Top Stories – Nov 30 – Outbreaks

Interior Health says a respiratory infection outbreak was declared at Three Links Manor long-term care in Kelowna on Monday and involves the entire facility. In addition, there has been a covid outbreak in the Pioneer Unit of the Spring Valley Care Centre. Earlier this month, there were outbreaks at Sun Pointe Village and one unit of The Village at Mill Creek.

The Regional District says renewal notices are in the mail for Central Okanagan businesses. December 31 is the deadline for existing license renewals at $85. After that, it will be $110 which includes a $25 late fee. There is a secure online renewal/application option on the Regional District website – rdco.com/payments .

Twitter will no longer stop users from spreading false information about the Covid-19 virus or vaccines, according to an update on its content moderation policies. The previous one had led to more than 11,000 account suspensions since 2020. It appears to be part of new owner Elon Musk’s plans to grant “general amnesty” to previously banned accounts.

Kelowna has received $662,000 from Ottawa through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program. It will support a new program to grow cultural safety within harm reduction services, and reduce the stigma and racism faced by Indigenous peoples and other marginalized communities.

It’s real simple, if you drink this holiday season, don’t drive. The RCMP’s Counterattack program begins tomorrow and they’ll be looking for drivers impaired by alcohol, drugs and cannabis. The least you can be hit with is a 12 hour suspension, but from there it goes up to Criminal Code charges and vehicle impoundment.

For the 1st time in its 87 year history, the Bank of Canada lost money in a quarter. The central bank posted a third quarter loss of just over half-a-Billion dollars. In a way, it was self-inflicted as revenue from interest on its assets didn’t keep pace with interest charges on deposits at the bank, which have grown amid rapidly rising interest rates.

Lake Country residents have the chance to help out some of their less fortunate neighbours this weekend. It’s the annual cram the cruiser event at the Save On Foods on Main St. Saturday from 10-4. RCMP and the Food Bank will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for kids up to 12 as well as food donations. Police will also be accepting donations at the front counter of the detachment on Berry Road until Friday December 9.

An Alberta MLA who admitted to hacking the province’s COVID vaccine records portal has been ordered to pay a $7,200 fine. Thomas Dang sits as an Independent member and pleaded guilty to a charge of illegally attempting to access private information. He says he used former premier Jason Kenney’s birth date and vaccination dates, both publicly available, which allowed him to breach the site’s privacy safeguard.

It’s the most expensive deal ever for a Canadian bank buying another Canadian bank. The Royal is going to buy the assets of the Canadian arm of HSBC for 13 Billion dollars. HSBC has 130 branches, about 4,200 employees and net assets of 125 Billion dollars at the end of June. The deal needs the approval of many government agencies.

Sports

Andrew Cristall had 4 points for the Kelowna Rockets against the Pats last night, including the 5-5 tying goal on a powerplay with 52 seconds left in the third. In overtime it was Regina with the powerplay goal to take a 6-5 win. Kelowna has 3 games in 3 nights in Washington at the end of the week.

In Vancouver, Alex Ovechkin had the first two goals as the Capitals went on to end Vancouver’s 3 game winning streak by a 5-1 score.

Curling Canada is looking for new title sponsor for the Brier. Next year will be the last for Tim Hortons after having top billing since 2005.

The Toronto Blue Jays are closing in on a deal with former Marlins manager Don Mattingly to become the team’s bench coach. Mattingly was was a six-time All-Star and won nine Gold Gloves with the Yankees.