Island Insider

Significant out-of-pocket expenses makes it clear rural residents are facing obstacles getting the medical care they need outside their community, say advocates.

Global warming is likely to significantly reduce the areas suitable for the farming of Atlantic salmon along the West Coast, according to a recent UBC study.

The marine adventure tourism sector — so critical to the economy of many small coastal communities in B.C. — took a big hit as international visitors vanished this year.

Marnie's Books, a tiny bookshop situated on isolated Cortes Island off B.C.'s West Coast, has an outsize effect on visitors and locals alike.

B.C. Premier John Horgan has called on the federal government to decriminalize the personal possession of illegal drugs, but his own government hasn't acted on similar measures at the provincial level, critics say.

Quadra Island resident Judy Hagen is getting kudos from the B.C. government for 30-plus years of dedicated work aimed at keeping her community safe.

It’s not too late to use the funds to employ youth and support businesses and community groups across the country that are struggling economically during the pandemic, said Rachel Blaney, MP for North Island-Powell River.

Agencies and advocates battling B.C.'s illicit drug overdose emergency reiterate calls for senior levels of government to decriminalize illicit drug use which increases the stigma and shame of substance users.

The ask is the bare minimum needed to maintain child-care spaces that existed before the pandemic, hiring new staff and to cover costs associated with enacting new pandemic safety protocols, says NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh.

The growing number of Indigenous language programs at post-secondary institutions is a fundamental stepping stone to reconciliation, says Kwak' wala educator Sara Child. And protecting and revitalizing those languages is key to the wellness of Indigenous people and communities.

Linnaea Farm's seed library will preserve Cortes Island's stock of heritage seeds, but it will also help the local community, and others across Canada, to improve food security and resiliency to climate change.

The once common treasures of the tidal pool are at risk of being eradicated along the Pacific coastline from a deadly combination of disease and warming oceans due to climate change, says biologist Alyssa Gehman.

The province’s messaging around pandemic protocols seems contradictory when it comes to kids in school, say parents and teachers.

DFO and conservation groups are sounding the call on the B.C. coast – especially the waters off east Vancouver Island – to be on the look out for the highly invasive European green crab.

Federal Fisheries and Oceans Minister Bernadette Jordan announced Wednesday that the Fish Harvester Benefit and Grant Program will open for applications from Aug. 24 to Sept. 21.