Prince George Citizen Thursday, April 2, 2026

City, BC Housing working to move the last legal resident of Moccasin Flats out

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

After years of concerns about crime, fires and disorder at the Lower Patricia Boulevard encampment, also known as Moccasin Flats, is down to one permanent inhabitant.

During the day, the former encampment, which runs parallel to Fourth Avenue at the eastern end of Lower Patricia Boulevard, is closed, reopening

One last trailer remains in the Lower Patricia Encampment, also known as Moccasin Flats, as of Tuesday, March 31. The trailer’s occupant has the legal right to stay at the site.

between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m., when it is open for temporary camping only — with one exception.

The trailer and its sole resident are the last remaining legal occupants of Lower Patricia Boulevard and are

protected by an August 2025 court order that allowed 20 people to stay on site following the site’s closure in October 2025.

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Trailer’s resident wants a new home, city ofcial says

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A fifth-wheel trailer, which has been at the site since before the closure, has seen its share of violent incidents, with a shooting occurring Sunday, March 22, another shooting on May 14, 2025, and an arson attempt on Nov. 28, 2025.

Many people have asked why it’s still there.

The cleanup of Moccasin Flats began when additional low-barrier housing options were made available in the city, namely the transitional facilities located at Third Avenue and London Street, which border the former encampment.

However, after the cleanup, several individuals were not placed in housing due to individual concerns or a lack of spaces in BC Housing facilities. Over the following months, the remaining residents have been placed at facilities in the city, except for the occupant of the trailer.

Currently, BC Housing and the city are working together to place this person. Until they do, however, the trailer and its resident are protected under a court order.

“We can confirm that BC Housing outreach staff are active throughout Prince George, including at the former Lower Patricia Boulevard encampment, to support anyone who may need access to housing, shelter, income supports and other basic needs or resources,” BC Housing officials stated in an email to The Citizen when asked for comment. “Our outreach teams work closely with community partners to connect individuals with services that best meet their needs, including available shelter and housing options when appropriate.”

Eric Depenau, the director of administrative services for the city, spoke with The Citizen about the complications in finding a space for the occupant.

“The continued presence of that trailer and the delay in BC Housing securing an option for this individual is a source of complication,” said Depenau. “It is what continues to keep that tract of land open. The city’s goal is to support BC Housing in its work to house that individual, to have that

RCMP investigators examine the scene of a shooting that occurred overnight at Moccasin Flats on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in a trailer parked at that location.

trailer removed, the area cleaned up, and ultimately to close that large tract of land to public access. All of that hinges on BC Housing supporting this individual into housing.”

Depenau said during his interview that the city remains in touch with BC Housing.

“It’s a source of daily conversation,” said Depenau. “We’re often in touch, asking for updates, continuing to enforce our position that this is something that is critical and needs to be handled with urgency. BC Housing is very aware of the city’s interest in seeing this resolved … it’s not a straightforward matter, but that’s what BC Housing’s mandate is to do, and we expect it will follow through with that.”

He added that should the resident find housing, the city can arrange to have the fifth-wheel hauled out.

“Once the individual has been supported to leave the site, the city will come in and remediate the area and remove any refuse or anything left behind,” he said.

The trailer has seen its share of criminal activity.

“It raises a great deal of concern for the city,” said Depenau. “This trailer has been a magnet for negative activities; it continues to be a significant priority to see this final structure removed and the individual supported to move into housing.”

Kent MacNeill, bylaw manager for the city, has also been involved with the situation at the former encampment and spoke on the nature of bylaw enforcement in the area.

“We’ve been conducting near-daily, sometimes multiple-day checks on that particular location … it’s mostly pretty calm,” said MacNeill. “We still get the odd phone calls from a concerned citizen, because they do note the one trailer remaining on the property. Sometimes we have to educate them that that particular individual continues to enjoy the court’s protection to stay there, and we assure the public that we’re at that location every day to maintain the gates at the temporary overnight shelter every evening and every morning.”

MacNeill also said that the person in the trailer has expressed a wish to be housed outside of the former encampment site.

“We generally have a very productive relationship with that particular individual,” said MacNeill. “It hasn’t always been that way, but I think we’ve worked hard to build bridges and gain that individual’s trust. We go in virtually every day and just make sure that he’s the only remaining occupant.

“We’re obviously happy to assist him if he needs any sort of help with housing. We’re constantly liaising with outreach groups in the City of Prince George, who also deal with this

individual. We also help talk with him and with BC Housing. We all collaborate as a group to help try to find him a housing solution … He’s been very forthcoming and is very much interested in being housed outside of the encampment.”

The Citizen reached out to BC Housing for an interview.

In response, the ministry, headed by Housing Minister Christine Boyle, provided an emailed statement, as mentioned earlier, that cites privacy rules prohibiting any discussion of the case.

“Homelessness is a complex challenge, but we’re making progress,” the statement reads. “Throughout BC, more people are moving from encampments into safe, stable housing with the support they need. This includes Prince George, where BC Housing has been working with community partners to provide housing to people who were sheltering at the former Lower Patricia encampment.

“For example, in February 2025, 42 new temporary homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness were opened at 397 Third Ave. as part of the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) program. People moving into the Third Avenue project included those accessing shelters and people who had been sheltering at the Moccasin Flats encampment.”

Latest Flats shootng blamed on careless frearm use

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The shooting of two people at a trailer parked in what used to be the encampment on Lower Patricia Boulevard on Sunday, March 22 was due to careless use of firearms, the Prince George RCMP stated in a Wednesday, March 25 media release.

As previously reported by The Citizen, police responded to a report of shots being fired in the area around 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 22.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found two people inside the trailer that were suspected to have gunshot wounds. They were taken to hospital for treatment.

After investigating the situation, the RCMP believes “this incident was the result of careless use of a firearm and continue to pursue the investigation as they have determined further firearms offenses that require consideration.”

The investigation is continuing and police are looking for additional evidence, including video surveillance or dashcam footage from between 6:30

p.m. and 7:15 p.m. on March 22. Those with information can call the RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250561-3300 or reach out to BC Crime

Stoppers to make an anonymous tip at 1-800-222-8477.

On March 23, Citizen staff observed forensic teams gathering information at the trailer.

The trailer is the last remaining structure in what used to be the Moccasin Flats encampment since the City of Prince George received permission to clear it out last August.

It is the designated residence for a person who is the last remaining individual protected under the court order, which mandated that inhabitants of the encampment who lived there before a certain point had to be provided with somewhere to live by BC Housing before they had to leave.

The March shooting is the second in the last 12 months after a 15-year-old girl was shot in the same trailer in May 2025.

At the time, she was reported to have serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

City hopes to get Parliament’s atenton with petton

SLARK Citizen Staff

A public safety petition started by Prince George city council and supported by Cariboo-Prince George Conservative MP Todd Doherty will eventually be presented to the House of Commons and receive an official response from the federal government after the signing period ended on Friday, March 27.

When the two-month timer on the online petition expired at 12:25 p.m. on March 27, 969 people had signed the document.

In the wake of a series of fires last year that destroyed businesses like CrossRoads Brewing and Distillery on George Street, some members of the city’s business community demanded that city council declare a state of emergency in October 2025.

Council responded that it had determined that while serious, fires and other crimes did not meet the criteria to do so. However, it did commit to launching

Students sent to hospital

afer rollover

Three Barlow Creek Elementary School students were transported to an area hospital with minor injuries following a school bus rollover that occurred on the highway to Barkerville just east of Quesnel on Monday, March 30. The Barlow Creek Volunteer Fire Department reported the accident occurred after the bus veered to the lefthand side of the road into a ditch, where it slowly rolled on its side. ‘We were just lucky that it was a nice quiet day and we didn’t have any serious injuries,’ said fire Chief David Sugden. ‘A couple of bruises and bumps, but other than that everybody was visibly shaken quite badly, but they’ll all be fine. They are all going home.’ The cause of the crash is being investigated.

a petition to the federal government calling for criminal reform.

Council then voted to have Mayor Simon Yu sign on as the main petitioner and the rest of council as supporters on Dec. 15, 2025.

That petition launched through the House of Commons online system with Doherty’s sponsorship on Jan. 26 and called upon the minister of justice to:

• Amend the Criminal Code of Canada to increase bail requirement for repeat offenders

• Appoint more judges and prosecutors

• Increase resources provided to Crown Counsel

• Provide additional funding and resources for provincial correctional centres

In order for an online petition to be officially presented to the House of Commons and require the federal government to provide an official response, it has to garner a minimum of 500 signatures.

At the Feb. 23 council meeting, Yu

asked for council’s permission to seek additional support for the petition by sending letters to all local governments across the province.

At that point, more than 700 signatures had been recorded.

During the most recent council meeting on Monday, March 23, two letters of support for the petition were received for information.

The first was from the Village of Alert Bay, which is located on Cormorant Island near the northeast end of Vancouver Island.

Mayor Dennis Buchanan wrote on behalf of his council “that we are in full support of your efforts calling on the federal government to address public safety concerns. The emailed petition link has been shared with the members of council for signing.”

The second letter of support was from Mayor Maureen Pinkey of 100 Mile House in the Central Interior.

“The District of 100 Mile House is supportive of the City of Prince George (advocating) for stronger safety

measures in our communities,” Pinkney wrote.

The House of Commons’ petition website lists what provinces or territories signatories are from. Here’s how that broke down:

• British Columbia: 897

• Ontario: 37

• Alberta: 17

• Quebec: six

• New Brunswick: three

• Nova Scotia: one

• Prince Edward Island: one

Now that the deadline has passed, the House of Commons’ clerk of petition will validate the signatures.

Once it has been validated, Doherty will be presented with a certificate which will allow any member of Parliament to present the petition to the house.

After it has been presented, the government has 45 calendar days to issue a response. If the last of the 45 days is a day when the house is not sitting, the response will be presented during the next sitting.

Mayor cleared afer city code of conduct investgaton

Simon Yu still faces a hearing over his engineering work

A code of conduct complaint against Mayor Simon Yu has been dismissed after investigators found insufficient evidence to prove that he had disparaged city staff at a public event.

At the same time, a disciplinary hearing for his past work as an engineer has been rescheduled after two previous postponements.

Dated March 18, a document posted to the City of Prince George’s web page on city council’s code of conduct said an investigation was launched on Oct. 17, 2025 after the mayor allegedly spoke disparagingly about city staff at an unnamed public event. No date or location for the event was included in the document.

Council’s code of conduct states that all members of council shall not “engage with others, including committee members, staff, members of the public and other council members, in a manner that is abusive, bullying, intimidating or derogatory.”

On Feb. 13, 2026, investigators returned a report concluding that Yu had not breached the code of conduct.

“In this case, after interviewing the complainant, respondent, as well as two other witnesses, the investigators found that there was not enough evidence to determine that a breach of the code had occurred,” the city’s March 18 report said.

One of the witnesses, the city’s report said, provided evidence showing that the mayor had called the work of certain city staff members questionable during a community event.

“The mayor acknowledged having made such a statement, but in a limited fashion. He maintained that his words were not meant as a critique of the work of individual staff but instead reflected practical limitations of a particular

Prince George Mayor Simon Yu talks to The Citizen in his office on the fifth floor of city hall on Monday, March 23.

department, given operational and budgetary constraints,” the city’s report stated.

The other witnesses were unable to provide detailed evidence on the context of the remarks, which led to the investigators being unable to sufficiently prove that the code of conduct had been breached.

This included not being able to substantiate an allegation that the mayor had said staff worked “banker-type hours.”

However, the investigators said that Yu’s comments could be seen as close to crossing the line.

“The investigators concluded by noting that, while there was not enough evidence to find a breach, the mayor could have phrased his comments more carefully. He could have limited his comments to actions of the city and not made comments that implicated the performance of staff.”

The city’s report on the code of conduct investigation is dated the same day that a special closed council meeting was held.

While the exact agendas for closed council meetings are not released to the public, the notice for the meeting stated that it would be closed due to personal information about an officer, employee or agent of the municipality being disclosed as well as discussion over labour or employee relations and the discussion of advice subject to solicitor-client privilege.

Any staff member who believes a council member has violated the code of conduct can submit a complaint in writing to the city manager within 60 days of the alleged violation.

The city manager must then either create a preliminary assessment of the situation or forward the matter to the city’s solicitor to make the preliminary assessment. From there, either person will then decide if the matter can be handled informally or handed over to a third-party investigator for a formal review.

The March 18 report on the outcome of the investigation is the only such document of its kind posted to the city’s website.

By email, city manager Walter Babicz confirmed to The Citizen that this is the only code of conduct investigation to have taken place since the related bylaw was adopted in 2023.

Babicz added that the city followed the process laid out in the code of conduct bylaw and administration did not recommend any sanctions as it was determined there was insufficient evidence to determine that the code had been breached.

“Council released this summary in accordance with the Code of Conduct Bylaw, which supports transparency and accountability, while also ensuring compliance with privacy legislation,” Babicz said. “Council made the decision to use the city’s website to share the information.”

Sitting down with The Citizen in his office on the fifth floor of city hall on Tuesday, March 24, Yu said the comments that drew the complaint were made at a breakfast event held by a local organization.

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While he said he does not recall exactly what he said at the event, he believed it was on the subject of economic development.

Yu says process shouldn’t be used for politcal gain J J

“I am a very forthcoming, straightforward type of guy … in a public setting, I express my opinions as a representative of the city,” Yu said. “And when I see there’s an issue with the city, I will speak out to make sure people are aware (that) there’s some difficulty in certain areas that we’re facing.”

The mayor expressed disappointment that no attempt was made to try to resolve the issue informally before engaging in a process that caused the city to have to spend money and resources on a formal investigation.

While he said he respects the investigation process, he said it shouldn’t be used for political reasons.

He didn’t say whether he thought that was the case, instead saying it had political implications as it is an election year and the people of Prince George want to see their mayor behaving in a way that meets their expectations.

Going forward, he said he’d like to see the Code of Conduct Bylaw tweaked and the interpretation of certain aspects better understood by council and administration so that it is applied equitably and done in the interests of residents.

When asked if he thought this investigation had not been done in the interest of fairness, he said he would “leave this to the judgment of the file itself.”

“I don’t want to make a specific comment regarding the behaviour or conduct of the investigator, nor do I try to question the people — person or persons — that put forward this particular complaint,” Yu said.

He said he would not change the way he speaks at events like the one that led to the complaint going forward, saying he has a clear conscience and that he doesn’t act with malice towards anybody in public.

“I want to reiterate: I represent the

public and when I speak, I would like to bring forward their concerns in the most effective and the most unbiased way and to get things done for the city,” he said.

Engineering complaint

This is the second time in the past couple of years that Yu has been under investigation. The other instance was in relation to his work as an engineer before entering politics.

The Engineers and Geoscientists of BC launched a disciplinary investigation into Yu’s involvement in approving a retaining wall at a property on Cluculz Lake despite allegedly not being qualified to do so.

The original citation was dated September 2024 and a hearing had originally been scheduled to take place in Vancouver on July 18, 2025 but was postponed until Dec. 15, 2025.

It was delayed indefinitely again after that and a new date was not set until Tuesday, March 24 when EGBC announced it had been rescheduled for May 4 to 8.

A representative from EGBC told Citizen by email that the hearing will be at 885 West Georgia St. in Vancouver but would be in a hybrid form to allow for remote participation.

In his interview with The Citizen said he was trying to figure out how to resolve the matter in the most trans parent way possible. As he has done in previous interviews on the subject, Yu raised the issue as to whether there was a political element to the proceedings.

While he said he would ideally attend the hearings in person, he added there are some important duties he must carry out as mayor during that week and would see if EGBC would work with him to schedule around them.

He said he would alternatively like to see the matter withdrawn entirely because he truly believes he did nothing wrong.

Though he does not currently have a lawyer retained in relation to the hearing, he said he might consult with one ahead of it.

OPINION

Time and money wasted on probe of mayor’s words

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

Strip away the legalese and the City of Prince George’s code of conduct process is pretty straightforward.

If a councillor, staff member or committee member believes an elected official has crossed a line, they file a written complaint within 60 days, but only if they haven’t been able to resolve the issue informally first.

From there, the city manager or corporate officer does an initial screening to decide whether the complaint is serious, frivolous or better handled another way.

Only if the complaint is serious is it sent to an outside investigator who interviews witnesses and reviews evidence before writing a report.

Council then reviews that report and, in most cases, is expected to debate and decide the outcome in public.

It’s a system meant to deal with real misconduct, not minor disagreements or bruised egos.

That’s what makes the recent complaint against Mayor Simon Yu frustrating.

After months of process, interviews and a formal investigation, the conclusion was simple: there wasn’t enough evidence to prove he broke the rules.

Investigators said his comments at a public event could have at most been phrased more carefully. That’s it. No bullying, no abuse and no clear violation.

Still, this escalated into a full-blown investigation, almost certainly triggered by someone on council based on what we know about where Yu made his remarks (a Winston’s breakfast).

In a year when voters are (or should be) paying closer attention than ever, this looks less like accountability and more like an attempted smear campaign — the kind of petty, inside-baseball politics that erodes public trust.

