The Local Weekly The heart and soul of our communities with news and information about the Sunshine Coast

“I am pleased to see that Aboriginal students are once again making significant progress in their completion rates. We continue to look for ways to incorporate Aboriginal culture and history into our classrooms and ensure that our schools provide support and encouragement for these students.” Don McRae, Minister of Education More Aboriginal students completed high ... Read More »

On Friday, March 1, the women of France invite you to join with them in the World Day of Prayer celebration, praying under the theme “I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me”. Each year, the World Day of Prayer service brings with it a feeling of curiosity. What will we learn about the theme ... Read More »

Slouched in an Adirondack chair, hearing the brush of a raven’s wings on the shoreline, I enjoy the first warmth of spring on my face. I am tucked into the middle of a Valentine’s weekend retreat at Barnabas on the northeast shore of Keats Island. This is not an ordinary Valentine’s retreat. It is a ... Read More »

Throughout the months of January and February, Legions across the province of BC are honouring the courage and dedication of first responders who keep our communities safe, through numerous events. Gibsons Legion Branch 109 will host a dinner on Friday, February 22 in conjunction with the regular Friday night dinner at 5pm, to honour the ... Read More »

They’re called Challenged Books, and they run the gamut — from classics by Beatrix Potter to Canadian writer, Lawrence Hill’s international bestseller, The Book of Negroes. When his work was threatened with book-burnings, the author asked the story be looked at in context; the title refers to an actual historical document, a British naval ledger ... Read More »

The negative effects of bullying on mental health and emotional well-being are generally widely understood. What is gaining greater recognition is the importance of social inclusion to students’ ability to learn and succeed in educational environments. Social inclusion is when all people feel valued and a part of their community and their differences are respected. ... Read More »

Smart meters and other wireless communication devices are a contentious issue on the Sunshine Coast, throughout BC, Canada and the world. Coast residents will be able to hear some evidence against them from an electronic communications expert named Jerry Flynn. Flynn has served in the National Defense Headquarters in Ottawa, as Staff Officer Electronic Warfare in the ... Read More »

The employment services sector now has access to leading- edge employment information, innovation and best practices through the BC Centre for Employment Excellence. is interactive online resource, bursting with information and ideas to help improve employment outcomes for job seekers in the province, is part of the Employment Program of BC (EPBC). The BC Centre ... Read More »

It takes only a moment, but the damage from scalding hot liquids can last your child a lifetime. Scalds – the most common cause of burns to children – are the focus on the 17th annual Burn Awareness Week. It’s important for parents and caregivers to learn how to prevent scalds and other burns. You ... Read More »

Despite an overall national drop in employment, primarily in full-time positions, British Columbia’s economy remains stable. As British Columbia starts the new year, most of its regions are recording steady job gains over this time in January 2012. Employment is up from a year ago in the Vancouver Island and Coast region by 11,200; Lower ... Read More »