Top Stories – Nov 18 – New Premier

BC gets a new Premier today. David Eby will be sworn in by the Lieutenant Governor this morning at 10. John Horgan has said he’s not sure if he will stay on as an MLA until the next election. The now-63 year old was first elected in 2005.

As Kelowna continues to grow, so does the cost of raising a family. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives says the wage for a family of 4 to just get by is now $22.88 per hour. That’s up almost 24 percent or $4.39 an hour from just last year. Living Wage for Families BC, which co-authored the report says its not surprising given that inflation hit a 40 year high earlier this year

Canada’s minister of transportation says after a briefing with the country’s top doctor, the government still strongly encourages people to wear masks on planes and trains – but stopped short of making it a requirement. On October 1, all COVID entry restrictions were removed by Ottawa, including quarantine for unvaccinated foreign travellers and mask mandates for anyone entering Canada.

That open house at Okanagan College in Kelowna happens tomorrow from 10:30 to 2. People from the faculties and departments will be there to answer questions about programs and prerequisites. More info and how to register for a draw for a $500 tuition voucher are at okanagan.bc.ca/events .

Victoria is providing support to help the tree-fruit industry continue to provide locally produced fruit while supporting the economy in the Okanagan. Over two years, $2.5 million will support crop health, fruit production, apple marketing and skills training. The government says it’s putting BC’s apple growers in the best position to increase their efficiency, production and profitability.

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are being banned from wearing their military uniforms during civilian trials. It follows concerns from survivors of sexual misconduct in September. That is when Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin elicited an outcry when he wore his uniform in civilian court while being tried for sexual assault.

The Kelowna RCMP along with the South East District Emergency Response Team assisted the Vancouver Police Department in the execution of a search warrant yesterday morning. It was related to an ongoing criminal investigation. It happened in the 1000 block of Martin Avenue, in downtown Kelowna about 11am. Several arrests were made and the investigation is on-going but no further details were released.

Canadian Senators have passed a bill that will allow low and middle-income families to access government money to help pay for their kids’ dental care, starting as early as December 1st. Families with a household income lower than 90-thousand dollars who do not have private insurance can apply for up to 650-dollars per child under the age of 12.

General Motors expects its electric vehicle business to turn a profit in North America by 2025. That will come as it boosts battery and assembly plant capacity to build over 1 million EVs per year. CEO Mary Barra says the company’s EV portfolio appeals to a broader range of customers than the competition.

Sports

Kelowna Rockets host Spokane tonight and Tri Cities tomorrow in WHL action. Pre game show for both games on 1047 The Lizard or rocketfan.ca begins at 6:35, with the face off 30 minutes later.

In the Rivalry Series last night in Kamloops, Marie-Philip Poulin scored on a penalty shot for Canada, but the U-S got 2 after that to take their 2nd straight win. They play in Seattle on Sunday

The Grey Cup goes Sunday afternoon in Regina with Winnipeg taking on Toronto. Kick off is about 3pm.

The Canucks host the Kings tonight at 7.