Tag Archives: COVID 19

Politics, Poverty

Low income families: don’t expect radical reforms from the NDP

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“the Pulse” @ Vancouver Co-Op Radio, CRFO 100.5 FM, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter and rebroadcast over the Oct 30, 2020 edition of Cortes Currents.

Although Premier Horgan’s $10-a-day childcare pledge would be a game-changer for many, Simon Fraser University’s Stewart Prest said other important issues — renters rights, welfare rates, homelessness and drug laws — got sideswiped off the election campaign stage by COVID-19. The political scientist in Vancouver said people hopeful for radical reforms from the newly elected B.C. New Democrat majority government should probably brace for some disappointment.

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Health, Indigenous Nations

Virtual mental health service improves access

the Discourse, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

COVID19 has people at home, with less frequent opportunities for connection. The isolation increases when it is compounded with the stigma of substance use or mental health issues.

“In many cases, underlying chronic, severe trauma is related to substance use and during these dual public health emergencies it becomes even more important to increase mental health and wellness supports for BC First Nations people,” explains Dr. Nel Wieman, First Nations Health Authority’s (FNHA) acting deputy chief medical officer.

In B.C., 261 people have died of COVID-19. As of Sept. 30, 2020, 1202 people have died from overdose in the province this year. 

In response to this combined crisis, the FNHA accelerated their plans to launch a virtual substance use and psychiatry service.  

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Health, Transportation

Vancouver International AIrport’s COVID testing project

By Hannah Scott, Richmond Sentinel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After announcing a COVID-19 testing pilot project last month, Vancouver International Airport is almost ready to put the plan into action.

The project is a collaboration between the airport (YVR) and WestJet, and also involves the University of British Columbia as a research partner. After developing and reviewing the program, it will be available to passengers starting in early November.

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Housing, Poverty

Strathcona Park tent city: Problem or community?

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By Jen St. Denis, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

One evening this August, Peter Portuondo was stabbed in the arm when he attempted to block a man who was not welcome at the Strathcona Park  tent city in Vancouver’s east side. 

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Finances, Food

The Cortes Natural Food Co-op’s best year ever – in terms of sales

The pandemic inflicted deep financial wounds on some businesses; others prospered. Things looked pretty uncertain when the crisis reared its head last March but, as manager Eric Hargrave explains, 2020 is turning into the Cortes Natural Food Co-op’s best year ever. 

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