News
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 » News Coverage
Strong prospects for mineral explorers in Smithers
Small-town Smithers made an outsized splash at Canada’s largest trade show for mineral explorers last week, sending more people than any B.C. municipality after Vancouver and Victoria.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012 » News Coverage
No oil pipeline here: Enbridge Northern Gateway Joint Review Panel in Smithers finds 100% opposition
It’s unanimous: all of the interveners who gave testimony to the Northern Gateway Joint Review Panel in Smithers oppose the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline. The Wet’suwet’en, BC Métis and Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson all asserted the Bulkley Valley is shared by different cultures which share a dependence on clean rivers for wild salmon.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 » Editorial
The value of literacy
The natural resources that surround us in Stikine hold great opportunities to provide for our communities.
Thursday, January 5, 2012 » Media Release
Donaldson set to present to Joint Review Panel on Enbridge’s proposed Northern Gateway project
The Joint Review Panel for the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Project will begin its hearings this month and Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson is scheduled early in the process. Donaldson is registered as an intervenor and will be presenting to the panel on January 16, 2012, in Smithers.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011 » Editorial
A time for reflection
The Christmas season allows us to be reflective in this oftentimes fast-paced world. And one of the things we can reflect on is living in northwest B.C.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011 » Editorial
Amendments to Bill 19 not in the public interest
I spoke to Bill 19, the Miscellaneous Statues Act, during the last day of the fall legislative sitting. The pattern of this government is to pack amendments to many different Acts into a miscellaneous bill. Some of these are simply administrative amendments, but others have the potential to be very significant in rural constituencies like Stikine. A section of Bill 19 fell into the latter category.
Thursday, December 1, 2011 » News Coverage
Stikine MLA wants Hunting Allocation Numbers for 2012 Released - CFTK-TV
Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson says the hunting allocation numbers for big game species; need to be released before it has an impact on local guide outfitters businesses.
Thursday, December 1, 2011 » Media Release
Hunting allocation numbers for 2012 still not released, jobs threatened
Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson is calling on the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations to fulfill his commitment made in the legislature two weeks ago and release the new hunting allocation numbers for 2012 before it hurts businesses any longer.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011 » Editorial
The Family Law Act is good legislation
I spoke in the legislature last week in support of the Family Law Act, during its second reading debate. The government did a good job on this one, consulting widely and taking its time in crafting the wording.
Thursday, November 17, 2011 » Media Release
Report on Budget 2012 consultations released
The Select Standing Committee on Finance has released its report on 2012 budget consultations this week, and deputy chair Doug Donaldson said he was encouraged that his efforts to include some specific recommendations related to Stikine were endorsed by all members of the bipartisan committee.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 » Editorial
Forestry jobs: out-of-country and up-in-smoke
Last week I highlighted a couple of forestry issues during Question Period in the legislature, both of which mean fewer local forestry jobs due to government decisions.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 » News Coverage
Report exposes apparent rift over future of B.C. climate policy: Vancouver Sun
The B.C. Liberal dominated finance committee exposed on Tuesday an apparent rift within the government over its future climate policy, recommending a controversial halt to both carbon tax increases and to the province’s move towards cap-and-trade.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011 » Editorial
Quality Waters strategy failed the community
It’s the prime time of the year where the rivers and angling become the equivalent of our recreation centre for many living in Stikine. And fishing is an economic driver too – especially the fly fishing, catch and release steelhead fishery.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 » Editorial
Families are not being empasized
Governing is all about emphasis. While recognizing the role of government in encouraging initiative and development, former Saskatchewan NDP Premier Allan Blakeney had another point of view. He wrote, “I put more emphasis on the role of government in dealing with the inevitable casualties produced by a highly competitive economy. It was a difference in emphasis only, but perhaps an important one.”
Tuesday, October 18, 2011 » Media Release
Finance committee hears from exasperated mining industry
Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson and the mining industry are calling on the BC Liberal government to support core funding for Northwest Community College’s School of Exploration and Mining, and to provide clear direction on First Nations consultation.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011 » Editorial
A jobs plan should be about people
Touring rural parts of the province with the finance committee last week, a few themes emerged. One of them, on the topic of employment, reminded me of a saying I’ve heard lately: Jobs without people, people without jobs.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 » Editorial
Food production equals jobs
The 2011 Bulkley Valley Exhibition has once again demonstrated the importance of agriculture to our way of life. Being able to feed ourselves with products grown and raised locally, regionally and provincially is important for our health and also for climate action, reducing the need for long distance, fuel-intensive transportation.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011 » Editorial
Certainty will bolster investment
Plans to reopen the Tulsequah Chief mine and build a lengthy access road through salmon spawning habitat for access became a flashpoint 10 years ago. The issue of ‘duty to consult’ was the essence of a Supreme Court of Canada ruling in 2004 that decided in favour of the TRTFN.
