Victoria Viewpoints: Friday, July 31, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for   Friday, July 31, 2020 


Coronavirus response in BC

'Kelowna cluster' now comprises 130 - more than half of all active COVID-19 cases in BC
New BC coronavirus cases surge to 50 ahead of long weekend
New cases highest since April, infections amongst those in 20's and surface contamination issues
Province reports min-spike of 50 new COVID cases entering BC Day long weekend
BC reports 50 new COVID-19 cases, one death on eve of summer holiday weekend
Keep groups small this weekend, health officials say as BC sees 50 new COVID-19 cases
Health officials announce 50 new cases, one new death
BC's daily COVID-19 case count jumps to 50



Globe and Mail

Salmonella cases in Western and Central Canada likely linked to US grown red onions
BC tabs Thompson Rivers University to study wildfire prediction, responses

CBC

Indigenous man and his mother sue Vancouver police over alleged beating, arrest outside Walmart
Camping supplies fly off shelves as more British Columbians venture outdoors
Man threatens to stab Vancouver City councillor in verbal altercation caught on video
Study finds novel coronavirus on shared medical equipment in long-term care homes
'Give their head a shake': Health minister tells people to avoid dance party planned for Third Beach
Site C budget, schedule facing 'serious concerns' due to COVID-19, BC Hydro reports
BC lays out COVID-19 guidelines for colleges, universities in advance of fall session





Vancouver Sun

Best terms, bad deal: Secretive condo insurance price model may be boosting rates
Judges lose battle over secret BC cabinet advice
Vancouver police sued over alleged beating of alleged man outside Walmart Store
Priority access scrapped for residents of BC Ferries destinations


Victoria Times Colonist

Extra officers to be deployed to Beacon Hill Park, Burnside-Gorge
Esquimalt getting new urgent and primary care centre


Victoria News 

BC Hydro's Site C back by COVID-19, foundation changes

Global

Video shows man threatening to stab Vancouver city councillor in Strathcona
Vancouver's private pools are open, so what's keeping public one's closed?
BC Hydro has 'serious concerns' over Site C budget due to COVID-19 costs, delays
Blood pressure cuffs, other gear at risk of COVID-19 contamination: Vancouver health authority



Georgia Straight

Canada creating new benefit for gig workers to replace CERB
Statistics Canada cites Oakridge Centre redevelopment in report on big boost in value of building permits



The Tyee

Is it the end of the rainbow for Smithers?
Bad news on Site C: Budget, Schedule at Risk
An overdose prevention worker is killed on duty. His colleagues want answers
MSP Changes leave migrant workers and International students at risk, advocates say


Vancouver Courier 


Victoria, First Nations ink environmental, economic MOU
BC appoints 'special advser' to Site C after BC Hydro reports serious cost, schedule concerns



Miscellaneous

Ottawa Observations: Friday, July 31, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for   Friday,  July 31, 2020 


Canadians held in China / China tensions

Critics call for ethics probe of ex-ambassador's work at Chinese immigration company

Michael Kovrig and Micahel Spavor to mark 600 days in detention in China
Canada says requirements for Huawei CFO's extradition to US met, documents show
Federal documents say Huawei's Meng Wanzhou lied, supporting her extradition to U.S.

The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

'Kelowna cluster' now comprises 130 - more than half of all active COVID-19 cases in BC
New BC coronavirus cases surge to 50 ahead of long weekend
Ontario restaurants, bars now required to keep 30 day log of patrons
New cases highest since April, infections amongst those in 20's and surface contamination issues
Province reports min-spike of 50 new COVID cases entering BC Day long weekend




WE have a problem Boss

Ontario Ministry of Education cuts ties with WE Charity, says it will investigate contracts
The civil service must be obeyed, but ethics laws are apparently optional
Trudeau praises 'excellent work' of WE Charity, despite recent challenges
Trudeau says he didn't see WE deal as a conflict, but knew there would be 'perception issues'
Trudeau explains how he missed another chance to avoid trouble
Justin Trudeau asked for 'due diligence' on WE plan to fight perceptions of his family's ties to the charity
WE says millions of kids participate in its Schools program. Here's why two former employees say it's misleading
Toronto city staff reviewing lease tied to WE Founders' parents
Ontario Ministry of Education cuts ties with WE, says will investigate contracts
Was Nelly Furtado donation to Kielburger charity blood money
Ontario government bows out of relationship with WE
Trudeau government handed WE a personal data goldmine
Trudeau's WE defence doesn't help him 
Trudeau admits to seeing Red Flags on WE deal
Conflicted Trudeau doesn't know who his friends are
You've got to admit, Trudeau's getting good at giving excuses
Forget 'pushing back.' Trudeau could have quashed the WE deal
Why did the City of Toronto lease WE Charity's former HQ for $6 million?
The Trudeau WE testimony: What, you wanted a micromanager?
What the Kielburgers, Trudeau and Zuckerberg have in common


