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Stories for week starting Monday, August 4, 2014

news

Mine Spill Toxins: 'It's Early Days Yet' Says UBC Expert

Mount Polley water ban partly lifted, but questions remain about contamination, next steps.

By Maura Forrest, 9 Aug 2014


news

Imperial Metals' Political Gifts to BC Liberals Total $234,000

Watchdog wants correspondence between firm and government released.

By David P. Ball, 9 Aug 2014


opinion

What Brought Down the Petrostate Premier?

It may be impolite, but there's one major culprit Alberta needs to address.

By Andrew Nikiforuk, 9 Aug 2014


blogs

First Nation announces blockade at new Imperial Metals mine

By Kristian Secher, 8 Aug 2014


news

Mine, Dam Inspections Dropped Since 2001

Documents show government aware of dam safety concerns, including tailings ponds.

By David P. Ball, 8 Aug 2014


news

Files on Bitumen Pollution Stolen from Peace River Activist

Carmen Langer says computer, memory sticks swiped from his home last weekend.

By Andrew Nikiforuk, 8 Aug 2014


news

Are Aboriginal Students Underfunded? Fraser Institute Says No

Assembly of First Nations has its own math. There are, however, two points they agree on.

By Katie Hyslop, 8 Aug 2014


news

Who Pays for Catastrophes? Mining Firms Enjoy Double Standard

In BC, miners not subject to government's spill contingency requirements for oil pipeline builders.

By Maura Forrest, 8 Aug 2014


news

The Risky Rise of the Dams

With mining growth comes larger, deeper, more unwieldy tailings ponds, experts warn.

By Andrew Nikiforuk, 7 Aug 2014


news

Dissenting Teacher: 'We Have to Own Part of This'

Still without a contract, one BC educator speaks out against union tactics.

By Katie Hyslop, 7 Aug 2014


culture

Prairie Cat's Romantic Cynicism

Local songwriter turns heartbreak into pop magic.

By Alex Hudson, 7 Aug 2014


blogs

Ministry slams Imperial Metals with several clean-up conditions

By Emily Fister, 6 Aug 2014


blogs

Biologist waits on reports explaining Vancouver Island salmon farm die-off

By Kristian Secher, 6 Aug 2014


news

Company's Claims of Clean Tailings 'Misleading': Ex-Employee

Imperial Metals describes substance spilled from dam as 'very close to drinking water.'

By David P. Ball, 6 Aug 2014


opinion

West Van Trustee: Why Gov't Must Settle with Teachers Now

Prolonging the dispute before court cases conclude could prove very costly.

By Reema Faris, 6 Aug 2014


news

Eco-activists Didn't Force out Apache, a Foreign Hedge Fund Did

Behind the news that rocked BC's LNG dreams.

By Andrea Rexer, 6 Aug 2014


news

Central Interior Mine Tailings Breach Contained, Company Says

What exactly is in the wastewater, and what caused the spill, is still unknown.

By Emily Fister, 5 Aug 2014


news

Robson Valley Residents Take on Absentee Farm Owners

One rural town mulls three paths to ensure its fertile land is truly farmed.

By Thomas Rohner, 5 Aug 2014


mediacheck

Patent Complaint May Upend Canada's Biggest Trade Deal

NAFTA case hints how CETA's investor-state settlement scheme gouges taxpayers.

By Michael Geist, 5 Aug 2014


opinion

With Parent Payout, Clark's Harpooning of BC Schools Continues

In senselessly spending strike savings, it's clear our premier's channeling Ahab.

By Bill Tieleman, 5 Aug 2014


opinion

Putin, Obama, Harper and Fears of a New Domino Effect

How a chance was missed to halt the rise of a new Russian empire.

By Andre Gerolymatos, 5 Aug 2014


opinion

On BC Day, a Fervent British Columbian's Gift to Canada

Rafe Mair's cost free way to fix our democracy deficit.

By Rafe Mair, 4 Aug 2014


news

Aussie Advocacy Crackdown Echoes Canadian Charity Fears

Political gag rules in Australia coincide with concerns across the Pacific.

By David P. Ball, 4 Aug 2014


opinion

Christy Clark's Forty Bucks a Day Zombie Tactic

Why it revives the all but dead school voucher idea, and why conservatives love it.

By Crawford Kilian, 4 Aug 2014