All posts by Guest Post

History

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s secret visit to a small BC island

By Greg Osoba, CKTZ News, through an LJI grant from Canada-info.ca

In August 1994, after opening the Commonwealth Games in Victoria BC, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were whisked away for few days rest. Most Canadians had no idea where the queen and prince had taken off to after the games.

However, the local citizenry of Cortes Island had a good idea. Rumors circulated that the royal couple would be spending time on adjacent Twin Islands, owned at that time by a German nephew of Prince Philip’s, Maximilian Margrave of Baden. The reports had a reliable source: Cortes Islander Ginny Ellingsen, originally from northern England, had been hired to wait on the famous guests. Once the Commonwealth Games were underway, a seaplane arrived at the dock on Twin Island bearing the royal couple.

Continue reading Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s secret visit to a small BC island →
Indigenous Nations History

Manitoba: Westman ride to honour residential school survivors

By Miranda Leybourne, Brandon Sun, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Next week residents of Waywayseecappo, Birdtail Sioux and Canupawakpa First Nations as well as Sioux Valley Dakota Nation are embarking on a ride — whether that’s on horseback, bicycle or by foot — to spread awareness of the former residential school system in Canada.

Participants will convene in Waywayseecappo on Sunday to begin the journey with a breakfast at 10 a.m., followed by a blessing at 11. From there, they will travel to the site of the former residential school in Birtle, located 142 kilometres northwest of Brandon, at noon.

Continue reading Manitoba: Westman ride to honour residential school survivors →
Housing

Low income prevalence dropping on Gabriola

Editor’s note: This appears to be another example of high living costs driving away working age families. Gabriola is becoming an island for seniors and tourists.

By Rachelle Stein-Wotten, Gabriola Sounder, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

More people on Gabriola appear to have higher incomes, according Statistics Canada data.

The prevalence of low-income dropped between the 2020 and 2016 censuses. In 2015, 24.9 per cent of people in the Gabriola Local Trust Area were considered low income while in 2020, that was reduced to 17.8 per cent.

Continue reading Low income prevalence dropping on Gabriola →
Politics

Northwest communities sign memorandum on revenue-sharing with province

Editors note: The District of New Hazelton, District of Stewart, Fort St James, Fraser Lake, Hazelton, Houston, Kitimat, North Coast Regional District, Port Edward,  Prince Rupert, Regional District of Bulkley Nechako, Regional District of Kitimat-Smithers, Smithers, Telkwa, City of Terrace, Vanderhoof, Village of Burns Lake, Village of Granisle, Village of Masset, Village of Port Clements, and Village of Queen Charlotte (Daajing Giids) are in the Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance.

By Kaitlyn Bailey,  Prince Rupert Northern View, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The provincial government signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance (RBA) on Sept. 15, which brings them one step closer to a new revenue-sharing agreement.

The RBA, made up of 21 local governments from Masset to Vanderhoof, have been calling on B.C. for a new funding agreement since 2014.

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Cost of Climate Change, Environment, Youth

Youth in historic climate case get their day in Ontario court

By Morgan Sharp, National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It’s been a long time coming, but the seven young people who sued the Ontario government after Doug Ford dismantled the province’s climate policies and downgraded its emissions targets will finally get their day in court this week. 

Three, in fact. But they will be virtual appearances. 

Continue reading Youth in historic climate case get their day in Ontario court →