BREAKERS – timely tidbits and follow-ups to previously published stories:
- Adam Walker appointed Parliamentary Secretary for the New Economy
- Help sustain Ravensong Aquatic Centre 2021 funding
- Don’t want to wear a mask? Dr. Henry says stay home, shop online
- Missing travel? This live-stream the view from someone else’s window can take you to countries around the world.
Adam Walker appointed Parliamentary Secretary for the New Economy
Congratulations to Parksville-Qualicum MLA Adam Walker for his appointment as Parliamentary Secretary for the New Economy in the government of BC Premier John Horgan.
Walker was sworn in on November 26, 2020 in a virtual ceremony. A first-time MLA, Walker was also the top vote-getter in the Qualicum Beach municipal election in 2017, his first effort to enter politics.
Help sustain Ravensong Aquatic Centre 2021 funding
Regional District of Nanaimo’s Director of Finance, Jeannie Bradburne, presented the draft 2021-2025 Financial Plan (aka 2021 RDN Budget) to the RDN Committee of the Whole on November 24, 2020. The RDN “tax requisition” is a large component of our Qualicum Beach annual property tax levies.
QB residents have an opportunity to “Get Involved” in the RDN budget review and revision process. For example, the Ravensong Aquatic Centre, operated by the RDN, is a major expenditure. QB residents can help sustain the existence and service levels at the pool by speaking up. But do it soon – the budget proposal goes to the full RDN Board at their meeting scheduled for December 8, 2020. FYI, our QB representative on the RDN Board is Mayor Brian Wiese.
For more information, visit RDN Budget Talks | Get Involved RDN.
Don’t want to wear a mask? Dr. Henry says then stay home, shop online
There is a greater degree of comfort when shopping in QB now that Dr. Bonnie Henry has mandated that masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces by everyone over the age of 12. However, yesterday I was browsing at the back of a small local store when a woman suddenly came up right beside me reaching for items. I quickly stepped away, startled that she was not only not keeping a safe distance, but that she was also not wearing a mask. When I asked her to put on a mask, she replied gaily with a smile that she didn’t have to wear a mask because she had a “medical condition.”
The woman did not say what condition prevented her from wearing a mask. She was in her thirties, and carrying a shopping basket. Yes, Dr. Henry says we shouldn’t judge people who don’t wear masks because they may have some unknown condition, but we have to wonder how many people may use this as an easy excuse. It may not be as obviously violent an act as the man in northern BC seen on video repeatedly punching a Walmart employee who asked him to put on a mask, yet when you think about it, falsely claiming to have a medical condition so you can dodge the rules could easily be just as deadly.
Yesterday, November 27, 2020 Dr. Bonnie Henry said, “People who refuse to wear a mask have several options:
- Shop online
- Order take-out
- Stay outside the store
- Stay at home
Or, send a friend. Be cool everybody; don’t put someone else’s health or life at risk. Or your own.
Missing travel? This live-stream view from someone else’s window can take you to countries around the world.
Check out Window Swap, a live-stream video link to a view from different people’s windows in countries around the globe. It’s a whole lot less expensive than boarding a coronavirus express flight, and you can participate in the safety of your own home. Some people find a location they like and just keep the video stream running all day. Might this become the new “Fire Log”?