High summer will bring higher capital gains taxes, following a federal move to raise the inclusion threshold from one-half to two-thirds of capital gains of over $250,000 per year for Canadians while limiting the lifetime capital gains exemption for individuals to $1.25 million. “Most middle class entrepreneurs won’t pay more tax because of these changes,” …
Mushroom workers unionize
The mushroom sector represents the largest employer of farm workers sourced through the federal Temporary Foreign Workers Program, and now 150 of those workers at Highline Mushrooms in Abbotsford have unionized. The vote this week saw the workers join United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1518, in what the union says is a first for …
Illegal dumping surges on Fraser Valley farmland
HATZIC – A rocky outcrop on Stave Lake Road east of Mission offers a panoramic view of the Hatzic Valley, the flat land and alluvial soils ideal for blueberries, nurseries, livestock and poultry farms. But in 2021, the valley also began attracting other kinds of operations. Dozens of trucks hauling fill from across the Lower …
Saanichton Farm launches Hall of Fame for Island farmers
SAANICHTON – On April 28, over 250 people attended the Saanichton Farm Hall of Fame hosted by the Rashleigh family to celebrate local farmers and mechanics for their contributions to the farm and broader community. “It was unbelievable. I’ve never seen anything like it,” says event organizer and Saanichton Farm owner Bryce Rashleigh. “My heart …
Disaster fund denial flabbergasts
Ottawa has denied millions in funding to the three municipalities hit hardest by the 2021 atmospheric rivers. Abbotsford, Merritt and Princeton received written notice last week that the federal Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund would not support a host of planned projects due to a lack of information. The application packages each totalled more than …
Sumas class action certified
Sumas Prairie residents affected by the atmospheric rivers that rolled across southern BC in November 2021 will get their day in court. On May 29, BC Supreme Court certified a class action lawsuit against the City of Abbotsford by residents who suffered damage when the floodwaters rose across the Sumas Prairie. “We’re happy with the …