Masking to make a comeback at some Health care facilities this fall

If you have plans to visit a health care facility 
in October and beyond you may want to keep
one of these handy

There is no official statement to relay to the public just yet from Health Officials in the province, but a leaked memo that was obtained and reported on by a number of Vancouver and Victoria news organizations has indicated that there are plans to re-institute some masking requirements at Health Care facilities starting this fall.

The latest data on respiratory infections, including coronavirus is serving as the advice for health officials towards their planning.

The memo which has been relayed by the media notes of the reported call for:

 "Continuous masking by health-care workers, visitors, contractors and volunteers in all patient, client and resident care areas" starting Oct. 3. 

Masking will also be required in physician offices and outpatient clinics but says "patients, clients and residents will mask when directed by a health-care worker or based on personal choice." 

The media accounts (which you can review from our Blog D'ArcyMcGee) note that the word mandate is not being attached to the latest wording for the measures ahead.

The official announcement with the details is to come over the noon hour by way of a briefing from Health Minister Adrian Dix and BC Provincial Health Officer Doctor Bonnie Henry.

The BC Government Social Media stream likely will have the information session live at Noon today.

The update from the Noon Hour information session outlined the steps the province will be taking on respiratory concerns, as well as the fall immunization plan for BC.

“An increase in hospital visits with the fall respiratory illness season requires measures to ensure our acute care is effective and our health-care system is strong, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. 

We all know that getting immunized is the best way for us to protect ourselves, our loved ones and the B.C. health-care workers we rely on. We all know that to keep ourselves healthy and our health-care system strong, we all need to do our part. 

And by getting our free and readily available COVID-19 and influenza vaccines at the same time, we’re all doing precisely what’s needed.”  -- ”Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. 

Towards the fall masking regimen planned for health care facilities, the Statement from the Minister and Public Health office included the following:

As respiratory infections are increasing in communities in B.C., the risk also increases in health-care facilities where people may be more at risk of severe infections or complications. 

To increase protections in health-care facilities in the province, medical mask wearing will be required by all health-care workers, volunteers, contractors and visitors in patient care areas starting Oct. 3, 2023. 

Long-term care visitors will be required to wear a medical mask when they are in common areas of the home and when participating in indoor events, gatherings, activities in communal areas of the care home or residence.

Ambassadors will be at facility entrances to support screening for symptoms of respiratory illnesses, hand out medical masks, and ensure people clean their hands before entering. 

The full statement, and links to additional information is available here.

More on Health care in the northwest is available from our archive page.

City's latest job opportunity seeks help at the Recreation Centre

The Recreation Centre is the latest location seeking help
for the City of Prince Rupert

A chance to work at one of the busiest civic facilities in the city is your for the application, as the City of Prince Rupert puts out the word of a Casual Custodian position at the Jim Ciccone Recreation Complex.

The on call position offers a wage of 33.21.

The full scope of what the position offers and what you need to provide for it can be explored here.

The deadline for applications is October 20, 2023

A look at previous employment opportunities and other civic labour themes is available here.

Health Minister Adrian Dix releases details toward plans for additional Cancer Travel funding in British Columbia

Health Minister Adrian Dix, has filled in many of the details towards an announcement on additional funding for those who have travel requirements related to cancer care.

The funding initiative was first noted by North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice last week, who provided for the thumbnail sketch of the program with the Health Minister to add to the details in the days ahead.

Yesterday was that day, as Mr. Dix expanded on the province's 20 million dollar commitment.

“When people who are diagnosed with cancer must travel to receive treatment, they deserve support every step of the way. That’s why government is partnering with the Canadian Cancer Society and Hope Air to expand their existing programs in B.C. that aim to support all facets of cancer patient travel.

By providing grant funding to these two incredible charitable organizations, we are helping patients focus on receiving their cancer treatment at one of the six BC Cancer Centres or 41 community oncology network sites so they can get well as soon as possible.” -- BC Health Minister Adrian Dix

How that 20 million has been divided is as follows:

The Canadian Cancer Society and Hope Air have each received $10 million to expand their travel programs and support cancer patients. 

Both organizations will have an Oct. 3, 2023, launch date.

The full funding announcement from Minister Dix is available for review here.

Ms. Rice also made note of the launch of the program from Victoria providing for some information other own through her social media stream on Wednesday.

More notes on Health care in the Northwest can be explored here.

A wider overview of items of interest from the Legislature is available here.

