My Wet Coast Life

This week has been a hard week for any dog owner. Earlier this week, I saw the story on CKNW that last year, 100 sled dogs in Whistler were inhumanly culled. This story quickly went viral once more info came to light and outrage quickly followed when people found out Howling Dog Tours Whistler, owned by Outdoor Adventures Whistler, ordered the killing of 100 dogs in April 2010 after a post-Olympic downturn. This story only came to light because the employee who carried out the task has been granted compensation by Worksafe BC after developing post traumatic stress disorder for having to kill the 100 sled dogs over a two day period.

I am not going into the details as they are graphic but to give you an idea, the employee ran out of ammunition at one point and had to use a knife to kill an aggressive dog. Marcie Moriarty, general manager for cruelty investigations with the BC SPCA told CTVBC it's technically legal to shoot an animal, as long as it dies instantly. But continued to state "That most certainly did not happen in this instance". Moriarty added that lethal injections supervised by a veterinarian would have been the more humane way to cull the dogs. Sadly, that did not happen either.

Now a lot of people have jumped the gun and to make an informed decision, you need all the information. The guy that had to carry out this gruesome task went to the SPCA twice for adoption assistance for the dogs and was denied assistance both times. Once before the slaughter in question and a second request in September of 2010 as they still had more dogs. The SPCA admitted they didn’t realize the dogs would be brutally slaughtered and would have stepped in had they known. But instead, they told the man the dogs would not make good pets and were not adoptable. The following is from the Vancouver Sun article explaining the second request plea for help to Senior animal protection officer Eileen Drever:

The second time the man approached the SPCA was through an email dated Sept. 10, 2010 — nearly five months after the cull — asking if the SPCA would take some of the remaining dogs in the pack, which before the cull numbered about 350.

The Sun has obtained a copy of that documentation, which states: “I understood from Joey that there were to be some dogs going to you for adoption? Is that indeed happening? Or should I just show up with a truck full so they can get off the chain and get some attention, exercise, stop fighting, etc....I am happy to bring some down to stop cruelty they are going through here.

“This is me as a bystander (I am off due to injury to both arms). I am the only one who has made any effort to move dogs. We still have almost 60 dogs too many, and a new litter of pups to be given away. Can you please give me a call so I know something can be done. It’s breaking my heart.”

Drever replied five days later, apologizing for taking so long to respond as she had not been in the office.

In her email, dated Sept. 15, 2010, she wrote: “I just informed Joey that after consulting with an animal behaviourist/veterinarian we have reached the decision these dogs are not adoptable. I will however conduct an inspection of the facility.”

Drever did not end up doing the inspection in the fall. However, she did go on Tuesday along with two other SPCA animal cruelty investigators to look into the deaths of the 100 sled dogs in April. She said it was not necessary to take the remaining 150 dogs into protection.

Now it is understandable that the SPCA did not take the dogs. Why should they be responsible for helping a business when that business should have had contingency plans in place for the dogs should a downturn occur. Plus 100 dogs is a lot for any SPCA shelter to take, let alone a smaller community. If they needed to be moved, who should absorb those costs? The SPCA? The company that can no longer provide for the dogs? Even if the SPCA took the dogs, probably most would have been euthanized (but at least it would have been humane). It should be noted this guy also has 65 previous orders written against him in the past with respect to care. One would think the SPCA might have gotten involved before than?

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A couple days into 2011 and I am already not looking forward to British Columbia's upcoming political show and ongoing failure of our political system. 2010 was not too kind to our provincial politicians especially party leaders. We got to see a lot of things shake up Victoria's legislature. On November 4th, We got to see Premier Gordon Campbell resign over the wonderful HST. It is "loved" so much by some resident, actually a lot of residents, our ex-premier Bill Vander Zalm rallied the people to see if it can be removed. His diligence paid off and enough signatures were collected to put the HST recall on our next ballot. On Monday, September 13, 2010, Gordon Campbell announced it would be put to a vote on September 24, 2011. It's gonna cost $30 million for the referendum, sorry schools and education.

On top of the HST recall, the anti-HST organizers want remove the Liberal provincial politicians via recalls who supported the HST. After 2 attempts due to controversy, Elections BC approved the recall against Liberal MLA Ida Chong. The petition must be returned by Feburary 4, 2011, and then Elections BC has 6 weeks to verify the signatures. If they are successful with the recall petition, a by-election must be called within 90 days. Also, Ida Chong is the first of many targeted for recalls. More or less she is the test case so I can only assume a concerted effort on the anti-HST organizers part to keep the recall ball rolling. Definitely not a good year to be a provincial Liberal.

Now the opposition has not been left out of this year's circus of provincial politics. The NDP have had Carol James in charge of the party. We got to see Carol James kick out a party member, Bob Simpson, for not being a team player. On the welcometowilliamslake.ca site, Bob Simpson criticized her for not saying enough at a Union of British Columbia Municipality's meeting.

