Make sure dad feels special this Father’s Day! Whether you are relaxing in the backyard or visiting a great local restaurant, bar or pub to celebrate the day, show your appreciation.

Need a gift suggestion? You can’t go wrong with tried-and-true favorites:

• A tasty meal or even a grill to spice up your next BBQ
• A high-tech gift from a local electronics store. Perhaps a new camera to snap precious memories?
• Get a little more creative than the standard tie — find new design options from local clothing retailers.
• A case of wine or beer to enjoy in the backyard
• Check out local catering options to have pre-made, delicious meals
• Go camping in a BC Park (or your backyard) with supplies from local retailers.
• Father’s Day Open House at Point Hope Maritime, Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm at 345 Harbour Rd. Tours, music, art and more!

Whether you’re taking the day to celebrate in-person with your dad, or if you’re celebrating from afar, we hope you have a fun and relaxing Father’s Day!

A renewed call to protect the Island Rail Corridor is being made to the Capital Regional District today, June 15.
 
The Town of View Royal voted last week to ask the provincial and federal governments to commit to maintaining the corridor. In a 2021 ruling, the BC Court of Appeal gave the federal government until March 2023 to clarify its intentions for the future of the corridor. The Island Corridor Foundation has released a business case for restoring rail service. All that’s needed is the political will to make it happen.
 
“We want to bring real focus to this problem that we need to solve, and we need the upper levels of government to solve it with us,” View Royal Mayor David Screech told the Goldstream News Gazette.

Starting June 20, travellers will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination when boarding a plane or train in Canada. Federally regulated workers will also no longer need to reveal their vaccination status.
 
The federal government has opted to suspend the requirements, which could be reinstated if the COVID-19 situation changes.
 
The change does not affect the steps that need to be taken by Canadians returning from international travel. As well, travelling to other countries requires following their entry rules, including proof of vaccination to enter the US.
 
Federal vaccine mandates for travel were put in place on Oct. 30, 2021.
 
Meanwhile, long lineups continue at Service Canada centres caused by people seeking to renew their passport. An additional 600 workers were hired this month to help alleviate the backlog as passport applications jumped.
 
The federal government expects as many as 4.3 million applications over the next two years. Almost 1.3 million passports applications were processed between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022. That compares to 363,000 the previous year.

The Chamber is meeting with the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services on Monday to offer guidance on the next provincial budget.
 
Chambers have a long history of being the effective voice of business in their communities. We’ve worked hard to earn the trust of decision makers as we advocate to make a real difference in policies that help business thrive.
 
“I’m available to our members any time they want to reach out and discuss concerns or seek support,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We don’t always see eye to eye with government officials but we’re always respectful and do the work needed to show why policies need to be implemented or changed. A robust and vibrant economy is good for business and everyone in our community.”
 
Individuals can also share their views with the committee by filling out an online survey or sending in written comments by 3 pm, June 24.