DOCSLIB.ORG

Crime Trumps Homelessness Researchers Are Presenting the Priority Is Homelessness the First Round of Results but the Message Is Crime

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Crime Trumps Homelessness Researchers Are Presenting the Priority Is Homelessness the First Round of Results but the Message Is Crime 4 VANCOUVER Vancouver 24 hours Friday, October 17, 2008 briefs POLITICS local news NAOMI RESULTS Crime trumps homelessness Researchers are presenting The priority is homelessness the first round of results but the message is crime. from the NAOMI study this morning. The study is a Two weeks after declaring his three-year clinical trial main goal was ending home- comparison of prescribed lessness, Non-Partisan Associ- heroin with optimized ation mayoral candidate Peter methadone for people with Ladner’s election “action plan” chronic heroin addiction. is instead heavy with an anti- crime agenda. Ladner is promising more cash for new police officers, he’s 17 SYLLABLES pledging more public dollars for Organizers of the Vancouver private security and he wants Cherry Blossom Festival to turn uniformed city workers Haiku Invitational invited into the “eyes and ears on the budding poets from around streets.” the world to submit poems But Ladner’s cautious plat- for the annual contest. The form, made up of more than 50 winning haiku will be fea- “priorities,” is short on actual funding promises. tured in buses and on Sky- It appears only two pledges Trains during the festival. listed in the NPA’s 14-page docu- For more visit vcbf.ca. ment – funding more police offi- cers and upgrading police facil- ities – call for significant city PETRO DOLLARS funds; neither is backed by dol- The province announced lar signs. yesterday that the October In releasing his platform yes- terday, Ladner promised to sale of oil and gas rights work with senior governments - Rob Kruyt, 24 hours - Rob Kruyt, 24 hours made $151 million in bonus to find the funding to solve the NPA Vancouver mayoral candidate Peter Lad- VISION Vancouver mayoral candidate Gregor bids, bringing the year to city’s homelessness, addiction ner released his party’s election platform. Robertson took aim at NPA’s plan. date total to $2.17 billion. and mental health crises. The province sold 217 “We are not going to say that, “We have to insist that other son said Ladner was “running ner deciding all of a sudden that parcels of land in northeast because of the desperate need levels of government come to away” from his party’s record crime is his primary focus.” B.C. covering 143,666 for shelter for homeless people, the table.” on homelessness. Vision has yet to release its hectares at an average price the city will take that on,” Lad- But Vision Vancouver may- “I don’t think the problem has own platform. $2,214 per hectare. ner said. oral candidate Gregor Robert- been solved, but we see Mr.Lad- - Irwin Loy, 24 hours EDUCATION ADS The B.C. Teachers’ Federa- Roundhouse, Coal Harbour tion launched a province- VANOC goes to market wide ad campaign focusing on school closures, over- Yes, we’re in the red, but don’t be have 2010 Games plans crowded classes and alarmed, says Vancouver 2010’s Numbers The Roundhouse could West Coast in 1887. Nearby neglected special-needs money man. David Lam Park will be one I be Canada Olympic students, yesterday. The Organizers of the 2010 Winter Venues: $487.15 million House in 2010. of two civic Live Sites. campaign – dubbed When Olympics and Paralympics released spent to date “It’s a fantastic location,” Will They Learn? – arrives in their 2007-2008 annual report yester- I Payroll: 773 full-time equiv- The Vancouver Board of Kuran said. “I think the COC time for school trustee elec- day.It shows a $48.1 million deficit on alents Parks and Recreation is in and Cultural Olympiad real- tions scheduled for Nov. 15. $122.3 million income and $170.4 ex- I talks with the Canadian ize that.” penditures through July 31,2008.Last Days until opening ceremo- Olympic Committee to use Coal Harbour community year, VANOC recorded a nearly $61 ny: 483 the Yaletown community centre, however,would be off GREENIE JUMPS million surplus. centre’s exhibition hall from limits to the public from Jan. Chief financial officer John Feb. 4-March 2, 2010 as a 1-March 31, 2010. Kuran said Premier Gordon Campbell McLaughlin said it’s a matter of tim- and