Aspen Planers reopens amidst cutting permit uncertainty
Aspen Planers has announced that it will restart its Merritt mill, which has been closed since early December due to a lack of approved cutting permits, for an undetermined amount of time.
Category: Provincial Politics
Province addresses Mayor Goetz’s decriminalization comments
The provincial government is looking to reassure British Columbians of their decision to apply for an exemption from Health Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act amid some public backlash.
Aspen Planers Merritt remains shut down, reopening date uncertain
One of Merritt’s major economic powerhouses currently lies dormant, closed by a lack of timber supply and government approval of timber harvesting.
Mayor Goetz concerned about new B.C. drug exemptions
Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz has some concerns over the province’s new exemption from Health Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which ensures individuals found with limited amounts of certain illegal drugs won’t face criminal charges for their possession.
Highway 8 reopens after a nearly year long closure
After 11 months, countless work hours, and collaboration between the provincial government and local First Nations, the Highway 8 corridor from Merritt to Spences Bridge is open once again.
B.C. explores expansion of the Fraser-Nicola riding
The Commission recommends adjustments to the boundaries of 71 existing electoral districts to account for a number of geographic and demographic factors.
Canada invests in B.C.’s construction industry
With B.C.’s construction industry continuing to lack personnel in the workforce, the Government of Canada has decided to award The BC Construction Association (BCCA) over $21M in funding.
BC Liquor Stores rationing alcohol amidst union strike
It was announced on Friday, August 19, that BC Liquor Stores have limited alcohol purchases as a response to the ongoing job action by the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU).
LETTERS: Provincial Healthcare
“The Provincial Government who is in charge of the Provincial health care system, must correct the mismanagement and take the under funding battle to another battle field.”
Province pauses plans for Royal British Columbia Museum
The Province is halting plans announced last month to rebuild the Royal British Columbia Museum (RBCM).
BC Premier John Horgan announces resignation
British Columbia’s Premier and leader of the BC New Democratic Party (BC NDP), John Horgan, has announced he will not seek re-election, and will resign his post after an upcoming party leadership election to decide his successor.
Surrounding First Nations clear local waterways
Specially trained teams, made up of experts and skilled workers from nearby communities and First Nations, have been hard at work removing significant amounts of debris varying in size and precarity from local waterways.
ICBC makes changes to cyclists policy
ICBC is changing its policy on when vehicles charge cyclists, pedestrians, and other active transportation users for damages where they are party responsible.
BC increases cancer coverages for firefighters
The Province of BC will now recognize three more cancers to the already existing list of 13 that firefighters are at risk of developing.
Farnworth: “There will be a decision made around housing very shortly.”
In the media session following the Intergovernmental Committee meeting on Monday, April 11, Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety, stated that Merritt should expect an announcement about housing soon.
Mayor Brown to meet with Disaster Response Committee in Vancouver
On Monday, April 11, Mayor Linda Brown is set to meet with the intergovernmental committee on Disaster Response and Climate Resilience.
Merritt receives rural development grant
The City of Merritt will receive $500,000 to complete a suite of economic development projects and initiatives which will support long-term economic recovery, including sustainable tourism, and business and investment attraction.
MLA Tegart named Assistant Deputy Speaker
Jackie Tegart, who serves as the MLA for Fraser-Nicola, including Merritt, has been appointed Assistant Deputy Speaker for the BC Legislature.
MLA Tegart named as Opposition Critic
Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart was named the new Official Opposition Critic for Regional Economic Development and Small Business.
State of Emergency extended to May 12
“By extending the state of emergency, we will continue to take action to keep our communities safe through this challenging time, and make sure we stay on the right path in the weeks and months ahead.”
