BC Today

We begin this 4-part series with an interview with harm reduction and recovery advocate Guy Felicella. He tells host Michelle Eliot about his personal story of recovery. Then our panel discusses how barriers to care can be removed with Nicole Mucci, Union Gospel Mission's communications manager; Chapman Shaw, board member with Trinity House; and Bob Hughes, ASK Wellness' executive director.

Almost 40,000 people left B.C. for Alberta last year, according to Statistics Canada figures. BC Today and Alberta at Noon host a cross-border call-in to hear from our audience about what that means for people in both provinces. Our guests included Andy Yan, Director, City Program, Simon Fraser University; Paula Spurr, artist who is moving from Surrey to Calgary; Alicia Planincic, economist, manager of policy and economics with the Business Council of Alberta; Forrest Demman, President, Kootenay Lake Chamber of Commerce. Then, we have an update on the London Drugs cyberhacking closure with our guest Jamie Hari, Director of Cybersecurity and DNS, Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA).

The Ehattesaht First Nation says a killer whale calf that had been trapped in a remote Vancouver Island lagoon for more than a month is now free after it swam out on its own early Friday morning. CBC reporter Joel Ballard gives us an update. The mayor of Vancouver says he would like to organize watch parties for the Canucks' playoff run, but the city needs to proceed with caution given two previous post-season runs ended in riots. We ask viewers if they think the city can safely host these kinds of events. And, Frankie Smith, owner of Mountain Mutts & Cutts, a pet-grooming expert answers your questions on how to keep your animals looking healthy and stylish.

The Acting Mayor of Chetwynd, Julia Nelson gives us a live update as an evacuation order is downgraded to an alert in Chetwynd, B.C., due to a nearby wildfire. CBC reporter Yvette Brend takes us into the impact of forest fire smoke. And, new data suggests that people with disabilities are disproportionately affected by evictions. Karla Verschoor, Inclusion B.C.'s executive director is our guest, and our audience shares their experiences.

Pressure is mounting on the B.C. government to abandon its three-year drug decriminalization pilot. The CBC's Meera Bains explains the growing pushback and our audience share perspectives from their communities.

Mariah Grumet, founder, Old Soul Etiquette, gives us modern etiquette advice, and our audience shares their own dos and don'ts.

-As the federal government's planned tax hike on capital gains attracts criticism, CBC financial columnist Mark Ting helps viewers navigate what the changes mean for them

And, we took you live to a news conference by B.C.'s Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth, where he announced November 29th as the official date Surrey transitions to its municipal police force. Surrey city councillor Linda Annis joined us to give us her take on the news.

After seven wildfires broke out in the Cariboo region in one day over the weekend, we get the latest details from Adam Nicholas, Prince George Fire Centre information officer; CBC science and climate specialist Darius Mahdavi; and Justin Perry, instructor of forest and natural areas management at British Columbia Institute of Technology. Our listeners asked the hard questions around B.C.'s wildfire response.

As the Vancouver Canucks prepare to play the Nashville Predators in the opening round of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, we talk with CBC intern and Canucks Army writer Lachlan Irvine, and CBC journalist Jason Peters about the exciting times for B.C. hockey.

Brian Minter answers your gardening questions and shares tips for adding colour to your planters as the weather gets warmer.

The long-promised sale of the troubled TMX pipeline project could prove difficult for Ottawa. We get a report from CBC business reporter Kyle Bakx, and hear from our audience on the project and its $34 billion price tag.

Then we hear about a new 3-year study looking at the impact of homelessness in Castlegar, Trail and Nelson from project manager and researcher Jayme Jones, Selkirk Innovates, Selkirk College.

We hear reaction to the federal housing plan, and the government's budget pledge to "unlock" 3.9 million homes by 2031. We speak with Alexandra Flynn, associate professor, UBC Peter A. Allard School of Law. And, Tuesday's federal budget laid the groundwork for a national disability benefit, but the funding falls well short of what advocates were seeking. We hear from Michelle Hewitt, chair of Disability Without Poverty.

