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B.C. Tourism Minister Melanie Mark resigns from cabinet to take medical leave

Mark going on leave 'to focus on pressing and urgent personal matters,' premier says.

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B.C. Tourism Minister Melanie Mark has resigned from cabinet to go on medical leave, effectively immediately.

A statement from the premier's office Wednesday said Mark is taking leave "to focus on pressing and urgent personal matters."

"While I regret that she will not be at the cabinet table, I respect her decision and her commitment to her constituents," Premier John Horgan wrote.

Mark did not release an official statement of her own but posted a link to the premier's notice on Twitter.

"I value my role and remain committed to the constituents of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant. I thank my family and colleagues for their support at this time," Mark's said in the tweet.

Mark has been tourism minister since 2020. She was previously the minister of advanced education, skills and training.

She was elected to the riding of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant in 2016, becoming the first First Nations woman in B.C. history to serve as MLA.

Citizen Services Minister Lisa Beare has assumed responsibility for tourism, arts, culture and sport in addition to her current portfolio.

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B.C. tourism minister resigns due to 'pressing and urgent personal matters'

British Columbia's tourism minister has resigned from cabinet and gone on medical leave effective immediately, the premier announced Wednesday.

In a brief statement, John Horgan said Minister of Tourism, Art, Culture and Sport Melanie Mark "advised me of her decision to resign her cabinet portfolio and go on medical leave to focus on pressing and urgent personal matters."

Mark will continue to represent the riding of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant in the legislature.

Horgan said he has asked Lisa Beare to assume the tourism portfolio in addition to her role as minister of citizens’ services.

"While I regret that she [Mark] will not be at the cabinet table, I respect her decision and her commitment to her constituents," the premier said.

Mark was the first Indigenous woman to become an MLA in B.C. after she was elected in the Vancouver-Mount Pleasant riding in 2016.

Before working as B.C.'s Minister of Tourism, she held the position of Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

During that time, she helped develop a policy that removed all fees for people accessing Adult Basic Education.

She also helped launch the world's first Indigenous Law Program at the University of Victoria in 2018. The inaugural class of that program graduated in June of this year .

In her biography on the B.C. Legislative Assembly website, Mark is quoted saying that education is "the great equalizer" and that she often references the saying, "a rising tide lifts all canoes."

"I value my role and remain committed to the constituents of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant,” Mark said on Twitter  just before noon Wednesday.

"I thank my family and colleagues for their support at this time."

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Message from Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport

The Hon. Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, shared a message with the arts and culture sector , introducing herself and Bob D’Eith, the Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film. In her message, she provides updates on the government’s response to COVID-19, their continued commitment to supporting the sector, and new BC Arts Council appointments.

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B.C.’s new tourism minister wants to be ‘wind at the back’ of the sector

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As a former ski racer, B.C.’s ski resorts have a special place in Lana Popham’s heart. Now, as British Columbia’s newest tourism minister, the 54-year-old sees these recreational destinations in a new light.

“I was a carded racer, so I did the circuit around B.C. and unfortunately broke my arm at Whistler—but despite that, I still have a lot of good memories,” said the NDP minister. “Ski hills have a huge place in my heart and I can’t wait to get out and do a tour of them again—maybe not racing this time.”

Popham gains the tourism, arts, culture and sport file after five years spent as B.C.’s agricultural minister, and as she continues to get her feet wet at a new ministry, she is committed to continuing the work built by her predecessor, Lisa Beare.

“My goodness, is it ever an interesting and exciting portfolio,” Popham said. “I spent five years in agriculture and food and now moving over to a ministry that has so many different pathways in it, my vision is to make sure that the government continues to be the wind at the back of all of our stakeholders.”

What does 2023 have in store for B.C.'s tourism industry?

Popham is fresh off of Destination Vancouver’s Christmas luncheon, where she got to meet 850 or so tourism and hospitality stakeholders from around the province. By and large, the message she was left with was one of hope.

“What I noticed meeting with 850 people is that there’s so much hope and people are feeling that this year, it is especially going to be an exciting year for returns,” she said. “We’ve seen the numbers start to recover in a great way, especially this past summer, so I think people are shedding the negativity of the pandemic as they see things picking up.”

