National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Students can head back to school on a voluntary basis starting June 1, as the first step in a graduated return to full-time classes in the fall, B.C. Premier John Horgan announced Friday.
But Quadra Island parents’ reactions to the plan run the gamut from outright rejection to wholehearted acceptance of the offer to have kids head back to class.
Continue reading Some Quadra Students Head back to schoolNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Every May, long-time farmer Tamara McPhail’s day begins and ends with frog song. Followed closely by the chatter of birds.
McPhail, her partner and their two kids live off-grid in a fortified yurt with a dugout basement, which means even inside the walls of their home, the family maintains a close connection to nature.
“We’re essentially living in a glorified tent, so in the mornings I awaken to the dawn chorus right now,” said McPhail.
Continue reading Tamara McPhail Talks About Small Farming & Linnaea FarmNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Outreach workers are running errands or dropping off milkshakes, to get face time with vulnerable kids trapped at home during the pandemic. Counsellors are conducting therapy sessions in parks to better gage a youth’s state of mind while still adhering to distancing protocols. Youth workers are doing what they can to reach isolated children and teens living in the North Island region of Vancouver Island, B.C., and support their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Continue reading Prolonged Isolation Threatens Youth’s State Of MindNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
B.C. tourism operators being crushed by COVID-19 are hopeful but confused about how the critical summer season will unfold after the province unveiled its plan to reopen the economy on Wednesday.
Continue reading Tourism Operators Wrestling With BC’s Reopening PlanNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Bertha Jeffery, owner of the Cortes Market grocery store, is unequivocal about how critical her staff is in serving the store’s small island community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Continue reading Grocery Stores Provide Essentials For Cortes & Quadra
