The federal court of Canada has ruled that Ottawa must recognise Metis and non-status Inidans, in the same way it recognizes status Indians. It says their concerns must be dealt with by the federal government, not fall to the provinces or municipalities. Representatives of some 600 thousand people took the matter to court in 1999 arguing they should be entitled to the same rights and benefits accorded status indians living on reserves. That includes consideration for access to health, education and other benefits as well as hunting, trapping and fishing rights.

Kamloops man killed in Coquihalla highway crash

A 44 year old Kamloops man was killed during an accident on the Coquihalla Highway Sunday. RCMP Sergeant Peter Thiessen says the highway was icy when the man lost control of his S-U-V near coquihalla lakes, rolling the vehicle. His name has not been released.  Thiessen says the man's 38 year old wife was injured but should be ok.

B.C. government criticized for decision to not renew A.G.'s contract

The leaders of the province's Green and Conservative parties are joining the NDP in criticizing a government decision not to renew the six-year contract of Auditor General John Doyle.      The decision was made by a government committee. Its chairman Eric Foster says he is legally bound not to explain the reasons behind the decision, although consent must be unanimous to renew the contract. B.C. Green Party Leader Jane Sterk says the government should have deferred the matter entirely until after the May election. B.C. Tory Leader John Cummins says Doyle was simply too good at his job, taking the government to task on issues like spending and the budget.