There were 402 active COVID-19 cases in the Northern Health region as of Dec. 10 with 40 new cases reported Thursday (1,199 total).
There have been 788 recoveries, nine deaths, and 37,242 tests to date. Forty-three are in hospital, 14 in critical care.
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The BC Centre for Disease Control reports 37 cases in northeast B.C. from Dec. 4 to 10, and 340 since Jan. 1.
Between January and November, 160 cases were reported in Peace River North, 102 in Peace River South, and 5 in Fort Nelson.
Northern Health reports recent exposures at Ma Murray school Nov. 30 and Dec. 1-4; Anne Roberts Young school Nov. 30; and Bert Ambrose Nov. 30.
The BCCDC reports an exposure on WestJet flight 3101 Calgary to Fort St. John on Nov. 23. Rows were not reported.
Across B.C., there were 9,524 active cases reported as of Dec. 10, with 723 new cases reported Thursday (40,060 total).
There have been 28,948 recoveries and 587 deaths to date, with 28 new deaths reported Thursday.
There are 346 patients in hospital, 75 in critical care. Another 10,747 people are being monitored by public health.
In northern Alberta, there were 1,247 active cases, 3,683 recoveries, and 52 deaths as of Dec. 10. Thirty-five are in hospital, four in critical care.
The latest for Dec. 10:
The latest for Dec. 9:
The first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available in B.C. next week, health officials said Wednesday, though northern B.C. will remain on the waiting list until the new year.
There are 20 Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,424 workers reported at camp.
Health Canada approved the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, paving the way for vaccinations to begin countrywide as early as next Tuesday.
Positive news about vaccine delivery won’t be enough to give the economy a shot in the arm to start 2021, the Bank of Canada says as it kept its key interest rate on hold and warned rising COVID-19 cases in Canada will weigh on near-term growth.
Economic Development Minister Mélanie Joly says federal marketing strategies might need to shift away from attracting foreign visitors to Canada for the foreseeable future, as COVID-19 keeps suppressing travel.
B.C.’s information and privacy commissioner says his office continues to watch how a relaxing of privacy laws on sharing of COVID-19 health data is being handled by the provincial government.
The latest for Dec. 8:
British Columbians will be able to apply to receive a one-time COVID-19 payment from the provincial government starting Dec. 18.
Canada’s chief public health officer says the first doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine are likely to be given only to people who can physically be at one of the 14 delivery sites identified by provincial governments for the first arrivals of the vaccine.
There are 22 Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,418 workers reported at camp.
The average Canadian family will pay up to an extra $695 for food next year, as the pandemic, wildfires and changing consumer habits drive up grocery bills to the highest increase ever predicted by an annual food price report.
The latest for Dec. 3:
The latest for Dec. 2:
The latest for Dec. 1:
Around 300 people gathered in downtown Fort St. John on Tuesday to protest pandemic-related lockdowns and a World Economic Forum program known as “The Great Reset.”
The number of British Columbians dying from COVID-19-related complications has started to ramp up, with 16 fatalities in the past 24 hours, and 58 deaths in the past four days.
Ottawa’s plan to provide aid for the struggling tourism sector was greeted with relief Tuesday, while Canada’s airlines awaited word on support for their industry.
The latest for Nov. 30:
The latest for Nov. 27:
The latest for Nov. 26:
The latest for Nov. 25:
The latest for Nov. 24:
The latest for Nov. 23:
The latest for Nov. 20:
Northern Health is warning of possible COVID-19 exposures at North Peace Secondary School over the last week.
Four more Site C workers have tested positive for COVID-19, BC Hydro says.
Volunteers needed as Northern B.C. Crisis Centre deals with jump in calls.
Elections BC has revised its estimated pandemic vote turnout for the provincial election in October, but the increased figure is still a historic low for the province.
More than two-thirds of the employers in Canada’s oil and gas sector imposed labour cost reduction measures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, including 37% who enacted permanent layoffs.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is warning that Canada’s future hangs in the balance if people don’t reduce their contacts to prevent dire new COVID-19 projections from becoming a reality.
Approvals for immigration applications fell by about three-quarters from the months before the country shut down to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus and after.
A rapid rise in the number of active COVID-19 cases in First Nations communities on reserve — especially in Alberta and Saskatchewan — likely does not tell the full story due to lack of data.
Two men living in a long-term care home in Dawson Creek were the latest in northern B.C. to die from the COVID-19 virus, Northern Health has confirmed.
School trustees have approved a plan to reopen the Ma Murray school gym to community clubs on a trial basis during the ongoing pandemic.
B.C. Education Minister Rob Fleming says he hopes the government will be able to avoid school closures under any scenario but he would defer to advice from public health officials should COVID-19 cases worsen.
B.C. sees record 11 COVID deaths in a day, as hospitalizations reach record high.
Northern British Columbians will need to bear down to avoid the restrictions now in place in the Lower Mainland, Northern Health officials warned Tuesday amid some worrying trends in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Modelling released by B.C. health officials last week indicates COVID-19 cases are doubling across the province roughly every two weeks. It’s a trajectory that puts the province on track for 4,000 cases per day by Christmas, said UBC infectious disease modeller Dan Coombs.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the military could play an integral part in rolling out COVID-19 vaccines across the country, though questions remain around cost and distribution.
Nunavut’s chief public health officer says capacity to deal with an outbreak of COVID-19 is “stretched,” which is why the government has shut down the territory for two weeks to try to get cases of COVID-19 under control.
The latest for Nov. 12:
The latest for Nov. 10:
The latest for Nov. 9:
The latest for Nov. 6:
The latest for Nov. 5:
Fort St. John will receive $3.7 million in economic recovery funding from a federal package to help cope with COVID-19.
Northeast B.C. has seen three straight months of job growth, but worry remains about the number of losses in full-time work and the construction and goods industries, and the impact that may have on the region’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
There are five Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,487 workers reported at camp.
There were 425 new COVID cases reported in B.C. today, a new daily record.
Employees have no constitutional Charter right to go against an employer’s mandate that staff wear masks as part of pandemic safety measures: lawyer
The latest for Oct. 30:
The latest for Oct. 29:
There are six Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,598 workers reported at camp.
The Fraser Health region had nearly three quarters of the 1,818 new COVID cases over the last week.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business said Thursday its latest business barometer, which measures the outlook of entrepreneurs, fell six points in October to hit a five-month low of 53.3.
Fewer wells to be drilled in Alberta and Saskatchewan but more in British Columbia as PSAC updates forecast.
The latest for Oct. 28:
Northern Health is warning of a possible COVID-19 exposure at Fort Nelson Secondary School earlier this month, but says the risk of any new cases is “very low.”
Canada has reversed about two-thirds of the economic decline seen in the first half of the year, says the Bank of Canada, but officials estimate the economy will still shrink by 5.7% this year.
There are 12 Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,624 workers reported at camp.
A youth soccer club in Chilliwack has hired a security firm to patrol the sidelines during games because of what the club describes as “borderline violent” confrontations over COVID-19 restrictions.
The latest for Oct. 27:
Fort St. John city council offered no solutions Monday to trim an estimated $2.8 million deficit and steer away from five years of predicted tax increases, but some had plenty to say about media headlines and taxpayers talking online about city spending.
There are 13 Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,622 workers reported at camp.
As of the end of August, the four big energy megaprojects in B.C. employed roughly 12,500 workers. That includes 4,600 at Site C dam, 2,849 for the Coastal GasLink pipeline and 3,000 with LNG Canada.
Financial columnist Brad Brain, on investing: “A lot of people fear bear markets, but there is nothing inherently evil about things coming down in price. In fact, bear markets can be a phenomenal opportunity to acquire more shares in great investments at cheap prices.”
he federal government is asking senators to conduct a “dispassionate” review of its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic — as partisan combat over the issue continues among elected members of the House of Commons.
The country’s top public servant is offering to testify about controversial redactions to some 5,000 pages of documents the government released on the WE Charity affair.
Monday’s re-election of another incumbent premier in Canada’s third recent provincial election shows Canadians don’t want to “rock the boat” during a global pandemic, say political experts.
There are six Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,607 workers reported at camp.
The Fort St. John Huskies and Dawson Creek Junior Canucks will begin their five-game exhibition series this Friday — no fans allowed.
Recreation vehicle, boat sales revved up in July, while booze sales were up 14.3%.
B.C. health officials identified 549 new COVID-19 cases in the past four days as a backlog in testing was cleared by BC Centre for Disease Control staff.
Operators of Canada’s conference centres, airports and stadiums are joining a global rush to be certified as pandemic-resistant while they compete for events and visitors that will bring billions of dollars in economic benefits for their cities.
Canadian universities could lose as much as $3.4 billion this year, Statistics Canada has projected, in large part due to a decrease in the number of foreign students.
Nunavut’s chief public health officer says an outbreak of COVID-19 at a gold mine has been contained.
Health Canada is in talks with all of the vaccine developers that signed supply deals with the federal government to kickstart the approval process and get COVID-19 vaccines to Canadians as soon as possible.
There are three Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,646 workers reported at camp.
Dr. Bonnie Henry is urging businesses to ensure they are in compliance with health and safety standards to protect employees from COVID-19.
Canada’s privacy commissioner Daniel Therrien warns the pandemic is fuelling rapid societal and economic changes at a time when outdated laws provide inadequate protection — he cites the heated debates about contact-tracing applications and their effect on privacy, and the fact many have been asked to provide details about their health at the airport, or before entering workplaces and stores.
As payment deferrals offered during the height of the pandemic come to an end and many Canadians remain out of work or underemployed, experts say if you think you need financial help, the sooner you seek it the better.
Canada’s chief electoral officer is asking Parliament to quickly pass a temporary new law to give Elections Canada the tools it needs to conduct a federal election safely in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
North Peace Secondary is running three sports programs right now — all four volleyball teams, boys soccer, and cross country. Official competition has been ruled out, there are no team scrimmages, and physical distancing and masks are part of the practice norm.
There are six Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,667 workers reported at camp.
A new study says many Canadian entrepreneurs are focused on shoring up their balance sheets after recording a drastic drop in revenues and mounting debt during the first wave of COVID-19.
The pandemic may serve as an opportunity for the restaurant industry to innovate in order to avoid closures as public health measures limit the sale of booze and erode already thin profit margins, say addiction and business experts.
The number of daily COVID-19 cases reported in Canada increased 40 per cent in the last week compared to the previous one, chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam says.
The latest for Oct. 6:
The latest for Oct. 5:
There are four Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,596 workers reported at camp.
Dawson Creek Secondary School’s South Peace campus is the latest school with an exposure alert.
The Northeast B.C. Community Foundation began accepting applications for round two of the Emergency Community Support Fund on Oct. 1, for charities affected by COVID-19.
BC Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson and BC NDP leader John Horgan both announced their seniors plan for this election.
Wilkinson announced a $7,000 tax credit for seniors and home support services, and plan to invest $1 billion over the next five years to fast track construction for long term care facilities across the province.
Horgan says he’ll spend $1.4 billion over 10 years to revamp elder care facilities and their administration.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he was tested for COVID-19 last month after developing a “tickle” in his throat but it came back negative.
A $35-million program first announced at the end of July will subsidize farms’ purchases of personal protective equipment and sanitary stations and it will help to cover extra costs in cases of COVID-19 outbreaks.
The latest for Oct. 2:
There are three Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,639 workers reported at camp.
Crown corporations have handed out an estimated $422 billion in loans, guarantees and deferrals to businesses since the start of the pandemic, the parliamentary budget officer says in a report that warns about a lack of details around the measures.
A bill authorizing new benefits for workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic received royal assent Friday, assuring continued financial support now that the Canada Emergency Response Benefit has come to an end.
The lead-up to Remembrance Day will look a little different this year as the Royal Canadian Legion adapts its poppy campaign to the pandemic.
Suncor Energy says it will eliminate as many as 1,930 jobs over the next 18 months as a result of cost-cutting to deal with low oil prices and market volatility.
The latest for Oct. 1:
The first-ever assembly at Anne Roberts Young Elementary School was missing one important thing — its students. Staff, community dignitaries and invited guests celebrated the grand opening of the brand new school on Sept. 28 as students and teachers watched via video from their classrooms.
The federal government is promising to finally spend $10 billion that has sat in the accounts of its infrastructure financing agency for years, hoping to create thousands of post-pandemic jobs.
The RCMP has eased restrictions that sidelined bearded officers, including some Sikh and Muslim members, from front-line policing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government’s representative in the Senate is promising to introduce a motion Friday to hold hybrid sittings of the upper house during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest for Sept. 30:
The latest for Sept. 29:
Government House leader Pablo Rodriguez says proposed legislation for new COVID-19 aid programs will be a matter of confidence in the minority Liberal government.
Trudeau pledges extra $400 million in humanitarian aid to fight COVID-19
There is one Site C worker in self-isolation, and 1,606 workers reported at camp.
B.C. has now reported more than 9,000 cases — of those, 7,485 people have recovered.
There 69 British Columbians in hospital, 20 in intensive care. There has not been more people in hospital with COVID-19 in B.C. since May 8.
Ottawa unveils guidelines and deal for rapid COVID-19 tests as calls for approval mount.
