Merritt Herald, October 16, 2012

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2012 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS

Delegates aim to increase First Nations success

By Phillip Woolgar THE HERALD

newsroom@merrittherald.com

Lower Nicola Indian Band Chief Victor York and other First Nations, Ministry of Education and Nicola-Similkameen School District 58 officials sign the Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement at the Merritt Civic Centre Wednesday. The document aims to improve First Nations academic achievement. Phillip Woolgar/Herald

First Nations and the NicolaSimilkameen School District 58 delegates have signalled their continued commitment to work together in what many stakeholders are calling a monumental moment in history.

The two groups signed the Ministry of Education’s Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement at the Merritt Civic Centre on Wednesday, the second such commitment made by the groups in less than a decade.

Since the last Enhancement Agreement in 2004, SD 58 has committed

itself to increasing the Aboriginal Peoples high school completion rate, which rose from 37 per cent in 2005 to its 54-per-cent rate in 2011 in the district.

During that period, the district added Principal of Aboriginal Education Shelley OppenheimLacerte, who stressed what she called the importance of moving past a tragic history.

“There is a lot of negative history that has happened,” she said. “I recognize that and I understand that, but we are here today and we need to connect and move forward for the best interest of our children.”

See ‘Work’ Page 3

Merritt’s homelessness study scheduled for Friday

By Phillip Woolgar THE HERALD

newsroom@merrittherald.com

The third annual Merritt Homelessness Count is scheduled for this Friday, and ASK Wellness Centre is looking for volunteers to take to the streets.

“To have a successful count, we need to have the whole community involved,” housing co-ordinator for ASK

Volunteers are also needed to hand out surveys, hot chocolate and backpacks.

“As we approach someone who is homeless, we ask them to take a survey for us,” she said.

The survey features questions about age, gender and for how long they’ve been homeless, for example.

Those results are

Chelsea Morrey said.

Forty volunteers would be ideal, she added.

“Even if you’re not physically fit and don’t want to pound the ground, we have people sitting at stations like the bottle depot, the food bank, some of the local hangouts that many of our local homeless people access.”

M E R R I T T

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See our full Real Estate Review inside the Thursday edition of the Merritt Herald.

snapshot of both communities on the same day,” Morrey said.

According to a City of Merritt press release, the count is vital for a needs assessment.

“The Homelessness Count will help in planning for the expansion of supplies offered to homeless participants, the number of volunteers, and the involvement of the Extreme

Weather Response Shelter to service our community’s homeless people,” the release stated. The City couldn’t be contacted for further comment by press time.

That shelter is slated to open on Dec. 1, and final details are being organized.

Some funding has been dedicated from the province, but the

overall budget hasn’t been determined, said Community Policing Co-ordinator Kelly Donaldson.

“Our housing task group is working with BC Housing,”she explained. “But we’re still short on funds to make the model work the way we want it to this year.”

See ‘Shelter’ Page 3

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then handed to a representative from the provincial government to review and possibly dedicate funding to provide services to the homeless.

Merritt is conducting its homelessness count on the same day as Kamloops so that the same person isn’t counted twice.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Park improvements estimated at $2.2 million

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The City expects to make a decision on the proposed fields by the end of fall

By Emily Wessel THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

The City of Merritt expects to decide by the end of fall about how to proceed with improvements to Central and Voght Parks.

The plan was drafted by Kamloops engineering and architecture firm Stantec last spring, after a group of park users, including members of soccer teams, rugby teams and baseball teams, identified the parks’ needs in 2011.

After city council reviewed the plan, it went to an open house last month. Now it’s back with city council, which must take into account the feedback from the open house before it decides the next move in the improvement project.

“It was an allencompassing group that took part in this,” Larry Plotnikoff, the city’s Leisure Services manager, said. “The neat thing about this group was that they were interested in protecting their turf, but they recognized and supported the needs of other park users.”

Plotnikoff said the group identified a single washroom and concession building as a primary need in Central Park, as well as a lacrosse box. The washroom and concession building is estimated at about $290,000, while the lacrosse box is pegged around $240,000. The plan also includes a multiuse field, which is estimated to cost $1.1 million. About $520,000 of that is allotted for irrigation.

“It’s the way with playing fields that they have to be properly maintained to be safe, and watering is one of those things,” Stantec Principal Architect Brian Christianson said. “Certainly there are irrigation systems now that take into account rainfall, and those kinds of things

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Central and Voght Parks could look much different if the City of Merritt moves forward with an estimated $2.2-million improvement plan. The area would include new soccer fields, baseball fields, a lacrosse box and a concession building. Emily Wessel/Herald

can be added to irrigation systems to make them more sustainable.

The nice thing about this plan is it offers the city a menu of options that they can choose to go ahead with as they can afford them, and look at it as a long-term development plan.”

Plotnikoff said a general concern he heard from the open house was the cost of some elements of the plan.

“You always have to weigh out the costs with how to best proceed in building so it’s not a huge burden on the local taxpayer,”

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Plotnikoff said.

The plan also includes lighting for softball pitches at Central Park and a 400-metre oval running track at Voght Park.

Council hasn’t set a date to discuss the plan, yet, but Plotnikoff expects the vote by the end of the fall.

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TUESDAY, October 16, 2012 • 3

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Work ‘just getting started’ to improve achievement

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From Page 1 The evening was accented by dignitaries signalling their mutual respect.

SD 58 Superintendent Bob Peacock was celebrated for his participation in hand drumming that was part of the evening’s entertainment.

He told the audience that he has tremendous respect for First Nations.

“Aboriginal Peoples have a certain heart,” he told the audience.

“And it’s a heart that touches not only other people, but nature as well.”

Superintendent of Aboriginal Education for the Ministry of Education Dee Dee DeRose said it is rare to see a superintendent of schools demonstrate that level of respect.

“There is obvious trust and a positive working relationship when a superintendent of schools is invited to hand drum alongside members of the community he serves,” she told the audience.

“You must know that

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GOOD MORNING! Opinion --------------------- 6-7 Sports ------------------------- 9 Classifieds ------------- 10-12 TODAY’S HERALD FLYERS *Selected distribution Royal Lepage

REMEMBER WHEN? From the Herald archives: October, 1982 First Nations elders Sharon Antoine, front, and Amelia Washington dance during the welcoming celebration at the Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement Signing and Welcoming Dinner on Wednesday at the Merritt Civic Centre. The evening featured dancing, fiddling, speeches, dinner and the signing. Phillip Woolgar/Herald

it is a rare sight.”

