Skeena Institute - Latest Comments

Re: About

Mbowles — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:15:19 -0000

Thank you Miguel for the site. It was interesting and I am sure it made people think a lot more about the election.

Re: Prince Rupert Election 2011

Brian Johnson — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 04:27:52 -0000

When I was first elected in 2003, we had arrears of over $500,000 for the 2 communities. Within a year and a half they paid arrears and committed to their obligation on a monthly basis.
New LESA's were signed and our relationship began to improve.... I do not know what ocurred in the last 3 years but only wonder......

Re: Prince Rupert Election 2011

Tboudier — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 02:10:58 -0000

After looking into your question #3 further and speaking with a fellow Rupertite, I have found out that the funding was sent directly to the villages and then the school district billed for services provided.

Re: Issues

Brian Johnson — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 01:21:30 -0000

Committing to organization
I have heard at many levels in our community that an Administrator that was being advised by a consultant to perform her duties, has found other employment outside our district. While it is nice to see an idividual excel in life......It cost our district and children dearly! I'm shocked!

Re: Prince Rupert Election 2011

Voting Taxpayer — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:33:16 -0000

Perhaps I have to specifically address this to the incumbents, all of whom remain silent to date. So far, only 2 candidates (non-incumbents) have responded. Remember, I have an 'X' to make on Saturday.

Re: Prince Rupert Tax Burden

Jennifer Rice — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:23:44 -0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

Here's my response on youtube at the all candidates forum regarding this issue. Please also go to:

http://votejenrice.com/all-can... to watch the entire forum online.

Unfortunately, the current tax rate is becoming increasingly challenging for many Prince Rupert citizens to afford. I do believe council should work hard to relieve the tax burden on residents. This would require an in depth look at evaluating our city’s needs and prioritizing items and services. Ideally, this wouldn’t mean too many compromises that cause hardship. Without compromising services, I do not propose to reduce taxes at this time. That’s not to say I feel the alternative is to automatically increase taxes either.

I think we need to keep in mind that Prince Rupert is not only a small community but we are also a remote community and that poses some costly challenges based on our geography. It would be unrealistic to compare similar communities of our size because we do not have the benefit of leveraging off a larger, nearby city centre. We are a small community at the end of a long road situated on the edge of the continent and the Pacific ocean. Our geographic situation poses some costly challenges such as affording an off-location airport.

Two suggestions are to build a sustainable fiscal base by lobbying higher levels of government for an improved municipal funding formula. We also need to lobby higher levels of government for a fairer system of infrastructure funding.

Presently about eight cents of every federal tax dollar goes to municipalities. This is no longer enough to support the increasing responsibilities downloaded onto municipalities. It is unrealistic with Prince Rupert’s population to continuously raise property taxes to maintain city services. I believe all municipalities should work together and lobby for increased transfer payments or improved funding programs to relieve this burden.

Current funding programs require municipalities to match up to half the costs of infrastructure projects. For cash-strapped communities such as Prince Rupert, this means much needed infrastructure projects go unbuilt while larger communities with higher revenues get shovel-ready projects off the ground. This archaic system favours larger cities and leaves smaller ones out in the cold. I would lobby for a revamped system that is equitable and inclusive of small communities such as Prince Rupert.

Re: Prince Rupert Election 2011

Farley Stewart — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:48:16 -0000

I would like to apologize for not making it to the All Candidates Forum last week. When I found out the date it was going to be held I tried to change my appointment. I did inform the organizers I would not be able to attend this one because of medical appointment I needed to keep, it was set up weeks ago. I had to go to St Pauls Hospital for an angiogram and echogram, it was very stressful for me. But after all that I went thru I will be okay. It looks like I can put this behind and focus on my campaign. I just want to say thank you for those who knew and wished me well. I have gone to the issues page answered four questions. Peace.

Re: Issues

Brian Johnson — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:50:15 -0000

School Trustee Candidates attendance during this election process...
A school trustee needs to be knowledgable of their commuunity and future leaders.
Louisa, Marty and I were at these public forums......
We were the only trustee candidates at the UNBC forum to hear challenges the students were facing.
I would like to thank the student union for holding this forum.
The knowledge I attained will assist me in future years to come!

Re: Prince Rupert Election 2011

Josepf — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:13:22 -0000

Looks like our consultant is in the news ... again.

http://blogs.vancouversun.com/...

A few familiar names there!

