TransLink, ICBC mandate jab

VANCOUVER — Two of B.C.’s largest employers are implementing mandatory vaccination policies for their workers. TransLink, Metro Vancouver’s transportation network, and the Insurance Corporation of B.C. have announced their workers must be fully vaccinated by November. A statement from ICBC says the mandate applies to all its employees and contractors. TransLink says its directive applies […]

Call for more care workers

VICTORIA — B.C.’s seniors advocate says long-term care and assisted living residents are three and a half times more likely to contract COVID-19 and 33 times more likely to die of the disease. Isobel Mackenzie’s figures come from a report released today that recommends expanding paid sick-leave provisions for staff, hiring more registered nurses, eliminating […]

Vaccine must for gov’t workers

VICTORIA — An estimated 30,000 government employees in British Columbia will have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The BC Public Service Agency said Tuesday the vaccination requirement is part of an effort to increase vaccination rates throughout the province. It has set Nov. 22 as a deadline for workers in core government services or […]

Pay what you feel for food

VANCOUVER — More than 35.5 million tonnes of food is thrown out each year in Canada, but one group in Vancouver is hoping to divert some of that to help people who are food insecure. The Food Stash Foundation opened the doors to the Rescued Food Market for the first time Friday, allowing patrons to […]

People ‘misinformed’ about power

VANCOUVER — A report from B.C.’s main electricity distributor says many residents are “misinformed” about the most efficient and cost-effective ways to reduce their carbon footprint. The BC Hydro report says 40% of those who responded to a survey said they would cut carbon dioxide or other emissions by installing solar panels rather than buying […]

Electric plan launched in BC

VANCOUVER — BC Hydro and the provincial government have announced a new five-year plan for the Crown corporation that provides incentives for people to switch from fossil fuels to electricity to power their homes, businesses and vehicles. Under the plan announced Tuesday, BC Hydro will spend nearly $190 million to promote fuel switching in homes, […]

Penthouse back in business

It’s been a fixture in downtown Vancouver for nearly 75 years. Penthouse, one of the city’s best-known strip clubs, has reopened its doors to the public after a year and a half. The nightclub welcomed back patrons on Sept. 16, following a months-long, COVID-induced closure. During the hiatus, Penthouse kept passersby entertained with its world-famous […]

Tilray closing Nanaimo properties

LEAMINGTON, Ont. — Cannabis company Tilray Inc., which merged with Aphria Inc. earlier this year, says it will close a Nanaimo, B.C., office and facility. The company says in an email that it is closing the facilities to optimize operational efficiencies and save costs following the merger. The company did not share how many workers […]

Cruise ship bills could hurt BC

VANCOUVER — Two U.S. bills proposed by a congressman and senator aimed at allowing Alaska-bound cruise ships to bypass Canadian ports would have a “devastating” effect on B.C.’s economy, the head of Victoria’s harbour authority says. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski proposed a bill Wednesday that would allow cruise ships carrying more than 1,000 passengers and […]

Business issues top of mind

Business owners and ordinary citizens don’t always agree on what top concerns and priorities for political parties should be during an election, but a Mustel survey released today finds businesses and ordinary citizens lining up on a few key priorities. Inflation, debt and affordability, including affordability of housing, are among the top concerns shared by […]