Editorials
Comment
Tired of getting those annoying mailouts from MPs you've
never heard of? So are we. So is a slim majority of the MPs in the
House of Commons. So is the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, which
cites them as an example of government waste.
The four-year wait for a decision on criminal charges in the
sinking of the Queen of the North brings the justice system into
disrepute. There is no acceptable excuse for such an extraordinary
delay in a matter of broad public interest.
Comment
The Capital Region Emergency Services Telecommunications --
CREST, as it's known -- has been a big, expensive problem for eight
years. Victoria police continue to complain the system fails in
critical situations, particularly downtown, despite $10 million
spent on efforts to fix it.
The B.C. government served notice Monday that it will begin
to regulate snowmobilers' access to the province's backcountry.
largefeature
Marina process failing everyone
At this point, both sides in the debate over a proposed new Inner Harbour marina have a right to be frustrated at the approval process. More than two years after the federal government launched an environmental assessment, there has been no formal public involvement.
Comments ()
Jaffer's 'break' on charges
Rahim Jaffer's mysteriously light punishment after being charged with impaired driving and cocaine possession raises four concerns.
Comments ()
Going backward on policing
For at least seven years, the province has been urging greater co-operation and even amalgamation of police forces. In 2003, then-solicitor general Rich Coleman complained about foot-dragging and said he would order integration of police services within weeks. Little happened. His successor, John Les, took a similar position in 2006 with similar slight results.
Comments ()
A healthy diet grown at home
Processed food is a perfect instance of what modern technology can accomplish. It is convenient, affordable and pervasive. Yet it is also a mixed blessing.
Comments ()
Museum deserves to be protected
The Royal British Columbia Museum is a treasure. It is a showpiece of the Inner Harbour, of Victoria and of the province. It enlightens and educates locals and visitors and its role as a tourist draw cannot be overstated.
Comments ()
Super, Medical B.C.?
There is nothing particularly alarming in Health Minister Kevin Falcon's musings about turning health care into a profit centre by selling surgery to people from the U.S.
Comments ()
Saluting Paralympians
There are only five sports in the Paralympics and the competitions last just nine days -- but there is an abundance of heart, talent, determination and reasons to care about these Games.
Comments ()
Doubts remain after HST report
The provincial government's report on the HST's impact on investment and jobs would have been valuable during a public discussion about introducing the new tax.
Comments ()
Getting ready for diversity
The changing face of Canada -- and this region -- will bring challenges and opportunities. We should be preparing for both now. A Statistics Canada report this week sketched a portrait of a much more diverse population in the near future. The changes are most dramatic for the big cities. In Metro Vancouver, for example, the term "visible minorities" will require a rethink. While 44 per cent of the population were visible minorities in 2006, those groups together will be the majority in 2031, making up 59 per cent of the population.
Comments ()
Words about the anthem
If Prime Minister Stephen Harper accomplished one thing with his idea about changing the national anthem, it's that he finally found a way to get Canadians involved.
Comments ()
Grant cuts fail competence test
The provincial government's funding cuts to hundreds of community groups raise basic questions of competence and fairness. The grants from gambling revenues have been distributed since 1991. As part of the effort to convince British Columbians to accept government-run gambling, charities, non-profits and community groups were promised a one-third share of profits.
Comments ()
Dying ducks and oilsands
Anti-oilsands campaigners can take the rest of the winter off. No stunt they could possibly pull could match the glorious help they are getting for free from Syncrude and that awful video of ducks dying in the Aurora tailings pond.
Comments ()
Obesity threat demands action
We make a great effort to warn people about things that can harm them. Signs urge caution around waterfalls in parks. Cigarette packages have graphic information on the risks. Even unlikely perils are covered -- few people likely need to be advised that plastic bags aren't good playthings for infants, but the warnings are ubiquitous.
Comments ()
B.C. court administration needs overhaul
It is time for British Columbia to adopt a new model of court administration.
Comments ()
James betting on HST issue
The B.C. Liberals believe the harmonized sales tax is a done deal and that nothing will derail the plan to merge the provincial sales tax and the federal goods and services tax on July 1.
Comments ()
Sponsored Links
Jody Paterson
Carole, what's happened to the NDP?
With all due respect to a woman who I personally like, there's a burning question I need to get off my chest: Where the heck is Carole James and the NDP?
Dose.ca MacGruber Contest
»
Dose.ca Youth In Revolt Contest
»
