caledonia courier, february 24, 2016

WEDNESDAY, February 24, 2016 PHONE: 996-8482 www.caledoniacourier.com VOL. 38 NO. 52 $1.30 inc. GST

Nak’azdli supports pool - pg 3Pink Shirt Day - pg 6

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◆Inside Ski & Board Competitors - pg 7Community Builder - pg 12

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Publications Mail Contract #: 40007759

NEWS BRIEFS

Published by Black Press Ltd

at 150 West Columbia Street, Vanderhoof, BC

V0J 3A0

The Fort St. James Secondary School Ski and Board Team competed at Zones in Jasper, Alberta on Feb. 8-9. Team competing: Dallen Ol-und, Cela West, Jessie Grant, Seirra McNeill, Tessa Knight, Jazmyn Dionne, Ella Davis, Grace Willick, Jaya Samra, Oscar Croucher, Joey Saharchuk, Ayden Leon, Jeff Boschman, Jayden Greenaway, Landon Thompson, (2nd Row Left-right) Emma Kossey, Austin McKersie, Quintanna Paziuk, Minna Jones, Gabriela Willick, Sydnee Schlamp, Cody Holland, Nathan Johnson,(Bottom row, left-right) Coach- Martina Jones, David Goerz, Coach-Chris Greenaway, Jaynee Gauthier, Orrie Leon, Coach-Sarah Grill, Mara Martin, Kaylee Walstrom.

Photo submitted by Sarah Grill

Ski and board competitors compete at Zones

BARBARA LATKOWSKICaledonia Courier

The Syrian Refugee Group of Fort St. James has fundraising underway.

Only after three meetings, the group has already committed to sponsoring a Syrian family or two.

Over 8 million Syrians have been displaced and 4 million have fl ed confl ict and poverty in hope of fi nding a better future and a new opportunity else-where.

About 25,000 refugees are set to arrive in Can-

ada in 2016. And Fort St. James is ready to do their part and

welcome a Syrian family to their home town. “It’s all about making them feel safe,” said group

member, Louise Evan-Salt.Evan-Salt has played an integral part in fi nding

out more about the process of sponsorship. The sponsorship is likely to take place through

the Mennonite Central Committee who is based in Abbotsford B.C.

This international organization has been ap-proved for this purpose and it is keen to help various

groups like the one in Fort St. James get through the sponsorship process.

And with the situation being as desperate as it is, Fort St. James could see a Syrian family in the community within 1-4 months.

But fi rst, it’s all about money. The blended sponsorship program seems the

most favored option as government assistance will be made available throughout the one year commit-ment.

See more on page 2

Syrian Refugee Group: let the fundraising begin

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VICTORIA - Three of British Columbia’s top independent music industry leaders are returning from Los An-geles, where they were nominated for the 2016 Grammy Awards.

Smithers resi-dent Alex Cuba was nominated for Best Latin Pop Album for his album “Healer” at Monday night’s Awards. This is Cuba’s second time receiving a nomination in this category since 2011.

Vancouver producer Kevin Howes and audio engineer Greg Mindorff received a nomination in the category of Best Historical Album for the collection of indig-enous folk, rock and country music titled “Native North America, 1966-1985, Volume One”.

British Columbia has a large and diverse talent pool of artists who are known for producing all genres of music including pop, rock, classical, blues, folk and jazz. Music develops culture, promotes talent and di-versifi es B.C.’s growing economy. There are an estimated 6,425 artists in the province. This number includes 5,825 singers or musicians and 600 conductors, composers and arrang-ers.

British Columbians nominated for Grammy Awards

A2 www.caledoniacourier.com Wednesday, February 24, 2016 Caledonia Courier

NEWSCourier

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

FEBRUARYFEBRUARY, 2016, 2016District of Fort St. James CalendarDistrict of Fort St. James Calendar

Offi ce:

477 Stuart Drive West

Email:

offi [email protected]:

250-996-8233

Like us at Facebook:

District of Fort St. JamesFollow us on Twitter:

@DFSJames

Munic

ipal W

ebsit

e: ww

w.fo

rtstja

mes.c

aPlease submit all events by Wednesday for the next

Wednesday paper distribution.of [email protected]

9:30-11am Pre SchoolGym @ Nakalbun

Get Active in 2016 last week for Winter Fest Cumulative MarathonGet Active in 2016 last week for Winter Fest Cumulative Marathon250-996-8233250-996-8233

Lunch Program@ The Anglican Church

9:30-11am Pre SchoolGym @ Nak’azdli







Public Skating5:30-7:00




Public Skating7:00-8:30


Last Public Skating of the season5:30-7:00

Parent & Tot Skating 3:45-5pm



MARCH

Women Connect NVCSS Boardroom

349 Stuart Drive6-8pm

9:30 Story Time at the Library





20 21 22 2423 25 26

En Point Dance @ Old Gym 6pmMusic Makers

7:00pm Family Night

Music Makers 7:00pm Adult Night

Men’s Curling Bonspiel

Men’s Curling Bonspiel

Caledonia Classic Sled Dog Race

Caledonia Classic Sled Dog Race

21 22 23 2524 26 27

28 29 1 32 4 5

Music Makers Family Night 7:00pm

Music Makers Adult Night 7:00pm

6 7 8 109 11 12

13 14 15 1716 18 19

Community Foundation AGM - 7pm at

Community Centre

Food Bank

Community Pancake Breakfast 8-10 am at

community centre

Retro Ski day

TBar Everest Challenge Troll vs

Murray Ridge

TBar Everest Challenge Troll vs

Murray Ridge

Slush Cup & Bath Tub Races

Slush Cup & Bath Tub Races

Murray Ridge open for Pro D Day

Deadline for Mascot Contest Entries

Winter Fest Feb 27 Trappers Events, fi re building, bannock and tea making, trap setting and more.

Sign up your team of 4 at District Offi ce or at Dog Sled Races

From front

About $27,500 needs to be secured and ready before the process can even begin.

Priorities such as a bud-get (for clothing, food, etc.) and housing must be pre-sented as well before apply-ing for sponsorship.

Regardless, the group is committed and is now ask-ing for support from the community.

The fi rst Syrian refugee fundraising event will take place on March 19th.

A Toonie Gift Basket Fundraiser is inviting any-one, including all local com-panies and organizations to donate a basket of gifts.

The draw for the gift baskets will take place at a

pot luck ethnic dinner at the Fort St. James High School gym. Baskets are to be ready for collection on March 11.