The Leader of the Opposition likewise had little concrete to offer the delegates other than a commitment to be more consultative than the current government and a promise to explore the possibility of revenue sharing with local governments. This is a timely concept which has the potential to address the resource needs of local governments, but the lack of specifics was a disappointment to delegates. - Source

Based on what he said, I personally do not see it as grounds for removing him from the party. And instead of confirming his statement and spinning it into a NDP PR event on the specifics and how the NDP are better, Carol James kicked him out. I do not see how a couple sentences can deem you as not being a team player. It is known as speaking up to the coach and saying we need more details on the next play. Sometimes it needs to be done publicly to get the point across. Welcome to politics and public opinion Carol James. Going by the "you're off the team" mantra for making a statement is not the sign of a true leader. It shows to me his statement must have been correct and with the choice of either play off the statement and make it better in your favor or kick out the member, well, we know what choice was made. *facepalm*

Leadership can be described in different ways:

"The process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task".

"Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen."

"Effective leadership is the ability to successfully integrate and maximize available resources within the internal and external environment for the attainment of organizational or societal goals." - Source

None of those definitions were displayed by James when she kicked out one of her members, a supporter, a teammate. So on December 6th, what goes around, comes around and Carol James announced her resignation after 13 of her 34 MLA caucus mutinied against her. A mutiny? Are we pirates? Y'arr, true it be.
They were referred to as the baker’s dozen of rebel NDP MLAs. They were too large a group for James to continue dismissing from caucus like Bob Simpson, without destroying the NDP’s chances in the next election. Carol James led and lost the last 2 but somehow remained as leader. Maybe 3rd time was the possible charm?

With Carol James stepping down, that makes 2 of our province's political parties currently LEADERLESS. No leader is not good. Not good at all when a leadership position is warranted.

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Following up to my article in April when they announced the tough new impaired driving laws, British Columbia's new impaired driving law is about to kick in on Monday, September 20^th. This will make B.C. have the toughest impaired driving laws in the country.

Now I cannot say if these stronger penalties could have prevented my friends death or others who have died at the hands of impaired drivers but it should will prevent future loss of life. Impaired driving alone kills an average of 133 people and injures more than 3,000 each year and hopefully that number is going to go down, and fast.

Between 1998 and 2007, 1,133 people were killed and 32,551 people injured in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in British Columbia. This included the deaths of 115 children.
(source- PDF)

Now what are these new impaired driving laws I speak of? How severe are they? To start, you can now face a driving ban of 3 days and hefty fines starting at 0.05 blood-alcohol level instead of the previous 0.08 level.

Now one thing to note, impaired driving laws are not just for cars. It doesn't matter if you’re driving a car, piloting a boat or plane, or any other motor vehicle, this law applies. This can also apply even if you were not driving and did not move the vehicle. Short and sweet of it, BTW I AM NOT A LAWYER, if you are in care or control of a vehicle, which means you were in the driver’s seat and had access to the ignition key, you could be charged. Something to think about. Capiche?

So first let's start with the new stuff. Before if you blew 0.05 to 0.08 also known as the WARNING level, you would get a 24 hour suspension and possibly your car towed and $100 fee when you renew your license, now it kicks it up and goes a little like this:

First Offense for 0.05 in a 5 year period:

3 day driving ban
Car impounded for 3 days (towing & storage fees will cost about $150)
$250 driver's license reinstatement fee
$200 administrative driving penalty

Total: $600+

Second Offense for 0.05 in a 5 year period:

7 day driving ban
Possibly have car impounded for 7 days (towing & storage fees will cost about $200)
$300 administrative driving penalty
$250 driver's license reinstatement fee

TOTAL: $750+

Third Offense for 0.05 in a 5 year period:

30 day driving ban
Car impounded for 30 days (towing & storage fees will cost about $700)
$400 administrative driving penalty
$250 driver's license reinstatement fee

Then to regain your driving privileges:
$880 for the Responsible Driver Program
$1420 for an ignition interlock device (use for one full year)

TOTAL: $3,650+

First Offense for 0.08:
90 day driving ban
Car impounded for 30 days (towing & storage fees will cost about $700)
$500 administrative driving penalty
$250 driver's license reinstatement fee

Then to regain your driving privileges:
$880 for the Responsible Driver Program
$1420 for an ignition interlock device (use for one full year)

TOTAL: $4,000+
Plus you also have possible criminal code charges on top of that.

Now I'll give you a second or so to absorb all that info....and times up. If you're under the Graduated licensing program, you can also get additional actions over and above the above stated offenses due to zero tolerance. Also the Motor Vehicle Act places ultimate responsibility on the vehicle owner, so if you lend your car to a friend or family member and they get caught, it will be your car sitting impounded. Another thing to think about.