Still work to do, say delegates Since the 2004 signing, schools throughout B.C. have been tasked with increasing focus on traditional First Nations learning, which can include language and culture lessons.

“We have a lot of work to do and we can’t stop doing that

work,” Peacock said.

“We won’t stop doing that work until we get a 100 per cent graduation rate among Aboriginal students.”

SD 58 has a fiveyear 70 per cent First Nations completion rate target.

The Aboriginal Academy at Merritt Secondary School and programs in schools throughout SD 58 are teaching students

about drum making, deer skinning and First Nations languages, for example.

As recently as last week, students from Merritt Central Elementary School tried their hand at scraping a deer hide.

Students are more confident to learn when they feel that their culture is valued, SD 58 stated in a report.

That type of activity could help students work hard, which Coldwater Indian Band Chief Harold Aljam said is vital for achievement.

“It’s really about how we get our youth to really step up and take a piece of the pie,” he said. “They don’t seem to realize that education is for their success of what they want to do and

they really need to see the benefit.

“This is the point where we move on to make things better.”

Peacock said the previous Enhancement Agreement was more focused on data, while the new one aims to improve the execution of programs.

Approximately 40 per cent of the students in the district are First Nations.

Shelter planned to launch in December From Page 1 She said the shelter’s location still needs to be determined.

Merritt is divided into 15 sections to be analysed. Ideally, one team is sent to each section.

Roughly 12 people were counted last year, but couch surfers are not included in the survey.

Morrey said part of the problem is a lack of affordable housing in Merritt.

“Some of our housing rental rates are very similar to Kamloops

and they really think that needs to be reviewed and looked at,” she said.

“We also don’t have any transitional housing in our community and we have a lot of people dealing with mental health issues, as well as physical.”

The transition home would facilitate the movement from hospitals into a regular rental or ownership property; otherwise, their alternative is the street, she said.

Homelessness counts are completed in many municipalities throughout Canada.

The count helps build awareness about the extent of homelessness, and provides a link between the people on the streets and those who can help.

Morrey said the results from the previous two homelessness counts in Merritt helped initiate the now defunct B.C. government homelessness shelter in Merritt.

“I don’t think that would have been possible without the counts,” she said.

“The counts are so important to bringing the statistics to the attention of everybody.”

Funding was cut last year due to what the government called a lack of need, the City has stated.

But the City and the Community Policing Office stepped in to provide funding for a facility.

Each homeless person is slated to receive a backpack that includes a toque, gloves, bottled water, granola bars, and possibly blankets.

ASK is requesting donations to fill the bags.

Those who can volunteer or donate are asked to call or email Morrey at 250-315-7211 or Chelsea@askwellness.ca.

Friends & Neighbours Please bring them in to:

The Merritt Herald is looking for COMMUNITY-SUBMITTED STORIES about your Friends & Neighbours.

MERRITT HERALD Ph: 250.378.4241 Fax: 250.378.6818 reporter@merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com 2090 Granite Avenue, P.O. Box 9, Merritt, B.C.

Hunters Enjoy Better Season Although it’s still early in the season, hunters in the Nicola Valley seem to be enjoying a season that is even more successful than last year’s.

Merritt Conservation Officer Bud Ward said that to date, more mule deer and moose have been taken this year than last.

He said the body condition of the animals taken is good, and together with their numbers, indicates that a series of good winters and a good wet summer have been beneficial to local game.

Five full-curl rams have already been taken at Spences Bridge, so sheephunting is also doing well this season.

However, considering the size of the elk herd near Lytton, only a disappointing four bulls have been taken, Ward said.

4 • TUESDAY, October 16, 2012

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS 9

378-099

Merritt in country scene at CCMAs

By Emily Wessel THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

The Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame is making a name for itself and Merritt on the Canadian country music scene.

Rob Miller, a volunteer director of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, represented the organization at the Canadian Country Music Awards in Saskatoon in September.

“The purpose of going there was really to fly the flag for the community of Merritt and the Hall of Fame here,” Miller said. “I wanted to make sure both the industry and attendees were aware that there is a country music Hall of Fame, and maintain the momentum built over

years.”

Miller credits the Merritt Walk of Stars for raising awareness of Merritt’s status as the Country Music Capital of Canada and music industry professionals for their support.

“There’s been an excellent foundation of work established, particularly by the Walk of Stars,” Miller said.

“They’ve talked this project up, people knew it was coming down the tubes, and what we have to do now is take it to the next operational level: opening and having robust, engaging programming.”

Miller’s future plans for the Hall of Fame include getting a website up and running, sourcing volunteers and engaging community members.

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THE HERALD

newsroom@merrittherald.com

The identity of the second man killed in a fiery crash along Highway 5A was released Thursday.

Abbotsford man Kewal Singh Kailey, 49, was travelling along the 5A when his semitrailer collided with a truck driven by Kamloops man Gary Joseph Miller, 59 — whose name was

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Volunteer Director of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Rob Miller shakes hands with 2012 Hall of Fame inductee Johnny Burke in Saskatoon last month. Submitted

summer that the Hall of Fame will be open, so we really needed to have a presence in Saskatoon,” Miller

Miller says his visit to Saskatoon has renewed his passion for the project.

“This is the first

said. “I was absolutely amazed with how supportive the industry is,” Miller said. “It’s very encouraging.”

The trucks collided near Stump Lake, about 45 kilometres outside Merritt, on Oct. 5.

One of the trucks was reported to be carrying lumber, while the other was transporting

already released.

The two vehicles burst into flames immediately after impact and ignited what would become a 20-hectare fire along the nearby grassland.

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TUESDAY, October 16, 2012 • 5

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COMMUNITY

Fifty cents and a day on a gentle horse with Babes in old Quilchena

JEANETTE MCMASTER In FRIENDSHIP While visiting with friends at a dinner the other day, our conversation was about our childhood days. Christine, who is a sister to a dear friend, was called Babes.

Babes was my horse riding buddy. One day Babes came to pick me up at my uncle George’s home at Quilchena. My mom and I were visiting there. She was on a mission to ride horseback to the Quilchena store. She wanted me to go with her. She asked my mom, Lizette, if I could go and mom said OK.

Babes had a really nice horse, very gentle, so we could ride double, no problem.

Being so small, I had to stand on a block of wood so I could climb onto Babes’ horse. The horse was not afraid; he just turned his head to look at me, as if to make sure I was OK. Mom gave me $0.50 to spend. I was so glad because that was a lot of money at the time. I did not feel I should spend it all on myself. As young as I was, I was conscious of food being in need.

