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A Surrey man was fined $1,600 in Richmond provincial court last week for smuggling bear gall-bladders last year. Karol Pavlik, who told the courtroom that he was educated in the art of homeopathic medicine, was found to be carrying six bear gall-bladders worth about $5,000 inside his socks. The discovery was made during a customs inspection after Pavlik flew in to Vancouver International Airport on June 5, 1996. Pavlik was charged with "unlawfully importing into Canada an endangered species contrary to the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act," according to a press release. Bile from gall-bladders is thought to have medicinal properties. Pavlik is the second B.C. resident to be convicted under the legislation and the since in Canada since its proclamation in June 1996.
Cuts in commissions to travel agencies may cost some companies more than $100,000, according to the president of a local travel agency. Ray Mitchell, of Goliger's TravelPlus, said in a press release that reductions in commissions up to 20 per cent, and a cap on commissions, have left travel agents in a state of "turmoil." "Many agencies in our 220-member organization now face annual revenue losses of well over $100,000. This just can't be absorbed by an agency," he said. Mitchell charges that airlines are being "totally greedy" considering they recently announced record revenues. "Now they are greedily raising fares in a hidden way since travel agencies must now charge travellers service fees to stay in business."
A Richmond man who went missing last week has been found in Victoria. Trevor Mossford, 36, was found safe and sound by Victoria police last Tuesday. "He was laying on the ground on the side of a desolate road," said RCMP Sgt. Willy Laurie. "He was in good shape." Police were concerned because Mossford suffers from schizophrenia.
Police are warning locals of a thief who stole money from a resident of a seniors residence on Minoru Boulevard Tuesday while posing as a window cleaner. The thief, described as a clean-shaven Caucasian man in his 20s with dark hair in a ponytail, convinced an 86-year-old woman that he would wash her windows. But when she turned her back, he allegedly stole a quantity of cash from her purse, police said. Police are urging residents to be extra cautious when allowing strangers into their apartment complexes. Suspicious persons should be reported to police, RCMP said.
A Richmond firm has been named on the Ministry of the Environment's environmental protection non-compliance report. Wes-Del Marina was cited for the first time for failing to submit effluent discharge data.
Delta-South Richmond MP John Cummins says he wants an explanation why Fisheries Act charged were dropped against a Victoria firm. "It's time the Minister of Fisheries explains why charges under the Fisheries Act were dropped against Oak Bay Marine Group," Cummins said in a press release. In June of 1996, fishery officers raided Oak Bay's head office in Victoria. Charges were laid in July 1996 against King Salmon Resort for refusing to provide catch information as required under the act. According to the press release, shortly before the charges were dropped, fisheries minister David Anderson toured B.C.'s central coast with Oak Bay Marine Group senior vice-president Randy Wright. A letter signed by Wright and given to fishery officer stated: "We will not give them any written stats."
The Richmond Food Bank has noticed a sharp increase in the demand for food. Now it's requesting the public's help in stocking its shelves. The food bank is averaging 15 per cent more servings on a weekly basis, compared to last year. The food bank society blames the increased demand on immigration from countries in turmoil, local employee layoffs and government program cut-backs. Donations are being accepted on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at its outlet at the Steveston Industrial Park, 135-12417 No. 2 Rd. Tax receipts will be issued for cash donations. Residents wanting more information are asked to call 271-5609.
Five Richmond entrepreneurs were named finalists in the Pacific Region Entrepreneur of the Year awards program last week. Paul Girard of Seanix Technology Inc., and Charlton Lam of Supercom are in the running for the manufacturing/distribution category award. William Millin, of Bosley's Pet Food Mart, is a finalist in the retail category, while Robert Conconi and Walter Weaver, both of Canadian Securities Registration Systems, are up against two Vancouver entrepreneurs in the financial services category. Slocan Forest Products' Ike Barber is among the three finalists for the master entrepreneur award. A Pacific Region entrepreneur of the year will be selected from among the eight category winners. The regional winner will compete in the national competition later this year. The award program is held in a dozen countries, and is currently in its fourth year in Canada. Winners will be announced on Sept. 30.