Tuesday, Oct 13, 2020  

Published 3:30 pm

It doesn't "ad" up

Tired of the intolerance, discrimination, bigotry, and slandering of some of the finest politicians in the land including Laurie Throness

John H. Redekop Ph.D., Professor Emeritus in Political Science, Wilfrid Laurier University/MFALI photo

 Wednesday, Oct 14, 2020  

Published 6:30 am

Gone but never forgotten

Abby cops lose a brother

Sgt Judy Bird, Abby PD/Handout image

 Tuesday, Oct 13, 2020  

Published 3:30 pm

Is Dan Coulter up to the task?

Extreme left position would deter proper MLA representation

Dean Roosevelt/Voice file photo

Dan Coulter speaks to crowd while trying to get elected in 2017.

 Tuesday, Oct 13, 2020  

Published 3:30 pm

Idiot Wind

Chilliwack gets hit with one of the most powerful windstorms on record

Staff/Voice photos

A tree came down over a car on Nowell Street Tuesday.

Power poles were dropping like toothpicks, trees were snapping off and falling onto wires all over the city Tuesday as powerful winds slammed into Chilliwack.

At one point BC Hydro indicated there were over 12,000 customers without power from Matsqui to Kent.

When Environment Canada sent out a Wind Alert on Monday but later cancelled it, Chilliwack was not prepared for the ensuing wind the following day gusting to an estimated 80km/hr and knocking out power all across the city.

The Chilliwack Fire Dept were stretched thin running non-stop from incident to incident.

It seemed that anyone with a chainsaw was put to use on houses, cars and streets. All of the city and surrounding areas were affected.

Cruisers block Nowell Street where the tree came down.

Campers were stuck on Foley Creek Service Rd  when trees came down in front and behind of them. A power pole came down on the Chilliwack River Valley Rd with wires across the vehicle trapping people inside it.
 

A tree came down on a vehicle on Hwy 9 in Agassiz striking the driver in the face who was later deemed okay. Harrison Search and Rescue had to pluck a man from a boat. A train was held up with trees down in Popkum.
 

People were stuck in an elevator on Cook St. Trees came down on Hot Springs Rd. and Rockwell blocking both. A tree even came down on the Trans-Canada at Herrling Island and Seabird had issues.

A big oak came down over a vehicle on Nowell St. Traffic lights downtown were out so drivers were doing the four-way stop routines at several intersections. Booms could be heard as trees hit transformers. A block on Braeside Ave was evacuated after a tree fell on a home knocking out the gas line.

Thanks to Chilliwack fire fighters for keeping residents safe and hats off to the Hydro linemen and Fortis guys who are the unsung heroes in the community.

 Tuesday, Oct 13, 2020  

Published 3:30 pm

The BC elections drawing near

Watch The Voice for a wrap of each candidate prior to the election

Staff/Voice file photo

An all-candidates meeting in 2011.

 Sunday, Oct 11, 2020  

Published 3:30 pm

Tragedy on Ballam Road

Two dead, one critical after vehicle plunged into the Fraser River

Chilliwack RCMP/Voice photos

A memorial, including car parts, was set up Sunday where the accident took place on Ballam Rd.

Two young people are dead and one remains in critical condition following a fatal accident which occurred late Saturday night in rural Chilliwack.

Shortly before 11:30 pm on Saturday, October 10th, 2020, Chilliwack RCMP were called to the 46000-block of Ballam Road after receiving reports that a vehicle had left the roadway, flipped and was fully submerged in the Fraser River.

The vehicle’s 3 occupants – all youth from Chilliwack, were trapped inside. Emergency responders arrived and located the vehicle down an embankment in the Fraser River approximately 10' from the dyke and immediately began rescue efforts. Emergency responders entered the water and were able to extract all 3 youths from the vehicle. 

Despite CPR and life saving efforts, 2 females, aged 17 and 18, were pronounced dead at the scene. A 21-year-old male was airlifted to a regional hospital where he remains in critical condition.

"Fatal collisions are always tragic, but ones involving young people are particularly difficult, says Sgt. Krista VROLYK, media spokesperson for the Chilliwack RCMP. "Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of all those involved in last night’s horrific crash."

Audrionna Thornton (r) a friend of the victims, speaks with a news reporter Sunday.

The accident remains under investigation by the Chilliwack RCMP, the Lower Mainland District Integrated Collision Analyst Reconstructionist Service and BC Coroners Service to determine the facts including; if speed and or alcohol may have played a role in this crash. 

 Sunday, Oct 11, 2020  

FIRST REPORT Published 5 am

Serious accident off Ballam Road

Three people inside vehicle when it rolled into Fraser River

Staff/Google image

The area where the car went into the river late Saturday night.

Rescue crews were called out to the 96000-block of Ballam Rd. around 11:25 pm Saturday after receiving reports that a vehicle left the road and plunged into the Fraser River where it promptly rolled over with 3 people inside.

Firefighters arrived with RCMP already on-scene. Chilliwack Search and Rescue were called.

Multiple Fire Dept units were deployed and crews worked quickly to get the people out. By 11:54 pm the last person was pulled from the vehicle.

A Medevac Air Ambulance was called in and landed on a dry, freshly-cut cornfield in the 1000-block of McDonald Rd. The chopper lifted off at around 1:25 am.

City maintenance crews were called in to set-up barricades. RCMP are expected to remain on-scene investigating for the next few hours.

There was no word on the condition of the occupants. Watch here for more details as they become available.

 Saturday, Oct 10, 2020  

Published 5 pm

Avoiding future pandemics

SPCA talks about cross-human contamination

Lori Chortyk, SPCA/Jo-Ann McArthur photo

Squirrels tied to cages with strings in a Chinese wet market.

