Podcast appearances and mentions of sheila malcolmson

This episode focuses on the relationships that underlie the buying and selling of food (and wine), including the ways in which trust is built up through exchange and communication. We start off with some sounds of feedback—but not the awful screechy kind. That's followed by conversations with Nicolas Fabien-Ouellet of the Montreal Public Markets and Tania Perreault, from the wine bar L'aPéro Buvette. (This conversation is in French—see transcript for English translation.) Both talk about the relationships, cycles, and feedback that make their businesses thrive, while also keeping the commercial aspect as humanistic as possible. The ‘Stick This in Your Mouth' segment gets pretty cheesy, as David and Maxime do some dances with dairy, and this episode's Food Questionnaire respondent is politician and environmental champion, the Honorable Sheila Malcolmson.Guests:Nicolas Fabien-Ouellet is the Director General of the Marchés publics de Montréal, a network that includes the Jean-Talon, Atwater, and Maisonneuve food markets, as well as six neighbourhood markets and three Solidarity markets in Montreal. He earned his master degree in Food Systems from the University of Vermont in 2017, and is the author of several articles, including “Poutine Dynamics,” a socio-political examination of the iconic québécois dish.Tania Perreault is an interior designer and co-owner/operator, with her partner Melisande Lefebvre, of l'aPéro Buvette, a natural wine bar in Montreal. During the day, the space doubles as Tania's design studio and office, Pero studio.Sheila Malcolmson was first elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada (for Nanaimo, BC) in 2019. Her work has included improving mental-health services and addressing the ongoing toxic drug crisis, as well as protecting the environment and clean up coastal waters. Previously, she served as a federal member of the Canadian parliament for Nanaimo-Ladysmith in BC. As an MP, she was a leading advocate for solutions to vessel abandonment, oil spill prevention and women's equality. Sheila lives on Gabriola Island with her partner, Howard.Host/Producer: David SzantoMusic: Story ModeStock media: soundsvisual / Pond5@makingamealpodcastmakingamealofit.com

Speeches and stories from an Aug 31 event held in Maffeo Sutton Park to mark International Overdose Awareness Day. Featuring the voices of Amber McGrath, Sarah Lovegrove, Qui Sepulveda, Lenae Silva, Sheila Malcolmson, Aimee Chalifoux,Wanda LeBlanc (Moms Stop the Harm), Laura Lee James, Heather MacDonald, and Patrick Aleck.

Nanaimo MLA Sheila Malcolmson is British Columbia’s new minister for Social Development and Poverty Reduction. Malcolmson had previously been the province’s minister for Mental Health and Addictions. She joined People First Radio to speak about the tasks outlined in her mandate letter, and what changes within a ministry when a new minister takes over.   […]

Excerpts from Nanaimo’s event to mark International Overdose Awareness Day, held in Maffeo Sutton Park August 31 2022. Speakers include Sarah Lovegrove, MP Lisa Marie Barron, MLA Sheila Malcolmson, Lenae Silva, and Aimee Chalifoux.

The media round-table session from an event facilitated by the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition’s “Getting to Tomorrow” project.  It was held at the Dorchester hotel in Nanaimo on June 16th, and was focused on how the city can respond to the toxic drug poisoning crisis. Those present included Ann Livingston, Amber McGrath, Shane Calder, Sarah […]

David is out this week, but Katrina is joined by Sheila Malcolmson to talk about her work on mental health and additions.  We have our first ever live show! Join David, Katrina, and special guests in Vancouver on June 18th at 1pm. Buy your tickets right now by going to https://www.bcndp.ca/events/dash-podcast-live-recording-david-eby-and-katrina-chen-special-guests 

Oil-producing countries vow to boost output by 50% in July and August to curb rising prices following the European Union's announcement of a major cut in Russian crude imports. We ask Kaushik Deb, a Senior Research Scholar at the Centre on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, how effective this initiative can be. Leaving a tip can be a contentious issue. In India, the government is meeting with leaders from the restaurant industry to discuss whether or not an additional service charge should be automatically added at the end of a meal. We hear the thoughts of a foodie in Mumbai. A pilot programme in British Columbia, Canada, will decriminalize the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs including cocaine, MDMA and many opioids. The aim is to reduce the record number of overdose deaths, and to stop addicts being marginalised. We hear more from Sheila Malcolmson, British Columbia's Minister of Mental Health. Many banks are closing branches and expecting customers to do the bulk of their key transactions via the Internet. But does that risk leaving more vulnerable citizens behind in many countries? The BBC's Claire Williamson investigates. The licensing company that controls the Elvis Presley name and image is ordering wedding chapel operators in Las Vegas to stop using Elvis in their themed ceremonies. Jason Whaley, the president of the Las Vegas Wedding Chamber of Commerce explains what this means for the city. Ed Butler is joined by Jyoti Malhotra, Editor of National & Strategic Affairs at The Print website in Delhi, and Ralph Silva of the Silva Research Network in Toronto, to discuss these and the other big business stories of the day.

