Victoria Viewpoints: Monday, March 15, 2021

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for   Monday, March 15, 2021 
   

Coronavirus response in BC

BC reports 1,506 new COVID-19 cases over three days, as total deaths top 1,400

BC's top doctor looks to loosen COVID-19 restrictions on in-person religious gatherings

BC recently allowed for outdoor gatherings up to 10 people. Do bar and restaurant patios apply?

BC's first batch of AstraZeneca headed for workers at food processing plants, industrial camps

Adults in Prince Rupert and Port Edward start mass vaccination program Monday

Does AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine cause blood clots? Here's what we know so far

AstraZeneca vaccine rollout, over 450 new cases per day, 10 new deaths

Vaccination appointment schedule accelerates due to progress in bookings 

COVID-19 outbreak forces another ward at Vancouver General Hospital to close

British Columbia prioritizes workers in food processing plants and industrial camps for AstraZeneca vaccine

Prince Rupert begins BC's first large-scale community-wide vaccine clinic

Another ward at Vancouver General Hospital closed by COVID-19 outbreak

Province releases list of high risk workers first in line for AntraZeneca vaccine

Additional 1,506 new cases of COVID-19 reported

Relief for seniors as VCH opens public vaccination clinics

BC COVID-19 infections still spreading as vaccination underway

BC Farms, food processing, industrial camps get COVID-19 vaccine priority 

Small outdoor religious services will soon return for BC faith groups: Dr. Henry

Globe and Mail

Vancouver's chief planner Gil Kelley to depart amid debate over slow pace of progress

Superintendent notes inequality as Surrey school district adds new measures to strengthen health, safety protocols

CBC

BC to issue guidelines this week for a gradual reopening of religious services

City of Vancouver's chief planner leaving job

Hybrid work-from-home model likely in post-pandemic world, says BC business council

Downtown Vancouver park closed since tent city removed to partially reopen in June

Vancouver Sun

City mum on sudden departure of Vancouver's chief planner

Bonnie Henry regrets not clamping down on COVID in October

Outdoor religious services coming soon, indoor services in April

BC seeks forfeiture of $1.5 million in property allegedly linked to illicit cannabis

Province launches 'roadmap' to improved social licence for mining

Victoria Times-Colonist

Man injured in police shooting at Royal Jubilee Hospital; watchdog investigating

Little ferries launch season with optimism for a better tourism year

Victoria News

Wanted Alberta man armed with an axe arrested after series of Victoria break-ins

Greater Victoria group pushes local conversation for climate action

Saanich to sell Willis Point Road property to CRD for $1.75 million

Development process in Langford illuminated

Island community provides the perfect small town atmosphere for movie shoot

Global BC

Some BC police officers told to cancel COVID-19 vaccine appointment following confusion

A look at one of BC's drive-thru vaccination clinics as program gets underway Monday

BC minister defends Interior Health decision to defund Penticton addictions resource centre

Vernon, Penticton among BCHL's 'pod' cities for 2020-21 hockey season

Three early-season wildfires in BC Interior under control

Survey finds broad support for BC rent freeze

Adults in Prince Rupert and Port Edward start mass vaccination program Monday

Okanagan seniors roll up sleeves in historic vaccination campaign

Collaboration between House of Commons, Senate on assisted dying bill praised by senator

BC minister defends Interior Health decision to defund Penticton addictions resource centre

Survey finds broad support for BC rent freeze

Georgia Straight

City of Vancouver parts ways with top planner Gil Kelley

MLA Canada executives foresee revival of Downtown Vancouver, upswing in property prices

Canadian Real Estate Association forecasts average price rising 16.5 percent in2021, amid lack of homes for sale

The Tyee

Chelsea Poorman went missing seven months ago. Her family is still searching

When anti maskers melt down and lash out

NDP criticized for delayed rollout of promised COVID benefit

Join Dogwood BC for 'Gaslit: How Fracking companies convinced us to burn gas indoors'

Jason Kenney's Government denounces the Bigfoot Family

Tsihlqot'in Launch challenge to Gibraltar Mine's effluent dumping in Fraser River

Miscellaneous