                                                                                   
Globe and Mail

Ottawa offers cash, more promises of reform for migrant workers in the agriculture industry
Summer of envy: How the COVID-19 pandemic has put new light on the things we have and want
COVID-19 officials issue advice for lovers in a dangerous time
Ottawa launches 'COVID Alert' app that notifies users about contact with coronavirus cases
Post-COVID belt tightening in the age of the adjustable waistband - and a bear market
After COVID-19, city parks need to make room for everyone
Canadian Navy enters new era with long-awaited Arctic warship
Anne McLellan, former Liberal minister, drops out of mass shooting public inquiry
Laura's Shoppe obtains creditor protection as Canadian retailers struggle with the pandemic
The Bank of Canada keeps making the rich richer
Looking back at my time in government, I'm haunted by our handling of senior care
With CERB set to end, Trudeau says Ottawa will create EI-like benefit for gig, contract workers
Government to commemorate significant Black historical events, figures



CBC

Under fire over workplace harassment claims, Gov. Gen. Julie Payette reaches out to staff in memo
Special court hearing to decide how to handle secret information in Ortis espionage trial
New COVID-19 notification app rolls out in Ontario
EI-like benefit for gig, contract workers will be available after CERB ends, Trudeau says
Ottawa extends commercial rent relief program, known as CERCA, into August
Deadline to submit bids to build Canada's next fighter jets lands today
Struggling language schools launch bid to bring 40,000 foreign students to Canada for fall semester




Toronto Star

Will Justin Trudeau fire Bill Morneau?
Zombie-like, we pandemic refugees emerge, blinking in the light of  ... Stage 3
Opening schools a 'challenge' but will be safe for kids, Doug Ford says
Doug Ford won't commit to providing nursing-home residents with four hours of daily hands-on care
COVID-19 app now available for download but hits a snag with older smartphones



Toronto Sun

Teachers unions give school re-opening plan an 'F'
Fear based decision making doesn't help


National Post

The Tories should stand firm against eco-alarmists
Ontario's back-to-school plan short on ambition but gets passing grade
How Julie Payette's time running the Montreal Science Centre foreshadowed trouble at Rideau Hall
Want better Politics in Canada, criticize your own side too


Maclean's

--


Global

Video shows man threatening to stab Vancouver city councillor in Strathcona
Vancouver's private pools are open, so what's keeping public one's closed?
BC Hydro has 'serious concerns' over Site C budget due to COVID-19 costs, delays
Blood pressure cuffs, other gear at risk of COVID-19 contamination: Vancouver health authority
Anne MacLellan withdraws as commissioner into Nova Scotia shooting inquiry
'We're not there yet': Atlantic bubble to stay closed as premiers disagree on popping date
Canadian Navy to welcome first Arctic and offshore patrol ship on Friday
Trudeau announces plans for end of CERB, transition to EI



Miscellaneous                            
       
Canada creating new benefit for gig workers to replace CERB
Statistics Canada cites Oakridge Centre redevelopment in report on big boost in value of building permits


Is it the end of the rainbow for Smithers?
Bad news on Site C: Budget, Schedule at Risk
An overdose prevention worker is killed on duty. His colleagues want answers
MSP Changes leave migrant workers and International students at risk, advocates say

Victoria, First Nations ink environmental, economic MOU
BC appoints 'special advser' to Site C after BC Hydro reports serious cost, schedule concerns

50 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in BC; two additional cases for Northern Health

As British Columbians begin the mass migration that may mark a BC Day long weekend, some sobering numbers from the Provincial government. showcasing a significant jump in the daily totals for COVID-19.

