Thoughts on BC Politics and More

Re-opening the economy will take time We are all wondering when we will be able to fully return to normal business operations. In order for that to happen, we need to know more about how the virus works and assist with worldwide efforts to develop a vaccine that is safe and effective. Last week, the federal government announced $1.1 billion toward this goal. In the meantime, face masks and physical distancing will be common, and large gatherings are discouraged. Those most at risk from the virus will still be asked to spend as much time at home as possible. We’ll also have to wait for key benchmarks to be met. From lifting border and travel restrictions, to when essential industries will get back up and running, as these answers are rolled out, I will be sure to keep you informed every step of the way. CLICK HERE for up-to-date info on programs and funding --------------------- Working together ... and sewing the curve ...

Normally, at this time of year, I would be referencing the April 30  deadline to file your personal income tax. Instead I will be outlining the changes that have been made to the income tax filing deadline. As part of the federal government COVID-19 response effort, the filing deadline has been extended to individuals to June 1 st of 2020. This change applies to all Canadians who file an individual tax return with the Canadian Revenue Agency. If you owe taxes for the 2019 taxation year the payment deadline has also been extended to September 1 st of 2020. For self-employed individuals the filing deadline remains unchanged at June 15, of 2020. It should also be pointed out that if you are expecting an income tax refund or to qualify for other benefits, such as the GST/HST credit or the Canada Child Benefit, the earlier you can file your return the less likely you are to encounter a delay in receiving these benefits. There is also now more information available ...

Patty Hajdu -- Canada's Health Minister My God ... Our Health Minister (Patty Hajdu), Our Government On CTV Power Play, host Evan Solomon asked Minister Hajdu some good questions. Would her Government join US and Australia to investigate the relationship between China and the World Health Organization (WHO)? She did not answer —she fudged it. The Canadian Government will not criticize China, or the World Health Organization! You can send us the virus, then send us defective personal protective equipment (PPE) to battle it, cozying up to WHO — but that’s not a problem. We won’t criticize this Communist state. I guess given the Federal Government efforts not to meet Parliament, it should not be surprising that they have no problems supporting an autocratic state. The Minister says we have to have an international effort.   Oh, the great straw man -- nobody says we don’t need an international effort, but does it have to b...

Things have changed ...   Only less than two months ago, I wrote about the challenges of today’s human nature and how difficult has become to communicate. At that time, the novel coronavirus (or COVID-19) was scourging China and a few other Asian countries. And then, a few days after my article, all hell broke loose.  Today, I am in my home office trying to stay safe from this new plague which, as of today, has infected almost 1.7 million people and killed more than 100,000. This is not the first, nor will be the last, time a new virus or a bacterium has brought havoc to the world. The Spanish influenza of 1918 is a scorching example of this.  Ebola, which has a mortality rate of 52% of those infected, happened only a few years ago. Ebola is not new, but it is real and lethal as well.  They say that COVID-19 has a much higher mortality rate than the flu. So, we need to be careful and find ways to fight back. However, we...

In times of hardship and challenge humans show incredible adaptability, resilience and innovation. While we are largely able to deal with the disruption and calamity caused by localized natural disasters or collapse of man-made systems, we have rarely had the dramatic challenge at a global level like we are experiencing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of physical distancing and social isolation for individuals, communities, enterprise, businesses, institutions and governments is intense. We see the diverse web of inter-connectivity of all our systems, and our weaknesses and vulnerabilities are exposed. As we move through the initial aspects of the public health emergency it is critical that we continue to maintain the effective tactics ordered by Dr. Bonnie Henry, our provincial health officer, including physical distancing, frequent hand-washing and only going out on essential business, that have helped British Columbia keep our transmission rates ...

BC Attorney General, and Public Safety Minister, Mike Farnworth Individuals experiencing gender-based violence, Indigenous communities healing from inter-generational traumas, and communities and families dealing with gun and gang violence will benefit from $11.8 million in grants to support community-based crime prevention and remediation initiatives. In total, 267 projects – led by community not-for-profits, school districts and others – will receive a one-time grant through the Civil Forfeiture Crime Prevention and Remediation grant program. “ Taking the proceeds of crime and putting them back into our communities is just one of the many ways we’re enhancing the services that people count on ,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “ These grants support programs that make our communities safer, including those that prevent domestic violence, deter youth from engaging in a life of crime, and help people rebuild and heal from trauma ...

Why is our parliament missing in action during a “crisis”? Why have the grand pooh-bahs in political parties decided that democratic governance is not important during a time when provinces have curtailed our charter and human rights to combat a virus? Daily briefings by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are a mixture of regal speeches -- and brazen huckstering for the next election. Trudeau has manipulated his way into unfettered license to do whatever he pleases without having to answer to or consider suggestion from opposition Members. The PM, his Cabinet, and the remainder of the 338 Members of Parliament (MPs) are not paid from the public purse to sit silently at home, unconcerned over how our nation is governed. By not maintaining the democratic institution of parliament they are in violation of their oaths of office. Our dalliance with the global community, “progressive” ideas (initiating unproven concepts while ignoring consequences and fallout) and ...

Deadly rail disaster in Lac-Mégantic When people see a crisis, disaster, or tragedy that could as easily happen in their community, they act. Tens of thousands of people step up to lend a helping hand, or offer condolences or donations as needed. They are Canada at its very finest. We tend to take for granted how caring, generous and loving our neighbours are. The current coronavirus crisis has made us realize how much we depend on our neighbours, friends, relatives, and even those we encounter in our day to day interactions. Collectively, they are an integral part of our lives.  Most of us have a favourite barber, hair stylist, coffee shop and so on. It is not the space that attracts us, it is the personalities of the people we tune into. We change gears when someone falls victim to accident, illness or injury. We are caring, compassionate and try to help if we can. There is a bit of the Good Samaritan built into our psyche. It is never more eviden...