While that hope is prevalent across the industry, Popham said the message differs slightly depending on which specific sector she’s speaking with. “We are finding that they have different needs depending on what part of tourism they’re coming from, and those are things we talk to them directly about,” she added.

One segment of the industry she said she’s excited to see grow further in the new year is culinary tourism, particularly as Vancouver and by extension British Columbia’s reputation grows with its first Michelin- starred restaurants added to the renowned dining guide in the fall.

“I’m really keen to see what we can do around culinary tourism and I know that Whistler has so many amazing restaurants and food producers up there, also a great farmers’ market,” Popham noted.

Although not as dire as in the past two years, when borders were mostly closed to foreign workers, Whistler continues to experience staffing challenges as demand for the resort rebounds. A sector that was already sounding the alarm on staff shortages in B.C. prior to the pandemic, B.C.’s restaurant industry still wrestles with attracting long- term employees, the consequence of a high-stress field that has not historically been known for its career prospects.

“The pandemic has really forced the restaurant industry to think about the industry in a different way. It’s a conversation that probably needed to happen anyway, so those are the silver linings after a really tough three years,” Popham said. “But there’s absolutely an opportunity to make the restaurant industry a full-time career and opportunities for advancement but that’s something the industry has to strategize about. We are excited and willing to be a partner on that with them.”

Whistler also stands to benefit from B.C.’s new Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) of up to 2.5 per cent for “Major Events, ” which was unveiled Oct. 31, for events like the upcoming Invictus Games, scheduled for Whistler and Vancouver in 2025.

This new tax will be time-limited and is separate from the MRDT rates that currently apply to short-term accommodations in locations across the province (including Whistler), and will be applied to major international tourism events that help bolster provincial tourism and the economy. Other considerations, according to the ministry, include: events that draw significant international visitation; provide broad media viewership and exposure to B.C. internationally; create sponsorship opportunities and revenues; involve partnership from multiple levels of government; and cannot be supported by any existing provincial or municipal program.

An example of one such existing program is the Resort Municipality Initiative , which supports 14 resort municipalities by offsetting the impacts of high visitation by diversifying tourism offerings and attracting visitors year-round. Allocations to the individual communities are not typically announced until early summer, so it’s unclear how much Whistler stands to receive in 2023, but in 2019, an ongoing $13 million in annual funding for RMI was established as part of the core budget of B.C.’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

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Industry events provide an opportunity share knowledge, network with colleagues, connect with key decision-makers, and showcase our industry successes. Here is a look at some of the upcoming industry events.

BC Chamber of Commerce AGM

Communication.

As our province embarks on the road to recovery, TIABC strives to ensure you are well-informed with up-to-date information on our ongoing efforts to communicate with our sector stakeholders and government agencies on your behalf.

TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – March 28, 2024

Whenever I visit the Fraser Valley, it evokes childhood memories of when, on the first Sunday of every month, my mom and dad would…

TIABC Provides Update on the State of BC’s Visitor Economy Heading into Spring Break

TIABC Chair JJ Belanger and CEO Walt Judas were both asked about how tourism is faring so far this year and what lies ahead for th…

TIABC Discusses Potential Impacts of Impending STR Restrictions

On May 1st, new regulations will take effect on short-term rentals (STR) province-wide. TIABC CEO Walt Judas joined host Al Ferrab…

TIABC Members

Through your membership, you will part of a strong, collective voice while helping to support TIABC’s advocacy efforts, policy development, programs, and activities that benefit the sector’s sustainability, development and growth.

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Victoria Harbour Ferry

Salmon Arm Folk Music Society

Royal BC Museum

Parkbridge Resorts

Fairmont Hotsprings Resort

BC Government News Release: Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Destination BC launch framework to make travel in BC more accessible for all

Details from the BC Government Release below:

Travelling in British Columbia will be easier for people with disabilities, as the Province and Destination BC embark on a multi-phased plan to make BC tourism more accessible and inclusive.

