Province touts use of Electronic logging devices to make roads safer
Starting this summer, provincially regulated commercial vehicle operators will be required to use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track drivers’ time behind the wheel, reducing the likelihood of driving while tired. ELDs automatically record driving time, helping to ensure commercial drivers do not drive longer each day...
Power couples: British Columbians quarrel over home energy use
New BC Hydro research shows many couples in B.C. are engaged in power struggles over home energy use – from room temperature and lights left on to running the dishwasher half full. The survey, conducted on behalf of BC Hydro, finds over a quarter (26 per cent) of British Columbians who are in a relationship said they regularly...
COLUMN: Paradigm shift needed to halt and reverse biodiversity loss
Despite Canada’s important commitments at the December UN COP15 in Montreal, we’re not halting, let alone reversing, biodiversity loss. More than 5,000 wild species face some risk of extinction, according to the recently released report “The Wild Species 2020: The General Status of Species in Canada.”...
Hybrid and Electric vehicles explained
By Gaoliang Fang, Postdoctoral Fellow, McMaster Automotive Resource Centre, McMaster University As part of its goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, Canada has introduced new regulations to mandate one-fifth of all vehicles sold in Canada be electric by 2026. With the price of gasoline being projected to rise again, and...
B.C. renews use of emergency operation centres to support patients, hospitals
Beginning Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, emergency operation centres (EOCs) will be reactivated in health authorities to ensure patients continue to have access to the hospital care services they need as respiratory illness season continues in B.C. Activating EOCs is another proactive step in the Province’s plan to provide enhanced ...
OP/ED: New Year's reflection by Premier David Eby
“The end of one year and the beginning of a new one is a chance to reflect and an opportunity to set new goals to shape a better future – for ourselves, our families and our entire province. “I am honoured to celebrate with you the successes of the past year, including the remarkable economic recovery in our province as we ...
First permanent delivery-fee cap in Canada will help B.C. ring in new year
Canada’s first permanent cap on fees charged to restaurants by food-delivery companies will go into effect in British Columbia on Jan. 1, 2023, giving restaurant owners more certainty about their costs. “We all have a favourite local restaurant, somewhere we celebrate as families and friends, eat our favourite foods, or get...
Dec. 27 update on Highway 97C bus crash Christmas Eve
On Dec. 24, 2022 at approximately 18:14 hours the BC Highway Patrol and Merritt RCMP were advised of a single vehicle collision around Loon Lake on Hwy 97c east of Merritt BC. Police and emergency services responded and located a commercial E-bus that had gone off road to the left and rolled onto its passenger side coming to...
Minister’s statement on mental-health supports for the holiday season
Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released the following year-end statement regarding mental-health supports during the holiday season: “The holiday season is a time for celebrations, but for many, it can also be the season of loneliness, stress and difficult memories. “British Columbians have...
ICBC files for no increase to basic insurance rates for two more years
Government reforms to ICBC are paying off with affordable, steady rates and fiscal stability for people. ICBC is filing an application with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) for no increase to basic insurance rates for the next two years, which marks five years of no increases to basic insurance rates. “Our...
