Perham

Women working for SD57 make 18 cents an hour less than men: Pay report

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

Another toothless law. The Pay Transparency Act is a prime example of how our legislators waste time and taxpayers’ money.Designed to avoid offending anyone over gender identity, it actually prevents employers from using the gender data they already have. The result is a reporting system so restricted that the numbers it produces are incomplete, inaccurate, and essentially useless — a self-defeating piece of legislation.

- Perham

Northern Health makes changes at Urgent and Primary Care Clinic

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

It’s hard not to conclude that this new model will drive even more patients to the already overburdened ER during the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. window. Wouldn’t a hybrid system, offering both pre-scheduled appointments and walk-ins throughout the day, have been a more practical and patient-friendly solution?

- Perham

Pinewood Avenue supportive housing given two-year temporary permit

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

Prince George needs addiction recovery services, but has the Council compromised the secular governance principles that underpin our province? While residents at Set Free Recovery do not need to be religious, they are expected to attend weekly church services and Bible study as part of the program’s structure.Faith-based organizations have the right to structure their programs around their beliefs. However, when those beliefs extend into the public sphere, as in this case, democratically elected Councils tasked with upholding secular governance should not approve temporary zoning permits for organizations that embed religious activities into their recovery model, potentially limiting accessibility. Religious-based recovery should offer choice, not obligation.

- Perham

Obstetrics shortages on next intergovernmental affairs agenda

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

The obstetrics shortage scare in Prince George highlights how stretched essential services have become. Yet while patient wait times rise and satisfaction drops, the CEO still received a 13 percent performance related pay increase over the last two years, bringing total compensation to about $459 K a year - that is despite a budget deficit last year. While there maybe a plausible explanation for the board’s decision to award this pay increase, no clear indicators or results have been disclosed to the taxpayer to justify it. Without transparent accountability for measurable outcomes, public confidence in Northern Health’s leadership will continue to erode.

- Perham

Council argues over library finances

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

No doubt the Prince George Public Library is an important resource, but the numbers indicate an independent external review is necessary. Visits have dropped nearly 40% since 2019, yet staffing levels and operating costs remain virtually unchanged. The library ran a deficit last year, and there’s limited public data showing that digital usage or outreach has grown enough to justify current funding. With a board made up mostly of public-sector professionals, there’s little private-sector perspective to challenge spending or drive efficiencies. A review would help determine whether services, staffing model, and building use still match demand. It’s not about cutting value, it’s about ensuring accountability and long term sustainability. An independent review would take 4 - 6 months and cost approx $100k. On a yearly budget in the order of $4.5 million, a review would be money worth spending to highlight any shortfalls and secure long term viability.

- Perham