Opinion

In Kaslo, a Big No to River Power

More than 1,000 turn out to oppose Kootenay project.

By Rafe Mair, 6 Jul 2009, TheTyee.ca

Kaslo rally against Glacier/Howser river power project.

Kaslo rally against Glacier/Howser river power project. Photo by Damien Gillis.

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A couple of weeks ago, there seemed to be cause for celebration for those who join with marine researcher Alexandra Morton in wanting to see the end of fish farming in the coastal waters of British Columbia.

Morton had won a Supreme Court judgment that, among other things, ruled that only the federal government had jurisdiction over fish farms.

Marine Harvest, the principal Norwegian fish farmer operating British Columbia, appealed aspects of the decision, but not the constitutional finding that only the federal government calls the shots for fish farms.

This caused rejoicing among many fish farm opponents.

But others, including me, smelled a rat.

Well, a rat there indeed was.

I have been reliably informed that the provincial government has already made the necessary bureaucratic moves to transfer this file back to the tender mercies of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and that Marine Harvest abandoned the constitutional part of their appeal having been assured that nothing would change.

Both the provincial and federal governments, after the Liberals won the last election with 22 per cent of registered voters, have arrogantly assumed that the battle for our rivers and fish has ended.

In fact, it has barely begun.

From the coast to Kaslo

It continues, for example, in the Kootenays.

A death in the family prevented me from attending a meeting in Kaslo on June 23. However, my colleague, filmmaker Damien Gillis, was there and reports:

"It was a watershed moment in the campaign to protect B.C.'s rivers from private river power projects as 1,100 citizens packed the high school gym in Kaslo, (a town of just 1,000!) to speak out for their  rivers at one of three public comment meetings regarding the environmental assessment application for the largest proposed project in the Kootenays -- a 125-megawatt, five-river diversion referred to as  the Glacier/Howser project, in the spectacular Purcell wilderness northeast of Kootenay Lake. Not a single one in three hours spoke for the project." 

The government representatives and proponent Axor Group -- a Montreal-based construction giant -- had refused myriad requests from citizens and local politicians to hold one of the meetings in nearby Nelson, the unofficial capital of the region, which would have afforded access to a much larger population base.

The move clearly backfired, reminding me of the time last year when the promoter of a comparable proposal on the Upper Pitt  River booked a tiny venue in Pitt Meadows only to see hundreds show up, forcing the fire marshal to shut the meeting down and the company to hold another meeting in a larger venue. This time more than 1,000 showed up and the following day the environment minister pulled the plug on the project's controversial transmission line through a Class A provincial park. 

That night, I remarked to a colleague that this would be the end of the project. It was a fatal misstep by the promoter.

I had a similar feeling from Kaslo, though this one is hardly over.

A resounding No

Far from being deterred by the denial of a meeting in Nelson, local environmental groups banded together to provide bus transportation and other means for getting people to the Kaslo meeting. The result was staggering. 

People of all ages came with costumes, banners, marching bands, meticulously researched and passionately articulated speeches. First they rallied outside the school before the  meeting, then they lined up one after another at the microphone to say a resounding "no" to the project and the whole idea of privatizing our rivers for power we don't need and can't use. Why can't we use it? Because the bulk of this power would come in spring, the time of our lowest demand and highest supply) vowing that this project would be stopped.

As local NDP MLA Michelle Mungall told the company to rousing applause, "These people are not uneducated about your project.  They understand it.  They don't like it.  They don't want it."

After a disappointing provincial election for those who care about protecting our rivers, fish and wildlife, this night served to re-energize the movement around the province and showed this battle is really just getting started. And the people of the Kootenays, famous for their love of nature and commitment to protecting it, are once again leading by example.

Civil disobedience ahead

I do not and never have condoned violence but it would be irresponsible of me, after my experience as official spokesperson for the Save Our Rivers Society, not to warn that people around the province are fighting mad about both the rivers and fish farm issue, which are two sides of the same coin.

They are not prepared to allow companies with the blessings of the governments they have helped finance, destroy our rivers and wipe out our salmon.

What will happen is all too clear. There will be people lying down in front of dirt movers, followed by a lawsuit by the companies who will then get injunctions from a court. Turning civil disobedience into a crime in this way is the usual gimmick employed by environment-ravishing companies with the blessing of governments.

Under such circumstance, Harriet Nahanee and Betty Krawczyk went to jail for attempting to block the destruction of nature on Eagleridge Bluff in West Vancouver.

This time around it will not just be two very courageous women ready to risk the consequences. As I assess the situation, it will be many -- to the point of endless -- protesters.

Inconvenient facts

It would be a different matter if the fish farm and rivers issues were simply controversies where one side said they were right and the other side said, no, they were right.

But in this case, the science and the facts are not in issue.

Every single independent fisheries scientist to be found confirms Alexandra Morton's findings on the slaughter of migrating Pink and Chum salmon by lice from fish farms which is only the worst of many environmental assaults made by Marine Harvest and friends.

Not can it be denied that huge environmental damage is done by independent power projects as they dam and divert to produce power for the profit of shareholders of large corporations.

It cannot be denied that this independent power can, for the most part, only be produced during the spring run-off when BC Hydro doesn't need the power. The president of one of the largest companies, Plutonic, has said "one would have to be in a coma" not to know this power was for export. The record is clear that this power has been bought by BC Hydro, on instructions of the Campbell government, at prices double or more the amount BC Hydro can sell it for into the U.S.

Fulfilling these orders, now in excess of $31 billion, obviously will drive our electricity bills, both industrial and at home, through the roof and bankrupt BC Hydro.

Related Tyee stories:

[Tyee]

Rafe Mair writes a Monday column for The Tyee. Read previous columns by Rafe Mair here. He also acts as a spokesperson for the Save Our Rivers Society.

70 Comments:

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  • Whiskey reef

    2 years ago

    ????????????????

    EDITED FOR EXHORTING VIOLENCE AGAINST A PERSON. -- TYEE EDITOR

  • Grumpy

    2 years ago

    I think Gordon Campbell has............

