The Local Weekly October 22, 2020

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Volume 19, Issue 42

Sunshine Coast, British Columbia • www.thelocalweekly.ca • Thursday, October 22, 2020 Fall Car Care Pages 10 & 11

Candidate Debates Page 2

Candidate Q&A Page 3

Safe School Spending

Sunshine Coast Votes

Page 5

Police Increase?

Page 5

What’s Happening Page 8

Kim Darwin

Flu Clinics Page 9

Firearm Seizures Page 13

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The Local - Thursday, October 22, 2020

Candidates debate seniors’ care

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The Oct. 17 online all candidates Q&A session featured the views of the ridings’ MLA candidates on seniors and health care issues.

Candidates Kim Darwin from the BC Greens, BC NDP Incumbent Nicholas Simons, and BC Liberal Sandra Stoddart-Hansen responded to eight questions over the twohour session. The event was organized by Sunshine Coast Alliance for Seniors’ Care Coop (SCASCC), a non-profit, non-partisan organization working on a multi-stakeholder model of co-operative care for seniors on the Sunshine Coast.

SCASCC circulated written questions to the candidates in advance. Questions submitted by the online audience of about 25 were also answered.

All three candidates stated that they supported options to allow seniors to age in place in family homes.

Simons drew attention to his government’s efforts to train more home care aides by providing free training in exchange for students’ commitment to work in communities following graduation.

His party plans to expand publicly-funded home care and improve continuity of care with seniors receiving visits from a more consistent group of care aides.

Stoddart-Hansen proposed a focus on a tax credit to offset additional expenses

incurred by families caring for seniors. She also pointed to the need for greater support for hospice services on the Coast as a way of helping seniors continue their lives outside of hospitals or extended-care facilities.

Darwin said that she would work to achieve better health outcomes for seniors through programs for the retrofitting of family homes that house seniors. Another part of her response highlighted the Green Party’s platform of providing more independence for the Office of the Seniors Advocate.

The candidates were asked about their support for the Trellis facility that is planned for Sechelt.

Darwin said that if elected, she would advocate for a not-for-profit model for a new facility, rather than the one proposed by Trellis. She stated that “it’s not too late to change. There are no shovels in the ground.” Her view was that action needs to be taken immediately to provide more seniors care beds as the two existing lower Coast facilities are aging and not adequately sized.

“Sort through the fog and get on with it,” was Stoddart-Hansen’s response regarding the Trellis project, pointing to four years of inaction on creating a new facility.

She said that a model where the private sector builds facilities saves taxpayers money.

The Liberal candidate noted that government sets standards for care in both public and private care facilities and that it also needs to ensure that those are met.

Rejecting private for-profit long-term care models, Simons explained that he had expressed displeasure with the Trellis proposal on behalf of his constituents in the legislature. He indicated that increased investment in long term care will give the Coast other options.

Providing healthy local food for seniors was a subject that received unanimous “thumbs up” from the candidates.

Stoddart-Hansen pointed to the need for kitchens in facilities rather than the serving of pre-packaged meals to residents.

Simons said that food provides not only physical nourishment but basic dignity. He said he supported programs being piloted elsewhere in BC that use locally produced food at seniors’ facilities.

Darwin focused her response on enhanced funding for healthy food and other programs. “The underfunding of the health care system is what needs to change,” said Darwin.

Video of the Zoom session was recorded. SCASCC hopes to post it on scseniorscare coop.ca shortly.

Connie Jordison

Chamber of Commerce debate The Sechelt and District Chamber of Commerce all candidates debate was hosted before a small live audience at the Blue Ocean Golf Club restaurant on Monday.

On the issue of securing a “fair share of provincial investment” for the Coast, NDP MLA Nicholas Simons pointed to area school expansions, as well as improvement funding for Highway 101 and in BC Ferries’ fleet and services made during the NDP government’s tenure. BC Liberal Sandra Stoddart-Hansen noted that her party leader has promised major capital investments for Highway 101 as well as a review of BC Fer-

ries in the first year if she is elected to a Liberal government. Green candidate Kim Darwin committed to becoming a “squeaky wheel” on Coast issues if elected to the legislature.

Differences of opinions on approaches to economic recovery were expressed by the candidates. Darwin said she favoured investments in early childhood education and childcare to help women get back to work. Creating jobs and prosperity by building infrastructure was how Stoddart-Hansen said she wants to see this done. She noted that this would create more non-traditional em-

ployment opportunities for women and youth. The NDP have committed billions to communities as part of their Recovery Investment Fund including in child care spaces. Simons expressed concern with the Liberal’s stated plan to reduce taxes, noting a similar approach used by the Liberals in the 1990s led to massive cuts in programs and services.

A recording of the session will be re-broadcast on Eastlink television in the coming days and will be posted on the Sechelt and District Chamber of Commerce social media feeds.

The Local

VoiceLab candidates debate goes awry An accident resulting in a severe ankle injury forced BC NDP candidate Nicholas Simons to miss the Oct. 15 VoiceLab all candidates’ debate. Event host, Sechelt Councillor Matt McLean, launched the Facebook/YouTube stream by announcing that Simons had been transported by ambulance to Sechelt Hospital after taking a fall at a campaign stop in Langdale. Later in the evening, Simons posted a statement on Facebook that he was in good spirits, along with a photo from his hospital treatment room.

The debate proceeded with candidates Kim Darwin of the BC Green Party

and Sandra Stoddart-Hansen of the BC Liberals expressing the view that the election was unnecessary.

Each said the government should be focused on helping the province address and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local resident and former federal NDP candidate for the riding of West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, Bill Forst gave opening and closing statements on the MLA’s behalf but did not participate in the debate. Debate questions were to be forwarded to Simons with plans to publish his responses on social media.

Jacqueline Gillis from the VoiceLab group co-hosted the debate. She, McLean and guests Dr. Jennifer Baxter from the Sunshine Coast COVID Physician Task Force, local housing advocate Chris Neumeyer, and Julia Budd, a Gibsons-based racial equality advocate, posed over a dozen questions to the candidates.

The subjects ranged from potable water issues to funding for mental health care.

The event garnered an audience of over 50 viewers and about 40 online chat comments. It was organized to connect Coast residents under the age of 40 to the political process and this election. Connie Jordison

The Local - Thursday, October 22, 2020 3

2020 BC ELECTION • CANDIDATE Q & A BC NDP Nicholas Simons (Incumbent) Question 1 What in your background makes you the best candidate for this position?

Before I got into politics, I was a social worker then the director of a Health and Social Services department for a First Nation, so my career has been about solving problems.

It was also about protecting children and their rights and strengthening families, something I get to keep doing as part of a progressive government. I’ve also been an orchestral musician, so

I have to work well with others.

Question 2 What Coast issue would you prioritize if you were to become MLA? Pandemic management and steady recovery. Our economic health will depend on our community’s health, and we’ll continue to focus on the basics. Investments in infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, childcare, and affordable housing, while supporting families and businesses, are all part of

a healthy economic plan.

Question 3 What is the most important issue the province needs to address related to the COVID-19 pandemic? How would you address this issue?

Recognizing that our successful COVID-19 strategy has been to rely on public health experts and to support families and businesses, we need to continue to focus on protecting the health of our communities so that our steady recovery can continue.

Question 4 Do you support contracting with the private sector for residential care for seniors?

What do you see as the advantages or disadvantages of private versus public sector care?

The previous government rejected the public and notfor-profit long-term care models in favour of privatization – including the contract they signed with Trellis. And while the NDP imposed wage and benefit parity, passed a law against contract flipping, and required workers to only

BC Liberal Party Sandra Stoddart-Hansen Question 1 What in your background makes you the best candidate for this position?

I have 20 years of experience in the federal government – I understand how government works, which will serve me well if I am elected as the MLA for this riding. I have experience in the healthcare sector, having served as Vice President of Human Resources for Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. I was President of Alpha Aviation and ran the Boundary Bay Airport. I worked as a Vice President and BC General Manager of Hill and Knowlton, a government relations company. I

have worked as a consultant and have honed my ability to find and successfully implement creative solutions to clients’ problems.

Question 2 What Coast issue would you prioritize if you were to become MLA? My priority issues for our riding are the bypass highway, ferry services and seniors housing and long-term care. I have the commitment of our leader that if I am the MLA in a BC Liberal government, $50 million dollars will be put in place for the start of construction on the bypass highway. Our party has announced a five year

$1billion plan for seniors housing, and as we have one of the highest cohorts of over 65s in our riding, I would ensure that we were given urgent priority given the inadequacy of our current facilities.

Question 3 What is the most important issue the province needs to address related to the COVID-19 pandemic?

How would you address this issue?

The most important issue the province needs to address related to the pandemic is to stay the course under the outstanding leadership of Dr. Bonnie Henry

and prevent the spread of the disease – and to make sure that everyone has a free vaccination when one becomes available. Additionally, the BC Liberals have set out a plan to re-start the economy safely. In our community, I am aware that businesses in the hospitality industry have been profoundly impacted by the necessary restrictions that have been put in place.

