British Columbia businesses devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic will still have to pay a scheduled increase in the minimum wage next month just as many are struggling to get back in operation. Labour Minister Harry Bains says the province will push ahead with the planned minimum wage increase on June 1 to $14.60 per hour from $13.85 an hour. He says the lowest paid workers need money in their pockets to help them support their livelihoods and contribute more dollars to local businesses. Bains says B.C.'s economic restart plan launched this week after steady declines in COVID-19 cases aims to

Over a week since Official Opposition Leader Andrew Wilkinson called on the provincial government to help with funding toprovide access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for small businesses, the BC Liberals are again pushing John Horgan for action. “Last Tuesday I wrote to Premier Horgan hoping to get his support for funding PPE access for small businesses and non-profits looking to safely reopenbut we have yet to see any action on this important requirement for safely restarting our economy,” said Wilkinson. "Without help to buy required PPE and safety upgrades, local businesses a

BC health officials say the use of non-medical masks in public settings is a good way to protect those around you. A joint statement from Health Minister Adrian Dix and public health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says masks should be used when it's difficult to keep a physical distance. Canada's public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam also says Canadians should wear masks as an added layer of protection. Dix and Henry say face coverings keep the users' droplets in but won't prevent the virus from being transmitted by others. There have been 21 new cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in the province today, u

Efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 means the British Columbia legislature will look and operate much differently next month when politicians return for a brief sitting. Premier John Horgan says he expects the legislature will resume either June 15 or June 22 to pass the budget and several pieces of legislation. The premier says he foresees some politicians from farther ridings to contribute remotely while others will be stationed in various rooms throughout the building to participate in debates and votes. Television screens are being installed throughout the legislature and Horgan sug

The B.C. government says plans to move people camped at several parks in Vancouver and Victoria into temporary housing amid the COVID-19 pandemic have been successful. Shane Simpson, the minister of social development and poverty reduction, says 600 of the most vulnerable people in the province will have moved by Wednesday from tent encampments into housing where other support services available. He says 261 people from Vancouver's Oppenheimer Park have been placed in hotels and ``rehabilitation'' of the park has begun, while 308 people have moved into temporary housing from Topaz and Pandora

Plans for a Surrey City Centre YMCA will not proceed, the result of escalating construction costs. The project, a development partnership between the YMCA of Greater Vancouver and Simon Fraser University, with support from the City of Surrey, was to include a YMCA-SFU facility and high-density residential housing on the university’s Surrey property. Since the project was first conceived by the YMCA and City of Surrey six years ago, costs have climbed to $75 million.Recognizing the important role a YMCA could play in the growing Surrey City Centre neighbourhood, Surrey and the YMCA each commi

The City of Surrey has announced Surrey Canada Day will be hosted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic and consideration for public health and safety. Virtual Surrey Canada Day will take place on July 1 and will be broadcasted on Facebook and YouTube Live. Hosted by four-time Olympic gold medalist, Hayley Wickenheiser, this year’s free family-friendly virtual event will feature a series of segments including, musical entertainment, virtual tours, indigenous and cultural acts, a “Family Hour” for kids and seniors, dance lessons, a rodeo tribute, and a virtual firework finale to end the

Provincial health officer Doctor Bonnie Henry is reporting only two new cases of COVID-19 as B.C. marks a milestone in the pandemic response. Henry says the province now has 2,446 cases in total but has also seen three additional deaths, bringing that total to 146. She's assuring people the province would not be allowing many businesses to begin re-opening today if officials did not think they could do so safely. But Henry is again urging owners to take the time needed to safely re-open.

Business owners are encouraged to "take it slow" as B.C. begins the second phase of its restart plan.Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says she understands there will be anxiety as B.C. businesses open their doors for potentially the first time in several months.Starting today, restaurants, cafes and pubs, retail and personal service establishments, libraries, museums and galleries, office spaces and child care facilities may reopen.Parks, beaches and recreational facilities are reopening, too.Henry says she knows people are a "little bit afraid" and says they should "take it slow" du