In their Friday afternoon statement, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix made note of fifty new cases today, two of which are found in the Northern Health Authority region, though indications are that they are not linked to the outbreak on Haida Gwaii.

 “Today, we are announcing 50 new cases, including five epi-linked cases, for a total of 3,641 cases in British Columbia. 

There are 278 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 3,168 people who tested positive have recovered.

Of the total COVID-19 cases, five individuals are hospitalized, two of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation. "

The provincial numbers for Friday include 1,088 cases of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,889 in the Fraser Health region, 144 in the Island Health region, 369 in the Interior Health region, 88 in the Northern Health region, an increase of two from Thursday.

There are also 63 cases of COVID attached to people who reside outside of Canada.

The Friday update also observed of one more death related to COVID.

“There has been one new COVID-19 related death in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, for a total of 195 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to everyone who has lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic."

As for the community outbreak on Haida Gwaii, the health officials noted that no new cases were reported today from that event from last week.

“There are no new community outbreaks. Public health teams continue to support the active outbreaks on Haida Gwaii and at Fraser Valley Packers Inc. 

There continues to be additional community exposure events across the province. A full listing of community exposure events related to flights and others within each health authority is available through the BC Centre for Disease Control, as well as on health authority websites."

Today's notes also observe as to the long weekend ahead and the need for British Columbians to be able to find the right balance towards social engagement and care and caution on COVID.

“We can make this B.C. Day holiday weekend one where we find the right balance: having those important social connections with our friends and family, while taking precautions to protect ourselves and those around us. “

Let’s socialize safely by keeping our groups small, using the layers of protection and giving everyone enough space to stay safe, whether at a backyard barbecue, on a friend’s boat or enjoying a nearby park."

Today's report also calls attention to a new guide from the government, designed to help towards the goals of social engagement called "Dr. Bonnie's Good times guide"

For the full statement from Friday see their report here.

The BC Centre for Disease control has some valuable Coronavirus notes related to COVID-19 you can explore that information here.

You can learn more about the outbreak from both the Province and the Federal government from the links below:

Federal Government site

British Columbia Government site

The World Health Organization website also offers up the latest advisories on the global situation.

More from  Northern Health can be reviewed here 

You can review our archive of past statements and local information here.

Local governments and organizations have also provided for increased awareness of COVID-19 issues, the string of statements that came quickly at the end of the week can be reviewed here.

For notes from across Canada and British Columbia we have been archiving the latest items through our political portal Darcy McGee

Ottawa Observations

Victoria Viewpoints


Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

BC Government and Coastal First Nations to continue work on environment and to grow regional economy

The Province of BC and Coastal First Nations are expanding on their
work towards protection of the Great Bear Rainforest and economic
opportunity for communities of the alliance

The Provincial government and the Coastal First Nations have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that will see both parties continue to expand on their work towards protection of the environment and improve the coastal economy.

Today's announcement builds on work done towards the Reconciliation Protocol of 2009 which offered protection to the Great Bear Rainforest and committed towards development of a sustainable economy.

“We’re working to advance reconciliation together with Coastal First Nations by supporting strong climate action that protects natural ecosystems, biodiversity and old-growth forests while increasing economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples and supporting our CleanBC plan. This agreement builds on our shared commitment with Coastal First Nations to protect the iconic Great Bear Rainforest for future generations." -- North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice speaking to todays advancement on reconciliation work with Coastal First Nations

The new agreement outlines a long-term vision for B.C.’s mid- and northern coastal areas, guided by a shared belief in reconciliation, fiscal self-reliance and a collective responsibility to manage the natural environment in the face of climate change. This MOU provides a framework for continuing to protect the environment and increased economic development opportunities for Coastal First Nations communities.

As part of the memorandum, the Province and Coastal First Nations agree to pursue a conservation-based regional economy through a diverse set of initiatives to promote financial self-reliance. Initiatives include climate change and conservation, land and marine stewardship, including long-term marine use plans for B.C.’s north Pacific coast, economic development, connectivity and high-speed digital access.

“We look forward to working with the Province to rebuild a coastal economy, especially in these challenging COVID-19 times. As we continue our work towards reconciliation, it is imperative we continue to strengthen our government-to-government relationship. An integral part of our work together includes the Province’s commitment to supporting carbon-credit sales and the world-class work of our stewardship offices and guardian watchmen.” -- Chief Marilyn Slett, president, Coastal First Nations

Part of the program advanced today will see the province purchase carbon offsets from the Great Bear Rainforest carbon-offset projects, revenues from the offset sales will directly contribute to economic self sufficiency for local communities.

