Category: -Photography


Self employment help.

Canada, Canadian, British Columbia…

Find yourself not “going anywhere”?

Help others that Don’t know were they are going as well.

Tour operator, no knows Canada better than Canadians.

Government Compliance

For a new entrepreneur in British Columbia, the landscape in 2026 is shifting away from “general” cash grants toward targeted support for specific industries (like tech, agriculture, and manufacturing) and demographic-based funding.Here are the most relevant programs and routes currently available in BC

:1. The WorkBC Self-Employment ProgramIf you are currently unemployed or under-employed (working fewer than 20 hours a week), this is one of the most comprehensive “entry points.”

* What it offers:

Financial financial support (a living allowance) while you spend 10 weeks developing a business plan and 38 weeks launching your business. * Best for: People who have a solid idea but need a safety net and expert coaching to transition from “worker” to “owner.”

2. Community Futures

(Rural & Regional Support)Since you are in a regional area like the Nicola Valley, Community Futures Nicola Valley (located right in Merritt) is often more accessible than big provincial bodies. * Programs: They offer small business loans (often with more flexible terms than big banks), one-on-one business counseling, and specialized programs for entrepreneurs with disabilities or Indigenous youth. * 2026 Focus: They are currently emphasizing “Business Resilience” and “Digital Transformation,” helping older businesses or new startups integrate AI and modern tools.3. Innovate BC & Tech-Based GrantsIf your venture involves any level of innovation or technology (including specialized manufacturing), Innovate BC has several active “micro-grants.” * Go-To-Market Microgrants: These provide up to $50,000 (covering 75% of costs) for sales and marketing to help a new product get traction.

* BC Employer Training Grant:

If you do plan to hire even one person, this grant covers 80% of training costs (up to $10,000 per employee) to help them gain the skills your new company needs.4. New 2026 Tax IncentivesThe recent BC Budget 2026 introduced a few “hidden” benefits that act like grants by saving you cash immediately:

* Manufacturing Investment Credit:

A new 15% refundable tax credit for businesses investing in buildings, machinery, or equipment. * Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit: The budget for this was increased to $53.5 million this year, which encourages local investors to put money into your startup by giving them a 30% tax credit.

Summary Table of Funding Types

| Type | Program Name | Best For ||—|—|—|| Living Support | WorkBC Self-Employment | Unemployed individuals starting a first business. || Startup Loan | Community Futures | Rural entrepreneurs needing capital and mentorship. || Growth Grant | Innovate BC Go-To-Market | Scaling a product or service into new markets. || Training Grant | BC Employer Training Grant | Upskilling yourself or a new hire in specialized tech/trades.

Well it’s out there entrepreneur…

Entrepreneurship in Canada currently exists in a state of cautious optimism rather than full capacity. While Canada ranks highly (4th globally) for early-stage activity—meaning many people are starting new ventures—the “established business” rate is significantly lower. This suggests a latent potential where the spirit of innovation is high, but the ability to scale and sustain businesses is hampered by narrow profit margins, rising operational costs, and a complex regulatory environment. As of early 2026, many business owners are shifting from “survival mode” toward strategic growth, though they remain constrained by labor shortages and inflation.Becoming an entrepreneur is often a choice driven by a desire for independence rather than a lack of traditional jobs. In the Canadian context, there are no formal “degrees” required to be an entrepreneur, but the functional qualifications include high financial literacy, risk tolerance, and the ability to navigate provincial and federal regulations. Legally, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) distinguishes an entrepreneur (self-employed) from a worker based on control and financial risk. If you provide your own tools, have the chance to make a profit or suffer a loss, and decide how the work is done, you are technically an entrepreneur.

Key Comparisons: Entrepreneur vs. Worker

| Feature | Entrepreneur (Self-Employed) | Worker (Employee) ||—|—|—|| Income | Variable; unlimited upside but includes risk of loss. | Stable salary or hourly wage with a “ceiling.” || Control | You decide the “how, when, and where.” | The employer directs the work and methods. || Tools | You provide and maintain your own equipment. | The employer typically provides all necessary tools. || Benefits | Responsible for own insurance, CPP, and taxes. | Entitled to paid vacation, EI, and health plans. || Liability | Personally or corporately liable for errors. | Generally protected by the employer’s liability. |When to Make the SwitchTransitioning from a worker to an entrepreneur is typically recommended when:

* The “Specialization Gap” Closes:

You have gained enough niche expertise that your skills are more valuable as a service to multiple clients than to a single employer.

* Risk Capacity is High:

You have a financial buffer to handle the “startup phase” where income is often non-existent or negative.

* Market Opportunity:

You identify a specific problem (especially in high-growth areas like clean energy or AI-driven services) that existing companies are not solving.

* Autonomy Over Security:

You value the freedom to steer your own ship more than the “safety net” of a corporate paycheck.

Driven people do better at this then others “See a need and fill it” has been the most credible motivation for these sorts of things in the past.

Opinion

Help is available, local community futures organization or work BC. These organizations are doing these things often and will help somebody that has a ambition.

Give a Hoot

Merritt Crown 2026 Registrations open…

The race includes a 3000m elevation rise.

Race over 120 kilometers, June 13 2026.

Concept photo,

Ai generated…

Paralympics closing

Replay

Closing ceremonies, five venues, 79 events.

