Package scare closes legislature /6
Get the inside scoop on gelato /18

Shot put record falls /8
Spend a `knight' in the next Napa /31

CITIZEN
Serving the Central Interior since 1916
judgment for that of the commission," the U.S. trade commission said in a 34page submission released Friday. "In this case, the panel has clearly rejected the substantial evidence set forth by the commission in both its original and remand determinations, choosing instead to find its views of the facts as the only reasonable interpretation." It's the latest salvo in the three-yearold trade dispute, this one over a NAFTA panel that has twice ruled the U.S. ITC has shown no evidence that Canadian lumber imports hurt or threaten the U.S. lumber industry. If the ruling holds up, the U.S. lumber industry's case collapses. If the NAFTA panel won't reconsider its decision, then the commission has requested an extension to respond to the NAFTA panel ruling. The NAFTA panel had already denied the U.S. ITC's request for a 73-day extension to respond to the panel's second ruling in April and told it to respond by this week. It's unclear how or when the NAFTA panel will respond to the most recent demand of the commission. B.C. Lumber Trade Council president John Allan said he views the latest development as a United States tactic to "frustrate the trend in the litigation" which is going Canada's way. There's already been an allegation of bias against one of the NAFTA panel members that ruled on threat of injury, and the U.S. has refused to return antidumping tariffs to West Fraser even though they've ruled that the company is not dumping lumber, noted Allan.

PRINCE GEORGE

SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2004

80 CENTS (HOME DELIVERED: 56 CENTS A DAY)

NAFTA PANEL OVERSTEPPING AUTHORITY: U.S.

Softwood ruling draws more fire
by GORDON HOEKSTRA Citizen staff The U.S. International Trade Commission is requesting a NAFTA dispute panel reconsider a key ruling in the softwood lumber trade dispute, at the same time delivering a withering criticism of the panel. "The panel has manifestly and repeatedly overstepped its authority as established by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) by failing to apply the correct standard of review and by substituting its own "It's just typical American trade bullyism," he said. Canada had launched six legal actions against the 27-per-cent tariffs under NAFTA and to the World Trade Organization. The Canadian provinces had agreed last week to look at resuming negotiations. But industry observers believe it's unlikely any serious negotiations would take place until next year because of the Canadian election, the looming U.S. election and strong lumber prices.

First Nations, Alcan ink beetle wood pact
by GORDON HOEKSTRA Citizen staff Alcan and three First Nations in the Burns Lake area signed an agreement Friday to have the native bands log mountain pine beetle infested timber on company-owned land. The initiative between the aluminum-producing giant and the Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band and the Skin Tyee Nation is expected to create 25 to 30 jobs in forest management, logging, hauling timber, milling and silviculture. About 100,000 cubic metres of timber -- more t han 2,000 logging truck loads -- will be logged each year on Alcan's private lands around the Nechako Reservoir, located 150 kilometres sout hwest of Pr ince George. "Environmental stewardship is key to the success of Alcan operations in British Columbia and throughout the world," said Paul Henning, Alcan's director of operations in B.C. "We are glad to be able to launch this creative initiative in close co-operation with the Cheslatta Carrier, Nee Tahi Buhn and Skin Tyee." Logging and replanting is expected to start this summer and continue until 2007. S k i n Tye e Na t i o n c h i e f D av i d Crocker said he was happy to see environmental stewardship led by aboriginal and non-aboriginal people together. Added Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band chief Ray Morris: "This initiative is a springboard to our economic future. We thank Alcan for recognizing the potential of working together with our First Nation to our mutual benefit." The three First Nations have a combined population of 500, with about 180 living on reserves south of Francois Lake, near the Nechako Reservoir. The area is one of the hotspots in the beetle epidemic, which has now consumed more than 170 million cubic metres of timber in north and central B.C.

Citizen photo by Brent Braaten

Bachelor of education recipients Jayme Cloet and Lisa Traer are all smiles in the student services street Friday at UNBC. They're part of a pioneer class of 24 students to graduate from the education program at the university.