Then there’s the cost. The city hasn’t released a price tag, but comparable cases in other BC communities suggest investigations like this can run anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000. That’s a heck of a bill for something that ultimately amounted to someone taking offence over the mayor’s tone.

Add in staff time, administrative work and legal oversight and the real cost is likely even higher.

For taxpayers, it raises an obvious question: was this really the best use of public money?

Weaponizing the complaint process

over relatively minor issues doesn’t just waste resources. It distracts from the actual job of governing.

Equally concerning is how it was handled. The bylaw clearly states that while parts of an investigation can be confidential, final deliberations are supposed to happen in open council.

Instead, this matter was dealt with behind closed doors, under the questionable cover of “personnel and legal privilege.” Some city staff and councillors might think that gets them off the hook, but it doesn’t. “Public” isn’t a flexible concept.

This council seems to have forgotten its past, as the last time a city councillor faced possible sanctions (more than a decade ago), the matter was discussed in an open council meeting.

If the goal is public accountability, then we should be able to see the process unfold, especially when an elected official’s conduct is being judged.

Taxpayers deserved to hear what their members of council had to say

about the mayor’s remarks and whether they were in favour of or against disciplinary action, not have their discussion kept secret behind closed doors.

It feels like we have to keep saying this, but it seems to be a foreign concept for many on council: elected officials are supposed to represent the public at city hall. That includes speaking candidly about challenges inside city hall, even if it occasionally ruffles feathers.

The code of conduct was never meant to stifle that kind of transparency. In fact, the bylaw itself says as much.

But when it’s used to launch costly investigations over comments that fall short of any clear wrongdoing, it sends the wrong message.

If this is the tone heading into an election year — complaints, closed-door meetings and political gamesmanship — voters should be concerned.

There are bigger issues facing this city than our mayor talking about how hard he works.

We acknowledge the fnancial support of the government of Canada.

Nous reconnaissons l’appui fnancier du gouvernement

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OPINION

James Steidle: AI’s rst mission is to suck up BC’s electricity

Steidle is right that the economics don’t currently stack up, but the answer isn’t to turn data centres away — it’s to set proper terms before saying yes. Any approval should require them to pay the actual cost of the electricity they use, not a subsidized rate.

The city should also lock in specific local hiring numbers, with real penalties if targets aren’t met, require a meaningful portion of contracts go to local businesses, and charge an annual community fee based on power consumed.

The real problem is that negotiating this at a municipal level is unrealistic.

City council shouldn’t be expected to go toe to toe with corporations that do this for a living. The province needs to step up, set the standard terms, and hand municipalities a framework they can actually use.

Right now, the playing field is nowhere near level.

Perham

UNBC aims to see new residential neighbourhood near campus

I 100 per cent agree that they should develop the downtown campus further as well, and that there should be more community engagement.

Cost is a barrier, and the reason this meeting with city council is happening. Buying additional land for housing would only make the barrier larger. This proposal would be using land already endowed to UNBC directly south of the university turnoff (I find it easier to visualize using BC property assessment). It also sounds like it will be apartmentstyle housing, which is better for sprawl than the other subdivision developments in town.

To be fair to UNBC, it has focused on downtown development more than on the hill for the past ~15 years with the WIDC and WIRL buildings. This downtown campus could grow by buying property around the downtown campus as it goes up for sale, or partnering with existing businesses. There could be a university-ran cafe/ pub downtown, or even a community center.

Either way, thank you for advocating for our city :)

Community Driven Guy

City shrinks temporary overnight sheltering site boundaries

So, if I understand correctly, it is now unlawful to camp anywhere in the city except the designated camping area, and you can only camp there for a single evening?

“He said BC Housing and their local contractors have been unsuccessful in fulfilling their mandate to provide housing for this individual, and the trailer remains in place as a result.”

What is the deal with this trailer and its occupants? Why have they failed to provide them with an “adequate” housing option?

Why has this trailer been the location of multiple shootings and fires? Who resides there? Why have they attracted the ire of so many?

Well, at least the encampment is mostly gone; hopefully, it stays that way. Unfortunately, the new homeless shelter on First has already been lit on fire multiple times. It would probably burn less if people weren’t allowed to store cans of fuel inside.

Zangief

RCMP investigate after two people injured in shooting at Moccasin Flats

Another strong case for management and city council to reopen Moccasin Flats dailyuse campground.

Next question for city management and city council is why the trailer is still parked there after the closure of Moccasin Flats. Like the story says, one teen was shot in May 2025 and now two people on March 22, 2026. Do the leaders of Prince George now think it is time to get rid of the trailer?

Thank goodness there is an election coming this fall, and maybe we can replace at least half of the existing council members, then replace the rest of them in the following election.

Time to look at replacing some of the top city management as well. We also need to change the big, fat payouts that are received by upper management when let go or fired.

Jack Frost

Prince George’s Studio 2880 property proposed for rezoning

We need to improve density on already developed land to increase housing options. This is a great location, given all the services and public transportation in the immediate vicinity, especially as a multi-use property.

I’m hopeful that Studio 2880 will get a great new space out of it too.

4strcat

McLeod Lake First Naton chief tops BC spending list

A magazine called out Harvey Chingee’s use of expenses

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

In three years as chief of the McLeod Lake First Nation, Harley Chingee spent $370,000 on expenses — more than any other reported by a BC First Nation leader — and he has no problem with that.

Chingee defends his spending habits as the cost of doing business. The way he sees it, in the business world, if you don’t have the money to get in the game, you won’t reap the benefits.

Even if it means tens of thousands of band dollars spent on shopping sprees at high-end clothing boutiques in Vancouver, luxury hotels and Canucks games at Rogers Arena.

“White people, the vast majority, understand business and it takes money to make money; they understand that concept,” Chingee said.

“On First Nations land it’s a little different. They think you’re gouging somebody or they have a suspicion it’s not right because they don’t know business. But the guys that know me in First Nations country know that it takes money to make money.”

Now nearing the end of his third term as chief, Chingee remains committed to finding new ways to create investment for the band’s 556 members. He and the McLeod Lake Indian Band (MLIB) continue to pursue projects in the construction, forestry, mining and energy sectors on their treaty land, 150 kilometres north of Prince George, and they are reaping the benefits.

Since 2018, the band’s annual revenues have increased nearly tenfold, from $14.5 million to $134 million. Now sitting on a $120-million surplus, mostly accumulated over the past five years, MLIB operates the Duz Cho Group of Companies, which has become one of the largest Indigenous-owned companies in Canada.

“I got tired of our people depending on Indian Affairs money only. That’s

poverty. It’s only two to three million dollars a year that they give us, and that can sustain us in bare times, but we’re not in bare times,” Chingee said.

“There’s always going to be the farright guys that say let’s live and die in the bush and fish and hunt and collect berries, and that’s fine and dandy, but society progresses. If we don’t get involved in any of the business projects we have and the opportunities to seize, we get left behind.

“We’re in a good position in McLeod Lake. We own a forest licence, 600,000 cubic metres. Around us is timber and five mills. We’re smack dab in the middle; nobody else has got that. Nothing but timber. That’s an opportunity I seized. I saw it years ago, and my father also saw that.”

Chingee’s father Harry, who died in 2018, served as McLeod Lake chief in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s and spent 23 consecutive years on the band council when he retired in 1997. During his time as a councillor, Harry made it a priority to take control of McLeod Lake’s natural resources and worked out a deal with a pulp mill operating on the reserve to hire a certain percentage of band members. In 1986, he helped form the Duz Cho logging and construction companies, now known as Duz Cho Forest Products.

First elected chief in 2017, Harley Chingee was the McLeod Lake manager for 17 years prior to his election. The

no use giving it away.

“We have probably 35 to 40 revenue-share agreements with companies within our traditional territory, and some are quite lucrative.”

According to Chingee, the Mount Milligan gold-copper mine, between Fort St. James and Mackenzie and operated by Centerra Gold, pays the McLeod Lake band $1.1 million annually in revenue sharing. MLIB also owns a 300-person work camp in the Parsnip territory contracted by Coastal GasLink for construction of a gas transmission pumphouse to be completed by the end of 2027.

67-year-old had worked more than 40 years for the nation’s operations, starting out as a logger. He was elected to the band council for one term as a councillor, from 2002 to 2005, and left for 12 years to become a forestry consultant. He returned in 2017 and won the election as chief, taking over from Derek Orr.

“The day I came back, the first payday, we couldn’t even make payroll,” Chingee said. “We needed $230,000 for 55 employees, and all we had in the bank was $111,000, and we didn’t have any overdraft, so we had to hustle.”

Chingee has positioned McLeod Lake as a key player in revenue-sharing agreements with private companies and government projects on their territory. That brings the band between three and six per cent of net profits from those operations. Band-owned businesses worked extensively on the Site C hydroelectric dam and Coastal GasLink pipeline projects and are also involved in logging and road building. Poor economic conditions and 45 per cent import duties on Canadian forest products into the U.S. have hurt the bottom line of every logging outfit in the country, and the McLeod Lake band is weathering that.

“The forest licences were lucrative until Trump came in, and so we’re down to 50 per cent of what we normally make today,” Chingee said. “But once Trump goes by the wayside, we’ll be back to making good money again. I told our foresters, let’s let it grow next year;

Duz Cho has built up a fleet of heavy equipment and supplies that allows MLIB to get involved in joint ventures with other First Nations. In February, Chingee signed a historic economic development partnership between the Duz Cho Group of Companies and the Ulkatcho First Nation’s Ulkatcho Group of Companies to join forces on resource projects in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region.

One of those is the $6-billion, twophase North Coast Transmission Line project BC Hydro is now undertaking, which will run from Prince George to Terrace. Chingee is also looking for nations to partner with in the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline project from Chetwynd to Prince Rupert. Duz Cho is involved in Conuma Resources’ Brule coal mine near Tumbler Ridge and is also partnered in proposed mines near Bear Lake to extract frac sand and rare-earth metals.

Chingee says he’s working closely with Premier David Eby to try to revitalize the economy of the town of Mackenzie, still reeling from the closure of the Paper Excellence mill in 2021 that cut 250 jobs.

“If we don’t save that town, McLeod Lake will also die,” he said. “There’s so much timber in that timber supply area that could be utilized locally. Canfor has three or four mills for sale — there’s Bear Lake, Vanderhoof, Houston — everything’s for sale, and I think we have a partner to go with us, but he’s also waiting for Trump to go by the wayside.”

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Chingee defends use of credit card for clothing, tckets

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In the 2024-25 fiscal year, the band’s revenues were $63 million. MLIB spent $14.5 million on administrative costs, three times the combined expenditures on education ($1.86 million), health and wellness ($2 million) and housing ($946,000).

Chingee said the band will cover the costs of education or training opportunities for any of its members.

“We stress that as a priority to get educated and face the real world,” he said. “We have one of the highest levels of high school graduates in the country, upwards of 90 per cent. The national average for First Nations is 60 per cent.”

Chingee said no more than 80 MLIB members live on the McLeod Lake reserve, while some live in nearby Mackenzie. Prince George is home to about 200 members.

Another 150 live in Vancouver, 45 are in Calgary and Edmonton, and 22 are in Saskatoon.

In August 2025, MLIB opened its $16-million federally funded Health and Community Wellness Centre, which has a large gymnasium for community gatherings and activities, a community kitchen, offices for health and social services staff, and enhanced communications technology to allow family members who live outside of McLeod Lake to participate in virtual appointments.

Chingee’s nine years as McLeod Lake chief have not been without controversy.

In May 2023, Chingee drew criticism from band members when he announced a revenue-sharing and landuse management agreement with the province attended by three NDP cabinet members. Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris said the timing of the announcement — one month before the band election — and the fact the provincial ministers stood with Chingee for the Victoria event could be perceived as a provincial government endorsement for Chingee’s re-election.

A month later, Chingee drew 110 votes and beat five other candidates to

win his third term as chief. As part of his campaign promises, he paid each band member $15,000 immediately after the election and another $10,000 in December.

Each member continues to receive $25,000 annually in revenue sharing.

On June 25, 2024, the McLeod Lake Band Council announced it was investigating Chingee over allegations of serious misconduct and possible theft of funds. All six councillors signed a letter saying they would not engage in meetings with Chingee while the band conducted that investigation.

None of the allegations were proven, and Chingee says he continues to meet monthly with his council.

“That was just lack of knowledge,” he said. “We have a chartered accountant on staff. Do you think we’re going to hit the grey zone? We also go through MNPA as the auditor, and they’re an accredited firm. We have policies in place. The budget is all approved by the band council.

“I’ve got a travel budget, and certain times I go under the Duz Cho Group when I’m doing business on their behalf, and they pay my expenses.”

The Tyee reported on March 9 that over a one-week period in June 2022, Chingee charged more than $5,000 to the Hudson’s Bay and Nordstrom department stores and several other women’s clothing stores in Vancouver and Burnaby malls.

Asked by The Citizen what those charges were for, Chingee said it was to outfit two of his executive assistants for business meetings.

“They did not have proper professional attire and looked too poor, so I had to upscale them to look professional,” Chingee said. “I did that for two of the girls who worked for me.”

Tyee reporter Ben Parfitt was provided details of Chingee’s credit card purchases by an unnamed source, which revealed Chingee used his credit card for two payments to Rogers Arena that totalled $6,760, as well as Ticketmaster payments of $1,068.

“For the Canucks game, the Duz Cho guys’ Visa did not work for some reason

that night, so I had to pick up the tab and use my Visa,” he said. “We probably recovered it anyway; we’re the same guys.”

The federal Conservatives introduced the First Nations Financial Transparency Act in 2013, which requires public disclosure of financial statements and remuneration for communities that receive federal funding. Two years later, the Liberal government announced it would no longer enforce compliance measures under the act. In 2024-25, 105 BC First Nations, including McLeod Lake, posted financial records.

In 2024-25, Chingee drew a salary of $177,583 and his expenses were $109,384. In 2023-24, his salary was $179,563 and he claimed $132,092 in expenses. His 2022-23 salary was $154,205, and his expenses were $130,756.

When he decided to run for chief in 2017, Chingee said, he was making more money as a consultant than his council

position pays, but felt an obligation to get into politics to use his business skills for the good of his people.

“I just didn’t want to see my next generations suffer from poverty,” he said. “I wanted to set it up so it would be set for generations, and people wouldn’t have to look to Indian Affairs all the time if they ran out of money.

“We control our own destiny if we’re business people. Business has a different vibe than running a nation. It’s black and white: either you go or you don’t go, and in order to do that you’ve got to take some risks. There’s always risk and reward if you know what you’re doing.”

Chingee said he will run for his fourth term in the next McLeod Lake election, June 5.

Just before that, he’ll make a quick trip to London, England, to accept his King Charles III Coronation Medal June 2 at Buckingham Palace for outstanding service, community impact and achievements.

Nobody hurt as fre guts mobile home

Little is left of a mobile home on Cessna Road, near the airport, after a fire early Tuesday, March 24. Prince George Fire Rescue Crews from three halls were sent to the scene at about 12:45 a.m., where they found the home in flames. The structure was deemed a total loss with damages estimated at $60,000. There were no injuries reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. A GoFundMe has been started for its residents: www. gofundme.com/f/help-forcharlie-cindy-wiley

Police issue warning about new bait-and-switch online scam

There’s a new kind of scam in town, Prince George RCMP warn.

It’s a 21st-century online bait-andswitch being called a “heartbreaker post.”

Here’s how it works: The fraudster posts an urgent plea for help — lost dog, missing child, etc. — and the emotional nature and urgency of the crisis prompt strangers to “like” and share the post.

Once the post has been widely circulated, the fraudster goes back in and changes it into a fake rental listing, a bogus contest offering cash prizes or some other item designed to separate people from their money.

People fall for it because the trick makes it seem like a trusted online friend has shared the altered post.

“When your friends and family see this on your social media page, they believe it to be legitimate,” states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer with the Prince George RCMP. “They are more likely to click the link, thinking

it has been endorsed and vetted by you.”

Authorities warn that clicking these links can lead to requests for personal information — potentially resulting in identity theft — or demands for deposits on non-existent rental properties.

Police are advising the public to take several precautions before sharing or engaging with such posts. These include verifying the legitimacy of the original account, searching for duplicate posts in other regions, conducting reverse image searches, and avoiding suspicious links. Users are also encouraged to report questionable posts directly to the social media platform.

For more information on fraud prevention, the RCMP recommends visiting resources such as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

RCMP seek person of interest in house fire investigation

Prince George RCMP are once again asking for public assistance in locating a person of interest in an ongoing investigation into a 2024 death during a fire.

CRIME NOTES

RCMP joined Prince George Fire Rescue on a call to a house fire on Quince Street on Sept. 27, 2024. Police found a body in the home after the fire was out.

Police consider this death suspicious and the RCMP Serious Crime Unit has previously sought three individuals believed to be connected to the death.

Currently, Prince George RCMP are looking for a person of interest described as a woman with long, dark hair who was wearing a white T-shirt at the time of the fire.

A photo of the woman was shared with local media.

“Police continue to seek witnesses to the events of that evening, in order to help bring closure to the family and friends of the deceased,” states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP.