    ...........lit a fuse of massive public discontent. A government with only 22% of the public vote is a government in name only and it is time to hit Campbell and his Campbell's where it hurts, the Olympics.

    Imagine, massive civil unrest during the 2 week rich-man's games; mass political arrests and enough civil disobedience to make the world's media focus on how evil this man is.

    Shut down the province is the only way for change and shut it down we must during the Olympics.

  • Whiskey reef

    2 years ago

    Say what?

    Violence,demonstrations,are you talking about our democratic rights?

    [NO, I'M TALKING ABOUT exhorting people to murder a specific person, as you did.-- TYEE MODERATOR]

    How far can us BCers be pushed,gordon campbell has lied through his teeth,corrupted the courts,sky rocketed hydro rates,a 2 billion$ lie on the province`s budget,lies about BC Rail,corrupt MLAs.
    Slashed schools,hospitals,treats seniors like crap,what will it take,I will stand in front of a tank,I will lay down for the cause.
    The campbell goverment needs to be thrown out,olympic civil unrest,YES,at every corner,Grumpy,I second your thoughts.

    This goverment has done nothing beneficial in 8 years,as for inciting violence,people have died at campbells hands,a corrupt WCB has caused dozens of suicides,the childrens ministry,queen of the north,the killer pattullo bridge,farm workers,labour laws.
    and you talk about me exhorting violence,the blood drips from gordon campbell`s hands,the blood of BCers is permanately stained on campbell`s hand,and all the money his corporate freinds have stolen from our future can`t clean campbell`s hands,pleasent dreams campbell.

  • ME2

    2 years ago

    Doctor Beers, I presume?

    All of the above says it for me too. I don't think there's going to be much argument here!

    So while I have the floor, I'd like to repeat my request made - just before the Comments on another thread was shut down - along with GWest and SharingIsGood and by many others previously too, that the moderator reinstate Coyote and Skookum 1.

    It would be interesting to know why you've welcomed the boring and terminally repetitive Luke Skywalker "redux" back but not the other two.

  • Whiskey reef

    2 years ago

    If luke is back

    Then everything goes,Tyee editors,Luke owes the posters here at the Tyee a formal apology for stepping way over the line!

    block someone for swearing or inciting(in your mind) violence but allow a rude crude Luke to post,so much for class or equity,it appears some are more equal than others.

  • nechakogal

    2 years ago

    Yes, I do believe the time has come again

    When we need to amplify our voices and take our protest against the sale of our province to the streets. These governments have become too cavalier about their responsibility to the people, that is, all people in the province whether they voted for or against, or not at all. Good job Rafe.

  • G West

    2 years ago

    The time has come

    For the people of the province to make their views known - in no uncertain terms.

    Elected officials in this country are for the most part, individuals who reinforce their power with ignorance, misinformation and slavish adherence to the 'directions' of their so-called leaders.

    The reinvigoration of the people and the re-animation of democracy requires two things: a knowledge of what has been going on in the 'name' of the public and the courage to begin to speak out loudly and often against the actions of the compromised individuals who 'pretend' to the role of making decisions in the public interest.

    Only when the current CEO of this province - (which, under The Campbell Rules, is NOT a functioning democracy but a sociopathic corporation) feels the hot breath of the people on his neck will he change.

    Until then the rape and pillage of the public interest and the sale and ruination of the public's assets will continue apace.

    Wake up people! Make those phone calls - polite and pointed; send those emails - insistent and respectful; crowd those meeting halls - loud and direct.

    Keep the pressure up, let it build until it washes over the province and the sale and degradation of the place is brought to an end.

    But it takes more than posting comments here at Tyee, it takes commitment and it takes action and it requires organization. Talk to you friends, talk to your neighbours, talk to your fellow workers, talk to your kids….talk to a few senior professional bureaucrats and ask them what’s actually going in the offices in Victoria….Please.

  • Wilfred Laurier

    2 years ago

    LOL....

    "....lit a fuse of massive public discontent"

    You guys make me howl with laughter. The man just got reelected for the third time!

    "For the people of the province to make their views known - in no uncertain terms."

    They spoke on May 18, Garth. If you are not happy with the results, you can wait another four years.

    "The campbell goverment needs to be thrown out,olympic civil unrest,YES,at every corner,Grumpy,I second your thoughts."

    Give it a try, Quarry, and see what happens. Democracy rule here. If you are not happy with the system, change the constitution. Find out what POGG is. N government is going to let a mob rule. Finally, Quarry, how many times have you been banned now?

    "But it takes more than posting comments here at Tyee"

    Well, Garth, you have finally figured that out, eh? It means getting the party you support enough votes to win.

    "When we need to amplify our voices and take our protest against the sale of our province to the streets."

    Yup, get out there girly with the rest of the rent-a-mob. I am sure people will really listen, just like they have in the past!

    "EDITED FOR EXHORTING VIOLENCE AGAINST A PERSON. -- TYEE EDITOR"

    Editor, just ban this fool's IP for good. He brings this site down. If I were an NDPer, Quarry would be the last person I would want at a party meeting. He's a crackpot.

  • msuerowan

    2 years ago

    Civil Disobedience

    I sincerely hope that people in the Kootenays stand firm on this issue. The anger felt at Eagleridge Bluffs was not just by two brave women who went to jail but by a community of hundreds that worked tirelessly for years to save this area from destruction. Facing off against a multinational corporation and the courts is a risky and nerve wracking game. At Eagleridge, 25 people were arrest while hundreds of others lent their support. In the end, it doesn't matter how many people are arrested but rather that communities stand their ground.

    But standing up to government is no longer enough. The public needs to begin to raise their voices about the way injunctions are used by judges to quell civil unrest. The courts are not acting responsibly when they fail to take the public interest into consideration during injunction hearings relating to public lands; when they use this process solely as a tool to remove the public's right to protest. To suggest that government represents the public interest at large under any circumstance is to deny that the public has any right beyond electing government officials every four years.