Canadian Fish Plant workers to vote on seniority list next month

The Seal Cove Fish plant sees much of the fishing related activity for
Canadian Fish in Prince Rupert these days.

With much of the work that is left in the local fishery for Canadian Fish taking place at their Seal Cove facility, the union which represents the workers at the BC based fishing company's Prince Rupert operations will be seeking the approval of the membership on seniority issues.

UFAWU-Unifor recently outlined the plans for all CFC Shoreworkers to vote on their Seniority Plan Committee recommendations, 

The balloting for the membership on the issue takes place on Tuesday October 3rd at the UFAWU-Unifor offices Upstairs  at 330 - 3rd West.

The Callout seniority plan is one described as the final merger for the Fresh Fish and Cannery seniority lists, if accepted there would no longer be separate lists, just one Canadian Fish Shoreworkers Seniority list. 

As the local fishing industry went through its challenges in recent yeas, the volume of workers required for work at local fish plants has dwindled, as have the physical plants of the once vibrant and instrumental  part of the local economy.

Earlier this Spring, Canadian Fish put the Main Cannery Plant location on George Hills Way up for lease, though so far there are no indications how much of that space that the Jim Pattison company has leased out.

More notes on the local fishing industry can be reviewed through our archive page here.

BC Wildfires among expenses to burn through Government financials on way to $6.7 Billion deficit

The Province of British Columbia delivered a Quarterly report on Wednesday that provided a glimpse at the state of the finances for the province, as well as some of the challenges that have come this year to hit the bottom line.

The Report from Katrine Conroy noting as to how the devastation of the wildfire season, the current level of high interest rates and a slowing global economy have all been challenges for the province to tackle this summer and now into the fall.

“With a diverse economy and strong financial planning, B.C. is in a good position to weather global uncertainties as well as keep people safe through this wildfire season and drought. Through challenges like the pandemic, global inflation and high interest rates, we have led the country in making smart investments in people and the services and infrastructure they depend on.” -- Katrine Conroy, Minister of Finance.

Once the number crunching was done by the Finance Department, the update to the year end deficit projection was set at $6.7 Billion an increase of $2.5 Billion from the Budget released earlier this year.

The months ahead are still ones of uncertainty the Finance Minister noted in her review, though observing  that the government plans to keep to its plans and continue to support communities. 

Conroy used the report release to also highlight the different approaches the Current government takes compared to the previous BC Liberal one.  A familiar theme of late for the NDP government, which has been the government of the province since 2017. 

“Supporting people and communities has made our economy stronger and better able to withstand challenges, and we will continue to have people’s back now and for the long term.  

During hard times and slower economic growth, the old government chose to cut services and increase fees, which was the wrong approach. 

No matter what, we’re putting people first and making decisions that support the services and infrastructure they depend on to build a good life”

Of note from the review, is the list of areas where the economic outlook is at risk

The Report highlights the still strong credit rating that BC enjoys as well as how capital spending has been increased in 2023.

British Columbia has among the best credit ratings of all provinces and one of the lowest debt-to-GDP ratios in the country, which translates into low debt servicing costs for B.C. Projected capital spending increased by $413 million, mostly to support improvements to health-care facilities and housing projects. 

The update also includes several projects approved for construction since Budget 2023, including Phase 2 of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment.  

Included in her list of capital spending is the recent announcement for a new middle school in Prince Rupert, which so far has no firm date for construction or a location announcement.

The Finance Minister's statement towards the Quarterly report also notes of the challenges ahead for 2024 and what 'levels of prudence' the Government has put in place towards them.

The longer-term outlook in the financial plan forecasts that global economic headwinds will affect B.C. and the rest of Canada in 2024, with slower economic growth and higher unemployment. 

Levels of prudence are built into the fiscal plan, including $5.5 billion in contingencies and a $700-million forecast allowance this year to respond to unanticipated changes or expenses.

The Finance Minister's information release can be read here, the full report can be reviewed here.

BC United Opposition Leader Kevin Falcon used his social media stream to offer a short synopsis of the statement

BC Green leader Sonia Furstenau put her party's focus on the government's reliance on fossil fuels for revenue generation.

So far the BC Conservative Party which has seen some success in recent polling mostly at the expense of Falcon's BC United party, has yet to comment on the Quarterly report.

A review of some of the media coverage of the Quarterly report can be explored through our political blog D'Arcy McGee.

More notes from the Legislature can be reviewed from our archive page.

