March 7, 2013 - Vol. 10 - No. 10

+TOWARDS FORD CUSTOM ACCESSORIES

ON MOST NEW 2012/2013 TRUCKS

$1,000$8,500IN MANUFACTURER REBATES

ON MOST NEW 2013 TRUCKS

UP TO

“WITH BEST-IN-CLASS POWER, PAYLOAD AND TOWING

F-150 IS ALWAYS THEANSWER”.

“

37877_R0_BFTAdblockEN_11.4x1.8.indd 1 2013-02-28 5:55

CAPITAL Dealer #30814 www.capitalford.ca

DAWSON CREEK

Inside

Cause of Suncor blow-out revealed - Page 3

Pink Shirt Day meets Bully Buster - Page 9

Major transportation cuts - Page 5

Scan Meto Check Us Out Online!

By Jill Earl DAWSON CREEK - B.C.’s first international

liquefied natural gas conference, held last week in Vancouver, sold out with over 500 people paying the $1,200 price tag for a seat at Fuelling the Future: Global Opportunities for LNG in BC.

The conference was hosted by the Ministry of En-ergy, Mines and Natural Gas on Feb. 25 and 26; while they originally planned for 300 delegates, the ministry had to adjust to accommodate for the large demand.

Representatives from the industry’s major play-ers attended to hear discussions on the regulation of the energy supply, B.C. First Nations and community perspectives, skills development planning, business development, industry perspectives on LNG markets, the Canadian Federal perspective and LNG as a trans-portation fuel.

“There were the presidents and CEOs of every ma-jor company in the world were there representing and just explaining the importance of LNG on a world market but more importantly stressing how important

it is for the rest of the world that B.C. be a big player,” said Dawson Creek Mayor Mike Bernier, who attend-ed the two-day event.

“We have the potential to be a major player so that was good information to hear, we kind of knew that but it was nice to hear the actual business people and not what we see on the ground,” he adds.

At the conference Premier Christy Clark announced that the province would provide $120 million in roy-alty credits to the industry with the 2013 Infrastruc-ture Royalty Credit Program, to stimulate job creation and infrastructure investments. The IRCP was created in 2004 and according to the province has lead to the development of 82 new road-based ventures and 133 new pipeline projects, accounting for more than $1.7 billion in capital investments. The program provides industry with royalty credits that can be used to re-cover a portion, a maximum of 50 per cent, of royal-ties owed to government, after a project is complete.

“We have a real opportunity to create significant wealth and jobs for British Columbians through con-

tinued support to our natural gas sector. This program keeps our natural gas sector competitive by encour-aging investments in new roads and pipelines, which will help B.C. transition into a global supplier of cleaner energy and a world leader in liquefied natural gas,” said Clark in the press release.

Clark believes that the program will help generate growth in the natural gas industry and help bring rev-enues to the province. The ministry is now offering the program to companies interested in investing in new roads and pipelines and will be accepting appli-cation until Apr. 18.

“The biggest message that we learned there was that one can’t happen without the other, the LNG plants are not going to happen without the natural gas thriving up in the Northeast and at the same time as we thrive, we need a place to sell our gas. So what I think we need to do is be prepared for if the LNG goes through, which will be great for the province. It’s go-ing to mean a huge impact even more so on our area, that we need to be ready for,” said Bernier.

By Jill Earl DAWSON CREEK - It was second

nature for resident Rob Peirce to quick-ly grab the weapon of a 49-year-old male robbery suspect last Sunday at 3 p.m. at Legacy Market.

“My initial thought was ‘This can’t really be happening, I must be in a bad movie or something,’” said Peirce, who said he was unseen by the robber be-cause he was at an angle.

The male suspect entered the store at the corner of 17th Street and 108th Av-enue wearing a mask and carried what was thought to be a gun. The male de-manded cash from the teller and as he went to retrieve it, he left the gun unat-tended at which point Peirce took it. The suspect then fled the store and a number of customers successfully chased and tackled him. The suspect was held until police arrived and remained in police custody while awaiting a bail hearing.

“I think anybody would have done the same thing…It was either react or don’t react. I’d prefer to react,” Peirce said, adding that he would have done it again.

This is the second time Legacy Mar-ket has been robbed in the past week, the first time being on Feb. 27.

“Although I would never ask anyone to put themselves into that situation, I also cannot thank you enough,” read owners Tawnya and Cameron Schulz’s facebook status, who are rewarding Peirce with free coffee for a year and a generous gift to their car wash.

The city has seen a spike in rob-beries recently, with six being re-ported to the local RCMP in the month of February.

Sgt. Scott West of the Dawson Creek detachment said that a few individuals can skew monthly and annual averages, and that the detach-ment prefers to look at crime trends.

“We like to look more at the crime trends and what’s trending upwards over time, and the robberies in Dawson Creek, other than this spike, statistics have been staying fairly normal. This is a spike and we’ve been trying to deal with it and I think we’ve dealt with it as effectively as possible,” West said.

He reported that four of the six cases have already been solved, and that no other cases were put on the backburner due to the spike.

West explained that robbery is a very risky activity to be involved in because closed circuit video and witnesses are

usually on hand to contribute to suc-cessfully revealing robber’s identities; he adds robbery is also dealt with very seriously in the courts.

Although West can’t determine the cause for the recent spike, he says sub-stance abuse may have been a factor in some of the cases they’ve seen last month.

“It’s usually as a result of a substance abuse issue that someone might have; they get to that desperate point as of that very expensive habit that they have. Now along those lines, it’s our belief

in the cases that we have in front of us, with the four that we’ve solved, that there’s a component in substance abuse in each one of those,” West said.

Four of the cases the RCMP solved last month include the robberies at 7-Eleven on Feb. 14, Fas Gas on Feb. 17, Lothar Triebel Jewelers on Feb. 20 and the Legacy Village Market on Feb. 27. West reported they are still investi-gating the home robbery that occurred on Feb. 2 and the break and enter at the Pouce Coupe Post Office on Feb. 9.

LNG major players meet to discuss B.C. potential

Drag RaceD.C. sees rise in robberies

Jill Earl photoOn Mar. 3 the Paradise Valley Snowmobile Association held their 2013 Snow Drags race at their property on Bear Mountain.

Page 2 March 7, 2013 Northeast NEWS

GATEWAYperspectives

For decades, respect has been fundamental to Enbridge’s communication with Aboriginal groups across Canada. Among other considerations, that means developing sensitivity and an understanding of the values and issues important to them.

As discussion about Gateway has evolved and progressed with Aboriginal communities in B.C., one thing groups have told us, in unequivocal terms, is that they wanted meaningful, long-term involvement in the labour force. That’s why we established a $3 million Gateway Education and Training Fund. This is an initiative for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities that’s not dependent, in any way, upon Gateway approval.

This fund supports training initiatives based in the pipeline, construction, and energy sectors. This isn’t training for the sake of training; it’s focused squarely on employment outcomes. And Enbridge is already connecting industry and community to help create career opportunities in B.C.

We’ve already co-funded training programs for surveyors and ironworkers. We’re purchasing seats in existing trades programs, and partnering with provincial and federal bodies to help develop skilled tradespeople in the areas of heavy equipment operation, pipefi tting, welding, and construction craft labouring. We’ve also co-ordinated the fi rst of many

“workforce connections” workshops, bringing together representatives of Gateway equity First Nations and companies with labour-force needs for some meaningful employment discussion.

We’ve heard, loud and clear, from Aboriginal communities in B.C. that they no longer want to be bypassed by economic opportunities created within, near, or around them. With the Gateway Education and Training Fund, we’re doing something about it. We’re showing true commitment to community and workforce development. And the opportunities we’re sponsoring are not exclusive to our proposed project or our industry — they’re regional and cross-sector in nature.

We want to stay connected to the Aboriginal community because it makes good business sense. But our intentions go beyond basic business: It’s about partnership. It’s about responsibility. And, ultimately, it’s about respect.

Partners for the long term

Join the conversation at northerngateway.ca

©2012 Northern Gateway Pipelines Inc.

It’s more than a pipeline. It’s a path to delivering energy safely.

Janet Holder

Executive Vice PresidentWestern AccessEnbridge Inc.

Buy Vehicle

Pay Down DebtRSP

Start Business

RenovateBuy Home

It’s all part of your Master Plan.

TravelInvestmentProperty

mymasterplan.ca

Pick one goal and make it happen.Make this the year you fi nally buy a new home. A CreditMaster Mortgage gives you borrowing power as you pay down the balance.

Let one of our Mortgage Experts show you how simple & fl exible it is.

By Kyla CorpuzHUDSON’S HOPE – A lack of proper procedures and train-

ing were contributing factors to the fi re that smoldered at a Sun-cor well site on March 9, 2012—which continued to burn a week following the incident.

The Oil and Gas Commission released a report outlining the technical and engineering investigation into the loss of well

control at Suncor Altares, 20 kilometres north of Hudson’s Hope.

Had there been appropriate procedures on how to deal with the incident, loss of well con-trol could have been avoided.

“...the Commission has de-termined the root cause of the Suncor Altares 16-12-84-26

blowout was the lack of adequate well control procedures,” reads the report.

“The Suncor Well Control Guideline outlined MACP (maxi-mum allowable casing pressure) in general terms, but lacked specifi c direction and appeared to pertain more to shallow well drilling programs.”

There were 20 crew members on site the day of the incident. The driller, the site manager and site representative were all equipped with valid Supervisor’s Blowout Prevention certifi -cates. However, the drilling rig crew did not have signifi cant ex-perience in drilling deep, high-pressure wells, like the one they were working on the day of the incident.

The rig was relocated from Alberta, and the drilling crew was primarily experienced in heavy oil wells, found mainly in east-ern Alberta.

“As the incident progressed, the rig crew’s actions defaulted to their previous training and experience,” states the report.

File photoFile photoThe Suncor well site about two weeks after The Suncor well site about two weeks after the initial incident, located 20 kilometres the initial incident, located 20 kilometres north of Hudson’s Hope.north of Hudson’s Hope.

Loose protocol, inexperienced Loose protocol, inexperienced workers cause Suncor blowoutworkers cause Suncor blowout

10308 - 10 St • Dawson Creek, BC • V1G 3T6

Phone: (250) 782-1025Toll Free: 1-888-782-1025Fax: (250) 782-1035

www.softwareemporium.ca

Software Emporium IncSoftware Emporium Inc

Service Center, Computers, Printers, Ink, Accessories, MP3 Players, Digital Cameras and of Course Software!

Lenovo All in One PC

C345AMD E2-1800 1.7 Ghz

Dual Core CPU4GB DDR3 RAM

500GB SATA Hard Drive DVD+/-RW Optical Drive

AMD Radeon HD 7340 Graphics

10/100/1000 Gigabit LAN Adapter

Wireless 802.11 B/G/N 720p Webcam and Mic

Lenovo Keyboard/Mouse Combo

20” Display Windows 8 64 Bit

2x USB 2.0 Ports, 2x USB 3.0 Ports SD Card Reader

$$599599

ComputerSpecialComputerSpecialSpecial

Story continued on Page 16.

Northeast NEWS March 7, 2013 Page 3

Pat Pimm MLA, Peace River North

10104 100 Street, Fort St. John, BCPhone 250-263-0101 • Toll Free 1-877-332-0101

pat.pimm.mla@leg.bc.ca • www.patpimmmla.bc.ca

• Parliamentary Secretary for the Northeast

• Member of Treasury Board

• Member of Environmental Land Use Committee

• Member of Finance Committee

• Deputy Government Whip

• Member of Rural Caucus

• Past Chair of Northern Caucus

As a member of the Finance Committee: I led the discussion and recommendations to review the carbon tax I led the discussion to have the Finance Minister do a competitiveness review in regard to the carbon tax

I personally asked every group that presented a negative position on carbon tax if they had submitted their concerns to the Finance Minister’s review process, and then made certain they had been included

I have been leading the discussion surrounding the Agriculture Industry, and the need for some relief from the carbon tax

AND, in this years budget, the Finance Minister exempted coloured fuel from the carbon tax

10442-100th Street 250-787-1552 WWW.HAIRBIN.COM

Gift Certifi cates AvailableOpen Late Wed, Thurs & Friday!

Voted Best Spa • People’s Choice 2012

Solid Color Axxium Manicure or Regular Manicure ONLY

Reg $42-$53

Axxium is a semi-permanent gel polish designed to last as long as 2 weeks. Perfect for special occasions or vacations. With Axxium there is no need to wait while your polish dries!

Receive $10FREE Product

plus tax $$4040

BILL’S BOOKS& BARGAINS10611-101 AVE., FORT ST. JOHN

Open Mon-Sat 12pm to 7pm • 10611 - 101 Avenue, Fort St. John

250-785-2660

WE SELL NEW:• Belts • Body Jewellery • Necklaces

• Patches • Stickers • Wallets • Novelty Pipes • Knives • Toques• Zippo Lighters • Buckles • Flags

• Rings • T-shirt’s • Gift Sets

& More!

We Buy Your

Antiques, Collectibles,

Adult Magazines, Books and

Coins

By Jill Earl DAWSON CREEK - A local child care provider found a few

holes in a provincial strategy meant to create more high-quality facilities for early child care.

The Early Learning Strategy was annouced on Feb. 20. Pre-mier Christy Clark said the government will be spending an ex-

tra $76 million (above the approximately $1 billion government currently spends on early childhood development) in the fi rst three years of the eight year strategy on early years services. Of that $76 million, $32 million will support the creation of new child care spaces, $37 million will support improving the over-all quality of early years services and $7 million will support strengthening the coordination of early childhood development programs and child care services.

“To build a strategy to improve child care, early childhood de-velopment and learning opportunities, we consulted with those who know best: parents and early childhood experts. Their ideas led directly to our provincial Early Years Strategy. It’s about helping parents balance the demands of work and raising a fam-ily, and setting children up for lifelong success,” said Clark in the press release.

With the committed funding over the next three years the province hopes to create up to 2,000 new licensed child care spaces, and 13,000 additional spaces over the next eight years. Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia member, Kath-erine Charbonneau, said even though Dawson Creek has 17 li-censed providers and two licensed group providers, more spaces are needed. The lack of current spaces for care is a theme heard throughout Canada, she added.