    Judges are allowing government to act with impunity by recognizing only those legal rights granted to corporations by the government itself (governments don't grant legal rights to the public, hence the court does not recognize the public's rights beyond government). It is time to put pressure not only on government, but the court itself to view the public interest beyond the confines of government. If the purpose of an interim injunction is to protect assets from irreparable harm until the merits of a case can be heard, then the same process should not result in the destruction of the very assets at risk of irreparable harm. Protesting the government will have little effect without also pressuring the judiciary to consider the public interest beyond government in these land use disputes.

  • David Beers

    2 years ago

    Administrator

    suggesting murder is out of bounds

    Thanks for the comments and criticism, folks. But if it wasn't clear before, let me be plain. Suggesting that a specific person be murdered is not allowed on the Tyee content threads.

    For a further review of our guidelines please read this.

    http://thetyee.ca/Comments/FAQ/#7

    Thanks.

  • Ladarzak

    2 years ago

    question

    I don't understand the last 3 lines of the article:

    >The president of one of the largest companies, Plutonic, has said "one would have to be in a coma" not to know this power was for export. The record is clear that this power has been bought by BC Hydro, on instructions of the Campbell government, at prices double or more the amount BC Hydro can sell it for into the U.S.

    >Fulfilling these orders, now in excess of $31 billion, obviously will drive our electricity bills, both industrial and at home, through the roof and bankrupt BC Hydro.

    Why would BC Hydro buy power for more than they can sell it for? Also, it sounds like some of these projects have already completed? A link to this background information would be helpful.

  • Wilfred Laurier

    2 years ago

    Mr Beers.....

    This man has been banned here so many times I cannot begin to count it. He brings down the site. Can't you just ban his IP? Can you pass it on the police? Any poster here who is advocating the murder of anyone should be reported to the police. It is not a very good reflection on your site to keep allowing this man to post. Quarry is a dangerous person who by his own posts is willing to commit murder to further his agenda. Law enforcement should be informed of whatever information you have immediately and you know it because if it happens, you are an accessory. And this has nothing to do with press freedom. Nobody is free to kill anybody and especially not to advertise it on a website like the Tyee.

  • seth

    2 years ago

    hijack

    Rafe is obviously familiar with how easy it is to hijack a political party when voter apathy is so high. If those 1000 people bought BCLiberal party memberships they could go a long way towards giving the Gordo and his gang the boot, taking back and remaking the Liberal party in Gordon Gibson's and Gordon Wilson's mold.

    Look at how the Gordo and his media wing was able to wipe out Gordon Wilson who was leader of an actual Liberal party until Neocon mass membership buys defeated him. Look at how Harper and Stockwell Day and the religious right were able to hijack the ReformaTories, and far leftie David Orchard the Progressive Conservative party.

    There are already lots of real Liberals in the BCLiberal party Ken Jones, Carole Taylor, just booted Gordon Hogg and myriads more still hanging on hoping a messiah will come along and save them from the suffering neocon yoke.Now that is really constructive social unrest. To stop the Gordo, progressives across BC need to buy BCLiberal party memberships en masse, vote out the party apparatchik riding by riding, vote for massive policy changes and a new leader.

    We see another article, where the far left wing of the NDP is trying to organize and retake the NDP. Nobody will vote for them in the next election or any other. They are right about one thing though, the BC NDP is a mess with a ineffective unelectable leader utterly incapable of organizing her party, her policies, her opposition and an election campaign. Her make nice parliamentary techniques resound with the voter and the hostile press as cowardly. Bloated Bill Good whips her ass in a one on one. She is driving progressives to the Green's who are utterly fed up with her and her current supporters. If and until that party gets its act together, progressives can still take action.

    While Progressives protests, general strikes and such would be a great attention getter it is only the reclaiming of the Liberal party from its fascist hijackers that has any hope of winning. We can't afford to wait five more years, for another election that the fools in the NDP and Green party will lose for us once again.

    There is a leadership vacuum at the BCCon party and Gordo's gang would fit in there nicely.

  • nechakogal

    2 years ago

    expressing civil unrest

    I think people are turned off when we use threats against people or property to try to further political and social or environmental ends. It reduces the effort to a sideshow and people just want to distance themselves as much as possible from it. I certainly wouldn't feel safe attending a meeting or a demonstration where these kinds of threats were being circulated. I doubt I need to remind folks, but the greatest movements have been brought about through non-violence - Ghandi comes to mind, as does Martin Luther King. The trick is that you need to gather the will of the people.

    Wilfred Laurier, I think we all know 22 percent of eligible voters does not count as a majority and that means 68 percent of British Columbian's are not for sale. The beautiful thing about democracy is that people can choose to express their beliefs either for or against a government whenever they please. Governments have also fallen for less than this government has perpetrated against its people. In other words, the provincial government can be called to account at any time the people will. And sooner or later they will, I can guarantee it little man.

  • Wilfred Laurier

    2 years ago

    Blah, Blah, Blah

    "Wilfred Laurier, I think we all know 22 percent of eligible voters does not"

    And it means even fewer voted NDP. Get your party in order and win the next election in 2013.

  • nechakogal

    2 years ago

    Ladarzak

    http://saveourrivers.ca/latest-news-mainmenu-38/385-press-release-0618 will get you started.

  • inthepaint928

    2 years ago

    hydro power

    Stop and think for a second about the power situation in BC if your anti-hydro protests had been successful during WAC Bennetts' time.....what would we be burning/using to generate the power needed to run this province....coal?...natural gas?....oil?......and oh my God. ...NUCLEAR ?...give your silly heads a shake and realize that water power is the best solution....that is unless you believe humans don't belong on the planet.....what say Raif?

  • realisticman

    2 years ago

    Still Campaigning?

    Campaigning, complaining, the election is over. There'll be another one soon but give it a break. GWest quote: "Talk to you (sic) friends, talk to your neighbours, talk to your fellow workers, talk to your kids….talk to a few senior professional bureaucrats and ask them what’s actually going in the offices in Victoria….Please."

    Sure, you mean like ask them about furniture or carpets or filing cabinets?

  • G West

    2 years ago

    No! There can be no break for liars and traitors.