So I said, ‘Mom, can I buy a loaf of bread too?’ My cousin, Nancy O’rourke, was there visiting my uncle, too.

She laughed and said, ‘No, that’s for you.’ We have more than enough food for all of us.

Nancy is a daughter to my aunt Alice, who is also a sister to my mom

and uncle George, who had a house right by the lake Quilchena. It was so beautiful. In the summer, we would swim in the lake. We just had to walk across the road and we would be at the lake frontage. I loved to visit there, especially when the rest of mom’s family was there.

Babes and I got on our way; it was a nice, sunny day. The warm summer air brushed our faces and gently blew our hair. The ride to the store took about one hour.

We rode past the old Catholic church, and then Babes took a shortcut over the hills, bypassing the old highway.

As we rode, we would come across berry bushes. We would stop and pick some and eat, forgetting about time.

Filled with fresh berries, we continued on.

Once at the store, Babes got what she needed. I bought my candy and then we were on our way home.

Arriving at uncle George’s, mom invited my friend to stay for supper.

While we waited, my cousin, Nancy, would play the record player, which was one of those with a wind-up crank machines and used special needles to play the record.

Uncle George had a great collection of records, too, like Hank Snow, as well as Don Messer, the fiddle player.

Supper would be ready. The kitchen was a big one with a long table and benches. We always had prayer, aunt Alice would be the one to say the prayer.

My mom had one sister, Alice. She married into the Thompson

nation. She had one son, Henry, and one daughter, Nancy.

Aunt Alice and her family would often visit uncle George. My Mom would make a point of being there when aunt Alice was.

I have been blessed to have grown up among family who taught me and grounded me for future strength to endure hardships during the residential school years. They taught me that family must stay together and provide good instruction and well-being.

1 Timothy chapter 5; 8, “If anyone fails to provide for his relatives, and especially for those of his own family, he has disowned the faith and is worse than an unbeliever .

An unbeliever will always take care of his own family.”

Free Flu Clinics Bring your Care Card with you!

Get your free flu shot at: Merritt Merritt Civic Centre 1950 Mamette Avenue Wednesday, October 31 9 am - 4 pm Wednesday, November 7 10 am - 5 pm No appointment necessary

Merritt Nicola Valley Health Centre 3451 Voght Street Ph: 250-378-3400 Wednesday, December 5 By appointment only

Flu shots are safe, effective, and free for the following: • Children and adults with chronic health conditions and their household contacts • Children & adolescents (6 months to 18 years) with conditions treated for long periods of time with Acetylsalicylic acid and their household contacts • Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities • People 65 years and older and their caregivers/household contacts • All children age 6 to 59 months of age • Household contacts and caregivers of children age 0-59 months • Pregnant women who will be in their third trimester during influenza season and their household contacts (pregnant women who are in other high risk groups can be immunized at any time during the pregnancy) • Aboriginal people • People who are very obese • Health care and other care providers in facilities and community settings who are capable of transmitting influenza disease to those at high risk of influenza complications • Inmates of provincial correctional facilities • People who provide essential community services (First Responders, Corrections Workers) • People who work with live poultry and/or swine • Individuals who provide care or service in potential outbreak settings housing high risk persons (e.g., crew on ships)

The flu (influenza) is highly contagious. Getting your flu shot protects you and those around you – at home, school & work.

For more information contact your local public health office or visit www.interiorhealth.ca

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6 • TUESDAY, October 16, 2012

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HERALD OPINION Fantasies won’t keep ferries afloat

TOM FLETCHER B.C. VIEWS VICTORIA – It was a sunny Thanksgiving weekend when I took my first all-transit trip from Victoria to Vancouver for a B.C. Lions football game.

Despite all the doomsaying about people shunning ferries because of some media-determined “tipping point” in fares, you wouldn’t have guessed it that weekend. Articulated buses were jammed coming and going from the Tsawwassen terminal to the Canada Line.

Returning to Vancouver Island on Sunday, I was struck by the crowds, and the low cost: SkyTrain, express bus, walk-on passenger fare and express bus to Victoria totalled about $20. This explains the surge in walkon traffic.

BC Ferries issued bulletins advising first that Tsawwassen’s parking lot and then Swartz Bay’s were full.

The Tsawwassen First Nation’s shuttle parking next door was overflowing, with cars tucked into every level space. And even with hourly sailings, the major route had plenty of vehicle traffic, with all available vessels running.

Now the long, late summer is gone, and the political theatre resumes.

Transportation Minister Mary Polak picked up where the retiring Blair Lekstrom left off, reminding people that BC Ferries is going to deal with rising costs primarily by ceasing the practice of running vessels a third full or less.

This comes as “consultation” begins with smaller ferry communities on where and when these sailings will be cut.

See ‘Ferries’ Page 7

Publisher Kelly Hall publisher@ kamloopsthisweek.com

Park improvements could be what city needs

PHILLIP WOOLGAR Merritt HERALD The City of Merritt has a major decision to make about whether to move forward with plans that would completely revamp Central and Voght Parks.

The estimated $2.2million decision is expect-

ed by the end of this fall and could mean the difference between bringing people to the city and continuing to watch them drive along the Coquihalla Highway to more major metropolitans.

As everyone in town likely knows by now, one of Merritt’s greatest assets is its location. And that is an asset that our town shares with Kamloops. But the difference between the two cities is that Kamloops was able to realize its strategic advantage.

After building state-ofthe art facilities and fields, the City of Kamloops

Reporter Phillip Woolgar reporter@ merrittherald.com

Associate Publisher Theresa Arnold production@ merrittherald.com

MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

now enjoys its position as Canada’s Tournament Capital.

Kamloops has highperformance training camps and provincial, national and international cultural events and competitions.

The City invested approximately $50 million into sports facilities and Kamloops is now known as a world-class host.

Merritt’s neighbour built the Tournament Capital Centre, which has an indoor track, basketball court, Olympic-length pool, a FIFA-certified artificial turf field, a con-

Advertising Sales Alisa Saunders sales@ merrittherald.com

Reporter Emily Wessel reporter@ merrittherald.com

RANITE AVE., PO BOX 9, MERRITT, B.C. PHONE (250) 378-4241

temporary training centre, a gymnastics centre and world-renowned trackand-field facilities.

While Kamloops has a much larger tax base from which to pay for these facilities, Merritt could make a solid push in the right direction by paying for these park improvements.

Merritt is even more centrally located than Kamloops and, with focused effort, the town can take its own piece of the tournament pie.

