WEDNESDAY February 27, 2013 Vol. 28•No. 17 ••• $1.25 inc. H.S.T.
COMOX VALLEY
ARTS
SPORTS
The Georgia Straight Jazz Society moves to its new home at the Avalanche Pub this Thursday. page B1
Three Comox Valley Aquatic Club Sharks were sharp at the Speedo Western Canadian swimming championships. page B3
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Budget is all good, maintains visiting premier Scott Stanfield Record Staff
Despite these troubled economic times, the provincial Liberals have tabled a balanced, pre-election budget, and continue to develop overseas relationships that are helping drive the B.C. economy. So says Premier Christy Clark, who discussed government’s accomplishments and priorities at a Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce luncheon Friday at Crown Isle in Courtenay. “When I became premier two years ago, I said I was going to balance the budget,” Clark said. “I wasn’t unique in that. Every premier across the country said they were going to balance the budget two years ago.” However, B.C. and Saskatchewan are the only provinces to do so this year. “We got there because we have worked hard over 12 years to look after your money,” Clark said, noting the BC Jobs Plan, controlled spending and frozen salaries for senior public sector managers. Selling “non-strategic surplus government assets” and proposed income tax hikes on business and higher-income earn-
ers will also help. Clark said “sound fiscal management” has enabled a new regional hospital, a new trades training centre at North Island College and a new francophone school in the Comox Valley. “I very firmly believe that the best thing you can do for families is make sure our economy is strong and people have jobs to go to.” Since the economic downturn, Clark said government has fared well in terms of job recovery, and opened new relationships with Asian countries that are helping drive the economy in the gas, mining and technology sectors. “That’s how we’ve been able to do more than many other jurisdictions around the world,” she said, noting a “bit of envy” when she considers what oil has done for the Alberta economy. “Think about the heritage fund created four decades ago. We have that opportunity to bring the same thing home for our kids here in British Columbia,” Clark said, noting the potential of shipped liquefied natural gas. “We have been safely recovering this resource in the northeast of British Columbia for over 50 ... see B.C. ■ A2
GOT A LIGHT? The Taiwanese Lantern display featured a variety of shapes and sizes of lanterns at the Cumberland Recreational Institute Saturday afternoon. PHOTO BY ERIN HALUSCHAK
Hospital history more than bricks and mortar Renee Andor Record Staff
St. Joseph’s General Hospital reflected on the past and looked toward the future last week during its open house celebrating 100 years in the Comox Valley. The hospital’s main lobby was packed Friday as the hospital kicked off its centennial celebrations, which culminate in July. Many dignitaries attended the
event, including Premier Christy Clark, Comox Valley MLA Don McRae, the Comox Valley’s three mayors and Vancouver Island Health Authority board chair Don Hubbard, among many others. Hospital board chair Jim Bennett noted the hospital’s 100th anniversary is a time for reflection and celebration. “What began as a temporary four-bed hospital in a farmhouse in 1913 has grown over the
decades in shape, size and capacity to the 241-bed facility with modern diagnostic treatment and services that you see here today,” he said. A commemorative mural with images from the past and present was unveiled in the hospital lobby, and a commemorative video by local videographer Zac Whyte was premiered. Hospital president and CEO Jane Murphy thanked the Comox
Valley community for entrusting its health care for 100 years, noting the hospital’s history is more than “just bricks and mortar.” “The very essence of St. Joseph’s is the dedication of the many sisters, physicians, staff and volunteers who have served the hospital over the past 100 years,” she said, noting she is grateful to the people who have dedicated their lives to caring for others at St. ... see ‘NOT JUST’ ■ A4
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Record finalist The Comox Valley Record is one of three general excellence finalists in our circulation category for this year’s Ma Murray B.C. community newspaper awards. The Comox Valley Record finished first in general excellence at the 2010 Ma Murray awards. Awards will be presented April 20 in Richmond.