The Trudeau government has enacted another unexpected gun ban, immediately outlawing 324 types of firearms. Canadians who previously used these firearms for hunting or target shooting must now secure them or face severe penalties. The government also plans to seize these firearms through a buyback program and send some to Ukraine’s military.

As with previous bans targeting hundreds of firearms, this list raises questions about its alignment with public safety goals. It includes low-powered varmint rifles, rare antiques found only in museums, and firearms no more dangerous than many that remain legal. Contrary to Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc’s assertion, many of these guns are not designed for the battlefield.

While any bullet can be lethal, the .22 caliber is among the least powerful. It is commonly used in varmint hunting and youth-target practice. Including .22 caliber firearms on a list ostensibly targeting battlefield weapons seems questionable.

One example is the GSG-16, a .22-caliber target shooting rifle sometimes sold in pink. The list also bans several guns designed to mimic military rifles in appearance but with non-military functionality, firing .22 bullets one at a time. For instance, the newly prohibited Mauser StG44 resembles the iconic Sturmgewehr 44 but lacks assault rifle characteristics.

The government’s criteria for assault-style rifles continue to be inconsistent. True assault rifles—already illegal in Canada—are defined by automatic firing and large-capacity magazines, neither of which are permitted under Canadian law. Long before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s tenure, rifles in Canada were limited to five rounds and semi-automatic firing (one shot per trigger pull).

The Trudeau government introduced the term assault-style in its Bill C-21, defining it as a semi-automatic rifle using centre-fire ammunition, designed post-2023, and originally intended to hold high-capacity magazines. Yet many banned firearms, including .22-caliber rimfire guns and pre-2023 models, do not fit this description.

The list also includes obscure historical weapons, such as the Browning M3 Aircraft machine gun from the 1930s, a mounted aircraft weapon already prohibited. Another example is the SaskSten, a WWII-era Sten gun modified for Canadian regulation, which sold for at least $4,000 before being banned. These weapons are rarely, if ever, involved in crimes.

The bans appear to target firearms based on appearance rather than functionality. For nearly every prohibited firearm, there are legal alternatives with similar power and firing rates. Notably, the SKS—a Soviet-era semi-automatic rifle—remains legal, likely because of its widespread use among Inuit and First Nations hunters.

The claim that banned firearms will aid Ukraine has been met with skepticism. Defense Minister Bill Blair suggested that some firearms on the list could be useful to Ukraine, but modern militaries prefer standardized equipment. Weapons chambered in .22 caliber or limited to five rounds are ill-suited for combat. Ukraine’s interest likely lies in a small subset of rifles chambered for high-powered cartridges like the .338 Lapua, suitable for sniping.

The timing of the ban coincides with the anniversary of the 1989 Montreal Massacre, in which a legally purchased Ruger Mini-14 was used to kill 14 women. The Mini-14 was included in a 2020 ban, yet firearms with comparable caliber and firing rates remain legal.

The ban also comes as police organizations criticize earlier gun control measures. In October, both the Toronto Police Association and Surrey Police Union denounced the government’s handgun freeze, noting that gun crime has surged since its implementation.

The reason is clear: most crime guns in Canada are illegally smuggled from the United States, making regulatory changes to legal gun ownership ineffective in curbing gun violence.

Toronto Energy Company Proposes 200 Megawatt Wind Farm Between Campbell River And Sayward

A wind farm is being proposed for a site 40 kilometres northwest of Campbell River in the Strathcona Regional District.

The Brewster Wind Project aims to have a capacity of up to 200 megawatts, featuring about 30 wind turbines. The project will also include a substation, access roads, an interconnection transmission line, and ancillary equipment, operating for 30 years.

In a letter to the regional district submitted in August, Andrea Kausel, Vice President of Development at Capstone Infrastructure, stated that the company is reaching out to provide preliminary notice and begin early-stage consultation.

According to a map submitted by the company, the towers will be erected in two clusters southwest of Sayward.

The letter highlights the need for new resources due to a 15 per cent increase in electricity demand by 2030. The 2024 Call for Power by BC Hydro aims to contract the lowest-cost projects that provide maximum value to the grid and rate-payers.

Last month, the regional district advised the company to consult with caving and paleontology experts, such as those at the British Columbia Paleontological Alliance and Royal B.C. Museum, given the region’s unique cave formations.

At a Sept. 25 district meeting, Martin Davis, an SRD director and cave researcher, emphasized the importance of identifying stakeholders early to assess the proposal’s feasibility. Davis noted that limestone could make the land “inherently unstable,” as evidenced by a previous wind farm proposal near Port Alice that faced environmental challenges.

Capstone Infrastructure’s website addresses the potential effects of wind farms on wildlife, acknowledging that these large-scale infrastructure projects can pose risks. The company mentions that early planning stages can help evaluate impacts. While birds and bats are particularly at risk, careful siting and design, along with in-depth field surveys, can help quantify, avoid, or mitigate impacts to acceptable levels.

Capstone Infrastructure has also proposed a 35-turbine wind farm between Kamloops and Merritt, B.C., in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. The company operates various power facilities across Canada, including a 16-megawatt hydro power station in Sechelt.

Proposals were due in September, and BC Hydro will award the agreements in December. According to the company, new projects are set to launch between 2028 and 2031.

If successful, the Brewster Wind Project will require an environmental assessment, starting in 2025. The company also plans to conduct further engagement with local communities.

Raven feathers hanging have been found on local property here in Sayward.

Asking $55.00 shipping is additional.

Measures approximately 38″×5.75″.

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778.288.5558

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1581 Sayward Road
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“I don’t think mom will ever come back.” Nah, she will. You’ll see. In British Columbia.

