quesnel cariboo observer, november 19, 2014

Good day, Quesnel.Thanks for reading and that includes

loyal subscriber H. Gardner!To join the Observer family, please call 250-992-2121 and ask for circulation.

Friday Nov. 21st

Join the Madness until 11pm!

DOWNTOWNMoonlight Madness

*Real Beginners Only. *Some restrictions may apply. Expires September 1/14

3 Week Beginner Trial Program for only $59 includes a Martial Arts Uniform.FREE

Sign your child up for the BEST MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL FOR KIDS. Get Fit! Get Focused! Have Fun! Our Classes

fill up fast, enroll now to ensure you have a spot.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014 VOL. 101 NO. 23 www.quesnelobserver.com PM 40005365 $130 includes GST

ROOS GARNER ANOTHER WINPAGE A11

FUNDING FOR WELLSPAGE A3

GUIDES HAVING FUNPAGE A7

In a landslide victory Saturday night, Bob Simpson won the may-oral race over incum-bent Mary Sjostrom. He will be Quesnels mayor for the next four years. For the complete story on Simpsons plans for Quesnels future, see the Cariboo Observers Friday edi-tion. For full results see PAGE A2.Autumn MacDonald photo

Mayor-elect

Wednesday, November 19, 2014 Quesnel Cariboo ObserverA2 www.quesnelobserver.com

Connecting Our Community

SUSTAINING PARTNERS

FraserviewPharmacy

Claudia Holland &Leslie Johnson

Sustaining Partner Pro le West Park Dental

West Park Dental has been a Sustaining Partner for the Quesnel Community Foundation since 2009. Both Trish and Branko Cervienka feel that it is important to give back to the community in any way you can. Some people can give by volunteering their time, says Trish. Supporting the Foundation is our way of giving back. Branko adds, The Foundation funds all kinds of groups who are involved in sports, arts, education, health, recreation. This is the best way for us to help a lot of di erent groups in a very signi cant way.If you would like more information on how to become a Sustaining Partner with Quesnel Community Foundation, please call Dan Canuel at 992-6392 or email [email protected]

For more information on how your business can support the Foundation, please call Dan Canuel at

992-6392 or email [email protected]

250.992.2500155 Malcolm Drive

In the West Park Mall next to Save On Foods

We are opening our second location soon!

~ 322 Front Street ~

I highly recommend Chicanos Mexican Restaurante. Hands down the best Mexican

Food I have had outside of Mexico! The service was outstanding from the moment we walked

through the door until we left. The decor is very tasteful and mexican music plays in the background. We started with amazing lime margaritas and an appy of chips, delicious

homemade salsa and guacamole. We asked what the popular dishes are and the owner was very friendly and happily went over the menu

with us and described some of the more popular choices. We chose the Sopas and Chimichanga.

When our food arrived, I was amazed at the presentation of the food....absolutely fantastic.

This family run restaurant is hidden away at the West Park Mall, but I encourage everyone to try it out....guaranteed you will not be disappointed!!!

I know we will be back. So happy to have a place like this in Quesnel!

Crystal Nagy

Quesnel Resident

Target your advertising and marketing efforts.

Decide which advertising opportunities have the

least waste. A well defined market position is key to

determining which marketing and advertising

opportunities make sense to support your market

position.

For upcoming business workshops, check our calendar online at

www.cfquesnel.com or give us a call at 992-2322

Community Futures, your one-stop source for business information

Business Tip of the Week

Targeting is Key

Business Tip of the Week

Starting a Business

How do you plan for starting your own business? What

needs to be investigated before you should invest in a

business venture? How can you become more confident

that your business will be successful? What steps need

to be completed to know your business is legal? Come

and attend ``Planning & Starting a Business`` on Nov 26,

2014 form 6.00PM - 7.30PM, costs: $25.00 plus GST.

To register call Nicole at 250-992-2322.

Q-City Page

City Hall - 410 Kinchant Street, Quesnel, BC, V2J 7J5 T - 250-992-2111 W - www.quesnel.caHours of operation are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (except Statutory Holidays)

A feature highlighting meetings, proposals and events important to Quesnel residents.