In addition to the background to the MOU, the province has offered up a video presentation to outline further some of the themes of their efforts for the Great Bear Rainforest.




The full terms of the Memorandum of Understanding can be reviewed here.

More on today's announcement, including a range of commentary from many of the First Nations leaders involved can be explored further here.

A wider overview of notes from the Legislature is available from our archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

BC Conservation Service Officers tasked with travel restriction enforcement to Haida Gwaii

Members of the BC Conservation Officer Service will be posted to
the Prince Rupert BC Ferry terminal there to enforce the non-residential
travel ban to Haida Gwaii

Members of the British Columbia Conservation Service will be manning the checkpoints at the Fairview Terminal for BC Ferries, with the officers on hand to ensure that no non-resident, non-essential travel is made to Haida Gwaii.

The use of the Conservation Service officers comes as part of the expanded measures put in place on Thursday by the British Columbia government, which has put a ban on non-residential travel to the Islands following the outbreak of COVID 19 last week.

As we noted on Thursday, the province working with Northern Health, First Nations Health, the council of Haida Nation and local governments on the Islands chose to put the ban on travel in place.

"The decision to restrict non-resident travel to Haida Gwaii has been made in a government-to-government collaboration with Council of the Haida Nation, Skidegate Band Council, Old Massett Village Council and local governments, in consultation with the provincial health officer. 

The Province will deploy staff to support communities on the mainland and on Haida Gwaii to implement the travel restriction."


BC Ferries highlighted the new measures this morning through their Social Media portals.

Full details on how BC Ferries is approaching the issue of travel to and from Haida Gwaii can be explored further here.

For further background on the Province's response to COVID see our archive page here.

A wider overview of notes from Haida Gwaii can be reviewed here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Government's Return to School plan gains a few caution flags from BCTF membership

Earlier this week Education Minister Rob Fleming outlined the British Columbia Government's Return to School plans for September, providing the update on the moves ahead as the Ministry moves towards Stage Two fo the BC Education Restart Plan.

“The classroom is an essential part of a child’s social, academic and mental development, and that’s why we are working hard to ensure students can safely spend the next school year with their teachers and classmates. We were the only jurisdiction in Canada that brought students back into the classroom provincewide before the end of the school year and this has given us valuable information that we are using to develop our plans, ensuring health and safety at schools remain paramount.” -- Rob Fleming, Minister of Education

As part of the relaunch for the September school year, the Minister made note of the consultation that the Ministry has done with the Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

On the advice of the provincial health officer, students will be organized into learning groups, a consistent group of staff and students. This will reduce the number of people each student or staff member will come into contact with, reducing the risk of transmission and ensuring quicker contact tracing by health authorities.

As part of the School relaunch plans, all boards of education and independent school authorities will continue to be required to implement a suite of health and safety measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, following the recently updated guidelines from the BC Centre for Disease Control.

"We know how important it is for children to be back in school – to both support their emotional and mental health and their ability to socialize and to learn. Being back in school is also crucial to support many parents in being able to work, but we must do it safely. We ask for families and workplaces to continue to be flexible as we come into the fall. We’ve put a lot of thoughtful work and consideration into reopening schools this fall and in making sure we’re supporting children in ways that keep them, the people who teach them and our communities safe.” -- Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer. 

The five stage Framework for K-12 Education provides for the expectations for the province's elementary, middle and secondary schools, with students to be organized into learning groups, which will reduce the number of close, in person interactions.

As part of the School relaunch, School Districts and Independent schools in the province will be required to submit a Restart Plan before the start of the school year.

Notes from the Wednesday announcement can be reviewed here.

The Full Review of the Stage Two restart can be explored here.

The province's plans have however raised a few flags for the BCTF which represents public school teachers across British Columbia, with the Federation raising a number of their concerns earlier today through social media.

Some further background on the BCTF Concerns can be reviewed here.

Also speaking to the School restart issues, is North Coast teacher Tom Kertes, who has been making use of his social media feed  to share some of his thoughts since the Ministry of Education released the Re-Start plan.

