Vancouver Rundown Wednesday April 24, 2024
Summary
The B.C. government may be proving its ‘bark is bigger than its bite’ by killing its social media harms bill. Instead, the province has been convinced to work with the big social media companies and their platforms in an attempt to keep young people safe online. The legislation would have allowed it to sue Meta/Facebook, X and other platforms.
Other news…
Mark November 29 on your calendars - that’s the date B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says Surrey’s police of jurisdiction will officially switch from the RCMP to the Surrey Police Service. The announcement comes even though there are questions about any transition plan and how the Mounties will report to a city force. Only 367 of the approved 834 SPS officer positions have been filled.
An update to a story first reported right here…
A baby has survived after being dragged by a vehicle in a Monday evening pedestrian collision in Squamish. Both the infant and an adult suffered non life threatening injuries after a driver hit a stroller and dragged it a couple blocks. That driver was arrested at the scene.
So far, the City of Vancouver has no plans for any outdoor viewing areas as the Canucks set their hopes on advancing past the first round of the NHL playoffs. This comes despite outdoor viewing parties happening in Winnipeg, Edmonton and Toronto. Vancouver Police say there are conversations underway about viewing areas for our city.
A few showers for Wednesday. Rain on Thursday. Showers Friday and through the weekend. Here are the latest conditions from our private weather station in Surrey.
Top five stories to know
Vancouver Sun: Surrey Police Service to take over from RCMP on Nov. 29: Mike Farnworth
Vancouver Is Awesome: Vancouver's chief licence inspector orders magic mushroom dispensary to close
The Canadian Press: Baby survives after vehicle hits, drags stroller: Squamish RCMP
CTV: Officials tight-lipped on possible public NHL playoff viewing parties in Vancouver
Business stories to know
Vancouver Sun: B.C. is about to be flooded with used EVs. Here's what to know before you buy
Global News: B.C.’s Harbour Air aims to buy 50 electric engines to convert seaplane fleet
Daily Hive: "They suck at driving": Bellingham folks respond to Vancouver visitors
Opinion
Business In Vancouver: Rob Shaw: Affordability continues to complicate B.C. climate change politics
Journalism matters
The Tyee: Shared medical records can transform care but big barriers remain
That’s cool
Daily Hive: Four BC hotels on Travel + Leisure's best hotels in the world
Bonus
Global News: What is a halal mortgage? How interest-free home financing works in Canada