RCMP are asking anyone with information to call 250-561-3300 or to contact Northern Crime Stoppers if they wish to remain anonymous.

Judge stops short of sentencing shoplifer to jail tme

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Two years’ probation were ordered for a man who pleaded guilty to theft under $5,000 twice at London Drugs last year.

During a sentencing hearing on March 25 in Prince George Provincial Court, Judge Martin Nadon told shoplifter James Robert Purcell that he was “very close” to being sentenced to 90 days in jail.

“That was the number that jumped into my head here,” Nadon said. Nadon said he stepped back and considered Purcell’s failing health and expressed a reluctance to put a further burden on the jail system to care for Purcell.

“Mr. Purcell, before me, is 53 years of age, but I can tell you, he doesn’t look 53,” Nadon said. “I don’t mean to be insulting, sir, but you look more like 83. I’m 68.”

“I think that’s because you’re bearing the scars of a hard life. Not just a hard life when you were younger, but you

haven’t made it any easier as you got older with the drinking and the opiates. You’ve just really done a number on

yourself, and it shows.”

Rather than a conditional sentence order with a curfew, Nadon suspended the sentence for two years and placed Purcell under probation.

“For two years, we’re going to keep an eye on you, and you can bet that if you’re back here again in front of me, that it won’t matter if you have housing, I’ll send you up the hill (to the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre).”

Nadon prohibited Purcell from being within 15 metres of any London Drugs store in BC and banned him from possessing drugs or alcohol, except if it is medically prescribed.

“When you’re sober, you’re able to make better decisions, and then it makes it easier and better for you to follow this order and to stop harassing the local business,” Nadon said.

Court heard that Purcell has Cree heritage, grew up in Peace River, Alta., and came to Prince George when he was 14 or 15.

One man, four criminal trials in Prince George court

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Prince George Provincial Court is expecting to see a lot of Jack Michael McCabe over the next three months.

The 32-year-old made his first appearance March 25 before Justice Martin Nadon on a charge of committing mischief worth $5,000 or under on Jan. 9 in Prince George.

Nadon agreed to Crown prosecutor

Astitwa Thapa’s request to set April 8 as McCabe’s next court date. McCabe has yet to find a lawyer.

“I can advise the court that Mr. McCabe has several other files, and I could count up at least five other files that are pending,” Thapa said.

Thapa was already scheduled to be in court April 8 on another mischief charge, from a Jan. 20 incident in Prince George.

Then, almost two weeks later, on April

21, a trial for an alleged Sept. 23, 2025, mischief in Ness Lake.

On April 27, another trial, this time on charges of forcible entry, mischief and two breaches of undertaking stemming from Jan. 24 in Prince George.

McCabe’s parade of trials continues May 13 on charges of uttering threats and assault on Jan. 11 in Prince George.

His only summer-scheduled trial is to take place June 29. He is accused of assault with a weapon, possessing

a weapon for a dangerous purpose and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. All that allegedly occurred Nov. 12, 2025, in Ness Lake.

“I can advise the court that he’s already been detained on the other files,” Thapa told Nadon. “Given that he has been detained on other files, the Crown will do everything in its capacity to just ensure that he gets his disclosure on time and so that he can set these matters to trial, if he wants.”

Drug treatment facility and probaton for local burglar

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Provincial Court judge ordered a 30-year-old man to spend six months at a residential drug treatment house under electronic monitoring, followed by 18 months of probation.

Kyler Gregory Thomas Stevens pleaded guilty March 3 to separate break and enter offences and a count of wilfully resisting or obstructing a police officer.

The joint Crown and defence sentencing proposal included a 174-day, time-served sentence based on timeand-a-half credit for the 116 days he had spent in jail since his arrest.

Associate Chief Judge Paul Dohm heard that Stevens broke into the gated compound at Tenaquip Ltd. on Sept. 2, 2025, and was found sleeping in a parked company truck.

On Nov. 8, 2025, Stevens was arrested again after three men were seen on a security camera at PG Klassic Auto Body.

Stevens escaped, and an officer used his vehicle to block him. He resisted arrest and refused to comply with orders to place his hands behind his back.

An officer then knelt with his knee on Stevens’ head until he complied. A subsequent search of his pockets found a knife.

A man was arrested after police found him sleeping in a parked company truck in a gated compound.

Crown prosecutor Astitwa Thapa said Stevens has an “unenviable” 12-pagelong conviction list dating back to 2015 for crimes such as mischief, assault,

possessing a firearm without licence or registration, possession of stolen property and dangerous driving.

Dohm sentenced Stevens to two concurrent six-month conditional sentence orders, followed by 18 months of probation.

“He wants to deal with the addiction that he’s been suffering for many years, which explains his lengthy criminal history,” Dohm said.

“We all hope that he’s true to that word, because he should know by now that if he does not do so, he’ll be back in custody.”

The online court file shows that Stevens has also gone by the aliases Seth James Delo and Brandon Gibbons.

Assault and probaton breach net man 36 more days in jail

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A 32-year-old man admitted guilt in Prince George Provincial Court March 26 after he violated a judge’s order to not contact a woman and then proceeded to assault her.

Saie John Yellowbird was sentenced to another 36 days in jail for assault and breach of probation.

Judge Judith Doulis heard that Yellowbird was drunk on Dec. 14, 2025, and started arguing with a woman, who said she did not want to be with him

while he was under the influence. She asked him to leave her vehicle, but he grabbed her and began punching five or six times with a closed fist in the ear and forearms. He eventually exited the vehicle.

Yellowbird had been sentenced on June 9, 2023, by Judge Martin Nadon to a 30-month suspended sentence with probation for two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking drugs. It included a 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew order.

On Feb. 23, 2024, at about 11 p.m., a Prince George RCMP officer conducted a curfew check on a basement suite

where Yellowbird was supposed to reside. The individual who answered the door was not Yellowbird. That person said Yellowbird was at work and allowed the officer to walk through the apartment and yard. The officer yelled out for Yellowbird, announcing the curfew check, and confirmed he was absent.

The officer contacted the hospital and confirmed he was not undergoing any medical treatment. Nor did the probation officer give any permission for him to be away from the residence.

Yellowbird has at least four prior

assault convictions, at least three for failure to comply with bail conditions and at least nine for failure to comply with probation.

Doulis agreed to the joint submission for a 180-day sentence for assault and 60 days concurrent for the probation violation. Because Yellowbird had 144 days of pre-sentence time served, he has 36 days remaining in jail.

Doulis also sentenced Yellowbird to 18 months’ probation. It includes rehabilitative conditions and a condition to not go within 50 metres of the assault victim.

Community service for woman who bit UHNBC nurse

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A woman who bit a nurse at University Hospital of Northern BC was sentenced March 26 to five months under a curfew in the community, followed by 13 months on probation.

Provincial Court Judge Judith Doulis agreed to the joint Crown and defence sentencing proposal after Kimberly May Evans, 23, pleaded guilty to the June 18, 2024 assault.

Court heard that Evans was asked to refrain from swearing at a doctor or she would have to leave. She did not, so a nurse told her to go.

Evans, without provocation, came at the nurse and bit her on the arm, causing a bruise. The incident was captured on a surveillance camera and witnessed by another nurse.

A Prince George RCMP officer found Evans by the door of the emergency room with her dog. Evans tried to pull

away from the officer, but was placed in handcuffs and escorted to the backseat of a police cruiser where she flailed about.

Evans had no prior adult convictions. According to a psychiatric assessment report from last June, she lacked insight and expressed limited-to-no remorse. She was deemed a moderate-to-high risk of reoffending violently.

The report also said she had suffered mental illness and drug addiction, but had accessed limited services since aging out of the care system.

She grew up in Prince George but was placed in a group home at age 13 or 14 for six months after an incident with her mother. She didn’t meet her biological father until she was 15.

Doulis ordered Evans to live under a 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew during the conditional sentence.

She must have no contact with the nurse she bit and undergo assessment for treatment.

Scheduling challenges afect man’s break-and-enter trial

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Prince George Provincial Court break and enter trial of 44-year-old Clinton Levi Poitras is in flux after a Crown prosecutor told a judge on March 27 that she was double-booked.

Before Judge Cassandra Malfair, Anna Novakovic said she was directed to Williams Lake for pretrial evidence arguments and a five-to-seven-week jury trial beginning Aug. 24.

Two weeks of pretrial application hearings are set later this spring, and the trial judge is only available between May 25 and June 5. That means Novakovic is unavailable for the Poitras trial on May 25-26.

“We were not given any options or any alternative dates, and that is how I ended up double-booked,” Novakovic

Court heard that a woman was told to stop swearing at an emergency room doctor at the University Hospital of Northern BC in June 20-24. When she didn’t, a nurse told her to leave — and she bit the nurse.

said. “Unfortunately, there was no Crown in our office that was available to take over the file, and to this day, there is no Crown that is available to take over the trial. So I am now in a position where I have to seek an adjournment of the trial dates.”

Defence lawyer Matthew James, who is acting for Poitras, said his client is eager for the dates to proceed.

“If there are literally no Crown available, I don’t know what can be done in relation to that,” James said.

Malfair sent the case back to trial scheduling managers.

Otherwise, the case was scheduled to return to Prince George court on April 2, 9 and 14.

Poitras was also charged with possessing a break-in instrument and breaching a probation order in connection with the April 21, 2025, incident in Prince George.

Man suing RCMP and local hotel over his 2024 arrest

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Prince George man arrested almost two years ago at Grama’s Inn and charged with firearms offences is suing the hotel and Prince George RCMP in BC Supreme Court.

In two March 26-filed civil claims, Jamie Hal Hammerstrom, 47, seeks unspecified damages for injuries suffered during the violent April 4, 2024, arrest.

First, against Grama’s Inn,

Hammerstrom claims the hotel “did not shut down key card to room, gave RCMP key card to enter room.”

“Hotel gave key cards to RCMP to attack me well (sic) I was sleeping causing mental and physical abuse,”

Hammerstrom hand-printed on the civil claim form.

“Hotel never checked to see if there was more than one card given to client. The hotel should of (sic) shut the key card down so this did not happen.”

Against the RCMP, Hammerstrom claims excessive force caused him

bodily harm, a concussion, broken teeth, mental trauma and nerve damage.

He seeks an unspecified amount of money to compensate for serious injuries and mental trauma, as well as “money for broken teeth, brain injuries, nerve damage to my spine and sciatica.”

Hammerstrom bases his case on court proceedings and closed-circuit surveillance footage.

Hammerstrom was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possessing a prohibited or restricted firearm with

ammunition and resisting or wilfully obstructing a police officer. That matter is expected back in Prince George Provincial Court on April 2.

In a ruling last July, Judge Cassandra Malfair threw out Hammerstrom’s constitutional challenge. His lawyer unsuccessfully contested his arrest on the grounds that RCMP officers entered his hotel room without a warrant and did not have reasonable grounds to arrest him.

Malfair found the officers did not breach Hammerstrom’s right to not be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned.

“The police already have the authority to enter the premises by virtue of the permission extended to them by the property owner, and an intruder has no expectation of privacy in a place they occupy unlawfully,” Malfair ruled. “I’m satisfied the police had reasonable and probable grounds to believe Mr. Hammerstrom had broken and entered into room 266 of Grama’s Inn.”

Prince George RCMP officers were called there to investigate a complaint about a man and woman entering an empty suite without authorization. When officers arrived, the man tried to flee, but his jacket fell off in a struggle. Police subdued him, searched the jacket and found a loaded Glock 9 mm handgun.

Court considers relaxing orders for ‘out of control’ girl

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The lawyer for a girl arrested multiple times last summer and fall asked a Provincial Court judge to delete house arrest and alcohol and drug consumption bans from her client’s judicial release orders.

Provincial Court Judge Michael Brecknell, however, said a hearing must take place under the Youth Criminal Justice Act to investigate the girl’s mental health and cognitive challenges, if any, and determine whether she has

Indigenous identity.

The girl’s name is protected under the Act.

According to Brecknell’s Feb. 13 decision, published March 23, the girl and two co-accused were arrested after robbing a person in a mall parking lot at 11:15 p.m. on Aug. 6, 2025, in Prince George.

She was released with conditions by Judge Cassandra Malfair three days later. She was arrested and released six more times through Oct. 27, 2025, when she was accused in Vanderhoof of assaulting and threatening a person in a

group home.

She was released again, but committed two more breaches.

The Sept. 26, 2025, release order from Judge Martin Nadon imposed a 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and the drug and alcohol prohibition, like the Malfair order.

But Judge Timothy Hinkson’s Oct. 9, 2025, release order imposed house arrest and continued the drug and alcohol ban.

“The house arrest and drug and alcohol prohibition terms are also found in Judicial Justice (Gerry) Hayes’ order of Feb. 5, 2026, but counsel have advised

me that that order was simply put in place as a placeholder until the matter could get before a judge of the court,” Brecknell wrote.

A youth probation officer expressed concern to the court because of the girl’s “out-of-control behaviour.”

Crown is not seeking detention or treatment, and she refuses any services from youth probation or the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Moreover, the youth probation officer said she does not attend school. “Rather, she shows up and leaves, coming and going as she wishes.”

CNC ofering new business administraton program

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The College of New Caledonia (CNC) is bringing a newly designed business administration program to students.

The two-year program will be offered at the beginning of fall 2026. It has been in the works since the summer of 2024 and was developed to cater to the current needs of the job market in Northern BC.

In a press release, CNC said the program will allow students to earn a business administration certificate after its first year and a diploma after its second year.

CNC noted that in their first year, students will have the opportunity to learn broader business skills such as accounting, marketing, finance, economics, business communications and digital tools.

In the second year, students will be offered specialized streams, including

accounting and data analytics, human resources, project management, small business and hospitality management.

The program was also designed with flexibility at its core, with students able to take advantage of full-time and parttime courses, with evening, hybrid and online delivery, and options for dualcredit pathways, prior learning recognition and transfer opportunities.

Prerequisites for the program are a high school diploma or equivalent.

CNC recommends prerequisites that include English Studies 12 and Foundations of Math 11, or equivalent. Adult learners who do not meet these prerequisites will also be considered.

Muhammad Rahman, the associate dean for the business administration program, in an interview with The Citizen, spoke about what made them decide to develop this program for students in Prince George.

“With the research that we have done

and the program reviews we did, we found that some students do not like to have a one-year or two-year commitment,” said Rahman. “That is what we are looking at with our previous program model, where students have to complete a one-year certificate or a two-year diploma to get the recognition. Not only that, but we also find that life happens, right?”

One of the key draws of the new program is the multiple entry and exit points for those with busy lives and families looking to better educate themselves.

Rahman added that one of the key draws is the ability for students to take advantage of multiple entry and exit points, depending on their needs or life circumstances.

“Any students who are coming in can actually take advantage of three-course models,” said Rahman. “That is the associate certificate. We kept the big

Cariboo Gold

programming the way it is, where the certificate and the diploma programs are one year and two years. But in between, we also added those shorter versions.

“A student can complete three courses, and they can get something called an associate certificate with nine credits. Instead of two exit points for the students, we now actually have a total of nine different exit points in the current model, and we are also looking at adding more so that they can pick and choose what they want to do.”

CNC expects that graduates of this program will be prepared for a wide range of opportunities after they graduate, including entry-level roles in administration, finance, human resources, project coordination, entrepreneurship and customer service leadership.

Those looking to attend this new program in the fall of 2026 can connect with CNC’s Future Students Team here: cnc.bc.ca/future-students?src=1

Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd. proposes to change its plans for the Cariboo Gold project by shifting the power line route, moving worker accommodations and expanding the mine site footprint.

Share your thoughts

The EAO is holding a public comment period on the proposed changes to the project and is seeking public feedback to understand potential impacts speci cally related to the changes from March 17 to April 16, 2026

2 | 11:30 am-1:00 pm

To register, visit the link or QR code on right

Not all postal workers are sold on their new contract

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

A proposed contract agreement between the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and Canada Post is drawing internal division, with a minority of union leaders urging members to reject it.

Reached in December 2025 after nearly two years of shifting, rotating and nationwide strikes, the tentative deal is now heading to a membership vote — but not with unified support from CUPW leadership.

CUPW president Jan Simpson and four other members of the national executive board, in the CUPW magazine Perspective, have encouraged the approximately 55,000 CUPW members to vote “no” when the contract comes to them between April 20 to May 30.

Simpson wrote in Perspective that although the agreement does not resolve all issues, it does protect key rights for CUPW workers.

“They secure important gains and keep our defined benefit pension plan, which had been a key rollback proposed by Canada Post,” she wrote. “We secured wage increases for the first two years of the collective agreement and ensured that wages would not fall below inflation over the next three years, protecting our buying power.”

It’s worth noting that Simpson and other leaders are in the minority, with 60 per cent of the board’s members encouraging members to vote “yes.”

Among the reasons why some CUPW leaders are encouraging a “no” vote

include its two-tier wage scale for new hires as they work their way up the ranks.

As well, in Perspective, CUPW members noted the new agreement would abandon many demands made in 2023 and could lead to the closure of 100 retail counters, among other concerns.