British Columbia is taking a critical step toward reducing the shame and fear associated with substance use as the federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health announced the granting of a three-year exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) to remove criminal penalties for people who possess a small amount of certain illicit substances for personal use.This exemption will be in effect from Jan. 31, 2023, to Jan. 31, 2026, throughout British Columbia. The Province will work with a broad range of partners to implement this policy change, including the federal government, health authorities, law enforcement, people with lived and living experience, Indigenous partners and community organizations to establish the public health and public safety indicators in order to monitor and evaluate the outcomes of this exemption in real time.“The shocking number of lives lost to the overdose crisis requires bold actions and significant policy change. I have thoroughly reviewed and carefully considered both the public health and public safety impacts of this request,” said Carolyn Bennett, federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health. “Eliminating criminal penalties for those carrying small amounts of illicit drugs for personal use will reduce stigma and harm and provide another tool for British Columbia to end the overdose crisis.”This exemption is not legalization. These substances remain illegal, but adults who have 2.5 grams or less of the certain illicit substances for personal use will no longer be arrested, charged or have their drugs seized. Instead, police will offer information on available health and social supports and will help with referrals when requested.“Substance use is a public health issue, not a criminal one,” said Sheila Malcolmson, B.C.'s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “By decriminalizing people who use drugs, we will break down the stigma that stops people from accessing life-saving support and services.”Over the past five years, British Columbia and the federal government have been building a continuum of care for mental health and substance use for people throughout the province and Canada. Increasing access to harm-reduction programs, such as safe consumption sites, safer supply and naloxone have been essential in saving lives. Implementing this exemption and reducing stigma around drug use is a vital part of the work toward decreasing barriers to this critical system of care."This exemption is a vital step to keeping people alive and help connect them with the health and social support they need,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer. “By removing the fear and shame of drug use, we will be able to remove barriers that prevent people from accessing harm reduction services and treatment programs.”Together, the federal and provincial governments will work closely to evaluate and monitor the implementation of this exemption, to address any unintended consequences and to ensure that this exemption continues to be the right decision for the people of B.C.

This special Move The Chains episode begins to tackle the important conversations that need to be had about the toxic drug crisis in BC and the continued stigma around drug addiction. Minister of mental health & addiction, Sheila Malcolmson, joins Coach Rick Campbell, Jamie Taras, Bo Lokombo & host Matt Baker for this important conversation.

Sheila Malcolmson, British Columbia’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, discusses the province’s new complex care program, following the recent announcement that 100 complex care spaces would be coming to the Greater Victoria area. First Broadcast March 31 2022.

Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, for a response to the latest coroner's Toxic Drug Report. She will be joined by Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh, president of Doctors of BC; and Michael Sandler, CEO of Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC.

Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions joins us to discuss the provinces' announcement today 

Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions; Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer; Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner; Mike Knott, overdose prevention outreach worker, SOLID; and Larry Campbell, Senator, for an announcement about the Province's next step in preventing future drug poisoning deaths.

