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‘Suck it up’ - that’s the message from Premier David Eby to Uber and other gig-based app companies that link drivers with those wanting rides or food deliveries. The response comes as Uber sounds the alarm about the cost of B.C.’s new legislation that will offer a basic minimum wage of $20.88 per hour and 35 cents per km for drivers engaged in a ride or delivery. Those same drivers will also be covered by WorkSafeBC as of Sep 3. Both Uber and Skip the Dishes say this will drive up costs for those who order food deliveries online.
App-based ride-hailing and food delivery workers will be covered by new regulations as of Sep 3 that set minimum wage, milage and WorkSafe standards. The B.C. government has finalized rules including a minimum wage of $20.88 per hour for time engaged in a pickup and delivery, 35 to 45 cents per kilometre travelled, and 100 per cent of tips collected. B.C.’s new rules do not apply to other gig workers such as dog walkers, musicians and freelance writers.
Kevin Falcon’s BC United has punted its Surrey North candidate - Asad Gondal. Falcon released a statement late Tuesday afternoon saying the candidate held views that were inconsistent with the party’s stance on the war in Gaza and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Falcon says Gondal’s views were shared in correspondence he signed as head of the BC Muslim Association. On Sunday, BC United issued a statement praising Gondal for his ability to pave the way for a brighter future for the community.
Ten people have been displaced after a fire Monday morning at a single room occupancy building on Vancouver’s Granville Street between Nelson and Helmcken. Police and fire investigators think the blaze was intentionally set at around 10:30. Those from the SRO are being assisted by by several social service agencies in finding new accommodation.
Two people are recovering in hospital after a floatplane collided with a small boat in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour. It happened Saturday afternoon, shocking witnesses who saw the plane taking off but failing to clear the boat that powered in front of its path. All five of the plane’s passengers and the pilot were not hurt. An investigation is underway to figure out blame.