The ethnic dinner invites all to bring an ethnic dish to the school gym for a fam-ily night of food, fun and even some belly dancing, drumming and face painting thrown in to complete the evening.

For more information, contact: Nancy at (250) 996-3671 [email protected]

Joyce at (250) 839-3134 [email protected]

The next Syrian Refugee Group meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednes-day March 2 at the Fort St. James Public Library. All are welcome.

Syrian Refugee Group

Members of the Syrian Refugee Group of Fort St. James busily prepare for the first fundraiser set for March 19.Photo by Barbara Latkowski

NEWSCourierCaledonia Courier Wednesday, February 24, 2016 www.caledoniacourier.com A3

Please join us for a RETIREMENT CELEBRATION

In honour ofAnn McCormick

Thursday, February 25th, 20163:00pm to 5:30pm

College of New Caledonia179 Douglas Avenue

Fort St. James

RSVP: Lynne [email protected](250) 996-7019

You’ll fi nd us at 169 STUART DRIVE, [email protected] 250-996-8618

Lakeshore Realty376 ELM STREET

Within walking distance of David Hoy School and Goodwin Park. Updates including bath-room cabinets and fi x-tures, kitchen cabinets, tile backsplash, cherry hardwood fl ooring, ce-ramic tile in the kitchen/dining room. Natural gas fi replace in the living room with marble tile and solid wood mantel, fresh paint. Workshop or hobby room with outside entrance and potential 5th bedroom located just off the large main entry. $227,000


It’s been a while in the making but the $12 million swimming pool facility in Vanderhoof is no longer a vision. It’s fi -nally becoming a reality.

And the Nak’azdli Band in Fort St. James is determined to help make it so.

A cheque of $50,000 was presented to Zoe Dhillon, chair of fundraising for the District of Vanderhoof on Feb. 17.

This is the largest community donation received towards the project so far.

“We are so overjoyed that Nak’azdli sees the value in this project,” Dhillon said. “It’s wonderful to see the commu-nity and surrounding communities come

together to make this happen.”The aquatic centre will be located next

to the Vanderhoof Arena. Fundraising be-gan in September 2014 and according to Dhillon, everyone is so happy with the results.

The total project goal is $12 million. Of that, $4 million will be collected from taxes and an additional $7.5 million will be raised by the District of Vanderhoof.

The community fundraising goal is $500,000 and including the donation from Nak’azdli, the amount raised now stands at $451,000.

For Alec McKinnon, councillor for Nak’azdli Band in Fort St. James, the fa-cility is for everybody.

“This will help Fort St. James,” McK-

innon says.Nak’azdli’s youth representative, De-

siree Whitely couldn’t agree more. “It will be great for our youth to have

a pool so close where they can learn water safety and have fun,” Whitely said.

Nak’azdli sees the importance of learning how to swim. Being surrounded by the water of Stuart Lake, children in Fort St. James can now have the opportu-nity to take swimming lessons at the new facility.

Nak’azdli’s comprehensive communi-ty plan and the Band’s strategic plan both identify community health as a priority.

“Our youth is our future,” McKinnon said. “Nakazdli’s donation is an invest-ment in that future.”

MEETING SCHEDULE 2016

Meetings tentatively commence at 10:30 a.m. Please call (250) 692-3195/1-800-320-3339 for further information

PUBLIC IS WELCOME

“A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIESWITHIN OUR REGION”37, 3RD Avenue,

PO Box 820, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0

www.rdbn.bc.ca

PH: 250-692-3195 TF: 800-320-3339 FX: 250-692-3305

E-MAIL:[email protected]

February 25, 2016 .......RDBN Board Meeting/ SNRHD Meeting

March 10, 2016 ............RDBN Committee MeetingsMarch 24, 2016 ............RDBN Board Meeting/

SNRHD MeetingApril 14, 2016 ...............RDBN Committee Meetings

The RDBN Board of Directors will be discussing the draft 2016 to 2020 Financial Plan at its Committee

of the Whole Meeting on March 10, 2016. The Financial Plan will be on the agenda for adoption

at the March 24, 2016 Board Meeting.

From left to right: Zoe Dhillon, (chair of fundraising in Vanderhoof) Alec McKinnon, (councillor for Nak’azdli) Nicho-lette Prince, (Nak’azdli’s chief operating officer) and Desiree Whitely. (youth representative at Nak’azdli).

Photo by Barbara Latkowski

Nak’azdli Band in Fort St. James supports new aquatic

centre in Vanderhoof

Applications for businesses interested in the Façade Improvement Program are due on April 29

Do you want to improve your business façade?

nathancullen.com [email protected]

Federal Infrastructure Town Halls

Member of Parliament // Skeena - Bulkley Valley

What are your priorities for promised federal funds for community projects?

Please share your thoughts as local governments and I co-host conversations across the Northwest. Together we can plan wise investments.

Feb 28 - 7pm Burns Lake, Lakes Dist. Sec., Library

Feb 29 - 7pm Ft. St. James, Seniors Rec Centre

Mar 1 - 7pm Fraser Lk., Royal Canadian Legion

Mar 2 - 7pm Hazelton, Anglican Church Hall

Further events to be announced

Call 1-888-622-0212 for information

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Distributed every Wednesday in Fort St. James

We acknowledge the fi nancial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Publisher: Pam Bergerpublisher@

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Reproduction of contents either in part or in whole are not permitted without prior consent of the publisher.Copyright Canada No. 22

Serial No. 132934


• Guest Editorial

Published by Black Press Ltd at 150 West Columbia Street, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0

TOM FLETCHERBlack Press

The B.C. Liberal government made a big show of selectively easing Medical Ser-vices Plan fees in its budget for the coming election year.

In what is becoming a pattern for Pre-mier Christy Clark, the biggest benefi cia-ries are single parents. The new MSP is calculated for adults only, so a single parent with two children saves as much as $1,200 a year.

Premium assistance is expanded, with discounts for single people making up to $42,000, rather than $30,000. But for sin-gles, couples and seniors who don’t qualify for discounts, the rate is going up another four per cent effective Jan. 1, 2017.

Indeed, with population growth, the fi -nance ministry expects its take from MSP premiums to rise every year, reaching $2.5 billion in the coming years.

MSP revenue covers about 17 per cent of B.C.’s health budget, and Clark and Fi-nance Minister Mike de Jong insist that Canada’s only direct health care charge is a vital signal to people that health care isn’t free.