Ch.1: Facebook, along with some of their family of apps went down for nearly 6 hours yesterday.  Did you notice?  Did it impact your business? Guest: Raji Sohal, CKNW Contributor Ch.2: The B.C. government is looking to partner with agencies to offer new substance-use recovery beds on Vancouver Island. Guest:  Hon. Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and MLA for Nanaimo. Ch.3: A software engineer and father in New Westminster has created a website that sends text notifications when there has been a COVID-19 exposure at a school. Guest: Gabriel Bauman, Software Engineer and Founder of exposure.watch. Ch.4: Facebook says its apps and services are back online after a nearly six-hour long widespread outage, impacting millions of users across the globe on Monday. Guest: Dr. Anatoliy Gruzd, Canada Research Chair in Social Media Data Stewardship and Director of the Social Media Lab at Ryerson University. Ch.5: It's Fall now and along with worsening weather comes car collisions and trouble on the roads. Guest: Raji Sohal, CKNW Contributor Ch.6: Three weeks into British Columbia's vaccination card program, the province says three violation tickets have been handed out in total. Guest: Jeff Guignard, Executive Director, ABLE BC (BC's Alliance of Beverage Licensees). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chapter 1: A new poll suggests that 62 per cent of parents are concerned that the pandemic has made mental health challenges worse for their children. Guest:  Lisa Wolff, Director, Policy and Research for UNICEF Canada Chapter 2: More than one million kits containing the lifesaving medication naloxone, used to reverse opioid overdoses, have been shipped to registered sites throughout the province since the inception of the Take Home Naloxone program in 2012.  Guest:  Sheila Malcolmson, BC Minister for Mental Health and Addiction. Chapter 3: UBC is holding a national forum this week June 10 & 11 to address anti-asian racism.  Racism is up, but there is some progress being made, even though there is still lots of denial. Chapter 4: Most people think it won't be solved anytime soon, but the head of UBC thinks otherwise and has been talking directly to students about it. Chapter 5: The President of the Canadian Bar Association is calling on all Canadians to learn more about the harsh reality of federally funded residential schools, in order to understand the generational impact on Indigenous people who are overrepresented in the justice and child welfare systems. Guest: Bradley Regehr, President, The Canadian Bar Association Chapter 6: Providing culturally appropriate food and traditional food preparation methods for those facing food insecurity empowers individuals and families by reconnecting them to their heritage. Guest: Gillian Der, Food Justice Coordinator, Collingwood-Renfrew Neighbourhood House. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Caroline Quach, Chair of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization; Dr. Supriya Sharma, Health Canada Chief Medical Advisor; Blaine Higgs, New Brunswick Premier; Robert Benzie, the Toronto Star; Rachel Aiello, CTV News; Dr. Abdu Sharkawy; CTV News Infectious Disease Specialist; and Sheila Malcolmson, B.C. Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

BC's Minister of mental Health and Addictions discusses calls for the Urban Mayor's Caucus to prioritize social issues, access to a safe drug supply, the need for prescriptions to access that supply and more.

New in this update:Malcolmson to focus on building up systems of careThe Minister of Mental Health and Addictions says she has no intention of reintroducing a controversial bill that would allow young people to be involuntarily admitted to hospital for treatment after a drug overdose. Bill 22 drew criticism from civil liberties groups, BC's Representative for Children and Youth and the provincial coroner. They feared young people would not seek medical help if they thought they would be forced into rehab. The province withdrew the bill, and the Premier said one reason he called the election was because the Green Party would not support it. However, Sheila Malcolmson says she will not re-introduce Bill 22 in the upcoming session of the legislature, which begins on March the 1st."I've got a lot of work to do with indigenous leadership, with all kinds of partners and stakeholders across the province on what we learned from the Bill 22 discussions that happened last summer, but honestly, my priority is on building up the system of care and particularly getting at the interventions we can do outside of hospital, to prevent things from building to a crisis."However, Malcolmson is not ruling out reintroducing a revised Bill 22 during her government's 4-year term.Filmmaker hopes film will give youths tools to recognize exploitation A Cowichan Valley production company is hoping to shine a light on Victoria's dirty little secret. Empress Avenue Media is in the midst of filming “Tug of War” which explores in disturbing detail the impact sexual exploitation of youth has on victims and their families in the region and beyond. The documentary's director, Mia Golden is also a counsellor with the Mobile Youth Services Team in Victoria. "People don't really know how extensive the youth exploitation situation is within our communities. They didn't realize to what extent and that it is happening in all our backyards and that there are children that they know that are being exploited without their knowledge."—Mia Golden, Counsellor with Mobile Youth Services.Golden says the internet has made that exploitation so much easier for pedophiles, who she says spend their days online, grooming and exploiting hundreds of kids at once. She says others are exploited through escort agencies and sex trafficking rings. And she says the dysfunctional nature of internet porn teaches kids that violent sex is normal. Golden says no family and no community is immune. Her documentary is set to debut at middle schools in Victoria this spring. She's hoping it will give young people the tools to recognize what's not normal and to recognize when they're being exploited. She also hopes it will help parents to prevent their children from becoming victims and to know how to seek help if they do.Bilingual signs in DuncanThe city of Duncan is going bilingual. Its council has approved a plan by the local Business Improvement Association to erect street signs in English and Hul'q'umi'num the traditional language of the Cowichan Tribes. Some of the names are translations while others hold significance in Cowichan Tribes' culture. For example, Third Street is named Smuyuqw'a which means ladybug and was chosen for its significance in Cowichan storytelling. Seven streets will include names in the Hul'q'umi'num language.