NOTICE OF SNOW REMOVALThe Citys Streets and Traffic Bylaws require all downtown businesses and property owners to

remove the ice and snow from the sidewalks in front of or adjacent to their premises PRIOR to 10:00 a.m. on each business day (Monday to Saturday inclusive). This applies to all businesses regardless of their individual operating hours or days.

The City will inspect the sidewalks to determine that sufficient cleaning has been completed. If it is determined that more attention is required, the City will attend to the matter. The minimum charge for cleaning the sidewalk is $100.00 (one hundred dollars) which will be levied against the respective property owners.

Collection of any outstanding accounts at December 31st will be made through property taxation. With rising liability claims, clean sidewalks will keep everyone out of the courts and customers downtown.

Thank you for your cooperation. Enquiries may be directed to the Bylaw Enforcement Department at 250-992-5743.

The City of Quesnels Chief Electoral Officer has released the official results of the Nov. 15, 2014 local government election.

The final results, in order of highest votes received, are:

Mayor, one elected:Bob Simpson,2,128Mary Sjostrom, 884

Councillor, six elected:Ed Coleman, 1,979Scott Elliott,1,830

Ron Paull ,1,723John Brisco, 1,577 Sushil Thapar, 1,539Laurey-Anne Roodenburg,1,435Ernest Gamache,1,342Kyle Jones,1,140Shawna Siemens, 980

Nov. 15, 2014 there were a total of 3,020 ballots cast, compared to 2,858 in 2011.

CRD results:Area A:Ted Armstrong - 241

Cory Delves - 174Susan MacNeill - 220Area B:Jerry Bruce - 264Heloise Dixon-Warren - 151Area C:John Massier - uncontestedArea D:Penny Daffurn - 96Steve Forseth - 138Blaine Wiggins - 121Area E:Byron Kemp - 324Phyllis Webstad - 141Area I:Dylan Cash - 111

Jim Glassford - 101

School District 28:Preliminary results of the School Trustee Elections, the following candidates have been elected for the office of

School Trustee: Tony Goulet Julie-Anne Runge Gloria Jackson George Natalizio Wendy Clement Howie Schonke David Chapman

Official results for local government election

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION

A new chapterOutgoing mayor Mary

Sjostrom was sur-rounded by her loyal supporters including husband Butch Sat-

urday night when the news came in she had been defeated by Bob Simpson. For the story of whats next for Mary

see future Observer edition.

Karen Powell photo

LOCAL NEWS

This issue may contain these flyers:

Flyers

The Brick Red Plum Wal-Mart Canadian Tire City Furniture London Drugs Save On Foods NC3 / FGL Sports Shoopers Drug Mart

Napa Sears Marks

Staples Loblaws Safeway

CloudyHigh: 1 Low: -1

Mainly SunnyHigh: 3 Low: -2

CHANCE of SnowHigh: 3 Low: -3

SunnyHigh: 1 Low: -6

www.quesnelobserver.com

Enter to win up to $100 when you shop QuesnelAny store - Any Purchase!*

*Full contest details: www.facebook.com/shopquesnel

Double your chances! Get a bonus entry this week when you shop for : Home Building Materials

#IBOUGHTITINQUESNEL

www.quesnelobserver.com A3Quesnel Cariboo Observer Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Wells has been approved for funding for 24 new licensed child-care spaces, thanks to funding through the provincial governments B.C. Early Years Strategy.

The provincial government is providing the Wells and Area Community Association with $21,794 in capital funding to renovate their Huckleberry Day care at Wells-Barkerville Elementary School, adding 24 multi-age spaces.

Child care is not only a crucial part of early childhood development, but it also means that parents can pursue career, education and training opportunities, knowing

their children are safe, happy and well-cared for, MLA for Cariboo North Coralee Oakes said.

As part of our governments commitment under the B.C. Early Years Strategy, this newly renovated space will be an important part of the community of Wells and will provide enhanced quality care for families.

These 24 new licensed child-care spaces are part of the provincial governments commitment to support the creation of more than 1,000 new spaces by March 2015.

This investment marks the first phase of the provincial governments Child-Care Major Capital

Funding roll out, and will allow child-care providers to:

Build a new child care facility, including the cost of buying land or a building.

Assemble a modular building and develop a site.

