Podcast appearances and mentions of nicholas simons

David P Ball/ Vancouver Coop Radio - The provincial government's partial reversal of cuts to disability assistance top-ups didn't dampen the turnout at a rally this week demanding an end to rates they said keep people with disabilities far below the poverty line. Dozens of people took over the intersection of Howe and Dunsmuir streets, near a provincial government office, on Thursday afternoon, unfurling a giant "No Funds" novelty groceries receipt to show how difficult it is to make ends meet on assistance even after the government's $175 permanent raise to rates announced just a day before. The event was billed as an anti-poverty "parade" and featured a three-piece band with standup bass, saxophone and electric guitar, as well as signs calling for a significant increase to disability assistance as well as calling attention to unaffordable rents, high medical and prescription costs, and inaccessible service barriers accessing support. Provincial poverty reduction minister Nicholas Simons touted the $175 monthly top-up as the largest single raise to rates in B.C. history, and said the pandemic's $300 supplement was never meant to be permanent but to help people through a very difficult year, but that the permanent raise would help lift people out of poverty combined with other provincial measures, part of the B.C. poverty reduction strategy. But advocates decried the ongoing low rates, saying it was "unacceptable" and a pattern of "neglect" of people who need help through no fault of their own, and whose health conditions often worsen because of the lack of help and difficult financial choices of living in poverty. Photo credit: DTES alley Vancouver by Jason Thibault @ massivekontent.com/

MLA Nicholas Simons, poverty reduction

This week on Coast Reporter Radio: The final count is done and the NDP’s Nicholas Simons has been confirmed as MLA-elect for Powell River – Sunshine Coast, with a slightly bigger margin than he had election night. Show Notes: Our most recent story on the election results for Powell River – Sunshine Coast: https://www.coastreporter.net/news/local-news/simons-increases-margin-in-final-vote-count-1.24236088 Our story with the picture of Nicholas Simons and Kamala Harris: https://www.coastreporter.net/news/local-news/local-mla-elect-shares-grade-school-photo-with-u-s-vice-president-elect-1.24236221 Our story on the impact of the new provincial health order on local recreation programs: https://www.coastreporter.net/news/local-news/most-rec-facility-group-activities-cancelled-on-coast-under-new-health-order-1.24236151 The latest updates to the new provincial health order: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/lower-mainland

This week on Coast Reporter Radio: The preliminary vote count is in, and it looks like NDP incumbent Nicholas Simons will be confirmed to his fifth term as the MLA for Powell River – Sunshine Coast, but there are also as many as 8,338 mail-in ballots still to be counted. Some insight into how that count is going forward from the chief electoral officer. The Green leader on trying to influence policy without holding the balance of power. And, it’s hard to say which will be scarier this Halloween – the costumes or the COVID precautions. Show Notes: Our most recent story on the election results for Powell River – Sunshine Coast: https://www.coastreporter.net/news/local-news/simons-projected-to-win-darwin-waiting-for-mail-in-count-1.24227441 Coast Reporter’s BC Election news page: https://www.coastreporter.net/bc-votes-2020 Sophie Woodrooffe’s story on B.C.’s pandemic Halloween: https://www.coastreporter.net/news/local-news/public-health-ok-s-covid-modified-halloween-1.24229684

On this edition of Coast Reporter Radio we’re continuing our feature interviews with the three candidates for MLA, with NDP incumbent Nicholas Simons, who’s seeking a fifth term. Nicholas joined us on the morning of October 15, so our conversation doesn’t reflect anything that’s happened on the campaign trail since then. Show Notes: Coast Reporter’s BC Election news page: https://www.coastreporter.net/bc-votes-2020 Candidate websites: Nicholas Simons (NDP): https://nicholassimons.bcndp.ca/ Sandra Stoddart-Hansen (Liberal): https://www.bcliberals.com/team/sandra-stoddart-hansen Kim Darwin (Green): https://www.kimdarwin.ca

This week on Coast Reporter Radio: With the election officially underway we’ll hear from NDP incumbent Nicholas Simons – the only candidate confirmed so far in our riding. The party leaders, who all addressed the Union of BC Municipalities virtual convention this week. And chief electoral officer Anton Boegman and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry on voting safely. Show notes: Coast Reporter’s BC Election news page: https://www.coastreporter.net/bc-votes-2020 This week’s story on the local race in Powell River – Sunshine Coast: https://www.coastreporter.net/news/local-news/simons-says-premier-made-a-good-case-for-early-election-call-1.24206765 Editor John Gleeson’s take: https://www.coastreporter.net/opinion/editorial/editorial-ndp-pandemic-rhetoric-crass-and-unhelpful-1.24208565 Our story on how we’ll vote and Elections BC’s preparations: https://www.coastreporter.net/news/local-news/elections-bc-predicts-up-to-40-per-cent-of-ballots-could-be-mail-ins-1.24207513 Coast Reporter’s COVID-19 news page: https://www.coastreporter.net/covid-19 The provincial government website for COVID-19 information and related services and supports: http://www.gov.bc.ca/covid

