January 16, 2013 by Black Press Media Group

JANUARY 2013

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Big North FREE PRESS

■ $5 BILLION PROJECT

TranCanada picked to build pipeline DELYNDA PILON newsroom@pgfreepress.com

He never doubted Canada would win the gold medal at the hockey game at the Vancouver Olympics. In fact Russ Girling was even happy when the teams tied two all. It made it more interesting. “I had no doubt they were going to win. Similarly that’s the case for B.C.’s development of this resource,” he said. Girling is the president and CEO of TransCanada Corp. and TransCanada Pipeline Ltd., the company chosen to design, build, own and operate the proposed $5 billion Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project for Progress Energy. The line will move natural gas from the North Montney region (near Fort St. John) to the Pacific Northwest LNG plant which will be constructed near Prince Rupert. Girling said at TransCanada they have the view that natural gas may be one of the most significant drivers of the economy of Canada in the near future. “These aren’t just words. We are putting our money where our mouth is.” The point now is building transportation to get the product to off-shore markets. Participating in new markets is nothing new to TransCanada. It was pivotal in bringing natural gas from the west to markets in the east. In the 1950’s it took natural gas to California and other US markets. “Today it’s one of the largest pipeline companies in North America,” he said. “We move about 20 per cent of the supply in North America today. We are the third largest base of operations in North America today. It is this long-term experience we are going to bring to B.C.” Girling spoke about the importance of safety to TransCanada as well as social licence. “We do recognize maintaining our

De Ly nd a PILON/ Fre e Pre s s

Michael Colbert (right) of Progress Energy and Russ Girling, TransCanada Pipelines, announce at the B.C. Natural Resources Forum in Prince George that TransCanada will build a $5 billion pipeline for Progress. social licence is based on trust,” he said. Girling said they have a lot of community engagement, including with Aboriginal groups, adding they have engaged with over 150 communities within 50 km of the pipeline system. He added they have the single largest gathering system in North America. Speaking of the coastal gas link, Girling said the descriptions which start

the environmental process, one provincial and one federal, were both filed in April. In 2013 the company will be gathering data for an advanced engineer design. The Pacific northwest LNG project should be in service by 2018. “We are pleased to be partners with Progress on this project,” Girling said. The project will extend Nova Gas fur-

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BIG NORTH A3

BIG NORTH FREE PRESS - JANUARY 2013

■ NATURAL GAS

Spectra looking at Asian markets President tells Natural Resources Forum world markets are changing DELYNDA PILON newsroom@pgfreepress.com

Right now Spectra Energy’s biggest challenge is accessing the world’s fastest-growing market in Asia. Doug Bloom, Spectra’s president and the first keynote speaker at the Natural Resources Forum on Jan. 9, said that is the importance of the company’s newest project. With 55 years under its belt, Spectra is banking on its experience and reputation to help it take its place on the global scene. “LNG put us in a global game. To date we’ve been in the North American games,” Bloom said. With one and a half billion invested in the province over the last year and a half, Bloom said the company has established a framework for future operations. He added there is a dramatic shift underway. Advances in gas production technology have been applied not only domestically, but in the United States on a larger scale. Since the U.S. is Canada’s only importer of natural gas, if things remain the same the choices are stark, either accept declining exports, knowing that in 10 to 15 years the U.S. may need no imported natural gas at all, or look into accessing the global market. The world demand is 10 times what B.C. produces. Sixty per cent of the demand comes from Asia. Four countries are responsible for over half of that demand: Japan, South Korea, China and India. The market is growing rapidly. Japan is in mid-shut-