While there would likely be more tax increases to pay for the facilities, those

hikes would be offset in the future by revenue that would arrive into Merritt along with the many teams that would potentially be attracted to the new fields.

While Merritt already has several events that attract tourists and give them a taste of the Nicola Valley, little dedication is currently made towards hosting sports tournaments.

Let’s take a closer look at what this proposed park could mean for the City, and let’s use this park as a catalyst for further sportsrelated initiatives.

Office Manager Carol Soames classifieds@ merrittherald.com

FAX (250) 378-6818

Copyright subsists in all display advertising in this edition of the Merritt Herald. Permission to reproduce in any form, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

This Merritt Herald is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2.

For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

TUESDAY, October 16, 2012 • 7

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YOUR OPINION Ferries ‘part of highways system’

Speak up You can comment on any story you read @ merrittherald.com

?

From Page 6 And it follows the first major price-cap decision by the newly empowered B.C. Ferry Commissioner, Gord Macatee. He now can determine service levels as well as fares, which are permitted to rise about four per cent in each of the next three years.

The NDP’s ferry critic, North Coast MLA Garry Coons, has also decided to transition to his government pensions next year. But before he sails away, he has doubled his repertoire of outraged sound bites to two.

Along with every coffee-shop know-it-all on the coast, Coons perpetually reminds us that ferries are “part of our highway system.” He remains convinced that this financially illiterate cliché somehow deals with the fact that even a subsidy approaching $200 million this year can’t keep all those boats afloat forever.

A family of four on a long driving trip faces similar price increases when you factor in tolls, insurance, food and other costs beyond the fuel tank. But for some reason the “government” is supposed to provide special relief to those who choose the most inaccessible places to live.

Coons’ latest tack is that BC Ferries has lost its way, trying to be a fancy cruise ship service instead of giving people basic transportation at an affordable price.

That would be terrible if it were true. But those amenities on newer vessels are there because they make money, utilizing staff who have to be on board anyway. As everyone but the NDP seems to grasp, the big costs are fuel, maintenance, and minimum crew levels to meet federal regulations, regardless of passenger revenue.

I was reminded on the last busy weekend of the year that the new Coastal-class ferries kept vehicle capacity the same while increasing passenger space. This choice anticipated today’s travel reality nearly a decade ago. Good thing somebody was able to understand ferries as a business, as opposed to a welfare program for the reclusive and the rich.

BC Ferries has already cut sailings on the Tsawwassen-Duke point route. As described in an earlier column, this needlessly long run is the biggest boondoggle in BC Ferries history, a Dave Barrett-era payoff to the union that continues today.

Changes will now come to other routes that minimize shifts and overtime, rather than inflating them.

Tom Fletcher is legislative reporter and columnist for Black Press and BCLocalnews.com.

Thank You! • • • • • • • • •

Norgaards Ready- Mix Ltd. Post’s Fresh Meats & Deli Quilchena Hotel Spaner & Webb Clothing Co. Home Hardware Sunshine Country Gardens Darlene Angers Carol McCauley Cooper’s Foods

• • • • • • • • •

HERALD QUESTION OF THE WEEK To vote, go online to merrittherald.com

Should Highway 5A be closed to semitrailer trucks?

A TICKET FOR A JOB WELL DONE Merritt Bench Elementary School Grade 7 students Emma Rivette, left, and Teanna George hand out thank-you cards and Tim Horton’s gift cards to drivers obeying the speed limit in school zones, as part of a School Zone Safety Blitz. Members of the Community Policing Office, Merritt Speed Watch, and the Merritt RCMP helped students flag down cars for an hour on Tuesday morning. The group plans on handing out tickets in other school zones. Emily Wessel/Herald

‘Feds must go further’ Dear Editor: I’m impressed that the government has relented and dialed back changes to the EI program having to do with part-time work calculations. But in my opinion, the government has not gone far enough.

I think it also needs to dial back the examination of a worker’s claim history. There are two problems with that examination. First, why should claim history affect the benefits of workers when the workers have no control over the labour market and the availability of jobs?

Second, research shows that the vast majority of unemployed workers are actively seeking work, do accept job

offers, and often accept much lower wages than previously earned.

So why do we have this punishing rule change about claim history and lower wages? One rather conservative local newspaper once answered that question by saying the new Canada desires a permanent underclass to provide an endless supply of cheap labour for the corporate elite. It seems like a reasonable answer to me.

I also think the government needs to repay the $55 billion it raided from the EI fund. When you understand that $15 billion is what’s wanted in the fund for the rainy days of a recession, you begin to understand what a

whopping amount $55 billion was. If the fund were repaid, we would have plenty to loosen eligibility requirements for claimants and to extend the duration of claims. Some of the money could also be used for some much needed job creation.

In addition, if the government rolled back even part of the $52 billion per year in corporate tax cuts it’s authorized across the years and funded job creation, Canadian workers and their families might get out of the hole the financiers dug for them back in 2008.

Lastly, there are the changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker program and the Labour Market Opinion that the

government needs to reverse. At a time when there are six to 10 unemployed workers for every job vacancy in this country, what were they thinking when they said employers would now be allowed to pay TFWs up to 15 per cent less than Canadian workers? What were they thinking when they expanded the range of occupations for which employers do not have to hire and/or train Canadians before turning to lower paid foreign workers?

Oh, I know. The new Canada desires a permanent underclass to provide an endless supply of cheap labour for the corporate elite.

Dianne Varga Kelowna

Merritt & Nicola Valley Crime Stoppers would like to thank the following sponsors and donors for their support with the murder mystery fundraiser at the Quilchena Hotel on September 29th:

Royal Bank of Canada Coquihalla Coffee Bean & Coffee Shop Prestige Salon Interior Savings Credit Union Copper Valley Mechanical Q101 Quilchena General Store Mark’s Work Warehouse Extra Foods & Econo Lodge

• • • •

Jacqueline Nind • Brambles Bakery City Furniture and Café Murray GM • Merritt Printing Work’n Play • Sysco Canada Clothing Co. • Canada Café • Walmart • Black’s Pharmacy

ALSO, A BIG THANK YOU TO THE VOLUNTEER CAST MEMBERS! Without your commitment, this event would not have been

possible! Thank you Sarah Molnar, Greg Hodson, Heather Bartch, Carol Fulcher, JP Lancaster, Herb Graham, & Duncan Ross.

1-800-222-8477 If you have any information on this vandalism, please contact Crime Stoppers you will remain anonymous and will never have to go to court.

