Nanaimo Daily News, January 06, 2016

Published since 1874

Rain High 5 Low 0

‘Kids conference’ at VICC on Jan. 16, Page 5

QUAKE TESTS EARLY WARNING SYSTEM NEWS | PAGE 11

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

OVERDOSES UP IN DECEMBER PAGE 7

NEWS | PAGE 3 @NanaimoDaily

LET IT SNOW Islanders really not used to the white stuff Page 3

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WHAT’S INSIDE Today’s issue

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

TOP STORY

Global treaties could snarl new pot laws for Canada

Warmest year seen in Nanaimo Te city had the warmest year on record in 2015 since local weather records began to be kept in 1947, according to Environment Canada. » News, 13

MIKE BLANCHFIELD THE CANADIAN PRESS

Huge stable fire kills 43 horses Shattered community of Puslinch, Ont., is now trying to process one of the most significant emotional and financial losses in its history after devastating blaze. » News, 15

Local news ............... 3-8 Editorials/letters ........ 6 B.C. news ........................ 9 Nation & World ........ 12 Sports ............................ 19 Scoreboard ................ 24 Crossword .................. 25

Comics ................. 25-26 Markets ......................... 26 Sudoku ......................... 26 Classified ..................... 27 Obituaries ................... 27 Food ............................... 29

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LOTTERIES *All Numbers unofficial

FOR Jan. 2 649: 10-12-16-20-27-36 B: 25 BC49: 06-16-29-33-37-42 B: 14 Extra: 04-23-36-55

FOR Jan. 1 Lotto Max: 06-10-13-14-25-41-46 B: 08 Extra: 44-45-50-52

OTTAWA — The Liberal government will have to do substantial work on the international stage before it can follow through on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s promise to legalize marijuana, new documents suggest.

That work will have to include figuring out how Canada would comply with three international treaties to which the country is a party, all of which criminalize the possession and production of marijuana.

Trudeau’s plan to legalize, regulate and restrict access to marijuana is already proving a complicated and controversial undertaking on the domestic front, in part because it requires working with the provinces.

Internationally, says a briefing note prepared for the prime minister, Canada will also have to find a way to essentially tell the world how it plans to conform to its treaty obligations.

The note to Trudeau was obtained by The Canadian Press through the Access to Information Act. Errol Mendes, a constitutional and international law expert at the University of Ottawa, says the government faces a long, hard slog in the global arena before it can legalize pot at home.

Legalization, he said, is a growing movement among some countries, particularly in Latin America, but it faces stiff opposition in the United States — including within some quarters of the Obama administration.

If the Republicans win the White House in November, the opposition will be even stronger in a country where some see legalizing pot “as the thin edge of the wedge,” said Mendes.

“It will be an ongoing dialogue which has to be dealt with at the highest levels, and it’s not going to be an easy one, and it’s not going to be a quick one either. It’s going to take many years.”

The Liberal policy means that Canada will

Canada may face global pressure over shifting its marijuana laws. [THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]

have to amend its participation in three international conventions: — The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, as amended by the 1972 Protocol; — The Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971; — The United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988.

“All three require the criminalization of possession and production of cannabis,” says the briefing note.

“As part of examining legalization of cannabis possession and production, Canada will need to explore how to inform the international community and will have to take the steps needed to adjust its obligations under these conventions.”

Global Affairs Canada, the lead government department on international treaties, said it is examining a range of issues on pot legalization, including Canada’s international commitments, but said it was premature to comment on specifics.

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The world’s drug problem will be the focus of a special session of the United Nations General Assembly in April, the memo says.

“At the meeting, several South American countries as well as Mexico wish to discuss what they perceive as more effective policy approaches to respond to the current realities of the drug problem, which could include decriminalization/legalization of illicit drugs, harm reduction, and/or a call to renegotiate the international drug control conventions.”

The Liberals plan to remove marijuana consumption and incidental possession from the Criminal Code, while creating new laws with heavy penalties to those who give it to minors or operate a motor vehicle under its influence.

Trudeau has promised to set up a task force of federal, provincial and municipal government, while seeking input from experts in public health, substance abuse and the police, design a new system of marijuana sales and distribution.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

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Snow can cause chaos Police preach safety, say drivers are not accustomed to the white stuff

N

anaimo and Vancouver Island are not known for massive snowfalls, but every once in a while the white stuff lands and it seems chaos ensues.

Police say they notice a significant uptick in accidents as the streets become white and slippery.

“People aren’t used to it,” said Const.

Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman.

“They don’t have the Spencer knowledge to Anderson drive in winter Reporting conditions.”

O’Brien said police responded to six weather-related accidents on Monday and several more on Tuesday, when Environment Canada issued an alert after noon that five to 10 centimetres could fall on the region.

The city’s mild climate — virtually no snow fell here in 2015 — means drivers are not used to the conditions. The majority of the time, the biggest habit drivers can take to prevent that from happening is to slow down, O’Brien said, to allow plenty of space between them and other vehicles, he said.

He said another mistake people make is driving with all-season or summer tires instead of winter tires in snowy weather. Police have the authority under the motor vehicle act to temporarily take a car off the road if an officer deems that the treads are unsafe for the conditions.

“It’s not uncommon from a police perspective,” O’Brien said.

The city’s geography also plays into the hazards of the few times a year Nanaimo drivers venture into

Keatyn Cross, 10, gives brother Bryden, 2, a ride at Bowen Park on Tuesday. On the front page, the two are joined by brother Landyn, 4. [AARON HINKS/DAILY NEWS PHOTOS]

the snow. O’Brien said sloped, hilly routes like Rutherford Road, Northfield Road and Jingle Pot Road are all subject to black ice forming.

“Nanaimo had a lot of grades on various roads and it can be really, really tricky,” he said.

Steven Wallace, owner of Wallace Driving School on Vancouver Island, said snow on the ground can be a valuable teaching tool for new students. Like O’Brien, Wallace said equipping a vehicle with winter tires if you decide to drive in the snow is important.

However, “speed and time are the most important thing in winter,” said Wallace. Bad winter drivers will not allow for either.

“They overdrive their abilities and do not look far enough down the road,” he said.

Technology like four-wheel drive is a major asset in the winter, said Wallace. But it can also lead to misplaced confidence. “(It’s) ‘I can go anywhere,’ but you can’t stop any quicker,” he said.

Those living outside of Vancouver Island or the Lower Mainland may

roll eyes at the local response to snow.

“I’m from the Prairies,” said Alan Cumbers, executive director of facilities and ancillary services at Vancouver Island University. “I have to admit this little bit of snow is just an ordinary day (there).”

Part of Cumbers’s job is to make the call on whether or not to close down the university, with final approval by the school’s president.

Although the amount of snow seen by Nanaimo Tuesday may seem insignificant to some, Cumbers said

the decision on whether to close the university is based on student and faculty safety.

If snow begins falling overnight, crews will begin clearing it away at 2 a.m. or earlier. By about 5:30 a.m., Cumbers will decide whether to recommend the university be closed.

Cumbers said the decision is based on conditions on campus, including ice build-up.

“In our case, it’s really because of the fact that we’re built on a hill,” he said.

The university will also consider reports from B.C. Transit, taxi services and police into their decision.

“If other areas are closing, we take a more serious look at that,” Cumbers said.

The Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district operates in a similar fashion.

Spokesman Dale Burgos said the primary concern for schools is safe transportation.

He said a supervisor will travel the roads early in the morning and make a recommendation to the superintendent.

Jerry Hannah, dispatch co-ordinator for the district, said district needs to be “realistic” about the weather.

“Once we’ve committed to sending out the buses (in the morning), we’re committed for the day,” he said.

Island snow is nothing to scoff at either, as it can more quickly build up oil and grit.

“It’s totally different . . .” Hannah said. “There’s just so much moisture content.”

Spencer.Anderson @nanaimodailynews.com 250-729-4255

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Nanaimo-area drivers occasionally find trouble when it snows. [DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTO]

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

BUSINESS NOTES News from the Nanaimo and area business community

Nissan dealership owner excited about Nanaimo Robert Barron Reporting

N

anaimo’s Nissan dealership is under new ownership.

Jim Revenberg, owner of

Comox Valley Nissan and Sunwest Volkswagen, bought the dealership from Steve Laird in early November and changed its name to Nissan of Nanaimo. He said he approached Laird, owner of Nanaimo’s Laird Wheaton GM dealership, more than a year ago to ask about opportunities in Nanaimo, and his persistence finally paid off.

“I’m fortunate to have such a

wonderful and dedicated group at Nissan of Nanaimo, and there are some great things going on here,” Revenberg said.

“I’m really excited to be in Nanaimo and I’m looking for other opportunities in the city.”

A&W owner retiring Marshall Cooper, the longtime

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owner of Nanaimo’s four A&W restaurants, is retiring and selling his franchises. Cooper, who has owned and operated A&W restaurants in the city for more than 30 years, has sold them all to Roger Milad, who owns a number of A&W locations in Vancouver and Comox. Milad will officially take over as of Feb. 15.

“My staff (of approximately 100 workers) will stay in place and I’m expecting there will be few changes in the way the restaurants are run,” said Cooper, adding he plans to do some travelling.

Business booming Business has been booming since Sabrina Yeudall opened Candid Legal Law Corporation at 23-4800 Island Highway North this fall.

Yeudall, a lawyer who specializes in family and employment law, worked as an independent contractor with Nanaimo’s Warsh Law Corporation before deciding to strike out on her own. She said most of her clients followed her to her new location, and she has gotten so busy that lawyer Carlee Campbell will begin work with her as an associate beginning on Jan. 11.

“I felt that I reached a level of experience in my field in which it was a natural progression to begin my own law firm in Nanaimo,” Yeudall said.

“I had a vision of a client-centred mod-

el for my form that I’m pleased to put into practice.”

For more information, go to www.candidlegal.com.

Help Crime Stoppers The 7-Eleven stores in Nanaimo will have donation canisters on their front counters until the end of February that will allow customers the opportunity to support their local Crime Stoppers program.

Nanaimo RCMP Constable Gary O’Brien said that since 2004, 7-Eleven customers have donated more than $500,000 to support Crime Stoppers programs across the country.

“These funds are used to ensure that the Crime Stoppers 24/7 anonymous tip line is available for use by all citizens,” he said.

Odds and ends • Jeff Severs is the new grocery manager at Pomme Natural Markets, located at 6560 Metral Drive.

• Orthopedic surgeons Dr. Paul Voorhoeve and Dr. James Laughren have opened a new office at 204-1621 Dufferin Crescent.

Robert.Barron @nanaimodailynews.com 250-729-4234

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HEALTH

Nanaimo hospital patients now have access to new CT scanners DAILY NEWS

Nanaimo Regional General Hospital patients will have access to two new CT scanners.

The scanners will replace two older models and will arrive and begin operation by the spring.

The $3.6-million upgrade, paid for in a cost-sharing arrangement between the Ministry of Health, the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District and the

Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation, is part of a larger program to boost available diagnostic imaging, said Health Minister Terry Lake. “(This) announcement and our recently introduced MRI Strategy will help us meet our goal of providing improved access to scans and offer peace of mind for patients and families,” said the health minister.

Approximately 18,500 CT scans were completed at NRGH last year.

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NEWS 5

NANAIMO

VICC presents a special ‘kids conference’ DAILY NEWS

The first conference in Nanaimo for children 12 and under and their parents will be held at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre on Jan. 16.

Called The Kids Conference, the free event is intended for young children and their parents to discover and learn about the many resources that are available to them in the region. It runs 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Denise Tacon, general manager of the VICC, said she and her team at the centre have been organizing the conference for more than a year.

She said they had read a number of articles about poverty in the region and decided it was time to try to help and do something about it.

“There is amazing work being done here around poverty issues, but many of these groups and organizations work independently of each other so

it can be difficult for people seeking these services to access what they need,” Tacon said.

“We’re going to bring these organizations together for a day in one location so it will be easy for people to discover what’s available for them in the community.”

The conference will be comprised of a number of components, including a trade show that will feature a number of vendors, including

representatives from Foodshare, the Nanaimo Child Development Centre and Pacific Sport.

There also will be a number of speakers addressing a variety of issues related to youth, including cyber bullying, mentoring and nutrition and health.

Entertainment at the conference will include the Vancouver Island Symphony’s children’s choir, Wellington Secondary School’s jazz

band, face painting and an activity zone provided by the Boys and Girls Club of Nanaimo.

“The conference will take up the entire upper floor of the VICC and some of the events will be held outside,” Tacon said.

“We’re hoping to make the conference an annual event, so we want to see as many people as possible drop down to the conference and make it a success.”

WEATHER

Nanaimo had warmest year on record in 2015, expert says ROBERT BARRON DAILY NEWS

It may have been chilly in Nanaimo recently, but the city had the warmest year on record in 2015 since local weather records began to be kept in 1947, according to Environment Canada.

The average year-round temperature in Nanaimo in 2015 was 11.4 C, while the average temperature for the city since the 1940s was 10.1 C, according to meteorologist Matt MacDonald.

MacDonald said 2004 and 1987 tied for the next warmest year in Nanaimo with average temperatures at 11 C, followed by 1998 which was 10.9 C, and 1992 at 10.8 C. “It’s interesting to note that most of the years that have broken temperature records in Nanaimo have all occurred since the 1980s,” he said.

“It’s indicative of climate change now that there are seven billion people on the planet, and millions of cars pumping out greenhouse gases.”

MacDonald said this winter is still expected to be one of the warmest on record for Nanaimo and Vancouver Island, despite the cold weather and snowy conditions that have dominated the region since the new year began.

He said a ‘Super El Niño,’ an abnormally large warm band of water at the equator that is expected to carry warm air and humidity across the western provinces and the rest of the country, is still forecast to dominate the local weather over the next few

People explore the low tide at Departure Bay in late July. The City of Nanaimo had the warmest year on record in 2015, according to Environment Canada.

[AARON HINKS/DAILY NEWS]

months. But MacDonald said the environmental impacts of the El Niño on the region are not expected to be felt until the middle of January.

“Many people have become skeptical of our long-range forecast for a warmer and drier winter this year

because of the recent wintry weather,” he said.

“But we’re currently facing typical weather patterns for this time of year in the region, and the weather associated with the El Niño will still be felt later in the winter.”

MacDonald said it’s estimated that the average winter-time temperature for Nanaimo and the region will be approximately 2 C above average, and it will be 10 per cent drier than usual this season.

But he cautioned that the forecast

doesn’t mean there won’t be periodic blasts of winter weather through the next few months.

Robert.Barron @nanaimodailynews.com 250-729-4234

Island housing sales were brisk over last 12 months DAILY NEWS

It was a brisk year for housing sales in 2015.

A total of 4,866 property transactions took place on the Island north of the Malahat last year, a 13-per cent increase over 2014.

And houses sold for two per cent more, on average, according to new data from the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board.

The average home sold for $362,128 in December across the VIREB region, although actual

selling prices ranged from less than $200,000 to more than $380,000, depending on community.

“The housing market is in a very healthy position heading into 2016, fueled by consumer demand and low interest rates,” said Cameron Muir, BC Real Estate Association chief economist in a press release.

Selling values, measured year-overyear using the real estate industry’s benchmark price formula which compares a typical home’s selling price over time, showed prices rose in every market but one last year.

Nanaimo’s benchmark price rose 5.36 per cent to $356,300 in December.

The price rose by 6.53 per cent in the Parksville-Qualicum Beach market compared to last year, to $380,900.

In the Comox Valley, the benchmark price was $332,900, up 4.24 per cent from 2014.

Duncan reported a benchmark price of $302,300, an increase of 7.87 per cent over the same month in 2014.

The price for a benchmark home

in Port Alberni was $197,700, an increase of 12.47 per cent since December 2014.

The benchmark price of a single-family home in the Campbell River area was $265,200, down slightly from last year.

High demand, offset by limited housing supply helped buoy prices.

“Lack of inventory throughout much of the province will see home buyer competing for properties, particularly in the single-family detached market.”

That means a seller’s market, said

VIREB president Margo Hoffman.

“We’ve been expecting house prices to rise because there are now more buyers than sellers in most of our zones,” said Hoffman.

“However, the VIREB market is still very price-sensitive, with overpriced homes taking much longer to sell.

A slight uptick in U.S. interest rates has led to speculation Canadian bank rates could also rise, but Muir said it’s unlikely, given “uncertain economic conditions” in the Canadian economy.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

EDITORIAL

Irreverent suggestions for New Year’s resolutions

W

ith another year gone and a new one dawning, tradition calls for some frank self-examination backed by a bold determination to do better.

New Year’s resolutions customarily involve losing weight, quitting smoking or doing more exercise. But we expect more from public figures, especially those in extra need of self-improvement.

With that in mind, here are some irreverent suggestions for New Year’s resolutions we’d like to see from the great, the near-great, and the not-so-great-at-all: Walter Palmer: Resolve to find a new stupid hobby, maybe geocaching, that’s kind of dumb.

Whatever you do, quit big game hunting. Your senseless slaughter of

Cecil the celebrity lion rendered you a worldwide pariah.

Wayne Gretzky: Resolve to leave political stick-handling to someone else. Your embarrassing endorsement of Conservative leader Stephen Harper in the last federal election revealed just how out-of-touch you are with your homeland.

Premier Kathleen Wynne: Relax and resolve to quit worrying. Sure, the auditor general has revealed massive bungling by the Liberal government, taking billions from Ontarians thorough botched hydro policies, leaving seniors in the lurch, and putting vulnerable children at risk.

But the next election is almost three years away, so no problem. Right?

Mike Babcock: Resolve to carry a lucky rabbit’s foot, four-leaf clover, and whatever else works for you.

Information about us

» // EMAIL: YOURLETTERS@NANAIMODAILYNEWS.COM

Nanaimo Daily News is published

by Black Press Ltd., B1, 2575 McCullough Rd., Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 5W5. The Daily News and its predecessor the Daily Free Press have been serving Nanaimo and area since 1874.

Another shot from an Ontarian

You’re going to need them as head coach of the chronically struggling Maple Leafs.

Rachel Dolezal: Resolve to better understand who you are. Some situations really are black-and-white, including the absurdity of your posing as an African-American, despite having no African biology or ancestry. It was years before you finally dropped the charade and acknowledged being born to white parents.

Doug Ford: Resolve to go for it!

We can think of no better person to lead the federal Conservative Party to where it truly belongs. To your credit, you’ve pioneered all sorts of political innovations, such wading into a crowd and handing out $20 bills.

Hey, it’s not a bribe, it’s a gift.

Trevor Noah: Resolve to get funny — and soon. After taking over The

Daily Show from the peerless Jon Stewart a period of adjustment was only to be expected. But folks are starting to notice you’re still stuck in neutral. Nice way to squander a legacy.

Dalton McGuinty: Resolve that, next time, you’ll try writing non-fiction. Political autobiographies are typically self-serving attempts at whitewashing the record, but yours is even further from reality than most. For example, you still claim the gas plant imbroglio was “the right thing to do.” Good luck getting anyone to believe that.

Brian Williams: Resolve to deliver new tall tales. NBC suspended, and then demoted you over your fabricated accounts of being under fire in Iraq and watching someone commit suicide in New Orleans. But those

fables were so much more interesting than anything you actually did.

Give us more.

Rona Ambrose: Resolve to study the master’s dark ways. As interim leader of the federal Conservatives you’ve got a tough job and it might be useful to practise some of the skills that kept Stephen Harper in power for so long: domination, obfuscation, intimidation, blind partisanship and, of course, singing popular tunes.

Donald Trump: There’s no joke here — resolve to leave the political stage and never return.

— THE CANADIAN PRESS (TORONTO STAR)

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Editorial comment The editorials that appear as ‘Our View’ represent the stance of the Nanaimo Daily News. They are unsigned because they do not necessarily represent the personal views of the writers. If you have comment regarding our position, we invite you to submit a letter to the editor. To discuss the editorial policies of the newspaper, please contact Managing Editor Philip Wolf.

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Opinion

N

ow, I’m not going to say that Island drivers are the absolute worst, but y’all are pretty bad.

Not signalling is my biggest pet-peeve and here it’s rather common.

Amplify the bad driving habits with a little bit of snow and it creates complete chaos. Cars sliding past stop signs, fishtailing on open roads, gliding into the ditch.

I get it, you hardly see snow. But the over-reaction is my favourite.

I’ve got some very kind friends and colleagues at my workplace that are always looking out for my safety. On a day like yesterday, I can walk down the long corridor towards the office door, keys in hand, and I’ll have at least one person telling me to “be careful out there, it’s coming down pretty good.”

Thanks, but even my own mother wouldn’t warn me on a day like yesterday. Why not? For one, I can still see the asphalt, two, there’s no black ice, three, I can see the asphalt.

The stuff is hitting the asphalt and immediately melting from the amount of traffic. The conditions aren’t dangerous, they’re a mild inconvenience. The inconvenience is that my morning commute takes a couple more minutes.

In my last column, I called Islanders softies for the categoric freakout over the last earthquake. I grew up in Chatham-Kent, Ont., where natural

disasters are an actual thing. I’ve also lived in Grande Prairie, Alta., for two years. I’ve seen it snow in June.

Here you get a little dusting and school-aged teens are suddenly super interested in the weather. Their fingers are crossed wishing for a snow day. In Grande Prairie, snow days are non-existent. The only way school is going to close is if it’s colder than -40 C. Regardless of how many feet of snow are on the ground.

I digress, we’ve had a snow day or two back home, mostly because I lived in a rural community. School bus drivers relied on unplowed gravel roads to pick up country kids. School always stayed open, just the buses didn’t run.

In Grande Prairie, they don’t even use industrial snow plows like they use in Nanaimo. I was told they’re

not as effective as the John Deere snow graders used in Grande Prairie. The Grande Prairie tractors are outfitted with two massive shovels that throw sparks into the air when they’re grinding along the roads.

Salting the roads? Forget it, salt has little effect on ice that’s inches thick.

They mix sand and salt together and spew it at intersections to hopefully give motorists some traction.

My first winter in Grande Prairie I was driving a 2003 Ford Focus with all-season tires. Didn’t have the money to put winters on.

When I drive around Nanaimo or hear dispatchers on the EMS scanner talk about vehicles that have gone into ditches, I can do nothing but shake my head. How? The snow is melting by the time it hits the road.

It makes me laugh when I hear

colleagues say “hopefully it will rain this afternoon and melt all the snow away.”

Excuse me?

Where I’m from, winter rain is public enemy number one. It’ll puddle for maybe six hours until it freezes over and you can skate on the roads.

I’m not exaggerating, I’ve seen teens turn a cul-de-sac into an outdoor rink.

Here you can’t even have a homemade rink in your backyard. That’s such a shame. Having a rink, or your friend having a rink is such a quintessential Canadian experience that these Island children just don’t get to enjoy. » Daily News reporter Aaron Hinks can be reached at 250-729-4242 or via email at aaron.hinks@nanaimodailynews.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

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NEWS 7

HEALTH

Drug overdose cases rise in December DARRELL BELLAART DAILY NEWS

Drug overdoses treated at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital increased in December, but health officials say it’s unconnected with the string of deaths in Victoria over Christmas.

During that period, Dr. Paul Hasselback, Island Health’s medical health officer worked closely with colleagues in the Capital Region where

drug deaths spiked. Last month 26 patients presented at NRGH Emergency Department experiencing drug overdoses, compared to 15 in December 2014, but Hasselback said it’s not necessarily a significant change.

An overdose can range from swallowing too many aspirin pills through drinking an excessive amount of alcohol to taking too

much cocaine, heroin or other illicit drugs. On average, five overdoses a week are treated at NRGH and with 26 last month, the “statistical part of me says that doesn’t get me too concerned,” Hasselback said.

Between January 2013 and last August, the BC Coroner Service classified 156 deaths as caused by an overdose of illicit drugs. During that period, deaths from illicit drugs

also increased in Nanaimo, so Island Health changed the system used to identify and track overdoses to identify new trends on a more timely basis.

With the recent spike in overdose deaths in Victoria, “we have had communications gone out across the Island,” Hasselback said.

Health officials have also mounted an awareness campaign to educate

drug users to reduce harm.

“The messages going out are: Don’t use alone; take a small amount first; have an overdose plan; tell someone what you think you’re taking and call emergency if you think there’s a problem,” Hasselback said.

Darrell.Bellaart @nanaimodailynews.com 250-729-4235

ANIMAL WELFARE

HORNE LAKE

Duck will join flock at ‘quack shack’ unless her owner comes forward

Search and rescue group called out after couple gets stuck in the snow

“So she’s obviously been couch surfing for a while . . . and making friends along the way. I wonder how many other people had her in their yard?”

CANDACE WU PARKSVILLE QUALICUM BEACH NEWS

The quack shack is growing.

North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre admitted one lucky duck over the holidays, according to wildlife manager Julie Mackey. The domestic khaki Campbell duck was brought into the centre a few days after Christmas.

“She’s hungry and thin but she’s not injured,” said Mackey, who noted the duck will join a flock of domestic ducks in the affectionately named “quack shack” if she isn’t claimed by an owner once she reaches a healthy weight.

The duck was spotted waddling around Parksville — and waltzed right into Heather Blackwell’s home near Jensen Avenue in the city centre.

“She arrived on our door step . . . my husband went outside to walk to the mailbox and she was just standing there, we were like ‘is it normal for there to be a duck standing on our door step?,’” Blackwell told The NEWS. “She just followed (my husband) to our mailbox then just walked into our house.”

Heather Blackwell, Parksville resident

This khaki Campbell duck was found waddling around Parksville over the holiday season. [HEATHER BLACKWELL PHOTO]

Blackwell said her six-month-old and three-year-old were “pretty excited” about the duck, begging her to keep it.

“I considered it for half a second,” she said. “She’s so sweet and really pretty.”

After posting about the duck on Facebook, Blackwell said somebody who lives along Corfield Street commented that the same duck was hanging out in their pond recently. “So she’s obviously been couch surfing for a while . . . and making

friends along the way,” she said. “I wonder how many other people had her in their yard.”

Domestic ducks, like chickens, are common on farms and often used for eggs, said NIWRC’s Mackey. Some escape through broken fences, while others are able to fly away if they aren’t too heavy.

Arrowsmith Animal Rescue Foundation helped connect the duck to the NIWRC. The foundation is active around Parksville Qualicum Beach educating pet owners, providing referrals to local resources, promoting animal welfare and reuniting lost/found pets on Vancouver Island with their guardians.

CAMPBELL RIVER

Devastating fire derails society day care plans MIKE DAVIES CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR

The Laichwiltach Family Life Society received a very unwelcome gift on Boxing Day when a vacant trailer that was on their property at the corner of Cedar Street and 4th Avenue went up in flames, along with their current plans to expand their day care services.

“When we got there, the trailer was fully involved and burning end to end,” Campbell River Fire Chief Ian Baikie says.