As the federal government prepares for this afternoon's budget, we discuss 'generational fairness' with Sanjay Jeram, senior lecturer in political science at Simon Fraser University. And, ahead of a UBC event on the topic, we speak to pediatrician Dr. Dzung Vo about how teens can develop resiliency and cope with the stressors of the modern world.

It's been 8 years since the province declared a public health emergency on the toxic drug supply, and more than 14,000 people have died in the province since it was declared in 2016. We hear from you about how the crisis has impacted you, your loved ones and community. Then, we hear from CBC reporter Chad Pawson from the site of the 10th annniversary TED Talks, and UBC psychology professor Elizabeth Dunn on her massively-viewed TED Talk "Helping others makes us happier--but it matters how we do it."

The Ehattesaht First Nation says the rescue of a trapped killer whale calf is underway near Zeballos. We get the latest updates on the operation from CBC reporter , and we hear from Donna Sandstrom, executive director, The Whale Trail; and "Orca Rescue!" author, and Eric Pelkey, heriditary chief of the Tsawout of the WSANEC Nation; and Community Engagement Coordinator with their Leadership Council.

We hear how pet adoptions — including so-called foster fails — are a part of life for many families in B.C., with Pamela Saddler, founder of Broken Promises Rescue and Adrienne McBride, Senior Director, Community Animal Centres, BC SPCA.

B.C. United is alleging open drug use and dealing at a Vancouver hospital. But a physician at St. Paul's says that's a "false narrative." Adriane Gear, B.C. Nurses Union president shares her perspective.

As the number of single people grows in Canada, Our guests Yuthike Girme, SFU, Associate Professor of Psychology and CBC News TikTok Producer, Ashley Fraser discuss what it's like being single in B.C. with our callers weighing in on the pros and cons.

As Surrey rejects $250 million from the province to aid the city's police transition, we ask viewers for their advice for Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke and B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth and get analysis from Hamish Telford, Associate Professor, Political Science, University of the Fraser Valley. The celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, draws Vancouver's Muslim community to B.C. Place Stadium.

And our guests Bryce Taylor, recovering gambling addict, and Adrienne Cossom, Registered Clinical Social Worker with Gambling Support BC, and host of the Fold Em podcast talk about the growth of online gambling — and discuss when a hobby turns into an addiction--and what to do about it.

Stricter rules on homeless encampments were passed by the Vancouver Park Board on Monday, despite concerns from advocates. We hear from Vancouver park board commissioner Angela Haer, and hear from callers on how encampments are being handled in their parts of the province. Then 51 prominent Canadians have written an open letter asking political leaders to "address urgently the rise of incivility." Our guests Aftab Erfan, executive director, Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue, and Jennie Barron, executive director at the Mir Centre for Peace discuss ways to improve civil discourse.

We watch the total solar eclipse unfold live as it tracks across parts of Canada on this special edition of BC Today. Our guests are Aaron and Julian Falkin, father-son duo watching the eclipse in Cleveland, OH, and Joanna Woo, Lecturer, SFU Dept of Physics.

68,000 people left B.C. for other provinces last year, with most of them moving to Alberta. Our viewers share why they think that's happening. And, our gardening columnist Brian Minter answers your gardening questions

Calls are growing louder for the mayor of Quesnel to step down after his wife handed out copies of this controversial book. CBC reporter Betsy Trumpener brings us the latest, and our guest Sean Carleton, Assistant Professor, History and Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba, gives us insight into the diffreence between critical dialogue and denialism. Then, we talk about a contest to decide B.C.'s best bird with wildlife conservationist and filmmaker Connel Bradwell and hear our callers' favourites.

We speak with Honn Kao, a Victoria-based seismologist who studied in Taiwan shares his perspective and insight into the deadly earthquake that struck the island. And, we get an insider's perspective of a B.C. Hydro announcement about increasing energy supply in the province, our guest is Colleen Giroux-Schmidt, Clean Energy BC's board chair, and VP, Corporate Relations with clean energy company Innergex. Then, Cheryl Diebel, Director, New Roads Therapeutic Recovery Centre, shares how they're helping people accessing addiction treatment in B.C.

