NEWS Chamber of Commerce presents light up 2012 Page 2
BUSINESS Check out the latest craze in parties Page 3
LIFESTYLES
Students learn about culture in their community Page 14
SPOTL SPOT SPOTLIGHT LIGHT $1.10 Includes TAX
The Similkameen
Volume 64 Issue 47
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Proudly serving the community since 1948 • www.similkameenspotlight.com We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
New doctor for Princeton in 2013 “A lot of work is being done — I am very pleased.”
Councillor Jason Earle Town of Princeton Lisa Carleton lisa@similkameenspotlight.com
During the regular meeting of Council held on Nov. 19, staff and council reports were presented, with Mayor Frank Armitage requesting that Councillor Jason Earle give his report after as to “save the best for last,” he said. The reason for doing so was that Councillor Earle had a special announcement to make—one the community has waited quite some time for. Councillor Earle began his announcement by commenting on the recent Public Health Notice issued to the community from Interior Health. He said, “The notice is not leading up to bad news, it is a reminder.” People are forgetting what is important. He added, “Please, do not worry about whether the hospital is open or not, use the system in place. Call 811 or 911 if you need medical attention.” Earle then reported that he had attended a meeting during the afternoon whereupon he was given the news that Dr. Sandhu had signed a contract to begin practicing in Princeton in August of 2013. She is currently practicing in B.C. He also commended Princeton’s Dr. Eva for his efforts in recruiting Dr. Sandhu. “Dr. Eva has been instrumental in this process,” he said. Councillor Earle said that he is very pleased with the work that is being done. See next weeks Spotlight for November’s full Council report.
Lisa Carleton/Spotlight
Resident Yukon Eric Holopainen explains his displeasure with government systems to forum panelists; MP Alex Atamanenko, Area H Director Brad Hope, Save our Similkameen president Solana Allison, MLA Harry Lali, Mayor Frank Armitage and Ed Staples vice president of Save Our Hospital Coalition. Councillor Doug Patemen listens intently from the front row in the audience.
MP Alex Atamanenko hosts forum Lisa Carleton lisa@similkameenspotlight.com
Alex Atamanenko, NDP Member of Parliament (MP) for the Southern Interior of British Columbia hosted a MP Forum at the Legion Hall on Nov. 14 to give residents an opportunity to hear from their elected officials and to ask questions of them. To begin, a 10 minute film was shown courtesy of Red Rock Productions. They produced this film featuring highlights of the community in an effort to assist in the attraction and retention of doctors to the community. Mayor Frank Armitage said, “What wonderful work that is, a picture is worth a million words.” Mayor Armitage assured the approximately 40 residents
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in attendance that Council was trying to have an open door policy and that there “is nothing that we can’t talk about,” he said. Ed Staples, vice president of Save our Hospital Coalition spoke about equality and accessibility in health care. MLA Harry Lali spoke about the “cookie cutter cuts” happening all over, how he felt the “business model” did not work and encouraged residents that “If you believe in something you don’t give up.” Solana Allison, president of Save Our Similkameen spoke of how a hospital is the “anchor of any community.” She explained that Princeton was not alone in the struggles with
See FORUM - Page 8
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