PREVIOUS QUESTION Do you agree with the UBCM vote in favour of decriminalizing pot?

YES: 54% NO: 45%

LETTERS POLICY The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor.

Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name, address and phone number for verification.

Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

NOW AT YOUR BC CHEVROLET DEALERS. Chevrolet.ca 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Chevrolet is a brand of General Motors of Canada. */†Offers apply to the purchase of a 2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab (Light Duty), 2012 Cruze LS (R7A), equipped as described. Freight included ($1,495). License, insurance, registration, PPSA, administration fees and taxes not included.

Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in the BC Chevrolet Dealer Marketing Association area only. Limited quantities of 2012 models available - Dealer trade may be required. GMCL may modify, extend or terminate this offer in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See Chevrolet dealer for details. †0% purchase financing offered on approved credit by Ally Credit/TD Auto Financing for 84 months on new or demonstrator 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required.

Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $10,000 at 0% APR, the monthly payment is $119 for 84 months. Cost of borrowing is $0, total obligation is $10,000. 0% financing offers are unconditionally interest-free. X$11,500 manufacturer to dealer delivery credit available on 2012 Silverado Light Duty Crew Cab (tax exclusive) for retail customers only. Other credits available on most models. ◊To qualify for GMCL’s Cash For Clunkers incentive, you must: (1) turn in a 2006 or older MY vehicle that is in running condition and has been registered and properly insured in your name for the last 3 months (2) turn in a 2006 or older MY vehicle that is in running condition and has been registered and properly insured under a small business name for the last 3 months. GMCL will provide eligible consumers with a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive) to be used towards the purchase/finance/lease of a new eligible 2012 or 2013 MY Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, or Chevrolet Avalanche delivered between October 2, 2012 and January 2, 2013. Incentive ranges from $1500 to $3,000, depending on model purchased. Incentive may not be combined with certain other offers. By participating in the Cash For Clunkers program you will not be eligible for any trade-in value for your vehicle. See your participating GM dealer for additional program conditions and details. GMCL may modify, extend or terminate program in whole or in part at any time without notice. †*Whichever comes first. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. Comparison based on latest competitive data available at time of printing. 5The Best Buy seal is a registered trademark of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC, used under license. +For more information visit iihs.org/ratings. ¼Based on retail registrations in the 12 months following launch. ¼¼Cruze LS equipped with 6-speed manual transmission. Based on Natural Resources Canada’s 2012 Fuel Consumption Ratings for the Compact Car class. Excludes hybrid and diesel models. Your actual fuel consumption may vary.

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HERALD SPORTS Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing sports@merrittherald.com

2012 Bar Bender a real barn burner

By Ian Webster THE HERALD

sports@merrittherald.com

Close to 85 riders from throughout southern B.C. converged on Merritt on the Thanksgiving weekend for the Nicola Valley Dirt Riders’ Bar Bender motorcycle cross-country race, the final stop on the Pacific North West Motorcycle Association’s 2012 series.

The event was held at the NVDRA site located approximately nine kilometres up Aberdeen Road in Lower Nicola.

According to association president Scott Deardon, the weekend was a huge success.

“I’m pretty impressed with the way things turned out,” he said. “Saturday’s Poker Run was great, with over 40 adult riders taking part. And we had about 25 peewees that rode their own special course.

“Sunday’s races were highly competitive, and very challenging.

While the weather was beautiful, the actual riding conditions were extremely tough. Both courses were bone dry, and incredibly dusty.

Ideally, we would have had about a week of rain leading up to race day, but it just didn’t happen.”

The dust didn’t seem to faze Masters winner Geoff Nelson from Abbotsford, although the 28-year-old elite rider did admit that the Bar Bender wasn’t easy.

“It was definitely one of the toughest, if not the toughest, race of the year. There were a lot of technical obstacles — like rock bluffs and stuff — to navigate.”

Nelson got off to a bit of a slow start in his race, but eventually took the lead for good about three-quarters of the way through the first lap. Despite almost three hours of continuous riding over extremely rugged terrain, Nelson’s final loop was his best.

“Sometimes, depending on the course, it actually gets better throughout the race,” he explained. “The A loop, TOP DOG Abbotsford’s Geoff Nelson (84) was the class of the field at the 2012 Bar Bender which was all brand Race on the Thanksgiving weekend, winning the grueling Masters division by a new, was kind of hard to Cross-Country little more than four minutes over Ryan Dey, also from Abbotsford. Ian Webster/Herald see on the first lap, but hills. Fortunately, John easily. by the end, it was much from Merritt. The Galbraith and Ryan “I broke my front first-year competitive better.”

Beers were able to brake part way through racer won the Expert Several local ridchange it for me out on the race,” Selzler said. class, thereby securing ers did extremely well the course.”

“It made things pretty second place overall in on their home course.

Asked about his the PNWMA standings. hairy, especially going Leading the way was amazing success in down some of the His victory didn’t come 21-year-old Mat Selzler

his first year of riding, Selzler replied, “Growing up around here, the riding is always hard. It sort of forces you to learn.”

Losing a brake is one thing; losing your seat is something else.

Fourteen-year-old Brody Anderson was halfway through his Junior Under race when his seat broke off and he had to abandon it on course. He managed to finish the lap in some discomfort, and quickly get the seat from his dad’s bike attached to his before setting out on lap two. Miraculously, Anderson finished 3rd in his class.

Also finishing 3rd on the Thanksgiving weekend, in the women’s event, was Allison Brown from Merritt.

The mother of three young children also finished third for the season, a nice improvement over her 8th-place finish of a year ago.

Brown will be taking a bit of a hiatus from serious racing for the next two years as she is returning to school in the new year to train to become a psychiatric nurse. She says she’s going to miss her favourite pastime.

“It’s a really great sport. Very demanding.”

Two young local riders who found out just how demanding the sport of cross-country motorcycle racing can be were 12-year-old Roi Joe and 10-year-old Bill Brewer. The Bar Bender was the pair’s first-ever competition, one they won’t soon forget.

The two novices spent over four arduous hours negotiating the 30 km B course before crossing the finish line, much to the relief of their anxious parents.

“I think I can breathe again,” Theresa Brewer stated upon seeing her son safe and sound.

Both families were very appreciative of the help their children received from sweep rider Eric Tardif, who stayed right with the youngsters throughout the race.

“That was unbelievably hard for the two lads,” Tardif said shortly after all three had finished.

“I’d just like to thank all the volunteers and all the sponsors who worked so hard to make this happen,” Deardon said. “Without them, we don’t have an event.”