This argument has failed.

One seldom-discussed fact is that for half of the people charged MSP, it’s paid by their employers. In private sector terms it’s a hefty payroll tax, creat-ing one more obstacle for businesses to hire full-time staff with benefi ts.

So most full-time em-ployees don’t receive this supposedly vital signal, unless they get laid off be-cause their employer is los-ing money.

Also note that politicians and public sec-tor employees have never paid MSP premi-ums. Their employers, taxpayers, pick up the tab for them.

People who have to pay out of pocket are what the bureaucracy calls “pay direct ac-counts.” Jordan Bateman of the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation recently revealed that nearly 400,000 of these accounts are currently in arrears by more than 30 days, owing a grand total of $457 million.

Of course this is Canada, so even if you

haven’t paid or even reg-istered for MSP, you still get treatment at the hospi-tal. Another potential sig-nal lost in the noise.

For people who lose their jobs, MSP is like being kicked when they are down. Their employ-er stops paying, and the slow-moving bureaucracy charges them based on their income from the pre-vious year.

There was a fuss in 2004 after the B.C. Lib-

erals contracted out MSP administration to a Virginia-based back-offi ce specialist, delightfully named Maximus Corporation.

Now Maximus goes after delinquent MSP accounts with collection agency tac-tics, and attempts to keep up with the com-ings and goings from other provinces and countries.

Opposition parties decry the continued inequity of the MSP premium system, which charges the same for a single person making $45,000 or $450,000 a year.

NDP leader John Horgan rails about in-

equality and accuses Clark of using MSP revenues to establish her prosperity “slush fund,” but he stops short of calling for the elimination of MSP premiums.

One would expect the NDP to lead an-other “axe the tax” campaign, as they did with the carbon tax and the HST, but they aren’t. Perhaps this is because workers for this unnecessary Maximus machine remain members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union.

Green Party leader Andrew Weaver has it right. He staged a popular petition drive to roll MSP premiums into income tax. If the government wants to send a message, it can interrupt its continuous “Jobs Plan” advertising.

Scrapping MSP and raising income tax rates on higher brackets to compensate would fi x the private sector payroll deter-rent, make salaried employees (including me) pay their share, and end a tax break for the wealthy.

Don’t hold your breath.

Tom Fletcher is B.C. legislature re-porter and columnist for Black Press.

Email: tfl [email protected] Twitter: @tomfl etcherbc

Time to take MSP off life support


THE CHURCHESOF

FORT ST. JAMES

OUR LADY OF THE SNOWSROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

SUNDAY LITURGY: Saturday 7:30 pm & Sunday 10:30 amDAILY MASS: Monday - Friday 9:00 am

PASTORAL TEAM: FATHER FRANK SALMON 250-996-8343SR. MAURINE BARZANTNI, SR.RENEE RICHIE,

SR. DIVINA PEDRO 250-996-2275

(Across from the Petrocan Station)

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In Fort St. James, this winter may seem unusually mild, warm and even considered balmy.

It’s not like previous winters ac-cording to those who have grown up in the Fort.

From Murray Ridge Ski Hill fac-ing unpredictable conditions and can-cellations to logging trucks having to change schedules, this winter season is proving to be not really much of a winter at all.

Some might prefer the warmer weather.

But for many in the Fort, they are accustomed to a winter with minus 30 temperatures being the norm and Stu-art Lake freezing over by November. Typically, this is what’s expected in Fort St. James.

But, with above zero temperatures being the norm this year, what can be expected this spring in the Fort?

According to AccuWeather Global Weather Centre, spring of 2016 may rank in the top 10 warmest on record for Cana-da as a whole.

The season is expected to have an early start across much of the country due to El Nino’s infl uence.

El Nino is defi ned by above-normal ocean water temperatures in the central and eastern Pacifi c, near the equator. As a

result, Canada is set to experience warm-er-than-usual spring weather.

AccuWeather says this will be the case for much of Canada this year with the ex-ception of areas from northern Quebec through to Labrador. Colder weather will develop due to a prevailing northwesterly fl ow of cold air originating over the ice-covered Hudson Bay.

In Western Canada, a persistent area

of high pressure will keep much of the region, including Calgary and Edmonton, drier than usual and the main storm track will detour north into Alaska.

A lack of snow cover across the South-western Prairie region is set to accelerate the warmup for cities like Regina and Sas-katoon this spring.

Despite drier and warmer weather, ski conditions this spring will be very good

Spring 2016: set to rank as one of the warmest on record

Despite the warmer conditions, here is winter at its best on Lake Stuart, Fort St. James.

for most of B.C. and Alberta due to a deep snow-pack bringing good news to resorts such as Whis-tler and Lake Louise.

According to AccuWeather, the east, the primary storm track this spring will run from the southern United States then up into Atlantic Canada. This will lead to a continuation of stormy conditions, es-pecially from Nova Scotia and into Newfoundland in April.

Most of Ontario including southern Quebec will be drier this spring.

These drier conditions will lead to some warm weather early in the season.

From the southern Prairies to Ontario, the warm-er weather will cause the severe thunderstorm sea-son to begin much earlier than usual.

For more information regarding weather in Fort St. James and beyond visit: www.accuweather.com


Dancers have been busily rehearsing and they are now ready for their grand perfor-mance.

The recital will be held on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. in the old Fort St. James Secondary High school gym.

The entire studio of about 65 dancers from primary to competi-tive will be showcasing their talents.

Ages range from 3-17- years-old.

According to Kate-lynn Garden, owner of En Pointe, the recital will include solos, trios and group dances.

“There will be a

little bit of everything,” Garden said. “There will be a variety includ-ing ballet, contempo-rary and hip hop.”

En Pointe opened its doors on Sept. 30, 2013. Garden is excited for this year’s recital as there are many fi rst time performers.

“It’s great because it’s one of the only outlets for kids to do performances,” Garden says.

The recital is part of the Fort St. James Win-terfest this year and is a fundraiser for the dance studio’s Parental Advisory Committee who normally cover the costume costs for rec-reational students.

“It’s going to be an exciting recital,” Gar-

En Pointe Dance Studio: ready for recitalden said. “The com-petitive dancers will be performing their danc-es for the fi rst time. These dances are the

ones they will be per-forming at the Prince George Dance Festival on March 12-18. They are the returning re-

En Pointe Dance Studio: year end dance re-cital in June, 2015.

