PREMIER'S SPEECH SETS TONE FOR 2017 ELECTION
Premier Christy Clark has set the tone for next year's provincial election with a speech to Vancouver's Board of Trade.
Clark took a jab at the Opposition NDP Wednesday, questioning why it would oppose job-creating infrastructure projects such as the Site C hydroelectric dam in the Peace region.
She also praised business leaders for helping to make B.C. the country's economic leader but warned they can't be lax in the face of global risk and uncertainty.
The Liberal government released its fourth consecutive surplus budget, with a surplus of $264 million.
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AQUARIUM LAUNCHES LAWSUIT AGAINST FILMMAKER
A documentary filmmaker says a lawsuit filed by the Vancouver Aquarium appears to be an effort to silence his film, "Vancouver Aquarium Uncovered."
The lawsuit alleges copyright infringement by Gary Charbonneau, whose documentary is critical of the facility's treatment of dolphins and beluga whales.
A notice of civil claim filed by the aquarium says Charbonneau used images and video from its official website and blog without permission.
The aquarium has also issued a lengthy blog post disputing many of the allegations in the film and accusing Charbonneau of deliberately creating an inaccurate and misleading movie.
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FAKE LAWYER HEADING TO JAIL FOR FLOUTING COURT ORDERS
A Vancouver Island man has been sentenced to 30 days in jail for repeatedly ignoring court orders not to practise law without a degree.
Ralph Goodwin was found in contempt of court in December when a judge said he "flagrantly" defied a 2013 order requiring him to stop giving legal advice and calling himself a "chancellor of laws" or a "law speaker."
The B.C. Law Society launched a lawsuit against 69-year-old Goodwin, saying he provided legal services for a fee or the expectation of a fee.
Goodwin did not defend himself against either the order or the contempt of court charges, arguing that the court had no authority over him though B.C. Supreme Court Justice George MacIntosh ruled the man must now serve time behind bars and then comply with all orders.
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MOUNTIES SEARCHING FOR STOLEN CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
Police in New Westminster are appealing to the public for help finding an excavator that was reported stolen.
The excavator, which is valued at $65,000, was stolen overnight after being parked on a street.
It's described as a yellow 35-D John Deere with Horizon Landscape Contractors' stickers on it and it has a broken bottom right window.
Acting Sgt. Jeff Scott says a piece of machinery that size would need to be hauled by a flat deck truck or pick-up with a trailer.
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The Canadian Press
