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Friday, October 24, 2014
Crowder away from Parliament Hill during deadly attack
Taxes take centre stage in debate Peter W. Rusland
Unhurt MP: rode out incident in lockdown a few blocks away
News Leader Pictorial
R
ising taxes topped a list of concerns among 200 North Cowichanians during Tuesday’s allcandidates’ meeting in Maple Bay’s fire hall. “Taxes, taxes, taxes,” were resident Charlene Stoney’s pressing issues as candidates mingled
Peter W. Rusland
News Leader Pictorial
C
owichan MP Jean Crowder’s Duncan office reopened Thursday after tragic shootings the day before on Parliament Hill, her staff said. Crowder’s office, and other constituency offices across Canada, were closed Wednesday for respect and safety reasons. The NDP member was in an Ottawa courthouse for a human-rights tribunal, two blocks away from the Hill Wednesday morning during the gunfire in and around the Parliament Buildings that rocked the nation. The Hill was quickly swarmed by police before they, and House Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers, shot a rifle-toting gunman inside Parliament, the Vancouver Sun reported. That death followed the shooting of Canadian soldier Cpl. Nathan Cirillo while guarding the Jean Crowder: National War Memorial. back to work He died in hospital. Agents with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service are investigating possible links between the dead gunman, and other suspects, after the tragedy boiled around Crowder Wednesday. “I’m at a Canadian human-rights tribunal, in a building where lock-down is in place and we’re asked to stay inside,” her voice message from Ottawa told the News Leader Pictorial as the melee rocked the capital. “It’s pretty scary what’s going on.” She and other shaken MPs returned to activities in the heavily guarded House Thursday, her Duncan staffer Yana Stratemeyer-Trinczek told the Leader. NDP members, in the Parliament Buildings during the emergency, were barricaded in their caucus room where chairs were piled against the door to keep possible attackers out, CBC TV showed. The area around the Hill, plus schools and other offices, were locked down after the shootings, while police scoured the Hill and Ottawa area for suspects. “Sometimes it’s hard to imagine something like this happening here,” Crowder staffer Alister MacGregor said of potential terrorism in Canada.
Andrew Leong
Jason Wang and Andrew Batten, members of Canada World Youth, parade around the gym with a caterpillar puppet, during the One World Festival family event, presented by Cowichan Intercultural Society at the Si’em Lelum Gym on Saturday. The event featured music, exhibits, dance, fashion, and food.
with voters. Still, beefs about those swelling levies were closely followed by demands for environmental and water protection as 20 council hopefuls, plus three mayoral candidates, were hosted by the Maple Bay Community Association. Taxes were arguably the main issue, but some residents took a wider view. “People (candidates) said taxes (rates are crucial) but it’s also about smart growth,” said Grant McKinnon. “We (council) don’t have a vision; we’re being led.” Don Bruneski hinted at other concerns. “According to people here it seems to be taxes, but I don’t think it’s (tax rate) critical.” Most candidates promised to clamp rising taxes — with more public accountability — while boosting the economy and cutting developer red tape. But few paved concrete ways to expand the tax base. Mayoral hopeful Damir Wallener suggested “high-tech, green- tech, and farming” will drive the retail and construction sectors, touting a citizens’ budget-oversight committee. Councillor John Koury, now running for mayor, focused on financial management, fertilizing local businesses, and helping wine and farming sectors. “I’ll take only what we need from taxpayers,” he said, offering incentives to build livable communities. Mayor Jon Lefebure offered no specific tax relief, skimming issues he’s helmed for the past three years: Echo Heights forest; Holmes Creek dikes; boat moorage management; and Stoney Hill Road’s revamp. Some council candidates had creative ways to slash taxes, but were also thin on specifics to attract more taxpaying businesses. Councillor Al Siebring promised tax increases will not exceed the rate of inflation for each of the next four years. Paul Fletcher echoed Siebring’s inflation-equation to taxation, while only allowing development that’s “cost-free to the environment.” Maeve Maguire ensured “value for taxes” with measurable benefits, and development that respects the environment. Nick Caumanns wanted an annual budgetary vote, and further sewage treatment. Jeffrey Motley’s financial fix offered a 10% drop in council salaries. Jagtar Singh Mann said taxes are out of control, but “if developers leave, we have nothing.” He also promised wastewater upgrades. more on page 12
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