Photo submitted by Katelynn Garden

gional champions this year.”

“And for all of the fi rst time performers, we are so excited for them.”


JOIN THE MOVEMENT AGAINSTBULLYING ON FEBRUARY 24

JOIN THE MOVEMENT AGAINST BULLYING ON FEBRUARY 24

Purchase a Pink Shirt at London Drugs or pinkshirtday.cato support anti-bullying programs in B.C.

PINKSHIRTDAY.CA #pinkshirtday@pinkshirtday

Recognizing cyberbullyingBefore social media became so prevalent, instances of bullying were somewhat easy to recognize. However, with a good majority of children now engaged in digital networking and social media, bul-lying may not end with the ringing of the school bell, and evidence of bullying may not be so readily apparent.According to Cyberbullying statis-tics from the i-SAFE foundation, more than half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online, and about the same number have engaged in cyber-bullying. More than 80 percent of teens use a mobile phone regularly, making it the most popular form of technology and a common medium for repeated cyberbullying.Cyberbullying takes place through electronic technology and differs from traditional forms of bullying. Cyber-bullying can occur via text messaging, blogging, updates to social media sites and/or phone conversations. What makes cyber-bullying more diffi cult to detect and remedy than traditional bully-ing is that sometimes this type of bullying is veiled in secrecy.Those who engage in cyberbul-lying can create aliases and accounts under false names, allowing them to covertly engage in bullying behavior. As a result, tracking down bullies can be chal-lenging.Although cyberbullying is on the

rise, there are some things that parents and children can do to help put a stop to such unfortu-nate instances.* Parents who feel their child is not emotionally ready for the responsibility of a digital device can hold back on purchasing a smartphone or choose one with very limited features. Some schools set strict limits on phone usage at school, and children who go only from school to home and

vice versa may not have the need for an

“emergency phone”

that can open up

a window for trouble.

* Adolescents and teens should feel comfortable talking with their parents

without the fear of reprimand.

Otherwise, they may hide instances

of cyberbullying or not know how to broach sensitive topics like bullying. Parents can engage in conversation with their children often and stress that the doors of communication are always open.* Teens should be made aware that cyberbullying is a very real occurrence and is not just other kids “having fun” or “joking.” If behavior is repetitive and hurtful, it should be made public and ad-dressed.* Parents can monitor and limit

their children’s personal accounts. Some smartphone and tablet ap-plications can be mirrored on the main account, enabling parents to see incoming text or video mes-sages. * A laptop or desktop computer should be placed in a shared space so that usage can be monitored. Parents can restrict tablet or smartphone usage to public areas.* When online, children should be advised not to share personal information. Social media sites may be used by bullies to gather sensitive information about a per-son that can be used against them at a later time. Children should be urged to keep passwords secret and to never give information such as birthdays, phone numbers and addresses to people who aren’t close friends. Friend lists should be restricted to only those people stu-dents interact with frequently to minimize the chance for bullying or other inappropriate behavior.* Teens who have been bullied can keep evidence of the bullying and may benefi t from talking with a counselor. Cyberbullying is a growing con-cern for educators and parents and has far-reaching implications. Getting smart about this phenom-enon can help staunch new cases of online bullying.

Pink Shirt Day is Wednesday Feb 24th

Adults should remain diligent in monitoring what kids are doing online. Bullying can take place through digital devices, such as mobile phones.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT AGAINST BULLYING ON FEBRUARY 24

Purchase a Pink Shirt at London Drugs or pinkshirtday.cato support anti-bullying programs in B.C.

PINKSHIRTDAY.CA #pinkshirtday@pinkshirtday



The Fort St. James Secondary School Ski and Board Team com-peted at Zones in Jasper, Alberta on Feb. 8-9.

Of the 28 student athletes who competed, 21 have qualifi ed for the Provincials in Fernie, B.C. on Feb. 28-March 2.

According to head coach, Sarah Grill, Fort St. James Secondary was the only school in their zone, span-ning from Smithers to McBride, to have all four teams qualify for the provincials.

“We are very proud of them and their success can be attributed to their sheer determination and commitment to the team and training time,” Grill said.

“And we would like to thank our great community and our local hill,

Murray Ridge, for their continued support.”Placings from Zones:Girls Snowboarding:Team event: 1stIndividual event: 1st place – Kaylee Walstom2nd place – Orrie Leon

Boys Snowboarding:Team event: 3rdIndividual event: 2nd place – Ayden Leon

Girls Skiing:Team event: 2ndIndividual event: 3rd place – Gabriela Willick

Boys Skiing:Team event: 1stIndividual Event: 2nd place – Ayden Leon3rd place – Landon Thompson

Ski and board competitors compete at Zones: now off to provincials

“We are very proud of them and their success...”

1st Place Girls Snowboarder team event (back left to front) Orrie Leon, Mara Martin, Gabriela Willick, Kay-lee Walstrom, Sierra McNeill, Minna Jones

1st placed Boy Ski Team Event, (top left-Right) Landon Thompson, Jeff Boschman, Ayden Leon, David Goerz, Jayden Greenaway, Nathan Johnson

2nd Place Girls Skiing Team Event, (top left-right) Quintanna Paziuk, Gabriela Hillock, Ella Davis, Emma Kossey, Tessa Knight, Jaynee Gauthier, - Missing from photo Jaya Samra

1st place individual Girl Snowboarder, Kaylee Walstrom (middle) and 2nd place individual Girl Snowboarder, Orrie Leon (left)

2nd Place Individual Boys Snowboarder (left) Ayden Leon

3rd Place Boys Snowboarding Team Event, (left to Right) Ayden Leon, Dallen Olund, Oscar Crouch-er, Joey Saharchuk

3rd place individual Girls Skiing, (right) Gabriela Willick

2nd place Individual boy Skiing (left) Ayden Leon, 3rd place Landon Thompson (right)

Photos submitted by Sarah Grill


NEWSCourier

Community EventsCommunity EventsCommunity Events are free of charge as they are

sponsored by the Caledonia CourierCOMING EVENTS... Will appear as space is available, free of charge in this section. Coming events are available to non-profi t organizations only. This area is not intended for thank you submissions or selling products. It is simply a place for nonprofi t organizations a place to announce upcoming free activities. You can e-mail your item to [email protected] or by fax: 567-2070. Your organizations’ announcement can also be dropped off at our offi ce located at #111-250 Stuart Drive, Fort St. James. Decision of the publisher is fi nal.