The local labour activist, who is currently the President of the Prince Rupert Labour Council has expanded on his themes on education through his RedForBCED blog, calling on the politicians to get out the way and to let teachers do their job.

So far School District 52 has not provided for any public details as to their School Restart plans for September.

For more notes related to Education in the Northwest see our archive page here.

A look at some of the provincial news coverage of the government's plans for the return to school and the BCTF Response can be found from our  Victoria Viewpoints feature.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Skeena MLA Ellis Ross seeks out more information on government's plans for future LNG related protests and civil unrest in BC

Skeena MLA Ellis Ross raised a number of questions related to
policing civil disruptions as part of a Thursday committee session

The topic of civil unrest and how the province plans to address any future situations was up for discussion in a Legislature Committee session on Thursday, with Skeena MLA Ellis Ross taking the lead for the opposition Liberal party.

Mr. Ross participated in the afternoon session  of the Committee of Supply on Estimates of the Public Safety And Solicitor General,  with the Skeena MLA seeking some background on the deployment of the RCMP related to the Wet'suwe'ten blockades of earlier this year, as well as to how the province may respond should further civil disruptions take place.

"It's been quite the year, in terms of civil unrest and protest, which actually originated on the LNG Canada pipeline but actually spread all across Canada, in terms of protest. I don't want to get into details of how or who or when. But I do want to get an understanding of future interventions, in terms of blockades on the LNG pipeline, specifically the blockade that was actually cleared out, in terms of Wet'suwet'en. 

 So my question is to the Solicitor General. Is your ministry being kept apprised of the activities there? And is your ministry budgeting and planning for future events where the government may have to go in and help enforce the injunction?"

Towards a reply Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth noted how it has been a challenging year, while noting the arms length approach between the Ministry and the RCMP.

I thank the member for the question. And he's right. It has been a very interesting and challenging year in this regard. I can tell him that we are kept aware of events. When there are protests, we are made aware of that. We are not told about operational decisions. That is up to the police. I do not, as I have said on a number of occasions publicly, direct the RCMP. And when it comes to costs, we don't specifically budget for costs. We are aware that whenever there are events of this nature, there will be costs. We track those costs, and we will continue to do so.

Through the twenty minute exchange Mr. Ross revisited the theme a number of times speaking to  his interest on provincial budgeting towards policing such situations; as well as how concerns over ongoing disruption along the proposed gas pipeline route to Kitimat is making for growing anxiety for those First Nations that have signed onto the LNG Canada agreement.

In terms of future activities, I keep an eye on what's happening up there, because it causes a lot of anxiety for all the First Nations that actually signed on to the LNG Canada agreement in the first place — the 20 First Nations — and because of the anxiety for Kitimat there is in my band. 

So In terms of the activities out there, I'm sure your ministry is kept aware of what's happening out there. 

 I talked to another minister previously about this issue. I actually asked about the smokehouse that was actually built on the right-of-way and whether or not that would be subject to the province intervening again, redeploying the RCMP and covering the costs under the provincial police service agreement. 

The minister actually inferred that it was not actually a blockade, it was not an impediment and there is really no issue with the smokehouse being built where it is. 

Is that the take that the Solicitor General has, as well?

Minister Mike Farnworth faced a range of questions on public
safety and police operations during a committee session on Thursday

The Solicitor General noted for the MLA that enforcement measures are operational matters for the RCMP to decide on.

So, the way it works, Member, is that the court order directed that there be an access made available. The nature of that, or the exact parameters of that, that's decided by the RCMP. 

I do not make a decision on that, nor do I have an opinion on that. That is an operational decision that they make, in terms of regards to the enforcement of that court order.

As his time came to a conclusion in the Thursday session, Mr. Ross recounted some of the frustrations that he has had in getting information and answers to his questions through the Ministerial bureaucracy, making note of vague answers and the play on words that have been used when it comes to providing more background on his concerns.

You can review the full exchange from the Committee session here, as well as to view the proceedings through the Video Archive page from the Legislature,  the contribution from Mr. Ross begins at the start of the session.

For more notes on the work of Mr. Ross at the Legislature see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Province to fund 100 Day Care spaces for Terrace

Some significant support is heading towards the Terrace area, with the Provincial government announcing that it will be providing for 100 Day Care spaces in that community.

