THURSDAYAPRIL 17, 2014
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FISH HATCHERY NEEDS SOME HELP
Check out our story detailing events during the long weekend
Our Thursday Spotlight features the Marion Baker Hatchery in French Creek
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FEDERAL GOV’T PROGRAM
Foreign fracas
Local restaurant part of hiring-practice debate JOHN HARDING editor@pqbnews.com
A Parksville woman thrust into the centre of the controversy surrounding the alleged misuse of the temporary foreign workers program at Island McDonald’s Restaurant locations says she spoke up to protect her friend. Christina Morrow worked at the Parksville McDonald’s for about 24 years. She left the employ of McDonald’s in late 2012 after she said she was demoted, had her hours reduced and her pay cut to $11/hour from $18/hour. She has appeared on at least two television network newscasts talking about how she believes local people were passed over for jobs in favour of temporary foreign workers from the Philippines. She has a different job now and was asked why she came forward with these concerns about her former employer. “I still have friends that work there,” said Morrow. “I don’t want to see them get phased out.” The website of the federal government’s Temporary Foreign Workers Program lists employers “who have broken the rules or been suspended (from the program).” While three McDonald’s locations in Victoria are on the list, the Parksville restaurant is not (as of Wednesday). Morrow said as assistant manager, she did see resumes of local applicants but she said the owner “preferred to keep it to the foreign workers. For sure, there was interest (from local applicants), it just wasn’t acted on.” Morrow also said her comments are not directed at the Filipino employees at the Parksville restaurant. “I have nothing against them — they are super workers,” said Morrow. “But it’s not fair to the community.” See ALLEGATIONS, page A6
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CANDACE WU PHOTO
Qualicum Beach resident Michael Addiscott is calling for community support in developing the E&N rail track into a hiking and cycling trail instead of re-starting passenger and freight service.
ISLAND CORRIDOR
Petition calls for trail, not rail CANDACE WU
news@pqbnews.com
Between funding, freight and the alleged infrequent routes, restoring rail service to Vancouver Island has been a contentious issue. But one Qualicum Beach resident believes the solution is written in the dirt. Michael Addiscott is calling on elected officials and community members to support his bid to transform the railway into a hiking and bik-
ing trail instead of working to restore freight and passenger service. “This Island is part of ‘beautiful B.C.’ not coal mines and clear cuts,” said Addiscott. “I want to see the Island Corridor Foundation board — and those who influence the ICF board — to recognize that building a trail is a far greater long term benefit to communities along the corridor.” Passenger service on the rail line was suspended in 2011 due to poor
track conditions. Since then, local governments have been working to get service reinstated, however cost speculation has hindered progress. RDN chair Joe Stanhope estimates the project will cost around $100 million; while ICF CEO Graham Bruce insists the $20 million earmarked by all three levels of government will be enough to resurrect the track. The ICF held its annual general meting Wednesday but closed it to the public and media. See LINKING, page A6
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