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Island Social Trends

@islandsocialtrends.bsky.social

234 followers 106 following 967 posts

Island Social Trends is a longstanding independent regional & national news publication on south #VancouverIsland, BC (series since 2008); editor & publisher Mary P Brooke. #News analysis to support readers who think for themselves. IslandSocialTrends.ca

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 1h

People in BC are getting geared up for #ShakeOutBC. The annual #earthquake drill takes place mid-Oct each year. This year it's at 10:15 am on Thurs Oct 15. A great opportunity to practice 'drop, cover and hold on' and to update your #emergency kits & go-bags. islandsocialtrends.ca/shakeout-bc-...

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ShakeOut BC on Oct 15: drop, cover and hold on - islandsocialtrends.ca

ShakeOut BC earthquake drill at 10:15 am PT on Oct 15, 2026: drop, cover and hold on. Get registered. Refresh your emergency kit & go bags.

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

In Victoria tonight #BCNDP leader David Eby announced that a BCNDP govt would implement a 2% increase in the top 2 #tax brackets & a new bracket for income $1 million+. He was introduced at the rally by #Saanich South NDP candidate Richard Zussman and Victoria-Beacon Hill host candidate Grace Lore.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Well, this is always a lot of fun. Celebrate the 10th annual Light Up the Hills Festival of Lights with a #lanternwalk through the lovely #Westhills neighbourhood in #Langford: expanded route, illuminated art, live music. A magical fun evening, 7:30-9:30 pm on Sat Oct 3. westhillsbc.com/luth-2026/

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Every #election there's #campaign #signage analysis -- does it produce votes, where should it go, does it cause visual distraction & #roadsafety issues? Now with two elections underway in BC there is visual clutter & #voter confusion. #Signs are costly to produce & install; follow #municipal bylaws.

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Today the #BCNDP #election campaign with David Eby in #PrinceRupert (in the province's north coastal region) emphasized the importance of expanding major #ports in the province as part of economic diversification to support a growing BC #economy that prioritizes services like health & education.

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Thurs Oct 15 is the annual BC-wide #earthquake #drill called ShakeOutBC @shakeoutbc.bsky.social. Are you ready? Practice your Drop-Cover-Hold On skills. Is your home ready? Check the contents of your #grab-and-go bags (one for every member of your family), including one or more in your vehicle.

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

BC Hydro has opened its first electric vehicle (EV) fast-charge site in #Esquimalt, in the parking at Archie Browning Sports Centre in town centre. Three 180-kilowatt #chargers can deliver up to 180 km of driving to an average EV in about 10 minutes. Six #EVs can be charged at the same time.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

City of #Langford today celebrated the significant expansion of Veterans Memorial Park in the downtown core, attended by Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson & council. The space hosts seasonal markets, concerts, #RemembranceDay; now nearly 2x bigger with bandshell, picnic area, parking. Funded by DCCs.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Election results in Surrey-Guildford (Begg/pic-L) and Juan de Fuca-Malahat (Lajeunesse/pic-C) were super-tight in 2024 prov'l election. Brar (pic-R) has done deep work in mining permitting. #NDP seeks strong results across the multiple #Surrey ridings (where NDP govt has made many investments).

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Seven more #BCNDP incumbents seeking re-election: Garry Begg (Surrey-Guildford), Jagrup Brar (Surrey-Fleetwood), Dana Lajeunesse (Juan de Fuca-Malahat), Randene Neill (Powell River-Sunshine Coast), Amna Shah (Surrey-City Centre), Jessie Sunner (Surrey-Newton), Debra Toporowski (Cowichan Valley).