Montreal restaurateurs say they don’t understand why the provincial government is ordering their businesses to close even though there have been no COVID-19 outbreaks tied to the city’s famed restaurant industry.
Figures from the Canada Border Services Agency show international air travel remains severely depressed.
The latest for Sept. 14:
Dr. Bonnie Henry says the public will be informed if there are any COVID-19 outbreaks in schools.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is defending his government against accusations it didn’t act fast enough to warn Canadians about the danger COVID-19 posed to health and the economy.
Trudeau warned Canadians against relaxing their guard against COVID-19 as he and his cabinet kicked off two days of closed-door meetings to discuss the pandemic and how to lead the country through a second wave.
Air passengers will be asked to provide contact information at check-in so local public health officials can get in touch if needed.
There are three Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,539 workers reported at camp.
The Fort St. John Senior Flyers hockey club is optimistic about icing a team this season, but remains unsure of when on-ice activities will begin.
When the 2020-21 Inconnu Swim Club season begins Sept. 21, it will be under the direction of new head coach Josh Sorensen.
A trio of federal cabinet ministers is warning COVID-19 researchers to take additional precautions to protect their efforts from thieves and vandals.
The latest for Sept. 10:
The latest for Sept. 9:
B.C. is spending $1.6 billion on flu immunization, health care staffing, testing, and contact tracing.
Increasing case counts in B.C. are partly the result of increased testing.
The Site C workforce continued its approach back to 5,000 in July as construction nears pre-pandemic levels and record-high employment set earlier this year.
There is one Site C worker in self-isolation, and 1,553 workers reported at camp.
WE Charity says it is closing its Canadian operations, blaming COVID-19 and the political fallout with the Liberal government.
The federal government is extending by one month the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program for small businesses.
The federal government and eight banks have launched a $221-million program for Black Canadian entrepreneurs, more than half of it for cash loans.
The annual Terry Fox Run is going virtual throughout the Peace region this year to mark its 40th anniversary.
The Northeast B.C. Predators wrapped training camp in Tumbler Ridge last week, and are ready and cleared to begin play in the Northern B.C. Female A League in October.
The Fivestar Boxing Academy kept things rolling throughout the summer, and is ready to resume full training for the fall.
The latest for Sept. 8:
The average daily number of Canadians testing positive over the last week is 545 — a 25% increase over the previous week
There are two Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,519 workers reported at camp.
The level of satisfaction with how the federal government has dealt with the pandemic fell by six points to 64%, a rating identical to the one posted by municipal administrations.
For those who have chosen to send their kids back to school, mornings are soon about to get a little more complicated.
The latest for Sept. 4:
The latest for Sept. 3:
The B.C. Teachers Federation wants $242 million in federal funding earmarked for B.C.’s return to in-class instruction to decrease class sizes and promote physical distancing.
Education Minister Rob Fleming says school districts will decide where best to devote the $242 million in federal funding.
The B.C. government says temporary pandemic pay that was promised to essential workers in mid-May should be coming in October.
Premier John Horgan says the province will continue to use a “carrot and stick” approach to encouraging people to follow COVID-19 safety measures.
There are no Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,480 workers reported at camp.
The Liberal and Conservative parties say they’ll no longer use the federal government’s wage-subsidy program.
The commander of the Canadian Armed Forces is encouraging his troops to download the federal government’s app for tracking potential exposure to COVID-19, saying he has no privacy or security concerns about the program.
The head of Canada’s public health agency has offered some tips for safe sex in a pandemic, suggesting that in-person contact doesn’t have to mean face-to-face.
The 2021 world luge championship will not be held in Whistler because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
International travellers arriving at Toronto’s Pearson airport can now be tested for COVID-19 as part of a voluntary study to explore the effectiveness of quarantines.
The latest for Sept. 2:
The latest for Sept. 1:
A passenger with COVID-19 was aboard a flight out of Fort St. John on Aug. 26, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
An employee at the Rolla Ag has been confirmed for COVID-19.
There is one Site C worker in self-isolation, and 1,477 workers reported at camp.
An outbreak in the Nass Valley has prompted an alert from the Northern and First Nations health authorities.
The Pomeroy Sport Centre and Kids Arena Fieldhouse will open Tuesday, Sept. 8. The opening of the North Peace Leisure Pool has been pushed to Saturday, Sept. 19.
The federal government does not plan to make getting a COVID-19 vaccine mandatory.
Legislature columnist Les Leyne, on the pandemic eating B.C.’s last surplus, and current one too: “The ongoing countermeasures all rely on billions of dollars of new debt.”
Dr. Bonnie Henry’s says her back-to-school ad being criticized as unrealistic wasn’t meant to be a commercial about what classrooms would look like.
The latest for Aug. 31:
With the coming of fall and flu season, British Columbians need to go back to shrinking their social bubbles and interactions, says provincial health officer Bonnie Henry.
The pandemic turned B.C.’s 2019-20 budget forecast from black to red in less than three months, with the government’s final budget numbers for the fiscal year ended March 31 showing a deficit of $321 million. This year’s budget numbers are pointing to a 2020-21 deficit of $12.5 billion,
The federal government has signed agreements with two more American suppliers to reserve millions of doses of their experimental COVID-19 vaccines for Canadians.
As the Liberal government toils away on a throne speech and post-pandemic recovery plan, newly elected Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole is equally at work on his own response.
There is one Site C worker in self-isolation, and 1,443 workers reported at camp.
Canada’s federal banking regulator is phasing out requirements around mortgage deferrals for homeowners hard-hit financially by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Capital spending in the country’s oil and gas sector fell by 54 per cent in the quarter ended June 30 as numerous producers chopped budgets amid sliding global oil prices.
The latest for Aug. 28:
The latest for Aug. 27:
The majority of cases in northeast B.C. from January to July were in Peace River North, according to new data published by the BC Centre for Disease Control.
All indications are B.C. politicians will continue to avoid the B.C. Legislature by conducting meetings remotely, while also sending children and teachers into classrooms with no physical distancing among cohorts.
Warnings of possible COVID-19 exposure have been issued for eight more flights.
There are four Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,511 workers reported at camp.
The latest for Aug. 26:
Band will continue, inter-school sports are cancelled, and mandatory masks on the bus — click here for highlights from School District 60’s restart plan.
The federal government is promising to deliver “up to” $2 billion to provinces and territories to bolster safety plans to bring students back into the classroom.
The North West Junior Hockey Leage season won’t begin on time, though teams could begin a modified season, or “pod play”, on Oct. 26.
B.C. seniors in long-term care and their family members are being asked to participate in a survey to chronicle their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest for Aug. 25:
A 20-year-old Victoria man who had two parties broken up over the weekend says he plans to fight the $2,300 ticket he received for breaching the COVID-19 Related Measures Act.
MP Bob Zimmer, on PM Trudeau shutting down Parliament: “Earlier this year, the Prime Minister shamefully suspended regular sittings of the House of Commons to try to avoid accountability. Now he has locked out Opposition MPs who were working hard to fix his government’s pandemic programs, help Canadians, and get to the bottom of the WE scandal.
MLA Dan Davies, on the NDP’s school plan: “I know there will be a lot of challenges ahead, but I cannot thank parents, teachers and school districts enough for everything they have done to help support our children’s learning and for reaching out and engaging with my colleagues and me as much as they have these past few months — and I hope you will all continue to do so in the weeks and months ahead.”
The BC Centre for Disease Control has added several more flights to its list of possible COVID-19 exposures.
The federal government is pledging $82.5 million to improve access and address growing demand for mental health services in Indigenous communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canada’s chief public health officer is warning against the spread of online untruths about vaccines, as a new survey suggests some Canadians are worried about getting inoculated against COVID-19.
The latest for Aug. 24:
More than 260 new cases have been confirmed since Friday, but B.C. is still doing a good job of limiting the virus’ spread through contact tracing, says Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Enbridge recently made a donation of $10,000 to the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation’s COVID-19 Greatest Need Campaign.
British Columbians have never bought so much legal weed. The province’s legal cannabis retailers sold $29,393,000 worth of recreational marijuana products in June – almost seven times the $4,230,000 in revenue that they generated in June 2019.
Health experts don’t know exactly what it will look like having two viruses – the flu and COVID-19 – circulating at the same time this fall, but it could be “dangerous.”
Use glitter to teach kids about COVID spread, paramedics say.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, trucker Dave Wye had to think long and hard about whether he was willing to stay on the front lines. The 54-year-old, a second-generation long-haul driver from Windsor, Ont., worried his exposure while transporting whiskey and wine between Quebec and Kentucky would risk his own health as well as his family’s.
Victoria police have handed out tickets to partiers breaching provincial health orders two nights in a row — both times at the same residence.
The latest for Aug. 21:
Property owners and organizers can be fined $2,000 for hosting events in violation of public health orders in B.C. under stronger penalties announced today.
Police and the likes of liquor, gaming and conservation inspectors and officers can now fine site owners, such as businesses, or organizers of gatherings and events who contravene the provincial health officer’s order on gatherings and events, which are limited to under 50 people and must provide for physical distancing and other safety measures.
But facing media questions, it is not clear, in some instances, what constitutes a violation, nor is it clear the body of evidence that supports these new enforcement measures. Farnworth was not able to provide data on how many cases of COVID-19 have occurred as a result of explicit violations of public health orders.
There are no Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,466 workers reported at camp.
The latest for Aug. 20:
The federal Liberals are rolling out a $37-billion income-support plan for workers whose earnings have crashed during the pandemic.
An independent Senator is advocating for an experimental basic income program at the provincial level, citing the complications to the employment insurance program after the end of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
There are no Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,459 workers reported at camp.
The latest for Aug. 19:
For the third day in a row, a record number of people are fighting COVID-19 infections in B.C. — the count rose to 798 on August 19, up from 775 on August 18, and 743 on August 17.
Canada’s natural resource and manufacturing sectors can provide up to 2.6 million jobs and a 17% jump in GDP to guide the nation’s economic recovery through the COVID-19 pandemic, says a new report issued Wednesday.
The B.C. Teachers’ Federation wants the province to reduce class sizes and make the use of masks mandatory wherever physical distancing isn’t possible as part of its back-to-school plan.
The Northeast Regional Community Foundation says it has awarded $75,000 in emergency grants to eight Peace region groups responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are no Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,474 workers reported at camp.
Some four million workers will move onto EI next month when a key COVID-19 benefit for workers, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, begins to wind down.
The latest for Aug. 18:
The province has again extended its provincial state of emergency.
A third and final regional business liaison has been hired to help area businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic recovery.
There are no Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,444 workers reported at camp.
Stricter penalties are on the way for those who ignore public health guidelines, after the province reported a record-breaking jump in COVID-19 cases.
MLA Dan Davies, on the NDP’s back to school plans: “At a time when B.C. is recording more daily cases of COVID than we have seen since April, households with immune-compromised children or multi-generational families are seeking other learning options for their children. Troublingly, the NDP isn’t offering the same hybrid learning options that were available in June and most of the distance learning programs that are available are already being overwhelmed with applications.”
Financial columnist Brad Brain, on how to create wealth: “The most profitable businesses are difficult to live without, difficult to compete with, difficult to replicate. I will use some examples to illustrate. Let’s say that you have a choice between investing in a Canadian bank, or a marijuana company.”
Taking on more credit card debt has not been part of the pandemic plan for many Canadians — credit card balances fell 12.3 per cent in the second quarter compared with the same period a year ago.
The B.C. Centre for Disease Control has added more domestic flights to its list of possible COVID-19 exposures.
B.C. will continue to offer a $300 COVID-19 crisis supplement for low-income seniors, as well as financial support for provincial disability and income clients.
The latest for Aug. 17:
The latest for Aug. 14:
B.C. has identified 247 cases of COVID-19 in the past three days – more than in any other three-day period since cases started appearing in late January.
The Fort St. John Public Library will be open to the public for browsing starting Aug. 18.
The Canada-US border will remain closed to non-essential traffic for another 30 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While some people can develop severe illness from COVID-19, others may have impacts lasting weeks or months – even if they were never hospitalized, and had a “relatively mild illness,” says Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Health officials are warning of possible COVID-19 exposure on four more flights through Vancouver.
The latest for Aug. 13:
The latest for Aug. 12
The latest for Aug. 11:
The latest for Aug. 10:
The latest for Aug. 7:
The latest for Aug. 6:
The latest for Aug. 5:
The latest for Aug. 4:
Eighty-two B.C. doctors have signed a document urging the provincial government to mandate the wearing of face masks on transit, in crowds and for all indoor spaces outside of people’s homes.
The federal government says it is rolling out stricter conditions for Americans entering Canada and heading to Alaska. While Americans are a concern for towns along the Alaska Highway, Fort Nelson Mayor Gary Foster says incidents remain low in his gateway community.
Dr. Theresa Tam says that vaccines in development for COVID-19 provide hope but will not mean an immediate end to the pandemic. She says the Public Health Agency of Canada is planning to be responding to the pandemic for at least a year and more likely two or three.
The federal Liberals have given companies more than $5.8 billion in pandemic-related contracts for personal protective gear and medical supplies. But many details of the companies involved and the amounts of their contracts are being kept from public view.
