News Shorts By John Morrison Ill Police, fire personnel from around the world compete Metro Vancouver i is hosting the 2009 World Police & Fire Games from July 31 to August 9. The Games, which are held every second - year, are a celebration of comradeship, community and competition featuring a variety of events both unique and specialized. Active and retired law enforcement and fire service personnel throughout the world will compete in such events over 60 events including as wrist — orienteering, skeet ei: By John Morrison Ill, News Editor remier Gordon Campbell Pissomes plans for the harmonization of the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and federal Good and Services Tax (GST) last month. The 12 per cent Harmonized Sales Tax removes $2 billion in costs for B.C. businesses but raises taxes for consumers on products and services that were previously exempt from PST. The announcement comes in the wake of criticism of the Campbell government over cuts to education, post-election budget deficit, and accusations of corruption over the sale of B.C. Rail. According to Campbell, the implementation of HST is “the single biggest thing we can do to improve B.C.’s economy.” He stated it is an “essential step” to making business Gordon Campbell and Colin Hansen on dozens of services in the province currently exempt from the PST. Products and services including restaurants, food products (other than basic groceries), non-prescription medications, bicycles, print publications will no longer be exempt from the five per cent PST under HST. Nor about rising costs for families. come at a worse time,” he said. Ralston pointed out that -critic Bruce Ralston raised concerns “Too many families are already struggling to make ends meet, and any further hit to their pocketbooks couldn’t introducing HST will increase taxes ~ tickets, appliance repair, household renovations, accounting services, and airline tickets within Canada, all Not all products are seeing an increase, however. Fuel such as gas, diesel and biofuel will instantly rebate the five per cent PST portion of the resulting in increased cost to consumers. HST, as will children’s sized clothing and footwear, car seats, diapers and feminine hygiene products. Liquor at restaurants will no longer bear five per cent PST and 10 per cent liquor, and will be replaced with HST at a rate of 12 per cent. Also, a quarterly refund _cheque will be issued to low income more competitive will haircuts, dry cleaning, gym individuals much like the federal GST : ; ; rebate cheques and EUCLA SINS “The 12 per cent Harmonized Sales Tax removes $2 billion in costs for B.C. profit mania baie oo businesses but raises taxes for consumers on products and services that were adits and lowenng previously exempt from PST.” Thi administration and ' While the productivity costs. legislative assembly New Democratic Party finance memberships, funeral services, movie has not passed the proposal yet, it is very unlikely to fail given the Liberals” majority. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador already have a harmonized sales tax, with Ontario scheduled to introduce it on the same day as B.C., July 1, 2010. New coffee house opens its doors to Douglas College Urth Coffeehouse opens up directly across from the New Westminster campus By Shaylee Pérez, Staff Reporter ryan Schwartz, owner of Urth B Coffee House, describes himself as having caught the “coffee bug.” Just one semester ago he was wandering around campus during his two- hour break between classes, thinking there was no good place for students to hang out and relax in. That’s when he noticed the “For Lease” sign on a space that has been everything from a hair salon to, more recently, a computer shop. He spent the next three months struggling to complete intense renovations, virtually gutting the interior. Schwatz tore down walls, repainted, and added extra outlets for future notebook computers. He accomplished this task all while attending classes at Douglas College in order to complete his kinesiology degree. As aman who’s been in the food service industry for 15 years, he’s gained a wealth of knowledge on what creates a great coffee house. He has a vision for his, to cater to his customers: the students. Number one on Schwartz’s to do list for establishing Urth Coffee House was to create a modern- day incarnation of the “great old-school coffee shops of days gone by” is by providing a great cup of Joe. He gets his product from Burnaby’s 49" Parallel Coffee Roasters, believing that it is among the top five roasters in North America. The atmosphere, as those who frequent the café will find, is one of easy tranquility. It boasts a mix of comfortable leather chairs, open booths, and bar stools complete with wood countertop facing the window. The establishment also offers Wi-Fi for the technically inclined. The music is an assortment of folk among other genres, with a few of Schwartz’s favourite artists such as Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, and Jack Johnson. Schwartz hopes to inspire conversation, reminiscent of the “intelligentsia,” java enthusiasts of old, who let the hours pass away while openly discussing and sharing ideas on any number of subjects. “Tt’s one of the advantages to being small; I can provide a unique atmosphere that’s not replicated 3,000 times,” Schwartz told The Other Press. : He is currently in talks with the Arts department to set up poetry and acoustic music themed nights by next month. He also intends to add Douglas College students’ artwork to the coffee house’s decor, which will change every month in conjunction with the featured artist. One glance at the walls is all the conversation starter one needs. Project Hero scholarship to support children of fallen soldiers By Kendra Wong, The Peak (Simon Fraser University) BURNABY (CUP) ver 120 Canadian soldiers have O« in the war in Afghanistan since it began in 2002; these fallen soldiers often leave behind significant others and children. Kevin Reed, a Toronto businessman, has worked with retired general Rick Hillier, to develop a new scholarship program geared towards sending the children of fallen soldiers to post-secondary institutions. These Project Hero scholarships will be offered exclusively to children who lost their parents in the line of duty. The program, effective September 1, 2009, will be available at Memorial University in Newfoundland, the University of Ottawa, the University of Windsor, and the University of Calgary. It will offer the children four years of post-secondary education to earn their undergraduate degree; on-campus residence fees for the first year are also included. Project Hero was inspired by Reed, who in December was made an honorary lieutenant colonel of an army reserve unit in Ontario where he became familiar with the struggles of the families the soldiers left behind. With the help of Hillier, the former chief of defence staff who is now chancellor of Memorial University, Reed brought the idea to Allan Rock, the president of the University of Ottawa. “At university we feel this is a very tangible way to say [to the families of the fallen soldiers,] that we value their contribution and we want to do something to demonstrate that gratitude,” said Rock. Reed personally went to each school to convince them to join the program. “It’s my goal to get broad-based, national support from all Canadian universities,” he told The Canadian Press. He claimed getting support from the University of Calgary is a “big step forward.” Ann Tierney, the vice-provost of students at the University of Calgary stated on Tuesday that the program “is an expression of support for [the] Canadian Forces’ soldiers and their families, and a way of honouring those who pay the ultimate price for serving their country.” Students must be under the age of 26, and must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Rock added that the program is a long-term commitment and will be evaluated every five years to see if improvements can be made. “We hope this scholarship will help the sons and daughters of these military personnel realize their dreams and plans by making a university education possible after suffering such a loss,” continued Tierney. Project Hero is the first free tuition program in Canada.