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WestJet extends international flight suspensions into May amid COVID-19 pandemic

Extension adds an additional two weeks to initial 30-day suspension

MONTREAL—WestJet Airlines Ltd. says it is cancelling all transatlantic and U.S. routes until May 4, extending its 30-day suspension by two more weeks. The Calgary-based company will offer no flights to the U.S., Europe, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has shut borders and sent travel demand tumbling.…

24,000 Canadian troops ready to deploy during COVID-19 crisis

Canada’s forces ‘always there’ when needed, but not planning to deploy yet

THE CANADIAN armed forces are ready to deploy if needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s the promise of Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, Monday morning, who said there are 24,000 regular and reserve members “ready to be called into action, if needed.”…

ER doc says it’s ‘scary’ sending home people with symptoms

Dr. Sean Wormsbecker of Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster and Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody said hospitals are sending home symptomatic patients without testing them, he’s concerned people won’t follow quarantine direction

Hospitals are likely sending home patients without testing them for COVID-19 even through they appear to have symptoms because only the sickest are getting tested, says an emergency room doctor from Port Moody’s Eagle Ridge Hospital. And that’s a concern for Dr. Sean Wormsbecker, who said he is afraid people won’t take COVID-19 seriously or follow quarantine orders, possibly encouraging the spread of the disease with their actions.…

Vail Resorts’ CEO Rob Katz donates US$200,000 to Whistler charities

Katz and wife, Elana Amsterdam, will donate more than US$2.5 million to support charitable work in mountain towns

The head of Vail Resorts and his wife are donating US$200,000 to two Whistler non-profits in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. CEO Rob Katz and his wife, Elana Amsterdam, are donating US$100,000 towards Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) and US$100,000 towards the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation’s COVID relief fund.…

Tokyo Olympics rescheduled for July 23-Aug. 8 in 2021

TOKYO — The Tokyo Olympics will open next year in the same time slot scheduled for this year’s games. Tokyo organizers said Monday the opening ceremony will take place on July 23, 2021—almost exactly one year after the games were due to start this year.…

Ottawa revises 75% wage subsidy to include large companies

Recently revised wage subsidy will be applied to both large and small businesses

THE FEDERAL government is changing course on its 75% wage subsidy, revealing businesses both large and small will be eligible for the program if their revenue has declined 30%. The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program was originally aimed at helping small businesses keep workers on the payroll.…

A Whistler local is printing 3D face shields for health care workers

So far, John Ford has printed 24 plastic masks for Whistler Health Care Centre staff

As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country, most Canadians remain homebound—doing their part to flatten the curve—but wanting to help from the confines of their couch.…

LETTER: We got this

‘Long-term investment in our society’s well-being is needed, not down the road, but now’

The COVID-19 situation has developed rapidly. As we look at an extended stay in our homes, now is the time to think ahead in ensuring the physical and mental well-being of those of us who live in the Sea to Sky, not just now but well into the future.…

She’s 95. He’s 102. Their love still shines through the window

‘I said I’d look after him until the day he died’

Hilda Duddridge made a promise to her husband of nearly 75 years and she won’t let the COVID-19 pandemic get in the way. “I said I’d look after him until the day he died,” said Hilda, 95.…

Whistler health care workers hear your cheering

Local health care centre posts photos thanking the community for their support

Every day at 7 p.m., Whistlerites have been following in the footsteps of their Vancouver counterparts, standing outside their homes and cheering loudly in a show of support for health care workers battling on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.…

‘Worse than any flu:’ Canadians describe how it feels to have COVID-19

At least one couple feels all those who are sick with virus should all be separated from general population

>Melanie Fournier went to bed March 19 feeling grateful that, despite everything going on in the world, she was in the best health of her life. Less than 12 hours later, the 42-year-old Montreal-area woman was racked with coughs that left her gasping for breath and was burning up with fever.…

B.C. government suspends legal action limitations periods

Order applies for as long as state of emergency continues

Legal limitation periods to start B.C. court proceedings have been suspended, and statutory decision-makers have given discretion to waive, suspend or extend time periods related to their powers, provincial government said Friday. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth made the order at the request of the Attorney General David Eby.…

Labour woes spark fears for B.C.’s fruit crop during pandemic

The province’s farming industry is facing multiple challenges during the COVID-19 crisis, including importing its seasonal foreign workforce

As much of the province grapples with working from home during the pandemic, B.C.’s farming industry is facing the monumental task of bringing in around 10,000 seasonal workers from overseas. Negotiating isolation protocols with the government, making sure workers have visas and scrambling to find rare flights to even get them here are just some of the hurdles facing the industry right now.…

RMOW, Province prep dock management strategy for Whistler lakes

Close to 100 docks on Alta Lake were built without a provincial permit

With the proliferation of docks and party barges on local lakes, and Alta Lake in particular – and a similar rise in complaints about noise, pollution and safety issues – the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is working on a docks management strategy with the provincial government. The goal is to improve the experience at Whistler’s lakes while protecting the environment and keeping people safe.…

Anatomy of a lockdown

Travelling in France during COVID-19

When visiting my daughter in Nice, France, I often run my van up Mont Chauve to park for the night overlooking the city and the Mediterranean Sea. It is a short drive down to walk her to school, pick her up, or go to the park.…