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Industrial Inquiry Commission on longshoring disputes at West Coast ports appointed

Seamus O'Regan Photo: Facebook

FEDERAL Minister of Labour Seamus O’Regan on Monday announced the appointment of an Industrial Inquiry Commission on the underlying issues in longshoring labour disputes at Canada’s West Coast ports.

The Commission will be chaired by Vincent Ready and will include Amanda Rogers as a Member of the Commission. The Commission will soon begin meeting with stakeholders and reviewing consultation submissions from relevant parties. The Commission will present its findings and recommendations in a report to the Minister in Spring 2025.

As a seasoned mediator and arbitrator, Ready began his career in labour relations in 1965 and has served in his private practice since 1982. He practices in every province and territory across Canada and has case experience in employment, labour/unions, and workplace rights. Throughout his career, he has mediated or arbitrated over 7,000 labour and commercial disputes in Canada and is named in over 600 collective agreements.

He has facilitated the establishment of new workplace relationships in various industries and is a member of the Arbitrators Association of British Columbia and the Register of Arbitrators under the British Columbia Labour Relations Code. He was awarded the W.P. Kelly Award for Lifetime Achievement as a Labour Mediator and the Bora Laskin Award for his contributions to Canadian labour law.

Amanda Rogers is an arbitrator, mediator, and lawyer who specializes in resolving workplace disputes. She has been appointed as an arbitrator across Canada, including in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and under federal jurisdiction, publishing numerous decisions and settling many cases through mediation. Amanda is on the roster of arbitrators in BC and is named in numerous collective agreements across the country.

She also acts as an external adjudicator for the Canada Industrial Relations Board. Amanda has previously been appointed as an Industrial Inquiry Commissioner for the Government of British Columbia, publishing a report with recommendations on changes to union successorship rights in BC’s forest industry. She has also worked as Independent Reviewer for the Government of Yukon. Amanda has a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Juris Doctor (JD) from University of Toronto and a Master of Laws (LLM) in Dispute Resolution from Osgoode Hall Law School.

O’Regan said: “The goal of this Inquiry is stability. Canada is a reliable trading partner to the world. That is a good thing for every employer and worker in this country. But our credibility depends on the stable operation of our supply chains. We must do everything we can to preserve that stability.”

Farnworth to make announcement on Surrey policing on Tuesday

Mike Farnworth

MIKE Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General will make an announcement regarding Surrey policing on Tuesday, April 23 at 12:30 p.m.

IIO BC investigating death of man in police custody in Chilliwack

THE BC RCMP said on Monday that they had notified the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO BC) of an incident in Chilliwack where one male died.

At approximately 12:10 p.m., Chilliwack RCMP received a report of fight inside a vehicle near Mary Street and Patten Avenue.

Officers attended and took one male into custody. Shortly after, he went into medical distress. Medical assistance was provided, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The IIO BC is investigating police actions in the incident. As the matter is now under investigation by the IIO BC, police said that they will not release any further information.

The IIO BC is requesting any person who has relevant information about the incident to contact their Witness Line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form on the iiobc.ca website.

Officers injured in arrest of driver involved in North Vancouver hit-and-run

Photo: RCMP

NORTH Vancouver RCMP are seeking dash cam and CCTV to advance their investigation of a reported hit-and-run and alleged subsequent assault on two officers.

On Wednesday, April 17 at approximately 1 a.m. police were alerted to a collision in the 2300-block of Dollarton Highway. Witnesses reported seeing a white Dodge Ram pickup strike a tree and the driver fleeing from the scene. As officers arrived at the collision, other officers attended the registered owner’s address in an effort to intercept the driver.

While at the residence, officers noted the passenger of an arriving vehicle matched the description of the hit-and-run driver. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the white sedan, but the passenger exited the vehicle, attempted to flee and reportedly resisted arrest. As the passenger continued to resist arrest, another man allegedly exited a nearby residence and tackled an officer.

A brief struggle ensued as officers attempted to gain control of the scene, during which two officers were allegedly assaulted and injured.

