Thoughts on BC Politics and More

To address the effects of punishing tariffs on wood exports, the province is handing nearly $8 million to two Vancouver Island forest companies to allow them to adapt their products for new markets. Western Forest Products’ value-added plant in Chemainus will get up to $7.5 million, and Island TimberFrame in Cumberland will receive as much as $325,000, as the province aims to help the industry innovate and increase the number of value-added jobs. Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon said the investment will allow the two wood manufacturers to pivot faster to higher-value products that will help them reach more reliable markets and customers, while protecting jobs in forestry-dependent communities ... CLICK HERE for the full story

Conservative critic for Forestry, MLA Ward Stamer, is speaking out following the announcement of a full curtailment at Western Forest Products’ Chemainus sawmill, which will put 150 workers out of a job starting June 18 with no set date for reopening. The company cited a lack of viable log supply, higher U.S. duties, and weaker lumber demand, but Stamer says the blame lies squarely with the Ministry of Forests for poor sector management, permit delays, and broken promises about harvest availability. “This curtailment isn’t just a business decision, it’s a crisis for dozens of families who are now left in limbo,” said Stamer. “The NDP government promised stability and sustainable harvest levels. Instead, their policies have made it harder to access timber, stalled cutting permits, and driven investment out of our province.” With forestry towns already struggling, Stamer says the timing of this curtailment couldn’t be worse. He warns that in a period of economic uncertainty, the ripple e...

“ No hockey, bikes, chalk drawings : This BC neighbourhood has declared a war on fun.” ... reads the headline from the National Post and the Vancouver Province. This can’t be the “Beautiful BC” I grew up in? In Central European folklore, Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure described as "half-goat, half-demon", who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have misbehaved NEW ARTISAN GARDENS BY-LAW “Any use of a roadway for any purpose other than access to and from strata lots and, where permitted, for parking is prohibited. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a roadway may not be used for play, including hockey, baseball, basketball, skateboarding, chalk artistry, bicycling or other sports and recreational activities.” A BC strata, Artisan Gardens in Chemainus, has found the need to summon, and unleash, the spirit of Krampus on its children a bit early this year.  How?  By invoking a “ children should be s...