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

As part of resolving #healthcare #worker shortages, BC's #NDP govt recruited 800+ health care workers ( #doctors & more ) from the USA in the past year. Now #Eby has pledged to increase that, and to also woo Canadian health-care workers back to Canada with loan forgiveness and #relocation support.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

“There is a drought of political imagination from the establishment parties of British Columbia,” says #BCGreen leader Emily Lowan; says Raj Sahota (for Victoria-Beacon Hill) and David Evans (for Juan de Fuca-Malahat) will "bring the hope and belief that things can be better, to their communities”.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Top #BCNDP cabinet ministers Ravi Kahlon, Brenda Bailey, Kelly Greene and Lana Popham are *not* seeking re-election in the snap #BCelection called by NDP Leader David Eby yesterday. Sticking with the team, seeking re-election, includes Bowinn Ma (Infrastructure) and Josie Osborne (Finance). #bcpoli

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Just a quick update: the Abbotsford-Mission by-election was automatically cancelled on Sept 22 when the BC provincial election was called. #bcpoli

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

News for #hikers #hiking: As of Sept 23, the CRD has announced Regional Park and Trail Closures in #Sooke due to the Mount Jack #Wildfire: •The Galloping Goose Regional Trail northbound at kilometre 52, at the Spring Salmon Place Campground; and • Access to Kapoor Regional Park. #VancouverIsland

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Two #BCFerries sailings on the main route (Vancouver<>Victoria) are late today due to mechanical issues. Another opportunity to note that federal funding support for BC Ferries is minimal compared to Atlantic coast support. islandsocialtrends.ca/bc-ferries-s... | #VancouverIsland #transportation

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BC Ferries Sept 15: Vancouver-Victoria sailings delayed by mechanical issues - Island Social Trends

BC Ferries Sept 15, 2026: Vancouver-Victoria sailings delayed by mechanical issues 10 am and 12 noon).

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Some Canadian humour and steadfastness in the messaging on new 'Welcome' signage at the entry points to Canada during the escalating trade war: “Welcome to British Columbia, Canada. Strong, proud, and will never be the 51st state. Sorry!” islandsocialtrends.ca/bc-premier-r...

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BC Premier rallies citizen support for long haul trade war - Island Social Trends

BC Premier rallies citizen support for long haul trade war with expanded Buy BC message and warning that jobs & businesses will be lost.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

BC provincial #byelection underway in Abbotsford-Mission. For BC Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay it's an opportunity to try for a seat in the legislature before the Fall session. For NDP is an opportunity to showcase what they've been doing all year. islandsocialtrends.ca/five-candida...

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Five candidates in Abbotsford-Mission provincial by-election - Island Social Trends

Five candidates in Abbotsford-Mission Sept 26 provincial by-election representing NDP, BC Conservative, Green, CentreBC and Libertarian.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Federal #fuel excise tax suspension extended into next year (100% to Jan 31/27, 50% to Mar 31/27). Conservatives say it should extend in full to July 1/27. NDP says it doesn't help two underlying problems. Announcement made today inside a Canadian Tire store. islandsocialtrends.ca/federal-fuel...

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Federal fuel excise tax suspension extended into 2027 - Island Social Trends

Gasoline at the pump: Finance Minister announces federal fuel excise tax suspension extension 100% to Jan 31, 2027 and at 50% to Mar 31, 2027.

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Liberals win three out of three! Federal by-election results from last night, here: islandsocialtrends.ca/liberals-win... | #cdnpoli

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Premier Eby has called a by-election for Abbotsford-Mission (where the BC Conservative MLA recently resigned) islandsocialtrends.ca/eby-calls-ab... . And now that MLA Joan Phillip has died, there will need to be a by-election in her riding Vancouver-Strathcona. islandsocialtrends.ca/ndp-mla-indi...

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

MLAs leaving BC Conservative Party in droves, as new leader Findlay (since May30) has been steering the party beyond right, to extreme. A new centre-right party is in the works (Peter Milobar & Ian Paton). All this a bonus for BC NDP who are focusing on economy. islandsocialtrends.ca/more-mlas-le...

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More MLAs leave BC Conservatives, Milobar & Paton starting new party - Island Social Trends

More MLAs leave BC Conservative Party including Teresa Wat & Rosalyn Bird. Peter Milobar & Ian Paton now Independent but starting new party.

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Encouraging blood donation is always a challenge. Canadian Blood Services this week says there's an urgent need for #blood donations, with supplies dropping by as much as 30% in recent months in part due to #extremeweather and seasonal illness. islandsocialtrends.ca/blood-donati...