“Crews got it knocked down quickly, but it’s a total loss.”

Baikie says that the trailer wasn’t in use at the time of the fire, and wasn’t even hooked up to any power

sources, so it’s likely a suspicious fire.

At this point, however, the exact cause of the blaze is unknown.

Baikie says it’s doubtful the fire department will ever be able to determine the exact cause of the fire due to the extent of the damage, but says the incident “is obviously an act of vandalism that (the RCMP) will be investigating,” and the fire department will be keeping a close eye on whether other suspicious fires start happening.

“At this point, there’s no pattern that we’re aware of”, Baikie says.

“But if one arises, that’s a situation that we’re going to be taking very seriously.”

Rikki Thompson, who lives across the street and called the fire in, said it must have begun and spread very quickly.

She saw the trailer and nothing unusual was happening around it at 5:30 p.m.

But when her boyfriend called her to the window at 6:30, it was fully engulfed.

Audrey Wilson, executive director of LFLS, says the fire is a huge loss for the organization, as they were attempting to secure funding to renovate the unit.

The unit had been donated to the LFLS by Jackie McRae in order to expand their day care services for toddlers.

The day care currently only has eight toddler spots, and 18 spaces for group care (for children aged 30 months to five years), and there are long wait lists for both sections.

Those expansion plans will now be put on hold, Wilson says, “due to the loss of space and cost to LFLS to clean up this mess.”

That cost, Wilson says, is yet to be determined, but will be significant.

Anyone interested in helping with the cleanup efforts, or in any other way, can contact Wilson at 250-286-3430.

Anyone with information about the fire should contact the RCMP at 250-286-6221 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

CANDACE WU PARKSVILLE QUALICUM BEACH NEWS

Arrowsmith Search and Rescue was called out to Horne Lake around 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve when a couple had got stuck in about 60 centimetres of snow, according to ASAR search manager Nick Rivers.

The couple was trying to get to Cook Creek on a backroad loop from Horne Lake in their SUV, Rivers explained, adding they were found about 22 kilometres from ASAR’s Horne Lake command post when they were located.

“They called a tow company to get them out, the tow company went in with a truck and that truck got stuck in the snow as well,” he said.

“That’s when they called search and rescue.”

Rivers said just as ASAR was about to send up a quad team, the tow company sent another truck with fourwheel drive up.

“They got them out and they were back at our command post by 9:30 p.m.,” said Rivers.

Seventeen search members responded to the call Thursday evening.

Rivers said the subjects were in good condition when they were found, noting they were well-prepared with food and water and located in time to ring in the new year.

The New Years Eve call was the second over the holiday season for ASAR, following one on boxing day where a man in his 50’s was reported missing at 2 a.m.

Rivers said the man was quickly located by a search and rescue volunteer who spotted the missing person while responding to the call.

“These were the first two calls where we used our new rescue truck since it’s been put into service,” said Rivers. “It’s been stored in Qualicum Beach and the town has been very helpful in giving us space to store it in the old bus garage in Qualicum Beach.”

8 NEWS

www.nanaimodailynews.com

@NanaimoDaily

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

PARKSVILLE

Man bombarded with mail following donations JOHN HARDING PARKSVILLE QUALICUM BEACH NEWS

B

arrie Donaldson wants to help. What he doesn’t want is any more calendars, Christmas cards and pens.

The Parksville man said he sent $25 to six different charities in 2015.

In return he has received 76 requests from 20 organizations requesting donations.

Donaldson said one of these organizations, Covenant House in Vancouver, has sent him 17 requests.

The Canadian Red Cross sent him 11 requests.

He’s also received six wall calendars, a desk calendar, 40 Christmas cards, more than 50 tags and stickers, more than 200 return mail address stickers and six pens.

“I mean come on, this is ridiculous,” said Donaldson. “The money (he sent) doesn’t seem to be going for the purpose of it. It seems to be going to administrative stuff, to send out pens and calendars and letters.

The money is not getting to where it was intended.”

Donaldson said he has tried, through letters and other forms of contact with organizations, to put an end to all the shipments to his Parksville home.

“It was pointless; it went unnoticed,” he said.

“I don’t know what the answer is.

I think I will just give locally next year.”

The director of development and communications for Covenant House said her organization will do monthly mailings, plus some follow-ups,

“It seems to be going to administrative stuff, to send out pens and calendars and letters. The money is not getting to where it was intended.”

Barrie Donaldson, Parksville resident

so it’s conceivable Donaldson did receive 17 letters from that organization in 2015.

Darlene Lynch said the mailout program has been successful for Covenant House, a faith-based organization with a $13 million annual budget that provides shelter and services to children and youth who seek help.

“We have experts that help us in this field (direct mailing) — it’s best practices,” said Lynch. “Some people love to get our mail, some people hate it. All he (Donaldson) has to do is call us and say he doesn’t want the mail.”

In 2015, the Canadian Red Cross’ administrative costs were 18 per cent of revenues and its fundraising costs were 19 per cent of donations, according to charityintelligence.ca.

In response to questions from The NEWS, the Red Cross said direct mail accounts for 50 per cent of all direct marketing revenue and it’s “a very reliable revenue stream.”

Red Cross officials also said they are responsive to its donors.

“If a donor asks for fewer mailouts, we accommodate their request.”

Barrie Donaldson of Parksville with some of the 76 requests, pens, calendars and labels he’s received from 20 organizations after making six $25 donations to six different charities in 2015. [JOHN HARDING/PARKSVILLE QUALICUM BEACH NEWS]

MARINE COMMUNICATIONS

Decision sparks hope that Ucluelet centre could reopen ANDREW BAILEY WESTERLY NEWS

West Coast MP Gord Johns hopes the federal government’s recent decision to reopen Kitsilano’s Coast Guard station is a sign of things to come.

The Kitsilano station was one of three in B.C. that former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservative Government decided to close in a 2012 move to consolidate Canada’s 22 Marine Communication and Traffic Services centres into 12.

Ucluelet’s MCTS centre closed earlier this year and the centre in Comox is slated to shut down in March 2016.

Johns, the NDP MP for Courtenay-Comox, told the Westerly News that convincing Canada’s Liberal government to halt the Comox station’s closure is his top priority.

“Even though Comox is officially outside the riding, it greatly affects the residents of our riding and coastal British Columbians,” he said.

He chastised Harper’s Conservatives for not putting in the due diligence needed to know what to hold and what to fold in regards to marine safety.

“They didn’t look at safety risks,” he said.

“They went on an ideologically

MCTS Tofino, located at Amphitrite Point in Ucluelet, was shut down in April 2015. [ANDREW BAILEY/WESTERLY NEWS]

driven process that was about saving money and not about saving lives.”

He acknowledged the Liberals consolidated B.C.’s 10 Coast Guard stations into five during the 1990’s but said consultations were done then.

“They went through a proper consultation process where they identified the risks associated with consolidation and when they did that process they identified they could go down to five stations,” he said.

“When the conservatives did it, they didn’t do a consultation process and it was inadequate.”

He suggested if today’s Liberal government goes through the proper consultations, the closures would be reversed.

“If this government puts a halt to the closure of the Comox station and applies the adequate consultation and research that wasn’t done in the first place, this station won’t be closed and hopefully they will reopen the station in Ucluelet, which is essential to the West Coast of Vancouver Island and very important in our relationship with Americans in marine safety,” he said.

He added valuable local knowledge was lost when the Conservatives consolidated BC’s five centres into two centres located in Victoria and Prince Rupert.

“When it comes to marine safety, local knowledge saves lives,” he said.

“On any given summer day you’ve got 10,000 vessels in the water and you’re trying to pluck out that mayday call and then you’re trying to make sure that your staff have the knowledge of the key points of interests to put out the mayday call to other mariners in local waters to get out and assist in a marine rescue.”

He added marine traffic is rising in B.C. “We’ve seen significant growth in the economy in trade with Asia,” he said.

“It’s far outpacing marine safety.

We’re investing less in marine safety and cutting marine safety when, in fact, we should have mechanisms in place to make sure that marine safety keeps pace with economic growth.”

He assured that while his attention is currently focused on Comox, he still plans to fight for Ucluelet’s station to be reopened.

“Everybody clearly knows that, being from the West Coast of Vancou-

ver Island, I have a deep understanding of the impact of the closure of the Ucluelet station and it’s extremely high on my priority list personally,” he said.

“I have a really strong deepened understanding of the impact of that station being closed so it’s extremely high on my priority list but first and foremost we have to stop the government from closing another station and we’re getting right out in front of that.”

He said reopening Ucluelet’s MCTS station was a hot topic during his meetings with Ucluelet and Tofino locals earlier this month.

“I heard it loud and clear that they want to see that station reopened,” he said.

“I’m very confident that people on the Coast want to see strong safety and emergency measures in place for confidence in mariners, confidence to build a strong and healthy marine economy and for what’s really important to all of us as West Coasters in terms of recreation, transportation and our cultural needs.”

Losing the local MCTS centre cost the West Coast about 25 jobs and Johns noted this was a big hit to the West Coast’s economy and population.

9

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

@NanaimoDaily

VANCOUVER

Ex-KGB staffer may return to B.C. Court decision directs application of Mikhail Lennikov be reviewed by a different immigration officer reviewed by a different immigration officer.

His lawyer, Hadayt Nazami, said he hopes the order will be returned in Lennikov’s favour now that the political climate has shifted with the replacement of the Conservative government.

“Basically all the doors were shut, completely shut. And now you can see a door opening slightly and that’s significant,” Nazami said of the decision.

He said if there are no “systemic biases” or an “invisible will” to influence the decision, then there’s no

TAMSYN BURGMANN THE CANADIAN PRESS

VANCOUVER — The federal Liberal government may be setting a new tone within the immigration department, clearing a path to reunite a former Russian KGB translator with his family in Canada, says his lawyer.

Mikhail Lennikov, 55, left six years of church sanctuary in Vancouver months before a Federal Court overturned his failed application for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

The court decision, released on Dec. 22, directs the application be

reason immigration officers should feel prevented from deciding his client’s case.

Lennikov claimed refuge in Vancouver’s First Lutheran Church in June 2009, but departed on his own accord last August after negotiations with the Canada Border Services Agency. He left behind his wife and adult son, who are now Canadian citizens, after the isolation likely became unbearable, Nazami said.

“It’s extra difficult for someone like him when he knows that the entire system is against him — it was at the time,” he said.

“When you’re already pressed down so hard, it’s not easy to stay positive forever.”

Lennikov was ordered deported in May 2006, based on accusations he had worked as a spy for the notorious Soviet security service. But expert evidence in immigration hearings later found he was coerced into his five years of KGB employment — and that his work never involved espionage.

The recent Federal Court ruling was the first positive judicial decision for Lennikov in a series of legal challenges to stay in Canada, said

Nazami. The man had initially moved to British Columbia on a student visa in September 1997.

Judge Elizabeth Heneghan granted the judicial review after determining that the immigration officer who denied Lennikov’s permanent residence application had erred. She found the officer had analyzed Lennikov’s inadmissibility after an early decision had already made a determination on the issue.

Nazami believes his client is teaching English in Russia. If a decision is made in Lennikov’s favour, he plans to return to Canada, Nazami said.

ENVIRONMENT

Company proposing to dump contaminated soil LARRY PYNN VANCOUVER SUN

A company is proposing to dump up to 1,000 tonnes of contaminated soil a day onto Crown land near the Chehalis River, one of the Lower Mainland’s prime fish streams and home to a major federal hatchery releasing millions of juvenile fish a year.

The proposed Statlu Resources dump site would be as close as 100 metres from Boulder Creek, a tributary of the Chehalis River, which, in turn, flows into the Harrison River upstream of Highway 7 west of Harrison Hot Springs.

Statlu Resources president Earl Wilder confirmed he has encountered strong opposition, but feels his plan for the site is misunderstood.

“We have a high social conscious,” he said. “We don’t want to damage anything.”

The proposal is drawing immediate skepticism from fish advocates.

Marvin Rosenau, a former provincial biologist who now teaches in BCIT’s Fish Wildlife and Recreation program, noted that heavy rainfall in the area raises concern about contaminants finding their way into the Chehalis, which he considers a critical salmon and steelhead stream.

“At face value, it seems like a stupid place for a contaminated-site

Millions of fish were released into the Chehalis River in 2015, the latest federal statistics show.

[JOHN PREISSL/SPECIAL TO THE VANCOUVER SUN]

disposal location in the light of the facts that the Chehalis flows through one of B.C.’s most important southern-coastal riverine/wetland aquatic ecosystems (including the Harrison/ Chehalis confluence).”

According to the latest federal hatchery statistics, a total of about 500,000 chinook, 3.4 million chum and 700,000 coho salmon were released into the Chehalis River in 2015, as well as about 2.1 million

pink salmon and 56,000 steelhead in 2014, and 21,000 cutthroat trout in 2012.

Wilder said the dump site would only accept remediated soils excavated from sites such as construction and industrial properties, leaving “low-level contaminants” such as residential hydrocarbons and heavy metals, but not domestic garbage or hazardous waste. The soil would meet the standard for commer-

cial but not residential properties, although in theory in 12 years it could be used for any purpose. Statlu has no plans to move it off the site.

Protective liners would be installed and leachate collected and piped through an on-site treatment facility before safely going back into the forest. He argued the odds of winning the lottery are better than contaminants from the soil reaching the Chehalis and negatively impacting fish.

Jan. 1-7

◆ VICTORIA

Premier Clark calls pair of byelections for Feb. 2 British Columbia Premier Christy Clark has called two byelections for Feb. 2 to replace members of the legislature who ran for federal office.

Vancouver-Mount Pleasant MLA Jenny Kwan left her post on July 8 last year to run as the New Democrat candidate in Vancouver East.

BC Liberal MLA Doug Horne vacated the Coquitlam-Burke Mountain seat in August to run for the Conservatives in the October federal election.

Kwan won but Horne lost to a Liberal candidate.

Under the law, a provincial byelection in British Columbia must be called within six months after the Chief Electoral Officer has been notified that the seat is vacant.

— THE CANADIAN PRESS

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS (PG) (VIOLENCE) NO PASSES FRI-SAT 12:20, 3:35, 6:50; SUN 12:10, 3:25, 6:40; MON,WED-THURS 6:40; TUE 3:25, 6:40 STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 3D (PG) (VIOLENCE) CC/DVS, NO PASSES FRI-SAT 11:50, 12:50, 3:05, 4:05, 6:20, 7:20, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30; SUN 11:40, 12:40, 2:55, 3:55, 6:10, 7:10, 9:20, 9:50, 10:20; MON,WEDTHURS 6:10, 7:10, 9:20, 9:50, 10:20; TUE 2:55, 3:55, 6:10, 7:10, 9:20, 9:50, 10:20 JOY (PG) (COARSE LANGUAGE) CLOSED CAPTION & DESCRIPTIVE VIDEO FRI-SAT 12:05, 3:20, 6:40, 9:40; SUN 11:55, 3:10, 6:30, 9:30; MON,WED-THURS 6:30, 9:30; TUE 3:10, 6:30, 9:30 CONCUSSION (PG) (VIOLENCE,COARSE LANGUAGE) CLOSED CAPTION & DESCRIPTIVE VIDEO FRI-SAT 1:25, 4:25, 7:30, 10:20; SUN 1:15, 4:15, 7:20, 10:10; MON,WED 7:20, 10:10; TUE 4:15, 7:20, 10:10; THURS 7:20 BROOKLYN (PG) (SEXUALLY SUGGESTIVE SCENE,COARSE LANGUAGE) FRI-SAT 1:00, 3:45, 6:30, 9:20; SUN 12:50, 3:35, 6:20, 9:10; MON,WED 9:10; TUE 3:35, 6:20, 9:10; THURS 6:20 THE BIG SHORT (14A) (COARSE LANGUAGE) CLOSED CAPTION & DESCRIPTIVE VIDEO FRI-SAT 12:35, 3:55, 7:10, 10:10; SUN 12:25, 3:45, 7:00, 10:00; MON,WED-THURS 7:00, 10:00; TUE 3:45, 7:00, 10:00 THE HATEFUL EIGHT (18A) (EXPLICIT VIOLENCE) CLOSED CAPTION & DESCRIPTIVE VIDEO, NO PASSES FRI-SAT 2:50, 6:30, 10:10; SUN,TUE 2:40, 6:20, 10:00; MON,WED-THURS 6:20, 10:00 SHERLOCK: THE ABOMINABLE BRIDE (PG) (VIOLENCE) MON,WED 7:00 THE FOREST (14A) (FRIGHTENING SCENES) NO PASSES THURS 10:10 THE REVENANT (14A) (SCENE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE,VIOLENCE) NO PASSES THURS 9:00

NANAIMO NORTH TOWN CENTRE

250-729-8000

“We can’t say there’s no chance.

There is a minimal chance something could happen.”

Wilder’s application to rezone about nine hectares of Crown land to resource industrial from institutional is before the Fraser Valley Regional District. The company holds a licence of occupation for investigation and assessment of the land.

In a letter to the company, Margaret Thornton, the district’s planning and development director, raised a number of issues, including the remoteness of the site and the potential for “unapproved materials” to be dumped on the property “with little chance of detection.”

The soil dump also threatens to “change the nature of the community and potentially impact the reputation” of nearby rural areas.

The project represents “a major impact in the region and warrants a high level of scrutiny,” she added.

Wilder wants the Chehalis River site because it is near a gravel pit he opened in 2009. An estimated 25 heavy-duty trucks a day would deliver contaminated soil to the site, then leave with loads of gravel — a total of 50 trips through the community.

The soil dump is located fewer than five kilometres upriver from the federal hatchery, but much closer to the Chehalis River.

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10 B.C.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

NELSON

Injured skier airlifted out NELSON STAR

Nelson Search and Rescue evacuated an injured skier on Saturday from Five Mile Basin behind the Whitewater Ski Hill.

Spokesman Chris Armstrong said a “wellequipped ski” group was enjoying the area and good conditions when a member fell, resulting in a knee injury.

Due to the location and difficulty of getting the injured person out of the valley before dark, search and rescue was called.

Searchers accessed the area by helicopter, but the area was unsuitable for a landing, so the team performed a hover entry and transported the injured person to ambulance personnel at the Nelson airport.

This group was from out of Canada and tried to evacuate the injured person on their own, fearing they would have to pay a large rescue bill.

But before things got out of hand, a local told them that in Canada there is no charge for such rescues.

“Nelson Search and Rescue and the BC Search and Rescue Association would like the public to know that we do not charge for rescue in Canada,” Armstrong said.

“This time of year darkness comes early and situations in the backcountry can compound quickly. If you need help, make the call right away. Always err on the side of safety.”

Nelson Search and Rescue evacuated an injured skier on Saturday from the Five Mile Basin behind the Whitewater Ski Hill. [NELSON SEARCH AND RESCUE PHOTO]

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Rogers had worked in a water bed store before he realized that all the incentives to get people to buy new beds and mattresses had “gone the way of the dinosaur.”

He said that he has no sales gimmicks and even closes his store on Boxing Day, one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

Rogers said fair prices and great service is paramount in his business model for his two stores with the other in Courtenay, but a big part of his success is developing his own custom-made brand of mattresses to fit the individual needs of his customers.

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He said he donated all of his “mainstream” mattresses to local shelters in 2008.

“We can customize mattresses to help people deal with back, hip, knee and other health problems and have them made in Vancouver,” Rogers said.

Rogers said he had expanded to four stores, with the other two located in Nanaimo, but he felt that he had lost the “personal touch” of being there to help deal with customer, so he cut back to his current two locations.

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“My customers like a hands-on approach and they expect to see me when they come into the store,” he said.

“After 26 years in business, I have a loyal following of repeat customers who have come to know and trust me.”

John’s Bedroom Barn also provides a wide selection of bedroom furniture, with most of it made locally in B.C.

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B.C. 11

VANCOUVER

TransLink staffers flooded with complaints JEFF NAGEL BC LOCAL NEWS

A last-minute rush by regular transit users to get Compass cards overwhelmed TransLink staff over the weekend.

It led to complaints of long waits to get customer service help by phone and excessive hours-long delays for passes bought on new Compass cards to become active in users’ accounts.

Lloyd Bauer, TransLink’s vice-president heading the Compass project, said passes and stored value purchased online for Compass accounts are supposed to be usable within two hours, adding TransLink is working with the system contractor to get the delay down to that target.

Passes or value added to Compass cards at station vending machines or at London Drugs outlets did not have a delay problem and were available immediately.

He suggested the delay for online transactions was temporary because of the roughly 70,000 new Compass users who signed up in the first few days of 2016 – a huge jump from the rate of 1,000 to 2,000 per day previously.

“The last few days have been a big challenge for our system,” Bauer said. “We expect that this peak we are getting now is an unusual peak.”

About 450,000 out of roughly 800,000 regular transit users in Metro Vancouver are now using

Compass cards.

Bauer said more people are getting the hang of how to use the new payment card and that they must tap out as they exit a station or else they’ll be charged the maximum three zones even if they’ve only travelled one zone.

About 80 per cent of cards are now being tapped out on exit, up from 70 per cent earlier in the fall. It’s not clear how many of the remaining 20 per cent are paying too much as a result of failing to tap.

There’s currently one gate left open at each station, while the rest are closed and Bauer encourages passengers to use the closed gates to make sure they tap out.

He said most passengers are happy with the new system once their card is set up. Unlike with old paper passes and prepaid tickets, Compass holders need never go to a retail dealer again if they set their account to activate a new pass each month or to automatically reload stored value when their card’s balance runs low.

TransLink also says it will stop distributing FareSaver tickets to retailers this month, although the booklets of 10 prepaid tickets may be sold at some locations beyond January until they run out.

FareSavers will still be valid until there’s a final decision to close the last faregates on the system – there’s still no target date for when that

will happen – after which unused FareSavers can be converted to Compass card stored value.

Bauer said people riding on the system can be stopped and fare checked

by Transit Police carrying mobile Compass readers. They can issue fines to people who enter through open gates without tapping in with their card or otherwise carrying a valid fare.

Concerns have also been raised by some seniors that concession Compass cards aren’t available at Compass vending machines in stations.

TransLink says that’s not unusual – concession passes were only sold through retailers in the past, not the machines.

B.C.

Earthquake a test for early warning system JEFF NAGEL BC LOCAL NEWS

L

ast week’s mild earthquake provided a real world test of an early warning system developed by UBC researchers that could help B.C. residents survive a deadly quake.

Thirteen seconds before buildings began to shake at 11:40 p.m. Dec. 29, research engineer Kent Johansen already knew what was coming and that their system works.

“It worked like a charm,” he said.

Johansen was working late in his home office in Burnaby when the alert came in from the network of quake sensors that have been installed mainly at Catholic schools and a few public ones in the Lower Mainland, Nanaimo and Victoria.

His computer emitted a rumbling noise pre-programmed to indicate elevated shaking was imminent.

“I looked at the screen and I see the bar graph go right through the roof – 10 times more than I’ve ever seen in the year and a quarter that we’ve been running,” he said. “I thought ‘Holy smokes that’s a real one.’”

Johansen resisted the temptation to wait for the seismic data flow in and instead bounded upstairs to his wife and seven-year-old daughter. He had enough time to get them both under a table before the shaking started.

If a much bigger earthquake someday strikes, the system would sound sirens at schools, it’s active at 61 of them already, and offer a critical 10 to 30 seconds of advance warning for teachers to get students under their desks for protection.

Signs would also be activated warning drivers not to enter vulnerable bridges and tunnels.

A similar quake warning system is already installed at the George Massey Tunnel, complete with ‘Do not enter’ digital signs. They’ve never been triggered; the recent 4.7 magnitude quake wasn’t large enough.

TransLink is also studying the feasibility of adding a warning system to close the Pattullo Bridge in the event of a quake or dangerous high winds.

More schools, including several in

Research engineer Kent Johansen had 13 seconds of warning the Dec. 29 earthquake was coming as a result of a network of sensors he helped design and deploy with a team of other UBC researchers. [BRENT HAYDEN PHOTO]

the Fraser Valley, are being outfitted with the technology and are expected to come online soon, joining the initial 61 sites that have received the UBC technology since 2013.

Johansen hopes to extend the same warning system to anyone via apps on smart phones and other alert methods. He’s already experimenting with a text message system and automated Twitter account (@EEW_BC) to beam out alerts, though he stresses he doesn’t know how much warning time is lost in transmission and reception.

Even a few seconds warning could allow surgeons to put down scalpels and lab techs to turn off gas burners.

Johansen also thinks of workers in warehouses and shoppers where products are piled high on the walls above them who might get time to step away from the danger.

Ground motion sensors that consist of small accelerometers are buried

underground at each detector site.

They detect a quake’s primary waves (P waves) that usually cause no damage and arrive twice as fast as the slower shear waves (S waves) that break windows and cause walls to collapse.

The first sensors to detect a quake’s incoming P wave, and not other vibrations like heavy trucks, relay their data to UBC’s Earthquake Engineering Research Facility, which sends an alert throughout the network and sounds sirens at alarm sites. (Animals that act strangely just before a quake are also thought to be sensing the P waves.)

How much warning there will be before the shaking starts depends on how far away the quake’s epicentre is and the proximity of sensors to detect it.

The closest sensor to the Dec. 29 quake was in Victoria and Johansen figures an extra six seconds of warn-

ing would have been gained had a sensor been positioned closer to the epicentre, which was east of Sidney.

A massive subduction quake 100 kilometres off the west coast of Vancouver Island would offer the most time, potentially 60 to 90 seconds for Metro Vancouverites.

That type of monster quake could rip along the Cascadia subduction zone all the way from Haida Gwaii to Oregon.

For that reason, researchers would like to have sensors on B.C.’s north coast and even offshore, but there are military sensitivities because the devices can also detect passing submarines.

“There’s a cave off somewhere in the Haida Gwaii where they like to come up with submarines and hide in,” Johansen said. “The Americans are concerned about having data transmitted unfiltered from there. So that’s a problem. But even something

on the west coast [of Vancouver Island] can give us lots of warning.”

He hopes to see a much broader network of sensors over time, as well as many more alarm sites.

“If I had my way they’d be in all schools and we’d add even more sensors,” Johansen said. “Two seconds here and two seconds there, it all saves lives. To me, if it can save one, we have to do it.”

Sites on Vancouver Island include Nanaimo’s Wellington Secondary and Victoria’s St. Patrick’s Elementary. École Quadra Elementary in Victoria is not yet operational.

Catholic schools in the Lower Mainland have been the first to get UBC’s earthquake early warning alarm system.

The installation has been part of a 2013 seismic standard upgrade launched by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver, which helped fund the network rollout.