On the latest episode of Policy Outsider, guests Joseph Popcun, Rockefeller Institute director of policy and practice, and Nicholas Simons, project coordinator at the Institute, discuss the role of the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium in finding and developing effective policy to reduce gun violence. A recent surge in shooting incidents following months of coronavirus lockdown in metropolitan areas around New York State. As a cause of death, gun violence receives far less research funding than other leading causes. Lack of federal funding for firearm fatality research over the last twenty years has made it difficult for policymakers to develop targeted, effective policy for reducing gun violence. Popcun and Simons share how the Consortium aims to fill that void by orienting gun violence researchers toward the evidence and data needs of practitioners and policymakers. By focusing attention on gun violence as a policy problem, the Consortium helps state and local governments pursue and execute effective solutions to reduce and prevent firearm-involved homicides, suicides, and injuries.

In a new episode of Policy Outsider, guest Nicholas Simons, project coordinator at the Rockefeller Institute of Government, discusses how COVID-19 is affecting the 2020 Census and how the U.S. Census Bureau is adjusting its operations to account for disruptions from the pandemic. In mid-March, as governments in the US began responding to the emerging threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, households received detailed information from the Census Bureau on how to respond to the 2020 Census. Shortly thereafter, the Census Bureau temporarily suspended its field operations though collection of responses continues online, by mail, and by phone. Approximately 60% of households, nationally, have completed the Census. In this episode, Simons shares information on the Census Bureau’s adjusted operations, including new deadlines for self-response and nonresponse followup (NRFU) and how extending the timeline for collection efforts will delay the sharing of congressional apportionment counts with states.

This week on Coast Reporter Radio: Powell River – Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons on the provincial response to COVID-19, travel restrictions and a certain Tweet about long weekend ferry traffic, and Facebook live cello recitals. Show Notes: Our story about premier John Horgan's comments on the BC Ferries financial situation: https://www.coastreporter.net/news/local-news/horgan-still-hopeful-of-federal-support-for-ferries-transit-1.24122649 Our story about how the pandemic is leading to calls for permanent changes to the long-term care system: https://www.coastreporter.net/b-c-seniors-care-needs-reset-1.24122663 Coast Reporter’s COVID-19 news page: https://www.coastreporter.net/covid-19 The provincial government website for COVID-19 information and related services and supports: http://www.gov.bc.ca/covid Our local governments have also launched dedicated pages: Sechelt: https://sechelt.ca/Live/COVID-19-Municipal-Updates Gibsons: https://gibsons.ca/community/community-resources/covid-19/ Sunshine Coast Regional District: https://www.scrd.ca/covid-19-updates The BC Centre for Disease Control’s COVID-19 resources page: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19?utm_campaign=20200311_GCPE_AM_COVID_2_NOTIFICATION_BCGOV_BCGOV_EN_BC__NOTIFICATION

This week on Coast Reporter Radio: Harm reduction on the Coast and some thoughts on Aboriginal rights and title from outspoken Liberal MLA Ellis Ross of Skeena and the NDP’s Nicholas Simons from Powell River - Sunshine Coast.

The debate about gun violence in the U.S. seems to be dominated by division and policy paralysis. But it doesn't have to be. Some of the most effective policies in reducing gun homicides are also the most popular — among gun owners and proponents of gun control alike. We talk with the author of the most recent report from the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium, a multistate initiative coordinated by the Rockefeller Institute of Government, about which policies have the best chances of making a difference. Guests: Michael Siegel is a professor of community health sciences at the Boston University School of Public Health. Nicholas Simons is a project coordinator at the Rockefeller Institute of Government. Read the report: "What Are the Most Effective Policies in Reducing Gun Homicides?" Learn more about the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium. *** Policy Outsider from the Rockefeller Institute of Government explores and explains how decisions of law and policy shape our everyday lives. Created in 1981, the Rockefeller Institute of Government is the public policy research arm of the State University of New York. It conducts cutting-edge, nonpartisan research and policy analysis.

