This is a selection of recent popular blog articles from VancouverIAM where you will find the best blogs from Vancouver, BC as well as video uploads, social networking, rumors, and blog authoring

BC Legislature Raid Trial Could Be Postponed... Indefinitely

Bill Tieleman gives us an update on the BC legislature raids case in his blog. Apparently, the three provincial government aides charged in the case "could have their trial delayed or even thrown out due to a legally complex secret pre-trial hearing held yesterday" in our Supreme Court. Prominent media lawyer Roger McConchie states that "legal wrangling over the Crown's application to have a judge hear from a police informant in secret could delay" the date or even put it off indefinitely.

The post explains that special Prosecutor Janet Winteringham asked Justice Elizabeth Bennett to "grant a Section 37 certificate under the Canada Evidence Act to grant ‘informer privilege' for a secret witness." This would exclude media, the public, and the defense lawyers. The accused aids' lawyers "opposed the application in a hearing closed to media and the public." McConchie adds that if the certificate is sustained, the defense counsel can appeal, which would delay the March trial date.

Canucks Take Predators in Powerplay

A quick post-game review comes to us from Canucks Fangirl (who is in the middle of final exams). She writes that the first period was "painful" and sent kudos to Curtis Sanford for "keeping the game 1-2 Preds by the end of the first period." He let in a first weak goal, but was "pretty much rock solid throughout the game," which was crucial since "the Canucks gave away so many quality scoring chances."

She emphasizes in her post that "Markus Naslund is still the Canucks Points Leader," thought Linden tried. The surprise goal came from Taylor Pyatt although Fangirl admits that he's been pretty hot as of late. "Tonight's goal was on the powerplay. A tip-in goal from a beautiful pass by Brendan Morrison," who's been shooting more since joining Morrison's line.

Langley Lags in Attracting Immigrants

A recent post on Langley Politics responds to an article in The Advance on the census immigration in Langley. According to the article, Dr. David Ley says a growing number of newcomers to Canada are moving out into the suburbs. In "Langley City and Township... immigrants make up 17 per cent of the local population." This is "considerably lower" than Langley's nearest neighbours. "In Abbotsford, 25.7 per cent of the population were born outside Canada, and in Surrey the figure is 38 per cent."

The article gives several reasons for Langley's lower rate, although our blogger points out that one reason is definitely missing. "Surrey and Abbotsford have better access to the support and language services that immigrants need and/or want." The post states that Langley "has very few federal offices and very little funding for programs targeted at immigrants." The current 17% are already underserved. The reason these communities are so fast-growing is "in large part because of immigration and it's the right thing to do to help these new friends and neighbours make a successful life here."

Transit Camp This Weekend

Just a Gwai Lo blogger Richard Eriksson announces in a recent post that tomorrow (Saturday, Dec 8th) at 9:30 AM, transit enthusiasts, planners, and stakeholders are "getting together for Vancouver Transit Camp, a full-day event for Metro Vancouver to bring people using, loving and geeking over transit together with staff from TransLink." The "camp" will take place at Workspace (400-21 Water St.) in Gastown.

The post states that the event will focus on working together to make our transit system "better, easier and more enjoyable for everyone." Eriksson him self is attending the event and will post links to anybody liveblogging the event.

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