Society Act review launches
An act that directs how non-profit societies are governed is up for review and the provincial government is looking for help.
Finance minister Michael de Jong is inviting British Columbia’s non-profit societies to provide feedback and submit ideas on a new white paper representing the next phase of the Society Act review. The white paper includes draft legislation and provides an opportunity for societies to see what new legislation may look like and to contribute their suggestions before final legislation is developed.
The Society Act outlines the rules that govern BC’s approximately 27,000 societies. Societies are non-profit corporations organized primarily for social purposes. They make valuable contributions to BC’s families and communities and range from small community-based organizations to large charitable foundations.
The ministry of finance review began in 2009 when it was identified that the current Society Act required modernization. A discussion paper inviting comment on specific proposals for reform followed in 2011. This white paper represents the next stage in the consultation process, reflecting feedback previously received.
For example, in earlier consultations, stakeholders requested the new act be kept simple and straightforward so it could be effectively used by all participants in the non-profit sector, including those without access to legal counsel. The proposed legislation in the white paper has been drafted with those concerns in mind.
Input will be gathered until the consultation process ends on October 15, 2014. Submissions will be received through the website, by email at [email protected] and/or mail to: Financial and Corporate Sector Policy Branch, Ministry of Finance, PO Box 9418 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria BC, V8W 9V1.
Seafarer fine
A sea kayaker reported missing has turned up safe and well.
Sunshine Coast RCMP asked for the public’s assistance Friday, August 1, in locating Joseph Banns, who was kayaking from Sechelt to Powell River.
Banns, 26, had last been seen in Sechelt wearing a lifejacket and pushing a shopping cart with his green kayak and some supplies on July 25.
RCMP received a call Monday, August 4, from one of Banns’ family members who had spoken with him that day and confirmed that the kayaker had made it to Powell River and was fine.
Various readers of the Peak reported on the paper’s Facebook page that they had seen the man around town on August 3.
In a media release from the Sunshine Coast detachment, police said they are relieved to hear that Banns is alive and had completed his journey. They noted though that Powell River RCMP are looking to speak with the kayaker. The police also thanked the public for its assistance in locating the kayaker.
Camera call
Producers of Global BC TV’s Weekend Morning News are seeking photos of Powell River for an on-air segment.
Every Saturday, the program’s weather anchor hosts a feature called Small Town BC where photos are displayed on air, sent in by viewers from around the province. Saturday, August 9, is Powell River’s turn for a closeup and residents are encouraged to send in their snaps along with their name and a brief description of their photo.
From sunsets to mountain views, all professional and amateur photos will be considered at [email protected]. The program will air from 7 to 10 am.
Gains retreat
Maintenance, increasing energy costs, a stronger Canadian dollar and lower prices for pulp and paper, overshadowed gains during Catalyst Paper Corporations’ second quarter.
The corporation released its second quarter results recently. Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization were $7.1 million compared with $25.7 million for the first quarter of the year.
“The recovery boiler and kamyr digester outage at our Crofton pulp mill had a total cost and production impact of approximately $10 million, while the hydro rate increase, effective April 1, added approximately $1 million per month to our operating costs,” said Joe Nemeth, president and CEO.
In the first quarter, the container truck strike in Port Metro Vancouver had delayed delivery of shipments, so an increase in revenue of 3.5 per cent in the second quarter to $283.5 million, was partly due to the sales of those delayed shipments.
“Introduction of the BC Hydro Power Smart Program is an important step toward mitigating the impact of announced energy cost rate increases,” said Nemeth. Catalyst is receiving $45 million, out of the $100 million to thermal-mechanical pulp facilities in BC, over the next three years. “The program will benefit our three mills by covering 75 per cent of the required capital investment on projects to more efficiently harness energy and reduce energy waste.”
