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As millions of workers apply for help, mothers-to-be say they can’t get CERB

OTTAWA — Nearly one month ago, Effie Poole was laid off from her job as a server when the restaurant she worked at in Burlington, Ont., closed due to COVID-19. The 35-year-old mother of one is still waiting to qualify for federal emergency aid and told the reason she hasn’t gotten it is that she’s pregnant.…

Where are all the family doctors

Whistler’s family doctor shortage is acute—but efforts are underway to change that

Having one’s own doctor holds numerous benefits. They know your particular constellation of ailments, you develop a rapport, and you don’t have to explain your issues to a new doctor every time you visit the clinic.…

Profile On: Kassandra Turmel

Meet the Whistler artist who uses the landscape for abstract inspiration

Kassandra Turmel’s art might be abstract, but if you take a step back from the rich layers, colourful swirls, and whimsical edges, you just might recognize her muse. Gleaning inspiration from her home in Whistler—and other B.C. locales—Turmel proves not all mountain art needs peaks.…

Roughly 75% of Whistler’s hotels have suspended operations

resort’s largest hotel, fairmont chateau whistler, announced temporary closure last week

with the closure last week of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, roughly three-quarters of the resort’s hotels have now suspended operations in light of COVID-19. “Many of the accommodations have in some form or other had to shut down their operations,” said Hotel Association of Whistler president Saad Hasan.…

Emerald Foundation donates nearly $11K to Whistler Community Services Society

Money intended to help manage increased demand at Whistler Food Bank

The Emerald Foundation has donated $10,550 to the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) to help manage the increase in demand at the local food bank. The money is expected to help fund the purchase of food to fill the shelves at the Whistler Food Bank, operated by WCSS, which relocated from its Nesters Road facility to the Whistler Conference Centre earlier this month.…

Tourism sector eyed for federal help, along with oil and gas and air travel

Focus of economic development plan entirely on getting past pandemic: Joly

MŽlanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, said Wednesday three sectors of the economy are on the federal government’s radar at the moment to receive further pandemic-related subsidies: oil and gas, tourism and the airline industry. “We are looking at specific aid for these sectors,” Joly told the Surrey Board of Trade by video conference.…

State of emergency declared in Squamish in response to wildfire

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District has joined the District of Squamish in declaring a local state of emergency

In response to the wildfire in the Upper Squamish Valley, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has joined the District of Squamish in declaring a local state of emergency. “This is a very trying time for our communities already, in light of everything that is happening in our world right now,” said SLRD Board Chair Tony Rainbow in a news release.…

COVID-19’s impact on nursing homes ‘more severe’ than expected: Trudeau

The sweep of COVID-19 throughout Canada’s nursing homes is proving more devastating than expected, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday as the federal government weighed sending the military to support health-care workers in Quebec. The prime minister said Quebec, where major outbreaks in long-term care homes have worsened staffing shortages, had formally requested federal help and a response could involve the Canadian Red Cross, the military or volunteers.…

‘Significant’ time until border restrictions ease, says Trudeau

Changes meant to assist companies that previously fell through the cracks

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canadians will have to be patient about the prospect of easing border controls, despite interest from U.S. President Donald Trump. “We know that there Is a significant amount of time still before we can talk about loosening any such restrictions,” Trudeau said Thursday (April 16) during his daily media briefing outside his home in Ottawa.Non-essential travel between the countries is no longer permitted.…

The Dr. Henry: Vancouver designer John Fluevog creates shoe to honour B.C.’s top doctor

The kicker: 100% of the pre-sales will go to Food Banks B.C.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, has emerged in the COVID-19 crisis as a calm voice of reason…but also as the wearer of some pretty eye-catching shoes. A fan of Vancouver-based acclaimed footwear designer John Fluevog, Dr. Henry’s fans have taken notice of her stylish and eclectic footwear she has sported in each of her over 50 public briefings on the province’s COVID-19 response.…

B.C. government announces measures to help cash-strapped municipalities

Measures do not include tax deferment request of region’s mayors

B.C.’s minister of municipal affairs announced a series of measures Thursday aimed to help money-losing municipalities get back on their financial feet during the pandemic. Selina Robinson said the measures, which include giving municipalities “greater flexibility” to carry debt for an additional year, is a first step in addressing local governments’ cash flow needs.…

B.C. premier hosts free virtual concert to bring people together amid COVID-19

Dan Mangan, Alex Cuba among B.C. artists set to perform today at 4 p.m.

VICTORIA—Premier John Horgan is hosting a free livestream concert Thursday that features four British Columbia musicians, including Juno and Grammy award winners. The line-up includes jazz-pop-soul artist Alex Cuba from Smithers, B.C. Cuba has won two Juno wards and two Latin Grammy awards.…

Whistler’s Thompson siblings look back on campaigns

Ski-crosser Marielle finished third overall while alpine racer Broderick made return from injury

The Thompson siblings both made some strides forward in different ways in the 2019-20 ski season, and both are feeling amped up for whenever competition returns after the COVID-19 pandemic is under control. For older sister Marielle, the 2014 Olympic ski-cross champion and three-time FIS Crystal Globe winner, the season had several ups and downs.…

Jesse Thom and his puppets send love

New music video spreading positive message for kids during pandemic goes viral

Be warned: if you’re feeling vulnerable, Jesse Thom’s new music video “Sending Love” might bring you to tears. But, argues the children’s performer, musician, author and puppeteer, there’s nothing wrong with that.…

Letters to the Editor for the week of April 16th

Gratitude for health care at its best Three weeks ago, as we were just starting to realize the impact a global pandemic would have on our community, my three-year-old son broke his femur.…