Throne Speech set for September 8
The John Horgan - BC NDP Good News Government
Sun, 2017-08-06 13:37
#52
Sun, 2017-08-06 13:42
#53
I hope he does as he will then be exposed for everyone to see
http://theprovince.com/news/bc-politics/gordon-wilson-threatens-to-sue-p...
Mon, 2017-08-07 11:11
#54
Tue, 2017-08-08 14:29
#55
And away we go!
Fees for adult education, English-language training scrapped
Premier John Horgan acted on a key NDP campaign promise this morning by scrapping tuition fees for adult basic education and English-language training programs across B.C.
The move reverses a 2015 move by the previous Liberal government to charge students seeking to upgrade their language or basic education skills. The fees were set by post-secondary schools at up to $1,600 for a semester of full-time studies.
“Adult basic education for all of us should be free,” Horgan said. “It should be a right and we’re going to follow through on that commitment.”
Horgan said the Liberal policy led to a 35 per cent drop in enrolment for the two programs. There were 6,692 full-time equivalent space in 2016-17, down from 10,244 in 2013-14, the government said.
“That’s meant that thousands of people have missed out on an opportunity to make life better for themselves and for their families,” he said. “We can’t afford to leave people behind. As a new government, we want to make sure that everyone can participate in our economy.”
Horgan said the cost of eliminating the tuition fees will be included in the government’s budget update in September. The NDP platform estimated the cost at $4 million for the remainder of this year and $7 million for a full fiscal year.
The government will be working with school administrators to make sure that students who have pre-paid fees for the coming semester will get a refund, Horgan said.
“That’s going to be a challenge for administrators … I don’t want to put them on the spot, but we’re going to be doing everything we can to make sure that those have paid, in anticipation of September, get a refund.”
“It’s our view that education is the great equalizer in our society,” Horgan told a media conference at Camosun College. “Finding your way in the world is easier when you have access to knowledge.”
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/fees-for-adult-education-english...
Fri, 2017-08-11 10:58
#56
What Horgan Can Learn From Obama’s Big Mistake
The campaign to build support for a party’s vision can’t end with the election.
https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2017/08/10/What-Horgan-Can-Learn-From-Obama/
Fri, 2017-08-11 11:16
#57
I hope he does as he will then be exposed for everyone to see
http://theprovince.com/news/bc-politics/gordon-wilson-threatens-to-sue-p...
You will know by now that Horgan offered a public apology to Gordon Wilson. There is still another NDP'er who is involved, so I'm not sure what will happen there.
It was kind of a dumb move by Horgan. He could have just fired Wilson, and thanked him for his service. Criticising him as he went out the door (wrongly, as it turned out) was not very bright.
Fri, 2017-08-11 20:51
#58
So what route will Kinder Morgan use if BC is able to block the expansion of the pipeline in BC?
http://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/vaughn-palmer-multi-pronged-a...
Sat, 2017-08-12 19:46
#59
Time for another pink slip it seems. What a useless asshole!
Info commish defends Aussie junket during B.C. government transition
Sun, 2017-08-13 16:30
#60
Mon, 2017-08-14 10:02
#61
Mon, 2017-08-14 11:36
#62
This feels like progress
- John Horgan took a selfie with Camosun College students and Advanced Education Minister Melanie Mark after announcing tuition-free Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning.JOHN HORGAN
see - http://rabble.ca/babble/alberta-and-british-columbia/feels-progress
Mon, 2017-08-14 10:08
#63
Will Saskatchewan be next to elect an NDP government
Who! Hoo!
http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/ndp-orders-review-of-government-...
Mon, 2017-08-14 11:08
#64
He has been around for awhile but there actually is a reporter in BC that is telling it like it is, as opposed to the crap being generated by the CBC News Department, the Vaughn Palmers, the Mike Smyths, the Global TV News, the North Shore News, and the rest of the right-wing nonsense being generated in BC's mainstream press.
Mon, 2017-08-14 11:12
#65
On August 1, Prime Minister Trudeau spoke to Global News about the Kinder Morgan pipeline, saying:
“I think British Columbia’s responsibility is to stand up for the interest of British Columbia.”
So we did. This past long weekend, on B.C. Day, British Columbians took to social media, telling the Prime Minister loud and clear what they thought of his comments.
Mon, 2017-08-14 11:16
#66
Mon, 2017-08-14 11:25
#67
Can Horgan Fix BC’s Broken Environmental Protection System?
Shawnigan Lake, Mount Polley show culture that reflects BC Liberals’ contempt for regulation, enforcement.
