Tag Archives: Sonia Furstenau

Indigenous Nations, Justice

Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs hosted a Peace and Unity gathering. RCMP made arrests

By Matt Simmons, The Narwhal, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

This week Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs welcomed a delegation from across the country and beyond to the yintah (territory) for a Peace and Unity Summit. Through the four-day event, the chiefs brought together Indigenous leaders, politicians, conservation groups and others to uplift Indigenous sovereignty, share space and join in solidarity with the Hereditary Chiefs in their opposition to the Coastal GasLink pipeline.

“It’s really heartwarming to see all the people coming together in peace and unity across Canada to maintain the solidarity of the Wet’suwet’en,” Dinï ze’ (Hereditary Chief) Madeek told attendees at the event.

“You make history by being peaceful. By being here, being together, being united, knowing that we all have the same heart,” Dinï ze’ Na’Moks said.

Arrests weren’t part of the plan.

Continue reading Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs hosted a Peace and Unity gathering. RCMP made arrests →
Health

Primary health care ‘collapsing’ in B.C. rural communities, critics say

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Back-to-back closures of small community emergency rooms on North Vancouver Island over the weekend is another example of the overall erosion of the primary care system in rural communities, the BC Green Party and the BC Nurses’ Union say. 

Due to ongoing staffing shortages, the emergency room at Port Hardy Hospital was temporarily closed from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. That closure took place hard on the heels of another temporary emergency department closure at the neighbouring Port McNeill Hospital from 3 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m Sunday. 

Continue reading Primary health care ‘collapsing’ in B.C. rural communities, critics say →
Health

BC Greens Launch Hearings on Health-Care ‘Crisis’

By Moira Wyton, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The BC Green Party says urgent action is needed to address the province’s “collapsing” health-care system.

And its two MLAs are  planning a series of meetings across the province this summer to hear  from health-care workers and patients on solutions.

Continue reading BC Greens Launch Hearings on Health-Care ‘Crisis’ →
Health

BC Cuts COVID Restrictions. Critics Say It’s Dangerous

By Moira Wyton, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

British Columbia will drop its major remaining COVID-19 protective measures Friday despite modelling suggesting a sixth wave could send 100  new people to hospital each day by mid-May.

Provincial health officer  Dr. Bonnie Henry also said today that second booster shots will be  available to older and vulnerable people to boost waning immunity.

Continue reading BC Cuts COVID Restrictions. Critics Say It’s Dangerous →
Energy

B.C.’s largest fossil fuel subsidy cost the province over $1B last year

By Cloe Logan, National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A B.C. program that has been referred to as a “tax loophole for fracking operators” cost the province $1.162 billion in royalty revenues last year.

That’s according to a Stand.earth analysis of the province’s 2021-22 budget. Sven Biggs, the organization’s Canadian oil and gas program director, said the money lost through the Deep Well Royalty Credit program represents a broken promise from the provincial government.

Continue reading B.C.’s largest fossil fuel subsidy cost the province over $1B last year →