down of its nuclear reactors, and the discussion is whether they should ever produce even part of their energy. “Others want to expand their use of clean burning natural gas,” Bloom said. Australia is interested in meeting that demand, sanctioning over six projects. Other interested countries include Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The U.S. is also building an export terminal. Africa, south east Asia and Russia remain interested. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses are important, Bloom said. “B.C. is in a massive supply position,” he said. It has over 100 years of natural gas at current usage rates. It’s close to Asia, has a stable democratic government offering a safe place for investment, and has welldeveloped premier facilities. Some problems include the processes companies go through to get approvals, which he said are duplicative, cumbersome and untimely. Though provincial and federal changes have helped, Bloom said there are still questions on whether or not anything can be built in B.C. in a timely manner. The country’s relations with First Nations is also misunderstood, slowing investment, Bloom said. Though there are issues, like the Idle No More rallies, many First Nation groups have partnered well with various businesses over the years, and many others have stand-alone compa-

Spectra Energy president Doug Bloom speaks at the B.C. Natural Resources Forum on Jan. 9 in Prince George. Bill PHILLIPS/ Fre e Pre s s

nies. Spectra provides $120 million in contractor work to local and Aboriginal partners. Though Canada is rich in resources, it has a modest population, causing regional economies to overheat, for example the tar sands, meaning skilled labour and management could be a limiting factor. “We are going to need to diversify our market. Even if they foresee it wrong, and it wouldn’t be the first time, growth in North America will be modest. The reality is rapid long-term growth is in Asia. We need to be there.” Bloom said it is important to continue working to establish relationships with Asia, like the government trade missions. “We need to make this a collective priority,” Bloom said. To succeed, industry also needs the

regulatory process to be rigourous, but on a global timeline. He added they need capital from North America and abroad. “Capital is mobile and goes where it gets the best returns,” Bloom said. Labour wise, the natural gas sector is expected to employ 40,000 people by 2025, a number that multiplies when you think of indirect jobs, Bloom said. He added domestic labour needs to be supported by immigration. “We need a workforce in the north,” he said. Those are some of the things, he said, that will be needed for them to compete on a global scale. Bloom remains optimistic they will proceed, will win, but it will take effort. “Prosperity is not a given. It must be earned just like those gold medals.”

And the winners are . . .

The Northern British Columbia Business and Technology awards were handed out on Jan. 9 in Prince George by Jobs, Innovation and Tourism Minister Pat Bell and Attorney General Shirley Bond. The winners are: Investnorthwest.ca and the Northern Development Iniative Trust Technology provider of the year award. Christy Smith - Mentor award. Dr. Jianbing Li and Husky Energy Collaborative research award. Falcon Contracting - Aboriginal Business of the Year award.

Winton Global Homes - Technology Implementer of the Year award. Pacific Regeneration Technologies - John Humphries Memorial Forest Innovator award. New Gold Blackwater Exploration and Development - Northern Prospector or Developer of the Year award. Coupon-Me-In - e-Business award. Carrier Lumber - Export award. Sparkgeo - Technology and Industry Newsmaker of the Year award. The awards were handed out at a gala reception at the Civic Centre during the Natural Resources Forum.

CNC

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CNC’s 15-week MINE Industry Certificate gives you the skills to meet the needs of the mining industry. Created in response to mining industry needs, the program includes: · WorkSafe BC Certification · Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources (MEMPR) Introductory. · Safety training · Applied human relations skills · Employability skills · Field orientation and experience Applicants must meet the following requirements: a. Successful completion of Grade 10 or equivalent or mature student status. b. Submission of a brief statement summarizing interest in the sector. Start Date: February 12, 2013 - May 29, 2013 Tuition: $4,201 For more course information contact: CNC Continuing Education at 250.561.5846 or email us at continuinged@cnc.bc.ca

Continuing Education www.cnc.bc.ca/ce

BIG NORTH FREE PRESS - JANUARY 2013

A4 BIG NORTH

X CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 512

ACROSS 1. Sailor’s mop 5. Elegant 9. Bill settler 14. Shred 15. Negatively charged atom 17. Mistakes 18. “I’ve ____ This Way Before” 19. Calcutta coin 20. Yangtze craft 21. Grate 23. Curious 25. Population count 28. Warning 30. Kind of macaroni 35. Monkey’s cousin 36. Dreamy 38. Done with 40. Cut 41. “This Old House” add-on