The B.C. government has appointed a new special advisor to provide “fresh eyes” on Site C after BC Hydro expressed serious concerns with the dam project’s schedule, budget, and geotechnical challenges. Company president Chris O’Riley blamed delays brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and said construction crews are also experiencing “geological challenges” at the site.
Dawson Creek Hospital’s ‘no visitors’ rule has daughter worried: “It makes no sense at all. I’ve been told I can’t see my own mother, but her roommate who is in the hospital room, comes down in her own wheelchair, and I chat with all the time.”
The BC Teachers’ Federation is calling for a delay in the start of the new school year to address its concerns with the government’s plan for a full-time return for students.
Financial columnist Brad Brain, on the importance of perspective: “Given all this – the wars, the politics, the economic hard times, even the pandemics – as I write this the Dow Jones Industrial Average is sitting at 26,652. Recall that it was at 8235 in September 2001.”
The province says it is matching $1 billion in federal government money to address the impacts of COVID-19 and help restart the economy.
While the average number of new COVID-19 infections in B.C. has risen to be in the 30s, the good news is that the province has not announced a death from that virus since July 13 – nine days ago – and the death toll in B.C. has stayed at 189.
A long-term care home in North Vancouver that was the site of Canada’s first confirmed COVID-19 death says it received a hoax call as the outbreak began that created “needless fear” and compromised health and safety.
With an uptick in new cases of COVID-19 in Canada sparking concerns about a second wave of the illness, advocates for seniors in long-term care say more federal support must start flowing immediately to ensure elders do not again become the primary casualties.
Inflatable pools are driving a deluge of toy sales during the COVID-19 pandemic as consumers try to enhance at-home leisure for their children, their pets and their feet.
There’s no doubt the 2020-21 North West Junior Hockey League season will be a strange one, if there’s a season at all. The Fort St. John Huskies’ motto is to control what it can control and put in the work all the same.
Canadian exports of crude oil by rail plunged by 63 per cent in May compared with April as North American fuel demand dropped due to measures taken to control the COVID-19 pandemic.
A group of finance and policy experts says Ottawa needs to invest heavily in green infrastructure projects, including energy-efficient buildings, to secure an economic recovery with staying power.
B.C. has seen a worrisome uptick in new COVID-19 cases in recent days, prompting provincial health officer Bonnie Henry to warn that “we do risk a rebound.” B.C. had 51 cases confirmed in a single day, between Friday and Saturday, and 102 between Friday and today.
A coalition of business groups is calling for “urgent action” from all levels of government to save the food service industry amid the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Bank of Canada economist says the current economic recovery could be different than the recovery from the financial crisis of 2008.
Canadian consumers are more upbeat about their personal debt than they have been for three years, despite the recession brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, a poll has found.
The latest for July 17:
The latest for July 16:
The latest for July 15:
The latest for July 14:
The B.C. government is expecting $6.3 billion less revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an operating deficit of $12.5 billion for the 2020 budget.
Scheduled visits began this week at the Peace Villa and Rotary Manor care homes in Fort St. John and Dawson Creek.
Results from the pandemic-friendly Oilmen’s Trapshoot: Dave Wallace won the high overall for the event, hitting 97 of 100 targets. Rapid Wireline won the team event, hitting 461 of 500 clays.
MLA Dan Davies, on the back to school plan due July 29: “B.C. parents — myself included — are very much looking forward to seeing what this plan will look like, hoping that it will offer the flexibility and guidelines that teachers will need to prepare learning plans and for families to safely send their kids back to school.”
The province is fast-tracking legislation to handle situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic so workers can access benefits more easily.
How will employers and employees need to embrace the new conditions of the workplace? Click here for HR in the time of COVID-19, a podcast conversation with Jennifer Lee of Deloitte.
Canada and the United States are now widely expected to extend their mutual ban on non-essential cross-border travel.
Canadian trials have just begun for a prospective COVID-19 vaccine but its Quebec-based manufacturer is already tempering expectations.
A new poll suggests Canadians are torn on whether the federal government should tighten the taps on COVID-19 spending to keep the deficit from flooding the nation’s future.
A survey by Statistics Canada suggests that almost one in five businesses will look to further staffing cuts, bankruptcy or closing their doors if present COVID-19 conditions last for six months or more.
The latest for July 13:
New daily cases of COVID-19 in B.C. have been ticking up in recent days, and there have been a number of potential community exposure events.
Several COVID-19 exposures in Kelowna at a restaurant, spin studio, bed and breakfast and resort are believed to stem from “private parties” at hotels.
WestJet plans to resume direct flights between Fort St. John and Vancouver starting Aug. 3.
Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman has joined a new, independent task force developing policy recommendations to support Canada’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first golf tournament of the year in the Peace region — fittingly named the Peace Country Open — has come and gone, with Travis Eggers winning the championship once again.
B.C. restaurants and bars will be able to continue to sell liquor to-go until October 31.
Medical researchers and supercomputers are turning genetics labs into virus detective agencies, looking first to find the novel coronavirus itself within blood samples from thousands of infected patients, and then comparing all of those isolated viruses to each other looking for places they differ.
The NHL says 30 players tested positive for COVID-19 in testing during Phase 2 of the league’s return-to-play plan, with another 13 testing positive outside of the league’s protocol.
Alberta is allowing up to 200 people to gather outside — this applies to festivals, fireworks displays, rodeos and sporting events, and other outdoor performances.
Going into Canada Day, there have been a total of 8,130 COVID-19 tests conducted in Northern Health – or less than 3% of the population.
On Wednesday, residents of Yukon, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut can enter the Yukon without having to self-isolate, provided they can confirm they have not travelled elsewhere in the past 14 days.
Health Minister Adrian Dix says he wants to see the evidence that it’s safe for the country’s two largest airlines to drop their in-flight distancing policies during the pandemic.
More than 300 bags were put on brief display in Fort St. John Saturday night to honour loved ones lost to cancer. The annual Arnie Isberg softball tournament was cancelled this year due to COVID-19, but the popular luminary ceremony that closes the event saw more bags than normal.
There have been no new deaths from COVID-19 since Friday, and though daily case counts remain low, Dr Bonnie Henry warned that anyone who was at a Vancouver strip club in recent days may have been infected.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says an ongoing review of the federal response to COVID-19 will feed into plans for responding to a potential second wave of the novel coronavirus.
Figures released Monday by the Public Health Agency of Canada showed Quebec and Ontario still remain the most heavily affected regions of the country. Multiple distinct peaks in the curve for Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick should also serve as reminders that a resurgence of COVID-19 can happen in any place at any time, even in areas with low levels of community transmission.
The latest for June 26:
The latest for June 25:
The latest for June 24:
The latest for June 23:
B.C. is approaching the threshold for renewed growth in COVID-19 cases as the economy reopens and residents increase their contacts with fellow British Columbians.
Hudson’s Hope says it plans to open its outdoor pool with restrictions on Monday, July 6.
MLA Dan Davies, on delayed economic recovery spending: “Why are British Columbians only now getting a forum to discuss how they would like to see their taxes support them? We are not dealing with a small stimulus package here, we are talking about a billion-dollar relief fund.”
B.C. business groups are asking the province to extend the temporary layoff time period until August 31, to prevent COVID-19-affected companies from closing permanently should paying severance to employees exceed their fiscal capacity.
North Peace Secondary’s Class of 2020 made history Friday, celebrating a graduation unlike any other. Hundreds tuned in to a virtual ceremony celebrating some 300 graduates, as traditional ceremonies that fill the rafters of the North Peace Arena were cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
B.C. is extending the temporary rental supplement until the end of August to continue to support renters and landlords as well as maintaining the moratorium on rent increases and evictions for non-payment of rent.
Canadian exports of crude oil by rail dropped by more than half in April compared to March as North American fuel demand plunged due to measures taken to control the COVID-19 pandemic.
There were no active cases of COVID-19 in Northern Health as of Thursday, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
Indoor recreation facilities in Fort St. John will remain closed to the public until September, though some outdoor programming is expected to resume in July.
After months of anticipation, the Fort St. John Mixed Slow Pitch Society said Thursday they will be able to hold a 2020 season as of July 6.
Months after B.C.’s provincial health officer Bonnie Henry ordered all workers at seniors’ care homes and other healthcare sites work solely at one location, the order is finally being fully adhered to, according to Health Minister Adrian Dix.
Canada is prepared to launch a contact-tracing app to better track the spread of COVID-19.
The province plans to spend an additional six weeks consulting the public on how to spend $1.5 billion that has been set aside to help with “stimulus and recovery” from the COVID-19 pandemic, Premier John Horgan says.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promises an economic and fiscal ‘snapshot’ by July 8. He says a full economic update — one that would include forecasts of what will happen in the next three to five years — at this time would be unrealistic.
Northern Health board chair Colleen Nyce, on surgery renewal for northerners: “Between May 18 and June 14th, we called 2,639 patients to ask if they wished to continue with their surgery and we completed 1,083 scheduled and unscheduled surgeries.”
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers says if bridge loans for smaller oil and gas companies aren’t ready to flow soon some companies will have to turn to less-safe options to survive the COVID-19 slowdown.
The latest for June 16:
B.C.’s COVID-19 restrictions are under further review this week, but the limit on gatherings to a maximum of 50 people will not change.
The federal government is extending the Canada Emergency Response Benefit another eight weeks. The extension means the $2,000 monthly payments are now set to conclude after the last full week of August.
The province says it will cut retail liquor markups to help the hospitality sector recover from lockdown. Restaurants, bars and pubs currently pay for liquor purchases at full retail price, which is the wholesale price, plus a retail markup set by the ministry’s liquor distribution branch.
The latest for June 15:
The latest for June 12:
The latest for June 11:
The latest for June 10:
There have been no deaths from COVID-19 in the last few days, but two clusters have been identified as the result of “large” family connections.
The NPSS Class of 2020 graduation ceremony won’t be normal, though it will certainly be memorable. A parade is planned for June 19.
The North Peace Fall Fair has been cancelled for this year, though organizers hope to host some kind of event to celebrate the region’s farming roots.
Money columnist Brad Brain, on financial recovery post-COVID: “Grab your current investment statements, your insurance polices, your group benefits booklet, your will, etc. and refamiliarize yourself with how things stand right now. It’s not unusual for people to have a fuzzy recollection of what they have on the go financially.”
The B.C. government will consider a proposal for restaurant owners to be able to buy alcohol at wholesale prices, much like private and government liquor store owners are able to do, B.C. Premier John Horgan said June 10.
Recent protests in Vancouver and Victoria against racism have numbered in the thousands, raising worry that B.C.’s success at controlling the COVID-19 pandemic could be put in jeopardy.
COVID-19 has caused a slowdown of the global economy but, despite that, cargo volumes moving through the Port of Prince Rupert are on a record pace.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says everything from gyms and arenas to spas, movie theatres, libraries, pools and sports activities are being given a green light as of Friday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau once again cautioned the federal government will be going after those who “knowingly and willfully” have made false claims for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
The latest for June 8:
There have been no new deaths over the last three days, and only 29 new cases over a three-day period, with new cases being in the single digits over the last two days.
The Peace Region Motorsports Association kicked off its 2020 season with a Taylor Autocross event on Sunday, June 7. It’s one of the few sports organizations in the Peace to hold an event so far this summer.
The federal government will permit “limited exemptions” to immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit the country and reunite with loved ones.
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers now estimates that $23.3 billion in capital will be invested in Canada this year, down from about $37 billion in its January forecast.
The virtual Vertical Slam Ultimate Challenge got underway June 1. Kehlan Huhn was the first participant to complete the challenge. He wore a 45-pound weighted vest for eight hours during his work day, covering 10.7km of ground.
The BC Liberals are calling on the NDP government to consider a regional reopening plan, so parts of the province with lower coronavirus case counts like northern B.C. can get back to work sooner.
MLA Dan Davies, on the return of the legislature: “With the B.C. Legislature returning to session later this month, this townhall was really important because it allowed us to listen to what British Columbians want to see from this government, such as deferring stumpage fees for our struggling forestry industry, promoting LNG projects, and addressing the impending labour shortage in our agriculture industry and our provinces lack of competitiveness.”
Canadians who tune in to watch proceedings in the House of Commons during the COVID-19 crisis may wonder why Conservative and Bloc Quebecois MPs continue to accuse the Liberal government of shutting down Parliament.
The Trudeau Liberals are detailing to parliamentarians a plan that would shift tens of billions in pandemic-related aid, sending more toward a key COVID-19 emergency benefit for workers after seeing demand skyrocket from original estimates.
The Peace River Regional District amended its grant writing services on May 28, opening it up to local businesses throughout the region affected by COVID-19.
Small businesses in B.C. that have suffered significant revenue losses during the COVID-19 pandemic will be protected from eviction effective June 1.
British Columbia’s lowest paid workers get a pay increase Monday with a scheduled minimum wage hike at a crucial time for small businesses as they look for ways to continue operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ottawa is offering $2.2 billion to cities as they face what the prime minister describes as a “cash crunch” during the pandemic. The money was, in fact, already earmarked as federal support for cities via the gas tax fund.
