Margaret Evans

Aftershocks of 9/11 still being felt today

I remember that day like it was yesterday. September 11th 2001. It was hot, dry, sunny. But the sun wasn’t yet up when breaking news arrested attention that, for a moment, seemed like an awful case of misjudgement.

Our children will pay for PST/HST fiasco

Love or hate the outcome, the referendum on the HST saw democracy in action. British Columbians answered the question about extinguishing the tax with a majority in favour of scrapping it. However Chilliwack residents, recognizing its economic benefits, voted to keep it.

Layton remembered for his fire, humanity

Whether you liked his politics or not, Jack Layton’s personal score on the likeability scale was, well, off the scale.

London riots reveal complicated core

Call them thugs, idiots, deadbeats, vandals, looters, low-life, thieves, or whatever. But that searing image of rioters trashing and burning neighbourhoods in London and other major U.K. cities last week has left people everywhere gasping for answers as to what the heck happened.

Pet owners might howl in protest over this

Do pets make people happier or healthier? Do they enrich their lives and provide comfort? Well, according to research done by Howard Herzog, Professor of Psychology at the Western Carolina University, maybe not. Or, at least according to him, the jury’s still out on this one.

Science offers window into canine health

Judging from all the dogs strolling with their owners at the Harrison Festival of the Arts this weekend, folks are pretty devoted to ensuring their pets’ long, healthy lives. Generally, there is a guideline as to which breeds are at risk for certain diseases. But now there’s a new study that provides a rare and comprehensive look at the causes of death in more than 80 breeds.

Small steps forward in protecting species at risk

Last week the Clark government released the Report of the British Columbia Task Force on Species at Risk which addressed the current status of endangered wildlife and efforts to mitigate loss. Apparently, we’re coming up short.

Investigation only leads to more questions

The heartbreaking image of a 15-year-old developmentally disabled girl sitting alone with the corpse of her mother for up to a week in their Chilliwack home is even more distressing when knowing how much the services and support system of the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) failed her so completely considering mother and daughter were long known to them.

Decision day draws near for HST

With the HST referendum package in the mail, the oddly struck question now needs an answer:

“Are you in favour of extinguishing the HST (harmonized sales tax) and reinstating the PST (provincial sales tax) in conjunction with the GST (goods and services tax)? (Yes/No).

Spring weather tells a story of contrasts

Finally, this past weekend looked like spring, or maybe a springboard into…

Counting down to the Stanley Cup playoffs

That 3-2 double overtime win by the Canucks last Tuesday was just…

Byelection over; now it’s down to business

Premier Christy Clark did a lot of nail-biting last Wednesday as the…

Death of bin Laden brings more questions

With the stunning surprise of Osama bin Laden’s death sinking in, many questions both curious and legal are starting to surface.

New animal cruelty legislation holds out hope

Following the news in February of the horrendous slaughter of sled dogs…

Will the royal wedding revive the monarchy?

In three days, Prince William and Kate Middleton will marry in the most celebrated royal event in decades. The wedding is but a day, but will their marriage march right into the crossroads of the monarchy’s future?

Where is the Independent Investigation Office?

Why would an RCMP officer Taser a child?

What possible reasoning would be in play to justify such an action?

Election battle will be bitterly fought

Why an election? Why now?

Well, apparently, why not. After four elections in seven years, that testy Ottawa Club at least wants to keep the routine alive. But if truth be told, Harper is just as keen as any of his opposition foes to go to the polls to try once more for that elusive majority he’s burning for. Right now he has the most to win while the Liberals and NDP have the most to lose.

Japan: The earthquake felt around the world

When the devastating 9.0 earthquake struck off Japan’s east coast Friday, it was so powerful it not only shifted Japan’s largest island eastward by 2.4 metres but it shifted the Earth’s axis by 25 cm.

Spring forecast: Cool and wet to continue

Talk about a strange winter. Last month was the coldest February since…

How long will the Clark honeymoon last?

All those smiles, waves, and made-for-TV hugs on stage after Christy Clark,…