42. Biblical pronoun 44. Water jug 45. Aromatic compound 47. Mountain feedback 49. Rubber ring 51. Musical toy 53. Cordwood measure 55. Luxurious flooring 58. Finished 60. Elf 64. Cosmetic ingredient 65. Opposer 67. Trailing plant 69. Ribbed fabric 70. Surprise 72. Reef 74. Bee’s follower 75. Canning tool 76. On “The Minnow” 78. Tell 80. Make a living 82. Elevate 84. Fourscore

88. Of a leaf shape 90. One billion years 94. Lubricant 95. Stupefy 96. Ocean bird 97. Barnyard fowl 98. Catch sight of 99. Gull’s cousin

DOWN 1. Bro or sis 2. Sorrow 3. Had a steak 4. Forehead coverings 5. Umbrella 6. Blame 7. Convey (off) 8. Tough row to ____ 9. Devout petition 10. Appendage 11. Bark shrilly 12. Greek vowel

13. Tried for office 16. Hawaiian goose 17. Shapely curve 22. 5 or 6, e.g. 24. Aboard 25. Arrived 26. Long heroic poem 27. Eft 29. Fable 31. Slacken 32. Mass 33. Leer at 34. Huh? 37. Roll topping 39. Colossal 43. Firefighter’s need 46. Actress Anita ____ 48. Water bird 50. Sporty socks 52. Passion 54. Larry, Curly, and Moe 55. Sloop feature 56. Voice range 57. Speckled horse 59. Clamping tool 61. Killer whale 62. Competition 63. Dirk’s kin 66. Not far 68. Assortment 71. Certain fly 73. Beleaguer 77. Arrogant one 79. Minimum amount 81. Popeye’s OK 83. On 84. Easter basket item 85. Great anger 86. Golly’s partner 87. Contains 89. Neckline style 91. Add to 92. “____ House” 93. Indian flat bread

Answers in the clasifieds

2015 Games on track DELYNDA PILON newsroom@pgfreepress.com

Mayor Shari Green took the opportunity to congratulate Canada Winter Games CEO Stuart Ballantyne for being awarded the Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee medal by the Canada Games Council when he visited council Jan. 7 to present the games business plan highlights, which were extrapolated from a 34-page document available online. “Last January we started the process with the Canada Games Council,” Ballantyne said. There were 41 separate plans to put together with 180 standards to deliver. Functional planning started in November. At the end of 2011 the games’ vision was developed, then the mission. Core values include accountability, collaborative, inclusiveness, integrity, respect, transparency – and fun. “It takes a lot of volunteers to do this. It needs to be fun,” he said. Among the seven pillars of the games, the report includes ‘excellent community and regional engagement’. “We see this as northern B.C.’s games,” Ballantyne said. “It will be 26 years before they come back to B.C.” The games will likely go to Manitoba after B.C., then Alberta. “It’s unique and something we need to treasure,” Ballant-

COMING EVENTS FARMERS MARKET Every Saturday 8:30 am - 2:00 pm May to October Prince George Court House 3rd Ave. & George St.

Check out the Cougars games schedule online CN Centre 2187 Ospika Blvd Prince George

Spruce Kings vs. Chilliwack Friday, January 18 7:00pm - 10:00pm Watch as the Prince George Spruce Kings face off against the Chilliwack Chiefs in BCHL weekend doubleheader action! Tickets at the Spruce Kings ofﬁce in the Prince George Coliseum. 888 Dominion St Phone: (250) 564-1747 Check online for all games!

Family Fun!