Thursday, July 21, 2011 » Media Release
New Democrats challenge Premier and energy minister’s priorities on Enbridge plan
As Premier Christy Clark hosts Canada's premiers in Vancouver, New Democrats are challenging her to clarify the Liberals' support for the Enbridge pipeline after B.C. signed on to a national energy plan that lays the groundwork for the pipeline to push ahead.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011 » Editorial
Responsible development
Part of managing the rush of natural resource development coming to the Northwest involves understanding and dealing with long-term consequences. One component of that is reducing impacts to our clean water, wild salmon and globally significant wildlife populations.
Friday, July 8, 2011 » News Coverage
Premier Christy Clark makes stop in Smithers - Interior News
The government has its place in facilitating economic growth but Christy Clark is happy to limit government meddling.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011 » News Coverage
Premier Making a Visit to Smithers - HQ Prince George
Premier Christy Clark is set to visit Smithers for the first time since taking office. She will attending a Smithers and District Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on Friday.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011 » News Coverage
Stikine MLA skeptical of HST compromises - Interior News
The Liberal government’s slashing of the HST by two percent is indicative of a desperate government, according to Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 » News Coverage
B.C. suffering power failure - North Shore News
"BC Hydro will no longer produce its own energy: instead it must purchase it from private power developers through expensive, long-term energy contracts. Yet despite paying very high prices, B.C. customers get no assets, no price protection, and no guarantee of future security of supply." - SFU professor John Calvert, June 2007
Monday, May 16, 2011 » News Coverage
B.C. government launches HST ad campaign - Prince George Citizen
"B.C. Liberal government launches HST ad campaign":http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/article/20110513/PRINCEGEORGE0101/305139941/bc-liberal-government-launches-hst-ad-campaign The B.C. Liberal government unveiled a $5-million information campaign on the harmonized sales tax Thursday -- a TV, print, radio and on-line campaign that will feature a "stickman" beset by arguments from the yes and no sides.
Friday, May 13, 2011 » News Coverage
B.C. government launches HST ad campaign - Prince George Citizen
The B.C. Liberal government unveiled a $5-million information campaign on the harmonized sales tax Thursday -- a TV, print, radio and on-line campaign that will feature a "stickman" beset by arguments from the yes and no sides.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 » Editorial
Mining Week in B.C.
We will rock you. It’s the lyric made famous by Freddie Mercury and Queen. It has even been played at a Canucks game or two. But just recently it was the slogan for this year’s Minerals North conference held in Stewart. On behalf of all MLA’s in the legislature, I was honoured to welcome mining leaders from across the country: exploration companies, suppliers, scientists, local government and First Nations representatives.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 » News Coverage
First Nation Along NTL Route Willing to Delay Construction - HQ Prince George
A First Nation along the proposed route for the Northwest Transmission Line say they are willing to fight the power line going in. The Gitanyow First Nation have not yet reached an agreement with BC Hydro to allow the 404 million dollar transmission line to go through their territory. Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson says the approval from both the federal and provincial governments shouldn't have been given yet until negotiations were completed.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011 » News Coverage
BCTV clip with Doug in Question Period regarding the HST
Global TV clip about the unfavourable report on the HST and Doug in Question Period demanding answers from the government: http://www.globaltvbc.com/video/index.html?releasePID=5_m_lobzIXPURfWn_bxV6Rj0ZIrDSWRs
Wednesday, April 27, 2011 » Editorial
HST will soon have its day
Get ready for it. The pro-HST spending splurge by the provincial government is about to begin. Finance minister Kevin Falcon recently announced the government will be spending $1.7 million of your money over the next couple of months on HST information and that doesn’t even include a taxpayer- funded advertising campaign, the cost of which still hasn’t been worked out.
Thursday, April 14, 2011 » Media Release
B.C. government bungling fosters uncertainty
Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson is laying the blame for the breakdown of negotiations between the Gitanyow First Nation and B.C. Hydro over the Northern Transmission Line project firmly at the feet of the provincial government.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011 » Media Release
Donaldson announces “Don’t Let Gangs Score” contest winner
Today Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson announced that the winner of the “Don’t Let Gangs Score” essay contest, in partnership with Dan Hamhuis of the Vancouver Canucks, is Carissa Zotich of Quick, B.C.