anti-doping equipment to ac- meeting place for athletes, users would be shifted to received a green stamp of ing. Payments from sponsors in Jan- commodation and food and beverage. coaches, their families and West End community cen- approval from former B.C. uary 2009 and the International Despite the global economic crisis, friends and sponsors. tres while 120 people from Green Party leader Christo- Olympic Committee in March 2009 McLaughlin still forecasts a balanced Stanley District director various agencies use Coal pher Bennett, who joined the are expected to reverse the shortfall. $1.63 billion operations budget. A re- Peter Kuran expects the per- Harbour to coordinate logis- B.C. Liberals, yesterday. “It’s not necessarily indicative of vised business plan is expected in formance centre to be a Cul- tics for 1,600 Olympic and Bennett previously worked for a good year or a bad year,it’s just in- early 2009. tural Olympiad venue, but Paralympic dignitaries. federal Green Party leader dicative of what we did,” he said. “The situation we’re finding our- the rest of the complex “This would be a first-ever Elizabeth May and Vancouver McLaughlin said 79 per cent of rev- selves in right now is pretty unparal- would remain open. for an Olympics, which is to Mayor Sam Sullivan. enues are committed, not counting leled,” he said. “Trying to predict The 1888 red-brick Round- have all levels of govern- - 24 hours news services tickets. VANOC will go on a $1 billion what’s going to come out of it is huge- house was restored for Expo ment and other governing shopping spree over the next 16 ly challenging and we wouldn’t pre- 86 and houses Engine 374, bodies all together,” Kuran months seeking goods and services tend to be able to predict.” which hauled the first said. vancouver.24hrs.ca ranging from transportation, energy - Bob Mackin, 24 hours transcontinental train to the - Bob Mackin, 24 hours Publisher & CEO Distribution Editorial Director of Sales Promotions Coordinator Amber Ogilvie Philip Tan [email protected] Elena Dunn Elise Toplass [email protected] [email protected] tel: 604-322-2356 [email protected] [email protected] 604-322-2353 fax: 604-322-3026 tel: 604-322-2341 tel: 604-322-2371 vancouver.24hrs.ca Editor-in-chief Dean Broughton Reader Services Commercial Art Director Advertising Corporate Vice President 604.322.2340 [email protected] 554 East 15th Avenue, Trevor Van den Eijnden tel: 604-322-2341 for Western Canada Vancouver 24 hours is published Vancouver, B.C.V5T 2R5 [email protected] fax: 604-322-3036 Craig Martin lease Recycle P Monday through Friday. Opinions and views of columnists appearing in 24 hours do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the newspaper..
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Time to Jump-Start the B.C. Forest Service—Not Bury It
    Time to jump-start the B.C. Forest Service—not bury it By Jim Stirling The British Columbia Forest Service is on a death watch. The organization charged with managing the publicly-owned forests in B.C. is months shy of its 100th birthday but the prognosis is poor for it reaching that milestone in any recognizable form. What happens next depends on Steve Thomson, B.C.’s minister responsible for forests and the rest of leader—and newly- minted premier—Christy Clark’s new Liberal government caucus. For years, successive provincial governments have turned to the forest service for easy budget cuts. At one point, it was likely some judicious personnel trimming within the organization was justified. But that was in the past and the habit has now become an obsession. In less than 10 years, the government has cut more than 25 per cent of the forest service’s work force and closed half of its district offices, the real presence and public representation at the landscape level. The telling blow to this death by a thousand cuts approach was delivered by Gordon Campbell, just days before he an- nounced his abdication as B.C.’s premier and leader of the provincial Liberal party last October. Campbell’s plan involves re-organization and alignment of five major ministries; forests; energy; environment; agriculture and aboriginal relations. Under this ill-conceived plan, the Ministry of Forests and Range is the Ministry of Forests, Mines and Lands and a new Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations was created, which Thomson now heads.