“People with disabilities often face more barriers when travelling. Booking hotels with accessible rooms, finding accommodating transportation or knowing what experiences can be adapted can be challenging,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “We want to help make travel easier and more enjoyable for everyone, and that’s why we’re starting this journey with our partners in the sector. Our goal is to welcome the world to a barrier-free BC”

The first phase of this plan focuses on improving the visitor experience. Destination BC has created an Accessibility Resources page and accessible travel itineraries that highlight over 250 attractions and experiences throughout the province. The itineraries are designed to increase access for people living with physical disabilities and will help people plan their visits to BC with added peace of mind.

“While there is much work to be done, the team at Destination BC recognizes the importance of taking these first steps to introduce new accessible tourism initiatives that will contribute to a more inclusive B.C.,” said Marsha Walden, president and CEO, Destination BC. “As well as adding more accessibility information for travellers on our trip-planning website, HelloBC.com, we’ve created a repository of resources on DestinationBC.ca that will provide B.C. tourism businesses with practical information to improve their accessible product and service offerings. These resources also showcase the benefits of hiring people with diverse abilities.”

Destination BC has also enabled tourism businesses to add accessibility features across four categories to their business listings on HelloBC.com. Nearly 200 businesses have added features that include:

• one or more automated entry points;
• lowered counter at reception or ticket desks;
• shuttle service equipped with lift or roll-in access;
• braille/large print signage in publicly accessible areas;
• availability of hearing-loop technology;
• rooms for guests using mobility devices; and
• staff trained on guide and service dog policies.

To help the visitor economy promote and create new accessible travel experiences, Destination BC has also developed new resources for its industry Learning Centre. These include:

• educational videos;
• case studies of B.C. businesses championing accessible travel;
• essays about the importance of using inclusive language; and
• recommendations for making buildings more accessible.

These initial actions have been developed in consultation with organizations that support inclusiveness and accessibility, including Spinal Cord Injury BC.

The ministry intends to create a tourism accessibility and inclusion advisory group that will have representatives from the tourism sector and accessibility advocacy groups from throughout the province. As these partnerships continue to grow, further actions will be identified to help promote B.C. as an accessible travel destination to visitors from across Canada and around the globe.

“In a fully accessible province, everyone will be able to participate equally in their communities,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “This needs to be true, both for the visitors we welcome every year and the people who call BC home. A more accessible BC will include our province’s first accessibility legislation, as well as partnerships and collaboration across governments, businesses, organizations and people with lived experience.”

Making travel experiences more inclusive and accessible is a key priority in the ministry’s strategic tourism framework, Welcoming Visitors, Benefiting Locals, Working Together: A Strategic Framework for Tourism in British Columbia, that was launched in spring 2019.

Beginning in March 2020, the annual BC Tourism Industry Awards will include an accessible tourism award that recognizes and encourages businesses that are providing exceptional experiences for people with disabilities.

Learn More:

For a sample of accessible business listings on HelloBC.com, visit:  https://www.hellobc.com/plan-your-trip/accommodations?accessibility-feature=accessibility

Destination BC’s accessibility resources page:  https://www.hellobc.com/accessibility

Mobility-focused tourism itineraries:  https://www.hellobc.com/travel-ideas/?accessibility-feature=accessibility

Destination BC’s strategic framework and action plan, Toward an Inclusive and Accessible British Columbia Tourism Industry:  https://www.destinationbc.ca/what-we-do/destination-management/accessibility/

Full release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019TAC0121-002359

Media Contact:

Carla Wormald Communications Manager Government Communications and Public Engagement Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture 250 208-4309

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Minister of Tourism wraps up inspiring cross-Canada tour to share new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy with tourism businesses and partners

From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

News release

The new strategy will propel the growth and global competitiveness of Canadian tourism to new heights

July 12, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario 

Tourism plays a crucial role in driving the Canadian economy and generating employment opportunities across the country, from rural, remote and Indigenous communities to the largest cities. Due to its inclusive nature, tourism provides jobs for women, youth, Black and racialized Canadians, newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+ people and those with disabilities at a higher proportion compared to other industries. Canada’s rich diversity offers something for everyone, whether it’s breathtaking outdoor adventures, vibrant urban experiences or unique Indigenous tourism experiences. With the renewed demand for travel, there is now a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Canada’s visitor economy to push past reviving all the way to thriving and successfully compete on the global stage. The Government of Canada is committed to seizing this opportunity, ensuring the long-term success of the tourism industry for generations to come.

