Elections near and far coupled with growing Healthcare concerns, underlied attendance at an annual reproductive rights demonstration organized by the Northern Women’s Centre at UNBC and encouraged by the ongoing IWAU conference. The gathering was witnessed by downtown commuters as CFURadio sampled some attendees.
A common concern identified that healthcare services have become even more stressed and that stress is affecting everyone, including those seeking reproductive care. This increased the usual unease about access to abortion and other services.
A close BC election, and the return of the Republican party in the US election raised anxiety in the group, as the pivotal Roe v. Wade legislation was overturned in their prior term, removing federal abortion protections. Regarding that, in attendance was UNBC’s Dr. Indrani Margolin, who stated, “Women live, often, with a sense of fear and concern for their safety, so just knowing that’s happening across the border, it just raises that concern.”
CFURadio gratefully acknowledges the support of the National Campus and Community Radio Association (NCRA), the Community Radio Fund of Canada (CRFC) and the Local Journalism Initiative (JLI) in developing this programming.
Halloween weekend has crept up on the unsuspecting city of Prince George. As suits, ties, and well-to-do business bustles along amidst leaves whipping through crisp air, the UNBC Northern Pride Centre prepares for a far more scantily clad routine carried out in the darkness. A projection bulb flickers to life in UNBC’s Weldwood Theatre 7pm this Friday Oct 25th for the Rocky Picture Horror Show.
Typically this event serves as the fulcrum for the centre’s funding each year, but with the success of various drag night events initiated after the Covid-19 pandemic, there is less pressure on the success of this event. “It’s not the make-or-break anymore.” Says Northern Pride volunteer Jo Van Winkle. They continue, “It’s definitely getting more and more fun each year.”
A bag of accoutrements is available to each attendee. Costumes, both racy and modest, are welcome $10 in advance $15 at door, Room 7-238, near UNBC’s Winter Garden in building 7.
You can also grab some tickets from Books & Co. while supplies last.
CFURadio gratefully acknowledges the support of the National Campus and Community Radio Association (NCRA), the Community Radio Fund of Canada (CRFC) and the Local Journalism Initiative (JLI) in developing this programming.
A project Kym Gouchie conceptualized with Rae Spoon years ago has come to fruition with a quiet release this June 13th 2024 on Gouchie’s mother’s birthday, and its joyful noise will now be heard at Prince George’s Knox Performance Centre Wednesday October 23rd, and at no cost to no you. Local philanthropist Selen Alpay & Integris Credit union have supported a number of school groups to come and witness performances Tuesday and also earlier in the day on Wednesday the 23rd. Entry is FREE
The youth-focused album Shun Beh Nats'ujeh: We Are Healing Through Songs, shares lyrics in Dakelh, Secwepemctsin, English, and Cree. All of which reflect Gouchie’s ancestry and personal journey to asserting her identity as a Lheidli T’enneh woman. An all star cast of accomplished Western Canadian producers and musicians joined Gouchie for this complex project, most of which are joining her on stage at 6pm, Oct.23rd. The release is already picking up momentum, as the Vancouver International Children’s Festival will also be hosting Kym and her ensemble in the spring of 2025.
Photo Credit - Katherine Benny
An all candidates debate was held on UNBC campus Thursday October 3rd. Candidates running for the Prince George–North Cariboo seat were invited to the all candidates forum announced in late July. Randy Thompson of the BC Green Party and Independent Coralee Oakes were in attendance for the forum. Absent were Denice Bardua of the BC NDP and Sheldon Clare of the BC Conservatives.
The event was co-hosted by UNBC’s Sustainability Office and the PGEVA.
Debates for two other intersecting ridings were held Oct. 1st & 2nd. Information on those sessions and candidates in attendance can be found at cfur.ca/thenews
Candidates + Organizers of the event in UNBC’s Canfor Theatre
An all candidates debate was held on UNBC campus Wednesday October 9th. Candidates running for the Prince George–Valemount, Prince George–Mackenzie, and Prince George–North Cariboo seats were invited to the all candidates forum. In attendance for Prince George - Mackenzie were: Shar McCrory, of BC NDP, James Steidle, ofBC Green Party and Rachael Weber, Unaffiliated. For Prince George-North Cariboo were: Coralee Oakes, Independent, and Randy Thompson, BC Green Party.
Other candidates were unable to attend.
Students submitted questions ahead of time and were curated by organizers Madie Tkarchuk and Tina Waters among others. Further questioning was opened up to those in attendance.
The forum was held in UNBC’s Weldwood theater and organized by UNBC students and the BC Chapter of CPAWS.
CFURadio dialled in for a one on one with Kiel Giddens, the BC Conservative Party’s candidate for the Prince George–Mackenzie riding. A riding also contested by James Steidle of the Green party, the NDP’s Shar McRory, and Rachel Weber running as an independent.
Off the bat Giddens addressed his advocacy and lobbying for TC Energy, emphasizing the benefit of large industrial projects in our region. He describes the stresses on our healthcare system, how taxpayers deserve better, how the forestry industry has a role to play in our region’s future, and the difficulties associated with producing a costed platform as an opposition party. Don’t take my word for it though, have a listen to that, and a whole lot more here on CFURadio 88.7FM.
The full length version of our conversation is above, and an abbreviated version for your convenience is at the top of the page.
Pic Credit - BC Conservative Party
