Thoughts on BC Politics and More

There has been a good deal of publicity surrounding the Ontario Appeal Court decision on federal carbon pricing. Politicians and the media contend that the OAC decision is a confirmation of federal government powers under the peace, order and good government provision of the constitution. The issues underlying federal carbon pricing legislation run far deeper than that. The Ontario Court and now the Ontario Appeal Court have held that we have a matter of national concern merely because the government of the day declares that it is so. The OAC decision was not unanimous and the dissenting opinion has not received due attention. Justice Grant Huscroft wrote the dissenting opinion. I suggest you give the writeup on his opinion in the National Post a read. It is enlightening. Many would argue our vast forests make Canada carbon neutral The Ontario (and Saskatchewan) rulings on the federal carbon pricing law violate the spirit of constitutional division of p...

Just yesterday, Mike Farnworth, the BC governments Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, announced that there would be a ... "Jail replacement to bring local jobs, enhanced programs" With $157 million in capital funding approved, the replacement of Nanaimo Correctional Centre (NCC) will proceed, creating approximately 1,000 project-related jobs and a purpose-built facility that enhances safety, security and space to continue successful programs ... The BC government News media release also quoted said Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens’ Services, who stated that: “ It’s estimated that replacing NCC will bring major regional economic benefits, including approximately 650 direct and 275 indirect jobs, plus nearly 100 spinoff jobs associated with spending by those workers ...” I'm guessing that right about now you’re probably wondering why I have I have made mention of this?   To what purpose?   Maybe you're wondering w...

On Tuesday (May 28 th ) the BC government released its quarterly environmental enforcement summaries for the third and fourth quarters of 2018.  The summaries detail a total of 1,728 environmental enforcement actions taken by the provincial government during this time period, resulting in just under $900 thousand in penalties and fines. In total, thee issued 246 orders, administrative sanctions, court convictions, and administrative penalties issued ... plus 2,412 violation tickets.   Most frequent violations were for actions that were in violation of the Wildlife Act (1,040), the Fisheries Act (375), and the Off-Road Vehicle Act with 344 violations. Fines for these offenses totaled $1,092,465 in fines in 2018. Some of the violations however would surprise you.   For example, there were MULTIPLE tickets handed out, through-out the province, due to individuals driving with a loaded fire arm in their vehicle ... failure to comply with An...