Nicole Chouinard, president of CUPW 812 which represents workers in Prince George and area, told The Citizen the schism within the leadership is not surprising.

“I think it would be more surprising had it been a unanimous recommendation to vote in favour of this tentative agreement,” she said. “It’s been such a contentious round of negotiations, it would be impossible to expect that we would have achieved absolutely everything that we were aspiring for. I know it’s caused some debate, but frankly, that’s a good thing. There was no way that it was going to please everybody and having the opportunity to see what people on the national executive board recommend about it and what people feel are the shortcomings of it is good information for us to have when we’re going into the vote.”

She believes the key to the vote is individual CUPW members and that the outcome will be decided by what workers see as necessary for their livelihood.

“I think that there were things that had been on the table for negotiating for, frankly, decades that haven’t been achieved,” she said.

“The bigger hitch is the fact that there were things that we had agreed to in previous collective agreements that they were trying to roll back, which is virtually impossible. Once you agree to having something taken away, it’s almost impossible to ever get it back again.

“At the end of the day, it’s going to come down to each member, and does the tentative agreement satisfy what they felt was important? We will always have resolutions that roll over into the next round of bargaining. It’s member to member, and that’s the beauty of the democracy that is our union.”

She also emphasized that if the tentative agreement is rejected, CUPW will likely end up back on the picket lines.

“We will be doing a strike vote at the same time as we’re voting on this

tentative agreement,” she said. “We will also be voting for or against a strike. Both votes will happen on the same day at the same time. Education will be given to the members about what each will mean and that way we’re prepared because in order to facilitate a strike vote across the country for this many members, it’s a time-consuming process, so we’re doing them together just to save time and resources.”

However, she said local members want labour peace above all else and the prospect of returning to a strike is not appealing.

“There are a lot of fundamental delivery methods that are still not resolved that are bigger-picture issues, but are those the things that are going to stop us from voting in favour of this tentative agreement? I’m not sure. I don’t know that they are,” she said.

“Historically, we’ve seen that. It’s easy to stand on principle, but in the short term, we want labour peace. I would say for the most part that is the feeling of the people in Prince George — that the idea of going back out on a picket line is not ideal.”

Professional Employees Associaton ratfes tentatve deal

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

After 10 months of bargaining and an eight-week strike alongside the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), the Professional Employees Association (PEA) has ratified an agreement with the provincial government’s Public

Service Agency (PSA).

The PEA represents more than 1,800 government licensed professionals in the BC public service. Members voted 95.8 per cent in favour of ratifying the new agreement.

PEA executive director and lead negotiator Melissa Moroz said that this vote represents the determination of

the workers on picket lines.

“We took the longest strike in our union’s history to get a deal that respects the professionals who have dedicated their careers to serving this province,” said Moroz.

“This ratification means members are backing an agreement that recognizes their value and strengthens their rights.”

The new four-year agreement provides an annual general wage increase of three per cent per year which will be in effect until March 31, 2029.

As well, the new agreement makes improvements to employment security, health and wellness benefits, overtime compensation and more.

New life ahead for modular Site C camp buildings

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

After being threatened with a future in a landfill, BC Hydro and First Nations partners have found a way to repurpose worker accommodations from the Site C Dam for the North Coast Transmission Line project from Prince George to Terrace.

After the dam near Fort St. John finished construction, the modular housing and other buildings used to accommodate workers at the site were left behind.

The dam along the Peace River started to go online in November 2024 and was fully operational in August 2025.

On March 20, the CBC reported that previous attempts to find a new home for the buildings, including a letter of intent signed with a prospective buyer, had fallen through.

The Peace River Regional District aired concerns over the buildings being scrapped and taking up a massive amount of space in its regional landfill.

However, on Friday, March 27, a BC Hydro news release announced that it will re-use about 85 per cent of the camp — including all 21 of the three-storey dormitory buildings — for multiple camp locations along the North Coast Transmission Line project.

Each of the dormitories has 84 rooms, for a total of 1,764 beds.

The project aims to double the electrical capacity of transmission lines heading from the Prince George area to near Terrace, eventually providing power to resource projects such as liquefied natural gas plants, mines and other projects further north.

It was designated by Prime Minister Mark Carney last November as one of several projects being forwarded to his government’s Major Projects Office, which is designed to expedite major economic activity.

The NCTL project features partial First Nations ownership. Participating nations include Lheidli T’enneh First Nation as well as Stellat’en First Nation, Nadleh Whut’en First Nation and Saik’uz

First Nation.

In the media release, the chiefs of those nations, including Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan, issued a joint statement of support for the modular buildings being repurposed.

“We are supportive of reusing the Site C camp,” the chiefs said.

“As First Nations partners with BC Hydro on Phase 1 of the NCTL project, we want to ensure minimal environmental impacts. Providing new uses for this camp saves construction materials and resources to build new camp infrastructure. These resources can be better used to mitigate impacts on our lands impacted by the NCTL project. We will ensure that this historic project is built efficiently and economically.”

Once the camp officially ends operations on Tuesday, March 31, it will start to be dismantled and prepared for transportation to the work camps.

BC Hydro said it will continue negoti ations for the repurposing of remaining parts of the camp, including a theatre and gymnasium.

Construction of the NCTL is sched uled to begin this summer, with workers clearing the right-of-way that the line will travel along.

Energy Minister Adrian Dix said in the media release that this outcome is a “win-win” for the province.

“Repurposing the Site C camp not only prevents unnecessary waste but saves money and time, while supporting a project that will generate significant economic benefits for our province,” Dix said.

BC Hydro CEO Charlotte Mitha said the Crown corporation’s goal was to give the Site C buildings a “meaningful second life.”

“With Site C nearly complete and construction on the North Coast Trans mission Line starting this summer, the timing is ideal. Repurposing the camp for North Coast Transmission Line workers keeps the project on schedule while supporting cost efficiency and sustainability. We’re pleased the Site C accommodations are well project.”

worker accommodations and office buildings are seen at the camp for workers on the Site C dam in this aerial photo. On March 23, BC Hydro announced it would repurpose 85 per cent of the buildings from the camp to

First Natons come together to tackle toxic drug crisis

Carrier Sekani hosts PG symposium to plan the next steps

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

With the effects of the toxic drug crisis felt by countless families across the North, Carrier Sekani Family Services recently gathered provincial, healthcare and First Nations leaders to plan the next steps forward.

A symposium was held at the Coast Inn of the North on Tuesday, March 24, featuring speakers with lived experience of drug addiction, those with experience in treatment, and healthcare professionals responsible for implementing local responses to the crisis.

The Citizen spoke with Travis Holyk, chief administrative officer of Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS), about why he thought the gathering was important for people in Prince George.

“It’s important to bring everyone together because one organization can’t do this on its own,” Holyk said. “It will require multiple partners and multiple services just because of the crisis that we’re currently under and the support that is required.”

One of the most important aspects of the symposium was discussing how to support those affected by the toxic drug crisis in safe and culturally significant ways.

“I think when you look at the impacts of colonization, the placing of people on reserves, and the intergenerational trauma, the social impacts of that are being seen in terms of the toxic drug crisis, and people looking for those escapes,” Holyk said. “We need to provide both harm reduction as well as treatment and recovery. We’re looking at services across the spectrum — it takes so much with some of these challenges. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, and we’re really trying to meet people where they’re at.”

A key initiative Holyk highlighted is the construction of the new Tachick Lake Healing Centre, currently under

Delany Cox, a local artist, works on a banner during the symposium held on Tuesday, March 24. Art on the banner represents key topics or questions raised during the symposium.

construction south of Vanderhoof and expected to open in about a year.

“Tachick Lake was the vision of our elders, recognizing that we needed healing,” Holyk said. “There will be 36 beds of direct healing services, offering land-based healing, mental health supports, counselling, and other programs. The communities have said that when people are ready for treatment, it needs to be available, so we are also planning 10 detox beds. Further supports will be provided depending on where individuals want to go — either straight into our treatment facility or other services throughout the province. We will have social workers and others to guide them through these services.”

Currently, CSFS and Northern Health are partnering to open a five-bed facility in Vanderhoof to help with the transition to Tachick Lake and to recruit local healthcare staff for the new site.

Holyk also identified a gap in second-stage treatment, which he said often makes recovery more difficult.

“I think one of the gaps currently is second-stage recovery, recognizing that people can go to treatment, but treatment is a short-term solution,” he said. “It will require more than that.

Northern Health’s unregulated drug-poisoning response. She said First Nations in Northern BC are often overrepresented among those affected.

“It’s such a complex problem, and there is no single solution,” Medhurst said. “There’s harm reduction, treatment, and supportive environments, such as stigma reduction, that all need to be addressed. Multiple sectors and organizations must come together. First Nations peoples are overrepresented in the numbers, so special attention is deserved for that population.”

Medhurst outlined Northern Health’s three-pronged strategy to tackle the toxic drug crisis in Northern BC.

Second-stage recovery ensures individuals are supported so they don’t go straight from treatment back into risky situations.”

Another speaker at the symposium was Marilyn Janzen, executive director of Mental Wellness at CSFS. She and Holyk presented on the current substance-use and addiction strategy at CSFS and described the programs and services available to those in need.

These programs include wellness events for men and women, building community infrastructure for rehabilitation and youth support, mental health services, and more.

Janzen said the approach of these programs incorporates First Nations lived experience and culture.

“Culture is healing,” she said. “We want to meet people where they’re at and provide non-judgmental services that reflect Carrier Sekani values of respect, caring, compassion, sharing, responsibility, wisdom, balance and harmony. It’s a holistic model that considers all things that frame a First Nations worldview.”

Kerensa Medhurst, strategic lead on overdose response at Northern Health, spoke to reporters after presenting on

“We’ve developed a strategy that acknowledges the complexity of the problem and identifies high-priority populations,” she said. “We’re amplifying our approach, focusing on evidence-based practices, and adapting what we know works to the Northern and rural context.”

She has been personally impacted by the crisis, both in her personal life and through a decade of work at Northern Health, which has informed her approach.

“I have friends and family members who have been affected,” Medhurst said. “I don’t think anyone in the North can say they haven’t been touched by someone who has experienced loss or substance abuse. One of the wonderful parts of my job is working with people who use substances to inform and shape the work we do. Over the past 10 years, we’ve experienced a lot of loss in the community.”

Medhurst also noted the effects of internalized stigma among those affected and said giving people a voice is one of the most effective ways to support them.

“People with lived experience often have internalized stigma and poor self-esteem,” she said.

“One of the most satisfying things is giving people a voice — letting them know they have expertise from their experiences that can help support others and improve how we respond to the crisis.”

Snowpack contnuing to sit slightly above normal

ABIGAIL POPPLE Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Upper Fraser East region, which stretches roughly from Prince George to Valemount, saw slightly above-normal snowpack throughout February, according to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship’s March 1 snow survey and water supply bulletin.

This year has delivered the highest snowpack the region has seen since 2022.

Overall, BC is sitting at 91 per cent of normal snowpack, slightly below the 96 per cent recorded in the February 1 bulletin.

However, last year’s February-March bulletin said the provincial average was 73 per cent of normal, much lower than this year.

Likewise, the Upper Fraser East region is seeing much higher snowpack this year than it did last year.

In the March 1, 2025 survey, the region sat at 75 per cent of normal snowpack, well below normal. 2026 has brought more snow than last year for the Upper Fraser East region.

Based on forecasts from Environment and Climate Change Canada, the ministry predicts above-normal temperatures throughout BC from March through May.

While precipitation is more difficult to predict, the ministry says areas around the Upper Fraser will likely have higher-than-normal precipitation through May as well.

Snowpack levels may change over the next four to eight weeks left in the snow accumulation season, but about 80 per cent of annual snowpack is typically accumulated by March 1.

Based on current data, there’s an increased risk for spring snowmelt flood hazards in the Upper Fraser East, according to the bulletin. However, a more precise estimate of flood risk in the area will be included in the April 1 bulletin, scheduled for release on April 9 or 10.

This story originally appeared in The Rocky Mountain Goat.

What’s happening in PG

Teen Art Showcase is running until May 1 at the Bob Harkins branch of the Prince George Public Library. Awards reception is set for Saturday, May 2. Teens between 13 and 18 are welcome to display their work. All mediums are accepted and will be on display in the main stairwell from April 1 to May 1. Submissions can be dropped off at the library from Friday, March 27 and Monday, March 30.

Spring into Easter goes Friday, April 3 to Sunday April 5 at the Northern Lights Winery, 745 Pulpmill Road. Each ticketed guest gets a Passport to Fun with riddles, games, a hidden egg-treasure hunt and more on the to-do list. Complete your passport to get an Easter treat from the Wine Shop and enter your name for a chance to win some Egg-cellent prizes. Activities include paper mache Easter egg crafting station and an Easter themed selfie booth. This is a fully outdoor event rain or shine. For all the details and tickets visit www.northernlightswinery.ca/ spring-into-easter-tickets Headbangers Ball goes Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. This is an all-ages event showcasing local talent including new band Blood to Ash and Lowr-Lich of Willow River. Headliner is from McBride, Overspray. $20 at the door.

Hunniford Gardens Carrot Patch goes Saturday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 pm. at 8845 Aquarius Road. This is the fourth annual kids Easter event. Festivities include face painting, a petting zoo, a visit from the Easter bunny, an Easter-themed plant craft, and an decorated photo op for families to enjoy. Baller Food will be on site with drinks and food available to purchase. For all the details and tickets for time slots visit www.hunniford-gardens.shoplightspeed.com/carrot-patch

Earth Songs, a PG Symphony Orchestra Chamber Social, goes Saturday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m, at Knox Performance Centre 1448 Fifth Ave. This evening of music inspired by nature is a walk through musical landscapes. Chamber

TORY KOOYMANS PHOTO

CN Centre has announced that Terry Fator is bringing his Pure Imagination: Once Upon a Voice show to Prince George on Thursday, June 11, featuring impressions, comedy and ventriloquism with his well-known cast of characters. Tickets are now on sale through TicketsNorth online and at the box office.

Socials are an intimate evening out by candlelight with food, drink, and spectacular live music performed by the principal players of the PGSO. Appetizers are included with table seats, and a cash bar is available to all. For details and tickets visit www.tickets.pgso.com/ tickets/earth-songs

28th Annual Popsicle Stick Bridge Building Contest goes Saturday, April 11 at 11 a.m. at the Pine Centre Mall, 3055 Massey Drive. This annual event is presented by BC Society of Engineering & Geoscience Central Interior Branch. Bridge testing goes from noon to 3 p.m. at Centre Court. This event encourages creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning while celebrating the fundamentals of structural engineering. For more information visit www.bcseg.ca/event/ central-interior-branch-28th-annual-popsicle-stick-bridge-building-contest

The July Crowd with The Infirmary and Madbomb perform Saturday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Alt-Pop Punk outfit The July Crowd return to Prince George for the first time since signing with NY-based label Manic Kat Records. The July Crowd is built on finding hope

in the connections that feel intimate, explosive and real. Tickets at the door are $28 or in advance for $18 at www. eventbrite.ca/e/the-july-crowd-w-the-infirmary-madbomb-tickets

Pineview Recreation Commission annual general meeting goes Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at Pineview Hall, 6470 Bendixon Road. There are several positions open on the board plus opportunities to volunteer in a variety of ways including Snow Frolics, Sun Frolics, Halloween Haunted House, craft fairs, concessions and youth programs. Get involved, meet new people, help make decisions for your community and have fun. To hold a position on the board or vote at the AGM you must be a resident of Regional District Area D and a member of the Pineview Rec Commission ($5 annual memberships available at the AGM). Those who just want to volunteer or participate in our events & programs do not need to be members and are welcome from any area. For more information call Jodi at 250-9638214 or email admin@pineviewhall.com.

Delhi 2 Dublin goes Thursday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. This is part of the Community Arts Council of Prince George & District performing arts series. What started as a one-night collaboration at Vancouver’s Celtic Fest in 2006 has evolved into a world-touring phenomenon captivating audiences from Mumbai to Nevada. Known for their high-energy, genre-defying performances, Delhi 2 Dublin delivers. For tickets visit www.knoxcentre.ca/ delhi-2-dublin

Prince George co-ed 55+ Slo Pitch League 2026 registration and general meeting goes Friday, April 17 at 1:30 p.m. at the Prince George Golf & Curling Club. Teams will consist of seven men and minimum three women. This is a Thursday morning league from 10 a.m. to noon that will play at the Nechako Fields. Start date is tentatively set for May 7 and last day is July 30. Past players and new players are welcome. For more information contact Jackie Burns

at 250-962-9230 or Dom DeMarzo at 250562-6144. All equipment is supplied. Just bring your glove and wear runners. Cruising PG goes every Wednesday and is presented by the Carefree Society, providing accessible and inclusive transportation services in Prince George and area. Pick up typically begins at 1 p.m. Recommended rate is $20. This outing is a unique opportunity to explore, learn and enjoy a structured community experience. Recommended rate is $30. Book early as space is limited. To reserve a seat call 250-562-1397 or email book@carefreesociety.org

Myeloma Support Group goes every third Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Commonwealth Financial, 575 Victoria St. Everyone is welcome who has been diagnosed, those who are caregivers, family members and friends. Wheelchair accessible parking at the back of the building. For more information call Viv Lougheed at 250-981-2618.

