#1. CANADA CONDEMNS RECENT INDIA BOMBINGS
Foreign Affairs Minister David Emerson this week condemned the series of bombings that recently occurred in India.
Emerson said: “Canada strongly condemns the recent terrorist bombings in the Indian cities of Bangalore and Ahmedabad, which occurred near markets and hospitals. These latest attacks are deplorable. The indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians, including women and children, cannot be tolerated.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.
“Canada and India share a commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. We stand firmly united with the people of India in their determination to combat terrorism.”
#2. NDP: TOLLED PATTULLO ANOTHER BROKEN PROMISE FROM CAMPBELL
The decision to put a toll on the Pattullo Bridge is another broken promise from the Campbell government, the New Democrats said on Friday.
“Another day, and another broken promise from the Campbell Liberals. The people of Metro Vancouver were told there wouldn’t be a toll on the Pattullo. We need real solutions for traffic congestion, and Gordon Campbell’s approach just isn’t cutting it,” said Surrey-Newton MLA Harry Bains.
“Campbell is hitting commuters with his gas tax, the highest transit fares in the country, and now we’re facing new tolls. We don’t yet know what these new tolls will look like, but one thing is very clear: Gordon Campbell wants to keep reaching into your pocketbook,” said Bains.
Bains noted that the Pattullo is a deadly bridge that desperately needs to be replaced, but the Campbell government has done nothing about it even though they have had years to address the problem.
“If the Campbell government were really serious about alleviating traffic congestion, they would start by developing a comprehensive transportation plan that doesn’t just shift congestion from one part of Metro Vancouver to another,” said Delta North MLA Guy Gentner.
Gentner noted that commuters wanting to avoid tolls on the Port Mann, Golden Ears, and Pattullo bridges will have to travel through North Delta to the Alex Fraser, which would place a significant strain on the community.
“To make matters worse, the Campbell government’s hand-picked TransLink board made this decision behind closed doors, and without any public consultation,” said Gentner.
Carole James and the NDP say they are pushing for real transportation alternatives, including comprehensive planning and expanded, affordable transit.
#3. THE GOLD BRACELET LEAVES VANCOUVER AUDIENCE SPELLBOUND
A select gathering of well known Indo-Canadians, including MPs, were left spellbound and emotionally moved at a special screening of highly acclaimed movie, “The Gold Bracelet,” at the Pacific Cinematheque in Vancouver recently.
MPs Ujjal Dosanjh and Sukh Dhaliwal congratulated award-winning director and actor Kavi Raz for making a movie that tugged at their heartstrings and touched their own life experiences.
Dosanjh said the movie not only dealt with the issues that are common to Indo-Canadians and Indo-Americans, but also had a positive message that adversity could be overcome with love and understanding between neighbors.
Dhaliwal said that he could relate to the experiences that were portrayed by the various characters in the movie as they were close what he himself had witnessed.
The remarks were made during a post-screening question and answer session with Kavi Raz, who spoke of Maple Heart, the new movie that is soon to begin rolling in Vancouver, Surrey and other parts of B.C. Kavi Raz introduced Line Producer Opender Singh and Production Coordinator Kiran Sembhi, members from Los Angeles who were part of The Gold Bracelet team.
Based on true events that followed in the wake of 9/11, The Gold Bracelet, portrays the life of an American Sikh family as they plan a happy wedding and get caught in the irrational action spurred by racial hatred of a misled man following the 9/11 attack on the twin towers in New York.
Honoured with the Audience Choice Best Feature film Award at the Cinequest Film Festival, The Gold Bracelet has since won numerous awards and nominations, as also the hearts and minds of viewers in various screenings in the U.S. and Canada.
Kavi Raz introduced Maple Heart Executive Producer Gurmal Thouli and Associate Producer Harjinder Gill and told the audience that the new feature film is a hard-hitting, gritty thriller about Indo-Canadian life in B.C. and tackles all the pressures that immigrants and second generation Indo-Canadians face in their lives.
(Contributed)
#4. MORE PEOPLE DIE ON B.C. DAY LONG WEEKEND THAN ON ANY OTHER HOLIDAY WEEKEND
The BC Day long weekend is here and there are some things you should be aware of, if you’re planning travel on our highways. Traffic congestion and travel times increase over long weekends and so do senseless crashes resulting in injury and death, says B.C. RCMP Traffic Services spokesperson Constable Dave Babineau.
This weekend, historically has more people die in motor vehicle crashes than any other holiday weekend. From 2003 to 2007, 25 people died in collisions during the BC day long weekend. That is on average, five deaths per year or more than one a day.
Most who venture out this weekend will have a great time and make it home safe and sound because they:
* Made sure they are well rested – the number of serious collisions resulting from motorist falling asleep rises dramatically in the summer months
* They allow themselves plenty of time to reach their destination
* They’re courteous drivers – they treat other drivers the way they want to be treated
* They do “not” drive aggressively
* Every occupant in their vehicle is wearing a seatbelt
* They never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol
However, if you make poor choices your weekend could end very differently:
* If you choose to drink and drive, you should make sure your will is up to date
* If you choose to not wear your seatbelt, make sure your life insurance is paid up
* If you choose to drive when you’re tired, make sure you have your BC Care Card, as hospital staff will need it if you’re one of more than 260 people who will be injured as a result of a car crash
* If you choose to drive aggressively you should have the ICBC dial a claim number on speed dial to report your property damage collision you will most likely be involved in
“Summer holidays are meant to be fun, unfortunately for many families it’s a tragic time. The month of July has been devastating - As of July 30, 39 people have lost their lives in BC. Most could have been avoided if only they had made the right choices,” says Babineau.
“You still have a choice, make the right one and your family can have a safe and fun filled long weekend. Don’t become a statistic.”
#5. NEW BOOK QUESTIONS CLAIMS OF INDIAN CIVIL RIGHTS ICON
Book: Gandhi Under Cross-Examination
By G. B. Singh and Tim Watson
In “Gandhi Under Cross-Examination” (Sovereign Star, 2008), renowned Gandhi scholar Col. G. B. Singh and his colleague, Dr. Tim Watson, examine the very roots of Mahatma Gandhi’s position as an icon of the Civil Rights movement. The book will be officially released to Canada by Col. Singh on August 15 at the Grand Taj Banquet Hall, 8388 128th Street, Surrey.