They will need bridging support immediately in order to survive.

Question 4 Do you support contracting with the private sector for residential care for seniors? What do you see as

BC Green Party Kim Darwin Question 1 What in your background makes you the best candidate for this position?

For the past 16 years, I have owned my own business as a mortgage consultant – I know the need for a sustainable economy and housing that is affordable first hand. I sit on a small business support organization with a focus on impact investing and co-founded the Workforce Affordable Housing Society. I worked hard, so my ideas on transition-

ing our economy with clean technology and renewable energy and on non-resident land ownership became BC Chamber policy. I’m a chronic volunteer and member of many organizations working to improve lives. I’ve lived on the Coast for 51 years.

Election Day Saturday, Oct. 24, the polling stations are open from 8am-8pm. Voters have an assigned voting place on General Voting Day. Usually, it is faster to vote at your assigned voting place, but you can vote at another voting place if it is more convenient to you. Your assigned voting place is noted on your Where

tion of appropriate alternate routes would be better for our entire community.

Question 2 What Coast issue would you prioritize if you were to become MLA? Sunshine Coast Highway improvements.

Multiple studies have highlighted safety issues from Port Mel-

lon to Lund. We need turn-off lanes, wider shoulders, bike lanes, resurfacing, and alternate routes to mitigate road closures, accidents, or bridge wash-outs. Successive governments have failed to deliver adequate funding. Based on our population and limited provincial infrastructure funds, it’s fiscally irresponsible to divert funds toward a second superhighway while these road problems remain unsolved. Doubling efforts to ensure the safety of our existing highway with the addi-

to Vote card.

There are a total of 10 polling stations on the lower Coast: • Cooper’s Green Hall, 5500 Fisherman Road, Halfmoon Bay • Egmont Community Hall, 6801 Bathgate Road, Egmont • Frank West Hall, 1224 Chaster Road, Gibsons • Gibsons Community Hall, 700 Park Road, Gibsons • Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 5700 Nickerson Road,

Sechelt • Langdale Elementary School, 1551 Johnson Road, Langdale • Roberts Creek Hall, 1309 Roberts Creek Road, Roberts Creek • Royal Canadian Legion 112, 12829 Lillies Lake Road, Madeira Park • Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre, 5604 Trail Avenue, Sechelt • St John’s United Church, 5085 Davis Bay Road, Sechelt

Voter registration is now closed online and by phone, but you can still register or update your information when you vote in person with valid ID. Go to www.elections. bc.ca for information.

The Elections BC office is at 5604 Trail Ave in Sechelt (778-572-4700), open from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday, and from 10am-4pm on Saturdays. The Local

Question 3 What is the most important issue the province needs to address related to the COVID-19 pandemic? How would you address this issue?

Mental Health. Over the last several months, I have spoken to thousands of people throughout BC. People are on edge. They are worried about their physical health, financial health, jobs, businesses, and housing se-

work in one site, I still do not support the pursuit of this model. New requirements for private LTC operators will make them more transparent and accountable with the use of public funding to ensure that standards of care are met.

Question 5 What BC Ferries improvements would you pursue on behalf of Coast residents?

Work towards adding more capacity for the Langdale route – especially during peak times, keep the number of sailings our government restored, maintain the fares we lowered by 15%, keep the seniors’ discount we reinstated, make reservations free, add crew and restore

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the triangle run on the Texada route, make the medical assured loading policy fair, and bring back the shrimp salad sandwich.

Submitted

the advantages or disadvantages of private versus public sector care?

I do support private sector involvement in providing residential care for seniors.

Whether the care be provided by the public or private sector, I believe it is the government’s role to set and enforce quality standards.

Question 5 What BC Ferries improvements would you pursue on behalf of Coast residents?

Our Horseshoe Bay to Langdale ferry no longer meets the needs of our community. We need “certainty of travel.” You should be able to reserve (at no additional cost) and be certain that you will get on the ferry. During the busy summer months, we need more capacity. With the growth on the Coast, we curity. We’ve seen this play out with the increase in opioid deaths and increased domestic abuse in every part of the province, including our own community. Many are so lonely they are willing to risk disease just to have social connections. Calling an unnecessary election in the middle of a global pandemic created additional angst – it was cruel and flies in the face of democracy.

Question 4 Do you support contracting with the private sector for residential care for seniors?

What do you see as the advantages or disadvantages of private versus public sector care?

We need to shift seniors’ care away from for-profit private company models to a mix of public, not-for-profit, community-based services, and co-ops. We must ensure public funds are going toward direct care of seniors, not shareholder profits. Seniors are languishing in Sechelt Hospital and need to be moved into local facilities or back to their homes, wherever possible, so they can receive appropriate, specialized care as soon as possible.

As a community, we must

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need to get to hourly ferry service as quickly as possible during the peak seasons.

On-time performance needs immediate attention. When a resident is trying to get to a medical appointment, they need to know that the ferry is going to leave on time.

Submitted

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make this a priority.

Question 5 What BC Ferries improvements would you pursue on behalf of Coast residents?

We have to treat our ferry system as an extension of our highways system. We can make this happen if we return BC Ferries to be a Crown corporation and ensure the appointment of a regulatory watchdog to protect riders from inefficient service levels and price gouging. When the BC Ferry Authority mandate was altered, it left the current monopoly private utility with no independent body able to effectively deal with community and customer concerns.

Submitted

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The Local - Thursday, October 22, 2020

Editorial Opinion

Weekly Cartoon

Islands fish farms must go During their miraculous but perilous journey from inland spawning grounds, down rivers, out to sea and back again years later, Pacific wild salmon often must pass open-net coastal salmon farms. Here they swim through waters that can harbour parasitic sea lice and harmful viruses and bacteria.

In its 2012 report, the Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Sockeye Salmon in the Fraser River identified potential dangers to salmon migrating through the Discovery Islands between BCs mainland and Vancouver Island. In response, the province put a moratorium on new fish farm tenures in 2013. It was set to expire Sept. 30, but BCs snap election puts salmon farm policy in question.

Sept. 30 was also the Cohen Commission’s deadline to remove the 18 existing Discovery Islands fish farms unless government could show they pose no more than “minimal risk of serious harm” to wild Fraser sockeye.

These farms have continually failed to meet the “minimal risk” threshold. The aquaculture industry’s own data show 33 percent of farms exceeded the sea lice limit while juvenile salmon were migrating past this year.

A Fisheries and Oceans Canada review failed to consider sea lice impacts or the cumulative effects of the nine pathogens it assessed. Although seven of the nine risk assessments showed some degree of uncertainty (with two showing high levels), the review concluded the farms pose no more than minimal risk and can stay.

Ignoring the pathogens’ cumulative impacts provides an incomplete view. Not including sea lice risks defies logic.

Biologists and First Nations submitted evidence showing lice continue to harm wild salmon, despite control efforts.

Those controls rely on chemicals that can harm the environment, and lice are becoming resistant to them.

Sea lice that target wild salmon occur naturally but weren’t a problem before fish farms. In the ocean, fish can survive with a few lice attached. They fall off when the salmon return to freshwater. But sea lice thrive where thousands of salmon are penned in one place. They often attack a salmon’s head and neck and eat its skin, eventually killing it. They’re especially dangerous to juveniles migrating from freshwater to the ocean.

Feeding a growing human population is a challenge. We can’t continue plundering the seas and exhausting them of wild fish. But we must ensure that aquaculture is done in ways that don’t harm the environment. For fish farms, that likely means moving them to closed systems on land, which cost more, and growing less ecologically damaging species, like shellfish, which can have a lower profit margin.

Short-term profits for big companies aren’t worth risking entire coastal ecosystems and ways of life.

David Suzuki

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Letters to the Editor – Opinions Highway support misleading The claim that 6,500 people are supporting a new additional highway on the Sunshine Coast is a misleading one.

The original petition asked for support of increased safety for Hwy 101– not for a new highway. I remember being approached by a member of the SC Highway Society (Hwy 101 at the time) with the question if I would support “more safety on our highway.” After inquiring if this petition would also be for another highway, she reluctantly admitted yes but did not say so upfront. I wonder how many people signed under this false pretense?

The construction of another highway would be ecologically devastating.

It would bring more traffic, cut our last remaining wildlife corridors in half, lead to more wildlife mortality through habitat loss and collisions and fragment populations into small patchworks that are vulnerable to local extinction.

We already took most of the lower elevation habitat for human use–such as infrastructure and developments. In addition, we are clearcutting the few remaining natural forest patches above–when is enough enough? When do we realize that infinite growth is not possible without losing our natural assets? We created an extinction crisis and have lost nearly 70 percent of wild animal populations already. We cannot afford to lose any more.

The Coast is one of the areas in BC with the highest growth rates–it is time to come up with limits. We have to get our household in order, and neither do we need, nor can we afford

another highway.