The province says new proposals will support renters and landlords who play by the rules. Our CBC provincial affairs reporter Meera Bains gives us an update, and we hear our viewers' experiences. Then, B.C. author Chris Read debuts her new novel, "Queen Jean is in Trouble Again". Set in West Vancouver, the novel explores the life of a fifth grader with ADHD. She is joined by Dr. Gurdeep Parhar, Clinical Professor, UBC Faculty of Medicine and Medical Director of the Adult ADHD Centre to talk about childhood and adult diagnoses.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Vancouver this week, and he’s promising a ‘renters’ bill of rights.’ We dig into the housing measures and how they will help people in B.C. with guest Rebecca Love, volunteer of Vancouver Tenants Union, and your calls. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen joins us ahead of his 2025 trip to the moon to talk about life as an astronaut and to answer your questions about space.

Bears are starting to emerge from their dens as we move into spring. We hear your bear stories, and talk with Gabriela De Romeri, WildSafe BC communications coordinator to give us some tips on co-existing with our bear neighbours. And, we bring you the heart-warming story of Erica Staving from Kelowna, who recently underwent emergency surgery. She wrote to CBC about how she wants to thank her neurosurgeon, Dr. Michael Tso, and other Kelowna General Hospital staff so we reunited them on the program. And we received an overwhelming number of calls and e-mails from people wanting to thank their doctors, nurses and health care staff. Thank you for sharing your stories with us.

Baltimore's Key Bridge collapsed in Baltimore, we get the latest update. The B.C. Adolescent Health Survey has been conducted every five years for the last three decades. The 2023 report was released, we discuss with McCreary Centre Society's executive director Annie Smith, and with clinical counsellor Lawrence Sheppard, regular mental health columnist with The Early Edition.

Our CBC reporter Jon Hernandez reports on the Vancouver Park Board's attempt today to temporarily move CRAB Park residents. Then, after the 2024 Junos last night, we talk about the best moments with Vancouver's Snotty Nose Rez Kids' Darren "Young D" Metz and singer-songwriter Dan Mangan. And, CBC's Climate and Science Specialist Darius Mahdavi shares fun facts from the animal, science and astronomy world.

It's World Water Day. As we hear about threats to our water systems from climate change, Dave Zehnder, Kootenay-area rancher and Kat Hartwig, Living Lakes Canada Executive Director. In our regular pet segment, we're joined by Sarah Shapiro-Ward, professional dog trainer with When Hounds Fly to talk about travelling with your pet.

Seniors are rallying in several communities across B.C. to bring attention to what they call 'shrinking' pensions that are not keeping pace with inflation and the rising cost of living. CBC reporter Michelle Gomez reports from the rally in White Rock, and we heard from Ramona Kaptyn, BC's chief advocacy and communications officer for the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP). And, on U.N.'s World Down Syndrome Day, Canadian actress Madison Tevlin talks about starring in the international campaign challenging stereotypes that create barriers. We were also joined by Tamara Taggart, president of Down Syndrome B.C. to talk about the significance of this day and the work needed to recognize the abilities of people with Down Syndrome.

B.C. aims to add 500 public charging stations to the province's electric highway. Margareta Dovgal, energy and climate analyst breaks it down with us. The 2024 World Happiness Report is out, and happiness is trending down in the West — especially for young people. The report's co-editor, John Helliwell, professor emeritus, UBC's Vancouver School of Economics joins us to discuss this year's report. And, Linda Chu, professional organizer, Out of Chaos, discusses spring cleaning and family heirlooms.

It's the first day of spring, and while some people are enjoying the sunshine, government officials are already planning for the upcoming drought and wildfire season. Our guests are Kai Chen, UBC professor with the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, and Andréanne Doyon, associate professor and director of SFU's Resource and Environmental Management Planning Program.

CBC's new podcast, This is Vancouver Island, is all about the joys, quirks and frustrations of Island life. Host Kathryn Marlow joins us to talk about all things Vancouver Island.

The B.C. NDP is still the top choice ahead of the provincial election in October, despite some heavy criticism, according to a new Angus Reid Institute poll. Shachi Kurl, Angus Reid Institute's president, joins us to discuss.