Today, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, concluded his cross-country tour to promote the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy , “Canada 365: Welcoming the World. Every Day.” The strategy was unveiled on July 4 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and the subsequent tour included stops in Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia; Banff, Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta; and Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia. During his tour, Minister Boissonnault was accompanied by representatives from all orders of government, as well as key stakeholders and Indigenous partners from the tourism industry.

The new strategy, which aims to foster growth and global competitiveness in the industry, is the result of extensive national consultations with tourism businesses, industry associations, government bodies, Indigenous partners and destination marketing organizations. Their valuable insights regarding the opportunities and challenges facing the Canadian tourism industry have shaped the strategy’s vision and goals.

By investing in Canada’s tourism assets, embracing recreation and the great outdoors, partnering to grow Indigenous tourism experiences, attracting more international events and improving coordination through a federal ministerial council, the new strategy aims to unlock the full potential of Canadian tourism. It positions Canada as a global tourism leader and opens doors for future opportunities for Canada’s visitor economy.

Minister Boissonnault expressed his gratitude to the communities, stakeholders, Indigenous organizations and tourism businesses that joined him on this tour. He emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration and partnerships between the government, industry and communities to ensure the success of the strategy. The Minister will continue sharing the new strategy with Canadians throughout the summer.

The new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy has been well received by partners, and the Government of Canada is confident that it will support Canadian tourism’s growth trajectory and enhance its competitiveness, allowing Canada to thrive as a leading global tourism destination.

“This past week, I presented the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy to people from coast to coast to coast. The strategy will propel the growth of Canada’s visitor economy to new heights, providing a unique opportunity to harness its economic potential. By joining forces across government and industry, we will showcase Canada’s diverse tourism attractions and warmly welcome visitors from around the world, every day of the year.” – The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance

“Nova Scotia provides an authentic tourism experience from one end of the province to the other. The Federal Tourism Growth Strategy will be a critical component in setting the stage for future growth, investment and stability in Nova Scotia’s tourism sector. This is a tremendous opportunity for all Canadians to help tourists discover our beautiful country and the natural wonders it has to offer.” – The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Central Nova 

“Our ocean city’s coastal landscape, Atlantic hospitality and rich cultural heritage draw people from around the world, making our tourism industry an essential part of our local economy. This strategy will ensure that the tourism industry in Halifax—including our many shops, restaurants and attractions—recovers and keeps growing as we welcome the world to our shores.” – Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Halifax

“Tourism is the lifeblood of communities across Nova Scotia, employing thousands of people from all walks of life. Our new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy is a truly co-developed plan to guide the future growth of an industry that is vital to the success of our province. It will help our industry and workers thrive, and help Canada win the global race for visitors. I know Nova Scotia is ready to welcome the world, and this strategy will help us do it.” – Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West

“Tourism is essential to Alberta, and especially to the Canadian Rockies. It drives our economy, employs our citizens and enriches our communities. This new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy will help drive the success of our tourism sector; therefore, it will drive the success of our community and our citizens. We will build on our existing assets, address the challenges we face and embrace the new opportunities we have to thrive.” – Karen Sorensen, Senator for Alberta and Co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Tourism Caucus

“With its majestic mountain peaks, beautiful coastlines and West Coast hospitality, British Columbia provides a tourism experience like no other. Tourism is a key economic driver of our local communities, supporting small and medium-sized businesses and employing several hundred thousand people. Canada’s new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy is a plan for the future, ensuring workers, industry and communities will thrive, bringing in new investment, and setting the stage for long-term success for this critical sector. Canada stands ready to show the world everything we have to offer.” – Patrick Weiler, Co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Tourism Caucus and Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country

“Every year, our tourism sector brings people from around the world to British Columbia and to Canada. We have a lot to offer, whether you have been to Canada a dozen times or are planning your first trip. This strategy demonstrates the strength of our sector and lays the foundation for its future success. With this Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, Vancouver will continue to be ready to welcome the world, each and every day.” – Taleeb Noormohamed, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville

Quick facts

Tourism is a key contributor to Canada’s economy. In 2022, the industry supported approximately 623,375 direct jobs and 1.9 million total jobs.