The Terrace program will see Coast Mountain School District renovate the former ET Kenney Primary School, creating space for 102 participants, the Centre which is to be operated by Terrace's Coast Mountain Children's Society will open the doors in September of 2021.

Once in operation the new Centre will offer 12 new infant/toddler spaces, 20 spaces for children aged three years to kindergarten, 10 pre-school spaces and 60 school-age spaces.

The centre will use the Indigenous Early Learning Framework, which sets out principles to help ensure that Indigenous children experience high-quality, culturally rooted early learning and child care programming.

Katrine Conroy, the Minister of Children and Family Development made note of the opportunities for the community that the new centre will offer.

“These new spaces in Terrace demonstrate our ongoing commitment to make life better for B.C. families and will allow more parents to return to work, go back to school or pursue other opportunities, strengthening both the community and economy.”

More on the Terrace program can be reviewed here.

In March of this year, Prince Rupert City Council received a report from Alison Watson and Kate delivered the findings of the Prince Rupert Child Care Assessment and Action plan, that document noted that there was an immediate need for 49 spaces in the city, though that was considered to be a Conservative estimate.
Toye who

Among the gaps that the study revealed, was a need for Infant/Toddler care spaces, Flexible programs, Co-location hubs, Awareness of programs/benefits and a review of the barriers that can be found in the community related to staff, zoning issues and capacity.

Some of the background on the long running issues and past reviews related to Child Care in Prince Rupert can be reviewed here.

So far, there have been no announcements of any solutions to address some of those concerns.

For more notes on Provincial programs see our Legislature archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

New Travel measures in place for Alaska transit through BC

No side trips allowed!  Those transiting  to and from Alaska and the lower
48 States now requires just one direct route between borders

As of this morning, those travellers making their way to and from Alaska through British Columbia have some new measures to take note of, with the Canadian Border Service Agency set to enforce new regulations for transit through the province.

The announcement yesterday put in place three condition for that travel to ensure that there are no side trips on the way from points A to B.

Imposed a reasonable period of stay to carry out your transit 

Be required to take the most direct route to your destination and not stop for any leisure or tourism activities including visiting national parks 

Be required to report to the nearest CBSA port of entry to confirm your exit from Canada before entering the United States

Towards those measures, the CBSA will issue visitors a vehicle 'hang tag" which is to be affixed to the rear view mirror of travelling vehicles for the duration of the transit. The tag will include  the date you must depart Canada as well as information on the conditions imposed upon entry, the Quarantine and Emergencies Acts and a list of public health and safety measures to follow.

Travellers are only allowed to make essential stops along the way, including use of facilities, or those for refuelling or essential stops.

The full list of guidelines can be reviewed here.

The new restrictions went into effect as of 12:01 this morning.

American spotting has been greatly reduced in the Northwest ever since
the Alaska Marine Highway System suspended its service to Prince Rupert
in November of last year

While there have been reports of a few American licence plates in the Prince Rupert area this summer, the large volume of years past has not been prevalent owing to the border closure of March.

As well, the Alaska Ferry System has not had a port call in Prince Rupert since November of 2019 and with the situation related to COVID it's not known when or if that service will return to the region.

With the new regulations in place, making use of Highway 37 North to the Yukon and on into Alaska would seem to be off the map for visitors, reinforcing how any side trips to Prince Rupert or elsewhere now against the rules.

North Coast residents are reminded however, that some Americans (and other Canadians) do live in the region and may not have replaced their licence plates to this point, something to keep in mind before being too harsh on the owners of any unusual plates that may be noted.

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice addressed the theme of non-residential travel in the region earlier this week with a statement to the Legislature.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Victoria Viewpoints: Thursday, July 30, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for  Thursday, July 30, 2020 


Coronavirus response in BC

In bid to reduce COVID-19 risk, Ottawa will require all Alaskan travellers through BC to provide exit date
'Our COVID summer': B.C.'s top doctor urges caution over BC Day long weekend
Number of Kelowna cases rises to 130 with new counting method
Quebec and Alberta lead Canada in new reported cases
Air and land travel issues, Haida Gwaii restrictions and school restart plan concerns
28 new COVID-19 cases at Fraser Valley Packers puts outbreak total at 59
Health officials urge British Columbians to exercise caution this long weekend to avoid another COVID-19 surge
'What you do this weekend' determines how virus is managed in coming weeks: Henry
BC records 29 more COVID-19 cases, no new deaths