Ottawa’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic is changing the perception of residents on the federal government. We could assume that all premiers would be the beneficiaries of a similar bump in public affection, but not every area of the country is feeling the same way.
MLA Dan Davies has called on government to ensure classrooms have access to handwashing and hand sanitation stations, and to allocate funds so schools can buy PPE for teachers and staff.
Blueberry River First Nation says it will be removing its security checkpoint and reopening backroad access to the reserve starting June 1.
More than 11,500 northern B.C. residents have taken the province’s COVID survey to date. The survey closes May 31 and can be completed online or by phone.
Restaurants have been ordered to collect diners data for COVID tracing, however, the collection of that personal information is subject to provincial privacy laws.
Via Rail service between Prince George, Jasper and Prince Rupert will resume on July 5.
The annual Union of B.C. Municipalities conference for community leaders to discuss issues for government lobbying can be held electronically, according to a new ministerial order.
MLA Dan Davies, on natural resources and the road to recovery: “These industries will play a crucial role in our economic recovery and to see these industries become competitive again, more is needed from this government to support what has been the backbone of this province’s economy for so long.”
Keeping a clean house amidst daily struggles: Stephanie Giesbrecht’s Youtube channel “The Secret Slob” has amassed more than 57,000 subscribers. “With this whole COVID-19 thing, moms especially are pulled in so many different directions and it can be intimidating.”
Ovintiv says it will be donating $150,000 to charities providing food relief. Charities include the Dawson Creek Society for Community Living, Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society, Nawican Friendship Centre, Network Ministries, The Pouce Coupe Food Bank, The Salvation Army, South Peace Seniors Access Society: Meals For You Program, and St. Marks Anglican Church, as well as to local Indigenous communities.
The 2019-20 High School Rodeo of B.C. season has come to an end, including the cancellation of the Seniors Provincial High School Finals scheduled June 12 to 14 in Fort St. John.
This year’s Charlie Lake cleanup will take place over two weeks June 1 to 14. The North Peace landfill will be providing free dumping during the cleanup period for Charlie Lake residents.
The federal government is pledging $75 million to organizations helping Indigenous people living in urban areas and off-reserve amidst the pandemic.
Active COVID-19 cases in B.C. have fallen 20% in the past week. This metric is important in showing the extent of the virus in the province and the likelihood that new people will be infected — the fewer people there are who are alive and infectious, the less chance there is that uninfected people will come into contact with the virus.
Canfor will close its Isle Pierre sawmill while cutting production at two of its pulp mills in Prince George. The company blamed the decisions on a lack of economically viable timber and the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest developments for May 20:
Fort St. John businesses began the process of reopening this week after months of lockdown restrictions were lifted. It’s day two of the province’s economic reboot from the COVID-19 pandemic, following industry-specific WorkSafeBC guidelines for restaurants, cafes, pubs, salons, personal services, and retailers.
B.C. Premier John Horgan says he believes the province’s economic restart is off to a good start: “On balance I’m pretty satisfied with how we’re underway,” he said.
District of Taylor councillors want more details on what it will take and what it will cost to fully reopen Peace Island Park to campers this year.
Though the Fort St. John Huskies will never be able to officially claim the 2019-20 Senators Cup title, the team can think of this season as the culmination of a 13-year journey to regain a winning culture.
The federal government says it’s working with provinces to cover 50% of commercial rent for small businesses under financial pressure amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
University Hospital of Northern B.C. keeps COVID at bay: “Our initial modeling and predictions were terrible; we were going to be completely overwhelmed and we have preparations in place for that, but we’ve been lucky so far.”
Air Canada plans to resume flights between Fort St. John and Vancouver starting on June 22.
MLA Dan Davies, on caution and collaboration in B.C.’s economic reboot: “As members of the Official Opposition, we have been working closely with constituents and stakeholders across our ridings to hear their concerns. Over the past few weeks, Opposition Leader Andrew Wilkinson has put forward several ideas to government.”
Columnist Judy Kucharuk, on the race for beauty: “Let’s face it, we aren’t re-emerging from our cocoon of self-isolation looking like butterflies. Some of us (me) look like melted candles, and not the expensive ones.”
The United Way of Northern B.C. will be distributing more than $708,000 in federal funding to local charities looking to adapt their frontline services to support vulnerable people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are the latest developments for May 18:
The McLeod Lake Indian Band has issued a warning about a band member living in Prince George who has tested positive for COVID-19 and is not following quarantine orders while he continues to engage in high-risk behaviours.
As some British Columbia businesses prepare to reopen their doors on Tuesday when the province enters the second phase of its COVID-19 restart plan, others say they’re holding off while they grapple with new health protocols.
Canada is part of a coalition of 62 countries calling for an independent and comprehensive evaluation of the World Health Organization’s timeline of actions pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The World Health Organization bowed to calls Monday from most of its member states to launch an independent probe into how it managed the international response to the coronavirus, which has been clouded by finger-pointing between the U.S. and China over a pandemic that has killed over 300,000 people and levelled the global economy.
Here are the latest developments for May 15:
B.C. students and schoolchildren will have the option to return to the classroom part-time starting June 1. The program will be completely voluntary, and the choice to participate will be completely in the hands of individual parents.
A Fort St. John man says he was the target of racist slurs while grocery shopping on Tuesday. Anti-Asian racism has been on the rise in Canada ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, due to the virus originating in Wuhan, China.
Columnists Charo Lloret and Kalpana Loganathan, on the incompetent bureaucracy scam: “Consider this a complaint, Mr. Trudeau. Perhaps you should pick up your cellphone and record how long does it take you to contact EI to access the emergency help you have announced ad nauseam?”
2020 NPSS grad plans have been outlined: “For those that still want the traditional ceremony, we are truly sorry that you will not be able to participate in the traditional ceremony. We know it sucks,” says Principal Randy Pauls.
BC Hydro says it will begin increasing construction activities Site C. The first increase in work will focus on restarting some of the main civil works on the earthfill dam and roller-compacted concrete dam buttress, the company said May 14.
As B.C. reopens, communities need to know numbers: “With numbers down (to a single digit on Tuesday), society reactivating and people set to increase their chances of infection by exposing themselves to a larger range of potential transmitters, there are now much stronger reasons to make community numbers available than to keep them hidden,” writes John Gleeson.
Reopening your business: things to know from WorkSafeBC Director of OHS Consultation and Education Services Chris Black.
The key guideline for places of worship is a continued ban on gatherings of more than 50 people. And should religious facilities restart services with fewer than 50 people, they will be expected to ensure augmented hygiene and physical distancing norms, Premier John Horgan says.
Seniors columnist Ruby McBeth, on being careful in public places: “As the restrictions are loosened, I for one want to be careful in public places. I have some face masks I can wear and I am starting to use them.”
Travel restrictions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic might help British Columbia defend against invasive mussels, but the province is taking no chances as it works to keep the creatures out of B.C. waterways.
MP Zimmer, on economic recovery and the Taylor Bridge: “While we all know we aren’t out of the woods yet, there is a reason for cautious optimism and I believe now is the time that we should begin thinking about what infrastructure projects in our region could help our local economy recover and thrive.”
From our letters, on Taylor’s decision to slash 2020 tax rates: “Hats off and congratulations to the District of Taylor for their gutsy, but right move to significantly cut property taxes – an example that unfortunately the City of Fort St. John seems unable or unwilling to follow,” writes Steve Thorlakson.
This year’s Texas 4000 team has cancelled its bike ride to Alaska due to Covid-19. Students from the University of Texas make the annual trek from Austin to Anchorage raising funds in the fight against cancer, and are always sure to stop and spend a night with Rotarians in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John.
Premier John Horgan announced Wednesday $120 million in funding to clean up 2,000 dormant and orphan wells in northern B.C. The province says funding will be open to oil and gas field service companies and contractors based in B.C., with registration, office and operations in B.C.
Blueberry River band member affiliated with COVID-19 returns home: “During this COVID-19 outbreak, our community has rallied around to protect our Elders and vulnerable band members from this health threat. Because of how contagious this respiratory virus is, we continue to restrict those who can come into Blueberry River First Nation in an effort to shield our band members, especially our Elders.”
The Peace River Regional District says it will reopen day-use areas at four regional and community parks this weekend. Montney Centennial Regional Park will open first on Thursday, May 14, followed by Iver Johnson Community Park on Friday, May 15. By the weekend, residents will be able to visit day-use parks at Sundance and Spencer Tuck parks.
Provincial parks will reopen just in time for the long weekend. Most northern provincial parks will open for day-use on Thursday, May 14.
The 2020 Halfway River rodeo is cancelled: “We just made the decision to take care of our elders and membership.T there’s a lot of uncertainty still around COVID-19 and we want to take care of ourselves and everyone who would come to the rodeo,” said organizer Jeff Metecheah.
Peace region gym owners are now in possession of guidelines from Northern Health as it relates to re-opening.
Columnist Judy Kucharuk, on Physical Distancing Stress Syndrome: “Has anyone else experienced Physical Distancing Stress Syndrome? I can only describe it as an anxiety-ridden response to entering a store without arrows on the floor.”
Students facing little hope of landing a summer job during the pandemic will be able to apply for federal assistance beginning Friday.
Starting today, Northern Health will begin to contact patients to book procedures, and to confirm if they are willing and able to move forward with surgery.
COVID-19 testing equipment has arrived in Fort St. John, and Northern Health anticipates tests to start being processed here within two weeks. The GeneXpert machine first needs to be tested and validated,
Taylor council approved a 95% rate cut for businesses Monday, and a tax cut of up to 33% for most other property owners this year. The changes for the 2020 tax year are intended to offset the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Mayor Rob Fraser.
The Dinosaur Lake boat launch will open on Friday, May 15 at 9 a.m. Visitors will be able to use the boat launch, restrooms, and day-use area, just in time for the long weekend.
May 11 to 17 is Nursing Week. May 12 is also International Nurses Day, and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, one of the founders of modern nursing.
Transit fare collection is scheduled to resume June 1. Fort St. John fares will remain at $2 for adults, and $1.75 for seniors and students, which have not changed since 2012.
The reopening or re-imagining of B.C.’s libraries in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic could take up to two years, but immediate access to services will be phased in with some tweaks to how services have normally been provided.
MLA Dan Davies, on questions about B.C.’s opening plans: “As the MLA for Peace River North, I am still looking for a more rural-specific strategy in the recovery plan as our economy and resulting recovery will look very different from downtown Vancouver.”
The federal government needs stronger measures to deal with a coming influx of people from the United States, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says, evidence that Canada is bracing for the challenge of existence next door to the world’s largest COVID-19 hotspot.
Here are the latest developments for May 11:
As B.C. looks towards a gradual reopening of the economy and social interactions, starting on the upcoming long weekend, the numbers are promising that the rate of transmission continues to fall, though provincial health officer Bonnie Henry warned Monday that “COVID-19 has not gone away.”
Fort St. John city council approved property tax rates for 2020, approving a bylaw that holds the line on rates at 2019 levels.
Fort St. John city council awarded $5 million in contracts to two local companies for road and sewer construction projects this year.
The federal government is promising to bolster the finances of the country’s largest employers — those with annual revenue of at least $300 million.
A federal financing relief package for large Canadian companies was applauded by the oil and gas sector and the Alberta government on Monday despite conditions that could link the aid to an individual company’s climate change goals.
Guest columnist Rob Booker, on Canada’s health and economic recovery: “We will collectively benefit by focusing on revitalizing the sometimes remote communities and trade corridors that link Canadian natural resources with global demand.”
The spring runoff and an “unprecedented” drop in the demand for electricity because of COVID-19 is forcing BC Hydro to shut down some of its operations and spill water from its dams.
The Rotary Club of Fort St. John raised an estimated $5,500, and 20 large totes of food and household supplies for the Women’s Resource Society at its drive-thru fundraiser on Mother’s Day.
The third and final Seniors, We Wish You Well Parade goes Wednesday, May 13. Organizers have decided that this will be the final edition of the parade since restrictions are slowly beginning to lift.
Here are the latest developments for May 9:
Here are the latest developments for May 8:
Northeast B.C. lost 2,500 jobs in April, spiking the regional unemployment rate more than three percentage points to 7.4%.
Guest columnist Neil Godbout, on the conspiracy COVID-iots: “In most conspiracy theories, the government is given supernatural powers of planning and persuasion in their bid to seize control of the world. Yet governments small and large around the world prove every day they are incapable of keeping anything secret for long, and require multiple committees, consultants and studies on how to assemble a two-car parade.”
Here are the latest developments for May 7:
B.C. restaurants are looking at a possible June 1 reopening date, pending approval from WorkSafeBC, said the B.C. Restaurant and Food Services Association.
Expect a backlog when barbers, salons, clinics reopen: Hair salons, barber shops and other “personal service” businesses will be allowed to reopen, though they will have to have a plan approved by WorkSafeBC for how they plan to adhere to safety measures aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19 virus.
Dental offices will be allowed to re-open to non-emergency care in the coming weeks with enhanced protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Most provincial parks will open for day use only on May 14 and most campgrounds and backcountry camping will open on June 1.