G. B. Singh, who also authored “Gandhi: Behind the Mask of Divinity” (Prometheus, 2004), said: “My previous book proved Gandhi's own writings demonstrate his vehement racism against black Africans. This new book goes a step further, debunking the propaganda behind the favorite icon of modern American and Indian politicians.”
“Gandhi Under Cross-Examination” challenges the historical accuracy behind Gandhi’s pivotal story of racial discrimination aboard a South African train, exposing his divergent accounts of the incident. By placing Gandhi on the witness stand and weaving courtroom drama into the analytical text, the authors ultimately conclude the famous incident has no basis in fact. There are thousands of books about Gandhi, but this is one of the few willing to place his claims under the lens of historical scrutiny.
In 1893, Gandhi claims to have been thrown out from a first-class train compartment at Pietermaritzburg, South Africa for refusing to give up his seat to a white man. This racial incident allegedly galvanized him to fight against British colonialism. Yet in 1895, just two years later, Gandhi was promoting segregation in Durban, South Africa. The local post office had two doors - one for blacks and Indians and another for whites. Calling it an "invidious distinction," Gandhi successfully campaigned for a third door for Indian use only.
“We’re confident this book will emphasize our dedication to publishing thought-provoking but essential works," said Pieter Friedrich, Sovereign Star's editor-in-chief. “With so many world leaders, from Obama to the Dalai Lama, crediting Gandhi as their inspiration, the world deserves to see a critical examination of the Gandhi story.”
Col. G. B. Singh (Ret.) served in the U.S. Army. He is a professional student of Indian politics, world religions, and the life and teachings of Gandhi. He lives in Tennessee, USA.
Dr. Tim Watson teaches philosophy and communications and hosts a weekly radio show. He lives in Toronto, Canada.
#6. DION: KHADR MUST BE REPATRIATED TO FACE CANADIAN JUSTICE
Prime Minister Stephen Harper must stop making excuses and do everything in his power to repatriate Canadian Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Khadr to Canada where his rights as a Canadian citizen will be respected, Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion said this week.
"As so many legal experts, human rights advocates and others have pointed out, the proposed trial and continuing detention of Omar Khadr under the U.S. Military Commission Act of 2006 constitutes a violation of the fundamental principles of the rule of law including: arbitrary and illegal detention, denial of procedural due process, denial of the right to counsel and denial of the right to trial within a reasonable time before a fair and impartial tribunal," said Dion in an open letter to the Prime Minister.
"By refusing to intervene to uphold principles of fundamental justice in the Omar Khadr case, you have signalled that Canada now consents to its citizens being tried for retroactively-designated crimes; on the basis of secret evidence; on the basis of testimony extracted under torture and that Canada no longer supports the presumption of innocence," added Dion.
Khadr, who has been held in the controversial Guantanamo Bay detention facility since November 2002 for suspicion of war crimes in Afghanistan, is currently facing trial before the U.S. Military Commission. Dion has been urging the government for nearly a year to bring Khadr back to Canada to ensure his Charter rights as a Canadian citizen are respected.
Dion pointed out that the crimes Khadr is accused of perpetrating were carried out when he was just 15 years old, which would qualify him as a child soldier under the terms of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Harper has insisted that Canada has no alternative but to let Khadr's case work its way through the military legal system at Guantanamo Bay. However, Dion noted that every other western democracy has been able to repatriate their citizens to face justice in their home countries.
"Omar Khadr is accused of a serious crime. But the seriousness of a crime does not dictate the level of denial of justice that one can inflict on an accused," said Dion.
"Canada clearly has a choice in this matter. You have a choice to uphold the rule of law in a difficult case - all that is lacking at the moment is the will to act on behalf of a Canadian citizen," he added.
#7. DO NOT CALL LIST: COUNTDOWN BEGINS!
It’s official: in just two months the National Do Not Call List (DNCL) will be up and running. On September 30, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will launch the National DNCL. Consumers will be able to register on the National DNCL for free to reduce the number of telemarketing calls they receive.
For many Canadian consumers, the National DNCL will come as a relief to the nuisance of telemarketing calls. It will, however, have some exemptions. Consumers may still receive calls from registered charities, political parties, and newspapers seeking subscriptions. Companies with whom a consumer has an existing business relationship will still be able to call, as well as those conducting surveys. For more information on exemptions, see the CRTC Fact Sheet.
Calls will not stop immediately. Telemarketers will have 31 days to update their calling lists. If consumers continue to receive non-exempt calls 31 days after they have registered they will be able to file complaints with the National DNCL operator.
Registration is simple. To put their numbers on the National DNCL, consumers will be able to log on to www.LNNTE-DNCL.gc.ca as of September 30, and follow the instructions, or call 1-866-580-DNCL (3625). For TTY service only (for the hearing impaired), the toll-free number will be 1-888-DNCL-TTY (1-888-362-5889).
#8. HEALTH WARNING: SALMONELLA CASES ON THE RISE IN B.C.
British Columbia is seeing a steady increase in cases of Salmonella food borne illness, with the vast majority of these being reported in the Lower Mainland.
“In the past two months, we have seen over 60 cases of infection, all due to the same strain of Salmonella,” said Dr. Eleni Galanis, Physician Epidemiologist with the BC Centre for Disease Control, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority. “While the cause for this increase has not yet been confirmed, a detailed investigation is underway, which includes thorough interviews with all cases and testing of potentially contaminated food to try to identify the source.”
Salmonella are naturally-occurring bacteria found in the intestines of animals, particularly poultry, cattle and swine. Salmonella can contaminate meat, eggs and raw fruits and vegetables. Symptoms of Salmonella infection may include fever, headache, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and sometimes vomiting. These symptoms commonly occur 12 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food or water, and can be serious for young children, elderly people, and those with weak immune systems.
