News

A new animal cruelty prevention bill passed in the Senate earlier this month is being accused of having no teeth by opponents of the legislation.

Introduced as a private member's bill in the senate, Bill S-203 was passed to allow harsher penalties for people who abuse and neglect animals.
The problem is, says Nanaimo-Cowichan NDP MP Jean Crowder, just one per cent of people involved in animal cruelty or neglect incidents are actually prosecuted.

"What is the point of having harsher punishment, which is fine, if nobody is being punished?" she said.

Have You Had Enough?

Amid the media buzz about the alleged Conservative “in and out” scheme that has also raised questions about the integrity of the local Conservative election campaign, less flashy issues are in the hearts and minds of hard working Canadians.

I hear the frustrations and fears of ordinary people in our community who are facing more basic challenges: affordability of daily life.

Expect to see colleagues arriving to work with insects stuck to their teeth soon.

After all, Bike to Work Week is bound to keep participants grinning, according to those organizing the annual initiative.
"It's such a positive event," enthused Dr. Richard Stanwick, chief medical officer with the Vancouver Island Health Authority.
"There are lots and lots of reasons why it's a good idea."

The chuffed doctor will join others outside MP Jean Crowder's office on Thursday to kick-off the annual event, which runs June 2 to 8.

No end to leaky condo cost; NDP says feds need to help out families who can't afford to pay for the repairs, The Daily News (Nanaimo), April 12, 2008

Ken and Jennifer McEachern bought their Nanaimo townhouse for $128,000 in 2003, but water damage has more than doubled the original price tag.
The couple are dealing with a "leaky condo" built before proper building regulations were introduced in 2006. Similar situations have plagued many communities along B.C.'s coast, often costing home owners far more than their buying price.

One More Reason to Take Action Against Climate Change: Health

Earth Day is around the corner. It’s a day to reflect on what needs to be in place to have a safe, sustainable world. It’s a day to stand together in continued action against climate change.

When we consider the health of the environment, a link to human health is important to make. Indicators of sustainability include food, air and water - all of which are also determinants of public health.

Will Nanaimo be one of Canada’s Top Sustainable Cities?

Nanaimo continues to grow, and challenges that come with change have also provided opportunities. Creating a shared vision of the kind of community we want to live, work, play, invest and stay in is a noteworthy example.

Canada’s Reputation as Champion of Human Rights Fading

It’s no wonder Canadians are wary of the Conservative agenda when it comes to human rights and freedoms. We continue to see many areas where improvement is needed.

It’s not hard to find examples of significant concern.

Animal Cruelty Reforms at Risk

For years, MPs have been trying to modernize Canada’s 115-year-old animal cruelty law to reflect the average Canadian’s compassionate values:

-move animals out of property law and extend protections to wild animals and strays;

-make it illegal to train animals for fighting or profit from animal fighting;

-close loopholes that allow 99% of those charged with animal cruelty to escape conviction.

Prepare Now for Rising Water Levels

It’s that time of year again when we need to start preparing for rising water levels in our rivers and creeks.

There are a number of resources available to help you.

Watch for warning signs such as an increase in height and intensity of water flows, mudslides or debris in creeks. To monitor near real-time water levels in your area, information is available on Environment Canada’s Water Survey website at http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/formnav.asp.

Jordan's principle a lesson learned

In 1867 when Canada left Mother England and became an independent nation, the British Parliament passed what was known as the British North America Act, or the BNA Act. This piece of legislation is still in effect and for the first century it was the country's constitution.

The BNA Act outlined how Canada would be governed and the powers of the federal and provincial governments were listed in the act.