Charbonneau is concerned that no focus has been put on ECE recruitment; with the commitment to create more spaces for chil-dren in care facilities the province has not addressed the need for more early childhood educators to mind the proposed increase in children fi lling the available spaces.

“There’s not enough trained people coming into our fi eld…you do need to have your Early Childhood Education and not enough people are coming into that fi eld because it’s an unrec-ognized fi eld and the wages are so low,” said Charbonneau.

She said that ECE’s attending post secondary education for two to three years often make wages hovering around the pov-erty line.

Charbonneau also highlights a demand for care providers who are willing to take on infants under the age of two.

The Strategy also includes the creation of a Provincial Offi ce for Early Years, which will be responsible for the coordination of policy and service improvements, as well as the creation of a network of early years centres which will serve parents with a one-stop shop for access to a range of child services.

The Strategy will also promote the use of school properties for child care purposes to school boards, support stronger links between child care services and programs and create a child care registry to provide parents with more information about avail-ability of spaces in their communities.

The BC Early Childhood Tax Benefi t is another component of the strategy. Starting in 2015, it will provide $146 million to ap-proximately 180,000 families with children under the age of six. In addition net incomes under $100,000 will receive the maxi-mum refundable tax credit of $55 per month per child. Families earning $100,000 to $150,000 will receive partial payments.

“This is an important investment in our children and part of the broader plan to address access and affordability to child care and early years services in B.C. To support parental choice, the tax benefi t will be available to all families with young children

whether they are working or staying at home during their chil-dren’s formative early years,” Clark said.

The tax credit amounts to $660 a year per child, but Charbon-neau stresses that parents pay anywhere from $800 to $900 a month for one child in licensed care. Licensed child care provid-ers charge differently depending on the child’s age and the facil-ity they’re in, but families can expect to pay anywhere between $30- $40 a day, per child, added Charbonneau.

“I mean giving families $55 a month is maybe going to pay for one day for care.”

She advocates for a universal child care system, modeled after Quebec’s system, where parents only pay $10 for child care, or nothing if they make under $40,000 a year.

“To me, the strategy, they’re missing a piece,” said Charbon-neau.

Province’s child care strategy has missing piece: ECE worker

Jill Earl photoOn Feb. 25, Canada celebrated National Cupcake Day, benefi tting local SPCAs and Humane Societ-ies. In Dawson Creek, Northern Environmental Action Team’s eco-advisor, Kayla Boyd (pictured above), spent six hours on the weekend leading up to the event preparing 95 cupcakes. Boyd sold the cupcakes by donation and her efforts raised ap-proximately $150 for the South Peace SPCA. Boyd and other NEAT workers in Fort St. John decided to get involved in the cause because of their love for animals.

Page 4 March 7, 2013 Northeast NEWS

Ashton CollegeVancouver, BC | www.AshtonCollege.com

Ashton College’s Immigration Consultant Diploma Program is accredited by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).

Program available ONLINE. Speak with our adviser today.

Contact Cairrie Williamson at 1(866) 759-6006 or email cwilliamson@ashtoncollege.com.

| BC Premier Christy Clark

Become a RegulatedImmigration Consultant

“We’ve laid out an ambitious plan to create jobs in

the BC Jobs Plan and we will need skilled immigrants to help fill more than one million job openings expected over the next decade.”

QUESTION:Do hot water heaters have safety issues?

ANSWER:Many water heaters have safety issues that are in need of repair for improved safety. The water heater can be one of the most dangerous items in the home if not properly cared for and maintained. Corrosion at the water heater plumbing connections can be attributed to dissimilar metals in contact with each other. The condition is often magnifi ed when there are slight water leaks at the connections. Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves (TPRV) need to be connected to a proper drain line that will discharge in a manner that does not cause injury to occupants. The burner chambers in gas-fi red water heaters often produce some “scaling” or rust fl akes at the bottom of the water tank the burner should be kept clean and free of debris in order to ensure proper combustion and to prevent clogged ports in the burner plate. The water heater vent pipe and draft hood should have at least 1-2 inch clearance to combustible materials. The ventpipe should also be secured to the draft with at least 3 sheet metal screws, evenly spaced apart. And always seek out a Certifi ed Plumber in the area for the best advise and any questions.

HOME INSPECTION HOME INSPECTION Inc

AALLLL P PRROO

KEN DAVIS250-784-3872 • 1-877-996-7465

www.AllProHomeInspection.ca • Ken@AllProHomeInspection.ca

“Your Home, Our Project”

Custom Blinds, Shutters Etc5 Name Brands ~ Good Quality ~ Best Sale Prices

Call Th e Blind Man 250-785-5754

9811-114A ave Fort St John www.carouseldraperies.com

Carousel Design & DecorCarousel Design & Decor

By Kyla CorpuzFORT ST. JOHN – Shell’s partnership with United Way

northeastern B.C. grew by $90,000 since 2010. In 2012 the Shell Groundbirch team raised just over $100,000. Employees at Shell northeast B.C. celebrated their 2012 fundraising and community involvement efforts on Feb. 26.

The employees’ donation to the community also spans into volunteer work: helping the Salvation Army, local SPCA and Abbeyfi eld House.

“Your connection with Unit-ed Way runs through every single one of us,” Niki Hedges, United Way community devel-opment and campaign offi cer for the northeast, told Shell employees.

She described Shell’s partic-ipation within the community as ‘electric.’

Hedges mentioned that the northeast is unique in how

non-profi t organizations secure funds and services; support in the north is greater than what it is seen in southern B.C. com-munities.

The money from Shell’s fundraising goes into the United Way, which is a hub that connects non-profi t groups with fi nan-cial help or simply a helping hand. It spreads like tentacles to different organizations.

Four groups came to the celebration to share how the United Way, in partnership with Shell, has helped develop their com-munity services.

“We welcome the vast improvements to our existing out-reach program that gives a hand out, and a hand up,” said Sarah Palmer, community outreach coordinator with the Women’s Re-source Society.

The two prominent services offered at the centre are the out-reach store and a networking circle called Women Connect.

“The program serves two main functions fi rst it is a poverty relief service … the store is accessed by nearly 200 women ev-ery month,” said Palmer.

The second service is called the Gateway service. “In addition to acting in the poverty relief service, providing necessary goods to women in need, we are able to build relationships with these women and connect them to additional support and services.”

Onese Oboh from S.U.C.C.E.S.S. talked about how United Way helps support their immigration initiatives like the Community Kitchen, where new Canadians come together and cook traditional food from around the world.

Oboh said that every dol-lar donated to the United Way fi nds its way to impact the community.

Jean McFadden from the Literacy Society and Lori Slat-er, an advocate for accessibil-ity, also shared how the funds streamed by Shell into the United Way have helped each of their programs.

Hearing the stories of how funds to the United Way have helped various community groups was an inspiration for Rej Tetrault, operations man-ager for Shell northeast B.C.

“I personally don’t think we could have done what we’ve done without you.”

Shell celebrates uniting Fort St. John

Kyla Corpuz photoShell’s contributions to United Way in 2012 was over $100,000. On Feb. 26, Shell celebrated with United Way and United Way’s recipients. Left to right: Shell production superintendent who runs the campaign Dean Freeman, Sarah Palmer, Women’s Resource Centre community outreach coordinator, Emily Goodman, Women’s Resource Centre executive director, Jean McFadden, Literacy Society, Nikie Hedges, United Way campaign offi cer, Onese Oboh, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. community outreach offi cer, Joanne, Women’s Resource Centre client, Lori Slater, accessibil-ity advocate and Rej Tetrault, operations manager for Shell northeast B.C.

By Jill Earl DAWSON CREEK - Parents have a week left to provide feed-

back to School District 59 regarding changes that need to be made to the district’s school bus system.

The district must reduce their transportation budget by 25 per cent, representing approximately $750,000. The board hopes that the public comments will help them make decisions as to service cuts, route changes and any other possible changes that may come with a reduced budget.

Secretary-treasurer Gerry Slykhuis said that the district has received approximately 35 emails from the public sharing their concerns, comments and suggestions; district trustees have heard many more comments through their meetings with princi-pals and parent advisory councils.

“The majority have been just reminding us of how important the bus service is to the families in this region…a few com-ments, some think charging for busing is good, some think it’s terrible, some are very worried about cuts to service. A few have just been questions about the process,” Slykhuis said about the comments they’ve received so far.

The district hired School Bus Consultants, LLC in January to conduct a review of their system. They were directed to review and consider walking limits, user-pay systems, non-regular rid-ers, school bell times, reduction to route extensions, students not attending their catchment area school and the current confi gura-tion of routes to come up with a few suggestions on how the district could cut the $750,000.

“It’s so complicated and it’s such a huge amount that we have to cut, we had some ideas but we really wanted some real experts to come in and both validate what we were looking at as well as bringing in some ideas that maybe we hadn’t thought of. Plus, the size of the cuts is really going to impact families and we want to make sure that we do the absolute ... best way we possibly can,” said Slykhuis.

He added that the consultants will also consider how they maintain their buses and even how they administer service.

The 25 per cent budget cut is a result of a new funding formula initiated by the province, Slykhuis said that although the prov-ince added approximately $10 million into school transportation funding, the new formula made it so School District 59 didn’t receive as much as they had in previous years.

“What the new formula did was create some real inequities and moved signifi cant amounts from some districts and moved it to others, so some districts got huge increases, and some—like us—got huge decreases,” he said, adding that the district has met with the education minister and his staff to point out the fl aws in the new formula.

Currently the district provides busing to approximately 1,318 students living in Chetwynd and the outskirts of Dawson Creek, with 35 operating buses in Dawson Creek and another 15 run-ning through a contractor in Chetwynd. Over 7,700 km are driven each day by the buses. Bus services are also used by 130 private school students who are charged a fee to be passengers.

Slykhuis expects the consultant’s report to be fi nished by the end of April, with a decision to be made by the board sometime in May. He believes more public consultations will be held be-fore a fi nal decision is made.

“Sometimes you forget how important buses are to the fami-

lies in this area, and even when our consultants came up and started driving around with our transportation manager...they were just shocked at how spread out we are. It’s reminder to us for those of us here how important that is, so if nothing else, it’s been good to get that kind of feedback,” he said.

Northeast NEWS March 7, 2012 Page 5

$4,458

$1,200

$8,203

$12,509

Age 6 Age 10 Age 14 Age 18

$50/month family contribution

Canada Education Savings Grants

Provincial Grant

School District 59 dealing with $750,000 transportation cut

Contributed photo School District 59 is considering how to change their current bus service to fi t their reduced budget.

Page 6 March 7, 2013 Northeast NEWS

EDITORIAL

www.northeastnews.ca • 9909-100 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 1Y4 • Phone toll free 1-877-787-7030 • Phone: 250-787-7030 • Fax: 250-787-7090

Email: editor@northeastnews.ca • salesmanager@northeastnews.ca • sales@northeastnews.ca • info@northeastnews.ca • reporter@northeastnews.ca

1509B Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 1Z9 • Phone: 250-782-7060 • Fax: 250-782-7066

lisa@northeastnews.ca • news@northeastnews.ca

Brenda PiperPublisher /Sales

ManagerFort St. John

Lisa MacElheren

Sales

Dawson Creek

Kyla Corpuz

Senior Reporter

Fort St. John

Evelyne BrownAdministrationFort St. John

Kristine Budac

Sales

Fort St. John

Jill Earl

Reporter

Dawson Creek

WANT TO VOICE YOUR OPINION IN PRINT? HAVE AN OPINION YOU WANT TO GET OUT IN THE OPEN?

EMAIL YOUR LETTER TO THE EDITOR TO: EDITOR@NORTHEASTNEWS.CAPLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER AND COMMUNITY

The Northeast News retains complete and sole copyright of any content, including stories, photographs and advertisements published in the Northeast News. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission or consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Beatton Park bordering Charlie Lake north of Fort St John is a Provincial Park providing many recreational activities to locals and tourists alike. It consists of a campground, boat launch, pic-nic day use areas, ball park, beach, sliding hill, and a large tract of forested land with stands of old growth forest unique to the Peace Region. The forest is home to Deer, Moose, bear, Birds and other wildlife.

These are trails in the forest which have apparently been pro-vided by local Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Club for close to 30 years. Used by their skiers in winter, the trails also provide ex-cellent opportunity for walking, jogging, nature enthusiasts or other outdoor activities in the summer. They are enjoyed by all users all year round.

Since 2005, the Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Club has apparently had a proposal in place with B.C. Parks to have the existing ski trails widened to 8 meters from their present approximate width of 5 meters, and has also requested clearing of several new 8 meter wide trails to criss cross the park forest area in addition to the existing trails.

BC Parks advises the plan is within the management plan di-rection of the park for “intensive recreation”, and , that after an impact assessment it was felt there would be “ no major impact to wildlife” and “ the old growth trees would be protected as best as possible”. It appears now that their proposal is nearing ap-

proval. Trees slated for removal in the park are already painted red to mark the widening of existing trails and clearing of new trails.

The rationale for trail expansion as I understand it, is that the ski Club wishes to re –align the existing trails (make then straighter) and make hills more gradual for beginner skiers, as well as provide the opportunity for skate skiing along with tra-ditional classic skiing with a skate path situated between two grooved classic ski trails on either side

The widths of the proposed trail expansion is in excess in my opinion. The average width of a road or highway in B.C. IS 7.3 meters. Do we really need cross country ski trails all through the park that are wider than a highway? The existing trails have been used satisfactorily now for 30 years. Anyone using them currently will see the present widths already pro-vide ample room for skate and classical skiing side by side. To add more 8 meter wide trails to the existing network, in ad-dition to widening of the original trails, amounts to a huge loss of forest in a Provincial Park that is not huge in total size. The trails, new and proposed, cut through old growth stands of As-pen and Spruce, yet bc Parks state the trees will be protected “ as best as possible”. How are they to protect these few remaining old growth trees if the trails cut right through them? Widening and clearing trails will also leave adjacent trees susceptible to wind and root damage resulting in subsequent blown down and

a cycle of continued tree mortality until root systems stabilize years down the road. The 8 meter trails will become 10 meter s or more. Beatton Park is not such a huge forest preserve where this kind of activity will not have an effect.