The BC SPCA is speaking out as part of a Canadian coalition, led by World Animal Protection, concerned about the global trading of wildlife. The coalition says the trade must be stopped in order to address the spread of zoonotic diseases (disease transmitted from animals to humans), to help prevent future pandemics and to protect millions of wild animals worldwide from suffering.

“The science is clear that zoonotic diseases from wildlife are a serious threat and account for at least 70 per cent of all new diseases,” says Dr. Andrea Wallace, manager of wild animal welfare for the BC SPCA. 

Live wildlife markets have played a significant role in the current pandemic as well as the previous SARS epidemic, and are responsible for the poor treatment and exploitation of wild animals.” She says that live animal markets, in which many animals come into close proximity with each other and with people, provide the ideal conditions for a virus in one species to be transferred to another, including humans.

“The crowded, unsanitary and stressful conditions for animals in live markets is unnatural and promotes the emergence and spread of infectious diseases.

Millions of wild animals are captured, bred and traded each year around the world for food, traditional medicine and as pets. At every stage of the trade, zoonotic disease transfer is a risk not only to surrounding communities but also globally.

In July 2020, the BC SPCA joined a coalition of Canadian and international organizations, academics, conservationists and zoonotic disease experts to take action nationally. “We are calling on the Canadian government to bring this issue to the G20 Leader’s Summit in November 2020 and urge other countries to support the closure of live wildlife markets as well as end the international trade of wild animals and their products,” says Wallace.

By curbing the import and domestic trade of wild animals and products.

The BC SPCA is urging Canadians to the following actions to curb the impact of the global wildlife trade to help prevent future pandemics and reduce animal abuse.

 Saturday, Oct 10, 2020  

Published 4:30 pm

Tech spec

New library app turns anything into drum

Jennifer Fehr/Voice photo

Firefighters deal with car fire on Mayfair Ave.

The Playground at Fraser Valley Regional Library’s (FVRL) has grown again with its newest lending experience – Sphero Specdrums!

Place a hold on a Specdrums kit and expand your musical horizons without the need of instruments. Specdrums’ app enabled rings pair music and technology by turning colours into sounds. Connect to the Specdrums app and tap on anything – your clothes, drawings, or the included play pad – to create and mix any sounds, beats, and loops that all play through your mobile device.

“Specdrums provide an accessible, portable, and tactile way for our customers to discover music creation,” explains Heather Scoular, FVRL Director of Customer Experience. “All skill levels, from curious-minded kids to seasoned musicians, can create their own masterpieces with hundreds of instruments, loops, and sounds. Anyone can express their creativity and play music in a new, open-ended way.” Jam on your own or with friends, anytime and anywhere. 

FVRL’s Playground is a specially curated collection of non-traditional lending items and in-library experiences that support STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, arts and math). STEAM learning generally works the left side of the brain, however making music with Specdrums works the right side of the brain and supports arts education – the “A” in STEAM.

Visit www.fvrl.ca to learn more about the Specdrums and The Playground collection. Connect and engage with FVRL on social by searching ReadLearnPlay on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 Saturday, Oct 10, 2020  

Published 8 am

Late night car fire stirs neighbourhood

No injures in blaze

SOBC/File photo

Firefighters deal with car fire on Mayfair Ave.

A car fire at around 8:45 pm in the 64000-block of Mayfair Ave Wednesday brought out a curious crowd of neighbours who watched how Chilliwack firefighters deal with a burning vehicle. Once the fire was out a steel saw was used to cut through the trunk to get to the battery and de-energize it.

"I came outside when I heard this banging sounds," they said referring to the tires popping.

Thankfully there no injuries related to the fire. There was no word how the fire began.

 Friday, Oct 9, 2020  

Published 8 am

Special O under funded

Engagement, end deadly and unacceptable health conditions topics for candidates

SOBC/File photo

Janet Henderson and Betty Colk lead the way down Vedder Road for the 2012 Special Olympics.

Thousands of British Columbians are needlessly facing premature death. Our province’s citizens with intellectual disabilities are dying up to 20 years earlier than the general public. They experience two to three times more preventable hospitalizations, and suffer from dramatically higher rates of obesity, mental illness, over-medication, and poor oral health.

This is not because a person with an intellectual disability is inherently less healthy – but because of structural, social, and communication factors that stop them from getting the same level of health as everyone else. They’re dying earlier because of things we can change.

People with intellectual disabilities have been severely marginalised, facing alarming health outcomes their whole lives. Now more than ever, with the added challenges of COVID-19, this needs to change. It can mean the difference between life and death.

It is time for B.C.’s elected officials to step forward and create essential and lasting change.

Special Olympics BC has issued a call to all candidates in the 2020 election to commit to engaging with people with intellectual disabilities and their supporters, to work together to end these deadly and unacceptable health conditions.

Now is the time for the Government of B.C. to lead the way to change the game for people with intellectual disabilities.

Will the electoral candidates commit to providing sufficient resources, and prioritizing change in our health system to ensure people with intellectual disabilities will no longer face inequality in health and in life? Read the candidates’ responses.

 Friday, Oct 9, 2020  

Published 3 pm

Election Exceptions

MLA's and MP's visibly absent at meetings over the years

Dean Roosevelt/File photo

Pre-COVID-19 afternoon City Council meetings are usually void of residents. A Chilliwack MLA or MP have never seen the inside.

I have watched numerous Chilliwack City Council meetings over the last five years.  I have never seen John Martin or Laurie Throness at any of them. I have seen John Les appear when there were issues around Promontory, but in terms of the current Liberal MLA's, I have yet to have seen a meeting where they made their feelings known by just being there.