In 2022, tourism contributed nearly $38 billion to Canada’s GDP, generated close to $94 billion in revenue for businesses and accounted for almost 13% of service exports.

In 2022, there were 218,041 businesses in the tourism industry.

In 2022, non-resident tourism spending rose by almost 321% compared to the previous year, recovering to over 70% of the 2019 peak of $28.6 billion.

Destination Canada forecasts that tourism spending will fully recover by 2024 and international visitation will fully recover by 2026.

In 2022, youth made up about 33.2% of tourism workers, compared to the total economy average of 13.3%.

In 2022, immigrants made up 29.2% of the tourism labour force, slightly higher than the total economy average of 27.6%.

Associated links

• Federal Tourism Growth Strategy
• The Canadian tourism sector

Farrah-Lilia Kerkadi Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance 343-553-6203 [email protected]

Media Relations Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada [email protected]

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Salvini, Santanchè face no-confidence motions

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• Salvini, Santanchè face no-confidence motions

Salvini, Santanchè face no-confidence motions

ROME , 03 April 2024, 18:35

ANSA English Desk

- ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini and Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè faced separate no-confidence motions that were expected to be defeated on Wednesday.     Ahead of the vote on Salvini, where he is accused of links with and sympathies for Russian President Vladimir Putin, his League party said that the agreement it had with the Russian president's United Russia party is no longer valid following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.     The Lower House is voting on an opposition no-confidence motion in Salvini over the League's links with the ruling party in Russia.     "The war totally changed opinions and political relations with Russia, which, before the invasion, was an important interlocutor for all Italian governments," the League said.     "As previously reiterated, the 2017 proposed collaboration between the League and United Russia is no longer valid after the invasion of Ukraine.     "Even before that, there were no joint initiatives.     "The League's position is confirmed by votes in Parliament.     "It is regrettable that the House has to waste time on pointless polemics triggered by the opposition".     Salvini has been under fire for saying that "a people is always right when it votes" following Putin's recent landslide re-election and for failing to blame Putin for the death in a Siberian prison of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.     Salvini has expressed admiration for Putin several times in the past, but he has also condemned Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Despite the League's statement, centrist opposition Azione (Action) party House Whip Matteo Richetti said it was "lying" and that the no-confidence motion would go ahead.

"The League's statement contains a new lie: now they explain to us that after Putin's invasion of Ukraine that text is no longer valid, but actually that accord contains an automatic renewal clause.

"The truth is that Salvini's ambiguities on Russia are all but clarified and it is for that reason that we are going ahead with our no confidence motion, convinced (of its validity)".     Tourism Minister Santanchè also faces a no-confidence motion on Wednesday amid several criminal probes over her business activities.     Santanchè has said she would quit if she were prosecuted.     In the most serious case, she could face charges of aggravated fraud against the Italian national pensions and social security institute INPS over alleged irregular management of funds made available for redundancy payments during the Covid-19 pandemic, following a probe into allegedly improper business practices related to her former Visibilia publishing empire.     News of the investigation emerged last summer after investigative journalism programme Report on Rai 3 reported that businesses linked to Santanche' , a leading member of Premier Giorgia Meloni's right-wing Brothers of Italy (FdI) party, allegedly failed to pay suppliers and dismissed workers without giving them redundancy payments, as well as allegedly improperly receiving COVID aid, prompting calls for her to quit.     The 62-year-old minister, who sold her stake in Visibilia when she became minister, has denied all wrongdoing.     She has said she is innocent and has vowed to clear her name if the cases come to court.     The other cases involve alleged false accounting, alleged fraudulent bankruptcy, and alleged money laundering.

The opposition castigated the ruling coalition because neither Salvini nor Santanchè were present for the votes.

Green-Left Alliance (AVS) leader Angello Bonelli said "it is very serious that Salvini is not here, and I recall that a few years ago he said.'I'd give two and a half Mattarellas for one Putin," referring to President Sergio Mattarella.

AVS MP Elisabetta Piccolotti said Santanchè would inevitably have to resign when prosecutors press charges against her, and said "she should have resigned a year ago" when the cases first came to light.

Farm Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, an FdI bigwig and Meloni's brother in law, said "there is no doubt that the majority is solidly against the motions" and said that innocence until guilt was proven was a part of the Italian Constitution.