The Ski Club is an interest group that utilizes the Park trails for winter months only, and even then I would say minimally, as a group. The permanency of such physical alteration of the park affects those who wish to enjoy the park in a more natural state during the other half of the year. There is less attractiveness to a forest trail used for walking, jogging, or enjoying nature when it is as wide as a road.

If BC PARKS has to concede to the wishes of a public inter-est group and they approve widening of trails in the park, the 8 meter widths should be limited to one or two of the existing ones already established. Any new trails should be restricted to three meters in width. This would meet demands from the ski club to have some wide trails, some new trails, while creating a network of new summer activity trails that are much more conservative in design. This would accommodate activities of all interested groups for all seasons in a compromising manner.

There needs to be more public input before this proposal is fi nalized.

Terry Francis Fort St. John

WIDE AS A HIGHWAY

Time to reevaluate? While learning all about the wonderful world of journal-

ism during my university days, my studies also included many general courses labeled ‘contemporary studies.’ These courses included anything from statistics to philosophy, global studies, environmental studies and anthropology. While some were very interesting to me, I’ll admit I’ve forgotten most of what I learned.

There is one concept I’d like to share, however, that for one reason or another has made an impression on me. Forgive that I haven’t been able to dig up my old textbooks for names, dates and titles, but the essence is that there is a tribe in or around Papua New Guinea; they are hunter/gatherers and their average work week is 20 hours.

I just found it ironic that a tribe seen to some as ‘uncivilized’ far exceeds Western standards when it comes to family values. The Western culture puts family on a pedestal. People work hard to support their families, parents want to be able to give their children higher education and anything else they need—or want. When it actually comes to spending time with their families though, this tribe has most ‘average’ Western families beat.

Many parents in Western families, as I’m sure you’re aware, need to work a 40-hour work week or more to be able to take care of their families. This is double the amount this tribe spends working; so, in the end these tribe members are spending 20 hours more with their families a week. Think about what you could do with 20 hours!

I’m not complaining about our comfortable lifestyle, I just found this tidbit of information interesting and that maybe we need to reevaluate.-Jill

Northeast NEWS March 7, 2013 Page 7

© 2

013

KP

MG

LLP

, a C

anad

ian

limite

d lia

bilit

y pa

rtne

rshi

p an

d a

mem

ber

firm

of

the

KP

MG

net

wor

k of

inde

pend

ent

mem

ber

firm

s af

filia

ted

with

KP

MG

Inte

rnat

iona

l Coo

pera

tive

(“K

PM

G In

tern

atio

nal”

), a

Swis

s en

tity.

All

right

s re

serv

ed. 1

621

US Income Tax Issues Affecting CanadiansPRIVATE COMPANY SEMINAR SERIES

kpmg.ca/enterprise

KPMG EnterpriseTM

YOUR PRIVATE COMPANY ADVISER

KPMG Enterprise is a national network of professionals dedicated to helping

business owners and entrepreneurs build value in their business and grow thriving

enterprises in Canada. Period. It’s what we do.

Terence Wong, US Tax Partner, will present on key tax topics and methods that

can help you better plan and ultimately reduce corporate and personal taxation.

We are pleased to offer a seminar on US tax issues, covering the following topics:

Owning real property in the US

US citizen tax filing requirements

Issues related to doing business in the US

DATE Thursday, March 21, 2013

LOCATION Quality Inn Northern Grand 9830 - 100th Avenue | Fort St. John, BC

TIMES 7:00am - 7:15am Registration and breakfast

7:15am - 9:45am Presentation

RSVP Please contact Heather Morgan to register 1-800-665-5595 | hamorgan@kpmg.ca

Space is limited. Please register by Monday, March 18, 2013, to reserve your seat.

until April 30th

Guitars “n” StuffGuitars “n” Stuff

250-782-3677 • Toll FREE 1-877-999-7899

1316 Alaska Ave, Dawson Creek

ClearanceStore Wide Clutter

801-118 AVEDAWSON CREEK

1.800.663.3895WWW.PEACECOUNTRYTOYOTA.CA

Cell: 250.719.1747don@peacecountrytoyota.ca

DL#14084

with Off-Road Package20,500 Kms

Acclaimed Off-Road VehicleCommand Starter Included

$29,995*

*plus fee’s and applicable tax OAC

2009 FJ CRUISERRugged with Reliability

Don Ardelian

Dear Editor, RE: the regional district forcing their ideologies on us with all their rules and bylaws is a joke,

now farmers must get building permits, even to build decks, retainer walls and sheds. In my opin-ion these Regional board reps have got a thirst on for power. They are even putting in bylaws re messy yards, unsightly weeds in one’s vegetable garden their stupidity marches on.

Even the S.P.C.A. are bringing in bylaws of their own. They insist that horses grazing out in fi elds during the winter months must have fresh unfrozen water taken to them every day and that they must have access to a shed with four walls and a roof in good repair, again, statements made by the uninformed. If they see horses out in a fi eld in winter with no feed in front of them they as-sume that they are starving. My horses graze out most of the winter, there is a shed in the fi eld yet they never go in it. There is a unfrozen water trough that they have access to yet they never come for a drink. These horses have no feed in front of them but unknown to the uninformed these horses are walking on tons of nutritious feed covered by snow while foraging so require no water, when I check on my horses they are obese with thick hair for protection from the cold. All I can say is that you bureaucrats stay out of our business. Why do you think we choose to live in the country? It was to get away from the cities with all their bylaws and regulations. We want to get away from sirens, red and blue lights fl ashing and all the other regulations and restriction that you bureaucrats can think up. I’ll tell you one thing and that is I won’t be getting any building permits. Just stay out of our world you parasites that feed at our expense.

Sincerely, Gordon MeekFort St. John

Not a fan of Regional District permits

Letters to the Editor

I wish to add and in re-sponse of Rick Koechl’s let-ter to the Editor dated 22nd February 2013 in the Alaska Highway News. It is very false, perhaps even a fallacy that the propose Site C dam would be maintenance free. The word “silt”, particles of rock and soil, are wearing on the turbine propellers of the W.A.C Bennett Dam and have been for well over 20 years with considerable main-tenance including continual welding of the propellers, let alone mechanical breakdowns and replacements.

Twenty years ago I know for a fact three of the ten tur-bines were continually out of service for repair, which is the equivalent to approximately three-quarter of the proposed capacity of the Site C Dam. This silt suspended in the wa-ter will eventually in less than twenty years and compounded by any soil and claye from the guaranteed embankment sloughs in the proposed new lake area of Site cause con-siderable wear on these new turbine propellers. These comments by BC Hydro of no maintenance are so false to people who are unknowing of the wear caused by silt.

If you ask any farmer if soil and silt are abrasive the an-swer would be “yes”.

The nature of our soils here in north-east are as wearing as sandy soils elsewhere. I know

from my own farm and the custom farming f I have for near fi fty years. Soil wears out ploughs, cultivators, disc harrows all earth operated implements and is extremely hard on combine harvester when harvesting in diffi cult harvesting conditions. Even grain can wear out a combine harvester. Soil and silt can be a hundred times more abra-sive.

Even the nature of clean water alone fl owing very fast will wear metal. If waters of a river are cloudy, as the Peace River nearly always is, with snow melt or heavy rains - that is silt suspended in the waters.

There is NO PRACTICAl TALK on this subject and the impacts which BC Hydro and our government must know of

but fail to bring to public no-tice or scrutiny. I hope.

I also wish to comment that BC Hydro already $18 million in debt are proposing with this dam to add to its debt a further $8 billion to build this pro-posed dam. This represents a personal debt of $6,000 for every man, woman and child who are citizens of British Co-lumbia.

Nick ParsonsFarmington

Nick Parsons, Farmington Area Farmer near Dawson Creek PVEA Director and strong advo-cate for preservation of the Peace Valley for future food production. I hope this hits home with some-one who has more clout than my-self and can be investigated. We need to be properly informed and told truths, but we are not.

‘NO PRACTICAL TALK’ ON SITE C

Dear Editor, Here is another very, very

dissatisfi ed water customer. Since I refuse to drink poi-

son fl uoride water, I called before I dug my well in 1995 the city of FSJ and the gov-ernment in Victoria. None of them had any objection to dig at a cost of $10,000 my own well to protect the health of my entire body and my hip-& knee from early replacement. Our body absorbs more chem-ical additives through our body when we shower or take a bath than in what we drink. When my household water is fl ashed out and arrives in riv-ers and lakes, it will not harm the spawning grounds of fi sh-es. What makes me seeing red as a bull, seeing a red fl ag is this: the city over spent $1.5 million in 2011 and $1.6 mil-lion despite doubling the cost of residential water. Does the high cost of water help to pay for the many fl ower baskets we have in the summer on the streets and the Christmas lights which none of them can watch and enjoy due to poor roads and icy streets unless we fall down and wait for the ambulance to pick us up. An-other reason for the doubling of the water bill might be that the city has in an accelerating pace to replace water pipes in the ground at a very high cost by ripping of the pavement at the same time, all due to the fl uoride in our water system.

My monthly water bill from the city is $100, applied for the only reason that I have a water meter. The fact of the matter is that no water whatsoever

is fl owing through the city’s water meter since I use my own fl uoride free water only. I have friends which are being charged only $40 per month for water. Why do I have to pay $100 every month when I don’t even use their water? Do I really have to waste my time and the city’s water to run it down the sewer line to save $60 a month? It seems that despite the cities environ-mental concerns, they are not interested to save water. Oth-erwise they would be happy if I use my own water. This leaves me to the conclusion that they are foremost inter-ested to get money from me as to save water with the installa-tion of the water meter. On top of this, the city told me that I have to have a backup valve so my contamination free water would not go into their fl uoride contaminated water. Since fl uoride has not lowered my IQ, I still have the will and

guts to fi ght back. After call-ing to the city administration on this issue, I was told that I use the city’s sewer more than others.

I have a gentleman care-taker in the house, one woman and a visitor from Fort Nel-son for 2 to 3 days a month. I am 85 years old and I am on oxygen. Smoking in my house is strictly forbidden. That’s why I let them smoke in a little warm building in the backyard to prevent them from getting sick by smoking outside. Combined, this is not more than an average family but smaller than most of them. It sure will be interesting to see with which arguments the city is coming up next on this issue?

I am looking forward to hear from other dissatisfi ed users of out cities water!

Dorothy FolkFort St. John

Dissatisfi ed water customer

Northeast NEWSPage 8 March 7, 2013

10 yearclosed

Lending Institutions Current Mortgage Rates

Note: Rates are provided for information purposes. Rates should be verified by Financial Institutions.

Institute6 mthopen

6 mthclosed

1 yearopen

1 yearclosed

2 yearclosed

3 yearclosed

4 yearclosed

5 yearclosed

7 yearclosed

TD Canada Trust

Invis

Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce

Royal Bank

Centum

Bank of Montreal

Scotiabank

North Peace Savings & Credit Union

n/a 4.60 6.55 2.75 4.20 4.75 4.24 4.59 6.60 6.70

n/a 3.35 n/a 2.39 2.49 2.69 2.99 3.09 3.79 3.89

4.00 4.45 4.00 3.00 3.14 3.65 4.39 5.24 5.95 6.75

6.30 4.00 6.30 3.00 3.04 3.65 4.64 5.24 5.95 6.75

n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 3.09 n/a 3.29 3.89 4.39

6.45 4.55 6.30 3.50 3.85 4.35 4.79 5.19 6.35 6.75

6.45 4.55 6.50 3.75 3.89 3.99 4.39 4.99 5.99 n/a

n/a n/a 4.50 2.95 3.25 3.50 3.50 3.75 4.75 5.00

www.spca.bc.ca

We Can’t Do itAlone

The BC SPCA cares forthousands of orphaned,abandoned and abused

animals each year.

Volunteers are urgentlyneeded to care for animals

and assist with SPCAevents. If you can help,please contact your local

shelter today.

Terri PaulovichRemax Action Realty

250-785-5520 Offi ceterrip@remaxaction.ca

250-261-1644 Direct

Each offi ce independently owned and operated

Large 2906 sq ft home with a huge fenced yard, 3 bdrms, 1.5 baths, updated kitchen, open concept, main fl oor laundry, & wood fi replace. Located in the Ambrose area walking distance to 3 schools.

NEW LISTING9312-112 Ave.,Fort St. John, BC

$284,900

This acreage is ready for a new family! Located approx 20 minutes from FSJ, 5.79

acres, beautiful mature treas, large yard, lots of space for RV & toys, has a 30x40 shop, shed, & pond. 2006 modular, 3 bedrooms, ensuite & huge walk-in closet off master, open kitchen with an island, wood stove in the living room to help warm you up on those cold winter nights, beautiful deck off the kitchen. This home won’t last long, call today for your private viewing!

www.terrip.ca

11488 Red Creek Rd$420,000

SOLDSOLD

A&DOFFICE SERVICES LTD.

250.782.1502 • Fax 250.782.1505michetti@shaw.ca

1-10200-8th St., Dawson Creek, BC

Taking New Clients!

• TYPING • BOOKKEEPING • INCOME TAXES AND MORE!

Jeff SheaDivision Director

202 - 1200 103 Ave, Dawson Creek, BC Ph: (250) 782 4312 or (250) 785 4312

Email: Jeff.Shea@investorsgroup.comRRSPS • INVESTMENTS • INSURANCE

• RESPS • MORTGAGES

TM Trademark owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Mortgage products are offered through I.G. Investment Management Ltd., Investors Group Trust Co. Ltd. is a trust company licensed to lend money in all jurisdictions in Canada. Clients with mortgage inquiries will be referred to an Investors Group Mortgage Planning Special-ist. Insurance products and services distributed through I.G. Insurance Services Inc. Insurance license sponsored by The Great-West Life Assurance Company.

Jeff SheaDivision Director

By Investors GroupSubmitted article

If you already have an incorporated business or you’re about to start one, you can choose how you wish to be compensated – by way of a salary (including bonuses) or through dividends from shares you own in your company. The choice is up to you – but there are a number of factors that you should know about

so you can make the most informed choice.