Annette Clarke, Roberts Creek

Cookies and StoryBots This week, I witnessed a frustrated parent’s attempt to manage her petulant child’s rebellious behavior in a parking lot. The boy was refusing to get into his child safety seat, located in the back of the vehicle.

From what I gathered, the child (around five years old) wanted to sit upfront with his mom. He expressed his displeasure by sitting on the pavement, crying, and yelling, “No!” The woman was having none of it. “These are the rules … it’s for your own safety and mine!” But logic did nothing to fracture his resolve. Finally, in an act of desperation, she resorted to bribery, offering him cookies and watching something called StoryBots when they got home. The boy hesitated for a split-second before complying. She buckled him in, and they were on their way.

I only wish I’d witnessed this before heading into the store. If I had, I might have attempted to use the same approach with the customers who were not wearing masks. And while the StoryBots/cookie bribe might not have been a winning incentive for the unmasked adults wandering the aisles, a different line of motivation might have worked. Something along the lines of: “Look, if you wear a mask while in an indoor, public space, everyone around you will feel more relaxed, there will be less chance of spreading a virus that you may not know you have, and we can all get past this pandemic, sooner.”

That might seem like a

reasonable argument to make, but like the petulant child, simple logic doesn’t appear to be working on the adults who are making a conscious choice not to wear masks in public.

Sure, the analogy isn’t perfect–a child safety seat is designed to protect the kid, while a (non-medical grade) mask is worn to protect others from what I might be carrying. But the behavior strikes me as similar. It’s selfish, short-sighted, and in the case of the mask – demonstrates a lack of understanding of how serious a mess we are all in.

COVID-19 numbers are going up in this community. Only as a collective can we stop this by doing something so considerate and straightforward that it should be a no-brainer.

However, for some, the perception is that masks don’t serve any personal value and are inconvenient. This is akin to drivers who don’t bother to signal lane-changes because “what’s in it for me?” Except that if I’m in the lane you’re about to drive into, it’s more than a courtesy. It’s a safety issue to me, you, and all the people on the road behind us who will be impacted if we collide.

If we can all be a little more conscientious and courteous, we’ll get to the other side of this pandemic much faster.

E. Samuels, Gibsons

Find somewhere else to stroll (Re: “Aggressive Dogs,” letters, the Local, Oct. 15) To the writer so offended at the off-leash park – find somewhere else to stroll.

There are miles and miles of dog free trails.

Years ago, when I moved

here with my well-behaved Neapolitan Mastiffs, the bylaw was fine with off-leash in Cliff Gilker Park. Since then, the parks have been overrun with entitled Lululemon folk complaining about everything.

Recently I was told there is nowhere on the Sunshine Coast (including mountain areas) where a dog can be off-leash. I do remember the terrible loss of a shelter in Port Coquitlam because the new subdivision folk didn’t like to hear barking.

Time for the complaint culture to take a deep breath and realize there are many different needs here and a dearth of off-leash parks.

Linda Ruiz, Gibsons

Dog shelter woes (Re: “Fundraising for dog park amenities,” the Local, Oct. 8) I like the idea of the off-leash doggie park on Ebbtide Street in Sechelt.

However, to build a shelter there, may well benefit more homeless people to set up camp in the park.

There is already low-income housing in the neighbourhood.

I am a senior and have no problem carrying an umbrella when it’s raining while walking my dog. I think a shelter built across the street from low-income housing will draw more homeless people into the area.

Joanne Anderson, Sechelt LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

should be sent by e-mail to editor@thelocalweekly.ca.

The deadline is Monday at 10am for that week’s paper.

Generally, letters should not exceed 300 words. And all letters must be signed, include the writer’s community of residence and (not for publication) telephone number. Letters may be edited for a variety of reasons.

The Local - Thursday, October 22, 2020 5

Sechelt considers police staff increase The addition of one municipal officer to the Coast’s RCMP detachment is to be debated during Sechelt’s 2021 budget discussions.

This recommendation came out of the Oct. 14 Committee of the Whole meeting.

It was a response to the regional RCMP office’s inquiry about Sechelt’s Municipal Contract with the RCMP for the upcoming fiscal year.

Mayor and Committee member Darnelda Siegers said that putting the Region on notice that an additional officer may be requested can be done in advance of financially committing to the increased costs. Under the BC Municipal Police Services Agreement, once the regional office is notified that a municipality wants to add an officer, it has up to a year to meet that request.

In 2020, Sechelt budgeted $1.73 million for the contract services of about eleven of-

ficers at the Sunshine Coast detachment. Adding an officer will mean an increase of about $150,000 per year.

Future year’s costs cannot be finalized as Canadian Treasury Board is negotiating its first collective agreement with members of the RCMP. Any new compensation levels settled on will be retroactive to 2016, when the union representing the police forces’ membership was ratified.

When the 2020 Sechelt budget was developed, a $92,000 increase to the operating budget equated to a general property tax increase of one percent.

Siegers noted that detachment Staff Sgt. Poppy Hallam is aware that a business case will be required to support any approval of a new municipally funded position.

Committee Chairperson Councillor Eric Scott said he supported consideration of an increase in RCMP staffing,

given the level of growth and changes in the community.

Some factors that will impact how council will view the addition of a municipal officer remain unknown.

These include changes to the Sunshine Coast RCMP Detachment that may result from the Town of Gibsons reaching a population of 5,000 and becoming responsible for a higher portion of its policing costs. Another unknown is the financial and other impacts that the potential change from RCMP to municipal policing in Surrey will have for other communities that share membership in the integrated policing teams. The Sunshine Coast participates in funding integrated teams for policing specialists, such as homicide and canine units. These teams are supported by contributions from detachments located in Lower Mainland and adjacent areas. Connie Jordison

The Board of School District (SD) 46 endorsed a proposed spending plan for the first half of its $1.2 million in federal “safe return to school” funds at its Oct. 14 meeting.

This one-time funding related to the COVID-19 pandemic was provided to the Province, which allocated it to public school districts based on enrollment numbers. The second half of the funding is anticipated to be distributed later this year.

SD46s plan is to split the majority of the funds received to date between learning supports and health/ safety enhancements at district schools. Under the learning support category, $150,000 will be allocated to help fund schools that have declining enrollment.

As of the end of September, enrollment at school facilities is down about six percent over anticipated levels.

Enrollment at the district’s distanced learning SPIDER program has jumped from about 73 students last year to 212.

Individual school budgets are based on enrollment. To avoid mid-year layoffs or staff transfers between district schools and programs, the board agreed to provide the portion of the federal funds and a $500,000 mid-year distribution of unrestricted surplus to individual schools as needed.

Three hundred thousand of the federal money allocated to learning supports is being earmarked for outdoor learning facilities. SD46 Secretary-Treasurer Nicholas Weswick stated that no detailed plans for these items have been finalized. These are intended to be temporary structures, such as tents, that can be used for more “wet weather friendly” open-air

learning spaces at each district school location.

Most of the spending on health and safety is being allocated to increase custodial staffing and supply budgets. A portion will also go to improvements to school facilities, including more air filtration and installing automatic shut off faucets to help reduce water waste while supporting increased hand washing. A $60,000 bump up for higher utility costs related to more frequent air exchanges needed to help maintain safer school environments will be covered.

In addition, funds have been budgeted to increase food supports in schools and to enhance school bussing.

Weswick noted that details on student transportation enhancements will require negotiations with the district’s bussing contractor.

Connie Jordison

Federal infrastructure grant applications for Woodcreek Park wastewater treatment and ports facilities are set to be considered by the SCRD board. According to staff, these initiatives are leading in the SCRD’s grant readiness continuum.

The SCRD plans to apply for $844,000 to upgrade the Woodcreek wastewater system. The system serves 73 properties just north of Gibsons along Highway 101. The SCRD took over its management in 1995 and installed a new facility at the site in 1999.

There are now performance concerns with the treatment, and the province has issued the SCRD warnings about the facility’s capacity and effluent quality.

A grant to cover ports renewal projects on Keats and Gambier Islands worth $623,313 will also be applied for.

In addition, the board will be asked to approve the

SCRDs share of project costs of $20,000 for the ports work and $75,000 for the Woodcreek Park initiative. The application and cost-sharing recommendations, made at the Oct. 15 Infrastructure Committee meeting, are slated to go to the board at its Oct. 22 meeting.

During the committee session, Sechelt Area Director Darnelda Siegers asked how those projects were picked.

Chief Administrative Officer Dean McKinley explained that project planning is an ongoing staff priority and that the numerous capital projects on the SCRD’s work plans are at varying points in grant readiness. He noted that when external funding opportunities arise, staff endeavour to recommend project applications that have the best opportunity to be successful in receiving funding and serving the community. He noted that the “bullseye” that marks the fit of an application to program

criteria changes frequently. In the case of the current Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, project applications required well-developed budgets and timelines. McKinley said that with much of the engineering and estimate work already completed, those could be quickly put in place for the items that staff recommended.