2012 NVDRA BAR BENDER CROSS-COUNTRY RACE Top 3 Finishers & Local Results MASTERS

SENIOR EXPERT

JUNIOR OVER

1. Geoff Nelson (Abbotsford) 2. Ryan Dey (Abbotsford) 3. Malcolm Hett

1. Franklin Dahl (Yarrow) 2. Glen Labby (Kamloops) 3. Brian Dick (Abbotsford)

1. Bradon Adams (Lytton) 2. Tyler Lorette (Merritt) 3. Samuel Molendijk

EXPERT

SUPER SENIOR (50+)

WOMEN

1. Mat Selzler (Merritt) 2. Mark Yaschuk (Coquitlam) 3. Blake Watkinson (Lillooet)

1. Tom Jorgenson (N. Vancouver) 2. Terry Bainbridge (Kelowna) 3. Tony Allen (Kamloops)

1. Bunny Bedey (Abbotsford) 2. Tanya Grunsky (Kelowna) 3. Allison Brown (Merritt)

VET EXPERT

VET AMATEUR (30+)

JUNIOR UNDER

LOCAL WINNERS Local riders did extremely well at the 2012 Bar Bender.

(Top row, left to right) Allison Brown, (3rd, Womens), Mat Selzler (1st, Expert), Derek Colebank (3rd, Intermediate).

(Middle row, left to right) Tyler Lorette (2nd, Junior Over), Brody Anderson (3rd, Junior Under).

(Left) The tuckered twosome of Roi Joe, 12, and Bill Brewer Jr., 10, shortly after completing the 30 km B course.

Photos submitted and by Ian Webster/Herald

1. Rob Pafford (Chilliwack) 2. Patrick Labbe (Kelowna) 3. Dan Jabbusch (W. Kelowna)

1. Ryan Brown-John (P. Coquitlam) 1. Scott Peppin (Chilliwack) 2. Chris Harwood (Surrey) 2. B. McCartney (Abbotsford) 3. Aaron York (Coldstream) 3. Brody Anderson (Merritt) 4. Fred Ware (Merritt) INTERMEDIATE SENIOR AMATEUR (40+) 7. Roi Joe (Merritt) 8. Bill Brewer Jr. (Merritt) 1. Joel Tickner (Comox) 1. Dennis Lo (Langley) 2. Steve Geary (P. Coquitlam) 2. Steve Wheatley (Vancouver) 3. Derek Colebank (Merritt) 3. Sephen Malacko (Maple Ridge)

10 • TUESDAY, October 16, 2012

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Your community. Your classifieds.

250.378.4241 fax 250.378.6818 email classiÀeds@merrittherald.com Announcements

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Lower Nicola Indian Band

Economic Development Officer Subject To: Terms and Conditions of the Personnel Policy Annual Approved Budget

Effective Date:

Obituaries

Obituaries

Obituaries

COLIN, a truly inspirational person to everyone who knew him.

Colin was born to Lloyd Wheating of England and Lettie MacDonald of Sue Saint Marie on Oct. 12, 1930.

In 1948, Colin left Burnaby Lake to start his cowboy career in Princeton then continued on to the Nicola Valley where he worked for several area ranches.

He worked for Ronnie Bevans until Ronnie’s passing. No service will be held as per Colin’s request.

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Obituaries

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LAPOINTE: HENRY (HANK) It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Hank, on Thursday, October 11, 2012.

Hank was born in Montreal, Quebec on January 20, 1933 to Marcel Lapointe and Evelyn Smith. He was a loving and beloved husband to Carol for almost 57 years. He was a loving and exceptional father to Donna, Kathleen, and the late Gary, and a proud and loving grandfather to Sean, Taylor, Elisa and Gary.

He is predeceased by his son-in-law Mike Morrison, and survived by his sister Vivian and brother-in-law Leo, as well as numerous relatives and in-laws in Montreal.

Funeral Mass to be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Merritt, BC on Friday, October 19, 2012 at 11 a.m. Reception to follow in Church Hall.

Hank, you will be loved and missed forever.

Sleep well and in peace.

You were the best of the best.

Mary Riley (nee Ovington) Oct. 25 1928 – Sept. 28 2012 Passed P as awa away peacefully at the age of 84, at Nicola Valley Health Centre, Merritt, erritt BC BC. One of 7 children born to Matthew and Mary Ovington, Mary’s roots in the community extend to the beginning of the last century before the City of Merritt was incorporated.

Proud of her family history, she loved to share stories of her childhood in Collettville and was recently interviewed by a PhD student researching the early coal miners of the Nicola Valley.

Mary had a sixth sense. It wasn’t unusual for a family member to receive a call from her the morning after one of her dreams.

With her history of premonitions it’s not surprising that some of her favourite authors were Sylvia Brown, John Edward, James Van Praagh and Edgar Cayce. She also had great interest in ancient civilisations but relished a hearty discussion with anyone on just about any topic.

Always sociable and outgoing, she enjoyed her daily walks into town for coffee with family and friends.

Her love of gaming likely began with the Irish Sweepstakes and carried on to Bingo and scratch tickets. Something of a card shark, she loved playing Rummy 500 with her grandchildren…who learned early on that the game would be much more enjoyable if they let Grandma win.

For over two decades, until her hands were too arthritic to knit, Mary would make an average of 20 sweaters a year for the Salvation Army, as she could not bearr the thought of any young child being cold in the winter.

Although she will be deeply missed, Mary had long anticipated that at her y, passing she would be reunited with her husband Ray, whom she loved dearly. ary Ovington; Mary is predeceased by her parents Matthew and Mary her Àrst husband Olav Torjusson; and second husband Raymond Frederick Riley. Mary also outlived her siblings Wilfred, Jean, Ruth, Ellen, and Larry.

She is survived by her brother Frank; children Corinne Torjusson, Glen Torjusson (Barb), and Louise Riley (Larry); grandchildren Tara (Rob), Ray (Karey), Mark (Meleva), Eric and Matthew; and her great grandchildren Riley, Gabrielle, Brittany, Brody, Kendra, Tanner, Faythe, Mason, Brandon, Mirra, and Cade; plus many nieces, nephews and their families, all of whom loved her greatly.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff of Nicola Valley Health Centre, David Quinn and Dr. McLeod for their kindness during our Mom’s passing. Also, a special thanks to the circle of neighbours, friends and family members who were so kind in her recent years.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held in the Spring.