SALARY • A salary is a deduction to your company but it will also at-

tract both employer and employee Canada Pension Plan (CPP) premiums and, in some provinces, payroll taxes.

• A salary generates Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contribution room, CPP benefi ts and is necessary if you wish to establish an Individual Pension Plan (IPP).

DIVIDENDS • Dividends are paid out of after-tax corporate profi ts. Cor-

porate income in excess of the small business deduction (SBD) limit ($500,000 federally and in most provinces) is subject to higher corporate tax rates. Dividends paid out of dollars above the SBD are eligible for a more advantageous personal tax rate. Dividends paid with dollars taxed at the lower SBD rate are non-eligible, resulting in a lower Dividend Tax Credit for the share-holder and, consequently, attracting more personal tax than an ‘eligible’ dividend.

A MIX OF SALARY AND DIVIDENDS

• In the past, tax professionals advised business owners to pay themselves at least enough salary to reduce corporate profi ts be-low the SBD limit. But corporate taxes have now been lowered to a point where more tax can be deferred by leaving income in the corporation – so it can make sense to retain high tax rate income inside the corporation for investment. To the extent that you require cash on a regular basis, salary is still the preferred compensation choice until corporate income is reduced to the SBD limit.

A PURE DIVIDEND STRATEGY

• Taking compensation solely as dividends means that you will not be able to contribute to investments held in an RRSP, will lose access to CPP disability benefi ts and may not qualify for group disability plans. This strategy can, however, allow more income to be saved inside the corporation than could oth-erwise be contributed to investments held within a RRSP or to an IPP and could more than offset the reduction in future CPP retirement benefi ts – if you use the correct investment strategy.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS • Creditor protection – many provinces have rules prevent-

ing professional corporations from using holding companies or trusts as creditor proofi ng strategies so it may be prudent to hold a signifi cant portion of retirement assets in registered IPPs or Guaranteed Income Funds (GIFs).

March 11, 2013 2 Addressing compensation issues now will improve your on-

going fi nancial stability and retirement nest egg. Your profes-sional advisor can help make the best choices for you.

Pick your pay – salary or dividends

Northeast NEWS March 7, 2013 Page 9

Call for Pricing on Available Options

“Where Quality Matters” www.northernportables.ca

FREE DELIVERY WITHIN 300K OF CLEARDALE

COMMON SHED SIZES12’x28’x8’ = $4000 12’x24’x8’ = $3500 12’x16’x8’ = $2500 10’x24’x8’ = $3000 10’x16’x8’ = $2300

Garage Size:14’x32’x8’ = $700014’x28’x8’ = $650014’x24’x8’ = $6000

Wide Load Pilot Included

Custom Built Garages,Storage Sheds and Cabins

CONTACT Albert at 780-834-7055

Order Early! Will Deliver at

Your Convenience!

Price includes 8’ X 7’ Steel Door

10807 91 AveFort St. John250-785-3290

65 Vic Turner RoadDawson Creek250-782-6789

Serving the Peace - Chetwynd, Dawson Creek,Serving the Peace - Chetwynd, Dawson Creek,Fort St. John, Tumbler Ridge, and Surrounding AreasFort St. John, Tumbler Ridge, and Surrounding Areas

Toll Free 877-574-2855www.calgasinc.com

Lifting Eyes

FORKLIFT POCKETS

AT

Saurus Heater RentalsSaurus Heater RentalsEffi cient, Indirect Fired Effi cient, Indirect Fired

Construction Ducted HeaterConstruction Ducted Heater

Call Us for Details!Call Us for Details!www.saurus.cawww.saurus.ca

Propane Sales, Service, Equipment RentalsCommercial, Residential, Industrial, Oilfi eld

Come to us for reliable, safe, heating & air circulation for larger construction projects.

By Kyla CorpuzFORT ST. JOHN – A super hero visited students at Robert Ogilvie on Feb. 27. She didn’t fl y, or

shoot lasers out of her eyes. Rather the super hero, Bully Buster, was fully equipped with empow-ering students to speak up and take a stand against bullying.

“Bully Buster really puts a face to [anti-bullying] and gives [students] something to look at al-most in awe and look forward to,” said Ashley Prontack, the Grade 3 teacher behind the pink mask and cape. “It just gives them something to relate to and see this as the face [to] not bully anymore and I think it really gets them excited and gets them going.”

A sea of pink fi lled the gymnasium of Robert Ogilvie Elementary. Students, teachers and em-ployees from across the School District, city and country showed anti-bullying pride with pink shirts last Wednesday.

While sending messages of how to be inclusive, Prontack focused on a deeper issue.“Kids know not to hit and hurt others, but they don’t realize that the bystander effect has so

much infl uence on bullying as well,” she said. ”And I think it brings attention into the bigger pic-ture of bullying and it really makes them come together as a whole school and really look at what happening here.”

At the end of the assembly, the students pledged to a bully-free zone and burst out in a fl ash mob at the front of the gym. Prontack’s Grade 3 class sang a Robbie Dunn song, Bleed Red.

“I think [the students] know right from the get go what good is, what bad is and what they want to be treated like,” said Prontack.

Reinforcing those values is not only taught on Anti-Bullying Day but throughout the year, said principal Kathy Scheck.

“Part of our school improvement plan is to have students that are socially responsible.”That includes teaching students how to help others out of a negative situation or learning to do

the “right thing.” “We do a lot around bullying and friendship,” said Sheck. “And so we want to join with the rest

of Canada to stop bullying, but we want to make kids aware and give them strategies.”The school offers parents, teachers and students with resources to combat bullying and learn-

ing how to be a good friend. Teachers at Robert Ogilvie recognize students’ good behaviour with ‘Royal Tickets’ that makes a student eligible to win prizes during school assemblies.

Numerous schools within the district participated in Pink Shirt Day. The Anti-Bullying/Pink Shirt Day was proclaimed in B.C. in 2008 following a bullying incident

at a Nova Scotia high school.A boy was teased and threatened for wearing a pink shirt to school, and bystanders noticed what

was happening. The students who witnessed the bullying bought pink shirts and handed them out as a stand against bullying.

Kids say bye-bye to bullying

Kyla Corpuz photosKyla Corpuz photosElementary students at Robert Ogilvie stand up against bul-Elementary students at Robert Ogilvie stand up against bul-lying. Bully Buster, Grade 3 teacher Ashley Prontack and lying. Bully Buster, Grade 3 teacher Ashley Prontack and her sidekick, lead the school in a pledge against bullying on her sidekick, lead the school in a pledge against bullying on Feb. 27. Feb. 27.

Northeast NEWSPage 10 March 7, 2013

J-9803-93rd Ave.(Stonebridge Mall)

Fort St. John

1016-102nd Ave.(Near Mile 0 Post)Dawson Creek

www.veronicascloset.ca

• Party Gifts• Lingerie for Weddings & Fun Wear• Kama Sutra• Bath Products• Adult Gifts, Games & Books• Massage Oils

Fort St. John: (250) 787-9877Dawson Creek: (250) 719-0500

We ship discreetly for out of town customers

• Adult Novelties• XXX DVDs• Toys• Lotions & Lubes• Tanning• Tanning Products• Beachwear

Thank you to our current and new customers

Free Tanning March 15 & 16 only

2 FOR 1DVDs

Veronica’s Closet Ltd.Veronica’s Closet Ltd.

Anniversary Sale“Your All Grown-Up Store”“Your All Grown-Up Store”

25%

StorewideOFF

March March 15 & 1615 & 16

WWWWWW

Giveaways&

Goodie Bags

*Price plus tax. Credit on approval discounts & rebates have been paid to price shown. DL#5247

250-785-6661 • 1-800-282-8330 • www.fortmotors.ca • 11104 Alaska Road, Fort St. John

OUR 2013 STOCK HAS ARRIVED

Why go outta town? Prices so

hot, you need not!

We won’t be undersold!!

2013 Rockwood Roo 19L2013 Rockwood Roo 19L

2012 Rockwood Ultralite 2907SS2012 Rockwood Ultralite 2907SS

2013 Rockwood Mini Lite 2306 2013 Rockwood Mini Lite 2306

2006 Citation Supreme 30RLS 2006 Citation Supreme 30RLS BLOWOUT PRICES ON PRE-OWNED

Heated Tanks, Off Road Pkg, Power Awning, Heated Mattress!

Our Price: $$25,99525,995MSRP: $28,534

MUST GO: $$28,99028,990MSRP: $34,878

Our Price: $$19,99519,995MSRP: $24,373

MUST GO: $$29,99029,990WAS: $32,495

Stk #RV3954

Stk #RV9300

Stk #RV3358

Stk #UV9877

Quad Bunks, Outside Grill & Kitchen, Heated Tanks,U-dinette, Walk Around Bed

23ft, Bunks, Heated Tanks, Outside Grill!

30ft, Arctic Pkg, Fridge, Stove, Microwave,Furnace, Great Buy!

ONLY1 LEFT!

BRANDNEW!

By Jill Earl DAWSON CREEK - On Feb. 26 members of the 4-H Heads

& Tails club gathered for their annual Communication Day. Fourteen senior, junior, and “Cloverbuds” member submitted educational displays on a wide range of topics including: the benefi ts of goats milk, horse grooming, barn safety, shadows,

caring for miniature donkeys and trapping. The top four winners in each category (senior display, junior display, and junior pub-lic speaking) will go on to compete in the district’s Communica-tion Day against other 4-H clubs in the South Peace.

The top two winners from the district will compete in region-al’s against the North Peace, the top two senior winners in each category will compete in provincials.

4-H Heads & Tails Communication Day

Jill Earl photoJunior member, Julia Evans, presents a speech on her Olympic hero Joannie Rochette.

Jill Earl photoJudges evaluate one of the 14 educational displays submitted by members.

THE RESULTS

Junior Public Speaking1st - Tyler Bondaroff 2nd - Sierra Evans 3rd - Julia EvansSenior Education Display1st - Dakota Inkster 2nd - Julia Jordanov Junior Education Display1st - Macee Bedell 2nd - Asia Bedell 3rd - Denver Inkster

By Kyla Corpuz FORT ST. JOHN – Flashing

Beastie Boys and Red Hot Chili Peppers band T-shirts while inspired by the sounds of Led Zeppelin and Guns and Roses is a fi ve-piece band emerging from the local rock scene.

“We’re bringing something new,” said lead singer of Ali-ster Stone, Connor Brooks. “A lot of things we do are very dif-ferent. It’s something that Fort St. John hasn’t seen before and we’re just trying to bring new stuff to a small town who really need some great rock music—who just want to rock out.”

Alister Stone is made up of young musicians from ages 17 to 20. Along with lead singer and guitarist Brooks is co-founder of the band Tristen German, who plays guitar and sings as well as Braedan Royer, bassist Garret Sood and drum-mer Greg Paige.

They describe their sound as “organic,” a mix of classic rock and a new age sound.

“I would like to say [our sound] is a mix of Led Zeppelin and Guns and Roses. It’s mod-ern classic rock with some fun

twists to it—it’s fun music. It’s inspired by a lot of the greatest bands of all time,” said Royer, who also goes by the name Rozzi.

While they are still working on putting down original tracks, they tend to gravitate to performing songs by their favourite bands.

“We love playing covers a lot, people love hearing what they know, you know?,” said German. When it does come down to creating their own music the band said it’s collaboration between

every member, and their songs exude each of their musical characteristics. “We have a new song called Turn Aloud. It’s completely different; you can hear each of our

personalities,” said Brooks. Alister Stone currently has four solid tracks inspired by Led Zepplin, Rage Against the Machine

and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.The band is currently focusing on playing live shows and rocking out with fans or music lovers

in general. “When you get the people out of pop clubs they really know how to rock out,” said Royer. “The

energy in the crowd levels are just fantastic, it’s been a really cool experience so far.”Last week Alister Stone opened for a local band, Big Night Out and on Mar. 7 they will open for

a Hamilton-based band, 40 Sons.They are hoping to become more familiar with stages across the Peace, but as for a debut record,

it’s a work in progress that the band doesn’t want to rush.“We’re working on writing songs for the album, we’re just writing as many song as we can,

it’s hard because we’re dong so many gigs,” said Royer. “An album would be great, hopefully, to make an album it would have to be well produced … We don’t want to force it just to have some-thing out there for people. We want it to be what it is and be a true representation of what we have.”

The boys of Alister Stone are dedicated to their passion. “When you watch us you can really tell that we care about what we do,” said Royer. “We’d all

rather be poor playing music than rich at a desk. Our big thing is energy performing live—we’re young, we have all that.”

Northeast NEWS March 7, 2013 Page 11

© 2013 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Products in the United States (U.S.) are distributed by BRP US Inc. ºThis offer is valid at participating Ski-Doo® dealers on the purchase of ALL-NEW 2014 Ski-Doo snowmobile ordered during the Spring Fever promotion between February 27, 2013 and April 16, 2013. Units used for racing are excluded from this offer. ^Get the best offer of the year: BRP guarantees that our spring promotional offer will be the Best of 2013 on 2014 models. If BRP does a more generous offer later in the year, they will give spring buyers twice the difference in credit (this credit can only be used towards the purchase of any new and unused BRP vehicle prior to December 31, 2016). †4-year Bumper-to-Bumper warranty: Consumers purchasing a 2014 Summit or Freeride model are entitled to receive 4-year BRP limited warranty. Subject to the exclusions, limitations of liabilities and all other terms and conditions of BRP’s standard limited warranty contract, including without limitation the exclusions of damages caused by abuse, abnormal use or neglect. Promotions are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. See your participating Ski-Doo dealer for all details. Offer may not be assigned, traded, sold or combined with any other offer unless expressly stated herein. Offer void where restricted or otherwise prohibited by law.

1107741

SUMMIT® X® SUMMIT X FREERIDE™

U N T I L A P R I L 1 6 , 2 0 1 3F E V E RF E V E R

®

Go to Ski-Doo.com or visit your local dealer for details.