The driver of the white sedan was issued an Immediate Roadside Prohibition for refusing to provide a breath sample as officers suspected that he was driving while impaired. The hit-and-run driver faces potential charges in relation to failing to remain at the scene of an accident and resisting arrest.

The third man is being investigated for assaulting a police officer and obstruction.

“The officers suffered serious, non-life-threatening injuries, but are now recovering,” said Constable Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officers for North Vancouver RCMP. “Police are continuing to investigate the hit-and-run component of the investigation.”

Anyone with dash cam who drove on Dollarton Highway in the early morning hours of April 17 is asked to call the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file 24-7319.

Delta establishes women’s only workout sessions

Photo: City of Delta

THE City of Delta’s Parks, Recreation and Culture department has launched a new programming opportunity for self-guided women’s only workout sessions at Sungod Recreation Centre. This dedicated program provides a supportive, inclusive space for women in Delta to get active.

The initiative for the women’s only workout sessions was developed from patron feedback that indicated a need for a comfortable and private space, exclusive for women. The goal of this program is to create a safe environment for women to engage in physical activity, improve their fitness, and foster a supportive community.

“Creating safe, inclusive spaces is a priority for the City of Delta, especially when it comes to recreation,” said Trent Reid, General Manager, Parks, Recreation and Culture. “Our fitness staff heard the feedback from our community and provided this dedicated program to ensure that everyone who uses our facilities has the opportunity to feel comfortable and achieve their fitness goals. Our recreation and community centres are meant to be used by everyone and this initiative furthers our commitment to fostering a welcoming environment.”

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 3-5 p.m., the aerobics studio will be open for women’s only fitness. The sessions are unstructured, with participants leading their own programs with the equipment available in the studio, including weights, mats, stationary bikes, and more. A Delta Fitness staff member will be available to participants every 15 minutes to answer questions and assist participants during the session.

The women’s only workout sessions are open to all women 13 years of age and older, regardless of fitness experience. While advanced registration is not required, participants can reserve a spot through the online registration system.

For more information, including frequently asked questions, visit Delta.ca/Fitness.

TransLink launches its third annual Earth Day campaign

Photo: TransLink

THIS Earth Day, TransLink is encouraging Metro Vancouver residents to take Transit for the Planet to cut down on emissions and save money.

By taking transit instead of driving a gasoline vehicle, the average resident can shrink their transportation greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by about 80 per cent, while saving up to $8,000 annually when compared to owning and driving a car.

In Canada, the average cost of a new vehicle is $53,000 while used vehicles can cost $36,500, according to recent industry data. It also costs $10,000 annually to own and operate a car, factoring in fuel, insurance, maintenance, parking, and depreciation. While a 3-Zone Adult Compass Card costs $2,273 a year.

“By choosing to take transit, you not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions but can also enjoy significant financial savings,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. “Building strong, clean, and sustainable communities starts with taking Transit for the Planet.”

Taking transit is one of the most sustainable ways to get around, after walking and cycling. In one year, TransLink customers collectively save 307,000 tonnes of GHGs by not driving a car. This is equivalent to removing nearly 100,000 fossil fuel-powered light-duty vehicles (cars, light trucks, SUVs) off the road.

At 32 per cent of emissions, light-duty vehicles represent the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the region and transportation is the second-largest expense for most households, after housing, in Metro Vancouver.

As part of the third annual Transit for the Planet campaign, TransLink employees will be handing out wildflower seed packets at seven major transit hubs to thank customers for choosing transit and to celebrate Earth Day.

TransLink says it is committed to lowering its greenhouse gas emissions, through its Climate Action Strategy, which includes:

  • A target for a zero-emissions fleet by 2040.
  • Adding approximately 460 battery-electric buses by 2030.
  • TransLink’s first all-electric bus depot, the Marpole Transit Centre. Once complete in 2027, it will house over 300 battery-electric buses.

TrasnLink says you can participate in Transit for the Planet by taking the bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, or West Coast Express this Earth Day. Customers are encouraged to share how they’re using transit on social media using the hashtag #Transit4ThePlanet.

