Author Archives: Thorstan Gerlach

Premier to visit Asia next month to help bolster jobs

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Thorstan Gerlach
Premier Chirsty Clark

Premier Christy Clark is set to visit Japan and the Philippines after announcing BC needs more economic investment from Asia. The Premier will visit Asia next month with representatives from Fibreco Exports to promote the idea to export more renewable … More →

BC Teachers’ Federation claims mediator is biased

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Thorstan Gerlach
BCTF President Susan Lambert

The BCTF has made an application to the Labour Relations Board seeking to have the appointment of Dr. Charles Jago as mediator in the ongoing labour dispute stopped. BCTF President Susan Lambert wrote to Dr. Jago on April 2, requesting … More →

Notary public accused of Ponzi scheme

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Thorstan Gerlach

A Vancouver notary public is being accused of running a ponzi scheme that swindled 83 million dollars from more than 200 investors. The B-C Securities Commission says Rashida Samji promised returns of 12 to 30 per cent a year if … More →

$5.5 million to go toward violence prevention

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Thorstan Gerlach
Touchstone Family Association

Thanks to a record year of civil forfeiture proceeds, a total of 185 community groups, local governments, and policing agencies are sharing $5.5 million to help reduce violence. The money will go toward reducing youth involvement in gangs, prevent violence … More →

Omnibus crime bill expected to increase cost of justice system in Canada

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Thorstan Gerlach

NDP MLA, and public safety critic Kathy Corrigan submitted an information request to the Liberal government. She wanted to see the potential price of the omnibus crime bill to BC residents. However, the 300 page report she got back was … More →

New ‘Smarter Carts’ to hit the aisles

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Thorstan Gerlach
Smarter Cart

Waiting in check-out lines at the grocery store may be a thing of the past with a new technology in development called Smarter Carts. Smarter Carts are being tested at a Whole Foods in Austin, Texas. If they are successful, … More →

2012 Federal budget highlights

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Thorstan Gerlach
parliament

Cross-Border Shopping  In a move that will likely please Canadians who go to Washington or other U.S. cities to shop, travellers can now claim more goods duty-free at the border. Instead of the current limit of $50, shoppers will soon … More →

BC government refuses to extend missing women inquiry

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Thorstan Gerlach

Families of several victims killed by serial killer Robert Pickton are planning a news conference today to call for a six-month extension of the missing women’s inquiry. They say more time is needed to allow inquiry commissioner Wally Oppal to … More →

Community orchard set to open in East Vancouver

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Thorstan Gerlach
Copley site plan

The East-Vancouver community of Cedar Cottage will be home to a unique city development in the Lower Mainland. Copely Community Orchard is set to open this fall, developed in partnership with the City of Vancouver and the Environmental Youth Alliance … More →

BC health authorities seek court help to protect patient care

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Thorstan Gerlach

After the BC Anesthesiologists Society threatened to withdraw services next week, lawyers representing BC health authorities have asked courts to ensure patient care. Lawyers from Bull, Houssel and Tupper LLP filed a notice of civil claim and affidavits Thursday, including … More →