Opinion

Let's just consider it a trial balloon, or perhaps a trial doobie. Sensible B.C. - the group trying to spark a referendum on decriminalizing pot - has come up short.

Is TransLink nearing the breaking point? It's a question worth posing as frustrations expressed by a number of mayors and councils over transit and transportation priorities continue to mount and boil over for public display.

Dear Editor: Ever since I have learned the English language (at about 30 years of age) and started reading Canadian newspapers, I was wondering why in Canadian politics the majority and minority parties seem to never agree on anything.

Dear Editor: Justin Trudeau will be 42 years old on Dec. 25, 2013. In the 2015 federal election, Justin Trudeau and the federal Liberals will replace Thomas Mulcair and the federal NDP as the official opposition party of Canada.

Call us cynical, but we wonder if John Yap's announcement that beer could be sold in grocery stores was timed to go with the huge Hydro hikes and the release of yet another damning report on child poverty in B.C.

It's an all-too-regular occurrence in this province. Government employees, whipped up by their union leaders, marching against whatever economic development opportunity is being proposed. Pipelines to the coast? Opposed. Gas exploration? Opposed.

Dear Editor: In 1989 the House of Commons resolved to eradicate child poverty by the year 2000. It is now more than three decades later and little has changed.

Dear Editor: Port Metro Vancouver wants to significantly increase shipments of U.S. thermal coal via open rail cars to Fraser Surrey Docks and via open barges to Texada Island for open storage awaiting transshipment overseas.

Dear Editor: Almost 70 per cent of China's energy needs is produced by burning coal. Coal is cheaper than other fuels, but it comes with a huge downside: air pollution.

Dear Editor: I am writing about a concern I have regarding parking meters in the 600 block of 12th Street in New Westminster. These meters have a sticker on them stating that they will not accept 2012 coins.