Parkinson Support Group meetings are the first Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Drive. Meetings are informal and are for sharing information about slowing down the progression of PD. There are guest speakers, special events and biweekly exercise sessions and positive social interaction. Use lower parking lot beside ball diamond to access the seniors centre.

Chronic Condition Support Group takes place the first Tuesday of every month from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Nechako Branch of the Prince George Public Library, 6547 John Hart Hwy. This is a community social group where people with any chronic condition can come together to socialize, connect and learn from each other. This is a free drop-in event.

If you’ve got an event coming up email us at news@pgcitizen.ca to offer details including name of the event, the date, time and location, ticket price and where to get them and a little bit about what’s happening, too. LOCF

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Crush it! Kids invited to build popsicle-stck bridges

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

It’s happening!

Grab a popsicle stick bridge-building kit, put your best contraption together and head down to Pine Centre Mall to see how your bridge holds up under the pressure of the crusher on Saturday, April 11, with the fun starting at 11 a.m.

And it’s not just for the kids. Adults are invited to compete, too.

The BC Society of Engineering and Geoscience’s Central Interior branch is hosting its annual event to promote STEM, which represents science, technology, engineering and math, especially to youth in the community.

“I think it’s important to approach this age bracket — the younger kids — as they are starting to develop their interest in science in general,” said Danika Doucette, industrial energy manager at Canfor.

Doucette has been a volunteer with the Central Interior branch of the BC Society of Engineering and Geoscience for five or six years and is part of the group that organizes the annual popsicle stick bridge-building contest.

“As children progress through primary school and then high school, hopefully they’ve latched onto some of these activities and concepts at that early stage so that they can navigate in the direction that would set them up long term, even post-secondary education, in STEM,” Doucette said.

“So we’re trying to get at that early age bracket because we need people who are keen to build things in society for all kinds of reasons, and it’s fun. I think it’s just kind of neat to be exposed to what sorts of things are involved in STEM and then help children build that picture in their minds of careers down the line or just jobs in general that are related to this kind of work.”

Here’s how it works:

Build the best bridge you can with 100 popsicle sticks and one bottle of white glue — you can make it pretty, too, just for kicks.

Once you’re at the mall, you will see

the purpose-built bridge crusher near the food court that will use a load cell to determine the maximum force applied before your bridge gets flattened.

There are prizes for the top three strongest bridges in each age category, so invite friends and family to join in the fun.

The categories are for Grades 1 to 3, Grades 4 to 7 and Grades 8 to 12, and an open category for adults.

Get your bridge-building kit at these locations:

• Prince George Public Library Bob Harkins Branch, 888 Canada Games Way, Prince George. See https://www.pgpl.ca/ for hours.

• Prince George Public Library Nechako Branch, 6547 Hart High way, Prince George. See https:// www.pgpl.ca/ for hours.

• Gingerbread Toys, 7086 Domano Blvd., Prince George. Monday-Sat urday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, including all the rules, visit bcseg.ca/event/central-interior-branch-28th-annual-popsicle-stick-bridge-building-contest/

Personal stories highlight the importance of educaton

Barbara Ward-Burkitt and Chief Dolleen Logan hope to inspire today’s young people

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

There’s nothing more inspiring than hearing a community leader talk about how she got her start and how impactful providing educational opportunities to a community has been.

Sharing her story of resilience and perseverance, Barbara Ward-Burkitt, executive director of the Prince George Native Friendship Centre, talked about that singular moment that sent her down the path — and not an easy one by any means — to where she is now, with head-shaking-in-wonder and gratitude in her soulful eyes.

Ward-Burkitt shared her experiences with those who have done it before her, with those who have it all ahead of them, elders and students sitting before her in the Theatre Room at the College of New Caledonia on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

That’s what Indigenous Education Week at the College of New Caledonia was all about, as the first in the speaker series featured Ward-Burkitt and Chief Dolleen Logan of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation.

Darlene McIntosh, Elder advisor to the president at CNC, invited WardBurkitt and Logan to talk about how education impacted their lives and the lives of their community members.

Barbara Ward-Burkitt

Ward-Burkitt, who is Cree and a member of the Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta, has lived in Northern BC for more than 65 years, McIntosh shared in her introduction.

There are 125 active Friendship Centres in Canada and Prince George has the biggest one in the nation, she added.

“Barbara has always provided community leadership and cultural grounding,” McIntosh continued.

Ward-Burkitt is in her 53rd year of the

Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan speaks to a full house during a Speaker Series event at CNC during Indigenous Education Week on Tuesday, March 24.

Friendship Centre movement, which is Canada’s most significant national network of self-determined, Indigenous-owned and -operated civil society community hubs offering programs, services and supports to Indigenous people living in urban, rural and remote settings, and specifically for First Nations living off-reserve, Métis living outside of the Métis homelands and Inuit living in the South, the National Friendship Centre website explained.

“I have lived in Prince George for many years and I had three children who have all passed away, two of them from the opioid crisis,” Ward-Burkitt said.

“And I have 20 grandchildren and out of those 20 grandchildren my husband and I have raised five of them. We all know what happens when addictions and mental health impact our families, so 23 years ago my two oldest grandsons came to live with us and just when we thought we might be seeing the end, when the youngest of the two was 14, we got the other three in the sibling group. So we’ve been doing that work in addition to what I’ve been doing at the Friendship Centre.”

Ward-Burkitt said it was an honour and privilege to raise her grandchildren and she has learned a lot from the experience, which she considers a great gift.

Ward-Burkitt said she wanted to talk about education through the lens of the Prince George Friendship Centre.

Ward-Burkitt has been at the Prince George Friendship Centre for 34 years and became executive director 22 years ago, she added.

When it comes to education, she said an important part of that is to listen to the voices around you, no matter where you are, and taking your education and making a commitment to the community is crucial.

“Because, to be honest with you, I don’t know any other way,” WardBurkitt said.

“I started with the Friendship Centre in 1972, so this year in the fall it will be 54 years. I started out in the Friendship Centre in Quesnel. My mom and my auntie used to volunteer there and they would cook the lunches for the elders. I remember my mom would call me, saying I needed to get out of the house.”

Then, with a deep breath, WardBurkitt shared something very personal.

“I was at the time involved for 20 years in a very abusive marriage and was really separated from my family — and if you know about those impacts, you know how those things happen,”

Ward-Burkitt said.

“And my mom really felt I needed a place to go where I could feel safe and a place where I could bring my little girl and so I started out there and, oh my goodness, I fell in love with it. Walking through those doors of the Friendship Centre and feeling that sense of safety and that sense of trust and that sense of support — that’s what kept me going back — and that’s how I choose to lead the Friendship Centre even 54 years later, ensuring that it’s a safe place that people can trust and that they can show up just as they are and know that, no matter what, we’re going to lift them up and hold them up and that really is, to me, what the Friendship Centre is about.”

“I have said to all of our grandchildren, especially the ones that we’ve raised – because I can be a little bit more bossy with them because they’re in my house —there are no options for you except to graduate — that’s the No. 1 priority because regardless of where you choose to go afterwards you need that foundation.”

Ward-Burkitt took it one step further for herself.

“So in my 50s I decided I was going to go back to school and man oh man, that’s not easy — when you get older your brain doesn’t work that way,” she added.

Ward-Burkitt said she had her daughter very young and had to quit school, so she didn’t make it past Grade 11. When she returned to school it was as a non-traditional student, she said.

“I had to convince the senate at Simon Fraser University that my life experience, my work experience and the different training I had taken equalled an undergraduate degree and, lo and behold, they accepted me,” WardBurkitt said.

“Then I thought a year in, ‘oh my goodness, what did I do?’ because it’s hard work and it’s a different world but you know what? Three years after I started I walked across the stage at Simon Fraser University and I was holding the hand of my oldest grandson, who carried an eagle feather, and that was one of the proudest moments of my life, with my daughter in the audience and my grandson beside me. So everybody can do it. Everyone can.”

Ward-Burkitt said it’s incredibly important to share these stories to encourage young people.

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COMMUNITY

CNC audience hears from two area First Natons leaders

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

“When you’re a young person going to school, or at any age, and you have so many commitments besides that – you are paying your rent, your utilities, your food, sometimes you have children — it’s so incredibly important to have good folks at the college, like we do, who are there to support these students and at the Friendship Centre we have all kinds of programming with an academic base,” she said.

Chief Dolleen Logan

“Chief Dolleen Logan was first elected chief in 2021, becoming the first woman elected to the role in 50 years and the second female chief in the Nation’s history,” McIntosh said.

She’s the first female chief to lead the nation since Mary Pius was elected in 1969.

Logan spent six years on the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation council and worked in its administration office for more than a decade.

“Chief Logan focuses on transparency in governance, community engagement and strengthening relationships with local governments and organizations,” McIntosh said by way of introduction.

“She has supported initiatives related to cultural and language revitalization, economic development and community services, including childcare, forestry and renewable energy projects. Chief Logan is mother to two adult children and is a proud grandmother who values spending time with her family and community.”

Logan said she started work with the band in 2001 and there was always a push to find funds for education for their people, specifically by Chief Dominic Frederick (who was better known as Chief Domo or Domo).

When Logan was first elected to council she was invited to attend a national Indigenous conference and, as she had the education portfolio at that time, was questioned by a gruff Indigenous man about providing education to her people, she shared with the speaker series audience.

“I was nervous and so intimidated and felt I had to defend what we were doing for our people,” Logan said.

She listed everyone she could remember who received support for their education in their band of 260 people.

So she listed the lawyers, business people, the biologists and the two who earned MBAs.

“I kept listing and listing and he kept looking at me and I felt so intimidated and he goes, ‘you have all of those?’

and I said, ‘yes but there’s more, I know there’s more,’” Logan said.

“And he stopped me right there and said he had more than 3,000 band members and didn’t have nearly that many educated people. That’s when I realized what Domo’s dream was,” Logan said. “And that was to push education and I was so proud and I came back and told everyone.”

The focus for Logan is still to offer education opportunities to everyone in the band who would like it, she added.

Logan talked about one student in particular that she recently encountered, a shy teenager who wasn’t sure what direction to take career-wise.

“He was so shy it took him two weeks just to say hi to one of our staff members and so I watched him and you could see it — he was lost,” Logan said.

“He didn’t know what he wanted to do with his life.”

Logan put out some feelers and took a tour of a training facility for equipment operators.

She then approached the teen to see if he was interested in that sort of thing and, of course, he was, she explained.

“It was just so expensive,” Logan said. Programs like that run about $50,000.

When Logan had spoken to the training facility owners she talked about her lost teen and they offered him a full-ride sponsorship to help out.

“So when I told him they offered him the program for free, he cried,” Logan said with emotion.

“So now he’s got a purpose and that is why we put so much focus on education, on training, seeing how important it is to everybody.”

Logan talked about how she was recently told about the Trades Discovery program, a partnership between SD57 and the college that costs about $2,500. The program allows a student to earn high school credits while experiencing four different trades (such as carpentry, metal fabrication, professional cook, millwright, etc.). This program is available to both high school students and adults who have completed Grade 9, according to the CNC website.

Logan wondered why the members of her nation were not taking advantage of the program, seeing it as a great way to explore the trades.

“And then it dawned on me how many of our members didn’t even ask for help with the fee,” Logan said.

“How many students were handed that piece of paper and threw it away instead of asking their parents because it costs $2,500. It doesn’t seem like much but that’s rent, that’s groceries, that’s everything to them and those students would not go and ask because they knew that.”

Now, without question, everybody can have that opportunity, Logan added.

“So every child who wants to do a trade can do a trade and not have to ask mom and dad for their rent money. This is a huge positive moving forward and students are taking advantage of the program and they’re now living the dream.”

You never know what you’ll fnd at a garage sale

Sophia Garcia, 12 (left) Summer Prince, 10, and Myles Prince, 11, try on some New Years party hats while rummaging through the goods available at the PG Senior Activity Centre Garage Sale held at the Brunswick Street facility Saturday, March 28. The day’s worth of deals included books, craft supplies, housewares, chairs, a ping pong table, a pool table and much more. All proceeds will towards operations cost for the centre.

UNBC grad student awarded for reindeer research

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) continues to churn out award-winning research and students, with graduate student Jenikka Kirkland earning themselves and the university an accolade.

UNBC reported in a media release that Kirkland was awarded the 20252026 Marna Feldt Graduate Publication Award from the Association for the Advancement of Scandinavian Studies in Canada (AASSC).

This award was given to Kirkland thanks to field research into how Indigenous communities in the Arctic navigate the influences and changes caused by energy development.

Their research navigates how specifically Indigenous reindeer herders in the Sámi and Nenets communities adapt to large-scale energy infrastructure expansions across northern Norway

and Russia. It also asks broader questions on colonialism, Indigenous rights and environmental policy in the arctic regions.

“Being given this award is very exciting for me because it signifies that my research work meets the rigorous academic standards demanded by the journal,” Kirkland said. “This has been incredibly validating as a young academic that still has a lot to learn. It’s also proof that I am capable of conducting thorough research that meets the expectations of the academic community.”

Their essay Indigenous Reindeer Herders and Liquefied Natural Gas: The Cases of Hámmarfeasta and the Yamal Peninsula also found a home in the peer-reviewed journal Scandinavian-Canadian Studies, as part of her winning the award.

Adjudication committee members raised Kirkland’s work, particularly its strong theoretical grounding, clear

UNBC graduate student Jenikka Kirkland has been awarded the 20252026 Marna Feldt Graduate Publication Award for their research.

organization and its thoughtful analysis and engagement with the complex political dynamics affecting both the Sámi and Nenets communities.

Kirkland stated in a UNBC media release where their interest in this area of academia stemmed from.

“Growing up in the Greater Edmonton area, I was always awestruck by the idea

that people were creating flourishing lives in places even colder and further north,” Kirkland says.

“During my undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta, I studied Scandinavian culture and Russian language, which introduced me to Indigenous peoples who use reindeer herding as a means of surviving in the harsh Arctic climate. Combining those interests with the importance of continuing conversations about Indigenous rights brought me to this research.”

Kirkland added that they hope the reader of this paper gains an appreciation for Indigenous resilience.

“One of the most important takeaways of my paper is the adaptability and resiliency of Indigenous peoples in the Arctic,” they say. “Indigenous Peoples are often portrayed as powerless victims, but even in extremely difficult circumstances in Russia, the Nenets continue to show solidarity and bravery.”

April 3, 1996: The Prince George Spruce Kings hoisted the Citizen Cup at the Coliseum after claiming the Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League championship with a 4-1 series win over the Fernie Ghostriders. The junior A league folded in 1999, and the Spruce Kings now play in the BCHL. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

April 2, 1980: It was a soggy spring day for Stacey Spicer, 7, who tested the depth of a puddle on Nordic Drive while Tanya Little, 7, looked on. The Emerald Estates area of the Hart had had its sewer lines connected the previous fall, leaving the roads in rough and raw condition as the snow melted.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DOUG WELLER

April 2, 1962: Lillooet newspaper publisher Margaret “Ma” Murray pointed out a picture of Liberal Leader Lester B. Pearson alongside Charlie Graham, left, of Prince George and Jack Baker of Fort St. John during the federal Grits’ convention at the Prince George Hotel. Graham won the Liberal nomination for Cariboo over Baker, but lost to Social Credit candidate Bert Leboe. The Liberals lost the 1962 election, but reduced John Diefenbaker’s governing Progressive Conservatives to a minority. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY ROY FUJIKAWA

April 2, 2014: Kyle Graham, left, and Dominic Boudreau sparred at Family Taekwon-Do in preparation for the Western Canadian championships in Warman, Sask. Graham was joined by Dan Watt and Cole Abou-Tibbett to represent PG on Team BC along with two Vancouver athletes. Team BC beat Team Saskatchewan in junior men’s sparring and all three PG athletes won individual medals. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVID MAH

Northern Health moving clinical trials closer to home

DANIEL SOARES

Northern Health

Northern Health (NH) has officially launched its first Phase III clinical trial in Northern BC.

The focus of the study is chronic kidney disease and is being led by Principal Investigator Anurag Singh through the Northern Centre for Clinical Research (NCCR) at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia (UHNBC) in Prince George.

By introducing clinical trials to the region, patients can access treatments previously only offered in the Lower Mainland.

Until now, many patients in the North were unable to participate in such studies due to high travel costs and the many hours needed to reach their destination.

By breaking these barriers down, health care can better reflect and address the needs of rural and Indigenous patients.

“This is an exciting step forward for kidney care in Northern BC,” said Singh. “Clinical trials give patients the opportunity to access new treatments, but people living in rural and remote areas often face barriers like long and costly travel to take part. By bringing these research opportunities closer to home, we hope to improve access, reduce these challenges and ensure people in the North have a fair chance to benefit from new advances in kidney care.”

Why clinical trials matter

Clinical trials play a vital role in improving health care — they help test new medicines and treatments and offer access to alternative care options that are not yet widely available.

