
June 9 -- Fisherman swept away in Kitimat River
June 7 -- Kitimat residents will see more bears this year
June 4 -- Teachers last to know of school threats


Bulkley Valley/Lakes District and elsewhere

June 21 -- Man sustains minor injuries after Burns Lake motorcycle crash
June 20 -- UNBC professor to study relation in cannabis legalization and motor vehicle injuries
June 19 -- Disaster relief funding our duty, RDBN says
June 19 -- Red Cross offers $20,000 in wildfire aid for businesses
June 18 -- Fraser Lake RCMP trying to find missing mushroom picker
June 18 -- Terrace man arrested following multi-day crime spree
June 14 -- Smithers Man receives Two-Year Jail sentence for Fatal Rollover Crash
June 13 -- Granisle celebrates its emergency services crews
June 13 -- Smithers man sentenced to 2 years in jail relating to fatal collision
June 12 -- Smithers man receives sentence in vehicular death
June 12 -- Smithers man receives two-year sentence for fatal car crash
June 12 -- Houston could increase bylaw enforcement
June 12 -- Fire on Southside extinguished
June 11 -- Gymnastics coach charged with sexual assault of teenage girl
June 11 -- Smithers Saltos coach charged with sexual assault of a minor
June 11 -- Smithers gym coach charged with sexual assault in Saskatchewan
June 11 -- Burns Lake bear encounter a cautionary tale
June 9 -- Fraser Lake unveils new wildfire sprinkler unit
June 6 -- New Burns Lake fire training facility holds grand opening
June 5 -- Houston roll over
June 5 -- Fire ban lifted for Bulkley Valley
June 4 -- We are going to make sure we get justice; Jacquie Bowes, Jessica Patrick cousin
June 3 -- Family, friends of Jessica Patrick demand answers


Ketchikan and Southeast Alaska

June 27 -- Third floatplane crash in Ketchikan area in two months
June 26 -- Air Station Sitka hoists 'critically ill' cruise passenger
June 24 -- SUV nearly goes off bridge over Hammer Slough
June 19 -- Former Petersburg man agrees to plea for drug sales
June 18 -- Two charged following Ketchikan drug investigation
June 17 -- Slippery slopes prove perilous for Sitka hikers
June 17 -- Ketchikan Coast Guard Commanding Officer retires
June 17 -- Boat sinks in Wrangell Narrows south of Petersburg
June 12 -- After waterfront chase, police arrest suspected drunk boater
June 10 -- Kukui crew welcomes new commander
June 6 -- Air ambulance company plans tribute for crew lost in January crash
June 3 -- Assembly honors first responders
June 3 -- Kethcikan man charged with attempted murder
June 3 -- Phone scam targets POW man


Archive of month to month review for 2019 





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With currents of genocide and colonialism, MMIWG Commissioners deliver Final Report

The Commissioners of the Murdered, Missing, Indigenous Women and Girls Commission delivered their final report this morning from Gatineau in the National Capital Region, the findings coming from near three years of testimony from many corners of Canada.

The commission began its work in September of 2016 led by Chief Commissioner Marion Buller, and as is acknowledged in the preface to the report, their work was at times controversial and faced  a fair share of criticism along its journey.

During its period of study the inquiry also saw a number of departures from its ranks of participants, whether Inquiry Commissioners, or staff members.  In some cases with strong criticism of the process and clashes in views, making for larger headlines at times than the main focus of the study into the Murdered and Missing.

At other times the inquiry also seemed to exasperate the federal government with  missed delivery dates and frequent calls for an extension of their mandate.

Ms. Buller addresses that last note as part of the preface to the 1,000 page plus report, as the Chief Commissioner observes that the inquiry members did not believe that their work was done before the Federal Government called for its end and the delivery of a final report.

"The violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people is a national tragedy of epic proportion. Also part of this national tragedy is governments’ refusals to grant the National Inquiry the full two-year extension requested. In doing so, governments chose to leave many truths unspoken and unknown. 

There has been and will be criticism of our work; it is vitally important. I hope that the criticism will be constructive and never end. I take the critics and their criticism as indications of the great passion that exists about the issue of violence against Indigenous women and girls."

