EDITORIAL: Strange motion

Is Qualicum Beach town council getting into the food safety and inspection business?

Memo to: Town of Qualicum Beach

From: the under-employed or retired

Re: new employment opportunity

Good day.

We were excited to see the job creation efforts by town council last week and would like to learn more about the new position this august body came up with through a motion on May 11.

Council has decreed that the new farmers market Wednesday nights “only has vendors selling… locally-grown product that is fresh.”

We’re curious about the details of this new Tomato Police position. We are hopeful the job description will provide details about how to approach a farmer and ask where and when his/her produce was grown and, more importantly, what enforcement powers are available if a semi-stale head of lettuce grown in Langley is detected at the market (not that we expect this — the Saturday farmers market has always been top-notch).

We would ask you to lean on the expertise of Coun. Bill Luchtmeijer, a former RCMP officer, for enforcement advice, but it seems he is not in agreement with the balance of council regarding the details of this market, so he’s not likely to follow the wise direction of his oh-so-plugged-in peers.

Thanks again for your efforts to create employment and for dealing with such important issues that are obviously well within your jurisdictional purview. Island Health and/or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will be pleased they can concentrate their efforts elsewhere because the Town of Qualicum Beach has food safety issues covered.

Memo to: private liquor outlets

From: the general public

Re: new price-tag scheme

Good day.

We understand new liquor laws introduced by the province have created some challenges for your businesses. In the past, your businesses stood out for their customer-friendly atmospheres and savings. Now, some of you are tagging your products with a before-tax price. It forces many of us to do math and is an unwelcome change and, frankly, not customer friendly.

It was one of the things that set you apart from the government stores. You were one of the few retail outlets in this country that was price-tag friendly for customers. Thanks for considering a return to your former policy.

— Editorial by John Harding

Parksville Qualicum Beach News