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Blood donation painted as lifestyle opportunity amidst diminished supply - Island Social Trends

Canadian Blood Services paints blood donation as a lifestyle opportunity amidst diminished supply in recent months due to extreme weather.

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

NDP Leader @avilewis.ca was in a one-hour phone call with Prime Minister Carney today who outlined "the details of the negotiations" between Canada & the US. Lewis asked for strong #worker protections within #tariff supports & that the broken EI system be fixed. islandsocialtrends.ca/ndp-tariff-u...

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NDP tariff urgency: scale & speed, protect workers directly, fix EI - Island Social Trends

NDP Leader Avi Lewis to Prime Minister Carney in phone call on tariff urgency: scale & speed, protect workers directly, fix EI.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Premier Eby says US #alcohol will still not be on BC Liquor store shelves, urges British Columbians to curtail #travel to the USA. Says these are 'early days' as to seeing how effective the federal govt's response to #tariffs will be for workers & businesses. islandsocialtrends.ca/trade-war-bc...

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Trade war: BC supports federal govt approach to protecting workers & businesses - Island Social Trends

Trade war: BC supports federal govt approach to protecting workers & businesses but "it's early days", says Premier Eby regarding specifics.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

What a legend! And what a legacy! Country #music fan or not, people are struck by the passing of singer-songwriter #DollyParton today. islandsocialtrends.ca/dolly-parton...

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Dolly Parton (1946-2026) created a legend and a legacy - Island Social Trends

Singer-songwriter and actress Dolly Parton (1946-2026) created a legend and a legacy. Dies at age 80 on August 25, 2026.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Carney announces $11 billion investment in building six icebreakers at a Quebec #shipyard to replace the #CoastGuard’s aging icebreakers in Atlantic Canada & St. Lawrence in winter, and #Arctic in summer. There will be 5,000 new #jobs in the construction phase. islandsocialtrends.ca/carney-annou...

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Carney announces $11 billion shipbuilding contract, Canada setting new course - Island Social Trends

Carney announces $11 billion shipbuilding contract, Canada setting new course after withdrawing from US trade talks.

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

District of Oak Bay got a $70,000 federal grant to get rolling on their Community #Climate Action Plan with a strong focus on adaptation over 3 to 5 years, and longer. Announced Aug 21 by #OakBay Mayor Kevin Murdoch & Victoria MP @wgreaves.bsky.social Greaves. islandsocialtrends.ca/climate-adap...

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Climate adaptation planning in Oak Bay with $70K federal grant - Island Social Trends

Climate adaptation plan to get underway in Oak Bay with $70K federal grant announced Aug 21 by Will Greaves MP & Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

BC Premier on US-Canada #trade: BC will continue to diversify. "To suggest that Canada would not trade with other countries or reduce our trade with other countries because the Americans tell us to, would reduce us to the economic equivalent of the #51st state." islandsocialtrends.ca/eby-on-us-ca...

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Eby on US-Canada trade talks: BC will continue to diversify - Island Social Trends

Premier David Eby on US-Canada trade talks: BC will continue to diversify while protecting affected business sectors and workers.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Dr Bonnie Henry on how to deal with #smokyair in the BC #wildfire season. Short term effects subside but she's concerned about longer-term health impacts: islandsocialtrends.ca/bc-wildfire-...

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BC Wildfire update includes smoky air tips from Dr Henry - Island Social Trends

BC Wildfire update on Aug 18 included smoky air tips from Provincial Health Officer Dr Henry. Wildfire season expected to last 4 more weeks.

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

US agrees to postpone 50% (Section 338) #tariffs for a few days, per announcement from Carney's office late this evening Aug 18. Talks continue. islandsocialtrends.ca/us-agrees-to...

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

The BC Govt #staff directory is getting a major overhaul (a proactive RCMP recommendation). None of it is available at the moment. When reactivated, only senior ministry staff will be listed. It's a response to #cybersecurity threats including #AI harvesting. islandsocialtrends.ca/bc-governmen...