As some of the details of the report began to filter out over the weekend, the themes that generated the most interest and commentary were those of genocide and decolonization, terms that frame the report often from start to finish.

With the focus on genocide an element of the report introduced from the outset as part of the preface to the report and then defined further as part of the introduction to the commission's findings.

"Skeptics will be fearful and will complain that the financial cost of rebuilding is too great, that enough has been done, that enough money has been spent. To them I say, we as a nation cannot afford not to rebuild. Otherwise, we all knowingly enable the continuation of genocide in our own country."

Also featured as part of the Introduction to the report, a short overview of the inquiry travels, with more than 2,380 people having participated in the national inquiry, some as part of the 15 community hearings held across the country including a session held in September of 2017 at Smithers.

Other participants shared their stories in private or as part of in camera sessions during the course of the inquiry period.

The document is divided into two volumes, with Volume A reviewing much of the testimony and research that the Commissioners received during the course of their near three year travels.

The final section of the report in Volume B features the Calls for Justice, with 231 listed among those calls from the Committee members, which they note are not recommendations, but imperatives requiring action.

Included on the list is a call for Canadians to become part of the solution and to become more involved in the way we approach the Missing and Murdered. With commissioners urging a change in perceptions and to act on the calls for justice from the surviving families.

The Report also calls for a decolonization in the way that we view Indigenous rights and issues, as well as a dedication towards the re-establishment of Indigenous nationhood and the adoption of principles for change

The Report notes how the root cause of the high rate of violence against Indigenous women and girls is an entrenchment of colonialism, a vestige of the past which they call on Canadians to reject as part of the path forward.

"This colonialism, discrimination, and genocide explains the high rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. 

An absolute paradigm shift is required to dismantle colonialism within Canadian society, and from all levels of government and public institutions. Ideologies and instruments of colonialism, racism, and misogyny, past and present, must be rejected."

Governments at all levels, police agencies, the court and corrections system, the media, health professionals and educators are just a few of the many organizations and groups which make for the larger focus for the Calls of Action.

The report features a range of recommendations for all to be followed up on, in order to fully act on the findings of the commissioners and their period of study. Canadians are also called on to ensure that those in the groups listed to take action, maintain their commitment towards the Calls for Justice

You can review the findings from both volumes from the links below:

Volume 1a

Volume 1b

A rebroadcast of this mornings presentation of the MMIWG Final Report can be viewed here.

More background on today's report can be explored here.

As the day moves forward, the reviews, analysis and commentary on the Report will no doubt consume a fair portion of the news flow of the day, as we have  in the past with other significant documents and reports.

We'll compile some of the reaction and observations below, as  well as to include them as part of our political portal D'Arcy McGee, that compilation can be found as part of our Ottawa Observations feature later this evening.

June 6

Is Canada committing genocide? That doesn't add up
The genetics of genocide: I'm healing so my future daughter doesn't have to
Trudeau says world has a lesson to learn from Canada after MMIWG inquiry
Mulroney urges government to send Chretien to China to win release of detainees
Safety concerns for Indigenous women in resource development: MMIWG inquiry
We need a new word: 'genocide' isn't it
Inquiry wasted the chance to right some wrongs for First Nations


June 5

Changes to solitary-confinement bill could address key MMIWG inquiry findings
What does it mean to call Canada's treatment of Indigenous women a genocide?
International group of American countries wants to investigate MMIWG 'genocide' findings
MMIW final report raises concerns about Gladue principle intended to support Indigenous offenders
Organization of American States wants to probe MMIWG allegation of 'genocide'

June 4

The MMIWG report was searing and important, marred only by its inaccurate genocide charge
Trudeau accepts MMIWG inquiry's genocide finding, but says focus must be on response
Trudeau says deaths and disappearances of Indigenous women and girls amount to 'genocide'
'We accept the finding that this was genocide': Justin Trudeau acknowledges outcome of MMIWG inquiry

Indigenous people have been in a violent relationship with Canada for too long

At MMIW report's heart, a contradiction that's impossible to ignore
'The g-word': Why it matters whether we call Canada's actions towards Indigenous people a genocide
MMIW inquiry's police review team waited until final months to request case files

