Columnists

University Hospital of Northern B.C., in Prince George. (UBC photo)

‘I am tired, and my soul hurts’: B.C. nurse reflects on working in ICU unit during COVID

Renée Bush writes about what it is like on the front-line of the pandemic in the north

  • Dec 16, 2020
University Hospital of Northern B.C., in Prince George. (UBC photo)
Jock Finlayson, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer of the Business Council of British Columbia (submitted)

FINLAYSON: The long economic tail of COVID-19

‘Fast forward to late 2020 and the situation has partially stabilized’

  • Dec 11, 2020
Jock Finlayson, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer of the Business Council of British Columbia (submitted)
Up and riding, Lilly Woodbury is the chapter manager of Surfrider Pacific Rim. (Nicole Holman photo)

Surfrider Short Film Festival evokes inspiration

We look forward to seeing you all November 20th-22nd.

  • Nov 18, 2020
Up and riding, Lilly Woodbury is the chapter manager of Surfrider Pacific Rim. (Nicole Holman photo)
(Black Press Media file photo)

OPINION: Island Health doctors call on residents to ‘double down’ to slow spread of COVID-19

Positive cases increasing at a rate that causes concern for health officers

  • Nov 18, 2020
(Black Press Media file photo)
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry views the Murals of Gratitude exhibition in Vancouver’s Gastown, July 5, 2020. (The Canadian Press)

GUEST COLUMN: COVID-19 masks mandatory in B.C., but not everywhere

Orders require them where necessary, Provincial Health Officer says

  • Nov 17, 2020
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry views the Murals of Gratitude exhibition in Vancouver’s Gastown, July 5, 2020. (The Canadian Press)
Paul Kariya is working with the Ucluelet and Area Historical Society and others to host a workshop to bring together the First Nations, Japanese and White settler communities to reminisce, exchange stories and examine the nature of shared community. (Photo courtesy of Paul Kariya)

HISTORY COLUMN: Reflecting on the 32nd anniversary of Canada’s apology to Japanese-Canadians

Japanese-Canadians an integral part of Tofino and Ucluelet’s history.

  • Sep 22, 2020
Paul Kariya is working with the Ucluelet and Area Historical Society and others to host a workshop to bring together the First Nations, Japanese and White settler communities to reminisce, exchange stories and examine the nature of shared community. (Photo courtesy of Paul Kariya)
Robin Knight recently participated in a Flash CleanFriday event hosted by Surfrider. (Westerly file photo)

Surfrider Pacific Rim: Flash Clean Fridays

Grab your reusable gloves, bags and buckets and join Surfrider Pacific Rim’s newest initiative.

  • Sep 17, 2020
Robin Knight recently participated in a Flash CleanFriday event hosted by Surfrider. (Westerly file photo)
Reforming the PST can be a powerful tool to get people, businesses back to work long-term

Reforming the PST can be a powerful tool to get people, businesses back to work long-term

Stronger tomorrow plan offers blueprint for job-rich recovery, says Jeff Zweig and Greg D’Avignon

  • Aug 5, 2020
Reforming the PST can be a powerful tool to get people, businesses back to work long-term
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2018, file photo, FedEx Field is less than full during the second half of an NFL football game between the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants in Landover, Md. The title sponsor of the Redskins’ stadium wants them to change their name. FedEx said in a statement Thursday, July 2, 2020, “We have communicated to the team in Washington our request that they change the team name.“ (AP Photo/Mark Tenally, File)

COLUMN: Some more appropriate names for Washington NFL team

Finally, Washington’s NFL team would have a name everyone could cheer with pride

FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2018, file photo, FedEx Field is less than full during the second half of an NFL football game between the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants in Landover, Md. The title sponsor of the Redskins’ stadium wants them to change their name. FedEx said in a statement Thursday, July 2, 2020, “We have communicated to the team in Washington our request that they change the team name.“ (AP Photo/Mark Tenally, File)
Colin Miller, Operations Manager at Tofino’s House of Himwitsa Native Art Gallery, celebrates his Ocean Friendly Business certification. (Lilly Woodbury photo)

Surfrider Pacific Rim: Coast celebrates a win on World Oceans Day

As the coast opens up, businesses continue to prioritize environmental regeneration

  • Jun 7, 2020
Colin Miller, Operations Manager at Tofino’s House of Himwitsa Native Art Gallery, celebrates his Ocean Friendly Business certification. (Lilly Woodbury photo)
Sonbird depot manager Robin Jackson says that unlike recycling depots in other municipalities across the country, Sonbird features open air space. (Nicole Holman photo)

Surfrider Pacific Rim: Celebrating SonBird’s dedication to the Coast

West Coast recycling centre continues to serve thanks to an open-air depot and new regulations.

