April 26, 2024

Top cop has a plan to reduce cell phone robberies

It's working well in Britain, so why not try it here? That's what Vancouver's Police chief is saying about plans to curb the number of cell phone robberies -- not thefts -- in this city. "When you're holding your cell phone in your hand, that's like waving 500 dollars cash in front of people that may come up to you and grab it out of your hand and … [Read more...]

Higher alcohol prices could reduce consumption

A new report from the Victoria-based Centre for Addictions Research shows raising the minimum price for strong alcoholic drinks could have a big impact on public health. Dr. Tim Stockwell points to rules in Saskatchewan where minimum prices vary depending on the strength of the drink, "It targets particularly, the heavier, high-risk drinkers who … [Read more...]

Maple Ridge mayor looks to reduce 911 pocket dials at UBCM

The mayor of Maple Ridge has put forward a resolution at this year's Union of B.C. Municipalities convention which he hopes will reduce cell phone users pocket dialling 911. Ernie Daykin says it's an issue that's draining the resources of emergency responders, who often spend up to 10 minutes trying to figure out whether a dropped 911 call is … [Read more...]

CTF CAMPAIGNS TO REDUCE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE WAGES

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation wants to bring public sector pay down to the levels that exist in the private sector. BC director Jordan Bateman explains the campaign, which the CTF calls "Unfair Labour Day." "This year we're launching what's called a campaign for a compensation equity act. Essentially what it is is an act that would make it … [Read more...]

Province wants ICBC to reduce costs

The provincial government has completed its review of ICBC, making 24 recommendations to help reduce costs. Among them, cutting the number of managers and reducing managerial compensation to levels seen in 2008. Between 2007 and last year, ICBC saw a 41-percent increase in the number of senior managers and a 29-percent increase in managers, while … [Read more...]

Surrey launches strategy to reduce poverty

Surrey has launched a new strategy to reduce poverty.The strategy includes policies the city and non-profits can take in four areas including housing, transportation, income, and support to try and eradicate poverty within the city.Mayor Dianne Watts is asked if the goal of wiping out poverty is realistic."Well we have to try, don't we?  I … [Read more...]

Surrey to launch new plan to reduce poverty

The City of Surrey plans to launch a new strategy to reduce poverty on Monday. Councillor Judy Villeneuve says the comprehensive plan aims to break the cycle of poverty for many different pockets around the city – from children and families to seniors – and not focus on just a certain demographic. The strategy outlines policies the city … [Read more...]

Fraser Health to appoint senior director to reduce infection

The CEO of the Fraser Health Authority says confidence needs to be restored in how staff control infections. So he's going to look across Canada for a new senior medical director. This, after doctors at Burnaby Hospital said in a letter that C. difficile bacteria has been responsible for 84 deaths there. “We have a Fraser Health-wide medical … [Read more...]

Teachers reduce demands as way to spark talks

VANCOUVER - B.C. teachers say they're ready to reduce their demands at the bargaining table more than five months after starting strike action.The B.C. Teachers Union says the "significant shift" is meant to spark momentum in negotiations after nearly 70 sessions at the bargaining table.The union says it will provide more details about its proposal … [Read more...]