Columnist Brad Brain, on your COVID-19 economic recovery toolkit: “Even well-intentioned people who qualify for the programs might become discouraged by the complexity of the language. Take heart though. There are professionals that help you navigate these programs.”
The federal government has reached an agreement with all the provinces and territories for a wage top-up for essential workers. Details are still be finalized with some of the provinces but it will be up it will be up to those other jurisdictions to determine who will qualify for the pay increase.
Here are the latest developments for May 6:
B.C.’s economy will restart in four phases, with the first order of business being the resumption of elective surgeries, personal care services, like dentistry, hair salons, retail and the reopening of provincial parks for day use starting in mid-May.
The Ministry of Education will address details of what school openings might look like in coming days, and school districts will have to determine how best to implement policies in their areas.
What to know about B.C.’s restart plan: Click here for all the details about the timeline, testing strategies, and public health protocols for businesses, schools, daycares, retailers, and sports.
Resource sector reboot is more about markets: Even if the provincial health officer gives resource companies the green light, some face the additional challenge of falling demand for commodities like lumber, copper and metallurgical coal.
Columnist Judy Kucharuk, on thieves and Covid-19: “Is it my imagination or have there been fewer reports of vehicle thefts since the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, does that mean that even thieves are concerned for their personal well-being? Or does it simply mean that their order of PPE hasn’t arrived yet?”
Here are the latest developments for May 5:
Since March 20, the BC Nurses’ Union has received 142 concerns from Northern Health nurses concerned their employer is unable to provide them with adequate PPE such as gowns, gloves, face shields and N95 respirator masks.
The Northern Development Initiative Trust has launched a one-year program to help businesses throughout the north get through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The recent recall of Canada’s first rapid point-of-care test device highlights the importance of laboratory testing capacity to handle the anticipated colossal effort required to trace and test suspected COVID-19 infections during a so-called re-opening of social and economic activity.
MLA Dan Davies, on the road to economic recovery: “As the government prepares to introduce its re-opening plan this week, we must now begin to focus on our economic recovery. B.C. is facing one of the largest recessions in recent history due to the economic impact of COVID-19 and the economic recovery will need to be vast and complex.”
Despite use of pandemic-driven video-conferencing to keep people connected, Canadians’ feelings of isolation are higher than ever, new national mental health statistics indicate.
B.C.’s road to recovery: With the United States accounting for 75% of Canada’s foreign trade, how exactly the U.S. economy reopens will play a major role in the Canadian recovery. But with reopening businesses falling under state jurisdiction, how each region reopens will differ greatly.
There are now 15 laboratory-confirmed cases in B.C. among workers from the Kearl Lake oilsands site near Fort McMurray. An additional eight laboratory-confirmed cases and two presumed cases have been reported among British Columbians who did not travel to Kearl Lake but had contact with a worker.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau committed $850 million in international funding to fight a global pandemic, but despite billions in emergency funding announcements in recent weeks blowing a big hole in the federal government’s budget, Trudeau said he will not be doing a budget revision or economic forecast update anytime soon.
MP Bob Zimmer, on sneaking in a gun ban during COVID-19: “Instead of pushing forward with his own ideological agenda, the Prime Minister should have waited until this health crisis had passed and introduced legislation in the House of Commons so that it could be properly debated and Canadians’ voices could be heard.”
Columnists Charo Lloret and Kalpana Loganathan, on keeping calm and dreaming on: “Nobody’s going to steal my dreams away with dreary financial forecasts or the daily recitation of death statistics.”
Stores envision phased retail reawakening: Even as restrictions ease, businesses are going to have change the way they operate. The changes most obvious to consumers will be those they’ve already seen – social distancing and the transparent barriers at checkouts.
Here are the latest developments for May 2:
Dr Bonnie Henry reported no new test positive cases of COVID-19 in northern B.C. Saturday, but urged those who work at the Kearl Lake oilsands project near Fort McMurray to follow public health orders to stem the spread of the virus in their communities.
The Dinosaur Lake boat launch as well as campgrounds at Cameron Lake, King Gething, Alwin Holland, and Dinosaur Lake remain remain closed until further notice.
Columnist Kirk LaPointe, on the overdue blueprint for B.C.’s COVID-19 recovery: “Other jurisdictions that started later into COVID-19’s wrath are exiting sooner from the confinement – or if they can’t pinpoint on the calendar when, they at least have a roadmap how. Ours is trickling out like hand santizer from an all-but-empty bottle.”
The province is counting on its $1.5-billion economic recovery fund to get the province through the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, says Finance Minister Carole James.
The federal government is unlikely to step into provincial jurisdictions to provide rent support for residential renters across the country, despite announcing earlier a similar plan for supporting small-business rent.
While Canadians have become accustomed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s daily COVID-19 updates, they seem to be getting fewer and farther between.
Twelve-year-old Jayden Labelle and his family were out participating in a Easter egg scavenger hunt during Easter weekend, when he had the idea of creating his own.
B.C. teachers have reached a new collective agreement amid work-from-home orders. It calls for a three-year term with general wage increases of 2% each year, plus the ability to negotiate conditional and modest funding that can be used to drive “tangible service improvements.”
Here are the latest developments for April 30:
Rig activity in northeast B.C. has held around 20% during the last month of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Columnist Judy Kucharuk, on cooking up a new recipe for life: “I realize that I have surreptitiously been working my way through the stages of grief: Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Is this bargaining or is this acceptance?”
The Hudson’s Hope pool is closed to the public until May 31 to comply with provincial health orders. District staff will continue to prep the pool to bring it online if and when health orders are rescinded. “Bringing the pool online does mean it will be open to the public. It is uncertain whether the District swimming pool will be allowed to open as planned or even at all,” wrote Mayor Dave Heiberg in an update. In the meantime, the pool will be cleaned and inspected, and the heating and chlorine systems will also be tested. Repair and upkeep should take about two weeks.
The COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on court activities have highlighted the B.C. courts’ deficient technological capabilities, says B.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson.
Restoring international enrolment is top priority for colleges and universities: students from abroad contribute more than $22 billion to Canada’s economy on an annual basis.
The second edition of the Seniors We Wish You Well Parade took place April 28, with close to 30 groups of participants riding the short loop around the North Peace Seniors Housing Society.
The province has extended its state of emergency by another two weeks as it prepares to restart parts of the economy. B.C. premier John Horgan told media on Wednesday that the province is looking at a phased-in re-opening of B.C.’s economy that will start next week.
Reporter Dillon Giancola caught up with his family’s former exchange student, Stefania Casu, a doctor from Milan. Both Casu and her partner were working on the front lines of the crisis and contracted the virus, and were both sent back to work in the hot zones after recovering.
The Fort St. John farmers market is scheduled to open May 16 at the seniors hall. Only 10 people will be allowed in at one time.
The Hudson’s Hope outdoor farmers market opens June 2, and will be limited to 50 people at a time. The market will focus on fresh vegetables, locally raised beef, and other food items. Crafts will not be available for sale.
Irving Oil is looking to bring more Western Canadian crude into its refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick, to help deal with supply chain issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
With pandemic measures making environmental assessment work harder, B.C.’s Environmental Office has extended the assessment period for the proposed Tilbury LNG plant to July 26.
From the mailbag, on pandemic relief for Canada’s energy industry: “Our energy employers and workers are worried about how they will survive and every day without action puts jobs permanently at risk,” writes MP Bob Zimmer.
Finance columnist Brad Brain, on the price of dithering when markets are down and their recovery outlook: “I do not think that when the markets recover it is likely to be a gradual, measured response. Rather, I expect big chunks of the recovery are likely to happen very quickly, maybe even over a few days. If you miss those days then you miss a large part of the recovery.”
The province has not ruled out a return to in-class instruction before the end of the regular school year. Education Minister Rob Fleming said the province is planning for a number of scenarios, which includes planning for some level of class instruction.
The 2020 golf season is finally here, with new rules and regulations for COVID-19 that all golfers must follow. Farmington Fairways and Lone Wolf Golf Club will open April 29; Fort St. John Links is hoping to open by Monday, May 4. Lakepoint is still wet and it may be a week or two before it opens.
The BC Wildfire Service is working with agriculture producers in the Peace region to accommodate the burning of residual crops to prepare for 2020 seeding. A significant number of grain crops in the Peace were not harvested in the fall of 2019 due to excess field moisture and snow.
Cadets in Fort St. John won’t be able to host their annual Mother’s Day steak and lobster dinner and dance this year, but they’re still raising money to keep the youth program funded.
Some B.C. megaprojects don’t need to restart because they never stopped; like all other business in B.C., they are just waiting for the green light from the provincial health officer so they can gradually start bringing workers back to make up for some lost time.
Canada must have enough capacity to sufficiently test for and trace cases of COVID-19 before the economy can reopen, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says.
The number of new COVID-19 infections in B.C. continues to fall, and in the days to come British Columbians can look forward to announcements of plans to ease of some restrictions, provincial health officer Bonnie Henry say However, she would not say which types of services and businesses will be allowed to open first.
The Conservative Party is calling on the Trudeau government to close loopholes in aid programs for small businesses and workers coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.
B.C. restaurants could be allowed to open their dining rooms as early as next month, although the provincial government has made clear that any loosened restrictions will come from provincial health officer Bonnie Henry.
Seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie spoke about the need to help people who care for seniors still living at home, and the need to address some of the concerns over long-term care homes. Some of those concerns include family members sometimes waiting weeks to hear about the status of parents or grandparents in care homes, or not being able to be there for loved ones who are dying.
Energy projects like an LNG Canada export terminal and the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion may face short-term setbacks but the pandemic and oil price crash shouldn’t threaten their long-term viability, economists say.
North Peace Minor Baseball is open to the idea of having a season from June to July if team sports are able to return in time.
British Columbia has counted its first COVID-19-related death in a First Nations community. Dr. Dan Cutfeet of the ‘Namgis Health Centre says the person was from their small island community in Alert Bay, on Cormorant Island.
Here are the latest developments for April 24:
The Fort St John Hospital Foundation says that $63,000 has been donated or pledged to date in support of its greatest need fund for COVID-19. Related needs include six additional IV pumps that cost $6,000 each, and the replacement of cardiac defibrillators and monitors that cost $40,000, as two are nearing end of life.
Columnists Charo Lloret and Kalpana Loganathan, on dreaming of a better future after the pandemic: “We can feed ourselves and others with optimism, and creative fresh ideas to help Humankind to grow up and come out of this pandemic in full bloom, ready to implement new approaches to life.”
Prime minister Justin Trudeau announced the launch of the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program, which will lower rent payments by 75% for small businesses. It is expected to be operational by mid-May.
B.C. Finance Minister Carole James says the commercial rent funding will take the form of forgivable loans given to landlords to cover 50% of an eligible small-business tenant’s rent. If the landlord is then able to lower the tenants’ rents by 75% or more, the loan will be forgiven.
The province has added hunting and angling to its list of essential services. With this listing comes great responsibility and a degree of scrutiny; as responsible citizens and conservationists, we need to ensure these activities are conducted within the guidelines set out by the Provincial Health Officer,” said Bill Bosch, President of the BC Wildlife Federation.
Premier John Horgan offered hope that restrictions on society and business can begin to be eased around or before mid-May. But he also said there will likely be some permanent changes to the way the private long-term care and assisted living sector operates, and that “a dialogue” will need to be had with industry to address the problem of workers who don’t get sick pay showing up for work sick – as was the case in a poultry plant that has had a COVID-19 outbreak.
Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman says she will be recommending council approve a $1.15 million relief plan for residents and businesses next week. Among the measures being proposed are to eliminate the proposed 1.25% tax rate increase, move the late penalty date for property taxes to October 1, and to create a new standing committee for economy recovery.
Of the coronavirus cases in Northern Health, 39% entered the region by International and flight travel, and 30% through local transmission. The rest is unknown and still being investigated.
From the mailbag, on putting Site C topsoil to good use reclaiming orphan wells: “I know from experience that to properly reclaim well site damage and sink holes requires lots of good topsoil. And good topsoil is hard to find in Peace Country!” writes Martin Wuthrich.
Dr Bonnie Henry opened the door Tuesday to the possibility of youth sports leagues resuming play in the coming months, with the caveat that restrictions will need to be put in place to reduce the risk of transmitting the COVID-19 virus.
The city says its tennis courts are open and available for use, so long as users follow the same recommendations from provincial health officers that apply to the city’s trails and parks.
Here are the latest developments for April 21:
MLA Dan Davies says he will be offering hand sanitizer refills to the public at his office in Fort St. John on Wednesday afternoon.
Three regional parks with overnight camping facilities, as well as one community park, are being closed this week until further notice.
Direct flights between Fort St. John and Vancouver through WestJet are not scheduled to resume until at least June 5. The lone flight to Calgary will be reduced through May.
The federal government is earmarking $350 million for the country’s vulnerable populations as they deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The prime minister pointed to organizations such as United Way, Community Foundations of Canada and the Red Cross Canada as soon-to-be recipients of the funding.
