VANCOUVER - NEW CAMPAIGN FINANCE RULES GIVE POLITICAL PARTIES ALLOWANCE

British Columbia's attorney general has introduced amendments to the Election Act in a bid to ban big money from politics.

David Eby said Monday that new finance rules will limit individual donations to political parties to $1,200 year — the second lowest figure in Canada — while out-of-province donations will be banned.

However, parties will receive an annual allowance over the next five years in an effort to help wean them off unlimited corporate, union and individual donations.

Both the Liberals and New Democrats would receive just over $8.1 million over the five-year period, while the Green party would get $3.4 million.

___

SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL INFRACTIONS SPOTTED ON PIPELINE EXPANSION PROJECT

A subsidiary of Enbridge is being ordered to improve worker safety and environmental protection after several infractions were spotted during field inspections of a B.C. pipeline expansion project.

The National Energy Board has issued three orders to Spectra Energy Transmission concerning construction of a natural gas pipeline expansion project near Chetwynd in northeastern B.C.

The company is cited for failure to construct bridges over waterways according to specification, failure to protect environmentally sensitive areas and inadequate sediment and erosion control at water crossings.

NEB inspectors ordered the company to complete 27 measures.

___

WINTERY WEATHER COMING TO SOME B.C. HIGHWAYS

Environment Canada is warning that higher elevations in the Interior could be hit with their first taste of winter this week.

The agency has issued special weather statements for parts of the Kootenays, Shuswap and Okanagan Valley, saying a lingering cold front could mean snow for those areas.

Drivers are encouraged to be prepared for changing road conditions and to adjust their speed accordingly.

The annual winter tire requirement for many B.C. highways begins Oct. 1.

___

CAMPFIRES OKAY IN COSTAL FIRE CENTRE: WILDFIRE SERVICE

The BC Wildfire Service has lifted a campfire ban that was in effect for the Coastal Fire Centre.

That means campfires can now be lit, along with tiki torches, outdoor stoves, gas stoves and other portable campfire equipment.

However, fireworks, sky lanterns and burn barrels will still be banned within the region, which covers the south coast and Vancouver Island.

___

YOUTH INJURED IN ALLEGED ATTACK BY MOTORIST

Police are hoping to speak with anyone who may have witnessed a violent incident between some young people and a motorist in New Westminster.

Police in New Westminster said four youths were walking home on Friday night when a soccer ball belonging to one of them crossed paths with a vehicle.

It's alleged that a man got out of the passenger side of the vehicle, chased the youths with a metal baseball bat and struck one of them, causing an injury that required hospitalization.

Sgt. Jeff Scott said the man's behaviour was a gross overreaction and they are asking anyone with information to contact investigators.

___

CELEBRATION TO SHOW THANKS FOR WILDFIRE HELP

Prince George is throwing a party to thank those who helped the more than 10,000 wildfire evacuees who stayed in the city this summer.

Mayor Lyn Hall said the big bash will be held Saturday afternoon as a way of showing gratitude to those who volunteered, housed evacuees or shared a word of kindness to people forced from their homes.

He said there will be a free barbecue and music by Canadian rock band Glass Tiger with special guest Barney Bentall.

The mayor said the event is open to all who helped over the summer and he expects more than 1,000 people will attend.

___

By The Canadian Press

News from © The Canadian Press, 2017