    This is not a democratic government and hasn't been so since the election of 2001.
    A functioning democracy requires more than just an election every 4 years.

    Those who would make a joke of serious comments and reasonable suggestions will simply find themselves being ignored. When even such people as the editorial board of the Times Colonist and Michael Smyth of the Province notice what's happening things are indeed beginning to make a real impression.

    The affairs of the province are not the subject of discussion and debate (except in places like this) - they are merely the focus of the efforts of the members of the Premier's small circle of appointed and very highly paid yes women and men.

    Only citizens can make a difference.

    There is nothing like a consensus on any of the really important issues which concern the whole population of this province. In areas such as forest resource management, corporate taxation and responsibility to the management and preservation of public assets to the welfare of the poorest most damaged disabled and homeless citizens this CEO government has shirked its real responsibility in favour of the CEO's small circle of friends.

    The election IS over and it's time to use other means to address the rape and pillage of our resources, the abandonment of public responsibility and the negation of the impact of professional advice in favour of special interests.

    CEO government is NOT democratic government and this province is exhibit one in the case against Gordon Campbell's continuing hegemony against its citizens.

  • Wilfred Laurier

    2 years ago

    LOL

    Garth, so anybody how does not agree with you is a "traitor." Laugahable!

    "Only citizens can make a difference."

    Yes, by voting every four years.

  • otropogo

    2 years ago

    Rafe Maier says "I do not

    Rafe Maier says "I do not and never have condoned violence but...."

    Can you say "weasel words"?

    The lack of supporting voices indicates only a healthy sense of self-preservation among thoughtful individuals.

    Here on the East side of the Purcells we see the same shortage of outspoken supporters for Howe-Glacier or Jumbo Glacier Resort.

    A tiny group of three or four supports these projects in print, while the naysayers are legion. Bumper stickers opposing Jumbo are ubiquitous, while those in support are practically non-existent.

    Yet when people are approached privately on these subjects the picture is quite different.

    Could it be that people in our small communities are worried about being shunned, vilified, perhaps even having their tires slashed or windows broken, etc., by these oh-so-righteous self-proclaimed guardians of Mother Earth? I know I am...

    So now, having succeeded in intimidating the public, but failed to bully their elected representatives sufficiently, Mr. Maier and company are bent on "persuading" the judiciary to abuse its power to block legitimate government actions

    No matter how dismally poor the performance of our elected government and/or its appointed managers, British Columbia cannot be run by back-seat drivers. I may well agree that fish farming, or some other project with high environmental costs, should be stopped, but never at the cost of allowing a small vocal minority dictate the actions of elected government.

    Nor do I believe that the so-called "local" residents should have veto power over development of major resources just because they happen to be located in their political jurisdiction.

    These resources belong to all British Columbians, and to Canadians, and ought be managed and developed by professionals with the best possible technical skills and resources und the guidance of the highest levels of government.

    If the eco-zealots really believe that the current government is needlessly corrupt or inept (or both), then let them defeat it at the polls. My feeling is that they have received far more support for their hair-brained schemes and interventions from government and the judiciary than they had any right to expect, and are now at the stage of having "enough rope to hang themselves".

    Unfortunately, their extra-electoral power-grab threatens to seriously (and perhaps irreversibly) damage both the infrastructure and the international reputation of this province.

  • Grumpy

    2 years ago

    The sad fact is......................

    ............as I was one of the few who actually saw the first comment, is now a refrain I am hearing all too often. It is a sad fact that this is happening; a sad fact that points to, not just the current people in power, but previous governments from about 1990!

    Democracy is a fragile thing and with our current 'first past the post' parliamentary democracy a lot of the so-called democracy rested with a politicians honour.

    But we have a government with politicians (both sides of the house)without honour, supported by those lacking in morals, which results in a parliamentary dictatorship. Absolute power (considering the BC Rail court case) even over the courts.

    Campbell was elected with only 22% of the electorate, with about 50% of the eligible population not voting. This again is a dangerous thing, for about 78% of the population did not bother to vote.

    When a large group of people feel disenfranchised, as I do, then off the wall comments seem (which in years gone by would seem unacceptable) acceptable.

    I smell the winds of revolution, the revolution can be quiet, which change coming in an orderly fashion or violent, where a percentage of the population rise up against the ruling elites.

    If enough people feel, as I do, that Campbell needs a serious public slap in the face, then civil disobedience, no matter what action is taken, is deemed acceptable.

    Campbell's Olympics will be the focal point of mob rebuke.

    This is where Gordon Campbell and his Liberal thugs have brought us to; this is where corrupt government, unchecked by the courts, have created.

    It's so very, very sad.

  • BC

    2 years ago

    Finally Push Back for Democratic Process

    Residents of the area in the West Kootenay should not be denied a a voice on what is going on in their own backyard. Until now their voices have been silenced quite effectively
    The massive destruction of Glacier and Howser creeks has everything to do with removing democracy from the people who live there.

    They have been denied a voice at the Regional District level by Directors whose political aspirations reflect more the wishes of politicians in Cranbrook and Victoria than Kaslo and the pristine Purcells.

    Democracy does not work top down, it never has but those who have little respect for democratic process are working hard to ensure people are denied.

    Admittedly it will be hard to fight our own Canada Pension Plan and other assorted corporate interests, I doubt if they even have heard of Kaslo

    Graeme Bevans
    Graeme Bevans, vice president and head of infrastructure of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, serves on the boards of Puget Sound Energy and Puget Energy.
    More

    With more than 25 years of international experience in corporate banking and infrastructure investing, Bevans is responsible for leading the development and management of the infrastructure business in the Private Investments department. Prior to joining the CPP Investment Board in 2006, he headed infrastructure investment at Industry Funds Management, an investment funds management company located in Melbourne, Australia. He also serves on the board of Anglian Water Group, a UK water/waste-water company.

    The Campbell government is joined at the hip and helping lead the charge of "development of infrastructure" at any cost.