MLA Dan Davies on shopping local and supporting local during the pandemic: “The North is a great place to be. Our small businesses are not only critical to our economy, but our identity and community spirit.”
From the mailbag, on the upcoming Day of Mourning on April 28: “Last year, 140 workers in B.C. lost their lives to workplace injury or disease. Let’s honour them safely, wherever we may be, with a minute or two of silence, and at least two metres apart,” writes Al Phillips.
In case you missed it, there’s still been plenty of good news in our community during these hard and uncertain times. Click here to catch up.
Here are the latest developments for April 20:
Here are the latest developments for April 18:
Here are the latest developments for April 17:
B.C. won’t be lifting COVID-19-related restrictions any time soon in order to continue flattening the infection rate curve, Dr. Bonnie Henry says. If the province were to return to 80% to 100% of regular human contact, B.C. would see a huge surge in critical care patient numbers between April 20 and May 20, she says.
The federal government has announced new rules requiring all air passengers to have a non-medical mask or face covering to cover their mouth and nose during travel.
Peace Island Park has been closed until further notice. The closure includes all trails, camping, and day use areas. The ball diamonds in Taylor are also closed, as is all playground equipment.
In case you missed it, there’s still been plenty of good news in our community during these hard and uncertain times. The last month has seen residents step up to help others through the coronavirus pandemic, Good Samaritans make lifesaving roadside rescues, and our student athletes sign college deals and be recognized for their acts of charity.
From the mailbag, regarding pandemic outings: “With the high fire hazard, campfire smoke alerted us to a recreational party just below the house last night,” writes Ross Peck in Farrell Creek.
The provincial government has launched a new mental-health counselling and referral service for post-secondary students. Here2Talk,offers confidential, free single-session services by app, phone or online chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
More than 57,000 residential customers have applied for a break on their bills since BC Hydro began accepting applications for it COVID-19 Relief Fund, the utility said Thursday.
B.C. continues to flatten the COVID-19 curve. The number of new cases, deaths, and hospitalizations has been rangebound since April 8.
The only commercial flight out of Fort St. John is now a lone daily WestJet flight to Calgary. The flight is scheduled six days a week Sunday through Fridays. Some flight days however have been cancelled due to a lack of demand.
BC Hydro says its burn program for Site C is expected to finish today, one day before expanded restrictions go into force throughout B.C.
The Northern Health region is getting significant donations to help it cope with COVID-19, thanks to LNG development in B.C.
The province has extended its state of emergency for an additional two weeks. This Friday, the province will provide more information on its COVID-19 modelling. “I believe people have genuine cause for celebration,” he said, adding that the work is not yet done.
Fort St. John churches celebrated Easter weekend as they normally would, but with a virtual twist: “Would you take the place of someone so they wouldn’t have to suffer from COVID-19?” asked Caleb Salmond, pastor of connections at Fort St. John Alliance Church.
A Fort St. John photographer is collecting front porch portraits of families in exchange for food donations for the Women’s Resource Society.
The federal government is expanding the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit to help those previously not eligible, and will soon offer some essential workers a top up, most notably those in care centres.
The first two races of the 2020 Peace Motocross Association season have been suspended, including the May 10 Mother’s Day Race in Taylor, and the May 23 event in Fort St. John.
Sports reporter Dillon Giancola on the return of sports: “When I was first getting used to the idea of having no sports for a time, I did so by convincing myself that most leagues would be back by mid-April. Now that we’re in mid-April, I realize how silly that was, but it doesn’t matter because it helped me to adapt.”
Daily new COVID-19 cases continue to fall in B.C., but an outbreak at a federal prison in Mission has prompted provincial health officials to redeploy a mobile hospital from the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver to Abbotsford.
For natural gas producers in B.C., the biggest concern now isn’t necessarily the impact of the COVID-19 and low oil prices on natural gas. A bigger concern is the effect on natural gas liquids, like propane and condensate.
Friends and family of Adaura Cayford are putting together a pen pal campaign this week to bring her cheer as she continues her fight with cancer. Starting on April 15, residents can drop off cards and letters in a bin outside the Canadian Grind coffee shop. They will be held in quarantine until they are safe to deliver.
Columnist Evan Saugstad on privacy laws and public health: “Why can’t we hear about cases in our community? What are they hiding? Can we really trust our health professionals if they do not give us the whole and complete story?”
Columnists Rick Koechl & Mike Kroecher on whether coronavirus concerns can be contained at Site C: “We need to give our humblest gratitude and support to each and every caregiver, emergency responder, and essential worker, not additional worries.”
There’s no need to be bored in the Times of Quarantine. Here is a running guide of events and activities happening online that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home.
Education Minister Rob Fleming on collaboration and school spirit in the time of COVID-19: “Although this is new territory for all of us, British Columbians can be reassured that there is an enormous level of collaboration going on between all K-12 education partners.”
Here are the latest developments for April 8:
Here are the latest developments for April 7:
Former Fort St. John resident Doreen Gauvreau died in Calgary on Monday due to COVID-19 and underlying health issues, family are saddened to report.
School District 60 Superintendent has provided this COVID-19 update on safety for students and staff, care for children of essential services workers, learning plans, and support for vulnerable students.
MLA Dan Davies on B.C.’s COVID-19 education plan: “As Education Critic, I have been in contact with many school districts, teachers, support staff and union executives from around the province. The common theme from everyone is that there is a lot of uncertainty across the education system as government continues its efforts to battle this global pandemic.”
Columnist Bronwyn Moser on the balancing act of homeschooling and home-working: “Of course, younger children will require more attention and help for almost any activity, but with clear expectations and boundaries even a five-year-old can learn to work independently for short periods of time.”
Here are the latest developments for April 6:
Fort St. John city council voted Monday to rescind this year’s water rate increases, and waive late payment penalties on utility bills to help residents through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Truckers looking for a bathroom pit stop and a fresh cup of coffee on their way through Fort St. John during the COVID-19 pandemic can find more than a dozen businesses open to them along the Alaska Highway.
Despite some promising signs that new cases of COVID-19 may be slowing, Henry warned that current restrictions on social activities, work and movement must be maintained.
New infections and deaths continued to be reported across Canada on Monday, with 16,500 total cases and 321 deaths reported by the afternoon. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canadians can still expect weeks or months of distancing measures.
Fort St. John Rotarians will hold a drive-by food drive for the Salvation Army on April 11 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the back of the Safeway parking lot. There will be trucks with bins, and residents will be able to pull up and drop their donations into the bins with no contact.
Good Friday is April 10, Easter Sunday is April 12 — and Fort St. John churches have adapted on the fly to ensure thay they can still deliver Easter services. Check out our Fort St. John guide to a virtual Easter.
The Government of Canada has launched the application portal for the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help Canadians during the COVID-19 crisis. MP Bob Zimmer gives readers and residents a primer on how to access this benefit.
Here are the latest developments for April 4:
Here are the latest developments for April 3:
Here are the latest developments for April 2:
Here are the latest developments for April 1:
A worker at the LNG Canada site has tested positive for COVID-19, the company has confirmed. The company notified workers in a March 28 letter, saying the individual returned to their home in the region to self-isolate upon experiencing mild symptoms a week earlier.
Three more Site C workers have gone into quarantine, bringing the total to 7 of 935 workers now reported at the camp.
The COVID-19 pandemic will require intensive care units and ventilators in the province’s hospitals, but an investigation has found that British Columbians are receiving unclear or inadequate information to let them know the local availability of those resources.
The province is rolling out BC Hydro bill relief to residents, small businesses and large industrial operations. Residential customers will be eligible for a three-month credit; Small businesses that have closed their doors will not have to pay their hydro bills starting today through to the end of June; Large industrial customers will have the option to defer 50% of their bills over the next three months.
Wildfire season begins today, and the BC Wildfire Service is developing protocols to deal with COVID-19 while prepping for the upcoming season.
The Ministry of Education has struck a deal with the Zoom videoconferencing company to enable teachers to communicate remotely with their students while in-class learning is suspended.
A man in his 30s from High Prairie has died of COVID-19, the first reported death from the respiratory disease in northern Alberta.
Crews at Site C working through the COVID-19 pandemic will be on an extended shift rotation with overtime pay, and workers are now subject to mandatory temperature checks in order to access the dam site.
City council ordered Monday a review of the operating budget for the next four years and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the city’s bottom line. Council stopped short of immediately implementing a number of relief measures that have been proposed for residents and businesses.
Become a pen pal to a local senior — letters are being sought for Peace Villa, Abbeyfield House, Heritage Manors 1, 2, and 3, Taylor McMahon Manor, and North Peace Seniors Housing.
The Oilmen’s golf tourney is now cancelled after initial plans to proceed with the 58th annual event in June.
Here are the latest developments for March 28:
Fort St. John city council will consider Monday a range of relief measures proposed for residents and businesses. Chief among them are cancelling the approved 1.25% tax rate hike, and deferring tax and utility payments and waiving late fees.
Dr. Bonnie Henry reported Saturday no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Northern Health region, but there are two patients currently hospitalized.
Former Northern Health Chief Medical Officer David Bowering has written this open letter to Dr. Bonnie Henry calling for the release of COVID-19 case locations and the shut down of industrial work camps: “Telling Northerners that we have 12 positive tests from our region (as of today) without providing the location or putative source is to tell them (us) nothing. This is dangerous.”
B.C.’s provincial health officer say she sees glimmers of hope in bending the COVID-19 curve downward but says it won’t go down for a while yet. And all it would take is for one church group that flouted prohibitions on large gatherings, one plane returning from abroad with an infected person or one remote work camp with an infection outbreak to have seed the virus somewhere, where it could explode.
The University Hospital of Northern B.C. in Prince George is one of 17 hospitals in B.C. that have been designated as primary COVID-19 sites, which would be the first tasked with taking care of coronavirus patients in the event that the number of cases surges.
The B.C. government has released this update on the province’s latest epidemiological modelling of COVID-19 and its hospital mobilization plan.
As of March 27, there were still 12 Site C workers in self-isolation at the work camp, and zero confirmed cases. There were 13 fewer workers staying in camp, down to 851.
Fort St. John doctors and nurses who will be on the front lines treating local patients with the coronavirus disease COVID-19 are being fitted for face masks to ensure they don’t contract the virus.
The Halfway River First Nation has entered a full lock down, citing the high risk of COVID-19 “spreading like wildfire.”
It’s too early to say how Fort St. John will deploy its bylaw officers in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. But if you’re still planning to hold that wedding, or just got back from the tropics and aren’t staying at home in quarantine, officers may soon be tracking you down.
B.C. released a list of essential services on Thursday, with many delivery services on the list. “The need for our work is high, and it’s great to be able to work in this time, but it’s hard to keep staff willing to work,” said Paul Sheikh, who runs Time Courier Services.
The federal government is upping its proposed wage subsidy for businesses to 75%. A broad swath of business and labour groups had criticized the original proposal of a 10% subsidy for falling well short of what was needed to avoid mass layoffs.
Here is a detailed list of emergency benefits available to those who have been affected by COVID-19, and how to access them.
Here are the latest developments for March 26:
The Halfway River First Nation has entered a full lock down. Residents will only be allowed to leave the community for health reasons, and those who otherwise disobey will not be allowed to re-enter unless agreeing to mandatory 14 days of self-isolation.
Fort St. John has opened its emergency operations centre, and city councillors will meet weekly through April and the COVID-19 pandemic. All city buildings are now closed to the public, and city services still continue.
As of March 26, there were still 12 Site C workers in self-isolation at the work camp, and zero confirmed cases. There were 11 fewer workers staying in camp, down to 864.
The province has suspended all local states of emergency specific to the COVID-19 pandemic, and announced sweeping measures Thursday to prevent the hoarding and resale of food items and medical goods effective immediately.
The province has placed open burning restrictions in some areas of northeast B.C. to limit the potential spread of COVID-19, but controlled burns for Site C will continue.
Confusion reigns over what makes a homeowner eligible for an emergency mortgage deferral, how the program works, whether interest is payable and whether deferring payments will affect credit scores. Here’s what you need to know about deferring mortgage payments.
The coronavirus couldn’t cancel birthday celebrations for Seth Ryan of Fort St. John on Wednesday. He couldn’t have a party, family and friends gave him a parade instead.
There have been more than 400 people tested in northern B.C., but those test results could take up to two weeks.
The city announced the temporary layoffs of 88 workers due to reduced operational demands at its recreation facilities. Benefits for eligible employees will continue and the city said it has committed to additional financial support.
The province announced a $500-a-month rent supplement, as well as freezes rent increases and evictions. The supplement will be paid directly to landlords.
Go for a drive: the Gallaghers have turned their fabulous Christmas lights display back on at 10575 242 Road, off the West Bypass: “I’ll leave them on until everything gets better,” Sean Gallagher says.
Keep calm and dance on: Alchemy Dance Collective has launched an online dance challenge to other clubs and the community to keep spirits lifted.
All eyes are on the upcoming golf season, and clubs in the region are hopeful to open: “Golf is basically social distancing by nature,” said Lakepoint General Manager Troy Knight. “We think golf could be a great recreational alternative.”