When trials are done only in urban centres, there is a risk that the resulting therapies may not be generalizable to rural and remote populations. Including Northern and rural participant voices helps remove biases in research results and shapes fairer, more inclusive care for all.

Patient experience

With the first patient now having joined the clinical trial at UHNBC, momentum is building as more patients prepare to take part.

We spoke with Debra Shaughnessy, a participant in the trial, who expressed a positive perspective when asked about her experience.

What encouraged you to participate in this trial?

I decided to participate in the clinical trial after verifying the value of participation with other kidney experts. It also allowed me access to expensive drugs that have proven effective.

Do you feel the location of these clinical trials changed your experience compared to travelling to the Lower Mainland?

Having clinical trials in Northern BC allows me and other kidney patients the chance to participate. Having to travel to the Lower Mainland would be extremely difficult and expensive.

What has your experience been like working with the care and research team here in the North?

The team has been wonderful, informative and accommodating. What would you say to someone else who might be considering

participating?

Definitely participate — the time input is minimal and the rewards are many. You will be part of something that could enhance your life and your future.

The heart of this work

This launch was made possible through the combined efforts of many dedicated individuals. Thank you to all who made this possible, but especially:

• Anurag Singh, director of the Northern Centre for Clinical Research, and Julia Bickford, NH executive director of research, innovation and evaluation: Shared the leadership of this initiative and guided it to success.

• Tatiana Barcelos Pontes, NH regional research manager at NCCR: Oversaw coordination across critical NH departments, including laboratory services, pharmacy, biomedical engineering, privacy, legal and contracts.

• Celia Belamour, NH clinical research nurse co-ordinator: Played a vital role in patient care and trial operations, supporting participants throughout the research process.

• Nazanin Heidari, NH co-ordinator,

quality management clinical research; Contributed expertise in strengthening trial implementation and quality management.

• Shoba Alwin, NH assistant, clinical research: Supported operational integration of trials into the health-care system.

Institutional partners included the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, University of Northern British Columbia, Northern Health and Clinical Trials British Columbia.

“Starting a clinical trial is never easy,” reflected Bickford. “But doing it while building a research site from scratch is a whole new level. It took strong relationships, constant communication and a lot of teamwork from departments who already have full workloads.”

Looking ahead

The work is just beginning. Plans include expanding clinical trials into areas such as medical devices, rare diseases and other chronic conditions that affect Northern and Indigenous communities.

As partnership and patient capacity grows, the goal is to make research a regular and accessible part of health care in Northern BC.

United Way brings ‘social prescribing’ for seniors to PG

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Addressing overall health, especially for the aging population, is being looked at a little differently now.

Essentials like nutritious food, walks in nature and even housing help are now on the prescription list along with traditional medicine to improve health and it’s been happening in Prince George for the last two years and across the province for longer with a community-based approach called social prescribing.

Social prescribing allows doctors and other health professionals to refer patients to non-medical services like clubs, art lessons or exercise programs to address practical or emotional needs.

United Way BC initiated the free program a few years back and last year 100 seniors were supported in Prince George through the Council of Seniors Society with funding provided by the Ministry of Health.

Quarterly participation in the Prince George Council of Seniors Society’s Social Prescribing program increased overall during this period, United Way BC reported, growing from 48 participants in 2024-25 Q1 to a peak of 144 in 2025-26 Q2.

Prince George Council of Seniors staff delivered more than 2,800 individual supports such as referrals, navigation assistance, and follow-ups, with quarterly service peaks of 542 and 533, the United Way BC reported.

After an initial waitlist of 19 people, the Prince George Council of Seniors’ team brought wait times down to zero and has kept them there.

Prince George stands out as one of the most active social prescribing hubs in the North, with rising demand and consistent follow through, the United Way BC report said.

“They are making amazing strides in terms of supporting individuals right at the community level,” said Bobbi Symes, director of healthy aging, United Way BC.

United Way BC started the program in 2019/20 with funding from the Ministry of Health. It started with the Better at

frequently, showing signs of depression, and maybe talking about how lonely they were since their spouse passed away and hadn’t made connections in community, Symes advised.

If a patient had pre-diabetes symptoms, for example, the physician would then get the patient connected to community-level supports like a walking group to make new friends and get some physical activity, Symes said.

“It’s an opportunity for healthcare workers to see community as a partner for wellness and support for patients,” Symes said.

A new $6.3 million provincial investment is helping strengthen this work across the province, the United Way BC press release said.

In 2024/25, United Way BC’s Social Prescribing Program helped 6,597

Home program that supports older adults to stay at home as long as possible, Symes explained.

Trying to reach every senior that might be struggling with day-to-day living, the United Way looked globally to find a program that could help and discovered social prescribing in the United Kingdom, Symes said.

“Their medical system was adopting this across the board and they were spending millions of dollars on developing this network of link-workers and navigators to support people who access these community-based resources,” Symes said.

“So we went back to our Ministry of Health partners and said Better at Home is doing an amazing job and what a com plementary and amazing program this would be if we were to adopt it.”

The Ministry of Health provided funding for 19 demonstration projects across the province, which were successful, Symes added.

partners in community,” Symes said.

when a physician would see a patient that was coming in a bit more

“The Ministry of Health invested more money and now we have more than 100 community connectors across the province all working to establish grassroots relationships — talking to family physicians, social workers, community paramedics and pharmacists about the benefits of them prescribing community-based resources to their patients and

Local Sports Kodiaks grappling with rehiring coach Boreham

The embattled junior football team’s presence on the 2026 BCFC schedule is still up in the air

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

While the Prince George Kodiaks continue to determine whether they can afford to reinstate Jamie Boreham as their head coach, the new board of directors now in charge of the BC Football Conference team is confident the junior football team has met league requirements and will be able to field a team this season.

The not-for-profit Kodiaks have filed documents with league president Tyler McLaren that outline their anticipated revenue streams for 2026 and a plan to balance the budget with the new season just three months away.

“We’re still in a holding pattern waiting to hear back from the league,” said Kodiaks president Nicolas Fricke. “All information was sent as requested. They asked for some clarifying documents on the weekend, which were supplied to them.

“All our talks with them have been very positive,” he said. “They want to see us succeed. If there are any major concerns and they have more questions, they’ll call for a league meeting and all the directors for the league will get together and we’ll get an opportunity to speak to that and plead our case and answer any questions they may have.

“But our feeling in talking with Tyler — the president — is it shouldn’t go in that direction. Everyone was very happy at the end of our conversation, so we’re very hopeful.”

The Kodiaks still have to show the league they have the coaching staff needed to attract enough players between the ages of 17 and 22 to field a team. The BCFC made it clear they had to come up with two coaching options, which the Kodiaks presented.

One is to reinstate Boreham as head

coach and Fricke said the board wants that to happen. Boreham was fired from his job as head coach and director of football operations in late February when the former board realized the team was in serious financial trouble and abolished his position.

Boreham has two years remaining on a five-year contract he signed in December 2022. As the BCFC and Canadian Junior Football Conference coach of the year in 2025, he guided the Kodiaks to a 5-4-1 record and the team’s first-ever playoff berth.

The other option the Kodiaks are considering is to promote Ryan Bellamy to head coach from his assistant head coach position.

While the league is not pressuring

them to make an immediate decision, the Kodiaks have set a deadline of Friday, April 3 to decide who gets the job. Fricke said time is crucial, with the team’s spring camp fast approaching May 8-10.

“That’s our focus this week, we don’t have much time to move,” said Fricke. “Our focus is to find what we need to do to repair our relationship (with Boreham) and what kind of offers we can make and what the team can sustain inside the budget that we’ve set, so we can have an opportunity to sit down with Jamie and see if this relationship is truly repairable and if we’re able to bring him back.

“If we are, that is absolutely fantastic. If we are not, we’ll know by the end of

the week. (The league) wanted to make sure we had a plan if it did or didn’t work, which we supplied to them. If we can’t get Jamie, we have a backup plan for a coaching staff (led by Bellamy) that is willing to work with us without Jamie. We don’t want to go that direction if we don’t have to, but worst-case scenario we have to be prepared. We should have an answer by the end of the week.”

The 11-member board met Monday, March 30 to discuss the coaching situation. Fricke said the board has spent the past few days trying to build up its support structure and delegate duties within the organization to lighten the workload of the Kodiaks’ head coach.

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Team’s uncertain future has stalled player recruitment

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

In addition to Fricke, the Kodiaks’ board includes vice-presidents Jake Eberle and Bryan Bucci, treasurer Gene Bellamy, secretary Charlotte Roy and directors Ethan Ready, Logan Devauld, Stephen Riding, Tera Drost, Shawna Eberle and Cheryl Wilson.

“We have very passionate parents (of Kodiaks players) on board, businesspeople on board and people who have worked on various different boards in their past, so we want to make sure we have everybody’s input,” said Fricke.

“That goes back to that support structure; if we don’t open up and listen to everybody’s opinion, then how can we say we’re supporting one another if we’re not willing to listen to various viewpoints?”

The club suffered a drastic drop last year in revenues from programs outside of the junior team, such as the Kodiaks minor flag football league, varsity high school program, winter camps, the spring travel team and the off-season training program. Program revenues fell from $141,640 in 2024 to $12,006 last year and all were Boreham’s responsibility.

“Whoever steps into the role, this year, next year or the year after that, we

want to make sure everybody knows there’s a support structure in place and everybody’s willing to help each other out and it’s not anybody trying to make it work by themselves.”

Kodiaks executive members — president Craig Briere, vice-president Ken Newell and treasurer Chipman Purdey — resigned on March 6 and the other six board members resigned soon after.

The uncertain future of the Kodiaks has stalled recruiting and has already resulted in six of their most experienced players signing with university football teams rather than playing their final season of junior eligibility.

McLaren has had lengthy discussions with Boreham and while details of his situation still need to be sorted out, he said on Friday the fact Boreham is still in contact with team management is a sign he wants to return.

“I know there’s a strong desire to have him back and I know they’re working on that very hard to try to make that happen,” said McLaren. “Jamie hasn’t made up his mind either way and that changes the narrative and the player perspective because it’s safe to say Jamie is quite popular with players, coaches and the community in general.”

Fricke said the team’s six-figure debt has been discussed in board meetings since the new board formed on

Wednesday, March 25 at the Kodiaks’ AGM. The organization is $436,703 in the red, most of which is debt incurred to buy equipment and jerseys for the team when they joined the BCFC as its seventh franchise in 2022.

The team’s financial statement as of Dec. 31, shows a promissory note for $426,235, arranged with an unidentified lender through Briere’s company, Growth Hospitality Group.

“There was an offer for a stand-down agreement until after the season to buy us time and take a look at that and see what it entails,” said Fricke. “The agreement was no payments or interest (on the team’s debt) until after the season. We’re trying to work through it and make sure that everything is handled above board and make sure that any questions get answered so we can move forward with a clean record.”

The Kodiaks operated last year with a deficit of $23,333.

Fricke said new donors in the community have stepped forward in their efforts to save the team and the Kodiaks have commitments from existing sponsors to increase what they provided in previous seasons.

If the Kodiaks can satisfy McLaren they have what it takes to operate the team in line with league requirements, as president he has the authority to give

‘We do have to make decisions quickly, and we want to make sure we make the right decisions either way.”

his approval for them to go ahead with their fifth season.

If not, the Kodiaks would be placed in non-playing status and a meeting of the six other BCFC team presidents and head coaches, which would also include the Kodiaks, would have to be scheduled.

“We do have to make decisions pretty quickly, and we want to make sure we make the right decisions either way,” said McLaren. “Everybody’s hoping things work out because for anybody to lose a franchise, that’s never a good thing.

“If I feel comfortable and everything, then it’s on me to reassure our teams and the rest of our board that the hundreds of hours I’ve been dealing with this the last three or four weeks have been a good thing and we can move forward.”

Spruce Kings fying division banner into BCHL playofs

Series opens Friday against Langley at Kopar Memorial Arena

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

To set the tone for the opening game of a best-of-seven BCHL playoff series Friday at Kopar Memorial Arena against the Langley Rivermen, the Prince George Spruce Kings had a team meeting Monday, March 30, and talked about what last year’s squad did to qualify for the postseason.

It took a remarkable late-winter surge to get them there, and that started in early February 2025 with the arrival of 20-year-old goalie Charles-Edward Gravel from the QMJHL. When he joined the team, the Spruce Kings were eight points behind Langley for the eighth and final Coastal Conference playoff spot, but with Gravel carrying the load in goal, they took off on a 10-3-2 roll to the end of the season and finished tied with the Rivermen in points.

Prince George claimed that playoff berth based on the fact it had two more wins than Langley, and the Spruce Kings went on to push the conference-leading Chilliwack Chiefs to Game 7 in their opening-round series.

Don’t think for a minute that experience last year was lost on the Spruce Kings and the 12 returning players on this year’s team. Their expectation that they can contend with the best teams in the league had a carryover effect, and for the first time since 2018, they proved they were the best of the bunch in a 54-game season, winning the banner in the realigned Coastal East Division.

“Building the core of this group has been a year-and-a-half process for us — those guys learned how to play playoff hockey for half a season last year before we even got into that playoff series,” said Spruce Kings head coach Brad Tesink, who took over the team in November 2024.

“There’s a hunger there with that group. We felt like we were right there and had the opportunity to take that

The Spruce Kings celebrate their 6-4 win over the Langley Rivermen in front of an Indigenous Night crowd of 1,503 at Kopar Memorial Arena on Friday, Jan. 9. The teams face off again in the opening round of the playoffs.

(series) and we didn’t, and those coming back this year are hungry to prove a point. They’ve done a good job of proving that point throughout the regular season, but there’s some unfinished business.”

Although the Spruce Kings won five of the seven games in the season series with Langley, outscoring the Rivermen a combined 30-19, those games were closer than the scores would indicate.

Brad Rihela, who took over as the Rivermen head coach and general manager after serving as the assistant coach last year in Chilliwack, will have his group ready, knowing the Spruce Kings will be favoured to win the series.

“I anticipate a long series — they compete hard,” said Tesink. “They’ve taken a few from us this year, and we need to be ready to play in Game 1. We need to take advantage of the first two games up here and use our home-ice advantage to the max.

“It’s a 1-4 matchup; they’re going to throw their best at us, and they’ve got nothing to lose, and we have to make sure we’re prepared for a tough series and a tight series.”

The Spruce Kings (34-17-3-0) won 34 of 54 games and finished 14 points ahead of the Rivermen (28-25-1-0).

“It does take a lot to win a division title, and that’s always the goal at the

Marcus Lougheed (20-39-59), defenceman Ozbej Rep (6-46-52), Ryan Wachtel (23-21-44) and Carter Hesselgrave (23-20-43), this is a team whose depth conjures memories of 2018, when the Spruce Kings were league finalists, and 2019, when they became BCHL champions.

Prince George ranked fourth in the BCHL in offence (226 goals for) and was the fourth-stingiest (164 goals against) in the league.

Langley (208 goals for) ranked seventh, and while the Rivermen allowed 222 goals (15th), they shored up the crease when they acquired 20-year-old goalie Eric Young of Mill Bay in a deal from Okotoks. Young went 7-2 with a 3.13 goals-against average and .916 save percentage since that Feb. 10 trade.

start of the season — to finish first so you can have home-ice advantage, and I saw a lot of good traits in this group and the coaching staff throughout the season,” said Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes.

“They play hard for each other and they understand the structure and the expectation, and it really paid off in the regular season. But on Friday, we start firing real bullets, and it’s a whole different game. But I think the guys learned a lot in the season about what it’s going to take.”

It starts in goal for Prince George with Ryder Green (2.79 goals-against average, .901 save percentage) and Colin Reay (3.04 GAA, .905 save rate), who rank as the second-stingiest netminding tandem in the BCHL, each playing in 29 games. If either can’t play, Cody Arnold is ready to step in.

The Prince George defence revolves around the likes of Rep, Evan Bellamy, Dracen Campbell, Trent LeDrew, Isaac Holt and former Riverman Nick Bianchi, and as a group, they are punishing and positionally sound and waste no time moving the puck ahead with smart decisions, fast skating and crisp passing.

The Spruce Kings have the luxury of four lines that can score. Led by the scoring power of Tai Ushio (31-36-66),

“They’re a very opportunistic team,” said Tesink. “They have some very good skill forwards and they know how to put the puck in the net, and when they’re successful, they’re clicking on all cylinders as a forward group.

“Eric Young is one of the top goalies in our league, and we need to find a way to get pucks to him and by him.”

The Kopar rink is 10 feet shorter than NHL dimensions. The boards of that ’50s-era building have absolutely no give, and the Spruce Kings love to go to the body to remind their opponents of that fact as they also deal with the intimidation factor of having Prince George fans right on top of them.

“It’s a unique thing in our division where all five teams have a rink that’s got some different dimensions, and obviously us taking advantage of ours is we can get on the forecheck a bit quicker and we can use the hard boards to our benefit because we do like to be physical,” said Tesink.

Game 2 of the series is also at Kopar on Saturday (6 p.m.). The Rivermen host Game 3 on Tuesday and Game 4 on Wednesday. If it goes to Game 5, that would be played Friday, April 10, in Prince George. Game 6, if needed, is set for Langley on Sunday, April 12, with Game 7 to follow on Tuesday, April 14, at Kopar.