And, following recent provincial legislation that aims to protect young people from online harms, we discuss the risks involved in online video games with guest Tiana Sharifi; CEO, Exploitation Education Institute, and talk about their new educational platform: https://www.thepreventionproject.ca/.

Students across B.C. are celebrating two weeks of spring break. We want to know what your plans are and what your favourite spring break memories are. Margaret Gallagher, host of CBC's North by Northwest, joins us from Powell River as she takes her show on the road for a special broadcast.

Next, BC Today gardening columnist Brian Minter joins us to talk about spring planting ahead of the warm weather and answers your questions.

CBC Reporter Michell Ghoussoub brings us the latest on B.C.'s breast cancer screening system challenges. Our guest Dr. Paula Gordon, Clinical professor, UBC Radiology department; and Dense Breasts Canada Medical Advisor, talks about the systemic issues causing delays. And, as cities and towns contemplate their response to new provincial short-term rental rules, we speak with short-term rental owner Julia Payne, and Doug King, Together Against Poverty Society executive director.

Parents in Vancouver are protesting the suspension of an early entry university program for gifted students. We speak with a graduate of the program, Rachel Lin, who is now a PhD candidate with UBC's department of educational and counselling psychology, and Paul Shaker, SFU professor emeritus and former dean of Education. Our callers make the arguments that these programs are important in B.C. schools. Then, our guests Diabetes B.C. Medical Director Dr. Tom Elliott, and Michelle Hewitt, Chair, of Disability without Poverty discuss Ottawa's first steps in a national pharmacare program would cover contraception and diabetes.

From ski hills to Okanagan fruit farms, people have been feeling the effects of this winter's unseasonably warm climate. Sukhpaul Bal, B.C. Cherry Association president, and Brian Thomas, B.C. Cattlemen's Association president, give guest host Dan Burritt an overview of how producers are doing as we transition to spring. Then, the U.S. is considering another TikTok ban. Jesse Miller, founder of Mediated Reality, breaks down the controversy and how it may impact Canadians.

Safe supply is under criticism after police in Prince George make a major drug bust that included unknown quantities of safe supply. We speak with Juls Budau, former frontline worker and OPS manager in Prince George, and B.C. United MLA Elenore Sturko, shadow critic Mental Health and Addictions. And, it's the first workday after the switch to daylight savings time. We're joined by CBC journalist Nicole Oud, and Adela Tsuen, owner of sleepy baby coach about the impacts.

It's International Women's Day across the globe, we ask what being a feminist means to you, and what work we still need to do in B.C. to achieve gender equity. Next, it's Oscar weekend! We hear about the current favourites to win, and take your calls on the best Oscar winning or nominated flims of all time.

Selina Robinson has left the B.C. NDP, citing antisemitism among some of its members. The former cabinet minister says she felt unsupported as a Jewish woman in the governing party. She joins us to explain her experience. And we talk with a political scientist about the role of international events in local politics. Next, ahead of International Women's Day we hear about the pusyh get get more women in the trades.

People and politicians across B.C. are expressing outrage following revelations Tuesday that at least 13 people allegedly lied to access below-market price units in Victoria. We hear your reactions to this story and ask how the province can avoid this situation in the future. Next, another local council in B.C. has been mired in public divisiveness. Why do we seem to keep seeing this at a local level?

It's Super Tuesday, a critical day in U.S. politics. And the election in November is shaping up to be a Biden-Trump rematch. How are you feeling about politics south of the border? How will the election impact Canadians? Next, the provincial government is facing criticism over a lack of progress on $10-a-day childcare, should this be an election issue?

The principal residence requirement for short-term rentals comes into effect May 1, limiting them to homeowner's principal residence plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit. But some municipalities say the new rules won't work for their cities. Next, we talk about alternative ways to own a home, including splitting the cost with friends or family. Is this a good option?

Brian Mulroney, one of Canda's most consequential prime ministers, has died at the age of 84. We hear your memories of the political icon, including one listener who received an unexpected letter. Next, Brian Minter joins us to take your gardening questions.

Federal Health Minister Mark Holland has released the long-awaited details for a national pharmacare plan. We talk to a family physician who thinks the legislation doesn't go far enough. Next, amid an increase in demand for IVF treatment, the province will soon pay for one round of treatment. We hear why this is important to people in B.C.