***Holy Trinity Anglican Church are holding their Prime Rib Dinner on Friday, Feb 26 at the Evelyn Hall from 5-8pm. Accompanied by roast potatoes, yorkshire puds and veggies. All are welcome!

***We are looking forward to the 38TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE PERFORMING ARTS!...Dates are March 7- 20, 2016 and will be held at Nechako Valley Secondary School. Monday March 7, Speech Arts. Friday March 11, Strings. Monday March 14- Thursday March 17, Piano. Please check the website at www.musicfestivalweb.com/nechako for program details

***MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE... advocating for better services in our communities, such as: housing, counseling, education and job opportunities. Meetings held on the second Thursday of each month via – video conferencing from the communities of; Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, Granisle, Ft. St. James, Southside and Vanderhoof. 1:30 – 3:00. In Vanderhoof meetings are held in the boardroom at the hospital. Clients, family members and community partners are invited to attend. Your

voice is IMPORTANT. For more info on the committee and it’s works contact: Heather @ 250-692-7500. Or your Mental Health Service Provider

***VOLUNTEER WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY!...Are you or anyone you know interested in becoming a volunteer? No matter your age or your interests, there are plenty of opportunities for you or your family members to volunteer within our community. At Volunteer Fort St. James we assist local non-profi t organizations in recruiting volunteers and assist volunteers to fi nd an organization(s) they want to work with. If you chose to become a volunteer you are in control. You get to choose the event(s) you volunteer for, how often you volunteer and how much time you’d like to volunteer. Volunteers are not obligated to volunteer for any opportunities, no questions asked. It is as simple as that! If you’d like to become a volunteer, when opportunities become available you have the option to be notifi ed by email, or you can check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/volunteerfsj or stop by the Volunteer Fort St. James Offi ce Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 – 12:30 pm. You can sign up today to become a volunteer at www.volunteerfsj.ca. For more information you can e-mail us at [email protected] or call us at 250-996-8284 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 11:30 – 12:30 pm).

***STUART LAKE OUTREACH GROUP FOOD BANK SCHED-ULE... is the third Wed of each month: 10:00 am to noon at the Food Bank behind St. Patrick’s An-glican Church, Stuart Drive. Volun-teers needed. Call 250-567-6744. Food Bank needs canned meals, beans, stews, soups, tuna, salmon, sandwich meats, pasta and sauce,

tea, coffee, toilet paper, canned milk, cereals, etc. At this time we have lots of sugar! Thank you for your generosity.

***UNTOLD TRAUMA...author seeks contributions from non-First Nations students and staff who experienced Catholic residential or day schools abuse in Northern BC. For more info email [email protected]

***FIREWEED STOPPING THEVIOLENCE & OUTREACHSERVICE For those who believe all is possible!...Provides free Confi dential, Safe, and Supportive counselling and outreach services for women. Hours of Service: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and every other Friday. Location: Room 203, 349 Stuart Drive, Fort St James, BC Phone: (250) 996-1214 Fax: (250) 996-7647 Email: fi [email protected]

***STUART LAKE OUTREACH GROUP... hosts a free hot lunch each Tuesday from 10.00am to 1.00pm in the space behind St. Patrick’s Anglican Church. Meals are served by members of area churches and other volunteers from the community. We wish to thank all those who assist by cooking, serving, and cleaning up. Your help is invaluable. We also host a free Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day to all who are lonely or in need. Volunteers for these programs are needed. Please call Gwen at 250-567-6744.

***FORT ST. JAMES SEARCH & RESCUE... New members are welcome, training is provided for more information please contact Paul at 250-996-7478 or Rod at 250-996-3231

***FORT ST. JAMES PUBLIC LIBRARY HOURS...

Tuesday 11:30-8:00Wednesday 11:30-4:30

Thursday 11:30-4:30Friday 11:30-8:00

Saturday 11:00-3:00 ***

AUXILIARY TO STUART LAKE HOSPITAL... Monthlymeeting 2nd Wednesday eachmonth. Hospital Cafeteria 7:00 p.m.

***NECHAKO VALLEYCOMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY...Child and YouthMental Health and CounselingServices available at no cost.Monday to Friday 8:30 am to4:30 pm. Call 996-7645 for appointment.

***FORT TRAP AND HANDGUNCLUB... meets last Sunday of every month. Contact (Sue)at 250-996-7728 (h) for moreinformation.

***MUSIC MAKERS...Newmembers always WELCOME. Not everyone has to be on stage, thereis lots of work behind the scenes. Call Heike Fonda at 250-996-7006 for more info.

***PUBLIC SERVICEANNOUNCEMENT...If youknow anyone, including a child, who has been abused or harmedby a psychiatrist call the CitizensCommission on Human Rights at:1-800-670-2247.

***AA MEETINGS...Thursdays at8:00pm. United Church on 2ndAve West. Call 250-996-8290 for more information.

***FIREWEED SAFE HAVEN...asafe place for women and their children leaving violence or abuse. 24 hour access - please call 996-8000.

***FORT ST. JAMES PARENT ADVISORY...3rd Tuesday everymonth 7 p.m. at High School.

Listeners, critics, and audience members know Stephen Smith as “a sensitive and dynam-ic performer” with a “highly poetic touch” and “superb musicianship which illuminates every-thing he plays.” Simon Carrington (one of the founding members of the Kings Singers) has called Smith “a magnifi cent pianist,” saying, “It’s a privilege to hear such beautiful playing!” And renowned pianist Jane Coop has called her former student “an extremely intelligent and perceptive musician who has great facility and strength in his technique. His performances are fascinating programmatically and intriguing musically. He is dynamic and exciting on stage,

with a compelling, persuasive tempera-ment.”

Dr. Smith grew up in rural Nova Sco-tia, where he sang and played the piano from an early age. After initial studies in his home province in both piano and organ, he attended the Royal Northern College of Music in Manches-

ter, England. While there he participated in na-tional and international competitions, and won numerous awards and distinctions. Since 1990, Stephen has lived in Vancouver, obtaining his doctoral degree in piano performance from the University of British Columbia, and contribut-ing to the musical life of the city as a performer, teacher, conductor, arranger and composer.

His wide-ranging musical experience ex-tends from working with church and commu-nity choirs, through teaching piano and theory to students of all ages and at all levels, to giv-ing solo and chamber music performances and working regularly with some of Vancouver’s fi nest professional ensembles, including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Vancou-ver Chamber Choir.

