As fears intensify that the benchmark price for Alberta’s oilsands crude could drop below zero, we dig into what’s behind the crash, the phenomenon of ‘homeless crude’ and why new pipelines ultimately won’t solve the problem   By Sharon J. Riley for The Narwhal The headlines don’t...

Does anyone without an economist's education understand how vast sums of money are "created" when Western, highly-developed economies are in crisis? In 2008/09, trillions of dollars seemed to be conjured out of nothing, to rescue banks, corporations, and finance capitalists in the USA. Then, Wall St. nearly ruined our world...

Let’s come together in these physically distancing times. These are difficult times, especially for people who lack safe shelter, food and other necessities — and for those on the front lines. Even though we must maintain physical distance, we need to come together more than ever. As bad as things are, and could get, compassion...

As challenges caused by novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to shift, the B.C. government and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer (PHO), are taking unprecedented measures to slow transmission. On March 16, 2020, Henry issued an order under the Public Health Act prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people....

With businesses closing their doors in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the need for business supports is urgent. As a non-profit community economic development organization, Community Futures Central Kootenay is committed to helping businesses and communities through this crisis. Staff have been monitoring government...

Food is essential, so Ferraro’s remains open to serve Rossland while other retailers must close their doors.  But there are many among us for whom obtaining food is a challenge in these times – for some, because income that was already in short supply is suddenly absent; and for seniors and the immune-compromised,...

As a member-owned credit union, local decision-making and thriving communities are the cornerstone of who we are. The health and safety of our members, employees and communities are of utmost importance to us.  With the extraordinary events around us evolving at a rapid pace, we’re proactively taking precautions against the...

Federal Finance Minister, Bill Morneau, just unveiled the “first phase” of Canada’s “Economic Response Plan” – which includes $27B in direct support and aid to Canadians and $55B in tax deferrals. The federal package includes a number of desired-actions you flagged in our network-wide COVID-19 Business Impact Survey the results...

UPDATE:  The City of Rossland has closed all playgrounds, because the virus can live for days on hard surfaces.  Playing fields will remain open, but only if people using them comply with the two-metre "social distancing" requirement.  Non-compliance will bring closure for all. The CIty has also postponed the Committee-of-the-Whole...

Teck is implementing extensive preventative measures across its offices and operations in order to safeguard the health of its employees, while continuing to operate safely and responsibly maintain employment and economic activity. All Teck corporate offices have been closed and remote work implemented for all employees able...