Celebrating 30 years PAGE A3
New hand on the tiller PAGE A10
so athletes perform well PAGE A15
HAPPY CANADA DAY Wednesday, July 1, 2015
VOL. 101 NO. 86
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One taken to hospital A two-vehicle motor vehicle accident on Two Mile Flat between a silver pickup and a blue pickup had one person taken to hospital with undetermined injuries. The investigation continues. Karen Powell photo
Quesnel strong in organ donor registrations at Service B.C. Since the launch of the partnership between Service BC and BC Transplant, the number of local organ donor registrations has been double the previous five-year average. In the month of May alone, the number of registrations at the Gold Pan City location was seven times larger, growing from four in 2014 to 28 in 2015. The increase in numbers is thanks to the partnership program between BC Transplant and the province launched in April 2015. The program makes supporting organ donation easier by providing information on organ donation and registering organ donation decisions at all 61 Service BC locations throughout the province.
“Organ donation saves lives,” Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Amrik Virk said. “Taking a moment to register at Service BC is a simple, small step anyone can do. With 61 locations across the province in communities like Quesnel, we are ensuring that all British Columbians will have the opportunity be a life-saver.” The Gold Pan City has been active in this program longer than most. Selected as a pilot location in 2014, the success here, noted officials, was a contributing factor to rolling the program out around the province. Currently, more than 95 per cent of British Colum-
Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Amrik Virk (centre) joins (l. to r.) Coralee Oakes MLA for Cariboo North, John Massier - Regional District Director and chair of the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District, William Lacy President Quesnel Chamber of Commerce, Pam Robertson – BC Transplant volunteer, Barbara Lusk- Government Agent, Service BC Quesnel. Contributed photo bians support organ donation. As of April 2015, only 20 per cent had registered their decision to be a donor. By reducing red tape for real people,
this program is making it easier for the other 80 per cent of British Columbians to register their decision. “My sister Val received a heart transplant in April,”
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Quesnel resident and sister of transplant recipient, Pam Robertson said. “We thought we were going to lose her and now she’s feeling great and recovering in Vancouver. We are so thankful to her donor; the impact of that one person’s decision is life changing for Val and for our whole community.” Service BC centres are central offices where British Columbians can access a wide range of government services. This program offers visitors information about organ donation, answers questions and assists those interested in confirming their intention by registering online. With close to 500 B.C. citizens on the transplant
waiting list, signing up to become an organ donor could help save lives – possibly the life of a neighbour, co-worker, friend or family member in need. This program will allow British Columbians to step forward, register and potentially change the life of a patient in need. “I’m proud Quesnel has consistently stepped up and are choosing to help save a life, be it a stranger, a friend or family member,” MLA Cariboo North Coralee Oakes said. “This community is showing its strength by choosing to register their decision on organ donation, and I hope we continue to be a leader in this area.”
Our Office Will be clOsed
Wednesday, July 1st We will reopen on Thursday, July 2, 2015