CelebRATiNg FAmilY liTeRACY week A15-19
JANUARY 23, 2013
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ROTARY SeRViCiNg 100 mile HOUSe A28-29
ANNUAl meN’S bONSpiel ROCked A24
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Beetle Action Coalitions release discussion paper
Two sections, 52 pages
100milefreepress.net
SlippiNg ANd A SlidiNg
Coalitions offer recommendations for rural communities sustainability to what rural communities need to meet these challenges. On Jan. 18, British The discussion paper, subColumbia’s three regional titled A Long-Term Strategy Beetle Action Coalitions for Rural Development, trotted out a discussion recommends rural compaper as part of their Rural munities, the Beetle Action BC Project. Coalitions, First Nations, “Pathway to Prosperity economic development in British Columbia organizations, Runs Through its regional developRural Places” is the ment trusts and final paper in the other stakeholders Rural BC Project work in partnership series and it makes with the provinrecommendations cial government to to assist with rural develop a new, longeconomic developterm strategy for Donna Barnett ment throughout the social and ecoprovince. nomic development The Omineca Beetle throughout rural B.C. Action Coalition, CaribooThe paper sets out 20 recChilcotin Beetle Action ommendations, including Coalition and the Southern the formation of a “leaderInterior Beetle Action ship group” to partner with Coalition are joint sponsors the province to produce a of the Rural BC Project. The long-term work plan based project’s goal is to increase on shared principles, the awareness of the issues faced establishment of an ongoing by rural B.C., and to present revenue stream to fund that constructive and non-par- plan and deliver services, tisan recommendations as ken Alexander Free Press
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Arlene Jongbloets photo
Centennial Park is a tobogganer’s delight these days with snow-packed slopes of all sizes and challenge levels for everyone. Enjoying an afternoon of simple wintertime fun recently were, from front to back, Marly Carusi, Karisma Hopson, Deborah Carusi and Kyra Hopson.
Murdered women inquiry report released Carole Rooney Free Press
In December, the B.C. Liberal government committed to taking immediate action to address extensive recommendations made in the final report of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry. Commissioner Wally Oppal’s report outlined critical and systemic failures during the five-year investigation into missing and murdered women from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) between 1997 and 2002.
Prevention supports sought for violence against women The province has now assigned former Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Steven Point to “champion” the process and chair an advisory committee to provide advice to government while it reviews and implements the 63 recommendations in the 1,448-page report over the next few months. Gail Edinger of 100 Mile House is region-
al co-ordinator for Community Coordination for Women’s Safety at the Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA). She says EVA is still digesting the report, but at this stage does appreciate that Oppal “addressed the reality of racism, systemic bias and disregard” experienced by the murdered women (and others living in the DTES). Edinger adds EVA is also gratified to see the recommendations to enhance support and advocacy for sex workers have quickly been implemented, Continued on A5