North Coast Review

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Nathan Cullen notes of protections for Spotted Owl, as Green Leader Furstenau calls for expanded legislation

The fate of the Spotted Owl in BC was the topic of note
for part of the Tuesday Question Period at the Legislature
(image from BC Government)

The logging of habitats for Spotted Owls was raised as part of a larger discussion on the need for Species at Risk legislation, with Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau taking the topic to the Legislation Question Period on Tuesday.

"The federal government was prepared to issue a rare emergency order under Canada's Species at Risk Act to protect the spotted owl's critical habitat.

In a cruel twist, it turns out that the Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship and his staff lobbied intently to dissuade the federal cabinet from issuing a spotted owl emergency order.

A B.C. cabinet minister briefing document obtained under freedom of information states that the emergency order would have "significant impacts on forest sector jobs and provincial revenue, and Ottawa should back away from issuing the order, even when a species is at risk of extirpation."

My question is to the Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

How is arguing against protecting habitat for the last spotted owl considered stewardship?"

The reply to the questions came from Nathan Cullen, who serves as Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

The Minister who is also the MLA for Stikine, provided a few notes for the Legislature towards some recent efforts towards the species that the BC Government has taken on in the Spuzzum region

"We've been building the biodiversity and ecosystem health framework with partners, particularly First Nations partners, who have been working with us every step of the way to introduce a framework as the first phase. We expect that quite soon.

This will be an important structure for us in dealing with the serious question of species at risk and, of course, the habitat that needs to be protected in order to allow those species to thrive once again in British Columbia.

I would say, however, that I contend greatly with the 280,000 hectares of old-growth habitat that have been set aside. This was agreed to jointly between ourselves, Canada and First Nations as the critical habitat that would allow, as I said, 150 breeding pairs to exist. I have faith in our partnerships with the Spuzzum First Nation and Canada in the determination of that old-growth habitat, not described as the member did. I think that is incorrect.

I think it is important to remain determined, to remain hopeful and focused on the habitat required to allow these species to be reintroduced successfully, so that we can all celebrate their critical return to our province."

The full debate over the fate of the Spotted Owl can be reviewed through the Legislature Video archive from Tuesday morning starting at the 10:35 AM mark.

The province has some extensive notes on the Spotted Owl available here.

More notes from the Legislature can be explored from our archive page.

Creativity on wide display as Prince Rupert's Halloween celebrants Dress for the Day

Mayor Pond brought the fun to Halloween taking part in
Tuesday's Halloween Fest at the Civic Centre

From City Hall to the college campus, the city's schools to the Civic Centre and all places in between Rupertites (and a few from nearby) were in full Halloween mode on Tuesday.

With a parade of photos of some extensive costume work showcased through social media as the North Coast went all in for Halloween 2023.

The official photographer for City Hall's costume parade was busy, with a strong level of participation on the day, the full archive available here.

Across the harbour Metlakatla was ready for the night ahead.

The Prince Rupert campus for Coast Mountain College also was in the spirit of Halloween on Tuesday, the selections from across the Northwest available here.

Halloween was a big day for students and staff at School District 52, the District providing a wide number of snapshots from the schools.

At the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital the creations of the pumpkin carvers were on display

Businesses across the city were also in the Halloween mood, with a number of staffers taking part in the chance to express their creativity.

The annual celebration of ghouls, ghosts, goblins and fashion came to an end with a Bang, with the large Fireworks show at the Civic Centre following Halloween Fest.

Around the city, some additional displays would make for colourful displays through the night to bring Halloween 2023 to a close

More notes on Community themes can be reviewed here.

Many choices for elected office for Lax Kw'alaams voters to consider

The 2023 election campaign is officially underway in Lax Kw'alaams as voters in both the community north of Tuck Inlet and in Prince Rupert prepare to cast ballots later this month.

Nominations for the available posts closed by mid October, signalling the start of the campaign for votes both on and off reserve, with some focus on those Lax Kw'alaams members who live in the Prince Rupert area.

There are two offices to be filled when the votes are counted on November 21st.

With Six candidates seeking the office of Mayor, five contenders will be looking to take the top office from current Mayor Gary Reece.

There are 12 seats to fill for the Office of Councillor, with 26 candidates seeking office, 15 for On Reserve seats, 11 for Off Reserve.

Of the 12 seats up for grabs, a maximum of 3 must be for off reserve candidates.

There are also Five seats for the Office of Trustee, however only three names met the criteria and were accepted for consideration by the nomination deadline, with three candidates now acclaimed to office.