4-YEAR BUMPER-TO-BUMPER WARRANTY†

H U R R Y ! O F F E R E N D S A P R I L 1 6 , 2 0 1 3.º

OTHER OPTIONS ALSO AVAILABLE.

ON SUMMIT AND FREERIDE MODELS.

THE BEST OFFERYOU’LL SEE ALL YEAR

GUARANTEED^.

10516 Alaska Road, Fort St. John, BCPhone: 250-785-6675

801 102 Ave, Dawson Creek, BCPhone: 250-782-6685

Submitted photoAlister Stone is a Fort St. John rock group emerging in the local music scene.

Introducing: Alister StoneA Fort St. John rock group ready to burst open fi ngers, break strings and dive into crowds

Fort St. John Prince George

Williams Lake

Northeast NEWSPage 12 March 7, 2013

YOU ARE HERE.AND SO ARE WE.

We know that there’s a lot to do and see online and with Xplornet’s new 4G network you can now surf, chat, and stream video faster than ever before. Looking for high-speed Internet that is truly high-speed?

XPLORNET’S NEW 4G HIGH-SPEED INTERNETIS NOW AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA!

BC

4G

Sat a

dmat

01/

2013

Rick Noble Installations250.219.3495

Andrew’s Computer Solutions1.866.313.5711

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN GET XPLORNET TODAY.

HIGH-SPEED INTERNETFOR ALL OF CANADA

1If installation requirements go beyond the scope of a basic installation, additional fees may apply. 2Limited time offer and subject to change without notice, where 4G Satellite service is available; cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise specifi ed. Actual speed online may vary with your technical confi guration, Internet traffi c, server and other factors. Traffi c management applies to all packages. For details visit Xplornet.com. Monthly Service Fee includes $15/month rental cost of equipment. Taxes will apply. Xplornet® is a trade-mark of Xplornet Communications Inc. ©Xplornet Communications Inc., 2013.

1FREEBASIC INSTALLATIONAND NO EQUIPMENT

TO BUY!One-time Activation fee applies.

Packages starting from

$54.99/month2

NO PROBLEM!

By Kyla CorpuzFORT ST. JOHN – Recruiting health professionals to the north has been an ongoing effort for

Northern Health and the province. But it’s a task that has seen steady results in the last year with the help of the Northern Medical

Program, reports Northern Health. “Northern Health has successfully recruited nearly a dozen Northern Medical Program (NMP)

graduates to include in a total of 55 physicians recruited since January 1, 2012 from around the province, country and world,” reads a press release.

Northern Health believes graduates from the NMP who have not yet found stable positions will likely settle in the north.

“Although the Northern Medical Program has been admitting students since 2004, we are only now beginning to see graduates settle in the region and begin to practice,” said Dr. Charles Jago, Northern Health Board Chair in a press release. “As physicians complete their residencies and specialties, and as they take the time to determine where they want to practice permanently, we will begin to see more and more settle in northern B.C.”

Making the north an attractive place to work and thrive is part of Northern Health’s recruiting strategies.

“Between the NMP and small community practice, physicians get to experience a very broad range of medicine,” said Cathy Ulrich, CEO of Northern Health. “We have attracted physicians with these opportunities to get involved, and to teach and learn.”

One of the more recent programs implemented at the Fort St. John hospital was a simulation room. It was part of the education and training initiatives to provide state-of-the-art technology to medical students across the province.

In addition to Northern Health’s recruitment for medical professionals, the province reeled in 39 physicians to the northern health authority through the Ministry of Health’s BC Health Match in 2012.

However, the endeavor to keep B.C. supplied with physicians and medical professionals is still proving to be a struggle in the north.

Hudson’s Hope has been vying for a full-time, resident doctor for a “number of years,” said Mayor Gwen Johansson.

“It’s very diffi cult to fi nd doctors to come out to small town and rural areas because they don’t have the back up they have in a larger centre,” explained Johansson.

The lack of permanent doc-tors also causes friction in making the community appeal-ing to potential workers and residents.

“Not having a resident doc-tor creates a struggle to attract and retain in other fi elds be-cause they like to know there is medical care in the com-munity—so that’s a real issue in trying to attract families to come here,” said Johansson.

However, as of recently, the district may be on the verge of securing a full-time physician. “We may have one [physi-cian] we’re hoping, if that does work out for us we would be extremely happy, obviously.”

In the mean time, Johansson said a reel of doctors have been servicing the area.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have Dr. Mike Wright from Fort St. John to pull together a group of doctors to rotate through. We appreciate that very much.”

Johansson added, though, that not having a resident doc-tor takes away from allowing patients to establish a relation-ship with their doctor.

“[It’s] much preferable to

have a resident doctor because there is continuity of care so a patient has one doctor to go back to,” she said.

As of last October, over 40 vacancies were still needed to be fi lled to meet the north’s medical services mandate.

In 2012 the northern region had the third highest number of recruits. Interior Health had 75 and Fraser Health recieved 70.

The professions ranged from psychiatrists, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, pathologists, spe-cialists practicing radiology, internal medicine, emergency medicine, hospitalist, gastroenterology and cardiology.

Altogether, BC Health Match recruited 268 physicians to B.C. Forty-one per cent of the total recruits were either Canadian-trained or already practicing in Canada before relocating to B.C. Fifty-nine per cent were international recruits from U.K./Ireland, South Africa, USA and other countries.

Recruiting Recruiting physicians up northphysicians up northAre there positive results for the ongoing project to Are there positive results for the ongoing project to keep northern communities supplied with health workers?keep northern communities supplied with health workers?

File photo

Northeast NEWS March 7, 2013 Page 13 w

ww

.fort

mot

ors.

ca

w

ww

.fort

mot

ors.

ca

w

ww

.fort

mot

ors.

ca

w

ww

.fort

mot

ors.

ca

w

ww

.fort

mot

ors.

ca

w

ww

.fort

mot

ors.

ca

w

ww

.fort

mot

ors.

ca

w

ww

.fort

mot

ors.

ca

w

ww

.fort

mot

ors.

ca

www.fortmotors.ca www.fortmotors.ca www.fortmotors.ca www.fortmotors.ca www.fortmotors.ca www.fortmotors.ca www.fortmotors.ca

ww

w.fortm

otors.ca ww

w.fortm

otors.ca ww

w.fortm

otors.ca ww

w.fortm

otors.ca ww

w.fortm

otors.ca ww

w.fortm

otors.ca ww

w.fortm

otors.ca ww

w.fortm

otors.ca ww

w.fortm

otors.ca

*Price plus tax. Credit on approval discounts & rebates have been paid to price shown. DL#5247

250-785-6661 • 1-800-282-8330 • www.fortmotors.ca • 11104 Alaska Road, Fort St. John

ww

w.fortm

otors.ca ww

BUD WILLIAMSONPARTNER

SUZETTE KENNEDYASSISTANT STORE MANAGER

JUSTIN BUTTS KARL WEISS NATHAN GIEBELHAUS RICHIE COURRIER PAUL FARROWCOREY NICOLLSGENERAL SALES MANAGER

NOW $NOW $4949,995995 NOW $NOW $58,99558,995

NOW $34,995

2012 FORD EXPEDITION LIMITED 2012 FORD F-150 SVT RAPTOR

2008 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR

NOW $NOW $21,995

2010 FORD F-150 XLT

STK# J08795

STK# KR0139ZSTK# JR0726

STK#J59160

NOWNOW $20,995 $20,995

2012 FORD FOCUS SEL

STK# JR0400

NOW $NOW $3232,995995

2011 FORD FLEX LIMITED

STK# JR0463

NOW $NOW $7,995STK# K42614NOW $NOW $24,995

2011 GMC SIERRA

NOW $23,995

2009 DODGE 2500 HD SLT

STK# K46107

STK#J30963NOW $NOW $27,995

2010 FORD F-250 XLT

STK# J22599

NOW $NOW $44,99544,995

2012 FORD F-350 XLT

STK# J33995

NOW $16,995

2008 FORD ESCAPE XLT

STK# JR3681

NOW $NOW $25,995

2012 FORD ESCAPE XLT

STK# KR1335

NOW $NOW $31,995

2011 FORD F-350 XLT 4X4

STK# JR4469

4X4, CD, TILT, CRUISE, LEATHER4

WAS $35,995

NOWNOW $21,995$21,995

WAS $23,495 WAS $34,995

#K28011

PARTS & SERVICE New Hours

7:30 am - 6:00 pmMonday to Saturday

Check out ourRV ad on Page 10

of this edition!

STK# JR7829

NOW $3333,995995

2010 FORD F-150 KING RANCH

NOW $NOW $47,995995

2012 FORD EXPEDITION MAX LIMITED

NOW $NOW $14,995

2010 FORD FOCUS SE

STK# J02796

NOW $12,995

2009 CHEV COBALT LS

STK# J37187

STK# J00209

LEATHER, MOONROOF, NAV

LEATHER, MOONROOF, NAV, PW, PL

AC, RA, PW, PS, PM, PL, HEATED SEEATS, LEATHER

4X4, A/C, PW, PL, CRUISE, SYNC

LEATHER, MOONROOF, SYNC HANDSFREE!

LEATHER, NAV, SYNC

MOONROOF, A/C, CRUISE, CD

4X4, V8 HEMI, QUAD CAB, LOADED

4X4, SUPER CREW, DIESEL, A/C, CRUISE, TILT

A/C, DIESEL,LONG BOX

CD, PW, PL

LEATHER, MOONROOF, SYNC HANDSFREE, HTD PWR SEAT

AC, PW, PM, PL, CD, TILT, CRUISE

LEATHER, MOONROOF, NAV, A/C

A/C, PW, PL, SYNC, STEEL WHEELS, CD

RADIO/CD, TILT

LEATHER, NAV, SYNC, MOONROOF, BOX LINER, TOW PKG

2009 JEEP WRANGLER X SPORT

FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

WAS $17,995

2005 HONDA CIVIC

NOW $NOW $14,995

2009 PONTIAC G5 GT

STK# J12029

LEATHER, MOONROOF,CD, HEATED SEATS

Only 35,000 kms

Northeast NEWSPage 14 March 7, 2013

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TITLE SPONSOR

V I T A L I T YP L A S T I C S U R G E R Y

L A S E R & S K I N C A R E

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PARTNERS OF THE 2013 WOMEN OF THE NORTH CONFERENCE AND AWARDS GALA

Tuesday, April 16th, 2013 | Prince George Civic CentreConference & Workshops 8:00am–4:00pm | Trade Show Exhibit 8:00am– 4:00pm | Awards Gala 6:00pm–10:00pm

3B: Penny Sakamoto/Joyce Carslon, Victoria, B.C. - “Modern Mavens”

3A: Panel: Integris Credit Union Alison Hoskins, Brenda Astorino, Lory Derksen, Alexis Jefferies

2: Colleen Nyce, Rio Tinto Alcan - “Positive Networking”

4A: Janet Holder, Enbridge - “Leadership”

1A: MaryAnne Arcand, CILA - “Telling Your Own Story”

1B: Debra Moffatt, Investors Group - “Women & Money”

Workshops:

4B: Dr. Victoria Abboud, CNC - “Strainers and Starbursts: Opportunity, Gender and Educational Excellence in the North”

Keynote speakers:

Diane Buckner Host of CBC’s Dragons’ Den

Mayor Lori Ackerman Fort St. John

Shirley Bond, MLA Prince George – Valemount Justice Minister and Attorney General

Mayor Shari Green Prince George

Opening Ceremonies:

Lunch Tickets ($50) and Gala Tickets ($55) available online at www.pgchamber.bc.ca/events

NOMINATION DEADLINE: MARCH 28, 2013 AT 5:00pm

Make your Awards Gala nominations today at www.surveymonkey.com/s/36WZ8DQ

Award categories:Rising Star Sponsored by: CNC

Community Enrichment Award Sponsored by: Prince George Chamber of Commerce

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

Business Women of the Year Award Sponsored by: Investors Group

Professional Woman of Distinction Award Sponsored by: Business Development Bank of Canada

Aboriginal Women of Distinction Award Sponsored by: Aboriginal Business Development Centre

Home Based Business Women of the Year Award

REGISTRATION FEE $300Cost Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Workshops & Awards Gala *Registration closes April 5th, 2013

Registration is NOW available online at www.pgchamber.bc.ca/events OR Shirly Prokopchuk at spnorthernevents@gmail.com | 250.552.3817

Northeast NEWS March 7, 2013 Page 15

Toll Free: 1.800.811.1555 • 250.785.800511204 Alaska Road, Fort St. John DL#10839

2012 CHEV 3500INCLUDES FREE GFX ULTIMATE PACKAGE

Stk# 13352 MSRP $75, 535

$62,790$62,790

2012 CHEV SONICONLY $78 BI-WEEKLY, 50 MPGStk#13089 MSRP $17, 090

$12,500$12,5002012 CHEV SONIC

ONLY $95 BI-WEEKLY, 51MPGStk# 13031 MSRP $19,980

$15,200$15,200

Dwayn NeitzDwayn NeitzSalesSales

Dan BueckertDan BueckertSalesSales

Dan KappDan KappSalesSales

Krysten MackenzieKrysten MackenzieSalesSales

Clark LangClark LangGeneral General ManagerManager

Neale SkaugeNeale SkaugeSales ManagerSales Manager

Kyle BeckKyle BeckSales ManagerSales Manager

Mark HeryMark HerySalesSales

VEHICLE CLEAR OUTVEHICLE CLEAR OUTUsed vehicles

2005 Nissan Titan 4x4 ...... $11,9952006 GMC 1500 4x4 .......... $13,9952007 GMC Canyon 4x4 ...... $12,9952008 Pontiac Montana ...... $10,9952008 GMC Acadia AWD ..... $24,9952009 Dodge 1500 4x4 ....... $25,9952011 Chev 1500 4x4.......... $19,9002011 GMC 1500 4x4 .......... $21,9952011 GMC Terrain AWD ..... $26,9002012 Chev 1500 4x4.......... $36,9002012 Chevrolet Impala ...... $19,9952012 GMC Yukon XL .......... $46,500

2012 CHEV 1500Stk# 13126 MSRP $29,160

$18,900$18,900

SAVE$10, 260

2012 CHEV 2500Stk# 12512 MSRP $51,512

$37,882$37,8822012 CHEV 2500

Stk# 13065 MSRP $66,995

$51,930$51,930

SAVE$13,630

SAVE$15,065

2012 BUICK LACROSSESHOWROOM QUALITY, 52 MPGStk# 13137 MSRP $38, 025

$28,679 $28,679

SAVE$9,346

SAVE$12, 745

DIESEL

By Jill Earl DAWSON CREEK - A new meat inspection system for

provincial slaughterhouses will slowly be introduced over the course of the year to be fully implemented by Jan. 1, 2014.