Smith is also a published composer who has been commissioned by the CBC, the National Youth Choir, and the BC Choral Federation, among many others, and whose choral music is frequently recorded and performed across North America and beyond. His work as both pianist and composer can be heard on dozens of CDs in commercial release, including a solo disc of classical piano miniatures entitled Ka-leidoscope, available on iTunes.

As a teacher, his special interests include: the production of a seamless cantabile line; at-taining brilliance, evenness, and clarity through fi nger strength and independence; and helping students to self-diagnose technical problems and solve them by applying appropriate prac-tice techniques. Analytical and historical spe-cialties include the music of Bach, Brahms, and Schumann.

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Simone Hug was born in December 1979 in a small town in East Germany. She started playing the violin just before she turned 8. At the age of 11 Simone was invited to attend the “Musikgymnasium Schloss Belvedere”/” Franz Liszt” Music Conservatory in Wei-mar, where she spend the next 13 years of her life. During that time Simone followed the path of an orches-tra and singer/song-writer career and en-joyed participating in numerous concerts & competitions in many different places around the world.

Smithers became Simone’s new home in 2004, where she lives and works as a ho-meopath and a violin teacher.

Simone teaches in-tuitively according to each being’s unique way of learning and believes in music as a gift to share with the world in an uncompet-itive way.

Christina Rogers has been a speech arts and voice enthusiast for over 20 years. She holds an ARCT in speech arts from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto where she received the Florence Memorial Scholar-ship and gold medal for the highest mark in Canada. She has also completed exams with Trinity College, and spent several years teaching at the well-respected Speech Arts Studio in Edmonton AB and then later in Northern BC where she started the Stewart Speech Arts Festival and has been teaching around 40 students in Terrace, BC. While in her youth, Christina began studying with esteemed speech arts coach Shirley Kon-rad and multiple voice instructors, winning

numerous awards in-cluding the best overall speech award four dif-ferent times, the best overall voice award, the Telus Scholar-ship and fi rst place at the provincial level. Christina spent years training in dance, and because of her diverse theatre skills espe-cially enjoys coach-ing musical theatre solos. Christina fi nds

great joy in teaching, adjudicating, compos-ing, and writing. She currently works with groups and private stu-dents in Northern BC, with students placing at the provincial level and winning RCM gold medals. She has recently moved to Prince George where she now resides with her husband and three children.


The 38th annual Festival of the Performing Arts is on its way.

The festival will be held on March 7-20, 2016 at the Nechako Valley Senior Secondary School.

Norma Hoy is a piano teacher in Fort St. James. “It’s such a great opportunity for kids here in Fort St. James. There’s lots of talent here, so what bet-ter way to show it off,” she said.

Students can enter three different categories.

Those playing piano will perform March 14-17, speech arts will be held on March 7 and strings on March 11.

Awards will be given in all categories.A piano workshop will be offered on March 15

at 7:30 p.m.And the festival will wrap up with a Spring Arts

Gala Concert on Sunday, March 20 at 2:30 p.m.To view the festival syllabus and for more in-

formation view: www.musicfestivalweb/nechako

Here are the festival adjudicators:

The Festival of the Performing Arts is almost here

Dr. Stephen Smith, Piano Adjudicator

Simone Hug, Strings Adjudicator

Christina Rodgers, ARCT, Speech Arts Adjudicator

The Festival of the Performing Arts

March 7-20NVSS

Vanderhoof


VICTORIA - New legislation was tabled today to modernize the regulatory framework for fi re safety in British Columbia.

The Fire Safety Act will re-place the Fire Services Act, legis-lation that has not had substantial updates since 1979.

The new act will:* improve fi re code compli-

ance monitoring by making it risk-based;

* enable local authorities to appoint fi re safety personnel to carry out

fi re inspections, investigations and evacuations;

* establish an administrative enforcement model to address non-compliance issues in a more timely and effective manner; and,

* shift to a risk-based ap-proach for compliance monitor-ing in municipalities.

The Fire Safety Act takes into account a full range of feedback received through an extensive consultation process, including ideas generated in previous ef-forts to update the legislation. The most recent consultation group included representation from the Union of British Co-lumbia Municipalities, Local Government Management Asso-

ciation, the Fire Chiefs’ Associa-tion, Fire Training Offi cers Asso-ciation, Fire Prevention Offi cers Association of BC, Volunteer Fire Fighters’ Association of BC, BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, and Wildfi re Man-agement Branch.

Minister of State for Emer-gency Preparedness, Naomi Yamamoto said, “The new act will result in a manageable and streamlined out-of-court enforce-ment system with administrative penalties aimed at improving compliance. And it will provide local authorities with the power to evacuate or close a building where there is immediate dan-ger to life and/or property. It also streamlines the fi re inspection and investigation process. Sim-ply, this new legislation will im-prove fi re safety in B.C.”

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Todd Stone - “The goal of the Fire Safety Act is to modernize the legisla-tion and to make improvements to help ensure the safety of Brit-ish Columbians. What is under consideration takes into account the collective work of a number of previous efforts to update this legislation - the Fire Services Act

was last updated 20 years ago and these would be the fi rst sig-nifi cant amendments proposed in over three-and-a-half decades.”

Fire Chiefs’ Association of British Columbia president, Timothy Pley - “The Fire Chiefs’ Association of BC applauds the adoption of the new Fire Safety Act. This legislation provides lo-cal governments with new and better tools with which they can provide for fi re safety within their communities. The adoption of a risk-based model of fi re code compliance monitoring will help local governments apply their fi re prevention and inspection ef-forts where the need exists, pre-venting fi res and providing for life safety where the fi re risk is highest. Local governments are now empowered to exercise lo-cal government authority in miti-gating imminent fi re risk rather than the older system of referring those concerns to the provincial government for action. Local governments will now be able to take immediate mitigation ac-tions when imminent life safety risks are found. This means safer communities for citizens and for the fi refi ghters serving within those communities.”

New Fire Safety Act aims to modern-ize fi re safety regulations in B.C.

Tykes hockey team. Photo courtesy of Clarke Action Photography


The Northland Tykes tournament was a huge success and brought out a very supportive crowd to the Fort St. James Forum on Feb. 13 and 14.

Children participating in the tour-nament were only 5 and 6- years-old. For many of them, it was their fi rst year playing minor hockey.

