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u Doggies do P. 7 u BladeRunners P. 10
u Catch the bus P. 6 u Bird Count P. 5
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WEDNESDAY, January 9, 2013
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VOL. 35 NO. 45 $1.34 inc. GST
NEWS BRIEFS It’s baaaack!
The registration for businesses to once again return to collecting PST has begun. Anyone selling or leasing taxable services or goods can now sign up to collect the new old tax. The PST will be back in place by April 1, 2013. Registration can be done online, in person or by mail or fax. New PST numbers will be issued once the application is processed. For more information go to: ww.PSTinBC.ca.
Flu season is here Confirmed cases of influenza have now been recorded in each of Northern Health’s three health service delivery areas. Northern Health’s northern interior medical health officer, Dr. William Osei, is encouraging anyone who still hasn’t received their ‘flu shot, to get immunized to protect themselves and their families. During the influenza season, residents who are at risk are advised to get their free vaccine. Influenza vaccine (available through your local health unit and your family doctor), along with good personal hygiene, including effective hand washing, is the best defense against contracting and spreading the influenza virus.
Ralliers in Spirit Square on Dec. 29 drummed, sang songs and spoke in support of the Idle No More movement, which last week saw progress as Prime Minister Stephen Harper agreed to meet with Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat Reserve. Ruth Lloyd/Caledonia Courier
Idle No More rally Ruth Lloyd Caledonia Courier Over 40 people gathered in Spirit Square on Dec. 29 as part of the national Idle No More campaign. The growing First Nations campaign, which has gained national momentum, is meant to show opposition of many of the Harper government’s policies, specifically ones many First Nations groups see as impacting treaty rights. The movement has gained international attention, especially since the hunger strike by Attawaspikat Chief Theresa Spence on Victoria Island in Ottawa in order to obtain a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. On a liquid-only diet for 25 days, Spence and her supporters finally received word last week from the Prime Minister’s Office, he would agree to meet with her. A handout at the local Fort St. James event drew attention to a number of Harper government-introduced bills changing the rules governing First Nations. The bills talked about in the handout with points on their potential negative impacts were: Bill C-45: Jobs and Growth Act, the Omnibus budget bill, which made changes to surrendering reserve lands and the Navigable Waters Act; Bill C-428: Indian Act Amendment and Replacement Act; Bill S-2: Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act; Bill S-6: First Nations Elections Act; Bill S-8: Safe Drinking Water for First Nations; First Nation Education Act; Bill S-212: First Nations Self-Government Recognition Bill
and FNPOA; and Bill C-27: First Nations Financial Transparency Act, which requires First Nation governments to open up their finances to more public scrutiny. Members of Nak’azdli, Tl’azt’en, Yekooche, and Saik’uz were present at the rally, as were a few non-First Nations. Nak’azdli Chief Fred Sam spoke to those gathered, as did Justa Monk of Tl’azt’en and some others. “It’s not just about First Nations,” said Sam. “It’s about all Canadians.” “It’s about our children and grandchildren - it’s their future,” he said. Sam also spoke about the importance of involving the municipalities in the movement. “We need their strength,” he said. This sentiment was echoed by Nicolette Prince as well, who said Fort St. James and Nak’azdli could be leaders in this by working together. “There’s mutual benefit to living together,” she said. “We need a plan,” she said. “We have to make that voice very very strong.” Debbie Prince called for the nations in the territory to gather together to form a council. “We need unity amongst us,” she said. Justa Monk said the movement to stand against some of the development and policies should have started 50 years ago. Drumming and songs rounded out the gathering on the frosty Saturday, with sun breaking through the dense cloud as snow sparkled in the cold winter air.
Local property values rise Ruth Lloyd Caledonia Courier Area property owners will see another rise in property value, but not as much as last year’s increase. The average total assessed value of a home in Fort St. James rose 4.6 per cent this year, with the average value in the municipality being $159,445 in 2012 and rising to $166,790 for 2013. But this does not translate to a significant increase, according to Christopher Whyte, Deputy Assessor for the area, who called the change “pretty nominal.” “When you talk in percentages, you’ve got to be careful,” said Whyte. He gave the example of Kitimat, which saw the highest increase in the region, with increases of 25 to 30 per cent. “You know, 25 to 30 per cent on a $150,000 house, it sounds like a lot, but when you’re counting dollar-wise it’s not a ton of change.” While assessors simply analyze the market, Whyte did say he could guess what might be driving the increases in the area, even though other parts of the province saw drops in values. Continued on Page 3