12

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NATIONAL SECURITY

Navy says no malice at play in military security breach Web designer used Defence Department networks to improperly store secret files MICHAEL MACDONALD THE CANADIAN PRESS

HALIFAX — An alleged security breach at one of the Royal Canadian Navy’s most sensitive security operations was the result of imprudence, not malice, says the navy’s commander on the Atlantic coast.

Rear Admiral John Newton said Tuesday the so-called data spill involving more than 1,000 secret documents was the result of mishandling of files by a civilian employee, a mistake that did not pose a threat to military intelligence.

“We do not fear that there was a threat to the material that was uploaded to a unclassified network,” Newton said after taking part in a dockside ceremony that saw the frigate HMCS Fredericton depart Halifax for a six-month, NATO-led mission in the Mediterranean.

“We’ve looked at . . . the work of the person involved and it’s an issue of imprudence in handling material, but it’s nothing more nefarious than that.”

Military police in Halifax allege that between 2004 and 2009 a web designer working at HMCS Trinity — the military’s principal East Coast intelligence centre — used Defence Department networks to improperly store secret files.

A search warrant filed in provincial court alleges the actions of a man identified only as “Mr. Zawidski”

Vehicles enter Canadian Forces Base Halifax in 2014. Military police in Halifax are investigating an alleged security breach at HMCS ‘Trinity,‘ one of the Royal Canadian Navy’s most sensitive security operations. [THE CANADIAN PRESS]

violated a section of the federal Security Information Act that deals with wrongful communication of information.

None of the allegations has been proven in court and Newton said he has received no indication that charges have been laid.

However, the warrant says Zawidski’s network accounts have been frozen and he has been barred from entering the building where he once

worked at HMC Dockyard.

Maj. Martell Thompson, a military spokesman, declined to offer details about Zawidski, but he confirmed he has been transferred to a section that does not deal with confidential information.

Christian Leuprecht, a professor at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ont., says documents labelled secret or confidential do not always contain sensitive information.

“I have long argued that we classify way too much documentation as secret, confidential, classified or for Canadian eyes only,” said Leuprecht, an expert on security threats who also teaches at Queen’s University.

This type of risk management process casts a wide net that can ensnare people who are just cutting corners to save time, he said.

“We should be careful not to infer intent,” he said. “We should await any charges being laid.”

The warrant, issued Sept. 15, 2015, says military police seized four hard drives, a laptop computer, some CDs and floppy disks from Zawidski’s Halifax office in September following a complaint about a possible security breach.

Zawidski’s personal network drive contained 1,086 secret documents and 11 confidential documents, dated between 2004 and 2009, the warrant says.

It’s the second time since 2012 that reports have emerged about security leaks at the intelligence centre.

In January 2012, Sub-Lt. Jeffrey Paul Delisle — a navy intelligence officer — was arrested and became the first person to be charged under the Security of Information Act. The law was passed following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

In February 2013, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for copying secret computer files at HMCS Trinity and selling them to Russia.

COURTS

Biddersingh trial told that demon-obsessed domestic tyrant drowned her stepdaughter COLIN PERKEL THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO — An evil, demon-obsessed religious fanatic was the likely killer of her horrifically abused and starved teenaged stepdaughter whose body was found stuffed in a burning suitcase two decades ago, a first-degree murder trial heard Tuesday.

In closing arguments, defence lawyer Jennifer Penman urged jurors to acquit the teen’s father of deliberately killing Melonie Biddersingh, 17, saying the evidence instead points to his wife as the culprit.

Everton Biddersingh, 60, has pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder of his daughter. His wife, Elaine Biddersingh, faces her own trial this spring.

“She has the most animus of anyone in the home toward Melonie. Elaine took matters into her own hands and drowned Melonie.”

Jennifer Penman, defence lawyer

Penman portrayed Elaine Biddersingh, who claimed to be the victim of spousal abuse, as an evil domestic tyrant and indifferent mother with a Bible and demon obsession who ruled the roost.

Court has heard that she hated her

husband and stepdaughter, whom she believed was possessed by the devil and had brought a curse on the family.

“She has the most animus of anyone in the home toward Melonie,” Penman said. “Elaine took matters into her own hands and drowned Melonie.”

The trial previously heard the teen was confined for hours in a tiny closet in their Toronto apartment, had her head placed in a toilet that was flushed, was chained to the furniture, and denied food.

Witnesses also testified her father kicked and punched her, and that her stepmother smashed her head against the wall in an effort to rid her of the devil.

Penman said it may never be known exactly how the teen died — apparently on Sept. 1. 1994 — but pointed to forensic evidence that she drowned, something she urged jurors to accept as fact. Her body also showed signs of severe malnourishment and 21 broken bones in various stages of healing.

“The tragedy of this young woman’s death may easily overwhelm our imaginations,” Penman said. “This case fundamentally is not about child abuse. It is about murder. This trial is about who drowned her.”

While her weakened state and injuries might have been a factor in her death, that is not the same thing as saying starvation was the cause, the lawyer told the jury.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

NEWS IN BRIEF The Canadian Press ◆ CALGARY

Man accused in death of daughter, 4, to seek bail The lawyer for a man arrested in Ontario and charged in the death of his four-year-old daughter in Alberta says he is likely to seek bail for his client.

Oluwatosin Oluwafemi was arrested last month and flown back to Calgary to face a charge of second-degree murder. The 39-year-old from Keswick, Ont., appeared briefly via video in a Calgary courtroom Tuesday and had his case set over to Jan. 21.

Lawyer Alain Hepner said he is still waiting for more information, but expects he will be asking that his client be granted bail before the end of the month.

Officers who were called to a home in Calgary southeast in December 2014 found a preschool girl in cardiac arrest and not breathing.

Olive Rebekah Oluwafemi was taken to hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

◆ RED DEER, ALTA.

February sentencing for driver in cycling crash A man who pleaded guilty in a crash that seriously injured a central Alberta teen cyclist will be sentenced some time in February.

It was early on July 4 that 17-yearold Dery Wang was hit while biking in Red Deer.

He was taken to hospital in serious condition and remained in a coma for two months.

The Crown submitted an update on Wang’s health Tuesday in Red Deer court, saying the teen has trouble recognizing simple words and sentences and is 100 per cent unintelligible speaking.

Eric Petty, who is 26, pleaded guilty last month to counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm and refusing to provide a breath sample.

The Crown is asking for a sentence of 12 to 15 months while the defence is seeking three to six months.

◆ WINNIPEG

Schools to see 2.5% rise this year, says premier Manitoba public schools will receive about 2.5 per cent more money this year from the provincial government.

Premier Greg Selinger says the increase, which works out to $32.5 million, is higher than the rate of inflation.

The increase is more or less in line with those of recent years, which have ranged anywhere from two per cent to 5.6 per cent.

Selinger says the money includes special amounts for literacy programs, which are to see a 5.9 per cent jump.

The government is also launching a new website, www.setyourcourse.ca , which will tell students what courses and training they need for different jobs.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

@NanaimoDaily

COURTS

NATION&WORLD 13

UNITED STATES

Crown ‘criminalizing’ police Emotional Obama gets tough on guns judgment: Defence lawyer JOSH LEDERMA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Surveillance videos and audio played in court have shown Forcillo, who at the time had been a cop for 3 1/2 years, arrived on the scene and yelled repeatedly at Yatim to drop the knife. Yatim refused and hurled expletives at Forcillo and other officers who gathered outside the streetcar, court has heard.

The standoff between Forcillo and Yatim — which lasted some 50 seconds — escalated after Yatim took a few steps back from where he had been standing at the top of the vehicle’s front steps.

Forcillo warned the teen that if he took another step forward he would be shot. He has testified he believed Yatim was unafraid and ready to “fight till the end.”

Forcillo told the court his concerns about an imminent attack appeared founded when he saw the teen jerk

his knife towards him before moving forward, towards the spot where he had been standing before.

At that moment, the trial has seen that Forcillo fired three bullets at Yatim, causing the teen to crumple to the floor.

After a brief pause, Forcillo fired six more bullets.

In reviewing much of the evidence heard at the trial, Brauti accused Crown prosecutors of trying to “cloud the big picture” by engaging in a frame-by-frame microanalysis of the confrontation, along with suggestions of alternative-use-offorce options the officer could have used.

“If he obeys any one of the dozen commands given, if he puts down the knife, Mr. Yatim lives to be put on trial for criminal conduct and we would not be here today.”

WASHINGTON — Tears streaking his cheeks, President Barack Obama launched a final-year push Tuesday to tighten sales of firearms in the U.S., using his presidential powers in the absence of tougher gun restrictions that Congress has refused to pass.

The president struck a combative tone as he came out with plans for expanded background checks and other modest measures that have drawn consternation from gun rights groups, which Obama accused of making Congress their hostage.

Palpable, too, was Obama’s extreme frustration at having made such little progress on gun control since the slaughter of 20 first-graders in Connecticut confronted the nation more than three years ago.

“First-graders,” Obama said woefully, resting his chin on his hand and wiping away tears as he recalled the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. “Every time I think about those kids, it gets me mad.”

Obama’s 10-point plan to keep guns from those who shouldn’t have them marked a concession by the president: He’ll leave office without securing the new gun control laws he’s repeatedly and desperately implored Congress to pass.

Although Obama, acting alone, can take action around the margins, only Congress can enact more sweeping changes that gun control advocates say are the only way to truly stem a scourge of mass shootings.

“It won’t happen overnight,” Obama said. “It won’t happen during this Congress. It won’t happen during my presidency.” But, he added optimistically, “a lot of things don’t happen overnight.”

The centerpiece of Obama’s plan is an attempt to narrow the loophole that exempts gun sales from back-

◆ OTTAWA

◆ OTTAWA

◆ MONTREAL

◆ REGINA

Barton to be new host of ’Power and Politics’

New parliamentary poet laureate is N.S. writer

Air Canada asks court NDP says C02 plant cost to reject ruling in lawsuit Saskatchewan millions

Impaired charges laid after wrong-way crash

The CBC has named Rosemary Barton as full-time host of its high-profile Power and Politics TV show.

Barton has been interim host of the afternoon program since the broadcaster severed ties with Evan Solomon last summer.

Solomon’s departure followed a report that he had been brokering lucrative art deals with people he dealt with through his job.

Solomon said he never intentionally used his position at CBC to promote a private business partnership in which he was involved.

Barton has been a regular contributor and guest host on Power and Politics since 2009.

Barton covered the 2008 and 2011 federal elections as well as a host of other major stories.

George Elliott Clarke, a much-honoured Nova Scotia writer, has been named the country’s seventh parliamentary poet laureate.

He succeeds Michel Pleau, whose two-year term ended Dec. 31.

Clarke’s appointment was announced jointly by Senate Speaker George Furey and Commons Speaker Geoff Regan.

Clarke won the 2001 Governor General’s Award for Poetry for his book, “Execution Poems.”

He is also an accomplished playwright and literary critic and is an officer of the Order of Canada.

“George Elliott Clarke has been a true ambassador of the work of Canadian poets,” Furey said in a statement. “His contribution to Canada’s cultural fabric is exceptional.”

Air Canada has asked the country’s top court to overturn a Quebec ruling that would require the airline to keep its maintenance operations in the country.

In its legal filing with the Supreme Court in Ottawa, Air Canada said that the appeal court’s ruling “jeopardizes” the main objective of privatizing the formerly government-owned airline — to create a “viable and competitive company.”

The airline has argued that it respected the law by continuing to conduct aircraft maintenance at its three Canadian facilities in Montreal, Winnipeg and Mississauga, Ont. It also selected maintenance repair and overhaul providers Avionor and Premier Aviation in Quebec and others outside the country.

RCMP have laid a dozen charges after a pre-Christmas head-on collision in southeastern Alberta that resulted in serious injuries.

A sport-utility vehicle and a car collided Dec. 17 on the Trans-Canada Highway near Dunsmore, about 300 kilometres southeast of Calgary.

Police say the car was travelling east in the westbound lanes of the divided highway.

Three people who were among those injured were airlifted to Calgary from the nearby Medicine Hat hospital for further treatment.

Curtis Beisel of Cypress County is facing eight impaired-related charges, along with another four counts of dangerous driving causing harm.

Beisel has been released on bail and is to appear in court again on Jan. 26.

DIANA MEHTA THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO — A Toronto police officer on trial for gunning down a teen on an empty streetcar was following his training and deserves an acquittal, his lawyer argued Tuesday.

Const. James Forcillo’s lawyer also accused Crown prosecutors of trying to “criminalize a judgment call” made by a first responder.

Forcillo has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and attempted murder in the shooting of 18-yearold Sammy Yatim, whose death triggered outrage across the city two and a half years ago.

As the trial nears its end, Forcillo’s lawyer cautioned the jury that the case needs to be decided not out of sympathy for any party, but on the evidence heard in court.

“Officer James Forcillo is not guilty of murder, attempted murder or any other criminal offence,” Peter Brauti said in his closing address. “What the prosecution is really trying to do is criminalize a judgment call.”

Crown prosecutors have argued that Forcillo’s actions were not necessary or reasonable, but Brauti contends the officer’s actions were justified and carried out in self-defence.

“To be clear, no one likes the end result in this case,” Brauti said.

“There can be no doubt that while Mr. Yatim may not have been a perfect young man, he is missed by his family. The answer in this case is not to take officer Forcillo away from his family. That is not justice.”

The jury has heard that on a night in July 2013, Yatim had taken the drug ecstasy before boarding a streetcar where he pulled out a small knife, sparking a panicked mass exodus after the vehicle came to a stop.

Const. James Forcillo, left, arrives at court for closing arguments in his trial for the shooting death of Sammy Yatim, in Toronto on Tuesday. [THE CANADIAN PRESS]

OBAMA

ground checks if the seller isn’t a federal registered dealer. With new federal “guidance,” the administration is clarifying that even those who sell just a few weapons at gun shows, flea markets or online can be deemed dealers and required to conduct checks on prospective buyers.

Whether that step can make a significant dent in unregulated gun sales is an open question, and one not easily answered.

Obama readily conceded the executive steps will be challenged in court, a prediction quickly echoed by Republicans.

Chuck James, a former federal prosecutor who practices firearms law at the firm Williams Mullen, said opponents are likely to challenge Obama’s authority to define what it means to be “engaged in the business” of selling guns beyond what’s laid out in the law. The White House asserted confidence Obama was acting legally, and said Justice Department and White House lawyers had worked diligently to ensure the steps were watertight.

The National Rifle Association, the largest gun group, panned Obama’s plan and said it was “ripe for abuse,” although the group didn’t specify what steps, if any, it will take to oppose or try to block it.

NEWS IN BRIEF The Canadian Press

The NDP says Saskatchewan lost millions on penalties, repairs and operations at a carbon capture facility, but the government says that’s not the case.

New Democrat Cathy Sproule says it was revealed in a legislative committee meeting that SaskPower paid $17 million for repairs to the facility at the Boundary Dam power plant in Estevan. There’s also $13 million in operating costs for 2015 and a $7 million penalty to an oil company that was supposed to get captured CO2 from the plant.

The government says the repair costs will be recouped from the companies that did the original work, the operating costs were as budgeted and the penalty is offset by $9 million from the sale of CO2.

◆ DUNSMORE, ALTA.

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14 NATION&WORLD

@NanaimoDaily

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

ARMS RACE

North Korea claims successful test of H-bomb FOSTER KLUG AND KIM TONG-HYUNG THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SEOUL, Korea, Republic Of — North Korea said Wednesday it had conducted a hydrogen bomb test, a defiant and surprising move that, if confirmed, would put Pyongyang a big step closer toward improving its still-limited nuclear arsenal.

A television anchor read a typically propaganda-heavy statement on state TV that said North Korea had tested a “miniaturized” hydrogen bomb, elevating the country’s “nuclear might to the next level” and providing it with a weapon to defend against the United States and its other enemies.

The statement said the test was a “perfect success.”

The test, if confirmed, will lead to a strong push for new, tougher sanctions at the United Nations and

JONG UN

worsen already bad relations between Pyongyang and its neighbours.

North Korean nuclear tests worry Washington because each new blast is seen as pushing North Korea’s scientists and engineers closer to their goal of an arsenal of nuclear-tipped missiles that can reach the U.S.

While a hydrogen bomb is much more powerful than an atomic bomb, it is also much harder to make.

In a hydrogen bomb, radiation from a nuclear fission explosion sets off a fusion reaction responsible for a powerful blast and radioactivity.

North Korea is thought to have a handful of rudimentary nuclear bombs and has spent decades trying to perfect a multistage, long-range missile to eventually carry smaller versions of those bombs.

After several failures, it put its first satellite into space with a long-range rocket launched in December 2012.

Experts say that ballistic missiles and rockets in satellite launches share similar bodies, engines and other technology.

The UN called the 2012 launch a banned test of ballistic missile technology.

Some analysts say the North hasn’t likely achieved the technology needed to manufacture a miniaturized warhead that could fit on a longrange missile capable of hitting the U.S. But there is a growing debate on just how far the North has advanced in its secretive nuclear and missile programs.

In the first indication of a possible test, the U.S. Geological Survey measured an earthquake Wednesday morning with a magnitude of 5.1. An official from the Korea Metrological Administration, South Korea’s weather agency, said the agency believed the earthquake was caused artificially based on an analysis of the seismic waves and because it originated 50 kilometres north of Kilju, the northeastern area where North Korea’s main nuclear test site is located.

The country conducted all three previous atomic detonations there.

The test is a surprise, both in its purported type and its timing.

North Korea hadn’t conducted an atomic explosion since early 2013, and leader Kim Jong Un did not mention the country’s nuclear weapons in his New Year’s speech.

Outside analysts speculated that Kim was worried about deteriorating ties with China, the North’s last major ally, which has shown signs of greater frustration at provocations and a possible willingness to allow strong UN sanctions.

The size of Wednesday’s quake is bigger than seismic activity reported in previous atomic bomb tests. Yonhap news agency reported that quake monitoring agencies detected magnitudes of seismic activity of 3.7 in 2006; 4.5 in 2009 and 4.9 in 2013.

COURTS

HEALTH

Ex-aide to Ontario premier raises funds online for her legal defence

Scientists seek halt of new superbug in Canada

Laura Miller quit as director of BC Liberal party after charges were laid in December THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO — A former Ontario premier’s senior aide — who is facing criminal charges laid in connection with the destruction of government documents — is using a crowdsourcing website to try to raise $100,000 for her legal defence.

Laura Miller, who had been Dalton McGuinty’s deputy chief of staff, was charged last month with breach of trust and mischief over the deletion of emails relating to the Liberals’ decision to cancel two gas-fired electrical generating stations prior to the 2011 election.

McGuinty’s former chief of staff, David Livingston, was charged with the same offences.

Police alleged in court documents that Livingston and Miller hired Miller’s partner, Peter Faist — a computer expert under contract to the Ontario Liberal Party — who was given a special password by Livingston to wipe clean about 20 hard drives in the premier’s office.

Both Miller and Livingston have denied the charges, and Miller has hired high-profile Toronto lawyer Clayton Ruby to defend her.

Former deputy Ontario premier Dwight Duncan is among those who contributed to Miller’s defence fund on fundrazr.com, which was launched just before Christmas.

“Please accept this contribution to your legal defence as reaffirmation of my view that you have been wrongly accused,” Duncan posted along with his $500 donation. “I have always known you to be a person of great integrity who has committed her life to public service.”

SHERYL UBELACKER THE CANADIAN PRESS

A general view taken in May 2014 of the remains of the 800-megawatt gas-fired power plant in Mississauga, Ont. which had its construction cancelled by the then-Liberal Government of Ontario, prior to the provincial general election of 2011.

[THE CANADIAN PRESS]

Veteran Liberal strategist Warren Kinsella donated $200 to Miller’s fundrazr campaign.

“You will prevail,” he posted to Miller.

Miller said the once-private fundraising effort was created after friends and family offered to contribute to her legal defence, and had raised over $30,000 from 40 donors by midday Tuesday, including one anonymous contribution of $10,000. The donations doubled Tuesday from the $15,000 donated in the first 11 days of Miller’s campaign.

“It was never intended to be a

public campaign,” Miller said in an email to The Canadian Press. “I am deeply grateful for the kind notes of encouragement, the generous contributions in support, and everything in-between.”

Not all the donors were Miller supporters. One man anonymously donated just $1 so he could post a comment critical of the waste of taxpayers money on the gas plants scandal and attacking Miller for using a crowdsourcing site to raise money for her defence.

Miller went to work for the British Columbia Liberals after McGuinty left office in February 2013, helping

the party win the 2013 provincial election, but she quit her job as executive director of the B.C. party in December when the charges were laid.

Several British Columbia Liberals have also contributed to Miller’s defence fund, including provincial party president Sharon White, who donated $2,500.

“I can confirm that any contributions made to the private fundraising effort on Fundrazr are personal in nature, such as the contribution made by party president Sharon White,” B.C. Liberal party spokeswoman Jillian Stead said in an email.

TORONTO — The discovery that a gene which turns some bacteria into antibiotic-resistant superbugs has been in Canada for at least five years has scientists wondering when it first emerged and how to stop its spread.

The MCR-1 gene makes E. coli and some other species of bacteria resistant to colistin, an antibiotic considered the drug of last resort for some diseases.

The existence of MCR-1 was first reported in November in the medical journal the Lancet after scientists identified the gene in E. coli samples taken from farm animals, meat and hospital patients in China.

What makes MCR-1 so alarming is that rather than being tethered within a chromosome, the gene is found on a circular bit of free-floating DNA called a plasmid — which can easily be swapped between bacteria, thereby allowing more micro-organisms to fend off the killing effects of antibiotics.

Dr. Matthew Gilmour, scientific director general of the Winnipeg lab, said PHAC scientists are now looking at earlier samples to try to determine how far back MCR-1 was first present in Canada.

Wright said Canadians should be concerned about the existence of MCR-1 because its emergence adds to the growing phenomenon of bacterial resistance to often life-saving antibiotics.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

MEDIA

@NanaimoDaily

DEFENCE

NEWS IN BRIEF The Associated Press

Classified ad seeks to link up woman, lost dad

◆ UNITED NATIONS

Possible use of chemical weapons in Syria: Report

BILL GRAVELAND THE CANADIAN PRESS

CALGARY — A classified ad is seeking to connect a daughter with a father who doesn’t know she exists.

“Is your name Gary?” the ad begins.

“Were you in Regina, SK on business in 1969?”

The ad is accompanied by a decades-old photo of a smiling, petite blond woman and an even blonder little girl with poker-straight hair.

Toni Rempel took out the ad on behalf of her half-sister Bonnie.

“My mom, in the summer of 1969, met a guy named Gary, but she’s not sure of his last name. She thinks maybe he was Polish or Ukrainian,” Rempel, 39, told The Canadian Press from her home in Kelowna.

“It was the summer of ’69 and there was all of that free love. My mom ended up becoming pregnant with my sister and she never told Gary about her.”

Rempel said her 45-year-old sister, Bonnie Eklund, is working as a doctor in San Diego, Calif., and has been hoping to learn more about her father for the last 20 years.

“She’s told me over the years that she feels there’s a part of her missing and she wishes she knew, but she doesn’t really have the courage herself to go searching. I asked her if it was OK if I did,” said Rempel.

“We’re trying to figure out who he is and trying to establish a possible connection for Bonnie to meet her father.”

Their mother, Vernette Ann Eklund, was working at the Regina General Hospital and met Gary at a nightclub at the Westward Inn in Regina.

The two had a “brief affair.”

Rempel said Gary, who lived in Calgary at the time, would fly into Regina on business and is believed to have been a pharmaceutical representative. He would have been in his 20s, had blond hair, a slender build and was about six feet tall.

Rempel said her mother, who is now 69, gave up Bonnie for adoption when the girl was two and she was raised by her grandparents.

“My mom worked as a nurse, which entailed 12-hour shifts, and back in 1969 there was no such thing as 12-hour daycare, plus she was single.

“Bonnie was raised as my aunt.

When I was 12 years old my mother actually told me she was my sister. I was so happy because it was like all my dreams had come true, because I always felt she was more than my aunt.”

Rempel is asking anyone who might know Gary to contact her so she can give her sister a happy ending.

NATION&WORLD 15

Headquarters of the Department of National Defense in Ottawa in a photo taken in 2013. A sampling of the former Conservative government’s planned military purchases shows two-thirds of the projects are behind schedule.

[THE CANADIAN PRESS]

Military purchase plans are well behind schedule MURRAY BREWSTER THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA — A round of fingerpointing followed the release Tuesday of a new report that sampled the former Conservative government’s planned military purchases and found twothirds of them are behind schedule.

A former top defence official said the only way to straighten out the open-ended political and bureaucratic train wreck is with major action.

“The key is to dramatically streamline the process while simultaneously heightening accountability by placing one minister in charge of defence procurement,” Alan Williams said in responding to the report released by the Global Affairs Institute and the University of Calgary.

The 73-page study shows 63 per cent of 59 projects listed in the Conservative government’s oftenhyped defence acquisition guide have slipped from their anticipated timelines. Thirty-four per cent are on schedule and three per cent are early.

Navy supply ships, fixed-wing search and rescue planes and

armoured patrol vehicles are among the significant delays. The acquisition guide was supposed to bring predictability to the procurement process by listing hundreds of defence items — big and small — that the government planned to buy in the coming decade.

The delays will inevitably lead to higher costs for the projects as well as unspent budget allocations.

Part of the problem over the last year was the revolving door in the defence minister’s office and among the senior bureaucracy. The extraordinarily long election campaign also meant plans to buy urgently needed aircraft, ships and armoured vehicles were left in holding patterns.

“It just wrote off a serious chunk of time,” said Dave Perry, who wrote the study.

The Conservatives made the bottleneck worse by holding back decisions on some key projects in order to have political window-dressing for the run-up to last summer’s election call, Perry added.

“There were suspiciously a large

number of decisions that did not happen until May or June,” he said.

Perry says the election itself saw the Defence and Public Works bureaucracy almost grind to a halt where signing authority on low-risk, low-dollar routine matters had to be approved at the highest levels.

Perry says the defence minister’s office had three occupants last year, which meant each of the politicians had to be brought up to speed.

“I can’t imagine that calendar year 2015 is going to be anything other than a very bad year for defence procurement,” Perry said in an interview. “You had the election and this huge turnover and it’s going to amount to another significant chunk of lost time.”

If the country is faced with similar, long election cycles in the future, Perry says something has to change.

“That system, if you’re going to have three-month elections, is kinda nuts,” he said. “In the end, Canada still needs to be able to function, even when there’s a transition in government.”

Suit targets P.E.I. for lack of abortion access THE CANADIAN PRESS

CHARLOTTETOWN — A lobby group is taking the P.E.I. government to court to force the province to provide fully funded and unrestricted access to abortion, arguing that making women travel off the Island to undergo the procedure is discriminatory.

