MLA OAKES speaks out PAGE A3
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
bug buster PAGE A9
VOL. 101 NO. 58
www.quesnelobserver.com
qdmh at provincials PAGE A14
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FEDERAL LEGISLATION
Discussion of Bill C-51 slated for Quesnel April 1 AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter An anti-terror Bill in the House of Commons has a concerned group of citizens organizing a forum to discuss the potential impacts. Stand Up for the North Committee, with speaker and member Peter Ewart will be at the Arts and Recreation Centre, April 1, 7 p.m. to discuss Bill C-51, a security and antiterror legislation which many feel infringes on basic privacy’s and freedoms. “With its broad, vague categories, the federal government legislation casts an extremely wide net and could potentially be used against workers on strike, environmental campaigns, First Nations protests, people involved in civil disobedience, or even activities such as B.C.’s recent anti-HST campaign,” Ewart said. “Indeed, the legislation is so broad it could be directed against practically anyone or any group opposed to federal government policies, including opposition parties. “It also includes measures that, we feel, curtail freedom of speech and allow CSIS, with open-ended judicial warrants, to break Canadian law, violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, invade privacy, and commit “dirty tricks” against citizens and organizations.” Ewart said the committee
is committed to encouraging discussion and debate among smaller northern communities, noting public meetings regarding the state of forestry, sustainability, and more. The committee is made up of volunteers committed to renewing and revitalizing the region. Hence, the need for a discussion on Bill C-51, Ewart said. “Many prominent Canadians have spoken out against this legislation, calling it dangerous, excessive and dictatorial, as well as alien to the legal norms of the country,” he said. “Besides the NDP and Green parties in Parliament, critics include six former Supreme Court justices, as well as dozens of other legal experts, law professors, media pundits, the Federal Privacy Commissioner, four former Prime Ministers and the Premier of B.C. Christy Clark.” “From the beginning, the federal government appeared bent on ramming this legislation through with little discussion in Parliament, let alone in the public domain. “However, considering that it has serious implications for the rights of all Canadians, it is imperative that people have the opportunity to fully discuss and deliberate on this controversial legislation.” Join the discussion at the Arts and Recreation Centre, April 1, 7 p.m.
Who do you think should be Quesnel’s
In just over an hour, youth between the ages of 12 – 18 performed their version of the Lerner and Loewe production My Fair Lady. Morgan Fraser gave a delightful portrayal of Professor Henry Higgins, punching his performance with emotion and commanding presence on the makeshift stage in the Quesnel and District Arts and Recreation Centre’s West Fraser Timber Room. With a packed audience, who were very appreciative of the production, My Fair Lady was the culmination of four days of intense work by the youth in the spring break workshop led by Katherine van Kampen. She is an internationally recognized professional singer who has also taught her craft for many years. Van Kampen offers these Kids on Broadway workshops throughout B.C. For more photos see PAGE A10. Annie Gallant photo
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2014
Volunteer Citizen of the Year? Deadline March 26, 2015
Just you wait ‘Enry Higgins
2013 Voluntee r Citizen of the Year - Liane Kimm ie
For a printed copy of the Nomination form, please pickup at City Hall – 410 Kinchant Street or the Quesnel Cariboo Observer – 188 Carson Avenue, during business hours.
Please join us at the
14 Annual Awards Gala th
Saturday, April 11
Quesnel Seniors’ Centre • Cocktails 5:15 pm Dinner 6:00 pm
Tickets $50 each You can pick up tickets at Sun Life Financial, or by calling Cathy at 250-747-1739 or emailing qcf@shaw.ca.