The committee applauded staff for their response to this program, which was announced in mid-September and called for applications

by Oct. 22. Siegers noted that local Member of Parliament Patrick Weiler has advised her that funding opportunities will continue to be announced “until the Canadian economy starts to turn around.” She said that keeping the SCRD’s grant readiness continuum stocked with updated project plans should help the area access more money for infrastructure.

Connie Jordison

Spending on safe school restarts

SCRD eyes infrastructure grants

Sunshine Sunshine Coast Coast & & Powell Powell River River Schedules Schedules September September5, 5,2017 2017--January January1, 1,2018 2018

FALL/WINTER FALL/WINTER Vancouver Vancouver -- Langdale Langdale (Horseshoe (HorseshoeBay) Bay)--(Gibsons) (Gibsons)

Please PleaseNote: Note:AtAtLangdale, Langdale,ticket ticketsales salesend endfive fiveminutes minutesbefore beforethe thescheduled scheduledsailing sailingtime timefor forvehicles vehicles and andwalk-on walk-onpassengers. passengers.AtAtHorseshoe HorseshoeBay Bayonly, only,ticket ticketsales salesfor forvehicles vehiclesand andwalk-on walk-onpassengers passengers end endten tenminutes minutesbefore beforethe thescheduled scheduledsailing sailingtime. time.

Langdale/Vancouver Langdale/Vancouverand andPowell PowellRiver/Sechelt River/SecheltPeninsula Peninsulaare arenot notguaranteed guaranteedtotoconnect. connect.Please Pleaseplan plan your yourtravels travelsaccordingly. accordingly.

Crossing CrossingTime: Time:40 40Minutes Minutes September September55--October October9, 9,2017 2017 LEAVE LEAVEHORSESHOE HORSESHOEBAY BAY LEAVE LEAVELANGDALE LANGDALE 7:25 7:25am am 6:20am am 6:20 9:40 9:40am am 8:30am am 8:30 12:00 12:00pm pm 10:50am am 10:50 w w w . t h e l o c a l w e e k l y. c a 1:30 1:30pm pm Sun 1:05pm pm 1:05 Sunexcept exceptOct Oct88 2:40pm pm Sun 2:40 2:15 2:15pm pm Sunexcept exceptOct Oct88 3:55 3:55 pm pm Oct Oct 9 9 3:25 3:25 pm pm September 6, 2016 - January 2, 2017 SUNSHINE COAST 5:00 5:00pm pm Oct 4:30 4:30pm pm Oct99 FERRY SCHEDULE 5:50 5:50pm pm Mon-Fri, Mon-Fri,except exceptOct Oct99 5:30 5:30pm pm FALL/WINTER 7:00 7:00pm pm Mon-Fri, 6:35 6:35 pm pm Mon-Fri,except exceptOct Oct99 For schedules, fare info or to reserve 1-888-223-3779 or www.bcferries.com 8:40 8:40pm pm 7:35 7:35pm pm Schedule in Effect: October 13, 2020 10:35 10:35pm pm 9:40 9:40 pm pm to May 15, 2021 Crossing Time: 40 minutes Langdale - Vancouver Distance: 10.5 nautical miles (Gibsons) (Horseshoe Bay) 1, October October 10, 10,-2017 2017 --January January 1,2018 2018

Sunshine Coast & Powell River Schedules

Please Note: At Langdale, ticketing will end five minutes before the scheduled sailing time for vehicles

(Sunshine Coast) LEAVE HORSESHOE BAY LEAVE HORSESHOE BAYBay (Vancouver) LEAVE LEAVE LANGDALE LANGDALE and walk-on passengers. At Horseshoe only, ticket sales for vehicles and walk-on passengers will end ten minutes before the scheduled sailing time.

DailyDec Daily 7:30 6:20 7:20 7:20am am am-Except 6:20 6:20am am am- Except Except Dec2525&&Jan Jan11 ExceptDec Dec2525&&Jan Jan11 Langdale/Vancouver and Powell River/Sechelt Peninsula are not guaranteed to connect. Please plan 9:25 9:25 am am 8:25 8:25 am am Daily Daily 9:45 am 8:40 am your travels accordingly.

11:30 11:30 am am- Time: 10:25 10:25am am am- Daily Daily 40 Minutes 11:55Crossing am 10:50 1:35 1:35pm pm 12:35 12:35pm pm 2:10September pm - Daily 1:05 pm - Daily 3:50 3:50pm pm 6 - October 10, 2016 2:45 2:45pm pm LEAVE LANGDALE LEAVE HORSESHOE BAY - Daily Wed. Dec. 23, Sat. Dec. 26 2:40 pm 3:15 pm 5:50 5:506:20 pm pmam 4:50 4:50pm pm 7:20 am 7:50 7:508:25 pm pmam and Sun. Dec. 27 only 6:50 6:50pm pm pm- Wed. Dec. 23, Sat. Dec. 26 9:25 am 3:50 11:30 am 10:25 am 4:20 pm 9:45 9:45 pm pm- Daily 8:45 8:45pm pm and Sun. Dec. 27 only 1:35 pm 12:35 pm

5:30 2:45 pmpm- Daily

2:10 pm Sep5:25 9, 16, 23 pm 3:50 pm 4:20 pm Sep6:40 11, 18, 25pm 5:50 pm 7:50 pm 8:55 pm 8:30 pm Oct 10 9:45 pm

3:15 pm Sep 9, 16, 23 7:50 4:50 pmpm- Daily 5:25 pm Sep 11, 18, 25 10:55 6:50 pmpm- Daily 8:45 pm 9:35 pm Oct 10

- Daily - Daily - Daily

PLEASE NOTE: All schedules are subject to change October 11notice.

- December 21, 2016 TO COVID-19, THESE SCHEDULES without DUE LEAVE LANGDALE LEAVE HORSESHOE BAY MAY CHANGE. PLEASE MONITOR SERVICE NOTICES. 6:20 am 7:20 am 8:20 am 9:20 am CHECK ONLINE DAILY FOR 10:20 am 11:20 am 12:20 pmSAILING CHANGES. 1:20 pm 2:30 pm 3:30 pm 5:30 pm 4:30 pm 7:25 pm 6:30 pm 9:15 pm 8:20 pm

ANY LAST MINUTE

www.bcferries.com

Why settle for less?

We are working diligently making sure you get the local news every week.

December 22, 2016 - January 2, 2017

WELEAVE ARE DOUBLE STOCKING OUR NEWSPAPER BOXES! LANGDALE LEAVE HORSESHOE BAY

Keep well our 7:20 amof 6:20 am Except Dec 25and & Jan 1 follow the advice Except Dec 25local & Jan 1 health authorities.

8:25 am 9:25 am 213-5710 Teredo St., P.O. Box. 494, Sechelt, BC, V0N 3A0 10:25 am am Produced locally 11:30 12:35 pm pm 604-885-3134 • www.thelocalweekly.ca supporting our 1:35Phone 2:45 pm community! 3:50 pm Guaranteed Distribution!

4:50 pm 5:50 pm 6:50 pm 7:50 pm 8:45 pm 9:45 pm

6

The Local - Thursday, October 22, 2020

Coast To Capital Patrick Weiler MP, West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country

This challenging year has shown the resilience of Sunshine Coast residents: neighbours helping neighbours; local communities supporting our small businesses that sustain our communities; and front-line workers keeping residents healthy and safe.

The Speech from the Throne laid out the federal government’s plan to continue to support individuals, families, non-profits and businesses while we Build Back Better. Here are the highlights: Protecting You from COVID-19 • Sunshine Coast residents can rest assured that, when a vaccine is available, it will be accessible and promptly distributed.

• Improved access to testing through a partnership with the provincial government is available through the Sunshine Coast Respiratory

Assessment Clinic.

Helping You through the Pandemic • The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Business Account, the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, and Employment Insurance have been extended, expanded and reformed to help Sunshine Coast small businesses and their workers navigate through the pandemic.

• We will create an affordable, inclusive and high-quality Canada-wide early learning and childcare system and accelerate the Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy to avoid a “she-session” and address gender inequities in our society.

Building Back Better • To support our community of seniors on the Sunshine Coast, we will increase Old Age Security once you turn 75, boost the Canada Pension Plan Survivor’s Benefit, and develop national standards for long-term care.

• We are accelerating internet connectivity on the Coast through the Universal Broadband Fund and the Canada

Furstenau on the Coast On Thursday, Oct. 22, Sonia Furstenau, BC Green Party leader, will be speaking at One Straw Farm in Roberts Creek behind the Gumboot Restaurant at 12:30pm. The Local

Infrastructure Bank to further address the gaps we know exist here.

• We are moving forward with a Green Recovery that will create over a million jobs by investing in programs that protect the environment, grow the green economy and make us more resilient to future shocks.

Fighting for a Just Canada • I am proud of the work being done locally by the Syiyaya Reconciliation Movement and fully support our commitment to accelerate the National Action Plan, as well as implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls for Action.

