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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

Subverting Democracy: Powell River's Name Change Process Demands Transparency and Fair Play


As a resident of Powell River born in the old General Hospital and having lived here for most of my life, I have watched with growing concern as the push to change our city's name unfolds.

The proposal, driven by Tla'amin Nation's demand to rename Powell River in the name of reconciliation, is set for a non-binding opinion poll in the 2026 municipal election. While I respect the spirit of reconciliation and the need to address historical injustices, the process has been marred by procedural overreach, factual inaccuracies, and what appears to be a deliberate sidelining of public input. This isn't just about a name—it's about upholding democratic principles in a small town where every voice should count.

In the spirit of setting the record straight, let's examine three key issues that highlight how the process is being subverted, and offer some constructive paths forward ...

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