News

Overlapping jurisdictions can lead to confusion, tensions, expert says

BY CARLA WILSON
THE TIMES COLONIST
FEBRUARY 27, 2010

No matter who wins the battle over a planned a marina in front of Songhees, conflicts will keep flaring up as other proposals come forward in the future, say harbour watchers.
"It will be a site-by-site fight around the harbour, I'm sure," said Diane Carr, a member of the Save Our Harbour organization.

Monday Magazine
February 11, 2010

Regular Monday readers know that the proponents of the Victoria International Marina project have been working hard behind the scenes to sell their dream to various provincial and federal politicians who might have some pull with the regulatory agencies responsible for giving it the green light. Readers also know that the project proponents are already well-connected to the parties in power and politicians whose word could make or break the plan.

Developer says opponents have done more lobbying than they have
By Carla Wilson
The Times Colonist
February 11, 2010

Victoria MP Denise Savoie is calling for a federal investigation into allegations of political insider lobbying involving a proposed marina for luxury yachts in the city's harbour.

A letter was sent to Karen Shepherd, Commissioner of Lobbying in Canada, following concerns raised by constituents and at public meetings on the marina issue, Savoie said.

By Emma Godmere and Kat Eschner
January 28, 2010

OTTAWA (CUP) — The Conservative government has decided not to renew funding for the Canadian Council on Learning, a national organization that studied and published public reports on all levels of Canadian education since 2004.

On Jan. 8, the CCL announced that the government’s financial support — originally a five-year, $85-million grant, which had been extended by the Conservatives for another 12 months last year — will run out on March 31.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 12, 2010

VICTORIA – The Federal NDP plan to redirect one cent per litre of the existing federal excise tax to public transit would solve the chronic deficits that plague public transit systems thereby alleviating the burden shouldered by Greater Victoria residents.

“It is unconscionable that the Federal government is considering giving 1.5 billion dollars in new corporate tax cuts for this year alone, while at the same time leaving municipalities with no choice but to pass costs for public transit to cash strapped Canadians.” said Savoie.

VICTORIA – British Columbia’s natural and social history will be safeguarded a little better after the federal government committed its support for building upgrades at the Royal BC Museum, said Victoria MP Denise Savoie.

HOW TO HELP THE PEOPLE OF HAITI

Dear Constituents,

The Hon. Kevin Falcon
Minister of Health
BC Ministry of Health Services
1515 Blanshard Street
Victoria, BC
V8W 3C8

January 18, 2010

Dear Minister Falcon,

I am writing today in support of my constituents who have contacted me to express their concerns regarding plans to sell the publicly-funded Oak Bay Lodge and Mount Tolmie Hospital and build a single facility that may be privately operated.

The Honourable John Baird
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Tower C-330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5

Dear Minister,

I am writing in support of the letter to you from Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin (dated Dec. 21, 2009) regarding noise and air pollution associated with the Victoria Harbour Airport.

Prorogue this
By Jason Youmans
Monday Magazine
One could be forgiven for not knowing that Prime Minister Stephen Harper—with the assent of Governor General Michaelle Jean—has decided to cancel parliament until March. After all, the editors at Victoria’s Times Colonist newspaper decided to bury the story on page A8 (four pages after a story about sexpot Pamela Anderson’s new anti-seal-hunt ad campaign and one page after a story about a Vancouver fraternity kicking out its members to make room for Olympic renters).