Here in Vernon, I have sat in on City Council meetings with our Member of Parliament, Mel Arnold, sitting beside me, with Eric Foster, our Liberal MLA sitting a few rows over.

Why is it that in numerous discussions about the Portal and the pandemic, neither of these MLA's are present when the issues circulate around what are essentially matters of Provincial jurisdiction involving housing and medical care?

People who are going to vote in this Provincial election should be asking the same question.

As nearly as I can tell, it is a combination of indifference, arrogance, and the complacency that comes with knowing you are already going to collect a fat pension. Time for people with names like Diane Janzen and Jason Lum, methinks.
 

In terms of Dan Coulter, an NDP candidate in a riding that has been conservative since World War One, with three exceptions, he is burdened with another "albatross around his neck"

That "albatross" is the perception by thousands of voters that Dan Coulter and three School District 33 Trustees, did not treat Barry Neufeld fairly.

That is the perception they have.

From my perspective, the failure to declassify exactly how the censure motion took place, when it should have been declassified, once the results were made public, was not handled in a fair way.

As long as thousands of people feel that their anti-SOGI spokesperson was not treated fairly, in the same way that many Liberal voters feel Diane Janzen was not treated fairly, there will always be the moral support of candidates they feel are running against a person or a party that treated them shamefully.

As I said, I've  been a spectator and a participant in the "body politic" since Kennedy debated Nixon, and I see no way that Dan Coulter will be able to shake this "albatross" off his shoulders.

That resentment of the way he is perceived to  have treated Neufeld, coupled with a traditional conservative base, along with complete fatigue with the current MLA, all bodes well for Ms. Janzen.
 

"The City (of Chilliwack) responded to the community but the school board failed to listen to parents," Janzen was quoted as saying.

 Thursday, Oct 8, 2020  

Published 3 pm

In the midst of it

ARPA anti-gay group to end tour in Chilliwack on election day

BC NDP/File photo

Anti-SOGI group hold their flag at a Chilliwack rally at the Evergreen Hall February 7, 2019.

Homophobic and anti-choice group ARPA (Association for Reformed Political Action) is set to campaign in the communities of BC Liberal candidates Laurie Throness, John Martin, Mary Polak, and Margaret Kunst immediately before the election.

 
ARPA’s “Defending Our Christian Legacy of Freedom” tour will stop in Langley on Friday, October 23rd and then in Chilliwack on election day. ARPA’s explicit mission is to influence government on issues like conversion therapy, LGBTQ+ rights, and abortion.

After refusing to remove a candidate who defends conversion therapy and after bringing in another candidate to the BC Liberals who is ideologically opposed to rainbow crosswalks, Andrew Wilkinson should at the very least instruct his candidates to cut all ties to this homophobic group.

"Does this group speak for the BC Liberals?" asks BC NDP Candidate Nicholas Simons. "Silence is not a position when it comes to the extremely harmful practice known as conversion therapy. People are tired of empty words and gestures. They want to see the BC Liberals categorically denounce groups like this."

BC Liberal MLAs have multiple connections to ARPA:

• ARPA is encouraging supporters to "engage in political action” in the BC election and affirms that the BC Liberal party "has no official position on conversion therapy."

• The BC Liberals invited ARPA leaders to the Throne Speech in 2020.

• Throness, Martin, and Marvin Hunt participated in ARPA’s "God and Government" convention, at which Throness gave a presentation called "Hope for Social Conservatism in British Columbia."

• Kunst completed a questionnaire for ARPA in 2018, promising to oppose rainbow crosswalks in Langley Township. This directly contradicts Andrew Wilkinson’s claim that her opposition was "procedural."

• Last week, ARPA Advocacy Director Mike Schouten defended Throness on conversion therapy, calling him "courageous and dedicated."

• ARPA thanked Throness for speaking against SOGI in the legislature in 2018.

• Mary Polak spoke at an ARPA event against assisted dying in 2018 where she talked about how her and the other "pro-life" members of the caucus were able to influence decisions made by Health Minister Terry Lake (video, 52:00 min).

• Michael Lee did a meet and greet with ARPA members in 2017.

 Thursday, Oct 8, 2020  

Published 8 am

Sound Reflections

Local artist shares a piece of his life in song

Ben Cottrill/Daniel Dorta photo

Ben Cottrill has come out with his latest CD's called Velvet Regrets.

The collection as a whole summarizes my experiences throughout the last few years as an independent musician, both good and bad. Whether it be the (literally) hundreds of live shows across Canada, the feature on CTV's The Launch music show or my constant battle with depression and the loss of a friend to drug overdose, these last years have been indispensable and I'm so thankful to be where I am now.

COVID-19 has obviously thrown a major wrench into things, with numerous cancelled shows and releases, including my Canada/USA tour plans. Fortunately, local music supporters like Trevor McDonald (of Chilliwack), Ryan McAllister, Field House Brewing and numerous other live music hosts have been essential to keeping myself and many local musicians working while feeding back into the valley arts scene. The art community we have in BC is full of many passionate and resilient people.

"Velvet Regrets Vol.1&2" sums up how it feels to be a young artist in the sterile age of social media, where isolation is the new norm for people of all ages (especially now). That isn't to say all is lost, but I am not alone feeling the global uncertainty in the air.

www.bencottrillmusic.com 
FB: @BenCottrillMusic
YouTube: Ben Cottrill
BandCamp: Ben Cottrill
 

 Wednesday, Oct 7, 2020  

Published 8 am

Honour among taggers

City Art Committee selects skatepark artist and art

Staff/Website photo

Skatepark designs put forward from Kyle Mirva. It's still unclear which design will be used.

City Hall's been having an all-out war with graffiti artists (taggers) for years. The issue's been council's agenda plenty. It's such magnanimous problem that all they've been able to muster is a dedicated team that runs around in circles removing it.

