Tuesday January 8, 2013 (Vol. 38 No. 3)
V O I C E
O F
W H I T E
R O C K
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S O U T H
S U R R E Y
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Baby, it’s you: After giving birth to Peace Arch Hospital’s New Year’s baby, South Surrey mom Katy Lee received another gift from last year’s counterpart, who raised $1,000 worth of items for the family. › see page 11
Aboriginal protest
Most staff can reapply at ‘redefined’ store: HBC
Call for action
Still a Zellers market
Melissa Smalley Staff Reporter
Hundreds of protesters marched at the Peace Arch Saturday in support of the growing Idle No More movement. The peaceful demonstration at the Douglas border crossing included supporters from both sides of the border and as far away as Vancouver Island. Many wore traditional aboriginal clothing, carried flags and played drums. The Idle No More movement started in November in opposition to the omnibus federal bill C-45, introduced by the Harper government in October. The bill, which passed into law in December, implements changes to the Indian Act, the Navigation Protection Act and the Environment Assessment Act, and has been criticized by opponents due to lack of consultation with First Nations. Marilyn Borgen, a South Surrey resident of Cree-Métis heritage, brought her aboriginal foster children to Saturday’s demonstration. “It’s time to take a stand,” Borgen said. “The Harper government should smarten up. I don’t think they should take the rights away from the natives.” The movement has gained momentum in recent weeks since Theresa Spence, chief of the Attawapiskat First Nation in Ontario, began a hunger strike in December, seeking a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Harper announced last week he would meet this Friday with Spence and members of the Assembly of First Nations. Speaking to the enthusiastic crowd at the Peace Arch demonstration – one of several protests to take place Saturday across Canada and the U.S. – Joan Phillip said she expects support for the movement continue to grow in the coming months. “This is just the beginning,” the spouse of Grand Chief Stewart Phillip said. “I honestly feel this is going to be a long, hot summer. We don’t want any more meetings, we want action.” – with Boaz Joseph & Jeff Nagel
Tracy Holmes Staff Reporter
Boaz Joseph photos
Protesters gather at the Peace Arch Saturday to voice support for the Idle No More movement.
rd in the Watch for the Crosswo Edition! Thursday January 10th
South Surrey will keep its Zellers store open, a Hudson’s Bay Company spokesperson has confirmed. Tiffany Bourré told Peace Arch News Monday that despite earlier word the Semiahmoo Shopping Centre location would close March 16 – given as recently as that morning – a decision has been made to keep it open. “It will continue beyond March 2013,” Bourré said. “Zellers will redefine the store format to focus on fashion apparel and a refined home product offering, with a shared merchandise mix with other HBC banners,” she added by email. The future of existing employees is less clear. Bourré said given that job descriptions and responsibilities may change with the new model, staff will have to reapply. The majority will be given that opportunity, she said. “Those who remain will continue their service without disruption to seniority or other benefits,” she added. Last summer, HBC announced plans to close 64 Zellers stores that weren’t among 189 sold to the Target chain in 2011. At the time, exactly what the future held for the South Surrey site was unclear. The site’s pharmacy files were transferred to the nearby PriceSmart Foods pharmacy last spring. In recent weeks, customers have been told various scenarios, everything from the store being in liquidation to plans for it to be renovated and reopened as an HBC clearance centre. Zellers staff were reportedly advised before Christmas that the store would remain. Bourré was unable to provide further details regarding the change of heart by PAN’s press deadline Monday afternoon.
What’s your New Year’s resolution? How about eating more fruits and veggies?
See page 9 For more information, please visit www.kinsfarmmarket.com/greenfighters