    [Show full text]
  • OOP-2013-00348 Announcement of the Next Executive Council of B.C
    Page 1 OOP-2013-00348 Announcement of the next Executive Council of B.C. Friday, June 7, 2013 - 2:00 p.m. Invitation List - Invitee Guests Bonnie Abram Scott Anderson Lyn Anglin Olin Anton Robert Anton Helen Armstrong Mike Arnold Mike Arnold Deb Arnott Peter Ashcroft Antonia Audette Dave Bedwell Cindy Beedie Dr. Deborah Bell Jim Belsheim Beth Bennett Glenn Berg Valerie Bernier Ben Besler John Bishop Peter Boddy Bill Bond Michael Brooks Richard Bullock Matt Burke Cindy Burton Sandy Butler Daniel Cadieux George Cadman Marife Camerino Karen Cameron Murray Campbell S 22 Clark Campbell S 22 S 22 S 22 Alicia Campbell Lee Campbell S 22 Clark Campbell Page 2 OOP-2013-00348 Announcement of the next Executive Council of B.C. Friday, June 7, 2013 - 2:00 p.m. Invitation List - Invitee Guests Resja Campfens Sandi Case Ken Catton Cindy Chan Pius Chan James Chase Michael Chiu J. Brock Chrystal Charlotte Clark Jonathan Clarke Anita Clegg Susan Clovechok Susan Clovechok Lynette Cobb Hilda Colwell Tom Corsie Wayne Coulson Sharon Crowson Warren Cudney Warren Cudney Michael Curtiss Marlene Dalton Brian Daniel Bette Daoust Bette Daoust Francois Daoust Francois Daoust Filip de Sagher Gabrielle DeGroot Marko Dekovic Nilu Dhaliwal Lysa Dixon Rada Doyle Wayne Duzita Urmila Dwivedi John Eastwood Vivian Edwards Scott Ellis Barbara Elworthy Mark Elworthy Evangeline Englezos Warren Erhart Ida Fallowfield Charlene Fassbender Mr. Steve Fassbender Mrs. Steve Fassbender Page 3 OOP-2013-00348 Announcement of the next Executive Council of B.C. Friday, June 7, 2013 - 2:00
    [Show full text]
  • BC Provincial Political Update Fielded May 9-13, 2011
    BC Provincial Political Update Fielded May 9-13, 2011 Insert pictures in master Height = 2.75” Ipsos Reid Contact Kyle Braid Vice-President and Manager Public Affairs Western Canada 778-373-5130 [email protected] 2 May 9-13, 2011 BC Political Survey Methodology Poll conducted May 9 to 13, 2011 1,200 adult British Columbians (+/- 2.9%, 19 times out of 20) 600 phone interviews 600 online interviews Some questions (most important issue, government issue approval, Campbell approval) were only asked of 600 online respondents (+/- 4.0%, 19 times out of 20). Margins of error are wider within regions and for other sub-groupings of the survey population. These data were statistically weighted to ensure the sample's regional and age/sex composition reflects that of the actual BC population according to 2006 Census data. 3 May 9-13, 2011 BC Political Survey Mood and Issues Insert pictures in master Height = 2.75” The overall mood in BC is more positive than negative. Right direction 51% Wrong track 32% Don't know 17% Q. Generally speaking, would you say things in British Columbia today are heading in the right direction, or are they off on the wrong track? Base: All respondents (n=1,200) 5 May 9-13, 2011 BC Political Survey No single issue dominates the public agenda. Health care 20% Economy 19% Taxes/HST 13% Environment 9% Education 8% Deficit/Budget 6% Social issues 5% Ethics and accountability 5% Crime/Justice 4% Government programs/services 3% Transportation 3% Natural resources 2% Other 3% Don't know 1% Q.
    [Show full text]
  • 8004 Amh Coop H2949.1 Sjm 8004
    8004 AMH COOP H2949.1 SJM 8004 - H AMD 422 By Representative Cooper 1 Beginning on page 1, after line 7, strike all material through 2 "Canada." on page 3, line 8 and insert the following: 3 "WHEREAS, It is the understanding of the Legislature of the State 4 of Washington that the Province of British Columbia is considering a 5 small-scale trial to test an augmentation technique that involves the 6 release of grizzly bears near our common border as one component of a 7 recovery plan designed to conserve the North Cascades grizzly bear 8 population, which has been recognized as threatened in both British 9 Columbia and Washington; and 10 WHEREAS, It is the understanding of the Legislature of the State of 11 Washington that the natural range of grizzly bears can be extensive, up 12 to three hundred square miles for females and five hundred square miles 13 for males (as reported in the brochure entitled "North Cascades Grizzly 14 Bear Outreach Project," which was printed and published with assistance 15 from the following contributors: The United States Fish and Wildlife 16 Service; the United States Forest Service; the National Park Service; 17 the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife; the Interagency 18 Grizzly Bear Committee; the Northwest Ecosystem Alliance; and the 19 Defenders of Wildlife); and 20 WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of Washington recognizes that 21 the laws of Washington, as determined by a 1995 Senate vote of 44 to 5 22 and a vote of the House of Representatives of 96 to 0, establishes the 23 prohibition