The Chilliwack Public Art Advisory Committee put out a call and got back 10 possibilities. They voted it down to a local young artist; Kyle Mirva.

An unwritten body of law among graffiti artists is that they don't paint over someone else's street art.

Inner city tagging is synonymous with skateboarding. Freshly painted walls provide the allure. Some of it can be quite good but generally speaking it's nothing more than anatomically incorrect unintelligible scribble.

The only effective tool the City Hall has had in its arsenal so far are the flowery wraps on the green electrical boxes that dot streets in the most problematic areas. Despite being in the class of "driver distraction" they pretty up the place.

Murals in Chilliwack, like the big one at Five Corners the City paid $4000 for, allow the City to grapple with one of it's perennial needling issues.

Now, local artists are offering to even pay for the paint themselves – just give them a slate.

City Hall states they want to give Mira. for him to display his talents and elevate the aesthetics of the skateboard park area .

"The artist proposes painting either some freestyle geometrical designs, hands or portraits that ideally would help to reduce or eliminate future tagging," said the City in the Council meeting minutes Tuesday.

They also said that Kyle isn't asking for remuneration and plans to use his own supplies.

"He's just seeking permission for access in order to create the art," they concluded.

Hopefully the paint will durable.

 Tuesday, Oct 6, 2020  

Published 8 am

The Hunting Party

Chilliwack hosts the Annual 2020 Diamond Delivery Treasure Hunt

Staff/Submitted photos

Three Cheers from the Fraser Valley Treasure Hunters Saturday, October 3, 2020.

The art of the hunt belongs to Mark Lewis, founder and hunt coordinator of Fraser Valley Treasure Hunters (FVTH). The group are the go-to folks when it comes to prey like lost diamond rings and many times throughout the year they're called upon to do that. Just when the owner thinks it's gone – up it pops. Sword and the Stone.

First Place Bailey Andrichuk is awarded the 1992 Silver Quarter Proof set by Mark Lewis.

They hunt school playgrounds as well where they can get sharps out of the sawdust.

Hunters at Chilliwack Central School Saturday.

"The 2020 Treasure Run is over for another year. For those that couldn't make, you really missed out. Rain or not we had a blast," said Lewis. "What we did was that we picked out 15 places to hunt at parks and school yards in and around Chilliwack."

First place: Bailey Andrichuk (r), 3rd Place: Sarah Preston (c) and 2nd Place: Linda Sexsmith (l)

Lewis said he hid tokens and coins from around the world. Every one found counted as 1 point.

At the end of the day, whoever had the most won the Grand Prize; a Set of Silver Canadian 1992 Quarters.

One of the unique things FVTH did was to find tokens with letters on them to spell certain words to win.

"We had 4 prizes to spell but only 2 got spelt. said Lewis. "The two were PIN which won a Pinpointer and the 2nd was BUST to win a 1831 American Silver half dollar."

Chances are if it's there they'll find it.

"We had a lot of fun, we all got wet and a bit cold. But at the end of the day. We had a great time. Us older folks are nursing sore backs and knees. Personally I would do it again in a minute," concluded Lewis.

Learn more about Fraser Valley Treasure Hunters and watch a YouTube video.

 Sunday, Oct 4, 2020  

Published 8 am

The greatest casualty is being forgotten

Super annuity and volunteer medal both missing in action

Dave Palmer, CD, Nepean, Ontario/File photo

All parties seem to suggest more needs to be done for Canada's veterans', but ... here we are still trying to find ways to assist them. Why is this?

In memory of the late Comrade veteran John Labelle who courageously fought for the cessation of clawback of veterans pensions at age 65 and the government ignored him to his dying day.

Why is this?

Honours and recognition. For 14 years Canadians, including veterans have asked repeatedly that our nation's veterans in a fair and inclusive manner be honoured with a medal for their service during the Cold War, for Volunteerism, for the long overdue honour and recognition of Veterans that have served since the end of WWII to present and in fairness and inclusiveness be acknowledged for their conviction to serve our nation regardless of when they served.

For 14 years, after repeatedly being asked for honourable recognition for a lasting legacy for their service, instead of fairness and inclusiveness our Veterans of yesteryear, yester-century are ignored by the government they have served.

Why is this?
 

Let us hope that there will be better things ahead for Canada's Veterans and all Canadians as the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party begins his tenure in service to the people of Canada.                      

 Friday, Oct 12 2020  

Published 9:30 am

Thought police

Voters will choose accountability

Staff/Voice file photo

Just like they did with SD33 Trustee Barry Neufeld, a few of the loudest militant serial protestors are making noise and fomenting hostility again this time calling for 2020 election Chilliwack-Kent candidate MLA Laurie Throness' head.

The extreme left is sitting there kicking their feet trying to whip up support for their backfiring cancel culture. No one is calling the LGBTQ down or eviscerating them with hair-on-fire comments for their lifestyle choices or forcing them to do anything.

You don't see the same type of pushback from Christians against homosexuality as you see from the LGBTQ Kabuki Theatre narrative they want to fit their agenda.

If BC Liberal Party leader Andrew Wilkinson thought Throness was being a hater, a bigot or doing anything wrong then he wouldn't allow Throness to run in the Chilliwack-Kent riding.

The item below are nothing more than peanut gallery posts who continue to demonstrate what's not so social about social media. They still have  unfettered access to be on The Voice.

Canada is a democracy. It's not run by "Thought Police". If it were, Adolph Hitler, Kim Jon Un and Xi Jinping would be smiling.

People need to stop letting their feelings get hurt. There is life outside the LGBTQ barbed wire. Everyone doesn't need to be "politically correct". Why? Society is tolerant enough as it is.