  • Whiskey reef

    2 years ago

    Poetry Grumpy

    [EDITED. ]

    Campbell is running scared,Falcon has been warned(no health care changes)check the Sun and Victoria times editorials.
    Hansen is gearing up for the 2.8 billion$ budget surprise.....The cruise industry(bye bye)...Forestry(bye bye) I don`t suppose Wilfred you have heard about the Catalyst tax revolt(they only paid 6 million of 24 million in municipal taxes)....Well guess what,they have set a precedent,they don`t pay,every other industry is next,then the public.....

    Swine flu will be in full bloom when the "No-one is coming to olympics" are on...
    Tourism in the tank-natural gas in the tank-aluminum smelting,in the tank.

    But meanwhile.little mountain housing complex gets torn down for........

    Parking during the olympics.......

    Buyers remorse,you betcha,Campbells house of cards is burning,the fire might be put out,yet I suspect the damage from the Sunami won`t be any relief.

    Cheers-Friend of man

  • Wilfred Laurier

    2 years ago

    Editor

    Again, Editor,the above poster is advocating murder. Is this what you want for your site?

  • Whiskey reef

    2 years ago

    Catalyst won`t pay

    Funny thing about Catalyst not paying their taxes,they actualy had their taxes reduced,they have been operating for years and years.........
    So Catalyst knew the tax load,they operated under it for years,now Catalyst is hurting "we won`t pay"...Who is going to make up the 18 million$ shortfall....

    They short Powell river 4 million/Campbell river 3 million/Courteney and port Alberni.......
    This story is huge,Company tax revolt,so they don`t pay this,next year,what in trouble industry in next? All of them,Campbell has turned "Beautiful BC" into the most corrupt/dysfunctional and business unfriendly place on earth......

    Burn baby burn...........

    Here is the Catalyst story(the story the PAB is trying to stifle,too late)

    http://www2.canada.com/albernivalleytimes/news/story.html?id=71651377-a9f8-42e5-9c9a-b18e4dbd26ac

  • Whiskey reef

    2 years ago

    Edited.

    [EDITED. -MODERATOR.]

  • Powell river pe...

    2 years ago

    Some commenters

    Speak what people are thinking,it appears that Whiskey river hit a nerve,how many people wanted Hitler dead,nobody talked aloud about it but millions were thinking and wanting it.
    Will Vancouverites leave Kaslo to twist in the wind alone,will people rally to save humanity,to stop tyranny,I certainly don`t advocate violence,I would take much more pleasure in our elected official becoming ill,seriously ill with a life dibilitating disease,a slow agonizing loss of function,Ah yes,great pleaure would be mine to see them languish,linger eating re-thermalized food shipped in from Alberta.

    Will I incite violence? no,but I will dream about it and hold no resentment to those that do.

  • Wilfred Laurier

    2 years ago

    The Lunatic Fringe

    Well, the lunatic fringe is out in full force at the Tyee. And they wonder why they are not in power? Well, the reasons are pretty obvious, aren't they?

  • Isaac

    2 years ago

    comparisons to Hitler?

    I'm no fan or supporter of Gordon Campbell, but when one makes comparisons to Hitler, this is so far out of line that any and all comments from this person must be dismissed as utter nonsense. Did someone say lunatic fringe?

  • Wilfred Laurier

    2 years ago

    In Full Force

    The lunatic fringe is out in full force at the Tyee. In Quarry's case I would wager that they are letting him post so they can track his IP and then lead the RCMP to him. And he'll continue to post and you can be sure with the Encana bombings all avenues are being explored. And so they should be, when a lunatic incites violence, he or she needs to be taken off the street as soon as possible.

  • Powell river pe...

    2 years ago

    Isaac

    You seem to have a reading problem,no-one compared Campbell to Hitler,what i said was,just because nobody is speaking aloud doesn`t mean the thoughts aren`t there.

    What are the wild salmon worth,they were hera before we were,before first nations,before mankind,what gives a premier the right to destroy species,if you asked people in private,if you had a choice to have wild salmon or a premier,you know the answer hands down would be -The fish are worth more than the individual.
    Destiny is coming for the BC Liberals,there will be no Olympic profits,forestry isn`t going to recover,industry isn`t going to recover,housing isn`t going to recover,people aren`t coming here anymore,the policies of Campbell are policies of the past,they are dead.

    Isaac/Wilfred, are you condoning the thought police.

    The story,the ceo of Plutonic state the power is for export,what benefit to bc will that be?
    I suggest you talk to the people of Kaslo and ask them about what their personal thoughts are towards gordon campbell,should not 100% of the people of a community have a say as to local issues?

    Campbell knows the power is for export,for private profits,he knows fish farms are killing the salmon,the stracona regional district has okayed the largest salmon farm in bc history,on a new migratory path,to allow that is to condone the demise of wild salmon,the lowest minimum wage in canada with the highest cost of living in any province.
    Isaac,and bc is broke,for we as a province to sacrifice our fish and enviroment for empty pockets is a sin.Anyways,before you beak off you should READ THOROUGHLY and try to understand the meaning,one more example,people want clifford olsen dead/pickton dead/bush dead/Iranian leader dead,I won`t live in fear.

    You can be good little toadies and follow,I will live,my conscious is clear.

  • Wilfred Laurier

    2 years ago

    Full Moon

    I do believe the moon is full tonight.

  • Powell river pe...

    2 years ago

    Ecana bomber

    Have you ever lived in Dawson creek?Do you know the issues?How many cattle and horse have been killed by gas releases.

    I don`t have the answers,I do know people who live in that neck of the province,they have told me the town has turned into a police state,say something bad about the company over beers and next thing you know there`s a knock on the door from company security squad.
    How many people have had their expropiated for gas drilling,I don`t agree with bombing pipelines,it`s the wrong way to go,pipelines can be replaced,a diffrent tactic should be used,it matters not,with the collaspe of the natural gas markets economic forces will shut down the pipelines.
    As for a full moon

    "It`s a marvelous night for a moondance"

  • Skywalker

    2 years ago

    Who is the lunatic fringe?

    Wilf, methinks you doth protest too much. Whatever the comments that are made it is true that in some quarters the temper of our times is frightening.

