BC Today

The change in weather today is expected to deepen wildfire challenges--the heat wave's drying conditions followed by a coming cold front's gusty winds and dry lightning. Our reporters Brady Strachan and Yvette Brend reported from the field, CBC meteorologist Darius Mahdavi forecasted what to expect, and guest Michael Mehta, Environmental Studies Professor, Thompson Rivers University discussed the challenges and limitations of B.C.'s emergency reporting. And guest Emma Roberts told us of her wildfire evacuee experience. Also, rallies took place around B.C. to mark the 2 year anniversary of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Guest Lauryn Oates, Executive Director for Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan gave us an update on the situation.

Premier David Eby says he needs to speak out on issues that affect British Columbians, and that's why he's written an open letter to the Bank of Canada, urging it to recognize the impact of interest rate hikes, and to hold off. It's prompted a debate about whether he was correct to try to influence the Bank of Canada's rate hike decision next week. And in the second half of our show, fall means renewal and it's time for our gardens to undergo a refresh. Brian Minter joins us with some tips, and to take your questions.

We begin with the story of a single dad making $75,000 a year, who can't find an affordable place to rent. Karl Eaton makes too much to qualify for B.C. housing, but can't afford the market. We're asking, how do you feel about the state of rental housing in our province? We also get an update from the province, on the breaking news this lunchtime that a state of emergency is declared for Stikine region. And to close our Monday show, we get tips and advice for the summer bird-watching season.

We're live in Vancouver where the province is giving an update on the wildfire situation, and get additional details from our legislative reporter, Meera Bains. And in the second half of our Wednesday show, we discuss the fallout of an incident in Kelowna, where a man questioned a 9-year-old's gender in what her family is describing as a 'gobsmacking' track-and-field incident. Also today: it is graduation season and the parties are under way, so we get advice for the graduates in your life. B.C. Today is now available as a live video stream, and you can watch us online at cbc.ca/bc, on the CBC Gem app, and on the CBC Vancouver YouTube page, as well as on CBC Listen and on your radio.