Top Stories – Mar 9 – “God Given Right”

A Quebec court judge says Canadians have a “God-given,” constitutionally protected right to flip off obnoxious neighbours. The comments came in a ruling acquitting a Montreal-area man of criminal harassment. The judge wrote that the man on the receiving end of the middle finger was fortunate he wasn’t charged for uttering threats.

A West Kelowna nurse has been suspended for 10 weeks for breaching patient privacy by accessing the medical records of a person she had no care or work relationship with. The BC College of Nurses and Midwives says Nancy Brocker sent the person harassing text messages. She voluntarily agreed to multiple disciplinary actions along with a public reprimand and remedial education in ethics.

For the first time in more than a year the Bank of Canada did not raise interest rates when it had a chance to. The trend setting rate staying at 4.5% is helpful news for anyone looking to borrow in the near future. The bank says there are signs that inflation is beginning to ease.

Tim Hortons says a small number of customers were incorrectly told on Monday they won $10,000 as part of the Roll Up To Win contest, due to a technical error. One 10-grand prize is awarded each day and the chain says it has offered a $50 gift card as compensation.

UBC Okanagan is launching a new Doctor of Education program. It’s three years and is designed to inform, empower and engage current and aspiring educational leaders. The majority of the coursework will be online with opportunities for students to go to campus for summer sessions.

Politician and former astronaut Marc Garneau is resigning his seat in the House of Commons. The Quebec Liberal MP told the House it has been an honour to serve the country. He has been a member of Parliament for more than 14 years, including seven years in government and a cabinet minister for 6.

The Liberal government’s controversial Online Streaming Act is back in the House of Commons, where MPs are set to debate the Senate’s amendments. If passed, the bill will update Canada’s broadcasting rules. It would include online giants such as YouTube, Netflix and Spotify, and require them make Canadian content accessible to users in Canada or face steep penalties.

Goats Peak Regional Park on the west side is open again for visitors. It was closed last Tuesday as Conservation Officers followed up on a report of a cougar sighting. No recent cougar activity was identified during the latest check through the 63-hectare park.

A Vernon cart manufacturer is planning a major expansion. SC Carts makes golf carts, street legal commuter carts and work EV’s. The first retail outlet and design centre is planned to open in Kelowna on April 1st and the company has plans for other stores across Canada.

Sports

At Prospera Place last night the Kelowna Rockets dropped a 6-2 decision to Prince George. A 3 game weekend coming up for the Rockets. Vancouver is here Friday, then they head to America for games against Spokane and Tri Cities.

The Vancouver Canucks went to overtime with the Ducks last night, but JT Miller scored 20 seconds in the extra frame for the 3-2 win. Ottawa visits Rogers Arena Saturday night.

One of the first big golf events of the year begins today. The Players Championship tees off at TPC Sawgrass in Florida with Cameron Smith looking to defend his title.

The Jaguars financially incentivized former BC Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke to sign his three-year contract. The 24-year-old received a $5,000 signing bonus along with $216,000 in guaranteed base salary.