standing feature
regional notes
Regional notes
CN upgrade pending
The Province and CN have completed the $1 billion BC Rail investment partnership. A board of northern community mayors will be to established, to administer a $135 million Northern Development Initiative Trust, to support sustainable economic development.
Keep eyes peeled
The Northern Health Authority seeks help tracking the West Nile virus. Although the virus has not yet been seen in this region, the NHA asks everyone to keep an eye out for dead corvids (crows, ravens, jays or magpies). If you see three or more dead corvids per city block or acre, contact your local health unit.
RCMP Constable charged
Kitimat RCMP Constable Gary Stevens was charged in June with three counts of sexual assault, relating to incidents alleged to have occurred in Vancouver and Terrace between the early ’90s and 2004. Stevens was suspended in June with pay, pending the conclusion of the investigation and court proceedings.
NDP leader weds Gerow
The leader of B.C.’s NDP party, Carole James, married Albert Gerow in late May. A former municipal councillor for Burns Lake and a member of the Burns Lake Indian Band, Gerow runs the indigenous languages program at the University of Victoria. The newlyweds live in Victoria.
Alcan, First Nations strike deal
Three Burns Lake-area First Nations signed a deal with Alcan in May, creating 25-30 jobs for band members. Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band and the Skin Tyee Nation will log about 100,000 cubic metres of beetle-infested timber annually from Alcan’s private land around the Nechako reservoir until 2007.
Kemess North on track
In May, Northgate Exploration Ltd. released a revised pre-feasibility study of Kemess North, estimating recoverable metals of 2.6 million ounces gold and 1.3 billion pounds copper. Environmental assessments are underway, with a final feasibility study to be completed by summer’s end. The $160-million mine construction project will begin next year.
Massive increase considered
In view of the mountain pine beetle epidemic, B.C.’s chief forester is considering a 30 per cent increase in logging in timber supply areas around Prince George, the Lakes District and Quesnel. New research by the Ministry of Forests and B.C.’s Forest Service shows the infestation could kill 80 per cent of the merchantable pine in B.C.’s Interior, and potentially kill all susceptible mature pine in B.C. by 2020. A decision is expected by early September.
Medical pioneer honoured
Hazelton physician Peter Newbery was recognized for his outstanding contribution to rural medicine. In June, Newbery received the prestigious Order of B.C. for pioneering work in developing a program to prepare medical school graduates for rural practice. Now recognized across Canada and internationally, the program has enjoyed a 75 per cent success rate in retaining doctors in rural areas.
BCMA pans northern health care
A report by B.C. Medical Association gave a failing grade to this region’s capacity to deliver specialized care. Released in June, the report compared health regions in B.C. and found the North to have the fastest growing elderly population; more hospitalizations, fewer acute and long-term beds, home care and direct care support clients per capita; and more critical shortages of health care personnel.
Presenting united front
The Tahltan First Nation signed a treaty in June with the Yukon-based Kaska and Tlingit First Nations, to present a united front to government and industry on land claims. Kaska-Dena Tribal Chair Dave Porter said the treaty sends a message to Premier Gordon Campbell that resource development should not occur before acceptable arrangements have been made between First Nations, government and industry.
— L.A.
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