Globe and Mail

BC cracks down on number of guests at short-term rentals to limit spread of COVID-19
Visitors aren't welcome during COVID-19 pandemic on Haida Gwaii, at Tahltan Nation
Four Vancouver plazas approved for pilot project allowing outdoor drinking
Four major Canadian airports begin screening passengers for elevated temperatures



CBC

Officials crack down on Alaska-bound travellers crossing US-Canada border
Students are heading back to class in September. Here's how that could look like
Taxi service to hit the road again in Smithers
Interior Health will not offer drop-in flu vaccination clinics this season
BC bans travel to Haida Gwaii amid COVID-19 outbreak
BC launches $5 million research chair to study wildfires
Vancouver community centres set to resume services starting September 8th



Vancouver Sun

BCTF irks NDP, challenges Doctor Henry on school reopening plan
Most people don't want to outright remove controversial statues, poll finds
Priority access scrapped for residents of BC Ferries destinations
School restart plan has support, with caveats, from parents


Victoria Times Colonist

BC Ferries scraps priority boarding for Island residents
Rules tightened for Americans travelling through Canada to Alaska
Bumpy ride for West Coast Trail bus
We can't allow a repeat of high death rates at care homes
DavidsTea closing most stores, including five on Island

Victoria News 

Victoria explores options for safe by-election during pandemic
CBSA cracks down on US travellers heading for Alaska then staying in BC
BC tackles wildfire prediction, new strategies to respond
Minimum income for farm tax status waived in BC


Global

BC Teachers Federation asking for start of school year to be pushed back to address plan concerns
BC bans non-resident and non-essential travel to Haida Gwaii
BC's top doctor says some essential workers not isolating following US travel
Feds crack down on Americans using 'Alaska loophole' to enter Canada
Locals first boarding policy scrapped for BC ferries
Mask-wearing now mandatory at Vancouver Art Gallery
Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley under air quality advisory due to pollution
Osoyoos Indian Band, FortisBC open first electric vehicle charging stations within a BC First Nation
Saskatchewan Crown, Global Transportation Hub accrues $46 million in debt
Influenza rates at record low thanks to distancing during coronavirus, data suggests



Georgia Straight

Canada Border Services Agency ramps up regulations for US travellers using Alaska loophole



The Tyee

Inside Alberta's Advertising war to win TMX approval
Recent Immigrants describe the stress of living in a pandemic

Vancouver Courier 


The border isn't as closed as you may think
Strict conditions set for Alaska-bound travellers entering Canada
Canadians and Americans immune to travel bug while COVID-19 persists: poll


Miscellaneous

Ottawa Observations: Thursday, July 30, 2020

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Federal scene for   Thursday,  July 30, 2020 


Canadians held in China / China tensions

'Could I be arbitrarily detained?": Shadow of Beijing's security law looms large for Canadian politicians with Hong Kong ties

China has unjustly jailed Canada's two Micheals for 600 days
The continued imprisonment of the two Micheals is an act of pointless cruelty

The Global Coronavirus (COVID-19)

In bid to reduce COVID-19 risk, Ottawa will require all Alaskan travellers through BC to provide exit date
The 2nd wave is coming. Here's what public health experts say we should expect
What's happening around the world
COVID-19 spread at private parties a growing concern, OPH says
New Toronto data reveals COVID-19's disproportionate toll on racialized and low-income groups
Ontario's number of new COVID-19 cases stays below 100 for the second day in a row
COVID-19 still being underestimated in Canada
'Our COVID summer': B.C.'s top doctor urges caution over BC Day long weekend
Number of Kelowna cases rises to 130 with new counting method
Quebec and Alberta lead Canada in new reported cases
Air and land travel issues, Haida Gwaii restrictions and school restart plan concerns
28 new COVID-19 cases at Fraser Valley Packers puts outbreak total at 59