Renovate an existing building.

Buy eligible equipment (including playground equipment) and furnishings to support new child-care spaces in an existing facility. The provincial government is now in the process of working with the child-care providers to sign project agreements that include the specific

requirements that providers have identified for each site, such as the need to lease or buy property, obtain local zoning permits and hire contractors to renovate the sites.

Construction and renovations for the new

spaces are expected to begin by March 2015.

In addition to these 1,000 new spaces, the provincial government aims to support the creation of a further 1,000 spaces by March 2016 under its B.C. Early Years Strategy.

This builds on the approximately 107,000 spaces that government currently supports throughout the province.

Applications for the next phase of child care major capital funding will start early in 2015. Interested child care providers can visit www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/major_capital.htm for more info.

... this newly reno-vated space will be an important part of the community of

Wells and will provide enhanced quality care

for families.Coralee Oakes, MLA

Wells approved for 24 child-care spaces

Dumpster fireFirefighters were called to a dumpster fire Monday morning at the recycling centre.

Karen Powell photo

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday


MLA Coralee Oakes - Cariboo NorthMinister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

644A Front Street Tel: 250.991.0296www.coraleeoakes.ca

Find me on Twitter & Facebook

B.C. on the Move in the CaribooWith the steady flow of log haulers traveling to and from mills, busy business commuters making their way across town, and commercial traffic transiting from community to community, there are over one million vehicle journeys in Quesnel. It is clear that Quesnel is a key gateway community to Northern British Columbia and to the lower mainland. It is because of these reasons, that transportation remains a critical issue for both our city and region.

Our government recently announced that we are developing a new 10-year provincial transportation plan, B.C. on the Move. This initiative invites all British Columbians to share their ideas for future improvements in areas such as Cariboo North and surrounding rural regions.

With three weeks left to participate, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone to get engaged in the process. Recently, there has been a lot of focus in relation to a truck route in Quesnel, as well as a number of other much-needed transportation developments in the Cariboo. If a new truck route in Quesnel receives the green light, then this can mean greater and improved access on roads benefiting transportation in our region and across the province.

I encourage each of you to take part in the engagement process to ensure that government hears the needs of the citizens of Quesnel and the Cariboo.

How to participate:

1. A sample letter that addresses the need for a truck route in Quesnel is available at my office at 644A Front Street in Quesnel. The office is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. (closed at lunch)

2. A copy of the sample letter can be requested by emailing me at [email protected]

3. You can complete the online survey at http://engage.gov.bc.ca/transportationplan/ways/

4. Via email: [email protected]

5. Mail: PO Box 3623 Vancouver Main, Vancouver BC, V6B 3Y6

So far weve heard from some of you, but keep those letters and comments coming! Each letter received in our office will be presented to the Minister of Transportation.

You can also review the online Discussion Guide that can be downloaded at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/transportationplan/. Submissions will be accepted until December 12th.

My constituency office and the Ministry of Transportation look forward to hearing from you to ensure we have a safer, more efficient transportation system that keeps B.C. on the Move.

S.P.C.A. Pets of the Week

We speak for those who cannot speak

for th

emsel

ves

Chihuahua / Terrier X Puppy

CHICKADEEPEEWEE

1st vaccination& deworming incl.

Vets offer

100%spay/neuter through

SPCA adoptions

off

Short Hair Domestic 4 Years Old

SPCA - 1000 Carson Pit Rd.Hours: Noon - 4:00 pm Tues. - Sat.Always in need of blankets, towels www.spca.bc.ca - 250.992.7722

North Cariboo REALTY Ltd.

www.northcariboorealty.com

441 Kinchant Street 250-992-2207

1-888-992-2207

COMMUNITY

Although Operation Christmas Child has waned in popularity over the last couple of years in Quesnel, worldwide this Samaritans Purse initiative still brings joy and much needed personal items to children all over the world.

When Natasha Williams realized this campaign delivered to her beloved Ukraine, she has been hard at work stirring the generosity of local businesses and the community to once

again step up to the plate, fill boxes for children in desperate situations in the Ukraine.

Staples has chosen this campaign as the recipient of their casual Fridays charity and expect to put $300 into filling

boxes for shipment by Greyhound Nov. 23.