Run an LGBTQ candidate in the  Chilliwack-Kent riding and let voters make the choice.

MLA Laurie Throness could not be reached for comment.

 Friday, Oct 12 2020  

Published 9:30 am

The bigger you are the harder they jump

Heat turned up calling for Laurie Throness to resign

Andrew Chu, NDP/Voice file photo

People are telling Andrew Wilkinson to remove conversion therapy supporter Laurie Throness ahead of today’s 1pm candidate nomination deadline:
 

“He doesn’t disagree with conversion therapy ...he’s all for it, that’s why he shouldn’t be running. People don’t deserve a public platform that incites this kind of crap. I’ll be back on the fence if Wilkinson doesn’t drop him.” - Walter R. Johnstone  
 

“Throness has held and promoted these views for years. It is about time that there is accountability for these views.” - Mike Olson
 

“I’m a non-partisan, political centrist. I will support good ideas from any party.  I will never support a party that tolerates homophobia.” - Craig Cameron
 

“They weren’t dealt with to my satisfaction Mr Wilkinson. Mr Throness’ homophobia and misogyny is on full display and taints your party.” - Phyllis Fawcett
 

“Throness shouldn’t be in any party that tolerates his views (and no party should exist that would welcome his views). He should run as an independent & his homophobic & transphobic supporters can align behind HIS rhetoric.” - Jesse Miller
 

I think if anyone has a platform to ask BC Liberal candidates a question, it should be this one; "Do you think @Wilkinson4BC was correct in not removing @LaurieThroness from his cabinet for his homophobic views?” - Darin Graham 
 

“I was also proud to sign this letter as a parent and as VP of Chilliwack #Metis. My prediction is that @bcliberals and @Wilkinson4BC are too gutless to remove this hateful homophobe. #bcpoli #BCelxn2020” - Peter Lang
 

“I was happy to sign this letter. There should be no place for homophobia in any party in BC. The BC Liberals actually started SOGI education, so I do not believe that Mr. Throness’s views reflect those of the party as a whole. We will see if Mr. Wilkinson stands for what’s right.” - Willow Reichelt, School Trustee in Chilliwack
 

“This is VANCOLOUR discussed this issue with Christy Clark, Richard Zussman, and most recently with Selina Robinson, who all agree that Throness' views on conversion therapy are unequivocally homophobic.” - Mo Amir, VANCOLOUR Podcast
 

“There is absolutely NO place for #transphobia or #homophobia in #bcpoli. We are calling on @bcliberals leader @Wilkinson4BC to remove @LaurieThroness as a #BCelxn2020 candidate. Politicians are elected to represent ALL citizens & #bcliberals need to prove that is their mandate.” - Carrie Bercic
 

“Sadly a permanent fixture in my riding - doing the right thing is never easy- remove him off the ballot @bcliberals” - Heather Attridge
 

“It’s 2020, we shouldn’t continue to condone discrimination in our communities or in #bcpoli” - Stacey Wakelin
 

“Absolutely. If there's no room for homophobia in the @bcliberals then there's no room for Laurie Throness. Waiting for action, @Wilkinson4BC... it's long overdue.” - Robin Stevenson

 Thursday, Oct 1, 2020  

Published 2 pm

Local Pride Society calls for Throness' resignation

"Promoted harmful and discriminatory views"

Peirre Richez/Voice file photos

We represent a wide section of people in British Columbia who advocate for and promote safe, positive, and welcoming communities for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We have come together to write to you to express our disappointment with the space you continue to provide for homophobia and transphobia in your party.

Over the last year, members of your party have promoted harmful and discriminatory views. We were encouraged when you responded to these concerns by saying “there is no room in the BC Liberal Party for homophobia, transphobia, or any other form of discrimination.”

We hope you will ensure this commitment is upheld. As such, we are deeply disappointed that Laurie Throness remains in the BC Liberal Party.

In recent months, Laurie Throness has publicly defended conversion therapy, which causes harm and trauma to LGBTQ+ children and youth. Conversion therapy is a dangerous practice with no basis in science, and it costs lives. It is our view that there should be no space for views like this in a major political party seeking to govern.

As a reminder, it was in response to these views that your party was excluded from Vancouver Pride this year. Removing Laurie Throness would show the people of British Columbia that you don’t tolerate homophobia and transphobia. The deadline for removing Laurie Throness as a candidate is Friday, October 2nd, at 1 pm. We urge you to back up your statements with actions and demonstrate that discrimination has no place in the BC Liberal Party.

 Friday, Oct 2, 2020  

Published 8 am

Lockdown at CCS

Police looked for knife-wielding suspect 

Staff/Voice photos

 Thursday, Oct 1, 2020  

Published 2 pm

Where  Eagles Dare

Fabulous Stone stainless sculpture on for sale for a cool $350,000

Staff/Voice photos

When it comes to stainless steel, Chilliwack's Kevin Stone and Elon Musk are cousins.

The affable Stone specializes in large-scale, 3-dimensional, stainless steel sculptures. Creating some of the largest sculptures in the world.

To say Stone is a genius does little to describe what he's done with some of the hardest and most durable metal on the planet. Over the years he's created other extreme sculptures from massive eagles to a brilliant dragon – which at one point was on display at Dollywood in the US.

His latest creation, a spectacular eagle, aka Big Bird, has been on display in front of Stone's Speedshop on Rowat Ave and is for sale on first come first serve basis for $350,000

The one-of-a-kind eagle was painstakingly cut and welded over 8 months (1100 hours) to cut and weld. It was all created inside his shop which is a magnanimous feat in itself.

The City of Chilliwack was interested in it for one of the roundabouts gratis. Stone made another eagle and a dragon that was on display at River Rock Casino in Richmond, but when they were moving them back one of them hit an overpass and destroyed the top of it.