But in the case of Shawnigan Lake, the process was even more profoundly broken.
At the same time Active Earth was preparing the reports saying the project could safely go ahead, it was negotiating with developers Cobble Hill Holdings and South Island Aggregates to take an ownership stake in the landfill and share in the profits.
That fact was never disclosed to the public or to the Environmental Appeal Board. “I am satisfied that the Board was misled about the true nature of the relationship between Active Earth and CHH,” B.C. Supreme Court Justice Robert Sewell said in a blistering judgment overturning the approval.
You could argue that this case is an aberration, the result of bad judgment or worse, not a flawed system.
But you would be wrong. When Sewell’s judgment was released in January, the Environment Ministry said it was “concerned around Justice Sewell’s findings with respect to the way evidence was presented to the Environmental Appeal Board.”
And when residents raised the allegations of conflict in 2015, says Sonia Furstenau, now a Green MLA, the ministry claimed to know nothing about the relationship between Active Earth and the dump’s developers.
But this month, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC released results of its investigation into complaints about Active Earth’s role.
It cleared the company, largely because the ministry staffer legally responsible for the approval process had been told of Active Earth’s dual role and said the ministry “was not concerned that it would be improper.” (Furstenau told Nikiforuk that’s not what the Environment Ministry told residents in 2015. “Either the ministry lied to us or someone has misrepresented the facts to APEG,” she said.)
If true, the ministry’s decision to ignore what seems an obvious conflict — and to keep that information from the public and the Environmental Appeal Board — shows a cozy approach that puts the interests of consultants and companies ahead of environmental protection.
https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2017/08/14/Horgan-Environmental-Protection-Sy...
Sat, 2017-09-02 11:42
#68
All post-secondary tuition waived in B.C. for former kids in care
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/tuition-kids-in-care-1.42...
Sun, 2017-09-03 22:00
#69
Political expert says expect more bold NDP announcements
http://cfjctoday.com/article/585771/political-experts-say-expect-more-bo...
Mon, 2017-09-04 07:35
#70
Mon, 2017-09-04 19:13
#71
What a mess the Liberals have left behind but John Horgan's government is already rising to the task ahead!
Time to clean up the BC Liberal mess
The BC Liberals have had 16 years to do the right thing for the benefit of all B.C. residents.
http://www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com/opinion/time-to-clean-up-the-bc-lib...
Tue, 2017-09-05 19:48
#72
And this is what we need federally as well!
Diversity, youth invigorate B.C. NDP caucus
http://www.nsnews.com/opinion/columnists/baldrey-diversity-youth-invigor...
Wed, 2017-09-06 21:24
#73
Details of B.C. political donation changes expected Friday
http://www.timescolonist.com/details-of-b-c-political-donation-changes-e...
Thu, 2017-09-07 20:55
#74
B.C.'s NDP government to unveil first throne speech
http://vancouversun.com/news/politics/b-c-s-ndp-government-to-unveil-fir...
Fri, 2017-09-08 10:58
#75
A Nine-Step Formula For a Successful NDP Government
Boldness, smart listening, outreach and action will bring good, progressive government, says strategist.
https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2017/09/08/Formula-for-BC-Government-Success/
Fri, 2017-09-08 11:00
#76
Throne Speech Chance for NDP to Mark End of BC Liberal Era
‘This is where they get to put their stamp on their mandate.’
https://thetyee.ca/News/2017/09/08/Throne-Speech-Chance-to-Mark-Liberal-...
Fri, 2017-09-08 20:55
#77
What an absolutely beautiful day in BC.
Finally rain for the forest fires, and and with the Liberal defection to Speaker, effectively an increase of an additional 2 seats for the NDP-Green BC government.
Woo! Hoo!
Fri, 2017-09-08 20:58
#78
NDP throne speech signals B.C. is about to make major departures from 16 years of Liberal policies
https://www.straight.com/news/962076/ndp-throne-speech-signals-bc-about-...
Thu, 2017-09-14 20:24
#79
ARE THE BC LIBERALS BETTER FISCAL MANAGERS THAN THE NDP?
Conclusion
Contrary to the image they wish to portray, the BC Liberals have not been good fiscal managers of the province’s resources. Their administration is typified by reckless spending, which will ultimately lead to higher taxes, higher hydro rates and higher ferry fares. The BC Liberals will give us less jobs, not more.
http://theecoreport.com/are-the-bc-liberals-better-fiscal-managers-than-...