There is not a lot of time but people can pick up boxes at various dollar stores (must be the size of a regular ladies shoebox). Instructions and

labels are available at the Greyhound station. Each shoebox must be accompanied by $7 (helps with the cost of shipping) and also a label specifying shipment to Ukraine.

The public can also download the girl or

boy designation labels from the SamaritansPurse.ca.

The staff at Staples would be happy to help people fill boxes and they also promise to have a few boxes on hand for people to fill.

However, time is quickly slipping away as all shoeboxes must be at the Greyhound depot by Sunday, Nov. 23.

Take a few minutes and fill a box for a child in the Ukraine, youll never know how grateful these children are for your act of kindness.

Help Operation Christmas Child support children in the Ukraine

Google images

2014

Quesnel River Pulp is accepting applications for a permanent full-time:

In this role the successful candidate will report to the Divisional Accountant and work within the accounting/administration department.

The prime responsibilities for this position include:

Processing accounts payable invoices, matching POs, waybills & packing slips Preparing invoice batch payments as required Vendor maintenance and inquiries Vendor statement reconciliation

Other duties will include general office support, possible hourly payroll backup and general account-ing duties as required.

The qualifications for this position include: Previous accounts payable and data entry experience. The ability to work closely with accounting and stores personnel. A working knowledge of Word processing and Excel spreadsheet packages. Post-secondary training in administration, payroll or accounting. Effective organization and communication skills.

To explore these exciting opportunities with us, submit resume by Nov 25, 2014 in confidence to:

Attn: Brooke LHeureux 1000 Finning Rd, Quesnel BC, V2J 6A1

e-mail to: [email protected] Fax (250) 992-2612

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Accounts PAyAble clerk

Discoveropportunity


Community CalendarSPECIAL EVENTS & MEETINGS ETC...

Meetings and Special Events, Work-shops, Signups and Non-pro t Groups will run in the Sunday or Wednesday edition. The deadline for the Wednes-day Observer is Monday at noon, and the deadline for the weekend edition is Wednesday at 5 pm. All meeting notices and regular submissions to Community Calendar must be

renewed every three months. Due to the volume of material, we clear the column every three months and only

print newly submitted material.

The Quesnel Church

But the hour comes and now is when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth. God is a spirit and they must worship him in spirit and

in truth. Please join us.

Call 747-3178.Ask for Kim.

355 Reid St. (in the heart of Downtown)

250-991-0298

Helping you build a healthy body & mind, Naturally!

Awaken Your Taste Buds with

A Unique & Deliciousway of getting your Omega - 3s

ONSALENOW

Sea-licious Four Flavours Maple | Raspberry Lemonade Cotton Candy | Tangerine Lime

1500 mg of Omega - 3s Powerful Antioxidants Supports Cardiovascular Health & Brain function

The family of Rod Mackinnon would like to announce his sudden passing on Nov. 6, 2014.

There will be a service at Claytons Funeral Home, Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 1 pm

Celebration of Rods life will be held at Brian & Sheryl Mackinnons house following the service.

Rodrick AlexanderMackinnon

October 17, 1961 ~ November 6, 2014

Hospice & Palliative Care needs YOU!

Join our team of Volunteers

Support individuals and families who are facing life threatening illness.

For information on our training program please call 250-985-5815

COMMUNITY

Kettle kick-offSalvation Army Lieutenant Stefan Van Schaick, left enlists the assistance of outgoing mayor Mary Sjostrom and Liberal MLA for Cariboo North Coralee Oakes to kick off the 2014 Christmas Kettle Campaign at the beginning of the Kangaroos Hockey Game on Saturday. Watch for kettles all over town and give generously.

Whitney Griffiths photo

MONDAYHOSPITAL GIFT

SHOP PRE-CHRIST-MAS SALE Nov. 24 28, 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Baby items, plush toys, a wide vari-ety of giftware and jewelry.

WINTER OUTER-WEAR FOR KIDS AND ADULTS now being accepted at Super Suds Laundro-mat, 415 McLean St..

Cleaned items will be available at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Quesnel, Mon-day Thursday, 10 a.m. 3 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. 12 p.m. For information call 250-992-7257.

