The Northern View, July 24, 2013

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PRINCE RUPERT VOL. 8 NO. 31

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

FREE

Sun Wave to appeal loss

MOOVING HIGH FIVE

News

BY QUINN BENDER PRINCE RUPERT / The Northern View

Alaska blamed for Skeena closure Page A3

The City of Prince Rupert may have to wait a couple more years before the potentially-lucrative lands at the old Skeena Cellulose Pulp Mill can go up for sale. A BC Supreme Court struck down Sun Wave’s petition to nullify the city’s tax sale and return the lands, but the Chinese-owned company has already filed a notice of appeal that prohibits the city from selling the property. Should this latest appeal fail, Sun Wave - Jack Mussallem has one final option with the Supreme Court of Canada. It’s unlikely the company will be granted that step as it’s very difficult to get leave for Canada’s highest court, but if they do it could be two years before the city can put the legal wrangling behind them. The city has disputed ownership of the lands on Watson Island since 2010. “Someone’s always got the right of appeal and therein lies the problem,” Prince Rupert mayor Jack Mussallem said.

“Enough is enough.”

Business Rupert welcomes new place with Stile Page A7

Martina Perry / The Northern View

Justice, 3, gives Moolissa the MooMaid a high five at the Kissing Booth during Cow Bay Days 2013.

See SUN WAVE on Page A2

Sports Robinson makes it three in row Page A11

Ferry workers labour contract helps city Union agrees to zero per cent increase over two years

BY MARTINA PERRY PRINCE RUPERT / The Northern View

Haida Gwaii Skidegate puts on a party. Page B1

Digby Island ferry workers are helping the City of Prince Rupert save money during financial hardship. Following the end of the worker’s labour contract with the city, council and the Canadian Merchant Service Guild, the union to which Digby Island ferry workers belong to, ratified a new two-year agreement. Workers agreed to a zero per cent wage freeze over the life of the new contract to help save the city money. “Council would like to thank the

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guild members for recognizing the difficult situation the city finds itself in. By working together to benefit all the taxpayers within the city, the city is charting a new era of management/ union cooperation,” Mayor Jack Mussallem said. “The ferry workers are residents that are active in the community, they’re involved and they recognize the city is having a hard time. We’ve had a number of years of dormancy here without anything being build that contributes to the tax roll. Recognizing that, they’ve decided to do what they can to support the

community in this time.” Edd Langelier, business agent for the Canadian Merchant Service Guild, said the union was bargaining for “a reasonable wage increase” but said the union didn’t have an amount in mind. “The city is hard pressed for money. Things will get better in a few years down the road,” Langelier said. “Our guys are happy, and I hope the citizens of Prince Rupert are happy with what we’ve done.” Additionally, the guild has agreed to work with city management in increasing revenues and decreasing

expenditures. “The guild and its members were appreciative of the city’s financial circumstances and will work closely with management to save the substantial cross subsidization the city taxpayers pay toward the Digby Island Ferry,” Bob Long, Prince Rupert city manager, said. “We’re always looking for efficiencies and schedule adjustments to the operation. Because they run the boat and keep track of the loads, there may be some opportunities to gain some efficiencies and to also increase revenue,” Mussallem said.

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