Thu, 2017-09-28 17:00
#80
Someone forgot to tell Andrew Weaver that it's the NDP running the Green-NDP ship:
Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver calls B.C. premier a 'hypocrite'
Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver is accusing NDP Premier John Horgan of being a "hypocrite" for a spate of party insider hirings. For years as the Opposition, Horgan criticized the Liberal government for doing the same thing.
"If you want to play the moral high ground you better practice what you preach, otherwise you are nothing more than a hypocrite," said Weaver. "Right now I feel the NDP is looking like a bunch of hypocrites because they are doing exactly what they said they wouldn't do.
So do we say the honeymoon is over? I'd say so. Unfortunately for the NDP, they have no where else to turn except to the Liberals. That gives Weaver the whip hand, which he apparently isn't afraid of using.
Thu, 2017-09-28 21:22
#81
My apologies to all babblers for posting TWO Youtube links in one day, but -- apropos of nothing, of course -- does anyone remember the classic Brady Bunch episode where Bobby saves Peter's life, and then things go pear-shaped when Bobby basically makes Peter his slave in return?
Fri, 2017-09-29 00:26
#82
Was it just a coincidence that it was green paint?
Fri, 2017-09-29 16:35
#83
Horgan says he's serious about a BC bid for Amazon's new HQ, despite heavy competition
Tue, 2017-10-03 21:44
#84
Fri, 2017-10-06 02:20
#85
Fri, 2017-10-06 21:03
#86
Nothing works like a change in government that finally puts people first, eh!
It's been a long, long 16 years of right-wing screw the people reign in BC
Surprised to be Heard: Presenters at Site C Inquiry Find Their Voice
‘I’ve been to many of these things and this was refreshingly good.’
https://thetyee.ca/News/2017/10/06/Site-C-Inquiry-Presenters-Find-Voice/
Thu, 2017-10-12 23:02
#87
Premier Horgan comes through with money for brand-new Vancouver schools
https://www.straight.com/news/980716/patti-bacchus-premier-horgan-comes-...
Sat, 2017-10-14 21:10
#88
Horgan won’t commit to abolishing fish farms on trip to northern B.C.
On a trip to northern B.C., Premier John Horgan met Kwakwakā’wakw Nation leaders to talk about fish farms Tuesday but would not commit to abolishing the open-net cages.
“Any strategy for aquaculture must put a priority on the protection of wild salmon, collaborate with First Nations and acknowledge their interests,” read a statement from Horgan’s office posted online.
While in opposition, B.C. NDP campaigned against the net-pen industry.
Now Horgan is faced with 40 leaders from eight Kwakwakā’wakw Nations that are in an unprecedented united stance against net-pen salmon farms in the Broughton Archipelago.
“Remove open-net fish farms from our collective territories,” Hereditary Chief Ernest Alfred said he told Horgan at the meeting.
quote:
The leaders at the meeting, both hereditary and elected, of the Mamalilikala, ‘Namgis, Tlowitsis, Mamtagila, and Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw gathered in the Big house on ‘Namgis Territory to present Horgan with their mandate.
The leaders also argued that their demand for the removal of open-net fish farms from their territory is compliant with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
They repeatedly stated in that the fish farms continue to operate within their territory without consent.
“The issue of rights and title are clearly being violated here,” said Alfred.
Horgan’s failure to take specific action did not go over well with the leaders.
Many felt his answer was a typical government response.
“We are making history right now and we need the NDP to choose which side of history they want to stand on,” he said. “The NDP has been given our clear mandate and we expect to hear back from them soon.”
Alfred is from the ‘Nagmis, Lawit’sis and Mamalilikala Nations and has been occupying the Swanson Island Salmon Farm, owned by Marine Harvest, since August 25.
Sun, 2017-10-15 12:01
#89
Electoral reform all but a sure thing for B.C.
http://www.nsnews.com/opinion/columnists/baldrey-electoral-reform-all-bu...
Sun, 2017-10-15 18:05
#90
It seems far less likely that someone favouring a move to PR would make their second choice to be the first-past-the-post model. Thus, if the current FPTP model doesn’t hit 50 per cent in favour on the first count, the odds of it growing from voters’ second choices do not look good.
Hasn't that been the problem all along, though? I mean, in the previous four referenda. Specifically, that people who support one "flavour" of PR prefer the status quo to another "flavour"? I've been told that the referendum in Ontario failed because they proposed MMP, and I've been told that it failed in BC because they proposed STV. Is the electorate really so fed up with FPTP that they'll willingly stop the perfect from being the enemy of the good this time?