“This strain, different from the one causing the Salmonella outbreak in the US, had only 39 cases reported in total for 2007, so seeing 60 cases in two months is a cause for concern,” said Dr. Galanis, who along with her colleagues from BCCDC, and partners from regional Health Authorities, and provincial and federal governments, is increasing surveillance and laboratory testing of Salmonella.
To prevent food borne illness, the BCCDC is reminding British Columbians to buy food from approved sources only, and to follow the four C’s of Food Safety:
* Clean: wash hands (minimum of 20 seconds), produce and food preparation surfaces.
* Don’t Cross Contaminate: do not use the same utensils, plates or cutting board for raw meat and raw vegetables or cooked meat;
* Cook: meat, including poultry, should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 74°C, and eggs until they are no longer runny;
* Chill: refrigerate food promptly.
If you have symptoms compatible with Salmonella infection, call the 24-hour BC NurseLine at 1-866-215-4700, contact a family physician, or view the BC HealthFiles on Salmonella and Food Safety at www.bchealthguide.org/healthfiles.
For more information, visit: www.bccdc.org or www.canfightbac.org.
#9. DANGERS OF NEW COPYRIGHT LAW DISCUSSED AT DHALIWAL’S COMMUNITY MEETING
Sukh Dhaliwal. MP for Newton-North Delta and the Opposition Critic for Competitiveness and the New Economy, this week held a successful, near-capacity town hall meeting on the Conservatives’ controversial new copyright legislation at the George Mackie Library in North Delta. This was the first public meeting held by an MP on Bill C-61 in Canada.
“Of all of the issues that have come through my office, this rates in the top three in terms of the letters that I have received. Many of my constituents have told me that they fear that this will give the government ‘police state-like powers’ if it passes,” said Dhaliwal.
He welcomed special guests Geof Glass from the local chapter of Fair Copyright Canada and Langley internet entrepreneur Scott Cave of Rook Interactive.
“Under this bill, art will be locked up. Not by humans, not by a judge or a court of law, but by digital locks with no ability to distinguish the good from the bad. These locks are embedded in technology,” warned Glass. “I am concerned that Bill C-61 threatens Canadian art, culture, and innovation.”
Cave, whose company provides a web-presence for independent musicians, that Industry Minister Jim Prentice’s early statements on this bill implied that its intent was to provide balance to copyright law. Yet he discovered that Prentice failed to consult people like Terry McBride, the CEO of Nettwerk Productions, the largest record label in Canada.
Several participants mused that it appeared that U.S. recording industry lobbyists dictated this bill for Minister Prentice and that it was evident that he did not understand the issue.
Rita Penco, manager of Delta Libraries spoke of her concern that “Bill C-61 ignores the fact that a 2004 Supreme Court judgment already allows libraries to do a desktop delivery of an electronic document in an interlibrary loan. This bill would restrict us from sharing research material that is requested between libraries.”
“We certainly need to update our copyright laws because of new technologies, but we also have to consult with Canadians in order to create a law that does not stifle innovation, culture and the fair use of copyright material by consumers. There is no excuse for the Conservatives’ failure to consult,” Dhaliwal said. “Feedback from this meeting will help the Liberal Party draft amendments so that we can ensure that our copyright law is truly balanced.”
A representative from the Canadian Independent Record Production Association was invited to the town hall meeting, but was unable to attend.
#10. NDP: NEW POLL SHOWS OVERWHELMING OPPOSITION TO GAS TAX
A new poll commissioned by the NDP and released this week shows overwhelming opposition to Premier Gordon Campbell's gas tax.
Conducted from July 11 to 13 by Angus Reid Strategies, the survey of British Columbians shows that over two thirds of British Columbians oppose the tax and almost 90 per cent of British Columbians think it's unfair that ordinary consumers pay the tax while big polluters are off the hook.
"British Columbians want strong action on climate change that is fair and effective," said NDP Leader Carole James. "Gordon Campbell's plan is neither. It harms average families and does nothing to reduce industrial pollution.
"Gordon Campbell needs to listen to the public, scrap the gas tax and bring forward climate change solutions that work."
Earlier, Carole James spoke to the NDP caucus and supporters where she outlined the NDP's plan to step up the campaign to axe the gas tax.
"Over the next few weeks, New Democrats will be in every community gathering support for our campaign and talking to British Columbians about real climate change solutions,” said James.
"Our campaign is on the ground in communities and on the net where we're collecting thousands of signatures calling on Campbell to axe the tax."
James said that Campbell is saying one thing and doing another on the environment. She said his plan for the environment includes off-shore oil and gas, increased raw log exports, and higher transit fares.
She said: "Gordon Campbell is speaking out of both sides of his mouth on the environment. New Democrats are holding the Campbell government accountable for their hypocrisy and talking to British Columbians about real climate change solutions."
#11. NDP: ROCKSLIDE SHOWS NEED FOR OVERDUE CONTINGENCY PLAN
The massive rockslide on the Sea-to-Sky highway is a wake-up call that shows the need to release the long-awaited transportation contingency plan in case such an incident occurs during the 2010 games, the New Democrats said this week.
Thousands of cubic meters of rock fell onto Highway 99 late Tuesday night. No one was hurt, but it is estimated the link between Whistler and Metro Vancouver will be closed for five days.
“British Columbians deserve to know that when we welcome the world, we will be prepared for any possibility. We’ve been waiting for years for the Campbell government to produce a transportation contingency plan, and this week’s rockslide should be a wake-up call,” said New Democrat Olympics critic Harry Bains.
“The Campbell government seems to think it’s fine that we don’t yet have a backup plan to get spectators to events if the Sea-to-Sky is closed, since athletes and officials will be housed in the Whistler area. That dismissive attitude towards British Columbians and visitors who will have come to watch the games is extremely arrogant.”
The Olympics transportation plan, originally due to be released by the end of 2007, is not expected to be made public until 2009.
Bains expressed his sympathy for people affected by the highway closure, including small business operators around Squamish and Whistler who were planning on revenues from large numbers of tourists visiting over the August long weekend.
“Gordon Campbell says his government is only now going to do an inventory of the rocks along the Sea-to-Sky route, but why did it take this type of near-tragedy before the B.C. Liberal government agreed to take stock of the slide danger?” asked New Democrat transportation critic Maurine Karagianis.