  • VivianLea Doubt

    2 years ago

    further

    it's a marvellous night for a naked moondance, and perhaps we can all cool off.

  • Grumpy

    2 years ago

    Historical note:

    Let us not forget, that rather short, funny Austrian type, with the funny mustache was first elected democratically.

    Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely - left or right!

    The only way to face up to corrupt politicians, especially when the courts fail, is civil disobedience.

  • Hughes

    2 years ago

    Heil Campbell

    Campbell is a myopic self-serving despot. Does he care that he received the nod from only 22% of registered voters? No. Does he care that the corporations he supports, and who support him, are destroying the environment? No. Does he care that entire communities are opposed to his slash ‘n’ burn tactics and utter disregard for the environment? No.

    When the people in the Squamish Lillooette Regional District (SLRD) proved democratically that they did not want Ledcor building a hydro project on the Ashlu River, Campbell effectively pulled the rug out from under the SLRD, the people, and the democratic process by introducing Bill 30.

    This is the style of governing one endures in fascist state.

    OMG!

    Heil Campbell!

  • Wilfred Laurier

    2 years ago

    Well,

    Above posters, if you don't like the government, vote them out in 2013. All your talk about "civil disobedience" is simply blowing smoke and you know it

  • PatrickMcEvoyHalston

    2 years ago

    I always worry when I hear

    I always worry when I hear older people so obviously looking forward to masses of youth sacrificing themselves for the cause. I know the psychology of why people cheer on soldiers (read: young people) for their brave, selfless sacrifice to the nation, and it's not pretty.

    Young people out there, beat back the corporations, but no harm to you--'kay: we want you guys around for the long run.

  • lynn

    2 years ago

    The BC Lunatic Party

    Who's the real lunatic fringe?

    I'd suggest:

    1)Those lunatics who have put hundreds and hundreds of our rivers up for foreign sale and profit...

    2)And who crazily dismantled the "power" of crown jewel, BC Hydro, to do so.

    3)Those lunatics who sold BC Rail for 990 years. (The public railway that made 80 MILLION DOLLARS a year in profits for the people of BC.)

    4)Those lunatics who think selling prime BC Rail land, (prime waterfront included), for ONE DOLLAR to CN is not only a good idea, but good business!

    Talk about governance by Full Moon!

    Who's crazy now?

  • jrminator

    2 years ago

    the BC lunatic party

    Lynn, you're absolutely right. And the opposition to Campbell's Lunatic Party is not just coming from the NDP or Green, but from all those who can see through the BS, recognize the wrong and truly believe that we're being sold down the river.
    Rafe, I'm glad that this fight will go on and thanks for your participation.

  • Grumpy

    2 years ago

    Democracy is not.......

    ......one day in four years, it is where the "state" actually listens to the people, not to their cronies.

    We, the people, are the "state", not Gordo and his brand of political thuggery.

    Campbell has ignored the people and it seems, ignored history; he savours power, for the sake of power and the Liberal hangers-ons savours the tax dollars he shovels off the back of a truck.

  • VivianLea Doubt

    2 years ago

    CIVIL disobedience

    "Wake up people! Make those phone calls - polite and pointed; send those emails - insistent and respectful; crowd those meeting halls - loud and direct... Please."

    "I think people are turned off when we use threats against people or property to try to further political and social or environmental ends."

    "It`s a marvelous night for a moondance"

    "it's a marvellous night for a naked moondance"

    Civil disobedience has a long and respected tradition in protecting the "fragility of democracy" - paraphrasing Grumpy. Violence and manning the baricades are not the same thing, have no place in a democratic society, and I surely see no one here exhorting the young to sacrifice themselves for a cause, all due respect, Patrick. My own belief equates (in a nutshell) to the thought that the citizenry willl re-engage with politics/ the political when it becomes CIVIL again; that, and when it addresses the personal reality of hardship or suffering rather than the statistical norm, or the so-called average.

    There is surely a rising tide and growing chorus of voices of discontent - but surely even more obviously this must be channelled into content; not what we don't want, but what we do want. Now, I attended my first protest (againt nuclear testing on Amchitka Island) as a young child - but I sense that these are actions more suited to that era than this one.I inserted the above quotes because there is a spectrum of ideas/actions/attitudes that can take us forward, and each of us can contribute in the way most suited to our strengths. That is our strength, the strength of the amorphous "left', as I see it - the tools of the right are so predictable, so shallow corporate-think, so lacking imagination, so ernestly following the path of rectitude that it will not be difficult to shake them up. Trust me - naked moonlight dancing will do it every time. Y'all can think of that metaphorically if you like: insert your own inclination.

  • North of Hope

    2 years ago

    Full Moon

    It will happen July 7 and you may get a partial eclipse depending on where you live.

  • Wilfred Laurier

    2 years ago

    Armchair Revolutionaries......

    I've seen quite a few armchair revolutionaries in my day. For those advocating civil disobedience, have at 'er but I don't see much at the moment.

  • inthepaint928

    2 years ago

    so tough

    What a bunch of wanabees....most of you protestors are pussies who havent had an original thought since the 60's...or a job for that matter....rant, rave, spit all over your McIntosh computers which your mom bought for you, cause you don't have a job, cause you have no skills.....well, lets face it.....your lazy and for lazy poeple, public indignation and protest is an easy job.....i'm an Environmentalist....look at how important i am....what a bunch of asshats

  • Powell river pe...

    2 years ago

    So tough

    Maybe its not your kind of tough

    In the paint-Your tough is illegaly firing the lowest HEU members,threatening to cut 360.000.00$ for kids to go to camp,hiding behind "it`s before the courts"

    Not funding insulin pumps for little kids

    I could go on forever but I won`t

    Your callous remarks show stupidity

    This ones for paint

    "If rape is inevitable lay down and enjoy it"

    Enjoy the Campbell lube job,loser!

  • inthepaint928

    2 years ago

    tough

    And what exactly does your rant have to do with hydro power....these kids who have to pay for insulin pumps....where would they go if there's no hydro to run your publicly funded hospitals...where would your heu union members work?....your understanding of the compromises and arrangements and negotiating it takes to keep the ship afloat is about half an inch thick....by opposing hydro power, in favor of i dont know what (coal?)you are fighting against the jobs the union breatherin so covet....you'll be the one giving lube jobs asshat

  • Powell river pe...