• There is no place for racism and hatred in our communities, and we will continue the work of the Anti-Racism Strategy that began in 2019.

On a personal level, I’d like to recognize that an incredibly valued member of our team is retiring after five years of service. Many of you know Lucie McKiernan, our Sunshine Coast Constituency Assistant, who has been an empathetic listener, boundless source of wisdom, and an exceptional representative and tireless advocate for the Coast. She is someone I have come to admire greatly, and I wish her all the very best in retirement.

Thank you, Lucie, for your extraordinary contributions to our community and service to our country.

Please reach out to us: 6367 Bruce Street, West Vancouver, V7W 2G5 604-913-2660 Patrick.Weiler@parl.gc.ca.

Check our website for updates: www.patrickweiler.ca.

Together, we have the opportunity to send a message to Victoria that we need a new approach to tackle the new normal As your BC Green Party MLA I will: ☑ Put people before politics ☑ Use evidenced-based approach decision-making Work for economic, social, environmental, and fiscal ☑

sustainability for our community and our province

☑ Promote housing that’s affordable for working families ☑ Support seniors care that is driven by seniors not profits ☑ Help deliver solutions to the opioid crisis In Powell River – Sunshine Coast vote for

KIM DARWIN www.kimdarwin.ca

/Kim4MLA

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Authorized by Karin Lengger Financial Agent (250) 208-1591

The Local - Thursday, October 22, 2020 7

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8

The Local - Thursday, October 22, 2020

Local SERVICES, RESTAURANTS, RESORTS, SPORTS, ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC

the

Local

the

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON THE SUNSHINE COAST... in Gibsons, Sechelt & Pender Harbour!

Friday, October 23

Synergy

Kitchens & Baths

• BC SPCA Virtual Animal Workshops (ages 8-14), 9am-4pm, learn more and register at http://bit.ly/bcspcaworkshops

Sunshine Coast Closets

Quality Innovative Design Materials 3D Drawings Quick Turnaround Locally No MiddlemanManufactured 20+ Years Professional Installation Quality MaterialsExperience Locally Manufactured 20+ Years Experience

• Animal Release Day, hosted by Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre, Armour’s Beach, two sessions at 10am & 10:45am, visit NSMEC Facebook page for pre-registration details

Synergy Kitchens & Baths Buy Direct from the Manufacturer

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High End Cabinets at Wholesale Prices • Commercial New Home • Residential Renovations Residential • Commercial New Home • Renovations • DIY

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bed & bath collections COTTON QUILTED BED COVERS

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OCTOBER 24, 25 & 26 10:00am – 3:00pm

6319 Marmot Road, Porpoise Bay simplifying your space Complete Contents including:

A garage very full of tools and household items Lovely selection of modern and antique furniture Crystal, bone china, kitchenwares Art supplies - easels, canvasses, paints brushes, frames, craft materials, artificial flowers vases, baskets, fabrics, birdcages, lamps, linens Jewellery cabinets and lots of jewellery Digital piano, sheet music, toys, books Huge assortment of collectibles!

SEE PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK Cash. Credit. Debit only.

MASKS A MUST!

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Break in at Fosello’s On Friday, Oct. 16, at approximately 4:30am, Sunshine Coast RCMP responded to a 911 call from the alarm company responsible for Fosello’s Quality Clothing on Cowrie Street in Sechelt.

Police attended to find the front door glass smashed and could hear someone inside.

Police entered and gave the police challenge to which a male was spotted running out the back door. Police gave chase and caught the lone male in the alley, and was arrested without injury.

A 35-year-old male from Sechelt is in police custody and will face several charges.

Submitted by RCMP

• Sunshine Coast Art Crawl 2020, Oct. 23-25, 10am-5pm, info at www.sunshinecoastartcrawl.com

• 2020 Vision Art Exhibition, Teredo Square, Sechelt, 10am-5pm • Live Music in the Atrium: guitarist Bradley Wells, Oct 23 & 24, Gibsons Public Market, 2:30-4:30pm

• Live Music: The Hook, Roberts Creek Legion, 5-9pm, tickets at www.rclegionevents.com

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• Live Music: Sitka String Quartet–VSO Musicians, High Beam Dreams, Gibsons, 6:30pm, tickets at www.eventbrite.ca

HIGH BEAM DREAMS

• Shady Hazel Farm Pumpkin Patch, 805 Payne Rd, Gibsons, open Sat & Sun, 10am-4pm

Karen Gerbrecht, Emilie Grimes, Olivia Blander and Cassandra Bequary of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

presents

350 Glassford Rd, Gibsons info@highbeamdreams.ca

Saturday, October 24

• Live Painting by Ben Tour: Oct 23 & 24, ending with a raffle, Gibsons Public Market, 10:30am • Live Music Saturday and Sunday,12-2pm, Persephone Brewing, Gibsons

• Graffiti lecture and workshop with Beau Smith, The Arts Building, Gibsons, 2-4pm, register at www.eventbrite.ca • Live Music Saturdays @ Backeddy Pub, Egmont, 4-7pm, 604-883-2298

• Live Music: The High Quadra Ramblers, Roberts Creek Legion, 6pm, tickets at www.rclegionevents.com

• Live Music: The Moss Trio, High Beam Dreams, Gibsons, 6:30pm, tickets at www.eventbrite.ca

SITKA STRING QUARTET

Performing Nordic Folk Tunes & the Music of Antonin Dvorák & Caroline Shaw

Friday, October 23, 2020

Doors: 6:00pm | Show: 6:30pm

Solo: $55 • Couple: $100 • Household of 4: $190 • Household of 6: $275 Quartet donates a portion of their proceeds to the Girls Opportunity Alliance

Tickets Available Online at www.eventbrite.ca

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*Limited seating concert. Physical distancing & all safety measures applicable.

Sunshine Coast Lifeline (604) 885-9501

32Year Non-Profit Organization www.comoxvalleylifeline.com

“Help at the push of a button”

• Live Music: Josh J Searles with special guest Celso Machado, Heritage Playhouse, Gibsons, 7pm, reserve tickets in advance by emailing jjsearles@gmail.com

Sunday, October 25

• The Journey Begins Where It Ends–Meet the Artist: Connie Sabo, Gibsons Public Art Gallery, 11am-4:30pm

• Live Music: Peter Van Trio, on the patio at The Clubhouse Restaurant – Pender Harbour Golf Club, 2-5pm, 604-883-9542 to reserve a table

• Live Music: Martini Madness: Kevin, Andy and Graham, Roberts Creek Legion, 2-6pm, tickets at www.rclegionevents.com

Includes listings compiled by the Coast Cultural Alliance. More details & more listings – including virtual events – at suncoastarts.com

Sunshine Coast Lifeline, Delivering a World of Care Peace of Mind for You & Your Family

Stand out from the crowd Advertise in

phone 604-885-3134 or email sales@thelocalweekly.ca

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Local - Thursday, October 22, 2020 9

VCH has increased number of flu clinics If there was ever a time to get a flu shot, this is the year.

In advance of flu clinics opening later this month, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is encouraging local residents to book ahead and schedule a time to get their flu vaccination. This year, VCH has increased the number of flu clinics being offered in local community centres and other community spaces to meet expected demand.

This year is unique because we are also trying to contain and prevent the spread of not only COVID-19 but other severe respiratory diseases like the flu. Getting vaccinated can reduce your chance of developing symptoms that resemble COVID-19, which would require you to get tested and self-isolate. Getting a flu shot can also protect your loved ones and reduce the impact on the healthcare system.

Flu shots will be available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, walk-in clinics, public health clinics or at a number of temporary clinics throughout the region beginning in late October.

Making an appointment is strongly encouraged this year to help reduce line-ups and maintain safe physical distancing. Contact your doctor, pharmacist or go to vch.ca/ flu to book an appointment.

You can also phone to book an

For information about the flu or to book an appointment at a local public health clinic, visit vch.ca/flu. To locate a clinic near you, go to ImmunizeBC’s Interactive Flu Clinic Locator at www.immunizebc.ca METRO CREATIVE PHOTO appointment at a local public health clinic on the Sunshine Coast. To book and find the closest location go to vch.ca/ flu, use ImmunizeBC’s Flu Locator or call 8-1-1 if you don’t have access to the Internet.

Once again this year, VCH will be offering the intranasal flu vaccine, FluMist, for children 2-17 years of age in some locations, based on availability.

Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. It is available for free for almost everyone in BC, including all children between six months and five years old, seniors 65 years old and older, pregnant women, Indigenous people and individuals with chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems. People who work or live with people who

Heather’s

have a higher risk of complications from the flu and visitors to health care facilities are also eligible for a free vaccine. For the small group of people who may not be eligible for the publicly funded vaccine, it can be purchased at a pharmacy or a travel clinic.

