Victoria Viewpoints: Thursday, December 16, 2021

Our compilation of some of the stories of note from the day, reviewing the political developments from the Provincial scene for  Thursday, December 16, 2021
   

Coronavirus response in BC

BC considering new restrictions amid rising COVID cases

Long lines at Metro Vancouver test sites amid surging COVID-19 case numbers 

University of Victoria trying to get rapid tests to students, staff amid COVID-19 outbreak 

New COVID-19 outbreaks declared at North Vancouver hospital, Surrey school

Some premiers say federal travel moves are evidence-free 'political theatre'

Omicron Explained

How Canada helped create the Omicron threat

COVID-19 cases rise in BC as Health Ministry warns of Omicron variant

BC's opposition interim leader calls for expedited COVID-19 booster shot program, rapid tests

BC patients with rare blood clotting condition after getting AstraZeneca COVID-19 jab flight for exemption 

COVID numbers jump as BC records 752 new cases and identifies 135 cases of the Omicron variant

BC should be prepared to abandon six month wait for booster, Dr. Brian Conway

How BC missed the boat on rapid testing

Premier advises against non-essential international travel over the holidays

Half of BC Omicron cases are on the Island

BC's COVID 19 infections jump to 752 Thursday, 3 deaths

Globe and Mail

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CBC

Uber application to operate outside Metro Vancouver rejected by Passenger Transportation Board

Canadian Press names Kamloops unmarked grave discovery Canada's news story of the year

Victoria cracks down on illegal short-term vacation rentals

Federal government announces closure of most Pacific Herring fisheries

Braille signage, tactile walking surfaces to be added to 8,400 Metro Vancouver bus stops

Vancouver Sun 

Holiday travellers fear new Omicron restrictions will leave the 'stuck' overseas 

First Nations leaders 'deeply disturbed' by teachers' union campaign

Two men arrested in attempted theft from Sumas Prairie home

Victoria Times-Colonist 

Victoria Councillors give go-ahead for Telus Ocean Tower

Couriers struggle to deliver massive backlog of parcels

Victoria cracks down on illegal short-term rentals, fines of up to $15,200

Greater Victoria on the way to record for housing starts

Residents move out of Travelodge hotel in Victoria as BC Housing lease ends

Nothing like Old town in other museums

Victoria News

Victoria's Courtnall brothers launch society to fund grassroots mental health programs

BC's Coquihalla Highway to reopen December 20 for essential traffic

'Guards are in place and ready to serve': Victoria approves emergency crossing guard funding

BC government looks to assist more low-carbon building solutions

BC Senior home residents saying loner, care hours improving

Global

BC Hydro unexpectedly cuts power to family trying to restore Sumas Prairie home

West End residents pan plan for waterman replacement under Stanley Park

Not heard from in weeks,  police still search for two missing Fairy Creek advocates

Warnings, watches and statements for snow, cold across the province 

BC transportation board denies Uber application to operate in Interior, Vancouver Island 

Watchful farmers in Abbotsford help police arrest two alleged property thieves

Probation, $300K fines issued in 'sickening' Chilliwack abuse case

Non-profits team up to offer mental health support for farmers impacted by BC floods

Georgia Straight

Kitsilano school sues Broadway Subway Project over traffic safety, noise, emissions concerns

Park Board shows sense of humour with 'Barge Chilling Beach" creation

Man fined over $100,000 for unlicensed management of Vancouver rental properties by 'overseas clients'

Growing number of signatures on petition calling for Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum to pay his own legal bills 

The Tyee

The Mysterious end of CN"s Wildfire Cost-sharing Agreement with BC

A Dozen Gentle Density ideas for the New Year

Miscellaneous

BC hears from 161 First Nations on plans for old-growth logging deferrals

Federal government announces closure of most Pacific herring fisheries

Arctic cold, snow, winter storm warnings up for areas of BC

Cars. couches, propane and fuel tanks among debris from record flooding in BC

NWT replaces Alberta curriculum for junior kindergarten to Grade 12 with BC's