    2 years ago

    You are a loser paint

    Private power doesn`t pay ANYTHING to the province,the money goes into private pockets,don`t you dare talk about temporary construction jobs,this power is for export,it`s not bc hydro....

    You started with the name calling and making assumptions about people,well I will make an assumption to you,where would you like to meet?name the time/place and I will be there.BIG MAN....you want to play,lets go,where you live man,cmon,spit it out,lets have a little one on one session!
    I live in pender harbour,anytime,anyplace,anyhour,I`m waiting!

  • G West

    2 years ago

    There is no hydro shortage in BC

    You can check it out - the so-called generation deficit is a figment of the imagination - ROR is nothing more than a private money grab for the generating capacity to increase exports to the US - it has nothing whatever to do with meeting BC's current or future needs.

  • Isaac

    2 years ago

    Powell river pe

    Now you are challenging another poster to a physical fight? Please get off.

    ....and by the way, in response to your earlier drivel, I can read just fine.

    You said, in direct response to comments made about Gordon Campbell: "....how many people wanted Hitler dead,nobody talked aloud about it but millions were thinking and wanting it."

    If that is not drawing comparisons, what is it? This is a tacit statement that Campbell's actions are as evil and reprehensible as Hitler's, and that he therefore deserves whatever the mob (you) can dish out.

    And also: "speak what people are thinking" - are the "people" (you, again?) advocating the assassination of Gordon Campbell as a means to get him out of power? Does your concept of civil disobedience extend to murder in this case?

  • inthepaint928

    2 years ago

    pender harbour

    i bet your support workers are real proud of you

  • Powell river pe...

    2 years ago

    Where you at paint?

    I`m waiting.

  • Powell river pe...

    2 years ago

    As for you Isaac

    Kaslo,a town of a 1000 and everyone turns out to say NO NO NO....Just what do YOU think they are thinking?
    Surely some of them must have voted(regetably)for Campbell.

    And for you defend Paintballsmear that called every poster a lazy unemployed loser,well that again speaks volumes about your ability to comprehand,you obviously don`t have the ABILITY to comprehend the issue,you have posted nothing,you defend Campbell,a liar,a drinking driver,a con man,a adulterer,2001 campaign quote "I won`t sell bc rail"
    Just one of hundreds of lies.

    I suggest you two keyboard cowboys take a visit to Kaslo and express your views at the local watering hole,not one intelligent thought between either of you.

  • Matt T.

    2 years ago

    No More BC Hydro Power In BC

    The Peace Valley Environmental Association just prepared a 65-page report supporting its opposition to BC Hydro's Peace River Site-C dam. PVEA called the project non-green energy.

    Former NDP election candidate Brian Churchill helped produce the report.

    Let's keep BC green. BC Hydro can always import power from energy-rich Manitoba in the future.

  • Powell river pe...

    2 years ago

    @Isaac

    And where did I say to assasinate anyone or beat anyone up?Again,you have a problem with comprehending facts,as for having a one on one with paintballsmear.

    He can see first hand how unemployed and lazy I am,we have a folsum discussion about that.
    Destiny is coming for Campbell and it won`t be in the hall of fame.

    Try reading and understanding the issues,there is a story on the right about the grizzly bears,the meager protections that Campbell has offered the bears ain`t worth squat,the reason? Because these bears are having to range hundreds of miles for food because the pacific salmon is in full blown decline,but you don`t get it!Do you,the rivers,ROR,fish farms,bill 30,they are all related.

    Since your too naive to know what bill 30 is---Bill 30 that got rammed through the legislature by Campbell states.--"The province can over-ride municipal/city/or communities decisions,the province can ram anything any where it wants,townspeople have no say"
    Thats bill 30--

    But you don`t get it do,the interconnectiveness of nature,you don`t get the the part about the rights of the people,your just good little toadies that want to snipe at people with a backbone.

    Try paying attention,the fewest sitting days of any legislature in Canada,or no sittings at all,bills rammed through in the last hour of the last day without debate are--
    The carbon tax(no debate)-Cap n trade(no debate)7 bills rammed through 11 minutes,Campbell has made a mockery of the peoples rights in this province(sound familiar)and as is fact,our BC debt has more than doubled,we are a broke province,so move along little toadies.

  • inthepaint928

    2 years ago

    kaslo

    Well, i've been to Kaslo....in fact i remember not too many years ago when a succession of NDP administrations brought this province and Kaslo to its knees...lets see....oh yah, we had Mike Harcourt and Bingo Gate, Carrier Lumber (when he was found guilty of signing an illegal treaty which prevented Carrier from harvesting pine beetle stands...look what that led to) and which cost taxpayers 250 million dollars in damages.....and lets see.....Ujal Dosange ;pretending he's a maharaja in India, riding an elephant and promising easier immigration....and Glen Clark....where do we start....at about that time, BC officialy became a have not province needing welfare from Manitoba.....so, a little dose of reality when you want to compare abilities....as for Campbell, im not a huge fan, never said i was but he's certainly not what most of you are calling him...he's gone from a fiscal conservative to a spendthrift liberal, throwing money like a......well, like some wacked out NDP fool.....so kids, put down the sweets, hide the stash and step out into the sunshine...:)

  • Powell river pe...

    2 years ago

    Ah--Jstog,your back

    The pine beetle outbreak has happened for millenia,that is such dribble,go check historic documents about the pine beetle in the 18 century,in the 20s the 30s.