New in this update:Thursday COVID-19 updateCentral Vancouver Island continues to be a hotspot for COVID-19. Island Health is reporting 47 new cases of the virus today. There are now 212 active cases in the health region, with the vast majority, 157 on the central island. Province-wide, there were 564 new cases confirmed over the past 24 hours and 15 deaths.Gaming grant funding to help vulnerable youthVulnerable youth in the Cowichan Valley and Nanaimo are getting a boost, through a series of gaming grants. The Cowichan Valley Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association will receive $121,000 dollars to buy two vans. Its executive director, Lise Haddock says the vans are the key to connecting youth at risk with the supports they need."Many of our kids who are being impacted by homelessness, the opiate crisis, the impact of COVID and the lack of resources and a lack of services, really need to be reconnected,. and we see these vehicles as a mechanism around relational practices and a mechanism to connect. So the use of vehicles, we see them as a therapeutic tool. They're more than a vehicle."—Cowichan Valley CMHA Executive Director Lise Haddock.The Vancouver-based Take A Hike program for youth at risk says it will also buy a van with its $76,000 dollar grant, and it will be used in its Nanaimo program that serves 40 young people.VIU benefiting from Health Career Access programMeanwhile, Vancouver Island University will benefit from the province's plan to train and hire more long term care workers. The government's Health Career Access program will fund 600 post-secondary seats across the province, including 72 at Vancouver Island University. The health care assistants will be paid while they complete their courses and train at care sites. And, incentives are paid to those who remain in the industry after graduation. The $8.4 million dollar program was announced last September in response to the pressure put on the system by the pandemic. Today's announcement is the second this week in relation to health care education funding. On Monday, the province announced it would spend $800,000 dollars to fund more seats to train community mental health workers at four BC universities including VIU. The Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and the MLA for Nanaimo, Sheila Malcolmson says the programs will also benefit those already working in the sector. "To give those already facing burnout in the sector, to give them that optimism that we've got some fresh, newly trained, energetic young workers on their way to lend their support and make their work more sustainable."—Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Sheila Malcolmson.VIU will offer 16 more seats in its spring session for community mental health workers as a result of the new funding.

New in this update:Public meetings ‘lacking' for health authorities during pandemic B.C.'s Minister of Health says he will "have a word" with the province's health authorities about a lack of public meetings. The Board of Directors at Island Health has not held a public meeting in a year. Previously, the board would hold three or four public meetings annually but all of that changed with the pandemic. Adrian Dix says the work done by Health Authority boards over the past year has been "exceptional," but he says he understands how suspending all public meetings during that time might raise some concerns."The nature of COVID-19 and the intensity of the work has meant that some things that are very important as well, including public meetings haven't happened as much as we'd like, or as you describe in Island Health, at all and we'd obviously like to get back to that and that is an issue that I can raise with the chairs of the health authorities.”—Minister of Health Adrian Dix.Meanwhile, Island Health's board chair, and former deputy minister of health Leah Hollins, has not responded to several requests for comment. Island Health's media relations department has not said when a public meeting will be held but in a written reply, it said the board is still working on some of the logistics of holding a virtual public meeting. It also said the board held closed, in-camera meetings over the past year, and it is not aware of any requirement to hold public board meetings. Improvements needed in treatment of mental healthThe province says it is committed to improving how the health care system deals with young people who are involuntarily committed to hospitals for mental health treatment. A newly released report by BC's Representative for Children and Youth found an alarming 162% increase in the number of youth committed for treatment without consent between 2008 and 2018. The report's author says she is concerned there is no legislation or regulations to guide the use of restraint, drugging or confinement measures. Jennifer Charlesworth says involuntary committal to hospital should only be used as a last resort. The Minister of Mental Health and Addictions agrees. Sheila Malcolmson says her goal is to increase community-based programs while improving the way treatment in hospital is delivered."We are determined as a government to work with First Nations leadership, with families, with health care workers and with youth to make sure they get the most healing out of the time they are in hospital and that's a very high priority for our government and work that we must do quickly."—Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Sheila Malcolmson.The representative's report sets out deadlines in late 2021 and throughout 2022 to implement its 14 recommendations. They include the creation of culturally sensitive and trauma-informed treatment to the establishment of a patient's rights advocate and review board.