  • Jun 2, 2020
Sonbird depot manager Robin Jackson says that unlike recycling depots in other municipalities across the country, Sonbird features open air space. (Nicole Holman photo)
A sign on a shop window indicates the store is closed in Ottawa, Monday March 23, 2020. Monday marks the beginning of the first full week that the Canada Emergency Business Account will be available to small businesses and not-for-profit organizations. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

COLUMN: B.C.’s labour minister should look at COVID-19 financial carnage amid minimum wage increase

The timing couldn’t be worse for any government decision that drives up costs for business, writes Jock Finlayson

  • May 28, 2020
A sign on a shop window indicates the store is closed in Ottawa, Monday March 23, 2020. Monday marks the beginning of the first full week that the Canada Emergency Business Account will be available to small businesses and not-for-profit organizations. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry work on their daily report on the COVID-19 pandemic at the B.C. legislature, April 2, 2020. (B.C. government)

GUEST COLUMN: B.C. COVID-19 survey brings answers closer

275,000 responses so far, broader health information helps

  • May 22, 2020
B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry work on their daily report on the COVID-19 pandemic at the B.C. legislature, April 2, 2020. (B.C. government)
Jock Finlayson is executive vice president and chief policy officer of the Business Council of BC. (Submitted)

COLUMN: Residents should explore B.C. to help tourism industry amid COVID-19

Jock Finlayson is executive vice president and chief policy officer of the Business Council of BC

  • May 11, 2020
Jock Finlayson is executive vice president and chief policy officer of the Business Council of BC. (Submitted)
Retired nurse Jeanne Keith-Ferris reminds West Coasters to eat their veggies. (Submitted photo)

COLUMN: Embracing fermented foods for food security

Before we had refrigeration or canning, we had fermentation for food preservation

  • Apr 25, 2020
Retired nurse Jeanne Keith-Ferris reminds West Coasters to eat their veggies. (Submitted photo)
It’s difficult to imagine that just 50 years ago awareness of the state of the environment was not part of the collective consciousness. Photo: Metro Creative

Earth Day: A new relationship to wildlife is needed for nature and people

Dan Kraus is senior conservation biologist with the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

  • Apr 22, 2020
It’s difficult to imagine that just 50 years ago awareness of the state of the environment was not part of the collective consciousness. Photo: Metro Creative
Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, works on a daily summary at her office in Victoria, April 18, 2020. (B.C. government)

COMMENTARY: COVID-19 modelling useful, but not a crystal ball

B.C.’s chief health officer explains risk of relaxing too soon

  • Apr 19, 2020
Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, works on a daily summary at her office in Victoria, April 18, 2020. (B.C. government)
B.C. Mental Health and Addictions Minister Judy Darcy speaks to reporters at the B.C. legislature, Feb. 24, 2020. (Tom Fletcher/Black Press)

COLUMN: Helping those who use substances during the COVID-19 pandemic

B.C. Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy talks about both public health emergencies

  • Apr 18, 2020
B.C. Mental Health and Addictions Minister Judy Darcy speaks to reporters at the B.C. legislature, Feb. 24, 2020. (Tom Fletcher/Black Press)
Home-sewn masks help people contain their own droplets, but before going out, ensure a secure fit and don’t fiddle with it or touch your face until you return and remove it. (Tom Fletcher/Black Press)

GUEST COLUMN: Take care with non-medical cloth masks during COVID-19

If you wear one, don’t touch your face, Dr. Bonnie Henry advises

  • Apr 11, 2020
Home-sewn masks help people contain their own droplets, but before going out, ensure a secure fit and don’t fiddle with it or touch your face until you return and remove it. (Tom Fletcher/Black Press)
Surfrider Pacific Rim staff member Nicole Holman reads Swell by Captain Liz Clarke. (Submitted photo)

Surfrider Pacific Rim: Five ways to protect and enjoy the outdoors while self-isolating

Indulge in a sea-inspired book or bring nature indoors, writes chapter manager

  • Apr 11, 2020
Surfrider Pacific Rim staff member Nicole Holman reads Swell by Captain Liz Clarke. (Submitted photo)