Abortion Access Now PEI announced Tuesday that it had notified the province’s deputy attorney general that it intends to file a notice of application in the Supreme Court of P.E.I. in 90 days, as required.

The newly formed group said the province is violating the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, along with its own health policies, by refusing to provide surgical abortions on the Island.

“The policy has created stigma and shame for Island women and caused them to take action that delays their decision-making, which can cause harm,” said Ann Wheatley, co-chairwoman of the group.

“It really discriminates on the basis of sex and women who are on low incomes, who are single parents or who are experiencing sexual vio-

lence are even more affected by this policy.”

The group argues in a 25-page draft of its legal application that the province’s policy of not offering abortions on the Island contravenes the Charter because it discriminates on the basis of gender and takes away their right to equality.

It says the Liberal government is not following its own health plan to provide abortions on the Island and that residents are only to be sent out of province to receive “highly specialized in-patient and out-patient treatments,” unlike abortion.

The acting UN disarmament chief told the UN Security Council on Tuesday that the chemical weapons watchdog agency has reported a possible use of the deadly nerve agent sarin in an alleged chemical attack in Syria.

Kim Won-soo spoke to several reporters after briefing the Security Council behind closed doors on the latest report from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

The report said OPCW investigators who looked at 11 incidents of alleged use of toxic chemicals in Syria came across one instance of blood samples indicating “that individuals were at some point exposed to sarin or a sarin-like substance.”

It said “further investigation would be necessary to determine when or under what circumstances such exposure might have occurred.”

◆ CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA

Boy, 11, in hospital after east coast shark attack Officials say an 11-year-old boy is in a stable condition in hospital after he was attacked by a shark on the Great Barrier Reef off the Australian east coast.

Queensland Ambulance Service paramedic Brad Lawson says the boy was attacked by a black tipped reef shark on Tuesday afternoon as he waded off a beach at the Heron Island tourist resort northeast of the coastal town of Gladstone.

Officials have not released the victim’s name or commented on media reports that he is an Italian tourist on vacation with his family.

He sustained a significant injury to his right calf.

He was flown to Gladstone Hospital, where an official described his condition as stable.

◆ BRUSSELS

Rail strike set to disrupt links to London, Paris Trade unions in Brussels and southern Belgium have begun a 48-hour rail strike which is set to disrupt national traffic and international connections to Paris and London through Thursday.

Workers began walking off the job late Tuesday to protest planned government reforms aimed at streamlining services and making the sector more efficient.

The unions say the government is imposing austerity measures that will cost thousands of jobs and cut services at a time when environmentally friendly public transport is essential.

Unions across Belgium originally sought a stage a five-day rail strike in January, but faced with consumer outrage cut the duration to two days.

Unions in northern Belgium then withdrew from the strike.

The Thalys line to Paris and Eurostar to London say their services will be cut or severely affected in Belgium.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

ANIMAL WELFARE

POLITICS

Racehorse deaths in stable fire called a professional catastrophe

Cities not thrilled by federal homeless count idea

Blaze at massive barn in southern Ontario community takes lives of 43 of the animals THE CANADIAN PRESS

PUSLINCH, Ont. — The deaths of 43 racehorses in a massive barn fire is more than just a professional catastrophe — it’s akin to losing members of a family, one trainer said Tuesday.

Dan Lagace was working with seven horses that were being housed at the Classy Lane Stables in the southern Ontario town of Puslinch, about 20 kilometres south of Guelph. All of his animals and three dozen others perished Monday night in a blaze that could only be subdued through the efforts of 50 firefighters from multiple communities.

Lagace said he got word of the fire around 11 p.m. Monday — around the same time fire officials said the blaze was reported by a neighbour.

He rushed to the scene from his home in nearby Cambridge, but said he could only stand helplessly by as the building that contained both his livelihood and loved ones was engulfed in flames.

“It’s almost like losing a child.

These horses, they’re every part of your life,” the 38-year-old said in a telephone interview. “On Christmas morning, when other people are opening gifts with their kids and stuff like that, we’re out at the farm making sure they’re taken care of first. On Sunday mornings when other people are sleeping in, we’re there too.”

Lagace said the blaze also represents a devastating professional setback. He said he has virtually noth-

False claims about cops earn jail time THE CANADIAN PRESS

SASKATOON — A man has been sentenced to four months in jail for making false allegations against Saskatoon police.

Dustin Keegan Eagle claimed in January 2013 that officers had driven him out of town, taken his coat and shoes and left him to walk home in -30 C temperatures.

About a year later, he admitted he made the whole thing up, but never explained why.

Eagle pleaded guilty earlier this week to mischief charges and was sentenced to an additional four months in jail.

He is already serving a four-year term on charges of assaulting a police officer and possessing a weapon.

A victim impact statement from the police was read in court before sentencing.

JORDAN PRESS THE CANADIAN PRESS

Firefighters work to bring a blaze under control at the Classy Lane Stables, in Puslinch, Ont., on Monday. Forty-three horses were killed when a fire engulfed a stable building at the facility near Guelph, Ont. [ THE CANADIAN PRESS]

ing left, since equipment amassed over years was also destroyed in the fire.

The economic impact extends well into the closeknit, horse-oriented community, said Classy Lane co-owner Jamie Millier.

Groomers, veterinarians, blacksmiths and other professionals involved in the industry will be feeling the effects of the equine deaths for months to come, he said.

Millier had been vacationing in Florida when he got word of the

fire and hastily flew back to Canada to survey the damage. Despite the advance warning, he said he can still barely take it in.

“I’m just waiting to wake up,” he said. “It’s not real. It’s a dream. You don’t expect something like this to really happen to you.”

Millier said 43 horses were in the barn when the fire broke out. The death toll would have reached 45, but two other horses normally housed in the barn were out at races at the time.

Grief over what’s being described as a multimillion-dollar fire is not just confined to the owners and trainers, according to Puslinch’s fire chief.

Steven Goode said the community is now trying to process one of the most significant emotional and financial losses in its history as officials with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office launch an investigation to determine its cause.

“We consider this a horse community and it is absolutely devastating,” Goode told a news conference.

PRAIRIES

Premier calls death of family in car crash an ‘unspeakable tragedy’ JENNIFER GRAHAM THE CANADIAN PRESS

REGINA — Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says the loss of an entire family in a crash near Saskatoon is “an unspeakable tragedy.”

Jordan Van de Vorst, his wife, Chanda, their five-year-old daughter, Kamryn, and two-year-old son, Miguire, died after their car was struck by an SUV early Sunday.

“I think as soon as Saskatchewan people hear about or read the news, they’re automatically considering their own circumstance and their own family. I did. We all do that,” Wall said Tuesday in Regina.

“We just can’t stress enough the importance of safety and the importance of enforcement with respect to things like driving under impairment.”

A 49-year-old woman, who is

“We just can’t stress enough the importance of safety and the importance of enforcement with respect to things like driving under impairment.”

Brad Wall, Saskatechewan premier

charged with impaired driving causing death, has appeared in court and is to do so again on Thursday.

Improvements, such as making the shoulder wider and lighting, have been made at the intersection where the crash happened. A spokesman for the Ministry of Highways has said a 2014 independent safety study

showed it is no more dangerous than others in the province.

Wall says the Highways Ministry is reviewing the crash and what more may need to be done to improve safety at the site.

“We don’t want to speculate as there’s sort of proceedings going on, but pretty clearly you can have quote-unquote safest intersection in the province be the site of death and loss if someone’s driving drunk.”

Wall says Saskatchewan’s impaired driving rate is “very frustrating.”

“We’re going to have to ask for some reports from those elements of our government for options to crack down a little bit more. Not trying something or not looking at all of the options, is just not an option when faced with a potential tragedy and loss like we saw just few days ago,” he said.

OTTAWA — The federal government is moving ahead this month with a nationally co-ordinated count of homeless people across Canada, despite opposition from cities worried that the timing would lead to inaccurate results.

The newly launched national pointin-time count marks the first time the federal government has tried to co-ordinate what has largely been a municipally driven project in some parts of the country like Toronto and Vancouver.

Many cities have never done a point-in-time count; those that do use different methodologies, making it difficult to compare results on a national scale.

Ottawa had wanted to gather details on the size and makeup of the homeless population strictly in January, but faced stiff criticism when it disclosed the plan to representatives from 49 communities at a national meeting in May 2015.

January is when the U.S. government requires point-in-time counts for cities that receive federal funding to help with costs.

“There was universal support for a co-ordinated, national point-in-time count. It’s not like people didn’t want to do it,” said Tim Richter, president of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness.

“The opposition was more about when and do we have enough time to organize it.”

Cities complained they wouldn’t have enough time to get all the resources in place to count every homeless person in a city, town or region during one 24-hour period.

Some cities, like Toronto or Vancouver, spend more than a year planning a point-in-time count, much longer than the seven months the federal government was giving municipalities back in May. City officials also expressed concerns that a homeless count in January would skew results as the cold weather would drive more people indoors and obscure the true number of homeless people in a community.

January is a peak month for “hidden homelessness, as people seek any shelter from the extreme weather,” reads a May 13, 2015, briefing note to Conservative MP Candice Bergen, who was then the minister of state for social development.

The document was obtained by The Canadian Press under the Access to Information Act. Employment and Social Development Canada, which oversees the count, hadn’t responded by Tuesday evening to questions about the change and details of the count itself.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

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EL NINO

Californians told to save water even as rains hit

Mike Thawley fills the back of his car with sandbags to take to his home on Tuesday in San Anselmo, Calif. El Nino storms lined up in the Pacific, promising to drench parts of the West for more than two weeks and increasing fears of mudslides and flash floods in regions stripped bare by wildfires. [AP PHOTO]

Officials say even wettest winters won’t replenish reservoirs KRISTIN J. BENDER AND SCOTT SMITH THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SAN FRANCISCO — Forced by drought to become miserly with water, Californians were warned against reverting to old habits Tuesday as the first of several storms spawned by a record-tying El Nino began drenching the state.

A series of storms over the Pacific Ocean was welcome news in parched California, despite their potential for causing flash floods and mudslides.

But authorities cautioned that even the wettest of winters can’t replenish depleted reservoirs and aquifers unless everyone keeps pitching in.

California’s water deficit is so deep after four years of drought that a “steady parade of storms” like these will be needed for years to come, said Mike Anderson, climatologist for the state’s Department of Water Resources.

“We’re at least on a good trajectory,” he said. “We’ve got to keep it going.”

The current El Nino — a natural warming of the central Pacific Ocean that interacts with the atmosphere and changes weather worldwide — has tied 1997-1998 as the strongest on record, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center said, citing statistics that go back to 1950.

El Ninos usually bring heavy rains to California, although it remains to be seen whether people should expect anything like a repeat of 1997 and 1998, when storms killed 17 people, wiped out crops, washed out highways and pushed houses down hillsides.

“DarthNino may finally have California in its sights,” said Jeff Masters, meteorology director of the private Weather Underground.

“A parade of strong Pacific storms

“The best time to prepare is before a weather event happens, but there is still time to prepare at least a basic emergency kit for your home, your car or your place of work.”

Brad Alexander, spokesman for the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services

characteristic of a strong El Nino event will batter the state this week and will likely bring damaging flooding by the time the second storm in the series rolls through on Wednesday,” Masters said.

However, Masters and meteorologist Ryan Maue of the private WeatherBell Analytics don’t believe this first storm is as powerful as some other Pacific storm systems, and caution that the storms now following it may land elsewhere.

The current forecast calls for a “kind of a nice level of bombardment” over the next two weeks; probably not enough to cause the tremendous flooding of 1998, but then again, that year’s floods didn’t peak until February, Masters said.

The first in the line of storms also drenched the desert Southwest on Tuesday and was aiming for the Gulf Coast, but should weaken to no more than a couple inches of rainfall by the time it reaches the Southeast, Masters added.

Flash flooding and flows of mud and debris were a concern, especially in places left barren by last year’s wildfires. Residents of the Silverado Canyon burn area in Orange County and the Solimar burn area in Ven-

tura County were urged to consider evacuating.

“The best time to prepare is before a weather event happens, but there is still time to prepare at least a basic emergency kit for your home, your car or your place of work,” said Brad Alexander, spokesman for the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

Rocks fell on the roadway through Malibu Canyon, damaging four vehicles and clogging a heavily travelled commuter route through the steep Santa Monica Mountains, and Los Angeles police were rousting the homeless from normally dry riverbeds.

Californians used 20 per cent less water this past November than they did in November 2013, before Gov. Jerry Brown declared the state’s water emergency, the Water Resources Control Board announced Tuesday.

That falls short of Brown’s 25 per cent conservation mandate for a second straight month, although board chairwoman Felicia Marcus said the state remains on track to meet his overall goal.

“The fact that per person water use dropped to 75 gallons per person per day on average is proof that Californians are clearly thinking twice before turning on the tap,” Marcus said in a statement.

Despite these storms, Shawn Coburn says growers like him, working thousands of acres in the western San Joaquin Valley, expect no water this year from the federal government’s vast system of reservoirs and canals. He blames strict environmental laws designed to protect endangered fish.

“I hope that it rains so much that Noah and his ark are flowing down the San Joaquin River,” he said. “The people that run the system are telling us to be prepared for zero.”

NATION&WORLD 17

NEWS IN BRIEF The Associated Press ◆ SAN FRANCISCO

◆ CARACAS, VENEZUELA

Twitter may increase its 140-character limit

Opposition in majority in National Assembly

Twitter appears ready to loosen its decade-old restriction on the length of messages to give its users more freedom and make its service more appealing to a wider audience.

CEO and co-founder Jack Dorsey telegraphed that change is coming in a tweet he posted Tuesday a few hours after the technology news site Re/Code reported Twitter is exploring increasing its limits on text from 140 characters to as many as 10,000.

Dorsey didn’t directly address the Re/Code report that cited unnamed people, but he made it clear that Twitter isn’t wedded to the 140-character limit. Twitter declined to comment on its plans.

Venezuela’s opposition took majority control of the National Assembly on Tuesday after years in the political wilderness, setting the stage for a potential power struggle with embattled President Nicolas Maduro.

Lawmakers were sworn in during a heated parliamentary session that saw pro-government representatives walk out in protest after pushing their way onto the dais as the new leadership tried to lay out its legislative agenda.

It’s the first time in 17 years that opponents of the socialist revolution begun by the late President Hugo Chavez have controlled the legislature.

◆ CAIRO

◆ MEXICO CITY

Rights body gets limited access to Islamist leader

Member of gang reveals site of hidden graves

Egypt’s state-sanctioned human rights body said a delegation was able to visit a prison holding Muslim Brotherhood leaders on Tuesday but that authorities sharply limited access to prisoners.

Egypt has jailed thousands of Brotherhood members and other dissidents since the military overthrew President Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood in 2013.

Instead of letting them see the patients, prison authorities brought them the patients’ files, saying a medical committee from the prison follows such cases. “This didn’t satisfy us and we documented that,” said Ishak.

A member of the gang that killed a mayor in southern Mexico revealed the site of clandestine graves holding the remains of four other people, prosecutors said Tuesday.

An official of the prosecutors’ office in the southern state of Morelos said investigators have found four bodies in two pits in a rural area.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he or she was not authorized to be quoted by name.

The suspect was not named because he is a minor. He was arrested with two other people in the Saturday killing of the mayor of city of Temixco, south of the Morelos state capital of Cuernavaca.

EUROPE

New Year sex assaults fuel migration debate FRANK JORDANS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BERLIN — A string of sex assaults and robberies during New Year’s celebrations in Germany has fuelled debate about the country’s ability to integrate large numbers of migrants, after police said that men who targeted dozens of women in the western city of Cologne appeared to be of “Arab or North African origin.”

Political leaders including Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned the attacks, though many also warned against hasty conclusions about the perpetrators. But to some Germans already uneasy about the one million asylum-seekers their country took in last year the incident seemed to confirm simmering fears.

“Is this the ’cosmopolitan and colourful’ Germany that Merkel wished for?” asked Frauke Petry, leader of the nationalist party Alternative for Germany.

Petry’s party, known by its German acronym AfD, has called for a clampdown on the number of asylum-seekers allowed into the country, a

sentiment shared among a growing number of supporters in Merkel’s own centre-right bloc.

“It’s unacceptable that women are sexually molested and robbed by young migrants on the streets and public squares of German cities at night,” said Andreas Scheuer, general secretary of the Christian Social Union, the Bavarian wing of Merkel’s party.

“Whoever won’t accept our rules for living together, including respect for women, can have no place in our society here in Germany,” said Scheuer. His party has called for a cap of 200,000 asylum-seekers in Germany a year, a demand its lawmakers are likely to repeat at a meeting with Merkel on Wednesday.

Others in Germany cautioned against tying the refugee question to the issue of street crime when the full facts of the incident aren’t known yet.

Cem Ozdemir, a Green Party lawmaker of Turkish origin, described the attacks as “horrible and deeply misogynist.”

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OCCUPATION

Standoff to end if feds let locals manage land REBECCA BOONE AND GENE JOHNSON THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BURNS, Ore. — A leader of the small, armed group that is occupying a remote national wildlife preserve in Oregon said Tuesday that they will go home when a plan is in place to turn over management of federal lands to locals.

Ammon Bundy told reporters at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge that ranchers, loggers and farmers should have control of federal land — a common refrain in a decades-long fight over public lands in the West.

“It is our goal to get the logger back to logging, the rancher back to ranching,” said the son of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, who was involved in a high-profile 2014 standoff with the government over grazing rights.

The younger Bundy’s anti-government group is critical of federal land stewardship, but environmentalists and others say U.S. officials should keep control for the broadest possible benefit to business, recreation and the environment.

The armed activists seized the refuge about 300 miles from Portland on Saturday night. Roughly 20 people bundled in camouflage, ear muffs and cowboy hats are occupying the desert of eastern Oregon.

As the takeover entered its third day, authorities had not moved in and had not shut off power to the refuge, Arizona rancher LaVoy Finicum said, adding that he was eager to go home and tend to his cattle.

“If they cut it off, that would be such a crying shame, all the pipes would freeze,” he said.

Earlier Tuesday, a pickup truck blocked the entrance to the preserve, and a man looked out over the snowy grounds from a watchtower.

Alleged rape on Internet, two arrested THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PARIS — Two young men have been arrested, charged and jailed in southern France after shocked Internet users watched a video of a suspected rape and alerted police.

Lawyer Francoise Nogues says the two men, aged 18 and 22, were charged on Tuesday with “aggravated gang rape” of an 18-year-old girl and “diffusion of pornographic images.”

Perpignan prosecutor Achille Kiriakides said in a statement that the young men were jailed.

The prosecutor said the girl knew both men and that a barrage of analyses would help determine if the sexual encounters were “completely and freely” accepted.

The faces on the video — that has since been removed — were hidden by an emoji. Nogues said her 22-yearold client told her the girl was his partner and was consenting.

LaVoy Finicum, a rancher from Arizona, who is part of the group occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge speaks with reporters at the refuge on Tuesday near Burns, Ore. Law enforcement had yet to take any action Tuesday against the group numbering close to two dozen who are upset over federal land policy. [AP PHOTO]

Ammon Bundy offered few specifics about the group’s plan to get the land turned over to local control, but Finicum said the activists would examine the underlying land ownership transactions to begin to “unwind it.”

Bundy said the group felt it had the support of the local community.

But the county sheriff has told the activists to go home, and many locals don’t want the group here, fearing they may bring trouble. A community meeting was scheduled for Wednesday.

So far, law enforcement has not taken action against the activists whose rallying cry is the imprisonment of father-and-son ranchers who set fire to federal land.

“These guys are out in the middle of nowhere, and they haven’t threatened anybody that I know of,” said Jim Glennon.

Glennon is a longtime police commander who now owns the Illinois-based law enforcement training organization Calibre Press.

“There’s no hurry.”

Some observers have complained, suggesting the government’s response would have been swifter and more severe had the occupants been Muslim or other minorities.

The group calling itself Citizens for constitutional Freedom said it wants an inquiry into whether the government is forcing ranchers off their land after Dwight Hammond and his son, Steven, reported back to prison Monday.

The Hammonds, who have distanced themselves from the group,

were convicted of arson three years ago for fires on federal land in 2001 and 2006, one of which was set to cover up deer poaching, according to prosecutors.

The men served no more than a year until an appeals court judge ruled the terms fell short of minimum sentences that require them to serve about four more years.

The takeover comes amid a dispute that dates back decades in the West, where the federal government owns about half of all land.

MIDDLE EAST

Iraq PM must walk fine line in Saudi dispute SUSANNAH GEORGE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BAGHDAD — While many Iraqi Shiites took to the streets in outrage over Saudi Arabia’s execution of a prominent Shiite cleric, the country’s prime minister has had to walk a more cautious line, trying to contain Iraq’s own explosive sectarian tensions.

The execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr has inflamed the sectarian divide across the region. Shiite-led Iran has been the most vocal in its condemnation, and protesters stormed Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran over the weekend. That prompted Sunni-led Saudi Arabia to cut diplomatic relations with Iran, and the kingdom’s allies have lined up behind it, either cutting or reducing their ties with Tehran.

The government of Iraq, however, is straining to keep the peace amid the regional tumult. Iran is a key ally of the Shiite-led government in Baghdad, has helped it in the fight

“This is the last thing (al-Abadi) needs after the high point in Ramadi.”

Kirk Sowell, publisher, ‘Inside Iran Politics’

against the Islamic State group, and supports powerful Shiite militias in the country.

At the same time, as the fight against IS extremists enters its second year, Iraq is grappling with the worst political and security crises since the withdrawal of U.S. troops in 2011. Only last week, Saudi Arabia sent an ambassador to Baghdad for the first time in 25 years to try to improve its relationship with Iraq.

In Washington, Brett McGurk, special presidential envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry spent most of Monday on the phone trying to ease tensions in the region.

In a sign of the Iraqi government’s caution, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi issued a statement expressing regret over al-Nimr’s execution and warning that such actions would “bring more destruction and devastation.”

His office followed that Tuesday with a call for unity among Iraqis.

Regional tensions should be faced “wisely, responsibly and rationally in order to preserve the security and stability of Iraq,” according to a statement from al-Abadi’s office.

A day earlier, thousands of Shiites gathered a few hundred meters (yards) from his office and called for the government to sever diplomatic ties with Riyadh. The protesters, supporters of prominent Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, chanted that al-Nimr’s blood had not been spilled in vain and that the Mahdi Army, Sadr’s disbanded Shiite militia, would avenge his death if needed.

That points to the government’s bigger fear: That the regional dispute

over al-Nimr’s execution will turn into new violence between Iraq’s Shiites and Sunnis.

Sectarian violence has quickly spiralled out of control in Iraq in the recent past, and a renewed form could disrupt Baghdad’s campaign against the Islamic State group, the Sunni extremists who control large parts of the north and west of the country.

Iranian-backed Shiite militias, whose might rivals that of the military and security forces, have been a major factor in the fight, and the government has already had to cede them considerable authority.

At the same time, al-Abadi has sought to encourage reconciliation with the Sunni minority, among whom hatred of the militias is strong, and include Sunnis in the fight against IS. “This is the last thing (al-Abadi) needs after the high point in Ramadi,” said Kirk Sowell, publisher of the Inside Iraqi Politics newsletter.

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HOCKEY

Canada’s World Junior finish is no big deal Until the tournament features each country’s absolute best eligible players, it really doesn’t mean that much SPORTS INSIDE Today’s issue Scott McKenzie Daily News

S

o the Finns won the World Junior Hockey Championship on Tuesday.

Good for them. They had the best three players in the tournament, one of whom may even be a future Vancouver Canuck should that team’s season continue its downward spiral.

(We’ll take that maybe their most talented players ever all of a sudden were of age when their country hosted the tournament as pure coincidence).

And of course if Canada is going to be knocked out early, the second best choice always is to see Russia lose in overtime of the championship game.

For Canada, of course, it was an epic failure — a joke of a showing from a group of teenagers expected to win gold medals year after year until everyone else simply gives up.

Change our development, they’ll

A division of

Whitecaps, Local Sports Canucks, World Juniors Football Basketball Scoreboard Tennis Golf, Soccer Canada’s Thomas Chabot (right) and Mathew Barzal react to their team’s loss against Finland following quarter-final hockey action at the IIHF World Junior Championship, in Helsinki, Finland, on Saturday. [THE CANADIAN PRESS]

say. Call a summit, they’ll say. The glory years are dead, for sure.

But really, what are we talking about here?

This tournament wasn’t best-onbest, and can’t be used as a measure of any country’s position among hockey powers until it is.

Here’s a quick list of players Canada was missing at this year’s tour-

nament due to them simply being deemed too talented to leave their NHL teams: Connor McDavid, Aaron Ekblad, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett, Jared McCann, Robby Fabbri.

For the U.S.: Jack Eichel, Noah Hanifin, Dylan Larkin.

It’s an easy argument to make that the two North American teams wouldn’t have coasted into the gold

20 21 22 23 24 27 28

medal game with those players in their lineup. It’s near indisputable, really.

Yes, many teams were missing high-end players. They do every year.

What they’re missing, though, never stacks up to what Canada has to play without, and it’s rarely close.

Jake Virtanen would have been a third-liner had those aforementioned players been in the tournament.

Finland had everyone they wanted, as did Russia.

#UsedHelps

Sweden without Willy Nylander wasn’t really Sweden, and we all know it.

Saying Finland has “caught up,” that “Russia is back,” or that Canada’s talent pool has dried up is nothing short of ridiculous.

It would be like saying that the Czech Republic was the new hockey power just because they won the 2010 world championships when everyone worth playing was still in the NHL playoffs.

Are their problems in Hockey Canada? Sure.

As Tuesday’s Daily News editorial pointed out, and has been pointed out in this column many a time, the rising cost of hockey — including $30,000-a-year academies — is turning the game into an elitist sport despite it supposedly being a game that is beloved by everyone in the country.

But to say that Canada’s top-end talent is no longer up to par with that of European countries’ — especially being one year removed from a gold medal — is completely off base.

We still have the best players in the world, but sometimes they just have better games to play in.

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20 SPORTS

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

SOCCER

Whitecaps hope to mine MLS draft gold Finding players at the SuperDraft not always as sure of a thing as it is in other North American pro sports VANCOUVER — High first-round draft picks are often seen as a panacea for struggling professional sports teams, the opportunity to draft a future franchise cornerstone.

That’s clearly the case in the NFL, NHL and NBA, but not nearly such a sure thing in Major League Soccer, where the true game-changing talents are imported from overseas and solid complimentary players are being nurtured through club-operated academies.

Those academies are siphoning off more top-level high school grads in both the U.S. and Canada. And more and more young North American players are entering MLS as Homegrown signings.

Still, some top MLS SuperDraft picks have lived up to their billing, but it’s a limited group.