TUESDAYGENEALOGY

INFORMATION SESSION Come learn from the experts in our community. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the Quesnel Genealogical Society are hosting a genealogy informa-tion session Nov. 25, 7 8:30 p.m., 1490 Beryl Road. For information call 250-925-1808.

WEDNESDAYMULTICULTURAL

LUNCHEON FOR WOMEN spon-sored by OVISTA and RCMP Victim Services to encour-age women to meet their local service providers, Nov. 19, 11 a.m. 1 p.m. at the Community Policing office on the westside across from Kwik Kleen laundromat.

THURSDAYBILLY BARKER

DAYS SOCIETY monthly meeting Nov. 20, 5:30 p.m. Rm N212 (upstairs) CNC.

FRIDAYQUESNEL ART

GALLERY PRES-ENTS Beaux Arts,

their Annual Christ-mas Show and Sale at the Quesnel Arts and Recreation Centre, 500 North Star Road. The show and sale continues throughout No-vember and Decem-ber. The Quesnel Art Gallery is open Tuesday Saturday, 10 a.m. 4 p.m.

SENIORS CEN-TRE CRAFT FAIR 2014 Nov. 14, 1 7 p.m., Nov. 15, 9 a.m. 2 p.m. Tables, $10/day, phone Marion, 250-747-1746 or Seniors Centre, 250-992-3991. Lunch will be available.

CANADIAN MUSIC RECITAL Nov. 21, 6:30 7:30

p.m. at Lakeview Church, 2224 Ash St. Performers in voice and piano to pres-ent compositions by Canadian compos-ers in celebration of Canada Music Week (Nov. 22 is St. Cecilia Day, the Patron Saint of Music.) Admis-sions by donation to the Quesnel Festival of the Performing Arts. For information contact Cathy, 250-747-3864.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY ANNUAL BOOK SALE Nov. 28 29, 10 a.m. 4 p.m. in library meeting room. Book donations accepted beginning Nov. 18 (no magazines or encyclopedias ac-

cepted.)

SATURDAYANGLICAN

CHURCH WOM-ENS CHRISTMAS TEA AND BAKE SALE Nov. 22, 1 3 p.m. at St. Johns An-glican Church hall, 465 Kinchant Street.

KIM MCIVOR FUNDRAISER, DIN-NER, DANCE & SILENT AUCTION Nov. 22, Elks Hall, doors open at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. Tick-ets, $30/each at Co-op, Circle S Western Wear, for information contact Paul 250-747-3864. Safe rides home available.

NATURE EDUCA-TION AND RE-

SOURCE CENTRE AFTERNOON OF HOLIDAY DECO-RATIONS Dec. 13, 1 4 p.m. Create unique holiday decorations from sea shells, pine cones and other natural materials. Asking for a $2 donation for this event. Kids of all ages can bring their parents to the NERC for this cre-ative afternoon. For information call Erin, 778-414-2444.


*When upgrading from a standard efficiency to high-efficiency water heater. **Terms and conditions apply. FortisBC uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (14-239.6 08/2014)

$1,000 R E B A T E

UP TO

Energy efficiency. Good for smaller footprints. And saving money on water heating.*Upgrade your water heater to a natural gas ENERGY STAR certified model for a rebate of up to $1,000.**

fortisbc.com/yourfootprint

14-239.6_WaterHeater_4.3125x8_P1.indd 1 9/8/2014 1:46:20 PM

379 Reid Street 250-991-0157

30% 50%to OFF* ** **ENTIRE STORE ON SALE!

Give the gift of fashion!LIMITED TIME ONLY

Tis the Season!Customer Appreciation Event!

*discount applies to original ticketed price.**See in store for details.