To see all the info on impaired driving, visit BC Superintendent of Motor Vehicles site: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/osmv/

Now what would tough drinking laws be without adding some new speeding laws? They kick in on the same day and they are harsh. If you get caught doing 40km/h over the posted speed limit, AKA excessive speeding, here's what you're gonna get for your first ticket:

$905 fine
Your car is impounded for 7 days (over $200 in towing and storage fees)
$320 more a year for insurance for 3 years!

TOTAL: $2000+

Keep it up and subsequent charges grow quickly and it can get up to $24,000, yes $24,000. Do it in a construction zone and double the fine. If we combine theses two new changes to the impaired driving and speeding laws, let's say you and some friends went for couple beers after work, stayed a bit too long and now need to rush home (or somewhere else) and get caught speeding 40km/h over the posted limit. If you blew over 0.05 blood-alcohol, you would be looking around $2500 in fines and no vehicle for a week.

Now for the ignorant or the gamblers/risk takers, this will not stop them from having a couple drinks and getting behind the wheel BUT the repercussions are now severe enough that after being busted once, most (unless they can financially afford it) won't do it again. Getting caught could also affect your employment if you commute or drive for a living. There is also the financial aspect too. If you live pay check to pay check, which is nearly 60% of the Canadian population, you could become homeless.

One thing to keep in mind, blowing a point 0.05 blood-alcohol level varies per person. There are factors such as weight, how many drinks you've had in a certain time frame and the strength of the drink. There are various blood-alcohol calculator sites that can give a rough estimate based on that info. As an example, say a 160lbs person drank 2 Canadian beers (5% alcohol) in 1 hour, you can now potentially blow a 0.05. Depending on when you finished your last drink and got behind the wheel could also effect the reading. Curious what you would be, check it out for yourself to get a rough idea of what your limit is here

With these new laws coming into effect, i have NO sympathy for anyone that gets caught. You were aware of the risks, you took them and now you can pay the price. Consider it as the police office just saved your life, other occupants in the car or someone else innocently affected by the ignorance and inconsideration of another. And if you've read this far, you are now aware and educated so the CHOICE is up to you now.

After the lack luster first weekend of July is over and Mother Nature still not giving us a summer to remember. After a not so great June-uary, I seem to be rusting instead of tanning. Looking outside at another overcast day and temperature sitting around 15°C, I look east to Ontario and Quebec who are currently experiencing a hot, humid and smoggy heat wave. Now living on the wet coast, we tend to always get cooler weather compared to the B.C. interior and prairies mainly due to cool ocean breezes keeping us in check. But every so often the wind dies down and we get the nice hot weather and looks like that is coming in 1 day for us.
Now I prefer love the hot weather. Due to my lack of insulation, you can still find me wearing pants or layers in 20°C+ weather when others are sweating and pealing off all their clothes. So i decide to go check our weather and see if the weather is gonna get any warmer and sunnier.

To my surprise, it looks like we are about to get our first heat wave of 2010! WooHoo! Both Environment Canada and Weather Network show the heat is on the way!
After calming down from the shear excitement that the sun will be out and the temperatures nice and warm, I realized I live in Rain-couver where people loooove to complain about the weather. Whether it is raining too much or not enough, someone has to be a weather hater. As for me, my body works like a human barometer and whenever the weather is inclement, my body hurts. I can now somewhat accurately predict weather based on pain and its location. Now why do I mention this?? Well sun and high heat tend to be the only times I do not hurt which means little to no pain medication for my bad back = Win.

Now for my unfortunate family and friends who tend to “die” when the temperature goes over 25°, fear not for i have put together some tips and tricks to beat and deal with the gorgeous tropical weather on the way.

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It's been awhile since my last post due to being busy with work and other things. But now i feel the need to share my 2 bits on another issue that irks me and finally measures are being introduced to reduce/eliminate drunks on the road and severely penalize the ones that still drive drunk.

British Columbia has finally stepped up to take on the drunk drivers and impose stiffer penalties. This week they announced tough new measures to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road and implement stiffer penalties for those that think they are OK to drive after having a few brews, when they are in fact not OK, and get caught.

I have had friends, and most likely you do to, that still stupidly get behind the wheel after a few when they should have made a smarter choice for getting home and luckily they are still around. Unfortunately, sooner or later, their luck will run out or maybe already has. Sometimes my friends or I were able to stop them by taking away their keys. But every so often, some felt obliged to refuse or even go to the extent of offering "we''ll fight for it". Some battles are just not worth it. You can't win against someone aiming for top spot on the Darwin awards. I just hope they don't take out others in that process. We can only hope.

Everyone that drives and has a wobbly pop or two, or three, has multiple alternate options and choices to make. They can get designated driver, take a cab, call a sober friend, stay overnight, take transit and one of the best services of all, Operation Red Nose, a volunteer safe ride home service. That's 6 alternate options compared to getting behind the wheel but alas, ignorance fueled by alcohol is bliss.

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