MP support proves successful
In 2003, logging contractors received funds from the BC Forest Revitalization Trust in exchange for the loss of their logging contracts resulting from the implementation of the Forest Revitalization Act. At the time, we believed that the funds were to be tax free given that they were distributions from a personal trust created by the provincial government in support of public forest policy change.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), however, did not agree with that position and continues to dig in its heels on its view that the funds are to be fully taxed [“Weston pledges to protect forestry companies from bullying,” August 2009].
In total, over 300 contractors province wide are affected by this decision, including many local logging contractors like ours, Powell Daniels Contracting.
However, on the eve of a decision by the Loggers for Fair Taxation to head to the Tax Court of Canada to fight the CRA’s decision, a resolution to the issue has been brought forward as a result of the ongoing work of John Weston, West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country incumbent.
Since we first met with Weston to discuss this issue and to seek a resolution some six years ago, he has shown his ongoing support for what he knew was an unfair decision by the CRA that would have significantly negative impacts on the communities where we operate. Everybody knows how difficult it can be dealing with CRA, but Weston took on our challenge that has now come to a successful resolution.
Weston facilitated meetings in Ottawa for us and he made sure all the Harper government MPs were aware of the plight we faced in dealing with CRA, encouraging them to support us.
As chair of the Loggers for Fair Taxation, I want to be sure our community is aware that Weston fights for his constituents on the tough issues and represents us well in Ottawa. Without his support on this, and many other issues that impact our rural lifestyle, our community, one that is reliant on the forest industry, would not be as prosperous as it is.
Monty Hussey
Powell Daniels Contracting
Chair, Loggers for Fair Taxation
Lapdogs can be a hazard
This letter is directed at the people of Powell River who insist on driving around town with their small dog (under 10 pounds) sitting on their laps. Two words: just stop.
This habit is ridiculous in many ways. Primarily, because it is a hazard. On the hazard continuum, it falls somewhere between talking on a cellphone and applying mascara at 50 kilometres per hour. A cellphone could probably survive an airbag deployment. “Foofie” would not.
I would applaud if tickets were issued for “driving without due care and attention” for this act [“Cellphone use will draw fines,” January 20, 2010]. Agreed, Foofie is cuter than a cellphone. But a head-on collision caused by inattentiveness is still a head-on collision.
Anytime a dog is picked up, it’s a signal that he is dominant in the pack. His role becomes protecting the pack. Translation: non-stop barking and highly anxious behaviour.
After departing the lap, Foofie (left in the car at the mall) barks incessantly for 30 minutes at anything in motion while the owner shops. When at home, Foofie barks non-stop when outside for his hourly pee. Trust me, neighbours are dreaming of Foofie running away from home.
In conclusion, owners should hire a dog trainer to teach them and Foofie proper dog behaviour and pack hierarchy. Until that happens, leave Foofie at home.
Dave Fletcher
Marine Avenue
