Harper comes out firing on anti-terror question
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Tuesday, August 11, 2015
FEDERAL ELECTION
Local candidate says it’s easier being Green Candidate says voters are eager for a party that will do things differently MARTIN WISSMATH ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES
Since July 31, residents have been advised not to swim at Canal Beach due to high concentrations of bacteria, but this warning is expected to be lifted this week after recent samples show an improvement in conditions. [ERIC PLUMMER, TIMES]
Canal Beach remains no-swim zone but order expected to be lifted soon ERIC PLUMMER ALBERNI VALLEY TIMES
A no-swimming advisory remains in place for Canal Beach, but the City of Port Alberni is hopeful this warning could be lifted later this week after recent samples show a drop in bacteria concentrations at the waterfront site. Island Health announced swimming at the beach could be unsafe on July 31 when tests came back to show bacteria levels several times higher than the threshold for healthy water. Concentrations of enterococci bacteria are normally considered safe if under 35 particles per 100 millilitres. Samples from Canal Beach’s pier have exceeded this limit since June 5 when the enterococci level was recorded at 100. On July 21, the bacteria was measured at 85, followed by a July 27 sample with 600 enterococci particles per 100 millilitres. Canal Beach is among the mid-Island region’s five public beaches currently under a no-swimming advisory. Hazardously high levels of bacteria were also detected on beaches in Chemainus, Saanich and Duncan. “Bathing beaches are monitored to protect swimmers from illnesses that may be linked to unacceptable bacteria levels,” said Kellie Hudson of Island Health media relations in an email to the Times. “Swimming
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Harry Adair walks his dog, Jake, at Canal Beach Monday. [ERIC PLUMMER, TIMES]
in contaminated water can result in increased risk of infection of the ears, nose and throat or gastrointestinal illnesses if the water is swallowed.” A sample taken near the Canal Beach pier last week indicated bacteria levels were within the healthy range, but another passing test is required for Island Health to lift its advisory. “If they come back clean, then we’re allowed to remove signage and the advisory,” said Rob Kraneveldt, a senior maintenance worker with the city, who delivered a Canal Beach sample to the local health unit office on Monday. The recent high levels of bacteria have been an exception for
Canal Beach, which passed water tests every week last summer. Three other locations at the public beach that have been regularly tested this spring and summer have passed health standards. Jacob Colyn, the city’s horticulture and parks supervisor, suspects that bacteria levels could have spiked due to dead fish that collected by the beach this summer or a higher number of geese dropping on the waterfront attraction, but health authorities have not determined a cause. Results of Monday’s water samples are expected to be ready by Thursday at the latest. Eric.Plummer@avtimes.net
Courtenay–Alberni Green Party candidate Glenn Sollitt believes he can win a seat in the House of Commons by reaching out to the disenfranchised and “non-voters” in the Alberni Valley, he says. “What we find is that if you give something to people to vote for, then they will come out and vote,” Sollitt said in an interview with the Times on Monday. Sollitt said he can earn votes without simply trying to pull supporters away from the other left-leaning party, the New Democratic Party. Motivating those who have felt left out of politics, or former Conservative voters who are frustrated and want change, is a key. He’s also aiming to reach “strategic voters” who simply want a different federal government. “Nobody that I bump into in Port Alberni wants a Conservative government,” Sollitt said. Sollitt, 50, is a former commercial fisherman — well acquainted with the Alberni Inlet and local fishery — running in his first campaign for Parliament. That campaign formally launches today at 4:30 p.m. in a new office set up in Port Alberni at 4544 Adelaide Street. Sollitt has already started knocking on doors. “What works is just meeting people,” Sollitt said, noting that one of his biggest obstacles is promoting the Green Party as a viable option instead of a throwaway vote for people who want a change. “After we have a conversation I think their confidence level goes way up because they can see me as a winnable candidate.” In the 2011 election, there was only one winnable candidate, he said: Green Party leader, Elizabeth May, who won her seat for the Saanich–Gulf Islands riding. May is currently the only Green Party Member of Parliament. But the Greens have greater expectations this time. A political party requires a minimum of 12 seats in the House
Japanese effort cleans up tsunami debris here
Summer sippers enjoy the fruits of good brew
Crews making their way down the coast gathering garbage washed ashore from 2011 tsunami.
One of the best things about the season is the tastt=y influx of fruit-infused craft beers.
» Alberni Region, 3
» Taste, 10
SOLLITT
of Commons for official party status, and the Green Party is planning to win 15 seats this election, Sollitt said. “One of the things we’re finding is we’re attracting a lot of votes from ex-Conservatives,” Sollitt said; those new Green enthusiasts are in addition to votes from former NDP supporters, he added. Former Conservative supporters are frustrated that Prime Minister Stephen Harper hasn’t delivered on his promises, such as improving the economy and transparency of government, Sollitt said. An advantage that the Greens have over other parties is a commitment to avoid “whipped votes,” where parties pressure MPs to tow the party line, said Sollitt. That can frustrate local constituents who feel that none of the candidates represent them directly, he said. Sollitt’s platform for the Courtenay–Alberni riding focuses on bringing all levels of government — federal, provincial, municipal and First Nations — together to harmonize policies in what the Green Party calls a “Council of Canadian Governments,” he said. Alberni is an opportune place for renewable energy, Sollitt said. Although he prefers solar power, the thermal winds in the Valley provide another resource. see GREENS, page 3
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