Here are the latest developments for March 24:
The B.C. border with the Northwest Territories is now closed after the territories reported its first case of COVID-19 on March 21. The border closed as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, and only emergency and enforcement vehicles can cross.
The City of Fort St. John has declared a state of local emergency: “These are unprecedented times as we find ourselves with limited tools at our disposal to be nimble and respond to circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 crisis,” Mayor Lori Ackerman said.
The eighth season of Big Brother Canada has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rianne Swanson, 29, an operating room nurse from Chetwynd, was still active on the show prior to the airing of Wednesday’s episode.
The operator of a work lodge north of Fort McMurray says a guest who fell ill last week does not have COVID-19.
Six municipalities in the Alberta Peace say the biggest COVID-19 risk facing the region is the return of travellers from outside Canada. There are currently 20 confirmed cases in Alberta’s northern health zone, with the third confirmed case in the Grande Prairie region reported today.
The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation has postponed this year’s Bluey Day fundraiser, and is encouraging folks to take part in online fundraising for local cancer supports and services.
Construction of Woodfibre LNG has been delayed. This is in part due to work stoppages caused by COVID-19, including the shut down of a fabrication yard in China that was making product for the facility in Squamish.
BC Hydro has now begun reporting daily updates on COVID-19 at Site C. As of March 24, there were 12 workers in self-isolation at the work camp, and zero confirmed cases.
Tighter restrictions are being put in place at the Fort St. John Hospital. The Birthing Centre and Peace Villa are both now locked 24-7, with restricted visits only. Doors to the ER will be locked overnight, while the hospital’s main doors will be locked on weekends. All visitors will be required to meet with screeners at the door.
The City of Fort St. John will consider declaring a state of local emergency today. Chief among the city’s concerns are the Site C work camp, where there are currently 16 workers in self-isolation with flu-like symptoms, and concern about the potential for sick workers to be moved into town.
More than 400 people in northern B.C. have been tested for COVID-19 since March 13, Northern Health says. The health authority says more than 400 test swabs from residents taken between March 13 to 21 were sent to provincial labs for testing.
BC Hydro says it will begin giving regular updates to the public and the Peace River Regional District about its monitoring for COVID-19 at Site C. There have been 700 workers home since a scale-back in construction was announced March 18, and more workers are expected to be sent home this week. There were 940 people in camp on March 23.
Premier John Horgan revealed a $5 billion action plan to help British Columbians survive the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Horgan said $2.8 billion will be spent on people and services, with the remaining $2.2 billion targeted towards businesses.
Dr Carolyn Jones has written this open letter on behalf of the Medical Staff Association, Fort St John Hospital and Hudsons Hope Medical Centre: “Stay home unless absolutely necessary. No dinner parties. No shopping. No sports, not even outside. Instead, have coffee with a friend online.”
MP Bob Zimmer won’t be in Ottawa when the House of Commons meets March 24 to introduce urgent economic measures as part of an $82-billion response to support Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be 32 MPs in the chamber to follow public health guidelines about social distancing, and split among the parties based on the number of seats they hold.
WestJet says it will fly once daily from Fort St. John to Vancouver, and twice daily to Calgary, from March 22 to April 21.
Central Mountain Air says it is suspending all scheduled flights on Tuesdays and from Friday to Sunday, effective March 28. In Fort St. John, the airline will fly to Prince George at 3 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Air Canada has not announced any route suspensions for Fort St. John.
Performing Arts BC has cancelled its 2020 provincials. The Peace River North Festival Association says it will have more information on the festival in Fort St. John in the coming days.
WorkBC Northeast says it will continue services virtually, either by phone, text, or email. There is no service disruption and the full range of services and supports are still being provided, it said.
The province says it is keeping Service BC centres open. Core programs and services that will continue to be available include: Income assistance and disability assistance; Residential tenancy; BC Services Card; Drivers’ licensing; Affordable Child Care Benefit; Medical Services Plan; and Forest-worker support programs
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is pointing to an impending bailout package as a way to help renters, though new research suggests hundreds of thousands of households may be in dire financial straits before the federal money arrives.
Here are the latest developments for March 22:
While the new COVID-19 guidelines allow construction to continue, they could make it more difficult for major projects like the Site C dam and LNG Canada projects to comply, given the sheer number of the work forces.
Sixteen Site C workers are in quarantine with flu-like symptoms. The workers are staying in a 30-room dormitory, with four addional similar-sized dorms available for workers who need to isolate themselves from others.
The B.C.-Northwest Territories border is now closed after the territories reported its first case on March 21. The patient travelled to B.C. and Alberta, and developed mild symptoms three days after returning to Yellowknife.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked for the House of Commons to return sitting March 24 to introduce urgent economic measures as part of his government’s $82-billion response to support Canadians.
Here are the latest developements for March 21:
Airlines are beginning to cancel flights to Fort St. John. Airport officials say they anticipate more to come.
Financial columnist Brad Brain on coronavirus and your investments: “If you have a long-term time frame, and you own high quality investments, then this is not a time to panic or mourn. This is a time of potential opportunity.”
The Liard Hot Springs are closed to ensure public health and safety.
No one living in BC Housing buildings will be evicted because they can’t pay rent. The province is also working on a moratorium on evictions for renters who aren’t in social housing.
BC Bus North is still rolling along northern B.C. highways but measures have been put in place. Those include additional disinfecting of buses and facilities, the use of commercial-grade sterilization foggers on the overnight cleaning of the buses, and commercial-grade air purifiers at all ticket offices.
Here are the latest developments for March 20:
Two cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Grande Prairie. There are now 17 confirmed cases in Alberta’s northern health zone, including four in the High Prairie area and three in the Slave Lake area.
Dr. Bonnie Henry says all restaurants must move to takeout and delivery only.
The PRRD offices are now closed to the public, including its offices in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, as well as the Charlie Lake Fire Hall and warehouse.
All courts in northern B.C. will be suspended effective March 25. Prince George provincial court will act as a “hub court” and Hearings will be limited to criminal matters involving in-custody accused and urgent family, child custody, and civil matters.
Regarding rent payments: Li-Car says rent is still expected for now, but may change. Office hours are restricted, and tenants are asked to pay by mail or money order. Sterling Management says rent are still due. The office closed March 20, but tenants can pay by mail, money order, or use the office’s mail slot. Other companies could not be immediately reached.
The province says provincial parks remain open, but services and facilities are suspended for most parks, including all those in the Peace region. Campgrounds will be closed at least until April 30.
The District of Taylor says council meetings will proceed as planned, and front counter services are open. Social distancing is in place. District council will be reviewing the budget in the coming weeks, and seeing how it can reduce costs and lower the tax load for residents.
In Hudson’s Hope, the District Office is closed for two weeks; RCMP front desk is closed; the Library is closed for two weeks; the Museum is closed for two weeks; and the Community market is cancelled until next month
The Fort St. John Alliance Church says a family that attended its church service on Sunday has since gone into self-isolation. The family attended the first service on March 15, and “is exhibiting symptoms that could indicate COVID 19 and additional symptoms that could indicate the flu. These are not confirmed cases.”
Accent Dental says all appointments are cancelled until further notice. The dental clinic says six employees including all dentists were at the Pacific Dental Conference on March 7, and has been instructed by the Minister of Health to immediately self-isolate until March 21. Dr. Henry Ma attended the conference last week and is unable to perform any emergency dental treatment until at least then. Those with pain are advised to call the clinic or visit the ER.
The College of Dental Hygienists of BC says all elective and non-essential dental hygiene services are to be suspended immediately. The FSJ Dental Clinic is closed until March 23; Alaska Avenue Dental is only taking emergencies; North Peace Dental is closed until March 30; and Blooming Smiles Dental Hygiene has been closed since last week and will be until March 30. Northern Lights Dental is closed until March 25.
The Fort St John Hospital Foundation office is closed, and can still be reached by phone 250.793.0998, or email fsjhf@northernhealth.ca.
The Ministry of Health has launched an online self-assessment tool to help residents determine whether they may need further assessment or testing for COVID-19.
Northern Health has launched a public information phone line to answer questions and concerns about COVID-19 from northern B.C. residents. The health authority says it hopes to reduce demand on ERs and other health services, and says the service will be staffed by doctors and nurses who can provide virtual screening and assessments: 1-844-645-7811.
All K-12 classes have been suspended until further notice. School District 60 says it is finalizing plans to ensure student learning continues this spring after the province suspended in-class instruction for K-12 students. Superintendent Stephen Petrucci says full details will be released next week.
Education Rob Fleming says all students will receive final marks, and every student eligible to graduate Grade 12 this year will graduate.
Northern Lights College says it is not aware of a single case of COVID-19 affecting the college, and will move as much programming to online delivery as possible.
The University of Northern BC says the last day of face-to-face classes will be March 18. The semester of studies and exams will still be completed, the university said.
The Northern B.C. Regional Science Fair scheduled April 7 at North Peace Secondary has been cancelled. “We understand all of the work that has been put into preparing for the fair by the students, sponsor teachers, mentors, parents and the committee, but prefer to err on the side of caution in regards to everyone’s health,” organizers said. All registration fees that have been paid to date will be returned.
In Hudson’s Hope, the District Office is closed for two weeks; RCMP front desk is closed; the Library is closed for two weeks; the Museum is closed for two weeks; and the Community market is cancelled until next month
The City of Fort St. John says the March 23 council meeting will proceed as planned, though some measures are being taken to limit public attendance amid COVID-19 health orders. The agenda includes borrowing authorization for the estimated $51.4-million new RCMP detachment, tender awards for the first phase of the Woodlawn Cemetery expansion, and the rescheduling of this year’s Community Awards.
The District of Taylor says council meetings will proceed as planned, and front counter services are open. Social distancing is in place. District council will be reviewing the budget in the coming weeks, and seeing how it can reduce costs and lower the tax load for residents.
All Fort St. John recreation facilities are closed effective March 18. These closures affect the Pomeroy Sport Centre, including Visitor Centre, North Peace Arena, Kids Arena Fieldhouse and the previously announced closure of the North Peace Leisure Pool.
All District of Taylor recreation facilities are closed effective March 17. These closures include the Taylor Curling Rink, the Taylor Arena, and the Taylor Community Hall. The District is looking at options to keep the Lone Wolf Golf Club and Peace Island Park operational in the summer.
Mayor Lori Ackerman has released an update on the first of regular calls with Health Minister Adrian Dix, Municipal Affairs Minister Selina Robinson, and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry: “Because these cases did NOT originate within any northern community itself, under the law, Northern Health won’t identify or release the location of these individuals for their privacy/protection as they are technically not a threat to public health, and to not incite panic / speculation / rumors in any one community.”
The Peace River Regional District has cancelled the Rural Area Budgets Committee meeting scheduled March 19, and the Area B Roundtable Meeting scheduled April 6 in Buick. A number of other meetings in Moberly Lake, McLeod, Farmington, and Tomslake have also been cancelled.
The North Peace Cultural Centre says it will close effective March 18. This includes its childcare programs. “As a public space, it is our responsibility to try to protect our community as best as we can,” Executive Director Baptiste Marcere said. “I fully understand that this decision will impact families, however, since kids are mostly asymptomatic, closing the preschool and out of school care is the best solution to protect our community.”
The City says Bouncing Beans and Tumble Time at the Kids Fieldhouse have been cancelled indefinitely. Spring Break Camp, scheduled to run March 23 – 27, has been cancelled.
The Fort St. John Public Library says it is closed effective immediately. The closure will last until at least March 31. Due dates have been extended until May 1 and no late fees will accrue.
The District of Taylor says children with symptoms of undiagnosed pain, acute cold or fever, coughing, or difficulty breathing may not attend its Spring Break camp March 16 to 20.
Community/Services
The North Peace Pregnancy Care Clinic is closed to public, but residents can still call its 24-hour hotline for assistance: 250-262-1280.
The North Peace Housting Society says outside visitors, other than family, close friends, and support workers, are not to enter its buildings. All social activities, including carolling, hairdressing, and the income tax clinic are cancelled. “Even though the COVID-19 threat remains low in this area, we are trying to keep our seniors healthy by limiting exposure to all pathogens,” the Society said. Increased measures are in place throughout the buildings and kitchen to ensure products and protocols dealing with the prevention of infectious disease are followed. “This will enable them to better fight any illness that may pose a threat in the future.”
The Salvation Army thrift store will be closed to the public for at least two weeks. Donations are still being accepted at the back door. Those experiencing crisis will still have access to the store during a Family Services appointment.
The Salvation Army food bank is distributing pre-made food bags based on family size. No drop-in seating or food consumption onsite. The Community Meal at The Northern Centre of Hope will be converting to bagged lunches to-go starting March 18. Community Drop-in is closed at The Northern Centre of Hope. Registered guests of the Emergency Shelter will not be impacted by any change.
A new group called Caremongering Fort St. John has launched on Facebook. The group is a landing page for people in need during the crisis and for people looking to give a helping hand. “If anything this virus as much as it will distance us physically should be bringing us together morally and spiritually,” organizers say.
Canada Post remains open, but is advising those with symptoms to stay home.