    [Show full text]
  • Prescription Before Diagnosis: the Dynamics of Public Policy Construction in the BC Liberal New Era, 2001-2005
    Prescription Before Diagnosis: The Dynamics of Public Policy Construction in the BC Liberal New Era, 2001-2005 By George Malcolm Abbott B.A., University of British Columbia, 1975 M.A., University of Victoria, 1978 A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in the Department of Political Science © George Malcolm Abbott, 2019 University of Victoria All rights reserved. This dissertation may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by photo- copying or other means, without the permission of the author. Prescription Before Diagnosis: The Dynamics of Public Policy Construction in the BC Liberal New Era, 2001-2005 By George Malcolm Abbott B.A., University of British Columbia, 1975 M.A., University of Victoria, 1978 Supervisory Committee Dr. Colin Bennett, Supervisor (Department of Political Science) Dr. Jamie Lawson, Departmental Member (Department of Political Science) Dr. James Tully, Departmental Member (Department of Political Science) Dr. Evert Lindquist, Outside Member (School of Public Administration) ii Supervisory Committee Dr. Colin Bennett, Supervisor (Department of Political Science) Dr. Jamie Lawson, Departmental Member (Department of Political Science) Dr. James Tully, Departmental Member (Department of Political Science) Dr. Evert Lindquist, Outside Member (School of Public Administration) ABSTRACT The BC Liberal New Era was an intense and often controversial period in the province’s political history. One day after being sworn into office with a massive majority, Premier Gordon Campbell announced a 25 percent personal income tax cut, potentially relinquishing one billion dollars in tax revenue. Seven weeks later, Campbell and his Finance Minister followed up with another billion dollars in business and corporate tax cuts.
    [Show full text]
  • List of Participants to the Third Session of the World Urban Forum
    HSP HSP/WUF/3/INF/9 Distr.: General 23 June 2006 English only Third session Vancouver, 19-23 June 2006 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS TO THE THIRD SESSION OF THE WORLD URBAN FORUM 1 1. GOVERNMENT Afghanistan Mr. Abdul AHAD Dr. Quiamudin JALAL ZADAH H.E. Mohammad Yousuf PASHTUN Project Manager Program Manager Minister of Urban Development Ministry of Urban Development Angikar Bangladesh Foundation AFGHANISTAN Kabul, AFGHANISTAN Dhaka, AFGHANISTAN Eng. Said Osman SADAT Mr. Abdul Malek SEDIQI Mr. Mohammad Naiem STANAZAI Project Officer AFGHANISTAN AFGHANISTAN Ministry of Urban Development Kabul, AFGHANISTAN Mohammad Musa ZMARAY USMAN Mayor AFGHANISTAN Albania Mrs. Doris ANDONI Director Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Telecommunication Tirana, ALBANIA Angola Sr. Antonio GAMEIRO Diekumpuna JOSE Lic. Adérito MOHAMED Adviser of Minister Minister Adviser of Minister Government of Angola ANGOLA Government of Angola Luanda, ANGOLA Luanda, ANGOLA Mr. Eliseu NUNULO Mr. Francisco PEDRO Mr. Adriano SILVA First Secretary ANGOLA ANGOLA Angolan Embassy Ottawa, ANGOLA Mr. Manuel ZANGUI National Director Angola Government Luanda, ANGOLA Antigua and Barbuda Hon. Hilson Nathaniel BAPTISTE Minister Ministry of Housing, Culture & Social Transformation St. John`s, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA 1 Argentina Gustavo AINCHIL Mr. Luis Alberto BONTEMPO Gustavo Eduardo DURAN BORELLI ARGENTINA Under-secretary of Housing and Urban Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA Development Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA Ms. Lydia Mabel MARTINEZ DE JIMENEZ Prof. Eduardo PASSALACQUA Ms. Natalia Jimena SAA Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA Session Leader at Networking Event in Profesional De La Dirección Nacional De Vancouver Políticas Habitacionales Independent Consultant on Local Ministerio De Planificación Federal, Governance Hired by Idrc Inversión Pública Y Servicios Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA Ciudad Debuenosaires, ARGENTINA Mrs.
