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B.C. immigration program well managed, but fraud, corruption are risks: auditor

VICTORIA — An audit says an immigration program that brings workers to British Columbia fills labour gaps but needs to improve safeguards for fraud and corruption. Russ Jones, B.C.’s acting auditor general, says the report on the provincial nominee program that attracts immigrants found high employment rates and that more than 85 per cent of those who became permanent residents stayed in the province.…

Craft cannabis growers seek role in COVID recovery

A newly-incorporated craft cannabis co-operative is putting forward a plan to make small-scale, independent cannabis businesses part of B.C.’s post-pandemic economic recovery. When it announced its incorporation in late April, the BC Craft Farmer Co-Op (BCCFC) said one of its first initiatives would be to draft an economic development proposal for the provincial and federal governments to “outline how the co-op can support B.C.’s economic recovery post-COVID 19 by creating thousands of jobs and diverting profits from the illicit market.”…

Video: Velosolutions Create the ‘World’s First Fully Electric Built’ Trail in Switzerland

pinkbike.com – Press Release: Velosolutions The visionary mindset, the overwhelming natural beauty, the endless mountain bike trails and an initiative called Greenstyle were the reasons for Velosolutions to move to…

Bird strike might have caused Snowbird crash

Early investigation looking at ‘environmental factors’ in crash that claimed one life

Bird strike might have caused Snowbird crash, early investigation finds Military investigators are pointing to video footage as the reason they suspect a bird strike was responsible for last month’s deadly Snowbird plane crash in British Columbia.…

B.C. government to protect some small businesses from evictions

Commercial property owners will be banned from evicting small business tenants that have lost at least 70% of their revenue during the pandemic

Small businesses in B.C. that have suffered significant revenue losses during the COVID-19 pandemic will be protected from eviction effective June 1. The provincial government announced Monday new measures to protect small businesses that are eligible for federal commercial rent assistance, but are unable to access that assistance because their landlords won’t apply to the program.…

Joint federal-provincial inquiry into N.S. mass shooting a good option: top expert

HALIFAX — As pressure mounts on the federal and Nova Scotia governments to call an inquiry into one of the worst mass killings in Canadian history, the country’s leading scholar on inquiries says Ottawa and the province should do the right thing and work together on a joint inquest. “I think that would really be the course to take,” said Ed Ratushny, a professor emeritus at the University of Ottawa’s law school.…

No glacier skiing/riding this year, WB says

‘I do not take the decision lightly:’ COO

As Whistler Blackcomb (WB) preps a scaled-back operating plan for the 2020 summer season, a longtime summer tradition won’t be returning this year. In an email to staff on June 1, WB chief operating officer Geoff Buchheister announced there will be no glacier skiing or riding this summer due to COVID-19.…

Feds offer early $2.2b payment to cities amid ‘cash crunch’

PM also addresses protests that unfolded across North America over the weekend

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.…

Trans Mountain reaches ‘key milestone’ as pipeline construction begins in B.C.

Construction now underway in Kamloops

KAMLOOPS, B.C.—Trans Mountain says it has reached another “key milestone” in the project to triple capacity of a pipeline moving oil from the Edmonton area to port in Burnaby, B.C. A statement says construction on a seven-kilometre section of the line has begun in Kamloops.…

Big White Ski Resort offers passholders 20% rebate on season

After shutting down Big White Ski Resort before the official season’s end due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the resort is now sharing the love with some of its most loyal visitors. Big White Ski Resort Ltd. CEO and president Peter Plimmer announced via email on Sunday morning the resort will be offering an instant 20 per cent rebate for 2019-20 season’s passholders who purchase a 2020-21 season pass.…

Keep that bubble small, says B.C.’s public health officer

Expanding social circles not happening any time soon: Dr. Henry

“Few faces, bigger spaces” is still the name of the game. During her COVID-19 update on May 30, B.C.’s provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said adding more people to one’s social circle likely won’t happen any time soon.…

Quest University’s financial protection is extended

The Squamish school will be shielded from bankruptcy or receivership until Aug. 10, with a possibility of a further extension until Sept. 30

A court ruling has bought Quest University more time to be safe from bankruptcy or receivership as it faces a $23.4-million debt from its biggest lender, the Vanchorverve Foundation. Court documents have identified Blake Bromley – a key figure in Quest’s founding – as the manager of the foundation.…

UN sets pandemic voting rules for Canada’s Security Council campaign

OTTAWA – The United Nations has confirmed that the election for non-permanent seats on the Security Council – which pits Canada against Norway and Ireland – will take place in June under unprecedented new rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The 193 ambassadors will cast their votes on behalf of their countries in a secret ballot with the three candidates vying for two available temporary seats on the UN’s most powerful body.…

Dennis Swartman – Virtual Food Drive

vfd.foodbank.bc.ca – Recently I signed up to host a Virtual Food Drive in support of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank! Im super excited about the work the Food Bank is doing; providing access to healthy fresh food for its…

Tweeted by @stuntlist https://twitter.com/stuntlist/status/1267273373563916298

Minimum wage goes up June 1 in B.C. as businesses face COVID-19 challenges

VICTORIA – 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. The increase is part of the government’s pledge to implement a $15 per hour minimum wage by next year after a decade of no increases from 2001 to 2011.…