THURSDAY APRIL 23, 2015
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ANSWERS FROM CITY
BESTOWING HONOURS
10 questions and 10 answers about new water facilities
Two local men receive medals from consul-general of France
A5
A30
FEDERAL BUDGET
House in order or disappointing? Local candidates’ views are mixed with election on the horizon CANDACE WU news@pqbnews.com
Finance Minister Joe Oliver said “Canada’s fiscal house is in order” upon unveiling a balanced federal budget Tuesday, while critics are calling it “political” given the looming election slated for this fall, or sooner if the government calls a snap election. Oliver tabled the budget promising job creation, growth and longterm prosperity. The budget comes a few months later than usual, but six months before the federal election scheduled for Oct. 19, 2015 and candidates for the new Courtenay-Alberni riding have mixed reviews. Conservative John Duncan, who is the incumbent MP for Vancouver Island North and government whip, said the budget was all-encompassing. “Yes it was balanced and yes it did a lot for small businesses, for seniors and for families, it also dealt with issues in the forestry industry and infrastructure needs, people with disabilities and people caring for those who are gravely ill — so it covered a lot of bases,” Duncan told The NEWS from Ottawa. See JUST ANOTHER, page A14
MLA STILWELL AIMS FOR PAN AM GAMES
The minister of track JOHN HARDING
editor@pqbnews.com
Michelle Stilwell will be shifting her focus from the political arena to the track this summer as she aims for a spot on Canada’s Pan Am Games team. Stilwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum and the Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation, confirmed this week she intends to be racing in the 100M and 400M events of the Parapan Am Games in Toronto in August. Stilwell, 40, told The NEWS she still needs to complete the qualifying criteria to be named to the team and she said she will compete at the national championships in Edmonton July 2-5. The Canadian PanAm and Parapan Am teams will be announced after the national championships. See RACING THIS WEEKEND, page A7
BRENDA GOUGH PHOTO
TIMEBENDERS: The dance floor was packed for the third annual Dance Party hosted by the Qualicum Beach Downtown Business Association last weekend. The Timebenders provided the entertainment at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, presenting 50 years of hits and more than a dozen costume changes. The six-piece ensemble had the sold-out crowd dancing to every musical genre from ‘50s rock n’ roll to the divas of the ‘90s. Many guests dressed in outfits depicting different eras while band members impersonated some musical legends including Aretha Franklin and Abba (above). For more photos, visit our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/PQBNews.
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