Today's highlights:  Strathcona Park soon to be free from campers?  There seems to now be a plan in place to clear up Strathcona Park.  We chat with Park Board Chair, Camil Dumont. BC now favouring the vaccine? When we initially talked about the vaccine, sentiments seemed to be iffy at best. It seems though, that those sentiments are now reversing, and BC residents are among the most likely in Canada to get or want the vaccine! Carbon tax lies? We chat with Tom Korski about the carbon tax  That and more!  _____________ NAVIGATE THE PODCAST:  Chapter 1 A plan is in place for Strathcona Park We talk to Park Board Chair, Camil Dumont. Chapter 2 Homeless for the Holidays: Day 1 Amir takes a look at homelessness, from a different perspective.  Chapter 3 A chat with BC's new Minister of Mental Health and Addictions It wouldn't be the best file to inherit. BC is likely the epicenter of the opioid crisis in North America. We chat with Sheila Malcolmson about what plans they have in place to curb this crisis. Chapter 4 Woman without hands gets kicked out of Indigo for not wearing mask Elisabeth Walker is a Paralympian. She has arms, but only a couple of fingers connected to those arms, with a different level of mobility. Chapter 5 Vaccine sentiments rapidly changing It went from nope, to give it to me now! How has your mind changed about the vaccine? Chapter 6 EYE ON OTTAWA: The Carbon Tax It's not popular, but is it necessary? We chat with Tom Korski, managing editor of Blacklocks Reporter Chapter 7 SFU Pipe Band The SFU Pipe Band is welcoming Santa Claus to town!  _____________   Remember to wash your hands, practice physical distancing, and stay home at all costs if you are sick. We're not out of the woods yet!    The Lynda Steele Full Show podcast includes all the individual segments that can be found on the Lynda Steele Show page, digitally stitched together for your convenience.    Listen live online at globalnews.ca/radio/cknw/ 3-6 PM!

It wouldn't be the best file to inherit. BC is likely the epicenter of the opioid crisis in North America. We chat with Sheila Malcolmson about what plans they have in place to curb this crisis.

The Minister for Mental Health and Addictions joins NL Newsday to discuss her portfolio as she is now a week into the role.

New in this update:Premier John Horgan calls an electionBritish Columbians are going to the polls a year earlier than planned Premier John Horgan has announced an election will be held on October the 24th. The next scheduled election was set for October of 2021. However, New Democrats hope a snap vote will turn the party's 41-seat minority government into at least a 44-seat majority. Horgan is currently enjoying a 70 per cent approval rating in the polls, but he insists the snap election is not about politics."I have grappled with this. We have significant challenges ahead on the health front, on the economic front, and what instability that brings to our communities and our social fabric. I believe the best way to get going on the work ahead, is to put the politics behind us. I cannot imagine twelve more months of bickering, twelve more months of not knowing whether a bill would pass the legislature because of uncertainty in numbers. I think the best way forward is to resolve that now. And that's why we're doing this."—Premier John Horgan.Nanaimo's voters last went to the polls in January 2019 in a by-election for a seat that was left vacant when Leonard Krog resigned to become the city's mayor. Sheila Malcolmson won the byelection for the NDP with 49.88 per cent of the vote. In the 2017 provincial election, the NDP's Doug Routley won the Nanaimo-North Cowichan riding. Both MLAs say they will run again in this provincial election.Dr. Bonnie Henry to go it alone with Health Briefings during electionMeanwhile, today's election call means the current Minister of Health, Adrian Dix, will not be taking part in the regular COVID-19 briefings. Starting today, only the Provincial Health Officer will attend those briefings. Dr Bonnie Henry explains why:"It would not be appropriate for him being on the campaign and have the opportunity to speak publicly twice a week. But he will very much be involved in ensuring the ongoing management of the crisis, along with Minister James who is the caretaker-minister during this period."—Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.Henry says as provincial health officer, she has the power to make health orders without the consent of the government. However, she says she intends to continue to advise and consult with government ministers including Dix and James. Meanwhile, Henry and BC's Chief Electoral Officer will release the details of the COVID election safety plan tomorrow.Monday COVID-19 updateToday's COVID-19 numbers, compiled since last Friday show there have been 366 new infections in BC over the past three days. There have been seven new cases of the virus in the Island Health region during that time. That our active case count to eleven. There were four deaths from the coronavirus in BC since Friday and none in Island Health.

