Cougar warning issued in Port Hardy

By Teresa Bird - North Island Gazette
Published: February 22, 2011 6:00 PM
Updated: February 22, 2011 6:45 PM

PORT HARDY – Walkers should use extra caution on the Quatse Trail Loop after a cougar was sighted Feb. 21, said Conservation Officer Tim Schumacher.
A group of toddlers and their caregivers were out for a walk on the trail about 11:30 a.m. Monday when they spotted the cougar, said Schumacher.
"The cougar followed them for about a kilometre in the bush," said Schumacher. The cougar was encountered on the hatchery side of the trail, just over the bridge said the conservation officer.
Schumacher warns the public to be cautious on the trail. If you encounter a cougar follow these instructions:
• Give the cougar an avenue of escape.
• Stay calm and talk to the cougar in a confident voice.
• Pick all children up off the ground immediately.
• Do not run.
• Do not turn your back on the cougar.
• Face the cougar, remain upright and try to enlarge your image.
• If attacked, fight back.
If see a cougar, report it immediately to conservation officers at 1-877-952-7277.

via bclocalnews.com

Job Posting - FN Youth Counsellor (Closes March 3!)

FIRST NATIONS YOUTH COUNSELOR 
temporary until June 2011
Port Hardy Secondary School - 30 hours per week

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
The First Nations Youth Counselor is the First Nations students’ advocate, providing both an intervention and a prevention service. The Youth Counselor will provide support and guidance to enhance the educational success of First Nations students attending Port Hardy Secondary School.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

COUNSELLING:
  • Works with First Nations students individually and in groups.
  • Provides counselling support for First Nations students to address their educational, psychological, social, and cultural needs.
  • Facilitates the development of strategies that will enhance the personal, social, cultural, and educational development of First Nations students.
  • Assists and supports First Nations students and parents to access appropriate community resources.

CONSULTATION:
  • Provides ongoing consultation to school administration and teaching staff by observation, referral, planning, and follow-up related to First Nations students.
  • Provides relevant information to school administrators, Counselors, and teachers for appropriate planning, placement, or assistance for First Nations students.
  • Is an active member of the School-Based Team, the Transitions Team, and other consultative groups.
  • Acts as a liaison between First Nations students and the district Critical Incidence Response Team.
  • Performs other duties as required.

COORDINATION:
  • Assists the school in using appropriate resources to enhance the education of First Nations students, including the Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement.
  • Acts as a liaison between the school and First Nations parents, band Education Coordinators, and community resource people.
  • Keeps a record of interviews and pertinent reports on First Nations students, and supplemental information that may be helpful to ensure success in the student’s educational program.
  • Honours the guidelines of the Freedom of Information Act and School District Policy when accessing student information.
  • Provides a year end compilation of data indicating student, parent, teacher, and others’ use of First Nations youth Counselor services.

EDUCATION:
  • Provides information to staff and facilitates classroom sessions on First Nations culture, learning styles, counselling and other related issues upon request.
  • Attends staff and district meetings, workshops, and conferences for personal professional development in order to keep up-to-date on current issues.
  • Carries out other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Principal, Port Hardy Secondary School.

Submit letter of application, resume, and two reference letters by mail, email, or fax to:
Les Taylor
Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nation
PO Box 5120 Port Hardy, BC V0N 2P0
Fax: 250-949-7402 / Email: manager@gwanak.info

Applications should be received no later than 3:00 pm on Thursday, March 3, 2011. We thank all who apply for this position. However, only those short listed for an interview will be contacted.

North Island Gazette - RCMP and First Nations discuss agreement

Teresa Bird

Gazette staff

RCMP and three North Island First Nations are working together to review the relationship between them.

Inspectors from the RCMP First Nations Policing Section were on the North Island Jan. 26 for a preliminary meeting to discuss the community tri-partite agreement (CTA) with First Nations chiefs and elders from Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw, Kwakiutl and Quatsino.