UNBC grad class biggest ever
Citizen staff The University of Northern B.C. held convocation ceremonies for its largest graduating class ever -- 722 students receiving certificates, diplomas and baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. About 540 of those students took part in convocation at the Prince George Multiplex, and about 3,500 relatives and friends observed, applauded and cheered their support of the graduates. Among the graduates were 30 students who received the first bachelor of education degrees from UNBC. They had just completed the university's new two-year baccalaureate degree program in the field. "Throughout our studies, we should all have developed one of the most important of human characteristics, and that is our ability to reason our way towards truth," said Chad Luider, who was awarded the Governor General's Gold Medal as the outstanding graduate student in the graduating class. He received his master of science in natural resources and environmental studies. The Governor General's Silver Medal for top undergraduate student went to Julian Buck, who received a bachelor of science degree in mathematics. His area of specialization was operator algebras. Canfor chair Peter Bentley was installed during the convocation as the third chancellor of UNBC. "You are graduating at a time when change is the only thing that is constant, as time and circumstances don't stop for anyone," he told the graduates. "It is a time when the economic conditions in the resource sector, in both forestry and mining, are looking more promising than in any recent period. "This translates into great opportunity for the economy of northern B.C.," Bentley continued. "However, it doesn't generate the same number of jobs as it used to because of the application of technology and the resulting quantum leaps in productivity. The good news is that the jobs that do exist and will be created are much more demanding." Advanced Education Minister Shirley Bond, whose daughter Melissa Lea Bond received a bachelor of arts degree, also addressed the graduates. "The credentials you have earned at university will contribute to a bright future," said Bond, MLA for Prince George-Mount Robson. "Investing in a post-secondary education builds a foundation for success that increases job satisfaction and your overall quality of life." Dr. Charles Jago, president and vicechancellor, said that on Aug. 17, UNBC will be celebrating the 10th anniversar y of the opening of its Prince George campus and its start of full operations. "It has been gratifying for me over the last year or so to see the growing public recognition of the impact that UNBC graduates are having on society generally, but particularly here in Prince George and other northern communities," Jago said. Haida artist Robert Davidson and and Terrace pediatrician Kwadwo Asante received honorary doctor of law degrees during the ceremonies. "Mr. Davidson's philosophy of art is imbued with the spirit of his people and the richness of his heritage," said Dr. Deborah Poff, UNBC's academic vice-president and provost. Asante encouraged northern B.C. residents to make new students feel welcome in the region. "Invite them for a weekend and take them for an early morning walk so they can see the sun rise through the trees and mist," he said. With the conclusion of the convocation ceremony the number of alumni, for the first time, surpassed the number of current students, said Rob van Adrichem, UNBC director of media and public relations. The total number of graduates now stands at 4,244, compared to about 3,600 current students.

How healthy is your wee one?
Citizen staff Parents who want to learn more about their child's health should head to the Canadian Northern Children's Festival today at Fort George Park and check out the Toddler Health Fair tent. According to co-ordinator Jovanka Djordjevich everything including vision, motor skills, nutrition, speech, mental health, injury prevention, cognitive skills and emotional health will be dealt with. "It's a good chance to take some time to see how their children are developing," she said. There will be no cost to enter the tent. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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INDEX
Annie's Mailbox . . . . . . . . .41 Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Business . . . . . . . . . . . .20-22 City, B.C. . . . . . . . . . . .3,5,13 Classified . . . . . . . . . . .42-47 Comics . . . . . . . . . . .28,35,36 Coming Events . . . . . . . .2, 29 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Entertainment . . . . . . .25-27 Horoscope . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6,7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-12 World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15,16

City cheers news feds will share gasoline tax
by GORDON HOEKSTRA Citizen staff Mayor Colin Kinsley welcomed Prime Minister Paul Martin's pledge Friday that Canadian cities will get $2 billion from gasoline taxes within five years, but he said some of the details of the plan are vague. It's also impossible to say how much a city the size of Prince George would get, said Kinsley, who was in Edmonton at the annual convention of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities where Martin delivered his promise. The extra money to invest in infrastructure is expected to be available starting next year and would grow to five cents of the tax from every litre sold in the country within five years. "He was a little bit vague on how the gas tax will be ramped up to the full five cents a litre," said Kinsley. "But he did commit to start discussions with a view of having a deal in place by the end of this year. He didn't say whether it will be two cents in 2005 or 2006, and when it will be a nickel." Kinsley was also pleased that the $2 billion from gasoline taxes is in addition to $1 billion already promised in infrastructure funding over five years for rural municipalities. Kinsley said the funding is much needed in Prince George where the city is looking for money to maintain its roads and bridges. The mayor was also concerned that the federal money from the gasoline tax appears to have to flow through to Victoria before being dispersed to municipalities. Kinsley said he doesn't see why tax money cannot be calculated from the pump-use within city boundaries and then put directly into the municipality's hands. "Cut us the money, and we'll look after it," he said.

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