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BC government staff details now hidden from Web - Island Social Trends

BC government staff details now hidden from Web, with some senior info still avilable, as well as services and info for media.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

A busy month for federal member of parliament #ElizabethMay in September! Eight meetings in communities around her Saanich-Gulf Islands riding before heading to Ottawa for the start of the fall session, then one more! islandsocialtrends.ca/community-me... | #VancouverIsland #cdnpoli

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Community meetings with Elizabeth May MP ahead of fall session - Island Social Trends

Community meetings with Elizabeth May MP in her Saanich-Gulf Islands constituency ahead of 2026 House of Commons fall session.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Victoria For All launches a 3-candidate slate: one City of Victoria council incumbent (Susan Kim), one first-time council candidate, one candidate for #SD61 school board. Focussing on social-fabric #urban living including #renters, mental health, tree canopy. islandsocialtrends.ca/victoria-for...

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

BC #Seniors Advocate sees cross-ministry possibilities with #Finance & #Health, as both ministers have had aspects of seniors care or services in their previous portfolios. Indeed, today Premier Eby called the new appointments as being of experienced ministers. islandsocialtrends.ca/bc-seniors-a...

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

BC cabinet shuffle Aug14: Osborne moving from #Health into #Finance, Kahlon to lead Health ministry (leaving Jobs and #Economic Growth to Brenda Bailey when she returns this fall after cancer treatment). Premier #Eby to address media at 10:30 am. islandsocialtrends.ca/bc-cabinet-s... | #bcpoli

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BC cabinet shuffle: Osborne to Finance, Kahlon to Health - Island Social Trends

BC cabinet shuffle August 14: Josie Osborne from Health to Finance, Ravi Kahlon from Jobs and Economic Growth over to Health.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Premier David Eby in Penticton today (where many #Summerland wildfire evacuees have landed). Commended the work of first responders, volunteers, wildfire service. After-action review will be done. He expects this isn't the last major #wildfire event BC will see. islandsocialtrends.ca/premier-in-p...

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Premier in Penticton: impacts of Summerland wildfire evacuation - Island Social Trends

Premier David Eby in Penticton to observe and explore impacts of Summerland wildfire evacuation, Aug 12, 2026.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Today #Agriculture & Food Minister Lana Popham @lanapopham.bsky.social outlined #wildfire impacts on #ranchers & #food growers. Closed highways are preventing some #farm workers getting thru, crops are rotting & soot-covered. The cows may come home by October. islandsocialtrends.ca/bc-wildfire-...

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BC Wildfire update: herding livestock, crop damage - Island Social Trends

Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham in BC Wildfire update Aug 11, 2026: herding livestock, crop damage.

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

The @townofviewroyal.bsky.social has received a federal grant of $85,000 to plan the investment in expansion and maintenance of #parks, trails and #shoreline access. The amenities are used by residents from around the Greater Victoria area as well as tourists. islandsocialtrends.ca/view-royal-g...

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View Royal gets $85K grant for parks, trails & shoreline planning - Island Social Trends

Town of View Royal gets $85,000 federal grant for parks, trails & shoreline planning: investments, improvement, expansion.

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

WestJet flight attendants are now on strike (Aug 2) on this BC Day long weekend, interrupting #travel for many. #WestJet offers 4 years of pay increases, retroactive to Jan 1/26 & wide range of benefits. "No one should work for free," says NDP in a statement. islandsocialtrends.ca/westjet-cabi...

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WestJet cabin crew work stoppage kicks in Aug 2 - Island Social Trends

WestJet cabin crew work stoppage kicks in just after midnight on Sunday Aug 2. A strong stand for worker rights. Traveller disruption.

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Here's a 'for instance' where a #federal grant toward local community #firehall infrastructure will make a huge difference to a small #rural community and a broader region in terms of modern emergency preparedness [federal $7 million combined with BC & local]. islandsocialtrends.ca/metchosin-ge...

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Metchosin gets $7 million federal grant for post-seismic fire hall - Island Social Trends

District of Metchosin gets $7 million federal grant toward construction of a post-seismic fire hall, announced on-site July 31, 2026.