The new system, known as the B.C. meat inspection system, will replace the current arrangement the province has with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency that has been in place since 1988. The agency is responsible for inspecting all animals be-fore and after slaughter to ensure the safety of meat products.

“The safety of meat and food products is top-of-mind for all of us, and this updated provincial meat inspection system will help to maintain and enhance the safety of British Columbia’s local meat supply,” said provincial health offi cer Dr. Perry Kendall in the press release.

Holders of Class A (slaughter and processing) and Class B (slaughter only) licenses will be required to follow new guide-lines, which include: the development of an audit program for all Class A and B abattoirs (slaughterhouse operators), and train-ing inspectors to provincial standards with regards to humane livestock handling and slaughter. The province established new guidelines for the system through consultations with ranchers, abattoirs and local governments.

Abattoirs will also be instructed to develop food safety proce-dures for maintaining meat safety, facility hygiene and animal health.

The new system will also continue a few policies already in place, such as: the inspection of each animal before and after slaughter by a trained government inspector, a graduated en-forcement approach and the use of a government stamp on in-spected and approved products.

The Peace View Hutterite Colony in Farmington has owned Peace Country Poultry since 2006; they hold a Class A license and slaughter approximately 800 to 1,000 chickens every Mon-day. Joel Tschetter manages the operation and says that the new system will have little effect on how their business is run.

“We’re into that already, we’re into the food safe thing…It

really won’t change, it’s just we’ll probably get to have different people coming out and inspecting,” Tschetter said.

As required, Peace Country Poultry’s bags of chickens are given the stamp of approval before the product is sold to local retail stores and dedicated customers. Tschetter says that hav-ing their product stamped with their registration number, BC18, makes some customers feel more secure about their purchase.

“I think that the people are more comfortable and secure when they see that the government is involved, and I think it’s better. We can see in the marketing end that some people feel more secure when they see it’s government approved,” he said.

“Not all people you know, because we get a lot of repeat cus-tomers, they know we have a good product and they buy any-ways, but there are still some people that like to see the govern-ment approval on it,” Tschetter adds.

He highlights freshness as the main benefi t to buying local meat.

“What it is about our chickens is that they’re fresh, the other meats brought in, it takes a long time to freight it in, and it can’t

compare to our meat as fresh,” said Tschetter. The Ministry of Agriculture has budgeted $6.7 million this

year to implement the new system and will budget $5.6 million annually for ongoing operating costs in subsequent years. The ministry is also in discussions with the retail sector about ex-panding the domestic market for meat and developing a “Certi-fi ed B.C. Beef” brand.

B.C. inspection system means meat security for province

* Maintain or enhance meat safety. * Maintain or enhance animal health and welfare. * Maintain or improve public confi dence in the safety of B.C. meat products. * Support the fi nancial viability of abattoir operators. * Support the fi -nancial viability of small-scale producers, family farms and ranches. * Increase the market for B.C. meat. * Deliver a sus-tainable, cost-effective meat inspection system for industry and for government.

PROVINCIAL MEAT INSPECTION SYSTEM’S SEVEN OBJECTIVES:

Northeast NEWSPage 16 March 7, 2013

For more information on how to nominate contact Shirly Prokopchuk at

spnorthernevents@gmail.com | 250.552.3817

Tuesday, April 16th, 2013 | Prince George Civic Centre

Awards Categories Nominate someone who fits the criteria or nominate yourself

Rising Star (Sponsor CNC) This award celebrates the young woman who takes a leadership role in promoting a healthy community and personal well-being or is an advocate for environmental stewardship. This woman is a student of high school or post-secondary education and is a role model for other young woman.

Community Enrichment Award (Sponsor Chamber of Commerce) From the ranks of woman who serve in any volunteer capacity, this award is for the woman who has given selflessly to her community. Although nominees in this category may be salaried in some other field, judging will be based on their volunteer work only.

Influence & Impact Woman of the Year Award (Sponsor CILA) A demonstrated leader who has made an impact in her community, company or industry.

Home Based Business Woman of the Year Award (Sponsor TBC) This award is presented to the woman who operates a viable business from her home. The business activity can either be in the area of professional services or selling prod-uct and needs to be her primary source of income.

Aboriginal Woman of Distinction Award (Sponsor Aboriginal Business Development Centre) A woman of Aboriginal decent who has excelled within the Aboriginal community.

Business Woman of the Year Award (Sponsor Investors Group) Recognizing excellence in business, this award acknowledges business success achieved over a two-year period. The woman chosen must be actively involved in day-to-day management and be an owner or a majority shareholder.

Professional Woman of Distinction Award (Sponsor BDC) In celebration of a woman’s achievements in a recognized profession or trade, this award acknowledges and honours outstanding professional dedication. Nominees in this category must have a professional or trades designation.

yyy

NOMINATION DEADLINE: MARCH 28, 2013 AT 5:00pm

Make your Awards Gala nominations today at

www.surveymonkey.com/s/36WZ8DQ

Lunch Tickets ($50) and Gala Tickets ($55) available online at www.pgchamber.bc.ca/events

TITLE SPONSORIN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Suncor blowout updateContinued from Page 2.

On Mar. 9 sometime between 9:49 p.m. to 9:57 p.m. there was an increase in the pump pressure, which was not detected by the rig crew.

“A fast response is critical,” said Hardy Friedrich OGC manager of communications. “Out-comes may have changed had the kick been detected earlier, however the initial pressure increase was subtle.”

At 10:04 p.m. an alarm sounded and the kick was detected, two minutes later the well was shut in. However, the build up in casing pressure started to climb past the MACP and a crew member attempted to fi x the situation by opening the well. This didn’t relieve any tension and the pressure continued to rise.

One crew member sustained minor injuries after being knocked into a manifold shack from the pressure of fl uid release. There were two crew members, the fi rst was attempting to change valves, while the second was en route to provide assistance. The report states that a loud bang was heard and fl uid release occurred near the main door of the manifold shack. Both workers were able to escape the manifold through a different door.

In an initial response by Suncor last March, company spokesperson Sneh Seetal said there were no injuries reported.

A failure in the drilling fl uid return line is believed to be the culprit in a release of fl uid, resulting in complete loss of well control.

Acuren Group Inc. conducted an analysis of the piping components to see if they could fi nd a root cause to the line failure. The company found there was a pre-existing fatigue crack that made the joint vulnerable to fail with a small bending load.

Friedrich noted that the crack could not have been detected by normal non-destructive inspec-tion techniques, but added, “The crack could have been prevented by securing the failed compo-nent against movement. It is important to note that the failed piping was not designed or intended to be used during a well control event.”

The explosion of the rig resulted in a release of H2S (sour gas) and SO2 (sulfur dioxide). An air monitoring unit was on site by 5 p.m. on Mar. 10.

In a further inquiry, it was found that within 24 hours of the incident the maximum one-hour average of H2S on site was 2.22 parts per billion (ppb) and SO2 was 1.42 ppb. On Mar. 11 the maximum one-hour average of H2S off-site was 8.63 ppb (the off-site air quality guideline is 10 ppb for H2S ) and SO2 measured 7.26 ppb, which has a guideline of 172 ppb.

Friedrich noted they did not have any off-site data for Mar. 10. The report notes that on Mar. 13 to Mar. 31 H2S and SO2 did not exceed off-site air quality guidelines.

The maximum-recorded H2S concentration at the well site was 34.7 ppb at 11 a.m. on Mar. 27. Just over a month after the incident the maximum-recorded SO2 concentration at the well site was 15.3 ppb on Apr. 11. The WorkSafe BC short-term exposure limit for SO2 is 5,000 ppb and for H2S it’s 10,000 ppb.

Approximately 325 tonnes of soil and invert drilling fl uid residue was brought to the Tervita Silverberry landfi ll, but the amount that was spilled remains unknown. The OGC keeps a record of drilling fl uid ingredients. According to Work Safe BC there are three types of fl uid: water-based, oil-based and gas-based. In B.C. the most common type is synthetic or mineral based, with little diesel. Diesel-based fl uids are known to cause fi res, explosions and health issues.

The nearest stream to the site is Farrell Creek, Friedrich said the spill did not go off lease or contaminate the creek. He also said wildlife was not harmed.

Friedrich said the incident was a learning curve for industry. “A penalty has not been issued in this case, the purpose of this report is the technical investiga-

tion,” he said. “Really the overall goal is full compliance and in this case the operator effectively complied with all of our recommendations. Suncor is responsible for everything on the lease.

“They followed the directions that were laid out pretty clearly and that’s a positive because in the end you get full compliance and there’s a learning aspect to this as well.”

Sneh Seetal, Suncor spokesperson, said they have passed on what they learned from the incident.“We’ve also shared lessons learned and the key recommendations with staff across the enter-

prise, and are in the process of sharing these lessons and recommendations with external parties and industry partners so they too can benefi t,” Seetal wrote in an email.

The recommendations by the OGC were: Suncor shall ensure all wellsite personnel are ad-equately trained and competent, Suncor shall ensure well control procedures are clear, unambigu-ous and appropriate and Suncor shall ensure site-specifi c risks are identifi ed and mitigation strate-gies are clearly communicated to wellsite personnel.

While Suncor was the permit holder it was Nabors 9 who drilled the well. It was licensed as a Montney gas well. According to the report, it was drilled vertically to confi rm stratigraphy and depths before it was drilled horizontally.

By Jill Earl DAWSON CREEK - Residents in Chetwynd, Hudson’s Hope

and Rolla will soon have a faster wireless connection thanks to efforts from the Peace Region Internet Society (PRIS).

Improving the wireless connection in those three locations is the fi rst phase in the non-profi t society’s three-year project that aims to give Peace Region’s rural residents fast access to the Internet.

“There’s still a lot of people that use dial-up Internet services throughout the Peace area so we’re hoping to get people off dial-up once and for all,” said Brad Melanson, systems administrator at PRIS.

“It’s a little bit of expanding our network but it’s also about providing faster Internet services to the rural areas, that’s our fo-cus for the project. Those people in the outlining areas, the farm-ers and whatnot, we want to be able to provide a faster Internet service that winds up closer to what you can obtain in the city,” Melanson added about the project.

PRIS currently provides some Chetwynd, Hudson’s Hope and Rolla residents with wireless Internet but after installing the new equipment that will run on their existing 3.65GHz frequency band the connection is expected to run fi ve to 10 times the speed of their current service, according to Melanson. PRIS will uti-lize existing poles as wireless access points for the surrounding homes in each area, they hope to have each location using the new system by the end of March.

PRIS obtained the permits to use the Industry Canada regu-lated 3.65Ghz frequency three years ago—with some diffi culty. Melanson said that because not a lot of people operate on that frequency there is less interference from other users and that provides faster speeds for PRIS members.

According to Melanson, updating their system will also help PRIS manage the high demand on their system during peak hours between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

“The purpose of this is actually providing a lot more speeds to people, ‘cause that’s the one thing that’s hard to keep up with these days, especially with wireless technology. Basically, what we’re seeing is about a 50 per cent increase in data usage every 18 to 24 months, so it’s putting a very large burden on our wire-

less network,” said Melanson. “The new network that we’re deploying kind of addresses that

issue to give people more speed so they can download faster, they can download more, they can watch Netfl ix and Youtube and all those fun things,” he added.

After their work in Chetwynd, Hudson’s Hope and Rolla is done, PRIS will move on to installing wooden poles that will act as wireless Internet access points to small clusters of homes in the rural areas surrounding Dawson Creek and Fort St. John. PRIS hopes to install 10 poles in the South Peace and 10 in the North Peace this year with construction beginning in May.

Melanson said that PRIS hasn’t decided exactly where their access points will be yet, but hopes to install 20 a year, for a total of 60 throughout the entire project.

He estimated that the project will reach 1,000 residences, half of them being existing members.

The board of directors of PRIS decided to go ahead with the approximately $500,000-project last year.

Melanson said sometimes wireless or satellite Internet is the only option for rural residents because companies offering a wired connection are unwilling to invest in the amount it will take to run a connection to outlining areas.

“The main focus of PRIS is to provide Internet connectivity throughout the Peace area, things have obviously changed over the years and people are—especially our members—they’re not

just looking for Internet connection, they are looking for a very fast Internet connection,” he said.

The demand has really increased over the last few years and we’re just trying to keep up with that,” Melanson adds.

Northeast NEWS March 7, 2013 Page 17

Pet Photo of the WeekMy sweet

dog,Chiquita!

Email your pet’s photo to editor@

northeastnews.ca for a chance to win a special

prize from the North Peace Veterinary Clinic

1 pet will be chosen each week and will be featured in the Northeast News.

Each pet chosen will be entered into a draw for a monthly prize supplied by the

North Peace Veterinary Clinic

Dion Girard

Faster Internet hopes to connect rural residents in the Peace

Northeast NEWSPage 18 March 7, 2013

Dawso301-116thD C

DAWSON CREEK AUCTION ‘MILE ZERO CITY’

SLAUGHTER CATTLE

STOCKERS AND FEEDERS

301-116th Ave. Dawson Creek, British ColumbiaDawson Creek Office: 250-782-3766 VJV Main Office: 403-783-5561 Cattle Sales, Don Fessler: 250-719-5561 Fax: 250-782-6622

Vold, Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd.

Dawso301-116thD C

DAWSON CREEK AUCTION ‘MILE ZERO CITY’301-116th Ave. Dawson Creek, British Columbia Dawson Creek Office: 250-782-3766 VJV Main Office: 403-783-5561 Cattle Sales, Don Fessler: 250-719-5561 Fax: 250-782-6622

Vold, Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd.