Re: Role of School Board in Student Success

Brian Johnson — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:20:40 -0000

Hi Sam
There is Zero tolerence in regards to bullying within the school district. I was on the receiving end of bullying when I went to school but must add that the bullying started outside of school time.
I remember a police officer on the news, asking people to come forward and make a report to proper law officials. This officer was investigating a suicide of a student who was being bullied.
Most victims being bullied rarely come forward for fear of being a "snitch".
The RCMP and community organizations can educate staff and students on rights and identifying bullying. Prevention is better than a cure.
I did look into a few cases of bullying when I was a Trustee.... I can assure you that these cases were addressed and dealt with in an appropriate manner.
I do not tolerate bullying.
The issue of 1st Nations graduation numbers is a complex issue. I am a Nisga'a citizen and am very aware of our peoples challenges. I'm available if you wish to sit down with me. Call me at 250 600 1959 and I will make time to listen to your concerns.

Re: Role of School Board in Student Success

Sam4_Robinson — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:36:47 -0000

My bad, that is disgusted. I am disgusted that I misspelled disgusted. Laughing.

Re: Prince Rupert Election 2011

Voting Taxpayer — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:26:33 -0000

Please see my reply to Mr. Johnson. Same applies for you. Thank you.

Re: Prince Rupert Election 2011

Voting Taxpayer — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:24:55 -0000

So, when the invoices to the villages came back unpaid, how were those costs recovered by the District? Were aboriginal programs and staff cut back? District staff cut? Administrative cuts? When you get in, maybe you could find out if none of the incumbents are forthcoming. Thanks.

Re: Role of School Board in Student Success

Sam Robinson — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:39:37 -0000

Having grown up and graduated high school here in Prince Rupert way back when, I have had my children in the school system and one still in elementary locally. Even though I did graduate high school, I had every opportunity to accomplish more or be successful. I studied a year and a half Physical Education. A year Recreation and thirteen weeks to obtain a navigation ticket through the MOT. Unfortunately none of this is good enough to land myself full time employment. Over the years I have noticed quite a change with the young ones and the system. Unfortunately the graduation ratio amongst the native students has not changed much as well, or has gotten even worse. Having said that, we come to the issue of bullying or torment in the system. In all my dealings with the trustees, the board, principals, vice principals, teachers and native and non native councillors. I always hit a dead end with everyone them and myself and our children leave feeling frustrated and dusgusted. You sit there in the postions the people voted you in and do nothing for native students when they are been bullyied or tormented by a teacher(s). Other than taking a stand on funding or school closures and what not. I ask each and every candidate running for the board and trustees. Why does this code of silence even exist in the system when it comes to native children? Do not sit there, like everyone in the system usually does, and down play the actions of the bully or teacher. I want to know your stand on this disturbing issue and what you propose to do about it. The system and our local native educaters are sitting there trying to figure out why our students are failing at an alarming rate. After witnessing and dealing with the system over the years, I see the system as been part of the failure in alot of ways. This is why we have alot of our children walking the streets, no identity and no employment. Please do not be offended but professional in what I am adressing and asking of each and everyone of you candidates. Thank you, Sam Robinson.

Re: Prince Rupert Election 2011

Mbowles — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:25:16 -0000

I am surprised you are surprised there is no response. When you were previously a Board member, I have seen your frustration around this in the past. Those of us in the public forum have waited for months for information and have yet to receive it. How can there be a promise to give class size/composition information to the public and it not be produced at the next meeting? How can a Board, which says they want public input, have their meeting, make all their decisions and then ask for questions about what has happened? How could a Board wonder why the public are disengaged? A cynic might believe the processes are in place with a purpose.

Re: Economic & Employment Situation

Farley Stewart — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 04:49:38 -0000

To help reduce unemployment we need to look at training and education. We have a number of stakeholders that can offer the training and education but when the students graduate we need to match them up with industry, small business jobs. I know that soon the Port and RDI will need more workers and where are they going to come from. Well we have a population of homegrown talent that is being under utilized and we need to provide them an opportunity to learn and put them to work. I would love to see the headlines in the paper that says we have a bunch of grads from the College and 100 per cent have gotten jobs locally. We can do that, we have an opporuntity to do that, we as the City need to take a leadership role and make sure that the players in education, small business, industry and First Nations get the support they need. There is training funds out there for students we need to make sure that they can access those funds.
Let's look at hosting our own Community Summitt Meeting on Education and Jobs. The players can promote what they are doing and get the word out on what jobs will be coming up and here is the training you need. The people of Prince Rupert can learn first hand what is happening and ask questions. Its a combination of a career fair and recruiting drive.
We can't forget about the other areas of employment such as the tourism industry, youth entrepreneurship and health to name a few.

I think we need to offer something if not a short term to attract new business and industry. I am sure our economic development office or community futures office could find us some options and look at what works in other communities.