Prince George Skates Sunday, January 20 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Take On 2013 Saturday, January 19 10:00am - 2:00pm Our free event includes admission, lunch and a variety of outdoor activities. Don’t forget your skis, snowshoes, hockey sticks and mitts to participate in the adventures. Location: Exploration Place 333 Becott Pl Phone: (250) 562-3700 Email: info@tourismpg.com

Snowed In Comedy Tour Saturday, January 19 7:00pm - 9:00pm Come out and have fun at the 5th Anniversary Comedy tour, starring Arj Barker, Pete Johansson, Craig Campbell and Dan Quinn. Tickets are $30.75, available at Ruins Board Shop, 1466 3rd Avenue. Prince George Playhouse 2833 Recreation Pl 1-888-222-6608

yne said. The games include 13 provinces and territories, 2,400 athletes plus 950 team staff and coaches, more than 100,000 athlete alumni, 800 communities with athletes coming from across Canada, 4,500 volunteer hosts, 1,500 major and minor officials, more than 300 medical personnel, 1,000 VIP and sponsor reps, 180 media people, and more than 5,000 family members and friends. The foundation documentation has all been signed. “It’s all been completed and signed, and has been for a number of months,” he said. Though athletes are coming in on charter flights, arrival and departure days are still likely to set the stage for some of the busiest days the airport has seen. Arrival day is Feb. 12, opening ceremonies are the 13th and turn-over day is Feb. 21. Closing ceremonies are March 1 with departures happening shortly thereafter. Partnerships, from funding parties to cultural groups are very important, Ballantyne said. “These are highly important to the games,” he said. He added, for the first time, there will be a First Nations official games host. The Lheidli T’enneh’s flag flies on the Canada Games building following a ceremony celebrating their partnership last month. Funding sources include the government, the province and

IN PRINCE GEORGE Prince George for over 17 years and will join forces with the PGSO for an exhilarating concert experience. Vanier Hall (Prince George Senior Secondary School) 2901 Grifﬁths Ave (250) 562-080

All are welcome to start the new year with a skate on the big oval. There will be music, face painting, and hot chocolate. A fun day for all the family! Exhibition Park Ice Oval 2187 Ospika Blvd S (250) 561-7600

Mystery Dinner and Play Prince George Symphony with a 1950s Theme Saturday, January 26 Orchestra: Lord of the 5:00pm - 7:00pm Dance Saturday, January 26 7:30pm - 10:00pm From rousing ensemble numbers to solos showcasing the group’s well-known style, “Out of Alba” with the PGSO will perform pieces from across the Celtic music spectrum – traditional and contemporary. This popular group has been performing around

the city. Corporate and private sector funding will include legacy funds, beginning at $750,000. Ticket revenue, licensed merchandise sales and asset sales after the games will add to what is earned along with other funding sources. The games includes 19 competitions plus Special Olympics figure skating and Paralympic sports competitions in paraalpine skiing, para-nordic skiing and wheelchair basketball. The games will also showcase performers, entertainers and artisans, and tie in with other local celebrations. “We see the games as one of the many events happening that year,” Ballantyne said. “We will be a busy busy city.” He said it will be about writing a northern story on a national stage, giving the country the chance to share in the culture and spirit of the area. Social media, besides mainstream media, will help with that. All of the work will mean a large volunteer workforce with a minimum age of 15 and a minimum 36 hours volunteer time. The volunteer force will require a volunteer centre, a meal and snack program during shifts, transportation and transit, a uniform package and about 4,500 bodies. Volunteer recruitment will be one of the challenges facing the games.

