10 things to know in B.C. this week
A look at the stories and upcoming events that will be talked about in B.C. this week.
1. BIGGEST QUAKE IN 60 YEARS
A massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake — the strongest to hit Canada in 60 years — struck near Haida Gwaii on Saturday, prompting tsunami warnings and advisories along the B.C. coast and as far away as Hawaii. No one was injured and no major damage has been reported. The quake prompted concerns about emergency preparedness procedures and raised questions about proposed pipeline projects.
2. SOCKEYE REPORT
The report on the decline of B.C.'s Fraser River sockeye fishery must be presented to Ottawa by Monday. The federal government called the inquiry in 2009 after only 10 to 15 per cent of the salmon expected to return to B.C.'s rivers and streams actually showed up.
3. LIBERAL CONVENTION
B.C. Premier Christy Clark spent much of the Liberal party's convention over the weekend highlighting the Liberals as the party of growth, opportunity and results while telling delegates the NDP is hiding behind a secret agenda and the Conservatives are falling apart as they feud over their leader John Cummins.
4. REMEMBERING MURDER VICTIMS
On Oct. 29, Cara Louise Ellis will be the first of 62 women to be remembered in the Canadian Foundation for Creative Development and Innovation's Living Memorial Stones Project. Memorial plaques will be placed throughout the Downtown Eastside representing each of the 62 women who were murdered, went missing, or were victims of Robert Pickton.
5. SLED DOGS FUNERAL
On Nov. 2, the 56 sled dogs slaughtered in Whistler in 2011 will be buried at the B.C. SPCA’s pet cemetery near Penticton.
6. FAREWELL STEVEN POINT
On Nov. 1, a farewell ceremony will be held for outgoing Lieutenant Governor Steven Point. He is expected to present a song he wrote, called British Columbia, to the province.
7. SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
The South Asian Film Festival runs in Vancouver, Surrey and Abbotsford from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4. In addition to daily screenings, the festival features a conversation Nov. 1 with former B.C. Attorney General Ujjal Dosanjh and Indian Parliament member Jaya Bachchan.
8. DIWALI FESTIVAL
The ninth annual Vancouver Celebrates Diwali Festival runs Nov. 3 to 10. Events include performances and family-friendly festivities throughout the city.
9. HUMAN RIGHTS
CBC Radio One, the Laurier Institution, UBC Continuing Studies and the UBC First Nations House of Learning present a lecture with Bob Watts on Nov. 1. Watts, who led the process to establish Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, will examine the historical relationship between aboriginal peoples and human rights.
10. HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane Sandy is roaring towards the East Coast, prompting the mandatory evacuation of hundreds of thousands of New York City residents. The storm is expected to affect weather patterns in eastern Canada later this week.