WE have a problem Boss

Trudeau says his family's financial ties to WE Charity did not pose a conflict of interest
Trudeau, Telford speak on WE Charity controversy: What you missed from Thursday's hearings
Error, not sin, Trudeau says: PM's grilling helped him state his case on WE
If WE was the Trudeau government's only option, it needed to find more options
Prime Minister Trudeau's opening remarks as he testifies on WE Charity
Prime Minister Trudeau's chief of staff, Katie Telford's opening remarks as she testifies on WE Charity
Trudeau says he 'pushed back' on WE contract due to family ties - but didn't recuse himself
7 key moments from Trudeau and Telford's WE testimony
Poilievre presses PM on family's payments from WE
NDP's Angus: PM 'hurt students'
MP to Trudeau: "Who are you going to fire?"
Liberal support continues to slide in wake of WE controversy
Justin Trudeau worried about his family's ties to WE Charity - but he approved the student program anyway
There's one big question about WE Charity that Justin Trudeau still hasn't answered
Here is what Justin Trudeau told MPs on the finance committee
Charlie Angus, Pierre Poilievre, Sean Fraser: Here are some of the MPs asking questions about the WE Charity scandal
Trudeau appears to have used WE language when announcing student deal
Kielburger actions show they have more money than sense
Committee learns WE Charity hired investigators to spy on journo's kids
Trudeau throws public service under the bus
Three key takeaways from Justin Trudeau's testimony
The WE scandal and Justin Trudeau's testimony: A primer
Prime Minister, how much broccoli did your family eat? In detail!
Five takeaways from Trudeau's testimony in WE Charity scandal investigation
'Highly unethical': Someone paid nearly 200 people to promote positive WE Charity stories on Google
Whether Trudeau's testimony worked or not, the winds of change are blowing for Liberals
Trudeau denies, deflects - and apologizes - in testimony to committee looking at WE Scandal
It's hard to imagine that any minds were changed by Trudeau's testimony
Trudeau tells MPs that WE Charity received 'no preferential treatment' from his office
Trudeau swims free, leaving Morneau to thrash


                                                                                   
Globe and Mail

Toronto's marginalized communities disproportionately affected by coronavirus, data suggest
Ontario's long-term care sector in staffing 'crisis,' needs immediate funding, report says
Ontario students to return to school full time in the fall, with no class-size limits for youngest learners
Mandatory masks should be the default option for Ontarians
Auditor General to probe lapse in Canada's pandemic warning system


CBC

Back to school: How provinces are planning for start of school year during pandemic
Air Transat to cancel all flights from Western Canada to US sun destinations this winter
"It's going to hurt': Tax break for oil and gas firms would drain rural budgets, communities warn
Elementary students will be in class full time come September, Ontario says
Officials crack down on Alaska-bound travellers crossing US-Canada border

Toronto Star

This migrant worker spoke out about a massive COVID-19 outbreak that killed his bunkmate. Then he was fired, a legal complaint says
Doug Ford is right to send Ontario's students back to school
Face masks mandatory for Ontario students starting in Grade 4
Tories must figure out what they stand for, in order to benefit from the WE Charity affair


Toronto Sun

Quebec has anti-major crime plan that Ontario must mimic

National Post

Camping in time of COVID: 'Hordes' descending on wilderness areas in 'insane' numbers
Ontario's back to school plan has some notable weaknesses
NS mass killer had hiding spaces for guns, but drug smuggling not confirmed: RCMP
Few regrets for Toronto's first black Police Chief, but criticism tails Saunders 
Federal program paid $10M for climate change studies that were never written or barely read



Maclean's

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Global

BC Teachers Federation asking for start of school year to be pushed back to address plan concerns
BC bans non-resident and non-essential travel to Haida Gwaii
BC's top doctor says some essential workers not isolating following US travel
Feds crack down on Americans using 'Alaska loophole' to enter Canada
Locals first boarding policy scrapped for BC ferries
Mask-wearing now mandatory at Vancouver Art Gallery
Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley under air quality advisory due to pollution
Osoyoos Indian Band, FortisBC open first electric vehicle charging stations within a BC First Nation
Saskatchewan Crown, Global Transportation Hub accrues $46 million in debt
Influenza rates at record low thanks to distancing during coronavirus, data suggests



Miscellaneous                            
       
Canada Border Services Agency ramps up regulations for US travellers using Alaska loophole


Inside Alberta's Advertising war to win TMX approval
Recent Immigrants describe the stress of living in a pandemic


The border isn't as closed as you may think
Strict conditions set for Alaska-bound travellers entering Canada
Canadians and Americans immune to travel bug while COVID-19 persists: poll