Workers at Canada Post went on strike in November in a move that was expected to create delays and other disruptions to mail and parcel delivery — just as the Crown corporation prepared for what’s typically its busiest period.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said it came to the decision after “a year of bargaining with little progress.” Meanwhile, Canada Post said it was “disappointed” with the decision, which will “have a significant and immediate impact on millions of Canadians, small businesses and charities who count on Canada Post during the busy holiday season.”
Customers experienced delays in mail and parcel delivery for a month. Once operations resumed, Canada Post said all mail will be delivered as quickly as possible on a first-in, first-out basis.
Terrace occupational therapist advocates for student loan forgiveness
A young occupational therapist just beginning her career in Terrace came out in November saying it's unfair her profession isn't included in a federal student loan forgiveness program.
Aya Anholt, an occupational therapist with Northern Health, said their exclusion could leave Terrace and rural communities without a vital service. She has been vocal on this issue, writing a letter to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, advocating for their inclusion.
"We're a key part of addressing Canada's mental health and toxic drug crisis, which has a disproportionate impact on rural and remote Indigenous communities," said Anholt.
Northern Health begins move-in to Ksyen Regional Hospital in Terrace
Fourteen years after a letter was sent from regional health care officials to B.C. Liberal health minister Kevin Falcon asking for a replacement to the aging and inadequate Mills Memorial Hospital, it was move-in week at that replacement, Ksyen Regional Hospital.
With twice as many beds as Mills Memorial, an expanded psychiatric unit, an expanded emergency room and first-time ever services such as advanced trauma care, orthopedic surgery and a specialized unit for newborns, the path from 2010 was not easy.
"This new hospital will strengthen our network of services in the region and will bring improvements to healthcare access and services to all those who live in northwestern B.C," said Northern Health Authority chair Colleen Nyce.
Second World War building faces demolition
Barring a last-minute infusion of enough money for an extensive renovation, the last remaining structure that was part of a Terrace Second World War army hospital complex was slated for demolition in November.
Popularly called the Kin Hut and owned by the city, the red-roofed, white-sided structure sits on its original location just north of the Heritage Park Museum close to the corner of Sparks Street and Halliwell Avenue. It's now used for city storage.
The question of its future surfaced when senior staffers recommended the city either spend $10,000 on a more detailed review of its condition and explore its heritage value or spend $110,000 to demolish it in 2025 given its current condition.
Search for missing 21-year-old kayaker in Kitwanga area ends
The search for 21-year-old Aiden Waddle was called off the morning of Nov. 20 after he had been missing for nine days.
In a Facebook post, Waddle's family said they decided to end the search so as not to risk anybody else's health or safety as weather conditions became more hazardous.
On Nov. 11, New Hazelton RCMP confirmed they had received a report of a missing person on Nov. 10. Cpl. Madonna Saunderson said it was reported an adult male had gone kayaking alone on Kitwancool Lake and had not returned. She said RCMP, local search and rescue groups and volunteers had be searching for the missing man since the morning of Nov. 11.
RCMP investigates disturbing letters sent to Vanderhoof school teachers
Vanderhoof RCMP launched an investigation in November into a series of disturbing letters mailed to several teachers and staff at Evelyn Dickson Elementary School.
The contents of the letters have not been released to the public to avoid compromising the investigation, but it has raised considerable concern within the local community. The police are urging anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to contact the Vanderhoof RCMP.
"I am deeply disturbed by the threatening mail that school district teachers and employees have received. These acts are completely unacceptable, illegal and immoral," said Vanderhoof Mayor Kevin Moutray.