"it went really well," said Sgt. Phil Lue, spokesperson for Vancouver Island North Regional Policing Services. "There was lots of discussion, a lot of interaction. Everyone came away feeling pretty positive."

The talks were initiated because the existing agreements were to expire this year, but have been extended to 2012, to facilitate the review.

Part of the agreement includes provision of two dedicated constables to serve First Nation communities.

"They are solely dedicated to working with the three reserves in the Port Hardy area," said Lue.

The only other CTA on the North Island is in Kyuquot, northwest of Zeballos.

"There has also been some discussion about drafting a CTA with the First Nations in Alert Bay," said Lue.

via bclocalnews.com

Canada's ability to track tankers in B.C. exclusion zone limited

Exclusive: Canada's ability to track tankers in B.C. exclusion zone limited

OTTAWA — Canadian authorities have no reliable way of tracking vessels that pass through a zone off the B.C. coast meant to keep out oil tankers, despite reassurances by the Harper government that the zone is strictly monitored, Postmedia News has learned.

The Tanker Exclusion Zone was established in 1988 under a non-binding agreement between the Canadian and U.S. coast guards and the U.S. tanker industry. It was designed to lower the risk of an oil tanker running aground off the coast of British Columbia.

The zone, which runs from southern Alaska to the southern tip of Vancouver Island, applies to tankers carrying oil from the Trans-Alaska pipeline to ports along the U.S. west coast.

The Harper government insists the exclusion zone is closely policed. "That exclusion zone, which is closely monitored and strictly enforced, makes sure that no oil tanker traffic comes down the inside passage," Transport Minister Chuck Strahl told the House of Commons in December.

But the Canadian Coast Guard concedes that its radar systems can only monitor tanker traffic in the southern portion of the zone, as tankers approach the Juan de Fuca strait between Vancouver Island and Washington state. On average, one tanker loaded with crude oil enters the strait every day. The coast guard can also identify vessels through signals sent by the vessels through an onboard transponder, but the system also has a limited range.

The coast guard must therefore rely heavily on the tanker industry to accurately report the whereabouts of their vessels. A spokesman for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, to which the coast guard reports, said the government has no "historical" data on the number of tankers that have entered the zone.

"We think the exclusion zone is a good idea, but we don't think it's enough," said Jennifer Lash, executive director of Living Oceans Society, an environmental group in B.C. that has been calling for a formal moratorium on tanker traffic off the province's coast. "Because it's voluntary, there are no consequences. It's not really something that's monitored."

Tanker traffic along the B.C. coast is expected to increase as energy producers in Canada look to ship more oil and gas to China and other growing Asian markets. Calgary-based Enbridge has proposed a $5.5-billion plan to build two pipelines that would carry bitumen from the Alberta oilsands to a port in Kitimat, B.C.

The project has revived the debate over a moratorium on oil and gas activities along the B.C. coast established in 1972 by the federal government under Pierre Trudeau. In 2009, the Harper government quietly affirmed that the ban doesn't apply to tanker traffic, despite widespread assumptions to the contrary. Enbridge notes that the exclusion zone won't apply to tankers entering or leaving Kitimat.

The Conservatives have resisted pressure from opposition MPs and environmentalists to give the voluntary ban some teeth. The opposition parties teamed up in December to pass an NDP motion calling on the government to legislate a ban on tankers near the rich ecosystem of Haida Gwaii, formerly called the Queen Charlotte Islands. Liberal MP Joyce Murray has tabled a private-member's bill that would impose such a ban.

Government officials said in a statement that all vessels must contact the coast guard 96 hours before entering Canadian waters. Vessels must provide information about their ship, as well as their cargo and destination. They must report any safety deficiencies 24 hours before entering Canadian waters.

The coast guard reports deficiencies to Transport Canada, which administers the exclusion zone. Transport officials refuse entry to any vessel that "could pose a risk to Canadian waters," the statement said.