“The focus of the tournament is having fun and creating a catalyst for a lifelong love of hockey,” said Christie Hoy, hockey executive for Fort St. James Minor Hockey.

Teams travelled from Vanderhoof,

Fraser Lake, Burns Lake and Prince George to participate and over 80 athletes were welcomed to the Fo-rum.

According to Hoy, everyone played hard and had fun.

Hustler awards were presented to 18 athletes who were recognized for their outstanding energy and efforts.

All participants received a medal, a water bottle and goody bag to help encourage participation in future events such as this.

“As always, the tournament was well supported by the amazing hock-ey fans of Fort St. James and the gen-erous sponsors,” Hoy said.

Northland Tykes Hockey Tournament: a huge success


It was a sunny spring like day on Feb. 19.

Outside of The KEY in Fort St. James, volunteers busily prepared tables fi lled with do-nations of household items and clothing.

The garage sale brought in a good crowd according to Ber-nice Wilkes, support worker at The Key.

“We made about $800 today,” Wilkes said.

The KEY is a resource cen-tre that continues to connect people through education and training offering essential skills in health, employment, life and literacy outreach services.

The centre is open three days a week and continues to bring in about 50-60 people a day from families, teens and elders.

This was the fi rst garage sale The KEY has held to help sup-port the centre and more are planned in the future according to Wilkes.

“It was a good day,” Wilkes said. “We are looking forward to the next one.”

The KEY: Garage sale aims to keep community connected

Volunteer Michaeline Sam (left) and Bernice Wilkes, (right) support worker at The KEY, packing up after a successful garage sale aimed to help support the centre.



Jacqueline May Warren

June 11, 1954 – February 14, 2016

Passed away Sunday evening at Stuart Lake Hospital, Fort St James

Though the tears of todayAre drawn from wells of sorrow,

They fl ow from springs of memoriesThrough which will come your

strengths for tomorrow.

Jacki moved from Prince George to Fort St James with parents Gerry and Anne Godard in 1963 and siblings Rick, Gerri (& Jimmy Steves), Darlene, Pat (& Carnie Ludwig), Ken (& Dawn) and Tom (& Silvia).Married to Archie Warren in 1975 and raised two sons, Jason (& Valeria) and Jared (& Dee); followed by grandsons Logan, Ray and Tima. There will not be a service

STUDENT GROUNDSKEEPERSSchool District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes) requires student groundskeepers for summer employment from April 28, 2016, until September 2, 2016, (two in Burns Lake, two in Vanderhoof, one in Fraser Lake and one in Fort St. James). Hours of work will be eight (8) hours per day between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. as determined by the supervisor, Monday to Friday, at a rate of $15.10 per hour. Preferred Qualifications:• Enrolled in a post-secondary education program and returning in September• Previous experience relevant to the position would be an asset• Competent in the use and care of tools and equipment common to the position• Valid Class 5, BC Driver’s License, unrestricted is desirable• An exemplary driving record as demonstrated by a current driver’s abstract• The ability to perform physically demanding job duties• A current WHMIS certificate Please note: Incumbents who successfully complete this work assignment will be qualified to receive a $1,000 scholarship to a post secondary program of their choice. Please complete a general application form which is available on the website at: http://www.sd91.bc.ca/ or from the School District Administration Office in Vanderhoof or from any district school. Please indicate on the application form the location you are applying for and submit by 4:00 p.m., Wednesday March 2, 2016 to: Human ResourcesSchool District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes)P.O. Box 129Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0Phone: (250) 567-2284 Fax: (250) 567-4639Email: [email protected]

School District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes) would like to thank all applicants in advance for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

School District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes)P.O. Box 129, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0Phone: (250) 567-2284 Fax: (250) 567-4639

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CANADA BENEFIT Group - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canada benefi t.ca/free-assessment

HAVE YOU been denied Canada Pension Plan disability benefi ts? The Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help you appeal. Call 1-877-793-3222,www.dcac.ca [email protected]

HIP OR knee replacement? Arthritic conditions or COPD? Restrictions in walking/dress-ing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. Apply Today For As-sistance: 1-844-453-5372.

Travel

TimeshareCANCEL YOUR timeshare. No risk program. Stop mort-gage and maintenance pay-ments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consul-tation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.

TravelSAVE 30% on our Heart of the Arctic adventure. Visit Inuit communities in Greenland and Nunavut aboard the com-fortable 198-passenger Ocean Endeavour. Call for details! 1-800-363-7566 or visit www.adventurecanada.com (tico#04001400)

Employment

Business Opportunities

NEW EXCITING mini VLT’S. Produce buckets of cash monthly. Attracts Customers like money magnets. Loca-tions provided. Ground fl oor opportunity. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629. Website www.tcvend.com.

HEALTHCARE DOCUMEN-TATION Specialists are in huge demand. Employers want CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Train with Canada’s best-rated program. Enroll today. 1-800-466-1535, www.canscribe.com [email protected]

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit today: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career.

START A New career in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Infor-mation Tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765.

Services

Financial ServicesGET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB.

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ObituariesObituaries

Announcements Employment Services ServicesServices Services

FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, re-liable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1-800-573-2928.

Information Education/Trade Schools

Financial Services Plumbing Accounting/Tax/Bookkeeping

Accounting/Tax/Bookkeeping

Misc Services Misc Services

To advertise in print:Call: 250-567-9258 Email: offi [email protected]

Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca

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Inspire.Perspire.Participate in an event to help the 4 millionCanadians living with arthritis.

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ObituariesObituaries

Concluding his successful journey through life, LACHMAN DAS BIRDI joined his parents on February 5th, 2016 at the age of 75. Born in Jalandhar, India, Lachman immigrated to Victoria, BC in 1972 and in 1973 called Fort St. James his home. His wife and six children joined him in 1976. Lachman worked at Takla Forest Products and Canfor Sawmill until his retirement. Many people in the community knew him simply by his last name,“Birdi”. During his days in Fort St. James, he enjoyed walks at Cottonwood Park and around the loop. He had a strong passion for history and always enjoyed discussions over a cup of tea. Birdi worked hard, raised and educated his family, and contributed to society in many meaningful ways. He continued to visit Jalandhar during the winter months and established a school there where he fi nanced the education of those less fortunate, as well as provided countless scholarships to promising youth. He also supported a number of other charitable causes that work towards the eradication of poverty and improving education globally.Lachman Birdi will be sadly missed by family and friends. Multi-faith funeral services and fi nal prayers were held on Feb 14th. There are not enough words that can describe just how important our father and Babaji was to us and what a powerful infl uence he continues to be. Those we love don’t go away, they walk besides us every day.

