caretaker

An old friend (he's really old) who usually saves me his moose and deer hearts every year has been in ICU for a couple of weeks now. He's still able to talk and eat, but he's been on total pressurized oxygen for a week. He's signed the form that he doesn't want to go on a ventilator, and is not to be resuscitated. This is a great big strong guy, who even at his age could knock most men flat. If it can take him, it can take anyone.

BEVS

Gawd. I'm sorry to read this Caretaker. Hope this big strong man pulls through.

scrubbedexpat091

35 deaths over the weekend in BC and 2,020 new cases.

The restrictions put in place a month ago did not reduce spread as hoped and have been extended.

Upside, Health Canada is expected to approve Pfizer vaccine this week, and possible Canada may receive some this month.

Siouxie

I still think that there are higher numbers because higher numbers are getting tested as a precaution, rather than because they are actually ill.. I'd far rather see the numbers for active cases of people who are physically ill, rather than those who got a positive test result. False positives are all too common.

Danny B

UK Grandmother Margaret Keenan, 90, has become the first person in the world to receive Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus jab outside a clinical trial.

https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-...trial-12154354

What a glorious day for her.

scrubbedexpat091

If you reside in BC, and fit within the income criteria, December 18th the application for the BC Recovery Benefit will open.

There are other requirements besides income, must also be *

be a resident of B.C. on Dec. 18, 2020
be at least 19 years old on Dec. 18, 2020
have filed a 2019 income tax return
have their 2019 income tax notice of assessment, and if applicable, their spouse’s 2019 income tax notice of assessment;
SIN #
Direct Deposit Info
BC Drivers License # if applicable.

• $1,000 for families with incomes under $125,000. Families earning up to $175,000 will qualify for a reduced benefit amount. Single-parent families also qualify for these benefit amounts.
• $500 for single people earning less than $62,500. Single people earning up to $87,500 will qualify for a reduced benefit amount.

https://archive.news.gov.bc.ca/relea...064-002019.htm

Danny B

WOW - how lucky we are in BC. That money will go a long way this time of year.

scrubbedexpat091

Yes it will,

Partially discharged

"We" ? ???? I thought you have only visited Malta a few times and have Maltese ancestry and a passport....but don't live there? Or are you thinking of getting on a plane to fly across the Atlantic as there is a vaccine at the address in Malta that they think you live at? Personally, I think you need to re-think your priorities and let those who really need the vaccine get it. From what I know you are healthy and have a job here and just have the travelling bug and feel that the restrictions are onerous and shouldn't apply to you. Or have I got it all wrong?

Partially discharged

Where is this money tree that BC has. $1000 for any family earning under $125 K. Honestly, that must be at least 2/3 - 3/4 of all families and at the $175 K threshold probably 80-85%. Has any information been given as to how the 'state' is going to pay for this over time.? Somehow, there will have to be a correction or significant tax increases over time to make up for this money being given away. I can see giving money to people or families earning say under $60-$70 K but $125 K....that is quite a high amount.

spouse of scouse

I think the idea is that most people will spend the money, injecting cash into the economy. That's the reason for what they call stimulous payments in Oz anyway. Our income criteria is a lot stricter though.

scrubbedexpat091

I'd imagine they went that high as most of the population lives in the Lower Mainland and with the cost of housing and rent is so high there and other pockets of BC have excessively high rent and housing as well, just not to the extent of Vancouver and surrounds.


The proposal by the BC Liberals was to cut PST for 1 year to 0% and then 2nd to 3% then 3rd year back to 7%, that would have reduced government by $8 billion estimated, so of the proposals made the NDP is least costly in the long run.

I didn't care for the PST cut proposal as it doesn't benefit those who need the most help, since lower income households tend to spend a higher % of their income on rent and groceries both of which are PST exempt.

scrubbedexpat091

Apparently 4,000 high risk persons in BC will receive 1st dose by end of next week, and tomorrow they will announced the immunization programs details. (it's a twitter link but shows for me)

scrubbedexpat091

.

scrubbedexpat091

A bunch of butt hurt people on reddit complaining they made too much to qualify, and trying to convince others how much of a struggle it is to live in Vancouver on 6 figure income....