Karagianis noted that Carole James and the New Democrat Official Opposition have been raising concerns about rockslide risks along the Sea-to-Sky highway for years.
#12. FBI WARNS OF STORM WORM VIRUS
The FBI and its partner, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), have received reports of recent spam e-mails spreading the Storm Worm malicious software, known as malware. These e-mails, which contain the phrase “F.B.I. vs. facebook,” direct e-mail recipients to click on a link to view an article about the FBI and Facebook, a popular social networking website. The Storm Worm virus has also been spread in the past in e-mails advertising a holiday e-card link. Clicking on the link downloads malware onto the Internet connected device, causing it to become infected with the virus and part of the Storm Worm botnet.
A botnet is a collection of compromised computers under the remote command and control of a criminal “botherder.” Most owners of the compromised computers are unsuspecting victims. They have unintentionally allowed unauthorized access and use of their computers as a vehicle to facilitate other crimes, such as identity theft, denial of service attacks, phishing, click fraud, and the mass distribution of spam and spyware. Because of their widely distributed capabilities, botnets are a growing threat to national security, the national information infrastructure, and the economy.
“The spammers spreading this virus are preying on Internet users and making their computers an unwitting part of criminal botnet activity. We urge citizens to help prevent the spread of botnets by becoming web-savvy. Following some simple computer security practices will reduce the risk that their computers will be compromised,” said Special Agent Richard Kolko, Chief, FBI National Press Office.
Everyone should consider the following:
* Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) e-mail.
* Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as officials soliciting personal information via e-mail.
* Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.
* Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
* Validate the legitimacy of the organization by directly accessing the organization's website rather than following an alleged link to the site.
* Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone who solicits information.
#13. MINISTRY OF HEALTH SERVICES TO GET $120M CASH INFUSION
The province will seek legislative approval for an additional $120 million for the public health care system this year, announced Health Services Minister George Abbott.
“In Balanced Budget 2008, government dedicated 68 per cent of every incremental dollar of new spending to the public health system for the next three years to support increased services to British Columbians across the province,” said Abbott. “As a result of stronger than expected revenues from the oil and gas sector, government has sought $120 million for health authorities to meet increased demands and pressures across the system, including for surgeries and diagnostic procedures.”
The additional $120 million is more than a 25 per cent increase above the additional $465.7 million provided to health authorities in February this year. Total provincial health spending including the Ministry of Health Services, health authorities and health services delivered by other ministries will now rise to a record $14.95 billion this year up from $9.3 billion in 2001. Health spending is expected to reach $16.5 billion in 2010/11.
A portion of one-time funding will ensure the province continues to build upon record levels of surgeries and diagnostic procedures. This year, the province expects that an estimated 12,102 hip and knee replacement surgeries will be completed. That will represent a 152 per cent increase in knee replacement and 68 per cent increase in hip replacement surgeries over 2001. Median wait times for hip replacement surgery have decreased by 42 per cent and knee joint replacement surgery by 33 per cent since 2001. The province also expects to add to its record level of diagnostic procedures, which includes 75 per cent more CT exams and 145 per cent more MRI exams, between 2001/02 and 2007/08.
“With a growing and aging population, increased use of new and expensive technologies and pharmaceuticals, we are seeing incredible demands placed on our public health care system,” said Abbott. “Innovations in service delivery and personal responsibility in lifestyle choices supported by record levels of funding will allow us to continue to make our world-class health-care system even better.”
#14. B.C. JOINS CALIFORNIA COURT CHALLENGE OF GHG STANDARD
The province is seeking permission from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to file a legal brief in support of California’s legal challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which denied a waiver to implement the California Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standard for Vehicles.
The B.C. government is supporting California because higher standards are an important part of British Columbia’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020.
Under the United States Clean Air Act, a waiver from the federal EPA is required where a state wishes to adopt vehicle emission standards. California has received over 50 waivers in the past; this refusal was unprecedented, prompting the current legal challenge.
B.C. introduced legislation in April that allows adoption of California greenhouse gas emission standards for vehicles. Stronger standards will reduce auto emissions from new vehicles in B.C. and provide both choice and savings for consumers. The California model will achieve greater GHG emission reductions than the proposed U.S. federal fuel economy standards that have also been committed to by Canada as a minimum starting in 2011.
Seventeen U.S. states have adopted, or are in the process of adopting, the California model, while six others are actively considering it. Twelve out of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories have committed to the greenhouse gas standards, with Quebec now in the process of making final revisions to its draft regulations. Together, these states and provinces have a combined population of 176 million and represent nearly half of all new car sales in the U.S. and Canada.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has been an advocate and strong supporter of British Columbia’s climate actions. In addition to partnering on the California Vehicle Emission Standards and the Western Climate Initiative, B.C. also signed an MOU to find solutions to protect Pacific Ocean species from pollution.
#15. HEALTH AUTHORITIES SCORE HIGH IN HOUSEKEEPING AUDIT
Results from the most recent independent provincial housekeeping audit show that British Columbia hospitals and health authority-run long-term care facilities meet the prescribed benchmark for cleanliness. For the second year in a row, all participating health authorities scored above the benchmark rate of 85 per cent in the audits carried out by Westech Systems, Inc. B.C. was the first province to implement provincewide quality and cleanliness standards, which apply to all hospitals and health authority-managed facilities.
“We are pleased that all health authorities met this high benchmark for housekeeping services,” said Minister of Health Services George Abbott. “Housekeeping provides an important function in our health facilities, helping prevent the spread of infection as well as ensuring the safety and comfort of patients and staff. These audits are another example of our accountability and transparency to residents of British Columbia.”
The audits of these facilities were done between August 2007 and March 2008 in five health authorities, as Westech moves towards a continual auditing of facilities throughout the year. Previous audits were done in 2005 and 2006. All audits are done by a third party, are independent, and are unannounced. Westech audits approximately 10 per cent of rooms in a facility, placing a higher priority on higher risk areas such as operating rooms and emergency departments. These audits are in addition to internal audits done by health authorities, based on the same provincial criteria set out by the Westech audits. Information on housekeeping audit results is posted to health authority websites.