I would also like the big companies to make an initial one time investment and then annual contribution into a Social Program, a Recreation Program at our Civic Center, the Library or Senior Center etc...

Re: Prince Rupert Tax Burden

Farley Stewart — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 04:08:17 -0000

We need to do our best to keep taxes where they are now. It would be nice to lower them but at what cost in services, I like a lot of the services we deliver. It certainly a catch 22 and somthing has to give if we don't find a balance soon.
I think we need to take a leadership role and think progressively and be agressive and bring new business and industry to town.
We need to support our existing businesses and industry so that they have success. We need to find out what are we doing right for them (and promote what we are doing right) and find out what we can improve on and develop a plan that shows the world we are open for buisness and here is how our City we will help you succeed.

Re: Farley Stewart

Farley Stewart — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 03:46:17 -0000

Regarding CityWest I will be up front and tell you I like CityWest. I can appreciate the vision our predeccesors had when developing this business back in the day. When we look at CityWest we need to look at the big picture not just the cell phone technology but where can we go.
The Company employees around 40-50 employees annually and those employees spend there money here. Those employees also do a lot of volunteer work in our community. We also get an annual financial return from the company, sometimes its not what we expect but we do get a return. I also like that CityWest is a great community booster and a corporate citizen and involved with sponosoring different events. I see CityWest as being a progressive player in our community and bring a good energy.
Sure I sometimes getting annoyed when I miss a call or my internet is a bit slow but I have friends who use other companies and I hear the same thing. The grass really isn't greener on the other side.
Am I satisfied with the service? I am okay with it but I know just like any other good business they can make some improvements and they are working on it.
Would I support the release of the five year plan? I would within reason, I am sure there are items in the plan that are confidential and need to be treated as such. What I am in favor of is CityWest having some sort of open house or presentation and bring everyone up to speed on what they are doing.

Re: Prince Rupert Election 2011

Brian Johnson — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:10:10 -0000

1). Consultants are hired in when an organization does not have individuals skilled or qualified to advise in areas outside the realm of its' operations. An example would be, an architect to design a school. Too much of scarce funding was sucked out of our classrooms and flew out of our community. I hope the consultant was not here because of weaknesses in our Administrative staff..... I have many questions and no answers yet.

2) One needs only to reside in the community prior to the election call. Lengthy periods of time away from our community will create a disconnect and the Trustee will lose touch with what is happening.

3) The Ministry of Education sent funding directly to the two communities. The School District billed the communities for student services and maintenance.

4) I agree that we should revisit the agreement.

Re: Vandalism

Jennifer Rice — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:49:10 -0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

Please watch this video to see my response to a smiliar question regarding the crime rate in Prince Rupert from the all candidates forum.

You can also watch the entire all candidates forum via my website:

http://votejenrice.com/all-can...

Re: Issues

Tboudier — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:08:06 -0000

There needs to be a focus on rebuilding working relationships between the various stakeholders so we can work as a team toward addressing the issues facing our schools such as classroom size and composition, student readiness, etc. It is important the board of trustees take a lead in this process through a committment to transparency, honesty and respect in all of their dealings. The need for accurate information around classroom size and composition needs to be established and clearly stated. I am concerned about the vast differences between the school superintendant's report and what I am seeing as a parent as well as hearing from teachers. We need to start being clear about the issues so we can have meaningful discussions focused on mitigating them as best we can as well as advocating for the necessary changes at the provincial and national levels.
Our greatest resource is having a strong team comprised of representatives from all the various stakeholders working toward common goals. When this is restored, we will be more effective in addressing the complex issues facing our schools.

Re: Prince Rupert Election 2011

Tboudier — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:57:59 -0000

I do not agree with the continued use of an outside consultant unless there are very specific parameters including a plan to become self-sufficient with a determined timeline attached. As I am not an incumbent trustee, I cannot speak to the rationale of maintaining this costly option when resources are so limited and classrooms are scrambling to do their best with less and less. I would suggest that if ongoing guidance is required we try to find local individuals to assist in the matter. I would have to also ask why ongoing assistance is required. No doubt there are a number of issues which need to be sorted out but I would hope that individuals hired into such positions would bring many of the necessary skills with them. The optics on this is poor and if there is a sound rationale for this decision it needs to be clearly communicated with all stakeholders. I would also like to see more networking with other similar school districts to ourselves to create informal mentoring opportunities and shairing of ideas. Perhaps others have tried some ideas that we have not thought of that may be useful.