Influenza is a virus that causes infection of the upper airway and can lead to symptoms of fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and cough. Complications from influenza, such as pneumonia, are more common in the very young, the elderly and those with heart, lung or other health conditions. Influenza is easily spread from person to person, and an infected person can spread the virus before they are even sick with symptoms. Submitted by VCH

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COVID-19: COVID-19: NAVIGATING LONELINESS SHAME NAVIGATING & REINTEGRATION COMPASSION & CONNECTION SURGE PROTECTION: CULTIVATING OUR COLLECTIVE RESILIENCE Sunshine Coast(PART COVID Physician Task Force 2)

Livestream broadcast event withUpdate local Sunshine Coast Community Mental Health leaders and counsellors.

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This weekly will address the many Please go toseries www.sechelthospitalfoundation.org psychological elements we face during the current and click Join LiveStream MedTalks climate of uncertainty, physical distancing with social implications, change.

Together we will Join us forand an rapid interactive panel discussion explore ideas and experiences that support our with members of our front line health ability, as individuals and as a community, to care delivery team, followed navigate this territory with courage by andlive compassion. questions the audience.

Each session from will consist of an interactive panel discussion around our theme followed by addressing live questions from the audience.

Go to www.SecheltHospitalFoundation.org

Go to www.SecheltHospitalFoundation.org to join our Livestream Event to join our 5th, Livestream November 2020 atEvent 4pm May May June May26th, 12th, 9th, 5th, 5, 2020 2020 2020atat at2pm 2pm 2pm

10

The Local - Thursday, October 22, 2020

Local

the

FALL CAR CARE!

Buying a car during COVID-19?

FULL SERVICE SHOP with Red Seal Technicians

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With public transportation and ridesharing now seen as less appealing than before the pandemic, owning a car has become increasingly more desirable. If that sounds like you and you’re in the market for a new vehicle, Jodi Lai, editor-in-chief at autotrader.ca, outlines some things to consider: Process Every dealership has its own system in place, whether it’s a preference for appointments or walk-ins. If you’re not sure, check online or call in advance before your visit so you know what to expect.

Virtual assistance Social distancing norms

have had an impact on the traditional car-buying process.

Today, two in three consumers are interested in conducting more of the process online, according to a recent survey by autotrader.ca. Some dealerships have started to incorporate more online services and dialed up their virtual assistance with calls, chats, emails, and video-conferencing features to help their customers. If you prefer to spend more time online, ask your local dealership which digital features they offer.

Test drives There is often greater flexibility for private test drives,

NEWS CANADA PHOTO

with some dealerships also offering at-home services, delivering the vehicle to your place for you to take a test run.

So, if you’re shopping for a new car, make sure you do your research beforehand to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

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The Local - Thursday, October 22, 2020 11

FALL CAR CARE!

Routine vehicle maintenance important Owning a car is a big responsibility. Drivers who plan to keep their vehicles for the long haul must emphasize maintenance if they want to keep adding miles to their odometers. The automotive information site CarAdvice says that routine maintenance may be the most important thing drivers can do for their vehicles.

A vehicle needs consistent care to run efficiently. Maintenance also reduces the risk of roadside breakdowns and costly repairs. Here are some of the benefits of staying on top of maintenance.

• Saves money: Even though maintenance costs money, sticking to a consistent maintenance schedule can save big bucks in the long run. For

example, the cost of rotating and aligning tires is considerably less than repairing a car after a major blowout and paying for a tow and tire replacement.

• Improves performance and efficiency: Routine maintenance includes oil changes, filter changes, and fluid topoffs. Such tasks keep engines running smoothly. Ignoring this routine maintenance can put engines in jeopardy of breaking down and adversely affect vehicle performance and diminish fuel economy.

• Identifies safety issues: Routine inspections and work performed by reputable service stations help drivers stay abreast of recalls or issues that can affect the safety of the vehicle.

• Maintains a maintenance record: When the time comes to sell the vehicle, having a log of routine maintenance indicates to potential buyers that the vehicle was well cared for.

• Keeps compliance: Vehicles covered under manufacturer’s warranties typically need to be maintained in adherence to factory-recommended maintenance schedules. This ensures that the vehicle is in compliance and will be covered in the event of a warranty claim.

Routine vehicle maintenance is important for a variety of reasons. Drivers can work with a trusted and reliable mechanic to develop a schedule that keeps their cars and trucks on the road.

Submitted

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12

The Local - Thursday, October 22, 2020

Education Matters Sue Girard

Trustee, School District #46 School Board

It is so wonderful right now to be able to uphold our vision during this time of uncertainty and change. We

have to be resilient and look outside the box as we comply with this new way of being.

We must decide what lens we choose to look through in terms of our current vision.

For some of us, that is through the Zoom lens. While we hold true to our mission and values, we have to make adjust-

ments during COVID-19 as we accommodate to the ‘new normal’ way of continuing to deliver our services regardless of how temporary or permanent it may be currently in our daily lives. We know that our children and youth need their daily routines of education classes and social

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interactions with their peers, their teachers and their community. It is an integral part of their development in order for them to flourish, grow and excel.

Our vision in our strategic plan is concise, “We are a community engaged in lifelong learning and educational excellence.” Beyond a shadow of a doubt, this pandemic will prove to be both challenging and rewarding as we view our vision with this new lens.

It will be a learning, growing

604.740.7715

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Moving to a new house is one of the most stressful things we do. Hiring a realtor to help will reduce a human’s stress but not their dog or cat’s.

Here are some tips for making a move as smooth as possible for our furry friends: Pack early Pack as much as you can ahead of time and make moving day as relaxing as possible. If you’re moving to a location nearby, bring your dog to the new area for walks beforehand, allowing them to sniff and familiarize themselves with the new environment.

Pet room On moving day, designate a “pet” room in your old home and your new home to keep your pets away from the confusion and stress of everything being moved. Keep items such as food, water, toys, a bed, and a litter box for cats in that room.

Microchip your pet If they get loose in the hustle and bustle of the move,

experience for us all.

Thankfully, we have the resources to be able to implement a structure that is flexible and insightful to our surroundings and current conditions. Will there be challenges, obstacles, and roadblocks along the way? Most assuredly, there will be as we navigate this uncharted territory. Collectively, we will face the hurdles with creativity, inventiveness, courage, and strength. After all, these are the skills we teach through

the core competencies.

We will endeavour to stand by our vision while being adaptable, buoyant and innovative in our delivery during this unprecedented time. We hope that this current challenge will quickly resolve and subside so we can once again relax and breathe as we return to a sense of normalcy in the coming months.

In the meantime, we continue to be vigilant in keeping everyone’s safety, wellness and best interest at heart.

they’ll have a much better chance of being reunited with you. Make sure you update your new address and contact information with all forms of pet identification.

Check the new place Check for holes in the fence, loose doors, or broken screens that your pet could escape through. Block those areas or keep your pets away from them until they can be fixed.

Stick to routines Cats and dogs are creatures of habit. Keep feeding times, walks, and play times on their regular schedule.

Bring dogs outside often, so they know where to be let out.

Threats to pets Pet owners moving from the city to the Coast need to be aware of the threats to pets here that they may not have had to worry about in the city, such as coyotes. Here are some tips for keeping your animals safe from them: • At the end of the day, coyotes, like any other living creature, are simply trying to survive. Refrain from composting meat or meat by-products, as this scent is extremely appealing to coyotes.

• Most coyotes are afraid of

humans, and your close presence will often be enough to prevent an attack. If your dog is off-leash, he or she becomes a far easier target.

• If you encounter a coyote while with your dog, do not run. Instead, make yourself look as large and intimidating as possible. Shout aggressively at the coyote. Wave your arms. Stomp your feet.

If there is something that you can throw–throw it. Bringing a whistle with you on walks is always a good idea. If you encounter a coyote who doesn’t seem to notice you, move away quietly without turning your back to the coyote.

• The scent of your dog’s poop can attract coyotes. Be sure to regularly maintain your yard.

• Keep your yard free from overgrown shrubs or fallen branches, as this creates an ideal habitat for coyotes.

Share these strategies with any pet owners in your life so that we can keep ourselves and our furry friends safe and sound.

Tony Browton is an award-winning Realtor who lives and works on BC’s Sunshine Coast.

His weekly blog can be found here http://www.true bluerealty.ca/blog

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The Local - Thursday, October 22, 2020 13

Unprecedented number of firearms seized On Saturday, Oct. 10, at approximately 2pm, Sunshine Coast RCMP performed a traffic stop with an older model blue SUV on Wharf Avenue

by Friendship Park. The driver and lone occupant, known to police to have a suspended licence, was arrested without incident. During the search, police located a handgun concealed on his person. A further search of the vehicle located ammunition, thousands of dollars of cash and illicit drugs believed to be cocaine and methamphetamine in quantities consistent with

drug trafficking.

Matthew Alan Payne, age 37 of Sechelt, BC, was held in custody and made an appearance in Sechelt Provincial Court on Oct. 13, 2020.

