March 18, 2024

BC Place workers ratify new deal

PAVCO and the BCGEU have reached a three year agreement for workers at BC Place. There is no wage increase in the first year, then a two percent bump in each of the final two years. BC Pavillion Corporation employs 35 full time and 100 part time workers at BC Place Stadium.  CKNW Vancouver News … [Read more...]

Doyle: Maximus deal comes up short

Auditor General John Doyle says a ten year, 324 million dollar deal between the province and American based "Maximus" has not produced all the expected benefits. Maximus operates BC's Pharmacare and Medical Services Plans. The expected benefits were improved service levels to the public and health care providers, updated systems, and improved … [Read more...]

Minister denies influencing land deal

Jobs Minister Pat Bell is denying any wrongdoing in a land deal in his hometown of Prince George. At issue is a piece of property that will house a new 25 million dollar wood innovation centre. Media reports indicate two local businessmen filed a complaint alleging Bell tried to improperly influence the bidding process after promising they would be … [Read more...]

BCNU not interested in 10 year deal with province

While the Premier confirms she wants to get BC nurses signed to a 10 year deal, the idea seems to be a non-starter with the union itself. BCNU President Deb McPherson just last week was asked if the nurses are in talks, or even interested, in a ten year contract. "No no no. We had started out this last round of bargaining looking to settle maybe a … [Read more...]

Visa and Samsung ink worldwide NFC deal, practically guarantees payWave on your Galaxy S IV

First, the good news. It appears that Visa and Samsung's Olympics trial went over so well, that it's expanding those mobile payment dreams to a global audience. Now, the rough news -- Visa has convinced Samsung to pre-load the payWave app onto every future Samsung smartphone with an NFC module. Granted, you'd be using that anyway for contactless … [Read more...]

“Grace of Monaco” First Photo, TWC Deal

The Oscars may only just be over, but Harvey Weinstein is already lining up his plans for next year's ceremony as he has begun assembling his awards slate for the end of this year. The Weinstein Company is reportedly wrapping up a deal to acquire domestic rights to Olivier Dahan's "Grace Of Monaco" which stars Nicole Kidman as … [Read more...]

Four year deal at BCIT

Staff and faculty at BCIT have ratified a new four year deal with the government. It's two years under the "net zero" mandate, then two years with modest wage increases found from savings within the existing budget.  CKNW Vancouver News … [Read more...]

Family Day not such a great deal for small businesses

Monday marks BC’s first annual Family Day, and as some big chain businesses are taking advantage of the holiday, small businesses are taking a hit. Tourism Whistler is enthusiastic over the new statutory holiday. Jay Maynard, Travel Consultant for Tourism Whistler, says he personally started booking for the long weekend as far back as October … [Read more...]

Exclusive Fodor’s Deal: Villa in Chic Capri, Italy

What could be more de rigeur than checking into the newly reopened Villa Le Scale when the season starts up again in Capri? Doing so while getting an exclusive deal, of course. Fodor's Travel News … [Read more...]

A reasonable and fair deal

That's what the head of a BC Transit Workers Union says about a tentative deal that's been reached with the Coast Mountain Bus Company.  Joe Elworthy, with Canadian Autoworkers Local 2200, says he can't reveal details until members take a ratification vote next week. But, if they say yes, the union and Translink can start working on problems … [Read more...]