#CANADA: British Columbia To Adopt "Inclusive" Language In Laws

[world politics news]

British Columbia will become the first province in Canada to systematically amend provincial laws to remove "outdated gendered and binary language, better reflecting the diversity of the province and ensuring everyone can access provincial programs and services," according to a government press release.

Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, has introduced new modernizing legislation to correct outdated language by amending more than 2,300 instances of "outdated gendered and binary terms" from 21 ministries across 210 provincial statutes.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#CANADA: BC Legalizes Hard Drugs For 3 Years

[world politics news]

On Tuesday, British Columbia will begin a three-year decriminalization experiment, allowing drug users 18 and over to carry a up to 2.5 grams of opioids, such as heroin and fentanyl, as well as cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA.

It’s an experiment that’s likely to influence drug policy across Canada.

The approach is a “monumental shift” in drug policy, says Carolyn Bennett, the federal minister of mental health and addictions, adding that it’s meant to foster “trusting and supportive relationships” rather than criminalization.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#CANADA: Mayor Says He'll Fine Uber Drivers $500/Day For Illegally Operating In City

[world politics news]

Surrey, British Columbia Mayor Doug McCallum says he'll start issuing $500 tickets each day to Uber drivers caught operating in the Vancouver suburb. McCallum cites the fact the city has not granted any ride-hailing companies municipal business licences as the reason behind their actions.

"A business licence is required to operate in Surrey – or any other municipality,” he said. “Until that happens, Uber is operating illegally in Surrey," he said. McCallum’s comments follow a statement he made this past Friday in which he also said he opposed ride-hailing in his city’s boundaries, and said he was acting to protect the city's cab drivers.

Experts note that provincial law allows ride-sharing services and there is no legal authority to ticket Uber drivers. The tickets are being issue by "by-law officers."

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#CANADA: Liberal Bill Would Ban Oil Tankers Off British Columbia's Northern Coast

[world politics news]

The federal Liberal government has introduced legislation that will turn into law the informal ban on crude oil tanker traffic off B.C.'s North Coast. The law would prohibit oil tankers from carrying crude and persistent oils as cargo from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations in northern B.C. The moratorium area would extend from B.C.'s northern border with the U.S down to the mainland adjacent to the northern tip of Vancouver Island, including Haida Gwaii. Vessels will be permitted in the moratorium area to deliver shipments to northern communities.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#CANADA: British Columbia Liberals Won't Sign Trans Rights Pledge; Banned From Pride Parade

[world politics news]

The ruling British Columbia Liberal Party have been banned from participating in this summer’s Pride Parade in Vancouver after it refused to sign a pledge calling for new legislation to protect transgender people, something parade organizers require all participants to do. Laura Miller, executive director of the BC Liberals, says transgender people are already protected under the province's Human Rights Code, and the party doesn't feel the need to explicitly state it.

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