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PROJECT HEAVY DUTY P. 2 EDITORIAL P. 6
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STUDENTS VOTE P. 3 HOPE AIR P. 11
E xpress OMINECA
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Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Liberal Victory in Nechako and B.C. Sam Redding Omineca Express John Rustad of the Liberal Party of B.C. has won his seat for the Nechako Lakes district. “I’m a little tired and excited and humbled and a whole bunch of emotions all
at once,” said Rustad. Voters all over B.C. elected a Liberal majority for a fourth term with the province’s 40th Provincial Election. The Liberals managed 44.4 per cent of the vote and took 50 seats. Pre-election polls were all predicting a victory for Adrian Dix of the NDP so observers were stunned Tuesday night by the Liberal’s victory in B.C. although the NDP were not far behind with 39 per cent of the vote and 33 seats. A map of B.C. ridings will show that although the Liberals took the majority, the entire coastline of B.C. is NDP. “I thought last night was going to be a very tight race,” said Rustad. “But I was pleasantly surprised over how the results went over the course of the evening.” After winning 54 per cent of the votes, Rustad describes it as “a humbling experience” and plans to continue campaigning on behalf of the North, in particular making sure the lumber mills have lots of timber to work with. “My number one priority is the mid-term timber supply and what we need to do along that front to secure wood for our mills in Nechako lakes as well as throughout the pine beetle impacted area.” Rustad has said that Leader Christy Clark poured her heart into the campaign and conveyed her vision for B.C. to which voters responded with their votes. When asked about the recent Greyhound cuts affecting Vanderhoof, Rustad wanted to assure residents that his party has been working on it. “We were working with greyhound before the election to try to find ways to make sure that all
RCMP hold Open House during Police Week Sam Redding Omineca Express The Vanderhoof RCMP held an open house on Thursday, May 16 as part of National Police Week. The open house welcomed the public, particularly kids, to learn and familiarize themselves with police methods. The cruisers were especially popular. “A lot of kids might be afraid and this is a chance for them to have fun and get over those fears,” said Sergeant Jason Keays. “We’re here to protect you not scare people.” School-children came from all over Vanderhoof to check
out the police vehicles and the ambulance. They also got a tour through the station, and a short stop in cells. Everyone took turns playing with the siren and yelling out commands through the loudspeaker. “Come out with your hands up,” one child’s voice blasted. “And wave ‘em like you just don’t care!” Police week was to “increase community aware-
communities are still served,” he said. “Ultimately greyhound is a private enterprise and they need to make decisions but certainly I’m going to be advocating
ness and recognition of policing service” according to their website. But what it’s really about is letting the people know that the officers are part of the community and that they can go to them for help when they need to. This week honors their dedication and sacrifice, so we can live comfortably and they can be there when we need help.
for the best services we can throughout our corridor.” As for Rustad’s immediate plans, “today I’m taking down signs,” he said.
46th Anniversary
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“I’ve got a number of things to do this week in terms of closing off the last four years and planning for the next four. And then, I’m going to take a weeks holiday.”