He remains in custody, facing multiple Criminal Code firearms charges. Charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act are anticipated as the investigation continues.

This is the 28th firearm seized through on-going police investigations over the past six weeks on the Sunshine Coast. These numbers

are unprecedented, and much of it is as a result of good old fashioned police work.

“Our employees are committed to targeting drug dealers and the violence and property crime that follows.

I am proud of the great work that’s been done lately by our frontline officers and specialized units. These investigations are complex and labour intensive but contribute directly to the safety and security of our residents,” said Staff Sgt. Poppy Hallam.

Submitted by RCMP

Horoscope

Gemini (May 21–June 21) You have been enjoying a playful cycle and some of this mood will linger. However, starting this week you will enter a more sober and serious mood. You have business to attend to and it is not a laughing matter.

You will still aspire to be diplomatic, but you will not gladly tolerate foolishness.

Meanwhile, your energy levels may be vacillating and this will continue for a few more weeks.

Cancer (June 22–July 22) You have been happy to huddle close to home. Yet, change is in the air and it may come about unexpectedly starting this week.

Positively, this change could include a financial boost in your favor. Entering into serious conversations with family and significant others is featured. You are eager to strike a new deal but you want to feel certain that everyone is aware and in agreement.

Leo (July 23–Aug. 23) A steady push forward to enter into a new state of freedom continues. Yet, circumstances close to home remain complex. More than usual, you will be happy to huddle as close to home as you can. However, this is not to say progress will not be made. But, this week could prove to be more internal than usual and you are probably wise to trust the flow and yield to the inward pull.

Virgo (Aug. 24–Sept. 22) Building upon new foundations continues. At worst, it may feel like progress is slow. This may seem especially true in terms of your otherwise ardent desire to forge ahead. So, you are left to accept steady progress. After all, the process of bringing in the new comes with the task of also clearing the old which could include completing projects started in the past.

Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) As eager as you are to maintain peace and harmony and take a diplomatic approach, certain individuals are probably causing you to feel conflicted and frustrated. According to the planetary influences, however, the challenge includes seeing through your own attachments and fixed perspectives. The tension stands to rise measurably this week. Keep breathing.

Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) The Sun now in your sign indicates that you are ready to advance your position.

Positively, you are willing to make the extra effort. This will prove especially true this week. But, don’t procrastinate. By next weekend you will be happy to step back behind the scenes for a while. For best results, focus on a variety of creative projects without the pressure to have to complete them.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You are hardly alone in your desire to step out of the limelight for a while. The pull inward has been strong for some time already and is extra strong now and especially this week. However, it may not be so easy due to a steadily mounting workload. You may feel a little more social next week so postpone engagements if you can. Otherwise, be willing to listen more and speak less.

Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Who are your friends and your allies? Asking such questions is likely this week.

Following up on initiatives taken over the past few weeks is likely and ideal as the results of your efforts will come in soon. Positively, you are feeling strong and optimistic. Yet, you are wise to remain open to acquiring new insights, skills, tools, techniques and/or wisdom to give you that added boost.

Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 19) Circumstances are pushing you to assert a strong lead. Yet, balancing it with a humble and realistic assessment of your strengths and weaknesses will prove helpful. This will allow you to remain authentic and, even despite any shortcomings, others will respect you for your self-honesty. Focus to be detached and not take matters personally. Stand corrected, if necessary.

Pisces (Feb. 20–Mar. 20) The Sun in Scorpio will inspire a philosophical and diplomatic mood. Yet, Mercury retrograde in Scorpio may be leaving you feeling a little lost. Don’t worry, it will not last very long, but it could get darker this week.

Make every effort to trust the flow and to allow yourself to lay low. After all, this time of year invites it. As the spiritual teachers say, observe without judgment or reaction. michael@sunstarastrology.com

Michael O’Connor Astrologer

Tip of the Week: Last week’s New Moon rounds its first corner this week. The 1st Quarter Moon is a time of decisive action linked to the themes seeded at the New Moon.

This will prove especially true from October 21 to 23 while the Moon is in Capricorn. Interestingly, the Sun will enter Scorpio on October 22. This particular 30-day solar cycle is one of initiation which invariably carries with it in the timeless ebb and flow of life the principle of death and rebirth.

Mercury retrograde in Scorpio will synchronize with people undergoing a process of review and reconsideration of learned and conditioned perspectives, interpretations, and convictions, this week especially. Mars retrograde in Aries will contribute to this process too, resulting in many people taking a veritable 180-degree turn in terms of choices, actions, and intellectual assertions.

For some, this will be like awakening from a spell that produced a trance state the reaction of which could cause confusion and upset.

Expect a turning of the tide.

Aries (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A process of deep reflection and review is underway. It is linked to the status and quality of some of your closest relationships. You yearn for more intimacy and want to feel the same in return. This is not merely a matter of desire and passion. Love and harmony and romance too are more important than usual. It may take a few weeks, but your priorities are getting clearer.

Taurus (Apr. 20–May 20) Creating a new quality of balance and flow in your daily rhythm is a strong focus now. You are realizing that you have to give more to receive accordingly. This will lead you to enter into intimate dialogue with significant others. You are open to suggestions but you are quite sure about moving on from the way things are currently and have been. Identify the sweet spot zone.

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Invest or divest? Learn from this international business resiliency expert what others are doing, obstacles to avoid and opportunities to seize.

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14

The Local - Thursday, October 22, 2020

admin@thelocalweekly.ca ANNOUNCEMENTS

EMPLOYMENT

NOW HIRING!

THE WAREHOUSE THREE DAY ESTATE SALE 4.

P E N D E R H A Rsimplifying B O U Ryour space

P E N D E R

JANITORIAL CASUAL (ON CALL) POSITION The Pender Harbour Health Centre, a leader in community health care is looking to fill our casual (on call) Janitorial Contract Position.

HEALTH SEE AD ON PAGE 8 FOR FULL SALE DETAILS. CENTRE PURE ROMANCE with Jennifer

Your Pure Romance consultant on the Sunshine Coast!

Specializing in bath, body and intimate products.

604-989-9507 jenramm.pureromance@gmail.com www.pureromance.com/ JenniferRamm

WORK WANTED

Knowledge & Skills: • Physical abilities to carry out the duties of this position.

• Ability to operate related equipment.

• Training will be provided.

is currently looking for either a Licensed Mechanic and/or a Second or Third Year Apprentice.

Tire experience would be an asset.

BCDL is required.

Bring your resume into the shop: 13544 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Garden Bay

Progress GROUP

The hours of work including days off and the work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements.

To apply please contact: John Rathbone at 604-883-2764 by November 14, 2020

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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Position involves providing support to our senior janitorial personnel. Casuals relieve employees who are on sick leave, leave of absence, vacation, or peak work periods for overload situations; after training there is one day per week of regularly scheduled hours. Must be available to work in Madeira Park.

FOR HIRE - PROFESSIONAL GARDENER / certified horticulturalist. Offering landscape consultation, maintenance, renovation, small construction projects, & design plans. Hard working & reliable. Serving Roberts Creek & Gibsons.

Limited availability. Ryan 604-886-3552

Professional Painter

H A R B O U R

HEALTH CENTRE

OCTOBER 24, 25 & 26 10:00am – 3:00pm

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EMPLOYMENT

Professional Home Cleaning

NOW HIRING:

PENDER HARBOUR

HEALTH CENTRE

SUNSHINE COAST ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING

callTheBoys.ca

Cleaners and Supervisors

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Progress Group is launching a brand new Professional Cleaning Division. We are looking to add career minded and environmentally conscious employees to our team!

t not be stretched vertically NOW HIRING: 604-885-0661 PENDER HARBOUR Community and Youth Worker Residential, y.

FREE EST. ~ WCB Read the Classifieds online at: thelocalweekly.ca

DAYS & HOURS: Various shifts (weekdays, weekends, overnights, days and nights)

• • • •

WAGE: Starting wage $20.52

HEALTH CENTRE

LOCATION: Sechelt, (Numerous locations)

WE OFFER: Extensive hands-On Training, Supportive Unionized Work Environment. Opportunities for Advancement. Variety of Shift Options. Employee and Family Assistance Program. MSP, Dental and Extended Health and Municipal Pension Plan

wrong

To keep our staff and customers safe, we will be following COVID guidelines, masks and gloves will be worn for each clean as required!

JOB DESCRIPTION: Assist clients to live successfully in the community and in SCACL residential settings. Ensures that client’s physical, emotional, social, educational, and medical needs are met. Assist clients to enhance quality of life with activities of daily living and the development of life skills.

Provide Personal care to individuals.

All applicants to send resume to Krista Hartt at: khartt@makeprogress.ca

QUALIFICATIONS: Class 5 driver’s license (permanent staff must be willing to obtain Class 4), First Aid and CPR Certificate, Clear criminal record, Clean driver’s abstract, Community care worker certificate, HCA certificate or related certificate or a diploma in the related human social services preferred, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training, Knowledge of Person Centered Active Supports

NOTICES

Keep Your Keys Safe!