Metal count

Most improved Italy

2026

Both the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milano Cortina, Italy, have just concluded. Here are the final medal counts for the host nation, Italy, from both events.Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics(February 6–22, 2026)Italy achieved its best-ever performance at a Winter Olympics, setting a new national record for the total number of medals won.| Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total ||—|—|—|—|—|—|| 4 | Italy (Host) | 10 | 6 | 14 | 30 |Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics(March 6–15, 2026)Italy also delivered an exceptional performance at the Paralympic Games, surpassing its previous best medal haul to set a new national record.| Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total ||—|—|—|—|—|—|| 4 | Italy (Host) | 7 | 7 | 2 | 16 |

Merritt out:

Game on Monday the 16th not need d

Update: Revelstoke win on Saturday March 14th puts Merritt out of playoffs …

Look for the Centennials Camp in April…

March 16th 2026

Game 507 Not required

Start time 7PM…

Playoff hockey KIJHL Junior A Hockey.

Action

At the Revelstoke Forum

Former Merritt Mayor Neil Menard at a Telus presentation in Merritt. Neil Menard was a great supporter of the merit centennials before the change from League. He did a lot for the team as far as gatherings at Voght park. Including using the team as support for community fundraising in Marathon running.

Neil Menard has passed on some time ago, but we still think of him when this entennials whistles go from the arena and the sirens sound when they score from the arena even if we’re not at the arena. Rest in peace, Neil Menard.

Get one for Neil and here Centennials…

July 17 2024…RIP

Art show

Show starts March 11th 2026 goes to April Forth.

At the Gallery on the corner of Nicola and Voght in Merritt, BC.

An apparent enthusiastic endorsement to self-determination and self-expression. As well as impressionistic and creative lifestyle.

The artist reception is on March 12th, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the gallery.

The Arts Council.

Merritt BC CA

Endorsed by the Thompson Nicola regional district, the city of Merritt, The arts council of British Columbia and the province of BC.

Open

Everyday but Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday opening 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Enter by the side Right next to the Kekalui Cafe.

At the fifth game of the 2025-26 playoff year is at the Forum in Revelstoke. March 13th 2026. Game time 7:00 p.m.

I better check that out… Yes, on at 7:00 p.m PDT.

With a little over 3 minutes left in the third period, Meredith is leading rebel Stoke two to nothing.

Game on, UpDate

9:26 PM Wednesday evening in Merritt.

The fourth playoff game is being played 7:00 start between the Revelstoke Grizzlies and the Merritt centennials.

Game 504 at the Nicola valley memorial arena. Merritt, BC.

Revelstoke and Merritt…

The relationship between the Revelstoke Grizzlies and the Merritt Centennials has quickly intensified into a premier KIJHL rivalry, fueled by back-to-back playoff meetings following Merritt’s transition from the BCHL in 2024. As they enter Game 3 of their 2026 best-of-seven series, the narrative is one of a “rematch with a physical edge”; the Grizzlies eliminated the Centennials in five games during the 2025 postseason, a defeat that prompted Merritt to intentionally “get bigger” in the off-season to match Revelstoke’s notorious grit. While Revelstoke entered this year as the top seed in the Bill Ohlhausen Division, the gap has narrowed significantly, evidenced by their 5–4 overtime thriller in Game 1 and a series of high-penalty regular-season matchups. As the series shifts to the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena for Game 3, the Centennials are leaning on their home-ice “battle culture” to disrupt the Grizzlies’ momentum, turning a once-unbalanced pairing into a heavyweight fight where every “dive” into the corners is a test of Merritt’s revamped physical identity against Revelstoke’s championship experience.

Update

At 21:06 The score is tied three-three with less then 4 minutes. Gone out of a third…

First day of last time change in British Columbia…

Spring ahead one more time with feeling ….

Clock Shock to end

Staying on Pacific Time throughout the year would mean staying on Pacific Standard Time (PST) and not observing Daylight Saving Time (DST). Based on the image you provided, which captures a tranquil morning scene in a cafe, here are some distinct advantages, particularly in terms of well-being and daily rhythm.

1. Alignment with Natural Rhythms (Circadian Health)

The image depicts people enjoying a relaxed morning, bathed in the natural, warm light of early day. This soft light is more readily available on Pacific Standard Time. * A Natural “Wake-Up” Call: PST ensures that natural light appears as early as possible in the morning. This is crucial for regulating our internal clocks. Waking up with the sun is a primary cue that synchronizes our circadian rhythms, making us feel more alert and less groggy.

* Better Sleep Quality:

In the image, people seem rested and calm. Forcing school children and workers to commute in the deep dark of morning (as would happen with a year-round DST clock) goes against our biology, which expects light upon waking. Year-round PST prioritizes quality, naturally timed sleep.2. Mental and Emotional Well-beingThe peaceful, unhurried atmosphere in the image would be a daily reality. The anxiety that often peaks during “spring forward” is completely eliminated.

* Removing the “Clock Shock”:

Eliminating the need to switch clocks twice a year avoids the widespread disruption of sleep that occurs during the “spring forward” (switching to Daylight Saving Time). This biannual change is scientifically linked to increased levels of stress, anxiety, cardiovascular incidents, and workplace and car accidents.

* Increased Productivity and Focus:

When our sleep is better and our circadian rhythms are in sync, our overall focus and mood improve. The balanced light environment suggested by the image—waking to light rather than fighting darkness—means more consistent productivity.

3. Safety and Practicality

The bright, visible street outside the window suggests a safe and clear environment for pedestrians and commuters.

* Safer Commutes:

Dark mornings are significantly more dangerous for driving and walking, particularly for school children. Year-round Pacific Standard Time (PST) ensures that for the vast majority of people, the morning commute, even in the middle of winter, is done in daylight. The light you see in the image would be a common feature of mornings, making everyone more visible and alert.

In summary, the key benefits of year-round Pacific Time (PST) align with the image’s tranquil, natural, and human-centric atmosphere. It prioritizes health, sleep, and a safer, more stable environment over artificially prolonging afternoon light.

Third period Revelstoke 5 Merriitt nothing.

9:40 2 minutes remaining.

From Italy