Mayor Pond's Breakfast presentation praised by Chamber, highlighted by Civic information stream

Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond at the Chamber of Commerce
Breakfast Meeting Wednesday at Arabisk at Seal Cove

By all accounts so far, the Wednesday Morning Breakfast briefing from Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond to a Chamber of Commerce gathering at Arabisk Mediterranean Cuisine at Seal Cove was a resounding success

The Chamber notes that the 7:30 AM breakfast meeting attracted 40 attendees to hear the Mayor and enjoy some of the gastronomic temptations of one of the city's most popular new restaurants.

The Chamber describing the Mayor's presentation  as a compelling update, which shed light on the future for the community, though they shared few details of the actual presentation that so captured their imagination.

City Hall appreciated the fulsome praise from the event, relaying their own salute to the Breakfast Club session, though there's so far been no follow up talking points memo of sorts, towards what the Mayor provided for content to the gathering.

Since the Communications office at City Hall is suggesting residents follow their social media stream for updates on future opportunities to catch up with the Mayor.  

Perhaps they might want to offer up a transcript of his Wednesday address for those that may not have had the thirty dollars for Chamber membership or could not make it out to Seal Cove for the morning presentation.

Towards such community engagement events in town for the future. 

With both the Prince Rupert and District Chamber and the City hosting video options, perhaps  recording the various chats around town that may be ahead, might be an option for both groups to consider so as to add to the local political discourse of engagement.

It's been a busy week for speechifying for the city's Mayor, as we noted yesterday, prior to the Wednesday event at Arabisk, Mr. Pond and a delegation had been in Ketchikan, attending a Chamber of Commerce event in that community.

Mayor Pond and the civic delegation in Ketchikan
earlier this week
(image from Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce)

Items of interest fro the Commercial Sector can be reviewed here.

More notes on Civic themes can be explored from our Council Discussion page.

Province of BC sets housing targets for ten communities, 10 more to be announced this fall

The Provincial Government's push towards creating housing across British Columbia gained some momentum this week as Housing Minister Ravi Khalon outlined the target numbers for the first ten communities on the provincial radar towards delivering on home construction.

The communities selected as part of the province's Housing Supply Act have five years to meet the government's expectations, towards that goal the province has reduces some of the bureaucracy of housing and announced funding towards housing initiatives.

The program is one that the Housing minister notes is part of a partnership between provincial and musical governments.

“The housing crisis is hurting people, holding back our economy and impacting the services we all count on. We’re taking action and working with municipal partners to make sure more homes are built in communities with the greatest housing need. The targets include thousands of below-market rental units for the largest and fastest-growing communities. This means more people will be able find a home in the community they love.” -- Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing

Municipalities will be evaluated after six months, and every year thereafter, on their progress toward achieving the housing targets and actions taken to meet the target. The Province will monitor progress and work with municipalities to better understand challenges and opportunities.

The full statement on the  housing expectations can be reviewed here.

Minister Khalon noted that another ten communities will be added to the provincial list later this fall.

Whether Prince Rupert is listed in the next listing of communities under the watchful eye of the province seems unlikely, with many larger communities still trying to come to a solution for their housing situation.

So, that would give Prince Rupert council some time to hopefully see some of their recent initiative show some progress.

The work road leading down to the Lax Kw'alaams 
apartment project on 11th East, for now, it's the only significant progress to
be seen towards much needed housing in the community

When it comes to housing development in the Prince Rupert area so far, only those projects led by First Nations have shown any tangible in the ground progress.

On the east side, the Lax Kw'alaams Band is continuing its site development for their apartment complex off of 11th Avenue East, while over on Kootenay Avenue, the Gitxaala Nation recently announced its plans for development of some housing.

Both projects are destined for the use of their membership.

There are a number of other housing proposals that have been put on the to do list, from the still stalled BC Housing plans for McKay Street, to a civic led initiative on Hays Cove Avenue at Frederick.

There haven't been any updates on either of those housing proposals in fair bit of time now.

Likewise, highly anticipated housing plans for Third Avenue West, Drake Crescent and the Seal Cove area to name a few all seem to have faded from view,  with little indication that any shovels are destined to move any dirt in the short term.

Should there continue to be a lack of progress when it comes to having foundations put in place, there may come a time when Prince Rupert makes it onto the provincial radar for housing targets.

More notes from the Legislature can be reviewed here.

Our look at housing in Prince Rupert can be explored here.