445 Reid St. 250-992-6898

FREE BloodPressureCheck

Everyday at our Pharmacy

Pharmacy Hours:Mon. - Fri. - 8am - 8pmSat. Sun. Holidays10am - 6pm

CAPSULE COMMENTSSafeway

with Lee-Anne Williams B.Sc. (Pharm)If we have an injury. our blood platelets are important in helping the blood to clot Platelet levels can drop due to disease, kidney dysfunction or even drinking too much alcohol. Blood transfusions can increase platelet levels but researchers are working on new ways of making human platelets using human stem cells. If successful, it will reduce the demand for donor blood.Bladder control isnt always easy for some people. Sometimes its just a sneeze, a cough or sudden laughter that will cause urine to flow and it can be embarrassing. To have better bladder control, keep your weight in control. Dont smoke. Smoking can double your chances of developing incontinence. Keep active. Keep coffee and alcohol consumption down. These can irritate the bladder. Men can get breast cancer too. Heres a few things to watch for: nipples turning inward, puckering of the skin in the breast area; nipples becoming red or scaly; discharge from the nipples. See your doctor for a check-up. Early detection means there is more options for early successful treatment.There are two vaccines that seniors should get. One is the vaccine against pneumonia. The other is the anti-shingles vaccine which is recommended for all adults over 60 with no immune system problems. You may have to pay for it yourself although some private drug plans may cover it. Talk to our pharmacists about these and other vaccines. Vaccines do work and save much pain and health costs down the road.

SAVEANYWHERE.

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums

through PayPal, youll never go shopping without your smart phone again!

Get Cash Back in 3 Easy Steps

Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More

1. Browse & ShopBrowse the mobile app

for your favourite brands offers, and purchase

them at any store

2. Upload Receipt Take a photo of your receipt and submit it

through the app

3. Get Cash Back! Once you reach just $5, the money you save will be transferred into your

PayPal wallet

In partnership with

SAVEANYWHERE.







them at any store


through the app


PayPal wallet

In partnership withSAVEANYWHERE.







them at any store


through the app


PayPal wallet

In partnership with

SAVEANYWHERE.







them at any store


through the app


PayPal wallet

In partnership with

LIFESTYLES

Mr. Mikes SteakhouseCasual is kicking off the holiday season with their Deeds Well Done community program.

Between Nov. 17 Dec. 31,

guests in Quesnel are encouraged to nominate fellow community members for their good deeds.

A nominated good deed doer in Quesnel will be randomly selected and will

received $500 from Mr. Mikes to donate to a registered charity of their choice.

They will also receive a $100 Mr.

Mikes gift card as a thank you for taking time out of their busy schedules to make a difference in their community.

Mr. Mikes recognizes Deeds Well Done

Canada Music Week began in 1960 as a way to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the formation of the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Association (CFMTA), its success paved the way for a National program of celebration.

We celebrate our Nations music during the third week of November since it contains the date on which St. Cecelia (the Patron Saint of Music) is celebrated, Nov. 22.

Canada Music Week is celebrated by the individual branches of CMTA in every province. There are as

many ways that honour our Canadian composers, music and teachers as there are branches.

It has been several years since Quesnel has held a celebration, so the Quesnel Festival of Performing Arts (QFPA) is very happy to help present this upcoming recital.

Several students of piano and voice will present Canadian compositions in recital on Nov. 21, at the Lakeview Church, 2244 Ash Street, from 6:30 7:30 p.m. Admission will be by donation to the QFPA. Some of the presenters will be performing

their own works. Canada Music Week is a

lovely avenue for revelling in our Canadian identity through the aural arts. Come out and support our local music students, and enjoy a wonderful evening of Canadian music.

Recital honours Canadian Music Week and patron saint of music

You have to start some-where. For these two it was on great-grandmoth-ers piano.Contributed photo

REMEMBERTO RECYCLE

Annie GallantLifestyles Editor

LifestylesDo you have a story?

Contact Annie atPh: 992-2121Fax: 992-5229

[email protected]


Adoption Awareness Month declared

Once again City Hall has declared November as Adoption Awareness Month. At a regular council

meeting on Nov. 3, the declaration was passed by Mayor and Council and the month was declared at the request of North Central Region Adoptive Fami-

lies Association of B.C. Back row: Venus Parker, adoption team leader; Jamie Wilson, adoption

social worker; Selena Weiers, adoption support coordinator; front row: Amanda Weiers, outgo-

ing mayor Mary Sjostrom and Aimee Weiers who proudly displays the declaration.

Annie Gallant photo

Guides having funGuides have been busy selling their mint cookies, so Oct. 24 25 they took some time out to enjoy camp-ing, hiking, cooking, crafts, visit to the museum and checking out history of Quesnel at the water wheel.