Why 'genocide' was used in the MMIWG report
U.S. Congresswoman calls MMIW inquiry a significant step'
Okanagan Indigenous leaders react to 'hopeful' and 'powerful' report from MMIWG inquiry
Surprise guilty plea in BC Woman's murder 'shocks' friends at national MMIWG ceremony
MMIWG report divides instead of unifying

June 3

Trudeau vows action on MMIWG but declines to endorse inquiry's genocide finding
We failed to treat missing and murdered Indigenous women like people, but I know we can change
From a guaranteed livable income to revising the Criminal Code: 15 recommendations from the missing and murdered inquiry
Five things about the inquiry on murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls
The National Inquiry in MMIWG didn't have the strongest of priorities, but its purpose is still powerful
RCMP will 'give careful consideration' to MMIWG recommendations, says commissioner
Inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women issues final report with sweeping calls for change
Trudeau references 'genocide' of Indigenous women and girls in remarks at Vancouver women's conference
Trudeau pledges to turn inquiry's calls into Indigenous-led action
Why can't we use the word genocide?
Murdered and missing women report risks being ignored with its all-or-nothing approach
Indigenous activist rallies community to demand action following missing and murdered Indigenous women inquiry
Ottawa should act on report on murdered and missing women, with all its flaws
Inquiry claims 'genocide' was Canada's historic goal
MMIW report tragic document on all levels
MMIWG's findings on 'man camps' are a good place for government to get started
The MMIW final report lands:  'I hold up a mirror to Canada'
MMIW report's notable omissions lead to some bewildering recommendations
Laval prof who wrote MMIW inquiry's legal analysis defends use of 'genocide' in report
MMIW report is devastating but its uncompromising nature may limit its impact
Report on missing, murdered Indigenous women calls for significant change to police services across Canada
Uncomfortable truths, Trudeau says of MMIW report, but genocide? He doesn't go there
Five things you should know about the inquiry on murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls
Trudeau changes course, says 'genocide' when citing MMIWG report's findings
Concrete action must be the legacy of MMIWG report, Indigenous advocates urge
'You can't put a time period on grief': Families fear program closure after MMIWG inquiry
National Inquiry chief commissioner Marion Buller described the murders of Indigenous women and girls as genocide
Cold case files: Inquiry suggests task force to crack unsolved murders of Indigenous women and girls
BC has already produced many missing women recommendations, so is there anything new in the  new national report
BC Premier promises action after release of missing women inquiry report
BC First Nations call on Canada to take action after release of 'appalling' MMIWG report


June 2

Inquiry finds 'race-based genocide' of Indigenous people in Canada
Inquiry on missing and murdered Indigenous calls on all Canadians to call out racism as report attributes tragedy to genocide
Mortality rates for First Nations young women and girls may have worsened: study
Former Harper-era minister doubles down on calling MMIWG inquiry report 'propagandist'
231 'imperative' changes: The MMIWG inquiry's calls for justice
Inquiry into missing Indigenous women and girls hasn't yet solved their deaths and disappearances
Canada has enabled a 'genocide,' says inquiry report into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls
'You can't put a time period of grief': Families fear program closure after MMIWG inquiry
Missing, murdered Indigenous women inquiry seeks significant legal reforms, calls out 'appalling apathy' .


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Real Estate Tracker: Week ending June 2, 2019

The parade of high end property continues to trend west, with another new entry for this week found along Pillsbury Avenue.

Every Monday, we look over the listing prices of the past seven days and outline the Top 10 asking prices in the area, providing a snap shot as to where the Real Estate market may be trending on a week-to-week basis.

The listings below are purely for information purposes, for further background on the properties recorded, see our links page  for access to the individual real estate listings.

The Archive for our weekly review can be found here.

Our list of the top ten priced homes for the week ending June 2, 2019 can be explored below:

Real Estate Listings on the East Side of Prince Rupert

Week ending June 2, 2019

Real Estate Listings on the West Side of Prince Rupert

Week ending June 2, 2019

One new entry has made an entry into a top five placement, while two former top ten listings were removed as last week came to an end.

