Challenging a colonial Inheritance
In New Zealand, proportional representation enabled the Maori Party to achieve important reforms for the country’s indigenous people. British Columbia’s First Nations also deserve a stronger legislative voice, and electoral reform can make it happen
The buck (doesn’t) stop here
The key to maintaining the public’s confidence in its government departments and agencies, is the concept of public accountability. The gap between the serious nature of the issues presented by community representatives and the response provided by Island Health is staggering. Island Health acknowledges its accountability but does it, in fact, hold itself accountable?
Record’s error went beyond omitting a disclaimer
The Comox Valley Record, our local newspaper, drew widespread criticism last week by turning over its Dec. 12th front page to an advertisement that looked like a news story. The “advertorial” was sponsored by a development company at war with some residents and the Comox Valley Regional District.
Who wields the real power: staff or elected officials?
Who do you think makes the important decisions that affect our communities? It’s natural to answer, “Our elected officials.” That’s who we hold accountable for our government’s performance. But all too often …
Here’s a novel idea: politicians working together
I'm amused and somewhat disappointed at all the hand-wringing about the imminent British Columbia minority government. Since the May 9 election that gave no single party a majority of seats in the B.C. Legislature, political pundits, former elected officials and...
Art: inspired or appropriated?
Contrary to the popular cliche, a person never gets too old to learn something new. I’m old, and this week I learned that I may have over many decades inappropriately appropriated African-American culture. As a teenager growing up in the 1960s, I listened to Elvis on...
Injection sites can prevent deaths, not overdoses
Not many people who moved to the Comox Valley for its small-town feel, access to recreational opportunities or the lively arts scene imagined heroin addicts injecting themselves in public places or one person dying almost every month from an opioid overdose. But these...
Who’s at fault: drivers or cyclists for crashes?
Provincial Court Judge Peter Doherty handed down a fair decision in the case of Timothy Prad of Bowser, the motorist who struck and killed a bicyclist, Paul Bally of Fanny Bay, on the Old Island Highway about a year ago. The judge found the motorist honestly thought...
Pot report stumbles on medical access
The federal task force on marijuana released a thorough report this week that proposes to end Canada’s 93-year prohibition on legal pot production and consumption. Its 80 recommendations touched on the important considerations and concerns for a well-regulated system,...