HOW TO APPLY: Please send resume to Human Resource Manager, Laurie Maguire - Lmagu@scacl.ca or in person at Suite #105 - 5711 Mermaid Street, Sechelt, BC

Stand out from the crowd Advertise in

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A few days after I lost my keys, they Advertise in were returned from The War Amps. sales@thelocalweekly.ca It was the first604-885-3134 time in •my life that I have jumped with joy!

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WE ACCEPT CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING AT: #213-5710 Teredo Street, Sechelt • BY PHONE: 604-885-3134 • BY EMAIL: admin@thelocalweekly.ca

AD DEADLINE NOON MONDAY AT THE OFFICE

• Private: 10 words 2 weeks $14.99 +GST • Business: 10 words 1 week $14.99+GST +GST

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The Local - Thursday, October 22, 2020 15

HERE TO SERVE YOU DIAMOND BUYER

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Coastal BC Property Home Equity Loans Where to Where to Can this be Over 25 years arranging Maintenance, LTD. private mortgage financing recycle? recycle? recycled? on the Sunshine Coast Richard Watt 604-740-1244 Broker/Owner AD CONFIRMATION www.suncomortgagecorp.ca Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia Check the BC RECY Check the BC RECYCLEpEdia 604-RECYCLE (732-9253) www.suncomortgagecorp.ca 604-740-1244 PLEASE RESPOND

BY EMAIL BY This proof is for the purpose of www.rcbc www.rcbc.ca

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RICHARD WATT Broker/Owner

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CALL 778-918-7910 TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT! 55. Point 56. Retaliate 59. Grazing land 62. Transient 64. Purloin 66. Animal hunted for food 67. Mature 68. Out of fashion 69. Counterweight used to obtain net weight 70. Golf pin 71. Part of a church

DOWN

Solution on page 14

Your first choice in foods Trail Bay Centre • 5755 Cowrie Street, Sechelt • Meat & Deli 604-885-9812 • Produce & Floral 604-885-9841 • Bakery 604-885-9823 • Office 604-885-2025

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1. Tenth of a dollar 2. Equipment 3. Encountered 4. Be nosey 5. 2nd letter of the Greek alphabet 6. Assert 7. Extremely cold 8. Used in varnish and sealing wax 9. Positively charged electrode 10. Reddish brown 11. Dessert 12. Examine carefully 14. Outcome 18. Footwear 20. Female swan 23. Strongly opposed 24. Become fatigued 27. Tear down

28. Aquatint 30. Animal pests 31. Rotating mechanism 33. Regret 34. Betting ratio 36. Innumerable 37. Water pipe 38. Poem 41. Large bundle 43. Large serving tray 46. Quantity of paper 48. Wonderment 49. Proficient 50. Dried coconut meat 51. The fifth element 53. Virtue 57. Part of the neck 58. Mirth 60. Alleviate 61. Beer 63. Optic 64. Health resort 65. Strike lightly

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1. Slightly wet 5. Container 8. Young girl 12. Snake 13. At any time 15. Afresh 16. Vacant 17. Magnifier 19. Beverage 20. Local church community 21. Dice 22. Evaluate 25. Singing pair 26. Consume 27. Gorge 29. Currency of Bulgaria 31. Provide what is needed 32. Slow running pace 35. Reverberation 39. Sky-blue 40. Ruminant food 41. Incubate 42. Military dining room 43. Cast off 44. Entertain 45. Historic period 47. Containing salt 49. Expert 52. Hardwood tree 54. Departed

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A

Coast RCMP are seeking the public’s help to solve a second break and enter to the Wobbly Canoe Restaurant.

On Thursday, Oct.15, at approximately 11:35pm, RCMP responded to a report of a glass break at The Wobbly Canoe Restaurant on Hwy 101 in Davis Bay. Police attended to find a glass door smashed, and staff had discovered several liquor bottles stolen. Evidence left behind at the scene was processed by a RCMP property crime examiner.

This is the second break and enter to The Wobbly Canoe in a week. The first being on Sunday, Oct. 11, at approximately 5:19am. The MO was the same for both offences, and police are looking for suspects. If you saw anyone suspicious around that time or have any information about this crime, please call the Sunshine Coast RCMP at 604-885-2266.

Submitted by RCMP

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16

The Local - Thursday, October 22, 2020

COMMITMENT COMMITMENT TO ALL TO ALL COMMITMENT TO ALL

If elected, here is my commitmentto toall all If elected, here is my commitment of you in the Powell River SunshineCoast Coast of you in the Powell River Sunshine riding on environmental, socialand andto all riding on environmental, social If elected, here is my commitment economic matters: economic matters: of you in the Powell River Sunshine Coast onvigorously environmental, social and • I willriding represent you in Victoria for and the environmental best interest of all citizens in our communities on economic, social issues. in our communities onmatters: economic, social and environmental issues. economic

• I will represent you vigorously in Victoria for the best interest of all citizens

• I will immediately start to work on the bypass highway, the review of BC Ferries • I will•immediately start tovigorously work on the bypass highway, the review ofcitizens BC have Ferries and more housing in ourfor community — no one should to I willbuilding represent you seniors in Victoria the best interest of all wait two years and longer toinhave access to seniors’ residences. and building more seniors our community — nocare one should have to in ourforcommunities onhousing economic, social and environmental issues.

wait for two years and longer to have access to seniors’ care residences.

• with mystart colleagues implement the policies out • II will will work immediately to workinongovernment the bypass to highway, the review of BC set Ferries in our BCmy Liberal party platform, including: • I will work with colleagues inhousing government to implement the policies out and building more seniors in our community — no one should set have to wait for twoof years and longer to have access to so seniors’ care residences. in our BC Liberal party platform, including: - The start a one-year holiday on the PST — instead of paying 12% every time you purchase something, you will only pay the federal government’s 5% GST

• start I willof work with my colleagues government implement the policies out - The a one-year holiday oninthe PST — sotoinstead of paying 12% set every in our BC $10/day Liberal party platform, including: time you purchase something, you will only pay the federal - Provide childcare for low income earners and addgovernment’s 10,000 new 5% GST child-care spaces

- The start of a one-year holiday on the PST — so instead of paying 12% every - Provide $10/day childcare for low income earners and add 10,000 new time you purchase something, you will only pay the federal government’s 5% GST - Invest $1 billion over five years in new long-term care facilities and implement child-care spaces

new tax credit of up to $7,000 will make it possible for seniors -a Provide $10/day childcare for lowthat income earners and add 10,000 newstay in their own homes - Invest $1 billion over five years in new long-term care facilities and implement child-care spaces for longer

a new tax credit of up to $7,000 that will make it possible for seniors stay in -- End the ICBC monopoly and allow choice in auto-insurance own Invest $1 billion over five years in new long-term care facilities and implement their homes for longer

a new tax credit of up toand $7,000 that in will make it government possible for seniors in My background, experience success business, and thestay volunteer homes forand longer - End thetheir ICBC monopoly choice in auto-insurance sector hasown demonstrated thatallow I am able to “get things done.” I will work to the best of my ability to advocate for our communities and find creative solutions to problems, - End the ICBC monopoly and allow choice in auto-insurance My background, experience and success in business, government and the volunteer like the delays encountered with the Silverstone Housing senior’s residence project. sector has demonstrated thatwill I am able to “get things done.”

I will and work to the best I ambackground, a collaborator and work closely with municipal governments throughout My experience and success in business, government the volunteer of my ability to advocate for our communities and find creative solutions to problems, our riding to partner on finding solutions to mill layoffs in Powell River and summer sector has demonstrated that I am able to “get things done.” I will work to the best like theof my ability to advocate for our communities and find creative solutions to problems, delays encountered with the Silverstone Housing water shortages in the southernmost part of the riding.senior’s residence project.

I am a collaborator will work with closely municipal governments throughout like the delaysand encountered the with Silverstone Housing senior’s residence project.

Thank you one and all for taking the time to vote. our riding to partner on finding solutions to mill layoffs in Powell River and summer I am a collaborator and will work closely with municipal governments throughout You hold the power to shape our future. our riding to partner on finding solutions to mill layoffs in Powell River and summer water shortages in the southernmost part of the riding. water shortages in the southernmost part of the riding.

Thank you one and all for taking the time to vote.

Thank oneto and all forour taking the time to vote.

You hold the you power shape future.

You hold the power to shape our future.

AUTHORIZED BY DAVID GOLDSMITH, FINANCIAL AGENT FOR THE BC LIBERAL PARTY | 1-800-567-2257

AUTHORIZED

BY DAVID GOLDSMITH, FINANCIAL AGENT FOR THEBC BCLIBERAL LIBERAL PARTY PARTY ||1-800-567-2257 AUTHORIZED

BY DAVID GOLDSMITH, FINANCIAL AGENT FOR THE 1-800-567-2257