IN LOVING MEMORY

Find TheCar Of YourDreams In the Classifieds

Caledonia Courier Wednesday, February 24, 2016 www.caledoniacourier.com A11y y www.caledoniacourier.com A11

FORT ST. JAMESAND AREA

BUSINESSDIRECTORY

OIL & LUBE

Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake

Pam BergerPublisher

150 W. Columbia StBox 1007, VanderhoofBC V0J 3A0

Tel: 250-567-9258Fax: 250-567-2070

Email: [email protected]

vertiserReaching Every DoorADSTUART

NECHAKO

Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake

Pam BergerPublisher

150 W. Columbia StBox 1007, VanderhoofBC V0J 3A0

Tel: 250-567-9258Fax: 250-567-2070

Email: [email protected]

NEWSPAPERS

Serving Fort St. James and area since 1972

Pam BergerPublisher

250-996-8482Advertising: [email protected]: [email protected]

Website: www.caledoniacourier.com

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO

ADVERTISE HERE GIVE US A

CALL: 250-567-9258

Merchandise for Sale

POLE BARNS, Shops, steel buildings metal clad or fabric clad. Complete supply and in-stallation. Call John at 403-998-7907; [email protected]

REFORESTATION NURSERY seedlings of hardy trees, shrubs and berries for shelter-belts or landscaping. Spruce and Pine from $.99/tree. Free shipping. Replacement guar-antee. 1-866-873-3846 or www.treetime.ca

Misc ServicesMisc Services

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Misc. for Sale Misc. for SaleSAWMILLS FROM only $4,397. Make money and save money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock, ready to ship. Free Info & DVD: 1-800-566-6899 ext: 400OT.www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT

STEEL BUILDING Sale. Real-ly big sale, extra winter dis-count on now!! 21x22 $5,190 25x24 $5,988 27x28 $7,498 30x32 $8,646 35x34 $11,844 42x54 $16,386. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422; www.pioneersteel.caTRY A CLASSIFIED AD

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John Rustad, MLANechako Lakes

Box 421183 First Street, VanderhoofTel: 250-567-6820Fax: 250-567-6822

Toll Free: 1-877-964-5650Email: [email protected]

Website: www.johnrustadmla.bc.ca

Featuring the spirit of the local people

CourageousBattles

HumanInterest

AthletesPioneers

Achieving

Serving the

community of

Fort St.

James

Brought to you by your MLA John Rustad


For Chester Hiebert, It’s all about the volunteers being the backbone of any community.

And in Fort St. James, its people like Hiebert who continue to lend a hand when they can and support the many services and ideas that make this community what it is today.

Besides his full-time position as an on-line teacher with EBUS, volunteering con-tinues to keep Hiebert busy.

Hiebert acts as the vice-president of the Fort St. James Senior Association.

“This community has such strength in their seniors. They have such important histories to share, so many great ideas and in turn we now have so many great ser-vices to offer,” Hiebert said.

“The social gatherings at the daily lunches at the senior’s centre are such a great opportunity for seniors to exchange stories and ideas. It gives them a voice.”

Hiebert also acts as director for the Fort St. James T.V. and Radio Society.

“This service is so valued and priceless to the community,” Hiebert says.

The society provides an eclectic selec-tion of T.V. channels providing a wide cross-section of programming that sup-ports the community.

“It’s a multi-million dollar operation but here in Fort St James, it costs us about $80,000 per year,” Hiebert said. “Nowhere

else can you get 31 channels for $45 a year per household.”

For Hiebert, it’s all about the com-munity and after beginning to volun-teer for the society 35 years ago, this still remains his mandate today.

“I remember hearing that if you want to try something new, try it in Fort St, James fi rst. Once they get behind the idea, they make it work,” Hiebert said.

“And it’s so true. There is such strong community support here.”

Hiebert works with the Primary Care Society. He has also served on the

Regional District Advisory Council and Community Futures which looks at the economic development of the community.

But for Hiebert, teaching has always been and still is a passion that continues to drive him today.

“I didn’t see myself doing this years ago,” he said. “I spent 27 years in con-struction before this.”

Hiebert grew up Morden, in south cen-tral Manitoba. He was the second young-est of 11 children.

“Both of my parents came from fami-lies of 12. They were old fashioned Men-nonites but my family had such colourful character,” Hiebert said.

“I was quite a brat when I was younger. My family nurtured me and kept me in-line. I was a handful.”

Having been in construction for a num-ber of years and having gone through a di-vorce and gaining full custody of his son, Hiebert realized that he wanted change.

At 41 years of age, Hiebert decided to go back to school as a mature student and attended university in Lethbridge, Al-berta.

“I had to learn how to study. All I knew was carpentry and mechanics. I wasn’t clever, but I worked hard. I developed a strategy and it worked.”

Hiebert graduated with a business edu-cation degree.

Before graduating, Hiebert would spend his summers working in Fort St. James

“My brother John was here,” Hiebert said. “He’s the reason why we ended up moving here.”

“My son loved it because of the wilder-ness and wildlife.”

Once deciding to move to Fort St. James permanently after graduating from university, Hiebert was offered a job as a shop teacher at Fort St. James Secondary High School.

“I certainly had enough training and being in construction for 27 years, it all worked out,” Hiebert said.

“I love teaching. It’s being able to work with so many personalities and developing that student/teacher relationship. My stu-dents learned that they would have a lot of liberty with kindness and respect. Every-one has a good side and this is the founda-tion of all of my relationships.”

Hiebert taught at the high school for 13 years.

Today, the 67-year-old still keeps busy teaching on-line courses at EBUS. He has been happily married to his wife Gail for 19 years and the couple have two children.

Even after he developed multiple scle-rosis years ago, Hiebert is showing no signs of slowing down.

“With MS, it’s important to stay active mentally,” Hiebert says. “It’s like that old saying, use it, or lose it.”

“I have to keep challenging myself. It’s so important to stay sharp. It’s that person-al growth that’s so important to me. The ability to grow personally and then from there, being able to develop meaningful relationships.”

Chester Hiebert: It’s all about community

Chester Hiebert

(From left to right) Chester Hiebert with fellow members from the Fort St. James T.V. and Radio Society, Bob Hughes and Dave Birdi.


caledonia courier, february 24, 2016

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