NEWS DELAYED | Announcement for possible expansion of Vernon Jubilee Hospital on hold [A4]
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Sunday, April 1, 2012
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Abbott considers his future
TUBE TRAIL
RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
JOSÉ LAROCHELLE/MORNING STAR
Tubers enjoy the ride and sun at Silver Star Mountain Resort, where there is a snow base of more than 230 centimetres.
Crown undecided on appeal RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
It remains unknown if a former Vernon teacher could be facing charges again. Prosecution has made no decisions about a potential appeal after a judge found Deborah Ashton not guilty on five counts for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a former student. “I haven’t had time to think about it,” said Neil Flanagan, Crown counsel, when asked if he is considering an
appeal of Judge Alison Beames’ decision Wednesday. “I will be reflecting on the judge’s decision and I will take it from there.” Flanagan didn’t give any indication as to when he may determine if there will be an appeal. “I start a murder prosecution April 10 and that’s what I’m focused on,” he said. Ashton had been charged with sexual interference of a person under 14, invitation to sexual touching under 14, sexual
assault and two counts of sexual exploitation. Ashton is expected to be at the Vernon Court House Thursday facing two perjury charges related to her first trial in February 2011. The first trial ended with a hung 12-person jury. Crown counsel responsible for the perjury charges could not be contacted as to whether that case will continue despite Ashton being found not guilty of a sexual relationship with a minor.
A veteran politician isn’t sure what his future holds. George Abbott, who was first elected Shuswap MLA in 1996, admits he is considering his options leading up to the next provincial election in May 2013. “We’re 14 months away from an election and six months away from the nomination period,” he told The Morning Star Friday. “I am giving some thought to whether I give another four years to public office.” When asked what factors he is considering, Abbott said: “What are the things that interest me and what I want to do with my life over the next four years.” As education minister, much of George Abbott Abbott’s recent schedule has been occupied by the labour dispute with the B.C. Teachers Federation. He eventually moved ahead with back-to-work legislation to bring any future strikes to an end. Abbott also recently returned from China where he was promoting B.C.’s education system to international students. Abbott insists that any decision not to seek another term will not be influenced by the current standings of the Liberal government, which are significantly behind the opposition NDP. “It doesn’t play the slightest role,” he said. “Parties wax and wain in the polls on a constant basis.” He also says that his decision will not suggest dissatisfaction with Premier Christy Clark, who he ran against for the leadership of the Liberal Party last year. “I’m fully supportive of the premier and the government,” he said. John van Dongen, Abbotsford South MLA, recently quit the Liberals and joined the B.C. Conservatives. In announcing his move, van Dongen stated he has concerns about the integrity of the government. “I was disappointed that he made the decision he did and exited in the way that he did,” said Abbott. Among van Dongen’s concerns were the government paying the legal fees of two former employees who pled guilty to breach of trust in the sale of B.C. Rail, and the Liberals not selling the naming rights of B.C. Place to Telus.
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