Forward Taylor Twellman was a goal-scoring star in New England for several years after being drafted by the Revolution in 2002. Centre back Chad Marshall, taken third overall by Columbus in 2004, helped the Crew

BCHL

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

GARY KINGSTON VANCOUVER SUN

win an MLS Cup in 2008 and is a three-time Defender of the Year.

Centre back Omar Gonzalez became the Defender of the Year in 2011 and helped lead the Los Angeles Galaxy to three titles in four seasons after being drafted third overall in 2009. Midfielder Darlington Nagbe, the second pick in 2011, is a Portland cornerstone and was a key contributor as the Timbers won their first MLS Cup in 2015. And Canadian striker Cyle Larin set a rookie scoring record with 15 goals for Orlando last season as the top pick overall.

But there have been way more misses than hits in the top-10. The Vancouver Whitecaps can attest to that.

Winger Kekuta Manneh (17 goals in 81 games and still just 21) has a bright future after being selected fourth overall in 2013. But 2011 top overall pick Omar Salgado was a bust. Darren Mattocks, the No. 2 pick in 2012, does have 19 goals in four seasons, but has been wildly inconsistent and appears to be on his way out of Vancouver, and the jury remains out on forward Erik Hurta-

do (fifth overall in 2013) and centre back Christian Dean (third overall in 2014).

According to mlssoccer.com, the minutes played by top-10 picks in their rookie seasons have fallen every year since 2011.

Interestingly, the Caps’ best firstround pick may turn out to be a guy taken in the bottom half of the first round — centre back Tim Parker, who was selected 13th overall last season. A four-year collegian, Parker quickly stood out for his composed, level-headed play.

Roster freeze nearing as Clippers’ host Alberni Valley DAILY NEWS

All of a sudden, the B.C. Hockey League has entered 2016 and the Nanaimo Clippers are beginning to play some truly meaningful games.

The Clippers host the Alberni Valley Bulldogs tonight in their first home game of the new year at 7 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena.

And while the Bulldogs are very unlikely to be able to catch the Island Division-leading Clippers this season, Nanaimo is in jeopardy of giving up that division lead after two straight road losses to the second place Powell River Kings over the weekend.

The Kings are now five points back of the Clippers for first place with two games in hand, turning the next 18 Clippers games into ones that are beginning to count.

The country-wide trade deadline is also coming up on Sunday night, and after an 8-4 loss in Powell River on Sunday some players will be working hard to keep their spots.

The Clippers’ lone weekend game is on Saturday night when they host Powell River, and in a game that could be some players’ last with the team, revenge for those weekend losses is likely in order.

Heading into tonight’s game, the Bulldogs are two points behind the Victoria Grizzlies for the Island’s fourth and final playoff spot and are coming off a 3-0 road loss Saturday at the hands of the third-place Cowichan Valley Capitals.

After trading their top scorer, Josh Adkins, to Cowichan recently, the Bulldogs are led by the 15 goals and 14 assists of rookie left wing Nathan Dingmann.

The Clippers remain led by Sheldon Rempal, whose 42 goals and 37 assists for 79 points lead the BCHL. Sports@nanaimodailynews.com 250-729-4243

Wellington Wildcats guard Yas Tsuda, right, goes up for a lay-up while being defended by Barsby Bulldogs guard Austin Olson during a Triple A high school basketball Vancouver Mid-Island League game on Tuesday at John Barsby Community School. [SCOTT MCKENZIE/DAILY NEWS]

Wildcats stay unbeaten in win over Barsby DAILY NEWS

As local high school basketball teams returned to league play Tuesday night, the Wellington Wildcats moved to 3-0 in Triple A Vancouver Mid-Island league play with a 108-30 road win over the struggling John Barsby Bulldogs.

The Wildcats, ranked as the No. 4 team on Vancouver Island, had each of their players score in the win as

they were able to use their bench throughout the game.

Brooks Branchi led all scores with 20 points, Lucas Pugh posted 17, Alex Staniforth finished with 15 and Ryder Jenks had 12.

The game was the first of 2016 for the Wildcats, who now shift into preparation to defend their home tournament — Superball — championship. The annual tournament begins on Thursday and also features

the Kwalicum Kondors, the Dover Bay Dolphins, D.W. Poppy and R.E. Mountain.

Wellington takes on R.E. Mountain Thursday at 4:30 p.m. to start the tournament while Dover Bay plays Poppy at 6 p.m.

Wellington also plays host to Kwalicum Friday at 9:50 a.m. before Dover Bay battles with Carson Graham at 11:30 a.m.

The championship match, which

last year featured a close game between Wellington and Dover Bay, is set for Saturday at 4 p.m.

Local Triple A teams are back in league action on Jan. 12 when the two top teams in the league, the Wildcats and the also undefeated Nanaimo Islanders, meet at 7 p.m. at Wellington.

The Islanders beat the Woodlands Eagles 77-31 to move to 3-0, as well, Tuesday night.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

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SPORTS 21

NHL

WORLD JUNIORS

Eddie Lack says trade to Carolina from Vancouver was just business

Finns live out their fantasies with gold medal win

JIM MORRIS THE CANADIAN PRESS

I

t was like coming home for Eddie Lack on Tuesday.

The former Canucks goaltender — who currently plays for the Carolina Hurricanes — returned to Vancouver on Tuesday and stopped to sign autographs outside Rogers Arena. Inside he chatted with some of his former teammates, had a long conversation with Canucks goaltender coach Roland Melanson and shook hands with coach Willie Desjardins.

“It’s fun seeing a lot of familiar faces,” said Lack, who turned 28 on Tuesday. “It’s been a while.

“I had a really good relationship with the fans and my teammates.

When you get close to people like that you miss them.”

Lack is expected to start Wednesday night when the Hurricanes play the Canucks. It will be his first game back in Vancouver since being traded to Carolina last June for a third-round draft pick in 2015 and a seventh-round pick in 2016.

“It was just a business call,” Lack said about the deal. “They did what they thought was right for their team.”

Both the Hurricanes and Canucks find themselves battling for a playoff spot.

Carolina (16-17-7) dropped a 1-0 decision to Edmonton on Monday and is sixth in the Metropolitan Division entering Tuesday’s games.

The Canucks, coming off a 3-2 loss to Arizona, were fourth in the Pacific Division with a 15-16-9 record.

Lack has a mediocre 5-6-3 record this season with a 2.96 goals-against average and .892 save percentage. He struggled early in the season, losing four of his first five starts. He has since turned his game around, winning four of his last six.

He also has not lost in regulation in his last six outings.

“I kind of just went back to basics,” Lack said. “I am working a little deeper in the paint. That’s what I was comfortable with before.

“You get that first (win), you get

JOHN CHIDLEY-HILL THE CANADIAN PRESS

Carolina Hurricanes goalie Eddie Lack faces a shot against the Nashville Predators during an NHL hockey game in Carolina.

[AP PHOTO]

“The last couple of days I just felt I was waiting to hear where I was going to play.“ Eddie Lack, Hurricanes goalie

confidence and it’s building. I feel like I am in a pretty good state in my game right now, mentally too.”

Lack said his first few months in Carolina were tough.

“Hockey is my life,” he said. “When the hockey is going bad, everything else is falling apart. It was hard.

“I put that behind me now. I’m just looking forward to the game tomorrow.”

The six-foot-four 187-pound native of Norrtalje, Sweden, was never

drafted. He played in the Swedish leagues and was signed by Vancouver in 2010. At one time, Lack looked to be the heir apparent to Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo. He took over the starting duties when Luongo was traded to the Florida Panthers in March 2014.

Lack pays tribute to Luongo with a drawing of him on the back of his goalie mask.

“From the first training camp I thought he always treated me well and treated me with respect,” said Lack. “He took me out for dinner and breakfast.

“I wanted to pay him back somehow.”

Lack’s fortunes changed when the Canucks signed Ryan Miller to a three-year contract in the summer of 2014. He spent that year as Miller’s

backup but took over the starting duties when Miller was hurt last February. Lack even started for the Canucks during their first-round playoff series loss to Calgary. With Miller under contract and Jacob Markstrom playing well in the minors, the Canucks decided Lack was expendable.

“Up until a week before the trade I didn’t think I was going,” Lack said.

“The more everyone was talking, I kind of knew. The last couple of days I just felt I was waiting to hear where I was going to play.”

Lack’s jovial personality and humour made him a fan favourite in Vancouver. He loves tacos and has signed a deal with a restaurant in Raleigh which serves the Lacko Taco.

“It’s like steak with sour cream and a little spice to it,” said Lack. “Just like my personality.

WORLD JUNIORS

IIHF president calls for lower ticket prices at next tournament JOHN CHIDLEY-HILL THE CANADIAN PRESS

HELSINKI — International Ice Hockey Federation president Rene Fasel thinks ticket prices should be lower for the 2017 world junior hockey championships in Montreal.

Fasel addressed media on Tuesday, the final day of the 2016 world juniors in Helsinki, Finland, and suggested that Hockey Canada should consider lowering its prices among other solutions to disappointing ticket sales.

“It’s a big city,” said Fasel. “I disagree that maybe Montreal people

are only there for les Canadiens.

They love the game. I think the pricing of the tickets was an issue in Montreal. I think that they have to have a look on the prices and people will come. Not all of Montreal is in Florida.”

Fasel, from Switzerland, was speaking on a panel with Finnish hockey federation president Kalervo Kummola and Spain’s Frank Gonzalez, who served as the organizing committee’s chair for the 2016 event.

Ticket sales were disappointing in Montreal for the 2015 world juniors that the city co-hosted with Toronto.

That year Montreal hosted preliminary round games while Toronto handled preliminary and playoff rounds.

The two cities will co-host the 2017 event again, with Montreal hosting the medal round and both cities taking on the preliminary round.

“Hockey Canada released its 2017 World Junior Championship ticket packages in early December. While we believe that the 2015 WJC was, in large part, a success, there is always room for improvement,” said Hockey Canada chief operating officer Scott

Smith in a statement to The Canadian Press.

“To better understand those opportunities, we commissioned consumer research and spoke with different stakeholders including the Montreal Canadiens.

“One of the areas we did revise for 2017 is the ticket pricing in Montreal, where on a per-game cost, you can see the world’s best in men’s under-20 hockey for as little as $35, with platinum seats going for $100 per game.

“This represents on average a 30 per cent decrease in pricing.”

HELSINKI — It’s every hockey player’s childhood fantasy. Major championship on the line. Overtime.

Home ice. Childhood heroes arriving to congratulate you.

Kasperi Kapanen scored a wraparound goal in overtime as Finland rallied past Russia 4-3 on Tuesday to win the world junior hockey championship in a fairy tale ending for the host country.

Kapanen deked around two defenders, skated around the back of Russia’s goal and threw the puck into a wide-open net as Russian goaltender Alexander Georgiev failed to dive back into position. The largely Finnish crowd at Hartwall Arena exploded with chants of “Suomi!” — Finland’s name in its native tongue — and later “Kiitos!” — the Finnish word for thanks.

“That’s one of those goals that you always dream of,” said the 19-yearold Kapanen, who had the white and blue Finnish flag draped over his shoulders with a sideways baseball cap commemorating the victory on his head. “I guess dreams do come true.”

Patrik Laine, Sebastian Aho and captain Mikko Rantanen all scored in the third period as Finland staged a late comeback. Kaapo Kahkonen made 22 saves for the win.

“There’s not a lot of words (for) how to describe the feeling,” said Rantanen. “Very happy. Happy for the team, for the whole of Finland. We had an absolutely unbelievable crowd there and everyone was watching at home on TV.” It was Finland’s fourth world junior title and second in the past three years. Finland beat rival Sweden for the championship in 2014. Before that, it was 1998 when Helsinki and Hameenlinna, Finland hosted.

“Everything’s so blurry,” said Kapanen when asked to describe the goal. “So excited and in shock at the same time.”

After the game former NHLers Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne — who had his No. 8 retired from international competition by Finland earlier in the tournament — came down to the Finnish locker-room, giving out hugs and fist bumps to the excited teenagers.

Finland set a European attendance record for the world junior championships with 215,225 fans coming to the games and an average of 7,174.

Kapanen is a Toronto Maple Leafs prospect who is currently with the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies. Earlier Tuesday, Mark Hunter, the Maple Leafs director of player personnel, spoke about how well Kapanen played at the world juniors.

22 SPORTS

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

NFL POWER RANKINGS

NFL

Panthers regain their ground to end season

‘Blitzburgh’ is back

Last week’s rankings in parentheses.

16. Raiders 7-9 (16). Los Angeles, here we come.

1. Panthers 15-1 (2). Quick, name their top three wide receivers. Then know they led the NFL with 500 points.

17. Lions 7-9 (19). They won six of their final eight games and have salary-cap flexibility.

2. Cardinals 13-3 (1). Rough ending to the season, but they had to know there was little to play for because the Panthers would beat the Bucs for the No. 1 seed.

18. Rams 7-9 (15). Los Angeles, here we come.

19. Colts 8-8 (25). Good for Ryan Grigson and Chuck Pagano. Now, time to get younger and protect Andrew Luck.

3. Seahawks 10-6 (7). They have the best scoring defense in the league and have been scoring touchdowns in bunches since Thanksgiving.

20. Saints 7-9 (21). Instinct says Sean Payton will move on, but nothing is done yet.

4. Broncos 12-4 (4). No. 1 seed in the AFC and one more shot at a Super Bowl for Peyton Manning.

21. Bears 6-10 (20). They’re in search of playmakers across the board.

5. Chiefs 11-5 (5). They haven’t won a playoff game since 1994 at the Astrodome. That streak might end.

22. Eagles 7-9 (23). Owner Jeff Lurie makes this a pretty appealing job opening.

6. Patriots 12-4 (3). If anyone can pull a stumbling team out of a late-season rut, it is Bill Belichick.

23. Giants 6-10 (18). Offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo might be the ideal choice to replace Tom Coughlin.

7. Bengals 12-4 (6). Whether it’s Andy Dalton or AJ McCaretaker, they will have their hands full with the Steelers.

8. Steelers 10-6 (11). Thank-you cards already sent to Rex Ryan and the Bills.

9. Vikings 11-5 (9). This defense will be formidable for at least a few seasons to come, but they face a tough task in the Seahawks.

10. Packers 10-6 (10). Four-year run atop the NFC North is over, and it makes you wonder if GM Ted Thompson will take action in free agency.

11. Jets 10-6 (8). Fitzmagic won’t be performing any tricks in the postseason.

12. Texans 9-7 (12). Defense makes them formidable in the playoffs, but can they score enough?

24. Buccaneers 6-10 (22). Lovie Smith said the Bucs should make the playoffs next season, and he might need to do that.

25. Ravens 5-11 (24). Injuries really took a toll on this team. Should be far more competitive in 2016.

26. Dolphins 6-10 (27). New GM Chris Grier says “talk of dysfunction” within the organization is over now.

OK. 27. Jaguars 5-11 (26). Status of defensive coordinator Bob Babich is in question.

28. Cowboys 4-12 (28). Rumors of Jerry Jones acquiring Robert Griffin III or Johnny Manziel this offseason are sure to fly, right?

29. Chargers 4-12 (29). Los Angeles, here we come.

13. Redskins 9-7 (13). First-year GM Scot McCloughan deserves credit for some solid moves.

30. 49ers 5-11 (30). As ex-coach Jim Harbaugh said: “Do not be deceived. You will reap what you sow.”

14. Bills 8-8 (17). Tyrod Taylor gives Rex Ryan a quarterback to build around.

31. Browns 3-13 (31). They’re going to hire the coach before the personnel man. Rinse. Repeat.

15. Falcons 8-8 (14). Reports are GM Thomas Dimitroff will keep his job. They need to find some success next year.

32. Titans 3-13 (32). New GM, new coach, new future.

◆ NFL

Ref who made poor call will work playoff game Ronald Torbert, at the centre of an incorrect penalty call in an October game, will work the Chiefs-Texans wild-card game Saturday.

Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Steve McLendon celebrates after his team defeated the Cleveland Browns 28-12 in an NFL game on Sunday in Cleveland. [AP PHOTO]

Steelers defence will rely on sacks to make up for shortcomings WILL GRAVES THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

T

he Pittsburgh Steelers gave Keith Butler a very specific mandate when he replaced Hall of Fame defensive co-ordinator Dick LeBeau last January.

More sacks. More takeaways. No matter what. No matter who. No matter how.

In that vein, Butler’s first season putting together the game plan is an unqualified success. The Steelers finished with 48 sacks and 17 interceptions, up from 33 and 11 last season and the club’s most in each category since 2010, when Pittsburgh advanced to the franchise’s eighth Super Bowl.

The “splash plays” that coach Mike Tomlin covets have helped overcome mistakes that pop up when the Steelers (10-6) can’t get their hands on the ball or the opposing quarterback.

Pittsburgh can be both vicious and vulnerable, often on the same drive. The group that finished third in the league in sacks and turnovers created also wound up 21st in yards allowed, the team’s highest ranking in that category since Chuck Noll’s final season in 1991. It’s not ideal but with one of the NFL’s most explosive offences, Pittsburgh has a little more

DAVE CAMPBELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

— THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

became the 16th different Steeler to record at least half a sack, the most since the 2005 team that won it all.

That kind of democratic production is by design. Butler and Tomlin have not shied away from tinkering with personnel and snap counts at linebacker and in the secondary, depending on the matchup. And Butler has become adept at disguising blitzes, often leading to open lanes for one of the defensive backs to create chaos.

The concept serves two purposes: it keeps backups engaged during practice while also allowing the starters (a nominal label at this point in the season) a needed breather.

“It keeps things fresh, it inspires guys,” Tomlin said. “It gives guys a reason to prepare. I like an inclusive mentality.”

So good luck getting Tomlin to divulge what kind of groupings he has in mind for the Bengals, who will almost certainly start A.J. McCarron in place of Andy Dalton, whose thumb still hasn’t healed from getting busted up while trying to tackle Pittsburgh defensive end Stephon Tuitt during Tuitt’s game — and possibly season — turning red-zone interception in a 33-20 Steelers victory on Dec. 13.

Vikings set for daunting task vs. Seahawks

— THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Torbert, in his second season as a referee and sixth year as an NFL official, did not recognize Ravens guard John Urschel signalling he was lining up as an eligible player in a Monday night game Baltimore lost 26-18 at Arizona. The Ravens were flagged for an illegal formation.

wiggle room than usual heading into Saturday’s wild-card game in Cincinnati (12-4).

“A lot of people talk about the yards we give up in the secondary, but usually when that happens we’re getting great red zone stops, we’re getting turnovers, we’re causing havoc up front with the defensive line, making teams one dimensional,” safety Will Allen said.

And doing it at opportune times.

Six of Pittsburgh’s picks came with opponents driving deep in Steelers territory, including James Harrison’s turn-back-the-clock grab in the second half last Sunday in Cleveland on a play reminiscent of his 100-yard free-for-all in the 2009 Super Bowl.

Harrison only made it six yards this time before being tackled — such are the perils of being 38 — but it halted the Browns’ last legitimate shot at an upset.

Ben Roethlisberger hit Darrius Heyward-Bey for a 66-yard gain to set up a field goal and Pittsburgh pulled away.

Harrison’s pick made him the 12th different Steeler defender to collect an interception this season. When cornerback Antwon Blake pulled down Cleveland quarterback Austin Davis in the second quarter, he

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Whether or not the Minnesota Vikings were ahead of schedule in winning this division title in coach Mike Zimmer’s second season was irrelevant. The team reveled in what has been a recently rare win at Green Bay that wrested the NFC North away from the Packers.

The accomplishment for only the third time in 15 years demanded celebration even with a daunting

opponent waiting in the playoffs. The orange sports drink came pouring out of the chilly bucket onto Zimmer’s head in the middle of Lambeau Field. The players proudly wore their black T-shirts and grey caps announcing them as division champions, posing in small groups for selfies around the hallowed stadium.

“It feels good. We’ve been trying to get this for a long time,” said cornerback Xavier Rhodes, who could actually only relate to a portion of fruitless pursuits, having only been

around for three seasons. Even for a younger guy, the wait probably felt like double that. Having only beaten the Packers once in the previous 12 matchups, the Vikings were overdue. They played like it, too, in the 20-13 victory Sunday night.

“We were gassed. We had a couple guys throw up on the sideline, they were so out of juice,” Zimmer said.

The defence was on the field for the majority of the second half during perhaps its finest performance of the season.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

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SPORTS 23

NBA

NBA

Reeling T-Wolves skip practice, meet after loss to lowly 76ers

Pistons point guard duo needs sorting out

JON KRAWCZYNSKI THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

T

he day after the Minnesota Timberwolves’ most embarrassing performance of the season, the reeling group gathered at their practice facility ready to get back to work.

Only they didn’t practice at all. Instead, interim coach Sam Mitchell brought the team together at centre court for 90 minutes of talk and soul searching, giving each player the opportunity to offer his view on what wasn’t working and what had to change going forward.

Such is life for a team that has lost seven of the last eight games and was run out of the gym in Philadelphia on Monday night by a 76ers team that had won just three times before then. “I think it was good for us, for our young guys to hear what they think of each other and what they expect from each other,� Mitchell said. “It was all positive. But everybody was just honest with each other, with the expectations of each other, what we need to give, from each other, to make our team more complete.�

The Timberwolves were one of the surprise teams in the league early in the season, getting off to an 8-8 start with victories at Atlanta, Chicago and Miami.

With Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns, Zach LaVine and Ricky Rubio forming a promising young core buttressed by Kevin Garnett, Tayshaun Prince and Andre Miller, the worst seemed to be over for a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2004.

The progress has been much harder to see lately, with lacklustre efforts against struggling opponents like the 76ers, Bucks and Nuggets and a ghastly 5-13 record at Target Center.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Shabazz Muhammad, left, goes up for a shot against Philadelphia 76er Isaiah Canaan, centre, and Carl Landry during a game on Monday in Philadelphia. [AP PHOTO]

They haven’t scored 100 points in their last eight games, have seen their once-solid defence crumble and shoot three-pointers like teams did 20 years ago. Most troubling, they have exhibited very little energy while Mitchell has lamented over and over again just how long it takes for young players to learn how to play and compete at the NBA level.

Now the Wolves have joined the Lakers, Suns and Kings — all franchises in some sort of turmoil or disrepair — on the list of teams who have lost to Philly. “I think we’ve touched the bottom now,� Rubio said. “So we’ve got to find it somehow. Maybe

because we’re young and the rookie wall is on our minds or whatever. I don’t want to say any excuses. It’s us being aggressive going out there and wanting to win.�

Throughout the season, Garnett, Prince and Miller have been the most vocal in practices and in the locker room. But Tuesday’s meeting gave the youngsters a chance to make their voices heard. “They have a lot to say,� Mitchell said. “They have feelings, they have their perspective. They have things they feel like are fair, and things that are unfair. So you give them a chance — you give anyone a chance — to say what

they’re thinking.�

Mitchell tried to focus the conversation on sacrifice, setting aside concerns about stats or playing time for what is best for the team. He told the story of how he neared the end of his playing career and voluntarily gave up his starting spot to a young Garnett, a move that he said opened doors for his post-playing career as a coach. “You can hear it in their voice.

You can see it in their face. You can tell the sincerity of it and that it’s coming from the heart,�

Mitchell said. “The hardest thing in this league is to say to another player, ‘You’ve got more talent than me. I expect more out of you.�’ Whether the session will help solve some of the issues plaguing the team remains to be seen. They host the Nuggets on Wednesday night, Kevin Love and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night and the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. “It’s probably the best practice of the year, for us,� Towns said. “Especially more like a therapeutic session, allowing us even more to come together as a team and as a family.�

Mitchell said both Kevin Martin, who has not played for the last seven games while the Wolves try to trade him, and Nikola Pekovic, who has not played this year after having off-season surgery on his Achilles, could return to the lineup on Wednesday night.

That’s a little bit of good news for a roster that sorely needs some right now. “I would say we can beat anybody but we can lose to anybody because that’s what young teams do,� Mitchell said. “Our thing for our young guys is being more consistent in our play, our focus and our concentration. And bring it to the table the best that you have every night.�

NOAH TRISTER THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — As a comfortable lead turned into a full-scale rout in the fourth quarter, Brandon Jennings was right in the middle of all the action for the Detroit Pistons.

And Reggie Jackson was enjoying the show. “We’re teammates,� Jennings said. “Everybody wants us to get to the playoffs, and that’s the main goal.�

With Jennings back from an Achilles tendon injury, the Pistons have two point guards capable of making a significant contribution. Although there’s been understandable trade speculation about Jennings, coach Stan Van Gundy says he wants both him and Jackson to contribute to a playoff push. Monday night’s 115-89 victory over Orlando — when Jackson and Jennings combined for 31 points and 13 assists — was an example of how dangerous this team could be if those two are healthy and effective.

Jennings was playing some of his best basketball last January. His 24-point, 21-assist effort against Orlando on Jan. 21 helped Detroit to its 12th win in 15 games, and the Pistons looked capable of making the post-season for the first time since 2009.

Three nights later at Milwaukee, Jennings ruptured his left Achilles tendon. His season was over, and although the Pistons later acquired Jackson in a trade with Oklahoma City, they fell well short of a playoff spot.

Jackson now has a long-term contract with Detroit, so the Pistons are obviously committed to him. Jennings is in the last year of his deal, but Van Gundy said he’d like to have him back.

The 26-year-old Jennings is still working his way back from the injury that kept him out 11 months.

He’s played four games this season, averaging only 19 minutes, and Monday was the first time he scored more than seven points.

Jennings had 17 points and six assists in the win over the Magic.

His three-pointer at the end of the third quarter put Detroit ahead 88-74, and the Pistons started the fourth with a 19-2 run.

January 4 - March 10, 2016 Schedules are subject to change without notice.

VANCOUVER ISLAND - LOWER MAINLAND NANAIMO (DEPARTURE BAY) - HORSESHOE BAY Leave Departure Bay

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Fri, Sat, Sun & Feb 8 only.

Green posts third straight triple-double THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

OAKLAND, Calif. — Draymond Green became the second Warriors player to post three straight triple-doubles, and Golden State rolled to its 35th straight regular-season home win by beating Charlotte.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson scored 30 points apiece, and Marreese Speights had a season-high 15 off the bench to help the Warriors sweep the season series from the Hornets. But the night belonged to Green, who had 13 points,

15 rebounds and 10 assists to join Tom Gola in 1959-60 as the only Warriors players to have triple-doubles in three consecutive games. The previous player in the NBA to do it was Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook, who had a four-game streak last season. Kemba Walker and Jeremy Lamb each scored 22 points for the Hornets. Charlotte has lost a season-high four straight.

SPURS 123, BUCKS 98 Kawhi Leonard scored 10 of his 24 points in the decisive third quarter and San Antonio beat

Milwaukee for its fifth straight victory.