New in this update:Premier John Horgan calls an electionBritish Columbians are going to the polls. Premier John Horgan has announced an election will be held on October the 24th. Advance Polls will open on October the 16. The next scheduled election is set for October of 2021. However, New Democrats hope a snap vote will turn the party's 41-seat minority government into at least a 44-seat majority. Horgan is currently enjoying a 70 per cent approval rating in the polls, but he insists the snap election is not about politics."I have grappled with this. We have significant challenges ahead on the health front, on the economic front, and what instability that brings to our communities and our social fabric. I believe the best way to get going on the work ahead, is to put the politics behind us. I cannot imagine twelve more months of bickering, twelve more months of not knowing whether a bill would pass the legislature because of uncertainty in numbers. I think the best way forward is to resolve that now. And that's why we're doing this."—Premier John Horgan.This will not be the first time in B.C. history that voters will go to the polls during a provincial state of emergency. An election was held under a provincial state of emergency in World War two.Worksafe BC is investigating complaints at two schoolsWorkSafe BC is investigating complaints by Nanaimo and Ladysmith teachers about unsafe working conditions at two schools. Teachers at Cilaire Elementary and Ladysmith Intermediate lodged complaints because neither school has a working ventilation system and smoky skies last week forced students to be in classrooms with closed windows all day. WorkSafe BC has told the district and the local teachers' association to begin a joint investigation with the goal of finding a solution. The School District has said it plans to install a new HVAC system in the schools within the next five years. Teachers expect the short term solution will be to purchase portable hepa filtration units.24/7 support coming to local ACT teamPeople living with severe mental health challenges in Nanaimo will now be able to access 24/7 community-based support. A new Assertive Community Treatment team will provide individualized support for adults with serious and often persistent mental health challenges that make it difficult to manage day-to-day activities. The Minister of Mental Health and Addictions says COVID-19 has made existing mental health struggles even worse so the new ACT team will be available 24/7 and can deliver services in any situation, ranging from clients homes, work places, parks or recreation locations. The MLA for Nanaimo, Sheila Malcolmson says, it means more people with serious mental health challenges will receive regular and consistent mental health support.

New in this update:Last night's lightning storm has started 16 small fires on Vancouver Island. The BC Wildfire Service says 15 of them are burning south of Nanaimo and one is just north of Pemberton.International students are facing new hurdles this school year because of COVID-19. The Dean of International Education at Vancouver Island University says the federal Government is not making it easy for international students to return to Canada, even if they have student visas.Graham Pike says more than 90 international students opted to stay in Nanaimo over the summer, instead of risking being denied re-entry this fall.Nanaimo MLA Sheila Malcolmson says she'll be using her summer break to reconnect with constituents to herald the accomplishments by the NDP government."We know they've been waiting for resolution on the homelessness and overdose and social disorder front for a long time, but we're bringing new tools and some of the investments are starting to bear fruit and get us ahead on the issues that are important to people here in town."—Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo.

Voters in Nanaimo are heading to the polls today in a federal byelection just six months ahead of October's national vote. The riding has been vacant since January after former New Democrat MP, Sheila Malcolmson quit to run for the BC NDP in a provincial byelection in Nanaimo.  Guest: Richard Zussman Global News Online Legislative Reporter Guest: Maclean Kay Editor in Chief, The Orca

We sit down with the Prime Minister to talk about the Alberta oil crisis, immigration and Canada-China relations.  Then we take a tour of Centre Block on Parliament Hill before it closes for a aten year renovation project. Plus some MPs on the hill join us for a special Christmas story. Guests: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; Johanna Mizgala,House of Commons Curator; Geoff Regan,Speaker of the House of Commons; Heather Lank,Parliamentary Librarian; Elizabeth May: Green Party Leader; Jagmeet Singh: NDP Leader; Rosemary Falk: Conservative- Battlefords –Lloydminster;Rodger Cuzner Liberal-Cape Breton-Canso; Anita Vandenbeld: Liberal-Ottawa West-Nepean; John Nater; Conservative- Perth-Wellington; Alaina Lockhart-Liberal- Fundy Royal; Gord Johns; NDP-Courtenay-Alberni; Cathy McLeod; Conservative-Kamloops-Thomspon-Cariboo; Nick Whalen; Liberal- St. John's East; Cheryl Hardcastle; NDP-Windsor-Tecumseh; Sheila Malcolmson; NDP-Nanaimo-Ladysmith; Larry Miller-Conservative-Bruce-Grey-Owen Sounds; Andrew Scheer-Conservative Party Leader; Prime Minister Justin Trudeau    

Liberals walk out after Conservatives pick anti-abortion MP for status of women committee chair