Paying the price

Here in the Okanagan, Nicola and Highland Valleys we know there's a price that is sometimes paid for living in Paradise.

In my constituency report last week I mentioned the courage and skill of those water bombing fire fighters.

This week, sadly, we acknowledge that sometimes all the skill and courage in the world may not be enough. Two of the best and the bravest confronted that reality when their plane went down this week in the Lytton fire.

Every time these pilots fly into a fire zone they do so knowing that the chances of not making it back are more than just a statistic.

Yet, knowing that, they still move dramatically into harm's way, wanting to protect, to subdue the menacing force, to prevent tragedy striking the lives of others.

It is no cliché for those of us who live here when we say to the loved ones of those pilots, ''Our hearts go out to you."

We know full well the actions of your awesome aviators down through the years have prevented more deaths than we can number.

We are forever thankful.

We also mourned the loss of another remarkable individual this past week.
Art Sewell's accomplishments set a high standard for everyone aspiring to be a better husband, father and neighbour. He leaves a proud legacy that will be carried on for generations by his children and his children's children.

The tender and heartfelt words from his son's eulogy reflected that his dad was grateful for a wonderful life and was ready for the next one.
Art, we thank you…R.I.P.

In Merritt this week it was exciting to take part in the ribbon cutting for the new industrial park that has been built by the First Nations Lower Nicola Band. Chief Don Moses and his council have taken proactive steps to create jobs for their members and economic activity for the whole region. Well done!

Also in Merritt, a tour of the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology with (soon to be) President Ken Tourand (a fellow Rotarian) showed more examples of forward thinking. The new daycare facilities for students and the new arts centre (which will also be available for community use) are welcome additions to this career building college. Outgoing prez Casey Sheridan can also share with pride in the accomplishments of NVIT under his leadership.

The Britco plant in Penticton is yet another reminder of the world class workers and business operators we have right here in our constituency.

I had the privilege of touring the operation and meeting with about 70 of the innovative and hard working employees. They're known nationally and internationally for building in-factory modular living units and other types of facilities which are then shipped and set up on site.

The Olympic Athlete Village in Whistler is just one of many successful Britco installations.

Hats off to all the Britco folks for being part of keeping our local economy strong.

And speaking of a strong economy, the Conference Board of Canada is saying our economy is outperforming the expectations and the deficit is moving down faster than predicted.

I've been asked if that means we'll back off on restraining federal spending or reducing debt.

No way. It's because of our fiscal focus that investments continue to happen and jobs continue to be created by the private sector.

We're sticking to our plan, as promised.

This week I won't be available for my usual constituency meetings with you as I have to be in Ottawa. (I miss that humidity so much I just have to keep going back for another shot of it.)

Call Barb, Doug or Janine with any issues you want me to check out, or book a coffee time with me when I'm back. Cheers.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.