    Ujal wasn`t around long enough to make a differnce,as for Clark,he has a cush job with jimmy pattison.
    Still with clark,he built ferries that weren`t suited for BC,was it a boondoggle?Like the 500 million over budget convention center,the 2.8 billion $ Canada line(1.4 billion over budget)--What was his balanced budget? it turned out to be 350 million deficit...well

    What will you say when we find out on friday that we did not have a 50 million$ surplus last but a 600 million$ deficit and in septempber when we find out the deficit for this year isn`t 490 million but 2.6 billion dollars,will you call for Campbell`s resignation?
    Bingogate,peanuts compared to Kinsella`s involvement in casino`s,in pay day loans,in BC Rail,kinsella`s involvement in Plutonic power,his involvement in private liquor,and you forgot that when Campbell took over Ottawa starting pay provinces transfer payments,was Clark a great premier?No way but he`a choir boy compared to the crimes of Campbell

  • Skywalker

    2 years ago

    paint

    Next time you read the instructions on the can, read carefully the part where it says "apply only in a well ventilated area". The fumes are very toxic, you know.

  • nechakogal

    2 years ago

    Matt T.

    Is there a link to this report?

  • nechakogal

    2 years ago

    I found it

    2009 Report: The Living Peace River Valley for others who may be interested:

    http://itsourvalley.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/the-living-peace-river-valley1.pdf

  • inthepaint928

    2 years ago

    pine beetle

    There probably were pine beetle infestations in the past, just like there were ice ages and extreme warming periods which melted the ice....36 ice ages to be exact according to geologists, but the difference in our times is that the forest fires are fought today and put out....one hudred and more years ago, the fires burned until they were out of fuel, killing the bug infestation and renewing the forest with fresh growth. In not allowing Carrier Lumber to harvest a barrier north of Wells Gray park, Harcourt set the stage for the loss of billions of dollars worth of timber which now sits like a tinder box in the Cariboo, waiting to burn. When that happens it will be left to burn out and the environmentalists will scream that nothing is being done.

  • Skywalker

    2 years ago

    paint

    Are you really suggesting a harvested barrier would keep out the pine beetle? Why has this simple solution never been advocated by any forestry experts? It has only been advocated as a method of salvaging some of the wood lost otherwise,never to eliminate the bug infestation or are you inhaling..

  • Powell river pe...

    2 years ago

    You wrong paint

    First off there have only been three known major ice ages.

    Second,the winters used to be MUCH colder and the pine beetle was frozen to death,the winters haven`t been cold enough and or not cold enough for a long enough time.
    Third,if there was any VALIDITY about harcourt or the NDP causing the pine beetle outbreak Campbell would of used it! 237 PAB hacks spewing out pablum about everything in the past,ever watch the legislature in Victoria(question period)every question posed by the NDP was answered with.....

    "Fast ferries,the dark ages of the 90s,a have not province in the 90s,people leaving the province in the 90s"

    Campbell PAB called it "It`s not answer period it`s question period,if you can`t answer the question then attack"

    It was sent to all MLAs as a direct order...
    But you and JSTOG(you are probably him)are the only ones I have heard blame the pine beetle on the NDP,and,even more of a coincidence is,Jstog was obsessed with the Carrier lumber story,and here you are talking about Carrier lumber,coincidence?

    I think not,again about the people of Kaslo,they are protesting against PRIVATE POWER,not the pine beetle,not Harcourt,not the NDP,and
    You still have your anger issues Jstog,still reminicing about your flat across the street from the old spagetti factory in the DTES ????

    Your change in writing pattern has not fooled me.

  • North of Hope

    2 years ago

    Pine beetle

    Wasn't Carrier Lumber supposed to cut trees that were infected or threatened by the pine beetle?
    And isn't the pine beetle working its way through the forests of western US as well? Are they blaming the NDP?

  • Powell river pe...

    2 years ago

    Paint is delerious

    He talks about how the pine beetle wuold be burnt out by fire,I watched a show about the pine beetle,the hot flames created updrafts that carried the beetle hundreds of miles,only to shower the new area in fresh pine beetles.

  • TYRONE

    2 years ago

    Run-of-River and Fish Farms

    Rafe Mair has worked very hard for us BCers, but did they listen? He poured his heart out to prevent a campbell victory, but did you feel it? Now the s--t hits the fan and y'all can do nothing about it and that hurts! Why don't y'all put on your thinking caps (if you are capable of this) before you go to the poles and given that y'all had run out of ideas and willingness to put pencil to paper when it counted, don't think y'all can change things easily now by complaining! I am only one voter, but I listened and I voted, but thousands were too lazy to get off their duffs when it would have counted!!!

    Now shut up!

  • North of Hope

    2 years ago

    Act of God

    The pine beetle is a natural occurrence and hence an Act of God (god for non-believers.) Since the NDP is being blamed for its infusion into BC, then perhaps the BC NDP is an agent of God (god.) If you don't believe in the NDP, then you should change your ways or prepare for a hot future.

  • Powell river pe...

    2 years ago

    Tyrone

    I would bet that 90% plus of Tyee readers voted,you have to blame the loss partialy on the NDP,but clearly the blame lies with big media.
    The ceo of Plutonic gets caught lying about donating to the Liberals(hundreds of 1000s$) and the media ignores the story.

    The fraser institute`s report on raising the minimum wage (the report done specifacly for bc only)said we would lose from 8000 jobs to 51000 jobs,yet the media hammered away at the 51000 figure (the report was fictitios)-And cmon,the Fraser institute!
    marc jaccard(BC Liberal spokesperson)-overnight he wrote a report saying if we tax oil n gas industry for flaring it will cost 60000 jobs(another fictitious report based on nothing)He never mentioned anything about how many jobs the carbon tax costs.
    The media,they were only interested in how much fuel carole james used flying over the Ashlu(400 litres)-or a picture of carole with 2 djs from rock 101--

    The media (vancouver sun) shut down their columnist scott simpson and ordered him not to report anymore on private power,the media,Smyth,Palmer,baldry,all of them lied about a power shortage in BC,they knew the facts,the big media knew the facts,they chose to ignore the facts,they wanted Campbell and they pushed with the province/sun/victoria times/30 community papers Canwest owns/shaw tv/global tv/cknw/chek tv/....With all that media pimping for Campbell I am quite impressed with the NDP results.
    It doesn`t make it easier to see Campbell sell out the province,Tyrone,justice will come for gordon campbell and his toadies/Karma will scope out their path.

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