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POLITICS
Campbell’s swan song celebrates boldness and change Gordon Campbell speaks to chamber for last time as premier BY E VE EDMONDS
eedmonds@richmond-news.com
CHUNG CHOW/RICHMOND NEWS
Premier Gordon Campbell speaks to the Richmond Chamber of Commerce about his 27 years in public office.
Gordon Campbell spoke to the Richmond Chamber of Commerce Tuesday for the last time as the premier of British Columbia. In three weeks, a new Liberal leader will be chosen and Campbell’s 27 years in public office will come to an end. As he exits the political stage, Campbell is intent on shaping his legacy. “People start asking you what do you think is the most important thing you’ve done. And there isn’t a thing, but there are a number of things, and one of the things I love to do is think about how Richmond has changed in the last number of years.” Campbell spoke of the Richmond Olympic Oval, the Canada Line and developments at YVR as major changes seen in his time. YVR sponsored the luncheon and YVR’s Anne Murray introduced the premier by way of a glowing synopsis of his leadership. And, certainly, with cuts to aviation fuel tax, a reduction in airline regulations and approved destination status with China, Campbell has been a good friend to the airport. While Campbell recounted his government’s accomplishments, he stressed the key to success is partnerships. When community groups, business and governments work together, anything can happen and nothing better see Richmond page 4
City considers hiking funding for non-profits
Cost of living rise may increase figure to $529,600 as council hears from organizations hit hard by tough economic times More than half a million dollars will be spent by the City of Richmond on helping local non-profit organizations this year. But it could be even more by the end of the month, after city staff were asked to factor in a cost of living increase to
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the $529,600 set aside for the 2011 grant program. Indeed, city councillors managed to squeeze in $1,000 each for nine groups that were being denied funding this year, but that they felt were worthy of some financial assistance. Many of the groups holding out the begging bowl were represented at city hall Monday afternoon.
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And many came with sorry tales of scraping around for cash to stay alive, while some told of other organizations that are folding due to provincial grants drying up. After hearing of so many local groups in trouble, Coun. Harold Steves successfully brought forward a proposal for staff to look into diverting donations from developers into the grants program in
future. “I’d much rather see the grants increase than buy a big red ball at Garry Point Park,” Steves said, referring to the possibility of the city spending half a million dollars out of the public arts fund on the Biennale installation Wind Waves. “Twenty per cent of our population is way below the poverty line and we need
8171 Westminster Hwy. (at Buswell, one block east of No. 3 Rd.) Walkway access also from Save-On Foods parking lot
Mon-Sat 8:45-6:30 Sun 10-5 (604) 780-4959
see Groups page 4 07283111
BY A LAN CAMPBELL
acampbell@richmond-news.com