The new property is found on Pillsbury Avenue, and helps to increase the weight of the west side listings on our list of ten, with with properties now found west, and two to the east of McBride as part of our weekly review.

The total value of the list of ten remains pegged this week at $5,686,900

The lowest mark for the list of ten sits  at  $550,000, while our top end from the last week now remains at the price point of  $749,000

Below find our findings as of the Week ending June 2, 2019

160  Van Arsdol                             $749,000 --  Remax
1830 Graham Avenue                    $674,000 -- Remax
175 Bill Murray Drive                   $669,900 -- Realty Executives
1800 Atlin Avenue                        $649,000  -- Remax
500 Pillsbury Avenue                    $615,000 -- Realty Executives  (new)
1881 Graham Avenue                    $599,000 -- Realty Executives
2067 Graham Avenue                    $588,000 -- Remax
250 Heron Road                             $583,000  -- Remax
130 Bill Road                                 $560,000 -- Realty Executives
100 McRae Place                           $550,000  -- Remax

For more items related to Real Estate see our archive page here.

For background on Housing issues in the region see our past items here.

To return to the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Blog Watching: Week ending, Sunday, June 2, 2019

The status of the work day for one of the city's largest employers dominated the news flow for the week, as negotiations between the British Columbia Marine Employers Association and International Longshore Workers Union carried on into the overnight period of Wednesday

With the deadline of 8AM Thursday delivering a short lockout in the province, before a tentative agreement settled the percolating labour issues and kept containers in motion at Fairview Terminal.

Provincial politics also held a good portion of the attention of readers, with our notes on how local teachers were taking their contract concerns to North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice.

Skeena MLA Ellis Ross was also having a busy week, raising a number of themes in the Legislature as the province's elected officials put the wrap on the Spring Session, with a return expected to be called for sometime later this fall.

On the municipal scene, Prince Rupert City Council delivered a range of themes from their Monday meeting, with Councillor Nick Adey's interest in local policing challenges capturing some interest from readers.

The Grand opening of the latest industrial terminal on the North Coast was also celebrated this week as local officials and those of AltaGas hailed the newest feature of the Ridley Island waterfront.

However it was the large terminal at Fairview that was the focus of all attention this week, as all night, last minute labour discussions finally delivered a tentative deal to keep the local work force on the job and the containers moving.

As short lived lockout ends, trade flows again through Fairview Terminal -- Some uncertainty on the British Columbia waterfront by Wednesday evening, gave way to optimism by mid morning Friday as the BCMEA and ILWU negotiated through the night to reach a tentative deal for long shore workers on the waterfront.  (posted May 30, 2019)

That article was followed by:

MLA Rice feels pressure from local teachers as contract negotiations continue --  With the talks between the BCTF and government negotiators showing strains over class size and composition, the teachers are taking their message to social media.  (posted May 28 , 2019)

AltaGas celebrates Grand Opening of RIPET facility -- The first shipment of propane was already on its way to Asia as officials gathered in Prince Rupert this week to celebrate the grand opening of the Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal.     (posted  May  28, 2019)

What challenges do RCMP members in Prince Rupert face on long weekends? Councillor Adey would like to hear -- The theme of policing in Prince Rupert received a short review at this week's City Council session, as Councillor Nick Adey made note of some incidents in Terrace and the impact on the RCMP detachment there over the recent May long weekend. From that,  the Councillor posed a follow up question for council to consider, as to what kind of challenges are faced by local members on long weekends. The conversation, which was part of the Councillor's comments portion of the evening,  would seem to leave open the option of asking for regular RCMP updates for the community when it comes to those challenges in the region.     (posted  May 29, 2019)

With findings from recent LNG conference in hand, MLA Ellis Ross calls for BC to make the most of its LNG opportunities  -- With the Legislature's spring session on its way to wrapping up, Skeena MLA Ellis Ross took advantage of a Monday speaking spot to re-issue a call for the province to make the most of its LNG opportunities.  The Spring session would come to an end on Thursday afternoon, you can review some of they key moments for the Northwest MLA's from our MLA's week feature here.   (posted May 28, 2019)

You can find our weekly Blog watching feature posted every Sunday morning by 9AM, making for a handy way to catch up to the week that was, at a leisurely weekend pace.

