Afternoon News Update for April 15, 2020

Prime Minister Trudeau. 📷: PMO photographer (used with permission).

NANAIMO —The federal government is expanding its Canada Emergency Response Benefit to include thousands of Canadians who did not qualify under the original plan. The $2000 a month benefit will now be available to people who make less than $1000 per month. Also eligible is anyone whose Employment Insurance ran out after January the first, and seasonal workers who cannot find seasonal work are also eligible. After making the announcement this morning, the Prime Minister assured post-secondary students and businesses there will be something for them later this week.

WorkSafe BC says it has received more than 3,000 complaints and questions about employers who are not following public health orders in the workplace. It says the most common concerns are about physical distancing, personal protective equipment, the right to refuse work, essential vs non-essential workers and general hygiene in the workplace.· WorkSafeBC has launched an inspection program to ensure employers are taking steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure at the workplace. It says the initial focus of the initiative is to educate but employers could face orders for non-compliance, and administrative penalties for flagrant violations.

Truckers who transport much-needed goods across the province will find more rest stops and road food available to them in the coming days. The Government of B.C. is funding the installation of 20 portable toilets at several commercial vehicle pull-outs, inspection stations and chain-up locations throughout the province. It is also keeping all rest areas open during the outbreak. The BC Trucking Association has spearheaded the Meals for Truck Drivers project which has set up food trucks at commercial card-locks throughout BC. Last month trucking industry representatives said shuttered truck stops and off-limits gas stations were becoming significant problems.

Starting tomorrow, all open burn fires are banned in BC. So are fireworks, sky lanterns and the use of burn barrels. The Ministry of Environment says a dry spring and concerns over COVID-19 are the reasons for the ban. Health officials say smoke can make those fighting the virus even more ill. And, wildfires use up resources that must be reserved for any pandemic-related emergencies. Campfires have also been banned throughout the Nanaimo Regional District.

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Lisa Cordasco

Senior Reporter and News Director — Lisa is responsible for creating the station's first morning news current affairs show on CHLY. She is also deeply involved in training and mentoring student and citizen journalists who volunteer their time at the station. Before joining CHLY, Lisa spent 35 years in various roles at CBC Radio, from host to reporter. Her passion for journalism and radio has led her to Nanaimo, where she intends to provide CHLY listeners with news they can use, in an alternative radio environment. Her other not-so-secret passion is costuming for any occasion.

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