In lieu of Áowers, her family asks for donations to the charity of your choice.

October 9th, 2012

Summary of Organizational Responsibilities: To encourage and promote economic and commercial/ industrial development opportunities within the Lower Nicola Indian Band reserve areas. This is to be accomplished by working with local, provincial and federal individuals and authorities. To work with Administrative staff to evaluate and apply for funding opportunities that will support these initiatives.

Duties and Tasks: • Research and recommend potential clients, investors, and trade partners regarding business opportunities available in our geographic mandate area; • Where appropriate, attempts to match the client’s project to available government funding; • Networks with government departments, including the province of British Columbia and other development agencies to ensure familiarity with the various economic development programs; • Coordinates and facilitates small business workshops for LNIB membership; • Identifies and develops relationships and partnerships with potential investors; • Evaluates applications for assistance based on program criteria, prepares application package and conducts follow-up on these initiatives; • Assists with funding arrangements with other business partners and government agencies for trade and investment initiatives; • Networking with potential business clients; Qualifications: • Bachelors Degree in Economics, Finance or equivalent combination of education and experience; • Minimum of five to ten years experience; • Extensive experience and knowledge in dealing with accounting systems, budgets, internal controls, business planning and asset management is desirable; • Effective attention to detail and a high degree of a accuracy; • High level of integrity, confidentiality and accountability; • Strong work ethic and positive team attitude; • Sound analytical, thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills; • Ability to respond appropriately in pressure situations with a calm and steady demeanor; • Excellent public relations and public speaking skills; • A well defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills; • Excellent teamwork and team building skills; • Ability to communicate both verbally and written; • Ability to build and maintain lasting relationships with other departments, key business partners, and government officials; • Strong problem identification and problem resolution skills; • High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office; • Ability to delegate tasks when required; Work Conditions: • Occasional travel may be required; • High paced work environment; • Long hours of work may be required; • Ability to attend internal and external meetings for the purpose on conducting presentations; • Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals; Salary: Deadline: Start Date:

To be negotiated October 19th, 2012 November 5th, 2012

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter, resume and 3 references to: Economic Development Manager Lower Nicola Indian Band 181 Nawishaskin Lane, Merritt, BC. V1K 0A7 Fax: (250) 378 - 6188 • E-mail: reception@lnib.net

TUESDAY, October 16, 2012 • 11

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Help Wanted

Help Wanted

School District No. 58 is accepting applications for a Special Education Assistant for the following schools: 1. Merritt Secondary School 5 hrs/day – school days only Temporary: October 29, 2012 to June 28, 2013

Lower Nicola Indian Band

Traditional Land Use Coordinator

Preferred or required training is: • Laptop and other technology • PBS – Positive Behaviour Support Training • CPI – Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training • This position requires the applicant to be working with students in all class areas as well as to be supporting students in the community.

Reports To: Economic Development Manager Subject To: Terms and Conditions of the Personnel Policy

2. Merritt Central Elementary School 5 hrs/day – school days only Temporary: October 29, 2012 to June 28, 2013

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: • Receive and respond to land referral requests and maintain records of land referral and benefit agreements; • Communicate to industry and government, LNIB’s procedures and policies for consideration of Land Referrals and proposals for benefit agreements; • Research LNIB’s interests and use within our traditional territories and LNIB governance area; • Research, develop, evaluate, and recommend natural resources strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure adequate and meaningful consultation and accommodation; • Research and assess potential impacts to LNIB Title and Rights; • Coordinate work of consultants and staff researching aboriginal interest and use within our traditional territory and LNIB’s Governance Area; • Provide assistance to supervisor on issues related to the LNIB traditional territory and the development activities within the LNIB governance area approved by the province; • Provide direction to the negotiations committee regarding industry and government with consideration of both the environmental and cultural context as directed by supervisor; • Work closely with staff in developing policies and procedures with regard to land referrals and benefit agreements; • Build, support, and maintain a positive working relationship with governments, industry, and other First Nation organizations; • Attends meetings regarding land referrals and Benefits Agreement as directed by supervisor; • Maintain confidentiality on all matters relating to the affairs of the Economic Development Department and LNIB;

Preferred or required training is: • SMART Board training • iPad training • Laptop experience • This position requires the applicant to be working with students in small groups/classrooms in literacy and numeracy instruction.

QualiÀcations and salary will be in accordance with the C.U.P.E. Local 847 Collective Agreement.

The district has a high percentage of First Nations and other multicultural students and so being sensitive to cultural diversities would be an asset.

Application forms are available at the School Board ofÀce, 1550 Chapman Street, or on-line at www.sd58.bc.ca , click on Jobs/Support Positions/Job Postings listed on Job Code # 380763 and follow the prompts provided. Applications will be accepted until October 19, 2012. Please forward to: Attn: Secretary Treasurer School District #58 (Nicola-Similkameen) P.O. Box 4100, 1550 Chapman St. Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Fax: (250) 378-6263 Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Lower Nicola Indian Band

File Clerk Department: Economic Development Reports To: Economic Development Manager Subject to: Terms and Conditions of the Personnel Policy Annual Approved Budget

Effective Date: October 9th, 2012 Summary of Organizational Responsibilities: Responsible for classifying and filing Economic Development and Negotiations documents and mail upon receipt (Canada Post, courier, email, fax, and hand-delivery) for Economic Development and Negotiations Committee; locate and make available files/records when required/ requested.

Duties and Tasks Filing: Classifies, codes and stores records/documents; Maintains and updates indexes for filing system(s); Reviews files periodically to ensure they are complete and correctly classified; Locate files/materials when requested; Performs other related responsibilities as assigned by the Economic Development Manager.

Clerical/Administration: When required, provides clerical support in the areas of photocopying, word processing, and faxing and mail distribution; When required, process incoming and outgoing mail, electronically and/or manually; When required, send and receive messages and documents using fax machine or electronically; Draft & process outgoing correspondence on request of Economic Development Manager; Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: A 1-year related post secondary certificate plus 2 years experience in a similar environment or an appropriate combination of education and experience, preferably with First Nation’s community services.

Qualifications: A valid drivers license; A team player; Excellent communication (oral/written) skills; Computer literate in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher; Occasional travel may be required; High paced work environment; Ability to speak or willingness to learn the Nlekepmx language.

Salary: Deadline: Start Date:

To be negotiated October 19th, 2012 November 5th, 2012

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter, resume and three references to: Economic Development Manager Lower Nicola Indian Band 181 Nawishaskin Lane, Merritt, BC. V1K 0A7 Fax: (250) 378 - 6188 • E-mail: reception@lnib.net

Annual Approved Budget

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Economic Development Manager the incumbent will coordinate land referrals and proposals for benefit agreements received by Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB).