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778.386.5167

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Leatherback Sea Turtles are the last surviving members of the family Dermochelyidae, an ancient lineage that dates back 100-150 million years. These turtles are the largest of their kind, weighing up to 900 kg and boasting a shell length of up to 2 meters. Unlike other sea turtles, Leatherbacks don’t have hard shells. Instead, their shells are covered with a leathery, slightly flexible, fibrous tissue overlaying interlocking bony plates. The bluish-black shell has seven ridges running from front to back and tapers to a blunt point, creating a streamlined, teardrop shape. Their front flippers are notably long, often half the length of their shell, and lack claws, which differentiates them from other sea turtles. Additionally, their shells, necks, heads, and front flippers are frequently marked with white or bluish-white blotches. Adult Leatherbacks have a distinct pink patch on their heads, unique in size, shape, color, and pattern. These turtles primarily feed on gelatinous prey like jellyfish and salps. They lack the chewing plates found in other sea turtles, instead having sharp-edged jaws and backward-pointing spines in their mouths and esophagi to help retain and swallow their soft-bodied prey.

Pacific Leatherbacks have two main nesting populations: one in the Eastern Pacific (Mexico and Costa Rica) and one in the Western Pacific (Malaysia, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia). The Leatherbacks found in Canadian Pacific waters are part of the Western Pacific population, migrating up to 15,000 km from Indo-Pacific nesting beaches to forage on jellyfish and other gelatinous prey. Sightings in Canadian Pacific waters are rare, with only 126 unique sightings reported in British Columbia from 1931 to 2009. This species’ pelagic nature and the difficulty of spotting them from a distance lead to many uncertainties regarding their habitat use off the coast of British Columbia. The Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle population has declined by up to 95% in the last 50 years and is currently Endangered.

Females lay about 100 eggs per clutch, several times during a nesting season, typically at 8-12 day intervals. They return to the nesting site every 2-3 years. After approximately two months, hatchlings emerge from the nest and make their way to the ocean, usually at night to avoid predation and reduce the risk of desiccation.

On Indo-Pacific nesting beaches, Leatherback eggs face predation from mammals like pigs and feral dogs. Humans also pose a threat, as Leatherback eggs are considered a delicacy in some countries. Development near nesting beaches negatively impacts hatchlings, as bright lights disorient them, causing exhaustion, dehydration, or predation as they struggle to find the ocean. Despite laying about 100 eggs per clutch and nesting up to 10 times a season, only a few hatchlings survive to adulthood and breed. Leatherback Sea Turtles face numerous human-induced threats in the marine environment. They are often accidentally caught in fisheries, and entanglement in fishing gear is common. While many fishers release trapped Leatherbacks, some turtles drown or sustain fatal injuries before help arrives. Leatherbacks can also get tangled in discarded debris, collide with vessels, or mistake floating plastic bags and debris for jellyfish prey, leading to obstruction of the digestive system and eventual death from starvation.

As the storm season approaches, many homeowners prepare by securing windows, stocking up on emergency supplies, and ensuring their roofs are in good condition. However, one crucial task often overlooked is cleaning out the house gutters. While it might seem like a minor chore, keeping your gutters clean can significantly impact your home’s protection during heavy rains and storms. Here’s why it’s so important:

Prevent Water Damage

Gutters are designed to direct rainwater away from your home’s foundation. When gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, water can overflow and seep into your home’s foundation, walls, and basement. This can lead to extensive water damage, mold growth, and structural issues that can be costly to repair.

Avoid Roof Damage

Clogged gutters can cause water to back up onto the roof, leading to rotting wood, damaged shingles, and leaks. Over time, this can compromise the integrity of your roof and result in expensive repairs or even a full roof replacement. By keeping your gutters clean, you ensure that water flows properly off your roof and away from your home.

Prevent Pest Infestations

Debris-filled gutters create an ideal environment for pests such as mosquitoes, rodents, and birds. These unwanted guests can cause additional damage to your home and pose health risks to your family. Regular gutter cleaning helps eliminate these potential breeding grounds and keeps your home pest-free.

Protect Landscaping

Overflowing gutters can erode soil and damage plants, flowers, and shrubs around your home. Excessive water can wash away mulch and create unsightly ditches in your landscaping. By ensuring your gutters are clear, you protect your garden and maintain your home’s curb appeal.

Increase Gutter Longevity

Routine maintenance and cleaning extend the life of your gutters. When debris accumulates, it can cause gutters to sag, bend, or even detach from the house. Properly maintained gutters are less likely to suffer from these issues, saving you money on replacements and repairs.

Ensure Proper Drainage

During storm season, heavy rainfall can quickly overwhelm your gutter system if it’s not functioning correctly. Clean gutters ensure that rainwater is efficiently channeled away from your home, preventing water from pooling around the foundation and causing potential flooding.

Tips for Cleaning Gutters

• Safety First: Always use a sturdy ladder and wear gloves to protect your hands. It’s also a good idea to have a friend nearby in case you need assistance.
• Remove Debris: Use a scoop or small garden trowel to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the gutters.
• Flush with Water: After removing the bulk of the debris, use a garden hose to flush out any remaining dirt and check for proper water flow.
• Check for Damage: Inspect your gutters for signs of damage, such as rust, holes, or loose brackets, and make necessary repairs.
• Install Gutter Guards: Consider installing gutter guards to reduce the amount of debris that enters your gutters, making future cleanings easier.

In conclusion, cleaning your gutters is a vital part of home maintenance, especially during storm season. It helps prevent water damage, protects your roof and landscaping, avoids pest infestations, and ensures proper drainage. By taking the time to clean your gutters, you safeguard your home against the challenges of heavy rains and storms, ultimately saving yourself time, money, and stress. So, as you prepare for the storm season, don’t forget to add gutter cleaning to your to-do list!