Top Stories – June 8 – Are You Ready?

44 percent of British Columbians surveyed for BCAA say they are taking a “wait-and-see” approach to extreme weather and will deal with it when and if they need to. Just over half still have an emergency kit on their ‘to-do’ list, and about the same number have not created an evacuation plan for their families. However 85% of British Columbians are worried about a repeat of last year’s extreme weather events.

The BC Coroner’s Service has confirmed that 619 people died as a result of last summer’s Heat Dome. Health authorities have provided resources to home-health staff about when it’s important to conduct wellness checks, signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, and how to respond. To learn more about how to prepare and what to do, Google ‘BC Extreme Heat Guide’.

With the pandemic easing, Pacific Coastal Air is resuming some of the flights it had suspended because of Covid. One of them is between the Okanagan and Kootenays. The non-stop trip between Kelowna and Cranbrook will resume after Labour Day on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The federal Conservatives and New Democrats are demanding the government to do more to address the cost-of-living crisis in Canada. The Conservatives want the Liberals to temporarily suspend the GST on gas and diesel, suspend the carbon tax and remove all federal COVID restrictions. The NDP says stronger action must be taken against corporations profiting from the crisis and excess profits should be redistributed to Canadians who are in need.

You probably won’t be surprised that money, especially having a lack of it, is the leading cause of stress among Canadians. And you also won’t be surprised that food, gas and inflation’s affect on goods and services top the list. When it comes to unexpected costs, only 29% of British Columbians have been able to set up an emergency fund.

Canada’s chief electoral officer is recommending that changes to the law be made to combat foreign interference in elections and the spread of misinformation. A report also suggests that MPs outlaw hate groups from registering as political parties, which would give them the names and addresses of all voters.

Some opposition MLA’s in BC are wondering if the NDP government has instituted a capital funding freeze for new school projects. In recent weeks, school districts in Vancouver, Mission and Sooke have all received denials for their new capital project requests. Liberal Finance Critic Peter Milobar says it’s concerning, when you consider the premier has decided to build a Billion-dollar museum project that no one saw coming and no one was asking for.

It’s been a decade since we said goodbye to the penny – should the nickel be next? A survey done by Research Co. found 40 percent of us wouldn’t feel bad if the ‘beaver coin’ went away. In BC, 52% of us think we should keep it while the lowest support is next door in Alberta at 46 percent.

After surgery, some cancer patients can safely skip radiation or chemotherapy, according to two studies exploring shorter, gentler cancer care. One study used a blood test to determine which colon cancer patients could skip chemotherapy after surgery. Another suggests some low-risk breast cancer patients can omit radiation after lumpectomy. The research was discussed at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago.

Sports

In Tampa Bay last night the Lightning evened their NHL East final with the New York Rangers at 2 wins each thanks to a 4-1 win. Game 5 is back at MSG tomorrow.

The Montreal Canadiens hired three-time Olympic gold medalist Marie-Philip Poulin as a player development consultant. She will work for the Habs on a part-time basis as she continues her playing career.

The Toronto Blue Jays play their last of 3 games in Kansas City today with the first pitch just after 11. Last night, Toronto took a 7-0 win, following an 8-0 shutout against the worst team in Major League Baseball the night before.

Tiger Woods will be skipping the US Open next week saying his body needs more time to get stronger for major tournaments. Woods participated at the PGA Championship in May and even made the cut, but withdrew before the final round after shooting a 9-over 79 on moving day.

West Kelowna Warriors President Chris Laurie has been named BCHL Marketer of the Year. Some of the things he accomplished include: an increased season ticket base, sold out multiple home games after Covid restrictions were lifted, and the team raised over 80-thousand dollars for local non-profit organizations over the last two years.