    [Show full text]
  • City of Vancouver Councils Dating from 1886 to 2011 PDF File
    2008 - 2011 • Mayor Gregor Robertson • Suzanne Anton • David Cadman • George Chow • Heather Deal • Kerry Jang • Raymond Louie • Geoff Meggs • Andrea Reimer • Tim Stevenson • Ellen Woodworth 2005 - 2008 • Mayor Sam Sullivan • Suzanne Anton • Elizabeth Ball • David Cadman • Kim Capri • George Chow • Heather Deal • Peter Ladner • B.C. Lee • Raymond Louie • Tim Stevenson City of Vancouver Councils dating back to 1886 2 OF 48 2002 - 2005 • Mayor Larry W. Campbell • Fred Bass • David Cadman • Jim Green • Peter Ladner • Raymond Louie • Tim Louis • Anne Roberts • Tim Stevenson • Sam Sullivan • Ellen Woodsworth 1999 - 2002 • Mayor Philip Owen • Fred Bass • Jennifer Clarke • Lynne Kennedy • Daniel Lee • Don Lee • Tim Louis • Sandy McCormick • Gordon Price • George Puil • Sam Sullivan City of Vancouver Councils dating back to 1886 3 OF 48 1996 - 1999 • Mayor Philip Owen • Don Bellamy • Nancy A. Chiavario • Jennifer Clarke • Alan Herbert • Lynne Kennedy • Daniel Lee • Don Lee • Gordon Price • George Puil • Sam Sullivan 1993 - 1996 • Mayor Philip Owen • Donald Bellamy • Nancy A. Chiavario • Jennifer Clarke • Craig Hemer • Maggie Ip • Lynne Kennedy • Jenny Kwan • Gordon Price • George Puil • Sam Sullivan City of Vancouver Councils dating back to 1886 4 OF 48 1990 - 1993 • Mayor Gordon Campbell • Donald Bellamy • Tung Chan • Libby Davies • Bruce Eriksen • Philip Owen • Gordon Price • George Puil • Harry Rankin • Patricia Wilson • Bruce Yorke 1988 - 1990 • Mayor Gordon Campbell • Jonathan Baker • Donald Bellamy • Libby Davies • Bruce Eriksen • Philip Owen • Gordon Price • George Puil • Harry Rankin • Carole Taylor • Sandra Wilking City of Vancouver Councils dating back to 1886 5 OF 48 1986 - 1988 • Mayor Gordon Campbell • Jonathan Baker • Donald Bellamy • Helen Boyce • Ralph Caravetta • Libby Davies • Bruce Eriksen • Philip Owen • Gordon Price • George Puil • Carole Taylor 1984 - 1986 • Mayor Michael Harcourt • Donald Bellamy • May Brown • Gordon Campbell • Libby Davies • Bruce Eriksen • Marguerite Ford • George Puil • Harry Rankin • W.
    [Show full text]
  • New Relationship New Relationship
    TheThe NewNew RelationshipRelationship ReviewReview Special Edition from B.C.'s Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation - Treaties 2007 SIX FIRST NATIOns ACHIEVE HISTORIC TREATY SUCCEss Honourable Michael de Jong, Island’s first modern-day treaty and the identified their Final Agreements with first Final Agreement negotiated for hopes for a brighter future. Minister of Aboriginal Relations multiple First Nations under the British and Reconciliation Columbia Treaty Commission process. On November 22, 2007, the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement Act received The year 2007 marked the opening of For members of these six First Nations of Royal Assent in the B.C. Legislature. Royal a new chapter in the history of British British Columbia, the road to the Legislative Assent for the Maa-nulth First Nations Columbia, with the introduction of treaty Assembly proved long and arduous. Final Agreement Act was granted a few settlement legislation in the Legislative The Tsawwassen First Nation and Maa- days later on November 29. Settlement Assembly, first for the Tsawwassen First nulth First Nations negotiated for many legislation must be approved by the Nation in October, then for the five Maa- years before seeing their respective Final Parliament of Canada. nulth First Nations in November. Agreements introduced as legislation. A I am excited by the prospect of more First The Tsawwassen Final Agreement dramatic moment in both these historic processes came when the chiefs addressed Nations making solid headway in their legislation recognizes B.C.’s first, urban treaty negotiations and I look forward to the Legislative Assembly from the Bar of modern-day treaty.
