Happy British Columbia Day

Despite its not being a Canadian federal government holiday like Christmas or Good Friday (though it was recognized as “legal” in 1996), most residents do get British Columbia Day (or its equivalent in their region) off from work. The seeds for the traditional celebration becoming a recognized holiday were sown in 1969 when the government of Ontario named the first Monday in August “Simcoe Day” in honour of anti-slavery figure John Graves Simcoe. Before long (1974 in British Columbia), other territorial governments heard proposals from prominent politicians and affirmed that they should celebrate their honourable histories in an official capacity.

Canadians often refer to the holiday as one of the “stats” (statutory holidays), or “publics,” which, again, differ in the level of legal importance from territory to territory, and municipality to municipality. But the day does fall in the middle of the summer season, and not too many Canadians complain about a chance to plan a long weekend and make a fun family outing out of British Columbia Day!

British Columbia Day in Canada is the name for the first Monday in August when residents of British Columbia celebrate their local heritage. In other Canadian provinces, the same day is known by different names unique to their respective areas, for example, “George Hamilton Day” in Hamilton, Ontario, and “Saskatchewan Day” in the province of that name. British Columbia Day recalls explorer James Douglas’ discovery of the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island, the site of the current city of Victoria, and the eventual announcement by the British that the region would become the colony called British Columbia. Similarly, other provinces focus on their particular items of culture, history, and political development.

All across Canada, the day is marked by parades, festivals, and other public gatherings, many of which are themed. As a primary example, British Columbia offers the Anime Revolution, the Vancouver Pride Parade, and the Powell Street Festival (a celebration of Asian-Canadian heritage).

Why We Love British Columbia Day

There are festivals galore

Right around British Columbia Day, plenty of street fairs and cultural activities take place. From a street dance festival to a Caribbean festival, there are many opportunities to join in the revelry of the occasion.

It’s at the height of summer

Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy British Columbia's scenic beauty, from rugged coastlines to scenic mountain hiking trails. The fact that British Columbia Day falls smack in the middle of the summer season means you can always plan that adventurous weekend getaway.

WIt celebrates the diverse population of British Columbia

British Columbia is a melting pot of cultures, and the holiday recognizes the various ethnicities that make the region such a vibrant place. In fact, just for one example, there's a dedicated festival for anime lovers in Vancouver. Other celebrations are just as specifically targeted, and all are a good time!

How vulnerable are YOU?

We rely on so many services each day that we take for granted—clean water supply from our taps; electricity that powers all our appliances—fans, coffee pots, washer & dryer, ovens; cellular networks for Internet, cell phones, business; gas &/or electricity for our vehicles, and more. What happens to you personally when one of those services is curtailed? How vulnerable are YOU? Do you have a Plan B as a backup?

What would happen to YOU if there were a major power outage for two weeks?

Here are some things to consider:

·        How can you renew your drug prescriptions if the pharmacist        

         can’t get on their computer to check your request?

·        Can you get out of your garage?

·        Do you rely on an elevator?

·        Do you rely on electricity for your oxygen supply?

·        Do you have a backup canister?

·        Do you rely on electricity for your mobile wheelchair?

·        Do you have a Plan B backup?

·        Do you rely on electricity for your cooking? Plan B?

·        Camp stove? Bar BQ?

·        Remember the restaurants will also be without power so that is          not a Plan B.

Let’s take some time to think about our personal Plan Bs.

·    What would YOU do if you are without support from that person you rely on?

·    What would you do if there is a major chemical spill, earthquake, fire, natural gas incident, flood, heat dome, or another extreme weather event?

·    Do you have an Emergency Preparedness kit ready with the “stuff” you need for two weeks?

Staying cool outside

Lower your activity level and avoid strenuous activity. If you must do errands or plan to exercise, do so early or late in the day when it is generally cooler. 

Never leave children or pets in a parked car 

Avoid direct sun by staying in the shade and wearing a hat and protective clothing. Use sunscreen and UV-protective eyewear 

Seek cooler, breezier areas when outdoors, such as large parks near trees and water 

If you work in a hot environment, discuss and act on ways to decrease heat exposure with your employer and coworkers

TIP: Pets are part of the family too. Make sure they have plenty of water and are with you in cool locations. When outside, stay in shady areas and avoid asphalt and pavement. Those surfaces can burn paws.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE GETTING TOO HOT

Overheating can be harmful to your health and potentially deadly. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, extreme thirst, and decreased urination with an unusually dark yellow colour, take immediate steps to cool down and seek emergency care:

Get medical attention, or call 911 or your local emergency number

Submerge yourself or the person you’re helping in cool water

Remove clothes and apply wet cloths to the skin

 

When to retire?

 As I stated in an earlier post, more people are or have retired and this is causing an interesting shift in the attitude of both employees and employers. Over the two years since the Covid-19 pandemic struck, more people than usual have retired. Research showed that since the pandemic started, a quarter of people had changed their plans for retirement and around one in seven considered accessing their pension funds earlier than planned.

The decision on when it’s the “right time” to retire is not easy, it is complicated and personal. It can be influenced by your health and ability to remain in employment, or the health of a loved one, Many boomers are providing care to elderly relatives, sometimes alongside supporting their own children.

However, there are also many benefits to staying in employment, not just financial but also social interaction and sense of purpose. In the past, many people assumed they would retire between 60 and 65. Many pension plans offered by employers coincided with government pensions.

However today there is not a normal age to retire, and government pensions in some countries are offering incentives to work longer and in others, they are increasing the age in which a person can collect the pension.

The rules differ from country to country about when a person can/should retire. In Canada, most individuals can start taking their Canada Pension from age 60, with more pension income the longer one waits. The Old Age Security kicks in when a person reaches 65. In Canada and other countries, because of the labour shortage, there is growing interest in “transitioning into retirement”, reducing hours or days worked.

For those who have already retired and who were told that retirement is an irreversible decision. It is not. On retiring, you may give up the right to return to that job, but in today's job market you may still work at your old job, but only part-time. Another alternative is that you can always seek new employment, which need not be in your previous line of work.

Even so, deciding when it is the right time to retire can be a daunting decision and financial advisers and retirement coaches can help you weigh up all the factors.