COVID-19
Supporting Small Independent Businesses in BC
Support Local BC was an initiative brought on out of necessity in 2020 due to the closures of many businesses in response to the Provincial Health Orders to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19. The website provides a place for communities and businesses throughout the province to support each other. Connecting all regions with its…
Read MoreCDC Report on Rural Communities & Covid
While there are many distinct differences between the circumstances of rural Canadians and Americans, this overview from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention contains some useful information for rural British Columbians. About 46 million Americans live in rural areas, which face distinctive challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Long-standing systemic health and social…
Read MoreB.C.’s top doctor doesn’t ‘foresee a situation’ where the school system shuts down again
In this Global News report (Sep.10, 2020), British Columbia provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says she does not foresee a situation where the province shuts schools down as was done in March. The province’s top doctor says there could be situations where COVID-19 forces some students to isolate or potentially leads to a school…
Read MorePolicy Implications of Coronavirus Crisis for Rural Development
This OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development) report focuses on the implications of COVID-19 on rural development and the policy responses that OECD member countries are adopting. It first discusses the economic effects on rural regions followed by an identification of opportunities and associated challenges. The report then summarizes how governments are responding to…
Read MoreBC COVID-19 Update, September 3, 2020
Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health officer, and Health Minister Adrian Dix provide an update on the province’s response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic.
Read MoreRural Coloradans Step Up to Help Their Community
According to a recent article in the Colorado Sun, when state-mandated shutdowns of restaurants and other businesses deemed non-essential began, residents of rural Phillips County in eastern Colorado knew they had to figure out a way to help make sure that when the restrictions lifted, their favorite local establishments were still around. Responding to calls…
Read MoreNews for Rural Employers re. CEWS Expansion & Extension
The BC Rural Centre has just received this letter from Kirsten Mattison, Canada’s new Director General for Rural Economic Development. It includes potentially important information for rural employers and their employees. Good morning, As the new Director General of the Centre for Rural Economic Development supporting the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and…
Read MoreCOVID-19 risks divide rural and urban areas in the U.S.
There is a division between how rural and urban areas are handling the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. Many states are starting to reopen even while cities within them remain under stay-at-home orders. Washington Post national correspondent Griff Witte joins CBSN to discuss the divide among leaders around the country.
Read MoreUBC Launches Study on Rural and Remote Communities Tech Usage During Covid-19 Pandemic
UBC is calling on rural BC residents to participate in a 20-25 minute online survey for a chance to win one of three $100, or a $400 pre-paid Visa card! This study is being done by researchers from UBC. The study is called “Rural and Remote Communities’ Technological Usage during Covid-19 Pandemic. ” Your participation…
Read MoreNo plan to reopen B.C. schools yet, says education minister
This report was posted by CBC News on Apr 28, 2020 An empty classroom at Magee Secondary School in Vancouver. (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press) Although some jurisdictions have announced plans to reopen schools, B.C. isn’t ready to join them just yet, according to the education minister. In a teleconference Tuesday, Rob Fleming said the province is…
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