The Spurs improved to 30-6 and joined defending champion Golden State as the only teams to reach 30 wins already this season. Rookie swingman Jonathon Simmons scored a careerhigh 18 for the Spurs, who set a season high for points two days after posting 121 against Houston. LaMarcus Aldridge had 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Tim Duncan finished with 14 points and 10 boards for the Spurs, one game after going scoreless for the first time in

his 19-year career. San Antonio played without starting point guard Tony Parker due to right hip soreness, but still won its 27th game in the last 31.

NANAIMO (DUKE POINT) - TSAWWASSEN Leave Duke Point

Leave Tsawwassen 3:15 pm 5:45 pm 8:15 pm 10:45 pm

„5:15 am ™7:45 am 10:15 am 12:45 pm

Except Sat.

™ Except Sun.

3:15 pm 5:45 pm 8:15 pm 10:45 pm

„ Except Sat & Sun.

SWARTZ BAY - TSAWWASSEN Leave Swartz Bay

76ERS 109, TIMBERWOLVES 99 Ish Smith had 21 points and 11 assists, and Richaun Holmes scored 17 to lead Philadelphia over Minnesota. Still the worst team in the NBA at 4-33, the 76ers have won three of six games and have a new confidence since they hired Jerry Colangelo as chairman of basketball operations last month.

„5:15 am ™7:45 am 10:15 am 12:45 pm

7:00 am 9:00 am 11:00 am 712:00 pm 1:00 pm 3:00 pm

Leave Tsawwassen z4:00 pm 5:00 pm 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

7:00 am 9:00 am a10:00 am 11:00 am 1:00 pm z2:00 pm

3:00 pm 5:00 pm z6:00 pm 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

z Fri, Sun & Feb 8 only, except Jan 8, 10 & Feb 7.

7 Fri, Sun & Feb 8 only, except Jan 8, 10, 15 & Feb 7. a Jan 17, 22, 24, 29 & 31 only.

For schedule and fare information or reservations: 1 888 223 3779 • bcferries.com

www.nanaimodailynews.com

24 SPORTS

NHL

HOCKEY

EASTERN CONFERENCE

PANTHERS 5, SABRES 1

ATLANTIC DIVISION

First Period 1. Florida, Jagr 14 (Huberdeau) 9:45.

Penalties — Howden Fla (hooking) 3:47.

Second Period %XIIDOR 2¡5HLOO\ (LFKHO 0F*LQQ

2:44 (pp).

3. Florida, Mackenzie 4 (Knight, Petrovic) 8:54.

Penalties — Bjugstad Fla (hooking) 2:10; Jagr Fla (tripping) 3:35; Howden Fla (tripping) 12:44; Kane Buf, Kulikov Fla (roughing) 19:29.

Third Period 4. Florida, Knight 2 (Howden, Kulikov) 5:35.

5. Florida, Huberdeau 5 (Barkov) 16:06.

6. Florida, Pirri 9 (unassisted) 18:39 (en).

7. Florida, Pirri 9 (Mitchell) 18:39 (en).

Penalties — McCabe Buf (tripping) 14:53; Kulikov Fla (holding) 15:21.

Shots on goal Florida 10 8 9 —27 Buffalo 12 12 8 —32 Goal — Florida: Luongo (W, 18-11-3); Buffalo: Ullmark (L, 5-10-2).

Power plays (goal-chances) — Florida: 0-1; Buffalo: 1-5.

Attendance — 18,560 at Buffalo.

Florida Detroit Montreal

GP 40 40 41

W L OL SL GF GA 24 12 3 1 111 86 20 13 5 2 101 106 22 16 2 1 119 103

Pts Home Away Last 10 Strk 52 13-6-2-0 11-6-1-1 10-0-0-0 W-10 47 11-8-3-1 9-5-2-1 4-5-0-1 W-2 47 11-6-2-0 11-10-0-1 2-8-0-0 L-1

METROPOLITAN DIVISION Washington NY Islanders NY Rangers

GP 39 40 40

W L OL SL GF GA 29 7 2 1 124 85 22 13 3 2 113 99 22 14 2 2 118 105

Pts Home 61 15-3-1-0 49 13-6-2-0 48 15-5-1-0

Away 14-4-1-1 9-7-1-2 7-9-1-2

Last 10 Strk 8-1-0-1 W-1 5-5-0-0 W-1 4-5-1-0 W-1

GP 40 38 40 39 40 38 40 37 40 41

W 20 20 19 19 19 16 16 15 15 15

Pts 45 44 44 43 42 39 39 37 34 33

Away 11-6-0-2 11-3-1-1 9-10-1-1 9-8-1-0 9-9-1-1 7-10-2-1 8-9-3-0 8-9-0-2 7-8-0-2 8-14-0-0

Last 10 Strk 5-4-0-1 L-1 4-5-1-0 L-2 4-5-0-1 W-1 4-4-1-1 L-1 5-4-0-1 L-1 5-4-0-1 W-1 4-3-3-0 L-2 6-2-2-0 W-2 3-6-0-1 L-5 4-6-0-0 L-1

WILD CARD New Jersey Boston Ottawa Pittsburgh Tampa Bay Philadelphia Carolina Toronto Buffalo Columbus

L OL SL GF GA 15 1 4 93 95 14 3 1 118 105 15 2 4 114 120 15 2 3 93 96 17 1 3 101 98 15 4 3 83 105 17 6 1 92 111 15 3 4 99 103 21 1 3 92 110 23 2 1 105 131

Home 9-9-1-2 9-11-2-0 10-5-1-3 10-7-1-3 10-8-0-2 9-5-2-2 8-8-3-1 7-6-3-2 8-13-1-1 7-9-2-1

WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION Dallas Chicago St. Louis

GP 42 41 42

W L OL SL GF GA 28 10 2 2 146 113 24 13 4 0 114 99 23 14 4 1 103 103

Pts Home 60 16-4-0-0 52 15-5-1-0 51 13-7-3-0

Away 12-6-2-2 9-8-3-0 10-7-1-1

Last 10 Strk 5-3-1-1 L-3 7-3-0-0 W-4 5-4-1-0 L-3

GP 39 39 39

W L OL SL GF GA 25 12 1 1 105 87 19 16 3 1 110 124 19 18 1 1 104 122

Pts Home 52 12-6-0-0 42 10-6-2-0 40 13-7-0-0

Away 13-6-1-1 9-10-1-1 6-11-1-1

Last 10 Strk 6-4-0-0 L-1 5-2-2-1 W-1 6-4-0-0 W-2

GP 39 40 40 40 38 40 37 41

W 21 19 19 19 16 15 18 17

Pts 49 45 41 40 39 39 38 37

Away 7-6-5-1 7-8-4-0 12-9-0-0 8-14-0-1 6-10-2-1 8-8-4-2 13-6-2-0 5-14-2-0

Last 10 Strk 5-4-0-1 W-1 4-4-2-0 L-1 6-2-2-0 W-1 5-5-0-0 W-1 5-3-1-1 W-1 4-5-0-1 L-1 4-4-2-0 L-1 3-6-1-0 W-2

PACIFIC DIVISION Los Angeles Arizona Calgary

WILD CARD Minnesota Nashville Colorado Winnipeg Anaheim Vancouver San Jose Edmonton

@NanaimoDaily

L OL SL GF GA 11 6 1 105 92 14 6 1 104 106 18 3 0 113 111 19 1 1 108 115 15 5 2 73 90 16 7 2 97 113 17 2 0 101 106 21 3 0 102 122

Home 14-5-1-0 12-6-2-1 7-9-3-0 11-5-1-0 10-5-3-1 7-8-3-0 5-11-0-0 12-7-1-0

Note: winning team is credited with 2 points and a victory in the W column; a team losing in overtime or shootout receives 1 point in the respective OTL or SOL column.

7XHVGD\¡V UHVXOWV Florida 5 Buffalo 1 Winnipeg 4 Nashville 1 Calgary 3 Tampa Bay 1 Minnesota 4 Columbus 2 NY Rangers 6 Dallas 3 Chicago 3 Pittsburgh 2 (OT) Washington 3 Boston 2 Philadelphia 4 Montreal 3 0RQGD\¡V UHVXOWV Arizona 3 Vancouver 2 Edmonton 1 Carolina 0 (OT) Ottawa 3 St. Louis 2 (OT) Colorado 4 Los Angeles 1 Detroit 1 New Jersey 0

:HGQHVGD\¡V JDPHV New Jersey at Montreal, 7 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Carolina at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

Toronto at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

St. Louis at Colorado, 10 p.m.

7KXUVGD\¡V JDPHV Washington at NY Islanders, 7 p.m.

Florida at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m.

Philadelphia at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Winnipeg at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Arizona at Calgary, 9 p.m.

Toronto at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

Detroit at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

JETS 4, PREDATORS 1

FLAMES 3, LIGHTNING 1

First Period 1. Wpg, Stafford 13 (Myers) 10:43 (pp).

Penalties — Myers Wpg (slashing) 1:01; Salomaki Nash (trip) 9:36; Perreault Wpg (trip) 15:56; Ribeiro Nash (hold) 19:46.

Second Period 2. Winnipeg, Stafford 14 (Enstrom, Scheifele) 8:42 (pp).

Penalties — Enstrom Wpg (interference) 2:11; Arvidsson Nash (tripping) 7:51.

Third Period 3. Winnipeg, Chiarot 1 (unassisted) 5:05.

4. Nashville, Wilson 4 (Josi) 13:23.

5. Wpg, Burmistrov 4 (Ladd, Myers) 19:30 (en).

Penalty— Thorburn Wpg (hooking) 6:43.

Shots on goal Winnipeg 4 6 8 —18 Nashville 17 12 16 —45 Goal — Wpg: Hellebuyck (W, 9-4-0); Nash: Rinne (L, 16-12-6). Power plays (goal-chances) — Wpg: 2-3; Nash: 0-4.

Attendance — 17,113 at Nashville.

First Period 1. Cal, Stajan 4 (Giordano, Brodie) 3:56.

Penalties — None.

Second Period 2. Calgary, Jones 8 (Giordano) 15:30.

Penalties — None.

Third Period 3. TB, Stamkos 17 (Stralman, Filppula) 18:21.

4. Calgary, Bouma 1 (Wideman, Russell) 19:02 (en).

Penalties — Paquette TB (tripping) 1:14.

Shots on goal Tampa Bay 8 14 9 —31 Calgary 13 7 4 —24 Goal — Tampa Bay: Bishop (L, 15-13-3); Cal: Ramo (W, 15-12-1). Power plays (goal-chances) — TB: 0-0; Calgary: 0-1.

Attendance — 18,966 at Calgary.

HAWKS 3, PENGUINS 2 (OT) )LUVW 3HULRG Âł No Scoring.

Penalty — Letang Pgh (hooking) 15:25.

Second Period 1. Chi, Panarin 12 (Kane, Keith) 8:47.

2. Chi, Toews 14 (Seabrook, Shaw) 18:46.

Penalties — Seabrook Chi (holding) 11:14; Letang Pgh (boarding) 11:52.

Third Period 3. Pitt, Crosby 12 (Perron, Letang) 5:54.

4. Pittsburgh, Letang 4 (Crosby) 17:10.

Penalties — None.

Overtime 5. Chicago, Panarin 13 (Kane) 3:47.

Penalties — None.

Shots on goal Chicago 7 9 9 5 —30 Pittsburgh 7 14 10 5 —6 Goal — Chicago: Crawford (W, 21-10-2); Pitt: Fleury (LO, 14-10-3). Power plays (goal-chances) — Chi: 0-2; Pitt: 0-1.

Attendance — 18,658 at Pittsburgh.

G 23 24 23 9 23 16 10 17 20 17 18 13 5 13 19 14 14 12 21 16 16 11

Tuesday's games not included

A 34 28 27 33 18 25 30 22 18 21 19 24 32 23 16 21 21 23 13 18 18 23

First Period 1. NYR, Stepan 7 (Nash, Megna) 1:56.

2. Dallas, Klingberg 6 (Spezza, Goligoski) 13:50.

3. NY Rangers, Yandle 2, 14:08.

Penalties — Oduya Dal (hooking) 2:19; Ja. Benn Dal (tripping) 5:16.

Second Period 4. NYR, Brassard 14 (Miller) 17:23.

Penalties — Brassard NYR (high-sticking) 3:57; Boyle NYR (delay of game) 11:39; Spezza Dal (holding) 18:51.

Third Period 5. NYR, Stepan 8 (Nash, Girardi) 4:55 (sh).

6. NY Rangers, Stalberg 5 (Lindberg, Klein) 7:50.

7. Dal, Roussel 7 (Spezza, Jo.Benn) 8:40.

8. NYR, Megna 1 (Nash, Klein) 13:38.

Penalties — Moore NYR (tripping) 4:12.

Shots on goal Dallas 6 8 10 —24 NY Rangers 14 6 9 —29 Goal — Dallas: Niemi (L, 16-7-4); NY Rangers: Lundqvist (W, 18-11-3).

Power plays (goal-chances) — Dallas: 0-3; NY Rangers: 0-3.

Attendance — 18,560 at NY Rangers.

WILD 4, BLUE JACKETS 2

SCORING LEADERS Kane, Chi Benn, Dal Seguin, Dal Karlsson, Ott Tarasenko, StL Hall, Edm Wheeler, Win Gaudreau, Cal Pavelski, SJ D. Sedin, Vcr Malkin, Pgh Steen, StL Klingberg, Dal Ryan, Ott Hoffman, Ott Cammalleri, NJ Bergeron, Bos Kuznetsov, Wash Ovechkin, Wash Burns, SJ Sharp, Dal Backstrom, Wash

RANGERS 6, STARS 2

Pt 57 52 50 42 41 41 40 39 38 38 37 37 37 36 35 35 35 35 34 34 34 34

First Period 1. Min, Parise 12 (Granlund, Suter) 17:22.

Penalty — Campbell Clb (hooking) 4:42.

Second Period 2. Col, Atkinson 12 (Hartnell, Goloubef) 3:08.

3. Min, Parise 13 (Granlund, Suter) 12:43.

Penalties — Fontaine Minn (highsticking) 11:33; Savard Clb (hook) 11:50.

Third Period 4. Minnesota, Parise 14, 19:03 (en).

5. Columbus, Jenner 15 (Wennberg, Johansen) 19:44.

6. Minnesota, Granlund 4, 19:46 (en).

Penalties — Foligno Clb, Dubnyk Minn (roughing) 11:16.

Shots on goal Minnesota 10 13 10 —33 Columbus 9 11 11 —31 Goal — Minnesota: Dubnyk (W, 17-113); Columbus: Forsberg (L, 1-1-0).

Power plays (goal-chances) — Minnesota: 0-2; Columbus: 0-1.

Attendance — 12,411 at Columbus.

FLYERS 4, CANADIENS 3 First Period 1. Phila, B. Schenn 9 (Couturier) 5:06.

2. Montreal, Galchenyuk 10 (Barberio, Carr) 14:14.

Penalties — Schultz Pha (hooking) 6:49; Petry Mtl (holding) 19:39.

Second Period 3. Philadelphia, Gostisbehere 7 (Umberger, Laughton) 3:20.

4. Philadelphia, Simmonds 10 (Gostisbehere, B. Schenn) 8:12 (pp).

5. Montreal, Gallagher 11 (Emelin, Pacioretty) 17:03.

Penalties — Subban Mtl (hooking) 6:26; White Pha (interference) 13:29; White Pha (boarding) 19:03.

Third Period 6. Philadelphia, Couturier 7 (Schultz, B.Schenn) 5:41.

7. Montreal, Carr 5 (Eller, Fleischmann) 19:05.

Penalties — Emelin Mtl (cross-checking) 2:29; Couturier Pha (high-sticking) 16:41.

Shots on goal Montreal 4 9 9 —22 Philadelphia 12 10 9 —31 Goal — Mtl: Scrivens (L, 0-2-0); Philadelphia: Neuvirth (W, 9-5-2).

Power plays (goal-chances) — Mtl: 0-4; Phila: 1-3.

Attendance — 19,163 at Philadelphia.

FOOTBALL

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

TENNIS

NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE

WHL

NFL PLAYOFFS

ATP

EASTERN CONFERENCE

WILD-CARD

QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN

EAST DIVISION

Saturday's games

At Doha, Qatar 6LQJOHV Âł )LUVW 5RXQG Rafael Nadal (2), Spain, def. Pablo Carreno Busta, Spain, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-1.

Tomas Berdych (3), Czech Rep., def.

Sergiy Stakhovsky, Ukraine, 7-5, 6-4.

Illya Marchenko, Ukraine, def. David Ferrer (4), Spain, 6-7 (8), 6-3, 6-2.

Ricardas Berankis, Lithuania, def.

Andreas Seppi (6), Italy, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.

Leonardo Mayer (8), Argentina, def.

Benjamin Becker, Germany, 6-1, 6-2.

Teymuraz Gabashvili, Russia, def.

Simone Bolelli, Italy, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.

Pablo Andujar, Spain, def. Paolo Lorenzi, Italy, 6-4, 0-6, 6-4.

Paul-Henri Mathieu, Fra., def. Albert Ramos-Vinolas, Spain, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7).

Fernando Verdasco, Spain, def. Malek Jaziri, Tunisia, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4).

Brandon Prince Albert Moose Jaw Regina Saskatoon Swift Current

GP W 40 24 40 23 40 20 40 17 38 15 39 12

L OL 12 2 13 3 15 4 17 3 20 3 22 4

SL 2 1 1 3 0 1

GF GA 150 122 133 125 139 130 125 144 121 157 91 126

Pt 52 50 45 40 33 29

SL 0 0 1 0 1 0

GF GA 166 120 153 118 140 129 112 132 127 152 82 172

Pt 54 54 52 36 32 17

CENTRAL DIVISION GP W Lethbridge 39 27 Red Deer 40 27 Calgary 42 25 Edmonton 40 16 Medicine Hat 39 14 Kootenay 41 7

L OL 12 0 13 0 15 1 20 4 21 3 31 3

WESTERN CONFERENCE B.C. DIVISION GP W Kelowna 40 28 Victoria 41 23 Prince George 39 23 Kamloops 37 18 Vancouver 40 15

L OL 10 2 14 1 14 1 14 4 20 3

SL 0 3 1 1 2

GF GA 145 113 136 105 133 115 129 114 118 139

Pt 58 50 48 41 35

L OL 12 0 14 3 15 3 17 1 20 2

SL 2 0 2 0 0

GF GA 100 79 118 111 129 132 134 124 124 146

Pt 46 43 43 41 36

U.S. DIVISION Everett Seattle Spokane Portland Tri-City

GP W 36 22 37 20 39 19 38 20 39 17

Note: Division leaders ranked in top 2 positions per conference regardless of points; a team winning in overtime or shootout gets 2 pts. & a victory in the W column; team losing in overtime or shootout gets 1 pt. in OTL or SOL columns 7XHVGD\¡V UHVXOWV Red Deer 4 Prince Albert 3 Moose Jaw 4 Medicine Hat 2 Tri-City 4 Victoria 3 (SO) :HGQHVGD\¡V JDPHV All times Local Red Deer at Saskatoon, 6:05 p.m.

Vancouver at Edmonton, 7 p.m.

Swift Current at Lethbridge, 7 p.m.

Prince George at Kamloops, 8 p.m.

Tri-City at Victoria, 8:05 p.m.

Friday's games Medicine Hat at Saskatoon, 6:05 p.m.

Prince Albert at Brandon, 6:30 p.m.

Vancouver at Calgary, 7 p.m.

Regina at Kootenay, 7 p.m.

Lethbridge at Red Deer, 7 p.m.

Tri-City at Kamloops, 8 p.m.

Victoria at Prince George, 8 p.m.

Everett at Kelowna, 8:05 p.m.

Portland at Seattle, 8:35 p.m.

BCHL INTERIOR DIVISION Penticton Salmon Arm West Kelowna Trail Vernon Merritt

GP W 38 33 36 22 39 23 38 18 40 16 39 13

L 4 10 14 20 21 23

T OL GF GA Pt 1 0 162 77 67 2 2 148 105 48 0 2 152 134 48 0 0 116 147 36 0 3 161 137 35 0 3 134 169 29

L 14 14 14 20 21

T OL GF GA Pt 0 1 161 131 51 0 2 137 104 46 2 3 132 159 43 0 4 102 112 32 2 2 99 146 30

ISLAND DIVISION GP W Nanaimo 40 25 Powell River 38 22 Cowichan Vally 38 19 Victoria 38 14 Alberni Valley 38 13

MAINLAND DIVISION Chilliwack Wenatchee Langley Coquitlam Prince George Surrey

GP W 37 24 38 23 37 22 38 16 39 9 37 5

L 8 10 14 17 28 31

T OL GF GA Pt 1 4 146 89 53 3 2 130 89 51 1 0 145 111 45 1 4 125 150 37 0 2 88 175 20 1 0 88 191 11

:HGQHVGD\¡V JDPHV All times Local Langley at Chilliwack, 7 p.m.

Merritt at Coquitlam, 7 p.m.

Alberni Valley at Nanaimo, 7 p.m.

Friday's games Cowichan Valley at Alberni Valley, 7 p.m.

Trail at Coquitlam, 7 p.m.

Prince George at Surrey, 7 p.m.

Penticton at Vernon, 7 p.m.

Powell River at Victoria, 7 p.m.

Merritt at West Kelowna, 7 p.m.

Salmon Arm at Wenatchee, 7:05 p.m.

Saturday's games Powell River at Nanaimo, 6 p.m.

Salmon Arm at Penticton, 6 p.m.

Trail at Chilliwack, 7 p.m.

Prince George at Coquitlam, 7 p.m.

Langley at Cowichan Valley, 7 p.m.

Vernon at Merritt, 8 p.m.

AMERICAN CONFERENCE Kansas City (11-5) at Houston (9-7) Pittsburgh (10-6) at Cincinnati (12-4) Sunday, Jan. 10

NATIONAL CONFERENCE Seattle (10-6) at Minnesota (11-6) Green Bay (10-6) at Washington (9-7)

DIVISIONAL AMERICAN CONFERENCE Pittsburgh, Kansas City or Houston at Denver (12-4) Cincinnati, Houston or Kansas City at New England (12-4)

NATIONAL CONFERENCE Seattle, Green Bay or Washington at Carolina (15-1) Minnesota, Washington or Green Bay at Arizona (13-3)

NCAA BOWLS Monday, Jan. 11

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME At Glendale, Ariz.

Clemson (14-0) vs. Alabama (13-1), 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 23

EAST-WEST SHRINE CLASSIC At St. Petersburg, Fla. East vs. West, 4 p.m.

NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL At Carson, Calif.

National vs. American, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 30

SENIOR BOWL At Mobile, Ala. North vs. South, 2:30 p.m.

MOVES BASEBALL AMERICAN LEAGUE HOUSTON — Named Dave Borkowski pitching coach at Corpus Christi TL), Ramon Vazquez manager, Lancaster (Cal), Omar Lopez manager & Chris Holt pitching coach, Quad Cities (MW), Josh Bonifay manager, Greeneville (SALLY), :ODGLPLU 6XWLO FRDFK /DWLQ LQÀHOG LQVWUXFtor (Gulf) & Russ Steinhorn manager, (DSL). Named Drew French pitching coach & Dillon Lawson hitting coach at Tri-City (NYP), Bill Murphy pitching coach at Greeneville, Aaron DelGiudice development coach at Fresno (PCL) & Lancaster (Cal), & Tommy Kawamura development coach at Corpus Christi (TL) & Quad Cities (MW).

OAKLAND — Traded RHP Arnold Leon to Toronto for cash or player to be named.

TEXAS — Signed LHP Cesar Ramos to a minor league contract.

FOOTBALL CFL WINNIPEG—Re-signed QB Matt Nichols.

NFL ARIZONA — Signed Cs Taylor Boggs and Valerian Ume-Ezeoke, LB Mike Reilly & S Tyrequek Zimmerman to reserve/future contracts.

CINCINNATI — Signed LB Jayson DiManche to practice squad & PK Zach Hocker, LB Dezmond Johnson & S Floyd Raven Sr. to reserve/future contracts.

GREEN BAY — Signed DT William Campbell to the practice squad. Placed DE B.J. McBryde on the practice squad injured list. Signed QB Ryan Williams to reserve/future contracts.

HOUSTON — Signed OT Andrew McDonald from San Diego practice squad. Placed OT Duane Brown on injured reserve.

JACKSONVILLE — Fired defensive coordinator Bob Babich.

OAKLAND — Signed QB Garrett Gilbert and K Giorgio Tavecchio to reserved/ future contracts.

TAMPA BAY — Signed Cs Josh Allen and Ben Gottschalk, WR Andre Davis, G Antoine Everett, S Gerod Holliman, DE Martin Ifedi, DT Derrick Lott and CBs C.J. Roberts and Joel Ross to reserve/ future contracts.

HOCKEY NHL COLORADO AVALANCHE — Claimed D Andrew Bodnarchuk off waivers from Columbus.

AIRCEL CHENNAI OPEN At Chennai, India 6LQJOHV Âł )LUVW 5RXQG Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (5), Spain, def. Taro Daniel, Japan, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Gilles Muller (6), Luxem., def. Karen Khachanov, Russia, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (4), 6-2.

Aljaz Bedene, Britain, def. Vasek Pospisil (7), Vernon, B.C., 7-5, 7-6 (6).

Lukas Rosol, Czech Republic, def.

Santiago Giraldo, Colombia, 6-3, 6-4.

Ramkumar Ramanathan, India, def.

Daniel Gimeno-Traver, Spain, 6-2, 6-0.

Luca Vanni, Italy, def. Jan-Lennard Struff, Germany, 6-4, 7-6 (5).

Thomas Fabbiano, Italy, def. Jozef Kovalik, Slovakia, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Austin Krajicek, U.S., def. Rajeev Ram, U.S., 6-7 (0), 6-4, 6-4.

Andrey Rublev, Russia, def. Somdev Devvarman, India, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

WTA ASB CLASSIC At Auckland, New Zealand 6LQJOHV Âł )LUVW 5RXQG Daria Kasatkina, Russia, def. Venus Williams (1), U.S., 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-3.

Naomi Broady, Britain, def. Ana Ivanovic (2), Serbia, 7-5, 6-4.

Caroline Wozniacki (3), Denmark, def.

Danka Kovinic, Montenegro, 6-4, 6-4.

Barbora Strycova (7), Czech Republic, def. Kiki Bertens, Netherlands, 6-2, 6-4.

Kirsten Flipkens, Belg., def. Bethanie Mattek-Sands, U.S., 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Marina Erakovic, New Zealand, def.

Yulia Putintseva, Kazak., 7-6 (2), 7-6 (3).

Tamira Paszek, Austria, def. Francesca Schiavone, Italy, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-3.