“It is important to recognize that if an individual facility scores below 85 per cent, it does not mean it is unsafe,” said Dean Waisman of Westech. “It does mean there is room to improve, and gives facilities an idea of where improvements need to be made.”
All facilities that scored below the benchmark level were subsequently re-audited by Westech, and all showed significant improvements, with most reaching the benchmark level.
Prior to the establishment of health authorities, external housekeeping audits were not done in B.C. hospitals. The first housekeeping audits done in Vancouver Coastal Health in 2003, prior to contracting out of housekeeping services, showed an average result of 75 per cent.
“These reports show that it is more challenging to maintain our high standards of cleanliness in older facilities and busier facilities,” said Abbott. “That is why we are investing $2.7 billion into new hospitals and facilities over the next three years to replace or remediate outdated facilities and to expand space in other facilities for better patient care.”
#16. $300,000 GRANT TO IMPROVE SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES
The province is providing a $300,000 grant that will be used to help improve delivery of government services for children and youth with special needs, Children and Family Development Minister Tom Christensen announced this week. The project is part of a cross-ministry initiative to make it easier for families to find and access services and supports.
“Government has more than 90 programs and services for children and youth with special needs at a cost of over $500 million, and families have told us that navigating those services can sometimes be a challenge,” said Christensen. “This grant will help us map services across the province so we can then enhance the system and better allow more families to easily access the right services at the right time.”
The BC Association of Child Development and Intervention (BCACDI) will use the grant to form a cross sectoral project steering committee and hire consultants to identify what special needs services the Province provides, where those services are located, where there might be gaps or duplication in services, and how to improve delivery. The mapping project, which builds on work that began with the creation of the cross-ministry children and youth with special needs (CYSN) framework for action, is expected to begin this fall and is targeted for completion by the spring of 2009.
“Our government is committed to providing a coordinated approach for children and youth with special needs and their families,” said Education Minister Shirley Bond. “We know the current system of services is complex and the results of this project will help families better access those services, giving children and youth with special needs the best chance to succeed in school and in life.”
BCACDI and the project steering committee will compile their findings and present them to government in a comprehensive report, which will be made public. The province will use those findings to clarify available programs, and then design a system of services that better responds to the needs of children and youth with special needs.
“We’re pleased to be a part of this process because this work is going to make a significant difference for children and youth with special needs and their families,” said Bruce Sandy, provincial advocate for BCACDI. "Through this process, we will get a more accurate picture of what services for children and youth are available across the health, children and family development, and education sectors in the province and how families can more easily access them."
A provincial non-profit organization, BCACDI was chosen for the project as the organization with the broadest representation of disability areas and across the tiers of service delivery for children and youth with special needs. BCACDI provides advocacy, communication, networking, research and education services to over 25 member agencies throughout B.C. and the Yukon
The CYSN framework for action is a cross-ministry initiative of the Ministries of Children and Family Development, Education and Health Services to help create a more integrated, accessible continuum of quality services to support children and youth with special needs and their families.
For more information, visit www.mcf.gov.bc.ca
#17. PEDIATRIC ICU RENOVATIONS BENEFIT B.C. CHILDREN, YOUTH
Children receiving care in BC Children’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) will benefit from the completion of a $4.4-million renovation project to enhance family and staff areas and improve the unit’s capacity to care for children who require strict isolation.
“Patients in BC Children’s PICU are some of the most vulnerable in the province and require urgent care of the best quality,” said Health Services Minister George Abbott. “The improvement will help to ensure that these children who come from across British Columbia get the best care possible and help their families as well.”
These renovations will enable BC Children’s Hospital to continue to provide safe pediatric intensive care while the campaign to plan and build a new acute care building continues.
Each year, more than 1,200 children and youth receive care in the PICU. As the only dedicated PICU in British Columbia, the unit serves the entire province for critical care of children and youth who have experienced trauma, or require advanced life support and the highest level of intensive care due to complex medical conditions or surgery.
Among the many outcomes of these renovations was the improvement of family waiting areas – families of children in the PICU are often under considerable stress and in crisis. Having dedicated, restful waiting areas is very important and in keeping with the BC Children’s Hospital commitment to family-centred care.
“This renovation project, while short-term, addresses many of the ever-increasing pressures placed on the PICU so that we can better serve our patients and families,” said Wynne Powell, PHSA board chair. “From improved infection control, better communication systems and lighting, to additional space and amenities for staff and families, these improvements will help us make the best possible use of this 26-year-old facility until the new acute care facility is constructed.”
Other improvements included the construction of a 300-square-metre addition outside the previous footprint of the PICU. The addition accommodates storage for respiratory equipment, on-call rooms, offices and staff areas. Renovations within the unit include reconfiguring two existing isolation rooms to include anterooms and better meet current standards; updated family waiting areas; a small playroom; upgrades at bedsides to accommodate newer technology; upgrades to the utility rooms; an improved central work station and satellite pharmacy space. While no additional beds have been added, available patient space has been maximized.
“We greatly appreciate the support of the provincial government and the PHSA in making this project happen,” said Larry Gold, president, BC Children’s Hospital and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children. “The project was executed with minimal patient disruption under the combined program and project leaders and we are thankful to the program physicians, staff, volunteers and families for their patience throughout the process.”
The province’s only specialized pediatric facility, BC Children’s Hospital is an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority. BC Children’s Hospital provides highly specialized services that are not available elsewhere in the province for many of British Columbia’s most seriously ill or injured children.
In March 2008, Premier Gordon Campbell announced plans to rebuild BC Children’s Hospital following up on a government commitment from the 2008 speech from the throne to upgrade and expand BC Children’s Hospital.
#18. CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON NEW ROYAL JUBILEE HOSPITAL
Premier Gordon Campbell and Health Services Minister George Abbott broke ground this week to mark the start of construction of a new $350-million, 500-bed Royal Jubilee Hospital that will reduce wait lists and provide single rooms for over 80 per cent of patients.
