Thoughts on BC Politics and More

21 lobbying meetings, three members of Parliament, six BC ministries, and zero commitments to economic recovery funding. Over a year after the Jasper wildfire sent thousands of evacuees into Valemount overnight – and precipitated highway closures that sent local businesses into freefall – the village has yet to receive any financial support from the BC and federal governments, says Valemount Mayor Owen Torgerson ... CLICK HERE for the full story

In an industry dominated by high-tech sawmills that churn out tens of millions of two-by-fours and two-by-sixes a year, a small mill in the village of Valemount is both the exception to the rule and a symbol of what might be ...  ... nothing goes to waste. Virtually every unit of wood in every cedar log entering the mill, including their frequently rotted cores, gets turned into one product or another — from cedar shakes and shingles, to stakes, to fencing products and mulch. ... It’s precisely the sort of value-added operation that Premier David Eby told Forests Minister Ravi Parmar in his mandate letter should be the goal in British Columbia’s forest industry. Yet the mill that epitomizes getting the most out of each log processed is in trouble ... CLICK HERE for the full story

Rosalyn Bird, MLA for Prince George-Valemount and Critic for Citizens’ Services, has given notice of two bills to be introduced in the next legislative session. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Amendment Act will ensure that British Columbians can engage with, and scrutinize, government operations. It will also reinforce trust between the public and government institutions, encouraging ethical governance. “The importance and relevance of this legislation cannot be overstated. In recent years, several recommended changes to Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation in BC. have been presented to the government through committee work and stakeholder engagement, with no action resulting,” said Rosalyn Bird. “When government loses its grounding in truth, transparency, and accountability, it endangers not only its legitimacy, but also the well-being, unity, and future of residents. Upholding these principles is not optional – it is essential for our province to thri...

PRINCE GEORGE : Rosalyn Bird, Conservative MLA for Prince George – Valemount, says Starlink satellite internet service is the superior solution for northerners.   “Although I was very pleased to hear today that another Northern BC community has reached completion, I recognize many other northern, rural, and remote communities in British Columbia continue to face connectivity challenges," Bird said in response to the completion of the Upper Viewmount (Smither) fibre-optic project. Access to reliable, high-speed internet has become an essential element in progressing economic growth and providing access to education and health care, while improving community well-being. No longer a luxury, we now recognize its importance as our work, school and personal lives increasingly shift online. One of the main hurdles in expanding cellular services is the availability of power, as cellular infrastructure requires electricity. Additionally, many remote areas and highways ...

The Conservative Party of BC is campaigning on common sense in anticipation of a fall election. Retired Navy Lieutenant and rookie candidate for Prince George-Valemount Rosalyn Bird was recently in Valemount and shared her time with the Goat to dive into some of the issues the party platform identifies as needing this common sense . . . . CLICK HERE for the full interview

The BC United are voicing concerns over cuts to the provincial eyecare program. MLA for Prince George-Valemount Shirley Bond raised the issue in the legislature Tuesday, after receiving a letter from a resident in her riding that is at risk of going blind. The letter from Prince George resident Christina Watts, enrolled in the province’s Retinal Disease Treatment Program, was informed by her ophthalmologist that coverage for eye injections to treat wet-macular degeneration would be significantly reduced, and she should have to pay out-of-pocket for the treatments . . . . CLICK HERE for the full story

Alan Forseth ~~ Kamloops ~~ April 18 th , 2019 Conservative MP Cathy McLeod Kamloops - Thompson - Cariboo Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo says today’s announcement by the Liberal government to extend the deadline to June 18 th to make a final decision on the Trans Mountain Expansion, proves they never planned to meet the original deadline. “ The fact that the Liberals announced this extension only a month before the original decision deadline, and two days after the Alberta election, proves they never planned to get this project underway in a timely manner ,” said McLeod. “ This means that the Trans Mountain Expansion will miss another summer construction season, adding significant delays to the completion of this project .” Not only completion of the project is at stake however, numerous other projects, as well as increasing the viability of business all around the region. McLeod indicated local governments...