Julia Goerges, Germany, def. Lucie Hradecka, Czech Republic, 6-0, 6-3.

Christina McHale, U.S., def. Misaki Doi, Japan, 6-2, 6-4.

SHENZHEN OPEN At Shenzhen, China 6LQJOHV Âł )LUVW 5RXQG Agnieszka Radwanska (1), Poland, def. Aleksandra Krunic, Serbia, 6-4, 6-3.

Zheng Saisai, China, def. Petra Kvitova (2), Czech Republic, 6-2, retired.

Wang Qiang, China, def. Johanna Konta (5), Britain, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Eugenie Bouchard (6), Westmount, Que., def. Donna Vekic, Cro., 6-4, 1-6, 7-5.

Anett Kontaveit, Estonia, def. Yaroslava Shvedova, Kazak., 6-4, 7-6 (5).

Nicole Gibbs, U.S., def. Tereza Smitkova, Czech Republic, 6-0, 6-2.

Zhang Shuai, China, def. Irina Khromacheva, Russia, 6-3, 6-3.

Vania King, U.S., def. Stefanie Voegele, Switzerland, 7-5, 6-4.

ATP-WTA BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL At Brisbane, Australia 0HQ V 6LQJOHV Âł )LUVW 5RXQG 'DYLG *RIĂ€Q %HOJLXP GHI Thomaz Bellucci, Brazil, 6-4, 6-4.

Bernard Tomic (7), Australia, def.

Nicolas Mahut, France, 6-4, 6-3.

Dominic Thiem (8), Austria, def.

James Duckworth, Austral., 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Viktor Troicki, Serbia, def. Steve Johnson, U.S., 7-6 (3), 6-1.

Ivan Dodig, Croatia, def. Oliver Anderson, Australia, 6-3, 6-2.

Radek Stepanek, Czech Republic, def. Dusan Lajovic, Serbia, 6-0, 6-3.

Lucas Pouille, France, def. Yoshihito Nishioka, Japan, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. :RPHQ V 6LQJOHV Âł 6HFRQG 5RXQG Carla Suarez Navarro (6), Spain, def.

Sam Stosur, Australia, 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-4.

Roberta Vinci (8), Italy, def. Dominika Cibulkova, Slovakia, 6-1, 6-1.

Cleveland Chicago Miami Atlanta Toronto Indiana Boston Detroit Orlando Charlotte New York Washington Milwaukee Brooklyn Philadelphia

W

L

Pct

GB

23 21 21 21 21 19 19 19 19 17 17 15 14 10 4

9 12 13 15 15 15 15 16 16 17 19 17 23 24 33

.719 .636 .618 .583 .583 .559 .559 .543 .543 .500 .472 .469 .378 .294 .108

— 21/2 3 4 4 5 5 51/2 51/2 7 8 8 111/2 14 211/2

WESTERN CONFERENCE Golden State San Antonio Oklahoma City L.A. Clippers Dallas Memphis Houston Utah Portland Sacramento Denver Minnesota New Orleans Phoenix L.A. Lakers

W

L

Pct

GB

32 30 24 22 20 19 17 15 15 14 12 12 11 12 8

2 6 11 13 15 17 19 18 22 21 23 23 22 25 27

.941 .833 .686 .629 .571 .528 .472 .455 .405 .400 .343 .343 .333 .324 .229

— 3 81/2 1 10 /2 121/2 14 16 161/2 181/2 181/2 201/2 201/2 201/2 211/2 241/2

7XHVGD\¡V UHVXOWV Chicago 117 Milwaukee 106 New York 107 Atlanta 101 Dallas 117 Sacramento 116 (2OT) Golden State at L.A. Lakers 0RQGD\¡V UHVXOWV Cleveland 122 Toronto 100 Philadelphia 109 Minnesota 99 Miami 103 Indiana 100 (OT) Boston 103 Brooklyn 94 Detroit 115 Orlando 89 San Antonio 123 Milwaukee 98 Sacramento 116 Oklahoma City 104 Houston 93 Utah 91 Memphis 91 Portland 78 Golden State 111 Charlotte 101 :HGQHVGD\¡V JDPHV New York at Miami, 7 p.m.

Indiana at Orlando, 7 p.m.

Cleveland at Washington, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.

Detroit at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

Denver at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Dallas at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Utah at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.

Charlotte at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Memphis at Oklahoma City, 9:30 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Portland, 10 p.m.

7KXUVGD\¡V JDPHV Atlanta at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Boston at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Utah at Houston, 8 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Sacramento, 10:30 p.m.

LACROSSE NLL EAST DIVISION Toronto New England Rochester Buffalo Georgia

GP 0 0 0 0 1

W 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0 1

Pct. GF GA GB .000 0 0 — .000 0 0 — .000 0 0 — .000 0 0 — .000 15 16 1/2

W 1 1 0 0

L Pct. GF GA GB 0 1.000 16 15 — 0 1.000 10 8 — 0 .000 0 0 1/2 1 .000 8 10 1

WEST DIVISION GP Colorado 1 Saskatchewan 1 Vancouver 0 Calgary 1

Saturday's games Toronto at Georgia, 7:05 p.m.

Calgary at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.

Colorado at Rochester, 7:30 p.m.

New England at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 14 Rochester at Toronto, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 15 Calgary at New England, 7 p.m.

Vancouver at Saskatchewan, 8:30 p.m.

SOCCER ENGLAND LEAGUE CUP 6HPLĂ€QDOV Âł )LUVW /HJ Stoke 0 Liverpool 1

ITALY SERIE A Genoa 2 Sampdoria 3

NHL

Brayden Schenn posts two points in 4-3 win over Habs AARON BRACY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Flyers got back to how they were playing before leaving home.

Brayden Schenn had a goal and two assists to help the Flyers snap a three-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night.

Wayne Simmonds, Shayne Gostisbehere and Sean Couturier also scored for Philadelphia, which lost all

three on a California road trip that followed a five-day Christmas break. “We had a tough West Coast trip, we didn’t really play our hockey, but we got back to it tonight,� Gostisbehere said.

Gostisbehere and Couturier also had assists for Philadelphia, which had won eight of 12 games before heading west. “I think we had a little bit of fire in our belly tonight,� Philadelphia’s Ryan White said. “It was a tough trip,

we didn’t get any points and we need to start cleaning them up here at home.�

Brendan Gallagher, Daniel Carr and Alex Galchenyuk scoreds for the Canadiens, who capped an eightgame road stretch 2-6. Montreal will return home on Wednesday night to host New Jersey for the Canadiens’ first game at the Bell Centre since Dec. 17. Montreal has lost 12 of 15 overall. “Emotionally we were not there,�

Canadiens coach Michel Therrien said. “We just have to be better.�

Gallagher scored in his second straight game after missing more than a month due to two broken fingers on his left hand. He had a goal and an assist in Montreal’s 5-1 win over Boston on Friday in the Winter Classic in his first game back. “We made too many mistakes and they made us pay,� Gallagher said.

Ben Scrivens made 27 saves in his second start for the Canadiens after

being acquired from Edmonton on Dec. 28. Montreal remains without reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner Carey Price (lower body), who last played Nov. 25.

Price is expected to return later this month.

Flyers backup Michal Neuvirth stopped 21 shots, improving to 9-5-2, while filling in for Steve Mason.

Couturier’s seventh tally of the season 5:41 into the third period gave the Flyers a 4-2 lead.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016 GARFIELD

@NanaimoDaily

DIVERSIONS 25

CROSSWORD NO ROOM ACROSS 1 WWII surrender celebration 6 Mosque leader 10 Few 14 Author Jong 15 City near Carson City 16 Campus courtyard 17 Blacksmith’s iron block 18 Prefix for social 19 Commando weapons 20 Inquiry with an unjustified assumption 23 Feel bad about 24 Ado 25 In the matter of 28 AFL’s union partner 31 Santa costume part 35 Blueprint detail 36 Prophet 39 Armed conflict 40 Prepared for a trip 43 How Germans say “I” 44 Doctrines 45 __ and crafts 46 Jai alai basket 48 Collector’s goal 49 Herbal brews 50 Bad habit 53 List-ending abbr.

55 Captain’s acceleration order 62 Civil rights activist Parks 63 Opinion survey 64 Coffeehouse order 65 Covered-wagon beasts 66 Line of rotation 67 Pop singer __ John 68 Polar explorer Richard 69 Market covered by CNBC 70 Was snoozing

FOR BETTER OR WORSE

ANDY CAPP

ZITS

DOWN 1 Cutlet meat 2 Inventor Rubik 3 Prima donna 4 Woodstock-era music 5 Conn. school 6 Baghdad’s land 7 List of entrées 8 Starts a poker hand

PREVIOUS PUZZLE SOLVED

9 Damp 10 Knight trainee 11 Greek liqueur 12 Most important 13 Newspaper execs.

21 Solve, as a secret message 22 Lama land 25 Jellied garnish 26 Place to park 27 Computer troubleshooters 29 6 Down neighbor 30 Watering holes 32 Cognizant

33 Dreadlocks wearer 34 Wedding gown, for one 37 Adorable 38 On the roster 41 Online sales, for short 42 Miscellaneous 47 Cable channel airing vintage sitcoms 51 Cable channel airing the Senate 52 Strong adhesive 54 Folk stories 55 Cunning 56 Web surfer 57 Students at 5 Down 58 Besides that 59 Suffix for luncheon 60 At the summit of 61 Food-can damage 62 Steal from

HI AND LOIS

HAGAR

» EVENTS // EMAIL: EVENTS@NANAIMODAILYNEWS.COM WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6

wood Brew Pub, 5775 Turner Rd., Nanaimo.

7 p.m. Open Mic Acoustic night with Dave Marco, every Wednesday at Smoke‘n’Water Restaurant, Pacific Shores Resort, 1-1600 Stroulger Rd., Parksville

FRIDAY, JAN. 8

pancake breakfast and live music. .

240 Lions Way, Qualicum Beach.

7 p.m. Nanaimo Newcomers Club for women. St. Andrews Church hall, 4235 Departure Bay Rd.

SATURDAY, JAN. 9

8:30-11:30 p.m. Nico Rhodes Trio at Vault Coffee House 499 Wallace St. Tickets $15, students $10.

7 p.m. Myc Sharratt, Ali Prince Live At Long-

Lane, Nanaimo. Tickets $20 in advance from the artists, The Dinghy Dock Pub, or at ticketzone.com.

THURSDAY, JAN. 14

SATURDAY, JAN. 16

7 p.m. Laryssa Campbell and more Live At Longwood A free live concert series every Thursday at Longwood Brew Pub 5775 Turner Rd., Nanaimo

7 p.m. JP Maurice, Towers and trees West Coast: album release tour At the Queen’s, 34 Victoria cres., Nanaimo. Tickets $12.

TUESDAY, JAN. 12 8-11 p.m. Elvis Birthday Tribute Show. Cover $10. Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #10, 129 Harewood Rd., Nanaimo.

THURSDAY, JAN. 7 6:30 p.m. Parksville Newcomers’monthly meeting in the Parksville Community Centre, 132 Jensen St., Parksville

Marco, every Wednesday at Smoke‘n’Water Restaurant, Pacific Shores Resort, 1-1600 Stroulger Rd., Parksville.

7 p.m. Nanaimo Clippers vs Powell River Kings.

Tickets $5-20, at Clippers office, 1-2290 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo. Game is at Frank Crane Arena.

7-9 p.m. Country Idol at the Queen’s. The annual talent search runs Tuesdays through January, with a final show Feb.10. Singers 15 and up complete for $500 and a vocal appearance with George Canyon Feb. 10.

SUNDAY, JAN. 10 WEDNESDAY, JAN. 13 8 a.m. to noon Second Sunday Market: Art, craft, new, vintage, collectible, and food, with a

7 p.m. Open Mic Acoustic night with Dave

SUNDAY, JAN. 17 FRIDAY, JAN. 15 7 p.m. Acoustic Tribute to Radiohead, featuring Mercedes Courtorielle, Dane and Jesse from Gold and Shadow, Paul Mitchell, David Bitonti, Nick Begg and Katelyn Wood, Sean Patton. at Dinghy Dock Pub, 8 Pirates

1-4 p.m. Raffi at the Port Theatre. Meet and Greet Tickets $65, regular tickets $37.50, upper Balcony $27.50. A Raffi concert is best suited for children old enough to talk, sing or clap along.

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26 DIVERSIONS BLONDIE

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HOROSCOPE

by Jacqueline Bigar ARIES (March 21-April 19) A friend knocks on your door. At first, you might not be enthusiastic about a discussion, but once you get into it, you will relish the conversation.

A loved one will add an element of perspective. Curb traveling today, if you can. Tonight: Listen to someone else’s sob story.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) When hitting an obstacle, make it a point to stop and look at the situation with detachment. Perhaps you are on the wrong path. An honest conversation with someone who has your best interests in mind will be helpful. Tonight: Let the discussion continue over dinner.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Keep reaching out to someone you care about. Take a deep breath, and worry less about who is doing what to whom. Create the response you desire. Defer to others, and go along with someone else’s plans. If you feel fuzzy or off, say so. Tonight: Take some time to yourself.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Your effectiveness is being tested. You seem to have had your fair share of distractions lately. You can screen your calls, but your curiosity will encourage you to see whose calls you have missed! Recognize that you could be your own worst enemy. Tonight: Get some exercise.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Allow your creativity to flourish, and open up to a loved one who has been distant. You won’t know how treasured you are by this person until you see his or her reaction. You might won-

BABY BLUES

BC

WORD FIND

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

der what has been going on with him or her. Use good sense; don’t ask. Tonight: Out late.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You could be reaching out to a family member who has been somewhat unavailable. Open up to conversations that allow greater give-andtake between the two of you. You might feel touched by what he or she shares. Tonight: Pinch yourself to see whether you are dreaming.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Keep reaching out to someone who makes a difference in your life. You could be surprised by the alternatives that appear in the next few days. Allow yourself to go along with this person’s suggestion; he or she inspires you to think outside the box. Tonight: Put your feet up and relax.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Be more aware of your financial situation. You could feel put off by what is going on around you, and might want a break. The only break will be in your mind, at least for a little while. Postpone any ideas of traveling for now. Tonight: Take off and do some shopping.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Beam in more of what you want.

Others often tend to be difficult or contrary, but right now you are likely to hear a “yes.” Sometimes you are overwhelmed by others’ suggestions, but not at the present moment. Enjoy the here and now.

Tonight: As you like it.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Do some thinking about a matter you have yet to discuss. You might recognize that you are worrying too much. Just let go and be willing to

work on disciplining your thoughts.

Even if you feel uncomfortable, avoiding the discomfort will be worth it. Tonight: Get some extra R and R. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) A friend will make an effort to warm up the distant, cold waters that lie between you. You might want to get past an immediate hassle that is causing you stress. Relax with this person for a while. Just know that nothing is written in stone. Tonight: Where your friends are.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Take a stand with an authority figure.

Be careful, as you don’t want to build any barriers between you.

Understand what needs to happen in order to have a good exchange of ideas. You can be vague at times; make sure the other party gets your message. Tonight: A must appearance.

YOUR BIRTHDAY (Jan. 6) This year you have a unique opportunity to move in a new direction. Often you will feel confused as well as inspired. Until you are sure of yourself, do not venture ahead. Communication seems to be off, and often could be a problem. Rather than worry, confirm what you hear.

If you are single, a friend could become a lot more. As a result, your bond will grow. If you are attached, the two of you will decide to go off and schedule a vacation you both have longed for. Take perspective into your quarrels. SAGITTARIUS makes a great healer for you.

BORN TODAY Film director John Singleton (1968), actress Loretta Young (1913), golfer Nancy Lopez (1957)

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PREVIOUS SUDOKO SOLVED

12,920.14 -7.01

SOLUTION: ELITE WARRIOR

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Seidel Karl Ernst November 1, 1940 – December 31, 2015

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dad, Opa, brother, uncle, and friend to many.

Surrounded by family and love until his very last breath, Karl left this world at age 75 after a life filled with travel, adventure, and hard work. Born during WWII, he emigrated with his family to Canada from Germany via the MV “ Beaverbrae� in 1953, eventually settling in Coaldale, Alberta.

Working the sugar beet fields, wrangling cattle for the Burn's Ranch, partnering to create and operate "United Drywall" in Calgary and then "Yellowpoint Drywall" in Yellowpoint (where he settled for many years) were ways that dad showed that he cared for and always provided for his family. He was an exceedingly generous man and could always be counted on to help friends and family with good advice (he was a financial whiz!), a bottle of his homemade wine (raspberry was the best!) and even with the occasional loan or financial gift. In his latter years, he supported many causes with a particular fondness for Covenant house and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Dad and mom were able to travel the world often, including a year-long stint in Australia (family in tow) and many vacations with good friends to Mexico, Hawaii, and Cuba.

Despite all the happy times and hard work there were losses that affected dad particularly hard. In 1986, dad’s niece Debby Gutz was taken by cancer, in 1983 dad’s best friend, Jack Gutz passed away, and then in 2003, Emmy, the love of his life, passed away unexpectedly. He became ill but beat his lung cancer with stubbornness and sheer determination. However, dad was left with the aftereffects of treatment and his heartache over the passing of mom, from which he never seemed to fully recover. In 2007, other tragedy rocked dad's world with the untimely passing of his granddaughter, Rebecca Seidel at age 13 and yet again in 2011 with the passing of his niece, Cheryl Newman. He carried on by doting on his other grandchildren Cassandra Seidel, Anthony Maslen, and Eric Maslen, whose football games he attended often and regularly.

Dad is survived by his daughter Linda Maslen (Dwayne), his son Norman Seidel (Julie), his newest grandchildren Briana and Cailin, and Skylar, his siblings Greta Moch (Gert, deceased), Charlotte Lukewich (Al, deceased), Heinz Seidel (Hanna), Horst Seidel (Sharron), Monika Seidel (deceased), Klaus Seidel (Peggy), and his beloved nieces and nephews. There are also many friends whom dad discovered at the German Club, through the I.O.F., through his businesses, and along the way, but certain ones were always at the house: mom’s brother Jack Gutz (deceased) who introduced dad to mom, Dagmar and Gunther Wichary (deceased), and too many more to count. Dad was a true social butterfly and was loved by all. The list would not be complete however without mentioning Chuck and Natalie Reinfelder, who were true friends to both mom and dad for decades, and who were with him through just about every crisis that he weathered, right to the very end. As dad would roll his eyes and complain of their expense, in lieu of flowers, please support a charity of your choice or consider supporting a local children's organization. Alternately, he would have loved it if you raised a glass of beer in his name!

Memorial Service will be held Saturday January 9th at 11:30 a.m. at Telford’s of Nanaimo, 595 Townsite Road, Nanaimo, BC followed by a reception.

Condolences may be offered at www.telfordsladysmith.com

Telford’s of Ladysmith 250-245-5553

TENNIS

Serena Williams withdraws THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BRISBANE, Australia — Serena Williams retired during her Hopman Cup match in Perth on Tuesday, completing a day of injuries and upsets for the leading women’s players less than two weeks from the Australian Open.

Williams, who missed the U.S. team’s opening loss to Ukraine on Monday because of inflammation in her left knee, was trailing 7-5, 2-1 against Jarmila Wolfe when she left the court in her first match of the season.

“I just have some inflammation that’s been going away very slowly,� Williams said. “It’s going away, but just needs a little more time. “I’ve been training really hard during the off-season. Really pushing myself beyond the limits. “I just think a day off or two will make a world of difference.�

Lleyton Hewitt beat Jack Sock 7-5, 6-4, and Hewitt and Wolfe beat Sock and American substitute Victoria Duval 7-6 (4), 6-1 in mixed doubles to win the tie 3-0.

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Caring service at reasonable cost.

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DEATHS

DEATHS

Linda Hildebrand

April 07, 1957-December 31, 2015 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful Linda in Nanaimo on December 31, 2015.

Linda is known in the community and around the world for her creativity and she had a passion for nature. Linda loved her family, friends, and her rescued cats. She is well-known for her exquisite creative works that she published for exclusive clients. Linda is predeceased by her father Bernhard P. Hildebrand in 1980. Linda is survived by her mother Tina Hildebrand, sisters Ruth (Ed), Margaret (Frank), and Susan, brothers Ron (Brenda), Randy (Karen) nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews, and her friend Victor Svacek.

She will be missed by colleagues at VIU, neighbours, family, and close friends. Linda is known in the community for her years of operating Phantom Press, volunteer services to the SPCA, and was the Vice President of the Newcastle Neighbourhood Association.

A memorial service will be held at Sands Funeral Chapel, One Newcastle Ave. Nanaimo, BC, on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 11:00am.

Flowers gratefully declined. For those so desiring, donations may be made in Linda’s memory to the Sands ~ Nanaimo Nanaimo SPCA. 250-753-2032

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4HEĂ–KEYĂ–TOĂ–YOURĂ–NEWĂ–#!2%%2 XXX MPDBMXPSLCD DB

Francis Richard “Dick� Gray June 4, 1924 – December 30, 2015 During his 91-year-long life Dick lived and worked on three continents. He was born and raised in Cork, Ireland, and graduated from the National University of Ireland in 1948 as a medical doctor. After internships in England he joined the British Army. While cruising through the Suez Canal he received his commission as medical officer with a Malayan regiment in Kuala Lumpur. A photo of the time shows Dick in khaki shorts and knee socks, a rifle by his side, although scalpel and sutures were his primary tools as he tended the wounded during Malaysia’s bloody preindependence struggle. After discharge from the army Dick worked in various hospitals in England to broaden his medical experiences.

He met his future wife Claudia in Huddersfield and last June the couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. As a young married couple they lived in Liverpool, with Dick joining a busy general practice.

Soon Mark and Heidi were born and completed the happy family. The children were in elementary school when Dick decided to immigrate to Canada. He joined general practices in Prescott and London Ontario, until moving to Vancouver to work for the Workers Compensation Board. When the board established a new position in Nanaimo, Dick was happy to return to island living.

Dick was a modest man who loved and cared for his family. He performed his work duties with diligence, was valued by colleagues and patients for his competence and compassion, traveled the island to review cases, often brought home extra work, but also had time on his waterfront property in Lantzville to prune his roses and enjoy the sunsets.

After retirement the couple moved to Nanaimo, travelled North America in their VW camper and cruised and jetted around the world. Dick was a tireless explorer of different countries and cultures. He was supportive of Claudia’s musical and pottery endeavors, loved her cuisine, and never gave up on his Diesel Mercedes! He enjoyed celebrations with the family, including grand-daughters Danielle and Brittany. Sitting at the head of the table he poured wine for his guests in celebration of a good life!

Funeral Services will be held Thursday January 7, 2016 at Bethlehem Retreat Centre, 2371 Arbot Road, Nanaimo at 12:00 Noon.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Nanaimo Hospital Foundation.

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GOLF

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Five PGA questions for 2016

Stoke falls 1-0 to Liverpool in League Cup semis

From Spieth’s sequel to golf in the Olympics, lots to look forward to

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ordan Spieth spent the first official practice day of the new year in good company.

As he rolled putts at Kapalua, his teenage sister Ellie sat next to him on the practice green and watched until she reclined on her back and took in the warmth of the Hawaii sun. Few tournaments are more relaxing than the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, and that’s just what golf needs.

This is going to be a hectic year. At stake is a gold medal in Rio and a gold Ryder Cup at Hazeltine. Another prize is the No. 1 world ranking, and that could take all year to sort out.

Most of the attention, at least for now, is on Spieth. He is coming off a year that was beyond his expectations by winning the Masters and U.S. Open, three other PGA Tour titles and the FedEx Cup. His final tweet of 2015: “Would rather this year not end.”

It starts all over on Thursday with the most star power at Kapalua in 10 years. Where will it lead? Here are five topics to ponder for 2016: THE ENCORE: In the last 25 years, only four players have won majors in consecutive seasons — Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy. In the last 50 years, only four players have followed a multiple-major season by winning another major — Woods, Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus and Lee Trevino.

Good luck, Jordan.

Odds are against the 22-year-old Texan matching what he did last year. Remember, he won two of those tournaments in playoffs and won the second leg of the Grand Slam when Dustin Johnson three-putted from 12 feet.

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JACK BEZANTS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tiger Woods, right, walks to the fifth green as Jordan Spieth chips during a practice round for the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay in University Place, Wash. in June. [AP PHOTO]

And for all he did last year, Spieth could lose the No. 1 ranking this week.

The competition is strong as ever. More than just McIlroy and Jason Day, the biggest competition for Spieth might be his 2015 season.

THE BIG THREE: For the first time since the world ranking began in 1986, the top three players are all in their 20s. The No. 1 spot changed six times in six weeks last year, and more movement is likely. Spieth, Day and McIlroy are so close that any one of them could be No. 1 before the PGA Tour reaches the Florida swing.

Ten years ago, Vijay Singh, Tiger Woods and Ernie Els were battling for No. 1. That prompted Retief Goosen to say, “There will probably be a No. 1 player a few times this year.” Woods took over in June and stayed at the top for the next five years.

So it’s possible that one player pulls away from the other two.

Or considering the deepening pool of talent, the “Big Three” could become a lot bigger.

OLYMPICS: Golf returns to the Olympic program for the first time since 1904, and there is sure to be plenty of discussion about whether a gold medal is more valuable than a silver claret jug, much less a green jacket.

In one respect, this might be one of the easier tournaments to win. Because if qualifying ended today, the 60-man field would have only 25 from the top 50 in the world.

Until the players get to Rio, the biggest impact of the Olympics has been on scheduling. The PGA Championship has been moved to late July ahead of the games.

That means Spieth and McIlroy could play eight times in 12 weeks — two majors, four FedEx Cup playoff events, the Olympics and the Ryder Cup. RYDER CUP: The only player who faces a tougher encore than Spieth might be Darren Clarke, captain of a European team going after an unprecedented fourth straight victory.

Clarke follows the masterful leadership of Paul McGinley at Gleneagles in 2014.

As for the Americans? They really pulled out all the stops

by creating — wait for it — a task force. Davis Love III returns as captain, a chance at redemption from when the Americans lost a 10-6 lead at Medinah four years ago.

TIGER WOODS: The biggest star in golf sent a mixed message in The Bahamas last month. He spent more time talking about his past than the future, saying at one point that anything he accomplishes the rest of his career will be “gravy.”

He also tried to cool speculation about retirement by saying he wants to play.

Three back surgeries in just over 18 months kept him from doing little more than walking.

Woods missed eight months recovering from reconstructive knee surgery after the 2008 U.S. Open. He missed four months after the scandal in his personal life led to divorce after 2009. He missed three months because of injuries in 2011 and 2014. He already has been out of competition for five months.

Interest might be higher than ever when he returns. If he returns.

