Top Stories – June 1 – Food Cost

The ‘Food Costing in BC 2022’ report shows the average monthly cost of a nutritious diet for a family of four in May and June last year was $1,263. The survey uses a tool known as the national nutritious food basket to assess the cost of 61 food items at grocery stores in different parts of the province. It found almost 15 percent, or 732,000 people in BC struggle to put food on the table.

There was no winning ticket sold in Tuesday’s Lotto Max $65-million draw. That means the jackpot for the next draw tomorrow will be an estimated $70 million, with 10 Maxmillion prizes of $1 million up for grabs.

It’s not just for the packages anymore. As of August 1st, Canada will become the first country to have health warnings posted on each individual cigarette in the pack. While the rule goes into effect in 2 months, manufacturers have until the end of next July to have them on King Size cigarettes and April 2025 for the rest.

A summer forecast warns wildfires will likely continue to be a major concern, with higher than normal temperatures in western Canada. The Weather Network says it doesn’t look like a bone dry summer in terms of precipitation, in fact it could be near normal, but it all depends on where the rains fall and when they come.

The economy grew by 3.1 percent in the first quarter, beating Stats Canada’s own forecast of 2-1/2 percent growth. It could prompt discussions of a potential rate hike, as the Bank of Canada is expected to make its next interest rate announcement next week. The central bank is still trying to figure out if rates are high enough to quash inflation.

A senior Indian official was fined about $800 for allowing a reservoir to be drained so another person could find… his cell phone. The man was taking a selfie when he dropped it in. Over three days, more than two Million litres of water were pumped out, enough to irrigate about 1,500 acres. (600 hectares)

Starting today all Regional Parks are open later, from 6am to 11pm until August 31. Don’t forget camping, fires, or overnight parking are not permitted. And there is no smoking or vaping in parks due to the fire risk. More info at rdco.com/pickapark .

Starting today, people in BC can get prescriptions from their pharmacist for contraceptives and medications to treat a number of minor ailments, such as allergies, shingles, cold sores and pink eye. The Health Minister says it takes pressure off the primary-care providers and our public health-care system as a whole. Residents just need to provide their personal health number.

The amount of fresh fruit available on store shelves across the country fell by more than five percent between 2021 and 2022. And Stats Canada says ongoing supply chain issues, labour shortages and price increases also led to a nearly six percent drop in the availability of fresh veggies, except for potatoes.

Sports

The second and last exhibition game for the BC Lions goes tonight at BC Place. The Calgary Stampeders make the trip to Vancouver for a 7:30 kickoff. Both teams will play again in a week in the season opener.

As expected, the Maple Leafs named Brad Treliving as their new general manager. He spent nine seasons as Flames GM, but the team never advanced past the second round of the playoffs.

The PGA Tour stop this weekend is The Memorial at Muirfield Village in Ohio. Five Canadians are in the field.