links

“The Island” – Links to learn more

July 21, 2016 — Leave a comment

Posted by Wanda

There is so much more to Vancouver Island than most people realize. The majority of the population live on a relatively small “slice” on the island’s east coast that stretches from Sooke and Victoria in the south to Comox in the Nanaimo region.

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Population Density Map. This map does not represent the current population which is over 765,000 people but it illustrates the approximate distribution.

 

Map of VI

Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast

 

While visiting VI we have ventured out of this “slice” only a few times and what we didn’t know is the amazing geographic diversity on this island that’s just waiting to be explored.  As we did our research we began to learn how much there actually is to see here and we have added quite a few more travel items to our “bucket lists” in the process!

To learn more, here are a few of our favourite links!

 

Travel Vancouver Island

This webpage is chock full with information on Island events, things to see, beautiful rides (car or motorcycle), day trips, and links to other VI travel organizations.

There’s even a section on Pet friendly accommodations !

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Our Jax

Take a Hike Vancouver Island (FaceBook Page)

This group page on FaceBook has been set up for people who enjoying hiking in VI. So many of them upload beautiful pictures and there is always discussions about the places they have discovered. Anyone can join and it’s certainly worth checking it out. We have learned so much about the island from this page alone!

 

I Love Vancouver Island (FaceBook Page)

This page highlights many of the events and places to visit during a stay on the island. The picture below is an example of some of the things you will find on the page. The photo is taken in Chemainus, behind the Hansel and Gretel Candy Co in a beautiful little court-yard that you could easily miss if you are not one to explore a bit off the beaten path. It’s filled with greenery, birds and plenty of places to sit and take it all in!  You can sneak in a bit of ice cream too as one of the best ice cream vendors around can also be found there! Cute place to take your little ones!

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Photo credit:  Toad Hollow Photography

If you have a favourite link with info on the Island please share as we would love to explore it too!

 

Comparison: Living in Sask vs Vancouver Island – Health Care

July 20, 2016 — Leave a comment

Posted by Wanda

MSP Premium Changes

MSP Premium Rate Changes effective Jan. 1, 2018

In January 2018, MSP premium rates and the Regular Premium Assistance program are changing.

Click here for more info.

Health Care

Overview

One of the main health care plan differences between Sask and Vancouver Island is BC’s requirement to pay a monthly premium by those eligible for the services.

The cost is 2016 $136.00/couple but it is going up to$156.00/couple in 2017. If the age of you or your spouse is over 65 you can claim a $3000.00 yearly tax exemption.

The second difference is the overall health care “Report card ranking” which ranks BC an “A”.  This makes it the top ranking province in Canada and in the top three ranking globally (on par with Sweden and Switzerland).

Saskatchewan ranks a “D” which puts it second from the bottom (along with Manitoba and just one above the US).

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BC/Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island Health Authority is responsible for health care on the island. Unlike Regina, those we talked to had no trouble finding a family doctor, and dentists are plentiful (13 in Duncan alone). There are modern urgent care centres in Ladysmith (10 km away), Chemainus and a regional hospital in Duncan (18 km away).

There is an extensive system of laboratories in BC and a province wide electronic system to deliver lab results to doctors directly. In most cases results are available the same or next day.

 

MSP Medical Services Plan

MSP has a website that does an excellent job linking residents to the most current information regarding the plan.

MSP Medical Services Plan – Click here to view

Overview PDF of BC MSP – Click to view

Waiting period – Click to view

How to Apply (online link to application) – Click to view

 

eHealth

eHealth – BC has been transitioning since 2009 toward an online record administration system, which will allow authorized health professional access to an online lifetime personal electronic health record of every individual in BC.

 

PharmaCare

PharmaCare Assistance (extra coverage for catastrophic drug costs, no premiums are paid for this) and all eligible British Columbians are encouraged to register for the plan.

BC’s Fair PharmaCare plan provides B.C. families with coverage for eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies, based on their net income. Fair PharmaCare also ensures that B.C. residents, regardless of income, are protected from catastrophic drug costs.

 

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Saskatchewan

Sask Health Services

Saskatchewan offers residents universal health service with no premiums, however wait times for surgery and tests in this province are notoriously long. It is more difficult to keep doctors and nurses in this province so hospitals and health centers are quite often short staffed. Finding a new physician is challenging as many Sask doctors are no longer accepting new patients.

Sask Health Benefits – Click here to view

 

Saskatchewan eHealth (Sask’s online record administration system) is in the works but the province has only been transitioning to this system since 2011.

For more Saskatchewan eHealth information – Click here

 

Other Comparison Links

Provincial and Territorial Ranking – Source The Conference Board of Canada

“B.C. is the top-placing province, scoring an “A” on the health report card and ranking third overall, after Switzerland and Sweden.”

“Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia do poorly and get overall “D” grades on health.”

“Saskatchewan ranks second-to-last among the provinces, 24th overall, and like Manitoba, better than only one peer country, the United States.”

Global News Article

“B.C. is the healthiest province in Canada; Ranked 3rd in the world”