BC United calls for pause on Bill 12 amid widespread concerns

Michael Lee

BC United Critic for Attorney General and Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Michael Lee, MLA for Vancouver-Langara, on Monday in a statement regarding the Official Opposition’s call to pause Bill 12, the Public Health Accountability and Cost Recovery Act, said: “Bill 12’s broad expansion of liability, potential constitutional conflicts, and vague details demand that we pause and reassess this legislation.”

He added: “Such a step is vital to avoid serious legal and economic consequences for local businesses, which could weaken investor confidence and reduce affordability for British Columbians.

“Recent statements from more than 24 business associations, including the B.C. Business Council, the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses, and the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, have underscored the severe negative impacts of Bill 12 and emphasized the NDP government’s neglect of the substantial challenges confronting British Columbian businesses.

“This bill, as it currently stands, threatens to impose unknown and unquantifiable legal risks and liabilities on our businesses without their input, evidenced by the widespread concerns over the overly broad and unspecified provisions of Bill 12. It marks a departure from the principles of transparent and informed governance and continues a concerning pattern of overreach under Premier David Eby.

“In a clear example of hypocrisy and lack of accountability, Bill 12 includes exemptions for all government actions, even those related to the population-level harms arising from the NDP’s so-called ‘safe supply’ program. This double standard further diminishes public trust and highlights the urgent need for a pause in the legislation’s progression.

“This NDP bill exemplifies performative legislation at its worst — failing to effectively address the real and shared concerns of specific wrongdoing and harms, while simultaneously undermining economic growth and affordability. The NDP government must specify the precise harms that Bill 12 aims to mitigate and address these issues with a focused, targeted approach.

“BC United calls for a comprehensive review and genuine engagement with stakeholders to ensure the legislation is targeted, clear, and supports both public health and economic growth. We are committed to fostering a business environment in B.C. that thrives in conjunction with robust public health measures, without sacrificing one for the other.”

Rustad’s plan to give tax dollars to anti-vaxxers shows he’s not looking out for people, says NDP

John Rustad

 BC Conservative Leader John Rustad recently told KelownaNow that he’s planning to give public funds to anti-vaxxers who were fired during the pandemic, the NDP said on Monday.

Rustad said: “I actually believe that our health care workers and other workers that were let go or fired because they refused to take it, they should actually be compensated for that. And that’s something we’re gonna look into, in terms of it, because I don’t believe that they were rightly dismissed.

When KelownaNow asked if he would pay their lost wages, he replied: “Well, we’d have to look into what that compensation package would look like, but I think quite frankly we should be doing that.”

NDP MLA Ravi Parmar said: “At a time when we need to be lowering costs for people and investing in healthcare, John Rustad is promising to spend tax dollars rewarding people who refused to do the simple thing necessary to keep people safe through the worst of the pandemic. It was extremely concerning to see him pick candidates who think the pandemic was a hoax, and now he’s promising to cut those people a cheque on the public dime.”

Parmar added: “John Rustad’s obsession with conspiracy theories and fringe ideas is dangerous and it shows he’s not focused on the things people actually care about. Unlike Rustad, David Eby is taking real action to help people with costs, tackle the housing crisis, and strengthen healthcare.”

Rustad’s full interview is available here.

 

New regulations help close loopholes, protect strata owners

Ravi Kahlon Photo: X

STRATA owners will soon have more certainty and consistency around the repair and maintenance of common property with new regulations to close a loophole that allowed strata corporations to indefinitely defer depreciation reports.

“No one wants to be surprised by a sudden special levy to cover repairs that should have been planned for,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, on Monday. “These regulations will help protect strata owners by ensuring depreciation reports are obtained regularly, providing them with the information and predictability they need to plan for future costs.”

Depreciation reports help estimate the long-term repair and replacement costs of a strata corporation’s shared property and assets, giving strata owners the ability to contribute to contingency reserve funds as required. Obtaining these reports could previously be deferred repeatedly as long as three-quarters of a strata corporation’s owners voted annually in favour of a deferral.

Updated regulations that take effect July 1, 2024, will close this loophole and require existing strata corporations with five or more strata lots to obtain depreciation reports on a five-year cycle, instead of a three-year cycle. This change aligns B.C. with other jurisdictions, including Alberta and Ontario.