Tue, 2017-10-17 10:51
#91
B.C. First Nations say another occupation possible after fish farm restocking
Just days after meeting with B.C. Premier John Horgan and sending a clear message that fish farms are not wanted in the northern part of the province, community members occupying one farm are now say another occupation is possible after watching RCMP in black zodiacs escort a restocking ship travelling to a fish farm near Alert Bay, where the Horgan meeting took place.
“There were two boats on our tracking device, the ship, and the RCMP,” said Hereditary Chief Ernest Alfred.
Alfred said he watched the Viktoria Viking restock Marine Harvest’s Port Elizabeth Fish Farm. The farm, located in the Broughton Archipelago off the coast of northeast Vancouver Island, had previously been empty.
Photos taken by an anti-fish farm activist appears to show two black RCMP zodiacs.
Ian Roberts, a spokesperson for Marine Harvest, said they called in the Mounties to ensure everyone’s safety.
“Over the last few weeks there has been kind of an increase in aggression from those that our camping on our site towards our staff so we asked the RCMP to make sure both sides and both parties are kept safe while we continue our business,” said Roberts. “We certainly don’t want anyone to be arrested....
Protest outside of BC Premier John Horgan’s office in Victoria, BC, October 13, 2017.
Protest outside of MLA’s office in Maple Ridge, BC, October 2017.
Tue, 2017-10-17 19:49
#92
Tensions rise between RCMP and First Nations against fish farms
by Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw Cleansing Our Waters, October 17, 2017
For Immediate Release
RCMP, Marine Harvest, and Department of Fisheries and Oceans has just arrived on site to where Members from six First Nations of the Kwakwaka’wakw have been occupying fish farms, in their territorial waters for nearly two months near Alert Bay, B.C.
Yesterday, the peaceful occupiers, were served with notices of injunction applications to be heard in court on Wednesday. Sources have reported significantly increased RCMP, Marine Harvest employees and Fisheries and Oceans employees in nearby Port McNeill headed to Port Elizabeth with boats and water equipment.
RCMP have been escorting the Norwegian vessel, Viktoria Viking, contracted by Marine Harvest to refill salmon pens with juvenile stocks, against local First Nation consent. The company is restocking, despite that most of the farm tenures and/or licenses expire before the fish mature.
The escalation in tactical teams, equipment and police numbers deeply concern First Nation members who have been asserting their rights to consent and consultation. Communities oppose the open net salmon farms’ effects on wild salmon including spread of disease, sea lice and other environmental concerns.
The police have no jurisdiction to remove the occupiers, and are supporting the illegal restocking of destructive open net salmon pens in their territory, instead of defending rights and title, and right to wild salmon assert community members.
The police escalation follows a gathering of Namgis, Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw, Mamalilikulla hereditary leadership and community members this weekend. David Suzuki, UBCIC Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Elected Chief Bob Chamberlain, and Elected Chief Rebecca David representative from the BC AFN, were present to show support for those occupying the farms, messages indicated over 90 First Nations are in support of the collective nations’ demands for removal and ongoing occupations....
Wed, 2017-10-18 13:50
#93
Salmon showdown: injunctions served at B.C. fish farm occupation
How will newly elected B.C. politicians handle the escalating fish farm conflict?
Just days after British Columbia politicians attended an official meeting with concerned First Nations community and Chiefs, three people have been summoned to court for their occupation of three open-net fish farms located on First Nations territories in the Broughton Archipelago.
quote:
Horgan subsequently released a statement to the public, sympathizing with First Nations’ concerns, but announcing no clear action. When asked for comment about the growing resistance to fish farms in the Broughton Archipelago, Horgan's office referred National Observer to the office's official statement.
“Any strategy for aquaculture must put a priority on the protection of wild salmon, collaborate with First Nations and acknowledge their interests, involve the federal government and recognize that the industry now generates nearly $800 million in annual value, while supporting several thousands jobs in rural and coastal areas,” the Office of the Premier wrote.
When asked about her visit to Alert Bay, Agriculture Minister Lana Popham said she was "there to listen." In an email, she said the B.C. government appreciates the invitation to meet with hereditary chiefs and elders on salmon aquaculture.
"I hear and understand the concerns being raised by First Nations and members of the public and I have been proactive in meeting with my federal counterparts regarding the importance and urgency of this issue. At the same time, it is important to recognize that the industry now generates nearly $800 million in annual value, while supporting numerous jobs in rural and coastal areas.
"I am committed to continuing to work with First Nations, the aquaculture industry, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to ensure B.C.’s aquaculture sector is environmentally sustainable and respects First Nations’ rights while continuing to provide good jobs for British Columbians."
In an interview, vice-president Bob Chamberlin of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs and chief councillor of Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation, said the responses from Horgan and Popham are safe tactics.