“All across the province, we are investing billions of dollars in new and expanded health facilities and hospitals to improve access to quality patient care,” said Campbell. “The new Royal Jubilee Hospital will expand the bed capacity by close to 25 per cent, provide more comfort and privacy for patients, and be a world-class, energy-efficient facility designed as a Centre of Excellence in elder care for Island patients.”
The new 37,000-square-metre facility will have the capacity for up to 500 beds and will replace approximately 400 beds that currently operate on the old Royal Jubilee Hospital campus. The facility will provide acute care for patients who are recovering from illness, surgery or injury. The hospital will replace some of the aging buildings on the campus, including the south, east and centre blocks, which were built in the 1920s and 1930s and are no longer suitable for modern health care delivery.
“The new Royal Jubilee Hospital will be designed to provide the best patient care possible in a safe, modern building,” said Abbott. “A more caring environment will benefit both patients and health professionals.”
Each patient room will have large windows that maximize natural light and views to the outside. Over 80 per cent of the rooms will be single-bed patient rooms, which will significantly reduce hospital-acquired infection rates, enhance patient privacy, improve quality of sleep and speed recovery times. The facility is expected to open with 400 beds and additional beds will be opened as demand and resources permit. Construction of the hospital will be complete by the end of 2010, and it will open to patients in 2011.
The new facility will be designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification as part of government’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable future. Green hospital building design helps to create a healing environment for patients, staff and visitors.
“Construction of a new Royal Jubilee Hospital combined with a new emergency department at Victoria General Hospital represents a significant investment in health-care infrastructure for residents of southern Vancouver Island,” said Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong.
“This state-of-the-art hospital will help attract and retain health care professionals with improved education opportunities through better teaching and research facilities,” said Saanich North and the Islands MLA Murray Coell.
The Royal Jubilee Hospital is a public-private-partnership between the Vancouver Island Health Authority and ISL Health. This groundbreaking event signals the end of the competitive selection process and the finalization of a fixed-price contract with ISL Health to design, build, finance and maintain the facility. Other elements of the Royal Jubilee Hospital project will be traditionally delivered as a series of projects and include the following: upgrades to the power plant; critical program relocation; parking; medical equipment procurement and other site improvements. The total project cost is $348.6 million.
“This hospital will be designed to be elder-friendly,” said Jac Kreut, VIHA board chair. “The facility’s environment will provide patient-centred, best practice care for clients, the majority whom are seniors. It will also create a safer, cleaner, more supportive working environment for all health care professionals and support providers.”
“(The) groundbreaking event marks a significant step in our continued efforts to improve the effectiveness of the Capital Region’s health system,” said Janet Evans, Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD) board director and chair of the Planning and Protective Services Committee. “As the region’s population grows and health service demands continue to change, this new facility will help deliver the latest, high-quality care in the most efficient way possible.”
In addition to the $222.4 million the Province is contributing, the CRHD will contribute $107.7 million and VIHA will fund the remaining $18.5 million.
All clinical health services will be funded by the province of British Columbia and provided by VIHA, in accordance with the Canada Health Act.
British Columbia’s health system will benefit from investments such as the new Royal Jubilee Hospital over the next three years as part of the $2.7-billion health sector capital plan.
#19. GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGES SUPPORT OF LOCAL FARMERS' MARKETS
The farmers’ market season is in full swing and British Columbians are encouraged to consult this year’s market listings and take advantage of the opportunity to buy fresh local goods, Stan Hagen, Minister of Agriculture and Lands, announced this week.
“More and more people are realizing the health and environmental benefits of buying locally produced foods,” said Hagen. “One of the best ways to access these quality products is by supporting community farmers’ markets and with the listings now available it will be easy to find a farmers’ market in your area.”
With the assistance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) has compiled a brochure that contains all the locations, times and dates for farmers’ markets across the province. The listings will be available at tourist information centres in most B.C. towns and communities by the first week of August.
"Farmers’ markets are essential to a healthy agricultural sector because they support family farms," said Mary Forstbauer, president of the BCAFM. "It's been great having the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands' collaboration in bringing public attention to a great source of local products."
Farmers’ markets are an excellent place to socialize, try new local foods and connect with the people who produce our food. They also represent a value of more than $118 million each year to local economies, making them an important link in a viable agricultural sector. This year, as part of the BC150 celebrations, many markets are also holding special “Festivals” where families can enjoy special items prepared by local chefs, contests and celebrations of agriculture’s heritage in B.C., from First Nations’ early innovations to modern family farms.
As part of its recently released B.C. Agriculture Plan: Growing a Healthy Future for B.C. Families, the government has made support for farmers’ markets a priority because the markets provide an opportunity to buy local and promote a sustainable agriculture industry.
To pick up a copy of the farmers’ market listings, check with your local tourist info centre after August 8, or log on to www.bcfarmersmarket.org to find the market in your community.
#20. SOUTH FRASER PERIMETER ROAD COMPETITIVE PROCESS OPENS
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify proponents capable of designing, building, financing, operating and maintaining the new South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR).
The ministry will select up to three respondent teams to participate in the next phase of the competitive selection process, the Request for Proposal stage. The RFQ closes on September 29.
The SFPR project is part of the Province’s Gateway Program, which will improve roads and bridges for people, goods and transit throughout Metro Vancouver. The SFPR will be a new 40-km, four-lane route along the south side of the Fraser River. It will extend from Deltaport Way in Southwest Delta to 176th Street (Hwy 15) in Surrey, with connections to Highways 1, 91, 99 and to TransLink's new Golden Ears Bridge connector, which is currently under construction.
Congestion in Delta and Surrey communities increases every year, with growing impacts to residents, the environment and the economy. Employment growth in Metro Vancouver is projected to increase by around 500,000 jobs in 2031, and the area south of the Fraser River in particular will see significant growth.
Government is taking a balanced approach to improving movement of people, goods and transit through investment in new rapid transit projects, port and rail facilities as well as improved roads and bridges through the Gateway Program in Metro Vancouver.
The SFPR will remove trucks and regional traffic from community streets and put them back on the highway, resulting in reduced congestion and better overall access. It will provide a continuous and efficient route to serve the port facilities, rail yards and industrial areas along this key economic corridor. The project will be a design-build-finance-operate, performance-based public-private partnership. Construction under this contract will begin in 2009 with completion in 2012.
