Join us for the 93rd BV Exhibition August 23, 24, 25 & 26
MAYOR BUSTED
TYHEE ELITE
Smithers Mayor Taylor Bachrach cuffed for charity.
Triathletes descend on Tyhee Lake to swim, bike and run.
NEWS/A4 S S/
SPORTS/A15 S
THE INTERIOR NEWS 105th th Year - Week 29
Smithers,, B.C.
Wednesday, y, Julyy 18,, 2012
www.interior-news.com
Single g Copy py • $1.34 (($1.20 $1.20 + 14¢ HST))
INSPIRED RELAY Relay efforts inspired by dad.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SLURPEE!
OUR TOWN/A5
INSIDE
Slurpee turned 43. 7-Eleven gave away 1,000 free Slurpees to mark the occasion. Gabby Lea, 11, Olivia Nixon, 11 and Drew Nixon, 6 fill up on Sulrpees to cool off July 11 in Smithers to mark the iconic drink’s 43rd anniversary at 7-Eleven.
OUR TOWN A5 LETTERS A7 SPORTS A15 COMMUNITY A9 THREE RIVERS B1 CLASSIFIEDS B4
FEATURES INVESTORSGROUP A14
Dan Mesec photo
WEATHER Wednesday HIGH: 24 LOW: 10
Thursday HIGH: 24 LOW: 10
Friday HIGH: 24 LOW: 10
Saturday HIGH: 24 LOW: 10
Sunday HIGH: 19 LOW: 7
Joint review panel snubs Hazelton By Percy N. Hébert Smithers/Interior News
It’s a move that has most people scratching their heads. The National Energy Board joint review panel, hearing public comment on Enbridge’s proposed Northern Gateway pipeline project, has relocated hearings scheduled for July 30, to Smithers from Hazelton. “This is the kind of thing that continues to taint the whole process,” Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson said. “It’s an insult and further erodes public trust in the review process.” The joint review panel cited instances of unrest in Hazelton, as the reason why the panel would convene in Smithers rather than Hazelton. “There are a number of documented issues of conflict within the community including a
blockade of an office building in Old Hazelton,” Manager, Communications Operations with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, Annie Roy said. “Given the current community unrest in Hazelton, the panel is concerned with providing a safe and secure community hearing venue for the participants.” Although the joint review panel referred to the unrest in the plural, they only specifically mentioned the recent blockade of the Gitxsan Treaty Society offices by the Gitxsan Unity Movement. Nathan Cullen, MP Skeena-Bulkley Valley, isn’t impressed with the reason behind the joint review panel’s decision. “They’re [JRP] just accusing the whole community and by extension the Gitxsan of being violent,” he said. The Gitxsan Unity Movement and the Gitxsan Treaty Society are both perplexed by the decision, especially considering the blockade at the
GTS offices was peaceful. “We (Gitxsan Unity Movement and supporters) are a respectful, non violent group and proved that throughout the six-and-a-half month blockade of a disrespectful Treaty Society,” GUM spokesperson John Olson said. “Staff Sgt. Pelley, of the New Hazelton RCMP is on record saying we are a peaceful group of people. “We will stand up for our rights and way of life, in a peaceful, respectful way.” Donaldson echoed the views expressed by Olson. “To suggest otherwise [the Gitxsan are not violent] is an insult to the Hereditary Chiefs, the host municipal councils, the treaty society and all residents,” Donaldson said. “The review panel should reconsider their decision and reinstate the public hearing scheduled for the Hazeltons.” See JRP on p. A4
Friday & Saturday ONLY!
Products
2 Litre plus deposit & eco fee
99¢ each limit 4
see page A-24