The Strathcona Regional District is considering what could be an extremely innovative and societal changing plan. As CAO David Letich informed the Board, at their Wednesday June 26 meeting, the draft Poverty Reduction Plan is already more than 100 pages long. It was his intention to have the plam introduced through a presentation and then, hopefully, they will forward it to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion.
Continue reading First Draft of the SRD Poverty Reduction PlanThe consensus of scientists is that limiting the global temperature rise of 1.5°C is no longer reachable, but limiting it to below 2.0°C is possible, according to an analysis of global information undertaken by the Inevitable Policy Response study from Britain (Jacob Thomae, New Scientist, 2 December 2023, “Keeping our Cool”). We were once on a path to 3.5°C, which has been reduced to 2.4°C by 2100. But the IPR study thinks that we have a 90% chance of holding the temperature increase to between 1.7 and 1.8°C, primarily because of the progress that has been made on green energy since the Paris Agreement in 2015. This is the good news.
Continue reading The Quada Project: Beyond 1.5°C
CCEDA continued its series of Conversation Cafés on Thursday December 7th at the Gorge Hall, to discuss the issue of “food security on Cortes Island.” Facilitated by Colin Funk and organised by Kate Maddigan, the event attracted over 20 participants.
CCEDA will be releasing a detailed report on the results of this guided discussion; in the meantime, Currents can offer our readers an overview and a few highlights.
Continue reading CCEDA Conversation Café: Food SecurityEditor’s note: We need a study like this on lower wage earners living on Cortes and Quadra Islands, as well as Campbell River.
By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tofino, BC – With tourism’s major contribution to Tofino’s economy, the industry itself is “less likely” to offer the region’s living wage, according to a recent report.
While the costs of food, shelter, and transportation increase, tight food budgets are likely as locals cut corners to shoulder expenses.
In early November, Clayoquot Biosphere Trust published their biannual Vital Signs report revealing the regions living wage of $26.51 per hour is almost 10 dollars over the province’s minimum wage of $16.75.
Continue reading Cutting corners on healthy foods: How do Tofino’s lower wage workers get by with rising living costs?Editor’s note: While the example is from Tofino, the liveable wage question is vital to Cortes and Quadra Island residents.
By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tofino, BC – On Nov. 9, Clayoquot Biosphere Trust 2023 vital signs report was launched, revealing an over five-dollar increase in the living wage for Vancouver Island’s west coast communities.
The living wage grew to $26.51 per hour, while in 2021 it was $21.25.
Continue reading Living wage in Clayoquot Sound jumps over $5 in two years