Effective July 1, 2025, all strata corporations must also obtain their depreciation reports from a list of qualified professions, including engineers, certified reserve planners, architects, appraisers, applied science technologists and quantity surveyors.

To support new strata corporations with five or more strata lots, effective July 1, 2027, owner-developers will be required to contribute funds toward the cost of obtaining a first depreciation report: a minimum of $5,000, plus $200 per strata lot, up to a maximum of $30,000.

Strata corporations with four or fewer lots will continue to be exempt from being required to obtain depreciation reports.

These regulations were developed in consultation with strata stakeholders, homeowner associations, strata lawyers and insurance representatives. They follow amendments to the Strata Property Act passed in August 2020 to mitigate the costs of strata insurance. Those changes included updating depreciation report regulations and closing the annual three-quarter vote loophole.

Tony Gioventu, executive director, Condominium Home Owners Association of BC, said: “The regulatory changes to depreciation reports are a welcome transition for strata corporations and consumers. They provide a level playing field, a transition period for implementation and a longer duration for financial planning, as well as a deposit from developers for future strata corporations to launch their reports, and defined professions to serve the industry.”

Aaron Sutherland, Vice President, Insurance Bureau of Canada, said: “The Province continues to take important steps to help strata corporations and unit owners better manage their properties, and to maintain the stability that exists in British Columbia’s strata insurance marketplace. Adding rigour to depreciation report requirements will help provide stratas with a clear road map for any repairs and replacements, creating safer buildings and fewer surprises for unit owners that can result in expensive claims.”

 

Quick Facts:

* Strata corporations formed between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2027, must obtain depreciation reports within two years of the first annual general meeting and every five years thereafter.

* Strata corporations formed on or after July 1, 2027, must obtain depreciation reports within 18 months of the first annual general meeting and every five years thereafter.

* Strata corporations without depreciation reports or depreciation reports received prior to December 31, 2020, will have time to obtain them:
– Until July 1, 2026, if located in Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley areas or the Capital Regional District (excluding the Gulf Islands and all other islands).

– Until July 1, 2027, if located in other areas of the province.

 

Learn More:

For more information about updated depreciation report regulations, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/strata-housing/operating-a-strata/repairs-and-maintenance/depreciation-reports/depreciation-report-requirements

For more information about other changes to strata legislation, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/strata-housing/legislation-and-changes/changes-to-legislation

LA Matheson students kick off 2024 Our City campaign

Photos: City of Surrey

From planting pollinator shrubs to fence art, students lead the way with vibrant projects

 

ONCE again, students at LA Matheson Secondary are kicking off the Our City campaign, a city-wide initiative empowering residents to participate in neighbourhood improvement and beautification projects for a cleaner, more vibrant Surrey. Approximately 80 students took part in various activities on April 19, including planting pollinator shrubs and flowers, cleaning up the surrounding school area, and creating ground stencil and fence art. 

“The passion and enthusiasm shown by LA Matheson Secondary students in spearheading the Our City campaign for a second year is truly commendable,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. “Their efforts in enhancing our community through beautification projects exemplify the spirit of civic responsibility and environmental stewardship. I am proud to see our youth taking proactive steps towards creating a cleaner and more vibrant Surrey, and I encourage all of our residents to get involved.”

Locke, along with City councillors, school staff, students and City representatives gathered to support and celebrate these student leaders. Last year, students transformed an overgrown school pathway connecting to Moffat Park. Now, as part of the second phase, they are finding new ways to make the area more vibrant and engaging.

Since its launch in 2023, over 80 Our City improvement projects have been completed across Surrey, resulting in long-lasting positive impacts. The Our City campaign invites residents, community groups, schools, and businesses to enhance their neighbourhoods.

To get involved:

  • Borrow a free cleanup kit
  • Attend a Placemaking Meetup
  • Apply for a grant of up to $3,000
  • Start a small project
  • Borrow a free event kit
  • Participate in upcoming learning opportunities
  • Volunteer

Visit surrey.ca/ourcity for more information, tools and resources to get started.

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