You can also review the full listings of the week just past from our Blog Archive index page found on the right hand side of the page.

For those looking for updates to items as they are posted to the blog, don't forget about our email alert access.

A daily review of the latest items on the blog can be delivered to your email in box, simply by entering your email address into the information bar, items posted to the blog will be delivered to your e-mail account each day.

You can find the link to that feature on the upper, right hand side of the blog. It can be found underneath the Follow the North Coast Review by Email indicator.

As well, those who use Twitter can get updates as we post new items from our twitter feed

Our archive of weekly Blog Watching can be found here.

To view the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

MLA's Week: May 27-30, 2019

MLA's brought the Spring session of the British Columbia Legislature to an end on Thursday afternoon.

The final hours taken up mostly through a Q & A session with the Premier, who took questions from both opposition and government MLA's through the final part of the afternoon before the summer break.

The break comes not a moment too soon for the NDP government, which as it was at the Christmas break, once again finds Speaker Darryl Plecas prominent in the news and not in particularly favourable light.

Such was the final act to the Spring performance that the opposition Liberals, including Skeena's Ellis Ross, were lining up by the end of Thursday's session to express their on going concerns over the behaviour of the Speaker and to put some distance between themselves and Mr. Plecas over his recent office moves outside of the Chamber.

Chaotic end to Legislature session, leaves Daryl Plecas once again the centre of attention!

North Coast MLA Ms. Rice was also hearing some feedback this week, in her case some commentary from her home constituency this week, with the BCTF featuring the MLA along with other government MLA"s as part of a social media campaign.

MLA Rice feels pressure from local teachers as contract negotiations continue

The focus of the push was to encourage the government to review the approach that its bargaining team is taking during the current teacher contract negotiations, with the BCFT highlighting classroom size and composition as an area that the province and they are quite far apart on.

As for the final week of work in the House, the four days unfolded as follows:

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For the week just passed, North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice had opportunity to raise a number of themes, defend government policy and make inquiries of the Premier.

On the week, Ms Rice was listed on at least six occasions in the accounts of the sessions of the Legislature from May 26-30

Monday the MLA challenged some of the Liberals comments of government neglect on themes of consultation, with Ms. Rice defending the NDP record on public engagement

In Legislature debate, MLA Rice dismisses Liberal's comments on lack of government consultation

Thursday, saw the MLA offer a tribute to a Prince Rupert resident, Pieter Walsh who had recently passed away; as well as to welcome Amber Sheasgreen, a former North Coast resident to the Legislature.

Also on Thursday, the North Coast MLA provided some background for the Chamber related to the recent opening of the Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal, which saw its first shipment of propane leave for Asia in late May.

AltaGas opening makes for Legislature notes for MLA Rice

Ms. Rice also displayed some pretty good skill as a three pitch pitcher, surely securing a place on the NDP's Legislature softball team after putting up a couple of speaking opportunities for the Premier to respond to.

From her enquiries Ms. Rice provided  Mr. Horgan a chance to expand on a pair of North Coast related questions and how his government has responded to areas of note in the region.

Jennifer Rice offers chance for Premier Horgan to highlight infrastructure, Internet and cell phone initiatives for Haida Gwaii and North Coast

Ms. Rice also served some portion of Wednesday afternoon sitting as the Chair for a portion of the Committee study on the Forest Amendment Act

She also held similar duties on Monday during a portion of the discussion on the Committee work for the Zero Emission Vehicles Act.

The North Coast MLA is also a permanent member of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, serving as the convener of that forum.

Transcripts of the work of the committee are available on the Legislature page for the Committee.

Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs


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For our readers from the Terrace-Kitimat region, Skeena MLA Ellis Ross also had an active week when it came to participation in the House, with a number of mentions as well in the Legislative Chamber listings  from May 26-30

In addition to his participation in the reproach to the Speaker of Thursday (see our introduction above) the Skeena MLA also was featured prominently through participation in two of the week's sessions.

Monday, he offered up some observations from a recent LNG conference in the province and how British Columbia needs to make the most of the current thirst for gas around the globe.