D1 - D2 Cows 66.00-73.00D3 - D4 Cows 50.00-64.00Holstein Cows N/AHeiferettes 60.00-75.00Bologna Bulls 60.00-85.00Feeder Bulls 70.00-90.00Good Bred Cows N/AGood Bred Heifers N/AMilk Cows N/ACow/ Calf Pairs (younger) N/ACow/ Calf Pairs (older) N/A

Good Feeder Steers 1000 lbs Plus: 90.00-110.00 Heifers 85.00-105.00Good Feeder Steers 900 lbs Plus: 100.00-118.00 Heifers 90.00-113.00Good Feeder Steers 800 lbs Plus: 105.00-123.00 Heifers 100.00-115.00Good Feeder Steers 700 lbs Plus: 115.00-130.00 Heifers 108.00-121.00Good Feeder Steers 600 lbs Plus: 125.00-147.00 Heifers 115.00-134.00Good Feeder Steers 500 lbs Plus: 135.00-160.00 Heifers 120.00-139.00Good Feeder Steers 400 lbs Plus: 140.00-170.00 Heifers 125.00-148.00Good Feeder Steers 300 lbs Plus: 140.00-175.00 Heifers 125.00-153.00

On Thursday, February 28, 2013, 700 head of cattle went through our ring

MARKET REPORT FEBRUARY 28, 2013

Next Cattle Sale - Thursday, March 7th

I was born so far back I can hardly remember and grew up normally, I think I started going on stage at a time when hair like mine was fashionable, and I hung a guitar around my neck to complete the look.

LORNEELLIOT

Somewhere around that time people started laughing at me, and I saw no reason why I shouldn’t join them.

I’ve made a living off the products of my imagination for thirty years, so if you’re wondering if that’s possible I am here to tell you it is. Give it a whirl. You just might fi nd an audience.

FRIDAY MAR 22 | 7:30PMTICKETS: 250.785.1992 | npcc.bc.ca

By Kyla CorpuzFORT ST. JOHN – One of the two accused in the beating death of Chris Ball no longer has

charges against him.On Feb. 26, the judge confi rmed, during a preliminary hearing, that Willy Ted Metcalfe no lon-

ger faces a charge of aggravated assault causing bodily harm. Crown counsel Margaret Cissell said there was no longer any substantial likeliness of convic-

tion against Metcalfe, who asked for a preliminary hearing to see if there was enough evidence to bring him to trial.

In December 2012, a second charge of aggravated assault against Metcalfe was stayed. Late last

year it was also found that Metcalfe was diagnosed with cancer.The other accused, Joel Christopher Marchand, is still facing two charges: one count of man-

slaughter and one count of aggravated assault causing bodily harm.Marchand didn’t ask for a preliminary hearing, instead he will just be facing a trial by judge and

jury. The trial date will be decided on Mar. 11 in a Fort St. John Supreme Court room. Ball was beaten on July 22, 2012 at 100 Street and 100 Avenue in Fort St. John. He was in Fort

St. John for work and was originally from Alberta. He was taken to a hospital in Alberta and was taken off life support on Aug. 2.

No more charges for one accused in downtown beating

Kyla Corpuz photoPierre Gregoire and Mae Lorette from the Peace Luthern Care Centre Foundation hand over a $4,500-cheque to Kim Wilson, manager for North Peace Senior Housing Society. The PLCCF used their donated funds to matched grant money recieved by the NPSHS to establish a pilot project called Age In Place. The project is a partnership agreement with Northern Health and United Way. Age In Place will provide non-medical services for seniors like housekeeping—a major component to increasing seniors’ ability to remain at home longer.

CLASSIFIEDSNortheast NEWS March 7, 2013 Page 19

Looking for

SAFETYCOORDINATOR

Must have all tickets, courses and a valid driver’s license.

Duties will included, but not limited to:

• Maintaining the health and safety program

• Conducting monthly shop/yard, truck and fi eld inspections

• Good understanding of ISNet world and Comply Works

• Knowledgeable with OH & S Act and regulations

• Corrective action on COR defi ciencies and preparation for audit

• Provide leadership on joint health and safety committee

• Incident, accident investigations

Receptionist / Accounts Payable Clerk: For Dawson Creek Candidates for this position will have some previous office experience and should have a good working knowledge of A/P and Simply Accounting. This is a full time position.

Safety Officer: Candidates for this position should have previous experience with safety procedures and practices. Duties will include

tracking tickets, conducting safety meetings, and overseeing all elements of the safety program (already in place). Candidates will need a strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and decent computer skills. This is a long term position, Monday - Friday. Knowledge of the transportation industry would be an asset. Administrative Assistant: This is a great job for anyone who likes to be busy and have a variety of duties each day. Duties will include data entry for A/R, A/P and payroll, Inventory management,

Administrative Assistant: We have an opening for an Administrative Assistant for a very busy company. Candidates should have very good MSOffice skills and be able to work in a busy environment. Duties will include but are not limited to preparing and attending meetings, recording and transcribing minutes, Typing and formatting, proofing and editing correspondence, filing, setting up and maintaining a paper filing system and other duties as assigned. Experience with SAP is an asset. Temp job to August 2013.

Payroll/Payables/AR Collections: The successful candidate for this position will have a good working knowledge of accounts and payroll. Duties will include data entry for invoicing, preparing cheques for payables, collecting data entry of timesheets. Candidates must be very organized and be able to work in a fast paced environment with numerous interruptions.

Job Board www.macenna.com

GAS LINK INDUSTRIES LTD.Facility Construc on Company

Has immediate opening for

PROJECT MANAGER- Minimum of 5 years experience in Oil & Gas Industry- Extensive knowledge of Bidding Facility Projects- Excellent Organiza on & Time Management skills &

the ability to e ec vely communicate with people both orally and wri en

- Solid Background in Project Management, QA/QC, Job Cos ng etc.

- Valid Class 5 Drivers License, H2S, Whmis, and First Aid

- Familiar with Windows XP, Microso O ce, Outlook & Projects

If you are interested in being a part of an Aggressive Facility Construc on Company, that o ers Compe ve Wages, Company Transporta on, and Full Bene t Package, please fax or email resume to:

GAS LINK INDUSTRIES LTD.250-785-9586 or

mmorton.gaslink@gmail.com

NOVELTYBills Books & Bargains. We Buy your collectables, Adult Magazines, Books and coins. Open 12pm to 7pm Mon to Sat. Phone 250-785-2660 TFN

SERVICE Gord’s Handyman Service Renovations and Repairs Call for a quote 250-261-6149 TFN

FOR RENT$2000.00 Office Retail Mile 49. Office 1800 sq.ft. Alaska Hwy mi 49, Office 1800 sq.ft., Alaska Hwy mi 49, good park-ing, large front office, large rear office, 3 smaller offices. 10996 Clairmont Frontage. Call Ken 250-785-3433 or email chambers@pris.ca 02/14

HELP WANTEDFT Japanese Cook, Min 3 Yrs. Exp, Create & Develop Menu, Supervise Kitchen Operation, Supervise & Train Staff Korean Asset, $16- 18/hr. Q Spot Japanese Restaurant, qspot@hotmail.com

MASSAGENim’s Thai Massage. Great stress relief for your Therapeutic well-being. Call 250-793-2335 02/28

HELP WANTEDPeace River Building Products is looking for a Yard / Delivery person. Must have a valid driver’s license. Wage starting at $18-20 hr. Bring resume to 9511-85th Ave 03/14

HOUSE FOR SALE5 Bedroom House, 3 up & 2 down, 2 bath. Separate Entrance, shared laundry, excellent tenants. Keep the tenants or move in yourself on one acre. Bank Appraised Oct $350,000. Price now is $349,000. If interested drive by 6388 Daisy Ave, then call 250-493-1807 02/21

FOR SALETIMOTHY & ALFALFA SQUARE BALES, STORED IN HAY SHED $5.00 a bale, Contact Margaret & Jim Little. Telephone 250-785-5365 Fax 250-785-5353 Cell Phone 250-262-7840 02/28

FOR SALELarge Pails of Honey, Hay Bales, Alfalfa, Brome, Timothy Mix, Tamarack Corral Posts 10 ½, Corral Rails up to 24 feet long. Call 250-719-6142 04/25

MASSAGE FSJ Oriental Massage Deeply relaxing, full body Call 250-261-3923 By appointment only. 03/28

HELP WANTEDPeace River Building Products is looking for a sales clerk. Wage starting at $15-17/hr subject to experi-ence. Bring resume to 9511-85th Ave 03/14

CALL250-787-7030

TO PLACEYOUR AD INTHE BEST

READREGIONAL

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Your Northeast BC Connection

CLASSIFIEDSNortheast NEWSPage 20 March 7, 2013

9708-108 St Fort St John

Automotive Chipped Transponder Keys

Available

250-785-64050-785-640409

locksmith

SIGNS • FIRERINGSRAILINGS • GATES

PHONE: 250.789.9157CELL: 250.261.5917

EMAIL: calcraft@live.com

wrought iron

◉ Windshields ◉ Custom Showers◉ Flooring◉ Windows and doors

9708-108 St Fort St John250-785-64050-785-6405-6409

2009 People’s Choice Award Winner

*Free In Home Consultations

glass

Get your message

home.

Call....

sales

phone: (250) 787.7030 Fax 250.787.7090 toll free: 1.877.787.7030

9909-100th avenuefort st john, bc V1J 1Y4

advertising

Lisa MacElheren • Sales

Dawson Creek, B.C.

lisa@northeastnews.ca

Phone: 250-782-7060

www.northeastnews.ca

Northeast British Columbia

Directorybusiness&professional

WANT TO

ADVERTISE IN

THE BUSINESS

DIRECTORY?

CALL

1.877.787.7030

renovationsrenovations

1-800-910-6402 No Charge DELIVERY BC & Ab.Coquitlam Chrysler DL#7557

Apply today!!Apply today!!DriDrive Todave Today!!y!!

APPLY ONLINEAPPLY ONLINE

0” Down! 0” Down! O.A.C.O.A.C.

Sad Credit,Sad Credit,Bad CreditBad CreditNo ProblemNo Problem

DreamcatcherDreamcatcherFinancingFinancing

www.PreApproval.ccwww.PreApproval.cc

Renovations and RepairsFort St John and area

Call 250-261-6149

GORD’SHANDYMANSERVICE

LOWESTPRICES

Contact Joe 250-793-7753or visit our website www.versaframe.ca

Northern BC & Area

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL

Brandt: 9907-100th Ave 2500 sq ft retail retail or offi ceDehod: 10614 Alaska Road 4000 commercial highway frontage

Endicotte: 9512-100 Street 4248 sq ft retail or offi cePioneer Square: 9900-100 Ave 2050 sq ft approx. 100 Ave

offi ce or retailYenkana: Shop space 3000 sq ft

Offi ce space: 10615-102 St 5829 sq ftTD Bank: upstairs offi ce space 1323 sq ft

Call Rob for viewing, rates and details - 250-785-2829

Sterling Management Services Ltd. has for rentBach, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments.

Townhouses & DuplexesFort St John

Dawson Creek Commercial Space For Lease/Rent

BCLS sought by Watson & Barnard Land Surveyors & Engineers, Delta, BC

A Land Surveying and Geomatics fi rm

Prefer 1 to 5 years experience

Apply in confi dence to:mail@wbsurveys.bc.ca

OPPORTUNITY FOR ADVANCEMENT

RENTALS

SERVICES SERVICES CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Northeast NEWS March 7, 2013 Page 21

COMMUNITY CALENDARMarch 2013

UPCO

MIN

GON

GOIN

G

CALL 250.787.8999 “Let Us Be Your Key Supplier”Cell 778-256-1685 • Unit 5, 10404 101 Avenue Plaza, Fort St. John, BC

We provide locksmith service to the Peace area. Including rekeying locks for your home or business. Repair and install locks, door closers, installed and door adjustments. Wide assortment of Padlocks. Let us be your key supplier.

Complete Locksmith ServiceComplete Locksmith Service

headspacebooks that matterbody jewelrydetox10116 100 Street, FSJ 250.261.6979

www.hartmodularhomes.ca

Ph: (250) 782-2050Fax: (250) 782-2060Toll Free: 1-877-931-2050

Blair WatsonSALES CONSULTANT

blair@hartmodularhomes.ca

Box 930, Dawson Creek, BC, Canada V1G 4H9

Fort St. John• Mar. 7: Price Smart Fort St. John CDC Fundraiser BBQ from 12 p.m. to 5

p.m.• Mar. 8: International Women’s Day celebration at the Quality Inn from 7 a.m.

to 9.m. Purchase tickets at North Peace Community Resource Society, BCGEU or Whole Wheat and Honey: $5 in advanced, $7 at the door. The morning will feature performance by Twin Peaks and a silent auction.

• Mar. 9: The FSJ Arts Market is a monthly event featuring local artists. Our next event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pomeroy Sports Centre. Be sure to tell your friends and family! Come and support the wonderful artists. We’re welcom-ing Bob Dyke, published photographer to our group. Mr. Dyke travels the world and photographs beautiful places. All proceeds from his books go to orphanages in North Korea. For more information contact Nina Cazes at 250-793-6599.

• Jun. 22: Beatton Community 4-H Fun Shoot. Non-competitive courses, con-cession. BBQ supper with registration, no arrow speed or weight restrictions and wagon rides. Pre-registration: $40, day of registration: $50, Peewee shoot: $5. Shoot starts at 11 a.m. Location: Home of the Taylor Family 13429 256 Rd, Montney. More info: 250-264-7422.Dawson Creek

• Mar. 9: International Women’s Day Trade Fair 2013: Women of the Peace – Our Greatest Resource from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Kiwanis Performing Arts Centre. Free admission, everyone welcome! More info: http://spcrsevents.blogspot.ca/

• Mar 9: Winter Fun Day for all ages at Matthews Park in Farmington at 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. with pancake breakfast. Admission by donation. Children’s races, hot dog lunch, log sawing competition for adults and youth, tea boiling competition with prizes and frying pan toss. For more Info: Farmington Community Associa-tion, Jane at 250 843 7617.