Prediction: Spruce Kings in six.

Cougars challenge Chiefs in frst round of post-season

This issue of The Citizen went to press before Wednesday’s Game 4 in Spokane

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Arsenii Anisimov gave the folks back home in Kazan, Russia, a great reason to get up early in the morning.

What they saw coming half a world away at Numerica Veterans Arena in Spokane, Wash., was enough to bring down the house.

The 18-year-old Prince George Cougars defenceman scored the biggest goal of his life, a one-timed blast from the point 1:06 into overtime, which gave the Cougars a 3-2 win over the Spokane Chiefs and a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven WHL Western Conference quarterfinal series.

The Cougars were on their second power play of the game after Chiefs forward Logan Wormold tripped Brock Souch in the Spokane end 47 seconds into OT, and it didn’t take long for Anisimov to end it.

He took a pass from Souch and hammered a one-timer that found the top corner of the net over the outstretched glove of goalie Carter Esler.

The WHL’s second-most lethal power play did what it’s done all season, connecting for the fifth time in 11 opportunities in the playoffs (45 per cent) to push the Chiefs to the brink of elimination.

Anisimov has taken advantage of the additional ice time, especially on the top power-play unit. He’s been given extra duty ever since the end of the first period of Game 1, when star defenceman Carson Carels suffered a head injury after he was checked face-first and landed on the edge of the boards. Anisimov finished that game with a goal and two assists.

“He’s had such a good year and you look at everything, obviously coming over last year not knowing a lick of English, and this year we forget

sometimes he’s so young out there. He does so much for this group, and to see him get rewarded like that was huge,” said Cougars assistant coach Carter Rigby.

“He’s a kid that wants to learn and get better every day. We say all the time, I don’t think I’ve seen a harder worker in junior. He’s so dedicated to his craft on and off the ice. You root for the kids that put the time in and do the extras — he’s up at six in the morning doing university courses over in Russia and doesn’t waste the time of day.

“He’s playing big minutes with Carson gone. You look at tonight with the penalties we took, how many of those guys are our penalty-killing guys, and that just adds to the workload for sure.”

The Chiefs had five power-play chances and scored on one of them.

All the scoring in regulation time in Monday’s game happened in the second period.

Souch started it while shorthanded, his WHL-leading fourth goal and seventh point of the playoffs, 6:28 into the second period. The 19-year-old Edmonton native stole the puck at centre from Dominik Petr and took off on a breakaway, finishing with a backhand deke on Esler.

Spokane tied it six minutes later with the teams at even strength.

Prince George native Chase Herrington carried the puck along the left wing into the Cougar end and fed a pass in front to linemate Coco Armstrong, and he let go a wrist shot that slipped in just past the blocker of goalie Joshua Ravensbergen.

The Cougars were held to just one shot on their first power play of the game late in the second period, but it didn’t take long after the penalty expired for them to retake the lead.

Kaden Lemire gained the puck at the top of the right circle and fired a wrister that caught the high part of the net for a 2-1 edge at 14:52 of the second.

The Cougars went to the penalty kill late in the period when Terik Parascak was sent off for high-sticking, and the Chiefs made them pay for it. Tyus Sparks, who had 12 goals and 28 points

in 29 games since joining the Chiefs in a trade from Vancouver, took advantage of a screen in front of Ravensbergen and wristed a shot in off the far post to tie the game 2-2 with 1:12 left to play in the second period.

There was no scoring in the third period and the teams finished 60 minutes tied in shots at 31 each. Both goalies were called upon to make some key stops. The Cougars had two penalties to kill in that period and got through those without too much trouble. The Chiefs’ top scorers — Sparks, Herrington and Owen Martin — all had close calls denied by Ravensbergen in the final frame.

Lemire was one of the most dangerous Cougar forwards all game, and he hooked up with Jett Lajoie to force Esler into a terrific glove save five minutes into the period that easily could have resulted in a goal.

Koy Funk also had a great chance to get that third goal late in the period

on a 2-on-1 with Riley Ashe, but Esler stopped the shot.

The Cougars won Game 1 in Prince George 6-3 and took Game 2 by a 3-2 count. “It’s huge, obviously we knew they were going to push and that was probably their best effort overall of the three games so far,” Rigby said.

“Guaranteed there were more turnovers tonight than there was in the first two games. “I thought we fought the puck for most of the night and Ravensbergen was there to back us up. We only had the one power play before overtime and when we got a chance there we made it count. It was a huge game for everybody.”

LOOSE PUCKS: The attendance was 3,529… Game 4 was set for Wednesday (7:05 p.m. PT) in Spokane, with Game 5 (if needed) also hosted by the Chiefs on Thursday (6:05 p.m.). If necessary, the series would come back to PG for Game 6 on Sunday, April 6, and Game 7 on Monday, April 7.

Artst raising funds for All Natve Basketball Tournament

The event will bring more than 1,200 athletes to Prince George in 2027

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Robert Sebastian and his wife were watching their 12-year-old granddaughter Christina Williams play basketball at the Junior All Native Tournament (JANT) in Langley for the Mini Mystics of Hazelton (Gitsxan Nation) against the Skidegate Saints of Haida Gwaii.

The Saints had a 12-point lead heading into the third quarter when their coach made a wholesale substitution to bring some of the younger players into the game.

“The Haida team, the first line were all tall girls, and they put on a second string of younger girls that only almost came to their waists, and it was so cute,” said Sebastian. “The coach put the little ones on for some experience, and those little ones were hanging right in with our bigger girls. It was so fantastic. It almost made my wife and I cry.”

The Mystics lost that game 36-32 but went on to beat the Saints 33-27 in a semifinal playoff the next day to advance to the U13 girls final, which they lost 69-22 to the Snuneymuxw Islanders of Nanaimo.

Sebastian’s nephew Elijah Olson played in the boys U13 tournament and earned a player-of-the-game award playing for the Gan Tlagee Raiders of Hazelton.

Next year, Hazelton teams won’t have so far to travel to get to JANT.

Prince George will host the event in 2027, and with more than 1,200 athletes playing in three age divisions — U10, U13, U17 — the tournament is expected to provide a multimillion-dollar boost to hotels, restaurants, retailers and service providers in the city.

The dates have yet to be announced, but it will be in March 2027 during spring break.

The JANT event is shared among three regions — Northern BC, Interior,

Artist Robert Sebastian holds his latest work, Raven and the Sun. Sebastian will be selling small prints of his latest painting to raise money for Hazelton teams from Gitsxan Nation to travel to Prince George for the five-day Junior All Native Basketball Tournament in March 2027.

Lower Mainland/Vancouver Island

— which alternate as hosts, and the tournament is played in a different city each year.

This year’s 50th annual event was hosted March 16-20 in Langley by the Vancouver Bandits Professional Basketball Club, Bandits Community Foundation, VanCity Nation Basketball and the Kwantlen First Nation. The five-day tournament brought nearly 2,000 athletes from 100 BC First Nations, playing in 10 gyms. JANT is recognized as the province’s largest Indigenous youth sports gathering.

“For these athletes and families, it’s a meaningful tournament for them. I’ve never seen young athletes be so invested in the game emotionally and into the game as much as JANT,” said Justin Sulpico, the Vancouver Bandits senior manager of content and communications.

“For some of the kids, it will be the only meaningful basketball they play all

“When I brought my girls down there, it was their first year and they were called the Potlatchettes,” Sebastian said. “That was our first tournament, and it was huge. We got beat by Nanaimo 112-30, and that taught the girls how to compete.”

He sees JANT as a way for kids in the north to get better at the game, especially those from smaller communities who rarely have the opportunity to compete against some of the best players in the province.

“The coast, literally, they live in their gyms, and we had to start living in our gyms to compete with them at that high level, no matter what age it was, and that’s what I would encourage,” said Sebastian.

“We have to bring it to a new level in order to really compete provincially, and I think our kids are going to be happier for it. If we meld sports with academic education, then we’re going to get well-rounded, harder workers in a culture that has so much noise.”

calendar year. Not many of them have the opportunity to play competitive basketball in their remote communities, so it means a lot for them to represent their nations on a big stage.”

Two Prince George teams — Tseshaht Lightning (U17 girls) and United Warriors (co-ed U10) — also competed in Langley.

Sebastian says it’s important for kids to have events like JANT to celebrate their Indigenous culture with native dance and singing while also showcasing their athletic talents on the basketball court.

For Sebastian, a longtime basketball player who played in the early ’70s for the Prince George Polars, his trip to Langley to watch his granddaughter and nephew play brought back memories of his time coaching a team in Prince George in February 1979, when he took a team of high school girls to the All Native Basketball Tournament in Prince Rupert.

The All Native Tournament in Prince Rupert started in 1947 as a means to get Indigenous kids from neighbouring nations together and also as a way to circumvent a federal law that was on the books from 1885-1951, which made potlatch feasts illegal and forbid native people from gathering in any group larger than three. Kids playing basketball in a sanctioned event was a way to work around a racist prohibition, and the tradition has continued for eight decades.

Sebastian is an accomplished painter whose art depicts animals and birds in natural settings, and some of his paintings are displayed in the Smithsonian Museum and the British Royal Family collections.

He will be donating prints of his latest work, The Raven and the Sun, to loonie auctions and sports dinners to raise money to send Gitsxan teams to PG for the tournament next year.

“Most of the fundraising came from parents doing loonie auctions, dinners and raffles, and that’s where my art fits in so they have product for their raffles. It’s a nice circle,” he said.

Posse rides again: Junior lacrosse has returned to PG

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

For Jeff Moleski, head coach of Prince George’s upstart Junior Posse lacrosse team, seeing his boys run the floor this past weekend in games against the Port Coquitlam Saints stirred up a flood of memories.

Nearly 23 years ago in Port Coquitlam at the Founders Cup national junior B championship, Moleski and the BC-champion Prince George Casino Hollywood Posse beat the Saints 13-11 for the national bronze medal, and in that game Moleski scored five goals and had five assists.

Now as coach, he’s rounded up another Posse, a team that includes his teenaged sons Hunter and Jackson, and they made the long trip south to play the Saints in two weekend exhibition games in their home rink.

The Posse travelled all day Saturday, March 28 and took on the Saints that night, losing 11-5, then faced them again Sunday, March 29 and lost 9-4.

Hunter Moleski and Alex Jacques each scored twice and Ty Maloney fired a single in Saturday’s game. Maloney, Cashe Kaban, Dustin Jones and Brady Mackay were the Prince George goalscorers in Sunday’s rematch.

Nolan Vansickle and Kael Frederick divided the goaltending duties Saturday, while Vansickle went the distance in Sunday’s game.

“We played a real good team — PoCo — and lost both games, but we

competed, we’ve got a real young team and it’s a huge jump for a lot of the players on our team, so it was good to get a couple games under our belt and get the season off to a pretty good start,” said Moleski.

“Being our first games, I’m pretty proud with how the guys played. We had a lot of mistakes that we know we can improve on, and that’s actually a positive thing, that we can make those mistakes and still compete. It’s good to know we can hold a top B1 team to under 10 (goals).”

There hasn’t been a junior-aged (1621) team in Prince George since 2013, when the Posse played in the regional Great White North Lacrosse League.

The Posse team Moleski played for in 2002 and 2003, coached by Dave Jenkins, Tony Ciolfitto and Ron Edgar, was part of the Alberta-based Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League.

The new team started workouts in mid-January at the Roll-A-Dome.

The team also includes Sawyer Alderson, Garrett Sakamoto, Carter Hauk, Drebin Landry, Caleb Bond, Jayden Larmand, Logan Hauk, Cole Malo, Josh Mantler, Harley Dorish, Wyatt Elias, Liam Hunter, Cooper Zyler, Lucas Woods, Cohen Bloom, Keaton Nicholson, Alana Taylor and Taryn Willis.

Six of the Posse are first-year juniors and only one of the players, Mantler, is in his fifth and final year of junior eligibility.

Three key Posse players weren’t available for the trip to Port Coquitlam.

Logan Hauk is still playing junior B hockey for the Williams Lake Mustangs, Sakamoto was away on vacation and Zyler is finishing up his medical studies at the University of Calgary.

“A lot of these kids are going to school or have apprenticeships or jobs and they can’t go away to play anywhere,” said Moleski. “It gives them a real opportunity to still do both.

“At 16, some of those kids are not even close to being developed physically and when you’re playing against men (in the Prince George Senior Lacrosse Association) that’s a big jump. We have kids that won’t go play senior and this gives them an opportunity to play kids their own age and compete. I think it will also be good for the senior league to help them retain players.”

Eight Posse players have played junior lacrosse, either in the Lower Mainland/Vancouver Island or the Thompson-Okanagan. Sakamoto played for the New Westminster Salmonbellies, Malo, Mackay and Nicholson played for Delta Islanders, Hunter and Jackson Moleski were with the Langley Thunder, Jones played for the North Okanagan Reapers and Vansickle tends goal for the West Shore Bears.

The Posse have four more exhibition games lined up, all on the road, and hope to host a couple of teams from the Thompson-Okanagan Lacrosse League for weekend exhibitions in May or June. Based on their results in the upcoming games, the BC Lacrosse Association will

assess whether they will compete at the B1 or B2 provincial level in playoff games in July.

“We’ll be evaluated by the BCLA at the end of May and depending how we do they’ll place us into the provincials at either one of those levels,” said Posse manager/goalie coach Jamie Bellamy. “If we do really well and win our games or are really competitive in close losses, they’ll probably push towards B1, and if we’re not as competitive with those B1 teams we’ll probably be pushed down to the B2 tournament.

“This season is a trial period and the hope is next season we’ll get accepted into the Thompson-Okanagan junior league and be part of their full circuit.”

The Posse will travel south to play the Delta Islanders April 11 and Maple Ridge Burrards April 12, then will head to Kamloops to play the Venom April 18 and will be in Vernon to face the North Okanagan Reapers April 19.

“Kamloops and Vernon have expressed interest in coming up here for weekends, we just haven’t set dates yet,” said Bellamy. “Williams Lake has also applied with a junior team as well and they’ll probably come up here for exhibitions, and we’ll also play some of the senior teams too.”

Cole Paciejewski is the Posse’s offensive coach, Tony de Gans is the assistant coach, Brent Mitchell, a former NLL defenceman who played last season for the Colorado Mammoth, is the defensive coach and is assisting Pam Solmonson as trainer.

Life Events

Keith Sullivan

Come join us to celebrate Keith’s life April 11th at 1:00pm Hart Pioneer Centre

Lee Clarence Gainer

May 17, 1950 - January 31, 2026

Lee Clarence Gainer of McBride BC, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many passed January 31, 2026 unexpectedly in McBride BC. Born in Meadow Lake Saskatchewan on May 17, 1950 to Clarence and Mabel.

Lee was one of the last true loggers. He made a living with his chainsaw as a professional faller and logging contractor. Lee met Connie Jean Beaman, his wife, when he was 18 in Horsefy BC and they were married on January 10th 1970.

Lee and Connie had two girls, Carrie Lee and Nicole Jean before moving to McBride in 1973. While the family lived in Lamming Mills their son Trenton John was born in McBride and then their third daughter Jaimie Adrienne.

Lee spent over 50 years in McBride working and raising family. Lee loved the outdoors. Any day spent outside was a good day for Lee. He loved to hunt and fsh, explore the outdoors and all that the Robson Valley could ofer with its mountains and rivers and beautful forests.

There will be a celebraton of his life on May 16,2026 in McBride at the Robson Valley Community Hall at 1pm

Patricia Lynn Couts

March 31, 1940 - March 1, 2026

atricia ynn Cou s, 8 years of a e, of Victoria, BC formerly of rince eor e, BC , died on unday, arch 1st at the or e Road Rehab Hospital in Victoria.

he was a lon tme teacher, commi ed volunteer, mother of two, and lover of music and learnin .

at was born on arch 1st, 1 , in dmonton, lberta to thel and Roy t. ennis. he rew up in ouce Coupe, BC, and went to hi h school nearby in awson Cree .

he started teachin ri ht out of hi h school, earned her teachin certfcaton at Camosun Colle e, and then went to summer school at BC for several years to complete her de ree. at tau ht in awson Cree , and then in rince eor e at the Colle e of ew Caledonia before oin into primary educaton for the remainder of her career. he retred in 1 , and volunteered wee ly at lenwood lementary to stay connected with the ids who meant so much to her. at en oyed her lon retrement in rince eor e before movin to Victoria to be closer to family in ecember, .

at married ennis Cou s in ctober of 1 . he had son ohn in une, 1 and son Colin in anuary, 1 . he loved music and san for many years, travellin far and wide with the weet delines chorus chapter.

he volunteered for the rince eor e Council of eniors, and was reco ni ed for her contributon of many years of service to the rthrits ociety

of Canada. ewin was a true passion of hers and she devoted countless hours to ma in clothes for herself, her siblin s and her ids. he was a suc er for a trashy romance novel. he loved a ood chat, and she loved card ames at or ani ed brid e and canasta roups with her friends and nei hbours wherever she went. he did not believe in or ani ed reli ion, preferrin her own council in this life and the next.

at had a reat capacity for oy and connecton, was a terrible force in a f ht, loved her ids, was overly critcal of herself, made a real efort to stay in touch with lifelon friends, was wron a lot of the tme but ri ht ust as o en, and, really, ust wanted to be loved. hich she was.

at is survived by her sons ohn Cindy and Colin ristl and their families randchildren amantha, amela, lexander, athilde and uncan, reat randchildren athaniel and rabella, and by her siblin s atric and arion.

he was predeceased by her parents, thel and Roy t. ennis, her brother Ro er, and her sisters rdath and ne .

n interment service for close friends and family will ta e place at Hatley emorial ardens in Colwood at 11 am, une th, .

onatons in at s memory can be made to the rthrits ociety of Canada.