The Women’s Resource Society allowing just five people in its building at a time, and there will be no drop-in after 12 p.m. The society will be open between 12 to 3 for drop-offs and appointments only.
MP Bob Zimmer says he will limit travel and remain in the riding after the House of Commons decided to shut down for five weeks to ensure MPs do not contribute to the spread.
B.C.’s Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie is asking residents to take extra care for the elderly amid concerns about the spread of COVID-19. Mackenzie says that while most who will contract COVID-19 will have mild symptoms, it can more seriously affect the elderly. Mackenzie is also asking the public to contact their elderly friends, family, and neighbours who might need some extra help. “It could be anything from helping a senior get some groceries, taking out their garbage, bringing over a cooked meal or bringing them up to speed on the latest COVID-19 recommendations from our provincial health officer,” she said.
Business
Wet’suwet’en title agreement meetings may be postponed due to COVID-19 prevention measures and a recent death within the Wet’suwet’en First Nation.
Shoppers Drug Mart is dedicating its first shopping hour to those most at risk. All Shoppers stores will designate the first hour of shopping to “those who need assistance or consideration” starting this week. This includes seniors, individuals with underlying health conditions and people living with disabilities.
No Frills says it will open one hour earlier every Tuesday and Thursday to allow seniors and people living with disabilities to do their shopping, effective March 19.
LNG Canada is scaling back its workforce in Kitimat by half, the Northern Sentinel reports. The company had already been restricting international travel for staff and contractors, and says it will now be reducing the number of fly-in rotational workers. Seasonal work will continue under additional precautions, but the company says it will cut the workforce further if necessary.
The movie theatre is closed. Landmark Cinemas says it is closing all its theatres until further notice. The theatre’s last showtime Monday in Fort St. John was Vin Diesel’s latest, Bloodshot.
The province says the March 18 oil and gas land sale is postponed until April 22 due to travel restrictions affecting bid delivery. The province says it is evaluating whether it will postpone future sale dates as well as alternatives options for bid delivery.
The Fort St. John Chamber has cancelled all events effective immediately and until further notice. That includes its planned business roundtable meetings to assess the local economic impacts of COVID-19. Contact the Chamber for more details about any refunds.
The Fort St. John Trade Show has been postponed. A new date is being scheduled for the fall.
Site C
BC Hydro says it is scaling down construction at Site C. Work to achieve river diversion this fall remains a priority, BC Hydro said. Work will also continue on Highway 29 realignments, transmission line construction, and reservoir clearing.
There have been no confirmed cases at the work camp or construction site.
BC Hydro says it has been monitoring global COVID-19 developments since January, and measures are in place to limit its potential spread at the construction site and work camp.
That includes restrictions on non-essential employee travel and the postponement of non-essential site tours, meetings, and on-site training. The camp gymnasium and theatre have also been closed, and self-serve dining stations have been eliminated.
The museum is closed to the public effective immediately March 19 and until further notice. “We will be working hard from home to catalogue artefacts; apply for grants; develop future events, exhibits, and programs; and share our history through social media (including some exciting new initiatives during this time of social distancing).” The museum can still be reached by phone or email.
The NPCC says its Bright Nights in June event scheduled for June 12 to 14 will be rescheduled to later in the summer if needed. “We are looking forward to seeing our community celebrate together again!”
. Tickets will be refunded and we will look to bring Minglewood to Fort St. John later this year.
All events scheduled at the Lido have been postponed until after Easter, including the Alaska Highway News concert with the Matt Minglewood band on April 1. Contact the Lido for refunds.
Peace Gallery North has postponed its April 3 opening of Frances Obie’s exhibit, “Sky High”.
The Fort St. John Professional Fire Fighters Association says it is putting its Annual Charity Ball on hold. “We are still a ways out from the original date of May 2 and we hope the situation will change but time will tell,” the Association said. A final decision will be made by April 2.
The North Peace Cultural Centre has cancelled the Stage North production of “Tough” (March 26 to 28), as well as the April 9 travelling production of “Spidey”. The centre says it is taking extra measures to sanitize and disinfect its facility, including its out-of-school and preschool classrooms.
Naomi Shore has cancelled her Western Canadian Tour, calling it the responsible thing to do. Shore was to hit the road for three weeks starting with a show in Valleyview on March 20, and with stops in Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and Calgary, among others.
The Peace River North Performing Arts Festival scheduled for April 18 to 26 is to go as planned. However, organizers say there may be restrictions, and the festival will take steps to comply with any provincial advisories and procedures in place at that time.
The Fort St. John Curling Club has cancelled this week’s scheduled curling nights and is closing for the season. The club was set to have the men’s league windup on Wednesday, March 18, and the mixed league windup on Thursday, March 19. Non-curling related events in the building that have been cancelled for March and April will be rescheduled for a later date.
The Fort St. John Petroleum Association has cancelled this year’s Oilmen’s Hockey Tournament scheduled for April 1 to 4. Fees and donations will be refunded. “We want to thank all of the members and sponsors for their continued support,” the Association said.
Fort St. John Lacrosse announced it will be keeping registration for the 2020 season open until March 31, and are pushing the start of the season back to April 7. Team practices were initially set to start March 31. There will be no late registration fees, and full refunds will be given if the association is unable to go ahead with a season.
The Fort St. John Slow Pitch Society has postponed its AGM scheduled for March 16. The current executive will remain in their roles until the meeting can be rescheduled and an election for the 2020 executive can take place.
The North West Junior Hockey League finals are cancelled. The Fort St. John Huskies were set to face off March 13 against the North Peace Navigators, and were the odds-on favourites to win their third-straight championship. The Huskies had their best season in 20 years in 2019-20.
Hockey Canada and B.C. Hockey have cancelled all remaining provincial hockey championships, including the Midget AA championships where the NEBC Trackers were set to defend their provincial title on March 16, as well as the Bantam and Midget Girls AA Championships (the Northeast B.C. Predators were set to compete in these tournaments).
The Fort St. John Minor Hockey Association has closed operations for the year. The annual awards ceremony, scheduled for April 8, has been cancelled as well.
All of the remaining Alberta Soccer Provincial Championship Tournaments, including those that the Northern Strikers teams were set to compete in this weekend, have been cancelled. That has ended the indoor soccer season.
Wrestling Canada Lutte has postponed the 2020 U17/U19 Canadian Championships that were set to take place in Edmonton, April 3 to 5. A pair of Fort St. John wrestlers were set to make their national wrestling debut at the event.
The 2020 Canadian Boxing Championships, scheduled for May 12 to 17 in Montreal, have been suspended by Boxing Canada. Several Fivestar Boxing Academy fighters had qualified for the event.
The annual Kids Kin Curl Jam-Can event scheduled for March 14 has been cancelled. Curling club leagues will wrap-up as scheduled next week.
North Peace Gymnastics has closed all programs, except Junior Olympics and Interclub, to the public until further notice.
All Special Olympics events have been temporarily suspended.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 symptoms are similar to other respiratory illnesses, including the flu and common cold. They include cough, sneezing, fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing.
The best way to prevent potential transmission is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve, avoid contact with people who are sick, and stay home if you are sick.
Skinstitut Holiday Gift Kits take the stress out of gifting
Toronto, October 31, 2024 – Beauty gifts are at the top of holiday wish lists this year, and Laser Clinics Canada, a leader in advanced beauty treatments and skincare, is taking the pressure out of seasonal shopping. Today, Laser Clincs Canada announces the arrival of its 2024 Holiday Gift Kits, courtesy of Skinstitut, the exclusive skincare line of Laser Clinics Group.
In time for the busy shopping season, the limited-edition Holiday Gifts Kits are available in Laser Clinics locations in the GTA and Ottawa. Clinics are conveniently located in popular shopping centers, including Hillcrest Mall, Square One, CF Sherway Gardens, Scarborough Town Centre, Rideau Centre, Union Station and CF Markville. These limited-edition Kits are available on a first come, first served basis.
“These kits combine our best-selling products, bundled to address the most relevant skin concerns we’re seeing among our clients,” says Christina Ho, Senior Brand & LAM Manager at Laser Clinics Canada. “With several price points available, the kits offer excellent value and suit a variety of gift-giving needs, from those new to cosmeceuticals to those looking to level up their skincare routine. What’s more, these kits are priced with a savings of up to 33 per cent so gift givers can save during the holiday season.
There are two kits to select from, each designed to address key skin concerns and each with a unique theme — Brightening Basics and Hydration Heroes.
Brightening Basics is a mix of everyday essentials for glowing skin for all skin types. The bundle comes in a sleek pink, reusable case and includes three full-sized products: 200ml gentle cleanser, 50ml Moisture Defence (normal skin) and 30ml1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum. The Brightening Basics kit is available at $129, a saving of 33 per cent.
Hydration Heroes is a mix of hydration essentials and active heroes that cater to a wide variety of clients. A perfect stocking stuffer, this bundle includes four deluxe products: Moisture 15 15 ml Defence for normal skin, 10 ml 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum, 10 ml Retinol Serum and 50 ml Expert Squalane Cleansing Oil. The kit retails at $59.
In addition to the 2024 Holiday Gifts Kits, gift givers can easily add a Laser Clinic Canada gift card to the mix. Offering flexibility, recipients can choose from a wide range of treatments offered by Laser Clinics Canada, or they can expand their collection of exclusive Skinstitut products.
Brightening Basics 2024 Holiday Gift Kit by Skinstitut, available exclusively at Laser Clincs Canada clinics and online at skinstitut.ca.
Hydration Heroes 2024 Holiday Gift Kit by Skinstitut – available exclusively at Laser Clincs Canada clinics and online at skinstitut.ca.
LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?
It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.
Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:
Apple
The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.
For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.
You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.
Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.
Google
Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.
When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.
You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.
There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.
Facebook and Instagram
Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.
When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.
The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.
You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.
TikTok
The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.
Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.
X
It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.
Passwords
Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?
Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.
But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.
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Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.
The Canadian Paediatric Society says doctors should regularly screen children for reading difficulties and dyslexia, calling low literacy a “serious public health concern” that can increase the risk of other problems including anxiety, low self-esteem and behavioural issues, with lifelong consequences.
New guidance issued Wednesday says family doctors, nurses, pediatricians and other medical professionals who care for school-aged kids are in a unique position to help struggling readers access educational and specialty supports, noting that identifying problems early couldhelp kids sooner — when it’s more effective — as well as reveal other possible learning or developmental issues.
The 10 recommendations include regular screening for kids aged four to seven, especially if they belong to groups at higher risk of low literacy, including newcomers to Canada, racialized Canadians and Indigenous Peoples. The society says this can be done in a two-to-three-minute office-based assessment.
Other tips encourage doctors to look for conditions often seen among poor readers such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; to advocate for early literacy training for pediatric and family medicine residents; to liaise with schools on behalf of families seeking help; and to push provincial and territorial education ministries to integrate evidence-based phonics instruction into curriculums, starting in kindergarten.
Dr. Scott McLeod, one of the authors and chair of the society’s mental health and developmental disabilities committee, said a key goal is to catch kids who may be falling through the cracks and to better connect families to resources, including quicker targeted help from schools.
“Collaboration in this area is so key because we need to move away from the silos of: everything educational must exist within the educational portfolio,” McLeod said in an interview from Calgary, where he is a developmental pediatrician at Alberta Children’s Hospital.
“Reading, yes, it’s education, but it’s also health because we know that literacy impacts health. So I think that a statement like this opens the window to say: Yes, parents can come to their health-care provider to get advice, get recommendations, hopefully start a collaboration with school teachers.”
McLeod noted that pediatricians already look for signs of low literacy in young children by way of a commonly used tool known as the Rourke Baby Record, which offers a checklist of key topics, such as nutrition and developmental benchmarks, to cover in a well-child appointment.
But he said questions about reading could be “a standing item” in checkups and he hoped the society’s statement to medical professionals who care for children “enhances their confidence in being a strong advocate for the child” while spurring partnerships with others involved in a child’s life such as teachers and psychologists.
The guidance said pediatricians also play a key role in detecting and monitoring conditions that often coexist with difficulty reading such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, but McLeod noted that getting such specific diagnoses typically involves a referral to a specialist, during which time a child continues to struggle.
He also acknowledged that some schools can be slow to act without a specific diagnosis from a specialist, and even then a child may end up on a wait list for school interventions.
“Evidence-based reading instruction shouldn’t have to wait for some of that access to specialized assessments to occur,” he said.
“My hope is that (by) having an existing statement or document written by the Canadian Paediatric Society … we’re able to skip a few steps or have some of the early interventions present,” he said.
McLeod added that obtaining specific assessments from medical specialists is “definitely beneficial and advantageous” to know where a child is at, “but having that sort of clear, thorough assessment shouldn’t be a barrier to intervention starting.”
McLeod said the society was partly spurred to act by 2022’s “Right to Read Inquiry Report” from the Ontario Human Rights Commission, which made 157 recommendations to address inequities related to reading instruction in that province.
He called the new guidelines “a big reminder” to pediatric providers, family doctors, school teachers and psychologists of the importance of literacy.
“Early identification of reading difficulty can truly change the trajectory of a child’s life.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 23, 2024.