SOCCER

Toronto star enters MLS draft early NEIL DAVIDSON THE CANADIAN PRESS

TRANSPORTATION CARS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

TORONTO — Canadian midfielder Richie Laryea has agreed to a Generation Adidas contract and will be available in next week’s MLS Super-

Draft. A source confirmed that the Toronto native, who turns 20 on Thursday, is going the Generation Adidas route which allows highly touted underclassmen to enter the draft with some attractive contract benefits.

Generation Adidas players do not count against an MLS team’s salary budget.

Players who join MLS after signing GA contracts receive educational grants to further pursue their education.

The sophomore from the

University of Akron is following in the footsteps of Cyle Larin, who went first overall to Orlando in the 2015 draft.

Both came up playing club soccer for Sigma FC in Toronto.

Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Stoke in an English League Cup semifinal first leg came at a cost on Tuesday, with Philippe Coutinho and Dejan Lovren hurt and manager Juergen Klopp acknowledging he may need new signings.

After Coutinho and Lovren walked off with hamstring injuries, Jordon Ibe converted from close range before halftime after Joe Allen diverted a cross from Adam Lallana into his path.

Fourth-choice defender Kolo Toure was also holding the back of his right leg in the final minutes.

For Klopp, who went into the match missing first-team players such as Martin Skrtel, Daniel Sturridge, and captain Jordan Henderson, two more injuries tarnished the victory.

“It’s a big shadow over the game for us,” Klopp said.

“I don’t know how serious, and we have to wait for this. In this situation with no centre-backs fit, I would say (transfers) it’s something we could look at.”

Klopp decided to replace his only fit striker, Christian Benteke, with attacking midfielder Adam Lallana, who comprised a three-man attack alongside Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.

The trio ensured Liverpool began the game at a relentless pace — harrying Stoke’s defence when it had possession and once the ball was won back, they passed it swiftly and intricately, pulling opponents out of position with their movement.

Firmino and Lallana both had shots from range well saved by Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland, before Liverpool’s momentum was abruptly halted when Coutinho went down off the ball, clutching his left hamstring.

He was replaced by Ibe, and Liverpool was disjointed further when Lovren stayed down after stretching to make a block and hurting his right leg.

With no central defenders on the substitute’s bench, Klopp brought on midfielder James Milner, and Lucas Leiva partnered Toure in a makeshift central defence.

But Ibe delivered Liverpool’s breakthrough. Lallana latched on to a neat forward pass down the right

by Milner and played the ball into the penalty area.

Allen helped the ball on to Ibe, who controlled and poked the ball past Butland.

Stoke replaced defender Geoff Cameron with striker Jonathan Walters at halftime, looking to exploit Liverpool’s backline.

29 nanaimodailynews.com

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

WINE SHELF

A good Port offers many virtues Made for centuries in Portugal, this is a fortified wine that leans to the sweeter side of the spectrum Lynette Burns The Lucky Gourmet

N

ot all alcoholic beverages have a “season,” but the long, dark days of winter do point my palate towards a warming tot of Port.

There is nothing quite like relaxing by the fire with the multi-layered flavours of port from a balloon glass swirling across my palate.

Sweet and tart, silky and warming, Port is one big hug of yummy.

Made for centuries in Portugal’s rugged Douro Valley, Port is a fortified wine that leans to the sweeter side of the spectrum.

It comes in a variety of styles, ranging from youthful Ruby Port, to aged Tawnies, and late-bottled vintage Ports, down to the distinguished character of expensive Vintage Port.

The drier white Ports are much more of a summer drink, but that’s a column topic for another day.

Other countries, notably Australia also make a wide range of Port-style wines. However, labeling laws prohibit the use of the word “Port.” So you will see titles like Apera, Port Style Wine or Cream.

As far as production goes, Port is similar to other wines, with the fresh-pressed grape juice still containing the seeds, stems and grape skins. The juice ferments for several days until alcohol levels reach around seven per cent.

A division of

Port comes in a variety of styles, ranging from youthful Ruby Port, to aged Tawnies, and late-bottled Vintage Ports, down to the distinguished character of expensive Vintage Port. [METRO CREATIVE PHOTOS]

Historically, Vintage Ports are only declared as such by Portuguese wine experts.

At this point, Port becomes a unique wine. The young wine is fortified with brandy. The fermentation process comes to a sudden stop, preventing the grape sugars from continuing their conversion to alcohol while, at the same time,

capturing the new wine’s youthful fruit nuances.

The “baby” Port is pumped into large oak casks for 18 months to age. The young Port wines are then blended with other batches of Port wine to develop final flavours.

Purchasing Port can be challenging, as the terms used on the bottles do not refer to flavours, but rather to types of Port.

Ruby Ports are named for their distinct ruby color. They are young, approachable wines with fresh, fruit-filled aromas and a nimble palate presence.

These wines are wallet-friendly, entry-level Ports aged for three years. Ruby Ports are intended to be consumed young and slightly chilled.

A Tawny Port is a blend of older vintage Ports, displaying a rich amber color — as a Tawny spends more time in oak, its colour fades from the youthful ruby red to a more amber hue.

Tawnies typically lie on the slightly sweeter side of the spectrum. As Tawnies age, their taste becomes nuttier. The flavours develop rich notes of caramelized figs, dates and prunes.

Late bottled vintage Port is a particular style of Port made with grapes from a single vintage. It has only aged four to six years in oak before being bottled and released.

The best grapes, from the best vineyards in the best years are blended to create top-quality Vintage Port.

Historically, vintage Ports are only declared as such by Portuguese wine experts, about every three out of 10 years.

Locally, Unsworth Vineyards in Mill Bay produces their Ovation brand, a Port-style wine blended in the traditional manner from several vintages and made with 100 per cent locally grown Marechal Foch grapes.

Rich and smooth, with well-balanced flavours of dried plums, almonds and sultana raisins, this wine in the Port style is very well priced at $19.96.

Alderlea Vineyards in Duncan also makes a Late Bottled Vintage fortified wine.

Called Heritage Hearth, this delicious Port style wine is aged in oak barrels for four years. It comes loaded with deep dark fruit flavours and a lovely bouquet of toasted coconut and a true bargain at $15.99 a bottle which you can find at Lucky’s Liquor Store at the Country Club Center Mall in Nanaimo.

So with the exhilarating but hectic holiday season now behind us, it might just be time to light that fire in the hearth, kick back and enjoy a lazy evening with a wee tipple (or two) of heavenly Port. » Sheila Hockin is the managing leader for Lucky’s Liquor store in Nanaimo.

30 FOOD

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

RECIPE

The Healthy Plate: Tasty recipe for baked egg rolls sure to delight MELISSA D’ARABIAN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A

lice was our au pair from China, and when she joined our family she brought with her a slew of tasty dishes.

Our family fell in love with her complex fried rice, dumplings with juicy meat fillings, and her crispy egg rolls with garlicky-meaty-mushroom fillings. The tricky thing was that Alice was one of those cooks who worked her magic without a recipe.

I would watch, taking mental notes of the ingredients and quantities (writing it down felt, well, wrong), but replicating her dishes proved similar to me trying to capture the exact taste of my grandma’s cooking — impossible.

Though we loved all of her cooking (well, except for her take on chocolate muffins, but that’s another story), her egg rolls were the family favourite. And why not? Minced up goodies wrapped in delicate, fried (essentially) pasta? Yes, please!

So I took the liberty (since I was missing the mark anyway) to create my own version, one that managed to get most of the crispy goodness with far less fat.

After experimenting with a variety of methods — from spraying the eggrolls with an oil mister or cooking spray as well as dry-baking — the clear winner was the pastry brush method combined with a hot oven while also using a baking rack to allow for full air circulation during cooking.

So what if these egg rolls are not completely traditional. I did capture the essence of Alice’s cooking, and when the girls are missing her I know fond memories are only an egg roll away.

And by the way, my experimenting also proved that quickly sauteed

Baked egg rolls are not completely traditional, but they get a lot of crispy goodness with much less fat than the fried kind. [ASSOCIATED PRESS]

bananas sprinkled with a little orange juice and a dark chocolate chip or two also make for a perfect dessert egg roll filling.

Brush with coconut oil and dip cooked eggrolls in tangy Greek yogurt.

BAKED EGG ROLLS Start to finish: 1 hour 20 minutes (1 hour active) Makes 15 eggrolls 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, plus 1 tablespoon 1 link spicy turkey sausage (about 1/5 pound), casing removed 8 ounces button mushrooms, finely chopped (or pulsed in a food processor) 3/4 cup finely chopped celery (about 2 medium stalks) 3/4 cup shredded carrot (about 1 medium carrot)

3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger 3 scallions, white and green parts, chopped 1 cup frozen peas, thawed 2 cups finely chopped Napa cabbage (or regular cabbage) 1 teaspoon sesame oil 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 1 teaspoon cornstarch 15 large (5- or 6-inch) egg roll (wonton) wrappers Heat the oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with foil, then set a wire rack over it. Mist the rack with cooking spray.

In a large saute pan over mediumhigh, heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside, leaving the residual oil in the pan.

Return the pan to the heat and add the mushrooms, celery and carrot.

Cook until the mushrooms are soft, about five minutes. Add the garlic, ginger and scallions, then cook until fragrant, about one minute. Add the peas, cabbage and sesame oil and cook until the cabbage softens, another two or three minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix together the soy sauce and cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water.

Pour the mixture into the pan with the vegetables, then add the sausage.

Stir, then cover and cook for 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool just until easily handled.

Set a wonton wrapper on the work surface. Spoon a couple tablespoons of the vegetable mixture onto the wrapper. Start with one side and roll up the wrapper over the filling, folding in the sides as you go. As you finish rolling, use a finger to spread a little water on the edge to help create a seal. Repeat with remaining wontons and filling.

Place the egg rolls on the rack on the prepared baking sheet. Use the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to brush the egg rolls. Bake until golden and crispy, about 20 minutes. If you do not have a baking rack, place the egg rolls directly on the baking sheet and turn the egg rolls over halfway through the cook time.

Nutrition information per serving: 140 calories; 25 calories from fat (18 per cent of total calories); 2.5 g fat (0 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 5 mg cholesterol; 350 mg sodium; 23 g carbohydrate; 2 g fibre; 1 g sugar; 6 g protein.

Food Network star Melissa d’Arabian is an expert on healthy eating on a budget. She is the author of the cookbook, “Supermarket Healthy.” http://www.melissadarabian.net

FOOD

Fast-food price fight takes centre stage THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — Another price fight is breaking out among America’s biggest burger chains, this time with meal combos designed to make people forget about the once ubiquitous dollar menus.

The new “bundled offers” show how hungry McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s are to win over deal seekers, and how quickly a popular idea gets copied in the fast-food industry.

The latest trend on the value front popped up in late 2015 after Wendy’s rolled out a “4 for $4 deal,” which includes a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, chicken nuggets, small fries and a small drink.

This week, Burger King followed with a similar “5 for $4” deal, and

“We believe it’s going to be very profitable for franchisees.”

Alex Macedo, Burger King spokesman

McDonald’s introduced a “McPick 2 for $2” deal to kick off the new year.

“People look at what other folks are doing, and if they think they’re getting traction, they say we need to do a version of that,” said Tony Pace, former chief marketing officer at Subway who now runs a marketing consulting firm.

Though typically not big profit generators, promotional deals can steer people in the door who might not have stopped in otherwise.

And chains do their best to make sure regulars stick to the pricier meals they usually order.

At a New York City McDonald’s, an employee said she was told not to suggest the $2-for-2 deal, but wait for people to order it on their own.

The additional food tacked onto those bundled orders helps drive up sales as well.

That’s what happened when Burger King tested its “5 for $4” deal in recent months, said Alex Macedo, who heads the chain’s North America business.

“We believe it’s going to be very profitable for franchisees,” Macedo said in a phone interview.

The new deals come after fast-food chains struggled to raise prices on value menus without scaring off

customers, even as commodity costs rise.

McDonald’s shifted from its hugely popular Dollar Menu to a “Dollar Menu and More” that featured a range of prices. Steve Easterbrook, who took over as CEO this past March, conceded the company’s failure to come up with an adequate replacement for the Dollar Menu has hurt sales.

The company has said deal seekers still make up about 15 per cent of the industry.

For now, McDonald’s said the “McPick 2 for $2” will run for five weeks, and that the details of the McPick offer will evolve over time.

Burger King and Wendy’s haven’t said when their limited-time offers will end.

Eileen Bennewith Nutrition Notes

Vitamin D for people aged one through 70

M

ost families who have newborn babies are given a sample of vitamin D drops before they leave the hospital.

They are told that all babies need 400 IU of vitamin D. For the first year, many are very diligent in giving their babies vitamin D drops each day.

Without sufficient vitamin D infants and children risk a serious disease called rickets, which causes bones to soften. To prevent rickets, all babies need 400 IU of vitamin D as supplements daily.

For breastfed babies, these are given in the form of drops. For formula fed babies, the manufacturer adds the vitamin D supplement to the formula.

What parents don’t know is that at age one, the need for vitamin D does not go away, it gets higher.

All Canadians aged 1 to 70 years should have at least 600 IU of vitamin D daily.

When the skin is exposed to sunlight, the body makes vitamin D. This is good news for people living in the sunny South.

In Canada, there is no vitamin D produced from the sun between October and March even if it is a sunny day.

For part of the year, Canadians can only get vitamin D from food or supplements.

The only foods with natural sources of vitamin D in the Canadian food supply are fish and egg yolks.

Health Canada recommends that all Canadians eat fish at least twice per week.

Since there are so few natural food sources of vitamin D, there is legislation in Canada that all fluid milk and margarine must be fortified with vitamin D. Some other foods such as goat’s milk, plant based beverages like soy drinks, and some calcium fortified orange juices are also allowed to have vitamin D added. Cheese and yogurt can be made with fortified milk but often they are not. Always read the label to see if a product contains added vitamin D. In the body, vitamin D is important for helping to absorb and maintain healthy levels of calcium throughout life.

This time of year, if you can’t vacation in the sunny south, eat additional foods containing vitamin D. If your diet does not contain enough vitamin D, talk to your health care provider about taking a vitamin D supplement.

A list of foods containing calcium and vitamin D can be found at: http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/pdf/hfile68e.pdf.

» Eileen Bennewith is a registered dietitian for Island Health. She can be reached at eileen.bennewith@viha.ca.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

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DIVERSIONS 31 6&7

Breastfeeding is good, but try to UNIQUE PLACES limit exposure &

12

BROWNS SOCIALHOUSE

eat to shop

Kathy Mitchell & Marcy Sugar Annie’s Mailbox Dear Annie: Am I out of the loop or just a prude? It bothers me to see a mother cradling her infant child, one latching off and on to mom’s exposed breast? This was the recent scene in the crowded men’s department of a popular store.

I am certainly in favour of nursing an infant, due to the enormous benefits to both the child and the mother. I nursed all three of my children. But this total exposure seems extreme. When in public, a scarf or a small lightweight blanket would be perfectly fine to cover the infant. I find the mother disrespectful of others and going too far in making her statement.

I’d love to hear other comments on this subject.

— Wondering Mom Dear Mom: And you’ll get them, we assure you.

We covered this topic a few years ago, and we heard plenty. Let us stipulate — we are in favour of nursing.

We have no objection to women who nurse in public places. Our concern is the need some women have to expose their entire upper bodies while doing so. Why? There is no added benefit to the child if Mom is naked from the waist up, so we can only assume the mother is making a statement about public nudity, likes to flaunt her body or thinks modesty is old-fashioned.

That is her choice, but there are lovely nursing tops and cover-ups that allow Mom to nurse comfortably anywhere and we recommend they be used.

Dear Annie: Our daughters, now in their 50s, have always given us a wish list for Christmas. In years past, I have made it known that this doesn’t constitute the true meaning of Christmas. A year ago, we gave each daughter cash, hoping it would send a message. I also sent cash to my granddaughter, with no acknowledgement.

Well, at the end of November, we received an e-list containing a description of each article and a link for purchase. Some of the items are e-books. I also received a similar list from my 27-year-old granddaughter for herself and her significant other. In addition, she sent a note apologizing that she would be unable to join us this year.

How do I address her lack of acknowledgement or thanks? Also, how does one prepare the Internet gift to be given on Christmas Day, when, for example, the e-book goes directly to the receiver’s email?

I feel as if I have missed something. Thanks for your advice.

— Out of the Loop Dear Out: First of all, wish lists of any kind should not be considered demands. They are suggestions. You don’t have to get anything on those lists unless you want to. In some instances, the links will provide you with a product that you can purchase in a brick-andmortar store.

As for e-books, and any other gifts that are sent via the Internet, most allow you to request that they be sent as gifts so that the recipient will get the item along with a note from you.

If you find it necessary to hand them something tangible, it is perfectly OK to give them a card saying you have sent them a gift that they will receive in the mail or their inbox.

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to anniesmailbox@creators.com, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. You can also find Annie on Facebook at Facebook.com/AskAnnies.

EVERYDAY | 9PM-12AM ALL SOCIAL DRINKS WINGS & DRY RIBS

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6338 Metral Drive

250-933-6641

8

boldknight.ca 1140 Trans Canada Hwy, 250 754 6411 For 38 years, the Bold Knight has been a classic dining experience in Nanaimo with a great selection of steaks and seafood.

Find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Give the gift of great taste.

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Come in for great savings up to 75% Off Loyalty Rewards Program – earn points to redeem for FREE products!

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The Taphouse

Gourmet burgers, fabulous poutines and social small plates. Dedicated gluten free fryer! Spacious and inviting venue in the historic old train station. 24 draft beers SIP | SAVOUR | SOCIALISE featuring European and Local Breweries.

Party Room Upstairs with its own bar.

All ages welcome.

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taphousenanaimo.com 321 Selby Street, 250 591 0650 Hours: Sun. to Thurs. 11:30am - 9:30pm Friday & Saturday 11:30am - 11pm New Menu Items!

powerhouseliving.ca 200 Commercial Street, 250 591 7873 6560 Metral Drive, 250 933 3733 Hours: 10am-6:30pm Daily

A ladies-only, quality Shoe Store, with a wide variety of shoes – from casual comfort to dress shoes for that special occasion. Waterproof leather boots and handbags also available.

Power House is your destination for delicious Raw Plant Based Foods. All our Fresh Food Menu items are Gluten & Dairy Free and prepared daily with your health in mind. Warm Up with a Delicious Nut Nog! This drink hits the spot on a cold winter day! Creamy cashew mylk, coconut & spiced just right served in a mason jar. Come enjoy a unique food experience at Power House! We look forward to serving you!

Raw, Vegan, Gluten & Dairy Free Café 10

Crispin Shoes 427C Fitzwilliam Street 250-741-0015 Old City Quarter

Let’s Eat Guilt Free – Gluten Free Café and Bakery

Eye Liner and Contouring

We strive to enhance our clients natural beauty and help balance our clients body and mind. We are continuously searching out the best products and new service offerings for you.

Enhance and Contour Lips

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facebook.com/letseatguiltfree/ letseatguiltfree.ca/ 435 Terminal Ave. North 250 754 4466 Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:30am6:00pm, Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm

NYLA Fresh Thread nylafreshthread.com 206 Commercial Street, 250 716 3331 Hours: Mon-Wed 9am-6pm; Thurs-Sat 9am-9pm; Sun 10am-5pm NYLA Fresh Thread is about confidence, the confidence to live up to the fine traditions of past merchants, with styling and quality. We represent exceptional quality, good priced, well known trusted brands that our clientele is currently traveling outside our local market to shop for. We are an independent family owned and operated menswear store downtown Nanaimo.

Nesvog Meats and Sausage Co. Ltd. Now with 2 Locations 2139-B Bowen Road, 250 758 3611 Terminal Park, 250 753 4248 Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6.pm

We are a well-established, dedicated gluten-free bakery, café and deli. Among our best sellers, is our French Pot Pie, available in beef, lamb, veggie, chicken, turkey, and Italian meat, with dairy or dairy free.

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Natural U Spa naturaluspa.com 103-648 Terminal Ave., 250 591 9333 Make your appointments online 24-7Mon-Wed 9-6; Thurs-Sat 9-9;

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Great selection of fresh meats, sausages and great dinner ideas!

12

Amethyst Forest #10 - 1925 Bowen Road, 250.585.4922 Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm Sunday Closed A place to nourish your mind, body and soul.

Crystals, books, journals, massage on-site and readings by medium.

Start your new year off with some spiritual nourishment

32 NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

PORT ALBERNI

Big deal could bring city big riches Entrepreneur pitches renaissance for community, once rated Canada’s ‘worst place to live’, built on air industry KATYA SLEPIAN ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

B

etween fires, waterbombers, political drama and an airport expansion, it’s been a busy year for Port Alberni entrepreneur Wayne Coulson.

Sitting in his office at Chances RimRock, the head of the Coulson Group of aviation, manufacturing, logging, gaming and cleaning firms admits he didn’t think the Alberni airport expansion issue would garner so much attention — or controversy, “We didn’t think there would be so much focus on us,” Coulson said.

“We’ve been there 20-plus years; 1994 is when we had the grand opening of the hangar. So we’ve been out there doing our own thing for 20-some odd years.”

But when the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District went to Alberni Valley residents to decide whether or not they could borrow $6 million for the expansion, not all of them were happy they were being asked to subsidize Coulson.

“There was some debate in the community,” said Coulson. “We kind of got pulled along — and there was some animosity, which was interesting.”

It’s the animosity, rather than just the interest, that perplexed Coulson.

“Why would there be animosity?”

These days, that animosity is more than just perplexing Coulson, it’s making it difficult to expand his company’s operations in the Alberni Valley.

C

oulson has been trying to bring new employees all around the world. Convincing potential new hires to move to Port Alberni has not been easy.

“We very much have become an international company. We have companies operating in the United States now, we have companies operating in Australia, we’re working in southeast Asia on some new projects . . . so we’re having to bring in some new people,” he said.

“I have three examples in the past two weeks of people who have turned down moving to Port Alberni. These are very talented people that we need to grow our business internationally that we can’t acquire because of things like Google, something that simple.”

Port Alberni’s perception took a hit in recent years after MoneySense Magazine ranked it as “the worst place to live” in Canada.

“Our new problem is that if you Google ‘Port Alberni,’ look what comes up: “worst place to live in Canada,” said Coulson.

“We’ve lost three people so far out of eastern Canada that we’ve been trying to bring in because of this environment that has been created by outsiders.

“We now have to find a way to turn that around.”

It’s an effort that’s become an urgent priority for Coulson and he’s working with the mayor and coun-

Coulson Group CEO Wayne Coulson watches over his aviation empire from his office at Chances RimRock in Port Alberni. [KATYA SLEPIAN]

“We need to come up with a strategy that changes this image and allows people to put a target on our community from the outside and negatively impacts the whole region.”

Wayne Coulson, CEO the Coulson Group

cil to make the ‘worst place to live’ moniker a thing of the past.

“We need to come up with a strategy that changes this image and allows people to put a target on our community from the outside and negatively impacts the whole region.”

To Coulson, the image of Port Alberni needs to be worked on the same way that he has looked after his company’s corporate image.

“If we allow that image to stay, then shame on us. It’s like a company — if you don’t change that image, you’re not going to have any work. In a community, if you’re going to allow that [negative image] to stand, then you’re never going to grow.”

And that image revitalization needs to happen before companies like the Coulson Group have to turn away more employees.

“We’re very proud to be here, we love the community, grew up here . . . but I have to move this business forward, I have no choice.”

Coulson would rather do it in his

hometown but if business stalls, he says he will have to look elsewhere.

Image improvement combined with infrastructure investments like the runway extension can continue to spur economic activity like what happened this fall, when Coulson announced a contract for the Airbus C295s and a foray into the long-range medevac business in November.

T

he tanking system was designed in the Alberni Valley by Brit Coulson and his team and could be installed in planes all around the world.

But it could also mean a huge payout for the Alberni Valley when a search and rescue contract for the Canadian government is opened for bids.

“It’s a $3 billion contract that the Canadian government is going to do with an aviation company — and Airbus is one of the options.”

Airbus is one of three companies fighting for the contract, Coulson said. If it wins, it will have to spend that $3 billion somewhere in Canada.

“That means Airbus (could have) to spend $2.5 to 3 billion in Canada.”

Coulson hopes his company’s twoyear relationship with Airbus, as well as the soon-to-be extended runway at the Alberni Valley Regional Airport will make it likely the Alberni Valley will see at least some dividends.

“We have a great opportunity on the West Coast here because the aircraft are being operated so close, that we could be a central hub for Airbus.”

Increasing the opportunity for an Airbus base of operations in Port

Alberni is the proximity of the 19 Wing Comox Air Force base in the Comox Valley. Currently, the C-115 Buffalo transport and rescue planes fly out of 19 Wing Comox, Coulson said that in the world of aviation contracts, there’s nothing bigger to aim for.

“I don’t know of a bigger deal out there, ever, where there’s a linkage between the largest manufacturer in the world of airplanes and [their potential base] being so close to home.”

The first C295 to be retro-fitted will come to Port Alberni in the new year.

“We’re going to have one in town at this time next year and we’re going to be tanking it. To me, that’s a pretty big deal.”

B

ut if the payout for Port Alberni from that deal is to be maximized, it will take more than just the Coulson Group behind it.

“We focus on it and we should really have the community focused on it, we should have the Island focused on it because everybody will win.

“We as business just create the tools for companies like Airbus to work here. They come to Canada and they don’t really know anyone. They don’t have a manufacturing facility here, but they could in Port Alberni.

There’s no reason why they couldn’t.

They have to do it somewhere.”

With large-scale international contracts like the C295s and the previously announced C130 tanker retrofit on the table, Coulson said he’s not overly concerned with the provincial fire fighting contract for the Hawaii Mars.

“We’ll try again but it’s really hard to sell anything to anyone who doesn’t want to buy it.”

During the summer of 2015, contract negotiations for the Coulson’s Hawaii Mars waterbomber seemed to go on and on as the Dog Mountain fire raged on the shores of the same lake the plane was based at and the province experienced one of the worst forest fire seasons in years.

T

he province and Coulson finally signed a one-month contract for the waterbomber at the beginning of July, long after it was needed, according to Coulson.

Climate change is leading to more forest fires in countries that have never dealt with this level of fires.

With 2,100 C130s worldwide, Coulson Aviation’s unique ability to retrofit those planes puts them in a solid position to fight fires in locations that have never burned before.

“We saw what happened in southeast Asia. They’ve never burned like that before but climate change is a big problem. You’ve got that whole region that has never really burned and has lots of C130s that they’re looking to put in a fire fighting program.”

Another deal three years in the making is set to be announced in the first quarter of 2016 — a deal that will be based at the Alberni airport.

Big things are possible for Port Alberni, Coulson said. It’s just up to the community to fight for them.

“What we’ve found out there, outside Alberni, is that what you work hard for and what you fight for, you can accomplish.”