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS: • Five years work experience in a related field; • Bachelors Degree (preferred) in Native Studies, Natural Resources, Environmental, Political Science, or other related field; • Strong understanding of regulatory and permitting processes of resource developments (ie Canadian and Provincial Environmental Assessments); • Strong project management skills and ability to develop and implement project management related tools and processes; • Certification in Local Government Administration or equivalent work experience preferred; • Strong background and understanding of Aboriginal Issues; knowledge of LNIB; • Strong Negotiation Skills; • Strong research skills, including the ability to read and interpret maps; • Intermediate level computer skills in MS Office; • Excellent written (the ability to compose letters and reports) and verbal communication skills (i.e. friendly, personable, and professional); • High level of attention to detail and accuracy; • Ability to prioritize and multi task in a fast paced environment; • Ability to work well independently and in a team environment; • Knowledge of LNIB, and of Public Administration and other Government structures; Work Conditions: • Outdoor/Field work may be required; • High paced work environment; • Long hours of work may be required; • Ability to attend internal and external meetings for the purpose on conducting presentations; • Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals; Salary: Deadline: Start Date:

To be negotiated October 19th, 2012 November 5th, 2012

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter, resume and 3 references to: Economic Development Manager Lower Nicola Indian Band 181 Nawishaskin Lane, Merritt, BC. V1K 0A7 Fax: (250) 378 - 6188 • E-mail: reception@lnib.net

Place a classified word ad and...

IT WILL GO ON LINE!

Clean drivers abstract, Class 1 preferred but not necessary.

Call for appointment 250-525-0275

Hotel, Restaurant, Food Services ERNIE O’S Restaurant and Pub Edson, Alberta requires line cooks. $13 - $16 per hour.

Subsidized housing available.

Fax resume to 780-723-3603 ernieos.doug@telus.net

Trades, Technical BETTS Electric Penticton requires an experienced Industrial Controls Tech for our CSA Panel shop. visit www.betts.bc.ca for details. send Resume to resume@betts.bc.ca or Fax 250492-3343

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MOVE IN BONUS! Under new t. managemen • Bus stop • 1 bedroom starting @ $500/month • 2 bedrooms starting @ $600/month

250-378-9880 5 bdrm & Den Executive Style main floor. Huge kit., Dream Mast. Ensuite, C/vac, 7 appls, 3 1/2 baths, C/air and much more. Avail Nov. 1 $1400 n/p, n/s, ref and credit check required. 778-228-6378

Legal Services

Rooms for Rent

CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certification, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.

Avail immed. room $450 (DD req.) util incl. Bench area, common use of laundry & kitchen 250-315-5236

Merchandise for Sale

Misc. for Sale 10 Tires, all matching. LT 235-85R-16 Michelin A.T. 10-ply. $250 for all. Phone 250-378-6044 STEEL BUILDINGS - Canadian made! - Reduced prices now! 20X22 $4,455. 25X26 $4,995. 30X38 $7,275. 32X50 $9,800.

40X54 $13,995.

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Suites, Lower 2 bdrm suite, brand new, never been lived in, available Nov. 1st, $900 + util. No smoking or pets. 250-315-3548

Want to Rent RETIRED couple in mid fifties, both n/s looking to re-locate to Nicola Valley area. Prefer long term rental/lease, rural home on small acreage.

Ref available.

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Transportation

Auto Financing

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent

KENGARD MANOR

Duties Include: • Maintenance & Repairs • Diagnostics of Trucks, Trailers, Forklifts and Hydraulics • Reporting • Inventory control

Spacious 1 & 2

Qualifications: • Strong command of the English Language • 3rd or 4th year apprentices • Certified journeymen • Driver’s licence • Self-starter We Offer:

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or Fax: (1)604.534.3811

bedroom apartments.

F/S, heat and hot water included.

Ask about move-in incentives For appointment call

Ph: 250-378-5614

2 bdrm condo in town. One parking incl. $650 mon. + utilities. No pets n/s, 378-8104

Misc for Rent Services

Health Products GET 50% Off - Join Herbal Magic this week and get 50% Off. Lose weight quickly, safely and keep it off, proven results! Call Herbal Magic today!

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Financial Services

2 bdrm clean basement suite.

Nice quiet area, Telus dish receiver incl. Call after 4 pm 250-378-6659 or call anytime 250-315-2247.

Clean & quiet 2 bedrm ground level suite. Utilities incl. no laundry, no smoking. Damage deposit & references requir. $750/month. Phone 250-3788363

DreamCatcher Auto Loans “0” Down, Bankruptcy OK Cash Back ! 15 min Approvals

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3 bdrm house on the Bench. $1500/mon. Avail Nov. 1. 250378-5276

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Homes for Rent

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)

RELIEF NOON HOUR SUPERVISORS School District No. 58 is accepting applications for Relief Noon Hour Supervisors (1 hour per school day).

Previous experience dealing with students would be an asset.

Application forms are available at the School Board ofÀce, 1550 Chapman Street, Merritt, BC, or on-line at www.sd58.bc.ca, click on Jobs, Support Positions, Job Postings.

Vehicle Wanted WE BUY All Cars!

Not, we will Cars/Trucks/Vans.

Car today with Phone call to: 8647.

Running or buy it!

Sell Any One Free 1-800-551-

Recreational/Sale Travel Trailer for sale. 207 Springdale. 19’ Keystone travel trailer. Ex. cond. $7500 250729-1164

Scrap Car Removal Scrap Vehicles, Equip. & steel wntd. Have HIAB truck. In/out of town. Cash for some 3154893

12 • TUESDAY, October 16, 2012

www.merrittherald.com

You’ve been to the Annual Wine Tasting

NOW You’re Invited to the

nd 2 Annual,

Mark your calendars

WED. OCT. 17, 2012 5 - 7pm with a TOP NOTCH LINE-UP

Grab your friends, family and lederhosen for the second annual Beer Tasting event!

including Reps from + Sleeman’s + Molson/Rickards (White, dark & red) + European Samplings *Merritt Liquor Store

Samplings from different Brew reps will be paired with delectable appies & hor’ doevres.

Eat, drink, mingle and have fun!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! at the Grand Pub & Grill 2099 Garcia St. Ph: 250-378-4618

$20 per Person www.grandpubandgrill.com

Gourmet Beer and Appetizers included