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Vol. 65, Issue 26
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MLA announces Hydro deferral for mines
Heavy metal and coal mines struggling with low commodity prices C A RO LYN GR AN T
Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett announced Friday that there was help coming for British Columbia’s 13 operating metal and coal mines, which have been struggling for quite some time with low commodity prices.
The program, which Bennett stresses is negotiated on commercial terms, will allow the mines to defer up to 75 per cent of their Hydro bills for up to 24 months. The key, he says, is that this is a deferral, not a subsidy, and the mines will be expected to pay back
the money, with interest. “After four to five years of low commodity prices, it was becoming apparent that our 13 operating mines would be facing decisions as to whether to go into care and maintenance until commodity prices improve,” Bennett said. Low copper and coal prices have put operations at a number of British Columbia mines at risk and some have already been forced to reduce production and employee
levels. There are currently eight metal mines and five coal mines operating in the province, employing approximately 7,500 workers. These metal and coal mines generate hundreds of millions of dollars in economic spin-offs in local communities. While this program can’t guarantee mines won’t eventually go into temporary care and maintenance, it will help mines stay open for as long as possible, Bennett
says. Bennett says the industry itself, and even unions, wanting to keep their members working, lobbied for some sort of program. “The industry was looking at some way to reduce operating costs and this is the only thing that made sense that isn’t a subsidy and doesn’t put taxpayers on the hook.” Each of the 13 mines will have an opportunity to enter into an agreement with BC Hydro to pay back the deferrals with interest. “The Social Credit party in the ‘80s and the NDP in the ‘90s had programs,” he said. “Their programs looked a lot more like straight up subsidies. This is not a grant, a gift or a subsidy, it’s a deferral.”
See MINES, Page 3
Cranbrook home invasion leads to shooting C AROLYN GR ANT Bulletin Editor
TREVOR CRAWLEY PHOTO
‘Smash Hate’ anti-bullying shirts are now available thanks to the collaboration of a few Cranbrook businesses. Designed by Nathan Siemens of Slumber Fight Design and Direction and printed by Jason de Rijk of Sidekick Stickers, the shirts are available in various sizes at Max’s Place, Core Fitness and Cranbrook Dodge. All money raised through the purchase of the shirts will go to the Cranbrook Women’s Resource Centre. Pictured above, at Max’s Place: Annett Jahnel, Nathan Siemens, Roxana Podrasky and Lisa Barnes. Anti-Bullying Day in Cranbrook and B.C. is Wednesday, Feb. 24.
Cranbrook RCMP are reporting a home invasion which led to a shooting at a Cranbrook residence at about 11:30 p.m. on Thursday evening, February 4. Cst. K. Forgeron reports that a 35 male was taken to East Kootenay Regional Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. “Cranbrook RCMP were called to a residence between the 200 and 500 block of 20th Ave South for a report of a man having been shot,” Forgeron stated in a press release. “Reports indicated that four unknown males had forced their way into the residence, assaulted several occupants of the house and shot one person. Cranbrook RCMP arrived at the house and located the resident who had been shot in the leg.”
See HOME INVASION, Page 4