Come out for a four course sit down dinner and play! Advance tickets are only $12 per person. Doors open at 4:30pm. Elder Citizens Recreation Centre 1692 10th Ave Phone: (250) 561-9381 Email: nadalin@telus.net

Theatre North West Presents: “Privilege” by Paul Weitz Thursday, February 7-27 8:00pm - 11:00pm What are two brothers to do when their jet-set Manhattan lifestyle is threatened by their stockbroker father’s arrest for insider trading? Dash off a letter proclaiming Dad’s innocence to the New York Times? Get a job? Sell the TV?! Weitz’ heartfelt comedy is a charming and pointed look at the impact of greed on the modern family - and at the ties that bind two brothers facing a harsh reality with love and laughter. Tickets are available at Theatre North West or Books and Company (see website for more details). Theatre North West 556 North Nechako Rd (250) 563-6969

theatrenorthwest.com

BIG NORTH A5

BIG NORTH FREE PRESS - JANUARY 2013

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BIG NORTH FREE PRESS - JANUARY 2013

A6 BIG NORTH

■ GEOGRAPHY COURSES

UNBC goes with blocks ALLAN WISHART allanw@pgfreepress.com

Come to Dinner! January 30th 12:30 pm Please RSVP by January 28th

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Imagine completing a high-level university course in just two and a half weeks. It’s possible at the University of Northern B.C. (UNBC), starting this month. “In a way, we volunteered,” says geography program chair Dr. Neil Hanlon. “It was at the Christmas party in 2001, and a couple of us were chatting with (UNBC president) George Iwama. He was interested in offering block courses, which he had some experience with while he was at Acadia. “I said we might be interested in it too.” In January 2012, Han-

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 1st 10:00AM Interactive Story Bob Harkin Library (call to register)

TUESDAY JANUARY 29th Seniors’ Day 11:30AM (members and friends, R.S.V.P. required)

THURSDAY JANUARY 31st Cross Country Skiing Night

MONDAY JANUARY 28th & 29th School Show with VAZZY

Otway Nordic Ski Center (call to register)

2658 Ospika Blvd

MONDAY JANUARY 28th Movie Night (English subtitles) 6:30 PM CNC - 3330 22nd Ave. (free activity)

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 2nd Sugar Shack Brunch Day 1088 Gillett street

(indoor & outdoor activities free)

SARAH BEAUDRY

PORTE PAROLE du festival Athlete Internationale Festival SPOKESPERSON International Athlete

ART AND ARTISAN EXHIBIT Mid-January to mid-February The French Canadian Association - 1752 Fir Street

ARTISTS AND ARTISANS APPRECIATION NIGHT Wednesday January 30th - 1752 Fir Street

For tickets, registration & info: 250-561-2565 ccfpg@netbistro.com

lon got a letter from provost Mark Dale asking for a meeting about offering single courses which would be two and a half weeks long, rather than the standard five course over 13 weeks format. “We met with Mark Dale and George Iwama, and then went back to the department to hammer something out for a pilot project.” Starting this month, UNBC will be offering four third-year, fourth-year and graduate courses. Hanlon says choosing the courses took a while. “The issue wasn’t really Ph o to s ub mitte d about the indi- UNBC geography program chair Dr. Neil Hanlon vidual courses, has been one of the main planners of the new it was more block-course pilot program the school is introducabout the stu- ing this month. dents taking them. There are two offering courses in the areas.” Instructors worked main tracks of students block format. “Rather than taking with interested stuin geography. For the most part, Bachelor of multiple courses at a dents individually to Science students are time, we have three make sure they had the more integrated in their hours of class every prerequisites needed courses, while Bachelor day dedicated to one for the block courses. “We got a lot of supof Arts students are course only. “Ideas and conversa- port from the counselmore focused.” Because the geogra- tions remain fresh in lors as well, in terms phy courses were the everyone’s mind so of finding out what we only ones being offered that students learn in were doing and making as block courses in the a much more in-depth sure the student was on the right track to pilot, it was found dif- manner.” They found another get where they needed ficult to incorporate the BSc students into the advantage in the block to be.” format for non-geograAfter this pilot project project. finishes in May, Han“It wouldn’t work phy majors. “Anyone interested lon says a report will be with the courses they were taking in other in doing a minor in written for the provost human geography can and the president on departments. “In human geogra- get all the upper-level the block courses. “It’s going to be a phy, we felt we could courses they need in one semester, instead learning experience for pull it off.” Hanlon says there are of having to work it us, as well as the stua number of benefits to around courses in other dents.”