But environmentalists say the government hasn't adequately prepared for the possibility of a damaged tanker drifting ashore and unleashing a major oil spill. Drift modelling conducted by the government suggests the exclusion zone would have to be pushed farther offshore to prevent such a disaster.

Depending on the severity of the weather and the location of the tanker, rescue tugs might not be able to reach the tanker in time, said Lash, of Living Oceans.

amayeda@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/amayeda

© Copyright (c) Postmedia News

North Island Midweek - Central Coaster ship-shape again

Published: February 07, 2011 1:00 PM
Updated: February 07, 2011 4:49 PM

Ken Manning

Black Press

A freight vessel that plies the waters of the Central Coast has a new look and a long life ahead.

Shearwater Marine has finished a refit on Central Coaster. The year-long project done at Arrow Marine is complete and she is ready to begin serving towns, villages, and camps along the central coast.

Seen dockside at the Shearwater Marine terminal in Port Hardy on Wednesday, the snub nose, heavy hauler, boasts a self-loading crane, a long roll-on-roll-off drawbridge front ramp and twin diesel power mounted on a flat bottom barge that makes her highly maneuverable in tight harbours and skinny water.

“The refit took longer and was more expensive than we anticipated,” said project manager, Brad Widsten. “But, it was worth it. Now she’s good for 20 or 30 years of service.”

Captain Mike Heavenor said the Central Coaster is set up to deliver all manner of cargo to the residents of the Central Coast.

The captain, who has 39 years of experience, is excited about the new vessels capabilities.

“We can deliver frozen and refrigerated groceries, fuels and lubricants, equipment, and even blasting materials.

“We are making semi-weekly runs during the winter and fall. In the summer we will start weekly service,” said Vida Friesen, the Port Hardy terminal manager. “We can do pickup and deliveries from as far south as Richmond all the way up to Kitimat and all points in between.”

One of the fitters who worked on the Central Coaster at Arrow Marine accompanied her north on her break-in voyage has decided to stay on as a deckhand. Stein Wahl, who is descended from a long line of boat builders, said he feels a connection to the vessel after spending a year resurrecting her.

The Port Hardy Shearwater Marine terminal is located on Jensen Cover Road across from Ecoscape Cabins.

via bclocalnews.com

Bears Place Welcoming Potluck and Dance

Friday February 25th 2011
5pm till 11pm
Come meet the Gang at Bears place, with an introductory to Why Bears Place was developed and what our future plans are, be part of the development of Bears place. Meet the Council of Directors, And Volunteers of Bears place. Bring your favorite dish to share.
Agenda
5:pm : Doors open
5:pm to 5:30: Mingle
5:30: Welcoming by Rob Lind and a thank you to funders
5:45: Dinner Prayer and Dinner
6:15: Introduction to Volunteers and Council of Directors
6:45: Opening performance
7:pm: Comedy Act
7:15: Open Mic
7:45 to 9:pm : local performers
9:pm till 11:pm DANCE DANCE DANCE
DOOR PRIZES, 50/50 Draws, Games, Fun and Karaoke
More info call
(250) 949-0343
via facebook.com

Hey everyone, make sure you check out this event at the old Robert Scott School gym!

TXT SUPPORT 4 SMOKERS CAN HELP THEM QUIT

TXT SUPPORT 4 SMOKERS CAN HELP THEM QUIT

 

VICTORIA – There were millions of texts sent between cellphones last year by British Columbians, but for those trying to quit smoking this year the most relevant mobile messages they receive could be quit tips and support now available through QuitNow by TXT.

 

“QuitNow by TXT is an easy, free service that provides quit information at your fingertips anywhere you go so you are supported to quit smoking every step of the way,” said Terry Lake, parliamentary secretary for health promotion. “Anytime is a great time to quit smoking, but National Non-Smoking Week provides the perfect opportunity for people who smoke to try new and innovative quit methods available at QuitNow.ca.”