Thursday, March 10, 2011 » Media Release
Donaldson launches gang prevention contest with Vancouver Canucks’ Dan Hamhuis, community groups
MLA Doug Donaldson announced today that he is partnering with Vancouver Canucks star defenseman and Smithers local Dan Hamhuis to bring a new contest to teenagers in his constituency of Stikine. 'Don't Let Gangs Score' is an essay contest for youth aged 13-18 to write about how sports have helped them connect to their community to counteract the attraction of gangs. Click here to view poster with contest details
Wednesday, March 9, 2011 » Editorial
Bad decisions lead to huge BC Hydro rate increase
BC Hydro announced this month that they will be raising residential rates by 50% over the next five years. Their need for revenue is so great that they have applied to the BC Utilities Commission for permission to implement the first increase on April 1, before the Commission has even had an opportunity to conduct its oversight work. And that’s no April fool’s joke.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011 » Editorial
Health care betrayal
Making our health care system function better in B.C. can seem complicated. There is our aging population, the rapid advances in technologies, and health care labour shortages in critical areas, just to name a few factors. Then there are the financial needs of acute care versus the resources required for preventative care. All of this can lead to a sense that making things better requires complex solutions.
Friday, January 28, 2011 » Media Release
Donaldson made critic for Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
This week in Victoria, Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson was appointed to a new Official Opposition critic area by interim leader Dawn Black. Donaldson is now the critic for energy, mines and petroleum resources while retaining his previous deputy critic role in finance and public accounts.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 » Editorial
Caring for the Commons
At a minimum these days, responsible development means evaluating a project using a triple bottom line – the benefits and risks analysed from a social, environmental and economic basis.
Thursday, January 20, 2011 » Media Release
Donaldson elected head of economic committee
B.C.'s Official Opposition filled several vacancies on the caucus executive this week, with Doug Donaldson voted to the position of Chair of the Sustainable Economic Policy Committee by his NDP MLA colleagues.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011 » Editorial
Mining jobs and First Nations certainty offer hope in 2011
The beginning of a new year is a time for optimism, and nowhere is this more true than in Stikine. We have a population base committed to remaining here despite the ups and downs of our rural, northern economy. We have abundant natural resources that many in other parts of the world desire. And we have intact ecosystems that sustain us.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 » Editorial
Leading by example
A local non-profit is turning the tables on a stereotype to attract attention and raise funds for a serious issue in our communities and province wide.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010 » News Coverage
Terrace Standard: Tahltan note 100 years
Hundreds gathered between Oct. 15 and Oct. 18 in Telegraph Creek to recognize and remember the 100th anniversary of the signing of the 1910 declaration of sovereignty by Tahltan leaders.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 » Media Release
Donaldson joins Tahltan in celebrating 100 years of the Tahltan Declaration
Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson was in Telegraph Creek this week, where he joined members of the Tahltan in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 1910 Declaration of the Tahltan Tribe.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010 » News Coverage
Finance Committee receives public input
The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services heard a wide range of priorities during a public consultation meeting in Prince George on Tuesday.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 » Editorial
Time to focus on forestry
We are in the midst of National Forestry Week and it is a great time to remember that much of what we have in Stikine, and in the province, came from revenues generated by our forests.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 » Media Release
Finance Committee announces Budget 2011 consultation process
The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services announced today its plans for conducting province-wide budget consultations. The process will be based on the Budget 2011 Consultation Paper, which will be presented by the Minister of Finance to the Committee on September 15.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 » News Coverage
Doug’s Oral Presentation to the National Energy Board’s Joint Review Panel for the Enbridge Pipeline
First of all, I want to say thank you to the Panel and to the three of you for showing up, and the staff. I’m on the Select Standing Committee on Finance for the province so I know the kind of attention it takes to be a panellist and so I congratulate you on that.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 » News Coverage
HST petition signed by 3,648 in Stikine
The historic anti-HST petition campaign has been ruled successful but Elections BC is blocking further action until a court battle over the validity of the initiative is settled.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 » Editorial
Responsible development and the Enbridge spill
On the same day the full extent of Enbridge’s oil pipeline rupture in Michigan was coming to light, I travelled up the Gitsegukla Loop road to visit a commercial wood waste boiler. It’s a system that could mean a whole new sector of forestry employment for Stikine.
Thursday, August 5, 2010 » Media Release
Undercutting forest fire budget hurting tourism economy
The Liberal government’s inability to responsibly budget for forest firefighting is causing problems for the tourism economy in the northwest, said Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson today.