Vancouver Rundown Thursday February 15, 2024

Feb 15, 2024

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Summary

Getting an Uber at YVR took a lot longer on Wednesday as drivers using the ride hailing app took part in an international rally. They’re concerned about poor pay and working conditions and in the B.C. case - a lack of provincial government protections. Uber and other app based services will be guaranteed minimal pay of of $20 an hour under new provincial legislation. Workers are still not entitled to other benefits or pay for the time they are not engaged in a ride or delivery.

Other news…

Richmond is a step closer to getting its first supervised drug consumption site. Council voted 7-2 in favor of the motion after two nights of heated meetings. At least one person was escorted out of city hall by the cops.

BC United is losing a long-time MLA. Abbotsford West’s Mike de Jong will not be seeking another term. He’s hinting he might try to run for the federal Conservatives. DeJong is the 11th MLA not seeking re-election with the troubled BC United banner.

The provincial government is going ahead with a plan to spend close to $80 million on upgrades to a pump station that’s integral to protecting Sumas Prairie from flooding again. So far, the Trudeau government has failed to kick in much needed federal funds despite a request from the City of Abbotsford for $1.6 billion for a new facility. The area between Abbotsford and Chilliwack was devastated by floods in December of 2022 during record breaking rainstorms.

Forecasters are having a bad week with their weather predictions. Fortunately, the latest includes more sunshine for Thursday and Friday…not rain as previously suggested. Highs will be around 9C. Here are the latest conditions from our private weather station in Surrey.