Vancouver Rundown Wednesday July 31, 2024

Jul 31, 2024

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Summary

The City of Vancouver and the VPD are being sued by the police department’s former director of public affairs over claims of harassment. Sharmini Dee, who resigned from her post in June, is suing the city, the force and high-profile spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison saying she was subjected to gender and racial discrimination, harassment and bullying. The provincial government is also being sued for negligence and wrongful dismissal….even though she quit. A statement of defence has not yet been filed.

Other news…

Strike notice has been served by unionized workers at a downtown Vancouver hotel after weeks of failed contract negotiations. Unifor represented staff at the Residence Inn by Marriott says they want fair wages that reflect Vancouver’s cost-of-living. The employer is facing a deadline of noon on Thursday to avoid action.

Richmond MLA Teresa Wat is the latest disgruntled BC United politician to defect to the Conservatives. The move comes as Kevin Falcon’s party slips to fourth place in the latest polls - only a couple months ahead of a provincial election. Wat says voters in Richmond are worried about crime, health care and education.

It happens once in a blue moon. A massive blue ‘sturgeon’ supermoon is expected to be visible across the Lower Mainland by Saturday, Aug. 19. The moon, which traditionally appeared in August, got its name from the pre-historic looking fish that often appeared in North American lakes at this time of year.

There may be some morning drizzle but Wednesday is a transition day - back to warm summer conditions. Inland highs will be around 31C by the weekend. Here are the latest conditions from our private weather station in Surrey.