Marvin Theodore Gogolin

April 8, 1943 - March 23, 2026

With deep sadness we announce the passing of our father Marvin Theodore Gogolin on March 23, 2026. He was 82 living in Edmonton, surround by family. He was predeceased by his parents Ernest Emile Gogolin, & Alice Marie Gogolin, his sister Anita Dingwall. He was survived by Brother Henry Gogolin, sisters Alma Head & Inga Smasslet, as well as his children Jody, Brian, Tammy & Trina. Grandchildren Johnathan, Melissa, Zachary, Rory & Evan. Great granddaughter Isabelle.

A Celebraton of life will be held at a later date. ”Thumbs Up Dad”.

Kenneth Myles Staford

June 17, 1940 - March 21, 2026

Kenneth Staford. Afectonately remembered by any who knew him for his big heart and even bigger laugh, peacefully passed away just before midnight on the 21st of March 2026.

He was 85 years old. Kenny was known for his warmth and kindness. He was able to lif the spirits of anyone near him. And his laughter would fll any room, leaving it empter and sadder with him gone.

He will be lovingly remembered by his son Kevin, his cherished grandchildren, Talia, Randi, Holly and Micheal, along with his great grandchildren, Conner, Keira, Abigail and Zachary, his brother and sisters, Ray and Tuula, Lance and Corrine Ongman, Viola Checkley, sister in laws Bety and Karen Staford, and many nieces and nephews.

Kenny is predeceased by his daughter Lorine Gibson, mother and father, Eva and Gordon Staford, and his brothers Reg, Keith, Randy, Donald and brother-inlaw, Terry Checkley.

The family extends their heartelt thanks to the staf at Gateway Long Term Care for their compassion, care, and support.

Calvin Washington

Reminding friends and family as we look forward to celebratng the life of Dad, Grampa, Cal, The Bopper, The ash on Saturday, April 4th at 1 0 pm, at the Ramada la a, 444 George St, rince George, BC.

Elizabeth Dahne Gorst

October 23, 1990 - March 28, 2023

Yes, Bibbits, we will remember you. Love, Mom

Thank you for the gravesite visitors and owers

Frank Krizay

September 2 , 1954 - ebruary 6, 2026

Frank Krizay, 71, passed away on February 6, 2026, in Bowser, Britsh Columbia. He was born in Matenja Vas, Slovenia, and grew up in St. Catharines, Ontario. n his retrement, rank setled in Bowser, where he enjoyed the uieter pace of coastal life.

rank had a love for the outdoors and the water. Some of his happiest moments were spent fshing, whether uietly lake fshing from his small aluminum boat or deep sea fshing in the warm waters of Mexico. He also had a love for travel, especially trips to Mexico, where he enjoyed the sunshine, beaches, and relaxed way of life.

Above all, rank will be remembered by his family. He leaves behind his children, Angel, rankie, Jessica, icholas, and Christopher, who will carry forward his memory and the many moments they shared together.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by those who knew and loved him.

orothy

ot ra

May 17, 1944 - March 6, 2026

Dorothy Dot rat passed away peacefully on riday, March 6, 2026, following a courageous batle with cancer. Even in her most di cult moments, Dot reminded her family that she lived the best life.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, on May 17, 1944, Dot moved to rince George as a young girl with her mother, Clara. t was there that a friend introduced her to Bernie rat. The two were married on October 8, 1966, beginning a journey defned by fun, friendship, and a growing family. Afer 49 years of marriage, Bernie predeceased her on ebruary 27, 2016.

Dot worked at several rince George businesses, including the rince George Cit en and a local law frm. She spent the fnal years of her career in payroll at rince George Regional Hospital, now known as H BC, where she formed meaningful friendships. Dot was a proud mother to Sandy Anthony inger, Russ icki rat, and Laurie Blake Mc ntosh. She was a loving grandmother to Danica Amran , Brady, Jake Hanna , and Konnor step grandmother to Macken ie Jordan and Haley Kelly and step great grandmother to Lydia and Marceline. She is also survived by beloved in laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and her faithful dog, Kami.

She was predeceased by her husband, Bernie rat her mother, Clara olden her stepfather, Tubby olden and her father, Andrew McCorrister.

Dot was a familiar face at the bowling alley and curling rink. She enjoyed a good hand of cards and the excitement of the casino, especially when shared with family and friends. Her family takes comfort knowing she is reunited with her sweetheart, Bernie. Mom, we will miss you so much.

The family extends heartelt thanks to Dr. srat and the rince George Hospice Society for their compassionate care and support.

A viewing will be held riday, March 27, 2026, from 11 00 a.m. to 12 00 p.m. at Assman s uneral Chapel. A Celebraton of Life will take place Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 2 00 p.m. to 4 00 p.m. at the rince George Golf and Curling Club.

n lieu of owers, donatons to the rince George Hospice Society would be greatly appreciated.

Classifeds

Operations Supervisor

Prince Rupert Grain Ltd. (PRG) operates a state-of-the-art grain shipping facility on Ridley Island in Prince Rupert. The terminal receives grain by rail and processes, sorts and stores grain for loading onto ships bound for markets around the world. PRG is currently accepting resumes for the position of Operations Supervisor.

Reporting to the Operations Department, this position will ensure that all operational and sta resources are fully deployed and functioning consistent with department and Company standards regarding health and safety, quality control and housekeeping.

Skills required:

• Knowledge of the Bulk Terminal Operations is an asset

• Self-starter

• Some mechanical aptitude

• MS O ce and report writing talents

• Time and people management

• Motivational skills

Quali cations:

• Post-secondary degree/diploma and ve years related experience or a combination of education and experience.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and achieve targets and meet deadlines.

• Experience in Railyard Operations, Agriculture, Power Engineering or Maritime Industry would be an asset.

• High comfort level working in a diverse unionized environment.

PRG provides an excellent compensation package that includes pension, extended bene ts plan, training, and career development opportunities.

For full job description please see our website at https://prgrain.ca

Interested individuals who want to join a great team are invited to submit their resumes electronically to our website: https://prgrain.ca/human-resources.

We will only accept PDF les. Applicants should indicate which position they are applying for in the message eld.

Only applicants under consideration will be contacted to proceed through the hiring process. Prince Rupert Grain Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer.

• On Nov. 11, 1831, Nat Turner, an American slave and educated minister who believed that he’d been chosen by God to lead his people into freedom, was hanged in Jerusalem, Virginia, for leading a revolt with 75 followers through Southampton County, killing about 60 white people.

*On April 13, 1012, a ransom of 48,000 pounds was paid by King Aethelred the Unready and British authorities to the Viking army led by Thorkell the Tall for the liberation of Canterbury, after a raid on the city and the capture of Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered a few days later because he refused to let his followers pay for his release.

* On April 14, 1831, 74 soldiers from the 60th Rifle Corps, marching in step, caused the Broughton Suspension Bridge in Manchester, England, to collapse when their rhythmic footsteps led to the snapping of a poorly forged iron bolt in the bridge’s supporting stay-chains. Around 40 men were thrown into the Irwell River, but there were no fatalities, as the water was shallow. The unexpected incident led, however, to the British army’s prohibition of marching in unison while crossing bridges.

Washington Senators.

* On April 16, 1946, auto racer Arthur Chevrolet, brother of Chevrolet auto namesake Louis Chevrolet, died at the age of 61 by hanging himself in his garage in Slidell, Louisiana, following a long struggle with depression.

* On April 17, 1961, the Bay of Pigs invasion began when a CIA-financed and trained group of Cuban refugees landed in Cuba and attempted to topple Fidel Castro’s communist government. The mission failed completely, ending in the deaths of more than 100 and the capture of more than 1,100 men.

for hosting “American Bandstand,” died of a heart attack at age 82 in Santa Monica, California. Affectionately dubbed “America’s Oldest Teenager,” he also hosted the annual holiday show “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” and headed an entertainment empire that developed game, awards and talk shows, as well as made-for-TV movies and other programs.

* On April 15, 1911, Walter “the Big Train” Johnson pitched a record-tying four strikeouts in a single inning for the

* On April 19, 2020, Turkey surpassed Iran as the Middle Eastern country with the most COVID-19 cases, with 86,306 infections, though Iran continued to experience the most fatalities from the virus.

• On Nov. 12, 1969, investigative journalist Seymour Hersh revealed the extent of the U.S. Army’s charges against 1st Lt. William L. Calley at My Lai, Vietnam, in a cable picked up by more than 30 newspapers, saying that “The Army says he [Calley] deliberately murdered at least 109 Vietnamese civilians during a searchand-destroy mission in March 1968, in a Viet Cong stronghold known as ‘Pinkville.’”

* On April 18, 2012, Dick Clark, the TV personality and producer best known

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Changes in the workplace might be dauntng for some, but you love challenges and will do just fne with this one. Remember to work with facts, not rumors.

• On Nov. 13, 1979, Philadelphia 76ers center Darryl Dawkins leaped over Kansas City Kings forward Bill Robinzine for a memorable slam dunk that shattered the fiberglass backboard. His equally memorable comment on the move, which was not his last and the sound of which spectators likened to a bomb going off: “It wasn’t really a safe thing to do, but it was a Darryl Dawkins thing to do.”

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Talk to your longtme friends about why they’re not in sync with your new pal. You might learn some startling facts. Additonally, a difcult workplace situaton eases.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Just when you need some emotonal reassurances, an almost-forgoten friendly gesture gets repaid in the most wonderful way. More good news follows!

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You have a chance to restart a stalled personal relatonship. Meanwhile, a workplace change bodes well for new opportunites, but you need more facts before you can act.

• On Nov. 14, 1882, outlaw Frank “Buckskin” Leslie shot and killed Billy “The Kid” Claiborne, who had publicly challenged him, in Tombstone, Arizona.

• On Nov. 15, 1984, Baby Fae, a month old infant who received the world’s first baboon heart transplant, died at California’s Loma Linda University 20 days after the operation. Three other people had received animal heart transplants, but none survived longer than a few days.

• On Nov. 16, 2001, British author J.K. Rowling’s most famous and beloved creation, the bespectacled boy wizard Harry Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe in his first major role), made his silver-screen debut in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” which went on to become one of the highestgrossing movies in history.

• On Nov. 17, 1903, the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party split into two factions: the majority Bolsheviks and minority Mensheviks. The Bolsheviks went on to become the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) What seems to be a golden opportunity is naturally atractve to LEOs, but be careful that it’s not just a lot of surface gliter. You need to ask more questons.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) There are stll some problems with getng decisions made on your workplace project. Talk to a supervisor about possible ways to break the impasse.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)

A family mater could become more complicated and reach an apparent dead end. Don’t give up on trying to fnd a soluton. Work patently with everyone involved.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You’ll soon hear more about an ofer that could change the directon of your career. Meanwhile, enjoy the newly positve on-the-job environment.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Expect a favorable reply to a workplace request. On the home front, a full explanaton helps you sort out a long-standing personal problem.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A serious mater needs focused consideraton. Watch that your sometmes-capricious nature doesn’t create any unnecessary distractons.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) You win added support for your determinaton to turn a bad situaton into a good one. One new ally arrives from a most unexpected source.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Family and friends need to be told about a decision that you’re about to make. Be prepared to ofer a full explanaton when asked. Hold nothing back.

Homes & Living

What “beter for you” means on the go

(NC) Anyone setting a goal to eat better knows that it can be easier said than done. One major barrier many face is time. Often people are trying to fit healthy, satisfying food into an alreadypacked routine.

Here are some ways you can fit choices that are better for you into a busy schedule:

Make sure you’re focusing on the right things. It’s easy to fall into the trap of counting calories. Managing them is important, but fixating on a single number can result in losing sight of the bigger picture.

Remember that everyone’s daily nutrition needs are different, so what works for someone else may not work for you. Better-for-you is less about cutting out

food and more about focusing on the quality of the food you get. Making sure you’re getting a balance of nutrients, including protein, helps support your diet and health.

Make sure you enjoy your food. When eating better feels like a restriction or chore, or when we do it out of a feeling of obligation, it can make a routine much harder to stick to.

Eating good food that you also enjoy lets you build positive momentum for your healthy habits. Finding better-foryou food that’s also convenient can be a challenge, but there are options, such as Subway Canada’s new Fresh Fit menu. It’s a group of sandwiches made on multigrain bread that have at least 21 grams of protein, as well as lots of different

vegetables for a balanced on-the-go meal.

Make sure to get variety. Getting a wide range of food groups is also an important component of eating better.

One simple way you can do this, even on a busy schedule, is to think in terms of rotations. Have a few different fruits you enjoy handy, as well as different nuts and yogurts, if you’re able. By grabbing a different combination on your way out the door each day, you’re helping your body get what it needs while keeping things fresh.

The same goes for your other meals— by having a few different go-to options, you can keep up with your schedule and support your health without falling into a rut.

Eating better while you’re busy may seem like a challenge, but it’s actually an opportunity. It’s a way to equip your body to keep up with your routine while feeling good about yourself and what you eat. That’s the best of both worlds.

www.newscanada.com

Preparing bulbs for plantng

Preparing bulbs for planting is a simple but important process that sets the stage for healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

Whether you’re working with tulips, daffodils, lilies, or alliums, taking a little time to prepare properly can make the difference between a thriving garden and a disappointing one.

Start by selecting high-quality bulbs. Look for bulbs that are firm, plump, and free of mold, soft spots, or visible damage.

Larger bulbs often produce stronger plants and better flowers, so don’t be tempted to go for bargain bins if the bulbs look compromised. If you’ve purchased bulbs in advance, store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place until planting time.

Timing matters. Spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils should be planted in the fall, ideally

It’s

when soil temperatures have cooled but before the ground freezes.

Summer-flowering bulbs, such as dahlias and gladiolus, are planted in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. Knowing your local climate and frost dates helps you get this timing right.

Before planting, prepare the soil. Bulbs thrive in well-draining soil; sitting in water can cause them to rot. Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 8–12 inches and mix in compost or organic matter to improve structure and fertility. If your soil is heavy clay, consider adding sand or planting in raised beds to improve drainage.

Examine each bulb before planting. Remove any dry outer layers that are loose or peeling, but don’t strip them completely.

If you notice minor blemishes, you can still plant the bulb, but discard any that show signs of rot or

almost RV season

Preparing an RV for the summer travel season in northern British Columbia takes a bit more care than in milder regions.

Long winters, freezing temperatures, and damp conditions can all leave their mark, so a thorough spring check is essential before hitting the road.

Start with the exterior. Inspect the roof, seals, and seams for any cracks or damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles. Pay close attention to vents, skylights, and edges where water can seep in. Reseal any questionable areas to prevent leaks during summer rains. While outside, check tires for cracking or flat spots, and confirm they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Northern roads can be rough, so tire condition matters. Next, move to the mechanical systems. If the RV has been stored all winter, check engine fluids, battery charge, and belts. Batteries often lose charge in cold weather,

disease. Some gardeners choose to soak bulbs briefly in a fungicide or a mild solution like diluted hydrogen peroxide, though this step is optional.

Planting depth and spacing are key. A general rule is to plant bulbs at a depth of about two to three times their height.

For example, a bulb that is 2 inches tall should be planted 4–6 inches deep. Space them according to their mature size to allow proper air circulation and growth. Always plant bulbs with the pointed end facing upward; this is where the shoot will emerge.

Water the bulbs after planting to help settle the soil and initiate root growth.

After that, avoid overwatering— most bulbs prefer to stay relatively dry until active growth begins. Adding a layer of mulch can help regulate soil temperature and retain

moisture.

Finally, label your planting areas if you’re working with multiple varieties. It’s easy to forget what’s planted where, especially when bulbs are dormant.

With thoughtful preparation, you’re not just planting bulbs— you’re setting up a season of color and life in your garden.

so recharge or replace as needed. Test all lights and signals to ensure safe travel on remote highways.

Water systems require special attention after winterization. Flush the antifreeze from the lines, sanitize the fresh water tank, and inspect for leaks.

Turn on the pump and run water through all taps until it flows clean and clear. Don’t forget to check the hot water heater before firing it up.Inside the RV, look for signs of moisture or mold, which can develop during long, damp winters. Air out the space, clean surfaces, and ensure vents and fans are working properly.

Test appliances like the stove, fridge, and furnace to confirm everything is functioning. Finally, restock essentials with northern travel in mind—extra blankets, rain gear, bug spray, and emergency supplies. Distances between services can be long in northern BC, so preparation is key.