#21. NDP: SOUTH FRASER ROAD PLANS PUT BOG & FARMLAND AT RISK
The government’s plan to push ahead with an environmentally destructive route for the South Fraser Perimeter Road without proper consultation or consideration of alternatives is a betrayal of the community of Delta, New Democrat MLA Guy Gentner said this week.
“The timing is certainly ironic, given that this weekend was the 17th International Bog Days – while British Columbians were celebrating the beauty of Burns Bog, the Campbell government was pushing forward with a plan that could ruin the bog forever,” said Gentner, the MLA for Delta North.
On Friday, the proposed 80-kilometre highway between Surrey and Delta received a provincial environmental assessment certificate.
“It’s not too late for the Campbell government to abandon their secretive approach to the SFPR and start talking with the community about alternative routes that would minimize the amount of farmland lost and wouldn’t put Burns Bog at risk,” said Gentner.
Gentner pointed to the addition of lanes to existing designated truck routes and the increased use of barges as options that have not been looked at by the Campbell government.
“If Gordon Campbell was really serious about sustainability, he wouldn’t be pushing ahead with this mega-project over the concerns of the local community and environmental groups,” said Gentner.
Gentner noted that there have been no details about compensation for homeowners impacted by increased noise and traffic impacts, for impacts of the project on the world-renowned Burns Bog, or for the loss of viable farmland to highway construction.
“People want to know whether the community will be compensated, but there has been no concrete information about mitigation,” said Gentner.
Consultation carried out earlier this year by the government was widely criticized as being only a token exercise in community involvement.
#22. B.C. INCREASES CLEAN TECH INNOVATION VENTURE CAPITAL
As of July 1, 2009, the annual tax credits available to investors in early-stage clean technology companies operating in B.C. will increase from $5 million to $7.5 million under the provincial government’s Venture Capital Programs, established to raise investment for small businesses developing new clean technologies.
“Innovative clean technology reducing GHG emissions will play a key role in helping to grow B.C.’s green economy,” said Technology, Trade and Economic Development Minister Ida Chong this week. “The tax credits will lever up to as much as $25 million annually in venture capital to support clean tech companies that can offer exciting employment and investment opportunities to British Columbians.”
British Columbia is home to the third-largest clean technology cluster worldwide, according to PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP (BC Advanced Energy Sector Profile 2007). Growing at an annual rate of 11 per cent, B.C.’s clean technology sector includes over 250 companies employing about 3,700 people.
“The global focus on reducing the carbon footprint will only intensify in future,” said Pascal Spothelfer, British Columbia Technology Industry Association president and CEO. “Attracting new investment for more clean energy technology will help build British Columbia as a world leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship. Even now, we are exporting clean technologies around the world to help manage the impact of climate change. With so many opportunities, B.C.’s clean energy tech sector is well positioned for substantial growth.”
B.C.’s clean tech sector conducts research and development in many areas, including energy generation, fuel cell development, reducing industrial fuel costs and increasing energy efficiency, transportation, water and wastewater, clean air and environmental technology.
For every dollar of venture capital invested into a B.C. clean tech company qualified under the program, an individual investor earns a 30 per cent tax credit that is fully refundable. The maximum credit per investor per year is $60,000, which would be realized by a $200,000 investment. Companies must keep capital raised under the program invested for five years.
By helping to stimulate the development of clean technologies by British Columbia companies, the new tax credits, announced during Budget 2008, will support the provincial government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gases by at least 33 per cent by 2020.
#23. CRTC: COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY REVENUES UP BY 5.7 PER CENT
In 2007, the communications industry posted revenues of $51.1 billion, representing an increase of 5.7% over the $48.3 billion reported in 2006.
Revenues for the broadcasting industry were up $816.1 million, or 6.7%, and totalled $13.1 billion in 2007. Growth in this sector has been principally driven by broadcasting distribution companies, as well as by specialty, pay and pay-per-view television and video-on-demand services.
Similarly, telecommunications revenues increased by $1.9 billion, or 5.3%, to reach $38 billion in 2007, mainly due to the demand for wireless and residential high-speed Internet services.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) this week issued the inaugural Communications Monitoring Report. Prior to this year, the Commission had published separate annual monitoring reports for the broadcasting and telecommunications industries.
“The convergence of technologies and industries has dramatically reshaped the communications landscape in recent years,” said Konrad von Finckenstein, Chairman of the CRTC. “This year’s monitoring report gives us our first comprehensive look at the state of the overall communications industry in Canada, and is an invaluable reference for anyone interested in this industry.”
The report shows that cable companies have emerged as major competitors in the provision of local and cellular telephone and high-speed Internet services to residential consumers. As of 2007, they had captured 17.9% of residential local exchange lines. In the cell phone market, cable companies and other alternative service providers held a 40% share of subscribers.
Finally, cable companies provided high-speed Internet services to 55% of subscribers.
#24. TILMA: ORGANIZATION SAYS B.C. DEAL MAKES A MASH OF LOCAL DEMOCRACY
Using the acronym MASH to represent numerous sectors in a simple word, the Alberta government announced last week that under the controversial Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) with British Columbia, restrictions will be made on how municipalities, academic institutions, school boards and the health sector engage in contracts for their organizational requirements. The provincial government stated that when TILMA comes into full effect on April 1, 2009, any MASH contracts beginning at $75,000 for goods and services tenders and $200,000 for construction projects must be opened up for outside contract bids.
“Under TILMA, if any of the ‘MASH’ organizations chooses to privilege a local Albertan provider for a contract over the amount outlined, an outside organization from B.C. would be able to sue from the provincial tax base for compensation of up to $5 million,” said Sheila Muxlow, prairie regional organizer for the Council of Canadians. “This is a direct assault on small businesses within Alberta and threatens local industries from developing sustainable local economies.”
“The B.C. government seems unwilling to warn its citizens about the dangers of TILMA and unable to recognize why a growing number of municipalities are opposed to this anti-democratic agreement,” said Carleen Pickard, B.C. regional organizer with the Council of Canadians.
