National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Island seafood processors on B.C.’s Pacific coast say they are working to adapt to rapidly shifting market demands and heightened safety protocols, but some companies are taking a bigger hit from COVID-19 than others.
Continue reading Island Seafood Processors Coping With COVIDNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Quadra Island senior Derik Kidd says he’s being stretched to make ends meet on a marginal income with the increased costs he’s facing during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Kidd, 71, says his yearly income comes in around the $20,000 dollar mark, and that includes the top up from the federal government’s guaranteed income supplement (GIS).
“I get the sense there are a lot of seniors in that bracket,” said Kidd. “I guess I classify myself as having a poverty line income.”
Continue reading Rural Seniors Stretched To Make Ends Meet, Due To COVID Crises.National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The shutdown of First Nations communities is more crucial than ever with the sad news that an Indigenous elder from another island has died from COVID-19, says a Quadra Island, B.C., council member.
“My first thought was real sadness to hear this,” We Wai Kai Councillor Ted Lewis said. “It hurts all First Nations to hear this. Quite a few members have family up there, lots of people are related to that community.”
Continue reading Namgis Elder’s Death Heightens ConcernNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Seniors are the most likely age group to be extremely worried about their health and social isolation during COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new Statistics Canada survey. But the older residents on Quadra and Cortes, rural islands located off B.C.’s west coast may be bucking that trend.
Continue reading New COVID-19 Survey Stats May Not Reflect Elder Cortes & Quadra IslandersNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The danger to rural women facing violence is higher than ever due to the COVID-19 crisis, but the number of victims reaching out for support is not growing apace in the North Island region, troubling the agencies that help them.
Continue reading Isolation Of Rural Women Facing Violence