2. My understanding is that all school board trustees must own a home within Prince Rupert. I have heard that there are a couple of candidates who do not reside full time in PR and this seems to be permitted under the current guidelines. It is something I would like to see changed as I feel individuals who are going to be in key decision making roles for our community need to live in Prince Rupert as their primary residence. I do know that trustees can attend meetings via telephone which may also contribute to individuals living elsewhere while being a school trustee. I do think the use of telehone for attending meetings is useful as many people need to travel with their work. I think there needs to be an emphasis on attendance of meetings, either in person of via telephone as it is important to have input from the entire elected body.

3. I'm not sure what happened after this occured beyond the influx of many of the teachers who were teaching in these villages moving back to Prince Rupert to teach. I would have to look into this further. Is the concern around programs being offered to these students in Lax kw'alaams and Gitxaala? I have heard that in villages and on Haida Gwaii there are a number of non-certified teachers working in the classrooms.

4. I would say it is time to revisit this agreement.

Thank-you for your poignant questions.

Regards,

Tanya Boudier

Re: Prince Rupert Election 2011

Voting Taxpayer — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:10:01 -0000

To the School Board candidates:

1. How do you defend the hiring of your current District Superintendent and staff and still be using consultants to mentor them after 2 years? If they couldn't do the job, why did you hire them? When does the consultant-handholding end so these people actually do the jobs they were hired to do?
2. Since 'local resident' is an underlying theme on the council side of the election, are there any similar issues/regulations for the Board candidates?
3. What happened to staffing and programs when Lax kw'alaams and Gitxaala withdrew from the District? Were there layoffs? Additional funding? Replacement programs to include Nisga'a and Haoda students?
4. Is it past time to set up a new aboriginal agreement since Metlakatla is the only original signatory remaining to that Agreement

Re: Economic & Employment Situation

Jennifer Rice — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:49:59 -0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

As a community traditionally dependent on one industry to provide employment, we need a council that encourages a diversified economy that builds a resilient community not a dependent one. We can shape our collective future rather than opening the doors to any and every proposal without considering how it will best impact the people and the environment -- the life force of this community.

In today’s global economy, we are challenged with finding meaningful jobs that support healthy livelihoods. However, I do believe that opportunities do exist. I will advocate for the needed education and training to be situated here in Prince Rupert so our youth have opportunities and a vested interest in staying in this community. As the Port of Prince Rupert further expands into an internationally competitive port, I will advocate for not only locals gaining employment, but for programs that keep families in the community and puts businesses in the empty storefronts. This means encouraging economies that take into consideration the health and well-being of workers, the sourcing of local materials and with a commitment to long-term viability. At the All-Canddates forum a question was asked of candidates on our ideas for economic development. These area few ideas.They are not campaign promises just ideas that would need further research and investigation as to their feasibility.

   - Working with the Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures to help support existing and encourage new businesses.

    - Putting forward a work camp bylaw to support local businesses. If a big industry sets up in town and uses imported labour for construction we could have a bylaw that forces workers to stay in our hotels and accommodations, eat in our restaurants and shop in our grocery stores keeping money in the community. The city of Dawson Creek has a bylaw such as this.

Focus on our strengths we have and build on those such as the:

    - Lester Centre - Partner with NWCC to explore “Stage Design” programs which would bring theatre students & teachers to our community. (Revenue from Theatre goes to City)
    - CityWest - Explore starting a Telecommunications Training Centre
    - Hotels - Hospitality/Hotel Management courses (we have some excellent hotels here) offered in partnership with NWCC.
   - Locally operated power sources (such as a small wind turbine/hydro grid that employs locals and sells back to the grid which also supports our resiliency as a community)
   - PARTNERING wherever possible and strengthening cross-cultural communication through everything.

Re: Citywest

Jennifer Rice — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:45:39 -0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

I think we should
continue to own Citywest because the benefits outweigh the weaknesses.
That’s not to say that there are not things that need improving such as
upgrading internet bandwidth services to the level people expect in
today’s day and age. I am confident that Citywest is headed in that direction with these issues to be resolved
by next year. Under the leadership of the new CEO Bill Craig, who has a
reputation for transforming small and medium sized telecoms into highly
profitable enterprises, I think Citywest is headed into a highly
competitive position.

Citywest currently provides a one million dollar annual dividend to the city.

Without
this dividend taxes would have to go up roughly ten per cent and no one
wants higher taxes. The company is local, and hires local people, fifty
of which live in Prince Rupert. If we had a major telecom like Rogers
or Telus in it’s place we’d be lucky to see a kiosk staffed with one
person in a low-wage job. With a current thirty per cent
market-share in the northwest there are potentially seventy thousand
customers available for acquisition. Having exclusive rights in the
Skeena river valley with fiber optic cable laid from Prince Rupert to
Terrace also puts the company in an advantageous position.