The motions are expected to be voted on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.

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History Enhanced

4,300-Year-Old Intricately Painted Tomb Discovered in Egypt

Posted: March 29, 2024 | Last updated: March 29, 2024

Dahshur Is Known For Its Tombs and Pyramids

The newly discovered tomb was found in the Dahshur region, located south of Giza’s Saqqara. This area is home to the Red Pyramid, as well as the landmark known as the Bent Pyramid, which was believed to have been built by King Seneferu, who was the father of King Khufu.

The necropolis at Dahshur has yielded a number of archaeologically significant discoveries in the past several decades. The region is also popular with tourists and is part of the Ancient Memphis UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A Mud-Brick Mastaba

A mastaba is a rectangular-shaped tomb from ancient Egypt that is characterized by its flat roof and sloping sides. Mastabas were common in both the Early Dynastic Period and the Old Kingdom, which extends from about 3100 to 2180 BC.

They were predominantly used as the burial chambers for the noble elite. Most were made from mud bricks, as was the newly discovered one.

The Archaeological Significance of Dahshur

Rich in archaeological discoveries, the Dahshur area has produced a number of important finds that have contributed greatly to the overall understanding of the culture of ancient Egypt.

For example, the archaeological work done at Dahshur has been key in our understanding of the funerary practices and religious rituals of the ancient Egyptians.

Egypt Has More Secrets to Reveal

International archaeological excavations have been ongoing in Egypt for the last 200 years. Despite this, new discoveries are constantly being made, proving that Ancient Egypt still has many more secrets to reveal.

Since the mid-1970s the joint team of German and Egyptian archaeologists have been working at the necropolis at Dahshur. The excavations at Dahshur have focused on studying the burial tombs of high-ranking officials, priests, and prominent statesmen.

The Newly Found Tomb Is One-Of-A-Kind

The joint Egyptian-German archaeological team has located and studied several mastaba tombs in the region, but the most recent one is one-of-a-kind. It was found partially covered by sand in an area not far from the pyramids that the region is famous for.

The mud brick mastaba is decorated with detailed paintings. The artworks depict scenes from everyday life in ancient Egypt, including a busy marketplace, individuals threshing grain, and boats navigating the waters of the Nile.

The Paintings Were Unexpected

According to Dr. Stefan Seidlmayer, who heads up the excavation team from the German Archaeological Institute, the intricate paintings were an unexpected discovery in the tomb.

Other mastabas in the area have minimal artwork and those focus on religious ceremonies, rather than common scenes.

What Other Secrets Will Be Found in Dahshur’s Tombs?

After years of excavation work at Dahshur, the researchers were thrilled to discover the detailed paintings in the recently unearthed mastaba. It offers another avenue of study for the researchers.

Dr. Seidlmayer added that the “tomb’s exquisite artwork distinguishes it from others in the Dahshur Necropolis.” He hopes that continued excavations in the region will reveal more surprises within the ancient tombs.

The Occupants of the Tomb

Inscriptions on the walls of the tomb tell us that the mastaba belonged to a man named Seneb-Nef-Af and his wife, Idet. The information in the inscriptions even provides researchers with an understanding of this power couple’s prominence and social standing.

According to the inscription, Seneb-Nef-Af held several key administrative positions at the royal palace. One of those positions was as the administrator of tenants.

What Was an “Administrator of Tenants”?

Although researchers do not know what the duties of an “Administrator of Tenants” were, they have an educated guess. Dr. Seidlmayer noted that there was a town located in the area that was under the governorship of the palace.

“He (Seneb-Nef-Af) may have decided who got to live there and been in charge of administering funds for the community,” Seidlmayer speculated.

Seneb-Nef-Af’s Wife

On the inscription found in the mastaba, Seneb-Nef-Af’s wife, Idet, was referred to as the “Priestess of Hathor” and the “Lady of the Sycamore.” This indicated that she likely had power and status on her own, independent from her husband.

Egyptian priestesses presided over religious ceremonies, served as oracles, worked as healers, and tended to the needs of worshipers visiting temples. We don’t know exactly what Idet did as the “Priestess of Hathor,” but we do know that some women wielded significant power and influence as priestesses in Ancient Egypt.