Pickard noted that TILMA entrenches a dispute settlement mechanism within a private court system, similar to the Chapter 11 of NAFTA that enables big business and powerful individuals to sue the provincial government if a MASH sector organization does not comply with the requirements of the agreement.
“Although TILMA is consistently heralded by the B.C. and Alberta governments as a beneficial agreement, the deal poses a clear and present danger to local policies that protect the health, well being and unique interests of their constituents,” said Muxlow. “TILMA will create a chill effect on communities and municipalities taking policy leadership on issues like pesticide bans and healthy school initiatives, because of the possibility of lawsuits.”
The B.C. government seems to be aware of these dangers and, in its latest announcement, said it would consult with municipalities.
“Nevertheless, the B.C. government is pressing ahead with a deal that offers no real benefits and a good many dangers to local communities,” said Pickard.
#25. LIBERALS: CONSERVATIVES MISUSING TAXPAYER-FUNDED RESOURCES
Liberal MP Mark Holland this week filed a formal complaint with the House of Commons Speaker expressing concern about the Conservative Party's misuse of taxpayer-funded resources.
"The Conservatives have no regard for electoral rules," said Holland, MP for Ajax-Pickering, Ontario. "This is the same party that is under investigation by Elections Canada for allegedly cheating on campaign expenses in the 2006 election in order to pocket rebates from taxpayers and exceed spending limits."
Holland complained to Speaker Peter Milliken about campaign literature sent by Conservative MPs to his constituents using House of Commons free printing and mailing privileges.
He is also asking the House of Commons Board of Internal Economy to require the Conservatives to reimburse taxpayers for printing and mailing costs of this literature.
Bylaws of the House of Commons allow MPs to print and mail leaflets called "ten percenters" to the public about their parliamentary activities, but they expressly prohibit MPs from making direct or indirect appeals to constituents to vote in a certain way.
The literature says: "Why vote for Mark, when Mark won't vote for you?" It contains a mock ballot naming the party leaders.
Holland attached with his letter to the Speaker a legal opinion from the non-partisan Office of the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel, which concludes that the Conservative literature "in our view (is) a document with an electoral intent or objective. (and) seems to contravene the bylaws."
Flyers received by Holland's constituents were mailed by Conservative MPs Dean Allison, Dave Mackenzie, Andrew Scheer, Dean Del Mastro, Jacques Gourde and Gary Goodyear.
#26. HUMANE SOCIETY AD PUTS QUESTION TO ABBOTSFORD CHRISTIANS
The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is asking Christians in Abbotsford whether Jesus Christ would condone the treatment of animals in the city's Mighty Fraser Rodeo which started this week (July 31-August 4).
VHS is running a full-page ad in the Abbotsford Times showing an image of Jesus alongside photos of rodeo animals in distress. An identical poster is also being distributed locally. The text states:
"The words of Jesus speak of kindness, mercy and compassion. A far cry from the values on display in rodeos, where fear, pain and distress are used to make animals perform for human amusement. Would Jesus have condoned such brutality for the sake of entertainment? Do you?"
The poster has been sent to local churches and is being posted throughout the city. VHS spokesman Peter Fricker said the ad and poster are designed to provoke thought about the morality of rodeo. He added that the Abbotsford Times had reneged on an agreement to run the ad on the paper's back page and would only carry it on an inside page because of the disturbing images of the treatment of rodeo animals.
"The Times was concerned about people seeing the images landing on their doorsteps, but we simply want Christians to ask themselves if their values are compatible with the values of rodeo," said Fricker. "Since they believe in and promote kindness and compassion it would be difficult to support rodeo, as there's nothing kind or compassionate about it. In fact, it's brutal and cruel."
VHS is calling on the organizers of the Mighty Fraser Rodeo to drop all roping events from its program. The society says calf-roping, team-roping, steer-wrestling and wild cow-milking are the most inhumane events and these, at least, should be banned.
Last year, after years of pressure from the humane community, the Cloverdale Rodeo dropped all roping events, a move VHS wants Abbotsford and other rodeos to follow. "The absence of these events apparently didn't affect attendance," says Fricker. "The Cloverdale Fair stated that they had some of the biggest crowds in years."
#27. CANADA POST CELEBRATES LIFESAVING SOCIETY CENTENNIAL
To celebrate 100 years of educating Canadians to save lives, Canada Post has issued a domestic rate stamp honouring the Lifesaving Society. The Lifesaving Society's singular focus is to prevent drowning and water-related injuries through training programs.
"Canada Post has paid a great honour to the centenary of the Lifesaving Society,” said Timothy Feher, the Society's national CEO.
"We are celebrating 100 years of service to Canadians as the authority for lifeguard training, aquatic safety standards, research and technical innovation and public education for drowning prevention. It is an extraordinary legacy that we can be proud of in Canada. The fact that the stamp is being released during the Society's National Drowning Prevention Week, serves to underscore the importance of this issue among Canadians in all communities across the country."
While swimming was extremely popular across Europe during the late 19th century, little focus was paid to the instruction of lifesaving, making drowning a common form of death. Fortunately, William Henry, a renowned swimming champion in the 1880s and '90s, recognized the need to develop and teach lifesaving programs and started a movement that would be felt across the ocean.
In 1894, Arthur Lewis Cochrane was named a Royal Lifesaving Society's Honorary Representative in Canada and brought home the lifesaving skills he had learned in England. Through his efforts, the Ontario Branch of the Society was established on December 10, 1908. Little did Cochrane suspect that the 18 Upper Canada College students who earned the first Bronze Medallions in Canada were the vanguard of over seven million Canadians who would come to hold the Society's award.
Designer Derwin Goodall wanted to create an "inviting" stamp. The cool crisp white frame mixes with an airy outdoor scene and projects the Lifesaving Society's goal of encouraging water safety and swimming skills. The action photographs in the background illustrate two kinds of water rescue while the lifeguard on the forefront represents the more than 500,000 Canadians who train in Lifesaving Society programs each year.
"I wanted a fresh and lively look to convey some of the energy and responsiveness involved in lifeguarding as well as the confidence you need to really take care of people," said Goodall.
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