COMMUNITY: Relay for the Life set to set records B5 Friday, May 10, 2013 Olympic rower paying a visit to Prince George C4
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www.pgfreepress.com ■ BABINE MILL
Union calls for report’s full release Bond, Bell involved DELYNDA PILON newsroom@pgfreepress.com
When discussing ensuring First Nations benefit from the many projects likely to be situated on their traditional territories, Nathan Giede, Conservative Prince George-Valemount candidate said many of them don’t feel consulted. “It’s not about a five day tour with a photo-op, but meeting with them on a day to day basis,” he said. When talking about WIDC, Sherry Ogasawara, NDP candidate for Prince George-Valemount said, if elected, the NDP intend to continue with projects that have contracts in place, like the centre, while discussing revitalizing the downtown core. “Other places are not afraid to rebuild and build a vibrant place to live down-
United Steelworkers 1-424 president, Frank Everitt demanded the B.C. Safety Authority release it’s reports on the mill fires and explosions at Lakeland and Babine, saying the information provided could equate safer workplaces. Speaking of a conference call which included Ministers Shirley Bond, Pat Bell and Rich Coleman, but which Everitt was not a part of, he said information has been released stating an order was given by the Ministers to withhold the report, one the Safety Authority complied with. “The report came Jan. 15,” Everitt said. “They said there would be a 90 day consultation period with industry, then it would be released.” The 90 day period passed, and Everitt recently learned the report will not be released until the matter proceeds through a process that may end in criminal charges. The WorkSafeBC report regarding the incidents were forwarded to crown counsel as well, a body which completed an independent investigation. That report is now in crown’s hands as they decided whether to proceed to charges or not. Attorney General Bond said any suggestion she would withhold information that would, if released, amp up the safety of workers, is outrageous. “When there were concerns releasing the report might hinder a criminal investigation, a decision was made to hold it,” she said. She added safety concerns resulted in the Safety Authority issuing 10 recommendations for employers to follow so incidents like the ones at Lakeland and Babine did not re-occur.
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Prince George-Mackenzie candidates Liberal Mike Morris (left) and Bobby Deepak (NDP) get animated during a very lively all candidates forum at UNBC Wednesday night.
Sparks fly at election debate DELYNDA PILON newsroom@pgfreepress.com
Prince George-Mackenzie NDP candidate, Bobby Deepak, was certainly on the offensive during Prince George electoral candidates forum Wednesday. But he wasn’t alone. Liberal candidate for the same riding, Mike Morris, didn’t back down from any of the verbal skirmishes, and there were more than a few, especially during the second half of the forum, which was dedicated to the Prince George-Mackenzie candidates while the first belonged to the Prince George-Valemount candidates. Every candidate scored a point or two during the debate, and more importantly showcased the various stances of
the political party each represent. Karen McDowell, Green Party candidate for Prince George-Mackenzie made it clear her party is interested in focusing economic growth on regions and communities, paying for it through increasing the carbon tax while decreasing personal takes. “We are trying to decentralize government and work on community resources,” she said. “We need to work on value added lumber and manufacturing.” Guaranteed liveable income programs would look after the most marginalized portion of the populace, she added, taking a shot at the NDP’s family bonus plan promise. “Seventy dollars a month won’t cut it,” she said.
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