A 4,000-Year-Old Mastaba

The tomb of Seneb-Nef-Af and his wife has been dated to Egypt's Old Kingdom, making it more than 4,000 years old. The Old Kingdom, which lasted from about 2700 BC to 2200 BC, is often referred to as the “Age of the Pyramids” because this was when Egyptian pharaohs engaged in massive construction projects.

This was the era in which enormous pyramids were built as royal burial tombs. The pyramids served as a symbol of a pharaoh’s power, prestige, and wealth in the earthly world and as a vessel to carry them into the afterlife where they would continue to live in luxury and comfort.

The Mastabas Were Also Status Symbols

Although not as grand, the mastabas also served as status symbols. As Hisham El-Leithy, the acting Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained, “The discovery sheds light on the social and political structure of ancient Egyptian society.”

The high-ranking power couple buried in the recently discovered tomb ensured that people would be aware of this status by adorning their mastaba with elaborate artwork. This was their way of setting themselves apart from other prominent individuals.

The Excavation of this Mastaba Is Not Yet Complete

Archaeologists are still excavating the newly discovered mastaba in Dahshur and the work is far from complete. Seidlmayer explained, “The burial shafts of this tomb could not yet be excavated, therefore there are not yet any unearthed human remains.

He added, “We hope to excavate the shafts in the coming season – and then, of course, the human remains will be of key interest.”

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Sewage Spill Nelson

Disclaimer:

• Information provided is based on reports received by Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR).
• Information provided is considered to be current at the time of posting, but is subject to change

Incident description

Response phase details.

The responsible person or spiller is legally required to clean-up or manage the clean-up of a spill.

In incidents where the responsible person is unknown, unable or unwilling to manage the cleanup, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (ENV) may assume the role. 

The updates below reflect the ministry’s oversight of the spillers’ actions. Details describe the spill response phase only and not the complete lifecycle of the spill. Visit the 'More information' page for other reports. 

Updates are in reverse chronological order with the most recent at the top.

Industry-specific language may be explained in the  Glossary of Terms (PDF, 106KB) .

Most recent updates

Macerated sewage continues to leak into the Kootenay River.

A dive team has been deployed from Vancouver, expected to arrive tomorrow to locate and stop the leak.

A coordination call is planned April 3 the City of Nelson, RDKB, RDCK, City of Castlegar, and ENV.

The City of Nelson will be performing sampling in the river at the sampling sites outlined in their operational certificate.

ENV is working internally to review databases to assess downstream impacts and determine additional sampling considerations. ENV is also working internally to discuss liquid waste management requirements under provincial legislation and the plan that the City of Nelson is working to develop.

ENV has requested the City of Nelson to provide further information on the incident and undertake spill response activities.

The incident continues to be monitored. Further updates will be made once more information becomes available.

The sewage leak from the pipeline is ongoing. The sewage is macerated, significantly reducing the presence of solids.

On March 28, a coordination call was held with ENV, EMCR and local authorities to discuss potential impacts to human health and the environment.

The wastewater pipeline is located at a depth of up to 100 feet in the Kootenay River. The flow of the Kootenay River is much greater than the rate of the sewage leak. This is expected to reduce potential impact to wildlife in the Kootenay River.

Health authorities expect the potential impact to human health to be low. Private and public water extraction points from the Kootenay River are a significant distance from the point of release.

ENV continues to work with the City of Nelson to implement spill response actions, implement environmental monitoring programs, promote replacement of the pipeline, and ensure contingency plans are in place if further leaks occur on the pipeline.

On March 27 a leak in the City of Nelson’s municipal wastewater pipeline was identified. The leak is on the bottom of the Kootenay River, south of the City of Nelson. It is estimated that 1,000 cubic meters (1,000,000 liters) of sewage is being released per day.

The City of Nelson retained a diving team to repair the leak. The diving team is expected on April 2, at the earliest.

ENV is working with the City of Nelson to monitor the incident and coordinate sampling to determine potential impacts. A liquid waste management plan to update aging municipal wastewater infrastructure is in development by the City of Nelson.

Applicable federal agencies, provincial agencies, health authorities, First Nations, and local communities have been notified.

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.