He thought that maybe he could sue for repairs.

"Even though I would have won, just to get it to court would have cost $60,000, so I just walked away from it."

Naturally his sculptures are built to last a lifetime. Cleaning is easy. Just pressure wash them once a year.

Interested buyers can contact Stone via e-mail or call 604 644 8272. Be one of his flock of followers and Connect on Facebook #sculptures or ogle his fine creations on his website here. Visit stonespeedshop   for more details about the man.

 Thursday, Oct 1, 2020  

Published 2 pm

Coulter throws hat into the 2020 elections

SD33 Chair will have to take a leave of absence, will there be a by election?

Tim Chu, NDP/File photo

Dan Coulter, chair of the Chilliwack Board of Education and a school trustee since 2013, will run for the BC NDP in Chilliwack.

“Having been a school trustee since 2013, I have seen how the BC Liberals cut education for a generation of kids, refusing to build schools in growing communities,” said Coulter. “With John Horgan and the BC NDP, they are investing in record amounts to build new schools and hire new teachers. This is why I’m running on John’s team.”

Coulter has been outspoken on the issue of public education. He blasted the BC Liberals’ record, specifically pointing to Andrew Wilkinson’s time as Minister of Citizens’ Services when he sold lots of land designated for schools and hospitals to wealthy developers.

“I have served the city of Chilliwack as an elected official for many years and I know the impact government can have on the lives of people,” Coulter added. “We deserve an MLA who will look out for you and your family. I will fight to make sure we have better health care services, good job opportunities locally and the best start possible for our kids in terms of education.”  

Coulter has lived in Chilliwack for 15 years and promotes Chilliwack’s natural beauty and hospitality every opportunity he gets.

 Wednesday, Sept 29, 2020  

Published 11 am

Janzen grills Martin

"I'm in this to provide Chilliwack with the strong representation that’s been missing for the past 8 years"

Alan Forseth, CP/File photo

It is blatantly clear that the BC Liberal Party is already running scared, and this election is barely a week old.

These words were spoken this afternoon by Trevor Bolin, leader of BC’s Conservatives, after seeing an attack ad Wilkinson’s party has begun to air on social media.

"It’s obvious that the Liberals are already conceding that their outdated policies, and a lack of real representation for the people of BC, are costing them dearly." said Bolin.

Just moments ago, the party’s Chilliwack candidate, Diane Janzen, had this to say;

 "I’ve just returned from spending the afternoon on the street and talking with business owners, family farmers, and downtown residents, and this is what they are telling me – they view the BC Liberals as taking them for granted in what they consider to be a safe riding".

“Where have the BC Liberals, and John Martin in particular, been on housing, crime, safety and security? Those are the things I’ve been hearing about – the things that are important to Chilliwack and its residents," said Janzen. "Honestly, I think most people know John better for his fancy steak grilling and bar-b-que techniques, and maybe his dog Dude."

"The bottom line?  I really don’t have time for petty party politics ... I’m in this to provide Chilliwack with the strong representation that’s been missing for the past 8 years,” she concluded.

Contact Diane Janzen via e-mail.

 Tuesday, Sept 29, 2020  

Published 11 am

Coombes throws his hat in

Chilliwack Libertarian Party election candidate seeks 75 signatures to get on the ticket

Brandi McLaughlin, Exe, Dir BC Libertarian Party/Submitted photo

The British Columbia Libertarian Party is proud to announce Andrew Coombes as our candidate for the Chilliwack riding in the 2020 BC Snap Election.

Andrew says, “I am a 36-year-old tradesperson originally from Northwestern Ontario. I moved to BC in 2006 and immediately started working building infrastructure for the Olympics. I have worked on the construction of the Abbotsford hospital, and am now working as an electrician. In 2012 I met my beautiful wife, and we were married in 2019.”

“I have been interested in politics for a long time. I felt now was the time to put my name forward, because I see so much waste in BC politics, such as with ICBC. I see governments actively picking winners and losers, and making policy that benefits their friends, such as union-only work agreements but 80 % of the construction workforce is non-union. It doesn’t seem fair.”

Andrew goes on to say, “Currently, we are not able to hold politicians accountable for their lies and deceit.  We need to make recalls binding.  I would like to see a government that does not create rules that make things harder for small businesses.”

“I would also like to see a government that respects property rights and does not set unfair and draconian rules regarding how you can use your own land, such as with the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). Why is it that the government decides what can be done on private property? Why are some greenhouses permitted on ALR land but not a farm-to-table restaurant? We should be encouraging entrepreneurship, not discouraging it.”

“I look forward to spreading the message of liberty.”

Connect with Andrew Coombes via e-mail. Learn more about The Libertarian Party. Connect with them on Facebook

 Tuesday, Sept 29, 2020  

Published 11 am

The road home

Breaking alcohol and drug habits can draw inspiration from National Recovery Day in Canada Sept 30

Wikipedia/Voice file photo

AnnMarie McCullough and Lorinda Strang of the Orchard Recovery Center on Bowen Island developed the concept of Recovery Day based on similar recovery advocacy movements in the United States. In the US, September is officially recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (a division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services) as "Recovery Month.

"In order to build a strong team to lead their initiative, Lorinda and AnnMarie joined with David Berner and Chuck Doucette of the Drug Prevention Network of Canada as well as Giuseppe Ganci of the Last Door and they began planning a Canadian equivalent based on the same principle of celebrating recovery from addictions.

September 30, 2012 was declared Recovery Day through an official proclamation from Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson.[

The idea of Recovery Day spread to other major Canadian cities such as Victoria where a similar event was also held in Centennial Square. Ottawa's mayor signed a similar proclamation.