 

The 14-week, mobile-texting service is supported through the BC Lung Association’s QuitNow Services, and available to all B.C. residents. The program offers support to help people who smoke to quit or stay tobacco-free. Users can opt in to the service by registering online or by mobile phone to start receiving a series of messages straight to their cellphones.

 

Text messages are tailored to each user’s stage of quitting to help them prepare to quit, cope with cravings, withdrawal and stress, identify quit tips and aids and stay motivated. The program is based on users setting a quit date, since text messages are tailored to where users are in the quitting process. Anyone can sign up by going to: www.quitnow.ca/quitnow_by_txt or by texting “JOIN” to 654321.

 

While B.C. has the lowest smoking in Canada at 14.9 per cent, there are approximately 550,000 British Columbians who smoke.

 

“We know that support buddies play an integral role in helping their family member or friend quit smoking, but they usually can’t be with them all of the time. With QuitNow by TXT, people trying to quit can have a support system that goes wherever they do,” said Jack Boomer, director of QuitNow Services. “QuitNow by TXT can help someone quit smoking no matter what stage they are at, and the service can be customized by the user to deliver text messages when they want.”

 

Messages are tailored to the different stages of the quitting process as follows:

 

·         Pre-quit phase – two weeks of daily messages to help prepare for the quit (up to 22 messages).

·         Quit day – three messages.

·         Active Quit phase – one month of daily messages to guide, support and motivate through active phase (up to 57 messages).

·         Maintenance phase – two months of weekly messages to help avoid and deal with slips and relapse (up to 26 messages).

·         For extra support and dealing with cravings – users can text key words such as “crave” or “alcohol” to receive immediate supportive messages day or night (up to 80 messages).

 

National Non-Smoking Week promotes ways to lead smoke-free lives and runs from January 16-22. Approximately 37,000 Canadians are expected to die this year from tobacco-related causes, including more than 1,000 from second-hand smoke.

 

The Province is currently reviewing cessation products, including non-prescription nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) and prescription drugs. The review is anticipated to be completed in 2011.

 

QuitNow is supported by grant funding from the Province of British Columbia and organized by the BC Lung Association. For more information go to: www.quitnow.ca

via www2.news.gov.bc.ca

Federal-Provincial Support Grows First Nations Opportunities Through B.C. Forest Sector Technical Program

January 19, 2011
Victoria, British Columbia

$1.2 million in federal-provincial funding for the First Nations Forest Sector Technical Support Program will help First Nations with economic development in the forest and wood products industries, announced the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State for Sport and the Honourable Pat Bell, Minister of Forests, Mines and Lands.

“Our Government realizes that First Nations groups need help building capacity in the forestry sector,” said Minister Lunn on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “Today’s investment is an important step in supporting start-up First Nations businesses, while improving the competitiveness of our resource-based communities.”

The Technical Support Program will help First Nations groups develop new and existing forest-related businesses. Participants will be provided with technical advice and hands-on expertise, such as best practices in harvesting, transportation, equipment selection, mill layout, manufacturing, market intelligence and market opportunities.

“The Technical Support Program directly addresses several recommendations in the 2009 report by the Working Roundtable on Forestry, particularly the goal of supporting First Nations in becoming full partners in forestry,” said Bell. “We’re pleased to be working closely with the federal government towards that goal.”

Over a two-year period, the Technical Support Program aims to expand the number of First Nation bands and businesses involved in forest and wood products industries, as well as increase employment within First Nation communities. Industry experts with FPInnovations, the world’s largest private, not-for-profit forest research institute, will supply information and guidance to First Nations businesses.

 “The First Nations Forest Sector Technical Support Program is the type of program needed by First Nations and First Nation entrepreneurs interested in developing or expanding a forest and wood products business,” said Bill Williams, President of the First Nations Forestry Council. “This program will help ensure we build successful First Nation forest businesses and sustainable communities.” 