Fort St. John• Ft. St. John Parkinson’s Support Group Parkinson Society British Columbia People living with Par-kinson’s disease, caregivers and family members are warmly invited to the Ft. St. John Parkinson’s Support Group. Join others in your community to share information and resources, coping strategies, ideas for living well with PD, good humour, social support and more. Last Wednesday of the month at 11:00 am McDonald’s Restaurant 10920 Alaska Road North Ft. St. John, BC Note: there is no meet-ing in December For more information please con-tact: Sarah at 250 785 7348• S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Northern B.C. Newcomers Integra-tion Service Centre is a non-profi t organization in Fort St. John. Our Settlement Program provides in-formation, orientation, assessment, referral and ser-vice linking, educational workshops and short term adaptation counselling to immigrants. The program also offers assistance with form completion, cor-respondence between clients and service providers, navigating immigration processes including spon-sorship applications, obtaining permanent residence cards and applying for citizenship. Bridging services are provided to a variety of community and govern-ment service agencies and organizations. Service is available in English and Spanish. The Settlement Program is located at: #209 10142-101st Ave (Exec-uplace building). From 8:30-4:30 p.m. Phone # 250-785-5323 Ext 22.• Toastmasters International Club of Fort St. John meets from 7 - 8:30 p.m. every Thursday evening at Northern Lights College, Room 105. Learn valuable communication & leadership skills. Contact Claire Seidler at 250-787-9697 or Gayle Wagner at 250-785-3991 for more information.• Rocky Mountain Rangers Army Cadets meet at 6:30 PM each Wednesday night at the Royal Cana-dian Legion on 102nd and 105 Ave. If you are be-tween 12 and 18 years old please drop in or call us at 250-787-5323.• Alcoholics Anonymous - If you think you might have a problem with drinking, come to an AA meet-ing. Call for times and places or someone to talk to (250) 785-8866.• Fort St. John Multiple Sclerosis support group. If you or anyone you know has MS and have any ques-tions or just need to talk, please call Susie at (250) 785-2381 or Sandi at (250) 787-2652.• Are you tired of the crime? Then do the time. Join the Fort St. John Citizens Patrol. Donate a minimum of fi ve hours per month. For information, call (250)

262-4530. • “Butterfl y Families – Families Supporting Fami-lies” is open to all caregivers of children and youth with Special Needs. We meet the third Wednesday of every month at the Child Development Centre from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., 10417 106 Ave. Does your child have learning, behavior or other complex special needs? Would you like to connect with other care-givers? Child minding available but please call ahead a few days before the meeting. Call (250) 785-3200 for more information.• Pregnancy tests, pregnancy options, peer-coun-selling and support are available at the North Peace Pregnancy Care Centre. New location at 335-9900 100 Ave. Drop in hours Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday from noon to 4 p.m. or to make an appointment call our 24 hour hotline at (250) 262-1280. All services are free and completely confi dential.• New Totem Archery hold their indoor shoots at the Fort St. John Co-op Mall every Tuesday and Thurs-day at 7 p.m. and every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.• Come out and join us for an afternoon of play, crafts, a healthy snack, circle time and an opportunity to borrow books from the Devereaux School Library. This is a chance to meet other people from your community and introduce your children to a school setting. We meet from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. every other Wednesday beginning Oct. 20th. This program is geared for three to four year-olds but siblings are welcome to come with their parents. Call Patti (250) 843-7813 for more information.Dawson Creek• The Visually Impaired Support Group meets on the fi rst Tuesday of the month at 12 noon at First Bap-tist Church, 1400 113 Ave. Each month we have a guest speaker and we share lunch. (cost by donation). Anyone who is visually impaired or who cares about someone with vision diffi culties is welcome to at-tend. For further information please call Kathy 782-7539 orMargaret 782-3221.• If you know how to visit with a friend, you already have the skills required to be a CASI Friendly Visitor volunteer! There are seniors in Dawson Creek right now who would like to have a friend come and visit them and perhaps take them to doctor’s appointments or shopping. Can you spare an hour or two a week to visit a senior? Call CASI (Community Action for Se-niors’ Independence) today. 250-782-1138 ext. 228, email lstudley@spcrs.ca or visit the website at www.casidc.org.• Alcoholics Anonymous - meets Mon., Tues., Fri., &

Sat., 8 p.m. at Peace River Health Unit. Wed. 8 p.m. Hospital Education Room. All meetings are open.• Mile 0 Al-Anon meets 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday evening at the Health Unit, Dawson Creek.• Mile 0 Quilt Guild meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m., Studio 10 at KPAC. Come join us for sewing, fun and friendship. Contact Gloria at 250 786 5597. for more info.• Dawson Creek Toastmasters meets every Thursday at 7pm at Farmer’s Advocacy Offi ce 1032 103 Ave (Front door on 11 st.) Contact Heather at 250-784-5700 or 780-353-3050.Fort Nelson• The Community Market is held at the Westend Campground every Saturday except on long week-ends. For more info or a vendor package please con-tact Jaylene Arnold at (250) 774-2541 or Audrey Reynolds (250) 774-6574.Pouce Coupe• Youth Drop-In at Pouce Coupe Community Church Annex (the old Pouce library). Saturday nights 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Ages 13 to 17.Chetwynd• Alcoholics Anonymous meets Tuesday and Friday at 8 p.m. at the Public Library, 5012 46 Street. If you think you might have a problem with drinking, come to an AA meeting. Call for times and places or some-one to talk to, phone 788-9658 or 788-1100 Tumbler Ridge• Alcoholics Anonymous - meeting Thursday. 8 p.m. 115 Commercial Park (Baptist Church). If you think you might have a problem with drinking, come to an AA meeting. Call for times and places or someone to talk to. Phone 242-4018.• Tuesdays: TR Seniors (55+) Drop-In – Floor curl-ing, carpet bowling, card & board games, coffee & cookies. Community Centre Room 5 from 1-4 pm. Small drop-in fee.• Tumbler Ridge’s self-employed women will re-ceive six months of free personal business monitor-ing beginning this October at no charge. If you are a self-employed woman in their fi rst three years of op-eration, or partially operate a business, contact Sara Cooper at the Women’s Enterprise Centre at 1-800-643-7014 ext. 104 or Mila Lansdowne by e-mail at mila@persona.ca or (250) 242-3389. Registration is required.Taylor• Civil Air Search and Rescue (CASARA) meetings every second Tuesday at the Taylor Fire Hall at 7 p.m. For information call Bob at 250-789-9152 or 250-787-5802.

Northeast NEWSPage 22 March 7, 2013

Are you on the voters list?

Elections BC is conducting an enumeration and updating the voters list for the May 2013 Provincial General Election. Are you registered to vote?

It’s easy. It’s convenient. You have choices. Be ready.

Is there someone registered at your address who no longer lives there? Call Elections BC or go to elections.bc.ca/remove to have them removed from your address.

Who can register?You are eligible to register to vote if you: . are a Canadian citizen, . are 18 or older, . have lived in B.C. for the past six months.

Election workers required:Over 37,000 election workers are needed to work for the May 2013 Provincial General Election. View available postings at elections.bc.ca/jobs.

Your choices to register to vote or update your voter information are:OnlineRegister or update your information on Elections BC’s Online Voter Registration (OVR) system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at elections.bc.ca/ovr. You need a B.C. Driver’s Licence or a Social Insurance Number to use the system.

By PhoneCall Elections BC toll-free at 1-800-661-8683, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturdays.

In Your CommunityFrom March 6 – 23, temporary voter registration opportunities are at hundreds of locations throughout the province. View electoral district voter registration opportunities at: elections.bc.ca/registration-opportunities.

B.C. voters can also register or update their information when they go to vote in the May 2013 Provincial General Election.

find us on elections.bc.ca / 1 - 8 0 0 - 6 6 1 - 8 6 8 3

Elections BC is a non-partisan Office of the Legislatureresponsible for administering the Election Act, the Recall and Initiative Act,

and the conduct of referenda under the Referendum Act.

(OVR)

Legislative Offi ce:East Annex, Parliament Buildings

Victoria, B.C. V8V 1X4

Phone: 250 952-6784

Fax: 250 387-9100

Constituency Offi ce:10104 - 100th Street

Fort St. John, B.C. V1J 3Y7

Phone: 250 263-0101

Fax: 250 263-0104

Pat Pimm, M.L.A.(Peace River North)

Province of British Columbia

e-mail: pat.pimm.mla@leg.bc.ca

South PeaceSouth Peacelocals honouredlocals honoured

Jill Earl photosMar. 1, Peace River South MLA Blair Lekstrom pre-sented the Queen’s Dia-mond Jubilee medal to Pouce Coupe Mayor Larry Fynn (left) and Lee Trail (right) accepting on behalf of her late husband and past Dawson Creek mayor Bob Trail, who served 26 years on council.

Northeast NEWS March 7, 2013 Page 23

www.inlandchrysler.com

Toll Free 1-800-808-7844250-782-5507

INLANDINLANDChrysler JeepChrysler Jeep11600 8 Street, Dawson Creek

“Proudly Sponsors the North and South Peace SPCA”THE BRITISH COLUMBIA SOCIETY FOR THEPREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (BC SPCA)

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGSOUTH PEACE BRANCH OF THE BC SPCA

In accordance with Bylaw 5.15(d), 9.5(b), 9.5(d) and 14 of the Bylaws of The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Notice is hereby given that the annual general meeting of the:

SOUTH PEACE BRANCHWill take place on: Monday, March 11th at 7pm

At: Super 8 Hotel, 1440 Alaska Ave, Dawson Creek, BC

For the purpose of:

Electing members of the Community Council for the branch, as well as conducting any other business of the Branch

For further information on the meeting or to obtain a copy of the draft agenda, please contact Jenny at jennyspbcspca@gmail.com or 250-784-5522.

A copy of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Society is available at:http://www.spca.bc.ca/about/governance-accountability/governance-docs/

FijiFiji PorschaPorscha TawnyTawny ValValEvensongEvensong HickoryHickoryGusGus

Take me home and let’s be family!Take me home and let’s be family!

10 Canine Commandments10 Canine Commandments1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful to me. Remember

that before you buy me.2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.3. Place your trust in me. It’s crucial to my well-being.4. Don’t be angry with me for long, and don’t lock me up as punishment.

You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I only have you.5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understand your words.

I understand your voice when it’s speaking to me.6. Be aware that however you treat me. I’ll never forget it.

7. Remember before you hit me: I have teeth that could easilycrush the bones of your hand, but I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, or I’ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.

9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old.10. Go with me on diffi cult journeys. Never say: “I can’t bear to watch it”, or “Let it happen in your

absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are there.

REMEMBER THAT I LOVE YOU.

BC’s LargestBC’s LargestStockingStockingDealer ofDealer of

RIGID LEDRIGID LEDLIGHTINGLIGHTING

Limited LifetimeLimited LifetimeWarrantyWarranty

MarineMarineAmberAmber

Dually LedDually Led4 LEDs each4 LEDs eachSold in PairsSold in Pairs

Dually D2 LedDually D2 Led6 LEDs each6 LEDs eachSold in PairsSold in Pairs

Halo LED FlashlightHalo LED Flashlight700 LUMEN700 LUMEN Includes: Charger & BatteryIncludes: Charger & Battery

SR-M Series LedSR-M Series LedSingle Row Mini Single Row Mini Weighs only 6oz with hardwareWeighs only 6oz with hardware

SR Series Led BarsSR Series Led BarsSingle Row Led Bars Single Row Led Bars Available in: 10”, 20”, 30”, 40” and 50”Available in: 10”, 20”, 30”, 40” and 50” Mounting BracketsMounting Brackets

E Series Led BarsE Series Led BarsDual Row LED BarsDual Row LED BarsAvailable in 4”, 6”, 10”,Available in 4”, 6”, 10”,20”, 30”, 40” and 50”20”, 30”, 40” and 50”

Featu

red Product20” E Series

RGD - 12031

$718.00

• MADE WITH CABLE COIL! (rather than wire)• Memory Foam• Cashmere• Ultra 360 Foam

Encasement

Plush Pillowtop

LUXURY COLLECTION

QUEEN PLUSH PILLOWTOP MATTRESS SETKING SIZE ALSO AVAILABLE $2799Featuring Cable Coil!

HOURS: Monday to Thursday: 9-6 Friday: 9-6 Saturday: 9-6

We don’t sell... We help you buy! Dawson Creek, BC10205-13 St. (250) 782-8988

Fort Nelson, BC5003-50 Ave. (250) 774-2455

Fort St. John, BC10052-100 Ave. (250) 785-7868

Shop and Compare!We will not be undersold

- 1008 Evolution Non-Flip Pocket Coil- Latex Foam & Silk Fibre- 10 Year Warranty

- Firm Tight Top- 980 Evolution Non-Flip Pocket Coil- 10 Year Warranty

QUEEN PILLOWTOP SET

WORLD CLASS

MISMATCH BRENTWOOD- 800 Evolution Non-Flip Pocket Coil- Wool Visco & Bamboo Fibre in Fabric- 10 Year Warranty

- Visco Plush Foam- 980 Evolution Non-Flip Pocket Coil- 10 Year Warranty

City Sleep Centre - We don’t sell we help you sleep!

QUEEN PILLOWTOP QUEEN FIRM TIGHT TOP

- 10 Year Warranty

SPECIAL EDITION

PILLOWTOP

QUEEN SPECIAL EDITION PILLOWTOP

VISCO PLUSH FOAM

PILLOWTOP

QUEEN VISCO PLUSH FOAM PILLOWTOP

QUEEN COMFORT TOP

VISCO LATEX FOAM

COMFORT TOP

City Sleep Centre

We don’t sell we help you sleep

Are You A Stomach, Side Or Back Sleeper?• Let Us Help You Choose Wisely!

Our trained staff can fi t you for the proper mattress for the best sleep

• Deluxe Delivery - We can deliver your new mattress and remove your old - Ask us for details

• Enhance Your Sleep - We have a custom selection of pillows and mattress pads

• Mattress Care - Let us properly help you fi nd your comfort zone and protect your investment

Northeast NEWSPage 24 March 7, 2013