With findings from recent LNG conference in hand, MLA Ellis Ross calls for BC to make the most of its LNG opportunities

On Thursday, with the Premier in the Chamber, Mr. Ross made inquiries on and engaged in an exchange on issues related LNG development, pipeline progress and reconciliation themes of note for the Northwest.

Province approach towards reconciliation, pipeline blockades among questions for Premier from MLA Ellis Ross

Mr. Ross is also a permanent member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Initiatives.

Transcripts of the work of that committee are available on the Legislature website

The Skeena MLA is also a member of the Special Committee for Review of the Police complaint process, you can follow their work here.

That committee was in the news this week, as the final four weeks of a public engagement period began, with the committee seeking feedback from the public on issues related to the current process.

There is more background on both the North Coast and Skeena MLA's available from our MLA's Week Archive, as well as our constituency archives below:

North Coast constituency

Skeena and Stikine Constituencies

The Members of the Legislature now break for the summer, barring any emergency recall, MLA's are not expected to be called back to their House duties until some time this fall, a date that will be determined by House Leader Mike Farnworth.

The full schedule for the Legislature for 2019 can be viewed here.

A larger overview of provincial issues can be found on our political portal D'Arcy McGee

To return to the most recent blog posting of the day, click here.

Peter Lantin joins Board of Directors for the Port of Prince Rupert

Peter Lantin, seen above in a photo from the Connected
Coast announcement of 2018 has been named to the
Board of Directors for the Port of Prince Rupert
(Photo from CHN website)

There is a new name in place today with the Board of Directors for the Port of Prince Rupert, as Peter Lantin takes up his duties with the Board, taking the place of Bud Smith as the now former Chair steps down from his duties after seven years,

The change to the Board came as part of a late Friday afternoon announcement from Claire Trevena the Provincial minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Mr. Lantin, the former elected President of the Haida Nation from 2012-2018 brings some considerable experience in financial administration to his position, having served previously as the Chair of the Gwaii Trust, as well as the Chief Operating Officer for TRICORP, the Northwest Aboriginal Capital Corporation.

While serving with the Council of the Haida Nation, Mr. Lantin was at the forefront of many discussions on a range of issues of importance to Haida Gwaii, such as the Northern Gateway pipeline project and the still to be completed journey of the Oil Tanker moratorium.

As well the Council frequently took note of plans for LNG development for the region, along with fishery and forestry concerns that would have an impact on residents of the islands.

In the Friday announcement, the Port welcomed its newest member for the Board and paid tribute to the work of outgoing Chair as he leaves his position.

“We welcome Mr. Lantin to our Board and thank Bud for his unwavering commitment to guiding PRPA in its efforts to growing the Prince Rupert gateway”

The announcement also made note of Mr. Smith's contribution towards the development of many of the key infrastructure initiatives that have taken place on the Prince Rupert waterfront during his seven years at the Board helm.

"We are extremely grateful for Bud’s dedication to building a better Canada through trade. During the time Bud spent as Chair of the Board, he was part of a team that led the organization through an incredible period of growth and diversification, including many strategic projects and initiatives that set a foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future for the Port of Prince Rupert. “ -- Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority. 

After seven years on the Board
of Directors at the Port of 
Prince Rupert, Bud Smith is
stepping down from his duties
(Port of PR photo)

Included on the list of completed projects during the Smith tenure were the Ridley Island Road Rail Utility Corridor, the development of Westview Wood Pellet Terminal, the Fairview Container Terminal expansion, the development of the Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal, and the Fairview-Ridley Connector Corridor.

Most recently the Port revealed its blue print for future growth, including an expanded Container terminal facility to the south, another element of the  port's planning that the Board Chair had been involved with.

The Prince Rupert Port Authority Board consists of seven members, with three appointed by each level government, municipal, provincial and federal.

The remaining four positions are nominated by the Minister of Transport, as part of a consultation process with the Port User Nominating Committee.

Each member serves a three year term, with a maximum tenure on the Board of three terms. Some background on the work of the Board of Directors and its membership can be found here.

The full announcement from the Port can be reviewed here, further notes on Port development can be explored here.

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