“FPInnovations is very pleased to be working directly with First Nations individuals and communities throughout the province as they create wealth from the forest,” said Jim Dangerfield, Executive Vice-President of FPInnovations. “We'll be working closely with First Nations communities and our funding partners, the Province of B.C. and Western Economic Diversification, to determine where further investment in forest businesses will result in real community benefits.”

Staff from FPInnovations will begin administering the program and deploying industry advisors this month. For more information, please contact the program manager, Dave McRae of FPInnovations, at dave.mcrae@fpinnovations.ca.

Since 2002, the Ministry of Forests, Mines and Lands has signed forestry agreements with 172 First Nations providing more than $243 million in revenue-sharing and access to over 55.6 million cubic metres of timber. Through the Technical Support Program, First Nations can strengthen their capacity to operate their forest tenures more efficiently and become more involved in the manufacture of wood products.

The Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia are delivering today’s investment through the Western Economic Partnership Agreement, a joint, multi-million dollar agreement designed to encourage economic development in the West. Both governments are contributing $25 million each to WEPA, over four years, to strengthen economic activity and improve quality of life in B.C. communities.

For more information, contact:

Cheekwan Ho
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Mines and Lands
250 387-8482

Jaime Burke
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
604-666-1318 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              604-666-1318      

via news.gc.ca

Enbridge President Says First Nations Biggest Hurdle to Gateway

Enbridge President Says First Nations Biggest Hurdle to Gateway

By 250 News

Friday, January 21, 2011 03:53 AM

Whistler, B.C. – The President and CEO of Enbridge says First Nations pose the biggest hurdle to the company’s proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline.
Pat Daniel made the comment while taking questions at an investor conference in Whistler Thursday morning. While Daniel says First Nations may not have very large numbers, their opposition to the proposed twin pipeline is very vocal and influential.
“As we all know in Canada, First Nations have got a lot of power and the opposition is primarily to the tanker traffic, not so much to the pipeline but to the tanker traffic off the west coast.”
However, Daniel is still optimistic that Northern Gateway will go ahead as planned as long as Enbridge follows the proper consultation process and lays out its arguments as logically as it has in the past. He also says Ottawa will play a role.
“As long as we’ve got the very strong federal government and, I think, general Canadian support of broadening out our markets that we will ultimately be successful. But it’s going to be a challenge.”
Daniel says the offer of 10% equity in the project to First Nations is also starting to turn the tide a bit. Despite the offer only being made in mid November, he says the offer has been very well received and Enbridge is hoping to bring more First Nations onside with it.
Enbridge wasn’t fully well received at the Whistler conference as Greenpeace activists held protests against the company and its Northern Gateway initiative.
Enbridge has also  made a response to the  Joint Review Panel's  request for more  information.  In a  brief corporate statement,  Enbridge says "The Joint Review Panel has requested additional detail from Northern Gateway on the design and risk assessment of the pipelines due to the geotechnical aspects and the geographic location of the pipelines. We are assembling information on how the risk factors from the geotechnical and geographical aspects of the applied-for corridor and terminal will be taken into account and integrated with the environmental and socio-economic consequences from potential hydrocarbon releases. We will prepare the information requested and will file it as part of our earlier commitments to provide additional information regarding the Termpol studies, General Oil Spill Response Plan and updated Consultation.

We are pleased to be able to provide the requested information to demonstrate the project can be built and operated safely."

The Joint Review Panel has agreed the  hearings on the proposed twin line will be held in communities  "in the proximity"of the proposed pipeline, but there has been no decision  yet on where  and when those hearings will take place.

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There is no technology for cleaning oil spills from ice covered rivers. Considering that this pipeline has over 750 water crossings that are ice covered over 5 months a year, this project should be a non- starter. Trans-Canada Pipelines has already looked at this route and declared it non-viable. The only thing keeping this dog alive is the $100 million of Chinese money that has been spent, and the local politicians with greasy fingers.
via opinion250.com