Coast Reporter Radio Ep. 133: We catch up with MLA Nicholas Simons to get reaction on the NDP’s byelection win this week and a host of local issues as MLAs get ready to head back to Victoria to start a new session. A Super Bowl preview of sorts in the House of Commons involving our local MP. And Sophie Woodrooffe sits down with the CEO of Community Foundations of Canada. Show Notes: Our story on Nicholas Simons’ reaction to the Nanaimo byelection: https://www.coastreporter.net/news/local-news/simons-welcomes-ndp-win-in-nanaimo-1.23619144 Editor John Gleeson on BC Ferries president Mark Collins’ comments about resident preferred loading: https://www.coastreporter.net/opinion/editorial/editorial-residents-first-on-the-ferry-for-real-1.23618920 Sophie Woodrooffe’s recent story about one of the programs being supported by the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation: https://www.coastreporter.net/news/local-news/volunteer-sunshine-coast-resource-centre-introduces-social-enterprise-volunteer-program-1.23619056 This week’s Art Beat column: https://www.coastreporter.net/entertainment/arts-entertainment/art-beat-identical-strangers-tells-a-remarkable-story-1.23618716

Coast Reporter Radio episode 121: Sunshine Coasters went to the polls Oct. 20 and a new crop of local government leaders has emerged - Sean and John look at the results. And, British Columbians started receiving their mail-in ballots for the referendum on electoral reform, so we're repeating our interviews with Nicholas Simons, NDP MLA for Powell River – Sunshine Coast and Bill Tieleman of the No BC Proportional Representation Society. Show Notes: Our story summing up the results from the Oct. 20 local elections: https://www.coastreporter.net/news/local-news/election-2018-siegers-beamish-landslides-1.23471152 Our story running down the various electoral reform options: https://www.coastreporter.net/opinion/two-new-electoral-systems-highlight-third-attempt-at-pr-for-b-c-1.23473574

Coast Reporter Radio episode 105 We mark the kickoff of the proportional representation referendum campaign with a pair of interviews with people on the yes and no sides of the question; NDP MLA Nicholas Simons and No BC Proportional Representation Society president Bill Tieleman Show Notes: Our story on the start of the proportional representation referendum: http://www.coastreporter.net/news/local-news/pr-referendum-campaign-underway-yes-and-no-groups-still-to-be-named-1.23358229

Coast Beat Ep. 89: This week, Sean and John sit down with Powell River – Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons in advance of the NDP government’s Throne Speech and February 20 budget. We recorded the interview just after Health Minister Adrian Dix confirmed a site on shishalh Nation territory is likely to be the home of a controversial new long-term care facility. Show Notes: Our story on the Trellis/shishalh Nation deal to build a new long-term care home http://www.coastreporter.net/news/local-news/deal-close-to-build-trellis-facility-on-sh%C3%ADsh%C3%A1lh-nation-land-says-dix-1.23167871

Coast Beat Ep. 71: Sean and John discuss the latest moves in the debate over the Seawatch sinkholes and MLA Nicholas Simons on the NDP's first week in the Legislature as government.

Coast Beat Ep. 52: NDP incumbent Nicholas Simons joins Sean and John for the first in our series of interviews with the candidates in Powell River - Sunshine Coast leading up to the May 9th election. The NDP released its provincial platform after our interview was recorded. You can see it here: https://www.bcndp.ca/platform

Welcome to this week’s episode of CJMP News! Listen into to an interview about Powell River's growth with Mayor Dave Formosa. We also followed up with Regional District director Colin Palmer and his remarks about gender neutral language at last week’s Union of BC Municipalities conference in Victoria. City Councillor CaroleAnn Leishman and Erin Innes also weigh in. And we caught up with Nicholas Simons to talk about what’s going on in the Eldred Valley. All of this and more on CJMP News!   img: http://www.quietrev.com/

The Province's Cassidy Olivier discusses his role in the resignation of Harry Bloy as minister of state for multiculturalism. Samara exeutive director Alison Loat shares her thoughts on why our elected representatives are in need of a job description. Powell River-Sunshine Coast New Democrat legislator Nicholas Simons talks about his concerns regarding a new drive testing program for seniors. And our rabble-rousing panel - David Cubberley, The Tyee's Andrew MacLeod, the Georgia Straight's Charlie Smith and Allan Warnke - share their thoughts on the week that was in provincial and federal politics.

Former federal parliamentarians Paul Forseth and Jim Hart talk about why they want to run for the BC Conservatives in the next election. Union of British Columbia Municipalities executive member Greg Moore shares his thoughts on the government's proposed municipal auditor general. New Democrat community living critic Nicholas Simons discusses Harry Bloy's leadership of the ministry of social development. And our rabble-rousing panel - the Don Anderson, Bob Russell, Troy Sebastian and Allan Warnke - debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics.

We debrief Nicholas Simons about his experiences as a provincial New Democrat leadership candidate. Dana Larsen, who is still in the race to succeed Carole James, also shares his thoughts about that experience. And our rabble-rousing panel - David Cubberley, Eleanor Gregory and Allan Warnke - debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics.

We speak with Nicholas Simons about why he's running to succeed Carole James. And our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Eleanor Gregory, Bob Russell and Allan Warnke - debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics.