News for Youse: Police dogs, Quebec election, and Olympic disqualifications

Police dog bites The Pivot Legal Society, the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, Carrier Sekani Family Services, and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs have asked the RCMP to avoid using police dogs on children and youth. This came after a 12-year-old girl was bitten several times in the leg and had to be taken to a Prince George hospital, where she received 20 stitches.

B.C. shortchanged The Canadian Energy Research Institute has predicted that over the next 25 years, B.C. would receive $1 billion in tax revenue from the Northern Gateway pipeline, whereas Alberta would collect $73 billion and Ontario would get $4 billion. For more details, see page xiii of this report.

Politicians come clean MLAs have announced changes, including publicly revealing expenses and holding Legislative Assembly Management Committee meetings in public, in the wake of last month's scathing report by Auditor General John Doyle.

Emergency crowds The Fraser Health Authority has prepared an internal report showing a 7.3-percent increase in visits to emergency rooms in 2011–12, according to a CKNW Radio story.

Police chase RCMP in the Okanagan have apprehended two men and a woman after shots were fired from their truck at police during a lengthy car chase near Vernon. The woman has been taken to hospital.

Quebec election Jean Charest went to the lieutenant-governor today to get Quebec's national assembly dissolved, kicking off an election campaign. Voters will decide on September 4 if Charest, who has been dogged by student protests and a construction-corruption controversy, will receive a fourth mandate.

Banning plastic bags The City of Bellingham is the latest city to prohibit most uses of plastic bags. Beginning today, plastic will only be permitted for bagging produce, meats, and fast food.

Badminton disqualifications Eight badminton players from South Korea, China, and Indonesia have been thrown out of the Olympics after officials determined that they deliberately tried to lose matches to obtain a better position in the final round.

Hayden advances Mission-born swimmer Brent Hayden, a silver medallist in last year's world championship, has moved on to the semifinals in the 100-metre freestyle competition at the London Games.

Hingis in West Van Retired tennis star Martina Hingis will play an exhibition match today against Canadian Sharon Fichman at the Odlum Brown VanOpen at the Hollyburn Country Club.