The following year, 12 cities hosted events. In 2014, 20 cities held Recovery Day events. Close to 30 cities held events in 2015.

More than 600 people gathered in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery on September 30, 2012. The event included speakers sharing stories of their experience and gratitude, musical performances, speeches by local politicians (including MP John Weston, Parks Board Commissioner Constance Barnes, City Councilor Geoff Meggs, and MLA Randy Hawes) and a march through the streets of Downtown Vancouver. The event closed with over 400 people joining hands in a circle to recite the Serenity Prayer.

 Tuesday, Sept 29, 2020  

Published 11 am

The most important bank you never heard of

CIDC: The Canadian financial system remained resilient throughout the global 2008 financial crisis

Betty Krawczyk, Author, Activist, Cumberland, BC/Voice file photo

Don't want to be a part of an international banking scheme that allows the too-big-to-fail banks in Canada to just help themselves to your funds should any of the big banks discover they are insolvent? In the midst of a second wave COVID-19 threat?

Where do I get this information about bank bail-ins? Well, first check out The CDIC (Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation) web site which explains, more or less, how many central banks – mostly in the western world – get together from time to time in exclusive fancy places like Davos Switzerland, and decide, more or less, how the world is to be run. There’s a whole bunch of these central banks Sixty-two in fact. And yes, Canada is one of them.

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is the central bank of central banks, owned by 62 central banks representing countries that account for 95% of the world’s GDP. The chairman of the BIS is Jens Weidmann. Mr. Weidmann is also chairman of The Deutsche Bundesbank (Deutsche Bank), which is one of the most important banks in the western world. The Deutsche Bank is in a pile of trouble right now for being accused of money laundering several trillions of dollars through their banking system. But that’s another post.

The BIS states their mission as: “To serve central banks, in their pursuit of monetary and financial stability, to foster international cooperation in those areas and to act as a bank for central banks”. Oh, how lovely that sounds.
This Bank of International Settlements squeezed the life blood out of countries such as Greece and Cyprus with insistence on austerity for the people in order to repay the loans they didn’t make.

However, the BIS was sensitive to the mass anger of the people in countries who saw their tax money given over to the too-big-to fail banks and this time have come up with something different. Instead of bail-outs, they are saying, let’s do bail-ins as the first line of rescue.

 As defined by the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CIDC), “In contrast to a bail-out, a bail-in is intended to rescue a failing bank by making its creditors and shareholders (depositors) bear the cost of recapitalizing the bank through the conversion through some of or all of the bank’s bail-in debt into common shares”. In other words, the banks can just take a portion of depositor’s money out of their account without their permission and give them shares of the failing bank in return. Why would anybody want shares in a failing bank?

The CDIC report continues: “The Canadian financial system remained resilient throughout the global 2008 financial crisis, with no Canadian bank failures. The strength of the Canadian financial sector should not be taken for granted, however, and the bail-in tool is a recommended international standard”. This means that the Canadian financial sector considers bail-ins as the first-line best practice ‘tool’ for any potential threat of bank failures, and that our domestic economic policy is being determined by international interests over our own.
More next time.

 Tuesday, Sept 29, 2020  

Published 8 am

TWU recognizes rez school survivors

Patti Victor honoured on Orange Shirt Day Sept 30

Winnie Lui, TWU/Handout photo

Orange Shirt Day is a day dedicated to remembering and honouring the survivors of the Indian residential schools system. It is a tradition that started in BC in 2013.

The first step to reconciliation is healing the history and understanding that it’s a shared history. It’s not just an Indigenous history,” says Patti Victor, Trinity Western’s (TWU) first University Siya:m. Siya:m is a Sto:lo word describing a leader recognized for wisdom, integrity, and knowledge. Victor is Stó:lō and lives in Cheam First Nation, BC.

Her passion is to build bridges into the Aboriginal community through education.

"Reconciliation begins by hearing, understanding and acknowledging the history and also acknowledging the impact that it continues to have throughout the generations," Victor says. In addition to being the University Siya:m, Victor is also TWU’s Director of the Institute of Indigenous Issues and Perspectives and Chair of the Indigenous Partnership Council.

This semester, Victor is teaching courses on Indigenous worldview, culture, history, and the journey of compassion in reconciliation. As well, she is leading several initiatives to foster greater understanding of Indigenous history and culture on campus. One of such initiatives is commemorating Orange Shirt Day on September 30. Read the full TWU release here.

 Monday, Sept 28, 2020  

Published 5 pm

Schools COVID-19-Free

After 20 days no sign of virus says SD33 Superintendent

Rohan Arul-Pragasam, Supt. SD33/Voice file photo

We have been made aware of concerns in our school community regarding the presence of COVID-19. At this time, Fraser Health has confirmed that there is no onsite school exposure to COVID-19. We continue to work closely with Fraser Health to ensure timely and accurate communication regarding confirmed cases in our schools.

The safety and well-being of our students, families and staff remain our highest priority. Please be reassured that our schools will continue to implement the strict protocols and procedures we have in place so that children can continue to attend school as safely as possible.

 Monday, Sept 28, 2020  

Published 5 pm

Without a shot

Cops off the hook for Kyaw Din killing

Red Braid/Handout photo

September 24th 2020, BC’s police Independent Investigations Office (IIO) released their long awaited report on the RCMP killing of Kyaw Din.
 

Without receiving evidence from the officer who shot and killed Kyaw Din, the IIO has found that “the action of the police… were reasonable and appropriate.”

The IIO’s chief civilian investigator Ronald McDonald has found that the actions of the Ridge Meadows RCMP officers, in shooting Kyaw Din three times in the head and neck in his bedroom, “do not constitute any form of criminal negligence or other criminal act.”

