Overdose deaths in Island Health Region up 16.56%

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The federal government is promising a Canada-wide early learning and childcare system to help women return to the workforce. Today's Speech from the Throne also promises an overhaul of the Employment Insurance program, to give easier access to self-employed and gig-based workers. Governor-General Julie Payette, says the federal government will focus on adding more jobs to the Canadian economy.

"One way the government will create these jobs is by extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy right through the next summer. The government will work with businesses and labour to ensure the program meets the need of the health and economic situation as it evolves."—Governor-General Julie Payette.

The wage subsidy program was set to end in December. The federal government plans to unveil the details of its Throne Speech promises in its COVID-19 Economic Response Plan some time this fall.

Homeless man set on fire in Campbell River

Campbell River RCMP are investigating the case of a homeless man who was deliberately set on fire early yesterday morning. Police say the 20-year-old man was set on fire while he was sleeping underneath the Highway 19 bridge over the Campbell River. The man managed to shed his burning clothing and make his way to a nearby parking lot for help. He was found by two fishermen at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday. RCMP Constable Maury Tyre says the man was taken to hospital, suffering from serious but not life-threatening burns to his back. He says some personal items were also stolen from the man's encampment under the bridge. Tyre says police have some leads, but no suspects.

"We're not sure who the individual or individuals was that did this. Nor do we know what their motives were, so it is very, very concerning that this kind of incident could happen. Whether that be someone that was completely foolish and could not think of the consequences of their actions or whether it was something vicious."—RCMP Constable Maury Tyre.

Tyre says the man has since been released from hospital and has been offered assistance by RCMP victims' services.

Wednesday Covid-19 update

Today's COVID-19 numbers show 91 new cases of the virus have been confirmed in BC over the past 24 hours. There are no new cases in the Island Health region. Currently, our active case count stands at eleven. Province-wide, there are 1376 people suffering from COVID-19. 62 are in hospital. There have been no new deaths reported since Monday.

Province-wide overdose deaths up by 8.65% compared to last year

Meanwhile, more people have died from drug overdoses in British Columbia this year than in total last year. The latest statistics from the BC Coroner's Service show so far this year, 1068 people have died from toxic drugs. Last year, the total was 983. Those statistics mirror what is happening in the Island Health Region, which has reported 190 overdose deaths so far this year, compared to 163 deaths last year. Province-wide, there were 147 illicit drug overdoses recorded in August, including 24 deaths in the Island Health Region.