    [Show full text]
  • March 5, 2019
    B.C. Today – Daily Report March 5, 2019 Quotation of the day “The only thing this premier has done when it comes to talking about softwood in this House is dodge, deflect and demean a discussion that is essential in British Columbia.” During Monday’s question period, Liberal MLA Shirley Bond says Premier John Horgan is ​ ​ ​ ​ “missing in action” in the fight against American tariffs on softwood lumber. Today in B.C. On the schedule The House will convene at 10 a.m. for question period. Monday’s debates and proceedings Finance Minister Carole James introduced Bill 12, Supply Act. The procedural bill secures ​ ​ ​ ​ funding for the public service operations through the first three months of the upcoming fiscal year, beginning on April 1, 2019. Following question period, Government House Leader Mike Farnworth directed the House to ​ ​ begin its review of the supplementary estimates for the Ministry of Health; Committee A studied the supplementary estimates for the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. By the end of the day, reviews of the supplementary estimates on the following files were complete: health, municipal affairs and housing and forestry and natural resources. In the House Liberal MLA Tracy Redies welcomed Liberal MP Gordie Hogg (South Surrey—White Rock) — ​ ​ ​ ​ “the incorrigible, one of a kind, snappy dresser” — to the chamber along with Liberal MP Randeep Sarai (Surrey Centre). Hogg served as a MLA in B.C. for 20 years and held various ​ cabinet posts in former Liberal premier Gordon Campbell’s government. ​ ​ Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan was also welcomed in the House.
    [Show full text]
  • Debates of the Legislative Assembly
    Second Session, 39th Parliament OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (hANSARD) Tuesday, May 18, 2010 Morning Sitting Volume 18, Number 1 THE HONOURABLE BILL BARISOFF, spEAKER ISSN 0709-1281 PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871) LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR His Honour the Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC Second Session, 39th Parliament SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Bill Barisoff EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ......................................................................................................Hon. Gordon Campbell Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations ....................................................................................................Hon. Naomi Yamamoto Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance .......................................................................................................................... Hon. Colin Hansen Minister of State for the Olympics and ActNow B.C. ....................................................................................................... Hon. Mary McNeil Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation .....................................................................................................Hon. George Abbott Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development ............................................................................ Hon. Moira Stilwell Minister of Agriculture and Lands ...................................................................................................................................Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • Behind-The-Scenes Battle Raging in B.C. Liberal Party Page 1 of 2
    Globe and Mail: Behind-the-scenes battle raging in B.C. Liberal Party Page 1 of 2 November 9, 2010 Behind-the-scenes battle raging in B.C. Liberal Party By JUSTINE HUNTER From Wednesday's Globe and Mail Potential contenders for Leader Gordon Campbell's job vie to set terms for the struggle Potential successors to Premier Gordon Campbell are playing coy this week, but behind the scenes there is an intense battle to eke out an advantage by shaping the terms of engagement. On Saturday, the 21 members of the B.C. Liberal party executive will decide when and where the leadership vote to replace Mr. Campbell will be held. The crucial decision about how ballots will be counted may take longer. The party is locked into a "one person, one vote" mechanism - now the party's constitutional lawyer is reviewing just how much flexibility can be wrung from that wording. Until those details are worked out, most leadership hopefuls will keep their intentions as quiet as possible. Energy Minister Bill Bennett said the voting system must be changed so that the vote isn't entirely controlled by party members from the densely populated Lower Mainland. "If we don't fix this, this has more potential to split the party than any single thing, including a leadership race," he said in an interview on Tuesday. Mr. Bennett has been lobbying for change since the summer, and had planned to bring his resolution to the party's policy convention later this month. But Mr. Campbell's decision last week to step down forced the party to scrap that convention, leaving the proposal in limbo.
    [Show full text]
  • NEWS RELEASE for Immediate Release Office of the Premier 2008OTP0047-000288 Ministry of Transportation March 2, 2008
    NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Office of the Premier 2008OTP0047-000288 Ministry of Transportation March 2, 2008 CANADA LINE BORED TUNNELS COMPLETED AHEAD OF SCHEDULE VANCOUVER – A critical phase of Canada Line construction was completed today when the project’s 440-tonne tunnel boring machine (TBM) broke through the ground into the future site of Canada Line’s Waterfront Station. The breakthrough completes the second of two side-by-side bored tunnels from just south of False Creek to just north of Pender Street in downtown Vancouver. “This breakthrough represents an important milestone for this project, which will significantly improve transit service for people throughout the Lower Mainland,” said Premier Gordon Campbell. “I want to congratulate all of the workers for their hard work and dedication, and for completing this critical phase of the Canada Line without a single lost-time injury or accident. This transit expansion will help to encourage compact urban development, get people out of their cars, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, for the benefit of all British Columbians.” “This successful project clearly demonstrates the benefits of public-private partnerships in large-scale transportation infrastructure projects,” said the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “It also reflects the Government of Canada's commitment to improving public transit capacity.” “This is a great moment to celebrate the vision, determination and skill of the workers, the project team, our region’s
    [Show full text]