CITY DIRECTORY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ................... 890 Vancouver Street • 1-250.562-2454 CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE .......................... 1100 Patricia Blvd • 1-250.561-7600 TOURISM PRINCE GEORGE ..........................1300 1st Avenue • 1-250.562-3700 INITIATIVES PRINCE GEORGE ............. 201-1300 1st Avenue • 1-250.564-0282 SERVICE BC ........................................................................... • 1-250.565-4488 HELLO BC (TOURISM BC) ...................................................... • 1-800.435-5622 www.pgchamber.bc.ca

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BIG NORTH FREE PRESS - JANUARY 2013

BIG NORTH A7

BIG NORTH FREE PRESS - JANUARY 2013

A8 BIG NORTH

■ AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

UNBC and producers learning together ALLAN WISHART

from Vanderhoof which is different from McBride.” Green has been involved in both the research project at the school as well as staying in contact with local producers to keep them updated. There will be a major chance to bring everything together next month, when UNBC hosts Northern Grain Production: Learning Together Workshop. Green says the “learning together” is an important aspect. “This is the first time we’ve done agricultural research, and it’s been fascinating. For us as researchers, there’s a whole new vocabulary to learn. We’re used to working with trees and forests, and now we’re working

allanw@pgfreepress.com

For the first big agricultural research project at the University of Northern B.C., it was decided to stay local. “Geographically,” says associate professor Scott Green, “we focused on the Highway 16 corridor. We went west to Vanderhoof, east to McBride and south to Quesnel.” Part of the decision was to make it easier to connect with the producers in the area. Another part came as somewhat of a surprise. “There are a lot of different growing zones very close by,” Green says. “Quesnel is different

‘‘

with grains.” 23 workshop at UNBC is The research project open to the public, and at the school focused will provide an overview on comparing 10 variof agricultural initiaeties of barley under tives in the region. The varying levels of water afternoon session is for stress to determine We wanted producers and agri-busiwhich varieties perform to make sure nesses interested in grain better under differ- the research production. It will be a ent conditions. Green was relevant series of focused discusand graduate student to the sions on challenges and Serena Black worked producers, opportunities in northwith producers in the and that our ern agriculture. Omineca to choose the results would “What we want to find be useful.” varieties. out in the afternoon ses- Scott sions,” Green says, “is “We wanted to make Green getting answers to quessure the research was relevant to the productions like, ‘Is this inforers,” Green says, “and that our mation useful to you?’ We want results would be useful.” to find out what directions future The morning session of the Feb. research should go in.”

Funding for the UNBC research project was provided by the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition through its Northern Agriculture Research Initiative. Green says the initial research project has been a good start. “We knew there was a learning process for us to go through in doing agricultural research. Now, we’re learning to connect the research we’ve done to the production community.” For more information on the Northern Grain Production: Learning Together Workshop on Feb. 23, contact Serena Black at 250-960-7800 or blacks@unbc.ca. They would like to have a list of who is attending each session by Jan. 31.

Petronas takeover has Progress feeling positive DELYNDA PILON newsroom@pgfreepress.com

Progress Energy Ltd. entered into a joint venture with Petronas, a premier Malaysian natural gas company

with 30 years experience in the field, spending about two years in Asia as they moved the Pacific Northwest LNG project along. Personnel from Progress piqued the interest

of their counterparts at Petronas in Canadian natural resources to the point where Petronas acquired the company. “Now Progress has a partner with worldwide expertise,”

Welcome to

Michael Culbert, president and CEO of Progress Energy Canada Ltd., said. The deal has brought about $6 billion of investment to the country, with what Culbert describes as more robust plans over the next decade or two. Culbert explained many of the positive aspects of liquified

natural gas. Natural gas, he said, is refrigerated, and at -160 degrees Celsius, becomes a liquid. “It is safe and economic to ship,” he said, adding Petronas has one of the largest shipping fleets in the market. Progress owns 700,000 acres in the North Montney region in B.C. (near Fort St.