Details towards the early voting process and online process, as well as that of Election Day can be reviewed from the notes below:

Further background on the Lax Kw'alaams vote can be reviewed here.

More items of note from Lax Kw'alaams can be explored through our archive page.

Carbon Tax as a tax grab ... Skeena MLA Ellis Ross calls out BC NDP for carbon tax program in the province

The Provincial Carbon tax made for some discussion in the British Columbia Legislature on Tuesday, with Skeena MLA Ellis Ross noting how the Province's implementation of a Carbon Tax is continuing to cause financial hardship for residents of British Columbia, while padding the Government's budget.

"Lets talk about making life easier, in terms of the two percent of the friends of this House, LNG Canada was given the largest PST Tax Break in BC history, all we're asking is to give citizens of BC the same break.

They were given a break on the Carbon Tax at thirty bucks a tonne, which is something that this side of the House when we were government froze it at, because we realized it meant something good for the people of British Columbia" -- Skeena MLA Ellis Ross

The MLA's commentary making for some back and forth in the Tuesday Question Period, the question for the Premier one that asked

"Why is the Premier making life increasingly unaffordable for British Columbians through his relentless carbon tax hikes"

The answers came by way of two NDP Ministers, Josie Osborne the Minister of Energy and Mines countering the Carbon Tax question with a review of some of their recent initiatives towards assistance to the public in a range of areas.

Housing Minister Ravi Khalon for his part made note of what the NDP calls frequent flip flopping by the Opposition parties.

The full debate was highlighted by the MLA through his social media Stream.

More notes from the Legislature can be reviewed here.

11 Days For Remembrance

Silent and Serene at the moment, Prince Rupert and area residents
will gather at the Cenotaph on November 11th for Remembrance Day

As we turn the page on a new month on the calendar, a reminder that the community gathers in just 11 days in remembrance of those who fought for the nation in global conflicts through the last century, as well as those who continue to serve today.

The annual Remembrance Day ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 11th with the commemoration and wreath laying to take place at the cenotaph on the Prince Rupert Court House Lawn.

As has been the tradition in recent years, Prince Rupert and area residents can explore the Royal Canadian Legion location on Third Avenue West, which features an extensive collection of historical items related to Prince Rupert and it's connections with military service.

More notes on Community themes can be reviewed here.

Air Canada schedule change seemingly catches customers, Airport and City of Prince Rupert by surprise

What YPR calls miscommunication between Air Canada and its
customers in Prince Rupert has made for some concerns from travellers

A change to the Air Canada Schedule for the one flight per day from Prince Rupert to Vancouver is making for some confusion and concern for travellers.

That related to the lack of coordination between the airline and those working on the ground at the Digby Island Airport, or flying out of Prince Rupert.

Notice of the change was first shared by the YPR social media stream, the notice for October 31st from the airport the first actual message to that board since April.

As the comments to their post from this week indicate, some in the community have questions over how the airport gets the word out to those who fly out of Prince Rupert.

For its part YPR notes that they are "actively working on behalf of passengers to address the issue of miscommunication between passengers and the airline schedule changes"

The notice from YPR was shared by the City of Prince Rupert's social media feed as well, the City asking that the advisory be shared, a request that seems to have acted on with vigour, judging by the replies ...

That contribution to the information relay, now makes for a focus group of sorts towards air travel options and information sharing in the city.

The main question being asked and so far not answered; being who is responsible for updating information on the 622-2222 information line and why haven't they done such for a number of months.

Another question not asked, but one the City might want to share sone notes on is who is actually running the airport these days.

The last Airport Manager Michael Pucci, left Digby Island in August off to Terrace for a new career direction with the City of Terrace.

If they hired anyone from the search to replace Mr. Pucci, they haven't shared the name with anyone in public, likewise City Council hasn't asked for a public update on Airport Operations in more than a few years.

Considering the sense of lack of communication between the only airline that serves the community and the airport it flies in and out of; Council may want to put forward an invitation to someone to share some notes on the current issues and maybe some idea as to what the future plans are for air service in the city.

Recently Smithers celebrated their work in.securing a second flight per day for their connection to Vancouver, that compliments other service available there. Terrace of course has a number options for travellers whether with Air Canada, West Jet or Central Mountain Air.

If the Prince Rupert Airpot is hoping to repatriate some of that travel down Highway 16, having better communication with potential customers might be a good place to start.

More on Aviation in the Northwest can be reviewed here.