When a company the size of Torry & Sons closes its doors in a small city like Courtenay, then everyone in this city feels the impact. Being in business in today’s economy can be extremely scary. It has become very difficult and almost impossible to find qualified skilled workers in the Valley, and even if you look outside the Valley for employees you hear the same story. But there are surely a lot of employees that try to force unreasonable and unrealistic wages from their employer. The employer gets an ultimatum and is told that if the desired wage is not paid well then it is off to Alberta. Employees complain if they have to lift 30 pounds here in the Valley but if they need to lift 200 pounds in Alberta and are worked ragged, then they are proud of it. In order to pay high wages, you, as an employer need to be able to afford this. This is impossible if the local economy is not supported. People would rather drive to Nanaimo, Victoria, the Mainland or even the States to spend their money rather than to support their own local businesses. We are all consumers. You should support your local small and medium-sized businesses. The smaller companies have more to offer in terms of hiring and employee support than those larger enterprises. And if you still haven’t noticed yet, small and medium-sized companies always offer way better customer service. Have you heard of small companies that have recalls? Ask yourself this: What happens here when the younger generation leaves from here because there is “no work here?” Who will be left to do the work? Or will all smaller towns die out? You will leave it up to the older generation to pick up the slack. But for how long can they do that? Many are either retired, or about to. Keep it local, people. If the Valley offers you what you are looking for then purchase it here. It makes no sense to purchase the exact same item elsewhere. Support your community that you live in. You want to be supported from it. The point of this is that whether you are in business or not, we are all human and we need to stick together in order to make a difference.
Thanks to the person trying to protect wildlife from the unleashed dogs at Kitty Coleman Gardens. The Environment Ministry 's BC Conservation Officer Services site has an online report form, and there's a 24-hour hotline: 877-952-RAPP (7277); cell dial 7277. They accept reports of "known or suspected violations of fisheries, wildlife, or environmental protection laws." Your name isn't required, but might help in the investigation. Photos of the dog(s), owner's car, licence number might also help.
Dozens of yellow roses going to Chris and his lovely ladies at Yiamas Greek Taverna. On behalf of Shoppers Drug Mart in Courtenay, we would like to thank you for all of your efforts during our Tree of Life fundraiser event in October. Not only was your facility inviting and comfortable, the atmosphere the staff of Yiamas created was unmatched. The fantastic and efficient service, the patience shown throughout the entire night, and the absolutely delicious food that was catered to us … we would not have been able to have our fun and exciting fundraiser this year without the amazing facility and staff offered to us by Yiamas Greek Taverna. Thank you, Chris and staff.
Effective Nov. 1, WorkSafeBC anti-bullying policies will be in place to help prevent and address workplace bullying and harassment. This is powerful. I, for one, was the victim of bullying in my workplace; I had to leave employment at the office three years ago because the emotional trauma and physical ramifications of the bullying became all-consuming. The Courtenay area is not immune to bullying. Medical, physical and emotional stresses from this workplace continue to affect my everyday life. Associates and staff, in general were professional; however, it only took one bully, of fewer than 10 partners, to render me unemployable long-term. I have not been able to apply for work since because I still carry the effects: distrust of employers, fears of employer powers and constant vigilance. Thankfully, the community counsellor provided through my employment benefits explained why someone becomes a bully and the differences between being a victim and being a target. I have filed my documentation and have referenced it to share my experiences with others. As an adult, I was able to exit the situation and have since become self-employed. However, young children and teens don’t always have resources, education or knowledge of what alternatives are available. Even one suicide is too many. Our young people (rather, all of us) need to talk about bullying and its effect on society. Let’s get it out of the closet, out from behind closed doors, and bring into the light of public scrutiny. We might be targets, but we do not have to be victims. October is anti-bullying month. I choose not to sign my letter; anyone who would like to get in touch with me may do so through this newspaper. This decision is to minimize any further bullying from my former employers, who may feel my name infers their identity.
A weed-free yard to all my customers. Thank you for letting me into your beautiful yards and your continued support.
The prime minister and his responses to questions in the House of Commons regarding the Mike Duffy scandal simply do not respect the people asking the questions nor the citizens of Canada. Opposition, in Question Period continues to ask questions and Harper and his caucus continue to give non-answers. They repeat the same phrases and then launch into a commercial for the proposed free trade agreement with Europe. I for one am not interested in his new commercial venture. As a taxpaying citizen of Canada I want to know, need to know, what went on in the PMO's office regarding the payments to Mr. Duffy and who knew what when. If we cannot believe the PMO's office and/or Harper, then how are we to believe his infomercial regarding the free trade deal with Europe? After listening to Mr. Duffy's lawyer, there are a lot of questions the Conservatives need to answer. Perhaps our MP, John Duncan, can encourage his party to provide the asked for information. Until then, the federal Conservatives are simply tossing around a load of barnyard excess. The Conservatives' performance in the House of Commons looks more like the railcar fire in Alberta; a lot of heat, smoke, and oil/gas. Anything of substance is gone.
I've got a question for all the smart meter foes out there. Do you know how water meters are read? Maybe it's time to get matching underwear for your tinfoil hats.
Totally agree with the decision to offer Milala Honourary Canadian Citizenship.
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Do you have somebody to praise or something you have to get off your chest? Have your say by submitting to editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com. Please focus on people's ideas rather than speculating about their character. You can also get a written submission to 765 McPhee Ave., Courtenay, B.C. V9N 2Z7 or fax to 250-338-5568. If you wish to talk to the editor, phone Mark Allan at 250-338-7816, 2309.