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Travel-acquired #measles case in #Nanaimo region... potential exposures to anyone who may have been in certain retail locations & a golf course on July 12, says @vanislandhealth.bsky.social Island Health. islandsocialtrends.ca/potential-ex... | #VancouverIsland

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Potential exposures related to travel-acquired measles case in Nanaimo - Island Social Trends

Potential exposures related to travel-acquired measles case in Nanaimo, reported by Island Health on July 21, 2026.

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

The phased-out funding was only for resource material development. SOGI content will still be taught in BC schools from an anti-bullying perspective, tailored by teachers based on age & stage of development & subject being taught (e.g. social studies, phys ed). islandsocialtrends.ca/bc-conservat...

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BC Conservatives mince reality about SOGI funding - Island Social Trends

BC Conservatives say SOGI funding has been cancelled in BC schools but BC NDP government says only new-resources contract funding has ended.

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Canfor pulp mill closure means lost forestry jobs. But also highlights the need for two key shifts: #forestry sector shift from commodity to value-add, and jobs not being dependent on corporations & antiquated Employment Insurance system. Time for #basicincome. islandsocialtrends.ca/canfor-pulp-...

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Canfor pulp mill closure impacts workers, highlights need for forestry sector evolution - Island Social Trends

Canfor pulp mill closure in Prince George impacts workers but also highlights need for forestry sector evolution and basic income.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

BC Forests Minister Ravi Parmar features two #forestry product brokers in his press conference today about expanding the use of BC softwood lumber in the Canadian economy -- for value-add manufacturing and supporting jobs. islandsocialtrends.ca/growing-the-... | #bcpoli #bcndp

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Growing the BC softwood value-added sector - Island Social Trends

Growing the BC softwood value-added sector -- further initiatives announced by Forests Minister Ravi Parmar July 13, 2026.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Canadian astronaut Col #JeremyHansen announces his retirement from the Canadian Space Agency today, July 6. But he still has big dreams for supporting Canada and advancements in space. islandsocialtrends.ca/astronaut-je... | #ArtemisII #Moon #science #aerospace

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Astronaut Jeremy Hansen retires from Canadian Space Agency - Island Social Trends

Astronaut Colonel Jeremy Hansen retires from the Canadian Space Agency. Prime Minister Carney issues a statement, July 6, 2026.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

The BC #NDP now has a larger majority (48 seats), as former BC Conservative (turned Independent) MLA Amelia Boultbee joins the NDP -- welcomed by Premier #Eby today at the BC Legislature. islandsocialtrends.ca/former-bc-co... | #bcpoli

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Former BC Conservative MLA Independent Amelia Boultbee joins BC NDP - Island Social Trends

Former BC Conservative MLA Independent Amelia Boultbee joins NDP, bringing BC NDP to a 48 seat majority. Welcomed by Premier Eby.

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Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Happy Canada Day! An awesome country, a day to relax. islandsocialtrends.ca/happy-canada...

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Happy Canada Day 2026, celebrate and relax! - Island Social Trends

Happy Canada Day 2026, celebrate and relax! July 1, 2026. Reflecting on 159 years and moving forward in the world.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

BC Premier Eby heads to #China on a #trademission about #agricultural and #forestry products, #energy (LNG Canada Phase 2 is near final investment decision), and tourism. He'll be back by July 2 for a #federal announcement about an MOU that will benefit BC. islandsocialtrends.ca/premier-eby-...

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Premier Eby heading to China on trade mission - Island Social Trends

BC Premier David Eby heading to China on trade mission, leaving Vancouver June 27 and returning before July 2, 2026.

Island Social Trends @islandsocialtrends.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Editorial: Process & budget overshadow the best interests of students & families in #SD62 Sooke School District decisions: dropping the Early Childhood Educators-in-Kindergarten program; cancelling Aug back-to-school board mtg. islandsocialtrends.ca/sd62-board-p... | #bced @lisabeare.bsky.social

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SD62 board process & budget over student needs: ECE-in-K gone, August meeting cancelled - Island Social Trends

Sooke School District SD62 board process & budget over student needs: ECE-in-K program gone, back-to-school August meeting cancelled.