The fallout continues after Alberta comedy act Danger Cats took their Robert Pickton t-shirts off their sales website and cancelled their upcoming appearances in Alberta, Texas and in New Westminster at Rick Bronson's House of Comedy BC. The t-shirt mocked victims of serial killer Robert Pickton, and their set included disparaging remarks about residential school survivors. Our guests today included New Westminster city councillor Daniel Fontaine with a reaction from his community, and Sue Brown, director and lawyer for Justice for Girls. Our thanks to our audience for their thoughtful and insightful calls, emails and texts about the topic.

A new report by the Carnegie Housing Project says up to 1,500 more shelter beds are needed in Vancouver to address shortfalls and prevent the number of homeless people from increasing. Carnegie Housing Project manager Devin O'Leary tells us more about their recommendations. https://www.carnegiehousingproject.ca/

And, as the federal government unveils its online harms bill, Tiana Sharifi, the CEO of the Exploitation Education Institute joins us to answer questions from parents and caregivers about keeping kids safe online. https://www.exploitationeducation.org/free-resources

Province says home-flipping tax legislation will be introduced this spring. Our guests Brendon Ogmundson, Chief Economist, BC Real Estate Association, and David Hutniak, CEO, Landlord BC, talk about the impact this may have on creating more affordable housing. Child poverty rates are increasing in B.C., our guest Adrienne Montani, the First Call Child and Youth Advocacy Society discusses their new report..

Budget airline Lynx Air is ceasing operations. With few long-distance alternatives to flying, how costly is it to travel within Canada? Our guest Mckenzie McMillan, The Travel Group travel consultant, walks us through why Canada is so challenging for budget airlines. In our pet segment, we explore the cost of keeping pets healthy with Kathy Powelson, PAWS for Hope BC executive director.

An extended edition of BC Today will bring you full coverage of the 2024 provincial budget announcement in Victoria. Join host Michelle Eliot as we hear from stakeholders and callers from across the province on what their priorities are. After Finance Minister Katrine Conroy presents the budget, Michelle Eliot will be joined by panelists Mo Amir, podcast host of This is Vancolour, and Gerald Baier, a UBC political scientist to break it all down. We'll hear what the priorities are: from healthcare, housing, climate chage, affordability and more.

Uncorking the B.C.-Alberta wine wars: Okanagan Wine Club manager Lindsay Kaisaris joins us to discuss how smaller wineries are caught in the middle between the provinces' latest skirmishes. In our second half, we speak with ground-breaking cartoonist and writer Lynn Johnston about her celebrated "For Better or For Worse" syndicated comic strip and how she created a new universe with Alottabots for her new children's book series.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier David Eby announced new federal funding of $2 billion for new housing in B.C. We hear from Thom Armstrong, CEO, Co-operative Housing Federation of BC about the announcement. Then, we have Murray Baker; Financial Empowerment Manager, from Family Services of Greater Vancouver to discuss a recent Statistics Canada report that renters report a lower quality of life than homeowners; We talk about budgeting and talking about money in a relationship with digital content creators Steph Gordon and Den Mathu (Steph & Dev).

A massive drug case in Victoria has collapsed, with a B.C. Supreme Court judgement claiming Victoria police officers misled prosecutors and defence lawyers. Our guest Wade Deisman, criminology professor, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, walks us through the fallout, and how this impacts public confidence and police morale.

And, it's Minter Friday! BC Today's gardening columnist, Brian Minter, takes your questions on pruning, insects and moss.

B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma joins us to announce new funding of $29.1 million over 3 years to expand access to legal aid services for people experiencing family violence. We also talk with Kim Hawkins, executive director of Rise Women's Legal Centre to talk about the impact of this funded and what more is needed. And, we talk about how to support Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs with Candace Lauren, Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses of Canada Society, and entrepreneur Deress Asghedom.

Richmond city council motion over a supervised consumption site causes confusion and commotion. Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie joins us for an update. Chef Dez gives us tips for preparing a romantic Valentine's Day dinner.