Canadian Snowbird News And O’Reilly’s New Book

The B.C. government just announced that B.C. snowbirds (that’s us) who holiday out of the province will be able to stay away longer without losing their basic medical coverage.  The proposed change would allow residents — who can currently be out of the province for up to six months and still maintain coverage under B.C.’s medical services plan — an additional 30-day absence or now seven months.

This is Riley’s “I want to go to the dog park look”

The move aligns B.C. with Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador in allowing residents to maintain their medical coverage while out of the province for more than six months.  The Canadian Snowbird Association welcomed the move and said it would let B.C.’s 144,000 snowbirds travel south during the cold months without fear of losing their medical coverage when they return to Canada.

“O.K., then I’ll play dead until you say yes”

While it’s probably good news for many B.C. snowbirds, I doubt we’ll ever have to worry about staying away from home for more than six months at a time.  After just 4 months in the hot southwest sun and desert climes, Paulette and I are more than anxious to get back to our home on Vancouver Island.   

“Hmmm…that didn’t work.  How ‘bout  if I let you rub my tummy”

In other snowbird news, The Canadian Snowbird Association (yes, there really is such an organization) released a statement to members advising that the Governor of Florida has assured them that the recently passed law requiring all visitors to have a Florida International Driving Permit, issued in English, will not be enforced.  Thousands of Canadians vacationing in Florida were worried that in addition to fines, their car insurance might be invalid.

“Well, I’ll just tear Mom’s new quilt to pieces, then”

Immediately after learning of the requirement to obtain an IDP, the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) contacted the Governor of Florida's office and expressed VERY strong concerns.  They stressed firm opposition to the requirement and noted the significant impact it would have on Canadians who are so critical to the economy of Florida. They were assured by the Governor's office that changes to the legislation would be made.

“I put things back together – can we please go now?”

Still concerned that an immediate short-term solution would need to be put in place as the Florida Legislature would not be in session until March, the Governor’s office made sure the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) issued a statement confirming that the FHP would defer enforcement of the law.  I wonder whose bright idea this international drivers’ licence was?

Faux News commentator Bill O’Reilly is really into killing these days.  His publisher confirmed yesterday that O’Reilly’s third co-authored book in his “killing” series will be “Killing Jesus: A History,”

This new book will be released September 24th and according to a press release, “Killing Jesus will tell the story of Jesus as a beloved and controversial young revolutionary brutally killed by Roman soldiers.” 

I’m not so sure how describing Jesus as a “revolutionary” will go down with O’Reilly’s far right-wing fans.  His publisher, Stephen Rubin, said "I can think of no one better than Bill O'Reilly to write this story in a way that has never been told before”. I’ll bet!  As for O’Reilly himself he said “I have uncovered some amazing things about the execution of Jesus and how it all tied into Roman power".  Ha!  He’ll probably say he has proof it was President Obama’s fault!!

Have a great Friday, and thanks again for visiting!