“They have one leg on either side of the fence,” he told National Observer.
In response to mounting tension between occupiers and fish farmers, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans warned that no individuals should "trespass on private property," regardless of their right to peaceful and lawful protest. The ministry encouraged all to respect "biosecurity protocols" at fish farming facilities.
Thu, 2017-10-19 21:01
#94
Open-net fish farm tenures will be reviewed: Horgan
Premier John Horgan said Wednesday the province will review open-net fish farm tenures to ensure wild salmon don’t face “obstacles” along migratory routes.
“We are going to be reviewing tenures, consistent with the Cohen Commission recommendations, to ensure migratory routes for wild salmon are clear of obstacles or any other deterrents,” Horgan said.
“These are important issues for wild salmon, and that’s our focus on this issue.”
The move comes in the wake of a letter his government sent to Marine Harvest Canada last week, effectively putting the fish-farm company on notice that its tenure leases along Vancouver Island might not be renewed.
quote:
Some First Nations have also argued the aquaculture companies are operating in their traditional territories without their permission.
Horgan met last week with First Nations leaders in Alert Bay concerned about fish farming in their traditional territories.
Protesters, including environmentalists and First Nations members, are occupying three Marine Harvest Canada fish farms in the area.
On Wednesday, Horgan said the province is committed to acting within the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, including the elements of free, prior and informed consent.
But he said those elements apply to new tenures, leases and business projects — not established ones.
“I believe investors should look at UNDRIP going forward, not retrospectively,” Horgan said.
“We can’t go backward on these consultations.”
Thu, 2017-10-19 21:08
#95
B.C. fish farm injunctions against protestors lifted
Injunctions against three First Nations activists protesting a fish farm off the northern coast of Vancouver Island was temporarily suspended Wednesday by the company.
Marine Harvest Canada, the owner of Port Elizabeth Fish Farm, was officially occupied by activists Sunday night.
Notices were served to two protesters occupying Port Elizabeth, and one protestor occupying Swanson Island, a fish farm approximately 10 km away, also owned by Marine Harvest.
But early Tuesday morning protestors were forced to pack up their tent and leave Port Elizabeth.
“When protesters were served with a notice to appear in court for an injunction hearing, all protesters vacated our worksite,” said Ian Roberts, the company’s Director of Public Affairs.
“We have since adjourned the court hearing on condition that we can reset it upon 36 hours notice to the defendants should they return to the site.”
But Sherry Moon, one of three female First Nations occupiers said they left due to extreme weather, not the injunctions.
The young activists were occupying the farm with Marine Biologist, Alexandra Morton.
“We only left because of weather,” said Moon. “Winds were hitting over 35 knots and our tents were blowing over touching our noses.”.....
Fri, 2017-10-20 13:47
#96
John Horgan to embark on energy tour of northwest B.C.
https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/john-horgan-to-em...
Fri, 2017-11-03 13:46
#97
1,000 new tech jobs with Amazon in B.C.
PREMIER John Horgan is welcoming Amazon’s plans to double the size of its professional workforce in British Columbia.
“We’re growing a strong, sustainable economy that benefits everyone, by bringing good-paying jobs to B.C. and investing in training the workforce of tomorrow,” Horgan said on Friday. “We will build on Amazon’s plans to bring 1,000 new jobs to B.C. by continuing to open up access to education and skills training.”
The Seattle-based company has announced plans to double its B.C.-based professional workforce to 2,000 by early 2020.
Horgan was joined by Alexandre Gagnon, Amazon’s vice-president for Canada and Mexico, at the announcement in downtown Vancouver, where the company will lease a new 4,500 square-metre (50,000 square-foot) building on Dunsmuir Street.
“Tech companies employ more than 100,000 people in B.C., with s
Thu, 2017-11-09 00:42
#98
BC NDP is freezing hydro rates so does this mean bye, bye Site C?
Thu, 2017-11-09 22:33
#99
Horgan Says ‘Everything’s on the Table’ in Review of BC Ferries
Minister in charge of review says it will focus on operations, not corporate structure.
https://thetyee.ca/News/2017/11/08/Horgan-BC-Ferries-Review/
Thu, 2017-11-09 22:46
#100
BC NDP moves to keep big money out of municipal elections
https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/bc-ndp-moves-to-k...
Wed, 2021-05-05 16:30
#101
Old Growth Logging Approvals Nearly Doubled Over Past Year
https://twitter.com/TorranceCoste/status/1389407085591285761
"This is on every member of the BC NDP government, who argued (and continue to argue) that we have time for more talk-and-log. We don't."