John), and now has access to the capital to develop it. The Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project will be designed, built and operated by TransCanada Pipeline LTD., and the Pacific Northwest LNG plant has moved into the pre-engineering phase, which will be done in mid-2013. Then the final invest-

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Michael Culbert - Progress CEO

ment decision will be made. During the construction phase, between 3,000 and 3,500 people will be needed. Once completed, between 200 and 300 highly skilled workers will be needed to run the plant. Expanding into Canada with the purchase of Progress, Petronas has opened more offices in the country, including one recently in Vancouver. It will also open a Prince George office. In fact, Culbert said his next task after presenting at the Natural Resource Forum earlier this month was to go and see the space acquired for the office. The offices will, among other things, allow for fuller consultation with stakeholders. The market situation will be one of the deciding factors in regards to going ahead with the project once the pre-engineering phase is completed. “Once we decide to invest, that’s when we put ourselves on the podium,” Culbert said, answering the question presented as the theme of the forum, The Economic Olympics, can B.C. win The Gold Medal?

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The mid-sized sedan segment of the market will be very busy in the next few years thanks to all the new cars showing up in the category. Among the new products is the Chevrolet Malibu, which has been completely redesigned for 2013. The Malibu keeps a look that will be familiar to Chevrolet fans, even as it has been reworked to make it a completely contemporary car. The new front-wheel drive Malibu will only be powered by four-cylinder engines, starting with an all-new 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. In the Eco version, the buyer will find the 2.4 litre EcoTech engine with e-assist, which means the engine will stop completely when the driver holds down the brake pedal and restart by itself when he or she lifts the foot off the pedal. This technology makes the Malibu a very economical car. There will also be a performance version of the Malibu, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. Although it looks a lot like the smaller Cruze, the Malibu is still bigger. In fact, it is slightly shorter than the previous model, but wider. It still is a roomy car that will carry five people in great comfort and style. To be really impressed, just take a look at the car’s new and very modern dashboard.

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In the past, Buick has known quite a lot of success with its bigger Enclave CUV. The company has also introduced a few other successful products lately, most notably its redesigned LaCrosse full-sized sedan, the lively Regal sedan, and the superb Verano compact sedan. It was only natural that the legendary brand would begin to offer smaller versions of the Enclave, one of its most successful full-sized vehicles. That is why your local Buick dealer will soon be offering the all-new Encore mini-CUV, a delightful sub-compact truck. The Encore rides on the global Gamma II platform that comes from the Korean division of GM. The small vehicle is powered by a thrifty 1.4 L, 140-horsepower, four-cylinder engine. The front-wheel drive features a six-speed automatic transmission and easily carries up to five people on board. It has a rear cargo hatch that allows its owner to make full use of the cargo area, especially if rear seats are folded flat. The Encore will hit the showrooms early in 2013. With its diminutive size, it will have no problem competing with other newcomers like the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. Buick will be good and ready!

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Tuesday, April 16tthh, 2013 | Prince George Civic Centre Conference & Workshops 8:00am–4:00pm | Trade Show Exhibit 8:00am– 4:00pm Awards Gala 6:00pm–10:00pm Thank you to the following partners of the Women of the North or th Conference: Conference

Keynote speakers:

Diane Buckner

Mayor Lori Ackerman

Host of CBC’s Dragons’ Den Fort St. John

Award categories: Rising Star Sponsored by: CNC

Opening Ceremonies:

Community Enrichment Award Sponsored by: Prince George Chamber of Commerce

Influence & Impact Woman of the Year Sponsored by: Central Interior Logging Association

Home Based Business Women of the Year Award Business Women of the Year Award

Shirley Bond, MLA

Mayor Shari Green