 Saturday, Sept 26, 2020  

Published 3:30 pm

NDP names Paddon to take on Throness

Focus on family, disabilities, healthcare and economy

Tim Chu NDP/Submitted photo

Advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities and former instructor at UFV Kelli Paddon was acclaimed as the BC NDP candidate for Chilliwack-Kent.

Paddon vows to bring the pressing issues of Chilliwack-Kent residents to Victoria, fighting for improved healthcare and an economic recovery that includes everyday people.

“This election is about who you trust to look out for you and your family as our economy recovers from COVID-19,” Paddon said. “For years, the BC Liberals gave tax breaks to the wealthy while cutting the vital services that British Columbians rely on. As someone who works with vulnerable populations, I have seen how that hurts our community. That’s why we need to continue to move forward with John Horgan and I’m proud to be part of the team.

The record of the John Horgan government on public education, health care and affordability is a main reason why Paddon is putting her name forward to run in her home constituency.

 
“Horgan’s record shows you whose side he is on – the side of everyday people,” Paddon added. “Eliminating MSPs and bridge tolls, 4,200 new teachers and slashing wait-times for MRIs, John Horgan and the BC NDP are looking out for everyone, not just those at the top.

Paddon lives in Lindell Beach with her partner Drew and kids, Nic and Rory.

 Saturday, Sept 26, 2020  

Published 3 pm

One person injured in head-on crash

Accident happened in rush hour

Staff/Voice photo

Conditions were fine, but traffic heavy at Airport Road which was reduced to one lane south when this head-on happened about 2 pm Thursday. Thankfully roads were busy because the accident happened at a lower rate of speed.

Paramedics placed a neck brace on the driver, which is always the case and she was able to  exit the vehicle partially under her own steam.

The MVA sent the driver to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

 Saturday, Sept 26, 2020  

Published 3 pm

Sky high

16 CC-295 planes added to CH-146 Griffon helicopters form Canadian fleet of SAR aircraft

Floriane Boneville, ND/RCAF photo

The Government of Canada is equipping the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with the modern and effective aircraft it needs to continue its critical life-saving search and rescue missions across Canada’s vast and challenging territory.

Today, the RCAF marked the arrival of the first aircraft of its future fixed-wing search and rescue fleet. The new fleet will be called Kingfisher. Within the First Nations of the Northwest, the kingfisher has long been recognized for its speed and agility, as well as its keen searching and hunting skills. Found all across Canada, the kingfisher well represents the abilities of our own search and rescue crews to accomplish their lifesaving role.

 "As Canada welcomes its new fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft, our government also welcomes the many jobs and investments this procurement is generating for the Canadian economy. Important economic benefits through the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy are helping our economy to grow and move forward through this challenging time," Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

Specifically designed to perform search and rescue missions across Canada, the aircraft is equipped with integrated sensors that will allow crews to locate persons or objects from more than 40 kilometers away, even in low-light conditions. Its communications systems will increase interoperability with other search and rescue assets, such as the CH-149 Cormorant.

The fleet of 16 aircraft will be replacing the CC-115 Buffalo and CC-130H Hercules fleets in their search and rescue role at four locations across Canada, and represents a value of $2.4 billion.

 Saturday, Sept 26, 2020  

Published 8 am

Ridin' high

Bike to Work Week Sept 28-Oct 4

Staff/File photos

 Saturday, Sept 26, 2020  

Published 8 am

'Fur' crying out loud

Northern university students get access to radio station training

Ian Gregg/Website photos

 Saturday, Sept 26, 2020  

Published 8 am

Arising from the ashes

Denounced by the BC Liberals, community celeb Diane Janzen punches her way back in the 2020 election race as a Conservative

Shelly Jan/Voice file photos

 Friday, Sept 25, 2020  

Published 8 am

'Future Proof' your home

Chilliwack builder aims to make solar the standard in construction

Jill Landon/Submitted photos

 Friday, Sept 25, 2020  

Published 8 am

Trouble amiss on Lewis Ave

RCMP ERT brought in for extraction

Staff/Voice photos

 Thursday, Sept 24, 2020  

Published 8 am

In the driving rain

Car rolls at Prest Road and First Ave

Staff/Voice photo

 Wednesday, Sept 23, 2020  

Published 8 am

In the trenches

Chilliwack-Vedder River Clean-up Sunday Sept 27

Nikki, CleanRivers/Voice file photo

 Wednesday, Sept 23, 2020  

Published 8 am

ICARS investigates fatal collision

Mounties reach out to the community for witnesses and or dash cam footage

ICARS RCMP/Voice photo

 Wednesday, Sept 23, 2020  

Published 8 am

Truck paint booth fire minor

Sprinkler system took care of the flames

Ian Josephson, Fire Chief, CFD

 Tuesday, Sept 22, 2020  

Published 3 pm

No BC Liberal Chilliwack-Hope candidate...yet

Liberals added 19 candidate names to election race

BC Liberal Caucus/Pixabay image

 Tuesday, Sept 22, 2020  

Published 8 am

No BC NDP Chilliwack-Hope candidate...yet

NDP came out with their big list Monday without a local player

BC NDP Caucus/Pixabay image

 Tuesday, Sept 22, 2020  

Published 8 am

Townhouse kitchen fire

Neigbours alerted fire department after hearing smoke detectors

Mike Bourdon, Asst Chief, Fire Prevention, CFD/Google image

 Monday Sept 21, 2020  

Published 10 am

One dead after tragic accident

Family of seven involved

Staff/Voice photos

 Sunday, Sept 20, 2020  

Published 10 am

Retailers can import tomatoes

BC Gov't has crunched the numbers and step down as middlers to make more money

BC Gov't Caucus/Pixabay image