Smoke continues to hang in Nanaimo and in the region

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Air Quality in Nanaimo one of the worst on the planet

Smoke from US wildfires will continue to plague us today, but meteorologists say the skies will start to clear. Southern Vancouver Island has been under a health advisory for several days. Air quality in Nanaimo reached a 10 plus rating on Saturday, which made it one of the most polluted cities on the planet. The rating means there is an increased risk of respiratory issues. People are being urged to stay inside and avoid strenuous exercise.

Meteorologists say rain in the forecast tomorrow will help dissipate the smoke.

COVID-19 Outbreak in the Tla'amin First Nation

The Tla'amin First Nation has extended its shelter in place order until 5 pm today, in an effort to keep people from spreading COVID-19. The original order was issued last Tuesday, after 4 people tested positive for the virus. However, 14 more cases were confirmed on Saturday. Children are being encouraged not to attend school until the order is lifted. The first nation, near Powell River, believes the virus was originally transmitted at a funeral.

New School Buses for High School Students

It will be a slightly different journey to school for high school students who live on Gabriola Island. Starting today, they will board two school buses before embarking on the ferry to Nanaimo. A spokesperson for the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District says the students will stay on the buses during the voyage and be dropped off and picked up at their high school. Dale Burgos says the first-of-its-kind agreement with BC Ferries is an effort to ensure a safe school restart.

"By keeping them on the bus, it keeps them from coming into contact with other people. So we can control that by bringing these buses on to the ferry, for sure."–Dale Burgos, Executive Director of Communications, Privacy and Community Engagement for SD-68.

About 100 students from Gabriola Island attend Nanaimo District Secondary School.

MLA Sonia Furstenau chosen as Leader of BC Greens

The votes are counted and BC Greens will announce their new leader this afternoon. Three candidates threw their hats in the ring. They are Cam Brewer, a Vancouver Lawyer and SFU prof who specializes in environmental and aboriginal law. Kim Darwin, a mortgage broker from Sechelt. She ran unsuccessfully for the greens in the last provincial election, and arguably the best-known candidate, Sonya Furstenau, the MLA for Cowichan Valley and Deputy Party Leader. The pandemic delayed the race which was originally planned for June. Interim Party Leader Adam Olsen says the race has attracted more members but he says having leadership races for both the provincial and federal greens at the same time has hurt fundraising efforts.

"It's difficult for people to sort through. If they are members of both parties, it's made it difficult with respect to fundraising. Both federal leadership contestants and provincial leadership contestants going to the same people has made it difficult."–Interim Party Leader Adam Olsen.

BC Greens have also called on government not to call an election before next fall's deadline, but political pundits have been postulating that the Premier may drop the writ before the end of this month.