Oct. 27 they had a Halloween party.Debbie Fee photos

BCYCNA

2008 WINNER

Quesnel Cariboo Observer is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province's newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith,B.C. V9G 1A9. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

Your award winning community newspaper published Sunday & WednesdayThe Quesnel Cariboo Observer was founded in August 1908. All material contained in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction of contents, either in whole or part are not permitted without prior consent. Publications Mail Registration No. 1001572. Member of BCYCNA - British Columbia and Yukon Community Newspaper Associa-tion, CCNA - Canadian Community Newspaper Association & the BC Press Council. Published at 188 Carson Ave., Quesnel, B.C. V2J 2A8. Phone 250-992-2121. Fax: 250-992-5229 email: [email protected] [email protected] Website:www.quesnelobserver.com

OPINIONS

Advertising Consultants: Karen PowellAd Designer: Dennison GaetzEditorial Staff: Annie Gallant - Assistant Editor, Whitney Griffiths - Sports ReporterFront Office: Trina WiebeLorrie Milsom

Production Mgr.Autumn MacDonald

EditorTracey RobertsPublisher/Adv. Mgr.


The saddest manifestation of British Columbias modern democracy has produced its judgment, with the election of school trustees for the next four years.

There are still independent, community-minded trustees, but mostly boards of education have become the neglected, exploited stepchild of B.C. politics.

Teacher union locals and CUPE-dominated labour councils organize candidate forums and ask most of the questions, often to former teachers holding and seeking school board seats.

Unions finance the campaigns of those who pledge to act as a bullhorn for constant demands for more provincial money, and instruct their members to vote for what should be called the Conflict of Interest slate.

This has been going on for so long in B.C. it is seen as normal. Trustees who most loudly plump for their union masters tend to win, thanks to low turnout. The public mostly doesnt give a damn, since school property tax authority was centralized in Victoria many years ago, largely because of

this special interest pressure.The classic case is in

Coquitlam, where one could almost hear the theme from The Godfather as local CUPE boss Dave Ginter appeared before the board of education in February. He informed the elected trustees that their collective financial acumen wasnt up to his standards and some of them would have to go this fall.

Obviously, the chore I have is to find new trustees, Ginter clarified in an interview with the Tri-City News as the unions candidate selection machine stirred to life.

Ginter seems to have made them an offer they couldnt refuse on Saturday, with formerly union-blessed trustees turfedout in favour of a new group.

Then theres Vancouver Island, where the 1970s survived, at least until

Saturday night. Cowichan school board got itself fired by the provincein 2012 for refusing to submit a balanced budget. Two of the trustees who think the job is to flout the balanced budget rule and instead demand a needs budget ran again.

They were joined on a slate by two others who apparently still believe the answer to every problem is to shout for more government funding. They didnt get in, as voters appear to have been unimpressed by seeing their school board replaced by a provincially-appointed manager for two years.

That brings up a modest proposal. How about an appointed trusteefor each of the60 schooldistricts?School boards have lost authority over taxation, curriculum (another area of constant union social engineering pressure) and now labour relations. Do we really need them any more?

After the 2013 B.C. election, the Christy Clark government wasted no time taking control of union bargaining on behalf of school districts. Trustees were pushed out of the bargaining agency, no longer trusted to represent

taxpayers for that duty either.

The puppet role of some school trustees was evident in the recent teacher strike. When the province opted to pay parents for the disruption, there was a chorus of protest from those supposedly elected to represent the interests of parents and taxpayers.

School tax rates are now set by cabinet order, and the B.C. Liberal government is considering a move to regulate local industrial taxes. (This would presumably be to keep union-influenced municipalities from trying to get too many golden eggs from those liquefied natural gas plants.)

Would Education Minister Peter Fassbender and his team continue their remake by amalgamating or eliminating school boards? Not likely.

With a rare teacher settlement in place, trustees will have less incentive to grandstand. And their meetings maybecome something more thanunion beef sessions.

Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press newspapers. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @tomfletcherbc

quesnel cariboo observer, november 19, 2014

Documents

quesnel community foundation

best way

west park mall

foundation funds

best mexican food

quesnel cariboo observera2

best martial arts school

martial arts uniform